The Bachelor (7 page)

“You’re too smart for your own good, Mom.” As he rose from his seat, he realized Raina was completely dressed for the day.
She wore navy blue slacks, a white blouse with a tie, and the pin with three baseball bats, a diamond in each, clipped into
the center—a gift from his father after Chase’s birth, and added to with each son she’d delivered. Other than her slight pallor,
she looked great. The way his mother always looked, he thought with pride. “Going somewhere?” he asked.

She nodded. “To the hospital to read to the children.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.

“And before you argue with me like Chase and Rick tried to do, let me tell you something. I’ve been in bed since late Friday
when your brothers brought me home. It’s a beautiful morning. Even the doctor said fresh air would do me good as long as I
take it easy.”

“Ma—”

“I’m not finished.”

She waved a hand in front of his nose and he lowered himself back into his chair, knowing better than to attempt to get a
word in edgewise.

“I always read to the children on Monday and Friday. Jean Parker has chemotherapy treatments on those days and she looks forward
to hearing
Curious George Goes to the Hospital.
”

Bless his mother for caring, he thought. Even ill, she put others first. She’d always had more than enough room in her heart
for any kid who’d walked into their home.

As if she’d read his mind, she placed her hand over that heart and rubbed gently. “And besides, there’s nothing like
children
to make a heart feel decades younger.”

He rolled his eyes. “More rest will do the same thing, so after you read, I expect you home and in bed.” No way would he touch
the dig regarding kids. Not when he was about to embark upon a hunt to find a mother for his. “Are you finished with the monologue?”
he asked politely.

She nodded.

“I wasn’t going to argue. I just wanted to know if I could make you breakfast. I wouldn’t want you to wear yourself out before
you start your volunteer work.”

A smile worked its way onto her face. Considering she was over sixty, her skin still held a glow most women would envy and
the lines weren’t as deep as many others’ her age. Fear of losing her suddenly washed over him. He stood again and held out
his arms. “I love you, Mom. And don’t you
ever
scare me like that again.”

She rose and hugged him in return, her arms and her grip strong and sure. This was his mother, the woman who had raised him,
and though they touched base only once in a while because of his schedule, he adored her. He couldn’t imagine life without
her in it. “I want you around for a long, long time.”

She sniffed. “Me too.”

“Don’t wipe your nose on my shirt.” Female tears made him uncomfortable and he wanted her perky and strong again. “The doctor
said you’ll be fine as long as you take care of yourself, right? No stress, no overdoing it?”

She nodded.

“I suppose reading couldn’t hurt. Can I drive you into town?”

“Chase is picking me up.”

“How are you getting home?”

“Eric is dropping me off after lunch.”

“How is Dr. Fallon?” Roman asked.

“Fine. Looking out for me just like you boys.” She stepped backward, dabbed her eyes with a napkin she’d swiped off the table,
and though she didn’t meet his gaze, she was his composed mother again.

“How about a bagel and a cup of decaffeinated tea?” Roman asked.

“Don’t spoil me. I’ll be lost when you’re gone.”

He grinned. “Somehow I doubt that. You’re the strongest woman I know.”

Raina laughed. “And don’t you forget it.”

An hour later, Roman slipped out of the house for a walk to town, grateful his mother’s breakfast discussion had included
only town gossip and no more baby talk. He knew what he had to do and neither needed nor wanted a reminder.

The job ahead wouldn’t be a simple one. The women of this town were raised to be wives and mothers—working or stay-at-home,
it didn’t matter. It was the wife part that made Roman nervous, and had him wondering how the hell he’d find someone willing
to accept his untraditional needs. He needed an untraditional woman who’d accept his absences and wondered if that person
could be found in Yorkshire Falls.

There was always the possibility of choosing a more cosmopolitan woman, one who understood Roman’s needs better. He’d have
to check his PalmPilot when he got home, but a few women he’d met in his travels and knew more intimately in the past came
to mind. There was Cynthia Hartwick, an English heiress, but Roman immediately shook his head. She’d hire nannies to care
for her children, and Roman wanted any kid of his to know a loving motherly upbringing.

He’d always liked Yvette Gauthier, a pretty redhead with a bubbly personality and the ability to make a man feel like a god.
Then, just as he recalled how that same personality trait had nearly smothered him, he also remembered she’d become a flight
attendant, which meant she wouldn’t be around if his kid fell and got hurt or needed help with homework. Raina had always
been home for her boys. Though Roman didn’t mind if his wife worked, a long-distance job for both parents was out of the question.

His mother wouldn’t approve of either woman. It made him laugh thinking of Raina’s reaction to the cool Englishwoman or the
sultry French tigress. His mother was the crux of this situation—
she
wanted grandchildren, so the woman would have to live or be willing to settle in Yorkshire Falls.

So much for the women he’d met along the way, Roman thought wryly. He felt somewhat relieved. He couldn’t imagine marrying
any of them anyway.

The glare of the sun beat down on his aching head. He definitely wasn’t in the mood for people yet. Not until he’d had some
caffeine, but as he approached town, his solitude was interrupted. A high-pitched voice called to him and he turned to see
Pearl Robinson, an older woman he’d known forever, rushing toward him dressed in her housecoat and her hair in the same gray
bun she’d always favored.

“Roman Chandler! Shame on your mother for not telling me you were in town. Then again, she’s got more on her mind than gossip.
How is she feeling? I baked a tray of brownies to bring over this afternoon. Is she up for company?”

Roman laughed at Pearl’s rambling. She was such a sweet woman, harmless if you didn’t mind chatter and nosiness, and after
being away for so long, Roman was surprised to find he didn’t mind either.

“Mom’s okay, Pearl, thanks for asking. And I’m sure she’d love to have a visit today.” He gave the older woman a quick hug.
“How’ve you been, and how’s Eldin? Still painting?”

For an older couple, Pearl Robinson and Eldin Wingate had had an unconventional living arrangement for years. Unmarried, they
shared an old house owned by Crystal Sutton, another friend of Raina’s, who’d had to move to a nursing home a year or so ago.

“Eldin’s still painting, though Picasso he isn’t. But he’s fine, thanks for asking, and healthy, knock on wood.” She banged
on her head with her fist. “Though his back still acts up on occasion and he still can’t carry me over the threshold. That’s
why we’re still living in sin,” she said, citing her favorite description of their relationship.

Pearl loved announcing their status to anyone who’d listen, as many times as they’d allow in the course of one conversation.
Obviously that idiosyncrasy hadn’t changed. But Roman’s reaction to it had. Instead of being annoyed by her single-minded,
self-oriented focus, he realized he’d missed his small town and all the different people who occupied it.

Even the peaceful quiet of his morning walk had been a refreshing change from his hectic daily life. How long, though, before
the boredom and confinement he’d felt in his youth resurfaced and took over? How long would his enjoyment last once he got
hitched? He shuddered to think of his imminent doom.

“Are you sick?” Pearl put a hand to his forehead. “You can’t possibly be chilled on such a nice day. Maybe your mother should
be taking care of you instead of the other way around?”

He blinked and realized he’d gotten lost in thought. “I’m fine, really.”

“Well, I’ll let you get going. I’m just going to the bank and then on home. I’ll be by to see your mother later.”

“Say hi to Eldin for me.”

Pearl headed for the bank on First and Roman picked up his pace too. So much in town had stayed the same, but it was the new
and different things that interested him now and he headed straight for Charlotte’s store. Now,
she
was a woman who always drew him, no matter how many times she fought the idea.

Though they were mismatched opposites, she tempted him. Unfortunately, she didn’t meet the one criterion that mattered most,
her willingness to accept his travels. His desire to storm the shop and her defenses was strong, but reality asserted itself.
Any contact between them could only cause them both pain.

Resigned, he turned to find Rick standing where he’d been last night, watching him with a speculative gleam in his eye. “On
patrol again?” Roman asked.

“Just looking out for suspicious characters like yourself.” Rick grinned.

Roman let out a groan and rubbed his burning eyes. “Don’t start.”

Rick eyed him warily. “Someone’s testy this morning.”

Roman hadn’t been until Rick started bugging him. “Later, brother. I need coffee.”

“Ah, yes. To help you wake up so the wife hunt can begin.”

At Rick’s words, Roman’s head began to pound harder.

“Good luck.” Rick walked past him and started for the panty-filled store.

“What gives?”

Rick turned, not a hint of amusement in his gaze. “Business.”

“The panty thief.”

He nodded but said nothing more. He didn’t have to. He’d already given Roman more information than he should have, all off
the record. Someone was breaking into the store customers’ homes and stealing one particular brand of panties. Rick figured
Charlotte could provide pertinent facts the police needed for their investigation.

“Want to join me?” Rick asked.

Roman looked for signs Rick was having fun at his expense. After all, this was the brother who as a teenager had answered
the phone and agreed to blind dates in Roman’s place. But Rick stood waiting, not a grin in sight.

Roman assessed his options. He had none. The woman of his dreams was inside. Roman shot his middle sibling a grateful glance.
Though gut instinct and self-preservation told Roman to steer clear, curiosity pushed him inside.

So, he admitted, did his desire to see Charlotte once more.

*     *     *

At the sound of the door chimes, Charlotte stopped in the middle of folding lavender lace underwear. She glanced up to see
Officer Rick Chandler saunter inside.

She gave him a friendly wave, but her hand froze in midair as Roman followed him in. She licked her dry lips as she watched
them walk through her feminine store.

Side by side, the contrast between the brothers couldn’t be more clear. All three Chandler men were beyond breathtaking. But
no matter how handsome, Rick didn’t have the same devastating impact on Charlotte as Roman did. Ever since her return to town,
they’d become good pals, nothing more. Even Chase, who resembled Roman in looks, didn’t come close to tipping Charlotte’s
Richter scale the way Roman did.

Something about the youngest Chandler brother, his jet-black hair, his confident stride, and his compelling blue eyes, captivated
her. Made her yearn for things beyond her control or understanding. She shivered, then let reality return. No matter how good-looking
the Chandler men were, none of the brothers were interested in settling down. It was part of town lore. Charlotte couldn’t
let it be her downfall.

She shook her head, and then wiggled her arms, fingers, and toes. “Relax,” she muttered aloud. Roman had always been perceptive
and she didn’t want him to think her nerves had anything to do with him. Last night had proven Roman was too cocky for his
own good and he didn’t need additional ego stroking.

“Hi ya, Charlotte.” Rick strode up to her, ignoring the panties strewn about, and rested an elbow on the counter, as confidently
and casually as if he were surrounded by baseballs and mitts in the sporting goods store down the road.

Roman stood beside him, devouring her with a single, sexy look.

“Hi, Officer.” She managed a friendly wink meant to encompass both men. “So what can I do for you this morning? Are you here
to check out the newest in thong underwear?” She tossed the joke she always used on Rick, attempting normalcy.

Rick grinned. “Not unless you plan on modeling for me.”

She laughed. “In your dreams.”

Roman cleared his throat, obviously meant to remind them that he was in the room. As if she could forget. “Come on, Roman.
You have to know your brother here likes all women. He’d have a harem if it were legal, wouldn’t you, Rick?”

Rick merely chuckled.

“Can we get down to business?” Roman asked.

“Police business, unfortunately.” Rick’s mood suddenly sobered.

Charlotte didn’t like the intense sound of his voice. “Why don’t we sit?” She led them to the oversized velour Queen Anne–type
chairs near the fitting room.

The two men overpowered the frilly, feminine decor. Her gaze settled on Roman. He epitomized the magnetic lure of the Chandler
brothers, she thought. Every female felt his presence when he was in a room.

Though Roman remained standing, Rick sat, hands clasped between his legs, looking like a man with a secret.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

The brothers exchanged silent glances. Static broke through the quiet, Rick’s police radio calling for his attention. He shot
Charlotte a regret-filled look. “Excuse me.” While he unhooked the two-way radio from his belt and discussed business, Roman’s
piercing gaze never left hers.

Rick glanced up. “I’m sorry. A disturbance at the general store, and backup’s needed.”

Charlotte waved him off. “You go.”
And take your brother with you,
she silently pleaded.