Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) (19 page)

“I wanted to do this. I know it has to be terrible, being cooped up in the house. It won’t be too much longer.”

“Less than a month, but Dr. Salinger says anytime from here on out is okay. But the longer they are in there, the better.”

“So you think before Thanksgiving then?”

Rachel popped a large purple grape into her mouth. “Way before then. My due date is like around the tenth or so.”

“Wow, so not much longer. Halloween is coming up soon.”

“I know. I’m bummed. I wanted to take the twins and Mel out for trick or treating. I love Halloween and this was my first one here in Birch Valley.”

Hannah felt awful for bringing up things that Rachel couldn’t participate in. She kept putting her dang foot in her mouth, but Rachel was taking it all in stride. “Hannah, it’s okay. This will pass, and next year, for all we know, you could be preggers.” The thought warmed Hannah. She would love to be carrying Daniel’s child, to experience motherhood. They continued to gorge themselves, not leaving much in the way of leftovers. Hannah enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with Rachel. Keeping her company had been almost more good for her. They laughed and shared details about growing up. Hannah learned so much about Rachel, things she never would have guessed, and found herself truly wanting to be not only her sister-in-law, but her friend.

***

“Oh my God,” Hannah heard Daniel call out, and other loud shouts followed. Mary looked at Hannah. They dropped the spoons they were using on last night’s dinner, and both darted in the direction of the noise. Mary led the way, which took them to the den. It was foggy, and the smell of tobacco hung in the air. Liam, Patrick, and Daniel were all gathered around their grandfather, each of their faces were in varied shades of shock.

“What is the matter, boys?” Mary demanded.

Grandpa Paddy, who was sitting in a tattered recliner, looked up at Mary, his eyes bright and glistening with wetness. “I’ve won the lottery, lass.”

“For Pete’s sake, the lottery?” Mary seemed confused at first, then frowned. “You mean, those awful scratcher tickets that leave their shavings all over?”

“No, Mom, he bought a ticket,” Daniel explained.

“Oh dear.” She raised her hand to cover her mouth, and the color drained from her face.

Hannah looked over at Daniel for him to explain. She didn’t know too much about gambling, other than her father had frowned upon it. He said it wasn’t worth it for a man to spend his days chasing after the impossible.

Daniel stepped over to Hannah and said, “See, Grandpa Paddy has been playing the lottery for years, mainly scratcher tickets, but he’s been buying the state lotto and even playing Powerball, and, well, he likes to sit and watch them draw the numbers. Liam, Patrick, and I just happened to be in here when they announced the numbers.” Daniel paused, clearly getting choked up. He looked over at his grandfather. “The old man finally did it. He had all the numbers tonight, Hannah. It was his lucky day.”

“That’s incredible.” She was speechless. The man shook. His eyes were watery and wide with disbelief that he had won such a large sum of money. Hannah watched Grandpa Paddy grasp the sliver of paper. He just stared down at it, looking at the numbers that had forever changed his life and the lives of this family.

“Isn’t it? It’s the most wonderful thing for him, well, for the family.” Daniel exclaimed as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Hannah looked at Mary, who seemed to be trying to digest the good news.

The entire family, still reeling from the excitement, now gathered around the large wooden table where they had shared Sunday meals for years, where bouts of contagious laughter were heard, miserable tears of sorrow shed, and where many prayers were whispered and ultimately answered. This slab of wood, polished with their memories, good and bad, was now adding another layer of finish, one of incredible good fortune. The luck of the Irish was with the O’Brien Family on that lovely Sunday evening, just as it had always been.

Chapter Nineteen

Patrick

“God, Patrick, that was incredible,” Amber exclaimed, her voice winded, and her face flushed.

He stared at her. She was gorgeous, especially after making love. Patrick leaned over and kissed her exposed collarbone, traveling to her shoulder. “You’re incredible.”

“Oh stop.” Amber laughed, and he watched her eyes sparkle. They were the color of the Caribbean sea, a blend of green and blue, and simply breathtaking.

“It’s true.” Patrick couldn’t stop touching her, his fingers exploring the softness of her skin under the white sheet which twisted around them. He doubted he could ever be satisfied. He was always hungry for Amber, and Patrick yearned to feel the warmth of her.

Patrick watched as her eyes closed. Her breathing grew quiet. Seeing her fall asleep made his heart fill with a flood of emotion—pure love.

He rolled over carefully, not wanting to wake her, and reached into the drawer of his night stand. This was the perfect moment he had waited for. Patrick slid closer to Amber, her dark hair fanned out on the pillow. She looked majestic, and he felt need stirring inside him again. Taking her hand in his, he slipped the ring onto her finger, then kissed her gingerly on her full lips. Amber stirred and her eyes fluttered open, confusion sweeping across her face. She smiled up at Patrick. His face close to hers, he lowered his mouth to kiss her again, needing to drink her up, a feeble attempt at quenching his longing.

“Hey, you. I must have fallen asleep.” Amber’s voice was raspy with sleep and deliciously sexy. Patrick squeezed her hand in his. He stared at her, giving her a moment to figure out that there was now a diamond on her finger.

He had no intention of asking her. He didn’t want to risk her saying no. Patrick knew he wanted her, and he was certain Amber loved him too. He knew she loved his sons and the rest of the O’Brien family. Patrick wasn’t sure he would have ever found another woman to become his wife again. He had lived under a terribly dark and stormy cloud for nearly four years, but then Amber came into his life, a bolt of light, intense and fierce, completely shattering the wall he had callously been built around his heart and soul. She had melted all the cold and despair. He found her to be amazing. She too had been given the burden of a spouse passing away, yet she was far stronger than he was. Her ability to find the silver lining in all the darkness, to have the sense to know that behind the gray clouds the sky was still blue and the sun was still shining, made him proud. What she didn’t realize was that she was his sun, his moon, his beam of light to guide his path, which he had strayed from for so long. She was his
everything
.

As Patrick watched her expression change, he noticed tears pool in her eyes. She understood what he was asking. There was no exchange of words, and her bottom lip quivered as she bit down on it. Patrick hovered over her, cupping her head with his hand, to hold his precious treasure. With Patrick’s promise fulfilled, he felt open to the future, their future together. He gazed into her eyes, catching a glimpse of her beautiful soul. Their lips met, and the power of unspoken words bound them in a moment that they would always remember.

***

Amber

She couldn’t feel herself breathe, but she didn’t need to. It was as though time froze. An intense surge of emotion was transferring between Patrick’s mouth into her soul. He was her oxygen, her breath.

This was the most non-traditional proposal she could imagine, but yet it was perfect. Her mind was moving in so many directions. She had no idea he had been thinking about marriage, as they hadn’t really discussed it. If anything, Amber was certain Patrick was too afraid to ever embark on another journey of matrimony. The risk was too great. He had said he wasn’t sure he could survive another experience like Beth’s passing. But as Amber felt the metal of her engagement ring against her skin, it hushed all her fears and doubts. He was rising above his fears as well, and that spoke volumes of the love he must feel for her.

Patrick brushed his mouth along her neck, and she welcomed the weight of his body on top of her as she linked her legs around him, securing Patrick tightly to her. She couldn’t get close enough. It was as though they were trying to merge into one being, when suddenly a tidal wave of lust washed over them both. A current of desire and primal need pulled them into an undertow, again. Amber couldn’t feel herself breathe. She let herself sink down into this oblivion of unrestrained rapture.

Amber’s body was happily numb and spent from the beautiful love they had just made, but it had been different this time. It was a mating of souls. Again, no words were spoken—there had only been touch. It was though Patrick was laying claim, as was Amber, searing an invisible mark on each other. Patrick brought her to his chest, spooning and protectively covering her with his arm.

***

Maggie

“You want to help me change Max?” Maggie asked Melanie, who was staring down at a very cranky and stinky Max.

“He smells, Mom.” Melanie pinched her nose close dramatically.

“Well, yes, Mel, he’s poopie. He doesn’t mean to be such a stinker, does he?” Maggie cooed to Max. He was on the changing table kicking his legs, his face growing red as he cried, starting to demand a clean diaper. “Hang on mister.”

“Here, Mom.” Melanie handed her the wipes and a new diaper. “He sure is cute.” Max stared at the sound of his sister’s voice. “Max likes me.”

“Mel, he loves you. You’re his big sister, and you are such a great helper too.” Maggie smiled at her daughter, quickly changing Max then re-buttoning his onesie. She couldn’t resist kissing his naked little feet. Her heart swelled with love and joy as she spent time with her two children. She looked at her growing daughter, a beautiful young girl. She was smart, helpful, and athletic. Melanie was so many things Maggie was not. Her outgoing spirit was so much more Michael, and she had the mischief of an O’Brien. But Melanie was also uniquely her own person, and Maggie was so grateful to be her mother.

Max was so new to the world, his needs simple, but he let them all know there was a large personality swaddled in the pale blue blanket Maggie carried to the rocking chair. This little boy, who was not even a month old, quickly had everyone wrapped around his tiny little finger, and was already ruling the Trembley house. His hair was black, and his eyes were beginning to change from slate blue to a green, an all-too-familiar green. He had the O’Brien eyes.

Maggie didn’t know it was possible to feel this content, even with the sleepless nights and mountain of laundry begging to be done. Her heart felt as though it was had expanded to at least double its size, and she had never been happier. Her marriage was stronger than ever, they had healthy children, and their home was bursting with love.

As she glided slowly and steadily in her chair, lulling Max into a milky slumber, she heard the phone ring. “Honey, can you bring me the phone?” Melanie ran out of the nursery to answer it.

Returning with speed only a child can possess, she handed Maggie the phone. “It’s Aunt Rachel, Mom.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” Maggie took the phone, cradling it against her neck, moving very little as to not disturb Max. “Hello?”

“Hey, Maggie.”

“What’s up, Rachel? Everything okay?” Maggie grew concerned. Rachel had recently been put on strict bed rest until the birth of her twins.

“Just bored. I’m so sick of doing nothing,” Rachel complained.

“You pack your bag for the hospital yet?” Maggie was trying to think of tasks Rachel could maybe occupy herself with.

“I have packed it, repacked it, and repacked it again.”

“Sorry. I know it sucks.”

“So how is my precious little Max?” Rachel asked, her voice turning cheerful.

“He’s sleeping in my arms as we speak. Hey, Halloween is coming up. I was thinking maybe I will let Michael take Mel out for trick or treating. Maybe Liam can go with them, then you and I can hang out,” Maggie offered.

“Only if Max is coming over,” Rachel countered playfully.

“That’s a given.” Maggie laughed. “I even got him a costume. I just couldn’t resist.”

“Oh, really, what is he going to be, besides the most adorable little man ever?”

“I’ll let it be a surprise. But it’s adorable,” Maggie promised.

“Well, I’m looking forward to it. I need something to look forward to. I’m so tired of being on bed rest.”

“You miss work?”

“Honestly, no. I miss seeing Liam whenever I want. All I do is sleep. Like, literally, my day consists of eating and sleeping. Well, and peeing. That’s my existence at the moment. So glamorous.”

“Just think, next month those precious little girls will be here. Then you will still be peeing a lot, and you’ll be sleep deprived. Yay!” Maggie exclaimed sarcastically.

“Calling you was a terrible idea,” Rachel joked.

“Hey, what are sisters for?”

“Maggie, I really do appreciate you, you know that, right?”

“Oh, Rachel, of course. You will get through this, and if you need anything just call me.”

“Thanks. I’m getting sleepy again, so I’m going to nap before dinner.”

Maggie knew that feeling all too well. Her own eyes were growing heavy, and she was envious of her tiny sleeping bundle. “Me and Max will see you this weekend, okay?”

“I can’t wait. Love you, Maggie.”

“Hang in there, Rachel. Love you too.”

***

Michael

“I’m home.”

Melanie ran toward him, her chubby finger on her mouth. “Quiet, Daddy, you’ll wake Max.”

Michael nodded. He understood all too well how difficult it was to get their little boy back to sleep. After hugging Melanie, Michael put his briefcase away and made his way to the nursery. There he saw the most beautiful image: Maggie’s eyes were closed, and Max was nestled in her arms, his little face peaceful in a delightful slumber. Maggie’s chestnut hair was scooped up into a light knot on top of her head. Several long silky strands had escaped, tempting Michael to twirl them around his fingers. His wife was tired, but still simply beautiful. He tip-toed out of the room, going back toward the kitchen.

“Mel, want to help me make dinner?”

“Sure.” She was such an eager helper. Melanie went to wash her hands while Michael stood in front of the pantry looking to see what he could conjure up for dinner. After grabbing a couple odds and ends, he concocted a simple meal with the help of his daughter, who truly knew her way around the kitchen.

“Was Max good today?” Michael asked as he used a wooden spoon to stir a sauce he was heating.

“Max is always good, Dad. He’s a baby,” Melanie explained. He knew how much his daughter adored their new addition to their family. She defended him so easily and always wanted to help with him.

“You help change any yucky diapers?” Michael teased her. That was where Mel drew the line with her precious baby brother. She didn’t like stinky diapers, not one bit.

Melanie shook her head. “We should potty train him soon.”

Michael laughed. “Yeah, that’s still a ways away, sweetie. But I wish we could too. We’ll ask your mom.”

He didn’t hear her come into the kitchen, because he was too busy making Melanie giggle, taunting her with the veggies for their salad.

“It smells good in here.” Maggie yawned. Michael turned around, trying to quickly remove the two carrots he had in his mouth that were acting as fangs. He found he enjoyed being more silly since they moved to Birch Valley. The lack of stress had made such a huge difference for him. Things weren’t taken so seriously here in town, and everyone was friendly and kind. He regretted not moving their family here sooner. Still feeling a bit goofy, he decided to leave the thin carrot sticks lodged in his mouth and play Dracula by going for Maggie’s neck.

Maggie squealed and tried to run from him, but allowed him to capture her far too easily. It was moments like these, completely unplanned, silly, and ridiculously unlike Michael, that he found were the best. Their life was different with Max now born, and everything felt whole. They were where they should be, no question. Michael had been content with their life back in Seattle, but never truly happy. He knew that providing for Maggie and Melanie was his first priority, but he had missed out on moments like this, the sheer abandonment of fun, laughter, and love. When Maggie had left their home in Seattle that spring, it’d rocked his world, but he was too stubborn to admit she was right. She had been all along. Maggie’s marriage to him had meant everything to her, and he just hadn’t been able to see past what he thought was important in their marriage. Michael working those insane hours, pushing to make partner, not being there for events and things that mattered most in their lives, these were the moments he would never get back. That was part of the change in their lives, realizing that family always came first, and he now knew total happiness. His only regret was not being open to it sooner.