A Family of Their Own(30)

“Don’t get out. I can manage.”

His head drew back, and he arched a brow. “I always walk my dates to the door.” He tapped his finger against his temple. “I think I did. It’s been a long time.”

He made her smile as he slipped out and rounded the minivan to her door.

Kelsey stepped out, feeling Ross’s palm against her elbow. His hand slipped to hers as they headed for the porch. Except for a faint glow from the window, stars were their only light on the moonless night. He climbed the steps beside her, and when they paused at the door, her pulse charged up her arm.

Ross’s palm brushed her cheek. “We’ll do this again.”

“I’d enjoy that.” Her voice sounded strange, as if someone else were speaking.

His fingers slipped behind her neck, and she stopped breathing as she followed his lips as they drew close to hers. His warm breath swept across her as he lowered his mouth.

Suddenly, the porch light flooded them, and they sprang back as the door opened. “You’re home.”

Kelsey’s heart slipped to her toes as she focused on the elderly sitter. Her lips tingled with the brief touch of Ross’s mouth on hers. “Is everything okay?”

“No problems.” Marge’s gaze swept past hers, awareness registering on her face. She backed up, her stare swinging from Ross to Kelsey. Her eyes widened and she blinked. “Lucy went to bed a few minutes ago. She wanted to wait up and hear about your evening.”

Kelsey managed to grin at Ross. “Isn’t that cute?” In the awkward moment, she extended her hand to him. “Thanks for a wonderful time.”

His eyes had glazed, a flush of embarrassment on his face, and she was certain her cheeks glowed with mortification.

Ross gave her hand a squeeze. “It was.” Another awkward moment slithered past. “I’ll call you then.”

She nodded.

He backed away and bounded down the steps before turning with a wave. “Soon.”

Soon. Yes, she hoped very soon, but at the moment, she wanted to pulverize poor Marge.





Chapter Seven


Ross tossed the magazine onto the table beside him and eyed the wall clock. Disbelieving, he checked his watch. Only fifteen minutes had passed. He’d thought Peyton’s tests would be completed a half hour ago. He shifted his focus to the people around him who joined him in their personal waits. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, appointments.

Stretching his legs, Ross closed his eyes. As always, the embarrassing evening flew into his mind. Kelsey’s lips, so soft, pliant. He’d allowed the kiss to haunt him that evening as they talked, wondering how he could make it happen. He’d envisioned and sensed the delightful touch of her mouth on his. He’d plotted, only to have the vision die like a snapped movie film, leaving only white light on the screen. The porch light.

The question that obsessed him now was Kelsey’s reaction. She’d looked uncomfortable. Worse than uncomfortable. Had it been Mrs. Butler and the porch light or the kiss? Naturally, he wouldn’t ask her. Not knowing seemed safer.

“Dad.”

Ross’s head jerked upward. Peyton stood at the waiting-room doorway with a technician at her side. He rose and met them outside the door. He slipped his arm around Peyton’s shoulders. “How did it go?”

She shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

He turned his attention to the young woman. He caught a glimpse of her name tag. Julie Long. “Do you know what took so long?”

“Dr. Timmons ordered an echocardiogram plus bloodwork.” Julie offered a half grin. “We’re extra busy today so it took longer.”

What’s new? Ross drew up his shoulders. “What now?”

Julie gave him a questioning look. “You’re free to go. Someone will get back to you once Dr. Timmons receives the reports.”

“Did everything look—”

“Sorry, Mr. Salburg.” She shook her head. “I don’t read the tests. You’ll have to ask Peyton’s physician.”

He knew that, but he always hoped he might hear something hopeful. “Thanks.”

He picked up Peyton’s jacket from the chair he’d vacated and held it for her to slip on. “Let’s go out to lunch. What do you say?”

“Can we go to Red Robin?”

He drew her to his side and gave her a one-arm hug. “Why not?”

For once, her steps bounced beside him, and the animation uplifted him. One day, she could run and play like other kids. That had been his prayer since she was diagnosed. But he’d had a similar prayer for her mother. God didn’t listen.