The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1191

The next morning.

Anastasia’s family gathered around the breakfast table in a cozy little B&B in a southern town. The three kids were on their own—when it came to eating, Herman had one rule: no one’s getting spoon-fed by the nanny. Everyone had to feed themselves.

Even heading out, whatever you wanted to bring, you carried it yourself.

As long as you could handle it, you could bring it.

Nancy was the classic overpacker, always wanting to haul along a mountain of toys whenever they went out. Of course, she’d end up exhausted, and since nobody would help her carry anything, she learned the hard way. These days, she only brought a tiny backpack with a water bottle and tissues inside.

Emmie was the picture of a little lady, sporting a pink backpack filled with plastic rings, pretend lipstick, and nail polish—the essentials for a girl who loved playing dress-up.

Paradise, meanwhile, had a dark backpack stuffed with things her younger siblings might need—nothing for herself. All she needed was her charged phone and a little money in her card.

Paradise wasn’t a little kid anymore. Herman and Anastasia had stopped treating her like one—instead, they talked to her as an equal, almost like a friend.

When it came to pocket money, Katelyn was generous, and neither Herman nor Anastasia were stingy. Paradise was smart with her money—some went into savings, some into investments, and some was for spending.

After a good breakfast, the family set off to the lake. The plan for the day: bike the whole way around.

Emmie and Nancy were way too small to ride, so Anastasia took them for a stroll nearby before handing them off to the nanny. Then she and Herman set out with Paradise.

Their cycling gear was on point.

Herman rented three bikes, put a helmet on Paradise, and asked, “Ready for this, sweetheart? It’ll take at least two hours to get around.”

Paradise’s eyes lit up. “No problem, Dad. Let’s go!”

Herman smiled, satisfied. “Alright, you and your mom lead the way. I’ll ride behind.”

He just wanted to make sure his girls were safe.

Anastasia, who’d never biked this far before, grinned. “Honestly, I’m kind of excited.”

Helmets on, the three set off.

The weather was just right—not too hot, not too chilly, with a soft breeze in the air. Riding along the lake wasn’t just exercise; it felt like a little adventure for the soul.

They went at an easy pace, enjoying the view. At every landmark, Herman would chime in with interesting tidbits for Paradise.

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