The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 564

Hank pulled open the car door and said, "Hop in. I'll have someone pick up your car later."

With Hank around, Anna didn't bother arguing. She got into the car and commented, "Isn’t this weather weird? It just started pouring out of nowhere."

"The forecast did mention storms today," Hank replied as he settled into the driver's seat and folded his umbrella. "Did you drop off the gift for Monica?"

"Yeah, I did," Anna said. "I only asked Monica to be my bridesmaid. Do you think I need another one to keep it even?"

"No rush on that. I can round up a couple of friends if needed," Hank started the car and continued, "Don’t worry about the wedding details. Your job is to be in high spirits and be the stunning bride you're meant to be."

Anna gave him a sidelong glance, studying him for a moment. "You seem preoccupied."

After all this time together, Anna could tell when something was on Hank's mind.

"Is it still about that factory incident last week?" she asked.

"It's not that," Hank replied, not wanting to burden Anna with outside troubles. "I'm just thinking about how to make our wedding something you'll truly love."

Anna reached for his hand. "Hank, I've never needed anything lavish or extravagant. What I want is simple: to share every meal, every season with you. Do you know how your kindness gives me the courage to face everything? I often think, with someone as wonderful as you, any leap of faith is worth it."

Hank smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "Thanks for the praise, my future wife."

He was aware of her recent unease. Anna had her moments of doubt.

...

Cynthia's eyes also held envy as she assured, "Don't worry, I won't spill. To the Salstroms, Patty is just Anna's illegitimate daughter with some other man. It's bound to cause issues sooner or later. We'll just wait and see."

A sneer crossed Gianna's face. "No man doesn't want kids. If he doesn't now, he will eventually. Joey was the perfect example."

Speaking of Joey, Cynthia added, "The police notified us about your case with Joey. The trial starts next week. The Edmunds haven't shown their faces, and with Joey paralyzed, he can't fight you. We're sure to win, and then they'll throw the book at him."

"Someone like him, he's just a waste of space if he isn't put out of his misery," Gianna said through clenched teeth. "And Dora, the home-wrecker who ruined my marriage with Joey, she won't get off easy either."

"Exactly, it's all that mistress's fault," Cynthia agreed, then asked, "Are you going to keep that paternity report?"

Gianna tore it up, but then, still worried, she asked, "Mom, are you absolutely sure no one knew when you took the sample last time?"