My CEO 245

245 Home Sweet Home

(Winona)

At home, Abby zooms past me into the kitchen.

"Oh, hi, Mommy." Then she backs up and gives me a quick hug. "Gotta go, we're making cookies for Aunt Cass." Then she's gone.

"Hi Abby.." My words trail off in the wake of her energy I grin.

Their laughter echoes through the penthouse, and for a moment, I just stand here, taking it all in.

This penthouse was never designed for such family chaos, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It feels like home.

Jayden looks up as soon as I walk in, and a smile spreads across his face, the kind of smile that makes my heart flip.

Suddenly, the heaviness I've been carrying since my session feels a little lighter. Of course, I can't ruin this wedding with my insecurities.

"Hey, you," he says, standing up and crossing the room to take me into his arms. "How was your session?"

"It was good," I reply, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. I glance around at the chaos. "This place looks like a bomb hit it."

"I think it makes the penthouse look better," he jokes, grinning as he pulls me closer.

I laugh. "You would."

"Lucky Henry is small, or we'd barely squeeze him in. How was he doing when you left?" I ask.

"He's gained a few ounces," his voice filled with pride.

"Did they say anything about the bottle feed situation?"

Jayden nods. "We'll try again tomorrow. But this time, the doctor suggests we do it with skin-to-skin contact. He thinks that might help relax Henry a little more. I think it will go well. He was searching for something today. Turned his head when I rubbed his cheek." "Oh, wow! That's so exciting."

"You can join us?"

"Of course!" The thought of Henry thriving, of getting closer to coming home, warms me.

with him feels like a reminder

can't shake.

his arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug. "I was thinking, after dinner, we could

my heart swelling

he's pouring his heart into this family, into

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+25 BONUS

245 Home Sweet Home

him more

buzzer goes,

Cass. Let me up." Her voice

my forehead before heading back to the couch, and

the intercom, "I wish I

not if you're cooking

step

work in her chef's jacket. She beams when she sees me,

for the famous Anne-made lasagna," she says, stepping

if you

way

in, dinner's

in, glancing around at the chaos of the penthouse. "Wow, it's lively in here

I reply, guiding her toward the kitchen. "This is where

is immediately swamped by Abby and Sarah.

has is evident

you two. Let Aunt Cass breathe. You three kids can go get washed

Off they go.

greets her warmly. "Your lasagna's in the

"You're a lifesaver,

waves her off, laughing. "You're working

say, leaning against the counter,

I cannot wait. Plus, my passport

face falls slightly, and I instantly know something's

made plans. Gabriel and I are

blink, disappointment runs through me.

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