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"I mean it," Claire told her.

Eva nodded. "Me too."

Claire leaned over and kissed her cheek, smiling. "I can't wait."

"Me neither," Eva replied.

They both settled down, Daisy sleeping softly in between them.

"Night night," Eva said softly.

"Goodnight,” Claire replied.

It didn't take long for them to fall asleep.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Claire awoke feeling like there was a weight pressed down on her chest. As consciousness slowly filtered in, she remembered why - today marked six months since losing David. Half a year since her husband's sudden passing.

Her chest felt tight. Tears threatened to spill over.

She reached out, hoping to feel Eva next to her, but she was alone.

"Eva?" she called out, her voice shaking.

Eva appeared in the doorway, concern written across her face. "You're awake. Good morning, my love."

Claire held her arms open, silently pleading with her.

Eva hurried over and got into bed with her, wrapping her arms around Claire and holding her tight.

"Shhh, it's okay," she soothed, gently stroking her hair.

"Today is the six month anniversary," Claire said, tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, my love," Eva said softly. "I'm sorry. What can I do to help?"

Claire shook her head. "Just hold me. I need to cry."

Eva tightened her arms around her, keeping her close.

"I miss him," Claire sobbed.

"I know," Eva said, still soothing her.

"I feel so guilty," Claire admitted.

"Why do you feel guilty?" Eva asked, stroking her hair.

"It's been six months and I've started to fall in love with someone new. What does that say about me?" Claire asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"It says you're human," Eva replied.

Claire looked at her, tears in her eyes. "You really think that?"

"I do," Eva said. "We're supposed to find love. That's the whole point of life. We find love and we share it with others. You're not being disloyal by moving on. It doesn't change how you felt about David. Or how you still feel.”

"What if it does?" Claire asked, tears still streaming down her face.