My CEO 180

180 Daily Grind (Jayden)

Driving up to Anne's place to pick up Abby feels like the first normal thing I've done in days. My days feel empty without Winona here, but I can't deny the relief of having a bit of breathing room.

It's given me time to try and process everything-the messages from Ashlyn, the chaos with Winona's family, and now, introducing Abby to her new grandmother and aunt.

Not to mention fixing up a line up of work problems. I don't know why I keep Brennan Industries going some days. Is it really worth it? This stress and workload is not a legacy I want to hand to my kid. Or kids...I realize if Ashlyn is still pregnant this will change my life.

The daily grind I lived for is less and less appealing lately.

Anne opens the door with a warm smile, Abby is beside her. As soon as she sees me, her little face lights up, and she launches up at me. "Daddy!"

"Hey, sweetheart," I say, picking her up. "I swear you've grown another inch. Were you good for Nanny Anne?"

"She was an angel, as always," Anne says with a fond smile. "But she's missed you and Winona."

I hold Abby close, feeling her little arms wrap around my neck. "I missed you too, kiddo."

Anne chuckles softly, watching us. "Everything okay with Winona? This must be very challenging for her. For them all."

"Yeah, she's just moving it all forward," I say, trying to keep my tone casual. "You know Winona. They're back at the townhouse now, and her mom and sister are staying with us for a bit." Anne's smile falters slightly, but she quickly recovers. "That's a big step."

I sigh, rubbing my hand over Abby's back. "It's like everything else... a work in progress. But we'll get there."

Anne nods, her expression understanding. "Just take it one day at a time, Jayden. That's all you can do. I'm here if you need me."

I give her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Anne. I'll remember that. You'll be hearing from us soon, I'm sure."

Abby babbles happily in the backseat about meeting her newest family members, oblivious

guess that's what we have as kids

car and take a deep breath. "Ready to meet your

and claps her

face lighting up when she sees Abby. "There's my girll Oh, my goodness, stop getting so tall, I think you won't fit in your

180 Daily Grind

be silly, Mommy.

you so much." Winona squeezes Abby

It's only been a few days, but I

reaching out for her mom, and I hand her over, watching as Winona showers her

she?" Winona asks,

kiss Winona on the cheek. "Just like

""And Anne?"

she's there if

a bit uncertain. Winona turns to them, holding Abby close. "Mom, Cass, I want

her eyes wide as she takes in the

Winona says, her voice softening as she introduces our daughter. "Your

tears, and she covers her mouth with her hand, clearly overwhelmed. "Oh, Winona... She's beautiful. She looks a lot like Jayden, but I can see you as a child in her as well." Winona smiles, handing Abby over to her mom. "Let's go into the living room." I say I'm not sure Winona's

on the sofa, and Abby goes up to her.

Nice to mee

her

holding her close like she's the most precious thing

scene unfold. I can tell she's unsure about all

make

party soon," Winona says, turning to Cass. "Just us, Jayden, and a few close friends. I thought it might be nice for everyone to meet each

raises an eyebrow. "A

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