"I'm sorry I had to cancel our plans for my birthday, but I hope you understand that is how my work is at times, having to take off quickly to check on a potential sale. I love the necklace and earrings you got me," Lisa smiled at Jack across her kitchen island, clasping his hands in hers. She had taken off for three days on a very quick, but very successful business trip to South Dakota where she had purchased a gorgeous horse for a good price and negotiated a good breeding deal with the same stable. Lisa felt horrible leaving when Jack had a full day planned for them, a day trip to Banff to see the early snow and have lunch at one of the lovely restaurants, but as she had explained now for the last 10 minutes, that was work-it came up, and she had to take care of it or miss out on huge amounts of money.

"I know, I know," he waved. "I just hate that I didn't get to see you or spend some time with you on your birthday. You deserve that, and as he squeezed her hands, "I'm glad you like your jewelry."

"The flowers too," she smiled brightly and nodded her head over to the beautiful bouquet display on her kitchen table. Jack smiled at her, winking as he caught her eye.

"And I'm sorry we have to have Amy over here for dinner tonight," Jack frowned. "You just get back, and I still can't have you to myself."

"Oh, nonsense, I mean, yes, we don't get any time alone, but I'm happy Amy is coming to dinner. Besides, it helps Marion." She bit her lip saying that. Jack eyed her.

"Do I want to know?"

"Know, know what?" Lisa made a face, and finally, as Jack rolled his eyes at her, she sighed, "No, you probably don't." He nodded in agreement, and the two grew silent. Lisa's knew exactly what Marion was doing for the evening. Tim had worn her down enough to take her to a rodeo in Calgary. Marion didn't want fancy dinners or anything like that, but Tim knew what she'd enjoy; after all, he had been married to her. She and Marion had talked several times while Lisa had been away, Lisa always glad for the chance to talk about anything other than work in the evenings of her trip. After the dinner at the ranch now almost two weeks ago, Marion had said that she did really believe Tim was doing well, and as much as she wanted to walk away, she just couldn't. So, when Tim asked her about the rodeo, she had said yes, and even though Amy was old enough to be home by herself for the evening, well, Marion knew it would draw red flags, explaining her date and all, so they had played it off as Marion had work, and Lisa had invited Jack and Amy over for dinner. Jack knew that Marion was up to something, suspected it was Tim, but respecting the friendship Lisa and Marion had and the difficult position Lisa was in, he'd not prodded. She turned her head back to him, not even realizing her mind had wandered.

"Sorry," she shook her head. "It will be fun, I mean, dinner with you and Amy. What's not to like about homemade pizza?" She gestured to the counter where she had everything ready and the dough rising for the pizza. Amy was due any minute, Marion dropping her off before her work function, as she had explained. After dinner, Jack and Amy would head home.

"Well then," Jack stood and walked around the counter to greet Lisa with a warm smile. "I'd better kiss you now," and with that, he about knocked off her socks with the intensity of his kiss, Lisa's eyes widening in surprise, but she responded very quickly. The doorbell broke apart their kiss, the sound of their lips smacking was proof just how intense their kiss had been.

"Always ruined by someone," he grumbled, pushing hair out of her face.

"Come on," she said, taking his hand in hers, as they stole glances at each other and walked to the front door, Lisa dropping Jack's hand as she almost reached it. Lisa had just gotten home late last night, and Jack had rushed through his ranch work to come over mid-afternoon where the two had been interrupted constantly with Fairfield questions, but they'd had some time to sit and talk. Now, she was really looking forward to a cozy dinner with Jack and Amy.

"Hi, Amy, come in," she said, giving Marion a wave over in the truck. Marion had said it would be awkward to come in and chat, Lisa agreeing, so she was just dropping off Amy. Amy stepped inside and looked around, the look on her face being one of surprise and shock at Lisa's place. "I know you haven't been here, but come on," she gestured, walking to the kitchen. Your grandfather is in here. Jack, Amy's here."

Jack was just behind Lisa, and he put his arm around Amy's shoulders as he walked up to her. "Good to see you. You brought your backpack?"

"Homework," she shrugged. "I didn't know how long we would be here. Lisa, wow, your house is incredible. I mean, I know I've been to the stables, but not your house. So pretty. Makes Heartland look so small."

"Cozy," she leaned in and smiled at Amy. "Heartland is very special because it's full of love and cozy. Yes," she nodded, "I love it here, but the homes are just different. Come, see the view from the kitchen and living room. It looks over all the stables." The three of them walked the house, Lisa giving Amy the tour. Amy was quiet, taking it all in, and finally, they ended up back in the kitchen.

"Now," Lisa clasped her hands together, "I thought we could make a homemade pizza for dinner. Your grandfather told me your favorite toppings."

"Sausage and mushroom," she glanced to Jack, and he nodded in affirmation.

"I do know my girls," Jack winked over at them, and Lisa just smile. She gestured at Jack and looked at Amy, "What does he like to eat because he wouldn't tell me."

Amy grinned, "On pizza? Most anything, but his favorite is the same as mine."

"Wonderful, Lisa grinned. "I like those toppings too, sometimes pepperoni with it, but I'm fine without it. Look at the three of us-all liking the same pizza. Well," she gestured, to the counter where Jack was sitting again on the other side of the center island, "I've made the dough already. It's done rising. We can roll it out, put on the toppings, and put it in the oven."

"Oh wow," Amy smiled. "I've not had homemade pizza like this, I mean, with like a store bought dough, sure, but this is cool."

Lisa nodded and smiled at Amy and then over to Jack, "Glad to hear it. I really do love to cook and just haven't had a lot of good opportunities to do so. I'm excited for our pizza, and oh," she pointed toward the refrigerator, "I made a Caesar salad to go with it and bought some ice cream-huckleberry," she said with a wink. Amy's eyes lit up, and she looked to Jack.

"You didn't have to sell Lisa on me, Grandpa. I already like her, but I give you credit-telling her my favorite ice cream too? Good work." Lisa and Jack both laughed, and Jack shrugged at them.

"Well, I will tell you Lisa said she loves it too."

Lisa nodded, "I really do, so we are in good company. Let's get this pizza finished."

As the three were eating, Lisa smiled over at Amy and nodded at her, "Your grandfather said you placed second in your last competition. I'm sorry I missed it."

"Oh yeah," Amy smiled, looking at the couple across from her. "It was no big deal."

"It was a big deal," Jack nodded, winking at Lisa as he glanced at her. "Amy is really improving."

"That's great, Honey," Lisa met Amy's glance with a nod of encouragement. "Dare I ask who came in first?"

"Ashley," she frowned and rolled her eyes. "I think her mom would disown her if she didn't."

"Probably so, Val isn't one for being disappointed."

"Yeah," Amy grinned, and after chewing a bite, nodding to Jack, "Grandpa, did you tell Lisa Val brought a pie by?" Jack eyed her and sighed, glancing them to Lisa. She turned her head, a smirk on her face.

"Oh, I hadn't heard," she smirked even more, and Jack just shook his head.

"What Amy didn't mention is that Val brings one every year, but yes, she stayed for pie, but believe me, I got rid of her first I could."

"I'm sure you did," Lisa leaned over and put her arms around Jack's shoulders, winking at Amy. "Val's pretty heartbroken to hear your grandfather is taken, eeeh?"

"Yeah," Amy nodded, a big smile on her face as she took another bite. "It's great to watch, Val all flirty and stuff. She really thinks it will work."

"Flirty?" Lisa raised an eyebrow at Jack. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Not the first time she's been like that, but believe me, I wish it would be the last."

"How about another slice, Amy?" Lisa decided to change the subject and stood up, putting her hands on Jack's shoulders as she did. "Jack, what about you?"

He shook his head, "Already had two, but I would enjoy some of that ice cream."

"Oh, me too," Amy nodded. "Lisa, could I take some of the pizza home for school tomorrow?"

"Already planned for it, Honey," Lisa nodded at her. "The rest is yours," and when Jack looked up at her with an almost hurt expression, she laughed, which had Amy noticing it and laughing too. She stepped back behind Jack and leaned over, kissing his cheek, "Okay, except save a couple pieces for him for lunch too." Jack's face reddened at Lisa's peck on the cheek, but he reached up and clasped her hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks, Lise, you sure do know a way to a man's heart."

Amy gave them both a quizzical glance as she shook her head, not knowing the phrasing. When Lisa met her looking at them, she shook her head too, "The saying, what he said, is the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"Lisa's a great cook," Jack winked at Amy, and Amy grinned.

"Well, then, I guess I'll never find a guy because I can't cook and really don't want to."

"Amy," Jack spoke, "I will say this. I don't think you will have a problem when you get much older," he winked at Lisa saying that, "finding someone because you're pretty great. I don't just like Lisa because she cooks well. She's a pretty wonderful person," he said clasping her forearm as she put the bowls of ice cream on the table for them. Her smile widened hearing Jack say that, and soon, the three were seated and finishing their ice cream.

"Lisa, dinner was so good. Thanks," Amy smiled brightly at her. "I'm excited to take that pizza to school tomorrow too, oh, and Grandpa, I'll leave some for you." Jack chuckled with a nod.

"Now, I know your brought your homework," Lisa started to say and added, "you are more than welcome to sit anywhere in the house to work on it." While the pizza had been baking, Lisa had taken Amy on a tour of the house, Jack tagging along too, but he'd already seen the place many times now. Amy frowned.

"I was going to work on my homework, but can I go out and visit with your horses? I won't bother any of them. I'd just like to see them."

"Of course," Lisa's eyes lit up. "I have no problem with that. You do very well with horses. Jack?" Lisa looked at him.

"Fine with me too," he chuckled, and Amy bounced up and then turned around. "I'll clear the table."

"We'll stack the dishwasher," Lisa added. "Thanks, Honey," she told her as Amy made quick work of clearing the table. "Enjoy the horses."

Once dinner had been cleaned up, Jack and Lisa decided to relax in her living room until Amy came back, at which point, Jack knew he'd have to take her home. They had just settled in and gotten comfortable, Jack with his arm around her, and Lisa cozied up to his side, when her phone rang.

"I swear," she sighed and shook her head. "Sorry," she leaned over to grab her phone on the coffee table, leaning up to kiss Jack as she did. "Hello," she said, and then, as she listened and responded, Lisa stood and started pacing the room.

"No, I don't like the sound of that either," she sighed. "What time is it?" She looked at her watch and did some quick math, "Gosh, I guess it's almost 4AM there, so you've been up with him all night? Yeah, I know," she nodded. "The vet is waiting on more testing then? Okay, ahh, yes, I will be. I'll let you know when I arrive. Thanks."

Lisa hung up, Jack sitting up on the edge of the couch, watching and listening as she'd been pacing. Lisa looked at her phone a second, not looking at anything, but just thinking. She then looked over and locked eyes with Jack, "Ahh, my best racing horse in France isn't doing well. I need to go back."

"You just got home!" Jack exclaimed, and then made a face, not meaning to sound so agitated. "I mean, you have to go?"

"Ahh, yes," she said, sighing. "This is part of my job. If it wasn't my best horse, I might be able to wait out testing and all, but I really need to be there and put eyes on him, hopefully not have to make some tough decisions." When she said that, she frowned at Jack, and he dropped his head, knowing that she was worried enough that the horse might have to be put down.

"I know you have to deal with your horses, Lise, but don't you have a stable manager there for this?"

"It's my job, Jack!" Lisa exclaimed, now shaking her head. "The problem is I don't want anyone else just randomly checking on my horse. I spend thousands and thousands of dollars on these horses. It's my livelihood, and they are ultimately my responsibility."

Jack now stood and put up his hand in defense, "I get that, Lise. I really do. I just know you're running here, there, and everywhere all the time. A trip to France isn't a quick trip down to just check on an animal. I know the airfare and all is expensive, not to mention the time away. I'm guessing that's at least another week away-"

"At least," she nodded. "Ahh, it will all depend on the horse and how he's doing. Why don't you come with me?" At that, the room grew silent, Jack standing there, looking at Lisa. She finally raised her eyebrows and nodded at him, continuing, "I mean it. I'd love for you to come with me. These trips are long and can be lonely, yes, but I do have my house there. I'd really like you to see it."

He frowned and dropped his head, "I don't know, Lise. I'm not into traveling."

"Yes, but this isn't just traveling. This is going with me to my home, to where I live some while I deal with a work issue. We've not had much time together, yes," she nodded. "I get that. I mean, I miss you when I'm away, and it's going into winter. I know you have said work always dwindles some in the winter. What do you say?"

He shook his head, "I can't go to France." He grimaced, "I really have no interest in any travel like that."

"Ever?" Lisa asked, raising her eyebrows. "I know you haven't flown in a long time. I'll be there."

"I don't want to leave," he finally admitted, locking eyes with her and frowning.

She sighed and shook her head, "You don't want to leave now because it's short notice or ever? I mean, what are we doing? I'm always going to have to travel some."

"You're traveling all the time, barely here, and yes, you just got back and are about to run off again."

"Well, you're always here, not willing to leave Hudson. I thought," she paused and looked up before she met his gaze again, "I knew you didn't like traveling much, but I also thought it might be different under the right circumstances. I'm not suggesting some long, drawn out sightseeing trip or vacation. I'm not trying to change you but find out what you are willing to do. It's my house, my stable, a small village-"

"I just can't," Jack told her, but offering up no other response.

Lisa turned and put her hand to her head, nodding as she took a few deep breaths. She walked over to the floor to ceiling windows and looked out over her land. Finally, she turned, and Jack was there, at the coffee table, watching and waiting for a response.

"What are we doing, then?"

"Huh? I'm not sure I follow-"

"This," she waved her hand, "what are you and I doing? I care deeply for you, Jack, but it seems we are at a stalemate. You won't leave Hudson for anything. I have to travel. You don't like it when I'm gone, and I suppose eventually, I'd be resentful if you refuse to go anywhere, even to a home I have."

"I'm not resentful-"

"Really?" She raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips, "Okay, say I go and am gone not a week, but it turns into two weeks. You'd be okay with that? Or, I go, come home, and then another problem arises in another couple weeks. I have to go again. I know it disappointed you I had to go and missed my birthday with you-"

"I just hated you were gone, and I couldn't do something nice for you on your day," he admitted.

"I know and appreciate that," she said, nodding, "but I also know that there's some resentment that I left in the first place. That can't be the way it is anytime I travel."

"Lisa, I don't know what has happened in just the last few minutes," Jack gestured, walking toward her, now standing right in front of her. "Traveling is not my thing, and I told you I haven't traveled."

"So, you just want to be locked down to your ranch the rest of your life? You said Lou was graduating and won't go to her graduation. You should," she nodded. "What if Amy moves away? You won't go see her? Jack, I know you love your ranch, and none of this is suggesting some safari or a trip backpacking though Europe. It's going from Point A to Point B, from one house to another. I just," she paused and sighed, dropping her hand against her leg that it smacked.

"Lisa, I think we have a good thing going here, and surely, we can figure this out-"

"I think we-"

"Grandpa, Lisa?" Amy called out, coming back into the house, and both heads turned to the entryway. Amy came into sight and smiled brightly at them, "Oh Lisa, I just love all the horses out there. Wow, you have so gorgeous ones. I really like Promise, such a great horse."

Lisa smiled at Amy and just nodded, the tension in the room thick, but thankfully, the teenager didn't seem to pick up on it. She looked at Jack.

"Ahh, I am going to have to make some calls and book a flight-"

Jack looked to Amy and gestured, "Lisa has a very sick horse in France and needs to go."

"Oh no," Amy frowned. "I'm sorry, Lisa. Wow, you just got back."

"I did," she said with a frown, but added, "it's part of the job, especially when I own stables on two continents. You know these are valuable horses, and ultimately, they are my responsibility."

"I'm really sorry you have to go," Amy frowned again. "Grandpa, are you okay?" Both Amy and Lisa turned to look at Jack. He was there, his head down, thinking. At the mention of his name, he looked up at Amy but didn't look over at Lisa.

"Fine," he said with a broken voice, nodding. "Amy, go ahead and get your things. We'll let Lisa get ready for her trip."

"Umm, okay," she nodded, walking to the kitchen. Jack, still not making eye contact with Lisa, gestured to her.

"Ahh, thanks for dinner. You take care on that trip," he nodded, stepping around her and squeezing her arm. "Till next time," he told her, his hand still lingering on her arm as he did step around her, but not looking at her. Lisa looked down too, pursing her lips as Jack walked into the kitchen. She stood there, waiting, and when it sounded like the two were ready to leave, she met them at the front door, plastering a smile on her face for Amy.

"Bye, Lisa, hope your horse gets better," Amy said, giving her a hug as she was careful not to squish the pizza leftovers in her hand.

"Bye, Honey, you take care of yourself, okay," she stepped back, still gripping Amy's arms and smiled into her eyes. "And, if I don't see you for some time, you please keep me posted on your competitions and come by here anytime."

"You'll be back soon, right?" Amy asked, looking fro Lisa to Jack.

Holding back a tear and a choked sob, Lisa shrugged, "I guess we'll see how things go."

Amy nodded and opened the door, stepping outside and calling back to Jack, "I'll be at the truck, Grandpa."

Jack stood in Lisa's door, awkwardly, glancing to Amy and then back toward Lisa, but not looking at her. He finally looked up and met her gaze.

"I don't know what just happened in there, other than we got interrupted."

"I think it's very clear we are just too different in this area. You won't travel, and I have it's better we deal with this now before we're not more involved or something. Whatever this is," she gestured between them, "well," she sighed as she looked up and then back to meet his gaze, "whatever it is, maybe it's not enough. Umm, I should go," she hooked her hand over her shoulder.

"Okay," he said, looking down but with a clearly choked up voice. He reached for her hand, still looking at the ground, squeezing it, "You be safe, Lise. I'll miss you and be thinking about you. You are so very special to me."

She nodded, biting her lip as she did, wiping at her eye as she finally looked at Jack's eyes, "I wish I thought all of that was enough. Bye, Jack."