"You even have a driver waiting?" Jack asked Lisa, looking over at her as he shook his head. He started to chuckle, and Lisa, with her free arm, took Jack's hand in hers. She smiled up at him, shining her adoring gaze toward him.

"Okay, to be fair," she gestured at the driver waiting ahead of them as they walked toward the airport security exit in New York, "that is all Aunt Evelyn. I didn't set up a driver, but it's very sweet of her, and knowing how crazy this city is, I think you should be very glad we aren't trying to navigate it any other way. You and a cab driver speeding around cars," she grinned with a nod. "I think this will be really nice." She leaned up and kissed his cheek quickly, Jack winking at her.

"I have to admit, you travel very well, I mean, the first class seats and all. Planes look a lot different than what I remember. My legs aren't as sore as I thought after sitting so long."

"That's why I thought the layover in Minneapolis would be okay," she told him. "When I can't get a direct flight, I have a few airports I prefer. Minneapolis is pretty good. There's plenty I avoid if I can, anything of those in New York being some of them," she laughed. "Oh well, welcome to the Big Apple."

"Is it time to go home?" Jack looked around. "I'm starving, by the way."

"Oh stop," she nudged him. "Let's talk to this driver," she nodded ahead.

"Hi, Lisa and Jack," she told them man, nodding toward Jack. The driver greeted them and took Lisa's wheeled suitcase. She gestured for Jack to hand her his suit bag, and he did, the two now following the driver with both men taking care of the larger luggage. She held up the suit bag as they walked.

"Thank you for accepting this new suit," she told him, leaning in to speak quietly. "I think you look very handsome in it, and I know Marion and the girls will be surprised to see you this weekend."

"Well, my old one, as you pointed out," he eyed her and frowned, "was just that, old. I have to admit that when I tried it on, it was a bit tight too." Lisa chuckled quietly and patted his arm. The new suit had been a point of contention with this big trip and all for Jack. Lisa had surprised Jack with the new suit after they'd had a conversation about the last time he'd been to a graduation-Lou's high school one, and somehow, they had gotten off topic, talking about his suits. While she was at the house one evening, she'd snagged one of his favorite shirts and had his pant measurements. With all of that, she'd presented him with the new suit, and that had been a two-day argument, Lisa promising she wasn't trying to change Jack, but just have him ready for something where he would probably feel more comfortable in a newer suit. It was New York, after all, and he'd finally agreed, the two working through their argument. This morning, she had kept her mouth shut when Jack had dragged his ancient suitcase to the car. The thing didn't have wheels, something she saw as a requirement anymore with travel, and Jack had shown her that the latch on it was broken, telling her he could keep it together just fine with a band he'd rigged on the bag. Not wanting to start their trip on the wrong foot, she'd just nodded but had made a mental note that he would need some new luggage for Christmas, something rugged that he'd actually like, and that would be her next task. After all, it was much more enjoyable to travel if you had the right equipment and gear, not to mention the right accommodations with transportation.

"So, are you just going to surprise Marion tonight at the hotel?"

"That's the plan," he nodded, glancing at her. "I wish you and I had more time together. You sure you have to go stay with your aunt?"

She nodded, "We've been over this. I got you booked in at the same hotel as Marion, even called the desk, and they are supposed to have you in a room across the hall from her. Evelyn is expecting me, but," she leaned up and kissed his cheek, "I promise I will join you the last evening before we fly back home on Monday morning."

He frowned but nodded, "I'm going to miss you. I thought this trip we were doing together-"

"We are; we did," she nodded. "You told me you hate flying. I flew with you, and it was enjoyable, at least I thought so. Smooth flight, good layover where we had a late lunch, and we were even on time today. In the airline industry, it doesn't get much better. I even had that nice lounge access for our lovely lunch. I'm going to make sure you get to the hotel here with the driver," she nodded to him, "and then, you're turned over to Marion."

"Can we at least get a decent meal before you go?" Jack looked down at her, his eyes pleading with Lisa. She started to laugh loudly and shook her head at him.

"You're terrible, but, yes," she squeezed his hand as her eyes just sparkled at him. "I'd love to have dinner with you, Cowboy, before I turn you over to Marion."

"Well, then let's have your driver take us somewhere for a decent meal."

"I'm warning you," Lisa pointed at him. "Dinner here will be much more crowded and more expensive than anything back home. It's okay, and for just a few days, you will be okay with it, deal?"

Jack frowned briefly, but he finally rolled his eyes at her, "Well, maybe just a little bit of grumbling right?"

"I'll take that as a win, just a little bit of grumbling," Lisa winked, clasping his hand tightly in hers. "Let's see what the driver suggests for dinner."

"I can't believe your driver out there just waits for us to finish eating. Fancy living, that is," Jack said as he took a bite of his lasagna. The couple had been in the mood for Italian and asked their driver to take them somewhere quaint but hopefully not incredibly busy. He knew just the place, and they'd been enjoying a lovely meal, sharing a bottle of wine and now finishing their meals. Jack had jumped at the lasagna, while Lisa had gotten the seafood pasta.

She shrugged at his comment, "Well, I mean, that's his job, to drive, to wait. Evelyn was very sweet to have him pick us up, but that's just how she is. I'd really like you to meet her, maybe Sunday for dinner, and then we can both head back to your hotel?"

Jack nodded at her, "I'd like that very much, particularly to spend time with you, but yes, I haven't met any of your family. You've been a lot of my crazy bunch, so that sounds great. I hope you both have a wonderful time catching up over these next few days."

"I'm really glad you agreed to come, and I think Marion and the girls will be delighted you are here. Marion has been texting me some this week, sending me pictures of their travels. I showed you a few from the Statute of Liberty, but it does look like they've had a lovely time. When do they come home-next Wednesday? I guess they ended up being here almost 10 days with everything?"

Jack nodded, "Yes, when she looked at all she wanted to do and wanted to see Lou, she just decided to extend things. Oh, they're going to do Christmas shopping, ice skating, all of that," he waved. "This place is just way too crowded for me, the city, I mean, not this restaurant. Actually," he looked around at the place, "I will have to thank the driver for this pick. I like this restaurant."

Lisa put down her fork and opened her mouth, almost gawking at him, "Wait, what? Did you just admit to liking somewhere in New York?"

"Food is good," he gestured at it. "Atmosphere is nice, but company," he leaned in quietly and nodded at her, "the best." Lisa's smile widened at that, and she leaned over and kissed him, Jack winking at her after their quick kiss. "Want some dessert?"

She frowned, "I'd love some, but I'm so full. I suppose we'll have to get you to the hotel. You'll have to let me know how Marion reacts to your arriving. I think she'll be shocked. Thank you for allowing my staff to take care of Heartland for you to come on this trip."

"It's not that I had much choice," he eyed her. "This lovely woman I know took care of all the details-booking flights, hotel, even a car service, that it was no surprise she happened to have a crew to take care of all my horses. I've told you, Lise, that I'm happy to pay for their time, my ticket too. You're making me feel badly, covering expenses. I'm not super comfortable with a woman, even a woman I love," he said with a small smile as he clasped her hand, "taking care of everything."

"I told you," she patted his hand, "my staff was already working. Delegating a couple of them to Heartland for a few days was no problem, and they volunteered, probably happy for a chance of scenery. As for the ticket, I also told you," she squeezed his hand, "I have more airline miles than I know what to do with. I created an account for you so you'll start earning them too eventually, but this trip, all on miles. It's not a problem. I love you, and I love spending time with you. You agreeing to come and see Lou, that was a big step, and I know that. I know we aren't on some romantic trip or something," she grinned, "but this is important."

Jack signed the credit card receipt and then turned back to Lisa, nodding toward the door. "Well, if we only have the ride from here to the hotel to enjoy spending time together, let's make the most of it." He helped her stand, and they walked hand in hand back outside to find their driver. Lisa flashed a smile at him.

"I suppose we have Sunday evening to enjoy together too," she leaned up and kissed his cheek. Jack chuckled.

"Looking forward to it, best part of New York. "Please thank Evelyn for allowing me to monopolize your time this evening. When I meet her, I'm going to tell her how amazing I think her niece is."

"Are you?" Lisa couldn't stop smiling at Jack. He pecked her lips as he held the door for her.

"It shouldn't be news to her," Jack smiled as he kissed her hand. They walked hand in hand back to the car, and for once, Jack didn't have time to complain about the big city because he was so focused on the beautiful woman by his side.

The ride to the hotel was all too short, and as they pulled up, Jack glanced out the window at the towering buildings all around.

"What is the quote from that movie, Wizard of Oz?" Jack eyed Lisa. "We're not in Kansas anymore?"

"No," she chuckled, patting his knee, "we're not. Come on," she swatted toward the door. "We're here. I've safely delivered you. The driver is getting your bag. I'll say goodbye." They stepped out of the car, the driver putting Jack's bag down and handing him his suit bag. Jack gave him a nod, handing him a tip before the driver then gave them a moment of privacy. Lisa gripped Jack's arms and looked up at him.

"You be good here, be safe," she said with a small nod.

"Ooohhh, look at the guy who thinks he's a cowboy. Where's your horse, old man?" Both heads snapped to a group of teenagers walking by, pointing and making fun of Jack. He scowled and Lisa squeezed his arm to get him to focus on her.

"Charming," he rolled his eyes.

"I know," she nodded again. "I did suggest you could blend in a bit better if you didn't wear your cowboy hat."

"I like my hat and shouldn't have to change who I am."

"I didn't suggest you change who you are, but it does scream tourist and does bring about that," she waved toward the teens still walking down the street and laughing at anything in their pathway. "Let's forget it," she sighed. "Listen, you just enjoy your time here-"

"Hard to do," he grumbled, gesturing to the vastly different landscape than what he was used to. "There's nothing at all normal about skyscrapers everywhere. You can't see green anywhere, and it's hard to even see the sky with all the tall buildings."

"You're not going to slide into grumpy Jack," she chuckled, "okay? Remember what I said-you're here for Lou, even for Marion. They will be so happy you made this effort to come. Enjoy graduation and time with the other women in your life," she smiled brightly at him, still gripping his arms.

"Yeah, well that is another reason to be grumpy-my favorite one is going to be off lost in the streets of this place shopping and whatever else you are doing."

"Broadway show Saturday night," she nodded at Jack. "Well, the feeling is mutual. I will miss you, but we both can enjoy this time with our families and then meet up at the end to spend our last night in the city together. You have to admit with all the Christmas decorations, there is a romantic feeling in the air."

He made a face and glanced around finally his eyes landing back on her with a shake of his head, "No, don't see it. This doesn't speak romance to me."

"Fair enough," she chuckled, leaning up and kissing him sweetly, her arms still grasping his forearms. "That better?" Lisa said quietly with her nose almost touching his.

"Maybe a little," he replied. Jack ran his hand through her hair, "You be safe out there. This place is crazy. I know you travel all the time, but it doesn't change that I worry about you and want you to be safe."

"I will," she said with a soft smile and nod at him. "Just the little you've seen about Evelyn, you can know she will have only the best for us. Now, you go in, get checked in, and enjoy your family, Cowboy."

Jack leaned down and kissed her, the two standing there, lingering into their kiss.

"Go get'em Cowboy!" Another young male yelled out as he walked by, and Jack groaned there, his face still in very close contact with Lisa's. She smirked at him and kissed him again.

"At least give them something to comment about," she teased, chuckling as they separated. Jack stepped back and picked up his bag.

"I'll talk to you soon. Enjoy your aunt." He waved to Lisa and watched until the car pulled away and then turned, took a deep breath, and started for the door. This time in New York would be a huge challenge to him. He was already feeling lost without Lisa there next to him, and he'd been thinking more and more about that all day as they traveled. He had been considering that idea going forward, Lisa always by his side. Never in his wildest dreams would he have ever thought his mind would again trail to the idea of marriage, but the more he was with Lisa, the more he wanted her with him all the time. It was still too early to be thinking about that, but just the idea coming to his mind-it surprised him that he was open to it. Lisa did that to him though; without even doing anything, she made him want to be with her always. Now, he didn't like this travel, especially to big cities like this, but it was now on his mind. Feeling lonely now, he walked inside, intent on spending as little time at the desk as possible and getting to his room as quickly as he could. He was looking forward to surprising Marion and hoped that Lisa was right-he'd enjoy his time with the girls even in this ridiculous city.

"Reservation for Bartlett," he told the desk. "He went through the task of getting his room, but before he stepped away, he handed his credit card back over the desk. "My daughter, Marion Fleming is also here. We're in town for NYU graduation. I'd like you to put her room on my card as well." He'd not told Marion he was going to pay for her room. Jack had heard her talking about expenses for the trip especially after she'd extended her trip to spend more time with Lou. In thinking about it, this was better than any Christmas present he could buy her. He knew what the price was going to be; Lisa had helped him book things, so he was very aware of what 10 days in New York was going to cost him, but watching Marion at home try to budget, he was more than happy to do it. He just didn't want a big deal about it so he'd not said anything. No, Marion would find out at checkout, long after Jack had left to head home. Finally, after his credit card had been put to work, he was in the elevator-the right one because he'd discovered there was more than one elevator set in the building and had gone to the wrong one first discovering his floor wasn't even listed. Now, though, he was headed to the 32nd floor and a bit excited to surprise Marion.

After stepping off the elevator, he found his room, but before he stepped inside, he dialed, hoping that Lisa's call to the desk had landed him the room across the hall as planned. It was now late, and as he waited for Marion to pick up, he realized that she might not even be back for the night yet.

"Marion," he said into the phone, standing in his doorway after putting his bag just inside the room.

"Hi, Dad, how are things? Gosh, it's beautiful here in New York. Amy and I are exhausted, though, felt like we walked the entire city today."

"Glad you are back-"

Marion interrupted, "Quiet at home?"

"Well, that's the thing," Jack started to explain. "I'm here, here in New York, and I should be by your hotel room right now."

"Wait, what?" Marion asked. "Huh?" Jack heard the door open, just across the hall, as Lisa told him the hotel had promised, and he was met with his daughter's eyes looking back at him. "Dad?"

"Well, I haven't changed that much since you've been gone," he waved at himself. Both hung up from their phone calls.

Marion shook her head, "You're actually here, in New York? Amy," she called over her shoulder, and Amy walked up behind her.

"Grandpa! What are you doing here?"

"I thought I was coming to graduation," he waved his hand. "Got a room right here across the hall."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Marion walked up to him and gave him a big hug. "We could have flown together. Wait," she stepped back and pointed at him, "you flew? You got on an airplane. What in the world has happened to my dad?"

"Ahh, Lisa-"

"Of course!" Marion smacked at Jack's chest. "Lisa helped you with all of this. Makes sense. Oh, Dad, I'm so glad you are here."

"I can't believe you came, Grandpa," Amy said, stepping up to him and hugging him. Their hallway reunion was heartfelt, and Jack knew that Lisa had been right in insisting he come. Jack looked at the two of them there in the hallway and gestured to his room.

"I'm just across the hall-"

"You have to be exhausted! I still can't believe you willingly came to New York and managed to find your way here. Lisa worked magic, I can see. Why don't you get some sleep, and we can catch up in the morning? It's late, Dad. You ate, right?"

"I ate," he nodded. "I'm fine, and yes, I'd like to get a hot shower and get to bed. Long day."

"Well, if you need something, we're right here," Marion hooked her hand. "Graduation is at 2:00. We changed plans slightly. Early dinner with Lou around 5:30-"

"That's not early," he pointed out.

"In New York it is," she told him. "Okay, night, Dad," she stepped to him and gave him a quick hug. Amy repeated the action, and before Jack could say anything more, they'd disappeared back into their room. Jack sighed, turned and walked into his room, interested in what his money had bought him for the next few days.