Page 42 of The Library on Plum Island
“What have I agreed to?” Daniella stared at his handsome face, and for the first time in years, her heart didn’t ache as much as it usually did when she saw his picture.
When you’re in a jam, Dani, remember to let your heart guide you. Your mind only sees black and white, but the world doesn’t work that way. There are a whole lot of colors in between—colors that only your heart can decipher, so let it be your guide. Stop, take a minute, and think, does this feel right?Tom’s voice echoed in her mind as if he were right next to her, whispering the words in her ear.
Daniella drew in a breath and hugged the photo close to her heart. Closing her eyes, she drew in his strength. “Your love was the bright star in the sky that guided me, and your love kept me pushing through. I’ve been so lost trying to keep the shattered fragments of Emily’s life and mine together.”
You wouldn’t have agreed to the plan if it made you feel uncomfortable.Daniella could hear his voice, and a warmth filled her heart.She kept her eyes squeezed shut, and it was like Tom was right there next to her.
“You’re right,” Daniella whispered. “I know Alex has a reputation, but I’ve seen glimpses of the man beneath, and in a way, he reminds me so much of you. He is loyal, faithful, and fiercely protective of those he loves.”
You always did see beneath the facade,Daniella imagined Tom saying. And as per your favorite saying, your gift is a boon and bane.She imagined the breeze that blew over her forehead to be Tom’s soft kiss.While I’m not sure how to take him, he makes you smile, and Emily feels safe around him. While it’s good to guard your heart, don’t block out the possibility of falling in love again. You still have so much to give, Dani. It’s time to dip your toes back into the romance pool.
“I’m scared,” Daniella admitted. “I’m scared that if I give in to these feelings that are developing, even though I don’t want them to, that …” She swallowed. Smiling as the breeze lifted a strand of hair on her neck, Daniella pictured Tom’s hand brushing it.
What are you scared of?Daniella could see his face light up with a warm smile.Are you afraidthat Alex won’t return your feelings?In her mind, she could see his eyes filled with understanding and love.Or are you scared that he does?
“Both.” Daniella’s voice dropped and wavered with uncertainty. “Having a relationship doesn’t just affect me. It affects our daughter, too.”
Emily will be thrilled for you, and you know that. While your mind is overanalyzing everything, think about this: Alex didn’t have to suggest such drastic measures, but he did. As you’re discovering, there is a lot more to Alex than meets the eye. This plan not only helps to keep you and Emily safe, but it will draw Doctor Creepo out and will also give you a chance to see the real Alex—the man behind the mask. Be cautious, but also don’t be afraid to love again, Dani. My love for always and eternity.
Daniella breathed, and a soft shudder ran up her spine as the scent of Tom’s cologne wafted past her but faded as fast as it came. Another light breeze caressed her forehead, and her heart squeezed as she opened her eyes. She suddenly felt alone. Her heart, echoing Tom’s imagined advice, nudged her toward the path they had chosen. Suddenly, Daniella felt more at ease with her decision and felt it was the right thing to do. This was the way to keep her daughter safe and reclaim a semblance of normalcy in their lives without the constant threat of their past looming over their shoulders.
Daniella stood up, and a soft breeze hugged her as she put the photo back on the nightstand. She smiled, picturing it as a hug from Tom.
“Thank you, my love.” Daniella ran her finger over the glass one last time.
As she turned to leave the room, feeling happier about her decision to go along with the crazy plan, a thought struck her—none of the windows in her bedroom were open, and her bathroom door was closed. Daniella’s eyes widened as she gazed at the window in disbelief, and a soft golden light glinted off the window and was gone in the blink of an eye. A warm feeling settled in her chest, and the ache she’d carried over Tom for the past seven years was replaced by a feeling of peace and acceptance. Her eyes drifted to Tom’s photo.
Could it have been?Daniella frowned and shook her head to clear it. “It was all in your head. The mind is a powerful tool that can play tricks on a person, and it can seem real thanks to our imaginations.”
As Daniella left her room, she glanced at the photo of Tom and smiled. But that doesn’t mean I can believe you were here with me to guide me. She blew a kiss at the photo as she stepped out of the room and gently pulled the door closed. Daniella drew in a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked into the living room, filled with more confidence about Alex and her family’s crazy plan. She stifled a nervous giggle at the strange thought that this time tomorrow, Daniella may be married to the most notorious playboy in America.
An hour later, Daniella’s nerves were back in full force as she sat in the entertainment lounge of Alex’s glass house, which jutted off the side of the cliff. The lower ground floor led onto a large paved area that backed onto the beach. She clutched an untouched glass of freshly pressed apple juice that was getting warm as the ice was quickly melting in the glass.
Her eyes roved around the room on the lower ground floor. The large glass rollback doors were open, allowing the tangy sea breeze to drift in from the sparkling blue ocean rolling onto the rocks. Daniella wished her nerves were as calm as the breathtaking view this room looked out onto. She’d give anything at that moment for a smidgen of the peace reflected from the scene outside.
Breathe, Daniella. Remember why you’re doing this!An image of Tom flashed into her mind as a warm, gentle breath wafted past, ruffling her hair. She breathed it in, closing her eyes. Daniella centered her thoughts and an image of Tom standing beside her popped into her mind. She smiled as she gathered some of the quiet strength he always exuded.
“Mom?” Emily’s soft voice surprised her, and Daniella’s eyes flew open.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Daniella smiled, her heart expanding at the sound of the sweet tones. “Are you okay?” she said and signed.
Emily nodded and, to Daniella’s delight, said in a slow, steady voice, “Are you okay?” Then signed.You look like you’ve had bad news.Her eyes widened.Is it him?
We’re going to discuss this now, and that’s why we’ve asked everyone to be here, including you, Reef, and Shay. We’re just waiting to get the rest of Alex’s family on a conference call,Daniella signed, deciding to be honest. Emily already knew something was going on, and Daniella had warned her that this day would come. She quickly filled Emily in sign language and told her that Alex had offered a solution, although it was kind of crazy.
What kind of crazy solution?Emily’s eyes narrowed curiously.
I asked your mother to marry me in order to keep you both safe and flush Doctor Jackson out,Alex answered and turned to Daniella. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“No. Thank you.” Daniella smiled. “I was trying to figure out the best way to tell Emily.”
“Seriously?”Emily’s brows rose, and Daniella saw the strange look she gave Alex.
Harley suggested that your mother and I have a fake relationship.Alex explained how the idea came about, and by the time he was finished, Emily was staring at him as if he’d grown two heads.
If this idea makes you uncomfortable in any way, sweetheart,Daniella told Emily, her heart dropping as she realized she should’ve discussed it with her daughter before agreeing to it.
Emily’s eyes met Daniella’s as she asked:Are we going to live here with Alex?
