Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) (19 page)

“I’m sorry, that was so rude of me. It wasn’t my place,” Rachel apologized.

Maggie patted her back. “You just said what we were all thinking.”

Hannah offered her a half smile. “She’s right, but it’s nothing new. So were you interested in a quilt today, or maybe you would like me to make one special?” Hannah diverted the topic of conversation.

“I want this yellow one. It’s beautiful and will work if this little one is a boy or a girl.” Maggie rubbed her belly.

Hannah carefully removed the quilt from the rack, gingerly folding it and placing it in a large bag. “What about you?” she asked Rachel.

“You know, I find out the gender next month. Would you be willing to make me two when I find out?”

“Two?” Hannah cocked her head to the side.

“She’s having twins,” Maggie proudly announced.

“Really? Oh, that’s wonderful news.” Hannah’s face lit up with surprise. “You just tell me when you know what you’re having, and I will make something special for you.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet, thank you, Hannah,” Rachel said.

“Well, I’d better go find Michael and the rest of the gang. Thanks again, Hannah. I can’t wait to put this in the nursery.”

“I’m so glad, and please, if you need anything else made, don’t hesitate to ask.” Hannah gave Maggie a quick hug and then hugged Rachel.

“Hannah, I will be letting you know when I find out. Now, I’m jealous that Maggie has one.”

“Yeah, but you get two,” Maggie reminded her.

“Good point.”

“Uh oh, I see Mel.” Maggie started laughing as her daughter ran up to her, who was practically dragging an enormous plush moose.

“Mommy, look what Daddy won for me,” Melanie squealed excitedly. Michael shrugged and gave Maggie a lopsided grin.

“Now how are we going to fit that in the car?” Maggie asked, waving goodbye to Hannah, who was shaking her head at the ridiculously large prize.

***

Patrick

After he carried each of his boys into the house, completely exhausted and tuckered out from the long and happy day at the park festival, Patrick found he was more than ready to retire to bed. The day had been fun; he would admit that. He enjoyed the time he’d spent with his brothers, it’d reminded him so much of his childhood, and he knew his sons loved every second at the carnival. As he yawned and stretched, a lingering thought that had been pestering him most of the day cropped up again—Amber. He still hadn’t talked to her in almost a week. Patrick wasn’t quite sure what to do, he’d avoided the diner, and the nagging guilt was starting to get to him.

“It’s okay, Patrick…you need to move on. You promised me.” He shot straight up in his bed, his eyes searching through the blackness of his room. Beth’s voice, he heard it, he was sure of it. Patrick hadn’t been dreaming about her, but he heard her voice. There were no nightmares accompanying her voice, no sharp or blurry images of her, but he’d heard her, hadn’t he?

She wanted him to move on, to remember his promise to her. Patrick lay back down, staring up through the darkness at his bedroom ceiling. Maybe it was the thoughts he had before bed, perhaps it was from missing Amber, because it was starting to kill him to not hear her voice or see her smile, or touch her. He needed to touch her. He hated this empty feeling of longing, and that was why he couldn’t be in a relationship. He had protected his heart from feeling anything for over four years, and to have someone penetrate through that thick, calloused wall so quickly scared him. What if something happened to her? Could he handle going through another cycle of soul shattering grief? No, there was no way he could do this all over again. No, Amber was getting too close, making him feel too much.

Promise or no promise, Beth was asking for too much. How could she honestly expect him to move on, to find a mother for their boys? She was their mother. How was she able to lay there, literally dying and have enough sense to implore him to not shut his heart out, to love again? What if the tables had been turned, what if it were him, lying there, broken and uttering his final pleas, would he have been able to ask her to go out and find a replacement? He didn’t honestly know. Patrick only knew that he was the one left behind. He had been asked to promise her, and the moment he did, Beth closed her eyes and the machines started to hum a distinct sound he would never forget. She was gone.

Somehow sleep finally took hold of Patrick. It must have, because all of a sudden daylight flooded his room. He threw his comforter off of him and swung his legs over the bed. Patrick felt as tired as did as when he’d gone to bed. Today was going to be rough; it was the start of the weekend, which meant entertaining the true loves of his life, Finn and Connor. He’d better start breakfast and fuel up with strong coffee, extra strong.

***

Amber

She was just starting a new pot of coffee when she heard the ever-constant bell on that old weathered string chime. Amber looked toward the large door and saw Mary O’Brien making a beeline for her.

“Good morning, Mary,” Amber said as she casually braced herself against the counter.

“Just the lady I came to see.” Mary had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Amber faked a worried expression. “Uh oh.”

“Oh, you stop.” Mary patted her hand as she took a place at the counter. “My church has asked me to bake for our summer event we hold every July, and I need to call in some reinforcements.”

“Ah, okay, what are you needing to have baked?” Amber asked.

“Well, I don’t need to have someone bake it for me. I need help baking at my house.”

Amber nodded. She figured Mary was seeing about buying pies or baked goods from the diner. People were always ordering desserts to take to special events or even just for home.

“I need you to come over this afternoon, if you’d be so kind. Maggie and Rachel are lending their support, but God love them, neither have the culinary skills that you have. So will you help?”

How could she tell this positively sweet woman no?

“Of course. I’d be happy to help.”

“Fantastic, I knew I could count on you. I truly appreciate it. You’re welcome to bring that sweet boy of yours over too.”

“I’m sure Dylan would like that very much. Thanks for inviting him.” Amber smiled. It was a kind gesture, and she knew that her son would love a chance to go over.

Mary told her when to come by the house and thanked her again, swiftly leaving the diner. Amber stood and was instantly hit with regret about accepting Mary’s request. Her first thought was that Dylan might get his hopes up about Patrick, who he was incredibly fond of. She doubted Patrick would even be there, and that suited her just fine, but she felt bad for her son. They hadn’t talked in almost a week; she could safely assume whatever romance they had going on was probably over now. Amber had spent a lot of her evenings journaling, trying desperately to sort out her emotions. She missed Patrick terribly, his laughter, witty comments, and his touch; she craved that above all. Amber’s body had never been given that kind of attention ever before, and it had responded to the way he could orchestrate her pleasure. Patrick was loving and tender, but there was a sexy and erotic streak that left her spellbound. Then there was the conversation she’d had with Maggie, who begged Amber to be patient with her brother. The balance of wanting him and wanting nothing to do with him was starting to kill her. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this kind of emotional turmoil in her life, especially now that life was starting to fall back into some kind of normalcy. She looked over and saw her father, dressed in his apron, wearing a satisfied smirk. Things were getting better each day. If nothing else, seeing her father’s health starting to return proved that even in the bleakest of times, sometimes things just worked out.

Chapter Nineteen

Amber

“Do you think Patrick or his brothers will be there, Mom?” Dylan asked as they pedaled their way to Mary’s home.

“I’m not too sure, I guess we’ll find out when we get there. But please don’t be disappointed if they aren’t, okay?”

“That’s why I brought my laptop.” Dylan wore his trusty backpack filled with his laptop and some games in the event he did get bored. He was thrilled when Amber told him that Mary had invited them over, but now Amber herself was filled with dread. What if Patrick was there? She wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to see him. Her goal today was to bake, to enjoy whatever cooking needed to be done, that was it.

They rode through the tree-lined streets. Very few cars were out driving on that sunny afternoon. Most people were probably out at one of the many surrounding lakes, frolicking in the cool comfort of the water in summer and basking on the sandy shores had always been something she loved doing. People in Birch Valley took advantage of the gorgeous weather during these precious months. Fall, winter, and spring could be brutal, but summer made up for it. Amber could smell the distinct and delicious scent of BBQ in the air. To her, that meant families were outside enjoying themselves, and that summer was in full swing.

As they turned the corner, Amber spied the O’Brien house ahead. Dylan noticed too and started to pedal faster. They parked their bikes to the side of the home near the garage. Amber rang the doorbell and waited.

Mary came to the door, already wearing an apron. This one had large sunflowers all over it. The apron was cheery and happy, just like Mary. “Well hello, dears. Come on in.”

Once inside the home, Amber inhaled the spicy scent of cinnamon. Instantly she knew there was an apple pie being prepared. Mary motioned for them to follow her back.

“It smells amazing in here, Mary,” Amber commented as Dylan trailed behind her. She saw Rachel and Maggie, both in aprons, working in the kitchen.

“Oh good, reinforcements,” Maggie said, a smudge of flour on her forehead.

“Hi guys, it smells great.” Amber walked all the way into the kitchen. Dylan stood nervously next to her. “Mary, where can Dylan hang out? He brought his computer to keep himself entertained,” Amber explained.

“Well, Dylan, would you like to go into the living room? You might be more comfortable in there. Besides you won’t have to listen to us ladies,” Mary offered and then ushered him back toward the hallway.

“I’m glad you came. It’s too hot to be baking,” Maggie complained and wiped her forehead with her arm. That’s how the flour found its way on her, Amber guessed. It was a little warm in the kitchen. The windows were open, and it still wasn’t quite enough to cool the room down.

“So where can I help?” Amber asked as she saw Rachel peeling apples. Maggie was measuring flour and other dry ingredients into a large pastel green mixing bowl.

“Not sure, I’m sure my mom will find something for you to do. She had no problem finding us jobs.” Maggie laughed as she stirred the contents in the bowl.

“Well, I’m happy to help.”

“I’m glad to hear that, dear,” Mary commented as she entered the kitchen and handed Amber an apron. This one was covered in large colorful flowers. How could one woman seemingly own so many different styles of aprons? Whatever the reason, Amber was fully amused.

“Where do you need me?” Amber smiled at Mary, who led her to an open spot at the counter. She explained what she needed done in order to make her signature crust. In all honesty, Amber wasn’t needed there at all. This was just an excuse to get her here, and the sweet thoughtfulness of the gesture warmed her heart.

The women chatted and discussed everything from babies to married life. That topic was a little difficult for Amber, so she concentrated more on her task as Rachel explained how happy she was. Amber was delighted for Rachel. The beginning days of marriage are beautiful with the new appreciation and wonderment of actually being someone’s wife. Amber knew that feeling, and she missed it terribly.

As Amber was setting a hot pie from the over on a rack to cool, she heard a door close. Moments later, Patrick was filling the archway to the entry of the kitchen. She glanced up and almost burned herself when she noticed him. His eyes were filled with a quiet panic; he obviously hadn’t expected to find her there.

“Hey, Patrick,” Maggie said as she placed a dirty dish into the sink.

“Hey,” he answered quietly, his eyes never leaving Amber.

She swallowed; he looked good, too good. “Hi, Patrick,” she was finally able to squeak out.

He nodded and gave her a tight-lipped smile. Sadness washed over her. What had happened between them? She felt her stomach go sour. She couldn’t look at him anymore.

“Amber was kind enough to help your poor mother out. Isn’t she a dear?” Mary asked as she hugged him. “She even brought Dylan.”

“That is nice, Mom. I didn’t see him. Where is he?”

“Living room. Might be nice if you say hello.” Mary patted him and practically pushed him out of the kitchen. Daniel entered as Patrick vanished.

“Hello, ladies,” Daniel said as he tried to sneak a cookie that was cooling on a tray. In addition to baking several pies, they had made cookies and even some muffins. Amber was just about spent from all the stirring, kneading, measuring, and overall baking.

“Hey, Amber, Mom mentioned that Dylan was here. We are actually on our way out to go fishing at Liam’s. Would you mind if we brought him with us? We’re taking the twins and Melanie,” Daniel explained as he nibbled on a warm chocolate chip cookie.

“I guess that would be okay. I don’t mind, but are you sure it’s not too much trouble?” Amber asked. She wasn’t sure she wanted Dylan to go. He might get the wrong idea, and after the way Patrick seemed just a minute ago, she knew things were now uncomfortable.

“Well, yeah, that’s why I’m asking you. I think it’ll be fun for him. All of us figured a little evening fishing would be great, and we wanted to include him.”

“Okay then. Do you mind dropping him off back at our place?”

Daniel nodded. “Of course, probably be sometimes after eight I’m thinking, maybe even closer to nine. The fish bite a little better once the sun starts setting.”

“That’s fine. Thanks for inviting him.”

“No problem, he’s a great kid. Well, I’d better go tell him. I wanted to check with you first.”

Amber smiled. She appreciated the consideration but still felt a little uneasy about the idea.

Daniel went to find Dylan.

“Well, that was nice of the guys to take Dylan,” Rachel added as she plopped down in a seat at the table.

“Yeah, it was.” Amber looked down, suddenly feeling overcome by sadness and regret.

“You okay?” Maggie asked.

Amber tried to look away, but she felt tears starting to develop. “I don’t know. It’s just hard, I guess.”

Rachel came over to where they were huddled by the kitchen sink. “Am I missing something here? What’s wrong?”

“Well, Patrick and I were…” Amber started but felt her voice give out.

Maggie sighed. “They were seeing each other and Patrick is being Patrick. Rachel, you know how he gets.”

Rachel frowned and gathered in to hug Amber. “Aww, Amber, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had been dating him. He’s so damn secretive.”

She wiped her tears and said, “I know, it just sort of happened, and it was going pretty good, or so I thought. I don’t know what happened.”

“Patrick is what happened. It’s like I told you, he gets all weird and withdrawn. He loves shutting us all out. He just got into it pretty badly with Daniel. I’m glad they worked it out, but it was a nasty argument.”

Amber knew that Patrick had his issues, but it was so hard for things to have been left open ended. There was no closure, no breaking up, but had they even really ever been officially together?

***

Patrick

“Thanks so much for inviting me to go fishing with you guys,” Dylan said as he sat in the front seat next to Patrick as they drove to Liam’s house. Finn and Connor were napping in their car seats, and Patrick was enjoying his visit with Dylan. The kid was intelligent and actually pretty darn funny. But it was his manners and genuinely polite nature that grabbed Patrick’s attention.

“Hey, this is one of the best fishing spots, and it just happens to be at my brother’s lake.”

“That’s so cool.”

Patrick kept his eyes on the road and asked, “Have you been fishing before?”

Dylan shook his head and explained. “No, not really. Mom talks about how she used to go. I think I may have went once with my dad, but I don’t really remember.”

“Well, you’ll have fun, I promise.”

“Will we catch any fish? Do we eat them?”

Patrick laughed. Dylan was full of questions; he reminded him a lot of himself. Always searching for answers, wanting to know everything, and not afraid to ask. Patrick really liked this kid. But his feelings for Amber were muted; he was putting those to rest. It had been difficult seeing her in the kitchen with his family. Again, she just fit in too easily, and somehow that bothered him.

They made the tight, narrow turn onto the road that led them to Liam’s property. Daniel was driving behind him in his own truck, kicking up a wild cloud of dust.

“Wow, this is your brother’s house?” Dylan’s eyes grew wide, his mouth slightly open.

“Yep, he owns several acres, and that lake is his.” Patrick pointed to the shimmering body of water. He parked the SUV. “Do you mind helping me wake up Finn and Connor?”

“No, it’s no problem. They’re real cute kids.”

“Thanks, they really like you too.”

Dylan blushed and went to gently wake one of the boys. After rousing them from their nap, they all walked to Liam’s door, where he was waiting for them.

“Hey, guys, you made it.” Liam was carrying a small tackle box. “I just got done getting a pole ready for you, Dylan. I’m glad you were able to come out here with us.”

“Thanks for inviting me. This place is so cool.” Dylan's eyes were still filled with wonder as he took in the scope of how large the property was and how different it was from living in the heart of town.

“Glad you like it.” Liam looked at Patrick. “You guys ready to head down to the water? Michael’s already down at the dock with Melanie.”

Liam was planning on taking them out in the small fishing boat. Patrick helped carry a couple more poles before they made the trek to the lake. He was going to hand one to Dylan but noticed that he had grabbed the hands of Finn and Connor. This simple gentle act touched Patrick. Again, he saw more of himself in Dylan, the big brother, always looking out for his younger siblings, but Finn and Connor weren’t his siblings. A quick thought whipped through his mind,
Dylan could be.

There were camp chairs set up along the shore, more fishing gear strewn out, a couple of ice chests planted on the water’s edge.

“Uncle Patrick and Uncle Daniel.” Melanie squealed as soon as she saw them marching down the small hill. She ran up to them full speed and plowed into Patrick. He bent down and kissed her on top of her rust-colored hair.

“How’s my favorite niece?”

She giggled and looked at Dylan.”Hi.”

Dylan smiled at her and slowly released Finn and Connor, who ran toward the water.

Patrick called out for them to be careful. They understood the rules and were wearing little life jackets as an extra precaution.

“Do you wanna play?” Melanie asked. Dylan looked up at Patrick, unsure of what he was to do.

Patrick said, “Why don’t you guys play until we get the gear all figured out? Dylan, there are tons of frogs here. Melanie is the best at catching them.”

“Really? That’s so neat.” Dylan set off with Melanie, looking every inch like a country kid.
This would be good for him.

Daniel caught up to Patrick and commented, “Boy, he’s a nice kid.”

“I know, I really like him. This will be a good time for him.”

“Has he ever been fishing?” Daniel asked as they continued down to the shore.

“He says he thinks his dad took him a long time ago, but he doesn’t really remember.”

Daniel frowned. “Well, that’s sad. Poor guy.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“So, how are things going with Amber?” Daniel sank into one of the camp chairs once they made it to the shore. Michael was already sitting, and Liam took his place in an empty seat. Patrick joined them, and they all stared out at the calm water. The boat was tied to the small weathered dock.

“I don’t know. There’s not a whole lot to say,” Patrick finally answered Daniel.

“Too bad, she’s hot and her kid’s cool.” Daniel opened the bright red ice chest next to his chair. “Anyone want anything to drink?”