The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1061

Flynn’s excitement fizzled out in an instant, his face dropping so fast it was almost funny.

Paradise waved a hand in front of him. “Uncle Flynn, are you devastated or what?”

Flynn slipped the postcard away, putting on a laid-back front. “Oh, it’s nothing. A real man doesn’t lose sleep over a woman’s words.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Anastasia called out as she walked in, balancing a bowl of fresh fruit. “Here, snack on this for now—dinner’s almost ready.”

“Thanks, Anastasia,” Flynn said, flashing her a grin. “Smart, gorgeous, and generous. If I ever look for a wife, I’d want someone just like you.”

Paradise grinned, ready to call him out. “Uncle Flynn, judging from that poem’s vibe, your secret crush isn’t much like my mom.”

“Flynn, you like someone?” Anastasia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “When are you going to bring her home for us to meet?”

Paradise giggled. “Mom, Uncle Flynn hasn’t even won her over yet. She wrote him an acrostic poem, and he went and thought it was a love letter.”

“You little rascal, always selling me out.” Flynn pretended to be offended, but couldn’t hide his amusement. “With a face like mine, you think I’d need to pine for anyone? Please.”

The word “love letter” jogged Anastasia’s memory—Lisa had mentioned Andrew writing one to Paradise. Work had distracted her from asking, and then she’d worried prying might upset her daughter.

“Who’s got a crush?” Katelyn drifted over, catching the tail end of the chat.

Flynn shot Paradise a look and lowered his voice. “When I got back from the States, I brought you that ‘Welcoming Pine’ painting you wanted.”

A clear bribe.

Paradise’s face lit up. She’d been after that painting for ages, but its collector wouldn’t let it go. Now, with Flynn offering it, she couldn’t resist. She grinned and slapped him a high five. “Deal!”

Anastasia watched their little exchange, smiling to herself.

“Pattie, go upstairs and call your dad and grandpa down for dinner,” she said.

“Okay, Mom!” Paradise dashed up the stairs.

Katelyn turned to Anastasia. “Ana, when’s your mom coming over? She hasn’t visited Salstrom Manor in forever.”

“She’s not coming tonight,” Anastasia said with a gentle smile. “She can’t leave my aunt alone anymore—her condition’s gotten worse.”

“Mm-hmm.” Daria loved coming to Salstrom Manor, and she liked going to Southridge Estates too.

Her own house, though, felt cold and empty.

“Let’s go,” Joseph said, scooping Daria up. Even after they’d driven a good distance, Daria was still pressed to the window, looking back.

“You really like hanging out with them, huh?”

“Daddy, I love Emmie and Nancy, and Paradise too. Daddy, can you give me a little sister? I want someone to play with.”

Seeing other kids with siblings made Daria wish for one of her own. She was only four—right at that age when a playmate was everything.

Joseph was stumped. If it hadn’t been for that one mistake with Julie, he’d never have let any woman have his child.

“Daddy?” Daria tugged at his arm, her big, hopeful eyes shining. “Can you?”

Joseph deflected. “Has Chelsea been bothering you again lately?”