Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

At eight-thirty that evening, Stewart returned to Sunset Ridge Villas.

Irwin had just finished his homework. Hearing the familiar sound of the car in the driveway, he looked up at Jeannie and asked, "I think Dad's home, isn't he?"

"That's right." Jeannie smiled, ruffling his hair. "Let's go down and say hi to your father."

"Okay!"

As Irwin and Jeannie made their way downstairs, Stewart was already settled on the sofa.

"Dad!" Irwin dashed over to him.

Stewart paused in the middle of rubbing his temples, then looked up at Irwin and offered a faint smile. "Done with your homework?"

"Yep!" Irwin frowned with concern. "Dad, is something wrong? Did work tire you out again?"

"I'm fine." Stewart patted the seat next to him. "Come sit with me for a while."

Irwin nodded and took a seat beside his father.

Jeannie walked over, her voice warm with cheer. "Mr. Wentworth, I made some nourishing soup in the kitchen. I'll bring some out for you and Irwin to have before bed."

Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose again and gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

Jeannie turned and headed to the kitchen, humming contentedly to herself.

"Dad, when are Mom Bryn and my little sister coming home?" Irwin asked.

out to gently stroke his hair, but didn't answer the question. Instead, he asked,

just how

him, his eyes

Rosita-Stewart had raised his voice at Irwin for the first

he'd brought

to his surprise, Irwin had come to him first, apologized, and promised

thoughtfulness only made Stewart

found the courage to

painfully aware of Irwin's lack of security;

Briony

Vel

never take the place of a mother. Deep down, Irwin still longed for the wholeness of a family-both parents there, caring for

that kind of completeness... could

his eyes, wrestling

he thought he could

That little shape

it's a girl, I'll buy her all kinds

If it's a

learns to be

so he can do something

me... Please,

snapped open. His lips pressed into a tight line; his breaths came

watching him, worry etched on his small face. "Dad,

to look

with himself for a

speaking. "If