Page 62 of Love's Home Run

“The reading of the will can take place anytime,” said Jack. “We know what to expect. If any of you women want something from the house before it’s sold, you can speak up. As we’d all agreed earlier, the house will be put on the market as soon as it’s cleared out. The family cottage will remain as it is, with the four of us owning it equally.”

Melissa tuned out the conversation and thought of her own circumstances. What had once seemed a complication with the destroyed restaurant was now much simpler. Melissa knew her parents intended to use the insurance money from the fire and the land sale for their retirement. They’d talked of keeping their house in Lilac Lake and going to Florida or Arizona for at least part of the year. She dreaded the time when they grew older, and she’d have to face an issue like this.

Movement around her brought Melissa’s attention back to the present.

“You two are welcome to stay at our house tonight,” said Jenn. “I understand you want to leave first thing in the morning.”

Melissa turned to Ross.

“That would be great, Jenn,” said Ross. “Is that okay with you, Melissa?”

“Yes,” she answered, suddenly anxious to be back in her own space. The last several days had been intense, and she needed to unwind and think.

While Ross talked with his siblings, Melissa excused herself to take a walk. That, she hoped, would help alleviate some of her stress.

As Melissa left the house, Lanie Southerland walked out of the house next door and waved. Melissa had no choice but to wait as Lanie approached.

“Has it happened?” Lanie asked her.

Melissa nodded, and Lanie’s eyes teared up. “John Roberts was such a special person. Everyone loved him.” She turned to go. “I have to go to Ross. I know how heartbroken he must be.”

Melissa waited until Lanie left, then went to the sidewalk for a walk through the neighborhood. As she observed the houses on the street, she saw that it was a neighborhood of older residents and young families. It was like Lilac Lake with people of all ages and backgrounds.

People were friendly, waving as she walked by.

After circling several blocks, Melissa returned to the Roberts’ house, feeling more settled.

When she walked inside, Ross excused himself from talking with Lanie and walked over to greet her. “Have a nice walk?”

“Yes, thank you. It felt good. I’m not used to doing so much sitting.”

Lanie joined them. “Ross has invited me to his house. I hope to see you later this summer.”

Melissa glanced at Ross.

“Lanie is thinking of making a change and wants to look at Lilac Lake to see if that’s someplace she’d like to live,” said Ross. “I told her it’s a town where it’s easy to meet other people.”

“But with you there, why would I want to do that?” Lanie said, beaming at him as she leaned against his body.

Ross’s cheeks flushed, and he eased away from her. “There are several unattached men in town for you to meet. I’m dating Melissa.”

“Oh,” said Lanie, glancing from him to Melissa. “I thought Melissa was another of your women.”

Ross looked embarrassed.

Melissa’s mind spun. She hadn’t known Ross for long. Had she misread their relationship?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Ross drove Melissa to Jack’s house, a newly constructed, two-story contemporary home on Wayside Place in Montclair. Inside, Jenn showed Melissa to a lovely guest suite on the second floor. “I know you won’t be staying here long, but hopefully, being here will give you a decent night’s rest,” Jenn said.

“It’s beautiful,” said Melissa. “Where are the girls?”

“Brace yourself,” teased Jenn. “The two of them will be here soon. Their school runs late. They adore Uncle Ross, so I know they’ll come right home. Nan is driving now, and Kate will soon be. It’s a mother’s nightmare worrying about them, but as Jack tells me, I must let them go.”

“I can only imagine,” said Melissa.

Jenn studied her. “How long have you known Ross? You just started dating?”

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