(Jayden)


    The sun''s barely up, but the construction crew is already on-site, working like a well-oiled machine.


    The new unit will go up fast-modr design, pre-fabricated, delivered on a truck, and put together in a day. Efficiency at its finest.


    I must admit the sheer thrill of bringing a massive project topletion like this is something I''ve missed since I left Nexus Global in Viktor''s hands. Bobby is already there, sleeves rolled up, soaking up everything he can from the tradesmen. That kid is going ces. He''s never afraid to do the work.


    I sip my coffee, watching as the wallse together like a giant LEGO set. Inside, Kit and River are sitting with Anne, going over the final details of their contract.


    They arrived at 6am-Kit in a hoodie with some obscure gaming logo, River in ripped jeans and a paint-stained sweater. It should look unprofessional, but somehow, it just works for them.


    Winona steps out onto the porch, Henry on her hip, rubbing her eyes like she''s still half-asleep. "You really had to do this now? It''s barely 7am."


    I smirk. "You want them to live in the barn? Thought I''d get it done before I leave."


    She leans into me when I wrap an arm around her waist. "It must be costing a fortune," she murmurs.


    "It''s an investment," I say simply. "Adds value to the property, makes life easier, and most importantly, keeps our kids taken care of. Worth every cent."


    She presses a kiss to Henry''s head, watching as the workers maneuver the chains into ce for the crane to lift the first section. "Still. You didn''t have to do it all today."


    "I did," I correct. "I need to know it''s applicable before I go."


    She doesn''t argue because she knows me. I don''t half-ass things.


    Kit and Rivere out and just stare at the work getting done and the trucks with the two prefab unit sections.


    "This is insane," River says. "I thought we''d be moving into a guest room or something."


    "We thought about that," Winona admits. "But we figured a separate unit would give you more independence. You''re part of the family, but you still get your own space."


    Kit grins. "Sweet. That means I can y games at 2 a.m. without anyone judging me."


    River elbows him. "We''re trying to look professional here..."


    Kitughs. "Chill, babe. I''m just joking."


    Winona smirks. "As long as you''re still up at 6 a.m. when Henry decides it''s wake-up time, it''s fine by me."


    Anne steps out with a tray of coffee. "We''ve finalized going over the routines the kids have now and added in some changes. Everything is signed and sealed. They''re officially on board." Winona beams. "Wee aboard. You''re stuck with us now."


    "Happy to be here." River smiles.


    I nod, relieved. "Awesome. We''ll get you two settled in soon. Winona has a board meetingter today, but I''ll handle the kids for that. Let''s say you two and officially start tomorrow." River nces at me. "When do you head out?"


    I nce at my watch. "Tomorrow afternoon."


    Winona''s smile dims just slightly. Not enough for most people to notice. But I do.


    I squeeze her hand. "We got this."


    "I think we can go do some shopping for some stuff to make it feel like home," River says.


    "Yeah! Fab idea. Let''s do that."


    "See you twoter." I say as they head down the stairs to their car.


    Winona smiles. "They''ll have so much fun setting up house, but can you take Henry now? I have to get ready for this meeting and I''m already on edge. Why did they have to move it forward?"


    "That is business. You know how it goes."


    "Yes, they''re trying to see how well I work under pressure and if I''m prepared."


    "Exactly. And you are, so no drama."


    "On paper, I''m prepared."


    "You are prepared in every way." I take Henry and Winona finishes her coffee.


    "I know. I can do this."


    I can see the excitement in her eyes. I''m pleased. She deserves this. I know she''ll make thispany into everything it can be. Lance knew that as well.


    A pang of pain passes through me.


    I''m still so angry with Lance. For everything. Being with Winona. Taking his own life before we could work through that. Taking my


    ther with him. And now, handing us not only a thrivingpany but his twin brother.


    But I miss him I do. He was with me through everything. All the bad, all the good. He was one of a kind. While he never allowed himself to feel emotions, he knew emotions. He knew how to fix them, how to get through them and just get on with life.


    That was his whole life. He did it all in such a unique way. But that was Lance.


    He was my best friend. My brother. I will always miss him even though I don''t have a clue how to feel about him now.


    "You okay?" Winona''s questions breaks into my thoughts.


    "Yeah..." I look at her. "Yeah, I''m okay."


    "Lance?"


    I feel the sting of unshed tears. "Lance..."


    Winona gets up andes around to hug me. "I''m so sorry Jayden. I know it''s so damnplicated for you, but I know how much he meant to you too. You are allowed to miss him." "Even when I''m so damned pissed off with him?"


    "Even then."


    One day I might have reconciled the whirlpool of emotions that Lance has caused inside me.


    But today I''ll take a leaf out of his book and just get on with life. There''s nothing I can do to change anything he did.


    I can only change what I choose to do.


    Today, I''m making things right for my family before I go.