Page 53 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

They walked out of the barn together and she shivered. The air outside had gotten considerably cooler. But it was quieter in the yard, and that was what she needed right now. “Here, take my jacket,” Jared said, already removing it. “You’re cold.”

“Thank you.”

He helped her put on his suede jacket and pulled the lapels closed. Immediately, she stopped shivering, but it was almost too intimate being cushioned in his warmth. It seemed off somehow. She avoided his gaze and looked out onto the evening sky. The sun was lowering on the horizon, shimmering a last golden glow onto the land.

“Mind if I ask you a personal question?” Jared stood beside her.

He, too, was admiring the sunset.

“It depends. Go ahead and ask and I’ll let you know if you’ve crossed a line,” she said, halfway teasing. Halfway not. “Lay it on me, Jared.”

“Okay, well then. And I’m not trying to butter you up or anything, but you’re beautiful, smart, and a lot of fun.”

“So far so good,” she said, smiling.

“I can’t figure out why you’re not involved with anyone. Or maybe you are and you’re just not saying?”

“Oh, uh. No. I’m not involved with anyone. I don’t date. At least I haven’t for a long time. It’s been hard with working the farm, caring for my dad, and starting my teaching career.”

“You don’t have time to fit anyone else in?”

“No, it’s not that.Exactly.It’s that I haven’t met anyone to bring into my life.”

Jared nodded, studying her, his eyes intense. “I hope to change that.”

She didn’t know how to comment on that.

“You don’t have to say anything right now. I know we barely know each other. But I’d like to get to know you better when I get back from my trip.”

“You’re leaving town?” she asked, more curious than anything else.

“Yeah. My mother is having some health issues. I’m going up to Abilene to check in on her. I’m due for a visit anyway. We see each other every other month. I’ve been trying to get her to move to Whiskey River, but she won’t think of it. She loves her place and she’s got good friends there.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she’ll be okay.”

“Thank you. Me, too. But then, you know all about caring for a parent, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Papa and I are close.”

“I saw that, when you two were on the dance floor.”

“He’s a special man.”

Jared nodded. He seemed in tune with her and she appreciated that. He glanced at his watch and frowned. “I’d better get going. I’ve got packing to do. I’ve got to get an early start tomorrow. Thanks for the dance, Autumn.”

“It was my pleasure.” It really was. She liked Jared and he was a good dancer.

“I’ll call you when I get back. If that’s okay.”

She smiled.

And then he bent and kissed her on the cheek. “Good-bye, Autumn Messina.”

He turned and walked off.

“Oh, Jared, wait!”

He pivoted and she ran over to him, jerking her arms out of the sleeves of his jacket. “Don’t forget this.” She handed it to him. “Thanks again.”

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