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.

was bound

lanterns, Irwin also

lantern meant for Rosita to Stewart. "Dad, this one's for Mom Rosita. But we need to hide it in the car first, okay? Don't

little taken aback. "Why

at me. Mom Rosita said maybe Mom doesn't like her much, so I shouldn't mention her too much in front

that," Stewart said, taking the lantern from

is!" Irwin's tone was utterly certain. "Mom Rosita says girls get jealous, and when they get jealous, they

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

"Why

between you and Mom. I even

Stewart: ".

with a five-year-old felt

coughed, frowning. "I'm married to your mom. That's

clapped a hand over his

on business, Mom would stare at your photos when she thought no one was watching. I'd ask

Mom ever blushed