My CEO 373

373 Stop Stalling (Winona)

The master suite itself is almost absurdly luxurious, but I've managed to carve out a little space to breathe here. There's a separate living area off the bedroom and ensuite.

And for the past fifteen minutes, I've been psyching myself up, trying to gather the courage to take this

test.

I an

I know I need to know, and I know it can't wait any longer, yet each time I look at it, I freeze.

Henry's cries pierce the silence. His nursery is the massive walk-in closet. I wish there was space for the other kids too, but the monitors are doing the job for now. Right now, I'm grateful to have Henry close at least.

I drop the test on the small table, as I head to his crib. Henry's face is scrunched up, red and wailing, his little fists flailing. I scoop him up, rocking him gently, feeling the weight of him in my arms.

I can't help but smile; he's been through so much, and yet he's so resilient.

"It's okay, little man," I whisper, bouncing him gently as his cries settle. "It's just you and me. We'll get through this sore tummy, I promise."

His tiny hands clutch at my hair, pulling as he calms, his breathing evens out. I walk back to the living space with him. Glancing back at the table where the test lies waiting. I pop it back into my bag. It will have to wait a little longer.

Just as I get the test into my bag, there's a knock on the door. I jump, letting out a huff of frustration." Now who could that be, Henry?"

I open the door, glad I put the test out of sight. Never know. It's one of the maintenance staff helping with

the cottage.

"Mrs. Brennan," he starts, clearly nervous. "I need to double-check the paint choices for the kitchen and the main living areas. Then we can get started on painting."

I say bouncing Henry to

out the samples on the small table. "I'm confirming this one is for living room. This

of feature color I'd picked. "Yes. Do you think they'll be okay?" The young man writes on the samples before carefully packing them back up. "Yes, Mrs. Brennan," he says, "Thank you. Sorry to disturb you." Then he's bowing slightly. "It's fine. You can always feel free to come and see me. Thank you

footfalls echoing

the door. Henry has dozed off, and I venture into his crib to get him

resist the urge to squeeze

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+25 BONUS

373 Stop Stalling

with the test again, I go grab it out of my

painter who just left reports

to you. Make sure all they have to report is a happy family and a home filled

buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see a message

you do it yet? Killin'

fingers hovering over the

Not yet

it done.

deep breath, and march toward the bathroom. But as I reach the doorway, my phone buzzes again. It's Lisa, calling this

hesitate, then answer. "Lisa, I swear, I'm about to

another minute of you stalling. You're making

know. I'm just... scared, I guess.

will still love you, no matter what. So, take the

though she can't

"You are the strongest person I

Phillip at the other end of the stick, possibly. Lisa has

waiting for the

end the call, looking down at the test in my hand once more. This time, I don't let myself hesitate. I head straight to the bathroom, shutting

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