Chapter Fifteen

New Routines, New Challenges

A/N – Well I know I keep repeating myself but that was fun. Life is carrying on while adapting to the new family member. He still gets a lot of attention. There is a lot going on and the fun and challenges continue. Enjoy!

As winter turned into spring there was still a chill in the air – it is Canada. The Borden family was doing well. The girls were doing great in school, the business was flourishing while transitioning and JT, now almost 3 months old was growing every day. Amy and Ty were continually reminded of how great family was especially their beautiful daughters. It was hard not to notice how JTs eyes would light up anytime one of them were nearby. When he saw them or heard their voices, he made a lot of noise kicking his legs and waving his arms. But Ty saw something also when JT saw or heard his mom. One night after dinner Amy was busy in the barn. JT was not in a good mood and even with everyone's effort he still remained cranky. Maddie spoke up and said confidentially, "It's time to get this taken care of." She got JTs coat, handed him off to her dad and along with the rest of the group took him out to the barn. As soon as JT heard his mom talking his entire demeanor changed becoming calm and relaxed. Ty walked to Amy, handing him over. "Someone needs their mommy and trust me I can relate." He nuzzled in her ear. Amy calmed her little boy and he responded to her touch and whispers. Amy stood next to Ty, leaning into him. "So, you need me?", she whispered as she kissed him passionately on the lips. Addie coughed and said, "Geez you guys' JT is right there. Can you guys cool your jets." Ty and Amy laughed and said together, "Never!"

Amy, Lou, and Georgie had been working for a few days organizing the transition from winter to spring. The boarded horses began to be sent home or rehomed as needed. Ty stopped by and Amy reminded him that he and Steven had to give them the all clear before they left. Amy and Georgie had already begun to receive and schedule new clients and the list was long. When they worked on Heartland, they brought Katie in as she would continue to take on more responsibility there. Lou was also focused on the Dude Ranch. The extra cabins they built were definitely going to be needed as more and more clients needed a place to stay. Katie and the girl's school, Georgie's training schedule and baby time were all included in the scheduling. Also the two weeks that Steven and Georgie would be in Paris for the Olympics – including their wedding that was happening right before they left. They figured even though it was their honeymoon, why not use a paid for trip. And Lisa give them a weekend as well at her home in Toulon, on the beach during their visit.

The week of spring teacher conferences went well. All of the girl's teachers couldn't say enough about how well all of them were doing. Teachers at their school understood that ranch life was a little more demanding and were always impressed how kids could handle chores as well as their schoolwork. Unanimously each teacher said the girls gushed talking about their new brother all the time. They felt like they knew more about little JT than their own children along with the rest of their classmates. But what really got to Amy and Ty was the conversation they had with Maddie's teachers. Ms. Addison, told them about something that she had done that impressed the staff, even up to the principal. She clarified, "There is a young girl named Gwen, who is diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, be is high functioning. Although she was very friendly many of the children ignored her as she was streamlined in regular classrooms. Some of us had noticed that Maddie had befriended her getting her engaged with her close group of friends." Amy and Ty continued to listen as they held hands.

"One day there was a ruckus at recess with raised voices and kids yelling. Several of us headed over to see Gwen crying and your daughter laying into several girls who had been teasing her." She took a breath and continued, "Mr. and Mrs. Borden, what we witnessed was amazing for such a young girl. After she successfully dressed down the girls, much to the delight of everyone watching, she helped Gwen up and held on to her. She yelled out, "Gwen is my friend and if anyone plans on being mean to her, they will have to deal with me." Ty and Amy, were speechless as Ms. Manning added, "You should both be proud of your daughter." "I totally agree," Mr. Dunning, the school principal added as he entered the room. "Your daughter is a reflection of you and from what I have heard about the both of you, that is not hard to believe. I just want you to know that your daughter will be receiving a 'Student Cares' award at the next school assembly, I hope you both can attend. And I wouldn't mind seeing your baby, I have heard about him too from Addie." Amy and Ty thanked everyone and walked out overwhelmed with pride.

At dinner after the conferences were over the kids sat at the table waiting to hear their plight. Although they expected no issues, they were still anxious to hear how the meetings went. Ty and Amy went around the room telling each of their daughters what their teachers talked about. The girl's figure that since this was a family discussion things were most likely ok. So Amy started, "Lyndy the teachers said that you are doing very well in all of your subjects especially the ones you have with Wyatt" Lyndy opened her mouth wide to respond but interrupted, "Sorry having fun they didn't say that." Addie interjected, "geez Lyndy you two are always with each other giggling and laughing, it's kind of gross." Ty looked sternly at her, and she said, "Sorry, I didn't mean that." Amy continued, "Annie your teachers were very complimentary of you not just with your studies but your engagement in class. You are always willing to help out with anything they needed." Addie said under her breath, "suck up." Again after a look from her dad she apologized. "So, Addie your turn. Same comment about doing well in your studies but we have a question." Looking at Addie directly. "Tell us about Desi?" Addie looked down turning red faced. "Well he is in a couple of classes with me. He was really having trouble understanding the work. I saw him struggling so I offered to help him. It was no big deal." "Well your teachers think the opposite. They told us that when no one else would step up you did, and it seems his work is improving." Amy clarified. Addie just shrugged her shoulders and shaking her head yes. The other girls giggled.

So it was Maddie's turn. Her dad spoke up, "Everyone agreed that you were a great student, a model for others in the class. You were smart, engaged and always step up when needed. But mom and I have a question?" Maddie put her head down expecting the worse. "Tell us about Gwen?" The room went silent as Amy and Ty waited for her to respond. Lyndy and the twins had heard from friends about what had happened. Maddie defensively told the story, "Well Gwen is a friend of my and she has Downs. A lot of the kids avoid her because she is different than them and it makes me mad. I have brought her into our group and my friends like her. She is so nice." She stopped to take a breath and Ty asked her to continue. "Well one day I walked out for recess and that stupid, sorry I didn't mean stupid, that mean Tessa and her friends had Gwen pushed against the wall yelling and making fun of her. Nobody would do anything about it, so I ran over and pulled them off of her. After I made sure she was ok, I kind of lost it and told them off. I don't even know what I said but they stormed away crying and everyone was applauding. Mrs. Addison came over and made sure Gwen was ok and gave me a big hug. It was really nothing." After a few hushed moments Amy responded to her daughter. "No Maddie what you did was awesome. Your dad and I, actually all of us are so proud of you." To calm down the mood, out of the blue JT started babbling loudly, banging on his highchair, and smiling at Maddie. Everyone laughed and the Lyndy spoke up, "Maddie that is awesome. But mom and dad, we owe you for this." Amy and Ty looked at their oldest daughter confused. "We are the way we are because of you. We have had great role models and everything we do is a reflection of that." With one big hug the cleared off the table. Amy and Ty looked at each other without words and smiled.

The next few weeks were filled with changes not only in the weather but in the business. Everyone was working hard handling the influx of new business demands and family chaos. Amy, Ty, and Lou had decided to have a meeting with everyone that would be a party and BBQ as well. Invites went out and in between wedding prep, as usual Lou organized everything. The event was planned for a week from Sunday. Outside of family and staff, the girls were able to invite friends, most of them had volunteered anyway so it was a given. While out in the barn, Amy called over Addie and Maddie. "Hey, you guys if you want you can invite Desi and Gwen too if you want." They both thanked their mom and went back to work mucking the stalls. Amy looked over to Ty and they asked Lyndy to come to the office. She sat down tentatively as Amy spoke up. "We have a favor to ask you. Dad and I have to go to Edmonton for a clinic this weekend, just one night and we were wondering if you could watch the girls. You could even have Wyatt help and you know Katie, Georgie and Lou are just a few minutes away." Ty interjected, "I mean you are almost 12 and we know you can handle it. But it is up to you, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to. What do you think." Lyndy thought and said, "Really Wyatt can help?" Amy smirked at her and said, "Really that is all you heard?" "I'm just kidding of course I will do it. I'll keep those kids in line." They all laughed and Lyndy walked out proud in the fact that her parents trusted her so much.

It was the day of the BBQ/Meeting, and everyone was excited and happy. Even though JT kept interrupting with babbling, Lou, Ty, and Amy went over all the plans and expectations for the new season with the entire team. Everyone had already seen the uptick in business and were really looking forward to the coming season. And there was that wedding thing too. The BBQ handled by Jack, Tim, and Ty was awesome as well as all of the sides from Maggie's. After food, Ty turned on some music to listen and dance to. When a slow song came on Ty grabbed Amy for a dance. They danced very passionately, kissing as they danced, while everyone hooted and hollered. Both looked at everyone with eyes raised. Ty and Amy sat against the wall with JT on Ty's lap. He was giggling and moving around babbling away. "I think he is happy, it's amazing how aware he is of everything. Look at him staring at the girls, he loves his sisters." Amy said leaning her head on Ty's shoulder. Ty whispered, "Well, we Borden men love our Borden women and I really love his mom too." Her response was simple, "Marshmallow."

It was early May, and the new routines were in full motion. The girls were really stepping it up since their mom had their new little brother to tend to as well. Ty and Amy set up a little nursery/playroom next to the office so basically JT could spend the whole day out there. It was awesome that everything they needed was right there and JT had a lot of visitors. He also was getting a lot of exposure to horses which concerned his parents a little as he was only 5 months old.

One afternoon after school the twins had JT and wanted him to meet the new mini that had come to the ranch. They were aware they had to be careful. What they weren't prepared for was their little brother lunging out for the little horse and startling it. The horse sidestepped and Annie accidentally dropped JT onto a bale of hay. After he landed on the bale he rolled onto the ground. In panicked Annie and Addie screamed as JT laid there whimpering quietly. Their screams were heard throughout the barn, and everyone came running. Ty arrived first as he was right around the corner. The twins were hysterical trying to tell their dad what happened between cries. As Army approached with Katie and Georgie, she was shocked by what she saw. She immediately went to Ty and their son surrounding him. In the background they heard their distressed daughters, "Mom, Dad we are so sorry, We had a hold of him, but he lunged out and I tried hold on to him," Annie cried almost to stressed to talk. Addie talked for her, "Mom, dad this is my fault. I was helping and I didn't expect him to lunge like he did, I am so sorry," as she was gasping for air. Georgie and Katie grabbed them and tried to comfort their scared cousins as they whispered to each other in their personal language. Lyndy, Wyatt, Maddie, and Gwen, came over next and helped calm the twins. Both of them fell to the ground in grief knowing that they were the reason their brother got hurt. After a minute or so Ty and Amy stood up with a smiling JT in his dad's arms. Confused the twins looked on as their dad said calmly, "Girls, JT is fine, just a little bump. This was just an accident and trust me on a ranch they happen. This is not your fault and I think your brother needs a hug." All four girls came over to tightly hugged their brother. Amy and Ty held each other to watch. Then they heard Georgie in the background, "Remember girls falling off a horse is part of the deal and I think JT is officially in the club." They nervously laughed and the group that formed all sighed in relief.

The weeks continued with the end of school fast approaching, business booming and the wedding of Georgie and Steven getting closer. The girls were bearing down on school and working hard to end on a good note. The first year of Middle School was going well for Lyndy, The twins were ready for 4th grade and Maddie was thinking she should skip all the way to high school. JT was almost 6 months old and becoming more active as he rolled around looking like he wanted to crawl. Just like he was at the end of Amy's pregnancy, he was a kid on a mission. Ty and Amy were sure the fact that the girls continued to shower him with love and attention defiantly sparked the drive in his growth as a little man. "You know, do you understand he is only 6 months old. Look how they are talking to him and getting him involved in everything they do." Amy said. Ty joined in saying, "I know it is crazy, he could possibly the most spoiled little boy on the planet. The testosterone is on overdrive, I have to get him around more men, or he is doomed." Amy laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Good luck with that,"

Ty and Amy were juggling the increase in business and family responsibilities. Georgie and Katie had really stepped it up and even with school, Steven was doing a great job supporting Ty and taking initiative on a lot of things beyond his expectations. One afternoon Amy and Ty were in the office working on some files while JT napped. They had really been impressed with Steven's work, so they called him to come see them. He walked in quietly as he knew JT was napping and sat down. "Should I get Georgie to come in too?" He asked. "No, No Steven, Amy and I want to talk to you about something. First off how is the year going at school?" Ty asked. "Well, I have been able to get extra credit for all my work here and it looks like I will be able to graduate in December!" Steven proudly said. Amy continued, "That is awesome, and kind is why we want to talk. When Ty was with Scott, toward the end of his schooling he let him step in and be more engaged in handling clients, regular checkups and even surgery. If it works for you, we are considering bringing you on as a partner joining Ty, Lou, Georgie, and me. The business is only going to get better, so we need the extra support." Steven was without words as Ty continued, "Get married, have an awesome honeymoon and stay on track with school. I am going to continue to push you and after you get back, we can put this on paper. Any questions?" Steven just looked at them starry eyed hugging Amy and shaking Ty's hand.

Word spread of Steven's offer and the family, especially Georgie were all excited in anticipation. Lou was proud of him and Georgie and when she had been approached by Ty and Amy with the idea, she was on board. It was also decided that along with Katie, Lyndy would be given more responsibility and that Wyatt would be offered a full-time summer job and year-round involvement. He had shown a genuine interest in horses especially in the healing part of the Equine Center's holistic approach. He had asked to shadow Amy and asked a lot of questions. Lyndy was excited for him as their friendship continued to grow. She also was taking on more horses on her own and always liked to ask for help from Wyatt. One day Ty and Amy were watching them working together. Amy snuggled into Ty's side, "Look familiar, you were always trying to help me, remember?" "Yea there is something about you horsey girls, hard to resist" kissing her forehead and then her lips. The twins were also given more responsibility as well supporting Amy, Georgie, and Katie as they gained more knowledge of the needs of a horse.

And then there was Maddie, she was kind of involved in everything. One night at dinner she proclaimed, "I want to be the CEO of the Equine Center. I kind of am already so I think I deserve the job." The next day the family brought her into the office, and she noticed a small desk against the wall by JT's crib. There was a desk plate that read, Maddeline Borden, President / CEO, The Marion Flemming Equine Center. She sat behind the desk with a big smile and all of a sudden, JT was babbling and waving his arms like crazy. The whole room erupted in laughter and Addie spoke up. "Maybe JT can be your assistant?" Maddie sat back in her chair, put her hands behind her head and feet up on the desk, "I'll think about it."

Although there was other staff, it was a family business, so the kids were active in the operation. But the kids still were active in show jumping and of course school. Each participated in a few early season schooling shows but the real schedule began after school. Within their hectic days, Georgie, Katie, and Amy worked with them. Each one of the girls were moving up a level and their coaching team felt good about it. Around the circuit the Miracle Ranch Show Jumping team was gaining notoriety and were recognized as a competitive group. Have an Olympic champion and the Miracle girl as coaches didn't hurt either. Thet were becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The end of the school year was quickly approaching. Lyndy and Wyatt were excited about the end of year class dance which was on Lyndy's birthday. They were going with a group but planned to have several dances together. At bedtime one-night Lyndy asked if she could talk to her mom alone. "Mom, I am really excited about the dance, but I am more excited that I get to spend time with Wyatt. He is my best friend and I really care for him. I know you and dad were friends first but how did you know when it was more than that." Looking at her mom with the eyes of a girl much more mature than her age. After a sigh she told her daughter, "Your dad and I knew we were becoming more than friends long before we said we loved each other. You are young and so is Wyatt, but you would have to be blind to see that you guys have a connection." She continued hugging her oldest daughter. "Just continue to grow your friendship. But make sure you experience other things in life as well. In a mature relationship two people allow their partner to have their own life trusting that in the end they would always be there for each other." Lyndy pondered her mom's comments. "I get what you are saying and seeing how you and dad act around each other, has helped me understand that. I promise I will take my time but when I am with him my stomach flutters. Is that weird?" Amy smiled and said, "Honey my stomach flutters every time I see your dad, he is everything to me and I will love him forever." With tears in their eyes, Lyndy hugged her mom with all her might and said good night.

The twins were also excited as their class was having an end of year dance/party. It was going to be the first for them and they were excited. A week before the dance their mom, Georgie, and Katie took them shopping to get new outfits. Lyndy already had a dress that she had bought for her birthday party that was being held just for the family before the dance. And she was working on a horse with Wyatt, so she was excused, thankfully. The shopping trip was interesting. Always being a modest dresser, Amy just shook her head at the maturity level of the clothes.

They started with Annie. She tried on about 6 different dresses and finally the group decided on the best one. It was a modest light green dress that fit her perfectly and pulled out those Borden green eyes. "Mom this is awesome, thank you. I think everyone will be jealous." Addie interjected, "Maybe a cute boy will dance with you." Annie retorted, "Well maybe your boyfriend, Desi will dance with you." They spoke to each other curtly in their language and Georgie stepped in and cooled their jets.

Addie was next and as expected it was a little more of a challenge. Amy and Georgie had decided to let them pick out their own stuff and was expected Addie selections were a bit more diverse. Her first outfit was a pair of black leather pants and white shear blouse with a black camisole underneath and of course biker boots. Next, she had a leather skirt, a little shorter than Amy liked paired with a dark green blouse. After a few more concerning selections Addie huffed, " Mom don't you like anything I have picked out?" Amy interjected, "Some of the pieces are nice but the pairings are what I have issues with. And remember your dad has to be happy too." Georgie had a thought, "Addie why don't you try on the first pair of leather pants and the dark green blouse. Let's see what that look like." She came out and Amy, Georgie, Katie, and Annie smiled with approval. Addie was happy as Amy whispered to Georgie, "And they are only 9, man are we in trouble." Georgie smiled, No you and Ty are."

Maddie's grade was not having a dance but instead they were having an end of year picnic. The hope was that the parents could attend so the families could connect. Maddie was excited about the fact that her parents were going to meet Gwen's parents and catch up with the parents of her other friends. Being a very social little girl, she loved the fact that all of them were going to be together. When she was talking at the dinner table about the end of school activities, Maddie spoke up to her sisters, "I hope you guys are ok, but siblings aren't invited, but I know you guys have your dances and get to dance with boys." Lyndy smacked her on the arm, "Get over it, kid, you'll be there soon." Maddie faked gagged and added, "But mom and dad, can JT come? Everyone had heard about him, and I want to show him off, please, please, please." Amy responded, If it is ok with your teachers we can. I don't really think he would enjoy dances and it saves us from having someone to watch him, so we are in." Well I do know a couple of other kid's parents are bringing their toddlers to so maybe JT can find some new friends. Anyway he is way cooler I am sure than all of them." Ty looked at her sternly, "Young lady, I am sure all the other kids are great, and I don't think it is nice to say something like that. We all love JT, but it is not polite to say he is better than the others." She dipped her head down apologetically as Lyndy added, "But dad JT is super cute, you have to agree." Everyone laughed and were looking forward to the end of the school year.

Both of the dances went well, except that to the anguish of the girls Amy and Ty were asked to be chaperones. They promised the girls that they would stay out of the way and not bother them. Lyndy told them, "That's good and I know this is kind of weird but some of my friends think that dad is hot, it's disgusting." Amy jumped in on the comment, "Well I better make sure I stay near hem and show my affections, that will keep them away." As she kissed Ty on the cheek, Lyndy and the twins rolled their eyes in disgust. The dances went well, and the girls all got a chance to dance with a boy. Wyatt and Lyndy danced together a lot, Addie danced with Desi and Annie was seen dancing with Cammy a boy who was a show jumper as well. Maddie's class picnic was fantastic. The weather was perfect and almost all of the parents were able to attend. Amy got Maggie's to donate fried chicken and all the parents brought a dish. There were 6 toddlers there, so Maddie made sure JT was in their play group. Even as small as she was Maddie carried him around to meet all of the teachers and some of the friends that hadn't met him yet. Amy and Ty kept an eye on her to make sure he wasn't too heavy, and they listened proudly to her brag on and on about her little brother. Ms. Addison leaned over to whisper in their ears, "Maddie loves her brother, all she does is talk about him." Amy and Ty smiled in appreciation. The school year had come to an end and now the summer was upon them.