Healing Hearts (12 page)

* * *

Dominic brought his gelding to a halt on the edge of a large field that butted up against the highway into town. Samuel, who had flown in from Houston, pulled up next to him on his horse.

Dominic swept his arm across his body. “This is where we’ll build the factory. This area of land is only three miles from the outskirts of town, and it has highway access. The mayor and city council assured me there will be no problem rezoning this piece of property.”

Samuel nodded. “We should be able to break ground within the month. We’re taking bids from construction companies right now.”

“Good. The architecture firm we’ve used before will be here in the morning, and we’ll meet with them, then after the long weekend with the Fourth of July, I want everyone on board. I want the factory operational by fall. Let’s head back to the house. We have that conference call in an hour.”

Samuel pulled his reins to the right, and his mare turned toward the barn. “Thanks for humoring me. I haven’t been on a horse in almost a year.”

“But you’ve been working overtime for me, and I appreciate it, because when this factory is up and running, I intend to promote you to president of the company. I’ll become the chairman of the board and still have my hand in certain aspects of Winters Clothing and Textiles.”

Samuel’s eyebrows shot up. “You going to take a long vacation or something?”

Dominic chuckled. “Don’t say it like I’ve never taken a vacation.”

“When did you ever take a vacation?”

“Every time I came to Winter Haven, I was on vacation.”

“Could’ve fooled me. You were constantly working from here, much like you’ve been doing for the past seven months.”

“Okay, I’m not taking a vacation. At least not until Madi can get around better and doesn’t have to have such intense physical therapy. I’m refocusing my life. When I made the decision to use some of the land on the ranch for my factory, I decided I owed it to my father to get more involved in the rest of the ranch operations. I’m going to trim the cattle herd and expand the horse-breeding program.”

Dominic breathed in the grass-scented air as his gaze swept over the land. As far as he could see and beyond was his property. Until recently, when he’d gone out riding each evening to different areas of the ranch, he’d forgotten how much he’d once loved this place. The least he could do was honor his dad’s vision. Did that mean he’d forgiven his father for falling in love with his fiancée? He definitely wasn’t as upset as he once was, but he hadn’t yet truly forgiven him. The bitterness had dwelled deep in his heart. These past months it had resurfaced once more, leaving him struggling to figure out what to do.

“Who’s visiting?” Samuel asked as they neared the barn.

Dominic glimpsed Abbey’s yellow VW Beetle. “A friend. She’s been helping with Madi.”

“She?”

“Stop right there. She’s a friend. That’s all.”

“Why? Is she married?”

“No.”

“Is she too old?”

“Thirty, and she’s beautiful, caring and gracious.”

“So what’s wrong with her?”

“Not a thing,” he said in a voice that came out harsher than he intended.

Samuel’s eyebrows went up again.

“It’s me. I’m not ready.”

“Why not? We’ve been friends since college, and I saw how you were after Susie left you. Don’t you think eleven years is long enough?”

“I was totally wrong about Susie. Never in my wildest dreams did I think she would fall in love with my dad and that he would return those feelings.”

“I know betrayal by two people close to you can hurt like nothing in this world, but you’ve got to let the pain and anger go. You’ve driven yourself for years. I think it’s great that you’re finally slowing down and refocusing your life. God never meant for someone to work all the time and not pause to have fun and savor what life has to offer. That’s why He rested the seventh day. You’ve got your sister to look out for now.”

“And she could use a mother? Is that what you’re saying?” He’d been thinking the same thing. He wanted to try dating Abbey and see what could develop between them. But did she really care about Madi? He knew how she felt about her husband’s betrayal. Would she ever be ready to open her heart again?

“Not totally. But she could sure use her older brother being here for her one hundred percent. In ten years she’ll be all grown-up and heading to college. It’ll be here before you know it. My kids are growing like weeds.”

Dominic dismounted and began walking his horse to cool down. He glanced at the house and wondered how long Abbey would stay. Did he want to introduce her to his best friend? That would make Samuel read even more into his relationship with Abbey. And he wasn’t sure he could handle that right now.

* * *

On the way to the ranch, Abbey quickly swung by the main post office to run in and mail a package. She put the windows down several inches, then hurried toward the building to drop off the box. She opened the door that read Enter at the same time her ex-husband came out of the exit one. He looked at her and kept going. In the post office she glanced out the large plate-glass window and spied Peter meeting his very pregnant wife on the sidewalk coming from the direction of the drugstore. He leaned toward her and kissed her.

Abbey froze. She’d known his wife was going to have a baby, but this was the first time she had seen her while she was pregnant. A cold knife stabbed her, and for a moment what happened three years ago between Peter and her deluged her all over again.

Abbey put the car in Park, staring at the ranch house. How had she driven so far without knowing it? The package she should have mailed sitting on the passenger’s seat spoke to her state of mind after seeing Peter and his pregnant wife.

Mrs. Ponder stepped out onto the porch and waved. Abbey climbed from the car and walked to her, as if she were on autopilot.

“I just made some iced tea. Would you like a glass?”

“Yes, thanks.” Abbey followed the housekeeper to the kitchen and sank into a chair. “Where’s Madi?”

“She’s still working with the physical therapist.” Mrs. Ponder handed her a glass. “Are you all right?”

“I’ve had better days.”

Wasn’t that an understatement?

“That’s it. No more,” Madi said in a voice loud enough that Abbey heard her all the way from the physical therapy room.

Abbey rose, grateful for the distraction. “Maybe I should go in and see what’s going on.”

“Greta has been pushing her to do more. The child just isn’t putting in the time like she should.”

“Why not?” Abbey retook her seat.

“I think it’s because her brother is gone a lot and she’s here either doing her makeup schoolwork or exercising to strengthen muscles she hasn’t used much in the past months.” Mrs. Ponder looked directly at Abbey, her eyebrows scrunched together. “I’m not very good with little girls. Out of experience. I’m not sure how to entertain her.”

“How’s Cottonball doing?”

“She spends a lot of time talking to Cottonball and sitting on the back deck watching the people working down at the barn. The dog seems to be her best friend now. She needs other children here.”

“Has anyone suggested having one of her friends from school over to visit?”

“Madi doesn’t want that. She’ll be in a wheelchair. They won’t be.”

Abbey took a long sip of her drink. “I’ll talk to her after Greta leaves.”

“Good. She’ll listen to you.” Mrs. Ponder glanced at the wall clock. “Greta ought to be leaving soon.”

“I’ll go to the workout room and peek in.”

When Abbey and Gabe checked out what was going on between Greta and Madi, the young physical therapist was zipping up her bag.

Greta hoisted it onto her shoulder. “I’ll be back tomorrow and Friday. I won’t be coming on the Fourth.”

“Good. I need a rest.” Madi folded her arms over her chest and glared at Greta. “I hate this.”

Abbey stepped into the room. While Gabe trotted over to Madi, Abbey said to the child, “I heard you’ve been upset.”

Greta nodded toward Abbey and hurried past her.

Abbey strolled farther into the room. “What’s going on?”

“I hate my life.”

Abbey knelt next to Madi in her wheelchair. “I know this is hard for you, but things will be so much better by fall. You’ll get to go back to school, be with your friends—”

“I don’t want to. Nobody wants to be with me.” Tears welled into her eyes.

“Oh, baby, that’s not true. I do. Dominic does.” Abbey wrapped her arms around Madi.

“He won’t when he finds out what I did.” Wet tracks streaked down the child’s face.

“Of course he will. He loves you. That kind of love doesn’t go away easily.”

Madi buried her face against Abbey and she mumbled, “I’m the reason the plane crashed.”

Chapter Ten

I
’m the reason the plane crashed.
Madi’s words stopped Abbey cold. Was this why the child had nightmares? “Why do you think that, Madi?”

“I wasn’t supposed to bring Zoe with me on the trip, but I didn’t want her to be home alone. I snuck her on the airplane.”

“How did you do that?” Abbey leaned back to look at Madi, but her arms stayed loosely around the child.

“In my backpack. I kept it unzipped partway so she could breathe. But she started barking. When I opened the bag, she jumped out and into my dad’s lap. It must have scared him. After that, everything went wrong. Dad slumped over.” Tears poured from her eyes. “Mom was yelling. The plane was going down. I didn’t mean it. I...” Her voice choked on a sob.

Abbey held Madi against her. “It wasn’t your fault. Your dad had a heart attack. That happens. It wasn’t because he was scared when Zoe jumped into his lap.”

“I’m sorry I wanted Zoe to go to Padre Island with me. I shouldn’t have disobeyed Mom. I’m the...”

Soon, Madi was sobbing so hard Abbey could hardly tell what she was saying. She strengthened her hold on Madi, hoping to convey her support and love. This child had become so important to her in less than a month.

“What happened?” Dominic’s voice sounded above the sobbing.

Abbey looked over her shoulder at Dominic, who strode toward them with another man right behind him. “Madi thinks she caused the plane crash. I’m trying to reassure her she didn’t.”

“Of course you didn’t.” Dominic knelt next to Abbey and took his sister from her embrace. “Honey, Dad had a heart attack. You didn’t cause that. He knew something was wrong and was trying to find a safe place to land when it happened.”

Madi pulled back. “How do you know that?”

“He radioed his location. He knew he was in trouble, and your mom didn’t know how to fly the plane.”

“She was freaking out. I’d been asleep and woke up when she was talking loudly. That’s when Zoe started barking.”

Poor child. Abbey could only imagine the chaos that happened so quickly. Thinking she’d killed her parents and dog. No wonder she had nightmares. She laid her hand on Madi’s back. “There’s no way you did anything wrong. Things happen that we can’t control sometimes, and there is nothing we can do.”

“Abbey is right, honey. No one was to blame. It was an accident.” Dominic scooped Madi into his arms. “C’mon. I’m taking you upstairs. You didn’t sleep very well last night. Rest and we’ll talk later.”

Her eyes shining with tears, Madi placed her head on Dominic’s shoulder. “I need Cottonball and Gabe.”

“I’m bringing them,” Abbey said, and gathered up Cottonball and signaled for Gabe to follow.

As she mounted the stairs behind Dominic, she peered back at the man standing in the foyer watching them. That must be Samuel Dearborn. Dominic said he was going to visit. She knew the man was a good friend, more than an employee. She was glad he was here, because Dominic needed a friend he could talk to. Dominic was keeping something from her that she hoped he would at least share with Samuel.

In the child’s room, Dominic settled her on her bed and sat down next to Madi. “I’m staying right here until you fall asleep. See, Cottonball and Gabe are here, too.”

Abbey set Cottonball on the covers while Gabe jumped up beside Madi. Then Abbey backed away, wanting to give sister and brother some alone time. As she left, Madi’s eyelids slid close slowly.

Abbey realized how much she loved the child. She also discovered that she loved Dominic, too. But were those feelings because of Madi? Had his kiss the other day been in gratitude for what she was doing for his sister? She could never settle for anything less than all of a man. She had done so with her husband, and their marriage had fallen apart with their first real test.

At the bottom of the staircase, the tall thin man with a bright smile moved toward her. “I’m Samuel Dearborn. You must be Abbey Harris.”

She shook his hand. “Yes. Dominic may be a while. He’s trying to get Madi to take a nap. She hasn’t been sleeping well.”

“Not to mention she had an operation a few weeks ago.”

“Yes, she’s been through a lot.”

“I really appreciate you helping Dominic with her. It’s been hard on him, especially with all that has been going on at the company.”

“Madi is special. It’s easy to love her.” The sounds of the child’s heartache a few moments ago echoed through Abbey’s mind. A pressure in her chest expanded, making it difficult to breathe.

“When she visited Dominic in Houston, my daughter and her were inseparable. We all went to Padre Island for a four-day weekend.”

“So Dominic
has
taken a few days off for a vacation.”

“Not technically. He still conducted business at the beach or the pool.”

Abbey laughed. “That sounds like the man I’ve gotten to know.”

Samuel peered over her shoulder. “Shh. We need to quit talking about him before he demands to know what we said,” he whispered loud enough for anyone nearby to hear.

Dominic’s laugh floated to Abbey as she turned toward him. “She must have fallen asleep fast.”

“About a minute after you left. I waited a while to make sure she didn’t wake back up. I hope this guy hasn’t been telling you any deep, dark secrets about me.”

“Oh, that must mean there are deep, dark secrets for me to uncover.”

For a few seconds Dominic’s expression showed concern, as though there was something he wanted kept from her. And she got the feeling Samuel knew what it was. Then Dominic’s features morphed into a neutral facade.

She forced a smile. “I’d better go. Walk me out, Dominic.”

“Sure.”

Out on the front deck she paused and faced him. “I don’t know what you overheard with Madi, but she thought bringing Zoe on the plane when she wasn’t supposed to caused the crash.” Abbey went on to tell him the gist of their conversation before Madi broke down.

“I told her the crash was caused by Dad having a heart attack.”

“She thought Zoe surprising your parents caused it, and I believe that’s what is behind her nightmares.”

“I agree. Poor kid. I wish she had told me.”

“I hope she’ll have fewer now as realization sinks in that it was an accident.”

“I’ll be reassuring her every chance I get.”

“Good.” She started down the steps.

“What time do you want us to come on Thursday to your parents’?”

“The party starts at five.”

“Can I bring anything?”

“Only you and Madi and the list of her friends from school. I’ve already started making birthday plans.”

“What kind of plans?”

“A surprise for her and you. You might let something slip, so you’ll just have to wait like Madi.”

“How much do you think you’ll need to buy everything?” Dominic dug into his back pocket and removed his wallet.

“Put that away. Part of it is my treat and the other half you can pay for after the party.”

His jaw firmed. “But—”

She held up her hand. “Stop, or I won’t do it. We’re either a team in this or you can go solo.”

His eyes narrowed on her face. “As a team member, I should really know how much you’re spending and what you’re planning.”

“You really don’t like surprises.”

“Not one bit. I’ve learned surprises can be devastating.”

She tossed him a grin over her shoulder and strolled toward her car. “Well, not this one. See you Thursday.”

She felt the drill of his gaze as she climbed into her car. It thrilled her to the core, which only reinforced how much she had started to care about Dominic.

That was a good thing, right?

* * *

“Emma, I’m so glad you could make it. Come on in. Dad and Mom are out back. How did it go yesterday with Cottonball?” Abbey asked, stepping to the side to let her friend and her ten-year-old son, Josh, into her parents’ house.

“Great. I think she knows all she should. Dominic told me yesterday that Madi didn’t have one nightmare Tuesday night.” Emma put her hand on her son’s shoulder to keep him still.

“She didn’t? That’s wonderful. I hope last night went as well.”

“Mom, can I go out back?” Josh asked, shrugging out of her hold.

“Yes, but remember to behave. No firecrackers.”

As Josh darted toward the back of the house, Abbey asked, “What’s this about firecrackers?”

“I found him and the neighbor boy blowing up anything they could with some firecrackers earlier today. He doesn’t know what the word
danger
means. He’ll try anything. What happened to his uncle in the army hasn’t slowed him down one bit. His antics have given me a few gray hairs and I’m only thirty-one.” Emma frowned. “I need to put this morning behind me. Tell me some good news. How’s the paperwork for the foundation coming along?”

“Almost done. In the meantime, I think we should start looking at training a few more dogs. Dad said we could use the animal hospital for now until we grow bigger.”

“The weekends would be a good time to do that.”

The doorbell rang. “I’ll talk with you later about setting up a schedule and looking for the kind of dogs that will work best.” Then Abbey went to let the guests in.

When she opened the door, she found Dominic and Madi waiting, with Gabe next to them.

“Sorry we’re late. We decided at the last minute to bring Gabe.” Dominic held the screen door open while Madi maneuvered her electric wheelchair over the slight hump and into the house.

The child grinned. “I didn’t have a bad dream for two nights. I know how much you love Gabe and miss him.”

“We thought Cottonball is ready to go solo, so that Gabe can go home.” Dominic held Abbey’s gaze.

“That’s what Emma told me a few minutes ago. I’m so glad that Cottonball is ready. She’s a smart dog.”

“Yep, that’s my dog.” Madi sat up straighter with her chest thrust out. “Is Emma here?”

“Out back. We put up a temporary ramp from the door to the patio, like out front. You should be able to get around with little or no trouble.”

“Thanks.” Madi headed for the back with Gabe trotting next to her.

“She was up at the crack of dawn ready to come over.” Dominic snagged Abbey’s gaze. “It was her idea to let Gabe go home. She thought he was missing Corky and Ginger.”

“It’s more likely they’re missing Gabe. How did everything go yesterday with your plans for the factory?”

“Moving right along. I’m actually getting excited about the possibilities of the factory being here in Cimarron City. I know the mayor is thrilled. He’s pushing the zoning through as fast as he can. We should break ground by the end of the month.”

“It sounds like things are starting to settle down for you. Have you decided to stay in Cimarron City?”

“Yes, for the time being. I’m going to make some changes around the ranch after I get the factory taken care of.”

“What kind of changes?”

As Dominic told her about shifting the focus of Winter Haven from cattle to raising horses, she saw the excitement spark his eyes. Before she could ask him any questions about his decisions, her father came into the foyer.

“I’m Wes Harris.” Her dad shook Dominic’s hand. “I’m glad we could finally meet.”

“I want to thank you for giving my sister a tour of your animal hospital. She talked about it for days.”

“Anytime Madi wants to visit, she can. I saw her outside and wondered what was keeping you two. All the fun is happening out in the backyard.” Her dad glanced at Abbey. “Your mom has gathered the kids to play a game, and she could use your help. There are more here this year than usual.”

“I’ll help, too. That’s the least I can do for being invited this evening,” Dominic said.

Outside, her parents’ piece of property stretched toward the woods on one side and the river on the other. Her father’s dogs and Gabe mingled among the guests, a lot of them from the neighborhood. “Mom and Dad have the best view of the fireworks, so everyone gathers here to watch. And my parents go all out.”

“I see what you mean. A big waterslide and a bouncy house.” Dominic stood next to Abbey and took it all in, while her father left to start grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs.

“Mom’s a firm believer that a child who is kept occupied stays out of trouble. And there are activities for the ones who don’t want to jump around or get wet.” Abbey pointed toward the fenced-off area with a petting zoo. “She calls in a few favors and always has some unusual animals as well as the regular ones. I see Madi is already over there.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“She’s setting up the turtle races.”

Dominic’s eyebrow hiked up. “Turtles and racing shouldn’t go together in the same sentence.”

“Yeah, I know. C’mon. I’ll introduce you to her. We’ll probably be crowd control for when the race begins.”

Dominic laughed. “Never thought I would be doing something like that.”

When she peered at him, the merriment in his eyes mesmerized her, and she forgot what she was going to say. Everything around her faded, except for Dominic. She didn’t want to care, to love him, but it was too late.

* * *

Abbey sat in a lounge chair between Dominic and Madi, enjoying the sounds of laughter, oohs and aahs coming from the people lined up near the river to view the spectacular Fourth of July display. The last burst of fireworks splashed across the dark sky, illuminating the river in red, white and blue. Everyone applauded and cheered.

Abbey looked over to say something to Madi. Her father switched on the backyard lights now that the fireworks were over. Suddenly Madi’s eyelids drifted closed.

Abbey turned toward Dominic. “Madi is asleep. I’m not surprised, considering how hard she played with her friend Brandy. I’m so glad there was someone here from her class at school.”

“Me, too.”

“Do you have that list for me?” Abbey whispered, in case Madi wasn’t totally asleep.

“Yes.” Dominic stuffed his hand into his pocket and withdrew a piece of paper. “Want something to drink?”

“Yeah, I think I’ll come with you. We can still keep an eye on Madi.”

Abbey grabbed a water bottle from the ice chest while Dominic snatched a soda pop. Then he moved toward the bank of the river about ten yards away from Madi, who was still sleeping.