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."

shock. We were always so careful. But I guess nothing is one hundred percent foolproof." "I'm only

35 Welcome Home

+25 BONUS

clear voice with

I have a lot more to

ahead." I see worry flash

to stay away from her. "I told you; I'm done being her puppet. You and our baby are my

together. "You're

medical condition and 'needs special blood, so Winona had to tell me so I could get tested. Which I

god. Poor Winona, I can't imagine how having a sick child would feel." Ashlyn puts her hands

really changes

worst-case scenario, a heart transplant." My

mother may also 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 will give that blood without some sort of deal." rake my hand through

married, I know now how much I'd decided I wanted to be a father, and a good one. I want my children to know loving happy

looking at me with

Winona, Phillip and I have agreed to let them raise Abby and I won't interfere. I have offered Winona a job that will make sure Abby never wants for anything in lieu of

"I see."

and regain

"And us?"

me. I promise I will stand by you, but you have to trust me, Ashlyn. I can't have jealousy and hate involved. I want a peaceful

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255