“I’ve never been to a re-enactment. Curious to see what it’s like,” he told her. “Have to say I’m surprised you’re not a part of it, what with your interest in the Revolutionary War and all that.”
Lena shrugged. “I didn’t have time for re-enactments in the past: too busy running the General’s overseers off our property. Besides, the Chance Creek version is pretty staid—and they frown on women joining the ranks of the soldiers. Women are supposed to sit around in camp cooking over fires or sewing, and that’s the last thing I want to do.” She jutted her chin at the tents pitched to one side where women in Revolutionary War–era gowns were doing just that. “Don’t be disappointed if the battle isn’t exciting. They do the same thing every year.”
“As long as you’re here, who cares if it’s exciting or not?” He should have guessed why she wasn’t involved. Lena wasn’t one to sit on the sidelines of any adventure. One of the best parts of their marriage had been his discovery that he now had a partner for any crazy activity he wanted to try. He’d had married friends in the past who had to compartmentalize their lives into what they did at home with their spouse and what they did with their buddies. He didn’t have to make that distinction. In fact, sometimes he had to scramble to keep up with Lena.
“That’s the spirit.”
“Maybe we should join the re-enactment committee this year, though. We could think of ways to spice things up, don’t you think? You could use that old black powder rifle.”
“Maybe. See how you feel after you watch.”
“I could make you a soldier’s uniform, Lena,” Alice put in, leaning forward in her camp chair. “After all, more than one woman chopped off her hair and joined the armies on either side of the Revolutionary War.”
“Don’t go chopping off your hair.” Logan tousled it.
She sighed in a long-suffering way. Logan supposed he’d said that once too often, but he did love her hair all wild and long, especially when they were making love.
“I think the two of you would make a great addition to the re-enactment group,” Alice said loyally. “Although I’ve heard rumors that this year’s is going to be different.” Her smile made Logan wonder what she knew.
“How different can you make a re-enactment?” Lena asked. “I mean, we all know how the battle is going to end.”
“I guess we’ll see,” Alice said.
“I think they’re starting,” Jo said from down the line.
Logan turned to look. Jo was right. Warren Hill, who ran the local historical museum and the volunteer society that raised funds to support it, stepped into the grassy space where the re-enactment would happen.
“Welcome, folks. Glad you could all join us,” he called out. The crowd hushed to hear his words. “This year we have something a little different for you, and we sure hope you like it.”
“He seems nervous,” Lena commented.
Alice’s smile broadened.
A couple of men and a woman Logan vaguely recognized from around town came forward and took their places as Warren stepped aside. All three were dressed in Revolutionary War garb. Logan settled in as the production started.
“Donald. Rufus. Time for dinner. What news did you hear in town today?” the woman asked loudly. That was Ella Hall, Logan thought, although she was made up to look older than her years. She’d been a real actress in Hollywood before she’d come here.
“A lot of ruckus about the trouble getting closer,” one of the men said. Logan thought he was supposed to be her husband. “Some men think there’ll be fighting even here.”
“Don’t you think they’re right?” a younger man asked. Their grown son, apparently. As the scene went on, father and son argued about choosing sides while Ella’s character was caught between them trying to keep the peace. The scene ended with father declaring the value of loyalty to the monarchy and son voicing his intent to join the rebels—and Ella’s character in tears.
“Uh oh,” Lena said when the scene changed. “That’s Maya Turner and Lance Cooper. What are they doing in a scene together?”
“Why shouldn’t they be?” Logan asked curiously. Was he mistaken, or had Alice’s smile grown even wider? She kept her hands folded primly in her lap, however, and didn’t say a word.
“The Turners and Coopers have been at war since time began,” Lena informed him in a low voice. “This isn’t going to end well.”
“Who’s the other woman?”
“That’s Avery—she lives on Westfield Ranch,” Cass said.
“Hold on to your hats,” Lena said. “They’re starting.”
The scene began with a flourish as Avery threw herself at Lance, who was playing her brother, and begged him not to go off to war. Maya, playing Lance’s wife, kept a stiff, heartbroken expression as he went to leave.
“No fireworks so far,” Logan murmured to Lena.
“I guess miracles really do happen. The Turners and Coopers are usually at each other’s throats.”
Both of them straightened as Maya suddenly dashed toward Lance, threw her arms around him and begged him to promise that he’d come back.
“She’s a good actor,” Cass said, clearly surprised.
“Who can say where the winds of war will blow me, but if it is in my power, I’ll be back and never leave your side again.” Lance pulled Maya into a kiss, and she went up on tiptoe to meet him, twining her arms around his neck. Their kiss went on and on and on…
Around them the crowd burst into cheers.
“I don’t believe it.”
Logan laughed at Lena’s shocked expression. “Looks to me like those enemies are pretty good friends,” he said, but Cass was pointing.
“Look at Liam Turner.”
He followed the direction of her finger, saw another man on the sidelines, his arms crossed over his chest, his mouth set in a grim line as he watched his sister kiss Lance.
Logan’s stomach sank. Lena was right. Liam was staring
