Page 66 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Sam blew out a breath. “Okay, Miss Independent.”

She grinned, loving every second with Sam tonight.

“It’s really not a night to talk business, but I have those papers in my truck. I can give them to you now, and tomorrow I’ll come by to discuss them. If that’s not rushing it?”

“No, Sam. It’s not rushing it. It’s a good idea.”

Sam only took a minute to retrieve the partnership papers from his truck. He was back quickly and handed them to her. “This doesn’t mean that the date part of our night is over.”

“It doesn’t?”

“No, there’s one more thing I need to do.”

“Need?”

He seemed a bit baffled admitting it. “Yeah,need.” He took the papers out of her hands and set them onto her car’s hood. Then he pulled her into his arms and claimed her mouth in a heart-stopping, searing kiss. He tasted of champagne and wedding cake and all those delicious tastes melded into her brain. She didn’t think she could float any higher until he swept his tongue into her mouth. She was soaring above the clouds now and didn’t want to ever come down. She relished every second being with Sam, every second of his mesmerizing potent kiss.

Sam broke the kiss, shaking his head in the very best way. “You’re incredible, Autumn. The more we’re together, the more I see it, the more I feel it. I’d better say good night now.” He stepped back. “Let you get on home.”

He didn’t realize that she was already home. With him.

He opened the car door for her, handed her the papers and she climbed in, a bit dazed. It was the best make-out session she’d ever had. Sam felt it too and maybe he was loosening up, maybe he was ready to move forward from his heartache.

“Good night, sweet Autumn. Drive safe.”

“Good night, Sam.”

Her hands shaking, she started the car. Gazing up at Sam, his eyes held a gleam and his beautiful smile touched her heart.

She drove off, wishing the night didn’t have to end.

*

Autumn wiped downthe kitchen counter, humming her favorite Carrie Underwood tune and every once in a while, she’d break out in song. Her heart was full, the wedding yesterday giving her new hope for the future.

“Someone’s awfully happy today,” Alicia said, filling up two cups of freshly brewed coffee and bringing them to the kitchen table.

“Why shouldn’t I be happy? It’s a beautiful day, the air is crisp, the sky so blue.”

Alicia set out a dish of cranberry scones she’d made this morning, sharing them with her and Papa. Alicia glanced out the window. “I hate to burst your weather bubble, but it’s cold out there and the sky is layered with gray clouds. It looks like rain.”

“It wouldn’t dare,” Autumn said, picking up a scone and taking a big bite. She chewed the yummy pastry and swallowed. Then she shrugged. “Well, I guess we could use a little more rain.”

Alicia picked up her coffee cup and took a sip. “You’re awfully agreeable today.”

“You say that like I’m not always.”

“No, no. I wasn’t putting you down. It was just an observation. You’re especially happy today. I take it the wedding was nice?”

Autumn tossed the dish towel down and took a seat, lifting her coffee cup to her mouth again. “It wasn’t just nice, it was… dreamy… perfect… beautiful. I’m so happy for Garrett and Nicole. They deserve to be happy after both of them had such tormented pasts. Garrett lost his twin sister and instantly became a single parent and poor Nicole—”

“She was left at the altar, brokenhearted. It’s a good thing though. Things worked out for her, for both of them.”

“Yeah, funny how that seems to happen.” Autumn couldn’t get a handle on her great mood. She was beaming inside and had never been happier. Instead of being her usual, glass-half-empty self, she was filled with a glass overflowing.

“It happened for Seth and me. We were not destined to be together and then fate intervened. He was supposed to leave town. He had a job waiting for him in Abilene, but then he got in that car accident and broke his leg.”

“And you were right there, helping him mend.”

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