Free Bougainvillea by Heather Graham Page B

was trying to speak. Her mouth was working, but words wouldn’t come. Then finally, she said, “He’s married her!”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œDavid has gone and—and married Kit Delaney.”
    â€œWow. That was fast,” Michael said.
    â€œThat was fast? That’s all you have to say? It was wretched…horrible…that he was bringing the little… the little…”
    â€œHey, anybody seen my keys?”
    Josh chose that moment to walk in. His keys were forever lost on some piece of furniture.
    â€œMom, who are we talking about? Let’s see… wretched and horrible, that little…little —bitch would probably be the right word. Who’s she talking about?” he asked his father cheerfully.
    â€œKit Delaney.”
    â€œHey, she was a cute little kid. Mischievous, but hey, you expect that in a kid. Why is she a bitch?”
    â€œApparently, David has married her,” Michael informed his son.
    â€œMarried! David went off and married her?”
    â€œThat’s what your mother says.”
    â€œI’ll be damned. David. Married. Hmm. That will dampen a few expectations around here, won’t it?” he said, and laughed. “So have you seen them?”
    â€œSeen what?” Lenore asked.
    â€œMy keys.”
    â€œDavid Moore has gone off and married Kit Delaney, and all you’re concerned about is your keys?” Lenore said, incredulous.
    â€œCan’t drive without them,” Josh said. “Hey, does Seamus know yet?”
    â€œNo,” Michael told him.
    â€œWell, I tell you, you’ve got to give it to David. Send him off to retrieve someone, and he sure goes all the way. When are they coming here?”
    â€œI don’t know!” his mother said icily.
    Kaitlin came breezing in, walking toward the liquor cabinet. “Good evening, all,” she said, then paused, studying them. “Did someone’s dog die?” she asked.
    â€œWorse,” Josh said gravely. He stared at Kaitlin, awry grin curling his lips. “David has gone off and married Kit Delaney.”
    It was a good thing Kaitlin hadn’t picked up a liquor bottle—she would have dropped it. Her mouth gaped for a moment before she thought to snap it shut.
    â€œYou’re joking,” she said.
    â€œNo, we’re not.” Lenore’s voice remained grim.
    â€œBut…how? When?” Kaitlin demanded.
    â€œIn Las Vegas. Last night,” Lenore said. “But…I don’t believe it,” Kaitlin said.
    â€œWhy not?” Josh asked. “If she looks anything like Marina, which she definitely did as a kid, she must be stunning. And why not keep it all in the family, as they say?”
    â€œShe’s not our family,” Lenore protested.
    Michael looked at his wife. “She’s a Delaney, my dear. Just the same as I am.”
    Lenore stared at him, started to speak, and clamped her lips shut.
    â€œI just don’t believe it!” Kaitlin said. “It’s just David. He’s called with this jest to yank our chains. I mean, all right, Seamus wants to see Kit. He’s filled with remorse over all the arguments and the fact that Marina died here. But David must be aware that…well, that no one else could possibly want her around!”
    â€œDoes anyone matter but Seamus?” Josh asked lightly.
    At that moment, the phone rang. Michael strode past his still-stiff wife to answer it. “Hello?”
    â€œMichael, it’s Shelley. David just called, and told me about Kit, then put me on the phone with her. I’m so excited. I was thinking about planning a party forwhen they come home—except that I don’t want to step on any toes. I thought that you might want to plan the party. Isn’t it wonderful? It’s just incredible. After everything that happened, Kit will still be coming back here to live. Isn’t it just great?”
    â€œWho is it, Michael?”