He couldn't catch a break, at least not this particular morning. He'd been up for hours, some because even after more than a week, he was still struggling with the time change and also because well, he was too excited. Jack's favorite person was on her way home and would be in his arms very, very soon.
As exciting as that was and maybe even with a little hint of nervousness at the idea of finally having his bride at home, Jack was currently irritated. He'd given himself plenty of time to get to the airport. He'd finished the chores well before dawn, which was saying a lot with the summer sun shining down close to 18 hours right now at the middle of June. He'd fixed breakfast for the household. He'd cleaned and cleaned the house over the last couple days, the family asking him what in the world he was doing. He'd even traded vehicles for Lisa, knowing she would be more comfortable in her own car and not to mention with her accident, she was skittish about his older truck. So, yes, Jack had planned things out for the morning, had been planning things out for the morning, and after his stop at Fairfield, his brief chat with Harry, his stop at Maggie's to get a cup of coffee for the road-he was somewhat behind. None of that had been a problem; he'd allowed extra time, but what he hadn't banked on was road construction and farm equipment. He'd had it with both.
Sure, road construction in Alberta was very common in the summer. It was too cold in the winter to repave anything, so yes, the summer came with a lot of that. He'd mistakenly taken the main highway to only then sit in construction for almost 15 minutes while they closed half of the lanes and created, well, a huge mess. When he'd finally had the ability to creep up to a side road he knew, Jack had quickly turned off on that to then only get stuck behind farm machinery. Of course, he understood that too, being a rancher and living in the middle of farming country, but of all days, Jack now didn't have time to spare. It didn't help that he'd also spilled coffee on his pants, so yes, he was having quite the time.
As he approached the Calgary airport, though, he knew he had to get his act together and calm down. He found himself looking at the clock constantly, knowing Lisa would be arriving any minute. Why did he keep looking at the clock? The time hadn't magically jumped forward. He jumped, though, when his phone rang, and as he came around the bend and now had the airport in sight, he smiled at the name on his phone.
"Know any cowboys in the area who might show me around?"
Jack chuckled, "You landed."
"I landed," she chuckled back. "I was hoping you'd refer me to one to show me a good time. Oh, ahh, I might be speaking too loudly," she said in a quieter tone as she now sounded like she was whispering. Jack laughed at that too.
"I'm sure plenty of men on that flight would jump at the chance to show you a good time."
"Good thing I'm only searching for one cowboy."
"Oh, Lise, I see your plane!" Jack exclaimed, almost slamming on his brakes as he spotted the Air France flight slowing down on one of the runways and starting to make the turn to head toward the gates. "I'm sorry. I'm behind. I'm still driving toward the airport."
"It's fine, Jack. Remember, I have to go through immigration and customs. You have plenty of time. Besides, if you were inside, you wouldn't see my plane."
"I just don't want to miss you."
"You won't," she laughed. "Remember, I'm the one with a cane. You know, the asked me if I wanted a wheelchair. I couldn't bring myself to that."
"Lise," he sighed. "You aren't old. You're injured."
"Hmm, yes, says the man who refuses to do anything a doctor recommends. You wanted me to sneak you out of the hospital after your heart attack. Don't give me any grief. I am walking okay."
"Pain?"
"No comment."
"Exactly what I thought," Jack rolled his head and eyes as he watched the signs at the airport. "I hate to get off this call, but Lise, parking-"
"I know you aren't comfortable with the airport layout, so yes, go. Parking is the left lane, first exit. I'll see my cowboy soon. I love you."
"Love you too, so much," Jack smiled as he answered.
"Ahh, you are alone. I know that because I didn't get any sort of 'you too' response," she teased, and Jack chuckled.
"I do love you, and I can't wait to have you right here next to me. See you soon, I mean, as long as Canada lets you back into the country."
"Mmm, yes, that's always a challenge. Hopefully, the Canadian woman with a cane isn't questionable to return home."
"Oh, I missed the turnoff for parking!" Jack exclaimed, hitting his hand on the steering wheel.
"Jack!" Lisa said rather loudly, especially considering she was on a plane. "Honey, breathe. Take your time, and hang up the phone. You and I both know we aren't going home without finding the other."
"Okay," he sighed. "I'll be the old guy in the hat."
"Perfect. I'll tell my young French boyfriend in the beret to look for you."
Jack started to laugh, and he realized then just how stressed he was, stressed over getting this pick-up perfect. There was no reason to stress. It was Lisa, the love of his life, and she was finally home, home on Canadian soil, not too far from him, riding around in a ridiculously expensive aircraft that had just flown her halfway around the world. It did make him feel a bit closer to her seeing that aircraft taxing down the runway. He was grateful for her safe flight and that she'd been brought home to him. He just needed to park her car-without incident, of course, and make his way to the international arrivals. She was right. It wasn't like they were going to leave without the other, and even as they finished their conversation, she knew exactly what to say to lighten his mood. A younger, French boyfriend-sadly, before he and Lisa had cleared the air and gotten engaged, he might have just been afraid of exactly that happening, Lisa finding anyone else.
Jack shook out of his thoughts to pay attention to the signage. He had to get this loop around the airport right; he needed to get inside and greet the woman he could not live without. Again, as with everything else this morning, it took him much longer to get parked and to make his way towards the terminal. How in the world did people roll up to the parking garage to get a ticket and not know what to do? He didn't even like these places or use them much, but HE knew what to do. It always boggled him the idiocy of people. The person in front of him at the parking garage gate had been so ridiculous and apparently not at the right spot, she'd turned and gestured for Jack to back up. That had been a mess, and somehow, she'd backed then around him and out of that area. Ridiculous. He looked old but was with it enough to go in the right gate, even if he'd missed the turn off for it the first time looping around the airport. None of it now mattered. He was correctly parked and after maneuvering the elevators and escalators, on his way to the international arrival area.
As he approached the area, he found many others were also waiting for family and loved ones. In fact, the area was packed, and a quick glance to the board showed three international flights arriving within a half hour of each other, Lisa's being the last of them. Great. With so many waiting, this could take some time. He looked around and decided that Lisa might enjoy a cup of coffee after the long, overnight flight. To be honest, Jack noted he could use another cup, so he made his way over to the coffee stand, groaning quietly to himself that there was quite a line.
Finally, armed with refreshments, Jack found a spot to sit and wait. And, wait he did. A glance at his watch told him it had been quite some time. He watched as families reunited and continued to almost be nervous as he watched for Lisa. There was no point in calling her; she'd be out as soon as possible. When he felt someone sit down entirely too much in his personal space, he frowned and turned his head slightly to get a look at the person.
"Hello, Cowboy. I wondered if you'd notice me here."
"Lise!" Jack exclaimed, a mix of shock, surprise, and bewilderment going through his mind as he tried to figure out how she had ended up being the one to encroach on his space. He gestured at her as he almost jumped up, "Where did you come from? I've been sitting here waiting for you, staring at the exit area," he gestured.
She pursed her lips, "Yes, you have, but you also seem to have been daydreaming because as I walked out, you had your head down, your elbows resting on your knees, and I guess you were just deep in thought. You didn't even notice that I sat down next to you," and with that, Lisa put her hand to her mouth and started to laugh.
"Oh goodness," he sighed. "I was like that for a few seconds, just thinking about well," he chuckled, helping her to stand, "this moment, finally being able to kiss you. Hi," and with that, he embraced her, Lisa gripping his arms with hers, smiling brightly up at him. Jack pulled her in for a deep kiss, noting she was as eager to kiss him as he was to kiss her. He moved one hand to cup her cheek and then ran it over her hair as their kiss deepened. Lisa hummed into it, and the two smiled at each other as they broke apart. The sparkle in their eyes was evident; both were elated to see each other.
"Oh, it feels sooo good to be standing here with you again. I've really missed that and you," she said, almost flustered, but grinning up at him. Jack leaned back only to give her a once-over as he pursed his lips.
"Mmm hmm, looking better, Ma'am," he winked, taking her once broken hand in his. "Hand still in this brace, good," he nodded. Lisa rolled her eyes but gestured her hand and finger movement with the brace on. He watched and nodded, then continued, "Coloring," he put his hand gingerly on her cheek again and pretended to study her intently, "much, much better. Now, call me crazy, but it looks as if you had your nails and hair done again too."
She chuckled as she nodded, Jack resting his hand now on her shoulder, "Guilty, I did, and thank you for noticing. I do this all," she gestured to herself, "for you." Jack raised an eyebrow, and she chuckled, "Okay, I like to look nice too, but I also like you noticing how I look."
Jack raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I notice."
The two broke into laughter, and Jack then snapped his finger and turned to his things. "I have this for you," and he presented her with both a cup of coffee and a bouquet of flowers. Lisa tilted her head and smiled brightly, reaching up to pat his cheek.
"This is very sweet of you. Thank you. Since I really have one good hand at the moment, I mean for my cane, if you don't mind carrying the flowers, I can carry the coffee in my other hand."
Jack raised an eyebrow, "You're okay holding the cup with your splint?"
She nodded, explaining, "We've been working on that in physical therapy. Ahh," she waved at her bags, "I used my rolling bag as sort of my cane, but if you could-"
"Say no more," Jack leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You take your cane and your coffee. I've got everything else. Now, you just had your purse there as your carry-on, correct?"
"Yes," she patted her large handbag, not something she normally flew with, but it had served its purpose. With her limited mobility, she and Jack had talked about getting home. It was part of the reason he'd brought home so many of their things and left her with just her one large suitcase and large handbag. They'd talked about the fact that with an international flight, she'd have to retrieve her bag alone, and while she could have tried to get a cart, this had worked just fine. Jack put the bouquet of flowers coming out of her handbag, put the handle over the rolling bag, and then, he offered his arm to Lisa. She eagerly accepted his arm and looped hers through his.
"Now, I can leave you outside and drive around to pick you up-"
"Don't you dare," she playfully smacked at him. "I'm not leaving your side. A little walking will be good for me. I've been on that plane for hours and hours, anxious to get home to you. I did freshen up a bit, but oh, I'll be so glad to get out of these clothes."
He smirked at her as they walked, "I'll be glad for that too." She glanced up, chuckled, and then smacked at him.
"Why are men, even at your age," she smirked at him, "always thinking like that?"
"Easy when you have a beautiful woman on your arm," Jack said smugly. As they walked outside, he eyed her, "You sure about walking? I brought your car because I knew it would be more comfortable for you."
"You did?" Lisa's eyes widened, and she perked up even more. "That was very sweet of you. I'm excited to see my car."
"Starting to feel like chopped liver," he grumbled, and Lisa laughed, leaning up to kiss his cheek again.
"I have one request as we walk to the car," she told him, gesturing to continue walking.
"If it's food, I've already anticipated that request and have it covered."
She grinned again as she laughed, "I suppose you do know me well. May I ask about this ahh, lunch?" She glanced at her watch and nodded, "I suppose it's lunch. That jet lag-"
"I know the feeling. It took me quite the time to get over mine. Maybe I'll offer to be moral support and nap with you." Lisa laughed, nodding at him.
"I think a nap for both of us is certainly in order, maybe tomorrow. I'm going to try and push through today."
It was almost an hour later when Lisa shook her head and wiped her mouth, nodding at Jack for his lunch idea.
"This was a perfect idea. I'm touched you put so much thought into lunch. Thank you for this. It really hit the spot."
"Well," he winked, "turkey and Swiss-that's a staple for us. You know," he shrugged and continued, "I thought about getting lunch at a restaurant, and that was all fine. I just know how I felt after hours and hours of flying. The last thing I wanted to do was be inside again. Maybe it's just my outdoor nature, but with it being a beautiful summer day," he waved his hand, "and knowing this beautiful lake was on the way home with a perfect parking area," he nodded, "perfect spot for a picnic."
Lisa nodded in agreement as she sipped at her iced tea, glancing around at the gorgeous day. The sun was high in the sky, the birds were chirping, and the water was glistening in the sun. Jack had picked the perfect location, this small lake, maybe a pond size even, was on the way home. It had a small pull-off area that in the winter, the snow plows used as a spot to push snow and even turn around. Now, though, they had Lisa's car parked, her tailgate up, and the two were enjoying the lunch, reminiscing about other times they'd enjoyed the same simple sandwich. Jack reached into the small cooler he'd taken with him that morning, picking up not only coffee in town, but this lunch, happy the early staff at Maggie's was okay making it for him.
"Now, I do know my favorite lady well," he winked with one hand still in the cooler. Lisa met his gaze, and knowing he was joking, she started to laugh quietly as she shifted to see into the cooler. Jack pulled out a slice of pie, "Huckleberry pie for us to share."
Lisa's eyes widened, and she groaned at the sight of it, "Oh, that sounds wonderful. I can't remember the last time I had a slice of that." Jack nodded in agreement as he opened the container.
"I told you that we had that raspberry pie from Val," he raised his eyes to Lisa as he opened the container, "and it was good, but this pie is even better. Now, what will be on the top of my wish list when you get to feeling better is one of your pies, any kind."
With her fork already stabbing at the pie, Lisa nodded, "I'll need some help with the crust. It's a two-hand job, and as we know, one of mine isn't in tip-top shape."
"That I can do, along with anything else you need. Now, when we finish this, you wanted to stop by Fairfield, correct? You're still coming back to stay at Heartland? I really would like you to stay so I can help you, and we did discuss that the stairs at your house weren't optimal right now since you're still not fully recovered."
She nodded as she chewed, Jack taking a bite as well. "Yes, I'm fine coming home with you as long as it's not going to be awkward with the girls."
He shook his head, "I'm not going to let it be. There won't be discussion about it-my house, my say."
"Okay," she gave him a soft smile. "We've always been very private-"
"I know," he nodded. "You were around some those days after my heart attack before," he paused and frowned, "you know."
"Let's not ruin this wonderful lunch by bringing up that."
"Agreed."
"My point is that the girls are not going to question us, period."
"Thank you," she reached over and squeezed his hand. "I've told you I've always felt more of a guest-"
"That ends. I promise you, Lise. The girls are excited to see you. Lou's making dinner, as I told you."
"Right," she nodded and then grimaced, glancing to Jack. "Oh no, it's not going to be some new concoction of hers, is it?"
"No ma'am," he shook his head. "I promise that too. She tried," he put up his finger as if he was making a point. "She offered to do that cauliflower casserole thing, but I told her we were having a good old-fashioned dinner, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, salad-all of your favorites."
"Mmm, that sounds wonderful. I can help-"
"No, you will not," he gave her a somewhat stern look, and she started to laugh as she raised her hand in defense. Jack laughed too, bringing her splinted hand up to kiss it. "How much longer do they want you to wear this?"
"Ahh, another month," she nodded. "I have all of my records, and they did even transcribe or translate them. That is a huge help. I'm looking forward to meeting this new doctor in town."
"I'm not," Jack made a face like he was pouting. Lisa chuckled.
"Oh, Jack," she grinned at him, leaning toward him and kissing him quickly, "I think we'll manage. I know you hate the doctor, so thank you for going. See," she smacked at his chest, "even with our age difference, we have to see the doctor together. We're not so different, ehh?"
"Perfect pair," he pulled her to his side as he shifted closer to her. Jack kissed her head, and the two sat there just enjoying the day and looking out over the small lake. "I'm glad I thought of this too. I'm really enjoying our lunch."
"Mmm, yes, me too, but I might fall asleep here in your arms if we stay here too much longer."
"Then let's get you to Fairfield. You can freshen up, check on your horses, and I'll do whatever I can. Your cleaning lady was finishing up when I got your car."
"Good," she nodded. "I've been doing some video chats with my trainers, so while I haven't been on sight, I am fully up on things. It will be good to see everyone. Okay," she started to move, "let's get cleaned up here."
"I'll take care of it," Jack slid off the tailgate area where they'd been sitting. He had a lovely picnic for them, and he reached for Lisa's hand to help her stand. The two stood in an embrace, and for several seconds they just gazed at one another. Their kiss was almost magnetic; the two pulled toward each other and stood there, enjoying the moment, enjoying the peaceful setting, and enjoying finally being back together at 'home.'
"Let's get on the road," Jack finally broke apart and patted her hips. She nodded, and once he helped her into the Porsche, he cleaned up their picnic and set out for Fairfield.
Once on the road, he picked up her hand again to kiss it, one of his favorite things to do when he couldn't easily kiss her.
"Oh, Lise!" Jack smacked the steering wheel as he held her hand. She turned her head, surprised at his outburst. "I forgot to bring your engagement ring. I meant to bring that with me, and in all my running around this morning at home, it's sitting on my nightstand."
"It's fine," she nudged his hand with hers and gave him a bright smile. "While yes, the picnic would have been the perfect setting, I already said yes," she grinned, "and love the ring from what I saw, know it's mine, so when I get it," she shrugged, "not a concern."
"Okay," he chuckled, kissing her hand again. "Let's get you home, to both homes."
The day faded to mid-afternoon. Jack really enjoyed watching Lisa work in her element. She was so good at her job, so good at dealing with people, and so astute to her specialty horses. She insisted he walk along with her as she greeted and checked on her staff and stable. The two enjoyed a thorough conversation with Harry, and everyone was so glad to see Lisa back home and back on her feet. The stable presented her with a get well card and a bouquet of flowers. They were similar to the bouquet he'd gotten her, and once away from her staff, she'd told Jack the same, commenting she might just have to combine the bouquets into one. After checking on the entirety of her business and staff, the two made their way to the house. Jack was exhausted just from watching Lisa at work, and he knew she had to be tired as well. She'd told him how much she wanted a shower, and he'd decided while she did that, he might just stretch out on the bed for a rest himself.
"You know, if you're still in need of medical assistance, I can certainly help," Jack had winked at Lisa as she'd collected her things in the bedroom. He was worn out and had already sat down on the bench seat she had in front of the bed. She turned from her armoire and chuckled at him.
"I think I can manage," she grinned at him, and he winked back at her. "Besides, you already showered this morning."
Jack shrugged, "Never be too clean."
Lisa swatted at him as she walked by him, "Stretch out and rest. I'll be out shortly."
The next thing Jack knew, he was fumbling for his phone because it was ringing. As he started fumbling around, he got his bearings and realized he'd fallen asleep on Lisa's bed. As he tried to dig his phone from his pocket, Jack realized Lisa was sleeping on his shoulder. Her blonde hair was spread out on his shoulder, and he couldn't help but smile at that. He had no idea what time it was, but he had a feeling it was Lou or Amy calling.
"Amy," Jack said with a sleepy tone to his voice.
"Grandpa are you okay? Lou said she tried calling-"
"I'm so sorry, Amy. I picked up Lisa, and we got her back home, and we both fell asleep."
"Oh gosh," Jack heard Lisa sit up. "What time is it?"
"Ahh, I hear Lisa," Amy told Jack, and he could almost hear her smiling. "We're glad you're okay. It's almost 6:00. Dinner will be ready at 7:00, and we were getting worried we hadn't heard from you. Dad said you'd texted him at lunch."
"More like Tim texted me a few times asking if Lisa was back okay, and I finally replied," he grumbled.
Amy chuckled, "Sounds like Dad. I'll let everyone know you two were getting some rest but will be here soon."
"Sounds good, Amy," Jack said, and as he hung up, Lisa was awkwardly trying to sit up.
"Sleeping Beauty," he chuckled, and she grimaced turning toward him.
"I'm sorry. You were asleep when I got out of the shower, and you looked so comfortable and peaceful. I just decided to curl up myself."
"What is troubling is that I had a beautiful woman crawl up next to me, even put her head on me, and I was so tired, I didn't notice. Sorry," he chuckled. "I would have happily cuddled up next to you. Thanks for the blanket, though," Jack nodded to one of Lisa's bedroom blankets she'd put over them for their nap. Lisa yawned as she nodded.
"I have to say, that was one of the best naps I've had in-"
"Two weeks?" Jack winked. "I can agree with that. As you said, we're a good pair. Even sleep better with the other one around."
"We didn't ruin dinner, did we?"
"No, girls were just getting worried. You and I both were so tired we missed Lou calling," Jack eyed his phone as he nodded. "She called about 10 minutes ago."
"Sorry," Lisa said again. She leaned over and smiled sweetly at Jack before kissing him, "So, dinner, family time, and back to bed?"
"We are old," he winked as he kissed her again.
"Who said you didn't sleep well at Fairfield?" Lisa grinned, smacking at his arm gently as she started to move to her side. "Pillows and all, eehh?"
"I admit, this bed is growing on me, very comfortable. I did fine in France too. Maybe it's just the company."
"Maybe it is," she grinned. "Let's head to Heartland, put that theory to the test-dinner, family time, and see if we do this well in your room, I mean, with everyone knowing I'm there."
"You're on," he winked. "Let's go home and greet the family. It's been quite the long road, but let's head home. We have a lot to tell them."