Chapter 13 #2
The meeting was at the tavern! Marlow couldn’t believe it. She heard from Robin, who heard it from Butler—he was the mayor, after all—that Cort, with Herman’s help, had arranged it that way.
Everyone knew everything, and she’d been kept in the dark.
The word going around was that Cort wanted Marlow to have her say. Well, if she hadn’t already loved him, that would have done it.
She’d been busting her butt since her shift started, partly in an effort to distract herself from the possibility that these people might not accept her, and partly in hopes that she’d get a chance to steal away and pitch her case. Then the crowd had started arriving, and she couldn’t understand why a Wednesday should be so blasted busy. Her hopes of attending the meeting had faded, until she’d spoken to Robin.
Now that the meeting was coming to her, nervousness gripped her. In the way of an internal pep talk, she told herself that she was in her Dry Frog Tavern T-shirt. Her hair was in a high, tidy braid. Her only Dior accents were tiny earrings that made her feel good, and she was sure no one would notice them.
She was “one of them.” Surely, they’d see that.
Wade, Gloria, and Bobbi—the siblings, as they were called—came in with Pixie and Andy in tow. Pixie waved to her, but Marlow saw her tension, too. The two of them had so much on the line.
In a relatively short time, Bramble had come to represent hope, happiness, and a better future. Logically, Marlow knew she could find happiness anywhere. It came from within her, not from a location. But it was here that she’d rebuilt her damaged pride, recovered from a brutal divorce and the disappointment of betrayal. Here, she’d been the happiest.
Depositing her tray of drinks to the appropriate tables while deftly avoiding conversation, Marlow made her way to Pixie.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“ I know ,” Pixie said in hushed, almost excited tones. “Bobbi said that Cort told them to bring me in.”
Uneasily, Marlow glanced around. Everyone was watching her, so she did her best to act blasé. She didn’t want to give anyone warning of her intent to insist, if necessary, that she and Pixie be allowed to make Bramble their permanent home.
Whispering, she said to Pixie, “No matter what happens, we’ll be fine.”
Pixie’s smile was soft, her gaze understanding as she noted Marlow’s nervousness. “I know. You need to know it, too.” Her attention wandered around the room, taking in all the people present. “Like you, I’d rather be fine here, but Cort said family isn’t where you live, it’s who you love.”
That sentiment left Marlow undone. “He is one wise, wise Marine.”
“I think he’s your wise Marine,” Gloria said. Then she went back to cooing to Andy in the most outrageous way. Baby talk, it seemed, was not Gloria’s talent.
Herman called out, “Everybody find a seat. Let us know what you want to drink, then settle down so we can get to it.”
“Oops,” Marlow said. “I think that means I have to get back to work.”
Pixie hugged her. “You’ve got this.”
Such faith!
Marlow made several quick trips before all the locals were served. She kept looking for Cort but didn’t see him, yet Herman repeatedly gave her sly looks, as if he was in on a secret. Well, Herman would be an easier nut to crack than Cort, so she started in his direction, only to be pulled up short as the official meeting got underway.
Jumping the gun a little, Marlow cleared her throat to draw everyone’s attention. “I’d like to state my case for permanent—”
“We have a protocol,” Butler interrupted, “and you’re out of order.”
Of all the nerve! “But I need to—”
Cort spoke from the break room as he made his way forward. “I believe I’m first on the docket.”
“And then me,” Herman said, popping up from his seat.
Butler turned to the clerk, who happened to be his wife, for verification.
She nodded. “That’s correct. Cort and then Herman.”
“All right, fine,” Butler said. “Put Marlow after them.”
His wife did some quick writing, and said, “Done.”
Marlow couldn’t take her eyes off Cort. What was he up to?
Butler said, “Come up front, Cort, so everyone can hear.” To the mayor’s credit, he wasn’t snarky or rude, just determined to follow procedure. She’d never quite seen him like this. Usually when Butler was around the tavern, he was just another one of the guys, easygoing, funny, and a nice tipper.
It was Cort who had her most confused of all. She wished he’d clued her in so she knew what to expect.
Silent anticipation kept everyone rapt as Cort walked up to join Butler. All over again, Marlow admired his presence and the way he held a room. Cort was their hero.
Her hero, too, though she hadn’t yet told him how much she loved him.
When her chest burned, she remembered to draw air into her starving lungs.
Cort got things started by saying, “I officially propose that the population rule should be changed.” A murmur swept the room. “We could limit new housing, instead of new people.”
Marlow felt all eyes on her now. She lifted her chin.
“It makes more sense than restricting human beings, when neighbors might marry and originals might have grandchildren, or in my case, when someone has a relative who lives with them.”
Leo said, “Marlow isn’t your relative.”
“Yet,” someone added with a chuckle.
Herman jumped up again. “But his mama was, and I won’t believe a single one of you didn’t want her here.”
The room fell silent until Robin, from The Docker restaurant, stood. “My father is getting older. What if I needed to bring him here to take care of him?”
Joann shot out of her seat. “Someday I want to have kids.”
Butler’s flustered wife, acting in her capacity as clerk, pointed out, “Offspring are already allowed.”
“I know,” Joann countered. “And how ridiculous is that? To allow or disallow children?”
Wade got to his feet. “What if one of us had a family emergency? Like Cort and his mom, most of us have kin. Would we have to leave town to help our families?”
Another murmur made the rounds as everyone considered his point. Given the way things were going, Marlow kept silent. She hadn’t expected this show of support, and she was overcome with gratitude.
Cort regained the floor. “What we’re all trying to say is that the population is going to change. It’s out of our control.” He looked at each council member. “As long as we don’t add new residential or commercial real estate, we can keep growth under control. Bramble won’t become a busy, crowded town, because none of us want that.”
“No,” Bobbi said. “But we do want Marlow to stay.”
Robin added, “And Pixie. We want them both.”
“The three of them,” Gloria called out, while cuddling Andy.
“They’re part of us now.” Joann smiled at her. “They have to stay.”
Others weighed in with agreement until the whole room was talking, and Marlow could barely breathe. These wonderful people were openly championing her. She’d badly wanted to be here, but she hadn’t realized that they wanted her, too.
Cort met her gaze while speaking to everyone. “If you can’t see your way clear to approve that, I understand.” Grumbled complaints ensued as others made it clear that they did not understand. “I’m prepared to sell my properties.”
Marlow’s heart shot into her throat, then dropped into her stomach. “ What? ” She forgot about everyone except Cort. “No, you can’t—”
“Sell?” Herman shouted theatrically, startling Marlow because he was not a good actor. Anyone could see that he was speaking a rehearsed line. With a gasp for effect, he demanded with flair, “Why ever would you sell?”
Oh, this was like a terrible play that delighted you anyway.
Cort, however, delivered his lines with true conviction. “Because if Marlow moves to Lankton, I’ll be moving to Lankton, too.”
Happiness bubbled up, threatening to burst until she couldn’t hold back her grin. Of course, she’d never let him do that. Cort and this town were intrinsically tied together. Could she stop him? Yes. Somehow, she’d find a way.
Wade pushed back his chair and stood. “You’re still working on our addition.”
Cort said, “I’d drive back to finish it.”
Bobbi shook her head. “But we need you here .”
Gloria pointed at the back wall. “Herman has your photo hanging. You’re our hero, not Lankton’s.”
And with firm conviction, Cort said, “I go where she goes.”
Incredulous, Marlow covered her smile with a hand. No matter how her housing situation worked out, she was so very glad she’d met this remarkable man.
Uncaring that much of the town looked on, she said clearly, “You’re the most wonderful man, Cort.” She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Thank you for backing me up.”
“I told you I would.” His gaze locked on hers, and he added with some significance, “Always.”
The way he said that, infused with such meaning, made her think impossible things. Amazing things. “You . . . Does that mean . . . ?”
Everyone started chuckling, even the mayor.
Good God, she couldn’t ask him to clarify his feelings right here, right now, with an audience all around them.
Pixie called out, “FYI, I love you both.”
That got more laughter and some agreement.
Slowly, Marlow got it together. In a voice unlike her own, she squeaked, “Ditto,” to Cort, to Pixie, to all of Bramble.
Knowing everyone waited to see what she’d do, Marlow stepped up to Cort’s side. He put his arm over her shoulders and gave her an encouraging squeeze.
She faced the mayor. “Bramble is special. I would never want to do anything to change it. That’s why Pixie and I want to stay, because it’s perfect as it is. But Cort is right. One way or the other, we’ll respect your rules.”
The mayor let out a groan. He leaned in to talk quietly with his council members: the postmaster, fire chief, head of maintenance, and the owner of a house museum, as well as his wife.
In no time at all, they turned back, and the mayor announced, “We like the idea of simply restricting the buildings. That regulation should ensure that we don’t grow too large. Since the houses Cort owns are already here, and you and Pixie live in them, your permanent residency shouldn’t be a problem. However, we’ll discuss a limit on how many can dwell in a single-family home.” He raised a hand. “But we’ll leave room for extenuating circumstances. Of course, the new ordinance will have to go up for a town vote, but we don’t foresee a problem.” He grinned at Marlow. “Welcome to Bramble.”
Her legs went weak. Oh my God, for months she’d been quietly campaigning to gain citizenship here and it had turned out to be easier than she’d ever hoped.
Shocked, she turned to Cort, who hugged her off her feet.
Everyone loved that, too. She felt certain that Cort could do just about anything and they’d adore him for it.
After a lot of cheering and celebrating, everyone gradually settled into enjoying meals and drinks, which meant Marlow needed to get back on the clock.
With her heart still thumping double-time over the astounding news, she smiled up at Cort. “I didn’t come here looking for someone like you.”
“I know that.”
“But I’m so glad you’re in my life.” In case that was presumptuous, she said, “I hope that will continue.”
“I hope so, too.” Keeping his arms around her waist, he kissed her. “But there’s no rush. You can go on enjoying the sunrises and the fireflies.” He glanced down at her chest. “And your Dry Frog Tavern T-shirts. No pressure, okay? I’m happy that you’re happy. I’m surprised that I’m so happy, because until you, I didn’t realize what I was missing. Most of all, I’m glad I found you.”
Relief that she hadn’t misinterpreted brought back all her confidence. “I think I found you , but I suppose Marines like to take all the credit.”
He treated her to that gorgeous, crooked grin.
“I should get to work.” A glance around the tavern showed several empty glasses. “I think this is the busiest we’ve ever been.”
Before she could move, Herman tugged her away from Cort to give her a long, tight, make-everything-right kind of hug that she felt clean down to her heart. Cherishing the moment, Marlow squeezed him back.
When Herman eased up, he said, “You’re a good one, honey. Now remember that I’m the boss and don’t argue when I tell you to take the rest of the night off.” He flashed a grin at Cort. “I’m sure you two have things to discuss.”
Before she could even think of disagreeing, Cort said, “Appreciate it, Herman.” He caught her hand and started toward the front door.
She resisted. “I can’t go. Herman will be swamped.”
The mayor interrupted their progress. “Not so. A bunch of us will help out. We’ve done it before, so go and enjoy yourself.”
Cort said, “Thanks, Butler.” The two of them shook hands. “For everything.”
Butler winked. “It’s what neighbors do.”
She’d heard that before. It could be a Bramble slogan, maybe on the shirts she’d make. Marlow decided to ask Cort what he thought about the idea—as soon as she got him alone. “We need to say goodbye to Pixie.”
“I’m right here,” Pixie said, having somehow snuck up on them. She held Andy, who was awake and smiling at everyone. “I’ll walk you both out, but I’ll stay another hour or so. Gloria ordered burgers and fries for all of us, and Wade said if Andy got fussy, we could pack the food up for home.” Sheepishly, Pixie said, “They treat me like a granddaughter.”
Cort asked, “Do you mind?”
“I love it.”
Happiness followed them out the door, until they came face to face with Aston and Sandra, who were just leaving their car to come in.
It was a toss-up who was more surprised.
“Sandra,” Marlow said. “What are you doing here?”
Sandra scowled at her, then narrowed her gaze on Pixie. Her color faded, and she breathed harder. “ You .”
Pixie blanched.
Shooting Marlow a killing look, Sandra said, “I can’t believe you’ve hidden her here! From us .”
Well, hell. The day had been going so nicely and now this. There were other people in the lot, some hurrying into the tavern, likely to share the news of yet another standoff.
“No one is hiding,” Marlow said calmly as she stepped down to meet them on the gravel lot. “In fact, we were having a small celebration.”
Fury brought Sandra forward until she and Aston stood right in front of Marlow. “It’s a betrayal of Dylan, of everything he ever meant to you.”
Murmuring voices came closer, meaning they now had another audience. Poor Herman. She’d brought a lot of unexpected excitement to his establishment.
“Would you like to follow me home to talk?” Anyone could see that Sandra was hurting, but to Marlow’s mind, that didn’t excuse such an ugly public display.
Without looking at Pixie, Sandra demanded, “Is she staying with you? Living off you?”
“No. Pixie has her own place.”
“Because of you .” Sandra’s voice broke. “Because you’re helping her behind our backs.”
Aston kept quiet, and for once he looked a little unnerved.
Using a quieter tone than Sandra had, Marlow asked, “Would you rather she and your grandson suffer together?”
Silence stretched between them, then somehow ignited with tension that grew tighter and tighter . . .
The slap snapped Marlow’s head to the side, the sound of its impact loud and obscene, penetrating her ears before the burning pain registered.
Suddenly Cort was stationed in front of her, his body rock hard and practically vibrating with controlled rage. “Back. The fuck. Off.”
Marlow wanted to tell him she was okay, but she was still too stunned to get the words out.
Herman stepped to her right side, his hands fisted and his angry breath audible. Pixie stationed herself at Marlow’s left. Andy, bless his innocent little heart, cooed with interest but thankfully no fear. He was a very secure little boy.
It seemed that dozens of people emptied out of the tavern to stand beside or behind her.
As what had happened sank in, Marlow could only gape at her mother-in-law. Disbelief seemed to be her overriding reaction, but a fresh torrent of rage rushed in behind it.