A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,67
explanation sizzled through Kelsey. She hadn’t thought of that, and the idea renewed her hope. “That’s true. So I need to—”
Peyton’s door flew open, and the girls charged into the room. “Dad, Lucy’s head has to be opened up.”
Kelsey rose, seeing how distraught she was. She hurried to her and pulled Peyton into her arms. “It sounds terrible, Peyton, but Lucy’s been through this before, and she’ll be fine again.”
Peyton’s eyes searched hers, then turned to her dad. “But they shave her head and put a big hole in her skull.”
Kelsey couldn’t talk around that. It was too true. She wished Lucy hadn’t been so graphic. “Her hair grows back, and the hole will be repaired.” It sounded so mechanical. So simplified. She was at a loss for the right words.
Lucy edged closer and wriggled her way into the embrace. “I’ll be fine, Peyton. I promise.”
Peyton drew back and wrapped her arms around Lucy. “I’ll pray for you every day.”
Kelsey shifted toward Ross, witnessing the amazing bonding she and Ross had hoped for. But today it faded in light of the thoughts that had just rushed through her mind. This would be their lives—if not one daughter, then the other. No relationship could survive the constant stress.
Ross’s mouth stood agape as he observed the girls. He pulled his gaze away and looked at her. “Another prayer answered.” He slipped to her side and slid his arm around her back.
Kelsey stood in his embrace, cherishing the moment. With God all things were possible, and she would try to cling to that truth, even though everything felt hopeless.
Kelsey watched through the window and saw Ross standing at the door while Peyton rolled her overnight case up the walk. That was a first. Usually Ross didn’t let Peyton carry a thing. Kelsey stepped from the dining room into the foyer and pulled open the door as Peyton’s case bounced up the low steps to the porch. Ross stood back as she rolled it inside.
“Peyton.” She gave her a one-armed hug. “You can take your luggage into Lucy’s bedroom.”
Peyton turned down the hallway.
When she vanished, Kelsey faced Ross. “If she and Lucy want to share the room, that’s fine, or Lucy is willing to sleep upstairs if Peyton wants a room of her own.”
“She’s never spent the night with any girlfriend. I think she’ll want to have a real pajama party.” He studied her face, but she was unable to control her grin. “If that’s what they still call it.”
“I do, but the girls call it an overnighter.” She chuckled at his lack of knowledge.
He grinned back. “Thanks so much for this. You’re sure you won’t mind? I’m not inconveniencing you?”
“I’m glad to have her here. It’s a good distraction for Lucy. She’s off all her medication that could be a problem during surgery, and now it’s just wait. You know what that means.”
From his expression, he understood. “And she’ll still have labwork.”
She nodded. “Probably a day or two before the surgery.”
“Which is coming up too fast.”
His comment jarred her, yet it was true. “But it will be wonderful to get it over with.”
He gave her a thumbs-up. “And to hear the good news.”
She realized that his action stemmed from the concern she couldn’t hide. Good news had been her prayer since she’d heard that Lucy needed to undergo yet another surgery.
He checked his watch and sidled closer. “I hope Peyton’s okay spending the night.”
Typical parent. Kelsey chuckled. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Anyway, we have plans that’ll keep them both busy. And really, don’t rush. Pick her up anytime tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” His expression changed. “Today Ethan suggested I arrange a Dreams Come True trip for Peyton, but I—”
“That’s a great idea, Ross. She’s been sick so long.”
“But it wouldn’t be right now.”
“Right?” Her mind spun. “Why?” He made no sense.
He touched her cheek. “Not with Lucy’s problems again. The girls have finally gotten closer. A Dreams Come True trip for Peyton could be their undoing.”
“Ross, no. She deserves—”
“No. Lucy deserves it, too, and now she can’t.”
Her emotions spun out of control. His comment proved what her heart told her. They couldn’t spend their lives stopping one daughter from enjoying life because the other was ill. That’s what their relationship would be. That’s all it could be.
“Really, it’s for the best. Maybe another time.” He glanced at his watch again. “I’d better be on my way. I’m picking up Ethan and he expected me fifteen minutes ago.” He grinned. “Two guys out on the town.”
“Right.”