The Canyons May Call but Don't You Dare Listen to Them

by Sarista520 - Niss Trah

This is the updated version of this story. I have deleted the previous version. Lisa experiences a year of loss and heartache and has to learn to lean on the family when she is accustomed to being the strong one. Takes place starting the fall after season 17. I rated this T due to some heavy topics like death, grief and past abuse.

1. Chapter 1

The Canyons May Call but Don't You Dare Listen to Them

Hello, I'm new to writing for Heartland, but I love Jack and Lisa, and wanted to give Lisa more of a story than the show writers do. I've always imagined that Lisa has some pain in her past, and it's what has made her so strong and independent, along with being slow to lean on others. This story is my way of giving her that past. It gets a little dark, because that's where it went once I started writing. Also, I played kind of fast and loose with people's ages, just because it's my head cannon.

This is my second go at this story, so if you feel like you've read some of it before, you have. I just wasn't happy with all of it, so revamped it a bit to better match where I'm going with the story.

Hope you enjoy.

Title comes from the song "Carry You" by Phillip LaRue

Chapter 1

Mid-September

"And then, Drew fell right into the fountain!" Lisa laughed with delight as Katie ended her story. The teen had just returned from a school day-trip and was very animatedly telling them all about it as they crowded around the small kitchen table. She passed around pictures of her classmate soaking wet in a fountain after he'd gotten tangled in a dog's leash as it chased a squirrel. Lisa could feel Jack's shoulders shaking in laughter as well, her arm draped loosely around him, and Lou and Amy were both wiping away tears from laughing at Katie's stories, Lyndy pressed up against her older cousin, giggling away at the pictures. A phone ringing interrupted the laughter, and she excused herself to the living room when she realized it was hers, waving away Jack's concern when she frowned at the unfamiliar number, not seeing that he quietly followed her and waited nearby.

"Hello?" she answered, still partially focused on the antics in the kitchen. She refocused herself when the callers voice came through, trying to tune out the raucous conversation and laughter in the kitchen, moving toward the fireplace.

"Hello, Lisa? This is Ramona Wilde, Evelyn's friend." Lisa's heart began to pound. She'd spoken to her aunt just the week before, and though Evelyn was slowing down in her old age and not traveling as much, she had been in good spirits and had been staying with Ramona and her husband in Brussels for the last several months. She'd met Ramona a few times, and though it had been many years, she could hear the emotion in the older woman's voice.

"Y-yes Ramona, I remember you. Is everything alright?"

"I am so sorry, my dear, but our dear Evelyn has passed away. She went in her sleep last night, and the doctor says she had a stroke." Lisa gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. Her chest was suddenly tight and she couldn't make it past Ramona's statement.

"Lisa? Are you still there dear?" At Ramona's inquiry, Lisa brought the hand covering her mouth to the back of her neck and forced herself to speak, her throat thick with emotion.

"Yes, I'm here. I…was she feeling unwell? I just spoke with her last week, and she seemed to be fine." She closed her eyes and tried to focus on Ramona's answer, her aching chest making her want to hang up and deny this news instead of listening.

"She'd had high blood pressure for some time, but she's been managing it pretty well. She has gotten slower in the last few months and seemed….tired more often. Again, I'm so sorry Lisa. I know how close you and Evelyn were, I'm sure this is a shock. It's been a shock to Phillip and I as well. We've so enjoyed having her here with us."

"Yes…it is. I…." Lisa sighed and opened her eyes to see Jack there, not realizing he'd followed her into the living room. His eyes spoke of his concern and she just shook her head, unable to speak. She could hear Ramona saying her name, but it felt far away, and she was suddenly so cold. A hand eased the phone away and she watched, as if from a distance as Jack spoke into the phone, and as his face fell as the news was repeated to him. Lisa couldn't focus on the words being spoken, but watched as Jack continued the call for a few minutes, and just looked at him in desperation as he hung up and set her phone down on the end table behind him. She trembled as his hand ghosted over hers, and then gently rested on her shoulder and pulled her into him. She choked out a sob, clenching her hands into the back of his shirt, falling into him as the news began to truly sink in that Evelyn was gone. Lisa clamped her lips tightly shut, trying to hold in the tears she could feel rising, refusing to give in, knowing she'd fall apart as soon as she did. Jack murmured to her softly "it's ok to let it out Lisa" as he soothingly rubbed his hands up and down her back, but she couldn't let herself fall into it. The noise still coming from the kitchen was joyous, and she felt lightheaded at the abrupt change in circumstance, one moment laughing with her family, the next, sinking in despair. After a few minutes or a few hours, Lisa couldn't tell, Jack gently pulled back, and lifted one hand up to cup her face, his thumb brushing across her cheek. She knew he could see the tears she was desperately trying to hold back, and just quietly turned her and guided her toward their bedroom.

"C'mon Lise" he quietly urged and led them away.

She walked, dazed, into the bedroom and just stood there as Jack closed the door, and walked over to lead her to the edge of the bed, and nudged her into sitting. Without speaking, he removed her shoes, and then with slow movements removed her earrings, placing them on the nightstand. He then moved her gently to the pillow and lifted her legs up to the bed, so she was laying on her side. She watched in silence as he grabbed one of the throw blankets on the chair and covered her with it. He stroked her hair back from her face and spoke quietly.

"I'll be right back, rest for a minute."

Lisa sighed deeply as he left the room, her energy completely depleted. She stared into the distance and kept hearing Ramona's voice "our dear Evelyn has passed away" … "she had a stroke" … Lisa's mind just kept playing it on repeat. She felt numb and barely noticed when Jack re-entered the room, until he was in front of her, setting a glass of water and her retrieved phone down on her nightstand. She watched ashe removed his boots and then lay down next to her, pulling her into his chest and letting her tangle her legs in his. She sighed deeply as she rested her head against his chest.

"Just…take a few minutes Lise. Stay right here and in a bit, we'll figure out what's next. But for now, just let it out if you need to." She nodded against him at his words and felt something come loose inside her and let the tears come this time, her body shaking with grief. She sobbed over the loss of someone so dear to her, and clutched at Jack as he held her. His arms around her gave her the freedom to let go and she sank into heartache, gasping for air through her tears. Jack's deep rumbling voice sounded in her ear. She couldn't make out any of his words, but knew he was there, and she sank further into him as she fell into exhausted, stricken slumber.

JLJLJLJL

Lisa's next conscious moments were as she woke to a still bright room, the sun streaming in. She gazed at the ceiling in confusion and turned her head to see Jack lying next to her, his eyes already on her face. She attempted to smile at him, but the sudden awareness of a headache and the tight feeling in her chest brought everything back, and her face fell as she remembered why she was lying down in the middle of the day. Jack's hand reached for hers and squeezed, bringing her focus back to him. She croaked out a question, her voice raw from the earlier tears.

"How long did I sleep?"

"About 40 minutes…not long." He let go of her hand and slid his up her arm, over her shoulder and under the hair at the back of her neck, lovingly massaging out the knots that had already formed. He just lay in silence with her, his eyes showing love and understanding. His steadiness gave her the strength to move to the next thing.

"Do I remember you taking the phone and speaking to Ramona?" at his nod, she continued, "did she tell you anything else?"

"Yes, Evelyn had shared her wishes in the last few years with her and her husband. Ramona said you are probably already aware of most of it. She wanted to be buried here in Hudson, by your dad and grandparents." Lisa nodded, Evelyn had told her that many years ago, so it wasn't a surprise to her.

"Evelyn gave Ramona her lawyer's name to call if it happened over there" Jack continued, "so Ramona is already arranging transport back to Alberta. She'll email you the information so we can start making plans here, and the lawyer will email in a few days for the estate planning." Lisa nodded and met Jack's eyes as hers began to well up again.

"I suppose I should call Rachel" she whispered, swallowing thickly at the thought of telling Rachel. She didn't see her sister nearly enough, and wished she had something happier to share with her. They'd mended their strained relationship a bit in the last several years, but she wasn't sure how Rachel would react to the news. Rachel hadn't been as close to Aunt Evelyn, and often butted heads with the older woman, but Lisa knew they'd always loved each other in their own way. Lisa hated giving people bad news, and just wished it was already over with. She sighed again and scooted herself up to sit against the headboard and watched as Jack followed suit. She reached for the glass of water he'd brought her and drank deeply, wetting her dry throat. She drank half the glass and set it back down.

"I should do it now before I lose my nerve."

"You can wait a bit if you want, or I can call her, if you'd rather have me do it." Jack gently offered. She smiled at him sadly, touched that he was willing, but knew she needed to do it herself. She ran a hand along the side of his face, and smiled again when he placed a kiss on her palm.

"Thank you honey, but I can do it. Stay with me while I talk to her though?" she asked, unwilling to do it without him at her side. At his nod and quiet "of course Lise", she picked up her phone and dialed her sister before she could talk herself out of it. She listened, Jack taking her free hand in his, as the phone rang. When the call picked up, Lisa took a deep breath to prepare as her sister's voice came over the line.

"Hey Lisa, what's up?" Rachel answered in her usual casual manner, background noise telling Lisa that her sister must be outside. Lisa hated to jump right to it, but knew she couldn't delay with small talk.

"Hi Rach, I ahh… I actually have some news. It's… well…" Lisa sighed, unable to speak the words out loud. She felt Jack drop her hand, place his arm around her shoulders and pull her into him. She rested her head on his shoulder as Rachel spoke.

"Lisa you sound upset, what is it? Is it…is it Jack, did something happen?" Rachel asked, sounding nervous.

"No! No, Jack's fine Rachel, he's sitting right here with me. It's, well… it's Aunt Evelyn. Ramona called a little while ago. Evelyn had a stroke in her sleep and died yesterday." Lisa had to choke out the last words, feeling as though she'd made it real by speaking it out loud. The line went silent for a moment and Lisa waited as Rachel processed.

"Oh no! I'm sorry Lisa. I know how close you were to her." Rachel's voice was soft, and Lisa could hear the emotion in her voice. "You know Evelyn and I weren't as close, but…damn Lisa, she's still my aunt. And she's daddy's sister…." Lisa let silent tears fall as Rachel's voice trailed off.

"Well..." she cleared her throat and tried to make it through giving her sister the information she needed, not able to focus on either of their emotions yet. "Ramona is making arrangements to have Evelyn sent home. She wants to be put to rest here in Hudson, by Dad. I can send you information once I know more."

"Yeah, ok. I can head to Hudson tomorrow to help, I just have to wrap up a few things today…." Lisa looked up at Jack in surprise as Rachel's voice trailed off distractedly, knowing he could hear Rachel with how close they were sitting.

"Oh honey, you don't have to come yet, you can wait until I know more and have a service planned."

"No it's okay Lisa, I want to come and help. I can stay at the Fairfield house I assume?"

Lisa just nodded in shock, not having expected her sister to immediately travel home to assist with planning, and Jack had to nudge her to respond audibly.

"Ok…well…yes, whatever works best for you Rach. And of course, you can stay at the house, it's your home too. And…thank you, I appreciate you coming out. It'll be good to see you, even if it's not for something happier." She looked up at Jack again and saw surprise lingering in his eyes too, at her sister's sudden willingness to come immediately to Hudson. She had only sporadically been back as an adult, and Jack had only met Rachel a handful of times.

"Okay, well I better go and get my flights booked, and get packed. You'll be okay until I get there?" Rachel spoke again before Lisa could answer, her usual chaotic personality beginning to shine back through, "of course you'll be okay, Jack will make sure you are. Ok, Lisa, I'll let you know my flight info and see you soon, ok?" Rachel already sounded distracted, and Lisa just sighed internally, accustomed to it after all these years, but still wishing Rachel could focus for longer than a few minutes.

"Yes, that's fine, let me know once you know. But Rachel, before you go, do you want me to call and tell Ben and Krista?" She didn't really want to have to break the news to another person but would if Rachel wanted her to.

"No, I'll call him tonight, but thanks. Ok, well, I'm gonna go. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye Lisa, take care." Rachel ended the call as she always did, abruptly.

Lisa set her phone down on her lap and turned to Jack. "Well, I guess Rachel's coming."

He chuckled softly and pulled her even closer to his side, resting his cheek against the top of her head and speaking quietly.

"Unpredictable as ever, your sister. At least you don't have to tell Ben. I know how hard it was to do once for you." Lisa sighed, comforted by how well Jack knew her, very grateful she didn't have to tell her nephew. She was about to speak again when a soft knock at the door interrupted her. Jack looked down at her before answering and she nodded softly that he could let whomever it was in.

"Come in" he called and they watched as Amy's head peaked around the door, coming in further when they both smiled at her.

"Hi…ummm…we just wanted to make sure everything's ok? You guys have been in here awhile and… well…you guys don't usually hole up here in the middle of the day." Amy shrugged as she spoke and Lisa looked up at Jack in surprise, thinking he would have told the family when he had gone back out to get her phone and water earlier. He shrugged back at her, and she realized that of course, he wouldn't have told them without talking to her about it first. Her aching heart warmed at his care, and she nodded at him.

Jack nodded back at her in understanding, knowing she wanted him to give Amy the news. He cleared his throat and spoke softly, trying to take the weight of it off his grief-stricken wife.

"Sorry about that Amy, we didn't mean to worry anyone. That call Lisa had a bit ago was Ramona Wilde. She called to share that Evelyn passed away yesterday." He gripped Lisa's hand as he spoke, noting the tightening in her fingers at hearing it out loud again and his heart clenched as Amy's face fell and the younger women immediately crossed the room to sit on the side of the bed near Lisa's knee. He was proud of the times his granddaughters showed Lisa how much they loved her, knowing they didn't do it nearly enough.

"I'm so sorry Lisa, I know how much you loved her. That's such sad news." Amy hands covered Lisa's in her lap and at the concern on her face, Lisa's tears fell again. She blinked and looked up, trying to calm herself. She looked back at Amy and smiled sadly.

"Thank you honey. She had a stroke, in her sleep. I've ahh…already called my sister, she's going to fly out probably tomorrow to help with planning a service." Amy nodded along and leaned forward to give Lisa a gentle hug. When she pulled back, Lisa's heart warmed at the tears in Amy's eyes, somehow comforted by the absolute understanding from the younger woman, while also wishing Amy didn't already know this pain twice over.

"Well, that's good. I'm glad she's coming. But you let me know if I can do anything to help ok?" Lisa nodded in thanks and Amy stood.

"I'll let you guys be for now. Want me to tell the others?" Jack looked down at Lisa again, and at her nod he spoke to Amy, having stayed quiet while the two women spoke.

"Yes, thank you Amy, we'd appreciate that. We'll maybe be out a bit later." Amy nodded and quietly left the room. Lisa let the silence envelope her, already tired of hurting. They sat for a while together, Jack's thumb gently stroking over her shoulder, her head resting against him. Eventually, he spoke again.

"You should try to get more rest Lisa. The next few days are going to feel endless if you don't." She sighed, knowing he was right. She'd almost crashed at her dad's funeral because she couldn't bring herself to sleep or even be at rest in the days leading up to it. She'd also done the same when Ty died, trying to be strong for Amy, and Jack, and the family.

Lisa complied when Jack gently nudged her into scooting back down onto the bed, covering her back up with the blanket he'd given her earlier. He cupped her face again, and she sighed at the warmth radiating from him.

"Try and get some sleep for a bit, I'm going to go talk to Tim about him handling things around here the next few days." Lisa caught his hand as he finished and began to move away.

"Jack, no, you don't have to stop working because of this. I'll be fine." She looked up at him and sighed, already knowing she'd lost that argument at the look on his face.

"Lise, you'd do the same for me. I'm going to arrange things, so I have time to support you and help with the planning. And I WANT to, so no arguments." He smiled to soften his command and she squeezed his hand in thanks. "Wake me for dinner?" She asked, and at his nod, she let his hand go and slid her eyes closed as his form retreated from the bedroom and tried to calm herself enough to get some sleep.

JLJLJLJL

As Jack quietly shut the bedroom door and headed out into the living room, he saw Lou hugging Katie, the teen softly crying into her mother's shoulder. Katie had especially become fond of Evelyn since their meeting years earlier, and Jack knew this one would hit hard for her. Amy was sitting on the couch, softly explaining to Lyndy, and his heart sank when his sunny little great granddaughters face crumpled and he heard her ask "she went away like Daddy? We'll never see her again?" As Amy hugged her daughter in comfort, Jack made his way to his usual chair and sank into it. Lou gripped his hand on the armrest and softly spoke.

"Grandpa, I'm so sorry about Evelyn, how's Lisa doing? Maybe I should check on her, see if she needs anything…" Jack tugged on Lou's hand when she started to pull away, sure she was about to go disturb Lisa. Lou meant well, but often didn't read the situation well, especially when it came to Lisa. He was about to tell her not to bother Lisa, but Amy beat him to it.

"Lou, you know Lisa doesn't like people fussing over her when she's stressed. Grandpa was just in there with her, let's just let her get some rest." Jack smiled at Amy in thanks, and was grateful when Lou just nodded in response and sat down on the couch, next to where Katie had sat and curled up with Lyndy.

They all sat quietly for a few minutes, trying to process the sad news, Katie finally breaking the silence with a choked-up voice.

"I can't believe she's really gone." Katie turned to Lou as fresh tears fell down her face "And mom, Lisa must be so heartbroken. Aunt Evelyn means so much to her." Katie broke down into Lou's arms again, and Lou met Jack's eyes over her daughter's head. Katie and Lisa had a strong bond, and they both knew the teen's heart was hurting for Lisa. Jack watched as Lou ran gentle fingers through Katie's hair.

"I know honey, we're all sad to hear that Evelyn is gone. And yes, I'm sure Lisa is heartbroken, but we are going to help her get through this, ok?" Katie nodded and pulled back, wiping at her tear stained face. Jack spoke softly, wanting to comfort all of the women in his life. If only he could prevent the grief of death from affecting any of them.

"Katie, sweetheart, thank you for your concern for Lisa. She's very sad right now, but I know she'll be okay, because your mom is right, we're going to help her through this, alright?" As all of his girls nodded along with Katie, he stood again.

"Now, I need to find Tim and talk to him about the next days and me helping Lisa with planning and such. Do you know where he is?"

"I actually think that he just got back from town, so he's probably in the barn or up in the loft." Jack nodded in thanks at Amy's answer and reminded them to let Lisa sleep for a while, and ambled outside to find Tim.

As he stepped out onto the front step, he stopped for a moment to breathe in the fresh air. It was a nice autumn day, and he closed his eyes and enjoyed the sun for a minute. Though he wasn't as affected by Evelyn's passing as his wife was, he was still saddened by the news. He and Evelyn had warmed to one another over the years, and he could now honestly say he was very fond of her and his heart clenched painfully for the loss and the pain it was causing Lisa. That thought brought him out of his reverie, knowing he needed to find Tim and make sure he could tend to Lisa in the next days, knowing she'd likely try and ignore her emotions after initially letting them out earlier. His wife could be very stubborn with her own feelings and would often cause herself more stress by keeping it all in, so he would do everything he could to ensure the service and estate planning went smoothly for her and then be there to catch her when she inevitably fell apart.

He didn't have to look far for Tim, as he found him in the barn brushing out his horse.

"Hey Jack" Tim spoke and nodded a greeting at him.

"Tim" Jack stopped and watched from outside the stall as Tim continued his work. Tim just raised his eyebrows when Jack didn't say anything for several long moments. Jack sighed. Though Tim had come a long way in the last 15 years, as had their relationship, they still irked one another, and Jack did not enjoy asking Tim for help. But for Lisa, he'd do almost anything.

"Lisa's Aunt Evelyn passed away Tim, just yesterday. She got the call about an hour ago." Tim stopped brushing, stepped around the horse, and walked closer.

"I'm sorry Jack, that's very sad to hear. How's Lisa?" Tim's genuine concern for Lisa made it easier to ask for help. He knew Tim had always had a soft spot for Lisa, and considered her not just family, but a good friend as well.

"Thank you Tim. Lisa is…managing. She's hopefully sleeping right now. She asked to be woken for dinner, but I convinced her to get some rest, since I know the next days will be stressful and painful for her."

"Good, yeah, that's good. I'm glad she's getting some rest. Listen, I can handle things around here while you help her deal with all this." Jack nodded in surprise, Tim not usually offering that quickly to manage the ranch. He chose not to mention his surprise and just went with it, thankful he wouldn't have to convince Tim to help.

"Thanks Tim, that is what I came to find you for. I'll still help with things close to the house, but I'd rather be nearby and available to Lisa." He clapped Tim on the shoulder and gave him a rare smile of thanks.

"Not a problem Jack, I know she'll need you close by. She must be just aching right now. Mind if I call Jess and let her know? She may be able to make it back in time for the service if I let her know now." Jack just nodded, knowing Lisa wouldn't mind Tim telling his wife. Though privately, he would be pretty shocked if Jessica actually came back from her trip early for this. Though she and Lisa got along just fine, Jessica had continued to keep Lisa at arm's length, always making polite inquiries and conversation with her, but never venturing into deeper friendship. He knew it bothered Lisa, as there didn't seem to be a specific reason for it. Jessica seemed to like her well enough, just wasn't willing to be closer than they were. Jack had considered broaching the subject with Tim a few times, but the younger man's happiness always stopped him. Jessica was good for Tim, even if she seemed to want to stay on the outskirts of the family.

Jack shook off his thoughts as Tim pulled his phone out, gesturing toward the house, and ambled away as Tim dialed his wife. Never able to resist irking the man a bit, he grinned at a sudden thought and turned back.

"Oh and Tim" when Tim paused with his phone halfway to his ear and looked at Jack again, he continued "thought I should let you know Lisa already called Rachel, she's probably flying in tomorrow to help out with planning the service and such." He chuckled as Tim swore, seemingly just as Jessica answered, as his next words were apologizing to her. He laughed as he left the barn, glad he could still occasionally get under the man's skin a bit. It was no secret in the family that Tim and Lisa's sister did not get along. Tim was usually able to stay respectful and not cause a scene when Rachel visited, but the opposite was not true. Rachel was still unable to hold her tongue around Tim and tended to badmouth him within minutes of seeing him. Though Jack enjoyed teasing Tim about it just now, he did actually hope that with Evelyn's service looming, Rachel would be able be around Tim without causing a ruckus this time.

As Jack neared the house, he saw Amy standing on the steps, looking at him somewhat anxiously.

"Amy, everything ok?" He walked up to his granddaughter as she spoke, her voice rushed and anxious and twisting her fingers together.

"It's Lyndy. She was ok for a few minutes, but this is hitting her kind of hard, and now she's in her room crying. Grandpa, I know you need to take care of Lisa, but would you be willing to talk to her for a few minutes? She's really having a hard time hearing about Evelyn, and honestly, it's hard for me too, so I don't think I was much help when I tried to talk to her again."

Jack gently covered Amy's fidgeting hands with his own and met her eyes.

"Of course I'll talk to her Amy. Why don't you take a walk, get some fresh air, ok? You haven't really had to deal with this since Ty, so I get it. You need to take care of yourself too, then you can come back to Lyndy a little clearer." He was grateful when Amy just nodded, seeming to know she needed a moment to herself. He pulled her in for a brief hug and gently scooted her down the steps. As she slowly walked away, he turned and entered the house quietly, hoping his wife was asleep so he could focus on the youngest member of the family for a few minutes.

He smiled at Lou and Katie, who were sitting at the kitchen table, Katie on the phone with someone. He looked questioningly at Lou and she mouthed "Georgie" at him. He nodded and quietly made his way to his bedroom door, opening the door slowly. He felt his shoulders drop in relief when he saw Lisa was out cold. He hadn't realized until then how tense he had felt the last hour, glad to have it lessened as his wife got the rest she needed to face the coming days. He quietly shut the door again and saw Lou standing near the couch as he turned.

"She sleeping?" Lou asked.

"Yeah, looks like she's pretty out. She asked me to wake her for dinner later, so I'll just let her sleep until then." Lou nodded, still looking at him, an odd look on her face. He sighed internally, knowing he wouldn't be comforting Lyndy yet.

"What is it Lou?"

"It's just…Katie was asking me some questions about Lisa's family and who will be at the funeral, and I realized that there's a lot we don't know. Katie asked when Lisa's mom died, and I realized that I've always assumed that she must have when Lisa was pretty young, but I don't think I've actually ever been told that. And then I started thinking more about it, and realized that Lisa has really never shared much with us about her life before she met you, other than brief stories of her and Dan, and her work, and a bit about her dad. And now this, I mean, she's grieving and just hiding away. She could be out with us, I know Katie would appreciate that. I mean, Grandpa, doesn't she want us to know about her? She knows practically everything about us, and is always involved when anyone else needs help or comfort…and she just never…" Jack held up a hand when Lou began to ramble, already exhausted from this conversation.

"Lou stop" he quietly but firmly said, his eyes fixed on her. When she thankfully did stop, he continued, wanting to keep it brief, not only to get to Lyndy, but to make it clear to Lou that this kind of talk would not be tolerated.

"First of all, trying to air your grievances with Lisa while she's in there sleeping, less than 2 hours since she found out that someone she loves very much has died, is not only inappropriate, but you've severely disrespected my wife, so that'll be the last of that." When Lou opened her mouth to speak again, Jack just cut her off. "Secondly, did it ever occur to you to ASK Lisa about her family, or her childhood, or have you just waited for her to come to you? She has her reasons for not sharing much with people, and it is not my place to share those reasons with you, or anyone. And Lou, I am beyond tired of having these conversations with you about Lisa. She has been nothing but wonderful to you for almost 18 years, and you've given very little to her in return. Now, Amy asked me to speak with Lyndy, who is also struggling with this news. I'm going to go do that, and you and I will not be revisiting this topic." He stared at his oldest granddaughter for a moment and then walked around her when she stayed quiet, looking slightly taken aback at his words. He had treaded lightly with Lou regarding Lisa and he shook his head at his own foolishness, knowing he should have said those things a long time ago. He was beyond angry with Lou, but knew he needed to put it aside for now as he approached Lyndy's room, hearing sniffling from within. He put the conversation with Lou aside to process later, and gently rapped on the door frame, pushing the ajar door a little further open as he did.

Jack smiled sadly at Lyndy when she looked up at him, eyes red and her cheeks wet with tears. She was sitting on her bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. He walked over to her when she tried to smile back, and sat on the bed next to her, stretching his legs out. He saw quietly, and waited, knowing Lyndy was a lot like her mom, and sometimes needed to be waited out before she said anything. He sat, looking at the horse pictures on the wall for a few moments, until a little hand curled into his much larger hand, and a blonde little head rested against the side of his arm. He small, sad voice broke the silence.

"GG? Why did she have to die?"

"Well Lyndy, sometimes, we don't know why the people we love are taken from us, like when your Dad died, or when your grandma Marion died when your mom was younger. But other times, we love someone who makes it to a very old age, like Evelyn. She had a full and wonderful life, full of people that she loved. Evelyn was very old sweetheart, and it was time for her to go. It's ok to be sad about that, since we will all really miss her, but we also need to remember all the happy memories she gave us, and what a good life she had. Don't you think Evelyn would want you to smile when you think about her?"

Lyndy sniffled again, her voice a little clearer this time "Yeah I guess she would. She liked to smile and laugh." He smiled down at her when she turned her head to look up at him. "Member how she didn't like your scratchy whiskers? She always crabbed at you or Lisa about it, but then when you walked away and weren't looking, she'd smile all silly at you. I think she just liked to tease you, and was glad you love Lisa so much." Jack's eyes widened in surprise at Lyndy's keen insight. His little cowgirl was wise beyond her years at times. He smiled again and chuckled.

"You know, I think you might be right Lyndy!" They laughed together, and he was relieved to see some of the sadness diminish from her eyes, glad he'd been able to cheer her some. He watched as her eyes shifted over to the door, and turned as she greeted Amy.

"Hi momma" He smiled at Amy as she came and perched on the other side of Lyndy's bed, facing them both, and was glad to see she looked a bit more centered now as well, her short walk obviously helping.

"Hi honey, you doing ok?"

"Yeah, GG made me feel better. I'm still sad, but we're gonna remember what a long and good life Auntie Evelyn lived, cuz she'd want us to smile when we think about her." Amy smiled over at Jack and he shrugged, not seeking praise for helping Lyndy.

"I think that's a great idea Lyndy. Maybe, once Lisa is ready, we can share some of our favorite stories of Evelyn with her, what do you think?" When Lyndy nodded eagerly, Amy scooped her up for a hug and met Jack's eyes over her head and mouthed "thank you" to him. He simply nodded, and smiled when Lyndy launched into his arms for a hug. He patted her back and smiled at her when she pulled back, a little dismayed to see her face fall again.

"GG, is Lisa very very sad right now, like…like how me and momma were when daddy died?" he glanced at Amy as Lyndy played with his shirt pocket, and she shrugged at him, the two coming to a silent agreement that Lyndy could handle an honest response. Jack gently tilted her head up to meet her eyes again.

"Yes honey, she is very sad right now. And it will take a little while for her to not be sad, but we'll help her, ok?" when Lyndy nodded, he smiled at them both again, knowing Lyndy and Amy especially would be able to empathize with Lisa in her grief. Though Ty had been gone a few years now, they all still struggled with it, feeling he'd been much too young to leave them. Amy and Lyndy had come though it strong, and they were both doing very well, but Jack knew from experience, that pain like that never completely leaves. It just becomes easier to bear.

He sat a little longer with Amy and Lyndy, as they chatted quietly about other things, the horse Amy was currently working with, the friend's birthday party Lyndy had coming up the next week. He felt somewhat refreshed and was glad he'd taken the time to come in to see Lyndy. He knew he would also need strength the next few days. He'd rather be in pain himself than see his wife in pain and knew he wouldn't fully feel settled until she did. When Amy and Lyndy changed gears to practice her spelling words before dinner, Jack left them to their own devices and walked back out to the living room. He sank into the couch, glancing at his watch to see that he could let Lisa be for a couple more hours, as it was just after 4:00pm. He told himself he'd peek in again to make sure she was sleeping in a bit, and was startled when someone sat down next to him, not realizing he'd been so lost in thought. He looked over at Lou, and narrowed his eyes at her, not willing to listen to another tirade from her.

"Before you say anything Grandpa, I sat down to say I'm sorry. You were absolutely right, that was inappropriate and extremely insensitive of me." He saw her genuine remorse in her eyes, but sighed, not understanding why this kept happening.

"Thank you Lou, I appreciate that. But you almost always end up apologizing to me, so why do you keep doing it? You don't have to answer me right now if you honestly don't know, but I want you to seriously think about why you continue to treat Lisa this way. That woman could not love you more, even if you were her own flesh and blood. She has helped you through trying times, celebrated with you in happy times, and has gone above and beyond for your girls. I need you to finally find a way to put whatever this is to rest Lou. All of us are too old for it." He was pleased when Lou nodded along, looking slightly embarrassed, but not protesting.

"I will think about it Grandpa, and I really am sorry. I just…" she huffed in frustration, and he took her hand.

"Hey, I still love you kiddo. Nothing will ever change that. But this needs to end now, alright? Lisa has been family for long enough, and makes me very happy. I don't need you throwing a wrench in that anymore. And she would never say anything, she loves you too much, but it hurts her too Lou."

"Yeah…okay. I really will figure it out and do better, ok?" When he nodded, she turned even redder.

"Amy kind of…caught the end of your…scolding…and backed you up. She said some things that I never realized, and I…I do see it now Grandpa. I've not always been very good to Lisa. I'll do my very best to change that."

"Alright, thank you Lou. I will take you at your word on that. And I know this won't be an overnight thing. You two have butted heads off and on for years, so I get that it will take some time, but PLEASE, do not make the next few days even more stressful for her? She just lost someone that was like a parent to her. I don't need you piling more on her shoulders."

Lou nodded and hugged him. "I won't, I promise, I'll make sure she feels nothing but support from me."

"Alright, that's good enough for me right now. Let's move on. I'm going to take a short nap, since I'm sure the next few nights will be rough for Lisa. Wake me in about an hour or so?" Lou nodded and hugged him again.

When she'd walked away, Jack stood and peeked in on Lisa, relieved to see her still sleeping, having not moved a muscle. He walked back to the couch, not wanting to risk waking her, and sank down again, propping his feet up on the coffee table and leaning his head back, trying to calm his racing thoughts and get some shut eye. He drifted off to Lou and Katie's soft voices in the kitchen, glad he had his family, even when they did boil his blood sometimes.

JLJLJLJL

The next time Lisa woke, it was to the rumbling voice of her husband and his hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see him at the side of the bed.

"Hey, did you still want to come out for dinner? Lou says it'll be ready in about 10 minutes. You can stay in here if you'd rather, and I can bring a plate in if you're hungry." He sat on the edge of the bed as she scooted herself up a bit, trying to assess if she felt like leaving her solitude as the vestiges of sleep faded.

"Thank you for the offer of room service honey, but I want to come out and eat with everyone." He smiled at her, and she figured he probably wasn't surprised. As independent as Lisa was, she always preferred being with people rather than being alone. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat at the edge next to Jack, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment, feeling the weight of this very long day, and then looking up at him.

"I'll just pop into the bathroom and freshen up, and then I'll join you." He nodded and kissed her forehead and left the room again.

Lisa made her way wearily through their closet into the bathroom, cringing at her pale face and red eyes in the mirror. She sighed and decided not to dwell on her disappointing reflection right now, feeling older and more tired than she had just that morning. She splashed some cool water on her face, patted it dry and ran her brush through her hair. She looked down at her shirt, wrinkled from her nap, and shrugged, knowing no one would care. She flicked the light off and made her way to the dining room. When she walked out, Lou and Jack were putting the last dishes on the table and Katie was filling the water glasses. The teen lifted her head and saw Lisa, immediately putting the water pitcher down and crossed to Lisa, hugging her tightly. Lisa wrapped her own arms around Katie, surprised at the tears she could hear in the girl's voice as she spoke, but the embrace from her goddaughter filled up some of the cracks in her heart. Katie especially had warmed to Evelyn after their first meeting. The teen treasured the letters and gifts Evelyn sent and anytime the older woman had visited, they'd made a point of spending time together.

"I'm so sorry Lisa. This is so horrible." Katie sobbed into Lisa's shoulder. She met Lou's concerned face over Katie's shoulder and waved her off with one hand. It was easier to focus on Katie's tears and grief than her own. She gently pulled back but kept a hand resting on Katie's arms, bringing the other up to wipe away some of the girl's tears and swept a stray hair behind her ear.

"Thank you, sweetheart. It is horrible, but hugs from you help" She smiled at Katie and the girl smiled back, pulling back further, and twisting her hands together anxiously.

"I'm glad it helps, but I am sorry, it probably DOESN'T help to have me sobbing all over you." Lisa was about to strongly refute that, not wanting Katie to feel at all guilty, but Amy beat her to it, walking up next to them.

"Katie, that's not how it works with family. When my mom died, and I felt so alone, you know what finally helped me start working through it?" Katie shook her head, and Lisa looked on, already suspecting what Amy would say. "Well," she continued "the moment when Grandpa and your mom stopped trying to be strong for me and admitted that they were in pain over losing mom too. Sharing that pain with each other helped us all heal. And it helped me when Ty died too, knowing how much everyone in this family missed him too." Amy rubbed Katie's back and nodded at the teen's tearful "really?" but caught Lisa's eye and let her answer.

Lisa drew Katie's eyes back to her as she spoke "She's right Katie, sharing it with people is what gets us through things like this, so if you need to cry about it, you go ahead. It won't make it worse for me, I promise." She pulled Katie into another quick hug and pulled back to say "Now, I think dinner's ready, and I could use some good family time. Should we eat?" Katie nodded with a teary smile, and they headed for the table, everyone else filing to their chairs as well, Peter giving Lisa a quick and gentle hug as she walked to her spot. He must have arrived back from his trip as she slept, and she patted his arm in thanks. As she settled in her chair next to Jack, Lisa smiled at him as he gripped her hand in his.

"You alright?" he asked softly, and she nodded, already glad she'd come out to the table. She meant what she'd told Katie, that she needed some family time. She glanced away from Jack as Peter passed her a bowl and sent everyone a stern glance when she saw they were all staring at her and politely said "please act normal", took a helping of potatoes before giving the bowl to Jack. She smiled to herself when, after a few awkward silent moments, they all seemed to try and settle, Amy talking softly to Lyndy, Peter catching the dinner roll Lou tossed to him, and Katie sheepishly silencing a notification on her phone at a stern look from Jack. Once everyone had settled into their meals, Jack cleared his throat and spoke.

"You know Amy, hearing you say that about Lou and I admitting we missed Marion as well when she died, you actually partially have Lisa to thank for me coming around." Lisa furrowed her brows in confusion at her husband, Amy and Lou also looking confused.

"What do you mean Grandpa?" Amy asked, her fork hovering mid-air above her plate. Jack put his own fork down, took a sip of his water, and then answered. Lisa leaned in a bit, not knowing where he was going with this.

"Well, she and I ran into each other at Maggie's once, really early on. I think we'd only known each other a few months. Anyway, we had coffee together and she asked me how you two were doing. I told her I was worried about both of you, as it seemed you were bottling everything up, and upon a little prodding on her part…" he paused and looked at her, and she nodded at him with a smile, now remembering the day he was retelling, "well, she figured it out before I did, and told me 'Jack, I think they may just need to you that you miss Marion too'. She also told me that she was beginning to think maybe you two get that bottling things up thing from me and ended up getting me to talk about your mom quite a bit that day." Lisa chuckled to herself at that part. He'd certainly gotten better at sharing his feelings over the years, but he still liked to default to stoic cowboy on occasion.

"Oh wow, that's…geez Lisa, you were looking out for us before you even knew us that well" Amy said, smiling at Lisa and then sent Lou a look that Lisa could not decipher, especially when's Lou's face went red. Lisa just shrugged and decided to revisit that when she had the capacity.

"Well, most people just want someone to acknowledge that it's horrible when someone they love dies. Misery loves company after all." Lisa looked down at her plate, her current grief bubbling up again. She'd meant that to sound more lighthearted, but her comment made the table go quiet again and swallowed thickly, forcing back the tears that wanted to fall again.

"Lisa?" the littlest voice in the family spoke up hesitantly from across the table. Lisa looked up at Lyndy, blinking away the last of the moisture, and focused on the little girl.

"What is it sweetheart?" She asked.

"I'm sorry Auntie Evelyn died. It's really sad." Lyndy looked at her nervously, obviously hoping she'd said the right thing. Lisa could see the tears shimmering in Lyndy's eyes and her heart clenched when she realized that the little girl had already felt grief in her young life and even at her young age, could understand some of what Lisa was feeling right now. The silence continued for a moment, until Lisa let out a choked half sob, half laugh and smiled at Lyndy, the little girl's honest effort to be comforting making her feel a bit lighter.

"Thank you, it IS very sad." She chuckled again and Lyndy smiled too, glad she'd been able to help. Amy and Lou both laughed softly too, and Amy rubbed Lyndy's back and kissed her daughter's head.

The tension finally loosening, Lou spoke up.

"Remember when we first met Evelyn and she kept telling Lisa she should get Grandpa to shave more often?" Lisa laughed with everyone else, glad that Evelyn and Jack had become more friendly since then. She smiled with at Jack and he reached for her hand again and offered up his own memory.

"Remember that time she sent Lisa and I that awful painting?" His eyes twinkled at that memory, and though her heart clenched again, she felt a little happier this time, as her family continued to tell Aunt Evelyn stories.

"What about that time she was here for Lisa's birthday, and we all went into Calgary for dinner, and she almost beat that guy that tried to take Amy's purse off with her cane." The group practically cackled at that one and Lisa's cheeks began to hurt from laughter. "Oh man, that's when I knew never to get on her bad side. That woman could be SCARY when someone wronged her family!" Lou added. Lisa listened as they continued to tell stories about Evelyn's visits over the years, and the gifts and letters she'd sent from all over the world. Once she'd seen how happy Lisa really was at Heartland, Evelyn had embraced the family with her whole heart, and had never forgotten to send a birthday or Christmas gift, and Lisa had kept her up to date on all the family news. Lisa's heart clenched again at the thought of never seeing her beloved Aunt again. She felt as if the earth had shifted beneath her today, but as she looked around the family table, at the faces she loved most in the world, she thought that just maybe she could get through this loss, with them at her side.

Thank you! Chapter 2 coming soon!