“We got the house!” Maggie scooted over to her brother and squeezed him. She needed to hug someone.
“Congrats!” Daniel called from the doorway. “What house did you guys put an offer on?”
Maggie ran to Daniel and circled her arms around him. “Oh, it is just the prettiest place ever.”
“I’m glad you guys found something, and it’s here in town?”
“Yes, it’s the gray house on Lincoln, near the school, and sort of by Michael’s building.”
“Dang, no way! That place is amazing.” Daniel’s eyes grew large. “Patrick, remember that one with the black shutters, we helped them with that shop and deck a couple of years ago?”
“Oh yeah, wow, Maggie, you guys bought that one?” Patrick’s face wrinkled in surprise.
“I know, it’s wild, huh?” She could hardly contain herself, her mind had already started decorating the large home.
“We should all go to lunch and celebrate, maybe drive by it?” Daniel offered with a grand smile.
“I tried to convince Patrick to go to lunch with me, but he wasn’t having it.” Maggie pouted and placed her hands on her hips, eyeing her brother.
“Oh, fine, I’ll go.”
Maggie was thrilled he had surrendered. “Let me grab my purse and let’s go.”
Lunch with her brothers turned out to be wonderful, even Patrick managed to smile and laugh a couple of times. Patrick and Daniel were amazed that the beautiful home was going to be Maggie’s. Lots of hugs were shared as happiness overflowed. They joked all the way back to the office, and the light mood followed them for the remainder of time at the shop. Just as the perfect blue sky had promised that morning, the day had turned out wonderful.
***
Rachel
Rachel sat on her couch. Her eyes were red, swollen, and sore from hard crying. She had just gotten off the phone with her mother, who was still livid at the whole mess. She demanded that Rachel return home so they could figure things out together. Her brother, Ethan, had called and tried to talk sense into Rachel as well, and that had completely thrown her for a loop. He explained that she didn’t need to go through with this, and that she had options. Oh, she knew what options they meant, and she refused to even consider them.
She heard her cell phone ring, and expected it to be her mother trying to wage war once again, but was surprised to see Chelsea’s number on the screen. “Hello?”
“Hey lady, wow, you sound awful. Are you sick?” Chelsea asked.
“No, I’ve been crying. I just got off the phone with my mom and Ethan,” Rachel replied, sniffling and trying to dry her runny nose.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I know my mom had lunch with yours. She isn’t happy at all, Rachel.”
“Yeah, I kind of got that when we talked. But there isn’t a whole lot that can be done, I’m marrying Liam, I love him, and we’re having a baby,” Rachel said defiantly.
“I know, Rachel, but come on, you’ve got to admit it isn’t really fair, or well thought out. But you’re right, there isn’t a whole lot that can be changed.”
“Thank you.”
“So, how are you feeling? Still yucky?”
Rachel huffed loudly. “Well, there are good days and bad days, but for the most part I’m better. I have an ultrasound this week, so I’m pretty excited for that, but nervous too.”
“Wow, how neat! Have you felt the baby move yet?”
“No, nothing yet, at least I don’t think so.” Rachel laughed. She had no idea what to expect with the pregnancy. Her emotions were all over the place, and when she wasn’t hugging her toilet, she was starving. She hoped things would become a little more even keel, and soon.
“So, tell me about the ring? I know you sent me a picture of it, but are we talking like huge rock or what?”
“It’s stunning, to be honest,” said Rachel as she glanced down at her finger.
“You really love him? I mean it’s so soon, Rachel,” Chelsea said sternly.
“I do, I can’t explain how he makes me feel, I have never ever felt this way before. It’s truly incredible.”
“You sound happy, I can’t deny that. I just wish you were here. It’s hard being so far away.”
“You could always move here,” Rachel teased.
“Yeah, I think I’ll pass, no offense. Will be happy to visit you, of course, but living there in Birch Valley, um, no thanks.” Chelsea paused as they both laughed together before continuing, “So, this wedding of yours, when is it going to be? Before or after your baby?”
“Well, Liam and I really think it would be nice to get married this summer. We are thinking maybe around fourth of July weekend. It would be the perfect time. We are thinking of getting married on his property by the lake.”
“Ah, that’s sweet.”
“Yeah, we just want something simple and beautiful. Maybe an evening wedding and reception. Chelsea, would you be my maid of honor?” Rachel quietly asked.
“Was kind of waiting to be asked. Of course I want to be, been waiting my whole life for this!” Chelsea’s voice was loud over the line.
“That means a lot to me.”
“Well, you mean a lot to me. I may not totally agree with the shenanigans you got yourself into, but I support and love you. You better make me the Godmother to that precious baby.”
“Who else could live up to that role?” Rachel giggled.
“True, I sort of like the idea of being Auntie Chelsea…that does have a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
Rachel was happy that Chelsea was finally warming up to everything. Their relationship had been strained since Chelsea’s visit, and she hoped that eventually her friend could make amends with Maggie.
The two continued to chat about various baby names and what the gender would be. Rachel smiled as her world began to fall into place. The tears from earlier had dried, and they were now replaced with laughter, lots of laughter.
Chapter Seventeen
Maggie
Maggie sat next to Rachel, who tapped her foot nervously. Liam had his arm around her, but looked equally sick. She remembered the first time Michael and her gone to her ultrasound, but each appointment after the first was a treat, they could see their baby.
“It’s going to be okay, this is the fun part. Getting to see your little baby is the best thing in the world,” Maggie tried to reassure her friend.
“I know, I’m just worried, what if things are messed up or…”
“Stop, don’t borrow trouble.”
Mary looked up from the magazine she flipped through. “That sounds like something I would say.” She smiled at both Maggie and Rachel. “But Maggie is right, dear. You needn’t worry, things will be just fine. God has a way of making sure.”
A woman dressed in bright blue scrubs ventured out to the waiting room and called for Rachel. Maggie and Mary trailed after Liam and Rachel, they were led to a darkened room, and Rachel was given a gown to dress in.
“I feel sick,” Rachel announced, holding her hand over her mouth. Liam rubbed her back, whispered into ear, and kissed her head.
Maggie remembered the feeling, the nerves and fears of the unknown. “It’s going to be okay, I promise you.” Everyone stepped out for a moment to let Rachel change.
Rachel poked her head outside in record time. “Okay, you guys can come back in.”
The nurse returned with a soft smile and told Rachel to relax. “Sorry, hon, this is a little cold.” She smeared a thick jelly on Rachel’s tanned, flat tummy. The screen on the wall came alive, and instantly a grainy image appeared. Everyone tried desperately to make it out.
“I have to go to the bathroom so bad,” Rachel complained as the nurse rolled the device closer to her pubic bone, pressing hard. Maggie laughed. She knew that pain. They always demanded you come in with a full bladder—pure and utter torture.
A weird mixture of noises filled the room as they waited, holding their breaths for the sound that they all wanted to hear. The nurse’s face
twisted in confusion, her eyes perplexed as she ran the wand over Rachel again.
“Excuse me, I’m going to get the doctor real quick.” The woman hurried out of the room, leaving Rachel and everyone with their mouths gaped open.
“Oh God, something’s wrong.” Rachel started crying, Liam rubbed her arms and kissed her forehead. Mary immediately pulled her rosary out of her purse, bowed her head, and began to pray, her words a whisper as she worked her rosary, running it through her fingers tightly. Maggie felt the room spinning. Could there actually be something wrong? It could change everything. Guilt started to swell inside her heart. She had done nothing but assure Rachel all was fine, when it very well might not be. She closed her eyes and began to pray.
It felt like time was suspended. The only sound that could be heard were Rachel’s muffled sobs.
Moments later the nurse returned. She looked over at Rachel and said, “Oh dear, don’t be upset. Everything’s okay. I’m sorry, it’s just I needed to have Dr. Salinger come in and take a look.”
A woman with an overly large mouth and dark hair in a tight knot on top of her head stood in the doorway. “Hello, I’m Dr. Salinger. You must be Rachel?” She extended her hand. Rachel managed to give the doctor’s hand a weak shake, as did Liam.
“Well, let’s have a look here,” Dr. Salinger said. Her eyes were pretty, a pale blue, shrouded by long black lashes. Maggie didn’t recall if she had met the doctor before, but enjoyed her calm presence. “Okay, nurse, you were right. Rachel, I want you to close your eyes, listen very carefully.”
Maggie watched the panic set into Rachel’s face, and gave her an encouraging smile.
“Rachel, listen, do you hear that?” Dr. Salinger asked, her voice mellow and slow.
A rapid thumping sound emerged. It was dancing with another beat. Mary and Maggie looked at each other, then stared at Rachel and Liam.
Rachel wore a confused frown. “I don’t understand?”
Liam kissed her forehead. “Babe, I think we’re having twins.”
Dr. Salinger nodded. Maggie felt tears of relief stream down her face. The rest of the ultrasound was a daze, everyone still reeling from the shock. One moment they were certain that something was terribly wrong, but a double blessing banished all those fears once they heard those two little heartbeats.
***
The family had gathered around the large wooden table, as per usual for their ritual of sharing Sunday dinners together. Smiles were plastered on everyone’s faces; there was a lot to be thankful for and excited about. Only one face looked sullen—Patrick’s. Maggie kept sneaking glances at him. His mood had been sour the moment he and his sons, Finn and Connor, had arrived.
After dinner was consumed, the children ran outside to play in the backyard. Grandpa Paddy and Pat retired to their favorite spot in the home, the den, where one could always hear a soccer game on and smell sweet tobacco hanging in the air. Daniel excused himself to go and play pool down at Antlers with some good buddies of his. Liam and Rachel remained at the table along with Michael, Patrick, and Maggie. Mary had started a kettle for tea.
Maggie smiled at Rachel and asked, “So, are you still in shock?”
“You have no idea. I called my mom and told her. She was completely surprised.”
“How’s that going? Any better?” Maggie was worried that this news of twins might upset Rachel’s mother even more.
“Actually, she is finally warming up to the idea. She has accepted she is going to be a grandmother, and now plans to be a fabulous one. So we shall see.” Rachel laughed as Liam slipped his arm around her shoulders.
“Well, that’s good, I’m happy to hear she is finally coming around.”
“So, that house, you guys, wow,” Rachel said to both Maggie and Michael.
Michael smiled. “It’s great, isn’t it?”
Rachel’s eyes grew wide. “Um, amazing is more like it.”
Patrick cleared his throat and asked, “Liam, are you guys planning to keep the cabin or buy another home?”
Maggie was glad that he was joining in the conversation. He had been quiet most of the afternoon. She knew he was struggling with everything that was going on; the news of Rachel being pregnant with twins really sideswiped him. That brought things to the surface for sure, and he seemed to carry a worried expression on his brow.
“We are thinking that since Rachel’s lease is up next month, she will move in with me. We love the house, don’t we, babe?” Liam looked at Rachel. Maggie could see the love in his eyes. It made her so happy that he had found love, and with such a great woman. She adored Rachel.
Rachel nodded. “I love Liam’s place, granted, it would be nicer if we were in town. It’s great being so close to work.”
“See, I told you. Being is town is great, you can walk everywhere, be close to work. I tried telling this guy that.” Maggie pointed at Michael and laughed.
“Yeah, and look who won that argument,” Michael replied as he swooped in for a kiss.
Patrick actually had a slight grin on his face. “Yeah, that house is incredible, but Liam’s place is awesome. I love my house. I have the best of both worlds I suppose. I’m right outside of town, but not out in the country.”
“Your house is gorgeous, Patrick,” Rachel commented. She had been invited over there a few times for a movie or pizza with Liam. She also babysat the boys for Patrick one time, and had fallen in love with the house. It was a two-story home, classically beautiful, and charming was an understatement. It still had some of Beth’s touches throughout, but overall it was a man’s house. Rachel hoped that someday Patrick would meet a woman who could bring in that feminine sparkle that she felt every home needed.
“Thanks, we like it.” His tone lacked a lot of light or life to it, but Maggie was thankful that he was even talking to them.
“So Finn and Connor have their birthday coming up soon, right?” Rachel asked. Instantly Maggie’s stomach bottomed out, and she stared at Patrick. His eyes grew dark as he simply nodded.
Maggie tried to give Rachel a signal to indicate that topic might not be a good one to start with. She was thankful when she saw her mother enter the dining room with a tray filled with tea.
“Sorry I took so long, I brought Dad and Grandpa Paddy their tea first, and they insisted on having some shortbread cookies with it.” Mary smiled as she placed the tray on the table, quickly turning around to fetch cups. She returned with several dainty cups dangling from her fingers as she gave one to each of them, and started to pour the steaming hot liquid from the kettle.
Maggie held her cup, savoring the warmth that radiated from the fine china. She inhaled the fragrant scent of the herbal blend. She sipped slowly, the heat scorched her tongue and mouth.
They continued to sit and dine on cookies and sip their tea. The conversation had steered away from anything to do with Patrick, babies, twins, or anything that might upset him. They kept the topic light and general, mainly on the weather and other happenings in town.
“Well, I’d better get the boys home. Thanks again for dinner, Mom,” Patrick said as he grabbed his cup and rose from his seat. He paused and looked at Liam and Rachel. “I’m happy for you guys, but it’s just a little hard, I hope you two understand.”
Rachel frowned sympathetically. Liam got up from his own seat and went to hug his brother, whispering something in his ear that Maggie couldn’t quite make out. They just needed to take things slowly with Patrick. They needed to show him love and support. They would get through it, they were a family, and they stuck together.
***
Rain, lots and lots of crummy rain. Maggie looked outside the window of the shop. Sheets of water fell from the dark gray clouds, and the ground held pools as more splashed down, soaking everything. Maggie held her mug filled with hot tea, a slice of lemon bobbed on the top of the brown liquid’s surface. She could taste the sweetness of the honey she had added, and she watched the sky release its torrent of precipitation as her mind wandered. Mic
hael and her planned on driving to Seattle that weekend to begin the process of putting their home up for sale, and to start organizing everything. Their new home would be closing in a little over a week, and there was still so much to do to prepare. Maggie was excited and a little overwhelmed. If only the awful weather would change back into the glorious sun-filled days that brought light and warmth to Birch Valley. She didn’t care for things being drab and just plain yucky. After she took another sip of her tea, she moved back to her desk. She heard Daniel and Patrick arrive.
“Hey, guys,” Maggie said as she plopped down on her chair.
“Don’t pretend to be working, Mags,” Daniel teased. His hair was wet, and his jacket stuck to him like a second skin.
“Ha Ha, so funny.”
Patrick headed toward his office, his black hair plastered to his head. He gave her a curt wave and nod as he passed. Once he had closed the door, Maggie crinkled her finger at Daniel. “Come here,” she whispered.
Daniel approached slowly. “What’s up?”
“How has Patrick been all day?” She kept the volume of her voice low.
Daniel started taking off his coat, and ran his hand through his rain-soaked hair in an attempt to tame his wild tresses. “I don’t know, pretty quiet. You know the twins’ birthday is coming up, so I’m sure that’s got him a little upset.”
Maggie made a tight-lipped smile and nodded. “You’re right, maybe we can try to do something fun with him to cheer him up?”
“Actually, funny you should say that because us guys are taking him out this Friday. Figure get some beers into him and he might loosen up a bit.”
“That’s a great idea, Daniel.”
“I better go dry off, but don’t worry, Mags, he’ll be okay.”
“I know, he’s made of some pretty tough stuff. I just want him to be happy, that’s all.”
“He will be someday. I got to get out of these wet clothes.” Daniel started towards their shared restroom, where there was a shower and extra towels.
Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) Page 19
