"Oh, morning Lisa," Amy said with a shy nod at her as she walked into the kitchen. Lisa looked up from the small table where she was trying to deal with her jet lag and read the latest from the Hudson Times. Amy appeared to have startled her, as Lisa looked up in surprise.

"Morning, Honey," she smiled at her and then glanced to her watch. "Gosh, I didn't realize it was now after 7:00. I suppose your bus is coming soon?" Lisa gestured to Amy who had dropped her backpack in one of the two empty chairs. Amy had opened the refrigerator and was standing in front of the open spot, looking for something edible. She turned her head back to Lisa.

"Yeah, it comes around 7:20, but it takes almost five minutes to walk to the end of the driveway. Umm, can I just say it's kinda strange seeing you in the kitchen this morning?"

"Hmm, yes," Lisa chuckled and gave her a nod, closing the paper, preferring to chat with Amy before she left for school. Lisa folded her hands around her cup of coffee and made a face as she addressed Amy. "I know it's an adjustment seeing me here." She took a sip of her coffee as Amy pulled out a yogurt and the orange juice. Amy moved around the kitchen, gathering a spoon and glass before she dropped into the last free chair at the table.

"Yeah, I mean, you usually leave here before I'm even up," and at that, Lisa spit at her coffee and put it down, now coughing. She looked to Amy who then only looked over at her wondering what was going on with Lisa coughing.

"Sorry, went down the wrong way," Lisa coughed and put her cup down. Amy seemed to be very nonchalant working through her breakfast, and Lisa frowned and gestured at her.

"You knew I was here?"

Amy glanced to her with a slight frown, "Well, I don't know when-I mean, there was a night I couldn't sleep and came out here for a glass of water. I heard you and Grandpa laughing in his room, sounded like something was really funny." She shrugged and then added, a small smile at Lisa, "I know you and Grandpa aren't teenagers like I am."

"Amy," Lisa sighed, dropping her head as she looked into her cup of coffee. Lisa couldn't pinpoint the night Amy had mentioned mostly because she and Jack did talk and laugh a lot in the evenings, one of the things she adored about him, how much they loved to laugh together. She looked up and met Amy's eyes looking back at her, "Your grandfather and I-we're very private, and we also are trying to respect some wholesomeness here that I know he and your mom want for the family."

"Lisa, it's fine," she smiled softly. "You're married now and here, just not something I've seen before, another woman in the kitchen in the morning. It's been just Mom and Grandpa for so long. Even Lou has been gone a long time. I'm glad you are here, and I'm never going to mention that again, I mean, that I knew you were here with Grandpa before."

"How about we just keep that between us, ehh?" Lisa eyed her with a wink. Jack would be mortified if he knew that, and now with them married, it didn't need to be mentioned. Amy grinned at that suggestion, and Lisa continued. "Look, Amy, I do know it's a bit odd. It is for me too. I mean, I still feel self-conscious sitting here with no makeup, in my pajamas and robe-"

"Are you kidding? I didn't know they made pajamas that beautiful," she gestured toward Lisa. "Your robe is gorgeous, all silk, and I can only imagine how comfortable silk pants and all are. You look nicer than anyone has ever looked here at our house in pajamas."

That had Lisa laugh as she sipped at her coffee again, nodding with a wink at Amy.

"Well, that is very sweet of you to say. I like nice things," she shrugged and leaned to her, "especially clothing. Still, yes, it's going to take some getting used to-"

"It wasn't weird in France because that was your house, like I was the one visiting, but I know now you are going to be living here, but it's just really new."

"It is," she agreed with a nod. "I just got off a long flight, and yes, I'm hoping to start getting settled today. Your mom and grandfather are working on the chores, so I suppose at least that was the first start of normalcy for me, Jack getting up at a ridiculously early hour," she laughed. "I've got some jet lag of my own, so at least this morning it wasn't a big deal. I've been up since he left to go to the barn, gosh, my third cup of coffee now," she chuckled. Amy did too.

"It looks like you are going to do a lot of redecorating-"

"Most is for our bedroom," she waved her hand. "I was told that it was okay to change some of the things in the kitchen, the dishes and all. That okay with you?"

"Oh, sure, I don't care about those things," she waved. "Are you changing the furniture because I love the furniture."

"No, no," Lisa shook her head. "Jack and I talked about changing some things in our room, maybe the furniture in there and probably will but no, the rest of the house," she patted Amy's hand with a reassuring smile, "stays the same. I love the furniture in the living room and dining room table. Okay?"

"Thanks," she sighed with relief.

"Listen, Amy," Lisa leaned toward her, resting her elbows on the table, "I know I married your grandfather, and you are very close to him. That won't change. I also know that I'm not your grandmother, even though at my age, that seems silly," she and Amy both started laughing. Amy nodded in agreement. "I mean, I'm the age to be your mom, and you have a great one. I never had my own kids so I'm not your mom but want to be here for you. Your grandmother gwill never be able to be replaced, but it does put me in an interesting spot married to your grandfather, so I hope that we can be very good friends. I'm here for whatever you need," she waved her hand. "Maybe this will become our special time each day, eeeh? I know Jack and your mom do chores while you are getting ready for school and don't want you out there working in the barn with school right now, so maybe we'll be our own breakfast friends. I'd like that," she offered Amy a smile, "but really am okay with you just knowing that whatever you need, I'm here."

"Thanks, Lisa, and I guess it can get lonely in here in the mornings. I'm not big on breakfast, yogurt or toast or something, but yeah, Mom's usually pretty busy. I might need your help in the future," she grinned, "if I have something fancy at school because Mom will be the first to tell you she has no clue about fashion."

Lisa gestured at herself as she giggled, "Well, then I'm your girl."

"I need to go," Amy glanced at the clock on the wall and then stood to gather her things.

"You have a good day at school, and maybe this afternoon, you can show me how your jumping is coming along? I'm going to bring over one of my jumpers too. I miss jumping, don't do much, but I love to ride and have him jump some small obstacles."

"Is your jumper okay on a trail ride?" Amy asked as she put on her coat. Lisa smiled brightly with a nod.

"Absolutely."

Amy shrugged, "Maybe we can take a short ride since the snow is packed down, the little that is left."

"I'd love that. I suppose I need to get ready for the day. I've got a lot of unpacking and moving things to get to today."

"Bye, Lisa," she waved, and as she opened the door, she was greeted with Marion coming inside.

"Amy, good, I saw the time and was worried you had fallen back asleep."

"Bye, Mom, leaving now. I was talking to Lisa," she hooked her hand, the the two exchanged spots, Marion stepping into the house and nodding over at Lisa who was still at the table.

"Morning," Marion grinned at Lisa. "Dad is brushing out Paint."

Lisa nodded at her and waved at the paper, "I need to put this up and get going for the day. Just a bit sluggish with the jet lag. It should be after lunch for me, but I'm struggling to stay awake with breakfast coffee," she waved her cup in the air as Marion walked over to the coffee pot to get her own cup and dropped into the chair Amy had been occupying.

"Well, I'm tired too. I understand the early hours, but it doesn't mean I like them. Dad is out there, happy as a canary this morning, nothing seems to bother him, and while I know he doesn't mind the early hours, I also know his new wife got home yesterday, so he can't have had a good, restful sleep."

"Stop," Lisa chuckled, as she sipped at her coffee and shook her head. "We can't talk about this."

"No, maybe not," Marion eyed her, "but it doesn't change that I have a pretty good idea why that old guy out there is whistling and overly pleasant this morning and hasn't been since he got back from France," she shuddered. "Changing the subject because yeah, let's get off the idea of Dad and his good mood, how was Amy?"

"Ahh, good," Lisa nodded. "We both said it was a bit odd for me to be here, but we had a nice chat. I told her that maybe breakfast will be our thing, with you and Jack in the barn most mornings."

Marion nodded, picking at a muffin she pulled out of a tin, "I'm glad you are in her life. She needs a female around who isn't just me or even Maggie, her best friend's mom. She and Lou are almost too much apart in age to be really close. In fact, they often get on each other's nerves, so yes, I think having you in her corner will be very healthy."

"I hope so too," Lisa smiled softly at her. "So, what's on tap for you today?"

"Ahh, between client horses right now, so nothing pressing. I have a new horse coming in day after tomorrow. I'm guessing you'll be tackling all of those boxes," she nodded her head toward the door by the bedroom.

"Hmm, yes, and," she eyed her friend, "I was hoping I could convince my friend to help? Jack and I picked out new dishes for the kitchen, and I'd love it if you help me. I don't want to just come in here and move everything."

"Sure," Marion chuckled and with a sarcastic nod, frowned, "Evil stepmother putting me to work in the kitchen already. Knew it was coming."

"Stop," Lisa swatted at her hand, the women enjoying their banter. "Tell you what-at some point, I'm sure we will have to go over to Fairfield and pick up things today. Buy you lunch and a slice of pie? I mean," she smirked, her eyes twinkling, "it's the least I can do for my stepdaughter." At that, both women broke into a laugh, dropping their heads as their laughter echoed throughout the house.

Marion raised her eyebrows at Lisa, "Only if we have said lunch at our friend's diner where we can all catch up-me with my best friend and also with my new stepmom," she smirked back at Lisa and waved her finger at her, "because now I'm not so sure you can be both-my best friend and a stepmother at the same time. Stepmothers are supposed to be wicked," she winked and chuckled at Lisa. Lisa smiled brightly, nodding at their joke.

"Deal," Lisa said, even putting her hand over the table to shake Marion's. The two women grinned at each other, and Lisa then stood, moving to the sink to rinse out her cup.

"Good grief, even your robe and pajamas are gorgeous," Marion sighed, and Lisa looked over her shoulder at her.

"What? This is nothing special. Most of my things look like this."

"That's just it," Marion waved at her. "Most of mine are shirts with holes in them and ratty old flannel pants. I have no style, not that I could ever really see myself dressing as well as you."

"You train horses, Marion," Lisa rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't expect you to be dressed for a fine meal doing that, Jack either," she waved her hand toward the outside. "I just have a very different job."

"Right," she laughed, "which affects what you wear to bed. I will say Dad is a lucky guy, Lisa. You're good for him, and now," Marion stood too, coffee in hand, as she started to step out of the room, "you're classing up this place, probably high time we do some basics here, so yes, let me get showered and cleaned up before we get started on your overhaul."

"It's not an overhaul," Lisa called to Marion who now was heading toward the bathroom.

"I'm just teasing-glad you are here, and in the future, I might have to take some style tips from you regarding my own wardrobe."

Lisa yelled to her as she was almost out of sight, "You let me know when you want to impress Tim because I know that's what we are talking about. We won't talk about Jack, but believe me, you and I can definitely talk about Tim."

While Marion was in the shower, Lisa had moved back into the bedroom and was trying to make sense of everything. She had opened her suitcase the night before on the floor and was now leaning over it, trying to put together some clothes for the day. She really did need to get over to Fairfield. Her business there was fine, although checking in would be necessary, but she needed to start moving her clothing and appreciated Marion's help. She knew Jack would as well, but for now, it would be easier to just sort her clothing on her own or with Marion there. There was something about having a friend around as you went through your clothes. The closet space here was smaller than she had there, and Lisa knew she could keep anything she rarely wore, like some of her fancier dresses, at Fairfield. For now, though, she needed to have a plan and get started. Jack had happily showed her he'd cleaned out everything in the room, giving her the larger of the two closets and now, it was time to start the room update. First up, she had to get ready for the day and shake off this jet lag.

She yelped when she felt big strong hands wrap around her from behind as she was bent over her bag and stood, laughing as Jack spun her around.

"I didn't even hear you!" Lisa swatted at Jack while he quickly embraced her, his hands snaking in her robe and landing on her hips, just dusting the skin line between her top and pants. He grinned at her before leaning in and kissing her deeply, Lisa grinning at that too.

"I was trying to sneak up on you," he said playfully, as their kiss broke.

"Successful," she nodded with a smirk.

"Even in my old age I can be stealth," he winked at her and then smiled down, enjoying holding her in his arms. "Where's Marion? I thought you two might be thick as thieves already."

"Shower," she pointed and then rested that hand on his forearm. "We have a plan to get things unpacked today and then to pick up some of my things at Fairfield."

He nodded, the two enjoying the close embrace, "Well, I'm happy to help-"

She shook her head, "I'll let you know, but for today, I'm okay."

"Offer stands if anything changes. I'm excited you're going to be getting settled today."

She pointed at him, "Don't expect it to be a one-day job. It's much bigger than that-"

"The least I can do then is take you out tonight since you are going to be so busy all day and as you pointed out, we did get married two months ago today. Still okay with dinner out?"

"Looking forward to it," she grinned at him and then made a face as she gestured toward him. "Can we look at bedroom furniture too? Something rustic but modern."

"That's fine," he said with a nod of his head. "I told you free reign in here, and I know this isn't your style," he waved his hand back to the room. "Whatever you want," he said, his face almost touching hers as he leaned in for a tender kiss.

"Really?" she said quietly teasing. "Anything in here? You'd be okay with two twin beds since you snore and toss and turn so much?" At that, she grinned and laughed at her own comment, Jack chuckled too, but then leaned in and kissed her again. He started trailing kisses down her neck while his hands started roaming up her back. She smacked at his hand and broke their kiss.

"Marion is in the shower," she said with a frown and shake of her head. Jack smirked at her, the two in each other's arms and stepped back tugging at her, as he kicked at the bedroom door to close. Lisa covered her mouth, laughing, and she looked up at him and shook her head. "No, cool it, Cowboy. She's down the hall. It's awkward enough."

Jack continued his kisses trying to change her mind, but finally, she patted his arms, "Okay, really, Jack," and with that, she stepped out of his embrace. He chuckled at her and dropped his head with a shake, glancing back to her as she straightened her clothing again. "Honestly," she said with a flirtatious scolding of him, "you'd think you were the teenager in the house."

"Sorry, Lise," he winked at her. "Just glad to have you home, missed you."

She glanced at him from the dresser where she was putting together her things for the day, "The feeling is mutual, but," she turned and pointed at him, "I have a handle on things and certainly am not going to try and fool around during the day with your daughter down the hall. She already makes enough comments about that, so reign it in," she smirked and then added with a glance back at him, "at least until later."

"Okay," he chuckled. He sat down on the side of the bed and let out his breath, "I can't sit like this for long. Tired. I'll fall asleep."

"So let me get this straight," she turned and leaned back against the dresser, crossing her arms, "You came in here all ready for a romp in the hay," she said as she laughed through it, "but then in the next breath are saying you're so tired you could fall asleep?"

He winked at her, "Different priorities." That had Lisa laughing as she nodded at him.

"What can I do to help in here today?" Jack clapped his hands together and looked around the room.

"Ahh, well thank you for the closet space. I will bring my hanging things over. I guess it's silly to do a lot of other unpacking until we decide on new furniture, same with changing the bedding," she nodded toward him there sitting on the bed. "Maybe today we focus on the kitchen. I'd really like for you and Marion to help with that since it's all of your things."

"Okay," he nodded in agreement. "I can do that. Would it be helpful to start pulling out dishes and going through that?"

"Yes, that would be a huge help," she told him as she walked over to where he was sitting. She smiled down at him and leaned down to kiss him sweetly. "I look forward to spending our day together. Marion is probably done with her shower, so I'm up next."

He nodded, as he shifted there on the bed, "Well, you do that. I'm going to rest my eyes while you are in there. My young, hot wife kept me up too late," he grumbled, and at that, Lisa laughed, leaned in and kissed him again quickly before opening the door and walking out. "Wake me if I can be of help in there or at least when you come back in here to finish getting ready."

Lisa laughed at him, catching Marion's eye as she stepped out of the bathroom. She shook her head at Marion, "Don't ask. Your dad is being, well," she shook her head from side to side, "Jack."

After a long day overhauling the kitchen, Lisa was finishing her makeup in the bathroom mirror when Amy walked by eating a banana.

"Wow, Lisa, I love your dress and boots."

"Oh, thank you, Amy," she looked over at her as she fluffed her hair for the last time and turned to her. Lisa shrugged and waved at her dress, "Just a simple sweater dress."

"It looks great on you, simple but very classy."

Lisa leaned toward her with a small grin, "That's the secret to looking great all the time, honestly. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive," she waved her hand. "Sure, I do enjoy nice things but this sweater dress is comfortable, warm, and wasn't at all expensive, but I love it. Navy is my favorite color mostly because it looks the best on me. I can try all types of clothing, but I navigate to a lot of navy and gray. Start with that as far as fashion. With your blonde hair," she nodded at her, "light greens, yellows, pinks, that's what I would do."

"Even if they are all flannel shirts?" Amy teased.

"Even so," Lisa laughed and smoothed down her dress again.

"Okay, who is ready for a nice dinner?" Jack walked up behind Amy and put his hands on her shoulder.

She looked up at him, still chewing her banana, "If you're asking, I mean, I could go for a good meal."

Jack chuckled at Amy and kissed her head before he said, "Your mom ordered a pizza and is picking it up right now. I think she has a movie night planned for you."

"I guess I'll finish my homework then before she gets back," Amy told them. "Have fun at dinner," and with that, she stepped out of Jack's grasp to head to her room, and Jack was left there smiling fondly at Lisa.

"Hey, Cowboy, can I take you up on that dinner invitation?" Lisa gave him a flirtatious glance as she leaned against the counter, facing Jack.

Standing against the doorframe, he shook his head from side to side, considering what she'd offered, "I only take pretty girls to dinner."

Lisa burst out laughing and then tilted her head and sighed, "Well, at least I won't starve here then. I heard a pizza was on the way." Jack laughed back at her comment, extending his hand. As she walked hand in hand with Jack to the door, he leaned over to her ear.

"I should have said I'm only taking one beautiful woman to dinner. You look very lovely."

"Thank you," she patted his hand. "I'm starving but my nerves are a little on edge." He helped her into her coat, and soon, Jack was helping her into his truck. Once they started up the driveway, he glanced over at her.

"Nervous to eat with me or to eat with all of Hudson?"

"Ahh," she said with a nervous laugh, nodding, as her eyes locked on his glancing at her, "I have no nerves or reservations about eating with you, ever." She put her hand on top of his there on the bench seat. "I suppose I'm a little uneasy about the talk in Hudson."

"I'm not going to pretend the idea hasn't crossed my mind, Lise, but," he reached for her hand and pulled it up to kiss it before glancing at her, "I just don't care. People are going to talk. They started talking when we started dating, and they way I see it, they'll get over it."

"You're right, and I am going to just enjoy our evening out," she said, patting their joined hands again before she yawned. "Excuse me. I'm still dealing with this jet lag. The older I get," she shook her head.

"Well, you can imagine me with it then," Jack chuckled with a wink over at her. Lisa laughed, nodding at him.

"Really glad to be home but wake me up if I fall asleep in my pasta."

"Oh, the prying eyes of Hudson should keep you awake," Jack chuckled, which had Lisa laughing too. "I'm glad you're home and hope you don't have to rush off right away. It was a good day today, getting the kitchen reorganized, watching you light up as you made your place in our home."

"I had a great day too," she told him, "and am looking forward to picking out furniture we both want in the bedroom. That's important to me, to share decisions together. It will be nice to get settled this month. If my business doesn't fall apart anywhere," she rolled her eyes, "I should be able to be home at least a month."

Jack nodded, "It won't be long enough, no matter how long you are home. April is going to be busy. I'll have to move the cattle to the upper field. That's always a two-day drive, and then a very overdue trip to the fishing cabin. Really looking forward to that."

"Hmm, I am too," she looked over at him with a warm smile. "Tell me about the cattle drive-like the one you had in the fall? Marion and Amy going?"

He nodded, "They'll both go, overnight out there back of the property." He eyed her, "I'm going to go out on a limb and predict Marion will push for Tim to help again this year."

"Can I trust that with you and Tim both on the drive, you won't kill each other?"

"I'll make no promises," Jack winked at her, raising their joined hands again and kissing them.

"Maybe," she shifted and gave him a nod, "you wouldn't kill Tim on the cattle drive if you had a distraction."

"Distraction?" Jack frowned as he turned onto the Main Street of Hudson. "I'm not following, Lise. It's a pretty straightforward drive, one I do twice each year. Tim will be the distraction, one that will annoy me to no end."

Lisa sighed and draped her arm over the back of the bench, turned now to Jack as he focused on parking. When he had parked, he glanced at her and saw her there frowning at him. "Jack," she sighed again, waving her had on the back of the bench seat, "I was trying to suggest that maybe I go, maybe I be your distraction. I've never been on a cattle drive," she raised an eyebrow at him. "If I'm a rancher's wife, I should probably learn how to," she paused and narrowed her gaze at him with a sparkle in her eye, "ranch."

Now that Jack had parked, he turned slightly toward her, "You want to go on a cattle drive? Lise, you hate camping, and that's exactly what this is, glorified camping. It's cold, often rainy, 10 hours in a saddle-a Western saddle at that for you. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I can't ask you to do that."

She shifted closer to him, grinning, "I'm offering. I'm trying to fit our worlds together. If you can get on a plane, twice now in the last few months, I can certainly tough out a cattle drive, I mean, unless you want that time to yourself and to just put your eyes on the local cowgirls you hire to help."

Jack pulled her close to him, winking at her, "You will be the best looking cowgirl out there, by far, no doubt. No cowgirl has ever caught my eye on a cattle drive, and besides," he lowered his voice, winking at her, "they're all younger than you. Talk about a scandal. Hudson wouldn't stop talking about that."

Lisa burst out laughing and leaned up to kiss him. He kissed her back, putting his hand on her cheek. Their kisses intensified, and Lisa finally cleared her throat as she sat back slightly.

"Hudson is going to talk if we keep this up here at the truck. I seem to remember our favorite neighbor spying us fooling around at my car months ago."

He brushed the hair from her face and smiled fondly at her, "Suppose you're right. Well, let me feed you. We can talk about this cattle drive you're determined to try."

"I'd love to go on a cattle drive with you."

He chuckled softly, squeezing her hand, "I should record that now and replay after five or six hours in the saddle when it's raining. Come on," he opened his door, "let's get a nice dinner, and we can talk about this more. We can enjoy our meal and then shop for a new bedroom set. That should all get Hudson talking this evening."