Chapter Ten

A Lot to be Thankful For

A/N – That last chapter was really fun to write, I hope you enjoyed it. I think the reference that "the family makes us strong" is a basic principle that helps this family grow and will be a continuing platform as this story evolves. As I have said this story is about a vision of the Borden family legacy and the beauty of family and love, guided by the love story of Amy and Ty. As the story progresses Amy is in her last trimester and the little Nugget is doing well. The holidays bring fun and happy times but with this family you never know. Let's see together how the Borden's handle the holiday season.

As the fall continued and winter was close the Borden family was cruising along. After the last appointment with Dr. Adler all was well and as expected the issue with the little Nugget resolved itself. The day of the follow up appointment none of the girls could concentrate at school. It was decided that they would not go to the appointment this time, so their anxiety grew as the day moved on. When they got off the bus they ran to the house. Their parents were on the deck waiting for them with smiles. Without a word they knew everything was going to be fine and hugged their mom and dad, be it cautiously with their mom. Amy was definitely starting to get big, and the girls continued to care for her. Each one of them had been affected differently by the scare, but they all made it their mission to take care of her and their dad too.

As their relieved daughters went to have a snack and start their homework, Amy and Ty stayed on the deck for a while longer. It had been an exhausting day for them, and the solace was welcomed. "You know I was thinking'" Amy said. Ty laughed, "Oh, Oh that can't be good." Amy glanced over to him with an upturned eyebrow, "No silly nothing like that. Just remember when we used to have to give the girls direction on what they had to do all the time. I think last summer with all the extra responsibility and the now a baby on the way has shown them what is important. I am so proud of them." "Well Amy, they have some pretty good role models, you, Lou, Georgie and Katie. Some pretty strong women to look up to." He said rubbing her back. She smiled at him warmly and then as they got up, he held her hand and helped her up as she groaned a bit. "Well, they have a pretty good dad to. Let's go get ready for dinner," she said as the kissed and headed inside.

It was a few days before Thanksgiving (early October in Canada) and preparations were underway. Amy and Ty always hosted it and even though Amy had just started her final trimester they still were hosting. The girls were excited because they were off on Fall break. At dinner the conversation spun around who would be coming. Jack and Lisa, Tim and Casey, Lou, Katie. Georgie and Steven, Scott, Caleb and Cass were all on the list. Ty and Amy were handling the 3 turkeys and Grandma Lyndy's secret stuffing. All of the rest of the guest would handle the rest of the traditional sides. As the discussion continued, Amy and Ty heard giggling from the girls, "Ok you guys what's up." Of course, Maddie spoke up first, "Lyndy want to ask her boyfriend." The twins giggled and Lyndy turned bright red. Amy asked, "Doesn't Wyatt have a Thanksgiving dinner with his family? I mean we are fine with it I was just wondering." Maddie quietly said, "Well, his parents passed away when he was 4 years old and he is being raised by his Grandma, who is from the states. He really doesn't have much family." "Of course, he can join us Maddie, he is more than welcome." Ty said. "And for the rest of you take it easy on your sister. What she is doing is very thoughtful. It seems Wyatt has had a rough go and we are proud that Lyndy thinks enough of him to have him join us." The girl's demeanor changed, and they all apologized to Lyndy. She smiled and made a promise to her sisters, "Just wait until you all start bringing boys around."

Thanksgiving morning had arrived. To say the house was active was an understatement. Everyone had their role and Katie, Georgie and Steven came over early to help out. Although Amy wouldn't admit it, she needed the help. As guest arrived dishes were taken, coats were hung up and drinks were distributed. Most of the focus of the entire family was on Amy and the upcoming arrival of the Borden baby. Amy was told to sit and greet everyone to keep her safe and the girls took turns sitting with her to see if she needed anything. Ty stopped by and whispered in Amy's ear, "Do you feel like the queen for a day. Like always it's all about you. Oh, and I have to say you look really hot." She blushed at his comment and whispered back, "Trying to get lucky Dr. Borden. Oh wait, been there, done that." Unfortunately, Addie was on mom assist at that time and heard the comment. She sternly but quietly said to the both of them, "REALLY CAN YOU GUYS JUST STOP."

Dinner was ready to be served but as was tradition, Jack clinked on his glass to get everyone's attention. "Ok it's time for everyone to say what they are thankful for this year." Although everyone sighed deep down, they all liked this tradition. "So, I will start. I am thankful for this amazing family. I could talk about each one of you, but I know you would all lose it. So, in addition I am thankful for my wonderful wife and the upcoming birth of a new addition to our family. Moving down the line everyone said what they were thankful for:

Lisa was thankful for her husband and her step grandchildren and great grandchildren

Lou was thankful for her girls, her businesses and Scott. Amy raised her eyebrows at her.

Katie was thankful for her mom, sister and her cousin and best friend Lyndy. Lyndy got up and hugged her tightly.

Georgie was thankful for Steven, her mom, her horses, and the chance to teach Olympic hopefuls

Steven was thankful for Georgie and was really excited to be marrying her

Tim was thankful for his Rodeo School and Casey

Casey was thankful to be invited to this family Thanksgiving meal

Caleb was thankful for Cass and his adopted family

Cass was thankful to be a part of the meal but then stood up. She zipped down her hoodie to a t-shirt that said, "Baby on Board". Everyone lost it clapping and crying. Caleb beamed and got his first bro-hug from Ty. Amy got up, waddled over, and hugged her tightly, whispering," Welcome to the club."

Wyatt was thankful to be invited to the celebration and for Lyndy being his best friend. Katie, the twins, and Maddie giggled until they got stern looks from Amy and Lou.

Lyndy got emotional, saying she was thankful that the little Nugget and her mom were ok. Also, for her family and her best friend Wyatt. The girls were quiet.

The twins, who always talked together were thankful for their parents, sisters, the little Nugget, and everybody else including their horses.

Now it was Maddie's turn, Everyone braced themselves. Maddie was thankful for her mom and dad, the little Nugget, her sisters, cousins, her GG, Lisa, Grandpa, Casey, Scott, Caleb and Cass. And she added she was thankful that she won the riding competition against her sisters. Everyone burst out laughing.

Ty took a breath and said he was thankful for the love of his life, Amy, his amazing daughters, the little Nugget, and everyone in the room whom he loved dearly. He snuggled up to Amy as the twins coughed and acted like they were throwing up. Maddie immediately scolded them which made everyone chuckle.

"Ok Amy it's your turn," Jack said with passion. Amy took a deep breath and stood up with Ty's help. "Well, I am thankful for this amazing group of family and friends. I am thankful for the most amazing husband in the world who is also my best friend. The girls were silent with tears in their eyes. "I am excited about our new addition and can't wait for the little Nugget to arrive. And I am thankful for the most amazing daughters a mom could have. Each one of you are special and dad and I love you with all of our heart."

The room was quiet as Amy sat down with a lot of sniffles. Ty took control and said, "Dinner is served." Food was dished up and platters of turkey, carved by Jack, stuffing, salads, mash potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, yams, dinner rolls and from Maddie's opinion disgusting cranberries. Everyone was happy and joyous for the great meal. Complements were shared to everyone that prepared something and thank yous abounded. All in all, it was a great family Thanksgiving. After a break, pies were shared made by Georgie along with coffee, tea, and juices. After everyone was stuffed cleanup was underway, without Amy participating. After that the family broke into small groups. Most of the girls hung with Amy and now Cass to talk babies. The boys went to watch a little hockey on TV.

Ty noticed that Wyatt seemed a little out of place. He walked over to him and nudged him, "Kind of overwhelming isn't' it?" "Yea, I'm not use to something so big and loud. But I am really happy Lyndy asked me, and you were Ok with it. She is my best friend and means a lot to me," he said meekly. Ty walked him over to sit down off to the side and said to him, "Well you know I felt the same way when I first showed up here. I really had a difficult childhood, getting in a lot of trouble and didn't really have much family support. When I came here, I was also overwhelmed. I was a little older but thanks to Jack and Amy I felt welcomed and eventually loved like I had never been in my life." Wyatt listened intently. "I don't know if you know this but actually Amy's mom Marion is the reason I came to Heartland. As a part of my probation, she agreed to have me work here until I became 18. Heartland and especially Lyndy's mom are the best thing that happened to me. Without them I would probably be in jail or worse." Wyatt took a moment and responded with respect, "Well Mr. Borden, Mrs. Borden, Lyndy and her sisters are all amazing and I think you were a part of that to. I just hope I can be a part of it." "Well, thanks Wyatt that is nice of you to say, Lyndy has good taste in friends as well," Ty added. They got up and Ty tapped him on his shoulder. Much to his surprise Wyatt hugged him in thanks.

Amy and Lyndy were watching the discussion from across the room both glancing at each other silently after they saw Wyatt hug Ty. A little later Lyndy approached her dad and asked, "I don't mean to be nosey but what were you and Wyatt talking about? He seemed pretty emotional." Amy then joined them. "Well honey," Ty quietly responded, "I wanted to see if he was ok because as you know this group of ours can be a little much." "That was so nice, daddy," she barely got it out of her mouth. "I told him that he is always welcome and that you have good taste in friends," he smiled hugging her. "Then I told him that our lives are kind of similar, well except for the juvenile delinquent thing. I told him that Grandma Marion brought me here and that Heartland and your mom saved my life." Tears formed in his eyes as Amy hugged him from the side. "I just wanted to make sure he knew he was welcomed here anytime." Lyndy took a moment to gather herself, hugged them both and said with a lot of emotion, "You don't know what that means to him dad. When I look at my life, I can't believe how lucky I am and although Wyatt's grandma is great, he really has missed a lot without parents or siblings. I really like him and care for his wellbeing. Having you and mom's support means a lot to me. I know we are young, but he really is my best friend, and I can't imagine him not being in my life." Lyndy collapsed in her parents' arms after telling them how she felt. There were no needs for words ad Amy and Ty hugged their daughter tightly. The twins and Maddie saw what was going on and discretely walked over to them and joined in the hug and support. Amy and Ty looked at each other silently agreeing that this was what they were most thankful for.

After one of their best Thanksgivings, life for the Borden family continued with school, the business and Amy's continuing pregnancy. The girls were active in many school activities, band, dance, and most importantly their academics. Maddie was proud when she did really well in the 1st grade spelling bee. The twins each entered the science fair with projects and got blue ribbons and Lyndy continued to excel at dance. When she was younger, she did not want to dance, but after influence from Katie and Georgie she realized that dance helped her be a better rider. She had become accomplished dancer and was a member of the school ballet ensemble. When she would do recitals and competitions her parents were amazed at how beautiful she looked. Wyatt was there for support as well. At one competition, Ty leaned over to Amy and whispered in her ear, "reminds me of the Dark Horse audition you did." Amy joked tickling his ribs, "You mean the night you didn't propose to me." "Come on Amy it wasn't the right time and actually my real proposal was kind of magical, your words not mine." he smiled the Borden smile. She leaned into him and whispered, "It still is."