334 A Call from Home

(Winona)

I sit on the couch, gently rocking Henry as I dial Jayden. The other kids are in the bathroom and then they’ll join us for the scheduled video call. He’s probably tied up with work, and the last thing I want to do is interrupt.

Still, we agreed about these family calls.

The screen flickers, and after a few rings, Jayden’s face fills the frame. He’s grinning.

There’s a background buzz—voices, music. Sounds like he’s in the middle of something big.

“Are you wearing a tux?”

“I am, babe. Where’s the other kids?”

“They’re just washing up. They’ll be here shortly.” I smile.

“Great. How is my little man?”

“Just fine.” I see the man I know is Hugo Deveraux hovering in the background wearing a frown.

“I’ll put you on speaker. It’s hard to hear,” Jayden says.

“I didn’t know you were busy,” I say quickly. “I can call back later if it’s a hassle.”

“No way,” Jayden replies, waving off my concern. “You’re as much a part of this as I am. Stay on. I’m glad you called.” His voice is warm, rea