Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4)

by Gloria Herrmann

  Chapter Nine

  Maggie

  “I think that looks good there, don’t you?” Maggie asked Amber, who was nailing up a picture in the now fully transformed nursery.

  Rachel sat in the corner on a wide, sliding rocking chair. “It looks so cute in here. Oh, I can’t wait to get started on their room,” Rachel commented as she rubbed her large belly.

  “Thank you both for coming over today and helping me. Now I just need those curtains from Hannah, and it’s all set.”

  “You are really going all out with this theme.” Amber held up a blue, stuffed monkey. “I mean, this is a lot of blue.”

  “Gosh, what if they are wrong, Maggie?” Rachel asked, the sound of slight panic in her voice.

  Maggie hadn’t really considered that. She and Michael were so thrilled at the prospect of having a boy, they’d sort of went a little crazy. They had been buying everything in blue: sheets, blankets, clothes. Just about anything they needed was in some pretty shade of blue. Looking at the room now she could see how she may have went a bit overboard.

  “I mean, blue can be used for a girl too,” Maggie defended as she folded a fuzzy, pastel-blue blanket.

  Amber looked at Rachel. “Well, maybe, if it turns out that it’s a girl, maybe one of Rachel’s will be a boy.”

  “Hey, speaking of which, when are you guys going in for your next ultrasound? You guys wanted to find out the gender, right?” Maggie asked, attempting to redirect the conversation. She didn’t want to think about the possibility of her not having a boy. She rubbed her belly, willing the squirming little baby to be a boy.

  “We go in next week, actually. Liam is super excited to find out. He thinks we are probably having one of each.”

  “What do you think?” Maggie asked, lowering herself onto the carpet to sit. Amber joined her, and they both looked at Rachel. Maggie loved how well the three of them got along, and knowing Patrick’s secret, she couldn’t help but feel a little closer to Amber.

  Rachel sighed. “I don’t know. I had a dream that they were girls, but they each looked so different.”

  “Girls, huh? They say when you dream about the gender that’s what you are having,” Maggie responded. She stretched her legs out in front of her.

  “Nope. I dreamt that Dylan was this gorgeous little girl, but that didn’t quite happen.” Amber laughed.

  “There’s still time,” Maggie said.

  Amber gave her a curious look. “Yeah, that’s doubtful. I mean, it’s not out of the realm of possibility, but I’m getting a little old, and well…” Amber trailed off and looked away. “Oh, never mind.”

  “No. What?” Maggie insisted, poking Amber gently.

  “Nothing.” Amber smiled and started to pick at the carpet.

  “Oh, come on. Spill it. You preggers?” Rachel didn’t beat around the bush.

  Amber shook her head. “No, but not that I’d mind.”

  “So, what then? You’re acting weird.” Rachel moved forward in the rocking chair and rested her hands on her round belly.

  “I think I love Patrick.”

  Maggie couldn’t help but laugh. Did Patrick and Amber think they were concealing some huge secret? Of course they were in love; everyone could see it as clear as day.

  “Why are you laughing?” Amber had an unsure look in her eyes.

  “Nothing. You and Patrick, I swear.” Maggie attempted to get up off the floor. Amber saw her struggling and quickly popped up to help. “Thanks,” Maggie said once she was up.

  “Hey, I heard that Daniel was going over to see Hannah. What’s that all about?” Rachel asked, leaning back in her chair, letting it gently glide. “I need one of these for sure.”

  “I love that chair. When I had Melanie, I’d rock her to sleep and pass out right along with her.” Maggie could remember the long nights she’d spent alone and tired. She shivered at the memory and was thankful that this time around would be different. Michael was a wonderful father; he’d always had the potential to be, but when she’d had Melanie, his priorities were screwed up. That was no longer a problem, however, and as Maggie stood there with her sister-in-law and soon-to-be sister-in-law, she knew Michael was taking Melanie out for ice cream, being the perfect dad.

  “So what’s the deal with Hannah? You guys know anything about this?” Rachel asked again, readjusting her position in her chair, snuggling deeper into it.

  “Well, my mom says that he was going over for breakfast.” Maggie shrugged. She honestly had no idea.

  “Wasn’t Daniel seeing that awful Nina girl?” Amber asked with a scowl.

  “I think that’s over. Isn’t it? But who knows? Maybe that’s why he’s going over there,” Rachel offered with a frown and unhappy stare.

  “Nah, I think we have seen the last of her. Mom says she talked to Daniel, and it sounds like that is dead and buried.”

  “Liam said the same thing after he went fishing with him, but you know how guys are. Especially if they get a taste of something like Nina,” Rachel said, seemingly trying to make a point.

  Maggie knew Rachel could be right, but she just hoped she wasn’t.

  Amber piped in, “Well, I know that Daniel didn’t sleep with her, if that’s what you mean.”

  Maggie felt her mouth open, and Rachel wore a shocked expression. “How do you know?”

  “Patrick, of course. He actually asked Daniel,” Amber replied as she started to straighten a stack of diapers on shelf below the changing table. “He did say that Daniel acted really weird about the entire thing.”

  “I mean, I wouldn’t want to talk to my brother, Ethan, about my sex life with Liam or anyone else,” Rachel explained.

  “Yeah, I know, me neither, but you know how men are.” Maggie folded a tiny onesie, which was a deep navy blue, and added it a pile of freshly laundered clothes. “I’d just like to know what he’s doing with Hannah.”

  “She’s quite sweet. I like her. Would it be so bad if he ended up with her instead?” Amber asked.

  “Yeah, I mean, at least we’d be rid of Nina. Amber’s right. Hannah is lovely, completely the opposite of her sister.”

  Maggie blinked. An idea swarmed in her mind. “It wouldn’t be bad at all. In fact, I think we need to try and help Daniel out.”

  “Oh no, I’m not getting involved. Nope.” Rachel hefted herself out of the chair and waved her hands in defense. “Remember last time? Oh dear, Patrick was furious.”

  “What happened?” Amber’s face lit up with curiosity.

  “Well, as you know, Patrick hadn’t dated since Beth died,” Maggie started to explain.

  “So our girl here thought going behind his back and making him an online dating profile was a foolproof plan.” Rachel gave Maggie a smirk before continuing, “Patrick found out and nearly disowned her.”

  “Oh, wow, really? Hmm, he never mentioned that, just said that you had been in his business. I suppose that’s what he meant,” Amber responded.

  “Well, Patrick is difficult. I mean, no offense. You just declared your love for him, so you probably think he’s like the best thing ever, and he is, to a degree. But I was just trying to help. Daniel, however, is the complete opposite and he would totally appreciate the help,” Maggie said confidently, then looked down at the floor. “I think.”

  Amber and Rachel looked at Maggie as she started to devise a plan. At least she wouldn’t have to go online and search for a girl. They already had found the perfect one for Daniel. They just needed to convince him of that.

  ***

  Patrick

  “You want another beer?” Patrick offered Liam as he got up to get another one for himself. The twins were playing in the yard, and Patrick and Liam enjoyed sitting in the shade. Amber and Rachel were helping Maggie with the baby’s room, and that gave Patrick a lazy afternoon and some much-needed time with Liam.

  “Sure, thanks.”

  Patrick handed him a cold bottle sweating with condensation and took his seat. “So did Daniel or Maggie te
ll you yet?” He wouldn’t be surprised if they had. The excitement and desire to share the news with him would’ve been more than they could bear. He wanted to include Liam as well, but it just so happened he felt the need to make a point right then at the shop. Patrick was touched by how moved his siblings were, and they were beyond happy for him.

  “No, what?” Concern laced Liam’s voice. He sat his beer down on the small patio table between them and eyed Patrick with worry. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. Great, in fact.”

  “Okay, well, that’s a relief. So what’s up?” Liam retrieved his beer and took a swig from the brown bottle.

  Patrick exhaled and got up from his seat again. “I’ll be right back.” He quickly returned with the little velvet box. He dropped it in Liam’s lap as he took his seat and swallowed a cold gulp of beer from his own bottle.

  “Holy crap, are you serious?” Liam was wide eyed as he examined the small box, gingerly prying it open. “Wow, Patrick.”

  “I know.”

  “Man, I never would have guessed you’d rush into something like this. I mean, I know you care about her and you seem so happy now, but marriage?”

  Patrick scowled. Why wasn’t Liam as thrilled as Maggie and Daniel had been? But then it dawned on him how much grief he’d given Liam when he’d wanted to propose to Rachel. He recalled how he’d begged Liam to wait, to reconsider jumping into something so quick. Patrick looked at his stunned brother. “I know what I told you. If anything, Liam, you taught me a great deal. You showed me that sometimes how long you know someone isn’t a factor in happiness.” Patrick took another sip of his beer and continued, “Look at how happy you guys are. You’re about to be a dad, and before you married Rachel, I had never seen you more excited or content. I was wrong.” Patrick looked out into the yard and watched his two sons chase each other.

  “Wrong? Nah, you were just looking out for me,” Liam responded, also looking out at the boys playing. “I have always looked up to you—”

  Patrick laughed, cutting Liam off. “Well, I am, like, a hair taller.”

  “You know what I mean. The way you love your sons and what a great dad you are. I really hope I can be like you.”

  “Liam, you’re going to be an incredible dad, and I’m here if you ever need advice or help—anything.” Patrick didn’t doubt that statement for a moment. His brother was a great guy, always loving and thinking of others. He was an amazing uncle to Finn and Connor. Liam was patient, kind, and, without a doubt, meant to be a father.

  This time Liam let out a laugh. “You just said you were wrong. So, I’m kind of wondering if I should steer clear of your advice from now on.”

  “Take it or leave it, man. Either way, it’s always going to be there for you.” Patrick turned to face Liam. “I’ll always be there for you.”

  ***

  Maggie

  “Mom, we’re home.”

  Maggie turned off the faucet and dried her hands on a nearby dishtowel. “You guys have a good time?”

  Melanie ran to her, wrapping her little arms around Maggie. Melanie kissed Maggie’s belly and whispered something to it, then looked up at Maggie. Looking down at her daughter, Maggie felt her heart swell with love. She smoothed her Melanie’s red hair under her hands. She wondered what her son would look like. She hoped he was every bit as sweet as her daughter.

  “Hi, hon.” Michael kissed her as he walked by. He looked exhausted, but spending the day with a six year old could do that.

  “We had so much fun, Mom.” Melanie started to recount the entire day, sharing every detail, down to what kind of soap the restroom at the ice cream shop had. Maggie went back to washing vegetables in the sink, half listening to Melanie, who now sat on a barstool by the granite countertop.

  “How was your day?” Michael asked, leaning against the kitchen island as Maggie started to work on prepping a salad for dinner.

  Instructing Melanie to grab some more carrots from the fridge, she answered, “Productive. We got a lot sorted in that room.” Maggie turned to face Michael, shaking a bright red bell pepper in her hand as she spoke, “But you know, the girls pointed something out today. What if they ultrasound is wrong? What if it’s not a boy?”

  “It’s a boy, Maggie. Trust me.”

  “Mom, Dad’s right. That’s my little brother in there.” Melanie pointed to Maggie’s overwhelmingly round belly.

  Maggie smiled at Melanie. “Well, it’s just that we pretty much bought everything under the sun in blue.”

  “But, Mom, blue can be for a girl too. It’s my favorite color.”

  “I know, sweetie.” Maggie looked up at Michael, who only shrugged. “It almost makes it harder knowing.” He nodded.

  “I already knew it was a boy, Mom. I can’t wait for Max to be born,” Melanie said with amplified enthusiasm.

  Max—the name Melanie and Michael had decided would be best suited for their new addition. Maggie wasn’t completely sold on the name at first, but the more they tossed it around, the more she got use to the sound of it. They would be telling the family at Sunday dinner tomorrow, and she wondered what their thoughts would be. Maggie had never planned on naming her children something that began with the letter M, but somehow Michael had insisted. He thought it was the coolest thing, stating that no matter what, they’d all at least have one thing in common. Maggie thought it made them a little weird, but she loved the name Melanie and couldn’t imagine her precious daughter being named anything else. Picking out the perfect baby name was so difficult. She remembered scouring through books and going online to find one that was just right. Then, one evening, as she and Michael were laying in bed, he said the name. Maggie had instantly known that it was the one.

  She smiled at that memory of a magical time when they are pregnant with their first. Maggie looked over at Melanie, who was digging in the fridge for the carrots. It was Melanie who had first thought of the name Max. Michael had quickly agreed it was brilliant, so now they were on the countdown to meet Max. Maybe they’d let her pick the middle name.

  ***

  Liam

  “I’m home,” Liam called out once he got inside the cabin. He could smell a scent candle burning, but he paused to listen for Rachel. His home was eerily quiet. “Rachel?”

  Starting to grow concerned, Liam walked to the kitchen. No light was on, and nothing was being cooked for dinner. He couldn’t help but think that was strange. He headed down the hallway toward their bedroom and called out again, “Rachel?” He paused and opened the door to what would be the nursery room. She wasn’t there either. Now he was getting worried, moving a little faster by the time he reached their bedroom door. There she was, inside their bedroom.

  The room smelled of flowers, light and delicate, like the naked woman laying asleep on their bed. The candlelight flickered and cast a romantic glow. Liam moved in quietly as to not disturb her. She had made this effort for him, and it touched him. He slid slowly next to her on the bed, viewing her in all her unclothed beauty. He couldn’t stop himself from touching her, running his finger along her soft skin. He began to trace along her body, starting with the soft curve of her cheek. He smoothed his thumb along her velvety lips. The temptation to kiss her stirred inside him. Liam let his fingers roam down her shoulder, brushing the full swell of her breasts, pausing at her nipples, moving his thumb against them, bringing them to life. Rachel started to wake. She gave him a sleepy smile as her eyes fluttered open.

  “You’re home.”

  “I am.” He bent down and gingerly placed his lips on hers. He continued to explore her body with his hands, pulling her closer to him.

  Liam heard her moan under his kiss. He deepened it and began to feel pent-up urgency course through him.

  She latched her naked calf over his leg and nipped at his bottom lip. “I’m glad,” Rachel whispered as she looped her arms around his neck, tucking in beside him, eliminating any free space between them.

  They stayed there, relishing the wa
rmth of being near each other. Rachel licked his neck, biting gently, her hands doing their own exploring. Her touch was driving him crazy. In a fluid motion and with incredible speed, he shed his clothes, needing to be naked along with his wife. God, how he had missed this. Fear and worry had prevented him from making love to her over the last several weeks. Liam didn’t want to do anything that could hurt her or their babies, but the need burned through him, and apparently Rachel too as she moaned again, this time a little louder.

  “God, Liam.” Rachel hissed as she splayed her hands against his chest as she mounted him with ease.

  Gripping her hips, anchoring her to him, he let Rachel choose their pace. As she picked up speed, crying out in sheer ecstasy, he almost lost control. He caught sight of the vision above him as the candlelight washed over her skin, illuminating all the feminine curves and softened lines of her full pregnant body. Liam cherished the moment, capturing a mental picture he hoped to save forever in his mind. This beautiful creature, who he desired in so many ways, was not only his gorgeous wife, but was also the mother of their children.

  ***

  Daniel

  Daniel held Hannah’s hand as they stood on the porch of her home. The early evening light was muted, and the skies were turning a bruised shade of purple. They had just returned from the day they had spent together.

  “I had a wonderful time with you, Daniel.”

  He looked up at her and didn’t want this moment to end. Their date had been the best Daniel had ever been on—even with the unexpected landing in the water, which had only ended in laughter and explosive kissing. He wished there were more hours in the day. He needed to spend more time with Hannah.