Healing Hearts Read Online Free PDF

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 cutthroat 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