Murder on the Bride's Side by Tracy Kiely Read Free Book Online

good,” she said. “He seems tired.”
    “Well, dinner was a tense affair,” I said. “After Roni’s little announcement, conversation came to a standstill.”
    “God, she is so vile,” grumbled Bridget. “I really don’t getwhat Uncle Avery sees in her. I mean, other than the fact that she has . . .” Bridget cupped her hands in front of her chest to indicate Roni’s most notable characteristic.
    Peter’s dark brows pulled together in confusion. “Roni has arthritis?”
    Colin burst out laughing as Bridget threw a cushion at Peter.
    “You didn’t think that I was going to walk into that one, did you?” He laughed as the green cushion sailed over his head. “Besides, I have eyes only for Elizabeth,” he continued with mock adoration.
    I picked up another cushion and threatened him with it. “You’re full of malarkey is what you are,” I said. “Hell, I’m a dedicated heterosexual and even I have a hard time not staring at them.”
    “Please don’t ever tell me that again,” Peter said, wincing.
    Bridget interrupted. “Well, big boobs or no, she’s a b . . . witch,” she quickly amended, directing a syrupy smile at Colin. He raised his beer bottle in tacit acknowledgment. She continued. “If she succeeds in convincing Uncle Avery to sell the Garden, it will tear this family apart. My great-grandfather started that business!”
    “I know, honey,” said Colin. “But what can we do? It’s really not our decision.”
    “Maybe we could poison her food,” Bridget mused.
    “Who are you planning on poisoning?” inquired a deep voice behind us.
    Turning, we saw Graham, his black brows pulled together quizzically. Blythe stood beside him. She peered at Bridget over her half-moon glasses, her expression bland. Some mothersmight be alarmed to hear their daughters casually contemplating a murder. Those mothers did not have Bridget for a daughter. Blythe had learned years ago not to let Bridget’s flair for the dramatics affect her blood pressure.
    “I was talking about Roni,” said Bridget. “Is it really true that she’s pressuring Uncle Avery to sell the Garden?”
    Graham sighed and nodded his head. “It’s true,” he said quietly, with a backward look at the house. “Although everyone in there is trying their best not to talk about it, it’s clearly on everyone’s mind.”
    “She is such a bitch sometimes!” exclaimed Bridget.
    “I give up,” moaned Colin, throwing up his hands in mock frustration.
    “Oh, please,” she scoffed, “you know I’m right.”
    “Bridget.” Blythe sighed with a shake of her head. “Do you have to be so contrary? It’s very unattractive.”
    A sudden gleam lit Bridget’s eyes. “Excuse me,” she said formally, with a quick look in my direction, “but I did not know I contradicted anyone by calling Roni a bitch.”
    “Hey! Nice one!” I said appreciatively.
    “Right?” She grinned at me in response. “I think I’m starting to get the hang of it!” Brushing her bangs off her forehead, she added, “But in all seriousness, can’t we do anything about her?”
    “Not tonight, dear,” Blythe said firmly, pushing her glasses up a notch. “We’ve got more important things to worry about, such as tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, please be patient with Ashley. I know she’s trying, but she
is
family.”
    Ashley is Bridget’s five-year-old cousin. Born to Blythe’s sister,Karen, and her husband, Lewis, later in their lives, she was hailed by them as a miracle. It was a sentiment that was becoming less and less shared, however, as Karen and Lewis pandered to Ashley’s every whim, with the result that she was well on her way to becoming an obnoxiously spoiled little girl. In the name of family harmony, Blythe had pleaded, cajoled, and finally bullied Bridget into asking the little girl to serve as flower girl.
    Bridget rolled her eyes now at the mention of the girl’s name. “Mother! Please. Ashley is beyond trying. She