A Family of Their Own. Gail Gaymer Martin

A strong need to lighten the moment struck Kelsey. He’d been through enough today.

      “Let me finish. I haven’t had a social life since Ruthie died. First I wasn’t ready, and then Peyton was diagnosed—” “What happened to your wife? Are you divor—” “She died.”

      Died. The word sank to Kelsey’s stomach.

      “She died from cardiomyopathy. The same disease Peyton has.”

      She gasped. The news struck her hard. “Ross, that’s too much for anyone. No wonder you’re struggling.”

      “Peyton’s illness was caught sooner. I recognized the symptoms, and though I tried to pretend they weren’t there, I faced it. We have hope with Peyton. God willing, lots of hope.”

      Kelsey captured his hands in hers. “I’ll pray for you and Peyton every day. I realize we’re new friends, but I’m sick at heart learning this.”

      “To be honest, I hate to tell people. I don’t want sympathy or pity. I’m strong and capable.”

      “You are. I can see that, but you can accept people’s understanding.”

      His head bobbed in agreement. “That’s important.”

      “Mom, did you see what I did with that ball?” Lucy bounded to their sides, pointing at one of the experiments.

      “No, I’m sorry. I missed what you did.” She glanced at Ross, sensing that their conversation had stopped at a bad time.

      Lucy beckoned to her. “I’ll show you.” Ross rose as he checked his watch. “I have one more surprise for you girls.”

      Lucy bounced on her toes. “Another surprise?”

      His valiant effort to stay positive warmed Kelsey’s heart.

      “We’re going to see a show called Space Park in the planetarium. It’s 3-D projections choreographed to music.” He rose and swiveled around, searching for Peyton. When she glanced his way, he waved to her. “We should get in line or we’ll miss it.”

      “Speaking of missing it …” Kelsey opened her purse. “We have a present for Peyton.”

      Peyton arrived in time to hear her, and a glint of interest flashed in her eyes. “A present?”

      “Yes, a birthday present.” Kelsey eyed Ross. “Do we have one minute?”

      He nodded as she dug into her bag and pulled out a small, gift-wrapped box. She handed it to Peyton. “Happy birthday.”

      Lucy snuggled in beside her. “I hope you like it.”

      Peyton tore off the paper, and Kelsey stooped and cleared it from the floor, along with the ribbon, while Peyton opened the lid and looked inside. “Daddy.” She held it up.

      He grasped the box and looked inside. “That’s your birthstone. Amethyst. It’s beautiful.”

      He returned it to her. “Would you like to wear it?”

      She nodded, and he unhooked the heart-shaped pendant from the flaps and fastened it around her neck. “It’s a heart for Valentine’s day.”

      Lucy peered at it. “It’s pretty.” She eyed Kelsey. “I’d like a birthstone, too.”

      “Yours would be different, though.”

      Peyton’s comment surprised Kelsey. “She’s right, Lucy. Your birthstone is sapphire.”

      Lucy looked puzzled.

      “That’s a bright blue.” Kelsey looked around the room for something that color.

      “Sapphire like your eyes.” Ross tilted Lucy’s chin and grinned. “The same as your mom’s.”

      Kelsey’s pulse fluttered.

      “Sapphire.” Lucy peered into her mother’s eyes. “I love blue.”

      Peyton fingered her necklace. “I like purple.”

      Ross jumped in. “Well, I like purple and blue.”

      Kelsey gave him a poke, hearing sarcasm in his voice. She feared that he had had enough. “What did your daddy give you for your birthday?” A new topic was in order.

      “Three books to add to my Nancy Drew collection and a gift card for Macy’s for some new clothes.”

      Lucy leaned against Kelsey. “Mom, I need some new clothes.”

      Her expression disappointed Kelsey. Lucy rarely showed envy as she did tonight. Instead of a comment, she gazed at her watch.

      “We’d better get in line or we’ll miss the show,” Ross said.

      She followed Ross, but her mind stayed with her worry—the girls’ competition. Purple. Blue. Maybe rivalry was natural. Lucy sometimes butted heads with Cooper, but two girls the same age should have a few things in common. These two seemed to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.

      Ross would do anything for Peyton. She would do anything for Lucy. So where did that leave her and Ross? At opposite ends, too?