Page 57 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

He lowered her down and took a seat next to her. His arms were like two strong shields, protecting her.

She felt safe with Sam and she began to speak. “It’s Joe.”

“What about Joe? Is he okay?”

“It’s n-nothing like t-that, he’s f-fine. He c-called today and Papa t-told him the truth. He’s r-really angry about the farm. We both said some really h-horrible things to each other.”

Sam stroked her arm up and down, keeping her close. “Which neither of you meant.”

She relished his soft soothing words and the way he touched her cheeks with his thumbs and wiped away her tears. “I think Joe meant them. He’s adamant about not losing the farm.”

“He is?”

“More than I thought, actually. He offered to send money, but Papa said no. He can’t keep bailing us out.”

“No, Joe can’t do that. That’s not the answer.”

She put her head down. “I know.”

Sam gave her a squeeze and then put a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “I think I know the answer, Autumn. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. What you need more than having some money thrown at you, is a partner. Someone to invest in the farm. Someone who would work hard to see it succeed.”

“Might as well wish for the moon.”

“No, not the moon. Just a guy who already knows this farm upside down and backward. What would you say if I offered to be your partner?”

Autumn’s head popped up. “Very funny, Sam.”

“I’m not being funny. I’m serious.”

“You’re not a farmer, Sam.”

“Maybe I am. Maybe I’m just discovering how much I enjoy farming. It’s hard, but rewarding work, Autumn. I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“But what would be your reward, Sam?”

He studied her a moment. “To see this place be fruitful again. To make it a success. To face a challenge and succeed is its own reward.”

“Sam, you are serious.”

“Don’t look so surprised.”

“I’m… not. Okay, maybe I am.”

“It’s the perfect solution. I can invest and become an equal partner.”

“Can you afford that?”

“I’ve made some good investments over the past ten years. And I can get a veteran’s loan if need be. Just let me worry about that. All I need to know is if you’d consider me as your partner.”

Partner, lifesaver, love of her life. Her hero. She couldn’t refuse Sam. Not if he meant it. Not if he really wanted to work the farm. He’d been searching for his future and maybe he’d found it. In the farm. Inher. Could she be that lucky? “Are you sure?”

He nodded without hesitation. “I’m sure. As long as your father approves.”

“Oh, Papa’s gonna approve. He already thinks of you as his second son.”

He began nodding. “Okay, good. Great.”

But there was a hint of something unknown in his eyes. Worry? Concern? Indecision?

---