"Well, are you all packed and ready to go?" Jack, who was sitting at the kitchen table eating a piece of toast looked up into his daughter's eyes as she rolled her suitcase into the kitchen.
"Umm, yeah, I think I am all set to go. Are you sure you don't mind watching Amy for a few days while we are gone?"
"Mind?" Jack eyed her. "Amy is less work than you and Lisa together," he smirked, but then gestured to her as he did take off his glasses, "although, I'm really glad you are going with Lisa. It will be good for both of you."
"I'm so excited about it," Marion smiled brightly. "Have you seen pictures of the hotel where we are staying in Denver? Wow, that's a vacation all in itself. I would be fine just relaxing there, and Lisa and I are all booked in for the spa there. That's a really nice surprise for her, Dad. She'll be really excited."
"Well, thanks for setting up that. I know she's complained she can see her feet," he quietly chuckled. "I thought getting her nails done and all with you would be nice. You two enjoy yourselves. I know she was a little frustrated when her business meetings with those investors got pushed, but that's how it is with weather in Denver this time of year," he shrugged slightly. "Just glad you can go with her now. 29 weeks was maybe okay, as far as I wasn't as concerned about her traveling, but her traveling now at 31 weeks," he tilted his head, made a hissing sound, and shook it. "I really would have traveled with her, but I think you going is special. Besides," he sighed, "she was arguing with me that I didn't think she was able to travel alone. It has nothing to do with that, but when the doc says no travel after 32 weeks, and she's returning home in a few days at 32 weeks and a day, I'm just cautious and glad she was okay with you going with her."
"I mean, she's not stupid, as you know, and I know her hormones are a mess. She's been giving it to you the last week or so I'll agree to that, and I'm sorry, but she's just stressed. Yes, this meeting changing added to that. Whether she will admit it to either of us, the reality of Nora actually being born must be starting to hit her. She still refuses to shop, so whether she actually realizes it or not, she is stressed, and sadly, old man," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder and giving him a sympathetic smile, "you're taking the brunt of it."
"I'm fine with that," he waved, "as long as she and Nora stay healthy. Really can't believe it," he said, a faint smile crossing his face, "it wasn't that long ago that I was terrified for her, for us. It did seem like a far-fetched idea that she'd actually have the baby. I never wanted to tell her I was worried about that reality, but I was. I mean, it wasn't that long ago she did believe she'd never have a baby and look at things now. We're mid-November, and in about what, ahh eight weeks or so, we are going to have a new baby around here. Life sure is strange," he chuckled.
"Life is strange," she said from behind, hugging him and resting her head on his. "I know Lisa is aware I'm mostly going along as some chaperone," she sighed, "but we are going to have a great time. I've never been to Denver. I'm looking forward to some shopping and pampering, so thanks again for the spa. I like benefiting from Lisa's pre-baby gift."
She took a seat next to him, and he waved his hand toward her, "See if she'll buy some things for Nora or at least look at them. You know I'm about as laid back as it gets, but it's starting to make me nervous."
"I will," she told him. "I'm definitely going to find some things for the little sis," she grinned.
"Well, while you two are gone, I'm going to work on a project here myself."
"Oh yeah, what's that?"
He made a face, "I'm going to try and clear out the mess upstairs. High time it was done. I think it would be a really nice space for Nora, for Lisa too, an actual office area for her and a room for Nora. I know she's going to want to be home more with Nora here and not always at Fairfield in her office. Because of that, she needs a place to work. That's a big room up there, and while it is a mess now, some manual labor could have that in decent shape. I've not told Lisa," he eyed Marion, "because she still doesn't want to think about where Nora is going to have a space. Honestly," he frowned, "it's a little frustrating, and it's such a hectic time of year at Christmas, I just know it's going to be rushed trying to do all of this then. I want to surprise her, so even if I don't show it to her until Christmas, my part is done."
"Oh, Dad," Marion smiled warmly, "that's a lovely idea, and I think that is a great space for Nora."
"I need to find that cradle too. All of you have used it, and Lisa has no idea about the family tradition. I think that will be really special."
"I forgot about the cradle," Marion smiled again, nodding. "I'll look for some bedding for it, I mean, if I can get any information out of Lisa. She's not said anything about the room décor or just anything?"
He shook his head and pursed his lips, "No, she's set on waiting until she's nine months along. You know her-nothing too frilly or too much, as far as a pattern. She likes simple and elegant, but what am I saying? You know her style."
Marion nodded, "I'll see what we can do."
Jack glanced at his watch and then looked out the window, a smile spreading onto his face, "Looks like Lise is back. She's nervous about this sale, had to run over to Fairfield early to get some paperwork."
"I'll do my best to keep her stress down," Marion stood and started to double check things. "I'm just glad she's still healthy and honestly, she's had a very smooth pregnancy."
"Yeah, the doc is impressed and surprised too, said she's doing better than women 10 years younger than she is."
"Listen, Dad," Marion eyed him, "I think your plan to clear out the upstairs is a great one. I know that it's full of a lot of old junk, some of it bulky or heavy. Can I suggest you have Tim help?" Jack started to make a face, but then, he frowned slightly but then sighed.
"Honestly, I might need some help. A few of the things up there are worth keeping but need to go out to the hut for storage. Tell you what," he nodded at her, "you let him know I'll call him."
"He's around and not busy, you know how it is with winter. Things always slow down."
Jack nodded and stood as he saw Lisa parking the car. He looked at Marion again before gesturing toward her bags, "You know I'll do about anything for you and for Lisa, so if I can clean out things upstairs and mend some fences with Tim for you-"
Marion's smile grew as he said that, and she stepped over to hug him, "Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it. I'll make sure Tim is around to help."
"And, I'm going to load these bags," he waved toward the door where Lisa's bags had already been left and Marion's had joined hers. Jack collected everything and almost stumbled out of the house with everything, both women with a wheeled checked bag and a carry on. As he pulled everything outside, he looked over to Lisa's car where she was getting out of it.
"I know what it must feel like to be a beach ball, Lisa called out to him as she tried, unsuccessfully, to be graceful getting out of the car. "I feel like I am just rolling around now, rolling out of bed, the car, anywhere. She's huge and making me so uncomfortable."
"Let me help," he offered, leaving the luggage and moving quickly toward her. She waved him off as he approached.
"I'm not an invalid. I can manage," she scoffed, and Jack sighed, nodding.
"I know, Lise, just wish I could do more to help. I know you're miserable and feeling out of sorts-"
"I feel like an alien has taken over my body," she huffed, and when she had collected her paperwork and turned back to Jack, she frowned and made a face.
"Jack, I'm sorry. I know I'm frustrated and stressed, and I don't mean to take it out on you. You've been only trying to help, and I keep snapping at you."
"I'll be okay," he said with a shake of his head. "I can take a lot," he winked at her, "even if you are struggling right now. I just wish I could do more for you, Lise. I love you and can't tell you how much you impress me, running your business so well, already taking such good care of Nora," he paused, a hint of a smile on his face. Lisa looked at him, sighing as she stepped toward him.
"You're going to make me cry saying all those nice things," she leaned up and pecked his lips. "Thank you for being you, for being supportive, and for not raising too much of a fuss about my business trip, even if you conned Marion into going."
He rolled his eyes at her, "You know that the two of you are going to have a great time, and it puts my mind at ease, knowing she's with you even if something does go wrong. Now, the way I see it-you can't have it both ways. You can't be convinced something is going to happen with Nora and then push off any help or in this case, Marion going with you. I hope you ladies enjoy yourselves and relax."
She nodded, patting his forearms as she smirked, "You also want the nitty gritty dirt on Marion and Tim."
He tried to play it off with a shrug and wink, "I mean, if she happens to mention what her intentions are going forward, well, you'd just be a good stepmother listening and a best friend offering advice."
"I'll remember that," she chuckled and then eyed him again, "and I'm sure you suggested she get me to pick out all the baby things, eeeh?"
Jack chuckled with a small drop of his head, finally meeting her gaze, "I told you I like to watch out for all my girls. You and Marion are covered, taking care of each other. Nora's coming, and we need to get ready for her."
"Just," she paused and sighed, glancing up at him, "let me get through this sale. I need to focus on my meetings."
"I know," he told her, pulling her in for a hug. He rested his head on hers, "I'm going to miss you, you and that basketball of yours." Lisa burst out laughing, in their tight embrace, glancing up at him.
"I'll miss you too and promise to come back with a better attitude. I have been very short with you."
"Ahh," he just waved it off.
Lisa laughed, "Oh, that answer tells me I've been even worse than I thought. I'm sorry I woke you up and yelled at you about your alarm clock."
"It ticked you off," he smirked, and Lisa groaned, dropping her head into his chest.
"That was a horrible joke. Remember the first time I ever stayed over?"
Jack eyed her, "Ahh, might be old, Lise, but I still have an excellent memory, and how in the world could I ever forget that? It was pretty special-"
"No, no," she laughed, grumbling, "you're terrible, mind on one thing."
"That one thing lead to that," he rested his hand on her stomach, and she swatted at him. "No, I mean, do you remember my asking about your alarm clock, shocked you had one you had to wind by hand?"
"Now that you mention it, yes," he nodded with a slight chuckle. "I also told you that if it really bothered you down the road, I might consider replacing it. After the scolding this morning of it being too loud, message received," he winked.
"No," she reached for his hand and squeezed it, "really, it's okay. We've been married almost a year, and I've not said a word about it since that first night. Really, Jack, I was just," she paused and pursed her lips, "out of sorts. I'm a little nervous flying this late in pregnancy even if the doctor said it's okay-"
"He said to not travel after 32 weeks, and you're flying home after that."
"By one day!" Lisa exclaimed. "This is my last trip before Nora, promise," she laughed. "And yes, even with the chaperone," she grinned at him, "I'm glad Marion is going with me, our girls' trip."
"Me too," he leaned down and kissed her, their kiss growing heated there by the car. When they broke apart, Jack spoke quietly, "I've missed that, missed you."
"Sorry for that too," she laughed. "Wow, I've been quite fun-snapping at you every chance I get and almost being revolted with you even looking at me. You know," she patted her stomach and smirked at him, "I blame you for this." Jack chuckled too, pulling her into his side.
"Something tells me you'll forgive me the moment you get to hold her. Now, let me get the car loaded."
"Lisa! It's time for our trip! Colorado here we come! Only thing missing is the ability to sit by a roaring fire at that hotel and enjoy a bottle of wine."
"Ahh, how I've missed wine," Lisa sighed as Jack loaded the car.
"Already told you Lise," Jack called from where he was putting the last of the bags into her car, "bottle of wine as soon as we get Nora home."
"Might have to build up to a bottle," she chuckled, "after nine months. I'll start with a glass, but Marion," she grinned at her, "you'll just have to enjoy that bottle this trip for the both of us."
"And, that is my cue," Jack stood up from loading and closed Lisa's hatch. "You ladies need to get to the airport, and let the record show I did offer to drive you both."
"You always take care of us, Dad," Marion walked to him and gave him a quick hug. "You behave here and make sure Amy eats a balanced meal at least once."
"She and I will be just fine. You two be careful and do the same yourself-get a good meal, relax, have fun, and come back in one piece-Lise, that's aimed at you. Tell Nora to behave on this trip."
Marion walked around to get in the car and give Jack and Lisa a moment. She walked up to him, arms outstretched, and she smiled up at him.
"I'm going to try and return home in a better mood all around."
"I told you I can take all the sass and complaints. You're having our daughter, and I can't imagine what that does to someone. You are allowed to be short with me, to well," he shook his head from side to side, "pretty much pretend you hate my ever touching you." Lisa laughed at that, squeezing his sides.
"I might think that at times, but I love you very much and am very glad you did touch me," she laughed. "As you know, I'm still nervous but realizing that this pregnancy might actually work out."
"Good," he pecked her lips. "Now, get going and be careful. Take care of both my daughters," he winked at her with a small smile. "Call me later when you get settled, and just think-when you get back, we'll be under eight weeks to go. That's pretty great."
"Pretty great," she said, her voice cracking as she leaned up to kiss him again. "Love you, Cowboy. Colorado, here we come."
