A Family of Their Own (2 page)

He stood a moment, wondering if he should stand until she returned or settle back in his chair again. The time stretched, and his concern rose. Not comfortable nosing into her business, yet not at ease ignoring her absence, he strode toward the door, but as he approached, it slid open and Kelsey stepped out. A questioning look spread across her face.

His mind slowed down, and he could only mumble. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

A grin replaced her uncertainty. “You’re as bad as I am.”

He shrugged. “Not bad really. Alert.”

“So you’re a worrier, too.” She tilted her head toward the kitchen. “Should we help clear the dishes?”

“That’s a plan.” He followed her around the table, removing the soiled china and silverware. Though Mrs. Carlson offered to help, Kelsey suggested that she enjoy the company while they took care of the dishes.

Ross rinsed while Kelsey loaded the dishwasher, and as they worked, he caught her eyeing him on occasion as if she were weighing her feelings about him. When he was about to be blunt and ask, she closed the dishwasher door and rested her hip against the countertop. “Are you always this nice?”

The question caught him off guard. “You mean am I always helpful?”

“Nice. Helpful. I suppose they go hand in hand.”

He grinned, still wondering what had brought on that question. “I try to be. How about you?”

Her eyes widened as if surprised at his directness. “I try to calm storms, but sometimes I create new waves. I think being a peacemaker is a good attribute, but I don’t know other people’s take on me.”

He’d expected a playful response. Instead he’d gotten a truthful answer. Earlier when they talked, he’d witnessed her penchant for making peace when she’d offered to bring his name up before the MOSK organization again. “I suppose we never know what people think.” He turned off the tap water and rested against the countertop beside her. “I’d like to hear about Lucy.” Seeing her expression, he’d surprised her again.

“We’ve been very blessed. Lucy’s been in remission now for nearly a year, and I’m hopeful the last surgery was the end.”

“Last surgery?”

“Yes, over the past few years, she had multiple surgeries for brain tumors and—”

“Multiple tumors? I didn’t know.” His chest tightened. “Are they—”

“Benign.”

The constriction in his chest eased, and he inhaled. “That’s a relief.”

She nodded, but no joy brightened her face. “The problem is the damage each surgery can cause. I fear that a tumor will infiltrate a major part of the brain that will make…” She closed her eyes.

Ross drew closer and rested his hand on her arm. “You’ve gone through a lot, Kelsey. Any type of tumor is awful.”

When she opened her eyes, his tenderness greeted her.
“Thanks. We’re so blessed to have things go this way. I wish it could happen to every sick child.”

So did he.

He hadn’t meant for the conversation to take a dark turn. “You know Ethan’s involved with the Dreams Come True Foundation,” he noted.

Her eyes met his. “Yes.” She chuckled. “That’s where Lexie met Ethan. He did a presentation at our MOSK meeting.”

“I suppose I’d heard that.” Naturally she knew. He shrugged. “Since Lucy is doing so well, have you ever thought of letting her have a dream come true?”

Her smile faded and she flicked a shoulder. “I suppose I’m silly, but it seems like tempting fate.”

“Tempting fate?”

“Like taking her health for granted. I’ve always felt having her well is dream enough.”

He didn’t know how to respond. She seemed too positive to step into such a dark thought. Silence smothered conversation.

“Ross.”

His heart kicked.

“Tell me about Peyton.” Interest brightened the mood.

Peyton.
Even her name grabbed at his emotions. She’d been through so much. Kelsey would understand, but he wrestled with the ability to speak.

This time Kelsey touched his arm. “Another time, Ross. I didn’t mean to hit you with that question today.”

The reprieve relieved him. Talking about Peyton homed in on so many things that hurt. A wedding celebration didn’t seem like an appropriate place to open up those wounds. But she’d suggested another time, and the idea gave him hope. “I’d like that.”

A frown settled on her face. “You’d like what?”

“To talk another time.” Making a date with a woman arose like a vague memory. “Maybe dinner sometime?”

An unreadable expression flashed across her face.

“With the girls, if you like.” He caught his error. “But then it would be too difficult to talk.”

Her features softened and a smile lit her eyes. “Dinner would be nice.”

As he was about to set a date, Lexie’s mother darted into the kitchen. He closed his mouth. Before the evening ended, Ross needed to ask for her telephone number, and he hoped by then that she hadn’t rethought his invitation and decided it wasn’t a good idea.

Kelsey stood in Lexie’s kitchen rinsing off the last dishes, her mind on Ross. Lexie had taken her mother upstairs to tell her what she needed to know about Cooper’s medicine. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson had offered to stay with Cooper for a week while Lexie and Ethan enjoyed a honeymoon cruise. Knowing Lexie’s past with her mother, Kelsey marveled at the reestablished relationship. God had shined on them during their time together.

The countertops were cleared and the food stashed away. Kelsey poured another cup of coffee, hoping it was decaf, and she sank onto the breakfast nook bench, not wanting to leave before saying goodbye to Lexie. Ross had suggested dinner, and she’d readily agreed. When he’d asked for her telephone number, she had given him her cell phone number, but then had second thoughts. She’d only met the man today and, the more she thought about it, accepting a dinner date seemed a little premature. Maybe a coffee date would have been better.

Still, Ross intrigued her. She’d never known a man so open about his emotions. His love for his daughter shone on his face, and yet she saw something else, an expression that aroused her attention. Ross had a story to tell, and she wanted to hear it. His behavior infiltrated her mind. So often she re
sisted talking about her problems, but with him it had been easy to be open.

“Kelsey.”

She jumped upon hearing her name and hurried to the head of the stairs. “I’m here.”

“Come up.”

As she ascended the staircase, Mrs. Carlson came down. A pleasant look filled her face, and it triggered an unexpected joy in Kelsey’s heart. Forgiveness. Understanding. Whatever had happened between Lexie and her mother resulted in happiness for Lexie. At the top of the stairs, she faltered. “Where are you?”

“In here.”

The voice came from her bedroom, and Kelsey strode to the doorway and stopped. “Need help?”

Lexie turned to face her. “No. You’ve given me all the help I need.” She opened her arms and Kelsey walked into her embrace. “Thanks so much for being my matron of honor and for all your support. You’ve become a great friend.”

“You, too.” The words caught in her throat, thinking of all the dark times they’d shared with their children’s illnesses. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you.”

“Ethan’s one in a million.” Lexie motioned for her to sit.

“He is.” She shifted to the only chair in the room and sank into the cushion. “But I’m not just referring to Ethan. I’m also talking about your mother.”

“It’s been amazing, hasn’t it?” Tears glinted in her eyes. “I never expected Mom to come around as she’s done, and it shows how good forgiveness can be.”

The comment pierced Kelsey. She could only nod. Forgiveness was something she’d never granted to her ex-husband and to her friend who’d betrayed her.

After shifting her suitcase to the side, Lexie sat on the edge of the bed and gazed at her. The look sent an uneasy feeling through Kelsey. She waited, trying to understand
what had happened to their conversation. No doubt Lexie had something to say, and Kelsey couldn’t guess what it might be. The waiting made her raw. “What’s wrong?”

Lexie shook her head and lowered her eyes. “This is really none of my business.”

Kelsey froze. Business? “Did I do something wrong? If I did—”

“No. No. It’s only…” She drew in a lengthy breath. “I’m surprised that you and Ross hit it off so well.”

“Why?” She studied Lexie’s face. “He handled the MOSK rejection pretty well.”

She shrugged. “He seemed to.”

“Then what?”

“When you and Ross were flirting, I thought it was cute…at first, but—”

“Flirting?” She bristled that her response to Ross had been so obvious.

Lexie shook her head again. “Why don’t I shut up? It’s your life.”

“My life?” Her mind raced. Maybe Ross was married, and she didn’t realize it or maybe… Her confusion split the air. “Explain what you’re talking about. You can’t stop now.”

“I’m being silly.” Lexie closed her eyes and tilted her head back, filling her lungs. “I sound like a soap opera.” She lowered her chin. “It’s only that you and Ross both have kids who need so much. Yes, Lucy is doing well now, and we both hope that it’s forever, but from what I know Peyton has a long road ahead of her, and I wonder if you and Ross are wise to get involved. It seemed so obvious to me that—”

“Get involved? Lexie, we only met today. Yes, we were bonded by his name coming up at the MOSK meeting and he happened to be your best man. He’s very nice, and we have something in common, but we aren’t planning…” We’re having dinner. That fact raced through her mind, along with
how interesting she found him. “We aren’t planning a life together.”

Lexie rose and approached her as she opened her arms. “But I’ve never seen you so animated with anyone. You’re a down-to-business person, and you’re a peacemaker. I’ve seen many sides of you, but I’d never seen you so alive. Maybe you didn’t sense what I did, but you and Ross…I don’t know. Maybe I’m delusional.”

Kelsey sat in the chair, staring at her open arms, an obvious invitation for a hug, but at the moment, she didn’t want to be hugged. Her chest ached and her head spun. What in the world had happened to stir Lexie’s imagination? It made no sense. Yes, she acknowledged her interest in Ross. Despite second-guessing herself, she’d enjoyed the conversation once she got over the uncomfortable introduction. Why would anyone, especially Lexie, see anything wrong with her friendship with Ross?

Lexie’s arms remained open, expectation on her face.

Forcing herself from the chair, Lexie stepped into her arms. “I will never do anything to hurt Lucy. Don’t ever worry about that. My happiness today was for you, dear friend.” She drew back and took her hands. “Now, go on your honeymoon and have a wonderful time. I’m a big girl, and I’ll use wisdom before jumping into anything.”

A faint smile crept onto Lexie’s face. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m being silly.”

Kelsey agreed, but she let it drop. She always used good judgment when it came to Lucy and sound thinking for her own life.

But today she felt different, almost as if her life had been on hold until now.

R
oss sat in the hospital waiting room while Peyton had a heart echo and an MRI. The clock hands inched around the face while his mind moved at the same pace. He stared at his cell phone, Kelsey’s phone number in his hand. He’d been adventurous enough to ask her to dinner, but today his enthusiasm faded. Her blunt responses and quick honesty challenged him to respond as she did—in an open and direct manner. He couldn’t.

On the other hand, he enjoyed her company and personal enjoyment was something he’d hooked to an anchor and dropped into Lake St. Clair. Boats disappeared in that lake, and their occupants were never located. He thought his anchor would never be found, but it rose to the surface five days ago when he laid eyes on Kelsey.

He glanced at the clock again. Peyton’s tests never took this long. The heel of his shoe tapped against the shining marble floor of the heart unit. He pressed his dry lips together and refocused on the cell phone. He needed a distraction. And good news. Checking the numbers she’d scribbled on the notepaper, he punched them in and waited.

Three rings. Four. Leave a message or not? His ques
tion vanished when he heard the connection. “Kelsey, this is Ross.”

“Ross.”

He waited, the sound of her surprise ringing in his ears. “I called to set a date for dinner.” Maybe he should have suggested coffee. “Whatever time is best for you.”

Silence. Ross could almost feel the electrical current zinging in her brain.

“I—I’m not sure this is a good time to make plans.”

The muscles in his jaw tightened. “Is Lucy ill?”

“No. But things are hectic here.”

Hectic? He could read her thoughts as he listened to silence.

Kelsey cleared her throat. “Lucy’s decided to get more involved at school, and between my job, running her places and keeping an eye on her health, I—”

“You’re tired.” He knew the routine, and he didn’t want to hear her excuses. She’d done what he suspected and had second thoughts. “I’ve been sitting at the hospital for nearly two hours waiting while Peyton has some tests.”

“I hate waiting. Time drags horribly.” The tension in her tone had eased.

Ross shifted in the chair. “Magazines aren’t great company.”

“So true.”

Silence.

“Ross, I’m sorry we didn’t finish our conversation about Peyton. I don’t even know what kind of illness she has.”

The word stuck in his throat. He sucked in air. “Cardiomyopathy.”

A gasp echoed into the receiver. “I’m so very sorry. How bad is she?”

“I try to be hopeful.” He’d been optimistic during his wife’s illness, too. Ruthie had been so sure she would live to
be a mother to her daughter. “These tests will let me know how she’s progressing.”

“More waiting.”

The line hummed with silence, and he lifted his shoulders, knowing he needed to say goodbye.

“Let me know what the doctors say, okay?” Her voice breezed from the line, a different spirit than he’d heard earlier.

“Sure.” He’d have Ethan tell her. “I need to—”

“Ross.”

His flesh prickled. “Yes.”

“About dinner. I can get a sitter for Friday, I think, if that works for you.”

He stopped breathing. “Friday?” Confusion skittered along his frame, but he gathered his wits. “Works for me. How about if I pick you up at six?”

“Six is good.” She gave him her address.

His gaze drifted to the clock. “I’ll see you then.”

She said goodbye, and he tucked his cell phone into his pocket as he rose. The wait addled him, but not as much as it did Kelsey. He lifted his shoulders and eyed the volunteer at the desk. Maybe she’d have some information on Peyton’s status. As he strode toward her, a nurse called his name from the doorway. When he turned, she beckoned him to follow.

Though relief washed over him, he also succumbed to dread. He followed the young woman, knowing he could hear good news or bad from the doctor, or maybe today nothing at all. Life seemed like one long delay.

The nurse paused outside a consultation room. “You can wait in here with Peyton. The doctor will see you soon.”

He thanked her and stepped inside.

Peyton sat in a chair, looking so young despite her constant reminders. “I’m almost twelve, Dad. I’m not a baby anymore.”

To him, she’d always be his baby. But he knew better than to say that to her. “How did it go?”

“Same thing every time. Don’t move. Hold my breath.” She shrugged. “You know the drill.”

He nodded and sat in the only other chair in the room. “But you’ve been doing well, right?”

She shrugged again. “I guess.”

Attitude grew with age. He realized that. His daughter was on the cusp of her teens and nearly a woman in so many ways.

“Mr. Salburg.”

He looked up as Dr. Timmons stepped through the doorway. The doctor closed the door and leaned against it. “We’ll need to read the results more thoroughly, but for now, things look pretty much status quo.”

Ross’s pulse skipped. Status quo was better than a decline in her health, but he so longed to hear the word
improvement.
“That means no real changes.”

“My main concern is Peyton’s recurring arrhythmia. She is taking her blood thinner as directed, right?”

Ross nodded.

“Once we read the tests, we’ll know if we have to up her blood thinner. I hate to do it because that will restrict her physical activities a little more.”

Peyton groaned. “I don’t want restrictions.”

His gaze shifted to her. “I know you don’t like that, but it’s for your safety. Blood thinners prevent blood clots, and that can happen when the heart gets out of rhythm. We’ve talked about this before.”

They had, and while Peyton would say nothing more in front of the physician, Ross would hear her complaints on the way home. Physical restriction upset her, because she felt different than the other kids. Peyton wanted to be normal, like everyone else. She wasn’t.

Dr. Timmons pulled his back from the door. “But the good
news is, from what I see, your heart looks about the same. No new dilation, and that’s great.”

“So what’s next?” Ross rose from the chair, his focus on Peyton.

“When I receive the full report, I’ll give you a call. For now, follow the same medication protocol.” He stepped aside and pulled open the door. “I’ll see you again, Peyton.”

She gave a nod, and when Dr. Timmons’s back was turned, she rolled her eyes.

“I know, honey, but the medication is keeping you safe.”

“Right.” Another eye roll.

Frustration coiled through Ross. He longed to have the right words to offer her hope, but she had to grasp that herself. When it came from him, he received eye rolls and nasty looks. He’d do anything to take away her illness. His thoughts diverged from the stress. It’s the only way he could deal with it all. The phone call came to mind and then Kelsey’s plight. How did she handle the situation with her daughter?

Kelsey gazed at the barnlike structure of Peabody’s Restaurant, one of her favorites. Ross had suggested a few places for dinner, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness. Besides delicious food, the restaurant had reasonable prices.

Ross walked beside her and pulled open one of the double doors at the entrance. They climbed the few stairs and turned into the dining area. Once seated in a cozy nook on the second floor, Kelsey focused on the man who’d tried to be so kind—the first man who’d tugged at her heart since her husband. Her stomach knotted as she tried to cope with the new emotion.

“Kelsey, I hope your accepting this invitation isn’t because you feel sorry for me. That’s something I don’t want from any—”

“Ross, no. Not at all.” As she pled innocence, her mind shot back to the call and what had triggered her acceptance.
His loneliness. The waiting. Was that pity? She struggled for an explanation. “Yes, it had to do with the long wait and wondering, but it’s not pity. It’s different. It’s mutual understanding. I need someone to talk with about those things, and I have the mother’s group. MOSK has been a relief for me. It’s a place where I don’t burden others with my woes because they understand.” She looked into his questioning eyes. “I relate to your situation. I’ve been there.”

He looked down at the table and then up again. “I guess that’s why I was disappointed when your group said no. The time and place are so convenient for me. It fits my schedule, but maybe you’re right. Maybe a man sitting with all those women would put a damper on their openness. I don’t want to do that.”

Her chest ached for him while her mind flipped to a new awareness. “I don’t think we thought of you as an individual, Ross.”

Confusion filled his face.

“We thought of you as a gender. Man or woman—some of us need support, and we weren’t thinking along those lines. I’ll pursue this topic with them. You need people dealing with the same problem you’re struggling with. A child with a serious illness. Our vote seems selfish, now that I think about it.”

“Not selfish. I think you were being protective.”

He’d hit it on the head.

Ross reached across the table and touched her hand. “I only want you to do what’s best for the group. I’ll survive. I always have.”

And so had she. Alone. Miserable at times. Afraid. Hopeful. That had become her life. She nodded. “So tell me about Peyton. You said she has cardiomyopathy.”

“Dilated cardiomyopathy.”

“I didn’t know there were different types.”

He shook his head. “It’s the most common. The heart en
larges and stretches because it’s weak and can’t pump normally to move blood through the chambers. The problem can lead to arrhythmia and issues with the heart’s electrical system.”

And death. The thought chilled her. Kelsey studied his face as he talked about Peyton’s treatments and medication. How did he cope with it all and with such patience? She’d gone through many things with Lucy’s brain tumors but, praise God, they were benign and since the last surgery, they’d seemed to lick it. “It’s too much for a child. How old is she?”

“Peyton will celebrate her twelfth birthday next month.”

“Lucy’s almost eleven. That’s sure something we have in common.”

She grinned. “You mean the ‘attitude.’”

“You got it.”

They both grew silent. Ross’s hand rested near hers, and she longed to reach out and hold it against her heart. The man had gone through too much without a partner, and though she wanted to know about that, too, she held back. One step at a time.

Yet Lexie’s concern still rang in her ears.
I wonder if you and Ross are wise to get involved.
A friendship wasn’t really getting involved. Yes, she found Ross attractive, and attraction could grow. But she didn’t have time for involvement. For romance. The whole idea threw her off balance. She needed to stick to her friends.

“Are you ready to order?”

Kelsey’s head jerked up and gazed at the waitress. “Sorry. I haven’t even looked at the menu.”

“Could we have a few more minutes?” Ross winked at the young woman.

“Certainly. Take your time, unless you’d like to order drinks now.”

They placed their drink orders, and when the waitress left, they pored over the menu. But Kelsey’s concentration drifted
to their girls. Both struggled to fit into a normal world, and that wasn’t always possible. If the girls met, it might be good for them. Lucy connected with Cooper because he had a serious illness. Scenarios rolled through her mind, envisioning Lucy and Peyton together. Obviously, a friendship with Ross without the girls’ involvement would be impossible. Their daughters took priority in their lives. Maybe the friendship could be a good thing.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Ross’s voice startled her.

“Or should I offer five bucks. You look mighty serious.”

“Sorry, I was thinking of our girls.” Honesty without details. She hated her urge to hide her thoughts. Conjecture didn’t make sense at this point. “Have you heard anything about her recent tests?”

He drew in a lengthy breath. “Probably next week.”

“Please let me know how it goes.” She almost wished she hadn’t asked, but she cared. Not even knowing the child, she cared.

“I will. And thanks for being concerned.”

“Hopeful is more like it.”

He rested his hand on hers. “I like your attitude.” The word
attitude
gave them a chuckle. Lucy had developed one recently that Kelsey wanted to nip in the bud, as her mother used to say.

Ross looked thoughtful. “I wonder how our girls would get along.” His eyes brightened.

“Hard to say. No one can force a friendship.”

He shrugged. “But Peyton could use a friend.”

Her heart ached. “Kids like Lucy and Peyton have a hard time making friends.”

“Would you like to give it a try?”

His question sank into her mind. Lucy had made strides making friends over the year of her remission, but Peyton hadn’t succeeded. Yet it would mean spending more time
with Ross. She lifted her gaze to his hopeful eyes. “I suppose they might meet…could meet someday.”

His face lit up. “Here’s an idea. Peyton’s birthday is February 14.”

“Valentine’s Day?” His eager expression wrapped around her heart.

He grinned. “Maybe we could plan something fun.”

“Are you sure Peyton would like that?”

His grin faded. “I would hope so.”

“Well, I’d have to check with Lucy.” Her brain and heart faced each other, her brain siding with Lexie’s concern while her heart offered hope. An interesting new friend for her, and maybe a new friend for Peyton. A new path for both of them. But a path with no decisive ending, only speculation. Get involved or not?

A Robert Frost poem slipped into her mind, one of her favorites, “The Road Not Taken.” Two paths. One decision. And, as the poem said, which path she chose would make all the difference.

Ross sat in his recliner, watching the six o’clock news, while his mind skipped above the latest world disasters to his dinner with Kelsey. She ran hot and cold. It confused him. Their conversations were good—meaty sometimes—and other times, they were both chuckling at commonalities between the girls or situations in their lives. But the next minute, she drifted off to another planet. One that seemed so distant and dark.