(Winona)We're moving into the Brennan Wing family unit at the hospital today. It feels surreal to be back here, preparing for Abby's next heart operation. I remember the first time and all the fear I had over almost losing Abby to this unknown genetic fault.The air is heavy with anticipation, and despite our efforts to stay positive, there's an undercurrent of anxiety that we can’t shake off. But I know Abby is in the best hands and despite a bumpy road, she has a supportive family around her.Anne is visiting when she gets through the surgery. Bobby and Sarah aren’t coming. I felt it was a little too soon for us all. But I do hope to be able to help them rehabilitate from their ordeal and be a positive influence on their future.Abby is unusually quiet today, clinging to her favorite stuffed animal, Puppy. “Mommy, is the doctor going to make my heart all better?” she asks, her big eyes filled with innocent hope.She’s almost four and a half now and a far cry from being a toddler n
(Winona)Abby sleeps peacefully, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She’s been a trooper through the surgery, and Dr. Green has just given us the best news we could hope for—she’s come through with flying colors.“We’ll need to keep her under observation for a couple of weeks,” Dr. Green explains, his face alight with a rare smile. “But if her recovery continues this way, we won’t need to consider another operation for at least 12 months. Just monthly check-ups.”Relief spreads through me, and tears of joy prick at my eyes. “Thank you, Dr. Green. That’s just the news we needed to hear.”He nods, his expression softening. “She’s a strong little girl. Just make sure she takes it easy and follows all the post-op care instructions.”“We will,” Jayden assures him, his hand squeezing mine. “We’ll do everything by the book.”As Dr. Green leaves, I look at Jayden, my heart swelling with gratitude and love. “For the first time since her first operation I think she’s going to be o
(Winona)As the days passed, Abby got stronger and the plans came together beautifully. The garden is transformed into a magical wonderland with twinkling lights and colorful decorations.We arranged for a caterer, a drinks service, a live band, and a photographer to capture every precious moment.There’s also children’s activities and child carers on hand for later.There’s a real energy picking up and I don’t think anyone has not been able to come.As Jayden and I head into the kitchen to check on last minute things, he brings up another topic that’s clearly been on both of our minds. “You know, with Mother and Gus planning to leave soon, things might finally be normal for us.”I nod. “I hope so. I’m not sure we even know how to do normal. Maybe with Judy gone, we can find some peace and stability.”Jayden’s expression turns serious. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what Mother almost did to you. What she ultimately did to me. Even though I know now she tried to call it off. It’s har
(Winona)It’s the early hours of the morning, and the last of our friends have finally left. Jayden and I have had more alcohol tonight than we’ve had in a long time, and the buzz was nice for a change but not something I want to repeat anytime soon.I know I’ll be feeling crap when I wake up.Anne is sleeping over with Bobby and Sarah in the guest quarters and Abby has collapsed into bed after her first late night in forever. The whole part was perfect.We’ve planned a night at our usual club for a catch-up and some fun next weekend, but right now, all I can think about is the way Jayden is looking at me.He scoops me up in his arms, his eyes electric with desire, and carries me to the bedroom. His touch is burning my skin, sending shivers down my spine. We tumble onto the bed, and his hands are everywhere, igniting a fire inside me.We’ve been flirting all day and it’s been amazing. To just be open about the desire we share is a relief but the fact that we haven’t been together sinc
(Winona)My heart stops, the words hitting me like a physical blow. “You think I’m crazy?”“I never said that,” he retorts. “I meant your reactions are not rational right now.”“Oh, because you would know all about rationality, wouldn’t you? Having lived with your mother and Ashlyn, you wouldn’t know normal if it hit you in the head.”Jayden’s eyes blaze with fury. “Oh, so now you’re the expert on normal, are you? I think I’m a pretty good judge of when someone needs professional help these days.”“That’s rich coming from the guy who believed every lie Ashlyn told him,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “You were so quick to divorce me and marry her.”I should stop but now I’m on a roll. “How do I know you won’t be as cruel to me again? I took the best part of two years trying to show you what we had. You never once gave me the benefit of the doubt. You were too busy thinking with your dick and bonking Ashlyn’s brains out.”Jayden’s jaw tightens. “I was confused and manipulated.
(Jayden)I wake up with a pounding headache that swears me off drinking forever. The sunlight is stabbing through the curtains like a knife, and I groan, pulling the covers over my head. My mouth is fully carpeted, and I must have swallowed sandpaper.I roll over and the bed is empty. Wait. My hazy mind is slowly piecing things together. This isn’t Winona’s bedroom, it’s mine.Someone has put my body through a meat grinder, I’m certain. But that’s not the worst of it—no, the worst part is the memories flashing back of that argument, bringing with them a fresh wave of regret.Last night, well early this morning, was a disaster. I can still see the hurt in Winona’s eyes, hear the venom in our voices as we ripped into each other. The alcohol didn’t help, but that’s no excuse. I let my temper get the best of me, and now I’ll pay the price.Wow. Maybe I should just lay here all day. I mean, I could. The extra sleep will do me good. But my eyes pop open and I know there’s not chance of me
(Jayden)“What!? How do you know they never had sex?”“I asked. Not hard to get information, you know.”“So, what the hell am I supposed to do?” I ask, frustration boiling over. “She threw it in my face, like I can just erase the past. I can’t.”“Maybe start by not throwing a tantrum when she brings it up,” Lance says bluntly. “You’ve got to understand where she’s coming from. And for fuck’s sake, stop acting like she’s accusing you of something you didn’t do. You did it, so own it.”I rub my temples, trying to ease the thumping. “And what about you, huh? You’re sitting here pining after Lisa like a goddamn schoolboy who won’t admit he’s in love with the only woman in the world who can possibly put up with him.”He snorts. “Nice try. Actually, I’m meant to be playing golf with Phillip today, pity.”“Phillip?” I scoff. “You’re telling me you’re pining over missing out on golf with Phillip?”Lance laughs, “At least I’m not living in denial like you are.”“Denial?” I snap. “What the hell
(Winona)I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head’s pounding, my stomach’s churning, and every sound stabs into my skull. I groan, pressing my hand to my forehead as I sit up in bed.The memories of last night come flooding back—the party, the drinks, the argument.God, the argument.Anne stayed over with Bobby and Sarah. I hope they never heard us arguing like that. The kids are playing downstairs, their laughter bubbling upwards. It’s the only bright spot in my day so far.I pull on a robe and drag myself down to the kitchen, where the smell of coffee isn’t helping my nausea.“Good afternoon.” Anne glances up from the table, her eyes sharp. “You look like hell,” she says, handing me a mug.“Feel like it, too,” I mutter, taking a sip and wincing. Even the usual coffee tastes too strong. I wince. “Afternoon?” I look at the clock on the wall. “Shit, it’s almost three in the afternoon!”“I heard Jayden slam the door when he left around three in the morning,” Anne says, her voice pr