"Anyway, that sale should go through the day before I head home, and I will be glad to be done with that horse. He's been nothing but a problem the last year, which," Lisa chuckled on the video chat with Jack, "should not really a surprise since Dan and I co-own Regal Prancer. Nothing but trouble," she sighed, shaking her head.

Jack had been nodding as he'd been listening, "I'm really glad that sale is going to go through. You've had enough on your plate with the accident, and I know that horse has been giving you headaches."

"Literally he has!" Lisa exclaimed, gesturing with her good hand. "It's amazing that Dan being Dan is up to his old tricks with business. You'd think he would have learned something after the accident, a little compassion."

Jack offered a sympathetic smile as he replied, "Well, I'm no fan of Dan, but he did seem to show some compassion after the accident, Lise, at least the little I saw. Now, I know you know him much better than I do, and personal is different than business. I have no doubt he's being a snake in business like he always is."

"He did, I mean, about that, show compassion toward me. Now," she narrowed her gaze, "in the business world, that's another story."

"Fair enough," Jack chuckled. "How was your therapy session today?"

"Ahh good," she nodded. "Sorry, I jumped right into telling you about the sale because I was so excited to finalize the details this morning. Yes, things went well this afternoon at therapy. I am so very appreciative that you set up that driver for me. Very sweet, Jack Bartlett," she grinned at him. "Might just have to keep you around."

"Believe me," Jack winked, "I'm the one getting the better deal in all of this."

"Hmm," she smiled and rested her chin on her hand as she sat forward, "I really miss you. The house is so quiet and empty since you left."

"I really miss you too. I can't say the house is quiet," he waved his hand toward the living room, "but it's a different kind of empty without you around. I told you I noticed that right away after well," he rolled his eyes, "I ruined everything."

"We worked through that," she eyed him, nodding. "We're focused on the future, remember?"

"I do, but we have to get you better first, still from the past. Oh, speaking of," he sighed with a frown, "Talked to Samantha, the receptionist from the doc's office in town."

"Oh, really? You made your appointment?"

He grimaced and made a face, which had Lisa laughing as Jack answered, "I didn't initiate the call. She'd gotten my records from my cardiologist and had heard I was back in town."

Lisa laughed, nodding as she grinned, "Good news travels fast, ehh?"

"Not sure if scheduling a physical constitutes good news-"

"Oh, Jack, you know what I meant," she rolled her eyes.

"I know. I know," he nodded. "So, yes, she was calling to get me into the office now that I'm back home, and even more than that, she was calling to tell me that Doc retired. I hadn't heard. Retired, and there's a new doc, but I know Tim had talked about that. I just," he shook his head and pursed his lips, "in all of this, I just hadn't put all that together, that I'd have to see this new doc."

"Oh," Lisa frowned, "well, he can't be that bad. Give him a chance-"

"She," Jack said with a firm nod, and he smirked, "which is why Tim knows about her."

"Obviously," Lisa dropped her head as she chuckled. "Okay," she cleared her throat and glanced to Jack, "that might be a good thing. A new doctor, a female," she winked. "I mean, should I be jealous? I need to see a photo of this woman."

"Laugh and mock all you want," Jack smirked. "You can see for yourself. Samanatha wanted to schedule my appointment, so I told her to schedule yours as well. We're in this together, all aspects," he chuckled with a wink, which had Lisa laughing and nodding. "I told her the latest with you; she'd heard a little about your accident, as much as the standard gossip chain of Hudson knows, and I told her you'd need to get in for med refills and such, possibly your occupational therapy referral as well."

"Okay," Lisa replied and rolled her head. "I'm in. We're quite the pair and have been saying that. I'll be happy to go to the appointment with you."

"You just want to be there and meet this female doc when I do," Jack pointed at her, and Lisa grinned at him in reply. That had Jack chuckle as he nodded, "I can assure you it does not matter what she looks like. You're the only lady for me, but I'll be glad to have you there with me to clarify that in case you know," he smirked, "she's interested in me."

Lisa burst out laughing, and that had Jack chuckling too. Once they both seemed to calm down, Lisa smiled at him, "It's good to hear you laugh and see you smile," she told him.

"I was about to say the same about you. Now, you're looking good, not that you looked bad-"

"Broken, I was broken, and I most certainly did look bad, very rough but thank you. I know what you are trying to say."

"You're beautiful to me always, but you are looking well, more coloring on your face. Have you been sitting on the porch more?"

"Hmm, yes, trying to get a little rest between appointments and work, but yes, I'm trying to rest. We rested a lot when you were here, but it's different. I don't have anyone to entertain."

"I was not a guest and did not need to be entertained in any manner," which had Lisa raising her eyebrows. Jack chuckled, shook his head, and finally pointed at her, "Not in that way. I mean, sure," he winked, "always a good time with you when we can have a romantic evening, but that was certainly not the purpose of this trip. There will be time for that after you are all better, honestly," he rolled his eyes, "after we're both given a clean bill of health."

"Well, we are both on that road to recovery, you much further down the road than I am. Can you believe it's been 100 days now since my accident? Random that I know that, but it has."

"And you are getting stronger each day. How is your walking coming along with your pelvis?"

"Much better," she nodded. "Still using the cane, but it is helping with the residual pain. I just hope that this pain eventually goes away. I mean, it's much better, but it's not gone. It doesn't hurt to walk like it did, but I just want to be normal again."

"I know," he gave her a sympathetic smile. "You're so much better than you were, Lise. I have told you that I came very close to losing you in more ways than one."

"I know."

"So," he clapped his hands together, "your return home. You'll be okay on the plane that long?"

"Yeah," she sighed, "I mean, I'm doing okay sitting, and I can get up and walk around on the plane. I thought about booking another connection, but I'd just rather gut it out and go from Paris to Calgary. I'll be okay."

"I know you will," he smiled, adding, "and I'll be waiting for you at the international arrivals. One more week."

"I can't wait," she smiled brightly as Jack held up his hand for her to give him a second. He reached over and then held up the small box he had been looking at the last day since he'd picked it up from the jeweler.

"I have your ring, all ready for you." Lisa's eyes widened, and Jack gave her a nod. "Would you like to see it?"

"Ahh, sure," she said almost in a less than excited tone, and as she seemed to hear herself, she laughed, "Yes, I'd love to see it. I mean, I figure at this point, you've already asked me to marry you, so the ring shouldn't stay a surprise."

"No, it shouldn't," he told her while he focused on opening the ring box. "I just regret I didn't have it with me to do it right when I did ask you."

"Well," she held up and waved her hand with a grin, "this ring certainly deters people."

"I suppose then it's doing its job, keeping all the boys away as you say, or maybe it's the cane and my limp," she laughed and rolled her eyes.

Jack frowned, "You are so beautiful, Lise. You were in an accident and are recovering. Do not be discouraged with your cane. Now, here you go." Jack opened the ring box to show Lisa, and he could see her studying it. As he tried to look at it through her eyes, he quickly got worried. He'd been looking at the ring over and over since picking it up, yes, but now, it just didn't seem good enough for Lisa's standards. He turned to the screen after realizing she hadn't said a word, anticipating her disappointment.

She had her hand to her mouth, and Jack jumped in to explain.

"As I said, I know it's nothing fancy or too grand, but it was my grandmother's ring. I did replace the diamond and have it cleaned up for you. The jeweler did an appraisal on it, which I have the paperwork, and he said it was a very sturdy setting especially with the new diamond. I just want you to know that I wanted you to have it. I'm sorry-"

"Don't you apologize," Lisa found her voice, and their eyes met, Lisa shaking her head, a bit teary-eyed. She tilted her head and smiled brightly at Jack, "It's beautiful, and I love it. I can't wait to see it in person. Don't even think of apologizing for such a beautiful ring. It's, ahh," she paused and smiled again at him, nodding, "perfect. Perfect for me, perfect that it was your grandmother's ring. I'm honored, and I love it. I hope you know that I don't have to have the flashiest, most expensive-"

"Says the woman with the Porsche and those crazy expensive racehorses," Jack eyed her.

She chuckled, nodding, "I know, but that is work, I mean, sure the horses are. I love a nice car," she shrugged. "You know that, and it does help with work. I can't exactly roll up to my auctions in well," she waved her hand at him, "your truck."

"Although we did, sort of," he winked, smiling, as he added, "that first auction, our first date."

Her smile widened, "Our first date yes, and we would have made the auction had your truck not broken down."

"Might not have had the lovely picnic we did," he winked. "I mean," he gestured, "had we arrived without the picnic first, I wouldn't have discovered what a beautiful laugh you have, how your blonde hair reflected in the sun, how your eyes sparkled in the middle of the day. This stupid old man would have just high-tailed it home in that truck after hearing Dan call you his wife, so the way I see it, my truck breaking down was a very good thing."

Lisa chuckled, rolling her eyes, "Not your finest moment, but thank you for the sweet comments. I did have to work to convince you we were a good match. I," she waved at herself, "had already figured that out, that you were charming, obviously handsome," she grinned, "and a very good listener. I'm really glad we had that date, even in your old truck."

"Me too," he winked at her, "and I do understand you need a nice car for your job."

"You also have to admit that you did like my BMW here. You looked pretty good driving it."

He nodded in agreement, "It was a good, solid vehicle, and when you are back to driving, I'm glad you have solid vehicles as you do. You're sure you like the ring?"

"Jack," she called out his name and then paused, smiling when he met her gaze, "Honey, I absolutely love the ring. Did you not see me almost crying? It's perfect. It's perfect because well, it's a beautiful ring," she gestured at it, "but more importantly, it comes from you out of love, and it's something that you cherish too. You have no idea what a family heirloom means to me. It's a very special gift, and I cherish it. Thank you. I can't wait to see it in person and wear it the rest of my life."

"Well," he said now almost bashfully, "okay."

"Hmm, it's much more than okay. I really love you, you old goat. I wish I was there to share this special moment in person."

Jack grimaced and made a groaning sound, "Did I just mess this up? Should I have waited to give you this in person, I mean, let you see it first in person."

"Stop!" Lisa laughed. "I've never seen you flustered like this. You really are worried and nervous-"

"Course I am," Jack shrugged at her. "I just want things to be perfect for you Lise after I created the mess I did."

"You're perfect for me, you old man," she grinned, teasing him. "One week until that ring is mine."

"One week," he agreed. "The countdown started the minute I stepped away from you at the airport and will end the moment I can kiss you in the Calgary airport."

"We are in a lot of airports," she teased again, and they both started laughing. "You know, I'll also never forget the moment you walked out of the international arrivals in France your first trip here. I know we have discussed the many things that went wrong on that trip, but that was a very special moment, seeing you there."

Jack shook his head, clearly surprised to hear Lisa say that, "You never mentioned that. I mean, I was really glad to see you too, incredibly nervous-"

"Nervous?" Lisa titled head.

"Well, yeah," Jack admitted. "I wasn't nervous to see you. That's not what I meant, but nervous about traveling. That was no secret. France scares me, or it did, still does some. I don't like being anywhere I don't understand the language. I just don't. Foreign country, foreign laws and customs-"

She shook her head, "France isn't that different, but I'm sorry. I do understand about the language barrier, all too well after this accident. I suppose I have gotten used to it and do know a bit of French, but yes, I can see that. Looking back now, I do understand what a feat it was for you to come to France, and I really didn't recognize it as such a challenge for you, as getting so much out of your comfort zone. That feeling, though, the first moment I saw you at Charles de Gaulle walking out of the international arrivals," she nodded, an almost sad smile on her face, "it meant the world. I hate how things evolved from that trip, but your effort, you coming to France, Jack, I know it was hard. I just didn't think about the multi-layers of it. It wasn't just hard for you leaving home or getting on a plane. The entire trip-the culture, the travel, the language-it was all hard. I know you never wanted to come back, and I need to thank you for the last three months, for coming here and taking care of me."

He frowned and nodded, "I'd like to say it was never a question, but it was, initially, as I've told you. Whether or not I wanted to be there for you, I wasn't sure if you would want me there. You didn't," he let out a low chuckle, "but after getting over myself and finally laying eyes on you, I wasn't going to be anywhere else. I hate I can't still be there. As far as the first trip," he met her gaze, "putting eyes on you in that sea of people at the airport, well, that is something I can still vividly remember. Your beautiful smile and sparkling eyes stuck out, and like this, I knew it was the right thing to do. I'm just sorry I'm not the world traveler you want-"

"You are the man I want," she interrupted him and waited for him to lock eyes with her. "You are, your old, stubborn self and all, just as you've said the same about me-"

"Not the old and stubborn part," he winked, chuckling. "Yes, we are both set in our ways."

"But," she pointed at him, "we've finally worked through a lot of that and realized that we're better together."

"I most definitely am."

"Which is why this being apart is hard. I blame Dan," she grinned, waving her hand. "I mean, I had to stay these extra days to secure the sale of this horse, but I'm going to be done with it and cut more ties with him. Those are good things."

"Indeed," Jack winked. "Almost like a wedding present, cutting more ties with Dan."

"Yes," she smiled. "I like that idea."

"So, this wedding," he gave her a sly nod, "any ideas about when or where?"

"A few," she grinned. "Do you really want to know?"

"Ahh," he glanced around like others were there to answer. "Yeah, I do. I mean, I am an involved party. Now, I am all for you making the decisions for the wedding you want, but maybe an invite to it-date and time for example," he winked, "would be helpful."

Lisa laughed, nodding, "Ahh, well, I'd like to get married by the end of the summer."

Jack eyed her and glanced toward the windows, gesturing, "You realize it's the end of June now."

"I do," she nodded happily. "Okay, how about saying between our birthdays?"

He crossed his arms and chuckled, "No arguments here. I just want to make sure you aren't overwhelmed and have plenty of time."

"I have plenty of time," she told him with a smile. "Remember, the longer we draw out this engagement, the more Lou will try to talk us into some grand affair, and I don't want that. Save that for Amy's wedding. I'll be happy to help with whatever she wants."

"And I'm happy to help with whatever you want. Okay," he said with a roll of his head, "I'm absolutely on board. Do I need a new suit?"

She smiled, "Just the one I had made for you. It's your wedding and funeral suit. Hopefully, you see our union as more of a wedding affair than a funeral. I mean," she shrugged, grinning, "some don't look so fondly on their big days."

"Oh," he winked and chuckled, "definitely a wedding affair, and I'll be there in my suit, even my good cowboy hat too."

""Hmmm, yes, well that is a good look, an irresistible one if I do say so myself. No objection to the hat-"

"What about your boots? I like those."

Lisa grinned, "Those are for winter, but I'll see what I can do."

"Not that it needs to be said, but anything you wear will be gorgeous because you are. I just can't wait to marry you."

"Hey Jack, you here?" Jack heard Georgie and looked at his watch. He nodded to Lisa, "That's Georgie home. I promised her a ride, which also means it's very, very late there."

Lisa nodded, "But my heart is there with you, so I don't care what time it is here."

He pointed at her, "Your brain and body are there, on French time. You need to sleep, Lise. You're still recovering."

"Oh, Jack, there you are," Georgie stepped to his open bedroom door and saw Jack sitting on the bed talking on the laptop Lou had left out for him to use. He looked up at Georgie.

"Georgie, sorry, yes, I'm ready for that ride, just talking to Lisa." He waved Georgie over to sit with him.

"Hi Georgie," Lisa greeted her with a warm smile. "It's good to see you, and I look forward to getting to know you more and more when I get home. We didn't get to spend much time together when Jack had his heart attack."

"Yeah, you were crying a lot," she stated, nodding as she said it.

"Georgie!" Jack chastised her and sighed, shaking his head at her and then at Lisa. "Sorry, Lise."

"No, no, it's fine. Georgie, I like you. You speak your mind and don't mince words. Yes, I was upset, but can I tell you something?"

"Ahh," she glanced to Jack wondering if this was some secret but then shrugged, "sure."

"It was very upsetting to me because Jack's the person I love the most. I know you probably don't want to hear that about Jack, but I do, and it worried me we could lose him. I'm so glad we didn't."

"Me too," Georgie's eyes got wide. "That's not how I want to ever spend a birthday, worrying if Jack will die on us-"

"Georgie!" Jack exclaimed again.

"I agree with you, Georgie," Lisa smiled. "I know you really like Jack too, so I hope we will be good friends and can watch out for Jack together, ehh?"

Georgie grinned, glancing to Jack and then making a face at Lisa, "Lou wants him to change his diet, but eating that gross food of hers isn't good for anyone. I'm glad Jack told her he wouldn't eat it because that means I don't have to eat it too."

Lisa laughed and nodded at Georgie, "I'm with you, and Jack has told me about some of the food changes. No thanks. I love to cook, so I promise when I'm better and back in Hudson, I'll make some normal food. Deal?"

"Deal," she nodded vigorously with a grin. "Oh, I hope you feel better soon. Jack said you were really hurt."

Lisa held up her cane, "I am, at least I was. I'm getting better, and don't let this cane fool you. I'm not nearly as old as Jack, just need help walking right now."

Georgie looked over Jack and then turned back to talk to Lisa, "He's way older than you, isn't he?"

"Georgie!" Jack exclaimed again, but it was hard to hear that over Lisa laughing.

"He is, but that doesn't change how much I love him. Now, I need to go to bed, and I hear you two are going on a ride. You enjoy that, and maybe we can all go on a ride once I get better. Now, I'll be home in a week."

"Cool," she smiled. "Can we go on a ride then?"

"Ahh, no Georgie," Jack nudged her. "Lisa can't ride yet from her accident. Give her some time, maybe before it snows."

"Wow, that's a long time."

"Yes it is," Lisa frowned but nodded. "Jack's right, maybe a short ride before it snows. My accident was in the winter, so it's been a very long time since I've ridden. I'll get there, though."

"Okay, Georgie, why don't you get your snack, and we can head out?" Jack eyed her, and Georgie jumped up, nodding.

"Bye," she waved to Lisa.

"Bye, Sweetheart," Lisa smiled, and Jack chuckled as she skipped out of his room. He looked back to Lisa.

"I know that was another issue, Georgie added to the mix and how I handled that. I appreciate you wanting to spend time with her."

Lisa nodded, "She's part of the family, and I know how it is to be the outsider, so yes, if I can get her to like me through her stomach," she chuckled, "I'll do anything I can. Gosh, if that's the case, no wonder why Tim likes me."

"Oh, he'd be chasing you if I wasn't," Jack winked. "You get some sleep. I love you."

"Love you, Cowboy. Be careful on that horse, ehh? Paint will always be my favorite animal after he stood with you, but no repeats of that, yes?"

"Just a ride with my great-granddaughter, and I look forward to the day," he leaned in and whispered, "my wife can join us."

"I like the sound of that. Night."

Jack stared at the blank screen after Lisa ended their chat. Wife. He did like the sound of that. To be honest, he never expected to have another wife, and he realized that as he thought about his wife, he was thinking of Lisa, not of Lyndy. As many things in life come to a close, he realized he was okay that the chapter with Lyndy as his wife had come to that conclusion. It excited him to think about Lisa coming home, home to him. One more week. He couldn't wait, but things like a nice trail ride with a very spunky kid would definitely help.

"Jack?"

"Coming Georgie," he called, and as he stood, he opened his nightstand and put up Lisa's ring again. One week, and it would be on her finger for good.