Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) (16 page)

Liam growled lightly and said, “It’s now or never. Time to go face the music.”

As they all reluctantly rose from their patio chairs, Patrick said, “Remember, we’ll be there with you.”

***

Rachel

Rachel stood looking at the partial transformation of their property—it was magical. She didn’t think it was possible. But with the help of all the ladies who rallied together, they’d made it beautiful. They weren’t quite done and were waiting for Liam and his brothers to show up. Her stomach crashed in uneven waves at the thought. Ethan was sitting on the deck, casually chatting with the ladies, as they were breaking from all the hard work they had been doing. It was nearly noon, and Mary suggested they grab something for lunch when they went to pick up the final floral arrangements. Typical Mary, always making sure everyone was fed and loved.

She could hear Chelsea’s laugh, even though Rachel stood quite a distance away from the deck. She must be laying it on thick for Ethan. Why did her friend really think there was even a remote possibility of her and Ethan ever getting together?

Rachel viewed the shimmering water of their lake, after she had walked down the small hill that led her away from the deck. She glanced at the altar, a white arbor, which had an arch decorated with lights and flowers. It stood with the promise of what was to come. She stood in the middle of the aisle between the large hay bales, which were draped with white fabric. It really did turn out lovely, just as Mary had promised. An assortment of white flowers, tied with thick red and blue ribbons, were pinned at the end of each row, highlighting the aisle which Rachel would cross tomorrow evening to finally say her vows.

Hearing Chelsea’s voice again, she turned her gaze up toward the deck. As much as she enjoyed staring at where the ceremony was going to take place, she needed to rescue her brother.

“There she is,” Ethan said, a thankful and relieved look on his face once Rachel reached them.

“I was just checking out the set-up for tomorrow,” Rachel commented as she heard the sound of Daniel’s truck pull into the driveway. She peeked at Ethan’s face; there was no hint given, but as he put his sunglasses back on, she prayed that her brother meeting Liam went okay.

Liam climbed out of the passenger side of the truck, and Rachel could sense from his body language he was nervous. He saw her and gave her a weak smile.

Rachel jogged over to him, leaving her brother on the deck. Liam bent down and kissed her cheek. “Good morning.”

“More like good afternoon, mister,” Rachel teased. She could feel how tense Liam’s body was. He inhaled deeply, grabbed Rachel by the hand, and set off for the deck.

Rachel watched her mother and Ethan. They had looked at each other and then back toward Rachel and Liam.
Oh, please, Lord
, she silently prayed.

Liam released her hand, he extended his right hand to Ethan and said, “I’m Liam O’Brien.” His voice was firm, yet friendly and not intimidating.

“Hello, I’m Ethan Montgomery.” Ethan accepted the hand that was offered to him, but he didn’t get up from his chair to meet Liam. His tone was cool, not much different than how their father acted. This upset Rachel a little; she expected more from her brother.

“You must be Evelyn. It’s really great to finally meet you, both of you, actually,” Liam said as he went to her mother, who rose slowly out of her chair and accepted the hug from Liam.

“Yes. Thank you. This property is quite lovely,” Evelyn added. Rachel watched as her mother grew nervous.

“Why, thank you. We love it here,” Liam responded as he tossed Rachel a hopeful look.

“We have so much to do. Liam, your mom suggested that we grab some stuff for lunch. We have a hungry, hard working crew here,” Rachel shared playfully.

“Leave it to my mother, Mary O’Brien, to feed you. You guys might end up ten pounds heavier by the time you leave,” Liam joked. He turned to face Ethan and asked, “Ethan, would you mind helping me grab some things out of the truck?”

Everyone was watching and waiting. Patrick and Daniel were standing by, ready to protect Liam at a moment’s notice.

“Sure.” Ethan got up from chair and followed Liam off the deck. Rachel could hear the whispers as everyone watched the two guys walk away together.

Please let this go well.

***

Liam

“Well, I’m glad you were able to make it up. I know Rachel’s thrilled.” Liam faced Ethan at the back of his brother’s truck. He tried to see past the designer shades; he wanted to get a read on what this guy was thinking. From what Liam could tell, this guy was holding back. He was trying to stay cool, but there was an underlying tension.

Ethan squared his stance as he looked at Liam. “I’m glad too.”

Liam examined him. He looked a lot like Rachel, the same sun-kissed blonde hair, tanned skin, the same slightly upturned nose, and almost flawless features. Ethan stood several inches shorter than Liam; he had an athletic build and had a cocky air about him. Liam wasn’t too impressed.

“Let me be the first one to address what’s happening here,” Liam started. He leaned his arm against the truck casually and told himself,
Show no fear. You love Rachel.
Liam continued, “I know that this isn’t easy, and I can only imagine what you are thinking. I have a sister, I get it. She did the same exact thing. But she’s happily married to that guy, and I love him like a brother.”

“That’s real nice and all, but Rachel’s my sister. So I can’t stand here and lie to you. I’m not excited about this at all.” Ethan’s body was rigid.

“I know, man. But I hope you believe me when I tell you I love your sister more than I ever thought it was possible to love another human being. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can’t imagine my life without her in it.”

Ethan nodded. “I can see that you seem to love her. I really have no say in the matter anyway. What’s done is done. Time will tell if she made a huge mistake or not.”

Liam grabbed his jaw and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. This guy was not going to make this easy, that’s for sure. “I respect that, Ethan. I really hope that as time goes on, you and I can get to know each other. Maybe even learn to be friends.” Liam paused as he looked over at the deck. He could see Rachel talking to her mother. “You mean the world to Rachel. Trust me, I know how much I care about my siblings. I just want her to be happy and not stressed that you and I are going to come to blows or something awful like that.”

“I’m a little more civilized than that. Again, Liam, time will tell. I just hope Rachel hasn’t ruined her life.” Ethan went to move away from the truck but stopped mid-step. “Do you need me to help carry anything?”

Liam smiled. “Sure.” He knew that they were miles apart from being close friends, but he knew that, as time passed, as Ethan saw that Liam really did cherish Rachel, that there was hope for them to quite possibly become friends, maybe even brothers. He had always been optimistic, even when things seemed like they were impossible. This would prove to be one of those times when his optimism would be put to the test.

Chapter Sixteen

Rachel

The sky was turning a deep shade of purple, the air was warm, and her stomach was threatening to let loose. Rachel sipped on ginger ale as she prepared to walk down the aisle.

“Are you just nervous, dear? Second thoughts?” Evelyn asked as she smoothed the elegant yet simple wedding dress.

Everyone had already taken their seats. Liam was waiting.

“No second thoughts,” Rachel answered. She knew this was what she wanted; it was just the actual act of getting married that was terrifying her at that exact moment.

“You ready?” Ethan asked, offering his arm to her. He looked handsome in his gray suit. There was worry and concern on his face, but he tried to act happy for her sake. Rachel was upset that her father wasn’t in attendance but was thankful that Mary had somehow figured out a way to convince Evelyn to be there.

Rachel nodded and slipped her arm through her brother’s. As they walked together, Rachel tried to absorb every last detail of her special day. As they passed the reception area, she saw the tables all lined up neatly, decorated with festive floral centerpieces on top of white table cloths; twinkling white lights were flickering softly, almost keeping time to the music which was floating in the air. Somehow, they had pulled this off, flowers, cake, the dress, everything. And it was beautiful. Rachel would never think of the Fourth of July as anything else but one of the best days of her life.

Ethan halted at the edge before the aisle. “Are you sure about this?”

“Positive. I have never been more certain,” she replied as she squeezed his hand with her free fingers that weren’t curled around the small bouquet of dyed roses.

“I just want you to be happy.” Ethan’s cornflower blue eyes were moist. That touched Rachel and brought on the sensation of tears, but she tried to blink them away.

“I am happy. Liam makes me happy.”

***

Liam

He saw her standing there with Ethan, glowing with radiant perfection. The gown clung to her figure in a way that was classy and yet stirred desire in Liam. This gorgeous woman was going to be his wife. She was also the mother of their babies. He was going to grow old with her. How did he end up being so lucky?

The wedding march played, and he watched as Rachel seemed to glide toward him. He was standing near the shore, the water and mountains their backdrop for this ceremony. Rachel now stood only a few feet away, and Liam’s heart squeezed tighter in his chest.

They stood facing each other. Ethan promptly handed over his sister, shaking Liam’s hand, his grip firm and more of a warning.

“God, you’re beautiful,” Liam whispered to Rachel. He could see tiny trails of wetness move down her cheeks. He grabbed his handkerchief and wiped them away. “Those are happy tears, right?”

“Very happy tears,” Rachel managed to say.

The exchanging of their vows was a blur, he didn’t know what he had said, he was waiting to hear the final words announced, and with those he pulled Rachel close and kissed her with all the love he had. Cheers erupted from the hay bales where everyone stood. Overhead, several fireworks lit up the darkening sky, reminding them that this was also the Fourth of July. The fireworks continued, blasting over the still lake, which reflected the brilliant red, white, and blue sparks. Liam took hold of Rachel’s hand—his wife’s hand—and led her away.

“Wow, we did it,” Rachel cried. Her eyes were wet as she reached up and kissed Liam. “I love you so much.”

“Not nearly as much as I love you. Remember, I was the one who knew I loved you first, Mrs. O’Brien,” Liam teased as he scooped her into a tight embrace

“Is that so? Well, Mr. O’Brien, I think I loved you all along.”

***

Rachel

“Ah, would you trouble having a dance with this old goat?” Grandpa Paddy asked Rachel as she neared the table he was sitting at with the other O’Brien men. She looked down at him, smiling at his thick accent, and stared into his emerald green eyes, which twinkled with the reflection of the candles.

“I would be honored,” Rachel said as she extended her hand and as Liam assisted the elderly man up from his seat.

“Grandpa Paddy, now remember, she’s mine,” Liam teased.

“Aye, but the ink has not dried yet, my boy.” He grinned at Liam as he walked with Rachel to the makeshift dance floor.

The guys had assembled some plywood and created a fantastic dance floor in the yard, with white lights hung high above, creating a romantic glow as couples swayed to the music.

Rachel rested her head on Grandpa Paddy’s shoulder, and he held her lightly in his arms.

“You’re a vision, lass,” Grandpa Paddy said as they moved gracefully together.

“Aww, thank you. You are looking rather handsome yourself tonight.”

Grandpa Paddy laughed. She could tell he was tiring from all the activity, but she cherished this memory of dancing with him. Liam must have sensed his grandfather’s exhaustion and came to relieve him of his dancing duty. “I think I went too long without holding my wife,” Liam said.

“I could do with a rest, but save me another.” Grandpa Paddy left a sweet kiss on her cheek as he hobbled back to his table.

“God, he’s such a dear.”

“I know, I love that man,” Liam replied as he took Rachel into his arms, twirling her and then finally flipping her into a dip. He pulled her up to kiss her.

The night was finally coming to an end as Rachel yawned; her eyes grew heavy as Liam held her close. They’d had the most incredible evening. There’d been food, laughter, dancing, fireworks, and Rachel couldn’t have thought of a more splendid way to celebrate their wedding. To have all these new friends and family members in attendance made Rachel feel like everything had finally fallen into place. She was relieved that it was all over in a sense. The stress of planning the wedding had been rough and tiresome; now they could focus on just being together without the weight of the ceremony looming over them. Granted, they still had two babies to plan for, but that was a ways away still. For now she could breathe again and enjoy being a newlywed. Her, Rachel Montgomery, oops, correction, Rachel O’Brien, was now a married woman. She sure hadn’t seen that coming almost seven months ago.

***

Patrick

He swirled the last of the amber liquid in his glass and watched his brother dance with his new bride. The day had been hard for Patrick, as it broke out many dusty memories that he had kept tucked away in his mind. Memories of his own wedding came rushing back to him. He missed Beth. Patrick watched his boys run around and play with their cousins and other children that had attended the ceremony. Their carefree squeals of delight echoed in the air, which almost irritated him, and only made him feel more guilt as he swallowed the whiskey, burning as it slid down his throat.

“You okay, man?” Daniel asked as he nursed his own drink. He even had a solemn expression on his face.

“Yeah, just hard, you know.”

“I can imagine. Even I am feeling a little bummed. I mean, I’m happy for Liam, but it would be nice to find someone too.”

Patrick understood what Daniel was saying, and he agreed. His thoughts drifted to Amber, suddenly. After all the nostalgia and far too much to drink, he found himself not wanting to think about her. It was just too much right then to balance his emotions, thinking of Beth and Amber; they each brought with them different feelings.

“Well, maybe someday it’ll be my turn,” Daniel said as he polished off his drink. “I need another, how about you?”

Patrick shook his head. “I’d better not.”

“I’m off for another.” Daniel left the table and headed over to where the family had set up a beverage and bar station.

It was best that Patrick stopped drinking. The liquor was spurring his aggravation. He looked over at Grandpa Paddy, who had a faraway look. He was probably thinking about being alone, without his wife. Again, Patrick saw himself.

***

Amber

Sundays were always quiet in Birch Valley. Amber hadn’t realized how much until she cruised around the main street on her trusty green bicycle. It was midmorning, and Amber decided to take a quick ride, forcing Dylan to accompany her.

“Mom, where are we even going?” Dylan complained as he hung back a bit behind her.

“Dylan, catch up. We aren’t going anywhere in particular, just riding.”

They started to pass the large Catholic church as it was letting out. People dressed in their best clothing were filing out and headed to their cars. Amber waved at Dylan to be cautious. You never quite knew if a car would see you. Parking lots with drivers hungry and tired from a long sermon might not be paying the most attention. Amber stopped before the mouth of the driveway as she saw a car pull right out without even giving her a second glance. That was exactly why she had instructed Dylan to be extra careful and mindful of the drivers around him; sometimes cars forgot that bikes had the right of way.

As Amber stood there straddling her bike, waiting patiently, she noticed a car slowing down next to them. The window rolled down and revealed Mary and Maggie.

“Hello, dear, what a nice day to be out for a ride,” Mary commented with a cheerful smile.

The weather had changed drastically from how gorgeous it had been the day before. The sun was tucked behind some clouds, the air was a little cooler, and Amber could almost smell rain.

“Mary and Maggie, this is my son, Dylan, the one I was telling you two about,” Maggie introduced her son. He gave a polite smile and wave.

“Nice to meet you, Dylan.” Mary directed her gaze at him.

Maggie put the car in park and got out of the driver’s side and walked around the car. “Hey, Amber, how’s it going? I figure it’s easier to talk like this than trying to see over my mother.” Maggie laughed. Amber could tell that Maggie wanted to ask her a ton of questions, and they all probably centered around seeing her with Patrick at the grocery store.

Mary decided to get out of the car as well and join them. Their sedan was parked along the curb, traffic driving by slowly, passersby waving and greeting Mary.

“How was the service?” Dylan asked shyly.

“Very good, dear, very good,” Mary replied.

“Are we keeping you guys from anything? We were just out for a ride. We don’t want to hold you up,” Amber nervously rambled.

Maggie grinned. There was no way that Amber was getting away that easy. “We are headed home to make Sunday dinner.” Maggie got a strange gleam in her eyes. “I have a wonderful idea, Mom. Why don’t we have Amber and Dylan join us?”

Mary’s face glowed. “That’s a terrific idea. Oh, yes, you two must come over. Now, I insist.”

Amber snuck a glance at Dylan, and he nodded. “Well, as long as you are sure it’s not too much trouble?”

“If it were, I wouldn’t have asked you.” Mary grinned as she started to get back into the car. “Should I have Patrick pick you up, or do you know where our home is?”

Amber looked at Maggie; the cat was definitely out of the bag. She couldn’t help but feel a little set up.

Maggie started back to the driver’s side of the car; she paused and smiled. “It will be great getting to know you.”

“Dinner is served around six. You don’t need to bring anything, just yourselves,” Mary stated as she pulled her seatbelt over her.

Amber stood there, watching Maggie pull away, feeling bamboozled about going over for dinner. Her head was spinning. What was Patrick going to say? She needed to call him and let him know what was going on.

“So, they seemed nice,” Dylan said as they rode back to their home.

“Yes, they are. That was Patrick’s mother and sister.”

“Yeah, his sister has the same eyes as he does. His mom seemed nice, kind of like Grandma.” Dylan kept close by Amber as they pedaled through the neighborhoods. The weather hadn’t changed much. Amber could still smell rain, but she knew for sure a storm was coming, and it didn’t have anything to do with the weather.

***

Amber fussed with her dress. Was it too short? Why did it matter? She wasn’t going over to the O’Brien house as Patrick’s girlfriend. It’s not like he was bringing her to dinner. Stress gripped her tightly, holding her hostage to her anxiety. She had been trying to reach Patrick all day, to give him some kind of warning, but had not had any luck. Now it was a little after five, and she and Dylan were getting ready to go soon. She dialed his cell again, willing for Patrick to answer, but it went straight to voicemail.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Dylan asked as he laced up his shoes. He had just gotten dressed after showering; he wore dark wash jeans and a brown polo shirt. He looked handsome and almost too grown up for her liking.