Journey of the heart(3)

Chapter 44: Balancing Acts

Chapter 44: Balancing Acts

The next few weeks were a whirlwind for Mya. After the investors confirmed their backing for the café, her schedule exploded. Between meetings with contractors, finalizing branding details, and navigating the intricacies of launching a new business, she found herself juggling more than ever. Yet, as hectic as things were, Mya couldn't deny the thrill she felt every day.

But with everything going on, it wasn't just work that needed her attention. Zaria was growing fast, hitting new milestones every day, and Mya hated missing any of them. Jaylen was always there to fill in the gaps, making sure Zaria was happy, fed, and cared for, but Mya couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at her whenever she missed a precious moment. It was a balancing act, one that she was still trying to figure out.

One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Mya arrived home later than expected. Zaria was already asleep, her favorite stuffed animal tucked into her tiny arms, and Jaylen was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. The apartment was peaceful, the only sound the low hum of the dishwasher.

Mya set her bag down and quietly made her way over to the couch, sinking into the cushions beside Jaylen. He glanced up at her, his face softening when he saw the tiredness in her eyes.

"Long day?" he asked, setting his phone aside.

Mya nodded, leaning her head back against the couch. "Yeah. It's been nonstop, and I barely made it home to say goodnight to Zaria."

Jaylen wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. "I know it's been crazy, but you're doin' what you need to do. Zaria's good. I'm good. You just gotta trust that we're all gonna be alright."

Mya sighed, letting herself melt into his embrace. "I just feel like I'm missing out on so much. I didn't expect things to get this hectic so soon."

Jaylen kissed the top of her head. "You're building somethin' huge, Mya. That takes time and sacrifice. But you're still here with us, and that's what matters. We got your back, no matter how busy it gets."

Mya closed her eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. She knew Jaylen was right—she couldn't do it all at once. But the support he gave her, the way he stepped up for their family, made it all a little easier to handle. She didn't have to do it alone.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Jaylen shifted beside her. "How about this weekend, we do somethin' as a family? No work, no distractions. Just me, you, and Zaria. We could take a day trip or even just spend the whole day at the park. Whatever you wanna do."

Mya smiled at the idea. "That sounds perfect. I've been needing a break, and some family time would be good for all of us."

"Bet," Jaylen said, giving her a squeeze. "It's a plan then."

The weekend came, and true to his word, Jaylen planned a day for the three of them to escape the busyness of city life. They loaded Zaria into her stroller and headed to Central Park, enjoying the crisp fall air and the changing colors of the trees. It was exactly what Mya needed—a day where she could be fully present with her family, with no looming deadlines or meetings hanging over her head.

They found a quiet spot by the lake, where Zaria could watch the ducks glide across the water. Jaylen laid out a blanket, and they sat down, taking in the peaceful scenery. Zaria babbled happily, her little hands reaching for the leaves scattered across the ground.

Mya watched her daughter with a deep sense of contentment. "I can't believe how fast she's growing," she said softly. "Feels like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital."

Jaylen smiled, his gaze fixed on Zaria. "Yeah, she's growin' up quick. But it's been amazing watchin' her hit all these milestones. I'm glad we're doin' this together."

Mya leaned into him, her heart full. "Me too. I don't know what I'd do without you, Jay. You make this all feel possible."

Jaylen kissed her temple, his voice low and steady. "We a team, Mya. Always."

They spent the rest of the afternoon watching Zaria explore her surroundings, her little face lighting up with wonder at every new discovery. Mya took mental snapshots of every moment, knowing that these were the memories she'd hold onto during the busy days ahead.

That evening, after Zaria was tucked into bed and the apartment had fallen quiet again, Mya and Jaylen sat together on the couch, the glow of the city lights filtering through the windows.

"You feelin' better now?" Jaylen asked, his voice gentle as he played with a strand of her hair.

Mya nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I do. Today was exactly what I needed. I think I just needed to slow down for a minute, remind myself why I'm doing all this."

Jaylen pulled her closer, his eyes full of love and pride. "You're doin' it for us. For you, for Zaria, for all the things you wanna accomplish. And I'm with you every step of the way."

Mya closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest. She felt the weight of the world lift off her shoulders, knowing that no matter how hard things got, she had a partner who would always be there to lift her up.

"I love you," she whispered, feeling the words settle in the quiet space between them.

Jaylen smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you too. We got this."