Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) Read Free Page B

Patrick didn’t utter a single word about her problems, he didn’t invade her privacy, and he had only offered her a job. He quietly watched as she shed tears over her shattered little world, but he didn’t stick his nose in her business. Now that everything was all rosy between Maggie and Michael, she somehow felt that she could go on and try to fix his love life and repair the hole in his heart. It would have been one thing if she had come to him and asked. He probably would have told her no, but at least they wouldn’t be in the sore place they were now.
    “All I can say is sorry that you feel that way. I’m not trying to make things awkward,” Patrick said as he moved around to the driver’s side of his car. “I better get these kids home. Thanks for having us.” He got inside and started the engine. As he pulled away slowly, he watched in the rearview mirror as Liam shook his head and walked back to the cabin.
    He wished everyone could see his side. He wanted them to understand how violated he’d felt by Maggie’s intrusion and that he wasn’t quite ready to move on yet. Patrick looked back again in the rearview mirror and saw his two sleeping sons, their small heads tilted to the side, lips slightly puckered, in a deep slumber. He envied them for a moment, as he felt his heart squeeze tightly in his chest with the strong urge to protect them. Patrick loved Finn and Connor with every fiber of his being, and the intensity of his feelings sometimes frightened him. It was a love that was incredibly deep, which only grew as the minutes ticked by. He’d loved Beth the same way, and still did.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    “Look at those precious grandchildren of mine,” Mary O’Brien exclaimed, as she carried a tray of cupcakes to an outdoor table which was stacked high with an assortment of gifts. Patrick moved a couple of gift bags out of her way as she set them down. “Thanks, dear.”
    “They’re having a lot of fun. These look amazing, Mom,” Patrick said as he examined the chocolate cupcakes, which had cream cheese frosting, thick with sprinkles.
    Mary smiled at the compliment, but he saw the sadness behind her eyes. Without exchanging words, she hugged him tightly and left to return to the kitchen. As he stood there, he appreciated that she didn’t try to use any words to soothe the ache he’d been feeling all day. Her simple gesture was enough.
    Patrick looked at the backyard, which had been overly decorated with colorful balloons and streamers that hung off several of the smaller trees and the overhang of his deck. The weather was perfect, a tad warmer than normal, as the O’Brien family celebrated Finn and Connor’s fourth birthday. Beth’s parents had arrived earlier that day to celebrate with the boys. Patrick tried to include them in various family get-togethers and special occasions. The couple lived in town, as did Beth’s younger brother, Nick. He knew how the loss of Beth had crippled her family. Her parents loved the twins and spent a good deal of time with them, which helped them hold onto their last remaining pieces of Beth.
    Everyone was sprawled out, the older men of the family seated in camp chairs or plastic patio chairs as they watched the children run around the yard. Several of the ladies were in the kitchen putting last-minute touches on the food and catching up on gossip.
    Patrick was seated next to Liam and Daniel under the shade of a large maple tree. It felt at least ten degrees cooler under it, which was a huge relief. June was proving to be warmer than usual, which meant they were in for a hot summer.
    There was an obvious sadness that seemed to hover over everyone. While Finn and Connor were happy, the joy of the occasion was tainted for everyone else because Beth wasn’t there. Patrick had tried to keep any of his emotions hidden. It was bad enough that everyone still expressed their condolences, but he understood that they were still