Page 31 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“I think you did better than okay last night. So, how many sisters do you have?”

“Three, two older, one younger. What about you? Do you have any siblings?”

“I do. One brother. He’s overseas right now. We used to be close, but I haven’t seen him in a couple of years. He’s a career soldier.”

“Well, that must be tough.”

She nodded into the phone. It was tough. Joe was her big brother and lately she felt as if she didn’t know him anymore. Like he wasn’t the same guy who left town ten years ago. “It is. He’s dedicated and we’re proud of him.”

“We?”

“It’s just me and my father now. Papa is super proud of Joe. And… so am I. You said you were a rancher?”

“That’s right. I have a place in Whiskey River. We breed horses and run a little riding stable for kids. My sister Trisha and I are half owners. I take care of the breeding side of the business and she works with the kids.”

“I bet that’s fun for her.”

“Spoken by a woman who teaches children for a living.”

“Right, you got me there. I love kids. I’ve only been teaching a short time and I adore it.”

“It shows.”

Jared was super charming, and she was enjoying the conversation. She thought she’d be nervous or worried about him getting the wrong idea about her—she wasn’t one to pick up strangers in saloons—but speaking to him made her feel good. Made her forget her troubles for a little while. The conversation flowed and she found him easy to talk to.

“Well, I’d best not keep you any longer,” he said after ten minutes. “I’d like to call you again, if you don’t mind.”

She thought about it a second and replied, “I don’t mind.” At least he didn’t ask her out on a date. She didn’t know what she’d say to that. How would she answer him? She liked that he was content just talking and getting to know each other a little better. “I think I’d like that.”

“Great, I’ll call again. You have a good night, Autumn.”

“Same to you, Jared.”

She hung up the phone and immediately her thoughts turned to Sam. He was always popping into her head at odd times. Why couldn’t she have a nice conversation with Sam the way she had with an almost perfect stranger? What was it about Sam Russell that stuck in her brain and wouldn’t let go?

*

Sam drove overto Veterans Unite on Tuesday morning. About a dozen vets stood by the steps, waiting for him. Some had equipment with them and toolboxes in their hands, ready to help with the festival. All were dressed in work clothes. He parked the truck and walked over to the steps. Hersh and Jeffrey were there and Adam, and some others he’d met last week. His poker pal, Mike was visibly missing. He’d hoped that wouldn’t be the case, since his son was one of Autumn’s students, but his name wasn’t on the volunteer list he’d sent around yesterday.

He thanked the ones who were here. “This is a great turnout and I’ve got another sign-up sheet this morning that’s a bit more detailed. If you have an expertise in one field, put it down. If you’re willing to do what is most needed, let us know. If you’d like to try your hand at farming, there’s still some harvesting and transporting that needs doing. Any questions?”

“I’m sure I’ll have some for you, once we get there,” Hersh said.

“Okay then. Fair enough. Just follow me and we’ll meet at the barn on the east side of the Messina farm. You can park there on the dirt road.”

The men took to their cars and trucks and Sam led the convoy of Good Samaritans to the farm. Manny Messina was on the porch, his face registering surprise, watching the procession as they drove over to the barn. He grabbed his cane and made his way over, nodding at the men who were getting out of their vehicles.

“Sam? What’s all this?” Manny asked, his face a picture of puzzlement.

“This is help. From Veterans Unite. We’re all here to get the farm in shape for the festival.”

“You didn’t say anything about this.”

“I wasn’t sure if it would come about. But as you can see, we’ve got a dozen volunteers. Folks who are happy to work.” His brows gathered. “Folks who want to contribute something. Folks whostillhave a lot to contribute.”

Manny’s eyes welled up. He put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Sam, I… don’t know what to say, boy.”

Sam smiled. Manny was obviously moved by the gesture. And the festival was one step closer to fruition. “You don’t have to say anything. Let’s get these folks moving. They’re eager to get started.”

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