by Arianna Hart
“Here he is, Mr. Ross, I told you I could deliver the goods,” Rick said to the older man sitting behind a mahogany desk that must have deforested an acre of woods to make.
Mr. Ross was in his late fifties if Hunter had to guess. His hair had gone completely gray, his eyes were a watery shade of blue, and he had a weak chin that jiggled when he shook Hunter’s hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Ross, I’m Hunter O’Malley,” Hunter said as returned the handshake.
He had soft hands, Hunter thought, remembering his father saying you could tell a man by his handshake.
“O’Malley? I thought your name was Hunter James?” the older man said with a puzzled look at Rick.
“He’ll use Hunter James for publicity purposes,” Rick said shooting Hunter a 'just shut up and I’ll explain later' look.
“Oh I see, kind of like a stage name.” That seemed to reassure Mr. Ross, because he sat back down.
“Well, boys, let’s get down to business. I have another meeting in twenty minutes and I don’t have time to waste on small talk.”
Hunter started to get a fishy feeling about this.
Rick was up to something, and Hunter didn’t like it.
“Here is the contract we give out to our spokespersons. The standard clauses are in there, but I imagine you’ll want to have your lawyer look it over. In addition to the regular, flat rate you’ll receive for doing the commercials and publicity appearances, we will also give you a ten percent commission on any increase in sales from your promotions.”
“What sort of appearances are you talking about Mr. Ross?” Hunter asked, wondering what he meant by spokesperson, commissions, and commercials.
What the hell was Rick getting him into?
“I wanted to wait until we were together to discuss the particulars with Hunter.” Rick’s hands twitched nervously in his lap.
“You’ll be going on a publicity tour that corresponds with the major amateur races across the country. In every city you stop for a race, you’ll make a publicity appearance at one of our affiliated supermarkets. We are counting on you to win those races so that people will be packing themselves into the stores to get your autograph.”
“I always try my hardest to win,” Hunter said non-commitally.
“Better try harder! We’re sinking in over a million dollars on the commercials alone. If you don’t win some of those races over the next eighteen months, then what is the use of splashing your name and face all over print and TV?”
Hunter shot Rick another look. This was getting worse and worse.
“Now shooting for your commercial starts as soon as the lawyers hash out all the details. I’ll have my people send you the script as soon as we get a copy of your signed contract. I’m ready to pay the entrance fee for this race in New Hampshire, and we can start our tour there.”
“That sounds, ah, interesting, Mr. Ross, but there is one problem,” Hunter said as diplomatically as possible. There was no way he way he was going to be in a commercial, forget spending the next year and a half hawking toilet paper. “You see, my father died recently, and the terms of his will state I have to remain in New York for the next six months. I won’t be able to start, ah, touring until after Christmas.”
More like not until after hell freezes over.
“Six months! Are you out of your mind, boy? We need to strike while the iron is hot. This offer won’t wait six months.”
Rick jumped in anxiously, “I’m sure we can work something out. I know Hunter’s father wouldn’t have wanted him to miss an opportunity like this one. We can talk to the lawyer and see if there are any loop holes we can stretch.” Rick was sweating now, staring at Hunter like he was crazy.
“You had better get your ducks in a row. If I don’t hear from you by Monday, this offer is off the table.”
Hunter got up and left the office without shaking Mr. Ross’ hand. He’d let Rick do the sucking up; it’s what he was best at after all.
Rick caught up with him in the parking lot, sweating in his expensive suit. “Are you crazy Hunter? You all but threw away our chance back there! I had to do some quick talking to get him to agree to a little more time. What’s wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? I’m a driver, not some damn actor out to sell toilet paper. If you want to get into commercials so badly, get yourself an actor to represent,” Hunter said angrily.
“Oh, are you too good to take money from a man who sells toilet paper? Well let me fill you in on a few facts friend, this is how it’s done in the big leagues. You can’t get away with just driving anymore. If you want to be in the big time then you are going to have to cozy up to the men with the money. Do you think all those guys on cereal boxes do that because they want to be in your face every morning? Hell no they don’t. They do what the sponsor tells them to do so the money keeps rolling in,” Rick said, pointing his finger in Hunter’s chest.
“Maybe I’m not cut out for the big leagues then, friend,” Hunter said sarcastically. He was beginning to realize that it didn’t matter to Rick how he exploited Hunter, only that the money started rolling in.
“What are you talking about? With your looks and charm you could have Hollywood eating out of the palm of your hand! All you have to do is just come down off that high horse of yours and shmooze a little,” Rick said, nudging him in the arm. “You wash their backs, they’ll wash yours. That’s how it works with these guys.”
“And what about you? I’m the one sitting in aisle five surrounded by toilet paper signing autographs, what are you doing? Cashing checks?”
“Hey, we’re in this together.”
“Yeah, but I’m the only one looking like a fool. All I want to do is drive. If making it big means I’m going to spend more time away from the track selling products for some uptight jerk then I don’t want to go big time,” Hunter said, feeling relief settle through him for the first time that day. For the first time in a long time actually.
“What are you saying?” The sweat was starting to drip on the collar of Rick’s silk shirt.
“I’m saying no. I’m not going to sign that stupid contract no matter what any lawyer says.”
“Listen, this is your chance, don’t throw it away for some hole in the wall dive and a quick lay. I’m going back in there to grab that contract. Are you coming with me?”
“No,” Hunter said with a smile.
“No?” Rick asked in dismay.
“No, I’m not going back in there. And another thing, you’re fired. Good luck with Mr. T.P. Rick, I’m going back to my hole in the wall for good.” Hunter whistled as he walked away, pulling his cell phone from his pocket. He had a lot to do before he caught the train back to the city.
Chapter Nineteen
The bar crowd was starting to thin out, finally.
Marley’s feet were killing her, and her courage had almost deserted her. It was almost two in the morning for heaven’s sake, how long did one of these meetings last anyway?
Maybe he didn’t stay at the meeting? Maybe he already took off for greener pastures, said the annoying little voice that was set on reducing her confidence to shreds.
No, he’d at least come back for his truck if nothing else. Marley held onto that thought through the eternally long night.
When Hunter finally walked through the door, looking like he stepped off the pages of G.Q. in his three-piece suit, Marley didn’t think twice. She hurled herself over the bar and ran to him through the dwindling crowd.
With a glad cry she threw herself into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist, hugging him to her as hard as she could and raining kisses all over his face.
“If this is the welcome I receive when I’m gone for a day, I’m going to leave more often,” Hunter said, capturing her face long enough to kiss her for real.
“Don’t you dare! I’ve been miserable without you. I don’t care where you want to go, I’m going with you. You won’t be able to get rid of me. Oh Hu
nter, I don’t want to lose you. I can wait to settle down and buy a house. As long as I know it’s going to happen some day I don’t mind going around the country with you,” Marley said, trying to get the words out as fast as she could so she wouldn’t lose her nerve.
“Marley—” Hunter started.
“Only, can we wait until I graduate first? I only have one more semester, and it will finish up right before the terms of the will are met. I know you can’t wait to get out of here, but I don’t want to let the bar out of the family,” Marley’s words picked up speed.
“Marley—” Hunter tried again.
“I guess it doesn’t matter too much, I can always go back again later. All that matters is we’re together. You were so right about finding a way. I love you, and if you still want me, we can find a way—”
Marley’s flood of words finally trickled to a stop.
“Marley, can I talk now?”
“Uh huh, it’s just I wanted to tell you everything, and I was nervous and I babble when I’m nervous.”
Hunter put his hand over her mouth and carried her to the storeroom away from their rapt audience.
“Maybe now I can get a word in edgewise,” Hunter said, still keeping his hand over her mouth. “I turned him down.”
“Mummph?”
“What?” Hunter asked, and then removed his hand.
“You did what? I thought that was your dream! You turn right around and tell him yes buster. I’m not having you throw your dreams away and hating me for the rest of your life.”
“Oh, but it’s okay for you to throw your dreams of college, a home and a family away for me?” Hunter raised a brow.
“That’s different, I was just postponing my dreams until you were ready to settle down. You’re throwing your big chance away.”
“No, I’m not. I realized that what I like to do is drive. I don’t want to turn racing into a business. I don’t want to be a cog in some publicity machine where I have to grit my teeth and smile for the camera all the time. I want to drive as fast as possible, that’s what I enjoy. That’s why I fired Rick and told Pete I would buy into his racing school once the conditions of the will are met. In the meantime, he’s agreed to let me work at the school part-time.”
“But your dreams—“ Marley started before Hunter put his hand over her mouth again.
“Have all come true. Except one.” Hunter pulled Marley’s legs out from around him and sat her on a crate. He dug a box out of his jacket pocket and got down on one knee.
“My last dream is the one in which you say ‘I do.’ Marley Sullivan, will you marry me?”
Marley stared at the ring Hunter held in his hand, speechless. Tears started streaming down her face and she felt like if her heart got any bigger it would explode out of her chest.
“Well, will you or not?” Hunter asked a little nervously.
“Yes! Yes, of course I will, you hopeless romantic you! Yes, I will marry you!” Marley jumped off the shelf and on top of him, once again pelting him with kisses.
Hunter held her still long enough to put the square cut diamond on her left hand.
At the feel of the heavy ring on her finger, Marley stopped her assault on Hunter’s face and looked at the ring.
“I hope you don’t mind, it was my mother’s. I’m sure she’d have wanted you to have it. I took a trip to her grave again today and had a long overdue talk with her. I left knowing exactly what I needed to do. I finally realized that she’s always been with me, no matter how far away I tried to run.”
“Oh Hunter, I love your mother’s ring, and I’m glad you made peace within yourself. There’s only one problem with getting married, though,” Marley said archly.
“And what is that?” Hunter said scooping her up into his arms.
“If I marry you, my name will be Marley O’Malley. I’ll sound like a cartoon character!”
Hunter threw back his head and laughed, “If that is our biggest problem I’ll be more than happy to let you keep your maiden name.”
—
Hunter shouldered the door to the storeroom open and stepped into the bar with Marley still in his arms.
“We’re getting married and you’re all invited! Drinks are on the house!” Hunter shouted to the crowd.
Cheers and shouts of congratulations filled the air.
Oscar gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, and patted Hunter on the shoulder. Tiger nodded his head in satisfaction at Hunter, and then gave him a blindingly white smile. Ricardo and Johnny came over to offer their best wishes as well. Even old Tom, who had stayed way past his bedtime to lend Marley some courage, offered his wishes for a happy future.
All in all Hunter felt the happiest he’d ever been.
The woman he loved was going to spend the rest of her life with him, the people that had come to mean more than family were surrounding them, and he had made peace with his inner fears.
He could finally understand how his father could mourn the passing of his wife for ten years. Hunter no longer felt pity and remorse for his father, he knew he’d feel the same way if anything ever happened to Marley.
Knowing that he loved Marley as much as his father loved his mother didn’t scare him. His mother always said O’Malley men love deep. Once again, mother knew best.
—
The church was decorated with red poinsettias and green holly, as befitted a Christmas wedding. The candles glowed softly at the alter, bringing not only warmth and light, but a magical feel to the night.
Marley looked stunning in Mary Kate’s wedding gown, walking down an aisle between their friends and family. The simple veil of Irish lace graced her marginally tamed hair. The red roses she carried stood out against the white of the wedding gown, and Hunter had a brief memory of seeing Marley in nothing but rose petals.
He watched her come closer, and she gave him a sweet, sweet smile, causing Hunter’s heart to stop in his chest. As he waited for her to walk to him on the arm of old Tom, he couldn’t help but think he was the luckiest man alive. Ricardo and Tiger were standing up with him, while Sandy and a crying Mama Louise attended to Marley.
The words of the ancient ceremony blurred together as Hunter looked into Marley’s shining eyes.
How could any dream ever compare to having this woman in his arms every night?
When the 'I dos' were said, he lifted her into his arms and ran with her down the aisle. He was the happiest man alive and wanted everyone to know it.
Back at the reception, held at O’Malley’s, of course, Marley was dancing with Johnny, showing him how to slow dance properly when Hunter cut in.
“Here, kid, learn by example. I want a dance with my wife,” Hunter said as he pulled her into his arms and swept her to the other end of the dance floor.
“I’m surprised you can still move after all you ate. I’ll have to make sure Mama doesn’t cook too often or you’ll end up big as a house,” Marley teased.
“Having Mama help Oscar cater the reception was a stroke of genius. Do you think we could get her to work for us?” Hunter asked, only half kidding.
“I don’t think Oscar wants to quit anytime soon, but if I’m not mistaken, there is an exchange of recipes going on over there,” Marley said indicating the table where Oscar and Mama had their heads bent together.
Chuckling softly, Hunter and Marley smiled into each other’s eyes, content to sway softly to the music.
An uncomfortable cough interrupted their rapture with one another.
“Excuse me, Mr. And Mrs. O’Malley. I have a letter here for you, from your father,” David Haas, Seamus’ lawyer said looking decidedly uncomfortable.
“I’ll take it, thank you. Why don’t you get yourself something to eat and have a drink?”
“I have to get going home soon, but maybe I could take a plate with me? It smells wonderful in here.”
“Go see the lady with the corsage the size of a head of broccoli, she’ll send you home with enough food to feed you through New Year’
s,” Hunter directed the hungry lawyer.
Marley dragged him to the office so they could open the letter in private.
“Go ahead and open it!” Marley bounced up and down impatiently. “Read it out loud,” she ordered.
“Yes, dear,” Hunter teased, kissing her on the nose before slowly opening the letter addressed simply to “Hunter and Marley.”
“To my dearest son and the daughter of my heart,” it began. “If that fancy lawyer I hired did his job, you should be reading this at your wedding. I wanted to leave this world with a clear conscience, so I decided to add this little postscript to my will. There is no cousin in Iowa. You two went on the biggest, most elaborate blind date in history. And it worked too, didn’t it? I knew the moment I met you, my little Marley, that you were perfect for Hunter. I also knew if I told either one of you that, you two stubborn mules would balk and fight and never get together. So I took matters into my own hands and arranged for you two to trip over each other until nature took its course. Forgive an old man for meddling in your lives, but I needed to make sure you wouldn’t be alone before I left this world, so I did what I thought best. I can rest easy with my Mary Kate knowing you’ve found your love. Now we’re waiting to see our grandchildren, so you better hop to it. We’re with you always, Dad.”
“Why that old bas-“ Hunter started “Dear,” Marley finished for him. “He loved us so much that he invented a way to make sure we found each other.”
“I think I could have found you all on my own, thanks anyway,” Hunter said as he pulled her into his arms.
“Took you long enough,” she teased.
“Hey, you guys, can’t you hold off a few more minutes until the honeymoon start? Marley has to throw the bouquet!” Sandy called through the closed door.
Hunter and Marley laughed as they were bundled out of the office and Tiger lifted Marley onto a table.
On the count of three, Marley threw the bouquet over her head into the waiting arms of Mama Louise.
THE END
About the Author
Arianna Hart splits her time between teaching, writing, and chasing after three daughters and a dog. She hasn’t figured out which is the more difficult to catch as of yet.
