Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"My dad told me he and Mom aren't divorced! Mom is still Dad's wife! She's still my mom!"

Irwin clung to Briony, glaring at James with fierce defiance. "Mom raised me all by herself, and she loves me! You're just passing through! You won't get to act all high and mighty for long!"

James stared at him, speechless.

Like father, like son, he thought bitterly. The stubbornness, the way they twisted things until everyone hated them-irritating in exactly the same way.

Exasperated, James raked a hand through his hair and turned to Briony. "So what now?"

"I'll take him over," Briony replied, reaching for Irwin's hand.

But just as she turned, Rosita had already slipped on her sunglasses, grabbed her purse, and strode briskly toward the door, moving so quickly it was clear she was desperate not to be stopped.

Briony paused, watching Rosita's retreating figure, and couldn't help but wrinkle her nose in annoyance.

“See?” James snapped, pointing at Rosita's back. "That's the wonderful 'Mom Rosita' you keep bragging about! Yet she can't even bring herself to admit you're her son in public!"

Irwin could only stare, stunned, at Rosita's shrinking silhouette.

The van moved off into the

with confusion as he

you've got," James said, ruffling Irwin's

Irwin let out a

way, some

Irwin had been

to accept anyone but Briony as his mom, the restaurant manager had little choice but

resigned, and led Irwin

in front of his kid-sized steak, eyes flicking up

I can't cut my

looked at him calmly. "You're five now. Big kids should learn to

head and muttered,

him and, suddenly, his nose stung and fresh

he didn't throw a tantrum. He just sniffled quietly, his small

torn between irritation and helplessness. "Sheesh. Are you a boy or not? All

over, quickly cut up the steak, and slid

up! Once you're finished, I'll do my good