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."

how, for five years, Mom Bryn cared for you with all her heart. She raised you so well. She really was a wonderful, loving mom to you, wasn't

listened. "But she

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

"Irwin, look at me."

lifted his head to meet

cupped his cheek, her voice soft and

wounds never heal. So you

understand before, but

you'll be kind to Mom Bryn and

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

then added, As for your mom, I do think she was wrong. Your

now. "When Dad gets back, I'll apologize to

him. If he won't let

Irwin is so mature." Jeannie glanced at the

for bed—I'll tidy things

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

worrying about me, Irwin. I'm feeling

"Mm-hmm."