The Bound Between Us

Chapter 948

Monica waved her hand with a grin. "Alright, alright, don't rush me! When the time comes, you'll be the first to get an invite, promise."

Anastasia knew, from the way Monica said it, that things were pretty much set between her and Jason.

"I'll be waiting for your wedding then," Anastasia laughed. "By the way, where's Jason? He's usually never late."

"He had something to take care of. He'll head straight to the birthday party in a bit," Monica replied, then leaned down to gently pinch Pattie's cheek. "Kids really do have the softest skin-like they're made of clouds. Just wait seven or eight years, Pattie, you'll have every boy in school falling for you."

Teenage girls could be real stunners.

Pattie blushed, making a little gesture with her hands: Godmom, where's my birthday present?

"You little money grubber," Monica laughed, and with a dramatic flourish, pulled a gift box from behind her back. "Happy birthday, Pattie! I hope you're always happy, more and more beautiful every year, and when you grow up, you'll find your own prince charming."

Monica never skimped on gifts. She gave Pattie a pair of amethyst bracelets worth about twenty grand.

Pattie opened the box and her eyes went wide with delight at the sparkling bracelets. "Thank you, Godmom! I love them!"

Anastasia shook her head, half amused. "Monica, isn't that a bit much? Pattie's still a kid."

"Come on, it's Pattie's first big birthday party! As her godmother, I have to set the bar high." Monica grinned. “Besides, with the Salstrom family's kind of money, this is barely a drop in the bucket. Don't go all formal with me."

Pattie's dress was a pastel green princess gown, custom made, and worth a small fortune.

Anastasia glanced at her beaming daughter and smiled. "Well, since you've already given it, I guess I can't say much. But don't make it a habit!"

"Birthday girl has to eat eggs for luck-come on,

eggs were a family

happily finished her egg, and with that, they all headed out for

and Nancy-he was the host, after all, and had to greet

felt different. It was more than just a birthday for Pattie—it was about officially welcoming her

with people whispering that Pattie wasn't really Herman's

Joseph came too, bringing Daria-it was his first time at

company events didn't count-this

her, and Flynn and Herman never let grown-up grudges

took Daria out for

had fully accepted Joseph and Daria as

worried Herman most

public appearance since the scandal

and Pattie had arrived, he hurried outside to meet

what happened, he'd stand by

saw Herman in a deep blue suit,

he meant by it,

gave a playful whistle

"Careful, Herman! Looking that good in a suit, you're going to

e everyone to t

like he was born for

naturally took Anastasia's hand, then leaned down to

to wish Pattie happy birthday that morning, even bringing