The Bound Between Us

Chapter

Anastasia Jewell didn't even bother arguing with Katelyn Salstrom-she could tell what was going on from a mile away.

Katelyn had never approved of the way Salma Jewell raised her kids.

Luckily, Salma wasn't there today. If she'd heard Katelyn's comment, she would have been upset for sure.

Cradling Emmie, Anastasia made up an excuse to leave. "I'm going upstairs to change Emmie's clothes."

Katelyn's face was set in stone. She knew Anastasia was making a graceful exit on purpose. As soon as Anastasia and Emmie were out of sight, Katelyn turned to Nancy. "Nancy, you need to listen to Grandma. No more junk food, okay? It's bad for you and will keep you from growing tall. Say you love Grandma, and I'll buy you a toy."

"I don't want it. I want to play with my sister," Nancy shot back, ignoring the toy Katelyn had just handed her. She grabbed the railing and marched upstairs on her

own.

Nancy was up and down those stairs every day—she was a pro and didn't need help.

With both of her grandkids brushing her off, Katelyn felt a little hurt. Just then, her phone rang. It was Autumn, inviting her out for a round of mahjong.

Katelyn called out to Anastasia to let her know, then headed out.

Katelyn out, Anastasia was extra cautious. She discreetly asked where the mahjong game was happening and then had Christen keep

mahjong table. They were all familiar faces, often meeting up for games

so the conversation naturally drifted to

the side. I checked her bank statements last

a single grandchild in three years. I'd be happy with a girl, even! I even bought her

without any kids of her own, had nothing

on a modest smile and said, "Well, in that case, you should take a page from Katelyn's book. Her daughter-in-law has already had three kids, and I heard she even

both competitive at heart, didn't like being

leaned in and asked Katelyn, "Mrs. Salstrom, isn't your co-mother-in-law working as a hotel cleaner? And I heard your son bought Geneva Stanton a house. He's so thoughtful. Has he ever bought anything

while she herself was left empty-handed. But Katelyn didn't let it show she shouted and said "Herman is good to Geneva, and that's a blessing. Harmony in the family is all

family is

They're always

sore spot. Her own grandkids never acted

smile and kept quiet, but anyone could see her

spirits, Autumn felt a little smug

all afternoon, and with her mind elsewhere, Katelyn

the big winner and cheerily invited

Katelyn agreed, and the two of them found a cozy restaurant for some Chinese