Chapter Forty

Business – Giving Thanks

A/N – Well to be honest I would have never thought I would make it to 40 chapters, 150K years and 7700 views. Crazy. Fun chapter with babies and weddings. Let's move into late fall. Business is calming a bit and Thanksgiving is just around the corner – it will be an eventful one. The Borden girls are in a good routine with school and ranch work. Relationships continue to grow with some now familiar visitors coming back to see the family. Should be a good chapter to catch up on things. I love reviews so please take some time to tell me how I am doing. Enjoy

Lou and Scott had just returned from their honeymoon so Amy and Ty had arranged a welcome home dinner at the Miracle Ranch. The guest would mainly be family but the Borden girls each could invite a friend and of course Clay would be there for Katie. Amy and Georgie had a gut feeling that at Christmas big news about them could be coming. The friendship had turned into a sincere love for each other and Clay was a regular at the ranch. He was totally overseeing the Heartland ranch hands and supply inventories reporting up to Caleb. Katie was enjoying university and Clay had decided to take some business and management courses at the local community college. There seemed to be a plan and Amy and Georgie were sure that only Lyndy had an insight on the future. They were always together and their bond was strong. Clay and Wyatt seemed close as well as the four of them still occasionally went to dinner or a movie together. And most importantly Jack thought highly of the two of them. His approval for the men who courted the young women of the family was important and essential.

The welcome home dinner was a lot of fun. Amy and Ty decided on a BBQ as this was a family favorite. Georgie was excited since she was able to bake again so many delicious pies were available. The family heard exciting stories of the trip to Hawaii. The Borden twins decided, "Mom and Dad, we should all go there for vacation." Ty laughed, "We'll see, taking seven people such a long way might be a little much. I think the Fishing Cabin was nice." In unison the 4 Borden girls rolled their eyes as Lou laughed, "Come on dad take your girls to the beach." Ty conveniently went to check on the BBQ as they all harassed him as he walked away. Amy, Lisa and Georgie were in the kitchen getting all the food ready to eat. Lisa spoke up first, "Amy I have to say that those four girls of yours are something. Watching them grow up into young women has been very rewarding for Jack and I. And Georgie, Katie is amazing, she is so focused and knows what she wants to do. I love seeing her and Clay's relationship. Kind if reminds us of you two and your men." They smiled as Georgie spoke giggling, "Well Amy and Ty were a bit of a challenge for all of us." Lisa continued, "Yes that is correct but look at them now. That dance at the wedding kind of risqué don't you think." As the all giggled, Amy spoke, "I agree Katie is amazing and Georgie she gets a lot from you and my girls all are a blessing. I love seeing the bond forming between Lyndy and Wyatt and the twins are growing up way to fast. And Maddie, well she is remarkable. And don't forget that little boy. He is like a sponge, learning from everything going on around him. And Georgie, I know they are only a couple of months old but those babies of yours are so adorable, although I do favor Noah a little." The dinner was fun and ended early. Tomorrow was a school day and workday for all.

The Heartland Equestrian Expereince and its subsidiary companies were all doing well, actually better than original expectations. The Equine Center was calming down a bit but business was still well ahead of last year. Heartland was steady and Fairfield was between foaling seasons so business was slower. Ben and Jennifer were settled in and they had fully embraced their roles in the organization and the family. They spent a lot of time visiting Jennifer's family in Edmonton so missed some of the family events but planned to spend more time with them moving forward especially since the kids were getting older. Maggie's was preparing for the holidays when their business picked up. The vet clinic as well usually saw a spike before Christmas but like the rest of the service companies they virtually shut down almost all of their services between Christmas and New Year's. The biggest news for all of the animal base services was the hiring of a new vet brought into the organization. After reviewing several qualified candidates, they hired a recent graduate with honors from the University of Calgary. She was certified in general veterinary medicine with a focus on horses and cattle. A perfect fit for the team and for Cass another women on the staff as a vet. They decided to have Dr. Evelyn, (Ellie) Fisher, shadow Cass. Initially she would be focused mainly on the vet clinic but would help out where needed. This gave Cass more time to experience other parts of the business and to her liking spend some time every week at the Equine Center with her husband. Amy and Ty along with the team at the Equine center continued to provide a high level of service to all clients. Definitely the largest part of the company and growing, their reputation as a center for equine care and as individual experts in their fields continued to grow. Amy's techniques and unique ability to read a horse had become legendary in the equine world and Ty's innovation and new age approach to horse care was being copied throughout the veterinary community. Their skills moved down through the team. Georgie, Katie and Lyndy gleaned everything they could from Amy and just like her were gaining high regard. Steven, Cass and now Dr. Ellie were fine tuning their skills as well from both Ty and Scott. Overall as the year ended the decision to form this new enterprise was producing better than expected results. The team was focused and driven to continue to get better.

Thanksgiving was a few days away and the Borden family was excited. Not only because of the holiday but also they had a week off of school. Max and Lilly had arrived the weekend before for a 2 week stay. While Lilly spent time with her family, Max attended several Board meetings and worked on some legal documents with each of the individual business leaders. The kids were excited that their grandma was here and JT and Max were spending a lot of quality time with Jack. They were called the three amigos by the family. Amy and Ty were happy about his bond with them but also were slightly concerned with what he would pick up. An added surprise was that Will, Bethany and little Billy would be visiting after the holiday as well. They were going back home for Thanksgiving but hadn't been back to see them for a while. Their move was delayed and Will had to delay his new role to take care of his adoptive parents, who were injured in a car accident. Their plans had been amended and the move was now going to happen after the first of the year which even excited the Borden family more.

Due to an ever-growing crowd with close friends, extra babies and "Boy" friends, they decided to move the dinner to the Fairfield conference room. It was bigger and there was a kitchen that was close buy. Jack was a little bothered about it but Lisa was happy because Ben and his family would be there too. The morning of Thanksgiving as usual was busy at the Borden house. After a fun night Amy and Ty slept in so Lyndy took control and got the kids in order. As they wandered out to grunts and groans Ty yelled out, "Happy Thanksgiving kids, mom and I love you all very much." Addie responded with a furrowed brow, "Really don't try to suck up with us dad, we know your game." A worried Amy asked, "What game are you talking about?" "You guys get to sleep in while we have do all the work, it is so unfair." She whined. Lyndy walked in on the conversation sensing her parent's concern and interrupted winking at her mom. "Maddie I told you that mom and dad get to sleep in every once in a while so stop giving them a hard time. They do everything for us so we should be grateful and let them rest." Ty and Amy nervously laughed thinking their secret cuddling had been revealed. Amy continued, "Well anyway, you guys are leaving with dad just after noon. I am going to go early to cook and I have a lot to load up in about 45 minutes so don't go hide on me." It was going to be a good day.

Amy arrived a few hours before the dinner and met Lisa, Lou and Georgie. Jennifer and Ben welcomed them and she offered to help as well. Their two little boys came scampering in to hug their great aunt. The others had only met them once so Lisa formally introduced them to the other ladies. "Amy, Lou and Georgie, meet Breydon and Daxton Stillman. Brey is 3 and Dax is 2. Boys can you say hello." The boys smiled clutching on their mothers leg and shyly said hello. Amy and Georgie came down to their level to try and get a hug from them. The boys were hesitant but gave in as the hugged them lovingly. Amy talked calmly, "I have a son who is almost 2, his name is Jackson or JT. Another person you will meet, Caleb had a little son as well, Ben and he is a little younger than him. I bet the four of you will become best friends." Little Breydon said, do they like to play cowboy?" Georgie smiled, "You bet they do, and Ben's daddy Caleb is a real live cowboy." Both of their eyes opened wide as Dax added, "Does he have buckles?" Amy answered, "Yes he has a bunch and my father and grandpa were rodeo champions and have a bunch too. Maybe one day you guys can come over and play with JT and Ben and see them." "Cool" they both said in unison as they hugged them again. Amy made a mental note to them so they could each bring buckle for each of them from their massive collections. Ben and Jennifer, who had tears in her eyes, smiled at them mouthing thank you

The women now with Jennifer's help began cooking the feast. Lisa got the four turkeys in the oven. She said, "Thank goodness we kept the original large kitchen in place. I think moving forward Fairfield will be the place to go. We will definitely need the room and the big kitchen." Laughing they all agreed. Everyone had their assigned dishes and Georgie, always on top of things, already had the pies done, all 8 of them. They ladies were having a blast cooking and talking. Ben retreated with the boys to the stables which was where they spent a large part of their day. Jennifer's family had a lot of issues so was beside herself with happiness. She missed her family and she felt that had a new family now. "I can't tell you how happy Ben and I are for being here. As you may know our families have not always been supportive for us and we have been dealing with a lot of things since we came here. We can't thank you enough, we feel it is a new start for both of us and our boys." Lisa brought her into an embrace knowing what they both had been through. Amy spoke up, "Well you are now a part of our family but I need to warn you, Keep an eye out for my youngest daughter, Maddie. She can be a handful and I will guarantee she will become the overseer of the four young men." Lou and Georgie laughed as Lou confirmed, "Trust me Jenn, Amy is right, Maddie is a hoot and her personality is, let's just say dynamic." They all chuckled and got back to cooking. Family and friends would be arriving in 2 hours.

As everyone started to arrive the quietness was overtaking by hugging, laughing and a lot of fast talking. As expected JT, Ben, Brey and Dax formed a quick bond and went to play in their room. Maddie spoke up, "Don't worry guys I got them. I will keep them in line." Georgie leaned into Jenn's ear, "We told you." The family were gathers in the living room and lounge chatting and enjoying drinks. Although people knew of them Lisa made sure that everyone officially met Ben, Jennifer and the boys. Ty also made sure that he introduced his mom and Max to those who had not met them yet. As soon as Dax and Brey heard Caleb's name they ran to him, "Are you a real cowboy?" Caleb in his cowboy drawl answered, "Well yes I am." Ty laughed and poked him in the side. The Tim and Jack came over. Amy had texted all three of them and they each brough a buckle for each boy. Jack greeted them, "Well hello there boys my name is Jack and this is Tim. We were rodeo cowboys as well and we have something for you." The boys stood there with their eyes wide open as Caleb, Jack and Tim handed a buckle to each of them telling them the story behind each one. Jenn and Ben held each other overwhelmed with the kindness of the three cowboys. Ben leaned into his Aunt's shoulder in tears, "Aunt Lisa that is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for them, it is amazing." Jenn was being held by Amy and couldn't even speak. Everyone looked on as the three cowboys sat with the two overwhelmed boys telling their cowboy stories.

Lisa and Jack called the group to the table, actually two long tables that were set up, side by side. The food was distributed and after a brief prayer, Jack stood up to speak, "Lisa and I would like to welcome family and friends to our Thanksgiving feast. A feast I might say was prepared by my lovely wife, my granddaughters, one of my great granddaughters and out host Jennifer Stillman. Let's thank them all for their hard work." Everyone clapped and they all got kisses from their husbands. "Besides our host we have some other new folks then year, Max Walters and Lilly Borden, of with our host Ben and Jennifer Stillman are their two boys, Breydon and Daxton. By the way they like cowboys." The group laughed. "I believe family extends beyond blood and I am thankful for all of you and consider everyone in this room family." He took a minute to gather himself as sniffles were heard in the room. "SO enjoy the food and from what I have heard Georgie has made some amazing pies to eat for dessert." The group clapped and laughed and the feast began. Amy and Ty sat close to each other talking to their girls and JT who was sitting with Lyndy. Wyatt was with his grandma visiting her sister and couldn't make it. Desi, Jeremy and Gwen were with their families as well. Since they couldn't make it Amy promised the girls that they could come over the next night for a family dinner. Lou and Scott were holding the twins as proud grandparents under the watchful eye of Georgie. It seemed she had become attentive to them always keeping an eye on them no matter where they were. Amy smiled and looked at Lou. "Georgie is watching you, you better not mess up." They all laughed.

As dinner finished they group took a break. It was decided that they would have desert in an hour so the group broke up into several smaller groups. Ty, Steve, Clay, Ben, Caleb and Addie went to catch up on the football games. All the ladies went into the main lounge to chat and get to know Jennifer and Lilly better. But the cutest group was Jack, Max, Tim and the four young boys, JT, Ben, Brey and Dax. They sat in the corner and had their attention telling stories about the rodeo and cattle drives. Tier eyes were wide open as they older men spoke. Amy looked over and spoke to the group of women, "Look how cute that is, those four boys are mesmerized by the three of them. It is so amazing," Tears came to her eyes as Jen added, "I don't think I have ever seen my two boys sit still for such a long time. Lisa, Lilly and Casey, can Ben and I hire them." The group laughed as they watched the little group. The boys would laugh and ask questions. Amy looked at Casey and hugged her, "Look at dad, I have never seen him look happier. I am so glad we got past all of that foolishness." Casey smiled, "Amy you said something to him when all that was happening that really shook him and I think that turned him around. As I recall you told him that he needed to think of what it would be like if he didn't have his daughters and granddaughters because if he didn't change, that would happen." That night we were sitting by the fire and he was quiet. Then he opened up and realized how stupid and arrogant he had been. He committed to me that he would work hard to gain everyone's trust." She caught her breath as Amy smiled, "Well by the looks of things I think he has.

The group was called back to the table and Ty, Amy, Lou, Scott, Georgie and Steven took pie and ice cream orders. Once distributed, everyone dug into the delicious sweets. Georgie received praise and accolades as Steven spoke up, "He I helped to." Georgie furrowed her eyes. "I watch Noah and Hannah so Georgie could bake. I think I deserve some credit." Ty interrupted before Georgie could respond. "Steven, Steven we need to talk. Watching our children is not a job it is a pleasure and our wives deserve credit for everything. Anyway we are simply eye candy to them." The crowd erupted as Amy punched Ty in the side. Georgie looked at her husband not needing to say anything. All of a sudden JT, yelled out, "Daddy is eye candy, what is that." Maddie joined in, "Yea what does that mean?" Many of the others looked away and started other conversations. Amy leaned into Ty, "Good luck with explaining that Dr. Borden. But you are definitely my eye candy." Leaning over to kiss his lips. Addie screamed at them, "Really mom you kiss him after her said that you two are gross." Amy smiled at her daughter, "Well you dad is kind of my eye candy, didn't you say some of your friends think he is hot." She huffed and Jack laughed, "Lily, Max, Ben and Jenn you can always back out if you want." Everyone laughed as Ty and Amy secretly held hands under the table.

After desert was finished everyone broke out into separate groups. The four little ones were tired, so Cass, Jenn and Lyndy took them up to the boys room to nap. Maddie offered to stay with them but Amy was sure she was tired as well. Amazingly they all went down without a whimper. When they went back downstairs, Amy went to sit on Ty's lap. He was in a business discussion with many of the Board members and Max. It was a light conversation and they discussed some ideas for next year. Ty mentioned that he and Amy had been asked to conduct another lecture before the school year ended. It wouldn't be the extravaganza like last year but of course all of them would be invited. The group did decide to have a board meeting before Max went back home. He smiled like he had something on his mind and put his hand in Lilly's. "Well about that, as of January 1st I am turning control of my law firm over to my children and business partners. I will remain a practicing lawyer and after talking with Jack and Lisa my one client will be the Heartland Equestrian Expereince. Also Lilly and I are going to get an apartment or maybe build a place on one of the properties. We plan to spend half the year here from April to September and the other half back home. And don't worry we wont miss the holidays, especially since your Thanksgiving is earlier that ours in the US." The entire group smiled reaching over and shaking hands and giving hugs. Ty looked at his mom and didn't think he ever saw her look happier.

After things settled, Max spoke up again. "Oh and one more thing." He looked to the door as his daughters walked in with their husbands. After he introduced them to the folks in the room he continued," Anyway as Lilly told everyone she had accepted my proposal and we figured since we were here already we were wondering it you all were busy Saturday." It took a moment for it to sink in but Amy was the first to get it. "You are getting married?" she screamed getting the attention of everyone there even the other groups. "Well since everyone is here now I can ask you all. Lilly and I would like to invite you to our wedding this Saturday and The Plaza Hotel in Calgary. The ceremony will be at 4:00 and reception in the same room right after. Lisa has offered to officiate and Jack will be my best man." As everyone smiled, Lilly went to her son holding his hands. "Ty it is a bit unorthodox but I would like you to be my man of honor. There is no one else I want standing next to me other than you." Ty stood in silence as tears welled up in his eyes. "Mom, it would be my honor, thank you." He collapsed into his arms as Max and Amy joined them in a hug. The room was a mess as everyone tried to grasp the emotion to her moment. As things settled, Maddie spoke up. "I have a question, since GG is the best man and Daddy is the man of honor, will they have to dance together." Her comment brought relief to the group as Ty picked up his little girl and tickled her stomach, "Maybe I will little girl." The laughter continued. It was a great Thanksgiving.

As expected the rest of the weekend went well. The Borden family dinner the following night was fun as all the boys and Gwen came over. Obviously the talk was about Max and Lilly's wedding. Since there was no formal invite everyone was told to just dress nice for the wedding. Max, Jack and Ty had nice suits on and Lilly had a beautiful dress that his daughters helped he pick out. Everyone was all dressed out. Lisa commented on how all the girls looked beautiful. Amy noted that she was beaming with joy. She was confident that her past was no longer a concern and during the service she glanced at Ty seeing the same feeling in his eyes. The ceremony was short but beautiful. Ty struggled keeping it toother. His girls saw he was struggling so they all stepped up to hold onto him. Amy literally broke down with happiness. The dinner was unbelievable as it was The Plaza Hotel. Annie and Addie whispered to Lyndy and Wyatt, I am afraid to eat this is so fancy. Max and Lilly insisted that all of the kids attend even Georgie's twins. He paid to have a service there and set up a room where they could go to relax if needed. It was perfect. The biggest surprise was given the night before. Max and Lilly arranged for all of the board members, his daughters along with Tim and Casey to stay at the hotel for the night. Ben and Jenn would take the four little boys and the four Borden girls would stay with Katie, Clay and the twins at the Miracle Ranch. Additionally the group staying would all gather at the hotel restaurant for a breakfast before heading home to get their kids. AS promised the evening ended early so the kids could get him to bed and the adults could enjoy their evening. Ty whispered to Amy as they were saying goodbye to their kids, "I love our kids but I am really looking forward to our night.

AS they settled in their room Ty was in his boxers laying on the top of the luxurious comforter. The room was amazing with a beautiful view of downtown Calgary. Ty's mind was adrift thinking of the events of the evening and what had happened during his life. He thought about the day he met Clint and how his life had hit rock bottom. He recalled the first day he met Amy when she yelled at him for scaring the horses showing off with his truck. He fell back to thinking about all the times his mother let him down and the pain and anguish she caused. But now as he laid there his life was so much different. He was married to the women of his dreams and had 5 amazing children. And his mother married and amazing person who helped her finally rid herself of her vices. He didn't even notice his wife who had stepped out the bathroom in his number on favorite skimpy pajamas. She looked at him confused that he didn't have his usual sexy comment. What she saw was a faraway look in his eyes. She climb under the covers pulling his next to her. She soothed him lying on his chest drawing circles. She whispered, "Ty where are you?" His eyes focused on her deep blue orbs and he whispered, "Amy I was thinking. Just when I think my life couldn't be better, it gets better. I have been thinking about every milestone in my life all the way to where I am right now." He took a deep breath as Amy just continued to listen holding him closer. "I just wonder, why me, why am I so blessed. I have you, amazing children, caring family and friends and now a real mom who is loved by a man completely." Amy took a moment to respond, "Ty you are a good and decent man. You are an amazing and loving husband and father. Everyone you touch is better because of you. Ty you have given yourself to everyone and now you are getting something in return, happiness and Joy." He smiled, he was exhausted both mentally and physically. Amy continued with a look of complete love in her eyes, "And Ty our life is only going to get better. I love you so much I could burst and I am excited about what is ahead for us." They embraced and share a loving kiss. It wasn't a night for intimacy but a night to hold each other as sleep came. They were Amy and Ty.