Irish Meadows Read Online Free PDF Page B

brightly as the hot sun beating down on his head.
    But that was one line he did not intend to cross. Ever. Because once he did, he could never go back.
    Mustering every ounce of willpower, he moved away from her, getting to his feet. “Come on, Bree. We’d better get back. The horses are waiting.”

3

    B RIANNA STEPPED OUT of St. Rita’s church after the service, grateful for the slight breeze that rustled her skirts. She paused for a moment on the top step and scanned the gathering of people waiting to greet Reverend Filmore. Like a magnet, her gaze was drawn to Gil under the shade of a tall maple, surrounded by a flock of girls, all giggling and vying for his attention. Bree clutched her prayer book tighter. Of course, the handsome Gilbert Whelan, fresh from college, would be the most eligible bachelor in town. Or at least a novelty for the moment.
    With studied casualness, Brianna descended the wooden steps. Manners dictated she shake Reverend Filmore’s hand and thank him for his inspirational message, then join her parents at the cemetery. Every year on the anniversary of her little brother’s death, the family visited his grave to say prayers and remember sweet Danny.
    â€œI’m glad you enjoyed the service, my dear.” Reverend Filmore winked at her. “You must be glad to have Gilbert home.”
    A flush heated her cheeks. “We all are. Especially Daddy.”
    Reverend Filmore nodded in Gil’s direction and laughed. “It appears the young ladies in town are happy to have him home, as well.”
    Brianna schooled her features so she wouldn’t scowl at the man. “So it seems. Excuse me, Reverend. I must find my parents.”
    â€œGood day, Miss O’Leary. I’ll see you next Saturday for Gilbert’s homecoming party.”
    She inclined her head, hoping her surprise didn’t show on her face. “See you then.”
    Brianna had thought her mother had intended a small dinner with a few friends and neighbors. This sounded like a much grander event, which meant all those silly girls hanging around Gil had likely been invited, too. Brianna pushed away her uncharitable thoughts and instead searched for her mother among the groups of parishioners gathered on the lawn.
    â€œHello, Brianna.”
    She whirled at the masculine voice behind her, hand to her throat. “Oh, Henry. I didn’t see you there.”
    Henry Sullivan, immaculate in his brown suit and bowler, took her gloved hand and raised it to his lips. Brianna gave a slight curtsey, grateful the glove kept Henry’s mustache from tickling her skin.
    â€œYou look particularly lovely today,” he said.
    She removed her hand as soon as it was polite to do so. “Thank you. How is your family?” The Sullivans had been her family’s neighbors since Daddy had built Irish Meadows.
    â€œThey’re all well, thank you. And you must be happy. I hear good ol’ Gil is back.”
    Brianna didn’t miss the edge to his voice. “He is. I imagine your family will be invited to his homecoming party on Saturday.”
    â€œI believe I heard my parents discussing such an event.” His gray eyes twinkled. “I, for one, am happy to have any excuse to call on you. Perhaps we can share a dance.”
    Brianna hesitated. Henry was attractive enough in his own way. He wore his blond hair short, his mustache and sideburns precisely trimmed. And he was charming in a quiet way. Yet he made Brianna uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the intensity of his interest in her she found unnerving. Whatever the reason, her reply froze on her tongue.
    The whisper of a touch on her back alerted her to Gil’s presence.
    â€œHello, Henry,” Gil said. “It’s been a while.”
    If she didn’t know Gil so well, she wouldn’t have noticed the chill in his voice.
    â€œGil.” Henry held out a hand. “You’re looking . . .