Page 117 of Fall of a Kingdom

“He hasn’t called you?”

She shook her head.

“That’s surprising. I thought he would have,” I murmured.

“He doesn’t always call me,” she said with an eyeroll.

“Yes, he does.”

“Is that why you came here?” Barrett asked. “To accuse me of something?”

“Are you looking for a fight?”

“Areyou?” she asked, raising her brows.

With a sigh, I held Helena out to Barrett. “Will you hold her while I disrobe? I don’t want to track mud all over Ash’s front hallway.”

“No,” Barrett said softly. “I can’t…”

“Why not?”

“Because I…” She sighed. “Christ. I don’t even know how to…”

“You’re being squirrely,” I remarked as I set Helena down on the foyer rug. It only took a few moments for her to toddle in the direction of the kitchen on her squishy little legs.

Ash was coming down the hallway when she saw Helena and scooped her up. “Think you lost something,” Ash said as she came forward, bouncing Helena against her hip.

“Sorry to stop by unannounced,” I said.

“No worries. We were just about to go for a swim in the pool. You’re welcome to join us.”

“Thanks for the invite,” I said. “Maybe after I talk to Barrett.”

Barrett and Ash exchanged a look. They were best friends who’d known each other for years. They could communicate without words, too.

It was a different sort of intimacy than one shared with a man. No less powerful, but different. It was inherently unique and uncommon to find. Soul sisters were hard to come by. But when you found one who understood you, took care of your heart, and let you vent your anger and anguish, and would cry with you, it was the equivalent of finding gold.

“Talk first, but when you’re done,” Ash said, “I have a spare suit for you. Did you bring a suitcase?”

“What?” I asked in distraction.

“A suitcase. I assumed you came here to corner Barrett. That means a lot of wine, and that means you shouldn’t drive home.”

“Going in for the kill right away, aren’t you, Ash?” I asked with a smile.

“Things are going to hell in a handbasket,” she said resolutely. “Why mince words?”

“Ash,” Barrett muttered.

“So, did you pack a suitcase or not?” Ash inquired.

“Yeah, I packed a suitcase,” I admitted.

“Use the study,” Ash suggested. “I’ll have Cranson get your suitcase. Quinn, do you want me to keep Helena for a while? We have more than enough nannies to corral the children.”

“That would be great. She’s going to need a snack in a bit,” I said, handing off the diaper bag to Ash who still had Helena to her hip. “I owe you one.”

“I owe you like fifteen,” Barrett said to Ash.