Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) (20 page)

***

Liam

“Do you need anything, babe?”

“To not be on bed rest anymore.” Rachel groaned.

Liam stared at Rachel stretched out on the couch, looking every bit as bored as she sounded. The scare from only a little over week ago was enough to shake them both up. Rachel survived the baby shower, and she’d even had a little fun. She’d also mended things with her father, and that pleased Liam a great deal. Family was so important to him, and he wanted Rachel’s family to be included in their lives and the lives of their precious girls, who were due in only a few short weeks.

Rachel was now being closely monitored. The only time she was allowed to leave the house was to go in for stress tests to make sure the girls were doing okay.
The girls.
Liam loved the sound of that. They still were undecided on their actual names, as they couldn’t seem to agree on just the right ones. Rachel finally told Liam they were going to wait until the girls were born, then after they looked at them, they would choose then. Liam thought that was actually a good plan and was anxious for their arrival, but he wasn’t nearly as eager as Rachel was.

“Not much longer until the girls are here, then you will be begging for bed rest. Gosh, we are going to be so exhausted,” Liam stated as he sat down on the couch, lifting Rachel’s legs and placing them on his lap. He started to massage her calves, causing her to moan softly.

“You’re right. I’m just so bored. I’m used to doing stuff and living, you know?”

“I do, but every time you start ‘living’ you get all dizzy and your blood pressure raises. So, no living,” Liam teased, working his hands up and down her leg muscles, wrapping them around her thin ankles.

“I think that whole ‘not living’ thing could become a problem, don’t you?” Rachel laughed. God, he loved that sound.

“You know what I mean,” he said.

Rachel stared at him with an intense longing for a moment. They had both learned just how easily life could change, and that they were so bound to one another. They had known they loved each other, but that frightful experience revealed just how much, and now their love just continued to grow.

Liam held her gaze, falling more in love with her right then. “I love you, you know.”

Rachel smiled. “I love you more.”

***

Rachel

How did she, of all people, get so lucky? To find a guy as great and loving as Liam, it was beyond her. She looked over at him, his sandy brown hair still a tad too long. His strong jaw was outlined in a light beard he insisted was part of his autumn ritual, but she knew he really just hated shaving. But his eyes were what she loved most, those brilliant green eyes which had burned into her so deeply the first time she gazed into them. Eyes she prayed their daughters would inherit.

Liam and her had been through quite a bit in such a short time. Even though they still had only known each other since the start of the year, a little over ten months, they had grown to love each other in ways Rachel was convinced was only for cheesy romance movies. It was the typical case of girl meets boy, girl gets angry with boy, then boy makes the most incredible love to her, then boy creates a ton of unexpected emotions in girl that she can’t quite cope with, then girl learns she does love boy more than she ever thought possible, then girl learns she is having twins, then boy and girl get married under a shower of fireworks. Okay, so it wasn’t the typical case, but it was their love story. It was one that had been met with frustration, annoyance, pure desire, and ultimately, had the best happily ever after.

Now if she could just survive the last few weeks of this bed rest, she would be okay. Liam had been waiting on her, not allowing her to do much of anything, and it was driving her crazy. He had sent his mother over while he was at work, and his father, and even Grandpa Paddy, had come over to keep her company. She actually enjoyed visiting with him a great deal, and Grandpa Paddy would even allow her to get up and make them both tea. The stories he would share with Rachel had her laughing, crying, and falling even more in love with this truly remarkable family. As Rachel rubbed her belly, feeling a Braxton Hicks contraction and one of their girls pounding against her womb, she couldn’t help but think how lucky these precious babies were going to be. They would know a love far greater than she did growing up. They would have a family here in Birch Valley that would shower them with affection, support, and pure unconditional love. These sweet little babies would also have the newly developed love from their grandparents in Newport Beach, and they would be spoiled without a doubt. Then there was their Aunt Chelsea, who was beyond excited for their arrival, and already had made so many plans for them, including their first trip to Disneyland, their first time seeing the ocean, where they would build their first sandcastle. Chelsea also stressed that she wanted to be there for when the time of boys and fashion became important in their lives. Rachel couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of Chelsea of all people giving romantic advice, but her best friend had been right about Liam. Rachel may have been blind to it all or just too darn stubborn to realize that it was possible to fall for someone so quickly. She would love Liam for the rest of her life, and Chelsea was partially to thank for that.

***

Daniel

“God, their coffee is so good.” Hannah sighed as she set down her jumbo mug. They were seated inside the new coffee shop, Birch Valley Brew. It was cozy, the lighting low and romantic, and today there were only a few other customers seated at the various tables. The shop had an eclectic feel to it, with hodgepodge decor and mismatched chairs. The scent of espresso hung heavy in the air.

“I know. But this cookie is like the best thing ever.” Daniel held up a half-eaten double chocolate chip cookie.

Hannah scowled at him. “Is that so?”

Daniel swallowed and answered cautiously, “Well, I mean…”

Then Hannah erupted into a loud giggle. “Sorry, I couldn’t keep up the angry act.”

Daniel was confused and didn’t quit follow. “Huh?”

“I made those cookies.” She pointed at what was left of the delicious cookie.

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, I started selling them some of my stuff. I even convinced your mother to sell some of her amazing muffins too.”

“Whoa, how did you manage that?”

“Manage what? Selling the cookies?” Hannah asked as she sipped from her enormous mug.

“Managed to get my mom to sell her muffins. Rachel tried convincing her. Hell, we all have,” Daniel explained as he brushed off the crumbs on his shirt.

“I think because her and I are sort of the same. We bake for the simple joy of it.”

“Hmm, I think it’s more than that. Amber bakes. She is like you and Mom, and she couldn’t get Mom to sell them even at Herrick’s.”

“Well…okay, you caught me.” Hannah smiled coyly at him. “I told her it was to raise money for our wedding and to buy a home we could fill with lots of grandchildren for her.”

Daniel laughed. “So that’s how you did it? Clever girl.” He stretched over and kissed her quickly on the cheek, making a rush of pink color her face.

***

Hannah

Sitting there with him, feeling comfortable and content, Hannah wouldn’t have imagined this happening only a few short months ago. Life was funny like that. You think you are on a path, certain that direction is the one you are meant to travel. Hannah’s had been a lonely one, and she figured that was what life had decided for her. Then Daniel O’Brien, in all his jovial goofiness, had stumbled into her life, but it was a different route that life intended for them to take before it allowed them to travel on the same road together.

To think that Daniel had briefly dated her sister, Nina, and to watch her not appreciate the kind and gentle man that he was, was not a huge surprise. The shocker was finding herself dating Daniel and falling hopelessly in love with him in only a matter of moments, but perhaps that was because she had loved him from the second he stepped foot on their farm. He had become her best friend, a man who stirred many wild and new sensations inside her, and someone that would protect her with all of his being. She was now engaged to this man, who made her laugh and kissed the daylights out of her. Hannah was eager to be his wife in every sense.

Hannah, a fan of all things romantic, was now experiencing a real life romance, something far better than anything she could read about in her books or watch in her favorite movies. As everything was righting itself in her life, her sister had returned home with a different view and appreciation for her family and Birch Valley. Nina had even started to take a few community college classes, and it was doing her a world of good. Her father seemed happier than he had in years, mostly thanks to Daniel, who was spending time with him, helping him around the farm, and even taking him fishing, just the two of them.

Hannah stared at him as he drank his coffee. Daniel looked around the coffee shop, unaware that she was devouring his handsome face with her eyes, drinking him in. She was savoring every morsel of Daniel, his casual kindness, how his face was always full of life, and the smile he readily gave out to anyone he crossed paths with. Hannah leaned in closer to him, smelling the spicy hints of his aftershave, feeling the softness of the green sweater he wore rub against her cheek. She sighed. He was special, and he was all hers.

Some might say that she was wrong, and possibly foolish to believe that life can could resemble a magical fairy tale, but here she was, living proof that fairy tales do happen, and happily-ever-afters did exist. They just so happened to be simple. There was no grand castle, yet, but she could picture them living on a beautiful piece of land in Birch Valley. Nor was Daniel riding on a white steed to sweep Hannah off her feet or driving a great pumpkin carriage to carry her off to a ball, but his truck, which was always covered in mud, was just fine. No, this wasn’t what a lot of people would consider a traditional fairy tale. It was just two people who loved to fish and loved each other with all their hearts, and wasn’t
true love
the best kind of fairy tale?

“I love you, Mr. O’Brien.”

He looked over her, a funny expression twinkling in his emerald green eyes. “I love you too, future Mrs. O’Brien.”

Chapter Twenty

Liam

“Trick or treat!” Liam could hear young voices shouting it over and over again as he made his way to the front door. They lived several miles from the heart of town, where tons of children were in costumes and begging for candy.

“Boo!” Liam exclaimed, wearing a werewolf mask and absolutely terrifying his nephews and niece. Finn and Connor started to cry, and Melanie, after recovering from the scare, giggled.

“Thanks, Liam,” Patrick complained as he tried to hush Finn, who was masked as the Hulk. Connor, dressed as Captain America, was being soothed by Amber.

“Everyone, come on in. Aunt Rachel made you guys some fun treats,” Liam said, trying to ease the stress of the loud sobbing.

“Happy Halloween, Uncle Liam,” Melanie said. She was wearing a glittery set of wings and looked to be some kind of fairy.

“Happy Halloween to you too. You look very pretty.”

Melanie blushed and then ran past him to find Rachel. Maggie and Michael entered, Michael carrying a newly awakened Max, who was dressed as a devil. He even had a little mustache drawn on him. His beanie had plastic horns, and he wore a little cape.

Once everyone was inside, Rachel came out to join the children and visit with all the adults. Rachel wanted to make fun of how enormous she felt she was and was proudly wearing a pumpkin costume, her thin legs were covered in green leggings. Liam thought it was a bit much, but she looked adorable.

“Hi, everyone. Happy Halloween.” Rachel greeted everyone. Finn and Connor ran up to her and wanted to feel the stuffing of her pumpkin costume. They kept poking her and laughing. She reached down to hug the boys, and gave them each a goody bag filled with an assortments of miniature candy bars, small toys, and suckers. Melanie stood next to Rachel, holding onto the special bag that Rachel had made for her. It also had candy, but it contained new pencils and erasers for school, and a few other odds and ends Rachel thought a six year old might enjoy.

“Oh let me look at him.” Rachel cooed as she spotted Max. “My God, Maggie, he’s adorable. Can I?” Rachel asked, holding her arms out to hold him. Maggie smiled and happily handed her son over. “Liam, you see this little mister?” Rachel cradled Max, showering him with kisses.

After a couple minutes, Liam said, “Well, time to gather these ghouls and terrorize the neighborhood.”

“Uncle Liam, we’re just going trick or treating,” Melanie argued with a large grin that showed a few missing teeth. Liam wanted to say she looked like a jack-o-lantern, but thought better of it.

“Well, same difference, kiddo. You ready to go? Remember, you have to give your uncle like at least a fifteen percent cut of your loot.”

Melanie shook her head and suggested he just buy his own candy, since he was grown up. Everyone laughed. It was worth a shot, Liam figured. He gathered Michael, Melanie, and himself inside their car. The twins got loaded inside Patrick’s SUV, and Amber and Maggie stayed behind to keep Rachel company. Liam smiled as he backed the car out of the driveway. This time next year his two daughters would be nearly a year old and would be celebrating their very first Halloween.

***

Daniel

“You sure you don’t want to go trick or treating with your family? They are only little for so long, Daniel,” Hannah said.

“No, I wanted us to go out, just the two of us.” Daniel wanted to spend some much-needed alone time with Hannah. He had been working a lot at the shop, and with the recent excitement of Grandpa Paddy winning the lottery, things had been chaotic, and right now he just needed to be with Hannah, alone.

Daniel helped Hannah inside the truck. He wanted them to have a romantic dinner, then maybe go for a drive. He honestly couldn’t care less what they did or where they went, as long as they were together.

“Italian? Mexican? What are you in the mood for?” Daniel asked as he started up the truck. It rumbled loudly and shook. He turned up the heat inside the cab. It was getting colder each night, and they would be soon expecting snow.

“Well, I have an idea.”

“Sure, what do you have in mind?” Daniel started driving in the direction of town. Overhead, the sky was a deep, rich navy blue. Stars speckled across it, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight, which also indicated it was going to be downright cold.

Hannah instructed Daniel to go to grocery store. This scene seemed all too familiar, but he went along with it. She hurried to the deli counter and ordered several things. As they waited for their order to get filled, Daniel asked, “You don’t want to go out?”

“We are,” Hannah replied.

“No, like to restaurant or somewhere.”

“Nope, you’ll see.”

Hannah thanked the clerk behind the counter, and they set off to go back to the truck. Once inside, Daniel asked, “So where to?”

“You really don’t know by now?” Hannah giggled.

Daniel looked over at her, her face smiling in the darkness of the cab. He knew exactly where she wanted them to go, and this was one of the very reasons why he loved her.

“Ah, you know now?”

“Yes, I just feel bad. I feel like I need to take you out, like somewhere where we can sit and eat.”

“Daniel, as long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we are. If you’d rather we sit inside somewhere, we can. I just figured you would like to go somewhere we both know we’d enjoy. Our spot,” Hannah explained.

Their spot was gorgeous, and Daniel knew that it would always be theirs.

***

Rachel

November arrived full of rain, sleet, and wind. It was turning out to be an extremely nasty month. Rachel stood looking outside their large window, watching the angry rain relentlessly splat against the glass. It was dreary and miserable outside, but in their home it was toasty and cozy. Liam had started the fireplace and carried in enough wood to last Rachel for the day while he was at work. Rachel eyed the bright digital clock on the microwave. School would be getting out soon, and she was thankful that Liam would soon be back. She couldn’t shake the anxiety she had felt clawing away at her all day. Rachel had attempted to put it at rest by napping, but she’d found herself tossing and turning. Finally, after waging war in bed with her sleeplessness, she surrendered and got up. She heated up a can of soup and cup of tea and watched as the rain pelted the ground and bounced off their lake.

Without warning, Rachel felt a sharp sting run through her. It came fast and made her gasp. She felt her belly tighten as another pain, this one more dull, settled deep into her back. Rachel waited for the pain to subside, but it seemed to remain, not easing its hold on her. Was this ever going to pass? Should she call someone? Questions stormed her mind, running around chaotically. She couldn’t focus and the pain was increasing, almost to the point of blinding her. Then it dawned on her. Was she in labor?

***

Liam

“So, class, can anyone tell me what the phrase ‘magnetic pull’
means?” Liam held up two giant magnets in front of his fourth grade class. The telephone inside his room buzzed. “Everyone turn to page thirty-six in your science book and read the definition.”

Liam grabbed the phone and answered, “Mr. O’Brien’s room.”

“Liam, sorry to interrupt your class period.” Karen paused and then explained, “Rachel just called. She said for you not to worry, but she had called your mother and is having her take her to the hospital. She thinks she might be in labor.”

“Are you serious?” Liam felt panic and excitement surge through him.

“She asked that you just finish class, which is like ten minutes. But, hon, I am happy to come and fill in, if you want to go,” Karen offered.

“You don’t mind?” There was no way he was going to be able to finish class.

He could hear the sound of Karen’s smile in her voice. “Of course not. It’s not every day someone becomes a father, and to twins no less.”

“Thank you so much, Karen. I appreciate it. I’ll see you in a couple minutes.” Liam hung up and explained to the class that Ms. Karen would be coming in to watch them finish up, and that they were to be on their very best behavior. He started to gather his things, but felt completely out of sorts and scatterbrained when Karen appeared and greeted the class. Everyone adored the school secretary, who had been there since Liam was a student. She was sweet and kind, but she also meant business.

“You get on outta here. Good luck, and have your mother call me.” Karen ushered him out his door. He got into his truck, started it up, and realized, this was it, his daughters were coming into the world. He was officially going to be a dad, something he didn’t know he wanted until Rachel had told him she was pregnant. Ever since then, the desire to meet the little people growing inside his wife had grown. Liam was thrilled. He sped to the hospital, which was only a few blocks down the road. Time to meet his girls.

***

Okay, so babies didn’t just arrive in a matter of minutes. No, they take their sweet time. Liam had figured that by the time he’d arrived at the hospital it wouldn’t be long before his girls arrived. He couldn’t be more wrong. Rachel agonized through hours and hours of intense labor, and it wasn’t until the next day in the early morning hours that they welcomed two healthy and very pink baby girls.

It had been two days, and now he and Rachel were staying in a balloon and flower-filled room. Ethan, Rachel’s brother, had the most incredible gifts sent to her. The family had each spent time helping them get through the process of labor. They brought snacks, gifts, and their support.

“God, they are so beautiful.” Liam cradled one of his daughters. Rachel held the other, and they just stared at their creations.

“I can’t stop looking at their faces and their tiny fingers.” Rachel started to get weepy again. They both had cried. In fact, everyone who had visited them became a little teary eyed. Liam supposed that happened when you hold an angel in your arms, something so precious, that smelled of heaven and life.

“They look just like you, Rachel,” Liam stated. These girls were gorgeous, with perfect rosebud lips. They had Rachel’s cute, slightly upturned nose, but their hair was a whole different matter. Each baby had a wild crown of red hair, so vibrant and fiery. Liam hoped it wasn’t a sign of their tempers. The crimson color helped Rachel and Liam determine their names fairly easily, and once they said them out loud, it was as though those names had always been the perfect names. Rose and Ruby O’Brien, two nearly eight-pound girls. They were identical in almost every sense, except Ruby had a tiny birthmark on her rear, the size of a thumbprint. His mother noticed it right away and said that God had done that, that it was His thumbprint. Either way, Liam found it to be adorable, and had kissed the birthmark several times.

“We did it, babe,” Rachel whispered to him.

Liam rose carefully, not wanting to disturb the sleeping beauty in his arms. He went to the side of the hospital bed and said, “No, you did this. You carried these princesses inside you, you protected them, and then you bravely gave birth. I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you even more.”

“Oh, Liam, I’m so happy. I never truly realized how much I needed them and you in my life. This is all I could ever ask for.”

He leaned down and kissed her.

Their newborns were a reflection of their passion and love, two tiny souls that now made them into a family. Liam smiled down at the sleeping and swaddled precious little beings. Not only did Rachel have his heart, but now so did their daughters.

***

Mary

“The bird is almost done and then we can start getting everyone ready to be seated,” Mary announced as she basted the golden turkey in her over.

Today was Thanksgiving, and she couldn’t be happier or more thankful. Their home was bustling with activity. All of her grandchildren were there. Melanie was playing blocks with Finn and Connor, and there was little Max, sporting the famed O’Brien eyes and handsome black Irish features of his grandfathers and Uncle Patrick. Rose and Ruby, the cutest set of red-headed babies, were already showing a hint of the emerald O’Brien green in their newborn eyes. And there was Dylan, not her grandson by blood, but simply by love.

All of her children were there, happily partnered with the best people. Even she couldn’t have found them better matches.

Liam, her easygoing son, was the one who never took life too seriously or engaged in confrontation. Then Rachel came into her son’s life, turning it upside down. It had been almost comical, seeing the two deny their feelings, when everyone could plainly see how much fire blazed between the two of them. It took another shake up to finally get them to see reason, Mary had prayed hard for them, and her prayers had been heard. Rachel was now an incredible daughter-in-law, Mary knew she would be the moment she’d met her. What she hadn’t known was what an amazing wife and mother Rachel would become.