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''lle 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 nce 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''de 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 inte, but even so, he
worried whenever she was out of his sight. He insisted on being there, just in
case.
Lately, nothing seemed to catch her interest-except the kids. Only thoughts of
them could break through her numbness.
"Alright, Salstrom Manor it is." Herman nodded and told the driver, "Take us to
Salstrom Manor."
An hourter.
Salstrom Manor.
As soon as Anastasia stepped into the yard, she heard Emmie and Nancy
unsteady legs, falling onto the soft mats Katelyn had spread everywhere-just in
case.
Katelyn and Pattie were standing as goalies, one on each side, grinning as they
watched the girls. Suddenly, Emmie and Nancy both tumbled down, but instead of
crying, they clung to the ball, each refusing to let go. The sight had Katelyn and
Pattie in stitches.
Emmie, always impatient, squeaked out, "Brother!"
Nancy held on tighter, so Emmie opened her mouth, ready to bite.
Herman swooped in, scooping Emmie up. "Hey now, no biting your brother, or
Daddy''s gonna have to tickle your tummy!" he teased.
Emmie''s face lit up when she saw him. "Daddy!" she giggled, her voice pure
sunshine.
Nancy mbered to her feet and toddled toward Anastasia, arms outstretched.
Anastasia''s heart softened instantly. Even if the whole world tried to drag her
down, she''d fight her way back up for these little ones.
She hugged Nancy close, breathing in the sweet, familiar scent of her child. For a
moment, she felt whole again.
Nancy pressed her cheek against Anastasia''s, snuggling in, and nted a wet
kiss on her. "Mama."
That single word brought tears to Anastasia''s eyes.
Pattie saw Anastasia and hurried over, her face beaming. She couldn''t speak, but
her smile said everything.
With all three children gathered around her, Anastasia felt the strength to keep
moving forward.
Herman saw the light return to her eyes and breathed a silent sigh of relief.
The kids were Anastasia''s soft spot, but they were her strength, too.
Herman exchanged a look with Katelyn, and the worry in both their eyes faded a
little.
Katelyn walked over, grinning. "Ana
you''ve lost so much weight your
face is half its size. Mom''s cooking
today-I''m making you a feast. You
need to eat."
She called toward the kitchen, "Daisy, what do we have in the fridge? Let''s make
something special for Ana!"
Anastasia didn''t turn her down. She wanted this time with the kids, this rare slice
of quiet happiness.
Pattie, still silent as ever, was taking
her medicine. The doctors had
suggested surgery, but Herman
hadn''t told Anastasia yet. Then.
everything happened, and it got
pushed aside. He worried that if
things went wrong, it would break
Anastasia all over again.
Sometimes, seeing Pattie forced to use hand gestures tomunicate, Herman''s
heart ached in ways he couldn''t exin.
A breeze picked up outside. Anastasia carried Nancy inside and asked the
housekeeper, "Is Daria not home?"
"Caterina took her out. That little one loves the yground she begged to go see
the slides and swings."
At the yground, Caterina watched Daria zip down the slide, ncing at her
watch, just about to call home when she noticed someone familiar approaching.
"Mrs. Walker, over here!" Caterina waved when she spotted Autumn.
Autumn hurried over. "Where''s Daria?"
Caterina pointed to the ball pit, where Daria was giggling with the other kids.
Seeing her granddaughter so happy
Autumn''s face softened into a smile.
She reached into her purse and
handed Caterina a stack of bills.
"Thank you for looking after her."