A Family of Their Own (16 page)

“Peyton.” She gave her a one-armed hug. “You can take your luggage into Lucy’s bedroom.”

Peyton turned down the hallway.

When she vanished, Kelsey faced Ross. “If she and Lucy want to share the room, that’s fine, or Lucy is willing to sleep upstairs if Peyton wants a room of her own.”

“She’s never spent the night with any girlfriend. I think she’ll want to have a real pajama party.” He studied her face, but she was unable to control her grin. “If that’s what they still call it.”

“I do, but the girls call it an overnighter.” She chuckled at his lack of knowledge.

He grinned back. “Thanks so much for this. You’re sure you won’t mind? I’m not inconveniencing you?”

“I’m glad to have her here. It’s a good distraction for Lucy. She’s off all her medication that could be a problem during surgery, and now it’s just wait. You know what that means.”

From his expression, he understood. “And she’ll still have labwork.”

She nodded. “Probably a day or two before the surgery.”

“Which is coming up too fast.”

His comment jarred her, yet it was true. “But it will be wonderful to get it over with.”

He gave her a thumbs-up. “And to hear the good news.”

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.”

Peyton nodded as she eyed the spread of snapshots. “But—” She swung around. “I don’t have any of you and Lucy. I want some of those, too.”

Kelsey’s pulse skittered. “Are you sure?”

Peyton’s eyes widened. “You’re like a mom to me, and Lucy’s like my sister. You should be in the scrapbook, too.”

Peyton undid her. She pulled the girl into her arms and kissed her hair, holding her close. Her cheek quaked with emotion, and she grabbed a breath before she tried to speak. “Thank you, Peyton.” The love in the girl’s eyes struck her like a blow. Saying goodbye to Ross meant walking out on Peyton. Kelsey’s wounds deepened.

Lucy looked on, her eyes shifting from her to Peyton, and Kelsey wasn’t sure how she felt about the girl’s declaration, but in moments, she wrapped her arm around Peyton. “You are just like a new sister.”

Kelsey willed herself to straighten. Her legs trembled as she moved toward the door. “Here’s what we’ll do. While you start on the scrapbook, Lucy can go through a few of our photos. We have some nice ones from Lucy’s birthday party.” The silly photo of Ross and her balancing on one foot to please Audrey came to mind. She wouldn’t call that one nice. It was ridiculous, but it was fun.

A few minutes later, the two girls sat at the dining-room table covered in newspaper while they sorted photos and looked at the scrapbooking supplies she’d purchased. “You know how to do this, right?”

Peyton shuffled through the background sheets she’d bought. “I saw a TV program about scrapbooking so I know a little.” She looked up. “But if I have a problem, I’ll let you know.”

Kelsey pulled out some of the decorative accessories. “Here you have these little bubbles where you can add words and make it look like they’re talking—like in a cartoon. And these are different things to make the page fun.” She gave them a few stickers and die cuts. “I’m going into the kitchen, and if you need me just holler.”

Both girls were already delving into the supplies before she finished speaking. She shrugged and slipped through the doorway. In the kitchen, she started making cookies, forcing herself to forget her depressing concerns. In the background, the girls’ voices jumbled together in conversation, although she couldn’t make out their words.

The scent of cookies filled the air when she pulled them from the oven. As if she’d rung a fire alarm, Lucy and Peyton charged into the room, sniffing the air. She poured each one a glass of milk and set out a small plate of warm cookies.
They slipped onto stools at the island and watched her make another batch.

“Mom.”

Kelsey turned and waited.

Lucy’s eyes shifted as if she were uncertain what to say.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, but I want to know when I’m going to start getting curves like Peyton.”

Peyton gave her a poke.

The question caught her off guard, and Kelsey stood a second without knowing what to say. She licked her lips. “Peyton’s a year older, so you’ll get more curves in another year.” She pointed to Lucy’s slender waist. “See, you have curves starting already.”

She gazed at herself a moment before raising her head. “The day school let out, a boy flirted with Peyton. He told her he’d miss her during the summer.”

“You weren’t supposed to say anything, Lucy.” Peyton jammed her fists into her waist. “I’m not going to tell you anything again.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “But this is my mom. I thought you meant not to tell your dad.”

Peyton huffed while Kelsey got her bearings. So this was the problem. Boys. Her mind spun. “Maybe the boy just wants to be a friend, Peyton. They’re not always flirting.”

She looked down at her lap. “He told me I was pretty.”

Pretty.
Kelsey swallowed. “That’s a nice compliment. Do you think he’s handsome?”

“Sort of.”

“See. He did more than think it. He told you.” She bit her lip. Yes, she was a mother, but she was new at this. Inadequate. “Your dad would know more about how boys think.” She pictured Ross wanting to chase the boys away with a shovel. The image made her grin.

“I heard girls talking in class about things, but I don’t think Dad knows about them or else he doesn’t want to tell me.”

A knot formed in her stomach. “It’s hard for a father to talk with his daughter about personal things and the changes she goes through.”

“But who’ll tell me so I know it’s right?” Peyton’s eyes searched hers.

Kelsey grasped her wavering common sense. She pulled up a stool and grabbed a cookie. Anything to delay her response. Her mind worked overtime until she’d organized her thoughts. “Would you like me to explain some things to you, Peyton?”

She nodded, a grateful look spread across her face.

“Mom, what about me?”

“You’re old enough, too, Lucy.” She drew in a breath. “I’ll explain a few things and then if you have questions I’ll try to answer them.”

She sent up a quick prayer and began. The girls didn’t flinch nor did their eyes waver. They seemed to drink in what she explained, and when her mind had run dry, she paused. “Do you understand?”

They both nodded, but she read Peyton’s expression and knew a question was coming. “And that’s going to happen to me someday.”

“Soon, Peyton. You’re growing up fast so don’t be afraid when it happens. It’s natural.”

Lucy leaned forward. “And then she can have babies, right?”

Babies. Kelley’s lungs drained. “Yes, God had all this happen so when a woman gets married and has a husband to be the father of the baby, her body will have everything she needs.”

A faint frown settled on Lucy’s brow. “I can have babies, too, in another year maybe.”

“Lucy, the Bible tells us to be chaste until we have a husband who can be the father.”

“What’s
chaste?
”

Her shoulders slumped.
Chaste.
Another way to phrase it would have been better. She stared at Lucy, her mind tumbling. Get yourself out of this one, Kelsey.

R
oss unwrapped the large box and pulled off the tissue. A photograph of Ruthie at his wedding adorned the cover. His heart surged, and he raised his eyes to Peyton. “You made this?”

She nodded. “Look inside.”

Somehow, Peyton had found photographs from the past. Memories coursed through his mind. Peyton as a baby, a toddler, Ruthie reading her a book, her first birthday. She’d decorated it with hearts and baby rattles stickers. He shook his head, amazed that she’d created something so special. “I’ll bet you had lots of help on this.”

“She didn’t.”

He gazed at Kelsey, a smile bursting from her face.

“No?” He’d guessed Kelsey had done most of it.

“I found the scrapbooking equipment, and she did it all. Lucy helped with the photos.”

“Thank you.” He flipped to another page where she had created a tie-shape design with a photograph of Peyton and him in a suit, standing by his old sedan. “Heading for the Easter service here.” He tapped the photo.

His heart swelled as he turned pages, watching his life flash past—the Christmas tree with gifts beneath and Peyton
trying to snoop, a backyard barbecue, and Ruthie just home following a long stay in the hospital. A “Welcome Home” banner hung from an archway with Peyton’s crayoned message.

Another page decorated with flowers took his breath away. Photographs of Lucy and Kelsey scattered across the page, and on the opposite side, he studied the precious shot of Lucy and Peyton skating together at the roller rink, the day things changed. He grinned as he focused on the laughable snapshot of Kelsey and him on roller skates.

The last photograph framed in white and decorated with a cross and a large bridal bouquet decoration showed Kelsey and him standing together in front of the Lexie’s fireplace the day of her wedding to Ethan. It seemed long ago when he and Kelsey stood beside them to witness their wedding. He sensed that the Lord had been at work in his life that day.

They’d struggled a long time to make themselves accept God’s plan for them. So much seemed to be against the rationale that two people with seriously ill children could find love and contentment together. But they had.

“I love this, Peyton.” He rose and wrapped her in his arms as he kissed her forehead. “You did a beautiful job, and Lucy…” He looked over his shoulder so he could see her as she hung over the back of his chair. “Thank you for the photos of you and your mom.”

“And you, too, Kelsey, for providing the album and all the decorations.” He slipped his arm behind her waist and shook his head. “I’m surrounded by women. You two girls are so grown-up. It seems as if every day—”

“But we aren’t old enough to have babies yet.” Lucy’s voice sent his thoughts scattering. “Peyton will have them before me.”

He stared at her, dazed and confused. He sought Kelsey for help.

She looked as startled as he felt.

Peyton slammed her fists into her sides. “Lucy, you weren’t supposed to say that.”

He eyed Peyton. “She wasn’t supposed to say what?”

Kelsey held up her hand. “Girls, why don’t you two go into the kitchen and get the cake ready so we can eat. And snap the button on the coffeemaker. It’s ready to go.” She shooed them away.

Peyton hadn’t moved until Lucy gave her one of her looks. “Let’s go.”

They bustled into the kitchen, and Kelsey sank beside him. “I’m sorry, Ross. I didn’t have time to tell you.”

His face burned with indignation. “You gave Peyton a talk on womanhood and didn’t tell me. Didn’t ask me?”

She drew back as if he’d slapped her. “Listen to me, Ross.” She glanced toward the kitchen doorway and lowered her voice. “How many times have you told me you wished Ruthie were alive to talk with Peyton? I didn’t choose to do this. Lucy asked me a question about Peyton’s maturing figure, and one question led to another. Did you want me to lie or be evasive?”

“No, but—” But what? She was right. He’d dreaded the day he had to explain Peyton’s maturing body and all the things that were beginning to happen to her. “I—I.” He closed his eyes and focused. “I’m just startled. I suppose I wanted time to prepare. What if she asks me questions? I won’t know what you told her or how to answer her.”

Kelsey rose and stood over him. “Tell her the truth. I’m sorry, Ross. It happened. She wanted to know things, and I didn’t want to ignore her or even scare her by not explaining. The girls both accepted it and seemed relieved to understand what they were hearing in school.”

“In school.” He hadn’t thought about that. Some parents were quicker to talk to their kids, and some kids probably learned from street talk. Which would he prefer? “Forgive me.” Embarrassed by his reaction, Ross looked into her eyes,
hoping she saw his regret. She’d done him a huge favor. “I’m surprised at my response. I wasn’t prepared for Peyton to open up to you.” Envy. Mortified, he shook his head.

“Please don’t apologize.” She settled beside him again and touched his arm. “I think I understand. You’re her dad, and you missed out on sharing something precious with her. I should have thought about it first, but I was in a spot.”

“You did the right thing. I’m being silly.”

She leaned closer to his ear. “She won’t ask, but you can talk to her about boys.”

His pulse skipped. “What about boys?”

“I think one of the boys at school has a crush on her. Just before school let out, the boy told her she was pretty and he’d miss her during the summer.”

His back straightened. “Peyton? My Peyton? A boy?”

He looked at her and knew she was trying not to laugh. He didn’t think it was funny.

“It wasn’t a proposal, Ross. He gave her a compliment.”

“But she’s only twelve.”

Kelsey burst into laughter, and he fell back, hearing his ridiculous comment. “She’s twelve, becoming a young woman, and one day…”

“One day, when she’s maybe sixteen…?”

He shrugged. “We’ll see.” He released the air strangling in his lungs. “I suppose I can explain about boys if she wants to know.”

“Good. Then my job is done.”

His chest constricted as her eyes locked with his, and he drew her closer. “No, it’s not. You’re just beginning.” He pressed his lips to hers, wrapped in her warmth.

“Dad!”

He jerked back and turned to find Peyton and Lucy staring at him, their eyes like full moons. He withdrew his arms from Kelsey, gave her a desperate look, and approached Peyton.
“When you are eighteen, you’ll have a boyfriend, and he might kiss you good-night. That’s what adults do.”

She jammed her fists onto her hips again. “Dad, I know that. I was just surprised. I’m not stupid.” A frown grew on her face. “And what do you mean when I’m eighteen?”

“Right.” Lucy strolled toward them. “Most girls get to go out with boys when they’re sixteen.”

Kelsey tittered behind him, and he could barely contain his laughter.

Ross looked at his watch, his other hand holding Kelsey’s. “How long does the surgery take?”

She gazed at the clock. “He said three to five hours, and he warned us it could be longer. It’s been about three and a half now.”

“Then I can stop worrying.” He glanced at Peyton, her novel lying on the table and her eyes closed. He watched to see if she were sleeping. “Are you okay?”

She nodded.

Kelsey leaned over and patted her leg. “It’s a long day, Peyton. Do you want your dad to take you to the cafeteria?”

She shook her head. “I want to wait in case someone comes.”

Kelsey gave him a half grin and returned to her magazine.

He hadn’t been able to focus on anything. This kind of procedure was new to him. One wrong move and the brain could be damaged. His throat constricted as he imagined Lucy different than she was now. Her buoyant personality had gotten under his skin, and she might as well be his daughter for the fear he felt.

Before her surgery, Lucy looked so small and helpless, but her bravery astounded him. “I’ll be fine. Wait and see.” The words rang in his head. If only he had that kind of confidence. He flipped the newspaper over in his lap. Crossword puzzles never interested him, but he’d tried to concentrate
on a few words. His mind blanked at every definition. He tossed the paper onto the table beside Peyton and twiddled his thumbs. When that didn’t work, he rose and stepped into the hallway. Pacing seemed like the answer.

As he trudged up and down the corridor, Ross forced his mind onto other things, and when he looked and spotted a surgeon heading for the waiting room, mask dangling around his neck, Ross slipped back inside. He caught Kelsey’s eye. “I think he’s coming.” Before he could sit, the surgeon called for Kelsey. Peyton jumped from her seat. He slipped his hand into Kelsey’s, and the three of them stepped into the hallway.

“Everything went well, and I know you’ll be glad to hear the problem was scar tissue.”

“Scar tissue.” Kelsey’s hand rose to her chest. “Thank You, Lord.”

The surgeon smiled. “It’s a relief, I know. I’ll want to keep an eye on it, since it had grown a little, but there were no signs of any other problems. She’s in ICU just as a precautionary measure, but when she awakens, a nurse will come to get you.”

Kelsey extended her hand. “Thank you, doctor. I’m so relieved.”

He nodded, aware of her worry, and then smiled at Peyton and Ross. “You can take a break now. Visit the cafeteria. You won’t be called for at least an hour.”

Ross shook the surgeon’s hand. “Thanks so much.”

He slid his arm around Kelsey’s back, and they watched the surgeon retreat, but a sob caught his attention, and he turned to Peyton. Tears rolled down her cheeks. He slipped his arm from Kelsey and drew Peyton into his arms. “Go ahead and cry. I know they’re happy tears.”

Though she didn’t speak, she nodded. Her body quivered with emotion, and his heart filled with gratefulness for her change of heart. He recalled Lucy and Peyton’s first meet
ings and how unsuccessful they were. Now they’d become like sisters. He sent a silent prayer of thankfulness.

Kelsey moved beside them and kissed Peyton’s hair. “She’ll be as good as new very soon, and we’ll see her in a while once she wakes up.”

Ross shifted back, still keeping one arm around his daughter. “How about some food? Anyone hungry?”

He chuckled when he heard even Peyton give a rousing yes.

Inside the cafeteria, they moved from station to station, salad here, sandwiches there, burgers and fries across the way, and when they’d filled their trays and paid, he located a table near the window where they could see the sun shining. Beds of colorful flowers added to their happy feelings.

His gaze drifted to Peyton. Her new medication had changed her life. The arrhythmia she’d dealt with for so long had subsided. Since the day she pulled her own luggage into Kelsey’s, he gave her no more arguments. If she wanted to do things herself, he allowed it. She needed to learn to live with her damaged heart, and he’d probably coddled her too much, now that he thought about it. Maybe Kelsey wasn’t so wrong after all.

Peyton gave him a questioning look. “Why are you looking at me?”

“Because I’m proud of you.”

A frown crinkled her smooth forehead. “That’s not why.”

“I guess it’s because I’m so happy that your medicine is helping you. It could change your life.” His imagination soared.

“Maybe we could actually go on a vacation, Dad.” She gave him a silly smile. “Someplace that’s not next to a hospital.”

A chuckle burst from Kelsey, and he laughed with her. “I was always afraid to be too far from a town that had a good medical facility.”

“We’ve been through the same thing with Lucy, except not quite so bad. At least her problem gave us more warning.”

Hearing Lucy’s name, Ross eyed his watch. Another half hour. “Does Lucy have a place she’s always wanted to go?”

Kelsey chuckled. “You know my daughter. She read a book about a girl in Paris. She wanted to go there. Then it was Hawaii. In another book, the girl went to New York City. Now she wants to go everywhere.”

“Me, too.” Peyton’s eyes glistened, and Ross loved to see her excitement. “Paris. We could see the Eiffel Tower and ride to the top. Dad?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “It’s the city of romance.”

Romance. Air drained from Kelsey’s lungs. She’d waited too long. Even Peyton had made assumptions about their relationship.

“Peyton.” He gave her a playful smack.

She giggled. “How about Hawaii? I could wear flowers in my hair and learn to hula.” Her gaze shifted to Kelsey.

Kelsey felt compelled to respond. “Hawaii sounds lovely.”

Ross’s mind captured the excitement. A honeymoon in Hawaii. He drew in a deep breath and relaxed in a pool of sunny thoughts.

“You know, I should call Audrey, and I promised Karen I’d call her.”

Kelsey’s voice nudged away his dreams.

She scooted back her chair. “I’ll go out in the hallway where it’s quiet.”

He nodded. “We’re almost done here. Go ahead and we’ll meet you there.”

She scurried away, digging out her cell phone, leaving Ross with romantic images zinging through his mind. He tucked those away and gazed at Peyton across the table. “It’s wonderful to see you and Lucy friends.”

She lowered her head a moment, then looked at him. “I’m ashamed of how I behaved when we first met. I’d never had
a friend since I got sick. Even when I tried to be nice, kids seemed to avoid me, so I decided to ignore them. It hurt me and made me sad.”

He slipped his hand over hers and squeezed. “It’ll still take some time for the kids to see that you’ve changed, and you’ll always have to be careful. Your arrhythmia will hopefully stay under control, but you still have a heart that needs watching. You know that?”

“I know, Daddy, but not living with that fear of a blood clot and having to take coumadin—that might be over, and I’m so happy.” She leaned forward, her eyes locked with his. “And I love Kelsey. She’s like a second mom to me, and Lucy’s a pain sometimes—especially when she can’t keep her mouth closed—but I love her, too. I realized that when she got sick.”

Ross’s voice hung in his throat. Happiness swelled in his chest, and he gazed at his grown-up little girl, wishing away the tears that pushed behind his eyes. “Do you really mean that about Kelsey?”