“She being good for you?”
Hannah had to catch her breath and plead for her heart to slow down as it hammered against her chest. “Dad, I didn’t hear you come in.” Hannah stroked the goat she was milking, trying to soothe the small beast.
“Didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, offering her a smile, which was a rare treat.
Hannah went back to work on milking the animal. “Oh, it’s okay. I was just daydreaming.”
Her father leaned against the pen, removing his straw hat. He asked, “Wouldn’t be daydreaming about Daniel, now would you?”
Guilty. “Well, him and Nina.”
“Yeah, your sister left us in quite a pickle, didn’t she? You know, I called your Aunt Olga to come to stay and help us around here.”
“Oh, Dad, that wasn’t necessary.” Hannah groaned internally at the thought of her strict aunt. The woman had lived in America for decades, yet she was set in the old country ways.
“It is. You are doing far too much here. Besides, I don’t think you will be on the farm for too much longer.”
Hannah was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
He cocked his head at her. “Hannah, please, we both know.”
“I’m not following you, Dad.” Hannah looked into his eyes searchingly. They were same icy blue as her sister’s, but they were unforgiving and cold, despite the warmth in his voice.
“Daniel.”
Now she understood. As much as she fantasized about marrying Daniel, she knew her father needed her here, especially with Nina gone. “Dad, I don’t plan on going anywhere.”
“Love has a funny way of changing promises we try to make. Hannah, do you love this boy?”
Boy? Daniel was nearly thirty years old, like her. He was anything but a boy. When they were together, the thoughts that entered her mind were slightly wicked and completely unfounded, and she didn’t know why these feelings surged inside her. She felt like a ticking time bomb, wanting to explore these urges, especially when Daniel kissed her.
Hannah exhaled loudly. “I think so, Dad. He’s just so wonderful.”
Her father nodded. “As long as you are happy, that’s all I really care about.”
Hannah rose up from the stool, wiping her hands on the backside of her jeans, and went to hug her father. She clung to him, dismissing the awkwardness of embracing the man who stood rigid against her.
***
Daniel
“I just wanted to ask your permission, sir.” Daniel stood as straight as he could. His stance was respectful, but he wanted to show his strength, that he was indeed good enough. Good enough to court Hannah Belsky, the girl he had every intention of marrying.
Daniel had been spending a lot of time over at the Belsky farm, especially since Nina had run off to California. During that time he had grown to fall even more in love with Hannah, seeing how tender she was with her father. He saw her sweetness radiate in everything she did. Daniel knew that it was old-fashioned to ask a father permission to court his daughter, but there was something old-fashioned about their relationship—a timeless kind of romance.
“Well, son, I appreciate you coming to me. It’s not every day that you young people think of us elders with such respect. I happily give you my blessing,” Mr. Belsky replied as he started to hammer the nail into the post Daniel was holding. “I really appreciate your help, Daniel. You are a good man.”
“Thank you, Mr. Belsky.” Daniel was relieved it had gone well. Even though Mr. Belsky’s thick accent was sometimes hard to understand, Daniel had gotten his point across. He made it quite clear he had every intent to ask for Hannah’s hand in marriage. Mr. Belsky nodded and smiled, and that had been enough for Daniel.
***
Hannah
As she stirred the mashed potatoes, adding more butter, salt, and pepper to it, she spied Daniel and her father sitting at the dining room table. This was becoming their evening routine. Daniel would stop by after work, help her father out, and then stay for dinner. They were beginning to feel like a family, in a way. After sharing a meal, her father would usually retire to his room, leaving Daniel and Hannah alone. It was those quiet times, when it was just the two of them, whether they were sitting on the porch or cuddled on the couch watching a movie, that Hannah felt as close as one could be. Her body responded to every touch, every kiss, even accidental grazes against her skin. He drove her wild. It had been a couple weeks since Daniel and her unveiled that they were both virgins. He had been careful to keep some physical space between them. There were no more heavy make out sessions, though Hannah could see desire burning brightly in his eyes every time they met with hers.
“You wanna watch a movie after dinner?” Daniel came up behind Hannah as she finished with the potatoes. He nuzzled her neck. His simple kisses sent thrilling shivers down her spine and into her core. The scruff of his unshaven jaw was almost her undoing. She couldn’t explain why, but she was losing her resolve.
Daniel dipped his index finger into the potatoes, scooping it quickly and slipping it into his mouth. Hannah snuck a look at his lips. They were inviting, and there was no resisting. She dove for him, taking him by complete surprise. She ignored the shock in his eyes, closing her own. Hannah kissed him hard. The salty taste of the potatoes lingered in his mouth as she enjoyed the flavor of what was completely Daniel O’Brien, mixed with the side dish for dinner.
His hands went to her hips, grasping them and tugging her closer to him. It was as though she was fighting some invisible barrier, an impenetrable force field which kept her from feeling like she was close enough to him.
Daniel stepped back, almost losing his balance. “Damn, Hannah.”
“I know.” She completely understood how he felt as she tried to cool down.
Just then her father reentered the kitchen, and instantly, Hannah felt embarrassed. What if he had seen them?
“Dinner’s ready, D-Dad,” Hannah stuttered.
“It smells good.” Her father started for the dining room again. Daniel followed him, his cheeks rosy, a dead giveaway. Hannah knew her face probably didn’t look much different. In a feeble attempt to remove her blush from that explosive kiss, Hannah splashed some cool water on her face and gently patted it dry with a nearby dish towel. She picked up a large platter of fried chicken. God help her. She didn’t know how long she could go on like this.
***
Daniel
Keeping his hands and mouth off her was becoming increasingly difficult, but he wasn’t the only one who was battling temptation. He’d witnessed first hand the desire Hannah struggled with. Granted, not that he minded her rushing him and kissing the daylights out of him, but it made him want her with every fiber of his being. He wondered just how much longer could they go on resisting what they both wanted.
After dinner, Daniel helped Hannah with the dishes. He watched as the suds clung to her hands. Unsure why he did it, he reached in and scooped some of the soap and flung it at her. The surprised look on her face quickly changed into one of someone ready to meet his challenge.
“You think you’re funny, Mr. Daniel O’Brien?” Hannah asked as she threw a wad of bubbles at him.
“I think I’m quite hilarious, thank you.” With a palm full of suds, he plopped them on top of her head and left a dollop on her nose.
“You are such a brat!” Hannah squealed as she playfully slapped some of the white bubbles onto his face, but stopped as her fingers glided over his cheek, and slid across his lips. The temptation kept teasing the both of them.
He took his hand and tilted her chin up toward him. They were wet from the bubble fight, and sparkly suds reflected the light from the kitchen. Hannah looked almost magical—simply beautiful. Daniel pressed his lips against hers and could hear her moan against him. When would he learn that kissing her was only making the forbidden need worse?
***
“There he is,” Patrick called as Daniel entered the shop the next morning.
“Morning, Daniel,” Ma
ggie said from the front counter, where she and Patrick stood eyeing him. His sister looked like she was ready to pop. She was due in less than a week, if he remembered correctly.
“Mags, what you doing here? You should be home.”
“Why?” She shrugged and tossed him an annoyed look. “Why, because I’m the size of small house and it feels like Max is going to plop out any second?”
Maybe the annoyed look wasn’t for him. “Just saying, you shouldn’t be on your feet.”
“Thanks for the concern, but I’m fine.”
“Besides, she has so much to do before she leaves us,” Patrick added matter-of-factly.
“He has a point. Patrick, have you considered asking Amber if she can maybe help out?”
Patrick smiled. “I sort of did, but she is being difficult about it.”
“Why?” Now Patrick was on the receiving end of Maggie’s irritation. Pregnancy hormones moved fast, Daniel thought to himself.
“She isn’t sure she wants to work with me.” Patrick frowned.
“Well, she’s probably right. I can hardly stand working with either of you,” Maggie teased as she started to sort some mail that was on the counter.
“You adore us,” Patrick rebutted without hesitation. “You wouldn’t know what to do without us.”
She rolled her eyes, but she smiled. “You’re probably right. Where else could I find this kind of entertainment?” Maggie grinned at Daniel. “Like that one, he just cracks me up. You, Patrick, you annoy me.” Her hormones were like a game of ping pong, bouncing back and forth. Daniel winced as Maggie threw Patrick a sour look.
“I’m not so sure I will miss her, Daniel. She’s pretty annoying herself.” Patrick smirked.
“Maggie, for the record, I will miss you. You make far better coffee than Patrick,” Daniel added as he poured some inside his stainless steel travel mug.
***
Hannah
The credits started, and Hannah wiped the tears from her eyes. She set her knitting needles down and hit stop on her DVD player. She had been working on baby caps for Maggie and Rachel, so she’d watched a terribly happy movie, something sappy and purely romantic. Hannah released a content sigh. Maybe it had to do with being in love, because Hannah could say without a doubt she was in love with Daniel. Lost her in thoughts and daydreaming about a happy future, she almost hadn’t heard the knock at the door. Getting up from the couch, she went to see who would be visiting.
Hannah was surprised to open the door and see Mary O’Brien standing at the other side of the threshold.
“Mary, how lovely to see you.”
“Hello, dear, I hope you don’t mind me stopping by.” Mary offered her an apologetic smile.
“Oh no, please come inside. This is a welcome surprise visit.” Hannah led Mary into the kitchen. “Can I offer you some tea?”
“That would be wonderful.” Mary unwrapped her light scarf and removed her coat.
The weather had turned brisk almost overnight, leaving a slick wet frost over the fields today. Hannah noticed how frigid the air was when she went to feed her chickens and milk the goats. Summer was only a memory now. The days were shorter and colder. Her father had started a fire in their wood stove this morning. Hannah had tended to it all day, bringing in more firewood, and the inside of the Belsky home was toasty.
“I also made some lemon and berry scones.”
“Well, I can’t quite say no to that offer.” Mary laughed and took a seat at the dining table.
After starting a kettle of water on the stove, Hannah joined Mary, waiting for the water to heat. “So, how are you?”
“Great, dear. I have come by to ask for your help.”
“Oh, really? Absolutely. What is it that you need?” Hannah was curious, but it didn’t matter what Mary had in mind. Hannah would gladly help.
“Cider Fest is next weekend. Maggie was going to help, but with the baby being due anytime now she isn’t so sure she even wants to go. I was hoping that perhaps you would consider helping me.”
“Oh, do you have a booth there at the festival?”
Mary nodded. “Yes, I run it to raise money for my church. We usually sell baked goodies and little homemade things. Now, I realize this is short notice…”
Hannah stopped her. “Mary, I would love to help. Do you need me to bake anything?”
The smile that appeared on Mary’s face warmed Hannah. The woman, who had not only raised a fantastic son, was an incredible baker in Birch Valley, and it would be an honor to cook with her.
Then Hannah spotted it, a tiny spark of mischief danced in Mary’s eyes. Mary looked away quickly.
“Oh, dear, I think that’s the kettle,” Mary announced.
Hannah didn’t hear a whistle coming from the kettle, and she became a tad suspicious as she watched Mary fidget in her seat. She now realized there was a reason behind this visit; it was more than Mary needing Hannah to help bake and work the booth. Something was definitely up.
Chapter Fourteen
Rachel
“Do I really have to have a baby shower? You know, that means my mother will be coming up, Chelsea too.”
“Rachel, babe, we have been through this. Yes, you told my mom and sister that you’d let them throw you one.” Liam looked at her over his newspaper.
They were in the dining room, seated across from each other in the breakfast nook. Rachel found herself barely fitting, her large pregnant belly rubbing against the oak table. She looked out the window, thankful that the weekend had arrived. School was wearing her out, but not nearly as much as Karen and Mary were with this darn baby shower. It wasn’t that Rachel was opposed to a fun little get together. She was thrilled about Chelsea coming to visit, but her mother, not so much. She had seen her a couple months ago for the wedding, and it had gone surprisingly well. It was the phone calls which had followed in the last month or so that had Rachel concerned. Her mother had insisted that the baby shower be held in California, but Rachel knew with her job and carrying twins, it was safer to have the shower here. Her mother had finally agreed and now wanted a date.
“Are you nervous about today?” Rachel fiddled with her spoon, plunging it into her bowl of oatmeal.
“What do you think?” Liam grinned happily at her. Today they were going to find out the genders of the twins Rachel was carting around inside her. “The beauty of it is that once we know, then you can plan the baby shower a little better, right?”
“I guess so.” Rachel couldn’t help be less than thrilled at having another celebration, especially so soon after having survived her impromptu wedding shower. “What’s your guess, Liam?”
He shrugged and folded the newspaper. “Hard to say. It’s really a fifty-fifty kind of gamble here, but I will be happy with either, or both. Just as long as they are healthy and look like their mother.”
Rolling her eyes, Rachel asked, “So once we know, how do we announce it to the world?”
“You mean the family?”
“Same difference.” Rachel laughed and spooned a mouthful of the blueberry oatmeal into her mouth.
“Well, do you want to do something special?”
“Like is that standard protocol, or do we just tell them once we know?”
Liam picked up his mug of coffee. “Hon, that is really up to you. I think it might be nice to announce it in some fun way, but we don’t need to go all crazy.”
“Well, guess what? Once we know, you get to decide,” Rachel teased. “Your mom mentioned something about Cider Fest this weekend. She said she we sort of have to go.”
“You’ll like it. The town basically gorges on everything apple. I mean, you name it, cider, pie, candy, literally a celebration of apples,” Liam explained.
“But it’s called Cider Fest, so wouldn’t it just be about cider?”
“Nope. They pull out this really neat cider press, and they make fresh cider right there. It’s, like, the best.” Rachel watched as Liam’s face lit up as he continued to describe th
e difference between cold and hot cider, and all the booths, live music, and overall fun to be had. It sounded like a good time and now Rachel found herself looking forward to it.
***
Liam
Liam was beyond nervous, and he wasn’t quite sure why. As they sat in the waiting room at the clinic, Rachel tapped her foot against the carpet. He could sense her anxiety. He didn’t really understand why either of them felt this way. They knew they were pregnant with twins, and they were here to figure out the gender. This should be the fun part.
“What do you think we’re having?”
“Rachel, we already went through that this morning. You asked me at lunch. I have no idea what we are having. Does it really matter?” After breakfast that morning, Rachel had been quiet on the way to the school. Then at lunch she was back at pestering him, asking what he thought, like he could magically see through her belly or had some sort of insight she didn’t.
“Gosh, what are we going to name them?” A worried expression crossed her face. Liam hated seeing Rachel this way. She was so unlike herself. This pregnancy was taking its toll on her, and on him. How were they going to be when the babies actually arrived in less than two months? Best not to borrow trouble, that’s what his mother always said, and he couldn’t think of anything truer.
A nurse with a wide smile came out and announced Rachel’s name. Liam trailed behind Rachel as she waddled behind the nurse. He wasn’t sure how much larger Rachel would grow in two more months, and he knew she was uncomfortable as it was. All of a sudden Liam realized he was quite thankful to be a man.
“It’s going to be a little cold, okay?” The nurse squirted some gel out of a clear tube onto Rachel’s enormous belly. He saw her wince.
Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) Page 14