Page 16 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

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Sam met Garrett,Cody, and Nic for dinner at Cottonwood Ranch. Garrett had renovated the old ranch house and Nic was enjoying using the brand-new appliances in the kitchen to cook up a healthy meal. Honey-glazed chicken with roasted asparagus and potatoes.

Seated at the table with Nic’s ready-made family, he bit into a delicious biscuit smothered in butter. “Mmm. Nic, did anyone tell you, you’d make someone a good wife one day?”

Garrett grinned and took Nicole’s hand. “Got that covered already, bud.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I suppose you do.” Sam winked at Nicole.

His little sis smiled. He’d never seen her so happy. And after the devastating year she’d had, being left at the altar by the wrong guy, he was glad to see her life back on track. Garrett was the right guy for her.

“Uncle Garrett is gonna marry Miss Russell. Then, she’s gonna be my auntie Nicole.”

“That’s right, Cody. I’m not your teacher anymore, so you can start calling me Aunt Nicole right now.”

“Can I really?” Cody peered at his uncle. “Is that all right with you, Uncle Garrett?”

“It’s more than all right with me. I want you to. It’s fitting.”

“Then that’ll make me your uncle Sam.” Sam darted glances to Nicole and Garrett. Both smiled and nodded.

Cody’s eyes went wide. “Oh, boy. I get a new aunt and uncle.”

“That’s right, you do,” Nicole said, ruffling Cody’s mop of thick hair. “But Sam and I are the lucky ones. We get you as a nephew.”

The boy grinned from ear to ear.

That established, Sam dove into the meal before the others took up their forks. Famished, he’d demolished his portion well before the family made a dent in their meals. “Man, that was good, Nic. It’s Mom’s recipe, isn’t it?”

“It’s where I get most of my recipes. Want some more?” Nic rose from her seat.

“I won’t refuse seconds, but don’t get up. I can serve myself.”

“You’re our guest. I’ll dish up more for you.”

“Thanks, sis.” He wasn’t used to anyone serving him. He’d had ten years of serving himself or he didn’t get fed.

“Worked up an appetite today, did ya?” Garrett asked.

“You could say that. I’m helping Autumn harvest the pumpkins right now.”

“She keeping you busy?” Nicole asked, filling up his plate again.

“More like, she doesn’t want me there at all.”

“Why is that?” Garrett asked. “She got a bone to pick with you?”

He shrugged. “Yeah, maybe. We’re working through it.”

“It’s something you have to work through?” Nicole’s voice elevated a bit and she stared at him like he’d grown batwings or something. “I didn’t realize things were that bad between you.”

What was wrong with him anyway? His sister was getting married in a matter of weeks. He didn’t need to concern her with his problems. Not that Autumn was his problem. No, he wasn’t going to make a big deal about this. Especially since his sister and Autumn worked at the school together. “Nic, it’s nothing. Forget I said anything.”

“I don’t know if I can. What are you not telling me?”

“I’mnotnot telling you anything. I only wish I could find a way to help the Messinas more.”

“We’ve offered our help, Sam. I told Autumn she can count on us.”

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