Healing Hearts

by Margaret Daley

Madison covered a yawn. “I’d have to meet her first. Just another reason you should bring her here to visit.” Another yawn escaped from the child.

  “It’s way past your bedtime, young lady.” Dominic bent down and kissed her forehead then helped tuck his sister into bed.

  “But we haven’t come up with a time...” Madison’s eyes drooped closed for a few seconds before snapping open. “A time for Abbey to bring over the new dog.”

  “I’ll talk with Abbey and let you know tomorrow. Good night, kiddo.”

  Abbey signaled to Gabe to hop down, but not before Madison rubbed her face against his neck. “I hope you’ll come visit again. I’ll only use my old wheelchair when you’re here. Okay, boy?” The child stroked his ears then kissed him before snuggling down under her covers.

  Abbey walked with Gabe toward the hallway while Dominic turned on the night-light and switched off the bedside lamp. He left the door open when he came out of the room. In silence Abbey and Dominic made their way downstairs, but the second he wasn’t with his sister, Dominic’s upbeat expression collapsed.

  In the foyer, Abbey rotated toward him. “The new dog is up to you.”

  “I’m fine with that. We can work out something around your schedule and Madi’s physical therapy, which starts tomorrow. I’m glad she’s back home and in her own room. I think that will help her.”

  “I agree, but that isn’t what’s bothering you, is it? What’s wrong?”

  Tension tightened his features. His eyes darkened. Something was wrong, but he didn’t trust her enough to tell her. Abbey ducked her head, disappointment spreading through her.

  Chapter Five

  Dominic faced Abbey in the foyer, his breath trapped in his lungs until they burned. He released a swoosh of air and massaged the back of his neck, the tension down his spine making it feel as if a steel rod held him upright. “Have you ever been torn in two different directions?”

  “Sure. When I was a mother and wife trying to also finish my master’s degree, I often felt like three different people and had a hard time juggling those roles. Is this about your work and your sister?”

  “Am I that obvious?” He tried to smile, but it didn’t stay long.

  “I know you received a call from Samuel, and when you came back to say good-night to Madison, you were struggling to stay cheerful. I could see something was bothering you, and you were trying not to let Madison see.”

  “Do you think she knows something is wrong?”

  “She’s sharp, but she was tired and too busy trying to get you to read another chapter of Nancy Drew.” Abbey looked around then moved back to the stairs and sat. “It’s been a long day. What’s happening?”

  He joined her, feeling the past months crashing down on him. Gabe sat on the floor between them, and Dominic reached out to stroke the dog. “I need to go to the funeral Friday. My employee’s body was delayed returning from Costa Sierra, and now the family can finally bury him. I want to be there for them. They have gone through so much. I also need to talk with my other two employees in person. I thought of flying them here, but they need to be with their families in familiar surroundings. They went through a horrible ordeal because they’re my employees.” An invisible band about his chest tightened.

  “And you have Madison here needing your support, as well? Is that what you’re thinking?”

  He nodded, not sure he could formulate the necessary words to explain his dilemma adequately. “Madi wakes up every night from bad dreams. I’ve tried to get her to tell me about them, but all she wants to do is cling to me. I have a monitor in her room, but even with it, I don’t know she’s having a nightmare until she’s crying out. Her covers are all twisted up, so the dream has to be going on for a while.”

  “Gabe is good at detecting when a nightmare is starting. I’ve dealt with this before with my daughter. I know how hard it can be. I know...” Abbey’s words faded, and she averted her gaze.

  Pain flitted through her expression. She swallowed hard and chewed on her lower lip, her stare fastened on the floor.

  “I’m sorry, Abbey. This is stirring up memories that are hard for you.”

  A long silence hovered between them before she asked, “How long do you need to be in Houston?”

  “I could leave late Thursday afternoon and be back Saturday night. I want to attend the wake Thursday evening and the funeral Friday, then meet with my other employees on Saturday. Do you think Madi would be all right with Mrs. Ponder? She lives here and could watch Madi.”

  Abbey frowned. “If you’re asking me, then you already have reservations about leaving your sister alone with your housekeeper.”

  “Yes. She tolerates Madi, but she sees it as her duty to keep the house clean and cook the meals, not babysit. She’s very good at that job, but she isn’t a nanny. She came to work for my father fifteen years ago when he didn’t have a child.”

  “But she isn’t what you need right now?”

  “I need someone to keep this place in order, and I’m certainly not a cook. I can throw some simple dishes together if I had to. But I need more now with Madi.” The feel of Gabe’s fur beneath his palm reminded Dominic of his dog, Rocket. He and his golden retriever had gone everywhere on the ranch, getting into one adventure after another. He could see why Madi responded to Gabe.

  “Have you thought of hiring someone to help with Madison?”

  “Yes, but this isn’t the time to bring a stranger into her life. I can’t do that and leave for Houston on Friday. I’ve even thought of taking Madi with me, but I still would have to leave her at my apartment in Houston with someone.”

  “Madison needs familiarity.”

  “I know, especially now that she is back at the ranch with no more visits to the hospital.”

  Abbey nibbled her lip for a moment, then spoke. “I think I’ve got a solution for you, Dominic. Me.”

  He looked at her, glimpsing a shadow that dulled her eyes as if she wasn’t completely convinced by her words. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

  “I won’t kid you that being with Madison hasn’t stirred memories of my daughter and the heartache I went through. It has, but the bottom line is Madison’s well-being. In a short time, I’ve come to care about your sister and want to see her get better. Her mental health is important to that process. You should be in Houston for the funeral, and Madison should have someone familiar with her who can devote time to her while you’re gone.”

  “But you have a job at the hospital.”

  “I have flexible hours and can do some of my work from here. Madison and I have gotten to know each other this past week, and you’ve seen how taken she is with Gabe. When she’s feeling lonely, he can be here to chase the sadness away.”

  He shook his head. “I hate to ask you to do that.”

  “You’re not. I’m offering. It would be a great time to get Gabe used to an electric wheelchair. I can’t have my therapy dog running scared when he sees one. I also can bring the bichon frise over for Madison to see.”

  “Mrs. Ponder probably wouldn’t be too happy about that.”

  “Ah, you’ve seen the glares she’s sent Gabe.”

  “Kind of hard to miss,” he said with a smile, feeling the steel rod down his spine start to soften. “When we were eating dinner, and he was lying by Madi’s chair, I’m sure Mrs. Ponder was just waiting for Gabe to jump up and take the fried chicken off Madi’s plate.”

  “Yeah, she was hovering. But I can deal with Mrs. Ponder.”

  Dominic wasn’t so sure that was true, but he was willing to give it a try. He nodded to Abbey in agreement.

  “Then it’s settled. I’ll stay with Madison Thursday when you leave until you return.”

  “Only if you’ll accept some kind of payment for your services.”

  She shot him a narr
ow-eyed look. “No. I’m doing this for Madison. Pay makes it a job. This isn’t a job to me. I want to do this because I care about Madison.”

  He stood. “But I don’t want to impose—”

  Her hand covered his mouth. “Stop. Not another word about it, or I will retract my offer.” She flashed him a smile. “Besides, I can’t go around avoiding girls who would be my daughter’s age if she were alive, especially in my job at the hospital.”

  The feel of her fingers on his mouth sent a wave of awareness through him. This woman was caring, giving and beautiful. A deadly combination when he was trying to avoid all kinds of romantic entanglements. When she dropped her arm to her side, he missed her touch. When he went out with women in Houston, it had always been casual, usually for business functions. He’d made it clear he had no time for a permanent relationship. His feelings hadn’t changed, and Abbey deserved more than that.

  “Then at least let me take you to a dinner as a thank-you sometime.”

  “It’s a deal. I now have two dinners you owe me. I’ll even let you take me to the most expensive restaurant in town. Will that make you feel better?”

  Dominic grinned. “Most definitely.”

  “Good. Now I’d better go. As I said earlier, it’s been a long day.” Abbey crossed the foyer.

  He followed, and leaned in to open the front door. “I’ll call you about the time I’ll need to leave on Thursday.”

  “If you have to go earlier, let me know. I’m going to get everything done tomorrow so I can be available earlier on Thursday if that works out better.”

  He took her hand in his and held it up between them, his gaze trained on her. “Thank you. I appreciate this. I had no intention of asking you to look after Madi, but when you brought it up, I knew it was the perfect solution to my dilemma.” Especially after he’d asked various people at the hospital about Abbey. Madi’s doctors and the rest of the staff had only glowing things to say about Abbey. A few had mentioned how much Gabe had helped other patients while they were at the hospital.

  The smile that lit her brown eyes pulled him toward her. It took all his efforts not to bridge the space between them and kiss her. He wasn’t ready to share his life with someone, not with Madi’s health still tenuous, but there was something about Abbey that drew him unlike any other woman.

  “If something comes up and you need me to stay until Sunday, I can extend my time here. I’ll have Dad come over and take care of my pets so that won’t be a problem.”

  “Let’s see how Madi reacts. If things are going all right, I could then meet with my department heads on Saturday and the employees and their families on Sunday.”

  “Good. You should utilize the time in Houston while you have it. See you and Madison tomorrow after work.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I promised her I would come see her and bring Gabe before we made these arrangements. It’s important I keep that promise. She’s learning to trust me. Okay?”

  A grin from deep inside him completely vanquished the tension gripping him. Looking into her expression relaxed him. “It’s fine with me. Should I tell Mrs. Ponder you’ll stay for dinner again tomorrow night?”

  “No. I’ll need to give the pets I leave at home some extra attention while I pack. See you.” She swung around and led Gabe toward her car, parked on the side where he’d told her to hide it from Madi.

  Dominic watched her drive away from his house. His home now. He still wasn’t used to thinking like that. His father had left the ranch to him and everything on it, while he’d left a large trust for Madi. One way or another his father had been determined Dominic would run Winter Haven Ranch. His father had never cared that Dominic had created his own company with thousands of people working for him. He’d wanted Dominic to run the family ranch ever since he could remember.

  He scanned the dark landscape from the front deck, imagining the horses his father had raised for the rodeo circuit while also having a large herd of cattle. This wasn’t his life anymore. But it would always be his home, and Madi’s.

  * * *

  A woman at the nursing home saw Abbey coming into the building and stepped into her path. She’d seen her once visiting the lady across from Mr. Johnson. Abbey smiled at her, intending to hurry toward Mr. Johnson’s room. She was late because of last-minute preparations for staying with Madison this weekend.

  “Are you the one who brings a dog for some of the patients here?” the middle-aged woman asked Abbey.

  “Yes.” Abbey paused with Gabe right next to her on a leash while she held the bichon frise in her arms.

  “I want to thank you for letting my mother join you and Mr. Johnson out in the courtyard. That’s all she’s been talking about the past few days. It’s brightened her day. I worry, though, when the weather gets too hot, about her being outside.”

  “I’ll be glad to do it in the recreation room, but you need to talk with Mrs. Rosen. She’s the one who said if I bring Gabe, we have to be outside. She doesn’t even want me coming inside with him, but this is the only way to the enclosed courtyard.” Abbey saw Mrs. Rosen heading toward her. “I need to go. I’m sure Mr. Johnson and the others are wondering where I am.”

  “But—”

  “Sorry, can’t keep them waiting.”

  Abbey quickened her pace down the hallway to the door that led out into the courtyard. For the past week she’d come over to see Mr. Johnson several times after seeing Madison at her house. She hadn’t come yesterday or the day before so it was important to be here today. From the gruff sound of his voice on the phone earlier, Mr. Johnson wasn’t too happy with her.

  As she opened the outside door, she glanced down the hall and found Mrs. Rosen staring at her with her hand on her waist while the woman who had just approached her was saying something to her. The frown that appeared on the director’s face shouted her displeasure at what she was hearing.

  Out in the courtyard, the sunshine bathed the tiled surface, the air warm at this time of day. At least the interior area was sheltered a lot from the wind blowing at twenty-five miles per hour. In the middle there was a gazebo where the patients were sitting, most of them in wheelchairs. June was usually nice weather, but she still had to convince Mrs. Rosen to allow Gabe or any therapy dog inside with the patients. July and August in Oklahoma had beastly temperatures, even early in the morning.

  “Hi, everyone. Sorry I was running a little late, but I brought an extra treat for you all. I have this sweet little bichon that I’m taking over to a friend’s house today. I thought you all might like to meet her.” Abbey’s gaze swept around the crowd—seven patients and a nurse’s aide. There were three more patients since last time and now a nurse’s aide. Was she here to find a reason to stop Abbey from coming to the home? She stepped up to the woman. “I’m Abbey Harris.”

  “I’m Laurie. With so many patients wanting to come, my supervisor thought I should be out here in case someone needs help.” She bent close to Abbey and lowered her voice, saying, “Personally, I love this idea. I know these two ladies I take care of were excited about your visit.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Abbey turned back to the two men and five women in a semicircle. “I’ll start with Gabe at this end and my new dog at the other.” She unleashed Gabe because he knew the routine. He immediately went to Mr. Johnson first, while Abbey made her way to a frail lady in a wheelchair, her shoulders bent over.

  “What’s her name?” the delicate woman asked.

  “I don’t have one yet since I hope to give her to a little girl. I want her to name her.”

  “Yeah, you don’t want to confuse the poor dog.” The lady lifted her face up, her bright gaze honing in on Abbey. “My body is giving out, but my mind is sharp, and I would love to have a dog here. I used to have a poodle, white like this sweetie.” She picked up the bichon and snuggled her against h
er cheek. “I miss this.”

  Abbey heard similar remarks as she passed the little dog from one patient to the next. When she reached Mr. Johnson, a scowl grooved his face.

  “I didn’t get enough time with Gabe. I wish you could come more. I wish I could keep him.”

  Abbey pulled up a chair and sat next to Mr. Johnson, then whistled for Gabe to return to her. Her Lab settled by the old man, his head in his lap. “I won’t be able to come until Monday, most likely. I’m taking care of a little girl while her guardian is out of town.”

  “Bring her.”

  “She’s recovering from surgery and she’s in a wheelchair right now.”

  “Why should that be a problem?” He slapped his hand against his. “So am I.”

  “I’ll see what I can do. I’ll have to clear it with her guardian.” Abbey liked the idea of taking Madison somewhere, but the girl hadn’t done many normal childhood activities since the accident because of the severity of her injuries. If she stayed until Sunday evening, she definitely wanted to take Madison to church with her—if Dominic agreed. She didn’t know how he felt about Jesus.

  “What did Mrs. Rosen say when you gave her all the information about therapy dogs?” Mr. Johnson asked, his mouth set in his usual somber expression.

  “Not a whole lot.”

  “She probably hates animals. I’ve known people like that. But she hasn’t met someone like me. I won’t sit by and not say something if I think it’s wrong. I’ve been talking to a few of the residents—organizing the troops.”

  For a rebellion? She could picture Mr. Johnson leading a march of wheelchairs down the hallway. “Let me see what I can do first. I had the daughter of a resident ask me about her mother having some interaction with a pet, and I sent her to Mrs. Rosen.”

  Mr. Johnson snapped his fingers. “Great idea. I’ll get everyone to have their families say something.” He winked. “Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of it on this end. You find some good dogs and train them. Even ones like that froufrou dog over there.” He waved his hand toward the bichon. “Some ladies will like that one. But remember, I want a manly dog.”