Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 310

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310 Setting Into Parenthood 

310 Settling Into Parenthood 

(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 touch his tiny hands. 

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the exhaustion hit me like a brick. I thought I was prepared for this. I mean, I knew bringing a newborn home would be tough, especially with his medical needs. 

But I wasn’t ready for how it would drain me, how every moment is spent thinking about whether he’s okay, whether I’m doing enough. I don’t remember being this tired with Abby. Maybe I was. 

“Mommy, when can I hold him?” Abby asks for the fifth time today, her voice soft but persistent. 

“Soon, sweetie,” I say, trying to keep the tiredness out of my voice. “He just needs a little more time to get stronger. Maybe later this week.” 

Abby’s face falls a little, but she nods. “Okay, Can I sit with you, then?” 

I smile and pat the spot next to me on the couch. “Of course.” 

She climbs up next to me, snuggling in close. Her tiny hand rests on my arm, and I feel her eyes on Henry, watching him like she’s trying to memorize every tiny detail. 

“Why is he so small?” Abby whispers, her big eyes wide with curiosity. 

“He was born a little early,” I explain gently. “But he’s getting stronger every day. He’ll grow, just like you did.” 

“Amy’s having a baby sister.” 

“Amy? Your friend at school?” 

She nods. “But her mommy has a big belly. Amy says the baby is growing in there.” 

“Yes, sweetie, that’s right.” 

“Why wasn’t Henry in your belly?” 

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10 Setting Into Parenthood 

“Ah. Well, I am the luckiest Mommy in the world because Henry’s real mommy helped make him strong for us. Then the doctors and nurses did.” 

“But you are his real Mommy now?” 

“Yes darling. Just like with Bobby and Sarah. We are all a real family now.” 

Abby looks up at me, her forehead scrunched up in thought. “Was I that small when I was a baby?” 

I laugh softly. “No, you were about as big as Henry is now. But all babies start out small, and then they grow.” 

Abby nods, satisfied with that answer, and leans her head on my shoulder. “I hope he grows fast. I want him to play with me.” 

“We’ll get there,” I say, kissing the top of her head. “One day at a time.” 

The elevator dings and I hear the sound of Bobby and Sarah’s laughter filling the house. Jayden’s voice follows, low and soothing as he tells them to take off their shoes in the foyer and go wash up before seeing Henry. 

Jayden gives us a wink as he heads for the kitchen and I hear him washing his hands. 

“Abby, you want to help me with lunch?” Jayden calls, and Abby jumps off the couch. 

“Yeah!” 

I watch her race into the kitchen, her energy a stark contrast to the quiet moments we’ve had with Henry. It’s like I’m living in two different worlds–one filled with the busyness of raising three active kids. 

The other revolves around keeping a fragile life thriving. 

Jayden pokes his head into the living room, his eyes landing on Henry before meeting mine. “He still sleeping?” 

“Yeah,” I say, leaning back into the couch. “Thank God. He really needs it.” 

Jayden walks over, sitting on the edge of the coffee table in front of me. His hand rests on my knee, his thumb brushing back and forth in a soothing rhythm. “You okay?” 

I close my eyes for a second, feeling the weight of the exhaustion sink into my bones. “I don’t know. This is hard. Harder than I thought it would be. And you’re leaving soon.”