Page 7 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“Of course. Pumpkin and sunflowers are my specialty.”

She smiled, imagining those young faces all painted up, excited children running around the farm for the last time. This would be a lot of work, but there was certain satisfaction in planning this for her father, for the entire town.

“I might get some volunteers to help the day of. The older children at Honeysuckle have been known to pitch in.”

“Nic’s always talking about her kids. Her kindergarten students. What grade do you teach?”

“Second. I’ve only been there a short time, but I’ve already bonded with my students. Even the troublemakers.”

“You have troublemakers?”

“A few boys, mostly. They know how to push the girls’ buttons. But I’ve got their number. I know who to keep an eye on. Sometimes, I think the girls actually like the teasing and pestering, though. They complain a bit too eagerly.”

“Fickle females.”

“Sounds like you have experience.”

“I grew up with a little sister, remember. Nic used to love getting me in trouble, but if the punishment was too harsh, she’d feel bad and defend me to my parents. I never could figure it out.”

“Your sis had a conscience. She wanted to tattle on you, but she really didn’t want you to pay for it. It’s a sibling rivalry thing. Joe and I had it too. Did you… was there any other experience?” Autumn asked.

“Are you asking if I have a girl?”

“No! That’s not what I’m asking. It’s none of my business. I mean… I don’t care.”

“Autumn.” Sam stared at her, his eyes so deep, so blue. Sinkable eyes. Laughing eyes that revealed he knew what she was asking without having to voice it.

But her curiositywaskilling her. Did he have a girlfriend? Was he involved with a woman now? And why was she allowing her mind to go there? Why couldn’t she just stick to business?

“I had someone. I thought it was serious.Iwas serious. But it didn’t work out.”

Her breath hitched. Sam had loved someone. He’d been hurt. She derived no satisfaction in that. She was like those girls in her class, at one time wanting revenge, wanting him to suffer as much as she had, but when it came right down to it, not really.

She couldn’t imagine a woman not wanting Sam. And why hadn’t her brother mentioned it to her?

“What about you?” Sam asked, looking her dead in the eye.

“Me?” She hadn’t expected him to toss the question back to her. “I, uh, no. I haven’t had time to date lately.”

Their gazes held and seconds ticked by. Finally, she rose from her seat. “I think we’re good for now. At least we have a plan. I’ll get started on it tomorrow.”

Sam rose too, his manners not allowing anything else. “Are you kicking me out?”

“Sam.”

“Just kidding, Autumn. Thanks for the pie. I’ll see myself out. See you tomorrow.”

“You’re, uh, welcome,” she said much too late. He’d already exited the house.

Yet, he was coming back tomorrow. And probably the next day, and day after that.

He was committed to helping Messina Farms.

And all she had to do was stay focused and keep a safe distance from the guy who was back home, didn’t have a girl, and was going to save their family farm. At least temporarily.

Sure, she could do it.

And pigs could fly.

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