A Family of Their Own(45)

“I know, and that’s what restricts me.” Her expression showed her unhappiness.

“It does. You have to be careful playing so as not to get cut or bruised badly and the other medication makes you short of breath, tired and feel weak sometimes.”

She nodded. “I hate it.”

Ross flinched at her comment and captured her attention. “Peyton, the medicine keeps you from serious problems. You’ve been able to go to school—yes, with restrictions—but you can go, and when you take naps and rest, you can do lots of things.” He wanted to tell her she was alive, but he couldn’t do that. He felt desperate and looked at Dr. Timmons for help.

“And this is why I told you not to get too excited. Recently, a new medication has been approved that may work better on Peyton. It has been doing a good job of controlling arrhythmia for some patients. Once we can stabilize your heart rhythm, we may be able to take you off coumadin.”

“Really?” Peyton’s eyes widened, and she clutched her hands to her chest. “Can I take that instead of what I do now?”

“I want to study this a little more before we change, and you know…” He leaned closer and looked her in the eyes. “This doesn’t mean you’ll be well right away. It will take time, but we could see an improvement in a few months. That would be my hope.”

“It’s mine, too, doctor.” Ross drew in a breath, excited yet apprehensive about what he heard. He knew from other medications that they sometimes had side effects that might not work with Peyton. It was in God’s hands. “So what do we do now?”

“Follow the same procedures you’ve been following, and I’ll get back to you when I make a decision. I’ll consult with a couple specialists and that will help me weigh the pros and cons for Peyton.”

Ross slipped his arm around Peyton’s shoulders. “What do you think?”

“I guess we have to wait and see.”

Her excitement had died down with the doctor’s hesitation, and Ross hoped that as they talked she would see the big picture. Everything took time, but it could be worth it.

The doctor rose. “I’ll see you at her next appointment, if not before. I’ll give you a call.”

“I’ll be waiting, Dr. Timmons.”

The specialist walked to the door and opened it. “Hopefully I’ll have good news for you, Peyton.”

Ross rose and Peyton followed. They headed to the checkout desk in silence and then strode to the car. His mind reeled with the news. In all the excitement about the medication, he’d forgotten the other wonderful news. Peyton’s heart had shown no changes for months. His feet danced to the minivan.

Once they were settled inside, his mind ticked with an idea. “School’s out now so you don’t have to go back. I’m sure that makes you happy.”

She grinned. “It does, but I’d be happier if I knew I could have the new medication now.”

“Peyton, sometimes in life, we have to wait. But, you know what? Waiting gives you something to look forward to.” He patted her hand. “I believe that God’s going to bless us this time.”

“You mean He’ll help Dr. Timmons say yes?”

“Something like that. But if not, then something better will happen. And don’t forget what he said about your heart.”

“It’s the same as it was.” She shook her head.

He pulled up his shoulders. “I think we should celebrate.”

She gave him a questioning look.

“It’s Friday night, and how about if I call Kelsey and see if they’d like to join us. We can do something fun.” Her expression didn’t flicker, but he knew she was thinking.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know.” His mind emptied. “Let me call Kelsey, and see what she thinks.”

Peyton didn’t respond, but she didn’t say no. That was a major victory.

He hit Kelsey’s number and was disappointed when she didn’t answer. Instead, he checked his contact list and called her cell phone. When she answered, he couldn’t contain himself. “Want to celebrate tonight?”

“Celebrate?” Her voice was a mix of excitement and curiosity.

Along with her voice, he heard a buzz of noise. “Where are you?”

“Grocery shopping. But you haven’t told me what you want to celebrate.”

Her persistence didn’t sway him. “How about going out to dinner? Something with the girls.”