A Family of Their Own(58)

He agreed. Ross didn’t want to hear it. He slipped her hand into his. “We can work it out. Two are better than one.” The verse lodged in his head. “What’s the Bible say? Something about if you fall, the other can pick you up, and if someone overpowers you, you have someone to join you in the fight.” The rest of the verse swished over him. And when they lie down together, they will keep warm. That’s what he longed for in a partner, someone to hold close and cherish. His pulse hammered.

“Hey, you two.”

Ross’s head jerked when he heard Audrey’s voice. Kelsey spun around and nearly lost her balance. He reached for her and she steadied.

Audrey grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re giving up? This is fun.”

Ross studied the floor and couldn’t see Peyton or Lucy. His heart constricted until he saw them seated in the chairs near the skating floor. “The kids are taking a break.” He gave a nod toward them.

She glanced over her shoulder and chuckled. “I guess Jeff and I are the only live wires here.”

He didn’t comment, fearing that he’d say something rude. Everyone would prefer to go to dinner, as far as he could tell.

She gazed at Kelsey a moment, her focus slipping to the camera. “Did you get a shot with Ross?”

“No. I’ve taken all the photos.”

She snatched the camera from her. “Okay, get out on that floor and let me take your picture.”

“B-but…” Kelsey checked her watch. “It’s getting late. What time is the dinner reservation?”

“Oh, my.” Audrey eyed her watch. “I guess you’re right. We need to get moving.” She held up her hand. “But let me take one here anyway.”

Audrey backed up as she pointed to their skates. “I want them in the photo.”

Kelsey rolled her eyes, immediately thinking of Lucy. She lifted her foot, and Ross followed with a chuckle. They leaned on each other to balance, and Audrey snapped the photo.

“Okay.” She dropped the camera into Kelsey’s hands and waved to Jeff as she pointed to her watch. “We’re ready.” She swiveled and made her way to her husband.

“Sorry.” Kelsey touched his arm. “Maybe later.”

Her expression appeared as hopeless as he felt. “Maybe.”

Their eyes met and locked. Hopeless. Helpless. He wondered if Kelsey was right. A relationship divided by so many things needed more than two people. That relationship needed the Lord.



Kelsey felt thoroughly confused. Ross had a desperate look, and it troubled her. Though he spoke about keeping their relationship firm, she sensed that on a deeper level he had begun to struggle, just as she had been doing. Sitting beside him felt so right. Their dinner had been a treat, noisy but fun, with delicious food—family style—and a small cake with a raucous happy birthday song sung by some waiters. With all the excitement, the girls had already fallen asleep in the back seat and once they reached her house, she knew their only moments to talk would end. Jeff had brought his luggage in before they left for the skating party.

Lucy loved her gifts. Ross and Peyton surprised Lucy with her first pair of earrings—expensive ones, she could tell. Talk about ecstatic—Lucy was the poster child. He’d even been thoughtful enough to check with her first to make sure she was willing to take Lucy to have her ears pierced. A gift certificate from Audrey and Jeff delighted Lucy, too. She would shop anytime she had a chance. But in the back of Kelsey’s mind she wondered if the shopping would get done before she faced her latest health issue. Faith. She had to cling to it.

Her pleasant thoughts faded as Ross rolled into the driveway behind Jeff. She climbed out and opened the back seat to awaken Lucy, then ran to the entrance to unlock the door. She turned back to the car and saw Lucy weaving her way toward the house, still half asleep, as Ross carried Peyton in his arms. She’d grown since they’d met, and it reminded her of Ross’s wish for a mother for Peyton. The feeling filtered past her negative thoughts and touched her heart.

She stepped away from the door and held it while Ross headed inside. “I’ll put her on the sofa.”

“Good idea, and grab that throw on the chair. You can cover her with that.”

He continued down the hallway, and Lucy trudged in, her eyes half-closed. “Can I go to bed?”

“Certainly.” Kelsey leaned down and kissed her cheek as she meandered down the hall, giving a tired wave into the living room before continuing to her bedroom door.