"Hello!" Lisa called out stepping into the house with her suitcase in tow. "Marion, hi!" She grinned at the sight of her stepdaughter and friend, who was trying to stand up from the couch.
"Lisa, wow, hi, you're home early! Oh, it's so good to see you." Marion moved around the couch, putting her magazine on the table, and as she did that, Lisa noticed more movement and put her hand to her mouth, chuckling at the sight of Tim sitting up and rubbing his eyes; it appeared as if he'd been asleep. Marion reached Lisa by the dining room table, and the two embraced.
"Well, I moved things around in Florida to get home. I was tired of being gone, and my horse is doing better too. Ahh," she smiled at Tim as he stood, still wiping his hand over his face and gestured to him, "Hi, Tim," and then back to Marion with a nod as she made a face, "Ahh, I'm guessing Jack isn't here with you two relaxing here."
"Umm, no," Marion said with a single nod of her head.
"Lisa, good to see you," Tim waved. "Sorry, we had a long night at Big River, up all night, and then I got the morning chores done. Marion offered to feed me lunch, and wow," he frowned at her sheepishly, "sorry, Marion. I guess I fell asleep."
"I'm not complaining Lisa arrived," she grinned at Lisa and then smirked at Tim. "Your feet on my lap were dead weight. Glad to get up and move a little. I'd read all the magazines within reach."
The ladies laughed, and Lisa waved her hand at Marion, "Ahh, were is Jack? I was hoping to surprise him."
"Fishing cabin," she frowned with a scrunched up face. "I'm so sorry, Lisa," she reached for her hand and squeezed it. "When you were called to your meetingsin Florida and then ended up being there for almost three weeks, Dad decided to go ahead and go. He thought you were coming back for the cattle drive next week and said he'd just get away for a few days."
"Oh!" Lisa's eyes widened as she nodded, taking in the information. Marion wasn't wrong; Lisa had been gone nearly three weeks now, a scheduled trip to Florida that had gone haywire. She'd had to go earlier than planned when the buyer she was scheduled to meet with had some crisis back at home. She'd then moved other meetings, not intending ever to be gone this long, but she'd gotten a lot of good work done and made some incredible deals. It had been a good time to be in Florida, with the weather much warmer than the late winter Alberta weather. Now, though, she was anxious to see Jack. It was mid-April. Florida was heating up, making it somewhat miserable there now, and Alberta was warming up too, finally making it tolerable for spring.
"Well," Lisa nodded as she considered things, "ahh, maybe I will just drive up to the cabin, eeeh?" She looked to Marion for confirmation that her idea was a good one. "Jack and I were supposed to go already, and if he's there, maybe I will just surprise him. I've so been looking forward to seeing the cabin."
"Don't get too excited, Lisa," Tim called to her as he walked toward the coffee pot. "Place is a dump. Needs to be bulldozed."
"Tim, it's not that bad," Marion frowned at him, and Tim eyed both women as he chuckled.
"Marion, come on. I know you love your dad but call a spade a spade. It's a dump. Now, I'll give you credit-that place has incredible views and great fishing. Have to admit, haven't been there in a really long time, so I'm sure it's even more ahh rustic," he grinned at the two of them and reached into the fruit bowl on the table for an apple.
"Lisa," Marion put her hand on Lisa's again to get her attention, and Lisa looked over to her. "I think surprising Dad would be a great idea. Now, it's a couple hours there, and with it so late in the afternoon, maybe drive there first thing? Since you've not been there before, it could be hard to find in the dark and all. Plus, it would give you time to get your things together. I highly doubt anything you took to Florida is what you'd want to take to the fishing cabin."
"Lisa, rent a bulldozer to go up there. I mean it. You'll thank me."
The two women laughed, their eyes meeting each other, and Lisa nodded at Marion, "It's good to see you. I missed all of you, and I think you have a good idea. It feels later to me than it is with the time change, and yes, I do need to get my things together. Lucky for me," she said with a single nod, "I have all of my fishing gear needed for the trip."
"Ahh," Tim let out a chuckle as he walked back into the room, a fresh cup of coffee in hand. He nodded at Lisa, "Marion told me she and Maggie helped you get all of that fishing gear and even better," he said with a grin, "stuck it to Val Stanton again. I can't stand that woman."
Lisa dropped her head with a nod and bit her lip, looking back up at Tim and Marion standing there now together in front of her. "Yes, it was quite the outing." Her mind trailed back to that event, just two days before her Florida trip spun out of control and sent her off earlier than expected.
"Lisa, you have to come out of that dressing room," Marion called to her as she stood, laughing with Maggie. "We've seen waders before."
"These are not flattering at all," Lisa called to them as she had tried on those along with some tall rubber boots, the dressing room the only place in Maggie's store area to sit down and try on anything. At the sound of the door, both Marion and Maggie looked at Lisa, and all three started to laugh. Lisa pointed at them, "This is not funny."
"Lisa, you look like a fisherman," Marion said with a big silly grin and tilt of her head. "That pair definitely fits."
"Why do they feel so bulky to move around in?" Lisa stepped out and looked into the full length mirror there on the door to the dressing room area. "Huh," she nodded, "definitely not flattering."
Marion walked up behind her and put her hands on Lisa's shoulders as she leaned around with a grin, "I don't think Dad will care. You're going fishing with him, his favorite hobby in the world, which is saying a lot with how much he likes to ride. I think that if you can really stick out fly fishing and all, he definitely won't care about your waders."
"They look good, Lisa, really," Maggie told her.
Lisa raised her eyebrows, "You're saying that so I'll spend a fortune in here."
"You already are," she shrugged. "Pretty much, I can tell you anything is needed for fly fishing, and you're going to buy it." That had all the women laughing again, enjoying their time together even if it was a shopping trip to buy Lisa her gear. Maggie put her finger up, "Hold on. You will need a fishing vest for this too."
"Maggie or anyone who decided to come to work today-hello? I need to purchase this bridle."
The group froze, all of them knowing the annoying voice demanding attention. Before they could say a word, Val was behind them, and as they turned, she started gesturing at them.
"Oh, just great, the gossip girls over here chatting it up. Maggie," she held up the bridle, "can I purchase this or is that too much to ask today?" Maggie held back from rolling her eyes and started to the register, but Val nodded at Lisa, "You seriously think buying those will make you a fisherman? Oh, Lisa," she shook her head. "You as much as anyone should know that it's just like riding. Having all the right gear doesn't make you a good rider. Are you really going to try and fish? That's Jack's thing," she shook her head and nodded to Marion. "Even Marion knows that and doesn't fish."
"Dad is thrilled Lisa is going fishing with him. They've been planning this since late last fall when the weather had already turned. What's it to you, Val?"
Val waved her hand and before she left, shook her head at Lisa again. Lisa threw a quick glance at Marion and then called out to Val.
"Val," she said, gripping her wader shoulder strap with her hand to make sure she showed off her wedding rings, "seems if I already fish well, you know, with my catch."
Val didn't comment, but shook her head and started to the register, Marion barely able to hold in her laughter. She burst out laughing once Val hastily bought the bridle and stepped out of the store.
"Lisa, that was the best," Marion said between laughs. "Oh, I can't believe you said that, but she totally deserved it."
"How much did you end up spending on all your gear?" Tim's question drew her back to the present.
"Ahh, sorry," she shook her head, and Marion chuckled, patting Lisa's arm as she looked to Tim.
"No doubt she's daydreaming about seeing Dad. Almost three weeks away is a long time."
"It is," Lisa nodded and as she looked back to Tim, she waved her hand, "I, ahh, got waders, tall rubber boots for walking around up there, a fishing vest, a fly fishing pole-"
"Jack didn't get you that?" Tim eyed her and frowned.
Marion jumped in, "Lisa and I told Dad we wanted to handle it. He offered."
Lisa shrugged, "I figured if I had to get some of the gear, I'd just do one big shop, so yes, it was a large purchase. Ahh, if you two will excuse me, I'm going to get unpacked, repacked, and loaded up. I want to get on the road early if Jack is up at the cabin. Marion, when did he head up there?"
"Oh, just yesterday afternoon, so he'll be there another few days, I'm sure. He's really missed you."
"And I've missed him," she started toward the bedroom with her bags but turned around before she reached it, Marion and Tim making their way back to the couch to sit down. "Where's Amy?"
"At Sorayah's for pizza and some study session, but knowing them, there won't be much studying, only giggling," Tim offered as he chewed on his apple.
Marion met Lisa's gaze, "I think a few days away is going to do us all some good. Tim and I are going to get some dinner out once we rest a little more. Can we get you anything, Lisa?"
"No, no, you enjoy," she waved. "I've got plenty to do and will find something here. I'm excited to get up to the cabin and see Jack." At that, she stepped into the bedroom to change out her things. Yes, a few days at the cabin would be lovely, even if she was now a bit more concerned about the state of this cabin.
The next morning, Lisa was following Marion's carefully written directions, very glad for the paper copy of them since her GPS had gone a little haywire with the lack of cell service. She had a great GPS system, but twice this morning, it had tried to take her down side roads that didn't look more than a dirt road. She'd listened to Marion's instructions and stayed the course on the main road, and now, as she was off the highway and making her way back through the woods, she slowed her car to take a look around. Jack owned this; she now owned this through marriage. Wow, it was beautiful, and Tim had mentioned something about it being even more beautiful by the cabin. She was sure it was, knowing from the few pictures Jack had shown her of the cabin and land that the cabin looked toward the river. Wow. Simply beautiful. She made the last few turns and then saw the cabin coming into view. As she navigated her car out of the woods, she saw Jack's truck and couldn't help but smile. Oh, she'd missed her cowboy. With a quick glance at her watch, she was here just in time for a coffee break, she suspected. Knowing Jack, she didn't expect him to have slept in, but with it being not quite 10:00, she hoped he was ready to sit and chat. She'd brought hot coffee and had stopped for pastries on her way out of town, courtesy of Maggie, and now, was ready for a few days of rest, relaxation, and recharge alongside Jack.
Lisa parked her car alongside Jack's truck and as she stepped out, she paused, resting her arm on her car door as she took in the beauty of the area. She slowly spun in a complete circle, taking it all in. She could hear the river and as she looked toward it, yes, she could see why Jack loved it so much. Just perfect.
"Lise?" She snapped her head toward the cabin and saw Jack standing there on the porch, with what looked like a small dish towel in hand. Her smile widened, and as she locked eyes with him, Jack's smiled widened just as hers had.
"Hey Cowboy," she grinned, stepping away from her car door and closing it as she made a quick dash across the yard. Jack chuckled loudly and made his way toward her, the two meeting just at the bottom of the porch steps. "Oh, it's so good to see you."
"I can't believe you are here. What a surprise."
"I hope a good one," she said after kissing him but staying in his arms with a grin up at him.
"The best kind," he kissed her again. "I've really missed you these last few weeks. Well," he gestured at her, "when did you get in?"
"Yesterday afternoon, but by the time I got back to the house and spoke to Marion, well, we decided it was best if I just came up early this morning so here I am, that is, if you are still willing to teach me how to fly fish."
"Of course I am," he chucked again, pulling her to his side as he kissed her head. The two were now facing the cabin, "Well, here it is."
"Hmm," she nodded and with pursed lips looked up at him, finally breaking into a chuckle. "Very rustic, but this view is incredible. It is better than camping, and I will keep reminding myself of that."
"Well, come on," he gestured, "let's get your things." Jack turned them toward her car, and the two walked in step with one another. "I'm guessing Marion gave you directions-"
"Yes, she wrote them out, which was very helpful since my GPS didn't cooperate a couple of times," she chuckled and then sighed.
"Good. You know how much I hate all of that modern technology," he waved his hand as Lisa opened her trunk with her key. She grinned up at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
"I do, and that's why when Marion told me to stick to her directions, no matter what, I did."
"Good," he patted her side and started to gather her things. "See you brought all of your gear."
"Yes," she nodded. "I mean," she waved her hand, "I didn't want to come unprepared. I also brought you hot coffee and some fresh pastries."
"Oh," he groaned, nodding. "That sounds really great, Lise. I was about to make a pot of coffee. I've been fishing a few hours already today and was feeling the exhaustion."
"Yes, well, hopefully we can get some rest because I'm feeling the exhaustion from all of my traveling."
"Sounded like Florida turned out okay even if it was a bit of a mess and took much longer than you wanted," he commented, gathering almost all of her things in his hand. She took one bag she threw over her shoulder and collected the coffee and pastries from the front seat, a thermos and a box of pastries, before the two closed up the car and started toward the cabin.
"Yeah," she sighed. "I hated being gone that long, ridiculous that it was a simple business trip that just never seemed to end. I'm sorry it cut into our time here."
"No," he shook his head. "We can stay here a few days still. I'm just really glad you made it back to join me up here, not that I wouldn't have preferred we drive together, but at least you are here, and well," he paused. They had arrived at the cabin door, and he eyed her with a nod, "Just lower any expectations you probably have about this place."
Lisa laughed, nodding at him. She reached over and squeezed his arm, waving to the small table there. "So far, I see a great outdoor table we can sit at and enjoy our coffee and pastries. In fact," she jostled things in her hands and reached down to put the thermos of coffee and the box of pastries down, looking back up to Jack with a small smile. "There, okay," she swatted at his hand. "Let's see it. I've been warned." Jack chuckled and opened the door. Lisa braced herself, expecting it to be almost falling apart. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Jack as she stepped inside.
"Jack, this is lovely, very quaint."
"You don't have to try and make it sound better than it is," he waved, putting her bags down on the small stool at the end of the bed.
"No, no," she shook her head as she looked around. "I mean, sure, there are things that are old and all, but this is just fine. I half expected the roof to be caving in or something."
Jack nodded with a chuckle added as he gestured toward the bed area, "Well, I replaced the bedding and mattress last year because it might have leaked from the roof and gotten that area all wet. So, that's all new, and the roof is fixed. I ended up putting new shingles on last May, I guess right before I met you."
She turned back to him, horrified as she made a face, gesturing up, "You climbed up there and put on new shingles? Honey, you can't be doing that. You're-"
"Old but not dead, Lise," he winked at her. "Small job, didn't take much time and all."
"Yes, but you were alone, I'm guessing?" At his eyes looking away, she sighed and shook her head, "Please, please do not do something like that again alone. I was about to say you're coming up here alone, doing these crazy projects, and you could get injured and need help and no one know. I'll worry."
"Well," he stepped up behind her and kissed her cheek, "maybe you'll just have to come with me on each and every trip."
She turned in his arms and braced her hands on his arms, smiling up at him.
"I think that can be arranged, and if I'm out of town, please don't do crazy projects here alone. I want to keep you around," she said, stepping on her toes to kiss him. He smiled into that, and the two stood there, taking time to get reacquainted, their kisses intensifying. Lisa hummed into their kisses, and as they broke apart to catch their breaths, Jack smiled softly down at her, rubbing his hand over her cheek.
"So, how hungry are you to have those pastries and coffee right now?"
She laughed, biting her lip as she squeezed his arms, "Ahh, well, I think I could wait, maybe work up a little appetite?"
He smiled warmly at her, nodding, and before he kissed her again, commented, "I knew there was a reason I came back up from the river when I did."