SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 231
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231 Choices
(Winona)
After dinner, the house falls into that familiar quiet. Abby's already tucked into bed. Jayden's sitting across from me in his den, sipping on his usual port nightcap
By the way he's eyeing me, he knows something's on my mind.
I lean back in my chair, running my fingers through my hair. "So... I've been thinking.
Jayden raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Should I be worried?"
I roll my eyes but can't help but grin. "Depends."
He chuckles softly, setting his port glass down. "Alright, hit me. What's on your mind?"
I take a deep breath, deciding to just dive in. "It's about the no contact order with Judy. I've been wondering if you've reconsidered letting Abby see her-supervised, of course. I'd be there. And... There's also the matter of Phillip and me having Brennan Industries as a client. I don't want it to cause any issues for my business."
Jayden's expression shifts, the playfulness gone. He leans forward, elbows resting on the table, his gaze never leaving mine. "I haven't changed my stance on seeing Judy personally. I still don't want her around Abby unless I know it's 100% safe. But if you're there.... I guess I can make adjustments."
"Thank you. I know it's a lot to ask, but Abby misses her. She asks about her all the time. And I think-"
"I get it," Jayden interrupts, his voice calm but firm. I'm not doing this for Judy. I'm doing it for Abby. If I thought Judy could manipulate her like she did with us, I'd never even consider it. But we know her tricks, Winona. Neither of us will let it happen." I nod, grateful that he trusts me, that he's willing to bend. "I will never let her have that kind of influence over Abby."
Jayden's eyes soften, and he reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "I know you won't. And as for Brennan Industries, I'll make sure the no contact order doesn't interfere with your business. You shouldn't have to walk on eggshells because of Judy." Relief washes over me, and I squeeze his hand. "You're amazing, you know that?"
"I try," he says with a grin, though there's a seriousness in his eyes that tells me he's still thinking about the implications of all this. "I'll get my legal team to make the adjustments. That way, you can move forward with Phillip and the business without any worries." I nod, grateful beyond words. "Thank you. Phillip said he will handle things at Brennan Industries so I don't have to. I just... I don't want anything to mess with what we're building. Our family, my business, everything. It's all so important."
Jayden's thumb strokes the back of my hand, his touch steady and reassuring. "Nothing's going to with us, Winona. We've been through too much already, We're stronger than any of this bullshit."
I smile, feeling the tension ease out of my shoulders. "Yeah. We are."
an
He raises his glass in a mock toast. "To making shit work, no matter what."
o mess
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I laugh and clink my glass against his. "To that."
But even as we sit there, a small part of me can't help but wonder if I'm asking for too much. Judy's manipulative, and we both know It
Letting her back into Abby's life, even in a controlled environment, feels like walking a tightrope.
We've handled worse.
I still need to tell him about the visit from Gus. But I don't want to kill his buzz just yet.
Jayden clears his throat. "There's something else, though."
I glance at him, intrigued. "What?"
"You know how I'm the wedding planner?" he says, his voice casual but laced with something more. "I want to set a date. Make it official."
My heart skips a beat, and I sit up a little straighter. 1 guess we do need to set a date."
"Yeah," he says, that familiar smirk playing on his lips again. "I've already checked out venues. Got a few options for you to choose from."
I blink, surprised. "Okay, I'm listening. What are the options?"
He starts ticking them off on his fingers. "Beach wedding, garden wedding, international wedding- Venice, Italy, wherever. There's also a grand ballroom at one of the five-star hotels in the city. Or if you want something more traditional, we can do a church wedding." I stare at him, my mind racing. "You've really thought this through."
"Not
only have I thought this through, I have their free dates this year and costs."
"That's very impressive. When did you get time?"
"Henry and I have put in the hours. He's a very good adviser."
"I guess he has his dad's business acumen. Thanks for putting so much effort into this, Into us."
"I won't half-ass things when it comes to you, Winona," he says, his voice serious now. "I want this to be perfect. I want you to feel like it's everything you've ever dreamed of."
I feel my throat tighten, emotions swirling. "I... I don't even know what to say."
He smiles, his eyes full of warmth and love. "You don't have to say anything. Just think about it and let me know what you want. Whatever it is, we'll make it happen."
I nod, overwhelmed by how thoughtful he is, how much he's willing to do to make this wedding-our wedding-everything it should be. "I will. I promise."
We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of our future settling in around us. It feels good, solid. Like we're finally on the path we're meant to be on. But last night was a restless sleep for me. Ashlyn and Jayden filled my dreams.
I clearly need to get back to Barnaby. I admit to putting it off with the sudden loss of Mom. last session scheduled together. It won't be easy going in there without her.
We had or
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I shake these thoughts and focus back on the vibe Jayden is giving me.
Jayden leans back in his chair, his eyes twinkling. "Sonny initial wedding thoughts? Beach? Italy?"
I laugh, shaking my head. "Italy?! Wow. Um...I'll let you know soon."
you are."
"Good," he says, his grin widening. "Because I'm ready whenever yo