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.

climbed in without a backward glance. The van moved off into the night, taking her with it-without so much as a

now etched with confusion as he clung

ruffling Irwin's hair

let out a

way, some

gone, and Irwin had

the restaurant manager had little choice

and led Irwin

in front of his kid-sized steak, eyes

I can't cut my

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

head and muttered, "But Mom Rosita always helps

him and, suddenly, his nose stung and fresh

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

irritation and helplessness. "Sheesh. Are you a boy or

grumbled, James pulled Irwin's plate over, quickly cut up the

up! Once you're finished, I'll do my good deed for the day and