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energy. He’s expecting her to sleep until tomorrow,” J.D. said. “If you can get Vanessa to stay with her for a few hours, I’ll go back to the house and discuss what’s to be done with her.”
    Though she nodded, Rebecca seemed in shock. She looked so lost. J.D. reached out and gave her a brief hug. Finding your family didn’t always mean things were easy, he thought.
    He didn’t want to leave Rachel, either. She was weak and had no idea what was happening to her. He was glad her sister Vanessa could stay with her for a while. When she arrived, J.D. headed to Vivian’s.
    Vivian joined him in the library, wanting to know how Rachel was.
    J.D. filled her in on everything Dr. Clayburn had said. “They’re hoping to get control of the fever by tomorrow.”
    “Good. Then we can bring her home?”
    “No, Vivian. Dr. Clayburn doesn’t want you or Rebecca around Rachel until she’s completely well.” J.D. already knew Vivian would protest. But he was counting on Will putting his foot down.
    Vivian reacted as predicted. “That’s ridiculous! He’s an old woman! I’m sure it won’t hurt the babies.”
    Will came in in time to ask questions. When he heard what the doctor had recommended, he agreed. Vivian immediately began to argue.
    “I have a solution,” J.D. said loudly, stopping the argument.
    “You do?” Will asked eagerly.
    “Yeah. There’s plenty of peace and quiet on the ranch…and Madge was a nurse. Remember? She looked after Mom the past five years.”
    “That’s right,” Vivian said. “I’d forgotten that fact, because she’s such a good housekeeper.”
    “You think about it, Vivian. I promise I’ll keep my distance so Rachel will be comfortable.”
    “But we shouldn’t ask you to give up your own comfort for our family,” Vivian said.
    “It won’t affect me. I’m out working until dark. We’re into the calving season.”
    Will offered his hand in a shake. “We’ll discuss it. You’ll be ready to sign the papers tomorrow?”
    “Yes. That’s why I stopped by, to let you know I was here and ready.”
    “Good timing,” Will added.
    Vivian hugged him in gratitude. “Come to dinner this evening, J.D. Will and I will discuss your generous offer and we’ll talk again tonight.”
    It was all J.D. could ask for at this point. He said, “I’ll be here at seven.”
     
    B EFORE HE RETURNED to Vivian’s house, J.D. went to the hospital. He had a spare hour and told Vanessa to go grab a meal. She needed the break and he wanted to be alone with Rachel.
    While she was sleeping, he could look his fill at the beauty who had haunted him for the past six months. He’d told himself she was just another woman, but he couldn’t forget their night together.
    He would have to avoid her if he took her home to Madge. He’d called his housekeeper when he got back to the hotel. She’d been thrilled with the idea of caring for Rachel. She’d liked Rachel, and she missed nursing. Madge had immediately begun planning healthy meals.
    She’d also volunteered to call Vivian and reassure her that Rachel would receive the best care.
    J.D. reached out and stroked Rachel’s cheek. In spite of her illness, her skin was still soft. He was going to be in hell, having Rachel around but being unable to touch her. But he’d even suffer hell if it made her healthy again.

Chapter Three
    J.D. stayed an extra day at the hotel, spending the night after they signed the papers. The doctor promised to release Rachel after she ate some breakfast the next morning.
    J.D. had breakfast with Will and Vivian. Afterward, Betty made the back seat in his double-cab truck look like a bower of sleep for Cinderella, or maybe that was Sleeping Beauty. He got confused on those fairy tales.
    At the hospital, the doctor gave him lengthy details on Rachel’s care and questioned him about how he would get her to his ranch. Then he had him drive his truck to the door of the hospital, promising to have Rachel brought down in a