A Family of Their Own(21)

“Kelsey.” He set the cup on the table. “I don’t know if Peyton will ever be a teenager. Her mother only lived a couple years after she was diagnosed. It was too late.”

A deep ache ripped through Kelsey’s heart. She hung her head and closed her eyes, sensing his pain not only for himself but for his daughter. “How long ago, Ross? Does Peyton remember her mom?”

“She was six, and she remembers.”

The sorrow in his voice enveloped her. “You’re trying to be mother and father, I know.”

“And I’m not good at either one.”

Her head shot up. “Don’t say that. I wasn’t accusing you when I asked that question about overindulging.” Dumb, stupid question. She wished she could bite back the words. “I was asking because of my own guilt, too. We forget our kids that have to survive in the real world. Let’s be optimistic and believe that both of our kids will be teenagers and adults. Let’s do that.”

Ross drew in a ragged breath. “I tell myself that every day.”

“Believe it every day. That’s how we hold on. Prayer and hope. I live with both on my heart and lips.”

“Sorry for jumping at you, Kelsey. I feel guilty sometimes. I don’t know how to ease up and force issues with Peyton. I don’t know how to stop myself from giving in. She has me wrapped around her finger, I suppose.”

“We’re all guilty of that.” She managed to grin. “You know about tough love. It’s sort of like that, I guess, but we have to use it on ourselves. Not the kids.”

A noise alerted her, and she glanced toward the doorway. “You’re ready?”

Lucy nodded, her gaze drifting to Ross.

He grinned. “Ready for a movie and a treat?”

She gave him a playful look. “Ice cream. I’m ready for that.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go.” He rose and beckoned them toward the door.

Kelsey gazed at her daughter, her pride growing. Lucy handled things well. Now if they could only help Peyton learn how to manage just as well. The thought wavered in her mind. Hope, she reminded herself. Hope and prayer.





Chapter Five


Ross focused his eyes on the menu while his attention hung on the girls. They had been courteous to each other but distant. Conversation had been minimal.

“Did you enjoy the movie?”

Kelsey’s voice entered his concentration.

“I figured out the mystery.” Lucy tossed her blond curls. “But then I’m good at puzzles.”

Peyton stared at the menu though her glance didn’t go unnoticed. Ross suspected that she was looking for some kind of comeback, but nothing came. “What looks good, Peyton?” he asked.

She gave a bored shrug before looking up. “A sundae, maybe.”

“With whipped cream?” Lucy ran her tongue over her lips.

A faint look of interest crossed Peyton’s face. “With a cherry on top.”

“Me, too. I love the cherries.”

Ross swung his gaze from Lucy to Peyton. They’d agreed on something. Even a cherry seemed like a victory. “How about sundaes all around?”

Everyone nodded as tension slipped from his shoulders. He eyed the waitress, and she gave a nod before heading their way. “That was easy.” She grinned, collecting the menus. “Four chocolate and vanilla sundaes with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Two decafs and two waters.” He turned to the girls. “Are you sure that’s all you want?”

They both nodded, a look on their faces that let him know they were surprised they’d agreed on two things while at the restaurant.

While eating the ice cream, their conversation dwindled. Spoons clinked against the glass goblets and napkins rustled as they wiped their mouths. The hot fudge dripped from Ross’s spoon and he caught the sweet syrup with his tongue, his spirit lifting as he gazed at the three females around the table.

Peyton and Lucy saved their cherries until near the end and, eyeing each other, they lifted them, dangled the red orb by the stem and dropped them into their mouths with a giggle. The sound reverberated like beautiful music. Ross’s hopes soared. Hope and prayer. Kelsey had said it earlier that day, and she’d spoken the truth.

Once the girls had finished and the waitress had refilled their coffee cups, Lucy slipped from her chair, her eyes pleading. “Can I have some money to play arcade games?” she asked her mom.