Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 517

(Jayden)

“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me.

I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly.

“Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?”

She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?”

“Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.”

Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.”

“That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?”

“Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without me.”

“I think you may be right,” I say with a laugh.

Sarah walks by with a tray of drinks, her expression prim and focused. She’s going so slowly, so she doesn’t spill anything. “It’s true,” she says, not looking up. “He’s basically a superhero. I’m just the sidekick.” I’m not expecting sarcasm from her. I have to smile.

“Now, now, you two. That’s enough. Is Mom okay?”

“Aunt Lisa said she wanted a rest, but she also wanted dinner with us. So, we made a secret plan.” Sarah says, still fully focused on her tray.

I swoop in and grab it. “Let me take that upstairs.” I set the tray on the side table. “But first I need to go get Henry. Tell Mommy we’ll be up in a minute.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I head out to the car to grab Henry. I’ll have to wake him up if he’s still asleep. I’ve left my doors open, and I can hear him. He’s definitely awake now.

“Come on, little man. Let’s get you inside.” A smell hits my nostrils. “Oh, wow. I think we best get you cleaned up before you see Mommy. I don’t think that sort of aromatherapy is beneficial.”

***

The master bedroom door is open, and I peek in to see Winona propped up in bed, her laptop beside her. Abbey is on the bed beside her and Bobby and Sarah sit on the end.

Winona looks up, her face lighting up when she sees me. “You made it. I was about to call a search party.”

“You can blame your son’s rear end for the delay.”

“Hey, stipulate which son, thanks,” Bobby says.

We all laugh.

“How’s the patient?”

She tilts her head, giving me a look. “The patient is fine. Healing, not entirely useless but did need a rest. See, I can behave.”

Sarah pipes up, “I cleaned the old stable, and Mommy said maybe I can have a pony!”

Lisa stares at Winona. “Did you actually say that, or is Sarah manifesting again?”

“I said I’d discuss it with Jayden,” Winona says, shooting me a warning look.

“I’ll let you two sort that one out. Anne and I are eating downstairs. Hashtag peace and quiet.”

***

Dinner is chaotic but perfect. The kids argue over who gets the last roll, Abbey spills juice on her shirt, and Sarah insists on telling everyone about her plans for her pony.

“I’ll clear the trays, and I think you kids can take care of the bedtime routine. You should be able to manage. Bobby, you’re on story duty. I’d like some time with Mommy.” I have a lot to tell Winona.

I drop the plates off in the kitchen, thank Anne and Lisa and check that the kids are getting changed. Then I head back to my wife. I’m so happy she’s home. That we’re home together.

As much as I want to focus on the positive and everything being rosy, I have to tell Winona what I know.

My meeting with Viktor and Gus wasn’t about Global Nexus. The only way we can move forward is if we have no secrets.

We have trust to build for both of us and me telling Winona all I know about Mia and Don Alejandro is essential. I have to trust she’s well enough to cope with the news that Cass may be in grave danger.

Then I have to make sure that Winona does not get involved.