Page 78 of Love's Home Run

The next morning, all playfulness was set aside as the family prepared for a day that Ross’s father had wanted to be a celebration of life, not a day of mourning. But how could they not mourn a man they’d all loved dearly? Melissa understood. In her one short meeting with Ross’s father, he’d made her feel welcomed and aware of his kindness and love of life.

Ross had dressed in a dark suit that did nothing to hide his broad shoulders and athletic body. He pulled at the starched collar of his white shirt and gave Melissa a look of resignation. “It’s a lot easier to play on a baseball field with thousands of people watching than speaking in front of my friends and family.”

“I’ll be sitting in front. Just look at me,” said Melissa. “You’ll do fine.”

“But words will never be enough to show my love for my father and all he did for me,” said Ross.

“Any speech you give, no matter how long or short, will mean a lot to everyone. Just say what’s in your heart.”

“I’ve made a few notes, but you’re right. I’ll just talk about what an amazing man my father was,” said Ross.

Melissa squeezed his cold fingers before getting into the limousine that would take them to the neighborhood church. His father had asked to be cremated, which eliminated a full funeral and burial service. Something they all were grateful for.

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Later, listening to Ross speak in front of the congregation, Melissa and others fought tears. His tribute to his father was touching with his sincerity, his simple message of thanks and love.

Ross cleared his throat. “Dad, I hope one day to be a father as awesome as you were to me. Having you show me how might be one of the greatest gifts of all.” Ross glanced at Melissa and away before ending his talk.

Each of Ross’s three brothers took a turn eulogizing their father, ending with Jack. As the oldest, he then invited everyone who joined them to attend the reception in the social hall next to the church.

Melissa and Ross followed the rest of the family out of the church and stood in a receiving line to thank people for coming. Jenn stood next to her and seemed to know everyone who passed through. Melissa, who’d grown up an only child in a small town, was overwhelmed by the people who greeted her as if they knew her. Then, she reminded herself living in Lilac Lake was the same, with everyone in the neighborhood knowing everyone else.

After the receiving line dissipated, Melissa and the family members went to the social hall where Addie was overseeing the reception she and Jenn had planned.

Because it was shortly after noon, a buffet table held an array of tea sandwiches, green salads, pasta salads, and meat and cheese platters, along with cakes, cookies, and other sweets that ladies in the church’s social circle had prepared.

“Nice,” murmured Ross. “I understand Dad’s male friends had their own party at Mickey’s neighborhood bar a couple of nights ago. That would be more natural. But I know how much the church meant to Dad, especially after my mother died, so he’d appreciate this too.”

Addie came over to them. “Please eat. As usual, we have more food than we need. The church will take care of any leftovers by delivering them to those who might enjoy them.”

Melissa dutifully filled a plate with food, although her emotions had dulled her appetite. She couldn’t stop thinking of Ross’s sweet tribute to his father, how his family pulled together, and how lucky she was that her dad was recovering. She wasn’t ready for the death of her parents. But she knew she, like Ross, would have to deal with that one day.

Lanie came up to her as Melissa was eating and took a seat beside her. “I’m not sure what is going on between you and Ross, but I plan to win him back. We’d always planned to marry.”

“And what happened?” Melissa asked, shocked by Lanie’s boldness.

“I made a big mistake, and now I’m going to correct it,” Lanie said.

They studied Ross, who was standing across the room and talking to a man Melissa didn’t know.

Ross looked their way and waved Melissa over.

Lanie got up with Melissa and went with her to Ross’s side.

Ross seemed startled to see Lanie but said, “Dave, I want you to meet my friend, Melissa Hendrickson, and I think you already know Lanie Southerland, my next-door neighbor.” He turned to Melissa. “This is my college coach, Dave Titus.”

“Hello,” said Melissa. “You must be so proud of Ross.”

“Indeed, I am. I hear you live in Lilac Lake. A friend just bought a house there. It sounds like a great place to live,” said Dave.

“It’s very easy small-town living with lots of things to do for all sorts of sports, especially with the new sports center Ross and a friend are creating,” said Melissa.

‘I’m thinking of moving there,” said Lanie. “Ross has invited me to stay with him for a while.”

Melissa glanced at Ross, but he didn’t seem surprised by her words. Feeling unsettled, Melissa hardly heard the conversation between Dave, Lanie, and Ross.Did Ross know that Lanie intended to get him back?

Jenn came over to them. “Anyone want coffee and dessert? There’s plenty.”

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