Chapter 12
The sound of a car drifted in from the driveway.
Stewart was home.
Briony gripped the pregnancy test in her hand as she opened the bathroom door.
Downstairs, Irwin's excited voice rang out.
"Daddy!"
Briony made her way down the stairs, step by deliberate step.
Irwin stood on the couch, arms stretched wide toward Stewart. "Daddy, pick me up!"
Stewart bent down and scooped Irwin into his arms.
Briony noticed at once that Stewart had changed his clothes.
Then she remembered the three unanswered calls earlier...
The cruel truth was impossible to ignore.
step, her
over at Briony. "Mommy, Daddy's taking me out to play. Do you
at Irwin, then let her gaze settle on Stewart's
his glasses today. His deep-set eyes
looked at her, his
he said, his voice low and pleasant— but every word edged with detachment. "I'll be staying in Northborough
was shutting her out.
listened, a faint, bitter smile
It felt ironic.
just moments ago, in the bathroom, she'd been overwhelmed with joy at
as Briony
remembered her mentioning errands at the café earlier; he'd only asked if she
if she agreed? Then what would he
was supposed to go find Mommy with
called, his voice
shifted, meeting Irwin's
her son's eyes. She just answered softly, "Mommy's
taking Irwin to see Rosita. But
let out a sigh
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