Update!

Happy New Year folks! I don't know about ya'll but I'm ready to kiss 2020 goodbye! It's New Years Eve here in AU, had a spare five minutes so I thought I'd update. Whose excited for the new year? And whose excited for what comes with it? Yes, that's right! Heartland season 14! I can't wait! I hope that there will be more of Jisa this season, I know the show's about Ty and Amy ect but it just seems to me that every year we get less scenes of Jack and Lisa being alone. Together. Without Katie. or Caleb. Or anyone else annoying them! *laughs* I really do miss the way they were in the early seasons though, which is why I love writing this story so much! I get to write it the way I WANT their relationship *chuckles* and if you know me (by now you should, how many chapters long is this series now? like over 90 or something) you'll know I love throughing a few curveballs and problems everyone's way.

Anyway, thank you to all of you who continue to review, it sure does mean a lot to me and I know my time isn't being waisted writing when I get good reviews. I just want to write something that people enjoy and look forward to reading. I guess that's always been my goal.

Enough talking, enjoy the update!

Chapter 23.1

Jessie was up again with Warrior early the next morning, taking him out for his run before the sun was up. She sighed, rubbing his shoulder as she trotted him down the hard trail towards the river running through the back of the property, hoping that by mixing up his training routine it would improve his behavior.

She yawned, listening to the echo of his hooves on the hard dirt resounding loudly through the darkness before dawn. She hadn't had a good sleep the night before, a combination of her thoughts and bruised body didn't allow for much rest. Even now she was still stiff and sore, her shoulder complaining loudly about it being in use but she pushed the pain to the back of her mind. She had more important things to do.

Warrior snorted, sidestepping as he skidded to a halt, half rearing. The girl hung onto the saddle horn tightly, throwing herself forward to counteract his movements. 'Woah boy, easy!' She soothed, patting his shoulder once he was back on the ground. She looked at the bush on the side of the trail suspiciously, a shiver running up her spine as it moved. Cougar was at home asleep still on her bed, whatever in this bush wasn't her. The stallion backed away, snorting as he eyed the forest where a grey flash had dissappeared. 'Let's not stick around to find out what that was.'

She backed him up a little further then turned him around, the stallion jigging a little as they headed back towards the ranch. She sighed, patting his shoulder again. 'What's going on mate? You're not normally like this.' He snorted, trying to get more rein but she wouldn't let him have his head. 'No mate, I'm not in the mood.' Her shoulder was aching, reminding her that it had been a bad idea all along for her to come out for a ride. 'We're heading back. Now.'

The sun was just up as she rode into the deserted ranch yard, stopping the stallion outside the barn and stiffly dismounted. She gathered up his reins, leading him back into his stall. He snorted as she flicked the lightswitch, tying him up to untack him. She groaned, her shoulder complaining again as she undone the cinch and tried to get the saddle off his back. She struggled with it for a moment then lost her hold on the saddle, dropping it to the ground. 'Damn!'

Jessie sighed, dragging it over to the tack stand with her good arm then winced as she tried to roll her shoulder. She'd seen the bruising in the mirror when she'd had a shower and changed into her pajamas the night before, it was no wonder she was sore. Heading back to Warrior she went over the motions of grooming the stallion down then turned him loose into the stall. He sniffed at her, nudging her gently as she let him go. 'I'm alright. It's not your fault.'

It was like he was apologizing to her as he gently nudged her cheek with his muzzle, blowing softly on her face. She smiled, patting him. 'I'm okay. Really.' She yawned, her eyelids drooping as she tried to stay awake. The hay in his stall looked pretty comfy even though she had a perfectly good bed upstairs in the house. 'Lie down boy.' He snorted, looking at her then did as she asked, folding his legs underneath him and she sat down, leaning against him. 'I'll just rest my eyes for five minutes….'

Jack walked into the barn after he'd finished eating breakfast, frowning as he saw that Warrior wasn't in his stall. Jessie hadn't come in for breakfast, he hadn't seen her out in the arena and as he glanced at his phone he saw that it was almost eight already. Ty walked over and he looked up. 'You seen Jessie?'

He chuckled, putting his fingers to his lips and motioning to the stallions stall. 'You'll find her in there.'

Jack raised his eyebrow as Ty headed out to go take care of his chores, walking over to the stall door. Jessie was asleep in the hay with Warrior, the stallion sleeping with his neck around her. 'Oh Jess.' He smiled, taking a photo of them with his phone. Even though he knew something was up it was still one of the cutest things he'd seen. Quietly he opened the door and walked in, Warrior snorting softly as he approached and kneeled next to the girl. Gently he placed his hand on her uninjured shoulder. 'Jessie honey, what are you doing here?'

The girl moaned, blinking in the light as she woke up. She frowned, seeing Jack as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. 'I was only going to have a five minute nap. What's the time?'

'After eight.'

'Oh.'

'You okay honey?'

'Yeah.' She replied sleepingly, wincing as she sat up properly. 'Just tired. I didn't sleep last night.'

'Nightmare?'

'No, just couldn't get comfortable.' Jessie got to her feet, Jack helping her up and she groaned again. 'I don't remember the ground being so hard.'

'It doesn't get any softer.'

'Don't I know it.'

Jack turned to the stallion as he watched them curiously, placing his hand on Warrior's neck. 'Figure out what is going on with this guy?'

'No. I cut our ride early when something spooked him. I didn't see what it was but I wasn't planning on sticking around to find out.' She ran her hand over the horses back as she spoke. 'I didn't want to take any chances and it was still dark.'

'Fair enough honey. I'll try and help you with him when I can.'

'I'd appreciate that.'

'Do you want some breakfast?'

'I'm not hungry.'

'You didn't eat much for dinner last night, lunch or breakfast yesterday for that matter. You don't want me having to ring up Lisa do you?'

She sighed, knowing he had her over a barrel. 'Alright, I'll come eat just so you don't ring her and make her worry.'

'Good girl.' He chuckled, picking a piece of straw out of her hair as they walked out of the stall and headed towards the house. Lou was out on the porch on the phone and he frowned as they got closer, hearing her conversation. He looked down at Jessie. 'That doesn't sound too good.'

'He's sick.' Lou looked over at them as she closed her phone since he'd hung up on her.

He saw the look on her face, knowing exactly what she was going to ask before she even opened her mouth. 'No.'

'Grandpa. Please. Just this one time. Amy's not around.'

'Remember our terms?' Jack asked as he walked onto the porch, Jessie slipping past and disappearing inside the house to leave him to deal with Lou. 'We agreed you would never ask me to take a bunch of city slickers on a trail ride.'

'I know.' She acknowledged. 'But just this once Grandpa, they love you. You're authentic. You're the real thing. You are this ranch. You are this countryside. Please.'

He walked inside without saying a word to her, leaving her on the porch. Jessie was at the table, trying to get enough scraps together to give herself something to eat. 'Sorry honey, I should have got you something. Those women had quite the appetite this morning.'

'Its okay Jack, really.' She smiled, grabbing the last of the fruit salad in the bowl. 'I just don't feel like eating much. So-' She glanced towards the window. 'Let me guess. Lou wants you to help with the trail ride.'

'Caleb's sick, apparently.' He replied as he went to the cupboard and grabbed himself a mug. 'I told Lou I wouldn't do it when she came up with this whole crazy idea in the first place.'

'What's involved with this trail ride?'

'Staying out overnight in the reserve. Ride all day there, all day back.'

'Doesn't sound so bad.'

'I have much better things to do around here then babysit a bunch of city slicker beginners.'

'I was just stating my opinion.' Jessie replied quietly, looking into her bowl. 'Sorry.'

He sighed. 'I should be the one to apologize honey. I'm not mad at you.' He came over, touching her cheek gently. 'Forgive me?'

'Yeah.' She smiled. 'What's Lou going to do?'

'I know Tim is coming to help her but I don't know who else she's going to be able to get. Amy might, I don't know.'

'We should help her Jack. The least we can do is help her make a go of this, even if it does mean looking after her city friends.'

'Your probably right.' He sighed. 'Lou's given up a lot to live back here. I don't suppose helping her out this time is a bad thing. What about you though? Should you be riding?'

'Well I sure ain't staying here by myself with Mallory. I like her but small doses Jack, small doses.' He chuckled, knowing instantly what she was talking about. 'And I have a feeling Lisa's a bit busy so I guess I'm coming along.'

'Alright, you can come.'

'Good.'

'I'll just let Lisa know what we're doing.'

'I'll go pack.'

Jack nodded as she got up and headed towards her room, picking up the home phone as she left. Dialing Lisa's number he started clearing away the table as he waited for Lisa to answer.

'Lisa Stillman.'

'Hey Lis, it's Jack.'

'Jack.' She exclaimed in surprise. 'I didn't expect to hear from you this early. Is something wrong with Jessie?'

'No, no Lisa, Jessie's fine.' He heard her sigh in relief. 'Look, Lou's got some guests here at the moment and she's a hand short to go on the overnight trail ride that she's planned so I'm going to be going along instead. I just thought I should let you know, Jessie's coming with me.'

'Oh. I was planning on coming over this afternoon to see you guys but since you're going away-' She grabbed her coat as she headed out the front door to her car to head down to the racetrack. 'I'll come over tomorrow then. How's Jessie?'

'Stiff and sore but she is adamant she's not staying behind. I found her asleep in the barn this morning, she didn't have a good night last night. I'm keeping a close eye on her though Lis, no need to worry.'

'You know I can't not worry.'

He chuckled, hearing her start her car. 'I better let you go. Talk to you later.'

'Bye Jack.'

'Bye.' He smiled, hanging up the phone and placing it back on the dock. He looked over as Jessie walked back in, her saddle bags hanging over her arm. 'That was quick.'

'Didn't need to pack much.' She replied, placing them down on a chair. 'What did Lisa say? Can I come?'

'She's okay with it but I promised I'd keep a close eye on you.' He looked out the window as Tim turned up, frowning as he noticed a red truck sitting on the road. 'Hey Jess, come here.'

'Hmmm?' She murmured as she walked over to the window and looked out. 'What's wrong?'

'You seen that truck sitting there before?'

'No.' She shrugged. 'Not that I remember.'

'Driver must have pulled over to talk on the phone then.' He remarked as they turned away from the window. 'Well, if you've got everything packed then we might as well go get ourselves organized. Lou wants to leave by ten.'

'Okay mate, steady.' Jessie soothed Warrior as she tried to bridle him a little while later, everyone else already saddled and ready to go. She and Jack were nearly the last ones tacking up since they'd packed everything they needed to bring for the overnight on the pack horse while the others got themselves ready. He snorted as she tried again to put the bit into his mouth, the horse turning away. 'Come on mate. I don't have the energy or inclination to argue with you.'

Amy looked over from tacking up Copper, seeing the stallion giving the girl a hard time. 'Need a hand?'

'Normally I'd refuse but I just can't be bothered arguing with him.' She sighed as she turned around. 'Would you mind?'

'Not at all.' She ducked under the cross ties she had the gelding tethered with and joined her in the stallions stall. The girl handed her the bridle and she slowly walked up to him as the girl gave her some room. 'Are you sure you're up to coming along?'

'I'll be fine Amy. I'm not staying behind. I'll manage.'

'Easy boy.' She slid her thumb into the corner of the stallion's lips, encouraging him to open up for the bit. He protested for a few moments then gave up, allowing himself to be bridled. 'Good boy.'

'Thanks Amy.' Jessie sighed as she stepped up to do up his throat latch. 'I don't know what's gotten into him lately. He's just been a handful since the cattle drive.'

'He didn't get spooked out there?'

'Not that I know of. I didn't even bother trying to do the barrels with him today.' She led him out of the stall, tying him up to get his saddle on. 'And now that I decide I want to give barrel racing a shot in the rodeo this guy has the brilliant idea of not cooperating. I don't know what to do.'

'He doesn't appear to be in any pain.' Amy ran her hand over the stallions back and down his legs. 'You haven't changed anything about his routine?'

'No. We're still doing the same thing. The only thing that has changed is I'm trying to practice with him in the arena instead of the clearing you have your course in.'

'That might be the problem but I think Scott should come have a look at him when we get back, just to make sure nothing else is going on.'

'I already asked Jack, he's going to see if he can come out the day after tomorrow.'

'Good idea.'

Jessie turned back to Warrior then glanced at his saddle. 'I hate to ask-'

'I'll saddle him.' She smiled. 'No problem.'

'Thanks Amy.' The girl sighed in relief as she patted the stallion, Warrior turning to face her as much as his lead would allow. 'What am I going to do with you, hey?'

Amy chuckled, watching their interaction as she placed the saddle cloth then saddle on the stallions back. 'You two have a cute bond.'

'Yeah. I just wish I knew why he didn't like the barrels all of a sudden.' She stroked his forehead gently, the stallion snorting softly as he closed his eyes. 'It just doesn't make any sense.'

'Well, when we get back I'll see if I can help you with him. There could be a very good reason why he's acting up.'

'That'd be great Amy. Thank you.'

'You can take it from here?'

'Sure.' She agreed, heading to the stallions side to finish tacking him up. 'Thanks again for helping.'

'No problem.'

'Why are you taking Copper?' Mallory questioned as she came into the barn, seeing Amy tacking the gelding up. 'Take Spartan.'

'Well, Spartan's not really a trail horse Mallory.' Amy replied as she tightened the gelding's throat latch on his bridle.

'How am I supposed to practice jumping?'

'Well, I'll help you when I get back.'

Jessie rolled her eyes, hearing their conversation and quickly untied Warrior and led him out of the barn to finish tacking him up. 'I guess I'm not the only one who has a problem with her horse.' She chuckled, doing up the cinch and his breastplate. She double checked everything again to make sure it was nice and snug but not too tight, going another hole on the flank cinch since it was a little loose. 'Alright boy, I think we're ready.'

'Here's your saddlebags.' Jack exclaimed as he walked over, handing them to her. 'You ready?'

'Yep. Thanks Jack.' She placed the saddle bags behind the saddle, making sure her coat and the rest of her things were tied on tight enough as Jack headed to mount Paint. Everyone else except for her and him were already on their horses, waiting to go and she felt bad for holding everyone up. 'Okay boy, be good for me. Alright?'

She reached up for the saddle horn, her shoulder aching from the motion as she tried to grab the saddle horn. She closed her eyes, breathing through the pain and grabbed the horn. Placing her foot in the stirrup she tried to pull herself up but lost her grip on the horn and almost fell.

'You okay honey?'

She nodded, holding her shoulder as Jack walked back over to her, her cheeks burning in embarrassment as her eyes began to water from the pain. 'Gloves are slippery.'

He took one look at her, there was no way she was going to be able to get on Warrior by herself. He was a tall horse, it was slightly difficult for her at the best of times to get on him. 'Let me give you a hand honey.'

'Okay.' She nodded and he placed his hands around her waist, lifting her onto the stallion. Warrior stood stock still as she settled into the saddle, finding the other stirrup with her foot. 'Thank you.'

'No problem honey.' He patted her knee as she picked up the reins. 'Just stay at the back with me so I can keep an eye on you.'

'Alright.' Jessie agreed and he headed back over to his gelding, the girl giving her stallion a pat. Warrior nudged her boot gently with his muzzle, sniffing her as she got herself ready to go. 'Good boy.'

'Okay, everybody ready?' Tim asked as he looked back over the group, checking to make sure that everyone was ready to leave. 'Let's head on out.' He saw Jack at the back still in the process of mounting his horse. 'Come on Jack, get a leg over.'

Jessie saw Jack roll his eyes at his teasing, mounting Paint as the others began to ride out of the ranch yard and she nudged Warrior forward to join him and the pack horse. Jack got up and they headed after the other, him leading the pack horse as Tim led the group. Warrior stepped out calmly beside Paint and she patted him with a slight frown. He was on his best behavior now, what on earth was going on? 'Good boy.'