The Bound Between Us

Chapter 902

Rowan was hopelessly kind, the sort of soft-hearted that makes you want to hug

him just for existing.

Hanna had tried to talk sense into him, more times than she could count. "Rowan,

you've got to stop letting Asher walk all over you." But every time Asher turned up

needing help, Rowan just couldn't say no.

Anastasia had looked Rowan in the eye and said, honest as could be, "Thank you

for taking care of him. He'll come to understand how much you mean. I hope you

two find happiness."

Hanna never said she liked Rowan-not in so many words. But it was there in

every little thing she did for him, in every sidelong glance and gentle touch. You'd

have to be blind not to notice.

Hearing Anastasia's words, Hanna blushed and looked away, suddenly shy.

Anastasia headed out of the clinic. Herman's car was waiting by the curb, engine

humming. He'd come with her today.

She slid into the passenger seat. Herman didn't ask what she and Rowan had

talked about. Instead, he took her hand, his voice soft and warm. "How about we

go out on the boat tonight? The stars look incredible over the water."

Anastasia shook her head. "I want to go to Salstrom Manor. I miss the kids."

Her voice was steady, almost emotionless.

It was the first time she'd left the house since everything blew up. Herman had

done his best to scrub those scandalous photos from the internet, but even so, he

worried whenever she was out of his sight. He insisted on being there, just in

case.

nothing seemed to catch her interest-except

break through her

it is." Herman nodded and told

Salstrom Manor."

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

soon as Anastasia stepped into the

The two little ones

soft mats Katelyn had

case.

as goalies, one on each side,

and Nancy both tumbled down,

they clung to the ball, each refusing to let go. The

Pattie in stitches.

impatient, squeaked

so Emmie opened her mouth, ready to

scooping Emmie up. "Hey

to tickle

up when she saw him. "Daddy!" she

sunshine.

feet and toddled toward Anastasia, arms

the whole world tried to

her way back up for these little

hugged Nancy close, breathing in the sweet, familiar scent of her

felt whole

her cheek against Anastasia's, snuggling in, and planted

kiss on her. "Mama."

single word brought tears to Anastasia's

her face beaming.

her smile said everything.

all three children gathered around her, Anastasia felt the strength to

moving forward.

saw the light return to her eyes

soft spot, but

and the worry in both

little.

walked over, grinning.

so much

its size.

you

need to eat."

the kitchen, "Daisy, what do we have in the fridge? Let's