Page 61 of The Library on Plum Island
“Good evening, Mr. Blackwell, Doctor Thornton.” The man gave them a courteous nod.
“We’re going for a walk,” Alex informed the man. “I’ve let your officer in command know that we’re expecting a pizza delivery, so we won’t be long.”
“Of course,” the man said, stepping aside for them to exit. “And thank you, Mr. Blackwell, for the pizza and snacks. It’s appreciated.”
“Of course.” Alex nodded. “I don’t suppose you’d let us walk on our own?”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir,” the man apologized. “I can keep my distance.”
“Thank you, that’s appreciated,” Daniella told the man, and Alex was surprised when she took his hand. “Let’s stretch our legs before feasting on pizza.”
Alex knew it was an act, but the simple gesture was doing crazy things to his emotions.
“After you’ve eaten and had a bath or shower,” Daniella looked at him as they walked hand in hand across the sand that sparkled from the low rays of the setting sun, “I’ll redress your hand.”
“Okay.” Alex nodded. “How’s your head?”
“I may take a headache pill before going to bed,” Daniella told him. “It has started to ache.”
Alex’s eyes widened with worry. “Are you sure you want to walk?”
“Walking is the best thing for me,” Daniella told him. “The fresh air and exercise is clearing away the remnants of the blackout.”
“You’re the doctor, so I’m not even going to try and argue with that.” Alex laughed.
They fell into a companionable silence as they continued their walk across the sandy section of the beach that fronted Alex’s property.
“Are we being crazy?” Daniella suddenly asked, turning her to look at Alex.
“Probably.” Alex nodded. “But these are crazy circumstances.” He looked at her earnestly. “If you’re having second thoughts…”
“No.” Daniella shook her head. “Not at all.” She frowned. “While a part of me is outraged that in the twenty-first century, the only way I get to keep my daughter and I safe is to marry someone.” She held up her hand before he could speak. “Please let me finish.” Alex nodded. “I feel like I’ve stepped into an eighteenth-century novel where my only choice is to get married or get sent to spend the rest of my life in isolation in a convent.”
“Or…” Alex held up his index finger. “A handsome young duke has offered you his hand in marriage, so you’re not forced to marry a lecherous old lord your father had picked out for you.”
Daniella’s face fell, and she stopped walking as she looked at him in amazement. Alex was about to apologize, thinking he’d offended her, and to his surprise, Daniella burst out laughing. The sound was warm and rich. It flowed through him like a fine whisky and made his heart thud. Alex’s lips turned up into a smile.
“I’m sorry,” Daniella said. “That was just such a romantic thing for you to say.”
Alex’s brow creased. “Oh?” He looked at her curiously. “You think I can’t be romantic.”
“No, it’s not that.” Daniella’s smile still brightened her face. “When you said the thing about the duke, a picture of you in a shiny blue foppish outfit, with a powdered wig and a cane, flashed through my mind.”
“I’d like to think I would’ve worn the more conservative and neutral colors if I lived back then,” Alex told her. “And rather than a wig, I’d prefer to keep my hair short or slightly long with a neat pigtail.”
“Or, a white billowing shirt and tight britches, with a captain’s jacket,” Daniella fantasized. “Like a privateer.”
“Ooh, a pirate!” Alex grinned. “I could see myself as a roguish pirate, stealing you away from your evil father and your lecherous betrothed.”
“Now there’s an image.” Daniella nodded as they continued to walk.
“Excuse me, Mr. Blackwell.” The man who was following them caught up. “Your food has arrived.”
“Alas, fair maiden,” Alex made a gallant, flamboyant bow. “I fear our walk must come to an end.”
Daniella laughed once again. They linked their hands and walked back toward the house with their shadow following them. Alex and Daniella sat around the dining table as they ate their pizza and talked about everything from their childhood, their favorite music, movies, and their dreams. Alex had even told Daniella that his second choice of a career behind being a marine vet would’ve been a graphic novelist.
After dinner, he showed her his sketchbook, and his heart expanded a little more when Daniella loved his drawings. The way Daniella listened to a person by being totally present and taking an interest in them made him fall for her even more. Alex hadn’t wanted the night to end, and he couldn’t remember a more enjoyable evening.
