Page 62 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

She picked up a chip and dipped it into the queso. “I know that. I’m… fine, really.” She brought the yummy concoction to her mouth and took a bite. It was sheer heaven.

She really did miss her brother. They’d had harsh words that day, but they’d made up shortly after and Joe apologized for taking it all out on her. He’d been quite sweet actually, taking all the blame for his bad mood that day and she’d forgiven him pretty quickly. But when she’d texted him the news about Sam becoming a partner, she thought he’d be happy at the solution to their problem, yet he’d welcomed the news with a coolness she hadn’t expected. It made her curious as to why that was. “Have you… have you spoken to Joe lately?”

“No. But we text at least once a week.”

“Did he say anything to you about you becoming our partner?”

Sam dipped a chip into the bowl. Stared at it, as if he were deciding if he wanted to answer that question. “He was pissed at me, for not telling him the farm was in bad shape.”

“That wasn’t fair. It wasn’t your place to do so. Papa decided when to tell him.”

“I understood why though. He expects my loyalty as a friend. It took him by surprise, and he lashed out.”

“Why are you always defending my brother, Sam?”

“I don’t do that.”

“Youalwaysdo. You’re always taking his side.”

Sam only shrugged and bit down on his tortilla chip, pretending ignorance. She let the subject drop. Maybe he had a bit of hero worship too.

Shortly after, dinner was served. It was a combination of hot and spicy and warm and delicious entrees. Margaritas were the drink of the evening for the ladies, while the men drank Mexican beer. They chatted up a storm, Papa repeating stories about her and Joe while growing up. She’d heard the stories many times, but they were new to her friends, and everyone enjoyed the telling.

Once dinner was over, Alicia walked over holding her phone to her chest, her face as animated as she’d ever seen it. “I have another surprise for you, Autumn.”

Autumn shook her head. “Alicia, you’ve already done so much.”

“I think you’ll like this one. While he couldn’t be here in person, your brother sent along a birthday video.”

Alicia handed her the phone. “He said you can watch it in private, or if you want to embarrass him with his singing, you can show it to everyone.” Alicia chuckled.

She stared at the phone and then looked up at smiling, expectant faces. “When have I ever made anything easy for Joe? We’ll all watch it together.”

She clicked the button that brought the video to life. Joe’s face appeared and his military haircut was a bit too short for her liking. He wore his usual government-issue camo fatigues. He was handsome as the devil, even if he was her brother.

“Hey, little sis, sorry I can’t help you celebrate your birthday in person, but I hope you have a great time at your party. Give my love to Papa and Alicia and Seth and all the other new friends you’ve made. Oh, and if possible, don’t let Sam hear me sing. He’ll never let me live it down. But seriously, just know I love you and am proud of your accomplishments.” He looked straight into the camera, straight into her soul. She felt immediate guilt for all the grief she’d given him through the years. Just looking at him in his army fatigues, ready to protect the country, ready to sacrifice years of his life, put a lump in her throat. “You’re a great sister, Autumn. You deserve to have a wonderful birthday. And now, I’ll try not to ruin it too much with my singing.”

And then Joe sang to her in a combination of Spanish and English. It was heartwarming and sweet and his voice wasn’t a total embarrassment. She glanced at Sam, saw his big smile. Papa’s too. Everyone else was touched by her big brother’s birthday message, but no one more than she was. She and Joe fought from time to time, but they always made up, always had each other’s back when push came to shove. Their latest fight over the sale of the farm had been resolved thanks to Sam. If Joe wasn’t too keen on Sam becoming a partner, she didn’t question him about it. It was better to let everyone’s emotions calm a bit.

When the video ended, the room was quiet for a long moment as if they too were paying homage to the family member who couldn’t be here with them.

“Time for cake!” Alicia broke the silence with her announcement. And she walked over holding a cake plate.

“Is that what I think it is?” she asked.

“It is. Blueberry lemon cake.”

“My favorite. Oh, my gosh, Alicia. You’ve gone above and beyond.” This flavor cake was the best she’d ever tasted. Taking a bite was like floating on air, it was that light, that delicious.

“That’s why I made it. Shall we sing?”

“Oh no. No. That’s not necessary. Joe sang enough for all of us.”

“Okay, but you will blow out a candle and make a wish.”

Alicia lit the one sole candle in the center of the cake. “Ready with your wish?”

“I am.” It was always the same wish. For Joe and Sam to come home safely. And she’d already gotten half of her wish.

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