SWNOVELS Chapter 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.
But it's bittersweet. Every step forward with him feels like a reminder of Ashlyn and that damn dream I
can't shake.
Jayden wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug. "I was thinking, after dinner, we could sit down and go over some final wedding plans."
"That sounds great," I say, my heart swelling with love for him.
How can I bring up the dream now? When he's pouring his heart into this family, into making us whole? I
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245 Home Sweet Home
want to marry him more than anything in the world.
The buzzer goes, breaking the moment.
"It's Cass. Let me up." Her voice comes through the speaker.
Jayden kisses my forehead before heading back to the couch, and I go to send the elevator down.
"On the way." I say back to her via the intercom, "I wish I knew all I had to do was offer cookies to get you here."
"Please, not if you're cooking them," she teases.
"Rude!" I say before watching her step into the elevator on the screen.
Then the doors open and there she is, looking fresh from work in her chef's jacket. She beams when she sees me, holding up a carrier bag.
"I'm here for the famous Anne-made lasagna," she says, stepping inside.
"You will turn into a lasagna if you keep eating it like you do."
"What a way to go!"
I laugh, pulling her into a hug. "It's so good to see you. Come in, dinner's not ready yet, but I'm sure Anne. and the kids are almost ready."
Cass steps in, glancing around at the chaos of the penthouse. "Wow, it's lively in here tonight."
"Every night," I reply, guiding her toward the kitchen. "This is where all the action happens.
We walk into the kitchen and she is immediately swamped by Abby and Sarah. Bobby being a young teen
is less animated but the grin he has is evident of how he feels about Aunt Cass.
"Okay, you two. Let Aunt Cass breathe. You three kids can go get washed up for dinner."
Off they go.
"Hey, Cass!" Anne greets her warmly. "Your lasagna's in the freezer. I made enough for a few days."
Cass grins. "You're a lifesaver, Anne."
Anne waves her off, laughing. "You're working too hard. You need to eat."
"Speaking of work," I say, leaning against the counter, "how's it going?"
Cass's eyes light up with excitement. "It's been amazing. I've been doing so many hours as a junior chef. I get a week's break just before the wedding, and I cannot wait. Plus, my passport arrived yesterday!" "That's great!" I smile. "Maybe we could take a little trip somewhere fun during your break. Just you and me, a sister getaway before I tie the knot."
Cass's face falls slightly, and I instantly know something's up.
"Actually," she starts hesitantly, "I've already made plans. Gabriel and I are going to Cancun"
I blink, disappointment runs through me. "Oh."
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Owe
Cass shrugs, not picking up on my tone. "Yeah, Gabriel's been keen to take me somewhere, so we finally decided on Cancun,"
I frown, trying to hide my concern. "Cancun? It's beautiful, but... you need to be careful, Cass. Stay in the tourist areas, don't trust strangers. You have to be wary in foreign places where you don't understand the language and culture." Cass waves me off, smiling. "Mia's going with us. Don't worry, we'll be sticking to the beaches and resorts. Besides, Mia's been teaching me some Spanish, so we're covered."
I've changed my mind about Mia. After spending some time with her and giving her a chance like Cass asked, I've seen she isn't a bad influence.
In fact, I think she's been a positive influence, helping Cass get out of her shell and trust herself as a
person more.
I'm still not down with the age gap with her and Gabriel, but it's not worth pushing Cass away over. As Jayden says, making bad choices is a right of passage.
I feel better knowing Mia will be there. "Okay, but make sure you're back in time for the wedding. Maybe travel back a day earlier than planned, just in case there are flight delays or cancellations. Keep me posted."
Cass laughs. "I will be here, I promise. I wouldn't miss the wedding for anything."
"Good," I say, giving her a quick hug. "You're an important part of that day."
She pulls away, smiling. "I'll be there, sis."
I trust Cass, but Cancun? With Gabriel?
I can't shake the feeling that something could go terribly wrong.
But Cass knows that no matter what, I'll be there for her if she needs me.
Even if it's a rescue mission to Cancun
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246 Getting Intel