Page 63 of Love's Home Run

“Ross has been in town for almost two years,” Melissa said. “We got to know each other as neighbors and are now together.”

“Really? I’ve never seen Ross like this. And though we’ve met other women he’s dated, I don’t think he’d have you here now if he didn’t consider your relationship to be serious.”

“Lanie said he’s had lots of women,” Melissa said, still conflicted.

Jenn shook her head. “Lanie will never get over losing Ross, even though it was her choice. The truth is, Ross has dated a lot but never seriously. And as for Lanie, they’re friends and will never be more than that. The fact that Ross is even nice to her shows what a kind person he is.”

Melissa wanted to hear more about Ross, but he walked into the room and effectively ended the conversation.

“Jack said to come down to the kitchen. The bar is open, and we all need to toast Dad,” said Ross.

Melissa followed Ross downstairs and entered a stunning kitchen. She liked the layout, the indoor grill, and the entertainment area attached to the kitchen, which held white cabinets and all the latest equipment.

Jack, a tall, handsome man, always seemed in charge. He motioned for them to gather around as he opened a bottle of champagne. He then poured the bubbling white wine into each tulip glass and handed them out.

He raised his glass and said, “I promised Dad we’d celebrate his life with a toast after he was gone. He didn’t want to be remembered as he was at the end of his life but as the father we all loved and honored. So, here’s to Dad!”

“Hear! Hear!” said Ross, and Melissa whispered, “To you, John.”

Jenn caught her eye and smiled as if she understood that Melissa was too shy to say it aloud.

The arrival of Nan and Kate ended what might have become maudlin talk.

“There you are,” said Jenn. “Uncle Ross is here with a special friend, Melissa Hendrickson. We’re just toasting Grandpa John’s life as he asked us to do.”

Nan was a stunning sixteen-year-old with blue eyes like her father. She went to him. “I’m sorry, Dad. I loved Grandpa John so much.”

Kate clung to her mother, her shoulders shaking as she cried softly. “I hate cancer.”

“We all do,” said Ross.

Kate turned to him. “It’s all so sad.”

Ross rubbed Kate’s back. Shorter than her sister and with blond hair, she looked more like her mother.

Nan came over to Ross, and he opened his arms to her. When they pulled apart, Nan turned to her mother. “Can Kate and I toast Grandpa too?”

Jenn exchanged a glance with Jack. “Yes, just this once. We want to remember the good times with Grandpa John and celebrate that we knew him.”

“I want you girls to meet Melissa Hendrickson,” said Ross.

“Your special friend,” said Nan, holding out a hand to her.

A bit awed by the teen’s composure, Melissa shook her hand and then did the same with Kate, who greeted her with a friendly smile.

“It’s very nice to meet you. Uncle Ross hasn’t brought a girlfriend around for a long time,” said Kate. She stopped talking when her mother cleared her throat in warning.

Once again, everyone lifted their glasses, and Jack said, “Here’s to Grandpa John, Dad, the husband to our dear mother and grandmother. He was a fine man.”

Everyone clicked glasses and then swallowed the wine.

Kate coughed from the bubbles and burst out laughing. “That’s delicious.”

“Grandpa would’ve been happy with beer, but this is a very sweet gesture,” said Jenn, giving Jack a nod of approval.

Though she didn’t have much experience with gatherings like this, Melissa liked the openness of this family.

After the toast, Jack said, “I’ve ordered food from China Dragon.”

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