Chapter 45.1

'I like this one.' Cindy exclaimed, holding up another shirt for Jessie to look at. 'I think it would suit you.'

Jessie laughed, seeing the pattern and colours on the shirt. 'Cindy, I highly doubt that colour would suit me. I don't want to look like a palm tree for the rodeo.'

Lisa shook her head, chuckling quietly to herself. They'd been shopping for an outfit for Jessie for most of the morning yet they still hadn't been able to find a shirt that really suited her. She glanced down at her watch as the two girls went over another rack of clothing, seeing that it was almost lunchtime. She glanced over at Jack who was seated on a chair, reading a newspaper he'd brought. She smiled, knowing how bored he must be feeling getting dragged all over the city to find Jessie an outfit. She left the girls to keep going over the selection of shirts, sitting down beside him. 'You know, I did say that coming shopping with us was going to be boring.'

'Who said I was bored?'

'You've been staring at that one page for the last five minutes.'

'It's a good article.'

She shook her head in amusement. Sometimes Jack could really be impossible. 'I'll have to bring you shopping with me more often.'

'What about this one Lisa?'

Lisa glanced around, Cindy was holding up a light green checkered shirt. She saw the look on Jessie's face, laughing inwardly. 'Probably not Jessie's color either Cindy.'

'Man.' She sighed, placing it back on the rack. 'Who knew shopping could be so hard?'

'I want to look good for my first rodeo.' Jessie exclaimed, going through another rack. 'Might be my first and my last.'

'It won't be that bad.' She encouraged, getting up to join the girls again. 'I'm sure you're going to do great.'

'If I could ever find an outfit.' The girl sighed, finishing going through what they had for sale on the rack. 'Nothing there.'

'Not much here either.' Cindy added.

'Alright-' Lisa glanced at her watch again. 'How about we take a break and go have lunch?' It wasn't just for Jack's benefit, she needed a break too. Poor Jack, she could see he was bored but she had to hand it to him for coming along with them. She'd lost count of how many shops they'd been too since they'd arrived in Calgary, they'd already done a decent amount of looking around but still nothing had really caught their eye.

'Fine by me.' Jessie shrugged.

'That okay with you Jack?'

He glanced up from his newspaper, a confused expression on his face. 'Pardon?'

'Lunch. We were talking about having lunch.'

'Yeah, let's do that. Any decent places to get a feed here?'

She chuckled. Jack certainly was out of his element in the huge shopping mall. 'There's a nice cafe in the food court, I was thinking we'd go eat there.'

'The one next to the donut place?'

'Yep, that's it Cindy.'

'That's the one my Grandma and I go to when we come shop here. They do have good food.'

'Well, I guess we'll head there then.' Jessie agreed, staying close to Lisa as they headed out of the store back into the shopping mall. The place was huge and grand, bigger than any shopping mall she'd ever remembered going to. There were heaps and heaps of people and she found herself holding onto Lisa's hand, starting to slightly panic. She hated huge crowds, feeling very out of place and boxed in by all the people. Had there been this many people in here before?

'You okay Jess?' Lisa looked down at her, feeling the girl holding onto her hand.

'I don't want to get lost, there's so many people here.'

'This is nothing.' Cindy remarked, overhearing their conversation. 'Wait for the Christmas crowds, that's a whole lot more people coming here to shop.'

'That's very reassuring.'

'I'm with you Jessie.' Even he could admit that these crowds were a little much. 'I much prefer shopping in Hudson.'

'I guess if we don't find anything here we could see if Maggie's has anything.'

'Yeah, we can do that Jessie.' Lisa agreed as they came to the Cafe. 'How about you go grab that empty table over there in the corner? We'll be away from everyone.'

'Sure.'

'What do you want to eat?'

'Maybe a burger and chips.' She glanced up at the menu. 'I don't really care. Surprise me.'

'Okay.'

'I'll go grab that table before someone else does.' Jessie headed in, sitting down in the booth seat as Lisa, Jack and Cindy ordered their lunch. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she pulled it out to see what the notification was. Mallory had sent her a message. These 2 had a big lunch. She smiled, seeing Mallory and Jake holding her kittens whose faces were covered in milk. Guess staying back wasn't so bad after all. She thought with a chuckle, placing her phone back in her pocket. Mallory was planning on coming with them but Jack had put his foot down when he'd found out she hadn't done her homework.

'Okay, I ordered you a beef burger with chips and a strawberry milkshake.' Lisa slid into the booth seat across from her, placing her bag under the table. 'You enjoying shopping?'

'It's a lot bigger than Hudon Square.' She glanced around for a moment. 'Where's Jack and Cindy?'

'Oh she dragged him off to the toy store. She said that she couldn't put up with her pocket money burning a hole in her purse any longer.'

Jessie chuckled. 'Poor Jack. I'm sure he's having fun.'

'I did tell him it was going to be boring but he insisted on coming with us. Said that he couldn't have been bothered mending fences today.'

'Or is it for some other reason? Like spending time with you.'

'That's quite enough out of you, young Missy.' She blushed then frowned as her phone dinged with a message. 'I wonder who's trying to contact me now.'

She rested her head on her folded arms as Lisa read the message and typed a text back. 'Who was it?'

'Eleanor. Asking if Jack was with me. Apparently she wants to talk to us about something, in person.'

'That's strange.'

'Yeah, it is.'

'Didn't you see her Friday?'

'No, Cindy was at the door when I picked her up. She said her grandma had an appointment or something.' She placed her phone back away, focusing her attention back to Jessie. 'We'll find you an outfit for the rodeo, don't you worry.'

'I hope so.' Jessie covered her mouth as she yawned. 'What time do we have to take Cindy back?'

'I told Eleanor we'd be there around three, so we've still got a couple hours to shop.'

'I think I'm going to have a nice sleep on the way back home.'

Lisa chuckled. 'You didn't sleep well last night?'

'Not really. Brain wouldn't turn off, as usual.'

'You want to talk about it?'

'Not at the moment.' She shook her head, still resting her chin on her arms. 'I just want to enjoy shopping and spending time with you guys before I start sorting out my thoughts.'

'Fair enough.'

'We're back.' Cindy announced as her and Jack walked over to the table, the girl schoching in beside Jessie and Jack taking a seat with Lisa. She placed one of the bags she'd been carrying on the table in front of her. 'And I've got something for you.'

Jessie looked at her curiously, seeing the huge grin on her face and looked inside the bag as Jack and Lisa talked between themselves. There were a pair of sunglasses inside but they weren't any sunglasses, they were able to record video. 'You didn't have to buy this for me Cindy.'

'Oh yes I did.' She smiled, bumping with her shoulder. 'Now you can record every run with Warrior and send it to me so I can watch. It's more selfish on my part, I really enjoyed doing the barrels with you yesterday. This way, if I can't come watch you at the rodeo you can record your run and I can watch it from your perspective.'

'Awe, thanks Cindy.'

'No problem.' She dove into another bag, pulling out a box from inside. 'Got myself a little something too.'

She chuckled, looking at the model horse the girl had brought herself. 'Nice one. What are you going to name it?'

'Pegasus.'

'That's a good name.' Jack remarked then saw a waiter bringing their food to them. 'You better put it away for now though, lunch is here.'

'Okay.' Cindy put it back in the bag and placed it down under the table with Jessie's present. 'I can't wait to show Grandma. I've been looking at this model for ages.'

'It's a very nice model.' Lisa agreed as their lunch was delivered and the group fell quiet as they started to eat. She watched Jessie have most of her chips and some of her burger then push it aside. 'You not hungry?'

'I've had enough.' Jessie replied, sipping a little bit of her milkshake.

'Can I have the rest?'

She chuckled. 'Aren't you full Cindy?'

'Nope. Always got room for more.'

'Alright.' She pushed her plate over to her. 'Have at it.'

'Brilliant.'

'Are you enjoying shopping with us Jack?' She teased as she turned back to him and Lisa. 'Bored out of your brain yet?'

'Not quite, just yet.'

'Is it the shopping or the company that's getting boring?' Lisa remarked cheekily, nudging him with her elbow.

'I hardly think that the company is boring.' He replied, slipping his arm around her as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'It's quite something to look at.'

She blushed, the girls giggling. 'Okay, enough you two.' She chuckled as Jack took his arm from around her. 'Finished your lunch Cindy?'

'Yep, I'm all done.' Cindy wiped her mouth, placing her napkin on her plate.

'I'll finish this off later.' Jessie picked up her milkshake, thankful it was in a take-away cup. 'I'm ready to go. Where are we headed next?'

'What about this one Jessie?' Another six shops and two shopping malls later Lisa held up another shirt for the girl to look at. 'I think this would suit you.'

Jessie looked around, a smile coming across her face as she saw the shirt. It was a two-toned purple shirt, a mix of dark and lavender shades. It was decorated with silver rhinestones on the yoke and pockets, with light purple fringe across the front. 'It's perfect Lisa.'

'Go try it on and we'll see how it looks on you.' She handed it to the girl, motioning towards the direction of the dressing rooms. Cindy followed her as she headed back to where Jack was sitting and took a seat beside him. 'I hope that shirt looks good on her, my feet are killing me.'

He chuckled, placing his arm around her. 'We've covered a lot of ground today, you should have worn better shoes.'

'Yeah, I didn't think it would have been such an effort to find her an outfit. We haven't even got her jeans, a belt and her hat yet.'

'Well you can take the belt off the list. I've got the perfect one for her back home.'

'You do?'

Jack nodded. 'One of Lyndy's ones.'

'You don't mind?'

'Not at all.'

'What do ya think?' Jessie asked, stepping out of the dressing room to show Lisa the shirt. 'I like it.'

'It looks great on you honey.' Lisa got up, heading over to her to make sure it fit her properly. 'We might just need to take it in a little here but I think that suits you perfectly.'

'What do you think Jack?'

'You look like a real cowgirl. Very nice Jessie.'

Jessie blushed, smiling. 'Well, looks like I'll be getting this one then.'

'I really like it.' Cindy added, looking at her. 'It looks way better on you then that other shirt you tried on.'

'Yeah.' She chuckled. The pattern on one of the other shirts that she'd tried on at a previous shop hadn't really done much for her appearance at all. 'Okay, shirt down. What next?'

'Jeans.'

'I saw some really nice ones on the way in.' Cindy exclaimed. 'I'll go take a look.'

'Okay, I won't be a moment.' She replied, heading back into the dressing room to change back into her shirt. Quickly she changed, placing the shirt she'd tried on back on its coat-hanger and headed out to join Cindy and Lisa at the jeans display. 'Oh, I like these ones.'

'Let me see.' The girl requested, glancing up and Jessie handed her shirt to Lisa to hold up the jeans. 'They're nice.'

'I like the pattern on the pockets, they're really pretty.' Jessie added. 'I'll get these.'

'You don't want to have a look at any of the others?'

'Nope. These are perfect.'

'Okay, let's get them then.'

'That was quick.' Jack chuckled as he joined them, seeing they were almost ready to leave. 'To bad you couldn't have found a shirt that quickly.'

'Oh Jack.' Jessie playfully bumped him with her shoulder. 'These things take time. A girl has to look her best and I didn't want a shirt that made me look like a palm tree.'

'I agree.' Cindy interjected as Lisa headed to the register to pay for the clothes and they headed out of the shop to wait for her. 'That shirt did make you look like a palm tree.'

'Gee, thanks for not sugarcoating it Cinds.'

Jack shook his head, listening to the two girls mucking around. They certainly enjoyed teasing each other every chance they got. 'Settle down Cindy, you're getting a little loud.'

'She's on a sugar high. Shouldn't have had those donuts.'

'Jessie-'

'Alright you three, let's go.' Lisa handed Jessie the bag with her new clothes, glancing down at her watch. 'I think we've got just enough time to go find you a hat Jessie and then you'll be all ready for the rodeo. There's a shop just a little further down the street that has nice hats if I remember correctly.'

'Okay.'

'You've still got your good pair of boots?'

'Yep. Haven't worn them yet either.'

'You'll have to send me a photo of you in your outfit.' Cindy remarked as they headed out of the mall and onto the sidewalk to head to the last shop for the trip. 'I hope your saddle gets fixed in time for the rodeo, the other one is nice but not as nice as your other one.'

'I hope it gets fixed too, it's slightly lighter then the one I've been using.' Jessie agreed. 'And I'll be sure to send you a picture.'

'Brilliant.'

'Yep, this is the shop.' Lisa announced upon seeing the sign and they headed in. Jessie, Cindy and Jack went straight to the hats, leaving her to deal with the shop assistant. After she had assured her they were just looking at the moment she joined the girls. 'Found anything you like?'

'I want to get a hat like Jack's.'

She chuckled, looking at him with a grin. 'Someone's taking after your fashion sense I see.' He just rolled his eyes and she looked back to Jessie. 'I think that would go well with your outfit.'

'Here it is.' Cindy pulled the hat off the shelf, trying it on as she turned to face the mirror. 'How do I look?'

'Oh Cindy.' Jessie scoffed, turning the hat around while Jack and Lisa chuckled. 'You had it on back to front.'

She pulled a face at her. 'Yeah yeah, don't pick on me about it.'

'My turn.' She took the hat, placing it on her head. She moved it around, checking to see how it fitted. 'Hmm, this one feels just a mite big.'

'Here's on a size smaller.'

'Thanks Jack.' She swapped hate, handing the bigger one back to him to put on the shelf again and nodded. 'Yep, that's better. What do you think Lisa?'

'I think it's fine.'

'Good. Now Jack and I have matching hats.'

'Next you'll be buying one.' He nudged Lisa.

'You know what, maybe I will.' She replied with a twinkle in her eye.

'Can Jack take us to the toy shop across the road while you pay for Jessie's hat?' Cindy asked, looking over at the store. 'My purse is still feeling a bit heavy.'

She chuckled, checking her watch. They still had time for one more shop. 'Jack?'

'Alright.' He sighed, placing his hand on the girl's shoulder. 'I'll take you. Coming Jessie?'

'Sure.'

'I won't be long.'

Jessie held onto Cindy and Jack's hand as they crossed the road, stopping in the middle for a car that was traveling past. She couldn't help but chuckle inwarly, Cindy obviously had a love for shopping. It reminded her of Lou. 'What are you going to buy?' She asked as they walked into the store, letting her lead the way.

'Another model horse.'

Jack chuckled, waiting back at the door for Lisa to join him as the girls headed inside. While he could admit that it was rather boring, seeing Jessie and Cindy mucking around put a smile on his face. It hadn't been a waste of time at all.

'Girls desert ya, did they?' Lisa asked as she came up beside him, her hands empty since she'd dropped off the bags at her car on the way over.

'Yeah, they disappeared. I don't think they want me crashing their party.' He smiled, slipping his arm around her as they walked inside. 'They're having a good time, it's nice to see them so relaxed and happy.'

'I couldn't agree more. They've both had a rather hard time lately.' She glanced at a display then checked her watch. 'We should probably start thinking about getting a move on.'

'I'll go let them know.'

'Thanks.'

He raised an eyebrow as Lisa turned back to the shelf then followed the sounds of the girls giggling to the back of the shop. 'Okay girls, we're going to have to go soon.'

'Awe?' Cindy turned around as Jack came up behind them. 'Really?'

'Afraid so.'

'Cindy can't make up her mind-' Jessie interjected. 'Between the grey horse or the palomino mare and foal set.'

'Decisions, decisions.' He teased, shaking his head. 'If you want my opinion, you already did buy a grey horse today.'

'Yeah, I did.'

'Ready to go?' Lisa asked as she joined them.

'Almost, I just don't know which one to get.' Cindy sighed, looking down at the two boxes she was holding again. 'Alright, I'll get the mare and the foal.'

'Good choice.'

'What are you going to name them?' Jessie questioned as they made their way to the counter so the girl could make her purchase. 'I'd call the foal Sea Star if I bought it.'

'I'll think about it.'

'Do you want to head to the car Jack?' Lisa asked, grabbing her keys from her pocket.

'Yeah, you ready to go Jessie?'

'Yep, I really want to sit down.' She chuckled as he took the keys from Lisa and they headed out of the store to where the car was parked. 'Thanks for coming with us today Jack, I really liked having you along.'

'Well it wasn't the most exciting adventure but I did enjoy spending time with you guys.' He replied, opening the door for her. 'Did you have fun?'

'Any time I'm with you guys is fun.' Jessie hopped in, turning around to grab her shirt from the bag behind her as Jack closed the door. 'I really like this shirt.'

'You should, for the amount of trouble we went to finding it.' He teased once he'd hopped in.

'Jack.' She chuckled. 'Finding the perfect outfit takes time.'

'So I've learnt.'

'I can't wait to show these to Grandma.' Cindy exclaimed as she jumped in beside her, holding the box on her lap. 'I wonder what she's going to think of them.'

'I think she'll like them.' Lisa replied as she got in the front passenger seat, putting Eleanors address into the gps as the girls settled down. 'Ready?'

'Yep?'

'Seatbelts on?' Jack asked.

'Of course.' Jessie added, helping Cindy to get her seatbelt clicked in. 'Okay, we're ready to go.' She yawned as the car pulled out into the traffic, resting her head against her seatbelt. Cindy was chattering to Lisa as she closed her eyes for a few seconds to catch a cat nap. Walking around the shopping malls had exhausted her.

'What do you think Jessie?' Lisa questioned in a break between her and Cindy's discussion. The girl didn't reply and she glanced around, a smile coming over her face. 'I think we wore her out.'

Cindy chuckled, lowering her voice when she realized that Jessie was asleep. She'd been so engrossed in her conversation with Lisa that she hadn't noticed she was napping. 'I'm tired too, but I don't want to miss a second. I've had fun this weekend with you guys. It was the best.'

'I'm glad you had fun.'

'It was a pleasure having you over.' Jack agreed, flicking the indicator on as he slowed the car to switch into the other lane. 'You were a great guest.'

'Thanks.' A person blew their horn across the road at another driver, making Jessie jump and look around. 'Welcome to the waking world.'

'Hmmm.' She growled, resting her head back down against her seatbelt. 'Now I'm not getting back to sleep.'

Cindy giggled. Jessie was rather funny when she was unamused. 'Well, I'm glad you're awake because I've figured out names for the models.'

'Oh?'

'I'm calling the mare Lisa and the foal Jessie.'

Jessie laughed, wondering what Lisa would think of Cindy naming a model after her. 'Why?'

'Cause it fits.' She replied, looking down at the box she was holding on her lap. 'The mamma horse looks after the baby horse just like Lisa does with you. And they're both pretty.'

Lisa blushed, hearing the conversation in the back seat and she caught the look on Jack's face out of the corner of her eye. 'What?' She asked, a slight teasing in her voice.

Jack shook his head with a smile. 'A model horse named after you. That girl.'

She chuckled, glancing back at the two girls as they talked about the horses. 'Your just jealous she's yet to name one after you.' Cindy and Jessie laughed again and she wondered what they were talking about now. 'They're something special.'

'That's for sure.'

'Jack.' She shook her head in amusement. 'You love those two just as much as I do. Admit it.'

'Yeah, I do. Cindy is so good for Jessie.'

'Even though they tease us to no end about our relationship?'

'Even with that.' He added. 'They are pretty cute about us.'

'I can see Jessie's going to turn into a little matchmaker.' She could still remember well remarks that the girl had made to her. 'I think she's got plans for us, that one.'

'You know, I've got that feeling too.' Jack glanced up at the mirror, looking back at the girls in the backseat. 'So, what were you looking at when you sent me off to go find the girls?'

'Just a little idea I had, for Jessie.'

'Yeah?'

She thought for a moment, trying to figure out what she was doing into words. 'It's kinda hard to explain. I was doing some research about kids who have been through trauma like Jessie and how they attach themselves to something that makes them feel safe. Jessie's done that with me, but I'm not going to always be around. So, as silly as it sounds-' She sighed, taking a deep breath. 'I brought her a stuffed horse that I can put recordings of my voice on so she can listen to it whenever she wants. It's probably a stupid idea-'

'It's not stupid Lisa.' He gently interrupted. 'I think it's sweet and a good idea.'

'I hope it will work. It worked for K-' She stopped herself, rewording the sentence she had almost blurted out. 'A girl of a friend I knew.'

Jack glanced at her, wondering what she would have said if she didn't change it. 'Lisa, is there something wrong?'

'No.' She shook her head. 'Nothing's wrong. I'm fine.'

'You have been a little- distracted lately.' He thought back on other times that Lisa had almost said something about this 'girl' that she used to know. 'You sure there's nothing going on?'

'I'm sure Jack.' She replied, a little stronger then she had intended and she sighed. 'It's just been a hard week, with everything that's happened.'

'You sure?'

'Yes Jack.' Lisa placed her hand on his, rested on the center console between them. 'I'm fine.'

'Hey, you're going to miss the turn off.'

Jack chuckled, their moment interrupted by Cindy's back-seat driving. 'Don't worry Cindy, I'm not going to miss it.'

'Good.'

Lisa turned to look out the window, her thoughts enveloping her as she stared out at the scenery. The sounds of the girls laughing in the background hardly came to her ears as she thought back to a time when the sound of laughter had been a common occurrence in her world. A single tear slipped down her cheek. The closer she got to Jessie, the harder the memories became.

'Grandma!' Cindy exclaimed in excitement as the car stopped, barely waiting a second longer then she needed to take off her seatbelt before she was out the door and running up the path to the porch. 'I missed you.'

'Hey Cinds.' Eleanor laughed as she hugged the girl back. 'Did you have a good weekend?'

'You bet! Horseback rides, feeding kittens, shopping-'

'Wow, sounds like you did a lot.' She chuckled, glancing up at the car. 'You'll have to fill me in after our guests leave.'

'Sure. I've got to grab my stuff anyway.'

'Don't forget your ponies.' Jessie teased, carrying the girls box up to her. 'You can't leave them behind.'

Cindy giggled, turning away from her grandma to her. 'Thanks Jessie.'

'Jack's getting the rest of your stuff, that is if he can carry it.'

'I told you not to pack the kitchen sink.' Eleanor teased then turned to Jack and Lisa as they walked up to the porch. 'Would you two like some tea or coffee? The kettle has just boiled.'

'Sounds good.'

'That would be lovely.' Lisa agreed, following Eleanor into the house.

'Just put Cindy's bag down there, she can take care of it.' She motioned down beside the doorway they were walking past. 'How about you show Jessie your room Cinds?'

'Sure, come on Jess.'

She chuckled, shaking her head as the two girls headed off down the hall and she showed them into her kitchen. 'Have a seat. What would you like?'

'I'll take a coffee.' Jack took out a chair for Lisa and she sat down, smiling up at him. 'Thanks.'

'What about you Jack?'

'Coffee would be just fine.' He took a seat beside Lisa. 'Thank you.'

'I hope Cindy minded her manners over the weekend.'

'She did, she was very well behaved. It was a pleasure having her stay.'

'I'm glad to hear that.' Eleanor handed them their drinks and took a place at the table. 'Because I'm in a bit of a predicament and I was hoping maybe you two could help.'

'You said it was urgent?' Lisa started, placing her mug back on the table.

'Afraid so. I have to have heart surgery next month and there's no one else Cindy can go to. Contrary to what she might say, she doesn't have many friends. I already asked a couple people if she could stay with them but they're going away on holiday so she's got nowhere to go.' She sighed. 'I'm sorry for just pushing this on you but I don't know who else to go to and there is no way I'm letting her go to emergency foster care. You know how that turned out last time.'

'How long will you be in hospital for?' Jack asked, already figuring out if it were possible for the girl to stay with them.

'About a week, provided there's no complications. This ol ticker can be pretty argumentative.' She tried a weak joke but she knew they could see how worried she was. 'It would ease my mind greatly knowing Cindy was in safe hands if she were to stay with you guys.'

'What do you think Lis?'

'I don't have a problem helping with Cindy.' The woman replied. 'I can take her for a couple days too so it makes it a bit easier for you. Having Jessie and Cindy under the same roof can be quite the adventure.'

He chuckled, remembering the pillow fight. He turned back to her, thankful Lisa was happy to help. 'We'll be happy to look after her then Eleanor.'

'Thank you.' She sighed in relief. 'That's such a relief and I know Cindy will be happy to stay with you guys.'

Lisa looked at her, trying to read her body language. Something was telling her this wasn't all. 'Is there something else?'

'Yes but it's such a huge ask-' She bit her lip, sighing. 'My doctor is confident that with this surgery I'll have many more years in me but he has suggested that I put into place Guardians for Cindy in case something were to happen to me. I've got no family, Cindy has no family. If something were to happen, she would go into the State's care. I don't want that for her so-' She took a deep breath. 'I wanted to ask you to consider maybe being put down as Guardian's for her.' She saw the look of surprise on their faces and quickly continued. 'I don't want an answer straight away, I know it's a huge ask. Please, just think about it though.'

Jack and Lisa exchanged a look then he turned back to her. 'We'll talk about it and let you know.'

She nodded. 'That's all I'm asking. Thank you.'

'Grandma, can we have some cookies and milk?' Cindy asked as she bounded back into the kitchen, Jessie right behind her. 'I'm starving.'

Eleanor chuckled, their conversation interrupted by the girl's arrival. Getting up from her seat to go to the fridge she glanced back at her granddaughter. 'Sure honey. Would you like some too Jessie?'

'Thank you for the offer but I'm not hungry.' She tried to stifle a yawn as she took a seat, resting her head on her folded arms on the table. 'Cindy gave me the grand tour, you have a really nice house.'

'Thanks.' She handed Cindy a glass of milk and a couple of cookies. 'I heard you are going in the Hudson Rodeo.'

'Yes mam.'

'I used to ride in rodeos in my younger days.'

'Cindy told me that.' The girl couldn't stop herself yawning again, quickly covering her mouth. 'Sorry.'

Lisa chuckled. 'I think it's time to be getting you home Jessie.'

'I couldn't agree more. Keeping up with Cindy has been exhausting.'

'Hey.' She protested. 'Not funny.'

Jessie yawned a third time and Jack got up, patting her shoulder. 'Alright missy, let's get you home. Thank you for the coffee Eleanor.'

'No problem.' Eleanor replied, walking them to the door. 'Good luck with the rodeo Jessie.'

'Thanks.' She smiled, putting on her coat and gave Cindy a hug. 'Be good.'

'Whenever am I not good?' Cindy teased with a grin. 'Your the one Jack and Lisa have to watch.'

'Really?' She chuckled. 'I doubt that.'

'Race you to the car.'

'Hey!' Jessie protested as Cindy took off, hurrying out the door after her. 'Not fair.'

Eleanor shook her head in amusement as they followed them at a more dignified pace. 'Let me know what you guys decide about the guardianship when you've thought it over.'

'We will.' Jack agreed, looking at Lisa. 'We'll have a talk about it and let you know as soon as we figure out a decision.'

'Thank you.'

'I'm going to have to walk home at this rate.'

Lisa chuckled at Jessie's nudge to get them moving. 'Someone's given us marching orders. We'll talk through the week Eleanor.'

'I'll look forward to it.' She stopped at the gate as Cindy joined her, Jessie putting her window down as Jack and Lisa hopped in the car. 'See you Jessie.'

'Bye Eleanor, see you online Cindy.'

'You bet. Don't forget this time.'

She chuckled, thinking back a couple weeks previous when she'd forgotten to do the Skype call they'd organised. 'I won't.'

'Seat belt on?' Jack asked, glancing back at her in the mirror.

'Yep.'

'Give those kittens a hug for me.'

'I will.' She promised, waving to her as the car pulled away and she rolled her window up with an exhausted yawn. 'Nap time for me I believe.'

Lisa smiled, looking around at her as the girl snuggled down to get comfortable. 'You have a good sleep honey.' Jessie nodded, her eyes already closed as she rested her head against the seatbelt. You are worn out, poor thing. She turned back to the front as they headed back to the highway to Hudson, silent with her thoughts. Eleanor had certainly given her a lot to think about.