My CEO 253

253 Where's Jayden? (Winona)

I haven't heard from Jayden since he left. It's been all morning, and I've sent him a text, but no reply. I don't want to overthink it, but I can't help the creeping worry.

Is he somewhere deciding he doesn't want to marry me after all?

My stomach is in knots with my mind spiraling through all the possible reasons for his silence. But going about my normal day is the way I deal with anxiety. One foot in front of the other.

I've taken Abby for her morning school session then her time with Judy. Now I'm going to see Henry before I head to the office for a couple of hours.

Jayden's been at the hospital with Henry, thinking things through. At least, that's what I tell myself. After what happened through the night, I'm not sure what to think anymore. His dreams, the way he called out her name-it's all too much to process.

Arguing is the last thing I wanted this week. I'll give him the rest of the day and then I'll call. Hopefully he'll be at the hospital.

For now, I'll focus on what I can control. I'll visit with Henry. I have to trust that Jayden will come back to me, that we'll work through this together. We've made promises. Sticking it out, even when things get tough, is one of them.

1 know I need to give him the space he needs.

I drive to the hospital to see Henry, hoping Jayden is there, and I can tell him I want to work through it with him. I want for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. With him.

I might be stupid, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I can't stop loving Jayden. Even when things feel uncertain, even when I'm scared, I can't imagine a life without him.

When I ask the nurse, she says Jayden left about an hour ago. My heart sinks a little, but I try not to let it

be home for dinner with the kids.

on what's in front of me. The nurse helps me with Henry's bottle feed, and as soon as I'm holding him, everything else fades away. His tiny fingers wrap around mine, and I give him as much skin-on-skin as

It's like he anchors me, reminds me of the beauty in life, the hope. I

stronger, and it gives me hope. As I cradle him, I know everything will be okay. Jayden won't walk away from the family life we've been building.

sere's Jayden?

+25 BONUS

special day with

joy. It made everything feel real,

Lisa. She couldn't make it because of prior family commitments. She's been out of the country. But today she's back, and we are going to have a private fitting in two days. I can't wait to see her again, to catch up, and to share all

my side on my wedding day

to me

takes his milk. His eyes are still shut. Last week the nurse said he

because he will be sensitive to

him, marveling at how strong he's getting, how far he's come.

her lately. I get the urge to check in with her

this is the connection we've been

eyes are open!" I exclaim, my voice

day. I thought Jayden

be a surprise," I say, but inside, the worry starts to creep in again. Henry had another milestone moment today, and Jayden never shared that

eyelids start to flutter closed again as I put him back in his incubator. He

in with Henry, and he opened his

asking if she has time to meet before they

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