I Love You No Matter What - Ch. 11-20

I Love You No Matter What

Chapter Eleven

Jack stood outside their first-hour sociology class and paced. He didn't know if he should wait for Lisa and greet her when she arrived or have a seat inside and talk to her then. If he waited outside, would she construe that as being too aggressive or maybe too needy? If he was already seated inside, would that look like he was indifferent or didn't care enough to walk in with her?

Jack was frazzled. His hands were wet with perspiration, and his face felt hot. His heart was beating much faster than normal, and he couldn't rationalize what would be most appropriate. The one thing he didn't want to do was make the wrong decision and look stupid. Time was running out. What's it going to be? he asked himself.

He had settled on having a seat in the classroom and had turned toward the door when he heard Lisa call out his name.

She quickened her pace and walked up to him. "How sweet that you waited for me so we could walk in together. Are you trying to make a girl feel special?"

"Uh, yeah," was all he could muster.

They repeated their ritual from the previous day, and Jack walked with Lisa to all her classes. At lunchtime, they again ate together in the cafeteria. They selected a table that looked out into the open atrium, and Jack slid his camera bag off his shoulder and looped the strap over the chair next to him.

"You're really into photography, aren't you?" Lisa had noticed that Jack didn't go anywhere without his camera.

"It's become a habit. I never want to miss that perfect moment. I'm always looking at life as if it were through the lens of a camera." Jack pulled out his cell phone and pulled up his web browser. "Do you know who Ansel Adams is?"

Lisa gave the question a moment of thought before responding, "I'm not sure."

"What about Annie Leibovitz?"

"Leibovitz?" She shook her head.

Jack finished his web search and handed his phone to Lisa. "These are some of Ansel Adams' most notable pictures."

Lisa scrolled through the pictures. When she came across one of Yosemite National Park, she paused. "I've seen this picture before." Lisa held the camera for Jack to see.

"Ah, yes. Yosemite. Probably one of his most famous pictures," he said reflectively. "You probably saw it in a poster shop?"

"They're all pictures of the outdoors," Lisa noticed. She came across another picture and showed Jack. "Aren't these the Tetons in Wyoming?"

"Absolutely! Adams loved photographing nature. Did you know he was hired by the government to photograph all the national parks?"

"No I didn't. That's fascinating."

"I hope to be half as good as him someday."

Lisa was beginning to grasp how important photography was to Jack. "What about this Annie lady you mentioned? Is she a photographer too?"

"Yes, and a very good one, but she photographs people. A lot of famous people like the Queen of England, Johnny Cash, and Mick Jagger. A who's who list of celebrities. And that's the dilemma for me. I like doing both. I just can't decide which the better fit is."

"Don't decide . . . just do both," Lisa said, offering encouragement.

"I just might." Jack appreciated Lisa's interest in a part of his life that was so important to him. It seemed most people his age felt photography was holding your smartphone up and snapping a picture. For Jack, it was art, and they would never understand his passion. "Hey, if you're not doing anything this Friday, how would you like to go to the football game and watch me work the sidelines?"

"What do you mean, work the sidelines?"

"Sean Clayton pays me to take pictures of him during the game. I've been doing it for two years. He's been putting together some type of portfolio that chronicles all his games. Personally, I think it's all about self-adulation."

Lisa wore a slight smile. She enjoyed talking with Jack. He seemed intelligent and had a sense of purpose in his life. She would have loved to say yes to his offer of going to the football game, but Friday night she would be playing at Lucinda's.

"I would love to go to the game with you on Friday, but I have a commitment that night." The disappointment she was feeling registered on her face as a look of sadness. His look mirrored that disappointment. "Is there a home game the following Friday?" she asked, thinking maybe something could still be salvaged from his offer.

Jack thought for a moment. "Actually there is. And it's against one of our biggest rivals."

The initial agreement that had been worked out with Judy was for Lisa to play every other weekend. She still had commitments with some of her current musicians, and it remained to be seen what her future plans regarding Lisa looked like. "Does your offer still stand for the next game?"

"Absolutely. Consider it a standing offer for the entire season." Jack loved being around Lisa, and the more that could happen, the better.

They finished their lunch, and Jack suggested they walk outside to the atrium. The atrium was extremely large and enclosed by the school building on all four sides. Some students ate their lunches under the shade trees. Others used the atrium as a shortcut to get from one side of the building to the other. There were beautiful red and yellow flowers planted in various garden beds. Red and yellow represented the school colors.

Lisa took a seat on one of the many benches, and Jack, recognizing an opportunity, pulled his camera from its bag. "What do you think you're doing?" she said, knowing full well he was going to shoot some pictures of her.

Lisa was slightly embarrassed by all the attention being directed her way. She presumed other students would be watching, and she was right. But she soon blocked everyone out and focused only on Jack and his camera. She had fun hamming it up, and Jack kept encouraging her by making suggestions. She wrapped two fingers around her hair and gave him a pouty look. She threw her hair back with both hands and looked carefree. Jack captured every moment and loved every minute of it.

When they were done, he sat on the bench next to her and scrolled through the pictures on his camera so she could see how they looked. Lisa was very impressed--so impressed that she made Jack an offer. "Jack, I would really like it if you would take my senior pictures."

Jack didn't know what to say. Students typically had their senior pictures taken by studio professionals. He appreciated the faith she had in him and was flattered that she would even ask, but what if he did it and she didn't like them? Though Jack felt confident in his abilities, he felt it might still be a gamble, and was Lisa sure she wanted to take that risk?

Jack stared ahead. "I'm not sure what to say," he began, the words trailing slowly from his mouth. "I'd love nothing more than to shoot your senior pictures, but you could be taking a risk asking me to do it." He paused and looked over to meet her gaze. "What if you don't like them?"

Lisa turned her body to face Jack and, with heartfelt sincerity, asked, "Do you believe in yourself, Jack?"

Jack nodded while softly stating, "I do."

"Do you believe if you take my senior pictures they're going to turn out just fine?"

"Yes, I do," he responded with a little more enthusiasm.

"You want to be like that Annie lady, don't you?"

"What photographer wouldn't?"

Lisa made her final point. "She had to start somewhere, and so do you. When you're famous, I want to know that I was the first one that was professionally photographed by Jack Evers."

Jack realized Lisa had just laid out a persuasive argument, and recognizing the confidence she had in him, he wasn't going to turn down this opportunity. "You just won me over, Miss Taylor. I'm going to shoot your senior pictures," he said, with the giddiness of a little boy who had just received a treat. "And I've got the perfect place for us to do the shoot."

Lisa could see Jack's mind at work. His eyes had a fixed gaze, and his face wore a look of deep contemplation. "This is going to be good," he said. "This is going to be good."

"You want to let me in on it?"

"No, it'll spoil the surprise." His contemplation changed to elation as he saw the pieces of the puzzle come together. He reached out and, with sheer joy, gave Lisa a big hug. Lisa was caught off guard by this sudden display of closeness, but she gladly reciprocated, sensing that his excitement over this opportunity was the driving force.

Jack slowly recoiled from the hug, wondering what he had just done. He couldn't determine if the hug was a way of saying "thanks" to Lisa for this wonderful opportunity or if it was born out of the increasing feelings he was developing for her. Either way, he felt a twinge of embarrassment. "Should we go in?" he said.

Lisa sensed the subtle change in his demeanor. "Are you okay?"

He sighed. "I'm sorry. I think I was being a little too forward."

Lisa understood that Jack was feeling somewhat troubled by his assertiveness, regardless of how it was intended. "I thought it was a nice way of saying thanks," she said, hoping to put him at ease.

Jack smiled at her. She knew what to say and when to say it.

Unbeknownst to her, she was digging her way deeper into his heart.

Chapter Twelve

Friday came quickly, and Lisa's frayed nerves were causing a knot to form in her stomach. She had high expectations for her opening performance, and she assumed Judy did as well. Lisa had never had a platform for her musical abilities, and she didn't want to disappoint. In particular, she didn't want to disappoint her aunt, who had never doubted her ability and who had been responsible for this opportunity.

She went home after school to get a little rest before her seven o'clock performance. But her mind and body would not succumb to that notion; getting rest was impossible. She thought about Jack. She really wished he could see her perform tonight, but she hadn't told him she was playing at Lucinda's. The timing wasn't right. She needed to get established and discover some success in this new aspect of her life. Maybe then she would let him know.

Jack had suggested they do her photo shoot on Saturday, but Lisa had politely declined, knowing that her commitment to her performances that weekend would be a distraction. She didn't want any distractions for the shoot. It was important to her and especially important that it go well for Jack after all the faith she had placed in him.

She had to be at her best.

She picked up her cell phone and went out on the porch. She needed to call her mother. The last time she had talked to her mother, she hadn't shared the good news. Today, she wanted her mother's blessings and support.

"Hi daughter," Kate said, instantly recognizing Lisa's number. "How are you doing? How's school going?"

Lisa propped her feet up and settled back into a corner of the loveseat. "It's going really well, Mom. I really like it here, and Aunt Karen and I have been having a good time."

"Are you helping out around the house?"

Lisa let out a big sigh. "Of course."

"Just thought I'd ask." She'd raised Lisa right, and she should never have doubted that she would be pulling her weight. "What about volleyball? Have you made a decision about playing?"

Lisa had figured that this question might present itself. "I think my volleyball playing days might be over, Mom. I want to focus on my music, and that was one of the things I wanted to tell you. Starting tonight, I'm playing at a local restaurant a couple of nights every other weekend. It's exciting, but it's kind of scary too."

Kate was glad the years of guitar lessons had been worthwhile. To her surprise, Lisa had never acted like her music was a big area of focus in her life. All those hours of playing in her bedroom had gone partially unnoticed behind her closed door. "How did this opportunity come up?"

"Aunt Karen got me the audition. She is good friends with Judy, who owns the restaurant next door to her boutique."

"And Judy thought you were good."

"She thought I was great, Mom. It's so exciting, but I'm feeling some butterflies. I'm a little nervous."

"Don't you worry, Lisa. I'm sure you're going to bring the house down. You've always been able to do anything you set your mind to, sweetheart."

Lisa could always count on her mom for support, and it warmed her heart. It was what she needed to hear on this very important day. "Thanks, Mom. I wish you could be here."

"I do too, honey. There's a lot I'm going to miss out on in your senior year, but I'm sure Aunt Karen will be there every step of the way to support you."

"She's been great, Mom. You really have a good sister. You should be proud."

"That I am."

Lisa paused and had to force her next words out. "Are you going to tell . . . Dad?"

Kate wasn't sure to what Lisa was referring to. "Tell Dad what?"

"About me playing guitar at a local restaurant." Lisa was still mad at her father for not being an absent dad to her for all these years.

Still, there was a longing desire for his acceptance that burned in her heart. She needed to know she mattered to him. Most of all, she wanted to hear him say to her the words she had never heard cross his lips: "I love you" and "I'm proud of you."

Lisa secretly hoped that maybe this accomplishment would bring forth the pride and love she had craved from him for so long. But she wouldn't admit that to her mother. This was too sensitive an issue. If her dad was ever going to change, she didn't want it to be because her mother had coaxed him. It had to be on his terms--something he wanted to do. It had to be real, and Lisa would know if it was.

"Should I not mention it?" Kate asked, trying to determine if Lisa wanted it shared with her father.

Lisa had hoped it wouldn't come to this. Her mother had unintentionally put the ball back in her court, and being left with that decision was not what she wanted. Lisa had hoped her mom would have just told her one way or the other what she was going to do.

Lisa swallowed hard and summoned her courage. "Maybe you should tell him," she said halfheartedly. She didn't want to sound like she was anxious for him to know. It was important that she tone down her expectations. This would keep away the disappointment she had become intimately familiar with all these years.

"Yes," Kate said, "I will let him know." Her tone was subdued because she, too, didn't want to create any great expectations. Dan was who he was, and Kate had accepted him that way throughout their entire adult lives. She wished for more, but she had come to know what he was capable of feeling.

"Thanks, Mom, and thanks for all your support."

"You're welcome, dear."

Lisa looked at the clock. "I should probably get going."

"Lisa," Kate said, "there's one more thing." Kate wasn't sure if she should mention it on this very important night for her, but she didn't want her hearing it from someone else. "Ken's going to prison. His attorney plea-bargained to avoid a trial."

Lisa was stoic. She was glad he got what he deserved, and the details weren't important to her. She was trying to move on and close that chapter in her life, though she knew it was one of those things that she could never fully escape.

"Thanks, Mom," she said passively. They said their goodbyes, and Lisa forced any thoughts of that part of her life from her mind. She had a big night to get ready for, and nothing or nobody was going to take that away from her.

About three-quarters of the restaurant was occupied when Lisa took the stage. She knew dozens of eyes were focused on her every move as she pulled her guitar from its case and began tuning it. She fought the urge to speculate about what they were thinking, but she lost. Is this tonight's musician? She sure looks young! Judy must be hard up for talent! These and other unfounded thoughts danced inside her head. She rubbed the perspiration from her palms on the sides of her jeans. She repositioned the stool and sat, allowing her feet to rest on the cross member near the base. Lisa cradled the guitar across her right leg and slumped slightly over it. The microphone stand needed adjusting, and as she positioned it to the right height, she scanned the restaurant, looking for Judy. Judy had wanted to introduce her on her opening night. Near the front door is where she spotted her. She and Karen were engrossed in conversation. Karen must have noticed she was ready, because it looked like she said something to Judy, which caused her to suddenly look at the stage and then move in that direction.

Judy hurried over and stepped up on the platform. "Are you ready?"

Lisa nodded.

"Patrons," she began, waiting momentarily until she had their attention. "I am very excited to introduce to you the youngest talent that has ever graced this stage. I really think you are in for a treat, so join me in welcoming Lisa Taylor." Judy turned toward Lisa and applauded as others in the restaurant followed suit.

"Thank you," Lisa said, as she softly strummed a few chords to loosen up. Lisa had sized up her audience, and it was a mixture of age groups from twenty to beyond seventy. She thought she would show her audience she wasn't some young woman who didn't know anything about music that wasn't in the current top forty list. Her first choice was "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan. She saw some raised eyebrows and cheerful smiles. She was sure they hadn't expected her to play something from an era twenty something years before she was born.

Her pitch was perfect, and the melody was soft. She sang like an old soul. It was as if she had been a child of the sixties, playing in coffee houses and on park lawns. It wasn't just another song in her repertoire; it was part of her being, and she embraced it.

She noticed many singing along with her. It was taking some of them back to a time they knew well--some who may have been Lisa's age when the song first came out. When she finished, the applause was exuberant, and she said a faint "thank you" before moving up a couple of decades to "These Dreams" by Heart.

As the night went on, she played songs that surprised people but appealed to every age group in the house. She played a mixture of rock and country songs with a few folk songs thrown in. She had spent a large part of her spare time learning new songs since knowing she would be playing at Judy's place.

Karen had taken a table not too far from the stage with a couple of her employees from the store. They were a vocal bunch, cheering and applauding after every song. At various times during the evening, Karen, knowing Lisa's repertoire, told her group to shout out a request and told them which song. Lisa gave Karen a subtle look that seemed to suggest, "What are you doing?" The handful of times they made the suggestions, Lisa would immediately play that song. Karen was doing her best to make Lisa look good to the gathered crowd. Each time she played their requests, it looked like there wasn't anything she didn't know or couldn't play. However, when a couple of other tables tried to jump in with their requests, which were songs she didn't know, Karen's plan backfired.

The two hours Lisa was slated to play for that night marched along quickly. The more she played, the more the crowd applauded their approval and the more energized she became. Upon completion of her last song of the night, someone yelled, "One more," and others chimed in with the same response. Lisa looked at Judy, who was standing in the back, and she nodded her approval for Lisa to play another song. She gave it all she had, and when all was said and done, she had left her heart on the stage. It felt so good, though her hands were a little tired, and her vocal chords dry and hot.

Karen came up to the stage when it was over and wrapped her arms around Lisa with loving approval. "You were great. The crowd in here just loved you. I don't think they expected all you delivered." Karen was grinning from ear to ear.

Lisa's cheeks warmed with Karen's words, and while she loved hearing such wonderful praise heaped upon her, she fought to contain her excitement. She had suffered so much disappointment in her life that her inclinations were to not allow herself to revel in the highs or wallow in the lows. She sought to temper her emotions and exhibit an even keel if possible.

"C'mon. Let's go sit at the table. I'm sure Judy's going to want to join us."

Lisa gathered her things and made her way to the table. As she passed by, she was greeted with plenty of kudos from those still gathered in the restaurant. She said "hi" to Elizabeth, whom she had met the first time Karen had taken her to her boutique, and Karen introduced her to another employee--a woman with blond hair who was about ten years older than Karen. Her name was Sara.

"You are so talented," Elizabeth said, offering Lisa the chair next to her.

"Most definitely," Sara responded. "You can't believe how proud your aunt is of you. She was beaming."

Lisa smiled. "If I'm not mistaken, there was a lot of cheering coming from this table. I thought you all were going to--"

"There she is, my little amazing wonder," Judy shouted, as she came hurrying in to give Lisa a hug before she was seated. "If I ever doubted you, there is no doubting you now. You had this place like I've never seen it before. People kept telling me they're going to be back when you're playing again." Judy smirked. "You know I told them that means they have to come back tomorrow night."

Judy looked at Karen, who was seated at the table. "Are you sure we can't get her to play a night or two during the week?"

Karen's eyes met Judy's, and she rubbed her chin, appearing to be in deep thought. "Sure. Five hundred dollars a night."

Judy placed her hands on her hips and glared at Karen. "Very funny. I can tell that's your way of telling me no."

Karen tried to hide her playful smile. "I never said no. I only said five hundred dollars."

"Same thing, funny girl."

Lisa wasn't much in the mood for socializing. She was thinking about Jack. She wondered how the game tonight had gone and whether he'd gotten some good pictures of Sean. More than that, she wished he could have seen her play tonight. She felt he would have been extremely proud of her. On such an important night in her life, she found herself missing him.

"Excuse me, everyone. I'm going outside to make a phone call."

Karen and Judy were still good-naturedly haggling each other, and Elizabeth and Sara nodded their acknowledgements. Lisa slipped out the front door. It was a warm summer night with not a whisper of a breeze. Some tourists and locals were strolling along the sidewalks of the business district's main thoroughfare through town. Many had been to the ice cream parlor and were enjoying their treats while they window-shopped after hours.

Lisa sat on one of two benches outside of the restaurant. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contact list, looking for Jack's number. For several minutes, she looked at the number on the phone, wondering if it would be appropriate to call him. She wasn't sure what he would think, and she didn't want to cause herself any unnecessary embarrassment. Maybe she could text him and casually mention if he would mind a phone call. She did. Not quite a minute had passed when her phone rang. The caller ID indicated it was Jack. Her heart raced with excitement.

She answered. "Jack?"

He quickly responded, "I received your text and decided I would go ahead and call. I hope you don't mind." Jack's thoughts had been about Lisa all evening, and it'd had a little bit of an effect on his concentration while he'd been trying to take pictures. They had spent so much time together during the past week, walking to class and eating together in the cafeteria, that he didn't know how he would last the weekend until he could see her again.

"I don't mind at all," she said, toning her voice down while someone walked by. She loved being outside, enjoying the beautiful night, but she didn't want to broadcast her personal life to casual strangers. "How did the game go?"

"We won. It wasn't even close."

"Were you able to get some good pictures for Sean?"

"I think he'll like them," he said, sounding cautiously optimistic. "He had a really good game. Threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. I did miss an opportunity on one of his touchdown throws. I was just ready to snap some shots when someone walked in front of my camera. That was a huge disappointment."

Lisa loved to listen to Jack talk. At times, there was passion in his voice, but mostly she felt that his words displayed a sincerity that put her at ease. "Sean's going to love the pictures you took. He's got the best photographer in all of Maple Creek."

Jack appreciated Lisa's confidence in his abilities, but he was his worst critic. Using Adams and Leibovitz as the standards he hoped to model, he couldn't accept mediocrity. He knew he still had a lot to learn, and he was highly committed to his art. Yet, he embraced Lisa's words because he knew they were heartfelt. She was the type of person who would believe in and have the highest level of confidence in him even when he didn't. "You sure know how to build someone up," Jack responded coyly.

"You don't need building up. You're a good photographer, and I know it. If you weren't, I wouldn't have asked you to take my senior pictures."

"Speaking of your senior pictures, when are we going to shoot them?"

Lisa twirled her hair around her finger. "I'm not sure. I think the soonest I could do them would be a week from tomorrow. I don't have to play that Saturday." No sooner had the words left her mouth than she realized what she had said. She had wanted to tell Jack about her gig at Lucinda's when the timing was right. She needed to make sure she had solidified herself as a legitimate musician before sharing that information with him. Plus, the emphasis this past week had been on Jack's photographic direction, and she didn't want to overshadow his time in the spotlight.

"Did you say play Saturday? What does that mean?" he asked, confused by the comment.

Lisa wasn't sure what to say. A lump formed in her throat, and she felt slightly panicked. She had always considered herself a forthright person, and being dishonest wouldn't have been a card in her hand to play. The options as she saw them were to either tell Jack that she was playing at Lucinda's or let him know she wasn't able to explain right now but would tell him when the time was right. The latter, she reasoned, could potentially cause him to speculate too much and sow some seeds of distrust. She chose the first option.

But before Lisa could respond, Jack interjected, "You're going to play volleyball, aren't you? You've had a change of heart about playing," he surmised.

Lisa was a little shell-shocked. Why was he so convinced that this was about volleyball? Whatever his rationale, this could be the out she needed. She honed in on his speculation and let volleyball sidetrack the conversation. "You know, Jack, I've never made a commitment one way or the other about my intention to play volleyball."

"I'm aware of that. But if what you're talking about is playing some pickup games with the team, you'll be hooked," Jack said confidently.

"You might be right," she responded. Lisa quickly moved the conversation back to the photo shoot. "What time did you say we were getting together for pictures?"

Jack immediately changed course. "I don't think we discussed when. I'd like to do it before lunch. It will be a better time of day for the natural light where we're going, and there is always a good chance of clouds rolling in during the afternoon."

"You're the expert. I'll go with whatever you say."

Lisa's conciliatory tone told Jack she had all the faith in the world in him. He knew this would be his big moment. He realized that taking pictures of someone running down the football field was so much different from a photo shoot. In sports, you take what is presented and try to capture the right moment. Her senior pictures would require positioning, lighting, and background. This type of camera work required the artist in Jack to surface. He wouldn't just take a picture; he would create a mood or a feeling through the lens of a camera.

The door to the restaurant opened, and Karen, Sara, and Elizabeth emerged.

"Jack, I've got to go. Can we talk tomorrow?"

The abruptness of Lisa ending the conversation was overshadowed by the notion they would talk tomorrow.

"Sure. That would be great," he said enthusiastically.

"Good. I'll call you."

They said their goodbyes just as Karen had completed her own.

Karen approached Lisa as she got up from the bench. "You ready to go home?"

"Most definitely. It's been quite a night."

She locked her arm around Lisa's, and they began the trek to their vehicles. "So, who's the boy you were talking to?"

Lisa nearly stopped in her tracks. She glanced at her aunt. "How did you know?"

"It's a highly developed skill I have that starts with a dose of intuition," Karen stated, sounding more like a professor than her aunt.

Lisa gave her a quizzical look. "What does that mean?"

Karen restated her comment in simpler terms. "I didn't fall off a turnip truck. I know with the time change back home you weren't calling your mother, and the quickness with which you left to go outside was pretty much a dead giveaway."

They arrived at Lisa's vehicle, which had been parked about a block away from Lucinda's.

"Was it that obvious?" Lisa asked.

Karen nodded. "It wasn't that difficult. Someday you'll understand." Lisa let Karen's words sink in.

"So, are you going to tell me who he is?"

For Lisa, it had never been an avoidance issue. The friendship with Jack had materialized so quickly that she just hadn't mentioned it yet. "Do you remember the boy at registration?"

Karen smiled. "The one with the pretty blue eyes that kept paying a lot of attention to you?"

"You noticed?"

Karen gave Lisa her best "Are you kidding me?" look, and Lisa immediately took the hint.

"Of course you noticed. I'm starting to understand that nothing gets by you."

"You're a smart girl," Karen chided. Karen gave Lisa a hug before heading to her car, which was parked in the next block. "I want you to be careful," she said, her tone turning serious. "Be wise. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know. I don't either."

Chapter Thirteen

The days leading up to Friday's game went by slowly as Jack and Lisa's anticipation increased. They continued their ritual of meeting every day for lunch and walking to classes together. Lisa was getting settled in and feeling more comfortable with her new school. She was thankful for Jack, who made that transition easier than it would have been.

When Friday arrived Jack was excited for Lisa to see him in action, but he was more excited to just be with her. He had arranged for Lisa to meet him in the south parking lot, and she pulled into an empty spot directly across from his late-model Ford Bronco. It was a full-size 1996 model--the last year they had been manufactured. Jack had lifted it four inches and put bigger tires on it. He had fog lights on the top and a winch in front. It was definitely an outdoorsman's vehicle.

Jack walked over to her as she stepped from her vehicle. "You ready for a little excitement?"

"I am." For Lisa, it wasn't about football; she could take it or leave it. It was about spending time with Jack and seeing him in his element. That's what mattered to her most.

She walked side by side with Jack as the growing throngs of people headed toward the stands. "Does the whole town come out for these games?" she asked inquisitively.

"They take their football seriously here. The crowds are going to be a little bigger tonight because this is our biggest rival."

"Who are we playing tonight?" she asked, as they were going through the gate.

"The Clifton Warriors." He pointed to the field. "They're pretty proud of their black and blue school colors. They like to say they leave their opponents all black and blue," he said with a wave of his hand to dismiss that notion. "The Warriors are in for a fight tonight." Lisa enjoyed Jack's passion. It was just another quality she found attractive in him.

It was still light when the teams went through their final preparations on the field, but that would change by halftime as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. The Clifton Warriors had decimated their opponent during last week's start to the season. Meanwhile, Maple Creek had squeaked one out, and neither team wanted a loss this early in the season. Sean had already emphasized to Jack how important this game was and that unless they met up in the playoffs, this would be the last time he would play their nemesis. It was imperative that he get some good shots.

As Jack sat with Lisa in the stands, he pointed out many of the players and explained their roles in the game. He fiddled with his camera while he talked, making sure all the settings were right for the lighting conditions.

Lisa listened intently. She had a rudimentary knowledge of the game, mostly from being involved in athletics herself and hanging around some of the football players at her old school. She stared intently at the field and scanned the sideline. "Which one is Sean?" she asked.

"Number seven," he said, holding the camera to his eye and pointing it in different directions to make sure he was ready. "John Elway's number. He's a huge John Elway fan and loved watching him win those back-to-back Super Bowls as a kid. You'd be hard-pressed not to find someone in the state who wasn't an Elway fan back during his playing days, unless of course they weren't Bronco fans." He pointed the camera at Lisa and snapped a couple of shots.

"Don't be wasting your time taking pictures of me; you'll have plenty of time to do that tomorrow."

"I couldn't help it. The camera is instinctively drawn to beauty." Jack felt a tinge of embarrassment. It was so out of character for him to be so forward, but being around Lisa had a way of emboldening him. Subconsciously, it seemed as if a part of Jack that had lain dormant all his life was awakened in her presence.

Though Lisa found Jack's comment flattering, she sensed another awkward moment for him. "I'll bet you say that to all the pretty girls," she said, trying to give him a graceful way to recover.

Jack didn't bite. "Only one," he said softly but assuredly. The blueness of his eyes brightened and revealed a tenderness she had not known.

Lisa bent over and kissed Jack on the cheek. "You are quite the guy, Jack Evers."

Before Jack could say anything else, the loudspeaker roared with a man's voice, asking everyone to rise and remove their hats for the singing of the national anthem. They both sang along with the rest of the crowd, and at that moment, he realized why Lisa was in the choir. Her voice was soft and dynamic at the same time. She effortlessly navigated the vocal range of the song. The feelings of each word seemed to generate deep within her being. Her voice inspired awe.

At the conclusion of the song, they clapped enthusiastically for the home team while the captains took to the middle of the field for the coin toss.

"I need to get down there. If I can get you on the sidelines, would you like to come down?"

"It would be great to see the game from the field," she remarked enthusiastically. "But I'm just fine here if you can't."

Jack scurried down onto the field, and Lisa saw him talking to someone who looked like he was part of the coaching staff. A moment later, Jack walked to the gate, where a security officer stood, and motioned for her to come down to the field. The security guard opened the gate when Lisa approached, and Jack escorted her to the outskirts of the field, where all the players and staff were assembled.

"Isn't this great?" Jack said, motioning toward the field as the opponents prepared to kick off to the Eagles. "I'm going to have to work the sidelines when Sean's on offense, but I'll stand with you when they're on defense."

"Are you sure nobody's going to say anything to me about being on the sidelines?" she asked skeptically.

"It's not going to be a problem, but if anybody says anything, just tell them you're the coach's daughter," he said, maintaining a straight face.

Lisa's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Jack let out a big grin. "Of course I'm not serious. Just tell them you're with me. Everyone on the sideline knows me."

"You're impossible, Jack!" she barked. She crossed her arms and gave him a playful scowl.

"I'm sorry," he countered. "I shouldn't have told you to say you were his daughter. I should have told you to say you were his niece." This time, Jack couldn't hold back his laughter.

Lisa turned her back to him and crossed her arms. "Very funny, Jack," she said, sounding hurt.

Jack suddenly realized he may have pushed it too far. He walked around to face Lisa, but she put her head down and wouldn't look at him. "Lisa, I'm really sorry," he said, apologetically. "I didn't really mean it. Please don't be mad at me."

Jack waited a couple of painful seconds for her response, but Lisa was silent, refusing to look at him.

Jack went into panic mode. "Lisa," he begged, "I really am sorry."

She looked up and let out a startling laugh. "Got you," she said, beaming from ear to ear.

Jack dissolved in disbelief. He was glad she wasn't really mad at him, but he also couldn't believe she had turned the tables on him. His joking had backfired on him, and it appeared Lisa was a formidable opponent. He smiled and said, "I'm going to get you back."

Lisa wanted to remind him that he had started this whole thing, but she instead opted for ratcheting up the stakes. "Give it your best shot," she said, goading him to follow through on his threat.

"Oh, a challenge. I like a challenge."

"I've got you figured out, Jack Evers. I think you underestimate me, and I like that."

Lisa noticed that the Eagles were lined up in an offensive formation. "Jack," she said, pointing toward the field, "I think you're missing the game."

Jack looked toward the field. He had been so embroiled in his back and forth with Lisa that he had blocked out the start of the game. "I better get going," he said, as he waved goodbye to her and hurried to the other end of the sideline. Jack raised his camera just in time to capture Sean getting sacked. Several players were on top of him in a pile. When the pile unfolded, Sean was a little slow to get up. He decided it would be best to delete that picture.

By halftime, the Eagles were down 14-13. Sean had passed for one touchdown, and they had kicked two field goals. The second half started out with Sean moving the ball down to the Warriors twenty-yard line and the halfback scampering around the left to the end zone. At the conclusion, the Eagles had worn down their opponent and won the contest 27-24. Jack took a couple final pictures of Sean's jubilant celebration at midfield with other players and students who had run out onto the field. He would print the pictures over the weekend and deliver them to Sean at school on Monday.

He placed his camera in its case and went to get Lisa. The excitement he usually felt capturing Sean in action seemed diminished tonight. Spending time with Lisa and doing her photo shoot was going to be a much more meaningful and exhilarating experience. For Jack, tomorrow could not come soon enough.

Lisa hurried to greet Jack when she saw him coming. "We won.

Wasn't that a great game?" she said with genuine enthusiasm.

"It didn't take you long to become an Eagle, did it?"

"That was a fun football game. Did you get some good pictures?"

Jack's demeanor lacked its usual exuberance. He was more placid about the nature of the question. "I got some pretty good pictures, but truthfully, my heart wasn't in it."

"Why?" she asked incredulously.

Jack didn't respond right away, and Lisa searched his face for an answer. "I would have rather been spending every moment of the game with you tonight," he said softly.

Lisa felt a glow that warmed her heart. "Aw. I would have liked that."

"The good news is we get to spend time together tomorrow, and I promise you it's going to be a great day."

They followed some of the exiting fans off the field and made their way to their vehicles in the parking lot. He walked with her to her Jeep, and she stood by the door, not particularly in a hurry for the evening to end but realizing that, with the busy day ahead, a good night's sleep was necessary.

"I'm picking you up tomorrow. That's okay with your aunt, right?"

"Yea, she wants to meet you, so you had better plan on an extra twenty to thirty minutes."

"Seriously?"

Lisa nodded. "She likes having visitors. Plus she wants to make sure you meet her approval."

"What?" he exclaimed. "What do you mean meet her approval?

This sounds more like a job interview."

"When she's done, you're going to wish it had been a job interview," she said, sounding less reassuring.

Jack rubbed at the tension that was building in the back of his neck. He had not planned on this taking place during what was supposed to be the perfect day. He exhaled a huge resigned breath. "Okay, I'll come a little earlier. Let's say about nine."

"Oh, and she wants you to wear a suit," she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"A suit!" he said incredulously. "Why would I wear a suit? We're going to a picture shoot, not a wedding." Jack thought, this is crazy, but he didn't verbalize that to Lisa. He tried not to let his emotions get the best of him, but this request was befuddling. He shook his head and tried to compose himself.

Lisa could see Jack's frustration. A slight grin formed on her face.

Jack realized something wasn't right. "Are you pulling my leg?" he asked, sensing maybe he had been had.

"You're so easy, Jack. She'll be at the shop by eight tomorrow. She won't even be home when you come by."

Jack felt a sense of relief but was a little embarrassed that Lisa had gotten him once again. "That's the second time," he stated firmly, while wagging his finger at her. "I owe you big time."

"Let's just call it even. I don't want to put you through any more duress," she replied with a sarcastic smile.

He was quick to interject. "Nice try, but I don't think so."

Jack liked Lisa's playful nature, even if it was at his expense. It showed her witty side. He felt so comfortable, so at ease, around her. He was developing a strong connection with her, and the more time he spent with her, the more that connection intensified. He assumed she felt the same way, but he couldn't be sure. Talking about his feelings with a girl was not something he had any experience doing.

He also didn't have any experience with a first kiss, and the way Jack had it planned, saying goodnight to Lisa at her vehicle was supposed to have presented that opportunity, except Lisa's playfulness had set a different mood. Now did not seem like a good time. It would have to wait.

"I had better go," she said. She bent over and gave Jack a quick kiss on the cheek. "I had a good time tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."

Jack stood there lost in the moment. He was surprised and delighted by Lisa's forwardness. Granted, it was only a kiss on the cheek, but it was a start--a very good start. "See you tomorrow," he repeated in a trance-like state.

Jack waved at Lisa as she waved back. When she was out of sight, he fist-pumped the air and let out a cry of joy, which startled some of the fans who were still lingering in the parking lot. He made his way to his car, replaying what had just happened in his mind and trying to attach meaning to it. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his cell phone. Lisa's calling to say how much she's already missing me, he instinctively concluded.

He looked at the caller ID. It was Sean. The excitement of thinking it was Lisa calling gave way to disappointment. "Hey, Sean," Jack answered.

"Wasn't that a great game?" Sean bellowed.

"It's always a great game when we beat our biggest rival."

"Did you get some good pictures?"

"I did." Jack wasn't interested in talking to Sean at the moment. If he engaged him too much, he would be on the phone longer than he wanted to be.

"Did you get the one of me throwing the thirty-five-yard touchdown pass?"

Jack knew the routine. Sean had to recall all the fantastic plays he'd made and find out if Jack had captured them. It was the narcissist in him. "I did," Jack replied. He then waited to hear the next great moment Sean would ask if he had captured. He guessed it would be the ten-yard run and dive into the end zone that Sean would ask about next. But Jack was wrong.

"Who's that girl I've seen you hanging with? The one on the sidelines tonight . . ."

Jack swallowed hard. Why was he asking? What was this about? Jack would have preferred if he'd asked about whether or not he'd gotten pictures of the ten-yard run. That's where Sean's focus should have been--not on Lisa. "Her name's Lisa," he replied hesitantly.

"What else?" Sean continued.

Jack paused, not sure how much information he wanted Sean to know. "She's from Tennessee."

"A southern belle," he mused. "I don't think I've ever been with a girl from Tennessee . . ."

Jack was repulsed by where the conversation was going. He needed to end it and end it now, except Sean wasn't finished.

"Are you going out with her?"

Jack didn't know how to answer. Technically, they weren't going out, but it sure seemed as if things were moving in that direction. A week or maybe even a couple of days from now, Jack could see the answer potentially being yes, but right now it wasn't. He let out a resigned "No."

"That's good," he said. "I kind of figured that. I didn't really see you as her type."

Jack's blood boiled. Why didn't Sean just punch him in the gut? It would've hurt less. "I've got to go," Jack stated, determined not to let the conversation continue.

"Thanks, Shutterbug. I'll see you on Monday."

Jack hung up without saying another word. A few minutes ago, he had been reveling in a kiss on the cheek, and now his evening had been turned upside down.

Chapter Fourteen

Jack ran through the list of camera equipment a third time to make sure nothing had been forgotten. He closed the tailgate of his Ford Bronco and pulled the keys from his pocket. That morning, his thoughts had bounced back and forth between the kiss and his conversation with Sean. At one point, he yelled to himself, "Let it go!" He was determined not to let the conversation with Sean put a damper on his day with Lisa.

When he turned off the paved road onto the dirt road, he saw the log home come into view. He had been down this road several times over the past few years but had never really noticed the house. From here on out, it would be more significant.

He looked at the clock on his dash--three minutes to nine. He was right on time. Not bad, considering he hadn't gotten much sleep. Lisa came out on the porch as she saw him pull up. "Morning, Jack!" she shouted, as he got out of the vehicle. "Can you help me carry some things?"

"Sure," he said, wondering what she needed help with.

"Am I going to be able to change in the car, or is there a place where we're going?"

Jack hadn't given much thought to wardrobe changes, but it made sense. What people wore for a photo shoot helped to dictate the mood and appeal of the picture. It appeared Lisa didn't know for sure what she wanted to wear, or she had intentions of wearing a lot of different outfits. Besides the clothes she was already wearing, she had a couple of sun dresses, two pairs of pants, and three shirts or blouses. She also had a bag with hair clips, belts, shoes, and some different hats.

"Are you going on vacation?" Jack asked, placing the bag in the back seat.

"I'll decide which things I'm going to wear when I get there. By the way, where are we going?" she asked inquisitively.

"It's about a twenty-five minute drive from here. You're going to love it. It's truly a gorgeous setting."

Though the temperatures were expected to be in the upper seventies, Lisa also took a couple of jackets. She hung the jackets on the hook with the sun dresses. She noticed a picnic basket next to the camera equipment in the back. "Did you pack some food?"

"I put together some snacks and lunch for us."

"I can see you gave this some thought."

"You can't even guess how much thought has gone into this day. I want everything to be perfect for you."

Lisa's decision to have Jack take her pictures had just been reaffirmed, but now she wasn't sure if it had more to do with his abilities as a photographer or just wanting to be with him. She smiled at him. "It's already starting out perfect."

Jack served as tour guide during their trek up the mountain. He knew some of the historical perspective of the area and how this small community had evolved into a ski town. "Do you ski or snowboard?" he asked, guessing he knew what her response would be.

"That isn't something I grew up doing. I couldn't even tell you the closest place to Lakeville that has a ski area."

"You'd be hard-pressed to find someone here who hasn't skied. It's a way of life here. We've got Olympic heroes that grew up on this mountain, and other hopefuls moving here to train," Jack said enthusiastically.

"I had no idea. Winter sports are a little foreign to me."

"How would you like to go sometime?" he asked, testing her sense of adventure.

"If I say yes, are you going to be my instructor?"

Jack responded playfully, "That depends. Are you a good listener?"

"Of course."

"Do you follow directions?"

"To the letter."

Jack looked at her with raised eyebrows. "To the letter?" he asked highly skeptical.

"Well, most of the time."

Jack turned on his left turn-signal and traded the paved road for a dirt road. "I sense a rebellious side to you. I think you'll follow my instructions as long as things are going well, but if they're not, I see you trying it your way."

Lisa looked straight ahead, contemplating his comment. She turned to him, softly nodded in agreement, and said, "Maybe." She followed her maybe with "I have to know my instructor has my best interests in mind and that he genuinely cares about me."

Jack felt like the conversation had just deviated from a playful tone to a more serious message. "Do you have any reason to suspect your instructor wouldn't care about you and your best interests?"

Lisa had suggestively been dropping hints to Jack that she was ready to know where he stood with their friendship. Her response to his last question would place the ball squarely in his court. "That remains to be seen," she said suggestively, making sure her words resonated.

Jack felt the temperature in the car increase a few degrees. If he wasn't sure where the conversation had been going, he definitely had a good idea now. The peck on the cheek last night and her comments just now were intended to let him know she was interested in him. It was up to him to reciprocate.

There was an awkward moment of silence before Jack said, "We're almost there. I hope you don't mind a short hike. There is only so far we can go in a vehicle."

Hiking didn't bother Lisa, but she wondered how they would carry all the equipment, clothes, and food in one trip. "Do you think we'll be able to carry everything?"

"I don't think I'm going to need a lot of my equipment--just one of my cameras and the tripod. So I'll grab those items and the picnic basket and help you with your month's supply of clothes and accessories," he said good-naturedly.

"You should be glad I didn't bring everything I wanted to bring." "You mean there could have been more?" he asked, dumbfounded.

Lisa tilted her head slightly and batted her pretty brown eyes. "You want me to look good, don't you?" she said coyly.

"I don't think you need clothes to look good," Jack uttered. Lisa's eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. Jack saw the surprised look on her face and realized she might be thinking something other than what he had intended. "You don't think I meant . . . I wasn't suggesting . . . "Jack fumbled for the right words. He took a couple of deep breaths. At that moment, he decided he was tired of feeling embarrassed for his unintended comments. If he couldn't be himself around Lisa, then any chance of a relationship was doomed. He looked at her and stated confidently, "Clothes don't make the person, is what I was trying to say." He rode his confidence a little further. "And your beauty is far more than skin deep and beyond what you might wear. I really want you to bring that out for the camera." He paused. "I want the camera to know what I know about you."

Lisa felt herself blush. She recognized the truth in his comment. Beauty was much more than skin deep or about the clothes a person wore. She realized the affection she was feeling for Jack was partially tied to some of those endearing qualities. He always seemed to be positive and upbeat. She had never heard him say an unkind word about anyone in all the time they had been together. Underneath his charming good looks, Jack was a real person. He always treated her with respect and knew how to laugh at himself. He was caring and sensitive and would never do anything to hurt her. She could trust Jack and feel safe with him. To Lisa, he was everything her father wasn't.

The trek to their destination was a bit more arduous than Lisa had imagined. The trail was rocky and not well worn. There was low lying brush, which grabbed at their legs. The long-standing lodge pole pines intermingled with groves of aspen trees to form a forest, which shielded them from much of the midmorning sun.

After they had walked for what seemed like half an hour, Lisa asked, "How much further?"

"We're almost there," Jack said, looking back to see how she was doing. "Trust me. It's going to be well worth it."

Lisa's youth and stamina kept her going strong on the upward ascent of the trail. It was the thinness of the air that caused her to stop on several occasions to catch her breath. Unlike Jack, she was not accustomed to the high elevations.

Soon the trail flattened, and the forest of trees gave way to a large open meadow with light purple, red, and yellow wildflowers everywhere. Jack stopped to take in the view and allow Lisa to catch up.

"Isn't it beautiful?" he said, motioning with his hand in a panoramic sweep.

Lisa's eyes glowed. She could imagine the pictures of her lying or sitting in the vast collection of wildflowers. "I never imagined something could be so beautiful," she said in awe.

"This is only part of it," Jack said, encouraging her to follow him just a little farther.

Walking through the wildflowers, Lisa took deep breaths to allow the subtle intermingling of fragrances to fill her nose. Everything was so clean, crisp, and quiet--no city sounds, no smoke-filled haze. The unfiltered light gave every color and hue a dazzling brilliance that didn't seem to exist in other places.

Jack pointed to the left. An old, dilapidated homesteader's cabin stood partially obscured by a grove of aspen trees. "That's going to be part of our backdrop," he stated. "And so is the lake."

Lisa heard Jack mention a lake, but she hadn't seen it yet. As she got closer to the cabin, it came into view directly behind the cabin about fifty yards away.

"Let's go see it," she said, depositing the items she was carrying next to the cabin. She laid the sun dresses neatly on top of her bag. Jack followed suit with his tripod and the picnic basket, but he kept his camera dangling around his neck.

The surface of the lake reflected the sun's brightness like a mirror. The water was pristine, and Lisa could clearly see the bottom as far out as she could look. Tiny fish swarmed in pools and darted in unison at the slightest disturbance or hint of danger. Never had she seen so much beauty in one place.

"Jack, this place is incredible," she said, with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning.

Jack didn't speak. He had his camera lifted to his face, capturing Lisa's expressions of joy and excitement. She picked up a flat rock and attempted to skip it across the motionless glass surface of the lake. The rock made a kerplunk sound and drifted to the bottom of the lake. Lisa laughed at her failed attempt, but she scanned the same area for another rock. The competitive side of her was not going to be denied another attempt. She kept her hand closer to the ground this time before releasing it with a flick of her wrist. The rock skipped off the water's surface as if it were ice and bounced three more times before disappearing out of sight. She jumped in celebration at her successful experience of a simple pleasure. Jack captured it all.

Jack paused and looked toward the west. Far in the distance, clouds, which looked like white plumes of cotton, were building over another mountain range. He figured it would be two, maybe three, hours before they would descend upon their little piece of heaven. "Lisa, we'd better start shooting. I'm not sure how much time we have before those clouds come a calling," he said, motioning to the west.

"What do you want to do first?" she asked. She hoped it involved the wildflowers.

She felt Jack must have read her mind when he suggested she change into one of the sundresses and explained that he would get some shots of her amongst the wildflowers. They walked back to the cabin, and Jack pushed the front door. It creaked open halfway, and he pushed again to open it fully. The rough-hewn timber siding was extremely weathered and had shrunk over the years, allowing light to filter between the boards. The windows were covered with shutters, which locked from the inside with old metal clasps. "You can change in here, Lisa," he said, moving everything they brought inside the cabin.

She slipped into one of the sundresses while Jack scouted for the perfect place to begin the shoot. The wildflowers were everywhere, but he wanted an area that would look like the meadow was rising to meet the sky. The contrast of the blue sky with the cornucopia of color from Lisa's dress, the meadow, and the flowers was exactly what he wanted.

Lisa emerged from the cabin in a bright yellow sundress. Jack immediately realized it was a good choice. It would contrast well with her surroundings. She frolicked her way from the cabin to the spot Jack had selected. She stopped and said, "What do you think?" twirling around once in a circle for Jack to get the full effect.

"Magnificent! I thought this meadow was the prettiest thing about this mountain until just now."

Lisa shot Jack an approving smile. "Where do you want me?"

"I need you to slowly walk through the meadow in that direction," he said, pointing toward the west. "Walk with your hands out at your sides like you're brushing the tops of the flowers, while looking toward the camera."

"I got it." Lisa hurried to the spot Jack had indicated and, on his cue, began her slow walk.

Jack snapped away and had her repeat the action one more time. He repositioned himself so that she was walking toward him. "Great. These are going to be great," he said.

He took more shots of her lying in the meadow on her back and on her side with one hand propping her head up. Each shot showed something different about Lisa's personality. Some were serious, some more playful, and some showed her soft and vulnerable side.

"I want to take some up by the cabin now, but I need you to change again. I saw that you brought a white blouse," Jack said, his mind already capturing the next set of shots. "I did."

"Why don't you put on the white blouse and a pair of blue jeans? That will be a perfect fit and a great contrast with the old cabin." Jack had an artistic eye for capturing the feel and effects of the shots.

"I like it," she said, reemerging a few minutes later, ready for the next set of directions.

"Okay, for these next shots, I want you to stand in front of the door and face me. Go to your right about three to four feet past the door." Jack was definitely all business. He knew what looked good, and he knew what he wanted.

Lisa positioned herself about three feet over from the door. "About here?" she asked, a little uncertain.

"That's good," he said, making some final adjustments to his camera. "Now, lean back against the wall, pull your left foot up, and place the bottom of your shoe flat against the wall."

Lisa continued to listen for Jack's instructions, which seemed to come at a constant pace. She loved his creativity. Under his guidance, she felt like a model doing a cover shoot for a glamour magazine.

"Place your hands behind your head with your elbows out and look out to your right." Jack snapped away. "Now keep your foot up, but place your fingers in the front pockets with your thumbs sticking out. And look straight at me." Click, click, click snapped the shutter. Lisa couldn't tell who was enjoying this more. Jack was definitely in his element, but Lisa was feeling like a celebrity in an enchanted place.

Jack had Lisa change again and moved her into the grove of aspen. She had traded the blue jeans for a pair of white shorts, which showed off her beautiful, tanned legs. A sleeveless red blouse was a nice contrast with the green aspen leaves. Jack fired off more shots and called out more instructions, all while keeping a watch on the mounting clouds moving in their direction. He needed to fit in some shots by the lake before the day would be complete.

"What do you think so far?" he asked, knowing full well Lisa was having the time of her life.

"I'm absolutely loving it. I knew my intuitions about you were right. I never doubted your abilities or that you were the one to take my pictures."

Jack liked hearing the praise Lisa heaped on him, but he was uncomfortable enjoying it. "You might want to see the pictures first before you draw any final conclusions." Jack was good at toning down expectations. While he felt enthusiastic about the quality of his work, there was always the possibility others might not. It was easier to set the bar low and be pleasantly surprised than to set it high and suffer disappointment.

He looked to the west again. The sun and the clouds were moving in opposite directions, now heading toward each other rather than away. He also noticed something else: The clouds farther out were looking darker and more ominous. Storm clouds were definitely brewing.

Jack huddled with Lisa by the cabin door. "I've got one more set of pictures I want to take, and I want to do it by the lake. A few of them are going to be close-ups."

"I think that's a great idea. Do you want me to change again?"

"You brought one more sundress, didn't you?"

Lisa smiled. "Oh yeah. It's my favorite," she said excitedly. The remaining sundress was white with a blue floral print, and it had spaghetti straps, unlike the wider straps of the yellow sundress. Whereas the yellow sundress rested a couple of inches above her knees, this one was shorter, coming to rest about halfway between her waist and her knees.

When Jack saw her, without saying a word, he agreed that it was his favorite too. "You look awesome," he said, trying not to stare. It was a little lower cut than the yellow one, but that wasn't necessarily why Jack thought it was his favorite. Lisa had placed a blue flowered hair clip at the side of her head, which complemented the subtle blue in the dress. All in all, it just made her look more like a woman than a high school girl . . . a sexy young woman. Though he had already determined, after last night's kiss on the cheek, that he was going to kiss her today, he was now more determined than ever. It would fall on finding the right moment.

Jack directed Lisa over to the water's edge to a spot that was very shallow. "How do you like cold water?"

Before answering, she kicked off a sandal and stuck a toe into the water. "It's tolerable, as long as you don't keep me in there for a long period of time." She kicked off the other sandal and waded in just above her ankles.

"I'll make this fast," he said, not wanting her to have to experience the cold mountain lake for very long. He had also noticed that the clouds were moving toward them much more quickly.

Jack had her kick her foot up, and he captured the beads of water in a spray as the glistening droplets traveled away from her body. Next, he had her cup her hands and scoop some water from the lake. She stood there with her hands cupped in front of her as if she were receiving communion. The water slowly filtered from her hands in a slightly broken stream and danced on the lake's surface like raindrops.

Lisa knew her pictures would be like no one else's in Maple Creek, or more likely anyone's in the entire country. Jack was an artist, and she had a deep appreciation for the way his mind worked. He saw things she couldn't visualize. He was blessed with talent.

Jack had Lisa strike a few more poses before calling her out of the lake. "How do your feet feel?" he asked, recognizing her sense of commitment to the shoot.

"I don't know how those fish can live in there," she said, allowing the sunrays access to her feet.

"Let's get some close-ups, and we should be finished," Jack said, directing her where to stand. Jack needed a benign background so the close-ups would only be about her facial expressions. He had her stand with her back to the east. The blue sky in that direction had not yet given way to clouds. If he crouched down, the sky could be their backdrop. These last pictures were more about having fun and hamming it up for the camera. Jack hoped Lisa would like his idea.

"Are you ready for this one?"

"Whenever you are."

"Here's what I want you to do. I'm going to say a word, and you give me a facial expression that you feel best represents that word. You got it?"

Lisa contemplated Jack's request. "What if I don't know what the word means?"

"Fake it."

Lisa's face brightened. She knew this could be fun, and she was going to make sure it was.

Jack got into place. "If you're ready, here we go." The first word Jack uttered was "surprise." Lisa's eyes and mouth opened wide, and she place her hands on her cheeks. "Good," he said, and he fired off four or five shots.

"Grumpy!" he shouted from behind the camera. Lisa's eyes narrowed, and her clenched lips formed a frown. "Good," he said again. "Scary!" he called out next. Lisa clenched her teeth and scrunched her nose. Her eyebrows formed a "V," and she growled.

Jack looked up and smiled. "A growl?" he questioned. "You do realize the camera doesn't pick up sound effects, right?" he said jokingly.

"I'm in character!"

Jack called out a few more words, and Lisa instantly did her best impression of each. She was having so much fun and eagerly anticipating the next word. "Flirtatious" came next. Lisa turned her head slightly to the side and, with a soft smile, batted her eyes for the camera. "You seem to do that well. Is that from plenty of practice?" he again joked.

"You'll never know," she said, giving Jack something to think about.

Jack raised the camera. "Let's try disappointment," he said. The meaning of that word was a life experience for Lisa. Images of her father exploded like fireworks before her eyes. A dormant volcano of emotion awoke, threatening her composed exterior. Everything she had stuffed and suppressed stirred violently within her. The feeling overwhelmed her to the point that she momentarily became trancelike and oblivious to her surroundings.

A solitary tear leaked from the volcano, and Jack captured it. He recognized her raw emotion but had no idea what was brewing inside. That tear was followed by another and another. No longer able to contain the years of disappointment, Lisa let forth a deluge of tears, sobbing like a lost child.

She buried her face in her hands. She didn't want Jack to see her like this, so she turned to run toward the privacy of the cabin. Jack reached out and grabbed her arm. "Lisa!" he cried. "What's wrong?" He swung his camera around to his back and pulled her shaking body next to his. She nestled her head into his chest, shielding her face from his view.

The tears continued to come. He stroked her hair, attempting to console her. His heart ached for her, but he didn't know why. What he did know was that he hated to see someone he cared for in so much pain.

Lisa was comforted by the warmth and security of Jack's arms embracing her. Her sobbing had subsided, and where she had felt the sting of disappointment, she now felt embarrassment. It would not last long. The storm clouds Jack had been watching descended upon them, bringing a burst of showers and washing away any embarrassment Lisa was feeling.

Jack tucked his camera under his shirt and grabbed Lisa's hand. They ran for the cabin. The coldness of the rain quickened their pace. They burst through the cabin door and caught their breath. Neither of them had a dry spot on them. Whatever they had been feeling outside had now been replaced by laughter.

Lisa tipped her head and squeezed the water from her hair. Her rain-soaked dress clung to her shapely form, and Jack noticed. He went to her, and she anticipated his approach.

On the surface, her brown eyes glistened like the sun's rays off the lake, but underneath were two dark pools of mystery. The pathway to her soul lay somewhere deep within those pools. She searched his eyes, studied his face, and responded when his lips drew closer and touched hers, gently at first and then increasingly firmer and more passionately. Their inexperience didn't matter; it was something that felt right. It was something Lisa had longed for--to know someone cared for her, to know someone felt she mattered, to know someone could break her cycle of disappointment.

Jack continued to explore her lips with his, and whatever his expectation of this moment had been, it paled in comparison to the reality. His thoughts of kissing Lisa had always been intertwined with longing and nervousness. He longed to share a small piece of intimacy with her and to profess his feelings in a way he had never known. Yet, an overwhelming nervousness usually took center stage. Jack was afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, and most of all, experiencing the pain of rejection. It had tempered his will to act.

Lisa's vulnerability had stripped away his nervousness and replaced it with a consuming sense of compassion. Whatever had stirred such raw emotion in Lisa's heart, Jack was determined to be there for her with a desire to protect her and to make things better.

He gently pulled his lips from hers. His fingers interlocked with the wet strands of hair on the sides of her head. He looked into the deep, dark pools and saw a glimmer of light. "Are you okay?" She bit her lower lip and nodded.

The rain had stopped, and the air had cooled. Jack went to the door and looked to the west. The passing storm clouds were making way for another set of clouds poised to make their entrance. He turned toward Lisa. She had not moved from her spot, but her arms now crossed her chest, and he could see she was shivering. "We need to make a run for the car while we've got the chance," he said, walking toward her. He placed his arms around her, wanting to stop her shivering. "You need to put some dry clothes on." She agreed.

Jack walked outside to give her some privacy. He stripped off his shirt and wrung the water out. He put the wrinkled mess back on, and it felt a little lighter. He estimated that the half-hour hike to get there would be cut in half going downhill.

Lisa removed all her clothes and pulled the blue jeans over her naked body. She felt bad for Jack. She had more than one change of clothes, and he had none. The mischievous side of her thought about offering him her red blouse. She imagined him trying it on, and it brought a smile to her face.

She finished dressing, stuffed the remaining clothes in the bag, and walked outside. Jack was standing there with his camera around his neck and the tripod in his hands. "Are you okay?" he asked again.

Lisa saw the wet, wrinkled shirt Jack had on and couldn't resist. "I have a dry red blouse you can wear. And the white shorts might look good on you." It was Lisa having a little fun and telling Jack she was okay without really having to say it.

Jack shook his head. "It's a good thing you didn't have a little brother. You'd have probably tormented him by dressing him in girls' clothes." He took one more look to the west. "Are you ready?"

"Let's go."

Jack grabbed the picnic basket and some of her clothes, and they retraced their steps to the car.

The drive back to town was full of conversation, but nothing was said about the emotion Lisa had exhibited at the end of the day. Jack wanted to ask, but he didn't know how to bring it up, and apparently Lisa didn't see the need to mention it. Still, he knew something bothered her, and he found the thought unsettling. Jack rationalized that not knowing would cause him to imagine all kinds of reasons, and that wasn't healthy. He could also pretend it didn't happen, but that seemed impossible.

Jack would test the waters. If she didn't want to talk about it, he would respect her wishes. Maybe then he could move into the pretend it didn't happen phase. "Lisa," he began, pausing so he could tread slowly into this difficult matter.

Lisa could tell by the tone of his voice and the slow, deliberate way in which he said her name that he was going to ask about her emotional outpouring. It was inevitable, and while it wasn't something she relished sharing, she trusted and cared for Jack enough that he had a right to know. She looked at him, anticipating what was next.

Jack pulled off the road and parked. He turned in his seat to face her. "I'm worried about you, and it's hard to see you hurting," he said, hoping that explanation was enough to help her understand his concern.

Lisa spoke softly. "Jack, do you think this had something to do with you?"

He pondered the question. "I don't really think so, but I'm not sure."

She reached for his hand. "I haven't told you much about my family," she began. "My father and I have had a very distant relationship. Sometimes I think he doesn't even know I exist." Lisa looked down and felt her words resonate through her being. "When you said 'disappointment,' it triggered the deep-seated feelings of disappointment I've experienced from my father my whole life. I just never expected how emotional the realization could be."

Jack's heart ached for Lisa. It was hard to fathom how he could distance himself from his own child. His parents had always been there to support him and his older brother in every way imaginable. He couldn't picture how their lives might have been different if his father had acted in the manner in which Lisa's father had.

Jack leaned across the seat and gave Lisa a kiss. He looked appreciatively into her eyes. "I never want to do anything to disappoint you."

Jack's comment warmed her heart. Until he came along, her ability to trust men had been nonexistent. "I need that," she replied.

Chapter Fifteen

On Monday, Jack met Sean, as was the ritual following all the home games. He would hand over the pictures he had taken, and Sean would pay him fifty dollars. Sean would be particularly interested in these pictures because they had been taken during a game against their biggest rival. The pictures turned out surprisingly well considering Jack had not been highly motivated to do a good job that night.

"Hey, Shutterbug," came the obnoxious cry. It had always been a name Jack tolerated, but now it had worn out its welcome, probably more so after Sean had made the comment about Jack not being Lisa's type.

Sean opened the large envelope and looked at each of the pictures. "You did good work, Shutterbug," he said, handing Jack his payment. "Remember our next home game is in two weeks."

"Yeah, I know," Jack replied, void of any enthusiasm. Sean would remind him no less than half a dozen times between now and the game. It's what he always did, and it had a way of annoying Jack. On one occasion, Jack had had enough of Sean's insulting reminders. He told Sean he had forgotten and had made other plans. It sent Sean into a panic, which Jack secretly enjoyed. He let Sean off the hook later that day when he told him he was able to reschedule his plans and confirmed he would be there to take his pictures. It was the first and last time Jack tormented him; he realized that the unintended consequence was Sean reminding him even more often about the upcoming games.

"Hey, did you give that chick my number yet? What's her name?"

Jack could feel his blood pressure rising. The audacity of him to think she would be remotely interested in him, and the arrogant expectation that she should call him, had Jack seething inside. "It's Lisa," he stated defiantly, "and we're going out."

Sean looked perplexed. "Going out? Going out where?"

Jack was dumbfounded. Apparently Sean had taken too many hits to the helmet. "We're dating," he rephrased.

Sean allowed time for those words to register before they elicited a playful laugh. "You're messing with me, Shutterbug."

Jack was in utter disbelief. He looked at Sean, wondering if this guy was for real or if this was a bad dream. Either way, he didn't have time for this annoying exchange. "I've gotta go," he said, making a hasty exit and leaving Sean standing there.

"Don't forget to give her my number!" Sean called out.

Jack kept walking, pretending not to hear or, more appropriately, care. He headed to the cafeteria to meet Lisa, which had become the usual routine for them. He had no intention of sharing with Lisa his earlier conversation with Sean. To Sean, Lisa was just another conquest, and Jack didn't want her to know that someone of such low moral character had developed an interest in her. He was protecting her, but in actuality, it was more about protecting himself.

`Jack couldn't prevent his thoughts from drifting to a place of insecurity. Their romance was new. They had shared some good times and a few kisses, but they hadn't really established how they defined their relationship. Jack was glossy-eyed wild about Lisa, and he was reasonably sure she felt the same about him. They hadn't professed love for each other, though Jack could admit to himself that it was the way he felt every time he was around Lisa or thought about her.

Still, the thoughts continued to eat at him. What if she knew Sean was interested? Would she be interested? Was he her type? Would she easily give up their budding relationship? These and other questions haunted Jack. He felt tightness in his chest and a sinking sensation in his stomach, yet these were unsubstantiated feelings he had created through his own internalized thoughts.

Maybe that wasn't the way Lisa would react or the way she thought. It certainly didn't seem like the Lisa he knew. Maybe this was much ado about nothing. Jack had never before experienced the feelings he felt for Lisa. He wanted to protect their relationship and his feelings.

Jack sat quietly; he was poking at his food with his fork more than he was eating. Lisa noticed. "Are you okay, Jack?" she asked, her face registering concern. "You seem a little distant."

"I'm sorry." He sighed. "I've just been thinking about some things."

Lisa reached across the table and placed her hand on his. "Anything you want to tell me?"

Jack wasn't sure what to say. He didn't want to tell her what was really bothering him, but he also didn't want to give her any cause for concern. He tried to snap out of his doldrums and appear more upbeat. "It's just something I need to process through. Everything's fine."

"Are you sure?" she asked, not quite confident with his answer.

"Yeah, I'm sure," he said, concealing his inner feelings. "Nothing to be concerned about."

Lisa let it die. She had other things she wanted to discuss. She felt it was time to introduce Jack to her act at Lucinda's, but she wanted it to be a surprise. "Hey, I've got something I want to ask you," she began. Jack's attention was now focused entirely on Lisa. "What are you doing Friday night?"

Jack set his fork down and sat back in his chair. "Well, I didn't have any particular plans, but I had thought about asking you to a movie. There are some good ones out right now." He sensed that his movie idea was probably lame compared to Lisa's plans. "What was it you had in mind?"

Lisa tried to contain her excitement. She didn't want to tip him off or have him asking any other questions. "I want you to meet me at Lucinda's at seven this Friday. What do you think?" "You want to go to dinner?"

"Kind of."

"What do you mean kind of? Are you wanting to go for coffee?"

Lisa knew getting Jack to the restaurant wasn't going to be easy without him knowing more details. She thought she could be vague about the whole thing, and maybe he would just go along without a lot of questions, but now she was thinking that might not be likely. "Jack," she said, "I have a surprise for you, and if you keep asking me questions, you're going to ruin it. Will you just meet me there at seven? Not before, not later."

"A surprise?" Jack said slowly. His mind instinctively went about the task of analyzing what the surprise could be as if he were solving a mathematical problem.

Lisa could see Jack's mind was hard at work. "Ok, stop it!" she said. "I know what you're trying to do."

"What?" he said, feigning innocence.

"Jack," she pleaded. "Would you not ruin my surprise? Please?"

Jack could tell this was important to Lisa, and that somehow if the surprise was spoiled, she would be hurt. He didn't want to do anything that would hurt her feelings or disappoint her. "It's just a natural curiosity, but I promise I will do my best not to dwell on it anymore."

"Thank you." Lisa hadn't wanted to tell him it was a surprise, but it seemed like the only option she'd had. Inside, she was giddy with excitement, and waiting until Friday would seem like an eternity. She remembered one other good piece of news she wanted to share with Jack. "You remember how I told you my Aunt Karen wants to meet you?"

"Yeah."

"Well, she's going to be there."

Jack wasn't quite as excited about the prospect as Lisa. "Do I have to wear a suit?" he said, sarcastically, eliciting a chuckle from Lisa.

"Only if you want to. But I guarantee you'll be overdressed." Lisa was in such a good mood knowing Jack would be there that she leaned across the table and gave him a kiss as she got up to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I've got to see the choir teacher before the next class starts. Call me later," she said, picking her tray up from the table and turning to leave. She took a few steps and turned back toward Jack. "Remember your promise," she reminded him.

"What promise?"

Lisa frowned and shot a couple of daggers his way.

"I'm just kidding," he said, holding his hands up as if to say "don't shoot."

She smiled at Jack, said "Call me later," and then she was gone.

Chapter Sixteen

Jack stood outside the entrance to Lucinda's. He had arrived a few minutes early, and he wanted to walk in right at seven like Lisa had indicated. It was really more about impressing her by showing her he could follow her instructions to the letter. While he waited, he noticed at least a dozen people file past him into the restaurant. What a busy place, he thought.

He held his cell phone in his hand and waited for the digital display to register seven on the nose. Jack scurried through the door. He had not been to Lucinda's for a while, and it seemed different. He wasn't exactly sure what was different about it, but it seemed friendlier and more inviting.

Jack looked around the room, trying to spot Lisa. He saw an attractive, older woman waving at him. His first instincts told him she was Lisa's aunt. He walked in her direction, hoping he was right and thinking how embarrassing it might be if it wasn't her.

"You must be Jack," she said, extending her hand to greet him.

Jack nodded.

"I'm Karen, Lisa's aunt. And this is Elizabeth. We work together next door."

Jack shook hands with Elizabeth.

"Sit down. We saved a seat for you," Karen said, motioning to one of the chairs.

Jack felt awkward. Sitting with two women he didn't know made him nervous. He sat there quietly, not sure how to make conversation.

"Where's Lisa?" he asked inquisitively, thinking maybe she had gone to the restroom.

"She has a surprise for you, young man. She's been talking about it so much, she's driving me crazy."

Jack did his best to focus on Karen while she was talking, but he couldn't resist the temptation to try to locate Lisa.

Karen noticed his divided attention. "Jack, if you're looking for Lisa, you might want to look over there." Karen pointed to the stage, which was just over his left shoulder.

Lisa was standing on stage with Judy. "Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight," Judy began. "We have been blessed with the musical talents of a young lady here at Lucinda's, and if you haven't heard her sing, you're in for a real treat. I present to you Lisa Taylor."

Jack's jaw dropped, and he stared in disbelief. In a million years, he would never have guessed that this was the surprise Lisa had for him. He turned his chair to face the stage.

Lisa took her familiar position on the stool and adjusted her microphone. She knew where Karen was sitting, and she looked toward the table. There was Jack, and she smiled at him through the glare of the stage lighting. "Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight." People applauded, and there were hoots and hollers. She acknowledged their approval with a nod.

Lisa was feeling more revved up tonight. She had a couple of nights of playing under her belt, and having Jack there had given her a double dose of enthusiasm. "I want to dedicate this first song to someone very special who is hearing me for the first time tonight." Her eyes locked on Jack as she said it, and he felt the sincerity in her heart. "It's called

'Kiss from a Rose.'"

The title of the song didn't immediately register with Jack, but once Lisa brought forth the essence of the melody with her guitar work and he heard the perfection of her voice spilling the lines of prose, it sounded familiar. He tried listening intently to the lyrics, searching for meaning and wondering what was special about this song why Lisa had dedicated it to him

There used to be a graying tower alone by the sea.

You became the light on the dark side of me.

Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.

But did you know,

That when it snows,

My eyes become large and

The light that you shine can be seen.

Baby,

I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.

Ooh, The more I get of you,

The stranger it feels, yeah.

And now that your rose is in bloom. A light hits the gloom on the gray.

Jack looked around the restaurant. He saw some people swaying and a lot more singing. His chest swelled with pride, and at that moment, the feelings of love he had not conveyed to Lisa intensified. He looked at Karen, and she saw the pleased look on his face. "She's good," he mouthed and went back to watching Lisa perform the rest of the song.

When the song ended, he stood and applauded vigorously. He looked around the room at the other people applauding. He was the only one standing. When someone's gaze met his, he would point to the stage, nodding in the affirmative, or give a thumbs-up acknowledging Lisa's superb talent. If the people hadn't known who her dedication was for, there was a good chance they knew now.

Jack sat down. "She never told me!" he said to Karen, perplexed.

"She's not one to toot her own horn."

Judy came over to the table to visit with Karen and Elizabeth. Karen introduced Jack.

"So this is the young man Lisa's been talking about?" Judy said, giving him the once-over.

"Pleased to meet you," Jack replied politely. It pleased Jack that Lisa felt comfortable speaking with others about their relationship.

Jack diverted his attention back to the stage. Lisa was playing "Blown Away" by Carrie Underwood. It was a song Jack knew and liked.

Judy asked Karen if she was staying until Lisa finished playing.

"Yeah. I enjoy watching her, and I don't really have anything else going on."

"When this is over, you and Elizabeth are coming with me," Judy was quick to say.

"Coming with you where?" Karen asked.

"There's a party at the Shelton ranch. Let's go. It'll be fun! Plus I'm not taking no for an answer," she said, holding her ground.

"Thanks, Judy, but I have to leave here soon, so I'm out," said Elizabeth.

"Karen?" Judy said, waiting to hear a yes. "I'm not letting you out of this one. Besides, there should be some damn good-looking cowboys there."

"I'm in. But I'm going to have to change."

"You look great," Judy said. "You don't need anything."

Karen knew that Judy would have said that, but she didn't agree. "I'll grab something from the boutique to wear."

Jack was oblivious to their conversation. He was lost in the music, the atmosphere, and the crowd's mesmerizing attention to Lisa's angelic voice. All he could think about was that she was an amazing entertainer and, best of all, his girlfriend.

Lisa played most of the same material she had played two weeks before. She added the Carrie Underwood song and "Come Home" by Faith Hill. She also learned the Beatles song "Let it Be" to appeal to the older crowd. Her goal was to learn two or three new songs during each two-week break.

Again, the audience begged for one more song at the conclusion of the night, and like the previous time, Judy nodded her approval. Lisa finished with one of her favorite songs--"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. The crowd showed their appreciation by clapping until she had left the stage.

Jack was waiting to give her a hug. "You're incredible! I can't believe how much talent you have!"

His assessment was more than she had dreamed. "You think so?" she asked, eating up the praise and wondering if maybe she underestimated her talent. Outwardly, she maintained a relatively composed demeanor. As before, she was determined to take it all in stride and keep herself somewhat grounded. But it was difficult when the praise was coming from Jack.

"Lisa, honey, you again made me so proud." Karen gave her a hug. "I think you have a new fan." Lisa knew she was referring to Jack, and he couldn't have agreed more.

"I'm going with Judy to the Shelton ranch for a little wingding. You and Jack are welcome to come."

Lisa had had enough stimulation for one night, and she was ready for some quiet time--some quiet time with Jack. "I just want to wind down. Is that okay?"

"Absolutely. We shouldn't be out too late."

"Don't be making promises we can't keep," chimed in Judy.

"Don't forget I'll have my own vehicle," Karen reminded her, dangling her keys in front of Judy.

Judy conceded defeat. "I guess I hadn't thought that one through."

"I'll see you at the house later. If you want to bring Jack by, I'll show him my gun collection," Karen said, looking directly at Jack when she enunciated the words "gun collection."

Lisa knew exactly what Karen was doing. She was trying to send Jack the message that he had better behave like a gentleman. "Aunt Karen!" she said disapprovingly.

Jack wasn't picking up on where the conversation was going. He actually was interested in seeing the gun collection, though maybe not that night. "I'll make sure she gets home at a decent time, even if I have to drive her."

It was exactly what Karen wanted to hear. "See you both later," she said, as she followed Judy out the door.

Jack walked Lisa to her vehicle so she could put her guitar in the back seat. They decided to get something to drink from the ice cream parlor and walk to the park in the town square. It was still a beautiful, warm night for the first part of September. It wouldn't be long before the crisp fall nights would become the norm, and the early autumn snows would descend upon the mountains and valley floor.

The park was a gathering place that occupied a full square block near the middle of town. It had grass, shade trees, and benches. It was a nice place where people ate lunch in the summertime. Jack and Lisa sprawled out on one of the benches.

"I have to admit something," said Jack. "I didn't recognize that song you dedicated to me." He felt bad, because if Lisa was going to dedicate a song to him, it would have been more meaningful if he'd known the song.

"That song is by an artist named Seal," she stated. "It was featured in the movie Batman Forever. If you've ever rented that movie, it should be familiar."

"I am just amazed how much you know about music. And it's music from different eras. How did you learn all that?"

"Well, let me ask you a question. How did you learn everything you know about photography and Adams and that lady . . . ?"

"Annie Leibovitz,"

"Yeah, her," she replied. "How do you know so much about them?"

Jack quickly contemplated her question. "I read and studied everything I could because it interested me. I had a desire to learn because I loved having a camera in my hand. You could say it was my passion."

"There's your answer," Lisa said, as if she had neatly wrapped a present and given it to him.

Jack was slightly perplexed. "What do you mean there's my answer?"

"The answer to the question you asked me. The way I feel about music, singing, and playing guitar; it's the same passion you have for photography."

He understood. They both had a passion for self-expression that was conveyed through different mediums. He liked the thought that they were the same in that regard; they had both found something they loved and had invested considerable time and energy into trying to be their best at it. "I get it," he said.

There was momentary silence while they replayed their own highlight reels of the night. Jack's reel stopped at the song dedication. It dawned on him that he hadn't heard or asked why Lisa had decided to dedicate that song to him. He turned toward her. "What moves you in that song to dedicate it to me?

Lisa moved closer to Jack. She took his drink from his hand and placed both drinks on the ground. She intertwined the fingers of one hand with Jack's and let the love in her heart emanate through her words and the soulfulness of her eyes.

"Jack," she began, "did you listen to the words?"

Jack grimaced. "I tried, but the surprise was so overwhelming. I was trying to take everything in: this new revelation, the crowd's reaction, why you had never mentioned it before . . . I was just mesmerized by you playing and singing. The words, I'm sorry to say, became secondary."

She knew what Jack was saying. It was a wonderful surprise but a little much to take in all at once.

"That song was written for a woman, so I had to change a few words to relate it to you. I chose that song because of the meaning it has to me. You are the beacon that lights up my world and takes away the darkness," she said tenderly. "I am on a natural high when I am around you. You lift my spirits and make me feel alive." She paused. "You also help me to forget." She turned her head and took a deep breath to keep the tears at bay.

Jack felt like he should say something, but this was Lisa's moment. He gently rubbed the top of her leg to let her know it was okay, to let her know he supported and appreciated her.

She slowly exhaled through pursed lips. She directed her eyes back toward him. "Jack, I think of you as the rose. The rose is a thing of beauty and love. But the rose has thorns, which can cause pain. I have only seen the beauty of the bloom from you . . . never the thorns. My days are no longer gray but filled with promise, hope, and love." She stopped, and there was silence. Everything she had said so far was leading up to this moment. She took his free hand in hers so that now she had both of his hands. "I dedicated that song to you because of everything I've said and because I . . . I . . . I love you," she said slowly and softly.

She searched Jack's eyes, hoping her words would be accepted. He leaned toward her, and she anticipated his lips touching hers. The kiss was sensual and radiated heat through her body.

He fought the urge to follow suit and tell Lisa he loved her. He needed to explain first what was in his heart. "You can't even imagine how proud I was of you tonight, Lisa," he said, their hands still intertwined. "The beauty of your voice is just a small part of the beauty I see in you every day." He hesitated, allowing his heart to choose the words. "The day I saw you at registration, I was immediately drawn to you. I don't know if you could tell, but I was a little nervous being around you."

"You were?"

"The interesting thing is that even though I felt nervous around you, I wasn't shying away from the opportunity to help you, to talk to you, to be around you . . . all those things. You were all I could think about the rest of the day," he said, feeling a twinge of embarrassment with his last confession.

Lisa listened intently to Jack's every word.

"I love being around you, Lisa. When we're apart, I always anticipate the next time I'll see you. I have been captivated by you in a way I have never known." He wanted to say so much more. He wanted to open the window to his heart and let everything fly out, but his thoughts were coming at such a dizzying speed that he feared he would stop making sense. "For a long time now, I've known that I love you, and tonight that love has grown even more."

Lisa immediately reached out and wrapped her arms around Jack. She buried her head into his shoulder and held on to him like she never wanted to let go. Having someone care about her the way he did was so foreign, yet it felt so right. She needed the reassurance he gave her. It validated that she was worthy of love--that someone of the opposite sex could experience and see the goodness she had to offer. She needed to know she mattered and that she was special and lovable.

It seemed to Jack that a couple of minutes had passed, and Lisa still clung to him tightly. He certainly didn't mind her being so close, but the enjoyment of her embrace was melting into concern. He wanted to ask if everything was alright, but he feared ruining the moment. Then he felt a slight heave. It was a gasp of breath moving in and out, altering her natural rhythm and seeming out of place.

He pushed her body gently away from his, and she released her grip. "Are you okay?" he asked, a deep concern registering in his voice.

Lisa closed her eyes and bit her upper lip. She nodded quickly, trying to convey the message that she was alright.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm okay," she responded. "After all I've been through and the disappointment in my life, there is no better feeling than to know you love me."

While Jack thought he fully understood Lisa's comment about the level of her disappointment, he didn't know what was below the surface. He didn't know the dark secret that brought Lisa to Maple Creek--the secret she had suppressed in the deep recesses of her soul, where she wanted it to stay. It was the secret that had threatened her ability to trust and feel worthy of love.

Tonight that had all changed. Lisa was on her way to feeling whole. Through Jack, she was learning to trust again. Her fears were dissipating, and she was discovering her self-worth. It was the one thing she needed more than anything in this world. It was the one thing that had been awaiting her in a small mountain community in Colorado, fifteen hundred miles away from home.

Chapter Seventeen

The next afternoon Jack surprised Lisa and Karen with the prints from the photo shoot. She asked Jack when they would be done and he jokingly told her, "before Christmas." He had arranged all the pictures in a beautiful leather photo album in the order they were taken. The album included pictures he snapped of Lisa on their first day of school, in the atrium area, and at the football game. Basically any time he had taken a picture of Lisa, he made sure she had a copy of it to remember the occasion. To Jack they were all special occasions.

"These are beautiful," Karen remarked. "You certainly have an eye for capturing your subject. The colors are so vivid and the lighting is remarkable."

"I told you he was good."

"How long have you been doing this," Karen asked, as she flipped another page marveling at the quality of his work.

"I got my first camera when I was six, but I never really got serious about it until I was eleven. I entered a local contest with a photo of some pelicans landing on a pond. I took second place and at that moment I was hooked."

"Jack, do you remember this photo," Lisa said, excitedly. "The one where I'm kicking the water up in the lake." She turned to Karen. "That water was freezing,"

"That was definitely one of my favorites," Jack replied. "It always helps when you have good subject matter."

"I think he just paid you a compliment," Karen was quick to point out.

"Your aunt's right. It makes a world of difference when you have someone who follows your directions and is as photogenic as you are."

Lisa blushed. "You're just saying that to make me feel good. You're the one that worked the magic."

"You're partly right. I did pick the shots and I knew what would look good. But the bottom line is, I can't create beauty, I can only capture it."

"Jack, you're a wise young man. I think I'm starting to like you more and more," Karen remarked.

They continued turning pages until Karen noticed some pictures which looked like Lisa was making faces. "What are these?"

Lisa laughed. "Jack had this idea. He would say a word and I would try to show an expression that best described the word."

"This was at the end of the shoot," Jack added. "I wanted to do something fun and Lisa was all for it." While he spoke he noticed Lisa quickly flipping through the pages in search of something.

"You didn't print all the pictures," she said, directing her gaze at Jack.

Jack figured she would probably notice. He had intentionally left out the pictures which had captured the pain of her disappointment, she had demonstrated that day. "I didn't think you would want to be reminded of those memories, so I didn't include them."

Karen's interest was piqued. "What are you both talking about?"

Jack was quiet. He didn't feel it was appropriate for him to say anything.

Lisa looked at Karen. "I was reminded of my father at one point during the shoot and it wasn't a very warm memory."

Karen knew not to say anything more. The mention of Lisa's father and what she knew of their relationship was enough for her to fill in the blanks. She tried to steer the conversation in a different direction, but Lisa wanted to know about the pictures.

"Jack that was part of our day. Those emotions were real and I want to be reminded of everything that happened that day. If you'll recall, something very good came out of that meltdown I had." She smiled at Jack and he hoped she wasn't going to divulge anything more with Karen present.

"I think I'm going to excuse myself," Karen said, recognizing they might have something they needed to discuss without her present.

Karen went outside to feed her horse.

"Jack those pictures are important to me. Those were the last pictures taken of me before we kissed for the first time. It's important I have all of the memory."

He nodded. "I understand. I will bring them to school tomorrow."

"Thanks," she said. "You have done a wonderful job here and you just proved me right."

"How so?"

"I knew all along they were going to be good. I had all the faith in the world in you."

Jack felt humbled. "I must say I am very pleased as well."

Lisa got up and gave Jack a kiss. "I think I felt aspen leaves, wildflowers, and a cold mountain lake in that kiss."

"Whatever it is, I like it," he said, touching his lips to hers.

Five weeks of Fridays passed before Jack and Lisa were free from their usual commitments. They had decided that this particular Friday would be movie night at Lisa's house. They looked forward to relaxing and spending some quiet time together.

Jack knocked on Aunt Karen's front door, and Lisa answered. "Hi, sweetie," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck to give him a welcoming hug as he walked through the door. "Did you get the movie?"

"Right here," he said, holding it up for her to see.

"My aunt has a Chamber of Commerce business meeting to go to in town, so we'll watch it when she leaves."

Jack took his coat off and handed it to Lisa. "It's cold out there. They're saying there's a possibility of snow tonight."

Lisa's eyes got big, and her face registered the joy of a little girl on Christmas morning. "Really?" she said. "I sure hope so! I've been waiting for it to snow!"

"I can assure you, you'll get your fill." Having lived her whole life in Lakeville, Lisa wasn't used to much snow. Her town averaged a foot of snow for the entire winter, and it was usually gone by the next day. She was excited to see a real snowstorm and have Jack teach her to ski.

Their relationship was flourishing since they had professed their love for each other. They were inseparable, and Jack was spending a lot of time at Karen's house. He had gotten to know Lisa's aunt well, and he felt comfortable being around her.

Karen knew Jack was good for Lisa. She had seen the changes in her and the way he lifted her spirits. She liked having them around, particularly because she knew where they were and what they were doing.

Karen grabbed her handbag off the kitchen counter and rummaged through it for her keys. She slid her arm through the straps, pulled them up over her shoulder, and let the bag dangle under her arm. "Lisa!" she hollered into the living room, "I'm leaving!"

Lisa got up from the couch and followed the trail of Karen's voice, with Jack in tow. "Did you want us to wait for you before putting the movie in?" Lisa asked, knowing what the answer would be.

"No, not at all. You go ahead without me. My meeting will probably last a couple of hours . . . and that's if the number of stupid questions we entertain tonight is kept to a minimum. Afterwards, Judy and I might go out for a little while. I'll call and let you know if we do."

"Have fun," Lisa said, as Karen disappeared through the door to the garage.

"I'll call you later," Lisa faintly heard her say as she got into her vehicle.

Lisa closed the door, and when she turned around, Jack was right there taking her in his arms and pressing his lips to hers. She returned his kiss willingly before pushing on his chest with both hands to separate them. "Jack, she hasn't even left yet."

"I couldn't resist."

"Why don't you put the movie in? I'm going to change into some sweats," she said, heading for the stairs.

"Call me if you need any help!" Jack said playfully.

Lisa stopped on the third stair, turned, and gave Jack her best "Are you kidding me?" look. "I think I've been dressing myself long enough; I know what to do," she replied and bounded up to her room.

Jack placed the movie in the player. He reflected on how thankful he was. He was thankful that Lisa had come to Maple Creek and they had met. He was thankful that she had brought the real Jack out of his shy exterior. He was also thankful that the Eagles football season was winding down and that he wouldn't have to take any more pictures of Sean. The extra money was nice, but he grew weary of the commitment. The truth was that he had grown weary of Sean. He didn't like the way Sean thought all the girls should be his for the choosing. It was as if they should consider themselves lucky if he showed an interest in them. The further he could keep Lisa away from him, the better.

Lisa came down the stairs in a pair of baggy gray sweatpants and an Old Navy sweatshirt. She plopped down on the couch and laid back with a pillow tucked under her head and her legs draped across Jack's lap.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Lisa asked.

"Not right now."

"I'm so glad we get this time together."

"Me too."

Lisa rubbed her foot across the top of Jack's leg. "Judy asked me to play every week at Lucinda's. Word has gotten around, and she says there's a waiting line to get in on the nights I'm playing."

Jack looked surprised. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her no."

A selfish sense of relief came over Jack. He was extremely happy for Lisa and her newfound success, but he knew playing every weekend would interfere with their time together. "Why did you say no?"

I don't want to play every week. I want time for us, and I need time to learn new songs."

Jack understood the need to learn new songs, but he would have liked it just fine if she had ended her sentence with "I want time for us." Spending time with the person he loved was high on his priority list.

Lisa sensed Jack's tepid reaction and knew it couldn't be the part about having more time for the two of them. She was glad she didn't add her concern about losing her following and becoming irrelevant if she had that much exposure.

She sat up and, with two fingers, pulled Jack's chin until he was looking at her. "If I was playing every weekend, we wouldn't have nights like this. I can't imagine having less time with you when I really want more."

Jack's face became illuminated.

Lisa pulled Jack closer, and their lips joined in a long, tender kiss; it was soft and gentle at first, but became more intense as the passion of the moment consumed them. Jack twisted sideways to let Lisa lay back on the pillow. The movie played while they became lost in each other, oblivious to their surroundings.

Without breaking their bond, Jack repositioned himself so that his knees straddled each side of Lisa's hips. He kissed both sides of her face before finding his way back to her lips. He lowered his body until they were barely touching. His arms were bent at the elbow supporting his weight while they continued their display of passion.

Jack wanted to feel the warmth and fullness of Lisa's body beneath him. He lowered himself and let the weight of his body come to rest on top of Lisa.

Lisa's body tensed and her mind flashed back to that unforgettable night after volleyball practice. "No!" her panic-stricken voice screamed. "Get off me!" She pushed Jack in the chest, sending him spiraling to the floor. She immediately sat up, drew her knees to her chest, and wrapped her arms around her legs, drawing herself into a protective cocoon.

Jack was stunned and scared. He couldn't reason why Lisa had acted that way, but he assumed it was something he had done. His instincts were to go to her, to find out what was wrong. He approached her cautiously.

She seemed distant. Her eyes were fixed, and she was rocking gently. A soft whimper came from deep inside her. The sound made Jack feel sad. It sounded painful. Somehow I hurt her, was all he could think. He slowly assumed a position on the couch next to her. "Lisa," he said softly. He wanted to touch her but thought better of it. "Lisa," he said again.

Lisa was drawn to his voice. Her trance-like state lifted like a morning fog. She regained her sense of awareness and suddenly realized what had just happened. "Oh, Jack," she said, wondering if he was okay. "I'm so sorry."

"What's the matter?" Jack said, concern registering in his voice.

"I'm so sorry," she said, a few tears escaping from her eyes. Lisa couldn't have anticipated the strong reaction that she'd had to Jack's harmless advance. In an instant, her mind had been unable to differentiate between the pain of the past and the love of the present. Finding love with Jack had not erased the scars; rather, it had proven that they were a greater force than she had imagined.

There was a guilty sadness in her heart for the way she had reacted. He had not done anything to warrant that kind of reaction. How was she going to explain herself? How could she rationalize her behavior so he would understand? She felt embarrassed.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked. His eyes were mournful and drooped with uncertainty.

Lisa was having a hard time looking at Jack. Part of her wanted Jack to take her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be all right. The other part felt ashamed and not worthy of his gentle and loving kindness. She was not prepared to open up about her past. It was something she had hoped she would never have to do. Now she had to wonder if the demons that haunted her would constantly be lurking, ready to destroy any attempt at happiness.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I need to be alone." Her words were matter of fact. They weren't said in a "please understand" sort of way, nor were they said in a "leave me alone" manner. They were business-like words. Lisa needed to sort out her thoughts. If she was going to tell Jack what happened, it certainly wasn't going to be tonight.

"Are you sure?" Jack said, hoping she would change her mind. Jack didn't want to leave not knowing what he had done. It would haunt him all night. It would haunt him until they were able to talk, and at this point, he had no idea when that might be.

Lisa nodded. She had not moved; she still looked like a curled-up little ball.

Jack didn't know what to say. He wanted to be there with her and make things better. He wanted to be the pillar of strength she could lean on--the safe harbor in a stormy sea. But he had been dismissed. There was nothing more to do but respect her wishes.

Jack got his coat and said "goodbye," before opening the door. There was an almost inaudible reply of "goodbye," from Lisa. He sat in his car for a couple of minutes before starting the engine. He was not ready to leave. Too much uncertainty plagued him. Jack hoped Lisa might run to the door and summon him back. But the door never opened.

Jack pulled out his cell phone and texted Lisa: "I love you." He put the car in drive and made his way down the gravel road, lost in his thoughts and the growing multitude of snowflakes that danced in his headlights.

Chapter Eighteen

Lisa had not slept peacefully all night. She regretted how the evening had gone, and she knew that she owed Jack some kind of explanation. Unfortunately, there was only one explanation to give.

Being that open with Jack scared her. How would he handle it? Would he think less of her? Would it doom their relationship? This could possibly be the hardest thing she'd ever had to do.

The silence of her thoughts was interrupted by the ringing of her cell phone, which startled her. Instinctively, she knew it had to be Jack. "Hello," she said hesitantly.

"Lisa." There was a long pause. Jack had all night to script what he wanted to say. His inability to sleep had given him that opportunity, but he was struggling to get the words out.

"We need to talk, Jack," Lisa said, breaking the silence. "There are some things I need to tell you."

"When?" Jack asked, thinking the sooner the better.

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"No."

"Let's meet at the Mountainside Caf"

"About thirty minutes," he suggested.

"Make it forty-five."

"Forty-five," he repeated. "And Lisa," he added, his voice resonating with tenderness, "I love you no matter what."

Lisa could only hope that was true. "I love you too."

She ran into her aunt in the hall on the way to the bathroom.

"Good morning," Lisa said.

"You two sure had an early night," Karen commented.

Lisa wasn't sure what to say. She had no intentions of telling her aunt what happened last night. "We both must have been tired," was all she could say. "And we're meeting for breakfast this morning."

"Well, you better be careful driving out there; there's six inches of snow."

"Really?" Lisa's eyes widened with delight. She hurried back into her room and opened the blinds. Snow blanketed everywhere, and it was still coming down. Suddenly, there was a bright spot in the gloominess she was experiencing. "It's beautiful," she said softly to herself.

She quickly showered and threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater. She hurried down the stairs and laced up a pair of insulated winter boots, which she retrieved from the closet. "I should be home in two or three hours," she told Karen, as she zipped up her blue ski parka.

"Honey, you be careful. And make sure it's in four-wheel drive before you pull out."

"What's four-wheel drive?" Lisa said, pretending she had never heard the term before.

Karen knew Lisa was messing with her. Instead of laughing it off, Karen decided to turn the tables and have a little fun. "Oh, and don't forget to lock the hubs," she said casually, her back turned to Lisa as she reached for a coffee cup from the cabinet.

Lisa's face turned serious. "Lock the hubs?" she replied, confused. "Yeah, you know . . . the hubs."

Lisa thought all she had to do was push a button, but now Karen was throwing in all this stuff about hubs. "What's a hub?" she asked.

Karen stopped pouring her cup of coffee and turned incredulously toward Lisa. "You don't know what a hub is?"

Lisa felt a little embarrassed, and not wanting to seem stupid, she blurted out without thinking, "We don't have hubs in Tennessee."

Karen could see her joke was turning out better than expected. "You don't have hubs in Tennessee?" she said, acting incredibly surprised.

Lisa was squirming now. "Well, if we did, I guess I would know what they are, so we mustn't have them." That was her way of backpedaling, and it seemed like a plausible answer.

Karen stood there, looking at her without saying a word. She took a sip of her coffee. Her silence seemed to raise the temperature in the room a few degrees.

Lisa couldn't read Karen's face, but the silence was making her nervous. Why wasn't she saying anything? The hole Lisa had dug was now feeling like a giant sinkhole. She threw herself at her aunt's mercy. "Could you show me?" she asked hopefully.

Karen thought about it for a few seconds for added effect. "I suppose," she said, "but you really need to pay attention."

Lisa was quick to respond, "I will. I promise."

Karen stood in the garage doorway. "Go stand by the front driver's tire," she instructed. Lisa did as she was told. "Now kick the tire on the right-hand side."

Lisa kicked it and then looked back at Karen for approval and her next instruction.

"Now you have to kick the remaining tires the same way you kicked that one."

Lisa walked to the driver's back tire, prepared to kick away, when Karen interrupted her. "What are you doing?"

"I'm kicking the tires like you said."

"No. You have to go clockwise." "Clockwise?" Lisa asked, incredulously.

Yeah, clockwise," Karen reiterated. "It's important to lock the hubs in the right order."

Lisa thought the whole thing was a little crazy, but she did as she was told. When she had finished, she said to Karen, "How would I have known what to do if you hadn't told me?"

"Everyone out here just knows. And you could always look in the manual," she suggested, deceptively.

She thanked Karen for her help and bid her goodbye. Karen waited to watch her back out of the garage. The snow was whipping around the open overhead door.

Karen walked into the house, smiling and shaking her head.

Gullible, she thought. That girl is gullible.

The added instruction Lisa had just received had her running a little late. She stopped at the end of the long gravel road and called Jack to let him know. Jack had just pulled up near the restaurant when his cell phone rang.

He answered without checking the number. "Hello."

"Jack, I'm running a little late. Karen had to show me how to lock the hubs." She was looking down the road in both directions for cars and noticing that visibility was getting worse.

"She did what?"

"Showed me how to lock the hubs."

The laughter on the other end was so loud that it caused Lisa to pull the phone away from her ear. When the laughter died down and she deemed it safe, she returned the phone to her ear. "What are you laughing about?"

"Lisa, a vehicle that year doesn't have lock-in hubs." It was quiet on the other end, and Jack imagined her processing what he had just told her. "How did she have you lock the hubs?"

"I had to kick each of the tires in a clockwise direction." No sooner had she said it than the reality set in. How stupid could she be? Aunt Karen had just pulled a good one on her. Lisa looked back toward the house in the rearview mirror. She could barely see it through the snow, but she imagined Karen looking out the window, enjoying a good laugh.

Jack, on the other hand, suppressed his desire to laugh. Once was enough, and he didn't want Lisa to feel foolish, though he was secretly enjoying the fact that she had gotten a taste of her own medicine. He had not forgotten when Lisa had told him that he'd have to wear a suit to meet her aunt. He would take the payback, even if it came via someone else. It was all in fun. "Looks like you've been had," Jack said, trying not to sound gleeful.

"I'll bet you're eating it up!" she said, recognizing that he had every right to enjoy her moment of humiliation.

"Who, me?" he replied unconvincingly.

"Yeah, you," she stated. She again checked the road in both directions. Visibility was still not very good. If Jack hadn't already arrived at the restaurant, she would have considered rescheduling. "Jack, I'm going to hang up so I can get going. I figure it's going to take me at least fifteen to twenty minutes."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few. I love you."

"I love you too."

Lisa pulled out and navigated the road. She used the reflector posts as a guide to gauge where she was on the road. The snow made it impossible to see the lines. A car passed in the opposite direction and stirred up a whirlwind of snow that momentarily cut visibility to practically zero. She glanced down at her speedometer. She was going twenty miles below the speed limit. She didn't feel comfortable going any faster.

When she saw the sign that read "Maple Creek-5 miles," she knew a bend in the road was coming up. She slowed a little more to anticipate the curve. What she hadn't anticipated was the mule deer that darted across the road from the right. She hit her brakes and steered hard to the right to avoid hitting the animal.

Lisa tried turning the wheels back, but the car continued on a straight path, sliding off the shoulder in the slick conditions. She braced herself for the unexpected. The car nosed into a ditch of deep snow. The sudden impact jolted Lisa, but the seatbelt kept her secure.

Lisa tried to get out to survey the situation. She managed to open the door about a foot before it met resistance from the snow and the side of the ditch. She was thankful she had slowed down considerably in anticipation of the curve.

She placed the car in reverse and gently stepped on the gas. Nothing. The tires spun. She gave it more gas, but it was the same result. Lisa reached for her cell phone and called Jack.

He was enjoying a cup of coffee when he heard his cell ring. Noticing her number, he immediately sensed that something might be wrong. "Lisa, is everything all right?"

"I ran off the road, Jack, and I'm stuck." There was no panic in her voice; it registered more like disappointment.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay."

Jack was relieved to hear that. "Where are you?"

"I'm just past the five-mile sign before the curve."

He knew exactly which area she was referring to. "Lisa, put your hazards on and stay in your vehicle. I'm on my way."

"Thanks, Jack." She put the phone down and settled back in the seat to wait. The snow was coming down lighter than it had been, and visibility had increased somewhat. She was surprised that the only car she had seen that morning was the one that had passed her earlier. In a way, she was glad, because she wanted to spare herself further embarrassment.

As Jack approached, he could see about half of Lisa's vehicle rising above the road. He rolled his window down as he drove by to gauge the situation. He turned around at the next driveway about a quarter mile down the road and came up behind Lisa on the shoulder of the road.

Being an avid outdoorsman, Jack was prepared for many things nature would throw his way. He ran to check on Lisa, and seeing that she was okay, he went to his vehicle and removed some small, reflective safety cones. He spaced them about fifty feet apart behind his vehicle to warn oncoming traffic. He went around to the front of the vehicle and pulled out the winch cable. He lay in the snow on his back, securing the cable to the rear frame of Lisa's vehicle.

He went back to Lisa's window. "Okay," he began, "I need you to put it in neutral and keep the wheels straight." Lisa nodded.

Jack activated the winch, and it slowly pulled her vehicle toward his. Lisa's hands were locked on the wheel as she felt the car creep backwards. She was mesmerized by how methodical and strategic Jack was in his quest to free her from the ditch. How did he know these things? Had he rescued other people before? Was that why this seemed so routine for him? From the placing of the cones to the positioning of his vehicle, he marched through the steps effortlessly and with purpose.

He was her savior--her knight in shining armor riding in on his horse, albeit a Ford Bronco, to save her from the perils of a wintry snowstorm. Jack was everything her father wasn't. He was dependable, and most of all, he truly cared for her. He wanted her in his life, and she felt a greater love in her heart for Jack.

When the last tire was safely on the shoulder of the road, Jack went to check on Lisa. She got out of the car as he approached. Jack threw his arms open and warmly received her. She liked being enveloped in the security of his waiting arms. That feeling told her everything was okay.

"I can drive you home," Jack said, "and I can go get someone to drive your vehicle."

Lisa didn't want to inconvenience Jack any more. She didn't feel it would be a problem driving, and the snow was coming down lighter than it had before. "I can drive if you'll lead the way."

"That'll work." Jack undid the cable and put everything back together. "We can turn around on County Road 6, just down a little ways. Follow me."

Jack took it slow all the way back to Karen's house. Lisa performed dutifully, maintaining a safe distance between them. He pulled up outside and parked. Lisa pulled into the garage, and Jack walked in behind her. Karen's vehicle was gone. Lisa presumed she had left for work. She would let her know later what had happened. She didn't want any unnecessary worrying.

"How about I fix us a nice breakfast?" Lisa offered. "Especially since I ruined our breakfast get-together this morning."

"Can I help?"

"No, you relax. I want to do this for you," she said, appreciatively.

Jack figured that their chance to discuss what had happened the previous night had vanished for the time being. After Lisa's stressful morning, she probably wasn't going to be in any mood to talk about it. He understood, but not knowing what he may have done to warrant that kind of reaction from Lisa continued to gnaw at him. He wanted to put it to rest..

Jack sat at the kitchen table playing with his cell phone while Lisa scurried around the kitchen. "You never did tell me how you slid off the road." He hadn't thought to ask that earlier.

"A big deer ran out in front of me . . . scared me to death. I didn't want to hit it, so I swerved to avoid it, and the next thing I know I'm in that ditch." Lisa stopped what she was doing and went over to the table. She sat on Jack's lap and planted a big, long kiss on his lips. "I don't think I properly told you thanks." She looked directly into his eyes. "It's nice to know I have someone I can depend on who'll be there for me."

That's who he was, and it didn't matter if it was Lisa or someone else. But he was grateful that Lisa appreciated him for it. He wanted to do things that she approved of, and apparently lying on top of her was not one of those things.

She gave him one more kiss before going back to cooking. Lisa cracked a couple of eggs into a glass mixing bowl. "I guess I forgot to ask you if French toast and bacon was okay."

"Whatever you're fixing, I'm eating," Jack responded. There was nothing finicky about Jack's eating habits.

Lisa placed the egg-dipped pieces of bread on the hot griddle. "I'm making a lot of bacon, so I hope you're hungry."

"I'm starved," he said, looking up from his phone.

Lisa served Jack, making sure he had everything he needed before she joined him at the table. He was impressed with the way she doted on him.

Jack took a couple of bites and marveled at the taste of the French toast. "This is awesome. What did you put in it?"

"You like it?" She relished his approval.

"Yeah, this is really good."

"Well, I'm not sure I want to tell you what's in it."

Jack looked up from his plate. "Will it gross me out?"

"No. If I let my secret out, you won't have any reason to keep me around."

Jack scoffed. "There isn't anything that would keep me from being with you."

There it was again. Lisa could only hope he meant what he was saying "Are you sure about that?" she asked. Lisa knew she had to tell him now. It wasn't something she wanted to do; it was something she had to do.

"Of course I'm sure. I love you no matter what." The way he said it, Lisa believed it.

"Jack." Her tone was serious, and she instantly had his attention. "About last night . . ." She put her fork down and clasped her hands in front of her. It looked like she was praying as she summoned the courage to begin.

"I left Lakeville to come to Maple Creek for a reason." She spoke slowly. She was not accustomed to delivering bad news. "I needed to escape . . . to leave behind a demon that has haunted me."

Jack's heart beat with unanticipated fear. He had no idea where the conversation was going, except that it seemed like there was something dark lingering in Lisa's words. The mood was somber as he braced for the worst, whatever it might be.

Lisa had previously decided she would start her story with her father failing to pick her up after volleyball practice. She would take Jack through the events of that evening step by step, so he had a full understanding, and maybe it would diminish the impact. Just maybe he would see where the story was going. He would know the ending before she had to say it, and that would lessen the impact.

Except for some unknown reason, Lisa felt a liberating spirit come over her--a longing to purge her soul and release the heavy burden of guilt trapped inside her. She felt the need to express herself in the darkest of moments to someone she felt truly loved her and would not judge her. "I was assaulted, Jack," she blurted out.

Jack struggled to grasp what Lisa had just revealed. "Assaulted?" he repeated. "What does that mean?" He searched her eyes for any glimpse of understanding.

She took a deep breath. "Jack, this is very hard for me to say." She paused and wiped fresh tears from her eyes. "I was the victim of an assault. A sexual assault," she said softly, and then hung her head in an undeserved display of shame as the tears continued.

Suddenly the reality hit Jack. He had never known anyone who had been sexually assaulted. He had never even thought about sexual assault. Didn't that only happen to promiscuous girls or girls who were drunk out of their minds? Why Lisa? Why my Lisa?

Jack sat there in stunned silence. He had so much he wanted to say . . . so much to ask. But he didn't know how or where to begin. He looked at Lisa in disbelief. She took the paper napkin from the table and dabbed at her downcast eyes. She was wounded, and he knew what mattered most at that moment. "Are you okay?" he asked, offering his hand across the table to let Lisa know he was there for her. She reached out with her free hand and received his loving touch.

She nodded. A barely audible "Yeah" escaped her lips. Sheepishly, she looked up at him. "Do you still love me?"

Lisa sought an affirmation of his love for her; a statement of his desire for them to always be a couple. She needed to know that, even in her darkest hour, he would be her beacon of light.

At first, he was surprised by the question, but then he realized how vulnerable she was. Jack got up and walked around to her side of the table. He reached out for her, and she stood to accept his embrace. This was not about casting blame, exacting revenge, or having doubt. This was about being Lisa's rock, giving her hope, and showing her unconditional love. He held her close and slowly rubbed her back up and down with one hand. She held on tight, pulling from Jack his gentle warmth and the acceptance his embrace offered. Everything was going to be alright. For once, she knew everything was going to be alright.

Chapter Nineteen

The days that followed turned into weeks. Lisa had spent

Thanksgiving holiday with Aunt Karen, but for Christmas she would be returning home for a week. Whenever possible, Lisa and Jack spent more time together. She had shared the details with him-- at least most of the details--of that ill-fated night, and it had the remarkable effect of bringing them closer together.

Jack also began to see a clearer picture of why Lisa had this aversion to her father. From the picture she painted, Jack wouldn't have characterized him as an evil man--just someone who was physically and emotionally absent from her life. Any way you characterized it, for Lisa, it was a loss that had left a huge emotional scar.

Their Christmas separation would be the first time they had been apart for any length of time. Though they didn't relish the thought of not spending Christmas together, Lisa was looking forward to seeing her mother and Emily. The endless phone calls and text messages had allowed Lisa to maintain the connection she had with them, despite the physical separation. Their constant connection meant Emily knew all about Jack. Kate knew all about Jack, as well, but not to the degree that Emily did. Some things were better shared with best friends.

Her first day home in Lakeville she was surprised by an unusual attentiveness from her father. At first she wasn't sure if she knew who this imposter was, but by the next day he returned to his true form and removed any doubt that things had changed for the better.

She spent a couple of days shopping with her mother and spent evenings with Emily talking about how their lives had changed. She loved hanging with her best friend, but missing Jack was beginning to take center stage. The day after Christmas she still had three days remaining, but she found herself wishing she was back in Colorado with him.

She talked to Jack more than once a day and tried not to make it obvious to her mother that she was ready to get back. In the short time she had been in Colorado, she had grown accustomed to her new life. Being home in Lakeville actually felt a little strange and there was still the reminders of her attack that she couldn't avoid.

When the week had passed, her mother and Emily took her to the airport. They were determined to spend every last minute of their time together. They watched Lisa walk through security and wave to them just before disappearing out of sight. It would be a long trek back, but Lisa was excited that by the end of the day she would be seeing Jack.

Upon Lisa's return they had planned on taking to the slopes for the much anticipated ski lesson Jack had promised. Those plans changed when Jack sprained his ankle during a hard landing off a ski jump on the slopes, the day before Lisa arrived home. Jack was more disappointed than Lisa, but he enjoyed the loving attention she gave him as he overcame his injury.

The next semester started out quietly. Lisa and Jack didn't have any classes together, but that wasn't important to them. They still made time to have lunch together every day whether they ate in the cafeteria or went out for fast food. Lisa was becoming popular at school as more and more people began to discover her musical talent. High school students began filing into Lucinda's on the nights Lisa played.

Her newfound fame had emboldened some guys, who didn't know she had a boyfriend, to ask her for a date. She always respectfully declined, but she was flattered by the attention. She was in love with Jack, and he loved her for who she had been prior to her success. Would these guys have shown that much interest in her prior to her fame? It was a question she pondered.

Even guys who knew Lisa and Jack were dating had no qualms about asking her out. For the most part, Jack knew where he stood with Lisa, and he was not bothered by the attention. However, there was one exception.

After school one day while walking through the parking lot to his vehicle, he heard a familiar cry, "Hey Shutterbug!" The only shuttering going on was from Jack hearing the nauseating sound of Sean's voice. He turned to his left and saw Sean standing by his black pickup. "Hey, Sean," he acknowledged halfheartedly.

Sean walked over to Jack. "I haven't seen you lately. Where you been hiding?"

"I've been around." The truth was that Jack avoided Sean whenever possible.

"You still friends with that Leslie chick?"

Are you that dense? Jack wanted to ask. He immediately felt his blood pressure rising. Talking with Sean was torture. He'd had better conversations with his pillow. "I don't know anyone named Leslie."

"Yeah you do. You know that hot chick that's singing at Lucinda's."

Jack pretended to search his mind like he was giving Sean's comment serious contemplation.

"The one that wants me. She's been playing a little hard to get, but I know she wants me."

Jack's blood pressure went from being elevated to boiling. "Why don't you just leave her alone?" Jack demanded. "She's not interested."

Sean begged to differ. "Oh, she's interested all right." He motioned with both hands toward himself and said, "What's not to like?"

Jack clenched his teeth to keep his anger from spilling over. Unconsciously, he had made a fist with his right hand.

"I want to take her for a ride in my pickup, if you know what I mean . . ." Sean said with an obnoxious laugh.

Jack's thoughts immediately went to the black pickup Lisa had mentioned during her assault. Lisa's pain from that night had become Jack's pain. He'd also had enough of Sean's disrespect and arrogance. Every muscle in Jack's body tightened, and his adrenaline surged. He felt as if Lisa was being attacked all over again. He shouted, "Damn you, Sean! You stay away from her! She doesn't want anything to do with you!"

"Whoa, Shutterbug. Take it easy. You're going to blow a gasket."

Jack's face turned scarlet, and the veins in his neck protruded and throbbed. "You just don't get it, you moron!" Jack hollered indignantly.

"Oh, I get it. You're just jealous because you don't have what it takes like I do to make a girl want you," he said with a smirk. "I think you need to back off. She's a big girl; she can decide for herself."

Jack was getting nowhere with Sean, who had a persistent ignorance about him.

"I've got to go, Shutterbug. I think I hear Leslie calling." He laughed, as he walked to his truck.

Jack knew Sean had no qualms about asking Lisa out and that he would be persistent. Jack's attempts to thwart his efforts seemed to embolden him. It brought out Sean's competitive nature. Jack quickly decided to appeal to Sean on another level. Maybe there was a heart somewhere in that cold, selfish shell of a person. "Wait!" Jack called out.

Sean turned around. "What now, Shutterbug?" he said, slightly irritated.

Jack debated whether he was doing the right thing. He had one more card he could play, except that it wasn't his card to play. Doubt clouded his mind as he wrestled with what he should do. Sean grew impatient as Jack just stood there. "I'm outta here." "She was assaulted," he cried out, stopping Sean in his tracks.

Sean didn't know what to make of this revelation. "Assaulted? Like someone beat her up?"

For the first time, Jack sensed he might be getting through to Sean. Maybe there was another side to him. Maybe he could rationalize the hurt and pain she had experienced and do the right thing. "She was sexually assaulted," he clarified.

Sean stared out across the parking lot. He seemed to be reflecting on the information Jack had just offered. "Sexually assaulted," he repeated.

"Yeah," Jack said, trying to gauge Sean's demeanor.

Sean appeared dumbfounded. Jack felt like maybe his words were starting to register. He didn't want to lose any ground he might be making with Sean. He offered more. "It happened in a black pickup truck like yours."

He turned and looked at his pickup. "Like mine?" he said, slightly surprised.

"Yeah," Jack said, nodding. Something was stirring in Sean. Jack could feel it. Maybe now he would understand that he didn't have a shot with Lisa. His pickup would be a constant reminder to her of the attack. Jack hoped this revelation would get Sean to back off and give Lisa the space and respect she deserved.

Sean stood in silence. He looked back at his pickup, before turning back to Jack. "Well," he said momentarily pausing, "at least he's got good taste in trucks." He let out a boisterous laugh that surprised and shocked Jack. "Nice try, Shutterbug, but I'm not falling for it. See ya around." He got into his truck and revved the engine before backing out.

Jack picked up a rock and threw it at Sean's truck as he sped off. It landed short and bounced several times before coming to rest. "Jerk!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.

Chapter Twenty

It was Saturday, the twelfth of February, two and a half months into the ski season, before Jack fulfilled his promise to take Lisa skiing. The snowfall had reached near-record levels, and the conditions were ideal. Jack was excited to finally share another passion of his with Lisa, and he had helped her pick out some ski pants to go with her blue ski jacket.

Jack rented skis for Lisa from one of the shops in the ski area. Once she was fitted for her ski boots, she left them on and walked to one of the beginner lifts at the base of the mountain. She looked a little stiff and awkward, but that was to be expected since it was her first time. Jack carried her skis and set them on a flat spot in the snow as close to the lift as he could get.

"Okay, this might be a little bit of a challenge," Jack said, holding onto her as she straddled the skis. "Put your toe into the binding first, and then snap your heel into the back," he instructed. Lisa had a hard time lining her foot up with the ski. He held onto her and the ski so it wouldn't move or tip sideways. With Jack's assistance, Lisa heard a click of her boot heel as it snapped into the binding. She repeated the same procedure with the other boot until she heard another click.

"Okay now, watch me," Jack said, giving her a demonstration. He placed his poles out in front of him and planted them into the snow. Lisa did the same. "Now pull yourself toward your poles, and your skis will slide across the snow."

Fortunately, because of Lisa's athleticism and strength, she picked up the motion quickly. Jack told her to keep repeating that motion until they made it to the lift line. He watched her closely, ready to step in and assist if she ran into any problems.

He went slowly, helping and encouraging Lisa along the way. When it came time to catch the lift, he directed her to turn and watch the chair approach. The chair lifted them upward, and Lisa felt exhilarated as it whisked them up the mountain.

Lisa nestled into Jack, wrapping her arm around his arm. Her feet dangled from the chairlift, and the weight of her boots and skis gave her a feeling of being pulled toward the ground. "You're not going to let me fall, are you?" she asked, grabbing his arm tightly.

"Never," he replied.

The treetops had an abundance of new snow, which glistened in the sun on this nearly cloudless day. Below their chair, a couple of guys cut deep turns into the snow before catching some air off a snow-covered boulder imbedded in the hillside. "They're good!" Lisa commented.

"Is that something you want to try?" Jack teased.

"Yeah right," she replied. "I'll be doing good just to stand up."

Their ride was nearing the end. "Speaking of standing up, that's what you're going to have to do when we dismount."

Lisa sat up in the chair in nervous anticipation of dismounting. "What do I do?" Her voice sounded a little panicked.

"Keep your skis straight and your tips up. When the chair comes into the dismount area, let your skis make contact with the snow, stand up, and let your momentum take you straight ahead. Got it?"

Her eyes got big with the thought of the impending humiliation awaiting her. "I hope so," was all she could say.

Jack placed both his poles in his outer hand. "I'll grab your arm and help you along. You ready? Here it comes."

Lisa and Jack stood up together, and he helped pull her along, except that his skis went to the left while Lisa went to the right. Jack had to let go so he wouldn't pull her down. She lost her balance once he let go, and she landed awkwardly in a pile of snow.

Jack dodged the next set of skiers getting off the lift as he made his way over to Lisa. Lisa was struggling to sit up in the snow. "Are you alright?" he asked, extending his pole for her to grab onto so he could pull her to an upright position.

"The only thing hurt is my pride," she said dejectedly.

"Don't worry, babe. You'll get the hang of it."

She grabbed onto his extended ski pole, and he pulled her upright with a little struggle. "I'm going to teach you how to snowplow."

"I'd rather learn how to ski and leave the snowplowing to the drivers," she joked. Standing upright again, she brushed the snow from her ski pants and jacket.

Jack motioned to the right. "Let's take Milky Way?"

"If you're talking about a candy bar, I'm in. If you're talking about this ski run, you might want to let me think about it."

Jack could tell by Lisa's comments that her nerves were getting the best of her. "Trust me," he said. "I'll have you skiing in no time." He demonstrated for her. "Stick both your poles out in front of you like you did before and glide." Lisa did as she was instructed.

"That's good," he said approvingly.

Lisa made it over to the top of Milky Way run. Jack pointed out to her that the green on the sign indicated it was a beginner's run. Lisa didn't see anything about the steepness of the slope that indicated beginner to her. "Are you sure about this?" she questioned.

"Trust me." Jack pointed the tips of his skis in until they formed a slight "V" shape. "Do what I'm doing and follow me." Jack looked over his shoulder, and Lisa was following him down the slope in her "V" pattern. "Push against the snow with the right ski to go left and the left ski to go right." Jack demonstrated. "And you want to push against both of them to stop."

Before Lisa realized it, she was halfway down the slope. "This isn't so bad!" she hollered. "I told you."

They made their way to the bottom, and right away, Lisa said, "Again! Let's go again!"

Jack obliged. "You're getting it." Jack skied up to her and bent over to get a quick kiss. "I'm so proud of you, babe."

Lisa was ready to tackle the run again. "Do you think I could forego the snowplowing this time?"

Jack leaned on his poles. "We can give it a try. We'll do whatever you feel comfortable with."

She shot him an inviting smile. "What I really feel comfortable with is snuggling with you on the chairlift."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get in line." Jack led the way, keeping a watchful eye on Lisa. It was a struggle for her, but she was getting there. He stopped and let her catch up to him. "Over the next couple of days, you're going to find out which muscles you haven't used in a while."

"I think I already know," she said, catching her breath. "All of them."

They boarded the lift, and Lisa snuggled in close. Jack turned and found her lips. He locked onto her in a long make-out session until they heard a couple of guys on another lift, parallel and to the left of them, whistling and making snide remarks. "Do you need some help?" one guy called out. That was followed by the other guy yelling, "We'd be glad to show you how."

Jack was ready to fire back a response, when he realized that the eerie sound of the voice he had heard belonged to someone he knew.

"Ignore them," he told Lisa. "Pretend you don't even hear them."

"But I do hear them, and they're annoying me."

Jack hoped their ski hats and sunglasses were enough to avoid detection. As the high-speed lift passed nearby, Jack glanced out of the corner of his eye. His suspicion was confirmed. It was Sean. He could avoid running into him at school with a little luck and a lot of effort, but here on this immense mountain, it apparently wasn't possible. He kept his head down to avoid detection.

Jack may have been inclined to avoid any confrontation, but Lisa wasn't giving up without getting in a shot. "You guys should put on your big boy pants and take off your mothers' underwear!" she shouted.

Laughter erupted from Sean and his friend. Sean hung over the chair and shouted back, "We like 'em feisty." No sooner had the words left his mouth, he realized it was Lisa riding the lift below. And that had to be Jack with her.

Jack tried to get Lisa to back off saying anything to them. He didn't want Sean recognizing them, but Lisa continued to vent. "You're not even half the man my boyfriend is!" she fired back, as the distance between their lifts continued to increase.

"Leslie," the guy in the lift yelled, "if you want a real man, you should dump Jack for me."

Lisa looked at Jack. "Leslie?" she said, confused. "Who's Leslie? And do you know him?"

Jack nodded. "It's Sean."

"Sean Clayton?" she asked, surprised. "He's rude!"

"Yeah."

"Who's this Leslie he's referring to?" she said, with a hint of concern in her voice.

"It's you."

"Me?" Lisa's eyes grew big with surprise. Things were not making sense.

"He's such a moron; he can't remember your name."

"So he thinks I'm Leslie?"

"Today he does. Tomorrow it could be something else." Jack was ready for this conversation to end. They had been having such a good time prior to this distraction, and he didn't want it to ruin their day.

"Can we change the topic and focus on us?" he asked.

"Sure." Lisa didn't want the day ruined either.

They rode in temporary silence. They had both agreed not to talk about it, but the events replayed in their minds as they tried to sort out what had just taken place.

Jack let out a subtle laugh. "What was that comment about big boy pants and their moms' underwear?" he said, smiling.

"I thought we weren't going to talk about it."

"It just sounded a little corny."

"It was all I could think of at the time." Lisa laughed. "It was kind of funny, wasn't it?"

"Personally, I think it scared them," Jack offered with a gleam in his eye.

"They'll know better next time than to get in a war of words with me." The sound of their laughter echoed across the treetops.

S 25 S