Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Most of his teeth were long gone, and when he smiled, deep wrinkles fanned out across his face. The staff at the home took good care of him, but there are things no amount of care can stave off age and decline come for everyone.

Irwin shrank back, dodging the old man's reaching hand. He slipped behind Stewart, frowning. "Dad, I don't know him. Who is he?"

Stewart ruffled Irwin's hair, his gaze lingering on the old man who just kept grinning blankly at Irwin. Stewart's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

By the time they left the nursing home, it was already half past two in the afternoon.

Irwin could hardly contain his excitement-he wanted to see Briony as soon as possible.

"Dad, are we going straight to see Mom?"

Leaning back against the seat, Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yeah."

"Yay!" Irwin cheered. "It's Valentine's Day and I haven't bought any lanterns yet! Dad, can we go pick some out first? I want to choose the prettiest one for Mom!" Stewart smiled and ruffled his hair again. "Alright."

...

There was a big street fair set up along the edge of Pearbrook in Northborough, with stalls selling all sorts of lanterns-heart-shaped, animal-shaped, even

wishing lanterns to float into the night sky.

bound

Irwin also

need to hide it in the car first, okay? Don't let Mom see it, or she'll get mad if she

aback. "Why do you

Mom never got mad at me. Mom Rosita said maybe Mom doesn't like her much, so I shouldn't mention her too much in

that," Stewart said, taking the lantern

"Mom Rosita says girls get jealous, and when they get jealous, they get angry! But being jealous just means you love

with big, curious eyes. "If Mom gets jealous and mad because I'm close

paused, surprised. "Why do you ask

between you and

Stewart: ".

a five-year-old felt almost

frowning. "I'm married

a hand over

went away on business, Mom would stare at your photos when she thought no one was watching. I'd ask if she missed you, and she'd always say no, but she'd get all red in the face! My teacher says when girls blush, it means

has Mom ever blushed