Ross’s shoulders slumped as he rose. “Thank you.” He extended his hand, and Timmons grasped it.
“We’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything.”
Ross nodded, wrapped his arm around Peyton’s shoulders and left the room. As they headed outside, he realized how much Peyton had grown in the past few months. Once she’d reached the top of his elbow, and today her head was close to his shoulder. Twelve. A young woman soon. The thought made him cringe. He needed to talk with her, and he dreaded it—the talk her mother should give, not her father. He pressed his lips together, wishing he could find the courage today.
“What do you think, Peyton? You’re quiet.”
“I want to get better, and I keep praying that this will work. Now I have to pray for the insurance to cover it.” She shook her head. “Dad, does anything ever happen in life that is problem-free?”
“Some things do.” He drew her closer to his side. “But count on problems sometimes. They happen to good people.”
“Like us?”
He nodded. “Yes, people like us.” Kelsey’s face flashed before him. She’d hurt him the other night, and he didn’t know how to resolve that problem, either.
“But maybe it will work out, and I’ll get better. Then our lives will be good.” She tilted her head toward him, her eyes asking. “Right?”
“Right. We’ll keep praying that God has good things in store for us.”
Her step seemed lighter as they headed into the parking lot, but Ross’s didn’t. Normally he’d call Kelsey to tell her the results of this visit, but now he wondered where they stood. He hadn’t called her since Easter, trying to get his head on straight. He still prickled from her comments. She seemed to think he coddled Peyton. That was the word she’d used. Coddled. How do you not focus on a sick child? How do you not try to ease her suffering and fear with special treatment? Kelsey wasn’t hard-hearted. He knew that. So what was going on with her? That’s what he wanted to know.
Kelsey folded her notes from the MOSK meeting and tucked them into her notebook while Lexie waited beside the door. When she turned, Lexie opened her arms.
“I’m really sorry about the news, Kelsey.”
Her chest tightened. “So am I, but I’m trying to stay positive.”
“You should, because the doctor said he didn’t know for sure, and it could be nothing.” She slipped her arm around her shoulders. “No Ross today, either. I’m surprised. He seems to get a lot out of the meetings. He sometimes talks to Ethan about it.”
She nodded, trying to hold back the remorse she felt. She knew she shouldn’t have said a word about the bedroom. Not only what she said to Ross, but how she said it came across so wrong.
“I’m sure he hated to tell you his good news when you’d just gotten something new to worry about.”
Good news. Her head jerked upward. “What good news?”
Lexie’s arm slipped from her back. “What? Are you telling me you haven’t talked with him?”
“Not in a couple of days.” More than a couple. Her depression deepened.
Lexie’s eyes narrowed and a frown slid to her face. “An argument?”
She shrugged. “Not an argument really. Just words, but words I shouldn’t have said.”
“I’m sorry, Kelsey.” She shook her head. “Want to talk about it?”
She bit her lip. She hated to talk about it because it showed her nasty side, and it shamed her. But Lexie had a good head, so she decided to tell her what had happened.
Lexie stood a moment, digesting her explanation. “What happened to the woman who can soothe a raging lion?”
“I guess I’m better at soothing lions than at taking care of my own conduct. I’m really sorry about what I said, but that’s how I felt that day. Lucy kept bringing it up and making me feel as if I’m not a good mother, because I didn’t give her my bedroom. I—”
“You said what’s important. You’re sorry.”
Kelsey closed her eyes and pondered what Lexie said. “I am, but within it all, there is some truth.”
“Truth is sometimes in the eyes of the beholder.”
“I thought that was beauty.” She tried to grin, but it didn’t happen.
“It’s the same thing, isn’t it? Truth. Beauty. It’s our perspective. Ross did what he felt he needed to do for his daughter. It was a kind thing. We criticize people for being cruel and unloving to their children. Ross treats his daughter the way Jesus said. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The sting of Lexie’s comment hit home. “You’re right.”
“And it’s something he can undo.”
“In time.”
Kelsey heart skipped. “What’s his good news?” She listened as Lexie told her about the new medication that could make a huge difference in Peyton’s life. As the words sank in, her spirit lifted with hope for Ross’s daughter. The girl needed something good in her life. Losing a mother and being stricken with the same disease that took her assailed Kelsey with full force. A child bearing the weight of so much difficulty. But now she had hope. She could win the battle. “I’m glad you told me. Even if he’s upset with me, I want him to know how happy I am.”
“That’s the right thing to do.”
It was. She reached up and snapped off the meeting-room light. “I’ll call him when I get home. My sister’s due any minute, and I hate to keep her waiting.”
“No, you don’t want to do that.” She chuckled.
Lexie had heard Kelsey’s complaints about her sister a few times, and that’s another thing Kelsey sometimes felt sad about. She should try to lighten up.
She waved to Lexie as she slipped into her car, reviewing what she should say to Ross and wondering when she could talk to him if her sister was already there.
Relief washed through her when she pulled down her street and saw her driveway empty. Hopefully, she would have a few minutes before Audrey arrived. She glanced at her watch, pleased that it wasn’t as late as she thought. The conversation with Lexie must have been shorter than it seemed.
She headed inside and dropped her purse and notebook on the kitchen counter, grabbed a glass of water and headed for the phone, but it rang before she could dial. Her pulse skipped, envisioning that the caller was Ross. Instead, she recognized the doctor’s office and answered.
“Mrs. Rhodes, Lucy’s tests are set for Monday, May 30. The fMRI will be first and then the PET scan is scheduled. You should be at the hospital by nine. I hope this works for you.”
“That’s fine. We’ll be there.” She hung up the phone, struck by the reality of the call. Lucy facing more serious tests. She’d never wanted to go through this again. Tears sprang into her eyes, tears she’d kept buried. But not today.
She crossed the room and reached for a napkin to wipe away the moisture. When her vision cleared, she looked at the clock. She barely had time to call. Audrey could arrive any second, but she didn’t want to wait any longer. As she approached the telephone, it rang again, and eyeing the number, her heart constricted. Ross. He’d called despite her unpleasant comments. Her fingers shook as she gripped the headset. “Ross.”
“Kelsey, no matter how angry you are at me, you should have called me.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I…” She choked back a sob. “I’m sorry and…” No words expressed the dismal feelings smothering her. “I’d planned to call you when I got in. My sister’s due any minute, but I heard about Peyton’s medicine. I’m so happy. I thank God.”
“I’m glad.” His voice had softened, and within it, she heard hesitation. “Tell me about Lucy.”
Her throat compressed as she told him. He’d been her source of security, her support, these past few months, and she missed that. She missed him.
“This tears me up. How could this happen? She’s been doing so well. A year. More than a year.”
“I know, and it’s the uncertainty that puts me on edge.” She sank into a chair. “Remember when you told me about the med
icine? You were afraid that the doctor wouldn’t feel it was right for Peyton, and you feared it might be, because you still faced the indefinite results.” She closed her eyes. “I guess that’s how I feel. I pray it’s nothing. A misreading. A fluke in the image.” She dragged in a breath. “Not another tumor. I don’t think I could bear it.”
“I understand. Even now we have no guarantee about the insurance or the success. It’s still up in the air.” She listened as he explained the insurance situation, asking herself what would she do if Lucy’s treatments cost hundreds of thousands that weren’t covered. The answer was clear. As Ross said, she would do anything. Sell her house. Whatever it took.
“God can make anything happen, Ross. We just have to pray.”
“Unceasingly.”
How many times had she told herself that? “And we will.”
Ross hesitated. “So where do we stand? I need to see you.” His plea etched with apprehension.
Kelsey winced at the sound. Her comment had wounded him, and yet her concern had been real. They needed time, but how? Her sister would arrive at any moment. She had no idea what Lucy’s latest problem would do to her. And Lucy’s birthday. She tried to concentrate, but just then a car door sounded outside.
“Ross, I think Audrey’s here. I’ll call you later so we can resolve this, okay?”
“Resolve us or take time to talk?” Sadness emanated from his tone.
“Not us. I mean find time to talk.” She heard the door rattle. “I have to go. She’s here, but I’ll call.” She hung up, dashed to the door and flung it open.
Audrey’s eyes widened. “I thought you weren’t home.”
“I was on the phone. Sorry.” Kelsey pushed the door open. “Where’s Jeff?”
“At his meetings. I’ll pick him up before the party.” Audrey stepped inside pulling a carry-on bag. “I’ve been upset since we last spoke. I’m so sorry about Lucy.” She drew Kelsey into an embrace. “How’s she taking it?”
“Better than I am, I think.” She motioned for Audrey to come inside. “Lucy focuses on the positive side of things. She’s upset, but she bounces back fast.”
Audrey looked around. “She’s not here?”
“No. School won’t be out for another hour and a half.”
“Good. That gives us time to talk about her birthday.” Audrey grabbed her bag, rolled it into the great room and paused by the stairs. “Which bedroom?”
“Take the biggest one at the top of the stairs.”
She gave her an okay sign and headed toward the guest room. Kelsey drew in a breath and continued to the kitchen. She turned on water for tea—her sister’s favorite—then leaned her back against the cabinet. She ached inside since talking to Ross. She’d hurt him, and it was wrong. Being unkind had never been her way, but she’d done exactly that. Her tone of voice had taken her words to another level. She’d known it the moment they flew from her mouth. Sarcasm had taken over, and her usual peacemaker’s approach had vanished.
How could she have done that to someone who meant so much to her? She realized it now, facing what she’d done. She’d missed him the past few days. They’d always talked nearly every day, even when they didn’t have time to see each other. She laughed at how many times the phone rang in the middle of her workday. But she loved the interruption.
Now she had to put him off again with Audrey’s arrival. Such rotten timing.
Kelsey pulled herself back from the counter edge and lifted out two mugs and dessert plates. She dropped two tea bags in the cups and opened up the plastic container filled with home-baked peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss pressed into the center. Also her sister’s favorite. As she turned, Audrey stepped into the kitchen. “Did you find everything? I set out fresh towels for you.”
“Everything’s fine.” She stepped closer. “What’s on the plate?” She eyed the cookies and grinned. “You remembered.”
“How could I forget? Let’s sit over there.” She motioned to the breakfast table and waited for Audrey to go ahead. She set down the cookies and returned to the kitchen counter to prepare the tea. “So what do you have in mind for Lucy’s birthday?”
“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 ha
d 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.
A Family of Their Own Page 14