Mulligan Stew Read Online Free Page A

reckon she's curious."
    "When I spoke with her on the phone, I got the impression she's a lot more than just curious."
    Realization made the flesh around Bridget's mouth tingle again and she had to swallow several times before she could speak. "You... you told her about Jacob."
    Mr. Larabee's cheeks reddened. "It should have come from you, but... the divorce settlement Culley never received did mention child support. I'm sorry."
    "And...?"
    A huge grin split Mr. Larabee's face and his eyes twinkled behind his spectacles. "She said, 'I want to hold me boy's flesh and blood in me arms, and see the lad's face with me own two eyes.'"
    Bridget had to laugh at Mr. Larabee's attempt at an Irish accent, though nothing about this was humorous. The man she'd married was dead, and his momma wanted to meet his son. Bridget owed Culley that. "I understand." She leaned closer, sliding the letter across the desk's smooth surface.
    "I'll be blunt, Bridget." Mr. Larabee sobered again. "Mrs. Mulligan indicated to me that her older son—Riley, I think she said—believes you might try to con the family out of their land."
    "Con?" Silently seething, she tried to quell her rising indignation. And failed. " Con ?"
    "Mrs. Mulligan also said that Riley will want proof."
    She stiffened. "I don't need to prove anything to anybody. I know the truth."
    Mr. Larabee cleared his throat. "Your mother-in-law had just the opposite reaction, however. She can't wait to meet you and Jacob. In fact, she reminds me of you."
    That's what Culley said. Her heart stuttered and she warmed from within, realizing with a start that she could now give herself permission to have loved Culley Mulligan. "Culley's momma wants us to come for a visit?"
    Mr. Larabee nodded. "More than a visit, Bridget. She wants you to bring her grandson home. Her words."
    "Home?"
    "Where he belongs, according to her."
    An odd tremor of fear and excitement coalesced and pulsed through Bridget. Her cheeks grew warm and she clutched the fabric of her skirt in both fists. "He belongs with me ."
    Mr. Larabee pulled off his glasses and leveled his gaze on her. "Mrs. Mulligan's said her late husband's will was pretty specific."
    "Specific?" She knew it was too good to be true. There was probably some catch to all this that would keep Jacob from receiving his inheritance.
    "I mentioned earlier, this is what's called an entailed estate. One family member can't sell any portion without the permission of them all."
    "I remember."
    "Your son will be entitled to an inheritance when he reaches his majority."
    "That's good. Culley would've wanted that."
    Mr. Larabee sighed. "They may require proof of paternity since the marriage was sudden and secret—"
    "I'm not the one who kept it secret."
    "I know, but they can probably prevent Jacob from inheriting anything, or at least drag it out for many years." Mr. Larabee met her gaze. "Going there will show good faith, and—let's face facts—you have nothing here except your job with us."
    Bridget reminded herself of the eviction notice. She had a child to feed, and that child's daddy might finally come through with some support. Remembering Culley's laughing eyes, tears welled in her own. She'd much rather have had Culley with her all along than have his property now without him.
    In fact, she owed it to Culley to make sure his son took his rightful place in the Mulligan family. Pride made her lift her chin and square her shoulders. A slow, determined smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. "Then I reckon I'll take my son to meet his daddy's family."
    "That's the spirit." Mr. Larabee returned her smile. "When shall I tell Mrs. Mulligan to expect you?"
    A sinking sensation struck Bridget. The final blow. Her mouth went dry and her eyes burned. "Never." She held her hands out, palms up. "I don't have the money for the trip." Her breath came out in a whoosh and she fell back against the chair. Defeated. "I guess that's the end of—"
    "No. It's just the