"Morning, Dad, Happy New Year," Marion greeted Jack as she walked across the yard, reaching Jack as he was just coming out of the barn. He was bundled up, a light snow falling this morning. He waved at her and stepped inside, knowing she was headed to the barn to work, and he'd much rather talk to her inside than outside in the light snow and light wind.
"Morning, Honey, Happy New Year to you," he said with a smile as Marion arrived with a loud sigh and smile. She shook the snow from her coat, and Jack continued while she brushed off herself. "I told you I'd take care of the chores. Least I can do with my leaving you here for several weeks."
"It's fine," she shook her head. "It's not like I sleep in much anyways. Ahh," she stopped brushing her coat and looked at Jack, "is Lisa here?'
"Yeah," Jack said, glancing down briefly. While Marion knew she stayed over on occasion, it didn't mean he enjoyed talking about it. "I was just headed inside to wake her and take her home-"
"No need," Marion put her hand on Jack's arm and shook her head. "Amy's not here. She ran into Sorayah in town, Maggie had the New Year countdown, and she begged to stay with her, so that's one of the reasons I wanted to catch you this morning. I got home so late, and you were asleep, so I wanted to tell you that before you woke her up. I'm glad to hear she was here," she nodded with a small smile, Jack finally looking up at her, raising his eyebrows in surprise. He knew she loved Lisa, but it wasn't a topic to discuss with your daughter really. "I was a little worried because I didn't think she'd been here, overnight at least, since we got back from New York and hope you two were okay. I mean," she chuckled slightly, "unless you two are really, really good at sneaking her in and out."
"We're fine," he nodded, "good, I mean," he gestured, "we're leaving for France today as you know. She stayed here the night we got back from New York, and I stayed at Fairfield a couple nights before you and Amy got home, but it's been busy with Christmas and all," he nodded. "Plus, we had that snowstorm. We're not some teenagers pawing over each other," he made a face, "and you know," he gestured, "it's not the goal for her to be here every night-"
"It's not?" Marion tilted her head with a sly grin on her face. "I thought you would want her around every single night. I mean, I know we're getting a little personal-"
"We are," he cut her off with a raised eyebrow. "Thanks for letting me know about Amy-"
"Sure, I appreciate your discretion here with Amy, and she at least hasn't really thought about your trip, I mean that you know," she smirked, "Grandpa is going to have a really good time-"
"Don't be crude," he pointed at her. Marion just grinned as she started to chuckle. "You have been around Tim way too much. All of that sounds like something Tim would say."
"Just calling like it is," she shrugged. "A romantic getaway to France, to your girlfriend's home-"
"She will be working. This is what she does every winter. She lives in France. I'm staying for a few weeks before I come home, alone," he nodded. "She's staying for some time to work, you know," he gestured, "what you'll be doing plenty of while I am off on my trip. She's even got me helping her at her stable."
"Hmm, yes, so absolutely no time for romance, got it," she said nodding continuously. Right, she's just a 41-year-old woman there with a man she loves, but no thoughts of romance. Same for you old man, you finally have a gorgeous woman at your side, but it's really," she flashed a smirk, "all about the horses. Well," she eyed him and frowned, giving him the once over, "maybe for you it is, the way you are. Let me clue you in-she is a woman, a woman even younger than me. She wants romance, Dad, lots of it. Oh, isn't it so fun we can chat like this?" She smacked his arm like he was some old pal of hers. Jack turned his head and shook it, gesturing to the house.
"You know, you are way too much like your mother," he frowned at her. "Combine that with a dose of Tim Fleming, and wow, you're just way too much here. I think I'll head in and make some breakfast. I'll tell Lisa she can take her time. Our flight is at 11:30, so we don't have to rush so much. We're both packed, but, you know what-before that, I am glad to have a moment to talk to you before I go."
"Oh? Dad, you know the horses will be fine, and I'll check on the cattle. You have picked a great time to be gone in the dead of winter. Tim said he'd help ride the fence line if we don't have too much snow." Jack groaned at that, but recognizing the help, didn't say anything. He raised his hand in defense.
"No, it's not about that, but I do appreciate you holding things down here while I am gone."
"Okay?" Marion said, dragging out the word and giving him and odd look. "What's up?"
Jack had pulled off his gloves there in the barn and in his nervous state now, was busy twisting them in his hand. He realized this and stopped, eyeing Marion as he took a deep breath.
"I plan to ask Lisa to marry me, and I wanted to talk to you about it."
Marion's eyes widened as her smile did too. She put her hand, which was in her work gloves, up to her mouth and let out a small gasp.
"Really, Dad? Oh, that is great."
"You're okay with it?" Jack asked, giving her a look, one that she knew; he wanted the truth from her. "I know this is a big change-"
"It is, but I think it's good, Dad, really," Marion nodded, tears now in her eyes. "You have been so lonely here for years, and I know you've said you are fine, but you've been lonely. I know you too well, and maybe you didn't even notice it really. I know we have talked about Lisa, about how she's not at all what we would have expected for you, but quite honestly, she's better than anything I could picture for you. Oh, Dad," she said, reaching around to hug him. Jack froze there for a second, but finally, wrapped his arms around Marion.
"I know there's been talk in town about us, about my dating Lisa, with our ages and all, her money," he rolled his eyes when the two stepped back. Jack looked at the ground and shook his head, "Marion, life is strange. It really is. I suppose that I want to know you're okay with things because they are going to change-"
"Dad," she put her hand on his arm, and finally, Jack looked up at her. She nodded with a bright smile, "She's amazing for you. She makes you step out of your comfort zone, and that is a good thing. I know you were struggling with the age difference, worried you'd leave her alone someday, and you know," she said pursing her lips, "we're family, and we all stick together, no matter what. She needs us, and you definitely need her. I'm really, really happy for you."
"Well, thanks, Honey, really," he let out a long sigh. "I have been a little nervous to talk to you, not that you don't love Lisa, but it doesn't mean that I didn't love your mom."
"Dad, I'm 45 years old. I know you did, but there's a special spark there with Lisa. You have to follow your heart."
"I just know," he waved his head from side to side, "it's a big change, just over seven months really that I've known Lisa-"
Marion pointed to him, "You met and married Mom in less time than that, so that isn't an argument."
"I know," he chuckled lightly. "I was there, and I suppose when you know you know, especially at my age. I don't want to lose Lisa. I love her too much, and yes, at my age, I've come to the conclusion that I need to seize the moments because who knows how many I will have? I know I love her. I know she loves me. We're committed to each other, and neither has any intention of walking away, so why would I string her along for years when we could be married, she could be my wife, and we can enjoy whatever time we are given-"
"Maybe even another 30 years, Dad," she shrugged with a soft smile, patting his arm. "You never know."
"No, you don't," he let out his breath. "Well, I suppose now that I've told you that I have to actually go through with it. I'm really glad we had a chance to talk because it was important for me to tell you. I am a bit worried about the two of you now against me. That's not a good look," he shook his head, and Marion started to laugh. She nodded as she did.
"You know she will say yes; she adores you. I'm very excited about it, having Lisa here with us, part of our family. She clearly loves you so much. I adore her, and we have the best time together. She's wonderful with Amy. Dad," she grinned, "you picked the perfect woman for you. Now," she lowered her eyes to meet his. "Let's talk."
"We are talking," Jack rolled his eyes, gesturing between them. She shook her head at him and groaned.
"No, Dad, let's talk details," she gestured wildly with her hand. "Did you get a ring? How have I not noticed all of this? Please tell me you are prepared if you are asking her? Oh!" Marion's eyes widened, and she smacked at him, which had Jack grimace and grab his arm. "You're going to propose in France? Dad, this is big! I can't believe it. You have gone from the recluse old man to the romantic world traveler-"
"Calm down," Jack finally interrupted, waving his hand. "You know I can't stand the 20-questions all at once. I hope she will say yes-"
"She will. There's no doubt, Dad. Come on!"
He waved his hand, "It still makes a man a bit nervous anyway, and no, I don't have a set plan other than yes, I'm thinking about it happening in France. She loves it there so much."
"Ring?" Marion gestured at him, almost expecting him to produce it right there.
He nodded, sighing at her impatience, "I have a ring. It was my grandmother's ring-"
"Dad, have I seen this? It's a diamond at least, please tell me that. She deserves that. Is she going to like it?"
"It's a diamond ring. I'm not an idiot," he frowned. "I took care of it right before Christmas, even went to Calgary because you know how this town is. I had a new diamond put in it, but I think she will like it. I hope she will. The thing is about Lisa-she's not into flashy things."
"Well, no," Marion gestured at Jack, "exhibit you."
Jack smirked at her, and she smirked back, but Jack continued with another sigh, "I think she will like this ring because it was special; it was my grandmother's ring, and it's-"
"An antique like you. Got it," Marion said with a quick nod and a grin at her dad.
"You two really are going to be a force to be reckoned with around here," he groaned, dropping his head. Marion smacked his arm.
"Ahh, Dad is getting married," she said a squeal now coming from her mouth. "Oh, this is so great. Ohhhh! We will have to do a shower for Lisa, oh, and wait until Maggie hears-"
"Please, please," Jack interrupted, meeting her gaze, "do not say anything until this happens, Marion."
"Absolutely not, Dad, you don't have to worry. I'm seriously very happy for you." She started to laugh as she grinned, "Oh, Mom would not believe you are marrying a woman younger than me. She really wouldn't, but she would. She'd love Lisa's spunk as I've said. She'd love to see you, you know," she flashed a grin, "getting your groove back on."
"What does that even mean?" Jack looked to her horrified. Marion was in such a giddy mood, she was now bobbing her head and almost dancing around as she was messing with Jack. She started to laugh, just really happy, and Jack scrunched up his face and just groaned.
"She's good for you, Dad," Marion smacked his arm, "in more ways than one. Keeps you young for sure. Oh, I can't wait to hear about this! You have to call us when it happens. I promise to act surprised."
Jack waved his hands, "Knowing you and Lisa, it won't stay quiet very long. Now," he paused and looked her in the eye as he put his hands on her shoulders, "you're good with this, with me?"
"Stop asking!" Marion shook her head at Jack. "I'm not a little girl. I'm going to be older than you wife."
He groaned again, closing his eyes, "That sounds so wrong."
"Until someone sees you and Lisa together, and it's just right. You're perfect. Now, yes, I'm fine," she eyed him. "Go on," she smacked him again, "get your day started, get Lisa up and moving because the sooner you get to France, the sooner-"
"Oh, please tell me you won't wait until the day you leave-"
"No!" Jack scowled. "I don't know when, but I think my nerves are already shot. I'll handle this soon."
"Good," she said, flinging her arms around him. "Congrats, Dad. I'm so happy. We are going to floor people when we go out shopping or for a girls' night, and," she started to laugh, covering her mouth, "I tell people she's my stepmom. Yup, this will be fun all at your expense."
He narrowed his gaze and smirked at her as he pointed to her, "You're not my favorite child."
"I'm your only one!" Marion laughed. "Who is?"
Jack pursed his lips, "Amy, she's a child. She can be my favorite."
"Well, at least she's younger than your wife to be," Marion smirked again, and Jack threw up his hand and turned toward the house. "Dad," she called to Jack who turned his head back at her.
"Have a wonderful time in France. You deserve this and try to relax, both about this and about the travel and all. Just, just," she paused trying to find the right words, "let things be. Enjoy that amazing woman and the life she's rejuvenated in you."
"Thanks," he said with a wink. "I love you, Honey."
Marion watched her dad walk toward the house. Her dad was actually going to get remarried. Wow, who would have thought? Oh, she LOVED Lisa and hanging out with her was so much fun. It would make things interesting now with Lisa married to her dad; Marion knew that. The 'girl talk' the women enjoyed would be slightly altered, but in a way, she'd enjoy making Lisa a bit uncomfortable in that area. Why not, right? It was weird. People would talk. It looked odd, Lisa being so much younger than Jack, but it did make it worse that Marion was there, even older than Lisa. People might say it was almost scandalous, but Marion scoffed at that-her dad was older. Lisa was in her 40's, so it wasn't like he was robbing the cradle or anything. Besides, she was serious when she said that they just fit together. There was something special about Lisa with her dad. Oh, she couldn't wait. This would be quite the change for their family. She'd watched the two interact over the last few months, but now, living under the same roof with them, well, yes, it might be a tad awkward, but it would be fascinating too. This trip to France couldn't start soon enough, and she couldn't wait to tell Maggie and get the good news officially from Lisa.