“Kellen!” Finn yelled grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him. But Kellen didn’t stir. His chest didn’t rise or fall. Kellen had drawn his last breath. 

#

Liam drained his coffee mug and set it on the bar, covering the burn Kellen had left. “Those are our three ghosts. Sean, Paddy, and Kellen,” he said.

“They’re all members of the family,” Anne said, and Liam nodded. “Liam. Please look at me.” He looked at the ceiling and silently cursed Molly for making him quit smoking, then turned to Ann. She placed her hand on his and gently squeezed. “Liam, please don’t sell the pub. There’s so much family in these four walls.” 

Liam turned away but stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Anne, I’m old, and like Kellen, I know my days are numbered. The cancer is going to kill me soon.” He lowered his head and stared into his coffee. “And Declan’s dead. I have no son to pass it on to.” 

Annie’s back arched. “Seriously? You have a daughter who manages a successful restaurant. For God’s sake, she’s named after the pub.” She stared at him, her frustration growing, “Molly loves this pub. She grew up in it. Let her have it.”

He raised his head and looked at her. “A woman’s never owned Molly’s. It’s always been passed from father to son,” he said half-heartedly. “It’s tradition.”

“You can’t be serious.” She cocked her head to the side and stared at him, “This is the 21st century. That’s one tradition whose time has come and gone.”

 Liam shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not.”

“Stop being so stubborn. You know she’s capable.” Anne laid her hand on his. “Molly worked her way through college working here. She has a business degree and went to culinary school. For God’s sake, she manages a four-star restaurant. She can run this place with one hand tied behind her back.”

“Why would she want to leave a successful career and take over a small pub?” Liam asked. 

“I’ll tell you why, Da.” Molly, holding a plate of scrambled eggs and toast, stood behind him. “Because it’s my family’s pub.” She placed the plate in front of him. “And just because I’m your daughter and not your son doesn’t mean I don’t care just as much as Declan did.” She stared at him. “Give me a chance.” A tear rolled down her cheek.

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