Seeing what was happening, Irwin’s running slowed to a hesitant walk.
if this had been before, his mom would have already rushed over to scoop him up in a big hug!
Irwin’s heart twisted with resentment. Just as he suspected–now that there was a new baby, she didn’t love him anymore.
A knot of anger and sadness formed in his chest. He hated the new baby. The new baby had stolen his mom away from him!
But thankfully, Grandma had helped him come up with a plan!
Remembering this, Irwin’s mood brightened in an instant.
I
He hurried over to Briony, pasted on his sweetest smile, and chirped, “Mom, I’m so happy! I finally get to go on a trip with you and Dad again!”
Briony merely responded with a neutral “Mm.”
Stewart walked over and stood next to Irwin, his gaze resting on Briony’s impassive face.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No.” Briony got to her feet and pulled up her suitcase. “Let’s go board.”
Without another glance at father or son, she turned and headed straight for the security checkpoint.
Irwin watched her chilly retreating figure, feeling a little hurt. He tipped his head up to Stewart. “Dad, is Mom still upset?”
“It’s alright.” Stewart ruffled Irwin’s hair gently. “I’ve prepared a surprise for her. She’ll feel better soon.”
“Really?” Irwin’s eyes lit up. “What kind of surprise?”
Stewart’s lips curved in a small, secretive smile. “That’s a secret.”
Irwin stifled a giggle behind his hand. “Violet’s dad surprises her mom too! Our teacher says that’s what romance between grown–ups is all about!”
Stewart took his small hand, not answering, but a warm smile glimmered in his dark eyes.
Father and son made their way toward security.
Carl followed them to the checkpoint, helped load their suitcases onto the conveyor belt, and only left after watching them disappear through the gate.
Stella
Stella and James trailed after them.
Stewart had arranged for Carl to book the tickets.
He booked first class.
Briony glanced at her boarding pass–her seat was right next to Stewart’s
She didn’t want to sit beside him, so once they were onboard, she turned to Irwin. “Irwin, why don’t you sit next to me?”
Irwin’s face lit up with joy
Stewart noticed and shot Briony a cool look.
Briony was already seated, head down as she buckled her seatbelt.
Irwin wriggled into the seat beside her, immediately digging into his small backpack. He pulled out a jewelry box.
12
Chapter 172
“Mom, this is a present I bought for you!”
He held the box out to her
Briony glanced at it but made no move to take it.
“Thank you, but I don’t need any gifts,” she replied, her voice flat.
rwin’s smile froze
He hadn’t expected her to turn him down without even a look.
“But Mom I picked it out just for you…” His eyes pleaded with her. “I bought it to thank you for making time to come on this trip with me.”
Briony’s brow furrowed as she looked at Irwin’s hopeful little face. For a moment, she hesitated.
Logic told her she shouldn’t accept another gift from Irwin. When this trip was over, their bond as mother and son would come to an end.
If she took the gift, she’d only be giving Irwin false hope.
“It’s just a little gesture from him. You should accept it,” Stewart said quietly from across the aisle.
Briony looked up.
Their eyes met, and she quickly turned away, exasperated.
Stewart’s dark gaze stayed locked on her. “This trip is about giving Irwin happy memories.”
His words were a reminder–making Irwin happy was the whole point of this journey.
Briony pressed her lips together, took a slow breath to steady herself, and finally reached out to accept the jewelry box
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