Page 61 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Before they went in, Sam got a text. “Excuse me, I have to answer this. Give me a second okay?”

“No problem,” she said. She’d waited so long for Sam; what was another few minutes?

And it really only took Sam a few moments before he was right back by her side. He clasped her hand and together they walked into the Mexican restaurant.

“Russell reservation,” he told the hostess.

“Oh, sure. Follow me.”

The hostess led them to a small room at the back of the restaurant. “Right in there,” she said smiling, allowing them entrance.

Suddenly the dark room lit up. “Surprise!”

Autumn blinked, unsure what was happening, until her eyes touched upon her father and Seth and Alicia, wearing happy grins and silly birthday hats on their heads. Garrett and Nicole popped up from the back too, along with Taylor and Coop. Even little Cody and Cassie were part of the surprise. It was a small gathering, but with all the people she cared about.

She gazed at Sam. “Did you do this?”

He shook his head. “I can’t take credit. It was all Alicia’s idea. My job was to get you here.”

She looked out at all the smiling faces. “But my birthday’s not until Sunday.”

Alicia ran over to her and gave her a giant hug. “It’s close enough, and this way you weren’t suspicious at all. Or were you?”

“No, not at all.” Sam had played his part well. He’d convinced her this was a date. Momentary sadness seeped in, but she couldn’t allow it to dominate her feelings. This was so sweet and thoughtful andsneakyof Alicia and Seth.

“Alicia, I love you. This is…” She scanned the room filled with friends and laughter and lots of balloons. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Oh, to be twenty-eight again.”

Alicia was in her forties and they’d always been more like sisters than anything else.

Seth walked her father over. “Happy birthday, my sweetest daughter.” Her dad wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “No one deserves this more than you.”

“Oh Papa, this is truly a wonderful surprise.”

“Your mama would be proud of all you’ve accomplished, Autumn. You honor her.”

“Papa, don’t say things like that. You’re going to make me cry.” Her eyes stung already.

“She named you, Autumn. It was her favorite time of year, when the crops were ready to harvest, when the summer heat disappeared. You brought color and light into our lives.”

Her emotions on the brink, happy tears fell. Sam was right there, handing her a tissue.

She dabbed at her eyes. “Thank you,” she told him. And then she made her way over to all of her friends. They congratulated her with hugs and birthday wishes.

Appetizers were served first, and everyone took a seat at a long table draped with a colorful Mexican tablecloth. Fresh from the oven tortilla chips and the queso she loved was set in cast-iron bowls all along the table. Everyone dug in, their happy chatter filling the room.

She was surrounded by everything she loved, her father, her friends, the food. Sam had been attentive and kind. He smiled at her a lot and she returned the smiles. She couldn’t fault him for this, he was every bit a part of her birthday celebration. But was it wrong of her to want more? Was it wrong of her to be a little disappointed that this night didn’t turn out how she’d hoped?

She glanced at Sam and he gave her a wink. She doubted he knew what turmoil his being in her life now created. How torn she was about her future. Was Sam just content to be her business partner?

He certainly hadn’t acted that way the night of the dance. No, he’d sent out clear and bright signals to her. He’d kissed her several times. And then asked her to be his date for Nicole’s wedding.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his brows furrowed. “I thought you loved the queso here.”

She hadn’t taken a bite and he’d noticed. “Nothing’s wrong. I wish Joe was here, that’s all.”

“He would be, if he could be.”

---