A Family of Their Own (13 page)

“Something fun.”

She could tell that Audrey had already bitten into a cookie. “That sounds mysterious.”

Audrey chuckled. “It’s something I loved to do as a kid.”

Kelsey’s mind stretched into her childhood. Audrey liked to do many things and nothing struck her. “What?”

“Roller skating.”

The water for tea spewed from the kettle and Kelsey poured it into the mugs. Roller skating. Lucy had only gone skating a couple of times, although she did okay, but what about Peyton? The question knotted in her throat. “That’s a stra—unusual idea.”

“Why? Kids love to skate. At least they do in Traverse City.”

Kelsey jammed her mouth closed. “Your idea’s different. I can say that.” She lifted a mug in each hand, managed a pleasant expression and walked back to her sister. “Do you still skate?” She couldn’t imagine, but the idea was way outside the box as far as she was concerned. And Peyton was still an issue.

“No, but it’s like riding a bicycle, I would think.” Audrey grasped the mug and took a sip. “What had you planned?”

Kelsey sank into a chair, measuring her words. “Nothing. I was waiting for your idea.”

“It’s not just roller skating. I made reservations to eat at Buca di Beppo. Italian and fun. Have you been there?”

“No, but I’ve heard of it. Lucy loves Italian food.”

“I remembered. And they bring out a birthday cake with all the waiters singing. She’ll be thrilled.” Audrey gazed at her a moment. “So what do you think?”

Kelsey couldn’t disagree. “It’ll be fun.” Peyton’s face edged into her mind, no matter how hard she tried to push it out. Telling her sister about Ross might elicit an enthusiastic response, but if she learned about Peyton, that could be another story. Not inviting them wasn’t the answer. Yet now she faced the roller-skating issue.

She roused her courage. “Audrey, I think the restaurant is great. Lucy will love it, but I have qualms about roller skating.”

Audrey’s eyes widened. “Why?”

Why? Kelsey felt the truth bustle into her mind. She couldn’t lie, but maybe she could mention that Lucy doesn’t really roller skate. “I have a friend that I planned to invite to Lucy’s birthday.”

Audrey arched a brow. “Friend?” She tilted her head. “Female friend or…” A grin hinted on her lips.

“Ross. His name is Ross Salburg.”

She clapped her hands together, brushed the crumbs from her lips and bounced up, planting a kiss on Kelsey’s cheek. “Really? Someone special?”

Play it down. The words popped into her mind. She pushed them back. “Special but nothing serious yet.”

Audrey drew her from the chair for a hug. “
Yet.
That sounds hopeful.” She eased back and eyed her sister. “Will I meet him?”

Kelsey settled into her chair. “You will, and his daughter Peyton. She’s a year older than Lucy.”

“Hmm? A daughter.” She sank back into the seat, a thoughtful look growing on her face. “Any competition? How do they get along?”

Questions. That’s what she wanted to avoid. She sank back into the chair. “Fine. Peyton’s quieter than Lucy. She’s had some health problems, too.”

The smile faded to concern. “What kind of problems?”

“Her heart, and that’s why I think maybe roller skating might not work.” She studied her sister’s expression and sensed that she wasn’t going to relent easily. “I’d hate to leave her out.”

Audrey’s face became thoughtful. “Rolling around the floor on skates wouldn’t be that hard on her. Let’s just plan it, and hopefully she’ll be able to skate. I’m really looking forward to this.”

Kelsey resigned herself to going along with her sister. Dissing her plans never worked when they were young, and she knew Audrey had only polished her ability to stay firm over the years. She’d talk it over with Ross. Not wanting to stir up dissension, she nodded and let it drop.

Audrey leaned back and grew quiet, leaving Kelsey with an anxious feeling. When Audrey thought, it could mean anything. She watched as her sister pursed her lips together, then lifted her head. Kelsey pressed her back against the chair rungs for support.

“Do you really think it’s wise for you to get involved with a man who has a child with a heart problem?” She leaned closer, her eyes searching Kelsey’s. “Do you know what I mean? Two sick kids. What kind of life is that? Where’s the romance?”

She seemed to draw closer, although she hadn’t stood. Kelsey swallowed every comment that flittered through her mind. This wasn’t new. Her own friend, Lexie, had suggested the same thing, but then apologized. Still she’d always be facing the possibility of a child fighting to stay alive. Her
muddied mind lost all concept of communication. What could she say to make her sister happy? She couldn’t deny it, because Audrey was right.

“Men and women can be friends without romance, Audrey.” True but not really the case with Ross. She cared so much, and she sensed that he did, too.

“Those things are hard to control. Sometimes people become a habit. You need them for support and a sort of security, and soon you think it’s love and it’s not. Then what?”

What? Her relationship with Ross didn’t seem like that. Not a habit. Yes, she needed his support. She realized that today, and having him by her side gave her security, but she cared about him. Not what he had to offer. Her pulse quickened, weighing her thoughts. She didn’t feel that way, but maybe Ross did, and what then?

She confined the thoughts raging inside her. Asking Audrey if she’d arrived to put a downer on Kelsey’s life would only stir up trouble. Assuming that her sister was worried about her, she avoided responding to her comment. “You’ll meet him tonight at Lucy’s party, Audrey. Then you can decide for yourself.”

Audrey shrugged and grabbed another peanut-butter cookie. “Fair enough.”

Fair enough. Kelsey wanted to either scream or cry.

R
oss stood near the refreshment stand, watching Peyton on the roller rink. He’d been put in a touchy position, but he gave Peyton the choice. She wanted to go, and he sensed a touch of competition. Now that he had met Audrey, he understood Kelsey’s problem. Though a nice woman, Audrey had a way of taking charge, even if her take-charge attitude wasn’t welcome.

When Kelsey called him, he wanted to balk at the roller-skating decision, but she explained her attempt to talk her sister out of the idea with no success. If it hadn’t been Lucy’s birthday, he would have declined.

He eyed the rink floor, spotting Audrey and her husband, Jeff. They flew around the floor like kids. Appropriate, since most of the skaters were teens. Jeff seemed to be a sensible man but a bit intimidating. Ross’s pulse stumbled when he saw Lucy skating beside Peyton. Their pace looked slower than the rest, and he guessed that Lucy was doing it for Peyton. He grinned, touched by Lucy’s thoughtfulness. It more than made up for her grumbling about the bedroom, which had tripped the switch that turned her mother into the sarcastic woman he’d faced a week back.

Watching the skaters, a concern rose in his mind. Some
of them wore helmets, along with elbow and knee protectors. Peyton would be safer with protection since she was still taking coumadin. A bruise could cause undue problems while using the blood thinner. Though it was too late now, he wished he’d given skating more thought.

When he spotted Kelsey, she was standing beside the rink floor taking a few more photos. He hoped she caught a couple with the girls skating together. The positive turn of events lifted his spirit. She lowered the camera and scanned the floor before glancing over her shoulder. When she noticed him, his heart danced. She looked gorgeous in her knit top the color of spring grass, and instead of fighting her part, she’d curled her hair and it waved about her shoulders.

She headed his way, a concerned expression on her face. “Are you okay?”

He heard her question despite the music and whoosh of skates nearby and nodded. Every time he gazed at her lips, he spiraled out of control. Their one complete kiss lingered in his mind, the soft touch, the feel of her in his arms. Tonight he longed to run his fingers through her curls. Trying to keep their relationship in perspective had failed. Totally failed. She rocked him on his feet every time he looked at her. They needed to talk. Serious talk about the future. Yet every time they tried, something interrupted them. They were never alone. Tonight was yet another example.

She’d reached his side and rested her hand on his shoulder. “Are you sure?”

The touch rolled down his arm. “I’m fine.” His gaze swept over her. “You look great tonight.”

She gazed down at her jeans and struck a pose. “This old thing?” Then she grinned.

He chuckled at her playfulness. It had been a long time since he’d seen her lighthearted. “You’d look good in a burlap sack. I’ve missed you, Kelsey.”

Her eyes sought his. “It’s been difficult. We’re both going through so much. Now my sister and—”

“And the issues we need to clear up.” He motioned toward the skaters as a futile feeling billowed over him. “But when? How can we find time now?”

Her hand slipped down to his, and she squeezed it. “It’s frustrating, and that’s why sometimes I think what they said was right.”

His stomach constricted. “Right about what?”

She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

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.

Kelsey wandered in and joined the others. She found Audrey and Jeff standing beside Ross. Audrey turned to Kelsey and tilted her head. “We’re going to head for bed if you don’t mind. It’s been a long day for us driving here from Traverse City, and Jeff had that meeting right away.”

“That’s fine. Go right ahead.” Relief eased over her. Maybe, she and Ross could have some time together.

“Kelsey.” Audrey beckoned her to follow as she headed her way. “I want to show you something.” Jeff didn’t move, and Kelsey caught on. She wanted to talk, and if she couldn’t do it here, then the talk was about Ross. She winced, anticipating more negative conversation.

In the bedroom, Audrey closed the door and faced her. “Thanks again for letting us stay here.”

A fleeting moment of relief whisked through her. Maybe she was wrong. “You know you and Jeff are welcome anytime.” She hoped she meant that.

“Listen, I hate to bring this up again.” She motioned for Kelsey to sit on the bed.

She glanced toward the mattress but didn’t move. “What’s the problem?”

“Jeff and I watched you and Ross. We think if you can keep this a friendship it might work, but I doubt if you can. He’s crazy about you. I see it in his face every time he looks at you.”

Kelsey’s heartbeat faltered.
Crazy about you.
He cared. She knew that, but crazy? A frown tugged at her face. “What are you talking about?”

“We’re not blind. I think you have feelings for him, too, and I’m afraid you’re going to be hurt. Both of you have children who need your total attention. Peyton seems to be sicker than you indicated. What kind of heart problem?”

She couldn’t lie, but she wanted to. “Cardiomyopathy.”

She gasped. “No. How horrible. You know what that means?”

“No, not in her case. It was caught early, and she’s improving. Plus they now have a new medication that can make a huge difference for her. She could be like new.”

Audrey looked doubtful. “But then there’s Lucy. Now you’re facing more tests again, and who knows what will happen.”

She opened her arms, but Kelsey couldn’t move. Audrey
stepped toward her and held her in an embrace. “I want you to be happy, sis, but I don’t think this is the way. I think you’re asking for trouble. He’s a nice man, but both of you are carrying burdens, and—”

“Audrey.” Kelsey pulled back. “I know what I’m facing. I told you we haven’t taken any steps toward anything. We don’t even have time to talk privately.” She began to seethe. “So don’t create problems that aren’t there. Lucy will have more tests. We can only hope that it’s nothing. Instead of looking for trouble, please pray with me that it is a false reading. Those things happen.”

Audrey looked stricken. “I’m sorry if I upset you, and you know I pray for Lucy. I wasn’t trying to cause—”

“I know you’re not trying to, but don’t you think I’ve had the same thoughts? You’re my sister, and you want the best for me, but the best isn’t reminding me of my difficult life. I’m tired of doing this alone, and so is Ross. Maybe we can struggle together. Remember, the Bible says two are better than one.”

Audrey’s face went blank. “Enough said, I suppose. I’m very tired.”

“Good night, then.” She forced herself to kiss her sister’s cheek. “I hope you rest well, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

She nodded, and Kelsey made her escape. She nearly ran into Jeff in the hallway.

He grinned. “I was going to see what was keeping you girls.”

“Just chatting.” She gave him a hug. “Night, Jeff. Sleep well.”

He slipped into the bedroom, and Kelsey released a long breath and continued back to the living room. Ross wasn’t there, but she heard a sound in the kitchen. When she stepped through the doorway, he had settled at the kitchen table, a glass of water beside him. She poured a glass, too, and joined him at the table.

“So.” He gazed at her, knowingly. “I’m guessing you had words with your sister.”

She shrugged. “She worries about me.”

“Your face says it all. She has reservations about me.”

She stiffened. “She thought you were very nice.”

“But she thinks you’re biting off more than you can chew.”

His face reflected the truth, and she couldn’t hide it. “Sort of.” She told him what she’d said. “I tried to block my ears.”

“But you can’t, Kelsey, not if people keep assuming that you and I can’t deal with our problems. I said part of what I wanted to at the roller rink. Two are better than one. The Lord said it, and how can we doubt Him? Yes, we’ll survive alone. We’re strong and we’ve been doing it, but it’s not what I want, and I’d like to think you would like more, too.”

Her hands began to tremble as the emotion of his words burrowed into her heart. “We’ve handled things together for the past months. I’ve come to need you.”

“I’ve come to care about you and Lucy more than I can say.”

She started to tell him she cared, too, but he held up his finger to stop her.

“I’ll admit I’ve made mistakes with Peyton. I overcompensated, and that probably set her back because she leaned on me and expected me to occupy her time. She doesn’t need friends when her dad’s doing everything to make her happy.” His face pinched with emotion. “And I can’t do that. She has to find her own happiness.”

“That’s ri—”

“Did you see what happened today? My chest nearly burst, and I was so proud of Lucy. Here she is facing more tests and who knows what after that, and she was skating around the rink at a snail’s pace for Peyton. They were side by side. Peyton was so unsteady. I don’t think she’d ever been on skates, and Lucy was her support. That’s what she needs from other people. Not just me.” He held up his hand as if
to stop her from saying anything. “And I don’t want you to think that’s what makes you important to me. It’s far from that. Yes, I love your help. Peyton would benefit from an adult female in her life, but I wouldn’t ask you on a journey with me unless you meant more than support to me.”

Kelsey’s mind whirled with Ross’s admission. He’d said everything but that he loved her. Words filtered through her mind, words she longed to say but instead they jammed against her heart. She couldn’t make promises now. “Ross, I—”

“Before you say anything, here’s my thought. If our relationship can’t deal with the kinds of problems we have to face, ones that can easily be resolved and a few that will take time and prayer, then maybe we weren’t meant to be more than friends. But I want to try. More than try, I want to succeed, but if you want me out of your life, tell me now. I don’t want to go through this uncertain feeling every day until you decide. I’m up for it. Are you?”