A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,55
doing it for Peyton. He grinned, touched by Lucy’s thoughtfulness. It more than made up for her grumbling about the bedroom, which had tripped the switch that turned her mother into the sarcastic woman he’d faced a week back.
Watching the skaters, a concern rose in his mind. Some of them wore helmets, along with elbow and knee protectors. Peyton would be safer with protection since she was still taking coumadin. A bruise could cause undue problems while using the blood thinner. Though it was too late now, he wished he’d given skating more thought.
When he spotted Kelsey, she was standing beside the rink floor taking a few more photos. He hoped she caught a couple with the girls skating together. The positive turn of events lifted his spirit. She lowered the camera and scanned the floor before glancing over her shoulder. When she noticed him, his heart danced. She looked gorgeous in her knit top the color of spring grass, and instead of fighting her part, she’d curled her hair and it waved about her shoulders.
She headed his way, a concerned expression on her face. “Are you okay?”
He heard her question despite the music and whoosh of skates nearby and nodded. Every time he gazed at her lips, he spiraled out of control. Their one complete kiss lingered in his mind, the soft touch, the feel of her in his arms. Tonight he longed to run his fingers through her curls. Trying to keep their relationship in perspective had failed. Totally failed. She rocked him on his feet every time he looked at her. They needed to talk. Serious talk about the future. Yet every time they tried, something interrupted them. They were never alone. Tonight was yet another example.
She’d reached his side and rested her hand on his shoulder. “Are you sure?”
The touch rolled down his arm. “I’m fine.” His gaze swept over her. “You look great tonight.”
She gazed down at her jeans and struck a pose. “This old thing?” Then she grinned.
He chuckled at her playfulness. It had been a long time since he’d seen her lighthearted. “You’d look good in a burlap sack. I’ve missed you, Kelsey.”
Her eyes sought his. “It’s been difficult. We’re both going through so much. Now my sister and—”
“And the issues we need to clear up.” He motioned toward the skaters as a futile feeling billowed over him. “But when? How can we find time now?”
Her hand slipped down to his, and she squeezed it. “It’s frustrating, and that’s why sometimes I think what they said was right.”
His stomach constricted. “Right about what?”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
He agreed. Ross didn’t want to hear it. He slipped her hand into his. “We can work it out. Two are better than one.” The verse lodged in his head. “What’s the Bible say? Something about if you fall, the other can pick you up, and if someone overpowers you, you have someone to join you in the fight.” The rest of the verse swished over him. And when they lie down together, they will keep warm. That’s what he longed for in a partner, someone to hold close and cherish. His pulse hammered.
“Hey, you two.”
Ross’s head jerked when he heard Audrey’s voice. Kelsey spun around and nearly lost her balance. He reached for her and she steadied.
Audrey grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re giving up? This is fun.”
Ross studied the floor and couldn’t see Peyton or Lucy. His heart constricted until he saw them seated in the chairs near the skating floor. “The kids are taking a break.” He gave a nod toward them.
She glanced over her shoulder and chuckled. “I guess Jeff and I are the only live wires here.”
He didn’t comment, fearing that he’d say something rude. Everyone would prefer to go to dinner, as far as he could tell.
She gazed at Kelsey a moment, her focus slipping to the camera. “Did you get a shot with Ross?”
“No. I’ve taken all the photos.”
She snatched the camera from her. “Okay, get out on that floor and let me take your picture.”
“B-but…” Kelsey checked her watch. “It’s getting late. What time is the dinner reservation?”
“Oh, my.” Audrey eyed her watch. “I guess you’re right. We need to get moving.” She held up her hand. “But let me take one here anyway.”
Audrey backed up as she pointed to their skates. “I want them in the photo.”
Kelsey rolled her eyes, immediately thinking of Lucy. She lifted her foot, and Ross followed