Author's Note: Here is it, folks! The concluding chapter to this fic. Thanks to all of you, Anonymous and Signed readers, for sticking with it this long and for all your lovely comments and encouragement over the past few years while I ground this one out. I hope you like what I have to offer here. Of course there are a few scenes I had to write verbatim from the episode in question because the scenes are important, but I trust it's not going to be too boring to re-tread stuff we already know so well.
Here we go! Please enjoy.
Chapter 27: Love is a Fire
There was no mistaking the notes of anger and disappointment in Dan Hartfield's voice when Lisa informed him she had taken Fairfield off the market.
"You did what?" he nearly yelled into the phone.
Instead of allowing his misplaced indignation to affect her in the slightest, Lisa let the question slide off her back.
"I took Fairfield off the market," Lisa calmly repeated herself.
"Why would you do a crazy thing like that? I thought we were moving ahead with our venture in France—"
"We were," Lisa interrupted. "I've come to the conclusion your little 'venture' will not be the best use of my finances, especially after what you pulled with Flyer and Rhapsody."
"Now, wait a minute," Dan said nervously, sensing his carefully crafted plans were about to be all undone.
"No, I don't have a minute, Dan," Lisa said firmly. "Here's what's going to happen: I'm keeping Flyer and I'm keeping the foal when it arrives. You will have no further access to my broodmares or my studs without my full knowledge and consent, or I promise you I will take legal action against you."
"Oh, for what, exactly?" Dan spat, ire rising.
"Misappropriation of funds and breach of contract," Lisa answered.
"'Breach of contract'?!" Dan sputtered, his voice rising in pitch.
Lisa knew that tone well, and knew she had him cornered despite his protests.
"Yes," she affirmed. "I've granted you free access to Fairfield's stock up to now as a courtesy because of your status as 'business partner'. But you know as well as I do you were still contractually bound to have my signature on anything pertaining to breeding. You flat-out lied to me about how you were using the funds from the sale of my share of the Dude Ranch. You were hoping I wouldn't find out or that I wouldn't care you were cloning Flyer."
"Look, I didn't lie—" Dan muttered lamely.
"Oh, but you did," Lisa cut in. "You deliberately concealed the fact you were using those funds to pay for some of the installments of the cloning procedure and all the special little check-ups from the vets who were not Scott Cardinal—"
"You know you can't prove that's how I was using those funds," Dan sniveled.
"Do you really want to go down this road, Dan? Take your loss and move on, or I promise you I will fight you on this," Lisa warned.
"This is all about Jack Bartlett, isn't it?" Dan suddenly blurted out.
"Don't change the subject," snapped Lisa. "My relationship with Jack Bartlett is none of your business."
"I knew it," Dan said sourly. "That old man has only ever been after your money, Lisa. Surely you realise that!"
"Well, if it isn't the pot calling the kettle black," retorted Lisa. "My lawyer is sending you papers right now that stipulate you're relinquishing all rights to the ownership of the clone of Flyer. You will sign those papers, Dan, or I promise there will be further serious legal action."
"Whatever, Lisa," Dan groused. "Just don't come crawling back to me when Jack Bartlett drains you dry of every penny. Heartland ranch is sinking into oblivion and always has been. Surely you're not so blinded by 'love' to see that you're just Jack's meal ticket."
"That's funny, Dan, because I always figured that's what I was to you," Lisa replied. "Your business in the 'States went down so badly after we divorced that you had to follow me back here to try to recapture what you once had by partnering with me again."
"I've done just fine on my own, thank you very much," Dan sneered. "In fact, as I recall, it was you who needed me to bail you out with that little Diva Girl fiasco, isn't that right?"
"That is true," Lisa admitted, "but that wasn't all altruism on your part, either, was it? You knew it would make me beholden to you. You knew if you had me in your corner for the business side of things, you'd be more likely to attract clients again."
By Dan's lack of response to this, Lisa knew her assessment was spot on.
"You're lucky I haven't severed business ties with you completely, Dan," Lisa concluded. "God knows everyone else would have."
"Now, now, no need to be that rash," Dan said in a conciliatory manner, a hairsbreadth shy of desperation. "I'll sign those papers relinquishing all ownership of the foal if it'll make you happy, Lisa."
"Yes, it would make me very happy," Lisa said. "Thank you for that, Dan. Have a nice day."
Lisa hung up before he could utter another word, for Dan Hartfield had nothing else to say that she wanted to hear.
The For Sale signs that were up around Fairfield were gone from sight. On a whim, Jack drove past the property and noticed their absence. His route into Hudson would not normally take him past Lisa's homestead, but this time he was in the mood for a little impromptu detour. Not that he had any plans to drop in on her; it was a work day and she was bound to be very busy.
She's staying, Jack thought happily to himself as a smile curled his lips. Now it's up to me to make that a lasting arrangement. With that in mind, he gave his side coat pocket a little pat. Yes, the little pink velvet box was right there. Soon, Jack hoped, its contents would be put to good use after decades of languishing in the back of his chest of drawers.
Time get to get this ring cleaned up, nice and professionally, Jack mused, and continued into town for this important errand.
Jack was not sure how long it would take to clean; the stone might even require re-setting after all this time. It did appear to be a little loose to his untrained eye. He would ask the jeweller to check it over, just to be sure. There was no way he was going to be giving Lisa a defective piece, especially after his first disastrous attempt at a proposal so many years ago.
No, I'm going to make darn sure everything goes right this time, Jack firmly decided. I've wasted too much time, already.
"So, how's my girl doing?"
Scott Cardinal pulled his stethoscope to rest on his shoulders before answering Lisa's question.
"Everything in this pregnancy is progressing just fine," he said of Rhapsody.
"Good," Lisa remarked with a sigh of relief, giving the horse's neck a gentle stroke. "I was out of the loop for too long about this... Scott, I know it goes without saying, but I hope I can count on you to keep private the fact we're dealing with a clone, here."
"Of course," Scott said, looking her straight in the eye to show his sincerity. "Doctor/patient confidentiality is still in play here, even if that patient is a horse."
Lisa smiled at this. "Thanks, Scott. This has certainly got to be the craziest scheme my idiot of an ex-husband has got me into."
"You're not on board with cloning, eh?" asked Scott.
"I don't know," Lisa said with a diffident shrug of her shoulders. "I really hadn't given it much thought since clones can't compete in any sanctioned races. Just the expense alone would have made it a pretty foolhardy investment, especially with all the risks involved."
"What are your plans for when the foal arrives?"
Lisa grimaced slightly. "At this point, I'm not sure. I'll have a horse that can't race, but also one with invaluable bloodlines. It's complicated."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Scott said with a reassuring smile.
"Thanks for that, Scott," Lisa said. "I appreciate your support."
"Anytime, Lisa," the veterinarian commented. "Uh, if I may speak freely, since it's none of my business—"
"Of course," Lisa said encouragingly.
"—and this has absolutely nothing to do with my own bottom line—" Scott continued with a grin, "I'm really glad you've decided not to sell Fairfield and that you're staying in Hudson. Your leaving would have left a pretty significant hole in this community."
"That's very kind of you to say, Scott," she said humbly. "But I have to admit leaving Hudson would have left a pretty significant hole in my heart..."
Scott did not press her to clarify that point, as he had a fairly good idea she was not referring solely to Hudson.
Once Scott was on his way, Lisa lingered in Rhapsody's stall for a few more moments. I can't remember the last time I took some time out of my busy day to just visit with one of the horses, she contemplated.
Thanks to Scott's good news about how the mare's pregnancy was progressing, some of the anxieties over the whole cloning procedure were starting to ease, and with the passing days, her anger with Dan was starting to wane. Holding a grudge or remaining upset was simply not part of her personality, even when it came to her ex-husband.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do with your foal when he arrives, Girl," Lisa whispered to Rhapsody. "But I promise you he's going to be very well taken care of, just like the first Fairfield Flyer."
Rhapsody nickered as if in reply to this pledge, and Lisa finally exited the stall to return to her office and other important business matters.
By the time Jack had the cleaned and newly-set ring from the jeweller's shop back in his possession, he realised he would have to bide his time a little longer. Lisa was once again being called away to France on business, and would be there for several weeks.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Cowboy," Lisa said to him as they stood at the entrance to Concourse D at Calgary International Airport.
"I'm gonna miss you, too, Lis," Jack admitted with a deep smile. "It'll be a long, lonely November before you're back home."
Home.
The word felt so natural coming from his lips, as if Hudson really was her home at last—or at least Jack had every intention of keeping it that way. For a fleeting moment between picking up the ring and dropping Lisa off at the airport, Jack had entertained the notion of proposing to her before she got on her flight. He quickly nixed that idea, however. An airport terminal was hardly the place for a heartfelt proposal, and he had every confidence she would be returning to him even without a promise of her hand in marriage.
Lisa draped her arms over his shoulders to draw him in for a kiss, which he willingly accepted. She held him like that, deepening the kiss for several more seconds.
"Hmm," Jack murmured when she finally released him, "what was that for?"
She grinned at him. "That's so you don't forget me while I'm gone, Cowboy."
"I could never," he started, then caught the teasing glint in her eye.
"After all, you have this neighbour who's had her eye on you for years," Lisa continued, "I can't be too sure you won't be swayed by her feminine wiles in my absence."
Jack mirrored her grin. "Come here, you," he said with a chuckle, and he pulled her in for what she would have to admit was a sizzling 'mean something' kiss.
They finally broke apart, leaving her head swimming and her heart soaring.
"That is so you won't forget me," Jack said. "After all, I can't be too sure about the motives of those fresh French young men you go dancing with while you're in Paris or Avignon or Toulon."
A laugh bubbled up from Lisa's throat. "After that kiss, Cowboy, I'd be a fool to forget you."
"Well, good," Jack said happily. Knowing he could not delay her departure any longer, he uttered a reluctant farewell. "See you in December, Lis."
"See you in December, Cowboy," she rejoined.
"I love you," he said as she moved towards the entrance, wheeling her luggage behind her.
Lisa paused and turned to face him. "I love you more," she said solemnly, and blew a kiss in his direction.
With that, she headed off to check in for her flight.
For the entire drive back into Hudson, a smile of contentment never left Jack's face. The icy fingers of winter might have been threatening to trace a frozen path across the Southern Alberta landscape, but Jack's heart was warmed by the assurance of Lisa's love for him, and of her return.
Lisa's flight to Paris once again included a stopover in Toronto. Though it was the same route she had taken back in January, she felt as light as air this time around. This time, she knew she would be coming back.
I'll be coming back home, she mused in wonder. I'll be coming back home to the man I love; back to the man who loves me. What a difference between then and now. Jack, I'm so happy, and I can't wait to be back in your arms again.
There were no tipsy passengers trying to make a pass at her; no storms to rattle the plane between Pearson and Charles de Gaulle airports. The flights seemed to pass in a blur, and when Lisa arrived in Paris, the first thing she wanted to do was let Jack know she had arrived safely.
To her surprise, when she reached her hotel and pulled out her iPhone, she had a text message waiting.
'dear lisa send me a text when you get this to let me know you arrived safely love you jack ps surprised im texting arent you'
The smile on Lisa's face stretched from ear to ear upon reading Jack's rudimentary attempts at navigating his flip phone's T9 texting function. She abandoned her luggage, dropped her shoulder bag to the floor, kicked off her shoes, and settled onto the bed to respond to Jack's message.
'Dear Cowboy,
Made it to Paris safe and sound. Yes I sure am surprised to see u texting! Look at u learning new tricks! Love u, too.
- Lisa'
Back in Hudson, Jack heard the chime of his flip phone's message alert tone while cantering out to check on the herd with Tim. It was so seldom he heard the unfamiliar noise, he almost did not recognize it for what it was. From atop his mount, he dug the device out of his coat pocket excitedly: there was only one person who could possibly be sending him a text at this moment.
With a satisfied smile, he read Lisa's text. He did not even mind it when Tim accused him of behaving like a teenager. Jack chuckled at that descriptor. Tim grouchily added he was behaving like a teenager who was unable to multi-task. Jack chuckled again. Well, maybe he was behaving like a teenager. A teenager in love, Jack thought, just like the song. He was in love again, and he was happy about it. Plus, this whole texting thing, besides being part of that technological world he usually avoided, was actually a lot like sending a telegram.
Short and to the point. Jack voiced this thought for Tim's benefit. His mood was thoroughly upbeat as he sent off a final "goodnight" text to Lisa. She would no doubt be exhausted from her travels. Her final text to him mentioned she would be having a quick dinner before heading to bed.
Better you than me, Jack mused, remembering how much he hated the jet lag that accompanied his own miserable trip to France. I still don't know how you do it, Lis, but I can't wait until you're back here with me. Jack did not have more time to dwell on that subject. Tim, impatient as ever, was sprinting off ahead of him in pursuit of the herd.
After spending two weeks wrapping up certain business interests in Paris, Lisa travelled on to Toulon. She was not sure what the social climate would be when she arrived, given how scarce she had made herself after the unfortunate encounter with Alphonse Thibault so many months ago. That, and everyone's terrible opinion about me and Jack, Lisa recalled. Oh, well. I don't need their validation. Not like Jack will ever make it back to France, anyway.
Lisa noted a tiny hint of sadness still lingering from the fact Jack did not enjoy his time when he was in France, but that sadness could not compete with the happier fact of their reconciliation.
So we'll never have Paris, she realised. And maybe that's okay. I can accept that he doesn't like it here, can't I? I wish he did, because if he joined me here, we wouldn't be apart from each other as often...
She was lost in these thoughts while navigating the aisle of a local grocery near her vacation home when she felt a hand on her shoulder. In surprise, she turned at this unexpected contact.
"Lisa! I thought it was you!"
Brenda Dufresne was beaming at her.
Guardedly, Lisa said, "Brenda! I, uh, I didn't expect to bump into you."
"Nor did I," Brenda said, still smiling. "When did you arrive? I did not know you were coming."
"I got in this morning," Lisa replied brusquely, peering around her friend, wondering where her obnoxious husband Frank might be.
"I wish you had called," Brenda chided. "I would have prepared a welcome supper for you."
"Oh, no," Lisa demurred with a quick shake of her head. "You know I don't expect—"
"Nonsense," Brenda interjected. "After all your travelling you should not have to think about preparing something for yourself on the first night. Come by this evening, please."
"Well..." Lisa dithered, knowing anything Brenda cooked was going to be delicious. The few items in her own basket were starting to look dull and unappetizing.
"Oh, and Francois is off visiting his sister and her family in Nice," Brenda said offhandedly, "so it will just be you and I."
"You didn't go with him?" asked Lisa, more out of politeness than genuine curiosity, though she was honestly relieved to hear Frank was not around.
"Oh, no," Brenda said with a dismissive thrust of her hand. "Francois and I need our times apart."
When Brenda caught her questioning look, she elaborated.
"Lisa," she said, a wry smile flashing on her face, "surely you know my husband is not the easiest of people to live with."
Lisa's own lips curled of their own volition. "I wasn't going to say a word."
"I have said before he can be an ass sometimes, but he is still such a dear," Brenda declared. "However, if we should always be together, we should have killed each other by now. I would have strangled him or he would have strangled me."
Noting the shocked and bemused expression on Lisa's face, Brenda continued: "What is the expression? 'La familiarité engendre le mépris'?"
"Oh, 'Familiarity breeds contempt'," Lisa said thoughtfully, translating the phrase. "I guess you're right." Her own thoughts flew back to how her marriage to Dan crumbled, and how it took their lengthy separation during her father's illness and death to make her realise she did not actually love him.
But I don't think I'd ever be able to stay away from Jack much longer than a few weeks, she thought. These months we were apart is what nearly killed me. But maybe Brenda is right. Maybe the fact Jack and I have these breaks when I'm called away to France is what makes us work so well. After all, didn't he hate the time we spent together in France? If I'd just gone on my own, we would never have broken up the way we did. Hmm...
"What do you say? Will you come?" Brenda asked, a hopeful expression on her eager face.
"Okay, you've twisted my arm," Lisa said with a smile.
"Ah, bon!" Brenda said. "Come at six."
"Six o'clock it is," Lisa confirmed. "Thanks, Brenda. You know I actually can't resist your cooking."
"You are too kind, Lisa. See you later."
"À bientôt," Lisa rejoined.
The two friends parted ways after a quick hug. Absent was any hint of the prior awkwardness that had spoiled their last meeting.
Jack took a leisurely drive out to his private fishing cabin. The weather this late November morning had turned colder than it had been so far this autumn season. He could feel the bite of the cold on his exposed cheeks as he stepped out of the truck to gaze at the surrounding beauty of the river and the rugged mountains.
He took slow, deliberate steps to a particular spot on the riverbank. It was a spot etched in his memory, even though no official marker existed to show precisely where he had spread his late wife's ashes.
The sound of the water gently coursing its way down from the Rockies filled Jack's ears. It was a sound he always found to be particularly comforting. Lyndy had thought so, too, often remarking she could fall asleep to it more easily than anything else.
You loved this place so much, Lyndy. I'm so glad we got to share so many good times together here... So many good memories.
"There have been days when I miss you, Lyndy," Jack spoke aloud as he peered out at the babbling river. "I am... so grateful for the years we had together. We should've had more. I wish you could have seen how beautifully our granddaughters have grown up. I wish you could have seen your great-granddaughter, Katie.
"You know, all those years I spent on the rodeo circuit... weeks at a time away from you... Lyndy, you were the only one for me. And I was always so glad to come back home to you, and to our daughter.
"I didn't think there could ever be someone for me after you. I didn't even think I'd want someone after you. But there is someone now... I think she's someone you would have liked if you'd had the chance to meet her. I see the way Lisa loves our girls, especially Katie. Dotes on 'em a little too much, maybe... but that's her way of showing others she loves 'em.
"I didn't think there would ever be someone who could love me after I lost you, but Lisa does. That's why I'm going to ask her to marry me, Lyndy. I wanted you to know that, because after all our years together, and after all the years without you, it finally feels right to move on with someone new. Thank you for those years we had as husband and wife. I will never forget them."
Dry-eyed, Jack turned finally from the bank of the river. He climbed back into the truck, feeling a sense of peace and satisfaction washing over him.
You need someone to keep you young.
The words spoken to Jack by Lyndy in a dream from years ago seemed to echo right then, almost like a confirmation his late wife approved of his choice. Heart full of joy-filled memories of the distant past, and with the promise of new joys to come, a sense of happiness and contentment rode with Jack all the way back to Heartland.
Lisa breezed into the kitchen at Heartland for her lunch date with Jack, laden with a basket containing a bottle of wine that was a gift from Denys Laporte, and turkey and Swiss sandwiches she had prepared for the occasion. It felt comfortable to be here in his presence, almost like she belonged. The turkey and Swiss sandwiches had been a purposeful choice, and it had the desired effect of reminding them both of that long ago picnic they shared on the way to the horse sale in High River. Despite the fact their late arrival at the auction meant Lisa missed out on the sale she was hoping to be present for, getting to spend time with Jack had been her primary motive for inviting him in the first place.
"Boy, that seems like a long time ago," Lisa commented wistfully.
"That's because it was a long time ago," Jack added, "and we're still enjoying our time together, aren't we?"
"Yeah," Lisa agreed, then added: "and our time apart."
"To you and me," Jack stated, as they touched wine glasses together in a toast.
"You know what? I bet that's what makes us work," said Lisa, after taking a sip of the wine.
"What's that?" asked Jack as they seated themselves to begin eating.
"Well, I bet if we spent all our time together, we'd kill each other," she replied, thinking of Brenda Dufresne's assessment of her relationship with her husband Frank not so long ago in Toulon.
Jack was not buying it. "I would bet the opposite," he countered. I love having you here with me, Lisa. And very soon, I'm going to prove to you just how much I want you in my life, if you'll have me.
"Oh you would, would you?" Lisa asked playfully. "All right, let's put that bet to a test: how 'bout tomorrow you come spend a few days at my house?"
"Your place?"
"Mm-hmm," confirmed Lisa with an impish glint in her eyes. "See who wins this bet. If we survive, that is."
"You're on," said Jack, already planning ahead to exactly how he hoped to spend the time with Lisa at Fairfield, all with the goal of winning the bet. And in his mind, nothing less than a "yes" to his question of marrying him would do.
The rest of the family had gone back to bed; the embarrassment over Jack and Lisa's attempts to sneak into the house unnoticed had dissipated. Jack placed a hot toddy in Lisa's hands, preparing himself to articulate the words he had been wanting to speak ever since her return to Hudson. He had been stymied earlier at Fairfield, and later at the Dude Ranch. The timing at both places had simply not seemed right, anyway. Here and now, though, in front of the fireplace, was probably as intimate a setting as he was likely to find any time soon.
It's now or never, Jack thought.
"Pretty crazy couple of nights, I admit," he started to say as he joined her on the couch, "but at least we didn't kill each other, and in spite of it, we're still laughing, right?"
Lisa chuckled slightly and they clinked their mugs.
Jack knew it would be impossible to ignore the fact of their disparate lifestyles; however, it was also impossible to ignore the fact they still loved each other despite those differences. He reasoned it out to her that they were two adults who loved each other, and there should therefore be no problems—only solutions.
"What are those solutions?" asked Lisa.
"I let you slip through my fingers once before, and I am not about to do it again," Jack said, taking her mug from her hands and setting it aside. After all, he needed them to be free if she was going to accept what he hoped to give her in a few short moments.
"Now this," he said, reaching into the right-side pocket of his jeans, "was my grandmother's wedding ring, and I want you to have it."
Lisa watched him produce the tiny velvet box he had been carrying around with him for the past two days. A small gasp escaped her throat as he opened the lid, not daring to hope... He's giving me his grandmother's wedding ring? Lisa thought, wondering what precipitated this unusual gift. Surely this heirloom should go to Lou or Amy? Surely he couldn't be asking me to...
Jack held the ring up to her between his fingers. "Now I've been meaning to say this the right way for a very, very long time..."
The dumbfounded expression on Lisa's face told Jack he had taken her completely by surprise. There was an emotional catch in his voice as he asked: "Lisa Stillman, will you do me the honour of marrying me?"
"What?!" Lisa exclaimed, utterly astonished that Jack was actually speaking these words. After so many years of settling for whatever it was they had up to now, after so many years of hoping...
"Will you marry me, yes or no?" repeated Jack, as if she needed to be convinced this was not some elaborate joke.
"Yes, I will!" Lisa answered enthusiastically. "Lord knows how we're gonna make it work, but Jack Bartlett, I will marry you!"
Jack happily slipped the ring on her finger, and the pair joyfully embraced.
The exhilaration of their engagement carried over into the next morning, making it difficult to keep the news a secret from the rest of the family. They parted after Jack promised Lisa he would take care of all the details; she simply had to show up.
It was the kind of whirlwind wedding neither of them ever thought would happen, but in less than twelve hours, Jack had indeed managed to set things up at the Dude Ranch in a way he hoped would appeal to his soon-to-be-bride.
Back at Fairfield, Lisa reflected on how different this wedding was going to be as opposed to the elaborate one she had with her ex-husband. This one was sure to be simple, as elopements usually were.
All a reminder that the big, fancy wedding is zero indication of the longevity of the marriage itself, she thought ruefully. In any case, she did make an effort to carefully choose her wardrobe, deciding on an outfit she just happened to have picked up on her most recent trip to Paris. Who knew I'd be getting use out of it so soon? Lisa thought. But I can't think of a better reason for it to make its debut.
Her hairstylist fortunately had a cancellation that afternoon, so Lisa booked the spot immediately. The hours leading up to their elopement seemed to alternately drag and speed by. Unlike the hours leading up to her marriage to her ex-husband, Lisa felt zero qualms or hesitations this time around. While she waited at Fairfield for the hired car to carry her to the Dude Ranch, Lisa could not help but admire the antique ring Jack had given her. I'm going to be marrying Jack Bartlett, she thought in amazement. I'm so happy.
By late afternoon, Jack was satisfied everything was in order at the Dude Ranch for the ceremony. Back at the ranch house, he packed his overnight bag, stowed it in his truck, showered, and grabbed his good suit. The rest of the family seemed blessedly pre-occupied with their departure for the futurity race Amy would be competing in to help Caleb and Ty.
Jack had no time to stop and answer Lou and Tim's questions when they did eventually notice his suit bag. He had a wedding to get to and a woman to marry.
The vintage Rolls Royce meandered down the gravel road between the cabins towards the pier at the Dude Ranch. Jack felt his heart swell with pride as his lovely bride-to-be stepped out when the chauffeur opened the door for her.
He's wearing the suit I had tailor-made for him so long ago, Lisa noticed when she took in his frame. I used to think I'd made a terrible mistake when I did that, but now...
They grinned at each other almost giddily as Jack gently took Lisa's arm to guide her to Randy, the Justice of the Peace, both sharing a laugh of delight that this was finally happening.
"You look so beautiful," Jack uttered, more sincerely than he had ever done in his life.
"Thank you," Lisa answered, thinking how handsome he looked. "I knew you'd get good use out of that suit."
The couple stood in the semi-darkness of the late evening before the lit firepit, surrounded by the cabins all strung up with twinkling lights as if for the Christmas holidays. The rumble of an approaching truck nearly broke the spell. Someone was crashing the wedding.
In surprise and dismay, Jack realised his folly: Tim Fleming had figured out the reason for the appearance of his good suit. There was no convincing the man to turn back and forget what he had seen. Seeking Lisa's tacit approval, Jack allowed his insufferable ex-son-in-law to stand with him as his Best Man.
Jack stared intently at Lisa as Randy asked if he would take her to be his lawfully wedded wife.
"I do," he answered solemnly.
The smile on Lisa's face was a mile wide as she looked at Jack. "I do, too," she said, jumping the gun.
Randy almost laughed. "Wait a minute, Lisa! Your turn's next."
"Sorry," Lisa chuckled, abashed at her little gaffe.
"All right," Randy said, suppressing a smile, "do you, Lisa, take Jack to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I absolutely, one hundred-percent do," Lisa said heartily, gazing wide-eyed at Jack.
They exchanged rings, and listened as Randy spoke the words they had longed to hear:
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss the bride."
Tim did his best to prevent a couple tears of happiness from leaking out of his eyes as he watched Jack and Lisa kiss each other for the first time as a married couple.
I guess I'm just an old softie, Tim thought, but it's about time these two got hitched! And they know they have me to thank for it...
"We did it," Lisa said, after they pulled back from their kiss.
"We did it," Jack echoed, so happy and relieved he had made this dream come true for both of them.
The chauffeur went on his way. Randy made his departure after the registry was signed. Tim nudged Jack a couple times suggestively before making his way back to his truck. Jack made him promise not to tell a soul what he had just witnessed, though he fretted the man would not be able to keep silent about it for very long.
"Shall we?" Jack said to Lisa, taking her arm to lead her inside the main cabin.
"We shall," Lisa said, walking with him across the threshold.
Once inside, Jack immediately crossed over to the hearth to stoke up the fire. It had been burning earlier while he and Randy waited for Lisa, and to ensure the cabin wasn't freezing cold when it was time to retire there following the ceremony. He had banked the fire prior to her arrival for safety purposes, but now it was time to get it blazing again.
Lisa gazed in wonder around the cabin, touched by all the effort Jack had evidently put into making both the exterior and the interior special. Knowing he had done it all by himself was even more impressive, given the fact no one in the family except Tim was aware of what was happening that night. Dozens of tea candles covered various surfaces, and now Jack set about lighting them, too. Once they were all lit, he shut off the electric bulbs. A soft, muted glow from the fire and the candles bathed the space with a cheery warmth. The duvet on the bed was covered with a multitude of rose petals, and their fragrance wafted about the room, mingling with the smoky odour emanating from the fireplace. Lisa felt herself relaxing as she sat down in one of the easy chairs, removing her boots, faux fur-lined cap, and overcoat.
"Champagne?" Jack asked, reaching for the bottle from the ice bucket.
"Yes, please," Lisa said, extending her champagne flute to him. He filled both her glass and his before sitting in the seat opposite her.
"To us," Jack toasted.
"To us," Lisa said, and they touched their glasses together. The couple drank to their health and their new union, each basking in the moment.
"How long until Tim spills the beans on all this?" Lisa asked presently, as she leaned back in the chair, wondering how the man had somehow managed to guess what they were up to.
"Oh, I don't know," Jack said, setting aside his drink. "He won't, if he knows what's good for him."
Lisa smirked at this. "When would you like to tell everyone? We can't keep it a secret forever. In fact, I'm so thrilled we've done this, I'm bursting to tell the whole world." She glanced admiringly at the ring on her finger then, thinking how right it felt.
"Let's keep it under wraps for just a little while," Jack suggested. "I want us to just enjoy us. No intrusions. No wild questions or speculations. We have time. We'll figure it out. But for now, let's not tell anyone. Okay?"
"Okay," Lisa said with a nod. "I'm happy with just enjoying us for as long as we can."
"Okay, then. We wait to tell them until we both agree it's the right time," Jack said, relieved she agreed.
Lisa sipped her champagne while Jack got up to add another log to the fire. When he turned back, there was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. A soft chuckle rumbled from his throat.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Oh, I was just thinking how I think I've just won our little bet," Jack said, his eyes dancing mischievously.
Lisa pursed her lips as she herself tried to suppress a giggle. "What, that we didn't kill each other after spending too much time together?"
"Exactly," Jack said. "You were wrong about how our time apart is what makes us work, Lis."
"Go on," Lisa said, wanting him to elaborate on this point.
"It's not our time apart that makes us work. It's our commitment to how we feel about each other, and it's about respecting the fact we have our differences."
"Can I add something?" asked Lisa.
"Sure," Jack said with a nod of encouragement.
"It's also about admitting when we're wrong, and it's about forgiving each other," Lisa said honestly.
"I'll drink to that," Jack stated, as he raised his glass again to finish the remainder of his champagne.
He watched as the reflection of the flames danced in Lisa's blue eyes, and the flame of ardour blazed anew in his heart. He thought of all the obstacles that had previously stood in their way—mostly self-made—and how now, finally, they had tied the knot after so many years of struggle.
Lisa stared at her new husband's careworn face, and read there a passion and tenderness that took her breath away. She recalled their first real planned date, how she learned so much about him then, and how much more she realised she wanted to learn.
Despite all your obvious flaws, I wouldn't mind if you called me sometime, she remembered telling him while they were parked in the yard at Heartland, hoping he understood her intent. With a small smile, she also recollected how they had attempted a quick kiss, only to be interrupted by the slamming of the screen door and the curious looks of Ty, Amy, and Mallory on the porch.
This time, there would be no such interruptions. This time, nothing would stand in their way. No voyeuristic onlookers, no arguments over vacation homes or misplaced fears over age gaps. And where once a bitter argument over a hospital bed drove them apart, tonight, a bed would help unite them in a most perfect way.
Jack did not even need to mention to Lisa about Dr. Virani's assessment of his virility, for after all, he was not a man of words; he was a man of action and deed. He got to his feet and reached out to take Lisa's hands in his. She stood to face him, anticipation racing through her.
"Come here," he said, guiding her to take her place beside him, shedding his suit jacket and setting his hat aside.
"I love you, Cowboy," Lisa managed to say between his eager kisses. "I'm all yours tonight, and for the rest of our lives."
"And I'm all yours," Jack added, drawing her closer to himself.
As they fell into each other's embrace, the years between them fell away; a consummation of the vows they had pledged earlier that evening.
"You're so beautiful," Jack murmured later as they lay side by side, gazing wonderingly into her eyes. "How come you're so beautiful?"
"Because you love me," Lisa answered. "Your love makes me beautiful."
"Hmm," Jack uttered softly, tracing a finger along her lips. "I could have sworn you've always been beautiful."
"And you're the only one I ever want to hear saying that to me," Lisa whispered.
"And I'm so glad that I get to be the one to say it," Jack whispered back. "You're beautiful, and I love you."
"I love you more," Lisa stated, snuggling closer to him and laying her head against his chest.
"Is that so?" an amused Jack asked.
"Mm-hmm," Lisa responded in the positive.
"Well, I think you're going to have to prove it," Jack challenged.
Lisa raised her head to look at his face, then pressed her lips to his. "Like this?" she asked after pulling back.
A reflective expression came over Jack. "It's a start," he said in a teasing manner.
"Well, then I'll just have to keep going until you're convinced," Lisa responded, covering his mouth with hers again, this time enfolding him in her arms, and he eagerly responded to her embrace.
"If it takes the rest of tonight or the rest of our lives together, Jack Bartlett," Lisa said, "I'm never going to stop proving how much I love you."
And I'm going to let myself be loved by you, Lisa, and I'll do everything I can to love you right back, Jack thought, amazed by how foolish he had been for ever thinking her care for him was out of pity. No, her love for him was pure, and fulfilled longings he had not known were lying dormant for so many years of being a widower.
Everything I've ever wanted is happening right now, Lisa contemplated with joy. Here, being with Jack, becoming his wife, I've waited so long for this. And it's wonderful.
The year had started on a bitter note for Jack and Lisa, and it seemed no resolution was in sight for them. Now, their lives were back in sync, and they were about to embark on a new stanza together in perfect harmony, a new song that would last for a lifetime.
END