Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Yes."

"Dad also said she killed my little brother... My brother's gone, so Dad must be really sad."

Just thinking about Stewart's furious face that night at Lunar Heights Estate made Irwin's heart pound all over again.

"I'm Mom's kid. Now that Dad hates Mom so much, do you think he's going to start hating me too?"

Jeannie's hazel eyes softened.

She smiled gently, ruffling Irwin's hair. "Sweetheart, how could you think that

about your dad? Think back-has he ever been harsh with you?"

Irwin thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Except for tonight, Dad's never raised his voice at me. He's always been good to me."

"Then, think again-why was he upset with you tonight?"

Irwin paused, confused. He looked up at Jeannie.

She met his gaze, her voice warm. "Because you went to see your mom behind his back, and you lied to him about it."

Irwin dropped his head, voice small and muffled. "But now Mom Bryn doesn't want me anymore. I just didn't want to be a kid without a mom."

a mother's love. I've heard how, for five years, Mom Bryn cared for you with all her

he listened. "But she doesn't love

really her fault. Your birth mom took her son away from her. How could she possibly treat you like her own child now? From where I stand, the fact that she hasn't taken her anger and pain out on you is already

"Irwin, look at me."

lifted his head

her voice soft and sweet. "You have to

Some wounds never heal. So you need to be

before, but now

you'll be kind to Mom Bryn and your little sister from

more determined this time. "I will! Mom Bryn was always good to me: It was my own mom who caused my little brother's death.

your mom, I do think she was wrong. Your dad's right not to let you see

"When Dad

won't

glanced at the clock.

and get ready for bed—I'll tidy

feeling much lighter after their talk. "You're still getting over your cold, Ms. Radcliffe. Remember to rest

you for worrying about me, Irwin. I'm feeling much better." Jeannie hugged him. "Up you

"Mm-hmm."