Free In Your Embrace by Amy Miles Page B

Claire for months now.  Stubborn man refuses.”
    Timothy starts to respond, but Hannah cuts him off.  “I don’t think it’s stubbornness at all, Aunt Claire.” She turns to smile at Timothy and notes a hint of a blush rise along his cheeks at her direct gaze.  “It’s just who he is.”
    Claire nods in rapt agreement.  “Well said.  Is Iris going to be ok?”
    Hannah isn’t surprised to hear that her aunt knows Iris.  Claire is the type of person who never met a stranger, especially in a small town.  No doubt she has met and fallen in love with every person in this town.
    “The doctors are checking her out now.  In fact, I should probably head down and sit with her for a bit.”  He offers a small wave and turns to leave but glances back.  “It was nice to meet you, Hannah.  I hope everything goes well for Andrew.”
    “The Lord willing,” she says, almost without a thought.
    He pauses and then nods.  “Let’s hope that He is.”  With that he turns and heads for the stairs.  Hannah watches him until the door slams shut behind him.
    “I know that look.”
    She turns to see her aunt staring at her.  “What look?”
    “The look of admiration and I’m here to tell you that there’s no finer man in this place than Timothy Lewis.”
    Hannah glances back at the door.  “Do you know him well?”
    “Well enough.”  There is an unusually pinched tone in her aunt’s voice.
    “Meaning?”
    “Meaning he keeps to himself for the most part these days.  He works hard, from sunup till sundown.  He’s a driven man now.”
    “Why is that?”  Hannah can’t help but sense there is something more to this story than her aunt is letting on.
    “Now, you know I’m not one for gossiping.  Timothy’s had a rough go of things these past few months.  Life’s been pretty tough on him, but he’s hanging in there.  Maybe someday he’ll tell you about it.”
    Claire wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and makes Hannah laugh.  It’s a small laugh that soon fades away as a doctor comes through a set of double doors at the end of the hall. In unison they suck in a breath and hold it, waiting to see if the doctor will seek them out or one of the many other people waiting in the room.
    When he turns to speak with a middle aged couple, Hannah releases her breath.  “Have you heard anything yet?”
    Claire’s disheveled hair falls about her shoulders.  Her fingers lose color as she grips her arms tightly across her chest and the mood shifts once more, taking on a very somber feel.  “Nothing yet.”
    “You want anything?  Coffee?  Snack?”
    “No.  I don’t think I could keep anything down right now.”
    Hannah can sympathize.  Ever since they found Andrew severely injured on the living room floor this morning, the room hasn’t stopped swaying for her.  Her stomach clenches at the thought of what life would be like for Claire if Andrew doesn’t pull through.
    No. I won’t think of it.  Not until I have to.   Instead she sinks into a two-seater couch beside her aunt and holds her hand, giving her what little comfort she can spare.  From time to time she lifts up prayers.  Some are silent and are nothing more than a single sentence plea for help.  When words aren’t enough, her tears take over.
    The lights flicker overhead, drawing Hannah from her thoughts.  Claire’s grip on her hand increases.  “The generators will hold,” Hannah soothes.
    Nearly two hours later, the door to the stairwell opens and closes and Timothy reappears.  He looks bone tired and barely on his feet, but the lines of worry along his brow have eased a bit as he comes to stand beside them.  “Mrs. Stevens is resting now. The doctors had to set a couple of bones and want to monitor her for a few days until her blood pressure is stable again.”
    “That’s wonderful news.” Hannah grins as she rises to her feet.  “Can I see her?”
    Timothy glances down at Claire with uncertainty but she nods.  “Go