Chapter Fourteen
Maggie
The cold sensation of the jelly on her stomach sent a shiver down her entire body. It had been over six years since she had been through such a procedure, and a mixture of nerves and excitement coursed through her. She had asked Rachel and Mary to come with her and Michael. She wanted to share the experience with her mother, and wanted to show Rachel what to expect when she had her ultrasound. Michael held her hand from where he was planted, right by her side.
A woman dressed in colorful scrubs smiled sweetly at Maggie. “Sorry, it’s a little cold.”
Maggie felt her roll the device along her stomach, traveling closer to her pubic bone. Her stomach was fully exposed, and she felt embarrassed. She had noticed her belly starting to grow, her jeans had grown tighter, and she knew she would need to switch to maternity clothes soon.
A grainy image flickered on the screen mounted on the wall and on the computer monitor. Maggie squinted to make out the image. The quiet room let out a collective gasp as they heard the heartbeat of the baby echo loudly. Maggie felt tears stream down her face. She looked over at Michael, his eyes shiny and wet. They squeezed their hands together more tightly. Maggie saw Rachel’s reaction. Her friend was smiling wide, and had her arm wrapped around Mary. That special moment would forever be imprinted in Maggie’s mind.
After her belly was wiped down and she was given some print outs from the scan, Maggie felt happy and reassured. The baby was active from what they could all tell. The baby’s movements were becoming stronger and more regular.
Michael ushered Mary out the large glass doors of the medical building, and Maggie and Rachel walked together.
“I bet you can’t wait now, Rachel,” Maggie said as they crossed the large waiting room in the clinic.
“It was really something. Just seeing the way Michael was looking at you. Oh, Maggie, it’s so exciting. Thank you for including me.” Rachel hugged Maggie tightly.
“Just keep that in mind when you have yours next week.”
Rachel nodded. “Of course I want you there.”
They all said goodbye in the parking lot. Michael and Maggie set off together to his car. They sat as they watched Rachel and Mary drive off.
“That was incredible. It was nice having your mom with us,” Michael commented as he started the car. “Do you want to get anything to eat? Maybe go look at houses?”
They had visited a couple houses and narrowed down their choices, but it was so difficult to decide on which one to purchase. Michael was anxious and wanted to make an offer soon, so they could go through escrow and be all moved in long before the baby arrived. Both of them were anxious for their own space, even though they appreciated being able to stay with Maggie’s mother. Maggie loved being near her family, but staying with them for the last two months had started to take its toll. She hoped they figured out which home they could agree on purchasing, she wanted their new life to begin, and soon.
***
Rachel
Liam had his arm around Rachel as they snuggled on the couch finishing an old Western movie. As the credits started, she felt herself growing tired. Liam’s couch was far too comfortable. Things had been pleasant with him the last week since he came over to her house, granted, they didn’t do a whole lot of talking, but things were at least back to normal. That night they were tucked away inside his cozy home, where they dined on chili and cornbread and then decided to watch a movie.
“You ready for bed?” Liam asked, his eyes twinkling with desire.
“I bet you are.”
“Hey, I’m only saying it because you look tired. We can stay up, if you want,” he offered as he peeled Rachel off of him and removed himself from the couch. Rachel eyed him. He was such a gorgeous man. He stretched his long arms above his head. She watched as the shirt he wore lifted slightly, exposing his strong and lean stomach. A light trail of dark hair spread across his belly, and she couldn’t help but wish that her fingers were touching his skin. Her attraction to him just kept increasing, and she couldn’t explain the effect he had on her.
“Let me help you clean up,” Rachel said as she got up and grabbed a large bowl, which still had some kernels of popcorn in it.
Liam carried their empty glasses and led the way into the kitchen. Rachel couldn’t help but think how ordinary it seemed, how simple and completely wonderful at the same time. Being with him in his domain had been intimidating at first, but she somehow felt like she belonged there. If they did decided to marry, his house would be her new home. That spare room near his bedroom could even maybe be the nursery. Her head started to spin when she considered how drastically her life was going to change. Fear crept inside, rearing its ugly head as it always did when she started to have happy fantasies. She wasn’t sure why such feelings kept happening, she supposed a lot of it had to do with the guilt she carried for not telling her family about Liam or the pregnancy. Her shoulders carried a heavy burden, one she knew she would have to deal with before too much time passed.
Rachel put the bowl in the sink, and Liam put other remnants of dinner they had left out away. She stood, doubt digging its way deeper, clawing at her mind, and the worry penetrated her core when she felt Liam’s arms wrap around her. He bent down, nuzzled her neck, and kissed her softly by the ear. “Let’s go to bed.” All the negativity had vanished. How was it possible that he could have that affect on her, every time?
***
The sun was barely rising above the small mountains behind Liam’s cabin when Rachel prepared coffee, taking in the view out of his kitchen window. She wore one of his shirts and padded around barefoot. The wood floor was cold against her feet. Liam still slept deeply. Rachel had admired him before leaving the warmth of his bed, his eyes closed, long lashes feathered out delicately against his skin. Dark stubble was scattered along his jaw, and his lips were soft and tender, slightly swollen from all of the kissing the night before. She had been tempted to plant her mouth on his, but hadn’t wanted to disturb him, he looked so peaceful. He had a subtle masculine beauty that made her want to touch him, to trace the outlines etched on his face. There was no mistake that Rachel loved him. She needed to throw away her fears, confront everything head on, and since the following day was Mother’s Day, she decided she would tell her family.
The smooth flavor of the coffee sent a quick buzz through her. She curled into the breakfast nook. Deep in thought, she set out her plans for battle when she heard the distinctive, heavy shuffle of Liam’s feet headed into the kitchen.
“I woke up and you weren’t there.” His voice was seductive and rough from sleep as he helped himself to a cup of coffee.
“Sorry.” Rachel smiled as Liam slipped into the nook with her, and he planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
“Have I told you how gorgeous you are?” Liam asked, his eyes surveying her.
Rachel blushed. He made her feel so sexy, intelligent, and well-loved. Would it always be that way? They both climbed out of the nook.
“So, I was thinking today we should go out on the lake.” Liam said as he sipped his coffee and staring into the distance.
“Sure, that sounds like fun. We going to fish?” Rachel still had not been fishing, or, well, ever.
“Yep, it is a beautiful day to go. Also, Mom asked if you were going to come to the house tomorrow.”
Rachel nodded. “Sure, I have a gift for her, actually. I can’t believe I have been here for over five months now.”
“Incredible.”
She snuck closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder. “I never thought I could find this kind of happiness, Liam. Thank you.”
“No need to thank me, I’m the lucky one.” He brought his head closer to hers and lifted her chin to meet his lips. “You want to get dressed and get out on the boat?” His voice sounded different, nervous almost, his eyes darted away from hers.
***
The air was crisp, cool, and dewy as Liam led Rachel down to the dock. He carefully placed
their poles and tackle in the boat before helping her in, treating her like she was made of glass. He untied the small metal boat, and turned the motor on low. The boat vibrated quietly along the water, cutting through the smooth surface. Rachel instantly felt sick, she sucked in the breeze, trying to calm her stomach. But even with the slow movement, her body was not happy. She was used to boats, but hadn’t been on one since becoming pregnant.
Liam stopped the humming motor once they were in the center of his lake. Rachel could hear the cry of several birds, the solitude and quiet was striking.
Liam readied her pole. “Have you ever fished before?”
“Well, one time my dad took Ethan and I out on a boat in the ocean, but I have fished a couple times off the pier with Ethan. So I know the concept, I’ve never actually caught anything though.”
“Well, it’s simple enough, and I can show you how to cast your line if you want?” Liam offered as he reached into his tackle box.
“Sure, I wonder if I will catch something today,” Rachel said excitedly.
“Maybe.” Liam’s voice was quiet as he fed the line. Rachel stared out into the water. Her stomach settled down, and she could actually enjoy herself. She took in the varied shades of green, the trees sheltered against the hills and small mountains. There was tall grass surrounding the shore of the lake. The water spoke to Rachel. It had a completely different beauty than the ocean, but it was majestic and mysterious all the same. She loved the water and its ability to calm and seduce her. She felt tranquil as she gazed at the ripples dancing along the surface, admiring the bubbles from the life that lived just below.
“Rachel, here’s your pole.” Liam handed her the long wooden pole. She was about to cast it as she slung it behind her, ready to hurl it into the water, when he suddenly stopped her, fear covering his face.
“What?” Rachel was confused. Had she done something wrong?
His eyes followed the length of the line, and she looked down and saw something glitter against the morning sun. Her heart stopped. Tied delicately to the end of the white line was a stunning ring.
“Marry me.” It was more of a command than a question.
Rachel admired the gold band encrusted with smaller diamonds and one large stone, and when she slipped it onto her finger it fit perfectly.
She looked up into the hopeful green eyes of her soul mate. “Yes.” Rachel felt the word slip out of her mouth. She had no control, no hesitation, it was what she truly wanted. Her heart sang. She was getting married!
Chapter Fifteen
Maggie
Mother’s Day started early at the O’Brien house, with the sky a perfect baby blue and lacy clouds that looked like pulled apart cotton. The day promised to be beautiful. Mary had requested everyone attend church services and come to her house to celebrate the day.
Maggie hugged Melanie in the kitchen as all the women were fluttering around. Preparations for the special Mother’s Day dinner had begun right after church. The home smelled lovely, scented from all the bouquets of flowers that Mary and Maggie had received in their honor. Melanie had created several fun Mother’s Day cards, which were proudly displayed on the fireplace mantle in the living room. Rachel kneaded dough for homemade bread as Mary was busy preparing vegetables for cutting.
The mood was happy when Mary asked, “So, Rachel, how are you feeling, dear?”
Rachel looked up from her task, her hands dusted in flour. She clapped them together lightly to remove any excess of the white stuff. “Well, I feel good right this second.” She laughed and then added, “But, for the most part, I am praying to the porcelain god.”
Melanie crinkled her nose in disgust. “That sounds gross.” She turned to Maggie and asked, “Mom, can I go play?”
“Sure, sweetie,” Maggie answered, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh as Melanie scooted out of the room.
“How about you, do you still have morning sickness?” Rachel asked.
“Not really, you will start feeling better soon, I promise.”
Mary scrubbed some potatoes and commented, “I remember being terribly ill with you kids. Oh, it was awful. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.” Mary turned and squeezed Maggie, who stood next to her.
They continued to work together. They laughed and shared more details of their lives. Maggie and Mary shared the joys of motherhood, reassuring Rachel of the joys of the experience and what she had to look forward to. Mary removed the roasting pan from the oven as she asked that Maggie call everyone in to eat. Rachel had finished setting the table, and followed Maggie as she left the kitchen.
“Maggie,” Rachel called to her in a near-whisper.
“Yeah?”
“I wanted to tell you something.” Rachel’s cheeks flushed a soft pink.
Maggie searched her friend’s eyes, trying to get a glimpse if there was something wrong. “Everything okay?”
Liam rounded the corner as soon as Rachel opened her mouth to speak, but she quickly closed it, stopping the words from coming out. He put his hand on her hip and pulled her close to him. He asked, “Dinner ready yet?”
“Yes,” Maggie and Rachel answered in unison.
Maggie would have to wait until the coast was clear to ask Rachel what she wanted to say. There was nothing like being left hanging.
After a collective “Amen” was said by everyone, they started dining on a dinner of roasted chicken, vegetables, and sliced homemade, buttered bread that no one could keep their hands off of. Compliments were doled out to the ladies for providing such a delicious meal. The children gobbled up their food quickly and begged to go play outside. It was still light out, and the air was warm, what child could resist?
Maggie watched Liam and Rachel. They were all touchy-feely and giggling, as if they shared a secret between them. She reached under the table and squeezed Michael’s thigh. He turned and gave her one of his smiles, one of the ones that completely melted her insides.
Liam cleared his throat loudly. “Hey, guys, I have an announcement.”
Eyes quickly moved toward him; he had their attention. Maggie smiled encouragingly. You got this, Liam. He stalled for a few moments. He glanced at her and then back at Rachel, then at Mary, the only ones that already knew.
“Out with it, lad,” Grandpa Paddy ordered.
“What’s the big announcement, son?” Pat asked softly. He turned his eyes to Mary, who only shrugged.
Liam held Rachel’s hand, stroking the top of it with his thumb. “Well, guys, Rachel and I have decided to get married.”
Daniel’s eyes grew wide. “Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that.”
Pat looked at Mary again. “I know congratulations are in order, but why the rush?”
“When you know, you know,” Grandpa Paddy said. He chuckled. “They are probably anxious to give some wee ones to ol’ Mary there.”
Maggie watched, she saw her mother turn a new shade of pink. Liam broke out into uncomfortable, nervous laughter. “Funny you should say that, Grandpa Paddy, because Rachel is pregnant.”
Maggie could feel everyone room pause in shock, other than the few that already knew the secret. Daniel’s eyes grew even wider. He gaped. Patrick stared blankly as he digested the news. Michael moved to Maggie’s ear and leaned in, whispering, “I knew.” She wanted to smack him. He knew? That must have been what Rachel wanted to tell her. Maggie looked over at her friend. Rachel met her gaze and nodded with some slight tears in her eyes—not sad tears, but ones of pure happiness.
“Aye, Mary, looks like we’ll be having a double blessing of babes.” Grandpa Paddy’s thick brogue shattered the silence.
Pat smiled and said, “Welcome to the family, Rachel. Hope you’re ready to deal with this lot.”
Mary beamed, a wide smile on her face. “I’m so happy.” She dabbed the corner of her eyes with a cloth napkin.
Maggie felt her heart swell with joy. She was honestly thrilled that Rachel agreed to marry Liam. She looked over at her brother. The sheer
giddiness that oozed out of him was not lost on anyone. “I’m so happy for you both, this is incredibly exciting!”
Grandpa Paddy tapped on his glass. “I want to say cheers, good health to these babes, and a job well done, my boy.” Liam blushed as he turned to kiss Rachel on the cheek. Grandpa Paddy steered his eyes to Daniel and Patrick, who were seated near him and joked, “Looks like you fine lads are next.”
Daniel shook his head. “I’m too young, these guys are crazy to get hitched.” He paused. “No offense, Rachel, you’re awesome. But damn, Liam, baby and a wife, you are going to be a full-on family man now.”
“Language, son,” Mary reminded him.
Patrick rose from the table. “Congrats, you two.” His coloring looked off to Maggie as he muttered, “Will you guys excuse me? I need some air.” He fled the dining room.
Maggie stole a glance at Liam, who returned a confused look.
Pat drank from his glass and said, “Not easy for him, I’m sure.”
Liam sat his napkin down, eased out of his seat, and left the room, probably in search of Patrick. Maggie felt numb, she had been terrified of telling Patrick about her own pregnancy. Liam wasn’t as hesitant. She couldn’t blame him, he was excited and wanted to share the news with the entire family. The hard part was that, in matters pertaining to family, walking delicately around Patrick had become common practice. A piece of Maggie wished her brother could move on and eventually find happiness again, but something blocked him, kept him from opening his bruised heart. Maggie sent out a silent prayer that he could be helped.
***
Liam
Liam closed the front door after he caught up with Patrick, who leaned against the wooden rail on the front porch.
“You okay, man?” Liam asked cautiously as he stood next to his brother. Patrick gripped the railing.
Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) Page 17
