âI wonder how our girls would get along.â Rossâs eyes brightened.
âHard to say. No one can force a friendship.â
He shrugged. âBut Peyton could use a friend.â
Kelseyâs heart ached. âKids like Lucy and Peyton have a hard time making friends.â
âWould you like to give it a try?â
His question sank into her mind. Lucy had made strides making friends over the year of her remission, but Peyton hadnât succeeded. Yet it would mean spending more time with him. She lifted her gaze to his hopeful eyes. âI suppose they might meet ⦠could meet someday.â
His face lit up. âHereâs an idea. Peytonâs birthday is February 14.â
âValentineâs Day?â His eager expression wrapped around her heart.
He grinned. âMaybe we could plan something fun.â
Her brain and heart faced each other, her brain siding with Lexieâs concern while her heart offered hope. An interesting new friend for her, and maybe a new friend for Peyton. A new path for both of them. But a path with no decisive ending, only speculation. Get involved or not?
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
âEcclesiastes 4:9â10A, 11 & 12
Kelsey Rhodes scanned her friendâs living room, her focus drawn to the lovely Christmas tree, its clear miniature lights radiated the same glow in Lexieâs eyes. On the mantel a row of white candles flickered in the dusky light. Romantic, for sure. Kelseyâs chest expanded, anticipating her friendâs wedding ceremony in the cozy setting.
The parents of the bride and groom buzzed with their own excitement, and her chest constricted, seeing Lexieâs son, Cooper, dressed in a dark suit, sitting near the window. He looked so cute. When heâd been released from the hospital a few weeks ago, allowing him to be home for Christmas and the January wedding, Kelsey had been relieved for Lexie. Her friendâs plight aroused thoughts of her own daughterâs illness, in remission for nearly a year. She prayed that Cooperâs struggle with leukemia would take the same turn as Lucyâs.
The succulent aroma of roast pork drifted into the room. But as delicious the scent was, Kelseyâs stomach knotted. The idea of meeting Ross Salburg, Ethanâs best man, had set her on edge, and nothing seemed to knock it out of her mind. If he recognized her name or who she was, she would be uncomfortable. Maybe she hadnât tried hard enough to get Ross into the Mothers of Special Kids organization. Sheâd tried to explain that the group was only for mothers, but he didnât care. Ethan mentioned that Ross had been disappointed. Facing him for the first time today put a damper on the celebration for her.
The doorbell rang, and Kelseyâs pulse soared. She worked a pleasant expression onto her face, knowing the bell offered three optionsâthe groom, the pastor or Ross.
Swallowing her anxiety, she pinned her gaze to the door as Lexie opened it. Nippy air swished into the room along with a man sheâd never seen before. His good looks stole her breath. She had no doubt about the strangerâs identity, and her stomach churned, facing their introduction.
Lexie steered him around the room, introducing him to the two sets of parents first. Ross leaned over to give Cooper a warm greeting, then faced her. She managed a smile.
âKelsey, this is our best man, Ross.â Lexie grinned. âAnd this is my matron of honor, Kelsey Rhodes.â
Lexieâs knowing look set Kelsey on edge. Heâd already been told who she was.
Ross extended his hand, an unreadable expression on his face, but Kelsey sat unmoving, captured by his brown eyes, like bittersweet chocolate, that seemed to penetrate her soul. Heat rolled up her chest until she lowered her gaze to his hand. âNice to meet you, Ross.â