~~~Heartland~~~

Time passed quickly and within six months Jack had forgotten what it was like without Lisa and her girls in his life. He had fallen for her and adored her daughters as well. Clare and Cora had become quite attached to his granddaughters and of tan had sleepovers in the barn. Racing season was coming to a close soon, and Lisa had been doing quite well with Frost. She had been in several local papers as the jockey/ and trainer to watch. Frost was only a two year old and the success Lisa had had had given her a large number of rides on other peoples horses. The season was almost over and Lisa had yet to figure out what she would do when the season was over. She knew she would have to leave, migrate to California where the season was still going, but Jack had been rather silent on the issue. She had mentioned it several times and he had only agreed with her and nodded as she discussed the move with herself. She knew he didn't want her to go, and she didn't want to go either, it would mean pulling the girls out of school, but jobs in Hudson where few and far between and she had a month to find something or it would be off to California. She could go to her father, but the thought of that made her feel like a horrible person. For the 100th time, she wished money wasn't an issue, that her husband didn't exist, and that she could be completely happy.

One cold stormy Saturday Lisa was gearing up for one of the final races of the season. She had managed to secure a ride on a very rambunctious chestnut colt. She had never ridden him before, something she normally avoided, but the promise of a payout, if she won, would secure her another month in Hudson. Another month with Jack and another month of joy for her and her girls. At the call, she was hoisted on the wild-eyed dancing colt. EnergizerBattery, the colt with what was likely the most terrible name on the planet, had thrown his jockey yesterday and broken their leg.

"He doesn't like storms." The groom stated as Lisa fixed her stirrups and checked her safety vest, helmet, and goggles.

"Fantastic." She muttered as thunder cracked in the distance and the horse reared a bit. She had known he was a spaz, but she also knew he was fast and the payout from a win would bring her the financial comfort she needed to stay in Hudson and search for an off-season job. As the colt was lead to the track for warmups Lisa caught a glimpse of Her daughters, Jack, Marion, Amy and Lou and for a moment, though she wasn't sure why she regretted inviting them. Her last kiss with Jack somehow seemed very final.

They had been in her trailer while she was gathering up her racing gear and he had wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head. For a moment, the world stopped and her worries ceased. But reality hit like a ton of bricks and she went back to stressing. "Watch the girls, don't let Cora convince you that she can have caffeine just because it's Saturday."

Jack chuckled, "Lis. I know. I know. This isn't the first race day I have had the girls for."

"I know, I know, it's just what mothers do." Lisa had said as she spun around to hug him. He surprised her with a kiss and for the first time, the words I love you where whispered. Lisa had said it several times, and it It had been implied by Jack, but he had never said it out loud.

A bright flash of lightning snapped Lisa out of her thoughts and a jump from the already dancing colt forced Lisa to focus on the task at hand. The starting gate loomed ahead but the colt loaded without incident surprising Lisa. The rain began to fall harder and Lisa made a mental note to hold the colt back a bit to ensure he caught his footing during the break on the increasingly slick track. The horses broke from the gate and the colt fought her, wishing desperately to take the lead. She fought him through the first and second turn letting him go faster as they moved around the track. Despite how much of a pain he was, he was also incredibly fun to ride, his speed and natural instinct to be in the front was something that couldn't be taught.

Another bolt of lightning and a loud clap of thunder caused the rain to come down even harder. The colt was still fighting her and the rain caused her grip to loosen allowing the horse his head and throwing the duo off balance. They somersaulted forward and Lisa felt her body hit the ground and after a sharp pain, there was a numbing blackness.

~~~Heartland~~~

Jack felt like his world was moving in slow motion, the fall and the girl's screams seemed never-ending. He moved forward, trying to get to the track but Marion held him back.

"Dad?" Marion called, "Dad. Just wait a minute. Let the medics get there first" She paused, "let's catch the loose horses in the meantime." Marion was referring to the horses that had encountered Lisa and her mount and had tripped, one landing on top of Lisa's mount.

Jack looked out on the track where an ambulance was stopping and unloading. He couldn't tell where Lisa was. He looked back at the girls, Amy looked traumatized and Cora was sobbing uncontrollably. Lou had taken control and body blocked Amy and Cora's view of the track and had pulled a silent frozen Clare in to place as well.

Marion and Jack moved slowly through the crowd and ducked under the track rail. Scream's both horses and humans alike met their senses. Marion quickly went to work to help catch and calm the horses while Jack stood frozen against the rail.

The rain poured down and thunder cracked, a bolt of lightning suddenly lit up the track and Jack's attention was drawn to a white cloth being drawn over a person's body.

~~~Heartland~~~