A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,58
me unless you meant more than support to me.”
Kelsey’s mind whirled with Ross’s admission. He’d said everything but that he loved her. Words filtered through her mind, words she longed to say but instead they jammed against her heart. She couldn’t make promises now. “Ross, I—”
“Before you say anything, here’s my thought. If our relationship can’t deal with the kinds of problems we have to face, ones that can easily be resolved and a few that will take time and prayer, then maybe we weren’t meant to be more than friends. But I want to try. More than try, I want to succeed, but if you want me out of your life, tell me now. I don’t want to go through this uncertain feeling every day until you decide. I’m up for it. Are you?”
Stunned, she stared at him. He’d never said so much at one time since she’d met him. Even at the MOSK meetings, he told them about the latest good and bad news, but he made his comments succinct. Her hands trembled as she reached up to touch his tense face, his look heartbreaking. She’d done that to him. “Ross, I want to take this journey with you. I know we’ll have difficult times, but you’re right. If we want to make this grow into something deeper and more committed, then we need to trust each other. We need to be open and, just as much, we need to be patient.”
“That’s all I wanted to hear.” His voice quaked with emotion.
Ross rose and took her hand. Kelsey stood, tense with anticipation. He drew her into his arms and held her close, his heart beating against hers, his breathing labored. His hand rose to her cheek, his fingers brushing her skin and floating across her lips. A shiver of anticipation ran through her until he tilted her chin, and his lips met hers. His gentle mouth plied her lips with sweet kisses, his arms drew her closer, and she knew at that moment that God had ordained their meeting. For once, assurance spread through her, a comfort she’d fought but now accepted.
He eased back, his tension vanished. His eyes sought hers. “This has to be right, Kelsey.”
“Completeness.” The single word was all she could utter.
“We’ll be patient and open from now on.”
She gazed at him while her heart lifted a prayer.
Kelsey opened the door, and Ross swept in, his arm sliding around her. “Any news?” The anxious look on his face matched his voice.
“The office called today. We have an appointment on Thursday for the test results.”
“That was fast.”
“I know, but they wouldn’t tell me a thing.” Her stomach knotted. “I’m afraid it’s bad news.”
He gave her a squeeze. “Don’t assume that. Nurses and especially receptionists can’t give out information without the physician’s permission. Let’s pray that everything is fine.”
“I have been.” She motioned him inside, and he followed her to the kitchen. “Coffee?”
“No, I have an appointment in…” He gazed at his watch. “In forty minutes so I can’t stay. I was close by so I thought I’d stop.”
“I’m glad you did.”
He bent and kissed her. The sensation rushed to her chest. Since their talk on Friday, she’d been overwhelmed by her emotions. They tilted one way, then the other—from pure joy to pure worry that she would fail. He’d offered her a journey, a trip to assure them both they could do this, and she wanted to with all her heart. Still, the old fear uncoiled from under a rock and sent her running for cover. No more. She’d run enough. They’d both said it. Trust. Patience.
She stood on tiptoes and kissed him back.
His smile warmed her. “Have a seat.” She motioned toward the chair where they’d had their last talk. “How are things with you?”
His smile waned as he pulled out a chair and sat. “I have news.”
Her body straightened. “Good or bad?”
He shook his head. “The insurance wasn’t approved.”
“It wasn’t? Oh, Ross, what will you do?”
“Dr. Timmons said he’d resubmit and give them more information. He reminded me that they often reject the first time but approve the next. I’ll have to wait and see.”
“I assume he knows what he’s talking about.”
A faint smile returned. “We’ll see.”
She chuckled. “Silly.”
Ross gazed around and then lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “How’s it feel to have a quiet house again?”
“Good. I love my sister, but…you know how it is…sometimes I could wring her neck.”
He nodded. “That’s why I stayed away as much as