Page 64 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Turmoil reflected in his eyes. This went against all of Sam’s noble intentions.

She wanted to say something snarky, that this was the twenty-first century and a woman didn’t need a man to drive her anywhere. But she didn’t want to put down his sense of honor. “It’s really okay with me, Sam.”

He sighed, stared into her eyes and finally relented. “Okay, then. I’ll see you at the wedding.”

Sam walked her to the front door, said good night to her and Papa, and drove off.

“He makes you happy, Autumn?” Papa asked, his hand on her arm for support as they walked into the house.

“Oh, he does, Papa. He really does.”

But she couldn’t help thinking something was missing.

Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

*

Cottonwood Ranch wasthe perfect setting for Nicole’s marriage to Garrett. The non-working ranch was done up in understated style. They’d picked a beautiful outdoor spot for the afternoon ceremony under two ancient cottonwood trees whose branches entwined overhead. Flower streamers hung from those branches creating a floral wall of roses and greenery. Chiavari chairs were draped and tied with sheer white bows and autumn-colored rose bouquets lined the aisles. Autumn sat in one of those chairs now, waiting for the arrival of the bride.

When the music from a three-piece band began, everyone took their seats. Reverend Jay Preston, Taylor’s father, walked to the front, holding a bible, and Garrett, looking fine in his groom’s tuxedo, took his place beside him. Sam appeared next with his mother, Bess, on his arm. He escorted her to her seat, gave her a kiss on the cheek and then took his place up front.

Autumn’s breath caught in her throat. Sam was gorgeous. The dark suit he wore hugged all his body parts to perfection. His facial scruff was groomed, his blond hair perfectly combed, his eyes, melt-your-heart blue. He caught her gawking at him and gave her a wink. In that instant, she flushed. She hadn’t seen him for two days and she’d missed him, at the farm, teasing her, working alongside her. Being here at Nicole’s wedding gave her hope and made her think all things were possible.

Little Cassie Cooper appeared in the back, holding a basket filled with fall leaves and rose petals. She was grinning from ear to ear walking slowly down the aisle, doing a very good job of laying a carpet of fall foliage for the bride’s entrance.

Next, little Cody appeared, all decked out in a little man’s tuxedo. He held the rings, tied to a small square pillow and took cautious steps forward. Julie was next arm in arm with her husband Miguel and then Taylor appeared with Coop. The girls looked pretty in deep coral bridesmaid’s dresses, complementing the fall colors surrounding them.

The band began playing the “Wedding March” next and everyone stood and turned. George Russell, Nicole’s father, drove up in a fully decorated Cottonwood wagon pulled by two beautiful white mares. It was the same wagon Nic had used for the Christmas fundraiser. Her school children had a hand in decorating the wagon this time too, the wagon having significance in her relationship with Garrett. George Russell helped his daughter down and Nicole took her father’s arm, ready to make the walk that would change her life forever.

Nicole was a vision in white wearing a custom-designed gown made by her dear friend Taylor. She’d shed the idea of wearing the gown from her first disastrous almost marriage to the wrong guy in favor of starting a fresh new life with Garrett. She made her walk gracefully, smiling, her eyes glowing. Once they reached Garrett, George Russell kissed his daughter and handed her off to the man she would marry.

The vows they spoke touched her heart, the commitment, the honesty. It was pure and unabashed love pouring out from these two people who were becoming her good friends.

The reception was held in the yard behind the house. Garrett had done wonders landscaping the grounds in his time here. Tables were set up and a full catering team was at the ready.

Still beaming inside from the beauty of the ceremony, Autumn approached Nicole and Garrett and gave them both a big hug. “It was just perfect. Congratulations to both of you.”

“Thank you,” Nicole said. “I’m glad you’re here, Autumn. To share this with us.”

“So am I. I wouldn’t have missed it.”

The bride and groom were called away by the photographer. “We’ll see you later,” Nicole said, blowing her a kiss as she was ushered away.

“I’m glad you’re here, too.” Sam sidled up next to her, his gaze roaming over her, a glint of appreciation in his gorgeous blue eyes. “You look beautiful, Autumn.”

Her pulse pounded and warmth spread throughout her body. She’d never been good at receiving compliments, but Sam’s seemed sincere and that just gave her all kinds of goose bumps. She’d worn this dress once before, for a special holiday occasion and hoped it was appropriate. It was subtle sage green with a heart-shaped neckline and flowed just below the knees. A wide band of delicate sage sequins belted around her waist. Wearing it made her feel feminine and soft. She’d piled her hair up in messy bun held together by rhinestone clasps.

“Thank you, Sam. You look… nice today, too.”

A gross understatement.

He nodded his thanks and took her hand in his. “I know this isn’t the right time, but I’m excited to tell you I have the partnership papers all drawn up.”

“You do, already? Wow, that was fast.”

“There’s no time to lose. The farm isn’t solvent right now and we need to turn that around. It’s a pretty simple agreement. We’ll be fifty-fifty partners in all sales. The house isn’t included in the deal. That will always be yours. I hope you’re okay with it. And I fully expect you to have an attorney look it over.”

“Okay,” she said, her mind going fifty miles an hour.

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