Page 20 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

She and Nicole giggled.

For once, she had something to look forward to. And she couldn’t wait.

*

On Sunday, Mannyopened the door at precisely six o’clock to let Sam in. He’d deliberately called for an early poker game so Autumn’s dad wouldn’t get too tuckered out. “Evenin’, Manny. I hope you don’t mind, but I brought a couple more poker players with me. I bumped into them at the hardware store today and invited them.”

“I don’t mind at all. Been a while since I had a good solid game going in my house.”

“That’s what I was hoping. I believe you know Captain Adam Price?”

“Sure do. Great to see you again, Adam.” The men shook hands. Adam and Manny had once played softball together on a Last Stand church team.

“And this is Mike Rendell. He’s been out six months, isn’t that right, Mike?”

“Yeah, that’s about right. My first poker game in a long while.”

Manny lowered his gaze and shook Mike’s hand, making no mind that Mike was in a wheelchair. That his left leg was missing. “Welcome. Glad to have you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Sam had to do some fast talking to get Mike to agree to come along. But between him and the captain, they finally convinced him to join the game. The young man was an independent soul, trying to adjust to his life outside of the military. Trying to figure out where he fit in. It wasn’t easy for anyone, but even harder when you were missing a limb. And Mike was stubborn enough not to accept any help. Even as they approached the steps of the Messina house, Mike hopped on one leg, braced himself on the railing and lifted his wheelchair over the steps, his jaw set and a fierce look in his eyes, silently telling them to back off and don’t help. It took a few attempts and several vile curses, but Mike made it up all by himself.

“The table’s in the kitchen. My daughter made a pie and put out some snacks. Go in, help yourself.”

“Sounds good to me,” Sam said. “Garrett will be along in a while.”

“I’m right behind you,” Garrett said, poking his head through the door. “Wasn’t gonna miss any fun tonight.”

“Too much wedding talk lately at your place?” Sam teased.

“I wouldn’t let Nicole hear you say that,” Garrett shot back.

“I promise I won’t tell.” Autumn walked into the room and all male eyes riveted to her.

Sam struggled to keep his mouth from dropping open. “Hi everyone and welcome,” she said. “Have a good time tonight and enjoy the pie.”

Wow. To say Autumn cleaned up nicely was a huge understatement. He hadn’t seen her in anything but work clothes since he’d arrived back in Last Stand, and now she was stunning everyone with a little black dress with thin straps and three-inch high heels. She had on a fancy necklace and her tiny earrings sparkled under the light. Her hair, all those lustrous raven strands that normally hid within a braid, was bouncing loosely down along one side of her shoulder. Sam had trouble breathing. He had trouble hiding his reaction to her. He had trouble taking his eyes off her.

Finally, he found his manners and made some introductions. “Autumn, you know Captain Price, right?”

“I do. Nice to see you again, sir.”

“Same here, Autumn. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.”

“My daughter keeps very busy,” Manny said, with obvious pride.

Sam gestured to Mike. “And this is Mike Rendell.”

Autumn turned her attention to him. “Rendell? I have a student in my class named Dustin Rendell. Are you related?”

“Yes, ma’am, Dusty is my boy.”

“Well then, it’s very nice to meet you. He’s a lovely boy.” She put out her hand and he shook it. “Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you,” he said stiffly.

Autumn gave Mike a smile and then promptly picked up her purse. She slipped her arms through the sleeves of a long winter coat and kissed her father on the cheek. “Have fun tonight, Papa.” Then she shot a quick glance at the poker players. “Try not to take all their money.”

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