"Lisa!" Maggie exclaimed and clapped her hands together, coming around the diner counter to greet her friend. "Oh, it's so good to see you." Jack stepped into Maggie's behind Lisa, surveying the place while Maggie and Lisa reconnected. He stood, watching them with a shake of his head and small smile. Maggie caught his gaze as she stepped back from her giant hug to Lisa. "Ahh, hi stranger. Haven't seen you in here since before she left," Maggie smirked at him and nodded to Lisa. "Some might think that was intentional, I mean, avoiding me here at the diner. Well, "she nodded, "Marion and I have both commented on it."
At that, Lisa looked up at Jack and bit her lip, but before she could say anything, Jack gestured to the corner.
"Maggie if it's okay, I will let you two ladies catch up. Lise, I'll grab that table," he told her with a quick nod as he squeezed her arm stepping around her. Lisa patted his arm and turned her attention back to Maggie.
"So?" Maggie dropped her voice and raised her eyebrows at Lisa. "I see and hear things have progressed."
"Maggie," Lisa tilted her head and sighed while she rolled her eyes. "You know I'm not going to share details like that."
Maggie nodded, a big grin, "But saying that means there are details just as Marion told me. It's fine," she waved. "Happy for you, girl."
"Thanks," Lisa's smile widened and her gaze drifted to Jack. "He makes me very happy, happier than I ever imagined." Maggie followed her gaze and nodded, turning her head back to Lisa.
"He's a good man, but you see that. He's incredibly loyal, so if you're part of that," she nodded to Jack, "he'll love you forever. I mean," she eyed Lisa, "that's not too much, right? You do love him."
"I do," Lisa said, patting her hand. She was just about to step toward Jack to sit when the door opened, and Val stepped in. Lisa held back a laugh as she heard her friend outwardly groan at the sight of Val, dressed to the nines, and it looked like a fresh haircut and manicure. Val pushed up her sunglasses and surveyed the scene, well, the table area, and both Maggie and Lisa watched as Val made a beeline for Jack.
Lisa glanced at Val and then to Maggie. Val hadn't spotted her yet, and Maggie frowned at Lisa as she shifted and rolled her eyes at Lisa.
"Jack, how good to see you!" Both women heard Val greet Jack, who had been studying his menu and looked up, startled it wasn't Lisa.
"Oh, Val," he gave her a nod. "Nice to see you."
"Late lunch I see," she gestured. "This seat taken?" Val started to move the chair to sit, anticipating the answer she wanted, and Jack jumped in, putting his hand in front of him.
"Actually, Val, it is," and at that, Lisa gave Maggie a nod. Maggie returned it and patted Lisa on the back as she stepped toward the table.
"Oh, Val, hi," she said, trying to convey her surprise at running into her. "Jack, Maggie said she'd be right over to get our order."
Val looked between the two and gestured with her finger, "Are these silly rumors true? Are you two actually seeing each other? I thought that display a few weeks ago was just that, some silly display that for sure you'd both be beyond now."
"Well, we're having lunch," Lisa said with a shrug and gestured to the seat Val still had her hand on. "I'm starving as well, just got off a flight from France, lots of work-related issues. May I?" She gestured to the chair, catching Jack there dropping his head, probably waiting for the two women to have words. Lisa studied Val who pursed her lips but did shift to the front of the table so Lisa could sit.
"Val, heard you have a new stable manager over there," Jack offered a polite topic of conversation to engage her, looking up, hoping to change the conversation.
"Yes, fabulous recommendation on this one, comes from Southern Italy, just a wonderful background in jumping. Ahh, how is Amy doing with that? I mean, Ashley will be taking private lessons from my new stable manager, which should only help her to that next level, above anyone else around here."
"Oh, I think just fine, Val," Jack said with a small smile and nod. "You know, I leave that to Amy and Marion. Quite busy with my own life."
"Jack, Lisa," Maggie walked up behind Val, "coffee to drink?"
"Lise?" Jack nodded.
"Sorry, Val, can I get you something to go? I should have already asked," Maggie questioned he, putting her arm on Val's. Val looked again at the couple sitting down, her mouth turning to a frown at the mention of Lisa's nickname. Lisa looked at Maggie.
"You know, I just had some coffee Jack brought me at the airport. I'd love an iced tea. So thirsty after that long flight."
"Sounds good, Maggie," Jack nodded. "I'll have the same. Val, don't let us keep you. We're both hungry-Lisa has been traveling, and I ate earlier than normal this morning to pick her up."
"Val, your usual to go?" Maggie touched her shoulder, and Val spun around.
"Ahh, yes, please. Well, you two, ahh," she gave them a single nod, "enjoy." At that, Val stepped to the counter, but Lisa continually noted the stares they were given as Val waited for her coffee.
Once Jack and Lisa had ordered lunch, they settled back into their normal chat, which they'd had no problem doing on the drive from Calgary. Now that it was after the lunch crowd, the place wasn't busy, and Lisa kept catching Maggie grinning over at them as they ate.
Lisa realized a lot of the conversation had been her talking, telling Jack all about France. She finished eating and put down her fork, nodding to him, "You're quiet today."
"Oh, no," he gestured with his fork as he chewed a bite. "Enjoyed listening to you talk about your trip. I'm glad your horse is on the mend. Just out of curiosity," he said picking up his tea, "what did a race horse like that cost you?"
"Ahh, around $600,000," she said with a nod, and at that, Jack, coughed into his drink.
"For a horse? I had no idea you were talking that kind of money. I mean, wow."
She shrugged and sipped hat hers too, "Yes, and that was one of my better deals. So," she gestured at him, "you can see why it's such a huge thing if one is sick. I mean, yes, I adore the horse too, but a race horse like that is quite the investment."
"I see that," Jack whistled.
"But, you're quiet," she said, giving him a nod. "What else has been going on here?"
"Oh, not much," he shrugged. "Marion has been busy with client horses. I replaced a section of fencing before the ground got too frozen. That's been about it. I do need to replace some of the barbed wire, but I can do that this week."
"I really missed you," Lisa said, leaning toward him, but the moment interrupted with Maggie.
"You two need anything else?" She eyed Lisa, smiling at her, and Lisa shook her head.
"Just the check, Maggie, but I'll pay up there so you don't have to walk back here."
"No problem, Jack. Lisa, Marion and I were talking that it's been too long since the three of us got together."
"I'm in," Lisa said with a nod of her head.
"We'll figure out a night that works, I mean, Jack," Maggie turned and grinned at him, "if I can pull her away from you."
Jack just rolled his eyes and then gestured at Lisa, "She's capable of running her own social schedule."
"Where you two off to now?" Maggie asked.
"Ahh, home for me," Lisa nodded. "Looking forward to a relaxing evening."
"Jack?" Maggie nodded at him.
He smirked at Maggie, "Dropping off Lisa and heading home to make beef on a bun for Marion and Amy. As you know, Marion isn't really into cooking."
"But Lisa is," Maggie gestured at her.
"I'm fine, Maggie," Lisa laughed. "I'm looking forward to my bed," and when Maggie's eyes lit up, she finished, "alone."
"Fine you two, keep things quiet. That's fine. I'll see you at the register."
The rest of the day passed quietly for both. With Lisa so tired after her travels, she told Jack she was looking forward to a hot shower and a warm bed. He didn't call her later that evening for fear of waking her up, and the two had made plans to talk the next day.
Chatting came sooner than later, as Jack was riding up to the barn after his morning checks and saw Lisa's car parked by the barn. He took care of putting Paint in the ring to let him cool down from their ride while he went in search of Lisa. He didn't have to go far; he heard Marion and Lisa laughing from the barn and walked in to see Marion polishing saddles and Lisa standing there, keys in hand, talking to her. Both women looked up when they heard Jack's boot echoing on the barn floor.
"Dad, look who dropped by," Marion nodded her head at Lisa. Jack smirked at Marion.
"I can see that. I'm old, not blind."
"Stop," Lisa giggled, shaking her head at him. "I came by to see Marion, not you, so-"
Jack's eyes widened, and Marion paused her polishing and looked at the two of them, her eyes wide as well, panic setting in on her face. Lisa glanced between the father and daughter and finally, she waved her hand and grinned.
"I'm only teasing. That sounded like I didn't want to see you," she laughed at Jack. Marion started laughing and nodded at Lisa.
"Good one. You had me freeze over here and wonder what had happened."
"I mean," Lisa gestured at Marion, "I did want to talk to you and am glad we've had some time to catch up."
"Me too, Lisa, but you don't have to hide your main reason for coming over here."
"I suppose it's good to see you then," Jack said walking up to her now that the air had been cleared. He chuckled, stepping to her side and putting his arm around her. "Hi," he looked down at her.
"Hi, Cowboy," she said with a nod. "Fix that barbed wire?"
"I did, wanted to do that before the wind kicks up. Farm report said that the weather was going to turn around midday. Marion, those saddles are looking good."
"Thanks, Dad," she said with a smile. "Don't let me keep you two," she gestured. "Lisa, I'll see you Friday night."
"Looking forward to it," she reached over and squeezed Marion's arm. She then looked up at Jack and gestured toward the house, "Have time for a cup of coffee and chat?"
"Sure," he told her with a single nod of his head, his arm still around her shoulders. "I could use something warm." At that, Marion grinned up at him, and he grimaced, making a face at her. "I mean, the coffee. You-"
"Stop," Lisa swatted at Jack. She pointed at Marion, "You too. I waited until Amy had left for school because I had a feeling you would be poking at both of us, Marion."
"I mean, I don't get to often, with Dad. I have to have some fun," she flashed a smile. Jack turned Lisa at her shoulders and nodded to the house.
"Let's get that cup of coffee. My daughter is being rather annoying." Both Marion and Lisa burst out laughing at that, and then Lisa and Jack walked to the house. He leaned down and kissed her as they walked.
"Mmm, it's good to see you. What's up? It's not like you to drop by this early."
"Well, that's what I wanted to ask you," Lisa eyed him as they continued to the house. "You were really quiet yesterday. I noticed. Something is going on, and I hope you will share."
Jack sighed and dropped his head, finally shifting his gaze to her. Lisa had her eyes trained on him, and finally, he gestured at the house, where they were now at the steps. "Let's get that coffee, and we can chat."
"Okay," Lisa frowned, nodding. "So, I was right."
"Just something we need to discuss, especially out of the public eye, and yesterday, with you just getting off the plane, it wasn't the time."
"Should I be worried?" Lisa asked as Jack held the door for her. He wasn't sure she heard his response.
"Hope not," he muttered under his breath, stepping inside.
Lisa made the coffee while Jack washed up. Truthfully, he had been out for some time and decided to hop in the shower. By the time he emerged, Lisa had the coffee ready and was sitting on the couch, reading one of Marion's magazines.
"Sorry, just needed to get cleaned up for the morning," he said, leaning down to kiss her. She grinned up at him.
"Don't apologize. I mean, it is nice not to have horse as your cologne scent."
Jack chuckled as he got comfortable, nodding at the coffee she had made, "Thanks for making this. Can't seem to warm up. That weather really is turning, and I did want to get that barbed wire done before this afternoon."
"I get that. I wanted to clear the air before the afternoon," she eyed him, dropping her head slightly to meet his gaze. "What's wrong? I am worried you are regretting this," she gestured at him. "You just seem almost withdrawn."
"No," he shook his head. "Not regretting, just that well, we didn't discuss something we should have, but truthfully," he frowned, "didn't cross my mind but should have with your age."
Lisa shook her head and frowned, "With my age?"
Jack put down his cup of coffee and took Lisa's hands in his, meeting her gaze. He shook his head slightly and sighed before he nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay, here's the deal. I, we," he amended, "should have talked about this. I know you are 41 now, Lise, and well," he frowned. "I'm not. I've lived my life-"
"We've talked about age," she laughed nervously. "It doesn't bother me."
"Well, this might, especially if we don't discuss it. Look, I don't know if you have these plans to hopefully have a family some day, but I've raised mine, and I'm not at that place. I just don't want us to get so involved that we aren't on the same page. As much as it hurts me to say this, if that's what you want, we do need to have a lengthy conversation."
"Oh," Lisa bit her lip, dropped her head, and she nodded. When she did look up at him, she was teary-eyed and gave him a sad shrug. "I, ahh," she paused and took another deep breath, "A long time ago, I thought a family was in the cards for me, for Dan and me," she nodded at Jack. He nodded back, listening to her speak. "I can't have kids," she finally blurted out, locking eyes with Jack and giving him a sad smile. "I had two miscarriages while Dan and I were married. I saw two specialists because I hated hearing that fate from one, and I guess I have an inhospitable uterus," she frowned, nodding. "Here, I thought I was a warm, pleasant, welcoming person, but I can't have kids. So, that's my story, and I'm sorry; I should have told you."
"No," he clasped her hands tighter and shifted closer to her, frowning. He wiped at her tear that had dropped, and she waved at her face.
"Sorry, it really isn't something I've focused on for years now because I, well, I accepted it and threw myself into work. It wasn't in the cards at all, especially after Dan and I divorced."
"Lise, you don't have to apologize for anything," Jack said, shifting even closer and pulling her into an embrace. He kissed the side of her head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I can't imagine the hurt and the pain, and I'm sorry you had to relive it now. I really didn't want to lead you on if that was something important to you because, well, we are at different stages of life."
"We're not," she said, pulling back and eyeing him. She nodded and repeated herself, "We're not. I'm at the stage of life I am so happy to have someone in my life I love, and I know you are there too, something very unexpected. I don't have these aspirations of a family because I can't; I know that, so I want to enjoy what I can from life. I love my work, and I know you love yours. Ranching is your life; horse racing and breeding-that's my life, but I still have room in my life for someone special, and you've told me you didn't think that was possible, but here we are-"
"Here we are," he nodded, pulling her back into an embrace. You know," he said quietly, "I think that it's pretty special we were both lonely, even if we didn't realize it and found each other."
"I do too," she said, the tears now flowing freely. Jack felt them hit his shirt and pulled back to look her in the eyes. He wiped at them.
"You don't have to cry. I mean, you are more than welcome to with me, but I am sorry. I'm sorry you can't have what you want, a family-"
"I've found you, and I didn't know I wanted you until I did," she smiled through her tears. Jack pulled her tightly against him and let Lisa cry it out, soothing her back as she did. Finally, she took a deep breath and sat back, allowing Jack to release his grip. "I'm okay. I really am. I haven't thought about that whole stage of my life in some time. I've made peace with it. I really have. I love you. I love being with you, being around your family. A family doesn't have to be one of blood. I know that, and I'm really glad you were willing to take a chance on me."
"Are you kidding? You're the gorgeous blonde. I'm the broken, old cowboy, and I still question your sanity thinking I'm worth anything." That had Lisa laugh, and Jack finally laughed too, kissing the side of her head. When she finally sat back, the two, still in close proximity, reached for the other's hand and just looked at each other, taking in things with the silence.
Jack pulled her hand up and kissed it, offering her a reassuring smile. The door had both of them snap their heads toward it, and Jack released her hand and reached over to pick up both cups of coffee.
"Oh, hi guys," Marion nodded at them but then immediately froze, sensing the tension in the air and seeing Lisa's face. "I'm so sorry; I have interrupted."
"No, you haven't Marion," Jack told her just before Lisa could say the same. With his eyes still trained on Lisa, Jack commented to Marion, "Lisa was just telling me that she met a young Frenchman while in France who has her attention." At that, Marion, who had been waiting for some great confession, paused as she was in the middle of taking off her coat and stared at them, her eyes widening for a second.
"No, you haven't," she burst out laughing, and then, both Lisa and Jack laughed too. "Nice try, Dad, but seriously, I can," she hooked her hand over her shoulder toward her room.
"Marion, there's fresh coffee. Help yourself," Jack said, and Lisa nodded. She stood and patted his knee as she did.
"I'm just going to freshen up."
Marion waited for Lisa to step into the bathroom and then tiptoed into the room, whispering, "Dad, I'm sorry. She looks really upset-"
"It's okay," he waved his hand. "Just something she wanted to tell me about. Everything is fine. You don't have to worry, but I'm sure she will really enjoy spending some time with you and Maggie. You three are good for each other," he told her with a small nod and sighed, adding, "even if that means my entire personal life is known to all of you."
She offered a soft smile and patted his shoulder, "Think of it this way-three of us, and we each see different parts or sides of you. Meeting together, well, that just allows us to put them together and gossip about all of you." Jack looked up and chuckled at her, reaching to squeeze her hand. "Can I do anything?"
"No," he told her. "Just be a friend to Lisa as you have been. You're good at that. She's okay."
"Are you two okay?" Marion eyed Jack.
Jack glanced at her briefly before he nodded, "We're okay, promise, I think both of us happy to have found someone special when we weren't even looking for it and the odds of finding each other almost stacked against us."