Page 66 of The Library on Plum Island
“What’s more prestigious than being an A-lister?” Daniella asked.
“Being someone of substance,” Arthur answered. “All us A-listers do for people who need medical attention is have charity dinners to raise funds that I’m not sure actually go into helping them.” He gave Daniella a warm smile. “But you, my dear, you’re on the front lines, actually making a difference in their lives.”
“Do you know that Daniella also runs the library on Plum Island?” Victoria looked at her husband.
“Now that is impressive, Daniella,” Arthur said. “Now I feel even worse and wish I could do more. If you need anything, please, I’d love to help.”
“Thank you.” Daniella was moved by Arthur’s words. “But donating to various medical causes makes a difference too. Without donations, a lot of good clinics and places that help people who can’t afford expensive medical care end up having to close their doors.” She smiled. “Both the clinic and the library on Plum Island serve the community. We rely on the kindness of people like yourselves to keep the doors open.”
“Dad, why are you talking about charities and donations on my wedding day?” Alex joined them. “Sorry, I had disappeared. I had to take a phone call.”
“Is everything alright?” Arthur asked his son, his eyes narrowing questioningly on Alex.
Daniella didn’t miss the look that passed from father to son, and she wondered if Arthur was against what Alex was doing for her and Emily.
“Everything is fine,” Alex answered his father in clipped tones. “I’d tell you if it was something I couldn’t handle, and I’ll discuss this with you at our next meeting. Now isn’t the time.”
“Yes, Arthur, today is not about business,” Victoria hissed. “Not that you should even be getting involved in the business right now with your faulty ticker.”
“Can we not justaccidentallycut the feeds?“ Alex whispered.
“No, that would be rude,” Daniella whispered back.
For the next half-hour, Daniella and Alex spoke to their family and friends through the monitors. It was strange having a teleconference wedding, but she was glad that at least they got to have a nice dinner party at the Gains’ house in Boston. Harley was driving Andrew and Meg back to Boston in half an hour while Harriet, Daniella, and Alex stayed on Plum Island.
An hour later, Daniella, Alex, and Harriet were the only ones left at Beach Plum Cottage, Betty Swan’s home where Jennifer had grown up. Betty had gone to Boston with Sam, and they had taken Hicks with them. When Daniella got the idea to mislead the press and switch wedding venues, Betty offered her and Alex the cottage. It was perfect. Betty’s house was in a beautiful setting tucked away between the lighthouse and the midpoint. There were only three ways you could get there, and Harley had them all patrolled.
“I have to go and tend to Caroline and Brad’s animals,” Harriet told them. “Jennifer was doing it, but since she’s in Boston and Caroline’s brother is away until later today, I told her I’d do it.”
“And you volunteered?” Alex looked at Harriet in surprise.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Harriet looked offended.
“Because you’re not the best animal person, Harry,” Alex reminded her.
“Harriet seemed fine with Hicks,” Daniella stuck up for Harriet.
“Yes, but have you met Caroline’s crazy trio of pets?” Alex’s eyes widened. “They’re like furry and feathered bandits.”
“They’re not that bad,” Daniella said, looking at Harriet. “I can come with you.”
“It’s okay,” Harriet said, but Daniella could see the doubt in Harriet’s eyes. “I’m sure you and Alex have things you need to discuss.”
“Actually,” Alex frowned. “I have some business I need to take care of.” He looked at Daniella apologetically, and something in his eyes made her heart drop to her feet. “I’ll leave my car here and get a taxi to my office at the Summer Inn.”
“No, take your car,” Harriet told them. “I’m sure Jennifer won’t mind us borrowing hers.” She looked at Daniella. “If you don’t mind coming with me to Caroline’s and driving us back to Alex’s house,” she said.
Daniella felt strangled and a little deflated by Alex’s sudden change in attitude. He seemed cold and distant after being the complete opposite for the past couple of days, right up until they kissed. She pushed all thoughts of it out of her mind. She forced a smile on her face—the smile Daniella called her doctor’s smile, not too cold, not too warm, but just in the middle as she blanked off her expression, which was another trick of her trade. You couldn’t give people bad news and fall apart with them no matter how hard it was not to. As a doctor, people expected you to be their strength during a medical emergency, a diagnosis, or needing a surgical procedure. Patients tended to lose faith in a doctor who couldn’t hold it together during a medical discussion.
“I’ll drive us back to Alex’s house,” Daniella replied.
Her mask was firmly in place. She’d let herself ponder over Alex later when she was alone and could give in to her emotions.
“I’m sorry I have to rush off,” Alex apologized again. “I’ll see you both back at home.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Daniella told Alex. “It’s not like we had a honeymoon planned, so go do what you need to do.”Was that a twinge of bitternessin my voice or my heart?She hoped it was the latter or that Alex hadn’t noticed.
“Thank you, I’ll make it up to you ladies and take you out to dinner tonight,” Alex promised before dashing out the door.
