Irwin's little body went stiff with fear, then his lower lip began to tremble and, in an instant, tears spilled down his cheeks.

"Dad, why are you being mean to me? It was Mom who lied to me... sob, sob... Mom has changed, and now you have too..."

Stewart's brow was furrowed tight, his face growing even darker.

Watching this father and son, Briony felt a headache coming on.

Irwin was sobbing so hard it was almost painful to hear. If he kept this up, his asthma was bound to flare up.

Briony's heart softened. With a sigh, she stepped forward and scooped Irwin up from the bed, holding him gently in her arms.

The moment she picked him up, Irwin clung tightly to her.

"I'm sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to yell at you... sob... I was just so scared you didn't want me anymore..."

Holding Irwin close, Briony felt a complicated mix of emotions.

She spoke to him softly, soothing him with gentle words.

calmed down in her

silently by, his gaze unreadable and

Irwin had settled, Briony handed

for you, sweetheart. It's both an apology and your New Year's present for

face lit up as soon as he took the

New

explaining, just said, “I figured I'd

too focused on the gift

giddy excitement, but still remembered to remind Briony, "Mom, you promised you'd

course," Briony replied, standing up and glancing at Stewart. "I'm going to the grocery

with you," Stewart said. "I've

not wanting to spend any extra time with

Stewart interrupted, gently patting Irwin's head, "why don't we all go with Mom

abandoned his new toy, hopped off the bed, put on his shoes, and ran over to

Briony: "..

11

a look of irritation, her displeasure clear

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