Chapter 57

Jessie wrapped the carved horse model up carefully, smiling as she ran her finger down the model's nose. Cindy had been on the phone to her the day before, begging and pleading with her to tell her what the surprise she had for her was but she had firmly told her she wasn't telling her. It was a surprise and it was going to stay that way. She chuckled, placing the bubble-wrap over the models head then placed it in a small box so it wouldn't get damaged on her ride over to FairField. Her fingers lingered on the box for a moment, a smile on her lips as she thought of the look on Cindy's face when she gave it to her then she turned back to her bags to start packing.

Humming softly as she packed, she glanced down at her watch and quickened her pace slightly. It was still early in the morning, it was barely six but she was on a strict time schedule that she had to follow if things were going to run smoothly. Eleanor was being admitted to hospital at ten for her observation to start before her surgery and they needed to be in Calgary to pick Cindy up before that. Quickly she finished packing what she needed into her saddlebags, carefully placing the box with the horse on top of her clothes in one bag and the belt that Jack had given her in the other.

Cougar purred loudly, rubbing up against her and she gave her a pat then did the buckles up on the saddlebags and placed them on the chair next to the door. The cat placed her head under the girls hand, asking for pats and she knelt down, massaging between the cat's ears. 'You be good for Jack now, you hear?' She was only going to be gone a couple of days but yet she still hated to be away from her girl. Cougar nudged her with her nose, snuggling up against her chest and she gave her a warm embrace. 'You keep an eye on Hope and Miracle for me, okay?' The two kittens were still sleeping soundly on her bed as she glanced from her to them then back to her again. 'I'll be back soon, okay?'

The girl gave her one more pat then stood up, grabbing her saddlebags as she headed for the door, turning back to look at her mountain lion one last time. Cougar was standing right where she left her, looking at her longingly. 'I know, I wish you could come but you can't my girl. You have to look after the kittens.' The cat ran up to her, purring as she rubbed up against her and she gave her one more pat then pushed her away. 'Go on now, go look after your babies. I'll be back before you know it.'

She closed the door behind her so the cat couldn't follow and headed down the stairs, glancing distastefully down the hall towards Lou's bedroom. She'd avoided Lou at all costs since their little conversation a couple days prior, she was still angry at her for what she had said. Well, she wasn't going to let it get to her. She would prove her wrong, she could do this Rodeo Queen contest if she wanted to, Lou couldn't tell her if she could or couldn't. She wasn't going to let her stop her.

'Jessie.'

The girl glanced around, Jack was sitting at the table in the kitchen, coffee and newspaper in hand and she walked in to join him. 'Morning.'

'All set to go?'

She nodded. 'Yep, I think I've packed everything.'

'Well, before you go I made you breakfast.' He motioned towards the plate across from him. 'And it's getting cold.'

'Thank you.' Jessie chuckled, placing her saddlebags down as she took a seat at the table. 'I completely forgot about getting something to eat, being so busy making sure that I've got everything.'

He placed his paper aside as the girl started to eat her meal. 'Your going to do great tomorrow.'

'Thanks Jack.' She looked down at her plate, her cheeks blushing. She hadn't even told him that she was entering for the Rodeo Queen contest. Only Lisa and Cindy knew that she was entered. She wanted to tell him, she really wanted to but maybe it was better if he didn't know until tomorrow. She really didn't want a round two with Lou, goodness only knew what her reaction would be like when she found out that she was entered and that Lisa had sponsored her. Quickly she finished eating, pushing her plate aside as she stood up. 'Well, I best be moving or I'm going to be late.'

'We don't want that to happen.' He chuckled, standing up. 'You be good for Lisa now, you hear.'

Jessie laughed, tossing her head as she grabbed her saddle bags. 'I'm always good.' She teased. If only he knew what she was up to. Well, he'd find out tomorrow. 'Aren't I?'

'You are.' Jack agreed with a smile, giving the girl a hug as she grinned. 'I'll see you tomorrow.'

'You bet.'

'And if I don't get the chance to say it to you tomorrow, good luck.'

'Thanks Jack.'

'Your going to do great.' He encouraged her, placing his hand on her shoulder as she stepped back. 'Now get going or you're going to be late.'

'Yes, yes.' She chuckled, heading to the door. 'I'm going, I'm going.'

'Be good.'

'You know I always am.' She shot back over her shoulder as she closed the door behind her, stepping out into the morning air. She breathed in deep, trying to calm the knots in her stomach as she walked to the barn. Part of her couldn't wait for the rodeo, the other part was screaming at her what the heck was she doing.

Warrior knickered softly as she walked into the barn, placing her saddlebags down beside the stall door. 'You finished your breakfast mate?' She rubbed his neck, the stallion nudging her with his muzzle. 'No, no treats this morning. Sorry you don't get your normal ride either but for the next couple of days things are going to be different.'

'Morning Jessie.'

She glanced around, surprised to see Ty up so early. 'Hey Ty. I didn't wake you, did I?'

'No, I just wanted to see you before you headed off to wish you good luck for tomorrow.'

'Thanks Ty.' She smiled bashfully, grabbing the leadrope off its hook next to the door. 'That means a lot.'

'Would you like me to grab his tack for you?'

'That would be great, thank you.'

'How do you think you guys will go?' Ty questioned as the girl led her horse out of his stall, heading over to where her tack was. 'Are you happy with your practises?'

Jessie rubbed Warrior's forehead as she tied him up then glanced back at Ty. 'I don't know how we'll go but we'll do the best we can.'

'That's all you can do, but I know you guys will be great. Kit told me that you're going to be quite the competitor.'

'I don't know about that.' She chuckled, quickly running a brush over Warrior's back before he got tacked up.

'No, she really thinks you guys are good.' He affirmed, carrying over the tack. 'Don't discredit yourself Jessie, you are good.'

'Yeah, we'll see.' She blushed again, taking the saddlecloth from Ty and placed it on the stallion.

Quickly she finished tacking him up, grabbing a couple of other things she needed to take with her to Lisa's and led him out the door. 'I'll see you later Ty.'

'Bye.'

Jessie nudged Warrior into a trot, the sound of his hooves loud on the driveway as they left the quiet ranch yard. The girl breathed in deep, enjoying the solitude of the early morning. The sun was rising, casting a slight golden glow on her hair and she smiled feeling the warmth on her face. Warrior snorted, bringing her back to reality, asking to go faster and she laughed as she patted his shoulder. 'Alright, alright. Yes, you can run.'

The horse shook his head, leaping forward into a gallop and the girl gave him his head. Her smile widened, her hair blowing back in the breeze. 'Faster boy, faster.' She urged him on, laughing as he responded with a burst of speed and she let go of the reins, extending her arms out either side. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing in her face.

She felt the horse slowing and opened her eyes, gathering the reins again as he neared the crossroads and turned him down the trail to FairField. Warrior shook his head again, slightly annoyed that she was holding him back at a canter and she patted his shoulder. 'Sorry boy, that's all for now.' The stallion snorted, testing her as he pulled at the bit but she didn't give into him. 'No, you can't run and that's final.' She sternly told him, her hands holding the reins firmly. He bucked, kicking out in annoyance then settled down to canter the rest of the way. Jessie sighed in relief as he gave in and continued on down the trail. She loved her horse with all her heart but sometimes he could prove to be a little trying and that wasn't something she really wanted to deal with right in that moment of time.

She glanced at her watch as they came out of the forest, looking down at Fairfield below as she slowed Warrior further. She'd made it in good time, she had just enough time to get him settled and her things inside the house and to quickly change before they needed to be on their way. Warrior snorted as they reached the yard, Linda coming to meet them.

'Morning Jessie.'

'Morning Linda.' She smiled, halting Warrior beside her and patted his neck before dismounting. 'Good boy.'

'You want me to take care of him for you?'

'Thanks, but I'll do it.' Jessie glanced around, looking for Lisa. 'Lisa still inside?'

'I think she's checking one of the horses actually, one of the colts came up lame after his practice run.'

'Oh.' She nodded, leading the horse into his pen and tied him to the fence. Grabbing the saddlebags off she placed them aside then started to untack her stallion. 'Hope it's nothing serious.'

'Yeah we're not sure, I think she's going to call Scott to come look at him.' Her phone rung and she pulled it out of her pocket, checking who had rung her. 'Sorry Jessie, got to take this call. Hello-'

Jessie turned back to Warrior as Linda walked away back to the stable block, rubbing his neck after she'd taken his saddle off. Warrior knickered, nudging her hand gently and she smiled. 'Sorry bud, no treats today.' She gave him another pat then slipped his bridle off and turned him loose into his pen. 'Off you go boy.'

She picked his tack up as the stallion headed to the watering trough, placing it in the cupboard in the shelter then picked up her bags and made her way to the house. It was still and quiet as she walked in, taking her muddy boots off at the door so that she didn't dirty Lisa's carpet. Even though she had spent a rather considerable time at Lisa's she still felt out of place there. It was so huge, so immaculate. It didn't look like it was lived in at all, rather it looked like a show house out of a magazine or movie.

Grabbing her bags again she headed to her room, smiling as she saw the bed on the floor beside hers. Lisa had already taken care of Cindy's sleeping arrangements, she couldn't wait to see her. Placing her bags out of the way she quickly slipped into clean clothes and fixed her windblown hair, checking her appearance in the mirror on the dressing table. She chuckled, seeing the smudged dirt on her face from grooming Warrior earlier and quickly wiped it off. Yes, she felt more at home being in a barn then at Lisa's house. She chuckled again, grabbing her good boots from her wardrobe and headed back to the door.

'Morning Jessie.'

Jessie jumped, turning around to see Lisa in the kitchen and she chuckled. 'Hey. I didn't hear you come in.'

'That's one up on you.' She teased, reminding the girl that she'd played that prank on her not that long ago. 'Told you I'd get you back.'

'Yes, you did.' The girl agreed as she gave her a hug. 'But don't worry, I've got something else up my sleeve.'

'I bet you do.' Lisa laughed, looking up at the clock. 'You ready to go?'

'Yep, all ready.'

'Right, let's go.'

'They're here!'

Jessie chuckled as the car pulled to a stop outside Cindy's house a bit over an hour later, seeing Cindy waiting for her on the porch. She quickly hopped out of the car, slamming the door behind her as the girl ran down the path to meet her. She ran to meet her, throwing her arms around the younger girl as they met half-way across the yard. 'Hey Cindy.'

'Finally!' Cindy laughed. 'I've been waiting for you for ages. What took you so long?'

'Lisa's a slow driver.'

'Hey, I heard that.' Lisa teased, walking up to them and Cindy left Jessie to give her a hug too. 'Hey Cindy.'

'Hi Lisa.' She smiled then turned back to Jessie. 'So, do I get my surprise yet?'

Jessie laughed, looking down at the younger girl with admiration in her eyes. 'No, not yet. It's at Lisa's, you'll have to wait till we get back there.'

'Awe. Really?'

'Yes, really. Sorry.'

'Morning Lisa, Jessie.' Eleanor called from the front door, smiling as they walked up the path to the house. 'Cindy, why don't you go show Jessie your pets? She didn't get to see them last time.'

'Sure!' Cindy's face brightened up. 'Come on Jess, they're out in the backyard. Your going to love Cooper, my dog and-'

Lisa chuckled as the two girls raced inside the house, turning to Eleanor as she closed the door behind them and followed her into the kitchen. 'Those girls are always so happy to be with each other.'

'Yes they are.' She walked over to the kettle, grabbing a mug from the cupboard. 'Tea or coffee?'

'Coffee thanks.'

'I'm so thankful that you and Jack can look after her while I'm in hospital.'

'You know Cindy is welcome with us any time.' Lisa smiled. 'Cindy is a beautiful girl.'

'Takes after her mother she does.' She finished making the coffee and handed her the mug, taking a seat at the table beside her. 'She's just like Adelaide was when she was younger.' She fell silent for a moment, a look of pain and sorrow coming over her face that obviously Lisa caught onto for the woman placed her hand on hers. 'There is nothing that can compare to losing a child.'

'I know.' Lisa smiled sympathetically. 'And then you took in Cindy as well.'

'There was no one else.' She paused again then looked back up at Lisa. 'This mightn't be the right time to ask but have you and Jack spoken about my request yet?'

'We have.' She nodded. 'Jack and I both adore Cindy, if something were to happen to you we would be more then happy to take her in. I don't know how it would work but I know we would.'

'Thank you.' Eleanor smiled, tears coming to her eyes as she clasped the other woman's hands in hers. 'Thank you so much. I've been so worried what might become of her if I don't make it through this operation.'

'You don't have to worry any more.' She assured her, her face sobering in sincerity. 'We will take her in and love her as our own.'

'I know you will. Cindy's told me all about what you and Jack have done for both her and Jessie. She couldn't possibly be in better care.' Silence descended upon the two of them for a few moments, the only sound that of the clock ticking in the background. When she spoke again, her voice was on the verge of breaking. 'The doctors don't have much hope that this will help-' She bit her lip then stood up and went to a cupboard and pulled out an envelope. She looked at it for a moment then went back to the table and sat down, handing the envelope to her.. 'I have a letter in here for Cindy if I don't make it, I would like you to give it to her.'

Lisa nodded, taking the envelope. She wished there was something she could say to her that would help her but there was nothing she could think of. She could sense Eleanor wasn't hopeful that her operation would be a success, she knew she was worried what would happen to her granddaughter. She just wished she knew what to say. She looked down at the envelope in her hands then back at her. 'I'll see that she gets this letter if something happens.'

'Thank you. I've left my affairs in the hands of my lawyers, if I don't make it they will contact you and let you know. I mightn't have much but I have enough set aside in trust for Cindy's care. They will take care of everything, they know what the situation is.' The sound of childish laughter rang out loud outside and she glanced out the window as Cindy and Jessie played with the dog in the backyard. 'I don't want Cindy worrying about me, I haven't told her how serious this is. Please, make sure that she has fun-'

'Cindy will be just fine.' She assured her as the lady started to sob quietly. 'I will make sure of that.'

Eleanor nodded, choking back tears then looked up at the clock. 'I need to get to the lawyers office to finalise things shortly, Cindy doesn't know that's where I'm going but I need to go get ready.'

'I'll go call them in.' She stood up, placing her hand on her shoulder for a moment then went out the back door into the yard. She smiled, Jessie and Cindy were chasing each other around as the dog tried to get in on the fun. She let them play a little longer then walked over to them as they took a break in their little game. 'Okay girls, we're going to have to go soon.'

'Already?' Cindy asked, her and Jessie walking over to her. 'We were going to set up the jumps for Cooper to go over.'

'I'm afraid so Cindy.'

'We can do it another time.' Jessie smiled, looking down at her then over at the dog as he laid down on the ground. 'Besides, I think he's worn out as it is.'

'I guess.'

'We're going to go get milkshakes.' Lisa added.

Cindy grineed enthusiastically. 'That makes it alright then. I'll go grab my bags.'

She chuckled as the girls ran inside again and she followed them back into the house, joining Eleanor in the kitchen. Eleanor was at the fridge, grabbing out a container that she placed on the table. 'They weren't too happy about leaving Cooper so soon but the promise of milkshakes did wonders.'

Eleanor chuckled. 'I can imagine.'

'Alright, I'm ready to go.' Cindy exclaimed, her and Jessie walking into the room with bags in hand. Her face lit up, seeing the container on the table. 'Are those cookies?'

She nodded. 'They are, they're for you.'

'Thanks Grandma.'

'I'll take your bags for you.' Lisa offered, taking the bags Cindy had been carrying. 'Thank you for the coffee Eleanor.'

'Your welcome. I'll walk you guys out.' She picked up the cookies, following them out the door to the car. Lisa and Jessie placed the bags in the bag and she handed the container to Jessie to be placed in the car. She turned to Cindy, looking the girl in the eyes. 'You have fun now, you hear?'

'Oh Grandma.' Cindy sobbed, suddenly breaking down as she threw her arms around her and buried her face in her shoulder. 'I don't want to leave you. You need me.'

'Sssh, sssh. There there honey.' She held onto the girl, kissing her head. 'I'm going to be just fine. I've got plenty of people to take care of me. I want you to go have a good time and not worry about me at all.'

'But what if I never get to see you again?' The girl looked up at her, tears running down her cheeks. 'What if something happens to you? What will happen with me?'

'Nothing is going to happen to me, ma petite fleur. I'll be just fine.'

'Promise?'

Eleanor bit her lip. That was one promise that she couldn't make.

Cindy looked up at her, catching on to her silence. 'See Grandma. You know something will happen.'

'Oh honey.' She held her as the girl sobbed with fresh tears. 'Honey, it'll be alright. You'll be okay.'

'I don't want to lose you.'

I don't want to lose you. The words repeated over in Jessie's mind. The words she had spoken to Jack. Tears came to her eyes watching Cindy clinging to her grandmother and she felt Lisa place her arm around her. She wished with everything that she had that Cindy didn't have to go through this, she wanted to take away her pain and make everything better but there was nothing she could do except watch.

'I know sweetheart. I know.' Eleanor kissed the girls head again. 'I know.'

'God can't ask for you too, can he?' The girl looked up at her, the words catching in her throat. 'He already has Mom and Dad, isn't that enough?'

'I don't know honey. I can't answer that.' She replied. 'But regardless of what happens my girl I want you to promise me that you keep living. I only want you to be happy, that is my wish for you. You are my girl, you will always be my girl and I love you so so much. You know that, right?' Cindy nodded and she tried to smile at her as she wiped the girls tears away. 'I want you to enjoy your time with Lisa and Jessie, okay?'

'Okay.'

'And you promise to tell me everything about your sleepover?'

'I promise.'

'That's my girl.' She wiped the girls cheeks dry, kissing her forehead gently. 'I love you Cynthia.'

'I love you too grandma.'

Eleanor kissed her one last time then turned to Jessie. 'You make sure Cindy has fun and doesn't worry about me, won't you?'

'I will.' She agreed, returning the hug the woman gave her. 'I promise.'

'Good girl.' She turned to Lisa, giving her a hug too. Leaning up to her ear she whispered softly. 'Look after my baby girl.'

'I promise.' Lisa whispered back, holding onto Eleanor as she tried to comfort her. She could only imagine how hard this goodbye was on her and marveled at her strength. 'Everything will turn out, you'll see.'

'I hope so.' She replied, pulling away from her then looked back at the girls. 'Alright, I won't keep you guys any longer.'

'Hop in girls.' Cindy and Jessie nodded, climbing into the car and she looked back at Eleanor. 'You'll be in our prayers.'

'Thank you.' Eleanor smiled as Lisa got into the car and she went to the passenger window as Cindy rolled it down. 'You be good honey.'

'I will be, I promise grandma.'

'I'll be sure to let you know if she gets too mischievous.' Jessie weakly teased, trying to lighten the mood. Eleanor chuckled in reply then started to wave as the car pulled away. She waved back at her, turning to look at Cindy in the backseat as the girl leaned out the window and waved till they turned the corner and she was out of sight. Cindy put her window back up, sitting back in her seat and stared out the window as the car pulled out onto the highway back to Hudson. Jessie turned back to the front, turning the radio up to drown out the silence. Her heart went out to Cindy, she wished again that there was something she could do but she knew that there wasn't anything she could say that could make her feel better right in that moment. She felt a hand touch hers and looked down to see that Lisa had taken her hand in hers. The woman smiled sympathetically at her and she tried to smile back then looked out the window again. If only there was something she could do…..