Page 79 of Love's Home Run

Melissa used that excuse to leave and go outside for a quiet moment. She couldn’t allow her insecurity to mar her relationship with Ross. She’d thought she and Ross had something special. Wait! Theydidhave something special.

Feeling more secure, Melissa returned to the reception and helped Addie, Jenn, and the ladies from the church clean up. It was good to keep busy, though she tried to keep herself from observing how Lanie clung to Ross’s arm.

Addie came over to her. “I see Lanie’s at it again. She’s determined to snag Ross now that she’s divorced the loser she married. But don’t worry. Ross knows better.”

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When the clean-up was done, the women joined the men who were outside talking in groups. Melissa went over to Ross, who was standing with Jack and Lanie.

“Things all done inside?” Ross asked her.

Melissa nodded. “Lots of food leftover, but the church will handle that.”

“We’ve been talking about Lanie’s friend who wants to buy Dad’s house. Jack’s going to handle the sale, so none of us will have to worry about it.”

“That makes it simple and easy,” said Melissa, pleased for them.

“Let’s go back to my house,” said Jack. “I think a swim in the pool would be perfect.”

“Me, too?” asked Lanie.

Jack hesitated and then shrugged. “Sure, I guess. You’re welcome to drop in.”

“It’s easiest if I come with you,” said Lanie. “Stay right here. I’ll hurry home, get my suit, and be right back.”

“Don’t take too long,” said Jack. “It’s getting hot.”

“What’s Lanie up to?” said Jenn, joining them.

“She’s coming to the house for a swim,” said Jack. “I couldn’t say no to her.”

“Why not? It’ll be a nuisance taking her home, and she is NOT staying overnight,” said Jenn, annoyed. She turned to Melissa. “Some men don’t get it.”

“Don’t get what?” Jack asked.

“Lanie is trying to win back Ross. For God’s sake, it’s so obvious.”

“Not gonna happen,” said Ross firmly.

“Then you’d better make that clear to her,” said Jenn. “C’mon, Melissa. Let’s get in the limo. It’s air-conditioned.”

Melissa left the two brothers talking and climbed into the car with Jenn and her daughters. Soon, Jack joined them. “Ross said he’d take care of it.”

Melissa remained quiet while Jenn and Jack rehashed the situation. She was pleased she hadn’t said anything about it. This was between Ross and Lanie.

Several minutes later, Ross climbed into the limousine. “That’s settled. I‘ve told Lanie before that I wasn’t interested, but now, I think she believes me.” Ross glanced at Jenn and turned to Melissa. “I’m sorry for any misunderstanding.”

“I’m happy you resolved the matter,” said Melissa. “I know how much Lanie wanted you back.”

“What she and I had ended years ago. It’s time for her to accept it.”

Melissa felt her entire body relax. She would feel more secure if only Ross said those three magic words to her. But they’d only been together for a short time.

###

Back at Jack and Jenn’s house, Melissa was changing into her bikini when Ross walked into the room.

“Hey, beautiful,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. “I hope you weren’t bothered by all that business with Lanie.”

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