Page 175 of Meet Me In The Dark

Madison tilts her head at her like she’s an exhibit. “So… how’s the menopause going?”

Celeste squints. “I literally just woke up from surgery.”

“Yeah, but like, can you feel it yet?”

I groan and tip my head back toward the ceiling. “Why did I let you two in here?”

Emmy pats her foot. “Don’t listen to him. We’ve already decided we’re throwing you a menopause party.”

Madison nods solemnly. “It’s like a baby shower, but instead of diapers and onesies, you get wine, heating pads, and a fan.”

“Yeah,” Emmy adds, “and you can wear whitepants every single day without fear.”

Celeste blinks at them, then looks at me. “These are my people.”

My lips twitch into a smile. “God help me, I know.”

I bring her hand to my lips and press a slow kiss into her palm. She still smells faintly of antiseptic and hospital sheets, and I hate it.

On her other side, Madison and Emmy both grab her free hand.

“We’re going to get something to eat,” Madison says, glancing between us.

“But we’ll be back,” Emmy adds quickly, like she thinks I might bolt with her.

“Thanks,” Celeste says. “For being here.”

They nod, then they’re gone in a flurry of whispers.

She turns her head toward me, eyelids already starting to drop.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Hi, baby.”

Her thumb brushes the crease between my brows. “You look worried.”

“You were unconscious and out of my sight for hours.” It’s the cleanest version I can give her. The truth is, I couldn’t fucking breathe until I saw her again.

Her eyes well up. I brush away the tear that slips free. “Not you too.”

“I have an excuse. I’m menopausal.”

That earns me a laugh, and I lean in to kiss the rest of the tears from her cheeks.

My lips linger against her temple, and I’m not sure if I’m trying to keep her awake or ease her back under.

“Celeste?”

“Hm?”

“I know you’re tired,” I say, my thumb brushingslow circles over the back of her hand, “but if you see a white light when you fall asleep… don’t go to it.”

She tries to laugh, but I keep my eyes locked on hers.

“Come back to me, baby.”

“I will.”