(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)I can’t believe we’re here. Henry’s car seat is strapped securely in the back, and Jayden’s driving slower than I’ve ever seen him. The hospital discharged him today—our baby boy.Finally, after months of fear and sleepless nights, we get to bring him home. I glance back at him, his tiny little body bundled up in warm clothes and woolen hat.He’s still so small, but he looks so much better than the first time I saw him hooked up to a thousand machines. Now he looks like any smaller newborn, but he’s already been on the earth almost five months.“How are you doing back there, little man?” I say, though I know he won’t respond. I just like talking to him. His eyes are open, drifting slowly around as he takes in the world.Maybe I should have sat in the back with him. He doesn’t cry, but he looks squirmy. I hope I’m up to caring for him. I’m very, very nervous about it,Jayden glances at me, his hand resting on my knee. “You okay?”I nod, even though a lump forms in my throat. “
(Winona)It’s been a few days since we brought Henry home, and it feels like the house is running on a delicate balance of chaos and calm. The kids are adjusting to not being quite so noisy over the weekend, but it’s a lot.Jayden’s been amazing—stepping in with the older kids when I’m too exhausted, making sure everything is in order with Henry’s equipment, and juggling his own work in between. But I’m not forgetting he will be gone soon.Right now, Henry’s sleeping in the automatic swing next to me, his tiny chest rising and falling steadily. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching him breathe.After everything, just seeing him here, breathing on his own... It feels like a miracle.Jayden took Bobby and Sarah out for a walk to the park, giving them some fresh air. Abby’s curled up on the couch, flipping through a picture book. She hasn’t let Henry out of her sight since we brought him home. Wouldn’t even go to the park.She’s obsessed, constantly asking to help feed him or tou
(Jayden)I lean against the kitchen counter, my eyes on the kids as they sit at the dining table, happily eating lunch. Bobby and Sarah are laughing at something Abby said, and it’s one of those rare moments where everything seems perfect.But there’s a pit in my stomach, and I can’t ignore it.Nexus Global is the thing I need to deal with right now and the sooner I do the better. I’ve had calls and emails from various people in the team and none of them seem at all sympathetic to my situation.In fact, they give the impression that I’m being weak by wanting to support my family. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fit in with this team. Things seem to be done so differently over there.I can’t even go and ask for help from Gus as he goes through the trial process. So I’m on my own.My phone buzzes in my pocket. I already know who it is. Hugo Devereux. He’s been calling every day, demanding my attention for some Nexus Global crisis or other.I swipe away the notification for the third time toda
(Winona)Henry’s finally asleep, and the house is settling into that sweet, quiet lull that comes after a long, hectic day. I recheck the monitor and tiptoe out of the nursery, closing the door softly behind me, and head downstairs.It’s still surreal having Henry home, and part of me feels like I should be watching over him constantly, but the doctors assured us that the specialist equipment and nanny support would alert us if anything goes wrong.The monitor screens are set up in the living and kitchen areas and our bedroom. But I am well aware I need to relax and let go a little as well. I’m not going to end up being a helicopter mom when the kid’s sixteen.It’s bad enough now, I can’t focus on my work and business right now. I’m going away for an extended time. Phillip needs support at work and I’m still getting hit with the awkwardness every time I see him. I have to make a choice soon.Is it time to sell up my half and become a fulltime Mom?But enough of that. Cass is here and
(Winona)Jayden leaves later tonight. I’m trying my best not to be sad in front of him. I really want this opportunity for us.As much as it was a shock for Gus to throw him in at the deep end, I can see a certain buzz back in Jayden since he’s been a businessman again.I like that for him.I glance over at him, his focus somewhere far away. “You all packed?”Jayden nods, sipping his coffee. “Mostly. Just a few last-minute things to throw in the bag. It’s weird, though. This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Dubai overnight.”My stomach tightens at the thought. He’ll be gone for a whole month before we can join him, and I’ll be juggling everything here—Henry, the kids, work, and planning the big move. I’ve never been more excited and more nervous in my life.“I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” I admit, leaning back into the couch. “Europe. I mean... we’ve talked about it, planned for it, but now that it’s real...”Jayden reaches over, squeezing my hand. “Hey, we’re going to be fine. The