Page 53 of Love's Home Run

Melissa hurried to her. “Is Dad … okay?”

“Yes, but he’s lucky we got him here in time. He’s resting now. They found two blocked arteries. As part of the recovery, he will have to participate in a heart-healthy program through the Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness. After cooking delicious meals for all those years, it will be hard for him to change his lifestyle.”

“May I go to him?” Melissa asked. She needed to see for herself that he was okay.

Her mother walked her to her father’s room and left.

Melissa stood at the doorway, stunned to see her father lying in bed, hooked up to a monitor. He looked … well … old … and smaller than she’d always thought of him. Her breath catching, she went over to him and said, “Dad? It’s me. Melissa. I’m here.”

He opened his eyes and smiled at her, bringing a sob from her throat. “Oh, Daddy! I thought we might lose you.”

“Not me,” he said with some of his old spark. “I’ve got a lot more living to do.”

“I’m so relieved,” she said, hugging him.

He looked up at her. “I think I scared your mother.”

“You scared both of us,” Melissa said. “Luckily, Ross helped me get back home to you.”

“He’s a good man,” said her father as his eyes drooped.

Melissa kissed him and left the room, clasping her hands with thanks.

###

When Melissa returned to the waiting area, she found her mother and Ross in a deep discussion. Her mother looked up at her and smiled.

“I was just thanking Ross for all he did to make sure you got here as quickly as you did. Your presence is such a comfort.”

Melissa glanced at Ross, wondering what he might have told her.

He stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Your mother asked about us, and I said we were seeing where our relationship might take us.”

“Good,” said Melissa. She didn’t want to hide her feelings for Ross. She’d never felt a connection like this before and wanted to enjoy it in front of everyone.

“Tonight, let’s talk about some logistics going forward, and then you and Ross can continue your trip,” said her mother. “At this point, there’s nothing you can do physically for either your father or me. The emotional support is important, and you both have shown us that.” Melissa wasn’t surprised by her mother’s matter-of-fact way of speaking. She’d been as much a business partner in the restaurant as her father. She was the one who kept it going to allow her husband to cook.

“Thanks, Mom. Our trip thus far has been difficult. Ross’s father is dying of cancer.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, Ross,” said her mother. “What can I do to help?”

“At this point, there’s nothing we can do but keep in touch. I plan to go back and pick up my car in Columbia and continue to Florida with assurances that people will call me when it’s time to return to New Jersey to say goodbye.”

“And I’m going with him,” said Melissa, taking hold of his arm.

Ross smiled at her. “Thanks.” He turned to Melissa’s mother. “My family loved meeting Melissa. My father, especially.”

Her mother studied them. “I see.”

Observing her mother’s inspection, Melissa was grateful when Ross pulled her to him. She’d felt unattractive for so long that it was thrilling to have Ross’s attention. He’d even told her she was beautiful.

“Ross has been wonderful to me,” said Melissa.

“I’m happy to see you together,” her mother said, beaming at them. No doubt everyone in town would soon know Melissa was dating Ross, but she didn’t care.

###

Later, Ross and Melissa left the hospital to get checked into a hotel.

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