Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

It's been months since Henry was discharged from Neonatal, but the memories of sleepless nights, anxious conversations, and cautious hope are still fresh. Now here I am again but for my own pregnancy. Nurse Ellen Mitchell spots me first. "Winona Brennan!" she greets with a wide smile, her sharp eyes immediately scanning me like a mother hen. "Europe didn't steal you away permanently, huh? Is Henry okay?" I laugh softly. "He is thriving. I'm here for... me, this time."

Ellen nods and squeezes my arm in support, gesturing toward the exam room. "We got you. Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves are ready. Let's see how you're holding up."

Inside, the doctor's room feels like it always did with Nurse Casey Ramirez prepping the equipment. "Look who it is," she says with a grin. "Our favorite mama. How's Henry? Still dazzling the world?"

I smile, relaxing a little. "He's doing great. Eats like a trucker and sleeps like an angel when he's not too busy chasing after Bobby's cat."

These ladies were instrumental in getting Jayden and I through Henry's birth trauma. I'm glad they were available for me. This security validates my decision to fly back despite the risk.

But I do wish I could have Klara here too. I miss her friendship and expertise.

Casey wraps the blood pressure cuff around my arm. "That boy was born to win hearts like his dad. And how's this little one treating you?"

"Okay but it's a constant worry in the back of my mind," I admit, even as my chest tightens at the thought of what could go wrong. "I've been feeling a little off today. Nothing major. Just a lingering headache, I had an ultrasound and blood pressure done yesterday and everything was fine."

"But still, under your circumstances it's a good thing you came in," Casey says, tightening the cuff. "Let's get some readings."

Dr. Harris enters. Her presence immediately grounds me. "Winona," she says, nodding. "Good to see you again. Let's take a look at what's going on."

As Dr. Harris reviews the results, Dr. Diana Reeves steps in. She's the neonatologist who handled Henry's care and is set to oversee this baby's arrival or otherwise. "How's our little miracle, Henry?" she asks, her tone warm.

"Growing fast," I reply. "Mostly bossing his siblings around non-verbally."

Ellen, who's been typing notes, chimes in. "They sure have skills. Don't say much but they can get their point across."

"We can all learn a lot from the communication skills of infants and toddlers." I smile.

Dr. Harris speaks up, her tone even but serious. "Your blood pressure's elevated. It's not dangerous yet, but it's higher than we'd like, especially given your challenges with this pregnancy. We're going to monitor you for a while and take some blood for any signs of preeclampsia or infection."

The nurse comes to attach a baby heart rate monitor on my abdomen. "Just try and stay still so this monitor doesn't move."

My stomach drops. "Is the baby okay?"

The heartbeat is visible on the screen and I can hear it.

"Right now, everything seems stable," Dr. Harris reassures me. "But we need to keep it that way. We'll keep you here until your blood pressure normalizes and the lab results come back. It's a precaution."

Casey squeezes my shoulder. "Better safe than sorry, right? You've got this, Winona."

I nod, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. "I just... I don't want to lose this baby."

Dr. Reeves steps closer. "Winona, you're doing everything right. And while there are no guarantees, taking these precautions gives your baby the best chance. We'll handle the rest."

Ellen adds, "And you've got a whole team rooting for you. You're not alone."

The words are comforting, but the underlying reality is heavy. "I want to get back to the kids. I promised I'd make dinner with them tonight."

Casey glances at the clock. "Let's see what your labs say. If your BP comes down, maybe we can cut you loose in an hour."

As the team moves efficiently

around the room, Ellen lingers.

"You've been under a lot of stress lately. I've seen the news. I'm so sorry this has happened to your family." en

I nod, my voice quiet. "It doesn't feel real sometimes. But I can't afford fall apart. The kids need me.

Jayden's dealing witho

much...”

swnovel.

"And you're dealing with it too," Ellen says firmly. "Don't forget that."

A knock at the door interrupts us. It's Casey. "No signs of infection. We're still waiting on protein levels, though."

Dr. Harris nods. "Good. Let's keep monitoring."

Casey turns to me with a wink. "Looks like you might still make dinner, after all."

I smile, grateful for their support. "Thanks, Nurse Casey."

As they leave me to rest, I pull out my phone and fire off a quick text to Lisa.

W: At the hospital. Just a precaution. How are you holding up?Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Her reply is almost immediate.

L: I'm okay. You sure ur okay?

I realize this may be the perfect way to get Lisa out of her apartment.

W: Elevated blood pressure. Might stay overnight.

L: Shit, hope ur ok

W: Can you come here? They might not let me out alone. Or I'll need stuff if they keep me in. Don't want Anne dragging kids out at dinner time. There's a marked pause.

L: Sure. Give me an hour to shower and change.

W: Ur the best ever

L: C U soon

The door opens again, and Ellen peeks her head in. "Winona, BP's coming down slowly. Looks like you might get home."

"Thank you," I say. "For not treating me like I'm paranoid."

"You just make sure you bring Henry in for a visit next time."

"Done deal."

As I settle back in the chair, I think

about what Dr. Harris said. No guarantees. But I'll fight for this baby, just like I fought for Abby and Henry. With or without being married to Jayden.

And I'll do it with everything I've got.