Page 8 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

Chapter Two

Sam sat atthe kitchen table and Nicole poured him a cup of steaming hot coffee.

“Morning, Sam.”

“Nic. Thanks for the coffee.”

His sister moved about the small kitchen efficiently. In just a matter of weeks she’d be living in a big, newly renovated house on Cottonwood Ranch. She’d have an instant family with Garrett and his young nephew, Cody.

Nicole had friends here, really good friends since she was rooted in Last Stand and always had been. Julie and Taylor were her besties now, so Sam couldn’t understand exactly why his sister wanted him to be the best man of honor in her wedding. Nic claimed it was because she couldn’t choose between the two females and they were happy being her bridesmaids.

And it was an honor. He and Nicole had always been close.

“How about a doughnut or two with your coffee?”

“Sure thing. Man, you’re spoiling me.” He patted his stomach. “Mornings were never this good at the base.” He’d been stationed in Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan for the past two years. Now he was a civilian and could eat whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Rising at six thirty in the morning was considered sleeping in. By now, he’d be up and dressed and ready for wherever the day would take him.

“Must be a bit strange, having no routine in your life now.”

“It is. I won’t deny it.”

“I’m glad you’re home, big brother. So are Mom and Dad. Actually, they’re thrilled. I’m glad you spent a week with them before coming here. But I have a feeling they’ll be visiting Last Stand more and more, since you’ll be living here for a while.”

“It’s only temporary Nic. Thanks for letting me room here for a little while.”

I don’t know what I’m going to do just yet.”

“I know what you’re going to do. You’re going to be the best, best man of honor this town has ever seen, that’s what you’re going to do.”

“I might be theonlybest man of honor this town has ever seen.” He grinned. “I know you think so, Nic, but life doesn’t begin and end with your wedding.” He winked.

“I’ve forgotten what a tease you are, Sam.” She sat down at the table and sipped her coffee.

“How could you forget my tormenting you?”

“Oh, I haven’t. Believe me. Now that you’re back, I’ll find ways of getting back at you.”

“You’re talking to a military man. You can’t pull the wool over my eyes. Ugh, make that ex-military. Sometimes I forget.”

“Can’t take the military out of the man, Sam. It’s been your way of life for all of your adult years. It’ll take some time. Have you met up with the guys over at Veterans Unite yet? Retired Captain Adam Price, is the grandfather of one of my students. He got the ball rolling, some six years ago and I understand it’s a great way for vets to keep in touch, talk war stories, and reminisce.”

“Yeah, I plan to head over there this morning.”

“But not before you have one or two of these,” she said, sliding a plate of doughnuts over to him.

“Glazed maple bars.” The sweet smell wafted up to his nose. “My favorite.”

“Hey, my brother comes home from the service only once. Don’t get used to this though. Most mornings it’s cereal and toast.”

“And you’re not serving me. I’ll fend for myself. After all, you’re working and I’m not.”

He paused for a second. It seemed strange to think it. He had no real direction in his life right now. After the breakup, he’d felt hollowed out. Suddenly, his engagement to Hilary Sutton was off and the starting position he’d been offered by Hilary’s father at Sutton Oil and Gas in Austin, all went away. He found himself out of the military, out of a future. No fiancée, no job. Everything he’d looked forward to had been tossed on its rear end. After Nic’s wedding, he’d have to focus on his next move. He’d have to decide where his life was going. But for now, helping the Messinas and his sister’s wedding were enough to occupy his time. “Hey, Nic. What do you know about Autumn Messina?”

“Autumn? Not too much. She kept pretty much to herself up at the farm, until this year. She’s new at the school this semester. Apparently, her students already love her. And from what I can tell, vice versa.”

“I went to see Manny Messina yesterday. Autumn wasn’t too happy to see me.”

“Why, what happened between you two? I remember there was something.”

---