Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) (17 page)

“Whatever you think is best.” His answers were clipped, and she could tell his mind was miles away.

Grief was something that changed. It never quite left, but eventually it loosened its hold. That was, until something triggered it, giving it permission to seize down again. At least that was how Amber viewed the process of grieving. She should know. She’d wrestled with it until Patrick had entered her life. He’d made her feel alive again. When her husband died, Amber had lost herself, or at least an enormous part of who she was. It had taken her a long time to figure out how to go on with a huge hole in her heart and soul. One thing Amber realized was, that as each day passed, Patrick filled that hole, that horribly empty and sad space. He was now taking up room in her heart and soul. But in moments such as these, where Patrick was distracted and obviously thinking about Beth, grieving those missing bits and chunks of their life together, Amber couldn’t help but wonder if she was even filling up his heart and soul. Was Patrick still clinging to the memories of Beth?

***

Hannah

She had faith things would ultimately work out. Granted, that didn’t stop her from feeling sick to her stomach as Mary sobbed, as she saw Daniel angry and hurting. When the doctor had appeared, covered in Maggie’s blood, she briefly questioned her faith, a split second of doubt, but she’d buried it quickly. The morning sunlight burse through the house, birds chirped and sang cheerfully outside, and the promise of another day unfolded in front of her.

Hannah marched happily with a little more bounce in her step, on the way to feed her chickens. She spied her father coming from the barn. He waved. This morning at breakfast he had explained how Daniel had come to him two different times, one to ask if he could court her, and the second to ask for her hand in marriage. Hannah had been at a loss for words. She hadn’t know that Daniel had done that. It warmed her heart, knowing he had considered her father’s feelings.

She had just finished feeding and collecting eggs from her chickens, who all seem to be extra feisty today, when she heard the phone inside the house ringing. Hannah hurried inside, to the nearest room with a phone, and picked up the receiver that was in the kitchen.

“Hello?” She could hear some scrambled noises in the background, and what to her ears sounded like sniffling.

“Hannah.” It was Nina.

“Nina, my God, where are you? Are you okay?”

There a distinct pause, almost as if Nina weren’t quite sure she wanted to make this call, but she finally answered, “Yes, I’m okay. I’m in Spokane, at the bus station.”

It couldn’t be possible. Her sister had come back. “Do you need me to come get you?’

“Please.” Nina’s voice sounded harsh, yet weakened with the sound of defeat. But in Hannah’s eyes it took guts to come back, and she was thrilled that her sister would be where she could keep an eye on her. Much like the mother hen she just wrassled with to get eggs from, she was always watching and protecting—that was Hannah.

“I’m on my way.”

She left immediately after hanging up the phone. Her relief was met with a hidden anger, and the mixture consumed her as she drove the hour to Spokane’s bus depot.

Hannah wasn’t prepared for what she saw when she arrived to get Nina. Nina looked even thinner, if that were even possible, and the rims of her eyes were pink and raw from crying. Her cheeks were sunken in, and her face wore a mask of sorrow.

Hannah wrapped her arms around her frail sister, all feelings of anger dissipating. She wanted nothing more than to protect Nina.

Chapter Seventeen

Rachel

“So you’ll pick up Chelsea and my mom tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, for the thousandth time. Why are you so freaked out?” Liam asked as Rachel stirred the pot on the stove. She was heating some soup for dinner, as she wasn’t up for actually cooking anything. Work was driving her crazy. Rachel felt exhausted, and now the baby shower was that coming weekend. It was all too much for her to handle, so a can of soup was tonight’s dinner.

“I’m not freaked out, thank you very much. I just have a lot going on.”

Liam came up behind her, linking his long arms around her. “Everything will be fine. I know you are worried about your mom coming up.” He kissed the back of her exposed neck, sending tiny shivers down her spine. “You need to relax. You’re too tense.”

“Easy for you to say, she’s not
your
mother.”

“Well, she kind of is now, and trust me, mother-in-laws have a way worse rap.”

“Not mine, she’s pretty darn amazing.”

Liam laughed and kissed her neck again. “I suppose you’re right.”

***

Liam pulled up the curb. Children were slowly entering the school. He leaned over to kiss Rachel as she undid her seat belt.

“Try not to worry,” Liam begged. “I love you.”

Rachel looked back as she got out of her silver BMW. “Love you too. Drive safe.” He grinned and gave her a wink.

She watched as the silver paint seemed to glitter in the morning sun. Rachel started for the school. She couldn’t shake an odd sense of worry or dread. When she’d woken up that morning, the day seemed daunting and she was feeling a great deal of anxiety. Rachel didn’t tell Liam. There was no point, as he would just tell her not to worry and try to pacify her feelings. She could only reason that it had to do with her mother’s arrival. The upside was that Chelsea was arriving as well. Her best friend would become the buffer. Chelsea had a magical way with Evelyn. There were times when Rachel envied how easily the two got along. Rachel exhaled as she opened one of the double front doors to the school, allowing several children to enter, giving them a happy smile and well wishes for the day.

Karen was talking to a parent but gave Rachel a slight wave as she headed down the hall to her office. She just felt like hiding in there, her own little cave. It was dark and quiet, and Rachel couldn’t help but be tempted to rest her head on her desk and nap. That’s all she ever felt like doing anymore. She was just plain exhausted. The gentle knock on her office door alarmed her.

Poking her head inside, Karen had a serious look on her face. “Rachel, Liam’s on the phone.”

Rachel figured he was still headed to Spokane to pick up her mother and Chelsea. She glanced up at the clock mounted on the wall. There was no way that he would be there yet. “Thanks, Karen, go ahead and transfer it into here, if you would please.” Seconds later, a red light blinked on the multi-line phone on her desk. “Hello?”

“Just checking in on you.”

“Liam, I’m fine.” No, she wasn’t. That was a complete lie. She was tired, irritated, and just plain hormonal, but she mainly craved sleep.

“You seemed out of sorts and I wanted to see if you were feeling better.” She appreciated his concern, but she was slightly annoyed he could see through her, that he knew her better than she knew herself at times.

“I promise.” The bell rang out loudly. “I need to go. I will call you later.”

He hesitated before responding, “Okay, I love you.”

“Love you too.” She did love him, and if she weren’t so cranky she would even find his worry and checking up on her adorable. But right now she had to make it through the day while fighting this nagging anxiety, and then she had to mentally prepare herself to deal with her mother.

***

Liam

The highway was nearly vacant as he drove south to Spokane. He turned on the radio, carefully sipped coffee out of his travel mug, and tried to push the thoughts of worry out of his mind. Rachel seemed off that morning. He knew a lot of it had to do with her mother coming, the baby shower, and just being plain worn out. Liam had no idea how women dealt with being pregnant, and he felt it was his job to make Rachel as comfortable as possible. After going through the scare with Maggie, it made him realize how unprepared he was, in so many ways. Mainly, he was unprepared if something were to happen to Rachel.

The sky was bright with vivid hues of blue, and the giant, fluffy, cotton ball-looking clouds seem to hover within arm’s reach. Looking ahead, Liam could see the burst of colors on either side of the highway, the trees proudly displaying the splendor of fall. Eastern Washington was gorgeous every season, but autumns were incredible. This was a typical October. The vibrant tones, with varied shades of red, orange, and gold would last until November, sometimes all the way until Thanksgiving. Then the trees would be barren of their magnificent glory.

The drive to Spokane seemed to take forever, but the scenery kept Liam company. He hadn’t felt nervous until now, but he really didn’t mind Chelsea or Evelyn. They each loved Rachel and that’s all that truly mattered to him. Liam hoped that seeing her best friend would cheer her up, but her mother, not so much. He spied the sprawling city of Spokane ahead in the distance. Liam didn’t mind it, but he preferred the quiet community of Birch Valley.

He steered the car into the terminal at the airport, scanning to see if he could locate Evelyn or Chelsea. He noticed Rachel’s overly blonde and bubbly friend waving him down, a Louis Vuitton rolling suitcase next to her and a gigantic purse, that she could probably fit into, slung on her thin shoulders. Liam saw Evelyn, posh looking as always, wearing large sunglasses, masking her emotions. She turned and spoke to a man who stood beside her and Chelsea. She pointed in Liam’s direction. Liam maneuvered the BMW carefully along the curb, switching on the hazard lights. He got out to greet them.

“Evelyn. Chelsea. How are you guys?” Liam hugged each one as the man watched, making Liam quite uncomfortable.

Evelyn spoke first. “Hello, dear.” She turned toward the man, her demeanor aloof as she introduced him, “This is Robert, Rachel’s father.”

Liam was taken aback. He had not been aware he was coming up, and Liam was pretty sure Rachel had no idea either. He extended his hand to the man with a golden tan, polo shirt, and perfectly stark white teeth. “Hello, sir. I’m Liam.”

“Yes, I’m well aware.” Robert was cool, hesitating to accept Liam’s hand, but he finally shook it, gripping it a little firmer than necessary.

“Pleasure to meet you, Robert.”

“I’m sure it’s more of a surprise.” A smug look paraded across Robert’s face.

Liam nodded. He had him there. “It is, but a pleasant one. I’m sure Rachel will be thrilled.”

Chelsea seemed to choke on the air, coughing. Evelyn gave her a sour look. “Liam, I assure you this was very last-minute.” She glared at Robert hard from even behind her trendy sunglasses. They acted as a mask, but they couldn’t hide her irritation with her ex-husband.

Chelsea shot Liam a sympathetic look. “So, how is my best friend?” Liam started loading the luggage into the truck of the car.

“Well, she’s exhausted, for one. She is not so keen on this shower either, but I think with you guys being here maybe she will have a change of heart.”

Evelyn moved closer to Liam and Chelsea. “We will get her in the spirit for this baby shower. I actually spoke with your mother, Liam. She’s quite excited.”

“Yes, it’s all she’s been talking about for the entire week.” Liam lifted the heavy designer suitcase into the trunk.

Evelyn started for the front passenger side, but Robert protested quietly. Their squabble was loud enough for Chelsea and Liam to hear.

“Are they always like this?” Liam nodded in Rachel’s parents direction.

“Oh, Liam, you have no idea. This is nothing. They aren’t all sweet like the O’Briens.”

Liam whispered, “Hey, Rachel doesn’t know her dad is here. What should we do?”

Chelsea exhaled, then bit her bottom lip. “I know. I wanted to text her, but I know she’s stressed. When I arrived at the airport this morning, there he was. I didn’t know what to do. Any suggestions?”

“You got me there. I mean, it’s her dad. Maybe she will be happy about seeing him.” Liam shrugged. He knew that was mostly wishful thinking on his part. He knew very well Rachel was going to freak out. He just wasn’t so sure if he should warn her beforehand.

“Well, there isn’t a whole lot we can really do about it. The question is where will everyone be staying? There’s a hotel in Birch Valley, right?”

Liam nodded. “Yeah. I figured you and your mother would stay at our place. I can stay over at my mom’s, or even at Patrick’s.”

“How is that brother of yours?” A smirk appeared on her face. He wasn’t too sure if she was genuinely asking about Patrick or if she was being sarcastic. He was going to go with the latter. When Chelsea had been here for Liam and Rachel’s wedding, they tried double dating with Chelsea and Patrick. It had been an unpleasant disaster, to say the least.

“Um, we probably better head out. You guys hungry?” Liam redirected the question awkwardly.

Chelsea rolled her eyes and started to get into the car. No one could agree on a thing: where to eat, the weather, the traffic. Literally everything was up for debate. Liam felt the tension brewing in the car; it was thick and heavy. There was no way Rachel was going to be happy about this. He snuck his phone out and proceeded to send her a text as discreetly as possible.

“Are you texting and driving?” Robert asked in a firm tone.

“Uh, I…uh.”

“Isn’t that illegal here?” Evelyn started to question. It seemed to be that if one made a comment, the other needed to add to it.

“Oh please, Evelyn, you are the queen of texting and driving,” Robert spat.

“Are you serious? You live on your phone. It’s always been glued to you.”

“I need to be available for my clients. What’s your excuse, Evelyn?” Liam caught sight of Robert’s perfect tan starting to tinge with red.

“Sorry, I was just letting Rachel know we were on our way,” Liam apologized. He looked forward, staying focused on the highway stretched in front of him. He could feel their eyes watching him.

“Wow, Liam, the trees are gorgeous. Is it always like this?” Chelsea asked in an obvious attempt to rescue him.

“Every fall. Lovely, isn’t it?” He was thankful because Robert and Evelyn turned their attention to the splendid scenery outside their windows. Yeah, Liam was sure of it. Rachel was not going to be happy one bit.

***

Rachel

Oh God. She had just received a text message from Liam. It was clipped, and there were some misspellings, almost as if he were in a hostage situation. But she got the gist, and she was not thrilled. Angry was a more accurate description. Her father had decided to come up. Why hadn’t her mother or Chelsea, especially her, warned Rachel? She couldn’t help but wonder what Robert Montgomery wanted. He had refused to come to her wedding. She had kept her distance after that, only responding to the rare email he would send. Her brother, Ethan, had tried to make excuses for him, but ultimately agreed their father was at fault. Rachel understood he may not have agreed with the rushed nuptials and the unplanned pregnancy, and he had been dead set against her moving up to Birch Valley, not because it was so far away, but it wasn’t anywhere prestigious enough for him. Should she have chosen Seattle or Portland, anywhere but the sleepy, rural community of Birch Valley, he would have been fine.

A knock on her office door disrupted her thoughts. Karen peeked in. “Your hubby is on the phone.”

“Thanks, Karen.” Rachel offered her a weak smile. She wasn’t happy, not one bit, and it was difficult to try to mask her annoyance. But Karen was kind and sweet, and certainly didn’t deserve to have any of Rachel’s grief taken out on her.

After Karen carefully closed the door, Rachel reached for the phone on her desk. “Hello?”

“Hey, babe.” She could hear the hesitation in his voice, as though he were walking on eggshells.

“So where is he now?”

“Well, we just got back into town. He asked to be dropped off at the motel here, and your mom and Chelsea are actually window shopping.”

“Where are you?” Rachel didn’t mean to snap at him. It wasn’t his fault any of this was happening. Rachel felt dizzy, upset, and almost queasy, something she hadn’t felt for almost six months. She was due in less than a month, and her first couple months of pregnancy had been spent near a toilet.

“Rachel, I’m sorry, hon. I know you aren’t happy. I was totally surprised. I don’t think he likes me much,” Liam slowly answered. “I’m over at my brothers’ shop.”

“Oh, Liam, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bite your head off. I don’t feel well, and it’s just annoying that he’s here. I mean, this is for a baby shower. It would have meant more if he would have come up for our wedding.” Rachel felt her throat tighten, her eyes burning with tears begging to be shed.