Page 44 of Love's Home Run

They continued for a few blocks to Ross’s father’s house. A gray Mercedes was in the driveway.

“Looks like Jack is here,” said Ross. “He’s the oldest of my brothers, named John after my father, and is a successful lawyer in the state. He and his second wife have two kids. Both girls.”

“So, you have lots of nieces and nephews,” said Melissa, thinking how lucky he was.

Ross grinned. “Yeah, it can get pretty wild when we all get together, which isn’t often lately. But for years, when my mother was alive, and she and Dad were both healthy, Sunday dinners were a must.”

“A true family event,” said Melissa, getting out of the car.

Ross led her inside, and a tall, well-built man with sandy hair gray at the temples walked over to them.

“Hey, little bro.” The two men clapped each other on the back, and then Ross introduced Melissa to him.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said, noting the remarkable resemblance between the two men.

“It’s my pleasure,” Jack said. “I understand my brother and you are neighbors in New Hampshire. It’s a very pretty part of the country. My family and I ski at Waterville Valley.”

“It’s beautiful there,” said Melissa, aware of how Jack was politely assessing her and thinking he must be a formidable foe in the courtroom.

“Would you like to say hello to my dad?” Jack asked. “Do you mind giving me a moment with Ross?”

“Certainly,” she said, leaving the front entry to go into the living room to see Ross’s father.

He smiled at her when she approached him. “Well, I get to talk to a pretty lady while two of my sons collaborate, huh?”

She grinned. “I don’t know what they’re up to, but I’m happy to have some time to talk to you. How are you feeling? Is there anything I can get you? Do for you?”

“Please sit,” he said, indicating the chair beside him. He studied her for a moment. “The only thing I have to ask of you is that you keep an eye on my son. He trusts and cares about you. He’s had a heartbreak or two in the past, but I think he finally has met the right woman.”

“Oh, but …”

Ross’s father held up a hand to stop her. “I know the two of you think you’re both simply friends and neighbors, but I see it’s more than that.”

Stunned that Ross’s father seemed so sure, Melissa was relieved to see Ross and Jack walking into the room. Saved from having to respond to him, she got to her feet.

“Go ahead and sit,” Ross said to her. He stood on the other side of his father, leaned down, and gave him another hug. “Mrs. Barnard has agreed to a picnic supper right here. Sound okay to you?”

Ross’s father flashed a smile. “Anything to spend time with you and your girl.”

Melissa witnessed how Ross’s eyes rounded and knew he was as surprised as she’d been by the idea of them being together. But she understood his father might want to see Ross settled before dying.

“I’m going to help set up a table in here,” Ross said. “Mrs. Barnard will dish up the food, and we can eat here in the living room at the card table.”

“I’m staying too,” said Jack. “Jenn and the girls have a party to go to.”

“It’s always delightful to have my boys around. And a beautiful woman is always a plus.” Ross’s father smiled at her. “You remind me of my wife, Betty. A true partner.”

Melissa didn’t know what to say and was grateful when Jack piped up, “He compares any woman to Mom.”

“And rightly so,” said Ross’s father.

Sensing Melissa’s discomfort, Ross said, “I’m hungry. Let’s eat.” He left to go to the kitchen.

Jack winked at her, and then the conversation turned to his daughters, who were now teens.

Halfway through dinner, Ross’s father fell asleep after eating almost nothing. Melissa exchanged worried glances with Ross and Jack. Their father had put forth an effort to become part of the group, but it was obvious that he was too ill to continue.

Not long after the meal ended, Jack announced he was going home.

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