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.

just a little. For a moment, I can forget about the nightmare of my situation and focus on the people who matter

things

coffee and snacks," Anne

up with excitement. "Yay! I love coloring,

while, it feels like any other day. Abby giggles as she picks out her favorite colors, and

+25 BONUS

cherishing every second we

fifteen minutes, Anne comes back in with a tray laden

on earth did you find all of

prepared in the

compared to the food I've had this past week,

the weather and Anne tells me Abby's latest check up went well. I'm so grateful for

Gordon watching from the doorway, his expression

thank him for making it happen. Even though I realize now our time is running

up at me, her big eyes full of innocence. "Mommy, when can

at her question, but I force a smile. "I'm not sure but Anne is taking care of you." "Daddy's place doesn't have a

can talk about

Daddy, he

"Okay, Mommy."

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

hugging Abby tightly once more. "I love you

to go!" Abby cries out and

stand and walk to the door with her. "You'll be okay, Sweety. H

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