#Nick Harwell

[heartlandians]

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Heartland - 1x03 - Breaking Free

[heartlandtfln]

“Scott: I didn't know you researched animal breeding, Nick. 

Nick: I haven't had the chance to research my own yet; I'd gladly do some field study with you.

Scott: What?

Nick: "What?"“

[thewholecrew]

@headstrongblake said: " there you are! i was worried you weren't gonna make it! " / o & kass

"giiirl," kassy said with exasperation as she and nick finally joined the group waiting to board their plane to las vegas, "i told nick not to put any liquids in his carry on and what do you think he did?" she shook her head in amusement as she glanced up at nick from where she stood beside him holding his arm. "they had to go through my entire bag because i let him put some of his stuff in there," since she had many bags and nick really only had his suitcase and pockets. "had to throw out one of his nice colognes," she explained with a shake of her head. "it's my fault though, i should have checked since i'm the more experienced flyer," she mused, reaching up to give a gentle but playful tug at his beard.

"glad you got here in time too miss always late," she teased octavia as she walked over to hug her and greet the others. she gave grant a distasteful glance and skipped past him to hug alec as grant greeted nick instead. "we'll have to buy you a new one in vegas," she then continued about the cologne, "something similar to that one cuz you smell good enough to eat wearin' that," she teased with a wiggle of her brows. "but we'll make sure to pack it in the suitcases on the way back," she offered an amused grin and wink before turning her attention to octavia. "are you excited? it's going to be absolutely fucking amaaazing, and the plane ride is much shorter than bali."

nate then interrupted, thanking her for being invited to join the group, that he'd never been in a plane either and that octavia had helped him avoid what nick had run into -- though he didn't really have cologne, just deoderant. "of course, you're part of the crew now, plus you're funny," she mused, glancing over at nick and rev who out of everyone still held their reservations, but hey she was just glad they were talking to one another now after everything and rev didn't want to tear nick apart just seeing him. now boarding... the announcement came on as they all began to get their tickets out as the line shifted, "okay but next time we won't have to worry about any of this---actually on the way home i should be able to get us that private jet i mentioned to fly us home so," she wiggled her brows again, "it won't be as stuffy for you tall people over there," her tease directed to the everhearts, nick and grant only because he was tall.

kassy hooked arms with octavia as they headed up to show their tickets, giving her a playful bump of her shoulder, "biiiiitch, i am so ready to get dressed up, bar hop, enjoy the strip and get fucked up with you," she mused with a bright grin. there was still a little unease from their last trip to the caymen islands but with the boys and rev she knew they'd be safe.

[randomvarious]

Today's compilation:

Now That's What I Call Music! 8 2001 R&B / Pop / Teen Pop / Alternative Rock / Pop-Punk / Post-Grunge

Welp, folks, it looks like we're nearing the end of the earliest days for this beloved flagship series that's known for constantly delivering reproductions of the day's biggest pop hits, but I still have a couple more of these albums in my queue to enjoyably sift through. And just like the other seven installments that precede this one, Now That's What I Call Music! 8 also makes for a pretty great trip down commercial radio memory lane as well 😍.

But before we dive right on into it, how about we have some nostalgic fun with the ad for this release first? See, If you had placed an order for Now 8 by credit card or with check-debit, you'd also receive a free limited edition collector's box that you could store all of your other Now CDs in too! Wow! How considerate! Thanks Now! 😎💖

But we actually start off on a few somber notes here... 😔

Now 8 was the first dispatch from the main series to be released after 9/11, and so, I feel like the inclusion of its final track, U2's "Walk On," which never even made it onto Billboard's Hot 100 chart, was done solely in order to try to console an American psyche that had been deeply wounded at that time. "Walk On" was released as a single in February of 2001, and was actually about the plight of Burmese peace activist Aung San Suu Kyi—who, years later, would despicably do nothing as Myanmar's head of state to address the genocide of Rohingya Muslims that her own military was perpetrating—but in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the song found itself resonating with a lot of Americans, serving a sudden and newfound purpose as an anthem of perseverance for them.

And that's pretty much undoubtedly why Now chose this song to close out the album. Had 9/11 not happened, this comp's last track would've probably been a song that had actually charted on the Hot 100. But because this album was slated to release in November of '01, the Now brass probably thought it best to end with a song that could acknowledge that then-current moment of anguish and turmoil, rather than awkwardly and tone-deafly just loading up their CD with fun pop hits from the summer that had just passed.

But less than three weeks before 9/11, R&B star Aaliyah had also tragically passed in a plane crash after filming the video for her beautifully soft and sensual, final single, "Rock the Boat" too. So Now not only included that song on this release, but they dedicated the whole album to Aaliyah's memory, and also donated part of the proceeds from the triple-platinum seller to her memorial fund as well.

And last with the sadness, rest in peace to the great Steve Harwell. I absolutely despised your band's cover of The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" when I first heard it (which appears on this album), but I still genuinely dug your work more than most are willing to admit, and really also loved the critique you had about the commodification of social movements in "Walkin' On the Sun," which is something that many people probably overlooked because they had nothing nice to say about your band that, unfortunately, became a Shrek meme. At the end of the day, Smash Mouth made a bunch of fun music, man 😞.

OK, on to the rest of this album...

So, the album cover for this release says it comes with 20 chart-topping hits, but in reality, only three of these were actually Hot 100 #1s. There's Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious," which, to go with their Survivor album's theme, intended to use the opening guitar stutter from "Eye of the Tiger"—by the band *Survivor*—but had to settle for Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen" instead; Usher's "U Got It Bad" ballad; and Joe's "Stutter," which isn't actually the most famous version of the song, but is the "Double Take Remix" instead, that was done by Allen "Allstar" Gordon Jr., and sampled both the iconic west coast alternative rap classic, "Passin' Me By," by The Pharcyde, as well as the song that that song itself sampled, Quincy Jones' "Summer in the City." And it also features now-canceled rapper Mystikal, which represents his third overall appearance in this series.

And speaking of remixes and samples, the famous Murder Inc. remix of J.Lo's "I'm Real," featuring Ja Rule, doesn't appear on here, but instead, it's her underappreciated and poppier original version that sounds nothing like the remix, and samples from classic Japanese electronic group Yellow Magic Orchestra's digi-chirping "Firecracker," which ends up naturally giving the tune a sweet 80s throwback kinda vibe.

Other songs worth mentioning are the brilliantly produced and super light and smooth Janet Jackson jam, "Someone to Call My Lover," which sampled from folk duo America's "Ventura Highway;" and a terrific tune that was actually originally released in 1998, but rose to US fame because of its inclusion in a 2001 Mitsubishi ad: "Start the Commotion," by UK duo The Wiseguys. That one's very much in that Fatboy Slim-helmed UK big beat vein; gotta love the blaring and swingin' sampled horns on it! 🤩

And there's a solid handful of other songs on this CD that I could devote some space to as well, but I think this post here is already long enough as it is.

So, another terrific nostalgia rush to be had in this trip all the way back to 2001. And I only have one more of these Now comps left in my queue, but I think I'm gonna save it for later.

Highlights:

Destiny's Child - "Bootylicious" 'N Sync - "Pop" Jennifer Lopez - "I'm Real" Joe feat. Mystikal - "Stutter (Double Take Remix)" Janet Jackson - "Someone to Call My Lover" Christina Milian - "AM to PM" Aaliyah - "Rock the Boat" Usher - "U Got It Bad" Gorillaz - "Clint Eastwood" The Wiseguys feat. Greg Nice - "Start the Commotion" Sum 41 - "Fat Lip" Blink-182 - "The Rock Show" Fuel - "Bad Day" U2 - "Walk On"

[headstrongblake]

"don't mention it." / grant & nicklas / @thewholecrew

he's doing his nightly rounds. a sweep around the block, carefully watching any one who lingers a little to close to kassy's apartment building. ever since kassy told him about what was happening, he'd started doing this. sometimes he went up and stayed with her. other times, he sits in the cafe, sits in a vehicle, anything to keep an eye on kassy. which...in hindsight, is probably exactly what lands him in these tight cuffs. "i do know my rights." nicklas reminds the camera pointed at him as he sits in the interogation room. still cuffed, despite not being a threat. it turns out, you don't get a lot of chances with a record like his. assaults. reckless endangerment. public intoxication. gun charges that never stick but are recorded. his affiliates and gang leather do nothing to help him and when the police add in that there's a witness...a person who backs up these bogus claims that he's been stalking miss kasandra harwell, plus apparently a failure to appear in court hanging over him...there's not a whole lot he can do but make a phone call.

nick's already gone around and around with the arresting officer who'd caught him outside the apartment. yeah, he knows, it doesn't look good on his part but even the detective is hard of hearing. or at least he'd rather write up his report and say he's done a job well done. all while kassy's still in trouble. in danger even more so because the only person nick can see making these claims...are the one the cops should really be looking at. finally, once the detective comes back with a smirk too wide on his features nick knows what's about to happen. he'll get a phone call sure. but then he's off to processing because they wanna book him.

"grant, oh man, i have never been so happy to hear your voice, you on your way to the club?" he asked, although he doesn't leave grant any room to answer, because by now, even if he'd been held up in his happy land with octavia, the man should be on his damn way to meet nick for their drink. "course you are, anyway, listen, i'm not going to be meetin' you for that beer after all...cops arrested me outside kassy's apartment." as he says the words, it sounds ridiculous to him, as he's sure it does to grant, which is all but confirmed when grant asks, what?

"shut up, ok, listen to me...if i'm in here, we're gettin' close, that's gotta be it, we're poking at the right place...somewhere with this bastard. i need you to go check on kass, make sure she's okay, that nothing happens to her." me? nick do you hear yourse--

"grant. please. check on her and make sure she's okay, keep checking until i get out of this place, they're goin' to try to hold me on some bogus shit while they try to make their case for this...but i need to know you've got her..." the automative voice that lets them know there is one minute remaining in his call comes through causing a panic to rise inside of him. "grant, nothing happens to her. tell me you've got her. after all the shit we've put her through..." i've got her, nick, don't mention it. there's a short breath of relief as he nods his head, grip tightening on the phone. "good. that's good. hey wait, you were my call so get the lawyer-..." the phone clicked as a frown set across his features.

[confessions-heartland]

“I hope that when Amy is finally able to move on it's not with another "farm hand" that Jack brought on. She's had so many clients over the years to introduce her to someone who loves animals without them being ranch based- Bryce or her European travels or even Nick Harwell from all the way back“

[the-real-tc]

Fic UPDATE! Wide River to Cross: Chapter 23

A.N.: This chapter took way longer to churn out than I expected, and there will be another update very shortly. We're moved into Episode 713 territory now, so you know that means things are getting even closer to where they are supposed to be. Enjoy!

Chapter 23: Chance Encounter

The drive back from Moose Jaw on Tuesday was its usual eight-hour, mind-numbing slog for Tim Fleming. Shane and Miranda seemed to be doing fine without him, though something in his gut warned Tim there was something going on neither of them wished to speak of in his presence. The visit started off on a positive note. Shane excitedly asked about Pal before politely moving on to inquiring about his half-sisters. By the actual Thanksgiving Monday, Tim knew he was wearing out his welcome, as if Miranda could not wait to be rid of him. Yes, it was true they had called it quits, but there was a distant air about her that Tim could not put his finger on. When he mentioned he would like to come out in a month for the Remembrance Day holiday, he was met with a non-committal sort of answer, but not an outright "no". Shane's sullen resentment over the absence of a father-figure in his life was still brewing beneath the surface. Tim recognized the signs; he just had no idea what to do about it, especially since Miranda was apparently hedging about the next time he could visit his son. How was he supposed to be a father to Shane if he was not even permitted to see him on a regular basis?

By the time Tim reached Hudson, he was exhausted both physically and emotionally. He had half a mind to drop in at Heartland and stick around long enough to invite himself to dinner, but he was not in the mood to hear Jack complain about the sheep again, which he was sure to do. Instead, Tim pulled into the local McDonald's Drive-thru and ordered something he knew he would barely taste, but would otherwise tide him over until the next day. On Wednesday morning, Tim regretfully realised he was completely out of supplies and would need to head into town for groceries.

He was still contemplating what to do about convincing Miranda to allow him to visit again in a month's time while grabbing some steaks from a refrigerated shelf in the Deli section. Maybe the boy could come out to Heartland instead, Tim pondered. After all, Shane was still obviously interested in riding Pal. Amy and Lou would be happy to see their half-brother, of course. Tim also had a feeling Shane and Georgie would get along just fine, if given the chance.

What would he think about Tricia? Tim suddenly wondered as he mechanically loaded his groceries into his truck before starting the drive back to Big River.

What would Tricia think about Shane?

When is the right time to tell her about my "illegitimate" son?

Are we serious enough for that yet?

Those thoughts quickly fled as Tim did a double-take at the unexpected sight of an oddly familiar auburn-haired woman. She stood at the bank of green community mailboxes on the side of the rural road, unaware of his scrutiny. The presence of her nearby silver-grey Porsche SUV confirmed it: the usually blonde Lisa Stillman had returned to Hudson. Tim pulled his truck to a stop—he simply had to get the low-down on this. Lisa was the last person he expected to see here, especially after Lou bought back her share of the Dude Ranch so many months ago. Jack's continued silence on Lisa's whereabouts and the status of their relationship compelled Tim to approach. After all, Lisa was godmother to his granddaughter Katie. It would be impolite to drive past her without a word, he reasoned.

"Hey, Lisa!" he called when he was within earshot.

Her shoulders jerked slightly, causing Tim to feel slightly guilty for startling her when he caught the stunned expression on her face. She recovered in time to respond, though somewhat hesitantly. "Oh. Hi, Tim!" she called back with forced brightness. Her smile, too, was forced.

"Wow, I didn't expect to see you back in town," Tim said as he neared. "How ya been? How was France?"

"Busy. I've been really busy," she replied hastily, closing her mailbox door and snapping the lock shut before stuffing her envelopes into a side pocket. "Um, France was fine. Sorry I can't stay and chat. I just got back from dropping off my sister at the airport, and I've still got lots to do today. As a matter of fact, I have an appointment with someone in less than half an hour."

"Your sister was visiting?" Tim echoed. "Huh. That's nice. Don't think I've ever met her. The appointment wouldn't happen to be with Jack would it?"

Lisa's spirits sank at the mention of the man she loved but was avoiding. She wondered if Tim did it on purpose—honing right in on a person's vulnerable spot and then exposing it.

"Uh, no. No, I'm not meeting Jack," Lisa's voice faltered.

"Then who are you meeting?" Tim pressed.

Lisa felt cornered now. Knowing the news would eventually get out, anyway, she decided to be straight with the man. "A real estate agent," she answered testily. "I've put Fairfield on the market."

Tim's face betrayed mild surprise. Wow, he thought. She really is making that move to France permanent. "You're selling Fairfield. Whoa. Does Jack know about this?"

Lisa exhaled. "Jack knows I love France," she eventually responded as she averted her glance. "I tried to share that part of my life with him, but it didn't work. He hates France, and there's no changing that fact. It's best I make a clean break. For now, he doesn't even know I'm in Hudson, and I'd like to keep it that way, please. So don't tell him you saw me, okay?"

Despite not quite receiving a straight answer to his question, Tim nevertheless made a zipping motion across his lips. "O-kay."

"You promise you will not tell him I'm here?" Lisa said, eyeing him now with skepticism.

"I promise I will not tell Jack you're here, Lisa," Tim proclaimed, raising his hand in a Scout salute.

"Good. Thank you," she said, making her move back to the Porsche. "Now, I really have to go. Take care, Tim. 'Bye."

"Yeah, 'bye," Tim said, absently securing his hat on his head.

Without bothering to look back at him, Lisa raised a hand in a farewell gesture as she climbed into the driver's seat.

Tim called out: "But you are gonna tell him eventually, right?"

The motor roaring to life drowned out the question, causing Tim to frown. Aw, man. Something's gotta be done about those two before it's too late, he thought. I just need to figure out what.

**

Lisa pulled away from the mailboxes in a daze. Now that Tim had seen her, it was only a matter of time before Jack found out she was in Hudson. Of all the people I had to run into, why did it have to be Tim Fleming?! she fretted. And once Jack does find out, what will I do? Guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I get to it.

The real estate agent warned Lisa from the outset her asking-price was high, given the current slump in the market. While she knew this, it was a tactic she hoped to use to her advantage. It was intended to weed out a bulk of potential buyers who would only waste her time. Genuinely interested buyers would be savvy enough to try to negotiate a lower selling price they would both be comfortable with. Lisa was ready to play that game. Besides, if someone did agree to the initial price, the agent stood to make a fantastic commission.

There would be no way to hide the signs or the real estate listing, of course, so even if she never laid eyes on Jack, he would eventually find out about the sale. She was plagued with feelings of guilt. Was it really fair to avoid him? How difficult would it be to make a quick call to say: "Hi, I've returned to Hudson to sell the old place. Thanks for the good times we had; I'm moving to France for good."

Very difficult indeed.

Those thoughts were quickly dismissed when Lisa reached Fairfield and business concerns once again consumed her mental energies. Among those concerns was the sale of Cinders, a horse for which Lisa felt an uncommon fondness due to his resemblance to her long-ago cherished Silver. Riding Cinders out to Lookout Point every morning was part of her daily routine when in Hudson, so she was reluctant to part with the animal. I have Indigo back in Toulon for my morning ride, Lisa thought practically, knowing one fewer horse to transport to France could be good for cost-saving in the long run.

A buyer from Montana was interested; Lisa was awaiting the finalization of that sale before booking transport. Three other horses would be going to buyers in Alberta; two to British Columbia, and one to Saskatchewan. That left several other horses that might eventually need to be auctioned, including the pregnant Rhapsody. The broodmare's pregnancy and the subsequent weaning process once the foal arrived meant travel any time soon would be ill-advised, so having her remain in Canada to be sold made sense.

The clone of Fairfield Flyer—when it arrived—was still a question mark. Dan seemed overly confident it would help them make their mark once they launched their breeding business overseas. Lisa was more cautious and hesitant about the whole idea; in time, maybe she would feel differently about the situation, as her sister Rachel had predicted.

And I'm still quite angry Dan did it, Lisa realised, almost feeling her blood pressure rising just thinking about the whole mess. Why am I even still in business with him? The answer she always arrived at whenever she pondered that question was that they still made good business partners, despite their failed marriage. This time, though, Lisa wondered whether business success in partnership with Dan was a good enough reason.

I have spent more than half my life doing this, Lisa said to herself. I've achieved a lot in that time. I would like to think I have made my father proud of the 'Fairfield' name. That alone should be worth it, right? And it's like I told Rachel: the money I've earned has made it possible to realise a lot of dreams, do things I wanted to do, and see the world. But at the end of the day, I go home to an empty house. What dreams am I chasing now? I always dreamed of retiring to France. And then Jack came into my life.

Lisa reflected fondly on that day at Heartland when she encountered Jack at the Open House barbecue. Amy had just awed the crowd by showing off her work with Promise, and with the way she had risen to Val Stanton's seemingly impossible, impromptu challenge to fix the hundred-thousand-dollar horse that refused to jump.

"You're doing a really good job with her, Jack," Lisa recalled telling him. What she didn't tell him was that she had inquired discreetly about his fifteen-year-old granddaughter after being impressed by her during their first meeting at Fairfield. Since Nick Harwell had sung Amy's praises regarding her work with Star, Lisa called him up. She hoped to find out a little more about this Amy Fleming, daughter of the late Marion Fleming. She had a vague recollection hearing about Marion and Heartland since returning to Hudson from the 'States. Even so, she had at least known of the existence of 'Heartland Ranch' in the same sort of familiar way Hudsonites would know of the existence of any other ranch in the area.

"I read in the Hudson Times about Marion Fleming's passing and how Amy's grandfather is a rodeo legend," Lisa had told Nick during their conversation. "What else should I know about this family?"

"Yes, Jack Bartlett is pretty well-known for his rodeo days. And Marion... Marion was something else," Nick had stated. "And I really think Amy has the gift, too. What did you think of her?"

"It's too early to tell," Lisa had replied honestly, "but I like her spunk. I had my reservations about Promise going under the care of a fifteen-year-old, but she won some points with me. She set me straight when she told me her mother didn't 'whisper' to horses; she listened to them."

Nick had chuckled. "Whatever you want to call it, Marion sure worked magic with horses, and Amy can, too. You just have to sit back and let the magic happen."

"How is Heartland Ranch doing?" Lisa then inquired. "Are they going to be okay without Marion working with troubled horses? That was their main source of income, wasn't it?"

"I'm not sure," Nick replied with a sigh. "Jack does have a herd of cattle, but it's small. His adult granddaughter Lou is back in town from New York to help, but who knows how long she plans to stay... And Jack's wife, Lyndy, died a few years ago. I heard through the grapevine Amy and Lou's dad is a rodeo legend too, but he's also a total deadbeat. So now Jack has got to raise Amy by himself. It's not going to be easy for them. I do believe Amy has her mother's gift, but she's still so young to be taking on the 'family business', if you know what I mean. Jack has his work cut out for him."

"Yes, I guess he does," Lisa had remarked thoughtfully, imagining an elderly man all of a sudden saddled with a responsibility he did not anticipate in the wake of his daughter's tragic death.

To see Jack Bartlett in the flesh was a revelation. The man was nowhere near the 'elderly' grandfather Lisa had envisioned after speaking with Nick. He was tall, fit, and grizzled with irregular features, yet handsome in an unconventional way she found attractive. She would almost have guessed he was Amy's father had she not known any better. So this was the man who was taking care of his teenaged granddaughter. This was the man who had clearly taken the responsibility very seriously, and was succeeding at the task despite the burden of loss and heartbreak. This man, a salt-of-the-earth type, exuding quiet confidence and strength—this man she simply had to get to know better.

He was the first man in a very long time Lisa felt the urge to flirt with; the first man she felt comfortable sending out signals she wanted to know him on a deeper level. Their first real conversation was brief. She paid him a compliment about the burgers he was grilling up, then added she thought he was doing a great job with Amy. She mentioned her own situation with taking on her nephew following his parents' divorce. As they parted company that evening, she brushed her shoulder against his after his offer to help with Ben, hoping the message was received.

Bringing up those old memories of the weeks and months that followed the Open House was bittersweet. Back then, it was Immediately clear to Lisa that Jack was nothing remotely resembling a social butterfly. He was never at any of the parties she attended, nor was he known to folks in her Hudson social circles. She would have to ferret out what his interests were and meet him at that level if she wanted to get closer to him. Lisa would be forever grateful to Maggie for suggesting Amy have a look at the traumatized Gallant Prince, as it provided more opportunities to visit Heartland—and to see Jack.

And then I asked him to accompany me to that auction... and his truck broke down.

It was a deviation in her plan she had not expected, but rolled with it by suggesting they eat right then instead of after the sale. They discussed nothing of consequence during that interlude while they ate turkey-and-swiss sandwiches, but Lisa enjoyed every minute of it.

"Aren't you something?" Jack had asked, clearly not expecting anything like this when she told him she made coffee for him; that she had planned a picnic treat from the very beginning.

The early fall weather was pleasant, a soft breeze fluttering through the leaves of the trees that surrounded them. She seldom had a chance to pause like this, sitting in the company of just one other person, undisturbed by the rest of the world. He complimented her on the coffee, subtly making her realise he had strong opinions about the beverage. Time slipped away much too quickly. After a particularly long stretch of silence between them after the last of the coffee had been drunk, Jack finally spoke up: "Well, I guess I should probably see if that old truck of mine is ready to start. Can't have you missing that auction, can we?"

Reluctantly, they tidied up and trekked back to the stalled vehicle. It started without complaint, bearing them safely to High River for the auction. Lisa mentally skipped over the part when they encountered Dan, knowing what she knew now about how he had the temerity to tell Jack she was still his wife. Lisa remembered her acute disappointment upon discovering Jack had abandoned her there without a word. Something about that scenario did not sit right with her, as she was quite certain he had enjoyed their picnic.

Perhaps another woman might have dismissed him for that perceived slight, Lisa reasoned, but I knew I couldn't let him go that easily. Fortunately, a good friend she ran into at the close of the auction was willing to give her a lift to Heartland so she could retrieve her Porsche. At the time, she was tempted to knock on Jack's door to demand an explanation, but something told her that would be the wrong move. Let this thing play out, she remembered thinking. Let him come to you when he's ready.

And the explanation did come out, confirming for Lisa she made the right choice by not blowing the situation out of proportion, though she had every right to be upset. Handling it with a dose of humour had de-escalated what could have been a very uncomfortable situation. After all, Dan had just sourly peeled out of Heartland, having been told off by Jack, and after being rebuffed by Lisa.

"Well, since men keep driving away on me, would you mind driving me home in your truck, please?" she remembered asking with a smile and a good-natured chuckle. Of course Jack had not minded one bit. She had noticed the look of gradual, earnest relief on his face once he realised she was not married to Dan any longer; that she had not been playing with his emotions or leading him on.

"Jack, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding with my EX-husband," she said contritely during that ride back to Fairfield. "He had no right to do that, and I want to make it very clear I—"

And he had broken in gently then, telling her she had no need to apologize; that he was the one that needed to do the apologizing for abandoning her at the auction.

"Hmm," she had said playfully. "I suppose you have a plan in mind about how you're going to make it up to me?"

"Well, as a matter of fact... I was wondering..."

After a few seconds of tense silence, he had asked if he could have the pleasure of her company at his private cabin in a few weeks' time. She could tell it took some effort on his part to ask the question, but she readily accepted his invitation to try a little fly fishing, despite the lateness of the season, as he told her.

"I would love to, Jack," she had replied, grinning from ear to ear, thinking this reconciliation had gone miles better than she hoped.

Maggie had helped her pick out all the requisite equipment after she realised she would actually need hip waders and rods for the date. Expensive hobby, she remembered thinking when her friend rang up all the purchases at the cash register.

"I'd better catch something, huh?" she had ruefully asked.

"I think you already did," Maggie had quipped.

At the time, the meaning of those words had not been lost on Lisa. Now, after all the time since those early days when they were still practically strangers, Lisa wondered if he was still on the line, or if Jack had pulled loose. Severed from her life, he would be pulled away from her shore, lost to the currents of the passing world.

Despite never using the equipment again since that first date, Lisa had never availed herself of Maggie's promise of a refund.

I always hoped we would go fishing together again, Lisa mused. Why is it we never did? Maybe it's high time I got rid of all that stuff; I certainly won't be doing much fly fishing in France.

Lisa shook her head slightly, knowing she had to cease thinking about such matters and concentrate instead on getting her Fairfield business in order. As if on cue, her office line rang, its call display revealing a Montana area code.

Looks like I have an answer about Cinders, she rightly guessed.

"Lisa, hi! It's Wayne Mosley. I'll make this call short and sweet: We have a deal on your horse. I can have the funds wired to you today."

"That's great, Wayne," Lisa replied, squelching the sentiment that unexpectedly sprang up at the thought she was really going to be parting with the animal for good. "I can get transport booked for Cinders as early as Sunday."

"Perfect. Thanks, Lisa."

"You're welcome. Glad we were able to work something out."

"It's always a pleasure doing business with you. Take care. 'Bye."

"Likewise, Wayne. 'Bye."

**

Lightning almost as bright as day flashed, visible even through Lisa's closed eyelids. That alone might have been enough to awaken her, but the following crash of ear-splitting thunder made it impossible to remain in the land of dreams.

Lisa rolled over in bed, gradually becoming aware of the fact of the storm raging outside. When she cracked open an eye to check the time on the bedside digital clock, she could barely make out a blank display screen.

Have we lost power? she wondered groggily. Another flash of lightning briefly illuminated the bedroom. Her ears picked up on the wind-driven rains beating against the windowpanes. A quick glance outside confirmed Hudson had indeed lost power. Seconds later, the Fairfield generators kicked in, bringing to life the security lights outside. The numbers on the clock now blinked '12:00' a.m. in a rhythmic pattern, its green glow a slight irritant.

With a sigh, Lisa let her head fall back onto one of the many the pillows scattered about the mattress. Installing those generators had come at some expense, but she was grateful for them now and in times past when an outage occurred. She listened to the sounds of the storm, unable to fall back asleep quite yet. Some of the horses in the stables would be restless, and she wondered if Rhapsody was okay, given her expectant state.

Harry and the rest of the hands are going to be dealing with a few grumpy, skittish equines in the morning, she thought as she finally sat up to re-set the time on the clock after consulting her iPhone.

The lightning flashes were less frequent now; the answering thunder a distant rumble. The storm was either moving on or its intensity petering out.

Oh, no. Things are going to be a mess out there tomorrow, this new thought entered her mind, as it dawned on her the power loss was probably caused by downed tree branches. The trees around Fairfield were never spared damage in such instances in the past. The real estate agent would expect the property to be in pristine condition if there were going to be any showings.

Better call the landscaping company first thing... It was the last thought she remembered thinking before drifting off again.

**

Clean-up the morning after the storm that knocked out power at Heartland occupied a fair chunk of the Bartlett-Fleming-Morris family's time. Branches lay haphazardly about the yard. Piles of scattered leaves and twigs littered the ground, blown off by the earlier violent winds.

Tim pulled up in his truck uncharacteristically early to lend a hand, though he certainly had ulterior motives. Lisa made me promise not to tell Jack she was back in town. She didn't make me promise not to tell anyone else, though... He approached Amy, hoping to determine if Jack was wise to the situation of Lisa's return to Hudson.

"Guess who I saw in town yesterday?" he asked his daughter, unable to keep a lid on the information bubbling up to the surface.

The surprise that registered on Amy's face told him everything: Poor Jack was clueless.

**

Lisa's backside smarted. That's going to leave a bruise, she thought ruefully as she checked herself over for any other potential injuries after being unceremoniously dumped to the damp ground by Cinders. But no, every other part of her body seemed just fine. No broken bones or sprains, thank God. That's the last thing I would need right now just as I'm trying to get things sorted out at Fairfield. Now where has that horse trotted off to, and what the heck happened?

Lisa's brow creased as she recalled a sudden uncomfortable, intense buzzing sensation right before being tossed from the saddle. Her eyes sought and quickly spotted something that confirmed a dim suspicion: a downed tree tangled up with the line from an electrical fence erected around the slough Cinders had stepped into.

So that's what that shock was, Lisa realised.

"Cinders!" she called, hoping the sound of her voice would bring the horse back. It was usually an exercise in futility; Cinders was not trained to come when beckoned as a pet dog might. A careful inspection of the sod around her revealed hoof prints.

I hope that horse hasn't gone too far, Lisa thought in irritation. In truth, she was more annoyed at herself for not noticing the downed line. Fortunately, she spotted the dappled grey horse not too far away, pulling at some vegetation.

"Hey, you," Lisa softly chided as she approached him with deliberate caution. "What was that all about? Did you get spooked by that silly electric fence?"

Cinders seemed to bristle slightly when she neared, but he did not refuse when she took hold of his bridle. "Let's go home, huh?" she said, placing her right foot into the stirrup to mount up. With a squeeze of her calves, Lisa cued the horse to begin the return the way they came. Ahead, she could see the muddy banks of the slough along with the energizer and tangle of electrical wiring and branches.

Everything about the ride seemed normal until they were a few feet away from the water. Cinders stiffened as soon as he sighted the pond, stopping dead in his tracks. He balked when Lisa urged him on again; a snort of terror issued from his nostrils before he reared up in protest.

"Whoa, whoa!" Lisa called out, barely avoiding another fall as she regained her balance. "What's the matter with you?"

Without being commanded to do so, the horse backed away, giving his head a few contrary shakes.

"Come on, Cinders," Lisa coaxed, applying more pressure to his sides with her legs. She clicked her tongue loudly twice. The horse eventually got the idea, and he sidestepped the muddy bank, pacing off to the right, giving the slough a wide berth.

**

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Scott," Lisa said.

"You've always been one of my best clients, Lisa," Scott commented warmly. "Happy to be of service. I was surprised to hear from you, to be honest; I haven't had a call from Fairfield in months."

"I know," she said vaguely, "being in France and all meant I wasn't as hands-on here as I have been in the past."

At that moment, Ty ambled in to the holding area. If he was surprised to see her there, he hid the emotion well. "Hi, Lisa," he said casually, as if this were any other normal visit.

"Hello, Ty," she answered back with a wan smile. Kicking herself mentally, she now knew she should have counted on the possibility Ty would be on duty at the clinic today. Oh, shoot. First Tim; now Ty. It's going to be impossible to keep my being in Hudson from Jack.

"I noticed the 'For Sale' signs up at Fairfield," Scott continued. "Don't tell me you're thinking of leaving us for good?"

Lisa bobbed her head, still wary of Ty's presence. "Yeah, I've had a good run here," she replied. "I'm looking at a new opportunity in Avignon."

With that short answer, both Scott and Ty understood she was not going to say anything more on the topic.

"So what's going on with this guy?" Scott asked, looking now at the horse. "You said something about an electrical fence?"

"Uh, yes," Lisa spoke up, re-organizing her thoughts to focus on the reason for her hasty appointment. "Meet Cinders."

The horse's level of agitation had come down since the earlier ride, but Lisa caught subtle cues that told a different story, making it clear to her Cinders was not over the sudden electrical shock they had experienced at the slough. She explained the whole episode while Scott examined the animal, inviting Ty to do the same as a learning exercise.

Presently, Scott declared: "In my medical opinion, there's nothing wrong with him physically, Lisa."

"That's good," Lisa said in relief. She rubbed Cinders' forehead. "It's just that he now absolutely refuses to go near water, Scott. The shock was pretty intense. Even I felt it right before I ended up on my butt. I'm afraid he thinks he's going to get zapped every time he steps into a puddle."

"I wish there was a magic pill I could give him to cure aquaphobia," Scott said with a smirk.

"Yeah, I know," Lisa sighed. "I just sold him yesterday to a guy in Montana. He's being shipped out on Sunday. I can't sell a 'defective' product."

"Want me to ask Amy if she can take the case?" Ty interjected, sympathetic to her situation.

Lisa contemplated. Involving Amy came with a risk. If Jack found out... She was grateful Ty had not asked any prying questions, seemingly aware the topic of her reappearance was verboten, but his suggestion was her best chance at fixing the problem.

"Okay," she eventually replied. "But could you—could you please tell her to keep it confidential...? Jack doesn't know I'm back, and I mean to keep it that way."

Ty nodded at her with understanding; Scott looked at her quizzically, but wisely held his tongue.

"Thanks," she said, blowing out a breath. "I hope she can figure him out before Sunday. But then again, she's always come through for me in the past. Go ahead, Ty. He's all yours."

"I'll get Cinders trailered out to Heartland right away," Ty said, taking hold of the lead rope.

Once Ty was safely on the way back to Heartland, Lisa carried on with some additional errands. As she drove, she came to the conclusion she was simply prolonging the inevitable. Even though I've sworn Scott, Ty and Tim to secrecy, walls have ears. Jack's going to know I'm here before the day is done, guaranteed.

**

Jack's sleep had been restive and uneasy. Katie's fright over the storm in addition to her irritability at missing Lou had not made for a peaceful night. Pete had sheepishly apologized for the toddler's cries, but the older man sympathized. He had been through those same parenting woes when Marion had been a baby, though he had admittedly missed months at a time of her growing up due to being on the rodeo circuit.

As Jack drove out to the town Yard Waste and Recycle Centre to deposit their dead branches and leaf sweepings, he wondered what his grandson-in-law was going to do if Katie continued to regress in her potty-training regimen. Clearly, these new parents had not counted on a lengthy separation between child and mother during this crucial time. Pete was doing his best, but it seemed not to be enough at this time.

He was still pondering this problem on his return trip to Heartland, slowly coming to the realisation there might not be any easy solutions. He was so engrossed in this mental exercise he had a double-take when he spotted a woman he thought he recognized on the side of the road.

Lisa?! he thought in a daze. It can't be.

But his eyes were not deceiving him. This was no case of mistaken identity as in times past when he thought he saw her in town. This was his old flame, quietly checking her mail like any other person. Only she was not any other person. She was the one who somehow managed to slip through his fingers. A subtle heat burned in his chest as he brought the truck to a slow roll before setting the brake.

Lisa is back. What is she doing here? Why is she back? Lisa is here.

Jack very nearly stumbled over his two feet on his approach. He could tell she heard his footsteps though he was trying to be stealthy.

"Hi, Lisa," he uttered, unsure of what to say now that he had been presented with this unexpected opportunity to talk with her.

She looked up almost guiltily at him.

Busted, Lisa thought. Here I am, trying to avoid Jack this whole time, and he has to spot me getting the mail. How silly is that?

Yet, her heart swelled at the sight of this cowboy, dressed as usual in his boots, jeans, plaid-patterned shirt, coat and hat. He looks healthy. I'm so glad. And now that she had seen him, every word she had once hoped to speak to him fled from her mind, leaving her tongue-tied. Her first instinct was to bolt from the scene rather than try to explain why she had not told him she was in Hudson. That same reticence seemed to be reflected in Jack's eyes; this unplanned encounter thoroughly throwing them both into an state of confusion.

They both mouthed meaningless words to each other, clumsily working through some semblance of a conversation that lasted less than a minute. Twin coals that once burned as one had turned stone cold, the former lovers behaving more like passing acquaintances. Absent from this meeting was any sense of excitement or jubilation; no crushing embrace or feverish kiss.

Jack's heart sank perceptibly when Lisa admitted she had been back for maybe a week—and that she was selling Fairfield.

"Well, I guess that was always the plan, wasn't it?" he spoke with an air of indifference, despite the chill brought on by the revelation. Yes, you always said you wanted to retire to France, Lisa. I never figured it would be so soon; and not without telling me, first.

Rather than prolong the sheer awkwardness of the encounter, Lisa excused herself, claiming—truthfully—she had a busy schedule to keep.

"'Bye'," she said, before turning to climb into the SUV.

"'Bye'," Jack managed to articulate, a lump forming in his throat watching her hasty retreat.

No "See you later" or "Let's catch up soon", and certainly not anything close to "I'm ready to make up".

Jack looked on a second or two while Lisa drove away, struck by the memory of another similar departure over a year prior, the one that had come as a sort of coda to their "break". Attempts had been made back then to repair that break; circumstances had not been in their favour.

"Not goodbye," he had corrected her at the time, a sad smile creasing his face. He remembered being heartsick at the prospect of suffering another lengthy separation from her, especially when their relationship was still so fractured.

"'til next time," she had repeated, her eyes misting, almost as if she sensed it could very well be the last time they ever saw each other.

The fact it almost was the last time they ever saw each other was not lost on Jack. His brush with death brought her rushing back. Now, he considered something new: Would she ever have come back if I had not had the heart attack? She did write that letter... But no. Just as swiftly as she had arrived, she had left him.

And now she's driving away again. For a fleeting moment he entertained the notion of chasing her down. No, that would be foolish, Jack thought, idly scratching the side of his face. She gave no indication she was happy to see me; let it go. That whole meeting went over like a lead balloon. Dejected, he paced back to his truck, trying to stem the flood of old memories of happier times with Lisa.

We're driving off in opposite directions. I'm going to Heartland, and she's going to Fairfield. She's selling Fairfield. I must have missed the realtor's signs, somehow. Jack knew how he had missed them, however, as he had taken to deliberately avoiding looking at Lisa's property any time his course took him along the stretch of road bordering it.

He could not help but remember the first time he had seen Fairfield up close. I was driving Lisa back after I told off that jerk of an ex-husband of hers. I was so happy that she still wanted to talk to me after leaving her stranded at the auction. She's so forgiving. Why did she give me a second chance? She accepted my apology so easily. I thought I had blown it.

His brain had been spinning at top speed throughout that drive, reaching for some way of asking her out on an honest-to-goodness date, but could think of no simple way to bring up the subject. Thank goodness she had provided an opening when she playfully asked if he had a plan in mind about how he was going to make it up to her. He had always felt comfortable and relaxed at his cabin, so before he even knew what he was saying, he asked if she was free to go fly fishing with him in a few weeks.

"Well, as a matter of fact... I do have something in mind about how to make it up to you..."

And she said "yes" so quickly, I almost couldn't believe my ears. What was I thinking asking a woman like Lisa out to a ratty old fishing cabin for a date?

Presently, Jack pulled back into Heartland. The sun was starting to go down, splashing golden rays across the open fields, highlighting the tops of the trees. He noticed Amy and Georgie in the jumping pen; the former taking a new horse around the course over what looked like empty liverpools. Heart and feet heavy, he dragged himself onto the porch and sank heavily into the bench, mind still full of that first date with her.

"To whatever it is," she had toasted them, a spark of warmth bursting in those blue eyes he already loved so dearly.

Whatever it was, Jack now thought with a doleful shake of his head. She didn't even tell me she was back in Hudson. After all we've been through, she didn't see it fit to tell me she was selling Fairfield. I deserved that much at least, didn't I?

But the more he tried to take umbrage at Lisa's lack of communication this time around, the more he was convicted of his own behaviour the last time they were together. She doesn't want anything to do with me after that falling out we had over that ridiculous hospital bed. The spark in her eyes was gone today. I never thought those eyes could look so cold... And sad.

It tormented him to know he was the proximate cause of that sadness and cold, impersonal reception.

**

Of all the dumb luck. I can't believe after all that avoidance, I had to run into Jack at the mailboxes. Lisa replayed that disappointing encounter, analysing each careless word spoken, wondering what she might have done differently. I honestly have no idea how to interpret how that went down back there, she thought. I don't know how to read that expression on Jack's face. Was he happy to see me? He didn't sound like it. And he certainly didn't sound surprised when I told him I was selling my place. What did I expect, anyway? That he would break down and beg me to stay? Oh, no. That's not Jack Bartlett's style. In fact, I have no idea at all what he was thinking. It's like we were almost strangers by the way we talked.

Lisa pulled onto the access road to Fairfield, flashing by the 'For Sale' sign. Her heart throbbed after concluding that might very well have been the last time she ever saw Jack. What a sour note to end things on, she mused bitterly. What a wasted opportunity.

Business concerns soon took over once again as she was obliged to inspect the clean-up job done by the landscaping company. Everything looked ship-shape; Fairfield would be more than ready for prospective buyers the realtor wished to bring for a viewing.

Out of nowhere, a distant memory of Val Stanton's mocking voice surfaced. "So, you'll be living at Fairfield, then?"

Lisa paused in her tracks, swept up in the residual irritation of that long-ago exchange. "Jack did hit the jackpot, didn't he?" Val had teased, though she seemed to know she was poking at one of Lisa's private insecurities. "I'm sure you'll have an ironclad pre-nup."

Val's thinly veiled antagonism stirred up feelings of resentment now. Jack and Lisa's hasty engagement was over just as quickly as it had begun, all because they truly had not seriously considered how their lives would come together in a practical sense. Oh, we had the romantic side figured out, Lisa acknowledged, but now even that's gone. No engagement, no marriage. We'll never be together at Fairfield now, and we certainly won't ever have France. Our relationship is officially road-kill, and I'll bet Val the Vulture is still lurking around, just waiting for an opportunity to pounce.

**

Next Chapter: Chapter 24: Things I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You

[twins2994]

Minnesota Twins @ Baltimore Orioles 2.23.19

Minnesota Twins Lineup Baltimore Orioles Lineup

1.) Ehire Adrianza 3B     1.) Cedric Mullins CF

2.) Ronald Torreyes SS  2.) Joey Rickard RF

3.) Jake Cave RF           3.) Renato Nunez 3B

4.) Lucas Duda DH        4.) Chance Sisco C

5.) Tyler Austin 1B         5.) Yusniel Diaz DH

6.) LaMonte Wade LF    6.) Steve Wilkerson 1B

7.) Zack Granite CF       7.) Eric Young Jr. LF

8.) Nick Gordon 2B        8.) Jace Peterson 2B

9.) Tomas Telis C          9.) Richie Martin SS

SP Chase De Jong RHP SP Yefry Ramirez RHP

(1-1) 3.57 ERA                (1-8) 5.92 ERA

(2018 MLB Statistics)

Happy Spring Training Opening Day Folks!

"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." -Ernie Harwell-

-Chris Kreibich-

[outfitandtrend]

[ad_1] On April 26, the CFDA announced the 2022 class of CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists: ten designers who represent various categories across the design industry, from knitwear and sportswear to bridal and fine jewelry. This year's class of phenomenal design talent includes Jacques Agbobly of Black Boy Knits, Elena Velez, Felisha Noel of Fe Noel, fine jeweler Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Taofeek Abijako of Head of State, Conley Averett of Judy Turner, Colm Dillane of streetwear label KidSuper, Jackson Wiederhoeft of Wiederhoeft, and Pia Davis and Autumn Randolph, the design duo behind No Sesso. "This year's group of finalists are among the best talents to bring fashion into the future," said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA via press release. "They're diverse, daring, and redefine codes of American style." Echoing Steven's statements, this year's round of finalists truly represents the diversity, equity, and inclusion the industry is striving for. Included in this year's class is four women-owned brands; one Latinx, four Black, several queer/non-binary-owned brands, and a diverse inclusion of disciplines like wearable art, bridal, and artisanal knitwear. "Our ten finalists are a wonderful reminder that great fashion isn't only wildly creative, but that it comes with a conscience," said Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue, in a press release. "I'm so proud of this year's group; they represent the very best of what America can be—and what it can stand for." In addition to mainstays like Anna Wintour, Vogue's Fashion News Director Chioma Nnadi, Mark Holgate, and Instagram's Eva Chen, this year's selection committee also welcomes Thom Browne and Nick Molnar, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Afterpay. Following last year's iteration — which included the likes of Batsheva Hay of Batsheva, Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta, Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa, LaQuan Smith, Edvin Thompson of Theophilio, and Willy Chavarria — all ten finalists received monetary support. This year's round is no different as each selected designer will automatically receive funds and mentorship. With fashion's premier event, the Met Gala, taking place in less than a week, we can't wait to see all the finalists and their designs on the carpet. window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '175338224756', status : true, // check login status xfbml : true, // parse XFBML version : 'v8.0' ); ONSUGAR.Event.fire('fb:loaded'); ; // Load the SDK Asynchronously (function(d) var id = 'facebook-jssdk'; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; if (typeof scriptsList !== "undefined") scriptsList.push('src': 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js', 'attrs': 'id':id, 'async': true); (document)); [ad_2] Source link

[bongaboi]

Miami (OH): 2021 Frisco Football Classic Champions

Miami held North Texas scoreless in the second half and posted a convincing 27-14 win in the Frisco Football Classic presented by Ryan Thursday afternoon.

Despite missing key starters Sterling Weatherford and Matthew Salopek, the RedHawks (7-6) used a stingy defense to hold the Mean Green (6-7) to 89 rushing yards, well off their average of 246.

Brett Gabbert, the game's Most Outstanding Offensive Player, threw two touchdowns and completed 22 of 31 passes for 228 yards, with more than half of those yards going to Jack Sorenson. Sorenson pulled in seven catches for 116 yards, becoming the fourth Miami player all-time to accumulate at least 3,000 career receiving yards. Kenny Tracy had a career-high 92 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Red and White.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Miami struck first, with Graham Nicholson converting a 48-yd field goal less than three minutes into the game to put the RedHawks on top 3-0.

North Texas responded with a touchdown drive, but the Red and White marched right back down the field to re-take the lead on Tracy's eight-yard scoring run. Miami led 10-7 after one quarter of play.

After UNT punched in another short touchdown run, Nicholson pulled the RedHawks within a point (14-13) on a 36-yard field goal with 6:52 to play in the half.

The next two Mean Green possessions ended with interceptions by Miami freshman defensive backs; John Saunders Jr. had the first takeaway, returning it for 31 yards, and Jacquez Warren followed that up with a pick in the end zone to kill a North Texas drive.

Miami converted the first UNT turnover into a go-ahead score, as Gabbert found Kevin Davis on a five-yard touchdown pass in the right flat to take advantage of the short field. In all, the RedHawks scored four times on their first five drives en route to a 20-14 halftime lead.

Miami came out of the locker room strong, marching 75 yards on eight plays. Nate Muersch finished the drive with an 11-yard highlight-reel scoring grab, a play that was upheld after video review.

The RedHawk defense was dominant in the final 30 minutes, forcing a trio of three-and-outs and then rallying with a goal-line stand to force a turnover on downs with 9:18 to play.

Miami finished the game with a 15-play drive, including 14 rushes, with three consecutive kneel-downs in the red zone putting the finishing touches on a 27-14 victory.

NOTES

Sorenson finished with 3,070 career receiving yards, joining Ryne Robinson, Nick Harwell and Martin Nance in the 3,000-yard club.

Warren, who was named the game's Most Outstanding Defensive Player, recorded his first career interception.

Gabbert finished the year with 2,646 passing yards (the ninth-best season in school history) and 26 touchdown throws (third-best in program history).

Dominic Nardone made a career-high seven tackles in his first career start at linebacker.

Jeremiah Batiste recorded his first career reception, a five-yard catch in the second quarter.

Sorenson had at least 110 receiving yards for the seventh time in the last eight games.

Rhett Williams had a career-best two catches for 24 yards.

Nicholson's 48-yard kick was the longest ever for Miami in a bowl game.

Ivan Pace Jr. made a team-high nine tackles for the RedHawks.

The RedHawks finished with a winning record for a third consecutive season and won their first bowl game since the GoDaddy Bowl to end the 2010 season.

UP NEXT:

Miami is scheduled to open the 2022 season at Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 3.

[heartlandians]

Heartland - 1x10 - Born to Run

[heartlandtfln]

“(647): He smells like cinnamon, and what I imagine to be orgasms“

[thewholecrew]

“you love her, don’t you? her and her long nails tangled in your hair, running down your spine. her and her soft lips against your neck, your jaw, your chin. and in these empty church halls, with her, religion shifts and turns and blurs. her mouth is your confessional, and you sin, you sin, you sin.” — the devil never seemed so holy (source: x)

[thewholecrew]

@headstrongblake: garrett, nick, grant & octavia. / verse: all american.

     he can't have nick, octavia said as her lip trembled and the fear of this reality set in. he can't yet he does. "we're going to get him back." grant sounded like a broken record at this point but it's the only sort of reassurance he could offer. anything more than that was a lie. grant's jaw clenched tight, his heart racing a mile a minute as his mind did the same, trying to run through every possible plan garrett had put in place, on how to get around them, to form a plan of his own. he also knew that when this man called him he was going to be subjected to hearing his brother be tortured on the other side of the line and he was trying to steel himself for when this happened.

     with octavia on the phone, he lead her to the truck and once in side, once the call came through. his stomach clenched down on the nausea he felt, exhaling slowly as he answered. they were going against the clock now and with one hand on the wheel, he peeled out of the parking garage down towards the clubhouse.

     "ahh, ward my boy, about time. did you have a lovely little chat with miss harwell?" garrett taunted both grant and nick, how fun was this that he could rile both men up and neither of them could do a damn thing. "you see while we were waiting, nicklas and i were just talking and well, he seems pretty sure that you're going to come kill me," lips curled into a cruel sneer as gave nick another insulting slap to the cheek, smearing blood from his clothed thumb across his face. "is that what you think you're going to achieve? now i know you're not as foolish as him -- how many times was it that you warned him not to put his nose where it didn't belong?" his voice sent chills down grants back, his hand white knuckling around his phone as he kept it tight to his ear. he wanted octavia to hear no part of this. "nick," he began, assuming he was on speaker, "listen to me, i need you to hang in there brother. i'm coming to get you."

     garrett laughed, the sound booming and twisted, despite the anger he felt being ignored, "oh well of course you are," he sneered, firing up the elecroshock machine as he held both pieces. "well kiddo i'd say you better get a move on, not sure how much longer your brother's got it in 'im," he taunted, voice so smug grant wanted to curse because of course this was garretts plan.

     his jaw ground together as he hissed out, "leave him alone. i'm the one you want." his voice a strained snarl as he pulled in behind the clubhouse. he knew his words would do nothing but he needed to stay on the line. garrett scoffed at that as he waltzed closer to nick, icy eyes wicked, "truly pathetic now aren't cha?" he could be speaking to either of them as he shook his head, "no, my boy, you had your chance for that. you chose to stay knowing this was going to happen and now all his blood is on your hands." and with that he lowered the clamps, pressing them into the wounds of nick's shoulders as the skin around them burned, the strong voltage shocking through his system.

@thewholecrew : garrett & nick + grant & octavia.

nick practically snarled, nostrils flaring at the tip of the knife that lifts his chin to garrett's gaze. despite whatever hell garrett had in store, and already had inflicted, nick was sure of that. one way or another, grant couldn't let him live. not after this. not after the mere threats garrett made against kassy and now, octavia. nick's eyes flashed with unbridled rage once more as nick unintentionally inflicted more pain upon himself as he tried to clench his hands shut out of habit. "you seem sure of that," nicklas threw his words back, garrett's threats against kassy and octavia serving to keep his fire brightly burning as he forced a sharp breath out. he's let too many things happen to octavia... garrett's not about to be one of them.

"if you fuckin' touch her..." a quieter cry cuts off his threat as garrett's thumb separated his wound further. saliva quickly built in his mouth as the waves of nausea flooding through nicklas each time garrett did something worse. there's no winning with so much to lose. the sinister look upon his face only infuriating nicklas further. there had to be a way out of this. a way that they are not the ones that end up on the losing side of this. nick watched garrett and the phone ring with baited breath, teeth grinding together until...garrett. nick swallows thickly, his heart sinking into his stomach as grant's voice on the other end picks up. "no..." the single word fell from his lips in a near silent whisper. "don't do this." not to grant.

octavia knows it. can feel it with grant's back turned to her before he ever confirms what's happening but once he does, her head shakes, eyes glassy with fear for nicklas' life. "no no no, that's not possible." she said with disbelief, turning on her heels to follow grant back into the bedroom where he began to arm himself. her hands slide up to either side of her face, fingers pressing just beside her ears as if it might stop the ringing. garrett has nick. garrett has nick. garrett. has. nick. as grant speaks, giving her direction on what he needs all she can focus on is the fact that this twisted man is alone with her brother. that he's playing some sick game of phone tag with the people she loves.

her hands drop as grant neared her, his own hands cupping her face as she looked up at him. "grant, he can't have nick..." her bottom lip trembled as his eyes fell closed, taking this one moment to force the fears she had down. nick needs them. surprise quickly flashed in her gaze, figuring she'd have to fight grant on going with him but octavia wasted no time, "okay." she agreed easily, grabbing her phone from the nightstand and jacket off the chair before she followed grant's directions further.

while sticking close to grant octavia dialed monty, impatiently gripping her phone tightly as grant vigilantly scanned every step the pair of them took. "monty...i don't care that it's late, wake up monty," octavia harshly hissed into the phone, "grant needs you at the clubhouse. because there's a fucking situation monty, okay, be there before we get there." octavia said, sliding into the seat next to grant as she looked his way, terror chilling her to the bone as nicklas' name flashed on his phone. "we need to trace a call..." she told monty, eyes lifting to grant.

[confessions-heartland]

“I really am a fan of Lou and Peter and hope they will get back together envetually, but rewatching the series from the start, I am so sad that Lou and Nick never started dating! They would've been so cute together and I always got the feeling they were soooo into each other.”

[the-real-tc]

Start a Heartland Rumor

Just like the title says, start a Heartland rumor. It can be as serious or absurd as you like. Disclaimer: This is all for entertainment purposes. I take zero responsibility for any lame-o who thinks this is really real. 

My rumor: Stephen Amell returns to the series as Nick Harwell, but his competitive polo-playing days are over. After Caleb fails to get him interested in jousting, Georgie suggests... horseback archery. After a few missteps, Nick eventually excels at the sport.