My CEO 48

48 Devil You Don't Know

(Winona)

"Winona," Jayden's voice is filled with emotion. "Thank you for today. It means a lot to me."

I look across at him, tears welling in my eyes. "It means a lot to Abby too. She deserves to know her father."

He steps closer, brushing a tear from my cheek. "I wish it could be different."

I swallow hard, the memories and emotions threaten to overwhelm me. "We need to focus on Abby now. She's what's important and your new baby is coming."

I resist the urge to press myself to his chest. "Jayden, I know we shared something that's once in a lifetime. But it was a lifetime ago. I need a peaceful existence. I can have that if you're with Ashlyn and your mother is happy."

He nods, his hand lingers on my cheek for a moment before he pulls away. "You're right."

As he walks out of the kitchen, I watch him go, my heart aching with a mix of love and loss. I know I have. to move on, but part of me will always remember the way things were, the way they could have been.

The party has wound down and Jayden and Ashlyn went to tuck Abby in. Judy has gone and just Lisa and Lance are here with me and Phillip. You know, I feel I've really turned a corner. I think Jayden and I just said goodbye for real in the kitchen earlier.

Plus, it's adult drink time and being at home makes me feel very festive. I empty the bottle of vodka and the bottle of gin into the punch bowl.

"Woo hoo! You go, girlfriend!" Lisa calls out.

"I figure now I can celebrate being home."

"I'll drink to that." Lisa laughs and fills up a plastic cup with punch.

Jayden and Ashlyn come back out. "I think she wants a final goodnight from you two." Jayden says to Phillip and me.

go Phillip, you've

say goodnight to my

it like that." I say

in a huge plastic tub full of beer

and Jayden

he pulls a beer out of the tub and cracks

for it. We'll be back soon." Phillip

Devd You

+25 BONUS

worry, Ashlyn. I have you covered. Zero alcohol champagne. We can't have you feeling

surprise, she smiles. "That is

pop this before you

never too drunk to pop my

snuggles up

and I walk to Abby's room. "I

edge and you've done a great job

little mite." I kiss

Mommy. Nigh nigh, Uncle

We all love you very much. Happy

you tomorrow, Abby," Phillip says

and I stare in wonder at how long and curled her lashes are for her age. I'm not sure if Phillip heard that

this up, it's almost midnight and I think some of us have had

Lisa. All about three sheets to the wind. But I'm happy they are happy. Jayden has had only slightly less, so it's good Ashlyn is driving, and she is yawning. She's been pretty

says with a

to in the morning, so unless

hell no! No kids for me," Lisa over-exaggerates. "I'd rather stick hot pokers

you a car.

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