"Grandpa! I know you are in there," Jack heard a pounding on his door as he was trying to finish shaving. He didn't shave often, but Lisa had suggested that he 'clean up the scruff' for graduation, and he was. Truthfully, he usually only cleaned up for her these days, and with not seeing her for a few days hadn't planned to do anything with his face, but he was doing as she'd suggested this morning and had apparently been found by his older granddaughter.

"Lou," he said with a warm smile as he opened his door. Lou threw her arms around his neck, almost knocking Jack backward. "Ahh, Honey, good to see you."

"I can't believe you came! This is the best thing, Grandpa. I never ever thought you would get on a plane."

"You weren't the only one," Marion said from behind Lou, and Jack looked up to see Marion and Amy dressed and ready for the day. "Dad, we're so happy you are here."

"I just had to come over and see it for myself. I've missed you, Grandpa," Lou said, pulling him into another hug. "I can't stay for breakfast. I have to get over to school and get set for graduation, but I am so happy you came. I know it was hard for you to get on a plane, but I really appreciate it. Oh, we're going to have such a good time with you here. We can see everything, go to the top of the Empire State Building, see Times Square, go to the Met, see-"

"Lou," Amy interrupted and waved her hand at Jack. "Do you really think he wants to do any of that? It's Grandpa. We all know he hates cities and travel."

"Right," Lou made a face. "Ahh, well, we can talk about it later." She looked at her watch, "Oh, I really have to go. See you all there. Mom, I'll meet all of you after, but we talked about that."

"Go, Lou," Marion hugged her. "We'll get there, but we're going to eat first. Love you, Honey."

"Bye, Lou," Jack said with a small wave, finally catching up to Lou's fast talking. She took off down the hall, Jack, Marion, and Amy all watching. Marion turned to Jack and gestured at him.

"Dad, you look fantastic. Is that a new pair of pants?"

"New suit," Jack said with a small nod as he gestured at it. "Jacket is still on the bed."

"Grandpa, you bought a new suit? You never get anything new."

"Wait," Marion stopped Jack and put her hand on his arm, gesturing with her finger for him to turn around. He still had on his white t-shirt to wear under his dress shirt since he'd been shaving. "Turn around. I have to see this. No, you don't just buy a new suit. Did Lisa help you pick this out?"

He smiled at the mention of Lisa and nodded with a small shrug as he turned slightly but didn't spin around, "Lisa might have had something to do with the suit, yes. She said my old one looked, well," he shrugged, meeting their eye contact, "old."

"Old? It was ancient. I think it could be retired into the Cowboy Hall of Fame itself." Jack groaned at that, and Marion made a face, "Sorry, Dad, didn't mean to drag up old wounds there, but that suit was awful, not to mention too small. I can't wait to thank Lisa for taking you to get a new suit."

"She had it made for me," he explained and added, "a surprise."

"Wait, what? That's quite the gift, Dad. Wow, she's amazing. Where-"

Jack turned his head when he heard his phone ringing and gestured toward it, "Excuse me, Honey. Let me see what that is." He answered his phone leaving Marion at the door with Amy in the hallway. Both of them were dressed for graduation, and he made a note to comment on their outfits when he finished the call. As he answered, he smiled seeing it was Lisa calling.

"Good morning," he said softly into the phone.

"Morning, Cowboy, listen quick question, and I'm sorry I can't talk long, but I need to call back my stable hand. Ahh, they were looking for that extra feed you said you had."

"Right, it's in the Quonset hut," he told her, adding, "didn't have extra room in the barn."

"Ahh, right, great. Let me call them back. They are there now, everything going well, just couldn't remember where that was."

"Thanks for everything," he told her, "and thank them too."

"Dad?" Marion called to him when he hung up and grabbed for his dress shirt. He started to put it on as he walked back to Marion.

"Marion, you and Amy look really beautiful," he smiled at them, nodding at their new dresses. They had been so excited to get these new winter dresses for graduation. It was a big day, and when all was said and done, Jack was glad Lisa had prodded him to come. It was the right thing to do, and missing it, well, he wouldn't have realized how important it was to the ladies, but he could see it now.

"Thanks, Dad," Marion smiled at him. "Ahh, I heard you mention the hut. Who is watching the ranch?"

"Oh, Lisa sent over some of her stable hands to keep an eye on things-"

"Wow, Grandpa, Lisa sure has been a big help to you," Amy jumped in.

Jack finished buttoning his shirt and picked up his suit coat, gesturing to Marion, and before she could comment more on Lisa, she reached for the jacket and held it up, "This is gorgeous. Wow, I really am impressed, Dad. You came here, new suit, left Heartland in the care of others-who are you?"

"Mom, can we eat? I'm starving," Amy called, and both Jack and Marion looked to her. Jack chuckled and nodded.

"If you two want to get a table, I mean, I assume we are eating at the hotel?"

"I was planning on it. They have a nice breakfast Amy and I have had a few times."

"Fine with me, the less I have to deal with the ridiculous number of people in this city, the better," Jack said with a firm nod. "Ahh, I can be down shortly. I just need to finish getting dressed," he gestured to his feet, and both Marion and Amy nodded at him.

"We'll see you downstairs. Oh, this is going to be such a great day. Graduation and dinner-all of us together, can't believe it," Marion reached for Jack's arm, squeezed it, and she smiled at him as she and Amy stepped away. He watched his daughter and granddaughter walk toward the elevator and nodded. Yes, it was a good thing he had come.

He finished getting dressed and checked his appearance again. Lisa had done a great job with the suit, and he was frustrated he had argued with her about it. He'd have to talk to her again, even though they had cleared the air eventually. She really did have his best interests, and this suit looked very expensive. Check that-Jack knew with Lisa buying it, it had to be very expensive. She really was wonderful, something he'd thought about more and more. He'd spoken to her briefly the night before, late, when he was already asleep, but he hadn't told her that. She'd called to say goodnight and that she had arrived at Evelyn's place. It had been lovely to hear her voice, and he already missed her today. Once he'd spoken to her, Jack had trouble falling back asleep, but he'd thought more and more about having Lisa around on a more permanent basis. Yes, it was funny how that idea was creeping more and more into his head to the point that it didn't seem strange now. He'd think more about that, already kind of guessing how those thoughts would go. For now, it was time to join the other women in his life for breakfast. Lisa had reminded him not to fuss over the price of anything, and he was now reminding himself of that. He wasn't going to ruin this day for Marion, Lou, and Amy. His family was here, happy, healthy, and about to celebrate a big event. With a last look around the room, Jack grabbed his coat and started toward the elevator to meet the ladies for breakfast.

Not long after, Jack frowned after he handed the waiter his menu, irritated with the expensive prices and with the ridiculous descriptions of breakfast items on the menu. Maybe he wasn't okay with pretending to not notice these things for the weekend. What was so wrong with basic things-eggs, pancakes, French toast, oatmeal? Why did everything have to have some fancy name with fancy toppings or things done to it? Jack could barely find something he wanted to eat for breakfast, and he'd not thought of himself as a picky eater. He wasn't into all of this vegetarian business; he was a cattle rancher, for goodness sake. He didn't want all of that gluten free mess either-what was wrong with the basics? He didn't have some allergy or sensitivity. He was just a simple man who would have been happy with eggs, not eggs benedict or whatever, not an omelet with more in it that the skillet could handle, just simple things. Then, there was the meat-he didn't want chicken sausage. Sausage was sausage, pork from a pig. He'd asked about the bacon and had gotten some story about what it was too. At one point, he'd almost decided to just order a bagel, but even that came with lox on it? What in the world? He just wanted a simple breakfast, but apparently, here in New York that was too much to ask.

"Dad," he heard and snapped his head as he realized his mind had been wandering. Marion gestured at him across the table, "I was asking you about Lisa. I really need to call her and thank her for this," she waved at Jack, "transformation. Did she drive you to the airport too, give you airport bootcamp lessons?"

"Oh, I'm with Grandpa," Amy made a face and shook her head. "I mean, the flying was cool, but I'm not all about the crowded airports."

"Ahh, Lisa's here," he stated with a bob of his head, and at that, he was met with two horrified looks.

"Wait," Marion pointed at him and still had her mouth hanging open, "Lisa is here? Where?" She looked around as if Lisa would pop up at the restaurant. "Ahh, with you?" Jack could see that Marion was dancing around the issue, trying not to pry and ask if Lisa had been in his room, but at the same time, he could see the confusion knowing she had not been in his room because it was just his bag and simple living there. "Where is Lisa? She came with you?"

"Wow, Grandpa, are you hiding her?"

"I'm not hiding her!" Jack exclaimed, rolling his eyes. "She knew I wasn't excited about flying, and as we were making these plans for me to surprise you, she mentioned her aunt is living here right now. I told her I'd be a lot more comfortable traveling with her since she does travel all the time. She took care of booking the tickets and all, and yes, she's here. She's with her aunt."

"Did you fly first class?" Marion leaned in and looked to him, horrified. She nodded, "You did, didn't you? That's why you haven't already been complaining about it."

"Are those the really comfy seats at the front?" Amy looked to her mom.

"Yes, I just told you Lisa booked everything. She had all these miles, so yes, we flew first class, first time for everything I suppose."

Marion nodded, pursing her lips, "I can't believe any of this. My friend really has been holding out on me, my dad too," she made a face at him. "Wait until I tell Maggie. You two flew here together, first class, and you didn't even bother to tell us she's in town?"

"I just did!" Jack exclaimed again.

"Well, did you invite her to graduation?"

"No," he scrunched up his face. "Why would I?'

"Oh, good grief, Dad! She's your girlfriend. You love her," she said and then winced, glancing at Amy.

"You do, Grandpa?" Amy smiled. "Lisa is really nice. I like her a lot even if it's weird she's Mom's age but your girlfriend."

"Thank you, Amy, well aware of her age," Jack rolled his eyes, ignoring Marion.

"Dad, you are unbelievable!" Jack snapped his head back to Marion and could see she was irritated now. "I am so glad Lisa prodded you to come because I know that's what happened. I know both of you. She told you to come; we'd even talked about it long ago, that I didn't think you would ever come see Lou or get on a plane. She delivered you, and I'm so grateful for that, but goodness, Dad, you need to invite her."

He waved his hand, "Oh, I'm sure she has better things to do. She's visiting with her aunt."

"Dad," Marion narrowed her gaze, "invite her, at least to dinner. You know you want to see her, and she needs to meet Lou too."

Jack pursed his lips, considering everything before he responded, "I don't want to steal Lou's thunder; it's her day. I am sure we can meet up with Lisa another time."

"Do you not want to invite her? Is there a problem?"

Jack's eyes widened, "No, of course there's not a problem. I love spending time with her, and she enjoys all of you. I just wanted to give her time to spend with her aunt."

"Oh Dad!" Marion groaned, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "You can be such a guy!"

"I am a guy!"

"No, I mean, clueless! Get on that phone and at least invite her to dinner with us. I know she might be busy, but you have to ask. I insist she come if she can. She's more than welcome at graduation, but I realize that will take all of the afternoon, and yes, of course, she should spend time with her aunt, but Dad," she narrowed her gaze, and Jack felt it burn through him. "You do love her."

Jack made a quick glance toward Amy, not enjoying discussing himself like this, but with Marion putting him on the spot, he nodded, "Yes, of course I do. I listened to her reasoning and flew all the way here, didn't I?"

"Fair point," Marion gestured. "If that's not love for you, I don't know what is. My point," she met his gaze and narrowed hers, "she's not going anywhere, right?"

"No."

"Then, she should be here, at least for dinner. Call her," she pointed to his phone.

Jack briefly looked at Amy who nodded in agreement. He picked up the phone and smiled the second she picked up. He tried to school his smile when he caught both Marion and Amy staring at him as he did smile.

"Morning, Lise," he told her, "again."

"Good morning, what do I owe the pleasure? I promise your ranch is in good hands." Lisa chuckled as she spoke to Jack.

He chuckled as well, nodding, "No, it's not that. I know that your hands are taking good care of my place. Listen, about today-"

"Have you seen Lou now? You said Marion and Amy were thrilled you were there."

"Yes, I saw Lou," he nodded, giving Marion a small nod. "She's thrilled I came. About that," he paused and saw Marion gesture at him, "listen, Lise, I should have invited you to dinner with us after Lou's graduation, I mean, her graduation too, you're welcome to come, but I know you have your time with you aunt."

"Oh, yes, ahh, we are sitting here enjoying coffee and catching up. Yes, it's Jack," she said, and Jack knew her aunt must be right there. "Sorry, Jack, Evelyn had been getting a plate of muffins for us and just came back into the room. Ahh-"

"I'd really love for you to join us for dinner, and I'm sorry I didn't think of it. Ahh, Marion here reminded me that I was being an idiot."

At that, Marion burst out laughing in front of him, and Lisa did over the phone, He smirked at Marion and gestured to the phone, "You both have the same reaction," he said to the phone but also at Marion.

"Lisa, I am sorry. It really didn't occur to me to pull you from your aunt, but please know, I would absolutely love to have you eat with us this evening."

"Hold on," she said, and Jack could hear muffled talk. She returned, "That would be lovely, Jack, yes, I'd love to join you, I mean, if I'm not intruding?"

"You most definitely are not," he said with a single nod. "As I said too, you're welcome to come to graduation-"

"Evelyn and I have some plans for lunch, a café she wants to show me, and I was just told she has stylist appointments for us at one of the boutiques."

"What is a stylist appointment?" Jack asked, following up with, "Do I really want to know?"

Lisa laughed, "Ahh, it's basically a personal shopper, but we have that, so if it is okay with you, yes, I can definitely join all of you for dinner. I'd really enjoy that and meeting Lou. Would it be okay if I meet you for dinner? It's an early one, right?"

"Yes, hold on," he looked to Marion. "Do you have the dinner details?"

"She's coming, right? Lisa is coming? I don't have to get on the phone and tell her you are a true guy and completely oblivious to things-"

"She's coming," he smirked, making a face. "She does need the details because she's going to meet us there."

"Jack, Evelyn said her driver will drop me off if you send me the details."

He repeated that to Marion, "Her aunt's driver can drop her off-"

"Oh, I'll text her the details," Marion nodded and pulled out her phone. "She has a driver?" Marion's eyebrows rose as she nodded in appreciation.

"Don't even ask," he waved at Marion and turned his attention back to the call. "Lise, Marion is texting you the details. Ahh, you're welcome to bring you aunt," he told her, giving Marion another smirk, hoping that his own idea would score him some points with both women.

"Oh, thanks, but she is already making plans to meet her boyfriend for drinks. The woman doesn't stop," she chuckled.

"Okay," he nodded. "Please tell her she's welcome if she changes her mind, but I'm really glad you can come."

"I am too," she told him. "Thanks for the invite."

"Say," he shifted slightly, turning away from the firing squad of Marion and Amy, "I hope I didn't upset you with not suggesting this myself. I wish you would have clued me in."

"You didn't upset me. I do know you by now, and I figured it was just good family with them."

"Well," he dropped his voice, "I include you as part of that and should have thought to invite you to begin with, so I'm sorry. I'll keep trying to do better."

"I appreciate that. Now, you go, enjoy that, and I'll see you later. Oooh, my phone just buzzed, yes, the text from Marion. I'll meet you there, okay? Dare I ask-did you get Lou a gift?"

"Huh?"

"Jack," she sighed. "I should have thought about this before we even left Hudson. A gift. I am sure she will say it's not necessary, but Honey, she's your granddaughter."

"Ok, okay," he sighed. "Point taken. I'm not very good at this."

"Some things, no, but you've done okay so far with gifts for me." Jack's mind trailed to the many things he'd purchased for Lisa now-flowers, bracelet, earrings, a necklace-all lovely pieces from a jeweler he now trusted with anything for Lisa. That was to name a few of the things he'd brought her.

"Well, it's not the same," he told her and caught Marion eyeing him. He waved her off.

"Okay, how about I pick up something? Would you be okay if it's from both of us? If it's too weird, that's okay-"

"No, that would be great, but I can't ask you-"

"I'm offering, and I know how important this day is. Ahh, she's got a big job there now, eeh?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, how about a lovely pen, a really formal, fancy one?"

"Perfect. She's not a jewelry type and all."

"I've covered it," she told him. "Now, you go. I love you and will see you for dinner."

He gave a quick glance to see Marion and Amy watching him intently as he was now turned sideways. He took a deep breath knowing that he'd have to do this, now or never, in front of his daughter and granddaughter, "You have a nice time shopping, and I'll see you for dinner. Okay, I love you too."

As he hung up and turned back around in his chair, he caught Marion just beaming at him, a bright smile on her face.

"What?"

"Oh, Dad, you really love her, and I so enjoy seeing that, you happy, you happy with someone so unexpected but perfect for you."

"She's really great, Grandpa."

Jack felt his face flush and reached for his glass of water to take a big sip of it, hoping it would cool him off. When he put it down, both Marion and Amy were still staring at him.

"She's coming to dinner."

"So we heard," Marion grinned, nodding. "Good job, Dad. I'm very happy she is, and see," she waved, "she wants to be with you, part of the family celebration. Oh, and Lou will be thrilled to finally meet her."

Jack raised an eyebrow, "Do I want to even know what you've told Lou. I can probably answer that, and no, I'm sure she's gotten an earful."