Page 9 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“Yeah, there was something. She’s Joe’s little sis, that’s what. I was stupid for half a second with her and realized my mistake just in time. She didn’t like that and now… well, let’s just say she has no use for me.”

“And that’s a problem because?”

“Joe’s family farm is in bad shape. I’ll be helping them as much as I can. Autumn is set about selling the place. Joe would hate that. And I know Manny doesn’t want that. That man put his heart and soul into the farm up until recently. He’s moving slow these days. He can’t do the work anymore. I guess most of it fell on Autumn’s shoulders. Joe doesn’t know the farm might be sold.”

“And you’re not going to let that happen.”

“I’ll do my best to help them, yeah.”

“Whether Autumn wants you there or not?”

He nodded. “Something like that.”

“She’s really pretty, Sam.”

He eyed his sister. “You’re always stating the obvious, but whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”

“Oh, so you agree?”

“I’m agreeing she’ll be a pain in my butt the whole time I’m there. Manny wants to hold one last Messina Farms Fall Festival. So, we’ll be working together. End of story.”

“Gotcha. End of story.” His sister sipped her coffee thoughtfully and then, “But you know some stories have an epilogue. And you never know where that’ll take you.”

Sam gave his sister the stink eye and dug into his maple bar, shutting out everything but the delicious taste of the airy light concoction.

*

The Veterans Unitemeetings were held in an empty storefront property on the outskirts of town that Sam remembered having once been a hardware store. The owner Willy Walker, a Vietnam War veteran himself, was happy to accommodate the country’s finest until the lease was up on the space. Old army-issue, camouflage-green trunks lined the walls and American flags hung from every wall in the room. Round tables were spread out with seating for quite a few.

Sam signed in and then took a seat at a table amid several veterans. Some older, some just about his own age. Immediately, a man came over to introduce himself. “Welcome, you must be Sergeant Sam Russell?”

“That’s me. It’s just Sam now.”

“It’ll never just be Sam,” the older man said, putting out his hand. “Adam Price. I run the meetings here. We’re proud to have you. I think I know your sister. Miss Russell teaches my granddaughter over at Honeysuckle. She told me you might be stopping in.”

“That’d be her.”

“She’s a real fine teacher. Our little Lila sure does enjoy going to school.”

“I’ll tell her she’s making an impact.”

“You do that. I’m glad you came. We’ve been trying to spread the word, get more join-ups. We’re here for everyone. Especially those of you younger soldiers. Some who come here struggle a bit. The transition from the military can be difficult.”

“I hear that. It’s hard to adjust to civilian life. But it looks like you have a good turnout.”

“We’re about forty strong. But they don’t all come every time. That’s no matter. We’re here most days. I keep the doors open weekdays but our actual meetings take place once a week, on Mondays. We have guest speakers at times. Anyone is welcome to speak anytime.”

“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

“Have you met Hersh and Jeffrey yet? Both served in Nam. Jeffrey flew Blackhawks.”

Sam turned to say hello and shake both their hands. “Nice meeting you. Do you live local?”

Jeffrey nodded. “I’ve got a home on the other side of town. It’s just me now. The wife passed a few years back.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you kindly.”

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