Love Is a Battlefield

by Annalisa Daughety

  Ace came through the gate and closed it behind him. “Sorry to bother you. I know it’s late. But it’s still the Fourth of July, and there’s something I think you need.”

  She let Sam wriggle out of her arms. “What’s that?”

  He pulled something from behind his back.

  For a second, she wasn’t sure what it was. A bunch of little sticks, fanned out and tied together with a big red bow. She looked at him with wonder.

  “It’s a bouquet of sparklers.” He laughed. “Since you missed the fireworks and all.”

  Before she could think of what she was doing, she grabbed him and hugged him tightly.

  “Thank you,” she said, pulling back from the embrace, a little embarrassed. She wasn’t usually so impulsive. “This is the best surprise I’ve had in a long time.” And it was.

  He pulled a lighter out of his pocket and nodded his head toward the bouquet. “Pick one.”

  She pulled one out and held it out to him.

  He clicked the lighter, and suddenly the sparkler lit up the backyard like a shooting star.

  “I haven’t held a sparkler in years.” she made little zigzag motions with her hand and watched as the sparkler fizzed out.

  “Aren’t you supposed to write your name with it or something?” he asked.

  She laughed. “Yes, I guess you are. Here, let me do two at a time. I’ll write your name, too.” she plucked two more sparklers out of the bouquet and held them out for him to light.

  ***

  It had definitely been a gamble, bringing her a bouquet of sparklers. But he wasn’t afraid of looking stupid if it meant gleaning a smile like the one Kristy had given him when she’d seen it. The light coming from the sparklers was dim by comparison.

  He watched as she twirled barefoot in the yard, writing their names in the air. Hard to believe this girl didn’t think true love existed. But if he had anything to do with it, someday soon she would.

  CHAPTER 35

  “Hold on. So you’re telling me that not only did Robert bring you grilled burgers, but then Ace brought a bouquet of sparklers? On the same day?” Vickie asked incredulously.

  Kristy sighed. “Yes. But you’re making a much bigger deal out of it than it was.”

  “Man. There’s never a shortage of drama for you, is there?”

  “There’s no drama. Robert was being sweet. I’d be willing to bet it was his mom’s idea anyway. And Ace. Well...” she trailed off. “He was just trying to make up for me missing the fireworks. I told him it was my favorite holiday and all.”

  “If these were olden days, we’d say you have two suitors.” Vickie laughed. “I think it’s time you faced that fact. They’re obviously both crazy about you.”

  “You’re wrong.” Kristy took a sip of her morning coffee and glanced at the clock. She had another minute to talk before she had to leave for work. But she’d have to be careful. When she talked to Vickie or Ainsley, time slipped away from her. “Robert is a little interested. I’ll give you that one. We don’t have that much to say to each other, though. And Ace is just friendly. He doesn’t know anyone around here. We’ve just spent a lot of time together lately, and as much as I like to complain about his ability to do my job, at least I can acknowledge that he’s a good guy.”

  “Whatever. You can tell yourself that all you want to, but I’m convinced that he sees you as more than just a coworker.” “You’re right. He also sees me as his friend.”

  “If you say so.” but Vickie’s tone said she thought differently.

  “Anyway...” Kristy was eager to change the subject. “Have you talked to Ainsley lately?”

  “Yesterday. She and Brad are going to some kind of spa this weekend. Must be nice, right?”

  “A spa? And he agreed to go? she really does have the perfect man, doesn’t she?” Kristy asked.

  “She has the perfect husband, you have two men fighting for your attention, and me? Well, I’m working late again tonight and then looking forward to the latest delivery from Netflix.”

  Despite her friend’s joking tone, Kristy picked up on a little sadness. Vickie was painfully shy and never dated except for the rare times she agreed to a fix-up.

  “Hang in there, Vick. The right guy is probably just around the corner.”

  Kristy wanted to remind Vickie that if she didn’t get involved with anyone, she wouldn’t end up with a broken heart. But she thought it best to spare her friend from the cynicism she’d shared with Ace the previous night.

  They said their good-byes and Kristy rushed out the door.

  Late again.

  ***

  “If you look into this thick underbrush, you can imagine how hard it would’ve been to maneuver on foot. Much less on a horse. Or even worse, with an artillery piece.” Ace directed the crowd’s attention to the center of the Hornet’s nest. “But that’s just what went on in this area. Thousands of men were concentrated here. Some of the worst fighting took place on this very spot.”

  The crowd stared back at him, blank expressions on their faces. A couple standing in the back turned quietly and began walking back toward the parking area. He remembered Kristy’s advice about sharing human interest stories. Worth a try.

  “Of course, the thing to remember is that these were people, just like you and me. They had families waiting on them at home. They had hopes and dreams. And many of them gave their lives right here on the battlefield. The Civil War was full of stories of sacrifice.” He paused to take a breath. He hadn’t lost any more visitors, so maybe he was onto something. “In this area of the battlefield, there were a couple of Union soldiers retreating from their position. One of them was hit, and he fell against his buddy. Before he died, he said one last word. The word was ‘Mama.’ He was thinking about home, hundreds of miles away, as he died.” Ace noticed an older lady wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “So, ladies and gentleman, as you explore the park today, each time you see a marker, I want you to realize that they are more than just pretty monuments. They are reminders of the men who fought and died on the very spots where we stand.” He nodded at the crowd. “Thank you, and enjoy your park.”

  An older couple fell in step beside him as he made his way to where the park pickup truck sat. “Thank you, young man. That was a lovely tour,” the man said, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.

  “You sure brought the history alive,” said the lady. “I taught high school history years ago and brought my students to Shiloh every spring. But we never heard such a good talk.” she beamed at him.

  He thanked them profusely and climbed into the truck. Kristy had been right on the mark about what the crowds liked to hear. Somehow, a little piece of her had begun to seep into every tour he gave.

  CHAPTER 36

  Why had she ever thought playing matchmaker was a good idea? Kristy poured some food in Sam’s bowl and looked at her watch one more time. Owen should have been here ten minutes ago. She was sure Robert and Dorothy were probably already waiting at the restaurant. And according to the phone call from her mother earlier in the day, Dorothy had told her twenty times in the past twenty-four hours that she hadn’t been on a first date in over thirty years and she was a nervous wreck. Kristy was sure their tardiness would only add to Dorothy’s stress.

  A honk sounded in the driveway. She peeked out the blinds at Owen’s truck. “Finally.” she grabbed her purse and rushed out the door, calling good-bye to Sam over her shoulder.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Owen said as soon as she got inside the Bronco. “I didn’t know what to wear.” He smoothed his green polo shirt. “Is this okay?”

  She glanced over at him. Crisply ironed khakis and brown dress shoes completed his look. “You clean up nicely.” she grinned. “Seriously, who helped dress you?”

  He looked sheepish. “My sister. I made the mistake of telling her you were introducing me to someone, and she showed up on my doorstep today with a JC Penney’s bag.” He turned left onto Highway 22 and headed toward Pickw
ick. “I hated to turn down free clothes. She said this was my birthday gift.”

  “Well, I think you look great. And don’t be nervous. It’s just dinner.”

  “Right. Dinner.”

  There was no mistaking the apprehension on his face.

  “Tell me again where we’re meeting them?” he asked, concentrating on the road.

  “That new barbeque place that just opened.” barbeque had been Robert’s idea. She’d thought for sure he’d have chosen Hagy’s, knowing it was her favorite place, but he’d suggested barbeque instead.

  “Every time I drive by there, the parking lot’s full.”

  “I’m sure it will be good. And I think Robert made reservations, so we won’t have to wait.”

  “Reservations?” Owen glanced at her. “For real?”

  She nodded. “I don’t think it’s something they normally do, but I’m sure Robert insisted.”

  Owen guided the truck into the crowded parking lot. “See? What’d I tell you? Packed.”

  She looked out the window at the vehicles. She hadn’t even known there were this many people in the county. “I guess I’m not surprised. A new restaurant opening is big news.”

  “Me goin’ out on a date is big news. I must be crazy,” Owen muttered as he opened his door and jumped out.

  Before she could climb out, he was at her side opening her door. “Look at you. You’re such a gentleman.” she glanced at him as they walked up to the entrance. “I bet Dorothy flips over you.”

  Owen just sighed and held the heavy wooden door open for her.

  The hostess looked at her expectantly. “We’re meeting a couple of people here. The reservation was under the name Aaron.”

  The hostess scanned her list. “Yes. They’re already here. Just follow me.”

  Kristy turned to Owen and noticed his worried expression.

  “You’ll be fine,” she whispered. “Just be yourself.”

  “Myself is the kind of guy who spills barbeque down the front of his new shirt,” he whispered back.

  She smiled. “Just eat carefully.”

  Robert stood as they reached the table. “Hello.”

  “Robert, Dorothy, this is Owen,” Kristy said.

  Owen shook Robert’s hand first then turned to Dorothy.

  A hint of a blush touched Dorothy’s round cheeks as she reached out to shake Owen’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Owen.” she smiled sweetly, her blue eyes dancing.

  “You, too.” Owen nodded at her as he took the seat across from her.

  “Sorry we’re a little late.” Kristy sat down across from Robert. “Have you been here long?”

  “Just a few minutes.”

  Kristy shot an encouraging smile in Dorothy’s direction, taking in her short-sleeved sweater and black pants. If she were guessing, she’d say Owen wasn’t the only one with a new outfit on tonight.

  “So,” Owen said to Dorothy after they ordered. “Where do you work?”

  “At the bank.” she patted Robert on the arm. “I guess working with numbers runs in our family.”

  “Mother, being a teller isn’t the same as being an account—”

  Owen laughed like she’d made a great joke and acted like Robert hadn’t spoken. “So I guess you know Larry Tidwell?”

  “Sure do.” She fluffed up her short blond hair and leaned in a little closer to Owen.

  “Larry and I go way back. We went to high school together.” He grinned mischievously. “I could tell you some stories.”

  Dorothy giggled.

  Kristy watched the exchange. It seemed like right before her eyes they’d transformed from two people pushing sixty to teenagers on a first date. It was sweet.

  By the time their food arrived, Owen and Dorothy were still finding people they knew in common.

  “It must just be a small world.” Dorothy beamed at him.

  “So are you still having trouble with vandalism?” asked Robert, taking a sip of sweet tea.

  Kristy and Owen both nodded.

  “We still haven’t caught the guy.” Owen carefully raised a forkful of barbequed pork to his mouth.

  Kristy watched in amusement. She’d been surprised he hadn’t ordered ribs, since they were supposed to be the specialty. He was taking great pains to impress Dorothy.

  “You’ve got a little sauce there.” Robert pointed at Kristy’s chin.

  She quickly put a napkin to her face. Honestly. No one should ever go out on a date to eat barbeque unless they were completely comfortable with one another. Although, as the evening progressed, she sensed that Owen and Dorothy were pretty comfortable. Maybe it was because they were older or something.

  When the waitress brought the bill, Owen insisted on paying for everyone’s dinner, even though Robert put up a fuss.

  “My treat. As a thanks for introducing me to Dorothy.” He grinned at her.

  Dorothy’s cheeks turned a little pink, but she looked pleased.

  Kristy fell in step beside Robert as they quietly made their way to the parking lot. She heard Owen and Dorothy behind them speaking animatedly about something. Hmm.

  Once in the parking lot, Dorothy turned to Robert. “Son, why don’t you take Kristy home?” she said. “Owen offered to give me a ride.”

  Kristy and Robert exchanged glances.

  “Sure,” Kristy said. “That’d be great.”

  She followed Robert to his Honda. He opened the passenger door for her. Just as she was climbing in, she heard Dorothy’s and Owen’s laughter from across the parking lot. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  She wished she could say the same for herself.

  CHAPTER 37

  “That seemed to go well,” Kristy said as Robert turned toward the park.

  He nodded. “I’m glad. It’s about time my mom had a little fun.” He looked over at her. “It’s been ages since I’ve heard her laugh like that.”

  “Same goes for Owen. I’m not sure I’ve seen him look that happy. At least not in a long time.” she could barely make out the shape of the cannons as they got nearer to the park entrance. “And he’s such a nice guy, too.”

  “I can tell. Besides, I know you wouldn’t set my mom up with some loser.” He brought the Honda to a stop in her driveway.

  Kristy unfastened her seat belt and grabbed her purse. “Even if they only end up as friends, we’ve at least helped to bring two lonely people together.”

  He silently got out of the car and came around to open her door.

  She tried to rise gracefully from the Honda. It sat so low to the ground, she always hated how awkward it felt to get out of it.

  “Do you want to come in?” she asked. She couldn’t think of a polite way around inviting him inside, especially since he was already out of the car.

  “Sure. But just for a few minutes. I know you have to work tomorrow.”

  He held the storm door open for her while she unlocked the dead bolt on the wood door and then followed her inside.

  She motioned toward the couch. “Have a seat.”

  He strode across the living room and sat stiffly on the plush sofa.

  Sam immediately jumped in his lap, licking a greeting.

  “Sorry. Just move him if he annoys you.”

  Robert promptly lifted Sam from his lap and set the dog on the floor.

  Well, that was straightforward. And she’d never wanted to be one of those people who lived by a “Love me, love my dog” motto. Still, it stung. She forced a smile.

  “Can I get you something to drink? I have sweet tea, water, and Coke.”

  “Sweet tea would be great, thanks.”

  Kristy hurried into the kitchen and filled two glasses. Sam scampered around at her feet, rolling a ball that was almost as big as he was. Every time the ball would move, he would pounce on it and growl. “You’re such a tough guy,” she said as she stepped over him and his toy.

  “Here you go.” she handed Robert a glass and sat down beside him.

  He took a
sip. “Yum. This is almost as good as my mom’s.” “Thanks.”

  At least she supposed she’d take that as a compliment. Either way, she sensed it was time for a distraction. She flipped on the television, and soon the living room was filled with the muted sounds of the Cosbys. Thank goodness for TV Land.

  “So, Kristy...,” Robert began. “Why don’t you tell me a little bit more about yourself?”

  She didn’t know where to start. “Like what? You already know a lot about me.”

  “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

  She suddenly felt like she was in the middle of an awful job interview. “Hopefully still here, working as a ranger. Although my job security runs out Labor Day.” she had filled him in already about her job status, so he was aware that she might be out of a job come September. “Other than that, I don’t know. It’d be nice if I owned a home by then.” she shrugged.

  “What about a husband? Kids?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “But you do want a husband and kids someday, right?”

  She got the feeling he was fishing for information. And wasn’t sure she liked it. “I guess. Maybe. With the right guy.”

  He nodded. Her answer seemed to satisfy him.

  “How about you?” she asked.

  “Oh. In five years, I definitely want to be settled down. I’m closing on the house next week, so barring something unforeseen, I should definitely be a homeowner. And ideally, I’d like to be married and at least have already had one child by then.”

  It was all so planned out. “Do you already have their names picked out?” she teased.

  Without cracking a smile, he nodded. “Rose if it’s a girl, after my grandmother. And if it’s a boy, James Robert. After my grandfather and myself.”

  Wow. She had totally been kidding. “That’s nice,” she murmured. Especially if your future wife has no desire to have any input in naming her children.

  “I guess I should hit the road. It’s nearly an hour back to Jackson.” He stood. “And I know you have to get up early for work tomorrow.”