The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1090

Herman let out a long sigh. “Look at him—he’s so tiny. Hitting him just feels like bullying. He can’t even put up a fight. I could have him on the floor with one hand.”

Anastasia laughed. “Just wait twenty years and see if you can still take him. Actually, probably not even that long. Once Nancy hits fifteen or sixteen, you’ll be lucky if you can keep up with him at all. That’s why you have to lay down the law while he’s young.”

Herman grinned. “That kid’s got an answer for everything. I nearly lost track of the conversation trying to keep up with him just now.”

As she folded laundry, Anastasia said, “At this age, their sense of right and wrong is really strong. It’s not worth trying to force your ideas on them.”

“That’s all because he’s spoiled,” Herman muttered. “Pattie isn’t like that. And you know what? Carter’s son seems to have a thing for our Pattie. The little rascal has good taste, I’ll give him that.”

Anastasia thought of Lisa’s warning. “They’re just at the same school, don’t overthink it. Once Andrew moves up to middle school in a couple years, they’ll be in different grades, make new friends, and this will all be ancient history.”

“He might even have to repeat a year,” Herman said, a little baffled. “Both Carter and his wife are smart—top universities, the whole deal. How’d they end up with a kid who’s struggling so much?”

Anastasia smiled. “You know how it goes—sometimes the best teachers have the wildest kids at home. That boy’s got a good heart, though. He’ll turn out just fine.”

“He’s got this sunshine energy,” Herman said. “And there’s something magnetic about him. Not everyone has that—it’s what makes a real leader.”

Without that kind of pull, everyone’s just scattered and nothing gets done.

One person can only do so much. In the end, it’s all about teamwork.

“Where’s James these days, anyway?” Anastasia asked, remembering something Tavon had mentioned. “My dad wanted him to look at Ashley, then changed his mind. Now James is off at Nabb Mount, probably because something’s going on with the Morton family. Do you know what Sandy’s up to?”

Herman played it safe. “I only care about my woman. Why would I keep tabs on anyone else?”

Anastasia just rolled her eyes.

“Come on, let’s go eat,” she said, putting the last of the folded clothes away and heading downstairs.

Dinner was ready and waiting. Katelyn and Feiman weren’t home yet, but they’d be back to eat soon enough.

Herman and Flynn had a few extra drinks at dinner. Flynn crashed in the guest room, while Salma insisted on heading home—she didn’t want to leave Cynthia alone.

Anastasia had already hired a housekeeper to help with Cynthia, but Salma still liked to do most things herself.

As night settled in, the house grew quiet.

The kids had bathed and were getting ready for bed.

Emmie loved sleeping with her big sister. She grabbed her little pillow and slipped into Paradise’s room.

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