The Texan's Reluctant Bride

“I don’t mind.” After she chewed her buttery croissant, she asked, “Does your brother live with your mother?”

Pete grinned. “No. She’d drive him crazy in no time. It’s been hard enough for him to be the only son around to torment.”

“Torment?”

“Mom can be demanding sometimes.”

“So I take it you don’t want a house near your mother’s?”

“Reasonably close would be okay, but not next door.”

“All right, I think I’ve got the picture. But won’t your future wife want to join us?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Pete explained, “I haven’t chosen my future wife yet. That’s still on my to-do list. But I want a house that will be suitable for the future. I don’t plan on moving again anytime soon.”

“I see. Is your brother married?”

“Nope. Not yet. He wanted to come meet you today, but I wouldn’t let him.”

“Why not?”

“We needed to get down to business.”

“Yes, well, I’ll make a few calls.” Tommie pulled out the notebook that showed all the latest listings. She’d gone through all the available houses in the area in preparation for the executives who would be moving with his company.

She wrote down the addresses of the houses she thought he’d be interested in, family houses. She had to call two of the owners to set up appointments. The other two homes she thought would do were standing vacant. They’d go look at those first.

“All right, I’m ready if you are, Mr. Schofield,” she said with a bright smile, trying to hide her disappointment at misreading her client’s needs.

“Make it Pete.”

“All right, Pete. Shall we go?”

“Sure.”

After the first house she knew she wasn’t hitting the target. “What did you not like about this house?”

“It’s not very attractive on the outside. And it needs some work before I could move in.”

“I see. Well, I’m not sure about the next one, but we might as well look at it to be sure. The two homes in the afternoon will be more what you’re wanting, I think.”

“Is there any reason you’ve lost your enthusiasm?” Pete asked with a frown after they left the next house.

“No. I’m just flustered that I had the wrong kind of homes lined up for you. And I don’t feel I’m finding what you want.”

“Not yet, but you’ve only shown me two houses. We’ll find something. Let’s have lunch.”

It bothered Tommie that they were spending more time eating than looking at houses. She might be disappointed that he was hoping to be a family man, with wife and children in his future plans. It made her revise her feelings toward Pete. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t sell a house to him.

As they were leaving the restaurant, Pete laughed and said, “I should’ve known.”

Tommie looked at him in confusion. “I beg your pardon?”

She followed his gaze to a handsome man approaching them. Pete stepped forward and gave him a hug and then said, “Tommie, I’d like you to meet my twin, Jim.”

His twin? Now Tommie knew Pete Schofield was definitely not The One.

Chapter Two

Pete really knew something was wrong with Tommie. She was quiet during the remainder of lunch, but he’d chalked that up to preoccupation. After all, he knew she was determined to find him the perfect place to live. But when they got to the first house, she seemed less enthusiastic. She ushered him in and let him look around on his own while she made a few phone calls. She made sure she was never in the same room as he.

The house was too cramped and older than he wanted, but Tommie didn’t ask what he thought. She simply took him to the next house, where they followed the same routine. When they left, he suggested they have coffee somewhere and discuss what he’d liked and disliked about the homes. More importantly, he wanted to discuss what was suddenly wrong with her.

“Certainly, if you think that would help,” she responded.

No encouragement there.

“Here’s a Starbucks. Is that okay?”

She nodded and pulled her car into a parking place. When they were settled at a table with cups of specialized coffee in front of them, Pete got right down to business.

“What’s wrong? Have you decided to not sell me a house?”

“No, of course not. I’m sorry if I seemed a little preoccupied today. I didn’t—I have something on my mind.” She pulled a tablet out of her purse. “Now, what did you not like about those two homes?”

He mentioned several things, but his mind was still stuck on her change of behavior. The more he thought about it, she seemed to have become withdrawn right after he’d introduced her to Jim at the restaurant. “What did you think of my brother?”

“He seemed nice.”

“He’s great. I’ve missed him a lot.”

“So why aren’t you moving in with him?”

He frowned. “We’re both grown men. I hope to start a family. Why wouldn’t I buy my own house?”

“Does he have his own house?”

“No. He’s in a condo. I’m not sure what he’s planning for the future.” Pete took a sip of coffee, watching Tommie out of the corner of his eye. She gave no discernible sign that she disliked or disapproved of Jim.

He put down the cup and decided to be blunt. “It seemed to me that you were upset about meeting my brother. I just wondered why.”

“No, not at all. In fact, I could introduce one of my sisters to him, if you want.”

“You have sisters?”

“Yes, two.”

“I didn’t know. Do they resemble you?” he asked, unable to think about three Tommies. One was doing strange things to him. “What are their names?”

“Tabitha and Teresa.”

“Tommie, Tabitha and Teresa? Three T’s?” Pete asked.

His question didn’t win a happy response.

“We’re a little tired of that.”

“Sorry, I just thought—Well, sometimes parents don’t use the best judgment in naming their children. I was really grateful that my mother didn’t—Well, you know how twins get named sometimes. Jim and I were treated as individuals.”

Tommie made no response.

“How old are your sisters?”

Ignoring his question, she said, “Shall I tell you about the houses you’ll see tomorrow?”

Pete frowned. “You don’t want to talk about your sisters?”

She shook her head. “We have a lot of work to do. Now, will you have the entire day free tomorrow to see more houses?”

“Yeah. I’d really hoped I would find a place right away. After all, you’ll be working for my staff next week. I’m flying in the wives, too.”

“I know. I’ve actually talked to a couple of them. I have everything planned out.”

“I’m sure you do. So what do you have set up tomorrow for me?”

She pulled some pages out of her bag. “Here are five houses I think you’ll like.”

He looked at the pictures and read the information. “Do you like any of these?”

“Well, they all have things I like. They’re not perfect, but then no house—or person—is.”

“Okay, we’ll look at them.” He gave her back the papers. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Tonight?” She stared at him, surprised. “I—I need to look for more houses.”

“All work and no play is bad for anyone, Tommie. Why don’t you let me take you to dinner.” Before she could answer, he snapped his fingers. “I just got a great idea. You can ask your sisters and I’ll bring Jim and—and someone else. All six of us will go out to dinner. It’ll be great.”

“I don’t know if my sisters are free. And I don’t think we should mix business and pleasure.”

“Nonsense! Call your sisters now. Are they at work?”

“No. They’re both teachers.”

He could tell she was still resistant. He wasn’t an egotist, but he knew he was fairly good-looking. He’d never had any difficulty getting dates. Not that he’d done much dating in Boston. Starting your own business didn’t leave much time. And after his company was established, it took all his concentration to run. About the only times he’d asked a woman out were to the business and charitable functions he was required to attend. Then the women seemed more than happy to be his date; many hinted they wanted more than one night. So why, then, was Tommie reluctant?

He pressed her. “Call them, Tommie…please?”

After studying him for a minute, she took out her cell phone and dialed a number. “Teresa? It’s Tommie. Mr. Schofield, my client, has offered dinner for the three of us with him, his brother and a friend tonight. Can you make it?”

After she paused for her sister’s answer, she added, “And Tab?”

Another pause. Then, “Okay, I’ll let you know time and place later.”

“They agreed?” Pete asked when she flipped her phone shut.

“Teresa agreed, and she said Tabitha would, too, but she’s making an exercise video for teenagers, so I couldn’t talk to her.”

“Making a video? Is she going to market it?”

“Yes, she hopes to. And she’ll use it in her own classes.”

“I gather she’s a P.E. teacher.”

Tommie nodded.

“And Teresa? What does she teach?”

“Kindergarten. She loves it.”

“That’s terrific. They both sound like they’re doing what makes them happy.” And so was he—going out on a date with Tommie Tyler.

Pete had chosen an expensive restaurant, one Tommie and her sisters had only been to once. Last year, for their mother’s birthday.

Tommie was at Tabitha’s place, waiting for her sister to finish primping after getting home late.

“I’m excited about this evening,” Tabitha said as she came out of the bathroom.

“I hope it’s enjoyable,” Tommie said. She couldn’t keep the qualms from her voice. Though she had no clear reason, she feared the dinner was going to be a disaster. She should’ve held her ground when she told Pete their time together should be for business only.

Teresa studied her sister. “You sound worried. What’s wrong, Tommie? Don’t you like the man? You said you thought he was The One.”

“He’s not,” she replied quickly and succinctly. “I was wrong.”

“Why?” Tabitha asked.

Reluctantly she said, “He’s looking for a nester. You know,” she added when her sisters looked confused. “Someone who loves to make a home, wants to spend her time pregnant and barefoot in the kitchen. That’s not me.”

“Did he say that?”

“Not in so many words, but he’s looking for a big house to fill with lots of kids.”

“So he’s engaged?” Tabitha asked.

“No.”

Teresa said quietly, “Maybe you’re misjudging him.”

“I don’t think so. Besides—” Tommie bit her tongue, not wanting to reveal too much of her feelings.

“Besides what?” Tabitha demanded, sounding impatient with her sister’s worries.

“He’s a twin,” Tommie blurted out.

“Oh,” Tabitha said.

“What’s wrong with that?” Teresa wanted to know.

Just about everything, Tommie said to herself. Combine her propensity for multiple births with Pete’s…She shuddered at the thought. “If I ever decide to have children, I want to have them one at a time,” she said flatly. She crossed the room and hugged both sisters. “You two are great, but don’t you remember how crowded the bathroom was? And how we shared our clothes? None of us knew what was whose or if it would be in the closet when we needed it.”

“I kind of miss those days,” Teresa said with a smile.

Tabitha concurred. “Yeah, we had fun, didn’t we? But poor Mom!”

“Exactly. That’s my point,” Tommie explained. “I’m going to have a career first. And then I’ll have one baby at a time.”

“But sometimes you meet someone who’s perfect. You can’t let him go by without trying to find out what your relationship is,” Teresa said.

“I don’t believe there’s only one man for each woman. If I pass him by, it doesn’t mean I’ll be a spinster all my life.”

“Let’s not have this argument tonight,” Tabitha interjected. “Besides, there’s no time. How does my hair look?”

She wore her hair down to her shoulders, the ends turned under. Teresa had taken her hair out of its customary braid and it flowed halfway down her back, with the sides pulled away in combs. Tommie sometimes regretted cutting her own hair so short, but the chic style suited her. “You look beautiful, Tab. Both of you do.”

“And so do you.” Tabitha giggled. “Imagine us going on a triple date. Why didn’t we ever do this when we were teenagers?”

Tommie knew the answer to that: because it would’ve been a disaster. Just like tonight was going to be. She let the question hang there, unanswered. Instead, she ushered her sisters out the door.

“I told Pete we would meet them at the restaurant.” She hadn’t wanted to give Pete control over when she arrived and left.

All three got in Tommie’s Lexus.

“You know, Tab, when you sell your video, you’ll be able to afford a car like this. Then I’ll be the only one without a nice car,” Teresa said.

“I use my car as an extension of my office, Teresa. That’s why I have to have a nice one,” Tommie said, almost apologetically. She made a lot more money than her sisters and at times it bothered her. Though she was always more than generous. Often she bought three of an item, telling her sisters the bargain was too good to pass up.

As they neared the restaurant, Tommie could feel her nerves start to rattle. By the time she pulled in to the lot, she was ready to turn around and run. But that wasn’t her style. She sat there for a moment, gathering her composure, until the valet approached.

“What’s wrong?” Teresa asked.

“Nothing,” she replied. “Let’s go.” All three got out of the car, and from the valet’s look, she knew they made quite a picture together. After all, they’d been triplets all their lives. They caused a stir everywhere they went.

Which was exactly the problem. She should’ve told Pete.

Pete sat there staring at the door of the restaurant.

His brother interrupted his vigil. “I’ve never seen you like this, Pete. You stuck on this woman?” Jim asked.

“You saw Tommie. What do you think?” Pete returned, smiling at his brother.

“This is the real-estate lady?” the third man asked. He was one of the executives moving to Fort Worth. A single guy, he’d come early to get settled.

“Yeah, Brett. She’s gorgeous, and successful. If her sisters look anything like her—”

Just then, Pete caught sight of Tommie. “There she is.”

All three men turned toward the door.

Brett agreed with Pete’s assessment of the lady named Tommie. Jim was about to agree when a second…and then a third Tommie came into view. The women were identical, tall, slim, blond. Only their hairstyles were different.

Jim spoke first. “What the hell, Pete? You didn’t tell us they were triplets.”

“That’s because Tommie didn’t tell me.” Pete got up from the table and walked over to greet the ladies.

“Good evening. I’m Pete Schofield,” he said to Tommie’s sisters. Then, “Tommie, would you do the introductions?”

She motioned with her hand. “This is Tabitha and this is Teresa. May I present Mr. Peter Schofield.”

“Make it Pete.” He smiled and pointed over his shoulder. “We’re at a table over here.” He took Tommie’s arm and led them to the table. On the way he whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me you were triplets?”

“Does it matter?” Tommie asked coolly.

Pete frowned, but they’d reached the table and he introduced the ladies to Jim and Brett. Both men had stood as the ladies approached.

They all sat down, alternating man, woman. Brett was on Tommie’s left and Pete wasn’t pleased when Tommie began a conversation with his old friend and employee. Tabitha was talking to Jim, which left Teresa, on the other side of Brett, and himself without anyone to talk to.

When Brett turned to Teresa, Pete immediately drew Tommie’s attention. “You two talking about housing?”

“Yes. He’s going to look at all the condos I had lined up for you.”

“Good. Who’s going to show them to him? I mean, we planned on seeing houses tomorrow.”

“I told him I could work him in tomorrow after lunch. After all, it hasn’t taken you that long to look at the houses I’ve shown you. I’m sure tomorrow won’t be any different.”

“Are you upset that it’s taking me some time to find a house? I expected it to be quicker, but I just haven’t seen what I want.”

“I’m taking you to more modern homes tomorrow. That is what you want, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.” Before he could say more, they were interrupted by the arrival of their waiter. After they all ordered, Pete tried to keep the conversation more general. He asked the women about their careers.

Tabitha launched enthusiastically into her story, but Teresa was more reluctant to talk about her teaching. Tommie encouraged her to tell several funny stories about her kindergarten students.

By the time dinner was over, Pete realized he’d learned nothing more about Tommie, as he’d hoped. Especially what was bothering her. He tried to extend the evening with dancing at Billy Bob’s, a famous cowboy bar downtown, but Tommie begged off, citing some more work, and after thanking Pete for dinner, the triplets left.

In Pete’s car, the three men were silent for the first few minutes. Then Brett said, “All three sisters are beautiful. Don’t you think so, Jim?”

“Sure. I met Tommie earlier today, so I didn’t expect any of them to be ugly, but I also didn’t expect them to be triplets.”

“Neither did I,” Pete agreed.

“So, Tommie’s the one you’re interested in?” Brett asked, his voice casual.

“That’s right. Why? You interested in one of them?”

“I was impressed with Tabitha. She said I could come watch her make the video tomorrow.” Brett turned to Jim. “What did you think of Teresa?”

“She seemed nice, but I couldn’t date her. We’d never have any conversation between us. She was as quiet as me.”

Brett laughed and Pete couldn’t help smiling. “That’s not true, Jim. You can talk about a lot. You just don’t like to compete for time. With Teresa, you’d have all the time you need.”

“Yeah, too much.”

“Well, I appreciate the introduction to Tabitha. When you move into a new city, sometimes it’s hard to make connections,” Brett said. “I’m looking forward to seeing her film the video. I bet she wears one of those spandex outfits.”

That was the wrong thing to say. From that point on, all Pete could do was envision Tommie as the exercise guru, wearing bright red spandex and bending over to touch her toes.

The next morning was as unsuccessful as the previous house hunting. Only the kitchen in one home piqued any interest in Pete. Tommie admitted the room was lovely, but Pete’s questions didn’t change her feelings toward him.

“What’s the first meal you’d cook in this kitchen?” he asked, standing at the center island.

She stiffened. Then she said, “Chinese takeout.”

“Come on, Tommie, I said cook.”

“I don’t cook, Pete. I seldom eat at home. If I do, I put a frozen dinner in the microwave or make a sandwich.”

“Tommie, I’m sure you can cook something.”

He obviously didn’t get her point. She was just not a homemaker. She decided to turn the tables. “And what would you cook, Pete?”

“ I don’t cook.”

“Then we have something in common,” she said and strolled out of the kitchen.

Frowning, he came after her. “But, Tommie, you’re a woman.”

“How true. And your point?”

“Well, women should—I mean, my mother is a great cook.”

“Lucky for you.”

“Is your mom a good cook?”

“Not particularly. Since my father died before we were born, she had to work outside the home. Dinners weren’t elegant or well planned. But she took good care of us.”

“I’m sure she did.” He said nothing else until they were in the car. “How did your dad die?”

“He was a fireman. The roof of a burning building fell in on him and another fireman. They weren’t able to get out.” She kept the story short. Though she missed having a father growing up, there was no point sharing those emotions with her client. And that was all Pete Schofield would ever be.

She stuck to business. “The next house also has a nice kitchen. And a study. There are only three bedrooms, however.”

“Then let’s not waste my time. I only want four bedrooms or larger. Don’t you have something nicer?”

“I do, but I can’t show it until next Monday. The builder has one or two things to fix. He’s a perfectionist. He let the Realtors go through it last week, but he told us we couldn’t show the home until Monday. It’s the most marvelous house. Brand-new, with four bedrooms, each with its own bath, another bath downstairs, a study, den, large living room and dining room and a futuristic kitchen.”

“Sounds perfect. Let’s not look at any more houses until you can show me that one.”

“All right, but I must warn you it’s a little pricey.” She named the asking price. “Of course, we can counter with a lower price and he might take it.”

“We’ll decide that after I see the house.”

“All right. Do you want me to take you back to your mother’s, or is there somewhere else I can drop you?” Tommie was feeling a mixture of regret and relief.

“Let’s go to lunch first. I’ve got some ideas I’d like to discuss with you. You have time for lunch before you take Brett around, don’t you? You have to eat, after all.”

Tommie paused before she said, “I can go to lunch with you, but I don’t know how I can help you other than find you a house.”

“I’ll explain. It will be painless, I promise.”

After they were seated in a nearby restaurant and had ordered their meals, he said, “I want to introduce my staff and their spouses to the area, show them some benefits of being here. So I thought I’d start Monday night by leasing a suite at the Texas Rangers game.”

“That’s a lovely idea.”

“Good, I’m glad you like it. I’d like you to come and act as my hostess. It will give you a chance to visit with the wives on a casual basis. You can tell them about the area.”

“I think your taking them out is a good idea, Pete, but I don’t think I should be the one to play hostess for you. I’m sure your mother would do a good job in that role.”

“I love my mother, but she would have nothing in common with these ladies. The wives are younger and wouldn’t have much interest in the local bridge club.”

Tommie sighed. “I don’t know, Pete. It doesn’t seem right.”

“Do you want me to pay you? Is that the problem?”

“No! I wasn’t trying to get more money out of you. I’ll make plenty selling houses to all your staff and you.”

“And your being the hostess means you’ll do a more efficient job finding what each lady is looking for in a house. Do you hate baseball?”

“No, I enjoy watching the Rangers play.”

“Well, then? After all, you won’t have to do any cooking.”

Tommie’s gaze narrowed. She’d vowed to avoid any social contact with Pete, but after all, this was actually business. She nodded her head. “Fine, I accept.”

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