Page 62 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“I help out when needed or when I have a patient here,” Daniella explained. “I’m not full-time or even part-time.”
“You’re such a good doctor. Why are you wasting away on Plum Island?” Caroline asked her. “And why on earth would you want to take over as head librarian?”
“When I was a kid, the library was my portal to so many different worlds,” Daniella smiled. “No matter how lonely or upset I was when I’d walk into the library, it was like stepping through reality into the realm of imagination and possibilities.”
“I know exactly what you mean.” Caroline nodded, relating to what Daniella was saying.
“Much to my stiff parent’s horror, when I was in high school, I helped out in the library, and I did so again during college,” Daniella told her. “When I was doing my internship, I took a part-time job working at a library so I could start to pay my own way in the world.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “My husband was my fiancé back then, and he was none too pleased either and sided with my parents.”
Caroline noticed that mentioning her husband instantly dissolved the nostalgic look in her eyes. Caroline frowned as she was sure she’d seen a hint of fear flash in Daniella’s eyes. But it was gone so quickly and replaced by a haunting sadness.
“Then, when Em was born, the library was the one place she’d actually settle down and sleep so well.” Daniella’s lips turned up into a warm smile. “When she lost her hearing,” the fearflashed in her eyes, followed by anger and sorrow, “the library became more than just a quiet place. It was a place where Em felt normal, and it didn’t matter if she couldn’t hear because she didn’t need to hear to escape between the pages of a book.”
“Oh, Daniella.” Caroline felt the tears sting the back of her eyes.
Daniella Thornton had moved to Plum Island five years ago with her daughter, Emily. While the community had quickly embraced her and her daughter, she didn’t speak much about her life before Plum Island. All anyone really knew about her was that she was kind, a great doctor, an excellent mother, and Sam Donovan’s goddaughter. Daniella had lost her husband five months before arriving on Plum Island, and she never spoke about the man either. As the locals assumed she was grieving, they respected her and her daughter’s privacy.
“Are you going to be able to run the clinic, the emergency center, and run the library?” Caroline asked her worriedly. “While I know you can do it,” she assured Daniella, “I worry that you’re overdoing things, and what about Emily?”
“That’s sweet of you to worry about.” Daniella smiled warmly. “But I assure you I balance my time to ensure my daughter never lacks for any of mine and still make sure I have enough reserve time for emergencies.”
“Pity you already have a job,” Brad’s voice startled them as their eyes shot to where she was stretching awake on the chair. “This chair is deceivingly comfortable. I slept the best I have in years.”
“That’s good,” Daniella said, winking at Caroline. “Do you mind if I give you a quick check?” She walked toward him. “I gave you quite a strong pain pill for your tension headache.”
“Sure,” Brad said with a nod. “But my headache and sore neck are gone.”
“It wouldn’t have been if you hadn’t moved to the recliner,” Daniella pointed out as she began her quick exam of Brad’s vitals. “I’m glad your headache is gone.”
“I feel great,” Brad admitted, and he tilted his head around Daniella and smiled at Caroline, making her lose her breath. “Hi, I’m glad to see you’re back with us.”
“I’m sorry I was out for the count when you came to discuss the locations,” Caroline apologized.
“You needed your rest,” Brad told her. “Besides, Jules and Jennifer filled in for you.”
“I believe so,” Caroline told him, feeling disappointed that she didn’t get to spend the time with him.
“You’re fine,” Daniella told him and typed on the tablet. “But I’m recommending that you get more rest.”
“Trust me, I try,” Brad said. “But there is never enough time during the day to finish everything. So I push sleep back as much as I can to squeeze everything in.”
“That’s not good for your health,” Daniella pointed out. “And, not to be rude, but you’re no longer a spring chicken. Your body needs more rest and attention now more than it ever did before.”
“I know.” Brad sighed. “I promise to take my health more seriously.”
“Good.” Daniella nodded. Then turned to Caroline. “I’ve signed your release forms, and you’re free to go as soon as you’re ready. But I want you to take two days off work.” She held up her hand, cutting Caroline’s protest off. “Don’t worry. I’ve already spoken to Tanith and I’ll start at the library tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” Caroline breathed a sigh of relief. “But I should be there to help you through your first day.”
“No, between Tanith and myself, we’ll manage,” Daniella assured her. “Besides, if we need you, you’re only a phone call away.” She checked her wristwatch. “I must return to Plum Island to collect Em from Carly.”
“Thank you, Daniella,” Caroline and Brad said in unison as Daniella left the room.
As the door clicked shut, an awkward silence descended on the room, and Caroline’s eyes met Brad’s. She watched him push himself from the chair and walk toward the bed. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and gently kissed it.
“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Brad’s voice was soft and deep. “You really scared me when you collapsed last night.”
“I’m sorry I put you out like this.” Caroline didn’t recognize her squeaky voice and cleared her throat. “You’ve wasted a whole day being here by my bedside.”
