She didn't sleep well on planes, never had, but she had a feeling she might sleep today. It was still too early for sunlight, which was good considering the blinds were open, giving a view to the dark, very early morning sky. She hadn't expected the night to end up like this, but she definitely wasn't sad that it had; she loved Jack. That was something she'd been certain of now for, well, she couldn't put her finger on when she'd realized that, but she did. Hearing him tell her that he loved her, it reaffirmed her own feelings, that even with all their differences, that they really did have something special; they were in love.
Lisa smiled when she heard snoring and gingerly flipped from her side to her other side, now putting eyes on Jack who, lying on his back with his hands folded over his chest, appeared to be out cold. She propped herself up on her elbow, just looking at him, this man who had captured her heart. He was so different from Dan, not that she planned to compare the men, but here she was doing so, at least in her own mind. She'd never voice it aloud. He was her rugged cowboy, complete with the battle scars of rodeo injuries galore. He was loyal to his core, set on being there for his family. He was quiet, yet if he took you into his confidence, he would talk all day. Dan was none of that. He had always been interested in his appearance-his physical appearance, the appearance he carried of wealth and stature, and his appearance within the community as someone to admire. He talked to irritate people and took pride in that. Jack didn't care about those things, and in all her years, Lisa had come to realize that maybe what seemed opposite of what she thought she wanted was exactly what she wanted. With the dim light coming in from the window, the small trace of light from one of the outdoor spotlights, Lisa tried to find the time. She could hear Jack's nightstand clock ticking away, Lisa shaking her head at the antique he had in his room. She'd made fun of that turnkey clock late last night after the ticking annoyed her.
"What is that ticking?" Lisa had asked once they had finally settled for sleep.
"What?" Jack asked, glancing over at her in the dim light, both lying on their backs trying to get to sleep.
"How do you not hear that?" She sat up and used his chest to lean over him. "It's coming from this side, your nightstand. Wait, is that from the clock?"
"Oh, you mean my alarm clock?" Jack shifted, trying to only move his arm because Lisa was still using his chest to prop herself up to look over that way. He picked up the clock and held it for her to inspect.
"How old is this? You seriously use an alarm clock you have to wind each night? Jack, there are plenty of more modern clocks out there, even basic ones you just plug in."
"I like my clock just fine," he said, taking it back from her when she handed it back.
"That thing has to be older than me!" Lisa exclaimed with a chuckle, patting his chest as she settled again with her head on her pillow. "I can't believe you have that. How did I not know? What happens if you forget to wind it?"
"Well, it wouldn't keep the time, would it? I don't forget to wind it. I do so every night, did earlier, before you came over," he stated, putting the clock back on the nightstand and crossing his arms over his chest. There was a slight awkwardness as they settled, neither having slept next to the other before and really, over a decade since either had shared a bed at all. Lisa just laughed as the clock's ticking only seemed to become the elephant in the room.
"It doesn't bother you how loud it is?"
"I don't even notice it."
"I guess not, not when it's ancient. Is it your hearing?" Lisa teased, leaning up and propping herself on his chest again, grinning at him. "Can you not hear it anymore with your age?"
"So funny," he grumbled, shifting his arm to wrap it around her back. Lisa smiled at that gesture and settled in, putting her head on his chest. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep like this all night, but it was comforting for now. "I just don't see a need to replace something that is working just fine."
"It actually keeps correct time, still?" Lisa asked, chuckling there as she wrapped her arm around his chest.
"Perfect time, and as I said, it doesn't bother me."
"Okay," she told him, still chuckling.
"Look, if it still bothers you," he paused, "down the road, I might consider replacing it."
"That is very sweet," she told him, tightening her grip around his ribs. "I'll keep you posted."
Now, as she propped herself on her elbow and studied the man she loved, she tried to hold back a smile at that ticking clock. How in the world did he not hear it? Maybe it was a comforting sound to him, but it was almost echoing in the room to her. Her eyes were drawn away from Jack lying there snoring to take in the rest of the room, the little she could actually see of it. It was very Jack-like, not that it was any surprise to her, the room with a a rustic feel. His all-wood furniture was beautiful, his nightstand lamps black metal with a horse emblem on them. He had simple, solid navy blue bedding that just fit that of a man's style, no extra pillows or anything, and the same basic style applied to his décor. He had a couple pictures out on his dresser but nothing else. The pictures he had included one with Jack standing with Marion in her wedding dress, the proud father he was, Marion and the girls-she assumed it had to be Lou even though she'd not met her, and then, he had one from his wedding day to Lyndy on the taller dresser by the door. That was it, nothing extra out in the room. Perhaps she'd have to frame a picture of them for him to put out as well.
"Was I snoring?" Lisa's eyes were drawn back to the voice, and she smiled at Jack who now had his eyes open and was looking at her there, propped up on her elbow, looking at him.
"Maybe a little," she grinned. Jack groaned and reached for her hair. He seemed to really like her hair, his hands always going to it, rustling though it. She didn't want to see what it looked like in its current state; she could only imagine after his hands had definitely tousled it overnight. That, in addition to its wet state when she'd driven over, well, she'd had to rewash it before getting on the plane because otherwise she'd terrify people looking a mess as she expected.
"What time is it?" Lisa asked.
"Oh, so now you want information from my trusty clock," Jack sassed her, and Lisa started laughing. She smacked at his chest, but he turned his head to find out.
"4:40," he told her. She nodded and yawned.
"Ahh, what time does Marion get up?"
"5:30 for chores," he told her.
"I need to get going soon then for that matter and because of my flight," she told him, yawning more.
"Did you sleep at all?"
"Maybe a couple hours," she patted his chest. "I'm not complaining about sleep." She leaned her head on his chest again, and Jack wrapped his arm around her. "I think it was that ticking time bomb that kept me up." At that, both burst out laughing, Jack tightening his grip on her shoulder as she felt him kiss her head, her unruly head of hair.
"I'm really glad," Jack paused, and she felt his hand in her hair again as she could tell he was trying to compose his words, "we're right here," he finished. "I hope after last night you're not wishing I was 25 years younger."
Lisa turned her head and shifted to lift it slightly, a bright smile on her face, "I love you for you, and you definitely don't have to be 25 years younger, Cowboy. I'm really glad we're right here too. I'll miss you and this," she grinned, "while I'm in France."
"Me too," he leaned forward and kissed her, a sweet kiss before he then smiled at her. "How about a cup of coffee before you go?"
She nodded, "That I can do and could really use the pick me up this morning. You're sure Marion won't be up?"
He shook his head, "Not this early, no, so if you want to use the bathroom, I can assure you she won't hear or be in there. If you want to do that, I'll start the coffee, and we can enjoy a cup in here just to be safe."
She nodded, and both of them finally sat up and stood up, Lisa rolling her neck. She would need a firmer pillow here, that was for sure. She walked around the bed to the door where Jack had his hand on the knob, and he smiled while he pulled her in for a proper greeting, the two sharing a somewhat intense kiss for the time of day.
"Easy, Cowboy," she winked at him. "I do have to go."
"I know," he grumbled, running his hand up and down her arm. "Savoring the moments before you do. I like these," he gestured to her pajamas, the same ones she'd driven over in the dead of night. She smiled at his compliment and looked down at the set, one of her favorite sets. "Soft," he added.
"They're silk," she eyed him, a lazy smile on her face. "I have several pairs just like this."
"Good to know," he nodded and returned a lazy smile to her, nodding to her top. "Not that I expect you'll run into anyone or be out in any sort of public setting between here and your place, but when you rebuttoned that last night, your buttons are off." Jack smirked at her, and she made a face, looking down at her pajama top, shaking her head as she chuckled.
"Distracted, very distracted," she looked up at him, her bright eyes shining even with the lack of sleep. She leaned up, putting her arms on his forearms and kissed him with a wink. "Now, if you can make sure it's quiet out there, I'll freshen up a little in the bathroom like I did last night when you were on watchdog duty. I'll even rebutton my shirt."
He gestured, "I can take care of that," he winked, and she laughed, shaking her her head at him. He added, "I told you that you were welcome to shower in there, same goes for now."
She shook her head, "I know, thank you. I need to tame this mess and have all of my things at home."
"What, men's Old Spice isn't your shampoo too?" Jack smirked again, and both chuckled, Lisa repeating her action to lean up and kiss him. He patted her side and gingerly opened the door, both glancing around to take in the quiet house. It had not come alive for the day, perfect timing for her, and Lisa tiptoed as quickly as she could across the living room. Jack watched and waited for her to safely get to the bathroom before he went into the kitchen and started his normal routine. Most nights, he setup the coffee pot before going to bed, but last night had been an exception. He'd been too upset, too worried about things with Lisa, that he hadn't given it a second thought. So, the coffee took just a little longer this morning, but soon, it was perking away. He pulled out two mugs as well the creamer, both preferring cream only with this particular brand of coffee. While he was making the coffee, he looked around for anything they could snack on this morning, Jack hungrier than normal after the events of the evening. He didn't spot anything and decided that coffee would just have to do. It wasn't like he'd had women over before and going forward, his only intention was to share morning coffee with Lisa.
"Would you please stay, tonight, I mean?" Jack replayed his plea in his head as he leaned back against the counter waiting for the coffee to finish. Jack never got a verbal answer, not that he needed one. What was it-actions speak louder than words? Lisa flung her arms around Jack's neck, pressing her lips to his, her intentions clear, at least about staying. She pressed her body to his, Jack pulling her tightly toward him. They stood like that, sharing kisses, for quite some time before they broke apart, Jack smiling down at her, running his hands over her clipped, damp hair.
"Are you planning to take off that coat or do you sleep in that?" Jack teased, eliciting a single laugh from Lisa as she kept her eyes trained on him but allowed Jack to help her with her coat. He nodded in appreciation of her taking off her coat which only had her laughing again. The laughter seemed to break the slight awkwardness both had to be feeling taking this big step. She watched as he walked to his exterior door and hung it on the row of hooks there, turning back to her with a slight nod of his head as if to be proud of him for that. She shook her head and smiled at him, Jack walking back over to Lisa where, still making eye contact, she flung her arms around his neck again, Jack pulling her tightly toward him again.
"You're sure?" Jack asked quietly, leaning his head against hers, the two standing there in the dark of night, just his lamp giving off a soft glow. She raised her eyebrows at him as she looked up.
"Me? I'm sure," she smiled. "You?"
He nodded, meeting her gaze, "I'm sure, I mean, a little nervous if I have to be honest. I haven't," he paused, sighing slightly as he looked down and nodded, "It's been over a decade, Lise. I'm sure, though," he looked up at her. "I love you."
"I love you too, and I told you," Lisa stated with a nod, "we're in the same boat. "It's not like I have some call list of Frenchmen over there or have a revolving door of suitors. I'm nervous too."
"Well, you could, I mean, have a list of Frenchmen waiting for your call," he grumbled quietly, kissing her quickly. "I just," he paused, frowning again. He bobbed his head, "I'm not some young, buff cowboy-"
"Jack," she smiled warmly and put her hand on his chest as she shook her head, "I mean, it's you. I'm not looking for that," and as soon as she said that, she made a face and looked up at him. "I didn't mean," she shook her head, finally rolling her eyes. "You're exactly the man I want. We've been through this; I love you, and because you're my cowboy," she grinned, "there's nothing else that matters."
"I just want you to be sure," he added, running his hands though her hair again, "because this, there's no turning back. I'm not a random guy you've gone on some dates with if we move forward or just your friend's father," he rolled his eyes, which had Lisa chuckle. "We're moving way beyond that with this, and to tell you the truth, it's a little strange because with Lyndy, we were married."
She bit her lip and nodded, "Again, same story, Dan and I waited until we were married, but," she shrugged, "you and I are both older, and well, this is what I want, if it's what you want? Besides," she grinned and then scrunched up her face, "Marion's dad? Eeeh," she waved her hand with a wink at him, "we weren't that close." At that, both laughed, and Jack leaned in and kissed her tenderly. She hummed into it and felt Jack grasp for her hair clip to release her hair. She smiled into their kiss as he did that.
As they both took a second for air, Jack shrugged almost shyly, "I just don't want you to have certain expectations that I-"
"Jack," she laughed, a silly smile on her face as she spoke between kisses, tugging at his simple red t-shirt, "my expectation is that you stop talking. We only have so much time before daylight when I have to leave."
His head snapped up when he heard footsteps, Jack lost in the wonderful moments of last nigh that he hadn't been on guard for Lisa this morning. Feeling his heart racing, his eyes moved quickly, but he let out his breath at the sight of Lisa walking or really tip-toeing toward him in the kitchen. He looked over at the pot of coffee and saw that it was almost done, so he started to prepare their coffee. Lisa walked up to him, wrapped her arms around him, and she leaned up to give him yet another good-morning kiss.
"Used your toothbrush," she said quietly, a grin on her face, "and before you complain, we can certainly share that for right now."
He chuckled, pulling her in for another kiss before saying, "Wasn't going to say a word." His hands went to her hair again, and Lisa grinned tilting her head back and away from him.
"Oh, no, I just tried to brush out this mess with your brush. You, Cowboy, did a number on it last night. You really do love running your hands through my hair, don't you?"
"How could I not?" Jack pecked her lips and handed her the coffee, now ready. She grinned as she accepted the cup, and he took her hand in his as the couple walked back to his bedroom, closing the door once safely inside. Jack eyed the room, the only place to really sit was on the rumbled bed, so he nodded toward his side where they sat down, side by side. It was almost as if the awkwardness got worse as they did that. Lisa gave him a nervous glance as she sipped at her coffee.
As if he sensed her discomfort, Jack waved his hand, "I'd be happy for us to sit in the kitchen, but I know this is a lot-Marion, Amy," he nodded and looked over at her. "I'm sorry about that."
"No, this is good," she patted his hand there next to hers. "It is awkward, and yes, I don't think Marion needs the image of what her dad has been up to," she grinned, "or Amy thinking about her grandfather like that."
"No," he said with a quick nod.
"Not that you had anything to be worried about," she grinned and her put hand on his. "I'm really happy we talked-"
"We more than talked," he said quietly, leaning toward her as he kissed her neck. Lisa felt the blush creeping up her neck as he did. She shifted slightly and brought her coffee cup up to sip at it. Jack did the same, the two with their eyes locked on the other, now in the very early hour of dawn, were left to finish their coffee before Lisa had to leave.
"Please let me drive you to the airport," Jack prodded her. "I know you told me you like to drive yourself, but could you make this one exception?" He flashed a sad glance her way, and she seemed to take pity on him with a small laugh."
"I suppose since we are both in the compromising mood, I can allow that," she teased. "I do normally like to have my car there, though."
"I know," he nodded, looking down to his cup. "After last night and all, I'm just sad to have you go, but," he held up a hand in defense, "I know you have to go. I can still be sad and miss you."
At that, Lisa tilted her head, reached for his now empty cup and along with hers, reached over him and put them on the nightstand. She sat back down and put her hand on his face, "I will miss you so much, but you know I'm coming back to you. I'm in this for the long haul now," she grinned, squeezing his other hand with hers. "I promise."
He nodded, reached for her hand on his face and pulled it toward him, kissing it. Jack then leaned in and kissed her, both increasing intensity as they kissed. Neither knew who initiated it, but somehow, Lisa leaned back on the bed, and Jack was leaning over her kissing her, his hand now snaking up the back of her top. She swatted at his chest and chuckled.
"I really have to go, that is unless you want to explain this to Marion," she gestured between them and gave a nod back to his bed.
"No, I do not," he stated in a sure tone.
"I don't want to explain it to her either," she made a face. "I'm sure she will just assume we are one of those couples who is very happy keeping a plutonic relationship," and Lisa almost couldn't get the sentence out without bursting into a laugh. Jack started laughing at that too.
"Oh, this is eventually going to be embarrassing," he sighed, helping Lisa to sit up again. He reached over and smoothed her hair, winking at her. "Sorry about your hair."
She waved him off, "I"ll just go home and wash it, put myself together. Have you seen my clip?" Lisa looked around briefly, lifting one part of the quilt. Jack frowned as glanced around too.
"No, I," he paused, trying to remember, "I think I tossed it on the bed."
She waved him off, "I'll get it when I get back, next time," she flashed a warm smile.
"Sorry about this time," he said, almost in a bashful tone. Lisa tilted her head at him.
"Why are you sorry? I will certainly attest there is nothing to be sorry about. You definitely don't need any more more bells and whistles, Cowboy. No, I had a perfectly lovely time."
"I didn't mean that, us," he clarified. "I meant our fight, and I do promise you, I'm going to work at overcoming my travel insecurities. I promise. You, my dear, are worth it." He leaned in and kissed her tenderly, the two not saying anything but enjoying their last moments together before she had to leave. When they broke apart this time, Lisa patted his knee and stood, it understood that it was time to go. Jack followed her to the door and helped her into her coat, leaning around to kiss her neck again.
"I'll pick you up for the airport, what, 8:00?" She turned and pulled her hair out from her coat, nodding.
"Yes, I'll see you then, Cowboy. Now, I really have to go. What time is it?"
"5:15," he said, opening the door and pecking her lips. "I love you, Lise. See you soon."
Jack waved and watched her pull away, Lisa turning on her lights when she was almost to the barn, and Jack finally closed the door and walked back to sit down on the bed again. He loved Lisa, and Lisa loved him. It sounded so teenager of him, but to be fair, that had been the last time he'd expressed his love for a woman. Now, here, she'd been wonderful; they'd been wonderful, and he couldn't help but smile as he thought about her, about them. His eyes wandered, Jack lost in his thoughts, but they stopped on the framed wedding picture he had with Lyndy. He stood and walked to it, staring at it as he picked it up.
"I hope you understand," he said quietly to it, his emotions getting the best of him, which surprised him right now. He put the frame down, his hand even shaking as he did. Before he turned away from it, he looked back at the picture and spoke quietly again, "I'll ride out to the cemetery later today and tell you all about her, Lyndy. I want you to know."
Not wanting his emotions to get the best of him, Jack hastily threw on his barn clothes. He gathered his t-shirt and flannel pants, the shirt even smelled of Lisa because she'd had her head on it, and he put them in his laundry. He'd take care of the bed later, but he did need to get to the chores, especially if he was taking Lisa to the airport shortly. With the two coffee cups in hand, he quietly opened his door and nodded to the house-all quiet-thankfully, and he took both mugs to the kitchen to wash them up. His mind played through the chores that needed to be done, and when Lisa had left, he had noted how cold the morning was. He would need his heavier barn coat and gloves this morning.
"Ahh, good morning, Dad," Jack's head snapped to the kitchen table. He'd been on a beeline for the sink and had not noticed Marion up or even in the kitchen. He looked over at her, almost horrified and saw she already had a cup of coffee in hand and had what had to be yesterday's paper there too. Marion smiled brightly at him, not giving anything else away, so he tried to be nonchalant as he stepped up to the sink.
"Morning," he grumbled. "Cold one out there this morning."
"Yes, I opened my window and felt the chill. Course," she gestured to Jack, "the chill in the air shouldn't bother you, not after two actual cups of coffee." Marion waved at the tcups, not visible now since Jack had put them in the sink. Jack, who had thought he'd put the two mugs in the sink discretely, snapped his head toward her. She stood, not another word, and she hooked her hand over her shoulder.
"I'll get started on the chores. Ahh, will you be polishing saddles this morning like we talked about yesterday?"
Jack dropped his shoulders, not wanting to admit defeat and definitely not wanting to discuss ANYTHING from this morning or even worse, the events of last night, looked over at Marion, and with a blank look, shook his head, "No, I'll be taking Lisa to the airport this morning."
As she put on her coat, Marion simply gave him a nod, "Good, she's good for you. Oh," she gathered her gloves and turned back to him with a hook of her hand and a slight smirk, "her favorite hair clip is on the bathroom sink. I'm sure she will be looking for that, so you might want to grab that before Amy plays with it or something. Off to do chores. I'll see you out there."