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."

backseat about meeting her newest family members, oblivious

to just be happy without worrying about what comes next. I guess that's what we have as kids and all we want to do is

the car and take a deep breath. "Ready to meet your grandma and auntie,

and claps

as we step through the door, Winona is there, 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

180 Daily Grind

be silly, Mommy.

Winona squeezes Abby tight. "But you

It's only been a few

and

she?" Winona asks,

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

""And Anne?"

if you

mom and Cass appear from the living room, both looking a bit uncertain. Winona turns to them, holding Abby close. "Mom, Cass,

her eyes wide as she takes

Winona says, her voice softening as

Winona... She's beautiful. She looks a lot like Jayden, but I can see you as a child in her as well." Winona smiles,

sofa, and

to mee

to meet you." Abby throws her arms around her in

holding her close like she's the most precious thing in

back, watching the scene unfold. I can tell she's unsure about all of this, but I

make

Cass. "Just us, Jayden, and a few close friends. I thought it might be

raises an eyebrow. "A dinner

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255