Page 4 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“How is my son doing over there?” Papa asked. “I mean, his letters seem to say it’s safe and there is nothing to worry about.”

Sam nodded. “For the most part, that’s true. We were seeing very little action. The missions now are more surveillance based.” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “I mean, every so often, skirmishes do arise, and we’d have to lock them down. But Joe’s smart, a good leader. I was lucky and proud to serve with him for the past few years.”

“Yes, my son is all those things, but a father still worries. I cannot wait until he comes back to the States.”

“There’s a de-escalation in the works. It may not be too long now.”

“But Joe’s never coming home to us. Being a Ranger is his career,” she said. She had to continually point that out so her father wouldn’t get his hopes up. Things were never going to go back to how they were, with her father and Joe working the land, keeping the farm prosperous.

“I know,mi hija bonita. I know. My daughter doesn’t think I face reality,” Papa told Sam. “But I do. I only want my boy out of that godforsaken land. It’s what I pray for every night.”

“I understand. We all want Joe back. When I left, Joe had no idea the farm was in trouble.” Sam glanced at her, and she immediately crossed her arms over her chest. This was none of his business.

“Yes, I know. I have misled my son. The last few times he was home on leave, things were good, so he had no cause to worry. It’s only been the past two seasons where we ran into real trouble. The soil is tired, we had little rain, an unexpected snowfall last winter and my creaky bones started acting up. I couldn’t do the work I love to do. Farming is in my blood, but age and time unfortunately have crept up on me.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe Joe will have a solution for you, when you tell him.”

“No, no. My Autumn has sacrificed enough for this farm. For me. I cannot ask her to do more than she already has. She has worked hard, running the farm and going to school. And Seth and Alicia, can’t handle any more. They have worked very hard and been very loyal.” Her father sighed. “I’m afraid I’ve faced the truth.”

“Which is?”

“Sell the farm and move into town.”

Sam blinked. “Joe would never want this.”

“Joe is not here,” Autumn said quietly. “I am.” She loved her brother, she really did, but he left to pursue his dream and he had no say now in what happened to Messina Farms. “And I can’t see a way to save the farm. I have an appointment with Blake Charles Realty in two weeks to discuss the sale.”

Her father flinched. She’d told him that she would be in contact with a Realtor, but it was all becoming real now.

“What is it, Manny?” Sam asked pointedly.

“It’s not easy hearing this, but it needs to be done. I only have one wish.” Papa’s dark eyes lowered.

“What is it, Papa?”

“It would make an old man happy to put on one last Messina Farms Fall Festival. We have not missed a year since the farm began. It would do my heart good to see it one more time.”

Autumn blinked. Named for the fall season, she’d often shared her birthday with the weekend long festival, and it was always a very special time. If she could pull it off, it would be an honorable farewell for the farm and the workers who’d been so dedicated. She blinked, her mind spinning. It would take some hard work, especially now that she was teaching, but she’d find a way. It wouldn’t make up for losing the farm, but it would bring her father great joy to do this for the community one last time. “Papa, I think I can manage that. It won’t be easy, but I agree we should do what we can this season.”

“I’ll help,” Sam said immediately. “I’ll make sure to get it done.”

“You?” She’d almost forgotten Sam was in the room.

“Yeah, me. Are you forgetting I used to work here on the weekends? I know how things run and whatever I’ve forgotten, I’m sure you’d gladly point out to me.”

“Hmph.” The last thing she wanted was Sam hanging around the farm. He still made her nerves tingle, still made her heart race. She wanted no part of those feelings anymore. She had enough on her plate, thank you very much. “I think we can manage without you.”

“So just you and Alicia and Seth are gonna pull this off in what? Less than two weeks?”

“Well, uh… I’ll figure out something.”

“You’ll figure it out, Autumn, with Sam’s help. He’s offered and it would be rude to refuse him,” Papa said.

“That’s right. I have nothing but time right now, except when duty calls for Nic’s wedding. And that’s only gonna take a little time.”

“It’s settled then,” Papa said. “Thank you, Sam.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad to help out.”

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