Ty walked into the Heartland kitchen and searched around for the Patriarch of the family. Ty poured himself a glass of water and sat down at the table. He was anxious about his cousin's arrival and had wanted some advice or reassurance that he would be okay. Ever since he had come to Heartland Jack had become like a father to him and had never failed to help him through any situation.
"Hey Ty," said Lou as she entered the kitchen with Katie walking behind her. "Hey," responded Ty with a smile. "What's up?" "Nothing. I'm actually here looking for Jack. Is he around?" "I think he went to town today, but he'll be back soon," said Lou as she placed a pot on the stove. Ty nodded. "Will you be joining us for dinner today?" "Um no actually. I have some stuff to do." Lou turned around and looked at a distracted Ty. "Amy told me your cousin's coming to town." Ty sighed. "Yeah." "Let me guess. That's not a good thing." Ty smiled. "How did you know?" Lou laughed. "Nothing from your past ever is." "You can say that again." "I'm sure everything will be okay. You're certainly not the same person you were back then." Ty nodded. "Hey Ty can you watch Katie while I head out to the barn. It'll just be 5 minutes." "Of course."
Ty looked down at Katie, scooped her into his arms, and placed her on his lap. "How's little Katie doing today?" "I'm not little Uncle Ty. I'm a big girl now." "Oh yeah I forgot. You're 20 now. Right?" Katie giggled. "You're funny Uncle Ty." Ty smiled and gently placed her on the ground again. Ty watched as she played with the blocks on the kitchen floor.
Ty placed a bowl of chips on the ground and sat down next to Jamie. "What are you building?" Jamie pointed at the wooden plane on the box. "Cool. Can I help?" "Umhm," murmured Jamie as he took a chip from the bowl and ate it. "Okay let's see. Can you hand me that piece?" said Ty pointing towards a piece of the toy plane on the ground. Jamie picked up the piece and put it in Ty's hand. "I can't wait to go home and show mom this. Can I keep it when we're done building it?" "Yeah of course buddy." All of a sudden the house phone started to ring. "I'll be right back Jamie." Ty got up and walked over to the phone. "Hello." "Ty. How's Jamie?" "Oh. Hi Aunty. He's good." "Good. I might actually have to pick him up in the morning." Ty glanced at Jamie knowing how excited he was to go home. "Um well I have plans with my friends tonight…" "I would come but Ellie's tired and I don't really have the energy to drive over there right now. Can I pick him up tomorrow after work? Maybe your mom can watch him while you're out." Ty hated seeing Jamie disappointed. "Okay." "Awesome. Thank you Ty. And tell your mom thanks as well." Ty hung up the phone and prepared himself to see his little cousin disappointed yet again.
Ty looked up when he heard Lou's footsteps as she entered the kitchen. "Thanks for watching her Ty." "No problem." Ty stood up and pushed his chair in. "I'm gonna get going. I'll talk to Jack later." Lou nodded. "See you later." Ty put his glass in the sink and walked towards the door. "Ty." He turned around. "We're your family too now. No matter what. So if you need anything. Don't hesitate to ask. Okay?" Ty smiled. "Okay."