A Family of Their Own Read online

  Ross nodded.

  “Once we read the tests, we’ll know if we have to up her blood thinner. I hate to do it because that will restrict her physical activities a little more.”

  Peyton groaned. “I don’t want restrictions.”

  His gaze shifted to her. “I know you don’t like that, but it’s for your safety. Blood thinners prevent blood clots, and that can happen when the heart gets out of rhythm. We’ve talked about this before.”

  They had, and while Peyton would say nothing more in front of the physician, Ross would hear her complaints on the way home. Physical restriction upset her, because she felt different than the other kids. Peyton wanted to be normal, like everyone else. She wasn’t.

  Dr. Timmons pulled his back from the door. “But the good news is, from what I see, your heart looks about the same. No new dilation, and that’s great.”

  “So what’s next?” Ross rose from the chair, his focus on Peyton.

  “When I receive the full report, I’ll give you a call. For now, follow the same medication protocol.” He stepped aside and pulled open the door. “I’ll see you again, Peyton.”

  She gave a nod, and when Dr. Timmons’s back was turned, she rolled her eyes.

  “I know, honey, but the medication is keeping you safe.”

  “Right.” Another eye roll.

  Frustration coiled through Ross. He longed to have the right words to offer her hope, but she had to grasp that herself. When it came from him, he received eye rolls and nasty looks. He’d do anything to take away her illness. His thoughts diverged from the stress. It’s the only way he could deal with it all. The phone call came to mind and then Kelsey’s plight. How did she handle the situation with her daughter?

  Kelsey gazed at the barnlike structure of Peabody’s Restaurant, one of her favorites. Ross had suggested a few places for dinner, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness. Besides delicious food, the restaurant had reasonable prices.

  Ross walked beside her and pulled open one of the double doors at the entrance. They climbed the few stairs and turned into the dining area. Once seated in a cozy nook on the second floor, Kelsey focused on the man who’d tried to be so kind—the first man who’d tugged at her heart since her husband. Her stomach knotted as she tried to cope with the new emotion.

  “Kelsey, I hope your accepting this invitation isn’t because you feel sorry for me. That’s something I don’t want from any—”

  “Ross, no. Not at all.” As she pled innocence, her mind shot back to the call and what had triggered her acceptance. His loneliness. The waiting. Was that pity? She struggled for an explanation. “Yes, it had to do with the long wait and wondering, but it’s not pity. It’s different. It’s mutual understanding. I need someone to talk with about those things, and I have the mother’s group. MOSK has been a relief for me. It’s a place where I don’t burden others with my woes because they understand.” She looked into his questioning eyes. “I relate to your situation. I’ve been there.”

  He looked down at the table and then up again. “I guess that’s why I was disappointed when your group said no. The time and place are so convenient for me. It fits my schedule, but maybe you’re right. Maybe a man sitting with all those women would put a damper on their openness. I don’t want to do that.”

  Her chest ached for him while her mind flipped to a new awareness. “I don’t think we thought of you as an individual, Ross.”

  Confusion filled his face.

  “We thought of you as a gender. Man or woman—some of us need support, and we weren’t thinking along those lines. I’ll pursue this topic with them. You need people dealing with the same problem you’re struggling with. A child with a serious illness. Our vote seems selfish, now that I think about it.”

  “Not selfish. I think you were being protective.”

  He’d hit it on the head.

  Ross reached across the table and touched her hand. “I only want you to do what’s best for the group. I’ll survive. I always have.”

  And so had she. Alone. Miserable at times. Afraid. Hopeful. That had become her life. She nodded. “So tell me about Peyton. You said she has cardiomyopathy.”

  “Dilated cardiomyopathy.”

  “I didn’t know there were different types.”

  He shook his head. “It’s the most common. The heart enlarges and stretches because it’s weak and can’t pump normally to move blood through the chambers. The problem can lead to arrhythmia and issues with the heart’s electrical system.”

  And death. The thought chilled her. Kelsey studied his face as he talked about Peyton’s treatments and medication. How did he cope with it all and with such patience? She’d gone through many things with Lucy’s brain tumors but, praise God, they were benign and since the last surgery, they’d seemed to lick it. “It’s too much for a child. How old is she?”

  “Peyton will celebrate her twelfth birthday next month.”

  “Lucy’s almost eleven. That’s sure something we have in common.”

  She grinned. “You mean the ‘attitude.’”

  “You got it.”

  They both grew silent. Ross’s hand rested near hers, and she longed to reach out and hold it against her heart. The man had gone through too much without a partner, and though she wanted to know about that, too, she held back. One step at a time.

  Yet Lexie’s concern still rang in her ears. I wonder if you and Ross are wise to get involved. A friendship wasn’t really getting involved. Yes, she found Ross attractive, and attraction could grow. But she didn’t have time for involvement. For romance. The whole idea threw her off balance. She needed to stick to her friends.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  Kelsey’s head jerked up and gazed at the waitress. “Sorry. I haven’t even looked at the menu.”

  “Could we have a few more minutes?” Ross winked at the young woman.

  “Certainly. Take your time, unless you’d like to order drinks now.”

  They placed their drink orders, and when the waitress left, they pored over the menu. But Kelsey’s concentration drifted to their girls. Both struggled to fit into a normal world, and that wasn’t always possible. If the girls met, it might be good for them. Lucy connected with Cooper because he had a serious illness. Scenarios rolled through her mind, envisioning Lucy and Peyton together. Obviously, a friendship with Ross without the girls’ involvement would be impossible. Their daughters took priority in their lives. Maybe the friendship could be a good thing.

  “Penny for your thoughts.”

  Ross’s voice startled her.

  “Or should I offer five bucks. You look mighty serious.”

  “Sorry, I was thinking of our girls.” Honesty without details. She hated her urge to hide her thoughts. Conjecture didn’t make sense at this point. “Have you heard anything about her recent tests?”

  He drew in a lengthy breath. “Probably next week.”

  “Please let me know how it goes.” She almost wished she hadn’t asked, but she cared. Not even knowing the child, she cared.

  “I will. And thanks for being concerned.”

  “Hopeful is more like it.”

  He rested his hand on hers. “I like your attitude.” The word attitude gave them a chuckle. Lucy had developed one recently that Kelsey wanted to nip in the bud, as her mother used to say.

  Ross looked thoughtful. “I wonder how our girls would get along.” His eyes brightened.

  “Hard to say. No one can force a friendship.”

  He shrugged. “But Peyton could use a friend.”

  Her heart ached. “Kids like Lucy and Peyton have a hard time making friends.”

  “Would you like to give it a try?”

  His question sank into her mind. Lucy had made strides making friends over the year of her remission, but Peyton hadn’t succeeded. Yet it would mean spending more time with Ross. She lifted her gaze to his hopeful eyes. “I suppose they might meet…could meet someday.”

  His face lit
up. “Here’s an idea. Peyton’s birthday is February 14.”

  “Valentine’s Day?” His eager expression wrapped around her heart.

  He grinned. “Maybe we could plan something fun.”

  “Are you sure Peyton would like that?”

  His grin faded. “I would hope so.”

  “Well, I’d have to check with Lucy.” Her brain and heart faced each other, her brain siding with Lexie’s concern while her heart offered hope. An interesting new friend for her, and maybe a new friend for Peyton. A new path for both of them. But a path with no decisive ending, only speculation. Get involved or not?

  A Robert Frost poem slipped into her mind, one of her favorites, “The Road Not Taken.” Two paths. One decision. And, as the poem said, which path she chose would make all the difference.

  Ross sat in his recliner, watching the six o’clock news, while his mind skipped above the latest world disasters to his dinner with Kelsey. She ran hot and cold. It confused him. Their conversations were good—meaty sometimes—and other times, they were both chuckling at commonalities between the girls or situations in their lives. But the next minute, she drifted off to another planet. One that seemed so distant and dark.

  He’d sensed that she liked him. At least enjoyed his company, but her hesitation drove him crazy. Point blank, he needed to ask her what was up. Yet as soon as the thought hit his mind, the possibility of her honest answer discouraged him. Maybe it wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

  He clenched his teeth. Why look for problems? She’d more or less agreed to celebrate Peyton’s birthday and bring Lucy along. He could only pray that the girls liked each other.

  Peyton’s negativity had gotten under his skin. Still, the poor kid had gone through so much that he avoided nagging her about it. She’d been brave for the past years dealing with that horrible illness. God had spared her thus far. Much longer than her mom had survived once diagnosed with the disease. That gave him prayerful hope.

  “Peyton.” He leaned forward and looked toward the doorway.

  No response.

  “Peyton?” But this time he flipped the footrest down and rose. No sense in calling like a truck driver. He wandered across the room and through the archway to her bedroom door. “Peyton, are you in there?” He heard a thump followed by her footsteps.

  She pulled open the door. “What?”

  Ross pursed his lips, holding back a comment that circled in his mind. “Can we talk a few minutes?” He looked past her into the wonderful sitting area that had once been his. He’d made a true sacrifice giving her the master-bedroom suite, but other than the small guestroom where he slept, the other bedrooms were upstairs. His shoulders dropped as he drew his attention back to Peyton. “Your birthday is coming up, and I thought we should talk about it.”

  “Dad, I don’t want a party. I’m—”

  “No party. I understand.” She’d missed so much school over the last years that friendships weren’t easy for her. The kids treated her like someone too delicate to befriend. It hurt him to see her in that situation.

  “Then what?” She raised her round hazel eyes, so like her mother’s.

  “Can I come into your room?” He motioned toward the two chairs in the sitting area, matching recliners Ruthie had picked out for them.

  She stepped into the hallway and closed the door.

  He stood back and followed her into the family room. She sank onto the couch as he settled back into his recliner. If he could figure out Peyton’s moods, it would certainly help. “What would you like to do?”

  “I’d like to read my book.” She motioned toward her bedroom.

  He bit back his frustration. “I mean for your birthday.” He’d given it thought but telling her what he had in mind would put an end to that.

  “Could we just go out to dinner?”

  Dinner. He could do that. “Mexican? I know you like Azteca.”

  Her nose curled. “Japanese.”

  He grinned. “Benihana’s?” She loved the chefs entertaining the guests with their cooking prowess. But Kelsey and Lucy? He hoped they like Japanese food. “Benihana’s is fine.” The muscles in his stomach contracted. “I have another idea, too. It’ll make it more like a party.”

  A scowl settled on her face as she tilted her head. “I told you I don’t want a party.”

  “Not a real party, but a celebration.”

  Her eyes probed his.

  “I know a lady who has a daughter your age. She’s been sick, too, and I thought maybe we could invite them. Her mother thought it would be nice.”

  Her scowl deepened. “Can’t it just be us?”

  The conversation with Kelsey marched through his mind. “I sort of invited them already. I thought you’d be happy.” That wasn’t exactly the truth. “I hoped you’d be happy.”

  “Dad.” She bolted up from the sofa. “Do whatever.” She marched through the archway.

  So much for beginning the birthday celebration on a high note. Now what? Should he call Kelsey and cancel? Kelsey’s face filled his mind, her sapphire-blue eyes, her blond hair combed back with its stubborn part. He pictured her running her long fingers through the strands as if the action would ban the part from appearing. It never did.

  He loved her smile—though rarer than her serious look—her full lips curved at the ends and smile lines like parentheses, as if the smile were an afterthought. If he called and canceled, that could end everything.

  Chapter Three

  “Touchdown!”

  Kelsey jumped at Bill Rueben’s outburst. Noise reached its pitch as the touchdown tied the score. Kelsey didn’t care if anyone won, but she wouldn’t admit that to a soul. Two things had motivated her to come to Lexie and Ethan’s Super Bowl party. First, Lexie had invited her to see her honeymoon photos. Seven days on a Caribbean cruise sounded wonderful, especially living in Michigan with only graying snow piled along the curbs outside the window. But most of all, she knew that Ross had been invited.

  “Grab food when you want it.” Lexie stood in the archway to the living room. “Chips and dip, salsa and sub sandwiches.” She stepped back and then peeked around the corner. “And cookies. Homemade.”

  Kelsey wriggled free from her seat on the sofa and rose. She ambled to the doorway and stood a moment, taking a furtive peek at Ross in a chair near the window. He’d said hello and asked about Lucy. She’d asked about Peyton, but with so many people watching them, she hadn’t prolonged the conversation. In the light through the window, his dark hair shone with glints of mahogany. He wore it thick, with a slight widow’s peak that most women would envy. He had a great smile, but he wasn’t Adonis. His sensitivity captured her more. And she liked his appealing ways.

  Today he’d worn jeans and a teal-colored sweater. His shoulders looked as wide as an ocean—maybe a Great Lake. She snickered to herself. Whenever Ross came to mind, a giddy feeling rustled through her. When she was near him, her pulse raced.

  She studied him for a moment, and before turning away, he glanced up and saw her gazing at him. She flinched when he grinned. She managed a pleasant expression before she strutted into the dining room, forcing her attention on the food spread across the table. But a noise in the kitchen drew her toward Lexie, who stood behind the island, preparing coffee. Kelsey sank a chip into the dip, popped it in her mouth and headed her way. “Where are your honeymoon photos?”

  “On the computer in the den.” She motioned toward the sliding door off the dining room. “There’s an icon on the desktop. Click on it, and it will take you right to the photos. I put captions under the pictures so in a couple years I’ll remember where I was.” Though she behaved lighthearted, her expression said she had something on her mind.

  Kelsey strode deeper into the kitchen, drawn by curiosity as much as the scent of the brewing coffee. “Cooper’s with Ethan’s mom?”

  She nodded. “You want to grab some food?” She motioned to the breakfast nook and headed that way, a cookie in her hand.

  F
ood didn’t arouse Kelsey’s interest at that moment, nor did the coffee. She followed Lexie and slipped onto the bench across from her. They sat, eyeing each other as if words had taken a vacation. Kelsey’s mind skipped around possibilities of what Lexie wanted. It couldn’t be marital problems, but what about Cooper’s health? “You have something on your mind.”

  She looked down. “You know, I was really weird with you a few weeks ago. About Ross and you. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “Forget it. On your wedding day, you’re allowed to do and say whatever you like. All is forgiven.”

  “But it’s not like me to butt into someone’s life. I told Ethan what I’d done, and he wasn’t happy. He told me Ross is a great guy, and he deserved a little pleasure in life, just as you do.”

  A knot formed in Kelsey’s throat. She cleared it. “Hey, it’s no big deal.”

  Lexie grasped her hand. “Everyone needs friends, and for some reason, my mind jumped to romance. I suppose I could blame that on my wedding day.” She gave a feeble chuckle.

  “Wedding days can arouse all kinds of emotions. Think of the brides who run away and the grooms who don’t show up.” She squeezed Lexie’s hand. “Really. Forget it.”

  Lexie lowered her head, then lifted it again with a grin. “Have you two seen each other?”

  Kelsey gave a toss of her head. “He’s in the living room.” She liked the sneaky way she avoided the question.

  “You know what I mean. A date? A…coffee or lunch? Maybe a movie and dinner?” Lexie searched her face and arched an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

  This question she couldn’t sidestep. “We went to dinner. At Peabody’s. We talked about the kids and he took me home.”

  “And that’s it?” She drew back, a look of disbelief on her face. “I haven’t brought him up to you on the phone because I wanted to apologize in person, and you didn’t say anything to me.” She shook her head again. “I thought there would be more. You both seemed so taken with each other that day.”

  Air bottled in Kelsey’s lungs. She released it. “He mentioned getting the girls together for Peyton’s birthday. It’s coming up.”