A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed! It's a little late, but it's still here! Enjoy! :)

Chapter Twenty

Ultimatum

Sunlight streamed in through the windows landing on the sleeping figure next to him, making her look angelic. Her hair was spread out on the pillow underneath her and her eyes fluttered softly as she dreamed. He smiled and gently reached over to run a finger down her cheek. She looked so peaceful and relaxed, something she hasn't been in a long time. His finger slid down her jaw to her neck, where his hand cupped her bare shoulder.

"That tickles," Her voice was as quiet as a whisper, but it still startled him a bit. He didn't think she was awake.

"I didn't want to wake you," he whispered as his hand started moving in circles on her shoulder.

"Too late for that," Amy said, opening her eyes. Her blue eyes stared at him, seeming even more blue and luminous than usual. He could feel himself getting lost in them, like an ocean of deep blue water and the tides were pulling him under.

Amy leaned in close to him until they were only inches apart. The kiss started out slow, but grew in passion. Ty gently pushed her down onto her back, so that he was on top of her, his hands on either side of her head on the pillow. Their passion was intensifying as Ty's hands slid underneath Amy's tank top, loving the feel of her smooth, soft skin against his. He made sure to stay in control, though, because he knew he'll have to leave soon. Amy must have sensed his hesitation because she was the first one to break the kiss.

"What's the matter?" Amy asked him, her fingers grazing the rough stubble on his chin.

"Just work," Ty whispered, trying to catch his breath from the heated kiss. "I should leave soon. I have appointments today, the first two are on-site."

"What time?" Amy asked, her finger tracing his jawline.

"The first one is at 9 o'clock," Ty answered, gulping hard to keep his mind clear, but it was hard when she was touching him like that. Even the slightest touch could send him over the edge. If he had any hope of going to work at all today, he had to end it now. Ty turned his head slightly to kiss the tips of her fingers and started to roll off of her.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Amy asked him, quickly grabbing his arm before he could get that far.

"Amy, I should really get ready," Ty said, turning to look at her.

"It's barely six, you have plenty of time," Amy replied, convincingly.

Ty looked over at the digital clock on the bedside table and chuckled, "It's ten minutes after six."

Amy just laughed and shook her head, pulling him back down on top of her. Their lips met in another kiss and Ty didn't have the energy to fight it, even if he wanted to. The kiss deepened, their lips parting to allow access to each other. Ty's hands pushed Amy's tank top up, his fingers leaving trails of heat across her skin. She moaned slightly as his lips moved from her mouth to the side of her neck. Ty worked his way down until he came to where her tank top began. That's when they both felt a thump on the bed.

Ty stopped his ministrations and looked at her, lifting up to his elbows. There was a small giggle and then another thump. They shared a secret look and Amy nodded slightly, pulling her tank top back down. Ty spun around and grabbed one of the unsuspecting toddlers, and Amy did the same with the other one. Both toddlers let out high-pitched laughter as their plan to surprise their parents was foiled.

Lily giggled uncontrollably as Ty tickled her all over, and every time she tried to roll away from him, he just pulled her back. Meanwhile, Amy stopped tickling Jackson to whisper something in his ear. Jackson grinned and nodded. In the next second, the little boy launched himself at Ty, his little arms wrapping around his daddy's neck. Ty grunted in surprise and fell sideways onto the bed. Lily squirmed away and jumped onto Ty as well. Amy laughed quietly from where she sat at the other end of the bed, that is, until Ty caught sight of her and the game turned on her.

Ten minutes later, play time was starting die down when the twins started complaining that they were hungry. Bringing them downstairs, Amy and Ty sat the twins at the kitchen table for breakfast. They each dug into their bowl of Lucky Charms when Ty set it in front of them as if they hadn't eaten in days.

"So, what do you have planned for today?" Ty asked Amy, turning to face her.

"Cassidy is going to come over to work some more with Lana," Amy answered, after sliding two napkins in front of the two toddlers. She straightened up and looked at Ty. "They're both really coming along great and Cassidy has gained so much more confidence."

"That's good," Ty said. "What time is Jessica coming?"

"Jessie comin?!" Lily squealed. She held her My Little Pony spoon out to the side and she had a spot of milk on her chin.

"Yes, she is, but a little later. Finish your cereal," Amy told her, walking over to her and pushing her spoon back into her cereal. She wiped the milk off Lily's chin with a napkin and turned back to Ty. "I told her, she can get here when she can that there is no rush."

"Are you sure you're going to be okay here alone?" Ty asked, his concern showing on his face. "I can reschedule some of my appointments."

"Ty, no, I'm fine, really I am," Amy convinced him. "If anything, this whole thing with Rebecca and the kidnapping as put things in perspective for me. Our time with them is precious, they won't be this little for too long. They're my life now, and everything else will have to fit around them."

"You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that," Ty said earnestly, coming over to her and sliding his hands around her waist. "I love you so much, and I only ever want you to be happy."

"I love you, too," Amy replied. They sealed the deal with a sweet, tender kiss. It was slow and deliberate, a promise of forever.

~OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~

Later that day, Amy stood in the round pen with Cassidy and her mare, Lana. The bay mare stood quietly, softly licking and chewing the snaffle bit in her mouth. Her glossy coat shone from a recent brushing and a long braid dangled from her mane. Cassidy had confessed that she loved the quiet art of braiding, but her daughter had always complained that she didn't know how to do proper show braids. So, they had spent a half hour in the barn just doting on the mare. Now, they were outside because Amy had proposed an idea.

"I have never ridden bareback," Cassidy confessed, rubbing her hands together. She rocked on her heels and fidgeted with her lightweight jacket. "Giana always tells me that it's the best feeling in the world, but I always thought it was death wish."

"Well, bareback can be quite intimidating," Amy nodded, agreeingly. "But it is also an amazing experience, especially when you have a bond like you do with Lana. If you don't feel comfortable, though, you don't have to do it. I've got plenty of other things we can try."

There was a moment of silence and then, Cassidy took a deep breath and stepped up next to Lana. "Let's do this," she said, though her voice still quivered a bit.

Amy gave the older woman a leg up, and it took a minute for Cassidy to find her seat on the mare's back. The whole time, Lana stood quietly only shifting her weight once. Amy stood by the mare's head, not because she thought Lana would spook, but for the woman's sake. So, that she didn't have to worry about controlling the mare and just focus on sitting on the horse and breathing. Though, Lana looked as if she was in no hurry to go anywhere.

"That wasn't so bad!" Cassidy laughed once she had settled in.

Amy smiled, "You ready for a walk then?"

Cassidy nodded and picked up the reins in one hand. Lana started off hesitantly, taking small steps, but with some coaxing from her owner, the mare stepped lithely and confidently. Amy watched as the pair circled the round pen a few times, with each circuit, Cassidy became more relaxed and confident. When Amy suggested to try a trot, she saw the woman's face tighten, but a moment later, she squeezed her legs against the mare's side. Lana sprang forward into a trot, slightly unbalancing her rider.

Amy held her breath as Cassidy began to slip sideways, but there was no need. Cassidy easily righted herself, but it still took her a couple of strides to be able to sit and not bounce so much on the mare's back. Lana didn't seem to mind, though. The mare seemed to be enjoying herself just as much as her owner was. Her ears were pricked, her neck level and her tail swished back and forth. For them, there was no pressure of expensive horse shows or other horses, it was just the two of them, having fun, in this moment together. Watching them, Amy remembered one of the reasons she loved doing what she was doing; bringing horses and humans together, helping them to work in perfect harmony.

A loud car engine pulled Amy's attention away from the pair and she saw a yellow Lamborghini drive past Ty's vet office and stop in front of the barn. Amy felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach when she saw Ahmed step elegantly out of his car. She already knew the reason he was here, but she hoped it was good news.

"Keep going, Cass!" Amy called to the woman. "When you're ready, you can cool her out and take her back to the barn." After Cassidy nodded, Amy hurried out of the round pen to meet Ahmed.

Sliding his sunglasses off, Ahmed greeted her warmly, "Hello, Amy."

"Hey, I assume you're here about Autumn," Amy said, getting straight to the point.

Ahmed nodded. "I see the pleasantries are over," he replied, with a grin. He cleared his throat and continued, "You are correct, I am here about my horse. I've come to make you an offer."

"What kind of offer?" Amy asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"I will consider selling Autumn if you come work for me full-time," Ahmed said, clasping his hands in front of him.

Amy gaped, caught completely off-guard. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Ahmed was actually using her love for horses to get something he wants. He knew that she wouldn't be able to take the chance on Autumn's future. He was right. Her hands dropped to her sides as she tried to think of something to say.

"Ahmed,...I already work for you," was all she could stammer out at the moment.

"Part-time," Ahmed corrected her. "But I would like you to work as a full-time trainer at my stable. You are excellent with the horses, I made the mistake of letting you go before and I won't do that again."

"Ahmed, I—I don't know what to say," Amy said.

"Please, tell me you'll at least think about it," Ahmed replied. He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek and turned to walk back to his car. Amy watched him get in and back out of the ranch, the whole time trying to sort through the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind.

~OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~

"He'll only consider selling Autumn if you go back to working for him full-time?" Ty asked, just to be certain, after Amy had finished telling him about Ahmed's impromptu visit, that night at dinner. "So, there's still a chance that he won't sell." He spooned some more mashed potatoes onto his plate and then took a sip of his iced tea.

"Exactly," Amy said, putting her fork down on her plate. She didn't really have an appetite, her entire body was wound tight from Ahmed's ultimatum. "I was completely surprised. I couldn't really say anything, but he's expecting an answer soon."

"What are you going to do?" Ty asked her gently, reaching across the table to take her hand.

"I don't know, Ty," Amy said, exasperated. "Business is just starting to pick up here. We have a new boarder coming tomorrow and a potential client at the end of the week. But I keep thinking about Autumn, and how she'll do so much better at a different stable. Ty, I'm afraid if Ahmed keeps her in training, there's going to be nothing left of her in a few years."

"Well, I definitely don't agree with the way Ahmed is handling this, but I'll support you no matter what you decide," Ty told her, earnestly.

"Thank you," Amy sighed. She looked at him, wishing that he could take all this pressure away from her, and knowing that he would if he could, but only she could make this decision.

"Who wants ice cream for dessert?" Ty asked to change the subject. Both twins raised their hands eagerly. "Lily, how come you didn't eat your meat? Jack ate his." Lily didn't answer, she just started to push her plate toward her brother.

"No, no, you eat that," Ty told his daughter, sliding her plate back in front of her.

Lily pouted, "Mommy, no eat."

Both Amy and Ty shared a look. "Of course, I am. See," Amy quickly said, picking up her fork again and putting a big forkful of meat in her mouth. Lily just stared at her, blankly. "C'mon, eat a few more pieces." Amy tapped her daughter's pink unicorn plate.

"All done!" Jackson cheered, holding up his empty Go, Diego, Go plate.

"Good job, Jack," Ty praised him. Lily watched her brother getting all the praise with a longing look. Then, she quickly stuffed a piece of meat into her mouth, chewing animatedly. Lily looked at her parents expectantly.

"Keep going, a few more pieces," Amy encouraged her daughter.

A few minutes later, Lily had finished most of her meal and Amy was washing her hands and face. Ty had already finished with Jackson and the two-year-old was scampering away to play with his toys. They were going to let the twins play for a little bit, then they would get in the bath and have their ice cream. As soon as Amy set Lily on her feet, the little girl tore after her brother, yelling something about not touching her ponies. Amy smiled after her and started to help Ty clear the table.

"Have you decided what you're going to do yet?" Ty asked when she entered the kitchen. He'd just finished scraping the last remnants of food off of Lily's plate and carried it to the dishwasher.

Amy nodded, "Yeah, but I keep trying to talk myself out of it."

"Then, are you sure you're making the right decision for you?" Ty asked again, coming over to her and taking the two plates that she was carrying from her. He glanced back at her as she placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

Amy nodded. "Of course, I am," she said, confidently. "I'm not going to let Ahmed bully me into something."

"Ok, then how about you go give him a call," Ty suggested, walking back over to her. "Get it over with."

"But what about...?" Amy asked, gesturing toward the twins in the other room and the kitchen that still needed to be cleaned.

"I can take care of it," Ty assured her, though Amy still felt guilty about leaving him with all the work to do. He kissed her temple as Amy squeezed his hand gratefully.

"Ok, I won't be long," Amy said.

She walked out into the living room, where the twins were playing with their toys. They both looked up at her briefly when she entered, but quickly went back to their play. Amy put on her coat and pulled her phone out of her pocket. Making a quick decision, she slipped out the front door, so the twins wouldn't interrupt.

The phone rang a few times before Ahmed actually picked up. "Hello?" came his smooth accent.

"Hi, Ahmed, it's Amy," Amy said.

"Of course, I know it's you," Ahmed replied, with a laugh. "I am surprised, but pleased to hear from you. I take it, you've made decision.

"Yes, I have," Amy took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Ahmed, but I can't work for you anymore. My place is here at Miracle Ranch. I still wish you'd still consider selling Autumn, though."

Ahmed was quiet on the other line for a long moment, before he finally spoke again. "I am sorry to hear that," he said regretfully. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

Amy walked across the porch to the window that looked into the dining room. She looked in and saw Ty wiping the table clean with a dish rag. A second later, Jackson came into the room, rubbing his eyes, it looked like he'd been crying. He tugged on Ty's pant leg and Ty knelt down in front of him. Almost as soon as he did, Lily came running into the room with tears running down her face. It didn't take Ty too long to calm the toddlers down. They hugged each other and then hugged Ty at the same time, knocking him down onto his back. They all laughed, the twins climbing up on top of him.

"I'm sure," Amy said into the phone, smiling at her family.

A/N: Another happy, enjoyable chapter, I hoped everybody liked it. :) Please review, I want to know what you think of it. Reviews also make me update faster. :)