“Figure it out darlin’.” Brant pulled the door open with one hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders with the other. He planted a kiss on her cheek, one that she wanted to wipe off but couldn’t in front of Richard. Brant whispered against her ear, “I realize it’s difficult, but we really should pretend to like each other.”
* * *
BY THE TIME Brant reached the car, Richard had already taken the front seat, so he’d sit next to Marley. Brant mouthed a rude version of Richard’s name to her over the top of the car before he opened the door to the rear seat.
“My brother will remember this night long after his honeymoon’s a dim recollection.” Richard chuckled as he got into the car, then a few moments later he chuckled again, for no particular reason, giving Marley a sense of well-being.
She felt comfortable with Richard. Relaxed. No heightened sense of dread the way she did when dealing with Brant and the unknown. With Richard, she knew what to expect, for the most part. With Brant, anything could happen. Being with Brant was like standing on a precipice and hoping the wind wouldn’t blow you over.
When she glanced at her nemesis through the rearview mirror, Brant seemed preoccupied. At least he wasn’t winking or blowing her kisses. For some reason, the thought left her unsettled.
As Marley drove into the restaurant parking lot, Lindy rushed out to meet them. She looked stressed. With a growing sense of unease, Marley parked the car.
Lindy flung open the car door and pulled Marley out. “We’ve got to talk.”
“What’s the problem?”
Lindy grabbed her elbow and directed her to a spot several parking spaces away. “That juice Michelle spilled on my wedding gown is the problem.” She spoke angrily only inches from Marley’s face. “The cleaner’s not sure if it will come out.” The memory of the event still made Marley wince.
Lindy glanced apprehensively at Brant before continuing. “If one more thing goes wrong...” Her voice rose even higher. “I’m seriously thinking of calling this whole thing off.”
Glancing at Brant again, Lindy said, “Who’s that?”
Brant leaned against the Toyota, his arms crossed, one boot propped on the bumper. He looked totally unconcerned by the drama unfolding around him.
“My fiancé, Brant Westfield.” Brant turned toward them when he heard his name and started to walk over.
“Oh.” Lindy cheered up a bit. “He really does look like a cowboy.” She offered him her hand. For a moment Marley thought he might bend over and kiss it, but he only held it, enclosing it in both of his. “Nice to finally meet you, sis. Marley’s told me quite a bit about you.”
“Well, she hasn’t told me nearly enough about you.”
Oh, my God, Marley thought, they’re flirting. They finally stepped away from each other when Dennis approached. “You’re a lucky man,” Brant said after an introduction. While shaking the groom’s hand, he added, “Lindy’s a lovely bride.”
Lindy promptly burst into tears, and Dennis escorted her back to the restaurant.
Brant casually shuffled over to stand by Marley, his thumbs in his pants’ pockets. “Are all the women in your family loony tunes?” He turned abruptly and headed back to the car.
Before she could come up with a reply, Richard approached, totally agitated. “What’s your sister’s problem, anyway?”
Marley sighed. “Wedding jitters.” She averted her gaze, wishing she could provide more of an explanation. However, none of the other brides she’d known carried on like Lindy. Could it be more than nerves?
“She better not get Denny upset. It won’t be much fun tonight if he’s preoccupied.”
Having witnessed the extent of Lindy’s aggravation, Marley didn’t bother to keep the annoyance out of her voice. “I’m sure once he’s in his party hat with a drink in hand, he won’t remember his name let alone poor Lindy.”
“Don’t you think Denny deserves one last time to howl?”
“I think the whole idea is stupid. Getting wasted so he’ll be useless tomorrow at the bride’s dinner.” Marley turned away in disgust. “And I suppose you invited my father. It’s the type of thing he’d really go for.”
“No, I didn’t think of it. All your brothers-in-law are attending, though. Maybe they’ll bring him along.” He paused, then added, “You’re not giving him a chance. He’s not such an ogre. Denny introduced us a while ago, and he seems like a regular guy.”
“Oh, he can be charming.”
“Didn’t all your problems with him happen back when we were in college? Maybe it’s time to forgive and forget.”
How could anyone expect her to forget all the pain of the past? Still...“He’s not the way I remember him. He’s so...so old. I hardly recognized him.” The few moments with her father had been uncomfortable but not a total trauma. Marley hardened her resolve. Red Roman may have changed physically, but his attitude and values remained intact. How could she forgive a man who didn’t acknowledge his mistakes or attempt to correct them?
Marley turned to look for her sister. “Where’d they go?” she asked, twirling one of the tendrils that had escaped her French twist.
Richard walked over to her and tucked the section of hair behind her ear. “Did I mention how nice you look?”
Being with Richard felt so pleasant, personal and intimate, something she’d love to continue. Pivoting, she became aware of the sincerity in his eyes. He held eye contact for several seconds. “I sure wish you weren’t engaged,” he whispered.
Lindy and Dennis returned, giving Marley no chance to respond. And she wanted to. She wanted very much to tell Richard she wanted out of her engagement.
Dennis became the center of attention as his groomsmen arrived, offering their congratulations. A few picked Lindy off the ground and gave her a kiss before setting her back on her feet. They kidded around, a punch in the shoulder, a slap on the back, and made remarks running the gamut from what a lucky guy he was to what an idiot for giving up his freedom.
Her father had arrived, as well. Although he smiled in Marley’s direction, she didn’t acknowledge she’d seen him. Brant joined the mix, accepted congratulations on his engagement and introductions from all her brothers-in-law. He followed them into the restaurant, leaving Lindy, Dennis, Richard and Marley on the sidewalk.
“Here are my keys,” Denny said, handing them to Richard. “I won’t be in any condition to drive.”
“We’ll take taxis home. You want the keys, Lindy?” Richard dangled them in front of her.
“No. Leave the car here. I’ll go home with Marley.” She whirled on her heel and headed for Marley’s car, obviously trying her best not to cry.
“But...” He looked after his future sister-in-law in total bewilderment, while Denny stayed close behind her. Once Lindy got in the car, Denny leaned on the door and spoke to Lindy through the open window.
“Call me if you can’t get a taxi,” Marley said.
Richard placed the keys in his pocket and wrapped an arm around Marley, drawing her to him. “Since I don’t have my car, can you pick me up sometime before the bride’s dinner tomorrow night? I can get my car at your parents’ afterward. I should be sober by then.”
He leaned down, pulling her closer, about to kiss her, if her instincts were correct. She ducked to the side so his lips pecked her cheek. “Not even a little one for old times’ sake?”
Marley spun out of his arms, not certain why this sudden familiarity felt so wrong. Wasn’t it what she had wanted? Something intimate to develop between them? “I’m engaged, remember?”
She stood there for several seconds after Richard backed away before she noticed Brant, standing on the steps. He gave her a thumbs-up before heading into the restaurant. Exactly what does he mean by that? He’d obviously seen the attempted kiss. Did he approve of her lack of response, or
did he consider this yet another example of her pathetic ability?
Dennis walked over. “Everything okay with Lindy?” Richard asked.
Dennis smiled, something akin to a painted-on Halloween mask. “Oh, Lindy’s fine. I’m the one with problems. I’m insensitive, insincere, and an idiot. If you don’t mind, brother dear, I’d like that drink quick before I punch someone.” He pushed past Richard and went into the restaurant.
Richard gave Marley an “I told you so” look before following Dennis. She headed for the car, unable to shake off the depression that cloaked her. She’d have to. Lindy needed all the support she could muster.
* * *
HOW WAS HE GOING to get through this night? If one more person asked another question about his wedding plans...What should he say? Would it contradict anything his “fiancée” had made up? He didn’t know anything about her job, her hobbies, her achievements. And he was starving.
Brant managed to get a waiter’s attention and ordered a cheeseburger. At least when Marley had created her fiancé, she hadn’t made him into a vegetarian. He hoped.
“Hey,” Dennis said as Brant brought the cheeseburger to his lips. “I wanted to ask a favor. My best friend can’t make the wedding. I was wondering...”
Brant took a bite and waited. After chewing a moment, he could swallow. “Yeah, what?”
“You mind being the best man?”
“Me? Why not someone in your family? Your brother, for example.”
“Oh, he’d love being paired off with Marley, but I figure—”
“Sure. Happy to.” Brant held out his hand and the two shook on it. No way would he give Richard a chance to have more time around Marley. He savored the moment, remembering how she had rebuffed Richard’s attempt to kiss her.
Dennis reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “Everyone’s already been fitted for a tux, but you can get one if you go before one tomorrow afternoon. Here’s the address. Thanks a million. You’re now officially one of the Roman Warriors.”
“I’m what?”
“That’s what we call the guys who marry the Roman girls. We’re the Roman Warriors, a private organization of husbands designed to protect them.” He turned his attention to the man approaching. “I guess this is where I get drunk and make an idiot of myself.”
Richard came over to his brother and handed him a beer. “Entertainment will be here shortly.” He glanced at Brant. “Can I get something for you?”
“No thanks.” He stuffed the remainder of the cheeseburger into his mouth. “I can get mine.”
Brant had no intention of drinking anything stronger than a virgin Bloody Mary, but he didn’t want Richard aware of that. Dennis, the guest of honor, looked as though he wanted to disappear, and Brant figured he knew exactly how that could be accomplished. He motioned for Dennis to follow him to the bar.
“So what’s your drink of choice?” Dennis hadn’t touched his beer.
“Nothing, really.” He placed the glass against his lips and put it down again before taking a sip. He appeared so forlorn. “I wish I could go back to Lindy.”
Brant faced the bartender. “Two virgin Marys, and make them look authentic.” He stuck a large bill in the jar on the bar. “And keep them coming.” The bartender glanced that way and got to work, topping the tomato juice mixture with a celery stick. Brant turned to Dennis and handed him the drink.
“Work on this through the night and follow my lead. You and I are going to become the worse drunks this crowd has ever seen.”
Dennis chuckled. The first smile Brant had seen. “So how well do you know Marley?” Brant asked, determined to find out more about her.
“Just met her, but Rick knows her from college.” Dennis took a sip of his drink. “Hey, not bad. And there’s no alcohol?”
“None. How did they meet?”
“Dancing. She was teaching ballroom dancing at a studio and—”
Brant straightened, his attention riveted on Dennis. “She taught dancing?”
“Yeah. Haven’t the two of you...?”
“Of course.” Right. They were engaged. He should know she could dance. “She’s great at it. Never knew she taught it, though.”
“She’s been trying to teach me, so I won’t make a fool of myself at the wedding. Two left feet.”
What more tidbits could he find out about Marley? “So have you ever heard her play the guitar?” Brant’s attention shifted to the elderly gentleman who joined their group.
“Hi. We haven’t met. I’m the grandfather. Everyone calls me Poppy.” He held out his hand. “Her guitar playing is a real treat. I’m sorry she wasn’t able to bring it this time. We could have used the entertainment.” He glanced over to the man and woman who were talking with Richard.
“I’m not sure my heart will be able to handle what Rick’s concocted.” He turned back to Brant. “Nice meeting you, son, but I think I’ll take my leave.” He playfully punched Dennis in the shoulder, then headed for the door.
CHAPTER TEN
SITTING IN THE MOTEL ROOM an hour later, Marley gave up trying to console the weeping bride-to-be. Intermittently, Lindy dabbed at her eyes with a towel. “Daddy thinks I’m too young, and it’s best if we wait.”
Marley took in a deep breath, held it and let it out slowly. “So Daddy put this idea in your head?” She refrained from saying “stupid idea” although the words nearly fell off her tongue.
Lindy sniffled. The volume and intensity increased as Marley remained quiet. “He didn’t suggest it. We got talking and well...I kinda suggested we should wait a few more years. Maybe live with each other first.” Marley clamped her lips shut, not wanting to say anything that would create more problems. “You figure Mom will let Denny move in if we’re not married?”
“I thought he already rented an apartment.”
“Well, yes, but we could save so much more if we lived with Mom and Daddy. The whole second floor is free.”
“Wait a minute. Is Red going to live there with Mom?”
“Well, yes. When they get married again.” That last statement knotted Marley’s stomach and produced another gush of tears from Lindy. “It’s so wonderful they’re still so much in love.” Marley walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge next to her sister. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her parents were actually getting back together for real?
“What if Denny and I aren’t really in love? What if all this is a mistake?” Lindy huddled on the bed in total distress. Marley cradled her sister in her arms, something she hadn’t done in a long time. While she rocked her, Marley pushed Lindy’s blond hair from her face and hummed.
If only she’d brought her guitar, she mused for the umpteenth time. The tune “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain” was one she’d learned at camp the summer before her parents’ breakup. She’d used it to soothe Lindy and the other children while her parents hurled words and pottery at each other. The strumming had comforted Marley and given her the strength to calm the other children.
“I’ve missed you so, Marley,” Lindy whispered.
“How could you miss me when you had that whole crew?”
Lindy sat up and dried her eyes. “I did. I was lonely after you left. And you came home so rarely. Only when someone got married. Why did you have to go so far away after graduation?”
Marley stood, walked several feet away and began twisting her hands. “I needed to get away.”
“From me?”
Marley whipped around. “Of course not.” She dropped to the bed again and clasped Lindy’s hands. “I couldn’t handle my problems, and I ran away from them.”
“What problems?”
“I...I couldn’t stand Daddy involving himself with us again. After making all my own decisions, I resented him telling me what to do.”
“I kind of liked it,” Lindy said as her first smile of the evening lighted her swollen face. “I felt he finally cared enough to come back to us. When he left right after you, it was a double loss. You could have returned when he left.”
“No.” Marley glanced away, unsure if she should risk disclosing more. “I was in love, and I handled it badly.”
“You were?” Lindy squealed in delight as she moved closer. “I never knew that. What happened? Who was he? Anyone I know?”
Marley hedged. “You were too young.”
“Oh...” Lindy pressed her hands to her mouth. “You weren’t pregnant, were you? You didn’t run off and have a baby?”
Marley nearly jumped off the bed. “Of course not. I realized we were wrong for each other and moved to another state so I wouldn’t run into him again.”
“And did you?”
“Did I what?”
“Run into him again?”
After a deep breath, Marley said, “Yes.” Lindy knelt on the bed, her tears and heartache apparently forgotten.
“Were you still in love? Did he sweep you off your feet?”
“No.” Marley glanced at her ring. “I was already involved with someone else.”
With a dramatic sigh, Lindy fell back on the bed. “How romantic. To have two men fighting over you.”
“They never fought over me. Is that what you want? Someone beating up Denny?”
“No, of course not. It’s just...” She looked close to tears again. “I’ve only known Denny. And I’m going to promise to spend the rest of my life with him. What if I marry him and another person comes along who is the real one for me? What if you had married that first guy before you met Brant?”
“We could play ‘what-if’ all night. Consider this. What if you let Denny go and no other Prince Charming shows? What do you do then?”
“You know, you’re right,” Lindy said, sitting up. “Look at you. You had to wait, what, ten years or more for the second one. We could be divorced by then.”
Marley pressed her fingertips to her temples, excused herself and went into the bathroom. Behind the closed door she shook her fists at the ceiling, then in Lindy’s general direction. Maybe Richard should send Dennis to the Antarctic, or better yet the moon, to save him from a life with Lindy, Marley thought before she began to calm down.
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