"You look very pretty," Jack said quietly as he walked up to Lisa and squeezed her shoulders, his mustache almost tickling as he spoke into her ear. She was at the sink and glanced over at him with a small smile.

"Thank you, but I feel like a fat elephant and nothing fits, which I realize has been the story of my life for many months now and apparently for the foreseeable future."

He kissed her cheek quickly before stepping back, "You like elephants. Nora's bedding has elephants on it."

Lisa's mouth dropped open, and she spun around quickly to swat at him, but he'd moved faster, obviously knowing her reaction to his joke. He winked at her and leaned against the dishwasher while she turned her attention back to the sink where she was washing bottles.

"You do, though," Jack reached over and put his hand on her arm. She eyed him warily, and he nodded, "You look lovely, and I'm very much looking forward to taking you and Nora," he said with a nod, "to dinner. I'm a pretty lucky man to take out the two of you, and I'm sorry that nothing fits yet. I know you'll get there, Lise. I suspect if I asked you if would change it all, you'd agree that it was worth it for that little girl in there," he said, hooking his hand over his shoulder.

"Well, thank you, but that doesn't change how I feel about this, and yes, it was more than worth it," she waved at her outfit. She was back in a maternity dress she had bought last fall and actually really liked. It was a sweater style dress, so it had plenty of give in it. It was also navy blue, her favorite color, and paired with some of her black boots, she did feel somewhat normal and told Jack that. "I am glad my feet didn't grow. Marion and Maggie said theirs did after having their girls. I'd be very sad if I couldn't wear my favorite boots. That's about the only thing that didn't change, and as much as I love and adore that baby girl," she tilted her head and smiled at Jack, "it is discouraging that I still need to wear this maternity dress because all of mine are just way too tight still."

"I know and am sorry about that. Thank you for that sacrifice," he told her, tugging on her hand. She turned off the faucet, frowned at him, but she stepped toward him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She eyed his attire, "You look very handsome. I'm impressed you are wearing slacks."

"It's our anniversary," he nodded at her. "It would look pretty bad to see you looking this lovely and then wear jeans," he made a face, kissing her there at the counter. "Now, if my bride is ready to go, our offspring is too." Lisa grinned at that and chuckled at him as she mumbled quietly.

"Offspring, here we are again, back to your old-fashioned words that I found well," she patted his shoulders, "adorable and also somewhat hideous when we started dating."

"What's wrong with offspring?" Jack pulled back to eye her with a shrug. "She is."

"I know. Ahh, where is our little pumpkin?"

"Already buckled her into her car seat," Jack stated proudly with a nod. "I changed her diaper, got her all cleaned up in fresh clothes, ready for our night out."

"You did, huh?" Lisa said leaning in to kiss him quickly. "Thank you. That was very sweet of you. I finished her bottles," she waved to the drying rack. "I packed one for her too, so I suppose we are ready."

"She's on the dining room table," he gave a nod. "Let me go start your car, warm it up, and then, I'll take my girls to dinner." Jack winked at Lisa and pulled his car keys from his pocket. He put his coat on and disappeared outside. Lisa packed up the diaper bag, a bag she was very happy with and had found through one of her favorite designers. Who knew fancy designers made diaper bags? She should have realized it, of course. Money didn't change the fact that sometimes, you just needed a diaper bag. She zipped up the black, elegant bag, threw it over her shoulder, and she went to collect Nora. Her smile widened when she saw her, almost asleep again, in her car seat. Jack had put her in a little dress, one that Lisa had ordered and loved. Lisa knew when she'd ordered it just after Christmas that Nora might not have any use for it, but she was determined to use the dress for some of her baby pictures. It was adorable, navy blue and white, coincidently tonight, Nora's dress was the same color as Lisa's. With Nora's blonde hair, she really did look cute. Jack had socks on her and a blanket there to wrap over her. Lisa collected the bunting bag to go over the car seat with the cold weather, got Nora ready, and then, she put on her own coat. Yes, she was looking forward to getting out of the house, and it appeared their little tag along was going to sleep through much of it.

They made small talk on the way to the restaurant, Lisa antsy about Nora in the backseat. After the third time she'd turned to check on her, Jack reached for her hand and gave her a soft smile.

"Now, I know you haven't been checking on her like this the few times you've been out to the supermarket. I also know you wouldn't have been able to do this when you took her to the pediatrician for her well visit. Lise, she's okay," he said, squeezing her hand. She sighed and sat back in her seat, turning her head to Jack.

"I know. I know. I am making progress, but yes, I just worry. I'm not going to be one of those crazy helicopter moms. I'm really not. Promise. I went out the other evening-"

"But cut it short and came running into the house to check on her."

"I did, but I'm also going to France in two weeks. I'll be okay, and you're right. I don't need to keep checking on her, but it's hard. She's little. I love her so much, and I just never thought we'd be right here."

Jack raised an eyebrow as he nodded, "Yes, celebrating our first anniversary with our newborn wasn't high on my list last year at this time," he chuckled.

Lisa started to laugh too, but then, she patted his hand, "Oh, remember where we were last year at this time? I mean, we were probably finishing our nice meal at that restaurant. Oh, you were so handsome, and I had a great time dancing with you. You danced with Marion and Amy, but remember," she smacked his arm. "Lou sent us to that bed and breakfast."

"Oh that place!" Jack exclaimed as he groaned. "You know, I felt like that host, whatever her name was, was about ready to stay in our room with us. She was just so insistent on some perfect experience."

"Gayle! That was her name," Lisa put her hand to her mouth. "We were both very careful not to tell her we'd just gotten married-"

"Yeah because I was sure she'd try to give me some tip," he raised his eyebrows and grinned at Lisa, "about the wedding night or would have come up there during bingo to tell us we were making too much noise." Lisa doubled over laughing, which had Jack laughing too. They continued the small talk to the restaurant in town. Once there, Jack found a spot right in front, both of them commenting on it being early and the restaurant not being busy. Jack carried Nora in her car seat inside, and they were soon greeted by the hostess and shown to a table in the front corner. There were two other tables seated already, but neither Jack nor Lisa knew the couples, so they sighed a bit of a relief as Jack helped Lisa with her coat.

"Well, the once nice thing about dining early is not running into all of Hudson," she said once she was seated at a rectangular table across from Jack. Nora was in her car seat next to Lisa, and Jack had their coats and diaper bag next to him.

"That and the early bird senior special," he nodded with a wink. Lisa laughed too, and they were greeted and placed a wine order before they started looking at the menu. Nora slept on through all of it.

"What are you getting this evening or this afternoon?" Lisa chuckled. She glanced at her watch, "Evening, I suppose. I mean, it is dark, but it's dark here this time of year by mid-afternoon, but I'll grant you it being evening since it's now just after 5:00. I'm starving. I skipped lunch because we were coming here. Oh, that bread and olive oil."

"Mmm hmm," Jack hummed in agreement. "I skipped lunch too. I didn't get to ask you if things went okay with your Fairfield meeting? I know you've been juggling a lot Lise, with trying to keep things going smoothly there. You know Nora and I are always just fine at home."

"I appreciate that, and my client was shocked I had a newborn at home. I might," she titled her head and rolled her eyes, "have a few pictures of her now on my desk."

"Just a few?" Jack lightly chuckled.

"My meeting went well. I think he liked this one horse I have. You know, we all want to see them in person, but I think we'll be able to setup a stud contract. As for dinner," she glanced down again, frowned, and put her glasses back on, "I'm not sure. Honestly, just a simple lasagna sounds delicious, and I haven't been able to eat that for months. It always sounded awful."

"I think that sounds like the perfect meal for you. I know you've missed eating a lot of Italian and have specifically mentioned lasagna."

"What are you getting?" Lisa eyed him over her glasses as she paused her menu exploration. Jack dropped his head, chuckled, and eyed her bashfully.

"Senior special," and at that, both started laughing. It was enough to have Nora start to fidget, so Lisa quieted herself and tried to hold in any more laughter. She put her glasses back on and looked back to the menu.

"What even is that today? I didn't look," she smirked. "Didn't apply."

"It's ahh," he studied it at the same time Lisa found it, "half spaghetti, half beef ravioli with a Caesar salad."

"Oh, that does sound good," she pursed her lips and nodded.

"As you said," he winked, "doesn't apply to you, but I'll be happy to share if you want to trade plates during the meal."

"Yes, please," she stated, closing her menu. She looked around for their waitress, "Let's order. We're wasting precious time with Nora sleeping. I'm sure she'll want her next bottle when the food arrives."

Lisa's words were true; Nora did wake up, ready for her bottle, just as their plates arrived. Jack met Lisa's gaze and pointed at her, "You know, she heard you and did exactly that."

"I know," she made a face. "I'll feed her."

"You will not," Jack said, standing now, to have Lisa hand over Nora. "You've been wanting a good Italian meal. You eat. I'll be just fine, and I'll get her fed. You can then hold her while I eat." With that plan, Jack started feeding Nora, and the two adults were enjoying a nice conversation with a second glass of wine. Nora was almost done with her bottle when Lisa caught Jack scowling.

"What?" She turned to the source and sighed, looking back at Jack with an irritated look.

"What is she doing her and with Dan? Are you serious? It's like we have a beacon on us that alerts the town when we go out to eat."

"They both have portfolios with them," Jack waved his hand there as he was holding Nora. "Honestly, it looks like business."

"Yeah, well," Lisa grumbled, "if I actually thought Val was a decent person, I'd warn her NOT to do business with Dan. Mine has been okay, but he's always pushing for more investments. I'm trying to do less business with him rather than more, which is probably exactly why he's eyeing her deep pockets."

"They are headed this way with the hostess," Jack glanced at her and then looked down at Nora.

"Lisa," they heard, and she flashed Jack her biggest fake smile as she looked up at Dan.

"Dan, hi, been some time," she nodded. He nodded back at her and gestured to Jack, "Jack, ahh, I see there you have an added dinner companion."

"Yes," Lisa smiled brightly, not looking at Val by Dan's side. "Well, the good thing is she isn't adding to our restaurant bill yet, came with her own food," she waved toward the bottle. "We're pretty fond of her, though, so we were okay with her coming along to dinner."

"Jack Bartlett, what a sight, you holding another baby, just thought it would be a great-grandchild or something, Lou being all grown up," Val laughed to herself. "Lisa," she said with a curt nod.

"Val, Dan," Jack said there from where Nora had now finished her bottle. "This is Nora," he said, now putting her on his shoulder to burp her.

"So, everything went okay?" Dan asked, eyeing Lisa. "I thought she was early, or I heard that."

"She was," Lisa nodded after wiping her mouth. "She was six weeks early, but she's doing great, had to stay in the hospital 10 days. She's a very good baby, doesn't fuss much. Yes," she smiled across the table at Jack, "we're pretty happy with her."

"That's good, Lisa. I'm happy for you. Val, isn't she a cute one?" Dan gestured, and Val, who had been frowning, flashed a quick smile. Dan looked toward Nora and Jack and then spoke to Lisa again, "She's very sweet, looks like you, Lisa."

"She is and I think she looks like both of us, different features," she admitted, glancing to Jack.

Val cut in, "I really am glad to hear she's healthy, truly for both of you. That has to be a big relief, ah, with everything, age, history, all that. I do want you to know, I really am glad to hear she's healthy."

Lisa frowned slightly, but knowing what Val said was true, even if Lisa wanted to roll her eyes for pointing out things like age, Lisa just nodded, "It's a huge relief. She's such a blessing, and we're very grateful for her each day. She's a month old today," Lisa said, giving Jack a nod.

Val started to speak again, "I wondered about having a baby out this soon-"

"Nothing wrong with it, Val," Jack said with a roll of his head. "Even her doctors said so. She's snug in her car seat. Lisa got her all these coverings for the cold weather, and that car seat is about as safe as a tank. Nora is doing just fine, this not even her first outing. I guess she knows it's our anniversary and just wants to enjoy our evening."

"Anniversary?" Val's eyes widened.

"Married a year," Lisa said with pursed lips. Dan looked down and away at that, but then, with no one talking, Dan gestured to Val.

"Val and I are going to talk business. You two, enjoy your night. Oh, Lisa, about Zeus-"

"I'll be there, Dan, in France, as I told you I would. I'm aware of our jointly owned horse and his race."

"You're going to France?" Dan's eyes perked up.

"I can't believe you're hauling that baby across the world," Val chuckled with a roll of her eyes.

Lisa waved at Jack, "Jack and Nora are staying home. I'm going to take care of business, which is what one does who owns a business. No one would have a problem with this if I was the man, and not the woman who had just had the baby. Jack and I are fine with it, and while I will miss them terribly, yes, it has to be done. Dan, any problem with that?"

"No, none," he nodded at her. "You have always been able to juggle things well."

"This I will have to see," Val chuckled, gesturing to the two of them as she and Dan stepped away and toward their table. "Jack with an infant."

"Well, Val," he said, after sipping his wine, "you know, I have actually raised a daughter and two granddaughters, so I think I'll be okay, not to mention, Marion and Amy will be around to help."

"Yes," Val gave him a smirk and nod, "your grown daughter and teenage granddaughter can certainly help with the infant you fathered. Jack Bartlett," she chuckled, "quite the change for the rugged cowboy you used to be." Dan gave a respectful nod and wave as he and Val stepped away. Thankfully, they were seated across the room.

Lisa rolled her eyes when she met Jack's glance. He shook his head too, "Sorry, Lise."

"Oh, I'm done with her. She was so awful last summer. I don't even want to acknowledge her comments," Lisa waved. "Jack," she frowned, "I'm sorry. You need to eat." She stood to take Nora from him so Jack could finish his dinner, Lisa more than self-conscious about her appearance as she caught Val eyeing her as she had Nora in her arms and sat back down.

"Val will always be Val. I won't forget her being rude to you last summer, but let's not focus on her tonight. Speaking of anniversary, that is a lovely gift," he gave her a nod, "that frame for an anniversary gift, but you didn't have to get me anything, Lise. We've got a great gift there with Nora. You gave me something I didn't know I wanted, and now, I couldn't imagine life without her."

"I can't either," she stated with a firm nod. "As far as your gift, it was a picture of the three of us," she smiled sweetly, "even if it was from just sitting on the couch. Marion took a nice picture on Christmas. Plenty more going forward. You're one to talk about an anniversary gift," she smiled at him, waving to her new earrings. "Blue topaz for Nora's birth stone."

Jack shrugged with a wink, "My beautiful bride needed something to enjoy. Since you aren't enjoying your clothing right now, earrings seemed to be the way to go. I told you that I had no clue what December's birthstone was, but it is pretty. Glad the jeweler helped, and I'm glad you like them."

"I do," she touched her earrings and then gestured to Jack. "How's the senior special?'

"Delicious and a good deal," he winked. "I'm a cheap date," he said smirking at her. Lisa just laughed and dropped her head.

"Can you say that if you're the one paying?"

"I thought you were paying?" Jack winked at her again, almost flirting with her. She rolled her eyes at him.

"Well, I did have some of our favorite wine shipped over from France. I had planned to have it here for Christmas, but someone," she gestured to Nora, "slowed that idea. So, it did arrive, and I thought we could enjoy a glass of that at home, that is, unless you want to sit here and continue to grin over at Val. Personally," she gestured to herself, "spending our anniversary here talking to Val sounds like a great idea."

"I'll take care of the check," he winked "I'm on board for a nice glass of wine at home." With that, he waved down their waitress. Lisa shifted and started getting Nora ready to go. Jack gestured toward Nora, "She's been good as gold tonight."

"I'm really impressed," Lisa admitted. "I wasn't sure how this would go, and I'm glad you suggested a dinner out. It's been nice to get out on this cold evening even if we had to run into two of our least favorite people."

With the bill paid now, Jack gestured, "Let's head home. A warm fire, a glass of wine, and sitting there with the two of you sounds like a pretty good way to end my day. You certainly have made this old man happy," he told Lisa, squeezing her hand before he took Nora in her car seat from her. The couple waved to Dan and Val who had looked up with their leaving, and without another word to them, Jack and Lisa made their way outside and back to Heartland.

Once back at home, Lisa got Nora into her pajamas for the evening and into her cradle. She closed the bedroom door to see Jack at the fireplace, getting it going. She joined him on the couch shortly after with their wine and two pieces of pie.

"Where did you get an apple pie? I didn't see one in the kitchen," Jack commented when Lisa handed him the plate off her tray. She grinned as she sat down next to him and patted his leg.

"Oh, I have friends in town who make pie, and when she heard it was our anniversary, she sent this home with me," Lisa grinned. She leaned toward Jack adding, "Maggie brought it out to me when I dropped off Amy's heavier coat. You heard me tell Marion I'd take it to her so she and Tim didn't have to stop and do that, and it wasn't out of my way when I went to Fairfield."

"Well, this is a pretty good way to end the day," he nodded and took another bite. "Mmm, I do love a good apple pie. Missed yours this fall," he nudged her, "but you have a pass. You weren't feeling well with your pregnancy, and I will look forward to your pies again this coming fall."

Lisa smiled at the thought, "Yes, huh, I guess by then Nora will be in a highchair. She can watch. Wow," she said with a shake of her head. "She'll be all grown up before we know it."

Jack smirked, "I think we have a little time. She's not even holding up her own head yet, Lise," and at that, they both started to laugh. Jack patted her leg, "On that note, though, when do you want to move her up to her crib?"

Lisa bit her lip and shook her head.

"Before you say never," Jack eyed her, and Lisa chuckled, dropping her head in a guilty defeat, "I just thought we could come up with a plan."

"You're right," she nodded. "Well, I don't want to move her before I go to France."

"No," he said. "I agree."

"Maybe when she's sleeping more than three hours at night?"

"Okay, but," he put down his empty plate and turned toward her, "we also have to talk about her sleeping. I am not a fan of the cry it out method, and I'm guessing you aren't either."

"Oh! I am," Lisa said with a single nod. "I actually read up on that. I know getting babies to sleep through the night is a real problem, and yes, when she's a little older, we will have to let her cry it out."

"Oh, Lise," he groaned, dropping his head. Lisa chuckled and patted his leg.

"Now, who is the soft parent, ehh?"

"I hate hearing her cry, and thankfully, she doesn't much. Maybe she will just figure it out."

"Yeah," Lisa said with a nod of her head. "Go ahead and believe that. I don't know a lot yet about babies, but I've been reading that, and I'll keep reading about that. I think we'll have to let her cry, but yes, for now," she put her hand on his and smiled. "She stays in that cradle in our room, okay?"

"Fine, agree, but she will need to move at some point. She's going to start waking up when I get up so early, and neither of us want a cranky baby on our hands."

"Well, she's asleep for now," Lisa took Jack's hand in hers as she shifted to cozy up to his side, "so let's enjoy the peace and quiet."

"Sounds good to me," he nodded in agreement with a chuckle. "It's early, want to watch a movie?"

Lisa shifted to look up at Jack but grimaced, "I mean, we could. I had another thought. I mean," she shrugged, "it is our anniversary. We have a pretty empty house, and the only other resident is asleep for the time being."

Jack narrowed his gaze at Lisa and gave a slight shake, "Now, I'm not one to question a romantic gesture from you, well," he shook his head from side to side, "maybe I did before we were dating, and I was trying to wrap my head around this gorgeous blonde younger woman interested in me," which had Lisa laugh and swat his stomach. "I thought you," he waved his hand, "I mean," he started to turn red, "well, the obvious, Lise, you did just have a baby. No way I'm pressuring you, and I know you haven't been back to your doctor."

Lisa shifted more and was now turned sideways facing him with a warm smile and tilt of her head, "I am the one who suggested it, and I'm fine. I really am. I'll see my doctor when I get back, as planned. For now," she took his hand and intertwined their fingers, "this is one area I'd like to get back to some normalcy. Besides," she waved her hand and looked back at him, "apparently, no one waits for that appointment," she dropped her head and laughed slightly, eyeing him with a grimace. Jack groaned and gave a single shake.

"Knowing that your biggest confidant is my grown daughter, I'm not going to ask about that. I just don't want you to have any issues, Lise or be in pain-"

"Jack," she said, leaning closer to him with a bigger smile, "I'm fine. I really am. I had a relatively easy delivery, which, umm, yeah, wouldn't wish a rough one on anyone, but I did have a smooth one. I would tell you if I was concerned, but I'm not. I certainly thought that for our anniversary, it was the perfect time to get at least one thing back on track, not to mention we have an empty house. We have this lovely fire, a sleeping baby, and had a wonderful evening. It seemed like the perfect time, especially with me heading to France soon. I can always just head to bed," she hooked her hand her shoulder. "I mean," she gave him a flirtatious glance, "you do still find me attractive; I hope?"

At that, Jack's eyes met Lisa's. He pursed his lips and winked at her, "I see. The wine is a nice touch."

"Your fire is too," she grinned."

At that, Jack tugged Lisa's arm toward him and pulled her into a kiss that quickly deepened. Lisa grinned at him as they shifted on the couch, Jack groaning at his aging muscles as he got comfortable. Lisa laughed through that, smiling at him, Jack smiling at her, and the two began to rekindle the romance they'd put on hold for some time.