A Family of Their Own(35)

“He has options.” Karen’s voice cracked. “But he’s not sure he wants to go through it when the outcome is clear.”

Reality pressed against her stomach, and for a moment, her mind flew back to the years she’d been in love with Doug and the good times they’d had. But he’d ruined it all with his betrayal of their marriage vows. Vows that had meant everything to her.

Kelsey lifted her gaze, startled to see Ross sitting across the great room, staring out the window. She’d forgotten. “Karen, I’ll talk to Lucy and call you back. She’s in school now.” She glanced at her watch. Only four hours before she had to break the news to Lucy that her father was dying.

“Is she doing better now? Kelsey…” Her name had almost vanished in a whisper. “I’m so sorry. I should have asked earlier.”

“You had other things on your mind.” And so did she. Her gaze settled on Ross. She’d never told him about Doug, and she wondered what he was thinking. “I have company right now, Karen. I’ll call you later this evening after I talk with Lucy.”

When she hung up, she stood a moment, sorry that Ross had to hear her conversation. She should have gone into her bedroom. Anywhere but to let him hear her bitterness and self-pity.

“I’m sorry, Ross. I had no idea the call would take so long.”

He turned to face her, his eyes questioning. “I should have taken a walk and given you privacy.”

“No. It’s best you were here.” She motioned for him to sit and warmed his coffee. “You’ve never asked, and I’ve never talked about my ex.”

He grasped the cup and took a sip. “I’ve wondered, but didn’t want to pry.”

“I should have told you long ago. You told me about Ruthie.” She had always avoided the memories. Too much pain. “Do you have time to listen?”

“I’d like to hear what happened. I assume the call was from him.”

“About him. It was from his wife, Karen.” She drew in a lengthy breath and told Ross about Doug and Karen’s betrayal. She didn’t delve into details. Not today.

“Your best friend?” He looked dazed. “And you never suspected?”

“Gullible. Stupid. Blind.” Her chest tightened with the memory of the hurt and mortification she dealt with when she found out.

“Deceived by your two best friends.” He shook his head. “I can’t even imagine.”

Neither could Kelsey. “I should have caught on.” She thought back to clues she’d brushed away, slips of the tongue she’d ignored.

“How did you find out?”

The day stabbed her. “Her husband figured it out and called me.”

Ross’s eyes widened as he drew back. “He called you. That must have been horrible.”

“I still didn’t believe it. I thought he was mixed up. Had the wrong person. You know. I did everything to convince him he was wrong until he said enough things that I had to face the truth.”

Ross leaned forward and grasped her hand.

“You know what Doug said when I confronted him?”

“I can’t imagine.”

“He said, ‘I never wanted you to know.’” Despite the painful memory, she chuckled at the absurdity. “How do you respond to that? Naturally, he didn’t want me to know.”

Ross shook his head, amazement on his face. “I’m glad you can laugh about it now.”

“I’ve risen above it. Moved on.” Had she really? “But the phone call dredged up a lot of emotion.”

“Why did she call?”

Gooseflesh rose up her arm. “Doug has pancreatic cancer. He’s in stage three.”

He lowered his head. “Horrible.”

“It is…especially for Lucy.” The thought bolted through her, and she rose on trembling legs. “I have to tell her when she gets home, and I don’t know how she’ll take it.”

“It’s her dad. I suppose she’ll—”

“He’s her father pretty much in name only. He hasn’t been around. An occasional call and, when he remembers, a gift for Christmas or her birthday.”

A frown deepened on his face.

“But to be fair, I didn’t push it. I didn’t want to face them, so their absence was better for me than their presence.” What she’d said to Karen jogged her mind. I was left alone to handle it. No support from Doug or you. It reeked of self-pity.