Page 56 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“How did you get here if Finn didn’t bring you?” Caroline asked, hoping her voice didn’t sound like she was gritting her teeth.
“We drove in a limo!” Jules’s eyes widened with excitement. “It was awesome.”
“Finn offered me his car, but I contacted Sam as I didn’t want to put him out,” Brad explained. “Besides, Sam was already waiting for us when Jules and I got to the hotel to organize a car to get here.”
“Sam said he’d drive me to my senior prom,” Jules told Caroline.
“Honey, you have another few years before you get there.” Caroline didn’t want to think about her baby girl graduating high school.
“I know, but it’s good to book in advance,” Jules said, stifling another yawn. “I think I’m going to have a lie down for a while.”
“Take the blanket from the end of my bed,” Caroline offered and pulled a pillow from behind her. “And here’s a pillow.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Jules organized the chair and curled up in it, instantly falling asleep.
“Is she asleep already?” Brad stared in astonishment at Jules.
“Yup!” Caroline nodded, smiling at her beautiful daughter, who was sleeping soundly in the corner. “She’s a deep sleeper. Although she can hear a candy bar being unwrapped through four walls and a thunderstorm—that’s the one thing that would wake her.”
“Connor’s the same.” Brad laughed and looked at his wristwatch. “I must go. I have a few things to attend to. I want to go back to the hotel, shower, and get changed before returning to Newbury Port, pick up your new laptop, and then I’ll be back.”
“You really don’t have to go to all that trouble if you have a busy day.” Caroline hoped she sounded sincere when her heart was screamingplease come back.
“I have nowhere to be today other than here with you.” Brad’s voice dipped and hoarsened while his eyes darkened with emotion. “So, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to come back and help you get through your twenty-four-hour hospital observation.”
“I’d like that,” Caroline replied. Her voice sounded as hoarse as his, her eyes locked with his, and she felt herself being pulled under his spell.
They stared at each other, and the hospital room started to fade into the distance until the clatter of a bedpan in the hall burst their bubble. Brad straightened and stood, bending over to kiss her aching forehead.
“Get some rest.” Brad’s voice was soft. “I’ll be back soon.”
Caroline watched him walk through the door, taking her heart with him.
CHAPTER 14
Brad stepped out of the hospital, the crisp air hitting him with a rush of reality. His mind buzzed with thoughts of Caroline, the worry, and the relief that she was going to be okay. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but the promise of her recovery was a big relief.
“How’s Caroline?” Sam asked as he pulled the waiting limo door open for Brad.
“Her CT scan was clear, but the doctor is keeping her in hospital for a day for observation,” Brad informed Sam as he slid into the car.
“I’m glad to hear Caroline is going to be okay,” Sam told him. “The whole town is abuzz with news of a break-in.” He closed the back door, walked around the car, and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Nothing like this happens in our little corner of the world, so it shocks the town folks.”
The news shocked Brad as he stared at Sam. “How does the town already know?” His brow furrowed.
“It’s a small community.” Sam shrugged. “Word spreads quickly.” He glanced at Brad in the mirror. “I must warn you, though, that they’re already blaming what happened to Caroline on the film crew coming to town.”
“They’re already jumping to that conclusion?” Brad’s eyes widened.
“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Sam reassured him. “The head of the town council says it’s good for the town and will help keep it going. The residents have been advised to be more vigilant for a while.”
“I must remember to thank the head of the town council.” Brad breathed a sigh of relief.
“You’re welcome.” Sam grinned at the look on Brad’s face.
“You’re a man of many talents.” Brad shook his head.
“I wear many hats around this town,” Sam said proudly. “I’ve lived here my whole life, as did my parents and their parents before them going back another two generations.”
