When he released her hand, she missed the warmth of his touch. That caused her to look away, not sure where it had come from. She’d even dreamed about him last night—no doubt because she’d spent an hour surfing the web for tidbits about the man in hopes of finding something she could use to help convince him to let Gabe visit Madison.
“I was just feeling closed in back there in the waiting room. There must have been a record number of operations today. A good part of my time was spent on that small couch.”
Abbey smiled knowingly. “I’ve got an idea. You can hang out in my office if you’d like.” Where had that come from? “It’s not far from here. I’ll let surgery know that’s where you are, and they can contact you there when Madison is in recovery. It’ll be quiet. In fact, I’ve got tons of work to do, and it looks like you do, too.” She couldn’t believe she had offered her office. How much work would she really accomplish with him sitting only feet from her? He exuded strength and control—two characteristics that had served him well as CEO of a large company.
One corner of his mouth tipped up. “I’ve been attempting to do paperwork but not being very successful at it.” He peered at the waiting room, then at her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she said, not as sure as she sounded. Her office was her retreat when her job got to be too much, but when she’d first entered the waiting room, she’d seen the expression on his face—a worried man in the midst of an uncomfortable situation. And she could relate to that.
“Let me get my briefcase.” He darted back inside the room and returned half a minute later. “I brought work, thinking I would get some done. I’ve been going over the same report for an hour and probably couldn’t tell you one thing concerning it.”
Abbey headed for her office. She needed to see Mr. Johnson, who was leaving for a nursing home today, but she’d first get Dominic Winters settled. Mr. Johnson wouldn’t be transferred until later this afternoon. “I found out the hard way trying to work at a time like this wasn’t productive. During a difficult time in my life, I was in the middle of getting my master’s degree, and trying to study was nearly impossible. I ended up postponing things till later. That was one of the best decisions I made during that time.” She unlocked her door and entered.
“What happened?”
“My daughter had leukemia. The aggressive kind. Seven months after she was diagnosed, she died.”
He stopped and stared at her. “I’m sorry.”
“It was three years ago. Right after it happened, I thought I would never heal, but I am, slowly. I’ve used what I went through to help others. That’s also when I learned how much an animal can help a person recover.” Though she was used to talking about her past to patients and their families, it still brought up emotions that caused a lump in her throat. She swallowed hard. “I’m telling you this because I know what it’s like to be in your shoes. It’s tough being there for someone sick or injured and still trying to carry on with your life. One of the things that got me through was the support of my family and friends. And my pets, especially Gabe.”
His eyes clouded. “I’m not married, and Madi is my only close family.”
Abbey rubbed the finger on her left hand where her wedding ring used to be. She refused to think about her ex-husband. This wasn’t about her, but Dominic and Madison. “I’m here if you need to talk.”
He released a long breath. “I’m fine. Once Madi is out of surgery and on the road to recovery, life will settle down.”
She’d told herself that, too, on the anniversary of Lisa’s death. She’d hit the one-year mark, and in her mind everything would be all right after that. It wasn’t. She’d received divorce papers a few days after the anniversary of her daughter’s death, and finally had to acknowledge Peter wasn’t coming back. That was only hammered home when her ex-husband remarried a week after the divorce was final. “I’ll call Surgery and let them know where you are, and then I need to see a patient. Does Surgery have your cell number?”
“Yes.” His gaze linked with hers.
The intensity in his look robbed her of words. Frantically she searched her mind for something appropriate to say. “Good. They can call you when Madison is going to Recovery.”
While she placed the call, he took a seat on the couch in her office, setting the briefcase on the floor. Although she turned away from him, she was keenly aware of his movements, which sent a zing up her arm. Which shook her. She had no interest in dating, and yet her reaction to Dominic refuted that. She’d thought nothing could ever come between her and her husband. How naive she’d been.
When she finished talking to the person manning the desk in the Surgery waiting room, she looked toward him. “It’s set up. Make yourself at home.” She took in his dull gaze and the tired lines about his mouth. “Rest if you can. I’ll be gone for a while.”
“I think I will. Thanks.” He leaned back, then closed his eyes.
Transfixed by his long dark lashes, Abbey stared at him as she fumbled for the door handle. Yes, he was a handsome man. Commanding. But so was her ex-husband and look at what had happened.
Abbey hurried into the hallway toward the elevator. She always tried to help patients and their families as much as she could, but there was something about Dominic Winters that made her want to go above and beyond. He seemed lost, and she wasn’t even sure he realized it.
As she approached Mr. Johnson’s room, she planted a smile on her face. Without Gabe, she would have to work harder to cheer up Mr. Johnson, who was fighting this move to the nursing home even though he couldn’t take care of his own needs right now. With no family nearby interested in helping out, he had few options, and he’d finally recognized that.
“Mr. Johnson—” Abbey entered the room and came to a halt. It was empty, all signs that Mr. Johnson had been in it gone. She checked her watch and noted the time. Ten o’clock. Shady Oaks wasn’t supposed to pick him up until two.
Had he died? For a few seconds, her heart pounded against her rib cage, and she hurried to the nurse’s station. They always notified her when someone passed away.
“Where’s Mr. Johnson?”
The nurse’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, no. I had a note to call you and forgot. Shady Oaks came early.”
Abbey sighed and leaned against the counter. “I thought something...”
“I’m sorry. He wasn’t too happy, but he went.”
“I was going to have a late lunch and bring Gabe to give him a send-off.”
“It’s been crazy around here. A couple of emergency surgeries have been keeping us hopping.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“No, we’ve got it under control now.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll go see Mr. Johnson after work.”
As she headed toward the elevator, concern for the older gentleman took hold. He didn’t like change and the nursing home coming early to pick him up no doubt had thrown him off. Abbey could only imagine how angry he’d been. Technically he wasn’t her problem anymore, but she couldn’t just turn her back on the man. He was alone and in need of help—just like Dominic Winters. And neither man knew how to ask for help.
* * *
Dominic’s cell phone rang. He jerked awake, sitting straight up on the couch in Ms. Harris’s office. He blinked, orientating himself to his surroundings as he fumbled for the phone in his pocket.
“Yes,” he said without looking to see who called.
“Dominic, this is Samuel. I wanted to give you an update on what’s happening with the negotiations with the rebels. We offered to pay the ransom but haven’t heard anything back from them.”
“That seems odd. They’re getting what they want.” Acid burned in Dominic’s stomach. He would do anything to protect his people, but he hated giving in to the rebels.
“I know, and the Costa Sierra governm
ent isn’t quite sure what’s going on. I’ll let you know when we hear from the rebels, then I’ll make the arrangements for the exchange. You’re not to worry about it.”
“I know everything is in good hands with you, but I’ll worry until the three employees are home safe.”
“Has Madi had her operation yet?”
“She’s still in surgery but—” he glanced at his watch “—she should be through soon.” If all went well. That point rattled around in his thoughts, and he missed what Samuel said next.
“Dominic, are you all right?” Samuel said, an urgency to his voice.
“Yes. My mind has been elsewhere. Call me when you know what’s going on in Costa Sierra.”
He placed his cell phone on the couch next to him and leaned back, wondering what he would do if the operation didn’t really fix Madi’s legs. He was ill equipped to deal with this situation. He’d wanted to be a father years ago. He’d even thought he had found the perfect woman to marry and start a family with. Then he’d made the mistake of bringing her home to the ranch to meet his father. Six months later she’d married his father and a year later Madi had been born. He loved his sister, but he’d had a hard time letting go of what Susie and his dad had done to him. His father had been grooming him to take over Winter Haven Ranch at the same time he was moving in on his fiancée. It was after that that Dominic had left Oklahoma and headed to Houston.
Now, after ten years of hard work, his company was finally what he had always envisioned it to be. He hadn’t depended on his father for anything. When Dominic had taken his inheritance from his maternal grandparents and started Winters Clothing and Textiles, he had broken all ties with his father and stepmother. But it was little Madi who brought him back to the ranch occasionally.
When the door opened, Ms. Harris entered and looked at him, concern dulling her brown eyes. “Is something wrong with Madison?”
He schooled his features into a neutral expression, not used to sharing himself with others, even a beautiful woman who had allowed him the use of her office. “No. I haven’t heard anything yet. I was just thinking.”
“Everything okay?”
He must be losing his touch. He usually could prevent his emotions from appearing on his face. That ability had served him well in the business world. But for the past six months nothing had been the same for him. And he was discovering Abbey Harris was quite perceptive, which was an asset as a social worker. “Problems with a work situation,” he said when he realized she’d moved closer, concern growing in her eyes.
“Your three missing employees in Costa Sierra?”
“How do you know about that? They were supposed to keep it quiet.”
“It’s all over the internet this morning.”
“Great. I really shouldn’t be surprised.” Why hadn’t Samuel told him? Probably trying to protect him while he was dealing with his sister’s surgery. He would let his second in command know that he wasn’t fragile. He needed to be aware of everything. That was the problem. He wasn’t doing his job adequately, and he wasn’t being a brother to Madi adequately, either. He didn’t tolerate failure in anyone, least of all himself, and right now he was letting everyone down.
“Sometimes when life comes crashing down around you, you have to step back and regroup. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Do you have someone handling the situation in Costa Sierra?”
That was his problem. He had a difficult time asking anyone for help—even the Lord. When all his plans with Susie had fallen apart years ago, he’d worked hard to make sure he never had to suffer through that kind of pain again. And yet he had—with the death of his dad and Susie. “Yes, my second in command is handling it,” he answered when he again realized she was waiting for a response.
“Then let him.”
“It’s my company, my employees.”
“What about your sister? If the operation is successful, she’ll be having intense physical therapy and will need someone there to cheer her on. It’ll be a long road for her until she walks again. And if the surgery isn’t successful, you’ll have a whole other set of problems, teaching her to deal with living in a wheelchair.”
“You sure know how to cheer me up.”
“I don’t take you as a guy who avoids problems. I have a feeling you like to meet a challenge head-on.”
That was a good description of how he operated—until his father died suddenly of a heart attack while flying his plane and left him guardian of his younger, injured sister, who seemed to need more than he could give her. He’d buried so many of his emotions years ago that he was struggling to give her what she needed.
His cell phone sounded again, and he scooped it off the cushion, this time noting it was the hospital calling. “Yes?”
“Madi has been taken to Recovery. The operation went well. You’ll be able to go back there in about fifteen minutes to see her. The doctor will stop by and talk to you then.”
“Thanks. I’ll be there.” He rose and stuffed his phone in his pocket, then bent over to pick up his briefcase.
“Is Madison out of surgery?”
He peered at Abbey with her red hair hooked behind her ears, small gold studs in them. His gaze shifted to her face. She was neither smiling nor frowning as he looked into those eyes of hers. Big. Expressive. And full of concern that he wouldn’t let himself respond to. He didn’t need any more complications in an already complicated life. “Yes, she’s being taken to Recovery.”
“How did she do?” Abbey took a step toward him. Then another.
Trapped by the warmth in her gaze, he remained still, the space narrowing between them. “Good, I think. I’ll know more when I talk with the doctor.”
Silence fell between them. He needed to leave and yet... He clenched his briefcase tighter. “How was your patient?”
“Gone,” she said, then quickly added, “Not dead, but he left earlier than expected for the nursing home.”
“I’m glad he’s all right.” Dominic backed away. “Thanks for allowing me to sit in your office. I even managed to catch a catnap.”
“Good. Rest can be one of the hardest things to get in a crisis.”
“I don’t think I’ve had a good night’s sleep for the past six months. I’ll never take it for granted ever again.”
“I’ve been there. I know what you mean, Mr. Winters.”
With another step, Dominic encountered the door. She did understand. “Please call me Dominic. After all, you shared your office with me, and I appreciate that, Abbey.”
She smiled, her brown eyes shining. “Tell Madison I’ll come by and see her soon.”
He remembered his sister’s comments about Abbey’s dog last night. “Would you bring Gabe with you?”
Her grin widened. “If you want me to, I will.”
“Yes, I was wrong yesterday. Madi enjoyed seeing Gabe. She hasn’t talked much about losing her dog. In fact, she hasn’t said much about losing her parents. Not even to the counselor. So mentioning it to you was a good thing, even with the tears.”
“I’m glad she did.”
The gleam in her eyes turned them to a cinnamon shade that made Dominic want to see close up. But he quickly abandoned that notion. “I’d better be going. I want to be there when she wakes up.”
Abbey moved toward him. “I’m taking Gabe to see the patient who went to a nursing home today. After I see him, I’ll bring Gabe by for a short visit when she’s out of Recovery. If it goes well, I can bring him back again. That is, if it’s okay with you.”
“Let’s see how it goes. This is all new for me, and I have to admit I’m struggling with my new role in Madi’s life. I knew how to be a big brother, even a long-distance one, but this...” As the words spilled from his mouth, surprise flitted through him. Through the years, he’d worked to present a tough facade in a cutthr
oat business world. To admit he didn’t have all the answers seemed so strange, but it was true. He needed help. After six months, he could finally admit he was totally in over his head, and barely treading water.
“You’re still her big brother, too. When they become parents, most people have to learn as they go. Raising children is predictable at times but also very unpredictable. That’s what keeps it interesting, as well as...” Abbey’s voice faded.
She averted her eyes, but not before he saw a sheen to her eyes. Was she thinking about her own daughter? “You okay?”
She cleared her throat. “Yes.” The corners of her mouth hitched up for a few seconds but didn’t stay. “You’d better get a move on it. I’ll see you two later.” She leaned around him and opened the door.
Her scent—like a bouquet of flowers—wafted to him. He drew in a deep breath, thinking about a special place on the ranch in the spring where the wildflowers grew abundantly and filled the air with their aroma. Since returning, he hadn’t had time to ride as he used to. He missed that.
“Bye,” he murmured, and walked into the hall. He felt her gaze on him and glanced back. A connection arced between them. They both had lost someone important in their lives. With a nod, he continued his trek toward the recovery room. He knew how hard it was for him to lose a father—even one who had betrayed him. He couldn’t imagine how awful it would be to lose a child.
* * *
Abbey rested against her door, desperately fighting to hold back the tears. Normally she was fine, except at odd moments when she felt overcome with her grief. She had so much to be thankful for. The Lord had given her a new direction, helping others rather than pitying herself. She had to focus on that, or she would let her sorrow overwhelm her again. But with Dominic, she felt his loss, too. And she felt something else—an attraction.
I can’t go through that again.
Chapter Three
“I thought you forgot me,” Mr. Johnson said the second Abbey came into his room at Shady Oaks Nursing Home later that day.
Healing Hearts Page 3