Free The Delaney Woman by Jeanette Baker Page A

desk.”
    â€œThis way.” He motioned for her to follow.
    She walked a few paces behind.
    â€œHere we are.” He pointed to an aisle filled with a myriad of bookshelves. “When you’re done choosing, let me know and I’ll show you the desks.”
    â€œThank you.”
    He frowned. “You’re not local, are you?”
    Kellie shook her head. “No. I’m staying at Tom Whelan’s.”
    â€œI didn’t think you’d been here before. I’m a newcomer myself. The Mrs. and I moved here five years ago. We came to visit and decided to stay.” He extended his hand. “I’m Cormac O’Donnell.”
    Kellie repressed a laugh. Only in Ireland was one considered a newcomer after five years. She took his hand. “Kellie Delaney.”
    â€œCall out when you’re ready.”
    â€œThank you. I will.”
    Methodically, Kellie ruled out the most expensive woods as well as those needing complete assembly. She didn’t know the exact moment she became aware of the woman standing at the end of the aisle staring at her. She wouldn’t have noticed her at all, except that she stood completely, unselfconsciously still, all her attention focused on Kellie.
    Intrigued, Kellie turned to look at her. She was a small, slim woman, dark hair peppered with gray, tight skin and beautiful bone structure. She looked familiar. Did she know her? “Hello,” she said.
    â€œYou must be Kellie.”
    â€œYes. How did you know?”
    â€œTom described you. I’m Susan Whelan.”
    She was Tom’s mother.
    â€œI’m sorry I haven’t met you before this. Every time I’ve come, you’re out. Are you settling in all right?”
    â€œYes, thank you.” Kellie smiled. “I was hoping to meet you.”
    â€œAnd I you. Tom has said lovely things about you.”
    â€œAbout me?” Kellie was incredulous. “Surely you’re mistaken.”
    â€œNot at all. It isn’t every day that an attractive, unmarried woman moves into Banburren and sets up housekeeping with my son.”
    Kellie reddened. “It isn’t like that at all.”
    â€œI’m joking with you, love. Seriously, how are you doing?”
    â€œEveryone’s been wonderful to me, especially Tom.”
    â€œWhat do you think of Heather?”
    â€œShe’s priceless. The two of you have done a wonderful job raising her. Tom is a natural father.”
    Susan raised an eyebrow. “Has he told you about the child’s mother?”
    â€œNo. I understand she left the family.”
    â€œIn a manner of speaking. Claire wields enormous influence even when she’s not around. Remind me to tell you about her when you have a spare afternoon. You should know your competition.”
    â€œMrs. Whelan, Tom offered me a job, that’s all,” Kellie protested, uncomfortable with the direction of the woman’s thoughts. She very much wanted to tap Susan’s brain, but without the obvious implication.
    Susan’s blue-green eyes sparkled. “You’ve only just arrived, lass. Our wedding festival’s coming up. Stranger things have happened.”
    â€œI won’t be here that long.”
    â€œWill you be here tonight?”
    â€œYes,” said Kellie, “of course.”
    â€œThen I’ll expect you for dinner. We’re all looking forward to it.”
    â€œ All? What does that mean? Who else will be there?”
    â€œWhy the whole family, love. Tom hasn’t expressed interest in a woman since Claire was sent away.”
    â€œWe wouldn’t suit, Mrs. Whelan. We disagree on everything.”
    Susan smiled her blinding smile and changed the subject. “Geary’s has wonderful bulbs. It’s time to plant if you want them for spring. I’ll look forward to seeing you tonight.”
    The woman’s energy was all around her. Kellie felt electrified, empowered. “I won’t be