Page 35 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“I will,” Jennifer promised as Harley turned to leave.
He took a few steps and stopped. Turning, Harley said softly, “Jennifer?”
She stopped walking toward Betty’s room and turned toward him. “Yes?”
“What did you and Liam decide about Molly?” Harley knew he was meddling again, but he had to know.
“Yes.” Jennifer nodded. “Liam and I are going to tell Andrew tomorrow.”
Harley breathed a silent sigh of relief. “I’m glad. You’re doing the right thing.”
Jennifer nodded, and Harley smiled, giving her a pretend tip of the hat as he turned to leave.
“Harley,” Jennifer’s soft voice stopped him.
He looked back at her, and his heart squeezed at the look of vulnerability he’d never seen in her eyes before.
“Liam and I can’t go for tests on the same day,” Jennifer said hesitantly. “Would you…” She swallowed, andhe could see she was struggling with her emotions. “Would you come with me?” She cleared her throat. “I… Uh, I don’t like hospitals and tests.”
A warmth spread through Harley’s veins as the enormity of what she was asking hit him. He also knew that Jennifer hated feeling the way she was right now.
“Of course,” Harley promised. “I was going to ask if you minded if I tagged along for support. I’ve been through this process before and can guide you and Liam through it.”
He saw the gratitude shine in her eyes as her shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank you!” she whispered.
“I’ll call you after I’ve collected Sam,” Harley promised.
“You know, you should bring him here while he and Betty recover,” Jennifer suggested. “We can ask Daniella if she knows of a nurse who’d like extra work.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Harley said. “I’ll speak to Uncle Sam when I collect him.”
They said goodnight, and while Harley was reluctant to leave, he forced himself to walk out the front door and get into his pickup to head home. On the drive home, he reflected on how an accident could draw people together. Since Betty’s accident, he and Jennifer had gone through an entire day without fighting. Instead, they wereunited in their concern for Betty, their similar family history, and a family member with a debilitating disease.
The following morning, Harley collected Uncle Sam from the hospital. On the ride home, Harley decided to tell him about Jennifer’s idea.
“Uncle Sam, as I told you yesterday afternoon, Betty had another fall and is bedridden for the next two weeks,” Harley told him.
“I’m not going senile, son,” Sam pointed out. “I do remember you telling me about Betty’s fall.”
“That’s not where I was going with this.” Harley rolled his eyes. “You must also take it easy for the next few weeks.”
“I know. I was there when the doctor told you,” Sam frowned at Harley. “Seriously, Lee, are you testing my mental health here?”
Harley forgot how cranky Uncle Sam was while and for at least two days after a stint in hospital.
“No, I’m trying to pitch an idea to you,” Harley said, hanging onto his patience.
“Then say it,” Sam’s voice was laced with frustration. “You’re beating around the bush like you’re trying to tell me you crashed my car or something.” His eyes widened, and he looked at Harley. “You didn’t crash my car, did you?”
“No, I haven’t touched any of your cars,” Harley informed him. “And don’t call me Lee. You only call me that when you’re annoyed or angry at me.”
“Your father used to call you that always,” Sam reminded him. “Do you think he did that because he was always angry at you?”
“Where is this conversation going?” Harley was getting irritated now. “Look, Jennifer suggested that you move into Beach Plum Cottage for a few weeks while you and Betty recover.”
“So you want to put the geriatrics in one ward?” Sam looked at him with raised eyebrows.
“You know what, forget I said anything.” Harley sighed. Uncle Sam would be irritable until he’d gotten over what they called his hospital grouches.
