When Briony arrived at Southcreek Manor, she didn't go inside. Instead, she called Carol.

Carol soon emerged from the manor, carrying little Mario in her arms. The boy's forehead was covered with a cool fever patch. Lorna followed close behind.

Briony hurried over and gently took her son. She stroked his cheek, feeling the lingering warmth of a low fever.

"Sweetheart, are you feeling sick?" she asked, her heart aching as she looked at him.

Little Mario shook his head obediently. "Don't worry, Mom. The doctor said I'll be fine once I take my medicine."

The more sensible her son acted, the more Briony's heart twisted with pain. She crouched down and spoke softly. "Would you like to come home with me?"

He nodded. "Yes, I want to."

Briony glanced up at Lorna.

Before she could speak, Lorna addressed her first. "Ms. Kensington, if you're not too busy this week, would you mind looking after Mario for a while?"

Briony couldn't have hoped for more, but something about Lorna's words didn't sit right.

"I'm Mario's mother. Of course I'll take care of him-it's not an inconvenience at all."

and if

the unmistakable tone of a

White had said the other

realization stung. Stewart and Lorna were still young; they'd surely have children of their own someday. Yet Stewart insisted

that mattered. Her son was

on.

mother. I'll always make time for him,

that, Briony cradled little Mario and turned toward her

followed, courteously opening the back door for her. Since Briony dropped Little Nina at preschool every day, there was always a child's car

settled little Mario in, leaning in to fasten his seatbelt

a moment. I'll

nodded, her tone

turned and hurried

gaze

window, she

figure in a sharp

BUT

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