A Family of Their Own by Gail Gaymer Martin

stared at the windshield and then Peyton. “What?”
    “Why are we just sitting here?”
    Why? Good question. Ross slipped the key into the ignition and turned it, then backed up and headed for the exit. Before he reached it, his cell phone rang. He raised his hip and pulled it from his pocket. His pulse lurched. Kelsey.
    “What’s up?” He hoped he sounded casual.
    “You didn’t come to the MOSK meeting today.”
    “I’m just leaving the hospital. Peyton had—”
    “Peyton? Is something wrong?” Panic filled her voice.
    “Just tests her doctor ordered. Typical bloodwork and a heart echo. No results yet. I have to make an appointment with Dr. Timmons once they let me know the reports are in.”
    “You scared me.” A stream of air filtered through the line. “I thought you’d come to the meeting today, so I wondered.”
    “Next week…unless something else happens.”
    “I hope not. The ladies are anticipating your visit. They’re curious, I suppose.”
    “I suppose.” He pictured a group of women gaping at him throughout the meeting. How could he relax and open up with that kind of pressure? Though he’d thought being part of the group might be helpful, now he began to question his enthusiasm.
    “Ross?”
    He yanked his head upward, her concern in her voice. “I’m here.”
    “You were quiet.” Now she was. “I noticed Hanson is doing a concert at Joe Louis Arena.”
    “Hanson?” The name sounded vaguely familiar but that was it. “What kind of music does he sing?”
    “They’re a group. Three brothers, Zac and…” The other names escaped her. “Lucy loves them, and I thought it might be nice to take the girls to see them. It’s next week, and I could pick up some tickets if you think Peyton would enjoy it.”
    No wonder the name only rang a small bell. “Let me ask her.” He gave Peyton a look. “Would you like to go to a concert?”
    “Concert?” Her eyes widened. “To see who?”
    “Hanson.”
    A grin stole over her face. “Hanson. I love them, and I’ve never been to a concert.”
    “Would you like to? Kelsey wants to pick up four tickets.”
    Her mouth formed the word four. “We’d go with Kelsey and Lucy?”
    “It might be fun.” He held his breath.
    She nodded. “Okay.”
    Air slipped from his lungs. “Great. She’d love to go. If you pick them up, I’ll pay.”
    “It’ll be my treat.”
    Nothing would convince her otherwise. He gave up and slipped the phone back in his pocket. “A concert will be fun, don’t you think?”
    Though she said yes, he heard resignation in her voice. The cords in his neck tightened and he stretched them, wishing she sounded more excited. If Kelsey hadn’t come up with the idea, he would never have thought of it. He wanted to explain that to Peyton, but then he feared he would come across as a thoughtless dad. He didn’t have an ounce of female awareness. He needed to concentrate on what women enjoyed. He wanted to please Peyton, but just as much, he wanted to let Kelsey know how much he cared.
     
    Lucy and Peyton twisted in their seats to watch the Detroit scenery flash past as the People Mover stopped at stations along the path until they reached Joe Louis Arena. Ross suggested they eat in Greektown and then use the rails as a mode of travel to the concert. It made sense and shortened their walk to the arena, which is what Peyton needed.
    Kelsey had kept an eye on Peyton as they made their way from the New Hellas Café to the Greektown station. Lucy charged ahead, and while Peyton made an effort to keep up with her, she soon lagged behind. When her hand went to her heart, Kelsey panicked. “Are you okay?”
    Peyton dragged in a deep breath and nodded.
    Ross swung around and rested his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You can’t always keep up with Lucy, Peyton. You know that. It’s better to walk with us. We’ll get there.”
    Kelsey gazed at Lucy’s hurried steps, grateful that for the past year she’d led a normal