Page 26 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Nicole popped her head into his room. “I’m heading over to school now. I left you some coffee and toast. Sorry I slept in a little and didn’t get a chance to make breakfast.”

“No problem. You don’t have to make me breakfast, sis. Did you have fun last night?”

“It was a blast. Girls’ night out always are. I’m glad we invited Autumn. She fit right in.”

“I figured. She had some car trouble last night. I wound up bringing her home.”

“What happened? Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. She swerved into a ditch not far from the farm. I went and got her. Brought her home.”

“That was nice of you.” Nicole wiggled her brows.

“It was necessary.”

Nicole shook her head, as if he was hopeless. Maybe he was, when it came to females. He didn’t love Hilary anymore, but her betrayal stayed with him. He had decisions to make about his future so he had no business kissing any female right now, much less Autumn Messina. He knew that in his head, yet that didn’t stop him from taking her in his arms and laying a kiss on her. He’d hurt her once and he surely didn’t want to hurt her again.

“Well, I’m glad you were there to help.”

He shrugged. “She may need a ride to school this morning. Her car is still stuck, as far as I know.”

“Okay, I’ll call her and see.”

After Nicole left, Sam cleaned up, had a cup of coffee, and then drove to the site of Veterans Unite. He parked his truck in the parking lot and got out, breathing in the crisp clean air. There was still a slight drizzle coming down, remnants of last night’s big storm. Rather than get soaked again like he did last night, he took the steps two at a time and entered the facility. Already, this place was beginning to feel like home. He couldn’t even call it a second home, because he didn’t have a first home. Not yet. And he wasn’t sure where he would land. After Nicole’s wedding, he had decisions to make. His buddy Ralph wanted to go in business with him in Dallas. It was an option, something he was tossing around in his head.

Taking off his hat and jacket, he hooked them on a peg in the entryway and glanced around.

Captain Price spotted him and waved him over. “Hey, Sam. Glad you made it this morning.” They shook hands. “Sure had fun at the poker game last night. That ole Manny, he’s a shrewd one. Took most of my money.”

“Mine too.” Sam grinned.

Manny had had a good time with all the guys in his house, but he was especially happy to come away the winner.

“I’m glad to be here. I was wondering… if I could take the podium later this morning. I have an idea and wanted to pose it to the guys.”

“Sure, if you’ve got something worthwhile to say, you’re welcome to it.”

“Great.”

“But first, share a cup of java with me and the boys.”

Adam led him over to a table where Hersch, Jeffrey, and Sonny were seated, a dish of pastries in the center of the table. As usual, Mike Rendell, was sitting in his wheelchair at a table facing the wall, a sketch pad in hand. He was always putting pencil to paper. Sam would love to see what exactly he was sketching. Last night, Mike opened up a bit, cracking a few smiles and trash-talking with the best of them at the poker game. But today, he looked as despondent as ever. Sam was just about to go over to speak to him, but Adam stopped him with a shake of his head and firm look in his eye.

Sam got the hint. He was new around here. He wasn’t sure of his place and Adam was good about showing him the way. And right now, the way wasn’t to push Mike Rendell too far, or too hard. Sam took a seat and everyone greeted him with cordial smiles and a few slaps on the back.

These men, some with years on them, others still in the prime of their lives, seemed a little at loose ends. They were destined to sit around, mingle with fellow military men in this place where they had shared experiences. Their military lives seemed to define them, which was all well and good. Holding onto a way of life that had been a major part of their lives, wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. But Sam saw more worth in them than that. He saw them, not as washed-up ex-soldiers, but men still with a lot to offer. A lot to give.

And later that morning, Sam stood up in front of the men who’d served their country with honor and began to speak from a podium front and center in the room. “I’m standing up here today to speak to you about our service. And many of you have completed your military service with dignity and sacrifice, not to mention enduring hardships and some very lonely days.”

He went on, “I think Veterans Unite is a great opportunity for all of us to get to know one another. To share stories and reminisce about war and peace and all that goes along with that. But I think we can do more. I think we can get more involved with the Last Stand community. I happen to know of one family in need. No, not financial need. I’m not asking for charity. But maybe for some charitable hearts. If you’ve lived in Last Stand for any length of time, you know of the Messina family farm. You may even know Manuel and Autumn Messina. Every year around this time they put on a fall festival for the community at their farm. It’s their way of giving back. Well, Manny’s had a couple of bad years with the harvest, and his health isn’t… let’s just say he’s not able to do the work he once used to do. They are short staffed, and possibly unable to stay in business much longer. Autumn Messina is teaching now at Honeysuckle Elementary School.”

Mike Rendell swung his wheelchair around to listen along with the others. Sam acknowledged him with a quick smile.

“It’s Manny’s wish to put on one more festival, before possibly selling the farm. Now, as I sit around here, getting to know many of you, I’m thinking… maybe some of you would like to pitch in and help. Whatever you’re willing to do would be appreciated. You see, I made a promise to Manny that his festival would go on as planned. It’s a tall order, the festival is this coming weekend and that gives us six days, but there’s power in numbers. And if we have numbers, we can get it done. If you can swing a hammer, or splash paint on a wall, or lift a pumpkin, you can be of help.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mike frown and swing his chair back around. He sipped coffee and stared out the window.

Sam pursed his lips and exchanged a glance with the captain who gave a slight shake of his head. Sam turned his attention to the rest of the vets. They seemed intrigued. “If you’re interested, I’ll pass around a sign-up sheet and I’ll be here tomorrow at eight a.m. with my truck. We can drive to the farm together and see about helping the Messinas.”

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