Stewart stood outside the door, his sharply defined features cold and distant. "I'll be away on business for a few days. Rosita can't handle him alone, so I'll have to trouble you to look after him for a bit."
Briony wasn't feeling well, and she had no patience for him.
"Fine. When you come back to pick him up, remember to bring the divorce papers."
With that, she scooped Irwin into her arms and walked straight back to her office.
Stewart lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching her go.
Then he quietly closed the studio door and left.
In the break room, Briony set Irwin down and let out a heavy sigh.
"Take your jacket off and get ready for bed."
Irwin, for once, was perfectly obedient. He shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. "Mom, could you hang this up for me? Thank you."
He always had such sweet manners.
Briony smiled at him, took the jacket, and hung it on the coat rack.
They settled side by side on the bed.
Irwin wrapped his arms around Briony's, his voice muffled. "Mom, are you mad at me for going to see that woman?"
Briony blinked in surprise, then sighed softly. She hugged him close, her voice gentle. "She's the mother who gave birth to you. I know it's a lot to take in, but without her, there wouldn't be you. So don't call her 'that woman,' okay?"
knot of anxiety eased at
that evening, that she was angry with him for meeting
turned out he'd worried for
you. No matter who gave birth to me, you'll always be my number
felt her heart melt. She stroked
And I promise you whenever you need me, I'll always be
said it!" Irwin yawned. "No lying, okay? If you lie, your nose will
but laugh, her
and pressed a kiss to his
breathing was
break, so Irwin didn't need to
next day, Briony's studio took on another restoration job-high pay, but a tight
two days, Irwin spent most of his time at the studio with Briony. Whenever she was busy, Hannah and
tagging along, Irwin was well-known
in the afternoon, Briony finally finished her restoration work. She stepped out of the
you working this
Why, what's
you put my name down for an appointment? I'll be
What's going on? Are
ten days late, and my stomach's been
Girl, have you not heard of a
the test she'd bought and forgotten at the bottom of her
pressed her lips together with a sigh, typing: [I bought
Briony, I swear, if you ever drop dead in the restoration room, I wouldn't be surprised. Go
[Okay, okay. I
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