Chapter Nine

Parties, Competitions and The Little Nugget

A/N – The summer is over. The routines have changed but the work and fun continue. The fall and early winter bring the Borden family a whole lot of situations and events that keep everyone on their toes. The little Nugget continues to grow. Could there be some twist and turns coming their way. We shall see. Enjoy. Mature Content.

School was well underway, and the girls were getting into their routines. Amy, Ty, and Georgie had begun to adjust scheduling for the fall/winter with the understanding that Amy's availability would be limited as her pregnancy continued. Georgie's commitment in the fall with the Olympic Team was going to be a little less demanding and the Olympic hopefuls were more than happy not come to Heartland to train with the Olympic Champion, especially for the chance to meet the "Miracle Girl'. Katie was able to step up as well as she worked with her teachers to get credit for working some afternoons at Heartland. They also decided to bring on two extra paid ranch hands, Clay, and Justin, two high school boys to help out as well. Katie, soon to be 16, was looking forward to working and seeing one of them, Clay, more often. Hmmm.

The first big event was the upcoming birthdays for the twins and Maddie. Amy and Ty were struggling with coordinating two separate parties. While pondering the options, getting ready for bed, a light bulb went off for Ty, "We should combine the parties and make is coincide with the girl's competition. It's a win-win, we only have to have one party and all their friends will be there to cheer them on. What do you think?" She looked into her husband's eyes and passionately said, 'You are amazing, that is a great idea. I am sure they will love it. Just another reason why I love you so much." "Well, you love me how much?" he whispered into her ear.

Amy immediately rolled over to Ty and began kissing him deeply. She was planning on showing him how much she loved him. The baby bump was there but they understood how safe the baby was in the womb. Just because she was pregnant didn't mean she didn't need their intimacy. She began kissing his lips, moving to his earlobe and his neck. She moaned as she moved over his upper body as Ty usually slept without a shirt. Ty was in heaven. Amy was skilled at making him feel good and this was not an exception. He took the opportunity to return the favor. Moving his lips down her neck, chest, and her abdomen, saying hi to the Nugget. Amy was amazingly beautiful, and he was overwhelmed with his love for her. His goal to make sure she was happy and satisfied when the made love. Amy had no problem as well since the fact was that Ty was still hot. She would say it in front of the girls sometimes just to embarrass them.

As their actions increased, they were all over each other. Moans were increasing as hands and lips moved in unison as they both made sure their lover was being taken care of. This was not a one-sided affair but a union where two people became one, completely. As they made love their bodies were one. After both reached their climax, they laid side by side breathing heavily and sweating a bit. "Not too bad there Borden," Amy joked with her lover. "Well, you weren't too shabby their Mrs. Borden but as you know I am to please," he laughed as the tickling continued. You know it is still early old man, you up for round two?" Amy cooed. Ty leaned over and pressed his lips to her, "Or three?" Their love was as strong as it has ever been, and their night was far from over.

The day was here – Birthday Party / Competition Day. Preparation had been going all week. Trying to ensure the competition was realistic, Amy made sure she had the professional looking jumps, judges, an announcer and all the competition trimmings. Cakes were ready (all three of them) and the BBQ, handled by Jack and Tim was underway. Lou, Lisa, and Georgie took care of all the sides so Ty and Amy to focus on the guest, the party logistics and most all their daughters. Steven, Katie and Lyndy worked on the competition ring and all the items needed for that. All the focus was on making sure everything was perfect and was all driven by their youngest daughter's request and her sisters' solution.

In typical family style everybody was focused on making sure everything was handled. Guest began to arrive. The final headcount including family was a little over 40 people, including family, 8 friends for each of the birthday girls, Wyatt, Maya, Caleb, Cass and other friends of Amy and Ty's. The plan was to have the BBQ, do the competition, open presents, have cake and ice cream then set up some music for everyone to listen and maybe dance to. The buffet line was on the front deck and there were tables in the yard under a big tent they borrowed from Val Stanton. The food was delicious, and everyone was well fed and enjoying themselves. The birthday girls had their competition gear on but adorned birthday hats and sashes and were the center of attention. Ty and Amy didn't think their smiles could be bigger and they smiled as well, holding each other, and looking over the party setting. So far, so good.

It was time for the competition to begin so the announcer called everyone to the jumping ring. The girls each had a number and the first to go was Maddie. Amy stood with her at the starting gate and wished her good luck and told her to have fun. She was nervous but her mom's words and dad's smiling face made her feel better. She headed to the first jump, which we at 6 inches for her. There were 8 jumps all being 6" except the last one that was 12". She had practiced with her mom and felt good. She continued on the shortened course and made all the jumps as her parents smiled with pride. As she neared the last jump, she sat up proudly on Mystic, approached the jump and cleared it cleanly. The fans went wild, and Maddie couldn't contain her happiness. As she jumped off her horse and hugged her parents and sisters, her time was announced. She completed the course in 45.2 seconds.

Next were the twins. The first 7 jumps were set at 2' and the last at 2.5'. All well within their capabilities. As Georgie and Kattie, who were coaching them looked on they each completed the course with no faults. Again, cheers abounded and each of their sets of friends ribbed each other in friendly competition. Annie and Theo went first and after Addie and Boone finished, she jumped off and hugged her twin sister each whispering in each other ears. After a quick side discussion with their mom, Lyndy and the judges, their times were announced. Addie was at 45.6 and Annie at 45.7. Maddie's eyes widened realizing she was in first place.

Finally, Lyndy took her turn. The jumps were raised a foot to the competition level she was at currently. Lyndy was exclusively coached by Georgie, and she had mentioned to Amy and Ty that she had unlimited potential. That was why they had decided to have Georgie coach her. Lyndy mounted Sundance and he knew what he needed to do. Sundance loved competing and his head raised high in anticipation. As they began, Sundance smoothly went through the course. Lyndy glanced at Maddie and saw the look of concern. As they approached the last jump, she slightly held Sundance back. Only Amy and Georgie knew what she was doing. As they jumped, his back leg glanced off the top pole only enough to shake it but not fall off – a three second penalty. Her time was announce – 42.3 seconds and with a 3 second penalty, a final time of 45.3 seconds. The crowd cheered again especially Maya and Wyatt. After a few seconds Maddie realized she had one. She screamed in excitement. The held a real award ceremony with a red ribbon for Maddie and blue ones for the twins and Lyndy. Pictures with girls and their horses were taken and challenges for next year we heard.

After the excitement subsided it was time for presents, it was time for cake and Ice cream under the tent. Ty, Amy, Lisa, Lou, and Georgie made sure everyone got cake and ice cream. Happy birthday was sang with all three girls mentioned. It was a joyous occasion, and everyone had a great time, Kids were picked up, cleaning was completed, and Ty and Amy gathered their kids for the ride home on their horses. As they got to the ranch Amy noticed that Maddie was about ready to fall asleep on her horse. Ty gathered her up while the girls took Spartan, Harley, and Mystic to the barn. Maddie was asleep as she hit her bed but mumbled "I love you, goodnight," to her parents. Amy and Ty stood there for a minute to gaze at their amazing 6-year-old.

When the girls came back from the barn, they found their parents waiting for them on the porch. They motioned for them to come and sit with them, and Ty spoke up," Mom told me what you guys did for your sister and I can't even say how proud we are of you three. What you did for Maddie was the most unselfish thing I have ever seen, and we are proud to call you, our daughters." Amy added tearfully, "To be honest I was a little concerned for you to do this, but you guys were so committed to it I couldn't say no. The three of you are amazing sisters and like dad said we are proud of what you did and love you all so much," Lyndy spoke for the three of them saying, "You have taught us about love and family, so it was a no-brainer for us. We saw how much it meant to her and we were thrilled that everything worked out." The girls went inside to get ready for bed as Ty and Amy set outside as the sun set. No words were needed as they held each other. The girls looked out the window and smiled.

A few weeks later things returned to normal, or what could be considered normal with the Borden family. Amy was ending her second trimester. They had an important checkup this week and they were anxious and excited. Georgie, Katie, and the girls could tell they were both preoccupied and made sure they stayed close to them. Amy was sitting at the table drinking as she called it her 'no flavor tea' with a distant look. Lyndy sat with her and said, "Mom where are you? Are you Ok? You know everything will be great and the little Nugget is going to be fine." Amy took a deep breath and said calmly, "I know, it's just after the scare we had I am a little worried. After we meet with Dr. Adler, I am sure it will be fine." Sounding not to convincing Lyndy spoke up, "Well how about all of us going with you and then we have lunch at Maggie's. I know it is a school day, but we can take a little time off. You always tell us the family makes us strong so what do you think?"

Amy looked at her with eyes only a loving mother could have. "You know what that is a great idea. Let me talk to dad and we can figure out how to do it. The appointment is at 9:00am so maybe we can get breakfast and after the appointment you all could go to school for a half day." Amy hugged her and went to see Ty. She found Ty in the office meeting with a client whose horse needed surgery. Ty introduced her to the client and Amy sat and listened in on the conversation. She had learned a lot about veterinary medicine over their years together but the thing that impressed her the most was the way Ty talked to the clients, comforting them in a time of stress. When he finished, she went over an sat on his lap, "You are amazing with our clients. I know how much you care, and it comes across when you give them not so good news." Ty thanked her and kissed her cheek.

"Well, there is something we need to talk about." Any said. "Lyndy caught me deep in thought. You know I hate doctor appointments and after our little scare with the Nugget I was thinking about the appointment this week." "Oh, Amy it is going to be ok, I could tell you have been nervous about it." Ty confirmed. "Well, she said something that made me cry. She recommended that all the girls come with us because, her words, 'You always tell us the family makes us strong.'" Ty, I almost lost it, she is such a considerate and thoughtful young woman." Ty couldn't even respond as he choked up. "So here is my idea. I can easily move my appointment to Friday. Let's take them with us, have lunch at Maggie and go for a family trail ride. It will probably be the last one I can go on. Missing a Friday at school is no big deal and I am sure none of the kids have test." Ty could only nod in agreement as he could not find any words.

So, the day was planned, the appointment was changed, and all the teachers were informed. When given the reason several of the teachers teared up. The family had breakfast, and all went to do chores. Amy and Ty rescheduled or reassigned all of their Friday work, so the day was cleared. The appointment was at 10:00am and they arrived 15 minutes early. It was agreed upon that Ty and Amy would only be there for the examination, but the girls would be brought in for the discussion with the doctor and nurse after. When they all walked in, they drew a lot of attention. Dr Adler, who was aware of what was happening, came out to talk to the girls about what was going to happen. The all listened and of course Maddie had several questions, another thing Amy warned her of. The nurse called Amy and Ty in.

The exam went well, the baby looked good and had a strong heartbeat, but Dr Adler did mention a slight concern about the location of the umbilical cord. She didn't want to alarm them but she told them to come back in two weeks so she could check it out. "The cord is a lying on the chest of your baby, and it could slip up a bit which could be an issue. But, almost all of the time as the baby moves around, the cord will correct itself and move lower." Dr. Adler said with confidence. "I will also give you some massage techniques your husband can do," she smirked. After a heartbeat check they decided to bring the girls in and let them know how things are with the younger sibling. Amy had also requested that they would be able to hear the heartbeat.

The four of them walked in tentatively with two nurses who joined them. With the buzz in the office everyone was wanting to be a part of this meeting, which was a first for most of them. The girls were seated around their mom making sure they each were touching her in some way. Several sniffles were heard in the room which was crowded. Dr. Adler welcomed them, and all of their eyes were focused on her as she spoke. "Well, I first have to say that the four of you are awesome. Supporting your mom and dad like this is one of the most wonderful things I have witnessed as a doctor. So here is the deal, your little sibling and your mom are doing really well. I know you had a scare a while back, but I promise you everything looks good, There is one thing that your parents wanted me to tell you about. The baby's umbilical cord is a little out of position, so I asked your mom to come back in a couple of weeks so I can see how it is doing. There are also some massage methods she is going to do to help."

The girls' eyes were wide open not knowing how to react. Dr. Adler reached out and asked them to grab her hands and said, "There is nothing to worry about because babies are pretty tough, even when they are in your mommy's tummy. Most likely this will correct itself, so you need not worry. Just be there for your mom, help her when she needs it and love her always" At that point tears were flowing from every adult in the room. After a brief silence Maddie spoke up, "We all love our mommy and daddy, but I have a question. What is a 'biliecal cord?" The room erupted in tension relieving laughter. Dr. Adler gave her a 6-year-old explanation of what it is, and Maddie seemed content with the answer. The question did come from the twins about the gender, but Amy and Ty stopped them and told them that we would all find out together at the baby's birth.

With the room calmed down, Nurse Betty said, "Now girls we have a treat for you. Go sit by your mom and dad and listen to this" She moved the Doppler to her exposed stomach and moved until the rapid beat of a heart filled the room. Maddie and the twins looked alarmed, but Amy spoke up, "Thats is the little Nugget's heartbeat, and it is really strong." They were all speechless, so Dr. Adler confirmed that that their mom was correct and asked if there were any other questions. There were none and the family packed up to head to Maggie's for lunch. As they walked out every nurse hugged each of the girls and told Amy and Ty how amazing their girls were. Everyone was happy as the headed to lunch.

Maggie's was fun, especially for the girls because they were there on a school day. Ty told them it was a special occasion and then Amy added, "Dad and I are very proud of you. I know doctor's offices are scary, but you were all amazing." Maddie blurted out, "I am glad you let us come but I am still confused about the biliecal cord thing?' Everyone laughed at the inquisitive little girl. "When you get older, we will explain it to you better," Ty commented. She shrugged her shoulders and finished her shake. The afternoon ride was fun except when the girls asked their mom 100X if she was Ok. Ty decided to order pizza to put an end to their family day. As Ty and Amy made their bedtime rounds, they fielded a host of questions about the new sibling on the way. All the girls were tired from the action-packed day. When they made it to bed, Amy and Ty held each other and without the need for words fell into a peaceful sleep. The Borden family was settled for the evening and ready for the new family member to arrive.