Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) (17 page)

“It is, I know. I just can’t wait until I start feeling more human, and I think seeing the baby will make it feel a little more real,” Rachel said as she picked at something on her jeans.

“Oh yeah, and then wait until you are starving all the time. Speaking of which, what do you want to do for lunch?” Maggie’s stomach gurgled.

“Ugh, the thought of food. But yeah, let’s go somewhere.”

“It will get better, Rachel, I promise. It will all be better.”

***

Liam

Liam tapped the steering wheel of his truck along to the song that blasted out from his radio. He was in a great mood; hanging out with Michael and fishing had done him a world of good. Just being out on the water, the simple act of casting the line and hoping for a bite, was a great distraction. They didn’t catch a single fish, but Liam took so much away from it. He saw Michael differently. Liam already liked Michael and knew that he was good guy, but their time on the water showed Liam a relaxed version, a changed man. He looked forward to spending more time together, and raising their children together. Liam sighed as he got closer to Rachel’s home. What was he going to do about her?

The little yellow house appeared, and Liam parked his truck next to her Silver BMW. They were so different, complete opposites. How they ended up together still surprised him. He strolled to her porch, knocked lightly, and found himself smiling.

Rachel opened the door slowly, and once she saw it was him her eyes flickered with a new light. Liam enjoyed how they changed shades of blue, depending on her mood. She reached up to him, looped her arms around his neck, and rose up on her toes to meet his mouth with her own. She tenderly kissed him, and it sent a shock of heat through him as he pulled her closer.

“Well, hello,” said Liam as the kiss ended and they broke apart.

Rachel touched her lips. “Hi, yourself.”

Liam followed Rachel inside. He hoped that kiss was the start of a much more entertaining evening. The day already turned out to be great all the way around. He watched her move, her jeans snug against her legs. Her v-neck shirt hugged her torso, the gray material set off a pattern of blue in her eyes he hadn’t noticed before. She was plain delectable. He groaned. Being away from her had been frustrating, he wasn’t sure how more he could take. She had been avoiding him and keeping her distance for the last week or so, and being unable to touch her was killing him. He needed her kiss more than she realized.

Rachel went into the kitchen, and he trailed after her, enjoying the view from his angle. “You want something to drink?”

“Sure, whatever you got is fine.”

“Iced tea okay?” Rachel offered.

Liam nodded, and he crept closer. He linked his arms around her as she busied herself at the counter filling the glasses. He nuzzled her neck and breathed in her floral aroma. “God, I’ve missed you.” He could lose himself in her softness.

“Oh, Liam.” She moaned.

He ran his hands down her sides until they were flat and gently resting on her tummy. “How have you been feeling?” Liam asked carefully. He didn’t want to turn their discussion into an argument, but he was genuinely concerned. He had been thinking about their situation every day since she had told him about the baby.

Rachel laid her hands on top of his. “I feel like hell, but this feels nice right now.”

“Is that normal, I mean, feeling so bad?”

“I talked to Maggie, she says it’s totally normal.” Her voice turned breathy. “I’ve missed you too.”

Liam reluctantly pulled away. He could have held her for the rest of the evening.

Rachel turned around. “Let’s go sit in the living room.” She guided them to the couch and placed the drinks on the coffee table. She sat down.

Liam joined her on the opposite side, and he reached out for her. He had to touch her, to feel the connection that had been absent. His fingers curled gently along her neck as he started to stroke her exposed collarbone.

“Liam, what am I going to do with you?”

“Love me.” He moved in for the kill, smothering her words with his mouth. Her hands flat on his back, she braced herself as he seductively attacked her mouth. He could hear her moan against him. They couldn’t keep away from each other. Liam needed her to understand that him wanting to marry her was for so many more reasons than the life that was growing inside of her. He needed her like he needed air. The swelling of his heart threatened to burst from the love he felt for her. And by the way her body responded to his touch, he had the sneaking suspicion she needed him just as much.

Chapter Fourteen

Maggie

The cold sensation of the jelly on her stomach sent a shiver down her entire body. It had been over six years since she had been through such a procedure, and a mixture of nerves and excitement coursed through her. She had asked Rachel and Mary to come with her and Michael. She wanted to share the experience with her mother, and wanted to show Rachel what to expect when she had her ultrasound. Michael held her hand from where he was planted, right by her side.

A woman dressed in colorful scrubs smiled sweetly at Maggie. “Sorry, it’s a little cold.”

Maggie felt her roll the device along her stomach, traveling closer to her pubic bone. Her stomach was fully exposed, and she felt embarrassed. She had noticed her belly starting to grow, her jeans had grown tighter, and she knew she would need to switch to maternity clothes soon.

A grainy image flickered on the screen mounted on the wall and on the computer monitor. Maggie squinted to make out the image. The quiet room let out a collective gasp as they heard the heartbeat of the baby echo loudly. Maggie felt tears stream down her face. She looked over at Michael, his eyes shiny and wet. They squeezed their hands together more tightly. Maggie saw Rachel’s reaction. Her friend was smiling wide, and had her arm wrapped around Mary. That special moment would forever be imprinted in Maggie’s mind.

After her belly was wiped down and she was given some print outs from the scan, Maggie felt happy and reassured. The baby was active from what they could all tell. The baby’s movements were becoming stronger and more regular.

Michael ushered Mary out the large glass doors of the medical building, and Maggie and Rachel walked together.

“I bet you can’t wait now, Rachel,” Maggie said as they crossed the large waiting room in the clinic.

“It was really something. Just seeing the way Michael was looking at you. Oh, Maggie, it’s so exciting. Thank you for including me.” Rachel hugged Maggie tightly.

“Just keep that in mind when you have yours next week.”

Rachel nodded. “Of course I want you there.”

They all said goodbye in the parking lot. Michael and Maggie set off together to his car. They sat as they watched Rachel and Mary drive off.

“That was incredible. It was nice having your mom with us,” Michael commented as he started the car. “Do you want to get anything to eat? Maybe go look at houses?”

They had visited a couple houses and narrowed down their choices, but it was so difficult to decide on which one to purchase. Michael was anxious and wanted to make an offer soon, so they could go through escrow and be all moved in long before the baby arrived. Both of them were anxious for their own space, even though they appreciated being able to stay with Maggie’s mother. Maggie loved being near her family, but staying with them for the last two months had started to take its toll. She hoped they figured out which home they could agree on purchasing, she wanted their new life to begin, and soon.

***

Rachel

Liam had his arm around Rachel as they snuggled on the couch finishing an old Western movie. As the credits started, she felt herself growing tired. Liam’s couch was far too comfortable. Things had been pleasant with him the last week since he came over to her house, granted, they didn’t do a whole lot of talking, but things were at least back to normal. That night they were tucked away inside his cozy home, where they dined on chili and cornbread and then decided to watch a movie.

“You ready for bed?” Liam asked, his eyes twinkling with desire.

“I bet you are.”

“Hey, I’m only saying it because you look tired. We can stay up, if you want,” he offered as he peeled Rachel off of him and removed himself from the couch. Rachel eyed him. He was such a gorgeous man. He stretched his long arms above his head. She watched as the shirt he wore lifted slightly, exposing his strong and lean stomach. A light trail of dark hair spread across his belly, and she couldn’t help but wish that her fingers were touching his skin. Her attraction to him just kept increasing, and she couldn’t explain the effect he had on her.

“Let me help you clean up,” Rachel said as she got up and grabbed a large bowl, which still had some kernels of popcorn in it.

Liam carried their empty glasses and led the way into the kitchen. Rachel couldn’t help but think how ordinary it seemed, how simple and completely wonderful at the same time. Being with him in his domain had been intimidating at first, but she somehow felt like she belonged there. If they did decided to marry, his house would be her new home. That spare room near his bedroom could even maybe be the nursery. Her head started to spin when she considered how drastically her life was going to change. Fear crept inside, rearing its ugly head as it always did when she started to have happy fantasies. She wasn’t sure why such feelings kept happening, she supposed a lot of it had to do with the guilt she carried for not telling her family about Liam or the pregnancy. Her shoulders carried a heavy burden, one she knew she would have to deal with before too much time passed.

Rachel put the bowl in the sink, and Liam put other remnants of dinner they had left out away. She stood, doubt digging its way deeper, clawing at her mind, and the worry penetrated her core when she felt Liam’s arms wrap around her. He bent down, nuzzled her neck, and kissed her softly by the ear. “Let’s go to bed.” All the negativity had vanished. How was it possible that he could have that affect on her, every time?

***

The sun was barely rising above the small mountains behind Liam’s cabin when Rachel prepared coffee, taking in the view out of his kitchen window. She wore one of his shirts and padded around barefoot. The wood floor was cold against her feet. Liam still slept deeply. Rachel had admired him before leaving the warmth of his bed, his eyes closed, long lashes feathered out delicately against his skin. Dark stubble was scattered along his jaw, and his lips were soft and tender, slightly swollen from all of the kissing the night before. She had been tempted to plant her mouth on his, but hadn’t wanted to disturb him, he looked so peaceful. He had a subtle masculine beauty that made her want to touch him, to trace the outlines etched on his face. There was no mistake that Rachel loved him. She needed to throw away her fears, confront everything head on, and since the following day was Mother’s Day, she decided she would tell her family.

The smooth flavor of the coffee sent a quick buzz through her. She curled into the breakfast nook. Deep in thought, she set out her plans for battle when she heard the distinctive, heavy shuffle of Liam’s feet headed into the kitchen.

“I woke up and you weren’t there.” His voice was seductive and rough from sleep as he helped himself to a cup of coffee.

“Sorry.” Rachel smiled as Liam slipped into the nook with her, and he planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Have I told you how gorgeous you are?” Liam asked, his eyes surveying her.

Rachel blushed. He made her feel so sexy, intelligent, and well-loved. Would it always be that way? They both climbed out of the nook.

“So, I was thinking today we should go out on the lake.” Liam said as he sipped his coffee and staring into the distance.

“Sure, that sounds like fun. We going to fish?” Rachel still had not been fishing, or, well, ever.

“Yep, it is a beautiful day to go. Also, Mom asked if you were going to come to the house tomorrow.”

Rachel nodded. “Sure, I have a gift for her, actually. I can’t believe I have been here for over five months now.”

“Incredible.”

She snuck closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder. “I never thought I could find this kind of happiness, Liam. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, I’m the lucky one.” He brought his head closer to hers and lifted her chin to meet his lips. “You want to get dressed and get out on the boat?” His voice sounded different, nervous almost, his eyes darted away from hers.

***

The air was crisp, cool, and dewy as Liam led Rachel down to the dock. He carefully placed their poles and tackle in the boat before helping her in, treating her like she was made of glass. He untied the small metal boat, and turned the motor on low. The boat vibrated quietly along the water, cutting through the smooth surface. Rachel instantly felt sick, she sucked in the breeze, trying to calm her stomach. But even with the slow movement, her body was not happy. She was used to boats, but hadn’t been on one since becoming pregnant.

Liam stopped the humming motor once they were in the center of his lake. Rachel could hear the cry of several birds, the solitude and quiet was striking.

Liam readied her pole. “Have you ever fished before?”

“Well, one time my dad took Ethan and I out on a boat in the ocean, but I have fished a couple times off the pier with Ethan. So I know the concept, I’ve never actually caught anything though.”

“Well, it’s simple enough, and I can show you how to cast your line if you want?” Liam offered as he reached into his tackle box.

“Sure, I wonder if I will catch something today,” Rachel said excitedly.

“Maybe.” Liam’s voice was quiet as he fed the line. Rachel stared out into the water. Her stomach settled down, and she could actually enjoy herself. She took in the varied shades of green, the trees sheltered against the hills and small mountains. There was tall grass surrounding the shore of the lake. The water spoke to Rachel. It had a completely different beauty than the ocean, but it was majestic and mysterious all the same. She loved the water and its ability to calm and seduce her. She felt tranquil as she gazed at the ripples dancing along the surface, admiring the bubbles from the life that lived just below.

“Rachel, here’s your pole.” Liam handed her the long wooden pole. She was about to cast it as she slung it behind her, ready to hurl it into the water, when he suddenly stopped her, fear covering his face.

“What?” Rachel was confused. Had she done something wrong?

His eyes followed the length of the line, and she looked down and saw something glitter against the morning sun. Her heart stopped. Tied delicately to the end of the white line was a stunning ring.

“Marry me.” It was more of a command than a question.

Rachel admired the gold band encrusted with smaller diamonds and one large stone, and when she slipped it onto her finger it fit perfectly.

She looked up into the hopeful green eyes of her soul mate. “Yes.” Rachel felt the word slip out of her mouth. She had no control, no hesitation, it was what she truly wanted. Her heart sang. She was getting married!