Amy woke up the next morning wrapped in Ty's arms. She knew that their alarm would go off any minute so she snuggled closer to him. When the alarm finally did go off Ty groaned and slapped the snooze button. He stretched then kissed Amy's cheek.

"Morning Beautiful."

Amy smiled and turned so she could kiss him. They were interupted by a soft knock at the door. Amy looked at Ty confused and got up to answer the door. When she did she found Maddie still in her pink heart print footie pajamas with her thumb in her mouth and Berry Bear in the other hand. Amy stared at her.

"Maddie how did you get out of your crib?"

She took her thumb out of her mouth. "I climb."

Amy laughed and picked her up. She carried her over to the bed and set her next to Ty. She layed on her back and put her thumb back into her mouth. Ty looked at her and laughed.

"Are you still sleepy?"

Maddie looked at him and shook her head. She turned back to her mommy and spoke around her thumb. "I firsty."

Amy smiled. "Well we'll have to fix that."

Amy walked into the kitchen and poured some apple juice into Maddie's favorite sippy cup. She turned around and saw Ty carrying Maddie into the living room. He sat her down by her toys and turned on some cartoons for her. He poured himself a cup of coffee then came up behind Amy and wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck making her smile. He kissed her cheek before he spoke.

"So today is Friday."

Amy grinned, "So?"

"So tommorow and Sunday I have off."

"And?"

"What would you say to you and me going for a trail ride just the two of us? We could pack a picnic and have some peace and quiet."

Amy turned and captured his lips she had a wicked grin on his face when she pulled away. "Sounds like a plan ."

He kissed her again before going into their bathroom and turning on the shower. Amy walked into the living room and picked Maddie up.

"Are you hungry Mad?"

Maddie nodded. Amy set her in her high chair and set her sippy cup in front of her. Amy poured a few cheerios onto her tray before heating up some oatmeal. When it was done she set the bowl in front of Maddie and shared it with her. Before she went back to shower she heated up an onion begal and spread cream cheese on it for Ty. Then she went into Maddie's room and grabbed her brown turtleneck shirt, her pink corderoy dress with a brown horse embroidered on the front, a pair of pink socks and her brown knee high boots. She layed the outfit out on the floor for Ty and she walked into the bedroom carrying Maddie. Ty had just stepped out of their closet dressed. Amy passed him Maddie.

"I layed her clothes out on her floor. I'll brush her hair and your breakfast is on the counter."

Ty kissed her and then looked at Maddie. "Do you want to get dressed?"

Maddie nodded and leaned over to kiss her mommy's cheek. They went out the door and Amy showered. When she went back into the living room. Maddie was dressed and playing on the floor with Lobo and Ty was putting his dishes into the dishwasher. Amy walked over to maddie and pulled her short soft blonde hair into a short little ponytail at the top of her head. She laughed at how short it was but on Maddie it was cute. Ty came out and laughed at her.

"She does need to grow some hair."

Amy picked Maddie up and kissed her cheek. "Tell Daddy that you have pretty hair."

Maddie reached up and felt her ponytail then looked at Ty. "I gots more hair then Dada."

Amy and Ty both laughed at that one. Ty grabbed his school bag and slung the strap over his shoulder then kissed Amy and Maddie's cheeks.

"I'll be home around 5." Then he started walking out the door

Amy stepped out onto the porch after him. "We love you!"

Maddie waved him bye then struggled to get down. Amy released her and she started walking down the stairs.

"Excuse me little Miss. Where are you going?"

Maddie grinned at her. "I want G!"

Amy laughed knowing that G meant Georgie. "Well can you wait for me then we can go see Georgie?"

Maddie nodded. Soon they were in Amy's truck on their way to the main house. Georgie was just leaving to catch the school bus. Amy rolled down her window.

"Hey Georgie! Someone wants a hug."

Georgie smiled and ran over to the truck. She opened the back door. Maddie squealed at her.

"Good morning Maddie." She kissed Maddie's cheek and hugged her. She then closed the door quickly and started running. "See ya later Amy!"

Amy laughed and hopped out of the truck. She unbuckled Maddie and carried her into the kitchen. Jack and Lisa were drinking coffee at the table and Mallory was giving Katie her breakfast.

"Morning everyone."

Maddie reached for Jack who pulled her onto his lap. "How is my little Maddie today?"

Maddie looked up at him and smiled. Amy grabbed a slice of toast then glanced at the clock.

"I have got to start working with Duke. Nick is coming by around 4 and then Olivia is coming around 5:30."

Lisa frowned. "What are you going to do about her? I would never have sold them Winnie if I had known what they were going to do to him."

Amy sighed. "I was going to see what Nick could do. I mean they have to be drugging him at the stable and if Nick gets caught they could shut him down."

Jack nodded, "Amy you need to do whatever you can. Just be careful."

Amy kissed his cheek then Maddie's. "I will. Have a good day everyone."

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Amy had just put Duke away when Nick pulled in. She waved to him as he got out of his truck.

"Hey Nick!"

"Hi Amy."

He hugged her then followed her into the barn. He saw Spartan and patted his head.

"Hey Spartan. How are you doing?"

Amy smiled and Nick looked at Phoenix.

"So is this the horse that won the Fall Finale?"

"Yes this is Phoenix Rising. He is my niece's horse. She is an amazing rider."

Nick smiled and looked at Winnie. "Hey Winnie. You look good."

Amy walked up next to him. "You missed it yesterday. I don't know what they did to him but as soon as they brought him out of the stable he was crazed. I had to put some chamomile leaves in his feed."

Nick frowned at her. "My stable?"

"Yes."

Nick shook his head. "I have an idea. What if I offer to buy him. I need to retire Star anyways he's getting old and I don't want to push him to hard. Maybe then I can keep a closer eye on the Wheaten's and they can't hurt this horse anymore."

Amy breathed a sigh of relief. "Nick that would be incredible."

He smiled, "So where is their old horse?"

Amy lead him outside to the paddock and walked over to Buster. She petted his neck.

"This is Budget Buster. He was in so much pain and he was crazy when he got here. He has made so much progress."

Nick patted his head. "He's beautiful. Shame that he is practically lame."

"Yeah but he is perfect for my daughter to learn to ride on."

He looked shocked. "You have a daughter?"

"Yes she just turned 1."

Nick then noticed the rings on her finger. "Ahh the loft boy finally popped the question."

Amy laughed and nodded. Just then Georgie came out of the house and into the paddock.

"Hey Amy can I practice with Phoenix for a little while. I finished my homework."

Amy nodded, "Sure but come here a sec."

Georgie approached them.

"Georgie this is Nick Harwell. The best jumper on the circut."

Nick extended his hand to Georgie. "It's nice to meet you Georgie. I caught the end of your run at the Fall Finale. Very impressive."

Georgie grinned and shook his hand. "Thank you Mr. Harwell."

"Please call me Nick. Do you mind if I watch you jump?"

"Not at all."

As soon as Phoenix was tacked up Georgie lead him into the round pen with Amy and Nick standing outside of it. The jumps were at the Grand Prix level which Nick was quick to notice.

"Grand Prix level? How old is she?"

Amy smiled at him, "12."

He raised his eyebrows. Georgie took Phoenix around and went through the course. She had a perfect run. Amy looked at Nick who had his jaw dropped. He looked to Amy.

"Are you training her?"

"Yes she's only been jumping for a year."

Nick smiled, "She's amazing."

Georgie rode up to them. "So what did you think?"

Nick patted Phoenix and grinned to Georgie. "You are very good. I'm impressed."

Georgie petted Phoenix's neck. "That's because I have the best horse in the world."

Nick looked shocked. "Most jumpers don't give their horses the credit. You two must have a great bond."

Just then Ty pulled in and walked over to them. Nick extended his hand.

"Ty good to see you again."

Ty shook his hand. "You too Nick. What are you guys up to?"

"I've been watching Georgie here. I've never seen such an advanced 12 year old."

Georgie shot Ty a smug look which made him laugh. "Yeah she's something."

Lou, Katie and Maddie came up behind Amy. Lou grinned at Nick.

"Hey Nick. I haven't seen you around lately."

"Yeah I justgot back into town last month. I'm actually staying for a while. I want to organize a jump team for the Alberta Classic." He turned back to Georgie. "Georgie I would be honored to have you on it. A jump team is sort of like a jump relay race. I have to have 4 riders go over a jumping course back to back with clean rides. Interested?"

Georgie raised her eyebrows and looked at Lou. "Can I Lou?"

Lou looked between Nick and Georgie. "Sounds great. Can she still compete solo?"

"Yes. She would even represent Heartland in the group jump. I want to win the prize money and donate it to Heartland."

Amy, Ty and Lou all had identical looks of shock on their faces but only Amy found her voice. "The prize is 500 grand!"

"Yes. Think about how many horses that could help."

They all turned when they saw the Wheaten's car pull up. Olivia hopped out and followed Mr. Wheaten over to the jumping ring where everyone was still standing. Mr. Wheaten smiled at everyone.

"Amy, Lou nice to see you both. Mr. Harwell i'm surprised to see you here."

Nick smiled. "I was just here to offer Georgie a spot on my jump team for the Alberta Classic."

Olivia threw a jealous glance at Georgie. Mr. Wheaten looked shocked but hid it well.

"Well if you need more jumpers, my Olivia is an extremly talented rider and her horse Winning Glory is amazing."

"Actually Sean I have been meaning to talk to you about Winnie. I've been looking for a new horse since I need to retire Star and I think Winnie is just what I have been looking for. I would be happy to offer you the purchase price plus 5%."

's eyes almost bugged out of his head but Nick continued.

"I have a horse back at the stables called Poker Face that would be perfect for Olivia. If you want to buy him I can give you 50% off your board."

Olivia was now also gapping at him. Mr. Wheaten thought for a moment then extended his hand.

"Sounds like an excellent deal."

As Nick shook his hand he winked at Amy.

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The next day Ty was helping Amy tack up Harley and Spartan for their trail ride. He patted Winnie as he passed him.

"So when is Nick picking up Winnie?"

"Monday. I'm so glad that he is taking him and in the Wheaten's new bordering agreement is a clause that gives Nick the right to have you and Scott check for Steroids and if any are found in the horses system not only will Nick take back ownership but the Wheatens will be banned from his stables and from any jumping competition in Alberta."

Ty raised his eyebrows. "How did he pull off that one?"

"He is on the board with Grandpa."

Ty nodded and climbed onto Harley. as soon as Amy was on Spartan they took off down the driveway and decided to take a ride up by Mrs. Bell's house. Ty missed her being there but it was still a pretty spot to ride. Then they went down by the Mallen Farm. Amy felt a chill run through her. Ty noticed it.

"Amy we didn't have to come this way."

"no it's fine. I just haven't been this way in almost 2 years."

They had just about passed it when Amy glanced into the feild and noticed something. In the feild that should be empty was a beautiful Buckskin Andalushian Stallion. he was running through the field checking trying to get out of the fence. Amy stopped and Ty looked back at her.

"What's wrong."

Amy glanced at him and then back to the horse.

"Do you see him?"

"See who?"

"The stallion."

Ty came up next to her and followed her gaze. "Mallen got another horse."

Amy looked at him. "We have to get it out of there. Look at how thin he is."

Ty looked at her sharply. "No we are getting Scott and Jack before even stepping a foot on Mallen's property."

Amy opened her mouth to argue but she knew Ty was right. The rode back to Heartland and Ty hopped off Harley and ran inside. 2 minutes later Jack came out with Tim at his heels. Jack walked up to Amy and Spartan.

"Ty filled us in. Are you sure that you can do this?"

Amy looked on the porch and saw Lou holding Maddie and thought of her mother. She imagined her standing on the porch next to Lou and could almost hear her say what she would always tell Amy when they needed to rescue a horse.

"Amy this is what we do. We protect those who can't protect themselves."

Amy looked at Jack. "This is what we do. We protect those who can not protect themselves."

Jack grinned at her. "That's my girl."

They all decided it would be best if they took Amy's truck and pulled the small horse trailer. It was getting dark so Jack climbed into the driver's seat and they all left. When they arrived at the farm there were no signs of mr. Mallen. Amy hopped out of the truck and approached the barn. the boys got out of the truck and stood back looking out for her. When Amy opened the barn door she had to run back out and throw up. Ty came up behind her and held her hair.

"What's wrong? What did you see?"

When Amy straightened up she looked at Jack. "There is a skinned horse carcass in there."

They all pulled a face of pure discust. Jack nodded to her. "Then we need to get that stallion before it meets the same fate."

Amy pulled herself together and went back into the barn. She stepped around the carcuss and moved forward. The horse was not in the barn. She went out the barns back door and saw a little shed. She slowly opened the door and saw the stallion. He darted backwards and raised his head. Amy grabbed the lead rope out of her coat pocket as well as a peppermint. She held the peppermint out and the horse looked. She slowly opened the door further and walked inside.

"Easy boy. I'm here to help."

The horse ate the mint and Amy saw his muscles relax. His ears came back forward and he allowed her to hook the lead rope onto his bridle. Amy noticed that it was made out of the finest leather and had a gold nameplate that read "Sir Emirate". Amy realized that this horse was stolen. She also felt like she had seen him before. She shook her feelings off and started leading the horse from the shed.

"Come on Em."

She wasn't surprised when the horse followed her. She lead him out to the trailer. The boys all looked very impressed and then Amy realized where she knew this horse from. She had seen him at Scott's clinic.

"Ty isn't this the horse Scott was treating before the Fall Finale?"

Ty looked at him and when Em saw him he nuzzled his head against Ty's shoulder. "Yes it is. Emirate. He is from McSlade Stables. They were having him checked so he could be used for breeding. He's worth at least 100 grand to the right buyer."

Amy didn't hesitate before loading him into the trailer. As soon as he was in Tim secured the door and they all got into the truck. As jack went down the drive images of the accident flashed through Amy's mind. When they passed the spot Amy reached out and grabbed Ty's hand. he looked at her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She breathed a sigh of relif when they made it back to Heartland in one piece. Amy got Emirate out of the trailer and into the barn. She could tell he hadn't eaten in days so she mixed him some oats, cubes, burdock, garlic and chamomile leaves to help him gain the weight back slowly. She set the bucket in his stall then called McSlade Stables. No one answered so she had to leave a message.

"Hello this is Amy Fleming calling from Heartland. We found one of your horses Sir Emirate. If you could call me as soon as you get this I would really appriciate it. Thank you."

When she was done she checked on Emirate one last time then drove to her house. Ty was playing with Maddie on the living room floor. She looked at her husband. He was smiling. Then she looked at Maddie in her little pink horsie pajamas, her hair still wet from her bath laughing at her daddy who was making one of her teddy bears talk. Amy knew she was lucky to have them but tonight she was more grateful for them then ever before.