Lisa jolted awake with that panic that something was wrong. She flew forward and realized all was well with a quick glance around the room. In fact, all seemed to be nice and calm. She had to laugh, and she really needed a picture. John was asleep in his swing, which, as she glanced to her watch, was four hours later; that was the shock, that she'd taken a nap, and he was still sleeping. It was that instant panic something was wrong with him, but at a glance over to him, he was making faces and probably dreaming. She laughed at the contented state he seemed to now settle into, his mouth open, and he had his head turned to the side. She then looked over to the other couch, she had two that formed an L shape, but were not one large couch, but two of the same ones. Jack was passed out asleep on the other one, his hand handing down to the floor, his other clutching his ribs, but what was also so funny is that he had the same expression John had sleeping. Like father like son for sure.
The trio had fallen into a long afternoon slumber after the morning in the ER and the long nights all of them seemed to have. Jack was bruised, but would be okay. John was fussy today and had been overnight, and she was just tired after dealing with both of them. She'd managed to get Jack and John into the car, stopped for some food to take home, and she'd gotten them both home. All had had lunch, with Jack trying to feed John with his ribs being so sore. He'd managed, but it looked like he was pretty uncomfortable. Lisa had put a fussy John in his swing and started that, very thankful right now the swing was one that plugged in and didn't have batteries, because at four hours later, longer than he'd been normally sleeping, John was still sleeping away, as was Jack. Jack had fussed too, after she'd gotten John settled, fussed that he was fine and didn't need someone getting things for him (she'd brought him coffee, the nerve). They'd both sipped at their coffees and just watched John drift off, and then, Lisa had suggested Jack try to stretch out and rest. She knew he was tired when he didn't object much and then tried to take off his boots. That hadn't gone without a lot of groaning, but no asking for help, and she'd quickly dropped to help with his boots and rolled her eyes at his determination to do it on his own.
She was pretty sure he was asleep before she even sat down on the other couch because she heard him drop into a snore pretty quickly. She checked on both again, putting blankets on both, before she finally curled up herself and must have also fallen asleep quickly. Now, though, she was awake, taking pictures, and just sitting on the couch watching the guys.
The swing was amazing as she watched it. Something so simple, a rocking motion like that, was keeping John content. She was so grateful he was getting some sleep. She missed her quiet baby and hoped that this wasn't a sign of a change in his overall demeanor. He'd been fussy the last few days, and it was way too early to think about his cutting teeth or anything like that.
Lisa glanced at her phone and saw a missed call and message from Amy. Lisa stood and decided to step onto the back porch to call Amy. She hadn't meant to leave her in the dark. At this point, Jack was okay, and the girls would need to know he'd gotten hurt. She carefully closed the door and stood on her porch, glancing back inside where both Bartlett men still slept.
"Hi, Amy, so sorry I didn't call sooner," she told her.
"Lisa, have you seen Grandpa today? His horse is here, and Dad was all weird. He said Grandpa was fine, but he was out."
Lisa sighed and shook her head. Leave it to Tim to just not say anything. She pinched the bridge of her nose, "Yes, Jack is here, and listen," she paused. "He's fine. Your dad didn't want to worry you. Jack got thrown from the horse he was riding during the cattle drive. Your dad made Jack go to the ER and get check out because Jack was in a lot of pain. Nothing is broken. He's got some bruised ribs. Your dad called me this morning, and I went over to the hospital to get Jack. He's resting here. Actually," she chuckled, "he's been asleep for over four hours, so I'm glad he's getting some rest. If he was at home, you and I both know he'd be up and about, trying to do the chores."
"Oh, Lisa, gosh, I'm sorry. I didn't know," she said. "Is Grandpa really okay?"
"Yes, Honey," she nodded. "He's fine, and I'm sorry. I should have called you sooner. Jack and John are both sleeping. I was up all night with John and just woke up myself. It's been a long day, and I should have called."
"Lisa, you're fine," she told her. "Grandpa could have called. I'm an adult, so it's on him, same with Dad. The two of them think I can't handle anything. So, bruised ribs-anything I should know?"
"Ahh," she nodded to herself, "he's not supposed to lift anything too heavy, but define heavy for Jack," she said with a low chuckle. "The doctor defined it as even lifting John in his car seat, so he's really supposed to take it easy, no strenuous chores or anything for at least awhile."
"Okay," she told Lisa. "Thanks for that info. I'm sure Grandpa would have just told me he was fine. So, basically, he needs to just rest, drink his coffee, read, and maybe work on his flies? Nothing in the barn and all."
"That's probably a good plan," Lisa laughed.
"I mean, I can come get him if you need me to do that. I know it's a lot to have to get John out of the house. You have no idea how funny it is to watch Grandpa," Amy offered.
"Really?" Lisa asked, a grin on her face. "I can only imagine. I know what it's like here."
"It's really funny, Lisa. He tries so hard to get better and faster, but it takes him forever. He picked up the bottles the other day and didn't realize that he'd not screwed on the caps, so they went spraying everywhere. That was a huge mess, and it still smells like formula in the kitchen. John was up all night he said the other night, and when I came in, because you know I've moved over to the barn, but I'm in the house all the time, Grandpa had all this laundry going, John was crying, and Grandpa asked if I could just make him a cup of coffee. Looked like it had been a really long night. He's had major diaper issues, sometimes on Grandpa. That happened the one night he and I were watching television. He had John on his chest, and all of a sudden, we got a whiff of something, and his diaper had leaked all over. I'm telling you, it's a comedy hour. I wish you could see it. I hate you aren't around, Lisa."
"Oh, Honey," she sighed, nodding, "I miss being around more too. I really do, and I miss seeing you so much. You can come over here anytime, and I hope you will. Thank you for telling me all of that. I'm picturing it in my mind right now, and yes, it does sound like a good laugh. He hasn't told me all of that, some I knew, but not all."
"Yeah, well, he's trying really hard, but," she paused. "Anyway, if you want me to come get him, I'm happy to do so."
"It's fine, Amy," Lisa reassured her. "I'll bring him home later whenever he is up and moving around here. Don't worry about Jack, but yes, please keep an eye on him there. I know John has been there about half of the week. We don't have a set schedule, but I really am trying," she told her. "We may have to adjust things with his ribs now, and then, I'm going to France soon-"
"Grandpa told me that," Amy jumped in. "I know you have work, and he isn't saying much, but he's mentioned October is going to be a long month."
"I'll be gone just over two weeks, and then I'll be back," Lisa explained. "Anyway, I appreciate the call, and I'm sorry I didn't call you first. Jack is sore, but okay, and he has gotten some rest today. He will be home sometime later, and going forward, he just needs to take it easy for awhile, not sure how long that really is."
"Sounds good, Lisa. I'll let you know if he tries anything crazy, but it is Grandpa. He probably will. Talk to you later," Amy told her.
"Bye, Sweetheart. I'll talk to you later," Lisa said and hung up. She looked around at the beautiful afternoon. The fall colors had really turned, and it was definitely getting colder. She turned and looked back into the living room. Amazingly, both were sleeping, but she knew John, at least, would be up soon and ready for his bottle. She figured Jack wouldn't be far behind, ready for a cup of coffee, so she quietly walked back inside and to her kitchen to start the preparations.
Lisa had been working in the kitchen and had two cups of coffee and John's bottle. She found a tray and put all of that on it as she tried to tiptoe back into the room. Jack twisted his head and groaned when she walked into the room.
"You're awake," she said to him, putting the tray down on her coffee table.
"Just woke up a couple minutes ago and heard you in the kitchen. What time is it?"
"Just now 4:30," she told him. "You've been sleeping about 4.5 hours. How are your ribs?"
"Just sore," he replied, shifting to his side on the couch and grunting as he did. "Feels better to stretch out like this rather than to sit up like I was earlier, but I can't stay like this all day."
"You're fine, Jack," she sighed. Lisa walked over and sat on the edge of the coffee table, facing Jack, within arm's reach of him. He reached over and squeezed her knee.
"Thanks for letting me crash here this afternoon. I wouldn't have slept at home."
"I know," she said in a teasing tone tilting her head. "I do know you."
"How's he doing over there?" Jack nodded to the swing. "Has that thing been going all afternoon?"
"It has," she said, flashing a smile at him. "He's been asleep this entire time, so," she said, poking at his leg, next to her, "don't wake him up."
"That's as long as he's slept in a stretch, isn't it?" Jack said, yawning and clutching his side as he did.
"Mmm, it is, and it's fantastic," she replied. "I made some coffee, but if you don't want to move, I suppose you'll have to wait on it."
"No," he said, " I need to get up, freshen up and all, and a cup of coffee sounds great." Lisa stood to let Jack get up. He started to sit up and grunted, the pain evident in his face. She moved in to help him sit up, and he waved his hand at her.
"Thanks," he told her. "I'll be right back."
"If you wake him, you change him," Lisa hissed loudly as Jack walked out of the room. He turned back, clutching his side as he tried to laugh.
When Jack returned to the living room, Lisa was gone, but so was John. He could hear John crying, and it sounded like she was upstairs. He moved about slowly, reaching for John's bottle and bib, ready for his return. When Lisa came back downstairs, with John in her arms, she gave Jack the look of death.
"I promise I didn't wake him," he tried to laugh, but ended up clutching his side. "Man, it hurts."
"I know you didn't wake him," she said leaning down to hand John to him. "It was still fun trying to pin it on you. Sorry I made you laugh."
"It's fine," he chuckled. "Don't ever apologize for making me laugh. Life is too short not to laugh."
As Jack fed John, Lisa curled up on the other end of the same couch with her coffee in hand, just watching John drink his bottle. Both watched him, just smiling and glancing at each other with his little sounds.
"Did you get any rest today? I know you're tired," Jack asked her once John seemed to be settled into his bottle.
"Oh, yes," she pointed to the other couch. "I was sacked out there for several hours too. I only got up about 20 minutes before you. I spoke to Amy," and when she saw Jack about to protest, she nodded. "Amy is a grown woman now, Jack. I get not wanting to worry her in the middle of the night when you were trying to figure out how bad it was, but she was fine. She was glad you weren't hurt worse, offered to get you, and I told her I'd bring you home later. So, that is handled."
"Yeah," he sighed. "I just hate worrying her, Lou too, when I don't need to do so. I really am fine," he said, and with a look from Lisa, he rolled his eyes. "I will be fine eventually, okay? I suppose we will have to figure out the little time before you go to France. I was hoping he would be at my place quite a bit, but I realize that at least for the next few days, I can't lift him. I'm really mad about the horse."
"I am sorry about the horse too, Jack," she frowned. "I suppose the one good thing is that by the time we get back from France, you should be feeling back to normal."
"Suppose," he sighed. He glanced over at her, "I'd like to take you to the airport when you leave."
She thought a moment and then glanced back at him, "You know I hate airport goodbyes, and it's easier if I just park. That way when I come back-"
"You like to park because you change your plans. I'd just like to take you and John. I know it's a lot to just get him anywhere. You'll have him, the stroller, your bags-please let me help, Lise."
"Alright," she said with a single nod. "Thank you for the ride. I'm just used to doing things on my own because I've always really had to."
"I know," he replied. "I'll drop you off and pick you up. I won't let you down."
"I know," she mimicked his reply, sipping at her coffee. "Thank you."
"You know, I have a lot of packing to do the next few days," she said, putting her cup down to talk to him without hiding behind it. "You are welcome here any day and any time. I know you'd prefer to have John at Heartland these next days before we go, but yes, it is hard with your ribs. If you want to come over here, I'll be here packing. You can spend time with John."
He frowned, "I just hate putting that all on you each night. I know he's getting up a lot."
"I'm okay, Jack," she told him. "If you have one of the girls around at the end of the week, I have my doctor's appointment. He could spend the day with you if someone else is there in case you need help."
"That sounds fine," he said, putting John on his shoulder. "I blame Tim again," he said, flashing a scowl at Lisa. "That horse of his had no business on the drive."
"You know, this love-hate relationship you and Tim have is always quite interesting to watch. I get why you are wary of him. He's been unreliable and left the girls. I get that. I also know he's trying even if he messes up. I am glad you are able to work with him at the ranch. It's good for the girls too, to see that."
"I know," he waved his hand, looking to her. "Please don't mention to Tim I need someone around for your appointment. You know he'd never leave."
Lisa burst out laughing and nodded in agreement. They had a good laugh about that, even with Jack clutching his side in pain.
"Tell you what," Lisa offered him, "why don't I go whip up some dinner, and you two gentlemen rest here. I'll even let you have the remote," she teased with a wink. That had always been a point of contention with them, and they'd agreed a long time ago, that whatever house they were at, that person controlled the remote. It usually meant Jack at it at Heartland, but they'd spent time at her place over the years too. Jack was always private about that, not telling the girls where he was most of the time because he'd told Lisa it was none of their business.
"I'll take you home after dinner, and as I said, you can come over anytime with those ribs a problem. I know you can't be doing farm work like you want," she told him.
He eyed her and nodded, "That remote is a pretty good deal. You don't share that often."
"I'm aware," she teased, walking over to the end table and handing it to him. "Any request for dinner?"
"Lise," he chuckled and winced, "I can't afford a request. I've got it pretty good right now even with these ribs killing me. I'm resting, watching tv, hanging out with my favorite guy, and you are offering to make me dinner. No request."
An hour later, Lisa had situated John in his bouncy seat, which had been relocated to the kitchen counter, and she had just helped Jack get up from the couch where she could tell his pain medication was wearing off. He promised to take more once he'd had dinner.
"This is what you whipped up?" Jack asked, trying to laugh as he sat down at her kitchen table. He gestured to the nice meal, and Lisa gave him a look.
"What?" Lisa asked.
"Baked halibut, rice, broccoli," he eyed her. "Lise, this is nicer than meals at Maggie's."
She shrugged as she sat down across from him, "I had it all in my fridge, or pantry with the rice," she offered. She felt Jack studying her, and she gestured, "What? I did. I bought the halibut yesterday. It was fresh, not frozen. I love halibut, and there's plenty here. You've been here. I didn't go out and buy it or catch it just now."
"Okay," he nodded, and when she met his gaze, he nodded at her, "Thank you. This looks really good."
Dinner was interrupted not long later when Lisa's doorbell, and Harry followed Lisa into the kitchen. Jack tried to turn, but struggled, and Harry apologized immediately.
"Oh, sorry, Boss, didn't mean to interrupt your evening. Good to see you, Jack," Harry told him. "How have you been?"
"Took a tumble on a horse, but I'll survive," he told Harry. "Good to see you, but don't mind me. I'm guessing this isn't a social call."
"What can I do for you, Harry?" Lisa asked, walking over to put the blanket over John's legs where he'd kicked it off.
"Lady in Waiting," he told her, "just doing my night check, and she is limping. I know you spent a good amount on her and would want to know right away."
Lisa sighed and nodded, "Any idea? Training?"
"Might be something as simple as a horeshoe issue, honestly. I called Scott to come out and check. He said he could stop by this evening when he finishes at the clinic. She hasn't had any issues in training, and the limping just started. I wouldn't bother you with most horses, but she's definitely one I know you want to be updated on."
"Yes, thank you," she said, nodding to him and then looking over to Jack. "Ahh, I am going to want to meet Scott out there when he gets here."
Jack waved, "It's fine. I'll be fine here with John, and I promise I won't carry him around."
Lisa gestured to Harry to explain, "Bruised ribs, and he's not supposed to be lifting anything."
"Geez, Jack," Harry winced. "Be careful."
"I'm already on the mend," Jack nodded to him and looked to Lisa. "Go do what you need to do. I'll be okay in here. If you don't mind, just check to see he doesn't need to be changed, and then he and I can park on the couch."
She looked back to Harry, "You don't have to stay at the stable. I can deal with Scott."
Harry shook his head, "It's my job, but thanks. I'll see you out there. I expect Scott will here within the half hour or so."
"Thanks, Harry," she called to him and turned back to Jack with a frown. "I hope it's nothing serious with Lady in Waiting."
Jack nodded in agreement, dinner now over with Lisa needing to head to the stable. He gestured at her, "You go, take care of your horse, and I'll be okay here."
She checked on John, and she moved him to the living room, bouncy seat and all. She put it on the coffee table so he would be able to get John out of it.
"You call me if you need anything or need to move him and can't. I'm just outside," she told him.
"Lise," he said, standing there in the kitchen as she came back through to get her phone, "we'll be fine." He gave her a small smile and then, he tugged at her hand to give her a hug, knowing she was worried about her expensive horse. "Go be the horse breeder I know you are. Take care of your horse, as long as it takes."
Lisa finally returned to the house just after midnight. She'd been in twice to help with John, and Scott had finally figured out that Lady in Waiting was limping due to a rock that had wedged up under the horseshoe. It wasn't a common thing, but Lisa was just very relieved it wasn't worse. Like Jack, Lady in Waiting needed some rest for some time. Jack had been just fine with John. He'd fed him, and he'd only needed help with changing him, due to John's things all being upstairs. He'd even cleaned up dinner, which she would have fussed at him about, but how could she when he was trying to help. Lisa had never expected to be so long, but she was glad Jack had called her for help.
When she finally returned to the house, it was quiet, except for the television with the news still on. John was asleep again, rocking in his swing, mouth open and making little noises, and Jack was sprawled out on the couch again, mouth open, snoring, as he'd been earlier in the day too. She tried to hold back her laughter, but she couldn't. The two were already so much alike, it was really funny. She hated to move John, because he was sleeping so well. She considered her options, and finally, she went upstairs, got ready for bed, and she returned downstairs, covering up both of them again, as she took up residence on the other couch with another blanket, enjoying this little impromptu slumber party for the night. Maybe they would all get a little sleep tonight.