Page 35 of Fall of a Kingdom

“My very own Scottish Paul Bunyan.”

“Who?”

“He’s a—never mind.”

He kissed me again and then let me go. “You might want to call Ash and tell her you’re back safe and sound.”

“Doesn’t she already know?” I arched a brow. “Haven’t you texted Duncan?”

“Aye, they know. But she’ll want to hear your voice.”

“I’ll send her a quick text and tell her I’ll call tomorrow. I’m wiped, and starving.”

“Good thing we have a refrigerator stuffed with food.” He kissed the end of my nose. “I’m sure you’ll find something you like.”

“I’m opening a bottle of wine,” I said as I heard yelling from upstairs. I looked in the direction of the staircase. “All hail King Flynn, Master of Children, Commander of Baths.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m on my way.”

He lightly smacked my behind and then took the stairs two at a time. I watched him run out of sight after our little heathens and thought about how lucky I was to have them.

I loved them so much my heart ached.

I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my cell phone. I shot off a quick text to Ash. My plan was to catch up with her the following day while the boys were doing manly things and come clean with her and tell her about the miscarriage.

She replied:Glad you’re home. I’m going to hug your face when I see you. And swat you for terrifying us all.

I smiled. She’d forgive me in time. Once I explained what had been going on I was sure she would understand. She was Ash, and I was Barrett, and we were as close as two people could be, and I knew we would get through it.

I kicked off my boots before tromping to the kitchen and then dialed a number on my favorites list.

“You’re a stone-cold bitch,” Sasha said in Russian.

“Then I’m in the best of company, because you’re a stone-cold bastard,” I replied in the same tongue and same droll tone.

He let out a low chuckle. “You worried the hell out of your husband. So much so that he calledme.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m not proud of it.”

“Are you still there? At his place?”

“No. We’re home now.”

“How are you?” he asked. “Really.”

I inhaled a shaky breath. “I’m okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I paused. “I’m not going back to Dolinsky’s.”

“No?”

“I don’t need it anymore.”

“Are you sure about that?” he asked.

“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “Yes,” I said again, my voice stronger this time. “I’m sure. It’s time to let him go.”