Page 55 of The Cottage on Plum Island
When they stepped into Molly’s room, she was watching television with Georgia, sitting and knitting beside the bed. Molly’s eyes lit up, and the television was turned off when she saw Jennifer.
“Jennifer, you came!” Molly held out her arms for a hug.
Jennifer swallowed at the sight of her half-sister. Molly was going through more than someone so young should have to go through, but still, she managed to smile. Jennifer hugged her.
“Of course,” Jennifer said, sitting on the edge of Molly’s bed as Andrew sat beside Georgia. “Hello, Georgia.”
“Hello, it’s so nice to see you.” Georgia’s eyes brimmed with warmth and shone with unshed tears.
Jennifer couldn’t help it. As much as she tried to keep a wall up, her heart went out to Georgia.
“Where’s Harley?” Molly asked Jennifer. “He said he’d visit when you were done with the testing.” Her smile fell as she looked worriedly at Jennifer. “Are you okay?” Her hand reached out and covered Jennifer’s comfortingly. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
Jennifer looked at Molly, startled by the teen’s words, and had to fight back the tears that stung the back of her eyes.
“I’m fine,” Jennifer assured Molly and had to clear her throat as her voice sounded gruff. “Goodness, I’d do it again a million times if it would help you.”
Molly threw her arms around Jennifer’s neck and held her tightly.
“Thank you, Jennifer,” Molly whispered.
Jennifer quickly wiped the stray tear that escaped from her cheek before Molly let her go and sat back against her cushions.
“Oh. A little birdy told me you loved to read.” Jennifer’s hand shook as she placed it in her purse.
“I do.” Molly nodded, her eyes falling on Jennifer’s purse.
“I believe one of your favorite genres is young adult fantasy.” Jennifer teased.
“Oh, yes.” Molly’s eyes lit up again. “A new author has moved into my number one favorite spot.”
“It wouldn’t happen to be…” Jennifer pulled the two books from her bag. “Heather Marks?”
“No way!” Molly gaped at the books in Jennifer’s hands. “Are those—“
“Book 2 and Book 3 in the Fire Bird trilogy?” Jennifer grinned, handingthem to her.
“How did you—“ Molly looked at the books and then Jennifer in amazement.
“I’m Heather Mark’s new agent,” Jennifer told Molly. “I asked her if I could give you an advanced copy, and she was delighted.” She smiled. “Open them.”
Molly opened book one and drew in a breath as she read, “To Molly, a brave soul who shines like a beacon of strength in the face of adversity. I hope these pages offer you moments of escape, joy, and the belief that a good book can light up the world around you, even in the darkest times. With love and admiration, Heather Marks.”
Jennifer turned when she heard Georgia sniff and found her wiping tears from her cheeks. Her eyes caught Andrew’s, and he also had tears shining in his eyes.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I told Heather that I thought my little sister was the bravest person I knew,” Jennifer told Molly.
“No.” Molly’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at Jennifer. “I don’t mind at all.”
Molly reached over and hugged Jennifer again as a nurse walked into the room.
“Oh, I see you have a full house here today.” The nurse smiled warmly as she picked up Molly’s chart.
“Nurse Brenda, this is my sister, Jennifer,” Molly introduced proudly.
“Hello, Jennifer,” Nurse Brenda greeted her. “It’s lovely to meet you.” She glanced at the books on Molly’s lap. “Is that the new Heather Marks?”
“Yes, Jennifer is her agent,” Molly boasted. “Look, Heather wrote a note to me.”
