The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia had always been the one to keep her emotions under wraps. She'd waited so long, holding onto hope, and finally, the day had come he was back. But the man she'd longed for didn't even know her anymore.

That kind of heartbreak was something only she could understand. Still, she refused to let it show. The fact that he'd come home at all was comfort enough.

Every inch of the house still carried his touch-he'd picked out the curtains, arranged the photos, chosen the silly mugs in the kitchen. Now, he wandered through it like a stranger, as if none of it felt familiar.

Their two little ones, Emmie and Nancy, were babbling in the playpen, gripping the rails, chubby faces bright with smiles as they stretched their arms out to Herman. Blood really does run deep-no one could fake the bond between them. The twins, with their wobbly little legs, stumbled toward their dad.

And then, as if to seal the moment, Emmie-just eight months old-managed to say her first word. "Up!” she squeaked, reaching out.

Being a girl, Emmie always seemed a step ahead-she was crawling, flipping over, toddling along the edges, while Nancy hit every milestone just a little later.noveldrama

That sweet, sticky "up" hit Herman right in the heart.

Anastasia felt a lump in her throat. Maybe, just maybe, the babies did remember their dad.

Herman bent over and scooped Emmie up, and she shrieked with laughter, her pudgy hands grabbing at his cheeks, squishing his face, then gnawing at him with

her gums.

She was teething-curious about everything, always wanting to taste the world, even if it was just her dad's nose.

The whole scene had everyone laughing. Moments like this-Anastasia had dreamed of them for so long. She'd almost believed she'd never get to see it again.

Emmie's teeth hadn't come in yet, so her gumming didn't hurt, but she sure left Herman's face covered in drool. The attention made Nancy jealous; he started fussing in the playpen, banging his small hands and calling out, "Ah! Ah!"

Nancy was the impatient type, but he rarely cried—he liked to yell instead. When Herman didn't pick him up too, he smacked the rails in protest.

Katelyn grinned. “Looks like the kids are already fighting for his attention."

Not wanting to play favorites, Herman picked up Nancy too, balancing a baby in each arm. Nancy, competitive as ever, went straight for Herman's nose just like his sister, slobbering all over him.

The kids snuggled into their dad, and for the first time, Herman seemed to relax. Even if he couldn't remember, something about this felt right to him.

Seeing the kids so attached, Anastasia caught the others' eyes and quietly signaled for them to give the family some space. Herman had enough on his plate -memories would come back when they were ready.

Everyone trickled out to the yard. Anastasia turned to Dailey. "Did you ever get in touch with James? Where is he now?"

She was hoping the family doctor could check on Herman.

Dailey nodded. "James is out on the prairie, should be back in a few days. I'll remind him to hurry back, Ana."

"Thanks." Anastasia turned to Nelson and Henry. "You two watch over things at the company, and Flynn, it's your turn to step up. I'm trusting all of you for the next few days."

She wanted to stay home, help Herman recover, be there for her kids.

Flynn grinned. "Don't worry, Anastasia. Now that Herman's back, spend time with him. Maybe he'll remember everything sooner than you think."

Monica sidled up and whispered, "Ana, you want my advice? Try something a little spicy tonight-bet he remembers everything in a flash.”

Anastasia couldn't help but laugh. Monica always had the wildest ideas.

"Why don't you and Jason head home? I've got things under control," she said glancing at Jason. "Make

sure Monica gets back safe, and both of you get some rest. You've been helping me nonstop."

Jason caught her look and nodded. "You need some rest too-you've been up for over a day."

Everyone slowly drifted out. Katelyn lingered, glancing at Herman playing with the twins. She turned to

Anastasia, voice soft. "Ana, I'm leaving Herman in your care. He doesn't remember us right now, and

I don't want to make things

awkward. But if you need anything, just call me."

It hurt to step back, but there was nothing else she could do. No one could really

understand the pain in her heart.

Feiman, quieter, just said, "Thank you, Ana. Really."

He didn't say much, but the love for his son was plain as day.

"Dad, Mom, you both should get some rest. If anything changes, I'll let you know right away," Anastasia promised, forcing a smile as she watched the living room-Herman, the kids, and Pattie the dog all together. It was such a warm, peaceful scene-one she'd almost given up hoping for.