Page 75 of Love's Home Run

Ross stood and kissed her. “If you need any help with anything, I’m here.”

“I’ll remember that,” she said, smiling into his mesmerizing blue eyes.

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That evening, promptly at six, Crystal arrived at her door with Emmett. Shortly after that, Ross and Mike showed up.

As Melissa fixed a plate of appetizers in the kitchen, she listened to everyone greet one another. She didn’t know Emmett that well but loved the idea of the wealthy son giving up any idea of following in his father’s political footsteps to become a local doctor. With her humble background and ultimate success, Crystal was the perfect match for him.

“Remember those smaller Fourth of July celebrations?” she asked Melissa now.

Melissa nodded. “The most fun were the crazy canoe races.”

“You were good at them,” said Crystal. She turned to Emmett. “Melissa was always the best at sports.”

“Another reason for Ross to love her,” said Mike.

Melissa felt heat rise in her cheeks and looked at Ross, who winked at her.

“With a father in politics, holidays like that were big deals for my family,” said Emmett. “I much prefer the celebrations here in Lilac Lake.”

“Spoken like a true resident,” said Crystal, kissing him quickly.

They moved out to the porch for drinks, and Melissa quietly studied the interaction between Emmett and Ross. It was important to her that they get along. Even though it might be on a part-time basis, she and Crystal might be working closely together.

For dinner, Melissa served cold poached salmon with a lemon and caper sauce, fresh green beans in a cold salad with a balsamic vinegar and spice dressing, a green leafy salad, and toasted garlic bread. The secret to the bean salad’s deliciousness was setting the beans still warm from parboiling into the marinade dressing.

Melissa had designed her dining area as part of the kitchen, allowing her to communicate with her guests while working there. She loved being able to use it.

As the meal ended, Mike sat back. “Delicious. Thank you, Melissa.” He turned to Crystal. “You said you brought lemon tarts?”

Crystal grinned and exchanged amused glances with Melissa. “I brought extra. Melissa told me you’re a big eater.”

“True, but I don’t often get a chance to dine like this,” said Mike returning Crystal’s smile.

Crystal stood to help Melissa clear the table. “I’ll get the desserts.”

Melissa was pleased that Crystal easily stepped in to help. The dinner had been about seeing how everyone would react to one another, and so far, it had been a success.

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After everyone had gone, Melissa sat in the dark on her porch, listening to the nighttime activities of the creatures around her. She heard an owl hooting, and in the outside light from a house a couple of doors away, she saw a bat sweep down for something to eat. She liked living at the edge of the woods, feeling close to nature.

She thought of the weekend ahead with Ross’s family and stood to go inside. The trip was bound to be difficult, and she wanted to support him.

After getting ready for bed, she lay under the covers and hugged the pillow, feeling lonely. She’d gotten used to having him beside her and wondered if he felt the same way.

CHAPTER THIRTY

The next day, Melissa waited at the end of her driveway with two small carry-on bags. Ross had hired a limousine to pick her up. The morning was cooler than it had been, an early harbinger, perhaps, for fall. Autumn in New Hampshire was glorious,with a leafy rainbow of colors brightening any scene. But she wasn’t ready for the future. Not until she knew more about her plans.

Pushing her concerns aside, she focused on Ross’s needs. She knew him well enough to know this would be a tough weekend for him. On the baseball diamond, he’d been a man in control, full of fun and talent. But she’d learned he was a much quieter man, a thoughtful one who loved his family.

The limousine driver pulled up and hurried out of the car to open the passenger door for her and to take her bags.

She slid into the backseat and faced Ross.

“Morning,” he said and leaned forward to kiss her.

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