Page 6 of Love's Home Run

“Yes. They have families, some teenagers, and one of my nieces, my oldest brother's daughter, is driving now. They’re good men, and we stay in touch. One of my sisters-in-law is always trying to fix me up, but I haven’t found the right woman yet.”

“You will,” said Melissa, smiling at him. He was so darn cute she was sure some glamorous woman, more his type, would come along and snatch him up. Her thoughts turned to Dirk. She’d been told he was another guy waiting for the right woman. She hoped he could get to know her and see they shared many common interests. They both liked sports, the theater, and even classical music—something she hadn’t found in another man. Dirk told her that Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and other composers had created compositions that made soothing background music while he worked on teeth, especially with kids.

“Do you want a family one day?” she asked Ross, thinking of Dirk and having a family.

“I’d like three or four. I will be very open about it when I’m dating.”

“Music to some women’s ears,” said Melissa.

“We’ll see,” said Ross, taking one of the tiny quiches and popping it into his mouth. “M-m-m, these are delicious.”

“Help yourself to more. I keep some frozen in the freezer for last-minute treats,” she said, checking her watch. “Let’s get the grill started. While you cook the steak, I’m going to make a green salad with tomatoes from Collister’s farm and Maytag blue cheese that I ordered online. Instead of a mushroom sauce for the steak, I made a mushroom and cream potato dish I think you’ll like.”

“I’m sure I will. Let’s see about that steak. I use special seasonings on it.”

“Take a look in my cupboard. I promise you’ll find what you want there,” said Melissa.

Melissa lit the grill, and they walked into the kitchen.

Ross opened the cupboard she’d indicated and let out a long whistle. “You’re right. It looks as if there’s every spice in the world inside.”

Melissa chuckled. “Every time I see something new, I can’t resist.”

After seasoning the meat, Ross carried it on a platter outside.

While he cooked the steaks, Melissa prepared the ingredients for a salad and set the carafe of red wine on the dining room table. The dining room was open to the kitchen. Melissa liked to use the more formal space for dining because that signified it was a meal to take seriously.

Ross served the meat while she plated the potatoes and tossed the salad.

They carried their meals to the dining area and sat at the glass-top table opposite one another.

Ross looked around the room. “This is attractive.”

“Thanks. The contemporary look is quite different from what I knew growing up, so it’s a welcome change.”

They ate slowly, chatting with one another about their childhoods and college. Though it might seem recent to some, Melissa and Ross agreed those days seemed ages ago.

After eating, they carried their dishes into the kitchen, and while Melissa loaded them into the dishwasher, Ross took care of the grill.

“Thanks for doing that,” Melissa told him. “You’re such an easy guest. We’ll have to do this often. I love sharing a meal with someone.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m not a real cook, but I can supply you with excellent wine to go with the food.”

“That would be worth a couple of meals,” said Melissa.

“Deal,” he said and bumped her fist with his.

“Shall we go to Jake’s? I’m anxious to see who shows up,” Melissa said, checking her watch.

Ross winked at her. “If you’re in luck, Dirk will be there.”

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When Melissa and Ross walked into Jake’s, she saw Dirk sitting at the locals’ table and let out a sigh of relief. This was the best way for Dirk to get to know her without any pressure. She, Misty, and Sarah, who was now a widow, were the only unattached women in the group.

Sitting by Brooks Beckham, one of the owners of Beckham Lumber, Dirk looked up at her and smiled.

She beamed at him and sat down beside him. “Where is everyone?”

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