A Passion Redeemed Read Online Free

one." She tilted her head and grinned. "Where's that annoying confidence of yours when you need it? Your faith in God?"

    A smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah, it did get me through the last year without losing my mind." He downed the rest of the ginger ale. "But I suppose you're right. Maybe it's time."
    "Kathleen might be a good place to start, you know. You two used to have a lot of fun before Faith. And you know she still cares for you, Mitch."
    He nodded, his gaze fixed on the empty glass in his hand. "I know."
    "Ready for a booth?" Sally flitted by, gesturing for them to follow.
    Bridie slipped off her stool. "The saints be praised! Another minute and I'd be but a faint heap on the floor. Get your wallet out, Mr. Dennehy. This is going to cost ya dearly."
    "It already cost me dearly," he mumbled. He followed the bounce of Sally's head as she led them across the room, menus in hand. He breathed a sigh of relief when she passed the frontcorner booth where he and Faith had often sat.
    She slapped the menus down on a booth at the back of the smoky pub. "How's this?" she asked with a perky smile. "And Duffy told me to go ahead and wait on you myself, even though I'm working the bar tonight."
    Bridie grinned. "Oh, that's a great big tip for sure, Sally girl." She winked at Mitch. "Very dearly, my friend."
    "Thanks, Sally," Mitch said, cutting Bridie a searing look. "I'll take another ginger ale, then we should be ready to order." Sally toddled away and he leaned back, stretching his legs. He picked up the menu, hoping he could assess it without drooling. "I swear, Bridie, I'm so blasted hungry, I could order one of everything."
    "The shepherd's pie is quite good and, I might add, quite filling."
    The sound of a familiar voice froze his fingers to the paper. Looking up, shock nipped at the heels of his hunger.

    "Charity ..." Her name solidified on his tongue, refusing to let another word pass. It was seconds before he realized his mouth hung open, allowing painful silence to fill the air. He cleared his throat and stood to his feet, angered at the heat she generated. "Charity ..."
    "You said that," she whispered, her smile almost shy.
    His jaw hardened in self-defense. "You're looking well." Well? She was heart-stoppingly beautiful and nothing less. "How's your grandmother doing?" he asked. He could feel his hands sweat.
    The smile faded from her full lips. "She's doing all right, I suppose, despite the fact that my great-grandmother is not." Her clear, blue eyes darkened with worry. She pushed a strand of honey blond hair away from her face. "Mima seems to get weaker every day. Grandmother and I are both concerned."
    "I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?"
    Charity blinked, the depths of her eyes drawing him in. "Mima would love to see you, Mitch. We all would."
    Something cramped in his gut, and he suspected it wasn't hunger.
    Bridie cleared her throat and held out her hand. "Hello, I'm Bridie O'Halloran. I work with Mitch at the Times."
    Charity smiled and extended her hand. "I'm Charity O'Connor. Nice to meet you.-
    "Faith's sister?"
    A blush crept into Charity's cheeks. Her gaze fluttered to Mitch and back. "Yes."
    "It's good to meet some of Faith's family. We loved her at the Times, you know."
    The color in Charity's cheeks deepened. "Thank you," she whispered. Her smile faltered as she withdrew her hand and turned to Mitch. "It's wonderful seeing you again, but we have to be going ..
    "We?„
    "My gentleman friend and I. We have tickets to the theater." She glanced over her shoulder, then returned her gaze to his. "Do come by, Mitch. We would love to catch up."

    "Ready, darling?" Rigan appeared behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders and gave Mitch a cool smile. "Hello, Mitch."
    The blood drained from Mitch's face as his jaw calcified to stone. "Hello, Rigan. It's been a long time."
    Charity's hand floated to the flounce of silk on her chest. A pretty blush stained her cheeks. "Goodness, you two