AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Not an expert, by any means. I just read a few articles.” Brigit’s gaze sharpened on her. “Were you upset to find out I had ridden out at McGraw Stables, even when you were a child?”
Deidre’s gaze flickered uncomfortably around the elegant dining room. “No. Yes. A little. Why didn’t you ever take us to the stables?” she demanded.
“I expect you already know the reason for that,” Brigit replied softly. “Do you think I wouldn’t have adored doing it, sharing my love of horses with my children?”
Something pinched tight in her chest and throat. She glanced at Nick uncertainly. He watched her with so much warmth in his eyes, she felt as if he was holding her...a silent, solid support.
“I feel like an outsider with the two of you when it comes to the topic of horses, that’s all. I wouldn’t know the front of a saddle from the back,” Deidre said with a smile, not wanting the moment to turn morose.
“I told you—I’ve seen how horses respond to you,” Nick said, stirring his iced tea idly. “Some people are just born with the ability to put animals at ease. I expect you’re like that.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” she said as the waiter cleared their plates. “All I did was pet a few horses while I was at The Pines.”
“Captain was entranced by you,” Nick murmured. His quiet voice sounded so warm, she glanced into his rugged face and was caught by the heat of his stare. “And Captain is no pushover—trust me. He’s my horse.”
She laughed. Nick shrugged and glanced at Brigit, unconcerned by her amusement. “She’s not buying it. Maybe we’ll just have to show her she’s a natural.”
“I expect you’re right. Out of all my children, Deidre was always the animal lover, and they adored her in turn. I lost count of all the stray cats and dogs she brought home over the years, and that doesn’t include the lame bird and wounded lizard she doctored on the back porch,” Brigit said, smiling at Deidre.
After the meal, Nick pulled her aside in the dim, empty entryway of Bistro Campagne while Brigit used the ladies’ room and made a quick phone call.
“I know you said we shouldn’t do anything until we get the results of the paternity test, but I’d feel a lot more comfortable having Abel Warren con
tact you in regard to Lincoln’s will. He can advise you. I’ll pay his fee. It’s a fairly complicated document, and you could use someone in your corner.”
Deidre studied her scarf as she tied it. “Actually...Marc suggested someone he knows who specializes in estate law take a look at it.”
“Who did he recommend?” Nick asked.
Deidre swallowed and met his stare. What was he thinking? His cool, impassive professional expression was back in place. She hesitated. “A man by the name of Mike Bonella.”
Something shifted on his face.
“You know who he is?” Deidre asked.
“Yeah. He handled a case a few years back that was right out of the pages of that old soap opera, Dynasty—the spoiled children of Howard Ernst versus Howard’s very young bride of nine months. Bonella won. So did the young wife.” His eyebrows quirked up. “Sounds like your brother is looking out for you.”
Deidre closed her eyes briefly as mortification flashed through her. “I haven’t called him yet, Nick. I hope I don’t have to. Marc just gave me Bonella’s name.”
“I’m glad he gave it to you.”
She started. “You are?”
Nick nodded. “The more sound advice you get, the better. But Abel was loyal to the bone to Lincoln, and he’ll be loyal to you, in turn. He knows Lincoln’s estate like no other. You can trust him. It wouldn’t hurt to at least talk to Abel and get his insight on the whole thing. I can tell you what I know, but because of the circumstances, there are those who would think the information I give you is skewed to my benefit. I’d rather you didn’t have to worry about that.”
Dread settled like lead in the pit of her stomach. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel about Nick thinking it was a good idea to have so many legal guns on her side. “Why would you recommend I have someone in my corner? Have you decided to contest the will?”
“No. I know now you didn’t have any part in coercing Lincoln in any way. I’m just saying you should get good legal counsel because I don’t want anyone making ugly accusations about me influencing you unduly. If you want access to your funds before we get the results of the paternity test, just tell Abel. You are free to do that now, Deidre. I wouldn’t stop you.”
Heat warmed her cheeks. Talk about an awkward situation.
“I told you—I don’t want to do anything like that until I get the official word as to whether or not I’m Lincoln’s child. If I took any money without knowing that, if I did anything without knowing that first, I’d feel like a...”
“What?”
“Fraud,” she whispered.
He frowned and glanced toward the hallway behind them. Deidre turned to see her mother approaching, a smile on her face. The loaded conversation with Nick would just have to wait.
