Page 11 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“No, nothing like that.” Nicole walked into her classroom. “Although, I have to say the kids adore you. I’d ask how you’re faring, but I can tell. You’re right at home here. Do you like working at Honeysuckle?”

“No. I don’t like it.” She grinned. “Iloveit. It’s what I was meant to do.”

“Well, then, your students are lucky to have you.”

“Thanks for saying that. I think I’m the lucky one.”

“Second grade is a good fit for you.”

“I’d have to agree.”

“I hope you don’t think I’m butting in, but Sam told me of your plans to do one more fall festival at your farm.”

“That’s right. I told him he doesn’t have to help, but he insisted.”

“It’s a big job. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. If you need an extra pair of hands, Garrett and I are willing to help in any way we can.”

“Oh, that’s awfully sweet of you, but don’t you have a big wedding coming up?”

Nicole chuckled. “We do. In three weeks. But we’ve got a handle on it. We’re getting married at Cottonwood Ranch. It’s what brought Garrett and I together, so we figured it’s only fitting we marry there. And honestly, we put everything else on hold, so we actually have more spare time than we figured. And we’d love to help make this year a special one for your father. After all, Messina Farms is an icon around here.”

Tears stung Autumn’s eyes and her stomach squeezed tight. The selfless offer touched her deeply “That is… that is so kind of you. It’s hard for my papa to lose the farm. I just don’t see any other way.”

“I know. Sam’s told me you’ve done everything you could do to save it.”

“Sam said that?”

Nicole nodded. “He’s pretty invested in helping.”

Again, she didn’t understand why. Was he just killing time until a real job came his way? Or was he doing this for her father? For her?

When she didn’t respond, Nicole said, “Just let me know how we can help. Garrett’s a contractor and I can do or try to do anything.”

“How are you at face painting?”

“I’m a whiz.”

Autumn chuckled. “Then, you’re in. We’re gonna need some help with pumpkin carving too.”

“Garrett can handle that.”

“Does he know you’re volunteering him for major duty here?”

“He’s used to it. He’s raising his nephew, Cody. And that comes with lots of kid duty.”

Nicole’s face lit up while speaking of Garrett and Cody. She was clearly deeply in love with the two of them. Autumn longed to have that kind of love in her life. Her mom had it with her dad. Her father thought the sun rose and set on his wife’s shoulders. He never remarried and it was a testament to their love. But instead of opening herself up to that after Sam left, she spent most of her time working on the farm—she could harvest with the best of them—and earning her degree in education with a minor in communication.

“I hear you’re putting up the pumpkin house too. Garrett could probably do that with his eyes closed.”

“Really? That’s very generous of you.”

“Hey, it’ll be fun. Keep my mind off wedding stuff for a while.” Nicole was thoughtful for a bit, then added, “Not that you necessarily will, but if you ever have questions about school, the way things run, a student, an irate parent, anything at all, I’m here to help.”

All in all, she did have a handle on things, but there was one student that came to mind. A little boy named Dustin. He did all the things asked of him, but sadness filled his eyes too many times and his sullen expression touched her heart. Often, she’d find him drifting off, looking out the window. Whenever he did participate, it wasn’t with the same vigor as the other seven-year-olds in the class. Yet, he was bright, keeping up with the other kids. If things didn’t improve, maybe she’d have a talk with his mother.

“Thanks, Nicole. I’ll keep that in mind, but so far things are running smoothly.”

“Well, I’d better let you get home. You probably have a million things to do.”

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