Chapter 9: Do You Remember?
Friday evening as Lyndy was getting ready for bed, Amy asked her if she'd like to go to a fair tomorrow with an old friend of theirs.
"Who is it, Mama?"
"Well, he's someone that used to work at Heartland."
"That sounds really fun, Mama!"
After Amy got Lyndy to bed, she made some muffins to take for breakfast the next day so they could get an early start. Amy felt a little anxious but excited at the same time to see if Lyndy remembered Mitch. She was just hoping she'd be able to get some sleep tonight. It was one of those nights where excitement might win out over tiredness.
At Mitch's place, he was really looking forward to tomorrow. He recalled the time he and Peter had been looking for Lyndy's Lammie to try to get her to stop crying. Even though she'd been upset, holding her had felt so good and natural to him. And then Mitch thought about the night on the pond and playing with Lyndy on the ice. She was so sweet. Would she remember him? She had only been about four at the time. But whatever her reaction, Mitch already loved her and hoped she would take to him. He laid his head on his pillow daring to dream of a life as Amy's husband and Lyndy's father. And the fact that Amy was open to another child, maybe more…did he dare to hope that this was not just a dream? As trite as the cliché seemed, he really hoped that "third time is the charm." He wasn't sure he could bear another heartbreak. And he certainly didn't want Amy to after all she had been through. He drifted off remembering their first kiss and anticipating just being together again tomorrow.
Saturday morning finally arrived as an absolutely gorgeous day! Amy awoke excited and quickly got dressed having planned the night before what she would wear and started packing the muffins and some hearty snacks to take with them along with plenty of water. Amy looked up as Lyndy came into the kitchen rubbing sleepy eyes.
"Good morning, Sweetheart!" Amy greeted as she bent down to hug her. "Did you sleep well? I laid out some clothes last night for you to wear to the fair, so why don't you run get them on while I finish getting some snacks packed?"
Lyndy headed to her bedroom awakening enough to remember the plan for the day. She started to get excited, too!
Jack came into the kitchen to get coffee. So far, they were the only ones up. Amy told him her plan for the day. Jack was pleased and promised to keep mum about Mitch. He said he'd cover for her with the rest of the family. She gave him a big hug and went to get Lyndy so they could get off before anyone else got up.
Amy and Lyndy sang songs together on their way to Saddle Road Ranch. As Amy turned into the ranch, she started to feel butterflies in her stomach. So many firsts were ahead today!
Mitch heard them drive up, and his anxiousness only increased with the anticipation of seeing Amy again but especially seeing a little more grown-up Lyndy. He walked out the front door to welcome them. Amy told Lyndy she could unbuckle, and she went around to help her out of the truck as she flashed Mitch a big smile and a small wave. He walked toward them, and as Lyndy came around the truck, she saw Mitch. She stopped in her tracks for a moment, took him in, and then exclaimed, "Mitch! Mama, I remember him! He helped me ice-skate on the pond!" Mitch came closer, gave Amy a quick hug and came down on Lyndy's level as she fell into his arms for a hug. Mitch's beautiful blue eyes deepened and began to glisten with tears, as did Amy's, and they gave each other a look of relief and joy at her response that was beyond anything they'd imagined. Lyndy drew back a little and looked Mitch in the eye, then took his face in her little hands and said, "Mama didn't tell me we were going to see you. She just said you used to work at Heartland. I'm really glad it's you, Mitch!"
"Well, Lyndy, I'm so very glad to see you again! You are growing into quite the young lady!" At that, Lyndy hugged his neck again and said, "I'm seven and about to start 2nd grade."
"You are getting to be a big girl!" Mitch picked her up as he stood. "Would you like to come in and see the house, and then we can head to the fair?" Mitch guided them in and gave Lyndy the tour he'd given Amy the last time she was there.
"So shall we get on the road?"
"Well, I did bring some muffins with me. Would you like to have those before we head out? I can go get them out of the truck."
"That sounds great! I'll get some butter, and I still have some coffee on. Lyndy, would you like some hot chocolate? I think I have some mix we can make right quick."
"Mmmm, I'd like that! And with marshmallows?" she asked as she cocked her head questioningly.
"Oh, always with marshmallows!" Mitch replied, and Lyndy giggled!
They enjoyed a quick breakfast together, and Mitch and Amy quickly worked in concert to clean up the very few dishes, and the three of them headed out the door for their drive to Calgary.
A/N: This chapter is quite short, but I'll have the next one up soon so you can learn about their day together at the fair!