Page 74 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“It’s no bother,” Carly assured her. “We haven’t spent much time together this past year. It would be good to catch up.” Shesmiled shyly, her eyes darting toward Brad, her head bowed slightly like she was trying to shrink into a shell and hide.
“You look so familiar.” Brad’s voice drew Caroline’s attention, and she could see him staring at Carly, a deep, thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
“This is my niece, Carly Donovan,” Sam walked in, carrying another food bag. “Sorry, honey, I got a phone call.”
Jennifer took the last of the bags of food and walked into the kitchen with them.
“Oh!” Brad stood and was about to shake Carly’s hand but noticed how she stepped behind her uncle. So he smiled and gave a slight bow as he introduced himself. “Brad. It’s nice to finally meet you. Your uncle talks about you all the time.”
“Uncle Sam,” Carly berated him. “You know I don’t like it when you talk about me.”
“I can’t help it. I’m so darn proud of you and my great nephew,” Sam grinned.
“Rather talk about Harley.” Carly shook her head. “You are proud of him too.”
“Harley’s my nephew,” Sam explained. “Carly’s older brother. He moved here about six months ago.”
“Eight months ago, Uncle Sam,” Carly corrected. Her eyes moved to Caroline as her words became more forceful this time. “I’ll stay and keep you company while Jennifer attends the dinner party.” She smiled. “Uncle Sam and Danny told me what happened. I’m glad you’re alright.”
Caroline nodded. “Thank you, Carly.” She looked at Brad and Jennifer before accepting Carly’s offer. “I do have a lot of food, so I hope you’re hungry?”
“I could eat,” Carly admitted. “Reef is with Tucker and …” Her eyes widened, and she looked at Brad. “Is Connor your son?”
“Yes,” Brad confirmed. “I hope he’s behaving himself.”
“Oh, yes, they’re all at Liam’s house, watching surfing videos of Liam and Finn,” Carly told them.
“I bet Connor’s loving that.” Brad laughed, and Caroline couldn’t believe how duplicitous the man was.
“Jen, I know you’d love to go to the dinner party on the yacht,” Caroline enticed her friend. “Carly’s going to be here, so go.”
“If Brad doesn’t mind, I’ll bring you home afterward,” Sam offered.
“Not at all,” Brad said, and Caroline noticed his tight smile.
“If you don’t mind waiting for me to get ready?” Jennifer looked at Brad.
“I can take Brad to the hotel as I’m sure he wants to get ready too,” Sam suggested. “I’ll come back to pick you up, Jennifer.”
“I’ll meet you in the hotel’s foyer,” Brad told her.
Jennifer’s eyes flashed excitedly, overshadowed by concern when they met Carolines. “Are you sure you’re okay with me going?”
“One of us should be there, I guess?” Caroline looked at Brad. “Are there going to be a lot of production team members there?”
“I’d imagine,” Brad told her. His eyes flashed with a touch of confusion and concern.
“Then that’s settled,” Caroline said, forcing another smile and feeling her face starting to ache from all the false bravado she was trying to purvey. “You two go and have a wonderful evening. I’ll feel much better knowing I’m not holding you back by having to babysit me.”
“You’re not holding us back,” Brad assured her. “I want to stay here with you.”
“That’s how I feel as well,” Jennifer told her.
“Maybe Caroline is trying to tell you that she needs some space,” Carly said softly.
“Is that true?” Brad and Jennifer said in unison.
“I’m grateful to you both for how much you’ve cared for me,” Caroline told them honestly. “I love how you’re both so concerned and appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” She put her hand on her heart. “It means the world to me. But it also makes me feel awful that I’m wasting your time. So do this for me and go have some fun.”
