Chapter 11: Prepping for "The Talk"
Amy and Lyndy got home as Lou and Lisa were getting dinner ready. Jack was in the barn doing chores. They both headed to the barn and caught Jack. Amy distracted Lyndy with brushing Harley and asked Jack if they could talk in the office for a minute.
"Grandpa, we had the most lovely day together, and now that Lyndy has been with us, I really need to let Lou know about us because I think it is getting pretty serious, and I don't want her to hear it from anyone else. Do you think you and Lisa could watch Lyndy after dinner and get her to bed for me? You can go ahead and let Lisa know about us. Oh, and do you know if Lou has anything planned tonight? I'm hoping not since Peter's still in Vancouver. And didn't I hear yesterday that Katie is staying overnight with a friend?" Amy's head was spinning with all the thoughts she'd had on the drive home as she rattled off her questions to Jack.
"Honey, I think it's wonderful about you and Mitch! And I'm sure Lisa and I can do that, or if Lisa has plans, I can. I haven't heard that Lou's got anything planned, and…what else did you ask me? Oh, yeah, you're right, Katie is not here. I'm wondering though, do you think just talking at the house would be best, or maybe you could suggest that you and Lou have a sisters' night at the Dude Ranch? I don't think anyone is there this weekend."
"Grandpa, that's a great idea! We wouldn't be interrupted that way, and depending on how Lou takes it, it would give us time to work through any issues, if there are any."
"Then that settles it. Why don't you go let Lyndy know that we'll have her tonight before you head in the house, and then approach Lou about staying at the Dude Ranch? I'll finish up chores and be in shortly."
"Thanks, Grandpa. Oh! And Grandpa, are Dad and Jessica up in the loft? I'm thinking if there's a way to let them know now, Dad wouldn't be the last to know again. I think I owe that to him."
"Sure, Honey, they are up there, and I think that's a good idea. At least we won't have to hear him gripe about being the last to know for months." They both chuckled. "I'll hang with Lyndy till you come back down."
Amy started upstairs and knocked on the stair wall. She remembered how nice it was to have someone make their presence known before just barging on up. Jessica shouted, "Come on up." They were both a little surprised to see Amy. "Dad, Jessica, may I talk with you for just a minute?"
"Of course," Tim replied. "What is it, Sweetheart?"
"Maybe we could sit down?"
Tim and Jessica both looked at each other with a little bit of apprehension as they moved to the couch, and Amy pulled up a chair. She took a deep breath before beginning and chose her words carefully in revealing her secret and relaying how it had come about, knowing that Tim had not been too fond of Mitch with Lou toward the end. Tim looked in shock at first, started to say something snarky, but fortunately caught himself, and Jessica sweetly said, "Amy, that's wonderful! I always liked Mitch and thought it was sad when he and Lou broke up; but I can totally see you two together!"
Amy waited, a little concerned as Tim sat quietly thinking for a moment, then finally said, "Honey, I'm happy for you, and I have more questions for later, but are you sure about this? This may be really awkward with your sister!" Tim said, yet was inwardly thinking, 'So what is Mitch up to? It'd be just like him to be making the moves on Amy just to get his foot back in the door of Heartland Beef since he couldn't win Lou. I'll have to warn Jack.'
"I know that, Dad. That's why I need to tell her alone tonight, so PLEASE don't say anything before I can talk to her. And just keep your fingers crossed for us, that we can get through this without any hurt feelings."
"We will do that. And mum is the word at dinner," Tim said as he made the sign to 'zip' his mouth.
"Dad, seriously, I need you not to slip up and say something!"
"I promise."
As Amy left, Tim sat motionless, still confounded. He began expressing to Jessica that he was glad to see Amy had her heart open again, but Mitch?! And he was worried about Lou. Jessica tried to assure him that Amy was a grown woman who could make her own decisions and was sure that with all she had been through, this was not something she had taken lightly. She also mentioned that Lou and Peter seemed to be doing really well, so there was likely nothing to worry about. Tim heard what Jessica said but was still worried. It was going to be hard not to say anything tonight at dinner.
Amy rounded the corner of the stair and said, "Lyndy, how would you like to stay with GG and Lisa tonight? Would that be fun?"
"Sure!"
"And Lyndy, do you think you can keep our day with Mitch a secret between just you and Mama until tomorrow?"
Lyndy looked at her a little puzzled, but nodded her head and said, "If you want me to, I can."
"Good girl! Let's go wash up for dinner and see if we can help Auntie Lou and Lisa. Maybe we can set the table for them."
A/N: I just wanted to say to those who are reviewing as a "Guest" - Thank you so much for your reviews! Just know that I'm unable to respond to you on FanFiction if you don't have an account. I'm grateful you are enjoying my story!