Free Send the Snowplow by Lisa Kovanda Page B

and flames with oxygen don’t mix.”
    Chris frowned. “I don’t like the idea of freezing to death, either.”
    If they had to resort to the kerosene heaters, it would mean turning off Mrs. Abadie’s oxygen. What if she died as a result? Yes, this was hospice, and yes, Mrs. Abadie was going to die sooner rather than later, but Jaycee wasn’t sure she could ever recover if that moment was hastened by a decision she had to make. She thought back to the military officers she’d cared for over the years. Men forced to make those type of decisions every day. Responsible for sending young men into battle, knowing many wouldn’t make it back alive. She’d listened as some of those hardened military men crumbled with guilt repressed sometimes for decades over decisions they’d made in the thick of circumstances they held little control over. Please, don’t let this be one of those. “I can’t...” Jaycee blew out a deep breath and let her shoulders slump. “Let’s give the snowplows a chance.” She tossed Chris a blanket. “In the meantime, you and Harold can share body heat. Survival training, right?”
    Her heart beat so loud in her chest, Jaycee couldn’t believe everyone in the room wasn’t staring at her. She had to do something—anything—to get her bearings straight. She went for the only thing she knew to do, grateful the half-darkened room allowed her to hide her sorrow in the shadows as she made her way around the room checking on patients, and offering them blankets and reassurance she hoped they believed more than she did in her own heart.

Chapter 16
     
    Red and blue flashing lights flooded the commons room as the door burst open and an assortment of ambulance attendants and law enforcement officers poured inside. The newcomers flew into action tending to the patients and family members. One of the officers made his way to her. “You must be Jaycee. The plan is to relocate your patients into Memorial Central until the crews get the power lines fixed out here.” He glanced over at Valerie holding Brad Junior and extended a hand to her with an expression of pure respect. “Nice work. I’ve been through some interesting Christmases, but you just made it to legend status.” 
     She doubted anyone who’d been part of the past couple of days would soon forget this Christmas, but her heart ached for the ones she knew wouldn’t be around next year to remember it. Marilyn, Harold, Walter? Even though they seemed spry, by this time next year, all of them would join Brad as distant memories. It was the nature of hospice. Brad Junior and Valerie? For them, the holiday would always be the best and the worst rolled into one, but it would certainly come with some special Christmas stories.
    Jaycee assisted with Valerie and the baby as they moved onto a transport cart. She hugged the new mom and kisses the downy hair on the top of the newborn’s head as attendants prepared to load them into the back of a waiting ambulance.
    A familiar voice caught Jaycee’s attention. She turned and gasped as Derek, Jake, and Clarissa entered amongst the bustle of workers and flashing lights. The kids carried wrapped presents. And not the ones she’d put under the tree, either. What was going on? Clarissa and Jake spotted her and dropped the gifts as they rushed into her arms. Jaycee hugged them close and gave Derek a questioning look.
    Her estranged husband approached and took a deep breath. “My plan was to surprise you at home. The timing got fouled up.”
    The sweet tang of Clarissa’s shampoo filled Jaycee’s nostrils as she buried her head in her daughter’s embrace. “It usually does. I’m sure the kids are glad you made it.”
    Derek shook his head. “It’s not just about the kids. I need you. More than work. More than anything. Will you stay married to me?” He got down on one knee and pulled out a ring box.
    Clarissa and Jake hugged each other as they watched her reaction.
    Jaycee hesitated.