After Dark Horse

This story begins as an alternative ending to "Candles in the Wind" season 5 episode 18. What if Amy had accepted the offer to go on the Dark Horse Tour and never discovered the engagement ring from Ty? What if someone from the past complicates things?

A/N: This is a story I was thinking of writing before posting my previous story "Heartland Secrets and Lies". That story received so many positive reviews, I decided to continue and finish writing this one. It's not as long as my previous story, but just as I did before, I'll post with frequent updates since most of the story is already written.

Chapter 1.

"So you decided to accept Renard's offer and go on that Dark Horse tour, hey?" Amy answers, "Yeah. I was so nervous for that audition." Ty replies, "Well, you didn't look it." Amy replies, "I felt it. It was amazing though and it's something I really want to try. Training Spartan to be a Liberty Horse was amazing and I think spending the time on tour working with other Liberty Horses will help me in what I do." Amy pauses for a moment and then says, "You know...Renard's offer made me realize something. There's so much more out there for both of us. We shouldn't be worried about you going off to University or me on tour. Okay, I shouldn't be worried about you going off. I mean, look at Grandpa. He's on his way to Paris. How exciting is that? We should just never limit ourselves...never tie each other down...ever. Ty hesitantly agrees, "Yeah...yeah, totally."

Ty's phone rings. He searches for it in his jacket and takes it in his hand. Amy asks, "Who is it?" Ty replies, "It's just Caleb. I call him back later." Ty sets his phone down and puts his arm around Amy, holding her close while watching the fire." Amy looks up at him and says, "I love you, you know." Ty smiles at her and replies, "I love you too."

Ty was prepared to ask Amy to marry him. He had the ring he had bought for her in his jacket. He thought it was the perfect romantic setting with them alone in the house, sitting in front of the fireplace. But, after what Amy had just said, he couldn't bring himself to ask. He didn't want to take the chance of having it appear that he was holding her back from something she really wanted to do. In his mind, it was no longer the right time and he was no longer sure she was ready to say yes.

...

Lou finds Ty in the loft and asks, "Any luck fixing the pipes in the trailer?" Ty replies, "I'm just about done, but I don't think that's why you're here. What's on your mind, Lou?" Lou replies, "You still plan to ask Amy to marry you right?" Ty replies, "I do...but she's been away on that tour. Besides, I told you already what she said to me before she left. It wasn't the right time and I don't think anything has changed. We've been talking almost every day and she hasn't given any indication that she feels any differently." Lou replies, "Listen Ty, I think I know my sister pretty well. Believe me...it's the right time."

Ty responds, "Are you sure...I mean I've been holding onto that ring for so long now and it's been killing me wondering when would be the best time to ask. You haven't said anything to her have you?" Lou replies, "Trust me...she's ready. Grandpa and I haven't breathed a word about it to her this whole time. You know, the last show on her tour is in Las Vegas this coming week. She's suppose to fly back home right after the show and we're going to have a welcome home dinner for her. Maybe that evening would be a good time to ask her. It think it would be pretty romantic. Ty asks, "Are you sure?" Lou responds, "Yes...I'm sure.

Ty pauses in thought. He has his own idea how to make his proposal even more romantic, so he says, "You're right. It would be a nice surprise and romantic too. I need to talk to Tim first though." Lou asks, "Why?" Ty replies, "I still haven't asked him for his permission to ask Amy to marry me. With her leaving on that tour, I didn't see any urgency. I should ask him though since I've already asked Jack." Lou responds, "Well, don't be discouraged by anything he might say. You know how he can be sometimes. Especially if he hears that you asked grandpa first. Remember what happened when Peter asked him about marrying me."

...

Walking out of the barn to his truck while on his way back to the trailer, Ty runs into Tim as he pulls into Heartland. "Tim, do you have a minute? There's something I want to ask you." Tim replies, "Sure, as long as you're not going to ask me for any money. Things are a little tight right now." Ty replies, "No...Nothing like that. I want to know...well I've been meaning to ask you..." Tim cuts him off, saying, "Come on Ty. I don't have all day. Just spit it out." Ty quickly collects his thoughts and says, "I just want you to know that I love Amy more than anything in the world and I would like your permission to ask her to marry me." Tim asks, "Are you sure about that? You're still in school and working part time..." Ty interrupts, "Listen Tim, I know all that. It's not like we're going to get married tomorrow. I just want to know if I have your permission. Jack already gave me his." Tim's irritated finding out that he wasn't asked first. "What is it with you guys? I'm Amy's father. What don't you understand about that? You should have asked me first!" Ty changes his tone. He doesn't care much for Tim, especially the crap that comes out of his mouth sometimes, so he replies, "Frankly Tim, I don't give a damn what you think or say. I'm going to ask Amy to marry me regardless, so you can either day yes or no. It won't make any difference. All you need to know is that I love her and will spend the rest of my life taking care of her."

Tim's surprised by Ty's response. Seeing a little of himself in Ty's reaction he says, "I know you love her and if it makes any difference, I'm glad you stood up to me the way you did. I know you'll take good care of her. Just a word of warning though...be careful. You know, getting engaged or married too young, that's what made it so difficult for me and Marion. We loved each other, we really did, and we had some good times together. But we changed as we grew up, and we grew apart, and we didn't make it for the long haul. I'm just saying that's something to think about." Ty responds, "Well, I think Amy and I are good for the long haul." Tim replies, "I know you do now, so good luck."

...

"Hey Scott, do you have a minute? I have a favor to ask." Scott replies, "Sure Ty, what is it?" Ty says, "Amy is suppose to be back from that tour in a few days and I was wondering if I could have a couple of days off..."

"Amy?" Amy answers, "Yes, Renard. What is it?" Renard replies, "There's someone here to see you. He says he's a friend." Amy asks, "He didn't give a name?" Renard answers, "No, he didn't. I asked, but he said he wanted it to be a surprise." Amy replies, "Well, I still have quite a few things to do since this is our last show and then there's the warm up before I go on. Can you tell him that I'll see him after the show? Someone can bring him back to see me once I'm done." Renard replies, "That's fine. I'll make sure he gets the message and arrange for him to see you after."

.