My CEO 35

35 Welcome Home

(Jayden)

The blood test is done and I'm going to see Ashlyn. Mother can wait. Hopefully I can be the one to help out Abby. My mind is even more confused than ever.

Remembering is not all it's cracked up to be.

I've gone from never wanting kids to being a father twice over in the space of twenty-four hours. As memories filter back through, I know what I'm walking away from. But if I truly love Winona and my daughter Abby, I will choose to let them have a happy, content and peaceful life.

But they said she has my eyes and I'd love to see that. I did think it would be better if I never officially met 'her, but I think if I can just see her once, that will be enough. Then I can get on with my life. Without Winona.

The powerful CEO inside me wants to strike out and take what I want most in the world. But I can't. I've made my decision. I will honor what Ashlyn and I had. I will honor Winona's wishes. I will honor my children the best I can under the circumstances.

From the last time we had sex, before I wanted a break after the crap that went down at the welcome dinner, would mean she might be around 8 weeks pregnant if not more. Still early stages. Sadness creeps back over me as Winona's miscarriage comes to my mind. No. I can't live in the past. We'll get Ashlyn to the best doctor and make sure we have the best chance of a full term, healthy baby. I can't compare the two.

I use my key to get inside the home I've shared with Ashlyn since my divorce from Winona. The smell of fresh baked bread hits my nostrils. Mmmm, my favorite. "Ashlyn?" I call out to let her know I'm here. "Jayden!" She comes running up the hallway, smiles a mile wide, but stops short of hugging me. "You should've said you'd be here. I look a mess." She pats down her hair. Flour marks her cheek.

I could do a lot worse than making this woman happy. I sigh, "you look great. Can we talk?"

"Sure. Just let me get the bread out of the oven." She shrugs, "no clue why I'm baking your favorites when we aren't even together. Guess I just live in hope... and bashing the dough felt good." "Well, you're in luck. Here I am to help you eat it."

"Yeah, then it will be a two-hour gym session to wear off all those carbs and butter." Her eyes twinkle at me and I know she's referring to the physical activity we used to do to burn carbs. In the bedroom. "Ashlyn, we really need to talk." I don't want to lead her on. She may not agree to what I think will work for

1. US.

Lounge

"Kitchen table, I think."

follow her. We sit down and she pours us some juice. "I know our pregnancy is a shock. We were always so careful. But I guess nothing is one hundred percent foolproof." "I'm only going to ask this once. Is the baby

35 Welcome Home

+25 BONUS

in a clear voice

lot

ahead." I see worry flash through her

my mother. Not yet." I'll see if I can trust Ashlyn to stay away from her. "I told you; I'm done being her puppet. You

"You're going back to

shake my head. "No. But I am the father of Winona's daughter. She has a serious medical condition and 'needs special blood, so Winona had to tell me so

Winona, I can't imagine how having a sick child would feel." Ashlyn

really

know what the outcome will be. Abby needs many operations and worst-case scenario, a heart transplant." My heart almost stops thinking I

have the genetic marker but we're waiting until we've exhausted all other avenues before Winona wants to ask her. She doesn't believe she

how much I'd decided I wanted to be a father, and a good one. I want my

looking at me with questioning

them raise Abby and I won't interfere. I have offered Winona a job that

"I see."

Winona will still be around. I think she deserved to have that and regain some dignity and also prove she can hold her own in

"And us?"

but you have to trust me, Ashlyn. I can't have jealousy and hate involved. I want a peaceful life where we can co-exist with Winona and Phillip as needed. Later on,

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