A Family of Their Own

Kelsey wriggled free from her seat on the sofa and rose. She ambled to the doorway and stood a moment, taking a furtive peek at Ross in a chair near the window. He’d said hello and asked about Lucy. She’d asked about Peyton, but with so many people watching them, she hadn’t prolonged the conversation. In the light through the window, his dark hair shone with glints of mahogany. He wore it thick, with a slight widow’s peak that most women would envy. He had a great smile, but he wasn’t Adonis. His sensitivity captured her more. And she liked his appealing ways.

Today he’d worn jeans and a teal-colored sweater. His shoulders looked as wide as an ocean—maybe a Great Lake. She snickered to herself. Whenever Ross came to mind, a giddy feeling rustled through her. When she was near him, her pulse raced.

She studied him for a moment, and before turning away, he glanced up and saw her gazing at him. She flinched when he grinned. She managed a pleasant expression before she strutted into the dining room, forcing her attention on the food spread across the table. But a noise in the kitchen drew her toward Lexie, who stood behind the island, preparing coffee. Kelsey sank a chip into the dip, popped it in her mouth and headed her way. “Where are your honeymoon photos?”

“On the computer in the den.” She motioned toward the sliding door off the dining room. “There’s an icon on the desktop. Click on it, and it will take you right to the photos. I put captions under the pictures so in a couple years I’ll remember where I was.” Though she behaved lighthearted, her expression said she had something on her mind.

Kelsey strode deeper into the kitchen, drawn by curiosity as much as the scent of the brewing coffee. “Cooper’s with Ethan’s mom?”

She nodded. “You want to grab some food?” She motioned to the breakfast nook and headed that way, a cookie in her hand.

Food didn’t arouse Kelsey’s interest at that moment, nor did the coffee. She followed Lexie and slipped onto the bench across from her. They sat, eyeing each other as if words had taken a vacation. Kelsey’s mind skipped around possibilities of what Lexie wanted. It couldn’t be marital problems, but what about Cooper’s health? “You have something on your mind.”

She looked down. “You know, I was really weird with you a few weeks ago. About Ross and you. I don’t know what got into me.”

“Forget it. On your wedding day, you’re allowed to do and say whatever you like. All is forgiven.”

“But it’s not like me to butt into someone’s life. I told Ethan what I’d done, and he wasn’t happy. He told me Ross is a great guy, and he deserved a little pleasure in life, just as you do.”

A knot formed in Kelsey’s throat. She cleared it. “Hey, it’s no big deal.”

Lexie grasped her hand. “Everyone needs friends, and for some reason, my mind jumped to romance. I suppose I could blame that on my wedding day.” She gave a feeble chuckle.

“Wedding days can arouse all kinds of emotions. Think of the brides who run away and the grooms who don’t show up.” She squeezed Lexie’s hand. “Really. Forget it.”

Lexie lowered her head, then lifted it again with a grin. “Have you two seen each other?”

Kelsey gave a toss of her head. “He’s in the living room.” She liked the sneaky way she avoided the question.

“You know what I mean. A date? A … coffee or lunch? Maybe a movie and dinner?” Lexie searched her face and arched an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

This question she couldn’t sidestep. “We went to dinner. At Peabody’s. We talked about the kids and he took me home.”

“And that’s it?” She drew back, a look of disbelief on her face. “I haven’t brought him up to you on the phone because I wanted to apologize in person, and you didn’t say anything to me.” She shook her head again. “I thought there would be more. You both seemed so taken with each other that day.”

Air bottled in Kelsey’s lungs. She released it. “He mentioned getting the girls together for Peyton’s birthday. It’s coming up.”

“So this is where you’re hiding.”

Kelsey jumped as Ross’s voice sailed past. He stood at the island, a sub sandwich resting on a paper plate in his hand. She searched his face, wondering if he’d heard their conversation.

“Girl talk.” Lexie gave her a pat and rose. “Help yourself to some coffee. I just made it.”

His gaze slipped to Kelsey. “Did I interrupt something?”

Ignoring his question, Kelsey scooted from the bench. “I came in to ask Lexie about looking at the honeymoon photos.” She strutted to the island and leaned forward, trying to see through the dining-room archway. “The game’s not over, is it?”

He grinned. “It’s just about halftime.” He set his plate on the island counter and wandered over to the coffeepot.

“Cups?”

Lexie pulled a few mugs from an overhead cabinet. “Milk?

Sugar?”

“Black?” He turned to Kelsey. “Coffee?”

She nodded and ambled his way. “Thanks.”

“Can guys see the photos, too?” He looked over his shoulder and gave a wink.

Lexie chuckled. “They’re in the den. Kelsey knows where they are.”

Kelsey’s pulse tripped.

“Do you mind?” He faced her and offered her the coffee mug he’d filled for her.

“Not at all.” She took the mug, the aroma drifting around her, though she could still catch the scent of Ross’s aftershave.

She led the way but stopped when he paused to pile a few chips on his plate before following her. When he came into the room, he slid the door closed behind him. He grinned and slipped past her.

She swiveled in the desk chair and watched him set his mug and plate on the lamp table before he sank into the love seat. “Are you ready for the photos?”

He put the end of the sub into his mouth and took a bite. “I can eat and do anything.” He grinned again and dug a paper napkin from his pocket to wipe his mouth. “My mother taught me not to talk with my mouth full.”

She couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “I think your mother failed.” She motioned to the monitor. “Can you see?”

He set the sandwich back onto the plate. “If you turn the monitor a little, I can see fine.”

She tilted the screen and rolled her chair back as she hit the button for the slide show. The photographs began—luscious blue skies, golden sand, palm trees and sugarcane plants. So many lovely photos slid past while she longed to be somewhere beneath that glinting sunshine, but not alone. Her mind replaced the faces in the photos. All the pictures of Lexie and Ethan grinning at the camera at dinner, walking the beach, sitting in an aerial tram surrounded by jungle became Ross and her. Kelsey released a shuddered breath and jerked her wayward thoughts back. “What I wouldn’t give for a trip like that.”

Ross rose and moved beside her, closer to the monitor. “It does make me envious.” He motioned to the lovely landscape photo. “Look at that sunlight. Now look out the window.” He crouched beside her, resting his hand on the chair arm and leaning closer to the photos.

Though she knew the view out the window, her gaze was drawn to the snow-covered shrubs and tree limbs in Lexie’s backyard. When she looked back, their eyes met. Blood pounded through her veins, a ridiculous reaction to looking at photos. She struggled to pull her gaze away and sought a new topic. “Are Lexie and Ethan going to stay in this house? I thought Ethan had a nice place, too.”

“He does, but I heard they’re thinking of Cooper. He loves it here, and for now, I think they’re staying with what’s familiar for him.”

“That’s really considerate.” And no surprise. That’s the kind of man Ethan was.

Ross looked thoughtful. “I’d do that, too, I think.”

Her stomach tightened. They both would, so where did that leave them? “We give a lot when our kids are sick.” She clicked off the photographs and leaned back in the chair.

He gazed at her. “And it’s not always easy, is it?” He pushed himself up, hands against his thighs and stretched. “Before we join the others, I wanted to check with you about Peyton’s birthday.” He resettled on the love seat. “Did you talk with Lucy?”

Something about his expression didn’t sit well with her. “She’s fine with it.” She guessed.

Ross’s problem. “What about Peyton? What does she want? It’s her birthday.”

He lowered his head and leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands folded. “I did have to deal with a little attitude.”

The change of plans she’d anticipated. A blend of relief and disappointment swirled through her.

He raised his head, a slight grin on his lips. “But she ended the conversation by leaving it up to me.”

A similar situation with Lucy plodded into her mind. She rose. “I think we should drop it. It’s Peyton’s birthday, and it should be her decision.”

A frown conquered his faint grin. “No, please. Let me explain.” He patted the seat beside him.

Kelsey eyed the empty cushion, weighing her emotions. She felt safer in the chair, but he looked forlorn. The moment called for listening. She rolled the chair back to the desk, and sat beside him.

“Here’s the thing.” Ross caught her gaze. “Peyton often feels rejected by other kids. She’s missed a lot of school, and she doesn’t feel like part of her class most of the time. The kids aren’t mean or anything, but you know kids. The boys are boys at that age, and the girls have their little cliques. Peyton doesn’t seem to fit into any of them.”

Her heart squeezed, remembering. “Lucy missed school, too, but she’s doing okay. It takes time, Ross. Encourage Peyton to be patient.”

“I tell her that, but she’s not willing to wait. She wants things when she wants them, and when they don’t happen, she rejects them. I’m afraid that’s what she’s done with the kids at school. I asked her teacher, and she said Peyton is rather standoffish.”

Kelsey pressed her lips together to hold back her comment. Her life revolved around helping people solve problems, and sometimes keeping her mouth closed was the best choice.

“I think that having a friend would help her, and since Lucy doesn’t go to Peyton’s school, it might work. Maybe they’ll click. Maybe—”

“And maybe not, Ross. Don’t count on anything when it comes to preteen girls. They’re at that almost-grown-up stage. Their hormones are raging, and you never know what you’ll get.” So much for keeping her mouth shut.

Ross studied her in silence. “You’re right.”

She relaxed her shoulders. “It’s hard not having a wife who’s gone through all the puberty stuff making it easier to talk with Peyton. Now it’s something you’ll have to do, I’m afraid.”

“I know. I dread it.”

She reached over and rested her hand on his. “Let’s do this. Make plans with her, and then let me know how she’s accepting the idea. Any thought about how you’ll celebrate?”

“She wants to have dinner at Benihana.” He angled his head. “Been there?”

“No, but I’ve heard of it. Lucy would enjoy it. All the knife tricks and watching the chefs cook. Plus she loves shrimp.”

“Then that settles it.”

His silly expression lightened their previous conversation, but what he said hadn’t. Too many things were left unsettled. The more Kelsey thought about Lexie’s concern, the more real it became. She didn’t need reality. Kelsey longed for a bit of fantasy in her life.

Ross’s attention slid from the chef’s flashing knife to Lucy’s gleeful applause. Peyton had quieted as she sized up their guests. He had no idea what she had on her mind. The girls were opposites. Peyton’s dark hair, the color of his and usually tied back in a ponytail, today hung in curls around her shoulders. Lucy’s shorter blond waves bounced with her animation. She spoke well and directly, not afraid to show her enthusiasm while Peyton’s personality had slipped into a bottle with a tight cork. The situation disappointed him.

Peyton’s attitude didn’t help her relationship with Lucy, either. He overheard Lucy ask her mother why Peyton was so unfriendly. Ross slithered into silence, his frustration roping him in knots. Before he sank deeper, he refocused on the chef as he set out the sauces for the meat and shrimp.

Frustration turned to guilt. He’d noticed Peyton watching Lucy and her mother with longing written on her face. She missed her mom. She’d been six, and the loss had overwhelmed them both. How could he be a mother, too? He leaned closer to Peyton. “Did you like the soup and salad?”

She shrugged. “It was good.”

“Look there.” He motioned to the grill. “Here comes your favorite.”

She eyed the shrimp. “I like steak better.”

Pressing his lips closed, Ross gave up. When she was in a snit, nothing pleased her.

The chef stood over the scorching griddle, juggling his spatulas, flipping severed shrimp tails into his tall hat, then flicking a grilled shrimp onto Lucy’s plate. Her eyes as blue as her mother’s opened wide while she giggled and attempted to pick up the shrimp with chopsticks. It fell, but she only laughed and tried again.

The chef glided past them, mounding the shrimp appetizer onto each attractive dish before he pulled out a knife the size of a machete and chopped and grilled zucchini and bean sprouts.

“Dad, why didn’t he flick a shrimp onto my plate?” Ross’s heart constricted, hearing Peyton’s disappointed voice. “We’re not finished eating yet, sweetie, and Lucy is clapping and showing her appreciation. Maybe that’s why he picked her.”

“But it’s my birthday.” She lifted her shoulders up to her ears and let them fall.

His frustration and guilt multiplied. Despite her illness, Peyton had to learn that she still had to deal with people of all kinds. He’d tried to teach her that showing appreciation encouraged people to respond in a positive way. Sometimes he even cringed at her lack of gratitude when he went out of his way to show her his love in a special way. Weighted with helplessness, Ross wondered if Peyton would have been different if Ruthie had lived.

The evening hadn’t started out well. When the hostess seated them, he had tried to manipulate Peyton in the middle beside Lucy, but she withdrew and sat beside him on the end. Kelsey took the seat next to him while Lucy sat on the other end—two girls like bookends. He hoped Peyton would brighten at their next stop, a surprise he thought she’d enjoy.

Having Kelsey beside him reminded him how nice it was to be a couple. They laughed and chatted like old friends, and he had a difficult time realizing they’d only met a short time ago. She fit into his life, and if the girls became friends, she could likely become a good friend. When he gazed at her profile, his pulse tripped. Connecting with a woman in such a natural way turned his life around. Ross spent his days concentrating on and worrying about Peyton, and Kelsey had become a needed distraction. A beautiful and amazing distraction.

She angled his way, her eyes catching his, and his pulse did more than trip. He hoped nothing went wrong with their friendship, but he’d prayed for his wife and for Peyton, too. God seemed to pick and choose which prayers He would answer.

The chef’s eyes caught his, and he leaned closer. “Is this the birthday girl?”

Ross nodded, and the man gave him a subtle wink.

Along with the other vegetables, the chef had placed thick slices of onion on the huge griddle, and while he chopped some of them, he allowed a few to grill. Within moments, he began selecting the onion rings from large to smaller, forming a cone. Lucy craned her neck to watch, and he nudged Peyton. “I think he’s doing this for you.”

She gazed up at him, her hazel eyes brighter than they’d been.

They watched him pour a liquid into the center of the rings and then turn to Peyton. “We don’t have birthday candles, but I’ve made you a birthday volcano.” He struck a match, held it over the center of the cone and a large flame shot from the top. Everyone at the table oohed, and Kelsey broke into the happy-birthday song. He and Lucy joined in, along with the chef and strangers sitting at their table surrounding the grill. Peyton beamed at the special attention, and it did his heart good.

She hadn’t said thank you, but she’d smiled, and the chef smiled back as he went from plate to plate with the vegetables before he prepared the meat.

Lucy leaned across her mother. “That was neat. Better than a birthday cake, right, Peyton?”

Peyton only nodded.

Lucy settled back in her chair, and Ross sent up a prayer that the Lord intervene in a big way as the evening went on, or tonight could be a total bust.

Kelsey watched the girls moving from exhibit to exhibit, delving into every hands-on physics experiment they ran across. Never having visited the Cranbrook Institute of Science, now she wished she’d brought Lucy here before. The place amazed her and delighted Lucy.

As the girls examined the equipment, learning how matter works, she’d found a bench and rested her feet. For some dumb reason, she’d worn pumps. But then dinner meant sitting. She grinned, recalling that Ross had stressed that the evening wouldn’t end with their meal.

As always, Lucy’s curiosity whetted her appetite not to miss a thing. She’d taken in all of the Cape Farewell exhibit, and wherever they went, Lucy had tried to engage Peyton, but the girl who rarely smiled seemed to withdraw into herself the more Lucy tried. Lucy’s disappointment showed, and Kelsey’s heart wrenched for Peyton as well as Ross. He’d tried so hard to engross her in conversation with Lucy numerous times without success.

Though the evening hadn’t been a disaster, Ross had obviously hoped for much more. Kelsey beckoned to him, seeing stress growing on his face.

He sidled next to her and released a lengthy sigh. “Sorry about the evening. As I said, Peyton has her moody times, and today seems to be one of them.”

“You’ve given her a great birthday celebration so don’t beat yourself up.”

“I know, but—”

She touched his arm. “Was it us? Is she distant because we’re here?”

He patted the back of her hand. “I really don’t think so. At home she’s often the same way. She stays in her room.” He pursed his lips, as if trying to bottle his emotions. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

She lifted her other hand and covered his, wishing she had Solomon’s wisdom. “Have you discussed Peyton’s behavior with her? You said some very meaningful things when you told me about her problems.” She lifted her hand and pressed it against his cheek, seeing his good looks tense with disappointment. “Think of times you’ve been rebuffed or you felt out of it in a crowd. It’s so easy to step back so you won’t experience those feelings again. We protect ourselves that way.” She lowered her hand. “Maybe Peyton doesn’t understand why she feels the way she does.”

“It’s a defense mechanism, one we all use at times.” He rubbed his temple. “But if she never tries, she’ll never realize that she can make friends.”

His eyes captured hers with a desperate look that tore at her heart.

“She needs a woman’s love, and though my mom is so good to Peyton, that’s about all the female contact she has. I have no siblings, so Peyton has no aunts or cousins. It’s tragic in a way.”

Her mind spun. “I see why you’re frustrated.”

“If she’d give you and Lucy a chance, you could make a difference for her.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.

His comment jolted her. Was that what the friendship meant to him? She tried to let the thought slip from her mind but couldn’t. “I’m not sure I like—”

Ross’s eyes bolted open. “What I said was crude. Please don’t think that I’m befriending you only because of Peyton.”

Though she weighed her words, Kelsey let them fly. “I wondered.” Better to end the friendship now, than to be hurt.

He shifted on the bench to face her. “Can I be honest?”

“I’d like that more than anything.”

“I’m not good at this, but I’ll try to explain. I like you. Really like you. You’re a beautiful woman, but you mean more to me than what’s on the outside. I like your common sense. I like your bravery. When we’re not stressed, you make me laugh.”

“You’ve given me a few chuckles, too.” A strong need to lighten the moment struck Kelsey. He’d been through enough today.

“Let me finish. I haven’t had a social life since Ruthie died. First I wasn’t ready, and then Peyton was diagnosed—” “What happened to your wife? Are you divor—” “She died.”

Died. The word sank to Kelsey’s stomach.

“She died from cardiomyopathy. The same disease Peyton has.”

She gasped. The news struck her hard. “Ross, that’s too much for anyone. No wonder you’re struggling.”

“Peyton’s illness was caught sooner. I recognized the symptoms, and though I tried to pretend they weren’t there, I faced it. We have hope with Peyton. God willing, lots of hope.”

Kelsey captured his hands in hers. “I’ll pray for you and Peyton every day. I realize we’re new friends, but I’m sick at heart learning this.”

“To be honest, I hate to tell people. I don’t want sympathy or pity. I’m strong and capable.”

“You are. I can see that, but you can accept people’s understanding.”

His head bobbed in agreement. “That’s important.”

“Mom, did you see what I did with that ball?” Lucy bounded to their sides, pointing at one of the experiments.

“No, I’m sorry. I missed what you did.” She glanced at Ross, sensing that their conversation had stopped at a bad time.

Lucy beckoned to her. “I’ll show you.” Ross rose as he checked his watch. “I have one more surprise for you girls.”

Lucy bounced on her toes. “Another surprise?”

His valiant effort to stay positive warmed Kelsey’s heart.

“We’re going to see a show called Space Park in the planetarium. It’s 3-D projections choreographed to music.” He rose and swiveled around, searching for Peyton. When she glanced his way, he waved to her. “We should get in line or we’ll miss it.”

“Speaking of missing it …” Kelsey opened her purse. “We have a present for Peyton.”

Peyton arrived in time to hear her, and a glint of interest flashed in her eyes. “A present?”

“Yes, a birthday present.” Kelsey eyed Ross. “Do we have one minute?”

He nodded as she dug into her bag and pulled out a small, gift-wrapped box. She handed it to Peyton. “Happy birthday.”

Lucy snuggled in beside her. “I hope you like it.”

Peyton tore off the paper, and Kelsey stooped and cleared it from the floor, along with the ribbon, while Peyton opened the lid and looked inside. “Daddy.” She held it up.

He grasped the box and looked inside. “That’s your birthstone. Amethyst. It’s beautiful.”

He returned it to her. “Would you like to wear it?”

She nodded, and he unhooked the heart-shaped pendant from the flaps and fastened it around her neck. “It’s a heart for Valentine’s day.”

Lucy peered at it. “It’s pretty.” She eyed Kelsey. “I’d like a birthstone, too.”

“Yours would be different, though.”

Peyton’s comment surprised Kelsey. “She’s right, Lucy. Your birthstone is sapphire.”

Lucy looked puzzled.

“That’s a bright blue.” Kelsey looked around the room for something that color.

“Sapphire like your eyes.” Ross tilted Lucy’s chin and grinned. “The same as your mom’s.”

Kelsey’s pulse fluttered.

“Sapphire.” Lucy peered into her mother’s eyes. “I love blue.”

Peyton fingered her necklace. “I like purple.”

Ross jumped in. “Well, I like purple and blue.”

Kelsey gave him a poke, hearing sarcasm in his voice. She feared that he had had enough. “What did your daddy give you for your birthday?” A new topic was in order.

“Three books to add to my Nancy Drew collection and a gift card for Macy’s for some new clothes.”

Lucy leaned against Kelsey. “Mom, I need some new clothes.”

Her expression disappointed Kelsey. Lucy rarely showed envy as she did tonight. Instead of a comment, she gazed at her watch.

“We’d better get in line or we’ll miss the show,” Ross said.

She followed Ross, but her mind stayed with her worry—the girls’ competition. Purple. Blue. Maybe rivalry was natural. Lucy sometimes butted heads with Cooper, but two girls the same age should have a few things in common. These two seemed to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.