“Uncle Ash!”
Ash threw his cane to Trent, so his hands were empty as she jumped into them.He groaned dramatically as he lifted her into the air.“You must have gotten bigger since the last time I saw you!”
She giggled.“I did!It’s my birthday!”
“It’s your birthday?How old are you?”
She held up her hand, fingers spread wide.
“Five?No wonder you’ve gotten so big!”
She nodded animatedly, joy bubbling up in her laughter.Trent’s chest filled with gratitude.Ash was so good to her, and in turn, to him.
“Well,” Ash said quietly.“Somebody might have told me it was your birthday, and I’m quite certain there will be a surprise waiting for you when you get home.”
“A birthday present?”
Ash gave her an indulgent smile.“A birthday present from your uncle Ash.”
“What is it?”
He chuckled.“It’s a surprise.You’ll find out when you get back home.Right now, your aunt Gwen has something for you in the sitting room.”He set her down and pointed to the doorway.
“Aunt Gwen!”Maggie called as she ran.A chorus of feminine voices wished her a happy birthday as she entered the room.
Ash held out his hand and Trent threw his cane back to him.“Come on in, it’s good to see you.”
He followed Ash into his office.Ash closed the door but then he placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze scouring Trent’s face.
“Christ.You look like hell, Trent.When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?”He shook his head.“Sit down.”
They settled across the desk from one another.
“Tell me what you need, Trent.”
He shook his head.“I don’t need anything, Ash.You’ve already given me far too much.And speaking of which, what is this gift that will be waiting for Maggie?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Trent shook his head.“It’s too much, Ash.”
“You don’t even know what it is.”
“I have an inkling.She did send you a painting, after all.”
Ash shrugged.“I suppose you’ll see when you get home.”
Trent sighed.“I do appreciate it all, Ash, but I feel as if my debt to you only continues to grow.”
“Trent.”Ash waited until he made eye contact.“You are not now, nor will you ever be, in my debt.You are my brother.”
Trent nodded, but it was still hard for that to be real to him.
“Let me say that again, because I feel like you didn’t fully hear me.You.Are.My.Brother.”
He closed his eyes.When he opened them, Ash was standing beside him with an arm out.He stood and they embraced.
“Thank you, Ash.”
