Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) (4 page)

He closed his eyes again, letting his arms dangle in the water, allowing his body to move with the fluid motion of the river.

“Uncle Daniel, this is so much fun,” Melanie cried as they approached curling white waves, the water dousing them as they hit the torrent of wild water. “Never mind!” Melanie screamed as her eyes went wide with fear.

Michael grabbed her protectively, but the smile on his face told Daniel that he was enjoying this local thrill. The rapids ceased, and they were soon sailing smoothly as the current took them to the small beach, where all the floaters got out of the river. The trick was getting back up to the launch point. Luckily, Patrick had parked his SUV. They would drive back up to their original spot and float again.

The group trudged through the hot sand, burning the bottoms of their feet. They carried their tubes and headed for Patrick’s SUV.

“Let’s make two trips. I can’t fit everyone, but we can bring a car back for the next float,” Patrick announced, his arm linked behind Amber’s naked waist. She smiled at him. Daniel could see the richness of their new, budding relationship. A little stab of jealousy pricked at him.

After the group divided, Daniel stood alone with Liam. He plopped himself on the sand and Liam joined him. They stared out at the other floaters on the water.

“So you want to talk about last night?” Liam asked as he tossed a small rock toward the water’s edge.

Daniel felt his back grow warm as the sun baked his already sun burnt skin. He sighed. “Well, you know it was okay, I guess.”

“Hmm,” Liam responded without making eye contact.

Daniel knew Liam wouldn’t push him, unlike Patrick. He would just leave it if Daniel didn’t want to talk. But Daniel did—he needed advice, especially before Nina arrived. “We went into Spokane, as I mentioned earlier. She wanted to check out the bars there,” Daniel began to explain, fiddling with a smooth piece of wood and poking the sand with it.

“Okay, you guys are young and Spokane has a lot to do. Especially nightlife stuff.”

“I know, but I really hate going into Spokane. I love being here.”

“Daniel, compromise, buddy. It’s all about compromise. Trust me on this.” Liam laughed as he turned to look at Daniel.

“I know. I took her to Spokane, didn’t I?” Daniel countered, but he couldn’t erase the frustration which seemed to crawl around inside of him.

“Well, you did, but I take it you had a miserable time?”

Daniel released another pent-up sigh. “It was more how she acted and how everyone around her responded. But I would love to make it work.”

“Look, I’m not trying to sound like a jerk, but do you and her even have anything in common? I mean, I know she’s hot, but like interests and stuff? You know beauty fades, brother.” The serious scowl on Liam’s face worried Daniel a little. Did he really have anything in common with her? Was he just trying to make something out of nothing?

***

The sun was beginning to set, creating an orange tint across the sky. The river grew more quiet as families started to leave, and Daniel could feel the pleasant soreness of a fun day deep in his muscles as he loaded up the tubes back inside the bed of his truck. They had floated the river several times, splashed around in the water with Melanie, and ate their fill all thanks to his mother. Daniel had helped his precious niece build a lopsided sandcastle, and even allowed her to feebly attempt to bury him. River sand wasn’t exactly the best for burying an uncle, Daniel had tried to explain, but she spent a good while trying to cover him up and proving him wrong, and he loved every minute of it.

Earlier that day, Daniel had received a message from Nina, saying she wasn’t going to be coming to the river, as she was more than a little hung over. He couldn’t dismiss the relief he felt after reading her text. It was odd that he wasn’t anxious to see her, but the time he was having with his family somehow outweighed anything a pretty girl could offer. Today just felt right in every way, and if he were truly honest with himself, adding Nina to the mix would taint that. Why was he so desperate to make this relationship with her work?

***

Maggie

“Mom, seriously?” Maggie asked as Mary filled her glass with a second serving of lemonade.

Mary nodded before filling Rachel’s glass.

“Thanks, Mary.” Rachel smiled.

They were all seated outside on the deck enjoying an early lunch. Most of the family was at the river with plans to float down it and play all day in the sand. Maggie was now eight months pregnant, and Rachel was nearly seven months along but looked like she was going to pop any day. Maggie knew how cramped she felt being pregnant with one baby. She could only imagine Rachel’s discomfort being pregnant with twins.

“Honey, I don’t know what to tell you. Daniel asked if she could join us tomorrow for Sunday dinner. I couldn’t tell him no.”

“But it’s Nina Belsky, Mom. He really shouldn’t even be seeing her.” Maggie exhaled loudly. She couldn’t stand Nina. At first she didn’t pay her much mind, but a couple of weeks ago, when she went to talk to Nina’s older sister, Hannah, about having some curtains made for the nursery, she saw Nina for what she was. While chatting with Hannah Maggie caught Nina flirting with a farmhand. If this girl was so interested in her brother, why was she batting her fake lashes at some guy who was very much not Daniel?

Rachel looked perplexed. “They’re dating? Is it getting serious?”

“It better not be,” Maggie quickly said, taking a long sip of the cold drink to cool her temper.

“Dear, your brother is just trying to search for what you have, and what Liam found.” Mary smiled at Rachel. “We have been lucky so far. Maybe Nina isn’t that bad.” Mary shrugged as she took a seat and grabbed her own glass.

“She is, Mom,” Maggie quickly countered. “I just went over to her family’s farm. I needed to see Hannah. Now, she is a nice girl, but anyway, I went there to talk to Hannah about some curtains and stuff for the nursery.” Maggie huffed as she continued, a little steely spark of anger surging through her. She was protective of her family, especially Daniel. He just seemed to wear blinders when it came to Nina. “Anyway, long story short, Nina was flirting with a farmhand.”

“Oh no.” The cheerful expression her mother wore faded quickly.

Rachel’s blues eyes flickered with a quiet rage, something that Maggie had not witnessed before. “Are you serious? What nerve!” Rachel rolled her eyes.

“Oh yeah, and she totally saw me too.” This only fueled Maggie’s annoyance further.

Mary frowned, but sticking true to her sweet-natured self, much like Daniel, she smiled. “Well, we can only pray then, right? I’m sure it will all work out.”

“I just wish he wasn’t inviting her to our house,” Maggie stated. She looked away from her mother, knowing she would disapprove of her attitude.

“Maggie, love…”

Maggie cut Mary off. “I know, Mom. I just don’t want to see him get hurt.”

“I have to agree with Maggie on this, Mary,” Rachel added, her hand moving in slow circles on her round abdomen. “I would hate to see Daniel wind up with someone who didn’t truly care about him. He’s a good guy and deserves the best.”

Mary patted Rachel’s arm from across the glass patio table. “I appreciate you caring so much about my boy. You both are right. Daniel needs a good girl. We just need to have a little faith.” Mary smiled brightly at both of them, the famous all-knowing Mary O’Brien smile, which really meant that she would find a way to make everything right. Maggie took another sip of her sweet lemonade and felt a little more at peace.

Chapter Four

Daniel

Maybe it hadn’t been such bright idea to invite Nina over for Sunday dinner. The looks on Maggie and Rachel’s faces confirmed that. He had barely walked inside the kitchen with Nina in tow when the room grew quiet. Tension quickly formed a thick cloud.
Awkward.
Daniel said a silent prayer and hoped his mother could help make Nina feel comfortable. His mother always had a way of making everyone feel welcomed. Nina stood stiffly next to Daniel, almost pouting. It was apparent she would rather be anywhere but there, in that kitchen, with several O’Brien females. For her, it was basically a lethal lions’ den.

“Mom, this is Nina Belsky.” It felt odd introducing her. Of course his mother knew who she was, the whole family did, but he felt the need to use the formality to cut through the storm of tension that was brewing.

Nina made no motion to reach out to his mother. Daniel nudged her slightly. She whipped her pretty face toward him, her eyes sending a warning. She was not pleased.

“Nina, why don’t you come in and join us ladies? We are just getting ready to set the table.” Mary, in her favorite floral apron, whisked Nina away. Nina spun her head back to look at Daniel. She looked helpless and a tad angry, but Daniel knew she was in good hands. He glanced over at Maggie and Rachel, who were both wearing sour expressions, their large pregnant bellies matching under their aprons. Neither of them looked happy with him. What did he do? Women.

“Well, I’m going to join the guys if you don’t need anything, Mom,” Daniel informed his mother. He avoided the piercing stares from the other women. He caught a slight glimpse of Amber, but she kept her expression neutral. She was, after all, still fairly new to this family. She and Patrick had only been dating for a couple months, and it was too soon to tell where their relationship would go. Daniel guessed they would get married eventually, but for now they were content just as they were.

“That’s fine, son. We’re all good here.” Mary beamed at him, the look a mix of reassurance and love. She knew he was beyond nervous, and it was her job as his mother to rid him of those fears.

Daniel moved out of the kitchen swiftly and made his way outside to the backyard, where the rest of the men were. Michael was in the yard playing with Melanie and the twins. Even Dylan, an awkward pre-teen, was out there tossing a bright red Frisbee to Michael. Liam was getting up from his seat to join Michael in the game with the kids. Grandpa Paddy and Pat were lounging under the shade of the porch roof, Patrick next to them, looking every bit like his namesakes. It would have made a fantastic picture: the eldest Patrick, Grandpa Paddy, was the original version, and then there was his son, Pat, a slightly older version, with a salt and pepper mix of gray hair, versus Grandpa Paddy’s shock of white. Then there was the youngest Patrick, his dark hair and black Irish features matching those of his father and grandfather. They all had the same long legs. Liam had inherited those as well, but not Daniel. The older men were a little softer than Patrick, who had clearly defined muscle which showed through his dark t-shirt. But seeing them all seated next to each other, to witness the genetic strength that passed from generation to generation, was really quite remarkable. Carbon copies.

“Hey, Daniel,” said Patrick. The older versions of Patrick all looked in Daniel’s direction, their sets of famed green O’Brien eyes glittering as they each welcomed him. There was no question they were happy to see him, but they were eager to know more about the guest he had brought along.

“So where’s the gorgeous lass?” Grandpa Paddy asked as Daniel sat down in a spot across from him.

“She’s in the kitchen with the girls.”

“Oh, Lord help her.” Pat laughed. “Do you think it was wise to throw her to the wolves so soon?”

“Mom will protect her.”

“Mom’s the leader of the pack,” Patrick added quickly. “God love her, but Mom’s the ring leader.”

Daniel didn’t agree with that statement at all. “Nah, Mom’s kind to everyone. If anything, I figure she will protect Nina from Maggie and Rachel. You should have seen the evil eye they were giving me.”

“What about Amber?” Patrick’s stare grew curious.

“She played it cool.”

Patrick smiled. He was pleased. “Well, Amber doesn’t like drama, and she honestly likes everyone. She’s just amazing that way.” As he spoke about her, his face softened and his eyes lit up. Yes, Daniel was right, those two were bound to get married.

“Amber’s cool. I like her.”

Grandpa Paddy puffed on his pipe and as a sweet tobacco scent wafted through the air, he said, “Amber is a great gal. She’d be a good one for you to settle down with Patrick, my boy.”

“I agree. She’s been fitting in real well with the rest of ladies,” Pat added, grabbing the brown beer bottle in front of him and taking a swig.

Patrick grinned and replied, “I know. She’s really special. It’s just so soon.”

Grandpa Paddy’s thick white eyebrows lowered into a stubborn line on his wrinkled face. “Lad, we’ve been over this, me and you. Time is a funny thing. Sometimes it seems as though there is far too much, then suddenly there isn’t nearly enough.”

“I know. Well, let’s just give it a little more time. Things are good now, and I’m sure they will only get better.”

Daniel envied Patrick’s position. He desperately wanted to be in a relationship with someone he thought he had a future with. Bringing Nina here was a huge step in that direction. He just worried she wasn’t walking with him.

***

Maggie

Maggie eyed Nina as the young woman stood there uncomfortably. She was reserved and cold, so it wasn’t possible for Maggie to feel sympathy.

“So, Nina, dear, how are your parents?” Mary asked as she plunged a wooden spoon into the large mixing bowl.

“They’re well, thank you,” Nina responded in muted politeness.

Maggie sat on a barstool next to the counter, her swollen calves and ankles begging for relief. “Nina, I’m getting some amazing curtains from Hannah. Do you sew too?” Mary tossed her a warning look. Maggie responded with an innocent smile.

“Well, that’s just how Hannah is. She’s a homebody. She doesn’t enjoy going out and living life. I prefer to actually do things besides sewing. It’s all she ever does.”

“Well, she’s darn good at it.” Her mother raised her eyebrows and shot Maggie another glare. Okay, she’d best cool it before she really upset her mother. She did not want to get on Mary O’Brien’s bad side.

“I’m actually having two baby blankets being made by Hannah,” Rachel chimed in, shooting Maggie a sister-like glance from under her blonde bangs, which kept sweeping across her eyes.

Nina scrunched up her face. “Two blankets?”

“Yes, we’re having twins. Well, not us, but Liam and I.” Rachel had reached out to Maggie and started laughing. “Maggie already got an amazing blanket when you guys had the booth at the fair earlier this summer.”

Nina nodded and twirled her long blonde hair around her slender fingers. It was easy to see how out of place she seemed in this company of women. Rachel and Maggie were basically a pregnant duo, a tag team waiting to start a little trouble. Mary was watchful. Maggie saw her mother taking Nina in, not so much sizing her up, but watching and waiting to be impressed. So far, that wasn’t happening. Amber stood quietly next to the kitchen counter, as if she were still making her decision about whether or not to like Nina. “Mary, did you want me to put this in the oven?” Amber pointed to a large glass dish. It would seem that Amber was trying to redirect the conversation and just wanted to simply keep the peace.

“Do you enjoy cooking?” Mary asked as she opened the oven door for Amber. She turned her attention to the supermodel-esque Russian who was standing in her kitchen.

“No, not really. That’s how you get fat and ugly.”

Everyone’s eyebrows raised, and Maggie heard herself gasp. Did she really just say that? Wow, that was brave or utterly stupid. Maggie caught a glimpse from Amber, who was naturally curvy. She knew Amber had been offended.

“Well, how about we move outside and see what the guys are up to?” Mary wore a cheery facade that Maggie saw right through.

***

Daniel

The sun had begun to set, drifting a little lower behind the neighboring hills. The temperature was cooling slightly, and Daniel felt the grip of fall trying to take hold. The days of summer were numbered, and that meant fewer opportunities to go to the river. Daniel was glad they had gone yesterday; they might not get another chance. He looked out at the stretch of green grass, watching the twins rolling around on the ground. Melanie was being taught how to properly throw a Frisbee by Liam, and Michael was standing next to Dylan, laughing at something the pre-teen had just said. Daniel inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of the evening, feeling blessed and thankful for family gatherings like this. This is what made him happy: being surrounded by everyone and sharing in good times.

“You know, Daniel, you need to really think about the type of woman you will want to settle down with,” Daniel heard his father say, breaking into his thoughts.

Grandpa Paddy nodded in agreement and commented, “He’s right, lad. You are getting on in age, and you’ll be wanting children soon.”

Daniel sat with his back to the house and continued to listen to the unwanted words of wisdom from his father and grandfather. He heard the back door close and noticed the expression on his father and grandfather’s faces change. Patrick’s look changed to one of complete admiration, so Daniel instantly knew Amber was near.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” Mary announced as she moved to stand beside Pat, planting a kiss on top of his head. Pat looked up lovingly and clasped Mary’s arm. The simple act of affection wasn’t missed by Daniel. He wanted what his parents had—that long-standing love.

Daniel swiveled in his seat and looked at Nina. Her gaze met his briefly, but then she quickly focused on Patrick. His brother was completely oblivious. His gaze seemed far away, as if Amber, who had staked her claim in a manner of speaking, had him in a trance. She was behind him, looping her arms around his neck, whispering something in his ear. Patrick smiled and turned to look up at her. Daniel wanted that too—that new kind of love.

As the kids continued to play in the yard, their shouts of joy could probably be heard throughout the neighborhood. Liam and Michael laughed as they raced over to where the rest of the adults were, happy expressions on their faces.

But then Maggie gave Michael an interesting look, one that Daniel couldn’t quite make out, but it appeared as though they were exchanging information telepathically. Michael looked quickly at Nina, then at Daniel. So that is what that was about. No surprise. Daniel could feel Maggie’s chilly reception when Nina had entered the kitchen. His sister usually took a little while to warm up to newcomers. She had been aloof with Rachel, well, for like ten minutes, then they became the best of friends and only kept growing closer. Then with Amber, Maggie had shown very little hesitation in accepting Patrick’s new girlfriend.

Nina moved to an empty seat that was near Daniel, but close enough to Patrick. Daniel noticed her pale blue eyes had not quite broken eye contact with him. This was something that Daniel was fairly used to: always playing second fiddle to his handsome brothers. But for Nina to so blatantly do this in front of him and his family? It made his stomach sour. He could feel his mother looking at him. That woman didn’t miss a thing, but she offered him a sympathetic and kind smile.

“Nina, is it?” Grandpa Paddy asked slowly, taking her all in. Daniel wondered what thoughts were rolling around in the old man’s mind. Did he approve? Did he think Daniel was being foolish trying to make this girl his? Grandpa Paddy hadn’t steered any of Daniel’s siblings wrong, and now it was his turn.

Nina smiled and reluctantly looked away from Patrick. Daniel saw the relief wash over Amber’s face, but her sea-green eyes continued to look daggers in Nina’s direction.

Everyone had turned their attention to Nina. Liam offered her an encouraging grin as he wrapped his arms around Rachel, pulling her protectively to him.

“Yes,” Nina answered quietly.

“So your folks own that farm on the outskirts of town,” Pat stated, rather than asked. Grandpa Paddy and Pat continued to take turns attempting to engage Nina in conversation. Daniel groaned. This was not really going well. Nina was hardly making an effort; she was only answering in clipped sentences. Her annoyance and lack of patience was growing as each question was handed to her. They were simply trying to get to know her, to break the ice, and find room for her.

“Well, why don’t we all head inside to eat? Us ladies will go and get everything served up. You men grab those kiddos,” Mary ordered as she led the way back into the house. Maggie followed but tossed back a look at Daniel that said it all. She did not like Nina. Both Rachel and Amber gave him tight-lipped smiles that spoke volumes. They were offering him some sort of an apology. Nina remain seated, not even looking in the direction of the women that were filing back inside this house. The evening had not gone well and it was only going to get worse. Maybe Daniel could pull Nina aside and try to explain how things sort of worked in the O’Brien family. To some it may appear slightly old-fashioned, that the women enjoyed their time together primarily in the kitchen, where he knew so many secrets were shared and plans were hatched, but he wanted Nina to be included, and as she sat there with a bored expression, he saw that the only interest that danced in her eyes was when she would sneak glimpses at his brothers or Michael. The more Daniel saw from her, the less he wanted to see. This was not how he imagined this dinner going.