Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

41 Getting' It Done (Jayden)

"Mother! Wow, this is great news." I'm genuinely happy that she's a match. Maybe this can go some way to mending bridges between her and Winona. "Son, yes. It really is."

"So, Abby can go for her next op Monday, as soon as your mother gives her blood donation.... oh, that's if you agree to it, Judy, I'd hate to presume..." Winona adds.

Why does she have to say something like that? Is she just trying to make an argument?

"Of course she'll donate. What are you saying? Do you really think Mother would refuse?" I snap back.

"Of course not. I just meant she may be busy today." Winona says and I know she's just saying that to cover for how she feels about Mother.

"I think it's about time you stopped all the petty hatred thing. The past is the past, Winona. Get Mother has really been trying lately."

t over it.

"Yes, I agree. It's time to let bygones be bygones." Winona says and her voice brightens up. "Look, I want to throw a combined birthday and welcome home party for Abby in three weeks. I'd love you all to come, and I think it's time she knew the truth." "Will she be well enough?" I ask.

"Doctor Green feels she will be able to come home in three weeks with the right bloods and the success of the next operation."

"Mother, I think that's a great idea. Don't you?" I'm over the game playing. I almost told Winona last night that I wanted us to be together again. But she was right to leave with Phillip.

"I'll be there with bells on," Mother replies.

"Ashlyn and I would love to come. She could really do with the support being pregnant. I'd love Abby to be her big sister too. Kids shouldn't have to miss out because of their parent's hang-ups." "Exactly," Winona answers.

"When are you donating, Mother?" I ask.

"I'm going to go there now."

"Can you come here after that? Ashlyn and I want to talk to you about the wedding. We're speeding it up. She has an important question for you."

"I'll see you both soon. Bye."

"Bye, Jayden," Winona says

before I dis act the call

"Was that your mother on the phone? Ashlyn says as she walks into the kitchen.

"Yes, and Winona "

47 Getting It Done

Ashlyn looks up, surprised. "They're together?"

I nod. "Mother is a match for Abby. She's about to go and donate the blood now."

"That's great."

"Then I've asked her to come here." I hand her a glass of juice.

"Okay." She takes the juice and sips it.

"Are you and her going to be fine, after all that's happened?"

"My loyalty is to you. If Judy chooses to accept that, there will be no problem. I'm not going to let her stress me out. I'll come to you and be honest, every time."

If

you can do that, we'll be together for a very long time."

"Jayden, I know last night was hard for you. It was hard for me seeing you watch that all happen. I know you love Winona. A connection like you two shared doesn't just go away."

I see this as my chance to make my choice permanent and convince Ashlyn I want her and this baby more than anything else in the world right now. "You're right. I will always love Winona and a part of her will always love me, I guess. But we've made our decisions, and we will stick by them."

"You ran after her last night."

I nod. "Yes. I had a moment, Memories came back again. I just wanted to ask her if she was sure. Giving up being the father of my first born child isn't easy."

"You don't have to give it up. I'm sure that's not what Winona wants either. There are plenty of very successful blended families and co-parenting situations out there."

"But that takes a big effort of understanding from all parties."

Ashlyn nods. "I get it. Kids are involved and that's big. I'm not asking you to forget everything that you and Winona had, I'm asking you to love me and move forward with me. I will give her respect as the mother of your child, as long as she does the same for me." "Winona is planning a birthday party for Abby in three weeks. She'd like us to be there. She wants to tell Abby I'm her father but Phillip is still going to be that to her on a day to day basis," I explain.

"I am there for whatever you decide is best."

"I'm very happy to hear that. I've asked Mother to come over for a special reason,"

She raises her eyebrows at me in question.

"I know I said three months, Ashlyn, but I want us to get married right away. This afternoon. Lance is coming to join us and I want you to ask Mother to be your witness."

"Lance knows about everything?"

I guess she doesn't want to explain herself over and over. She and Lance were never exactly friends. He never trusted her. "Yes, of course, he's my best friend. He's never let me down."

"Right." She smiles. "I guess we're all set then. Are we going to Vegas?"

#1 Getting It Done

"I'm not that insensitive. I've made arrangements for a civil marriage downtown. You'll need to go first and show your identification. I figured you could do that while shopping." "Shopping?"

"I assumed you'd want a dress and the trimmings. I'll wear a tux. Mother can go help you pick one out, seeing as your parents can't be here." They were away on a world cruise. I'd spoken to them earlier and gotten their blessing. "They're expecting your call, we can have them on video."

She smiles and she really is beautiful. Glowing.

"After the board review and Abby's party, we'll go on our honeymoon.

"I'd love that." Ashlyn puts her arms around me. "I love you, Jayden. I promise. No more lies."

"I trust you. Just trust me."

"Always."