Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

"To be fair," River says, "we didn't know why we were coming. Gus just said to meet some cool people."

"And hang out with some kids," Kit adds. "Mission accomplished."

I stiffen and I'm not sure whether to yell at Gus or just accept defeat.

"They're great!" Bobby exclaimed, looking up from the Switch. "Kit knows all the cool games. He's way better than you, Dad." "Thanks, son," Jayden mutters dryly.

"And River's an artist!" Abbey adds, holding up the sketch-a surprisingly detailed picture of Abbey wearing a glittery crown.

"It's beautiful!" I say, surprised.

"Thanks," River answers. "Your kids are pretty inspiring."

"They've been telling us all about their adventures in Europe," Kit looks genuinely amazed. "They've seen more of the world than we have. We love to travel. But funds are an issue. We find private gigs more profitable than formal teaching jobs. And less... regimented." "With all due respect, you might not be ready for the chaos these four cause."

River nods. "I come from a big family. Seven siblings. And Kit here has five. We thrive on chaos."

"Big families," Gus said with a wink. "Perfect for this one."

I'm not going to be swayed that easily. "Plus, Jayden and I have very busy lifestyles. It would need to be live-in the vast majority of the time... We can't have anyone who is going to jet across the world in twelve-months time."

"We don't have any other ties right now. Live in would be preferable," Kit adds.

"And maybe you could benefit from us travelling with you at times?" River adds. "We get to travel and you get support. Win-win."

Now that makes a whole lot of sense.

"Go chat," Gus says cheerfully, bouncing Henry on his hip. "Come on, troops. Let's go break Pop Pop's hip."

"I wouldn't joke about that..." Jayden says with mock seriousness. "You aren't getting any younger."

Gus shakes his head and grins. "What's he talking about? I'm a spring chicken."

The kids all giggle.

It feels good they can have a moment like that with Gus. They've never done that before.

Jayden approaches me. "You've got to admit, they feel like a fit," he says quietly.

I sigh, finally cracking a small smile. "Alright. Let's talk inside. Gus, don't get lost."

And as we settle into the kitchen to chat with Kit and River, I can't help but think Gus might've actually nailed it. "So you're both used to big, busy households?"

Kit chuckles. "Yes. And we both have experience with kids. I used to run a summer camp for underprivileged kids in Vermont. River's been an art teacher and student counsellor."noveldrama

River shrugs. "I like kids. They're weird in the best way. And they're brutally honest, which keeps you humble. We can email our portfolios, credit and police checks."

I write my email address down and hand it to River. I glance at Jayden, who's clearly weighing everything they're saying.

"What about interests?" I ask. "Bobby's into gaming as you've already seen, landscaping, gardening and his cat. Abbey loves crafting, being adventurous, cooking and Sarah? Well... Sarah's Sarah. She wants a pony but we haven't quite pinpointed her yet."

Kit lights up. "Yeah, I'm all over gaming. You name it-Minecraft, Fortnite, Mario Kart-I'm your guy. I've trained in cyber-safety too, especially concerning kids. As for landscaping and gardening, I'm sure Bobby can teach me a thing or two."

River grins. "Crafting? Perfect. I've

got about a million P*******t boards

full of ideas. And Sarah? She seems like the kind of kid who loves storytelling. It really helps kids identify what's going on inside them. I used to run creative writing

Workshops for dealing with trauma."

I eye her carefully. "Send the emails. I think we can talk more. Anne here has trauma-based counselling qualifications focused on foster kids. She worked with me and my kids. Bobby and Sarah in particular. We've adopted them." River's eyes widen. "That's so cool. I want to extend my qualifications too. Anne, maybe you can help me out?"

"I'd love too." Anne puts her pen and pad on the table. "Why don't you stay for dinner?"

Winona and I exchange a glance. That's the thumbs-up from Anne.

"So, why nannying?" I ask.

River shrugs. "We've done the corporate grind, the teaching gigs... We wanted something different. Something meaningful. I find it hard to fit kids into the same box. Curriculums are good for many, but not all. I could never learn the conventional way. It made me feel left out and dumb."

Kit nods. "Same. I hate how kids get labeled as distracted, disruptive, or 'has potential if only they put in more effort'." He frowns. "I mean, it's the ultimate victim blaming. The teacher can't find a way to engage the child, so it's the child's fault. Not fair." Winona taps her fingers on the table, her gaze steady. "You two seem... unconventional."

Kit grins. "We'll take that as a compliment."

"The emails are sent," River tells us.

"Come and see the kids spaces, and

see what we've been doing for chores charts. Give Winona and Jayden some time to look over your paperwork," Anne offers cheerfully. "While we do have more expendable cash than most households, it's important to Winona to keep the kids grounded and not feel entitled because of circumstance."

"We prioritize whatever the parents want, first and foremost..." Kit explains as they stand up and follow Anne down the hallway.

I open the emails and forward them to Jayden. But I already know Gus would have researched them from before the sperm and egg stage.

"I think Gus has nailed it," Jayden says.

"Me too."

Relief floods through me. Perhaps there is room for me to be everything.

For us both to be everything.