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."

meeting her newest family members, oblivious to the seriousness of everything that's happening

about what comes next. I guess that's what we have as kids and all we want to do is be an

the car and take a deep breath. "Ready to

smiles and claps her hands.

sees Abby.

180 Daily Grind

silly, Mommy.

missed you so much." Winona squeezes Abby tight. "But you

I said the same. It's only been a few days, but

her mom, and I hand her over, watching as

Winona asks, still

I say, leaning in to kiss Winona on the cheek. "Just

""And Anne?"

there if you need

uncertain. Winona turns to them, holding

her eyes wide as she takes in

her voice softening as she introduces

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

on the sofa, and Abby

to mee

you." Abby throws her

like she's the most precious thing in

back, watching the scene unfold. I can tell she's unsure about

make

close friends. I thought it

raises an eyebrow. "A

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