Page 33 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“These men, have all volunteered to help with the festival. They’re vets that I met at Veterans Unite.

“They’re veterans?” She blinked and scoured the grounds again, taking in the workers. Some were older, seniors and others looked to be in the prime of their lives. Old and young and some men in between. “You did this?”

“It’s an idea I had. But I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure we had volunteers. There’s a dozen in all. Many of these men are grateful to have something productive to do. Many have skills they haven’t used in a long while. They’re happy to be here, Autumn. And most of them are coming back tomorrow and the next day. They won’t quit until it’s done.”

Her heart pounded hard against her chest. She was touched that these men, all volunteered to help with the farm. Touched that Sam put this all together.

Her eyes welled up with tears. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“I promised you the festival would come to fruition.”

“And you found a way.”

“I did. I think it’s all going to work out, Autumn.”

“And my dad? Oh my goodness, my father must be thrilled.”

“He showed his appreciation by making chili for lunch for the troops.”

“Papa cooked?”

“He did, with a little help from Alicia.”

Sam smiled and it was like a boulder was lifted off her shoulders. She didn’t ever think that the four of them, her, Sam, Seth and Alicia could pull off the best Messina Family Fall Festival ever. They would’ve made do, and gone out without much fanfare. But Sam found a way to get the festival up to speed.

“This is… wonderful, Sam. I don’t know how to even begin to thank everybody.”

“I know a way. I uh, sorta promised the guys they’d be taking home one of your homemade pumpkin pies when this is all over with.”

Autumn laughed, a real heartfelt belly laugh that brought her spirits up. “And you’re gonna be the one to help me make them.”

“I told you I would.”

“Uh-huh. Well, we’ll be putting you to the test soon enough. We’re having a pie making party on Thursday night.”

“Oh, sorry. I’m busy on Thursday night.”

“You are?” Immediate disappointment registered and her shoulders slumped. Normally, she was happy to get rid of Sam, but suddenly, she wanted him around. He’d been great, spending a lot of time here helping out, but he had a right to live his own life. She had no claim on him. “Something having to do with Nicole’s wedding?”

“No, I think Thursday night is when I…”

“What?” He was keeping her in suspense.

“Wash my hair.” He winked.

She gazed at the sandy-blond locks that weren’t hidden beneath his ball cap. “Oh, you.” She got his silly joke.

He was such a tease. She balled her fist and took a swing, but Sam was too fast for her. Her wrist was clamped tight and she was tugged forward, until she was inches from Sam’s handsome face. His grin was contagious and she grinned too, their eyes meeting in fun. But then Sam lowered his gaze to her mouth, and she parted her lips, struck by the keen sense of awareness between them. There were men all around the yard, but suddenly it was as if they were the only two people on the planet. Their grins faded and Sam’s mouth was a mere breath away. A loud boom startled them, breaking the captivating spell they were under. It was old Gerty, backfiring. Sam smiled at her, as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn’t wanted to kiss her again. But the regret in his eyes gave him away.

“Can I introduce you to the guys?” Sam asked. “I’m sure they’d like to meet you, if they haven’t already.”

Her heart was deeply touched by these men. “I’d love that.”

“C’mon. I’ll introduce you to the guys working in the barn. They’re getting it ready for the dance.”

She stopped up short. “The dance? Sam, are we having a dance?” Even to her own ears, she sounded like a winsome young girl.

“Didn’t you always?”

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