A Dad of His Own Read Online Free Page B

He could easily make someone’s dream come true.
    “I’d love to apply.”
    Pulling her focus back to the topic, Lexie reflected on Kelsey’s statement. “Then do it. It sounds like a tremendous opportunity.” Cooper’s eager gaze swept through her mind.
    Kelsey shrugged. “I don’t know. Things are going well, and I suppose I’m afraid if…”
    Lexie searched her face. “Afraid if what? Lucy would be a wonderful candidate for the program. Think of all she’s been through and how well she’s doing now.” Bitterness poked at her again. Cooper’s journey had been slow, and he deserved a trip as much as anyone. He was a great kid. But reality was reality. Cooper hadn’t progressed as well as Lucy.
    “I worry it’s bad luck.” She pressed her lips together and wet them with her tongue. “I’m ashamed to say that, but that’s what I’m feeling. We get our hopes up, and then they come crashing down. It’s like we’re tempting fate.”
    Lexie had to stop her eyes from gaping. “Fate?”
    Kelsey flinched and lowered her head. “I know. And that’s why I’m ashamed of myself. I should have faith and not worry about fate.”
    “Don’t be ashamed. It’s natural to get nervous about good things happening. We all tolerate the bad news, but…” But what? “But we just have to hang on to…hope.”
    Her shoulders relaxed. “You’re right.” A faint grin stole to her face. “It’s easy to be pessimistic. It takes work to be positive.”
    “Now, that I agree with.” Lexie watched Kelsey’s grin grow. “Have you told Lucy about the foundation?”
    “No. I didn’t want her to get excited and then have something awful happen.” She lowered her head again, her neck pivoting from side to side. “There I go again. I’ll get a grip on myself, and I should talk with her doctor first.”
    “Good idea. He’ll reassure you. Then you can decide one way or the other.” Decide. Decisions were nebulous. She had so few options, which was another truth she tried not to think about. It made her feel she had no control. And she didn’t really. “It’s difficult to stay positive, but it’s important that we do. Ethan said something about people without hope, and that spoke to me. I don’t want to be someone feeling hopeless. Neither do you.”
    Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Ethan?”
    Lexie’s heart flew to her throat, but she managed to give a no-big-deal shrug. “After you left, I tripped over him, and he stopped to talk.”
    Her wide-eyed look vanished, and she gave way to a quizzical grin. “Hmm? This sounds interesting.”
    Lexie shook her head. “No. Nothing like that. One thing led to another. He asked about Cooper.” She rolled her eyes at Kelsey’s expression. “And he helped me with my flat tire.”
    “Flat tire?” She chuckled. “How convenient.”
    “I didn’t make it flat by myself.”
    “I know, but the plot thickens.” Her grin grew to a smile, and she leaned closer on her elbows. “Tell me more.”
    Lexie gulped back her discomfort, but knew Kelsey wouldn’t give up until she gave her details. She related their conversation about Ethan’s deceased wife and about Cooper. Lexie opted not to tell her about Ethan’s sudden coolness. She didn’t understand it, and the situation was too personal to share.
    “So that’s it? He didn’t ask for your telephone number?”
    Lexie gnawed on the inside of her cheek, remembering how she’d said he should meet Cooper. If that wasn’t a flirtation, what was? “No, he didn’t ask.”
    “Really?”
    Lexie winced.
    Kelsey shook her head. “Why didn’t he? He isn’t married, is he?”
    “No. I told you his wife died.”
    “Children?”
    “No.” She gave her the evil eye. “What are you? A cop?”
    Kelsey tossed her head back and chuckled. “Maybe I should be. Ethan’s a nice guy and good-looking. And single. He showed an interest in you, so tell me why no phone number.” She scowled. “No hints of seeing you