Patrick
“Well, when do you want us there?” Liam asked into his cell phone.
Patrick and Daniel were sitting outside with Liam, as they had just finished breakfast out on Patrick’s deck. It was a relaxing morning as the guys ate slightly overdone scrambled eggs, limp toast, and nearly burnt bacon, all of which was evidence of Daniel’s not-so-great cooking skills.
The day was promising to be gorgeous. Hot, but gorgeous. The sun was already sending a wicked sting of heat down to Birch Valley, and it wasn’t even close to ten in the morning.
“We can be there soon, hon.” Liam looked over at his brothers. “Why, is he there yet?”
Patrick leaned back and took a generous sip of coffee. Daniel was nursing a hangover from the poker game he’d gone to; he and Liam didn’t come back home until after seven that morning. Patrick had slept in. With not having the boys at home, it had been deliciously quiet. He had slept the best he had in months, hell, maybe even years. Dinner with Amber had been incredible, and the food had been incredible too. He couldn’t get the images of her body under him as they twisted together in his bed out of his mind. He could still smell her light fragrance on his pillow that morning. Amber was burrowing her way deep under his skin, and he didn’t quite know what to do about it. Would this fast and hot relationship fizzle and burn out quick? Or was this the start to something more tangible and real? Patrick wasn’t sure, but he enjoyed finding out.
“Hey, guys, we need to head over back to my place soon,” Liam announced as he ended his call.
“So is Ethan over there?” Patrick asked carefully.
“Yeah, I guess so.” Liam looked down.
Patrick knew his brother felt some guilt about the whole Rachel situation. It hadn’t his intent for things to happen so quickly, but he knew for certain that Liam loved Rachel. He himself had doubted the relationship and just figured Liam was just trying to do the right thing by her. Patrick could see past that now; there was something between Rachel and Liam, something deep and real. But it still confused Patrick how people could fall in love so quickly, as he had known Beth almost their entire lives. So it wasn’t a love at first sight type of romance, but one which grew over the course of childhood, then into their teenage years, and finally into adulthood. They were still figuring life out when they got married. Liam’s situation, on the other hand, was more like love at first fight. He remembered how positively irritated his brother had been from the first encounter with Rachel. That had only been a little over seven months ago, and now, here they were on the eve of the wedding, pregnant with twins. Funny, how life worked.
“Well, Daniel and I will be with you. It’ll be okay, man,” Patrick tried to reassure him,
“Yeah, Liam, don’t worry, we got your back,” Daniel added.
Liam sighed. “I just wish it wasn’t like this, you know? It would have been cool just to have met him and not know that he already hates me.”
“You’ve got to see it from his point of view. I mean, his sister has been gone not even eight months, and he’s here to attend her wedding while she’s pregnant by some guy she barely knew for like two months,” Patrick explained. He hated playing devil’s advocate, but he just wanted to point out the facts to Liam.
“Yeah, but look at Mags. I was thinking about this the other day. She kind did the same thing, right?”
“Good point, Liam,” Daniel agreed as he raised his coffee mug.
Patrick gave Daniel a quick glare. “I see where you are going with this, but it’s different because Rachel’s his sister. Don’t think for a minute I was thrilled when I found out about Maggie. She was so young too.” Patrick grimaced at the memory. Granted it had all worked out, but barely. Only a few short months ago, his sister’s marriage was in complete turmoil.
“Yeah, you’re right. I just hate confrontation. Maybe it will go well. Who knows?”
“Sure, that’s not a whole lot of wishful thinking, but let’s go with it,” Patrick teased; sarcasm was something of a gift for him. However, not everyone was so thrilled.
“Well, it’s your funeral, I mean, wedding,” Daniel joked, not to be outdone by Patrick.
Liam growled lightly and said, “It’s now or never. Time to go face the music.”
As they all reluctantly rose from their patio chairs, Patrick said, “Remember, we’ll be there with you.”
***
Rachel
Rachel stood looking at the partial transformation of their property—it was magical. She didn’t think it was possible. But with the help of all the ladies who rallied together, they’d made it beautiful. They weren’t quite done and were waiting for Liam and his brothers to show up. Her stomach crashed in uneven waves at the thought. Ethan was sitting on the deck, casually chatting with the ladies, as they were breaking from all the hard work they had been doing. It was nearly noon, and Mary suggested they grab something for lunch when they went to pick up the final floral arrangements. Typical Mary, always making sure everyone was fed and loved.
She could hear Chelsea’s laugh, even though Rachel stood quite a distance away from the deck. She must be laying it on thick for Ethan. Why did her friend really think there was even a remote possibility of her and Ethan ever getting together?
Rachel viewed the shimmering water of their lake, after she had walked down the small hill that led her away from the deck. She glanced at the altar, a white arbor, which had an arch decorated with lights and flowers. It stood with the promise of what was to come. She stood in the middle of the aisle between the large hay bales, which were draped with white fabric. It really did turn out lovely, just as Mary had promised. An assortment of white flowers, tied with thick red and blue ribbons, were pinned at the end of each row, highlighting the aisle which Rachel would cross tomorrow evening to finally say her vows.
Hearing Chelsea’s voice again, she turned her gaze up toward the deck. As much as she enjoyed staring at where the ceremony was going to take place, she needed to rescue her brother.
“There she is,” Ethan said, a thankful and relieved look on his face once Rachel reached them.
“I was just checking out the set-up for tomorrow,” Rachel commented as she heard the sound of Daniel’s truck pull into the driveway. She peeked at Ethan’s face; there was no hint given, but as he put his sunglasses back on, she prayed that her brother meeting Liam went okay.
Liam climbed out of the passenger side of the truck, and Rachel could sense from his body language he was nervous. He saw her and gave her a weak smile.
Rachel jogged over to him, leaving her brother on the deck. Liam bent down and kissed her cheek. “Good morning.”
“More like good afternoon, mister,” Rachel teased. She could feel how tense Liam’s body was. He inhaled deeply, grabbed Rachel by the hand, and set off for the deck.
Rachel watched her mother and Ethan. They had looked at each other and then back toward Rachel and Liam. Oh, please, Lord, she silently prayed.
Liam released her hand, he extended his right hand to Ethan and said, “I’m Liam O’Brien.” His voice was firm, yet friendly and not intimidating.
“Hello, I’m Ethan Montgomery.” Ethan accepted the hand that was offered to him, but he didn’t get up from his chair to meet Liam. His tone was cool, not much different than how their father acted. This upset Rachel a little; she expected more from her brother.
“You must be Evelyn. It’s really great to finally meet you, both of you, actually,” Liam said as he went to her mother, who rose slowly out of her chair and accepted the hug from Liam.
“Yes. Thank you. This property is quite lovely,” Evelyn added. Rachel watched as her mother grew nervous.
“Why, thank you. We love it here,” Liam responded as he tossed Rachel a hopeful look.
“We have so much to do. Liam, your mom suggested that we grab some stuff for lunch. We have a hungry, hard working crew here,” Rachel shared playfully.
“Leave it to my mother, Mary O’Brien, to feed you. You guys might end up ten p
ounds heavier by the time you leave,” Liam joked. He turned to face Ethan and asked, “Ethan, would you mind helping me grab some things out of the truck?”
Everyone was watching and waiting. Patrick and Daniel were standing by, ready to protect Liam at a moment’s notice.
“Sure.” Ethan got up from chair and followed Liam off the deck. Rachel could hear the whispers as everyone watched the two guys walk away together.
Please let this go well.
***
Liam
“Well, I’m glad you were able to make it up. I know Rachel’s thrilled.” Liam faced Ethan at the back of his brother’s truck. He tried to see past the designer shades; he wanted to get a read on what this guy was thinking. From what Liam could tell, this guy was holding back. He was trying to stay cool, but there was an underlying tension.
Ethan squared his stance as he looked at Liam. “I’m glad too.”
Liam examined him. He looked a lot like Rachel, the same sun-kissed blonde hair, tanned skin, the same slightly upturned nose, and almost flawless features. Ethan stood several inches shorter than Liam; he had an athletic build and had a cocky air about him. Liam wasn’t too impressed.
“Let me be the first one to address what’s happening here,” Liam started. He leaned his arm against the truck casually and told himself, Show no fear. You love Rachel. Liam continued, “I know that this isn’t easy, and I can only imagine what you are thinking. I have a sister, I get it. She did the same exact thing. But she’s happily married to that guy, and I love him like a brother.”
“That’s real nice and all, but Rachel’s my sister. So I can’t stand here and lie to you. I’m not excited about this at all.” Ethan’s body was rigid.
“I know, man. But I hope you believe me when I tell you I love your sister more than I ever thought it was possible to love another human being. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can’t imagine my life without her in it.”
Ethan nodded. “I can see that you seem to love her. I really have no say in the matter anyway. What’s done is done. Time will tell if she made a huge mistake or not.”
Liam grabbed his jaw and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. This guy was not going to make this easy, that’s for sure. “I respect that, Ethan. I really hope that as time goes on, you and I can get to know each other. Maybe even learn to be friends.” Liam paused as he looked over at the deck. He could see Rachel talking to her mother. “You mean the world to Rachel. Trust me, I know how much I care about my siblings. I just want her to be happy and not stressed that you and I are going to come to blows or something awful like that.”
“I’m a little more civilized than that. Again, Liam, time will tell. I just hope Rachel hasn’t ruined her life.” Ethan went to move away from the truck but stopped mid-step. “Do you need me to help carry anything?”
Liam smiled. “Sure.” He knew that they were miles apart from being close friends, but he knew that, as time passed, as Ethan saw that Liam really did cherish Rachel, that there was hope for them to quite possibly become friends, maybe even brothers. He had always been optimistic, even when things seemed like they were impossible. This would prove to be one of those times when his optimism would be put to the test.
Chapter Sixteen
Rachel
The sky was turning a deep shade of purple, the air was warm, and her stomach was threatening to let loose. Rachel sipped on ginger ale as she prepared to walk down the aisle.
“Are you just nervous, dear? Second thoughts?” Evelyn asked as she smoothed the elegant yet simple wedding dress.
Everyone had already taken their seats. Liam was waiting.
“No second thoughts,” Rachel answered. She knew this was what she wanted; it was just the actual act of getting married that was terrifying her at that exact moment.
“You ready?” Ethan asked, offering his arm to her. He looked handsome in his gray suit. There was worry and concern on his face, but he tried to act happy for her sake. Rachel was upset that her father wasn’t in attendance but was thankful that Mary had somehow figured out a way to convince Evelyn to be there.
Rachel nodded and slipped her arm through her brother’s. As they walked together, Rachel tried to absorb every last detail of her special day. As they passed the reception area, she saw the tables all lined up neatly, decorated with festive floral centerpieces on top of white table cloths; twinkling white lights were flickering softly, almost keeping time to the music which was floating in the air. Somehow, they had pulled this off, flowers, cake, the dress, everything. And it was beautiful. Rachel would never think of the Fourth of July as anything else but one of the best days of her life.
Ethan halted at the edge before the aisle. “Are you sure about this?”
“Positive. I have never been more certain,” she replied as she squeezed his hand with her free fingers that weren’t curled around the small bouquet of dyed roses.
“I just want you to be happy.” Ethan’s cornflower blue eyes were moist. That touched Rachel and brought on the sensation of tears, but she tried to blink them away.
“I am happy. Liam makes me happy.”
***
Liam
He saw her standing there with Ethan, glowing with radiant perfection. The gown clung to her figure in a way that was classy and yet stirred desire in Liam. This gorgeous woman was going to be his wife. She was also the mother of their babies. He was going to grow old with her. How did he end up being so lucky?
The wedding march played, and he watched as Rachel seemed to glide toward him. He was standing near the shore, the water and mountains their backdrop for this ceremony. Rachel now stood only a few feet away, and Liam’s heart squeezed tighter in his chest.
They stood facing each other. Ethan promptly handed over his sister, shaking Liam’s hand, his grip firm and more of a warning.
“God, you’re beautiful,” Liam whispered to Rachel. He could see tiny trails of wetness move down her cheeks. He grabbed his handkerchief and wiped them away. “Those are happy tears, right?”
“Very happy tears,” Rachel managed to say.
The exchanging of their vows was a blur, he didn’t know what he had said, he was waiting to hear the final words announced, and with those he pulled Rachel close and kissed her with all the love he had. Cheers erupted from the hay bales where everyone stood. Overhead, several fireworks lit up the darkening sky, reminding them that this was also the Fourth of July. The fireworks continued, blasting over the still lake, which reflected the brilliant red, white, and blue sparks. Liam took hold of Rachel’s hand—his wife’s hand—and led her away.
“Wow, we did it,” Rachel cried. Her eyes were wet as she reached up and kissed Liam. “I love you so much.”
“Not nearly as much as I love you. Remember, I was the one who knew I loved you first, Mrs. O’Brien,” Liam teased as he scooped her into a tight embrace
“Is that so? Well, Mr. O’Brien, I think I loved you all along.”
***
Rachel
“Ah, would you trouble having a dance with this old goat?” Grandpa Paddy asked Rachel as she neared the table he was sitting at with the other O’Brien men. She looked down at him, smiling at his thick accent, and stared into his emerald green eyes, which twinkled with the reflection of the candles.
“I would be honored,” Rachel said as she extended her hand and as Liam assisted the elderly man up from his seat.
“Grandpa Paddy, now remember, she’s mine,” Liam teased.
“Aye, but the ink has not dried yet, my boy.” He grinned at Liam as he walked with Rachel to the makeshift dance floor.
The guys had assembled some plywood and created a fantastic dance floor in the yard, with white lights hung high above, creating a romantic glow as couples swayed to the music.
Rachel rested her head on Grandpa Paddy’s shoulder, and he held her lightly in his arms.
“You’re a vision, lass,” Grandpa Paddy said as they moved gracefully together.
/> “Aww, thank you. You are looking rather handsome yourself tonight.”
Grandpa Paddy laughed. She could tell he was tiring from all the activity, but she cherished this memory of dancing with him. Liam must have sensed his grandfather’s exhaustion and came to relieve him of his dancing duty. “I think I went too long without holding my wife,” Liam said.
“I could do with a rest, but save me another.” Grandpa Paddy left a sweet kiss on her cheek as he hobbled back to his table.
“God, he’s such a dear.”
“I know, I love that man,” Liam replied as he took Rachel into his arms, twirling her and then finally flipping her into a dip. He pulled her up to kiss her.
The night was finally coming to an end as Rachel yawned; her eyes grew heavy as Liam held her close. They’d had the most incredible evening. There’d been food, laughter, dancing, fireworks, and Rachel couldn’t have thought of a more splendid way to celebrate their wedding. To have all these new friends and family members in attendance made Rachel feel like everything had finally fallen into place. She was relieved that it was all over in a sense. The stress of planning the wedding had been rough and tiresome; now they could focus on just being together without the weight of the ceremony looming over them. Granted, they still had two babies to plan for, but that was a ways away still. For now she could breathe again and enjoy being a newlywed. Her, Rachel Montgomery, oops, correction, Rachel O’Brien, was now a married woman. She sure hadn’t seen that coming almost seven months ago.
***
Patrick
He swirled the last of the amber liquid in his glass and watched his brother dance with his new bride. The day had been hard for Patrick, as it broke out many dusty memories that he had kept tucked away in his mind. Memories of his own wedding came rushing back to him. He missed Beth. Patrick watched his boys run around and play with their cousins and other children that had attended the ceremony. Their carefree squeals of delight echoed in the air, which almost irritated him, and only made him feel more guilt as he swallowed the whiskey, burning as it slid down his throat.
Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) Page 16
