Lisa's Porsche bumped over the very long gravel driveway, working its way all the way back to Heartland. She drove slowly, not because of the driveway. The driveway was fine, like most of the side roads around the area. It was a rural area, and that came with the territory. She'd just replaced another windshield last week, the rocks taking their toll on windshields throughout Alberta. No, she drove slowly because she was trying to take in all of the scenery, and wow, Jack had some great views from his ranch. She was almost trying to study it, map it in her head, with the idea and hope that possibly, just maybe she'd be spending more and more time here. The place had a very cozy feel; she'd told Marion that already the couple times she'd been by. She was excited about this dinner tonight, nervous too, but she didn't want to hide things from Marion and from what Jack had said, he didn't either. As she drove around the last turn, her Porsche now heading straight toward the house, she flipped down her visor and checked her makeup again. Everything was still in place, and she wiped at the corner of her mouth where she saw a small lipstick smudge. As she drove by the barn, she took a deep breath, now nervous about this birthday meal. It was going to be a big evening.
She rolled up and parked next to the two trucks already there-Jack's and Marion's, a spot near the walkway open. For some reason she felt like she was studying the details of the place more than she had. It was a charming ranch, a little run down, but nothing too awful. Caring for any of these massive ranches was a huge job, and she knew that Jack was doing most of it alone, Marion helping somewhat, but she worked with the horses. Lisa also knew Scott had lived and worked at Heartland long before he'd become a vet, and perhaps Jack would have to hire someone else like him going forward. She looked over at her passenger seat, deciding to leave her purse. There was no reason for it or for her car keys, and she didn't have anything else with her since she'd already given Jack his gift. Stepping out of the car, she noticed that a tablecloth had been put out on the picnic table, and a mason jar of flowers was set as the centerpiece. She smiled at that, suspecting it was something Amy had picked. Jack really did have lovely flowers at the house, hers still looking good at home. Lisa closed her door and smoothed out her dark jeans and crisp white blouse. It had been a cooler afternoon, something she appreciated, and now, seeing an outdoor picnic, she was glad she'd dressed how she had.
"Lisa, hi," Lisa heard and snapped her head toward the door, seeing Marion there stepping outside onto the porch. She had a tray with a pile of things in her hands, all for the picnic-style dinner. Lisa smiled at her, and Marion tilted her head and pursed her lips. "Ahh, good to see you, but-"
Instantly with Marion's reaction, Lisa knew that Marion had no idea she had been invited to dinner. She sighed, and pursed her lips, making eye contact with Marion. "Hi," she smiled and continued, "ahh, he didn't tell you I was invited to dinner, did he?"
Lisa watched Marion's reaction, and she knew instantly, that yes, Jack hadn't said anything. Marion's eyes widened, and she walked slowly down the steps toward her, clutching the tray with both hands on the front of it and the tray against her stomach as she continued walking toward Lisa. Lisa raised her sunglasses so she could look Marion in the eye. For some reason, she felt the need to do so.
"Ahh," she said, now biting back a grin, "no, he certainly did not. Wow," she said with a firm nod of her head. Lisa nodded there, offering a small shrug, and Marion finally dropped her head and chuckled lightly. "Well, okay, I'm glad you are here, and it's no problem at all.I happen to make more than enough for any meal; we always have leftovers, so there's plenty of food. Now that I think about it, this would explain Dad getting cleaned up and showering now. He came in from the field about a half hour ago, said he was going to shower and clean up, and" she grinned at Lisa, "when it's just the three of us, he never does that. So, thank you because that means we get Dad as a cleaned up cowboy."
"I'm so sorry," Lisa made a face and sighed. "I had no idea he didn't tell you I was invited to dinner."
"It's no problem," she shook her head with a small smile. Lisa could tell Marion wanted to say more, wanted to know more, but instead, she shook her head and waved her hand. "Ahh, come in, gosh, sorry. Where are my manners? I was just starting to bring things outside for dinner. I thought it would be a nice evening to eat out here with the weather a little cooler."
"Let me help," Lisa offered, walking alongside Marion to the picnic table. Both women stood there, pulling the items off the tray and onto the table. As they were doing that, Marion glanced to Lisa.
"So, any other surprise guests or just you?"
"Ahh," Lisa felt her face redden as she glanced at Marion, and their eyes met. She bit her lip and waved her hand as she hummed, "just me."
"Fascinating," Marion said with a smug nod at Lisa. Further conversation was interrupted with the door creaking open and both looking to it.
"Marion, are you ready for me to put these steaks on?" Jack called out to her, and as he did, Lisa made eye contact with him and lowered her chin and gave him a tight smile, that saying so much. Jack's eyes widened, clearly not realizing she had arrived, and he stepped outside toward the women.
"Lisa, hi," he said with a warm smile as he gestured with his hand. "I didn't know you had arrived already," he added, walking down the steps, his eyes locked on hers.
"Ahh, hi," she stated, now smirking at him. Marion watched the interaction, standing between them, crossing her arms. Lisa gestured, "You said dinner was at 6:00. I arrived at 5:45 and thought that would be okay."
"More than okay," he nodded at her, reaching the two women. Jack looked at Marion who was still standing there, arms crossed and now shaking her head. "Ahh, Marion," he turned to her, "I should have mentioned that I asked Lisa to join us for dinner."
"Yes, you should have," Marion scolded him, smacking at his chest. "Dad, come on," she sighed and gestured at Lisa. "Why in the world did you not tell me she was coming over? Even more than that, why did you not tell me something more," she gestured between Jack and Lisa, "is obviously going on?"
Lisa made a face, looking at Jack, and Jack sighed, dropping his head, his eyes, though, meeting Marion's.
"Look, I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how to tell you, and I certainly didn't want to be under some microscope or offered any advice, but this is something very recent." Jack's voice dropped off, and he made eye contact with Lisa, offering her an apologetic smile. Lisa reached out and put her hand on Marion's arm.
"So sorry, Marion, and this is very new," she nodded to Jack. "We only just discussed seeing one another."
"Ahh," Marion's eyebrows rose, and she turned to Jack, "so you have talked about seeing one another?"
"Just this week, couple days ago," Jack shook his head. "It wasn't something either of us intended to keep from you, and we did want to tell you right away."
"We did," Lisa nodded, eyeing Marion. "I hope this is okay with you."
Marion looked between them, both Lisa and Jack looking at her waiting for her response. She rolled her eyes and sighed, frowning at both of them as she looked from one to the other, "I mean, I told you I was going to stay out of it but also before that was intent on setting up the two of you. Dad, really," she started to laugh, "I can't believe it. I can't believe you are actually going to give this a try. Wow, good for you. I've been saying you should for a long time."
"I'm aware," Jack said, pursing his lips. "I also told you that I was a grown man and could handle things for myself. I believe I've done that," he rolled his head. "I saw no need to see anyone before now because no one had caught my eye, until Lisa," he explained, looking over to Lisa. She met his gaze and offered a soft smile. Jack returned it.
"Wow, well this is really something," Marion smiled at the two of them. "Can I say that I know I was pushing for it, but the reality, it's a little weird since we're friends, Lisa," she chuckled, "and you're now seeing my dad."
Lisa scrunched her face, "I know, and I'm sorry I didn't say anything the other day. We've," she nodded toward Jack, "been talking and really just trying to figure things out, primarily if seeing each other was something we both wanted."
"And you do?" Marion eyed both of them, finally landing on Jack.
He nodded with a small smile to his daughter, "We do. We are going to see what this is, where things go."
"Okay," Marion grinned. She hooked her hand over her shoulder, "I'm going to run inside and check on the food. And Dad, yes, to answer your original question, the steaks can go on anytime."
Jack gestured to the grill, "I'll heat this up and grab the steaks. You and Amy want yours medium?"
"Yes, that would be great, thank you," she told him.
Jack glanced at Lisa, "Medium rare?"
She grinned and nodded, but it was Marion who spoke up, "Already know how she likes her steak, Dad? Wow, sounds like you two really have been getting to know each other." Marion walked to the house, and Jack gave Lisa a small smile.
"I'm sorry about that. I should have told her."
"Yes, you should have," Lisa frowned, "but apparently no harm is done. It's a bit awkward, eeeh?"
"Just a bit," he chuckled, dropping his head. He gestured to the grill. "Suppose I will get this started. Marion is probably in there already on the phone with Maggie and half the town." Lisa let a laugh escape as she nodded, following Jack where she stood by the grill. She looked around the property, never really having taken in the view from here, even though she'd been there before. She'd had her focus more on talking to Jack then, not that she wasn't now, but it seemed settled, at least that they were actually now dating, whereas before, he had been an intriguing person she'd enjoyed getting to know.
"Mmm, Jack, really beautiful views from here. The mountains are just beautiful."
"Thank you," he finished lighting the grill and reached over to squeeze her hand. With a quick glance to the house and no sign of Marion, he leaned over and kissed her cheek quickly. "Would really like to do more, but I am not wanting to be on display for Marion."
"Agreed," Lisa nodded.
"You look lovely," Jack nodded at her and added, "but you always do."
"Thank you," she smiled softly at him. "You always look so handsome, like such a cowboy."
He chuckled, "You haven't seen me after a long cattle drive or after I've been fixing the tractors all day. I can look pretty rough." The two laughed at that but both turned toward the house when they heard the door again, and Marion was headed toward them with the steaks and a tray of drinks.
"I made lemonade but thought we all might want something stronger?" Marion eyed them, and Lisa stepped back toward the table, away from where she'd been talking to Jack. Marion handed Jack the steaks, and he nodded and got to work.
"Oh!" Lisa put her hand up, and she gestured to her car. "I did bring a bottle of wine for all of us if you are interested?"
Marion's face lit up, and she grinned, "I am sure I can finish off a glass or two."
"Mom, is dinner ready?" All heads turned to the door where Amy had now stepped outside. Lisa made eye contact with her and smiled as she nodded at her.
"Oh, hi Mrs. Stillman," Amy smiled at her. "I didn't know Mom invited you for dinner."
Lisa eyed Jack who had turned from the grill, and Lisa gestured to Amy, "Hi, Amy, please, it's Lisa, and your grandfather invited me."
"I thought it would be nice if Lisa joined us for dinner," Jack waved his hand and looked back at the steaks with no further comment. Lisa could see Amy glancing between the adults, sensing more than that.
Amy, who had slowly stepped down the stairs, was now beside Marion, and Marion put her arm around Amy's shoulders and leaned toward her, speaking loudly enough for all to hear.
"Grandpa is now dating Lisa," she told her. Amy's eyes widened, and she looked from Jack to Lisa, back to Jack, to Lisa, and finally back to Marion.
"Grandpa, you are?" Amy's eyes widened, and as Lisa studied her, she noted Amy looked shocked and maybe even horrified. Amy turned back to Marion and blurted out, "Mom aren't you two like the same age?"
"Amy, that will be enough," Jack called to her from the grill. "Lisa and your mom are close in age, yes, but that doesn't mean that she and I cannot have a lot in common."
Amy made a face, maybe not even realizing she was doing so, "Yeah, but-"
"Amy, Grandpa is right," Marion squeezed her shoulder. "Besides, we love Lisa."
"Oh, right, I mean, I'm sorry," she frowned at Lisa. "You're great. I just know Grandpa is, umm-"
"Old?" Lisa asked, a smirk on her face. She caught Jack turn from the grill and look at her, and when she looked back at Amy, Amy had her mouth open, shocked Lisa had said that. "Yes, well aware of his age. I mean, we're here celebrating his birthday. 66 now, yes, I know, and I'll have a birthday in September so I'll be another year older too. We are enjoying each other's company and having someone to talk to, so," she shrugged.
"I'm sorry," Amy frowned. "I didn't mean-"
"Honey, it's fine," Lisa smiled at her, putting her hand on Amy's arm. "Your reaction is probably better than most we will get."
"Steaks are done," Jack called over to them, waving toward Marion. "Marion, if you would help me with getting these to the table, you know, on account I'm practically an invalid at my age," he smirked at the ladies. All three of them laughed, and he nodded toward Lisa.
"Lisa, Amy, have a seat," Marion waved to the table. "No assigned seats-sit where you like, but Amy, you sit with me," she grinned.
"Oh, the wine!" Lisa exclaimed and almost sprinted to the car. Marion jumped up too, headed into the house for the wine glasses. Jack situated everything with the grill, and soon, the four were seated at the picnic table, Jack and Lisa across from Marion and Amy. Marion continued to grin at Jack as they all enjoyed their food.
"Lisa, this wine is fabulous. Where did you find it?" Marion asked her, reaching for the bottle to study it. "Oh," she said before Lisa could answer, "this is a winery not far from here!" She grinned at Lisa, "It's got a great taste."
"Glad you like it," she smiled at Marion as she finished chewing a bite. Lisa nodded, "Ahh, went there recently." She glanced at Jack. Marion saw the glance, and she pointed at them.
"You two went there, didn't you? You haven't been just talking about dating. You went on one."
"Well," Jack shook his head from side to side, eyeing Marion and also Amy, both of whom were looking at him, "I took Lisa there the other night for my birthday when you had your school function."
"Unbelievable," Marion shook her head and laughed. "You sly old man."
Lisa decided to change topics, "Amy," she smiled at her, "when is your first competition for the season?"
"Oh, it's next Friday night, our school team already," she told her with a smile. She turned to Marion, "Mom, I really need to get boots for my outfit."
Lisa's eyes perked up, and she gestured to Amy, "What size shoe are you, Amy? I have an almost brand new pair of boots, size 8, that were too small. I had to leave on a trip, meant to return them, but when I got back, it was too late to return the boots."
"I think I'm about that, right, Mom?" Amy looked to Marion.
Marion nodded, "She just outgrew her 7's."
"Oh, I would be so happy to give them to you," Lisa nodded at Amy. "I'll make sure you get them before Friday."
"Really?" Amy asked, looking to Marion and Jack.
"Lisa, I'll be happy to pay whatever they cost," Marion eyed her.
"No, no," Lisa shook her head. "My loss is your gain. They are beautiful boots, and I really would be so happy to see someone wear them. Amy, they are yours if they fit."
"Thank you," she grinned broadly, and Jack met Lisa's gaze with a nodding smile. She smiled back at him. Amy continued, nodding at Lisa, "You should come see my competition on Friday."
"Oh," Lisa perked up, and Jack put his hand on Lisa's shoulder, looking at her.
"You are more than welcome to come. We'd love to have you cheer on Amy with us," he told her, a warm smile again on his face.
"Well, I will check my work schedule. I have to leave for France Saturday afternoon, but I think Friday I am free."
Jack eyed her, not aware of her travel plans. She gave a slight shake of her head, but Jack jumped in, still looking at Lisa. "Speaking of riding," he turned his attention from Lisa to Marion, "if it's okay with the birthday planning committee, I thought that Lisa and I might go on an evening ride after dinner."
"Ahh, fine with me," Marion grinned at the new couple. "Cake after?"
"Sounds fine," Jack said with a shake of his head. He looked at Lisa, "Care to join me on a ride. You can ride Hamlet, one of Marion's rescue horses, if that is okay, Marion? I know he's pretty gentle now."
"Oh, sure, that's fine, and yes, he's the best one for you, Lisa," she grinned. "Lisa, you can use my saddle too."
"Eehhh," Jack made a face, "Lisa's very petite, a lot shorter than you, Marion. I'm worried that saddle will swallow her."
"You can use my new one," Amy offered, and when they all looked at her, she shrugged, "What? I'm as tall as Lisa."
Lisa gave a nod at Amy as she smiled at her, "I'll accept, Amy. You can have my boots in exchange for using your saddle."
"Deal," Amy grinned. "You've ridden Western before?"
"Amy, she grew up here," Jack sighed, giving her a look. "Yes, she has."
"I have, but not in a long time. I'm looking forward to an evening ride."
"Hopefully the first of many,' Marion grinned, eyeing the couple. "Okay, yes, you two," she waved, "go ride off into the sunset, and we'll see you both for cake soon."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Jack nodded, standing up and offering his hand to Lisa. She took his hand and smiled up at him.
"Thank you for the birthday dinner," Jack told Marion, and Lisa nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Grandpa," Amy called to them as they walked away, Jack starting to usher Lisa through the gate in front of him. Both turned, and Amy pointed at them. "You know, it's not as gross as I thought seeing you holding hands."
"Gross?" Jack asked, looking horrified. Lisa covered her mouth, holding back a laugh.
"Yeah, you know, you're old. Lisa's not. I thought it would be gross, watching you together, but you're kinda cute."
"Cute?" Jack groaned, looking over at Lisa as she covered her mouth, still laughing. Marion started to laugh too, and Jack just waved his hand in the air. To add fuel to the fire, he leaned over and kissed Lisa's cheek while she was laughing, promptly stopping her.
"My birthday has nothing on me," he called to them, tugging at Lisa's hand. "Look at that-66 years old and found a lovely lady who wants to go on a trail ride with me. Nothing gross about it," he winked at Lisa, and the two kept walking, hand in hand, both laughing as they walked away.