Page 28 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Sam ushered her into his truck. It seemed she was spending a good deal of time in it lately. He shut her door, got in, and started the engine. Being in the truck brought back memories of last night, of the way Sam had looked at her. The way his eyes pierced her and made her dizzy. There was desire there, and she’d felt it to the bottom of her toes. He could deny it all he wanted. He could hide from it. But Sam didn’t go around kissing women for no darn good reason. And last night, he seemed unable to stop himself. She could take a small measure of satisfaction in that. Even if he refused to own up to the truth that there was something between them.

On the drive to the bridal shop, she stared out the window quietly. She wasn’t in the mood to make small talk with him. He parked in front of Taylor’s bridal shop first. Her window display was magnificent. Seeing those gorgeous dresses on the mannequins only deepened her dismal mood. She didn’t know if she’d ever find the kind of happiness that would put her in one of Taylor’s exquisite creations. She didn’t know if she’d ever be a bride.

They entered the place and Taylor greeted them with a big smile. “Hi, you two.”

“Sorry, I should’ve called first,” she told her. “But would you mind terribly, if we gave you some flyers to hand out to your patrons? Or maybe, post this on your window outside? It’s just for the week. We’re trying to ramp up interest for the festival.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll do both. It’s no problem at all and I’m happy to spread the word. So, how’s it going?”

“We have a lot to do in a short period of time,” she admitted.

“But we’ll get it done. I have a plan,” Sam added giving Taylor a wink.

What plan? She didn’t know what Sam was getting at.

“Well, if anyone can do it, it’d be you, Sam. Nic says even as a boy, you had razor focus. That’s what made you such a great soldier.”

“My sister talks way too much.”

“She’s just proud of you.”

Sam slipped his hands in the back pockets of his jeans. Was that blood rushing up his neck? Apparently, Sam didn’t feel comfortable taking compliments.

“I’m the one who’s proud. My little sis sure has done a lot of good around here. And she managed to snag herself a husband in the process.”

“That she did. Can’t wait for the wedding.”

“Yeah, it’ll be here quick.”

The phone rang in the shop and they said a fast farewell to Taylor, leaving her a small stack of flyers.

They walked along the streets, hitting the shops along the way and taping notices on lampposts and street signs. After an hour, most of the flyers were gone.

“Well, I think we did it,” she said. “Mission accomplished.”

“I think we should celebrate,” Sam said. “How about a pumpkin latte?”

“You don’t drink lattes,” she said chuckling.

“I do after a storm soaked my bones. I do when it’s October. I do when I know my partner in crime loves anything pumpkin.”

“Partner in crime?”

He smiled. “C’mon, let’s go back to the coffee shop as customers this time. I’ll even spring for a doughnut.”

“Only if it’s maple glazed.”

“That’s a given. Let’s go.”

Ten minutes later, Autumn was sitting at the coffee shop, steam rising from her mug of pumpkin latte. Across the table from her, Sam sipped his flavored coffee. Both were munching on sugary doughnuts covered with maple glaze. “Mmm, this is one of the best ideas you’ve had in a while,” she said.

“Yeah, every once in a while, I come up with one.” He bit into his doughnut. “Man, this is good.”

Autumn smiled.

“You know, it’s kinda nice being friends with you,” Sam said, once he finished chewing.

“Friends?” She slanted her head and gave that notion some thought. “You think we’re friends?”

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