The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1198

With Andrew around, the whole trip was a riot. Even Herman couldn’t help but crack a smile now and then.

Andrew, on a roll with his singing, launched into another tune, using the oar as a mic. “Yo yo yo, check it out, who’s waiting for me, waiting for my glorious return…” Paradise was laughing so hard she nearly doubled over.

Anastasia leaned over and whispered to Herman, “Andrew really is the life of the party. Just look at how happy Pattie is.”

There was just something about Andrew—he had this way of bringing people together, making every place a little brighter.

Herman rarely saw his oldest daughter so genuinely happy. If it weren’t for that, he probably wouldn’t have let Andrew tag along.

With a gruff little huff, Herman said, “If he didn’t have some skills, do you think he’d have made it into our family?”

Anastasia grinned. “You act like Andrew’s some master thief, always keeping your guard up. Just wait till Pattie gets older. There’ll be a line of boys at your door, and don’t forget about Emmie. You’ll have plenty to worry about then—probably end up sneaking off somewhere to cry when both your girls get married.”

She could already picture Herman, hiding out on the big day, secretly wiping away tears.

After their boat ride, they all headed to the creek to catch crayfish. This kind of simple, hands-on fun beat any amusement park. Nancy was loving it—splashing in the water, getting into a water fight with Emmie.

Andrew grabbed a big leaf to scoop up water and joined in, ganging up on Paradise in a playful splash battle.

While the group wandered around the little town, Layna was already on a flight to England.

Meanwhile, Justin had started his studies in England. The routine was mind-numbing, and the only thing that really cheered him up was checking the pics and messages Paradise and Andrew sent. It was his one real escape.

Back in Riverdale, gossip was spreading like wildfire: Mr. Walker had been cheated on, and the kid he thought was his turned out not to be.

There wasn’t a soul at Mr. Walker’s office who didn’t know. Whenever he walked by, people shot him looks full of pity. His wife, well past her prime, had an affair and gave birth to someone else’s kid—who wouldn’t be embarrassed?

He couldn’t hold his head up at work. Even his boss dropped by to offer condolences, which made it even worse. Forced to keep his cool in public, Mr. Walker took it all out on Autumn at home.

He hid the child away, refusing to let Autumn see them or even leave the house.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify