Page 59 of Love's Home Run

“I need to do something different. I’m still trying to come up with a couple of ideas that will satisfy me.”

Ross gave her a steady look. “I understand how you must feel. After suddenly having baseball taken away from me, it took me a long time to discover what I wanted to do with my life. Having the opportunity to help kids with the sports center is important to me. I want you to feel the same about whatever you choose.”

His statement touched her heart and soul. Melissa threw her arms around him. “Ross, I love … the way you …” She stopped. Ross hadn’t told her he loved her. She shouldn’t be the first to say it, should she?

He hugged her close, and just before his lips met hers, a knock on the door was followed by a voice saying, “Room Service.”

Melissa rose from the bed, slipped on the terry robe the hotel had provided, and walked to the door while Ross went into the bathroom to dress.

The staff member gave Melissa a cheery smile as he wheeled the service cart inside the room. “It looks like it’s going to be another beautiful day.”

Melissa glanced at the drapes still drawn over the sliding glass door to the balcony and felt her cheeks grow hot at the knowing look he gave her. But he was right. She and Ross had been too busy making love to bother with the drapes.

“I’ve got everything you’ve ordered for breakfast here. Is there anything else you need?” the man asked.

“I think this will be fine. Thank you.” She signed the check and waited until he was gone before calling Ross.

She walked over to the sliding door, drew the drapes, and said, “Let’s eat outside. It’s so beautiful.”

They took their meals out to the balcony. The warm air caressed Melissa’s skin as they ate, and the smell of the salt air increased her appetite. That, and last night’s exercise with Ross. She thought of a future life with him, living part-time in New Hampshire and Florida. Could they make that work?

Ross’s cell phone rang. He set down his fork and picked it up. “Hello? Hi, Jack. What’s going on?” Ross listened and said, “Okay, right after I meet with Mike and Bob, we’ll head north. Are you sure I don’t need to fly there right away?”

Melissa watched sorrow mask Ross’s face, and her heart went out to him. She placed a hand on his shoulder as he talked with his brother.

After he clicked off the call, Ross turned to her. “Jack said we need to head north right after my meeting this morning. He promised me we have time before the end, but he knew I’d want to see Dad before things got worse.” He held her hand. “I’m sorry. I know this trip hasn’t been at all what we’d hoped.”

“No apologies are necessary,” said Melissa. “I know how hard this is for you.”

Ross leaned over and kissed her. “I’m glad you’re here.”

###

Melissa walked around the baseball camp while Ross met with Mike and Bob. Seeing children of all ages working at different skill levels, she couldn’t help wondering about children of her own. She wanted them but knew she wasn’t ready to start a family. Sometimes, she felt like she was two different people—a woman who wanted to be a mother and a wife and a career person who wanted to focus on her job.

Ross approached her as she stood by a fence watching a few boys go after balls batted at their feet.

“Pretty interesting, huh?” he said.

“This camp is a clever way to teach kids skills and give them the opportunity to improve.” She smiled. “Practice makes perfect.”

He beamed at her. “I think we’ve come up with some great plans for Lilac Lake, which will affect the entire Northeast.”

Mike came over to them. “Have a safe trip north. I’ll take care of what we discussed, Ross. Good luck with your father.”

The men exchanged bro hugs.

“Thanks for being such a big help to Ross,” said Mike, giving her a grateful smile.

“My pleasure,” said Melissa.

She got into the car and waited for Ross to ease behind the wheel. It would be a long drive ahead, but it would be worth it. She knew how worried he was about getting home to see his father.

###

They made it as far as Philadelphia before stopping for a few hours of sleep and then went to Ross’s father’s house. They wanted to be somewhat rested before facing the hard days ahead.

Inside their room, Ross was asleep the minute his head touched the pillow. Melissa lay awake beside him, trying to erase the images of scenery flashing by that filled her mind. Finally, she closed her eyes.

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