A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,52

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 medicine? 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.