Chapter 23: Hudson Rodeo – a Family Day
The Hudson Rodeo fell around the time of Thanksgiving, and Georgie and Quinn had come home and would be able to stay for the Rodeo. Georgie had been so pleasantly surprised when she learned of Mitch and Amy being together. She and Mitch had always shared a special relationship, and their reunion was sweet. She was also glad for Quinn to get to spend some more time around him.
For the Rodeo, Mitch and Amy decided to train together to enter the Team Roping contest. Lyndy also wanted to participate in some of the events. She and Mitch decided to team up for the Cow-Hide Race, so they also practiced for that with help from Amy and Georgie. They were all three excited when the day arrived, especially Lyndy! She donned her cowgirl attire and felt really grown up to be able to participate.
However, Amy had spoken to Mitch a few days before, and with Lyndy's birthday* coming up, she decided now might be the time to let Mitch gift her the saddle he'd made ready for her. So before they went to the rodeo, Mitch picked them up early and brought them back to his place. As they drove in, Lyndy said, "I thought we were going to the rodeo!"
Amy responded, "We are, Sweetheart, but before we do, Mitch has an early birthday gift he'd like to give you." That put a big smile on Lyndy's face. When the truck stopped, she immediately unbuckled herself and opened the door as quickly as she could, almost before Mitch or Amy could get out. It made Mitch happy to see her anticipation. He swung her up into his arms, and they walked around the side of the house to the backyard and to the workshop. Mitch had tied a very large, pink bow around the saddle and had it sitting where she would see it immediately after they came in the door. Her eyes got as big as saucers, and she turned to Mitch and said, "For me?"
"It surely is, Sweetie!" She gave him a big bear hug and a kiss on the cheek and wiggled to get down. She ran over to the saddle and began running her little fingers along the soft, smooth leather. Mitch and Amy looked on with such pleasure at her reaction. Mitch walked over and hoisted her up into the saddle. It was a perfect fit! Amy said, "Lyndy, do you know that this was Mitch's saddle when he was a little boy just about your age."
"It was?! Mitch, thank you! I love it! And it fits me just right!"
"I'm so glad! Tell you what, we need to get going to the rodeo so we won't be late, but the very next time I come to your house, I'll bring it with me so you can begin using it to ride. Does that sound like a deal?"
"Deal!" she said with great enthusiasm as they bumped fists with each other and spread their fingers. Mitch helped her off, she ran her fingers over it one more time, and they all headed out the door.
As they arrived at the rodeo, Lyndy spotted the face-painting booth and decided she'd like that to be their first stop. While she was getting a unicorn painted on one cheek and a butterfly on the other, Mitch took that opportunity to check them in for the competitions they'd registered for: Team-Roping, the Cow-hide Race, Mutten Bustin', and Lyndy had decided to wait another year to enter the greased-pig contest. As they had some time before their events began, they took Lyndy to the petting zoo again and the livestock barn where she got to experience her first try at milking a cow. It took her a while, but with Mitch's help, she finally got the hang of it. She was quite proud!
Then it was time for Mitch and Amy to show their stuff! They found Jack, Lisa, Georgie and Quinn and left Lyndy in their care (Tim was working the bronc riding, Jessica was photographing events, and the Morrisons were elsewhere occupied). Lyndy was excited to watch her mama and Mitch perform. They were third in the line-up of seven teams. The times were close, but Lyndy was absolutely thrilled when it was announced that the winners were Mitch Cutty and Amy Fleming! When they reunited, Lyndy flew to wrap her arms around both their legs, almost knocking them down. Mitch picked her up and twirled her around before setting her back down. She was elated!
By this time, their tummies were grumbling at them, so they sought out some vendors to buy their lunch. Jack and Lisa, along with Georgie and Quinn, joined them. They had an enjoyable time chatting over lunch, and Jack and Lisa again were very aware of how well-suited these three special people were, and Georgie and Quinn, even in the short time they'd been with them, were seeing it, too. Their hearts overflowed with joy for them!
Mitch, Amy and Lyndy decided to take a stroll before the afternoon events began, and Lyndy spied the cotton candy! They all immediately recalled the last time they'd enjoyed it together, and each of them had their own stick of it this time, blue, pink and purple!
Next up was the Cow-hide Race for Mitch and Lyndy. She felt a little nervous, being her first time, but she and Mitch did really well and came in 2nd place. They pledged that they'd practice even harder next year and win it!
Then it was time for the Mutten Bustin'. This was Lyndy's third year to participate, but with her age and being that by next year, she might surpass the 55-pound limit, this would be her last year to be able to compete. She'd placed in the top 3 the last two years. It had been a real confidence-building experience for her. Mitch and Amy helped her get into all her gear – chaps, vest and helmet. Lyndy had chosen lavender gear. As her turn came up, she was determined. She had to stay on for six seconds to qualify as a possible winner. When the chute opened, Mitch and Amy both held their breath and held onto each other. Lyndy had drawn a pretty fast sheep, but she managed to stay on the six seconds and even had her right hand in the air the entire time. After every contestant had ridden, the winner was announced. Lyndy waited anxiously as they announced the third place, then second place, and when the name was called out for first place, she heard Lyndy Borden! She'd won the red ribbon! Mitch and Amy both jumped for joy, cheered, hugged and high-fived each other, as did all the family, before they headed toward Lyndy to congratulate her! She was still jumping up and down and clapping her hands when they saw her. Several of the other children had surrounded her in congratulations. When she saw Mitch and Amy, she held up her red ribbon and came running. What a happy hug that was between the three of them! It had been another special family day for them.
As Mitch got them home, Lyndy had fallen asleep, worn out from all the excitement…and sugar. He gently unbuckled her and carefully lifted her out of her car seat to carry her to her bed for Amy. As he lovingly covered her with a light blanket, he stepped back and slipped his arm around Amy. They both stood together appreciating this precious gift sleeping soundly before them. Reluctantly, they closed the door, and Amy walked Mitch out sending him on his way so that they could both complete evening chores. Amy thought, 'Might there come a day before too long that we don't have to say goodbye?' And as Mitch drove the road home, his thought was, 'I'm so ready not to have to say goodbye to them!'
A/N: *Again, I may not have adhered completely to Heartland canon as to when Lyndy's birthday falls. I do know the weather was cold.