My CEO 146
146 Party Night! (Winona)
As the days passed, Abby got stronger and the plans ctogether 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 | don't think anyone has not been able to come.
As Jayden and | 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." | nod. "I hope so. I'm not sure we even know how to do normal. Maybe with Judy gone, we can
find speace 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 | know now she tried to call it off. It's hard to just move past it, even if she's
been helpful recently."
"I know," | say softly. "But the distance will take the pressure off you. | don't think you need to feel like you have
to get over it anytsoon. | sure don't expect that, and Judy has no right to expect anything." Jayden sighs. "It's
going to take tforto trust her again."
"I'm not sure I'll ever trust her. Not really. But maybe we'll just have to eat an elephant," | suggest, hoping to
ease his mind.
He nods. "One bite at a time."
"And in the meantime, we'll focus on Abby and our future. This party is a good start."
He nods, his smile returning. "You're right. Let's make it a night to remember."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"Then | guess we'll have a date to set and a wedding to plan."
Jayden takesin his arms and his lips are on mine. | let it happen. | want his touch, his kisses. | want to be
with him in every way. | hope we can get back to that carefree place very soon. Maybe tonight is the night and
we can make it extra special.
And as | relax in Jayden's arms for a few more seconds, I'm satisfied that the future for us will be very normal
and boring.
"Con, let's get back to our guests, everything is on track in here."
"I'd like to track you right up to the bedroom."
| laugh. "I bet you would, but we need to go and be hosts. Besides, Anne will be here soon. | want to be out there
to meet her."
146 Party Night
"I know that's important to you."
"Bobby and Sarah may be a little nervous, | want to make them feel at home."
"You are an amazing person."
+25 BONUS
"It's not their fault. | know Anne can help them and I'd like to be a part of that as well. | feel responsible
somehow."
"You are not responsible for anything that happened to them."
"Maybe not, but I'd like to be responsible for helping create a happy future for them."
"Let's go." Jayden and | go outside hand in hand and the party is in full swing. I'm very proud and lucky to be
surrounded by so much love and support.
Abby is dancing with sfriends with her gorgeous ice-blue dress billowing around her. She looks so happy.
That's all | ever wanted.
in these | see Anne coming through the fairy wonderland that is the gateway and | wave. If | could run ruby red
heels | would. My elegant slinky dress matches my shoes in color and also in inability to letmove quickly. But
it was Abby's choice and she thought the red looked the best. So the red it is.
| hug Anne forever when | get to her and | see Bobby and Sarah lingering behind her.
I hold a hand out to each of them. "Hey, you two. Cand see this place. It's amazing. Abby will be so excited
to see you both."
Sarah grabs my hand but Bobby is a little reluctant. "You okay, Bobby?"
He shrugs.
"Look, no matter what happens you are part of my family now."
He shrugs again.
"How about we just be friends, start fresh. Okay?"
He nods and gives a small smile.
"Con, we'll go get scotton candy and a drink. It's all set up down the back. You can go play with the
other kids or you can just chill and watch a movie in the theater room,
I walk with them until Abby spots us and she comes running up screaming their names and she gives them both
a big hug. "Con. This is so cool. Csee."
She heads off holding Bobby's hand, walking towards the lazer light show in the trees.
Anne is besideagain now. "Wow, you really know how to throw a party."
"I think we all need this release. You look beautiful, Anne."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Thank you. Feels like forever since | wore a gown and heels."
"| think there's someone here who will really appreciate that and | do believe he has that sshade of
22
+25 BONUS
146 Party Nigh
green in his outfit."
Anne looks atand | nod towards Gordon Brown looking anything but neutral in his emerald green suit
coat.
Anne's eyes light up and then Gordon looks our way atwaving. He spots Anne and just stares. Once he picks
his jaw up off the ground, he makes short work of coming over, "Would you care to dance, Anne?"
Anne looks at me.
"Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on Bobby and Sarah. We have professional carers, so they'll be fine. Go have some
fun."
As Gordon escorts Anne to the dance floor, they fall into an easy waltz. This warms my heart.
"Shall we dance?" | hear Jayden's voice in my ear and a shiver of anticipation runs over me. His warm breath on
my ear sets my heart racing.
"I'd love to dance. Hopefully | can remember how."
"We'll wing it until the dance beat drops later" Jayden grins as he takes my hand.
"Then you can use your helicopter style to clear the floor." | laugh.
"You're just jealous."
| laugh and for a second we could be back in college.