Page 61 of Love's Home Run

As she left, Ross and his brothers walked into the living room. Observing Ross’s face, Melissa stood and went to him.

“I’m so sorry,” she said as they embraced. “He was such a sweet man.”

“The best,” said Ross, holding her tightly. He lifted her face and smiled even as tears filled his eyes. “He told everyone I hit a home run with you.”

Melissa’s vision blurred.

“Come sit with me out back,” Ross said. “I need to get some fresh air.”

She followed him to a ground-level deck and sat in one of the chairs next to his. “I know your father’s death was expected, but that doesn’t make it any easier. What can I do?

“Just be here for me. I always feel better when you’re around.” He smiled at her. “You’re such a good friend … no, much more than that. Ah, I don’t know what I’m saying.”

Melissa squeezed his hand. “Look at the sky. It’s filled with white, puffy clouds forming different shapes. I think it’s an interesting way to remember things about your father. You were lucky, Ross, to grow up in a family like yours.”

“Both of my parents were incredible people. I hope to be that for any children of mine.”

Melissa froze, wondering what might be coming next, but Lisa walked out on the deck, followed by a man who looked a lot like Ross. “Melissa, you haven’t met my husband, Dennis.”

Melissa stood and shook hands with him. “I understand you have a farm.”

He grinned. “It’s what I’ve always wanted. As a kid, Ross played baseball, and I grew vegetables. It’s all worked out well.”

“Yes, and now I get to help other kids learn to play ball,” said Ross.

“I remember how it was, all the practices and games,” said Dennis. “It sure made you a star player. My two boys might be taking after you.”

“Our daughter is athletic, too,” said Lisa. “It runs in the family.”

“Did you know Dad was a fantastic player back in the day?” Ross said. “That’s why he gave me so much time. He wanted me to do what he hadn’t been able to do for himself. I always felt like I owed him for any success I had.”

“It was his joy to do that,” said Dennis, clapping a hand on Ross’s shoulder. “We’re all going to miss him.”

When Ross glanced at Melissa, she saw a sheen of tears in his blue eyes.

She smiled at him, and he returned a shaky one.

A few minutes later, the rest of the family joined them on the deck.

“I’m taking care of the legal end of things,” Jack announced. “Jenn and Addie are taking care of the details of a memorial service for Dad, and Dennis and Lisa will do the flowers for the service. That leaves you, Ross, to speak at the service. Will you do it?”

“When is it?” Ross asked.

Jenn spoke up. “Addie and I thought we’d have the service a week from today to give us time to take care of any unexpected issues.”

“Okay,” said Ross. He glanced at Melissa. “That gives me time to get home and get ready.”

“I hope you’ll both return,” said Jenn, giving Melissa a sweet smile.

Ross glanced at Melissa, and she nodded.

“We’ll fly next time,” said Ross.

“I can pick you up at the airport,” said Dennis.

“Or I can arrange a limo and make it easy on everyone,” said Ross.

Melissa listened to them with fascination. There didn’t seem to be any arguments about anything. She guessed the family had been trained to talk as a group from a young age.

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