Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

January 15th on the old calendar-Briony's mother, Julia Hudson, was finally coming home.

Stella had taken the day off to go with Briony to pick up Julia.

The weather forecast had been spot on: the day was glorious, clear and bright.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and spilled across the ground, turning the snow into a dazzling sea of diamonds.

Outside the gates of Northborough's women's prison, Briony stood wrapped in a cream-colored wool coat. She looked delicate, her long, silky hair swaying gently in the wind.

"Star, what time is it?" Briony's eyes were fixed on the towering brick walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her nerves.

Stella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's only eight-thirty. She'll be out soon. Try not to worry."

As the words left her lips, the heavy iron gate rattled.

A smaller side door swung open.

Briony's eyelashes fluttered. She broke into a run.

"Mom!"

Julia paused in surprise when she saw her, but her face quickly broke into a smile. "Bryn, you're here."

fresh," the young guard said kindly, then turned and walked

clanged

draped the down jacket she'd been carrying over Julia's shoulders. "Mom, I'm here to take you

She stared for a moment before recognition dawned. "Star,

"It's me! Bryn and

good girl. I

Bryn and I grew up together-we're practically sisters. Don't feel bad. Let's get you home first. Bryn bought a new

go home." Julia took Briony's hand in one of hers, Stella's in the other. When she smiled,

Dolphin Cove.

as it reached the top floor, and the doors

the fireplace, positioning it right by the entrance. "Julia! Step over the fire-leave the bad luck behind. From now on, only good

nodded and

her mother cross the threshold into the home she'd so lovingly prepared. In that moment, emotion overwhelmed her; tears spilled

turned away, quickly wiping her face with the

years—she had finally brought her mother out of that cold, unforgiving place, back

home with no Kensingtons. No Hudsons. Just the

of the new apartment, showing off every cozy corner, before finally bringing

bed-Briony had picked them out

something fresh? Later, Bryn and I will take you out for a real

held them in her

more than