Page 65 of The Library on Plum Island
“Thank you for keeping your side of the deal,” Alex answered for Daniella.
“Would you mind if I took some photos for the article?” Meg asked.
“No, go ahead,” Daniella told Meg. “Congratulations on your new position at a top magazine.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Alex, and Harriet,” Meg beamed. “Of course, my ex-boss at the Boston Celebrity Splash is furious that my lead about you getting married at the Boston Court House wasn’t true.”
“Yes, I must say,” Harriet joined them, “misleading the paparazzi and getting married at Beach Plum Cottage on Plum Island was a fantastic idea.”
“Yes, the press wouldn’t be able to find you,” Harley added. “And no one is listening in.” He handed Meg a thumb drive. “I quickly edited it for you.”
“Thank you,” Meg said again. Her eyes were wide with excitement and sparkling with unshed tears. “Whoever gave me that fake call and thought they were ruining your lives actually made all of ours richer, I think.” She glanced around the quaint cottage. “You made this into a fairytale wedding.”
“Well, I wouldn’t call it a fairytale,” Daniella laughed. “More like a quaint country wedding.”
“I like that,” Meg stated. “Do you mind if I use it in the article?”
Daniella, Harriet, and Alex’s eyes widened, and they laughed as Daniella nodded.
“What?” Meg looked at them, not getting the joke.
“You sound like a friend of ours,” Harriet told her. “She says that a lot.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Meg said. “I just prefer to have permission to use other people’s quotes.”
“Now there’s something you never see every day.” Andrew Gains joined them. “A journalist with integrity.”
“Give her time,” Harriet stated. “She’ll learn.”
“Hello…” Victoria Blackwell called through one of the monitors. “Can we talk to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Blackwell?” She chuckled and turned to her husband. “I do like the sound of that.” Daniella and Alex excused themselves to walk closer to the monitor when Victoria leaned forward and called,” Emily, Shay, Reef, where are my grandchildren?”
“We’re here, Nan,” Shay said, and to Daniella and Alex’s surprise, the kids popped onto the same monitor as Victoria and Arthur.
“Hi, Mom. You look so beautiful,” Emily said, her voice bringing tears to Daniella’s eyes.
You look gorgeous too, sweetheart.Daniella signed before turning to the other two teens. “You all look gorgeous.”
Thank you,Reef and Shay signed to Daniella so Emily was included in the conversation.
Shay signed the ceremony for me,Emily told Daniella.It was lovely, Mom.
“Welcome to the family, Daniella,” a young woman from another monitor caught her attention. Daniella knew instantly that it was Bailey Blackwell. There was no mistaking the thick, silky, shiny dark hair and piercing blue eyes. “We haven’t met. I’m Bailey.”
“Hello, Bailey. It’s great to finally meet you,” Daniella said with a smile. “How is Egypt?”
“Great,” Bailey told her. “But I would rather be over there right now to witness this historic occasion of my bachelor brother finally being taken off the market.”
Guilt surged through Daniella as she looked at the happy faces of their family and friends. They all looked so genuinely happy for Daniella and Alex. It was as if their marriage was real, and again, her wayward heart flipped in her chest, wishing it was so.
No, Daniella. Enjoy the moment, as this is all just an act. It has to appear real.
“Baby Blackwell, how are you?” Harriet walked over, dragging Daniella back from the brink of falling into her dangerous thoughts. “I see you’ve met your new sister-in-law.”
“Yes, and I believe my father has finally gotten his wish and has a doctor in the family.” Bailey laughed.
“Oh?” Daniella’s brows shot up.
“Arthur wanted one of his kids to marry a doctor,” Victoria explained with a laugh. “He wanted the Blackwell family to finally have some prestige.”
