Page 39 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“How am I doing so far?”

“Time will tell.”

“You’re not giving anything away, are you?”

“Nope.”

“I can just imagine how much fun the kids are going to have in here. I hope most of my students will come.”

“Can’t see why they wouldn’t. And yeah, I agree, the kids will have a blast.”

“I only wish…”

“What?”

“Nothing… I shouldn’t say. I don’t think it’s professional to talk to you about my students.”

Sam stopped and turned to face her. “Or one in particular?”

She nodded. “I met his father at the poker game.”

“Are you talking about Mike Rendell?”

She blew out a breath. “Yes. His son, Dustin, is such a sweet boy. But he’s troubled. And well, when I invited him to the festival, he looked so sad. He said he probably couldn’t come. It hurt my heart. I know I’m not supposed to get personally involved, but if it affects my student’s ability to learn, I think it’s my place to help, don’t you?”

He nodded. “I do.”

“I should talk to his parents then.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” They walked on quietly for a little bit. “You have a lot on your plate these days.”

“I do. I’m used to it though. I spent most of my twenties, working the farm and going to school.”

“You’ve been a good daughter to Manny.”

“Thank you, Sam. It’s nice of you to say. He’s all I have right now. It’s been just the two of us for ten years. We miss Joe, of course. And Mama passed way too early. I have good memories of her. But sometimes I think it’s not enough. Sometimes, I wish I could just talk to her. Ask her questions, you know. Things Papa wouldn’t know how to answer. You and Nicole are lucky to have both of your parents. I bet they’re excited for the wedding and all.”

“They are. They’ve been great folks. Very supportive for the most part. Nic said she invited you to the wedding.”

“It was awfully nice of her.”

“So, you’re going?”

“Your sister is so sweet. She said I have to go. I’m part of their tribe now.”

“The margarita girls?”

A chuckle rose up her throat. “Okay, I’ll own it. But some of us are teachers too, you know.”

They walked on and when they came to another fork, this time Sam led them left and after a few more yards, Autumn chose the right fork again. They headed down that path and after a time, the walkway opened up to a little clearing and a bench seat. Autumn recognized the bench immediately. “Sam, this is the bench my father made for my mother, years ago.”

“I know. Some of the guys found it at the back of the barn, behind the old tractor.”

She ran her hand along the armrest and then the slats. “It’s in good shape.”

“It wasn’t. But your papa had a hand in sprucing it up. It was his idea to put it in the corn maze. A place for people to rest and regroup.”

“Papa did this?”

---