Love Is a Battlefield (15 page)

Ace didn't mean to eavesdrop. But his office shared a paper-thin wall with the seasonal office, and he couldn't help but hear every word exchanged between Kristy and Sarah. And even if he hadn't been able to hear their words, he was pretty sure the feeling of tension would've carried over into his office anyway. There had been complete silence since Sarah had announced their dad was coming to visit her. He vaguely remembered Owen and Steve talking about Kristy's estrangement from her father. Steve had even joked that Owen considered himself a surrogate father for her at times.

“Dad is coming to stay with you?” Kristy's voice rose with each word.

“He wants to get to know his grandkids. Says he might not have any others for a while, since his son is still in high school and you...” she trailed off. “Well, let's just say that he's not expecting you to make him a grandfather anytime soon.” Sarah laughed.

That was below the belt, even for someone who seemed oblivious to common courtesy. He waited for Kristy's response, surprised to find that he was actually holding his breath in anticipation. He wanted her to let her sister really have it.

“I see.” Kristy's voice was so quiet now that he could barely hear it. “Is that really what he said, or are you just filling in the words for him?”

“That was nearly an exact quote, actually. He also had some choice words about your farce of a wedding. He thought, as did I, that Mark was quite a catch. Too bad you found a way to mess it up.” Ace didn't have to see the sneer on Sarah's face to know it was there. “Dad says you're just too much like Mom.”

“And I consider that a compliment. Here's the money for the clock. I have to go now. I have a rifle demonstration in twenty minutes.”

Ace was rooted to his chair, his fists balled up in anger.
That's it? She's just going to let her sister treat her that way?
He shoved to his feet, struggling against the urge to storm into the room and tell Sarah what he thought of her. But he doubted Kristy would appreciate his involvement in what was obviously a sensitive situation.

“Bye, Emma.” Kristy's voice softened, her affection for her niece evident.

“Bye, Kwisty.”

Ace blew out his breath.
Sweet child. Hope she doesn't turn out like her mother. Here's hoping she grows up to be more like her aunt.

He stepped to the door in time to see Sarah and Emma exit the office area. He glanced in the direction of the seasonal office and was struck by the haunted expression on Kristy's face.

He considered walking on by, but he couldn't. He met her gaze. “You okay?”

“I guess you heard all that, huh?” The dullness in her eyes hadn't been there an hour earlier.

“Sorry. She's a real piece of work.” He leaned against the door frame. “I wouldn't put much stock in anything she says, though. Most of it was probably just to get a rise out of you.”

Kristy shuffled some papers on her desk and brought her fist softly down on the pages. “It worked.”

He nodded. “I can only imagine. Do you actually have a rifle demo in a minute, or was that just an excuse?”

“I do. In fact, I should've already changed. The chance to wear head-to-toe wool during a July heat wave just makes my day even better.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And just think, I'm the guy who gets to spend hours with you closed up in a truck tonight ... after you've spent time outside in head-to-toe wool. Guess we know who the lucky one is, right?” He retreated into the hall, his gaze still on her face.

Her mouth turned upward a tiny bit. “I promise to shower before the stakeout.”

Getting that small smile from her felt like winning the Ranger of the Year award. “Thank you kindly, ma'am,” he drawled in his best John Wayne imitation before he sauntered through the swinging doors. He heard her laughter as the doors swung closed behind him. He hated to admit it, but hearing someone cause pain to Kristy had made him want to rush in and rescue her.

A hollow feeling settled in his gut as memories flooded him. He was no one's superhero, especially not Kristy's.

Kristy blinked rapidly as she buttoned the Civil War uniform jacket.
Soldiers don't cry.
Even if her life did seem like her own version of a Civil War sometimes. She draped a haversack over her right shoulder and an ammunition bag over her left shoulder, securing them to her body with a wide belt, and blinked some more.

She knew better than to listen to Sarah. But the thought of Sarah and their father having a conversation about her messed-up life made her sick. She faltered a little in the battle of the Tears as a lone tear trickled down her face. She angrily wiped it away. She grabbed a bayonet from the locker and stuck it into the holder on her belt. She was about to go face a crowd of people. Besides, she'd cried enough tears over her sister and dad. Hadn't she used them all up already?

Straightening up, she took in her reflection in the full-length mirror.
Soldiers don't cry,
she reminded herself again. But even soldiers had errant thoughts sometimes, and her own flooded in on her.

If her dad and sister thought she had in some way “messed things up” with Mark, they were wrong. She hadn't messed things up. If they really knew her, or knew anything about her, they would know that the breakup had been inevitable. She and Mark were wrong for each other. Sadly, that knowledge didn't lessen her pain. Heartbreak was heartbreak, even if ending the relationship made sense.

Couldn't they be supportive for once in her life? Her dad had only met Mark twice. He was certainly in no position to judge whether Mark was the one for her. She remembered the way he'd insisted that Mark ask him for her hand, even though the engagement ring was already on her finger. It had infuriated her, but she'd played along. The thought that this man, who'd abandoned his family, still thought he should get a say-so in her life was absurd. But she hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings, so she'd begged Mark to abide by her dad's wishes and ask his permission.

And, of course, her dad had also insisted on being there to walk her down the aisle and had wanted to make sure his name was listed on the wedding invitations. Like she was his property. She'd wanted to scream, “I'm not yours to give.” but again, she couldn't bear the thought of hurting him. Because she knew that somewhere, deep down, he was sorry for leaving. He just hid it well, under barbs and sarcasm. Sarah was so much like him. And she was so much like their mother. Complete opposites. No wonder they were unable to live happily ever after.

She stared at her reflection for another second. The tears were finally under control. She was ready to face the world, her true identity hidden under the costume. For the next half hour, she wouldn't be Kristy O'Neal, girl who didn't know who she was anymore. She'd just be a common Civil War soldier, explaining the hardships of war.

Her brogan boots clacked against the hard tile floor as she stepped through the swinging doors. Ace gave her a wink as she trooped by.

“Look, Mommy, a soldier!” a little boy squealed as she passed by.

She tossed him a smile as she began the journey to the split-rail fence where the program would take place. She was looking forward to it. Any amount of time she got to spend pretending to be someone else was precious. Would she ever enjoy just being herself again?

Finally. The last visitor had exited the building. The clicking sound the lock made as he turned his key had never sounded so sweet. Ace glanced at the desk. Kristy and Matthew were furiously counting the money, and he knew both were hoping it would come out balanced with the register tape. Otherwise, they'd have to recount again, and if it still came out wrong, they'd have to fill out tedious paperwork.

“It's even,” Matthew said gleefully and raised his hand for a high five from Kristy.

“The theater is finished,” Mason announced, walking into view.

“Big plans tonight, guys?” Ace asked.

“Meeting some friends at Pickwick for the fireworks.”

He glanced at Kristy's glum face. He wondered if she was still upset by her sister's visit, or if she was just sad that she'd be spending her favorite holiday staking out with him.

“Sounds nice. Why don't you guys get out of here? We'll finish up.”

The twins didn't waste another second. Before he could wave good-bye, they'd grabbed their backpacks from the seasonal office and were headed out the door.

He felt Kristy's eyes on him. “Come on,” he said, walking over to where she was leaning against the desk. “You remember what it was like to be nineteen and have fun plans. Surely you would've wanted the cool guy at work to let you scoot out a little early.”

“Cool guy, huh? if it makes you feel better about being over thirty, then keep on calling yourself that.” Her blue eyes danced as she looked playfully at him. “But I'm pretty sure I heard Matthew call you ‘Gramps' the other day when you were complaining about your backache.”

He winced. “Ha-ha.” she could kid him all she wanted if it meant she hadn't let Sarah completely ruin her favorite holiday.

“So have you heard where we're supposed to be tonight?” Kristy picked up a stray receipt from the floor and dropped it in the trash can underneath the desk.

“Owen's gone over to Mr. Bramblett's office right now. Should be back any second to let us know what the game plan is.” He flipped the loudspeaker switch to OFF. “If you'll check the ladies' room, we'll be through here.”

He held his breath. Would she think he was bossing her around? Just a few weeks ago, his statement would've set her off. But she didn't say a word as she went to check the restrooms for straggling visitors.

The back door burst open as Owen blew in like a hurricane. His naturally ruddy face was even redder than normal, and Ace couldn't tell if it was from the heat or from his obvious anger.

“This thing is out of control,” Owen ranted, erasing any doubt about the reason for his red face. “He's talking about having us install cameras at all of the major monuments. Cameras. Like we're some kind of convenience store or something.” Owen put his hat on the table beside the door and brushed his sticky hair off his forehead. “And it's so blasted hot out there. Tonight's gonna be miserable.”

Ace nodded.

Kristy came through the swinging doors. “Well, what's the plan?” she asked, coming over to where they stood.

Owen snorted. “Plan. The plan is that we'd better catch this idiot before the park goes broke paying all of us overtime. Arnie actually asked me what the rangers would think about just donating their time to catching the vandal.”

Ace exchanged a glance with Kristy. He was pretty sure the overtime pay was the only upside for her. For him, the extra money was nice, but he was getting a lot closer to admitting that he enjoyed using the time to get to know Kristy without distractions.

“Anyway, the two of you are supposed to park near the Tennessee Monument,” Owen said.

“But that was the first one vandalized,” Kristy pointed out.

“Exactly. Arnie figures the vandal won't strike there twice, so you can park near it and be undetected. But he actually wants you to keep an eye on the Illinois Monument.”

She nodded. “That makes sense. The Illinois is a popular monument, and we'll have a clear view of it from the Tennessee.” she laughed. “And if it gets too hot, we can always take a dip in Water Oaks Pond.”

Owen laughed gruffly. “Maybe you should stay out of the pond. Your luck, that'd be when the vandal would strike. Arnie's head would explode for sure if that happened.”

“Okay, we'll stay on alert,” she agreed. “But we might have to run the truck's AC some. I think it's still supposed to be in the nineties most of the night.”

“Can't say I blame you there. I'm gonna be at the Wisconsin. I'm mostly just worried about staying awake. Since Steve's still on his European vacation, I'll be sittin' out there alone. Talk about a long night.”

Ace felt for the guy, having to sit out there by himself with no one to talk to. The time he spent with Kristy always passed so quickly. Each time the radio crackled with someone letting them know they could call it a night, he was amazed at how the time had flown. And amazed at all of the things he'd hoped to tell her and to find out about her. It had been a long time since he'd met anyone as interesting as Kristy. And it was as if she didn't even know it. She was so unassuming. He only wished he could make her see him as someone other than just the guy who'd taken over her yellow office.

Kristy was happy to have a couple of hours of peace before she had to go back to work. What with Sarah's ugly visit and another e-mail from Mark, imploring her to contact him, she felt like she was at her wit's end.

She wished she were able to go and enjoy the holiday tonight instead of working. And it wasn't that she dreaded spending time with Ace. It was just that it was so confusing. Because of his stupid game, she'd started to open up to him. Telling him all that stuff about her fears and regrets. Those were things she'd never shared with anyone. It was just weird.

She showered and changed into denim capris and a sleeveless red top. Somewhere in the depths of her closet were some white flip-flops. Her best attempt at a patriotic outfit, despite the fact that she wouldn't be doing anything festive tonight. No point in getting too fixed up, though. She decided to let her hair air dry, even though it meant there'd be waves to contend with. It was just too hot to use the blow dryer. A bit of makeup and she was ready with an hour to spare.

The ringing doorbell startled her. She wasn't expecting anyone.

Sam at her heels, she went to peek out the window to see who it was. Robert and Zach stood on her front porch, each holding something covered with aluminum foil.

Kristy opened the door. “Hi. What are you guys doing here?” she asked.

Robert smiled broadly and held up his platter. “We grilled burgers at Mom's and brought some for you.”

Zach was less cheerful with his greeting. “Mom sent you some banana pudding, too,” he said with a frown.

“Thanks. Come on in.” she directed them to the kitchen table.

Robert removed the foil with gusto, exposing a platter of burgers and buns. “Ta-da. Marinated in Dale's sauce. Your choice of American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese.” He grinned.

“You didn't have to do this. But I'm certainly glad you did. I'm starving. This sure beats the Lean Cuisine I was planning.”

Robert laughed. “Well, I hated to think of you spending the whole day working. So I thought we'd bring a little taste of the Fourth to you.”

Zach knelt down to scratch Sam's belly. “Good boy,” he crooned.

So it was possible for Zach to have a good time. She was glad to see it. “Do you have a dog, Zach?”

He looked up, his hand still stroking Sam's soft fur. “Not since we moved. Our house doesn't have a fenced yard, so Dad got to keep our dog.” He frowned. “But Mom says maybe we can get a cat sometime.”

She met Robert's gaze. Poor kid. It was no wonder he was so miserable. Parents split, moved to a new town, had to leave his friends and his dog behind. She was beginning to understand Zach's sullenness.

“I'm going to try to work on that fence soon,” Robert said. “And then we'll be able to bring Gingerbread to her new home.”

Kristy grinned. “Gingerbread? That's a cute name.”

A small smile from Zach. “I got her at Christmastime. The very first thing she did was jump in my lap and eat a cookie off the plate in front of me.”

“A gingerbread cookie?”

“Yep.”

She fought the urge to reach out and hug Zach. Underneath his preteen angst, he was probably a really sweet kid.

“Dig in.” Robert motioned toward the burgers.

Ace paced the length of his living room, his tennis shoes squeaking against the newly varnished wood floors. He glanced over at his open laptop, mocking him from across the room. Why was this so hard?

Words normally came easily to him, but not today. Maybe it was because it was a holiday and his subconsciousness thought he deserved the day off. But at the rate he was going, he'd never finish his current project.

He thumbed through
This Great Battlefield of Shiloh
as if it would inspire him, but to no avail. He glanced at his watch. It was time to leave to go meet Kristy. He shut his computer down and grabbed his keys.

In an odd turn of events, she was waiting for him in the parking lot. And he'd expected to have to wait for her as usual. Maybe she was eager to see him. Yeah, right. More likely, she was eager to get the night started so it could end.

He pulled his truck into the space closest to where she stood and turned off the ignition. Grabbing his keys and radio, he hopped out of the Chevy.

“Aren't you proud? I beat you here for once.” she grinned at him, her blue eyes dancing.

“Impressive. I figured I'd have time to walk down to maintenance and get the truck before you got here.”

“I didn't even think about that, or I would've already gone to get it.”

“Not a problem. I wore my running shoes, so I'll go.” He motioned at her flip-flops. “You can just wait here.”

She grinned. “Hey. Don't make fun of my footwear. I can move quite well in flip-flops, thank you very much. I'll just walk down with you.”

They set off down the hill, and Ace couldn't help but admire her red toenails. She always surprised him. Such a neat mixture of tomboy and girlie girl. “Your hair's different tonight.”

She raked a hand through her blond hair. “Yeah. I let it air dry, so it's wavy tonight. And of course, thanks to the humidity, I'm sure it will look like a lion's mane before the night is over.” she held up a wrist with a band around it. “But never fear. I can contain it if it gets too big and threatens to force us out of the truck cab.”

He laughed. “Well, I like it. I think it looks pretty like that.”

She looked startled.

Why had he opened his mouth?

“Thanks.”

They silently climbed in the truck, Ace at the wheel. It seemed that their earlier arguments about who would drive were a thing of the past. Kristy seemed content just to be a passenger. She was quieter than normal tonight.

“So. You think this'll be the night we catch the guy?” he asked. “What makes you so sure it's a guy? it could be a woman, you know.”

“Fine. You think this'll be the night we catch the person?” he asked again, emphasizing
person
for her benefit.

She laughed. “It probably is a guy. Just giving you a hard time.”

He was glad to see she was in a good mood. He parked the truck near Water Oaks Pond. The Illinois Monument was in clear view. It had a very large gray stone base, with a regal woman seated on a throne. Mother Illinois watching out for her sons. Since Illinois was Ace's home state, the monument was one of his favorites.

He turned the air on full blast. “Soak it up before I cut it off.”

Kristy unbuckled her seat belt and leaned forward in the seat, nearly pressing her face to the vent. She closed her eyes, the picture of peace.

He watched as the blast of air blew her bangs off her forehead. He wondered what it would feel like to reach out and run his hand along the side of her face. Her skin looked so soft.

“Are you watching me?” she asked, her eyes still closed.

“Yes.”

“Well, stop it.”

He sighed and turned off the ignition. The blast of cool air stopped and the truck seemed to fill immediately with warmth. Kristy sat back and looked over at him. “I suppose we'll be playing round three tonight?”

“I thought you might be tired of our game.” He smiled. “But I've got one doozy of a question for you, though. I spent all day deciding what it was going to be.”

“All day, huh? I'm intrigued.”

“Good. Okay, here goes.” He paused dramatically.

“Well?” she said, her eyes widening in anticipation.

“Do you think there is only one true love for everyone? And if so, do you think you've already met yours?”

He could see that his question had surprised her. He supposed it was a little personal, but he figured he'd take a shot. She was suddenly engrossed in the walkie-talkie lying on the seat beside her. She turned it over and over, as if searching its exterior for the answer to his question. Finally, she stopped and laid the device down in her lap.

Her gaze met his in the near darkness. “I don't believe true love exists,” she said matter-of-factly.