Michael gives her a knowing look that says it'd best stay a one-time event. He sees the bright glint of curiosity in her soul. Given enough time, the memory of how miserable she'd felt at the time will fade. He can see her wanting to try it again some day.

Company comes before sacred clearings, so he stops when she does, and considers her offer with a tilt of his head. He's sure Claire would wait on an answer if he said he needed time to think it over, but Michael's never had trouble being decisive.

There's no question as to why Claire is asking. She said it herself: she dislikes being alone. Would the arrangement work for him? His room at Josie's home serves as trinket storage more than a place he stays. He visits and helps out because he feels a duty to her for having helped him in his time of need, but he'll never feel fully at home among one of the local pagans. The inn is a place he looks after, but never one he stays at for very long. It's lonely there. Being in it inevitably reminds him of Gabriel—and the fact that if he has gone home, his brother is dead once again.

After a moment of silent thought, he nods.

"My routine already includes you, Claire. This merely cuts out the travel time. If you'll have me, I'll gladly stay."

This may mean more time in her home and less time in the shed than she realizes. He'll look after the guest house as if it were his own room, but he has no need for sleep. The bed will be little more than an occasional place to sit. If the goal is to keep her company, well—Claire spends most of her time in and around her house, so that's where he'll be.

He turns his attention back to the clearing, where a single ash tree stands tall and separate from the rest of the forest. Seems obvious now that they're looking at it.

"I take it this is what we're after."