AFTER JANA dropped Lacey off at the OCCr hostel she headed north, anxious to get home to Barney and a walk, followed by a hot bath. She felt like she would burst right out of her skin.

What she had seen so far of Dr. Scott Sanderson made her believe he was a unique, special human being. A keeper! Why me? There's nothing special about me! Will he call? What will we talk about? Will he want sex? If he does, and I don't do it, will that cause problems for my mom? Maybe I shouldn't go. What will I wear? Omigosh, I'll have to go shopping! Where will I get the time? Jana's little house was in an uncharacteristic mess. She was almost out of food and pet supplies. Her desk at work was piled high too. Every day seemed to be a race to get to work, get to the hospital or to her mother's house, get home and then get back out again. On top of everything else she had never seen so much snow as had fallen this winter. If I have to shovel one more time I'm going to lose it! How convenient, she mused, that Julian is now so busy with his course that he can't be with Mom. She knew, though, that Lacey would rather have her for support than anyone else. I'm so, so tired! Her hands gripped the steering wheel and for a moment tears formed in her eyes before she shook them off. She ordered herself to smarten up and be grateful that she didn't have cancer and she wasn't afraid she would die soon. She pulled into her driveway and unlocked the house door. There was Barney, leaping and wagging as usual. Her mood lifted as she reached down to pick up her loving pet and give him a big hug and kiss.