A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,56

with a chuckle. They leaned on each other to balance, and Audrey snapped the photo.

“Okay.” She dropped the camera into Kelsey’s hands and waved to Jeff as she pointed to her watch. “We’re ready.” She swiveled and made her way to her husband.

“Sorry.” Kelsey touched his arm. “Maybe later.”

Her expression appeared as hopeless as he felt. “Maybe.”

Their eyes met and locked. Hopeless. Helpless. He wondered if Kelsey was right. A relationship divided by so many things needed more than two people. That relationship needed the Lord.

Kelsey felt thoroughly confused. Ross had a desperate look, and it troubled her. Though he spoke about keeping their relationship firm, she sensed that on a deeper level he had begun to struggle, just as she had been doing. Sitting beside him felt so right. Their dinner had been a treat, noisy but fun, with delicious food—family style—and a small cake with a raucous happy birthday song sung by some waiters. With all the excitement, the girls had already fallen asleep in the back seat and once they reached her house, she knew their only moments to talk would end. Jeff had brought his luggage in before they left for the skating party.

Lucy loved her gifts. Ross and Peyton surprised Lucy with her first pair of earrings—expensive ones, she could tell. Talk about ecstatic—Lucy was the poster child. He’d even been thoughtful enough to check with her first to make sure she was willing to take Lucy to have her ears pierced. A gift certificate from Audrey and Jeff delighted Lucy, too. She would shop anytime she had a chance. But in the back of Kelsey’s mind she wondered if the shopping would get done before she faced her latest health issue. Faith. She had to cling to it.

Her pleasant thoughts faded as Ross rolled into the driveway behind Jeff. She climbed out and opened the back seat to awaken Lucy, then ran to the entrance to unlock the door. She turned back to the car and saw Lucy weaving her way toward the house, still half asleep, as Ross carried Peyton in his arms. She’d grown since they’d met, and it reminded her of Ross’s wish for a mother for Peyton. The feeling filtered past her negative thoughts and touched her heart.

She stepped away from the door and held it while Ross headed inside. “I’ll put her on the sofa.”

“Good idea, and grab that throw on the chair. You can cover her with that.”

He continued down the hallway, and Lucy trudged in, her eyes half-closed. “Can I go to bed?”

“Certainly.” Kelsey leaned down and kissed her cheek as she meandered down the hall, giving a tired wave into the living room before continuing to her bedroom door.

Kelsey wandered in and joined the others. She found Audrey and Jeff standing beside Ross. Audrey turned to Kelsey and tilted her head. “We’re going to head for bed if you don’t mind. It’s been a long day for us driving here from Traverse City, and Jeff had that meeting right away.”

“That’s fine. Go right ahead.” Relief eased over her. Maybe, she and Ross could have some time together.

“Kelsey.” Audrey beckoned her to follow as she headed her way. “I want to show you something.” Jeff didn’t move, and Kelsey caught on. She wanted to talk, and if she couldn’t do it here, then the talk was about Ross. She winced, anticipating more negative conversation.

In the bedroom, Audrey closed the door and faced her. “Thanks again for letting us stay here.”

A fleeting moment of relief whisked through her. Maybe she was wrong. “You know you and Jeff are welcome anytime.” She hoped she meant that.

“Listen, I hate to bring this up again.” She motioned for Kelsey to sit on the bed.

She glanced toward the mattress but didn’t move. “What’s the problem?”

“Jeff and I watched you and Ross. We think if you can keep this a friendship it might work, but I doubt if you can. He’s crazy about you. I see it in his face every time he looks at you.”

Kelsey’s heartbeat faltered. Crazy about you. He cared. She knew that, but crazy? A frown tugged at her face. “What are you talking about?”

“We’re not blind. I think you have feelings for him, too, and I’m afraid you’re going to be hurt. Both of you have children who need your total attention. Peyton seems to be sicker than you indicated. What kind of heart problem?”

She couldn’t lie, but she wanted to. “Cardiomyopathy.”

She gasped. “No. How horrible. You know