"Do you want red wine or a bourbon?" Lisa asked Jack as they were about to momentarily part ways at the charity event.
"Wine," he said, kissing her cheek. "I'll be right back." Lisa moved to the bar to put in her request while Jack went in search of the restrooms. The charity event was going well, and as Lisa waited, she looked around watching people talking and dancing. Even Jack seemed to be enjoying himself. He'd only yanked at his suit collar twice, which she considered a record, and he'd even enjoyed the meal; they both had. Now, with the dancing going, the two had enjoyed being on the dance floor but were glad to take a breather now. It was a large affair, much larger than the last one Lisa had attended. This event had really grown, and she was really enjoying herself. They'd spoken to a few people she knew, but there were also a lot of new faces here tonight. She turned when the bartender came over to her, and then waited after requesting their wine.
As she was drumming her fingers on the bar, she paused and looked down at her bright and shiny ring. She really loved wearing it and was very happy to have it back on her hand tonight. Lisa couldn't explain it, the giddiness of wearing her ring, but she'd waited a long time to marry Jack. For some time, it seemed like marriage wasn't a pathway for them. Looking back now, it had devastated her, that idea, not that she was even able to voice that back then, but it had. She was pretty traditional in that area, wanting to be married, and until she and Jack had gotten married, she hadn't realized the sinking feeling she'd been carrying in the pit of her stomach for years. A marriage to Jack meant the world to her, that no matter what, he was going to always be there for her, waiting for her when she did have to travel. She loved him more than she could put into words, and it made her sick to think they'd almost walked away from each other.
While she was looking forward to her trip to Florida, she had surprised herself at how much she was going to miss Jack. She'd always missed him in France, especially when they'd broken up. That had been pure torture and made her miserable, mostly because she didn't know the outcome then. The outcome had seemed to be that they were done; now, though, with her trip, she was coming home to him, to their big announcement to the family, and that made her excited to go because their marriage would be out in the open when she came back.
"Lisa?" She turned when she heard her name, not placing it until she laid eyes on the owner of the voice, and Lisa's eyes widened in complete surprise.
"Oh my goodness, Tricia," Lisa nodded, smiling at her. She gestured with her hands, "What a surprise seeing you here."
"I might say the same, but after meeting you the other day and learning that you breed horses, I suppose this is exactly where you would be."
"Yes, I'm a member of the association," she nodded to her, sipping at the wine there on the counter. "Ahh, what about you? This isn't that well known of an event, at least in Hudson."
"Tricia Virani," Jack said, walking up behind Lisa. He rested his arm on the bar counter, standing just behind Lisa and smiled warmly at her, "this is quite the surprise."
"Well, hello, Jack," she grinned, nodding at him. "You clean up nicely, both of you. Lisa, I was admiring your dress before I knew it was you, absolutely stunning." Lisa had on an off the shoulder, cap sleeve dress, patterned in black and gold. It had a high-low pattern at the bottom of the dress, showing off her shoes and ankles in the front but cutting to the floor in the back. That had worked perfectly with the pair of heels she'd coordinated. She had fallen in love with the dress in France, and it did not disappoint when she'd tried it on. It was more than she usually wore out, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd been at something this formal. Most of her dresses were solid colors, but she really liked the dress, and Jack had liked it too, commenting on it upstairs when they'd changed in their hotel room.
"Oh, thank you," Lisa smiled warmly, adding, "I found it in France."
"Most of her wardrobe is from France," Jack added with a slight chuckle, but also adding, "at least anything she gets dressed up in for things like this, not that I am complaining in the least."
"It's true I do love a good fashion sale in France," Lisa grinned.
"Tricia, what brings you here tonight?" Jack tilted his head asking her.
"Oh," she waved with her hand, "I was given a ticket. To be honest," she leaned in, "I think he was hoping it was more of a date, but," she made a face and shook her head, "it's not. I was told about it at the clinic, and he later stopped by with a ticket for me and said he'd see me here. It's been fun to get out and dressed up, and I appreciate the ticket, but that's it. At least I came on my own, so I have no problems leaving when I'm ready."
"Ahh," Lisa nodded. "I do understand navigating things like that. Sorry it's a bit awkward."
"It's fine," she waved. "I mean, I'm having a good time. I've met some very interesting people, but I must say it's really great to run into you both, to see someone I actually know even if we just met this week, Lisa. I feel like I've known you some time."
Lisa had been sipping her wine and was about to comment, but Tricia touched at Lisa's hand, "That is a gorgeous ring."
"Thank you," Lisa grinned, looking over her shoulder at Jack. "He did a good job. This was his grandmother's ring."
"Jack, you really do continue to surprise me in so many areas. For instance, I'd never have pegged you for coming to one of these."
He shrugged, "It's not really my thing, true, but it's Lisa's, and I am trying to support the things she likes."
"We do a lot of that," Lisa shifted and patted Jack's hand, glancing to Tricia, "negotiating." That had Tricia laugh as she nodded at them.
"I must admit you two do make a lovely couple," Tricia offered them a smile and turned to put in her bar order. Jack and Lisa took that opportunity to sip at their wine before Tricia turned back to them.
"Well, well, well," they all heard, and Lisa about spit her wine into her glass again, "Lisa, Jack," Dan acknowledged them as he walked up, nodding at Tricia. "Tricia, I was hoping to steal you for a dance."
"Dan?" Lisa made a face, hoping that her shocked expression didn't look too revolting. "What are you doing here?"
"Same thing you are," he shrugged. "Why is that a surprise?"
"I called your stable last week to talk about Lightning Dancer, and your stable manager said you were in Florida."
He shrugged, "Well, I'm back, and you could have called me on my cell."
"You all know each other?" Tricia gestured to the group.
Jack groaned and mumbled, "You could say that." Tricia heard that and gave him a questioning glance.
Dan smiled and nodded at Lisa, "She's my-"
"EX-wife," Lisa smirked before Dan tried to blurt out she was his wife, his favorite thing to taunt her with whenever they were in public. He'd been doing that for years, even though they'd been divorced now much longer than they'd been married.
Tricia's eyes widened, and she gestured between then, "Really? I had no idea."
"I don't go around offering it up," Lisa nodded with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Still business partners," Dan smiled.
"Two horses," Lisa sighed, rolling her eyes. "We still own two horses together."
"I see," Tricia nodded.
"Dan," Jack threw a fake smile at him, "what can we do for you?"
"Ahh, Jack," Dan chuckled, giving him the once over. "I am honestly shocked you of all people would be dragged to an event like this. Of course, I was even more shocked when you turned up in France with Lisa a few years ago, but she does carry high expectations. I don't have to tell you that-tow the line or out you go."
"Stop Dan," Lisa sighed, nodding at Jack. She patted his arm to hopefully get them out of this situation.
"Whoa," Dan jerked his head back and frowned at Lisa, "you married him? When did that happen?"
Lisa closed her eyes, and it wasn't planned, but she and Jack groaned at the same time. She looked at Dan, pursing her lips, "I'd really appreciate it if you not discuss this. We got married a couple of months ago, but it is not common knowledge because Amy is out of the country. I'm asking you, Dan, to please keep this to yourself. I realize that asking my ex-husband to do something kind for me is a lot to ask, but I'm asking as a friend and as a business partner."
He smirked, "Last thing I want to discuss with anyone is you marrying Jack Bartlett," he shook his head.
"Well, Dan, keeping this quiet, that would be one kind thing Lisa could say about you, so thank you for that," Jack smirked back at Dan.
"I should go," Tricia gestured, hooking her hand.
"No, no," Lisa offered, reaching to clasp Jack's hand. "Jack and I had wanted to head back to the dance floor."
Dan turned and pointed at Tricia, "That's what I wanted to ask you, a dance? I think when I dropped off that ticket I promised you a dance."
Lisa's eyes widened, glancing at Jack, and he dropped his head with a low chuckle. Lisa looked over at Tricia, meeting her gaze, and with a silent nod at Lisa, Trica looked to Dan, "Okay, one dance, and I was just telling them, though, that I really need to get going. I have my teenage daughter at home to check on."
"Okay then," Lisa raised her eyebrows, nodding at Tricia with a "sorry" mouthed to her, and she then glanced to Dan, "enjoy your night."
"Tricia," Jack gave her a nod, and then to Dan, Jack snarled, "Dan." With that, Jack and Lisa stepped away, moving as quickly as her dress and Jack's arthritis would allow. They made a b-line for the dance floor, as they'd said they would, but only to break into full-on conversation when they reached it.
"Dan brought Tricia to this?" Lisa made a face, almost burying it in Jack's jacket as they slow danced. He groaned. "Sorry," Lisa corrected herself, pulling back slightly to look up at Jack, "He tried to bring Tricia." That had both break out into a chuckle. Jack sighed. "I'm sorry about wearing my ring now."
Jack looked down at her, frowning slightly, and with his hand already in hers, he squeezed it, "While I admit that having Dan Hartfield find out about our wedding before most everyone else we actually want to know, I am kind of proud that I was there when he learned about it."
Lisa sighed and shook her head, gesturing with their joined hands at Jack, "You know there is no comparison of you to Dan, none. I will text him later and remind him not to say anything. He won't. That's not his style, to bring up that his ex-wife is remarried, kind of like a kick in the gut" she grinned.
He met her gaze, "He just gets under my skin, Lise. You've always known that, and I hate he's your ex-husband, knowing that while any divorce involves both people, he really hurt you."
She nodded, her eyes meeting his, and she squeezed his hand again, the two saying more with their gazes than words, something they were good at doing. As Jack turned them on the dance floor, Lisa heard him groan quietly again, and he leaned in to speak softly, "I almost feel badly we left Tricia with Dan. She looks rather uncomfortable." Jack turned them again so Lisa could get a view, and she quietly chuckled, nodding at Jack.
Nodding up at him, "The only thing worse would be suggesting we change dance partners right now. I think she'll survive. If she does like to dance, Dan's a halfway decent dancer."
Jack chuckled, smiling at her, "I will refrain from suggesting we change dance partners, just for you," he winked. "So," he nodded with his head, earning a grin from Lisa as he was trying to look smug, "where does my dancing rate?"
A huge smile appeared on her face, "Remember what I just said, there's no comparison to Dan, in any area, especially dancing. I'm right where I want to be."
"That's a great answer," Jack whispered, and Lisa squeezed his hand. "I love dancing with you, and I'm kicking myself for not going to these with you before. I mean, sure, I am not into all this, but," he paused their motions and met her gaze, "having the most beautiful woman here be mine," he winked at her. "I was a fool for not coming with you before now."
"You are such the charmer," she sighed, grinning up at him. "Thank you, and I think you look very handsome tonight too. I love my rugged cowboy."
"This dress really is nice, Lise," he told her, eyeing it again. "Looks good on you."
She made a face, "I really like it, but it would look better if I hadn't dyed my hair. I need to get it back to my blonde. I think I was trying to hide all the gray coming through with my blonde hair, but I am just not a brunette."
Jack shook his head, "I have no comment on that. I love you whatever hair color you have, but I would have no complaints if you decide to go back to your blonde hair."
"Well, maybe I will," she rolled her head. "I prefer it a little longer too, more I can do with it." She'd pulled it up tonight, but it was still rather short, and she didn't have a lot of options with it, especially for a formal event such as this. She eyed him, "You about ready to head back to our room? This has been a lovely evening, but I know I'm fading quickly."
He nodded in agreement, "Don't have to ask me twice." He leaned in and kissed her, "Thank you for prodding me to come. Better than sitting at home listening to Tim complain about the dessert choices or some stupid scheme he wants to invest in." Lisa burst out laughing at that, and Jack took Lisa's one hand and guided them off the dance floor. They reached their table where Lisa grabbed her clutch. The two glanced around, and as they were about to leave, an older woman walked up gesturing at Lisa.
"Are you Lisa Stilman?"
"Yes, I am," Lisa said with a nod and warm smile. "I'm sorry, but have we met?"
"Oh," the older woman, with a cane, smiled broadly, "a very, very long time ago. I knew your mother. My name is Helen Ash, and I believe your mother bought your first horse from me."
Lisa glanced at Jack and back to Helen, shaking her head as she put her hand to her mouth, "Oh my word! My first horse was a pony."
"Yes," Helen nodded, "and your mother bought it for Christmas."
"She did," Lisa grinned, glancing up at Jack again. He had a smile on his face listening to the two women.
Helen continued, rather quickly, explaining, "My late husband and I owned a ranch just outside of Calgary here. I got a call one day, your mother, who'd found me through various contacts. We had a few ponies back then, and she was delighted to get one for you. You were probably three or so."
"I was," Lisa nodded, the grin on her face only growing larger. She gestured with her hands, "I loved that pony so much, named him Candy Cane." That had Jack burst out in a laugh, and Lisa gestured up at him.
"I'm so sorry," she told Helen and continued, "excuse my manners. This is my husband, Jack Bartlett."
"Your husband?" Helen eyed him, and it was very clear to Lisa Helen recognized Jack was closer in age to Helen than to Lisa but quickly recovered. "Very nice to meet you, Jack," Helen said, and Jack quicky reached over to shake her hand.
"Great to meet you," he smiled. "I'm always up for any stories about Lisa and her first horses."
Helen waved her hand, "My son is on the board for this event. He owns his own ranch not far from Calgary, and I helped him with all of the guest list. When I saw a Lisa Stillman, I had to check and see if it was still the same family."
Lisa nodded, "Yes, I run Fairfield now. My mom passed away when I was just a teenager."
Helen clutched her chest, "Oh, I had no idea."
Lisa raised one hand to shrug it off, "It was a very long time ago, and my dad passed away now about 20 years ago or so," she shook her head, not wanting to do the math. "I took over Fairfield and breed horses internationally, race horses."
"Well, that is wonderful to hear, how successful you are and to think it started with that pony."
"It did," Lisa nodded.
"Jack, you look like a cowboy if I ever saw one. I suppose I don't have to ask if you ride?" Helen gestured at him, pointing back at herself, "I might look old now, but I used to ride more than I walked around."
Jack leaned his head back, laughing at that, "Yes," he nodded at her. "Spent time on the rodeo circuit, and have a cattle ranch in Hudson, not far from Fairfield."
"My my," Helen nodded, patting at Lisa's hand. "I'm sure you parents would be very proud of you, Lisa, and you both for such successful operations at home."
"It's been a long time since anyone has spoken about my parents, especially my mom," Lisa said, reaching over to clasp Helen's hand. "Thank you for finding me and for bringing up my pony," she laughed. "You know how you don't remember much from when you were little? Oh, I remember getting that pony, such a magical Christmas."
"Well, I won't keep you," she patted at Lisa's hand, "but I'm really glad I had a chance to meet the little girl I once met. I stopped by after that Christmas to check on your pony. Your mom had told me I'd be pleased to see how much you loved him, and she was right. You were just all smiles riding him around the ring. I can still see that little girl, your blonde pigtails and all, hanging out of your helmet."
Lisa burst out laughing, "Oh, I usually had bright pink bows in my hair, Candy Cane's too-red or pink ones, even though my dad kept telling me that wasn't how I should outfit a colt. It really was lovely to meet you, and again, thank you for the memories."
"You two have a nice evening," Helen nodded at them.
Jack reached over and squeezed her arm, "Very nice to meet you again, and thank you for the talking points I now have for the evening." He winked at her, and that earned a laugh from Lisa, as the couple threw her a small wave and started to weave through the tables. Lisa looped her arm through Jack's as they walked into the main hallway and headed toward the elevator.
"Candy Cane?" Jack eyed her with a grin, shaking his head.
Lisa shrugged her shoulders, a huge smile on her face, "I was three. It was Christmas, and he had a couple of stripes, or what looked like stripes to me. My parents kept suggesting other names, but that's what I wanted. I did put a lot of red hair ties in his mane," she burst out laughing, and that had Jack laughing too.
"I thought your first horse was named Snowball."
Lisa nodded as they arrived at the elevator, Jack pushing the button and turning back to Lisa, "It was," she told him, gesturing to explain. "My first horse was Snowball. My first pony," she said with a single, firm nod, "was Candy Cane." Jack just dropped his head and started to laugh, finally meeting her gaze. "I'm glad you've improved your horse names over the years. I never did ask-how did you come up with Snowball? Was the horse white?"
"No," Lisa burst out laughing as they got onto the elevator, "in fact, he wasn't, a chestnut color, in fact. I, ahh," she glanced up at him, and he could see there was a story there. Lisa gestured again, shaking her head, "Did you ever eat those just awful snowball cakes, those packaged ones, almost like a cross between a muffin and a cupcake?"
"Those things in the box, at the store?" Jack asked, his expression turning to horror.
She nodded, "The very ones-I loved those stupid cakes or whatever they were-snowballs, as a kid. My mom would never buy them, but my grandmother would send them in the mail. They were her favorites, and she lived over in Manitoba. She'd send those to me, knowing I loved them. She always had them, the few times we could actually get over to visit her, and so, that is how I named my horse."
He was shaking his head, laughing a lot as they rode the elevator up to their floor. As they stepped off, he took her hand in his, eyeing her, "Your first two horses, or pony and horse," he corrected himself, rolling his eyes, "were named after food?"
She shrugged, her eyes sparkling, "Guilty as charged, but I was a little girl, and," she make a face, poking his chest, "much better than your originality, I mean, come on Jack, Paint for a painted horse? You can't even say you were a little boy naming him that." She laughed. He laughed. It had been a great evening.
He opened the door with the key card he had in his suit pocket, frowning at her, "I think Paint is a perfect name. They were already calling him a painted horse, didn't want to confuse him."
"Right," she leaned up, pecking his lips as they entered their room, "we can continue discussing our unusual horse names. I know there are more."
"Oh," he grinned, shutting the door, "when we get back home, you're going to dig up some of these old photos of Candy Cane and Snowball. I've got to see this, you decked out riding your horses, little Lisa with her horses."
She was laughing so hard, she nodded at him, "I'd enjoy that. It's been a long time since I talked about or looked at pictures of my mom. Now," she sighed, "certainly we can put the horse name discussion on hold, at least for tonight."
He put his arms around her, loosely, and smiled down at her with a nod, "You did promise a good time in Calgary."