Page 7 of Love's Home Run

“Cooper texted me that he and Taylor were on their way,” said Dirk.

“Brad and Dani should be here anytime,” said Brooks. “We delivered lumber to The Meadows site late this afternoon, which might’ve delayed them.”

JoEllen Daniels entered the bar, saw them, and hurried over. “Great! The gang’s here.” She took a seat next to Brooks.

Melissa glanced at Ross sitting across from her and rolled her eyes.

He winked at her.

Melissa turned to Dirk. “How’s your week going? Are you busy?”

“Yes, I’ve had an interesting group of patients. Doing different procedures with them keeps me happy.”

“I was surprised when you told me you like classical music,” said Melissa. “My grandmother on my mother’s side loved it and shared that appreciation with me.”

“That’s my story, too. It was my paternal grandmother who loved all classical music, even operas. She used to go to the Metropolitan Opera back in the day. I didn’t like classical music at first, but I find it soothes people while I work on their teeth.”

She chuckled. “I hope your patients like it too.”

“Better than listening to the drill,” he said, laughing with her.

Taylor, Dani, and Whitney arrived one after the other with their spouses, followed by Crystal and Emmet. The gathering turned into a party with a lot of joking between them. Melissa didn’t know how the topic turned to food, but Ross suddenly said to Dirk, “You ought to see Melissa’s kitchen. She has an entire cupboard filled with spices and seasonings.”

“How do you know?” Dani teased Ross.

“Melissa and I are neighbors and friends. I did a favor for her, and she fixed me dinner,” Ross said.

Crystal nudged Emmett. “That’s sort of like us, huh? Be careful, you two. You might end up engaged like us.”

Melissa shot Ross a look for help.

“No, no. As I said, Melissa and I are neighbors and friends. That’s all,” said Ross. “That’s why I suggested Dirk take a look at her kitchen … uh, you know, just as something new to do.”

“I’m a good cook, too,” said JoEllen, smiling at Dirk.

“Yeah, what do you make?” Dani challenged her. The words were said harshly, but no one who knew what a pain JoEllen had been to Dani and Brad could blame her.

“I make delicious brownies,” said JoEllen, lifting her nose and facing Dani.

“Out of a box, no doubt,” Dani muttered.

Whitney gave her sister a warning look and said sweetly, “Brownies are a favorite.”

“Yes, I know,” JoEllen said and glared at Dani.

“What’s going on with you?” Cooper asked Ross, and while the men talked baseball statistics, Melissa turned to Taylor. “You mentioned interviewing Ross. Does your new book have to do with baseball?”

“Yes, it’s a romance between a baseball player and a female sports announcer. It should be fun, but I want to make sure everything is correct. Ross has generously given me time to talk over certain points.”

“He’s a nice man,” Melissa said.

“I think he likes you a lot, Melissa,” Taylor said quietly.

“I’m interested in someone else,” whispered Melissa.

Taylor studied her and indicated Dirk with a nod. “Is he the one?”

Melissa glanced at Dirk and couldn’t stop a smile from spreading. Life with him would be steady, comfortable, and entrenched in Lilac Lake.

---