#georgie fleming-morris

[the-real-tc]

(Read the PROLOGUE here)

Chapter 1: Calm Before the Storm

"Ready to go?"

Amy looked up at her husband. "All set," she replied, taking in Ty's slim build in a nicely tailored suit.

"You look great, by the way," Ty complimented her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thank you," Amy said with a smile, basking in his words of admiration. "You don't look so bad yourself, Dr. Borden."

Ty grinned back. "I'll carry Lyndy down to the house and catch up with you in the truck, okay?"

"Sure."

"Come on, kid," Ty whispered to the sleeping child, "let's get you down to your Grandpa Tim and cousin Katie." He gently lifted Lyndy from the crib, making sure to bring the stuffed rabbit Grandma Lily had given as a gift.

Amy listened to Ty's retreating steps as he descended the loft stairs into the barn below. The late March evening was mild enough that she would not need a heavy winter coat over her evening dress, as Hudson was enjoying a welcome dose of spring-like weather. A minute later, she was outside, opening the passenger-side door to their truck.

A similarly dressed-up Jack and Lisa waved to them across the yard before climbing into Lisa's Porsche. Both couples would be heading into town to attend a celebration hosted by Dr. Scott Cardinal; Lou and Georgie had gone ahead a few hours before. The party was going to be a small one, but Amy figured dressing up felt good for a change.

Ever since Scott hired Cassandra, now married to Ty's best friend Caleb, Amy had regarded the other woman as a threat. First, for Ty's affections—however irrational that fear—then for his job and position as partner at the veterinary clinic. As Ty drove down the familiar track and under the gallows gate, the thought crossed Amy's mind that she could not pinpoint the moment she ceased thinking of Cass as a rival. Somewhere along the way, the two had managed to forge a bond, and tried to carve out time in their busy schedules to socialize. The fact Cass and Caleb were Lyndy's godparents was a testament to that friendship.

"How did Cass react to the news?" Amy asked her husband.

"Like she was on cloud nine," Ty replied with a wide smile. "Practically floated out the door at the end of her shift when Scott told her last week."

"Well, I'm glad for her," said Amy, smiling at the mental image of an ecstatic Cassandra. "Not that I'm complaining, but I've been wondering: how can Scott afford having two partners now?"

"I'm not really supposed to say anything about it yet," Ty said, "but a group of local investors stepped in. They're interested in supporting businesses in Hudson, especially since so many of them had a rough time recovering after the flooding back in 2013... Anyway, somehow Scott's clinic came to their attention. Apart from run-of-the-mill puppy and kitty stuff, you know he's got steady work with the Polo Club."

"Right," Amy said with a slight nod.

"He's Tim's go-to guy at the rodeo school, and Hillhurst picked him for their on-call veterinarian, too," Ty added. "Plus, he's most likely going to be getting that coveted position of resident veterinarian at Spruce Meadows. So, things are looking really good for him and his new investors."

"I'm happy things are working out for him," Amy said. "He's come such a long way from the day Clint brought him to Heartland and Mom sponsored him."

"Yeah, he's worked hard for it," Ty acknowledged. "Personally, I'm humbled to be part of it. He's a great boss."

"Partner," Amy corrected.

"Oh, he still signs the paycheques," Ty chortled. "But you're right. He's a good partner—and boss."

***

Jack noticed Lisa's unusually reticent demeanour on the drive in to Hudson. He guessed it had something to do with the one-year anniversary of the deaths of Lanny and Paige Barick, with whom she had been acquainted. There had been a memorial in Calgary for the couple along with a press conference earlier that day which Lisa attended. Family members gave an impassioned plea for justice and for closure to the whole tragic affair. Business friends and associates that included Lisa pledged a monetary reward in exchange for information leading to an arrest and conviction since all leads had gone cold.

Though a year had gone by, the fact no one had been apprehended in the crime weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of all who knew Lanny and Paige. The case hit even closer to home, as Lou had been questioned by Calgary detectives about her role dealing with Lanny's investment portfolio. There had not been any irregularities Lou could identify from her end, and the law enforcement officers moved on to different avenues of investigation.

Instead of letting Lisa stew in her silence, Jack chose to pay her a compliment as a way of breaking the ice. On more than one occasion he had been compelled to call her out on not confiding in him when she could have used his emotional support.

"If I haven't already said so tonight, you look beautiful," he said, gently rubbing her knee.

This brought a quick smile to her face. She cast a brief, sideways glance in his direction. The sound of his voice and that simple touch had the much-needed effect of lifting her out of her pensive mood. Jack was right: the reminder about Lanny and Paige had upset her more than she was willing to admit. Her mind had been occupied with the way police had initially been tight-lipped about the investigation, and how the rumour mill had churned out all kinds of wild, sordid theories.

"Thank you," she managed to reply, dragging her thoughts back to the present moment. "You don't look so bad yourself, Cowboy." She adored how handsome and dignified he looked in the combination of the suit she had custom-made for him, bolo tie, and pristine white hat. He cut an impressive figure with his height and his build. While he would be considered a senior in terms of chronological age, Jack Bartlett was far from a stereotypical frail and doddering old man. "I know you don't like getting dressed up, but I'm glad you did."

"Well, when my gorgeous wife goes to the trouble of getting dolled-up for a celebration, I guess I have to make sure her husband isn't the goat in the room."

The two of them shared a light laugh at his old, personal self-deprecating description; Jack gave himself a mental pat on the back for managing to lighten Lisa's mood. Now he could be assured they would enjoy the evening without some dark cloud hanging overhead.

"I think it's a fine thing you and those other investors have done for the vet clinic," Jack said, sensing he could now talk freely about any topic. He did not know all the details, but was marginally aware of Lisa's involvement in the group's decision to boost Scott's operating capital.

"Scott has done so much for so many people in Hudson, including Fairfield," Lisa commented. "He was a safe investment; a total no-brainer. And now that he can afford to bring Cassandra on as a partner, I think Ty feels better about his own choice to cut back on his hours there to build his practice with Amy at Heartland. Everybody wins in this one."

Jack was brimming with pride. "You just think of everything, don't you?"

"At least when it comes to the people I love."

***

Maggie's Diner, though by no means high-class in terms of decor or dining fare, was Scott's choice in venue for the small celebration. After all, as he put it, he had "an in" with the owner, and Lou was only too happy to oblige his request.

The guest of honour stood with Caleb; the happy pair were chatting with a few other guests when the Bartlett-Fleming-Borden clan arrived.

"Cassandra, congratulations on making partner at the clinic!" Amy declared upon seeing the other woman, moving in for a friendly hug.

"Thank you!" Cass said, beaming. She accepted the embrace before returning to her husband's side. Caleb mirrored her smile as he snaked his arm around her waist.

At the appropriate time in the evening's festivities, Scott took to the small stage area, palmed the microphone, and began reading from a speech he had prepared.

"I'd like to thank all of you for coming tonight," he started. "I've been so lucky to be able to mentor such a great young veterinarian like Cassandra. I'll say a few words about her, in case some of you don't know. She's not only an excellent veterinary surgeon, but she also specializes in veterinary acupuncture, a procedure you would have had to go to Calgary for if you wanted it—before she started working with me."

Light applause ensued, and Cassandra gave a demure smile at this praise.

"Let's not forget all the crappy graveyard and weekend shifts; all the thankless times she picked up the slack when my other partner took side-trips to Mongolia and B.C. with Vets Without Borders…" Scott continued. "Make no mistake: she's more than paid her dues. It's not always easy running a 'country' vet practice. But having Cass on staff is a fantastic asset, and I wish I could have made her a full partner sooner. Now, thanks to our new private investors, I can finally afford it!"

Scott glanced over at Lisa with a broad smile at that moment. She sent a wink in tacit reply. Few would have known she was attending the party not only as a long-time client and friend, but also as the official representative of the investor's group that made Cassandra's partnership fiscally possible.

"Please put your hands together to congratulate my newest Hudson Veterinary Clinic partner, Dr. Cassandra Fay Odell!"

Cass basked in the adulation.

Someone called "Speech!" which was followed by a few guffaws. But Cass seemed game, so she boldly approached Scott on the small stage. He passed the microphone to her outstretched hand before bringing her in for a hug.

"Thank you, Scott," she said as she looked out among those gathered. "This has been an amazing evening, and I am so proud to be working for such a great mentor and boss. I love my job, and I am thrilled to be accepted into the practice as a full partner."

Polite applause followed these words, but Cass was not finished.

"Scott mentioned his other partner—Dr. Ty Borden. For those of you who don't know, he's the adventurer of our little veterinary trio. He's been to far-flung places with names I can't even pronounce with Vets Without Borders. We started out as pretty fierce competitors, but over the years, Ty and his wife Amy have become close friends with me and my husband, Caleb.

"In fact, we're godparents to their little girl, Lyndy. This is particularly meaningful to me and Caleb, because we've been trying to start a family for a while but haven't really been having much success. Watching Lyndy grow from babyhood into the adorable toddler she is has been a real joy."

Amy and Ty grinned up at Cass, though the rest of the party-goers were starting to wonder where this discussion was leading.

"Now, there's a tiny announcement that needs to be made," Cass continued. "Amy and Ty were a little concerned that this announcement would have stolen my thunder, but I told them it would be a perfect opportunity, since we're here with so many friends and loved ones, so... Amy; Ty, get on up here."

Ty grasped Amy's hand to lead her up towards Cass. Lisa glanced up at Jack as if to ask What's going on? but he seemed equally puzzled; Georgie and Lou likewise shrugged at each other.

"Uh, thanks, Cass," Ty shyly spoke into the mike before passing it to Amy.

"Stay up here, Cass," Amy said to her friend. "Anyway, it's so good to see all of you here tonight; our family members and good friends. It's actually a double-announcement, by the way."

Ty leaned close to the mike and added: "Yeah, Cass talked about our little girl, Lyndy, who's now nearly two years old and growing bigger every day."

"So, the reason we're up here is to tell you all that we are, in fact, going to be having another baby," Amy said, as Ty draped an arm around her shoulders.

Applause filled the diner, with Jack, Lisa, Lou and Georgie staring up at the young couple in happy wonder.

"But like Amy said, it's really a double-announcement," Ty uttered when the clapping petered out. "Caleb, man, you need to get up here."

"Get up there?" a confused Caleb repeated. "Why?"

"Just get up here, you goof," Cass called.

"All right," he said, dazedly walking up to his wife.

Cass took the microphone from Amy while smiling slyly at her husband. "I mentioned before Caleb and I were hoping to start a family," she began to tell the crowd. "Well, it looks like the Bordens and the Odells will have to start planning for a joint baby shower, because I'm pregnant, too!"

"Whoa!" Caleb cawed as a million-watt smile brightened his face. "Babe, so that's why you've been so secretive this week... and I thought it was all about your partnership announcement. But this announcement is even better."

"It is!" Cass replied, matching his smile, and the couple shared a deep kiss, which resulted in more clapping, hooting, and cheering from the crowd.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

[thedefinitionofendgame]

Not sure how many of you guys follow my journey re-writing/editing '10 Years, A Heartland Story' but I made a new cover for it that I'm pretty proud of!

For those who are interested to read it, you can find my updates on ao3 or ff.net

[heartlandians]

Heartland - 7x10 - Darkness and Light

[confessions-heartland]

"The lack of Georgie talk is lowkey disturbing. That's still supposed to be their daughter but out of sight out of mind, I guess? Is she okay? Are she and Quinn still together? Even if you can't get Alisha back, Lou and Peter can still talk about her!"

[tvshowpilot]

Another beautiful season of Heartland has come to a close. Want to know what happened during the season 16 finale? Then check out our recap of Heartland season 16 episode 15 here!

[allthingsfandomx]

[heartlandtfln]

"Georgie: I tried to write 'I'm a functional adult' but my phone changed it to 'fictional adult' and I feel like that's more accurate."

[everythingfandom12]

[zaenight]

●°●DAISY WEBB●°●

●HIS DOWN BITCH,HER CHOLO●

[thehorsedispatch]

New Post has been published on https://horsetoloan.com/heartland-tv-show/heartland-cast-characters-ages-heights/

Heartland Cast Characters Ages Heights

Heartland Cast Characters Heights and Ages

Heartland is a beloved show, with a robust cast of characters across its many seasons. When it comes to the actors, some are close in age to their characters, but others are farther than you may expect! Read on to learn about the heights and ages of some of your favourite Heartland characters. 

Amber Marshall as Amy Fleming

Amber Marshall is the actress who plays Amy Fleming, one of the main characters of the Heartland series. Amy Fleming and Ty Borden were the main couple of the show, and she grows up throughout the seasons. She is a Canadian and was born on June 2nd, 1988, making her 35 years old. Amber is 5 years older than her character, but she has a youthful look that makes the age difference no problem! She is also 5 foot 5 inches tall. 

Graham Wordle as Ty Borden

Graham Wordle is the actor who portrayed the character of Ty Borden, up until the death of the character in the later seasons. He was Amy’s love interest, and became her husband and the father of her children on the show. The actor was born in British Columbia on September 6th, 1986. He is currently 36 years old. He is also 5 foot 11 inches tall. It was his decision to leave Heartland to pursue other projects in 2019 that led to the death of Ty Borden.

Michelle Morgan as Lou Fleming

Michelle Morgan is another one of the core cast members on the Heartland tv set. She plays Lou Fleming, who is the sister of Amy Fleming. Like Amy, she grew up on screen over the many seasons of Heartland. Michelle was born in Calgary on July 16th, 1981, making her 42 years old. She is also 5 foot 8 inches tall. When she began playing Lou at the beginning of the show, Michelle was 26 and her character was 23, meaning that there is not much of an age difference between the two of them!

Shaun Johnston as Jack Bartlett

Shaun Johnston is another Canadian actor who is a staple of the Heartland set. He plays Shaun Johnston, the sixth generation owner of the Heartland Ranch, where much of the show takes place, as well as running a cattle business called Heartland Beef. He’s also Amy and Lou’s grandfather! Shaun Johnston was born in Alberta on September 9th, 1958. He is 64, and is almost 20 years younger than the character he plays. He is also 6 foot 1 inch tall, and that means he is one of the tallest cast members of the show!

Chris Potter as Tim Fleming

Chris Potter is the actor who plays Tim Fleming. He’s Amy and Lou’s father, and the ex husband of their late mother Marion, who dies in the first season. He starts to try and reconnect and reach back ou to the girls after their mother’s accident and passing. The actor was born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 23rd, 1960. This makes Chris Fleming 62 years old. He’s 6 feet tall, making him another of the taller actors on the show— right behind Shaun Johnston!

Gabriel Hogan as Peter Morris

Gabriel Hogan is another of the Heartland actors. He is the one who plays Peter Morris. Peter is Lou Flmeing’s ex husband, as well as the father of the characters Katie and Georgie. Peter and Lou were married in earlier seasons, but ended up separating in season 8. They do get back together and get a happy ending in season 15! The actor was born in Toronto on May 17th, 1973, making him currently 50 years old. He is also the tallest actor on set, clocking in at 6 feet 4 inches tall!

Jessica Amlee as Mallory Wells

Jessica Amlee is a Canadian actress who plays Mallory Wells on Heartland. Mallory is a character who grew up on the show, as Jessica Amlee was only 12 when she first appeared on the screen! Mallory is a friend of the Flemings who spends a lot of time at the ranch. Now, the actress is 29 years old and was born in British Columbia. She is 5 foot 2 inches tall. 

Alisha Newton as Georgie Fleming Morris

Alisha Newton plays Georgie Fleming Morris, a character who was adopted by Lou and Peter and goes on to have significant storylines as she grows up. The actress was born on July 2nd, 2001, in Vancouver. She is now 22 years old— the same age as her character! Alisha Newton is 5 feet 4 inches tall. 

Kerry James as Caleb Odell

Kerry James plays Caleb Odell on the Heartland show. This character started out as a ranch hand and then got fired— from there, he went into rodeo and also runs the rodeo school with Tim. Kerry James, the actor, is a Canadian who was born in Mission, British Columbia. His birthday is August 2nd, 1986, making him 36— the same age as his character. He is also about 6 feet tall. 

Jessica Steen as Lisa Stillman

Jessica Steen is an actress who was born in Toronto. She plays Lisa Stillman, who is the chic owner of a Thoroughbred breeding business known as Fairfield Stables. She gets to travel the world for her job and to see her horses race. She is also married to Jack Bartlett. The actress was born on December 19th, 1965, making her currently 57 years old. She is also 5 foot 4 inches tall. 

Kevin McGarry as Mitch Cutty

Last, but not least, we have Kevin McGarry rounding out the cast! He plays Mitch Cutty on Heartland. Mitch was a ranch hand hired by Jack, who then became Lou’s love interest and got engaged to her— before she called it off and realized she was still in love with her ex husband, Peter. The actor was born on March 19th, 1985, in Ontario, making him 38 years old. He is also 6 feet 2 inches tall, making him one of the taller actors on set!

[inthissleeplessness]

follow no context heartland on twitter!

this show is so chaotic sometimes that i just had to make an account just to showcase its most ridiculous out-of-context moments! there will be contact from all seasons and a variety of characters, so please give us a follow and share with any friends who might also enjoy.

[the-real-tc]

Fic Update! Bad Business: Ch. 12 A Place Called Heartland

Chapter 12:

A Place Called Heartland

***

To the childless wife he gives a home, and gladdens her heart with children.

- Ps. 113

***

[draft]

Hudson Hawk: Your Eye on Hudson

A BLOG

Bad Business in Hudson

If you've been following the local news lately — and it's hard not to — you'll be very aware of all the sinister events that have unfolded in our fair town over the past few weeks. Thanks to the dogged efforts of the Hudson Police and that of the neighbouring Calgary Metro Police, however, it looks like justice will prevail in the sordid murder and murder-for-hire cases that have come to light.

To recap: Mrs. Valerie Stanton of Briar Ridge Stables was shot to death while horseback riding up at Lookout Point. Also targeted for death was one Lisa Stillman of Fairfield Stables. One detail that came to light was that the horse Stanton was riding at the time of her death belonged to Stillman. This raised a troubling question: was Stillman the intended target with Stanton being the unfortunate victim of mistaken identity, or was it all a terrible hunting accident?

Nothing could have been further from the truth, as the culprits turned out to be much closer to home; their reasons much more disturbing. Facing various and sundry criminal charges are: Tanner Gunn, Theresa Haywood, Stanley Belmont, Jesse Stanton, and William Ulrich.

I know what you're probably wondering: Is Jesse Stanton related to Valerie Stanton? The answer is a resounding "Yes". He's the son of the same late Valerie Stanton, and Briar Ridge heir. He's been charged with soliciting a killer-for-hire to murder his mother. His reasons for so doing will probably come to light in the upcoming trial, or not. Whatever his reasons, what makes things all the more troubling is he decided to try to kill Lisa Stillman when the insurance payout for his mother's policy was held up due to the police investigation into her death.

Adam paused as he tried to summarize the facts of the case as he knew them. He stared at his laptop screen, wondering now if he had the right to be typing this story in his blog at all. After all, he knew the people involved. By now Georgie must have told the family at Heartland Ranch the Hudson Hawk was his chosen sobriquet.

An unconscious frown tugged at Adam's mouth. His conscience was nagging him. It had been easier when he could hide behind the anonymity of a screen name; he could pretend there was some distance between himself and the subject of his blog posts. Now...

So while he had the blessing of his parents to continue this blogging endeavour, Adam closed the file without saving it. Instead, he decided to check with Alberta Fish and Wildlife to see if they had anything new to report about the elusive bear that had been implicated in the attack on Herring and the man whose body he and Georgie discovered at the Dude Ranch. Doubtless when it was eventually found, it would be destroyed. Such would be the fate of any wild animal that targeted humans instead of other wild animals.

***

Monday, May 13, 2019

Somewhere on Highway 2, Due North.

"I'm glad she's finally feeling up to having visitors," Rachel said as Lou navigated the SUV to the hospital.

Lou glanced at her, then chanced a peek back at Ben, who was staring out the window at the passing scenery, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

"It was driving me crazy having to wait," Rachel continued. "I still can't wrap my mind around everything that's happened. It's like some bizarre dream I'm waking up from. Well, nightmare is more like it. Thank God it's over."

"I can't believe everything that's happened, either," Lou quipped, thinking back to the night Amy shot Jesse, and how Chief Parker had been able to tell the rest of the family Lisa was alive.

Rachel's joy at learning her only sister had indeed survived the attempts on her life was tempered by the fact she had been led to believe the opposite.

"I thought I was coming out here to say 'goodbye' to her," Rachel commented, her voice just above a whisper. "I thought I was never going to see her again. And I know I shouldn't be upset the police couldn't tell us the truth right away—to protect her and all that—but I wish..."

"But it's gonna be okay now," Lou said reassuringly, filling in the silence when Rachel did not verbalize the rest of her train of thought. "She'll be so happy to see you two."

The rest of the family had elected to stay back at Heartland for the time being so as not to overwhelm the recovering patient. It was expected Lisa would be discharged within the week, anyway, and Georgie and Katie were already excitedly making plans for a 'Welcome Home' party of sorts, and the imminent arrival of Aunt Evelyn.

From his position in the backseat, Ben quietly spoke up: "I keep going over in my mind the time I spent at Briar Ridge. I remember being jealous of Jesse Stanton at the time because of all the 'toys' he had. He seemed to have anything and everything he wanted. I remember thinking how much I'd love to have a Ducati like his, and how my parents' splitting up meant I might be able to guilt one or both of them into getting me one. Then I thought, hey, maybe my rich aunt could. What she did buy was jumps for Red so I could practice at Heartland. It took me days to finally thank her. Days. What a shallow, ungrateful idiot I was.

"To think... to think Jesse was riding that same damned bike when he shot my aunt..."

"For what it's worth, Ben," Rachel eventually uttered with a smirk, "There's no way I would have been giving you a Ducati back then, no matter how guilty I felt about the divorce, and neither would your Aunt Lisa."

***

South Calgary Health Campus

Lou tapped her knuckles lightly on the door to Lisa's room.

"Yeah, come on in," Jack called from within.

Upon hearing this response, Lou let Ben and Rachel go ahead of her. Despite expecting this visit from her family, Lisa felt a lump forming in her throat at the sight of her sister and nephew, and instant tears flooded her eyes. Rachel crossed the floor quickly to her sister. Lisa readily received the gentle but fervent hug that lasted several seconds.

"Hey, Rachel," Lisa uttered. "Thanks for coming. I'm so glad to see you."

"I thought I'd lost you," Rachel murmured, voice choked with emotion as her eyes brimmed.

"I know," Lisa responded as Rachel released her. "I'm sorry. You know I never wanted to put you—any of you—through that. But the decision to keep you in the dark wasn't mine. I never wanted to cause you any grief—"

"We're just glad you're going to be okay, Aunt Lisa," Ben put in hurriedly, also approaching Lisa for a hug of his own.

"Ben," Lisa said warmly while accepting his embrace, "it's so good to see you."

"Ben's right," Rachel said. "All that matters is you're going to be okay. The people who did this to you are in custody and you're still with us. That's what's important. Oh, my goodness, let me look at you..."

Rachel spent a few moments taking in the bandage that still graced the left side of Lisa's forehead, and then noticed the sling on her arm. What she could not see beneath the hospital gown were the sutures sealing the incision where the chest tube had been inserted, and the additional bandage covering the patched-up bullet wound.

Shaking her head, Rachel said, "I'm so glad you're alive, sis. You look like you've been through hell and back."

"I feel like it, too," Lisa uttered wryly.

Jack rubbed her forearm in a comforting manner at this comment. He could not abide thinking she was in any discomfort.

"Rachel, I'd like you to meet Jack," Lisa said, motioning towards her husband.

"Jack," Rachel said with a wide smile, moving to hug the man her sister married. "At long last, we meet in person. I'm sorry it took something like this to bring us out here."

"Good to finally see you in person, too, Rachel," Jack said heartily, holding her tightly for a few moments before releasing her.

"Hi, Jack," Ben said, reaching over to shake the older man's hand. "It's been a while."

"Yes it has!" Jack rejoined, grasping his step-nephew's hand. "It's good to see you again, man."

"Jack... I want to thank you for being there for my sister when that monster tried to... you know..." Rachel trailed off. "You saved her life."

"Yes, Jack," Lisa said, sending a broad smile in his direction. "My hero..."

Jack did not wish to think about or speak any more of the night he found hitman Earl McCann trying to suffocate Lisa, so he quickly shifted the conversation to a more mundane topic.

"Well, I guess Aunt Evelyn should be getting in soon?" he asked, doing his best to sound upbeat about it.

"Yes, Grandpa," answered Lou, also sensing his discomfort about the former subject. "Her flight gets in tomorrow night."

"Oh, Aunt Evelyn," Lisa groaned, closing her eyes. "She'll never forgive me for putting her through all this!"

"Of course she will," Rachel rebutted. "I talked to her yesterday. Lisa, all she cares about is that you're alive and safe. You said it yourself: the decision to keep what was going on confidential wasn't in your hands. You were at death's door at the time, for heaven's sake! Nobody's blaming you."

At this, Lisa nodded. "Thanks, Rach. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime," Rachel said. "Someone's got to knock some sense into you."

"Right," Lisa said. "And thank you for not making cracks about my 'hard head'."

"Oh, rats! That was going to be my next joke," said Rachel, feigning disappointment.

"Well, I, for one, am glad for your 'hard head', Lis," Jack said with a small smile. He traced a thumb near the bandage below her hairline, once again so grateful the weapon Jesse had used was not as deadly as he intended it to be.

***

A Couple Days Later

Heartland Ranch

"They're here!" Katie cried excitedly, rushing from the porch into the house upon seeing Jack and Lisa pulling up into the yard.

"We're home, Lis," Jack said, putting the truck in park.

"Hmm," Lisa murmured, slowly peeling open her eyes. She had not intended to fall asleep during the drive home, but too many nights of poor sleep in the hospital meant her body craved rest. Jack's steady driving and the purr of the truck's engine proved to be a fairly good natural sedative.

"Wow, how long was I out?" she asked.

"About half an hour," Jack chuckled. "I didn't realise my company was that boring."

"Oh, you," Lisa said, realising he was jesting. Now that she was coming to full awareness after her brief nap, she finally noticed the yard was not quite as empty as it normally was. "Um, Jack... What's with all the cars and trucks..?"

"You have a lot of people who wanted to welcome you home, Lis," Jack explained. "Come on. Let's get you inside."

Jack opened the door on Lisa's side and carefully eased her down. "Slow and steady, now," he advised, gingerly supporting her on the way to the house.

Though she was feeling miles better than when she first woke in the hospital, Lisa allowed Jack this expression of care for her well-being. After all, she knew first-hand how challenging it could be when the person you loved most was resistant to help of any sort.

Almost as soon as she entered the house, Lisa was met by Evelyn.

"Darling," the older woman uttered, taking her niece's face in her hands before hugging her tenderly. "I'm so relieved you weren't taken from us like that... When Jack called me... oh, I thought my heart wouldn't be able to endure it. But you're here. It's a miracle."

"I'm so sorry I had to put you through that, Auntie," Lisa said sincerely.

"Nonsense," Evelyn stated flatly. "Lou and Rachel explained everything. The police did what they had to do to keep you safe and to flush out the guilty parties."

"Then I'm so glad you understand," said Lisa with relief.

"Jack, don't be a stranger," Evelyn chided, at last noticing him. "Come here. I want to kiss the man who saved my niece's life."

"Hello, Evelyn," Jack said, allowing her to give him a peck on the cheek.

Evelyn leaned in to Lisa. "Doesn't he ever shave, darling?" she asked in a low voice, though Jack managed to hear, anyway.

"Only when the mood strikes him," Lisa answered with a chortle, patting Jack's face playfully. "But I love him, anyway."

"Yes," Evelyn said seriously. "And he loves you. And that's really all that matters, isn't it?"

Tim approached just then. "Everybody's waiting in the living room," he announced, somewhat impatiently, then amended his tone. "Is Lisa okay?"

"I'm fine, Tim," Lisa replied. "I just didn't expect something like this when I got home."

"Let's go," Evelyn said perkily. "Can't keep your well-wishers waiting."

Lisa sank into the middle of the couch, deeply touched by the gathering of dear family and friends that afternoon. She was further impressed by the efforts Katie and Georgie put in to decorating the space to enhance the celebratory mood of her return home.

"Do you like what we did, Lisa?" asked Katie with expectant enthusiasm, grinning widely. Georgie stood by, also waiting to hear what Lisa would say.

"It's beautiful, both of you," Lisa responded, taking in the large 'WELCOME HOME, LISA' banner, streamers, balloons, and cheery tea lights. "This was so very thoughtful of you. So special."

Heartened by this praise, Katie zipped over to where Peter stood with Lou and happily told them that Lisa loved her handiwork.

Everyone took time to express to Lisa their happiness that she was going to be okay after her brushes with death. But there were two people in particular Lisa knew she was more than obliged to see and to publicly commend.

"Ty; Scott," Lisa spoke up, grabbing the attention of everyone. The two veterinarians looked uncomfortable under the sudden scrutiny of the others.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for your quick actions that day out on the road," said Lisa. "I don't remember any of it, but I'm eternally grateful you stopped and helped."

"Of course, Lisa," Ty said.

"We would have stopped for anyone in distress, Lisa," Scott added. "It just so happened we knew you."

Neither man was able to say anything further, as memories of that incident were still difficult and disturbing.

"We're just glad you made it, Lisa," Ty said.

"Right," Scott said in agreement.

"Thank you, both of you," Lisa said, once again fighting back tears.

An hour or so slipped by. Lisa could feel her energy starting to wane; friends such as Caleb, Jen, Mitch, and Scott made their departure. At length, only the family remained in the living room.

Before it got to be too late, and before Lou lost her nerve, there was something she had to get off her chest. "I know we don't always see eye-to-eye, Lisa," Lou said tentatively, "but the truth is you're very special to me, and to all of us here. It felt like losing my Grandma Lyndy and my mother all over again when we thought the worst had happened to you..."

Lou suddenly could not continue.

"I felt the same way, Lisa," Amy put in. "After my miscarriage, and after everything you shared with me, I was devastated at the prospect I was facing another personal loss... but you're here, and I'm so glad."

"And I..." Georgie started, but was unsure if she could continue. She looked to her mother, who nodded some encouragement. "I didn't know what to think of you when I first met you, Lisa. I thought you were some rich snob who was going to take Jack's time and attention away from me—"

"Oh, Georgie, honey..." Lisa murmured.

"I never got to say I was sorry for that," Georgie went on in a rush. "And Lisa, I'm sorry for all the mean things I said about you. I'm so sorry. I-I never knew my grandparents or my great-grandparents, for that matter, but you've been everything I could have ever wanted in a great-grandmother, and more."

"Thank you for that," Lisa said, eyes misting, looking at the family that had been grafted onto her heart. "Thank you all. And I want you to know I feel the same way. You know, I had a full life before I met Jack. A life I thought I loved. I thought I was living my dream life. But I look back now and see I didn't realise how sad and empty my heart was. I love you all very much. My life and my heart are full now."

***

Later that Evening

Dinnertime was over. Jack helped settle an exhausted Lisa into bed where she dropped off to sleep in minutes. It was early still, and after all the social activity of the day, Jack decided he needed to clear his head for a bit, so he brewed a cup of tea and escaped to the porch.

He had been there only a few minutes when he heard the sure creak of the door. Someone was coming outside and he turned expectantly to see who it was.

"There you are," Rachel said to Jack, softly closing the screen door while exiting the house.

"Hi, there," Jack said amiably from his position on the porch bench. "Have a seat."

"Thank you," Rachel said, and joined him. A few seconds later, she added: "It's every bit as lovely here as Lisa and Ben described, Jack."

Jack merely nodded.

"We haven't had a chance to really talk yet," said Rachel.

"No, we haven't," Jack said in agreement, though he wondered what Rachel might want to talk about.

"It's years too late, but I want to thank you for offering to put Ben up when I was going through my divorce," Rachel said. "At first, I wasn't thrilled with the idea when Lisa told me that 'plans had changed'; that he wasn't going to be at Fairfield; that he was going to be boarding at some place called 'Heartland'. But after Ben got over his own issues, he admitted he actually didn't mind this place so much, and he was sorry he didn't appreciate it enough at the time."

Jack nodded again, thinking back to how sullen Ben had been in those days. "Divorce is never easy on anyone, especially when there's kids in the mix," he said, remembering some of the ways Lou and Amy struggled to cope in the wake of Tim and Marion's divorce.

"I love my sister to bits, Jack," Rachel said. "She's my big sister, you know? I idolized her growing up. I was relieved she would be the one to take over the family business because I sure didn't want to be responsible for it. She seemed to be happy when she married Dan and moved to the U.S., but we both know how that all turned out. That time in her life changed her, Jack, and not for the better. I wish only happiness and love for her, and I'm so glad you're in her life, because it's clear you're the one who can provide those things for her."

"Well, I'm glad she's in my life, too," Jack admitted, though that hardly covered the length and the breadth and the height of things when it came to expressing how he felt about his wife.

"I don't know what fair wind blew you two together," Rachel said, "but I pray you two stick together."

"That's the plan," Jack said, thinking back to that evening at the Open House when he first laid eyes on Lisa Stillman. Never in a million years would he have guessed what the future would bring him after that chance encounter.

"You wouldn't happen to have a brother who's just like you out there somewhere, eh, Jack?" Rachel said with a laugh.

"No, no. Just me," Jack responded with a smile and a quick laugh of his own. "I think they broke the mold when they made me."

Rachel looked over at him, seeing his features in the light streaming from the kitchen window. "I think you're right about that, Jack. My sister is a very lucky woman."

"I think I am the lucky one," Jack said with sincerity. How many people get a second chance at love in their lives?

"Yeah..." Rachel said. "Well, goodnight, Jack. Thanks for loving my sister the way you do. You've saved her life in more ways than you'll ever know."

The younger Stillman sister leaned over and gave Jack a kiss on the cheek.

"Goodnight, Rachel," Jack replied.

***

Epilogue

[xminimiss]

[heartlandians]

Heartland - 16x15 - A Light in the Dark

[confessions-heartland]

“I wish Heartland would go further into the dark side of showjumping. They skate the surface with Georgie's eating disorder and then her discussions about needing to be perfect all the time but horse competition is harsh and I think it would be really compelling to watch.“

[tvshowpilot]

The newest Heartland episode saw the long-awaited return of Georgie Fleming-Morris. But it wasn't all roses. Want to know more? Then check out our recap of Heartland season 16 episode 14 here!