Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

402 A Plan Comes Together

402 A Plan Comes Together (Winona)

I'm pacing the family room at the cottage, running through all the last-minute details in my head before Jayden comes home. The kids are excited, and the whole place is buzzing with energy.

Even shy, reserved Sarah has been talking a mile a minute, making sure I know she has 'a million billion things' to tell her dad when he gets here. You and me both, kiddo.

Lisa plops down onto the sofa, a mischievous grin playing at her lips. "You know," she starts, "instead of drowning Jayden in chaos the moment he walks through the door, maybe you two should have some alone time. The kids will be fine with me for a couple of hours." I give her a skeptical look. "The kids are dying to see him. We're a family-this reunion shouldn't be just about me and Jayden."

"There wouldn't be kids without you and Jayden, would there. Of course it's about you and him first."

"I'd feel selfish."

Lisa rolls her eyes, but it's all in good humor. "Yeah, yeah, family bonding is important and all that. But let's be real, you and Jayden need some time to breathe. To, you know, talk about things. I'll take the kids out to Walibi Belgium for the evening. Matteo said it's so much fun."

"Walibi Belgium?" I echo, surprised. "You really think the kids can handle that excitement right now?"

"I'm not sure Walibi can handle those kids right now. Besides, offering an ice cream cone ain't gonna cut it."

I grin. "You're right about that. They are so wired."

Lisa smirks. "Come on, they'll love it. I've already checked, and it's open late tonight. We'll ride some roller coasters, eat too much cotton candy, and have a blast."

"But it'll be crowded there, busy. You'll need eyes in the back of your head."

"I can take one or two staff with me to help keep tabs on them and be with Henry while I ride with them."

I hesitate, but Lisa's plan does make sense. Klara's words echo in my head-about finding inner calm, about keeping stress at bay for the baby's sake. Maybe a quiet dinner with Jayden is exactly what I need. A chance to tell him the news in a calm, intimate setting and work through how we'll handle everything

together.

"Okay," I say slowly, feeling a sense of relief at the idea. "A couple of hours alone might be a good thing."

Lisa's grin widens. "See? I'm full of good ideas." She leans forward, lowering her voice. "By the way, you haven't talked about not knowing, and I know you had a delivery earlier. So, I'm guessing Jayden's the dad?"

1 give her a look, but she just laughs. "Relax, Winona. You never actually told me. I just guessed. So technically, you're still telling him first."

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402 A Plan Comes Together

+25 BONUS

I can't help but smile. "You know me far too well."

Lisa's expression softens. "That's great news, you know. And keeping the whole paternity scare part to yourself, that's your plan, yes? No need to open that can of worms."

I nod. "But do you think Lance will turn up here in the next couple of hours?"

Lisa snorts. "Good luck with that. The guy's been off the radar since he went out with Sofia last night. He did text me this morning saying Europe's nightlife is 'off the chain.' He'll probably turn up tomorrow. But I will message him to stay at the estate if he's coming back this evening." "Thank you, Lisa. Seriously. Taking the kids to Walibi will be a lifesaver."

She stands up, stretching. "Anything for you, babe. Now, go plan a romantic dinner for your man. Light some candles, cook his favorite meal... make it special. You both deserve it."

I watch her go gather the kids. Shortly they are running back through hugging me and saying tell dad they'll see him soon. Lisa follows quickly with Henry in his pram and a wink.

Then this place is silent. I've already told the few staff I kept on for the cottage to have the evening off.

I head into the kitchen, my mind racing through dishes. Jayden loves simple foods with rich flavors. N think of a creamy garlic chicken with herbs and roasted vegetables, the kind of meal that makes you feel at home.

I start pulling out ingredients, finding a rhythm in the cooking that calms my nerves.

My mind drifts to the conversation I'll have with Jayden. The moment I'll tell him about the pregnancy. I picture his reaction-the shock, the joy, the fear.

It's a huge thing, attempting to bring another child into our already chaotic lives. But knowing he's the father, having that certainty, has given me a sense of determination I didn't think I'd feel.

Maybe it's false hope and maybe I'm delusional, but I'm feeling positive about this baby. With Jayden by my side, and the huge support system I have, I know I'll handle whatever comes my way.

I mean, what I've gone through already in my life hasn't stopped me. It's reshaped me and my priorities, but I'm still going. I'm still looking forward. I see that's all I have to do, even when things get tough.

Like Barnaby taught Mom and I, look for the glimmers in the day. I used to do that every day with her. All those years away from her, thinking I wasn't wanted. But she was helping me in the one way she could. By letting them take me away from her, from him. The man she eventually killed to keep our family safe. I miss her. I know Cass does too. Tomorrow I'm going to call Cass and make her tell me how she is. I'm worried.

For now, I push those thoughts aside and focus on tonight. Jayden and I need this moment-just the two of us, no distractions, no chaos.

Just a simple dinner, the face-to-face conversation I've been waiting too long to have.

I pop the dish into the oven to cook and wash my hands. Checking my watch, I see it's an hour until Jayden lands. I think I'll go shower and change into something pretty. We might even get time for a little 'dessert' before dinner. Klara said it's one of the best ways to feel