“Okay, so this is big, then? Like, ‘it’s the end of the war, and now you can go and see if you can recapture the magic from last week’ type of big?”
“Yes. Wait, no. I mean, yes, it’s a big deal, and no, I don’t want to recapture the magic. I just think this is a step in the right direction for us to be able to coexist at work now.”
“Rachel, you do understand why he turned those in and did the paperweight thing, right? It’s not really my idea of a great gift from a lover, but he obviously has lost his heart to you.”
“First off, we are not lovers,” Rachel defended.
“Nope, you are. I’m afraid that what went on a week ago between you is what would define a lover, and it sounds like he’s an amazing one at that,” Chelsea rebutted, sounding quite pleased with herself.
“You are impossible, you realize that?” Rachel fought back a laugh. She felt warm every time she had to defend herself against the word lovers. Her body agreed with Chelsea but her stubborn brain refused to.
“But you love me.”
“I do, but for the record, Liam and I are not lovers. And I know he may have ulterior motives for turning those reports in, but I’m thankful he did.”
“Well, I will drop this for now, but it’s totally a ‘to be continued’ conversation, just so you know. I have yoga and need to head out.”
“You going to go out with the instructor again?” Rachel said playfully.
“First off, he’s an instructor, and secondly, he has a man-bun thing going on, Rachel. Not too sure I’m into this whole man-bun hairstyle. I don’t think I like a guy having better-looking hair than me. He actually suggested I needed to switch my hair products, can you believe that?” Chelsea laughed.
Rachel couldn’t imagine anyone having nicer hair than Chelsea, and considering how much she spent to make it look fabulous, she could picture how insulted her friend must have been. Then she thought about Liam’s slightly shaggy hair. She had a difficult time seeing him wearing it long and in a bun. He wasn’t that type of guy. Running her fingers through her own pixie cut, she realized she was way overdue for a trim. It was also getting a little shaggy.
After saying good-bye, she hung up with Chelsea and double-checked her list before paying, feeling lighter and happier after her chat. She was now ready to go home and bake.
***
On Friday night, Rachel entered the cafeteria with an armload of muffins, and Liam instantly jogged up to her.
“Here, let me help you,” he said as he grabbed several trays from her hands. “These smell great—and very familiar.” A boyish grin replaced the sexy one he had given her as he walked over.
“Thanks. I’m sure you are pretty familiar with that recipe. I hope I did hers justice,” Rachel said, following Liam to a partially filled tabletop to set the remainder of her trays down.
“I’m sure they’re great.”
Megan sauntered up to Liam, carrying a colorful tray of cupcakes frosted with a baker’s precision and decorated with the touch of an artist.
“Excuse me, Rachel,” Megan’s voice oozed sugary-sweet desire as she pushed past her. “Liam, could you help me carry these?”
Rachel watched as Liam assisted Megan, unable to help feeling more than a bit annoyed that he was helping her. After talking to Chelsea the evening before and then working so hard on Liam’s mother’s recipe, Rachel felt almost territorial toward him.
She was lost in thought when Karen came up to her with a large smile on her face.
“So is it true?”
Rachel’s brow furrowed with confusion. “Is what true?”
Still smiling from ear to ear, Karen said, “I think it’s so sweet.”
Now Rachel got it. “Oh, with Liam and the reports.”
“Oh goodness, no, not that. Even though that was also very good of him, and sweet I suppose. I’m referring to what you baked.” Karen’s soft-lined face seem to be glowing.
“The muffins.”
“Not just any muffins, my dear, but Mary’s. I spoke with Liam a couple of minutes ago. It really touched him that you made those. Everyone is raving about them too. Several have already sold.”
“Wow, I didn’t even think I could replicate her amazing muffins. It’s the first thing I actually learned how to bake, thanks to Mary.”
“Well, good job, Rachel. They turned out fantastic.” Karen patted her shoulder, then went to help a parent who was flagging her down.
Rachel decided to go by each table and check in with the staff to see how things were shaping up. Along the way, she noticed the stacks of various cakes, pies, cookies, and treats on many of the tables had dwindling down to near nothing The cafeteria was filled with so many people that Rachel was sure they’d raise a decent amount of money to buy new books for the library and have one heck of Dr. Seuss party this year.
***
Liam
Liam stood guard at a long table as he watched Rachel working the room, chatting to teachers, parents, and students alike. She gave each person her undivided attention as well as her warm, kind smile. He felt proud to have her representing the school.
“She really seems to be in her element,” Mary commented.
Liam turned to her. “Yeah, I think so too.”
“All of my lemon bars are gone. I should really have brought extra. I didn’t think they would go this quick.”
“I’m not surprised in the least.” Liam embraced his mother. “Did you see what Rachel brought in for the sale?”
“No, I didn’t.” Her eyes grew wide.
“Well, let’s go see if they are still at that table over there,” Liam suggested as he guided her through the small sea of people.
As they arrived at the table near the entrance, Liam searched for one of Rachel’s trays, then pointed it out to his mother. Only a few muffins, which Rachel had made in several different flavors, were left now. A small place card with the words Mary’s Muffins written in an elegant font stood beside the remaining ones.
Mary clutched her chest, beaming with pride. “Oh my, she made them.”
Joy spread through Liam at the sight of Mary’s smile, which was quickly killed as Megan approached.
“Mrs. O’Brien! How lovely to see you. I have to say, your lemon bars looked amazing,” Megan rambled as she devoured Liam with her eyes.
Mary seemed to have been caught off guard as well. “Why, thank you, dear. What did you bring? Something lovely, I’m sure.” She patted Megan lightly on her arm.
Liam pressed lightly on his mother’s elbow to steer her away, and Megan began engaging in a little game of tug of war with him.
“I’d love to show you what I brought, if there are any left, of course,” Megan said sweetly.
“Well, then, let’s go have a look,” Mary agreed politely.
Liam was always amazed at his mother’s patience and kindness. He spotted Rachel and noticed her gaze dart away quickly. He would much rather be with her instead of having to play nice with Megan.
Mary excused herself after being shown the cupcakes Megan had made, complimenting her more times than necessary in order to escape. As soon as she had, she looked up at her son. “Where do you suppose Rachel might be? I would love to talk with her.”
Liam smiled. His thoughts exactly.
Chapter Eighteen
Rachel
The bake sale had been an enormous success. Rachel was surprised by the amount of townspeople who had come out to support the school. She still couldn’t get over the overwhelming sense of community and caring in these people. In the beginning, she had felt like an outsider, but now she had been wrapped tightly in the fold. So many people wanted to talk to her, and their words were encouraging and full of praise and hopes for the future. Rachel wasn’t experiencing much doubt about belonging there now, aside from the uncomfortable awkwardness with Liam, and even that was starting to dissipate slowly—very slowly. Now, instead of wanting to run and hide when she heard the sound of his voice or caught a whiff of
his spicy cologne, she longed to be near him, to maybe even touch him again. Seeing him interact with Megan only made her want him more. The sight of him acting tenderly toward another woman and the mere thought of him being with someone else brought out a sense of jealousy she hadn’t experienced before. She had left the bake sale more confused than ever.
Rachel sat at her kitchen table, looking out into her backyard as thoughts swirled in her mind. Could she be in a relationship with Liam? How would that translate to their working relationship? What if things got serious, or if they didn’t work out? As she breathed in the rich aroma of her coffee and sipped it, feeling the warmth travel down her throat, someone knocked at her door.
She set her cup down and got up instantly, curious about who was there. She wasn’t used to getting visitors. Maybe Sue-Ellen needed help, she thought. But as she glanced through the window, she saw Mary O’Brien on her doorstep, swaddled in a thick, green wool coat. A heavy, gray, knitted cap covered her curly, auburn hair.
Rachel smiled as she opened the door. “Mary, what a nice surprise.”
“Good morning, Rachel. I am so sorry to drop by unannounced.”
Rachel waved her hand to stop her from apologizing. “Mary, no need. I’m happy to see you. You’re welcome anytime.” Rachel smiled as she reached out to her. “Please come on in. I just made coffee. Join me for a cup.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Mary said softly as she crossed the threshold and followed Rachel to the kitchen, where she took her coat off and planted herself at the table. “Wow, this place is so pretty, Rachel. You have really turned it into something quite lovely, dear. I remember when Bob lived here. He was the nicest man, but it never looked like this.”
“Oh, thank you. Do you take anything in your coffee?” Rachel asked as she busied herself refreshing her own mug and taking out another one for Mary. “And would you care for a muffin?”
“A wee bit of sugar and cream, if you have it, dear,” Mary answered as her eyes lit up. “And would that be one of the muffins you made for the bake sale, by chance?”
“Why, yes, it is.” Rachel laughed. “Now don’t be too critical. They are hardly as amazing as yours, but they aren’t half-bad, considering it’s my first shot at baking them. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me.”
“I was happy to, just like when we made that pie when your pipes froze. I love having you in my kitchen. I enjoy our time together.”
Rachel gave Mary her coffee and placed a plate with a couple of muffins in the center of the table before sitting down.
“Why, thank you, these look delicious. Coffee is splendid too. Just the pick-me-up I was needing.” Mary closed her eyes and seemed to savor the strong caffeine as she sipped.
“I didn’t see you last night, Mary. I heard you brought in some lemon bars, but I never got a chance to see them, and they were already gone before I could purchase one. No surprise there.”
“I’d be more than happy to bring you some. I didn’t stay too long. I tried looking for you as well, but it was such a full house. I’m happy so many people turned out for it. You guys probably made a decent amount for the Dr. Seuss party,” Mary added before sipping slowly at her mug again.
“Why, yes. Karen was thrilled with what we brought in. She says it has to be a record. She teased that I was the draw.” Rachel rolled her eyes and swatted her overgrown bangs away. She was in need of trim and needed to see who did hair in town. Maybe Mary could suggest someone.
“Well, you have to realize Mr. Anderson was the principal for years, so now that we’ve got some new blood in that school, of course you’re going to be quite an attraction. Everyone really seems to like you, though, Rachel. I hope you see that.” Mary patted her hand.
Rachel smiled and blushed slightly. “Thank you. I like everyone so much. They were all so kind and genuine.”
“Do you find you’re making many friends?” Mary inquired as she broke off a piece of her muffin. “Oh my, this is wonderful. You nailed the recipe. I think it might be better than mine.”
“You are too kind, Mary, but trust me, yours are better.” Rachel smiled. “Maggie’s great. I feel like her and I have so many things in common. She mentioned she might be heading out here in a week or so.”
“She thinks the world of you too. I’m so glad the two of you are friends now.”
“Me too. I really can’t wait to see her again.”
“Yes, and that’s actually why I stopped by,” Mary said. “I was going to talk to you last night, but like I said, I couldn’t find you anywhere. Our family goes on this little outing every year where we go moose watching. I wanted to see if you would like to join us. It’s just a simple camping trip, only a couple nights. We have a few motor homes, so we don’t have to rough it too bad.”
Rachel paused for a moment. She had never seen a moose before and had no idea there were any in this area. At first thought, the prospect of joining the O’Brien family for a trip sounded like fun, but then she considered seeing Liam. Could she handle an overnight trip with him? She wasn’t so sure.
“How neat! So where do you go to see these moose?”
Mary told Rachel about the various mountain locations and some of the campgrounds that were home to many different kinds of wildlife. She added that their trip was sort of the O’Briens’ kickoff for spring, now that the snow was turning into rain and the weather was warming up slightly. She also described how her family spent their time together by playing games, keeping warm with hot chocolate, and making wonderful memories. She wanted to include Rachel so she could see more of Birch Valley and experience the outdoors.
It sounded like a lot of fun, and Rachel decided she couldn’t disappoint Mary. She also wanted to try something different, and going to see moose was way different than anything she had ever done. Besides, this would give her the opportunity to see Maggie and meet her husband. A large part of her also jumped for joy at the idea of being alone with Liam inside a motor home, cuddling with a cup of hot chocolate. Another part of her was completely terrified. She couldn’t trust herself around that man.
After finishing her coffee, Mary excused herself and said she would call Rachel later to set up the details of the trip. When they hugged, Rachel squeezed Mary tightly. She really appreciated how thoughtful and sweet Liam’s mother was and wished this was the kind of mother she had. A thought struck her then. Mary would be the type of mother-in-law she could have if she and Liam married. The thought of marrying Liam should have scared her, but it actually brought a smile to her lips.
***
Liam
Liam was washing the last dish when his phone rang. After drying his hands on the back of his jeans, he answered. “Hello?”
“Good morning, son.”
“Hi, Mom,” Liam said as he leaned against his counter.
“I was calling to check in with my handsome son. I stopped by Rachel’s this morning and shared a lovely muffin and cup of coffee with her,” Mary said. “I have to say, she really has that home looking quite nice.”
“Yeah, I saw it when her pipes froze. So you had coffee with her?”
“Yes, and a muffin. Those were delicious, by the way.”
“So why did you go over there, Mom?”
“Because we never got a chance to visit with her last night.”
“I see. What did you guys talk about?” Liam inquired, his curiosity running wild.
Mary sighed. “It wasn’t about you, dear, if that’s what has you worried. I had a nice chat with her, just catching up, really, and we got to talking about Maggie and their friendship. I thought how great it’d be if she joined us for our little moose-watching adventure.”
Liam swallowed, almost choking. “You invited her to go with us?”
“Well, yes. I thought it’s probably something she’s never done.”
“What was her reaction? Did she want to go?”
“Sweetheart, she seemed really excited about the idea. I think at first she might have seemed a tad
unsure, but I suppose that may have had something to do with you two,” Mary said lightly.
“It might.” Liam couldn’t help but feel a little anxious about the trip. He was thrilled Rachel was going, but he was more than a little surprised she’d agreed.
“I think it’ll be good for you guys,” Mary added. “Besides, Maggie’ll be there. Rachel and her get along so well, and it will be wonderful to have everyone all together. Your father and Grandpa Paddy thought it was very nice that I invited her.”
“I appreciate you inviting her, Mom. That was kind of you. I guess I just didn’t expect her to want to go.”
“Well, she is, and I want you to try and work out whatever mess you got yourself into with her. I really like her, Liam. And if my mother’s intuition tells me anything, I think you do too.”
“I do, Mom. A lot,” Liam admitted.
“I know you do, son.”
***
Rachel
Rachel was reading when her phone rang, though she had been having a hard time concentrating on the words of her romance novel. Her mind kept wandering to the upcoming trip with the O’Briens.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hey, I was out getting lunch by the pier and thought of you.” Chelsea sounded sad.
“Ah, I would’ve loved to have had lunch with you there today,” Rachel said. “But I did have an unexpected visit today.”
“Really? Who stopped by, Liam?”
“No, his mother, actually. She came over, and we had coffee and chatted for a bit. Then she invited me on this family camping trip they take to go see moose.”
“Moose? You guys have those up there?” Chelsea asked in horror.
Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) Page 21
