“Only the biggest names in country music,” Aidan offered.

“She really did it, didn’t she?” Clare asked with amazement.

“Apparently, they’re going to produce a single for her, too.”

“Wow, she must be thrilled. It’s what she’s always wanted.”

Jack sighed. “What the hell was she thinking, getting involved with Reid?”

“I can’t imagine,” Clare said, filled with dismay.

“What’re we going to do, Clare? I left there so convinced I’d done the right thing by cutting her off, but now I don’t know. All during the flight home, I just kept wondering if I’d ever see her again.”

He was so distressed that Clare’s heart went out to him. “You did everything you could today. Why don’t you go home and try to get some sleep? We can talk more tomorrow and figure out what we’re going to do.”

Jack agreed and stood up. “Sorry to be airing the dirty laundry, Aidan. Good to meet you.”

Aidan shook his hand. “You, too.”

Clare hugged Jack at the front door. “Thanks for going to Nashville. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you.”

“You look good, Clare,” he said softly.

“I feel good.”

He kissed her cheek. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

She closed the door behind him and rested her head against it.

Aidan came up behind her to massage her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

“I’m stunned. In the course of half an hour, I found out my daughter’s having sex, she’s involved with a man who’s my age, and she’s possibly going to be a big star. It’s a lot to take in all at once.”

“Heavy stuff.” Aidan put his arm around her to walk her back to the kitchen. “He seemed devastated.”

“He’s blaming himself because he introduced her to Reid.” She reached for the phone to dial Kate’s number again. “I just wish she’d answer her damned phone.”

“What’re you going to do?”

“I think I’ll ask Maggie to come to Vermont another weekend. I need some time alone with Kate next week. I’m sure she’s terribly upset after seeing Jack.”

“You guys can camp out at my place, since the floors will be a mess at your brother’s by next weekend.”

“Thanks.” She reached up to kiss him. Trying to recapture their lighthearted mood from earlier, she said, “You do know I won’t sleep with you while she’s there, right?”

He groaned and steered her into the bedroom. “Why did I know you were going to say that?”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t visit me.”

His face lit up. “Now, we’re talking.” He pulled off his shirt. “I’ve gotta tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You weren’t kidding when you said Jill looks just like him. It’s crazy.”

“I know. Wait until you meet my mini-me.”