Amy has been busy trying to figure out her Mat. leave. She wanted to have at least 3 weeks off after the baby was born. The problem was 3 weeks with Heartland not able to train horses in the early spring lost them $15,000.00. She was trying to not loose them money but gain it. Early spring was breeding season so she had talked to Lou about possibly offering to border pregnant mares at least while Amy is on Mat. leave. Lou told her she would consider it. She was busy with Mallory and Lisa planning Amy's baby shower. The only thing she had gotten out of Georgie was that they were holding it in the main house and it was going to have a lot of pink. She also knew that Lou invited Caleb, Scott and Tim to help Peter and Jack keep Ty busy. Until the shower though Amy and Ty were busy painting and putting furniture together. They were doing so that Saturday night. Ty had already painted the room a light beige and now he was putting together the crib while Amy read the instructions.
"Ok here is the back part. Wait no this one is the back."
Ty laughed and took the instructions. "What language is this?"
"I have no clue I was going off of the picture."
Eventually they got it put together. Ty also decided to tackle the changing table as well and as soon as that was done he crashed onto their bed. Amy leaned over and kissed his head.
"Maddie and I thank you."
He pulled her over to him, "You're both welcome."
"I can't believe she will be here in 8 weeks."
"I know. Think we're ready?"
"Well I kinda signed us up for a birthing class on Wednesday. It's 2 hours long and you learn everything you need to know about the delivery and dealing with a newborn."
Ty shot her a look, "I think it's a bad idea."
"Learning how to help me through the labor and how to take care of your daughter is a bad idea?"
"Well no but it is gonna be awkward. There are going to be other couples there. Married couples. We are going to be the two kids that got knocked up on accident."
"Oh it isn't like that." She rolled on top of him careful not to crush their daughter between them. He ran his hands up her hips.
"It is like that especially around here."
"Well screw anyone who talks about us like that. We are engaged and were engaged when we conceived her."
"Ya but..." He was cut off by Amy's lips. When she pulled away she nuzzled her head into his neck to make him laugh.
"We will go and we will stick together. Deal?"
"Deal, but I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Ok?"
"When do you want get married?"
"I don't know. I know we said June but um," she gestured to her stomach. "That was pre baby."
Ty laughed, "Well we can still get married in June. We'll just have our 3 month old baby there."
"Ok so June wedding?"
"June wedding."
He leaned up and kissed her and then ran his hands over her baby bump. He pulled her up slightly so his face was only inches above her stomach.
"What do you think Maddie? Do you want to be at mommy and daddy's wedding?"
Amy felt Maddie kick and placed Ty's hand where she was. "I think she says yes."
He laughed and kissed Amy's bump. "Well then I think we are all on the same page."
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Wednesday at 11am Amy was leading a very reluctant Ty into the community center. They filled out their name tags and sat down on the floor towards the door. When the instructor came out Amy was reminded of a perky Lou.
"Hello everyone. My name is Amanda and I will be your instructor for the day. Most of you are just weeks away from your due dates and the biggest life change ever. You will become responsible for a helpless, innocent person or tiny human."
Amy looked over and caught Ty rolling his eyes so she jabbed him in the ribs.
"Today we will learn basic Lamaze techniques, basic coaching skills, how to bond with you newborn, how to change a diaper, basic breastfeeding tips, and basic care skills. So lets get started with basic Lamaze skills. Mommy's are going to take a deep breath in through their nose and out through their mouth. After you release wait one second then repeat. if you breath too fast or too slow you could pass out."
Amy did what the instructor said and Ty rubbed his hand soothingly up her back. Amanda let them practice for a minute before speaking again.
"Very nice. Now no amount of breathing will help unless you have an excellent coach to remind you of them. A great coach is key to keeping a mother calm during labor. So dad's you need to not only remind mothers to breathe but also to stay calm. They will be in severe pain and keeping them calm and as relaxed as possible is key to a quick easy labor. So dads are going to learn the tennis ball massage."
Amanda passed around a bucket of tennis balls and each dad took one. Ty took one out of bucket and tried to disguise his laugh as a cough.
"Ok dads place the tennis ball on the small of your partner's back and apply gentle but firm pressure. Gently circle the ball around her back or to areas she indicates."
Amy had to admit Ty was awesome at this. She felt really relaxed but she knew labor would be another thing. When they were done with that, Amanda passed baby dolls around for each couple to take one. Amy grabbed one out of the bin and looked at it. It kinda creeped her out and she silently prayed that her baby would be cute. They learned how to hold a newborn and how to feed them. Amy laughed when it came to swaddling because Ty kept muttering " Don't drop the baby, don't drop the baby."
By the time the class was done Amy was confident they could handle a baby. Ty had been so gentle and he actually remembered quite a bit from Katie. She was shocked he actually took the class seriously. They would be fine.
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A week later it was the day of Amy's baby shower. She decided to wear a pink blouse and jeans. She figured she might as well be comfortable. She walked up to the main house and braced herself. She opened the door and her mouth fell open. There were pink and brown streamers everywhere, pink and brown balloons, a pink cake with a brown horse on top, and brown cowboy hat favor bags. It was over the top but it was perfect. She was shocked that she loved it so much. She actually started crying when Lou walked in.
"Oh Amy don't cry. If you don't like it we can change it."
"No, no I love it!"
"Really?"
"Yes it's perfect." She excepted the tissue Georgie brought her. As soon as she actually looked at Georgie she cried even more. She was in a pink sheath dress and kitten heels. "Oh, Georgie you look so beautiful."
"Yeah yeah don't push it."
Amy wanted to say more but then Ty walked in and noticed her crying.
"Amy are you ok?"
"Yes it's just perfect."
Ty smiled and looked around. "Ya it is pretty perfect."
Lou looked at him, "Shoo, this is for ladies only so get."
Ty kissed Amy and went out the door. For the next half hour Amy helped as much as she was allowed with the food and decorations. At 11am people started arriving. Amy almost screamed when she saw Soraya. She hasn't seen her in so long. Amy enjoyed the shower. Spending time with her friends and family meant so much to her. She was a little worried about having Ashley and Caleb in the same area but Lou whispered to Amy that Ashley didn't know Caleb was here. But Amy shook that off and opened her gifts. She was so shocked at what people bought them. She had 3 gifts left and she already had everything they needed and more. She opened her dad's gift which was diapers, wipes, a pack and play, a cowboy hat, and some bedtime stories. She opened Georgie's gift next. It was a handmade stable. It was perfect. The stall doors actually worked and there was even a little fence that could be attached.
"Aww Georgie. Did you make this?"
"Ya, Jack helped me."
"I love it thank you."
When Amy got to her last gift she read the tag and looked at Lou. It said it was from her mom. On the top of the dusty pink paper was a note.
Amy Bug,
I started making things for you and Lou when you were just little girls. I covered both a boy or a girl as my first grandchild from you. So if you are opening this package you are having a baby girl and know that I am so proud. I hope she has your determination and compassion. I know she will be defiant, sensitive and beautiful. I also know that she will be so loved and that she will have the best mom ever.
I love you,
Mom
Amy was crying by the time she finished the note. Her hands shook as she lifted the lid off of the box. Inside were crochet baby hats with flowers or bows on them, a pink crochet blanket, and a little pink teddy bear. She lifted them out of the box and to her face. They smelled just like her mom. It was a scent Amy was so close to forgetting. She put them back in the box and hugged Lou.
"I did the same thing when I opened mine today."
"Where did you find these?"
"Georgie went up to the attic to find the chairs and she found them in the closet."
Amy wiped her face with the back of her hand. After her friends left and the boys came back in she and Ty packed all of gifts up and put them in the nursery. When he lifted the pink box to set down Amy flagged him.
"Wait I want that one in our room."
"Why?"
"Read the note."
He unfolded the piece of paper and read. When he was done he set the note and box down and pulled Amy close.
"Are you ok?"
"Ya, I just want her to know who her grandmother was."
"She will Babe."
"I'm so glad she will have your mom, Miranda, and Lisa so she at least will have living grandmas too."
Ty kissed her head and carried the box into their bedroom. He now understood just how much that box meant to Amy.
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It has been a week since the baby shower. Amy couldn't believe that in 5 weeks she would be a mom. They finished setting up the nursery. It was a light beige with white furniture, white and light tan horse bedding, Georgie's barn sat on top of the dresser, the shelves were filled with stuffed animals and picture frames waiting to be filled, and soft lighting. Amy loved it. All they needed was Maddie. Amy was finishing up her work with the horses. She had 3 leaving today and their first pregnant mare was coming tonight. Amy decided she wanted to go on a trail ride with Spartan. As soon as he was tacked up Amy took off down the driveway. She decided to take him on his favorite ride down along the river.
"Well Spartan this is gonna be our last ride for a while."
Spartan whinnied. Amy patted his neck and took in the view. She felt so calm her and so at peace. She got off of Spartan and just breathed. Suddenly a pain shot through her stomach. She figured it was Braxton hicks and just tried to breathe through it. But then Maddie started kicking really hard. The pain shot through Amy again so she sat down on a rock. Spartan could tell something was wrong so he came closer. Amy looked at him and prayed that he was somewhat like Phoenix.
"Spartan go get help. Go home and get help."
She was actually shocked when Spartan took off. Amy was so scared. She thought the baby was in trouble. She felt helpless. As the minutes ticked by all of a sudden Georgie and Mallory came out of the tree line. Mallory jumped of Copper and ran to Amy.
"Amy what's wrong?"
"I don't know it feels like something is wrong with the baby. God it hurts!"
Mallory looked at Georgie, "Go back to the house and get help."
Georgie rode away. Amy felt slightly relived that Mallory was with her. Holding her hand.
"Mallory how did you find me?"
"Lou noticed you were gone so she sent Georgie and I after you. We saw Spartan running towards us coming off the path so we tied him up and came here."
Amy wanted to answer but the pain went through her again making her cry out in pain. A short while later Georgie came back through the brush leading Spartan with Ty and Lou close behind her. Ty hopped off his horse and ran to Amy.
"Are you ok? Can you move?"
Amy couldn't speak the pain was so intense. She shook her head at Ty and cried out again. Mallory explained for her.
"She says something is wrong with the baby."
Ty looked around when he heard the engine. He yelled for Jack. Suddenly Amy's grandfather was next to her as well. Lou, Ty and Jack lifted her and put her in Jack's truck. Ty slid in beside her and Jack drove them to the hospital. As soon as they got there Ty helped Amy out of the truck and carried her into the emergency room. The doctor told Ty he needed to leave the room and even though he heavily protested Jack pulled him out into the hallway. The last thing Amy saw before she fell asleep was the look of pure fear on Ty's face.
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Amy?
Amy opened her eyes and she recognized where she was immediately. She was at Heartland. She was home and her mother was standing before her. Amy was so confused.
"Mom?"
Marion Fleming smiled at her daughter. "Yes sweetheart I'm here."
"What happened? Where is Ty? Is my baby ok?"
"You're fine Amy. Little Maddie is fine too."
"Why am I here?"
"Only you can answer that." Her mom walked towards her and pulled her into a hug. Amy breathed in her scent. When she pulled away she realized she was dreaming.
"It is hard without you Mom. I miss you."
"I know. But that is why you have Ty."
Amy was confused, "What?"
"Did you realize when I left you Ty was sent."
"I never thought of it that way."
"Ty was sent to teach you something. He was sent to teach you the power of true love. How it can get two people through anything. You and Ty have been through so much but you have always found your way back to each other."
Amy smiled, "I love him more then I ever knew I could love someone."
Her mom laughed and brushed the hair out of Amy's eyes. "Never doubt that he loves you that much as well. You taught him two important lessons."
"What?"
"That he isn't worthless and that he is worthy of true love. You showed him just how far he would go for someone. He proved that the first time you ever rode in his truck. Do you remember that party?"
"Yeah my boyfriend and I were fighting and when he grabbed me Ty punched him. I got mad and started walking home. It was freezing cold and Ty convinced me to get in the truck and I laughed because his heater didn't work."
"You see Ty felt the need to protect you from the start. You two were made for each other."
"Amy?"
"Mom I hear him. I hear Ty."
"Then go to him."
"But I don't want to leave you."
"Amy bug, this is how things are suppose to be. Go back to your family. I love you."
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Amy opened her eyes in the hospital. The first thing she saw were Ty's eyes staring down at her. He smiled and she tried to sit up.
"No stay down." He gently pushed her back onto the bed.
Amy looked around. Her grandfather and dad were asleep in armchairs by the door. Mallory's purse was on the couch that was pushed against the wall. Amy looked back at Ty.
"What happened? Is the baby ok? Where is my mom?"
Ty looked confused at the last part. "Amy your mom is dead. She has been for almost 7 years."
"Oh yeah. I had a dream about her. It was almost like she was real."
Ty nodded and answered the rest of her question. "You and Maddie are both fine now. The placenta started to separate from the uterine wall slightly but it stopped before we got you here. Maddie was kicking so hard because she was in distress. But she is fine now and that is all that is important."
"So i'll be ok to go home?"
"We are taking you home in the morning. The doctor says there is no reason you can't carry Maddie to full term. You just have to take it easy. No more riding."
"Ok. Where is Mallory?" She gestured to her purse on the couch.
"She and Lou went to get coffee for everyone. They should be back pretty soon."
Amy nodded and felt sleepy again. She tried to fight her eyelids but Ty started rubbing circles on her wrist making her give in.
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Ever since Amy's hospital stay Ty and Lou have kept her on an even shorter leash. They didn't let her walk around to much, lift anything, go up or down stairs, drive, or go near the horses alone. They were starting to drive Amy crazy but she knew it was coming from a good place. About 2 weeks had passed and they weren't letting up. As Amy walked into the barn she had to make sure Georgie and Tim were with her and she wasn't aloud in the stalls. She walked over and petted Spartan and then made her way over to the pregnant mare called Pandora's Box. Amy looked around and walked into Pandora's stall.
"Hey girl." Amy sat on a bale of hay and petted Pandora's head. "Are you as tired as me being cooped up in here?"
Pandora whinnied and nuzzled her head against Amy's. Amy stood up and petted her neck. Pandora looked at Amy for a minute and then layed her head on Amy's stomach. It was like she knew Amy understood how she felt. Almost like she knew there was a baby in Amy's stomach. When Amy stepped out of the stall she felt a sudden gush of warm liquid. she looked down and saw her jeans. She knew it wasn't pee. She tried to stay calm as she walked to her house. She went in she and Ty's bathroom and hopped into the shower. She just wanted the nasty liquid off of her. When she was done she hopped out and felt a contraction hit her. It was a little strong but not too bad yet. Amy got dressed and grabbed her hospital bag. She walked to the main house and found Mallory and Katie in the kitchen. Mallory looked up as she walked in.
"Hey Amy. Are you hungry? I could make you a sandwich."
"Mallory."
Mallory looked up again and noticed the look on her face. "What's wrong?"
"The baby is coming. Like now."
Mallory looked at her for a minute but when Amy felt another contraction and started doing her breathing exercises Mallory panicked.
"EVERYONE! AMY'S HAVING THE BABY!"
Suddenly Lou and Lisa were in the kitchen. Lou ran over to her sister.
"Amy are you sure?"
"Ya my water broke like half and hour ago."
"Ok." Lou ran to the front door and grabbed the megaphone they used for fundraisers.
"GUYS THE BABY IS COMING. THE BABY IS COMING!"
All of the boys and Georgie ran out of the barn and paddock towards the house. Ty was the fastest and went straight to Amy.
"Are you ok? Are you sure this is it?"
"I'm sure my water broke half an hour ago."
"Half an hour and you're just now telling us?"
"Well I had to take a shower and get changed."
Ty looked at her like she was nuts. But he grabbed the hospital bag from her hands and got into Amy's truck. Amy followed and Ty sped off towards the hospital. Amy knew this was it.