Lisa threw her car into the angled parking space, and she flew out of the car, realizing as she started running down the sidewalk, that she'd left her purse in the car. With a wave of her hand to herself, she blew that off; she didn't need her purse. She hated feeling this way, this anxious or maybe even worried, as she scurried into the office. Her eyes met those of the receptionist who pointed down the hall, and Lisa moved quickly, her phone the only thing in her hand.
Flinging open the door, Lisa finally tried to catch her breath, realizing she looked like a crazy woman now, there out of breath, having broken a sweat, and she was greeted with three sets of eyes.
"Mimi," Amelia called to her, her arms open. Lisa stepped to her, noting that she didn't look good, hence why Amelia and Jack were in Dr. Varini's office. Lisa embraced the little girl sitting on the exam table, kissing her head as she hugged her.
"Lisa, nice to see you," Lisa looked up at Dr. Varini, Trisha, as they usually addressed her. Lisa had embraced Amelia there who looked so small and innocent there on the exam table. She glanced over to Trisha, and before she could address her, Jack stepped toward Lisa.
"Lise, I told you she'd be okay and that you didn't need to rush over here. It's like you did the exact opposite," he gestured, putting his arm on her shoulder. She looked over at him, frowning, before she addressed anyone. She felt Jack slip his hand into hers. "I've got it, promise. Last thing I want is for you to worry."
She nodded, smiling sadly at Jack before she turned her attention. "Trisha, nice to see you, and thank you for seeing Amelia so quickly," Lisa told her, pulling Amelia back from where Lisa had her snuggled into her side to get a better look at her. "How are you feeling, Honey?"
"My ears hurt," she frowned, tugging on them. Lisa looked up to Jack, and he sighed.
"I told you she probably had an ear infection when I called, and Trisha here was just checking her out."
"Yes," Trisha nodded, acknowledging them and again nodding in agreement. "Amelia has a fever, and it does look like she has an ear infection. These bugs are common in children her age, especially after they get started in a new setting like daycare," and seeing Lisa almost correct her, she smiled with her hand up, "sorry nursery school." She smiled at them and gestured to Amelia and Jack, "Jack told me Amelia had just started nursery school three days a week."
"Yes," Lisa let out a long sigh of relief. She hated Amelia wasn't feeling well, but this was something they could handle. She'd had all kinds of horrible thoughts swirling her head as she'd driven like a mad woman across town to meet Jack. He'd called her after picking up Amelia early from nursery school to say she had a fever, the reason he'd been called early to get her. They had settled into a decent routine with her this last month. It had taken a couple of weeks after they had agreed to put her in nursery school for her to actually start, and she was delighted with it, talking to them about all her new friends. They were delighted too because it had given them a new routine they didn't even know they needed. Jack and Lisa were both still up early in the mornings as they always had been, enjoying their quiet moments of coffee, but now, they had Amelia into a routine of getting up, eating, and then Lisa would take her to school, drop her off, and then would go over to Fairfield for a few hours. Jack, at home would get whatever work done he could after Lisa left, and he'd even embraced more of modern technology by setting an alarm on his phone each day to pick up Amelia. When the two would get home, they'd have lunch, Jack would put her down for a nap (and sometimes take one himself), and he'd work around the house, often on his flies. Lisa would arrive home during this afternoon down time, and then, she'd make dinner early so she could spend time with Amelia when she finished napping. It was working well for them, and the thing Lisa liked best is that they weren't imposing on the rest of the family. Lou and Amy had even commented on Amelia's nursery school, surprised that Jack was on board with it, but it was hard to offer any other criticism now because they were trying to be as self-sufficient as they could be. On the days she didn't have nursery school, Lisa usually worked from home all day, and if she did need to go over to work, she would trade off with Jack in the afternoon during Amelia's nap time to get her work done. Both were doing much better with this schedule, and now that they'd been at it a couple of weeks, Amelia was throwing a wrench in the schedule now being sick, not that it was a problem for them. She came first.
"Well, as I was just about to tell Jack, I'm going to put Amelia on some antibiotics for that ear infection. It's a nasty one, and from the way it looks, she's had it a few days-"
"Oh, I feel terrible I didn't catch it!" Lisa exclaimed, rubbing Amelia's back.
"Lisa," Trisha put her hand on Lisa's arm, "do not stand there and beat yourself up about this. Kids are kids. They get sick, and we are not going to catch things the moment kids come down with them. I'm only telling you both that because sometimes I like to watch and wait, but this one is definitely bothering her and giving her a fever. Amelia," she said, bending down toward where Amelia was buried into Lisa's side. She tilted her head to look at Trisha. "I know your ears hurt, and you aren't feeling good. I'm going to give," she looked up at Jack and Lisa, gesturing to them, "What does she call you?"
"Pop Pop and Mimi," Jack chuckled, shaking his head. Trisha smiled with a nod.
"I'm going to give Pop Pop and Mimi some medicine you will need to take. I'm sorry it won't taste very good, but it's going to make you feel a lot better. Now, I'm a friend of theirs, and I promise I'm giving you something that will make you feel better. Can you be a big girl and take the medicine when they tell you?"'
"Can I have it with apple juice?" Amelia asked her wide-eyed. Trisha started to laugh, which had Lisa and Jack laughing too. She nodded at Amelia.
"Most definitely," she agreed. Lisa gestured to explain.
"She's really stuck on apple juice lately. I guess she'd not had much of it. We are finding out that my nephew and his wife were a stickler for very healthy foods."
"Understood," Trisha nodded. "Apple juice is fine, but just limit how much per day so she doesn't get cavities. Most people assume it's pure, but many juices have a lot of sugar."
"Understood," Lisa smiled with a nod.
Trisha crossed her arms as she leaned back against her cabinet, "You two seem to be doing a really good job with her especially under the circumstances. It's nice to finally meet her."
Lisa, who was still rubbing Amelia's back nodded and smiled slightly at the compliment, "Thank you. It's been quite the adjustment, hmm, Jack?"
"Oh, I don't know," Jack winked at Lisa and Trisha together. "Way I see it, just added another strong-willed female into the household. I'm used to those, even if I still maybe can't figure out how to handle them."
"Oh, stop" Lisa swatted at him while she laughed. That had Trisha laughing too, but then, Trisha nodded, looking over Amelia's chart.
"Well, it looks like her records were up to date, but I see her fourth birthday is a few weeks away."
"It is," Lisa smiled. "Amelia has already told us she wants a bunny cake."
"Yes, I love bunnies!"
"Well, that does sound fun, but I have the not so fun part," Trisha frowned. "She will need her four-year-old vaccinations then, so if you want to make an appointment when you leave, we can do that."
Jack met Lisa's gaze and winked at her as he smirked, "I'll let you bring her to that appointment."
Lisa bit her lip and nodded, holding back her own smirk as she gestured to Trisha, "We can do that, make her appointment, and if memory serves, we can just do that the same day Jack has a checkup, hmm Jack? Won't that be something, the two of you in for your appointments together. Pop Pop and Amelia to the doctor-sounds like a story."
"Pop Pop goes to the doctor?" Amelia looked up at Lisa, her big brown eyes staring at her. Lisa smiled, nodding.
"We all see the same one here. Dr. Varini is a friend of ours."
"How are things going?" Trisha asked them, looking from Jack to Lisa. Lisa nodded to Jack.
"Okay, better now with a routine. Nursery school was not something that had ever been on my radar with my own daughter, granddaughters, or great-granddaughters, but Lisa and I see how this situation is very different for all of us, and it's been a good thing for our family. Amelia loves it too, but I'm guessing she will be home for a few days?"
"Well, with it being Friday, she may not miss school. She has to be fever-free for 24 hours and feeling better, but I expect that by Monday. She should be able to go back then, but if she's still not feeling well, then, yes, do keep her home. May I say, Jack," she eyed him specifically, "you're looking tired. Lisa," she glanced at her, wincing, but not saying it. Lisa nodded, pursing her lips as she looked to Jack.
"We are both exhausted. It's been a lot, and I don't just mean this change," she nodded to Amelia. "I think we are finally coming out of the mess of things and getting settled. Jack and I both want to get into a routine, which we are starting to do, and we are very, very glad Amelia here," she grinned at her as she hugged her, "is living with us."
"Well, she's adorable," Trisha commented, smiling at her too. "I do, know, though that kids are exhausting. Jade still brings me to exhaustion, and she's grown." The adults all laughed at that, but Trisha continued, gesturing to them, "Give yourself some time, even just for yourselves. You need to ask your family for help. Raising her is a great thing, yes, but recognize your ages do change how quickly you recover from things like lack of sleep."
"I am seeing it," Jack chuckled. "I'm trying, Doc," he gave her a nod. "Amelia and I both have nap time."
"I don't like naps," Amelia made a face looking up at them. She pointed to Jack, "Pop Pop snores when he sleeps. It's funny."
"I'm funny," Jack repeated, leaning down to kiss Amelia's cheek. She giggled at his mustache again.
"That tickles! You said you would only kiss Mimi." The adults laughed again, and Trisha gestured to the door.
"I'll be right back. Let me get a couple of basics for you to take home, some over the counter children's medication. Not sure if you would have that?" She eyed both of them, and Lisa gestured to Jack as he answered.
"We might, you know, with Lyndy still little too, but thanks, Doc."
Once she left the room, Lisa, with Amelia still at her side, turned to Jack, and he frowned at her.
"Lise, you came flying in here looking terrified," he told her, reaching to clasp her hand. She looked at their joined hands. "I promise, I would have told you if it was something bad. Kids get sick."
"I should have done a better job," she sighed.
"At what?" Jack's eyes widened, he gestured, and he frowned at her, "Kids get sick. Everyone gets sick. You didn't do this, and you couldn't have prevented it. What's going on? You've been around the girls plenty of times when they were sick. I even remember you being the one to discover Georgie had the chicken pox, and you didn't freak out then-"
"I'm not freaking out-" Lisa started to say, but she caught his eye, and Lisa rolled hers, nodding. "Fine, I was freaking out."
"Why?" Jack asked, tugging at their hands. "Talk to me. She's going to be just fine. We'll take her home, get her meds going, and she'll be okay. What is it?"
Lisa sighed as she looked to the floor briefly. As she looked up, she glanced at Amelia who was still there, looking up at them, and then she turned her attention back to Jack with a shrug, "I'm not sure. I suppose that with the girls I felt like we were helping, but somehow, deep down, they weren't ours to be the parent. I'm not sure I can explain it. Even with Georgie, like you said with the chicken pox, we had Lou on the phone, and I guess I knew she was her mom, that she maybe carried the worry. I am the one worrying now, and I know that doesn't make any sense-"
Jack pulled her in, and he hugged her, as she still held onto Amelia's hand. He kissed the side of her head and said quietly, "I love how much you love her and care for her, for all of us. You have to take a deep breath. I'm going to keep reminding you that you are not in this alone, okay?"
"Okay," she sighed, stepping back, giving him a weary smile. "I don't doubt your help. I know we are in this together."
"Then start trusting that, okay?" Jack leaned in and kissed her. Amelia giggled, pointing at them. Jack reached over to tickle her, and she started whimpering.
"My ears hurt, Pop Pop."
"I know, Pumpkin," he nodded. "We're getting some medicine."
Almost on cue, Trisha came back into the room, with a bag in her hand, "Here, from one friend to another. You two are doing a great job. You call me anytime, day or night, if you need something. I want to help. Lord knows you both have helped with Jade more times than I can count, so please, let me return the favor. In fact," she nodded to herself before continuing, "I'm going to babysit her for you in a week or so, after she's feeling better, so two can enjoy dinner out, whatever," she waved her hand.
"Oh, that's not-" Lisa started to say, but Jack put his arm around her shoulder.
"Thank you, Trisha. We would very much enjoy that, and we are treading lightly asking the girls to watch her."
"Good," Trisha smiled with a big nod. "It's the very least I can do." She turned her attention back to Amelia, "Amelia, have you started riding lessons?"
"Don't like horses," she made a face as she shook her head. She stopped and put her hand to her ear, it obviously bothering her.
Trisha's eyes rose, and she looked to Jack and Lisa, Jack now standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder. She smirked at them, "Oh, well, that is an interesting twist. She doesn't like horses?"
"We are working on that," Lisa admitted, slightly rolling her eyes. "She's been helping me feed Duke, my horse, and," Lisa nodded to Jack, "she's been helping Jack feed Blue. That's on the task list for the weekend."
"Well, good luck then," Trisha smiled. She looked back at Amelia, "I really hope you change your mind about horses. They are such cool animals, almost like unicorns. Mimi and Pop Pop are great with horses, and they've even given me some help with horses. They helped my daughter too, so I think you should try liking horses."
"Mimi said we had to go on a ride but she would bring cookies."
Lisa shrugged, winking at Trisha, "I'm not above bribery." The adults all laughed, and soon, Lisa, Jack, and Amelia were out on the sidewalk, Lisa noticing that Jack's truck, or the Fairfield truck he'd kept on now, was parked next to her. She hadn't even noticed that when she'd thrown her car into a space. Jack still had his old truck at the house too, and he used it every now and then, but most days, especially since he was getting Amelia so much, he used the Fairfield truck. Lisa had ordered a car seat to match the one Amelia had; they didn't need to figure out something else; she was all about keeping things as simple as possible.
Later that afternoon, Jack and Lisa were resting on the couch while Amelia was sleeping upstairs. The house was quiet, so much so that they didn't hear Lou come in with Katie and Lyndy in tow. Lisa started herself awake and noticed Lou sitting down in the living room chair, putting down two cups of tea for Jack and Lisa. Lisa sat up, she and Jack had been sitting there on the couch, but with both sleeping, they'd sort of slumped over. She sat up and gave a weary smile to Lou.
"Sorry if I woke you," Lou said quietly, nodding at Jack, "but I figured with the girls home, it wouldn't be long. I made you both some tea. You two look exhausted."
"We are," Lisa admitted, nodding as she sat forward to take the cup of tea. She gave a nod to Lou, "Thank you for this. Amelia is sleeping. She has an ear infection."
"Oh, poor kid," Lou frowned. "Can I do anything?"
Lisa shook her head, "No, but thank you. Jack and I had Trisha look at her, and she prescribed some meds. She should be feeling better soon. Oh, I made up a chicken casserole for dinner."
"Lisa, you didn't have to do that," Lou frowned. "I came home to work on dinner."
"No, no," Lisa waved. "I made it up earlier while Jack read a couple of stories to Amelia to get her to sleep."
"Lisa, please let us help more. You do not have to do it all around here, and I know you've been taking on most of the meals. Listen, you've had a lot on your plate. Katie is a teenager now. I'd love to help with Amelia some, if you'll let me. I have not forgotten that you and Grandpa took her on for months and months when she was younger. It's the least I can do."
"I appreciate that, I really do," Lisa smiled at her. "Jack and I are just trying not to take advantage."
"I've also told you we are a family," Jack grumbled, now waking up himself as he sat up. He put his arm around Lisa's back, squeezing her shoulder as he kissed the side of her head. "Hi Lou."
"Grandpa, I was just telling Lisa that I see, we see," she corrected herself, "how exhausted you both are. Please let me help. I know, since you have dinner for tonight, what about letting Katie and me stay with Amelia tomorrow night? I can't speak for Amy and Lyndy, but it could be a girls' night in, even with her not feeling well. You two need a night out."
"Lise?" Jack eyed her, and Lisa could see the hopeful look on his face. "How about dinner in town, Italian place we like? We haven't been there in some time."
"Ahh," Lisa looked from Lou to Jack and back to Lou, seeing the hopeful look on both faces. She sighed, nodding, "Okay, dinner tomorrow." She frowned slightly, and Jack chuckled, kissing her head again.
"Don't act so disappointed that I'm your date."
The next evening, Lisa was putting the finishing touches on her makeup, excited to be going to dinner with Jack. Amelia's fever had broken, and she wasn't' complaining about her ears as much. The meds seemed to be starting to work, and she was finally sleeping better. As Lisa had been getting ready, it hit her how long it had been, just the two of them, enjoying a nice meal. It had certainly been before everything had happened with her family, and the idea of a glass of wine and her favorite lasagna dish really excited her. It was funny, she realized, that she was more excited to have a homemade lasagna meal here in Hudson at a local, family restaurant, than she was to have any sort of gourmet five-star meal that she'd loved for so many years. The company was one of the biggest things that had changed-she just wanted to be with Jack, but now, just the idea of staying closer to home, well, she was finally understanding why Jack didn't like traveling so much, okay, at all, not that she wanted to completely stop traveling, but as she grew older, yes, she understood wanting to just be at home with those she loved.
"Lisa?" Lisa looked up from the dresser mirror where she was standing, putting on her lipstick. She'd curled her long hair, and while it still felt like a horrible mess to her, she'd left the soft waves flowing. Jack liked her hair like that, not that he disliked it any way, but she rarely curled it, and tonight, she was trying to enjoy just being out with him, the love of her life, and not thinking about the enormous responsibility they'd taken on at home. She glanced up from the mirror to see Amy standing in the doorway of the bedroom, looking hesitantly to her.
"Amy, Honey, do you need something? Amelia need something?"
"Oh, no," she waved. "Can I come in?"
"Oh, of course," Lisa gestured to their room. It was cozy, spotless, full of things both she and Jack loved, a lot of pictures, several almost antique pieces like her mother's jewelry box, but it was a sanctuary for them, a place where they could escape the house, and a place where really people let them have their space, well, most people. Amelia was still climbing into bed with them most nights in the middle of the night. They often didn't hear her. The nights they did, Jack would carry her back to her own bed. It was getting better, but it wasn't great yet. As far as private space, all tried to honor that in the house, staying out of other's bedrooms because it was a small space with a lot of people. Sure, they comforted each other at times, in their rooms, but Amy asking to come in was definitely out of the norm. Amy hesitantly sat down on Jack's side of the bed there near the door. Lisa watched her run her hand over the quilt, giving Lisa a small smile as their eyes met.
"Is this quilt new?"
"No, ahh," Lisa finished her makeup and turned, smiling at Amy, "I just changed out the winter quilt for this one. We got it last year and had it on the bed last spring, so it's not new, but new for this spring I suppose."
"I like it, the color and all," Amy nodded. "You have Grandpa doing a lot better with change, better than I seem to do."
Lisa laughed as she nodded, "Work in progress, but I suppose that yes, over the last what, nearing 18 years, I've gotten him to agree to some changes. You are your own person, but you make changes even sometimes too."
"About that," Amy frowned and gave Lisa a sad look, "Lisa, I can't help but notice that you and Grandpa are doing everything you can to almost shield Amelia from us, and I can't help but think that's some of my fault. I mentioned it to Grandpa, and he suggested that I talk to you. I want you to know I am not upset she's here."
"Okay," Lisa said, drawing out the words. She moved to the end of the bed, bracing her hands on the footboard as she continued to speak to Amy. "Honey, we're not trying to shield Amelia from any of you. This is her home now, and if anything, we've been trying to make this transition as easy on all of you as possible. It's not easy to just add a three-year-old little girl to the house. We all know that, and I know you weren't thrilled about Jack and I taking her on-"
"No, it's not that," Amy frowned and shook her head. "Okay, maybe it is, or was. To be honest, I am a little worried about Grandpa. I mean, Lisa," she eyed her, "we both know he's getting older-"
"But still in very good health, and he does better than men much younger than he is, Lisa explained. "Believe me."
"I know," Amy nodded, looking to the quilt. "I just am not sure I can explain it. I get that Amelia has no one else-"
"Honey, it's not just that she has no one else," Lisa sighed, giving her a soft smile. "Ben had it in his will for us to take her in if my sister couldn't. So, this also isn't just a last resort. Jack and I are aware of the challenges we face with her."
"I guess I'm thinking about Amelia as much as anything, honestly," Amy admitted. "I see Lyndy, how much she misses Ty, and I hate that for her. I guess I can do math, and I know Amelia has already lost her parents. Someday," she shrugged, with a sad look to Lisa, "I know it will be Grandpa too. I just hate for you two to put all this effort in to lose him too."
Lisa gave her a nod and moved to the side to sit down next to Amy. Lisa, there in a nice sweater dress, a navy blue one, sat down, her dark brown tall boots visible as she shifted her leg. She took Amy's hands in hers, "Jack and I have talked about this. We are aware, just as we are all aware that no one is guaranteed tomorrow. All we can do is do our best each and every day. We can be a family, all of us. This family works because we are all in this together, helping each other, and yes, I know we haven't asked for help with Amelia, but that day will come. Most of this was to just give everyone some time and space to get used to her being here, but she's here to stay. You, Honey, are more aware than most of loss, and I hate that for you at your age. I also see how it's moldeled this wonderful family we do have. I have always told you I could never replace your mom or grandmother, but I like to think that we've found our own special bond-"
"Lisa, you are amazing, and the way you've just taken on everything this family throws at you, I really respect that and wish I could say I would be so graceful. I haven't been, not with Amelia, and I guess I really just need to apologize for that. I've let a lot of my thoughts, that maybe I can't even put into words, get the better of me. I do worry about you and Grandpa raising a toddler. Lyndy exhausts me, and she's getting older now, but I'm doing the single parent thing. I am very much in awe of you, though, Lisa, for always just taking things on. I know you never had kids of your own-"
Lisa met her gaze and patted her hand, "Dan and I weren't in that place. By the time I found Jack and wanted that, it just wasn't," she shook her head.
"I know," Amy gave her a soft smile. "So, I know how it's somewhat of a twist here, you two raising a little girl together now. I'm going to let my fears and whatever else it is, well just try to just let them go. I also think my anxiety over this has carried to Lyndy, and I'm sorry if she's not been the most welcoming. We are going to both do better because you're right. Lyndy and Amelia don't have anyone else, at least who has gone through what they have, and neither one is going to have siblings, so they'd better be friends, more than friends, family. They need each other, and I know she's been calling Amelia a baby and all. I'm going to do better with that."
"Thank you," Lisa said, her eyes watery as she leaned over to hug Amy. "Your grandfather and I love you very much, Amy, and we're here for you. I've loved watching you grow up, and I still see that determination I saw the first time we met. We're here for you and Lyndy; you know that, and this is your home. I just know that like this home always is, it always has space for one more. Jack and I've said Georgie found all of us, and what a great thing that was. I think of her so much with Amelia, such similar circumstances, and look what we all did for her."
"You're right," Amy smiled softly. "Amelia is getting a better start, just that she doesn't have to navigate foster care. That really did a number on Georgie."
"That it did, and that's why bringing her here was the only thing that we even considered," Lisa said, squeezing Amy's shoulder. "Jack and I keep saying we have enough love for everyone, and I do believe that, even if we are both falling asleep on each other at every turn." Lisa let a laugh escape at that.
Amy grinned, nodding, "Yes, Amelia is a handful, but she's a sweet kid. You know, you didn't have to get her out of the house with daycare. I'm shocked Grandpa agreed to that."
"No," Lisa shook her head. "It wasn't my idea. Jack was the one to check it out, and yes, it's the right thing for Amelia, for us. It really is. Each situation is different, but she needs this as much as we do."
"Wow," Amy's mouth was hanging open. "Good to know," she nodded. "See, I just said that you really have gotten Grandpa to agree to change, and here he is surprising me even more, the one looking into daycare. Lisa," she paused and met her gaze, "he really loves you."
"I know," she smiled warmly at Amy, clasping her hand on the bed. "I really love him, more than I ever thought I could love anyone. I hope you know that."
"I see it. I see it in both of you. I think that's why I just have trouble with the idea of dating. I can't imagine loving someone as much as Ty, but then I see you and Grandpa, and I know that I have to be open to it, even if it's not something I exactly plan or envision."
Lisa met her eyes and nodded at Amy, smiling warmly, "Life has a way of surprising us, good and bad, as we both know. I think you are doing a wonderful job with Lyndy, and I do look forward to seeing Amelia and Lyndy grow up together. Who ever thought you and I would be raising girls together, ehh?"
Amy grinned, and that grin turned to a sad one as she clasped Lisa's hand, "I never saw it coming, that's for sure, and just know, someday," she said, and paused, both knowing what she was trying to say, "if it's just you and me and those girls, we'll lean on each other because we'll have to, because we're family, always family."
"That we will," Lisa said, tearing up. She leaned over and hugged Amy again, finally pulling back and waving at her face to not cry. "I just did my makeup," she let out a chuckle. Amy looked at her and smiled.
"You look beautiful, no makeup running. I've never mastered makeup like you can."
"I just need a lot to cover up my wrinkles," Lisa said with a laugh and gestured to the door. "Amelia is adding more and more by the minute."
"You and Grandpa have a nice evening and take your time," Amy eyed her. "I mean it. Do not worry about Amelia. Lou and I are here with all the girls. Katie adores here, and I'm going to see if I can get Lyndy and Amelia to maybe do something together. She still doesn't like horses, does she?"
"No," Lisa wiped at her face as she shook her head. She nodded, "Jack and I are going to take her on a ride tomorrow after breakfast. Tell you what," she nodded. "I want to make a nice family breakfast tomorrow before that. How does that sound?"
"Sounds like I need to watch how much popcorn I eat tonight so I'm ready for your amazing waffles."
"Waffles, ehh? I didn't know that was on the menu."
"Just an idea," Amy grinned with a wink. The two stood, and Amy gestured to Lisa, "You really look amazing, Lisa. I swear if I look half as good as you at your age, I'll be thankful for that. You are the one keeping Grandpa young."
Lisa laughed as the two started into the living room, "Well, I'm not sure about that, bringing Amelia into the mix," and the two women laughed. They found the room empty, but Jack down the hall in the bathroom, sitting on the side of the tub with Amelia taking her bath.
Amy left Lisa there at the doorway, and Lisa leaned against it, smiling at Jack there in a pair of slacks, not jeans, and a dress shirt, ready for dinner. Jack looked up at her with an appreciative nod.
"You look beautiful," Jack complimented her.
"Thank you," she said with a single nod. "You are looking very handsome, and you look like you've managed to stay dry." She lowered her voice and glanced around, "Should I be jealous you're here with this lovely lady giving her a bath?"
Jack chuckled and blushed slightly, nodding, "Oh, I don't know. I can certainly show you a good time later, how could I not with you looking so beautiful?"
"Oh, Grandpa!" Amy said, walking by, her laundry basket in her arm, and stopping in the doorway, looking over Lisa's shoulder. Lisa dropped her head, laughing, and Amy looked to him horrified. "This is a family home. Lisa and I just talked about that."
Lisa, still laughing and unable to look up, heard Jack fumble with his reply, "Yes, it is, so there should be no issue with my saying that to my wife, my very beautiful wife."
"You have granddaughters here," Amy gestured to herself and added, "great-granddaughters and," she pointed to Amelia, "your newest charge."
"That's right, surrounded by women," Jack smirked. "I think on that note, I'm going to take my lovely, very sexy wife-"
"Stop!" Lisa laughed, now mortified as she looked at Jack. "That does not need to be said or discussed."
"I'm with Lisa," Amy nodded.
"We're going to dinner, so Amy," Jack stood up, groaning. Lisa helped him by offering him her hand, and Jack continued, "I'm going to leave Amelia here with you. She's all clean, just playing. She's had her medicine for her ear infection, so she's set on that. No fever. Amelia is on the mend. Goodnight Pumpkin. Mimi and I will see you in the morning."
"You're coming back?"
"We're coming back," Lisa said, stepping to the tub, leaning over and kissing her wet head. She turned back to Amy with a nod, "You sure you don't mind sitting here with her? She loves playing in the tub."
"I don't mind," Amy shook her head. "Lyndy is on her way home. She's been at a play date, and Lou said she'd pick her up on the way home. Lou is bringing home burgers for the girls. I'm going to make popcorn, and we're going to watch a movie."
"You're making popcorn?" Jack asked, standing in the doorway, with a grin. "Do you know how to do that?"
"I can make popcorn," Amy rolled her eyes, sitting down next to Amelia. "Amelia can help, right?"
"Just watch she doesn't choke," Lisa pointed out, and Amy gave her a nod.
"You two, go, have fun, and we'll see you at breakfast."
"Waffles," Lisa pointed to Amy, and Jack piped up.
"Oh, we're having a sit-down breakfast?"
Lisa glanced over her shoulder at him with a smile, "Sounded like a good idea, a nice family breakfast, ehh? Bye," she waved, and with that, she looped her arm through Jack's to start off on their evening.