Heartland (AU) The Prodigal Son

by Anjewelraine

(AU) Ty Borden had everything, the only son of a Hollywood Movie Star and Business Tycoon. He played hard and lived fast. But life on the other side isn't always as it seems. Ty hid behind the cars, the girls, the money, not showing his true self until, until he saw her, that beautiful blonde on the black steed, Was this what he had been looking for? Was she his ultimate salvation?

1. The Prodigal Son Chapter 1

Chapter 1.

The view of New Port Beach from the kitchen windows sprawled out before her as she took yet another sip of her vodka and orange. It was a beautiful day in Orange County, The sun was out, as it always was, the OC known for its hot sticky weather. The sky was blue, framing an almost perfect set of waves that rolled into the pristine white sandy beaches. California had been good to her and her family, it was her escape from the limelight and the public eye for the last year. When living amongst the hills here, her elegant yet private mansion cresting an open-faced cliff, it gave her solitude, the affinity pool expanding over the enormous view of the ocean below. She was just another wealthy inhabitant. Living large above the numbered streets.

She took another sip of her drink, the vodka hitting the back of her throat as she heard the doorbell chime. This day had started well, but after a rather disturbing phone call from the local authorities, Lilly Borden had wished she had stayed curled up in her designer sheets. She turned slowly, her manicured hands putting the glass on the marble countertop. She took a breath, straightened her pale pink designer outfit, and walked with purpose towards the double front doors. The same doors that blocked out the world, the press, the paparazzi, the fans. Being in the public eye came easy for Lilly, she was born into it, after all, her parents being in the film business themselves. Her absentee father a cinematographer and her mother a scriptwriter who spent more time chasing that perfect story than raising a rebellious young girl. It wasn't a big leap for Lilly to find the lure of Tinseltown and the big screen enticing. Raised by nannies and maids, she left the family home and took her chances at Hollywood. Her tough yet attractive look, filled with an edge not seen in other screen starlets at the time gave her the break she needed. She had starred in her first leading role at the tender age of 17, playing a young girl in love with her school teacher. It had skyrocketed the small, yet elegantly attributed woman into stardom. Her career on the big screen seeing her star in 16 more award-winning films, leading to accolades and admiration from the public and respect from her peers. She'd won awards, followed her heart and married a wealthy Canadian landowner and horse breeder, giving birth to one child, the child who she thought would finally give her the family she had always craved.

As she now entered into her late forties, her career stalling and slowing, she had retreated to the OC, to live a life of comfort under the Californian sun.

Lilly took a deep breath and opened the doors, knowing full well what was going to greet her on the other side.

"Mrs. Borden, "the officer said, his dark blue uniform making him look like one of her security staff.

Lilly looked dejectedly out her front door, seeing two other officers standing on her front porch step.

"officer Kincaid, "she said softly, her face although beautiful still for an older woman, looked tired, this was not her first rodeo, and this scenario was starting to become commonplace.

"I tried to keep this out of the spotlight Mam, but you know how the press love it when he plays up. Unfortunately this time, with willful destruction of private property, he may be facing charges "

Lilly rubbed her face. Her brown eyes flickering towards the patrol car parked behind the three men of the law.

"thank you, I know you would have done all you could for him, If we are looking at charges, Ill make sure our lawyer calls you this afternoon. we will be more than happy to settle this quietly"

The older officer nodded, feeling for the woman who stood before him. He knew Mrs. Borden well, following her movies in his youth and now, as a senior officer of the OC police dept, he was there to serve and protect.

He turned to the officer behind him and said quietly, "bring him in, I think we will leave it at a simple warning this time"

The other officer nodded and retreated back to the patrol car, he opened the back door and a young man, in his late teens stepped out, his hands cuffed securely behind his back. He was ruggedly handsome, with soft brown hair that took on an unruly yet sexy nature, he was lean, yet toned, and carried his physic well, his body matching his athletic build.

The officer uncuffed him and he gave him a {told you so} look as he stalked up the front porch, pushing roughly between the other two officers, then sidestepping his mother before disappearing inside the house.

"thank you again officer Kinkaid, I do appreciate you making sure he got home safely, " Lilly said, her eyes falling on her son as he ignored her and continued on his way.

She shut the door as she saw a few cars pull up outside, knowing they were filled with lenses and itchy shutter fingers. Just waiting for a glimpse of the starlet who now only graced their screens in reruns and movie nights.

Lilly walked back into her kitchen, her house expanding out around her. She found him sitting on the kitchen bench, his black shirt undone to his navel, his hair, more ruffled than usual. He looked spent after a long night partying and causing havoc, which was after all his usual way. Well, that's what people believed in him anyway, so he decided to give the cameras, what they wanted.

He tilted his head back and took a long swig of milk from the carton, the cool liquid soothing his dry throat. He hadn't really eaten anything in two days, and pretzels and beer nuts just didn't work after three days of mayhem.

"will you please use a glass!" she scolded, as he rolled his green eyes at her, the eyes that showed he really didn't care what she had to say.

Lilly glared at her disobedient son and snatched the carton away from him, hearing him swear under his breath, his eyes now looking past her and back at the open double-doored refrigerator.

He jumped off the bench and sidestepped past her again, disregarding the glare she cast his way. His attention on something, anything edible or remotely sustainable to a body that hadn't eaten in over 36 hours.

"Tyler James Borden!" Lilly roared, her temper now flying at her child, "will you turn around and look at me when Im talking to you!"

She heard him groan and then watched as he slowly turned, those emerald eyes now cutting through her as they opposed her use of his full name.

"Ty, Mom, "he said, his voice a little cold, "I told you, Tyler James Borden is my grandfather's name, not mine!"

Lilly shook her head in exasperation. Ty, as he liked to be called, had been a joy as a small child, he excelled at everything he chose to do, from go-carts to yachts, from school reading books to arithmetic, he was one of those kids that just couldn't be stopped. He had entered senior year when everything around him had started to fall apart. His mother, still a screen sensation at the time, had taken a leave of absence from his father. Moving the two of them, to the mansion in North Beach they now called home.

Ty hated North Beach, he missed his home in Montana, where the family, well his father owned a reasonably large ranch. Lucky Quarters was located not far from Sun Burst and boasted some of the best bloodlines for Australian Quarter horses in Montana. Ty's father, Brad Borden, was a man of few words but big ideas. He worked too hard, played too much and was always after the next big adventure that was just around the corner.

Lucky Quarter's stud was thriving, with clients seeking his quarter horses around the world. The success he had in Montana allowed him to seek to expand, And thus the New Alberta Lucky Quarters empire idea was born.

Brad moved between Alberta and Montana, deciding distance may help his failing marriage with Lilly. The Montana ranch, the family home when they weren't in Hollywood for Lilliys career, was now manned now by staff and managers in Brads absence. He was proud of The Lucky Name and always told Ty when he was small, that his lived his life at the toss of a coin. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Ty and Lilly headed for the sun and the surf down the coast, building that awkward distance between Ty and his father. Making his connection to his home and all he knew seem now a distant memory.

"why !" she asked softly, her eyes filled with desperation, " you stole someone's car! And then totaled it, what have you got to say for your self,!"

Ty looked past his mother, hearing her, but not caring to engage. He blamed her for his parents time apart as they liked to put it, and although his relationship with his father was and always had been turbulent and dictatorial, he still missed the life he knew. The life he was used to. He missed Montana, he missed his home. Now he was adrift, the son of a starlet, the boy from the county who didn't quite fit the mold of the beach bum. He only was accepted because of the fame his mother brought with him.

The kids his age wanting to be in his orbit, because he was Lilly Bordens, son. This high society environment didn't fit him, but it was all he had to work with now. And He played the game well, even if it did make him miserable inside.

"it was a Morris miner Lilly," he finally said, his tone sarcastic and dry, knowing how much she hated him calling her by her first name. "that's not really a car now is it, and do you always believe everything you hear?"

He grinned to himself as he recalled the evening before, the drinking, the party, the inevitable chase through the numbered streets. " it's more like a pregnant roller skate than a car anyway?"

Lilly glared at him again, at a loss to his glibness.

"and if they charge you! What then, what will I tell your father hey, what will I tell ….everyone"

Ty gave her a noncommital sneer and pushed the fridge shut forcefully, before biting into an apple.

"come on mom, you know that they won't charge me, they love your apple pie persona, " he quipped "As long as your still the flavor of this stupid town, I can do and say whatever I like "

He grinned at her, his green eyes sparkling with contempt. Ty leaned against the kitchen bench and took another bite of his apple.

"I need to call W…. "Lilly started, at a loss as to what to do,

Ty's smile dropped, the coldness in his eyes filled with anger now" that's right Lilly, call your lover, Im sure he can calm you down right? or make you happy"

Lilly turned on her son, stepping forward an slapping him roughly across the face, the sting of the impact making Ty take a step back to regroup himself. He raised his hand to his jaw, a red hand mark showing where she had connected with him. His face now still and slightly shaken. Its contact had made him snap his head to the side, his soft brown hair now across his face and in his eyes.

"Wade is our friend TY, he has helped you out of more than one of these scrapes, and with your father away, well ,who else am I supposed to turn to … to "Lilly's voice shook as she fumed at him, She grabbed his arm and tried desperately to get him to look at her. But Ty's eyes stayed on the window in front of them, his cheek stinging as it held its rosy glow.

"he's your friend mom, "he whispered, venom in his tone as he stepped away from her, hurt and betrayal in his eyes, "he's no friend of mine"

Lilly's lip trembled, she knew she had hurt him far worse than the slap upon his cheek. "Ty, please, why are you being so hard on me! why are you hurting me like this!"

Ty froze, his eyes taking on a steely glare as he spun around on his mother, the movie star, the pride of Orange County.

"Im hurting you! Im being hard on you!" he snarled, "that's brilliant mom, go on blame me,! Why not, you blame me for everything else that's wrong in your life, so why not this too!"

"Ty!, that's not, true,! ."Lilly cried, trying to get close to him as he pulled away. His youthfulness giving him an edge on her. He walked towards the dining area, his hand still rubbing his jaw, his back to her.

"If you don't stop this Ty, your leaving me no choice but to call Brad and to….." she warned

Ty spun around, his temper flaring again as he pulled the patio door open, "what mum! send me home! go on, I dare you!"

Lilly narrowed her eyes and bit her lip, seeing the coldness in her son's eyes as he challenged her yet again.

"I…. you're leaving me no choice young man, "she warned, pulling her phone from her pocket and hitting the buttons, she pushed it to her ear, seeing Tys expression change as he realized she was actually going to call his father.

"Hey, Um, could you come over, there's been another incident, and well, I think Ty and I are going to need your help," she said, her voice sickly sweet as she spoke. Her brown eyes not looking at her son who now was shaking his head in anger, a dry sarcastic smile back on his face.

Lilly hung up the phone after a few platitudes to the voice on the other end and stood at a stalemate with her son.

"don't look at me like that Ty, I cant do this anymore, Wade will help you sort this out, I know he will, he cares about you, he cares about us,"

"Gezzus christ mom! Wade doesn't give a shit about me! or you! he only cares about your money and where his next retainer is coming from! " Ty barked, "when are you going to see him for who is really is! "

"stop it!" Lilly yelled, angered by his accusations that she was somehow being played by the man she relied so heavily on now.

"does dad even know? "Ty asked incredulously, his smile mocking her now, "well? Does he, does he know the man who he hired as a business advisor is now the man his wife is fuc…."

"Stop!, don't you dare," she growled, as she slammed her hand on the kitchen bench, the anger overtaking her. "Your father left me, he …. Left us. He cared more about those damn horses than me! "

"so you hooked up with his advisor!' Ty stated, making her very aware of the fact the secret affair was not that secret after all "Im not blind mom, I'm not stupid either, Dad left, because you couldn't keep your legs together !"

And with that harsh statement still ringing in her ears, he flung the patio door open and stalked away, heading for the pool that expanded before him.

Lilly shook and covered her face, bringing her glass to her trembling lips and sipping down its contents. She shut her eyes and steadied her resolve, her eyes watching her son as he ripped off his teeshirt and threw it onto the decking, his runners receiving the same treatment as they flew across the patio area, crashing into the outdoor furniture near the grill.

How had it come to this she asked herself, the vodka numbing her mind, giving her some solace. How had her once extraordinary life with a husband who adored her, and a son who looked up to her now disintegrated into the sham of an existence. To the world outside, she was still the movie star Lilly Borden. Living the life normal people dreamed of. The perfect husband by her side. The Handsome and dutiful son, her legacy. But in reality it was nowhere close to this façade, She refilled her glass, making sure to have a little less orange juice with her vodka this time and let her eyes stare at her son as he pulled off his jeans and threw them on a banana lounge. She could see in his body language how upset and mad he was. The tension running across his broad shoulder blades and down his spine.

She watched as he stood still, his toes on the edge of the pool as his eyes looked out over the expense of Newport below.

As if searching for something, anything to give him a sense of belonging. Lilly walked out the door, she knew he heard her approach, she could see his shoulders tense. But before she could get her outstretched fingers onto his skin or utter a word, he dove into the pool, disappearing under the water.

Her eyes filled his sadness as she watched him slide along the bottom of the pool, only coming up for air when he reached the far end of the infinity drop. Ty, blew air out of his mouth, spitting water in a little fountain into the air, then shook his head, his hair spraying water droplets around him that danced and made patterns in the blue water. Lilly watched as he rested his arms on the poolside, his eyes on the world below. Never once giving his mother a backward glance.

---

Heartland Ranch was a place of tranquility and beauty, a jewel in the Alberta foothills. An hour out of the busy city of Calgary, nestled within 20 minutes of the town of Hudson, it was a well known and established horse and rider rehabilitation center.

The ranch had come from humble beginnings and had been in the Bartlett family for over six generations. Now proudly owned by the last remaining Bartlett progeny Jack. It had grown from a humble cattle operation in the early days into a thriving business in equestrian rehabilitation.

Known for it's out of the norm training techniques, it boasted a long list of satisfied and grateful customers who had sent their steeds to the ranch with a hope of fixing the problems that made them less than the perfect equestrian partner. The focus was on healing not only the horse but the rider as well, with the lead trainers being trained by Marion Fleming her self. The world-class horse whisper and imparted her skills onto her training team, showing them her gentle hand, her unique horse sense and her ability to listen rather than control.

Marion had been Jacks only daughter, and she had led the charge to change the Ranch into the empire it was to this day. She had married a local four-time all-around rodeo champion, Tim Fleming resulting in her two children,( Samantha Louise), Lou, and Amy. The marriage had been a rollercoaster in the early years, with Tim away a lot of the time, leaving the ranch and the family life to Marion alone, he rode the rodeo circuit and competed with the best, even against his father-in-law himself. Another Rodeo legend in his own right. Marion raised her girls, showing them the ways of the land and the world of the horse. Amy, the younger of the two showing and insight and gift similar to that of her mothers. This built a strong emotional Tie between Marion and her baby girl. They shared a passion and a love that Lou, although horse savvy and a ribboned show jumper in her own right, didn't seem to have.

The world changed for Marion when Tim had a major accident at the stampede, resulting in crippling injuries that ended his rodeo career. He lost interest in everything in that time, and the family went through some of the darkest days it had ever seen. With Jack seeing his daughter defend a man, who spent most of his days either drunk or doped up on painkillers or both.

It took a violent exchange, and a loose back hand and a moment of clarity for Jack to run his son in law off the property, threatening to bury him alive, if he ever showed his face there again.

Marion, the girls, and their grandfather continued on, building their home and increasing its reach to cover the better part of Alberta.

Jack had been reluctant at first to expand, but with Lou leaving for the US to go to college, and Amy still in high school, he realized that their only way of holding onto the land that was his families legacy, was to make it more profitable.

So they expanded and grew, from one house, one barn, one Quonset hut to 2 barns, a fully enclosed rehabilitation center and training pens and corrals. To accommodate their growing clientele, they built cabins near the lake, on a back corner of the 600 acres of Heartland land. This gave people the opportunity to attend horse clinics and classes on how to bond and be part of the rehabilitation process.

The ranch thrived until, the sudden and unforeseen death of Jacks beloved daughter. Marion lost her life doing what she loved most, rescuing an abused horse from a neglectful horse dealer. Amy had been with her mother at the time of the accident, blaming herself in the beginning as it was her decision to save the animal from the rancher. It took the family a long time to get over the loss of the heart of their world. With Amy insisting to take over her mother's role as the head horse whisperer, and Jack agreeing to continue on with the horse business, and honor the work his daughter had put into Heartland.

Lou returned with her MBA and took on the financial aspect of the business. With Jack handling the day to day running of the ranch, Amy handling the trainers and animal care teams and Lou managing the money and the dude ranch, where the Heartland Equestrian connection started taking on corporate guests as well as horse clients in an attempt to diversify and bring in more revenue.

Jack had married a well-known horse breeder, Lisa Stillman, deciding that the widower life was a lonely one. Lisa merged her stable with Heartland, bringing them all under the same banner. Making Heartland and Fairfield, a power name in the Alberta horse world.

Tim, Amy and Lous father, returned, now older, and wiser, and wanting to know the family he threw away. Jack, although reluctant at first, allowed him to prove his mantle, and rebuild his bond with his daughters after a ten-year absence.

It wasn't easy, but the family struggled on and Tim now worked alongside Jack, running the Ranch in conjunction with Big River Ranch, which bordered heartland. Purchased by Tim, so he could be close to his family.

Although its success was paramount, and its reputation was phenomenal, Heartland remained humble and proud of its simple beginnings. The original house stood the same as it did when it was a cattle ranch, with only an extra room built above the original barn, to accommodate visiting short-term guests.

It was rustic and authentic, with no show of wealth or prestige, Jack still in the same jeans and plaid shirts as he was when he rode the range,

Lou and Amy were as close as sisters who were competitive could be, with Lou watching the figures and financials and Amy fighting for the horses, regardless of whether their owners could afford the training fees or not.

Amy was well into 16 now, still in high school, and a typical teen, apart from being the lead trainer and whisperer of a multi-million dollar horse operation. She had friends and even a sort of boyfriend and was happy with her lot in life. Jack always said Amy was the spitting image of her mother, from her long blonde hair to her slender body type, But the one thing that Amy had that made Jack stop from time to time, seeing his daughter in his granddaughter, was her deep blue eyes. They were as blue as the sky on a clear day and had a depth in them that would challenge any Caribbean lagoon.. ,

Her day started as any weekday would, she was up early, before the sun, to do the morning chores. Amy liked to look after the families horses herself, she fed and watered them, mucked out the stalls and gave her own horse Spartan well-deserved brush. Spartan was the horse that had been rescued the day her mother died. Her bond with the black gelding was a special one, and her time with him was precious. The hired staff didn't start until 8 am, it was their job to look after the client horses install and make sure the roster for the trainers was adhered too. Amy only held clinics on the weekends, as, school took precedence for her during the week, she worked with the hired trainers and set their horse charges, as they were all trained by Marion herself they were quite capable of handling the clients during Amys schooling times. With the more difficult and delicate cases being assessed and then passed onto Amy on the weekends.

Amy was also an avid show jumper, taking Spartan to local events, and scoring points to allow her to compete in the fall finale. Her life was full and exciting, and although busy and hectic at times, she wouldn't have wanted it to be any other way,

"so you going to Jesses tonight?" her dark-haired best friend asked her as they sat on the bus, the ride to school always seemed to take forever in the morning,

"I don't know, depends if Grandpa lets me, he's still a little annoyed at me for going on that drive a few nights ago, " Amy looked out the window, the canola fields were in bloom again and the fields were covered in a bright yellow glow.

"well Mom said I cant go, as I failed my biology test, "Soraya said, looking down and letting her disappointment show, "if my mom had her way, I'll only ever be allowed outside to study or show jump, and that's it"

Amy nudged her friend, giving her a gentle smile, in an attempt to make her feel better.

"did you see the tabloids !' a blonde haired girl screeched at them, "oh my god! he's soo hot! and that arse"

Amy looked over the back of her chair and raised an eyebrow, the blonde pushing a magazine her way. Amy took the glossy mag and sat back down, Soraya looking over her shoulder and reading the article out loud, "Son of the screen starlet Lilly Borden was once again up to no good at their holiday house in the OC. Reports say that he and some other young offenders stole a fellow students car and after driving recklessly through New Port Beach, he was detained on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and willful damage to private property. So far no charges have been laid against the young heartthrob. "

Amy looked at the photo of a young man in handcuffs being taken into a police station, his face was down and although he had a look about him that intrigued her, his antics didn't impress her at all "he's an idiot Ashley," She said flatly, "he's a spoilt rich kid with nothing better to do than destroy peoples property"

"but he's a hot rich kid,"Ashley beamed, 'I wouldn't mind getting him in those handcuffs, if you know what I mean" She raised her eyebrows and giggled, Ashley Stanton was Jesse Stanton's sister, so technically a friend via attachment to boyfriend to Amy, She was superficial, rude opinionated and even some would say a tad vindictive. Her life being one of wealth an exuberance. Her Mother Val Stanton had been the mother who buys her children's love, Ashely never wanted for anything, from hundred thousand dollar show jumpers to her own convertible, she had it all and had no problem rubbing other peoples noses in it.

"Tyler Borden, known as Ty to his inner circle is on a dark and dangerous path, one that will lead to inevitable destruction, "she read, after she snatched the magazine back from Amy, She held it up, as she flicked the page, pressing it to her lips as her eyes scanned over a full body shot of the hot young man coming out of a New Port night spot.

" you cant say that isn't as hot as haites!" she exclaimed, letting her long red fingernail run over the picture,

Amy looked at the magazine again, this time her eyes scanning the image more carefully, "he's got nice eyes, but they look sad, like he's lost something, or is looking for something '" Amy said, her eyes on those green emeralds as they dodged the cameras as the photographers went wild,

"he can look me up anytime, "Ashley cooed, sitting back in her seat and flicking through the pages, impressed by the invasion of the young mans privacy.

Amy jumped off the school bus and waved goodbye to her friends as the yellow school bus rattled away down the road. She looked up at the Heartland Gateway as it towered above her, the familiar metal sign swaying gently in the breeze. The Symbol of the setting sun, shining over the Rockies always did make her smile, it was the symbol of what the place stood for. And Amy was glad that Jack had refused to upgrade the old welcome sign when Lou had suggested it. Deciding to keep the tradition and hold onto the history that was the bones of the Ranch and his conception.

Amy ran into the kitchen, throwing her boots into the mudroom, their hard soles thumping into the wall on impact.

"Amy!" Lou warned, looking up from her computer, annoyance at the noise that had startled her out of her figures and reconciliations.

Lou was in her late 20s now, well actually closer to early 30s, and was an astute capable young woman. Topping her class at college she graduated with honors, her ability to analyze and organize being her two strongest qualities, now with an MBA under her belt, she was the formidable businesswoman. Her blue eyes and dark hair giving her an air of country chic sophistication.

"Sorry Lou, "Amy apologized as she grabbed an apple and bit into it, "hows everything here going? Amy new clients I need to know about?"

"Um yes, we have a full house at the dude ranch, with Mr. Parker and the Belamys coming in tomorrow.

"and their horses?" Amy asked, the people not really getting her attention,

"The Belamys have Russel an appaloosa with some saddle issues and Mr. Parker, well I think he's looking a buying one of those geldings you rescued a few weeks back from the auction house, "

"Oh ok, If he wants to take a look I can bring a few out and do some work with them, let him get a feel for them, "She offered, nibbling the apple again " did he say what he's looking for. In a horse I mean?"

"No, not really, but I have a feeling it's a pleasure horse, he's from the city, so I don't see him doing much more than weekend riding." Lou handly looked up when she spoke, her fingers still tapping incessantly on her keypad.

"Amy," a gruff, yet friendly voiced called as it came into the kitchen.

"Hey grandpa, " she smiled, giving the older gent a cuddle and loving the feeling of his big arms around her.

"Im heading into town for a while, got a meeting with Lisa and some big horse breeder from Montana looking at setting up an operation up here in Hudson, "

"Oh, is he looking at specializing or?" Amy asked, interested, the idea of another horse breeder in the district meant more clients and more diversity. Which was always a good thing.

"quarter horses, Australian stock, supposedly he wants to do a deal with Fair Field and share the import costs, " Jack explained,

"wow, Australian Quarters horses, they are nice looking animals, Grandpa, I'd love to work with one someday, "

Jack smiled and touched his grandaughters cheek, "well, if this goes ahead, and I not saying it's going too, Im sure that can be arranged" He smiled at her, and grabbed his hat, "Lisa said he's a bit of a wild card himself, new to Canada, and a risk taker, married to a movie star supposedly"

"Oh wow, fancy'" Amy grinned, "more money than sense then, like this guy Ashely was showing me in a magazine today, rich and privileged, has the best of everything, and is getting arrested for stealing a car and totally it!" she rolled her eyes remembering the article, "some people don't realise how good they have it hey!"

---

"so Ty, you, me, the pier? what ya say?" water flicked up at Ty as he floated across the pool on the banana lounge, "you in man or what ?"

Ty yawned, he knew the day and the night before had brought him more trouble than it was worth. But the idea of another night on the town did sound rather inviting.

"just you and me man?" he smiled, his dimples showing "sounds a little boring dude"

"no no man, "Dustin grinned, paddling his floating chair over to the recycling Ty, "Im sure Bella and Jo Jo will be up for some fun"

Ty opened his eyes, his interest growing, "Jo Jos all your ok, she a nutter"

"no worries man, I like them a little wild, "Dustin laughed, "so you in or? do You have to stay home with Mommy?"

TY shot him a don't go there glare and paddled himself to the edge of the pool where he climbed out onto the deck, the afternoon sun was hot and it bore down on the two young males, Ty's chest sweating as the water evaporated off him faster than he could dry himself.

He wrapped a towel around his boxers, and walked inside, his hair now shaggy and ruffled around his face from the chlorine.

"is that Dustin,?" Lilly asked she had decided to have a little lie down on the settee after her confrontation with Ty earlier.

"yup," Ty murmured as he continued past her, heading up the marble stairs to the second floor and his room.

"I like Dustin, " Lilly mused, her hand on the empty vodka bottle that sat on the floor next to her.

---

Ty pulled off his boxers and jumped in the shower, the hot water soothing his shoulders form the suns punishment. He pushed his head under the waters stream. Shutting his eyes, trying to yet again block out the world that was his nightmare. Going out sounded like fun, but truth be known, these nights running the streets and playing up were, just mere distraction for him. He liked Dustin, but he was a means to an end. His connections to the social network helped Ty escape the confines and stigmata of being the starlet's son. Jo Jo and Bella were also part of the package, he knew they were only interested because of his lineage and where a photo with the infamous Ty Borden would propel them on social media. But female company, was after all female company and Ty, like any young man of 18, liked the ladies just as much as they liked him.

He dressed in a black tee and pair of faded blue jeans, converse sneakers and his favorite leather jacket. He shook his hands through his hair, making it play about his face, sitting unruly where it wanted but still looking like he had styled it that way.

He smiled in the mirror, rubbed his teeth, swigged some mouthwash and sprayed himself with antiperspirant. Finally happy with the image that looked back at him. He fished around on the table for his phone and wallet, jamming them into his pocket as he snatched up the keys to his wrangler and headed down the stairs, a happier gate in his step. As he turned the corner, heading for the front door, Dustin now dressed in his jeans and green tee which he changed into in the pool house, came alongside him. Seeing Lilly had fallen asleep on the couch.

"you going to say bye to you mom, or?" He asked, his eyes walking over her, contemplating the viability of finding her attractive.

"she's drunk, "TY said flatly, "I doubt she'll even notice Im gone, " His face showed his coldness when he spoke of her, the day's events still fresh in his mind 'He patted Dustin on the shoulder and they headed for the double front doors. Keen to be free of parental control and ready to raise some hell,

As he pulled the door open he stopped suddenly as a cold and unimpressed look was thrown his way.

A shorter man, dressed in a dark suit stood before him, his dark aviator glasses covering his eyes, he was in his late forties, had neat slicked-back hair, dark in color, and a jaw of a man who had seen a lot.

"and just where do you think you're off to kid?" he asked, his eyes eyeing of the two young men as they stood before him in Lilly's front door.

"Out," Ty said simply, his tone noncommital as he went to push past the man and get to his car that was parked in the driveway.

Wade was, if anything street smart, yes he was a financial and marketing advisor, but he was a thug first and knew his way around the underworld. His beginnings were on the wrong side of the law, and to this day that line on occasion blurred,

"I beg to differ, kid, "He growled, looking tired of the same confrontation each time they met," your mom said you're to stay in, "

Tys eyes darted angrily at the older man, not appreciating the challenge in front of his friend "mom and you can go to hell" he snarled, pushing around him and walking to his car.

"get your arse in the house, "Wade snapped, grabbing Ty by the arm and physically stopping him from going any further. Dustin stepped away slightly, feeling the tension between them and knowing better than to get involved,

"um Ty, I'll catch ya later man ok, just call me and I'll tell you where we are at" He let his eyes skim over Wade who gave him, {you better run while you can kid} look and then saw Ty look back at him briefly, giving him a gentle nod.

Ty waited until Dustin had pulled his beamer out onto the road, heading back down the hill towards the estate gates and the beach before he spun around, his eyes on Wade's hand that held his bicep.

"get your fucking hands off of me!" he growled, his eyes filled with electricity as his anger and fear grew.

"get in the house you poor excuse for a son!" Wade jeered, pulling Ty bodily back through the door and slamming it behind them,

Ty's body shook with anger, he stood his ground, face to face with the man who was destroying his family.

"don't you ever" he hissed, his shoulders squaring, his feet standing firm.

"what Ty? What ya going to do tough guy!" Wade taunted in return, stepping closer to the younger yet again,

The two adversaries stood toe to toe neither one willing to concede,

"stop this, !" a frail voice said as Lilly came around the corner, her eyes still glazed from the alcohol in her system.

Tys head turned towards his mum, giving Wade the opening he wanted, He stepped forward and sucker punched Ty directly in the jaw, making his head snap backward, sending him sprawling backward cross the marble floor,

Lilly inhaled, looking at Wade and then at her son, who shook his head, dazed from the impact, but still struggled to his feet, his hand on his jaw as he tried to rebalance himself. His green eyes finally flicking back at Wade, his eyes now murderous,

Ty went to lunge at his attacker, wanting to get his own back, but Lilly stepped in his way and blocked him. Making him stop with her hands up in front of his drawn fists.

"No Ty!" she said, feeling the anger in her son, his face contorted by the need to hit something, and that something being Wades face. "go up to your room ok, we will talk about this later,"

Ty opened his mouth, furious at his mother for not coming to his aide, and challenging the man who just hit him.

"you're just going to let him do that!" he hissed incredulously at her, his jaw and cheek throbbing as he spoke, "he just sucker punched me!"

"it's called discipline kid!"Wade laughed, his eyes cold and deadly "something you're lacking in,"

"Fuck off!'" Ty growled, he didn't need a lecture from a man who held no real authority over him "don't you tell me what I need or don't need, your nothing to me or to mum. Your just the go-to guy when she can't stand being alone!"

Now it was Lilly's turn to gasp as she slapped Ty's cheek for the second time that day, "stop it, don't talk to your fath….."

Ty snapped, his temper overflowing, "he's not my father for Christ sakes, will you wake up! My dad left remember! He ran away from you! he ran away from this, " Ty raised his arms, trying to make her see,

"that's it!, " Wade bellowed, as he grabbed Ty's arm and spun him around, catching the younger off guard and pinning it behind his back.

Ty groaned and tried to pull against his attacker, but this only made Wade pull his arm back tighter, Tys face contorting with pain and his elbow and shoulder burned.

"Wade, "Lilly breathed concern on her face as she reached for her son, "please don't ….he didn't mean it"

"Argh, "Ty hissed his eyes looking back at Wade, not willing to give in, "yes I did, you're a piece of shit!"

Wade sneered coldly down at the young man he held to ransom, his free hand grabbing a handful of his soft brown hair, making Ty scrunch up his face in pain.

"Lilly, "Wade said, holding Ty still as he struggled against his hands, "go put the kettle on ok, there's a good girl"

Lilly looked at her son, his eyes now on her as he was bodily dragged up the stairs by the heavier and more experienced male. Wade may have been small in stature man, but his street smarts and deviousness, served him well, The grip he had on Ty incapacitated him. Making it impossible to fight back until the grip was released.

"Mom, "Ty breathed, his only hope she would for once, stand up and stop this from happening, This wasn't the first time Wade had given Ty a lesson in discipline Wade Daltons way, but every time Ty held out the hope his mom would finally stop the insanity and choose him over her lover.

Lilly watched in silence as Ty was hauled away, she heard his feet scrambling on the marble stairs as she lost sight of him, the last sound she heard was the slamming of his bedroom door.

She took a shaky breath, flinching as she heard the muffled voices and then the bangs, knowing in her heart what was happening but too scared or to numb to act on what she knew inside to be wrong. She turned, and slowly walked herself back to the kitchen, her mind now on the kettle and that cup of tea Wade said he wanted.

---

The silence that fell over the morning table at breakfast time was deafening. Lilly wore dark glasses, hiding the even darker circles under her eyes. Wade sat at the head of the large white granite table. attacking his eggs and bacon, lovingly made by Lilly herself. The only thing that matched their charade of happiness was the silent young man who sat opposite them. Ty's hands were on a cup of coffee, that he stirred slowly, his eyes never lifting from the cup. He had been called down for breakfast, the tone one of ultimatum rather than a request.

"so Lilly, I hear there's a chance of an audition? Tell me you're going to go for it" Wade said, his eyes flicking from his prize to her son and then back again.

"I don't know Wade, it's a long shot, they are after someone younger, I probably won't stand a chance," Lilly said quietly, trying to play it down, she hadn't auditioned in a long time and secretly feared the rejection. Now she wasn't the young starlet she used to be.

"come on love, that body of yours, its still as good as any twenty plus kid, "Wade greased, his eyes darting to Ty when he heard him cough In distain.

"did I say you could speak" he snarled, reaching over and slapping Ty across the back of the head. The 18-year-old freezing as the hand made contact.

Tys eyes raised up and bore into Wades, a purple shadow around his cheek the only visible telltale sign of the previous evening's altercation.

"your mother is the hottest woman in New Port!' Wade proclaimed, "that body of hers, mmm mmmm. trust me, kid, I should know,!"

Ty stood up, the image in his mind making him nauseous. He walked over to the kitchen counter and tipped out his cup, leaving it upturned on the sink.

"you going out today? "Lilly asked her son, noticing he was clad in his leather jacket,

"for a little while, "Ty replied, not wanting to talk to either of them.

"you keep away from that Dustin kid, he's bad news, "Wade warned, his dislike more to the fact that Dustin's father was the chief of the new port Police dept.

"don't tell me who I can and cant see'" Ty warned, his courage returning this morning even though he still bore the marks of the beating the night before.

Wade stood up, his defenses raised now too, Tys reluctance to accept his role as the alpha male really bugged Wade to no end. Which was the main reason he found the need to constantly get into the youngers face all the time.

Lilly touched Wade's arm pulling his attention back to her, trying in her own way to protect her son.

"Try to be home for dinner please ok, I want it to be a family dinner, just the three of us," she smiled, hoping Ty would take her olive branch.

Ty turned slowly and let his eyes fall on his mother, her olive branch snapping under his cold glare.

"a family dinner, "he mocked, "only thing is mom, he ain't family, he's the pretend boyfriend remember!"

He spat, knowing his words cut her.

"why you little prick!"Wade growled walking around the table, as he pushed chairs out of the way in an attempt to square off with Ty once more.

"big man aren't ya Wade, "Ty challenged yet again, sidestepping and keeping the table between them. "can't quite make it on his own so rides on other coattails, just sucking in the money"

Wade's temper blew and he flew across the table at Ty, grabbing for him but missing as Ty quickly ran around the corner of the kitchen and disappeared down the hallway, heading for the front door,

"get your arse back here!"Wade yelled, chasing after the young rebel, as he pulled the front door open and disappeared outside,

"Wade, Please "Lilly cried, "just let him go ok, please, " she begged, making him turn his attention once again back to her, "look, lets just forget about Ty and spend the day together hey, I'll even take you out for lunch, my treat" she offered,

Wade heard the front door slam knowing Ty was now long gone, "he's out of control Lilly, "he stated, "just call Brad and get him to deal with him, he's his son after all, "

Lilly dropped her eyes, feeling terrible for even considering the request. "Brad doesn't want him, he's too busy with the new deal in Alberta to have to deal with Tys carry-ons, "Lilly gave Wade a gentle hug trying to show him she was trying

"you get him out of here Lilly, or Im gonna teach that little shit some respect once and for all!"

Lilly saw the harshness in Wade's voice as he held her firmly in his hands, He wasn't suggesting it now, he was demanding it. She nodded meekly, looking like a lost child being reprimanded by her father, "ok, ok, I'll ring Brad, "

---

"Man, where were you last light!" Dustin asked, nudging Ty on the shoulder roughly and giving him a toothy smile.

Ty had hoped to spend some time alone on the pier, but as New Port Beach was such a closed community, it was pretty hard to avoid a familiar face.

He had stolen a few quiet moments, near the far end of the main walkway, his eyes on the ocean and its expanse before him. The breeze played with his hair, unsettling it and making it dance around his handsome features. Ty had been blessed with his mother good looks and his father's body type. He wasn't overly tall for his age, but he carried a lean yet naturally toned physic. With an edge to him that made young girls swoon. He was the typical bad boy, the quiet broody type that no one seemed to understand, but everyone wanted to know. He had become the kid that everyone wanted to be around. With a flock of followers that had attached themselves to him when he was enrolled at Habour High on moving to the county.

He different, then the other kids in his year, his many years traveling with his mother from location to location, meaning a lot of his schooling was done with tutors and homeschooling, resulting in Ty not actually attending the normal school system all that often. Habour High took him as a status symbol. With an instant enrolment without academic accreditation or testing like all of its other students were forced to endure to gain entry to the elitist private School, The idea of having the son of the resident movie star enrolled and attending their institution was something that no school, even a most elite high-end school like Harbour could pass up.

Ty's attendance, at best was sketchy, he was after all 18 and in no way interested in towing the line or being the preppy role model they were hoping for. He spent more time out of the hedged common areas, landscaped walkways and designer classrooms than he did inside them, The dean, informing Lilly but accepting this as the norm as Ty still managed to ace any exam or test thrown his way. The school finally resigned to use his academic score and the occasional appearance as their way of justifying his enrolment. Allowing Ty to come and go as he pleased.

Tys face still looked out over the water, and Dustin, a jovial cheeky young man with blonde hair and blue eyes to match noted the somber mood.

"Jo Jo was asking after you, " he continued, trying to get his friend to at least converse with him.

He saw a wry smile run across Ty's bottom lip, as he turned and looked at his friend, the bruise on his cheek a little darker now.

Dustin's eyes tried not to show his concern, but it was obvious he knew the outcome of Ty's discussion with Wade.

"man, you got to report this," he breathed, "it's not right,"

Ty's smile faded, his green eyes returning to the ocean. His silence giving Dustin his answer.

"dad could talk to him man, give him a scare!" He offered, hoping against hope his brown-haired companion would accept the offer of help.

"that's all I need, "Ty finally said, "the chief of police having a go at my mom's lover, " He gave a sarcastic smile to his friend and turned towards him, his green eyes now on Dustin. "just leave it ok, it's my problem, not yours"

Dustin went to argue, but a smile and a shoulder thump from his friend made him stop, he knew the home life Ty endured, he had seen the bruises, the cuts, on both Ty and on occasion his mother. Ty had always downplayed it, not discussing it in detail, preferring to let the people around him assume what they liked. Rumors of his bad boy persona just assisted with this, allowing him to hide the truth behind the tabloids. He held contempt for his mother, but he didn't want to see her name dragged through the mud either. That wouldn't only hurt Wade but would destroy her career and possibly damage his fathers business name as well. Ty's family might be difunctional, but it still was his family and his loyalty to that kept him silent.

"so Jo Jo, I said, shes yours remember," he grinned, turning away from the water's edge and heading towards the waterfront tourist strip.

"Well, yeah, but I kinda hooked up with Bella, and well, "Dustin grinned, a mischevious glint in his eyes.

Tys mouth dropped in mocked horror, realizing he had been undercut by his friend, "smooth dude, Wow, I turn my back for a second and you swoop in and steal the prize"

"sorry man, but since you were a no-show, I kinda had to step in and console the girl"

The two best friends walked along the waterfront, the busy morning of New Port Beach unfolding before them. Ty was in no rush to return home, the idea of having to watch Wade seduce his mother was not a way to start a Saturday morning.

The two boys bought some breakfast from one of the many diners along the café strip, and headed back towards Ty's wrangler, Climbing in it and making the call to take a drive down to the beaches down the coast. A little relaxation and fun out of the limelight and public eye. They stopped briefly to collect Bella and Jo Jo, a busty blonde, with an eye for fame and fortune and an edgy redhead, who didn't mix words or opinions. Both newly acquired attractions for the young men, although not any type of serious connection. Ty, in particular, wasn't known for having relationships, he had girls in his life, he had a bevy of followers all wanting to be that special someone who was caught by the cameras the next time he was papped. But none of them had managed to steal more than the odd kiss or cuddle, he was by no means inexperienced, taking what was on offer when he so desired, But none ever captured his heart. It was purely physical, a way to feel a connection to something real, even if it always ended with a quick kiss, a thank you and a goodbye. Established and fed and the press, and the cameras that seemed to dog and shadow him, his playboy image, was exactly that, just an image, used as a shield to protect him. Although always surrounded by people, who claimed to be in his inner circle, not one of them, apart from possibly Dustin, truly knew the real TY Borden. That deeper side to the handsome 18-year-old remained hidden, Even from his parents. Who only knew him to be a troubled teen with a dark side and an attitude that was less than public worthy.

Ty pulled his wrangler out onto Pacific Coast Highway and headed south to Reef Point, a beach a little less trafficked by tourists and paparazzi. The two girls jumping out and running to the walkways, talking and chatting amongst themselves, Ty pulled on a pair of aviators and walked towards the beach, His jacket left on the driver's seat. Dustin followed along next to him, seeing his faraway look still, his mind elsewhere, his hand pushed deep into his jeans pockets.

"your not dark at me over Bella are you?" Dustin asked He knew that being Tys friend had its perks, the attention, the girls, its how it worked, and as Ty was not a player in the true sense of the word, contrary to what was said about him in the magazines, Dustin was happy to take his seconds and overflow. Being the buddy of a celebrity had its perks after all.

"Nah man, it's all good, "Ty said softly, he smiled at his friends fear of offending him.

"well, you can try your luck with Jo Jo , she's up for it, "Dustin grinned, seeing the girls strip off their shorts and tops and run off in their bikinis towards the water's edge, "she told me as much last night, you just got to say the word man and your in like Flynn"

Ty chuckled, shaking his head as they hit the sand, The idea he could simply give a nod and have a girl in his lap, willing to say and do whatever he wanted or desired bemused him. Making his opinion of these young ladies who shadowed him even more jaded.

Ty and Dustin took their seats on the soft hot sand up near the dunes, Watching with smiles as the California girls laughed and splashed in the shallows, their bronzed bodies playing together, Ty had to agree, the view was impressive, there was something about two bathing beauties that even he couldn't deny.

"you sure your all good Ty, " Dustin said, his eyes on the females as well, Ty was quieter than usual today, and Dustin was starting to worry,

"Im good man, "Ty replied in a soft response, his smile curving the corner of his lip, "there's something about the beach that makes a man all warm inside" he grinned back at his friend, raising his eyebrows from under his aviators.

"Indeed, there is" Dustin laughed, both of them returning their admiration to the bikini-clad girls before them.

---

"Amy!" Lou called, as she wandered into the barn, she knew she was back from school, but hadn't seen her sister since breakfast, She walked down the aisle and noticed Spartan stall was empty and his tack was gone. "grrr, that girl" she grumbled as she stalked back out of the barn, heading back to the main house where a large expensive truck and horse trailer waited with two very well dressed men standing near the rear door.

"Sorry gentlemen, It seems our head trainer has taken one of the horses out for a ride, she shouldn't be too long though, could I offer you a drink or something to eat while we wait, " Lou put on her best customer service graces as she ferried the two men into the main ranch house, motioning to one of the hired hands to unload the horses and put them into the round pen awaiting Amys return.

Once inside, Jack, who was in the lounge came into the kitchen and shook the gentleman's hands, familiarity in his welcome,

"Brad, Thomas, so good to see you again" He smiled,

"Jack, you too, wheres that wonderful wife of yours?" Brad replied, accepting the gesture and giving the old cowboy a sturdy return.

"shes at Fair Field, sends her apologies, "Jack replied, as he pulled out the kitchen chairs and offered them to his guests, " please sit, Lou, will you put the kettle on"

Lou smiled and quickly busied her self with putting cups and plates on a tray and as the three men talked about the business discussed the day before over lunch.

"Well Jack, I think we are all set to make this work, "Brad said, smiling at Lou as she passed him a cup, "Im looking at long-term with a possibility of Fairfield and Heartland being joint partners in this venture, "

"That's great, We would be happy to build this partnership up with you, "Jack replied, "have you found a location now or are you still looking, ?"

Brad looked at Thomas who opened the black folder before him, "we have two properties under consideration, both established stud lands, and holding amenities and outbuildings. We will customize of course, and renovate but both are not that far from Fairfield and Heartland, so, Im thinking they will work well. "

Jack nodded, seeing the business proposal before him and the building plans. "so the stock comes from you and Lisa, then Heartland handles the training, breaking and horse work?" Jack asked, trying to get the business idea clear, he knew this was a lucrative deal, but Jack also was first and foremost a rancher who ran cattle, This horse training and rehabilitation side of heartland was predominately Amy and Lou.

"yes Jack, The facilities here are wonderful, and your granddaughter, her abilities are known well into the states. I think her talents and skills will only improve our final product and standards.

"Amy is amazing at what she does, "Jack agreed, "shes only young though, and we will be using our other trainers as well, But they have all been trained in the Heartland way, by Marion herself, "

Brad looked intrigued, motioning for Jack to go on. But Lou saw him hesitate.

"Marion is my mother, she started this horse rehabilitation venture, "Lou said softly, "Marion was and is the matriarch of this horse whispering legacy, we owe all of this to her vision and love of horses and her drive to save them"

Jack smiled warmly at his daughter, seeing the pride in her eyes.

Brad stood up and gave Lou a warm smile, "Family is important Lou, I did hear that your mother passed, I am truly sorry I didn't have the privilege of meeting her myself,"

Lou nodded, her eyes a little most, "well, once Amy returns you will see the legacy in action, Amy is now Heartlands resident horse whisperer and Im sure you will be suitably impressed with her skill set"

It was around an hour later that Amy returned and met her new guests at the round pen. She had untacked Spartan and brushed him, before giving him a well-deserved snack. Her attention turning two the two beautiful horses that stood majestically in the round pen.

"Amy, " Jack said, calling her over, to the two men smiling at her as she approached, Brad's eyes taking in her youthfulness, a touch of skepticism crossing his features.

"Amy, this is Thomas Macky and Brad Borden, from Lucky Quarters Stud in Montana, "Jack said, "I thought you'd like to meet them and take a look a some of the horses we will be working with when we start this breeding and sales venture with them"

Amy reached out her hand and shook their hands, giving them a soft smile, noting Brads look of disbelief in her abilities at such a young age.

"they are beautiful Mr. Borden, "she smiled, looking at the two baes in the pen, "their lines are amazing "

"thank you Amy " Brad said, walking closer to the pen and looking at his future brood stock, "We have a lot of money sunk into this endeavour, and these two beauties will be the first step into the Canadian market," Brads soft brown hair moved in the Alberta breeze, his green eyes on his investment. He was a solidly built man, with strong shoulders and a face for business. He could smell a success a mile away and wanst shy of taking risks to make things work, Amy was a risk to him, untested but from what he had heard worth the punt. If she could work her magic on his quarter horses, making them the perfect product for his market in the states and soon Canada as well, then having her in his employ would not only boost his income but expand his reach in the stud world. Canada was uncharted for him, and a market worth exploiting, With Jack and Lisa, Heartland and Fairfield, he would soon be one of the big runners in supply of quality Australian Quarter Horses in the area.

The two he brought to Amy today, were broodmares, imported from Australian Stock with the highest bloodlines, They stood tall and proud, there perfect condition and attributes showing the quality of their lineage.

Amy opened the gate of the round pen and looked at Brad with a smile, "so today, Im going to just give them a chance to get to know me, you know, build that bond, I might do some loping and then maybe some lead work, "

"I'll put one in the other pen, so you can focus on one at a time," Jack said, following his granddaughter into the pen and slowly walking up to one of the horses, gently taking its halter and leading it away to the other gate.

"shes beautiful Brad, does she have a name?" Amy asked, her eyes now on her charge, watching its ears as she approached,

"Helena Skye" Brad called out, "and the other one is "Monarch Empress"

Amy turned back to her steed and stopped before her, waiting for the horse to come to her, Brad watched as the horse's ears turned towards the young girl, it snorted and stomped the ground, eyeing her warily,

"Hey, oh, "she said softly, lifting her hand, open-palmed towards the animal, a peppermint on offer. "hey there, its ok, "

The horse took one step, then another, coming over to Amy in the middle of the pen and nudging her gently in the chest, Helena nibbled the peppermint from Amys hand and nickered at her as Amy ran her hand slowly up her head and started to gently massage her star, moving her fingers in gentle circles as the horse snorted and released it hind leg into a relaxed stance.

Jack returned to Brads side as Amy slowly walked around the horse, her hand in constant contact, letting it trail over its withers and along its rump, all the time talking in whispers to it.

"Wow, Jack, "Brad said, the wonderment in his eyes, watching the display before him "Helena has been a problem from the start, shes high strung and hard to handle, and here is your Amy, five minutes in and …" he shook his head, seeing this gamble was definitely paying off.

Amy slid her hands over Helena's back and lent in, letting the horse feel her weight, she pulled back and slowly went to the other side and did it again, letting her feet lift from the ground, allowing the horse to feel her weight from both sides.

"well, that's Amy for you, "Jack smiled, "shes got a way,"

Amy looked back at her grandfather and the two other men, who watched on quietly. She grabbed a handful of the horse's mane at its withers and pulled herself up, sitting comfortably on her mount,

"she's beautiful" Amy said, "a little hard to gain her trust, but I think she's going to be a wonderful mom. Shes got the temperament for it" Amy clicked her tongue and started Helena into a gentle trot as she rode her around the pen bareback. Brad and Thomas giving themselves knowing looks and just counting the dollars to be made.

"she is truly a wonder Jack, "Brad said, rubbing his square jaw, His eyes on the pretty blonde who rode around the ring before him.

Jack nodded, his pride overflowing inside of his plaid shirt, " yes, she is"

---

"So, TY, you going to dry me off or what ?"

Ty looked up, the sun in his eyes, making him raise his hand like a sun shield, He looked up at the tanned legs that stood before him. Dropping water droplets on his outstretched legs,

"Bella "he grinned, his eyes walking over the busty blonde as she smiled down at him, offering him her towel,

Ty took the towel from her hand and watched her turn around in front of him, so her cute little behind was now in front of his face, making im chuckle as she slowly knelt down in the soft sand before him, her body making him move his legs out of the way, so she could sit directly in front of him, his legs on either side of her wet body.

Ty pulled his sunglasses down slightly, looking over at Dustin who shrugged and got up, knowing his conquest the night before with that very girl who now flirted openly with Ty was only because of his best friends absence. He walked away towards Jo, who still frolicked at the water's edge.

Ty hesitated, then heard Bella sigh impatiently, she looked over her shoulder, her short blonde hair ruffled around her pretty face, "Im burning here!"

Ty shrugged his shoulders in defeat, and then slowly rubbed the towel over her wet shoulders, the soft terry toweling soaking up the seawater that made her tanned skin glisten.

Once he was done, Ty draped the towel over her shoulders and tapped her gently, not really giving her much more than that, his touch had been gentle, and he had to admit, Bella was a beauty, who wouldn't love those curvaceous hips, those slender thighs, and that cleavage that he was sure had been enhanced.

But she was just a girl to Ty, be it a pretty one, with a smoking hot body, but still, just a girl, who not more than 24 hours ago was sleeping with his best friend as consolation. He sucked in a breath, and rubbed his jaw, not a lot of substance in there, he thought to himself with a grin.

Bella rummaged around in her bag and the spun around, now sitting between his legs on her knees, She held out a small bottle of gun oil, smiling at him provocatively.

"oil me up?" she cooed, flipping the cap on the bottle, "then I can rub, some on you if you like"

Ty chuckled again, this time a little dryly, his sunglass covering his eyes as they took a walk over her,

"not really dressed for sunbaking ?" He said with a grin, the sun being blocked by her body as he looked up at her.

"well, "Bella said sweetly, leaning forward so her hand was resting on his thigh, her bottom now in the air as she pulled her face close to his, "I can help you with that, "

Ty opened his mouth to respond then saw her hand place the bottle of oil in the sand next to him. Tys eyes followed her as she then lifted her hand and slid it up his thigh, across his hip and under his black tee, her other hand then following suit and pulling it up slowly up towards his chest, exposing his washboard abs and obliques. Ty inhaled and chuckled again, his hands taking hers and stopping her, as he sat forward slightly, lifting his knees from the sand and pushing his heels back.

"Bella, "he said softly, as he looked over the top of his sunnies, his green eyes watching her intently.

Bella gave his the shyest of smiled and sidled closer again, her knees now touching his inner thighs, She pouted her lip and tugged at his shirt again, seeing Ty release his hold on it and allowed her to pull it off over his head, He signed a resigned breath and straightened his glasses, which had been disheveled when his tee came off, his upper torso now on full display.

Bella smiled, it was her turn to let her eyes walk now, and walk they did, she watched his chest rise and fall as he looked up at her, his body well toned and tanned, with just a spattering of chest hair on his pecks. Ty was lean, and not overly muscular, but still looked impressive shirtless, with a tight abdomen and clearly etched stomach muscles, and to top it off with that square jaw, those dimples, and the deepest most vibrant green eyes it was understandable why girls swooned over him.

Bella picked up her oil and tipped it into her hands, letting it run through her fingers and down her wrists, her eyes on his while she did. Ty's hands dropped into the sand behind him, so he could recline back slightly, his shoulders now taking his weight. His bare chest stretched out before her as the sun shone down on them, making their skin glisten slightly with perspiration from the hot rays.

Bella rubbed her hands across her own exposed chest, rubbing the oil over her shoulders and her breasts that pressed out of her one size too small bikini.

Ty chewed his lip, enjoying the show, on a physical level, he was only human after all.

Bella then gave him a big smile and sucked in the corner of her lip as she tipped the contents of the bottle onto his bare chest, making him inhale quickly from surprise, he gave a nervous chuckle as she drew patterns across his chest with the stream of oil, the sweet smell of coconut wafting up into his nostrils.

He laughed softly his eyes watching what she was doing, the oil leaving rivulets down his skin and pooling in the folds of his abdomen and around his navel. Then Bella threw the bottle and leaned forward, her hands on his chest, spreading across his pecks as she rubbed the oil across his skin, only stopping monetarily as her face came close to his, her hips pushing her forward slightly, Ty looked over the top of his glasses again, his mouth now slightly parted, the heat from the sun and the proximity of her cleavage starting to get to him.

Bella gave him a wicked grin then latched onto his lips, her mouth open and engulfing his quickly. Her hands stayed on his bare chest as she let herself fall into him, twisting her hip slightly so she was now sitting on his lap, her legs sliding over his as his knees fell down again, allowing her to straddle him.

Ty didn't return the kiss at first, it was hot an urgent and demanding, but that stoic resolve he prided himself on was also buried in the body and mentality of an 18-year-old young man. And those lips, working on his, enticing him forward and encouraging him to engage, were rather hard to dismiss. He let his mouth move, feeling her tongue find his as his body felt her hands still roaming his torso. {its just a kiss, } he said to himself, his eyes now shut enjoying the contact, { doesn't mean anything more than that.}

Dustin looked back up the beach from the water line, where Jo Jo splashed him in fun, she saw his eyes on the couple back up the sand, Bellas behind in full display, as she crawled up the now shirtless Ty and abcosted him.

"you know he will always win outright?" Jo Jo said, her eyes watching Dustin as he looked on, a slight glint of dejection in his eyes. "you were a pass time Dusty, a stop gap, "

Dustin snorted, knowing this was true, but somehow hoping, this time, well maybe, she wanted him for him and not for his status as Ty's wingman.

Jo Jo laughed and splashed him again, seeing him glare at her angrily, "come on Dusty, face it sunshine, you're not Ty Borden!, no matter how hard you try to pull on his shirt tales, they all want to know him!"

Dustin twitched his nose and turned back to look at the guy he considered his best friend, now in a lip lock with the girl he also lusted over.

"Funny thing is Jo Jo, no of you really know him at all"

---

Ty returned home not long after sunset, he parked his wrangler jeep in the triple drive, and threw his shirt over his shoulder, as he pushed his keys into his jeans pocket, flicking off the sand that covered his hand when he pulled it out again. He grabbed his leather jacket and headed inside, hoping Wade would have left by now, and Lilly would either be passed out on the couch or in her room, contemplating what turns her life would take now.

The house was quiet, and as he kicked off his converses at the door, he heard his mother call him from the dining room. He took a breath and wandered on through, his bare chest still glistening slightly from the coconut oil.

As he turned into the kitchen, that ran directly into the dining room, he slowed, seeing his mother sitting on a chair at the table, with Wade by her side, her laptop in front of her,

"Ty, there you are, can you come and sit for a moment, I have something to tell you,"

Ty pulled his tee from its perch and pulled it back on as he walked forward and took a seat on the kitchen bench, he lent over and grabbed a glass from the sink and filled it with water,

"Ty, over here, come on, please, "she asked again, watching him sit on the bench and looked at her cooly. Wades look of satisfaction worrying him some.

"I'm good here," he replied, "what's up?"

He saw Wade's eyes flick over him, stopping briefly on his cheek where the mark from their discussion still showed a slight purple mark.

"Um, well, I know you've been finding it hard here in New Port," she said, her eyes back on her laptop.

Ty chuffed and rolled his eyes, preparing himself for yet another lecture about fitting in and giving it a go and not rocking the boat,

"and after speaking to your father, "she continued, hearing Ty slid off the counter and lean over the breakfast bar, "you spoke to dad, when?" he asked, his interest peaked now,

"today, this morning actually, "Lilly concluded,

"so, we are going home?" he asked, hope in his voice for the first time since they arrived on the coast,

"well, no not exactly, "Lilly said softly, Wade touching her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze while his eyes stared at Ty expectantly.

"what does that mean mom?" Ty demanded, annoyance now registering on his face as he knew Wade was benefiting from this decision somehow, and that he didn't like at all. "he is coming here?"

Lilly stood up and turned to face her teenage son, her face a little sad but resigned, she didn't want to do it, but after the months of trouble and distance that had grown between them, it seemed that this was for the best, even though the idea was killing her inside.

"I've booked you a flight to Alberta, you leave in the morning, "She said clearly, "your fathers assistant Thomas will meet you at the airport,"

"What !, "Ty breathed, "Alberta!, why the hell am I going to Alberta!"

"your father and I feel that this will be best for you, he's got a new venture opening up, up there and well one day, you'll have to run it, so it's about time you showed some interest. "

Wade sniggered to himself, diverting his eyes from the young man whose jaw had dropped open in dismay,

"Mom!, why can't I, or we just go home to Montana!" he asked, walking around the bench and coming to stand in front of her.

"because your dad wants you in to go to Alberta, "Lily said, feeling his pleading this was not what he wanted,

"this is ridiculous, mom, "Ty replied, "I know nothing about the horse business, why would he want me in Canada ?"

"Please Ty, it will be like an adventure, you will meet the staff up there and help them set up, you'll get to work with the affiliates who will be in partnership with your dad, it will be good for you, you have no real ties here or aspirations, and well, Im heading back to Hollywood soon for that part and …"she stopped seeing his eyes flick to Wade who was now leaning against the rear wall of the house with a smile on his etched face.

"you…. Bastard!, "Ty fumed, "this is your doing isn't it!" Ty went to push past his mother but she grabbed him by the shoulders, stopping him. Making him stay in front of her,

"Ty!, this is my decision, your not happy here, with the trouble with the police and the papers I cant do this anymore!, Your father and I agree, its time for you to grow up now, you need to do this, please, " Lilly's eyes were pleading with her son now.

"you brought us here MOM!, you left dad for him!, why can't I just go home! " he asked, "why can't we go home! if you just tell dad your sorry, I'm sure he'll…."

"just give it up kid! "Wade grinned, "Lilys staying with me, "

Tys eyes shot angrily towards Wade again, wanting him to disappear so he could talk to his mom alone, he knew if he could just speak with her, one on one, he could convince her this was a mistake. Ty had been at odds with Lilly for a while, her drinking, her medications, and her choice in bedfellows pulling their relationship apart, but deep in his heart, she was still his mother, he still cared for her, and he knew that makeup covered more than the wrinkles of time. Wade was dangerous, and if Ty was not there, who was going to protect her. Who was going to take some of the hits for her.

"can you just piss off!" Ty growled, "this isn't your house! "

Wade took a step forward, anger flaring in his dark eyes, "watch it, kid"

Lilly shook Tys shoulders, pulling his eyes back to hers, "Ty, I'll get the car to take you to the airport ok, it will all be ok"

"mom!" Ty whispered, Tying to get her to listen to him, "please, come with me! "

Lilly shut her eyes and placed her hand on his cheek, a single tear rolling down from her sad eyes. "You will love Canada Ty, there's snow, and mountains, horses and cattle, you love the country, you said you missed it "

Ty dropped his head her palm warm against his flushed cheek, he knew he'd lost this fight. He wanted to say no, but he knew there was no point in fighting it

"I miss home, "he said in a quiet voice, "not Canada" He turned away walking quietly up to his room,

"Ty, it will be good for you, trust me, " Lilly called after him, a quaver in her voice as she heard his bedroom door shut behind him.

Wade came over to Lilly and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her roughly into him. "stop stressing Lil, he's 18 years old, he will be fine, let Brad worry about him for a while, " he snuggled into her neck and kissed, her, his rough jaw against her soft alabaster skin. " look, its just you and me now ok,that kid is nothing but trouble, you don't need that kind of crap in your life right now, "

Lilly didn't answer, she simply stood in his embrace, feeling like the failure she was.

"hey let's go out, get a few drinks, see what this New Port Beach has to offer hey, give those paps something to look at, "he offered, pulling her around in his arms and spinning her playfully.

Lilly smiled a soft smile, and nodded, her heart still heavy but her starlet inside seeing a chance at a promotion. "ok, that would be great, yes, let's go and make some noise"

---

Ty threw his duffle bag on his bed and started to shove his clothes into it, systematically going through his closet and drawers, packing in all his belongings. He looked around the room that supposedly was his, its walls decorated with seaside pictures and nautical décor. Ty twitched his lip, he didn't even like the beach that much, and yet he had lived in a seascape room for the past 12 months never noticing the décor and paint job he fell asleep too before.

He threw a book across the room, making it thump into a shelf and sends its contents flying, his anger at the world, his mother, Wade, his father seeping out of him.

Once again, he was sent away, once again both his parents were putting their lives ahead of his. He didn't ask for much, he just wanted to feel that for once in his 18 years of life he actually counted for more than a photo op or business venture. He stood up again and opened the next chest of drawers, pulling out his jeans and trousers. His ears hearing the front door close, and the limo pull away from the house. Ty walked over to the large window that ran from siling to floor, looking out over the estate's main drive and watched the black Lincon wind its way down the private road. His eyes grew cold, the rejection coming to the surface again. Ty grabbed his phone and pushed it to his ear,

"Dusty, hey, yeah man, Im ok, grab the girls ok, we are heading out!"

---

"those were beautiful horses, Grandpa, I can't believe Im going to get a chance to work with more of them, " Amy smiled as she ate her dinner, the pot roast her grandfather made didn't only smell great, it tasted even better.

"this will be a very lucrative deal for us Amy, I'm so glad you've agreed to help out with the training, Lucky Quarters is one of the most prestigious stud farms in Montana, this will really put Fair Field on the map," Lisa smiled, she looked at Jack who nodded in agreement.

"so this Borden guy?" Tim said, looking at the family as they ate their food, "he into cattle or just horses"

Tim came over to share dinner with the girls and Jack regularly, under the guise of spending time with his family, Jack, however, took it more as a way to freeload a free meal, and although he huffed about the way he invited himself without asking, he did enjoy the male company. The Heartland hours was currently an estrogen-rich environment. Making the world around Jack sometimes a little hard to bare.

"he's into horses Tim, quality Australian Quarter horses mainly, " Jack explained, "he's setting up a ranch here in Hudson, Lisas going in on it too, they are looking at mixing the bloodlines from the Australian stock he is importing and what we have here in Alberta, "

"quarter horses hey, "Tim mused, seeing an opportunity, "he selling them too?"

"yes once he's got some stock, Amys going to work with them, training, breaking, finishing them, "Jack continued, seeing Amy smile at him,

"they were amazing dad, I got to do join up with two of the broodmares today, "She said,

"I hope he's paying you,"Tim asked.

"Yes, Tim, its all above board, we have a contract and Lisa's lawyers are sorting out the rest," Jack rolled his eyes, he wasn't a backward rancher, Heartland was as much his business venture now as it was the girls. Especially since he married Lisa and Fairfield now fell under the same banner.

"this will do wonders for our brand "Lou interjected, "the notoriety alone will boost Heartland and show the world what we can do. Did Brad say how long he's in town Grandpa, I was thinking of inviting him to dinner, "

"that would be a great idea, Lou, "Lisa smiled "we can get to know them on a social level too, He mentioned he has a family, a son, "

"are they with him, ?" Amy asked as she pushed a piece of pumpkin into her mouth.

"Um no, I don't think they are, "Jack said, "he said something about his wife being in California? On sabbatical, seems she's a bit stressed out or something, "

Amy looked at her grandfather quizzically, "what is she stressed out about? "

"well, I suppose being a movie star is hard work" Jack laughed, punching a corn cob with his fork and putting it on his plate, he looked up and saw the rest of the table looking at him. "Lilly Borden. The movie actress, that's his wife?" he said shortly like he was saying something he thought they already knew.

Amy dropped her fork and looked at her grandfather, "he's that Borden? "

Jack nodded, not understanding why everyone was so shocked.

"Oh my god Grandpa!" Lou exclaimed, "I cant just invite them to dinner!, I need to organize a formal sit down catered meal!"

"No, No, Lou, "Jack continued, "Let's not get all carried away ok, Brad told me that Lillys not involved in this, the horses and such, so no we won't be having a red carpet do, anytime soon. We will however probably meet his son, as I think he's going to be running the operation up here eventually, once its set up, He's with his mom at the moment, but Brad said he will be up in Hudson in the next few days, to get a look at what the operation is, how he fits in, that kind of thing"

Amy nodded, and continued eating, "is he into the horse business too with his dad?"

"Um, Im not sure, he's been in California with his mom for a while, and from what I can tell, he was at the Montanan Ranch too. But he's new to Canada, and Alberta, so it's up to us to make sure he enjoys his stay, "Jack saw Lou thinking over all the possibilities of cross-promotion and then looked at Tim who had sat back mulling over business ventures yet to be actioned.

"So Amy, as your going to be working with the horses, training them and the hands from Luckys maybe you could spend some time with this younger Mr. Borden, and show him what we do, " Lisa said, "he's not that much older than you I think, "

Amy continued to chew on her dinner, contemplating showing some wealthy American guy around."I suppose, since he's going to be running the stud up here, It wouldn't hurt for him to see the other side of the business, how it works" She took a sip of her water, "what his name? "

"Ty, "Jack said as he stood up an picked up his finished plate, "Ty Borden"

Amy stopped eating, looking up at her grandfather, her eyes large and surprised "did you say, Ty Borden?"

Jack nodded, as he headed for the kitchen, "Tyler, but I think he prefers Ty, "

Amy swallowed and put her fork and knife down. "oh my, ….. what till I tell Soraya and Ashley!"

to be continued