Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) (13 page)

Amber shook off the rampant torrent of emotions and finished up. She wheeled her green bicycle out of the diner, then locked the heavy, glass door. She inhaled the appealing scents of summer night-time, the warm residue of pines that had been cooked all day from the searing sun, the smells of grass which had been mowed in the evening, and the delicate aroma of the flowers hanging in large baskets all through town, permeated the air. She looked up toward the sky, her eyes focused on the outline of the mountains that surrounded Birch Valley, their shadowy figures protecting the tiny community. She had to admit, she did love it here. It had a simple, understated beauty. She just wished that Peter was here to enjoy it with her. As she spoke to God, in her mind, she thought she heard her name. She spun around and quickly realized who had called her name. It was Patrick O’Brien. He was leaning on his car, his long body angled in a way that she hated herself for being attracted to.

“What do you want?” Amber asked as she stood firmly, squaring her shoulders, and holding onto her bike for support. Her knees were turning into jelly; no surprise there, that was how her body reacted when she was around him. It didn’t matter if he was twenty feet or two feet away; the result was always the same. Right now, she hated herself for being so easily affected and hated him for just being so damn sexy.

“Amber, I want to talk about today.” His eyes pleaded for her to listen. “I want to apologize. The way I acted was just terrible. I was a complete jerk.”

“That’s one word I would use to describe how you acted.” Amber put one hand on her hip, giving him a hard look.

He went to her, towering over her by almost a foot. He bent to place his forehead on her head, connecting them softly. “I’m sorry.”

“You should be.” She could feel her resolve breaking away.

“Forgive me?” Patrick’s eyes met hers. His lips pouted in a way that was hard to resist. God, she hated him right now. Amber wanted to stay angry; she didn’t want to crave his lips on hers or imagine his hands on her body.

“Patrick, we need to really discuss why you treated me like you didn’t know me in front of your family,” Amber demanded.

“It’s sort of a long story. But I just didn’t want them involved in my business,” Patrick answered. He traced the side of her cheek with his hand. “I’m sorry, I really am. I should have explained all that to you. You didn’t deserve what happened today. It’s my issue, not yours.”

“But Patrick, they are your family. I mean, why wouldn’t you want them to know what’s going on in your life? I told my mom I was sort of dating you.”

“Is that what we’re doing? Dating?” Patrick eyed her playfully.

“Well, we were. Now I’m not so sure. I mean, I have met your sister. She’s nice. Daniel, he seems super friendly.”

Patrick smirked and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, he was almost going to ask you out.”

“Well, maybe he should have,” she snapped. “At least he wouldn’t be so shy to introduce me to the family, or maybe he wouldn’t act ashamed of me when they are around. Unlike another O’Brien boy that I know, and even slept with, possibly even started to really care about,” Amber spat. She didn’t know what had come over her. One moment she was almost bending to his will, the next she felt fiery and angry again.

“Amber, I’m sorry. I’m not ashamed of you. You’re wonderful.” Patrick brushed his lips along her neck. “You’re right about everything. I guess I wanted to keep this to myself a little longer. Trust me, I think about you all the time. I just wanted to…”

“See how it all played out? I mean, I get that. I’m not asking for you to pledge your undying love to me, nor am I even asking to be invited over for dinner at your family’s house. It would have been nice for you to have acknowledged me, that’s all.” Amber tried to back away. She needed a little space so she could think.

“I know, again, you win. I don’t want to fight.” Patrick seized the moment when she wasn’t speaking, took hold of her head, and planted a firm kiss on her lips.

Amber instantly felt her body flood with desire; she felt it betray her as she heard herself moan into his mouth. His hands ran along her back as he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. It was like he was making love to her mouth, taking possession, and marking her as his own. Patrick wanted all of her, and she was gladly giving it to him. She felt herself release her grasp on her bicycle and heard it fall to the ground.

God, not only did she hate him right now, but herself too.

Chapter Thirteen

Rachel

“Remember, this might be a little cold, dear,” the nurse said as she applied the jelly to Rachel’s stomach.

Rachel grimaced as the nurse moved the ultrasound wand over her, pushing a little too hard for Rachel’s liking, onto her stomach. She looked over and saw Chelsea mesmerized by the grainy images that started to appear on the tiny monitor. Rachel tilted her head up and smiled at Liam.

The sound of two fluttering heartbeats echoed loudly in the room. Chelsea’s face went bright with wonder. “Oh my God, is that them?”

Liam and Rachel nodded. The nurse smiled as well and continued to roll the wand over Rachel, probing further into her skin. The discomfort almost made Rachel’s eyes water, but watching the two little beans on the screen wiggle and dance was well worth it.

After several minutes of the nurse taking measurements, tapping away at a keyboard entering the data, she grinned happily. “Well, I will get Dr. Salinger to come in and visit with you for the rest of your checkup.” The nurse excused herself, leaving the door slightly open.

“That was so cool, you guys.” Chelsea squealed. “It really makes it seem, well, real, I guess.” She laughed.

“I know, that’s how it was when we came in last time. It made me realize that they were really in there.” Rachel could feel the tears burning in her eyes.
Pregnancy hormones are the best. I love feeling overly emotional all day long,
she thought sarcastically.

Chelsea stood up and walked over to Rachel, who was lying down, her belly still half exposed as she tried to cover up with the paper blanket. Chelsea wrapped her tan, thin arms across Rachel’s chest. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Chelsea.” Rachel squeezed her back.

Chelsea moved over to Liam and threw her arms around him. “I know I haven’t been the easiest to get along with…”

Liam cut her off. “No, Chelsea, it’s okay. It has to be difficult, I mean, losing Rachel. I couldn’t imagine her moving away. So I know that has been hard on you. She’s your best friend. You guys are as close as sisters.”

“Liam, I appreciate you understanding, but that doesn’t give me a right to act the way I do. I really am happy for both of you, and you guys are going to be great parents.”

“Thanks, that means a lot,” Liam replied, kissing Chelsea on top of her head, treating her like she was part of their family. The simple gesture of kindness warmed Rachel. They were her two favorite people, and she just wanted them to get along.

“Can you believe we’ve got a wedding to get ready for in, like, a couple days?” Chelsea cried. Her smooth and perfect face was genuinely happy. This was the first time she felt that Chelsea was genuinely thrilled for her.

They heard a soft knock at the door; Dr. Salinger peeked in from the other side.

“Hi, Rachel and Liam.” Her smile was a little too big for her face, her black hair always in a tight knot. Her blue eyes shone as she greeted them. “I’m Doctor Salinger.” She extended her thin arm and petite hand to Chelsea.

“I’m Chelsea, Rachel’s best friend. I’m visiting from California.”

“Well, pleasure to meet you, Chelsea.”

Turning her attention back to Rachel, she asked, “How have you been feeling, lady?”

Rachel had been starting to form a friendship with Dr. Mallory Salinger. They’d run into each other at the only grocery store and hit it off. Rachel learned that Mallory was from southern California as well, and her story was very similar to her own. Mallory had left because the rat race had grown to be far too much, and she found herself in Birch Valley completely by accident. She had been on her way to Canada to visit a close friend, who had moved to Grand Forks. Mallory had considered flying but decided she needed a real vacation, and what was better than a road trip? On her way to Grand Forks, she passed through the rural town of Birch Valley. Instantly, she fell in love with the charming old buildings and the friendly community. Never in a million years would she have thought she would find herself in such a place. On her way back from her visit, she ran into a bit of car trouble and ended up having to stay the night. That changed everything; her whole life had been steered in a different direction. She learned that the town was in desperate need for another OBGYN, and she fit the bill. But did she dare consider leaving everything in Los Angeles to come up to a town in the middle of nowhere, knowing absolutely no one? Yes, because Mallory had been in search of something, just as Rachel had been. Now the two were forming a fast friendship. They’d exchanged numbers and planned on having lunch together.

“I feel pretty good, not really sick anymore,” Rachel answered.

“How about movement?” Dr. Salinger looked over at her and then Liam.

“Sort of, I mean, I usually think it’s gas or something else. It’s not like I’m getting strong kicks or anything.”

“Well, it’s still early, but I just want you to try and be aware of any changes. The kicks will get more noticeable. Thinking that it’s gas, completely normal. Everyone tends to think it is, especially this early on.” She smiled at Rachel and Liam. Her demeanor was calm; she exuded a sense of serenity and was just plain mellow. Rachel considered for a moment that her new friend and doctor must be doing yoga or something to keep her this eerily calm.

Dr. Salinger turned her attention to the computer that was to side of Rachel. As she sat on the stool, she read out her findings. “So, by looking at some the results here from the ultrasound, things are progressing nicely. Both babies seem to be around the same size, heart rate is good, fluid looks fantastic.” She then grabbed a cardboard wheel with a bunch of dates on it.

“What’s that for?” Chelsea asked. Her curiosity always had her asking questions.

“This…” Dr. Salinger held up the cardboard disc. “This is a way for us to track her due date. Basically, we use it to show the date of the last period, then I like to go back after an ultrasound and compare the findings, to see if the size and the date match up,” she explained. “In Rachel’s case, I’m seeing that her due date and the size of the babies are following pretty close together. So we are still looking at a tentative due date of November, still unsure on the exact day. Babies love to come when they are ready.”

“So November still? Great,” Liam said. “I think Maggie is due in late September or something, right?” He looked down at Rachel.

“I think so. She’s already getting huge,” Rachel commented.

“Well, you will too. Give it time.” Dr. Salinger laughed.

“Oh, I almost forgot, I wanted to invite you to our wedding. I know you and I discussed it the other night when I called you. Do you think you will be free for the Fourth of July?” Rachel asked sweetly. She really liked Mallory and wanted to make her feel included. After all, she knew what being an outsider, especially from California, felt like. This would give Mallory the opportunity to meet more people and to celebrate the Fourth.

Dr. Salinger squinted up toward the ceiling. It looked as though she was looking through some mental planner, seeing if her schedule was open. “Yeah, I think I might be on call for the hospital that night, but who am I kidding, I’m always on call.”

“We are having the ceremony and reception at our home. We live about five miles out of town. You could give the hospital our land line number so that they can reach you,” Liam suggested as he stroked Rachel’s arm. She loved how he made her feel so cherished and cared for, and he even was trying to convince her new friend to attend their wedding. This guy was too good to her.

“Yeah, they sort of need to reach me on my cell, but thanks for the offer.”

That’s when Liam, Rachel, and Chelsea laughed. The service was terrible out at Liam’s property. Chelsea had been complaining nonstop about it since she arrived. Rachel had learned to live with it being so awful, relying on their landline more than her cell.

Dr. Salinger frowned. “Well, I will try to go out there, even if for just a little while.”

“Great, I will call you later with the details. My brother, Ethan, he’ll be there. He’s an ER doctor,” Rachel babbled. She wasn’t quite sure what made her tell Mallory about Ethan. She’d already said she would try to make it; Rachel didn’t need to sweeten the deal more by adding her brother.

“Oh, really? He’s from California too?”

“Yes, he lives near me actually,” Chelsea piped in. She had always been a little obsessed with Rachel’s brother. The two had even attempted to date, but Ethan just wasn’t into Chelsea; he looked at her more like a little sister. Rachel couldn’t blame him; they had all sort of grown up together and had had same circle of wealthy friends.

“Well, that’s great. Yeah, I’m from Los Angeles,” Dr. Salinger added. She gave Chelsea a soft look.

“Really? How did you end up here?” Chelsea’s arms motioned all around them, and she crinkled her face.

“It’s not that bad. I actually love it here,” Dr. Salinger answered.

Rachel laughed. “That’s what I keep telling her. I love it here too.” Liam bent down and kissed her forehead.

“Yeah, but that’s your reason right there,” Chelsea said as she pointed to Liam.

Rachel couldn’t deny that, not for a minute. She looked up at him. Yes, he was definitely the reason why she loved being in Birch Valley.

***

“So we are seriously using those for the seating?” Chelsea’s face said it all as she pointed at the stacked hay bales. She was shocked and slightly disgusted. Rachel had expected this but had hoped maybe her friend could see the simple beauty behind it.

“I think it’s cute and very practical,” Rachel pointed out. “Besides, we are covering them in some lovely white fabric that Mary came across.”

“That’s supposed to help somehow?” Chelsea teased. “Hey, it’s your wedding.”

“Come on, think country chic,” Rachel added as she shrugged her shoulders. She was wearing a pale pink tank top with thin straps. Her goal was to get a little extra sun and have a natural tan on her wedding day. Chelsea was wearing short denim shorts and had a lime green tank on, her long legs absorbing the sun as they both stretched out on the deck.

“So what are you wearing to the ceremony, Chelsea?”

“Well, I brought a couple of dresses. I wanted to get your opinion. I’m thinking something more casual now but festive. I have a sexy little red dress. Think Ethan might like it?”

“Why must you torture me with your lustful thoughts of my brother? Eeeww,” Rachel groaned as she leaned back further on the lounge chair. The sun’s rays felt amazing on her skin.

“You just need to make your brother fall in love with me. You know I would be your favorite sister-in-law.”

“Oh, Chelsea, honestly, you don’t want to be with Ethan. Trust me.”

Rachel loved him, but he was a spoiled egomaniac who thought that the world belonged to him. He was cocky, arrogant, and while he could be charming, he was too wrapped up in himself to really care about anyone deeply. She worried about him; she knew the sweet side that lurked somewhere deep inside Ethan, but she didn’t know of any woman who was ever able to reach in and pull it out. He kept that tucked away and hidden. He didn’t need to be sweet; women clamored all over him—they always had. Ethan was gorgeous, well, according to every single friend that Rachel had ever known. They were in awe of his hotness. Rachel just saw Ethan for what he was—her brother. Her thoughts went to Patrick. Rachel still didn’t quite know him, and she didn’t fully understand that moody brother of Liam’s. But the moment she had met him, she saw that he was gorgeous as well, and he too had always been told how handsome he was. Women fell all over themselves to be with him. Maggie had told Rachel just how it had been growing up with the best-looking guy in town being your brother; she had to be leery about who wanted to become her friend, as they usually had their sights on Patrick and would use Maggie to get a little closer to him. Rachel could relate, hell, her best friend of almost twenty-five years was still obsessed with Ethan and would use Rachel in a heartbeat if it allowed her the chance with him.

“Well, I will be the judge of that. When does his flight come in?”

“Tomorrow, actually. I figured you and I can pick him up. Maybe take him to lunch.”

“Are you sure you shouldn’t maybe pick him up yourself? I mean, you and him kind of need to talk, right?” Chelsea wore a funny expression. It made Rachel a little nervous.

“Yeah, but since you wanted to see him so badly, I just figured you’d want to go,” Rachel said.

Chelsea’s eyebrows raised. “Under normal circumstances, I totally would. So I will just hang back and do the last of the party favors or something.”

Now Rachel felt a little uneasy. How mad had Ethan really been?

***

Rachel tapped her steering wheel nervously as she waited for her brother. She sat in her silver BMW, the air conditioner blasting. A sudden heatwave had taken hold of the area. She finally spotted him, his blonde hair perfectly styled in a hip fashion: short on the sides but longer on the top. He wore expensive sunglasses, a comfortable but faded USC college t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and flip-flops. He looked every bit of a Californian. He looked around. She honked and stuck her arm out the window to wave at him. Rachel undid her seatbelt and got out to greet him.