Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) (16 page)

“It went well. They have a nice piece of property out toward Lilac Lake.”

“Where’s Daniel, by the way?” Maggie asked.

Patrick smirked. “Oddly enough, still there. He got to talking to one of the daughters there. You know how he is, if he sees an opportunity he’s all over it.”

Maggie smiled. “Well, good for him. So, I had lunch with Michael today.”

“Yeah, how did that go?” Patrick leaned against the counter, scanning through a thick pile of mail that had been dropped off. He didn’t seem very interested in the subject of Michael, all things considered. Maggie didn’t get into deep conversations about her life with Patrick; she never had. Liam was her confidant. Given that Patrick wasn’t exactly keen on Michael at the moment, she proceeded with caution. He kept his thoughts to himself, but he wore them on his face. Maggie knew that Patrick played the part of big brother, protector and defender, very well.

“Well, actually, he leased a building here in town.”

Patrick’s eye went wide. “What? Seriously? So you guys are going to stay here then?”

“I guess so, he talked about selling the condo and looking for a home to buy here. He already signed the lease and got the keys. He’s going to open up his own practice eventually.”

“Wow, that was quick. Well, you know, I’m glad that he finally figured it out.”

“You and me both.” She laughed. Since she started to work at the shop, Maggie had learned more about the how her oldest brother worked. He was a complicated, moody guy who really had a heart of gold. She knew he still mourned Beth, but she hoped that someday he could find peace, and possibly happiness, with another woman.

***

Melanie giggled harder than Maggie had ever seen before. Michael sat across from their daughter and made silly faces at her as they shared a pizza at the only pizzeria in town. It was called Steve-o’s, and they made killer calzones and had the most heavenly sauce. Maggie had never found a better pizza in all of Seattle, and she had tried. Pizza was one of her staples.

“Dad, you are so silly.” Melanie squealed with delight.

Stringy cheese was hung out of his mouth, and he crossed his eyes. Michael’s little performance was just for Melanie.

Maggie relished the moment; things were finally falling back into place. Melanie had her father, Maggie had the love of her life, and they were all together.

She was taking a sip of water when Michael asked, “So who is excited to go and look at houses?”

“I am!” Melanie exclaimed. “But will I still get to go to see Grams?”

“Of course, sweetie.” Maggie chuckled as she patted her arm. “That is the wonderful thing about us all living so close. You will be able to even have your cousins come over to play.”

Michael smiled. “Speaking of cousins, you going to have lunch with Rachel soon?”

Maggie raised her eyebrows at him, signaling that Melanie didn’t know about Liam and Rachel’s unexpected surprise. “She sent me a text, we are going to meet up this weekend actually.”

“Liam asked me to go fishing, that okay?”

He was asking her permission. That was new. “Yeah, I’m so glad you are going to finally go. It’ll be good for Liam too. You guys thinking of fishing on his lake?”

“Probably. I think I like the idea of being able to finally relax. But honestly, it feels weird to not be working.”

“I can only imagine, but we like having you around, don’t we, Mel?”

Melanie nodded in agreement. “I’m so glad you are here now, Dad.”

“Me too, my little ginger snap,” said Michael as he reached across the table and stroked Melanie’s cherubic face.

Chapter Thirteen

Rachel

Rachel prepared a simple lunch of a can of soup, as that was all that her stomach would allow. The nausea she felt was becoming more regular. She didn’t understand why it was called morning sickness; it hit any time of the day, morning absolutely, noon positively, and night, of course. It was all day, every day. She heard a faint knock on the door. She wasn’t expecting anyone, but Liam and her did have plans that evening to talk. Rachel opened the door without peeking first, and to her surprise Mary O’Brien stood outside.

“Hi, Mary, come on in.” Rachel stepped to the side and gestured for her to enter.

“Sorry to bother you, dear, but I thought we might be able to have a chat.”

“Sure, I was just heating some soup, you are welcome to some. Or maybe I can get you something to drink?” Rachel offered as she lead Mary towards the kitchen. Funny how much time Rachel spent in that part of the house. Even at the O’Brien home, they were always in the kitchen, a room that Rachel never used except to make coffee and store fruit or veggies for salads. Cooking was not her strong suit.

“Tea would be lovely, if you have it.”

“Sure, that sounds really good right now,” Rachel said as she took two generous mugs out of the cupboard and started to fill a kettle to put on the stove. Rachel’s mind churned. She was curious why Mary was there. Did she know about the pregnancy? Liam hadn’t mentioned to her if he had told his family yet, but then again she had been avoiding him like the plague. Maybe Maggie slipped and spilled the beans? Or maybe she was just paranoid, she hadn’t been herself for weeks now.

“Rachel, come and sit, please.” The tone of Mary’s voice set off alarms in Rachel’s brain. She knew. She hurried back to the table, Mary’s commanding tone partially scaring her.

She smiled, and Rachel took a seat across from her. Mary reached for Rachel’s hand. “Dear, I’m not one to beat around the bush, I already know.”

“You do?” Rachel asked cautiously.

“Yes, and though I don’t agree with the speediness of this whole matter, it is what it is. However, my son loves you. I know that you love him as well, so, Rachel, my love, why won’t you marry the poor boy?” Her eyes were slightly wet and pleading.

Oh, boy.
Rachel let out a small sigh. “Mary, I truly care about Liam. Actually, I care about all of you, your family has made me feel welcome. It’s just that this is all moving so fast.”

“I know, but sometimes things happen, and they are meant to be. I can only imagine how scared you must be. This is a major, life changing thing, Rachel.”

“When I moved up here, I had no intentions of getting involved with anyone. Then I met Liam. And, Mary, I do love him, but I hate the thought of us getting married just because of the baby.” Rachel’s hand traveled protectively over her flat stomach, and she felt on the verge of tears. “I never expected any of this.”

“Well, think of this as a blessing. You are a blessing, Rachel, you have brought my son so much joy. As a mother, I couldn’t have picked a better woman for him.”

Rachel looked at the older woman and saw the sincerity in Mary’s eyes. She rose from her seat and went over to Mary, wrapped her arms around the other woman, and started to cry. “Oh, Mary.”

“It’ll be okay, love. We are all here for you.”

Rachel swatted away her bangs and wiped away her tears. “I know, and I appreciate it. I’m just so scared.”

“Have you told your mother yet?”

Rachel shook her head. “No, I’m so terrified of what she will say.”

“Well, we will get through this.” Rachel moved back into her seat as Mary continued. “Are you happy at all about this baby?”

“Truthfully, yes. I didn’t know if I ever would want to become a mother, but ever since I have been around you and Maggie, seeing what great mothers you two are, it has made me feel some maternal needs. Then when you add Liam into equation…he’s such a great man. I have never felt this way about another guy before. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be the father of my children.” Rachel was shocked as the words tumbled out of her mouth. The honesty was liberating. To speak so openly and freely, especially to Liam’s mother about such a sensitive issue, surprised her.

“Things will be fine, and you will make an excellent mother. I know you and Liam share something special, and God has put you in his life and in our lives for a reason. He is funny like that, but he doesn’t make mistakes.”

Rachel gave her a smile. “I left California in search of something. I just had this desire to go looking for whatever it was that was missing in my life. I’m just shocked I found it so soon.”

“Well then, dear, it looks like we have a lot of planning to do.”

The tea kettle screeched loudly. Somehow Rachel felt like Mary was right; things were going to be okay.

***

Liam

The sun sat in the east as Liam and Michael cast their fishing poles out into the dark water. The boat was small but perfect on the calm lake on Liam’s property. Canadian geese honked overhead, and the morning was alive with several deer drinking from the lake in the distance. The fish were already biting. It was going to be a good day.

Liam took a sip from his travel mug, enjoying the dark flavor of the roasted beans. He sighed. “Can’t beat mornings like this.”

Michael grinned. “I can’t tell you how relaxing this is. I’m having a hard time getting used to it.”

“Well, this is life here in Birch Valley. No skyscrapers or traffic, just these birds and animals. It’s slower here.”

Michael reeled in his line slowly, dragging it delicately through the water. “So, how are things going with Rachel?”

Liam huffed and reeled his own line in, recasting it out to the glass-like water. He heard only the soft
plop
as the line dove into the water. “We are getting together tonight to talk.”

“Yeah, Maggie is going to have lunch with her today. They sure have gotten close, it’s really nice for Maggie to have a friend here. And then considering they both are pregnant, pretty cool for them, I would think, to have someone to share that with.”

“Rachel really likes Maggie. I just hope her and I can figure things out. I didn’t mean for this to happen, well, at least not so soon.”

“You know, you aren’t the only one. Why do you think Maggie and I got married so soon?” Michael said with a knowing gaze.

Liam raised his eyebrows. “Really? I thought you guys got married and then got pregnant with Melanie.”

“Oh no. I remember how scared Maggie was to tell your mom, and then when she did Mary insisted that we get hitched and then say we got pregnant. She worried about Maggie and just wanted to protect her. Best decision ever, though. I would have married her the second I met her if she’d let me. Didn’t matter that she was pregnant.”

“That’s how I feel about Rachel. I just want her in my life, the fact that she’s pregnant makes me want her even more. But it wouldn’t matter, she’s so different than any girl I have ever been with.”

Michael took a sip out of his travel mug and sighed contentedly. “You ever really look at how beautiful this is? I mean, look at the fog lifting from the water over there. I think I want a house on a lake.”

“Yeah, I love this property. When are you guys looking at some houses?”

“Tomorrow we meet with Cheryl and go over our wish list. Maggie thinks she wants to be in town so she can walk to the school and work. But man, I love it out here. It’s so quiet and hidden, a man can actually think.”

“Yeah, I wonder where Rachel will want to live if we get married. I love this place.”

A bald eagle flew by them. It ran its talons through the water, trying to catch a fish for breakfast. “Well, no matter what our women tell us, don’t ever sell this property, this needs to be our retreat.”

Liam laughed. “I’m never getting rid of this place, trust me.”

***

Maggie

It was a little after one in the afternoon as she headed toward Rachel’s home. Maggie was eager to sit down and really chat with her friend. She wanted to see how Rachel was doing, and was dying to share her good news. The sky was a pale blue, with white fluffy cotton ball clouds that floated happily along. The sun was warm and shining brightly. Maggie let out a breath. She was content and happy. Things were finally in place, or at least headed in the right direction. The next day Maggie and Michael would be meeting with the Realtor to discuss properties. The very thought of making things more concrete thrilled Maggie. She could actually relax; she knew that it isn’t just a dream or wish, it was her life now.

She parked her car and had a little more pep in her step as she practically skipped up the walkway. She happily knocked on Rachel’s front door.

Rachel opened the door and greeted her with a smile. “Come on in.”

Maggie hugged Rachel and entered the home.

“You look happy,” Rachel commented as she plopped down on the couch, where she her legs under her body.

Maggie joined her on the same couch. “I am. Oh God, I have so much to tell you. But first, I want to know how you are doing.”

“Well, I’m doing okay, actually. Your mom stopped by yesterday, and we had a nice chat.”

“Are you serious? What did she say?” Maggie grew concerned, but she had faith that her mother would only be kind to Rachel.

“Well, she helped me realize that things are meant to be, no matter how outrageous they might seem. She’s happy about the baby, which is a huge relief. Granted, she feels the way I do, it’s a little soon, but she was super supportive.”

“That’s good. I know she is a little thrilled to be having two brand new grandbabies coming her way.” Maggie paused and reached for Rachel’s hand. “But what about you and Liam?”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “I’m going to see him tonight, we had planned on talking. I feel horrible, I have been avoiding him.”

“So what do you want to do about all of this?”

“Honestly, crawl into a hole.” Rachel laughed loudly and playfully slapped at Maggie. “Seriously, Liam and I need to talk more and really decide what we both want.”

Maggie released out a loud sigh. “What do you want?”

Rachel pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Well, I love Liam, simple as that. As much as I try to fight it, it’s always there. I guess part of me just feels like, how did I end up here, and so quickly?”

“Um, I can tell you if you are really confused.” Maggie laughed.

“I mean, it’s just wild to think I’m going to have a baby, something I wasn’t sure would ever happen. And then to fall in love with someone like Liam, who frustrates me but makes me feel things I never knew were possible. Without getting into too much detail, I know how I got into this mess. But I’m glad it’s with him.”

“Ah, that’s so sweet. So do you think you guys might get married?” Maggie asked hopefully. She really hoped that Rachel would be open to the idea. She loved the thought of her friend becoming her sister in-law, especially with having babies near the same age.

“Ugh, that is where it gets all weird, you know? Like, of course I want Liam, but I hate the thought that we are just doing it for this baby.”

“Trust me, it isn’t just for the sake of the baby. Liam has shared with me how much he loves you. You have changed his life in so many ways.”

“Well, especially now.”

“Good grief, Rachel. You know, I was you almost seven years ago. I found myself tangled up with this gorgeous man, then pregnant.”

“You got pregnant before you guys were married?” Rachel asked, her eyebrows raised high in surprise.

Yeah, so trust me, I get where you are coming from. I had only been with him for a couple months, but I knew I loved him and wanted to spend my life with him. Do you feel like that with Liam?”

“I do, I hate that we don’t wake up together. I wish he were around all the time, even though I love my space, it feels empty when he’s not around. It’s been hard not seeing him lately.” Rachel’s eyes became watery with tears that threatened to spill.

“Trust me, it doesn’t get any easier, you’ll see.” Maggie ran her hand along the couch, she realized how hard it had been not having Michael around. She switched the topic a little. Maggie asked, “So, how are you feeling? Morning sickness getting any better yet?”

“Like the thought of food grosses me out,” Rachel said, putting her hand to her mouth. “Is it always this bad?”

“Well, I was really sick with Melanie, but this one, oh boy, really amazed me. But I’m feeling good now, I actually have energy again. When is your ultrasound?”

“Like in a couple weeks, I think the second week in May. I’m glad to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“That’s exciting. I am having one next week. Do you see the irony of having an ultrasound right around Mother’s Day? That’s kind of special, isn’t it?”