Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) (3 page)

Liam wore flannel pajama bottoms and had no shirt on, his bare feet padding on the wood floor. His shaggy, light brown hair was messy, and dark stubble covered his jaw. His emerald green eyes, which matched all of the O’Brien children, were sleepy and confused but far from judgmental.

“Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here?” Maggie asked as she heard something behind her.

Liam’s head turned. Maggie followed his stare and found Rachel standing by the doorway.

Her blonde pixie hair stood up at all ends, and her brilliant blue eyes shone with embarrassment. “Hi, Maggie,” Rachel said.

At first Maggie had been a little unsure about the tan, petite blonde, but found herself connecting with her on many different levels and had started forming a new friendship with her. Rachel had moved up from Newport Beach, California, and had taken over as principal at the only elementary school in Birch Valley, the same one where Liam was a fourth grade teacher. The first time she met Rachel was during a cooking lesson at her mother’s house. They hit it off right away, and she could see the chemistry between Rachel and Liam, though both continued to deny any attraction. The family went on their annual moose watching expedition, and her mother, Mary, had invited Rachel to join the family. Maggie found herself getting closer with Rachel; she was easy to talk to, and an overall sweet person. They had kept in contact with an occasional text or email, and made promises to hang out the next time Maggie was in town. She couldn’t deny that she was a little surprised and taken off guard that Rachel was there at her brother’s home. A part of her was happy for her brother. Rachel blended in so well with the family, and Maggie couldn’t help but hope to have her as a sister-in-law someday.

“Rachel.” Maggie hurried toward her and gave her a hug. She didn’t really know what else to do, she was genuinely glad to see the other woman, but it was kind of awkward.

Rachel smiled and squeezed Maggie in a tight embrace as she looked questioningly up at Liam. Rachel released Maggie and began fussing with her short hair.

“I’m going to head home, but Maggie, maybe you want to get some coffee or come over and visit while you’re here?” Rachel asked nervously, tugging at the flannel shirt that covered her thin body—Liam’s flannel.

Maggie nodded, realizing how uncomfortable Rachel must have felt. Rachel scurried down the hall, leaving the two siblings alone in the kitchen.

Once Maggie was sure the other woman was out of earshot, she swatted at her brother. “Wow, Liam.”

Liam smiled. “I know, crazy, huh?”

“I’m happy for you. I really like Rachel,” Maggie said as she heard Rachel making her way back toward them.

The petite blonde was now dressed in an over-sized gray sweater and jeans. She raised up on her toes and gave Liam a kiss on the cheek.

She moved to Maggie and gave her another hug. “I’m so glad to see you.”

Maggie watched as Rachel carefully peeked over the plaid couch and gingerly patted Melanie’s sleeping head. The small token of affection made Maggie’s heart squeeze.

Maggie followed Liam’s eyes, and she could plainly see that her brother was in love with the woman who just left.

Liam quickly turned back to the coffee. He grabbed two mugs out of the hickory cabinets and sat them on the granite countertop. He looked back at his sister and waited for her to make the first move.

Maggie cleared her throat and started to speak. “You are probably wondering why I’m here.”

“Just glad to see you, though it’s a little early. You want sugar or cream?” Liam asked as he poured the dark liquid from the French press. The aroma swam to Maggie’s nose. She inhaled the rich flavor, and her stomach clenched, a reminder from the life inside her.

“You know, Liam, can I just have tea instead? Herbal, if you have it?” Maggie asked.

“Sure, no problem. I’m sticking to this stuff.” Liam raised his mug and took a sip of the coffee.

Maggie felt the weight of the world melt from her shoulders as she sat there with her brother. A fire was burning slowly in the large fireplace, casting a soft glow along with the cold morning light in the living room. Earlier, Liam had moved Melanie into his bedroom, tucking his niece into the over-sized bed. The two siblings sipped on their hot beverages and discussed in great detail Maggie’s dilemma.

Repeatedly dunking the tea bag, Maggie sighed. “I just don’t know what to do, Liam.”

Liam seemed cautious when he answered his sister. “Mags, I’m not really sure what to tell you. So you haven’t told Mom yet?”

“No, I haven’t said anything to anyone. I was going to tell Michael, but things have just been, well, I don’t know, not good. It isn’t like he’s ever home for me to even talk to him anyway,” Maggie reasoned.

“I can see how you’re upset that he didn’t show for Melanie’s concert. I’m a little surprised he didn’t at least let you know why he couldn’t make it.”

Maggie huffed loudly. “Does it even matter? The fact is, we are not a priority. I just don’t want Mel getting hurt. You should have seen how disappointed she was, it nearly broke my heart.”

Liam nodded. “I can imagine. But you have to tell him about the baby.”

“I will.” Maggie yawned, her body was exhausted from the drive and lack of sleep.

“Let’s get you in bed. You go sleep with Mel, I’ll take the couch,” Liam instructed.

“Thanks, Liam.” Maggie looked lovingly at her brother. He was a good man, and she appreciated his kindness. Maggie was glad she had turned to him; she could always count on Liam.

Chapter Three

Maggie woke up confused. She could hear Melanie laughing in another room. Shaking away the heavy, sleepy fog in her brain, it took her a moment to realize she was at Liam’s house. She tried eyeing the digital alarm clock on the dresser across the room. It was close to noon. Maggie could sleep more, her eyes wanted to close and drift away back to the warm slumber she had been tightly nestled in moments before.

“Shh, we need to keep quiet for your mom. Okay, sweetie?” Maggie could hear her brother say softly. Then she heard the obnoxious, loud ringing of a phone. Her brother promptly answered it.

“Hey. Yeah, she’s here. Melanie too,” Liam reassured the caller. Maggie knew it had to be Michael.

She heard her daughter beg to speak to the caller. Maggie felt the vibrations of Liam’s heavy footsteps as he approached the bedroom.

A gentle knock. “Hey, Mags, you awake yet?”

Grunting, Maggie answered, “Yes. Come on in.”

Liam filled the doorway with his tall figure. “Michael’s on the phone. You want to talk to him?”

Maggie rolled her eyes. “Not really.”

Liam shook his head. “Well, that’s up to you. I’m not going to force you. But just an FYI, Mom called too.”

“Oh, Lord, what did you tell her?” Maggie asked.

“I didn’t say anything, but she heard Mel in the background. I told her you were here, that you guys got in late. I figured it’s not my place to tell her.”

She was glad she could count on Liam. He didn’t divulge secrets, he’d been like that when they were kids too. He never wanted to get anyone into trouble, and everyone knew they could trust him.

“I’ll tell her today,” Maggie assured him as Melanie bounded into the room loudly.

“Mom, Uncle Liam made me French toast!”

Glad to see how unaffected her child was, Maggie felt gratitude toward her brother. “Well, that was very sweet of him. I bet it was yummy too.”

“Uncle Liam saved you some too. You have been sleeping forever,” Melanie complained.

“Okay, well, I’m up now. You want to go see Grams today?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to go see everyone,” Melanie squealed with pure delight.

Liam reached out for Melanie as the little girl started hopping on the bed. “Let’s go and see if any deer are in the yard. Your mom still needs to get up.”

Maggie appreciated Liam pulling the child off the bed. The bouncy movements were creating harsh waves in her stomach. She sent Liam a look of thanks as she tried to settle the storm inside her belly.

***

Maggie was sitting in Liam’s dining room, nibbling on a leftover piece of French toast when she heard a knock at the front door. Liam had taken Melanie outside to go visit the lake, leaving Maggie alone in the quiet cabin. Reluctantly getting up from her seat, she slowly shuffled to open the door, where Mary O’Brien, wrapped in her heavy, green wool coat and gray knit cap, stood.

“Mom,” Maggie said as she let her mother inside the home.

Ridding herself of her coat and hat, Mary reached for Maggie, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Maggie, sweetheart, I had no idea you were coming home this weekend,” Mary said as she lead herself to the kitchen.

Maggie followed her mother, who was pouring water into the kettle to heat.

“Tea?” Mary offered.

“Um, sure.” Maggie took her seat back at the breakfast nook.

“Now, I won’t waste time beating around the bush, Maggie,” Mary started. Maggie raised her hand to stop her mother.

“Mom, I know.”

“Well then, you want to tell me why this morning I received a frantic call from your husband?” Mary’s stare burrowed into Maggie.

Maggie felt the salty tears emerging. “Mom, it’s complicated.”

Mary sat across from Maggie. “I’m sure it is. Can you imagine the fright I had when he called? He had no idea where you or Melanie were.”

“Wow, I’m surprised he even noticed we were gone.” Maggie’s tone was vile with anger.

Mary reached for her daughter’s hand. “Well, he did notice, and he was awfully worried, dear.”

Maggie could only imagine how she would feel if she came home to find that her daughter and spouse were gone. But considering the stunt he had pulled on Friday with a no call, no show for the performance, she didn’t have a whole lot of sympathy for her husband right then.

The kettle whistled loudly. Mary quickly got up to fill two mugs with the steaming hot liquid. She returned equally quickly to the table. It was obvious Mary O’Brien wanted answers.

Maggie reached for her mug. She inhaled the floral scent of the herbal tea, the warmth from which radiated through her hands, bringing the promise of comfort. It amazed her how a simple cup of hot water mixed with some tea leaves and a little honey had the ability to immediately soothe and calm her.

“Look, dear, I understand that you may be upset with Michael, but running off like this sure isn’t going to solve any problems.”

“Mom, things have been building up, you know that,” Maggie said defensively as she took a leisurely sip of the hot tea.

Matching her sip, Mary eyed her daughter. “Maggie, I realize that, but he’s your husband, and what about Melanie? It isn’t just about you, you know?”

“I told her we were coming to visit. Mom, you should have seen how upset she was that Michael didn’t come to the spring concert.” Maggie looked down, feeling the urge to say everything that had been trapped inside her. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Oh, Lord, are you two getting a divorce?” Mary’s eyes were wide with concern.

“No, we haven’t quite got to that level yet. Well, it seems that our family is going to be a little bigger.” Maggie watched as her mother’s mouth twisted from a frown into a faint smile.

“Well, that’s wonderful, dear. I mean, I can see with the current situation that this is probably not the best timing. God works in funny ways, doesn’t He?”

“He sure does.” Maggie paused. “I haven’t told Michael yet.”

Mary’s eyes grew large again. “Oh, Maggie.”

Maggie knew she should have told him by now, but honestly she hadn’t really found the time. She sure as heck didn’t want to spill the beans over a voicemail or text message. Maggie wasn’t all that excited about telling Michael, considering how awful things had been at home lately, except for that rare night last week. The thought sent a silent ache to Maggie’s core.

Liam and Melanie noisily entered the cabin. “Hey, Mom, I didn’t hear you pull up,” Liam said as he grabbed some cocoa mix from the cabinet to make Melanie some hot chocolate. “Mel, you want any marshmallows, kiddo?”

“Sure, Uncle Liam.” Melanie had propped herself in his recliner and started playing with her handheld game.

“I was going to make her and I some grilled cheese sandwiches, you guys want some?” Liam offered as he removed all the items he needed from his stainless steel fridge.

“I’m okay, thanks,” Maggie answered as she swallowed another sip of tea. Her stomach was beginning to go a little uneasy.

“None for me, dear, I will be heading home. Maggie, you and Melanie come over for lunch tomorrow.” Turning her attention to her son, she said, “Liam, let Rachel know if she wants to join us. I figure I can throw something together a little early so we have some time to visit.”

Mary put her empty cup in the sink and gave Liam a kiss on his cheek. She strolled over to Maggie, bent down, and hugged her shoulders, placing a kiss on top of her chestnut hair. “I love you, sweetheart.”

Maggie felt so much better now that she was back in Birch Valley. The support and love of her family was doing her a world of good. This was why she so desperately wanted to move back.

***

Maggie snorted as she tried to catch her breath; she had been laughing uncontrollably for the last hour. God, she needed this.

Rachel had showed up earlier in the evening, unexpectedly, with a couple of pizzas and an arm full of board games and movies. They had played a couple games with Melanie until she couldn’t keep her eyes open, then the adults sat on the ground around Liam’s coffee table, sharing stories about growing up, mainly about the shenanigans that the O’Brien children got into. Maggie didn’t recall the last time she had laughed so hard, it felt great.

“I’d better head home,” Rachel announced as she slowly crawled up off the floor.

Maggie noticed Liam watch Rachel rise, and disappointment seemed to flood him as his eyes grew a shade darker, when moments earlier they were light and shining with happiness and something else. Maggie and Liam each rose off the ground, with Liam starting to help gather the games and movies.

“Thanks so much for coming over. I had a lot of fun,” Maggie said as she rubbed Rachel’s arm.

“I’m glad, I did too. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard in my life. You O’Brien kids are crazy,” Rachel replied, a lingering giggle escaping her mouth.

Liam held a stack of board games. “Rachel, are you coming over to my folks’ place tomorrow?”

Rachel bit her bottom lip. She eyed Liam, and said, “I’m not sure, your family may have a lot to discuss.”

“I’m sure it will be fine,” Liam said, clearly trying to convince her. Maggie could see he wanted to spend every moment he could with Rachel. She remembered feeling that way about Michael.

“Rachel, it’s totally okay, you can come over if you want.” Maggie attempted to reassure the other woman, but she could tell Rachel was still undecided.

“We’ll see, I have some paperwork I need to do and stuff. I’ll call you, Liam. Tell Melanie goodbye for me, just in case I can’t make it over.” Rachel reached out to Maggie and squeezed her softly.

“I will. She really likes you, Rachel. Thanks for all the treats you brought over, she had a blast.”

“No problem, it was my pleasure. Well, I’d better get going,” Rachel answered as she slipped her jacket on.

“I’ll walk you out,” Liam said, still holding the armload of games.

***

Rachel

Once outside, the chilly air slapped Liam and Rachel, stinging their cheeks. Their breath hung heavy around them. Rachel started her car to let it warm up, she popped her trunk, and Liam placed the huge stack of games inside. The days had grown warmer than when she first arrived in Birch Valley, but the evenings were still cold.

“Hey, thanks for coming over. I appreciate you bringing a smile to Maggie’s face.” Liam hovered over Rachel as she stood next to her silver BMW.

She looked up at Liam, wonder filling her eyes as Liam bent down and kissed her. Rachel still wasn’t quite used to it. Every time their lips touched, an electrical current surged through every inch of her. How did she get so lucky?

They had only been dating officially for a couple weeks since the O’Brien family had invited Rachel to go on their annual moose watching camping trip. It was there, in the majestic pine-filled mountains, near a partially iced over lake, that she finally let her guard down and accepted her feelings for Liam, feelings she had been fighting for a couple months. She didn’t want to fall in love; that was not the reason she had moved over fifteen hundred miles away from the shimmering ocean community of Newport Beach, California. Rachel was cautious in their new relationship, especially considering she was his boss at Birch Valley Elementary. No one seemed to mind, except one teacher who plainly had the hots for Liam. Everyone else appeared happy that Liam and Rachel had finally ended their nonsense of denying their feelings for each other, especially the school secretary, Karen. Rachel was still a little uneasy about being open with their relationship, she wanted to make sure the school board would renew her contract as principal for following school year. Some state testing results would help decide that.

Liam pulled Rachel close to him, wrapping her tightly in his arms, trying to warm her.

“I’m not sure about tomorrow. I really feel like that this is something you guys need to work out with Maggie as a family,” Rachel said firmly.

“Rachel, my family adores you and won’t mind if you’re there. If they had their way we would already be married.” Liam eyed her playfully, teasing her with a kiss on her forehead.

“Oh, stop. I’m serious, I kind of think this is a serious family matter.”

“It’ll work itself out.”

“Liam, she’s pregnant, she isn’t speaking to her husband, and she left without telling him. I’m thinking it’s a little more serious,” Rachel countered.

“Fine, but she knows we are here to support her.”

Rachel understood that Maggie felt safe amongst the O’Briens, but she couldn’t help but think of how Michael must feel in the whole mess. “That’s why she drove here, to your home. She knows you have her back.”

“She knows that this is home, where she belongs,” Liam added, his long arms moved loosely around Rachel’s hips.