A Texas Family Reunion

by Judy Christenberry

  They left the house to head for Outback, their favorite steak house. During dinner, they remembered their first meal there, when Susan was trying to catch Pete.

  Susan protested, but Pete seemed pleased to know that even then she’d wanted him. “But I’ll admit I was a little surprised by you two. I understood Alex was his cousin, not his love interest.”

  Alex spoke up quickly. “He said I had to come to make the numbers even,” she said with a smile.

  At the same time David said, “Yeah, we were just learning about each other.”

  Alex and Pete looked confused. Susan grinned. “I knew it! That’s wonderful, David!”

  “What is she saying?” Alex asked.

  “I’ll explain later, honey.” David frowned at his cousin.

  “Shall we order a Chocolate Thunder from Down Under?” Susan hurriedly asked.

  “Good idea, Susan.” David waved for the waiter and placed the order. Then he introduced another subject.

  When they went home to Alex’s condo that evening, Alex hadn’t forgotten her question. “What did you mean?”

  “She meant she’d figured out why I suggested inviting you.”

  “To make the numbers even?”

  “No, honey, that’s just what I told her. And she didn’t care what my reason was as long as it got her what she wanted.”

  “Well, why did you invite me?”

  David released a big sigh. He turned around to gaze levelly at Alex. Moving toward her, he reached out to take her hands in his. “What I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “That I want you.”

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Alex felt her head spinning. Her arms went around his neck and she pressed against him. Her blood raced and she didn’t bother to think through his explanation, because he was doing exactly what she wanted him to do.

  When he swept her up into his arms and carried her to his bed, she gave in to her dreams and urged him on. All reason fled her mind. All she could think of was David.

  DAVID PLACED HER on his bed and then lay down beside her. “Oh, Alex, I’ve been wanting to—” She kissed him, interrupting whatever he’d intended to say. And he had no idea what it had been. She knocked words out of his head. Her silky hair brushed against him, and he ran his fingers through it.

  When his skin touched hers, he wanted to kiss every inch of her. But every time he began kissing her skin, she urged him back to her lips and he forgot what he’d intended to do. Then he began removing clothes. When both of them were naked, David whispered her name. “Alex, are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  When he entered her, he was shocked to discover she was a virgin. “Alex!” he gasped.

  “Don’t leave me!” she urged.

  “No, no, I won’t.” He held her tightly and began a rocking motion that brought them both to completion. Then they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  WHEN HE AWOKE in the morning, David was alone. He got out of bed, finding his clothes all over the room. He hurriedly showered so he could talk to Alex. But when he was dressed and made it to the kitchen, he found only a note. Hoping to read a love note, he got a matter-of-fact reminder about the deliveries to be made today, sitting on top of folded sheets and towels.

  He looked at his watch and realized he was late for work. Was Alex at work already? He grabbed the phone and dialed her office number. When Carrie answered, he asked for Alex.

  “I’m sorry, David. Alex went out to look at a new case she got this morning.”

  “When do you expect her to be back?”

  “I’m not sure. Shall I ask her to call when she gets back?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll be at my office until I go to the house to meet the delivery men.”

  “I’ll give her the message,” Carrie assured him.

  After she hung up the phone, she turned to her husband. “I think I’ve discovered the reason for Alex’s distraction this morning.”

  “Was Alex distracted? I didn’t notice it.” Jim was busy with his latest case.

  “Of course you didn’t. You’re a man.”

  “Whoa, sweetheart. What did I do wrong?”

  Carrie shook her head. “Not much. But Alex was…upset this morning and you didn’t even notice.”

  “So what do you think upset her?”

  “Your brother, of course.”

  “What did he do?”

  “I don’t know. We’ll see what she says when I give her David’s message.”

  David called again just before one o’clock. “Has Alex not come in yet?”

  “No, David, she hasn’t.”

  “Damn! Oh, sorry, Carrie. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, David. Sorry I couldn’t help you.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Alex came into the office, carrying some lunch she’d stopped and bought on the way. “Have you had lunch, Carrie? I can go back out and get you some.”

  “No, I’ve already eaten. We thought you’d be back sooner.”

  Alex avoided her gaze. “Sorry if I took too long.”

  “No, of course you didn’t. But David called. Twice. He seemed anxious to talk to you.”

  “I don’t think he’ll be at the office now. I’ll talk to him later.”

  A few minutes later, the phone rang again. “Of course, just a minute.” Carrie turned to Alex. “It’s your cousin, Susan.”

  Alex picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Alex,” David said.

  “David? I thought this was Susan.”

  “I had Susan ask for you because I didn’t think you’d take a call from me.”

  “I thought you’d be at your new house.”

  “I am. I’m using Susan’s cell phone.”

  “Did your bedroom furniture arrive?”

  “Yeah, it looks great. Are you coming here after work?”

  “I don’t think I’ll be able to.”

  “When will you be home?”

  After a short silence, she said, “I’ve got some shopping to do. I may not be home until very late. You should go ahead and go to bed.”

  “I’ll wait up.”

  “Suit yourself,” she said, and hung up the phone.

  When it rang again, Alex immediately said, “I’m not here, Carrie.”

  Carrie nodded at Alex even as she answered. “Greenfield and Associates.”

  “No, David, she left as soon as she hung up. I’m sorry. Do you want to leave a message?”

  “No. Just tell her I’ll wait up.”

  “I’ll certainly do that.”

  After she hung up, Carrie turned to Alex. “He said to tell you he’d wait up.”

  Alex covered her face and groaned.

  “Alex, is there something I can do for you?” Carrie asked.

  “Yes. You can tell me where the closest hotel is.”

  “Sure I can tell you that. But why?”

  “I’m not going home tonight,” Alex announced just as Will and Jim came into the office.

  They came to an abrupt stop.

  Will asked, “Is something wrong with your place?”

  “Uh, yes, there’s something wrong with it.”

  “Then you can stay with us. We have plenty of room,” Will said.

  His generosity shook Alex. “No, I can’t. There’s nothing wrong with my place. I just…I need to stay somewhere else tonight.”

  “Like I said, you’ll stay with us.” Will nodded, as if it was settled. “I’ll call Vivian and tell her we’re having company.”

  Will left the room and Alex stared after him.

  Jim looked at Carrie. Then he said, “Alex, is there some way I can help you?”

  Alex shook her head.

  “You’re sure my brother isn’t the problem?”

  “No, it’s not David’s fault.”

  “Why not?”

  “I…I led him on.” She looked away. Then she turned back to face Jim. “It’s becau
se I can’t face him that I can’t go home tonight. He’s going to wait up for me.”

  “You’re sure he didn’t do something he shouldn’t have?”

  “I’m sure, Jim.”

  Will came out of his office. “Vivian said you should join us for dinner. Betty will serve it at seven.”

  “Thank you, Will. I have to do some shopping, but I think I can be there by seven.”

  DAVID WAITED UP until one in the morning. By then he’d given up, realizing Alex wasn’t coming home. Because of him.

  She probably hated him.

  But he’d had no idea she was a virgin. A cop who was a virgin. Somehow, he’d assumed…but he should’ve asked. He should’ve taken better care of her. He still had to talk to her, but it wouldn’t be here. He’d go to her office and talk there. Where there were no beds. She’d feel more comfortable in an office setting.

  He got a couple of hours’ sleep. Then he got up early and packed his new wardrobe. He even stripped the sheets, putting them in the washing machine.

  As he expected, Alex didn’t come home last night or this morning. He took all his clothing to his new house. He hoped Alex would visit him there. But he had no idea if he’d ever see her again.

  It felt good to get some of his belongings in the house. But he wanted Alex there more than anything. When she was beside him, everything seemed easier, happier. He didn’t want to live there without her. The dog! That thought pleased him. He’d forgotten his promise to her about the dog. Surely she’d go with him to find a dog.

  Then he let out a breath. It was a possibility that she wouldn’t. But he’d try. He would definitely try.

  After he’d put his things away, he decided to go to Alex’s office and ask if he could speak to her.

  LAST EVENING had been pleasant for Alex. She’d bought a new nightgown and robe and a new outfit to wear to work the next day.

  She’d been welcomed with open arms, including Betty’s. Alex figured she’d weigh double her weight if she lived with Vivian and Will. With all that hospitality and good food, she’d thought—hoped—she’d get a good night’s sleep.

  But no, she hadn’t.

  She’d had nightmares that had kept her awake half the night. She’d tried to cover the dark circles under her eyes. That didn’t work well, either. Betty, having noticed the circles, had tried to feed her more food.

  At the office she got right to work, after asking Carrie not to pass on any calls to her unless it was business. She thought that would stop any calls from David. After all, Carrie would recognize his voice.

  She’d been working about half an hour when David came into the office.

  “Carrie, I’d like to talk to Alex for a couple of minutes in private.”

  “Yes, of course, David, if Alex…that is, if she wants to. You can use Will’s office. He won’t be back for a while.”

  “Alex?” David asked softly, waiting for her answer.

  Alex got up from her chair and walked to Will’s office without looking at David.

  He followed her, carefully closing the door behind him.

  “I waited up for you last night.”

  “I’m sorry. I spent the night at Will’s.”

  “You could’ve told me you didn’t want me there. I could’ve spent the night at the house.”

  Alex shook her head. Then she muttered, “It was my fault, not yours.”

  “Your fault? What do you think you did wrong, sweetheart?”

  “I misunderstood.”

  David took a step toward her, but stopped when she took a step back. “I don’t understand.”

  “I thought you—I didn’t understand that you wanted sex.”

  “What did you think I wanted?” he asked slowly.

  “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just pretend last night, I mean, two nights ago, didn’t happen. You’ll move into your house and everything will be okay.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t think I like that idea.”

  “I think it’s the only way to handle it.”

  “So, as long as I’m not living with you, you’ll be glad to help me out? Help me buy furniture, find a dog?”

  “I…I will if I have time.”

  “Alex, this isn’t going to work.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you don’t want to be around me. Look, I didn’t know you were…inexperienced, sweetheart. I wouldn’t have….”

  “I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t realize… I’ve heard some men don’t like an inexperienced lover.”

  “Is that what the problem is? You’re embarrassed?” he asked, his voice rising.

  “No! That’s not the problem.”

  “Then damn it, tell me. I can’t fix it until I know what went wrong.”

  “You mean besides my being inexperienced?”

  “No, I don’t consider that a problem.”

  “It’s too embarrassing,” she said abruptly.

  This time he stepped forward and she didn’t back away. “Sweetheart, I can be patient, but I need to know we’ve got a chance for a future.”

  “What kind of future?”

  He frowned. “You don’t know what kind of future?”

  “I don’t— You said you wanted me.”

  “Well, of course, I want you. I hoped you wanted me.”

  She let her gaze fall to the floor. “I did. But I don’t want an affair,” she said in a low voice.

  “Mercy, sweetheart, I don’t want an affair with you, either! I want you to be my wife, to share my bed every night, to have children and a dog. Isn’t that what you want?”

  “You’re not just saying that because it was my first time?”

  He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. “No, I’m saying it because I love you.”

  “Oh, David!” Alex cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Yes, that’s what I want, too.”

  He wiped away the tears with his fingers. “I think we’ll be very happy, Alex.”

  “Yes, I’ll be Mrs. Barlow.”

  “You think so? I have to tell Mom first.”

  “Yes, you do. I want the Barlow name. I think it’s magic.”

  “You don’t think it will hurt Susan?”

  With her arms around his neck, she said with a grin, “I don’t think so. She’ll soon be Mrs. Dansky.”

  “You’re right. I’d forgotten about that. Well, I’ll take care of that explanation tonight when I ask your mother for your hand.”

  “You’re really going to do that?”

  “I really am.”

  Epilogue

  The Greenfield house was full of family members and a few others who knew the two couples being joined in matrimony today.

  Since David and Susan’s mother refused to participate in the wedding or accept their choices into the family, she wasn’t missed.

  The house was full with the five Barlows and their spouses or soon-to-be spouses. Susan was upstairs with Alex, preparing for the wedding. When Susan suddenly jumped up and ran for the bathroom, Alex and Vanessa heard the sound of her throwing up.

  “Damn, another one bites the dust,” Vanessa said.

  “What are you saying?” Alex asked.

  “I’ve seen this before. She’s pregnant.”

  “Really? Are you sure?”

  “She’ll come out telling us she must have the flu. But she won’t have any fever and she doesn’t know of anyone who’s been sick. Most important of all, she won’t meet our gazes.”

  When Susan returned to the bedroom and told them all the things Vanessa had said, Alex stared at her.

  “You’re pregnant?”

  “No, no, of course not. I just ate something….”

  “You’re pregnant, Susan, and I think it’s wonderful,” Alex said, hugging her cousin.

  “I thought you’d be mad at me,” Susan said with a sob.

  “No, honey. I don’t think you did it on purpose.”

  “No one will, Susan,” Vanessa said softly. “You’re not the firs
t one this has happened to. What does Pete think about it?”

  “He doesn’t know!” Susan exclaimed with fear in her voice.

  “You haven’t told him?”

  Susan shook her head.

  “What happens when you throw up in the mornings?”

  “I just wait until he goes downstairs. Then I go throw up.”

  “Honey, he promised to marry you, didn’t he?” Alex asked.

  “Yes, but what if he calls off the wedding?” Susan asked tremulously.

  “Good heavens. No wonder you’re throwing up. I’m going to go get David,” Alex said. “Can you stay here with Susan?”

  “Sure.”

  Even though Alex wore her wedding gown, Alex knew David wasn’t going to refuse to marry her. And she didn’t believe Pete would refuse to marry Susan, either. But Susan was driving herself crazy and probably causing more uneasiness.

  When she reached the first floor, Betty came out of the morning room. “Child, what are you doing here? No one’s supposed to see you!”

  “I need to see both grooms, Betty. It’s an emergency. Can you find them and send them to the top of the stairs, please?”

  “Okay.”

  A couple of minutes later, Alex heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. Both men, when they became visible, looked worried. When he saw her, David ran to Alex, his arms going around her. “What’s wrong, honey?”

  “Where’s Susan?” Pete demanded, anxiety in his voice.

  “I’m fine, David. Pete, um, Susan has a problem she should’ve told you about. She’s afraid you won’t want to marry her.”

  “That’s ridiculous!” Pete snapped.

  “Have you noticed her throwing up?”

  David’s eyes widened. Reality hadn’t hit Pete yet.

  “Well, yes, but I figured it was just nerves. Is she really sick?”

  David smacked his friend on the back of his head. “Don’t you know how babies happen, Pete?”

  It took Pete a few seconds to put it all together. Then light dawned and he stared at Alex. “You mean—you mean Susan’s pregnant? We’re going to have a baby?”

  “Can you promise to marry her, anyway, Pete? She’s feeling miserable right now.”

  “Where is she?” he asked eagerly.

  “In here,” Alex said, opening the door to the room they were using. “Vanessa, can you come out here?” Alex asked. Then she shoved Pete inside and closed the door.