Healing Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page B

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.
    “I’d never forget you. I didn’t know they were moving you earlier than planned.”
    Gabe tugged on his leash and dragged her toward the older man sitting in a chair positioned by the window that overlooked a garden bursting with the bright colors of summer. She let go, and Gabe made a beeline for Mr. Johnson, who greeted him as if he hadn’t seen him in days.
    “Neither did I. I told them they couldn’t operate like that. People need to plan for changes.”
    “If only that could be the case every time.”
    He chuckled as he stroked Gabe’s fur. “Yeah. It would make my life much better.” When he patted the arm of his wheelchair, her dog propped himself against it so Mr. Johnson could hug him. “I sure missed this, boy. I didn’t know what I was missing not having a dog for all these years.”
    Watching the man’s face glow with contentment made her heart fill with joy. “You know I could check with the nursing home and see if they allow pets for the residents. I have an abandoned dog left at my father’s veterinary clinic that needs a home.”
    “What kind?”
    “A bichon frise. She’s about this tall.” She indicated a few inches over a foot. “Pure white with a curly tail.”
    Mr. Johnson shook his head. “Nope. I want a manly dog. Like Gabe. He’s perfect for me.” He rubbed his face along Gabe’s neck.
    “I’ll be on the lookout for one, but first I need to see if you can even have a pet.” She couldn’t give Gabe away. He was a part of her family, had been there for her through the good times and bad, but maybe she could find a similar dog for Mr. Johnson. As her dad had pointed out, people left animals on his doorstep for him to take care of because he was a vet, so it wouldn’t be too long before another one turned up at the animal hospital. “Before I leave, I’ll see if the director is here.”
    “The old battle-ax.” Mr. Johnson snorted. “Forget it. She won’t allow anything to disrupt how Shady Oaks is run.”
    “And you know this after being here less than half a day?”
    “Yes. I saw and heard things at lunch. She runs a tight ship.” He tapped his temple. “Not much gets past this steel trap. I may have lost the ability to walk, but my mind is sharp as a tack.”
    “Keeping things running smoothly can be a good thing. You know what to expect.”
    “You’re right. I expect her to say