/.Chapter Two.\\

Amy paused for a few moments as she poured two cups of coffee, looking out the sun-filled window at the yard, it was mid-morning, the November sunshine illuminating the last bits of grass until next Spring. The two barns were calm and peaceful looking, and beyond them she could see the horses in thier pastures. After all these years, Heartland was still serving the same purpose, helping horses. Amy had finished the morning feeds, awaiting her sister, Lou's, arrival. She hadn't seen Lou in a while, and it would be nice to catch up on things.

After she finished preparing the coffee, she walked over to the table and set the two mugs down, sitting down. Across from her was Lou, looking over a couple of papers that Amy had put on the table; the waiting list for Heartland. Lou studied the papers with interest, her cornflower blue eyes determined, her blonde hair was longer now, falling a bit past her shoulders. Next to Lou sat a four year old girl with the same blonde hair, pulled back in a pony tail, and bright green eyes. She was wearing pink over-alls, and in her hands was a doll and a small comb, with which she was brushing the doll's hair.

Amy looked her neice, Emily, and smiled a little, Emily was already beginning to develop a love for horses, by the way Emily kept glancing at the door, Amy could tell that she wanted to go outside.

Finally, Lou looked up from the papers, thanking Amy for the coffee as she took a sip,"So, who are you going to take in?"

Amy paused for a moment, thinking, then replied,"Well, Ty and I are thinking of taking in Tex and Splash. Splash has been on the waiting list for a couple of weeks now, and Tex really seems like he needs some help."

Splash was a Pony Of The Americas, apparently he was a popular show pony for students at local barn, but lately he'd been refusing to load into the trailer, throwing a fit when he even came close to the ramp. Tex was a Quarter Horse, the owner, Ross Kennel, had recently bought the gentle gelding, only to find out that he wouldn't even stand still to be groomed without lashing out and biting, it had gotten to a point where none of the stable hands would enter his stall. Amy knew that Tex and Splash's problems would be challenging, but with patience and attention, they would be able to help the horses.

"It seems like you and Ty have everything figured out,"Lou smiled at her sister.

Amy smiled back but shrugged her shoulders slightly,"It's alright, but it's not like having you around. It's really great to see you, Lou."

"I'm sorry I couldn't visit sooner, the office has been really hectic lately, but it shouldn't be an excuse."Lou said, putting an arm around Emily.

"Don't worry about it," Amy reassured her, she knew how rough it must have been for Lou lately, trying to keep up with work, take care of Emily, and be a part of Heartland all at the same time.

Amy and Lou looked towards the door as it opened and Ty walked in, a broad smile on his handsome features. Emily jumped up from her seat happily, she ran over to Ty and hugged him.

"Hey Emily!"Ty said, smiling as he ruffled her hair a little. Emily then went back and sat at the table while Ty got himself a cup of coffee, and sat down next to Amy, kissing her cheek.

"Jeez, someone's in a good mood."Lou commented, joking a little.

"Byron is doing an amazing job with Tiara, I think she's nearly ready to go home,"Ty replied, flashing a hopeful smile at Amy.

Tiara had arrived at Heartland a few weeks ago, scared of barns, the last stable she ahd been at had collapsed in a storm, and she had barely made it out alive. Now she was still refusing to go inside barns, but she now trusted people more. Byron was one of Heartland's newest stable hands since Joni had left, he had been hired last year, already having a fair share of experience with horses, he treated them with gentleness and was always quiet around them, and was already learning about the remedies that Heartland used.

Amy smiled back,"That's great news,"She bubbled, her happiness was short lived, however,"I'm going to miss Tiara though, she's such a sweet mare."

Ty nodded, squeezing amy's hand gently,"Byron is too, but that's the business, I suppose."

Amy nodded, her gaze returning to Lou, that was Heartland's purpose, to help horses and then send them back to thier owners. Sometimes it was hard to say good-bye, but it helped knowing that they had done the right thing.

Ty glanced over the papers that Lou had been looking at,"Ah, new arrivals,"He smiled a little,"We can call Tex and Slash's owners tonight, I already disinfected two stalls for them."

"Thanks, Ty,"Amy murmured.

"So, what's this I hear about a new girl coming to Heartland?"Lou asked with interest, moving Emily onto her lap.

Ty answered her question,"Jess, Joni's daughter, is coming here Wensday."

Amy added on," Apparently she was in a motocross race with her brother a year ago, and they both got into an accident, her brother, Cody, died, and Jess had to get knee surgery."

Lou gasped slightly, her eyes wide,"That's so sad, poor Jess, and poor Joni! I couldn't imagine losing a child, but I know how Jess must feel."

Amy nodded gravely," Jess hasn't been able to get over it, that's what Joni told me on the phone, her grades have been slipping in school, it seems like things have taken a real turn for the worst. Her Dad won't talk to her, and she won't talk to Joni, so it seems like no one can get through to her. Joni told me about how Jess used to ride horses before she started dirt-biking, so maybe the horses will help."

"Hopefully it will,"Lou nodded,"That's really nice what you're doing for Joni."

Ty smiled,"Joni was a part of Heartland, we can only help her out in thanks of how she's helped out with the stables."

Amy smiled in agreement, she really missed Joni, but maybe when she was out of Outpatient she would come for a visit.

"The extra help would be nice too,"Lou smiled a little, changing the subject,"So you two can start making plans.."

Lou's gaze had gone from Ty and Amy, to the gold engagement ring on Amy's finger. Ty had proposed to Amy last month, when they had been on a trail ride, and now they planned to get married in the summer. But with the day-to-day work of Heartland, they hadn't had much time to talk about the wedding.

Amy and Ty exchanged a knowing glance, and Amy blushed a little, her heart filled with joy. She really loved Ty, and wouldn't have spent the rest of her life with anyone else, they ahd been through so much together, and no matter what, Ty had always been right by her side.

"Can we go out and see the horses?"Emily asked quietly, her voice breaking the momentary silence, her green eyes were watching Amy and Ty.

Amy smiled again and stood up,"Of course,"She offered Emily her hand, which the young girl took, and then the four of them walked out of the warm, cozy house and out into the cool sunshine.

They walked over to the first paddock, watching as a Clydesdale, a chesnut mare and a black pony trotted up to the fence, wanting treats and attention. Emily stroked the black pony's muzzle happily, but was trying to keep her excitement at bay so she wouldn't scare him away. The pony,Blackie, nuzzled the girl's pockets.

Amy stroked the Clydesdale, AJ's, face quietly, glancing at the training arena. She could just see a teenager with slightly long black hair standing in the center of the arena, wearing faded jeans and a jacket, unbuckling the halter on a bright bay mare. It was Byron and Tiara, and by the looks of it, they were doing join-up.

Lou had followed Amy's gaze, and then picked up Emily,"Let's go watch."

Ty nodded in agreement and the four of them walked over to the training arena, standing near the fence.

Bryon stood silently, looking solemn, Amy thought, as Tiara trotted away from him, happy with the freedom. The mare then paused and looked back at Byron, shaking her flowing black mane a little. Byron clicked his tongue though and drove her on with the lunge line. Tiara gave an excited snort, then quickly moved away, picking up a canter as Bryon continued to drive her away, keeping her along the fence.

Amy smiled a little as the mare cantered past them, her neck arched and her strides flowing, showing her Dressage confirmation. She had watched join-up several times, but Amy always felt a pang of emotion afterwards, seeing the bond between horse and rider unite. Tiara cantered a few times around the arena, but then Byron stepped towards her quickly, to make her change direction.

Tiara responded to the action, turning on her haunches and cantering in the opposite direction, one of her ears pointed towards Byron, then her quick pace began to slow, and she lowered her head, her lips and jaw moving slightly. Byron immediately noticed this, and turned so his shoulders pointed towards her, and he dropped his gaze, looking at the ground.

Tiara soon slowed and stopped, her ears perked, watching Byron intently, seeing that he had stopped. She tossed ehr head slightly and whickered, then walked over to Byron, swishing her tail. Then she stood behind him, lipping his hair playfully.

Amy watched as a smile grew on Bryon's features, and he turned, stroking Tiara's face, then turned and walked away, Tiara followed him closely.

After a few minutes, Byron had clipped the halter back on Tiara and lead her over to the little audience that had gathered. Emily clapped her hands happily, Amy shared her niece's enthusiasm. Tiara had come to Heartland nervous and timid, but in time she had become more confident and her playful personality showed, she had really come a long way.

At Emily's applause, Byron took a mock bow, beaming as he walked voer to the group and stopped.

"Good job Bryon," Ty told him, smiling.

"Thanks,"Byron replied, stroking Tiara's neck,"She's been doing great with the join-up lately, I think tomorrow I'll try leading her through the barn."

"Sounds like a plan."Lou said.

Indeed it does, Amy thought, happy with the progress Tiara had made. As she looked at the kind mare, she hoped that Jess would learn to love Heartland like her mother, and like she did. That's what everyone needed to face the past, hope and a new beginning.