Chapter 157

“Of course.” Patrick shifted some, put his head to my pillow, his arm underneath me, and drew me right to him. “You saved my life. You’re my superhero. Now, we continue our happily ever after.”

“Once we wake up.”

“Yes. First, we sleep, and then we continue our happily ever after.”

“Only good dreams,” I said.

Safe in Patrick’s embrace, I was glad the mantra and my IRT worked. 9

Though I woke up alone in a hospital bed, still, I couldn’t help but smile, as I imagined the scenario in my dream taking place in some parallel universe, where events had unfolded just as Patrick had described.

“We’re together somewhere,” I whispered.

“Goose!” Carrie leapt up from her spot, curled up as best she could with her height on the blue vinyl window seat. “Hi.” Her excitement showed, despite the fact she whispered it.

“Hi.” I whispered, too.