Page 48 of A Royal Obligation
“This is gorgeous. Thank you. But this isn’t fair. I have all these things, and Jules has nothing.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I don’t need anything.” Jules rolled on her feet.
“I would be glad to get a gift for you, Jules. Give me a moment to find something.” Barrett headed deeper into the street of vendors.
He wove in and out of the crowd of people, stopping when he saw a vendor selling glass-blown items. Scouring the items for sale, his eyes stopped when they landed on a beautiful pumpkin amidst all the ornaments and snowmen. The vendor placed the pumpkin in a bag, and Barrett paid him before returning to the group.
Barrett handed the bag to Jules. “I hope you like it.”
He watched her as she opened the bag. She pulled the pumpkin out, and when her eyes met his again they were misty. “I couldn’t have picked anything more perfect. Thank you.”
James pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and offered it to her. She accepted it and dabbed her eyes.
“Jules, I want to show you this boutique I found down the street. You could get a cute outfit for when your parents visit tomorrow.” Charlotte turned to the men. “Do you all mind?”
The boys nodded their approval. Once they were alone, Barrett clapped James on the back.
“How are you doing, cousin? I’ve been meaning to reach out. I know we haven’t seen each other much since your parents’ accident.”
“The estate feels small with only me and the staff. My parents have been gone for over a year, so I feel like I should be more used to it by now. I’m trying to find new endeavors to put my energy into,” James said.
“We’re proud of you. Please keep in mind we’re only a quick jaunt away if you ever need anything. You always have a place with us at the palace.” Barrett gave his shoulder a brotherly squeeze.
“Thank you both.” James smiled brightly at the brothers and then checked his watch. “I should be heading out. Thank you for taking me along.”
Barrett and Liam watched James walk away.
“Do you remember what it was like only a year after we lost Mom?” Liam asked.
“Yeah.” Barrett’s mouth pulled to the side at the memory. “I slept on the floor of your bedroom every night for the first year and a half after she was gone.”
“It took you a long time to be able to sleep on your own.”
His eyes darted to Liam’s face. “You surely know that wasn’t the reason.”
“What do you mean?” Liam’s brows pulled together.
“I slept on your floor every night for you. You screamed a lot in your sleep at the beginning. I wanted to be there for you until you were okay.” Barrett shrugged his shoulders.
“Oh, I never knew that. I guess I should thank you.” Liam averted his eyes.
“You don’t ever have to thank family. That’s just what we do. We’re there for each other.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Charlotte, Jules, and the members of the King’s Council returning. Barrett called for their drivers to pick them up.
Spending time in the men’s sitting room with his father and brother was one of Barrett’s favorite things. Although some might find it strange that three grown men would watch a dating show together, he would always cherish that time together. It brought back memories of when his mom was still there and they watched it as a family of four. But it also was one of the few times he got to spend with his father in an informal setting.
Not knowing how much time he had left with his dad, he enjoyed being able to soak up any possible time with him that didn’t revolve around a dinner table or work-related meetings.
“I can’t believe the finale is already here,” the king said, sinking back into the couch.
“This season sure has flown by,” Barrett responded.
“Who do you think Reese will end up with?”
“Reese should choose Cheryl. After all, she is the ninety-four percent match, so she is the most well-suited for him,” Liam said with confidence
“No way. Have you even seen the two of them together? They have no chemistry. Reese and Lydia, on the other hand, have so much chemistry you can feel it through the screen,” Barrett remarked.