My CEO 210

210 Home With Abby 210 Home With Abby (Winona)

The atmosphere around the dinner table is warm, despite the undercurrent of what's to come. Anne, with her nurturing presence, insisted on cooking tonight, filling the penthouse with the comforting aromas of a home-cooked meal.

She's always known how to make any place feel like a home, and tonight is no different. We're all here for Abby, to help her understand and cope with the loss that needs to be explained.

I'm dreading it. I think the only thing worse than feeling pain is seeing other people's pain and not being able to help. Seeing my daughter's pain is not something I'm looking forward to.

Jayden sits at the head of the table, his presence steady and reassuring. There's a confidence about him despite what he's personally going through. I can tell he's put his difficulties aside to focus on our family unit tonight.

I've never felt that way before with him.

Abby is beside him, her little legs swinging under the chair as she eagerly eats the meal Anne prepared. She's really missed Anne being in her daily life.

Cass is across from her, quiet but staying composed.

I sit next to Abby, watching her closely, knowing the questions that are going to follow dinner.

As we finish eating. Abby looks up at me with those big, curious eyes. "Mommy, when is Grandma Lucy coming home from the hospital? Can we visit her tomorrow?"

My heart tightens, and I glance at Jayden, who gives me a small nod, signaling his support. I take a deep breath, reaching out to hold Abby's small hand in mine. "Sweetheart, there's something we need to talk about." Abby tilts her head, sensing the seriousness in my tone. "What, Mommy?"

"Abby, honey, Grandma Lucy isn't going to come

Is she going to live in another house?

staying here

is Grandma

the tears in

I say gently, "Grandma Lucy has

voice small. "Like the

in my throat. "She's in a place where she won't be sick or hurt anymore. But it also

25 BONUS

begins to quiver. "Is this

Jayden says of her goldfish that she lost last year.

to go to heaven. I want her to

who has been holding it together, suddenly breaks down, tears streaming down her face as she gets up and goes to wrap her arms around Abby. "I know, Abby.

Cass so emotional makes Abby's tears fall as well. "Why did she have to

to hold back her sobs. "I don't know, sweetheart.

even when we don't want them to. But Grandma Lucy loved you very much, and she'll always be in your heart." Abby sniffles, her face buried against Cass's shoulder. I want her to come

I say, my voice breaking. "But she's in a good place

an angel

with the biggest wings." Cass sits on the chair next to Abby and pulls Abby into her lap, holding her close as

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