Free Inevitable Sentences by Tekla Dennison Miller

it does. The sheriff said he’d have the deputy pull into the driveway to let us know he’s here.”
    Adrian poured soap into the sink and ran hot water, preparing to attack the breakfast dishes. “Cleaning always takes my mind off my problems.”
    Adrian washed and Celeste wiped. They performed the tasks in silence. Nearly half an hour later, they heard a horn sound in the driveway. Celeste checked. “It’s the deputy.” She waved and he drove away.
    “Are you sure you’ll be okay if I go?” Celeste asked one more time. Perhaps she needed to be reassured more than Adrian.
    “Yes. My only problem will be stopping me from slapping Lorraine upside the head.” She smiled.
    “I know she can be difficult.” Celeste sighed. “Today she has an excuse, though. She’s frightened.” The two women stood facing each other for several seconds.
    “Well. I’d better get on the road before the weather gets too bad.” Celeste put on her boots, parka, hat, and gloves. “I always feel like I’m getting dressed for an expedition to the North Pole.” She laughed softly to lighten the moment.
    “I agree. Too bad we have to face months of this yet.” Adrian returned a weak laugh.
    Celeste grabbed her purse and car keys. “If you have any concerns, call the sheriff immediately. I’ll be back soon.”
    “Be safe,” Adrian called out to Celeste as she got into her car.

Chapter Seven
DISCLOSURE
    C ELESTE SWEPT INTO M AX’S hospital room shortly after lunch, stomping her feet to get them warm. She took off her gloves and bright red down-filled winter coat and flung them onto a chair. The whirl of chilled air she created made its way to Max.
    “Brr. Cold outside?” he asked in an almost mocking tone as he shook himself to emphasize the question.
    “You can be smug in your warm room, tucked into a cozy bed.” Celeste knew all too well he’d rather be outside in the nasty weather than in this institution, as he had called the hospital with a great deal of disdain in his tone.
    “That coat should keep you toasty until I get out of this place.” He pointed to the mound of red piled on the chair.
    Celeste laughed. “It is a lot of coat, isn’t it? I’d rather have you, though, than the down to cuddle with for warmth.”
    Max’s expression became more serious. “What took you so long to get here? I expected you earlier this morning.”
    “The roads are still nasty. Although the county trucks are salting, the wind keeps the ice from melting and blows the snow back over the roads. It’s a hopeless job.” Celeste vigorously rubbed her arms. “Walking across the parking lot chilled me to the bone. And the weather report predicts there’s a worse storm brewing for Sunday. That only gives me a couple days to stock up and get prepared.”
    “Maybe I am glad to be here and out of that misery,” Max said. His eyes misted and filled with longing. “That’s not true. I miss you and I want to be at the lighthouse in case you need help.”
    Celeste bent to kiss his forehead. “I miss you, too.” She kissed his mouth and clasped his untethered hand in hers. “Besides, who’s going to shovel the walks at the lighthouse?” She tried not to focus on the IV bag steadily dripping liquids through a tube and into his arm. It was bad enough to hear the monitors beeping a constant reminder of how serious Max’s condition was. On her first visit, the whole scene had taken her breath away. Today she realized the room was more quiet than usual.
    “Hey,” she said cheerfully, trying to distract herself. “The wires have been removed.”
    “Yep. I’m far more handsome without them, don’t you think?” His eyes twinkled. “You want to kiss my incision and make it better?”
    “Oh, Max.” Celeste’s eyes glistened and she smiled. “You are always handsome to me. I have to admit, though, I like the wires gone and would have been happier without your chest having been opened up.” She wanted to brush her hand over the scar