A Family of Their Own(15)

He sidled next to her and released a lengthy sigh. “Sorry about the evening. As I said, Peyton has her moody times, and today seems to be one of them.”

“You’ve given her a great birthday celebration so don’t beat yourself up.”

“I know, but—”

She touched his arm. “Was it us? Is she distant because we’re here?”

He patted the back of her hand. “I really don’t think so. At home she’s often the same way. She stays in her room.” He pursed his lips, as if trying to bottle his emotions. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

She lifted her other hand and covered his, wishing she had Solomon’s wisdom. “Have you discussed Peyton’s behavior with her? You said some very meaningful things when you told me about her problems.” She lifted her hand and pressed it against his cheek, seeing his good looks tense with disappointment. “Think of times you’ve been rebuffed or you felt out of it in a crowd. It’s so easy to step back so you won’t experience those feelings again. We protect ourselves that way.” She lowered her hand. “Maybe Peyton doesn’t understand why she feels the way she does.”

“It’s a defense mechanism, one we all use at times.” He rubbed his temple. “But if she never tries, she’ll never realize that she can make friends.”

His eyes captured hers with a desperate look that tore at her heart.

“She needs a woman’s love, and though my mom is so good to Peyton, that’s about all the female contact she has. I have no siblings, so Peyton has no aunts or cousins. It’s tragic in a way.”

Her mind spun. “I see why you’re frustrated.”

“If she’d give you and Lucy a chance, you could make a difference for her.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.

His comment jolted her. Was that what the friendship meant to him? She tried to let the thought slip from her mind but couldn’t. “I’m not sure I like—”

Ross’s eyes bolted open. “What I said was crude. Please don’t think that I’m befriending you only because of Peyton.”

Though she weighed her words, Kelsey let them fly. “I wondered.” Better to end the friendship now, than to be hurt.

He shifted on the bench to face her. “Can I be honest?”

“I’d like that more than anything.”

“I’m not good at this, but I’ll try to explain. I like you. Really like you. You’re a beautiful woman, but you mean more to me than what’s on the outside. I like your common sense. I like your bravery. When we’re not stressed, you make me laugh.”

“You’ve given me a few chuckles, too.” A strong need to lighten the moment struck Kelsey. He’d been through enough today.

“Let me finish. I haven’t had a social life since Ruthie died. First I wasn’t ready, and then Peyton was diagnosed—”

“What happened to your wife? Are you divor—”

“She died.”

Died. The word sank to Kelsey’s stomach.

“She died from cardiomyopathy. The same disease Peyton has.”

She gasped. The news struck her hard. “Ross, that’s too much for anyone. No wonder you’re struggling.”

“Peyton’s illness was caught sooner. I recognized the symptoms, and though I tried to pretend they weren’t there, I faced it. We have hope with Peyton. God willing, lots of hope.”

Kelsey captured his hands in hers. “I’ll pray for you and Peyton every day. I realize we’re new friends, but I’m sick at heart learning this.”

“To be honest, I hate to tell people. I don’t want sympathy or pity. I’m strong and capable.”

“You are. I can see that, but you can accept people’s understanding.”

His head bobbed in agreement. “That’s important.”

“Mom, did you see what I did with that ball?” Lucy bounded to their sides, pointing at one of the experiments.

“No, I’m sorry. I missed what you did.” She glanced at Ross, sensing that their conversation had stopped at a bad time.

Lucy beckoned to her. “I’ll show you.”

Ross rose as he checked his watch. “I have one more surprise for you girls.”

Lucy bounced on her toes. “Another surprise?”

His valiant effort to stay positive warmed Kelsey’s heart.