Page 44 of Fall of a Kingdom

“I think they’ll adore her,” I predicted.

She fell silent for a moment and then sniggered. “I just had a vision of her going out on her first date, her three brothers standing behind her as her date comes to the door.”

“How old was she in this vision,” I asked.

“Thirty,” Barrett jested with a teasing grin. “And she was in a tower and had long golden hair.”

I shot her a disgruntled look. “Two can play that game. I know how you’ll be the moment Hawk brings home the girl he’s going to marry. You’re going to lose your shite.”

“Ineverover-react. It’s not in my nature.”

I snorted. “What about the time—”

“Let’s not do this,” she said. “Let’s just enjoy the moment.”

The weather had cleared but the sky was still gray as I pulled into the driveway. The baby was still fast asleep, and I wondered if that boded well for our future.

I parked the car and then Barrett unlatched her seatbelt. She got out and then opened the back door, unstrapped the carrier, and pulled it out.

“Do you think anyone’s awake yet?” Barrett asked as we trekked to the front door.

I removed my keys from my trouser pocket. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

I pushed open the front door and we stepped into the warm foyer. I listened for a moment, but there were no sounds of little feet running along wooden floors, no sounds of bairns crying.

Barrett took the baby while I removed my shoes. As I was hanging up my coat, Duncan strolled down the front staircase.

He came to a halt when he saw the sleeping baby in her carrier.

“What the ever-loving fuck?” Duncan whispered.

“Is Ash awake yet?” I asked.

Duncan shook his head. “She was up with wee Duncan most of the night.”

The three of us went into the den. Barrett sat down on the couch and settled the carrier near her. I took the seat next to Barrett while Duncan continued to stand.

Barrett quickly explained what had happened to Donal and Maisie and how we’d been named the baby’s guardians.

“We’re her family now,” I stated.

Duncan continued to peer at our new daughter and then he let out a soft chuckle. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

A door slammed upstairs, causing the baby to jolt awake. Her cry was almost immediate. Barrett quickly reached into the carrier to pick her up, pulling her toward her chest to soothe her.

A few minutes later, Hawk, Noah, and Iain ran into the den, wearing matching Campbell tartan pajamas.

“What’s that?” Hawk asked, pointing to the baby.

“Er, Santa brought her,” Barrett said.

“It’s aher?” Iain asked as he inched closer.

“Aye,” I said. “You have a sister now.”

“A sister,” Hawk repeated. “I didn’t ask for a sister for Christmas.”

Duncan smothered his laugh. I shot him a glare. He raised his hands and got up off the couch. “I’m guessing the door slam woke Carys and Malcolm. I better check on them.”