A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,30

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?”

Lucy remained silent, and though Kelsey understood, she hoped that Lucy would show kindness when they were with Peyton. The trip could be taxing on her and they still had stairs to face in the arena. She gave Lucy a squeeze and lowered her arm as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Ross and Peyton were behind them. She slowed even more until they caught up.

“Can I at least have a treat?” Lucy’s tone echoed her earlier complaint.

“You ate at the café. Are you still hungry?” She needed to give on this one or she’d never hear the end of it from Lucy.

“Just an ice cream and a