A pang of guilt stirred in Stewart's chest as he rested his hand gently on Irwin's head. "She just needs some time. After everything that happened with Rosita, she's not ready to face you yet."
Irwin wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "I know, I don't blame Mom Bryn," he said, his voice trembling. "It's okay, really. If it helps Mom Bryn come home, I don't have to stay in the new house."
"It's only temporary," Stewart replied, his voice tight as he swallowed hard. "Irwin, trust me—your Mom Bryn isn't heartless. Give her a little while. She'll come around, and when she does, we'll all be together again, just like before."
Though sadness weighed heavy on Irwin, he knew that once Dad said something, he had to listen. Ms. Radcliffe always told him, don't let your father down.
He'd already lost the mother who used to love him so dearly; he couldn't risk losing his dad, too.
Irwin nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll behave. I promise."
…
Jeannie could hardly believe it—Stewart was actually considering sending Irwin away just to coax Briony back home?
How could that be right?
And what was going on with Briony? Hadn't she told Jeannie she was planning to divorce Stewart? Why was she suddenly making demands like this?
Had Briony lied to her about everything?
Jeannie refused to accept it. She'd worked so hard to earn Irwin and Stewart's trust—why should she be the one to step aside now?
If Briony really did come back, would there be any place left for Irwin in this family? Even if Stewart always favored Irwin, what would happen if Briony got pregnant again and had a son? It wasn't hard to imagine Irwin falling out of favor.
No. She couldn't let Irwin be sent away.
She needed a plan.
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