Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 454

(Winona)

The hotel lobby is warm and welcoming, its soft lighting a balm after the long flight. The kids buzz with excitement as they spot a familiar face waiting for us by the concierge desk.

“Nanny Anne!” Abby squeals, bolting toward her. Puppy dangles from one hand.

Anne crouches down, her arms open wide. “There’s my little ones!”

Abby crashes into her, followed closely by Bobby and Sarah. They hug tightly. Even Henry lets out a delighted squeal from Lisa’s arms, his little legs kicking in excitement.

Anne looks up at me, her face beaming. “Oh, Winona. It’s so good to see you all safe.”

“It’s good to see you too,” I say, my voice thick with relief. The worry I’ve been carrying since we left Brussels eases slightly. Anne has always been our rock, and knowing she’ll be here for the next few days makes everything feel a bit more manageable.

Lisa hands Henry over to Anne, who hugs him close. “Look at you, Henry. You’ve grown so much!”

“Can you believe it?” Lisa says with a laugh. “He’s a proper little man now.”

“We missed you, Nanny Anne!” Abby says, squeezing her tight.

“I missed you too, sweetheart,” Anne replies, her voice soft. “All of you.”

“I have a cell phone now,” Bobby says proudly.

“Quite the responsibility, Bobby. Sarah, your hair has grown so much and look at the color in your cheeks… all of you. I can see Brussels agreed with you.”

Lisa shifts her bag on her shoulder. “I’m going to head out to my apartment and get some rest. I’ll be back early with the SUV so we can hit the road first thing tomorrow house hunting.”

I nod. “Thanks, Lisa. Sleep well.”

“You too,” she says, giving me a quick hug before waving to the kids. “Goodnight, guys! See you bright and early.”

“Bye, Aunt Lisa!” they chorus, their voices echoing through the lobby.

Anne guides the kids along the expansive hallway to the suite, her presence already making things feel calmer. Concierge will deliver our luggage. The kids chatter nonstop as we get them settled in, their excitement masking their exhaustion.

By the time we’ve unpacked the essentials and ordered room service, it’s past 8 p.m. The kids dig into their meals, Anne has made us some tea and I lift the lids on our steak and vegetables.

“Boy, that looks good.” I hope I can eat it all. My appetite has taken a hit lately.

“You guys must be tired after such a big day flying,” I say, ruffling Bobby’s hair once all our plates are empty.

“I’m not tired,” Abby insists, stifling a yawn.

“Me neither,” Bobby adds, though his eyelids are drooping.

Sarah, always the practical one, finishes her food and leans back in her chair. “I think I’m ready for bed. But will Dad call us?”

“He sure will. I’ll text him and let him know, or Bobby, you can do that if you like, after you all wash up for bed.”

“I will, Mom.”

Anne smiles. “Let’s get everyone cleaned up and settled, then.”

I shoot a quick message to Jayden telling him the kids are almost ready for bed and very happy to see Anne.

He replies he’s just had a message from Bobby and he’ll call to speak with them all soon and he’ll text me later.

I sent him a smiley emoticon.

Once the kids are tucked in, the suite falls blissfully silent. Anne and I retreat to the small sitting area by the window, the city lights casting a soft glow.