So I am officially back. Thanks for the reviews! Here is the next chapter! Sorry it's short but I was just too thrilled to be writing again and could not wait any longer.
~~~Heartland~~~
Breakfast the next morning was a strange affair. Jack watched the two sisters stare at their plates and avoid eye contact. He remembered when Amy and Lou did this and smiled a bit. He had no idea what was going on, but then again, he never did. He sensed Lidia didn't like him and if Jack could guess he would bet that was part of the reason why Lisa was mad.
He stood up and Lisa looked at him. "Well I'm off, Amy has a horse she wants me to look at. Thinks I need a new cow horse."
Lisa nodded sensing his distaste. He had been horseless since Paint passed away, borrowing Tim's stock when he needed to check the horses, then complaining Tim had crappy horses. "Well Amy does have better taste than Tim."
Jack chuckled, "That is true." And with that he kissed Lisa on the cheek.
Lisa smiled slightly "Have a nice day."
Jack strode out the door calling behind him, "You too."
~~~Heartland~~~
"Well she is a beauty." Jack stated as he took in the sight of the horse Amy had picked out for Jack. She was a large Blue Roan stocky and even tempered with large brown eyes.
Amy smiled, "I thought so too. And at 8 she is the perfect age." Amy looked at her grandfather and she could tell he wasn't sold on the idea. "Take her for a spin and see what you think. She was raised with cows and has a great head on her shoulders."
Jack mounted her. "Can't say I'm a fan of the name."
Amy laughed, "Monday? I think it's cute."
"It's a mouthful." Jack grumbled
"Well it's just a name." Amy reminded him.
Jack didn't want to like her, but realistically he needed a horse, and she was a good one." She responded to his cues and after he dismounted she followed him without being asked. And just like that he had a horse named Monday.
~~~Heartland~~~
"Ty!" Amy called as she rounded the corner in the barn, "Mallory just called."
Ty shut Harley's stall and looked out, "What did she have to say?"
Amy rolled her eyes, "In typical Mallory fasson she has decided to come back tomorrow instead of next month.
Ty laughed, "That sounds like Mallory."
"Well we offered Jake the loft, which means we have to clean it up a bit."
Ty nodded, "It's fine isn't it? You guys never cleaned up when I moved in. It looks the same to me."
Amy rolled her eyes, "You didn't have a choice in staying here. Jake is doing us a favor, the lease we can do is wash the sheets and stuff." She gave him a look and Ty started towards the stares, "Thank you."
It was bittersweet for the couple as they reminisced of the early days of their relationship. Amy couldn't help but recall all the times she had snuck up to see him. They had come so far since the day he had nearly run her down in his car. She had enjoyed having him in the loft but wouldn't living in the same house for anything.
~~~Heartland~~~
Amy signed, "Lou this is just not my thing. You were so good at it, why can't I just pay you to keep doing it?"
Lou looked at Amy slightly annoyed, "Amy, I don't know. It's a lot to take on and with your clinics and this new foster kid program you guys are starting I just think it would be too much. I'm a single mom now…" Lou's voice broke and Amy reached out to comfort her sister.
"Lou-"
"Dad has been taking care of the cows and I have this huge house, pretty soon I'll have four kids. The plan was for me to be an author and for Peter and I to spend more time with the kids. I can't do that if I help you. You would need me to welcome people to clinics and coordinate cabin cleanings. That can't be me anymore. I love you Amy, but I am barely holding it together. I can't hold Heartland together too." Lou looked solemnly at Amy working hard to hold back tears.
Amy nodded sympathetically, "I understand. And you know I'm here for you if you need anything right?"
Lou nodded, "I do. And I am so grateful." Lou paused, "Can I tell you a secret?"
Amy grinned and Lou continued. "I wrote a spec chapter and my publisher wants me to turn it in to a whole book."
"Lou that's awesome!"
"Two months after Peter died I started writing down our story, so I wouldn't forget a single detail when the kids ask about him. But it sorta snowballed from there, and now I am writing about my entire life, about you and mom and grandpa, just home and its many manifestations over the years."
Amy was quiet briefly, "Oh wow. Lou that sounds so amazing. When can I read it?"
"I'm not sure. I have a long way to go."
~~~Heartland~~~
Lisa sat on the porch sipping a cup of tea admiring the scenic view that Heartstone had to offer. She heard her sister approach and there was a long pause before she heard Lidia say anything. "It is quite beautiful here." Lidia stated, "I can see why you like it."
Lisa turned and smiled, "It is. I've been all over the world, but this is my favorite place on earth."
Lidia sat down beside her sister, "I am sorry I judged. You know I don't do well with change. But I've been gone for a long time, and it was startling to see how you changed."
Lisa nodded, "I know. And I should have tried more to keep you updated on my life."
Lidia smiled, "Well an invitation to the wedding would have been nice…"
Lisa laughed, "We eloped actually, and kept it a secret for months so you are not the only one that feels left out. The girls, especially Lou where furious. But that was overshadowed by the car accident that killed her husband and did this." Lisa gestured to her foot.
"Oh my gosh that's awful. " Lidia grabbed Lisa's hand. Just as quickly as the two had fought the quirl ended. Moments later Lidia looked up to see Jack lope down the drive on his new horse. "Lisa, your husband looks like he came straight out of a old western movie."
Lisa glanced up and grinned, "Yes. I'm quite lucky aren't I?" The two laughed and stood to meet Jack. "So who is this?"
Jack dismounted, "Monday." He grumbled.
Lisa raised an eyebrow and Lori snickered. "She is stunning Jack." Lisa moved to pet the roan moving to feel her legs as any true stock owner would. "I love her."
Lidia smiled, "I love the name." Lisa laughed at Jacks facial expression.
Jack rolled his eyes, "It's different."
~~~Heartland~~~
Please let me know what you think!