Page 59 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“You’ve been over there every day for a week. You made the festival a success and now you’re going to buy into the farm. You’re a good guy, Sam, no doubt, but I worry about your motives. You don’t owe Joe, this.”

“I would’ve been dead, if it wasn’t for him. So maybe I do. And speaking of Autumn, Alicia asked a favor of me. She’s throwing a little surprise party for Autumn’s birthday day after tomorrow and she wanted me to invite you two. It’s close to the wedding and she understands if you can’t come.”

“I’d love to come. I’ll run it by Garrett and let you know.”

“Great. It’s at Valencia’s in town. Alicia said it’s casual. Be there by six thirty. Cody’s invited too.”

“That’s so sweet.”

“I think Alicia’s inviting Taylor and Julie, too.”

“Sounds like fun. It’s gonna be a week of parties. Autumn’s birthday, our rehearsal dinner and then our wedding.”

“A busy week for sure.”

“Well, I can’t argue with that, big brother, and I’m glad you’re here, to be my best man of honor.”

Cody ran in, the blond-haired boy dashing right by them.

“Cody, go wash your hands,” Nicole said. “We’ll wait on you for dinner.”

“Okay, Aunt Nicole.”

Garrett took his seat again. “He was out doing tricks on his new bike.”

Sam grinned. “Next year, he’s gonna ask for a new filly or colt.”

“Don’t I know it,” Garrett shot back. “He’s already been hinting.”

“Next year,” Nicole said, “I hope we can give him a baby cousin.”

Garrett took Nicole’s hand and smiled. “That’s the plan.”

“But we’re not mentioning that to Mom or Dad until it happens, Sam, not a word,” Nicole warned.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, little sis.” He sipped his beer. She already had a great family in Garrett and his nephew Cody, but the idea of his sister expanding her family made him smile.

His mind immediately shifted to Autumn. She would make a great mother. She loved teaching her students so much and he could only imagine how much she’d love her own children. Autumn was on his mind a lot lately. He had trouble sorting out his feelings for her versus his sense of duty to the Messina family. To Joe, in particular. Was this partnership only for Joe’s sake, or was it because of his growing feelings for Autumn?

After dinner, Sam got into his truck and pulled away from Cottonwood. He had an uncanny urge to see Autumn tonight. But it was late, a school night and he figured she was probably getting ready for bed. Instead, he punched in her number anticipating her sweet voice. Three rings later, she picked up. “Hi,” she said, sort of breathless.

Sam smiled, grateful their relationship had evolved into something more civil. When he’d first shown up on the farm, she’d been downright belligerent. He’d been tasked with getting Autumn to the Tex-Mex restaurant on Wednesday night. Her birthday was on Sunday and Alicia planned the party a few days earlier not to arouse suspicion.

“Hi,” he said back. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“No. It’s a very good time, actually. I’m in my bedroom, getting ready for bed.”

“Are you tired?”

“No more than usual.”

“So, you’ve recovered from putting on the best festival Last Stand has ever seen?”

She laughed, the husky sound putting a grin on his face. “I think I have. What about you?”

“Me? I enjoyed every second of it.”

“Really,” she whispered.

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