Page 44 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“He’s fine,” Autumn chimed in. “The principal is at a council meeting right now, but the boy’s parents have been notified and the entire matter will be dealt with properly.”

“I hope so,” Mike said gravely. “Dustin, I’m proud of you for trying to walk away.”

“Yes, sir. It’s just that… it’s just that now will other kids want to push me?”

Mike sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know for sure, Dustin. But I do know you stood up for yourself to a bully and that boy is in trouble, so maybe they won’t anymore, son.”

“But violence is never an answer,” Autumn added.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mike hugged his son to his chest and ruffled his hair. Dustin smiled and it was the first one she’d seen from the boy today.

“You’ll probably be hearing from Principal Sanchez later this afternoon, Mr. Rendell. And you know what, Dustin can stay in class or go home with you. He has his weekend assignment already and we’re basically all caught up on this week’s curriculum.”

“Did you hear that, Dustin? Miss Messina says it’s up to you. Do you want to go back to class or come home with me?”

Dustin’s smile grew wide. “Go home with you, Daddy.”

“That’s what I thought,” Mike said. “We can do anything you want.”

“Anything?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Can we play catch?”

Mike hesitated for a brief moment. “Sure.” He locked eyes with Autumn first and then glanced at Dustin. “We can play catch.”

Autumn nodded. “Okay then, Dustin. Let’s walk over to the classroom and you can get your backpack from your cubby.”

Dustin ran off, down the hallway toward the classroom.

“He’s really a good kid,” Autumn said, leading Mike that way too.

He ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, I know. My wife told me he’s been having issues with his schoolwork.”

“He just needs support and encouragement. With all of us supporting him, I think he’s going to be fine.”

“Yeah. Thank you for having his back.”

“Of course. That’s my job.”

Dustin came out of the classroom lugging his backpack. “Ready, Daddy?”

“I sure am, buddy. Let’s get going.”

Mike turned to her. “Thanks again. I appreciate it.”

“Sure, and I think your boy really appreciated you coming today.”

He nodded, his eyes telling her she’d made her point. They started down the hall toward the exit. “Oh, and don’t forget the fall festival tomorrow. I hope to see you all there.”

Mike glanced over his shoulder but didn’t commit one way or another. He simply put his hand on Dustin’s shoulder and carried on.

Chapter Six

Friday evening, Autumnstood by Sam’s side, shoulder to shoulder and looked over the Messina farm grounds that were transformed into a festival site. The sun was just setting, beaming soft rays of light onto the property. She was in awe of all that was accomplished in such a short span of time. “We did it, Sam.” Autumn breathed a sigh of relief. “Or rather you did it. You said you would, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure you could do it. But you did.”

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