When Kate called about her meeting with Buddy and Taylor, the whole thing clicked into focus with such stunning clarity it had taken his breath away. Buddy was like an uncle to him, and he was the godfather to Buddy and Taylor’s oldest two children. Since Ashton joined the law firm, Buddy had sent so much business his way that Ashton was already on a fast track for partnership.

After he talked to Kate earlier, Ashton left the office and walked along the river for hours trying to figure out what to do. When he couldn’t wait another minute to find out for sure if it was true, he went to the house.

A sigh shuddered through him as he plopped down on the sofa. Resting his head in his hands, disgusted by the memory of the cozy scene he’d interrupted in his father’s bedroom, he cringed when he realized he could’ve walked in on worse.

He really cared about Kate. He could’ve even loved her, but she’d never given him an ounce of encouragement. At least now he knew why.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered as he got up, walked over to his desk, and rifled through a pile of paper until he found what he was looking for. He studied the business card for a long time before he picked up the phone and dialed the number in Rhode Island.

Chapter 27

Aidan tore through his bedroom, throwing clothes into a duffel bag.

Clare got up to put on jeans and a sweater.

“What’re you doing?” he asked as he zipped his bag.

“Coming with you.”

“You don’t have to do that. You’ve been so sick. I’ll be all right.”

Clare met his gaze with determination. “I’m coming with you.” Seeing that his eyes were shiny with tears, she went to him. “He’s going to be fine. Colin said he’s alive, right?”

Aidan nodded.

Clare hugged him. “It’s going to be okay. Let’s go.” She picked up her bag, grabbed her toothbrush from the bathroom, and followed him downstairs.

Holding his hand, she rested her head on his shoulder as they hurtled south in his truck through the mountains. Except for a couple of semis, they had the road to themselves. Colin had reported no change a short time ago.

“Hanging in there?” Clare asked.

“Yeah,” he said, but his jaw was clenched with tension.

“Talk to me. What are you thinking?”

“I’m not ready to lose my father.”

“You aren’t going to.” Clare unbuckled her seat belt so she could move closer to him. “He’s where he needs to be, getting the care he needs.”

He lifted his arm to let her in. “I hope you’re right. Thanks for coming. I’d be flipping out by now if I was alone.”

She kissed his cheek. “You’re not alone anymore.”