Hi guys!

Can you believe we are finally at the end of Old Demons, Uncertain Futures? I cant, it seems just like yesterday I started uploading it! There were certainly a lot of ups and downs throughout this story but the end of this story finds us tying up in a happy ending. I really enjoyed this story in the Saga, as I enjoy writing all my stories but this one had a lot of time and effort put into it and im really happy how it went.

I am now writing chapter 54 of New Beginnings, I am hoping that once I reach chapter 60 I will start uploading it on a weekly basis. Things in my life have been a bit hetic lately with everything going on but I am going to try and keep writing so I can keep updating as soon as possible. Till I start uploading again, have another read through of these two stories to pass the time. Im sure you'll all enjoy reading them a second time around.

Till I start uploading again, stay safe and stay happy! I promise to start uploading as soon as I can.

Enjoy!

Chapter 37.0

Jack looked eagerly out the kitchen window the next evening, waiting for Lisa and Jessie to return. He glanced at the clock again, only a couple minutes had passed since the last time he had checked. With a sigh he sat back down again, Lou detouring around him getting dinner prepared. 'Need any help Lou?'

'I've got it under control Grampa.' She replied, grabbing the lasagna out of the freezer to put into the oven. 'What's going on with you though? You're like a cat on a hot tin roof.'

'He's probably the most excited of us about Jessie's room.' Mallory interrupted as she joined them, her homework finished. Jack rolled his eyes but she knew she was right. 'You can't wait for her to see her room can you?'

'I'll admit that I am looking forward to the look on her face, yes.'

'Told ya.' She glanced triumphantly at him with a grin plastered on her face. 'I can read you like an open book Jack.'

'Maybe you should go close a couple open books.' Amy remarked as she walked in and headed for the refrigerator to get some orange juice out. 'You've left your books on the table again and it's close to dinner, you know that.'

'Yes, yes. I'll go get rid of them now.'

Jack chuckled as she grumbled, heading back to the dining room to put her homework away. 'I'll be going away next weekend, I hope you girls can manage things here while I'm gone for a couple days.'

'Oh, where are you going?' Amy asked, pouring herself a drink.

'I'm taking Lisa and Jessie up to the fishing cabin. Lisa heads back to France a couple days after so I thought that we'd go on this little trip beforehand.'

'Sounds like a nice idea.' Lou closed the oven, checking the vegetables on the stove. 'I'm sure they'll both enjoy it.'

'Hopefully. Jessie's been through a lot the last few weeks, it'll be good for her to have a break.'

'How was she staying at Lisa's last night?'

'Lisa said she was okay when she rang this morning. She was going to take her to do some shopping today but they should have been here by now.'

'The snow has properly detained them, there were a few roads closed Grampa.' Amy put her empty cup in the sink. 'They'll show up when they show up.'

'I know.'

'Your really excited about showing her her room, aren't you?' He gave her a sheepish look and she chuckled. 'Man Gramps, you really are like a cat on a hot tin roof.'

'You really spoiled me today Lisa.' Jessie exclaimed as they drove out of Hudson, heading towards Heartland. They'd been shopping for most of the day, getting her her own wardrobe of proper clothing and other things that she needed now that she was staying permanently. She looked down at the new boots on her feet, Lisa had insisted that she needed another pair so she had one for work and another for going out. She had her own oil-coat and hat now as well, everything that she possibly could need in her closet for work or going out and anything in-between. 'I don't know how to thank you.'

'There's no need honey, I'm glad you're happy with what you've got. You needed a decent wardrobe now that you're staying and I very much enjoyed shopping with you.' She turned her indicator on, merging into another lane as they headed out onto the highway. 'I can't think of anything else you'll need, I think we got everything.'

'I think so too, you spent a fortune on me.'

'And I'm happy to do it. What we got will last you a long time even if it cost a little more, there's no point buying cheap stuff and having to replace it in two months.' Lisa glanced at her. 'Have you thought about the Queen Of The Rodeo yet?'

'I have.' She sighed. She had thought about it, it sounded good but it wasn't really for her at this time. 'I've decided no for the moment but I might change my mind. When do the entries have to be in?'

'I think it's a couple months before the Rodeo so you have plenty of time if you decide you do want a shot at it.'

'Do you think I should enter? Do you think I'd actually have a chance in it?'

'It's not entirely a beauty contest Jessie, it's mainly horsemanship and from what I've seen you've got that under control.'

'But am I pretty enough? I mean, my scars-'

'They don't have to see them sweetheart, you'll be wearing a long shirt and jeans from what I remember. The attire is just like a normal rodeo contest like cutting for example except it's slightly different, it's just a bit more flashy than usual.' She glanced at Jessie, the girl was staring out the window with her head resting on her seatbelt. 'And you are pretty Jessie. I think even just entering would boost your confidence. You don't have to win because you're already a winner in my eyes but I think it would be really fun. Who knows, maybe you might even have some fun.'

'If I entered, which I'm not saying that I will but would you be here to watch me?'

'Of course honey. You know I would.'

Jessie nodded, looking back towards the road ahead of them. 'I'll let you know if I change my mind about it but I don't think I will.'

'That's fine honey, no pressure. Only do it if you really want to. I definitely think you should enter Warrior in an event though, your two would really rock out there.'

'Maybe.' She still wasn't convinced. 'Why don't you enter it Lisa?'

'Me?' The woman laughed. 'It's not quite my thing. I'm more of an English rider than Western. I like watching it though.'

'Fair enough.' She yawned softly, resting her head back against the headrest. 'So, what will you be doing while you're in France?'

'Got some things with horses, I've got some prospective breeders I've been looking at and a few other things.'

'Sounds like fun.'

Lisa chuckled. 'Yeah. Still nowhere near as fun as spending time with my favorite girl though.' She patted the girls shoulder and Jessie giggled. 'Even if she does wake me up at two in the morning.'

'Sorry about that.' She blushed with a sheepish grin. She'd woken from a panic attack and had gone straight to Lisa for solace. She'd ended up staying the rest of the night in her big king bed, she needed her presence to know she was safe so she wouldn't panic again. It was something she knew she was going to have to work through, Lisa wasn't always going to be around whenever she started to panic or was upset but that was for the future. Right here, right now was what she wanted to focus her mind on. Spending time with her. 'I'll try and make sure that it doesn't happen again.'

'It's okay honey, I don't mind. Really.' She glanced over at her again then turned her attention back to the road. 'It's going to take time for you to work through your fears and insecurities, I understand that. I don't expect you to get better overnight. I'll always be here for you, regardless if I'm in France or at Fairfield. You know you can ring me anytime and I'll be here.'

'Thanks Lisa.' The girl smiled. 'That means a lot to me.'

'Your welcome sweetheart.' She slowed the car as the turnoff to Heartland's driveway came into view. She looked at Jessie as she pulled into the drive, the girl was so oblivious to the surprise that she was about to get. Jack had rang her that morning to let her know that the girls room was done, she thought it was cute how he'd gotten excited over it. It showed just how much he really cared for Jessie, they both did. Jack emerged from the house with Amy and Mallory following and she chuckled as she stopped the car next to Jack's truck. 'Looks like you've got a welcoming party.'

'Yeah.' Jessie laughed, hurriedly taking her seatbelt off and jumping out of the car. She smiled widely as she jogged to meet Jack, the two of them embracing as they met. 'Hi Jack. Did ya miss me?'

'Of course I did.' He chuckled, holding her tight then letting her go. He looked over at Lisa and she smiled as she walked around to them. 'Were you good for Lisa?'

'I was an angel.'

'Were you?'

'Jessie was very well behaved.' Lisa agreed, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder. 'We had fun, didn't we Jessie?'

'Yes I did. Thanks for letting me stay over and spend time with you.'

'That's okay honey, anytime.'

'Well Jessie.' Jack cleared his throat. 'We have a little surprise for you.'

'Hmmmm. A surprise?' She asked with a hint of suspicion and a whole bunch of curiosity. 'What kind of surprise?'

'I think you'll like it.' Amy interjected with a knowing smile. Her and Mallory had spent most of yesterday's afternoon painting and decorating her room with Jack. 'A lot of work went into it.'

'You're getting me curious here.' She looked up at Lisa. 'Do you know anything about this?'

'I'm not saying a word.'

'So, you were in on it too!' Jessie playfully slapped her shoulder with a smile. 'Alright, what is it?'

'You'll have to wait and see.' Jack grabbed a strip of black cloth from his pocket. 'Your going to have to put this on, we don't want you peaking.'

'You've really got me interested now.' She smirked as she put the blindfold on just enough so she could still see. They were definitely up to something and from the sounds of it they'd been planning it for quite some time. 'Okay, it's on.'

'No it's not Jessie.' Mallory saw what she'd done and quickly fixed up the blindfold so that she couldn't see out of it any longer. 'Not it is.'

'Thanks Mallory.' She complained, completely looking into darkness now. 'Right, what now?'

'Hold onto my hand.' Lisa replied, taking the girls hand in hers. 'And just follow me.'

'Ooooookay.' With the tone Jessie used it was evident she was a little uncertain of what was going on. She followed Lisa however, letting the woman guild her as she heard Amy and Mallory run on ahead. They reached the step to the house and Lisa let her know it was there, waiting for her to get up it. Her curiosity was increasing by the minute. What had they been up to? 'What's going on?'

'You'll find out soon Jessie, not much longer now.' Jack assured her, winking at Lou who got the cue to head upstairs to join Mallory, Amy, Caleb and Ty waiting in the attic. He opened the door, letting Lisa and Jessie in first then led the way to the stairs. 'Watch your step Jessie.'

She felt for the first step with her foot then slowly began up the stairs, still relying on Lisa to guide her. 'You've known about this the whole time Lisa haven't you and yet you didn't say a word!'

'It would have spoiled the surprise then.'

'Yeah yeah.' She still didn't sound convinced.

'Okay Jessie, stand right here.' Jack instructed as they reached the top of the stairs, Lisa positioning the girl in the doorway of her room. 'Stay here.'

'Ooookay.' This was getting more and more confusing but she did what she was told, excitement starting to rise inside her. What were they doing? What had they planned? She'd figured out that she was at the top of the staircase leading to the attic but why? What was going on?

Quickly Jack and Lisa entered the room, joining everyone who was quietly waiting inside. They smiled at each other and he nodded at Lisa. She'd told him she wanted to be the one to tell Jessie to take off the blindfold and he gave her the cue that it was time.

'Okay Jessie.' Lisa smiled. 'Take off your blindfold.'

Her hands trembling with excitement she undone the knot and the blindfold fell off as she looked up. 'SURPRISE!' Everyone called out as one. The girl gasped, looking around the room. A huge Welcome Home banner was hung from the ceiling above everyone in the room. Amy was there, Mallory, Lou, Ty, and Caleb too.

'Welcome home Jessie.' Jack said as the girl recovered from her amazement and shock. 'Welcome to the family.'

'You did this all for me?' Her eyes searched the room. It had been completely decked out with furniture, soft pink curtains caressed the windows and on the bed was a gorgeous bedspread of a horse galloping. She shook her head in amazement as she brought her hand to her mouth. It was too much. She'd never expected this. What had she done to deserve this? This love? 'I- I don't know what to say.'

'A thank you wouldn't go astray.' Mallory piped up with a chuckle. 'You would not believe the hours that went into fixing this place up for you.'

Lisa approached Jessie cautiously, sliping her arm around the girl as she saw her eyes watering. 'Are you okay honey?'

'I'm fine.' She smiled, looking up at her then back at the others. What could she say? What words could express what she was feeling in her heart? A simple thank you felt like it wasn't enough. 'Thank you. Thank you all so much.'

'And that's not all.' Lou interrupted, bringing out the cake she'd hidden on a chair under the table. 'You would not believe the trouble I had to go through keeping Cougar's paws off this.' She shot the mountain lion lying on the floor next to the bed a look. She grabbed a lighter from her pocket, lighting up the candles. 'I know it's not your birthday, but you can still make a wish.'

'Blow them out sweetheart.' Jack prompted gently.

'Okay.' She approached the table, trying to think of a wish to make. She closed her eyes, waiting for something to come to mind but she couldn't think of anything. All she ever wanted was right there. She opened them again, looking around. 'I don't know what to wish for.'

'Anything Jessie.'

'Alright, let me think again.' Her eyes fell on Jack and Lisa, Jack's arm wrapped around Lisa's waist and a smile spread across her face. I wish for happiness like this to never end, for Jack and Lisa to always be as happy as they are now and for them to get married. She chuckled a little at her second wish but it tied in kind of with the first. Maybe it was a bit selfish wishing for that to happen on her part but it was plain to see that they both loved each other dearly. She'd learnt a lot about Lisa too in the past couple of weeks and something inside her told her that she deserved a man like Jack. They were meant for each other. 'Got it.' She blew the candles out to their cheers then turned around. 'Thank you all so much for this from the bottom of my heart.'

'We're glad you like it sweetie.' Jack replied. 'Heartland is your home too now, your part of the family.'

'Are we going to cut this cake or what?' Mallory interrupted the moment again and they chuckled. 'I'm plain starving over here!'

Jessie made her way over to Jack and Lisa as Amy and Mallory helped Lou with the cake. Ty and Caleb slipped out to go check on the animals before dinner, each stopping to say a couple of words to her before they headed out. She smiled as she hugged them both, looking up at them with her brown eyes. 'Thank you so much for this. For taking me into your hearts and making me family.'

'Your welcome Jessie.' Jack replied with a smile, one arm wrapped around both of his girls. 'And I meant what I said Jessie. You'll always belong here, you'll always have a home here.'

'And family.' She added, resting her head on Lisa's shoulder as the woman embraced her. This was home. This was family. This was what it was like to belong. She'd finally found what she'd been looking for all her life. Home, family and love. She was home.