A Family of Their Own

by Gail Gaymer Martin

  Since they’d arrived, he and Kelsey had established things in common without talking about the girls or illness or sadness. Music, dancing, concerts, even crème brulée. He longed to be reassured that things in common could be the beginning of something special.

  The song ended, but before Ross led her off the dance floor, another slow song began. Her heart stirred when she heard the song, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” He drew her closer and they swayed to the music, turning with the rhythm, their hands touching, their arms embracing each other. The lyrics moved her. She needed time to think things over, too. She’d wanted to know what love was. She’d thought once she knew what love was, but it had vanished like smoke. Taking a chance and then losing it again would be more than she could face. She wondered if Ross was listening to the words, too.

  She felt his gaze on her, and she looked into his eyes. So many deep thoughts flickered there beneath the chocolate of his eyes. Her fingers glided up his back and brushed the nape of his neck, his hair soft against her hand. A spicy fragrance surrounded him, delicate but stimulating. Being in a man’s arms again warmed her like a down quilt. She’d been cold for years, but not tonight.

  The song ended and they stood close, rocking to the music in their minds, until the band introduced a lively rock-and-roll tune she enjoyed, but not for dancing. Ross’s hand moved down her arm and wove his fingers through hers. As they approached the table, he chuckled. “Cold coffee, I suppose.”

  She didn’t care about the coffee. Instead, she wanted to know more about him, his family, his marriage and— Wrong topic. Keep it light and fun. They’d both had their fill of sorrow.

  As Ross pulled out her chair, their waitress appeared with the coffeepot and refilled their cups. Kelsey sat wrapped in the moment, the music, the aromas that drifted past—fresh coffee, pasta at the next table—but the sense that etched in her mind was being held again. She’d nearly forgotten that she was a woman.

  Ross gazed at her, his mouth pulling into a grin. “I’ll be honest. I wondered if I would remember how to dance. I guess it’s like riding a bicycle. You never forget, but then you’d have to verify that.”

  “You danced very well.” Her own concerns rifled through her. “I was afraid I’d be all feet, but we handled it quite well.”

  His hand slipped over hers. “We did.”

  His gaze captured hers, and she felt glamorous. Hearing him say she looked amazing earlier tickled her. She’d changed her clothes three times, wanting to find the perfect outfit. Normally she tossed clothes on with no thought. Whatever seemed appropriate and practical. But tonight she hadn’t been looking for practical—she wanted to look great. Alluring. Finally, she’d settled on the magenta A-line dress, because she liked the dolman sleeves and it flattered her figure. She could hardly believe that she’d given time to that concern, but she had.

  Ross gazed at her in silence. She welcomed the time to think. The dance made her feel special and she didn’t want to lose that feeling, but she had questions. “Are your parents in Michigan?”

  “They’re in Kansas. That’s where I grew up. I met Ruthie in college. I was friends with her brother. She was from Michigan, although her parents moved to Seattle after she died. Her brother lives there. I guess her parents couldn’t bear the loss.”

  As if he could. She cringed. “Do you still see her brother?”

  He looked away. “We drifted apart after Ruthie died.”

  Her stomach knotted. “Then you’re pretty much alone here.”

  “Just Peyton and me.”

  Peyton and him. An empty feeling settled over her again. She had an older sister, Audrey, who lived in Traverse City. Audrey visited occasionally when she or her husband had business in the area or for a special event, but other than that Kelsey took care of herself, too.

  “Where are your parents?”

  “My dad retired early and they moved to Tennessee on the Georgia border. They wanted to escape winter.”

  “Do you see them much?”

  She sensed that he wanted to hear that they shared the same situation. “They come up a couple times a year. I used to go there, but when Lucy got sick, I was afraid to go too far away from home.” She’d spent the last years being anxious about a lot of things. “If she had an episode when I was down there, I’d be stuck. It made sense to stay close to home.”

  He looked thoughtful. His mouth twitched as if he wanted to ask a question but he didn’t. She wondered why. The silence felt uneasy after their earlier banter. She checked her watch, surprised that they’d been there for nearly three hours.

  He must have noticed and looked at his watch. “It’s almost ten. I’m surprised. The time flew.”

  “It did.” She lifted the cup and emptied it. “I suppose I should get home.”

  “Why? You have permission to be out until midnight.”

  She laughed, recalling Lucy’s curfew. “But my fairy godmother said my carriage would turn into a pumpkin if I didn’t leave before midnight.”

  He gave her a nod. “And I’m guessing Peyton is pacing, waiting for me to get home.”

  Lucy would be asleep by now, Kelsey guessed.

  Ross motioned to the waitress and after he’d settled the bill, they rose and stepped out into the chilly air. Kelsey tilted her head upward. Only a faint glow from the moon’s edge tinged the sky, but the stars seemed to glow more brightly.

  Ross slipped his arm around her back and guided her to his minivan. When she settled inside, he closed the door. The evening rolled through her mind, the dark moments first but then a lovely ending. Though apprehension hadn’t left her, hope grew and wishes multiplied. She could learn to enjoy a man’s company again. A taste of it tonight assured her of that.

  Ross slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine, but before he shifted into gear, he slipped his hand over hers. “I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight. I know I did.”

  “It’s been really nice. I had a wonderful time.”

  “Could we do this again? Just the two of us?”

  “I think that could be arranged.” She warmed with his offer. Yes, she wanted to give this friendship, relationship, whatever it was, a try.

  Talk of the girls returned as they drove home. Peyton’s attitude and Lucy’s exuberance were problems that could be resolved, she hoped. It wasn’t fair to Lucy, but she was a good girl and would understand. Peyton seemed old enough to know her limitations.

  She gazed at Ross’s profile. Classic features fit him, a strong jawline, the hint of a dimple in his cheek, a wellshaped nose and eyes that said more than he did. Dancing, she’d felt the strength of his arms for the first time. His muscles flexed as he maneuvered her across the floor, and his broad back offered her security. He had strength yet a tenderness that embraced her heart.

  Pulling herself from her thoughts, Kelsey observed Ross’s silence, too. He had been thoughtful as well, and she hoped his thoughts were as inviting as hers. He slowed the minivan and turned onto her street. An unexpected sense of solitude washed over her. She enjoyed his company. “You did nicely, sir.” She pointed to her watch. “I’m home before midnight.” But spending more time together would have been lovely, too.

  “I don’t want to offend your timekeeper.” He chuckled and opened his door.

  “Don’t get out. I can manage.”

  His head drew back, and he arched a brow. “I always walk my dates to the door.” He tapped his finger against his temple. “I think I did. It’s been a long time.”

  He made her smile as he slipped out and rounded the minivan to her door.

  Kelsey stepped out, feeling Ross’s palm against her elbow. His hand slipped to hers as they headed for the porch. Except for a faint glow from the window, stars were their only light on the moonless night. He climbed the steps beside her, and when they paused at the door, her pulse charged up her arm.

  Ross’s palm brushed her cheek. “We’ll do this again.”

  “I’d enjoy that.” Her voice sounde
d strange, as if someone else were speaking.

  His fingers slipped behind her neck, and she stopped breathing as she followed his lips as they drew close to hers. His warm breath swept across her as he lowered his mouth.

  Suddenly, the porch light flooded them, and they sprang back as the door opened. “You’re home.”

  Kelsey’s heart slipped to her toes as she focused on the elderly sitter. Her lips tingled with the brief touch of Ross’s mouth on hers. “Is everything okay?”

  “No problems.” Marge’s gaze swept past hers, awareness registering on her face. She backed up, her stare swinging from Ross to Kelsey. Her eyes widened and she blinked. “Lucy went to bed a few minutes ago. She wanted to wait up and hear about your evening.”

  Kelsey managed to grin at Ross. “Isn’t that cute?” In the awkward moment, she extended her hand to him. “Thanks for a wonderful time.”

  His eyes had glazed, a flush of embarrassment on his face, and she was certain her cheeks glowed with mortification.

  Ross gave her hand a squeeze. “It was.” Another awkward moment slithered past. “I’ll call you then.”

  She nodded.

  He backed away and bounded down the steps before turning with a wave. “Soon.”

  Soon. Yes, she hoped very soon, but at the moment, she wanted to pulverize poor Marge.

  Chapter Seven

  Ross tossed the magazine onto the table beside him and eyed the wall clock. Disbelieving, he checked his watch. Only fifteen minutes had passed. He’d thought Peyton’s tests would be completed a half hour ago. He shifted his focus to the people around him who joined him in their personal waits. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, appointments.

  Stretching his legs, Ross closed his eyes. As always, the embarrassing evening flew into his mind. Kelsey’s lips, so soft, pliant. He’d allowed the kiss to haunt him that evening as they talked, wondering how he could make it happen. He’d envisioned and sensed the delightful touch of her mouth on his. He’d plotted, only to have the vision die like a snapped movie film, leaving only white light on the screen. The porch light.

  The question that obsessed him now was Kelsey’s reaction. She’d looked uncomfortable. Worse than uncomfortable. Had it been Mrs. Butler and the porch light or the kiss? Naturally, he wouldn’t ask her. Not knowing seemed safer.

  “Dad.”

  Ross’s head jerked upward. Peyton stood at the waiting-room doorway with a technician at her side. He rose and met them outside the door. He slipped his arm around Peyton’s shoulders. “How did it go?”

  She shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

  He turned his attention to the young woman. He caught a glimpse of her name tag. Julie Long. “Do you know what took so long?”

  “Dr. Timmons ordered an echocardiogram plus bloodwork.” Julie offered a half grin. “We’re extra busy today so it took longer.”

  What’s new? Ross drew up his shoulders. “What now?”

  Julie gave him a questioning look. “You’re free to go. Someone will get back to you once Dr. Timmons receives the reports.”

  “Did everything look—”

  “Sorry, Mr. Salburg.” She shook her head. “I don’t read the tests. You’ll have to ask Peyton’s physician.”

  He knew that, but he always hoped he might hear something hopeful. “Thanks.”

  He picked up Peyton’s jacket from the chair he’d vacated and held it for her to slip on. “Let’s go out to lunch. What do you say?”

  “Can we go to Red Robin?”

  He drew her to his side and gave her a one-arm hug. “Why not?”

  For once, her steps bounced beside him, and the animation uplifted him. One day, she could run and play like other kids. That had been his prayer since she was diagnosed. But he’d had a similar prayer for her mother. God didn’t listen.

  Inside the parking structure, Ross located his van and opened the door for Peyton. When he headed for his door, he thought about Kelsey again. He’d opened the passenger door on their first real date and walked with her to the porch. I always walk my dates to the door, he’d told her. He’d been raised a gentleman. One day Peyton would have a young man walk her to the door. The image burned in his mind. He wanted to see her healthy and married. He wanted her to be a mother. He would be a grandfather. This time he prayed the Lord would listen.

  Shame scuffled through him as he slid into the driver’s seat. He knew better. The Lord didn’t always say yes to prayer. He’d learned that from childhood, but a no, when talking life and death, seemed unloving. God is love. He’d read that in the Bible. So what was loving about taking his wife and maybe his daughter? How could a loving God do that?

  “Dad?”

  He stared at the windshield and then Peyton. “What?”

  “Why are we just sitting here?”

  Why? Good question. Ross slipped the key into the ignition and turned it, then backed up and headed for the exit. Before he reached it, his cell phone rang. He raised his hip and pulled it from his pocket. His pulse lurched. Kelsey.

  “What’s up?” He hoped he sounded casual.

  “You didn’t come to the MOSK meeting today.”

  “I’m just leaving the hospital. Peyton had—”

  “Peyton? Is something wrong?” Panic filled her voice.

  “Just tests her doctor ordered. Typical bloodwork and a heart echo. No results yet. I have to make an appointment with Dr. Timmons once they let me know the reports are in.”

  “You scared me.” A stream of air filtered through the line. “I thought you’d come to the meeting today, so I wondered.”

  “Next week…unless something else happens.”

  “I hope not. The ladies are anticipating your visit. They’re curious, I suppose.”

  “I suppose.” He pictured a group of women gaping at him throughout the meeting. How could he relax and open up with that kind of pressure? Though he’d thought being part of the group might be helpful, now he began to question his enthusiasm.

  “Ross?”

  He yanked his head upward, her concern in her voice. “I’m here.”

  “You were quiet.” Now she was. “I noticed Hanson is doing a concert at Joe Louis Arena.”

  “Hanson?” The name sounded vaguely familiar but that was it. “What kind of music does he sing?”

  “They’re a group. Three brothers, Zac and…” The other names escaped her. “Lucy loves them, and I thought it might be nice to take the girls to see them. It’s next week, and I could pick up some tickets if you think Peyton would enjoy it.”

  No wonder the name only rang a small bell. “Let me ask her.” He gave Peyton a look. “Would you like to go to a concert?”

  “Concert?” Her eyes widened. “To see who?”

  “Hanson.”

  A grin stole over her face. “Hanson. I love them, and I’ve never been to a concert.”

  “Would you like to? Kelsey wants to pick up four tickets.”

  Her mouth formed the word four. “We’d go with Kelsey and Lucy?”

  “It might be fun.” He held his breath.

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  Air slipped from his lungs. “Great. She’d love to go. If you pick them up, I’ll pay.”

  “It’ll be my treat.”

  Nothing would convince her otherwise. He gave up and slipped the phone back in his pocket. “A concert will be fun, don’t you think?”

  Though she said yes, he heard resignation in her voice. The cords in his neck tightened and he stretched them, wishing she sounded more excited. If Kelsey hadn’t come up with the idea, he would never have thought of it. He wanted to explain that to Peyton, but then he feared he would come across as a thoughtless dad. He didn’t have an ounce of female awareness. He needed to concentrate on what women enjoyed. He wanted to please Peyton, but just as much, he wanted to let Kelsey know how much he cared.

  Lucy and Peyton twisted in their seats to watch the Detroit scenery flash past as the People Mover stopped at stations along the path until they
reached Joe Louis Arena. Ross suggested they eat in Greektown and then use the rails as a mode of travel to the concert. It made sense and shortened their walk to the arena, which is what Peyton needed.

  Kelsey had kept an eye on Peyton as they made their way from the New Hellas Café to the Greektown station. Lucy charged ahead, and while Peyton made an effort to keep up with her, she soon lagged behind. When her hand went to her heart, Kelsey panicked. “Are you okay?”

  Peyton dragged in a deep breath and nodded.

  Ross swung around and rested his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You can’t always keep up with Lucy, Peyton. You know that. It’s better to walk with us. We’ll get there.”

  Kelsey gazed at Lucy’s hurried steps, grateful that for the past year she’d led a normal life. When the last brain tumor had been removed, she’d hoped, as she always did, that Lucy would not have to undergo any more surgeries. But in the back of her mind, the nudge of worry always came. Recently, however, her fear had taken a vacation. A much-needed vacation. Grateful that Lucy was doing well, Lucy needed to be thoughtful of Peyton.

  Kelsey quickened her steps and caught up with Lucy. She grasped her arm. “Hang on and stay with us.”

  Lucy’s head tilted upward, her face screwed into a frown. “Why do I have to slow down, Mom? Everybody’s excited.”

  “We have assigned seating. Our seats will be there. We need to stick together.” She bit back what she wanted to say.

  Lucy narrowed her eyes. “We have to walk slow for Peyton, don’t we? Otherwise you’d be walking faster, too.”

  She would, but Lucy’s complaint disappointed her. “Be kind, Lucy. It’s not like you to not think of others. Remember when you were sick.”

  “I know, but that’s the problem. I’ve been sick so much, and I’m finally better now. I don’t want to be restricted anymore.” Her face puckered with tears brimming her lashes.

  Kelsey slipped her arm around her and pulled her to her side as they walked. “I understand, but let’s try to be thoughtful, okay?”