LITMIR.BIZ

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and chair, stood stuffed in a corner. “And I don’t see your grandmother’s favorite rocker.”

      “It’s my favorite now. I took that and the antique treasure chest to my place in Phoenix.” She paused. “And you know that because you helped me get them into my car.”

      Poppy chuckled. “Sure wish you’d had room for some of this other stuff. But at least you left me some place to sit.” Poppy lowered himself into a wooden rocker, and Marley sat on the patchwork quilt that covered the double bed. He started rocking slowly.

      “Honestly, when you and your sisters get together, it turns into a regular hen party, and us old roosters never get to see you.”

      “What do you mean? I’ve been here for every wedding, baptism and special birthday.”

      “It’s not enough. I’d rather have you close by so you could play the guitar for me.” He lifted a gnarled hand. “Since Mr. Arthur Ritus took over my hands, and you moved away, I gave the guitar to one of the great-grandkids. Don’t know as I’ll ever hear it again.”

      “I’m sorry I didn’t bring mine. Too much luggage this time. I’d love to play a few songs for you.” She felt really down, not being able to give him that tiny pleasure. Darn Brant.

      Poppy rocked several times, staring past her. “You’re not upset with me, are you?”

      Leaning toward him, she asked, “Why would you say that?”

      “You wanted to major in music, and I...I should have kept my mouth shut.” He looked away and pressed his lips together.

      “Poppy. You didn’t steer me wrong. I asked for your opinion because I knew you’d give me good advice. I love mathematics, and it’s led to several excellent jobs.”

      “You still teach math?”

      “No longer in the high school. But I work as an adjunct, a part-time teacher, at a local community college in the evening.”

      “Pay well?”

      Marley chuckled. “No. I make my real money as an accountant. See, another reason math was a good choice. And I never gave up on my music. Play every day and often with some bright young men who live in my building. They’re forming a band.” Marley fluttered her fingers in front of him. “Lindy says I need to do something about my nails. Can you imagine me strumming away with false nails?”

      Poppy shook his head and grew thoughtful. “So I hear you’re next in line...” Good, the rumor mill was already working. “...if your mother doesn’t beat you to it.” He chortled. “You going to show me that ring?”

      Marley hesitated. If her mother didn’t beat her to it? Was her mother seeing someone? Maybe so. Marley hadn’t seen much of her since she arrived.

      Marley kneeled in front of him, lifting her hand so that he could grasp it.

      He nodded several times before releasing her hand. As she stood, he said, “Sure hope you found someone stable.”

      Marley was momentarily unable to speak. She hated deceiving her grandfather. He had always been forthcoming and honest with her. Finally, she said, “I certainly hope so.”

      “What’s he do? Heard he had a horse ranch. Those things cost a pretty penny. Sounds like you’ve found yourself someone with money.” Visions of Brant in his threadbare clothing momentarily clouded her thoughts. But then he did have a unit in her high-rise condo building, and those didn’t come cheap. Hers had cost every last penny of the inheritance from her grandmother.

      “He manages.”

      “Well, you bring him around here so I can check him out. I can tell if he’s a prowling alley cat.”

      * * *

      MICHELLE ARRIVED MONDAY before lunch, and after a busy day Marley and Michelle went to bed early. Sleep was a sometime thing with a four-year-old kicking and squirming through the night in Marley’s double bed. A crack-of-dawn riser, Michelle was already up, poking and pulling Marley’s hair to get her attention.

      Marley dragged herself to a seated position, barely able to open her eyes. Since Chloe had dropped Michelle off the day before, Marley had spent every hour with the girl, playing games, puzzles, hopscotch and anything else she could think of. Again she cursed herself for forgetting her guitar. If Brant hadn’t distracted her...Marley playing the guitar had always worked at occupying her sisters’ attention.

      “Let’s play hide-n-seek,” Michelle said and bounded for the bedroom door.

      Didn’t Michelle ever tire? Marley wondered. “Wait. Wait till I’m up,” she told her niece. “Go down and see Granny and get breakfast. We’ll play when you come back.”

      When Michelle took off, clunking down the stairs to the kitchen, Marley flopped back on the bed. At least she’d have a few minutes of undisturbed sleep...

      She awoke to someone screaming in the hallway.

      “I could kill you!” Lindy yelled.

      When Marley made it to the hall, she found Lindy staring at Michelle, who was sitting crying on the floor in the spare bedroom. The room Lindy had her wedding dress in. A room that was usually locked.

      Lindy turned on her in fury. “Aren’t you supposed to be watching her? She just ruined my wedding dress!” A bright red blotch ran down the back of the gown where the plastic covering had been ripped away. An empty pink child’s cup decorated with princesses lay on the floor.

      Marley rushed in and picked up the child.

      “I tripped,” the little girl said, burying her tear-streaked face in Marley’s neck. “I’m sorry.” Lindy came into the room, and Michelle tensed in Marley’s arms.

      “Sorry doesn’t cut it.” Lindy turned to Marley. “Why is she here, anyway?”

      “I’m...” What was the reason? “I wanted to see what it would be like taking care of children...now that I’m getting married.”

      “Well, my solution is don’t have any!”

CHAPTER FOUR

      THE NEXT TWO DAYS didn’t improve as tempers ran hot, especially the bride’s. At least the woman at the cleaners promised to do her best and return the dress by Saturday morning in time for the wedding.

      Marley’s babysitting assignment turned into several days of dealing with Michelle while Chloe suffered through bouts of nausea. And her mother, who usually could be found in the kitchen when she wasn’t serving meals to clients in her catering business, had disappeared. Maybe she was dating someone.

      Lindy avoided her and Michelle, and everyone else managed to disappear into their own activities. On Wednesday morning, Michelle again woke Marley by pulling her hair.

      “We have to get ready.”

      Marley opened one eye. “Why?”

      “We’re going to Kenny.”

      Instantly, Marley felt revived. Kennywood Park. Her sisters and their children had planned a day trip to the park, including Chloe, provided she was up to it. As much as Marley adored her niece and enjoyed the park, she wouldn’t have to go. And that meant she’d be free! After several days of watching the munchkin, she’d have some time to herself, even if it only meant catching up on her sleep.

      Marley pawed through the girl’s clothes that she’d washed the night before. “Shorts?” Marley held up the red ones and saw a frown settle immediately on her niece’s face. “Great! I’ll put on my red shorts, and we’ll be twins.” Magically, Michelle’s expression brightened. Marley packed all the girl’s cleaned clothes into her Dora suitcase.

      Was it only Wednesday? Four more days, not counting today, to go before she could take off for home. Home. She missed Phoenix and

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