Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) (4 page)

Robert Montgomery flashed his perfectly straight teeth as he fished another card out of his jacket pocket. “Absolutely.”

Rachel rolled her eyes. This was one of the reasons she wanted to get out of Newport Beach. She hoped the speck that was Birch Valley on the map wasn’t nearly as shallow.

***

The condo was still dark when Rachel woke up the day following Christmas. The movers were scheduled to arrive today, and stress was starting to set in. She hurried to make coffee and cut up an overripe pear and banana for her breakfast. The morning sun was starting to streak the sky and light up her home. She ate quickly and downed her coffee before showering. Mentally going over everything as she dressed for the day, Rachel felt less tense and more confident, as though all her loose ends were being tied up.

As she waited for the movers to arrive, Rachel found herself with nothing to do, so she fiddled with her cell phone and checked her email on her laptop. As she came across a message from Ethan wishing her good luck with her move today, she couldn’t help but smile.
She and Ethan had spent a nontraditional holiday together over dinner and some drinks. Saying goodbye to him really hurt.

Checking the time, Rachel realized the movers would be arriving fairly soon. She made sure the stack of boxes was secure, then kept peeking out her living room window to see if a large transport truck was in the parking area. Like a child waiting for Christmas morning to arrive, she felt anxious and excited. Rachel had gone to double-check all her rooms when she heard a loud knock at her door. She practically ran to see who it was and was pleased to find a gentleman in denim overalls standing on the other side, holding a clipboard.

The movers wrapped the large furniture in heavy wool blankets to keep it from getting scratched or damaged, then made quick and easy work of carrying all her belongings to the truck, where they were stacked in neat rows and strapped down with bright orange and yellow nylon ties. One of the movers then latched the lock and got inside. Rachel watched as the truck left her standing alone in a parking lot filled with luxury sedans and high-priced SUVs.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Rachel headed back inside her former home. It was so empty and large now. Realizing there was no point in staying any longer, she loaded her suitcases in her silver BMW convertible. After she buckled herself into the plush leather seat, she took another long look at the condo before pulling out of the complex.

***

After getting gas and grabbing some food to go, Rachel raced to Chelsea’s apartment, where she planned to spend the remainder of the day and night before driving to Birch Valley. She pulled into an unoccupied spot on the palm-tree-lined street and set the car alarm. Balancing her purse, overnight bag, and a warm bag filled with the best burritos in town, she rang the doorbell.

“Yay! You brought lunch,” Chelsea practically shouted when she opened the door.

Chelsea’s apartment was very modern. Sleek lines and contemporary colors graced all the rooms. The living room contained a long, strikingly white sofa with solid-colored pillows in bright colors. The sofa and two attractive but uncomfortable matching chairs sat on a teal rug. A flat-screen TV was mounted between two large wall sconces, and an abstract piece of metal art sat in the corner. The entire room looked as though it had been staged for a photo shoot in an upscale magazine.

The kitchen, where Chelsea was leading Rachel, was equally modern. The stainless-steel appliances sparkled, and the polished granite countertops lay bare. Expensive dishes were stacked in uniform rows behind glass cupboards. Not one thing in it was out of place.

“Where did you want me to put my bag?” Rachel asked, sweeping her blonde bangs away from her eyes.

“How about the guest room?” Chelsea offered as she pulled two plates from the cupboard.

“Okay, that works,” Rachel said, picking up her overnight bag and purse and making her way down the short hallway past the small dining area.

“Damn, these burritos smell and look amazing,” Chelsea shouted after her.

Rachel smiled, glad she had brought lunch. She would miss their little visits like this. She hoped she would make friends in Birch Valley, but she had so much history with Chelsea and doubted she could find anyone quite like her.

After Rachel put away her things, she sat across from Chelsea at the chic designer table. Her friend scooted a silver vase that held a couple of bright roses to the side.

Nodding toward it, Rachel asked, “So who are those from?”

“No one. Well, actually, I thought he was going to be someone interesting, but he turned out to be really boring,” Chelsea answered before sinking her teeth into the large burrito.

“That’s a bummer,” Rachel said before taking a bite of her own.

“Not a big deal, I promise you. He so wasn’t my type, either. I wonder if you will meet anyone up there.” Chelsea’s brown eyes widened with the question.

“You know I’m not looking for anyone right now,” Rachel replied, toying with a piece of her flour tortilla.

“You’re never looking. I wish you’d be more open to meeting people and dating. It’s been a long time, Rachel,” Chelsea complained before licking a rogue bean from her finger.

Rachel rolled her eyes. Chelsea was always trying to set her up on dates or encourage her to go out. Rachel had been out of her previous relationship for about two years but had no desire to jump back into the dating pool just yet.

“I want to get moved and start my new job. Kind of see where life takes me for a while. Then I promise I will think about getting out there a little more,” she said.

Chelsea shrugged her thin, bare shoulders, her tan dark against the pale blue tank top.

They finished lunch and decided to go for a walk around Chelsea’s neighborhood to burn off the calorie-rich meal.

***

Evening quickly transitioned into night, and Chelsea and Rachel said good night after gorging on some ice cream and a romantic comedy. Rachel lay in the guest room bed, relishing the crisp feel of the new sheets under her skin. She closed her eyes only to find her body buzzing with anticipation for the next day. She tossed and turned over and over, doing a mental checklist of what she would unpack first when she arrived. At some point, her tired brain calmed her feelings of anxiety and she fell into a deep sleep.

***

The next morning Rachel hugged Chelsea tightly as they both tried not to cry.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Rachel sobbed as she dabbed her eyes.

Chelsea pouted. “My bestie is going to be so far away.”

“You better come and visit me, and soon,” Rachel demanded playfully.

“Maybe I’ll come up for spring break.”

Rachel gave her one more hug before she got into her car and pulled away, giving her friend a wave as she made her way onto the busy street. She got into the turn lane to get on the freeway, her belly full of nervous enthusiasm as she began her new adventure.

Chapter Three

Liam

While working on his second cup of coffee that morning, Liam paused briefly in reading the mystery novel in front of him to stare out his kitchen window.
The thick, gray and white storm clouds threatened to burst open, and already white flakes were falling gently on branches heavy with snow that had fallen overnight.
The cabin had a warm fire crackling as Liam returned his attention to the book he was reading. He treasured quiet moments such as these, free from distraction. Lost in the gripping tale, Liam heard the rumble of Daniel’s truck as it pulled up in the driveway. The oversized piece of machinery was loud, a bit obnoxious, and a perfectly suited vehicle for his brother. Liam grudgingly tore himself away from the book, marking his place with a piece of scrap paper.

Christmas was closing in, and Mary O’Brien was calling on her sons to cut down a tree today. Liam owned several well-treed acres, and his brothers planned on coming over today to see which one might meet their mother’s approval.

Liam pulled his long arms through the heavy coat and went to meet his brothers outside. With the snow sticking to him as he tugged on a wool cap, Liam quickly approached Daniel’s lifted truck.

“Hey guys, how’s it going?” he announced with a wave.

Patrick exited the truck and nodded as he trudged toward Liam, and Daniel hopped out after him. His cheeks turned rosy as the cool, wet air touched them.

“Looks like a great day to cut a tree down,” Daniel joked as his bright green eyes lit up.

Liam laughed, and Patrick grunted as he pulled his black, thick coat tighter around himself.

“Better than a blizzard.” He grabbed Daniel’s shoulder and gave it a good squeeze. “You guys want to come in for some coffee before we try and find Mom’s perfect tree?”

“Sounds great to me,” Patrick replied, already heading toward the cabin.

The three brothers entered the warmth of Liam’s small living room. A short tree stood in the corner covered in soft, twinkling, white lights and a red and green garland. Liam had also cut some greenery from a few of his pines and firs and placed it on the beautiful tamarack mantle along with the more sparkling garland.

“Looks like you decorated for Christmas,” Daniel said, pointing to the tree.

Liam nodded. “Yeah, I had some leftover garland from the classroom and figured I might as well use it.”

“Better than my place,” Patrick added. “I don’t have anything up at all. I figure the boys and I are at Mom and Dad’s place enough. Less hassle, I suppose.”

“One of the perks of living at Mom’s too, I get to eat well and the place always looks great,” Daniel added, taking the chair closest to the fireplace. Patrick and Liam shared the large couch directly in front of the slow-burning fire.

“So what are the ladies of the house up to today?” Liam asked Daniel.

“I think Mom and Maggie are doing some last-minute Christmas shopping. Mom wants to decorate the tree tonight.” Daniel stared off into the fire.

Remembering Sunday dinner and Daniel’s concern about their sister, Liam asked, “How’s Maggie doing? She still acting strange like you mentioned?” He stretched his long legs out and put his feet on the aged wood of the coffee table.

“You know, I don’t know, really. She’s acting weird still, but not as bad as when she first arrived on Sunday. Maybe she’s just hormonal or something, who knows?” Daniel answered.

Patrick looked at Daniel while running his fingers through his wavy, black hair. “She acted a little stressed at dinner. I do know that she didn’t seem like she wanted to talk about Michael. Especially when I asked her how he was doing. She was real short about it and then changed the subject.”

Liam rubbed his chin, massaging the prickly, unshaven skin. “Well, maybe he’s working too much. I know every time I call or text her, he seems to be gone. I think she gets lonely over there in Seattle.”

“You might be right, but she has Mel, and I know she’s always helping out in the classroom and stuff,” Daniel said. “I bet if something really was wrong, she would tell us.”

Liam wasn’t so sure about that. Maggie had always been independent and rarely asked for advice. Liam was probably the closest to her, and she would open up about some aspects of her life to him. Perhaps that was why he didn’t suspect anything was wrong with his sister. Liam was also shocked Daniel had noticed she was acting odd. Daniel was usually more of a joyful and playful kind of guy. He preferred staying away from any type of drama that might cause him the slightest discomfort.

Clearing his throat as if to change the course of the conversation, Daniel said, “So Liam, how’s the dating going?”

Liam rolled his eyes. “Why do you care if I’m dating? I don’t hear about you going out too often.”

“I do. I just like to look around and see what’s out there,” Daniel playfully defended himself.

Patrick sat quietly, staring straight ahead, not looking at either brother. Liam noticed Patrick’s demeanor turn slightly icy and decided to change the subject before Patrick’s mood soured for the remainder of the day. “Well, looks like the snow has stopped, so we should probably get out there,” he suggested as he extended his neck to peer out the only window in the living room.

Patrick was quick to reply as he got up from the couch. “Sounds great.”

Liam
frowned at Daniel in warning, and his brother looked back, surprised and confused.
Liam simply shook his head as they went to get their coats on.

After tromping around the property for a while, they located a tree that would make Mary O’Brien quite happy. They loaded it into the bed of Daniel’s truck, and Liam said he would meet up with them later that evening at the O’Brien home. With a wave, he sent them on their way and headed back inside to read a little more and warm up.

Hours flew by, and before he knew it, Liam was driving into Birch Valley, cheered by festive holiday lights hanging on buildings and wreaths on the doors of every storefront. The snow piled in the center of Main Street glistened beneath the soft lights strung overhead. The small trees lining the street were also decorated with lights as well as giant metallic ornaments. Antique lampposts wrapped in natural garland lit up sidewalks that had been cleared of snow. Liam passed the small courthouse and town hall, where the giant tree that stood proudly year round was now adorned with red bows and large, colorful bulbs and lights. The church where he grew up attending mass had lights that looked like candles in every window and a well-lit manger scene by the large front doors.

After driving past rows of beautifully decorated houses, Liam arrived at the home he grew up in. He opened the front door and was instantly hit with the lovely smells of dinner and apple pie. The tree from his property had been placed in the front bay window, where it stood barren and longed to be given that Mary O’Brien touch. The rest of the home oozed Christmas cheer as holiday music played in the background on an old radio. Patrick’s twins were playing with toy cars on the rug in the center of the room, and Melanie came running toward him at full speed. She plowed into Liam hard, almost knocking his six-foot-two frame over.

Mary emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands with a dish towel as she smiled at Liam. “Oh, sweetheart, thank you again for the beautiful tree,” she said, warmly hugging her son.

“No problem, Mom.”

“Dinner is about ready. I have Daniel in the basement gathering decorations for the tree,” Mary said as she sashayed back toward her favorite room in the house, where she created all her delicious meals and treats.

Liam headed toward the basement. As he passed the den where his father and grandfather were seated in their regular spots, he peeked in for a quick hello.

“Oh, there he is,” Grandpa Paddy
said. His old pipe was dangling from his lips as usual while his famous O’Brien eyes glittered with mischief.

Pat raised those same eyes up to see his son. “Your mother is positively delighted with that tree from your place.” He smiled at Liam.

“Oh, it was no problem at all. Glad she’s happy. We took our time to find one she would approve of.” Liam laughed as he joined the two men.

“Well, you lads did a fine job,” Grandpa Paddy added in his thick Irish accent.

Liam decided to sit for a moment to catch up with his father and grandfather. He took a seat on an old plaid couch that had seen better days and which was situated directly across from the two reclining, wingback chairs. The room was furnished with a variety of Grandpa Paddy’s belongings from his old house. Unlike the rest of the O’Brien home, which was well-loved but spotless and feminine, this room lacked a woman’s touch, and everything was frayed and tattered. The sweet smell of tobacco hung like a light fog in the air, mingling with smoke from the slow-burning log in the fireplace. Several bookshelves stood almost to the ceiling, packed tight with a large collection of classics. Liam’s father and grandfather were constantly reading, whether a novel from decades ago or the daily newspaper. Liam had inherited their love of reading, and it was his favorite subject to teach his students.

He loved the den. The low light from the lamps on the several side tables was bright enough to read by. The small, crystal bowl that always seemed to be filled to the brim with aging caramels and a rainbow selection of hard candies never moved from its spot on the end table next to Grandpa Paddy.

When Liam was in high school, his grandmother had passed away, and after a couple months of his mother insisting, Grandpa Paddy had come to live with them. Grandpa Paddy and Pat had worked together for as long as Liam could remember, and even today they spent most of their free time with each other.

Grandpa Paddy was unlike any other grandfather Liam had ever encountered. He was unique, not just because of his brogue, but in so many ways. He was playful almost to a fault, and mischief spun wildly in his eyes. Many times, his mother had held back laughter tightly behind her lips when she was annoyed with her father-in-law. There wasn’t a mean bone in his aging body, yet he could get riled up over the tiniest thing. There was never a dull moment with Grandpa Paddy around.

After visiting and catching up, Liam remembered he was supposed to help Daniel. He marched off in the direction of the basement and almost collided with his brother.

“Hey, Liam. There’s a couple more boxes near the door, if you want to grab them,” Daniel said, barely managing to peer over the stack of cardboard boxes he was carrying.

Liam moved carefully out of the way and nodded. He went down to the basement, picked up the remaining boxes, and hurried to the living room to meet up with Daniel.

“Damn, you’re quick. I always forget how my legs have to take two steps to your one.” Daniel stood several noticeable inches shorter than Liam.

Liam laughed. As he started to open one of the boxes, Maggie joined them.

“Mom said you were here. The tree is just lovely, Liam.” She shot a look toward the large, fragrant tree, avoiding direct eye contact with either brother.

As she stared longingly at the tree, Daniel and Liam swapped looks. Something was definitely going on with their sister. The slight quiver in her voice sounded unnatural and so unlike Maggie. Her demeanor was more aloof and distant than he could ever recall.

“So is Mel excited for Christmas? It’s only two days away,” Liam asked, hoping to gain more of a read on his sister.

Maggie turned slightly in his direction. “She’s pretty excited. Melanie is very happy to be here with everyone. She is loving this snow too. We don’t have any over in Seattle.”

“Well, at least someone is enjoying the snow,” Daniel added.

“So will Michael be coming over for the holidays?” Liam asked cautiously to see if this would get any sort of emotional reaction from Maggie.

“He’s flying in tomorrow evening. Then leaving Christmas afternoon to get back to the office. He’s trying very hard to make partner right now, so unfortunately he’s putting in a lot of time.” Her voice was flat.

Liam and Daniel again eyed each other. Liam now knew Maggie was having some sort of marital issue. He had no idea of the depth of the problem, nor did he really want to delve in and find out. Maybe he would chat with his mother about it. She always kept tabs on everyone in the family, so if there was anything going on, she was the person to ask.

Right then, their mother rounded the corner. “Oh good, I see you brought all the stuff up from the basement. Well, I have the kids eating, so whenever you guys are ready, the food is warm.” She spun around and was gone as quickly as she had entered the room.

“Sounds good to me,” Daniel said, rubbing his stomach.

The three made their way into the dining room quietly. Liam took a seat next to Melanie, who was eating with vigor while Connor and Finn played with their food.

“Who is ready for Santa in two days?” Liam announced, placing a warm roll on his plate.

Instant grins and near shouts of what they wanted followed immediately. Liam enjoyed the enthusiasm children possessed, and it was one of the main reasons he’d decided to become a teacher.