The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Autumn was just about to leave when she heard Daria was sick, and all her plans flew out the window.noveldrama

She turned to Katelyn, worry etched on her face. "Katelyn, what happened to Daria? Is her fever bad? Did you check her temperature?"

Katelyn finished giving instructions to the nanny and hung up. "She's running a fever. I didn't ask how high. Autumn, don't you have things to do? Go on, take care of them."

But Autumn couldn't make herself go. Daria was her granddaughter, and Katelyn didn't seem the least bit bothered. That was her family-of course she cared.

Still, she'd already said she was leaving. She couldn't just backtrack now. Honestly, Autumn felt like Katelyn was going to be the death of her today.

She remembered Katelyn telling the nanny to take Daria to Hope Hospital. Without another thought, Autumn grabbed her bag and hurried out to the hospital to wait for them.

***

Hope Hospital.

Anastasia was tagging along with Monica, who was getting a check-up. Monica had woken up feeling nauseous and immediately worried she might be pregnant, so she'd dragged Anastasia with her for backup.

Monica didn't dare let Jason come. She was too nervous, not ready for him to know if there was even anything to know.

Anastasia was scrolling on her phone in the hallway when Monica finally came out of the doctor's office, clutching her test results.

"Well?" Anastasia's eyes were wide with curiosity. "Are you?"

Monica shook her head, looking a little disappointed. "Nope. Doc says it's just a stomach bug, probably from eating cold leftovers."

Anastasia noticed her friend's letdown and nudged her. "What, you hoping for a baby? Ready to settle down?"

Monica and Jason hadn't been together that long. Then again, Anastasia had married Herman practically overnight.

Sometimes, when it's right, it's right. Time doesn't always matter.

Monica was honest. "Sitting in there, I thought, if I am pregnant, it wouldn't be so bad. I mean, Jason would actually make a great dad. He'd be the type to show up with medicine and soup."

Anastasia laughed. "You've got it bad! Monica, you want to get married, just say so. I'll be front row at your wedding."

"No way I'm bringing it up first,”

Monica scoffed. "He can propo

me. And it better be good-a

romantic proposal, not just aring over takeout."

Anastasia grinned, though she felt a little pang. Herman had never proposed to her properly. She used to imagine someone pulling out all

the stops-down on one knee, 19

maybe even with a flash mob or a ring hidden in dessert.

Most women dreamed of some big, sweeping proposal, but honestly it hardly ever happened that way Afterward, you always told your friends: don't skip the

proposal-make him do it right.

Anastasia nodded. "You're absolutely right. The proposal matters."

Monica smiled. "Definitely. But it'll have to wait till Jason's done with this case. Ana, could you wait for me in the car? I need to run to the restroom."

"Sure," Anastasia said, taking Monica's purse.

Monica handed it over and hurried off.

Anastasia headed downstairs toward the parking garage.

Passing through the lobby, she spotted the Salstrom Manor nanny carrying a tired, flushed Daria.

Before Anastasia could ask what was wrong, Autumn swept in, looking frantic.

"How high was her fever? Did you take her temperature?" Autumn asked, already pressing a hand to Daria's forehead.

Daria looked miserable, limp on the nanny's shoulder.

The nanny answered, "It was 101.3 at home. I gave her some Tylenol, but it didn't

help, so I brought her in. Mrs. Walker, what are you doing here?"

She'd met Autumn before and recognized her right away.

"Give her to me," Autumn said, gently taking Daria and heading straight for pediatrics.

Autumn was Mr. Walker's wife. She'd already called ahead, so as soon as they walked in, a doctor was waiting and ready to check Daria.

Anastasia followed, watching as Autumn hovered anxiously over Daria, her concern obvious.

Honestly, anyone who didn't know better would've thought Autumn was Daria's mother, not her grandmother.

Just then, a nurse approached Autumn. "Are you Daria's grandma or her nana?"