billion book
427 Planning the Next Move
427 Planning the Next Move (Winona)
"Keeping you and the baby safe is the thing that matters," he says, his voice low but firm. "But taking Judy out of our lives is also a priority."
"True. But all we can do is divide and conquer. Me fighting Judy beside you is going to put extra stress on this pregnancy."
"If you and the kids head back to the States," he says. "Back to the life you know, where it's familiar, at least until we've dealt with Judy. That could work in the short term. With you over there, and her here, you'll feel safer."
"I thought the same, but flying is a risk, anyway. And I really love what we've been building here with the kids. Then seeing what Klara has achieved, that's like all my dreams come true."
"I get it, but Brussels will still be here," he says. "What if we found a way that wouldn't be so stressful on you or the baby? Maybe a cruise ship home."
He looks completely serious about this.
"It'd be longer, but it'd give you time to relax, avoid the pressure and altitude of flying, and it might actually be good for all of you." He finishes with a satisfied look.
I can't help but let out a small, incredulous laugh. "A cruise? Seriously? Do not tell me you'll book out an entire cruise ship just for us or buy a cruise ship and crew." Jayden's lips twitch with the faintest hint of a smile. "Not the worst ideas I've ever had."
I smile. "Well, it's not a bad idea to consider. To cruise like normal folk."
"Normal rich folk, in this instance."
I fold my arms, considering it. The idea of sailing away from everything, letting the gentle rocking of the waves lull me into some kind of peace... There's something appealing about it.
But then the practical side of me kicks in. "And what about Nexus Global?" I ask, my voice more serious." You've put so much into the future direction, to make it family-focused. I can't do that from a distance."
"The changes will wait. We have bigger priorities right now. If it comes down to it, we'll put everything on pause until we know for sure how things stand with the baby. After that... if our marriage is still standing, we'll take over the world together."
"And if our marriage isn't?"
"We'll make the kids our priority."
I feel my heart soften at the way he says it, There's a vulnerability in his not assuming everything will magically be okay for us, but also hope. "You mean it, don't you?"
He takes a step closer, his eyes steady. "I promise you, Winona. I'll be there for the kids, no matter what. Even if it's from a distance, even if I have to pretend to be something I'm not to fool Judy. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you all. Even if we choose to stay apart."