Free Patrick's Promise (Cloverleaf #3) by Gloria Herrmann Page B

made her signature dressing and candied yams—basically all the trimmings imaginable.
    Patrick eyed his sons and his brother, Daniel, as he noticed the makings of mischief and a possible mini food fight. Why Daniel insisted on being the one to instigate trouble and teach Finn and Connor the worst table manners was beyond Patrick. He loved that his brothers were the best uncles he could ask for, but Daniel tried his patience, especially during family dinners. “Boys,” he said in a firm tone, causing Finn and Connor to return to their food momentarily. Patrick gave Daniel a pleading stare, silently asking his brother to stop messing around.
    Rachel and Maggie were chatting about the wedding. They were on the countdown now; only two more weeks until his brother, Liam, tied the knot. Rachel had shared earlier that her family was being a bit difficult about attending the ceremony, to the point where she was worried that they weren’t going to be coming at all. But her best friend, Chelsea, and her brother, Ethan, would be attending. Patrick nearly cringed when he’d heard Chelsea was coming up next week to help with the final wedding preparations. That woman had a hard time understanding the words “no” and “not interested”. Granted, she was a cute little thing, but definitely not his type. She didn’t cause the reaction inside of him the way Amber had, that’s for damn sure. He still hadn’t seen her since the day he changed that blown tire on her trailer, partially because he’d been avoiding the diner, which was not his usual style. He and Daniel used to get breakfast there daily, sometimes even popping in for lunch or a bite to eat after being out on a job site all day.
    He was so caught up in his thoughts he almost didn’t hear Grandpa Paddy say, “So, Patrick, my boy, I want to raise my glass to you, raising two fine little lads, Happy Father’s Day to ya.”
    Patrick smiled and thanked him. Grandpa Paddy, with his glass still lifted, said, “And to Liam, may you have many happy days and a lot of luck as a father.” He paused briefly before saying, “Michael, you have done a beautiful job with my wee lass over there…” Melanie giggled and stared at Michael with loving admiration. Grandpa Paddy looked wise with his shock of white hair and continued in his thick brogue. “May you and Maggie have many more blessings and a healthy baby this go around.”
    “Aww, thank you, Grandpa Paddy.” Maggie had a wet sheen to her eyes. She got up from the table and gave her grandfather a kiss on the cheek.
    Their father, Pat, cleared his throat, raised his own glass, and not to be outdone, said, “To my children, you have all made me so proud. It’s an honor to be your father.”
    All the O’Brien siblings rose from their seats and gathered around Pat, all hugging him and showering him with affection. Even Rachel and Michael felt so moved by the toast that they wanted to show their appreciation for these men, who had a tremendous part in raising their significant others. As Patrick returned to his seat, he saw his mother dab her eyes with the bent corner of the linen napkin she clutched. In the O’Brien household, tears were shed often, mostly from laughing so hard until their sides ached, but sometimes it was the emotional moments such as this that showed the deep-rooted love that cemented their family together.
     
    ***
     
    Amber
     
    “Dad, did you want any more water, or can I get you anything at all?” Amber asked softly.
    The morning of Father’s Day started out rough and only seemed to grow worse as the day progressed. Her father had spent most of the night ill beyond anything she had ever witnessed. The after effects of chemo were hard and violent, the process brutal. Her mother had already left for the diner, after Amber reassured her countless times that she was happy to look after her father and that it would do her mother good to get out of the house. Lynn had hesitated, but Amber insisted to