A Family of Their Own(70)

She realized that his action stemmed from the concern she couldn’t hide. Good news had been her prayer since she’d heard that Lucy needed to undergo yet another surgery.

He checked his watch and sidled closer. “I hope Peyton’s okay spending the night.”

Typical parent. Kelsey chuckled. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Anyway, we have plans that’ll keep them both busy. And really, don’t rush. Pick her up anytime tomorrow.”

“Thanks.” His expression changed. “Today Ethan suggested I arrange a Dreams Come True trip for Peyton, but I—”

“That’s a great idea, Ross. She’s been sick so long.”

“But it wouldn’t be right now.”

“Right?” Her mind spun. “Why?” He made no sense.

He touched her cheek. “Not with Lucy’s problems again. The girls have finally gotten closer. A Dreams Come True trip for Peyton could be their undoing.”

“Ross, no. She deserves—”

“No. Lucy deserves it, too, and now she can’t.”

Her emotions spun out of control. His comment proved what her heart told her. They couldn’t spend their lives stopping one daughter from enjoying life because the other was ill. That’s what their relationship would be. That’s all it could be.

“Really, it’s for the best. Maybe another time.” He glanced at his watch again. “I’d better be on my way. I’m picking up Ethan and he expected me fifteen minutes ago.” He grinned. “Two guys out on the town.”

“Right.” She gave him a playful swat, realizing that he was trying to lift her spirit.

Then Kelsey saw it coming. Ross lowered his lips and gave her a quick kiss. When he drew back, she glanced around him. The girls had never observed affection, and she didn’t want to confuse them. And she didn’t want to confuse herself.

“Drive carefully.” But as she looked into his eyes, her wavering heart gave another kick. Being close to someone who cared about her felt so good. She tilted her head and pressed her lips to his again, but this time they lingered. Her heart took flight as it did when he touched her, and when he left, the same loneliness would seep into her chest until she saw him again. The growing sensation rioted inside her. What was she doing?

Ross headed to the car, and when he turned around, she wiggled her fingers in a goodbye wave, her heart tripping again. Goodbye. Could she ever say it and mean it? Goodbye forever? She watched his car vanish, headed back to the living room, but as she passed the hallway, Lucy’s door opened, and the girls peeked out.

“Is he gone?” Lucy glanced toward Peyton leaning over her shoulder.

“Peyton, he didn’t say goodbye again, because—”

“That’s okay.” Peyton’s smile brightened. “We said goodbye, but I’m anxious to start the Father’s Day present.”

Kelsey’s tension lessened, seeing the excitement on Peyton’s face. “The present. Great.” She drew closer to Lucy’s room. “Did you find some photographs like the ones I mentioned?”

Lucy flung the door open and Kelsey saw photographs spread out on her bed. “Wow! That’s a lot of pictures.” She’d only purchased one scrapbook.

“Mom, she brought lots so we can pick the best.” Lucy’s eyes rolled, as they so often did.

“Okay. That was smart.” She wandered into the room and gazed at the photos. Her heart knotted when she saw Ross’s wedding photo with Ruthie, photos of them with Peyton as a baby and as a toddler. “How did you find these?” Her expression looked like a conspirator’s.

“Dad didn’t move everything out of the bedroom when I moved in. Those built-in shelves that have doors on them are filled with old albums that my mom kept there. I think he forgot, but I used to look at them after my mom died so I wouldn’t forget her.”

Kelsey grasped a photo and gazed at it, pressing her lips together to hold back her sob. She’d been about six when her own mother died. Picturing Peyton stealing away to look at these photos broke her heart. Managing to hold back her tears, she placed the photograph back with the others and drew Peyton into her arms. “That was a good thing to do, Peyton, but I don’t think you’d ever forget your mom, even though you were young.”

“I won’t.” Her embrace tightened, and Kelsey struggled again to waylay her emotion.

“Okay.” She eased back and motioned to the photos. “Pick out about twenty of your favorites and if we have room, we can add some more.”