Clare took a drink and handed the glass to him. “Thanks.”

He got back in bed and gathered her close to him.

“I’m sorry I woke you.”

“I’m sorry you were scared. Will you be okay?”

Would she ever really be okay again? “Yeah.”

Clare appreciated that he didn’t push her to talk about it. After a while, the steady sound of his breathing told her he’d fallen back to sleep. She lay awake for a long time wondering what it meant that she’d had the dream again now.

Chapter 33

On the way into town with Aidan the next morning, she knew he wanted to talk about her dream but was again grateful that he didn’t push her.

At Tony’s house, she went upstairs to pack up a few things to take to Aidan’s. When she heard the floor sander go on downstairs, she picked up the phone to call Dr. Baker, her psychiatrist in Newport. He was with a patient, so she left a message with her cell phone number.

She carried a small bag downstairs.

Aidan turned off the sander and raised his goggles. A white mask dangled around his neck. “Come on outside.” He led her to the porch. “I don’t want you breathing this crap.”

“Should you be breathing it?”

“I didn’t just have pneumonia.” He tilted her chin to bring her eyes up to meet his. “Are you okay, hon?”

She bit her lip and nodded.

“Do you feel up to going out tonight? We can do it another time if you want.”

“I want to go.”

He kissed her. “I’ll miss you today.”

She smiled. “Not as much as yesterday, I hope.”

“Maybe more,” he said with a sexy grin that stopped her heart.

“I’ve got to get a body double.” She walked down the front stairs to the sound of his laughter.

The town bustled with preparations for the annual Winter Festival, which started on Friday. After quick visits with Diana and Bea, Clare decided to treat herself to a haircut and manicure. By the time she emerged from the salon an hour later, she felt better. It wasn’t every day a girl had a first date with the guy she loved, so Clare made an effort to get into the right mood for what would no doubt be a special evening for them. Not that every night with Aidan wasn’t special.

Her cell phone rang, and she saw it was Dr. Baker returning her call.

“Hi, Clare. I was just thinking about you the other day. How are you doing?”

“Much better. The time in Vermont has been just what I needed.”

“I’m glad to hear that. What can I do for you?”

“Well, I’ve met someone. A man.”

“Really? Is it serious?”

“It is. He’s wonderful.”

“Are you ready for something serious?”

“I think so. I met the right guy.”