Page 39 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Hi,” Daniella greeted him before stepping around her cousin and inviting the nurses inside to introduce them. “Are you all off somewhere?”
“Yeah, we have a meeting at the Summer Inn,” Liam told her.
“What about Aunt Betty and Sam?” Jennifer reminded them.
“That’s why I’m here,” Daniella pointed out and brought some help. She looked at the nurses. “This is as good a time as any to get them started.”
“I think you should also introduce them to Sam and Betty.” Harley smiled at his cousin. “They tend to listen to you much more than they do us.”
“That’s because I’m a trained medical professional they trust.” Daniella grinned. “Now go, get out of here.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were seated in Liam’s office at the Summer Inn Hotel.
“Thank you for meeting me.” Andrew looked at Liam and Jennifer. “I know this isn’t easy for either of you.”
“We were always going to help Molly,” Liam began, ignoring Andrew’s attempt to smooth the path between them. “As a father, I can understand your desperation.” He looked at Harley. “Harley has explained the procedure to us and the importance of getting tested as soon as possible.”
“You’re Sam’s nephew,” Andrew addressed Harley.
“That’s correct,” Harley confirmed.
“Are you Matilda or Mark’s son?” Andrew asked.
“Mark’s son,” Harley answered him. “Did you know my father and Aunt Matilda?”
“Idid.” Andrew nodded. “Your Uncle Sam raised his younger brother and sister after their parents died in a terrible storm.” His eyes filled with admiration. “Sam is a remarkable man and a pillar of strength.” He looked at Jennifer and Liam. “Just like Betty. I owe them both a huge debt of gratitude I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay.”
“How about you start by moving this conversation forward so we can get back to them?” Jennifer’s icy tones sent a cold shiver down Harley’s spine.
“Of course,” Andrew said, the flash of pain in the man’s eyes didn’t go amiss to Harley.
It did make him even more curious as to Andrew’s story. Harley looked at Jennifer and Liam, wondering why neither of them had even asked Andrew to explain himself. But Harley remembered what Jennifer told him about how she and Liam had let go of their father by cremating their memories of him. As far as Liam and Jennifer were concerned, their father was dead. Andrew was no longer a part of their family, just a nameless face in the crowd. Or right now—someone else’s father needing their help.
While Harley understood that Jennifer and Liam were angry and hurt at Andrew, he hoped they’d have more compassion for what the man was going through. Not rubbing salt in what Harley was starting to think was still a very raw wound for Andrew. Whatever had drivenAndrew Gains away from his family and kept him away wasn’t a lack of love for his first family.
“When were you thinking of getting the tests done?” Andrew asked Jennifer and Liam. “I’ll pay for all your expenses to Boston and put you up at the Langham Hotel.”
“You spare no expense to help yourfamily, I see,“ Liam sneered. “We don’t need you putting us up anywhere. We’ve managed to pay our way to where we are now. I can assure you we can pay for our accommodation in Boston.”
“I meant you no insult,” Andrew told them. “I have a standing booking for a few suites at the Langham.”
“Then you’d better make that three suites,” Jennifer overrode her brother’s comment. “Because Harley will be joining us.”
“Oh!” Andrew looked from Harley to Jennifer and nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry. I should’ve realized you two were a couple.”
“That’s —“ Jennifer was cut off but Liam.
“Whom my sister or I date is not your concern,” Liam told Andrew. “But Jennifer would feel better if Harley was with her during the testing and through the procedure should she be a donor match.”
“Of course,” Andrew said, giving Jennifer a tight smile before looking at Liam. “You’re welcome to bring Lila or a lady friend.”
“You will leave my daughter out of this,” Liam warned. “Once this is over, we don’t want to see you again.”
“I—“ Andrew’s eyes darkened with emotion again. But he quickly regained his composure. “Molly will want to know who helped her and thank them.”
“Knowing she has a better chance at fighting the leukemia if we’re able to help her is enough for us!” Jennifer told him. “Liam and I agree it’s best for everyone to keep our worlds apart.”
“If that’s really what you want,” Andrew’s voice was thick with emotion, but he agreed to their terms. “I will not darken your lives again after you’ve done me this favor.”
