An Act of Love

by Marion Ekholm

  “There are two other bedrooms, with furniture my sisters and I provided so we’d have a place to sleep when we visit. Don’t get me wrong. We love him, and he’s generous to a fault, but not one of us can get him to make this place a home.”

  Marley recalled his remark about five mothers but didn’t comment. “How long has Brant lived here?”

  “Over two years. And you moved in less than four months ago. I know because my family was considering buying it before you did. And look what you’ve done in that time. It’s wonderful. Look what Brant’s done with this place.” Elaine gestured at the living room. “Nothing.”

  What should she say? Marley remembered Brant’s concern about his father’s request to return to the ranch. Had that somehow influenced Brant to limit what he did in the condo?

  “Would you like some tea, a drink maybe? At my place,” Marley said.

  “Iced tea would be lovely.” Elaina started for the door. “Brant said I should answer any questions you might have.” She stopped. “And I will. Welcome to the family, Marley. We’re all delighted he found you.”

  They talked for nearly an hour at the booth-style table Marley had in her kitchen. “It’s unbelievable how much misinformation gets put on the internet,” Elaina said after sipping her tea. “Once it’s out there, that’s it, unless the person who created the information changes it.” She put her glass on the table. “I checked it today, and you’re already listed as Brant’s latest girlfriend, along with pictures of him and you at the wedding. There’s even a segment on YouTube of the two of you dancing.”

  Marley’s jaw dropped. “How is that possible? I haven’t even seen the pictures of the wedding.”

  “Someone figured they could make a buck.” Elaina placed her hand on Marley’s. “And if you see anything at the grocery store—you know, at the checkout line where they have the magazines—ignore it.” Elaina’s face lit up. “Calla lilies, really? Aren’t they for funerals?”

  * * *

  MARLEY DIDN’T CALL Brant, knowing he would only have time to speak on his own schedule. She did text him at least once a day. She’d contacted him after Elaina had showed her his condo, but he didn’t reply. One night when he called, she couldn’t contain her curiosity. “So who are you today? The Englishman or the Texan?”

  In his British accent, Brant said, “Thanks for asking, my darling. I’ve been Baron Rochester, and I think my tongue is about to fall off.” The last part of the remark lost all sign of an accent. “Sometimes, it’s really hard remembering what voice to use for which character.”

  “I’d love to hear them all.”

  “Really? After all the times you told me to stop talking with different voices.”

  “Back then, I considered the different accents annoyances coming from an overconfident actor with an overinflated ego. Now I know they have a purpose.”

  “And the actor?”

  “The actor is charming.” And sweet and lovable. And I so miss him.

  “Elaina mentioned she’d shown you my condo. As my biggest critic, I’m sure she listed all my shortcomings. It didn’t seem to scare you off, though.” He paused. “She liked you, by the way. Thought you’d be a good influence.”

  “I liked her, too.”

  “Did she leave the key?”

  “No.”

  “I’m going to contact the manager and have him give you one. There are copies of the novels I’ve recorded, two of them by this author, and you can listen to them.”

  “Where would I find these novels? Your ‘man cave’ has shelves full of so much stuff.”

  Brant chuckled. “Believe it or not, everything is organized. When you walk into the bedroom, go to the shelves on the left. I keep books on tape on the second shelf from the top, one, two, three cases in. Use a step stool. They might be too high for you.”

  “What do I look for?”

  “They’re organized by author’s last name. Look for Stanzer, Sam Stanzer. There are others I’ve recorded, but these are my best, and Sam’s an excellent writer.”

  “How many of those DVDs are of you?”

  “A few. But I don’t want to give you too much stimulation. Wait till I get back.”

  “When will that be?”

  “When I stop tripping over my tongue.” He paused. “Did Elaina mention anything to you about my father?”

  “No.”

  “He’s turning seventy soon. I’m pretty sure the family’s planning something. Whenever we’ve spoken, he’s mentioned how we need to talk. It’s weighing on me. I don’t know what to do.” He sighed. “I miss you so. I’d really like to hold you, talk to you about all this.”

  “Finish this assignment so we can have time together. I miss you, too.”

  * * *

  “OKAY, YOU GUYS. Settle down.” Marley had three fellow guitarists in her condo who were interested in starting their own band, The Three Ks. The two youngest, Kevin and Kenneth, still attended high school, while Karl had started his freshman year at the local community college where he played in the guitar ensemble. They’d met when Marley had been carrying her guitar into the elevator the day she’d moved into her condo. That day they’d learned that not only could she play guitar but she could also teach it, too.

  The boys took over her condo on Friday nights whenever she was available. Karl played the keyboard, as well, but preferred to work with his electric guitar. They were practicing several songs Karl had composed when the doorbell rang.

  Marley wondered all the way to the door who it could be. It was after eleven. Were they so loud that someone had complained? She opened the door and stepped back in surprise.

  “Brant? What are you doing here?” He wore the familiar black pants and another Western shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked scruffy, with a beard that had to be several days old.

  “Long story. May I come in?”

  “Of course.” She pulled him inside and backed into the three young men standing in the hallway.

  Brant stood stock-still. “Who...?”

  Marley laughed as she shooed the boys back into her living room. “Enter and meet an up-and-coming band.” She introduced each of the boys. “And this is Brant Westfield, my fiancé.”

  Brant’s lips formed a small, questioning, “Oh?” but he didn’t contradict her. Was he put off by her announcement? She’d never actually said she’d marry him, and they hadn’t discussed marriage since he’d left Pennsylvania.

  As he shook hands, he glanced around the room. It took her a moment to realize he’d never seen her place. When he settled on one end of the couch, the young men each took their chairs in the semicircle and began strumming their instruments.

  Brant sat up and pointed. “Don’t I know you? The Whalen boys on the fourth floor, right?” Ken and Karl nodded. “Had no idea you played.” He turned to Kevin. “And you are?”

  “Their cousin.”

  Kenneth, the youngest, a junior in high school, gave Marley a shy smile and said, “I didn’t know you were engaged.”

  Brant moved forward and leaned on his thighs. “It’s an interesting story, one that I intend to clarify first chance I get.”

  Kenneth’s expression went blank, and Marley rushed to the rescue. “Ken, you’ve really improved since the last rehearsal. Have you done anything differently?”

  “Yeah. Practiced the chords like you said, same ones every day over and over.”

  Marley shot him an answering smile. “Now your fingers have that memory embedded in them.”

  “About time,” his brother commented.

  Ignoring the remark, Marley said, “Why don’t we play the ‘Diamond’ song we were practicing. One, two, three, four.” And they all began to strum.

  Brant sat back and sent her a smile that lacked its usual intensity. He l
ooked so tired, drained, to put it mildly. What to do? The group usually stayed until midnight, and she didn’t want to cut back on their time, especially when they had really started to mesh. This was by far the best practice session since they had started. She wouldn’t have to do anything, because the next time she glanced at Brant, he had thrown his head back against the couch and was snoring softly.

  When they finished, Karl started to snicker. “Never thought my music could put anyone to sleep.” He played an extra loud riff on the electric guitar. Brant didn’t move.

  Marley stood and put her guitar back in its case. “He just flew in from New York, so he’s dealing with jet lag.”

  All the fellows took the hint and began packing their instruments. “What are you going to do about him?” Kenneth asked.

  “They’re engaged.” Karl added a rough swat to his brother’s shoulder to accentuate his point. The three gave her veiled looks, as they exited her condo. Well, there went her reputation.

  Once she got the boys out the door, Marley returned to look at Brant. Standing with fists on hips, she wondered what she was going to do with him. She tried moving him, but he only snuggled deeper into the couch cushions. Too tired to deal with Brant, she decided to leave him there till morning, with enough light so he could find the door and go back to his own place.

  She quickly got ready for bed, then went back to the living room to check on him. He was sitting on the couch, holding his head in his hands. When she walked over and stood in front of him in her summer nightgown and robe, he looked up.

  “We need to have a serious discussion.” He pulled her onto the couch. “Tomorrow’s my father’s birthday party, and I’d like you to come with me to the ranch.” He issued the invitation in a monotone that wasn’t exactly enticing.

  “Is everything all right?” She wondered if his uncharacteristic lackluster was more than jet lag.

  Brant got up and drew her to her feet. “I don’t know.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “The long ride will give us a chance to talk.” A quick kiss left her with an irritating itch from his beard. He started for the door, made a sudden turn and glanced around her home. “I like it.” And he was gone.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  MARLEY AWOKE AFTER 5:00 a.m. with the sun shining through the window and the telephone ringing. “What now, Mom?” she mumbled as she rolled over and picked up her phone. Marley used to remind Nora about the time difference between Pennsylvania and Arizona, but her mother refused to pay attention, saying, “I never know if I should add or subtract. You’re the math whiz, Marley, not me.” Marley had finally given up.

  “I didn’t wake you, did I?” Her mother asked the same question every time she called. Without waiting for an answer, Nora continued, “We have less than a week. Have you made your reservations? Al can pick you up at the airport.” And then the long sigh. At least it no longer contained tears. “Won’t you reconsider? We have such beautiful gowns.”

  “Mom, please. I won’t be in the wedding, I have my plane ticket, and I’m arriving Friday night close to eight.”

  “No! You can’t come so late on Friday. You’ll miss the bride’s dinner. The wedding’s Saturday. We need—”

  “Everything is arranged. I have no more vacation time left, so I can’t get there any earlier.” Which wasn’t true because she’d saved a week for her own wedding and honeymoon. Just in case. “Relax and enjoy your special time. I’ll be there with bells on.”

  Once her mother hung up, Marley rose. Brant hadn’t mentioned when they’d be leaving, but she wanted to be prepared. She showered and dressed in green pants and a yellow blouse and added a green headband to keep her relaxed curls away from her face. She examined herself in the full-length mirror. Was she too casual? Should she wear a dress? High heels?

  Had she imagined Brant’s presence? For a moment the whole evening seemed more like a dream than reality. Should she make breakfast? Call him? About to start making coffee, she was startled when her doorbell rang. It wasn’t even six-thirty.

  Brant had shaved—thank goodness—and looked more like his clean-cut self, with hair still damp from his shower. He wore jeans and a Western shirt in solid red. So there obviously wasn’t any need for her to wear something dressier. His smile, the one he usually had for her, was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank. How could she get that smile back?

  “Ready?”

  She nodded. “I was going to make coffee.” Marley held open the door, inviting him to come in. He stood aloof, and she felt slighted. Could their time apart somehow have created problems between them?

  “We’ll have breakfast at the ranch. You might want to bring a sweater. It can get chilly in the higher elevation.” He held a black felt cowboy hat in one hand and an overnight bag in the other.

  “Should I bring a card, a gift, something for your father’s birthday?”

  Brant managed a halfhearted smile, not up to his usual standard. “No. You’re the birthday present.”

  Marley raised an eyebrow. Exactly what is that supposed to mean?

  Armed with her green sweater and a purse, Marley rejoined Brant and they walked in silence to the elevator. On the ride down, she leaned against the cool metal side and remembered the first time they’d ridden in it together. Brant had hovered over her then, trying to make a connection. Now, after they’d connected on many levels, he stood by the door with no interest in her at all, watching the light flick from one floor number to the next.

  So much had happened between them since that first elevator ride. She focused on him, totally confused. What had turned him into this quiet, moody person she didn’t recognize?

  Once in his truck, Brant said, “It’ll take more than an hour to get there. You need something to eat? We can stop for some fast food.”

  She appreciated his offer even though it was more a social nicety than a personal concern. “No. I’m fine.” She sat in the middle of the truck, shoulder to shoulder with Brant, yet she felt as though he were miles away. When they reached I-17 heading north, he entwined their fingers, the first real attempt at intimacy this morning. They had passed the exit to Route 303 and turned onto Carefree Highway, heading west, when he squeezed her hand.

  “Are we really engaged?” He gave her another smile that didn’t quite make it to his eyes. “You’ve decided to marry me?”

  Marley pulled her hand free and placed it on her lap. “I don’t know.”

  “You...don’t know?”

  She looked at him, trying to read his expression. “Are you acting?”

  “What?”

  “Are you playing another character? Because you haven’t been the person I know since you arrived back.”

  Brant made a quick turn off the road into the entrance to a park. For several minutes, he sat there, gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles, staring through the windshield. Marley sat quiet and watchful, as well as a little fearful, struggling to figure out what could possibly be wrong with him. “I’m not acting.” He faced her. “This mixed-up mess, you see, is really me. I’ve been trying to figure out the right words...”

  He gazed at her. “Come here,” he said. He pulled her into an embrace and held her, not saying anything more.

  She heard what sounded like deep breathing, then several attempts to clear his throat. When he finally eased back, she saw tears in his eyes. She felt a flutter of panic. What was the matter with him? He quickly wiped them away and gazed out the window again. “I’m very happy you want to marry me. It’s just...” He sucked in his cheeks before continuing. “You may not want to after I tell you—”

  Marley grasped his chin, forcing him to look at her. “What is it?” Is he sick? Dying?

  “I’m going to tell my father I’ll take over the ranch.”

  That’s it? All this angst. She had no idea how to respond. Finally she
asked, “And that affects us how?”

  His brow furrowed. “We’ll have to give up all our plans.”

  “What plans? Outside of getting married in Vegas, we never made any.” A different fear gripped her. We aren’t getting married?

  He averted his eyes once more. “Okay, my plans. I expected to continue in my career.” He swatted the steering wheel and drew a deep breath before regarding her again. “Sam Stanzer, the author of the book I’ve been recording.” He closed his eyes momentarily. “He’s been offered a movie contract for his first book. He wants me to play the main character. Said he’d modeled him after me.”

  “That’s wonderful, Brant.” Would this mean they’d postpone the wedding? Was that why he was so upset?

  “I can’t do it.”

  Marley sat back and stared at him. “Why?”

  “It’s about time I took on some responsibility. I’ve been the baby in the family long enough. I need to give my sisters some relief and do what my father expects of me.”

  “But you said Elaina handles everything brilliantly, really fits in at the ranch and you thought she deserved to continue. What changed your mind?”

  “You.”

  “Me?” Marley felt appalled. How could she be responsible for this? She fought to understand Brant’s logic.

  “You and your family. Elaina’s the oldest and gets all the responsibility, and the youngest, like me and Lindy, take advantage. I can’t expect my sister to shoulder all the duties anymore. It’s time for me to carry the weight.”

  Marley gasped. “You’re basing this all on me and my family?” She peered out the side window. “I’m sorry I complain so much. It’s how I release pressure and has nothing to do with how I would change anything. I like being the oldest, the responsible one.” At least in most instances. She’d like someone else to relieve her of all the tensions with her mother’s wedding.

  Marley turned back to him. “And I don’t care where I live.” She paused and removed her seat belt. “But it won’t be with a man who gives up on his dreams. Because if that’s what’s going to happen, we aren’t engaged.”