Jack had zoned out listening to Val go on and on and on about her time in Florida, her search for some additional horses, and whatever else she was discussing. He sat at the kitchen table, nodding at her, exhausted from the morning already, and it was barely lunchtime. He glanced toward the door, noting Georgie was headed to the house, and he quickly hatched a plan.
"Jack, I simply cannot believe you were in Arizona, and I was just outside of Phoenix myself these last few days checking on some horses. What are the chances? We must have been on flights back to back. Oh, if I had any idea you were flying home today, I certainly would have changed my flight to fly with you."
"Well," Jack started to stay but then decided less was more. She didn't need to know he hadn't flown home this morning; she really didn't need to know much of anything right now. Lisa wouldn't believe this one; she'd laugh her way through this conversation, that is if she didn't scowl at the mention of Val. As Jack thought, he nodded; she'd do both. She'd scowl at the mention of her name but then tell him it served him right that he had to sit for the better part of an hour and listen to Val. Interestingly, the rest of the family had scattered; no one wanted to talk to Val, although she had cornered Amy briefly while he was pouring coffee for the two of them to chat. He heard her asking Amy about looking at some horse who was now afraid of the water, and it sounded like Amy had agreed to take on the horse. Leave it to Amy to look beyond any person to the needs of a horse.
"So, Jack, how much longer are you ordered to recover? I can definitely come by and keep you company," Val nodded, a warm smile on her face as she looked to him, encouragingly. "I'll bring food, some of your favorites."
"Oh," he waved and shook his head, "No need, Val. I'm perfectly healthy, cleared to return to normal work and all. Doc said that would be the case after my trip."
"Oh, Jack," Val put her hand across the table, Jack noting that thankfully, he had one hand on his mug and the other in his lap, so she couldn't take his hand in hers. No, there was only one person he wanted to be holding hands with, enjoyed holding hands with, and it definitely wasn't Val Stanton. "Shouldn't you schedule a follow-up appointment? You never know. Things aren't always textbook. I'd be happy to drive you, if you aren't up for that. I know getting back to normal things can take some time." She met his gaze and smiled at him, "I know it can take a long time to get back to all things after a heart attack. I've seen too many close friends and family go through that. Please, Jack, as your closest friend, let me help."
"Doc said the other day I'm good as new, and I'm feeling better than I have in a long time," he explained, very quickly, his face turning red at the mention of the doctor. He couldn't let it get out that he'd been to the ER in Montana. "I spoke to him, had labs drawn, and well," he nodded with a smile, "good as new. In fact, he said I'm in tip top shape, cleared for whatever."
She frowned, not happy with his response, "Have you driven at all? Done anything out of the norm? Ridden a horse?"
"I have," he nodded. "I've been driving plenty. No problems there, and yes, I have ridden a horse. I rode one in Arizona, this riding experience Li-" he paused, not wanting to bring up her name. He tried to hold back a facial expression, but Val was sharp and noticed.
Rolling her eyes, Val sighed, "Oh, Jack, you are such a dear friend, trying to not hurt my feelings by mentioning her. I know she left, went back to France. Well," she gave him a head nod, "We won't discuss her, but I was told she did not go to Arizona, so whatever she booked for you," she waved and dropped it.
Just then, Georgie did finally come into the house, slamming the door and walking right to the refrigerator.
"Georgie, what have I told you about the door and your shoes?" He pointed to her feet, Georgie not stopping to take off her shoes. "You also know that before you eat, you need to wash your hands."
"Ugh, Jack," she sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine," and she walked back to the bench to sit down. Jack gestured to Val.
"Val, I'm going to have to get going here. Just got home today, as you know, and I have a lot to do which now includes feeding Georgie a healthy lunch."
"Oh, well I-" and Jack interrupted, knowing that Val was about to invite herself to stay for lunch.
"I'm going to fix Georgie a sandwich and take a nap, so I suppose we'll have to catch up more later."
"I will hold you to it," Val said now standing and patting at Jack's chest where he'd moved toward the door to hopefully encourage her to leave. "Don't you worry about that, Jack. I'm sure it will be sooner than later with Amy working with my horse."
Jack made a couple of other pleasant comments with Val before he ushered her out of the house. When he walked back into the kitchen, he let out his breath, meeting Georgie's gaze.
"Who was she? Man, she has the hots for you."
"Don't remind me," he grumbled. "Val owns the ranch next to Heartland."
"Well, it looks like she wants to spend more time here with you, Jack. Did you two date or something?"
"No," Jack said with a slight frown and a nod at Georgie as she started to get things out for her lunch. Jack started to help her and explained more further, looking at Georgie, "The only woman I've ever dated since my late wife, Lou and Amy's grandmother, is Lisa, and that is how that will always be."
Georgie dumped potato chips onto her plate, nodding at Jack. She gave him a shrug, "I mean, I don't know Lisa that well. She's not been around much, but she's way better than that lady Val. I didn't like her. Lisa has always been nice to me, and when she was here after your heart attack, she didn't mind me helping Amy with a couple of her horses. That Val lady," Georgie made a face and continued, "she told Amy I wasn't allowed to help her fix her stupid horse. Whatever. A horse afraid of water, no thanks anyways."
Jack finished making her sandwich, listening to her and nodding as she told him about the two women. He put his hand on her shoulder and met her gaze, "I'm glad Lisa has been nice to you and that you like her. I know you'll get to know her even better and like her even more. I know she already likes you."
"Well," she shrugged. "I mean, when you talk about her, you get like all happy. You aren't like that talking to that Val lady or even Tim." At that, Jack had to laugh, and he patted Georgie's shoulder as she sat down to eat.
"Georgie, I've missed you."
Jack ate half a sandwich with Georgie, and once they'd finished, he finally retreated to his room where Tim had finally removed his things. Jack sat down on the side of the bed and took a deep breath. It had been a very long day, and it was only 12:30 now. Waking up with Lisa at his side seemed like so long ago, and while he had started to tell the girls about the developments with Lisa, he'd been interrupted like he usually was. Thank goodness, Val was gone now, and Jack could catch his breath and regroup for the afternoon. He had no intention of paying bills, while he'd planned that earlier. A glance over to his desk showed a huge stack of mail for him. He'd at least sort that, and as he sat there, he thought about the desk. He didn't need to pay bills here; he could use the kitchen. Lisa would need a place to work at Heartland, and he didn't want her to have to just use the kitchen or dining room table. No, she would need her own space, so he put that on the list of things to clear out for her. Now, though, he reached over and opened his nightstand, looking for that one item. There it was, situated in a new box, and Jack pulled it out. The house was quiet, so he had a moment. Tim hadn't mentioned a new box for the ring, but Jack was glad for it. The old box, the one that had belonged to his grandmother, was falling apart, the spring on the lid of it broken, and the box deteriorating from age. Jack didn't realize he was holding his breath until he opened the box and then smiled at the cleaned-up ring. It was more than cleaned up; the diamond had been replaced, and the ring looked beautiful. He really hoped Lisa would love it, and knowing her, she wasn't expecting anything and would most definitely love the ring he'd saved for her. He also knew that something special like this, a family heirloom would mean more to her than a brand new sparkling diamond, not that he wouldn't have bought it, but this ring was meant for her; he was so happy he had it and that she would be its new owner.
"Grandpa?" Jack heard and quickly closed the box, but he didn't have time to put it away. He clasped it in his hand.
"In my room, Amy," Jack answered, and almost before he finished answering, Amy appeared in the doorway with a banana in hand.
"I was going to rescue you from Val if she was still here," Amy told him, smirking at him.
"Thanks," he rolled his eyes. "Georgie managed to do that without even realizing it. You're working with her horse?"
"Yeah," she said as she chewed. "I will be. He's afraid of water," she shrugged. "We'll see. So, it seemed like there was more you wanted to say earlier, when Val showed up, including how you ended up with a nice, shiny Fairfield truck out there."
"Yeah," he chuckled lightly. "I do want to finish talking to you girls."
She nodded, slightly frowning, "Well, Lou went back to Maggie's. Dad is, well, Dad. I have no idea where he is-"
"Tim doesn't have to be here," Jack added, knowing that what he did want to say, Tim already knew and had picked the ring for him. "We can talk before dinner," Jack said with an encouraging nod at Amy.
"So, Grandpa," Amy stared to speak and shifted there in the doorframe. "Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask anything, anytime, Amy," he said with a soft smile. "I hope you know that."
She nodded, looking to the floor as she spoke, kicking at her foot with the other, "Earlier, I couldn't help but hear you say that you loved Lisa more than anything." She looked up at Jack, and Jack met her gaze, seeing deep into Amy's eyes. She was so much like him that it was almost scary.
"I did," he admitted freely, almost, but not quite, holding back a smile from her. "I really do, Amy. It has surprised me, to be honest, over the years, and until I thought she was gone from my life forever," he nodded, shaking his head. He felt himself almost choking up, and he looked at her, his eyes showing the love and hurt he had felt, "To be frank with you, I don't know what I would do without her, and I was so stupid to try and live like that. She means the world to me, and I love her more than I ever thought I could love anyone."
"So, that's what you want to talk to us about," Amy nodded, giving him an encouraging nod. "I get it, Grandpa, I mean, what you are saying between the lines about loving Lisa and all. I won't say it, and I know you won't either because that would well," she paused, trying to find her words. She shook her head, "I know you loved Grandma Lyndy, and I did too, but I also don't remember her very much. I was really little, and I know she's been gone a long time. Gosh, Mom's been gone a long time, and Grandma was way longer than that. I guess what I'm saying is that I do get it, what you are trying to say but would never say to us about Lisa, and I'm glad she makes you so happy. You aren't the best to be around here when Lisa's away," she grinned. "Yeah," she shrugged, "she's probably not what any of us expected for you, but she's exactly who you need. Mom would be really surprised with Lisa, seeing as how they are almost the same age and all, but we see it. I see it. I know you love her, and whatever you want to tell us," she gave him a small smile and nodded as she continued, "I'm glad Lisa is around. She's been around longer than I knew Grandma, and I'm guessing she's going to be around a lot longer."
"She is Amy," Jack nodded, meeting her gaze with a soft smile. "Come sit," he patted the bed next to him, and Amy moved and snuggled in at his side, resting her head on his shoulder. "I've missed you, Amy, all of you."
"I'm really glad you are recovering from your heart attack. Don't scare us like that again," she told him. "You look much better."
He nodded, "I have no intention of going through that again. Listen, I really wanted to talk to you and Lou together, but you kind of opened the door here, and I want to be honest with you. Lisa is the reason I'm doing so much better. Yes, she came to Arizona, but in some ways, she saved me too. I didn't realize just how depressed and miserable I was until she arrived. Like she always is, she was a breath of fresh air, and as much as I wanted to just tell her we were over, I couldn't, and I'm glad she wouldn't let me. Let me show you this," and at that, Jack, who had his hand resting at his side with the box clasped in it, opened it to show to Amy. He looked at the ring, not Amy as he explained. "This was my grandmother's ring, and I've had it here for a very long time, waiting for its newest owner. I should have done this a very, very long time ago, but well," he shook his head slightly, "it's more than time."
He glanced at Amy, watching as she put her hand to her mouth and looked over at Jack.
"Grandpa," she said giving him a small smile as she nodded. "It's beautiful. It really is, and knowing Lisa, she will love that and that it was your grandmother's."
"I think so too," he said, giving her a smile. "I hope it's okay I didn't give this ring to one of you girls or something. I know you have some other items from your grandmother and your mom. I just think this needs to be for Lisa."
Amy hugged him, and Jack smiled into that, "You two tried to get married a few years ago, and I know you didn't because of Lou. I'd never tell her that, but I'm not stupid either. I'm glad Lisa came after you and that you realized you do need her. We all do, honestly."
Jack chuckled and pulled back, giving her a nod, "I know. It took me a while, but I know."
Amy frowned, and she spoke while looking at the ring, "I know she would never try to replace Mom or Grandma, but I get it. You need her, and she is so in love with you. She has been as long as I can remember. You do a pretty good job keeping your feelings hidden," Amy bumped his shoulder, and he chuckled. "I do know you pretty well, Grandpa, and I know you really love her, the more than anything or really," she eyed him, "anyone part surprised me, I guess, but you can't change that, so I'm really happy for you."
"Thank you, Amy," he said, leaning over to pull her toward him. "I'm sorry I didn't get to tell you girls together, and I did want to do that. I also didn't want to sit here and lie to you. I'll speak to Lou as well, tonight," he met Amy's gaze. "Lisa is coming for dinner."
"Oh, she is?" Amy grinned. "That should be interesting. Are you giving her that tonight?"
Jack now looked away, waving his hand. He didn't want to lie to Amy, but he was not about to tell her that he and Lisa had already gotten married, and that while yes, he was going to give it to her tonight, this was not part of a grand proposal. He'd already done that, without a ring, looking like a blubbering idiot asking her at the Grand Canyon.
She patted Jack's leg and stood, "I'll take your silence as an answer, and if I see Lou come in-"
Jack glanced up, closing the ring box and nodding at Amy, "Please send her my way. I'm going to tidy up in here and stretch out to rest."
"Still want those trip details and how you did end up with that truck today," she grinned. "Later, though. Congrats, Grandpa. I'm happy for you both."
Jack had planned to just stretch out and relax, but he woke up later surprised he'd fallen asleep. A quick glance to his phone showed he'd missed a couple of texts from Lisa. He smiled as he read and replied to those, nothing in particular, but just Lisa talking about her day and how much she missed him. He missed her too, and the last one was a picture of the blueberry pie she'd made. His mouth watered just looking at it. He replied to her again.
"Looking forward to seeing you at dinner. Let me know when you head over. I love you very much," and Lisa, in her apparent silly mood for the afternoon, had replied with, "Same, Cowboy."
Jack heard Lou now in the kitchen, more than likely working on dinner, and he sat up, groaning at his aching bones. He did need to talk to her before Lisa came over, and he needed to do that now. Jack stood, glanced to the drawer where he'd put Lisa's ring for now, and he started to the kitchen, happy to see Lou there by herself.
"Lou," he said, and she turned to smile at him.
"Hey there, Stranger. Get a good rest in? I can't tell you how glad I am to see you taking a nap. Grandpa, you really should be doing that each day with your age and your health. I know you won't change your coffee, but you have to take better care of yourself."
He held up his hands, "Lou, please, just let me catch my breath," he chuckled lightly. He saw Lou working there, chopping vegetables for the salad, and he looked at the coffee pot, glad to see coffee there. He touched the pot, happy it was hot, which meant Tim was probably around too. He liked coffee in the late afternoon as did Jack.
"I want to talk to you about something, should have earlier, but you know," he shook his head. "Val was here."
"Oh, yes, Val, did you get rid of her without too much damage?"
"I did, but I want to talk to you about dinner, about tonight," and with that, Lou paused her chopping and grimaced at Jack. "Grandpa, no, please don't tell me you invited Val to dinner. I can't take her."
"No, I didn't invite Val to dinner, but Lisa," he said and paused eyeing Lou as she stopped chopping to look at him. "Lisa is coming to dinner."
"Grandpa," she sighed, "I know you were trying to tell us about this break up with Lisa earlier, and I get that you missed her, but I was planning for dinner to be family, and-"
"Lou," he interrupted her before she said something that would be hurtful to him. He waited for Lou to look at him, "Lou, Lisa is coming to dinner, and she's bringing a pie because she knows you hate baking. I've been having dinner with Lisa the last two weeks, and I'm not about to stop now." At that, he saw Lou's eyes widen at that admission, and he decided to just blurt it out then and there, "I have a ring with Lisa's name on it, and I certainly hope that clears up any confusion."
"A ring?" Lou's eyes widened, and she put down the knife, gesturing at Jack. "You're serious, I mean, like you have an engagement ring? You're giving it to Lisa?"
"You heard what I said, and yes, all of that is true. I'm not asking for your permission. I'm not even asking for your blessing; I'm the grandparent here, but I am asking that you be kind and respectful to Lisa because she's not going anywhere. She's going to be here to stay, and she already is family."
"Wow, Grandpa," Lou said to him, giving him a gentle nod and almost a hint of a smile. She gestured, "I mean, are you sure? You did just have a heart attack, and I know sometimes people jump into things. Do you want to maybe think about it?"
"Lou," he met her gaze and shook his head one time, "it's been eight years. This isn't jumping into it. I almost lost Lisa, and I'm not about to let that happen again. She's put up with a lot from me, from all of us, and I hope you respect my decision."
"Umm, okay, wow," Lou nodded. "I didn't see this happening."
"Lou, I need you to understand I love Lisa more than I can even voice. She is my world, and I'm not about to let her go. She loves me as much as I love her, even if she'd argue she loves me more. However long I have left, it's going to be with Lisa, and she is part of this family."
"Okay, Grandpa," she said with a surprising nod. "Wow, umm, do you want to sit down and let me help you plan this? I do like Lisa; I don't want you to think I don't, but she does take over a lot. I just don't want her to act like she's in charge," she rolled her eyes, "like the matriarch of this family or whatnot."
"Lou," he shook his head and gestured as he continued, "in a way, she is. If I'm the senior member of this family, and she's married to me, that's exactly what she will be, but she has never nor will ever try to take the place of your mother or grandmother. She's helped you through a lot; you made her Katie's godmother, but you have to understand she needs a defined place in this family, and that is as my wife."
"Fine, I get it," she said nodding. "I'm happy you're happy, Grandpa, really, and I can help you plan something-"
"Dinner, finally," Tim burst in, interrupting them, and Jack knew the moment was gone. He'd gotten out what he wanted to say, at least the initial blow. Tim knew all of that too, so he really had caught up the family on most of the specifics he wanted to share. He wanted Lisa there to tell them all they'd gotten married, but it was a much softer blow to share that now that the girls knew where he stood with his feelings about Lisa. He heard his phone alert him to a text, and knowing who was more than likely texting him, he pulled out his phone and read it.
"Heading your way, armed with pie and a few things to leave at the house. See you soon, Cowboy."
Jack couldn't help but smile at the text, looking up to see Lou and Tim watching him. He gestured, holding up his phone, knowing he had a silly grin on his face.
"Lisa is on her way over for dinner with a blueberry pie," he told them.
Tim, who was chewing on a carrot, flashed a bright grin at Jack. "Oh, excellent. Can't wait."
Lou looked to him and gestured, "You know, don't you, Dad? You know he wants to marry her?"
Tim shrugged at Lou, "Not like it should be that much of a shock. Lou, come on. He's a beast around here without her. You should be happy-Lisa's taking over any care the old man needs," he said, smacking at Jack's shoulder.
"Tim, knock it off. That was exactly why I tried to end things, not wanting Lisa to ever feel like she is left taking care of me."
Patting Jack's shoulder, Tim continued to grin, "With the way she looks at you, Jack," he shook his head and gestured. "I mean, she'd take care of you no matter what. How someone like Lisa is head over heels for you, I don't know, but whatever. I think she was already a goner for you the first time I met her."
Lou looked up from the vegetables, gesturing at the two men, "Are you serious? That was, what just after Mom died."
"Get a clue, Lou," Tim said, squeezing her shoulder. "Your old Grandpa here isn't dead yet, and something tells me he'll be counting the days until he's cleared for all activities, if you get my drift."
"Dad! Don't even," Lou grimaced at the same time Jack's face reddened, and he pointed at Tim.
"That will be the last inappropriate comment, do you hear me? Have some respect. If you will excuse me, I'm going to wait for Lisa on the porch."
"Grandpa, it's like well below zero," Lou reminded him as Jack started putting on his coat.
"Well aware, Lou," he said with a single nod. "I'll manage. Just really missing Lisa, and we'll fill in the details at dinner."
"Like the truck," Tim pointed, and Jack threw his hand at him, shaking him off as he stepped outside.
"He was home, yes. It had been a bit of a challenge, but his bride was on the way, and well, he couldn't wait to see her. Now, if any of them decided to watch from the kitchen window, they might get a glimpse of quite the embrace. It had been several hours now since he'd seen the love of his life.