"Rosita!" Lauren rushed to her daughter''s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and gently rubbing her back. "I''m so sorry, sweetheart. I didn''t mean to upset you. I just lost my temper for a moment. Are you alright?"


    Rosita kept her head down, a flicker of disgust passing through her eyes.


    When she finally looked up, her eyes were rimmed with red, tears shimmering on hershes. "Mom, I''m sorry too. I never meant to say those things—I just


    panicked. I know it hurt you, but... cough, cough..."


    "I know, honey. I''m not upset with you."


    Rosita''s voice trembled as she wiped at her tears. "I was desperate. Ms. Kensington was Irwin''s nanny for five years. Irwin relies on her for everything, and even Stewart seems to think she''s wonderful..."


    She broke down, sobbing into Lauren''s shoulder. "Mom, ever since the ident, I can''t remember anything. I have no idea how to connect with Irwin. He loves treats, and I just wanted to make him happy. I didn''t realize his stomach was so sensitive. Stewart dotes on Irwin-whenever he''s sick, Stewart is more anxious than anyone. If Stewart found out I gave Irwin those snacks, he''d be so disappointed in me..."


    Lauren listened, her heart softening. It made sense-she''d only tried to spoil her grandson a little, and things had gotten out of hand. After all, what grandmother didn''t make a few mistakes out of love? If Stewart scolded her, she could take it.


    But if he med Rosita, it was a different story.


    Stewart already had Briony on his mind. If he started thinking Rosita wasn''t as good with the child as Briony had been, his impression of Briony would only grow fonder.


    That simply wouldn''t do.


    "Rosita, this was my fault. Thank goodness you reacted so quickly. If Stewart wants to me someone, let him me me-but he must never me you. You''re his partner for life, Irwin''s mother. In his eyes, you have to be perfect."


    Rosita flung her arms around Lauren, sobbing harder. "Mom, thank you! I''m sorry I keep causing you trouble and making you take the fall for me. I just love Stewart so much. I really... I can''t live without him..."


    Lauren hugged her close, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Don''t worry, Stewart would never stay angry with you. Once the wedding is over and you''ve recovered from your surgery abroad, you, Stewart, and Irwin will have a wonderful life together. And who knows? In a few years, once you''re healthy again, maybe you''ll even have another baby!"


    Rosita discreetly wiped the tears from her eyes. But behind her calcting smile, there was not the slightest trace of real sorrow.


    The chapel on Brightspring Mountain.


    Before arriving, Briony had changed into a fresh cream-colored dress, with a soft oatmeal wool coat draped over her shoulders.


    Now she knelt before the altar, hands folded in earnest prayer.


    Father Benedict stood to the side, murmuring a quiet blessing.


    The air was thick with the calming scent of incense.


    Outside, a sudden spring shower began to fall.


    The sun still lingered above the horizon, but the steady rain brought with it a strange, mncholy dampness.


    After nearly half an hour, the prayers were finished.


    Father Benedict assured her that God had heard her wishes and she could leave with a peaceful heart.


    Briony rose slowly, her knees stiff from kneeling so long.


    She thanked the priest, then turned to make her way outside, her steps a little unsteady.


    The rain was still falling, yet sunlight streamed through the mist an unusual, almost magical sight.


    A ck Mercedes idled in the lot outside.


    The rear door opened and Carl stepped out, umbre in hand, circling the car to hold the door.


    Stewart emerged, his custom-tailored ck suit entuating his tall,manding figure.


    Carl handed him the umbre.


    With measured steps, Stewart strode toward Briony, umbre in hand.


    Briony drew in a breath, her brow furrowing as she watched him approach. Her hand clenched at her side.