Page 76 of Love's Home Run

“Hi,” she replied, sounding a little breathy after the way his lips had lingered on hers. “Thank you for making all the arrangements. We’re staying with Jenn, right?”

“Yes, she called to make sure we would. She likes you, Melissa.”

She leaned against the leather seat, “I like her and your entire family. They’re all very easy to be with.”

He lifted her hand into his and squeezed it. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“I’m happy to do this for you,” she said sincerely, loving being able to support him.

“I’m glad I got the chance to get to know Crystal and Emmett better at dinner last night,” said Ross. “I see how well you and Crystal could work together. You complement one another.”

“I hope it’ll work out. If not, something else will come along,” she responded, remembering her new outlook on life at Crystal’s suggestion.

He studied her. “I understand. You can’t let anyone stand in your way. As you have made clear, your career is who you are or who you were meant to be.”

“Yes, and I want other things, too,” she hastened to say.

But his back was turned to her, and he was looking out the window.

###

The flight to New Jersey was smooth and easy, but seeing Ross grow tense with the memorial service looming was difficult.

Ross had hired another limousine to take them from the airport in Newark to Jenn’s house in Montclair. As the driver made his way through traffic, she realized how practical it was to have a driver.

Jenn greeted both of them with open arms, turning from Ross to Melissa. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again, Melissa, though I wish it were under different circumstances.”

“Thanks. It’s nice of you to have us stay with you,” she responded.

Jenn walked them inside and into the kitchen. Moments later, Jack showed up. “Sorry. I was on a call.” He gave his brother a bro-hug and turned to Melissa. “How’s the chef?”

She laughed. “Good, thanks, and you?”

“Busy as usual, but it’s that time of year for me.” He spoke to Ross. “After the service, there will be a small meeting for us to go over Dad’s will. Nothing unexpected, but necessary, just the same. I think we have a buyer for the house.”

“Really?” said Ross. “That was quick.”

“It’s a friend of Lanie’s. She’s ready to be on her own again and loves the neighborhood and the idea of living close to her family, who will help with her kids,” said Jack. “I figure all of us will be willing to make it a fair deal, but we’ll vote on it. It hasn’t been submitted to a real estate agent yet, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“That’ll make it easy,” said Ross agreeably.

“The service tomorrow is going to be lovely. Addie is terrific about organizing, but then raising her and Dewey’s four kids, she’s had to be on top of things,” said Jenn.

“We’ve planned a reception right at the church so all the neighbors can easily attend. Heaven knows what we’ll do with all the food they’ve dropped by at the house. We’ll freeze some and give what we can to the church’s pantry.”

“You guys hungry?” asked Jack. “We can order some of Ross’s favorite pizza for lunch.”

Ross grinned. “I could go for Enzo’s pepperoni pizza.”

“Coming up,” said Jack.

“Tonight, I thought we’d have Jack grill some steaks,” said Jenn. She glanced at Melissa. “I’m not promising a gourmet meal for our chef, but I do make a tasty greenleaf salad and lemon-garlic potatoes to accompany the steak.”

Melissa waved away her concern. “No problem. I’m a foodie who’ll enjoy anything you cook.”

“I hope you brought your swimming suit,” said Jack. “The pool is all ready for us.”

“I did.” Melissa hadn’t paid much attention to the pool when she’d visited for a quick overnight, but Ross had told her to be sure to pack one.

---