The Timing of Life

by Ilovedesserts

A/U-Timing is everything. It's always about timing. Whether it's too soon or too late, timing makes all the difference. Can people meet at a wrong time? Here's a completely alternate storyline exploring Jack and Lisa meeting at what they might say is the wrong time-or is it at just the right time?

8. Chapter 8

The ranch was charming. She'd never been back here, driven the long, winding driveway from the main road, but here she was. You could tell a couple of things-Jack's family was well-known and liked, and Hudson was just a small town. The place was busy, cars parked all along the gravel driveway, and Lisa had already parked and was giving herself a pep talk to walk to the house. For now, she was enjoying these brief moments, the solitude as she studied the beautiful landscape. She could see why Jack loved his ranch and was so proud of it. The views were amazing. Anyone who lived here was lucky to wake up to views like this.

The ranch was, of course, vastly different than Fairfield or any of the other high-end horse breeding operations in the area. This part of Alberta seemed to be home to a lot of high-end stables, which was fine with Lisa. Each seemed to have its own specialty and line of clients. She didn't necessarily feel in competition with any of them. Sure, some she knew, she really didn't agree with their business practices or trust them personally, but that was life. Now, as she was working to establish herself as the owner of Fairfield, she was finding out more and more each day about the various businesses, stables, and ranches in the area. Right now, she was learning that at least one rancher in the area was trustworthy with gorgeous land. He was also a grandfather, something she was still trying to grasp and not sure why it was such an issue for her, well, the fact that she'd slept with a grandfather. It just was…odd. That was behind her now, and she did want to be a friend to Jack and hoped they hadn't ruined it with their stupid mistake.

So, when she stepped out of her car, Lisa smoothed down her knee-length black dress and frowned as she glanced to her heels. Maybe those weren't the best decision on gravel, but honestly, the other option would have been what-sandals? No, the heels were fine, maybe just not the over three-inch heels she had on, but it was too late now. She'd swept up the sides of her hair to clip back, mostly because it was a hot Saturday afternoon already, noting that her curled hair was already falling in the heat, and now, as prepped as she could be, she walked to the house with her pie and card in hand. She almost felt silly bringing food, knowing there was food inside too, but it was too late now. She'd picked up the pie mid-morning after an early ride at Fairfield, and now, she was as ready as she could be.

She nodded to a few people who were walking back to their cars. Lisa had been to a few of these now to know no one really wanted to linger. She had appreciated that about her dad's own memorial. People paid their respects, had maybe something small to eat, and they left. That was her plan now too. Lisa had to admit she was curious to see Jack's family now that she knew more about them. She still hadn't been able to get her hands on a copy of the paper, but she'd not put a ton of effort into it. She didn't subscribe to the paper but had decided that might be a good idea. She'd tried to get one at the supermarket, but they didn't have any left. Really, Lisa found it was a small publication, mostly sold by subscription. She'd even looked for it at Maggie's, but only today's was out, so she still didn't know too much about Jack's family. Time to meet them now.

Her heels held up as she approached the house, and she tried to study it before walking up the stairs. The green trim around the windows and door had been recently painted. The flower pots were empty, but with all they had going on, that was no surprise. The yard was tidy and clean. Overall, she was impressed with the care of the ranch. The style was not what she was used to, but it looked very warm and inviting. With a deep breath, she opened the screen door, as people were all milling about. She stepped aside as another family stepped out, nodding to them, and then, she stepped inside.

Thankfully, there were a lot of people in the house, and while it was plenty loud, it wasn't at all at a disrespectful level. She could just hear a lot of people talking. She surveyed the scene, noting that the house opened to a very large family room and dining area. She'd stepped into an updated kitchen, remembering Jack had said something about doing that in recent years. Unsure of where to put her pie, she glanced around the kitchen. The counters were clean, which told her the food was set up somewhere else. She saw a coffee pot and decided to put the pie near it; this wasn't a pie for now. It was one for Jack and his family to have after today, so she was sure that he would see it by his coffee pot.

"Lisa, hi," she heard after dropping off the pie. Maggie was standing there in the doorway leading to the great room, and Lisa stepped towards her. She was sure Maggie spotted the pie, and Lisa hooked her hand over her shoulder with a sheepish face.

"Hi, Maggie, I, ahh, yes, asked about the pie to bring here."

Maggie shrugged, "I figured. I mean, there's a reason I asked Jack his favorite in front of you," and with that, she winked at her. Lisa's mouth dropped open, surprised that Maggie had picked up on anything that fast, and she nodded at her.

"Okay, well, yes, least I could do. We became friends over the last couple months at the hospital."

"Were you on the same floor?"

"Oh, no," Lisa chuckled slightly, putting her hand to her mouth as she realized laughing about anything wasn't necessarily polite. "Sorry, I was remembering how we met. Jack ran into me and spilled coffee all over me."

"Wow!" Maggie grinned and nodded. She started to laugh too and waved her hand, "That's quite a greeting, one you don't forget, very unlike Jack. He's usually very put together with things like that, but yeah, he's been out of sorts these last months. Not sure how the guy is getting through the days. Gosh, he's going to be devastated-so lonely now. Now, as far as you trying to hide that grin at telling me about Jack spilling coffee on you-don't hide being happy. Marion insisted this is a celebration of her mom."

"Marion," Lisa nodded. "Right, I haven't met her."

"Oh, well let's fix that," Maggie gave Lisa a nod with a small smile as Lisa watched her scan the room. "There she is. Come on." Before Lisa could protest, Maggie was dragging Lisa by the arm across the room. Lisa could see a very nice spread of food had been put out, and it dawned on her that yes, Maggie probably had supplied all of that. Across the room and in front of a beautiful stone fireplace, she finally came eye to eye with Jack's daughter. "Lisa Stillman meet Marion Fleming, my best friend."

Lisa tried not to appear startled. Of course-small town, and these two women were best friends. Lisa tried to study Marion before it was obvious she was staring. She was beautiful-tall, like Jack, long, flowing blonde hair, maybe just a little longer than Lisa's, but very straight. She had some of it clipped back and was in a long simple black dress. Lisa's was knee-length with a ruffle on the sleeve and hem, very feminine as she preferred, and with her glance at Marion, Lisa was sure Marion was older than she was.

"Hi, Marion, nice to meet you," Lisa extended her hand. Marion started to do the same, but they were interrupted by a toddler coming up to Marion and sticking up her arms.

"Sorry, hi, yes, I'm Marion. Hold on," and she dropped to pick up the toddler who was in a sweet, bright green dress. "This is my younger daughter, Amy. Ahh, I'm sorry," she eyed Maggie and looked back at Lisa, "how did you know my mom?"

"Oh, I didn't," Lisa shook her head and frowned. "I'm very sorry for your loss. I know your dad. Ahh, we actually met at the hospital. My dad passed away a few weeks before your mom. He and I became friends, shared a lot of cups of coffee while we were taking a breather during the day."

"Right," she nodded, shifting the toddler and looking quite frankly, exhausted herself.

"She's beautiful," Lisa jumped in while Marion shifted the little girl. "Amy?"

"Yes, this is Amy. She's three-"

"Same age as my Sorayah," Maggie interrupted with a smile. "Marion and I have already decided the girls are going to be best friends because Marion and I grew up together, best friends all through school."

"Oh, how nice," Lisa said as she nodded and smiled. That gave her a bit of information; the two women were the same age with kids the same age, definitely older than she was.

"My dad did mention he'd made a friend at the hospital, but sorry," Marion shook her head and chuckled, "I assumed it was an older woman. I don't know why."

"Oh, just me," Lisa waved at herself, feeling self-conscious.

"Lisa here," Maggie clutched Lisa's forearm, "is Art's daughter. You did some work for him, Marion."

"I have," her eyes widened. "Okay, sorry, yes, that's making sense. I'm sorry to hear about your dad, but I work with problem horses, and I worked with two of his, I mean, none of his racing or breeding horses, but two of his own horses."

"Ahh, you must mean Butterscotch and Winifred. Yes, they are somewhat problematic, but since I've been back, they've been a dream. That would explain it then," she nodded.

"Lisa has taken over the business. You're speaking to the owner of Fairfield."

Lisa saw Marions' eyebrow raise, and Lisa jumped in again, "I'm here just to offer my condolences, no business talk. I am sorry about your mom. Jack has been a good friend to me, and I wanted to return the kindness."

"Thank you," Marion told her with a sad smile. "Yes, it's never easy, and while we knew this day was coming, Mom seemed to be doing a little better lately. The doctor said after the fact that often very ill people rally at the end. I should have known to expect that. I feel terrible Dad was alone when she died. He urged Maggie and me to get away for a couple days, and we took all the girls camping. I hate it we weren't here when came home to an empty house." Lisa pursed her lips, hoping her face didn't redden at the mention of Jack being alone or in reality, not being alone.

"Poor Jack," Maggie sighed and shook her head. "Guy has been dealing with so much for so long. Lyndy was sick a long time and pushed everyone away."

"I'm just glad the girls and I are here for him now," Marion nodded. "He's going to need us here at home."

"So," Lisa tilted her head, and gestured with her finger as she continued, "do you live here too?"

"Yes, my life is its own mess. The girls and I live here."

"Marion is separated from her husband for now."

Lisa watched the two friends' interactions, the exchange between their eyes, and Marion gave Maggie a look before she replied, "He's going to be back home soon."

"I'm sorry. I'll leave you two-"

"No, it's fine," Marion sighed. "No secret. Nothing is a secret in this town. My husband, Tim, has been struggling after a rodeo accident. Dad insisted the girls and I move in here when Tim spent our trailer rent money on alcohol. He's a good man, just busted up and down on his luck right now. He is around here somewhere, probably out at the barn with Lou. He's got big plans for her riding career, but see," she gave Maggie a nod, "Tim has been here for me, for the girls. He's just got a lot to deal with now. I'm really hoping we can work things out soon."

"He is out at the barn with Lou. I saw them head that way when I was getting a spare tablecloth out of my car." Maggie leaned toward Lisa, adding, "You remember meeting her."

"I do," and Lisa waved her hand at Marion. "I ran into Jack and Lou in town. It's nice to put names to faces now, but I am going to let you get back to your friends and family. Believe me, I just went through this myself. I know how exhausting it can be, and she," Lisa reached and squeezed Amy's foot, "looks so beautiful, but so tired."

Amy had her head on Marion's shoulder, her long blonde hair so blonde it was almost white. Marion's wasn't that blonde, but Lisa suspected it probably looked like Amy's when she was younger. She was a beautiful little girl, tiny and she looked adorable in her dress, even for a funeral.

"She is tired," Marion nodded softly, glancing to Amy. "My mom's favorite color was green, so Amy had to wear this dress."

"Ahh, makes sense. Listen, it was nice to meet you-"

"Have you talked to Jack?" Maggie interrupted.

"No, I just got here, wanted to stop in-"

"Get some food," Maggie had turned Lisa and was ready to pull her to the food table. "You're skin and bones, Lisa. Your figure-you can afford to eat. I haven't seen Jack-"

"Probably outside, side of the porch," Marion nodded to Lisa. "Thank you for stopping by and for being a friend to my dad at the hospital. I wasn't able to go much with the girls and everything going on. I know Dad spent every day there."

"He did," Lisa nodded with a sad smile to Marion. "He was very devoted."

"Well, I'm not sure he'll know how to go on now. He and Mom were married 35 years."

Lisa's eyes widened, and as much as she wanted to express her shock, she wasn't sure why that surprised her. Maybe it was just coming to grips with all of this-realizing Jack was much older than she expected. Of course, they would have been married that long with Marion here in front of her. Lisa gauged Marion was then around that same age.

"I know losing my dad isn't the same," Lisa frowned, "but I recently divorced from my husband, and I can tell you that yes, it takes time to get your footing. I'm sure you being here does help. It was very nice to meet you."

Someone stepped toward Marion which gave Lisa the exit she needed. She was about to forgo the food table, but Maggie looped her arm through Lisa's and took her to the table. "Can I suggest that if you're going to talk to Jack you take him some food?"

Lisa looked to Maggie, and Maggie shrugged.

Maggie sighed, "I know he's not eaten. If you are going to talk to him for a few minutes, please try and get him to eat. You seem to have a calming effect, and if you two have been talking for months, he might listen. I'm keeping Marion fed because she's my best friend. Jack keeps to himself, even with this houseful of people. His friends are men with their own wives and families mostly or drunk old cowboys. Please, try. I bet he'll eat if you offer him a plate of my cooking."

"Oh, I, ahh, yes," she stumbled over her words. Honestly, she wanted to offer her condolences but not talk to Jack too long. It was just so awkward. She really just wanted to forget it all, but Maggie was right-Jack did need to eat, and from what it sounded, he needed a friend.

"Go out that door there," she nodded to the side door. "He's probably out there, hiding. He's not one for big crowds."

"Thanks," Lisa told her with a small nod and smile. She went about preparing two plates and tried to regulate her breathing before she faced him.

Lisa made up two plates of food, and as she did, she could hear her own stomach grumbling. Maybe she was hungry, but this food looked wonderful. Just from her simple BLT, she knew Maggie was a good cook. As she balanced the plates, she glanced out the glass in the door, trying to see if Jack really was there. While doing so, her eye caught sight of the room to the left, the door open. It was a bedroom, maybe his with the cowboy hat hanging on the peg just inside the door. When she looked back out the window, she could see a leg extended as if someone was sitting on a step. The wooden pillar kept the owner of the leg hidden, but it wasn't that much of a secret it had to be Jack-long black slacks and a pair of black cowboy boots-yes, she remembered a different set of boots from the other night and suspected the ladies were correct; Jack was there hiding.

After balancing the plates to open the door, she timidly stepped outside. Thankfully, there was a chair there to balance plates again, and after closing the door, she turned to greet him, his back to her as he leaned up against the wooden pillar.

"Hi, Jack," she said, her voice wavering. He quickly turned his head and shoulders when he heard her.

"Lisa, hi," and with that, he started to stand.

"No, no, don't move on my account, please. I stopped by to well," she was fumbling with her hands, definitely a bit nervous, and she gestured toward him.

"Thank you for stopping by," he said in his deep, low voice. "I know why you came, to pay respects about my late wife, and I'm sure you were told I'm hiding out here. I just needed some air. I have been talking to person after person, and I'm talked out."

"Of course," she turned and put her hand on the doorknob. "I'll let you sit in peace. I just wanted to stop by-"

Jack's head snapped up. "I'm sorry. That came out wrong. I mean, please," he gestured, "stay. I'd like to talk to you. You're easy to talk to. We've been talking for weeks now about this exact event, about all of this happening."

"We have," she frowned with a sad nod. "I don't want to be a bother."

"I'd really like it if you stayed," he said in that deep, low voice again.

"Okay," she let out her breath and picked up a plate of food. "One condition-you eat something. I have orders."

He dropped his head and nodded with a low chuckle, "I can imagine-Maggie. You'd think she was my own daughter the way she is protective. Yes, I'll eat. Thank you. Running on just a cup of coffee from 5AM."

"Well, it's 2:30 now," she stepped toward him and offered the plate. He glanced up and accepted it with his nod of thanks again. "Funny how that's all I've had too, a cup of coffee, although at 8:30 this morning and maybe I had two cups. Mind if I join you?"

"Of course, although," he paused and glanced up at her. Lisa could feel his eyes gazing over her as they moved their way up from her shoes right next to him to her legs, her dress, until finally his eyes met hers. "I'll move up to the chairs. You look too nice to be sitting here on dusty steps."

"You'll do no such thing," she told him, handing her plate to him as she stepped down to sit down next to him. "I don't mind."

As she situated herself, she felt Jack watching her, and when she glanced his way, she caught his gaze taking her in. He handed her the plate of food she'd made for herself, and now, with the two seated-at a respectable distance, but close enough to chat, Lisa accepted the plate.

"You look lovely. I hate you are getting that nice dress dirty. I can imagine it is expensive too, and those heels," he gave a nod to her feet. "They are already dusty."

"As I said, I'm fine. I know how to drive to the dry cleaner, and I can wipe off these heels. You're comfortable hiding out here. Well, I'm fine too."

"Maybe I am hiding," he frowned while he looked at her. "I'm glad you're here."

"Eat something," she gave a nod to him. "I'm not leaving until you do."

Jack acted like he was going to put the plate down, "Well, then maybe I won't eat, I mean, if eating means you're going to leave. It's nice to see you again."

She rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean. Eat, and yes," she gave him a nod too, "it's good to see you, although, I have to admit, I've been terrified to see you again after-"

The silence was almost deafening. The two knew what was at the end of the sentence Lisa didn't finish.

"I just want to make sure you don't think I took advantage of you," Jack said softly as he pushed food around on his plate. She looked at him, but he was looking down at his plate.

Lisa frowned before she spoke, "I should be the one saying that. In fact, I think I did, at least thought it. Your wife died. We were together hours after she died, and I feel horrible because you were in that state. It was wrong of me, and I'm sorry."

"Can I tell you something?" Jack glanced at her as he chewed. She nodded.

Jack waved the fork in his hand as he spoke, "It's been a very long road with Lyndy's illness, very long. I know I told you some of it, but she was sick for a very, very long time. I loved her, and she loved me, but," he locked eyes with Lisa, "she loved singing more than me. I know that, and I came to terms with that a long time ago. She might say I love this ranch more than her, but that wasn't true. I loved our life together but she didn't like a quiet life here, not that much. She was always home for short stints, itching to get back on the road. Marion," he said her name, and Lisa saw a hint of a smile when he spoke her name. Jack shook his head, "Marion was a surprise, born not even a year after we got married. Boy," he whistled, "Lyndy was hot about that, I mean, sure she loved Marion and all, but she was worried a baby was the end of her career, so very early on, we agreed that Marion and I would stay and tend to things here, and Lyndy could keep singing. I loved being here and raising Marion. Lyndy loved coming home to us but was always ready to get back on the road. It worked, for us. Sure, I wish she would have been home each night, but that just wasn't us. I got used to it. Marion did too. She and I spent a lot of time together. It was hard when she got married and briefly moved away, but she's back now-"

Jack paused and glanced down to his food. Lisa briefly touched his arm, "I met Marion inside. She seems lovely."

"She is," he nodded. "Stupid taste in men. Don't get me started on that. Anyway, I thought that with Marion married off, Lyndy might come home a bit more. I tried traveling with her some, but to be honest, an operation this big can't be left long, and Marion wasn't around. Lyndy was happy alone on the road with her band, and we just continued. When she was diagnosed, she admitted to me she'd been sick for probably a year before but hadn't wanted to address it. I wonder if the cancer would have been more contained, but wondering isn't going to change things. We had a huge fight about her going back on the road. She did for a tour set, and when she came home, I saw how sick she was getting. She wanted to continue, to just die on the road, as she told me. She said it would spare me from seeing her wilt away, and it was her favorite place, not this ranch. I couldn't let her do it, and I know we've briefly spoken about this. She resented me for it, for having her stay home even when she physically couldn't head on the road anymore. We lived here more as roommates this last year or so. I suppose I've been slowly letting go of her. She moved into the spare room. Marion and the girls moved home. She told Marion it was all about sleep, that she didn't want to keep me up. I've not told Marion that Lyndy resented me so much she didn't want anything to do with me, so I'm telling you all of that for a reason. Yes, I loved my wife very much, but I've already spent the last couple of years letting go of her, so I need you to understand that no, I didn't plan to come over to your place and," he paused, and Lisa could see his face redden as he considered what to say. "I didn't come over there to sleep with you, and I know it was wrong just hours after she died, but I want to thank you because I was craving a closeness, and you helped with that. So, there's no taking advantage-definitely not from you, but I need you to know that too. I do apologize for leading you on and taking advantage of the situation."

Lisa had stretched out her legs and crossed them as she listened. Her eyes had welled up with tears as he explained things to her. She wiped at her face before she answered.

"I'm sorry. I am. I do feel badly about things. I'd really like to try and move on from that, though. I know it was out of character for both of us, but I've enjoyed our friendship and hope that can continue. Maybe we can move beyond our mistakes. Gosh that was just so bad-"

She glanced at him, and he now was looking forward, staring at nothing. He replied, his eyes fixed still forward, "It wasn't all bad, I mean, I thought it was pretty good, but I'll just stop talking."

Lisa closed her eyes and let a half-laugh come out. Somehow, with all the tension and awkwardness, it was the right thing to say. She took a bite of her food, and Jack, still looking forward, then looked down to his plate and did the same. Finally, after some silence, Lisa cleared her throat.

"So, you're a grandfather."

He nodded, still stabbing at his plate. While he was doing that, he spoke again, "Yeah, and I get the sense that bothers you."

"You never told me, I mean, in all the things we discussed. As I said the other day, I assumed Marion was a teenager."

Finally, he tilted his head and frowned at her, "How old did you think I was?"

She grimaced and made a face at him, "I don't know! I really didn't assess an age, maybe mid-40's? I mean, clearly now, I know you're not."

"I'm 55," he told her with a single nod, now turning his head to face her straight on. "I'm a 55-year-old widower, married for 35 years, father to one, grandfather to two, rancher and retired rodeo cowboy."

She pursed her lips, hoping not to show her shock. He was 55. Her dad had been 60. She had slept with a man almost the age of her dad. She was younger than his daughter. Her mind started racing, but before she could let it wander too much, she snapped back to the present when Jack spoke again.

"Married at 20. Marion was born when I was 20, a happy surprise that quickly, at least to me. Lyndy was 19 when we got married. I loved her the moment I saw her, but yes, I've had to start letting go of her for a couple of years. I hope that clears it up."

Lisa bit her lip. She had so many thoughts but needed to stay in the present. "Thank you."

"Well," he said with a roll of his head, "how old are you, if we're putting all information out there."

She raised her eyebrows, "I didn't think a man asked a lady her age."

Jack leaned toward her slightly and lowered his voice as he replied, "I'd never ask a lady I was in a casual conversation with, but I think we're beyond that."

She gave a slight roll of her eyes as she leaned back. Honestly, it scared her with him so close to her-scared how attracted she was to him. She quickly reminded herself he was a grandfather. It wasn't appropriate, the feelings she had for a man almost the age of her own dad. Deciding to give him back a little of the sass he'd just given her, she raised her eyebrows.

"How old do you think I am?"

He made a whistling sound as he shook his head, "See, answering that would never go well for me. I mean, I'm flattered that you thought I was in my 40's. Anything I say," he paused and then added, "no, ma'am."

"Come on," she now nudged him, playfully, finally a grin on her face. "I want to know. No judgment. I promise."

"Fine," he held up his hands in defense. He looked at her and shrugged, "Knowing I'm terrible at guessing a lady's age, I thought you were 40 or so."

"40!" Lisa exclaimed, now horrified. "I look 40?"

"I don't know," Jack said with a high-pitched voice. "I said I'm terrible with ages, but I figured you were a little older than Marion. You just seemed to have a sophistication about you that made me think you were older, all the travel, the worldly knowledge, your business and all, divorced. How old are you?"

She met his gaze and dropped her head slightly as she sighed. Finally, with him waiting for her answer, his eyes gazing at her, she grimaced, "I'm 30."

His eyebrows raised, "You're 30?"

"Last I checked, I mean, until my birthday, and then, I'll be 31, but I'm not rushing it."

"Okay," he said with a nod, Lisa noting it didn't seem to bother him, not the horror she had when she realized he was a grandfather. Of course, she was young and definitely not a grandparent.

"Does that change your opinion of me?"

"Nope," he said, taking a bite of his food. When he looked at her, she could almost see a smirk on his face. Her mouth dropped open, and she smacked lightly at him. "I'm not some trophy. I know what you are thinking-the middle-aged man bedding the young woman."

"I didn't say that," he told her, but then, he couldn't hold her gaze. He turned to his food and grumbled, "Might have thought it."

"You're horrible," she smacked again and sighed. The two grew quiet, and both picked at their food. Somehow, joking about their mess eased the tension.

It was quiet between them for some time. Lisa enjoyed listening to the sounds of the ranch-horses in the field, cows in the distance, even the sound of a chicken maybe. She could hear people inside, although the noise seemed to be decreasing.

She was startled when Jack broke the silence, "Does it bother you I'm 55?"

"What, huh?" Lisa looked over to him and found him waiting for her answer. She shook her head, "No, I mean, obviously friends can be any age, and even with our differences, have a lot in common with our family situations right now-"

He shook his head a single time to almost stop her, "I'm not talking as a friend. Does my age make it worse, I mean, the other night-"

"Oh, ahh," Lisa paused and took a deep breath. She could feel the heat rising on her face, certain it was red. When she looked toward Jack, he was patiently waiting for an answer. She nodded, "Yes, I suppose it does, I mean I know it does. You're a grandfather-"

"I think we established that."

"I mean," she started to get agitated, "that's 25 years. I'm younger than your daughter. Yes, I'm aware there's some pat on the back men your age would give each other for sleeping with a younger woman, but that's not-" Lisa paused, and Jack continued to listen. She glanced down and saw his hand resting there so to convey what she wanted to say next, she put her hand on his and met his gaze. "I'm sorry. What's done is done. I hate we caused this rift with our friendship, but I hope we can be friends. I'm trying," she gestured to sitting there. "I've enjoyed your friendship," she leaned toward him slightly, "despite our age difference."

"Dad?" The two snapped their heads up to see Marion now stepping outside. Lisa quickly pulled back her hand, realizing this looked like, well, more than she wanted it to look like. She dropped her hand to her side as Jack answered.

"Marion?"

"Umm," Lisa could see Marion's eyes darting, and she gestured to him. "I wanted to make sure you were eating."

"I am," he nodded, gesturing to Lisa. "Lisa brought me a plate of food. Forgive me, this is Lisa Stillman. We ate many meals together at the hospital."

"Yes, we met inside," Marion nodded cautiously.

"Maggie mentioned your dad hadn't eaten, and well," she gestured to Jack, "yes, as I said, we became friends over many cups of coffee and meals. I, ahh," Lisa glanced at her watch, "should be going. I know you have a houseful of people."

"Most are leaving or have left," Marion hooked her hand. "I put Amy down for a nap, and Maggie is going to start to clean up. Were you able to speak to people, Dad?"

"I did," he nodded, glancing at her and then down to Lisa and back to Marion. "I made the rounds, just really needed a break."

"I tried to leave," Lisa started to say.

"But, I asked her to sit and talk. Nice to talk to her again."

"Right, and I do need to get going," Lisa brushed off her hands and started to gather her things.

"Leave it, Lisa," Jack waved. "I'll get it."

"Here," Marion waved at them, and Lisa got the feeling Marion was giving her the once over. "I'll take the plates. Lisa, nice to see you again."

"Oh, I dropped off a pie, one of Maggie's, inside. I didn't know where to put it, but it's by the coffee pot."

Jack's eyes met hers, "You didn't have to do that. You've done a lot already."

"Thank you, Lisa. Maggie's pies are the best even if I'm biased, and she's my best friend." Lisa, remembering Marion was there glanced up at her with a small smile.

"I'm glad I was able to meet you and your girls. She started to stand but was surprised when Jack jumped up to help her up in her heels. "Oh, thank you," she told Jack and turned back to Marion. "I'm really sorry about your mom. Your family," she looked from one to the other, "will be in my prayers. I'll get going. Jack," she told him with a small nod, "don't take this the wrong way-but I'll be awfully glad not to have to eat with you at the hospital."

He put his hands on his hips, Lisa noting he had shed his suit coat and had his sleeves rolled up. She'd not noticed that until now even though she'd been sitting there next to him. He looked very handsome, but she quickly shook her head, reminding herself he was a grandfather.

"You and me both," he told her with a nod. "Ahh," he looked up at Marion and hooked his hand, "say, I'll walk Lisa to her car and check on the barn. Seemed like folks stayed clear of the horses."

"They did," Marion offered a small smile. "These were friends and neighbors, Dad. They weren't here for a summer barbeque. People were kind and gracious. I, ahh, could use some help with the furniture-"

"Sure," he told her, Lisa noting he cut her off. She wondered if Marion was trying to keep Jack from walking her out, and maybe he did need to help her.

"I can manage-" Lisa told him when he glanced her way. He shook his head and pointed to her shoes.

"Can't have you twisting an ankle on the grass or gravel in those, and I do need to check on the horses. Need to see Paint. Marion," Jack looked up at her, and Lisa couldn't place the look, but Marion seemed to know it.

"I'll help Maggie, and we'll be ready to move furniture in a couple minutes."

"Fine," and with that, Marion turned to head inside. Jack waved for Lisa to walk ahead of him and gestured to the pathway. "Path leads around to the front. I am going to walk you to your car."

"It's really not necessary," she told him, frowning as she stepped in front of him.

"Maybe not for you, but I'd like to do so. Prefer the fresh air out here anyway and your company. The second I step back inside, reality hits like a brick. I'll have Marion and Maggie hovering." The two now walked side by side through the front gate and now on the gravel driveway. Lisa was parked beyond the barn, a bit of a hike, and suddenly, she felt self-conscious being here alone with Jack and didn't know why. She crossed her arms as they walked.

"Marion seems to care a great deal about you."

He nodded, "Too much. She hovers and worries. I'm a grown man."

Lisa bit her lips, "Yes, a grandfather." She glanced his way, and he frowned at her.

"You mention that a lot."

"You are," she shrugged. "Two very different places in life, but," she pointed at him now, "yes, we can still be friends."

"Good, because not being friends wasn't an option. I want to thank you for coming today. You were the person I enjoyed talking to the most."

"Thanks," she offered a small smile. "You're the reason I came, I mean to talk to you. It was nice to meet your family."

"How are things coming along with your dad's estate?"

"Oh," she waved, "we don't have to discuss that."

He paused his steps and turned to face her, "I'm asking because I want to know. How are you doing?"

She was surprised at his directness, surprised that he well, cared, and she had to shake out of her surprise. "Ahh, it's coming along. There are days I get bogged down in the legal paperwork. That isn't fun at all. I swear I work for hours on it and look up at the clock and wonder where the time has gone. I'm managing fine, just burying myself in work."

He nodded, wiping at his mustache as they kept walking. "I guess I have that coming for me, mounds of paperwork."

"Sadly, yes," Lisa frowned.

Jack hooked his hand toward the barn, "Would you like to meet my horse, Paint?"

She raised an eyebrow as she bit back a laugh, "Your horse is named Paint?"

"He's a painted horse," Jack trailed off as he dropped his head. Lisa grinned and was about to reply when her eyes caught motion toward the barn.

"Grandpa," and both turned to see Lou coming out of the barn, tugging at a blue dress she was wearing. "Mom said I could change out of my dress when it was over. Is it over? I don't want to talk to more people about Grandma."

Jack frowned and nodded, "It's over, Lou, Honey, yes. You can go change. It's over."

Lou started to run toward the house, and Lisa caught Jack's frown. She patted his hand, which had him look up at her.

"Another time, I mean, to meet this painted horse. I'll get going. You need to be with your family."

"Right," he pursed his lips and silently nodded. They continued to her car, the two walking side by side the entire way.

"I guess I'll see you when I see you, I mean, in Hudson," Lisa shrugged. "Goodbye, Grandpa Jack," she grinned.

He groaned and scrunched up his face, "Now, don't call me that. You make me sound really old."

"Well," she made her own face and shrugged, "You are, I mean, you are a grandpa."

"I am," he said, wiping at his mustache as he glanced to the ground. "Being a grandpa isn't all I am."

"I know," she told him, smiling softly. "You're a dear friend. So, you get back to your family, and I'll see you around, Jack."

He nodded, wiping at his face again while she opened her door.

"Interesting car," he knocked on her hood as she stepped into her car, and she looked up surprised. "I mean, expensive, very."

"Yes," she bit her lip, waving at her black Porsche. "I like nice cars. It's a least roadworthy for the winter weather up here."

"Well, it's a nice car, nice look for you," he told her, nodding. "Listen, thanks again for coming."

"As I said, it's what friends do. Take care, Jack."

"Can I call you sometime to get together and talk, cup of coffee like we have done?"

Maybe a little surprised, but not really, Lisa looked up at him. She needed him around; she cherished their time together and certainly enjoyed talking to him. Without hesitation, she nodded, "That would be really nice, good to talk to someone going through a similar situation."

"I'll call then, sometime, I mean. Bye, Lisa," and with that, he helped her close her door and stepped back as she started the car and started up the driveway. Out of habit, she glanced at her rearview mirror and saw him watching her drive off, but as she was glancing in the mirror, he finally turned and started back to the house.

Maybe they could get beyond the awkwardness of their indiscretion and salvage their friendship. She hoped so. She'd had trouble getting him out of her mind and couldn't remember a friend she thought about like she did Jack. Grandpa Jack. Wow, that was still a shock. He really was 55?