Page 60 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“Really, Autumn. I just finished having dinner with Garrett and Nic, and I got to thinking, we should celebrate our partnership. How about I take you to dinner on Wednesday night?”

“You want to take me to dinner? Just me? Like a date?”

Sam paused. What could he say? He had to pretend it was a date, or he’d blow the whole surprise. “Yeah, like a date.”

“Okay, I accept.” Autumn’s tone took on that breathless sound again.

“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven. We’ll go into town.”

“I’ll be ready.”

There was eagerness in her voice. If Sam was honest, he was just as eager to see her. Be with her. Surprise her on her birthday. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Chapter Eight

Autumn glanced atherself in the mirror and twirled around, smiling, happy with her appearance. She’d dressed solely for Sam in a new dress she’d picked up in town yesterday. It was cherry red with a delicate neckline, thin shoulder strap sleeves, the dress flaring out at the waist and falling into soft pleats.

She washed and curled her long hair, the part on the side sweeping over her left eye. Her makeup was subtle on her cheeks and a bit of sage eye shadow emphasized the green in her eyes. She slipped into high heels and practiced walking around in them. It was her first real date with Sam Russell, and she didn’t want to fall flat on her face in front of him.

The knock came at precisely seven and she took one long look at herself, dabbed a bit of lip gloss on her lips and walked over to the door. She steadied her breath and opened it. Sam stood on the threshold, his blond hair combed neatly, wearing dark slacks, a black snap-down shirt with fancy embroidery along the shoulders, and a pair of leather boots. Gorgeous Texan was written all over him. Her heart began to pound hard in her chest.

He took a look at her and let out a long low whistle. “Wow. You look beautiful, Autumn.”

Heat rose up her neck. Sam could always make her blush. “Thank you. So do you. Look handsome, I mean.”

“Thanks. It’s a bit chilly. Want to grab a coat?”

“I’ll be right out,” she said. She picked up her purse and coat from the sofa and walked over to him. He helped her on with her coat. “I’d like to say hello to Manny, if he’s available.”

“Actually, he’s not. He’s over at Seth and Alicia’s place tonight.”

“Okay, maybe I’ll see him when I bring you home, if he’s still awake.”

“He’d love that. Actually, he’s had some really good days lately.” It had to be the result of a very successful farm festival and knowing the farm wasn’t going to be sold. Her father’s mental outlook had gone from grim to pretty darn good in just a matter of days. She was grateful that he was feeling more like himself and hoped it continued.

“Ready?” he asked.

For her first real date with Sam, yeah. “I am.”

He bent his elbow and she fit her arm through. They walked shoulder to shoulder to the car. “Where’s your truck?” she asked.

“I borrowed Nicole’s car for tonight.”

“That’s nice, but not necessary. I love your truck.”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

Still, she was touched he’d given this date a lot of thought.

He opened the passenger side door for her, and she climbed in. He settled himself into the car and they took off. “Do you want to listen to some music?” he asked.

“Sure, anything’s fine. I like it all. Well, all but rap.”

He grinned. “Me, too.”

He settled on a classic soft rock station and she relaxed back against the seat, watching acres and acres of Messina farmland roll by. They wouldn’t have to sell their home now, and they owed it all to the man sitting beside her. She was in heaven, throwing all caution to the wind when it came to Sam. He’d proven himself to her and she wanted to reach over and take his hand. She wished he’d take hers, but she was content listening to the music and anticipating the night to come.

Once they reached Valencia’s, Sam parked the car and together they walked to the restaurant famous for their special queso. The story goes that there’s a special secret ingredient that only the family knows, and that recipe gets passed down from one generation to another. Autumn’s mouth watered, just thinking about it.

---