Chapter Thirty-Three

Parties and The Date

A/N – My intention with the last chapter was to cover three major topics. I have determined my writing style develops and aligns to the story line. I have ideas in my head but as I write they build out. I felt the need to explain that as you have just finished the largest chapter I have ever written. It was a lot of fun for me and I hope you enjoyed it. Moving on, school is ending, a big birthday is happening and there is the possibility of a big date. 😊 Enjoy

The family, close friends and the entire staff were energized. The impact of the announcement of the new company, first by Ty and Amy on live TV and then through multiple media outlets and communication platforms was exponentially more than expected. The Board was inundated with accolades, congratulations and well wishes. As Max expected investors had already begun to contact him but the decision was made and he supported it, to keep everything inside the family. The goal was to build a company that would continue to support the family for generations to come. Shortly after the announcement, Amy and Ty received and invite to the Governor's mansion for dinner. It was amazing as the girls all dressed up in spring dresses and little JT dressed like his dad with a sport coat and collared shirt. The youngest of the mayor's 3 children, Bella, was Lyndy's age and they hit is off right away. The governor and her children were riders and excitingly accepted and invite to come to the Miracle Ranch to ride with the Borden family and to meet Georgie.

Besides the end of school which was a week away and this whole new company thing, the biggest celebration coming up is Lyndy's 13th birthday. Ty and Amy could not believe that their baby was going to officially be a teenager. As they were watching her work with a horse, Ty leaned into Amy's ear. "You are way to young and hot to have a 13-year-old. Especially after last night, you are definitely a young, hot, sexy, amazing lover and I can't get enough of you." Amy blushed kissing his cheek. They were interrupted but a grunting Lyndy, "Hello could use some help here." Amy laughed letting her know she was doing great. "That's it honey, keep him focused on you. You are the leader. Take him around a few more times then call him to you." Lyndy slowed down and turned her back walking slowly away from the horse. The horse chomped his lips and brought his ears back. Even Ty knew that behavior as the horse walked up to nuzzle Lyndy's shoulder. She patted his snout smiling at her parents and Whyatt who has walked up. Amy spoke up, "Great work Lyndy, now comes the hard part. Tomorrow it's saddle time and getting him to let you ride him." Lyndy smiled as Wyatt walked into the pen to congratulate her.

Later in the day, there was a knock on the Office door. Amy and Ty were working at their desk as JT napped. Amy got up to the door, opened it to see Wyatt. She put her finger to her lips so he would be quiet as he came into the room. He whispered nervously, "Do you guys have a second, I have to talk to you." Ty grabbed the baby monitor and they all walked into one of the examination rooms for privacy. The sat down as he began to talk, "First I want to thank you for being so welcoming of me. I feel like I am part of the family. I also want to thank you for Lyndy. She is the most amazing girl I have ever met and she means the world to me. I can't imagine not being able to see her every day." He nervously sighed looking like he was going to pass out. Ty helped smiling and putting his hand on his shoulder, "Well Wyatt you are a part of this family and thank you for what you said about Lyndy, we kind of agree. And Wyatt, Mrs. Borden and I think the world of you and we are happy that you and Lyndy are such great friends." He smiled with a little more confidence. Well I have two favors. First after she turns 13 would it be OK if we go on a kind of double date with Katie and Clay. Lyndy has talked to Katie and they are cool with it."

Ty sat back in his chair looking like a father. Before he could say anything Amy spoke, "Before Ty goes all Jack on you that would be fine. We trust you both and of course trust Katie and Clay. I imagine that always being in large groups when you go somewhere isn't too private." Before she could continue Ty stepped in, "And you know there is limit on how private you can be." Amy rolled her eyes as Wyatt responded immediately. "Dr. Borden, I would never hurt Lyndy or do something foolish. I realize we are still young and understand." Ty smiled, "Wyatt I know how these Borden women can make us guys be kind of weird, so I believe you," "But there is one more thing," Wyatt continued hesitantly. "I want to give this to her for her birthday." Amy clutched Ty's arm as Wyatt pulled out a ring box, displaying a simple yet beautiful gold ban. He showed them the engraving on the inside. "Wyatt & Lyndy – Friends Forever." "Now Dr. Borden, before you get concerned this is just a ring I want to give her to proclaim my friendship with her, nothing more. Like I said she is very important to me and I want her to know it." He blushed and waited for them to responded. Amy gathered herself and spoke, "Wyatt that is beautiful and I know she will love it. Can I show you something." Amy pulled out the necklace she was wearing. "Well you know that Ty got me that beautiful necklace after we lost Spartan. Well I have another one I wear often. This is the promise ring Ty gave me almost 20 years ago. It means as much to me, actually more, today as it did then." Wyatt opened his eyes not being able to speak. Ty spoke up, "See I told you Wyatt, these Borden girls are something else." Amy hugged Wyatt tightly and Ty patted his shoulder in an approving manner. For Wyatt it was a great day.

Well the day had arrived, Lyndy's 13th birthday. Invites and preparation were completed. Since it was warm enough Ty, Jack and Caleb put the large family tent in the yard. Tables and chairs were set up with a small dance floor. Katie and Clay put a mix of music together so if they wanted to everyone could dance. A head table was set up for the Borden's. Wyatt. Grandma June would be sitting with Jack, Lisa, Lou, Scott, an increasingly pregnant Georgie and Steven. A large group of family, close family friends and a fairly large group of school friends, altogether almost 40 people. Amy made sure they were all together close to the dance floor. Lilly and Max couldn't make it but Ty had a surprise for Lyndy as they would be Skyping her later. As the guest arrived Lyndy and Wyatt greeted them with hugs and kisses. Their school friends were excited for her and although embarrassed she was really happy everyone was there. A table full of gifts started to fill up and per Lyndy's request, Marnie had a simple spread of Maggie's fried chicken and sides on the buffet tables. As everyone settled Ty and Amy stood up to get their attention. The kids were excited so Amy did her famous loud whistle to get everyone's attention. All laughed and looked up to the head table as Ty gathered his voice.

"Well, my wife and children have a pool as to how long it will take me to start getting emotional. In the words of Amy this family has turned me into a marshmallow. Thank you all for being here today to celebrate our baby's 13th birthday. As you know she is an amazing young lady and Amy and I along wither her siblings." Beginning to tear up, Amy grabbed his arm for support. "All of a sudden Addie jumped up celebrating, "Yes I win, I had 45 seconds!" "Ok, anyway we are so proud of Lyndy not only for what she has accomplished but the person she has become. I would embarrass her by having everyone say something about her but I will spare her that, but there is one person who wants to say something, Wyatt." Lyndy had a look of complete surprise as Wyatt stood up taking her hand. She looked over to her parents and they just smiled. As everyone watched he began to speak. "I have been friends with Lyndy for quite some time and I can tell you she has been the best thing to ever happen to me. She is my best friend and I can't imagine not being able to be with her. I am a little nervous but here it goes." Holding the ring in his hand he continued, "Lyndy you are my best friend. You are always there for me and I hope I can be always there for you." Looking over at her parents and his grandma he said, " I want you to have this ring as a symbol of the everlasting friendship we have. You have helped me in more ways that you even know and I hope you wear it as my best friend." Basically everyone had tears in their eyes and Lyndy was bawling and hugged him tightly. Then from nowhere little JT spoke up, "Kiss her Wyatt!" As the crowd erupted in laughter and applause Wyatt gently kissed her cheek as Ty looked over approvingly and smiled at him.

Amy spoke up to settle the crowd wiping tears from her eye, "And I thought Ty was a marshmallow. So, let's eat and have some fun. We will have cake and presents in a little while so again Ty and I are so happy you are all here to celebrate my baby's big day." She ran over and hugged Lyndy only as a mother could. After a round of hugs from her sisters and little brother Lyndy grabbed Wyatt's hand and looked into his eyes. They headed to the buffet table with the family. Everyone was happy enjoying the food and listening to what Clay called, "Eatin' Music." When Lyndy and Wyatt finished they went around so she could thank everyone. After hugging everyone there including Tim and Casy who had joined them, they walked over to Grandma June as Lyndy hugged her tightly as tears continued to flow. After hugging her grandson, she pulled them aside. "You two are good together, respect each other and make sure you are always there for each other. I am going to tell you something that I have never shared. I met your grandfather when we were ten years old. I knew from the beginning that he was not only my best friend but someone I wanted to be with for a long time. We had up and downs and you will too, but never lose that connection you have. I see it with you both and it makes me very happy." Lyndy and Wyatt hugged her again and went back to talk to the other guest.

After a while the cake was brought out to a resounding Happy Birthday song for Lyndy. She wouldn't admit but she was really enjoying herself but couldn't stop twirling the ring on her finger.. Maya, her best friend leaned over while she was sitting next to her, "Lyndy don't worry its still there." The rest of the party went well as Lyndy received a number of very special gifts. Amy and Ty, staying with their promise gave her new cell phone. After hugs, Ty spoke to her, "We will discuss the use of this and like we said there will be limits until you get into high school." Lyndy smiled and hugged him whispering in his ear, "I know daddy it's only a one more year." Calling Amy over she continued the private conversation. "Mom and dad thank you, my party is amazing. And thank you for your trust with the phone. But most of all thank you for understanding and allowing Wyatt to give me the ring and letting us go on our double date. I have never had anything so special given to me. And " she took a second to gather herself, "I love you both so much. I have never been happier than I am right now." As Amy and Ty teared up they all hugged tightly, there was nothing better than seeing their baby so happy.

As the party mode calmed down summer work began and the upcoming official start of the new company approached. But for Lyndy the double date was happening tomorrow night. Her sisters were giddy about Lyndy and Wyatt going on a date. The four of them were in Lyndy's room giggling away when Amy walked by her door. After asking permission she entered to see a bed full of outfits as Lyndy was trying on many different combinations. "Girls, what the heck are you doing, I could hear you downstairs." Of course Maddie spoke up, "Mom, hello, Lyndy has to have the perfect outfit for tonight. She has a date with her "Boyfriend." The girls giggled for the hundredth time and Lyndy blushed. "Well can I help?" Amy asked. Addie jumped in, "sure, I guess you know how to dress for a date." "As if," Amy laughed. For the next half hour they tried on outfits until they found what they were looking for. Ty had JT and were walking around looking for everyone. "Hey buddy, where are those girls?" He pointed upstairs and said, "Lyndy Room." The headed up and walked in on the silliness. JT hoped down and jumped on Lyndy's bed joining the girls in the giggling and laughing. Amy went to put her hands on her husbands waist as they both smiled at their amazing children.

"So, do I get to see the outfit" Ty asked. Annie blurted out, "Well you two go downstairs and we will get her in date mode so you can see." They hesitantly left them and headed downstairs. Ty got a couple cups of tea and joined his wife on the couch. "So, how did you get involved in that party, they seemed to be having a lot of fun." Ty asked as he smuggled into his wife's ear. After trying to refocus, she breathlessly said, "First stop that or I won't be able to answer. But I heard the giggling and went into to see the four of them looking at the right outfit for the big date. When they decided on one that asked my opinion since they said I used to go on dates. Used to, really?" "Calm down there Mrs. Borden," Ty cooed. "I have an idea, you know the day we are all going to Calgary for the official commissioning of the new company at city hall. Why don't we stay at a nice hotel, have a great dinner and spend the night alone together, like a date." Amy smiled and kissed her husband with extreme passion. He had his answer. As they embraced they heard a bunch of footsteps heading down the stairs. Maddie, JT and the twins stood before them. Annie spoke formally for the group, "Mr. and Mrs. Borden please welcome, Lyndy Marion Borden." They all motioned to the stairs as Lyndy headed down gradually. She had her outfit on, her hair was curled laying on her shoulders and she had very, very light makeup on. Amy's smile was mixed with tears and Ty, gulped seeing his oldest daughter look so grown up. Neither could speak, until Amy gathered herself. "Lyndy you look so beautiful and." She couldn't go on as she buried her head in Ty's chest. The kids were worried until Ty, through his tears said. "Lyndy you look just like Grandma Marion." He got up and found the picture Amy had on her mind. When he showed it to the girls, JT blurted out, "Lyndy!"

So it was date night. As a gift, Amy, Ty, Lou and Scott got them a meal at the fancy Italian Restaurant in town. The plan was to eat early, go to the movie and head to Maggie's for a shake afterwards. Even though Ty struggled the agreement was that they would be home by 11:00. Lyndy and Katie got ready at Heartland so Amy and Ty joined the family to greet the double daters. Clay was picking up Wyatt and picking the girls up at 4:00pm. As Clay and Wyatt parked they noticed Annie, Addie and Maddie on the front porch. Having no idea what to expect they approached them and the girls waved Clay in and asked Wyatt to have a seat with them. Little did he realize this would be the first of three checkpoints for him to get past before he got to Lyndy. Maddie took the ball. "Wyatt, we hope you understand that we care deeply for our sister and want her to be happy, so we hope that you keep that in mind tonight." Addie continued, "Make sure you are respectful all night, holding doors and pulling a seat out for her." Annie finished, "Make sure you politely compliment her on how she looks. She has really taken the time to pick out the right outfit so make sure you let her know." He looked at them and said, "How do you guys know all this stuff. Maddie jumped in, "We watch how our dad treats our mom and you better not mess up. We are going to get the girls after you finish your other conversations."

As Wyatt walked in the kitchen he saw, Lou, Amy. Lisa and Georgie sitting with Clay. The ladies were much nicer and complemented them on how nice they looked. Georgie reminded them of the curfew as the other ladies laughed under their breath. Lou spoke up, "The men are in the lounge waiting for you. As they walked in they saw, Jack, Scott, Ty, Steven and JT waiting for them. Jack took the lead, "Well gentlemen, as you know we all treat the women in this family with the highest respect and honor. Our family is strong because of the ladies and I hope you all realize that you need to be respectful of them and all of us. We expect the curfew to be adhered to, no exceptions." As they all held back their laughter JT blurted out, "Be nice to them." Even the ladies in the kitchen could be heard giggling. Their attention went to the stairs when Annie announced that Katie and Lyndy were coming down. When they came down, Clay and Wyatt stood in astonishment. Both of them had nice above the knee skirts with silky blouses that modestly covered them appropriate for their ages. They were somewhat cowgirl but more like nice date dresses. Wyatt spoke first catching his breath, "Lyndy, you look beautiful and Katie so do you." Although Katie and Clay had been on dates before even he was at a loss for words. "Katie you really look nice and Lyndy so do you."

As they left to hugs from the ladies Jack sat back with a sullen look. Amy and Lou knew immediately what the issue was and they went to sit next to him. "They look so much like Marion. Seeing them grow into young women is like seeing Marion grow up all over again." "We know Grandpa, every time we see them we feel the same way, they are both so beautiful." Amy whispered with tears in her eyes. The group settled to enjoy a quiet family dinner. The double daters were very talkative on the ride to the restaurant. They joked about what they just went through but then Lyndy got a solemn thought, "Katie, did you see GG's face, I thought he was going to start crying. What do you think was wrong." In an effort to soothe his best friend, Wyatt spoke up. "Well I have only seen pictures but I have to think seeing you guys together looking so beautiful thinking about your Grandma Marion. Your mom and Aunt Lou always talk about how much you guys look like her. And Lyndy so does your mom. I have to tell you a secret." Lyndy and Katie listened intently." One day I was standing next to your GG when he was watching Amy. I noticed that he was a little misty eyed and asked him if he was OK. He whispered to me that every time he watches Amy it is like watching Marion. He then said he feels the same when he watches both of you." Lyndy and Katie were on the verge of tears when Clay continued, "Guys that is a good thing. I talked to him once too and he told me that it brings joy to his heart when he watches you and how you are carrying on her legacy."

Katie interrupted the quiet moment saying, "Well thanks you guys but we are on a date, let's party." When they arrived at the restaurant, as directed, Wyatt and Clay opened doors and helped the girls to their seats. They were really surprised how nice the restaurant was and even more happy that their meal was paid for. While ordering, Wyatt mentioned, "There is a lot to pick from, does anyone know what they want?" Lyndy giggled, leaning affectionately into his shoulder, "I know, I think we should all order something different, my mom and dad do that all the time." Everyone agreed and decided giving the order to the waiter. They giggled when he left because he was so formal, calling them sir and miss. The couples sat facing each other and held hands under the table. Clay spoke up jokingly, "You know I am the oldest here so I will be watching you two youngins." Katie smacked him and told him to be nice. Lyndy and Wyatt smiled and held their hands tighter, smiling at each other. As they ate their conversation was about the summer, work at the ranches, Lou and Soctt's wedding, Georgie and the twins and those crazy Borden girls. Katie and Lyndy told the get ready story and how the girls were manic in making sure they both looked good. Clay and Wyatt smiled as Wyatt said, "Well they sure did a great job, you both look amazing." They all smiled and shared their meals and the huge desert sampler. At the end of the meal, Lyndy was startled when her phone buzzed with a text. Looking down she shook her head in disbelief.

She read to the group. "Lyndy, its Maddie, I stole dad's phone and wanted to check in. How is it going. Annie, Addie and I want to make sure you are having fun. Is Wyatt being a gentlemen, is the food good, are you holding hands. Has he tried to kissed you?" Katie took Lyndy's phone and answered much to Lyndy's concern. She began to type telling then what she was sending back, "This is Katie, Lyndy is…busy. It is OK, Lyndy has only had to slap Wyatt a few times. He has been a little too aggressive but she is holding her own. She had to step away because he is being so weird. Clay took Him outside to yell at him for being so rude to her. We hope it will get better. The food was good." They couldn't" hold back their laughter as the server came back with a questioning look. Lyndy, spoke up, "Don't worry sir, my little sisters were being nosey so we just sent them a funny text." He smiled, asked if we needed anything else and reminded them the bill was covered. As soon as he walked away the phone buzzed. "What, I am telling dad right now. I am sure he will come get you and tell that stupid Wyatt what he thinks of him. I can't believe it he seems to be so nice." They let her fester a bit and responded. "Maddie, Katie again, we are just kidding, the food was awesome, and the boys have been nothing but gentlemen, although I have seen Lyndy and Wyatt holding hands" After a sort delay a simple response came. "I hate you guys 😊"

The rest of the night went great. The movie was great and Lyndy and Wyatt sat close sharing a popcorn and drink. Katie smiled at Clay, "They really like each other and I really love you," kissing his cheek. After a shake at Maggie's, they pulled up to the Miracle Ranch at 10:50pm. Wyatt walked Lyndy to the porch and kissed her good night on the cheek, "Lyndy I had a lot of fun, thank you for going out with me." They hugged and she whispered, "I can't wait to do it again." Inside the house Amy and Ty moved quickly from the window to the living room, giggling and hugging each other. "That might have been the sweetest thing I have ever seen, well outside of you." They kissed as Lyndy walked in. When they looked up they saw a young lady that was floating on air. Amy motioned to her to sit with them. "So, how was it?" Amy asked. "Mom and Dad it was awesome. Dinner was amazing, the movie was funny and there is nothing better than a late-night shake at Maggie's. Wyatt is amazing and dad he was polite and proper all night." Amy hugged her oldest daughter realizing that tonight was something special for her and would be a memory she never forgot. As Lyndy went up to bed she leaned into Ty and kissed him passionately. "She is growing up to fast, can't she still be a little baby in my arms." Ty whispered back, "She more and more like you every day. Did you see the gleam in her eye, it's the same way you look at me," tickling her. "Are you trying to get lucky Dr. Borden, well guess what you win." She smiled as he picked her up and carried her to their bedroom. They would be sleeping in tomorrow morning.