A Family of Their Own(51)

She nodded. “If you’ll put that on the table, I’ll call the girls.”

His eyebrows raised. “Speaking of the girls, I’m really discouraged.”

She didn’t have to ask.

“For once Peyton’s making a little effort to be pleasant, but Lucy’s not helping. That’s really odd, don’t you think?”

The question hung in the air, and Kelsey’s answer lodged in her throat.

Ross frowned. “What do you know that I don’t?”

Her mind flew, trying to decide how to approach the topic without ruining the day. Temper your comment flashed through her mind. “Lucy’s competitive, as you know. I think she’s a bit irked that Peyton has the master bedroom.”

“What?” Disbelief registered on his face.

If he knew anything about women—or Lucy—he should understand. “She wasn’t given the master bedroom here when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.”

His arm swung out in a large arc. “Kelsey, your house is on one floor. Lucy didn’t have to climb stairs.” He shook his head. “Anyway, Lucy’s illness has nothing to do with her heart.”

“Her brain is affected. It’s what controls almost everything in her body.”

“Yes, but…” He looked startled.

“You have two bedrooms on the first floor, and Lucy knows that.” She monitored her volume. “You manage just fine using the guestroom. Why can’t Peyton?” The question rang with her irritation, and she hurried to soften her comment. “That’s what Lucy wants to know.” But so did she. The whole situation overwhelmed her. This issue had little to do with a bedroom. It reminded her of the difficulty they faced—two who might never see eye to eye.

“She’d lost a mother and then found out she had the same disease. I wanted to…” He looked exasperated.

Ross didn’t understand. “Lucy grew up without much of a father, too.” She brushed the words away. “Forget it. I’ve talked to Lucy, and I’ll talk with her again. She’ll get over it.” But Kelsey sensed that this might be only the beginning.

“I’m sorry you feel that way.”

She shook her head. “Peyton’s your daughter, Ross. You have the right to coddle her any way you choose. She’s very ill. I understand that.”

“Mom.” Lucy darted into the room. “I’m starving. When are we gonna eat?”

Grateful for the interruption, she monitored her voice. “Right now. Tell Peyton, okay?”

Lucy spun around and called out to Peyton as she hurried back into the living room.

Kelsey pulled the dinner rolls from the oven, and once they settled around the table, Ross said the blessing. The food circled the table, and they filled their plates. Conversation lulled as they slivered their ham and dug into the cheesy potatoes, and she was grateful. She’d set off a fire that could turn into a blaze. Why hadn’t she kept her mouth shut and let it go? Her comment served no purpose but to vent her own upset.

Ross had become an important part of her life. Their relationship had grown deeper. His kiss had excited her and made her feel like a woman again. His kindness and concern made even her parents’ support look weak. Yet she’d uttered words ringing with sarcasm.

She lifted her gaze from her plate and studied his face. He looked deep in thought. Had she let her frustration ruin her chance for happiness? Ross had been the first man to arouse her sense of femininity and stir her emotions. She lowered her gaze. What have I done?



“I don’t understand.” Kelsey’s hand knotted in her lap. “Why does Lucy need another test?”

“Two tests, Mrs. Rhodes.” He looked at her. “I’ve studied her last MRI and I see something I’d like to view more carefully.” His gaze drifted to Lucy. “You want to be well, I know, Lucy, so you’re willing to have a couple more tests.”

She glanced at her mother, then eyed Dr. Bryant. “What kind of test?”

His grin looked guarded. “Nothing that will hurt or keep you in the hospital.”

Relief flooded her face. “Okay.”

“You’ve had the PET scan before. You’ll get a low-dose injection of radioactive sugar followed by the scan.”

Lucy nodded. “I remember.”

Kelsey’s stomach knotted. He’d spotted something, or he wouldn’t do this. She wanted to know, but did she want Lucy to hear what was wrong? The muscles in her neck tightened.