“You seem nervous around me.”

Even as Pete spoke those words, he advanced on her, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I am,” Thomasina replied. “We don’t fit together, Pete. I’m a career woman. You’re an old-fashioned guy. It’d be a mistake for us to get too close.”

Close was exactly what they were now. He stood mere inches from her as he said, “It felt pretty good the other day when I held you.”

“Use your head, Pete. This’ll never work.”

He took her by the shoulders, closing the tiny gap between them. “It’s not my head I want to use. It’s my lips.” A millisecond later his mouth claimed hers and his arms wrapped around her.

Any protest she could muster disappeared like mist, and her heart raced. But how could that be? Pete Schofield was not The One.

Or was he?

Dear Reader,

Working with talented writers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. And I’m especially pleased with this month’s lineup because these four authors capture the essence of Silhouette Romance. In their skillful hands, you’ll literally feel as if you’re riding a roller coaster as you experience all the trials and tribulations of true love.

Start off your adventure with Judy Christenberry’s The Texan’s Reluctant Bride (#1778). Part of the author’s new LONE STAR BRIDES miniseries, a career woman discovers what she’s been missing when Mr. Wrong starts looking an awful lot like Mr. Right. Patricia Thayer continues her LOVE AT THE GOODTIME CAFÉ with Familiar Adversaries (#1779). In this reunion romance, the hero and heroine come from feuding families, but they’re about to find out there really is just a thin line separating hate from love! Stop by the BLOSSOM COUNTY FAIR this month for Teresa Carpenter’s Flirting with Fireworks (#1780). Just don’t get burned by the sparks that fly when a fortune-teller’s love transforms a single dad. Finally, Shirley Jump rounds out the month with The Marine’s Kiss (#1781). When a marine wounded in Afghanistan returns home, he winds up helping a schoolteacher restore order to her classroom…but finds her wreaking havoc to his heart!

And be sure to watch for more great romances next month when Judy Christenberry and Susan Meier continue their miniseries.

Happy reading,

Ann Leslie Tuttle

Associate Senior Editor

The Texan’s Reluctant Bride
Judy Christenberry
Lone Star Brides

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Books by Judy Christenberry

Silhouette Romance

The Nine-Month Bride #1324

*Marry Me, Kate #1344

*Baby in Her Arms #1350

*A Ring for Cinderella #1356

†Never Let You Go #1453

†The Borrowed Groom #1457

†Cherish the Boss #1463

**Snowbound Sweetheart #1476

Newborn Daddy #1511

When the Lights Went Out…#1547

**Least Likely To Wed #1570

Daddy on the Doorstep #1654

**Beauty & the Beastly Rancher #1678

**The Last Crawford Bachelor #1715

Finding a Family #1762

††The Texan’s Reluctant Bride #1778

Silhouette Books

Hush

The Coltons

The Doctor Delivers

A Colton Family Christmas

“ The Diplomat’s Daughter”

Lone Star Country Club

The Last Bachelor

JUDY CHRISTENBERRY

has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. She’s a bestselling author for Harlequin American Romance, but she has a long love of traditional romances and is delighted to tell a story that brings those elements to the reader. A former high school French teacher, Judy devotes her time to writing. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two adult daughters.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Chapter One

Thomasina Tyler pasted her most charming smile on her face, smoothed down the jacket of her best suit and opened the door to her boss’s office.

“Ah, Tommie, come in,” Isabel Landon said. “I’ve been telling Mr. Schofield all about you.”

Tommie turned to the gentleman who had risen to his feet as she entered the office, her hand extended. But when she got her first look at the president of the prestigious Boston software company that was moving to Fort Worth, she almost fell off her three-inch heels.

“How do you do, Mr. Schofield,” she managed to eke out, hiding her surprise. Peter Schofield was handsome and young and tall. Even wearing heels, she came up only to his mouth. To his perfectly formed lips. He wore a navy suit that was fitted to him like a second skin, no doubt hand-tailored to accentuate his broad shoulders and lean hips. The taupe shirt brought out the gold in his hazel eyes, and his dark hair was short and styled, probably at the best salon in New England. When he smiled at her and his eyes glittered, she almost forgot why she was there. Almost.

Isabel helped bring her to her senses. “Tommie is one of the best Realtors in Fort Worth. I’m sure she’ll be able to find you the ideal area for your relocation as well as the perfect houses for you and all your executives.”

Tommie’s smile widened even more as she considered the future working with this incredible male specimen. “Please come with me to my office and we’ll get started on your relocation at once,” she said, gesturing to the door.

“With pleasure…” He hesitated, then asked, “May I call you Tommie?”

“Of course.”

Isabel had warned her about the upcoming interview and Tommie had thoroughly prepared for it. Too bad her boss hadn’t warned her about the man himself, she thought. Nevertheless, in her office she had several areas of town picked out with the advantages of each listed for him to consider. Of course, since Mr. Schofield had grown up in Fort Worth, he might already be familiar with the demographics.

Tommie took another quick look over her shoulder at the transplanted Texan. Forget the beef, the beer, the country music, even the presidents—Peter Schofield was the best thing Texas had ever exported!

Smoothing out her red power suit, she reined in her errant thoughts and reached out to open her office door. Her client beat her to it, holding it open for her to precede him.

“Mrs. Landon assures me you’re quite experienced…but you look about eighteen years old,” he said on a short but pleasant-sounding laugh.

Tommie was surprised by her lack of indignation. “Let me put your mind to rest, Mr. Schofield. I’ve been doing this for five years and I’ve won numerous sales awards.” She gestured to the plaques adorning the walls of her office, which was smaller but no less neat and nicely appointed as Isabel’s. “And for the record, I’m twenty-six.” She sat down behind her desk and pulled out some papers. “The same is true on my part. I expected a grizzled older man who’d fought his battles for years to own his own company. You scarcely have a wrinkle.”

He grinned. “I enjoy my work.”

He volunteered no vital statistics, though Tommie suspected he couldn’t be beyond his early thirties. She immediately got down to business. “On this map of Fort Worth I’ve targeted three areas that I think you might like. The blue area is located near Texas Christian University. It has a mixture of old and new housing. It’s centrally located and has good schools and shopping. The yellow area—” She looked up to find Mr. Schofield staring at her, not the map.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, not at all. Why would you ask that?”

“You weren’t looking at the map.” In fact, his eyes continued to peer into her own, making her extremely uncomfortable.

“Oh, I was just distracted,” he said matter-of-factly. “By your beautiful voice.” He cleared his throat and continued without skipping a beat, though her heart had suddenly decided to skip a few. “I’m familiar with Fort Worth. I was born and raised here. Area C is my choice.”

“I knew you grew up here, but I wasn’t sure you’d selected a particular location yet.”

“Yes, I should have told Isabel, but I wasn’t positive until I got back home.” He looked at her, an apologetic expression on his face.

“I guess I don’t have to tell you the advantages of the area, then.”

He shook his head, then reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a sheaf of papers. “These are the wish lists from the executives who are making the move. I’m afraid they know nothing of Fort Worth, but I thought the information would help you find houses to fit their needs.”

“Thank you so much. You’re making my job much easier.”

“And more efficient, I hope.”

“So I’m assuming time is of the essence?”

He nodded, and the friendly client instantly transformed to a diligent boss. “The sooner we all get settled, the sooner we’ll be back at work.”

“Very well. Would you like to start looking for your own house first? Or shall I line up houses for your staff?”

“Let’s start with me. The others won’t be flying in until next week. I’d like to be settled by then.”

Tommie thought he was being overly optimistic, but she wasn’t going to say anything to discourage him. “I understand. Shall we meet at, say, ten o’clock tomorrow morning? I’ll have a list of homes for you to see then.”

“Let’s meet at nine and I’ll buy you breakfast,” he countered.

“Fine. Tell me your hotel and I’ll pick you up there.”

“I’m not staying in a hotel. My mother insisted I stay with her. Here’s the address.” He leaned in and adopted a conspiratorial tone. “I love the woman, but I can assure you I’m highly motivated to get a place of my own.”

Tommie’s lips trembled with laughter. She understood exactly what he meant.

Pete found himself smiling the rest of the day as he thought about his Realtor. When Isabel Landon had told him his company move would be handled by Tommie Tyler, Pete had pictured a smarmy salesman and had worried about how he and his executives would work with the man.

Then the door had opened and Tommie Tyler had entered. He figured he’d be seeing the woman in his dreams. She was a beauty. And she’d done her homework. He’d looked at the areas she’d chosen, knowing any of the three would’ve been fine. He’d chosen the third because his mother and brother lived nearby.

He’d been planning to return to Texas a few years down the road, but he’d pushed up his schedule because of his mother’s health. After all, it wasn’t fair to leave his brother with all the responsibility.

But there was always a bright side. And he’d met her today. Suddenly, the idea of house hunting would be fun. With Tommie.

When he reached his mother’s rambling house, in the most upscale neighborhood in Fort Worth, his brother’s car was in the driveway. Pete felt his day was looking up even more. He’d missed Jim. They were twins, and though not identical, they shared the closeness associated with twins.

Jim had stayed at home and attended Texas Christian University, while Pete had gone away to Harvard, and he’d remained in Boston to start his business. Though over a thousand miles apart, they spoke several times a week and Pete knew every detail of his twin’s rise to partner at a small local CPA firm.

Their demanding schedules didn’t allow for much free time, but they did manage to fit in time for each other and for their mother. Last year she and Jim had visited him in Boston, and they’d recently sent their mother and her friend on the Alaska cruise she’d always spoken of. Pete considered them fortunate to afford such luxuries.

Ms. Tommie Tyler looked as if she appreciated the good things in life herself, judging by her expensive clothes, manicure and coiffed hair. But she’d also demonstrated the priceless things that made life worthwhile. A sense of humor, an active mind and delightful manners.

Pete hoped to delve even further into her personality in the coming days. So far, he’d found nothing to dislike.

He opened the front door to his mother’s house.

“Anyone home?” he called.

“Hey, bro, I heard you were back in town,” Jim said with a grin as he embraced his brother. He’d worked late the night before and hadn’t gotten to see Pete when he’d arrived.

“I’m back to stay this time. How’s everything going?”

“According to Mom, everything’s coming up daisies since her favorite is back home.” Jim rolled his eyes in feigned annoyance.

Pete laughed. “Don’t worry. Now that I’m back, I’ll soon share the guilt for all the wrongs of the world.”

“Damn, I hope so. The burden has been so heavy,” Jim teased, joining his brother in laughter.

Arm in arm, they walked into the family room where their mother sat in an oversize upholstered club chair by the window. She was focused, as always, on her knitting. Luckily for the brothers, she no longer made them things; instead, she sent her handmade articles to shelters for the needy.

Evelyn Schofield looked up. Her hair was now more gray than brown and she’d put on a few pounds, but her eyes were as sharp as ever. “Well, I am honored. My two boys here at once. How did the meeting go with Isabel, Pete?”

“Better than I expected, Mom,” Pete said with a big smile. “She turned me over to Tommie.”

“You’re excited about being turned over to Tommie?” Jim asked, frowning.

“You haven’t met Tommie. Twenty-six, blond hair, big blue eyes, gorgeous. And I’m taking her to breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“Hey, can I come along?” Jim asked eagerly, apparently having caught on to the fact that the Realtor was a woman.

“Not on your life! Find your own girl.”

“Damn, it’s good to have you back,” Jim said, hugging Pete again.

“Yes, it is, isn’t it,” his mother said, smiling at her boys. “Now, who is this Tommie?”

“Her last name is Tyler, but that’s all I know. So far.”

“Oh,” his mother said, suddenly turning her attention to her knitting once again.

“You know her?” Pete asked.

“Why, no, dear, I don’t.” She got to her feet. “I’m going to start dinner. Jim has agreed to suffer my cooking this evening, so just make yourselves comfortable.”

Jim stared after his mother.

“What?” Pete asked, knowing his brother would understand the question.

“Why would Mom lie about knowing Tommie Tyler?”

“Did she?” Pete asked.

“You’ve been gone too long, brother. She definitely knows something about the lady. Maybe she knows her mother.”

Suddenly a horrific thought struck Pete. “You don’t think…” He groaned. “This is all I need, Mom match-making. And I’m not even back twenty-four hours.”

“Why do you think she’s setting you up?”

“Think about it, Jim. She’s the one who sent me to Isabel Landon.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly.” He nodded. “Has she been trying to matchmake for you?”

Jim shrugged his shoulders. “I do seem to run into a lot of women…who coincidentally know Mom.”

“And you didn’t warn me?” Pete asked.

“Are you kidding? I wasn’t going to say anything that might make you change your mind about coming home.” Jim gave his brother a level look.

“Nothing was going to stop me from coming home now. I should’ve done it several years ago. But if the medicine I have to take is spending time with Tommie Tyler, I’ll just have to suffer through it.”

The Triple T’s, as the Tyler triplets called themselves, met for dinner at Teresa’s place. She’d promised to cook since school was out and she had plenty of free time.

Though the triplets were mirror images of each other, all with blond hair and big blue eyes, their interests were different, as well as their sense of style.

“So how was everyone’s day?” she asked as the three of them sat down at the table.

“Great!” Tabitha said with enthusiasm. She was such a high-energy person that it even filtered into her voice, which was high-pitched and peppy. “I’ve just about finished working out the first routine for the video. It’s going to be great.”

Tabitha was in the process of making an exercise and fitness video for teens. “You’re definitely going ahead with it?” Tommie asked.

“Yes. I’ve gotten letters from fifteen school districts interested in seeing the video when I’m finished. I think it’s going to do really well.”

“That’s great, Tabitha,” Teresa said, an encouraging smile on her face.

“It is,” Tommie agreed, “as long as you’re prepared for the opposite happening, too. You won’t be hurt if some of them turn you down?”

“No, Tommie, I won’t. I’ve been teaching these kids for four years. Do you think I convince every one of them to keep up an exercise program?” Tabitha asked with a sigh.

“She’s just being the big sister, as always,” Teresa said.

“Yeah,” Tabitha agreed. “She gets a lot of mileage out of those two minutes.”

Tommie came to her own defense. “I just worry that you might be disappointed.”

“Where were you when Roger dumped me?”

Tommie put her arms around her sister. “Sweetie, I told you he was no good.”

Tabitha rolled her eyes. “I know, I know.”

Teresa joined the hug. “But you survived, and you always will. After all, you have us,” Teresa reminded her. “Come on, eat your dinner before it gets cold. It’s a new recipe.”

Tommie took a bite and praised her youngest sister’s cooking. “This chicken is the best, Teresa. You’re such a good cook.”

“Thank you,” Teresa said with a mock bow. “You haven’t said how your day went,” she reminded Tommie.

“I think I met The One.”

That simple remark got her sisters’ attention.

“Who?” Tabitha demanded at the same time as Teresa asked, “Really?”

“Yes, I think so. He’s…oh, he’s wonderfully handsome.”

“But that’s not what’s important,” Teresa reminded her sister.

Tommie lifted her chin and added, “He’s also bright, ambitious and kind.”

“Who is he?” Tabitha asked.

“Do you remember I told you Isabel was giving me this corporation move? Well, he’s the president.”

“How old is he?” Teresa asked, looking worried.

“He didn’t say, but he didn’t look much older than thirty. He’s taking me to breakfast in the morning.”

“But isn’t that the company from Boston? I don’t think you should marry a Yankee,” Tabitha said.

“Roger was from Texas, wasn’t he? Geographic locations don’t mean that much. Besides, Pete was born and raised here. And his mother and brother still live here.”

“Ah! He has a brother. Only one?” Tabitha asked.

“That’s all he mentioned, and he didn’t tell me his brother’s age, either.”

“Tell us about him,” Teresa urged.

Tommie put down her fork, a dreamy look on her face. “He’s tall, and he has laughing hazel eyes. He’s a take-charge kind of guy, but not rigid.”

“How much time did you spend with him?” Teresa asked.

“Five minutes.”

“And you got all of that in five minutes?” Tabitha asked.

“I’m a good judge of character,” Tommie assured her sister. “Remember Roger?”

“I’m sick and tired of hearing about Roger. He’s long gone and I’m not crying any tears.”

“Not now,” Tommie said with sarcasm, because hers had been the shoulder her sister had cried on.

“Just make sure you’re not crying over this new guy!” Tabitha retorted.

“Not going to happen. I’m not about to let some guy ruin my life. I’ve got plans.”

“Oh, dear,” Teresa muttered.

“What do you mean by that?” Tommie instantly demanded.

“I think she’s saying, ‘Pride goeth before a fall,’” Tabitha said calmly.

“No, I—” Teresa began, but Tommie didn’t let her finish.

“I’m not proud. Just self-assured.”

“Did anyone talk to Mom today?” Teresa asked, desperately trying to change the subject.

“I did,” Tabitha said. “She said she was a little upset because she’d expected you to come see her since school was out.”

“What about you, Tab? School was out for you, too,” Tommie pointed out.

“Yes, but I was busy making my video. She understood that. She thinks I’m going to be wildly successful.” Tabitha lifted her chin in a challenge to her big sister.

“I don’t doubt it, Tabitha,” Tommie said gently.

“Me neither,” added the other triplet.

Tears pooled in Tabitha’s blue eyes, the same blue as her sisters’ eyes. She reached for their hands. “You two are the best sisters in the world.”

Tommie picked up Pete Schofield at nine o’clock, as he’d requested, and they drove to La Madeleine, a French bakery that served breakfast.

“I wouldn’t have picked you for a French-bakery type,” Tommie told him after they got their food and were seated.

He grinned. “It’s hard to find something that wouldn’t be improved with a croissant.”

“That’s true.”

“So, do you know my mother?”

Tommie sat back in her chair, surprise on her face. “What? How would I know your mother?”

“She’s lived in Fort Worth all her life. I just thought you might know her.”

“Sorry. I didn’t grow up in this part of town.” It was too upscale from what she’d had as a child. “You may not have noticed, but Fort Worth is a big city now.”

Pete watched her, but she showed no signs of lying. He changed the subject. “How did you get started in real estate?”

Tommie shrugged her shoulders. “My mother insisted I get a teaching certificate so I’d always have a job, but it didn’t take long after I graduated to figure out that teaching wasn’t for me.”

“Why?”

“I was trying to teach English to thirty students at a time, five times a day. They didn’t want to be there and they let me know it.”

“It doesn’t sound like enjoyable work.”

“It wasn’t. But since I loved houses, I decided to try selling them. I got my license at night and found a job with Isabel’s company as soon as school was out. And I’ve been there ever since.”

“Have you lined up some places for me to look at today?”

“Yes, I have. I made the assumption that you would prefer a condominium rather than a house since you aren’t married and don’t have children. There are some very—”

“You’re wrong,” he said calmly.

“You are married?” Tommie asked, her eyes wide. She attributed the sudden pain in her stomach to indigestion, not regret.

“No, I’m not married yet, but I hope to be soon. I want a large family, a house where we can entertain. No condos for me. I had one in Boston, and while it was beautiful, I’m tired of being boxed in.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should’ve had you fill out some information for me. But I can line up some houses in this area that might work for you, if you’ll give me a few minutes.”

“Of course. Finish your breakfast first. I didn’t mean you had to work through your meal.”

“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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