It felt so good to be home. Heartland. Home. Lisa's mind wandered to all of the events of the last almost two years that had led her here, feeding her infant daughter in a place that she'd grown to love and call her home.
Lisa swore that Nora knew she was home and delighted in watching the little girl kick and squirm as she took her bottle. She loved how Nora was now grabbing for her hair, which yes, she'd been clipping up, but her sweet, yet strong little girl always seemed to find a wisp of hair to grab. Lisa had only been home from France for 24 hours, but it felt like she'd been gone a lifetime. Gosh, she'd missed Nora and just the simple things like this, feeding her on a quiet afternoon, a fire going in the fireplace, a cup of tea on the end table next to her-just a lovely afternoon. Fairfield business had always been important, always seemed important, but right now, all that was important was spending time with her baby. She didn't want to think about anything else.
"Earth to Lisa," she heard and spun her head around, knowing the voice of her stepdaughter. "Oh, you are alive," Marion grinned at her. "We need to talk. So, coffee?"
"Sorry, my mind was wandering. Did you ask me something?" Lisa asked.
"Just if you want some coffee. Oh boy, you and I need to talk."
"Oh my," Lisa chuckled, putting down Nora's bottle and putting the baby on her shoulder as she looked back to Marion at the kitchen doorway. "I have tea, but your voice sounds like we're talking about needing something stronger."
Marion walked to Lisa, coffee in hand, and she sighed. She plopped down on the opposite end of the couch, curled up, so that she was sitting sideways toward Lisa with her feet tucked under her and frowned.
"Oh boy," Lisa muttered and shifted Nora while she burped her. She faced Marion, tucking her leg under herself as well and grimaced looking at her. "Has Tim done something? I know I've been gone what, a week and a half, but you seemed like you were just working through all he'd told you."
"I'm doing fine with Tim," she told Lisa. "I appreciate you listening to me before your trip. It's not Tim. It's Amy."
"Amy?" Lisa said, pulling her head back in surprise. "What has Amy done? Please tell me she's not turned into a snippy, sarcastic teenager while I've been gone. Wow, it feels like so much has changed."
It was Marion's turn to look surprised. She frowned and gestured, "What's changed? Poppy there is doing just fine. She didn't grow or anything."
Lisa rolled her eyes, "Would you just go ahead and get Nora a horse, name it Poppy, please? She's honestly going to think that's her name, hearing it all the time."
"Sure, just like she thinks your hair is her food," she smirked and waved her hand at Lisa, gesturing to Nora, who on Lisa's shoulder, was yes, putting Lisa's hair into her mouth. Lisa shifted her and shook her head in annoyance.
"What has Amy done that has you in a huff?"
Marion crossed her arms and glared at Lisa, "She just got off the bus, came running into the barn, and told me she has a date for the winter dance."
Lisa burst out laughing and covered her mouth quickly, seeing Marion's reaction. "I'm sorry, but you're in a huff because your teenager daughter has a date to the dance? That's a good thing," Lisa said, reaching forward and swatting at Marion's leg.
"Remember this moment, how the two of us, or three of us, excuse me Poppy, are sitting here talking. Now, fast forward about what 14 years, and I'll be the one to say, 'Oh, it's a good thing.' Just remember that, Lisa. I'll have you sulking, and Dad will have the shotgun out. Problem will be then he won't be able to see because he's old you know, and he'll torture whatever fine young man comes to take out Poppy."
"I'm sorry," Lisa said, reaching over to squeeze Marion's hand. "Now, seriously, though," Lisa said, patting Nora's back as she got more comfortable holding her there on the couch, "I know you. I know you well, and you've raised one teenager already, so dating isn't new. What is so upsetting about Amy having a date?"
"It's Jesse Stanton! "Marion exclaimed, waving her hand in the air. Lisa's facial expression changed, apparently enough that she gave away her disgust too. "Yeah, there, that," Marion pointed at her. "That's the problem. It's a Stanton, Val's kid. Why in the world is she excited about a date to the dance with Jesse?"
"Jesse Stanton, really?" Lisa tilted her head and groaned, shaking her head in disgust. "Okay, I get it."
"Thank you!" Marion smacked Lisa's leg and exclaimed, so loudly that Nora jerked slightly. Marion noticed, and grimaced, "Sorry about that Poppy. Your big sister is just irritated."
"Start over," Lisa shook her head. "Amy is adorable and so sweet, but how in the world did Jesse Stanton decide to take her to the dance, and then, why did she say yes?"
"Apparently, Amy is convinced Jesse is nothing like Val. She admitted to me she's had a crush on him a long time, all the girls do," Marion rolled her eyes. "He's that kid in school. We both know the type, the obnoxious, good-looking one all the girls fawn over."
"Oh, I remember the type," Lisa nodded, now standing up with Nora and putting her down on the floor in the little play mat she'd purchased while in France.
"What's that, a new blanket?" Marion sat forward to examine it. "Oh, it's a play toy. Cute."
Lisa nodded and glanced to Marion with a small smile, "I found it in France. I saw some online here too when I was looking up all the things she needed. I just hadn't bought one yet, not that she needed it, but since she's getting bigger and stronger, she can start to see and reach for the toys."
"She seems to like it," Marion nodded, grinning at Lisa. "It even has things for tummy time."
"Yeah," Lisa frowned, "not excited about that. She gets frustrated with it. I got it out this morning, and it was all I could do to not scoop her up."
"Right," Marion nodded. "Little sis will never roll over or play on her tummy. Got it."
"Okay, how about we focus on one of our daughters right now and not mine," Lisa said, eyeing Marion. "Jesse, really?"
"Yes, I know. This won't end well. He's older than she is, which I don't like. He has a license, and of course, Val bought him a brand-new SUV. I'm not thrilled with that, but Amy is just so excited about this dance. What do I do?"
Lisa thought a moment, pursed her lips, and nodded, "Honestly, I think she should go to the dance, with," Lisa held up her hand, "restrictions."
"Umm, okay, what kind?"
Lisa shook her head as she thought while sitting there on the floor with Nora, "Well, he's a new driver," she waved her hand. "Maybe Amy can go, but you anThat d Tim will drop her off at the dance and pick her up."
Marion nodded as she listened, "Yeah, it's not even about the driving. I just don't want him thinking he can take Amy on a drive somewhere for more than she needs to get into at her age."
"Exactly my thought," Lisa nodded. "Amy has done nothing wrong. We both know that, and yes, we also both know how exciting it is for a boy to take notice. She's still in the star-struck phase where she thinks the bad boy is a good choice. Get her a nice dress, let her get all dressed up, hair done, whatever she wants, but tell her with it being winter, nighttime, and all that, Jesse a new driver, those are the rules. Maybe," Lisa waved her hand, "they can go to Maggie's after, but only there," Lisa pointed at Marion, "so that Amy thinks she has a little freedom."
"You know what," Marion nodded, "I like that. Those are reasonable expectations Amy should understand without thinking I hate Jesse, which," she frowned at Lisa, "I do."
"Plus, Val, we can't forget her," Lisa said with a shudder. "Gosh, when Val realizes her son is taking out Jack's granddaughter," she burst out laughing. "It is funny."
Marion nudged her shoulder against Lisa's, "Well, for Val's sake, at least one Stanton is dating a Bartlett family member."
Lisa picked up Nora again after she started fussing on her mat, kissing her cheek and then looking at Marion, "Well, what are you going to do?"
Marion nodded, "I'm going to do just what we discussed. Thanks for being my sounding board. Tim would freak, so I'll talk him off the ledge," she laughed. "I'll get her a dress. Oh, you should come with us! You know I'm terrible about fashion. If it's not a flannel dress," she grinned, "what would I know?"
"I'd love to help you and Amy find a dress. When is this dance?"
"Just about three weeks, almost the middle of March."
"Okay, so we have a little time. Amy will look beautiful in anything, but yes, this sounds like a Saturday trip to Calgary."
That trip to Calgary happened just over another week later. More snow moved in the weekend they had planned to go, not that it was a surprise to see snow in Canada in February, but by the first weekend of March, the roads were clear. Lisa, Marion, Amy, and Nora set off for Calgary with the destination of the mall, Amy having an idea of a dress she wanted from pictures she'd found in a magazine. Jack had offered to keep Nora at home, but honestly, Lisa didn't want to leave her, and she'd told Jack that with the clear weather, she knew he had plenty to do along the fence line. Amy had invited Sorayah, but she and Maggie had to attend a family wedding out of town, so it left the four ladies, related through a combination of blood and marriage, to find Amy the perfect dress.
"Amy," Lisa called to her from the driver's seat, glancing back to see Amy playing with Nora in her car seat, "Honey, what store did you want to try first?"
"Oh, just the mall," Amy nodded. "I'm sure I'll find something there."
Lisa made a face to herself and glanced over at Marion, "Are you sure you don't want a nice boutique? There are some really great ones around Calgary. I know we could find you something very unique there."
"No," Amy offered a small smile, "the mall is fine. Plus, I figure it won't take long to get a dress, and if it's okay, maybe I can walk around, ahh alone? We don't get to the mall very much."
Marion looked over at Lisa with a shrug, "Fine by me. Lisa, did you have set plans?"
"Me, no," she shook her head. "I'm along for the ride, or the drive," she grinned with a small laugh. "No plans, just enjoying this day with all of you. I know Nora is going to need some spring things, so if you want time to look around Amy, yes, I'm sure I can keep busy. It's your day, Amy, so what would you like to do for lunch while we are in Calgary?"
"Oh," she smiled brightly, "the food court! I love the food court at the mall. That okay?"
Lisa winced again, trying to remember that this was about what a teenage girl wanted, her step-granddaughter specifically, and it was not about her. While the food court was the last thing on her mind, she remembered being a teenager too, not that she'd had food courts, but she remembered those days of having moments of independence and wanting that time to explore and enjoy.
"Ahh, sure," Lisa glanced to Marion, and Marion nodded.
"Well, that sounds like our old tradition," Marion added, gesturing to Lisa. "When Lou was a teenager, I used to bring the girls to the mall a couple times a year, and we would always go to the food court. Honestly, it was the easiest wrangling the two of them and most affordable."
Lisa smiled at her friend, understanding the special significance of the food court and nodded back at Marion, "Then, that sounds like the perfect lunch spot."
It was almost two hours later, after Nora had slept well in her stroller and was now being fed, that Amy seemed to find her dress. Lisa had taken up residence outside the dressing room on a sofa there to feed Nora while Amy tried on dress after dress after dress. Marion was the runner, getting different sizes and styles depending on the feedback. Finally, as Amy walked out to show the two women the latest dress, Lisa spotted a smile, one that told her this was Amy's dress.
"Oh, I love this one," Amy grinned widely, nodding at them. "Lisa, this one you saw is gorgeous."
"I love it too," Lisa called from her spot. "That's a great color on you, Amy. I saw that with the blue and greens and just knew it was meant for you. I'd have those straps adjusted slightly, which won't take a seamstress long. That's about all you need done."
"Agree," Marion nodded toward Lisa, "she has great taste, Amy. Yes, I agree with what Lisa said about the straps. I love the dress on you, kiddo, but I guess," she grinned, "you aren't just my little kiddo. You're growing up."
"Mom," Amy rolled her eyes. "No sappy comments. Okay, well, it's settled. This dress. Good. I'm done."
"Amy," Lisa called to her, "you'll need shoes and all too. Ahh, did you need to look at any other clothes while we are here?"
"Nah," Amy waved her hand. "My flannels are fine," and as she disappeared, Lisa dropped her head into a chuckle. Marion, with arms crossed, walked back over to sit down by Lisa, smirking.
"It's killing you that she doesn't want to look at clothes."
"I didn't say anything," Lisa shook her head.
"What are you going to do if Poppy here doesn't enjoy shopping?"
Lisa eyed her, "She'll enjoy shopping."
"And just wants to wear flannels like her big sister and her niece?"
"Stop," Lisa swatted at her, looking down at Nora. "She'll enjoy shopping with me. I'll make sure of it. Now," she glanced at Marion, "Amy can't wear her cowboy boots with that dress. She does need a pair of shoes."
"I know," Marion nodded. "We'll get her shoes, and I'm sure she'll have to practice wearing them at home, heels," she rolled her eyes. "Watch," she nudged Lisa, "I can see us all back here, not this store, but this grouping, in another 10 years or so finding her a wedding dress, and," she pointed at Lisa with a grin, "I bet you she will wear cowboy boots then."
"No, she wouldn't do that. No one," Lisa started to say but looked at Marion who was eyeing her. Lisa's eyes widened.
"You wore cowboy boots with your wedding dress? How did I not know that? I've seen the pictures."
"Exactly, long dress, so what does it matter if you wear cowboy boots? I did, and I'm already planning to do it again."
Lisa chuckled, putting down Nora's bottle on the very expensive stroller she'd bought for her, "Somehow that doesn't surprise me, but this time-" she eyed Marion, "so have we made some plans about when this wedding will be if you already know what you are wearing?"
"Nope, no plans, but maybe this summer," she shrugged. "I'd wear flannel if I could, but I suppose I'll take my wicked stepmother with me to help me find a dress," she winked. "The wicked stepmother did look pretty hot when she married my dad, not that I want to think about that, but she does have amazing taste, and that dress was a perfect second marriage dress."
"You'd better take her," Lisa grinned back, "that is, if you want her to pay for it, you know, the parents of the bride," she burst out laughing. Both women broke into a good laugh then as they waited for Amy to finish in the dressing room. Once Marion bought the dress, the group headed toward the shoe department, Lisa leaning to Marion as they walked, "I know you're forking out a pretty penny here today. I've got lunch."
"You don't have to do that," Marion told her.
"No, I don't, but I'm going to because I want to." They looked ahead and found Amy looking at boots.
"Amy, no, today, we're finding you some dress shoes, heels for that dress."
Amy made a face, but Marion pointed at Lisa, "Let Lisa help. I'll stay with Nora here, but you've brought along the queen of heels. You've seen her walk in those things, so let her help you find something."
Amy looked to Lisa, and Lisa shrugged, "We'll be quick, and then, we can have lunch in the food court, okay? Trust me?"
"Yeah, I mean, you always look amazing, so sure, let's see what kind of shoes we can find to torture my feet. You're even wearing heels today," Amy pointed to Lisa's shoes, which were short black boots with a wide heel. Lisa grimaced.
"Not this kind of heel, Honey. You need a dress shoe."
"I'd be fine getting something like yours," Amy shrugged. "I know nothing about fashion. I just want comfortable."
After trying on two pairs, Amy was set on a pair of simple silver heels. She wobbled some walking in them, but she liked them, and Marion soon was paying for the shoes.
"Jesse!" Marion and Lisa heard, turning around from the cash register area to spot Amy running toward Jesse, who was walking through the shoe department with Val, nonetheless.
"Oh great," Marion groaned, eyeing Lisa, who had one hand on the stroller and another moving Nora's blanket while she slept. "Just what we need." Marion took the shoe bag and made her way toward Val and Jesse. Amy seemed to be mesmerized by Jesse, and Val was standing there grinning at the young couple.
"Ahh, hi Val," Marion nodded.
"Val," Lisa said with a tight smile.
"Well, I assume you are all getting Amy set for this dance. Jesse told me he was now dating Amy."
"They're going to the dance," Marion cut in. "We'll be dropping off Amy at the dance to meet Jesse there."
"Mom, can Jesse and I walk around the mall together, please?" Amy eyed her, glancing between Marion and Lisa. Lisa heard Marion sigh slightly.
"Ahhh," Marion looked at Val, and Val held up her hand in defense.
"We are done shopping. Jesse needed new shoes. Ashely didn't come, but she and I already had a fitting for her at a boutique. Amy," she eyed her, "did you get your dress here, not a boutique?"
Lisa looked away, rolling her eyes at Val being so direct, but Amy answered very politely, "I found the perfect dress here, and I can't wait to wear it. I love coming here. So, can we, Mom?"
"Val?" Marion eyed her, and Val threw up her hand in a wave.
"I have no plans. I suppose I can always look around, for basics, I mean. Lisa, is that why you tagged along," she gestured, "to try and find something that fits?"
Lisa threw on her best fake smile and shrugged, "I have a growing baby here who needs some things for spring. I'm concerned about her welfare right now, and I would never turn down a day out with family. I loved that Amy wanted me to be part of this today, and it was really special finding her just the right dress."
"Amy, yes, why don't you and Jesse get some lunch and walk around?" Marion eyed Val again, and Val shrugged.
"I'm fine with that," Val nodded. Marion dug out some money and handed it to Amy, but Val spoke before Marion could give instructions. "Jesse, remember you are a Stanton, and Stanton men treat others when they take them out."
Marion and Lisa caught each other's eye, and both turned to the kids.
"Ahh, one hour, Amy. We'll need to get going, and Nora will need to get home."
"Bye," she waved, already bouncing away with Jesse, leaving the women there.
"Well, then, I am going to finish my shopping, already had lunch, but Jesse can always eat again. What are you two planning?"
"Ahh, we will get some lunch," Marion glanced at Lisa who nodded. Lisa waved at Nora.
"She'll want out of that seat, so we're planning to sit down so I can hold her some."
"Well, you enjoy your lunch. Lisa, there is one place that has salad at the food court, you know," she waved at Lisa, and Lisa, knowing Val was inferring she was overweight, wanted to punch her. Lisa smiled again at Val.
"Yes, well, thank you for that information, but you know, after having a baby, it takes time to get your body back, and thankfully," she eyed Marion before smiling at Val, "my husband has no problems with how I look right now. In fact, he seems very pleased with me."
Lisa heard Marion hold back a snicker, but Lisa just stood there, hand on the stroller and held Val's gaze until Val pretended to be looking for something. She pulled out her reading glasses, holding them up.
"Glad I found these to read the clothing tags. You know, they always say the eyesight goes more and more the older you get. Hate to think how blind I'll be in another decade or two. Have a nice day, ladies."
Val walked off quickly, leaving Marion there, mouth open, looking to Lisa. She waved her hand at Lisa, "Was she just suggesting Dad-"
"Only finds me attractive because he can't see well? Yes, she was," Lisa sighed and rolled her eyes at Marion.
Marion grimaced, "I'm sorry, Lisa. She's horrible. Please, don't listen to a word she says."
Lisa shrugged, "I mean, she's right-not about lunch. I'm not getting a salad from the food court," she chuckled. "She's right, though, that I desperately need things that fit. Nothing does, and honestly," she dropped her head as she laughed, "I do tell Jack he's blind to think I look good."
"Well, let's not discuss that," Marion said with a single nod as she chuckled, "but I'm here to help, I mean, if you want to look around. I can watch Poppy for you."
"Appreciate that," Lisa made a face, "but it's going to take much longer than an hour to redo my wardrobe, and besides," she frowned, "I keep hoping if I give it another week, my clothes will fit better, but so far, not the case."
"Well, let's get some lunch," she hooked her arm through Lisa's, "and we can talk about another shopping trip to outfit you. I know nothing about fashion, but I'll gladly tag along, offer opinions, be your runner-I'm good at that, and feed the little sis because I know that you have no plans to leave her at home."
"No, I don't," Lisa smiled, patting Marion's arm. "Yes, let's find some lunch," she grinned. "We can talk about this ridiculous dating idea of Amy and Jesse. Plus, I'm starving, but if you tell Val that, I'll disown you." The two women laughed as they walked together with Nora in the stroller in search of food.