"You're nervous," Jack reached over and put his hand on hers. He knew her and her habits. He waited several seconds without her making eye contact, and Jack then reached for her knee. He didn't think she'd even heard him.
"What?" Lisa's head snapped toward him. She shook her head as Jack continued to steal glances her way. She was preoccupied and probably hadn't seen anything out the window even though she'd been looking that way.
"I said you're nervous," Jack offered a sympathetic smile as he continued driving, alternating between his eyes on the road and his eyes on Lisa. "And, I don't know why."
"I'm sorry, Honey, just distracted," Lisa pursed her lips after answering. She shook her head and turned back toward the window.
"Now, what in the world are you distracted about? Is it the truck, being in the truck?"
That seemed to break whatever distraction she was feeling because Lisa shifted and met his gaze, finally putting her hand on top of his as she gave him a soft smile, "No, it's not the truck. I'm doing okay with you driving, even with me driving again," she nodded. "It's just this silly appointment," she nervously chuckled, throwing her hand up in the air. "I'm nervous, and I shouldn't be."
He raised an eyebrow, "Why are you nervous about this doctor's appointment? You are a good patient," he joked with a small grin. "I'm the one who should be nervous, okay," he rolled his eyes, and Lisa smiled. "I'm nervous too, but I hate the doctor. You've done okay keeping up with things, and besides, this is just one of many you've had-"
"Yes, but she's new, as we both know. She's a friend of Tim's," Lisa waved her hand and chuckled. "That should make both of us nervous, but I suppose I just don't want to hear that I'm so far off from being back to normal. I've been doing everything the doctors in France said to do, and now, I suppose with my care transferred back here," she shrugged, "just a little nervous. I don't want to be limping along, literally," she leaned toward him at the same time she squeezed his hand.
"I do understand," he shifted their hands to hold hers. "You're doing great, Lise, and I am sure you are right on track as you should be, not that there is any set timeline for a recovery like yours. Whatever happens, remember that. There's no set of rules or guidelines. Sadly, we've heard a few times, well, in French," he smirked, "that healing takes time. You have given it a lot of time, and I see the difference. You've improved tremendously, barely any pain at all, right? Please be honest with me."
"No, no," she nudged their joined hands, "I really am feeling a lot better. The pain throughout my body is mostly gone. As much as I hate to admit it, the cane has been a tremendous help. It's allowed me to not put so much weight and pressure on myself, and yes, I realize that has helped me recover. We'll see how this new doctor is. I hope she's decent. I mean, sure, I can move my care to Calgary, but I'd rather not if I can help it."
"Well, I didn't get much info from Tim, except that she was basically someone he would like to date. So, that means she could be anywhere from late 20's to your age," Jack gave a nod. "Obviously he didn't have any background on her medical expertise."
The two got a good laugh from that as Jack parked the car. With a quick glance up and down the street, Lisa gave Jack a nod as she waved her hand.
"Looks safe and clear. I don't recognize anyone or any vehicles, not that we are avoiding people, but I'd really like to just get this appointment over. I hate looking like this."
"What?" Jack shifted in the truck, gesturing at her. "You're beautiful, Lise. You take my breath away more times than I can count. I can't believe someone as gorgeous as you is hanging around the likes of me. Now, with your cane," he waved, "that's from your accident. As your stable has said, everyone in town knows you were in a horrible accident and feels so badly about it. They did a nice welcome home for you, and I know everyone else we've already run into around here has felt the same way. Now," he winked, "if you want to tell people you're just dragging my old, sorry self around," he shrugged with a small smile, "that's fine with me."
"Oh, stop," she swatted at him. "You can always make me blush," and at that, she sighed and nodded her head. "Let's go, Cowboy. Maybe I can get rid of these ridiculous nerves."
"Let's go see the latest object of Tim's affection," Jack winked, and again, the two laughed as they got out of the truck and headed toward the all-familiar doctor's office.
10 minutes later, Jack had just finished helping Lisa onto the exam table where she was seated, and he was taking a seat in the corner chair. While the appointment was for both of them, Sherri, the office nurse (because it was a small office), had told them Lisa could go first. They'd chatted with her briefly while she'd checked them in and shown them to the exam room, checking both of their vitals. They both knew her, mostly from Jack's visits here over the years. Lisa hadn't been to this office a lot, but as she'd told Jack, she was happy to take care of her care in Hudson if it was satisfactory.
Lisa, looking around, finally looked at Jack, "Well, things in here still look the same, and Sherri said she likes this Dr. Virani-"
"Knock, knock, hello," they both heard and looked up to put eyes on this new doctor. She stepped into the room as Jack stood up to greet her. He gave her a once-over, noting she was not as young as he might have expected, at least according to the women Tim usually dated, and while he'd maybe captured a picture in his mind of an early-30's tall blonde, he was considerably surprised to see someone yes, around Lisa's age and looking very studious.
"Hi, I'm Tricia Virani, and you must be Lisa Stillman." She stuck out her hand to greet Lisa as Jack stepped toward her there sitting on the table.
"Hi, yes, very nice to meet you, Lisa Stillman, and this is Jack," she waved her hand at Jack.
"Ahh, okay," she eyed Jack, and he could see her trying to place him in all of this. Mr. Stillman, nice to meet you-"
"Jack Bartlett," he gave her a nod as he shook his head.
"Oh," she put her hand to her chest, "my apologies. I should no better than to assume you'd have the same last name as your daughter."
Jack turned red and shifted slightly there at the table to rest his hand on Lisa's back, almost her hip, and Lisa met his gaze and grimaced. She turned back to Tricia and spoke before Jack could.
"Jack and I are engaged," she gestured with her hand. "He's my rock and the man I love more than anything."
Tricia dropped her head as she nodded, glancing up to meet their gazes, noting Lisa's rings. "Beautiful rings. I am so sorry." She hooked her hand behind her, "Perhaps I should start over. You know, I've been putting my foot in my mouth with so many people in Hudson. I really should just stop talking. I don't assume things with one patient and then assume with the next," Tricia sighed, nodding. She started to turn toward the door.
"No, no," Lisa laughed slightly reaching for her. Tricia gave her a sympathetic smile, and Lisa shook her head. "Believe me, you're not the first to ask or assume that. Jack and I can do math," she laughed, and that had Jack chuckling too. "It's no secret we appear to be the odd couple, have for years."
"Nice to meet you," Jack waved his hand, finally shaking hers as his other arm was still around Lisa. "Apparently, you are acquainted with my ex-son-in-law, Tim Fleming."
"Tim? Oh, yes," she smiled brightly. "Now, it's all making sense. He spoke of you, Jack. He tries to be charming and offered to give me some riding lessons, which I do really need. Sometimes you just have to get back on the horse. I'm not a very good rider, but I'm willing to put in the work. Your-"
"Ex-son-in law," Jack replied again, and when he caught an expression on Tricia's face, he added, "he and my daughter divorced years ago, and she passed away also years ago. Now, you hit on the right word-Tries," Jack pointed at her with a small smile. "He tries to be charming. I like you already. Seems you have a grasp on Tim even if you can't figure out how Lise and I fit together."
"I really am sorry," she frowned. "Sherri told me I had two patients in a row, but I didn't realize you were a couple. I assumed, incorrectly, I had another patient in the other exam room. My apologize again."
"Please, it's fine," Lisa shook her head. She hooked her hand toward Jack, "Besides, yes, Jack and I are usually here for him to be seen, and yes, I often have to drag him here, kicking and screaming. Today," she let out a long, ragged breath, "he was the one dragging me."
"Oh?" Tricia leaned against her desk and crossed her legs in front of her as she stood there leaning. "I'm that scary? I'd like to hope not. What is scary is this medical file I just read in its entirety. Lisa, you've had a horrible few months and in a foreign country, nonetheless, yes?"
"I have," she grimaced, reaching down to squeeze Jack's hand there on her lower back by her hip. "As I said, he's my rock. Jack and I have been in France the last several months where I have been recovering from a terrible car accident, which," she gestured toward Tricia, "I'm sure you read all about in my file. Now, the files were translated into English, and I hope they translated okay."
"The did," she nodded. "I must say you look remarkable."
"That's what I tell her each day, Doc," Jack nodded, glancing to Lisa and winking at her. "The moment I first laid eyes on her after the accident in that French hospital, I wasn't sure she'd ever be back at home here with me, and I am very, very grateful and thankful to the medical staff in France who got Lisa back on her feet."
"Quite literally," Lisa sighed. "I was in a medically induced coma, as I'm sure you read."
"Yes, broken pelvis, broken arm," she waved at Lisa's splint. "Still using the cane?"
Jack gestured to it by the chair where he had been sitting.
"Okay," Tricia nodded. "Well, let's get to work, going through your injuries, Lisa, and then, Jack," she glanced at him. "You had a heart attack, although, not related to Lisa's injuries?"
"Correct," Jack nodded. "My heart attack was before Lisa's accident. Needless to say, it's been a rough year."
Tricia nodded, "I'm sure you are both ready for the year to end, and we're just over halfway through it."
Both Lisa and Jack glanced at each other, but Lisa gestured before Jack could start to speak, "Ahh, most definitely yes, but no, too. I mean, we're hoping the second half of the year is better than the first. Can't get much worse," she nudged Jack, and then, she turned toward Tricia to explain. "We are getting married soon."
"Oh, wonderful, when?"
"As soon as Lisa is cleared. We're both ready to get that done." Lisa tilted her head, a scowl on her face, and Jack replayed his words, gesturing quickly to correct things as he shook his head and chuckled. "I mean, we're both really ready to get married, not that it's just a check the box thing. We've been together a long time, almost eight years, and this, I mean, these medical issues of ours, were part of our wake up to get our acts together-"
"What Jack is trying to say," Lisa sighed, shaking her head at Jack as she looked back to Tricia, "is that life is short, and yes, we've had our ups and downs, but still after eight years, we are absolutely ready and completely sure we want to be married, so yes, as soon as I am able, we plan to get married."
"Well, congratulations," she nodded with a warm smile. "I love a warm story like that. Jack, now that I am putting a name and face together from what Tim mentioned about his father in law, it's lovely to meet you both. Tim speaks very highly of you. So," she smiled at them, "just one question before we get down to medical business."
"Shoot," Jack encouraged.
She's grinned at the two of them, "Should I take riding lessons from him? Is he the legitimate cowboy he says? I'm not looking for fancy riding, just good Western style. Never could get into the fancy English riding. Oh," she put her hand to her mouth, "I'm sorry if I've offended either of you. Here I am again, jumping again without knowing the facts."
"Lisa is a high-end horse breeder and race horse owner," Jack gestured, and Lisa nodded with a smile. "That's why she was in France, goes to France often."
"Oh, shoot, see there I go again-"
"It's fine," Lisa put her hand on Tricia's. She glanced at Jack before answering Tricia, "And, to answer your question, well, let me. I've known Tim a long time, almost eight years, and as far as a real cowboy, ahh," she shrugged, "I know I'm partial, but he's the second best cowboy you will find here in Hudson." She hooked her hand toward Jack, "Obviously, my cowboy is the best around."
"Okay, Tricia grinned and blushed slightly. "Horse breeder-do you sell horses? I'll be in need of one to go with these riding lessons."
"Not that kind of horse," Jack chuckled, gesturing at Lisa.
"Sorry, he's right, just the horses I breed are ones in ahh-"
"Things like the Kentucky Derby," Jack added.
"Oh, gosh, definitely don't need one like that. Wow, that's very interesting, Lisa. I've met so many very interesting people here. Ahh, thank you for that, and let's get down to business here. Lisa, you're up first."
The appointment continued, Lisa answering questions about her injuries, and finally, after evaluating Lisa and comparing against the notes sent from France, she had the two switch spots. Jack helped Lisa to the chair, even though she protested she was doing fine moving on her own, and Jack's checkup started.
"How was this respite in Arizona? I'm reading from your cardiologist's notes you were told to go there and relax. Did you?" He frowned, and she chuckled, shaking her head.
"I went," he waved his hand, "but it was awful. Much of that was personal in nature, I mean, why it was bad. Lisa was in France-"
"Ahh, I see, more to it-"
"But you did hate the weather," Lisa gestured at Jack with a nod. "You did."
"I did," he nodded in agreement. Tucson is entirely too hot."
"Tucson? Oh, Jack," Tricia shook her head. "You can't go there. It's way too hot there, even this time of year. I've been to several medical conferences there. You should have gone to northern Arizona. Next time."
"Not planning a next time," Jack gestured with a grumble.
Lisa chuckled, "What he means to say is sure, doctor, if I need to rest and relax, I will do as suggested, but yes, I might change location. What he isn't telling you is that France was a good place for both of us to rest and recover, much to Jack's surprise. I realize I put him through the wringer at least the first half of the trip, so six weeks or so, because I was in such bad shape, but once we got back to the house, we were able to get rest."
"Got it," she nodded with a small smile. "Well, Jack, your heart is in excellent health now. Whatever you did, it is looking good. All of your numbers are well within normal range now. Well done."
"See, Lise," Jack winked at her from where he was now working on the sleeves of his shirt to button them again. "Tip top shape."
"Not so fast," Tricia cut in putting her hand out in almost a stop motion. "Let's the three of us talk-"
"Something wrong, Doc?"
"No, I just don't want you running out of here the second I tell you you're heart is looking good," she chuckled. "I want to go over a few things with both of you. Lisa," Tricia folded her arms over her paperwork in front of her and turned toward Lisa, "Let's talk about your driving. Are you having issues either physically or even emotionally driving?"
Lisa glanced to Jack, and Tricia jumped in again.
"I'm sorry," she frowned, glancing at the couple. "I can speak to each of you privately if you would prefer. I assumed again," she pursed her lips. "You came in together, but that doesn't mean-"
"No, it's fine," Lisa put her hand out from the chair, giving both Jack and then Tricia a small smile. "There's nothing he can't hear-"
"Same with me about Lise," Jack said with a single nod.
"Alright, so, let's talk about driving."
"Ahh," Lisa took a deep breath and nodded. "In France, I was struggling at first. Jack made me feel safe, though, and I truly have worked through that. Then, when I was cleared to drive there, I didn't much. It still was painful, physically, I mean, but it's been much better lately. Since I've been home, yes, I've been driving. About the only thing that I'm trying to limit right now would be the stairs."
"Great," Tricia told her. "If you find yourself getting anxious or feeling that trauma return, please reach out. Speak to Jack," she waved, "or me if I can be of help."
She nodded with a polite smile, "Honestly, I'm just glad to be home and settling back into life. It took some time to get caught up with work, but I have an excellent stable manager here while I was recovering in France. Jack also helped a lot with my stable there. Now that I'm home, I'm focused on work and," she smiled brightly at Jack when she caught his gaze, "planning our future."
"Amen to that," Jack said with a roll of his head.
"Jack, as we noted, you seem to be recovered. Are you fully back to work as well?"
"100% no matter what Tim might complain," he chuckled. "I am like Lise, just ready to get back to normal around here. Really looking forward to getting married. Long time coming."
"Well, let's talk about that, I mean, partly about that," Tricia stated, looking from Jack to Lisa.
"Okay?" Jack questioned, shaking his head. "We're still in the planning stages, but I don't think as our doctor you want the details."
"No," Tricia smiled, chuckling as she nodded. "Let's be frank-Jack, as we discussed, your labs and tests look good. Your lifestyle, your work," she nodded, gesturing, "let's talk about exercise-you're still a very virile man."
"Oh my," Lisa muttered, and Jack's face reddened. His eyes widened as he looked at Lisa, and she finally just burst out laughing.
"Well, she's not wrong," Lisa waved at Jack.
"Didn't think so," Tricia told them with a single nod of her head as she looked at the two of them. "I like to be straight with my patients."
"We both appreciate that-"
"To an extent," Jack raised an eyebrow at Lisa, and she, still laughing, covered her mouth with the back of her hand.
"What? Would you rather have had Lou bring you to this appointment and hear that? Tim? At least I'm the one who can comment in the affirmative."
"Jack, it's been months now, and you have been cleared for intimacy, yes? We like to say if you can climb a set of stairs you are okay to resume things. Intimacy can be great at strengthening your heart muscles, lowering your blood pressure surprisingly," she smiled," and reduce stress. Now, based on the nature of things with you two with your heart attack and then Lisa's accident, I'm suspecting that is something you have not resumed, yes?'
"Oh, ahh," Jack turned red. He eyed Lisa, and she pursed her lips at him. "No," he turned to look at Tricia standing there. "We have no, but I can assure you, Doc, I can climb a set of stairs, plenty of stairs."
Tricia nodded, "Free to do so," she wave her hand at them. "Both of you. Lisa," Tricia called to her, and Lisa's head snapped quickly toward her. "Your latest x-rays and scans from France were sent in your file, the ones you had done at your last appointment. While you may not feel it, no more broken pelvis, which means, you're clear too, but tread very, very slowly with horses. That's something most don't have to worry about, but it sounds like horses are a huge part of your lives."
"Really?" Lisa's eyes widened. "I mean," she said, getting flustered, "I, ahh, really?" She tilted her head.
Tricia nodded and smiled, "The cane is still very helpful to balance weight. You should still use that for the time being, and I can't promise things will be perfect, but," she grimaced and chuckled, waving her hand, "well, in your language, sometimes you just have to get back on the horse."
Jack groaned and grimaced, glancing at Lisa. She turned red and pursed her lips.
"I can get you some literature, send you some websites that will give you some specific suggestions-"
"Ahh," Lisa piped in, eyeing Jack. "Thank you. I can manage."
"You're 49, so do we need to discuss birth control options still. That is something that can really take people your age by surprise-"
"No, no," Lisa gestured. "I'm beyond that, sadly," she mumbled, "covered this topic with the family," she gave Jack a fake smile at that. "It's ahh," she took a deep breath, "been a long year in many ways."
"Listen, you two, I'm here for you. I'm not saying that going forward any of this will be easy. Jack, your age," she nodded at him, "Lisa, your change of life as well, anything you need-"
Jack gestured, "I'm good. No help needed-"
"Well," Tricia told them, "anything at all. Things change with age, with a heart attack, gosh, with a horrible accident. Realize you both have a lot of healing to do still, and well," she smiled at them, "enjoy getting married and the intimacy that goes with that."
"Are we done here, Doc?" Jack eyed her. "I, ahh, appreciate your time and all. Bottom line, you're saying we're both-"
"Healthy again and cleared for intimacy," she smiled. "Great to meet you both. Sorry for the father/daughter comment especially with the chat we just had. Any other questions?"
"No, thank you," Lisa jumped in. "Jack?"
"What? Me? No, ahh thank you for your time."
"You're most welcome, "she smiled, her smile warm and genuine. "Maybe I will see you around when I'm taking those riding lessons. Remember," she pointed at the two as she opened the door, "Just get back on the horse."
Jack stood and helped pull Lisa up out of the chair, "Well," she mumbled to him as they followed Tricia out, "that was interesting."
"Not sure I'll ever be able to get back on a horse without reliving that conversation. Come on," Jack put his arm around her back, "I'll drop you off at Fairfield so you can meet up with your vet."
"Thank you," she smiled up at him, still chuckling. "She's a character."
"Yes, she is. Not sure what I think of her yet."
"Well, she's not wrong," Lisa grinned. "I know," she patted his chest as they nodded at the nurse on their way out to the door, "how about I pick up dinner after I finish with my vet?"
Jack eyed her as they stepped outside, "Lise, you don't have to pick up dinner for everyone. I can make my stew."
Lisa grimaced slightly but patted his chest again, "You're forgetting that Lou and Amy were taking the girls to the opening of carnival tonight, the one passing through the area."
"Oh, right," Jack recoiled. "I absolutely do not want anything to do with a carnival."
Lisa nodded, "I know, and I agree. So, dinner-you and me. I'm picking up something, anything. How's that Cowboy?"
"Sounds really great,"he leaned over and kissed her while he opened the truck door. "Your choice. That sounds like the most normal thing in a very long time. Sounds like a nice, quiet evening."
Later, while Jack was waiting for Lisa to come home with dinner, he was busy folding and putting away laundry. Georgie came bounding into his room, dressed and excited about her evening.
"Hi, Jack," she grinned, almost leaping onto the bed where he was folding clothes. "Are you sure you don't want to come to the carnival?"
"No thanks, Georgie," Jack chuckled. "Much too old for a carnival."
Georgie looked confused, "How are you too old for a carnival? Do they have an age limit?"
"No, just not my thing," he explained.
"Laundry is your thing?" Georgie made a face. "Jack, that's so boring. You should come."
"I'll be fine," he told her with a small smile. "You, Amy, your mom, and your sister-you'll have a great time. I'm sure you'll eat enough junk for for the entire family."
"I can't wait to get some cotton candy! I've never had it."
Jack looked surprised, "You've never had it?"
"No, not in all my years in foster care."
"Well, then, just know, you can get sick to your stomach with it. It's very sweet, but here," and Jack walked over to the nightstand where he pulled some money from the drawer and turned to Georgie. "You make sure to enjoy as many treats tonight as you like."
"Wow! Thanks, Jack!" Georgie grinned. "I'll try everything!"
"Just check with your mom before getting all that junk food."
"Georgie, are you ready?" Lou called from the living room.
"I'm ready, Lou. I'm talking to Jack."
"We'll leave as soon as Dad comes in from the barn."
"Tim's going?" Jack eyed Georgie, and she shrugged.
"I guess, but wait, isn't Tim too old?"
Jack chuckled as he finished with the laundry pile he had, "Don't tell him that. Tim still thinks and acts like he's the kid."
The two were alerted to noise at the door, and Jack looked up to see Lisa there at the exterior door from the bedroom onto the porch. He started to the door, moving quickly across the room, but Lisa unlocked the door before he reached it.
"Hey, Lise," Jack smiled broadly at her, and as Lisa stepped inside, Jack reached for the food bags she had in her hand while also leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"Why is Lisa coming in that door? Wait, does she have a key?" Georgie looked at the adults, confusion on her face.
"Georgie," Lou arrived at the doorframe and recoiled slightly. "Oh, Lisa, when did you get here?"
"Ahh, just now," she said, sheepishly stepping further into the room. She put down her purse, and Jack noted she had another larger bag on her shoulder, Jack noting it was probably more clothing she was bringing over. He smiled at Lisa and turned with her to the room.
"Can we take this out of the bedroom?" Jack asked.
"Right, sorry, Georgie," Lou waved, "oh, Dad's in from the barn. Let's go, Georgie."
"I thought we were leaving for this carnival?" Tim now stepped up behind Lou and glanced in at Jack's room. "Oh, Lisa," he said with a grin. "Good to see you. Just saw your car outside."
"Just arrived," she said with pursed lips. "Ahh, Jack and I are going to have some dinner," and with that, she held up the bags, glancing to Jack, "Chinese tonight. You said it was my pick, and you don't hate Chinese."
"No, I don't," he chuckled quietly, nodding.
"Right, ahh, you two enjoy," Lou waved at Georgie again. "Seriously, Georgie, let's go, out of Grandpa's bedroom."
"Bye," she waved with a huge grin. "Thanks for the cotton candy."
"What? Cotton candy?" Lou looked to Jack with a confused look.
He waved his hand at her, "I gave her money for snacks. She's never had cotton candy."
"Oh, she and Amy can enjoy that," Lou raised her eyebrows. "How Amy loves that stuff, I don't know."
"Everyone, good to see you," Lisa raised her eyebrows at Jack. He clapped his hands together.
"Okay, everyone, enjoy your evening. Lisa and I are going to eat."
Jack helped to usher the family out of the house, and once they'd all climbed into Lou's SUV and were off, Jack stepped back into the house and quickly made his way over to Lisa who was at the counter unpacking dinner. She smiled sweetly at him, and he stepped up and wrapped his arms around her.
"Hi," she grinned, and the two embraced quickly, neither sure who initiated their kiss.
"Hi," he smiled back when they broke that kiss, but then, he kissed her again sweetly. "Sorry about that," he chuckled.
"What part?" Lisa's eyes were twinkling. She waved with her hand even though Jack had her in an embrace, "The bedroom ambush or earlier today, Cowboy, with our new doctor?"
"She was something," Jack nodded, making a face at Lisa. "I wasn't expecting someone so blunt. What are your thoughts?"
"Oh, on which topic?" She grinned and patted his chest, "Regarding Tricia," she eyed him, "Definitely blunt, but she wasn't wrong, especially about my favorite cowboy. I think it's a good thing I've got this ring on," and held up her hand. "She seemed sorry to hear you weren't my dad." Jack started to laugh which had Lisa laughing in his arms. He nodded in agreement.
"She might have been, although, I don't see her as a match for Tim. Riding lessons," Jack nodded, "she'll be fine with him."
"Agree," Lisa patted his chest. "She was intelligent, thought, and she had a lot to say."
"She did," he nodded in agreement.
"Now, on the other topic-"
"Other topic?" Jack raised his eyebrows.
"Oh, the bedroom ambush when I came in, or I should say tried to discreetly come in. I have a bag of clothes that are by the porch door."
"I saw your bag," he nodded. "Sorry about the ambush. I was minding my own business and would have very much liked the surprise of a beautiful woman coming in from the porch," he winked and leaned down to kiss her. "Georgie came in, talking about the carnival, and well," he nodded, "spiraled from there."
"Shame," Lisa nodded, eyeing him as she patted his chest. "I do have dinner, yes, but it is Chinese and heats up well."
"Huh?"
"Oh, just a thought, from today, I mean," Lisa grinned up at him. "I mean, we both know there's an elephant in the room, and things might not go easily or even well, but," she grinned widely, "we have an empty house, and we were told to get back up on the horse, so Cowboy?" Lisa started to laugh when Jack caught on, and he chuckled too, smiling at her. Lisa shrugged, "I can't promise anything. I'm still not convinced I'm ahh, fit for anything.
Jack shrugged too, "Same here, but yes, I suppose worth a try, right?"
Lisa pecked his lips and grinned, taking his hand in hers, "Earlier with the family, you suggested they take things out of the bedroom. I'd like to suggest the opposite, doctor's orders and all," she turned her head and grinned at Jack. She might be our favorite doctor yet even with as blunt as she is."