Gail Gaymer Martin - A Family of Their Own

I wonder how our girls would get along. Rosss eyes brightened.

Hard to say. No one can force a friendship.

He shrugged. But Peyton could use a friend.

Kelseys heart ached. Kids like Lucy and Peyton have a hard time making friends.

Would you like to give it a try?

His question sank into her mind. Lucy had made strides making friends over the year of her remission, but Peyton hadnt succeeded. Yet it would mean spending more time with him. She lifted her gaze to his hopeful eyes. I suppose they might meetcould meet someday.

His face lit up. Heres an idea. Peytons birthday is February 14.

Valentines Day? His eager expression wrapped around her heart.

He grinned. Maybe we could plan something fun.

Her brain and heart faced each other, her brain siding with Lexies 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?

Books by Gail Gaymer Martin

Love Inspired

Loving Treasures

Loving Hearts

Easter Blessings The Butterfly Garden

The Harvest All Good Gifts

Loving Ways

Loving Care

Adams Promise

Loving Promises

Loving Feelings

Loving Tenderness

In His Eyes

With Christmas in His Heart

In His Dreams

Family in His Heart

Dad in Training

Groom in Training

Bride in Training

A Dad of His Own

A Family of Their Own

Steeple Hill Books

The Christmas Kite

Finding Christmas

That Christmas Feeling Christmas Moon

GAIL GAYMER MARTIN

A former counselor, Gail Gaymer Martin is an award-winning author of womens fiction, romance and romantic suspense. This is her forty-fifth published novel with over three million books in print. Gail is the author of twenty-seven worship resource books and Writing the Christian Romance released by Writers Digest Books. She is a cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers, the premier Christian fiction organization in the country.

When not writing, Gail enjoys traveling, presenting workshops at writers conferences, speaking at churches and libraries, and singing as a soloist, praise leader and choir member at her church, where she also plays handbells and hand chimes. Gail also sings with one of the finest Christian chorales in Michigan, the Detroit Lutheran Singers. Gail is a lifelong resident of Michigan and lives with her husband, Bob, in the Detroit suburbs. To learn more about her, visit her website at www.gailmartin.com. Write to Gail at P.O. Box 760063, Lathrup Village, MI 48076, or at authorgailmartin@aol.com. She enjoys hearing from readers.

A Family of Their Own

Gail Gaymer Martin

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.

Ecclesiastes 4:910A, 11 & 12

Thanks to Senior Editor Melissa Endlich,
who inspired the idea for this series.
I appreciate her support and the support of
all the staff at Love Inspired who have allowed me
to write stories that touch hearts and lives of
so many people. As always, thanks and love to
my husband, Bob, who understands the crazy life
of a novelist and loves me anyway.

Contents

Chapter One

K elsey Rhodes scanned her friends living room, her focus drawn to the lovely Christmas tree, its clear miniature lights radiated the same glow in Lexies eyes. On the mantel a row of white candles flickered in the dusky light. Romantic, for sure. Kelseys chest expanded, anticipating her friends wedding ceremony in the cozy setting.

The parents of the bride and groom buzzed with their own excitement, and her chest constricted, seeing Lexies son, Cooper, dressed in a dark suit, sitting near the window. He looked so cute. When hed 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 friends plight aroused thoughts of her own daughters illness, in remission for nearly a year. She prayed that Coopers struggle with leukemia would take the same turn as Lucys.

The succulent aroma of roast pork drifted into the room. But as delicious the scent was, Kelseys stomach knotted. The idea of meeting Ross Salburg, Ethans 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 hadnt tried hard enough to get Ross into the Mothers of Special Kids organization. Shed tried to explain that the group was only for mothers, but he didnt 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 Kelseys pulse soared. She worked a pleasant expression onto her face, knowing the bell offered three optionsthe 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 shed never seen before. His good looks stole her breath. She had no doubt about the strangers 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.

Kelsey, this is our best man, Ross. Lexie grinned. And this is my matron of honor, Kelsey Rhodes.

Lexies knowing look set Kelsey on edge. Hed 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. Nice to meet you, Ross.

Same here. He gestured toward the empty seat beside her on the sofa. Do you mind?

She forced her mind around her response. Not at all. Her voice sounded pleasant. So far so good. But when he sank onto the cushion, the scent of a mountain woods wrapped around her, losing her in the image.

He looked around the room. Ethans late, I assume. He chuckled.

Rosss voice jerked her from the mountain stream to the glow of the Christmas lights. Her out-of-control feelings confused her, as did Rosss avoidance of the topic she dreaded.

Are you all hungry? Mom prepared a great dinner. Lexies voice penetrated Kelseys fog of preoccupation. Well get started once our two key people arrive.

Ross leaned forward. Are you sure Ethan hasnt left you standing at the altar?

Lexie grinned. Hell be here. He loves pork roast.

Everyone chuckled while Kelsey sank deeper into the cushion. At the moment, she felt uneasy, captured beside the best man. Relief would come once the ceremony began.

Rosss arm brushed against hers, and her senses sharpened. She gazed around the room, hoping to cast off her giddy feeling. Using every ounce of concentration, she tuned into the mothers conversation about life in Florida until she sensed Rosss eyes on her. Her stomach went into a downward spiral.

She turned to him, like a hound picking up the foxs scent. Here it comes, she deduced from the look on his face.

Are you aware that Im the Ross you all voted not to include in your support group?

Kelsey considered telling a lie, but that wasnt her way, nor was it Gods way. I realized who you were when I heard your name. She sounded pathetic, and his pure innocent look made her feel even worse. Im sorry it turned out that way.