IRISH FIRE Read Online Free

and Ben were her only grandchildren and she adored them.
    Depression closed in on her again. She fought it off. Maybe, if everyone was reasonable, if Sam didnt lose his temper, something could be worked out. Her heart fluttered with renewed hope. An idea began to form in her mind. For the first time in months, Caitlin settled into a restorative sleep with a smile on her lips.

    The Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs on the last Saturday in May was a Claiborne family tradition. Not only did Claiborne colts participate but the entire family, the trainer, the servants, the groomers, the exercisers, everyone who had anything to do with Claiborne horses, attended the race that began the count down to the Triple Crown. The series of three annual events beginning with the Derby and ending with the Belmont, determined which thoroughbred, if any, would go down in American racing history as the winner of the most prestigious purse in the thoroughbred world. This year the Claiborne colt,
Night Journey
, was slated to win.
    Caitlin, slim and elegant in a linen wrap skirt that fell to her ankles, a white sleeveless blouse and a wide-brimmed straw hat, sat in the Claiborne owners box sipping iced tea. Six-year-old Ben sat beside her scanning the crowd.
    She glanced down and saw the worried frown on his small freckled face. Sliding her free arm around her sons shoulders, she pulled him close for an extended hug and breathed deeply. The all-consuming love that motherhood evoked never failed to astonish her. Caitlin hadnt been prepared for that kind of emotion. Sometimes it choked her and she couldnt manage the words. Dont worry, love, she said carefully, keeping her voice light. Theyll be here in time. Has Daddy ever missed a Derby?
    No. Ben looked up, saw the smile on his mothers face, and relaxed against her.
    Across the sea of people spread throughout the stands, Caitlins eyes found Lucy Claibornes and connected. The older woman smiled bracingly and Caitlin lifted her glass in a salute. Lately, her mother-in-law had been unusually approachable, almost as if she approved of her.
    Lucy had intervened after Sam flatly refused to allow her to take the children to Ireland. Caitlin has a right to be with her mother, she reminded her son with a hint of steel in her voice. And Brigid should see her grandchildren.
    In the end, Sam had capitulated. No one argued with Lucy. She simply announced her position and refused to deviate from it until everyone came around to her way of thinking. It was a trait that annoyed Caitlin immensely when shed first come to Claiborne Farms. Now, she was grateful for it.
    Caitlin knew she was a far cry from the naive young girl whod married Sam Claiborne fourteen years before. It was much more than an expensive haircut, the labels on her designer clothing, or the diamond on her finger, large but not quite large enough to stretch the boundaries of tastefulness. Caitlin radiated an aura of polished sophistication that was typically southern and purely Claiborne. A cross between wholesome and elegant, with striking cheekbones, a brilliant smile and the contrast of creamy skin against night-dark hair and eyes, Caitlin Claiborne was accustomed to her share of admiring glances.
    Sometimes Caitlin wondered if her mother-in-law could read her mind. Would Lucy accept the inevitability of her sons failed marriage, wish Caitlin well and tell her to take good care of Annie and Ben? Or would she be vindictive and controlling like Sam?
    Caitlin bit her lip. Her answers would come soon enough, as soon as she had the nerve to hand Sam the divorce papers she carried in her purse. Lucy couldnt possibly know of her plans. No one knew, not even Brigid, not yet.
    It was nearly five oclock in the afternoon. Churchill Downs had opened at eight that morning to a crowd of thousands flowing steadily in from Fourth Street. Across the brick-lined walkways, through the tulip and marigold beds and past the clubhouse, a sea of tanned legs and