He brushed his lips across hers for an all-too-brief kiss. “Just in case we don’t have a chance to do that. I’ve missed you.”

And there went her skipping heart again. She inhaled, then took his hand in hers. “Come on into the kitchen.”

Her mom was just pulling the bread from the oven.

“Wow. It smells good in here,” Tucker said. “Can I move in?”

Her mother turned around and smiled. “It depends. Do you mow?”

Tucker grinned. “I can mow, milk cows and even take out the trash.”

“Well, we don’t have cows, but the other two mean you’re in. Hello, Tucker.”

“Evening, Mrs. Ross. Thank you for having me over.”

“Please. Call me Helen. Clyde is running a little late. What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll have a beer.”

“We have several different kinds. What would you prefer?”

Aubry was impressed with Tucker’s ability to sit at the island and relax with her mother. Before long, the two of them were talking about beer of all things, since both of them were fond of dark brews. Her mother told them about the trip she and Dad had taken to Germany a couple of years ago, and all the types of beers they’d tasted there.

“I’ve never been to Germany, but it’s on the top of my list now,” Tucker said.

Mom gave him a list of beer pubs to stop at in Berlin. Aubry listened with interest, since it was somewhere she’d love to go someday as well.

She heard the front door open, and her anxiety level increased.

“Sorry I’m late,” her dad said as he came into the room. “Meeting lasted longer than I expected.”

He kissed her mom, then turned to Aubry and smiled. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Dad. I believe you know Tucker Cassidy.”

If her father was disappointed or angry, he didn’t show it. He gave Tucker a big smile and a handshake.

“Hey, Tucker. It’s great to see you.”

Tucker had stood when her father came into the room, and, if possible, looked more nervous than she was. “Evening, Mr. Ross.”

“I’ve been telling Tucker about our trip to Germany two years ago,” her mom said. “He’s a big fan of beer and he wants to take a trip there, so I told him about the best places to visit.”

“Is that right?” Her dad looked over at Tucker’s glass. “Looks like she gave you a dark ale. I think I’ll have one of those myself.”

Her mother poured a beer for him. “Dinner will be ready shortly, but in the meantime, let’s move into the living room so we can chat.”

TUCKER WAS USUALLY AT EASE WITH PEOPLE, BUT damn if this wasn’t an anxiety-producing evening. He knew spending time with her parents was important to Aubry, and getting approval from her dad was even more important.

At first glance, it didn’t look like her dad was too upset. That was a good sign.

“The road trip ended up decently,” Clyde said. “I was happy to see the Rivers won three out of six against two very tough teams. Especially having to pick up a doubleheader due to the rainout. That’s always tough on the road.”

“Yes, sir. We had some issues but we’re addressing them.”

Clyde leaned back in his chair. “Yeah? What kinds of issues?”

This was a conversation Tucker knew Clyde should be having with the coaches, not him, so he was treading very treacherous waters. “Pitching was a little off and bats got cold when they should have been hot. But we have a stretch of home games coming up, and I expect we’ll do really well.”

Clyde took a sip of his beer. “That’s good to hear.”

It was nothing he wouldn’t say to the media, so he figured his ass was safe there.

“And what did your coaches say about some of the issues?”

“Clyde. You’re grilling the poor boy,” Helen said. “Less shop talk at home, okay?”

Clyde instantly relaxed his demeanor and smiled. “You’re right. Baseball’s in my blood, so you’ll have to forgive me for getting so intense about it. I love that team and want what’s best for them.”

“I understand,” Tucker said. “I love the team, too. I’d like us to win every game.”

“And that’s the kind of competitive spirit I like all our players to have.”

“And on that note,” Helen said, “I’m going to go check on the lasagna, which I’m sure is done.”

Aubry stood as well. “I’ll help you.”