My CEO 65

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65 I want to Believe (Winona)

I'm not sure I've ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily.

Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I'm sure there's some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile.

I'm setting up Abby's bedroom. I've cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I'm hoping it's old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It's very satisfying transforming this space for her.

*The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I've placed it in the corner where it looks perfect.

The living room is pretty much done and I'm hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby and I to feel at home.

I walk out there, and I must say, I'm impressed. "Hey, you two, this looks amazing! I can't wait to cook some dinners in here," I say, my voice filled with genuine excitement.

The transformation of this house feels symbolic, like I'm turning a new page. Even though I know it's temporary.

"No cooking tonight though," Jayden says as he puts the cleaning bucket down. "We're having fish and chips on the pier."

"I won't argue with that," I reply, my stomach rumbling at the thought.

"It looks good here, you were right." Jayden says, wiping his hands on a towel. "But the cleaning smell is strong. Why don't we stay at my beach house tonight and leave these candles burning maybe? I'm not sure the fumes are best for Abby, or you."

"It's getting late, and the flight has made Abby tired. I think we will do that. I'll grab our overnight bag. Tomorrow, we can start in the yard." The idea of waking up to the sound of waves is too tempting to resist.

"I may as well have bought this place considering we're doing all the work anyway." Jayden jokes, a playful glint in his eye.

a crybaby. Hard work never killed anyone," I tease back,

true," he laughs,

good example we've set for Abby," I say, watching her as

Jayden replies, his gaze softening as

since our

sunset

we had the accident and life turned upside down.

+25 BONUS

(6:51 want to Bebeve,

not sure I've ever felt

Abby what life is really about and how

of things a child should

the next drug hit. If it wasn't for foster homes, I

I landed in Anne's home, I was finally loved. The memory

understand I was worthy of that love. It took me forever to see that Jayden loved me.

I got there. The

use that against me. But he's dead to

out for sure. The thought of them still haunts me, but I push it

in now, It's amazing how much neglect the human body

and I just get to

thought of protecting her from

interrupts my thoughts. "Hey, you ready to go?" he asks,

grabbing our overnight bag and heading for the door. We pile into the car, the anticipation of a peaceful night ahead of us. "I need a shower before

and Abby's excited chatter about the ocean. As we pull up, the sight of the

he can't

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