Love Is a Battlefield (10 page)

Kristy swung by Wal-Mart on her way home for a few items that the Four star General store didn't carry. Near the counter, there was a special display of flats of impatiens. She stopped the cart and gently reached out to touch a bloom. Yard work had always relaxed her.

One of the things she'd been most excited about when she and Mark had gone house hunting was looking at the yards and imagining what she would do. She picked up three flats of flowers and slid them into the basket. She didn't need Mark to have a beautiful yard. As she stood in the checkout, she suddenly remembered a poem that had adorned Vickie's wall during college. She couldn't remember the exact words, but it had said something about planting one's own garden and not waiting on anyone else to bring flowers. That was good advice.

When Kristy pulled into her carport, Sam's cute face popped up in the living room window. If she ever forgot to raise the blinds for him when she left, he'd tear them down. He gave her the doggy version of a smile through the windowpane as she passed by. See that? she had someone waiting for her every time she came home. Who needed a husband?

Loud yapping was punctuated by the ringing phone, and she struggled with the keys trying to get inside to answer it.

Despite Sam's determination to get right in her path, she somehow managed to make it across the living room without tripping over him in her heels. “Hello?” she slipped the high heels off of her aching feet and sank down into the recliner.

“Kristy. I'm so glad I caught you.” Sarah's words were clipped. Her sister didn't sound glad, but Kristy opted to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“I wanted to make sure you knew that we'll be coming to Savannah for the Fourth of July. We're celebrating Emma's second birthday at the same time we celebrate Mom's.” Sarah and her husband, Andrew, lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, near his parents. They made the four-hour drive to Sarah's Tennessee hometown a few times a year. But only when it didn't interfere with their schedule.

“I'll put it on my calendar. How are the kids?”

“Oh, you know. Emma is a chatterbox, and Walker just learned to crawl. He's growing so fast.”

“I'd love to see pictures if you get a chance.”

“Sure. I'll try and e-mail some recent ones next week. I've been horribly busy lately with Emma in Mother's Day Out and Walker getting into everything. Plus, we're redoing the kitchen, so that's just taken up tons of time.”

“That's fine. Just whenever you have a spare moment.”

Sarah laughed. “Those are few and far between. Maybe you'll understand someday.”

Well, that didn't take very long. Ever since Sarah got married, she'd made it a point to remind Kristy of how different their lives had turned out. When she began having children, it got even worse. To hear Sarah tell it, because Kristy was single, she couldn't fathom the responsibilities that came with her life. In fact, when Kristy had announced her engagement, Sarah didn't offer congratulations and excitement. Instead, she'd commented that she was glad Kristy's “real” life was finally starting and cautioned her about a ticking biological clock. And people wondered why the two of them weren't close. “Right. Someday.” Kristy was in no mood for an argument, but she also wasn't going to listen to her sister anymore. “Thanks for calling, Sarah. I'll see you next month.” by the time she hung up, she was seething. Sarah knew just how to push her buttons.

Kristy took out her frustration on the dirt. There was no need to borrow a tiller. Once an angst-filled park ranger was let loose in the flower bed, even the toughest weeds didn't have a chance. Sam watched with interest through the window, barking every now and then to make sure his presence was remembered. By the time she pulled up the last weed, she felt a little calmer. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and sat back to admire the freshly worked dirt ready to plant. The possibilities were endless.

She began digging holes in the dirt and setting the impatiens into place and couldn't stop her mind from wandering back to the trouble with her sister. Sarah thought she had the perfect life. If she wanted to, she could probably have a team of gardeners on standby to make sure her blooms were color-coordinated with her latest kitchen remodel.

“Don't let her get to you,” Kristy muttered to herself as she worked to get back a happy attitude. “It's not worth it. And at least you aren't too busy to know the enjoyment of planting your own flowers.”

It wasn't until the third plant was in the ground that she started to feel better. Sarah was just being herself. Her
new
self. The past few years, every time Kristy reached her boiling point with Sarah, their mother had been there to remind her of the past.
Just be thankful she's turned out the way she has,
her mother had said more than once.

Sarah was barely a year younger, but at times, especially during their teens and early twenties, it had seemed they were from different planets. Where Kristy was conservative, whether it be in dress or action, Sarah was outlandish. Wild.

Looking back, Kristy couldn't even remember all of the scrapes Sarah had been in. And if there'd been a bad boy within a mile radius, he'd somehow found his way into her life. Church didn't help; college made it worse. Even now, Kristy was amazed that their mother had been able to keep her composure. Even sending Sarah to live with their dad for a summer didn't help straighten her out.

During Kristy's senior year of college, she'd brought a group of friends home for a weekend. In that group was Andrew Parker. A humble bible major from Arkansas, Andrew was in school to be a youth minister. Sarah, despite Kristy's loud protests, came home that weekend, too. Kristy had been horrified. She'd been afraid Sarah would embarrass her in front of her friends, a rather tame group who preferred playing board games and renting movies to going out to clubs or bars. She'd just known Sarah would get in front of them and dress outrageously or say something off-color.

So it was no wonder that she'd been completely shocked when she went into the kitchen for a refill of tea and found Sarah and Andrew deep in conversation at the kitchen table. From that point on, Sarah had straightened up. She'd apologized to their mother and rededicated herself at church. Sarah and Andrew married a few years later, and ever since, Sarah had been leading a normal life.

At first, Kristy had been thrilled. She thought she finally had her sister again, and they'd be close like when they were kids. But instead, Sarah took every opportunity to rub her happiness in Kristy's face. It was almost as if Sarah was a different person toward Kristy than she was to everyone else. And Kristy wasn't quite sure which version was real.

At least she lives far away and we don't have to see each other much.

A loud knocking sound brought her back to reality, and she looked up. Sam was practically throwing himself against the window and barking his head off, his eyes trained on the driveway. Kristy looked behind her to see what had his attention.

Someone was standing at the edge of her yard, watching her work.

Ace wished he'd just walked on by without stopping. He probably would have, except that Sam had spotted him and alerted Kristy. “Is this a bad time?” he asked, walking over to the freshly dug flower bed where she was kneeling.

“No. I'm just planting flowers.” she sat back on her heels and dusted the dirt off her hands.

“They look nice.” He smiled down at her and shielded his eyes from the sun.

“Is something wrong? Did the vandal hit again?” she stood up and brushed the dirt from her knees. With her T-shirt, shorts, and blond ponytail sticking out of a baseball cap, she looked sporty. Like the kind of girl who could run a marathon or beat him in tennis. And despite the smudge of dirt on her cheek, Ace was mesmerized.

“No. Nothing's wrong. I dropped Owen off at the visitor center and ended up hanging out there for a while. Then I thought I'd walk down here and see if you wanted me to take a look at your fence.” He walked up to the window and pecked on it where Sam looked out at him, still excited to have a visitor.

“Why was Owen with you today? it's not his day off.” she gathered the empty flower containers and placed them inside one of the trash cans sitting at the side of the house.

“He took his lunch break early and went with me to church.” Ace tapped again at Sam.

She looked at him with wide eyes. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged. “We went out for steaks last night, and I asked him if he attended services anywhere. He said he hadn't in a long time, so I invited him to go with me.” He wished he knew what she was thinking.

“Wow. That's great. He stopped going after his wife died.” she put the lid on the trash can. “It's odd, isn't it? How, for some people, the death of a loved one brings them closer to God, but for others, it seems to take them further away.”

Ace had been one of the latter at first, so he could at least empathize with Owen. Blaming God had been the easy way out. Except that once he turned his back on his faith, his entire life seemed devoid of meaning. Thankfully, he'd gotten back on the right track. And now maybe he could help Owen find the way.

“Yes. But I guess sometimes people don't always cope with things in the right way. Owen seemed happy to be there this morning, though. I'm pretty sure he'll go again sometime.” He glanced over at her. “And you're welcome to come with us if you ever want to. Since I moved here, I've been going to church in Jacks Creek. It's a small church, but the people are wonderful. They're all really friendly and made me feel right at home.” Jacks Creek was a small community about twenty minutes away. He'd stumbled upon the church one afternoon as he was driving around trying to adjust to his new surroundings.

“I go to church in Savannah. I used to attend the church here until...” she trailed off, and a touch of sadness flashed across her face. “Until recently, when I started going with my mother. But thanks for the invite.”

He figured he knew why she was attending a different church. “no problem. So, anyway, do you want me to take a look at your fence?” he asked, suddenly uncomfortable. He didn't want to force his friendship on her. Was it just because she didn't like him that he was so drawn to her? He almost wished he could be sure that was it. Less chance of getting his heart broken that way.

She hesitated long enough to make him nervous. Maybe this wasn't his best idea. So much for spontaneity. He opened his mouth to retract the offer.

Before he could speak, she looked up at him. “I'd actually be glad for you to look at it if you're sure you don't mind.”

“Great. Just let me run home and change into work clothes first.” He motioned toward his crisp khakis and navy-and-red-striped polo shirt. “These are my good clothes, and I'd better not mess them up. I'm not used to the concept of having to drive quite a ways to get to a store. And since most of my wardrobe is gray and green, I don't have an abundance of dressy clothes.” inwardly, he groaned. Could he be any more of a geek? Like she cared about his wardrobe.

She smiled, and Ace was pretty sure it was the first genuine smile she'd ever given him.

“I understand completely. It's the plight of the park ranger. Why have a lot of clothes when you wear the same uniform every day?” she treated him to another grin.

“Exactly. See you in a bit, then.” He watched as she went inside and heard her call to Sam as she closed the door.

Finally. He felt a small victory as he walked back to the visitor center. Maybe he could show her that even though he'd taken her job, her office, her paycheck, oh, and lest he forget, her Junior Ranger Program, he wasn't such a bad guy after all.

Kristy grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and held it against her forehead. Why had she agreed to let him look at her fence? she could probably fix it herself. But during this morning's sermon about forgiveness, Ace's face had been one of the many that had flashed through her mind. So even though she wasn't happy he had her job, she knew she should at least try to get along with him. After all, it wasn't his fault.

Sam's wild barking announced Ace's return.

She peeked through the blinds and saw him, still sitting in the cab of his truck. Hoisting Sam in her arms, she stepped outside and sat on the porch swing. Ace unloaded various tools and equipment out of his truck. This was a man ready for anything. He'd probably been a boy scout as a kid.

“Wow. I didn't know you were such a handyman kind of guy,” she called.

“There's a lot you don't know about me.” He looked up from his toolbox and met her gaze. “Maybe we can change that.”

Kristy felt a blush rise up her face. Did he just flirt with her, or was it her imagination? since her flirting skills were a little rusty, she decided to chalk it up to imagination. But even so, she walked through the house and out onto the back deck. Just in case he needed any help.

In the backyard, Ace immediately found the spot where Sam could shimmy underneath. He dropped his tools down and started working.

Kristy watered every plant on her deck, the hardy ones more than once. Then she snagged a broom from the small plastic closet against the wall and started sweeping. Slowly. Occasionally, she couldn't help it if Ace came into her line of vision. Seeing the backyard was an occupational hazard of sweeping the back deck.

Sam had no inhibitions, and he scampered around Ace, running over his tools and even his legs. Kristy couldn't help but notice how patient Ace was with the hyperactive pup.

“Can I get you something to drink? All I have is sweet tea and bottled water.” Martha Stewart she might not be, but she could at least get him a drink.

“Tea would be great. I'm starting to get used to perpetually sweet tea.” He grinned at her and brushed the sweat off his tanned forehead. “And I think this little guy might need a drink, too.”

They both looked at Sam, who happily ran in circles around Ace's toolbox, his pink tongue hanging out and his stubby tail wagging. He loved nothing more than having an audience.

The front doorbell rang just as she got the pitcher of tea out. She set it carefully on the counter. She went months with no company; then suddenly today her house was the place to be. She put her eye up to the peephole and bit back a gasp.

Mark was standing on her front porch, holding an envelope in his hand.

The second doorbell ring shook Kristy back to reality. She took a deep breath and steadied herself against the door. Her heart was pounding so hard, she was sure Mark could hear it even through the heavy wooden door. This day certainly wasn't turning out the way she'd planned. But then again, lately they rarely did.

Ace stepped through the back door just as the doorbell sounded a third time. He looked at her frozen form inquisitively and opened his mouth to speak.

Before a sound could escape his lips, Kristy rushed to where he was standing and clasped her hand over his mouth. Her eyes locked with his as she shook her head and silently tried to convey her desperation. Once she was sure he'd gotten the point, she removed her hand. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear, “Please don't make a sound. I don't want him to know I'm here.”

Ace gazed down at her, close enough that she could feel his breath against her face. He bent down and put his lips near her ear. “Don't worry.” He reached out and took hold of her trembling arms. “Just breathe. He'll leave soon.” barely a whisper, but she took comfort in the words.

Kristy nodded. She closed her eyes and let Ace hold her steady. Finally, the doorbell ringing stopped. She heard a rustling sound at the door, then the motor of Mark's vehicle.

Ace let go of her arms, and Kristy sank onto the couch. Why today? Why while he was here? Ace set a glass of tea in front of her. “You should probably drink this. You're really pale.”

She took a sip and looked up apologetically. “Sorry about that. I'm just not ready to talk to him yet.” she looked over at him. “I guess you know who that was, right?”

He nodded. “I've heard about what happened. I'm sorry.” He sat on the overstuffed chair across from her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I just wish you hadn't seen me react like that. I'm not usually so weak.” she took another sip of tea and set her glass down on the mahogany coffee table. “It was a surprise for him to show up here, and if there's one thing I'm not a fan of anymore, it's surprises.” “I guess I can't blame you.”

“So anyway...” Kristy trailed off, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the scene Ace had just witnessed. “He sent me an e-mail a couple of days ago, saying he'd be in the area visiting family. I didn't respond, though. I never thought he might stop by. He probably only wanted to see if I still had any of his stuff. Or something like that.”

Ace nodded. “But you know, I think I heard him leave something out there. Do you want me to see what it is?” “no. I'll do it. Thanks, though.” no need for him to get any more involved.

Sam's bark let them know he was ready to be let in.

Kristy opened the patio door, and the dog bolted inside, headed for the water bowl.

“I finished the fence.” Ace motioned toward the backyard. “The little guy shouldn't be making any quick escapes now.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate your helping out. And again, I'm sorry about ... before ... with Mark.”

“It's not a problem. I'd be glad to help you any way I can. And don't give it a second thought. We've all been in situations like that before. Well, maybe not exactly like that, but you know what I mean.” This time, his grin showed a tiny dimple Kristy hadn't noticed before. “Let me just get my tools, and I'll be out of your way.” He strode through the patio door and into the yard, Sam at his heels.

Kristy watched from the patio as he collected his things. She wished she didn't care what he thought about her. But for some reason, the fact that he'd seen her fall apart at the thought of facing Mark made her feel sick. Throughout the whole ordeal with Mark, no one had seen how shaken up she was. Even her mother had assumed she was dealing fine with the breakup because of her stoic exterior. But to Kristy, it was just the best way to keep it together. It would've been easy to break down and cry to her family or friends. But she couldn't stand the thought of them pitying her more than they probably already did. So she'd held the tears inside, put on a brave face, and waited until she was alone to let her emotions go. And although today there were no tears in front of Ace, she was sure she'd worn her feelings on her sleeve.

“I'll just go out through the gate,” he called. “Enjoy your day off tomorrow. See you at work on Tuesday.”

“Thanks again.”

As soon as Ace's truck pulled out of the driveway, Kristy flung open her front door to see what Mark had left behind. An envelope with her name on it lay halfway underneath the welcome mat. She reached down and grabbed it, wondering what else Mark had to say to her. In her opinion, his actions had already said it all.

Curiosity overtook her, and she tore into the envelope, shaking the contents onto the couch. Three savings bonds in her name were paper-clipped together, her name on a sticky note on the top one. She looked inside the envelope. No note or anything. Her grandparents had given her the savings bonds several Christmases ago, and Mark had insisted on putting them in his safe-deposit box because he said she'd lose them. Number eighteen on the list.

He always said I was scatterbrained and made fun of me for losing my keys and other items.

Kristy's irritation bubbled to the surface. He could've easily just mailed them to her. But no. He'd probably come today expecting to see her still beaten down and broken. Maybe he thought she would beg him back or something. Now she was even more certain of her earlier decision not to open the door.