(Winona)“Ummm, Winona? I’m kinda hungry still.”“Wow. Okay. Look I’ll make some sandwiches, okay?”“PB and J?”“That’s not much of a dinner…” But I’m really too tired to argue.I guess it’s Kids one, Winona zero, on the dinner scale.I go make enough sandwiches for them all and distribute them. So much for discipline. Now I’m letting them eat in their beds.Another glance at the clock. Two hours late now. My patience is wearing thin. But I’m going to finish this evening on a happy note. I tidy the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink to soak.I don’t want to use the dishwasher all the time. We make things way too easy for ourselves. Once it’s in the drainer, I go and empty the bath and get the clothes and towels into the hamper.Then I go back past the girls' rooms and take their plates and kiss them goodnight. I tuck them in and lower their lights.I suppose they should clean their teeth. Well, once won’t hurt. I’m not getting them up again.I go and pour myself a glass of wine an
(Jayden)Lance leans back in his chair, one arm draped over the back, a beer in his other hand. We’re out on the balcony of my penthouse, the city stretched out in front of us like it always has been, but life looks a lot different these days.“Man, you ever think we’d be here? A few days out from a second wedding run?” Lance asks, taking a long sip from his beer. “You with four kids, me... well, still doing whatever the hell I’m doing.”I laugh, shaking my head. “Nah. Back in college, I figured we’d be tearing it up until we were fifty, still chasing girls and getting wasted every weekend.”“Well, one of us is doing that,” Lance grins, tipping his beer toward me. “You’re practically a family man. Settling down with Winona. Are you sure you’re ready?”I shrug, taking a drink from my own beer. “It’s been a wild ride, but... it feels right, you know?”Lance raises an eyebrow. “Even with all the shit that’s gone down? I mean, Judy, Gus, the whole Nexus Global empire—how are you not losin
(Winona)“Oh my God, you’re going to kill me, but I was thinking about another hen’s night,” Lisa says, leaning forward with that devilish grin she always gets when she’s up to something.I freeze, blinking at her. “No. Absolutely not.”Lisa’s grin falters. “What? Come on,”I shake my head, feeling the tension in my neck already building. “I don’t need another hen’s night, okay? I just want to focus on getting through this wedding without any more drama.”Lisa gives me a mock pout, but I can tell she’s not ready to drop it. “You’re seriously telling me you don’t want another night out with your girls? Come on. You’re killing me.”I set my glass down a little harder than necessary. “I’m serious, Lisa. No hen’s night. And definitely no more clubs. I’m done with that.”Lisa sighs, sitting back in her chair, but I can see her mind working. “Fine.”I groan. “Good. It’s done and dusted.”Lisa just shrugs, clearly not convinced. “Alright, fine, we’ll skip the party. But how are things betwee
(Jayden)I run my hand through my hair for the third time and stare at my reflection in the mirror. The suit’s sharp—tailored perfectly, every button in place. Today is the day. Again.My wedding day.“You good, man?” Lance asks, standing behind me in his own tux, straightening his tie for the hundredth time.“Yeah,” I lie, turning away from the mirror and checking my cufflinks instead.“Don’t sound like it,” Lance chuckles, sitting on the edge of the couch. “You’ve done this before, remember?”I shoot him a look. “Exactly. I’ve done this before. And the last time... she didn’t make it.”Lance’s grin fades a little, but he shrugs. “Different day, different circumstances. You know she’s coming this time.”I take a deep breath, my stomach still turning over itself. He’s right. Winona will be there. I know that. But the tension’s been high lately. Between Nexus Global, our plans, our clashes on how to raise the kids—there’s been a lot going on.I’m not blind to it. But I’m trying to bel
(Winona)The doors swing open, and there’s a collective gasp from the guests as I step into the aisle. I can feel all eyes on me, eager faces turning to watch as I make my way toward Jayden.My heart is pounding, but not from nerves this time—just excitement, pure and simple.The dress floats around me, the delicate lace catching the soft light as I move. It’s a modern cut, sleek and fitted through the bodice, with intricate old-fashioned lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves.The fabric hugs my curves, but in the most elegant way, and the long detachable skirt trails behind me, creating a dramatic, sweeping train. The long, lace-trimmed veil covers my face and blends down over the train perfectly.Every bit of it feels like a dream.Underneath the lace, there’s the smoothness of silk, soft and luxurious against my skin. And once the ceremony is done, I’ll detach the skirt and train, revealing the more understated reception dress underneath. It’s the perfect combination of cl
(Winona)As we walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. Everything feels perfect—the ceremony, Jayden, the kids. This is exactly how I imagined it should be.But as we step into the side room, away from the guests, there’s still one more moment that I’ve been waiting for. Jayden squeezes my hand, and we both turn to face Bobby, Sarah, and Abby, who are waiting with wide eyes.This isn’t just about the two of us—it’s about all of us.The adoption paperwork is laid out on a small table, and the judge stands nearby, ready for the next part of the ceremony. I catch Bobby’s eye, and he gives me a small, almost nervous smile.Sarah’s fidgeting with the hem of her dress, clearly excited but trying to stay calm.This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the one that makes us an official family.Jayden steps forward, his voice soft but firm. “Bobby, Sarah,” he says, looking at them both with a serious expression, “you two have been through so much, and
(Winona)The soft hum of chatter and laughter fills the grand ballroom, but all I can focus on is Jayden’s hand resting on my waist as we stand in the middle of the dance floor.The lights are dim, casting a warm glow over everything, and the music begins to swell as the DJ starts our first dance.Jayden’s eyes lock onto mine, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he pulls me close. “You ready for this, Mrs. Brennan?”I can’t help but grin. “I’ve never been more ready.”We start to move together, slow and easy, like we’ve done this a million times before. In a way, we have—through all the ups and downs, through the chaos and the heartbreak.But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s perfect.The world around us fades, the guests disappearing from my mind as I rest my head against Jayden’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my cheek.His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer, and I let out a contented sigh.“We did it,” he whispers into my ear, his breath war
(Jayden)I blink, adjusting to the light as I wake, feeling Winona’s body curled up against mine, her head resting on my chest. The quiet of the morning wraps around us.It’s one of those rare moments of peace. The kids are still asleep, no wonder. It was a night ending in wedding cake and ice cream. But for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s no rush, no tension. Just us.Winona stirs, her fingers brushing lazily over my skin. “Morning, Mr. Brennan,” she murmurs, her voice heavy with sleep.I grin, tightening my arm around her. “Morning, Mrs. Brennan. How’re you feeling?”She lets out a soft laugh, lifting her head slightly to meet my eyes. “Like I got hit by a truck, in the best way possible.”Last night flashes through my mind, the night we shared. Passion, relief, and love all rolled into one. I can’t help but smile. “You looked incredible yesterday. But you look even better now.”Winona rolls her eyes playfully. “Yeah I bet my bed hair and panda eyes are killer.”
(Winona)The law office feels oppressive, the kind of place that absorbs every ounce of emotion and holds it hostage.Lisa sits beside me, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her skirt. She’s trying to look composed, but the redness around her eyes gives her away. She hasn’t stopped crying since Lance’s death.I glance at the empty chair where Jayden should be. I tried to convince him to come, but he flat-out refused. Too much history. Too much pain. I can’t force him, and honestly, I don’t have the energy to try. I wasted enough of my life trying to change Jayden’s mind on things.I’m free of Judy and I’m going to make the most of that. This much I do know. But first, I need to get Lisa through this tragedy and broken heart.The lawyer clears his throat. “Thank you for coming. We are here for the reading of Lance Edward Collins’ last will and testament. Copies of the document will be provided after this session.”Lisa shifts in her seat, her breathing shallow. I reach over and squ
(Jayden) My driver pulls up outside Brennan Industries, and I step out, the morning air biting against my skin.Lance’s absence is a void that’s both personal and professional, and the tension in my shoulders feels like it’s pulling me apart. He was the best and matching him won’t be easy. But Lance had something here that is hard to find. He cared about his work and his colleagues.Lance was never in it for the money. His money came from his parents. But he wanted to be a part of something and belong somewhere and Brennan Industries was that for him.Inside, the lobby is busy but there’s a definite subdued energy. This speaks volumes about the morale of the staff. Mother and Lance both leave a huge gap and it’s my job now to bridge that.As I walk through, people greet me with polite nods and murmured “Good mornings.” Their eyes follow me, probably trying to gauge how things will change now that I’m back.I reach the top floor boardroom, the management team is already gathered and
(Winona)Lisa sits curled into the corner of her couch, her legs tucked beneath her and a blanket draped across her lap.“So, one reading down, one to go,” I say, setting two mugs on the coffee table and taking a seat in the armchair across from her. “Are you ready?” She looks up, blinking like she’s coming out of a daze. “Yeah, well... I don’t think I can be there. It’s still too much.” “Fair.” I lean forward, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I know it’s hard. But it’s a start, you know? A start to getting on the other side of all this.” She shrugs.“I’ll be right by your side.”Lisa exhales slowly, tugging the blanket tighter. “It’s just... everything. The way it happened. The way he let me in and really loved me for those few days. The way he left. And now this reading, like it’s going to somehow tie up all the loose ends. But it won’t, will it? Nothing changes that he’s gone.” I nod, letting her words hang in the air for a moment. “No, it doesn’t change that. But it mig
(Winona)The law office is still and cold, a contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. Jayden sits beside me, his jaw set, shoulders tight with the tension he’s carried for days.I can tell he’s ready for this to be over but also bracing for whatever last hand Judy might play.“You okay?” I whisper. He doesn’t answer at first, his stare fixed on the polished table.“No,” he finally says. “But let’s get it done.”Mr. Carter, the lawyer, clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “Thank you all for being here. We are gathered for the reading of the final will and testament of Judith Ann Brennan.”Jayden shifts in his chair, his knee bouncing with restless energy. I can feel the heat of his frustration, but I keep my hands to myself. No comfort from me is going to land right at this moment.“This will was last amended six months ago,” Carter continues. “Mrs. Brennan made several significant changes, which we will now outline. Copies of the full document will be provided afterw
(Jayden)The elevator dings, and the penthouse opens up before me. This used to be my happy place. Where I could unwind and take in the city lights with a nightcap or three. Before kids.Now it looks like an executive man cave with a family shoved in.I was an idiot for pushing that idea. There’s a crooked home-made banner saying Welcome Daddy, and a tray of icing and sprinkle laden cupcakes on the side table. My heart surges.A chorus of voices breaks through. “Daddy!” Abby’s little feet pound the hardwood floor as she barrels toward me, her arms wide and her face split into a grin. She wraps herself around my leg like a koala. “You’re early!”“Hey, princess,” I say, lifting her up as Bobby and Sarah rush in right behind her. Bobby grabs my middle in a tight hug, and Sarah hovers just slightly back, smiling shyly. “I sure am. Surprise!”“Missed you, Dad,” she says softly.“I missed you too, kiddo,” I reply, wrapping my free arm around her.Winona’s voice carries from the living room,
(Jayden)The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn’t register anymore.I’ve spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.I hit call on Viktor’s number, knowing he’ll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he’s actually human sometimes.“Jayden,” Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. “What’s wrong?”“Nothing’s wrong,” I say quickly. “I need to talk to you about Nexus. I’m flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I’m gone.”There’s a brief pause, then a low chuckle. “You’re not serious.”“Dead serious.”“Jayden,” Viktor says evenly, “I don’t run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close.”“You also know Nexus Global inside out,” I counter. “You’ve been in the tre
(Winona)The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn’t wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I’m eager to get back to the penthouse.“You look awful,” Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there’s concern in her eyes.“Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” I grin.“Hey, at least you’re walking out of here,” she retorts, falling into step beside me. “So, what’s the verdict?”“Blood pressure’s back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off.” I know they think I’ll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.“Good,” she says, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re not exactly known for taking it easy.”I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. “Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?”“No. Not yet. I just can’t,” she says quickly. “But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn’t doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I
(Winona)It’s been months since Henry was discharged from Neonatal, but the memories of sleepless nights, anxious conversations, and cautious hope are still fresh. Now here I am again but for my own pregnancy.Nurse Ellen Mitchell spots me first. “Winona Brennan!” she greets with a wide smile, her sharp eyes immediately scanning me like a mother hen. “Europe didn’t steal you away permanently, huh? Is Henry okay?”I laugh softly. “He is thriving. I’m here for… me, this time.”Ellen nods and squeezes my arm in support, gesturing toward the exam room. “We got you. Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves are ready. Let’s see how you’re holding up.”Inside, the doctor’s room feels like it always did with Nurse Casey Ramirez prepping the equipment. “Look who it is,” she says with a grin. “Our favorite mama. How’s Henry? Still dazzling the world?”I smile, relaxing a little. “He’s doing great. Eats like a trucker and sleeps like an angel when he’s not too busy chasing after Bobby’s cat.”These ladies were
(Jayden)The phone rings just as I finish my third coffee of the morning. I glance at the caller ID: Unknown.But I know it’s Gus. I take a deep breath. This is going to be challenging. I answer, keeping my tone even. “Jayden Brennan.” “Jayden,” Gus replies. “Awful news. I can hardly imagine what you’re going through.” “I’m managing. There’s a lot to get through.” “Yes. Have they released the bodies yet?” “Just waiting on final paperwork, so probably tomorrow. How are you?” “Shit,” he admits, and the bluntness catches me off guard. “Judy’s gone, and I can’t quite believe it.”He exhales. “My biggest regret is not making us a family all that time ago. And now she’s just… gone.” I let the silence stretch, unsure how to respond.“I tried to fix things recently,” Gus continues. “Hoped I could. But Judy played me as much as she played everyone else. She loved me, yes, but she was never going to stop punishing me.” “She knew what she was doing, Gus,” I say. “She manipulated everyo