The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman Salstrom was just grabbing a quick nap when he felt the familiar warmth of Anastasia Jewell settling onto his lap. Her soft whisper in his ear jolted him awake.

He opened his eyes to find Anastasia looking irresistibly charming, and his heart skipped a beat. With a playful smile, she wrapped her arms around his neck and teased, "Were you really asleep?" Herman chuckled, giving her waist a gentle squeeze, "Quit teasing. I was just joking before. You're still recovering; we can wait until you're feeling better."

She pouted playfully, "Not in the mood? Alright then."

Herman was momentarily at a loss for words.

Anastasia stood up, walked to the window, closed it, and pulled the curtains with deliberate intent. Then she went to the door and locked it securely. Herman watched her with an amused grin. "Are we plotting something big here?"

She shrugged and slipped under the covers, "I'm actually a bit tired today. Let's just rest. If you're not up for it, you can crash in the guest room." With the door locked? Her little act was pretty clear.

She was sulking.

Herman chuckled and joined her under the covers. "Honey, are you mad?"

Anastasia blinked innocently, "Why would I be mad?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Herman laughed softly. She reached out to gently pinch his neck, teasing, "Do you want it or not?"

He burst into laughter. Anastasia was just messing around, not serious at all.

"Who even asks like that?" Herman stopped laughing and caught her hand. "Honey, we really don't have to—" "It's fine," Anastasia smiled.

Herman knew what she was getting at.

He thought it was too much to ask of her, but Anastasia was more than willing. She wanted to do this for him.

He tried to stop her, "Honey, I really appreciate it."

Anastasia brushed his hand aside, "You've done so much for me, let me do something for you."

With her saying that, Herman couldn't argue.

From the moment he met Anastasia, he knew he was destined to fall for her. And not just in this lifetime-he'd be willing for all eternity.

...

An hour later.

Herman kissed Anastasia's forehead, "I love you, honey."

Anastasia, eyes closed and resting against him, murmured, "I know. I've always known."

Herman was incredible, and she almost couldn't keep up.

Herman chuckled, "You've had a long day too. Get some rest."

"Okay," Anastasia thought about mentioning something about Pattie but decided it wasn't necessary. Herman had already done well enough.

Exhausted, Anastasia quickly drifted off to sleep.

Herman, on the other hand, was too refreshed to sleep. Once Anastasia was asleep, he slipped out of the bedroom, drawn to the sound of crying from the nursery. The twins were hungry again, ready for their night feed.

The night nanny was mixing formula, and Katelyn Salstrom was there too, cradling Nancy.

"Herman, why are you up so late?" Katelyn asked.

"I heard the noise and came to check," Herman replied, moving to his daughter and son.

Once they started feeding, the twins stopped fussing, their big eyes wide open, clutching the bottles as if they feared they'd be taken away.

Watching their tiny mouths suckle, Herman's heart melted.

This was the essence of new life, seeing his children grow, carrying his bloodline and name into the future.

Before, Herman wasn't sure what he was working for. Now he had a purpose: to provide a better life for his wife and children.noveldrama

This was the real reason for a man to strive and succeed.

Katelyn smiled, "Aren't they adorable, Herman? They give me so much energy every day."

Katelyn was vibrant and full of life, fueled by the joy of her grandchildren. She didn't even join her friends for bridge or tea anymore. If she went out, was always with a grandchild in tow. Everyone in her circle knew how much she adored the twins, praising Anastasia's good fortune for having such supportive in-laws.

"Yeah," Herman replied with a smile, though his focus was entirely on the babies feeding.

He knew Katelyn loved having the kids around, so he didn't mind her moving in.

After all, he couldn't marry his wife, have kids, and then shove his mom aside.

Becoming a parent himself, he understood his parents' love even more.

Katelyn asked, "Herman, why isn't Sandy staying with us tonight? I only found out she checked into a hotel. Did Ana arrange that?"