A Family of Their Own(33)
Memories awakened in her. The first time she held Lucy in her arms something stirred inside her. Hopes and dreams spilled into her mind. But then a few years ago, things had changed and she prayed Lucy would see her teen years. Yet today, she was healthy and heading for eleven. Joy coursed through her. She prayed that those bad days were over for good.
As she studied the girls, Kelsey’s attention settled on Peyton. She was an inch or more taller than Lucy, and today she noticed that Peyton’s figure had begun to blossom. Lucy still looked more girlish. Seeing it made her ache for Ross. One day he’d mentioned having to face the task of explaining things to her. That was usually a mother’s job, but Ross would handle it alone.
The hawkers’ voices boomed in her ears. Above their heads flashed expensive souvenir booklets with photographs of the Hanson brothers, and Kelsey hoped the girls wouldn’t notice the pitch. They would glance at the pictures and toss the expensive booklet into a drawer…or on the floor, which seemed to be the place Lucy liked to store things these days, including her clothes. Kelsey grinned. Maybe she was just practicing for her teen years.
“Kelsey.”
Ross’s voice drew her back. “Sorry. I was thinking about the girls.”
“I suspected you were.” He slipped his arm around her back. “I’m sorry that I brought that up again. We were having a great time, and as soon as the girls come into the conversation, something happens. I understand, but I feel the barricade rise between us. I don’t want that.”
“I don’t want it, either, Ross. Let’s be patient and give the girls a chance to get to know each other without us hovering. Maybe we’re trying to do too much with them.” She searched his eyes. “Do you think we should back off?”
“You have a point.” A sigh rolled through him.
“Since we’re on the subject of the girls, have you heard from Peyton’s physician yet about her tests?”
“The receptionist called to say the tests are in, and I made an appointment. Dr. Timmons doesn’t do much on the phone, and I wish he would. Then I’d know.”
Those feelings weren’t new to Kelsey. “Don’t forget to call me when you hear.”
Ross nodded and tilted his head toward the concession line. “They’re getting their snacks now, so before they come back, I want to tell you that no matter what problems we’re having I don’t want them to affect our relationship. I told you before, but your friendship means a lot to me.” He studied her face. “A lot.”
Her stomach tightened. “I feel the same way.”
“Then let’s agree that the next date is just us.”
Date. The word skipped across her heart. “Okay. Just us.”
Us. She remembered the day us died for her. Her husband confessed his affair, and her life fell apart. Trusting was still difficult, but Ross always seemed so honest that she believed what he said. Maybe the Lord had an us planned for her one day again when their chaotic lives calmed down, and they could plan a future together, instead of trying to divide their days.
Chapter Eight
The doorbell’s chime drew Kelsey to the door. When she opened it, Ross stood there, unsmiling. Stress etched his face.
“Hi. I hope you don’t mind I dropped by without calling.”
He looked desolate, and she ached for him. “No, it’s fine.” She stepped back, opening the door wider. “Any news on Peyton?” She reached for his jacket.
“Today.” He drew up his shoulders and shrugged it off.
“Not good news.” Her question wasn’t needed. She knew from the look on his face. “What is it, Ross?”
He ambled into the room and plopped on the sofa. “It could be worse, but Timmons upped her blood thinner this time. If she could only get her arrhythmia under control, that would help.”
“That affects her activities, I know.” She sank into a chair near him. Though she wanted to be upbeat and say something positive, concern pulled at her face.
“It restricts her more than she’s already restricted. I worry that the school will suggest she be homeschooled with a visiting teacher dropping in once a week. I don’t want to think of that happening. I’m glad to help her with her studies, but it kills me for her. She already feels alienated, and this will just broaden the gap.”
Ross pushed himself up from the sofa and paced to the window and back as if he were waiting for someone, but Kelsey guessed he was only waiting for answers for his daughter’s healing.