He eyed Marion across the table.

"Be nice," she mouthed to him, and he gave her a small nod and held up his hand in defense. Tim Fleming. He had come too, arrived just before the graduation, and now, Jack had to share dinner with him. Jack wasn't sure why it was that shocking. As much as Marion tried to hide it, Jack knew the two of them were at least talking and spending some time together. So far, as much as he could tell, things hadn't escalated with Tim; Jack hadn't had found the idiot in his house into the late night hours or wee hours of the morning, but he suspected with the looks his daughter was giving Tim that it was probably only a matter of time. He was so irritated with this man who had hurt his daughter and granddaughters so. Jack had watched as Marion's entire world crumbled. Jack had listened through her late night cries. He'd watched as she had tried to pick up the pieces, sort through the financial ruin Tim had left for them. Jack had helped raise those girls because in the absence of their father, their royal screw up of a father, he had stepped in to make sure the girls weren't missing anything. Jack remembered what it was like to miss a parent, losing his own mom when he was barely 10. No, Jack would 'be nice' as Marion requested, but he had no intention of chatting it up this evening with Tim Fleming. That guy, the guy flashing a huge smile like he'd been the one to get Lou through school, no, that guy could grin to his heart's content and pretend like he still had the big happy family, but Jack knew otherwise. Jack could hate Tim, could never forgive Tim, but watching Marion with him, all Jack wanted to do was groan and roll his eyes. Why in the world was his daughter still stuck on Tim Fleming?

"Grandpa, she's still coming, isn't she?"

Jack looked up, pulled himself from his stupor to find his elder granddaughter across the table, eyes wide as she waited for his answer. He was so proud of Lou, and yes, as much as it surprised him, he was happy to have seen her graduate. Marion had taken at least 100 pictures afterward of all the various family combinations, thankfully, almost all the combinations-he and Tim had not been asked to pose with just Lou. Now, though, Lou was anxious to meet Lisa, and while he hadn't said much of anything about Lisa to Lou, she seemed to know an awful lot about her, no doubt care of Marion.

"Yes, she's coming, here actually, should be walking in very soon," he told her after checking his phone. Lisa had texted him, and yes, that was something else that he was trying to do more of with her at least. He hated texting anyone else, but he was trying with Lisa because it meant a lot to her. Funny how that was, that he was finding himself trying things Marion had hounded him about for a long time. Love did that, he supposed. It made him stretch his comfort zone.

"Lou, you are going to love Lisa," Amy grinned, and Jack looked over at Amy, sitting to the left of him and nodded at her. "Lisa's great."

"I can't wait to meet her," Lou grinned and sat up straight in her chair. The table was for six-Amy, Jack, and a seat for Lisa on one side facing Marion across from Lisa, Lou across from Jack, and Tim across from Amy.

"Never would have guessed the old guy would ever take a woman on a date, let alone be in an actual relationship with one," Tim stated in a matter-of-fact tone as he plopped more bread in his mouth. "Miracles happen," he added, spitting bread as he tried to talk with his mouth full.

Knowing that she should be arriving any second, Jack started looking around at the restaurant, which was definitely filling up even for this early hour. There were several other families here after graduation, the size of the restaurant one of the few able to accommodate larger parties like their own. People had been walking by the table for some time, being seated all over the place. The place had steak, thank goodness because Jack was now starving after his pitiful breakfast and no lunch due to graduation taking place so close to lunch.

He kept looking, tilting his face as a woman, dressed to the nines, walked up to the table.

"Oh my gosh! You must be Lisa!" Lou stood and exclaimed, Jack now giving Lou a horrified look. This woman looked nothing like Lisa. For starters, she was incredibly overweight, at least twice as big as Lisa, she had gray hair, was probably 60, and her dress, well, he didn't notice many, but this looked like something he pictured seeing on a palm tree island-the dress was covered in palm trees-here in the winter in New York. Lou looked to Jack, and instantly, her face changed, seeing Jack's horrified reaction and also the fact that he wasn't standing to greet her.

"Ahh, is this seat taken? Our table needs one more chair, and the management went to look for one now almost five minutes ago."

"Yes, it's taken," he nodded, gesturing toward the door, and at that moment, he made eye contact with Lisa. "She's here now."

The woman frowned but nodded and slumped off. Lou dropped back into her chair.

"Lou, really, you thought that was Lisa?" Marion turned to her. "Honey, I told you she's my age-"

"Actually younger," Tim offered, spitting bread again. "Go, Jack," he said with a wink at Jack, and Jack gave him a disgusted look and shook his head.

"Lou, that lady doesn't even compare to Lisa!" Amy told her. "That lady was really frumpy. Oh, there she is."

Jack already had eyes locked on her, and his smile only grew as she approached the table. She was gorgeous, drop dead gorgeous, especially today. She really looked beautiful. He stood to greet her as she walked up to the table, looking just stunning in a very simple, but very elegant (and expensive as Jack knew) black cocktail dress. The cut and design of it fit her perfectly and hugged her curves, showing off her great figure. She'd curled her long hair in simple waves and had part of it clipped back. Lisa flashed a bright smile at Jack, and he returned it, if it was possible to smile even more than he already was.

"That is Lisa," Amy nodded toward her. "All you had to do was watch Grandpa. Look at him," Jack heard, but instead of commenting, he stepped toward Lisa and clasped her arms in his hands.

"You look so beautiful. I'm so glad you could come. I'm an idiot for not thinking of inviting you myself." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, mindful of his entire family AND Tim watching. Lisa smiled sweetly, returned the kiss to his cheek, and she gripped his arms, winking at him.

"Thanks for inviting me. I'm really glad to be here with your family. Sorry I'm late. Evelyn's driver was stuck in traffic." Jack nodded and stepped back, gesturing to the chair. He stepped toward his chair and held hers out, but Lou had jumped up in the interim to come around and greet Lisa.

"Lisa!" Lou exclaimed as she threw her arms around her. Lisa was almost pushed back into Jack, and he steadied her as Lou greeted her, Jack noting Lisa's very high heels had almost stepped on his foot. Lisa nodded as she smiled at Lou.

"Really great to meet you, Lou," she grinned, patting her arm. "Congratulations. I've heard all about you from both your mom and Jack here," she gave him a nod.

"Oh, and I've heard so much about you, ALL," she eyed Jack, "from Mom. Grandpa here, a closed book," she pointed at Jack before she flashed a smirk and walked back to her seat. Jack returned the smirk as he helped Lisa sit and then resumed his own seat.

"Hello everyone," Lisa said, smiling to the table as she made eye contact with all of them. "So sorry I'm late. My aunt's driver was stuck in traffic getting me here."

"Your aunt has a driver?" Tim asked, now buttering a new piece of bread. "Must be nice."

"Tim," she said with a quick nod to him. "Ahh, actually in New York, it is. Jack and I were very grateful to him for picking us up at the airport and navigating the way to his hotel first and then to my aunt's."

"Lisa, we cannot thank you enough for getting him," Marion nodded at her dad, "here. It means the world, and I know it was all you."

"So, like is the driver guy waiting for you?" Amy leaned around Jack, interested in Lisa's driver.

"Oh, yeah, yeah," she nodded. "He'll find somewhere to wait it out and then get me when I'm ready. I have his number."

"And here I just thought you had Jack's number," Tim chuckled, Jack snapping his head toward Tim and staring him down. "What? She's your girlfriend."

"Just eat your bread. Haven't you eaten the entire basket by now? You're always in mid-chew when I have to look your way."

Jack felt Lisa pat his arm, and he turned, frowning first, but when he met her gaze, she offered a small smile. He winked at her and returned it, not before clasping her hand on the arm chair and trying to refocus his attention.

She leaned in and quietly spoke, "You look incredibly handsome in that new suit, even if you didn't think you needed it, very sexy I might add, not to mention, you shaved," she grinned and patted his cheek as she sat back. He glanced at her with a single nod and leaned back in to speak.

"I may have been wrong about the new suit. Thank you for it. I've had many compliments, but yours is by far the best and worth the suit. I know I told you already, but you really look beautiful, almost took my breath away." Lisa tried to hide a grin but finally winked at him as they both got settled again in their seats.

"Lisa, your dress is gorgeous. You are gorgeous. I mean, seriously, Grandpa," Lou shook her head, "how did she agree to date you?"

"Why do all of you assume I'm totally clueless? I might be an idiot at times, but I've done just fine for myself over the years."

"She's the only woman you've ever dated since Grandma-" Lou nodded at him.

"Really?" Jack tilted his head. "Well, thank you for clarifying that. I'm not so old I've forgotten my own dating history. What's the point of dating around if you know what you want?"

"Ahh," Lou smiled at them. He glanced at Lisa again, and she squeezed his hand.

"Lisa, so sorry we didn't know you were here sooner. I'm glad you could join us for dinner, and when we get home, we are talking about how you got Dad here to agree to any of this."

Lisa just chuckled and nodded, eyeing Jack with a smile, "I'm glad to be here."

"Can we order?" Amy asked. "I'm so hungry."

"Yes, let's," Jack nodded again, momentarily releasing his hand from Lisa's to put on his glasses. He took her hand again, and the table all started to peruse the menu. Tim was the first to snap closed the menu, and that had Jack eye him over his glasses.

"T-bone steak, medium rare," he nodded to Jack without being asked. Jack rolled his eyes, not at all surprised Tim was ordering a steak, one of the most expensive on the menu. Other started talking to each other about their dinner selections. Jack leaned over to Lisa who grinned when he did.

"What are you getting?"

"Ahh, maybe the scallops," she glanced his way. "Seems silly for me to get a steak when my own cowboy makes a pretty good steak at home. You?" She grinned and added before he could speak, "I missed you today. I did have a lovely time with Evelyn, but it was easy to miss you when most of our conversations revolved around discussing you."

"Did they?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "I hope I came off favorably."

Lisa chuckled, squeezing his hand, "Most definitely. What about you?" Lisa nudged him, and Jack looked back at the menu.

"I might get blackened haddock myself," he said with a nod. "Care to split the chowder?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Oh, that sounds good. Both come with a salad too."

He nodded, "Yes, they do, but I'm starving. Event this menu," he tapped at it, "all this food has a bunch of stuff on it I've never heard of. I just want my meat or fish, no crazy weird toppings."

"Stop," she said chuckling, as she reached for his hand. Both glanced up when they felt people watching them, and Lisa pulled back her hand on Jack's, as Lou just grinned at them. They still had their hands clasped under the table, which was easy to do.

"You two are adorable," Lou grinned with a huge nod of her head.

"Lou, what are you getting for dinner?" Lisa asked, gesturing to her with her free hand.

"Oh, I think the mussels," she said excitedly, nodding at Jack. "Grandpa, you should try them, delicious."

"I'm good," he held up his hand but added, "however, Lisa and I were just talking about seafood."

"I'm getting spaghetti," Amy said closing her menu.

"Oh, Amy, try something new. It's not really an Italian place," Lou frowned.

Amy shrugged, "If it isn't an Italian place, then why is spaghetti on the menu? Spaghetti is on the menu. I'm getting it."

"They have spaghetti on the menu for people who refuse to try new things," Lou flashed her a smile.

"Lou, let it go," Tim shook his head. "Mussels, huh? Never had them."

"You'll LOVE them, Dad. All of you," Lou pointed around the table, "should try them. Lisa have you had them?"

"Oh, yes, on occasion, but I'm not a huge fan," she said with a shrug. "I'm getting the scallops."

"Ohhh, they have a lobster sauce on them," Jack pursed his lips with a nod as he read the description. "That sounds really good."

"They even eat the same things," Marion waved at Jack and Lisa, shaking her head at Lou. "What did I tell you? I'm getting the chicken piccata, sounds divine."

The group was interrupted by the waiter who took their drink order. Jack eyed Tim but was glad to see that Tim just ordered a cup of coffee to start with a glass of water. Lisa suggested a wine that the two of them ordered, a Pinot, while Marion and Lou ordered some red wine-Jack wasn't paying attention.

"How about we share?" Lisa eyed Jack, gesturing at his menu. "Scallops and the haddock? I like haddock too."

"Perfect," he said with a nod and closed his menu. He tried to pay attention to the table talk, but really, all he wanted to do was turn and talk to Lisa. She was engaged in conversation with Marion and Lou, which left Jack to turn toward Amy and Tim.

"Dad is taking us to a hockey game here tomorrow," Amy explained to Jack. Jack eyed Tim. Tim shrugged.

"Taking Marion and the girls," he shrugged. "Looking forward to it."

"You still working as a ranch hand?"

"Ranch foreman," Tim gave him a nod. "Marion mentioned you need some help."

Jack grumbled under his breath and was about to spit back a comment, but he caught Amy looking at him. Thankfully, they were all saved with the waiter returning with their drinks. Finally, all the dinner orders were put in, and Jack sat back, still holding Lisa's hand, and tried to enjoy his wine.

It was hard for several reasons, the main one being that Lisa smelled fantastic and kept leaning over to talk to him, "Now, are you still taking care of their hotel bill?"

"Already did," he said quietly, glancing at her. "Why?"

She shrugged slightly, "I just know it's a lot. You mentioned getting dinner too. I can help-"

"No, I've got it," he said with a reassuring nod, but glancing at her added, "but thank you. You've done so much, just making this all happen. I want you to know that I really appreciate it."

"Glad to help," she said, leaning again toward him, Jack groaning at the smell of that lovely scent of perfume. She reached over to squeeze his arm.

"Lisa, I'm dying to ask," Lou said as she leaned forward, "where did he take you on your first date? I don't have all the details."

"Oh," Lisa smiled at Jack and sat forward slightly, "to the rodeo."

Tim started to laugh, and Jack shot daggers at him. Tim held up his hand in defense, "Sorry, but you took her, this incredibly wealthy and out of your league, classy lady, to the rodeo? I go to the rodeo."

"I really enjoyed the rodeo," Lisa nodded to the group and turned her attention back to Lou. "I'd never been, and we had a great time."

Lou made a face and glanced at Jack, "Really, rodeo, Grandpa?"

"She's still sitting here," he gestured at Lisa. "Must not be all that awful at dating."

"Stop," Lisa chuckled, swatting at Jack and turning her attention back to Lou. "We went to a winery for our second date. Your grandfather is a very good man. We really enjoy spending time together."

"I've heard," Lou grinned, eyeing both of them. Jack gave her a look and then looked to Marion, wondering if by that, she'd told Lou about Lisa staying at the ranch. It seemed like it by the way Lou looked at them, but thankfully, Lisa changed the topic.

"Oh, Lou, here," she said, and Jack turned to see her reach into her purse and pull out a wrapped gift. Jack winked at her, his silent way of thanking her for taking care of the graduation gift. "Your grandfather and I," Lisa started to say and gestured at Jack, "ahh, well, that's from us. He mentioned it, and I picked it up." Jack eyed her; she was giving him way more credit than he deserved, making him look good when he'd been clueless about all of this-about coming to New York, about inviting Lisa to dinner, about a gift-and his head snapped as Lou took the gift. It was as much a mystery to him, at least what it looked like other than a pen couldn't look too crazy.

"Wait, what? Are you serious?" Lou took the gift from Lisa across the table. Jack nodded at Lisa, impressed with the beautiful box and bow. It was in a baby blue box with a white bow.

"A gift from Tiffany's? What? Grandpa? Lisa?" Lou looked at them and shook her head.

"This has Lisa written all over it," Marion chuckled, dropping her head.

"Hey, I was consulted," Jack nodded. Lisa squeezed his hand.

"I just picked it up," Lisa offered a shrug to the group, playing down so much more than that. Jack had heard of Tiffany's, knew it was expensive, but by the reaction from the table, it was apparently way out of his league, which was no surprise. Lisa was too, way out of his league, but somehow, she was in love with him.

"Open it, Lou," Amy encouraged. "I can't believe Grandpa is part of any gift from Tiffany's."

"Jack gives great gifts," Lisa offered, and when the entire table looked at her, all holding back laughs, she gestured. "What? He really does. He got me this bracelet." She held up her hand, and yes, he had gotten her that last month after she had returned from France. He would never admit what he'd paid for it, but she loved it, and it looked beautiful on her, a thick cuff style one because he knew she liked those. The table oohed and ahhhed over it before Lisa gestured to Lou.

"Go ahead, Lou, open it and congratulations."

"Thank you so much," she said, opening the box. "Oh, this is beautiful, a silver pen. Thank you," she said looking across the table to the couple. "I can't believe this is mine."

"Well, any top executive needs a good pen," Lisa winked. "You can think of home with that. Jack has told me all about your new job."

"Really proud of you, Lou," Jack said quietly.

"Dad, really nice job, you, Lisa, outdid yourself," Marion winked at her friend and gave a nod of thanks to Jack.

"Wow, this beautiful pen, hockey tickets from Dad, a shopping spree from Mom-"

"I got you those earrings you liked in the store the other day," Amy chimed in with a grin.

"Yes, you did. Thank you everyone," Lou looked around the table. "Really, thanks. I miss all of you, and I feel very special that you all came here for me. I know I need to do better about coming home, and now, with my new job, I will do better, promise. Family is everything."

Their salads and Jack's soup were brought to the table, and thankfully, the family settled into eating over the next half hour. As they were sharing their meals a bit later, Lisa leaned toward Jack, "Did Marion warn you Tim was coming?"

"No," he eyed her. "You didn't know, did you? I know you would have mentioned it."

"No!" Lisa's eyes widened. "I had no idea. Marion never mentioned it. I certainly would have had your back on that." Both chuckled under their breaths, and Jack then sighed loudly, giving her a small smile.

"Really glad you're here, Lise."

"Anything to take your mind off the prices as well as Tim now too. Don't think I didn't notice you grimacing at the prices on the menu." Lisa squeezed his hand and smiled softly at him. He rolled his eyes.

"How can they charge what they do?"

"Shhh," she patted his hand. "I should have known better than to rile you up right now. Just enjoy dinner. Your family is. This wine is delicious, and I promise, I'll make it worth your while that you came to New York."

Jack raised an eyebrow at Lisa, but she had already turned her attention to Marion across the table who was asking her a question. He needed to do something, something that was a grand gesture for Lisa. She more than deserved that here in New York. Jack knew she was going to a Broadway show tomorrow night, but yes, he'd figure out something for Sunday."

"Dad?" Jack heard and snapped his head up from the bite of Lisa's scallops he'd been taking. He chewed while Marion gestured at him.

"I was asking Lisa if you two had plans tomorrow, but she said she was going to a Broadway show-"

"Oh, which one, Lisa?" Lou chimed in.

"Lion King," Lisa shrugged. "My aunt really wants to see it and hasn't yet."

"So good," Lou nodded. "I wasn't excited to see that one, but once I got there, it's amazing," Lou said as she gestured. "Good thing you are going. You'd never get him to go to anything like that," Lou gestured toward Jack, and he frowned.

"I did come here, and you never thought I would. I'm trying," he nodded. Lisa patted his arm and grinned at him as she spoke to the table.

"Jack is doing really well trying new things. We had a great flight here, and-"

"When do you fly home? I mean, I assume you are flying back together?" Lou asked, eyeing them.

"Monday morning," Jack said with a single nod. "Need to get back to the ranch."

"I'm flying Tuesday," Tim said, chewing more of his food. "Amy, Honey, if you're done, I'll have your spaghetti." Jack rolled his eyes at that but didn't comment, hoping that if Tim was full he wouldn't get dessert on Jack's dime.

"Amy and I are flying home next Friday, so sad to leave Lou," she frowned, reaching over to squeeze her daughter's shoulder.

"Sorry I won't be home for Christmas, but I love all of you and really appreciate this."

Dishes were cleared, and Jack nodded to the waiter for the check. As conversations continued, he leaned over to Lisa, seeing a grin appear on her face as she sipped the last of her wine.

"Would it be obvious if I paid for all the meals but Tim's?"

She laughed into her glass and shook her head at him, "You're terrible. Just remember-be nice."

When the bill arrived, Lisa gestured she was going to head to the restroom, and at the mention of that, all the women stood to go together. She leaned over and squeezed Jack's shoulder as she stood, taking a glance at the bill and giving Jack a nod. He was trying NOT to have a heart attack at the price. Six people, well, back home, he knew what that would cost, but here, with drinks, the nice meals, the appetizer Lou had ordered, all of it, the bill was close to $800, Tim Fleming's steak price just staring back at him. He wanted to grumble, but he was only left at the table with Tim, who was still picking off the plates, now using a piece of bread to scoop up the spaghetti sauce. He grinned at Jack.

"So, you and Lisa, still a thing-"

"I have no intention of ruining a good thing with Lisa," Jack said with a snarl. "I've watched plenty of that, seeing a good thing ruined."

"Yeah, well, thank goodness for second chances-"

"You'd better watch it with my daughter. I warned you before you married her, and you stomped on her heart with your mess. I've held my tongue pretty well especially with the women here, but I am not going to stand by and watch you destroy things again."

"I've changed and haven't had a drink, Jack. Promise. I hope in time you and I can get back on better footing. Hey, I'm trying, just like you are in different ways. I'm here too, for Lou, for Marion. By the way, thanks for dinner, Jack. Appreciate it." Amy returned to the table then, so the conversation ceased. As the women returned, Marion gestured to Tim and Amy.

"Lou wants to show us where she works," Marion explained.

"Grandpa, you and Lisa are invited too, but I didn't think you would want to walk all over New York tonight."

He pointed toward her, "I knew you were my favorite," he winked, and they all chuckled. He looked at Lisa, "Do you have to be back home right away?"

She shook her head, "Evelyn was exhausted, so maybe you and I can get some coffee."

"Oh, I can send you to my favorite spot," Lou grinned. "You two just enjoy each other and this magical city. I just love it here."

As the group stood, Jack, offered Lisa his arm, and they all filed out. In doing so, Jack had an idea and looked over at Lisa.

"How about a carriage ride? I heard they actually do have horses somewhere in this city."

She chuckled, patting his arm, "I've heard that too, seen them a few times."

"Ever been on a romantic carriage ride through what, Central Park, is it, in December?"

"Just last winter with my old beau," she grinned, and at that, Jack's mouth dropped open before she leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I'd love to do that with you and then maybe cozy up somewhere to spend some time together."

He nodded, "You sure you're okay being away from your aunt?"

"Cowboy, she suggested I take my time coming home. What do you think?"

Jack was about to respond, not that he was sure how to respond to Lisa's comment, when Marion grabbed Lisa's arm and pulled her to her to speak and at the same time, but not coordinated with Marion grabbing Lisa.

"So, Grandpa," she smiled brightly at him, "I love Lisa. So impressed because honestly, I never saw you dating anyone-"

"Lou, I hope you understand-"

"You don't need permission from any of us, and I'm actually trying to say that I'm happy for you. No one should just be left alone. Sure," she nodded, "being alone is good for the soul, I suppose," she rolled her eyes. "I know something of that. She really makes you happy. I can see that, and she's just adorable. So cute and spunky, classy. Mom is right; you don't see an age difference at all. I mean, I thought it would be a big one, and she's not at all like I imagined, better," she patted his arm. "So, I wanted to offer something-"

"What's that?" Jack eyed her as they had almost reached the rest of the group gathering their coats at the door.

"Well, a friend of mine, her husband is a chef, really romantic place. She's always told me if I need a table to let her know. We were in class together, and she owes me a few," Lou shrugged. "I can ask about getting you two a table for Sunday evening if you want? It's not like my romantic plate is full."

Jack looked at his grown granddaughter, amazed at how grown up she had gotten and also almost dumfounded at the conversation they were now having. He was being given some dating advice so to speak, some dating help. Lisa deserved the world. Saying yes to Lou's offer didn't even come as a second thought. For once, he didn't care the cost, and he patted Lou's arm just as they stepped up to the group.

"Lou, I would very much appreciate that. If you can work that out, I will definitely take you up on that. Lisa deserves a lovely night out."