Page 31 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“We’ve buried him here, in this place that was so special to our family,” Jennifer added, her eyes glistening with tears. “His memory has been scattered across the ocean, where the wind and waves will wash it away.”
Suddenly, Aunt Betty appeared on the scene, her face filled with concern as she took in the fire and the two siblings standing together. “What on earth are you two doing?” she asked.
“We’re saying goodbye to our father,” Liam replied, his tone cutting.
“We’ll never speak of him again,” Jennifer promised fiercely, standing by their promise.
Aunt Betty’s expression softened as she stepped between them and wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders. “May your memories of your father rest in peace,” she said gently, kissing their cheeks. “I’mproud of you for letting go of your anger and resentment towards your father. And I hope that someday, when the time comes, you’ll be able to forgive him.”
Jennifer shook her head sadly. “Our father died the day he walked out of Beach Plum Cottage without looking back.”
“If we ever do come across Andrew Gains,” Liam interjected, “we’ll pass him by without even acknowledging him.”
Liam and Jennifer turned away from their father’s final resting place and walked hand in hand back to Beach Plum Cottage. As they passed beneath the oldest Beach Plum tree on the property, Liam plucked two plums that hung from the lowest branches.
“These were Mom’s favorite,” he said, handing one to Jennifer. “It feels somehow fitting that we each have one today.”
Jennifer wiped the plum on her shirt and took a cautious bite. The sourness made her mouth water, but she forced herself to eat the entire fruit in honor of their mother. She always found sweetness and light through the most bitter and dark times. Eating the sour plum was a small gesture, but it felt like a final goodbye to the past and a step toward healing for the future.
Present Day
A shadow fell over Jennifer, pulling her from her memories. She looked up, surprised to see Harley standing over her.
“Hey,” Harley said, his voice gentle but laced with concern. “Are you okay?”
Jennifer blinked, her tear-stained eyes meeting Harley’s concerned gaze. She hastily wiped away the remaining tears, suddenly self-conscious of her vulnerability. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she murmured, avoiding his gaze as she fumbled for a clean tissue in her pocket.
“Here.” Harley handed her a paper towel roll as he sat on the rock beside her. “I grabbed it from the kitchen on my way to find you.”
Jennifer laughed, knowing how protective Aunt Betty was of her paper towels.You don’t need to use the whole roll all at once, Aunt Betty would say.
“Aunt Betty’s going to be mad at you,” Jennifer warned, taking the paper towels.
“I’ll buy her a new roll,” Harley promised. “Besides, if we don’t tell her, she won’t know, as she is stuck in bed for the next two weeks.”
“Good idea.” Jennifer gave a shaky laugh as she wiped her eyes and nose before turning to look at him suspiciously. “How long were you stuck in the attic?”
“Long enough!” Harley admitted. “I’m sorry,” He shifted on the rock, trying to find a more comfortable position. “I didn’t mean toeavesdrop. I didn’t realize who Andrew was when I let him in.” He dusted the sand from his hands. “When I heard how you and Liam greeted him, I tried to leave but knocked the ladder over, and my phone was in the living room.”
“It’s okay!” Jennifer sniffed and looked out at the sparkling ocean drifting lazily past them. “That attic’s not very soundproof.”
“I know, right!” Harley smiled. “Betty will have to soundproof it if she wants to use it as a television lounge and games room.”
“Aunt Betty’s been talking about doing that to the attic for years,” Jennifer told him before they fell into a companionable silence for a few moments.
Harley’s voice was soft as he said, “I can’t pretend to know what you’ve been through, but I can offer a listening ear if you ever want to talk.”
Jennifer studied him for a moment, searching for any signs of his usual arrogance or judgment in his eyes. But all she saw was sincerity, understanding, and a haunting sorrow.
Jennifer’s voice trembled as she fought back the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. “Thank you,” she managed to choke out, her throat tight with emotion. “But I think you heard everything there is to say.”
Harley’s gaze bore into her, searching for something in her soul. “Are you sure about that?” His voice was low and gentle, but his eyes were piercing. “What about your decision to help Molly?”
Surprise flickered across Jennifer’s face, not just because he had overheard their conversation but also because of the pain that laced his words when he mentioned Molly. It was as if he knew her intimately. Her brow furrowed as she noticed the familiar look of sorrow that haunted Harley’s features.
“I know she’s just a kid,” Jennifer began, her voice trembling. “And...” She struggled to find the right words as memories flooded her mind, memories of her own mother’s struggle with heart disease. “I...” She closed her eyes, trying to silence the tumultuous emotions inside her.
“But you understand what it’s like,” Harley said softly. “To watch someone suffer and feel helpless to save them.” He cleared his throat before continuing. “My parents died in a boating accident when my sister, Carly, and I were young.”
