Page 65 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“We’ll talk about it later. I just wanted to give you a heads-up.”

The band had set up in the yard, and they began playing a country tune. “Dance with me to celebrate.” He pulled her toward the dance floor and held her around the waist.

She draped her arms around his neck, and they smiled at each other. Her nerves were bouncing around like jumping beans.

“What are we celebrating exactly?” she whispered.

He brought her closer and spoke in her ear. “Everything, Autumn. We’re celebrating everything today.”

She’d never seen Sam happier. His mood was contagious, and she was fully engaged. It was as if all his walls were down now. As if, she was allowed in. As if, there was truly something special between them.

Her goose bumps had goose bumps and she wouldn’t find fault with any of it. She wouldn’t resist or hold back. Tonight, she was carefree and lighthearted. How could she not be with Sam holding her, looking into her eyes as if she were the only woman here?

They danced together until it was time for the toasts to begin.

Sam’s father George got up and walked over to where the bride and groom were seated. He raised a glass to his daughter and her new husband, speaking from the heart and when he was through many guests were teary-eyed, including her. She wiped at her eyes gently, with the back of her fingers.

When it was Sam’s turn to speak as the best man of honor, he took the microphone and commanded attention. “I’m not as great a speaker as my father and I doubt I’ll make you tear up, but the one thing I want to say, above all else, is that my sister Nicole deserves to be happy. She put up with me tormenting her all those years, after all, and that alone should qualify her for sainthood.”

A few quiet chuckles erupted. “And I think Garrett will agree Nicole is someone you just want to make happy. She radiates positivity and warmth. No one loves Christmas more than my little sis, because she loves to give. She’s a nurturer by nature and a woman with the kindest heart.”

Garrett nodded and took Nicole’s hand in his.

Nicole’s eyes filled with admiration and love for her big brother. It was truly a wonderful sight to see their bond. To see how much they meant to each other.

Sam went on, “And in Garrett, Nicole has found her, dare I say… soul mate. I know it’s cliché, but there’s no better way to describe the love these two have for each other. They were meant to be. Garrett, my little sis knocked you for a loop, literally, when you first met. And I think you’ve been thanking your lucky stars ever since.”

Again, Garrett nodded.

“Everyone deserves pure and lasting love, but no one more than the two of you. So, let’s all raise a glass and toast to Nicole and Garrett.”

Sam lifted a glass and shot the newly married couple a beautiful smile. “To you both, may you keep each other happy for all the years of your lives.”

Glasses clinked and Sam went over to kiss his baby sis and shake Garrett’s hand. As soon as he was through, he made his way over to Autumn.

“That was beautiful, Sam.”

And hearing him say those words about pure and lasting love stuck with her. She wanted that. So much. But it had to be what Sam wanted, too. And right now, she was too happy to worry about whether or not they’d find their way to that place.

The music kicked up again and Sam looked over at her. She nodded and he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. They sipped champagne in between dances and then munched on delicious white chocolate raspberry wedding cake. It was like a dream come true, spending the entire wedding with Sam by her side. With Sam, complimenting her, sharing glances, laughing and joking with her.

She was floating on the clouds and this time she wouldn’t look down. She wouldn’t fumble a step. She’d just keep on floating.

Once the wedding was officially over, she gave Garrett and Nicole one last big congratulatory hug. She was one of the last ones to leave and though she offered her help, Nicole wouldn’t hear of it. “We’ve got this, don’t we, husband?”

Garrett wrapped an arm around her waist. “We sure do, wife.”

The way their eyes connected was ultra-sweet.

“Well then, good night, you two. It was wonderful.”

“C’mon, Autumn. I’ll walk you to your car,” Sam said. He slid his hand to the small of her back and guided her toward the area where the cars were parked.

They reached her car and she turned to him.

“I can follow you home,” he said.

“Sweet, but not necessary. It’s only a ten-minute drive to the farm. I’ll be fine.”

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