Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 39

39 One Bite At A Time 

(Winona) 

The next morning, I came out of my bedroom early to go check on Abby. Phillip and I are actually engaged. I do need to pick out a ring, but we’ll get to that soon. 

We shared some laughs and a few more kisses last night and both went to our own rooms. 

I’m not ready to take it to the next level yet. While I’m sending out a big message to everyone, as Judy wanted me too, I’m still not ready to be intimate. I sit beside Abby’s bed and watch her sleep. 

I silently pray we get the blood we need to get this operation done on Monday. 

“Hey, morning. How was last night?” Anne is beside me with coffee. 

“I asked Phillip to marry me. He said yes.” 

Abby moves her head and I nod towards the door indicating we should go out and talk. 

In the lounge area Anne sits with her coffee. “Are you sure you aren’t rushing it?” 

I shrug. “Maybe. But I’m just doing everything afraid at this point. I don’t believe in the one true love and soulmate stuff anymore. I’ve learned the hard way that life is about making choices. Now I’m making them to make sure Abby has all she needs.” 

“That’s all well and good if someone isn’t manipulating the choices on you.” 

“Anne, I’m okay and Phillip and I will be okay. All I want to do is get Abby well. I just don’t know what I’ll do if she has all these operations and then still needs a transplant.” I grip my coffee mug. 

“How do you eat an elephant?” Anne asks and gets up to push my hair off my face and cup my cheek. Like she used to when things got overwhelming between my studies. 

I nod. “One bite at a time.” 

“I’m going back to our townhouse for the week. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call me. Of course I’ll be back to visit Abby every day.” 

“Phillip and I have got this. I’m still working from home for now as we wrap up the consultancy.” 

“When do you start your new job?” 

“I have a month to get ready for that. We have a board review coming up first.” 

“That gives you time to stay with Abby. That’s great.” I walk behind Anne as she heads to the front door. 

“It’s where I need to be right now.” 

Anne pulls open the door and stops. 

I look out and standing there is Judy. 

“I can stay if you want,” Anne says. 

“It’s fine, Anne. Thanks for last night.” 

39 One Bite At A Time: 

+25 BONUS 

“Congratulations on your engagement,” Anne adds as she walks off. 

“Engagement! I see you’re listening to my advice,” Judy says. 

“Advice? Don’t you mean blackmail terms?” 

“Oh come on, stop being dramatic.” 

“Telling me to get engaged or you won’t get your blood tested was blackmail last time I checked.” 

“Well, now it’s done, and you’re engaged. So, win–win.” 

“Wait. You’ve had your blood test?” 

*You could at least invite me in for coffee.” 

I sigh and stand back from the doorway. “Come in, Judy. Make yourself at home.” I say with a thick coating of sarcasm. 

“Thank you. I take mine strong with cream and sugar.” 

“You’ve had the test?” 

“Yes. I told them I’d wait here with you for the results.” 

“Okay. Good.” I’m not sure I want to leave her alone in my living space while I make coffee. 

But I think of something that might give me an edge. “I go make the coffee. It’s about time you met Abby. She’s still sleeping but she’ll wake soon.” 

I walk her into Abby’s room.. 

“I’m not sure… 

“What’s wrong, Judy? Afraid you’ll catch feelings? I’ll be two minutes. She won’t bite.” I walk out the door before she has time to argue. 

I’ve seen baby photos of Jayden and I know Abby looks exactly like him. It has to trigger some emotion in her. I’m nervous while making coffee. She’s alone with my daughter. The person who hates me most in the world is alone with my daughter. 

It’s okay. Abby is her blood too. She won’t do anything to hurt her. I pick up the mugs and walk back to Abby’s room. I don’t speak, I just stand behind watching. Judy is transfixed on Abby as she sleeps. 

Her hand goes towards Abby’s face and I hold my breath. I want to drop these mugs and rush between them because I don’t know what she’s about to do to her. But I steel myself to just keep watching. 

She touches her cheek, tracing it softly. Abby’s gorgeous blue eyes pop open. Eyes exactly like Jayden’s. For a few seconds they just stare at each other, and Judy quickly retracts her hand. 

“Hi.” Abby’s sweet little voice speaks. It’s like Judy is someone she’s always known. She doesn’t seem phased at all.