Two hours later, James had finished his IV drip and looked much better-more alert, more himself.

The doctor recommended that he stay at the hospital for observation, but James wouldn't hear of it.

In the end, the doctor wrote him a prescription and told him to stick to light, easily digestible meals for the next few days.

While Briony was waiting at the pharmacy, her phone buzzed. Stewart was calling her.

Three calls came in a row. She didn't answer any of them.

Finally, Stewart sent a text.

**[Irwin misses you.]**

Staring at the message, Briony hesitated for a moment. Then she sighed and called back.

The line was picked up almost instantly, and Irwin's excited little voice piped up, "Mom!"

Briony's voice softened. "Irwin, have you been good?"

"I have! But Mom, you haven't called me in days!" Irwin complained. "You promised—even when you traveled for work, you'd always call or video chat with

me!"

just been really busy these

be like this! Even when your work was crazy, you never forgot about me. Do you do you

barely keeping her head above water. But remembering the promises she'd

just as much as ever. I just really haven't had a free moment to

to the hospital every day to be with me. Mom, isn't your job as important as

lips together,

but his words still stung.

and even fell ill a few times, so she had to leave Irwin with the Wentworth family for

hadn't loved staying there, but he'd always promised her he'd be good, that he'd listen to his grandmother, and that she should

Irwin was

a little hurt. "Are you even

Briony said, snapping back to the moment with a weary sigh. “Be

"I just miss your cooking! I haven't had your food in days, and I'm not happy about

When I get back, I'll make you all your

make a lot!" Irwin insisted. "I want your

"Deal."

when are you

a moment. "About

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