Page 17 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“That’s very nice, Nic. I’m sure she’ll take you up on it. So, is there anything you need from me before the wedding? How can I help? Do I have best man of honor duties to attend to?”

“Nope, the girls are giving me a little bachelorette party. But don’t worry, that doesn’t include you. Unless you want…”

He put up his hand, noticing Garrett snickering. “No, no. You girls have fun. On your own. I may be a civilian now, but I have to draw a line in the sand.”

“Okay, good.” Nicole blew out a breath. “Because the girls like to let their hair down and let loose a little.”

Instantly, his mind went to Autumn. What would she be like, if she let her beautiful hair down and cut loose? That image danced around in his head in a moment of pure desire. It had no business being there. “Well then… I’m glad I won’t be there to witness it.”

He grinned, fooling everyone at the table. Everyone but himself.

He had Autumn on his mind too much lately.

And it had to stop.

Chapter Three

Saturday morning, Autumnlooked out the window just as Sam’s truck was pulling around the bend. He parked in front of the house and she immediately went to the mirror to check on her appearance. Darn, it was just after seven. The man liked to get an early start.

She peered at the long braid cascading down her back. Quickly, she pushed the wisps of hair touching her cheeks back into place, but they wouldn’t stay and, finally, she gave up. She tidied her work clothes and steadied her breath just in time for Sam’s knock.

She opened the door and spoke to him through the screen. “You’re up early.”

“I’d be late if it was military time.” He smiled.

She ignored the heat welling in her chest from that simple smile. “Well, come in. I don’t suppose you’ve had any coffee yet.”

“What a generous offer. Don’t mind if I do.”

Sam let himself in and he followed her to the kitchen. “Smells good in here.”

“Have a seat. I’ll get you the coffee.”

“Where’s your papa?”

“He’s sleeping in later and later these days. He’ll be up soon.”

“It’s chilly out there today,” Sam said, removing a tan suede jacket and taking a seat. “We might be in for some bad weather.”

She glanced out the window to a gray sky. In the distance, threatening clouds were forming. “Maybe. The farm waits for no one. At least that’s what Papa always said.”

“Yeah, I don’t doubt it.”

She poured him a mug of steaming hot coffee. He closed his eyes and inhaled. Wow, if mere coffee put this look of contentment on his face, she could only imagine…

Nope, not going to think about it. She slid a plate of day-old biscuits his way. “Sustenance. I warmed them up so they should be edible.”

“Thanks.” He took a big bite. “Still delicious. What’s the plan of action today?”

“Depends on how long you’re going to stay?”

He shrugged and his blue eyes fixed on hers. “I have no time limit. Nowhere else I need to be. I could work all day. Oh, and Nicole and Garrett are stopping by later this morning. Garrett’s gonna help us put up the structure for the pumpkin house.”

She nodded, suddenly overwhelmed at his family’s generosity. She held back tears. Goodness, it wouldn’t do to cry in front of Sam. He’d already shredded most of her pride yesterday when they’d spoken about her letters. “Well, then, maybe we should keep going with the harvest, until they arrive.”

“Sounds good.” He looked her over, his eyes touching upon her face, her throat, her torso and down her jeans to her boots. “Throw something warm on. Like I said, it’s really chilly out there.”

She wanted to tell him she was a big girl. She could figure that out for herself. But the snarky remark didn’t come. Not now. Not when he’d arranged for his family to come and help. Not on a Saturday when he could be toasty in bed or watching college football.

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