Finding a Wife For Tanner Page 2

  Sean grinned.

  “A bundle. Sunny couldn’t afford a minute of your time if she had to pay you for it. See, that’s the beauty of my plan, she gives you something money can’t even buy, introductions to all the right people and inside information on the prospective brides you couldn’t get elsewhere.”

  Tanner shook his head.

  “I think you’re crazy.”

  “Give it some thought. I’ll run it by Sunny and the two of you can take it from there,” Sean said enthusiastically.

  “And who exactly is Sunny?” Tanner asked.

  He'd give it some thought, like four seconds, then tell Sean to keep his stupid ideas to himself in the future. Tanner didn’t need help finding his own wife.

  “Sunny is my cousin. Her mother is Mom’s younger sister. When she was a girl, Sunny’s mom ran off with a cop. They were in love.”

  Tanner took a sip of the white wine the waitress had delivered. He was growing a bit impatient with all Sean’s love stories. Never having experienced that emotion, Tanner didn’t give much credence to it. A purely business arrangement seemed much more likely to succeed over the long haul.

  “So they got married and lived happily ever after,” Tanner muttered dryly.

  Sean nodded. “Until Uncle Will died. Killed by some druggie. He left them nothing. It was just the two of them, practically destitute.”

  “Didn’t your aunt move back home?”

  Sean shook his head.

  “Nope, too proud. And too stubborn―same trend you’ll find in Sunny. They stuck it out on their own, poor as church mice, from the way my mother tells it.”

  “So you want help for your poor-as-a-church-mouse cousin―”

  “Hey, I’m not finished. Hold on and hear the rest. The part that makes Sunny the perfect solution for this problem.”

  Tanner glanced impatiently at his watch. Where was lunch? The service didn’t usually take this long. He’d made a mistake in telling Sean about his search for a bride. Now he had to get through lunch and send the man on his way.

  Once back in the office, he’d have Fielding check into the loan agreement for this Sunny’s business.

  “When Sunny was ten, Aunt Susan married Theo Quackenbush.”

  “Talk about old money and old family,” Tanner murmured, his interest picking up.

  “Right. Theo sent Sunny to the best schools. She’s friends with all the blue bloods of San Francisco. She’s known most of these women for years, from before most of them were teenagers. And she knows the gossip surrounding each.”

  Sean sat back, a look of supreme satisfaction on his face.

  “And you think Sunny will gladly jump in to help me find a wife from this illustrious pool?” Tanner asked, knowing that was exactly what his friend had thought.

  “I think so,” Sean hedged.

  “Ah,” Tanner said. “There’s something more.”

  The waitress placed their platters before them. Tanner took a moment to savor the pleasing look of the still-sizzling steak. A far cry from what the poor boy from the Tenderloin used to eat.

  Those days were gone forever―he didn’t even like thinking about them. But he never forgot them. He worked hard to insure he never returned. And he was determined no child of his would ever experience what he’d lived through.

  A quick glance around the restaurant assured him he'd succeeded. The men surrounding him were successful businessmen, bankers, financiers, stockbrokers, corporate executives―the movers and shakers of San Francisco. He’d joined their ranks through sheer determination and hard work. He glanced at Sean.

  “Let me think about it,” he temporized.

  Normally he’d give his friend a flat out no. But something made him want to ease his refusal. Maybe it was because years ago Sean had stood by his friend, the rich boy from Woodside and the poor kid from the Tenderloin.

  “I’ll call Sunny after lunch. I’ll give her your number. The two of you can work things out, okay?” Sean asked.

  “Sure.”

  When Sunny called, Tanner would simply mention he had decided to forgo her services. She couldn’t be too interested in setting up a girlfriend with a blind date, especially with a man she didn’t know.

  “Besides your love life, how are things going?” Sean asked, changing the subject.

  Soon the two men began to discuss business strategies and successes.

  Night had fallen by the time Tanner leaned back in his chair and looked out the big windows that lined one wall of his office. The City by the Bay sparkled. The lights outlining the Bay Bridge seemed to shimmer across the inky water. The Trans America pyramid gleamed in the darkness, lights shining from offices where men and women worked late. He stood and wandered to the window for a closer look. He loved the city. Born and raised here, he never wanted to live anywhere else.

  When his phone rang, he wondered who'd call his private line at―he glanced at his watch as he crossed the room―eight thirty-five.

  “Wright.”

  “Hello, is this Tanner Wright?” a breathless feminine voice inquired.

  “Speaking.”

  “Well you're hard to track down. I tried calling you at home several times since six, but there was never an answer. I was sort of surprised you even had a land line. I mean cell service is so good throughout the city. Anyway, I thought you’d be home by six, even with the rush-hour traffic. Now I know why your phone there just rang and rang. You must not have an answering machine. I understand most friends probably call on your cell. Still, it would be nice to have an answering machine. Do you always work so late?”

  “Who is this?”

  His habits were no one’s business but his own.

  “Oh, sorry, I guess I jumped ahead. This is Sunny Pritchard. I’m Sean Murphy’s cousin. He said you were expecting my call. I tried to call this afternoon, well actually, I wanted to call then, but things kept coming up. And this isn’t the kind of thing you want to discuss with a shop full of brides-to-be. So I waited until I thought you’d be home. I’ve been trying all evening. Finally I wondered if you were still at work and you are. Or I guess you are, I don’t hear any restaurant noise in the background. So that’s good. I mean that I found you, not that it’s good to be working so late.”

  Tanner wondered when she was going to let up enough so he could get a word in edgewise.

  “I wanted to be sure to reach you today if I could so we could get this all cleared up. Sean’s my favorite cousin, but he does get carried away sometimes. And some of his schemes are quite outlandish, like this one. I expect you must know that since he said you’ve been friends from Stanford days. I can’t think why we haven’t met at some point over the years, but there you are, we haven’t. You must not attend his parties. Which shows some sense on your part, they can get pretty wild. Which isn’t much like Sean these days, is it? I mean he’s become so conservative and all. Probably taking his responsibilities at work seriously. Which will please Uncle Steven.”

  “Miss Pritchard―”

  “Call me Sunny. The thing is, Mr. Wright, I don’t run a dating service. Sean said you wanted me to introduce you to some of my friends with an end objective of marriage. I think marriage is a great end objective. One I may have myself some day. But I don’t run a dating service. I do weddings. That’s usually long after the first date.”

  “Sean said you ran a bridal salon,” Tanner said.

  “Yes, I do. Brides and Bows. Actually bows is spelled b-o-w-s, but I’m hoping people will think of it as a play on words, beaux, like boyfriends, you know? Actually, you should know all about it, your firm gave me the start-up money. Which is why I thought it rather mean to threaten to yank it away. I don’t have the money to repay the initial loan yet, but I’m working on it and one day I’ll be able to repay you everything. The thing is your Mr. Fielding doesn’t seem inclined to take that view. He's trying to force me into liquidation. That would end the business, which seems dumb because then you’d never get all your money back.”

  “Sean indicated you could use some financial advice.”

  She was silent for a moment.

  “Actually, that’s Sean’s idea, and probably Aunt Patty’s. I’m doing fine if you’d just call off Mr. Fielding. And let’s face facts, Mr. Wright, there’s no way Tanner Wright of Wright Associates, one of this city’s largest and most successful financial services house, is going to bail out a small bridal salon. I’m squeaking out a profit, and I like what I do, but it’s not big business. Not like yours is. You can spare the money a little longer.”

  For some reason her assumption that he wouldn’t work with a small firm rankled. He’d started out small himself. One reason he started his venture capital branch was to help others along the way, as well as turn a tidy profit.

  Tanner had been fully prepared to refuse her help, but now because she wasn’t offering, perversely he wanted it.

  “So you won’t help me?” he asked softly.

  “I think one of San Francisco’s most eligible bachelors won’t have any trouble attracting women. I’ve seen your picture in the paper, you know. You’re―”

  The abrupt silence went on for several seconds until Tanner prompted, “I’m what?”

  “Well, let’s just say a hunk and let it go at that.”

  Something touched his sense of humor and he laughed softly. He’d never heard that term referred to himself.

  “Maybe you should tell me more.”

  “I think that would be pointless. I’m glad we had this chat. Don’t let Sean railroad you into doing things you don’t want.”

  “I assure you, Ms. Pritchard, I never do anything I don’t want.” Not anymore.

  “Call me Sunny. And I’m glad you are in the position to do just what you want. Sorry to call you at work, but if you keep such long hours you have to expect people will call you there for personal things. Why aren’t you home?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Not my business, I know. But it’s getting late. I bet you haven’t even had dinner. You should keep better hours,” she scolded gently. “I know I work all night sometimes I get so caught up in a design, but I discipline myself to quit and do something frivolous. It restores creative juices, don’t you know. And I would think you could use some of that, as well.”

  “Creative juices?”

  Intrigued by this fireball on the phone, Tanner leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs, placing his feet on the edge of the desk.

  “I assure you I eat fine, Sunny. But maybe having a wife would insure I kept better hours. Are you sure you won’t help in finding me one?” he said smoothly, waiting to hear what she’d say next.

  “The problem as I see it, Mr. Wright, besides the fact that I don’t run a dating service, is I know nothing about you. Well, that’s not strictly true, because I read the newspapers. But I don’t know about your family, your background, what you like to do for fun, what your plans are for the future. How could I match you up with someone if I don’t know you? You see the problem? And I do have to work at the shop. If your firm is making threats to foreclose on my note, I have to do something extra to keep going.”

  “I see.”

  “Sean’s so impulsive. These are my friends we’re talking about. I want to make sure they get a good deal, too.”

  “An introduction is all I believe Sean suggested, not delivering them ready for the altar,” Tanner interjected.

  “Oh. Well, yes, of course. But even so...I really can’t do it.”

  “I’d be happy to look over your records, perhaps hold off on calling the loan,” he said slowly.

  At least until he met her. He couldn’t remember being so intrigued in years. He found himself curious to meet her in person.

  “You’re serious, aren’t you? You really want me to help you find a bride?”

  “No, I want you to introduce me to some eligible women. There’s a difference. I can take it from the introduction.”

  She remained silent a long time.

  “What are you looking for?” she asked at last.

  “I want someone from a good family with a good pedigree, who knows how to move in society and would be an asset to me in business.”

  Someone to give him the background he lacked himself. To provide an extended family for his son.

  “Sounds like you’re looking for a dog or something. Most people come without a pedigree,” she muttered.

  “Not a dog. A sleek, sophisticated woman who comes from an excellent family.”

  “You can fall in love to order?” she asked dubiously.

  “I don’t expect to fall in love. I am sure over time I'll acquire a certain degree of affection for the woman.”

  “Oh, good grief, now you do sound like you’re getting a dog. A degree of affection? What is a degree? Sounds cold-blooded to me. I think you need to do this on your own. I’ll tell Sean we talked and decided to let things go the way they were.”

  “Foreclosure and all?” he asked sharply.

  She hesitated. “So that’s the way you want it? I cooperate or you yank my business?”

  “I believe it’s you who hasn't managed to make the loan payments. I would merely be exercising my rights under the terms of the agreement.”

  Tanner wondered if she cared enough about her business to agree to his terms. He was used to making deals in his favor and he saw nothing to change his methods now.

  “I don’t know. Wouldn’t you consider giving me more time because of your friendship with Sean?”

  “No.”

  “Oh.”

  The silence stretched out endlessly.

  “On the other hand, in exchange for your assistance, I would certainly hold off for a reasonable time. Enough probably to let you recoup and repay the loan,” Tanner said, surprising himself.

  If the woman didn’t want to help, why push the issue? He’d leave the business end to his employees and go on the way he’d started. This had been Sean’s idea, not his.

  But he found himself intrigued with Sunny Pritchard, He wanted to meet her. Did she talk as much in person as on the phone? What did she look like? Nothing like his image of a wife, he was certain.

  No one who talked this fast and this much could be sleek and sophisticated. Maybe she didn’t really know anyone who would measure up to his ideal wife. He had only Sean’s word that she knew everyone.

  “You’re looking for a trophy bride, aren’t you? Someone to show off and deck in the family jewels and have other men envy you.”

  Her tone was sharp.

  “Family jewels?” he murmured.

  “Everyone has them, gaudy things that some previous generation bought to flaunt their wealth. You don’t mention kids, is that part of the deal? Do you want any?”

  “Yes, I want a son.”

  The entire purpose of the exercise was to acquire a son to leave his business and fortune to. He planned to be a better father to his child than he’d ever received. And he wanted his son to have the best mother money could buy.

  “To leave everything to, I’m sure. No daughters?”

  There was an edge in her voice. He paused for a moment, surprised at the thought.

  “Yes, I'd like a daughter or two,” he said slowly.

  The idea sounded appealing, though he hadn’t a clue how to raise a daughter. But his wife would know. She’d be an expert at all that.

  “Good, I like little girls better than little boys. Must be from hanging around Sean when we were little. He could really be a pain. I think you can attract the kind of woman you want without any help from me. Go get your picture in the paper again and then start trolling at the parties that abound in the city.”

  “I’m not sure that'll work,” he murmured, knowing she sounded ready to end the conversation. He wanted to extend the call.

  “Why not?”

  “I took Marie DuPont to the―”

  “Marie? No wonder Sean said you needed help. Marie has a drinking problem. Her mother is a drunk and her father gambles all the time. The family had pots of money at one time, but now I hear they are seeking to replenish the family coffers by latching onto some rich young man. Did you ask her out?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  For a moment, he resented the position Marie had placed him in, then shook his head. When he started in the investment arena, he’d had a great deal to learn. Having mastered that, he almost forgot there were other areas in which he was not so knowledgeable. And the ways of San Francisco society were one of them.

  Maybe Sean was right, he could use a bit of an insight on the women he considered for a mate.

  “So Marie is someone I should stay clear of?”

  “If you value your sanity, I would. Besides, if you’re looking for someone to help your business, you don’t want to be tied to a gambler and a lush.”

  “I can see your services would be invaluable. I appear to have a lot to learn about this. Will you meet me tomorrow to discuss this further?”

  “Your poor-little-me tactics won’t work, Mr. Wright. I know how ruthless you can be. You don’t need me or anyone else to get you what you want. This is it for me. I’m really not interested. Do your worst about my shop, I’ll fight it. Goodbye.”

  “Goodbye, Sunny,” Tanner said to empty air.

  Slowly he put the phone down.

  Another first―he couldn’t remember anyone hanging up on him before.

  He looked out the window at the sparkling lights in the other buildings. Sunny Pritchard could be forgiven if she thought she’d had the last word. They hadn’t met yet and she didn’t know him.

  That would change tomorrow. He’d meet her and talk her into helping him. Something told him she was more emotionally involved with her business than most people.

  Probably loved it.

  Sean had been correct, he did need someone who knew her way around society. Sunny might be the exact person to help. And if he decided she was the one, he'd insure she helped, or lose her business.

  It would be interesting to see how she handled that. He reached for the phone, dialed a familiar number.

  “Sean? It’s Tanner. I have a few questions about your cousin Sunny.”