Heartland Reimagined: Growing the Legacy ( Book 4)

by Steve Jordan

The Borden family is blessed with some great opportunities through the efforts of Jack and Lyndi's song writing. Lou has a medical struggle, while Ty and Amy grow up their family. Georgie and Quinn are growing their business and getting Georgie and Katie ready for the Olympics in Paris. Lou and Peter are managing the combined Heartland-Fairfield Business since Lisa's passing.

Chapter 1: Growing the Legacy

It has been several years since "The Big Deal" when Quinn and Georgie purchased Ahmed's place and Heartland took over Hill Hearst. The twins are now almost 10 years old are in elementary and Lyndi is about to enter High School. Katie has taken a year off from college to prepare for the Olympics with Georgie, and Quinn is training them both. Quinn's training business has been very successful and He has equestrians from all over the world coming to Hudson and training with him at Hill Hearst. Lou and Peter have benefited from the acquisition of Hill Hearst and have continue to expand the Heartland-Fairfield business into a thriving horse breeding, equestrian training facility. Ty and Amy have continue to offer their veterinarian training programs that combines medical practice strategies with horse behavior techniques and they are working on a book that outlines new medical treatment methods and many of Amy's behavior techniques gleaned from her and her mother's diaries. Shane has married and he, Caleb, and Tim are still managing the cattle business of the Heartland-Fairfield brand. And Shane's wife Lainey has taken over the day to day operations of the dude ranch which continues to attract visitors from all over.

Jack is still active on the board of the businesses, but has spent most of his time with the kids and their activities while Ty and Amy take care of their business. The twins are very active in sports and Lyndi has been working with some of the troubled horses that come through Heartland. She has become just like Amy when it comes to working with troubled horses and Amy has allowed her to work with some of them on her own. Also, Lyndi has really become quite a singer. She has won several talent shows and is very much enjoying singing and writing songs with Jack, and with Amy, when she is available. They have submitted several of their songs to Brooke, who since the wedding and with a little help from John Rich, has become quite an attraction in the country music genre, to see if she would want to use them for her albums.

Amy, "Lyndi, Grandpa told me that you guys have submitted a few songs to Brooke for her to consider using in one of her albums. Have you heard back from her?

Lyndi, "No mom. She probably is too busy and besides, I am not sure she uses anyone else's material. I think she writes her own songs."

Amy, "Do you want me to give her a call and see?"

Lyndi, "Not real sure about that. I would hate to use your friendship to promote GG and I's songs!"

Amy, "I won't hurt to ask."

Lyndi, "Ok, whatever you think!"

Amy put in a call to Brooke and left her a message to call her back.

That afternoon Brooke returned the call and said, "Amy, I am so glad you called me. I have been listening to some of the songs that Lyndi and your grandfather sent me. They are really great!"

Amy, "I am glad you said that. Lyndi wasn't real sure she wanted me to call you about that and use our friendship to promote their songs."

Brooke, "That is nonsense! How else do you get noticed in this business. Besides, I owe you a great deal! Since Georgie's wedding, I have developed a working relationship with John Rich and he has vaulted me to another level of my career. You might say that I AM someone now!" Laughing.

Amy, "Brooke, I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished and I feel honored to be a part of your success. By the way, I heard your mother passed away last year right after the wedding. How are you doing?"

Brooke, "Yes she did! I was so glad that you guys convinced me to go back and reconcile with her. The last few years of her life we had a wonderful relationship that I will never forget!"

Amy, "I am so glad you were able to spend that time with her. I know it probably meant a lot!"

Brooke, "So, I was thinking, what if we take a few of those songs and sing them together here in the studio and see if they will work for my next album?"

Amy, "Wow, that would be awesome, but I really don't want to get in the way of you and Lyndi doing something together."

Brooke, "Why don't you talk it over with her and see. I wouldn't be opposed to it just being Lyndi because I have been watching some of her talent show performances and she is a natural. But I really wish we could do something with all three of us.!

Amy, "Also, Brooke, Ty and I are concluding a book that we have been working on and I am not sure what the time requirements are going to be for that, and mostly if I include this project with it."

Brooke, "Well, it might take about a week or so to record a couple of songs, so see how that fits into your schedule and let me know."

Amy, "Great, I will get back with you tomorrow after we have talked."

At the table for dinner Amy brings up the conversation she had with Brooke. Lyndi, TJ, Tyson, Ty and Grandpa were all at the table with Amy when she begins, "Well, guys, I made a call to Brooke today and she was excited to talk with me. Seem she has been looking over the songs you guys sent her and wants to bring us into the studio to do some recording and see if they fit on her next album."

Lyndi, "Us?"

Amy, "Well, that is why I wanted to talk with you about this. She asked if you and I would like to come down to Nashville for a week and we all three could work on your songs. Seems she really enjoyed singing with us at Georgie's wedding and wanted to take one of you and Grandpa's songs and have us sing it on the album. I told her that I did not want to step all over you and Grandpa's efforts and she said that even if it was just you, that would be ok ,too!"

Lyndi, "Are you kidding! I would love to sing with you and Brooke! That would be a dream come true! Mom, when can we go?"

Amy, "Are you sure. You want to include me?"

Lyndi, "Why yes! You are the one who gave me the voice and the strength to sing on my own!"

Ty, "What about me?", Laughing

Amy, " She also said she have been watching your talent show performances on YouTube and thinks you are a natural!"

Lyndi, "Wow, she said that? TJ, Tyson, I…AM a natural. Did you hear that?"

TJ, "A natural goofball!"

Tyson, "A natural showoff!, Just kidding. That is awesome!"

Amy, "And Ty, I told her that I would have to schedule this around our book release and she said that we could make it work."

Ty, "I think all we have left to do is review the editor copy and send it to printing. I have a few meetings with publishers who might want to pick it up, but I still think we should self-publish through our website."

Amy, "So you think we can pursue this and put it into the schedule?"

Ty, "I don't see any reason not too!"

Lyndi, "Guys, I am so excited. Grandpa, our efforts have paid off! We can continue the legacy of Lyndi Bartlett through Lyndi Borden. How awesome is that?"

Jack was sitting there quietly taking all of the conversation in when Ty notice a very solemn look on his face. "Jack, what do you think about all of this? You look like you have something to say."

Jack, "You can't understand the joy that I feel right now knowing that Lyndi's legacy will live on through our sweet little Lyndi and you, Amy. I have only loved twice in my life and with Lisa, I am so proud of how you guys have handled the legacy she left behind. Now, I am so filled with joy that you guys will carry on the legacy your great grandmother left behind. I also glad that I had a part in it."

With that a tear fell from Jack's eye and he excused himself to go to the kitchen for some coffee. Following him into the kitchen, Amy grabbed hold of Jack and said, "Grandpa, we are so happy that we can fill your heart with joy by the way we have treated their legacies. I am so glad we have made you proud. I love you so much!"

Jack, holding back the tears, "Amy, I love you guys so much and you especially. The way you have grown up and taken care of the legacy of your mom and even now, with Lyndi. I am just so proud of you. And Ty too!"

Amy, "Thank you, Grandpa! We won't let you down!"

That evening as Ty and Amy get ready for bed, Ty says, "Amy, isn't it incredible how these life events just seem to happen. I mean, one day we are fighting to save our daughter's life and the next day, we have an opportunity to publish a book and sing a song on an album. You know since we have committed our lives to Christ, even though not every event is covered in opportunity, it seems that He has a plan for us and continues to work in and out of the events of our lives every day. Some good, some bad, we still can find peace, joy, and hope along the way. I am amazed every day that something or someone comes into my world where I can apply God's love or my God given talents to make something or someone better. I don't think we could have ever achieved this level of life without the help of God. And I am so thankful that Lyndi showed us the way."

Amy, "Isn't it incredible! I feel the very same way. I even pray every day that God would show us the way forward, and it is just amazing the opportunities he gives us to spread his word. Whether it be through actions, relationships, songs, or just being a friend, we can spread our faith to those who need to find the joy we have in our family. So I have an idea, why don't you come over here and let me spread a little joy and happiness to you!"

Ty, reaching over and grabbing Amy says, "Now that would be awesome! And embraces Amy with a long, long kiss!

The next morning Amy is up early with the twins and they decide to go on a trail ride. As they are tacking the horses, Tyson asks, "Mom, where do you want to go today?"

Amy, "Let' go up to Marion's lookout. We haven't been there for a while, Ok?"

TJ, "Yes, let's do it!"

Amy, "So if we are going up there, we better bring some more supplies and food. Just in case we have to stay out longer than expected. TJ, why don't you go and make us some sandwiches and Tyson and I will pack up the horses."

TJ, "Ok, Mom."

As TJ is coming back with the food, the horses are packed up and ready to go. TJ puts the sandwiches in his saddlebags and they mount up and head out to Marion's lookout.

As they reached their destination, TJ says, "Wow, Mom! This place is awesome! You can see forever from here! I forgot how cool it was up here!"

Tyson, "I am hungry, let's sit down and eat!"

Amy, "I am down with that!

Tyson, "Mom, what is that talk?"

Amy, "Isn't that what you kids say?"

TJ, "That IS what WE KIDS say! Not moms!"

Amy, "Just trying to be cool."

Tyson, "Mom, you are the coolest mom ever! All the kids at school think you are the Miracle Girl!

Amy, "How do your friends know anything about me being called the Miracle Girl. That was so long ago!"

TJ, "One of our friends looked you up on the Internet and found a video of you saving a horse. He passed it around to all the kids in school and you are a hero to everyone!"

Amy is now taken back by TJ's comments, "A hero, huh! Well, I can live with that! Should I put on a cape when I bring you to school and get out and walk you to class?"

Tyson, "No way! You are a hero without the cape!" They all had a laugh and started to eat.

About midway through lunch Amy says, "Guys, I want to talk with you about something that I think you should know now that you are in school. You know that Heartland has been in our family for over 6 generations. It is a very special place to me and your dad, and for that matter, ever person in our family. Over the years, we have made Heartland not only our home, but our legacy. When you and Tyson were born, your father was so filled with Joy that his name and our Heartland was guaranteed at least another generation of legacy. We hope that as you grow up you will come to love and respect Heartland for what it is and what it will teach you. Your father and I have so many memories that are associated with Heartland that to us, there is no special place like it in the world. To be able to come up here and show you kids this view from our property and to know that as you grow and have kids of your own, you will be able to pass along the legacy and these views to them. "

Tyson, "Mom, You and Dad are the greatest parents ever! TJ and I are so glad that we live here and have you as parents."

TJ, "Tyson, Please! Mom, Tyson is trying to butter you up to ask you something. Ask her, Tyson."

Tyson, "Ok, well, you see, TJ and I would like to pick our own horses and train them from the wildies. We see you and Lyndi do it, so we thought we could give it a try. We think it would be so cool if we could say that we gentled our own horses. What do you think?"

Amy, "You are a bit young for that, but if you will agree to let me or Lyndi help, let's go for it! But guys, did you hear a word I was saying about Heartland and the legacy?"

TJ, "Yeah, we get it! Heartland is special and you want us to pick up the legacy!"

Amy, "Ok, so, that is it?"

TJ, "Yep, we hear you mom! Let's go back and pick out our horses!"

Amy thinking to herself, well so much for that speech, "You guys don't want to stay here a bit longer?"

Tyson, "I am ready to go pick out my horse"

Amy, "OK, so let's pack up and we will ride by the wildies on our way home."

TJ and Tyson at the same time, "Cool! Mom, you are the best!"

Amy, thinking to herself, Yeah , right! So much for the talk.

Chapter 2: A Song For You

As they headed towards Heartland, Amy takes them by the lake where the wildies often stay grazing during the day. As they approach the herd, Amy notice that there had been some wildies that have injuries on their neck and back. It look like fight marks, but she could be sure so she called Ty and asked him to come and meet them at the lake. Ty was finishing up some work at Heartland so he tacked up Harley and headed toward Amy. When he got there, Amy pointed out the injured horses and Ty, climbed off his horse to see if he could get closer. The wildies have become quite familiar with Amy and Ty and often allowed them to get very close to them on foot. Ty goes in to assess the injuries while Amy and the boys keep their distance. Ty comes back, "Well, it looks like there has been a prey animal lurking around. Probably a bear because the scrapes you see are claw marks from the animal. At first I thought it to be fighting among the horses, but now that I got up close, it is another animal that is fighting with the horses."

Amy, "So what do we do?"

Ty, "Not real sure, we need to try and pin them so we can tend to their wounds.? Any ideas?"

Amy, "Why don't we setup a pin here and we can try to round up the injured horses into the pin. I can call Grandpa and see if he can put the portable fencing together on the truck and bring it to us."

Ty, "Let me go back and do that. I don't want Jack to strain himself trying to put that fencing on the truck. Why don't you guys head back and we can come back later and see if we can get them corralled."

Later that afternoon Ty and Jack put the fencing on the flatbed and Jack drove the truck to the lake while Amy and Ty rode out there on their horses. The kids came to watch how they were going to corral the injured horses. Jack and Ty setup the pen while Amy and Lyndi tried to get halters on a few of the injured horses.

Amy, "Lyndi, walk up to that brown horse real slow and give him a treat. As he is eating, try to put the halter on her. I will try that with this one."

Lyndi, successfully gets the halter on and with treats coaxes the horse into the pin. Amy was not having such success so they decided another tactic. Ty held open the pin gates and Amy herded several of the wildies into the pin along with the injured mare. Then they let the others out and kept the two injured horses pinned up. Tyson, "Way to go mom! That was awesome!"

TJ, "You sure know how to handle your horse!"

Lyndi, "You think that was good, I just haltered my horse without having to herd her."

Amy and Ty began to nurse the horses with a rubbing sav on the wounds and some antibiotic shots. They decided to keep them pinned up for a few days to monitor the injuries. That is when Tyson asked, "Mom, can we try to gentle these two for TJ and I?"

Ty looked at Amy, "The kids wanted to pick and gentle their own horses from the wildies and I told them if Lyndi and I could help, we would let them."

Ty, "Well, these are two fine horses, but are you sure they can handle his?"

Amy, "I think so. They are determined and you know how that is with them?"

Ty, "Ok, then we need to get them to Heartland once they are healed."

Tyson and TJ give each other high five and begin to think of names for their new horses.

On the way back to Heartland, Amy remembers she owed Brooke a call to let her know that she and Lyndi wanted to pursue the recording session with her. "Hello, Brooke. If you haven't changed your mine about that recording session, we would love to come down there and do some singing."

Brooke, "Not at all! Matter of fact, I have been going through some of the songs that Jack and Lyndi sent me and have a few favorites to pass along. What do you think about Lyndi's song and Heartland Heartbeat. I think those are awesome and they tell a great story."

Amy, "That sounds great. I will let Lyndi know and we can schedule the visit. What is good for you?"

Brooke, "Well, I have the studio booked at the end of the month so if you could work around that."

Amy, "I think we can manage that. Will get back to you!"

Brooke, "Great, Bye!"

Amy excited to tell Lyndi about the news rides up next to her horse. "Lyndi, great news. Brooke has booked the recording studio for the end of the month and she wants to record Heartland Heartbeat and Lyndi's song. What do you think?

Lyndi, "That is awesome mom. I am so excited! Guys, guess what? Mom and I are going to Nashville to record two of the songs that GG and I wrote. Is that cool or what? She said if they are good enough, they might make it on her album."

Tyson, "Lyndi, we are so proud of you guys. Maybe one day we will be able to sing like you!"

Lyndi, laughing, "Maybe! With a whole lot of practice!"

Ty was riding next to Lyndi and overheard the conversation. "So what happens if you two become super famous and start touring the world with Brooke?"

Amy,Laughing, "What do you mean, if!"

Ty, "Ok, now I see it. You guys are not going to fit your heads in the house with that ego! Really, have you considered the opportunity and what is at stake if it becomes very successful. Will you tour with Brooke?

Amy, "That would be for Lyndi. I am sticking here with you! No matter what!

Ty, "Lyndi, what about you?"

Lyndi, "Well, dad, just as YOU say. We will cross that bridge when we come to it!"

Ty, "What about that. A chip off the ol' block! At least she got that from me!"

Amy, "Ty. Really! She is all you! She just does what I do!"

After a few days, Jack and Ty brought the trailer to the pin that housed the injured horses. After a positive assessment of their healing, they decide to bring them back to Heartland to begin the gentling process. As they pulled up to Heartland, the kids ran out to meet the truck.

Tyson, "Dad, GG, are those the horses? Did you bring them back?"

Jack, "Yes Sir! These are your guys. Now, have you had a chance to name them?"

TJ, "My horse is going to be paint, just like your horse GG. He looks like Paint, so I will call him Paint!"

Tyson, "My horse is going to be Pegasus. I am going to name her after Grandpa's horse. Pegasus!"

Jack, "OK, so it's Pegasus and Paint! Two great horse names. I hope they take after their name sakes because both of those horses were very special to our family!"

So they unloaded the horses and put them in the outside stalls which Amy had prepared for them.

At supper that night, Ty raises his glass to make a toast. "I would like to toast Jack, you and Lyndi for writing songs that Brooke wants Lyndi and Amy to come and record. I know that those songs mean so much to you and I want to toast that they will successfully be added to Brooke's album."

Jack, "Oh, Really. What songs did she pick?

Lyndi, "Heartland Heartbeat and Lyndi's song"

Jack, "My favorites. Great choice!"

Amy, "Grandpa, Lyndi and I will be going to Nashville to record them at the end of the month."

Jack, "Really, well that is great. You know, I have only been to Nashville once. Would you mind if I tag along?"

Amy, "That would be awesome, Grandpa!"

Lyndi, "It sure would!"

Amy, "Then it is set. I will get us 3 tickets to Nashville and make the accommodations to stay at a hotel."

That evening Georgie called to catch up on things when Amy told her about the Nashville trip and recording the songs with Brooke. Georgie was so excited that she said, "Amy, let me fly you guys there. I will call John and see if he has accommodations for you. He has a huge ranch just outside Nashville and I am sure if he doesn't have anything going on, he would gladly put you up. Then you could ride on your off time. I hear his place is awesome with over 600 acres to roam. "

Amy, "I am not so sure about that. I don't want you to spend your money flying us down there and putting John on the spot to take us in.?

Georgie, "Don't do anything, yet. Let me get back to you tomorrow. Promise you won't make any arrangements, ok?"

Amy, "Ok, but you really don't have to do this."

Georgie, "Yes I do! I will get back to you tomorrow!"

Georgie immediately hangs up the phone and places a call to John Rich. To her surprise, he answered the phone. "Well hello Georgie, to what honor do I have with this call?"

Georgie begins to tell John about Brooke's offer to setup a recording studio to record some songs that Jack and Lyndi wrote, when John broke in, "Really. Why don't they come out here to the ranch. I have a studio and everything to accommodate the session. I even have a backup band on retainer to help round out the music. They can even stay on the premise. We have accommodations for folks who play at the Riviera so putting them up won't be a problem. Also, how are they getting here? If you are going to fly them, remember you can land right on the property. I just have to get with our people to set that up with your pilot. When did you say they were coming?"

Georgie, " The end of the month. I think that is when Brooke is scheduling the recording studio."

John, "Hey, I have Brooke's number, let me give her a call and see if she would like to record out here. I will call you back?"

Georgie hangs up and calls Amy. "You will never believe what just happened. When John heard about you guys working with Brooke, he immediately offered to put you guys up while you are here. We can land at his ranch and they have plenty of space for you guys to stay. He puts up the bands that play for him at the Riviera so this is something he does all the time. Also, he is calling Brooke to offer his studio for your recording. He is going to get back with me after he speaks with Brooke. What do you think?"

Amy, feeling very overwhelmed, "Georgie, wow, thank you. That is way too much!

Georgie, "Amy, let me spoil you. Because of you, I am where I am! I owe you so much and I want to do this for you and Lyndi, too. God, Lyndi, I don't think I would have won the Olympics without her teaching me how to pray and let God!. And, I really think John wants to hook up with Brooke on some things so this can be a win, win for him too!"

Amy, "Well, I guess we will go as you planned. Let me tell Lyndi and Grandpa the news. Get back with me if there are any changes."

Georgie, "Great! As soon as I hear back from John we can book everything!"

John called Brooke and was able to reach her the next morning. "Brooke, How are you doing. I understand that you are setting up a recording session with Amy and Lyndi with some songs that Lyndi had written with Jack. I am going to put them up here while they are recording with you. What I was thinking, was if you haven't already made the arrangements, I would love to have you come to my ranch and record. I have a great facility and a backup band on contract if you need them. What do you think?"

Brooke, feeling a bit overwhelmed, said, "John, that is a wonderful offer. I was just going to use the studio in town to get something on digital so we can see if it will fit on my next album. So if you have the time that I can schedule, I don't see why we can't do this at your facility."

John, "Then it is done. How much time do you need and when do you want to schedule the studio?"

Brooke, "I was thinking about a week at the end of the month."

John, "Perfect, we are wrapping up some work this week and that time is open. So can I book you in?

Brooke, "Yes."

John, "By the way, when can I get you back at the Riviera for a session? How about right after you record? Maybe we can keep your guys around an extra day and y'all can sing some of your songs like you did at the wedding. That Lyndi really has an awesome voice and presence."

Brooke, "Let's do it. Send me a text when you have it scheduled and I will put it on the calendar?"

John, "My assistant will get this to you right away!"

John called Georgie back with the news. Georgie, "That is so awesome! What can I ever do to repay you for this?"

John, "Georgie, all your help and assistance getting my foundation going is worth it to me. You have done more than enough!"

Georgie, "I would come down with them, but I am in the middle of training for the Olympics again with my sister and we have a really tight schedule, so I know you will take excellent care of them. See ya!"

Georgie hung up the phone and called Amy. "Ok, everything is set. Brooke has agreed to record at John's studio and he is sending over the schedule. I am going to have the plane ready for you guys and you should be good to go. I know this is going to be great! I wish I could go with, but Katie and I are so busy training."

Amy, "Georgie, feeling pretty overwhelmed at the moment. Need to bring the guys up to date. Thank you for everything!"

At dinner Amy informs Jack and Lyndi of the plans. Ty, "Wow, you guys are going in style! How cool is that!"

Amy, "I am a bit overwhelmed but it seems like everything has worked itself out so as the boys say, It's down!"

Lyndi, "Mom, this is really happening?"

Amy, "It really is! It really is!"

Jack, "I can't wait to see Nashville. I hear it is a pretty awesome city."

Amy, "From what I hear, you will be able to trail ride on some of the most beautiful land in Tennessee, too!"

Jack, "Well, maybe we all will get to ride a bit while we are there."

Amy, "One added caveat to the trip. Georgie told me that John is going to have Brooke sing on the final night of recording at the Riviera and If all goes well, Lyndi and I might get to sing with her on a few songs."

Ty, "You mean I am going to miss my beautiful wife and daughter on their maiden flight to fame and fortune? How could you. Guys, I am so proud and happy that this adventure has come true for you two!"

Lyndi, "Dad, you could come!

Ty, "No Lyndi, this is for you, your mom and Jack. Enjoy this!"

That evening after everyone has gone to bed, Amy comes to Ty with this big smile wearing a sexy night shirt. "Tell me what it is like to sleep next to a famous country singer!"

Ty, putting down his medical journal says, "I am not sure. Why don't you come over here and I will see what it is like!"

Amy, "Would you like me to sing you a few verses of Heartland Heartbeat to get you going?"

Ty, "You really won't have to do that. I am going, Now!"

Amy grabs hold of Ty and they begin to wrestle on the bed. Amy on top stops and kisses Ty, "Can you believe this. It is like out of a fairy tale. And Lyndi, what do you think is going through her mind right now!"

Ty, "Like I said, God has blessed us so much that these opportunities seem to come from nowhere!"

Amy leans towards Ty still holding down his arms, begins to passionately kiss Ty while humming the tune to Heartland Heartbeat. She stops and says, "Tyler Borden, do you still love me?"

Ty responds, "Yes, I do!"

Amy, "Then take me to mountain and cover me with your love!"

I will leave the rest to your imagination!

Chapter 3: Learning the Ropes

A week has passed and the wildies that Amy and Ty treated for wounds, and that the boys had picked out for their horses are ready to begin the process of gentling. Amy promised the boys that she would allow them to gentle their own horses if they would let her and Lyndi oversee the process. The boys have named the horses Paint and Pegasus.

Amy, "Guys, the first thing you must do to begin the process of gentling your horse is to build a relationship with him. We do that using a process we call join-up. Can you tell me how that process works?"

TJ, "Mom, we see you and Lyndi do this all the time. You run the horse around in circles then after a while you turn away and see if the horse will come to you."

Amy, "You are mostly correct, however, it is not just running the horse around in circles. There is a strategy that you need to use. Lyndi, do you want to explain that to them?"

Lyndi, "Sure, mom! You see to build a relationship with a horse, you need to apply pressure then release the pressure so that the horse understands his part of the relationship. He should respond positively once you release him from the pressure you exert on him as he is running around!"

Tyson, "Why do you change directions?"

Amy, "When you change direction you are letting the horse know that you are directing the pressure. And if he response correctly, you release the pressure. Sort of like giving him a treat!"

TJ, "Wow, this might be harder than we think!"

Tyson, "I just thought you ran the horse around in circles. Didn't know that there was a purpose to all of that!"

Lyndi, "There is! And that is why you have to follow our instruction!"

Amy, "So let's try this out, who goes first? "

Tyson, "Me, Me!"

Amy, "Ok Tyson, go get Pegasus and Let's get started. Lyndi, can you start the process, then let Tyson take over!"

Lyndi, "Sure!"

Tyson goes to the barn and returns with Pegasus. While the horses were recuperating, Amy had the twins work with getting them haltered and giving them walks. Each horse responded positively and the boys were able to walk the horses by themselves.

Amy, "Looks like Pegasus is coming along with you Tyson. He seems to be accepting your haltering and lead. Let's get him into the pin and have Lyndi start the exercise."

Tyson, "Ok, Mom. Let's go boy, into the pin, we are going to have some fun!"

Lyndi begins to have Pegasus run around the pin clockwise and then reverses his motion after a few laps around the pin.

Lyndi, "You see Tyson how I am doing this. Now it is your turn. Take the lunge rope here and get him going around in the circle, then I want you to change his direction. Got it?"

Tyson, "Got, It! Let's go Pegasus, Let's go!"

Pegasus is responding positively and following Tyson's cue to change direction. He continues adding and releasing pressure as Amy told him.

Tyson, "Mom, look, Pegasus is following my lead!"

Amy, "That is good Tyson, in a few minutes, I want you to drop the line and turn away from him to see what he does, ok?"

Tyson, "Ok!"

After a few more laps Tyson drops the lunge line and turns away.

Lyndi, "Tyson, don't look back, let him come to you. Turn away, now!"

Tyson, "I am, I am, but he is not coming!"

Amy, "You have to be patient Tyson, it can take some time before he understands fully what you are asking him to do. Let's leave it today and have TJ work his horse. TJ, go get Paint."

TJ goes to the barn to retrieve Paint and brings him to the pin. Paint is a much more spirited horse, but has for some reason latched on to TJ as a buddy. As they put the Lunge line on him, he gets excited and starts to really buck around. Lyndi backs off, and TJ goes and grabs the line.

Amy, "TJ, get away from Paint. He is not cooperating and I don't want you to get hurt! Get out of the pin!"

TJ, "Mom, I got this, he just wants me to work with him!"

Lyndi, "TJ, listen for once! Get out of the pin!"

TJ, "Chill guys, I got this!" TJ grabs the lunge rope and calmly speaks out the Paint. "Good boy. Good boy. I am not going to hurt you. This is going to be fun. Just you and me!" It was as if Paint understood every word TJ was saying and settled down.

TJ, "Now, let's get around this pin, come on! Giddy up!"

Paint starts running around the pin in a clockwise rotation, then TJ, stops and tells him, "Ok boy let's go the other way!" Paint responds in kind and begins to go the other way.

Amy to Lyndi, "Wow! Would you look at that! Paint and TJ have a real connection. Look how he responds to his verbal commands."

Amy, "TJ, now drop the lunge line and turn around. Just like we showed Tyson."

About that time Tyson and Jack are coming out of the barn as TJ is trying to have Paint join up with him. As he turns around, Paint immediately responds and walks over to TJ and bumps his head. TJ is ecstatic. "Mom, Lyndi, guys, did you see that. He did it! He did it! Good boy, Paint, good boy!" TJ is rubbing Paints neck as Paint is responding in kind!

Tyson, growls, "TJ, that is no big deal. Pegasus just didn't want to do it today."

TJ, "Your jealous that my horse is smarter than yours! Ha, ha!

Tyson starts to jump the fence and go after TJ when Jack grabs Tyson by the pant loop. Jack, "You aren't going anywhere son! You guys need to get along. TJ, you need to come over here and apologize. I am getting tired of you two competing with everything. This is a process to gentle a horse and no horse is the same so cut the crap and quit making this a competition."

Amy, is leaving the scolding to Jack. Lyndi looks at Amy and her eye brows go up. Amy, "Guys, GG is right. I don't know why everything is such a competition. You guys need to work together and help each other gentle these horses. This is not a game! That is why I told you that Lyndi and I had to supervise. Gentling a horse is part of the animal's life, just like you guys learning something new. You are teaching them to accept a new way of life so some will come willingly, others need more work. Why Paint was more ready than Pegasus is just a matter of life for these horses. You guys need to accept that you might not be able to gentle them at all. They might never accept the gentling. Do you understand what I am saying?'

TJ and Tyson together, "Yes, Ma'am!"

Amy, "OK then, TJ go put Paint in his stall and let's get ready for lunch."

TJ and Tyson bring Paint into the stall and Lyndi, Jack, and Amy head to the house to prepare lunch.

As Amy and Jack are preparing lunch, Jake say, "Amy, I think what you told the boys out there was spot on. They need to realize that gentling horses is a very important part of their growing up and they should respect it for what it is!"

Amy, "Those two are so competitive. I am so glad we were able to cross that bridge today."

Lyndi, "I think they get the picture now. Horses and horse training is who we are and what we do and it is not to be taken lightly."

Amy, as she is reaching over to hug Lyndi, "Lyndi, wow! When did you get so smart!"

Lyndi, laughing, "You taught me that, mom. You and Dad taught me that!"

That afternoon as Ty was coming to the house from work, the twins were sitting on the porch. Ty, "How go's it here, guys? Anything exciting happen today in your worlds?"

TJ, "Mom and Lyndi showed me and Tyson how a join up works with our horses. It looks like Pegasus seems to be a bit more stubborn than Paint, but we feel both of the horses will eventually come around and become great horses for us!"

Ty, knowing about the talk they had with Amy, said, "Well, sounds like you guys are becoming real horse folks, like the rest of us!"

TJ, "I guess so!"

Ty, "Well, keep up the good work!"

For the next few days, every morning the boys would wake up early with Lyndi and go through their join up process together. Once Pegasus saw how Paint would respond, it was just a matter of time before he, too, would join up to Tyson. Both of the boys were excited over the progress and were eager to move forward in the gentling process.

Tyson to Lyndi, "OK, so it looks like the join up is working. What is next?"

Lyndi, "We need to get them ready for saddles. We will need to work both sides of the horse so whatever we do on one side we need to do on the other. First, we will get the saddle pads and put them on the horses backs, from both sides. Once they get use to that, we will introduce the saddle. For this we will need one of the grow ups to help us with the saddles."

That evening at supper Tyson asks, "Dad, we are at the point that we need to saddle up the horses. We need you to come and help us with that. Can you, Dad?"

Ty, "I can free up some time tomorrow and this weekend and we can do that. How about we make this a family effort and we can all help get those horses to accept the saddle. Once that is done, we can begin to break them for riding. I think I will call Caleb over to help us with that. What do you guys think?"

Amy, "I think that is a great idea, but not so sure we will need Caleb. Don't you remember, I won the gentling competition Ring of Fire and toured with them over the winter. I think I can handle gentling these guys!"

Ty, laughing, "Oh, I remember. But are you sure you still can handle this, momma!"

Amy, "I may be older, but I have been gentling horses most of my teenage and adult life. I think I can handle this! And didn't you gentle Harley? So here is a proposition. You take Paint and I will take Pegasus and let's see who can saddle and ride them first!"

Ty, "Well excuse me! So guys, it looks like your mom and I have a bit of a competition here."

Tyson, "But mom, you told us that gentling horses was not a competition. What gives?"

Amy, thinking how to respond, "Well, this really isn't competing. It is to find who is the better at doing this job?"

Lyndi, "Mom, please! This is a competition. Plain and Simple!"

Ty, "Guys, you see, parents have the right to choose when something is a competition and when it is not. And since we are your parents, this is NOT a competition. Right Amy?"

Amy, "You are exactly correct! Matter of fact, this is more like a wager. Because whoever loses has to do dishes for 1 month. Right Dad!"

Ty, "And they have to clean the house and do the laundry, too. Right mom!"

Amy, "You are so on Ty Borden, you are so on! Remember, you have to include Tyson and I have to TJ in this so they will be a part of it. I promised them they would participate in the gentling so you have to include them."

Lyndi, "I will be the referee.!"

Ty, "No, Lyndi, you are on our team. You and mom do this all the time so we need to even the teams. Ok, so we start tomorrow."

Amy, "I guess that is fair!"

TJ, "Awesome, we surely are going to win now!"

That evening as Ty and Amy laid down for the night, Ty rolled over and grabbed Amy. "As I recall, Miss Ring of Fire, you and that Chase fellow got pretty friendly during your Ring of Fire tour! "

Amy, "And as I recall, you left me to go on a "Road Trip" and you found a little friend that you brought home that broke us up!"

Ty, wrapping his arms around Amy, "Yeah, let's not go there! Bad memories!"

Amy, begins to passionately kiss Ty's neck, "Tyson and I are going to kick your teams butt. Just think, I won't have to do dishes, wash, or clean the house for a whole month!"

Ty, responding in kind, "I wouldn't get to ahead of yourself, missy. Don't underestimate my skills when it comes to gentling horses. I had Harley eating out of my hands within days! And I have the secret weapon. Lyndi!"

Amy stops and looks Ty straight into his eyes with a big smile, "Have you forget who the "Miracle Girl" is?

Ty, rolling Amy on her back, "You might need to remind me! I could use a miracle right about now!"

Amy, "Tyler Borden!"

Over the next several days, Ty and Amy worked with the kids to saddle break Paint and Pegasus. Each horse responded differently to the various methods applied to get them to accept the saddle, and a rider. Once they got to the point of riding Ty and Amy took over since the boys were so young. Tyson and TJ, were both very upset that they could not do the initial ride of their horses.

Tyson, very upset, "Mom, Dad, we are old enough to do this. Our horses know us and we want to break them for riding. That is why we asked you to let us do this!"

TJ, "Dad, we can do this. I can get on Paint and Lay across his back. I know how to handle a bucking horse, too!

Amy, "What do you think, Dad? Take off the bubble wrap. These guys are pretty tough."

Ty, "Well, your gentling methods are much less radical than saddle breaking, so if we did our jobs correctly, they shouldn't put up much of a fight."

Amy, "Ok boys, but if they don't accept your riding, your dad and I will take over, ok?"

Both Tyson and TJ, "Deal, Mom!"

First it was TJ's turn with Paint. As they put the saddle on him, he started getting a bit restless and moving around. TJ got in front of him and grabbed him by the bridle. Paint, you know you want to let me ride you. Think of all the fun we can have going around the ranch, exploring all the rivers. So come on, settle down so I can get in the saddle." It seemed like Paint consumed every word and immediately allowed TJ to mount him. Once TJ was positioned, he slowly squeezed his legs and said, let's go Paint. Paint responded by spinning around and started lightly bucking, but TJ pulled the rein hard right to get him settled. After a few minutes Paint settled down and accepted TJ in the saddle.

Ty, "Well, would you look at that! Great work TJ. I think you got him trained!"

Lyndi, "Great Job buddy!"

Tyson, "Great Job, TJ. I hope Pegasus is that easy!"

Amy, "Ok, Tyson your turn let's get Pegasus ready."

Tyson takes Pegasus into the pin and they saddle him up. Pegasus has really gentled a lot and he accepted the saddle without any fidgeting. Tyson, put the ladder by his side as Amy held on to the reins. He jumped up onto Pegasus and grabbed the rein from Amy. "Let's go Pegasus!" Pegasus responded without any hesitation and started around the pin. Everyone was shocked to see that he accepted his gentling so graciously. Amy, "Tyson, Wow. I guess we won the bet! Your horse was so willing to be ridden.

Ty, "I don't think so, we were the first!"

Lyndi, "I think we should just forget about the bet and be happy that we were able to get the boys the horses they wanted from the wildies."

Amy, laughing "Why do you have to be so right? I was looking forward to not having to do the house work for a month!"

After a few days of pin riding, the family decided to take a trail ride with the horses. TJ and Tyson were so excited that they had their new horses, they ended up helping around the house to show their gratefulness.

Chapter 4: Nashville

Amy, Jack, and Lyndi are preparing to go to Nashville to team up with Brooke on some of the songs that Lyndi and Jack , Lyndi is full of questions, "Mom, so when is our plane leaving?What should I pack?Is it cold in Nashville? Are we going to get to sing at that place?

Amy, "Hold on Lyndi!What's with all the questions?"

Lyndi, "I am just so excited, Mom.I don't want to forget anything!"

Amy, "You won't, but at this as an adventure that we will have fun might even get to ride on John's ranch if we have some free time. I know your GG is looking forward to that and fishing on the many lakes that they have on the property"

Lyndi, "It is so cool that Georgie is lending us her awesome is she?"

Amy, "You know, we are going to be landing on Johns private runway, even makes it more special!"

Lyndi, "Private runway, you mean he has an airport on his property?"

Amy, "Well, yes, a small one!"

Lyndi, "Cool, wait until I tell my friends won't believe me!"

Amy walks out to the living room where Jack is making some fly bait.

Amy, "Grandpa, you getting ready to catch some fish?"

Jack, "Well yes!I am going to have to do something while you guys are recording, so fishing sounds like a good thing to do."

Amy, "Are those special baits?"

Jack, "Yep, I did a little research and those fish in Nashville are some real tricky ones, so I am putting some special touches to my bait to attract won't know what hit them when I get through with em!"

Amy, "I sure hope we can find some time to get a few trail rides in, too."

Jack, "I sure hope so, too!"

Ty is on the porch with the twins talking about taking a trail ride with Pegasus and boys haven't had the opportunity to take the horses on a long trail ride, so Ty is planning an overnight trail ride to Marion's Lookout.

Amy, coming out onto the porch, "So what are you guys up too?"

TJ, "Dad, me, and Tyson are planning an overnight trail ride with Pegasus and we are going up to Marion's lookout."

Amy, reaching for Ty's waist and hugging him, "You are, are ya! You think the guys are ready for that kind of ride?"

Ty, laughing "We will you can tell, there is no saying no here!"

Amy, "Well, you might want to make sure you stay clear of the need to acclimate them to domestic living before you re-introduce them to their buddies."

Ty, "Definitely!We shouldn't come into contract with them on with the route we are taking."

Amy, looking Ty in the eyes, "By the way, did I tell you how much I love you and what a great father you are?"

Ty, "Not lately, but I am willing to listen."

Amy, kissing Ty, "Well, I think you are the most handsome, most wonderful man I a great father, too!"

Tyson, "Please guys!No more gushing.

Amy, kissing and kissing Ty, "You mean like this?Is this gushing you mean?"

Tyson, "Yes, Please stop!"

Ty, "Why Tyson I would think you would be proud of the relationship your mom and I have."

Tyson, "We are, but you guys mush all the time!"

Amy, laughing, "Where do you get gushing and mush!"

TJ, "School!"

Amy goes back into the house and finishes her calls Georgie to make sure everything is set to go."Hello, Georgie, what's going on?"

Georgie, "Just finished training with Katie and making sure everything is ready for you guys to leave tomorrow."

Amy, "Well, that is why I a go?"

Georgie, "Sure is, our pilot has cleared everything to land at John's place and the weather looks pretty good for the flight."

Amy, "So how is the training going?How is Katie doing?"

Georgie, "So far so good for , not so is really down since she broke up with her boyfriend and doesn't seem motivated at all."

Amy, Maybe we need to take another trip to Marion's Lookout when I get and the boys are headed there tomorrow for an , maybe Ty wouldn't mind taking Katie along with might like to go, too!Let me ask and see if they would be ok with that.I will call you Georgie, we can't thank you enough for the generosity of the plane and the accommodations at John's place."

Georgie, "Amy, enough, I can't think of a better way to show my appreciation for all that you and Lyndi have done for me!"

Amy goes back outside and pulls Ty aside."Ty, I just spoke with Georgie and she said that Katie is really in the dumps about losing her boyfriend and is not wanting to practice for the do you think about you guys asking her and Peter to come with you on the trail ride to Marion's really loves that place and I think it would be good medicine if she could , I don't want to mess up your father time with the do you think?"

Ty, "I think that is a great idea.I know the boys would love for them to come along, and quite frankly, it will give me and Peter some time to talk.I haven't really had the opportunity to visit with him with all that is going on."

Amy, "Would you mind calling Peter and asking him to might want to mention Katie in the conversation."

Ty, "Sure."

Ty takes his phone and calls Peter."Peter, how are you?Sorry we haven't had a lot of time to visit with our schedules and stuff, but I was wondering, the boys and I are going on an overnight trail ride to Marion's Lookout tomorrow and wanted to invite you and Katie to join us.I understand that Katie is going through a rough patch with her love life so I thought it would be good to get her away from her training and do some family do you think?

Peter, "Ty, great timing.I was just talking to Lou about what we could do and this would be great.I know she really loves it up there, so maybe this will get her mind off that twit she was going with."

Ty, "Twit!I can see you like him, a lot!"

Peter, "Well, I think he was taking advantage of I will tell you more about it later!Let me see if she wants to go?"

Peter hangs up the phone and calls Katie."Katie, sweetie, how would you like to join Ty, the twins and I on an overnight trail ride to Marion's Lookout tomorrow.I think it would be good to just get away from training and you and me could have some father/daughter do you think?"

Katie, "You know that is just what I need!I am so frustrated with everything!That place just does something to me, so yes, I am in."

Peter, "Good deal, I will call Ty and let him know!"

Peter dials Ty back, "Ty, we are good to time do we need to be there?"

Ty, "Let's get an early start, how about 7:00?"

Peter, "Sounds great, see you then."

The next morning everyone is up early getting ready for their is getting all the luggage ready and Ty and the twins are preparing for the trail and Katie just arrived with their horses and gear and are getting their things ready.

Ty, "Guys, you will have an awesome time in Nashville.I am so happy that you are going to be able to work on your songs with Brooke."

Amy, "I am a bit nervous, but also of wish we could come in the trail ride with you and I really love Marion's Lookout."

Ty, "When you get back we will plan a trip there, ok?"

Amy, "Sounds like a plan!"

Georgie and Quinn drive up in their SUV and surprise Amy by driving them to the load up the truck and say their goodbyes and head out.

Jack, "Quinn, thank you so much for the travel is over the top!"

Quinn, "We are so glad we could do guys have been so generous with Georgie and I, that we are thrilled to do this for , are you going to get some fishing in.I hear they have some really good fishing on John's property."

Jack, "You betcha!I made some special bait for the won't know what hit them."

Amy, "Guys you didn't have to take was way sweet of you!"

Georgie, "Only the best for you I wanted to see Lyndi before she left and give her a pep talk. So Lyndi. Are you excited to be able to record your songs?"

Lyndi, with a huge smile, "I am!And maybe I will become famous like you and Mom!"

Georgie, "You already are famous in my of you, I won the Olympics and got all the showed me how to love the Lord and trust him with everything in my is the greatest thing someone could do for another."

Lyndi looks at her mom and smiles as they turn toward the hanger where the plane is sitting ready to be pilot greets everyone and begins to load all the and Georgie make their final goodbyes and Amy, Jack, and Lyndi take their seats on the pilot boards and closes the back at his passengers he gives them some final instructions and say, "So I understand we have some talented singers and song writers flight should be pretty uneventful this morning so relax and we should be there in about 3 hours."

The early morning preparations left Amy very tired so she immediately went to sleep after went and sat next to Jack and said, "GG, so what do you think about having our songs recorded?You haven't said to much about it."

Jack, "Lyndi, you and your mother are very special and talented folks.I am so happy that your great grandmother's legacy will continue on with you two.I know she is looking down from heaven and is so happy to see this happen."

Lyndi, "You know GG, I wish I would have known her music she seems like a very special person."

Jack, "She was. And I think she would have loved to know you!"

Lyndi, cuddling up to Jack, "I love you so much GG.I just want to make you proud! "

Jack, patting her on the head, "You have sweety. You have!"

The plane Lands in Nashville after about a 3 hour pilot opens the door to an awaiting John Rich and everyone is coming off the plane John say, "Welcome to Richland.I hope you had a great , Freddie here is going to make sure everything you need is rides, food, fishing , I understand you brought along your fishing gear, Freddie can set you up for fishing, here is his number so if you need anything give him a , Brooke, Lyndi, once you get settled in we will go to the studio and plan out your sessions, ok?One last thing, we eat at 7, 12, and if you are hungry our corporate eating is at those times."

Brooke, embracing Lyndi and Amy as they get off the plane says, "John, That sounds perfect."The guy's head to their bunk houses where they will be put Brooke up in one so they could maximize their studio time.

Back at Heartland Ty and the twins, along with Peter and Katie, have packed up and are headed toward Marion's is riding next to Katie and she say, "Ty, thank you so much for including me and dad on this trail ride.I really needed a break from training and other stuff."

Ty, "What do you mean other stuff?"

Katie, "Well, you know that "guy" I have been seeing for the past year.I found out that he was just dating me for the "fam" and was fooling around behind my I dumped him!"

Ty, "That couldn't have been pretty!"

Katie, almost to the point of tears,"I am so mad at myself for getting involved with him for so long and not seeing who he really is!This has got me so upset I can't focus on anything!"

Ty, "Well, let's use this time to put him behind us and move you forward!Have you prayed about this?You know, when times get tough, I have found incorporating the problem in my prayer life helps to ease the pain and give me answers!"

Katie, "Not really.I know I probably should but I feel so guilty about our relationship.I really, really loved him and opened myself to him.I really feel ashamed!"

Ty, "Katie, you don't have to feel that way with already just have to ask him to forgive you if you feel you have done something move 't dwell on it."

Katie, "Ty, thank you so much for that!I don't think I can be this open with Dad, although he wants me to come to him with anything."

Ty, "Katie, if there is one thing I know about your dad, and for that matter your mother, is that they love you so much and want to help you through these issues as you grow know that you are under a lot of stress with the Olympic trials, college, and hell, just growing up and becoming a woman, and they want to be there for is why you are on this ride today."

Katie, "I guess you are right, I probably should let them in on my issues!"

Ty, "Can't hurt!"

Katie pulls up to Peter and hits him on the arm."Dad, I love you so much.I am glad we are doing this trail ride!"

Peter looking a bit confused, " I am glad you decided to come with me.I think it will do us good to have some father daughter time."

Katie, "Love you Dad!"

Peter, "Love you, too!"

Ty drops back to the twins who are so excited to be on a trial ride with their new gentled horses."Guys, so how are Pegasus and Paint doing?Looks like they are having fun!"

Tyson, "Dad, we are so glad to be riding up here on our new and I are really stoked about gentling them from the wildies on the though it was pretty tough, it looks like all the effort has paid off…right boy!"

Ty, "That was quite an accomplishment for you though you mom, me and Lyndi helped a bit, you guys did most of the done!"

TJ, "I wonder what mom and Lyndi are doing right now?Lyndi was so excited to record some of her and GG's songs, she was all over the place!"

Tyson, "She was so excited she forgot to take a test on-line."

TJ, "Tyson, you weren't supposed to tell anyone that!"

Ty, "She did, , we are going to have to see about that!"

TJ, "Dad, don't say anything!Lyndi will be so mad with us!"

Ty, "Well, she will need to fix this when she gets back.."

Tyson, "That is pretty cool that they will be at Mr. Rich's ranch and flying there in Georgie and Quinn's plane, and recording in their , the fact that GG was able to tag was looking forward to fishing and riding on his property."

Ty, "We are a really blessed family to be able to do all those know when I was growing up, I didn't have it so of fact, my family was nothing close to what we have here at Heartland.I was so fortunate to be able to come here and be introduced to the Heartland way of life, it changed guys should never take for granted all those fine mother is so special to me.I was so overwhelmed with her beauty and love for horses, I fell in love with her almost immediately and that is what drove me to become the person I am today.I hope you guys have the same experience!"

Tyson, "Dad, maybe you can tell us more about when you where our age tonight?"

Ty, "Maybe so."

The trail riders continued on their journey to Marion's Lookout and were about an hour away.

Meanwhile in Nashville, Jack was preparing to go for a trail ride to scope out the fishing spots while Lyndi, Amy, and Brooke headed over to the recording studio to meet with put in a call to Freddie, "Hello, Freddie, I was hoping to get in a ride this evening before supper to check out the fishing you think you could tack me up a horse and point me in the right direction."

Freddie, "Sure thing Mr. Bartlett, give me 20 minutes and I will have a horse ready for you in the barn."

Jack, "Freddie, Mr. Bartlett was my father, you can call me Jack!"

Freddie, "Sure thing, Jack."

Brooke and the girls were greeted at the studio doors by John's producer, Mike."So you ladies are the singers from Canada that are going to work with Brooke today.?"

Lyndi, really excited, "Yes we are!"

Mike, "Brooke, it is good to see you again.I have really been watching your career and love your songs.I look forward to working with you on this project."

Brooke, "Same here!You guys really helped me get my start again and I am really appreciative of that!I hope we can incorporate some of this work on my album."

Mike, "So what are we thinking?"

Brooke, "Well, we have two songs that Lyndi and Jack wrote that we need to put down an acoustic track first to get our voices , I would like to see about adding some background to fill up the music."

Mike, "When do you think we should bring in the backup guys?I will need a few days to schedule them."

Brooke, "Let's do 's do two days of acoustic and then we can bring them in."

Mike, "Sounds like a you want to do anything tonight?

Brooke, "I don't think so, I know they are probably exhausted from the travel, so we can start first thing in the does that sound, guys?"

Amy, "Whatever you think, are running the show!"

Lyndi, "Mom, you think we could get a ride in this evening before supper?"

Amy, "I know Grandpa is going out, maybe we can catch up to him.?

Brooke, "Great, I am not much of a horse person, so I think I am going to go to the ranch and get us ready for tomorrow."

Amy, "Do you need us to help you with that?We don't have to go for a ride."

Brooke, "No, I am just going to do some prep with the guitar and that I need to do on my own!You guys go have some next few days are going to be long and you probably won't have time for riding."

Amy, " me call Grandpa and see where he is ."Amy dials up Grandpa who is just leaving the barn.

Jack, "Hello, so what are you guys doing?

Amy, "Well, it looks like we have some time this evening for a trail ride and we thought we would catch up to you."

Jack, "That is great, I am here at the barn and I will get you guys are few horses tacked on, I will wait for you!"

Amy, "We will need to drop by the bunk house and us 10 minutes and we will be there!"

Jack, "Good deal!"

Lyndi and Amy head towards the bunk house to change and Jack gets the ranch hands to tack up two more horses for the girls.

Ty, Peter and the kids reach Marion's Lookout and begin to setup sky was a beautiful blue with not a cloud in it and the tops of the mountains far in the horizon were topped with lingering snow from the valleys were green with new buds of trees and the air had a sweet smell of the pines that surrounded the was a cool breeze coming out of the west which provided comfort from the sun that was shining stopped for a few minutes to take in the view and atmosphere and said to Peter, "Dad, this has to be the most awesome place on our time I come up here, all my troubles seem to disappear as I get engrossed with these surrounding."

Peter, "Yea, this place is pretty special.I know your mother would have loved to come with us, but since we purchased Hill Hearst, she has been so busy with getting the businesses integrated into one."

Katie, "I know, I worry she is trying to do too much and that can't be healthy!Especially as she gets older."

Peter, "I try my best to help her out, but you know your is stubborn about doing things her way and won't let me help let's talk about have a lot going on with getting ready for the Olympic are things going with all that?"

Katie, "Well, you know that I broke up with Eli, right?
Peter, "Yeah, I heard something like everything ok?

Katie, "Well, it has been rough.I can't focus on anything because I am so mad at how I allowed him to take advantage of me!"

Peter, "Katie, you are old enough to understand what I am going to tell have been surrounded by strong women all of your thing you should learn from that is no matter how strong of a person you are, dealing with love and your love life can, well, be the most wonderful experience, or the worst you set goals in your life that you want to accomplish, those goals can be effected by the relationships you have in your is why building a good family foundation is important because we can be your refuge when things get tough and take you off ride was for Ty and the twins to have some bonding , Georgie new you were having some trouble focusing, so she asked if we could tag knew you love this place and she thought it would do you some good to come up here, with me, and work out your relationship thing you need to know is that setting your goal to be in the Olympics is going to be one of the most difficult goals you will have to maintain focus while life is why, even though it hurts, and you are mad, you need to put that behind you and refocus on what is important for this that my girl is the Olympics!"

Katie, "Dad, thank you for being there for me.I am the luckiest person to have someone like you in my corner!I love you so much!"

Peter, giving Katie a big hug, "And I, You!"

Amy and Lyndi arrive at the barn to an awaiting Jack who has all the horses ready to final check with Freddie and the ranch hands on the trail route and they were off onto their adventure on Richland.

Jack, "You girls all set for recording?"

Lyndi, "GG, this is so exciting.I am amazed at how professional and smart Brooke is about all this music met with the producers and laid out all the plans for the next few 's awesome!"

Amy, looking at Jack with a big smile, "Grandpa, it is really impressive how all this should come watch!"

Jack, "I think I might after I check out the fishing around place is pretty quite like Heartland, but still a mighty fine piece of property."

Amy, "Nothing compares to you are right, this is pretty impressive.I wonder how Ty and the boys are I should give them a call."

Jack, "Amy, let them be!This is a chance that Ty has to really bond with the don't need their mother checking up on them!"

Amy, Laughing,"Grandpa, I am NOT checking up on them.I just miss I will call when they get back."

Jack, "That sound like a better plan."

Twenty minutes into the ride Jack and the girls arrive at a beautiful creek that runs through the ranch."Grandpa, I bet you can catch some fish here?"

Jack, "You betcha!This looks like the first place I will go!Let's follow this trail up the said there is a beautiful lake just beyond the peak. "

As they come over the hill, the view was breath taking.A large 60 acre lake of clear water nestled between two large hills with a sandy the horizon was a boat house that was docked at a wharf on the other side.

Lyndi, "Look, GG!Look at this could go fishing, or maybe even go for a boat do you think?"

Amy, "I will ask Freddie if we could arrange that.I hope they don't have leeches in the water."

Jack, "I don't think that is a problem down I would check. Guys, we better head back so we don't miss out on supper.I am starving."

They head back to the barn, put up their horses and head toward the mess house.

That evening all the kids gathered around the fire with Ty and twins were telling the stories of how they gentled Pegasus and Paint and Katie brought everyone up to date on her training..Each one had a specific event they told.

Tyson, "Pegasus was a bit of a problem trying to get him to join up with did it the first time, then after seeing him do it, Pegasus decided to get with the program.

Katie, "That is awesome guys!You did this by yourselves?

TJ, "Well, dad and mom helped along with Lyndi, but we did most of the just showed us how to do it."

Katie, "Cool.I wonder how Amy and Lyndi are doing?I think it is really special that they get a chance to record those songs and it would be awesome if Brooke included them on her album!"

Ty, "Yep, I am expecting a call from Amy tomorrow to see how things are progressing."

Katie, "Well for me, you know, I took off of school to train for the is tough and demands a lot, but you know he has won the gold already so I should be fortunate that he is working with me.I think this overnight and trail ride is going to reset my motivation so I can be back to the business of training.

Tyson, "Katie are you going to have to compete against Georgie?"

Katie, "Well, yes, if we both make it!"

TJ, "That will be awkward."

Katie, "Well, not are both competitors and want to win.I think if both of us make it to the Olympics it will be awesome that two competitors came from one family. "

TJ, "Well, we wish you luck!"

As Ty was settling in, the phone was Amy, "Hello, Ty, are you there?"

Ty, "Yes, Amy.I am here!"

Amy, "How is everything going over there?Any issue with the horses?How is Katie doing?

Ty, " All is horse were great, no events.I had a great talk with Katie and I think this ride up here was the perfect medicine for her.I think Peter and her have also done some bonding and spirits were good boys are elated about their are so excited about you guys "singing music"!"

Amy, "Good went on a ride tonight to see the fishing areas and we met with Brooke and went over the next few , this is so awesome!I wish you all could be here!"

Ty, "Amy, I bet it is!We are just so happy that you and Lyndi and Jack could do class by the way!"

Amy, "Really, I could get used to living like this and traveling around in my own plane!"

Ty, "But think of all that you would be , the boys, Heartland!You would want to give up that would you?

Amy, "No, but it is pretty cool that Georgie can afford to put us in luxury for a few days!"

Ty, "I , I am pretty beat and I bet you are too!How about I call you when we get home tomorrow?"

Amy, "Sounds Great!I love you so I told you how much?

Ty, "Tomorrow, I love you more!Good night!"

Chapter 5: Great Song

Amy, "Wow!John must have a lot of place is run like a you see that pool?And that lazy river that runs around the perimeter?"

Lyndi, "I think after we are done today, I am going to try that out myself!"

Brooke, "Well brace yourself, we are going to have a long day!"

Amy, "Let's get to it."

Brooke took the next few minutes getting the girls settled into their seats with the help of Mike who was going to produce the first day was acoustics and harmony to see how everything will stack , they will bring in other vocals and the band to create fill for the songs.

Brooke, "Let's work on Heartland Heartbeat first.I really love that song.I think people will connect with the story and how it is being told.I didn't realize that it had such an to think that you and Ty will be carrying on the traditions."

Amy, "Brooke, you know that the lyrics and music was influenced by my grandpa and spent a lot of time putting that song together."

Brooke, "Really, and Jack, huh!"

Lyndi, feeling a bit shy, "Mostly Jack!"

Amy, "Don't minimize your had a lot to do with the melody and the song!"

Brooke picks up guitar in hand and says, "Ok, let's take it from the top and see what we have."Brooke begins to play the song with Amy and Lyndi singing the parts that each had decided to added some harmony to the chorus and they completed the first pass of the song.

Brooke, "Wow, song!And your this is just the first pass!"

Amy, "Really?"

Brooke, "Really!So let's about Lyndi, you start off instead of Amy.I think that part is best suited for the intimacy of your Amy, you come in here."As she points to the music on the sheet."Mike, what do you think?"

Mike, "I think you are spot Lyndi start the youth in her voice will start the song off more intimately, then as you and Amy add your vocals, we should feel more depth in the vocals."

Brooke, "Good, so Lyndi, can you do that we will work on the opening of the song."

The girls worked several hours going back and forth on the vocals and harmony of the 1st stanza of the , "Wow, I didn't know how intense this was going to have been here for hours and we haven't even got to the chorus!"

Brooke, "You have to realize, it must be perfect! We have to make sure that we capture the essence of what we want to say, and present it in the best possible way!"

Lyndi, feeling a bit dazed, "Man, this is intense!But I love it!"

Brooke, "Let's take a bit of a break and I want to put this on a reel and play it back for can you handle that while we go for a stroll?"

Mike, "Sure!"

The next morning at Marion's Lookout Ty and the boys are eating breakfast around the looks over at Ty and asks, "Dad, you were going to tell us about your you tell us now?"

TJ, "Yeah, Dad, Please!"

Ty, "Well, Ty begins to tell the twins about his growing up."You see when I was your age my mother and father, well, we just didn't do things like we as a family do father was a bit of a wild man so he wasn't around when he was, he wasn't a very nice eventually, left my mother and I to fend for ourselves.I do remember one time, though, he brought us to Eagle was probably one of the best memories I have of us as a family."

TJ, "Did you play sports when you were our age?"

Ty, "No, not mother and I were left to fend for ourselves, so I sort of had to grow up pretty , I got into some trouble as I became older.

Tyson, "What kind of trouble?"

Ty, "Well, my mother met another man who came into our lives and really took advantage of eventually married her.I was not good with that, so I became very rebellious and challenged him at every see, he had a gambling problem and gambled away all our when I was old enough, I confronted him and the outcome was I was put on probation and that is how I got to Heartland!"

Tyson, "You confronted him, what does that mean?"

Ty, "Well, I beat him up!I shouldn't have, but I had a really bad temper when I was a kid."

TJ, "I bet you were glad you came to Heartland!"

Ty, "It saved my life.I met your mother and Jack, and between the both of them, they helped me set a path for my life which has landed me here.I have you two, and Lyndi.A great veterinarian , a woman who loves me to the moon and back!"

TJ, "I am so glad you are our love you, dad!"

Ty, "I am so proud of you two for what you have done up to guys have filled my heart with more joy than you could ever know who Lyndi always talks about how she lets God direct her , I didn't until she convinced me and several events showed me that God really does provide for I let go and let God, I became at peace with my life.I guess when you guys were born, it proved to me that God was with us because you two were born way to early and God made sure that you made it to now.I give him all the credit!"

Tyson, "I don't really understand the God go to pray and go to Sunday I just don't' understand.

Ty, "Let's out there the beautiful mountains and valleys and all the do you think made at your do you think made you?You see, God made all of this, including you. There is no other explanation that makes sense on how all this came you finally realize that there is someone bigger than us that has created all of this, you will begin to realize that there is a God and he loves you more that even me and your else would he have created this beautiful place and is more to that story but for now, just appreciate that God is in everything and that no matter what happens good or bad, God will be there to see you though.

TJ, "That is pretty awesome dad!"

Ty, "It is pretty awesome!"

Back in the studio the girls begin to work on the was singing her part when John Rich walks in and sits next to say, "Man, we need to sign this little girl.I remember how sweet her sound was at Georgie's wedding and thought that would be a great talent on our label.I think we might be able to move Brooke over here as well!"

Mike, "I totally we could get the both of them that would be awesome!"

For the next few hours they worked on the chorus, perfecting each they were ready, they asked Mike to setup the started out the song, then Brooke and Amy added their voices to the the conclusion, Mike and John were John said, "Wow, guys, what an awesome Lyndi, you have such a unique voice. I think the way you have laid it out is , I have to go to the Riviera for a while, but tonight I want to talk with you guys about something Mike and I have been ?"

Amy and Brooke, "OK!"

The girls spend the rest of the day with Mike putting down the tracks of the they were wrapping up the day, getting ready to leave, Mike plays back the song on the of the girls stood and listened and were amazed at how well the song came just the acoustical version was so unbelievable to Amy and Lyndi, they looked at each other and hugged."Mom, you sound do awesome!"

Amy, "Mom!You have this voice that is so special.I have never heard anything like it!"

Brooke, "Guys, I think we just need to keep it acoustic. Yall, were so good!"

Mike, "I realize this is good, but you want great!Let me add a bit of backup music and some chorus, and a bit of Mike magic, and it will be great!"

Brooke, "Sounds good to know best!"

The girls head back to the bunk house to meet up with Jack who has been trail riding and fishing all wasn't back yet, so they decided to hit the pool before , decided to meet up with them so they all went to the pool and hung out in the lazy the river pushed them around the property, Amy looked at Brooke and asked, "What do you think John wants to talk about?"

Brooke, "I have no when he has an idea, well, most of those turn into something special."

Lyndi, laying way back on the innertube and laughing, "Maybe he wants to sign us and make us huge stars!"

Amy, "Wouldn't that be a change of things."

Jack is coming up from the barn and spots the girls in the river."Well, that looks like fun.I think I might just have to join you guys!"

Lyndi, "Come on take a swim before supper!"

Jack, "Sound like a me go and change."

Brooke, "You are so lucky to have a grandfather like that!I never knew my passed away before I was father's parents are still alive, but I never knew them, or for that matter, my father."

Amy, "You know I didn't get to know my father until I was mother and Grandpa raised me and my sister until my mother was killed in a truck accident trying to rescue a see, Lyndi and I have a very special gift with horses that we can change their was given to us by my mother and we have carried the tradition down through 3 fact, Lyndi had become very much respected for her talents in our community back home.

Brooke, "That is so awesome.I didn't know that."

Amy, "That is our with some additional things we help my husband with the behavior side of horses in his veterinarian have had great success and we just finished a book and will begin speaking and holding clinics to train vets on how to intermix behavior techniques with common veterinarian medical procedures to support the health of large animals."

Lyndi was taking it all in when Brooke looks over and says, "Wow, Lyndi!There is more to you than just that pretty voice!"Lyndi smiles and nods.

Jack comes back with his swimming trunks on and Lyndi laughing says, "GG, I have never seen you in swimming did you get those, in the 60's?

Amy, also now laughing, "Grandpa, I am speechless!I, too, have never seen you in swimming , I don't think I have ever seen those legs a sight!"

Jack, "You go on and your will probably be the last time you WILL see these awesome legs!"

Amy, nodding with a grin,"Awesome, huh!Might have another word for them!"

Lyndi, "I have seen birds with bigger legs that those!"

Jack, "Ok or I am going back inside!"For the next hour Jack and the girls floated around the river talking and relaxing before supper.

At supper John and Mike came over to the table that Brooke, Amy, Lyndi, and Jack were sitting at and took a started, "Brooke, Lyndi, Mike and I have been really impressed with your music sound and Brooke, how you handle your recording , we would like to extend you an offer to come on board with Riviera Recording and Lyndi, we would like to sign you as will find that we will extend a very generous offer to you guys if you are know, Amy that you and Ty will need to discuss this since she is a minor, but we wanted you to leave here with an offer so that we can move forward quickly if you choose to do so."

Brooke, "John, I don't quite know what to I take a few days to think about it?"

Mike, " if you have any question, feel free to get in touch with me."

John, "Also, Brooke, we have a slot opened at the Riviera tomorrow night for you to perform and would love to have you include Amy and Lyndiwith their do you say about that?

Lyndi, "Mom, we get to perform at the Riviera!My dream has come true!"

Brooke, "That sounds like a you guys in?"

Amy, looking at Jack and Lyndi, "How can I say no!"

John, "Great, Mike will fill you in on the schedule and get everything you will need Brooke, Lyndi, we really want you to consider our offer and look forward to a yes!"

As the guys finish their dinner each heads back to their bunks to retire for the and Lyndi decide to sit out on the porch for a while and talk about what just happened.

Amy, "Lyndi, Do you understand what just happened?

Lyndi, "Yes, we are going to sing at the Riviera!"

Amy, "Not just that but that John has asked to sign you to a recording contract."

Lyndi, "What does that mean, sign me to a recording contract?"

Amy, "Well, that is an awesome honor and he wants to make you into a singer with concerts and like would travel and sign would be a totally new experience for you!"

Lyndi, " you come with me and how long would that last?"

Amy, "Well, you could become a great big star and that would be your life!"

Lyndi, "But I love working with horses and doing what we is the life I want!"

Amy, "I is why I think we should sit down when we get home with your father and discuss this ?And look!Let's just enjoy this time we have is so awesome recording, and now going to play at John's club!"

Lyndi, " .I love you so much and I love my life as it opportunities are fantastic, but I feel that God has his hand in this and I want to make sure that whatever we do is ok with Him."

Amy, "Why don't we go inside and get ready for both can pray about this opportunity and see what happens.

Lyndi, "Sounds Great!"

The next morning Katie and the twins start packing up to start their journey back to refreshed, Katie is a new person, singing and messing around with the kids as they are packing phone rings and Ty answers, "Amy, so how are my special girls doing this glorious morning?"

Amy, "Someone has come awake chipper!You guys had a good night!"

Ty, "Can't wait to tell you about it when you get what do I owe this call?"

Amy, "Why do you think I am calling specifically for 't a wife, who really misses her husband call him to hear his voice and tell him how much she loves him?"

Ty, "Ok!Now, what's up."

Amy, "Ty, you are never going to believe what happened last see John came into the studio as we were working on some songs and he was so impressed that he offered Brooke a spot on his label!"

Ty, "Well that is awesome!"

Amy, "And there is more!He asked Lyndi, too!Ty, they want to sign Lyndi to a recording contract!"

Ty, "What, Lyndi too!I don't know what to of fact, I am not so sure what I think about that."

Amy, "John was very respectful and wanted you and I to talk it over before we made a , I thought I would call you and give you something to think about on your trip back to Heartland."

Ty, "Well you did just does Lyndi think?"

Amy, "I am not real is very excited about what we are doing now, and also, we will be singing at John's club tomorrow night, but beyond that, I am not so sure what she is prayed about it last night, so I will be interested to hear what she thinks today!"

Ty, "Well, I am going to pray as well, and we can talk Lyndi, I love her and that I want you guys to have the best of times there in , how is Jack?"

Amy, laughing, "Ty, you are not going to believe is this lazy river that goes around the house property and we decided to float around in it came out and had on a swimming suit!I have never seen such a sight.I don't think I have ever seen his legs until yesterday!"

Ty, "Come to think of have I guess he is having fun, right!"

Amy, "Yes, he is riding around the ranch and fishing all day long.I think today he is going into Nashville to look around."

Ty, "Great!Well, I need to get going we have a long ride everyone hi for with you tonight?"

Amy, " I will have more to tell you about Lyndi."

Chapter 6: A Night To Remember

The next few days the girls, along with Mike, continue to record the songs that Jack and Lyndi wrote to possibly put on Brooke's album. They finished up the acoustic set of the song and had scheduled the band and backup as Mike had suggested. Jack had taken a day in Nashville and went around the city visiting various places that everyone had suggested. This was the final day of recording and tonight they were going to sing at the Redneck Riviera as John had promised. Brooke made a commitment to Mike and John to join their label and Amy and Lyndi were still discussing the opportunity.

Amy, "Well, what do you think about signing on to John's label. We have had a couple of days to see what it would be like recording songs. I guess what you haven't experienced is life on the road and Live concerts. I guess you will get a little taste of that tonight."

Lyndi, "Mom, I think that what John has offered is an awesome opportunity, and to tell you the truth, as I prayed about it, I would envision me singing on stage and signing autographs and stuff. Just like Georgie does. But to be honest, I love what we do. I believe that God gifted me with the same ability you and Grandma had working with troubled horses, and I feel that I am really called to doing that. However, being famous and flying around the county like Georgie does has its upside. I would be lying if I told you that doesn't interest me."

Amy, "Lyndi, God has blessed you beyond your years and I think you are working out this decision on your own. When your dad and I got engaged, I took an opportunity that led me all over Europe working with jumping horses for Ahmed. While it was intriguing to live that style of life, after the dust settled and I got back home, I realized that I had changed and I didn't like what I had become. Matter of fact, your dad and I almost did not get married because of it."

Lyndi, "Mom, I remember you telling me that story when Dad was in the coma and that did weigh in on the decision that I think I am going to make."

Amy, "So you have made a decision?"

Lyndi, "I think so. I want to do the performance tonight to be sure, but I think I know what I want to do."

Amy, "Can you give me a hint?

Lyndi, "I think you know. But let's wait until tomorrow. Ok?"

Amy, "That is perfectly fine. I love you very much and respect your space!"

Lyndi, "Thanks mom."

Amy walks out on the porch where she gets a call from Ty. "Hey buddy! How are things up there?"

Ty, "Well, all is well. The kids and the horses had a great time on the overnight trail ride and I think Katie has turned the corner concerning that guy and her training. The horses behaved great with the kids and they are stoked that they helped gentle them. How about you? Any more about Lyndi's opportunity?"

Amy, "Ty, she is such a special young lady. She prayed about it and came to me today and discussed the opportunity with a very mature perspective. She hasn't made up her mind yet, but I think she is leaning towards not pursuing a singing career. At least for now. She really feels that God has given her a calling to work with troubled horses like me and mom. I told her about my Ahmed opportunity when we were engaged and all the emotions I went through, but beyond that, I have kind of left it up to her to work it out. She might like a call from her dad if you have time today. Tonight we are going to sing at John's club and she thinks she will be ready to make the decision tomorrow.

Ty, "You don't think she is passing up an opportunity, do you?"

Amy, "You know, she prayed about it and I think she will do the right thing. I can't help but think though a call from you might help her out!"

Ty, "Well, then I will do it. Once we get off the phone. However, I really, really miss you. When you get home, how about you and me take a weekend vacation and spend some us time together?"

Amy, "You mean just you and me! No Kids! By ourselves! How about we go to that Lake where we met Brooke and camp there for a few days. It was so romantic! I might fall in love with you all over again!"

Ty, "Again?"

Amy, "Just kidding. Let's do it! See you soon!"

Jack walks up to the porch and sits next to Amy. "Well, Lyndi told me something about becoming a singing star like her namesake. What is that all about?"

Amy, "John has asked Lyndi to join his label. But to be honest, Grandpa, I don't think she is going to take him up on it. She really likes her life working with Ty and me and the horses and even though it is an attractive offer, I don't think she is going to do it. She has been praying about it."

Jack, "Well, she is a smart girl. And if she is talking to God about it, I am sure she will make the right decision. I feel that you and Ty probably should help her, though."

Amy, "I just got off the phone with him and asked him to give her a call!"

Jack, "Great, then you guys will make the right decision."

Amy, "So have you enjoyed yourself while you are here?"

Jack, "I has been great, but to tell you the truth, I am ready to get back to Heartland. John's place here is awesome and I had some pretty fantastic rides and fishing, but I so miss home and I am ready to get back!"

Amy, "What about Nashville? What did you see?"

Jack, "Well, I went downtown and walked along the river. There are loads of bars that have live music. The food was good, especially the barbeque. And I went to the Grand Ol Opry house and took a tour. Man does that place have some history."

Amy, "Grandpa, I am so glad you came with us. I probably did you good to get away for a while. I don't think you have left home since Lisa passed, right?"

Jack, "Yep. I wish she could have been here with me. She would have loved this place."

Amy, "Well, I guess I need to get ready for tonight. I am so excited that Lyndi and I will get to sing your songs with Brooke. I can't wait until you hear them. You will love what we have done!"

Jack, "I can't wait!"

Amy retreats back to her room to take a nap before the evening events while Jack heads back to the barn for a last minute trail ride. He wanted to check out some trails that John had recommended he see before he leaves. Lyndi was in the room pacing around when Amy comes in, "Lyndi, I think I am going to take a bit of a nap before we have to perform tonight. What are you going to do.

Lyndi, "I think I am going to hit the pool and do some swimming. You know we don't get to do that much at Heartland so I am going to take advantage of it while we are here."

Amy, "Great, don't spend all our energy. You will need it tonight!"

Lyndi, "Mom."

Back at Heartland Georgie had come by to see if Ty had heard from Amy and to see how things were going. Ty was putting the final touches to a surprise he had made for Amy and Lyndi for their return home.

Georgie, "Hey Ty, what you got going on here?"

Ty, "It is a little surprise that I thought I would make for when the girls get home. What do you think?"

Georgie, "What is it?"

Ty, "Well, it is a new tack rack. Amy and Lyndi are always saying that we don't have enough room for all the tack now that the twins have their own horses, so I decided to get one of these new automated racks that can handle all the tack."

Georgie, "Awesome! Have you heard from them? I can wait to get the scoop on how their trip is going."

Ty, "Well, I know that they are performing tonight at the Redneck Riviera with Brooke and they have finished the sessions. So they will be coming home tomorrow. But the greatest bit of news is that John has offered Lyndi recording contract on his label."

Georgie, "Wow! Are you kidding! Lyndi is going to be a country music star!"

Ty, "Well, not so fast! Talking with Amy, I don't think she is going to take it. While she is overwhelmed by the offer and becoming a big star like you, she really wants to take up the work that Amy and her mom have done. She is praying about it and we are going to discuss it when they get back."

Georgie, "That is a big opportunity! I am not sure I wouldn't have to recommend that she take it!"

Ty, "Well, I am mixed about it. Lyndi is a pretty sharp kid and she always prays about everything so I am going to try not to influence her either way. Just to maybe point out the pros and cons."

Georgie, "I guess so. But John Rich! Rich Studios. They only take on the best and if they offered her a contract, they see something in her."

Ty, "Good point! Well, let's see what she thinks when she gets back."

Georgie, "Cool, hey where are the twins?"

Ty, laughing, "Where do you think. Riding their new horses!"

It was 9:00 and the car was out front to pick up Amy, Lyndi, and Jack and bring them to the club. Brooke was already there since she had to setup and get all the sound set just right for her debut. She was starting at 10:00 and after a few of her songs, the girls were going to sing Heartland Heartbeat and the Lyndi's song. As they arrived at the club it was already jammed pack with patrons waiting to hear Brooke.

Lyndi, "Mom, look at all these people. I am getting real nervous about this!"

Amy, "Lyndi, just think about when we sang at the wedding. There were a lot of folks there, too! You will be just fine!"

Lyndi, "I guess you are right. I am just so excited that we get to do this. Especially, together!"

Jack, "I am so proud of you two! Go show these Nashville folks what Canadian talent is all about."

Brooke starts her set with a few of her popular songs and the audience is responding to her with cheers and clapping. As she wraps up her 3rd song, she says to the audience, "I want to thank you for being so kind to me and my music. I am so excited to be here in Nashville, and at the Redneck Riviera! When I was just getting started, this has always been a dream of mine and tonight, with you folks, I have achieved that dream. I want to make another announcement that I am equally excited about. John, Mr. Rich, has invited me to join his label. I am honored and look forward to producing great songs for you guys!" The audience gives a great round of approval with applause and shouting. "Tonight, I have the awesome opportunity to invite two very good friends to sing with me. We spent the last few days working out a few songs that I am proud to announce will be added to my next album which will be out in the fall. They don't know that yet, so Amy, Lyndi, you guys come up and let's celebrate this moment!"

The audience starts to clap as Amy and Lyndi come up on stage. Brooke, "Guys, this is a mother and daughter duo which I think once you hear them, you will see why they are joining my album. Also, in the audience is Mr. Jack Bartlett, Amy's grandfather and Lyndi's great grandfather! Jack can you stand up. He co-wrote these songs with them and I want to let you in on a bit of information. Jack's wife Lyndi Bartlet, the name sake of this little lady here, was a famous country singer. Her style influenced me and hundreds of other singers like her around North America. Unfortunately, she has passed on to another life, but her legacy remains with Jack, and his girls. So let's get this start! " Looking at Amy and Lyndi, "Ok?" They both nod their heads.

The first song was Heartland Heartbeat and the second Lyndi started the song, everyone was consumed by the vocals that were coming from such a young girl. As the song progressed and Amy and Brooke added to the chorus, everyone started clapping and going the chorus. I was all so overwhelming that Amy and Lyndi's smiles glowed as they sang the song. At the end, as they concluded, the audience stood up and gave them a standing ovation. John Rich looked at Mike, "Man, we have to sign that girl! Look at this. I don't think we have had such a response to anyone that I can think of. Especially, on their first time to sing in the Riviera.!"

The next song, Lyndi's Song was very special because it was about the legacy that was passed down to Amy and Lyndi from Lyndi Bartlett. Brooke looked at Amy and nodded her head to have Amy start to tell the story about how the song came about. Amy, "First, I want to thank Brooke and John for giving us this awesome opportunity. Lyndi and I spend most of our days with horses, coming up here and performing in front of you guys, well, words can't begin to describe how we feel!" Amy looks down at Lyndi, who is bursting with a smile. "This next song is about my grandmother. My memories of her were listening to her sing around the house while she took care of our family. She was the inspiration for me to sing, and I passed this down to Lyndi, who, my husband Tyler Borden and I named her after. This song is about the joy and happiness she spread with her music, and her love for my grandfather sitting over there, Mr. Jack Bartlett! We are so happy that Brooke chose this song for her albums because we think it will carry the legacy of my grandmother forward for years to come! Right Lyndi!"

Lyndi, with a big smile, "That's right, mom!"

Amy, "Brooke, let's get to it!"

Lyndi, looking at her mom, starts the song of acapella. Then, Amy joins in and the harmony of the two voices rang out throughout the auditorium. The audience was quiet as Brooke added her voice to the song. Then, Brooke started playing the guitar to accompany the vocals. Everyone sat quiet as the girls went through verse by verse and through the chorus. The vocal ensemble was so amazing that no one made a move. Everyone was glued to the stage where they were singing Lyndi's Song. At the end, the crowd stood up again and started clapping and cheering the three girls on! Brooke looked at Lyndi and Amy and gave them a nod, and Amy and Lyndi responded in kind. Then, they all stood up and held hands holding them high to thank the audience for their response.

Brooke, said, "Let's give Amy and Lyndi a Nashville round of applause and thank them again!" The crowd clapped and cheered again. "Guys, I will be taking a little break and will be back with more music!"

Lyndi and Amy retreated to the table where Jack was sitting. John and Mike made their way down to the table and Brooke came as well.

John, "Guys that was fantastic. I can't remember when we had such a response from our audience to first time performances. Lyndi, you are a very special lady and we sincerely hope you will join us on the label. But Amy, I had no idea that your voice and talent was so honed. I am so sorry for overlooking you in this process! I hope you are not offended by that because we would like to extend to you as well, a contract to join our label."

Amy, "Wow! John, I am overwhelmed and flattered that you would think that I would be a good addition to your label! I definitely will give it consideration. I want to have a discussion with Lyndi and her dad about both offers. We will be flying back tomorrow so we should be able to give you a decision in a couple of days."

John, "No pressure, but I have to tell you that between you and Lyndi, and Brooke, we think there is some untapped opportunity to reach a new age of country fans. It could be big!"

Mike, "I have to concur with John. That sound is special and needs to be cultivated!"

Brooke takes her place back on stage as Amy, Lyndi and Jack head back to the ranch. In the car Jack asks, "You two have been offered something very special! I know it's going to be a big decision and I think taking some time to make sure it is the right thing is important. The one thing I know is once you sign with a label, the demands on you guys will be significant and your other responsibilities and goals might have to take a back seat!"

Amy, "Grandpa, Lyndi and I understand that. We are going to pray and ask God to give us some guidance here because it WILL affect our family and our responsibilities."

Lyndi, "GG, I have been praying, a lot, and I really love our life as it is. But now that Mom is included in this, I am not so sure!"

Amy, "Boy, what a surprise, huh! Who would have figured that!"

Jack, "Amy, I have told you time and again that you have a beautiful voice, just like your grandmother. You should not have been surprised at John's offer. I wondered why he didn't offer it you in the first place!"

Amy, laughing "Grandpa, you are too kind and generous with your critique! I am just a country girl, singing country songs! Well, when we get home we will get with the family and discuss this. We won't be making a decision until then."

Chapter 7: The Decision

The next morning, Ty gets the twins up and fed, then preps them for their trip to the airport to pick up Jack, Amy and Lyndi.

Tyson, "Dad, I can't wait to see Mom and Lyndi and hear all about their trip!"

TJ, "Is it true they are now country music stars?"

Ty, "Well, they did sing last night at Mr. Rich's venue and I understand that they have asked Lyndi to come back and do some more recording on the Rich label. I am sure we will hear all about it when they get home!"

Ty and the twins climb into the SUV and head to the airport. As they are pulling up to the hanger, the jet is taxing from having just landed. Georgie and Quinn are also there to greet the travelers. Tyson, runs over to Georgie and gives her a big hug. "Hi, Aunt Georgie! Are you here to meet mom and Lyndi?"

Georgie, "Hey buddy, yes I am. I am excited to hear about the trip.

Tyson, "Me too!"

The plane come to a stop just outside the hanger and the door opens and the stairs unfold onto the ground. Jack is the first off the plane and comes down the stairs. Then, Amy, followed by Lyndi. As they exit the plane, Tyson and TJ run and gave Amy and Lyndi huge hugs. Then, they hugged Jack. Ty held back and Amy responded to the twins with the same and then looked at Ty and ran up and hugged and kissed him. "Boy, have I missed you. I can't wait to tell you what happened last night. You are not going to believe it!"

Ty, "What happened?"

Amy, "You won't believe it, you just won't!'

Ty, "Enough with the suspense. What do you want to tell me!"

Amy, "Ok, well you know that we sang at the Rivera last night with Brooke. Well, when we finished up our set, John and Mike, the producer, came over and…you won't believe what I am fixing to tell you."

Ty, now fully engaged with the conversation, "What, tell me! What!"

Amy, "They offered me a recording contract, as well."

Ty, "No way!"

Amy, "Yes, way! They want me to join Lyndi and offered us both a contract. They said they never had such an audience response for first time performers!"

Ty, "Wow! I don't know what to say!"

Amy, "I know! Cool, huh!"

Ty, "Well, what did you tell them?

Amy, "I told John that I needed to discuss this with you and the family and wanted to pray about it. I said to give me a couple of days after we get home and we will let them know!"

Ty, "Fantastic, I think we should have a dinner tonight and invite the family over and we can discuss this! What do you think?"

Amy, "I think that is a great idea. Let 's do it."

Georgie and Quinn finish their conversation with the pilot and come over to where the family is. Quinn, "So what is all this excitement about? Lyndi, I heard John offered you a recording deal. Is that correct?

Lyndi, "Yes, but better than that, he offered mom one, as well!'

Georgie, "What? Amy, he offered you one, too!"

Amy, "Yes, how exciting is that! We can be famous like you, Georgie!"

Quinn, "Well, I guess this little trip has paid off."

Amy, "It was so fun. And better than fun, Brooke is going to use the two songs that Grandpa and Lyndi wrote on her album."

Quinn, looking at Jack and Lyndi, "That is awesome guys!"

Lyndi, "Yeah, and we got to sing them on-stage last night!"

Georgie and Quinn, looked at Amy, "You guys are stars!"

Amy, "Not so fast, we have to decide if we want to do this or not. Need lots of prayers from you guys. This is a big decision that could affect our whole family. So why don't you guys come to dinner tonight and we will invite Lou, Peter, Katie, Dad, and Shane and have a discussion about it."

Georgie, "Better yet! You guys have been so busy. Let me do the dinner and you guys come over to our place!"

Ty, "That sound fantastic. How about it guys, want to go to Quinn and Georgie's tonight?

Tyson and TJ, "Yeah!"

Ty, "Then, it's a date!"

It's a short ride back to Heartland. Jack and the kids are in the back of the SUV and Amy and Ty are in the front.

Ty, "So what are you thinking?"

Amy, "Ty, you know the opportunity is once in a lifetime, but you know, I love our life. I can't help to think if we take John up on the offer that it won't change things for us. And you remember the last time that happened. I just don't want to disrupt what we have built so far!"

Ty, "You are right, Amy. Opportunities like this are hard to pass up. I want you to know that whatever your decision is, I will support you. I think that you need to understand the time commitment though. The boys are just getting to the age where they are really starting to grow up and I would hate that this would take you away from that. Even, our business is starting to really grow."

Amy, "I know. That is why I am very hesitating to even consider this, but thinking of Lyndi, this might be the reason she would move forward with her opportunity."

Ty, "Well, let's get settled in back at home where we can relax and put everything into perspective, okay!"

Amy, "Sounds like a plan!"

Back at Heartland everyone gets settled in, sitting around the fireplace, Ty perks up, "Hey, who wants to go for a trail ride?" Tyson and TJ both say yes, then Amy, then Lyndi. " We have some time before we go to Quinn and Georgie's, so let's go!" They all head out to the barn and saddle up the horses. With the twins now having their own horse there are 5 horses are tied up at the barn.

Ty, "Let's head over to Henderson's creek. That place is pretty cool!"

Amy, "Sounds great, maybe we should pack some sandwiches and make a picnic out of it."

Ty, "That would be great! Lyndi, why don't you go help mom with the sandwiches and we will finish packing up for the ride. This will be great!"

Lyndi and Amy head to the house to make sandwiches and Ty and the boys finish up prepping the horses. When all the prepping was done, the five of them head off to Henderson's creek for a family trail ride. Amy was riding between the boys and Ty was next to Lyndi.

Ty, asked, "Lyndi, tell me about your adventure in Nashville!"

Lyndi, "Dad, is was so great! John's place was awesome and I never knew how much effort it was to produce a song. We must have sung it 100 times before we were finished. Then, Mike took it and, as he put it, added Mike's magic to the songs. When he was finished, well, you have to listen to them and you will see what I mean."

Ty, "Do you have a copy that we can listen too?"

Lyndi, "Yes, but they told me to only let family listen to it and not to send it to anyone. Something about copywrites and such. How about we listen to it when we stop at Henderson's creek!"

Ty, "Sounds Great!"

Amy is between the twins and starts a conversation with them. "So tell me about your ride to Marion's lookout. How did Paint and Pegasus do?"

TJ, "Mom, it was an awesome ride. I just love it up there. We camped out and Katie and Peter came. Katie is so much fun!"

Tyson, "Yeah and the horses did great. I think they really enjoy being gentled! You know and Peter is pretty cool. We sat around the campfire and he and dad told scary stories. It was awesome!"

Amy, "I am glad you guys got a chance to get away and be with your Dad. I know he really enjoys spending time with you."

TJ, "I wish you and Lyndi would have been able to come. We really, really missed you guys. It wasn't the same without you. Tell us about Nashville! Did you sing!"

Amy, "Nashville was great. Lyndi and I spent a lot of time in the studio preparing the two songs that GG and her wrote, and on the last night we were able to perform them at John's Riviera downtown. There were lots of people there and we got two standing ovations after we sang."

Tyson, "Mom, you and Lyndi really know how to sing. If I was there, I would have given you a standing ovation, too!"

Amy, "Thank you Tyson. You and TJ are our biggest fans!"

TJ, "What else did you do?"

Amy, "Well, John has this river that he build that winds around his property and it is a pool. You can take and sit in an innertube and it will float you around the property. We all got in to it after the studio work was done. Even your GG put on some swimming trunks and joined us." Amy, laughing, "You should have seen his skinny legs. I think he got mad when we teased him about them!"

Tyson, "I don't think I have ever seen GG in short pants. Nor swimming!"

TJ, "I bet he did look funny!"

Amy, "And while we were working, GG was able to take trail rides on John's property and fish. So he was very excited about doing that!"

TJ, "I bet he was."

Amy, "Let me ask you something. John has asked Lyndi and I to join his studio and make some music and do some concerts. What do you think about that?"

Tyson, "Will you have to spend time away from home?"

Amy, "Yes. That is one of the reasons not to take the offer."

Tyson, "I like having you guys around to come to our games, to take trail rides, to play in the yard. I would not like not having you and Lyndi around!"

TJ, "I agree with Tyson. We really missed you and Lyndi when you were gone!"

Amy, "Boys, thanks for your honesty. We will discuss it more, but, I agree. I love our family and our time together."

The Borden's reach Henderson's creek and settle the horses. Ty and the boys decide to go for a swim while Amy and Lyndi setup the picnic. Once they were finished, Amy and Lyndi joined them in the water. For the next hour they played and splashed around in the creek. Once they were ready to eat Amy came out and dried off and got the sandwiches from the saddlebags.

Amy, "Ok, guys let's eat!"

Each came out and dried off and took a seat around the picnic blanket. As they were getting ready to eat, Lyndi asked, "Can I say a prayer before we eat. I want to ask God to give us good guidance as we decide if we are going to take John's offer to join his studio."

Ty, "I think that is a great idea. Why don't you start it off and I will finish."

So Lyndi begins the prayer asking God for guidance and patience in making this big decision. Ty closes the prayer thanking God for the family and the opportunities that He puts in front of them.

Amy, "That was nice guys! So, I had a chance to talk with the boys, here about our opportunity and they are concerned about us spending time away from Heartland. Lyndi, I guess they really like having us around!"

Lyndi, "You know, while I am overwhelmed with the opportunity, and have to say singing with Brooke at the Riviera and getting all those applause was awesome, being back here, sitting by this creek with our family tops all of that. I am excited that Brooke is going to use two of our songs on her album. I think maybe that is enough. Maybe we just write songs!"

Amy, "I might agree with you! I was also taken away with the idea of fame and fortune, but once you have this, Heartland, in your blood, it's hard to consider doing anything else."

Then she reaches over to the twins and tackles them, "And to think we would miss all those opportunities to see you guys play soccer or baseball!"

Ty, "So what are you saying. You guys going to turn down the offer?"

Amy, "I think our decision is clearer now than before. Let's wait until tomorrow to make it final, but I think for now, it is No. Right Lyndi?

Lyndi, "Mom, I told you that I believe God has a plan for me and it centers around our work with horses. I don't want this opportunity to take that off track. So right now, it is a No."

Before they saddled up the horses and headed back to Heartland, Lyndi pulls out her phone and says, "Do you guys want to hear the songs?"

Tyson and TJ yell, "Yes!"

Lyndi, "Ok, come over here and I will play them for you." Tyson and TJ sit next to Lyndi, while Ty and Amy sit back. During the song, as Amy begins to sing, Ty puts his arm around her and pulls her close. He whispers in her ear "The sound of Angels!"

Amy, pinches Ty and hits him on the leg. Ty, "What! You guys sound like two Angels singing those songs!"

Amy, "Angels, huh! Flattery will get you nowhere!"

Tyson, "I don't know what Angels sound like, but you guys were great. Just like at Georgie's wedding!"

TJ, "Yeah, that was awesome!"

That night as the family gathers at Quinn and Georgie's everyone is impressed with the changes that they made to the house since they purchased it from Ahmed. The stables were setup for training year round and the outside facilities could house 10 people. With the busy Olympic trails going on, they had a steady flow of students who were taking advantage of Quinn's equestrian skills and getting ready for the competition. Several of the student came from foreign countries so his business was attracting people from all over. Georgie gathers the family into the large dining room in the house. There was still some remanent of Ahmed's lavish style left over in the room and Lou commented, "Georgie, I guess you are thinking about keeping Ahmed's fancy design in this room?"

Georgie, laughing, "No! Not really, we just haven't gotten around to the inside of the house. Or should I say, this side of the house. We felt that we needed to redesign the stable and guest houses before we attack this side of the house."

Amy, "Have you been to John's place? It was awesome! Every accommodation you could think of was there for you. If we needed anything we just phoned a number and someone would make the arrangements to help you. They had 3 meals a day, you could trail ride, fish, anything you could think of!"

Lyndi, "We even landed the plane there and someone came and brought us to our bunks!"

Georgie, "We have been there. It is pretty impressive. We have considered some of the things he is doing, but remember, he has folks staying there every day. It is like a hotel, or a spa!"

Amy, "I guess you are right. If you are not recording, you are playing at his club. I guess there were 10 people their during our time."

Quinn comes out of the kitchen and summons everyone to the table. Quinn has gotten pretty proficient with the BBQ, and with their staff, put together a spread of things to eat. As everyone was settled in at the table, Amy started by telling the family about their trip and the opportunity.

Amy, "Guys, I want to first tell you that Grandpa, Lyndi and I will have two songs on Brooke's new album come the fall. Lyndi and I will be singing, along with Brooke Heartland Heartbeat and Lyndi's song. I think Lyndi has the song on her phone so we can listen to it tonight. But the real news is that John Rich has asked both of us to join his label and let him promote us as a country music mother/daughter duo. We have had some very down to earth conversations with our family but we wanted to extend an opportunity for you guys to tell us what you think about his offer."

Tim, in a loud voice, mouth full of food, "Take it! You are crazy if you don't! John Rich can make you rich and famous, and maybe you will be able to afford a house like this! Take it!"

Lou, "Dad, not everything is about money! Amy, Lyndi, what do you guys think?"

Tim, "I don't care what they think. When you have an opportunity like that, you take it and make as much money as possible!"

Amy, "Well, as a family we went on a ride today and discussed it. Right now, we are leaning to a no, unless there are other less commitment options available. With the kids at their age, and Lyndi, just getting into the business with us, we don't want to disrupt where our family is right now. But both of us are overwhelmed with the offer!"

Georgie, "Guys, I will tell you that once you join that world, it is all consuming. Everywhere you go people want to talk with you, get your autograph, know what you are eating, everything is fair game for questions. No privacy at all!"

Tim, now standing up and yelling, "Don't be stupid guys. You never, I mean never pass on an opportunity like this. Look at this place. Lyndi, Amy, you could afford to buy something like this! Man, I don't know what is wrong with this family!"

Shane, "Calm down dad! You are going to have a heart attack!"

Tim, Now huffing storms out of the room, "I got to get some air!"

Amy tries to settle things down a bit by saying, "Well, we know what dad thinks!"

Lou, "Guys I think that an opportunity like this is once in a life time. If you feel that making music and becoming a country singer is what you want, then I would consider taking the contract. However, you guys do have a wonderful business, a great family chemistry, and I think you should really consider the impact on your family."

Ty, "We have! I told both Amy and Lyndi we would support their decision here but I feel that by taking the offer will change all that. But I also think, it will change the dynamic of this family. Instead of healing horses, we will be making music and I am not so sure that is our calling.

Jack, " I will tell you this, when Lyndi was in the music business it consumed her time. If she wasn't on the road with her concerts, she was in the studio making records. Once we had Marion, she had to make a decision. Much like this!"

Lyndi, "Guys, one thing for sure, we are praying about it and want you guys to join us so that we make the right decision!"

Jack, "Amen Lyndi. You know those songs are pretty good. Maybe we can write music for John's artist! That might be an option."

Amy, "That definitely is something to consider. The other aspect is what Ty and I have going with our book and seminars. We have wanted to do this for some time and it is just now starting to take off. I don't want to do anything that would change the course of that!"

Quinn, "Well, it looks like you guys have some soul searching to do!"

Georgie, "I will tell you that fame and fortune is great. Quinn and I really enjoy all the opportunities it has afforded us, but we don't have a family, yet and our lifestyle has become the celebrity! Once we settle down and start having children, I probably will want to get out of the limelight. "

Katie has been really quiet and was sitting next to Lyndi. She punches her and says, "Hey, let's go outside for a walk."

Lyndi and her get up from the table and head out to the stalls to see the horses.

Katie, "So what do YOU think of all this?

Lyndi, "Katie, it was so awesome. Working all day creating these songs that now are going to be on Brooke's album. Then, playing at John's Riviera. Man the audience went crazy clapping to the music. They really like us Katie, they did. I was over the top!"

Katie, "You know, I hope to get to the Olympics and my dream is to follow Georgie in all her success. What is your dream?"

Lyndi, "Up until last week, it was to work with dad and mom and train and treat horses and carry on mom and dad's work. I fell that God is calling me to do that! But last week, man I just can't tell you how awesome it was to be recognized for the good work we put in writing and singing those songs. In some respect, I feel I am carrying on GG Lyndi's legacy. Heck, I am even named after her!"

Katie, "I know you will make the right decision because you are putting it in God's hands. And I will be praying for you as well!"

Lyndi, "Katie, It is so great that you and I are friends. I can always count on you for honest advise, and prayer!"

Katie, "Cool, let's head back to the house for desert. I hear it is great!"

The next morning the family is getting up and moving around. Amy looks at Lyndi and says, "Lyndi, how about you and I go for a ride this morning and talk this out?"

Lyndi, "Mom, I think I have made my decision. Last night I had a dream. I was older and was working with a horse that wouldn't let anyone ride him. The owner found out about us and brought him over to see if we could make him ridable. Dad checked him out and you and I worked on his behavior. Come to find out he has some physical issues with his back that we were able to correct. The horse became ridable and the owner was so grateful that we were able to work our "magic". I think that dream was a sign. When I think of my future, this is what I see. Not the limelight or singing to a large audience. While I have to admit that was a once in a life time experience, this is where I belong. What about you?"

Amy, "I my day in the sun and to tell you the truth, this life that we have now, you, the twins, Ty, this is the life I have always dreamed of. I don't think I was meant to be a country music star. Although, that was awesome. Beside, we have two songs on an album. That is pretty darn good for two country girls and their grandpa!"

Lyndi, "Maybe we can form a band with that name!"

Amy, "Then it's settled. I will call John this morning and give him the news."

Lyndi, "That sounds great mom!"

Later that morning, Amy called John and gave him the news that she and Lyndi would not be moving forward with his offer. After several plea's to reconsider, and Amy's reasoning, He fully understood and said he would leave the door open in case there was a change of heart. Amy thank him for everything and promised to visit him again. After she called John, she called Brooke to give her the news.

Amy, "Brooke, hey, this is Amy. I just got off the phone with John and informed him that Lyndi and I would not be taking his offer to join the label. Once we prayed about it and discussed it with the family, we felt this was not the direction we wanted to go. I hope you understand."

Brooke, "Amy, I envy you and your family. I hope someday, I, too, can have a family and settle down. But for now, I am going to ride this train and see where it takes me. Also, just because you didn't take the contract doesn't mean you guys stop writing music. I will need some and look forward to other songs that I can publish!"

Amy, "That sound awesome, I know when I tell Grandpa and Lyndi, they will be excited to hear that! Brooke, we wish you all the greatest success. We love you!"

Brooke, "Love you , too!"

Amy hangs up with Brooke and heads out to the barn where Lyndi and Jack are washing the horses. "Guys, I just gave the news to John that we would not take the contract and though he was sad, he understood and let me know that the door was always open for the future. Also, I spoke with Brooke and she wants to make sure that you guys continue to write songs for her. She loves them and they fit so well in her Genre. So, see, we will still be in the business and can continue the work God had planned for us. How awesome is that!"

Lyndi, "Man, God sures knows our heart. Doesn't He!"

Jack, "I should say so!"

That evening as the kids were down for the day Ty takes Amy and puts her hands into his. Looking straight into her eyes he says, "Amy, You know that I would have supported any decision that you guys would have made, right?"

Amy, "Right."

Ty, "I want you to know how thankful I am that for your decision not to pursue John's opportunity. The thought of sharing you with your fans and not having you around here at the end of the day, left me feeling really empty. You and I, we have been through so much and have come to this point in our lives, our careers, it is just like we had planned it. My hope is that we continue this, this, whatever it is until we grow old."

Amy, "Ty, while I was open to the opportunity, the more I thought about it, the more I remember Ahmed and all of that, and I really never wanted to go back there again. It changed me for a while and I didn't like who I had become."

Ty, wrapping his arms around Amy kisses her on the forehead. "Amy, we have a great thing going here and I want to see how far we can take this. But not at the sacrifice of our family and our time together. You agree?"

Amy, putting her arms around Ty and pulling him in, "I agree!"

Ty, "However, maybe we could role play you being this huge country star and me, a star struck fan who gets lucky one night and hooks up with the star!"

Amy, "Role play! Really, how about we play this role. Your country bumpkin wife who loves you so much she turns down a life changing event to become this huge star to do this!

Amy, grabs Ty and throws him onto the bed and shuts off the lights.

Chapter 8: The Surprise

It has started to turn colors in Alberta with the Fall quickly approaching. All the country side is exploding with the colors of fall as the temperatures started to creep down. Brooke has released her album with Jack and Lyndi's songs and it has hit the top 10 on Billboards country music charts, and Heartland Heartbeat and Lyndi's song are in the top 5 and climbing. Lyndi rode out to the mailbox to get the mail and as she was culling through the mail, she saw that there was a letter from Rich Publishing that looked like a check. She hurried back to the house and ran inside to Jack. "GG,GG, look we got a letter from Rich Publishing and it looks like a check!"

Jack takes the letter and looks at it, "It sure does. Let's open it and see!" So Jack immediately open the letter and sure enough, inside, was a check made out to Jack, Lyndi and Amy for royalties from both of the songs. Heartland Heartbeat got $120,000 and Lyndi's song over $300,000 dollars. Included with the check was a message from John. This is just the beginning. These songs will be number one! Great Job!

Jack, looking completely flabbergasted looked down at Lyndi and with a huge smile said, " There is $420 Thousand dollars in here. Wow. I never knew there would be so much money involved with writing songs. Lyndi, I don't know what to say!"

Lyndi, "We got to tell mom! Where is she! "

Jack, "I think she is in the barn! $420 Thousand dollars!"

Lyndi is now in a full run to the barn when she sees Amy bringing a horse to the pin. "Mom, Mom, you will never guess what we got today in the mail!"

Amy, "I haven't a clue. Wasn't expecting anything."

Lyndi, "You know those songs we wrote for Brooke! Well, both of them are in the top 5 and moving up. We just received royalty payments of $420 Thousand dollars and there is more to come!"

Amy, "Are you kidding. $420 Thousand dollars?

Lyndi, "I am not kidding! It is $420 Thousand dollars. GG has the check! Come See!"

Amy, " Wow! I never really knew how much we would get by lending a few songs to Brooke. That is quite overwhelming."

Lyndi, "I didn't know that writing songs could bring so much money!"

Amy, "I remember when we were in Nashville, Brooke said we could have a pretty nice payday if these songs are in the top 10. I didn't put much thought to it then. How great! What a windfall. Hey, Let's keep this under our hat until supper and we will show everyone the check. Make sure you go and tell Grandpa!"

Lyndi, rushes back to GG, "GG we are NOT going to tell anyone about the check until supper. Mom wants to surprise them!, Ok?"

Jack, "That is fine with me. Let's put this right here and we won't speak of it until then!"

Lou had been feeling really sluggish for several days and decided to go to the doctor for a checkup. She hadn't been in a few years and it was time for her to go. At the office, she was called into the exam room for her checkup. She conveyed that she was not feeling well and was a bit sluggish. The doctor started asking question as he listened to her vital signs.

Dr. Pugh, "So Lou, have you been under a lot of stress lately,"

Lou, "Nothing out of the ordinary."

Dr. Pugh, pressing down on her bladder, "Does this hurt when I press down."

Lou wenches, "Yes, it does."

Dr. Pugh, continues to press and prod, "Have you had this pain for a while, or just recently?"

Lou, "I notice the pain in my stomach for the last few months."

Dr. Pugh, "I would like to schedule you for a breast exam today. Can you fit that into your schedule?"

Lou, "Why so quick, did you feel something?"

Dr. Pugh, "I am a bit concerned with that pain you have when I press. You haven't had a mammogram in a while, so I think we should get this done to rule out any issues."

Lou, "Issues, what do you mean, issues!"

Dr. Pugh, "Nothing to be alarmed about, just with your abdominal pain, there can be many causes of it. Since you haven't had a mammogram, today seems like a good day to go ahead and do that. Next, I would like to get you to a Gastro doctor to check your stomach. You are a very tense person who has a lot of responsibility, so you might have some Bowel issues that a Gastro can figure out."

Lou, "Jesus! I just have a pain in my stomach!"

Dr. Pugh, "It is time for you to get those test. It will give us some markers at least for follow-up test and visits.

Lou, "If you say so!"

Dr. Pugh call his nurse to schedule the test. The nurse comes into the exam room and takes her to the waiting room where they will perform the test. While she was waiting, she calls Amy, "Amy, hey I am at the doctor's office and he wants to run some test on me. I came in feel sluggish so he wants me to get a mammogram. How crazy is that!"

Amy, "When was your last one?"

Lou, "Wow, 2, maybe 3 years!"

Amy, "Your due! I wouldn't worry about it. Dr. Pugh is just real thorough!"

Lou, "You think!"

Amy, "I know! I get one every two years. You know it runs in our family, right?"

Lou, "I guess you are right! I probably should have done this a long time ago!"

Amy, "Call me when you get the results. I will say a little prayer for you!"

Amy hung up the phone and said a quick pray. Lou was called into the exam room where they performed her mammogram. After the test, they had her go to another station where they drew several vials of blood. "Why so much blood," Lou asked?

Nurse, "We are going to do an extensive panel on you. Looks like they are checking everything."

Lou, trying to be funny, "Will I get some back?" They both smiled.

Nurse, "Ok, Lou. Why don't you take a seat in the waiting area and Dr Pugh's nurse will give you some instructions.

After a few minutes, Lou had a whole list of questions she wanted to ask before she left. The nurse came from the exam area with a bunch of papers. She sat down with Lou and said, "Now Lou, I know you have a lot of questions. Let me get what I need to say out first, then I can handle your questions. Ok?"

Lou, "Yes."

Nurse, "Well, it looks like Dr. Pugh wants to give you a thorough exam. You have not been in for a while and we want to make sure that your stomach issues are not something more serious, so that is why we ordered so many test and we took most of your blood." She smiles. "It will take a few days to get the results, but you need not worry yourself with anything. With these test we are simply trying to rule out things that might be causing your issues so that we can get to the source of the problem. So go home and continue your regular schedule and we will call you with the results. Ok?"

Lou, "Well, it looks like you answered most of my questions so I guess I will just wait for you to call."

Nurse, "Dr. Pugh suggested this over the counter medicine to ease your discomfort if you think you might need something." So the nurse begins to write on a pad the name of the medicine and hands it to Lou. "Again, if you have any questions, or the pain become worse, make sure you call us immediately."

Lou, "Sounds like a plan." She takes the sheet from the pad and the bundle of papers and leave the doctor's office.

Back at Heartland Ty came home for the day and was greeted with an over excited young lady. "Dad, Dad, you are never going to believe what we got today in the mail!"

Ty, as he is hugging Lyndi, "Let's see. $1 million dollars!"

Lyndi, "Close but not 1 million! We got 420 thousand dollars! Mom said it was royalties from the songs we gave to Brooke to add to her album. The best part is that this is only the beginning. Everyone loves our songs and the more they sale, the more we make! Isn't that awesome!"

Ty, looking surprised and at Jack and Amy, "Is this for real?"

Amy, shaking her head and moving toward Ty to give him a kiss, "Here, look! Here is the check! And Lyndi, way to wait for supper!"

Jack, also shaking his head. "I knew we might make a little money on those songs, but $420,000. This is way beyond my imagination."

Lyndi, "So what are we going to do with the money?"

Amy, "Lyndi, we just got the check today and you are already thinking of how to spend it! We need to be smart about this and discuss this as a family. You know you and grandpa did most of the work on the songs so it would be probably appropriate that you guys get the lion's share of the proceeds."

Jack, "Now you hold on Amy! You and Lyndi did the singing that made the songs fly up the charts! So you are just as much a part of this as Lyndi and I!"

Lyndi, "That is right, mom!"

Amy, "Well, let's just let this sink in for a few days and we can discuss how we need to split this up then, Ok? For now, let's get this in the bank!"

Ty, "I still can't believe this. God has been so gracious to us and has blessed us way beyond our imagination. And now this! I think you should use some of it to give back to God. Maybe through Georgie's foundation, or our church."

Amy, "All that needs to be considered."

The family gets ready for supper as Amy and Lyndi are putting the final touches on dinner. Lyndi, "You know mom, we had this great opportunity to record songs and be country stars that we turned down because we love what we do here at Heartland. How awesome is God to still give us the opportunity to get involved in music and still keep our work here. You know, when I prayed for this I just asked God to work it out so that we could keep our horse business and still do music. I never thought he would do it this way!"

Amy, "Lyndi, I prayed also that the path would be clear to make the decisions we needed to make. I think our decision was the best decision, but never in a million years thought he would bless us with music, too! I can see us writing music for Brooke and John and never have to go on the road or the studio unless we wanted too."

Lyndi, "Ok Guys, dinner is ready. TJ, Tyson, come and get this and put it on the table, ok!"

At dinner the conversation was centered around what they could do with the money. Tyson chimed in, "Mom, why don't you get one of those fancy sports cars like my friend Alex's mother drives."

TJ, "Then, you would really be the coolest mom!"

Amy, "So I lost my "coolest" status because of a car?"

TJ, "Well, it really is a cool car. And it goes real fast!"

Amy, smiling and looking at Ty, "Hum! Might have to consider a cool car!"

Jack, "Well, I think I am going take some of my money and put it away for you guys' college. I have always wanted to do that and this seems like the right opportunity to do so."

Ty, "Jack that is great, but Amy and I have already started a fund that will pay for the kids college. So why don't you spend this on yourself!"

Jack, "What would I get. I don't need anything."

Ty, "How about a trip. Maybe to France. Heck, why don't we all go to France for a summer vacation."

Amy, "Now that sounds like a great idea. We haven't been at the Villa for a while and I think the kids would really enjoy it."

Lyndi, "I vote for a trip to France!"

TJ and Tyson, "Us too!"

Ty, "That does sound like a great idea. I could use a break!"

Amy, "Then that settles it. I will look at dates and get back to everyone!"

Ty laughing, "Then, Amy, you can retake your coolest status and get a fast car!"

TJ and Tyson, "Yeah!"

Amy, grabbing TJ and hugging him "I am cool just as I am. I don't need a car to prove that!"

On the way home Lou decides to keep the doctor's visit and testing to herself until she finds out the results. As she is pulling into the house, she meets Katie who is working out in the front yard. "Hey baby, what is going on. Doing your yoga?"

Katie, "Yes. I love to do this outside when the weather is like this. It is so relaxing."

Lou, "Did you have a good day training?"

Katies, "Yes, but it is really intense. The closer we get to trials the more Quinn is pushing us. I heard Georgie talking to him today asking him to let up a bit. But Quinn just looked at her and asked her if she wanted to win again!"

Lou, "Sounds like it is all business."

Katie, "So how was your day? Did you go see the doctor?"

Lou, "How did you know I was going to the doctor, and yes, that is where I was."

Katie, "Dad. I have been talking with him this week and he mentioned you were having stomach aches all the time. What did the doctor say?"

Lou, not wanting to lead on, "He said it probably is a spasmatic stomach from stress, but we ran some test to check it out."

Katies, "What kind of test?"

Lou, "Hey, I need to get supper ready. We can talk about this later!"

Katie, going back to her workout, "Ok."

Lou goes inside to an awaiting Peter who looks grabs Lou and give her a big hug. Lou, "That is just what I needed. I get so stressed when I go to the doctor!"

Peter, I know, still holding on, "How did it go?"

Lou not wanting to divulge anything, deflected, "He thinks my stomach issues are due to stress. He gave me an over the counter drug recommendation and ran a few test."

Peter, "Test?"

Lou, "Yes, I hadn't been there for a while so he kind of gave me a thorough examination."

Peter, "Hum! How thorough?"

Lou, "You know. A complete physical with a mammogram. Look, let's talk about this later. I need to get food ready."

Peter, "You have had a rough day. What do you say we take Katie and go out for dinner. That new Mexican place just opened in town and I have been dying to try it. Oh, your stomach. I am so sorry?"

Lou, "No! That is ok, I can watch what I eat. It shouldn't be a problem. Let's go!"

Peter yell out to Katie, "You up for Mexican tonight?"

Katies, "Sure, can you give me a few minutes to clean myself up?

Peter, "Yes, but hurry up!

Lou, "Why don't we call Georgie an Quinn and see if they want to come?"

Peter, taking out his phone, "That sounds like a great idea!"

Peter dials up Quinn's number and gets Georgie. "Hey, you guys want to go with us to the new Mexican restaurant downtown? Katie is here and she is going."

Georgie, "That sound like a plan. By the way, have you spoken to Amy, Jack, or Ty today? Did you hear the news?"

Peter, "Can't say I have. What is the news?"

Georgie, "I tell you at the restaurant. I need to get cleaned up now to go. See you guys there!"

Georgie hangs up and tells Quinn about the plans. Both get ready and head over to the restaurant. Peter, Lou, and Katies do so as well. They both arrived about the same time and went inside and got seated at a table. Peter, "Ok, so what is this news with Amy and Ty?"

Georgie, "Well, you know they went to Nashville to record some songs with Brooke. That girl who sang at my wedding. Well, John, after hearing the songs offered Amy and Lyndi a recording contract but they turned it down, right?"

Peter, "Right, I knew that."

Georgie, "Well, the two songs made it to the top 5 on the country music charts and they received a check today for $420 thousand dollars. That was their share of the songs revenue! How cool is that $420 thousand!"

Lou, "What! Are you kidding! That is crazy money!"

Georgie, "I know! And more, they might continue to get royalties as long as the songs keep selling. The best part is that Brooke has asked them to continue to write and send her songs to review. How about that! They turned down 1 offer only to be given another that fits into their plans. How great is God!"

Katie, "I wonder what they are going to do with all that money?"

Georgie, "I guess split it up between the three!"

Peter, "I am so happy for them. I know that the decision not to pursue the recording contract was probably a tough one and to have them still involved with music and keep their horse business going can only be the will of God!"

Lou, "Wow!"

That night Ty and Amy are lying in bed, face to face, holding each other as they do almost every night. Ty, kisses Amy and says, "You know, this trip to France is going to be awesome with the family and the kids, but maybe we can sneak a few days in for ourselves and recreate our honeymoon!"

Amy, kissing Ty back, "Why do we need to wait until France?"

Ty, "I don't mean the love making, Mrs. Frisky! I mean we can rent a bike and ride the country side to one of those small bed and breakfast we visited. Jack will be there, so he and Lyndi and watch the kids!"

Amy, rolling Ty over on his back and getting on top, "I have a better idea!"

Ty, getting really excited, "Ok, What's that?"

Amy, now kissing Ty on his neck, "Let me show you how a country music star loves on her man!"

Ty, "Ok, ok, I get the message! We can talk about this later! Country Music Star! Yahoo!"

Chapter 9: The Diagnosis

Lou was working at her desk when her secretary told her that Dr. Pugh was on the phone. Taking a deep breathe, Lou exhaled and picked up the phone, "Dr. Pugh, how are you doing today? Do you have some results from my test?"

Dr. Pugh, "Lou. I want you to come in so we can run some follow up test. There are some markers in your blood and we need to discuss your mammogram results. Can you come by today?"

Lou, "Yes, sure, but can you give me a little heads up?"

Dr. Pugh, "I would rather you come in and we can discuss the results. You might want to bring Peter along with you!"

Lou, "Dr. Pugh! You are scaring me!"

Dr. Pugh, "You guys come in and let's discuss this. The sooner the better, ok!"

Lou concludes the call and gets up and walks into Peter's office. "Peter, you know I went to the doctor for an exam several days ago and when I was there, Dr. Pugh ran several extensive test including a mammogram. He didn't like what he saw on the reports and wants me to come in. He said I should bring you along!" Lou breaks down and begins to cry. "Peter, I am scared. What could it be?"

Peter, "Honey, don't over think this. Let's go to the doctor and see what the problem is. Then, we can determine our course of action."

Lou, "Peter, I am scared!"

Peter, "I will be there with you. Let's get your things and we can go up there right now!"

Lou gathers her things and goes downstairs to an awaiting Peter in the car. It was only a few minutes to Dr. Pugh's office, but to Lou, if felt like an hour. Lou now visible shaken, grabs hold of Peter's hand and looks out the window. As they arrive, the receptionist says, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Morris. Why don't you guys follow me to the doctor's office and we can wait for him there."

Lou and Peter are sitting quietly now in the office when Dr. Pugh comes into the room. "Lou, Peter, thanks for coming over so quick. Let me get right to the point. It appears Lou that you might have cancer. Cancer in your uterus. Your blood work, the pain and the testing all support my diagnosis. I would like to schedule a biopsy as soon as possible to know what we are dealing with. I have sometime tomorrow morning and I would advise you to make that appointment. I want you to know that the science and efficacy of the treatments today increase the survival rate tremendously. Also, your mammogram was negative for Breast Cancer so there is no need to worry there. Do you guys have any questions?"

Peter looks at Lou who is sitting quietly with tears coming down her face. Grabbing Lou's hand Peter asks, "So doctor can be more specific about the cancer. Is there radiation, chemo, what about the genome therapy that I have read about?"

Dr. Pugh, "Guys, I want you to understand that if you do have cancer, We will know more once we do the biopsy , but for now, you need to prepare yourselves and your family. I am sorry. I don't sugar coat this. It is better to face this head-on instead of giving false hope."

Lou, "So after tomorrow, you should be able to give me a better diagnosis and treatment options."

Dr. Pugh, "Yes."

Lou, "Then, we will see you tomorrow." Lou stands up and takes Peter's hand as they go out the door.

Lou and Peter are walking to the car when the phone rings. Peter says, "Lou! Let it ring."

Lou, "Peter, it is Amy. What am I going to say?"

Peter, "Why don't you get that. It might be good for you guys to talk."

Lou picks up the phone. "Amy." Before she can get another word out, she begins to cry uncontrollably. Peter takes the phone and says, "Amy, do you think you could meet us back at the house. I think Lou might need your support right now."

Amy, "Peter! What happened. Is Lou alright?"

Peter, "Just come and we can fill you in on the details."

Amy hangs up the phone and gets her things. As she is coming out of the house, she crosses Ty who is coming in from the barn. "Ty, there is something wrong with Lou. I need to go over there and find out."

Ty, "Want me to come with?"

Amy, "Can you? Grandpa can watch the kids!"

Ty, "Give me a second to get my things. Meet you in the car!"

Jack is coming out of the house wondering about all the commotion. "What's going on?"

Ty, "Something about Lou. Can you watch the kids? We are going over there now!"

Jack, "Sure. Let me know the minute you find out!, ok?"

Ty, "Will do!"

Amy has pulled the truck up and Ty jumps in and they head to Lou and Peters.

It takes about 10 minutes to get to their house and Ty takes Amy's hand and says, "Babe, it is going to be alright."

Amy, "Ty, Lou couldn't even talk to me. Peter took the phone and asked me to come over. It must be bad!"

Ty, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, ok?"

Amy, "Ok."

Lou and Peter are sitting at the kitchen table discussing the doctor's prognosis. "Peter, I just don't understand. I eat right, I exercise, I do everything possible to keep healthy and now I have cancer. What was all that for?"

Peter, "Lou, please, honey, Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't know the extent of the cancer, heck we don't even know if it is cancer."

Lou, "Peter, please. You heard the doctor! It's cancer! They just need to see how bad it is!"

Peter, "We don't know that, yet. You need to settle down. Look her comes Amy up the drive. It looks like Ty is with her, as well!"

Lou gets up from the table and walks out the door to greet them. As Amy walks up to her, Lou immediately begins to cry and hugs Amy. "Amy, I have cancer! Amy, I don't know what to do. I don't want to die. What about the kids and Peter!"

Amy is now hugging Lou and letting her vent. Ty looks at Peter and then puts his hand on Lou. Peter and Ty go into the house leaving Amy and Lou outside. Ty says to Peter, "So what is going on?"

Peter, "Lou hasn't been feeling well these past few weeks so she decided to go to the doctor to see what it might be. Well, the doctor put her through some test and today he called us in and told us he suspects cancer and wants to do a biopsy tomorrow."

Ty, "Wow! She told me the other day that her stomach was upset, but this! Wow!"

Peter, "Thanks for coming. She can use some family support about now."

Ty, "Sure. So how are you doing?"

Peter, "Not sure. It was really a surprise to me that Lou was even ill. You know, I can't think of a time that she was. She has always been so healthy!"

Ty, "I know when Lisa got ill, it was real sudden and she had been healthy most of her life. Wow, Peter, I am so sorry! That is not the example I wanted to use!"

Peter, "No worries. I was thinking of her when we came out of the doctors. You know Lou and Lisa were very much the same type of women."

Ty, "You are so right!"

Amy and Lou come into the house and they all go into the living room. Lou, "Does anyone want some tea. I think I will make a pot."

Amy, "Lou. You come and sit. Let me do that!"

Lou, "No, Amy, I need something to take my mind off of this. I will get it!"

Amy goes over to Peter, "How are you doing with all of this?"

Peter, "A bit overwhelmed, but OK? We really won't know anything until tomorrow. This waiting is the worst part of it."

Amy, "I know. Believe me, I know!"

Peter, "Right!"

Amy, "You know Peter, when I am faced with life situations like this, I turn it over to God. I pray and ask him to take it over and direct all the outcome. That releases me from the worry. I make sure I follow the advice that is given to me by those He uses to get me through my obstacle, but I try not to say "steer the wheel". I just let it go and let God!"

Peter, "Sounds like good advice. I just wish your sister had a bit more faith and could not try to take control of the situation."

Amy, "I will talk with her, but now for you, I want you to know that Ty and I will pray to give you strength during this time."

Ty, nodding his head, "And if you need anything, and I mean anything, you can count on me to be there. And I am sure Jack will be their too!"

Amy goes over to Peter and gives him a long hug as Ty gets up to go outside and update Jack. "Jack, this is Ty. Well, it looks like Lou might have cancer. She and Peter went to the doctor this morning and Dr. Pugh wants her back tomorrow for a biopsy. Don't know much more than that, but Lou is pretty upset!"

Jack, "Well, I know that walk! Both with Lisa and Lyndi. You tell them both, Peter and Lou, that I will be praying for them and that if there is anything, and I mean anything I can do, they need to let me know!"

Ty, "I have already told them that we could be counted on for anything!"

Jack, "Well, that is good!"

Ty, "We will be home later when things settle down. All well over there?"

Jack, "Kids are fine. You guys do what you need. I got things covered over here!"

Ty, "Great. Talk with you later."

Ty goes back inside and Lou had joined Amy and Peter in the living room. Ty, "Well, that was Jack, and he said if there is anything he can do, to let him know. Also, that he was going to start praying specifically for your health."

Lou, "Man, I just don't understand. I have made it an effort to be healthy and fit. When have I ever been sick, when! I know that I am under a lot of stress sometimes, but I never get sick."

Amy, "You are strong Lou! That is why whatever this is, you should be able to defeat it!

Ty, "You are strong, but Lou, you need to turn this over to God. He needs to be in your daily life to take the worry out of this. You know Amy and I have been through some very tough times. We have learned that the first thing you do when life situations come up is to turn it over to God and let him sort of "Take the Wheel". You know what Lyndi says, "Let Go and Let God!" Well, that is the best advice she have ever given our family and I think it would be good for you to do so as well!"

Amy, "Lou, and let your family be your support. I know you try to emulate Grandpa, and be the rock of the family, but now let us be your rock! Ok?"

Lou, with tears in her eyes, "Ok, Ok. I will take your advice!"

Ty and Amy leave and Peter grabs Lou by the hand and looks her in the eyes. "You know, they are right. This problem is way bigger than us. Would you like to pray and ask God to take this over?"

Lou, "Peter, you know I have never really done that. I see how Lyndi has brought God into our family and each person has their own testimony of how He works in their lives. Even Georgie and Katie put God first in all their endeavors. But I never have. I have always thought that God did not participate in our daily lives. We could pray to him if we needed someone to talk too, but pretty much we were on our own to work out our lives."

Peter, "Lou, God is much more that that! I really have never discussed this with you, but when we were going through our separation and divorce I spent a lot of time talking with God and asking for advice. Not until Georgie's win at the Olympics did I see how God can, and will affect, every life event. Sometimes for good. Sometimes not. But God wants us to incorporate him in every decision and life situation that we face. I have to tell you, there is a peace that comes over you like you can't explain when you let go and let God!"

Lou, "What do I say?"

Peter, "How about letting me say the first prayer, then you can take it from there!"

Peter and Lou go into the bedroom and kneel by the bed. Peter says a prayer asking God to take over this situation and to provide the doctors and nurses with the right information to diagnose and treat Lou's cancer. He prayed for Lou, then the family and closed the prayer.

Lou, clutching Peter's hand, say, "Thank you Peter for taking such good care of me! I don't often say that, but this was so sweet. I hope God heard us?"

Peter, "Not only did he hear us, you will see that he hears our prayers and loves the fact that you came to him for help. We need to do this every night. But, you need to incorporate prayer every time you feel defeated. If you go to God when things get tough, or you are just feeling down, you will find that he will lift you through those times and your joy will be returned. Even as we face down this terrible disease, you can count on God to return the joy."

Lou, "I need to remember that!"

Peter, "Yes you do!"

Lou and Peter decide to go for a drive and get some fresh air. On the way home, Lou says to Peter, "I think we need to loop the girls in on this."

Peter, "Why don't we wait until we get the results?"

Lou, "I prayed about this and I feel strongly that we should include them now. Good or Bad! They are old enough to understand and I think they would be upset if they were not included!'

Peter, "You prayed about it! Well, who am I to object to God's advice!"

Lou, "Yeah! You know, this praying thing. I see what you mean about the peace that overcomes you. I really feel that God is listening and it is funny, I don't hear him talking, but I just seem to have a thought pop up like this!"

Peter, "Yeah, it is crazy! But crazy good! I see how the kids interact with God and it is really cool to see their Christian maturity as they handle situations."

Lou, "So let's have them over tonight and tell them, ok!"

Peter, "Ok!"

Back at Heartland, Amy and Lyndi work looking through some of Marion's journals when Amy begins to cry. Lyndi comes over to consul her and says, "What is wrong, mom. Why all the tears?"

Amy, "Lyndi, I have been waiting to tell you until we knew all the facts, but Lou might have cancer. She is going tomorrow for a biopsy to see if there is any cancer!"

Lyndi, "Mom, you don't need to keep these things from me! You know that I pray intercession for people as one of my ministries. I could be praying for her now!"

Amy, "I am sorry. I didn't know!"

Lyndi, "Come here. Tell me what is going on!"

Amy begins to update Lyndi about Lou when she say, "You know, I have never seen my sister sick!"

Lyndi, "Mom, I am so sorry that you guys are facing this. I know how much your sister means to you and I want you to know that I am here if you ever need to talk. Please mom, not only am I your daughter, but I can be your friend as well!"

Amy, now hugging Lyndi, "I am so glad that you are my daughter. You bring me so much comfort and joy."

Lyndi, "I love you, too, Mom!"

At supper the family is all sitting at the table when Ty says, "Let's pray for Lou tonight as a family that she will come through this situation and her health be restored!"

Tyson, "What is wrong with Lou?"

Ty, "Lou is not feeling well and is having to go to the doctor. We need to pray for her to get better!"

After the prayer, Amy speaks up, "Guys, we need to discuss the trip to France. Under the circumstances, we might need to postpone the trip until Lou get better. She is going to need all of our support during this time, and I think leaving her is not the thing to do."

Everyone at the table agreed that they would postpone the trip until a later date.

Katie and Georgie were wrapping up an all-day training session with Quinn when Lou called, "Georgie, can you, Katie, and Quinn come to dinner tonight? We have something we need to discuss!"

Georgie, "Sure, mom! What is it? You sound so serious!"

Lou, "Just be here around 6 if you can, ok?

Georgie, "OK, 6 it is!"

Hanging up the phone, Georgie looks at Katie and asks, "What is going on with mom?"

Katie, "Not sure. I know she hasn't been feeling well. Why?

Georgie, "She wants us all to come to dinner at 6 tonight to discuss something!"

Katie, "That is strange. It must be something important because she wouldn't insist! She didn't say what it was?"

Georgie, "No. I guess we will find out tonight."

Georgie says to Quinn, "Babe, you need to cancel your plans tonight. We have to go to mom's for supper. She has something she needs to tell us."

Quinn, "Do I have to go? I have tickets to the hockey game in Calgary!"

Georgie, "I think you need to be there. It sounds serious!"

Quinn, "Ok, I will give them to some of the guys! Man, this was going to be a great game!"

Georgie, Katie and Quinn pack in the car and head over to Hill Hearst for dinner with Peter and Mom.

Peter has ordered some things from Maggie's and is going over to pick up the food. He met Georgie, Katie, and Quinn on his way out and told them he would be right back. Lou was coming outside to greet them when Katie got out of the car and ran up to give her a big hug. Georgie and Quinn followed each greeting Lou with a warm hug and a kiss. Lou overwhelmed, "Guys, thanks for coming on such short notice. Your dad and I have something to discuss with you and it couldn't wait."

Georgie, "What is it Lou?"

Katie, "Yeah, mom, what?

Lou, "Let's wait until your dad gets back and we can sit and talk. For now, what do you guys want to drink? I have lemonade, coffee, water."

Each gave their order and Lou scurried off to prepare the drinks.

Katie, "Mom, I can help."

Lou, "No, you guys sit out here. It is so beautiful tonight, I think we might just eat out on the porch."

Peter returns with the order and the girls have setup the outside patio for supper. They all sit down, and Peter ask everyone if they would mind him saying a prayer to bless the food. As he was praying, he asked God to bring peace to their family as they go through this trial. Georgie chimes up after the prayer, "What trial! Mom, dad what is going on?"

Lou looks at Peter and begins to tell the events leading up to the diagnosis and the request for the biopsy. "So you see guys, tomorrow we are going to get a biopsy to find more about the cancer and how far along it is. We thought we would tell you guys now, so that you can be prepared for whatever the results will be."

Peter, "Also, we need you guys to be praying that God will restore Lou's body and provide her with the necessary healing she will need to overcome this."

Georgie, "Sure, Dad. We can do that. But mom, wow, what are you thinking?"

Lou, "As you can imaging, very overwhelmed. But Peter has shown me how to turn this over to God and I really do have a peace about this!"

Georgie, "Mom, Katie and I have been trying to explain that to you for a while! Now that you have experienced the peace and comfort even during the toughest trials, you have to know that with God by your side, all things work together for the good."

Katie, "That is so awesome, dad, that you got mom to turn this over to God! Mom, we want you to know whatever you need, whatever the outcome, we will be with you all the way. Don't ever hesitate on calling upon us if you need anything!"

Lou, "Guys that is so sweet. And thank you! But you have a tough road ahead of you as well. And I don't want to pull you away from your preparation."

Quinn, "Lou, we will make that happen no matter how much time we need to devote to getting you through this. Remember, family first! Right guys!"

Katie and Georgie, "Right, family first!"

After supper Georgie and Lou where cleaning up the leftovers when Georgie put her arms around Lou. "Mom, remember, if you feel like you need a second opinion, or you want to get second consult from the best cancer centers in North America. We can be there quickly. You know that what is ours, is yours. OK?"

Lou, "Thank you. Let's get through this tomorrow and see where we stand. Then we can evaluate other options."

Georgie, "Ok. Mom, I love you so much. We WILL get through this!"

Lou, "I know. I love you, too!"

Chapter 10: The Results

The next day Lou and Peter head to the doctor's office for the biopsy procedure. As they entered the facility the nurse greets them and brings them to the exam room that is prepared more like a surgical facility. She directs Lou to the changing area and has tells Peter that he needs to wait in the room outside during the procedure. Peter hugs Lou, "Honey, I will be just outside. I will be praying that all goes well. Dr. Pugh and the nurse will take real good care of you."

Lou, with tears in her eyes, "I am scared, Peter. Really scared!"

Peter, "Lou, pray honey, just pray. Pray through the procedure. Talk with God as it is being performed. He will get you through this!"

Lou, "I will!"

Peter leaves the room and goes to the waiting room down the hall. There he texted everyone to pray for Lou this morning as she is getting her procedure done.

Ty, Amy, and Lyndi are finishing up breakfast when the text comes in. All three get a notification and they look at each other. Ty says, "Why don't we pray right now for Lou to get through this. Ok?"

Amy, "That is a great idea!"

Ty begins the prayer and hands it off to Lyndi, who then gives it to Amy to conclude. Once they were done they looked at each other and smiled.

Ty, "Well, that is all we can do for now. Let's count on God to do the rest!"

Lyndi, "Amen!"

Georgie and Katies were tacking up the horses for practice when the text came over. They too decided to say a prayer for their mom before they started their repetitions. Georgie looked at Katie, "Mom is a very strong person. Now that she has allowed God to control these life events, I am confident that she will get through this."

Katie, "I just have never remembered mom being sick. She has been such a strong person through thick and thin! I hope that her biopsy will be negative and this is just a way to get her to get good with God!"

Georgie, "That would be awesome. We will have to wait and see!"

In the waiting room Peter is sitting with his had bowed praying that God would resolve her issue with cancer and make this biopsy negative when Tim comes into the room. Peter looks up and says, "Tim, you didn't have to come here."

Tim, "Peter, I wanted to be here for you, and Lou. I know how difficult it is to go through this and I just thought this morning that you might need some support. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Peter, "No, just pray. I have been putting a lot of time in talking with God and asking why. Lou has always been the strong one in the family. Why now! We are just getting to the best part of our lives together."

Tim, "You know the one thing I have learned by going through this is that you are not in control. That is why you must lean on God. Your will is not done, it is His!"

Peter, "I know, but it is so hard to just wait!"

Tim, "Patience, huh, the hardest of all the qualities to master. At one point, I wanted to just end it all, but that is when I got closest to God!"

Peter, "I didn't know that."

Tim, "No one does. I kept this to myself! Even finding faith. During my cancer scare, I found faith which led to peace, then patience. I realized the important things in life where my family and my faith. That is the big change that took place during that time."

Peter, "I never knew. That is awesome."

Tim, "So let's get Lou through this. Whatever the results".

The procedure was over and the nurse brought Lou out to the waiting room. Lou was greeted with hugs by Tim and Peter. Then the nurse said, "Guys, we should have the results by tomorrow. We will call you when they come in."

Lou, "Great, another waiting day!"

Peter, "Honey, let's go do something to take our minds of things. How about you, me and Peter go for a ride out to Marion's lookout and spend the day. It is early and I think that would be good for us to go there."

Tim, "I think that is a great idea! Lou?"

Lou, Still feeling a bit druggy from the biopsy, "Guys, as much as I would like that, I really just want to go home and lay down for a while. That procedure zapped my energy pretty bad!"

Peter, "Ok, some other time then. Let's go home."

Tim, "Sure, honey. You go home and get some rest. I will see you tomorrow."

Peter, "Tim, thanks for coming, and sharing. It helped a lot!"

Peter, Lou and Tim leave the doctor's office and head home. In the car Lou looks at Peter and asks, "What was dad talking about back there? What advice did he give you?"

Peter, "Lou, I will let him tell you some day. Your dad has a very clear perspective of what you are going through and it probably would be good advice for you to talk with him."

As they arrive at the house, Amy, Katie, and Georgie are waiting on the porch to greet them. Lou, "Guys, you didn't have to come here today. We won't know anything until tomorrow when they get the results."

Amy, "Lou, we came here to be with you. Anything you need, even if it is just to talk, we are here for you!"

Lou, "Thank you so much, but what I really need is to lie down and get some rest. That procedure took the wind out of me!"

Georgie, "So let's get you to bed!"

Katie, "Can I get you some tea? That is real calming!"

Lou, "Tea would be great!"

Katie goes to the kitchen to prepare some tea while Amy and Georgie get the bed all fixed up for Lou. Amy looks at Lou and says, "Lou, everything is going to be alright. We have been praying all morning for God to get us through this and I know he has heard our prayer!"

Lou, "Thank you guys! Now let me get some rest and you guys get back to what you normally do. I will be fine. Remember, I have been praying to and for some reason I have a great peace about this."

Katie, brings in the tea, "Here mom, it is there for you when you are ready. Let us know if we can help you do anything, ok?"

Lou, "OK! Now scram!"

As Lou was laying there, she could help but think about what Peter said about her dad. She just had to know, so she picked up the phone and called him. "Dad, Peter and I were talking on the way home and he suggested that I needed to call you. He said you gave him some real good advice concerning this cancer thing."

Tim, "You mind if I come over and we can chat for a minute?"

Lou, "Sure, come on!"

It took Tim about 30 minutes to get to Fairfield. He walked in the house and was greeted by Lou who was up and walking around.

Lou, "Dad, I made us some tea. Want some?"

Tim, "No, I have had enough caffeine for the day."

Lou, "Let's go sit on the porch. It is such an beautiful day, ok?

Tim, "Great."

They both head outside and sit facing Fairfield's stable view. Tim says, "Lou. You and Peter have done some great things here. You should be very proud that you have expanded the legacy that Lisa left the family."

Lou, "It wasn't just us, Amy, Quinn, Katie, Ty; They all have utilized the stable for their work and we have benefited from their efforts as well. I bet Amy and Ty have over 30 horses here from all over. And Lyndi, she is just like her mother, working with the horses. Healing them. Training them! It has been a team effort. But enough about Fairfield what did you tell Peter today that inspired him so.!

Tim, "Lou, I have never told anyone this but when I went through my cancer scare, I got really messed up. I couldn't face the day. I thought there was nothing I could do to help resolve this, this cancer issue, it had gotten so bad that I was looking to end my life. Really, the only thing that I could hold on too was you and Amy. I didn't want you guys to have to face the fact that your father took his life! That is when I found God! I started praying, and praying, and praying, and this peace came over me and gave me the strength to be patient. That He was in control. During that time, He showed me what was important in life, and that all my issues of being in control were self-defined. He showed me that if I would just let go and let God, that He would take my hand and walk me through the valley I was facing. If you remember, I sold the things that I felt where not important to me anymore. I think I might have gone a bit overboard, however, it showed me that life was not made up of material things, and that I was really worshiping those things instead of Him."

Lou, "Dad! I never…"

Tim, " There is more. If you remember it took a long time for them to make a decision about my diagnosis, almost 5 months. Until I found God, each day tormented me like you wouldn't believe. Or maybe you would! Once I turned everything over to Him, a peace came over me that today I can only say was the Holy Spirit, and I realized that patience was the only medicine for me at the time. Then, you know the rest. The mass was gone! Some say it was a bad diagnosis. I say it was God giving me another shot at life with him at the wheel!"

Lou, was now in tears. Listening to every word. Understanding what he was saying! "Dad, you know I haven't been very spiritual up until now! But, learning how to pray. Knowing that others, family, was praying for me. Praying specifically for God to "take the wheel". I fully understand what you mean. I have this peace about all of this. And, I am willing to accept whatever lies ahead. Sure, I would love to have a negative biopsy, but if not, then I am ready and willing to face the future with God by my side!"

Tim, "You will not be disappointed. Rest assure that God is real and he loves you just like your family!

Lou, "Thank you for sharing, Dad! I love you so much!"

Tim reaches over and gives Lou a long embrace.

It was a long night for Lou who was anxious about finding the results. She was up and down all night when Peter notice and said "Lou, come here. Lay next to me and let's just pray for a few minutes. Let me hold you while we pray." Lou gets into bed and Peter wraps his arms around her and begins to pray for peace and patience. As he was praying, he was stroking Lou's head and she fell sound asleep. He kept holding her tight for a few more minutes, then he let go and Lou was fast asleep.

The next morning, Peter woke up and let Lou, who was sound asleep, stay in bed. As he prepared for the morning business, which he was doing from home, Lou came into the kitchen and said, "I guess we should hear from them pretty soon. Man, did I sleep. And what wonderful dreams I was having!"

Peter, "Do you remember me praying you to sleep?"

Lou comes over to Peter and kisses him on the cheek, "Yes I do!"

Peter, "I didn't want to wake you this morning because you looked at peace."

Lou, "Thank you for that! I really needed the rest. This morning I said a prayer and I am ready for whatever the day has for me!"

Peter, "Great, then you can answer a few of these emails that I can't."

Lou sits at the computer and fires off some answers. "There, done!"

About mid-morning the call came in that everyone was waiting for. It was Dr. Pugh, himself. "Lou, how are you? I know the anticipation must be great, so I wanted to call you myself. I will get right to the point. I have only seen this several times in my career, but it appears that the markers we use to measure cancer, and other disease, have reversed and from the looks of it they are back to normal. Also, the biopsy that we took came back negative. However, there is still a small tumor on your uterus that we would like to remove and we would like to schedule that in the next few weeks. Again, I rarely see this turnaround, so maybe all that prayer you guys conjured up made the difference!"

Lou, "What! Do you mean I DON'T have cancer?"

Dr. Pugh, "Correct! You don't have cancer. But you do have a tumor that we need to get out of there!"

Lou, "Dr. I don't have words that express my joy! You are a miracle worker!"

Dr. Pugh, "I don't think that was me performing a miracle. It is God. Your prayers were answered!"

Lou, "You know doctor, my niece says that God gives us talents to use and perform miracles on his behalf. Sure, he might have some influence on the outcome, but he has blessed you with your talent so that you can be a vessel for his miracle acts."

Dr. Pugh, "Well, I have never heard it put that way, but if you say so. I will have the nurse call and schedule the procedure so we can get that tumor out of you, ok!

Lou, "Ok, again thank you so much!"

Lou hung up the phone and began dancing around and yelling, "I don't have cancer, I don't have cancer!" Everyone in the house came running into the living room hugging her and jumping up and down. Peter came into the room and Lou practically knocked him over when she jumped up on him. She began hugging and kissing him and telling him how glad she was that he was her husband. Katie started texting everyone letting them in on the good news.

Tim and Shane were working in the field when the text came in that Lou was cancer free. Tim looked at Shane and said, "Boy, I remember when I was told that I didn't have cancer. I had to pull over to the side of the road because I was so week from excitement and from the stress of waiting on the unknown. Lou is probably overjoyed!"

Shane, "We need to go over there when we are done. I think she would like to see the family."

Tim, "Your right! Call your beautiful wife and tell her that we will go over there and to join us."

Shane, "Right on!"

Georgie, Katie and Quinn were exercising the horses when the text came to all of them. "Guys, did you see this text! Mom doesn't have cancer! I guess all our prayers must have helped, huh!"

Georgie, "Wow, I bet she is relieved. I know she was dreading today, even though she found God's peace through prayer."

Quinn, "Do you think we should go over there?"

Katie, "Why yes! Let's put these guys up and head over now! I can't wait to see her!"

Jack was putting up the dishes when the text came through. He got so excited that he almost dropped the dishes over the floor. Running out of the house to the barn, "Ty, Amy, Lyndi, did you get the text. Lou doesn't have cancer! What an awesome day!"

Ty and Amy were in the office and Lyndi was out back with Tyson and TJ brushing their horses. "Amy came running out to Jack, "Grandpa, I just saw it! How awesome is that! God really delivered a miracle, didn't he?"

Ty and the kids came to the front of the barn, where Amy and Jack were hugging. Ty, "How awesome that she does not have to go through the pain and suffering of cancer."

Jack, "I know! All I could think about was how Lisa handled her cancer all the way up to the end!"

Amy, "Well, we won't have to go through that, will we!"

Lyndi, "Let's go be with her. I think she would like that!"

Ty, "Sounds like a good idea! I'll go get the "bus"."

They all pile into the SUV and head over to Fairfield.

Lou is completely overwhelmed at the news and is sitting on the couch when Quinn, Katie, and Georgie arrive. Katie comes busting into the house and grabs hold of Lou and hugs and kisses her. "Mom, I am so glad you don't have cancer. How awesome is that. What do you think?"

Lou, I think it was a miracle. Dr. Pugh said it hasn't happened often that the blood test were so off within a short period of time. It is as if God fixed my cancer. I still have a tumor, but they can take that our with a procedure sometimes next week. But yeah! No Cancer!"

Georgie, "Where you scared?"

Lou, "I was, but there was a peace about it. I was willing to accept whatever the doctor said and deal with it then. Really, I had a great night sleep and, well, it's great!"

Quinn, hugging Lou, "I know you are relieved, and I am so happy for you. And you too,Peter! I know that you have been with her every step of the way!"

Lou, "He was my rock!"

The Borden family arrived with Jack and Amy ran straight to Lou and gave her a huge hug. "It's over! No more fretting!"

Lou, "Well, I still have to have the tumor out, but that is a pretty easy procedure."

Amy, "I am so, so happy for you." And turning to Peter, "And for you too! Thank you so much for taking care of my sister."

Jack looks at Peter and grabs his hand, "Son, I know what you went through and I know it ain't easy. God bless you!"

Lyndi, puts out her arms and runs right into Lou, "God has more for you to do. I hope you know that! From here forward, you need to make every day count!"

Ty comes to Lou, gives her a big hug and says, "I am so happy for you. I was praying every day that we would get this outcome. And look, my prayers were answered!"

Amy, "I think all of our prayers helped!"

Ty, laughing "Well, maybe so, but I like to think my prayers are special. Kind of like the hotline!"

Lou, "Guys, thank you so much for coming. I am glad that we can all spend this joyous day thanking God for taking away this disease from me!"

About that time Tim and Shane come in. Tim goes to Lou and gives her a big long hug. As they were embraced, he said, "Lou, always remember from this point forward that when things get rough or you have to make a tough decision, God is there to see it through. Your faith should become exceedingly stronger after this event. I know that was the case for me! God bless you Samantha Louise."

Lou, "Dad, this introduced me to a power that I never knew was there. I saw it with the kids and Lyndi, but didn't understand it. Now, I see that with God, anything is possible if we believe. This could have turn out differently, and I might be facing a long road of treatment and pain, but God had mercy on me and I think now he wants me to champion His cause."

Tim, "I am so happy and proud of you. I love you so much!"

Lou, "I love you, too!"

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting and watching the kids as they played in the yard in the front of the house. By afternoon, most of the family had left leaving Katie, Peter, and Lou at home. Peter grabs them and says, "Guys, we need to take a minute and thank God for the wonderful blessing he has given us today. This could have been a lot different."

Lou asks if she could start the prayer and as so, they went around and offered up thanksgivings for the outcome of the day, then Peter closed with "God, we want to be your beacon of light here at Fairfield. Help us to turn all our decisions over to you so that we continue in your will. Amen! And everyone said "Amen!"

Back at Heartland Ty and Amy sat the kids down and Ty said, looking at TJ and Tyson, "Guys, remember on our trail ride I told you about God and how he has become an important part of our family? Well, today you saw our family rallied around your Auntie Lou as she faced medical issue that could have turned out to be real bad. But we all prayed for a good outcome to God, and he blessed us with that! Auntie Lou will be ok. She just needs a little surgery and all her problems will go away."

Tyson, "So you mean that God help Aunt Lou get well!"

Amy, "Yes, Tyson! Just like when we prayed and asked God to make sure you guys would be ok having been born a little early!"

Lyndi, laughing, "I think God made a mistake with these two! Not sure they are ok!"

TJ, punches Lyndi, "I am ok!"

Lyndi, "I was just kidding. You guys are awesome! And God is Awesome, too!"

Ty, "Well, you might be a bit young to understand this, but you can count on your family and God when things come along that are bigger than you! You can always talk to us about anything. And we, together, will take it to God, ok?"

Tyson and TJ, "OK!"

Amy, "So let's get you guys to bed! It has been a long day!"

That evening as Ty and Amy are lying in bed, Amy looks over at Ty and say, "Man, what a day! I remember our days like this like it was yesterday. Those events are what have not only strengthen our relationship with God, but our family as well! I love you so much! Maybe beyond the moon!"

Ty, falling asleep, "What?"

Amy, "I said I love you so much, maybe beyond the moon!"

Ty, smiling, "What?"

Amy punches Ty in the side. "Go to sleep!"