Page 30 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

They finished their soup and her papa got up to help clear away the dishes. She allowed him. There were only a few chores he physically could do now, and it was a matter of pride for him to pitch in around the house. “Thank you for dinner. The soup was delicious.”

“You’re welcome, Papa.”

He walked out of the kitchen and she heard the television going on in the front room, and the roar of applause breaking out from the game show he watched every evening. It was a nightly ritual and most nights, she’d walk in a few hours later and find him fast asleep in his recliner. At nine p.m., she’d gently wake him and remind him to go to bed.

Autumn put the dishes in the dishwasher and was just straightening up the kitchen when her phone chimed. She glanced at the screen and frowned. It was her Realtor. She let it ring two more times and then took a deep breath. “Hello, Blake.”

“Autumn, how are you?”

Her Realtor was a good guy, she really liked him, and he was sensitive to her feelings about selling the farm. “I’m fine, Blake. Getting ready for our last fall festival. It’s going to be bittersweet.”

“I understand. It’s been a farm tradition for many years.”

“We hope to make it the best one ever. For my father.”

“I know you will.”

All this optimism was getting to her. It was one thing to say it and quite another to pull it off. Especially, since she’d been teaching during all of this and feeling like she was losing control. She only had so many hours in the day to devote to the festival.

“Autumn, I know selling a property that’s been in your family for three generations is difficult. And we certainly don’t have to sign a contract to sell until you’re good and ready. I’m only calling to check in with your timetable.”

A timetable to break her father’s heart? This was, by far, the hardest thing she ever had to do. “I understand. You can draw up the papers, Blake. We’re going to have to get moving on this. I can only make one or two more mortgage payments before I’m delinquent.”

“Okay. That’s what I thought. I’m sorry, Autumn. I find no joy in doing this, just so you know.”

“I do know, Blake. You’ve been very kind and understanding.”

“I guess then I’ll see you at the festival this weekend.”

“Okay, but Blake, please don’t mention it to my father when you see him. I want him to enjoy his festival without worry.”

“Of course. I won’t say a word.”

She hung up with Blake, fighting back tears. She was doing the right thing. The only thing she could do. She needed to do. The problem was, she couldn’t picture her father, cooped up in small house every day, living in town on a residential street.

So often, she’d come home from work and find him standing on the porch, looking out at the farmland he loved with pride in his eyes. On good days, he’d be outside, checking the crops or cleaning up the barn. He was happiest when he was on the land, a true man of the earth and his way of life was going to be ripped out from under him.

She squeezed her eyes closed, the thoughts too painful and instantly her mind drifted to Sam. How he’d come to school today to pick her up. To give her a ride to Rusty’s so she could get her car. She’d actually had a nice afternoon with him, putting up flyers and having coffee.

You know, it’s kinda nice being friends with you.

He thought they were friends. Could she be just his friend? Could she let go of the hurt and anger and the emotions she still had bottled up inside and just be Sam’s friend?

Her phone chimed once more. Was Blake calling again? She picked up. “Hello?”

“Autumn? This is Jared Harmon.”

Jared Harmon? The man she’d met at the saloon last night? “Hi, Jared.” She managed not to seem surprised at the call.

“I hope I’m not calling too late. I know you’re a teacher and have to get up early.”

“No, it’s not too late.” It was nine thirty. She wasn’t going to bed for a while. “I have time… to talk.”

“Well, that’s good to hear. I had a really nice time with you last night.”

“You’re a good dancer.”

“I’m not. My sisters tried their darnedest to teach me while I was growing up, but I guess I’m okay.”

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