Chapter 32: The Families Meet
Christmas was drawing close, and Amy had learned that there indeed was a Christmas Eve service planned at the nearby church, and the children would be having a Christmas pageant. She thought Lyndy would especially enjoy that, and truth be told, she was a little excited about experiencing it for the first time herself!
Georgie and Quinn decided not to come for Christmas so that they would be able to come for the wedding. It was a bit of a disappointment, but everyone understood, and Amy was especially glad they could make the wedding. They also heard from Shane that he would be able to come. Unfortunately, Chloe had work responsibilities that prevented her from being able to join him. Amy expressed her regrets, but she let him know that she looked forward to whenever she could meet Chloe. She told him she'd let him know what the guys would be wearing and asked him to text her his sizes just in case.
Preparations for Christmas kept all the households busy the next few days. Ginny offered to do all the desserts since they wouldn't be hard to transport. Doc and Ginny arrived a couple of days before Christmas to get to spend a little more time with Mitch and make it easier to attend the Christmas Eve service. They were very pleased to learn that Mitch, Amy and Lyndy would be attending with them.
Ginny had prepared all the desserts she planned to bring ahead of time, except she still needed to make one of her specialties – taffy. So on their first night there, she invited Amy and Lyndy to come over for a 'taffy-pull.' They didn't know what that was, but they were game to try. Their arrival was met with greetings and hugs, especially Lyndy and Doc whose arms she jumped into for a big hug much to both their delight!
In preparation, Ginny set out all the ingredients on the cabinet – corn syrup, sugar, plenty of butter, white vinegar and vanilla along with a medium-sized saucepan and a cup of cold water. They stirred all the ingredients together, except the vanilla, adding a tablespoon of water and brought it to a boil, stirring only to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
The next part was what took the longest because it took patience to cook the candy to a hard-ball stage. To get there, Ginny showed them how to use a spoon to drop a small portion of the mixture into the cold water until you could form it into a firm ball with your fingers. They replenished the cold water each time they tried. Finally, when it reached that point, she took it off the heat and stirred in the vanilla, explaining that you could add different flavors if you chose to. Once the vanilla was stirred in, she poured it into a buttered, shallow Pyrex platter she'd brought especially for the candy. Then they had to let it cool enough to handle.
Now came the fun part, though for a beginner, it could take a little while to get the hang of it. First, Ginny had everyone wash their hands. She also asked them what color they'd like theirs to be. Lindy chose purple, Amy chose pink, and Mitch chose blue reminiscent of their same choices for cotton candy. Ginny decided on no color for her's keeping it natural. Once it was cool enough, everyone excepting Doc, buttered their fingers really well, and each took a fairly good-sized portion of the candy to roll into a log, Before starting to roll, Ginny put a few drops of food coloring onto each candy portion. After each one had their piece into a roll, she showed them how to begin pulling and stretching the candy back over on top of itself over and over again to work air into it until it turned light-colored and opaque. They often had to re-butter their fingers as they worked.
There was much laughter, and they were having so much fun that Doc had to come and join in, especially with that little girl who had him wrapped around her little finger attracting him to the family project. Amy and Lyndy watched the Cuttys expertly handle their candy and did their best to copy them. By the time they were done, Amy and Lyndy had gotten pretty expert themselves. Then they all laid their candy out on a very clean counter, twisting the pieces slightly, for cutting into smaller pieces. Everyone got to try a piece and thought it was as good or better than cotton candy! Before the pieces were put away, Mitch gathered one each of the three colors, and twisted them together into one multi-colored piece for Lyndy to save for the next day. She responded with glee! Ginny then layered the taffy pieces in a couple of tins with waxed paper in between each layer to save for another of their desserts for the coming Christmas dinner. It had been a wonderful night of making a special family memory! They decided a 'taffy-pull' should become a Christmas tradition for them.
On Christmas Eve, Mitch picked Amy and Lyndy up, and then they dropped back by Saddle Road to carpool with his parents to the church. There was a light snow falling as they arrived. Upon entering the building, it was a whole new experience for Amy and Lyndy, but Christmas Eve service felt quite familiar to Mitch. A tall, friendly gentleman greeted them all with a warm handshake as they came in and handed them all a candle. The church was festively decorated, and the atmosphere was abuzz with the parents helping the children get ready to take their places. Doc and Ginny led them to sit close to the front so that Lyndy could see more easily.
As the service began, the minister welcomed everyone and spoke about the fact that historically, Jesus was most likely born in the Spring, but traditionally, most places across the world celebrated his birth on December 25th or a few days later. But no matter what the date, acknowledging the significance of God coming into the world in human form as a tiny, vulnerable baby, and even more so, later dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the dead so we could have a hope of spending eternity with Him was what was most important. He then began to narrate the 'Christmas story' drawing from the Gospel of Luke as the children acted out the story of Jesus' birth. Lyndy was very attentive and was drawn into the story, especially since Ginny had told it to her earlier. She also recognized a couple of the children from her school, one being Cody. The audience was invited to join in on four songs as appropriate throughout the story narration - 'O, Little Town of Bethlehem,' 'Joy to the World,' 'Away in a Manger,' and 'We Three Kings.' Amy and Lyndy were familiar with the Carols from sometimes singing them together at home at Christmas time, but Amy had never experienced such a beautiful blending of so many voices. As the fourth song ended, the lights dimmed, and some of the youth lit the person's candle on the end of each pew as everyone shared their 'light' down each row until all the candles were lit. Once the room was bathed in a warm glow, someone began 'Silent Night,' and everyone joined in together. Amy reached over to hold Mitch's free hand giving it a gentle squeeze as he looked over to see tears pooled in her eyes that glistened in the golden candlelight. After the last verse of the song, the minister then read John 8:12,*
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
And then he bid everyone a good night as he left them with the thought, "As the tiny baby Jesus brought light into a dark world, let us all go out and follow our Savior's example and be a light to the world around us."
As they were leaving, Lyndy made sure to speak to the kids she knew and compliment them on their performance, paying special attention to Cody. Mitch and Amy made sure to meet his parents, and upon meeting them, Mitch decided he could be less concerned if Lyndy should bring Cody up again in the future, at least for now.
On the drive back home, Lyndy talked about how much she'd enjoyed being there and especially the childrens' pageant. She asked, "Mama, do you think I might be able to be part of the pageant next Christmas?"
Amy looked at Mitch as she said, "Sweetheart, that is certainly something we can ask about." Mitch was happy that they'd both seemed to enjoy being there. Some old feelings were stirring in him, though he still wasn't sure what to do with them.
That night, before saying goodnight, Amy expressed to Mitch how much she'd enjoyed the service and what a new experience it was for her. She said that some of the things the minister had shared were things she'd not really thought about before and a few things she'd never heard. She asked if Mitch had a Bible. He told her he did, but he hadn't read it much lately. He shared with her how hard it had been for him to talk to God since Afghanistan and Zach.
He said, "Amy, there were things I saw there that I can't even bring myself to talk about and that I would never want you or anyone else to have to see. And then when Zach committed suicide, I think I blamed God for a long time. I feel like I've worked past that blame now, but I just haven't gotten back to praying or reading the Bible. And though after experiencing all that, I occasionally went to church with Mom and Dad in Calgary out of respect for them, until tonight, I've not been since."
Amy said, "Mitch, I'm so sorry for the tragedies you've experienced and the horrible things you must have witnessed. Do they still haunt you?"
Mitch slowly replied, "It's been a while now, and most of the time, I'm fine, but on rare occasions, I still sometimes have dreams about the war."
"I'm glad the impact of it all on your life has lessened. I can't imagine. Thank you for serving our country," and Amy reached over to squeeze his hand and didn't let go. Mitch looked at her with sadness and appreciation in his eyes. Amy then returned to their previous subject, "With regard to tonight, I've always believed in some kind of higher power, but I've never really defined it in my mind. I think I might like to read from your Bible sometime."
"I'd be glad for you to. In fact, maybe it's even something we could start doing together?"
"I think I'd like that," Amy said. "I do think our family has practiced trying to be a light to others around us, but I'd like to understand more about what was talked about tonight."
"Oh, I definitely agree that the Bartlett clan is a light to many. I felt it from the first moment that I met Jack that day! And from you as well when you and Ty helped me with Maverick."
Mitch was so grateful they could talk about these things together. As they kissed goodnight, Mitch expressed to Amy, "We really do fit, don't we?" And she answered him with another sweet, gentle kiss before he left to go home and help his parents with any further preparation for the next day, though with Ginny's organization, very little was needed.
The meeting of the families Christmas morning went really well, and Doc and Ginny totally fit in as if they'd always belonged. Jack was especially glad to get to meet them since he'd never had that opportunity Mitch's first time around. Both being ranchers, he and Doc hit it off right away, and everyone found Ginny just as easy to love as Mitch. They had breakfast together, played some games, and gave Doc and Ginny the tour, what they could see on foot at least, of Heartland. A few decided to bundle up and go on a short horseback ride.
Many conversations and stories were shared throughout the day as the families got to know each other better. And, of course, Jack had to share about the naming of the stones around the hearth. One special and important conversation took place between Lisa and Ginny as they found themselves working alone in the kitchen at one point.
"Lisa, I understand from Mitch that Amy lost her first husband?"
Lisa stopped peeling the vegetables she was working on and asked Ginny, "Would you like some tea?" Ginny nodded yes, as she began to realize this story might take some time.
After they had their tea and sat down at the kitchen table, Lisa began to relate to Ginny the story of Ty and Amy in as short of a detailed version as she could tell in the stolen time they had alone. Ginny was so grateful to learn more about Amy and Lyndy's background, and she gained an even greater admiration for both of them, and especially Amy's strength. She could appreciate even more how Mitch and Amy had been good for each other.
Lisa said, "Ginny, I can't tell you what a joy it has been to see Amy blossom as Mitch has loved her over these past months. Even though she was coping, there was still such a loneliness hovering around her as she still grieved the loss of Ty. His death having been so very sudden made it especially hard…for all of us. He was a very unique and special young man, and theirs was a very special love, one that most never find. I wish you could have known him. He overcame so much in his short life, and he became the son Jack never had. Yet, I think Jack feels something very similar with Mitch and has since they first met. With regard to Mitch and Amy, I truly believe, even though it's different with Mitch, he and Amy have found something just as special. And having observed the difference in them compared to Mitch with Lou, it is just the right fit for them both."
Ginny responded, "I think you are right. Though we never met Lou until today, we've seen the difference in Mitch since he and Amy got together. There's a peace and comfortableness about them with each other that we'd never seen Mitch have before. Amy brings out his confidence, and he absolutely adores both Amy and Lyndy!"
Both the ladies hugged each other expressing having been so glad to get to talk for a few minutes. Then they got back to work finishing preparations.
Shortly thereafter, Lyndy came and took Ginny by the hand to proudly show her where on the tree Amy had placed the ornament they'd made for Mama, and she took her to her room to show her where she'd placed the Nativity. Ginny's love for this little girl continued to grow deeper with every encounter.
The families shared presents, and then enjoyed a most delicious late Christmas dinner that many hands had helped prepare. Ginny's baking was raved about by all, and the taffy was an extra special treat! Of course, Lyndy had to tell everyone in detail about making it.
Mitch had his guitar with him, so Jack pulled his out as well, and they all sang carols together. Singing carols was something the Bartlett clan hadn't done in a while, and they felt a special closeness as they did. A most happy Christmas was experienced by all! However, the most fun for the adults and Katie came from watching Lyndy's joy the entire day!
Doc and Ginny decided to stay a couple of days longer, so Amy invited Ginny to join her in looking for her wedding dress. As a boy mom to an only child, it was a real treat for her to get to be a part of such a special time. Amy also asked Lisa and Lou to go with her, and of course Lyndy wanted to tag along, too! Katie had plans with friends.
Amy tried on several dresses that would have worked, however, she wanted something on the simple side and finally found it. It was a halter key-hole dress with a form-fitting, lightly-beaded, draped bodice that had four gathered tulle insets evenly spaced around the skirt beginning toward the top of Amy's thighs and flaring out at the hem. It also had a loosely laced up low cut back. When Amy walked out in it, Lyndy said, "Mama, you are so beautiful!" Amy smiled and held her arms out for a hug. Everyone thought Amy would take Mitch's breath away, and she was totally satisfied with her choice.
For Amy's bouquet,** remembering her conversation with Lisa before her wedding to Ty, and to once again honor her mom because those were her favorite colors, she decided to stick with yellow and blue flowers; but this time with the yellow roses, she'd have a few white ones and blue forget-me-nots with white gypsophila interspersed and wrapped with a navy-blue ribbon. She decided against wearing a veil but would instead wear her hair cascading down one side similar to their engagement night, but with gypsophila and forget-me-nots tucked throughout.
They also found a simple but fun style for the bridesmaid dresses.*** It was a high neck, bare shoulders, long chiffon dress with a cascade down one side that ended at calf length; and since it was a Spring wedding, Amy chose them in turquoise, one of her favorite colors. Each bridesmaid would carry a single, long-stemmed yellow rose tied with turquoise and navy-blue ribbons, and Lyndy would drop yellow rose petals. Lyndy's dress**** would be an aqua, shirred halter neck dress with an A-line skirt covered with a lightly gathered lace overlay. A floral wreath with the same flowers as Amy's bouquet, except with miniature roses, would adorn her hair.
They all agreed that long-sleeved aqua shirts with navy-blue western ties***** for the guys would be perfect. And Mitch alone would wear a navy jacket, but all the guys could wear nice jeans and boots. Amy was pretty sure Mitch would be glad not to wear a traditional tie.
The occasion had been a special bonding and memory-making time for all the ladies and Lyndy, and all were excited that so many details had been decided in one morning!
Doc and Ginny headed back to Calgary the next day. Before leaving, they stopped by Heartland to tell everyone goodbye with the promise to see them at the wedding. Mitch had enjoyed having his parents around for the extra days. It was good to get to be together when things were going so well in his life. The evening before they left, Mitch had a chance to share with them how much Amy and Lyndy had enjoyed the Christmas Eve service and about Amy asking about reading his Bible. Doc and Ginny didn't say a lot, but they were pleased at the hint of renewed interest from Mitch, and they were grateful Mitch had felt comfortable enough to share with them. On their way home, Ginny shared with Doc about her and Lisa's conversation. They both committed to fervant prayer for full healing for all three, and they were very grateful for the joy Amy and Lyndy had brought into all their lives but especially for the completeness they had brought to Mitch.
In between Christmas and New Year's, Mitch and Amy worked on their guest list and picked out an invitation that reflected the western theme of their venue. Getting such an early start would give them more than enough time to get the invitations back from the printer with plenty of time to hand-address them and get them sent out by the beginning of March.
Amy also contacted Clint to see if she could get an address for Luke. She didn't expect he'd be able to come, but she wanted to invite him and Andrea. Fortunately, Clint did have an address for him. She wrote him a letter of explanation and let him know that an invitation would follow. She was pretty sure Clint would have informed him of Ty's passing, but she wanted to be sure he knew about it and understood her moving forward.
They weren't sure why, but wedding planning seemed much less chaotic than it ever had before in the Bartlett household. They were hoping it remained so. Maybe being more mature, not so easily offended or jumping to conclusions so quickly, and the small stuff not mattering so much as it did when younger had a lot to do with how smoothly it was going. Lisa and Lou were trying especially hard not to offer more suggestions than were wanted and to go along with Amy and Mitch's wishes. They had even accepted the chuck wagon lunch, realizing that it really did fit Mitch and Amy's style. And having seen pictures of the Boundary Ranch, they agreed it really was a beautiful setting!
A/N: The "taffy-pull" is reminiscent of something I did with my grandmother growing up, and my mother also told stories of that being something young people in her day might do on a date.
* The quote from the Gospel of John is from the New English Bible translation (NEB), New Testament, 1961 and Old Testament, 1970.
**, ***, ****, ***** Photos of Amy's bouquet, the bridesmaid's dress, Lyndy's dress, and the guys' tie will be posted on the following three Facebook groups: Kevin McGarry Fan Page Home of #McGarries and SuspendersUnbuttoned Podcast; Nathan Grant Fanfiction! Home of Sunday Night Serge; and The Heartie Analyzers: All things Kevin McGarry, KEVLA and WCTH.