Chapter 331
Gwendolyn White and Carney both knew Briony had to leave, and though their hearts felt heavy and conficted, they understood it was something she couldn’t avoid. So neither of them pressed further
The house Briony owned here wasn’t worth much by city standards, but she loved it–the old town’s quiet charm suited her far more than the bustle of the city. She planned to keep the place, maybe even return to settle down once everything in her life was finally at peace Happiness here felt simple and real
She packed lightly–just the essentials, a few clothes and necessities. Two suitcases: one for her, one for Little Nina.
The next moming, Stewart arrived in person to take them to the airport.
When he learned James would be flying back to Northborough with them, Stewart only gave James a long, unreadable look.
Little Nina clung to James’s arm, refusing to even glance at her father. Stewart pressed his lips together in silence, then looked away.
He reached for Briony’s suitcase handle. “Let’s go.”
Briony hesitated, a faint crease between her brows, but let go. She didn’t need his help, but if he wanted to play porter, she wasn’t about to argue.
At the airport, Gwendolyn and Carney watched as the small group passed through security. After boarding, everyone settled into their seats.
Little Nina wouldn’t leave James’s side.
Briony managed to doze off.
Stewart busied himself with work on his laptop.
Four hours passed in the air.
By the time they landed in Northborough, dusk had painted the sky in streaks of red and gold.
The cabin doors opened.
James stepped out first, carrying Little Nina, while Briony followed a few steps behind, lifting her gaze to the city beyond the terminal. Four years–she was finally back.
Stewart approached, his voice low. “Irwin’s already waiting for us at the new house.”
Briony’s face tightened with annoyance at the mention of Irwin.
Chapter 331
A family van pulled up to the curb.
They climbed in–Stewart in the front passenger seat, Briony and Crystal in the second row, James in the back.
Almost immediately, Little Nina reached for her mother. Briony took her from James’s arms.
Little Nina peered out the window, curiosity lighting her face. “Mommy, where are we going
now?”
“We’re heading to our new house,” Briony replied.
“Our new house?” Little Nina frowned, thinking. “Who else will be there?”
Before Briony could answer, Stewart spoke up. “There’s a big brother waiting for us. From now on, the four of us will live together as a family.”
Big brother? Little Nina glanced over at James, brow furrowed. “Isn’t godfather coming with
us?”
James arched an eyebrow, glancing at Stewart.
Stewart shot James a cool look before turning to his daughter. His tone was calm but firm. “Your godfather has his own home. And honestly, he’s not really family.”
“Stewart!” Briony’s expression hardened. “Don’t talk to Little Nina like that.”
“I’m just telling the truth,” Stewart replied, frowning.
“What truth?” Briony challenged. “The truth is, if James hadn’t risked his life for me, neither Little Nina nor I would be here today.”
Stewart pressed his lips together, dark eyes fixed on Briony.
“This is the first and last time,” Briony said, voice steely. “If you ever say something like that to Little Nina again, I’ll make sure Irwin hears the same from me.”
Their eyes locked, neither backing down.
At last, Stewart gave a faint, resigned smile. “Alright.”
Briony looked away, ignoring him.
James, sitting in the back, watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction.
Briony turned her attention to her daughter. “Listen, Little Nina, your godfather will always be family. But family doesn’t have to live together all the time. He has a big house of his own, and we can visit him on weekends.”
“Okay!” Little Nina nodded eagerly, but then frowned again. “Mommy, if this big brother is family too, why haven’t I ever met him?”
