The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 682

Katelyn's words weren't exactly wrong, but they did reveal her possessive nature over the baby. Salma, completely unaware of the underlying tension, cheerfully said, “Oh, what could possibly go wrong? I'll just dedicate myself to babysitting for Ana.”

Pattie walked over to Herman, who was cradling little Sammy. She wanted to see her baby brother and was instantly smitten by his cuteness.

Seeing Pattie's affection, Herman asked, “Want to hold your brother?”

Pattie nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable as she reached out.

Katelyn, feeling anxious, quickly interjected, “Pattie is still a child herself; she doesn’t really know how to hold a baby. What if she drops him?”

Pattie's hands hovered uncertainly, unsure of what to do next.

“It’s okay,” Herman assured her.

He encouraged Pattie to hold the baby, “Go ahead, hold your brother.”

With Herman's encouragement, Pattie mustered the courage. She carefully cradled her brother, beaming with delight, “Dad, he’s so calm, and he’s sticking his tongue out at me. How cute!”

Pattie was over the moon.

Herman, with a playful tone, remarked, “Remember, you should treat them equally. After holding your brother, you should also hold your sister.”

He said this deliberately, so Katelyn would hear. Being a savvy businessman, Herman was attuned to the subtle dynamics at play.

Some issues might seem trivial, but if they fester, they can strain relationships and plant seeds of discord.

Katelyn didn’t quite catch the full meaning behind Herman’s comment but chose not to challenge his decision.

After cuddling her brother, Pattie went on to hold her sister, making her even happier.

Anastasia felt relieved watching Herman handle things so smoothly. Some matters could be resolved without her intervention, and Herman knew how to manage them.

Herman, understanding her unspoken feelings, stood beside her, resting his hand on her shoulder. Without words, they were perfectly in sync.

Anastasia, eyes glistening, gently pressed her cheek against her son’s.

After feeding, the babies soon drifted off to sleep. With the day getting late, Katelyn suggested taking the babies home.

Herman saw them to the car, and as they were leaving, Katelyn said, “Herman, go back to Ana. Don’t worry about the kids; I’ll take care of them.”

“Mom,” Herman said firmly, “You don’t have to be so strict about all the baby care stuff. They don’t need to be pampered to that extent. Let’s not make everything about sterilization, it just causes unnecessary stress. When Anastasia comes home in a few days, bring the kids back.”

Katelyn’s face fell at this, “Herman, we can’t be careless with the kids. Are you upset about the whole sterilization thing? I’m only thinking of their safety. You’re young and lack experience. And Pattie, she’s just a kid; Emmie and Sammy are still so fragile, their bones and skulls not fully developed. If something happened, we’d never forgive ourselves.”

“You care about the kids, and so do I. I’m their dad; do you think I’d ever harm them?” Herman replied sternly, “Let’s drop the sterilization talk.”