Free Healing Hearts by Margaret Daley

thief.”
    “It’s the end of chapter six. Dominic will have to read you the next one tomorrow night.”
    “Why can’t you?”
    “Because I won’t be here.”
    “You read so much better than my brother. You use different voices for the different people.”
    “My dad used to do that when he read me stories.”
    Madison’s eyes clouded. “My dad never read a story to me. It was always my mom. I miss them.”
    “Of course you do.” Abbey hoped the child would say more about her parents.
    Gabe lay on top of the covers near Madison with his head resting in her lap. She stroked him over and over. “Don’t tell Dominic he doesn’t read as good as you. I don’t want him to stop reading to me.”
    Abbey acted as if she were zipping her lips. “He won’t hear it from me.”
    “He’s trying his best.”
    Abbey placed the Nancy Drew book on the nightstand, her hand quivering. She’d loved the series as a child. Now she would never get the chance to read a Nancy Drew book to Lisa. “What do you mean?” Abbey curled her hands into fists to still the slight trembling.
    Madison leaned toward Abbey and lowered her voice. “He doesn’t know what to do with me. He’s never had a little girl. All he’s ever done is work. At least that’s what my parents used to say. ‘Dominic can’t come. He’s overseas.’” She tilted her head as she sank back against the pillows. “What does that mean?”
    “It means he’s out of the country. I imagine his work involves a lot of traveling.”
    Gabe lifted his head and looked toward the door. “Shh. That’s probably him coming,” Madison said.
    Dominic came into the room not ten seconds later. “Sorry about that delay. I had to take the call. Are you ready for me to read the next chapter, kiddo?”
    “Abbey already did. She read Nancy Drew when she was my age.”
    “Yep, I went on a journey down memory lane.” Abbey rose to allow Dominic closer to his sister. When he’d first appeared in the doorway, she’d seen a struggle taking place within Dominic—as though he were fighting to keep an upbeat expression on his face. Something was wrong.
    “She knows what happens in the story and won’t tell me.”
    “There would be no reason to read the rest of the book if she did.”
    “Oh, I guess you’re right. Can Gabe spend the night?”
    Her dog’s ears perked forward at the mention of his name. He barked once.
    “He said yes. So can he?” Madison turned her big eyes on her brother.
    Abbey decided to rescue Dominic by saying, “He can’t. Corky and Ginger, my other two dogs, will be waiting for him to come home.”
    “How about your new dog? Are they friends yet?” Madison absently petted Gabe as she talked.
    “They’re getting to know each other. She hasn’t been there long.”
    “What’s her name?”
    “I haven’t come up with one yet.”
    “She’s gotta have a name. How will she know when you’re calling her?”
    “Good point. Do you two want to help me name her?” Abbey glanced from Madison to Dominic, who appeared more relaxed than when he’d first come into the room.
    Madison covered a yawn. “I’d have to meet her first. Just another reason you should bring her here to visit.” Another yawn escaped from the child.
    “It’s way past your bedtime, young lady.” Dominic bent down and kissed her forehead then helped tuck his sister into bed.
    “But we haven’t come up with a time...” Madison’s eyes drooped closed for a few seconds before snapping open. “A time for Abbey to bring over the new dog.”
    “I’ll talk with Abbey and let you know tomorrow. Good night, kiddo.”
    Abbey signaled to Gabe to hop down, but not before Madison rubbed her face against his neck. “I hope you’ll come visit again. I’ll only use my old wheelchair when you’re here. Okay, boy?” The child stroked his ears then kissed him before snuggling down under her covers.
    Abbey walked with Gabe toward the hallway while Dominic turned on the night-light