Page 34 of Fall of a Kingdom

“So, we don’t need to punish them for their rotten prank.” I smirked.

James released Flynn and then came over to me. When I patted Noah to get up, James waved him down and then leaned over to kiss my cheek. “No. I think they’ve learned their lesson.”

“And Brandon?” I asked.

“He’ll get his just reward.” James winked and took a seat on the couch. “Hate to break this to you, Barrett, but your sons are tiny little versions of Flynn.”

“I’m aware,” I said with an arch of a brow at my husband. “I suppose I’ll keep them, since I’m rather fond of their father.”

“Thank you, hen,” Flynn said dryly.

Moira entered the den with a tray laden with Irish soda bread, honey butter, and a plate of cookies.

Iain hopped up and immediately went to the coffee table where Moira set down the tray.

“Don’t worry, Mam,” Hawk said with a grin that was all trouble. “Even though you’re a girl, we’ll keep you too.”

Chapter13

BARRETT

“Home sweet home,”I breathed as I stepped into our expansive foyer.

I was bone weary, but the trip had been worth it. Moira and James had attempted to coerce us into staying the night, but I wanted to sleep in my own bed. Thank goodness the tension between Flynn and I had disappeared. It would’ve been hell trying to keep it a secret from the boys, along with everyone else.

Flynn stepped close to me and leaned down, brushing his lips against mine. Hawk made a gagging noise in the background.

“Okay, ruffians,” I said when I finally pulled away from Flynn. “Baths first, then bedtime.”

“Awwww, Mam,” Iain whined.

“I’m not dirty,” Hawk protested. “I had a bath yesterday.”

Flynn flicked Hawk’s lobe. “Then why are your ears covered in dirt?”

Hawk rubbed the tender spot and then shrugged and smiled.

“Baths,” I repeated.

“Listen to your mother. And the sooner you take a bath,” Flynn said, “the sooner you go to sleep. Tomorrow, we’re going with Uncle Duncan to cut down our Christmas tree.”

“Will you let me swing the axe?” Hawk asked eagerly.

I shot Flynn a look.

“We’ll see,” he lied.

Iain muttered, “I know what that means.”

“Upstairs, the lot of you.” Flynn said. “I’m right behind you.”

The boys tore up the stairs, disappearing from sight.

“When the boys are done with their baths, what do you say we have a bath of our own in our master tub? It fits us both.”

I leaned against his chest. “I’m so tired. Rain check?”

“Aye,” he agreed. “Tomorrow night. After I get home from chopping down our Christmas tree, you can scrub my back.”