Chapter 9

Stewart stood outside the door, his sharply defined features cold and distant. "I'll be away on business for a few days. Rosita can't handle him alone, so I'll have to trouble you to look after him for a bit."

Briony wasn't feeling well, and she had no patience for him.

"Fine. When you come back to pick him up, remember to bring the divorce papers."

With that, she scooped Irwin into her arms and walked straight back to her office.

Stewart lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching her go.

Then he quietly closed the studio door and left.

In the break room, Briony set Irwin down and let out a heavy sigh.

"Take your jacket off and get ready for bed."

Irwin, for once, was perfectly obedient. He shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. "Mom, could you hang this up for me? Thank you."

He always had such sweet manners.

Briony smiled at him, took the jacket, and hung it on the coat rack.

They settled side by side on the bed.

Irwin wrapped his arms around Briony's, his voice muffled. "Mom, are you mad at me for going to see that woman?"

Briony blinked in surprise, then sighed softly. She hugged him close, her voice gentle. "She's the mother who gave birth to you. I know it's a lot to take in, but without her, there wouldn't be you. So don't call her 'that woman,' okay?"

Irwin's little knot of anxiety eased at her words.

that she was angry with him for meeting his birth

out

you. No matter who gave birth to me, you'll always be

felt her heart melt. She stroked

whenever you need me, I'll always

it!" Irwin yawned. "No lying, okay? If you lie, your nose will

couldn't help but laugh, her irritation slowly

kiss to his forehead. "I'll never lie

steady breathing was her

break, so Irwin didn't need to

day, Briony's studio took on another restoration job-high pay, but a

with Briony. Whenever she was busy, Hannah and

years of tagging along, Irwin was well-known and well-loved

the afternoon, Briony finally finished her restoration work. She stepped out of the lab and headed for her office, texting her best friend, who

you working this

[Yep! Why, what's

put my name down for an appointment?

What's going on? Are you...

[Not sure. I'm about ten days late, and my stomach's

you

bought and forgotten at the bottom of

a sigh, typing: [I bought one, but

me guess- you pulled another all-nighter? Briony, I swear, if you ever drop dead in the

okay.

found Irwin fast asleep on the couch, the little blanket that had been covering him

sat on

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