Page 56 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Oh, my word, love.” Nurse Brenda looked at the message. Her eyes were filled with warmth when they glanced at Jennifer. “What a lovely gift you’ve given your sister.”
Jennifer swallowed, finding it more and more challenging to keep the tears at bay.
“I’m sorry, family, but I have to take Molly for her treatments,” Nurse Brenda told them.
Jennifer stood, and Molly grabbed her hand. “Will you visit again before you return to Plum Island?”
“Yes, of course,” Jennifer promised. “If your parents don’t mind.” She glanced at Andrew and Georgia. “I’d like to come back this evening.”
“Of course,” Georgia and Andrew said in unison.
“Yay.” Molly allowed Nurse Brenda to secure her books in the drawer besideMolly’s bed.
“I’d better be going,” Jennifer said, instinctively kissing Molly’s brow. “I’ll see you this evening.”
Jennifer had just left the room and was ordering a cab when Georgia’s voice stopped her, “Jennifer, wait.”
She finished ordering the car and turned to find Georgia hurrying toward her.
“Is everything okay?” Jennifer frowned.
“I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for Molly,” Georgia said. “I know it couldn’t have been easy, Andrew showing up like he did and then finding out you had a sister.”
“No, it wasn’t,” Jennifer agreed. “But my issues with your husband are not with Molly, and I’m glad I’ve met her.” She swallowed and cleared her throat. “And I hope either Liam or me can help her with all my heart.”
Georgia’s eyes misted over, and the brave mask she’d been wearing slipped, making Jennifer’s heart squeeze tighter for the woman whose eyes were filled with fear and anguish.
“Thank you.” She reached out and squeezed Jennifer’s hand as a few tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I know it’s not the same, but I know it’s not easy watching someone you love suffer while you wait for a miracle to happen.” Jennifer’s voice trembled with empathy and capped with resolve. “If either Liamor I turn out to be a match, we’ll be here for Molly and do everything we can for our little sister.”
Georgia’s face crumpled as she let go of Jennifer’s hand and pulled a tissue from her pocket to wipe her eyes. “That means a lot.”
Her phone bleeped, and she looked at it to find her cab was there. “I have to go. My cab is here.” Jennifer glanced at Georgia worriedly. “Are you okay?”
Georgia nodded. “I do this every day lately.” She wiped her nose. “Take these little breakdown breaks, so I don’t fall to pieces in front of Molly.”
“You’re a good mother, Georgia,” Jennifer complimented. “I’ll be back this evening. Can I bring you anything?”
“I’m fine,” Georgia told her. “Andrew and I take shifts, so Molly’s not alone at any time during the day.”
“Andrew has my number if you want me to get anything for Molly or you on my way back here this evening.” Jennifer’s phone beeped again, and she sent a message.On my way.
“I will,” Georgia told her. “I hope Harley can join you tonight. Molly has taken a shine to him.”
Jennifer nodded and was about to turn and go when a thought struck her. “Georgia, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” Georgia nodded.
“Molly’s been sick for a while now,” Jennifer commented, and Georgia nodded in confirmation. “Why did Andrew come to us last if he knew one of us would be the most likely match?”
“Because ofthat man!“ Georgia’s words were laced with venom, and her eyes filled with anger, surprising Jennifer. “Even on his deathbed, he made our lives hell.”
“What, man?” Jennifer asked, her brows creasing.
“Georgia?” Andrew’s voice reached them, and Jennifer saw him walking toward them.
“Please, don’t repeat what I just said,” Georgia’s voice was low, her eyes pleading.
