Page 43 of Love's Home Run

“A boy and girl, right?”

“Yes, in fact, the boy is named after you. Samuel Ross. I insisted on it. We used to be so special together.” Lanie turned to Melissa. “Growing up, we were best friends. I should’ve never let someone else come between us.”

Ross’s pained expression was notable. He shuffled his feet from side to side but didn’t say anything.

Lanie walked over and kissed Ross’s father on the cheek. “How are you doing today? Mom said she’s sending over some of your favorite cookies.”

“Thanks,” said Ross’s father.

“Well, I’d better go. My mother is watching the kids, and I don’t like to leave her too long.” Lanie turned to Ross, rose up on her toes, and kissed him. “Maybe we can talk later.”

“Maybe. Right now, I’m here to visit Dad,” Ross said quietly.

Lanie studied Melissa. “Pleasure to meet you.”

###

After Lanie left, Melissa excused herself to use the bathroom. Ross and Lanie had some history, and she needed to gather her thoughts. Seeing Lanie, how cute she was, how comfortable she was with Ross and his family, she wondered if they’d get back together like Lanie obviously hoped.

When she returned to the living room, Ross’s father had fallen asleep. Ross sat next to him, holding his hand.

Her eyes smarted with tears. It was such a tender scene.

Ross looked up as she came closer. “Let’s get you settled in the hotel. I talked to Mrs. Barnard and think I should stay there. It’ll be much easier for them both and give Dad some privacy.”

“Okay. I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” she said. “What about dinner? Do you want to share a meal with him? I’m happy to be alone if that’s what you want.”

“No,” said Ross. “Mrs. Barnard has prepared a chicken casserole, something my father likes. I want you to be there with us so Dad can get to know you. It isn’t everyone who has such a good friend.”

“Like you and Lanie used to be?” she asked.

He chuckled. “No, nothing like that.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Ross drove them to a chain hotel nearby, and Melissa got checked into her room, grateful to have the opportunity to freshen up before returning to his father’s house for a simple meal with him.

After meeting some of his family and seeing the neighborhood Ross grew up in, Melissa had a better idea about Ross’s childhood, and she thought it was no wonder he was one of baseball’s favorites. His story was one of a typical kid loving the sport and growing up to become a professional.

She lay on the bed and waited for Ross to call her to tell her he was ready. So far, the trip with him had been pleasant, without any need to talk constantly. She liked that about him and hoped it would continue for the next several days.

###

The chiming of her cell phone awoke her. It took her a moment to realize where she was. She sat up. “Hello?”

“Are you ready to go back to Dad’s house?” Ross asked her. “I’ve talked to my brothers and the two who haven’t met you, Jack and Dennis. They may drop by to say hello to Dad and to meet you.”

“That’s fine with me. I enjoyed meeting Dewey.”

“Good. I’ll meet you in the lobby, and we’ll go from there,” Ross said, ending the call.

Melissa grabbed her purse and left the room.

Downstairs, she discovered Ross had already retrieved the car and had pulled it up to the front entrance for her.

She got in the car, and they took off.

Ross took a side trip past the local high school to point out the field where he’d spent many hours as a kid. “Bill Carter, the high school baseball coach, spent a lot of time with me and a couple of my friends, helping each of us. He’s gone now, but I’ll always be grateful to him,” said Ross.

---