Free Under the Mistletoe with John Doe by JUDY DUARTE Page B

her head was resting against the back of the chair.
    Hadn’t she gotten any rest this afternoon? He had a feeling that she hadn’t. No wonder Doc had been worried about her.
    He let her rest for a while longer, then decided to wake her so she could go to bed, where she’d be more comfortable. So he reached over and placed his hand over hers, felt the softness of her skin, the warmth.
    While he knew he should give her hand a little nudge and jar her awake, he held back for a moment and basked in the intimacy of their touch, in the connection they shared for one moment in time.
    In a way, it made him feel less alone. Less isolated. Less cornered into a reality that wasn’t of his own making.
    Finally, he stroked the top her hand, his fingers sliding over her knuckles. “Betsy?”
    Her eyes fluttered opened and she turned to face him. “Yes?”
    With reluctance, he withdrew his hand. “It’s time for bed.”
    She blinked several times and yawned. Then she slowly got to her feet. “I’m sorry for dozing off.”
    â€œDon’t be. But I hope you’re going to start working the day shift soon.”
    â€œI’m off this weekend.” She shoved her hands in the pockets of her knit jacket. “And on Monday, I’m back to working days until the medical center needs me again.”
    â€œGood. I’m not sure how healthy it is for you to be bouncing back and forth between shifts.”
    She smiled. “Have you been talking to Doc? He’s been worried about me, but I know when to slow down and when to take it easy.”
    John hoped so and tossed her an I’m-glad-to-hear-it smile.
    â€œI’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, as she started down the steps and headed for the guesthouse.
    As she left him on the porch, he rubbed his thumb over his fingertips, which were still warm and charged from their brief physical contact.
    Touching Betsy had been much nicer than he’d expected it to be. And for a moment, in spite of the vastness of the sky and the innumerable celestial lights shining throughout the universe, he didn’t feel the least bit insignificant.
    Â 
    For the next five days, John didn’t get to see nearly as much of Betsy as he would have liked. Her work schedule hadn’t allowed for more than a few occasional visits, which was too bad.
    But on the bright side, he’d started doing more around the ranch to help Dr. Graham and to pay for his keep. He still didn’t know much about the man he used to be, but it appeared that hard work came naturally to him.
    And so did being around horses.
    Apparently, he had some experience working on a ranch and seemed to know things without being told, which led him to believe he’d done his share of mucking stalls and grooming horses in the past.
    And something told him that he’d liked it.
    There was a palomino mare with a sweet disposition who’d taken to him, but it was a spirited roan gelding that had really caught his eye.
    â€œDo you think it would be okay if I took him for a ride one of these days?” he’d asked Doc over dinner.
    â€œSure, as long as you don’t do anything foolish, like running or jumping. You’re not ready for anything that strenuous yet.”
    â€œI’ll be careful. No one wants to see me get better more than I do.”
    â€œYou’re right. And for what it’s worth, it’s been nice having your company, son. So don’t think I’m in any hurry to see you leave. There aren’t too many young people who have time for a rambling old man.”
    John chuckled. “You’ll have to introduce me to him. I haven’t met any rambling old men around here.”
    Dr. Graham, with his thick head of white hair, livelyblue eyes and quick wit, could put an interesting spin on a conversation, and John couldn’t help but like him.
    â€œAnd speaking of having you around,” Doc said as he got to his