Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Rosita!" Lauren rushed to her daughter's side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and gently rubbing her back. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to upset you. I just lost my temper for a moment. Are you alright?"

Rosita kept her head down, a flicker of disgust passing through her eyes.

When she finally looked up, her eyes were rimmed with red, tears shimmering on her lashes. "Mom, I'm sorry too. I never meant to say those things—I just

panicked. I know it hurt you, but... cough, cough..."

"I know, honey. I'm not upset with you."

Rosita's voice trembled as she wiped at her tears. "I was desperate. Ms. Kensington was Irwin's nanny for five years. Irwin relies on her for everything, and even Stewart seems to think she's wonderful..."

She broke down, sobbing into Lauren's shoulder. "Mom, ever since the accident, I can't remember anything. I have no idea how to connect with Irwin. He loves treats, and I just wanted to make him happy. I didn't realize his stomach was so sensitive. Stewart dotes on Irwin-whenever he's sick, Stewart is more anxious than anyone. If Stewart found out I gave Irwin those snacks, he'd be so disappointed in me..."

Lauren listened, her heart softening. It made sense-she'd only tried to spoil her grandson a little, and things had gotten out of hand. After all, what grandmother didn't make a few mistakes out of love? If Stewart scolded her, she could take it.

But if he blamed Rosita, it was a different story.

Briony on his mind. If he started thinking Rosita wasn't as good

That simply wouldn't do.

fault. Thank goodness you reacted so quickly. If Stewart wants to blame someone, let him blame me-but he must never blame you. You're his

"Mom, thank you! I'm sorry I keep causing you trouble and making you take the fall for me. I just love Stewart so much.

gentle and reassuring. "Don't worry, Stewart would never stay angry with you. Once the wedding is over and you've recovered from your surgery abroad, you, Stewart, and Irwin will have a wonderful life together. And who knows? In a

from her eyes. But behind her calculating smile, there was not

chapel on

fresh cream-colored dress, with a soft oatmeal wool coat draped over

before the altar, hands folded in earnest

Benedict stood to the

was thick with the calming

sudden spring shower began to

above the horizon, but the steady rain brought with it a strange, melancholy

hour,

had heard her wishes and she could leave