A Family of Their Own(25)

She squirmed at the comment. “You’ve already passed it in my eyes.”

They said goodbye, and the conversation flashed through her mind. A test. It sounded uncaring. They created the option as a practical compromise, the same way she’d viewed much of her life. But Ross had offered her an alternative. Take a chance. A smile grew on her face. Dinner and music, and time to talk. The idea slipped through her like satin.

From now on, she would work toward being more open, to look at the less practical side of things, because then she might actually see into someone else’s heart.



Ross knotted his tie, looked in the mirror and tugged it off. He studied himself again. A sports shirt and jacket might look better. He shrugged off his dress shirt and suit pants and tossed them on the bed. A first date. How long had it been? Forever, it seemed. He strode to his closet and dug through it. Dark pants? Beige? The temperature had registered only thirty-five degrees. Winter hung over them like an ice pack. He pulled black trousers from a hanger and slipped them on, found a belt and threaded it.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, feeling juvenile. Finally, he pushed himself up and studied his shirts. He settled for a black-and-gray plaid, then tugged a gray pullover from the shelf. He drew it over his head and fixed his collar with shaking fingers. Ross rolled his eyes. He’d enjoyed Kelsey’s company on two previous outings. Yes, the girls had been there, but so what? He and Kelsey chatted. They laughed. They got serious, but he enjoyed their time together.

Tonight they’d be alone. That was the only difference. Alone. That apparently was his problem. He eyed the mirror, giving a nod of approval. Neat but casual. Alone was a bonus. No interruptions. He could learn more about her, and she, about him. Did he even want that? His boring life wouldn’t be much to talk about.

He gazed around the small bedroom, picturing Peyton pouting in his master bedroom. Although the decision had been his choice, so often he wished he hadn’t given it to her. Kelsey had mentioned spoiling the girls. She called it overindulgent. He wanted to deny it, but now he asked himself the same question. Peyton had a serious heart condition, but the guestroom would have been plenty of space with a twin bed. A chair and desk would fit on the side wall. The feature that had triggered his decision caught his eye—the double door leading to the porch. The last vestiges of light spilled onto the carpet unhampered by the now leafless trees.

Ross opened his door and strode into the hallway and through the great room. He checked his watch. Mrs. Withers would arrive any minute. When he reached Peyton’s door, he paused, then tapped. “Can I come in?”

No response, but the door opened seconds later, and he was greeted by Peyton’s unhappy expression. “Why can’t I go with you?”

His chest knotted. “You’re with me most of the time, except when you’re in school.”

“Why can’t I go with you tonight?”

He wanted to sit with her and talk, but she wasn’t budging from the doorway. The room taunted him with his unwise decision. The large space had made her too comfortable with her own easy chair, a TV and a CD player. He’d even set up a desk for her to do schoolwork.

“Sometimes adults need time for adult talk.”

“I’m an adult, Dad. You keep forgetting.”

“You’ll be a teenager soon, Peyton, but I’m going to take time for me tonight.” Kelsey and me. His pulse skipped. Trembling. Charging pulse. He shook his head and licked his dry lips. “Don’t make me feel guilty for wanting a little time for myself. I give you—” Don’t say it. “I love you so much. That will never change.”

“You’d rather be with her.”

Air flew from his lungs. “I’m with you all the time, Peyton. You’re not alone. Lucy has a sitter, too.” And he couldn’t imagine Lucy whining about it.

The doorbell saved him from Peyton’s unhappiness. He bent and kissed her cheek. “Mrs. Withers will order pizza for you. She said she’d make a salad, too.”

“Lucky me.” The door banged.

Irritation slammed against him. He turned from the door and headed for the foyer, determined to have a pleasant evening despite Peyton’s dispirited attitude.

Yet, the door’s thud rang in his head.





Chapter Six


When Kelsey pulled open the door, Ross gave her a long look while his pulse skipped up his arm.

She stepped back. “Come in a minute.”