Page 40 of Fall of a Kingdom

“You look like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.”

“I feel lighter.” I lifted the mug of tea to my lips. “I feel a change coming.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. I don’t know what it’s going to look like or what it’ll be, but I feel it.”

The cry of a baby blasted through the monitor.

Ash groaned. “Ijustgot comfortable.”

“I’ve been there,” I said with a laugh.

Another cry echoed through the kitchen.

I set my mug down and stood up. “I’m a whiz at changing diapers and cuddling infants.”

“You’re so lucky your children are already potty trained. I can’t wait to get there.”

“Treasure these moments, Ash. They’re gone far too quickly.”

* * *

“I wish Ramsey were here,” I said, looking at Ash and Duncan’s perfectly decorated tree. “Christmas doesn’t feel the same without him.”

Duncan nodded. “Agreed.”

“Why would he want to stay in Dallas when he could be here with us?” Ash asked.

Flynn raised a brow. “Let’s see… He can be here, surrounded by happily married couples with a brood of very loud bairns, or he can stay in Dallas where he was crowned Dallas’ Most Eligible Bachelor. My guess is he’s drowning in—”

“Please don’t say it,” I begged.

Flynn merely grinned.

“Besides, he doesn’t need a title to make him desirable to women,” I pointed out.

“Oh, he gets plenty of women, just not the right ones,” Ash said.

“Anyone need an eggnog refill?” Duncan asked, rising from his spot on the couch.

“I’m good,” I said.

“I’ll have a top off,” Flynn stated.

“Ash?” Duncan looked at his wife, who shook her head.

Duncan took our glasses to the liquor cart in the corner. He added a splash of rum, filled the cups with homemade eggnog, and then dashed cinnamon on top.

The den was cheery with the Christmas tree and roaring fire. The children had been put to bed hours ago. They’d been allowed to open one present, with the promise that the following morning would bring many more.

Now it was just the adults sitting and enjoying the peace of a quiet house. The week leading up to Christmas was usually hectic, but this year had been different. It was low key without any fanfare. It was by tacit agreement that it stay that way.

Duncan handed off our drinks and took his seat again. “I’m worried about Ramsey. Our phone conversations are brief, vague, and he hardly ever makes time to fly home for a visit these days.” He looked at Flynn. “Has he said anything to you?”

Flynn shook his head. “It’s the same when I speak to him.”

“You guys are so clueless,” I remarked.