A Family of Their Own(66)

Without a word, Lucy held the photographs close to her chest and headed for the dining room. Knowing the time was now, Kelsey’s heart pummeled against her chest. With Lucy out of earshot, she faced Karen. “I want to say a few things before Lucy returns.”

Karen drew back, concern growing on her face. “If you’re upset with—”

“No, please. You’ve been thoughtful. You and Doug. I want to ask your forgiveness, Karen.”

“My forgiveness?” Her eyes widened, her jaw slack. “I should ask yours.”

“No. You hurt me…you and Doug…but I compounded the hurt by my bitterness. I should have encouraged Doug’s visits with Lucy. When the worst ache faded, I should have let you know. We could have talked, but I clung to the anger and resentment, even when I no longer cared. It wasn’t right and it wasn’t the moral thing to do. I know what the Lord expects, and I ignored it.”

“But—”

“Forgetting will never happen. You know that. You and I will never be good friends again, but I care about you, Karen. I always have, and I pray that you truly believe what I’m saying. Right now, I’m grieving with you, because you lost a husband. And I grieve that I didn’t talk to him when I was here. I didn’t let him know that I forgave him, too.”

Karen dropped her face in her hands, and Kelsey opened her arms and drew her in. “I know you care about Lucy, and if you want to pick her up for a weekend once in a while, just let me know.” Lucy’s latest problem filtered through her mind, and when Karen lifted her head and embraced her, Kelsey told her about Lucy’s latest diagnosis. “I’ll know Monday, and I’ll call you.”

Tears rolled down Karen’s cheeks, and Kelsey held her. She knew soon Lucy would call her to look at the photos, but at the moment, she couldn’t leave Karen. And for the first time, she knew the forgiveness she offered was truly from the heart.





Chapter Fifteen


Ross eyed his watch and stared down the road. Kelsey had called and estimated her arrival time, but he didn’t want to wait at home. Sitting in front of her house seemed easier than pacing and wearing out his carpet.

She’d said little about the funeral since Lucy was with her, but his mind never left her situation. He knew it would be difficult to deal with the funeral, and he prayed that she’d talked with Karen. The guilt would be lifted from her, and that would be a blessing.

He checked his watch again. A half hour had passed, and he suspected that she would arrive any minute. He leaned back a moment, pondering his news but not wanting to say a word until they talked about her trip.

When he lifted his head, his pulse raced. Kelsey’s car was coming down the street, and when she pulled into her driveway, she gave him a questioning look. Alone. A frown pulled at his face.

He stepped from his minivan and hit the lock button on his remote as he approached her car. “How are you? Where’s Lucy?”

“She’s fine, but she’s been so wound up, I called Lexie and let her go over to see Cooper. He’s doing so well now, and I can only hope Lucy’s tests will offer the same good news.”

Although he loved seeing Lucy, having her busy for a while relieved him. Now they could talk without her listening. He wanted to know so many things.

She opened the rear door and pulled out her overnight case. He looked for the other bag. “Where’s Lucy’s bag?”

“She took it into Lexie’s. She had a couple of things and some photographs from Karen that were Doug’s, and she wanted to show Cooper.”

Ross took the bag from Kelsey’s hands. “Were the gifts okay with you?”

She nodded. “I was happy for Lucy. She needed the connection and the closure.”

“I’m glad then.” He slipped his hand into hers, and it felt so natural. “I missed you.”

She chuckled. “You mean that old saying about absence making the heart grow fonder is true?”

“Undoubtedly.” He squeezed her hand as they climbed the few steps to the covered porch. He stood back while she unlocked the door, and she held it open as he carried in her bag. Instead of asking, he headed for the master bedroom and placed it on her bed.

When he returned, he heard Kelsey in the kitchen. “I’m making coffee.”

“Perfect.” He strode into the room and slipped onto a stool at the island. “How’d it go?”