Chapter 12: The Plan Takes Shape

Amy and Lyndy entered the kitchen as Lou and Lisa turned to greet them. "So how was the fair?" Lisa asked.

"Oh, we had a really nice time! We rode some rides and had some of the crazy fair food, and Lyndy loved getting cotton candy, didn't you, Sweetheart?"

Lyndy smiled and nodded yes. "Oh, and we ran into Caleb, Cass and Carson and got to hang with them for just a bit. Lyndy, let's go wash up and see if we can help with dinner." Amy headed them to the bathroom as quickly as she could, feeling nervous but grateful to have made it past the first step of the evening and without Lyndy spilling the beans.

In the meantime, Jack came in and pulled Lisa into the next room to let her know that they needed to take care of Lyndy tonight and that he would explain later. "Oh?…okay….why the mystery?" Jack just kind of looked at her and waved his hand, "Later."

Amy emerged from cleaning up, and she got Lyndy started setting the table. She went to Lou and said, "Hey, Lou, are you by yourself tonight?"

"Yeah, Peter is still in Vancouver and won't be back until tomorrow afternoon, and Katie's on a sleep-over. Why?"

"Well, I was thinking that it's been a long time since we had a sisters' night all to ourselves. What would you think about us having a night at the Dude Ranch together? It's open this weekend, right?"

"It is. That sounds like fun! I'd like that. We can take some wine and snacks, and maybe do our nails…."

"Or at least you do your nails. I don't know how practical that is for me," Amy laughed.

"Ok, I'll do my nails," said Lou rolling her eyes. "Oh, but what about Lyndy?"

"Well, it was actually Grandpa's idea, and he and Lisa have already agreed to take care of her."

"Oh! Great!"

They all had a nice dinner together, and if anyone was paying attention, they would have seen Jack occasionally trying to hide a smile, and Jessica as well, but Tim was looking a little bewildered and anxious. Lyndy talked about the petting zoo but was careful not to say too much about the rides since they'd been with Mitch, and she was doing her best to keep Mama's and her secret, though she wasn't exactly sure why.

After dinner, Jack volunteered to do the dishes so the girls could get on their way. Amy went to help Lyndy get into her PJs and to tell her goodnight while Lou packed things for their evening. Lyndy had already brushed her teeth and used the bathroom, so she had a head-start. As Amy got her in bed, Lyndy asked her why they needed to keep Mitch a secret.

"Well, Honey, you may have been too young to remember, but Auntie Lou and Mitch used to like each other before she and Uncle Peter got back together, and Mama just needs to be the one to tell her that you and I like Mitch now. I want to be sure she's ok with it and that we don't hurt her feelings. Does that make sense?"

"Kind of. Mama, I really do like Mitch! I had a lot of fun today. I hope Auntie Lou is ok with us liking him. Do you think we'll see him again soon?"

"I surely hope so! Thank you for being such a big girl tonight in keeping our secret." Lyndy smiled looking really proud at her mama's praise. "Goodnight and sleep well, sweet girl," and Amy kissed her.

Lyndy put her arms around Amy's neck and whispered in her ear, "And Mama, I think Da-da would be ok with us liking Mitch, too." Amy hugged her tight as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I think he would, too, Lyndy," she said softly as her voice broke. They hugged each other once more as Amy turned out the light and shut the door. For a brief moment, Amy leaned against the door and exhaled a deep sigh. So many emotions had flooded through her because of Lyndy's words. She hadn't really intended to be the one to put her to bed, but it all flowed naturally after a very full day for a little girl. What a treasure Ty had given her in their daughter! Amy's heart was full!

Now for the hardest part of the evening…or would it be? Amy took a deep breath and headed to her room to get jammies and then to get toiletries for the evening.