Author's Note: I really would like apologize for the incredibly long wait. I can't believe it has been this long since I updated. Covid has really messed up my timeframe to do things.
To the numerous PM's, I would like you know that I do care about this story or rather series:12 Books 384 scenes and 100+ characters. As you can imagine that is a lot. While I may not have written chapters to publish, I have been working on this saga every chance I get. I do understand your impatience with chapters being published but I can only do as much as I can. I am not a professional and it's a steep learning curve to learn to write.
My shattered heart that bottles of whiskey won't mend. Tender dreams recalling a love so sweet that become shadowed with a heartache so tormentful of what I have lost and will never have. I've been holding on because I thought we still had a chance, letting go is something I don't know how to do when it comes to her. I try everyday to not think about Lisa or her beautiful family and THAT man, but like an incessant tide of waves, unremittingly crashing upon a supposed indestructible cornerstone, it has found a way to continuously barrage me breaking me down piece by piece.
Like the Grand Canyon was not formed by a single event but over the course of time starting with a single fissure which after many twists, turns and a separation with eventually a reunification of the Colorado River carved into the Grand Canyon over time eventually uplifting the Colorado Plateau causing the river to cut deeper, carving through layers upon layers until exposing the core; so to has my break up with Lisa and my new found knowledge of her children and new family carved into me and cut deeper through all my layers of protection until exposing my deep anguish, leaving me feeling empty and adrift with nothing but despair to fill the void that's been created.
I know I should let go of Lisa but those striking husky blues had me hooked the moment I laid eyes on them. I fell for them the first time I laid eyes on them and every time I see those husky blues I'm still fallin'. Unlike the Grand Canyon which is a sight to behold with the passing of time, all I am after all this time is a ground down, broken old man.
What awaits me now in the winter of my life is an emptiness and despair to go with my barren heart.
"Hey there, can I help you?" A very gentle but authoritative voice jars me out my melancholy.
I look around and I somehow find myself on my neighbours property wandering aimlessly and embarrassingly try to recover. "Sorry about that, I kinda drifted off for a minute or two and we must have crossed over."
"Not a problem just riding the fence and wasn't sure if you were friend or foe."
After a moment of giving me the once over the man has a frown almost as if he is thinking too hard.
"You look familiar but….. Is that you Jack, Jack Bartlet?"
I stare at the man confusingly trying to determine if I have seen him before. "Sure is, do we know each other?"
"We sure as hell do! Best roper in all of Alberta!"
"Tom… Tommie Harding is that you?" I haven't seen him in long, long time.
"I knew the roping dig would jar your memory,"
"We both know that I have the buckles to prove who is the champion roper." I sidle Paint closer to Tom and his mount to give him a good hardy handshake.
"It's great to see you Jack," a very happily surprised Tom said.
"What are you doing here?"
"I been back on the ranch for a few months after my retirement from the Army."
"How retirement going?"
"It been a huge adjustment getting settled back into civilian life. But nothing like ranching to make you feel alive again, being outdoors, back on a horse."
"Yeah, that's true. I thought you'd never leave the Army. I'm real happy to see you Tommie."
"What have you been up to Jack?"
"Nothing much just the same old you know. How about you Tommie?"
"Settling back into country life after never having being any place to put down roots with the Army keeping us on the move."
"If you don't have any plans for later we can catch supper at Maggie's and catch up some."
A loud neigh of a horse and a scream has both Tommy and I on alert and scrambling on our way with our mounts in the direction of those carrying sounds of help.
We reach a young boy on the floor and a horse moving agitating around the boy.
"I got the boy Jack, you take a look at what has got into this horse?"
I get down of Paint and try and calm the agitated horse who is very skittish. I take him to Paint to help keep him calm and from running off.
I see Tom assessing the young boys situation and go over to see what I can do to help.
Tom tries to talk to the boy to help calm him but the kid is in pain and in tears.
"Jack his bleeding, we need something to stop it."
I untie my wild rag and place it on the boy's head would. I take off my jacket and place it under the boys head and tie off the sleeves around his neck to keep the wild rag in place.
Tommy satisfied that this is the best we can do for his head asks the boy once again, "Hey kid, what your name? We need to call your mum or dad?"
Through the pain and tears the boy finally gets to talking.
"Austin, my names Austin."
"Lisa…"
"Is that your mums name kid," Tom wants to know.
The boy nods yes and throws up on Tommy. Austin now fully tearfully upset becomes more hard to follow.
"It's okay kid, I need to know which Ranch or Farm do your parents stay on," Tommy asks trying to get more info so we can try to contact his parents.
"Fair….. Fairfield.
"Stables," Tom looks at me surprised at my quick answer.
The boy nods before continuing, "Lisa Sti….," before getting nauseous again.
"Stillman," Tom raised his eyebrow at me again as I finish for the boy.
"I dropped my phone somewhere the number…"
"Easy son, relax, I'll call over now she'll be here soon." I get my phone out and try the house first, "Okay, not at the house." I try her cell phone knowing she most likely will have it on her, "Come, on Lis, answer…" I let it ring long enough before giving up and trying her office private line having no luck either. I call the Fairfield office where I know someone will pick up, "Hey Harry, it's Jack, I have Austin here in the fields he fell off his horse and his head is bleeding. You need to tell Lisa, also he needs to go to a hospital like now so maybe Augi would be the route to go."
Harry on the line making sure that I stay right there so they can track my phone to get to us.
Tom had this look of utter curiosity having seen me finally contact someone for Austin.
"I got Harry and his sending the cavalry, you'll be good as new in no time, kid. Was anyone else with you….," before I finish we see two riders coming towards us.
Ray and Sandy dismount their horses as they hand their reins to me as they run to Austin and comfort him as Tom and I take a step back allowing them some space while we wait.
"Jack we need to call 911, he needs to go to the hospital, I didn't like blood loss."
"I promise this way is faster."
"What way is faster than…..," Tommy stops as they see a helicopter come closer.
Both of us head to the horses to make sure they stay put with the approaching helicopter which we can now hear as it prepares to land nearby. Before the helicopter has even shut off Lisa is out and running towards Austin with Ray and Sandy standing off giving her some space.
The boy finally sets eyes on her and in a moment surprised all of us by getting his head and back off the ground to hug her firmly not letting go. Thank god the jacket and wild rag have stayed in place.
The pilot stayed in the chopper but another of Lisa's staff is there with a backboard to load him on. Lisa knows we need to get the boy to the hospital as soon as possible and aids us by untangling herself from Austin and soothing the boy enough to get him on the board and strapped onto it to keep him from being jostled and maybe do more damage.
"Honey, we going to move you now. Simon and Grandpa Ray are going to carry you to the helicopter. Grandy will be with you and I'll be right there." Lisa gets out of the way so they can get him to the helicopter. She makes her way to Tommy and me.
"Thank you both for helping him." Lisa reaches for his hand in greeting and thanks, "I'm more than grateful Mr…."
"It's just Tom. Tom Harding and no thanks necessary Ma'am."
"All the same, I am both grateful and thankful Tom to you and to Jack."
"Lisa since you all going to the hospital, I'll get the horses back to Fairfield."
Lisa takes a beat before answering that doesn't go unnoticed by Tom.
"Are you sure Jack, I can get someone over here and save you the trouble." Lisa eyes the helicopter with Austin now almost loaded.
"It's fine, you need to go, I'll get the horses sorted." I'm trying with everything in my being not to reach for her hand to comfort and support her.
With those husky blues suddenly locked on me she ever so gently thanks me before making her way to the helicopter but not before she thanks Tommy again with a handshake.
Tommy and I waiting at the Fairfield gate to be let in by the guards. Fairfield always has someone at the gate but now its much more than that. I drive through to the family barn where I know family leisure horses are stabled. Both Harry and Nigel are out to greet us and thank us for helping, while the stable hands as Lisa would call them; unload the three horses. Scott and Ty are there already waiting to check Austin's horse.
"Scott it looks like a rattle snake bite high up here on the leg." Ty moves around to give Scott to confirm.
I see Harry and Nigel give each other a strange look, I have no idea what that is about.
"Yeah, I can see the puncture wound and the swelling is there as well. Ty get the IV and administer the antivenom. Let give him some antihistamine to help with the swelling as well."
Nigel escorts them into the barn and into Wipeout's stall. Tommie is in awe of how luxurious the barn and stalls are. I guess if you haven't ever been there you would be impressed. Lisa's horse's live the good life that's for sure. Tommie and I head out of Fairfield with Ty and Scott. Back at Heartland Tommie and I agree on a time for supper at Maggie's.
I really wish Ty hadn't said anything to the family about my trip to Fairfield. Both Lou and Amy looked at me with disgust after Ty's little revalation. I now have Lyndy chewing me out on the front porch for going to Lisa's to deliver the horses.
It's why I just give them all the right to vent and be the emotional punching bag they need because deep down I still want Lisa, although nothing will happen. Lisa has someone and she would not be with a married man or rather she wouldn't cheat on someone.
As long as Lyndy keeps talking about me disparagingly I have no problem with her insults and derogatory commentary about me as a man. But I'm not going to be able to restrain myself if she brings Lisa into this; she's one of the most gentle, kind-hearted souls that doesn't deserve Lyndy's venomous vitriol.
I've tuned out leaving Lydny to her little speech. Thank God, Tommie is here to pick me up.
Her reprimands didn't have any impact on me, until I felt the violent crispness of the slap across my cheek with my hat falling to the porch with the accompanying burning sensation on my cheek.
My body dead still with everyone wondering what my response would be. I slowly bend down to pick up my hat and place back where it belongs before calmly stating, "You're done, cuz Tommie and I are going out to catch up."
Lyndy looks me in the eyes before screaming,"I wish you a long painful death."
"Lucky you, your wish has already been granted."
Thank you all for reading and reviewing and keeping up with this story. All the PM's with feedback are welcome and greatly appreciated.