Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) (8 page)

***

After Rachel had piled on as many sweaters as possible, frigid air blasted her in the face as she carefully walked to her car. The silver BMW was frosted with several inches of snow, and tiny icicles hung from the chrome grill. As Rachel used the arm of her coat to sweep off the snow, she felt someone watching her. She turned around slowly and saw one of her neighbors walking toward her. She was clad in a scarf and heavy winter coat.

“Howdy,” she said.

Rachel smiled nervously. “Hello.”

The older woman pulled away the thick wool scarf from her mouth. “I’m so sorry I haven’t stopped by to welcome you. I’m Sue-Ellen.” She extended a gloved hand.

Shaking it, Rachel replied, “Nice to meet you Sue-Ellen. I’m Rachel.”

“How are you liking this weather? Where did you move here from?” Sue-Ellen asked, her cheeks rosy from the icy-cold weather.

“This is my first time really being around snow,” Rachel said as she continued to attempt to sweep the snow off the hood of her car.

“Well, looks like you need a snow brush for your rig there. I’ll see if I have an extra one in my garage. Do you have a snow shovel yet? Not sure if Cheryl left one here for ya.”

“I was actually headed to the store now to get some supplies. I guess I wasn’t sure exactly what I would need when I came up. It was still in the eighties when I left California a couple of days ago.” Rachel laughed at the thought of how ridiculous she must look with the snow clinging to her coat.

“Wow, California? You sure are a long way from home, hun. What brought you up here?” Sue-Ellen asked as the snow started to fall a little faster.

“No kidding. It’s different here but quite lovely, even with the snow,” Rachel said. “I actually just got hired on as the principal for the elementary school here.”

“Well, that’s certainly a surprise. I had no idea Mr. Anderson was leaving. Granted, he’s been working there since my children attended classes there.” The woman shivered. “Well, before we both catch a cold, I will let you go. Wonderful meeting you. I’ll come by sometime so we can visit some more.”

Rachel started to feel the cold settling deeper into her core. “It was a pleasure, Sue-Ellen. I look forward to it.”

***

The car heater seemed to take forever to warm up enough to actually blow hot air.
As Rachel drove down the quiet road, snow crunching under her tires, she admired the stillness. No one was outside, the trees were posed like frozen statues, and the only movement was plumes of wood smoke escaping from the chimneys of the small houses.

The wind chill was brutal as Rachel parked and scurried into the grocery store. Grabbing a shopping cart, she examined her list. Trying to find everything she needed without knowing the layout of the store was a bit of a challenge. S
he felt a pang of homesickness as she remembered her favorite grocery store back in Newport and the farmers markets she’d frequent with Chelsea on the weekends.
As she cruised slowly down each aisle, taking stock of the inventory, Rachel was able to get most of the staples on her list.

When she was finished, she wheeled her cart up to a checkout counter that had only one other customer in front of her, who was chatting with the cashier as Rachel unloaded her items. When she finished, she waited patiently for the cashier to ring her up, but the woman was so engrossed in the conversation with the person in front of her, she didn’t seem to notice Rachel. When Rachel failed to make eye contact with the clerk, she began to get antsy. As a last resort to get the cashier’s attention, she coughed, and when both cashier and customer looked up at her in annoyance, she gave them a tight-lipped smile. The two then exchanged good-byes, and the cashier began to ring up her items.

“Hello, did you find everything okay?” she asked before calling for another clerk to help bag the groceries.

“I did, thank you,” Rachel said curtly, avoiding eye contact as she fished out her credit card.

An awkward silence fell until the cashier announced Rachel’s total. She then thanked Rachel for her business as Rachel pushed the cart out of the lane. Once outside, she had to really work to maneuver it through the thick layer of slush on the slippery asphalt. She reached her car, and a sense of relief washed over her after she loaded all the bags into her trunk. Rachel then looked at her watch and was surprised to see it was only midafternoon. The sky was already getting dark. Back at home, the sun would still be shining on the endless blue ocean.

Now all she had to do was make it home and unload these groceries without slipping on the ice, she thought as she climbed into the BMW and turned her wiper blades on to remove the snow that had already accumulated on her windshield.

Chapter Six

Liam

As more snow fell on the mountains that sheltered Birch Valley, the swollen skies opened up, releasing sleet and rain in messy sheets.

It was New Year’s Eve, a time to celebrate a year gone, the birth of new hope, and resolutions that would be broken within a couple months, if not weeks. Everyone was out and about, gearing up to ring in the New Year with family and friends.

The O’Brien women were busy with last-minute preparations for the evening ahead, and Liam was heading out to pick up Michael from the airport, which was over an hour away.

Liam pulled up to the busy terminal at Spokane International Airport just as Michael emerged from the large glass doors.

“Good to see you, Liam. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to how cold it gets over here,” Michael said as he quickly hopped into Liam’s pickup and shoved his small suitcase by his feet.

“We’ve been having a bit of a cold snap lately. Glad you were able to make it out. We’re going to have an awesome time tonight.” Liam was in a fantastic mood. He planned on partying hard tonight because he only had one day to recover before going back to work on Monday.

After stopping at a fast food place, the two men got back on the road and made their way home to Birch Valley. The hour drive passed quickly because Liam enjoyed Michael’s company and they had a great deal in common. Michael enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader like Liam but never found the time to do either anymore. He was also a die-hard fan of the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks and felt the countless stings from all their losses keenly.

One difference that separated the two was Michael’s drive for success. Not that Liam didn’t want to be a great teacher; he strived to change the young lives in his classroom. But elementary schools didn’t have a corporate ladder to climb, and he was thankful for that. Michael’s work ethic was similarly strong, but he wanted the recognition and glory that went along with the hard work and dedication. Because Michael had grown up in Seattle, a busy, fast-paced life was all he knew until he met Maggie, who had dragged him out to Birch Valley to visit her family. Soon after, he’d fallen hopelessly in love with them, the town, and Maggie herself.

“So what’s the game plan at the house for tonight?” Michael asked as he shifted in his seat, trying to find a comfortable position. He was obviously used to driving a sleek, luxury sedan.

“Mom and Maggie have been cooking all day, and they have Patrick and Daniel helping set up the basement for tonight,” Liam answered, scanning the road ahead for deer. As daylight faded, deer and elk often wandered into the middle of the highway. Liam had hit his fair share at this time of day, so he took extra precautions when traveling the dangerous highway.

“Did your mom invite a lot of people?” Michael questioned.

“Eh, the usual group of friends she has over. Her church friends and some of the ladies from her book club.”

“Patrick or Daniel seeing anyone yet? How about you? Getting tired of being single?” Michael asked playfully.

Liam tried to stifle a chuckle. “Daniel’s always looking. Patrick, well, you know, it’s still pretty hard for him. He’s getting better, I suppose, but he’s not quite sure he’s ready yet.”

“And you?” Michael prodded.

“You know, I haven’t really looked. There aren’t a whole lot of available women in Birch Valley. Besides, I kind of like just being able to do my own thing without having to answer to anyone.” Liam shrugged.

“Yeah, but there is something to be said for marriage, my friend. I love having Maggie and Melanie at home when I get back from work. I remember not wanting to settle down too, and then I met your sister, and that kind of just changed that,” Michael said with a faraway look on his face as he peered out the window.

“I’m not opposed to meeting someone, especially if I met the right girl,” Liam said. “It’s funny you should bring this up, man. I had this little run-in with this lady. Well, she stole my parking spot. And the next day, Mom calls me and tells me all about this new girl that moved here. She went on and on about the possibility of this woman being single.”

Michael turned to face him. “Wait, a new girl moved to town?”

“Don’t sound all excited like Mom,” Liam warned playfully.

“Hey, I’m serious. That’s awesome. You just said there are no girls here. Well, hell, Liam, now one has moved to Birch Valley. She cute?” Michael pestered.

“I don’t know. I didn’t really get a good look at her,” Liam said as he thought about the blonde with the pixie cut and upturned nose. “If anyone actually saw her, it was Daniel and Patrick. They were in the diner at the time. But anyway, I’m not even sure it’s the woman that moved here.” Still, Liam had a difficult time convincing himself of that.

“Did Daniel say if she was cute?”

Liam sighed as he rubbed his jaw, feeling the stubble that had grown there after his shave this morning. “Yeah, he thought she was good-looking, but that’s kind of beside the point. I wasn’t really looking to see if she was hot or not. She had just pissed me off.”

“Oh, give me a break, of course you checked her out. I don’t care how pissed off you were, you can’t tell me you didn’t notice how she looked.”

Liam breathed a sigh of relief as they began making their way downhill and he saw the lights of Birch Valley.

“We’re almost home. I can’t wait to see my girls,” Michael said as a happy grin crossed his lips.

***

Liam turned off his truck after parking on the street in front of his parents’ home. He could only imagine the flurry of activity going on inside. A whirlwind of orders coming from his mother welcomed them as he and Michael crossed the threshold. Maggie was carrying a large tray toward the basement when she saw Michael, and she raced over to give him a quick kiss.

After greeting her son with a peck on the cheek, Mary handed him a large serving bowl to take to the party area, and Liam followed his sister to the basement. When he entered, he was blinded by glitter and sparkles from every direction. Tables had been set up around the room, each covered with party hats and silver and gold confetti. The streamers hanging from the ceiling and the silver and gold garlands framing the windows made the room look even more festive. Meanwhile, twinkling white lights were wrapped around several pillars and draped loosely along the table that held the large punch bowl and a neat line of several trays and dishes. His mother and sister had outdone themselves this year with the decorating, so he could only imagine how great the food would be.

Several hours later, as guests began to arrive, Liam sat at a table with his brothers and Michael, working on his third glass of whiskey. Filling themselves with scrumptious appetizers and drinks, the men sat around laughing and telling stories as the time edged closer to midnight. Music played in the background, as laughter and happy chatter filled the basement, echoing loudly off the concrete walls.
The children, meanwhile, ran past, filled with happy energy, Melanie in a puffy blue dress with matching ribbons in her hair, and the twins in matching little suits complete with a clip-on tie they kept losing.
Soon, couples took to the small dance floor in one corner of the basement, and Liam watched as his father twirled his mother to the oldies music while
they gazed at each other with love in their eyes.
Michael then took Maggie to the dance floor, and they held each other close as they swayed to a slow song. Whatever had been bothering his sister over Christmas seemed to have fixed itself, because Maggie had looked content all evening, and she and Michael seemed to be in constant contact, looping their arms around each other’s waists or giving each other a peck on the cheek or lips.

“So, Liam, anymore run-ins with the cute little Californian?” Daniel asked, interrupting Liam’s thoughts.

“Yeah, thanks again, guys, for telling Mom,” Liam said as he shot both of his brothers a small glare. “She’s been pestering me about this girl ever since. She even had her friend Janice over there tell me her opinion about this woman.” Liam motioned in the direction of Mary and Janice, who were helping themselves to some punch.

“Don’t let it get to you. You know how Mom is,” Daniel said lightly before finishing the last of his beverage.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t make too big of deal about it. Mom just likes to meddle,” Patrick added as he swirled the contents in his glass.

Liam took a full sip of the warm liquid, which burned his throat slightly. “I know. She means well, but it would be nice to not have her ask me about this woman every time we talk.”

“I wish I would have a run-in with her,” Daniel said with a wide smile as he got up to refill his drink.

“I bet you do,” Patrick and Liam responded in unison.

Daniel excused himself and offered to grab another drink for his brothers before he wandered to the buffet table. Liam leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs out.

Patrick yawned and looked at his watch. “Not too much longer,” he said as he rubbed his face.

“It’s been a fun night. Mom and Maggie sure did a nice job,” Liam said, watching his grandfather taking Mary out to the dance floor. “Looks like Grandpa Paddy is getting down.”

Liam and Patrick both laughed as they watched the elderly man bend and shake to the beat of the song.

***

Rachel

Rachel curled up on her couch, buried under a soft, wheat-colored throw. A half-empty bottle of champagne sat next to her while she flipped the pages of the romance novel she had been reading most of the evening. She took off her reading glasses and rubbed her eyes as she grabbed her cell phone from the end table to check the time. It wasn’t quite midnight yet. She planned on calling Chelsea when the New Year officially hit.

Rachel was glad the holidays were basically over. She was looking forward to starting her new position on Monday. She still had no idea what the school even looked like and planned on driving by it tomorrow, as well as doing a little exploring around town if the weather permitted. With her home nearly unpacked and set up, she felt as though she was ready for her new routine to begin.

Taking a swig from the bottle, Rachel returned to her novel. Soon, her eyes felt heavy and started to close.

A loud ring woke her with a jolt, and in a slight state of confusion she searched for her phone. It had slipped between the couch cushions, and Rachel fished it out to see Chelsea’s number on the screen.

“Happy New Year,” Chelsea shouted as soon as Rachel hit the Talk button.

“Hey, Chelsea, Happy New Year,” Rachel said, her throat scratchy and dry from her nap.

“Did I wake you up?” Chelsea asked loudly. Music was blaring in the background, and Rachel assumed her friend was at a party.

“I must have dozed off. Where are you?”

“I went to a New Year’s Eve bash I got invited to. I just wanted to wish my bestie a happy New Year and good luck on Monday.” Chelsea’s words were slurred from obviously having a little too much to drink, and Rachel strained to hear them through the noise in the background.

“Thanks, you too. Hope you’re having a good time. Be careful out there.”

“I’m having a blast! Wish you were here. Well, I gotta go. Love ya, Rachel.” Chelsea hung up before she could answer.

Rachel was a little bummed that she wasn’t out dancing, laughing, and enjoying the light buzz from champagne alongside her friends. No point in throwing herself a pity party, she decided. After all, she was the one who’d chosen to relocate. Maybe next year she would be visiting Chelsea for New Year’s and they could go out and celebrate.

Rachel closed her book, got up from the couch, and took the bottle into the kitchen, where she poured the remainder of the champagne down the sink.
What a way to start the New Year
, she thought as she watched the foaming liquid pool down the drain. She then went to her bedroom and crawled beneath the covers. The room was slightly chilly, so she burrowed farther into her comforter and drifted off to sleep.

***

Liam

When the clock struck midnight, everyone shouted and cheered as they entered the New Year. Toasting glasses clinked as couples kissed each other, and Liam and Daniel received their fair share of smooches from Mary’s friends.

The O’Briens and their guests continued to celebrate for a couple more hours. Once the last of their friends had said their good-byes, Liam made his way into the living room and settled on the couch. With his head heavy from the night of drinking, he closed his eyes and passed out.

When he woke several hours later, Liam babied a mild hangover and ventured home after assisting with some cleanup from the previous night’s festivities. Back at his cabin, he crawled into his own bed and slept until midafternoon. That evening, feeling fully recovered and renewed with a bowl of chili in his stomach, he prepared for class the next day and set his alarm for five in the morning.