To Note-Fanfiction's website has been done for a couple of days. Reports are they don't know when it will be back up. The app seems to still be working on which is how I'm posting. I usually post through the web. Please pass along to fellow readers to go through the app if they don't have it. Thanks for reading! Back to our favorite couple...
Her horse was looking really smooth, and while she had been in the business long enough not to get too confident, Lisa had a feeling he would do well in Friday's upcoming race. Her trainer had done a good job, and the jockey riding Spirit Dancer was one of her most experienced. After today's training session, Lisa was pleased with her work, putting together this horse with this jockey and just hoped he performed as well on Friday as he had been in the ring.
Lisa stood there, arms crossed, with her trainer, the two discussing the training schedule for the rest of the week, but glanced over at the fence line where Jack had been watching. He seemed to enjoy coming with her to see the horses; he'd told her he enjoyed watching her work and engaging with the her stable hands and the horses. He'd done a lot of that this week, spending time in her stable with the horses stabled there. She'd been able to get one for him to even ride, her stable in France used for boarding as well as for her own horses. One of the horses being boarded there, Commander, was a perfect riding horse, much different than her racing horses, and the owner, who happened to be out of town, was happy to have someone ride Commander. Now though, as Lisa glanced over at Jack, she caught him checking his watch, and this wasn't the first time she'd caught him doing that over the last couple of hours. She was afraid the novelty of things had worn off, and she was boring him. Lisa bit her lip, making a mental note to talk to Jack about that tonight over dinner. He didn't have to come to work with her each day, but she loved that he had been. Finding someone as interested in horses as she was, but with a different take on horses, was actually very helpful. They balanced each other, and she really appreciated his input.
Lisa had turned back to her trainer, and the two walked up to her jockey as he approached them on Spirit Dancer. Lisa started petting Spirit Dancer's neck as the two spoke to the jockey, all agreeing on a plan, and as they finished, she turned to walk toward Jack, once again noting he was staring at his watch. Yes, the novelty of the race track had worn off, and she could clearly see Jack would need something else to do going forward.
As Lisa approached him, she couldn't help but almost be star-struck with him, this man she loved to her core, her fiancé. Gosh, it still felt odd to say that, but a quick glance at her engagement ring reaffirmed her this was not some dream. She was marrying this wonderful man, even if they really hadn't discussed where or when.
It wasn't that they hadn't discussed their wedding. They had been in the evenings, or rather, Lisa had tried to get some idea of what he wanted, but he'd continually conceded to her, saying she could have whatever she wanted. She didn't want anything, really, just to be married to him. Funny, that as a young bride, she had wanted the perfect wedding, but that was such a distant and often sad memory. Now, she knew she'd gotten it right with Jack, and she had no interest in some grand or perfect wedding. She didn't want a magical wedding; she wanted a long-lasting marriage.
"Hi," she smiled softly and lifted her sunglasses as she approached Jack. She loved looking into his eyes, and he seemed to enjoy the same, often, Lisa believed staring right into her soul.
"It never gets old, watching you work," he nodded at her with a warm smile. Lisa met him at the fence, the two on opposite sides of it now, their hands resting on it. Jack put his hand on hers and patted it. "You're so beautiful to watch, and you just have this presence about you out there, very much in charge. It's nice to watch."
"Really?" Lisa said in a teasing tone as she leaned slightly toward him. "Different than how I am at home?"
"Much," he said, giving her a single nod. "You're the boss here, I mean," he frowned and Lisa had to laugh as his face flushed, "you can be the boss at home, in a good way," he said, patting her hand. "I'm messing this up."
Lisa started laughing and nodded in agreement, "Yes, I think you are. I'm bossy, huh?"
"Not bossy," he said quietly, "just confident, the boss, and I enjoy watching you like this. Believe me," he winked, "you're definitely going to be the boss at home too. I have no doubt about that."
Lisa crossed her arms with a smirk on her face, "What does that mean, to quote what you often say to me?"
"I mean," he said in a very light, teasing tone, leaning very closely to her without kissing her, "you'll be the boss at home, and I'm fine with that." Lisa laughed at Jack's evasive comments, but then, she nodded and schooled her features, eyeing him.
"I'm sorry this is taking time, and you are bored over here. You are welcome to go wait in my office, relax, get something to drink."
He gave her an inquisitive look and gestured, "I'm not bored at all. Really, I have been enjoying being out here, watching you work, watching the horses run. Spirit Dancer seems ready for Friday."
She nodded in agreement, "Yes, he does, but," she dropped her eyes to his, "you can't fool me. I've glanced your way a few times, and each time, you're checking the time, so, "she gestured her hand toward his, "you don't have to pretend."
He shook his head before he dropped it slightly, eyeing her, "Don't mean to be checking the time, really. I guess it's habit."
"Okay," she said with a small nod, "ahh, well, I need to finish up with my trainer, but be thinking about dinner. Maybe," she leaned in slightly even though no one was around, "we can have a romantic evening at home." She grinned at him, to which Jack chuckled and nodded back at her. She patted his hand before turning to walk back over to her trainer as Spirit Dancer was coming around the track again.
Lisa worked on some time trials, but at her next glance, Jack wasn't at the fence. She shrugged it off, hoping that he had taken her advice and was now resting in her office. It was a cool day, but the sun had been beating down on them all afternoon, and she was starting to feel a bit parched herself. She went back to her time trials, very happy with Spirit Dancer and two of her other horses she had on the clock for the afternoon. This time, she glanced at her watch, noting it was nearing 5:00 and thus, about time to call it quits for the day.
Not much later, Lisa turned again to see if Jack had returned or if he really had taken her advice and about did a double take this time. He was back at the fence, but-
Lisa took off her sunglasses and started walking toward him, her mouth open in complete shock.
"Lisa!" Marion and Amy were with Jack, both with bright smiles, waving at her as she walked toward them. She met Jack's gaze, and he gave her a nod and smile too, adding a wink as she was almost within arm's reach.
"What are you doing here?" Lisa gestured at them, Marion reaching over the fence now to hug her. Marion pulled her into a tight hug, Lisa returning it and then hugged Amy as well before she turned to Jack, waving her hand at him.
Jack frowned at Lisa, "I can't believe you kept catching me checking my watch. I was waiting for them," he gave a nod of his head toward them. Jack started to chuckle, "You were supposed to be working, and this was supposed to be your surprise."
"I am, I'm completely surprised, speechless in fact." She gripped Marion's arm, "It's so wonderful to see you. I can't believe you are here at my stable in France!"
"We can't believe it either," Marion, gripped Lisa's arm back and then gestured to her hand. "Come on, let's see it. We didn't fly thousands of miles to just chit chat; show us the ring."
"I really can't believe Grandpa proposed to you, Lisa," Amy smiled. "Congratulations. It's so strange to think Mom and I met you about a saddle, and now look where you are."
"I completely agree," Amy," Lisa leaned toward her. "Oh, it's so good to see both of you. Jack," she pursed her lips at him, "you were sneaky."
"I was, but at least this time I wasn't accused of having a heart attack." Lisa felt Marion tugging at her hand and turned back to her friend to show off her ring. Marion studied it, glancing to Jack.
"Your grandmother had this ring? It's gorgeous."
"Well, I had a new diamond put in it, but the ring design and setting is the same."
"Gorgeous, Dad," Marion patted his arm and released Lisa's hand. "Now," she narrowed her gaze at the two of them, "we're here for, wait," she looked up at Jack, "can I say it now that we're here?"
"Go on," Jack encouraged. "I didn't fly you halfway around the world to just see her ring."
"What is going on?" Lisa shook her head at the trio, landing her eyes on Amy who was grinning.
"We came for your wedding!" Amy said joyfully.
"Surprise," Marion waved her hands and grinned. "Dad," she said, clutching him as she gave him a hug, "said you just wanted to get married, but of course," she waved at Amy, "we had to be part of it. Now, Lou really, really wanted to come, but with a brand new job just starting, she said she wouldn't have time off for months, so even getting married back home, she might not be able to make it. So, tada, we're here!"
"Wait," Lisa repeated again, pointing to them, "wait, what?" She was now making a habit of that phrase, turning to Jack. He put his hand on her shoulder there over the fence, and with that, she turned to face him, the shock evident on her face.
"The night we got engaged, you mentioned in passing, almost in jest, that we should just get married here without much of an audience. I know you love it here, and I also know that you haven't been that excited about any of the suggestions about a wedding at home, so, yes," he nodded to his daughter and granddaughter, "I asked them to fly over. There's no pressure to get married here or to even marry me," he winked, and Lisa grinned as Jack continued to explain, "but Amy is still off from school another few days-"
"And, I don't mind missing school at all when it starts back," she grinned.
"For something as special as this," Marion hugged on Amy, "I'm with her. So, Lisa, what do you say? Want to get married here in France? My dad is a pretty good catch," she hooked her hand and smiled. "You're amazing and have this beautiful property, so I've been told."
Lisa, with her mouth hanging open, turned to Jack, "Are you serious?"
He waved his hand in jest, "I'd say as serious as a heart attack, but you already thought I had one when I proposed."
"Oh, Mom told me about that," Amy laughed at the two of them.
"Amy," Marion turned to her daughter and gestured to the stables, "why don't you and I go and check out Lisa's horses while these two talk. Okay to head to your stables?"
"Yes, of course," Lisa nodded, adding, "ahh, my trainer is cooling down Spirit Dancer. Please stop and check out that horse. Tell him you are family," she smiled warmly, "and he'll tell you all about him."
"Will do," Marion grinned, and before she stepped away, draped her arm around Jack and spoke toward both of them, "I like hearing that, that we're family," she leaned up and kissed Jack's cheek. As she stepped away with Amy, she could be heard saying, "My dear friend and my dad-who would have thought?"
"Okay," Lisa turned to Jack who was still leaning over the fence, "my horses are cooling down for the day, and I'm sick of being on the other side of the fence from you," she chuckled.
"Care to take a walk, have a chat?" Jack asked, gesturing. Lisa nodded at him, and the two walked down to the gate, and Lisa took Jack's hand in hers as she stepped out of the track area to walk with him.
"Yes, and to discuss this wonderful surprise," she smiled brightly. The two started walking alongside the track, but on the outside of it, just in the manicured grassy area. Jack cleared his throat to speak.
"I wanted to do something nice for you. You've been doing so many lovely things for me, for my family. I told you that I really appreciated you kicking my tail about New York, not that I liked it at all," he waved his free hand in the air and then glance at her, "I mean, New York-I did enjoy spending time with you, but I hated the city. We've been discussing wedding plans, and I do want it to be what you want, but you haven't seemed to be thrilled with any of the ideas we discussed for back at home. Look, if you don't want to get married here and now, that's fine-"
Lisa put her hand on Jack's, and the two stopped walked, "No, I really do. I really want to get married here. I hadn't suggested it at all because I didn't think it would be anything you would at all consider."
He put his arms on her shoulders as he squared up with her, "You've come into my life and turned it upside down, in a good way, I might add," he said, lowering his voice as he smiled at her. "I can't wait to marry you and will marry you anywhere, but yes, my only request is that Marion and Amy be there, Lou's schedule is unfortunate, but understandable."
"Ahh, yes," she flashed a bright smile and nodded. "This is perfect, Jack. It really is. I'd love to get married. Oh, when were you thinking?"
"Well, not Friday," he winked, waving his hand at the track, "your race."
"Ahh, what about Saturday?" Lisa's smile brightened. "Oh, Jack," she smacked his shoulder, "what a wonderful idea. We could be married by next week."
Jack chuckled at her enthusiasm, "I'm on board for whatever, Lise. If you want it to be that quickly, I'm in. With Marion here, I wasn't sure if you two would want to go shopping-"
"We'll go tomorrow," she interjected, nodding. "I have a very, very light day here, really just to check in early because with the race Friday, Thursday needs to be a rest day. We'll go shopping, pick out some dresses, nothing at all too formal or over the top, and yes, this will happen. I'm serious when I don't want anything else, just to marry you. I love you."
Jack gave her a nod, "Well, as I said, I'm happy to give you the wedding you want, where you want-"
"Jack," she interrupted again, nodding, "this is what I want. I didn't even realize this was so perfect until you said it. I mean, yes, I had thought about a wedding here, but I never thought you would want that. We can take care of the licensure issues and all tomorrow. Ahh, we will have to get married at the town hall, as best I can explain it in English, but that's the place, a civil wedding here because I do own property, but we can then have a lovely dinner with Marion and Amy to celebrate," she let out her breath and just smiled brightly. "I am so excited now. This is going to be perfect, and for whatever reason, I love the idea of just taking the plunge now, no major planning or drama. Yes," she nodded firmly, "I love this idea."
"Okay," he leaned down to kiss her as they walked, kissing her cheek. "If you are sure, then let's find Marion and Amy. They have to be exhausted. They've been traveling since last night."
"Oh," she smacked at his chest, "yes, of course. Let's get them back to the house. Ahh-"
He put his hand on her shoulder as they turned to walk back to the stable, leaning in, "Yes, I told them they could stay in your spare room. You and I are not saying a word to Amy; I left that to Marion," he smirked, and Lisa chuckled. "She's a teenager and can figure out that we're getting married in a couple of days. I'm okay with that, but yes, let's head back, collect those two, and we can discuss all this at the house. Sorry that we can't have that romantic evening you suggested." Jack smiled warmly at her, and with that, Lisa pulled herself up and kissed him squarely.
She batted an eye at him, "You brought your family here to give me the wedding I didn't even know I wanted. You lovely, very romantic man. I adore you. Now, I'm more than happy to share the house. Maybe just a simple pizza for dinner? I know pizza is Amy's favorite right now, and there is that local authentic Italian place in the village-"
"I like your thinking," he stopped and turned to lean down and kiss her. "Needed to do that now before we have an audience at home. Sure, let's get a pizza, get them settled, and we can all sit down for a meal together on the back porch. You can show them the beautiful view, which I have to admit, is the best thing I've seen here in France."
Two hours later, Jack and Amy were sitting on the back porch talking, waiting for Marion and Lisa to return with the pizza. The friends had walked into the village to pick it up, and while they were gone, Jack had set the table while Amy had taken a hot shower. She had just dropped into a seat at the beautiful wooden round table and sighed.
"Man, I'm tired. I'm not used to this time change thing."
"Well, the good thing is, you can go right to bed after dinner, and it's not too early for you. I mean, a little," he waved his hand, "but going home, it will be worse. Eight hours is a big time change, but flying overnight as you did, yes, I'm sure your time is all messed up. It's one of the reasons I don't enjoy traveling."
"But you like it now with Lisa?"
Jack made a face at Amy and shrugged, "No, not really. I've told Lisa that, but I have tried to enjoy it for her. This is a beautiful property," he waved his hand around, "and I appreciate she's not dragging me all over France, but no, I'm not a big traveler. I hate that I can't understand anyone-"
"You know I've had to take French at school, but I really haven't paid much attention," Amy frowned. "I can count to 10." She laughed at that, as did Jack.
"Amy," he frowned as he gathered his thoughts and then looked over at his younger granddaughter, "I am glad you and your mom came here. I do really love Lisa and hope you are okay I'm marrying her."
Amy nodded, and Jack could see she was deep in thought, "I mean, I know you love her. I can see that. It's strange to think that you still you know, "she nodded, "want to be in love and all at your age, not that I want to think or talk about that," she made a face. Jack let out his breath at that, knowing that Amy was dodging a conversation he didn't want to have with his granddaughter. She continued, "You've been really happy. I guess it's a little weird to me, you getting married again because I just always saw you as Grandpa, home at the ranch, by yourself after Grandma died. I don't really remember her, and I know she died when I was three. Lisa's great," Amy smiled. "I guess if you asked me who I would see you marry, I mean besides saying you wouldn't ever get married again, it would be some old lady like you, so that's kinda a surprise."
Jack burst out laughing at that, nodding as he did.
"To tell you the truth, I didn't see myself marrying anyone either, but you'll find out when you get older-when you love someone, you just love them. You can't explain it."
"Kind of like Mom with Dad?" Amy asked, glancing at Jack. "Dad has done some really stupid things and was gone for years, but even I can see Mom still loves him."
"As much as I don't want to admit it, yes, probably like your mom, but I'm not going to even try and discuss that with your parents."
"Fair," Amy laughed, "I don't want to get involved in it either, but I'm in the middle of it all the time."
"I'm sorry about that, Amy. Last thing I want is you to feel in the middle of anything like that. I hope you will be okay with Lisa around all the time now. She's part of the family."
"She's really great," Amy smiled. "Just weird, you know, that she will be at the house, and I can't believe she's younger than Mom," Amy grinned. "Grandpa, you know that's weird."
"Yeah, a little," he chuckled. "I love her, Amy. I really do. More than I ever could have imagined, and I hope someday you find someone you love that much, someday, in the very distant future," he winked at Amy. She smiled with a nod. "She keeps me young, and you've seen her with your mom-"
"Oh, Mom is thrilled, and the two of them are going to be funny to watch gang up on you-"
"Never," Jack winked at her, and the two were interrupted with the ladies returning.
"We're back," Lisa called out, but Marion was the one who appeared with the pizzas in hand.
"I love that village! This place is amazing. I don't even care I'm exhausted. I love it here," Marion squealed, and Lisa then appeared behind her, a new bottle of wine in hand. She held it up and nodded at Jack.
"We made another stop in the village."
Jack gestured to the table where he had wine glasses waiting, "I assumed you would." Lisa grinned at that and leaned over to kiss Jack's cheek as she sat and put the wine on the table.
"Let's eat. I'm starving. Just that airline meal on the flight over-"
"It was really good, all that cheese," Amy nodded. The adults all looked at each other and chuckled. "What, it was."
"Honey, I think you are probably the only person to claim airline meals are good," Lisa patted her hand, sitting next to her at the round table. Jack was on the other side of her, and Marion was between Amy and Jack. "Glad you enjoyed it."
"It was decent, but this pizza looks divine," Marion rubbed her hands together. "So, let's eat and chat. We," she pointed toward Lisa and Jack, "have a wedding to plan."