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.

Phillip, you've

say goodnight

mean it like that." I

garage and wheels in a huge

and Jayden both

my spirit animal, Phillip," Lance jokes as he pulls a beer

for it. We'll be back

You Don

+25 BONUS

you covered. Zero alcohol champagne. We can't have you feeling left out." I say

she smiles. "That is very thoughtful, Winona. Thank

to Lance. "Here, pop this before you are

never too drunk to pop my cork. Am

up to him.

I say as Phillip and I walk to Abby's

know, I'm just on edge and you've done a great job

I kiss her forehead as I get

Nigh

Sweet-pea. We all love you very

tomorrow, Abby,"

her little eyes close and I stare in wonder at how long and curled her lashes are for

people, we better wrap this up, it's almost midnight and I

so it's good Ashlyn is driving, and she is yawning. She's been pretty quiet, and I notice Lance and Lisa have kind of avoided

spoil-sport," Lisa says with a drunken

us have a kid to get up to in the morning,

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

a car.

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