Megan's Hero (The Callahans of Texas Book #3): A Novel by Sharon Gillenwater Page A

be the director at our fledgling community theater just because he’s good at ordering people around.”
    “We nixed the idea at the first meeting,” Emily added. “Actually, to be fair, he un-volunteered, admitting he didn’t know the first thing about drama. So we put him to work as the head stagehand and helping Chance build the sets for the play we did on Valentine’s Day.”
    “It’s probably a good thing we won’t be doing another one until Christmas. Taking orders from his little brother drives him crazy.” Jenna grinned at Megan when she glanced back at her.
    “Now, girls, it’s not as bad as that,” Sue gently chided. “His grumbling is all in fun.”
    “Most of the time,” murmured Jenna. “The old sibling rivalry rears up on occasion. If you have any brothers, Megan, you probably know what I mean.”
    “No experience there. I’m an only child.” Which she’d always considered a blessing. She’d taken care of herself, and often her mother, for as long as she could remember. It would have been much harder—and impossible to leave—if there had been another kid involved.
    Pushing those thoughts aside, she took a moment to admire Sue’s car. It must have every bell, whistle, and luxurious extra available. If their home was anything comparable, she was going to be a fish out of water.
    She shifted her attention to the town as they drove down the street. Yesterday, she’d dozed on the way to the hospital and hadn’t noticed any of the scenery. Interspersed between mostly wooden homes thirty to fifty years old were newer brick ones. Most were nice but not fancy, mainly one story. All were well cared for.
    Several had lush green lawns, but in just as many yards, there was more red dirt than sparse, struggling grass. Almost all of them had a shade tree or two, a few shrubs, and a handful of flower-filled pots to brighten up the landscape. Rain was normally scarce in West Texas, and summers were hot. Plenty of people couldn’t afford to buy the water needed for a nice green lawn.
    If you don’t water, you don’t have to mow. As a kid, Megan had gladly accepted her mother’s philosophy.
    Sue turned a corner, and Megan spotted a beautiful old three-story Victorian on the next block. “Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful house.”
    “That’s the Bradley-Tucker House, home of one of our pioneer ranching families.” There was a note of pride in Sue’s voice. “It belongs to the Historical Society and is an annex of our local museum. Emily is the curator of both sites.”
    “That’s how we lured her to Callahan Crossing,” said Jenna. “She came to set up the museum, and Chance convinced her to stay.”
    “And I’m very glad I did. I don’t miss the city one bit.”
    Sue drove slowly past the lovely old home. “I’m so thankful this part of town wasn’t hit by the fire.”
    “I saw that on the news,” said Megan. “It looked terrible.”
    “It was. But we’re coming back. Sixty homes have been rebuilt, and more are under construction. Chance’s company has done about half of them. Out-of-town companies have built some, and church groups from all over Texas have provided material and labor for others. If you aren’t too tired after we stop at the grocery store, we’ll make a loop through the part of town that was hit.” She made another turn and immediately pulled into the Miller’s Grocery parking lot. “Do you feel like going in? Or do you want us to just pick up your iron pills?”
    “I’d like to go in. It will be nice to move around. I got a little bored walking up and down the hall.” Megan wasn’t about to let them buy the pills. Unless they cost more than she had.

8
     
    Inside the store, Jenna grabbed a cart and went with Megan to the pharmacy section. Sue and Emily also took carts and split up to do their shopping. Megan found that comforting. Will had mentioned a housekeeper, so she’d expected his mother to leave that chore to the hired help.
    “Is there