Page 81 of Love's Home Run

“I understand and agree with you,” said Melissa. “I think you can make the sale work, but if it doesn’t, I have other options.”

“In truth, I want to get out of the business so Emmett and I can get married and start our own family. We’re both at a time in our lives when it makes sense. I never thought I’d say it, but I want a big family with Emmett.”

“That’s so sweet,” said Melissa. Knowing Crystal’s background, her eyes stung with tears. “I’m not ready for a family yet. But I am ready to settle down.” She chuckled softly. “That makes it seem as if I’ve had many opportunities, which you and I know isn’t the case. But I have the feeling that Ross is the man I’ve waited for all my life.”

“Now you’re making me all emotional,” said Crystal. “I think we’re both ready for a change, which is good. Right?”

“Yes, but I would’ve liked knowing it was coming. To have my life ripped apart by a disaster was shocking. Funny, without the restaurant, I wasn’t sure who I was. I guess it’s all been for good.”

“Some of the best out of that disaster is us becoming friends,” said Crystal. “I’m grateful for that.”

“Me, too,” said Melissa, feeling warm inside. “Nettie and Jason will get in town late tonight, arriving at my house around midnight. We’ll meet you here tomorrow at 4 when you close the café. That will give me time to show them around town.”

“Perfect,” said Crystal. “Are you and Ross going to join the group at Jake’s tonight?”

“I hope so. I think it’ll be relaxing for Ross.” Melissa hugged Crystal goodbye and left, wondering what the next few days would bring.

###

Melissa was outside working in her garden when Ross approached her. “Great to be back home?”

She smiled. “It’s always nice. Have you caught up with Mike? Plans still in place?”

He sat beside her on the grass. “Yeah, now that Dad’s service is over, I can think of other things. You’ve got a lot to think about, too.”

“Yes. I won’t know what will happen with the café until Nettie and Jason decide about buying it. When I saw Crystal earlier, she asked if we would join the gang at Jake’s. I told her I hoped so. What do you say?”

Ross shrugged. “Fine by me. It’ll be nice to see everyone.”

“Okay, that’s what we’ll do,” said Melissa. She fluttered her eyelashes playfully. “Want to help me with the weeding?”

He laughed at her teasing and said, “No way. I’m outta here. See you later.”

###

That night, Melissa and Ross left for Jake’s around seven in Melissa’s car. That would give them plenty of time to socialize before Jason and Nettie arrived.

Melissa looked forward to seeing everyone. It was wonderful to be included. Though it was a diverse group, everyone was congenial.

She and Ross entered Jake’s to find most of their friends there, filling tables at one end of the bar.

They sat at a table with Dani and Brad Collister and Taylor and Cooper Walker. The two Gilford women looked radiant as usual. They had a way of dressing and putting themselves together that Melissa had always tried to emulate.

At the table next to them, Dirk sat with Samantha Waters, who was showing everyone the diamond she’d just received from him. Surprised, Melissa leaned over to congratulate Dirk, but he spoke before she could.

“Good to see you and Ross. Melissa, you’ve already met Samantha, my fiancée.”

“Yes, congratulations to you both,” she said.

“It’s sweet when people can rekindle a romance,” said Dani. She grinned at Ross. “What about you two? You’re a new couple, but it seems like it might be becoming serious.”

Ross’s cheeks flushed. He leaned toward Dani and said softly, “We’re friends…” He turned as Mike spoke to him.

Silence followed.

Melissa felt her body stiffen. It struck her then that while it had been nice knowing how much his family loved the idea of Ross and her being together for real, Ross wasn’t thinking that way.

Melissa waited until the conversation turned to something else, then stood. “I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well. I’ll see everyone tomorrow.”

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