Chapter 19: Quieting Emotions
After Mitch left to return home, Amy went inside. She felt spent. Mitch hadn't wanted to leave her, but she convinced him she would be okay and just needed some time. He also had things he needed to attend to at the ranch. Though she felt exhausted, she knew she needed to get care for Lyndy arranged for their dinner the following evening. She found Lou in their bedroom and asked if she and Peter might be able to watch Lyndy for her. She figured as sensitive as the situation was, it would be better to ask Lou who was already involved. The minute she walked in, Lou could tell Amy was not alright, but she assumed it was because she'd learned about what Tim had done to Mitch. Amy decided to leave it at that because she was too emotionally drained to explain, and what had transpired between Mitch and her just felt too personal. Lou said they certainly could take care of Lyndy for their dinner, and she was glad to know that her dad was acting so quickly on making things right.
"Amy, how are you doing with this?"
"Better, now that it appears Dad wants to make things right with Mitch. And I guess I wasn't completely surprised at where his thoughts took him with how he was treating Mitch before your break-up. Anyway, I think I'm going to try to get a nap in for a couple of hours. Do you mind keeping an eye on Lyndy while I do?"
"Sure! I'm sure a nap will help."
Amy headed to her bed. As she laid down, she still felt a bit shaken at what had happened, but she also remembered the strength she'd drawn from Mitch's comforting embrace and the reassuring words he'd spoken into her heart. He was so good at reading her and knowing just what she needed. She would rest so that she could look forward to being together again tomorrow evening though it might have some uncomfortable moments.
When Amy woke from her nap and came out into the kitchen, she saw Lyndy at the table alone coloring. Amy walked over to her as she asked, "Mama, are you ok?"
Amy, realizing that Lyndy had witnessed her freezing up in the round pen, answered her, "Yes, Sweetheart. I feel much better after my nap."
"Mitch said he would take care of you."
"Well, he was right, he did, so there's nothing to worry about. Mama is fine." And Lyndy gave her a hug and a big smile.
When Tim returned home, Jessica met him with a hug and kiss and asked how his day had gone. He said pretty well, but it had been hard to feel very good about himself after realizing how badly he'd treated Mitch.
"Well, the way I see it, you were man enough to recognize the wrong you'd done, and it takes courage and humility to then admit that to Mitch and apologize to him as you will tomorrow night."
They'd continued holding each other from their greeting, and he looked down at her saying, "How did I ever deserve you? You build me up even in my faults. Thank you!" And he gently kissed her again. He felt grateful for the way Jessica helped to balance him out and the way they supported each other. And Jessica was proud of Tim for his change in attitude and it having happened so quickly. He was continuing to grow dearer to her every day!
"So what shall we feed these kids for dinner tomorrow night…?"