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

face was now etched with

said, ruffling Irwin's hair with a

finally broke the dam. Irwin let out a wail and burst into loud,

way, some with annoyance, others

gone, and Irwin had been

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

and led Irwin

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

cut my

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

head and muttered, "But Mom Rosita

just left him and, suddenly, his nose stung

tantrum. He just sniffled quietly, his small shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle

you a boy or not? All you do is cry for your mom.

plate over,

I'll do my good deed