Ah yes! A double update!

I'm glad your all continuing to enjoy this story, I'm really encouraged by reviews and feedback and I enjoy reading your thoughts. Unfortunately I still haven't been able to work on future chapters of my story yet but I am trying. I'm thinking I'll upload to chapter 60 (where we have the rodeo and no kidding, its 15k words long!) then perhaps take a break from uploading until I've got some more material written out. I haven't decided yet, I'll have to wait and see how things go.

I really haven't been well this last month and I'm still not back to my 'usual' self yet but I am trying. A little bit of exciting news however, I now have my own little Sugarfoot! Yes, a 9hh, 5 year old miniature horse mare arrived last week and I so can't wait to start work with her. Shes the spitting image of everyones favourite lil pony and her name is Tequila. (Dunno if I spelt that right lol) She's unbroken and unhandled so she's a definite project but she's really sweet and quiet. I let my little 2 year old brother ride her the day she arrived and she was a champ. With some work I think she'll be a great little pony.

I do hope to write soon, I've just really been ill and exhausted, just going out to feed and do chores my animals require drains me and I feel mentally exhausted in the bargain aswell. I'm slowly starting to feel like I'm improving again but its always one step forward one and a half back. Hopefully once spring arrives I'll be back on my game and able to do what I was before a month ago. It's been wet and horrible here lately so I don't think I could do much even if I wanted to lol.

Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 48

'You've been awfully quiet.'

'Hmmm?'

Jack chuckled, glancing over at Lisa as they rode up to the overlook to have their picnic. 'I said you've been rather quiet. Something on your mind?'

'Just thinkin.' She replied, dragged back to the present by his interruption. She smiled as she looked over at him. 'That girl, planning this for us. I wonder how on earth she knew about that picnic we were going to have.'

'I've got no idea.' Paint shook his head asking to go faster but he held him at a steady walk. 'She sure is something though, ain't she?'

Lisa nodded. 'She is. We're so blessed to have her Jack. Despite what she's been through she's so thoughtful and considerate.'

'And a little romantic?'

'And that.' She laughed then smiled again. 'She's got quite a head full of ideas, that girl.'

'That she does.' Jack agreed. 'It's good to see her like this, I mean, we've had a pretty rough time with that fire and then her finding out that she's related to Scott. She's had a lot to deal with.'

'Yeah, I know what you mean.' She sighed, thinking of the rough patch they'd all been through recently. 'Do you think she's okay Jack? I just don't quite know, there's something still a little off.'

'You think she's hiding something?'

'I don't know. What do you think?'

'I think she's probably just getting nervous and distracted by her going in the rodeo, I haven't really noticed anything out of the ordinary to be honest.' He replied, patting Paint as he pulled the gelding up at the top of the hill and dismounted, Lisa following his lead. He tied the gelding up to a tree, grabbing the picnic basket and blanket off the back of his saddle as she secured her horse. 'I think she's doing alright.'

She nodded, helping him place out the picnic rug then took a seat on the ground beside him and opened the basket. She shook her head with amusement upon seeing what the girl had packed for them. 'She's been pretty busy, she's done us more of a feast then a picnic.'

Jack chuckled. 'That girl never ceases to amaze me.'

'What about me Jack?' She cocked her head, her eyes dancing mischievously. 'Do I still amaze you?'

'You know you do.' He leant over, touching her cheek gently with his hand as he kissed her. 'That prove it?'

She smiled as their kiss ended and she turned to get the food out of the basket. 'Why Jack Bartlett, I do believe you are flirting with me.'

'I remember that it was you who started it, back at that open house we had last year.'

'Why, I do believe it was.' Lisa chuckled, blushing. She still couldn't believe she had been so forward. 'You still remember that?'

'That bump on the head didn't affect my long term memory you know.' He looked at what she was taking out of the basket. 'So, what's our girl packed for us?'

'More then turkey and swiss sandwiches.'

'Our first date.'

'It wasn't exactly 'romantic' was it? That old truck of yours breaking down.'

'I thought it was just right, getting to spend time with the most gorgeous lady I know.' He winked at her. 'But don't tell Jessie I said that, she seems to think that's her.'

Lisa laughed again, her cheeks slightly red as she handed him a cup of coffee the girl had made for them. 'Your secret is safe with me.'

They paused their conversation for a while to eat, both of them enjoying the view and the company in silence. After they'd finished their meal they packed everything back away except the rug and Lisa sat down beside Jack, resting her head on his shoulder as they looked down at the ranch. He kissed her head, wrapping his arm around her. 'So what were you going to tell me later?'

'Jessie and I had a conversation a while back, asking when we are going to get married.'

'Married?' He scoffed in surprise then shook his head in amusement. 'That girl's got big ideas, that's for sure.' He looked down at her. 'What did you say?'

'I didn't know what to say, she caught me by surprise too but I think she's got this idea that if two people love each other, you get married. She seems to think that us knowing each other for a year is enough.'

Jack chuckled then turned serious. 'How on earth did that come up? What was behind her asking about us getting married?'

'Because then she'd have a mom and a dad.' She looked up at him. 'She's never had parents that showed her what a real relationship should be like between a man and a woman.'

'That makes sense then why she's been acting like this then.' He mused quietly.

'She asked that if we were to marry, would we adopt her?'

'Of course we would.'

'That's what I said to her.' She rested her head against his shoulder again. 'But I told her it probably wouldn't happen for a long time, we're both pretty set in our ways and such.' Another remark that Jessie had said come to mind. 'When I said we were taking our relationship slow and steady she said that any slower and a turtle would beat us.'

He snorted. 'Oh that girl. She's a cheeky one, that's for sure.'

'Yes she is.' She replied then paused for a moment. 'But I wouldn't have it any other way. It's part of who she is, the part that is still innocent and childish. She had to grow up so fast but she's really starting to blossom and grow again.'

'She has you to thank for that.'

'Us Jack.' Lisa corrected. 'I think her seeing the way we are together is what is helping her. Have you noticed how when she's only with one of us she's not as happy and carefree as when we're all together?'

'Now that you mention it, yeah.'

'It was just something I noticed the other day.' She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the sunlight on her face and Jack's presence beside her. 'I can't imagine life without her now, she just brings something to everywhere she is. Her smile, her mischievous nature.'

'She takes after someone I know.' He kissed her head gently again. 'I could say the same about you.'

She opened her eyes for a moment, looking up at him with a huge smile on her face. 'And I can't imagine life now without you either, cowboy.'

Jessie glanced out the window as Jack and Lisa rode back into the yard, a smile on her face. Obviously her little plan had worked, they'd spent the entire evening together. 'What do you reckon girl, did I do good?' Cougar purred around her ankles and she chuckled. 'I guess you think so.'

She turned to the oven, checking how much time dinner had left to cook. 'Hey Lou, I think this lasganue is almost done.'

'Alright, I'll come check on it in a moment.' Lou replied from the living room. 'Can you come clear the table and get it ready for dinner?'

'Sure.' She grabbed a cloth from the sink and washed it, wringing it out then headed to the table. She glanced over at Lou, sitting on the couch and sighed inwardly. She really needed to have a little chat with Jack about her and Scott being siblings. What kind of effect would that revelation to Lou have? 'Alright, table is cleaned. I'll go grab the plates and utensils.'

'Thanks Jessie.'

The girl headed back to the kitchen, glancing at her kittens asleep in their box as she walked past. Hope was asleep with her head on Miracles shoulder, the two of them looking so cute curled up together. Cougar rubbed against her as she grabbed the plates from the cupboard, purring loudly. 'You want a treat, do you?' She chuckled then placed the plates on the bench and headed to the fridge to grab the cat a snack. Cougar purred loudly, watching her as she placed some food in her bowl. 'There you go.'

'Mmmm, something smells nice in here.'

Jessie glanced around at Lisa's voice, smiling. 'I've been helping Lou cook dinner. How was your 'picnic' or should I say, date?'

'It was very nice missy.' She chuckled while she hung her coat up and joined her in the kitchen. 'Need any help with anything?'

'Nope, I think we've got it under control.' She replied, grinning. 'Well? Tell me about your date.'

'Jessie.' The woman laughed, playfully bumping her with her arm. 'If you must know, it was really good.'

'Yes?'

'That's all your getting out of me missy.'

'I mean, how was the food?'

'It was good.'

'I'm guessing you were more distracted by the company then how your lunch tasted.'

'That'll be enough out of you.' She chuckled. 'Your getting too cheeky.'

Jessie tossed her head back, her hair flicking over her shoulder as she grinned at her. 'I am, aren't I?'

'Yes. You are, and I wouldn't have it any other way.' She placed her arm around the girl's shoulder, kissing her cheek. 'Thanks for doing this for us, it was really good.'

'I'm glad you enjoyed your time.' Her eyes shone as she looked up at her. 'Maybe next time you can do something with Jack that you want to do. I know you do a lot of things around here but I've kinda noticed Jack doesn't do the same.'

'Yeah.' She sighed. 'Jack's kinda set in his ways sometimes.'

'I hadn't noticed.' The girl teased then went back to finish gathering the things to set the table with. She glanced around as Jack walked in, hanging his hat up in the mud room then he joined them in the kitchen. 'Dinner is almost ready.'

'I can see that. You've been busy.'

'Not really, I just gave Lou a hand. I didn't have much else to do this afternoon.'

'What's for dinner?' Mallory asked as she, Amy and Ty came inside, stopping to take their coats off. 'I'm starving.'

Jessie chuckled, passing Lou as she headed into the dining room to set the table. 'Food Mallory. Food.'

'I can see that.' She replied, walking through on her way to the bathroom to wash up to eat. 'Did you happen to leave any muffins for me?'

'There might be a couple left.' She called after her, setting the places at the table. Lou and Lisa started to bring the food in as she continued to set the table and before long dinner was ready and they sat down to eat. Cougar slunk over to her, sitting down beside her as she heard the sound of the food being served up. 'No girl. No scraps.' It was a rule that Jack had given her to follow if she wanted to keep the cat inside the house. She wasn't allowed to beg for food at the table. She helped herself to some potatoes while the others served themselves and started to make conversation, glancing down to see the big cat still waiting for food. 'No girl. Off you go. Bed.' The cat growled softly then headed over to her bed beside the fireplace and laid down. 'Good girl.'

'So, you're treating the hero's horse.' Jack remarked to Amy, glancing up from serving his plate.

'I guess.' Amy replied as she placed the serving spoon she'd been holding back in the dish.

Ty spoke up, picking up his knife and fork. 'Constable Rodriguez doesn't buy into the horse whispering stuff.'

'Well-' Lisa looked up at Amy. She hadn't brought into the 'horse whispering stuff' either when Scott had suggested the girl work with one of her problem broodmares but she'd been surprised when she'd been able to fix the problem. 'If anybody's gonna change his mind, it's gonna be you.'

'I don't know.' Ty continued. 'There's something about this guy. He's got a look about him, like he's guilty or something, you know. '

'Sure you're not projecting?' Amy asked.

'Projecting?'

'Like maybe you're the one who feels guilty about something and you're blaming someone else?'

'Yeah, that's exactly it, Dr Phil.'

They chuckled and Jessie spoke up in the pause in the conversation. 'Jack, can you pass me the beans please?'

'Sure.' He handed the dish to Lisa who in turn handed them to the girl beside her.

'Thanks.'

'I ran into Nick Harwell today.' Lou exclaimed while she remembered. 'His polo team is having an exclusive 'invite only' charity match at the Hudson Hills Polo Club. Anyway-' She continued, getting up to grab the tickets from her bag and sat them on the table as she sat down again. 'he gave me a whole heap of comp tickets, if anyone's interested.'

'Oh, That sounds like fun.' Lisa exclaimed, looking over at the tickets and an idea came to mind. She turned to Jack. 'Jack and I would love to go.'

Jessie could tell from the look on Jack's face that he wouldn't exactly 'love' to go and quickly interrupted. 'What is polo?'

'It's a bunch of guys on horses that chase a ball around a playing field.' Amy replied with an easy explanation. 'Its kinda like golf but on horseback.'

'That doesn't sound too boring to watch.' She looked at Lisa. 'Can I come?'

Lisa sighed. Judging from Jack's reaction she could guess it wasn't likely that he'd be going with her. 'If you want I'll take you.'

'Brilliant.' The girl looked over at Mallory. 'So Mallory, whatcha do with the flowers Jake gave you?'

Mallory rolled her eyes. 'I told him I don't like flowers.'

'Don't like flowers or don't like the boy giving you the flowers?'

'Jake is just so annoying! Ugh, I'm going outside to eat.'

Jessie chuckled as Mallory picked up her plate and left, the front door banging behind her. She bit her lip, raising her eyebrows. 'I guess I shouldn't have asked that?'

'Don't worry about her Jess.' Ty exclaimed then glanced over at the kittens as they started to stirr. 'I think your little tykes are hungry again.'

'When aren't they.' She sighed, quickly finishing off her dinner then she got up and headed over to feed them. Hope and Miracle stumbled out of their box as she walked over, meowing as they rubbed up against her ankles. 'Okay, come on. Feed time.'

The kittens followed her into the kitchen, Hope launching herself onto the girls jeans and Jessie had to stop to take her off. 'Naughty girl.' She placed the kitten back down on the ground, Hope meowing in protest as she tried to keep up with her. She grabbed their bowls and food from the cupboard, mashing up the wet food so it would be easy for them to eat.

'I'm going to head home now.' Lisa walked into the kitchen, placing her plate near the sink. 'I'll see you later honey.'

'Okay.' She gave her a hug. 'Thanks again for bringing my saddle back.'

'No problem. You be good now you hear.'

The girl tossed her head. 'I'm always good.'

'Yes, I know you are.' Lisa smiled then headed to the door.

'Look, Lisa-' Jack exclaimed, coming up behind her as she went to leave.

'Oh, here it comes.' She stopped, turning back to him. 'You're not coming to that polo match with me.'

'I didn't say that.'

'Really?' Maybe he would come then. 'You're gonna come with me?'

'No.' He replied. 'No, it's just not my thing.'

'You wouldn't want to try a different thing.'

'Well, you know the saying. It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.'

'No, I have never heard that saying before in my life. What I've heard-' She placed her hands on his shoulders. Yes, it probably wasn't his thing but did it really matter? Why couldn't he just come with her? 'What I've heard is 'Stick in the mud' She gave him a kiss on the cheek then headed back for the door. 'Goodnight.'

'Good night.'

Jessie glanced over at Jack as Lisa left, giving the kittens their food. Maybe it wasn't her place to say anything but what was so bad about polo? She sighed, kneeling down to stroke Miracle and Hope as they ate. What was the go with adults sometimes? Seriously she just didn't get it. They both obviously loved each other, why couldn't Jack try and pretend to be interested in what Lisa liked? 'Adults.' She mumbled under her breath. 'And people think I'm immature because of my age.'

'You say something Jess?'

'No.' She sighed as she stood up again, heading to the bench to put the kitten's food back in the fridge. She could see Jack was waiting for an explanation and she rolled her eyes. It wasn't worth trying to explain it to him anyway. 'Never mind.'

'You ready for the rodeo yet?'

'Not quite.' Jessie replied, talking on the phone to Cindy in her bedroom a couple hours later. 'Warrior and I still have a little training to do.'

'I'm sure you're going to be fine.' Cindy assured her, curled up in her bed with her dog beside her. 'And I'm going to be there to cheer you on.'

'You are?'

'Yep. Grandma spoke to me at dinner, she's sending me to stay with you for the week while she's in hospital.'

'How is she doing?'

'She's okay, I think.' She sighed, running her fingers through the dog's fur. 'But I'm worried Jess. Is it bad that I'm really excited to be able to come see you at the rodeo because she's in hospital?'

Jessie waited for a moment, thinking before she replied to her. 'I don't think it's bad Cinds. I know you're worried about her but she'll be okay.'

'Yeah, I guess.'

'She will be. You'll see.'

'I know.' Cindy replied then decided to change the subject. 'How's things there? Did you find out if Scott's related to you yet or not?'

She took a deep breath, rubbing Cougar's back while the cat purred loudly beside her. 'Yes, I have.'

'And?'

'We're half-siblings.' She had to take the phone away from her ear at the girl's excited squeal. 'Cindy.'

Cindy laughed. 'Sorry. I'm just so happy for you. That's great Jess!'

'Thanks Cinds.' She smiled. 'It still hasn't quite sunk in just yet that I have a brother. It feels a bit unreal. I just don't know how it's going to go, we barely know each other but yet we're related.'

'It'll be fine Jess. Scott's a nice guy, isn't he?'

'Yes.'

'And you're happy that he's part of your family?'

'Yes.'

'Then what have you got to worry about?'

She chuckled. If only it were as simple as Cindy thought it to be. 'If only it were like that Cinds. It's not that simple.'

'I know.' Her voice turned serious again. 'What are you going to do? Are you going to try to get to know him better?'

'We're going to try and catch up weekly, that's a start.'

'Well that's good. It's something.'

'I just don't know how to act or what to do.' She sighed again. 'It's just so weird and confusing. I never knew I had a half-brother, it just feels so unnerving.'

'You'll figure it out though Jess, I know you will.'

'Thanks Cinds.' Miracle meowed softly, waking up to nudge her into letting her under the blankets. She heard footsteps on the stairs and looked at the time. 'I'm sorry Cinds, I'm going to have to run, it's quite late.'

'Oh, sorry.' She looked at her alarm clock. 'I didn't realize we've been talking for so long. Grandma's already asleep and that's where I should be too.'

'I'll talk to you later.'

'Bye Jess.'

'Bye.' She hung the call up, looking over at the door as it was opened and Jack walked in. 'I'm sorry Jack, I didn't realize how late it was. I'll go to sleep now.'

'Jessie, it's alright.' He assured her, taking a seat down on the bed beside her. 'I saw the light on and just thought I'd come talk to you while there's no one around.' Cougar moved over closer to him, nuding him with her nose for a pat. 'How's Cindy?'

'She's okay, she's worried about her Grandma though.' Jessie sighed. 'I know how that feels. I was really worried about you when you were in hospital.'

'I know honey.' He touched her cheek gently. The girl hadn't spoken of the fire and his accident for over two weeks since she'd been distracted by the kittens but he could tell it was still on her mind. 'But I'm fine now and nothing is going to happen to me.'

She nodded, trying to show him that she was alright. 'I know.'

'You know you can talk to me anytime, right?' The girl nodded again and he smiled at her. 'Something's bothering you, isn't it?'

'No.'

'Really?' He raised his eyebrows. 'Lisa and I both felt like there was something a little off and I think there's something going on, isn't there?'

Jessie sighed again. 'Alright, yes, there is.' Hope stirred, realizing her sister wasn't sleeping with her any longer and so got up, nudging her to be let in under the blankets too. The girl chuckled, lifting the quilt so the kitten could climb in to be with her sister. 'I'm worried about things with Scott.'

'What do you mean?'

'Well, Lou said something today about them breaking up and if that's true, how's it going to work?'

Jack nodded. 'That crossed my mind too but Lou is an adult and I'm sure she can handle it like an adult.'

'And there's the other thing. No one knows we're related.' She looked down at the covers, picking at a loose thread in her quilt cover. 'I just feel a bit anxious and uncertain about everything I guess.'

'I can understand that. It's quite hard to come to terms with the fact that you've got a long lost relative that you never knew you had.'

'I just don't know about- everything.' The thread was broken off by her yanking at it and she wrapped it around her finger, keeping her hands busy so she didn't look at Jack. 'What do I do Jack? I just feel so overwhelmed and-'

'Jessie, honey-' He interrupted her. 'Look at me.' He waited till the girl looked up and he touched her cheek gently. 'One day at a time, one day at a time. That's all you can do.'

'But how should I act when I'm with him, what should I say-'

'Just be yourself honey. There is no sense in worrying about it. It'll just take time but things will turn out, you'll see.'

'I guess so.'

'Jessie-'

The girl chuckled, looking at him. 'Alright, I know so.'

'Good girl.' Jack smiled. 'Before long you guys will be like two peas in a pod. Scott is a real gentleman, I know he'll be a great brother to you. Given time and some work from both of you and it'll be like you were never apart.'

Jessie nodded, feeling a slight burden lift from her. 'Thanks Jack. I needed to hear that.'

'I know. I could tell you've been a little unnerved the last couple of weeks.'

'I'm just so thankful that he's okay with you guys being my guardians and letting me stay here. It would have been awful if he tried to take me off you guys.'

'Scott isn't like that, you don't have to worry about that.' He assured her then glanced at her alarm clock. 'It's getting late sweetheart, you should get some sleep.'

'Alright.' Jessie agreed, snuggling down under the covers. 'See you in the morning.'

'Night Jessie.' Jack kissed her cheek gently, tucking the covers under her chin. 'Sleep well.'

She closed her eyes as he left, turning the light off for her as he walked out and closed the door behind her. The sound of Cougar's soft purring filled the room, lulling her to sleep. A slight smile was on her lips as she started to happily doze off to a land of dreams, contented and peaceful knowing that things in her life were going to be okay.