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."

Bryn cared for you with

burned as he listened. "But she doesn't

Bryn's side. It's not 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

"Irwin, look at me."

lifted his head to meet Jeannie's

his cheek, her voice soft

deepest pain a woman can ever face. Some wounds never heal. So you need

nodded. "Ms. Radcliffe, I didn't understand before, but now that you've

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

determined this time. "I will! Mom Bryn was always good to me: It was my own mom who caused my little brother's death. I can't expect Mom Bryn to treat me like her son anymore, but I can still be good to her and my

paused, then added, As for your mom, I do think she was wrong. Your dad's

know!" Irwin's eyes were clear now. "When Dad gets back, I'll apologize to him. From

won't

glanced at the clock. "It's getting

ready for bed—I'll tidy

their talk. "You're still getting over your

me, Irwin. I'm feeling much better." Jeannie

"Mm-hmm."