A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,57
what that means?”
“No, not in her case. It was caught early, and she’s improving. Plus they now have a new medication that can make a huge difference for her. She could be like new.”
Audrey looked doubtful. “But then there’s Lucy. Now you’re facing more tests again, and who knows what will happen.”
She opened her arms, but Kelsey couldn’t move. Audrey stepped toward her and held her in an embrace. “I want you to be happy, sis, but I don’t think this is the way. I think you’re asking for trouble. He’s a nice man, but both of you are carrying burdens, and—”
“Audrey.” Kelsey pulled back. “I know what I’m facing. I told you we haven’t taken any steps toward anything. We don’t even have time to talk privately.” She began to seethe. “So don’t create problems that aren’t there. Lucy will have more tests. We can only hope that it’s nothing. Instead of looking for trouble, please pray with me that it is a false reading. Those things happen.”
Audrey looked stricken. “I’m sorry if I upset you, and you know I pray for Lucy. I wasn’t trying to cause—”
“I know you’re not trying to, but don’t you think I’ve had the same thoughts? You’re my sister, and you want the best for me, but the best isn’t reminding me of my difficult life. I’m tired of doing this alone, and so is Ross. Maybe we can struggle together. Remember, the Bible says two are better than one.”
Audrey’s face went blank. “Enough said, I suppose. I’m very tired.”
“Good night, then.” She forced herself to kiss her sister’s cheek. “I hope you rest well, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
She nodded, and Kelsey made her escape. She nearly ran into Jeff in the hallway.
He grinned. “I was going to see what was keeping you girls.”
“Just chatting.” She gave him a hug. “Night, Jeff. Sleep well.”
He slipped into the bedroom, and Kelsey released a long breath and continued back to the living room. Ross wasn’t there, but she heard a sound in the kitchen. When she stepped through the doorway, he had settled at the kitchen table, a glass of water beside him. She poured a glass, too, and joined him at the table.
“So.” He gazed at her, knowingly. “I’m guessing you had words with your sister.”
She shrugged. “She worries about me.”
“Your face says it all. She has reservations about me.”
She stiffened. “She thought you were very nice.”
“But she thinks you’re biting off more than you can chew.”
His face reflected the truth, and she couldn’t hide it. “Sort of.” She told him what she’d said. “I tried to block my ears.”
“But you can’t, Kelsey, not if people keep assuming that you and I can’t deal with our problems. I said part of what I wanted to at the roller rink. Two are better than one. The Lord said it, and how can we doubt Him? Yes, we’ll survive alone. We’re strong and we’ve been doing it, but it’s not what I want, and I’d like to think you would like more, too.”
Her hands began to tremble as the emotion of his words burrowed into her heart. “We’ve handled things together for the past months. I’ve come to need you.”
“I’ve come to care about you and Lucy more than I can say.”
She started to tell him she cared, too, but he held up his finger to stop her.
“I’ll admit I’ve made mistakes with Peyton. I overcompensated, and that probably set her back because she leaned on me and expected me to occupy her time. She doesn’t need friends when her dad’s doing everything to make her happy.” His face pinched with emotion. “And I can’t do that. She has to find her own happiness.”
“That’s ri—”
“Did you see what happened today? My chest nearly burst, and I was so proud of Lucy. Here she is facing more tests and who knows what after that, and she was skating around the rink at a snail’s pace for Peyton. They were side by side. Peyton was so unsteady. I don’t think she’d ever been on skates, and Lucy was her support. That’s what she needs from other people. Not just me.” He held up his hand as if to stop her from saying anything. “And I don’t want you to think that’s what makes you important to me. It’s far from that. Yes, I love your help. Peyton would benefit from an adult female in her life, but I wouldn’t ask you on a journey with