Page 47 of A Fortunes of Texas Christmas (Fortunes of Texas)

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One Saturday a month, her parents requested that all of the children spend the morning together for a big family breakfast. Robin knew her brothers thought the idea cheesy, but if they were in town, they always complied. It made their mom happy, and if Veronica was happy, Cliff was happy, too. Because when it came right down to it, family was everything.

As rituals went, the Harbin Sunday breakfast was one she’d easily do for the rest of her life. And since it was only a week and a half until Christmas, the family time was acutely special. They had eggs and fried ham, cheese toast and pancakes, freshly squeezed juice and an endless supply of strong coffee. The kitchen was always busy and filled with laughter.

“So,” Evan said hesitantly as they set the table with their mother’s best china. “Did you hear that Trey got engaged?”

Robin stared at her brother, cutlery in her hands, waiting for pain or rage or despair to settle in her belly and then grip her heart. But...nothing. Zippo. Not a single, solitary feeling. She was, she realized, completely over Trey Hammond.

“How nice for him,” she said and laughed heartily. “And awful for her.”

Evan looked surprised. “So...you’re not upset? You’re really okay with it?”

She made a face. “Yes. I just feel a dose of good old-fashioned relief that it’s not me.”

“That’s our girl,” Cliff said and grinned. “Gumption by the bucket load.”

Robin smiled toward her father. “Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.”

“She’s getting a prenup,” Reece said, grinning. “Or so I heard.”

“Smart girl,” Robin said and finished with the cutlery. “Speaking of weddings, isn’t it time one or both of you got married? Mom and Dad will be wanting grandchildren at some point.”

“Count me out for a while,” Reece said and grimaced. “One marriage, one divorce. I’m not interested in trying again. At least not for a while.” He jabbed a thumb in the direction of Evan. “And no woman in her right mind would put up with Casanova over there. Looks like it’s up to you, sis.”

Robin laughed loudly. “Please. I can think of plenty of things I’d rather do than get married and have a couple of kids.”

Liar...

She pushed the wayward thought aside. She was too young to have a biological clock. And too sensible to waste time dreaming about marriage and babies. One day...but not yet. First, she had to find some sweet, eligible man to sweep her off her feet and make her fall madly in love with him.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than raising a family,” their mother said from behind the counter. “As long as you do it with the right person.”

“Oh, no,” Evan said and rolled his eyes. “We’re going to hear the story about how you and Dad met again, aren’t we?”

“It’s a good story,” Cliff said and winked at his wife. “Very romantic.”

“No, please, I beg you,” Evan said in mock horror. “Don’t say it.”

There was an unexpected knock on the front door and Reece quickly moved to answer it so he didn’t have to hear the story of their parents’ first date and the ensuing first kiss. When he returned a minute or so later, Evan was still pleading with Cliff not to say anything more. Robin looked around and saw Reece hovering in the doorway.

“Uh...Robin...it’s for you.”

She swiveled on her heels just as Reece moved into the room, and then she swayed back in stunned disbelief.

Amersen!

Her stomach did a stupid, love-starved roll at the mere sight of him. Black trousers, white shirt open at the collar, a black wool jacket that fit him so well she knew it was hand tailored...he looked like he’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. She glanced down at her baggy gray sweatshirt, purple leggings and moccasins and realized how scruffy and unkempt she must look. Well, too bad...it wasn’t like she’d been expecting company.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

He remained in the doorway and scanned the room. From the corner of her eye, she could see Evan had moved a little closer and her mother had come around the counter. Her father remained seated at the table, and Reece was still hovering close by.

His gaze was blisteringly intense. “I came to see you.” He looked toward her mother. “But I see I am interrupting. My apologies, Monsieur and Madame Harbin. I shall come back another time and—”

“There’s no need for that,” her father said and waved an inviting hand. “Come and sit down, son. Any friend of our daughter’s is welcome in our home.”

He’s not my friend.

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