Page 146 of Fall of a Kingdom

“Barrett,” I warned.

“Confused. Tired. Angry. Hopeful. Resentful. Grateful. Wishing I was out of this bed. Knowing I’ll be stuck here a while longer yet. Missing my children. Missing my husband.”

“What are you talking about? Flynn is here.”

“I don’t meanhereat the hospital.” She paused. “I mean he’s holding back.”

“About what?”

“He’s acting like he’s not even mad that I kept this from him, and I know that isn’t the truth.”

“I think he’s just too busy being relieved that you’re out of surgery for him to be angry.”

“Hmm. Maybe.”

“Have you tried talking to him?”

“I hadn’t thought of that, no,” she said with an eye roll.

It made me smile.

“So…we’re good?” she asked.

“You tell me.”

“We’re good.”

“I’m glad you’re still with us, Barrett.”

“That makes two of us, Sasha.”

Chapter53

BARRETT

Flynn handedme a green cap made of Merino wool. I slid it over my bandaged head and looked at him.

“Well?” I asked.

“Beautiful.”

“Yeah, right,” I muttered.

“How’s your energy today?”

“Okay.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and took my hands in his. “I want to say something.”

I mentally braced myself. “All right.”

Flynn’s gaze was steady when he peered at me. “I got you pregnant on purpose. After Dolinsky… I knew your birth control lapsed. I took advantage of it.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t think you’d stay if it was just for me.” I was silent long enough that he finally demanded, “Say something.”

“Is this why?”