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.

didn't answer the question. Instead, he asked, "Did you

just how it goes

his eyes

had raised his voice at Irwin for the first time. The next day, after he'd

home, he'd brought Irwin

his surprise, Irwin had come to him first, apologized, and promised that he wouldn't see

thoughtfulness only made

knew that Irwin had found the courage to apologize largely thanks

also painfully aware of Irwin's lack of security; his son was

Briony had left.

Vel

down, Irwin still longed for the wholeness of

that kind of completeness...

closed his eyes,

a moment, he thought he could almost

ultrasound. That little

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

it's a

to

can do something

know there's no way back for me... Please, take care of Rosita and the baby

lips pressed into a tight

on his small face. "Dad,

turned to look at

with himself

before speaking. "If