Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) by Gloria Herrmann Read Free Book Online Page B

rod.”
    Melanie’s eyes grew large, as though she was about to let the cat out of the bag. She placed her chubby hand over her mouth, and Liam was pretty sure he knew what he’d get for Christmas.
    Everyone finally joined Liam and the children at the table. Dishes clinked as conversations flowed easily and loudly, just as it always had in the O’Brien home. They devoured the meal quickly, and the plates were cleared before family members migrated to the living room to begin decorating their lush tree. Mary had put on more Christmas tunes, this time Bing Crosby’s White Christmas album.
    Grandpa Paddy and Pat sat in front of the tree, giving orders to Daniel on the placement of the lights, and Melanie and the twins eagerly assisted their uncle Daniel with the colorful strands. Maggie and Mary sat on one of the leather couches, carefully going through each fragile ornament, recalling when it was made or purchased.
    “The boys sure are excited about Christmas this year,” Liam commented as he maneuvered another heavy box away from the tree.
    Patrick’s eyes glazed over with a sad wetness. “Yeah. Beth would have enjoyed seeing them get all worked up about Santa.”
    Liam knew it had to be difficult for his brother to experience holidays and other milestones now his wife was deceased. They had all loved Beth, and Patrick was right—she would have loved seeing her boys get thrilled about reindeer and elves and, of course, Santa bringing presents.
    “I know, Patrick.” Liam gave his brother a soft hug. There weren’t too many words one could say at times like these.
    Patrick nodded with his head turned toward his two sons, who were tugging on a tangle of silver and gold garland.
    The tree was just about perfect when Mary brought in a tray of cookies and eggnog to celebrate the family’s decorating efforts. Once they’d all emptied their cups and only crumbs were left, the twins and Melanie piled onto one of the couches in a slumber only children can have—the deep and uninterrupted kind of sleep, with soft breaths escaping from their milky mouths as the adults looked on lovingly.
    “I better get them home,” Patrick announced as he yawned and dusted some straggling cookie crumbs from his gray fleece sweater.
    “I’ll help you,” Daniel said.
    Mary began picking up the empty mugs as Maggie tried waking Melanie gently to take her to the room they were staying in. Liam offered to carry his niece, and Maggie gave him a grateful smile.
    As Liam skillfully slipped his large arms around the six-year-old, she stirred for a moment and quickly returned to sleep. He carefully stepped into the room, placed the child in the bed, and pulled the floral quilt up near her neck. He then smoothed strands of auburn hair from her forehead before leaving a gentle kiss there.
    Feeling Maggie’s gaze on him, Liam whispered, “You coming back out?”
    “No, I’m going to go to bed. Thanks for carrying her,” she whispered back.
    “All right, good night, sis,” Liam replied, and he planted a soft kiss on top of her chestnut hair.
    Liam joined his mother in the kitchen, where she was busy filling the dishwasher.
    “Can I help?” he offered, grabbing some dishes from the wooden kitchen island.
    “I have never been one to turn down help, let alone from one of my handsome sons.” Mary smiled sweetly at him.
    Liam chuckled. “You sure know how to butter us up to help, huh?
    “Well, you can’t blame me. With a family as large as ours, a woman needs all the help she can get.”
    Liam smiled at her and sighed heavily. “I felt bad for Patrick tonight.”
    “I know. It has to be hard, considering now that the boys are getting a little older. But I try to remind him that Beth is here, and she sees them growing up and what a fine job he’s doing with them,” Mary offered while rinsing a dish.
    Handing his mother another dirty mug, Liam thought more about Maggie. It was time to see what information his mother had.
    “You know,