“God, it’s hot here. Thought you said this place was cold?” Ethan scowled and wiped a small bead of sweat from his forehead.
“Well, it is cold, like in the winter and spring, but they all say it’s unusually warm for this time of the year. We are actually in the midst of a heatwave.” Rachel popped her trunk and let Ethan put his baggage inside. They both got into the car, and Rachel carefully pulled away and left the airport.
“So this is Washington, huh?” Ethan asked once they were headed eastbound on the I-90 and headed into the heart of Spokane.
“Yep, what do you think so far?” Rachel asked. Not that it mattered much, but she was curious what her brother’s opinion would be of the area. She had tried to gauge his reaction by watching his face. His darn sunglasses didn’t let her see his true feelings.
“Well, the traffic isn’t bad.”
Rachel was hoping for a little more of an answer as she merged toward the Division Street exit. “I know, I was really surprised the first time I drove on this freeway.”
“Yeah, so that’s cool. How close are we to your place?”
“You hungry? I thought we could grab something to eat. We still have like over an hour drive home.”
“I could eat, I guess. I could really use a drink, though.” There it was. Rachel knew that he had acted slightly cool. He was probably worried about meeting Liam. She had been fearing their meeting all morning. It was now early afternoon, and those feelings had only wound up tighter inside of her. Rachel prayed that her brother didn’t come at Liam, guns blazing, mouth running, and saying things he might regret. She hoped Liam could see her brother’s position. They had talked about it several times, and he reassured her that he would listen to whatever Ethan had to say and that most likely they’d end up buddies by the end of it all. Ethan didn’t really have buddies. He was more of a lone wolf. That’s what made him excellent at being an ER trauma doctor. He was cool, calculated, he handled pressure with ease, and he knew how to lead. But he didn’t bother with feelings; he always teased that they got in the way.
Rachel drove toward the red light. “What do you feel like eating? And drinking?”
“More drinking, less eating. So you figure out what you want to eat,” he answered, his head turned toward the window. He was quietly taking in the scenery, or at least that was what she hoped he was doing. His body language didn’t give off the impression that he was terribly upset, but she never knew with Ethan.
She spied a fun looking bar with outdoor seating. The brightly colored umbrellas appealed to Rachel, so she slowly drifted over and tried to locate a spot near the bar.
“How about this?” she asked Ethan once she finally parked.
“Yeah, this works.”
Once they rounded the corner from where they had to park, they walked into the entrance of the bar. It was bright and a little noisy, considering it was mid week and early afternoon.
Rachel watched as Ethan removed his sunglasses. He surveyed the room, getting a lay of the land. A cute blonde practically ran up to him and offered to seat them. The hostess completely ignored Rachel; it was as if she was invisible. She led them outside to a fairly open seating area after Ethan requested the best table they had. The patio had several tables and even an outdoor bar. The atmosphere was far different than inside; it was relaxing with the small fountain and plant arrangements, and you couldn’t quite hear the traffic. There was even a peek-a-boo view of the Spokane River. Then with the large overhead canopy providing just enough shade from the blistering sun, it was perfect and could rival any of their favorite bars in California.
The petite blonde stumbled over her words as she asked Ethan if there was anything he wanted to drink. He threw on the charm, ordered his drink, and asked for water for Rachel. He winked at the hostess as she hurried away.
“Gosh, this is why going out to dinner with you was always so frustrating.”
“Oh come on, she seemed nice,” Ethan said, smiling as he avoided Rachel’s stare and looked over the menu. “You want like a meal or just something light?”
“Ethan, I’m pregnant with twins. I need food,” Rachel joked and then watched his face drop, the smile completely removed.
“About that…”
Rachel put her hand up. “I know. But first, I need you to remember a couple things. One, I’m in my thirties, two, it’s not all Liam’s doing.”
“Well, he sure had a big part in it, if you want to know my opinion.” Ethan played with his sunglasses on the table.
“I know, but I am just as responsible for the whole thing as he is.”
“Rachel, does he have a sister?”
Rachel tilted her head in confusion. She was trying to follow what he was getting at. Of course, she understood that he was a little upset, but she was a grown woman, not some teenager. Granted, she didn’t act like a sound-minded, mature adult when she had wound up in the predicament. “Yes, Maggie is Liam’s sister. Why?”
The waitress carried a tray with their drinks and set the beverages on the table in front of them. Ethan gave her a grin and another wink. He turned back to Rachel, all his playfulness gone. He grabbed his glass and took a long drink. “If he has a sister, he knows full well what to expect when I meet him.”
Chapter Fourteen
Patrick
“So, are you a little nervous to be meeting Ethan?” Patrick asked as he drove. Liam was seated next to him, a pained expression on his face.
Liam shrugged. “I don’t know. I hope we get along.”
“Man, you got his sister knocked up within like two months of knowing her.”
“Thanks for pointing that out, Patrick.” Liam looked away, out the window.
They were headed to the diner for lunch; Patrick had tried to convince Liam for them to eat at Antlers, Steve-O’s, really anywhere other than Herrick’s. He had partially mended things with Amber the other night, but he wasn’t in the mood today. The boys had been difficult earlier that morning when Patrick dropped them off with his mother. They probably sensed the anxiety and wild energy that was buzzing with all the wedding preparations. Liam offered to help out at the shop if Patrick bought lunch. Daniel was out at the Belsky farm. He’d claimed he wasn’t hungry when they all decided to break for lunch. Patrick knew very well that Daniel wouldn’t pass up a meal, but obviously he wasn’t about to miss out on entertaining a beautiful Russian girl either.
“But I love his sister, and hopefully he will be able to see that,” Liam said.
They arrived at Herrick’s, which was busy as usual. The parking lot was filled with trucks and cars, even a couple Harleys from bikers passing through, which was fairly common during this time of the year, with the beautiful scenic highways. Who could resist a cruise? Patrick located an empty spot and parked the work truck. He hesitated briefly. He wasn’t so sure he wanted to go inside. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see Amber. He really liked being around her; it was just that he didn’t want anyone, especially anyone that was an O’Brien, to get wind that he and Amber might be a little closer.
“What’s up, Patrick? You seem weird,” Liam asked as they both got out of the truck and started for the front entrance of the diner.
“Nothing.” Then he saw Amber, her smiling face looked up at him the moment they crossed the threshold. That damn bell had alerted her to his presence.
Liam led the way to a couple of bar stools that were available by the counter. Amber stood behind the counter, but she turned her attention back to the elderly customer she had been chatting with. Patrick soaked her in from a distance; her dark hair was tied back and gave her a youthful look, she was wearing jean Capris that showcased her legs nicely, and he couldn’t help but notice the how the dark green shirt made her eyes bright, more green than their usual blue. Her eyes were darting between the two brothers. Patrick knew he needed to say something or else he’d be in trouble with her again. She walked over and stood in front of them, as if daring Patrick to make the first move.
; Liam was unaware of the silent battle that they were engaging in; he was too busy viewing the menu.
“Liam, have you met Amber yet? She just moved back a little while ago,” Patrick stated. Liam looked up at her and gave her a kind smile.
“Didn’t we go to school together?” He wore a confused scowl as he tried to place Amber’s face.
“Yes, we did,” Amber answered. She tossed Patrick a sultry look. He knew he was going to be rewarded later.
Liam and Patrick ordered their lunch, and Amber spent her attention on other customers, giving Patrick the space she knew he needed.
Patrick’s eyes had followed everywhere Amber had been; he watched her head into the kitchen, he saw her wait tables, and he heard the many customers laugh as they spoke with her. She had a way with people; they just couldn’t help but fall in love with her.
They ate their hamburgers, chatted about the upcoming wedding and a little more about Rachel’s brother. When there were only a couple of fries left and partial bite of burger left, Liam excused himself to use visit the restroom.
Amber saw Liam get up and seized this moment to talk to Patrick.
“Hey, you. How was the burger?” She stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.
“It was great. But I’m still hungry.” Patrick grinned at her, then licked his lips.
Amber bent over the counter and shot a look from one side then the other, then she quickly kissed Patrick. “Want to get together tonight?”
“Yes.” Patrick swallowed. He felt his body responding to her daring sassiness.
“How about dinner? I’ll cook for you,” he offered, craning her neck to see if Liam was headed back yet.
“Yeah, I’ll see if Maggie or my mom can watch the boys for me.”
“You know, I don’t mind them being there.”
Patrick shook his head. “Not yet, they would have too many questions, and God knows they would run and tell their grandma.”
“It’s fine, I understand.” Her voice grew quiet.
Patrick didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but he still wasn’t quite sure what they were doing yet. He had been plagued with another terrible dream about Beth just the night before.
“Hey, you almost ready to get back?” Liam had returned. He fished out several dollars from his wallet to leave on the counter.
“Yeah, we’d better get back. Didn’t you mention that you and Daniel are going out tonight?”
“Yeah, his buddies wanted to play poker. You want in on the game?”
“Nah, I’m good. I need to call Mom and see if she can take the boys tonight,” Patrick mentioned as they walked away from the counter.
Liam paused and called out, “Good seeing you again, Amber.”
They went through the door, the distinctive chime of the bell signaling their departure.
“Why do you need Mom to watch the kids?” Liam questioned as they got into the truck.
Patrick walked around to the driver’s side. He could kick himself for slipping up. He hadn’t meant to say anything; he just wondered how much longer he could keep Amber a secret.
Once he slid inside the cab of the truck, Liam glared at him. “So why do you need Mom to watch the boys?” he asked again.
“Oh, uh…I was going to go grocery shopping and stuff.”
“Patrick, I’ve been staying with you for over a week. We just went to the store and loaded up on stuff. Come on, what’s going on? You’ve been acting weird, even for you,” Liam teased.
As they pulled out of their spot, Patrick considered what his brother was saying. Had he been acting weird or different? He had been trying desperately to appear as normal as possible, but it was hard when he felt so happy. That was a strange thought; he was actually starting to feel something, and that it would be happiness of all things. But that was the effect that she had on him; she made him laugh, she understood what he was going through, and their chemistry, well, that was unreal and unlike anything he’d ever experienced, even with Beth. That guilt laden thought pierced his belly like a knife.
Patrick knew that if there was anyone in the family he could open up to, it was Liam. He never was one to let out a secret, and he really didn’t badger or try to pry into anyone’s life. Patrick respected that his brother was pretty much the only O’Brien besides himself that left well enough alone.
They drove down the quiet streets back to the shop. Children were riding their bikes and mothers were pushing strollers. With the weather being warm with a touch of a breeze, the people of Birch Valley wanted to be out in it. Patrick gripped the wheel tighter and said, “Well, here’s the thing…”
Now he had Liam’s attention.
***
Amber
Well, she was certainly glad that Patrick acted the right way this time. Maybe he truly was sorry. Either way, his simple act of introducing her to his brother had made a dent in the tension between them. As she scrubbed the pots in the back sink, she heard her mother round the corner. They were almost closed for the day, and the cook who had been helping out was busy cleaning the grill, his back to Amber.
“Sweetie, here are a couple more.” Lynn placed several dirty dishes to the side of Amber.
“No problem,” Amber said as she reached for a food-encrusted plate, slipping it into the hot, soapy water.
“So I noticed Patrick was in here earlier.”
“Yes, he was.” Amber knew what her mother was getting at. She didn’t want another lecture. Lynn had made it perfectly well known that she didn’t care for how Patrick acted and that Amber shouldn’t waste her time. “Mom, remember, Patrick and I talked the other night. He was wonderful today. He introduced me to Liam.”
“Here’s the thing, dear. Don’t think that Patrick’s the only fish in the sea. There are plenty of wonderful men out there.”
“Mom, this area is more like a lake than an ocean, so pretty slim pickings here. Besides, I really like Patrick.” Amber let out a happy sigh.
Lynn put her hand on Amber’s shoulder. “I know that he’s gorgeous, hon. I’m not blind. I can very well see why you are attracted to him. I just don’t want you allowing any man, no matter how damn good looking, to treat you like you aren’t important.”
“I know, Mom.” Amber turned and kissed her mother on the cheek. “I appreciate you having my best interests at heart.”
***
Patrick
“So you don’t mind watching them? I really appreciate it, Mags,” Patrick said on the phone. He had found out that his mother had a book club meeting that evening and wouldn’t be able to watch the twins. She had offered to cancel, but Patrick didn’t want her to suspect that him going grocery shopping wasn’t what he was really doing.
“No, it’s fine. You going to go play poker after all?” Maggie asked.
Patrick swallowed as he felt the lie leave his lips. “Yeah, I figure I might go check it out.”
“Well, good, you really should. Michael and I are going to order pizza and watch a movie with the kids. I’m feeling like ice cream sundaes too.”
Of course she was, she was pregnant after all. “You want any pickles with that sundae?”
“Eeeww, gross. I don’t like pickles normally. They’re not going anywhere near my ice cream.”
“Well, I appreciate you looking after them,” Patrick said again.
“I love getting to watch them. Besides, Melanie is thrilled. So it’s like a slumber party for her.”
“Good, I’m glad.” He didn’t realize the boys would be staying over at his sister’s house. Now he planned to make full use of his night of freedom. That stab of guilt jabbed him as he listened to Maggie talk.
“Besides we all are getting together tomorrow, lots of last-minute stuff going on. Mom is going to do a little brunch shower for Rachel, then we have the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night. Has Liam met with her brother yet? He flew in today, right? Where is he staying at?” Maggie bombarded him with tons of questions.
“You know, I really
don’t know. Liam was helping out at the Belsky place with me and Daniel this morning.”
“So when are you dropping off my munchkin nephews?” Maggie’s voice turned sugary sweet. She adored Finn and Connor and tried to spend as much time with them as possible since she left Seattle. This was how he had always pictured it would be, except there was a vital piece missing—Beth. He quickly pushed the thought out of his mind.
“I’ll swing by in like twenty minutes or so?”
“That works, see you when you get here.” Maggie hung up, and Patrick went to pack an overnight bag for Finn and Connor.
The two boys were rolling toy cars on a carpet that had several streets and a track embroidered on it. Patrick walked in to hear a lot of vrooming and tires screeching.
“Hey guys, Aunt Maggie is going to have you over for a sleepover,” Patrick explained.
“Yay!” they both shouted in unison.
“She even told me a little secret.”
Their blue eyes grew large with anticipation. “What, Daddy?” Connor asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
“Daddy, tell us,” Finn begged.
“Okay, but you didn’t hear this from me. But Aunt Maggie is making ice cream sundaes.”
“Yay!” they shouted again and then started rolling on the carpet, attempting to do somersaults.
Patrick laughed and joined them on the floor, where they quickly pounced on him. God, he loved being a dad.
***
Amber
“Are you sure you don’t need me to stay?” Amber asked Dylan.
“No, I’m fine, Mom,” Dylan replied with more attitude than Amber would have liked. When she came home from the diner, Dylan was acting every bit the hormonal pre-teen boy you would expect. She still struggled to find her footing with this new phase in parenting.
Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) Page 14