My CEO 93

93 My Baby Girl! (Winona)

When I fling it open, there stands Anne, holding Abby's hand. Lisa is right behind them. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of my baby girl, looking even taller in the week I haven't seen her.

Her eyes are wide with a mixture of confusion and relief. But I feel her hesitancy in seeing me. What she witnessed at Palisades Park must have scared her so much.

I kneel down and the tears are rolling down my face. "Hi Sweety. I've missed you. I'm sorry I scared you."

"Mommy!" Abby cries, breaking free from Anne's grip and launching herself into my arms. I feel her tears" against my cheek as her little arms grip me like there's no tomorrow,

I wrap her in the tightest hug I can manage without breaking her in half. My heart races as I hold her close, feeling her little heart beating against mine. "Oh, Abby, I've missed you so, so much," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion Abby clings to me, her small body trembling. "I missed you too, Mommy. Are you okay? Why can't I come home?"

Anne steps forward, her tone gentle but firm. "Remember, Abby, we can't talk about that right now. We're just here to visit and spend time together."

I nod, pulling back slightly to look into Abby's eyes. "That's right, sweetheart. We're just going to enjoy our time together, okay? No worrying about anything else. pick her up as I stand.

Lisa steps in, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You've got this, Winona. We're here for you."

I nod, blinking back tears. "Thank you, Lisa. Thank you, Anne. Please, come in. It's all monitored, but not the bathrooms."

Lisa gives her usual laugh. "Lucky for them. I ate spicy burritos for lunch. I could blow the bathroom apart." We all burst out laughing at this comment.

"On that note, I'm going back to the office to finish some paperwork." Gordon says and he walks off. "You're Aunt Lisa is a Silly Billy, isn't she?" I say to Abby kissing her tear-streaked chubby cheek.

Abby nods and clings to me again as we walk to the living room.

the nightmare of my situation and focus on the people who matter most to me for

things

coffee and snacks," Anne

excitement. "Yay! I love

she picks out her favorite colors, and I find myself laughing along with her, the stress of my situation momentarily forgotten

+25 BONUS

on my daughter, cherishing every

Anne comes back

of that in

prepared in

looks amazing and compared to the

coloring to eat and drink. Lisa talks about the weather and Anne tells me Abby's latest check up went well. I'm so

his expression a mix of determination and satisfaction. He knows how important this visit is for my

silently thank him for making it happen. Even though I realize now our time is running short as it's almost

big eyes full of innocence. "Mommy, when can I come

question, but I force a smile. "I'm not sure but Anne is taking care of you." "Daddy's

can talk about Jayden

you ask Daddy, he will

"Okay, Mommy."

checks her watch and gives me a gentle nod. "We should be going, Winona. We'll be back

nod, hugging Abby tightly once more. "I love you so much, Abby.

to go!" Abby

into a million pieces as I stand and walk to the door with her. "You'll be okay, Sweety. H promise." I bite my lip to stop

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