Page 121 of A Dream for Daphne

He believed they would have had his back. But he also believed they dismissed the words once they were said because they were never thinking it anyway.

“Julie said something today. And it set me off, but I didn’t let her see it. She’s been known to gossip and exaggerate things.”

“She probably did with this. It was one passing statement while we were in the hospital. Reese made a comment that it was ridiculous or something and that was it.”

“I’m sure he did,” she said. “But rather than react, I calmed down as the day went on, and continued with my plan to findout why we weren’t having sex. So you see, that had more importance to me. Just so you know.”

“Good to hear,” he said. “It tells me you were more questioning this rather than concerned?”

“Yes,” she said. “We talked about it and can put it to rest.”

“Really or are you just saying that?” he asked.

She lifted her head again. “Are you pushing my buttons?”

“Nope. I’ll be good and stop talking,” he said, smiling.

But he did wonder if it was put to rest or not.

39

HIDING THINGS FROM THE WORLD

“Only a month until your wedding,” Daphne said to Aster two weeks later.

He came over to visit her while Raine was putting shower gifts away from the party yesterday.

More like finding a place to store them since her brother was waiting to see if the bid he put in on a house Friday was accepted.

He didn’t have the patience to go back and forth and negotiate, but the sellers were dragging their feet to negotiate until the last minute each time.

“Not much longer,” Aster said. “How is the arm doing?”

“It’s great,” she said, lifting it up and over her shoulder and rotating it around. “I bet I healed quicker than you.”

“You probably did,” Aster said. “But not like I’d tell anyone else that. Raine was driving me nuts for a week.”

“She loves you,” she said.

“Yep. I know. I get it. I’m not used to anyone taking care of me like that other than you.”

“I know you well enough to not be in your space the whole time. She’s still learning, but it’s a different kind of love.”

“I know,” Aster said. “I’m glad I found it. Glad you have too.”

“Yeah,” she said.

“What’s going on?” Aster asked. “Is there a problem? Do I have to have a talk with Abe about something?”

“Don’t even think about it,” she said firmly. “I’m over men thinking they have to take care of my problems. That includes you.”

Aster took a step back and put his hands up. “What’s going on? I promise not to get involved if I don’t have to, but I’d like to know. Maybe I can help or be a shoulder for you to lean on. You know, like all those years in the service you just talked to me.”

“Which I shouldn’t have done as you had more important things going on in your life,” she said.

She always regretted saying things to Aster when she knew there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

She didn’t want him to do anything about it though.

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