Chapter Sixteen

A Wedding, Strong Relationships, Tragedy

A/N – Are you ready for summer? Georgie and Steven's Wedding and Olympic experience or on the way. Amy and Ty watch proudly each as their children grow as individuals, closer to each other and to some special friends. A tragedy deeply impacts the entire family. Watch as the family bands together to support each other when it is most needed. Enjoy!

Gwen and Maddie were busy mucking out a stall when, when she looked her and said, "Maddie I am so happy to be working here with you and your family. I love horses and your parents and sisters are the best. Thanks for letting me work with you. You are my best friend and I love you like a sister." Maddie embraced her friend and said to her, "I love you to, and you are a member of my family. But as the CEO I have to tell you that we need to get back to work," winking at her friend. Amy and Georgie overheard the conversation, and between the tears, a thought came over them. Later that afternoon Amy asked Maddie and Gwen to come to the office. When they turned the corner, they noticed the office was packed, everyone was there. Ty acting very official, began, "Maddie with your approval as CEO, we would like to recommend that you hire an assistant." Amy continued, "We would like to appoint Gwen as Special Assistant to the CEO." As she uncovered her own desk nameplate and desk right next to Maddie's. Gwen was beaming and everyone was cheering for her. A look came over her face and she asked, "Do I get paid?" The girls all looked at each other and ran over to her hugging her wildly, "We pay in hugs." Everyone continued cheering as the group joined in a big hug.

The summer was rolling along, as the Equine Center and Heartland were buzzing. Both facilities were at capacity, the Dude Ranch was always booked and thanks to the planning of Ty, Amy, Lou, and Georgie nothing was missed, and clients were very pleased with the service. With the wedding approaching in a few weeks, plans were well underway. Georgie and Steven decided to have the wedding in the yard under a tent outside of Heartland. The reception, much to the chagrin of Lou, would be held at the Miracle Ranch in their newly built indoor facility. They wanted to ride Phoenix and Trouble over from the wedding tent as the rest of the guest would be shuttled by busses. The plan was to have all the guest park at the Miracle Ranch so when they returned their cars were close. Lou was relieved when she was given free rein to decorate it and she had a planned developed and ready. Although Peter was coming, Georgie asked Jack and Ty to walk her down the aisle. Jack was her rock, and she had a unique bond with Ty due to their similar past. She always could count on Ty and Amy so obviously Amy was going to be her maid of honor. To keep things in the family, Steven had asked Ty to be his best man. Since he was 11 years old, he had bonded with him, especially when Ty helped him through some tough times when her mom's boyfriend was abusing him.

Even though a wedding was coming up work on the ranches continued. There was no intention to dial things down so Amy was going to count on Lyndy and Katie to step up a little while Georgie was gone as well as Caleb who was pitching in as well. Ty had already talked to Casandra and Scott, and they committed support along with the vet techs they had on staff. All in all they were confident that things would continue on schedule. Several other of the full and part time staff as well were going to be asked to step up a bit. Due to business, they ranches had brought on 4 additional full time ranch hands with cowboy experience that flexed between both facilities. All four were a part of Tim's rodeo school and were recommended by him and Casey. The plan was to have them full time during the summer and part time during the school year. Long term the set up with Tim and Casey would be a part of the rodeo school program. It was a win-win for everyone. Although Tim continued to be a challenge, with a tense relationship with Amy and Ty, he had no reason to discount this deal.

Wedding planning was in overdrive, and everyone was pushed to the max. One morning, Georgie was planning to work with a very difficult horse. All difficult horses were only handled by Amy or her and they always had someone with them for their safety. Wyatt was with Georgie that morning as he had continued to become more engaged with the horsemanship side of the business. Georgie was a bit tired due to the whole wedding planning thing so when she walked into the round pen she was yawning. Wyatt noticed that the horse was getting agitated and looked like it was going to rear up. He knew Georgie was tired and also knew enough that this horse was not approachable. He flung the gate open, yelled at Georgie and jumped between the charging horse instinctively pushing her away. In an instant he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and the last thing he heard was Georgie's scream as he blacked out.

Georgie's scream was heard thought the barn complex. Immediately anyone who heard it stopped what they were doing and headed toward it. Ty and Caleb were just inside the barn talking about a couple of horses and along with one of the rodeo school kids arrived first. Ty went to Wyatt as Caleb calmed a hysterical Georgie. Nick the ranch had gathered the high-strung horse and moved him out of the ring. Amy and Lyndy were working with another challenging horse at the other end of the barn, and both knew that Georgie and Wyatt were working with a horse as well. Chuck another ranch hand took the horse they were working on so they could go over. As they jogged over their worst nightmare was in front of them. Amy saw Georgie in Caleb's arms and Ty hovering over Wyatt, who was unconscious. Lyndy screamed in panic and both of them went into the round pen to join Ty. The twins and a couple of their friends arrived and closely behind came Maddie and Gwen, carrying JT, who had been playing with. As the crowd grew, they watched what was happening in silence outside of the quiet words of Ty and Georgie's sobs. Amy looked over to Caleb and mouthed, call an ambulance and he passed Georgie over to the twins. She had collapsed along the fence in despair. Silently Ty looked over Wyatt as Amy and Lyndy held each other kneeling next to his injured body.

Ty looked up at his distraught daughter, "Lyndy, listen to me. It seems he has been kicked in the shoulder, which is good, but when he fell back, he banged his head against the fence post. An ambulance is coming but I need a favor of you. I need you and mom to go call Wyatt's grandma and have her meet us at the hospital. Can you do that for Wyatt?" She shook her head and tearfully got up with her mom to make the call. "Caleb came over with the first aid kit to work with Ty. Being a rodeo cowboy he was familiar with what happened to Wyatt as he recalled his many accidents in the ring. Ty and Caleb got Wyatt in a better position after he was sure that nothing was broken. They stabilized his neck putting a neck brace on. Years ago Ty and Amy decided that both of them would take advanced first aid training so in the case it was needed they could care for anyone hurt. Caleb checked the back of Wyatt's head and felt the bump, "Ty he has a pretty good knock, and it is bleeding some." Ty went to the kit to get come disinfectant, gauze and tape so they could field dress it. They didn't want Lyndy, who had returned with her mom, see a lot of blood. "Lyndy his heartrate and blood pressure are very good, and he is breathing well. Did you get ahold of his grandma" She meekly said, "Yes daddy but she doesn't drive so she needs a ride." As she broke down again Ty and Amy switched places and he whispered in her ear, "I know you are scared but I am sure he will be fine. He needs you here for him now." As he held her the sound of an approaching siren was heard.

The paramedics took control stabilizing Wyatt, administering some fluids while quietly talking to Ty. As they got ready to leave, Ty and Caleb talked. Caleb would stay at the Ranch to make sure the work continued – no matter what happened the horses still needed attention. Amy had called Lou and her and Katie would head to the hospital as well. On the way they would pick up Wyatt's grandma. Caleb also would handle talking to the police as a report had to be filed and would be reviewed by the Alberta Equestrian Commission, a required process understood by Caleb. Amy and Lyndy went in the ambulance as Ty followed in their truck. The ride and arriving at the hospital was a blur to Lyndy. Wyatt was taken immediately to the ER room and assessments had begun. His Grandma June, arrived with Lou and saw Amy and Lyndy in the waiting room running to them. Lyndy fell into Wyatt's grandmas' arms, "I'm so sorry, I can't believe this has happened. My dad said his vitals were good, but he was knocked out." Her words faded and Amy took over detailing what had happened. She said Ty was talking with the doctors. "Ty and I have also been certified in advanced first aid as well, and although he is unconscious Ty said he was stable. It seems from what we understand, Georgie was working with a difficult horse and Wyatt was assisting. The horse bolted toward Georgie and Wyatt jumped in and blocked the horse from trampling her. He saved her from a serious injury or worse. He is a hero."

Wyatt's grandma June thanked Amy and assured Lyndy that she was sure he would be fine. Lyndy sobbed in her arms, "I can't believe you are consoling me, your grandson is in the ER." "Well Lyndy, I am worried, but Wyatt's dad was in the rodeo, and I am familiar with this type of injury. But to be honest I know how much you care for each other and the grandma in me want to make sure you are ok." She said with love and compassion. As they continued to wait, the doctor and Ty came out to the waiting room. As they tried to stand up Dr. Holt told them to remain seated. Looking at his grandma, she spoke, "Wyatt is stable and still unconscious, which is probably good right now. He has a severe bruise just below his right shoulder and a possible fracture in his clavicle from the result of a hoof kick from the horse. We are waiting for some more detailed x ray results so see how the clavicle is but no matter what it will heal completely. He has a contusion on the back of his head that resulted in a pretty good bump. We believe he passed out either from the shock of the kick from the horse or hitting his head." She paused and Ty interjected, "I told Dr Holt that before he blacked out, he looked at Georgie and asked if she was Ok." Dr. Holt continued, "That along with some cognitive test I ran is a good sign that there is no damage to the brain."

The group took a collective breath but now Lyndy was crying and visibly shook. Wyatt's grandma brought her into her shoulder and asked, "So, Doc, what's next." Dr. Holt continued, "Well we will continue to monitor him and wait for him to wake up. Then we can assess the level of pain and prescribe what he needs to make him more comfortable as well as further test his cognitive status. I would recommend no more than two visitors, but they should be someone close to him." Grandma June, immediately spoke up, "Lyndy and I will go in and sit with him. Lyndy is a very dear friend of his and I think he will be happy when he sees her as he wakes up." Lyndy looked at her mom and Amy was smiling nodding her head in approval. Everyone thanked the doctor as June and Lyndy followed her into the room. Lou decided to talk to the registration nurses to make sure they had the information on the insurance they carried for the equine center's staff. They all decided that Amy would stay and keep their truck in case Lyndy, or June needed to go home. Ty was going to go with Lou and Katie to make sure everything was ok at the ranch and to fill everyone in. Lou told Amy she would take JT back with her and keep him at Heartland with Jack and Lisa.

As Lyndy entered the room with Grandma June she stopped in her tracks when she saw Wyatt on the hospital bed. He looked pale and had wires and tubes everywhere. As the doctor said he did look calm as Lyndy approached him and touched his hand, which felt warm. Grandma June reach over and kissed her grandson, "Come on Wyatt, time to wake up." After about an hour, Lyndy excused herself to see her mom. When she approached, Amy quickly hung up the phone and stood up to meet her daughter. "Honey how is he doing, that was your dad checking in." Lyndy took a breath and answered, "He is still not awake, but the nurses said that is normal and that he is actually doing great. I just had to step out for a minute to take a break. I feel like I am in a dream, I can't believe this has happened." As new tears came Amy held her and spoke with a mother's love, "He is going to be fine, Dr. Holt is certain, and I believe him because he is a great doctor." Lyndy looked at her confused. "Dr. Holt is the one who saved your dad when her returned from Mongolia. He figured out what was wrong and helped him get better. He is amazing." Lyndy smiled and held on to her mom. As they sat for a while Lyndy looked over and saw a familiar face.

As they both looked up, they saw a smiling Grandma June. "Lyndy he is awake and asking for you. I need to take a walk, why don't you and your mom go in." Lyndy grabbed her mom's hand running into the room. When they turned the corner and walked in, she saw a smiling Wyatt sitting up in his bed. Never letting go of her mother's hand she went over to see if this was real. "Wyatt, you are awake, I am so happy. And you look really good, and I can't believe you are awake" and smiling she felt like Maddie babbling but she was so excited she couldn't handle it. Amy let go of her hand as Wyatt said, "Well do I at least get a hug or are you going to babble on like Maddie?" She went to the side of the bed and reached over to give him and hug and began crying uncontrollably, "I was so scared when I saw you on the ground. I could barely breathe." "Well, I am good, a little sore and my head hurts a little, but I am ok. You can't get rid of me that easily. I still need your help in Math and Geography next year." Amy talked while they held each other letting him know that Georgie was fine, and the ranch hands had settled the horse. "Mrs. Borden, it wasn't the horse's fault, he was just scared and when I saw him bolt to Georgie, I had to stop him from hurting her. I mean she is getting married soon," Wyatt reasoned. Amy responded, "Well spoken like a true horse whisperer. We'll make a horse healer out of you for sure one day." The all laughed and Wyatt began his recovery.

Wyatt was able to come home after only a couple of days and was back at the ranch, under the close scrutiny of Lyndy and her parents a few days after that. As CEO, Maddie decided that she would be personally responsible for his safety and was stuck to him like glue. Amy noticed and asked her, "Honey everyone will be taking care of Wyatt but don't bubble wrap him, that is what you dad always did with me." With a serious and tearful look she said, "Mommy I am in charge of this place, and it is my responsibility. When I saw Lyndy so upset I decided that I would do anything needed to make her feel better." Amy melted at her daughters' comments without saying a word. Ty and Lyndy heard the end of the conversation and went to the CEO and hugged her tightly as Lyndy said, "Little 'Sis' I love you with all my heart." Amy and Ty held each other as their eyes watered watching their daughters.

With one week to the wedding there was an air of excitement and anticipation at both ranches. Georgie's dress was beautiful. As a gift Lou, Lisa and Amy went into an exclusive shop in Calgary and the three of them paid for it. Dresses were ready, Tuxes ordered, Tents going up, food ordered and RSVPs going strong. To say that Lou was in overdrive was an understatement. Amy would be Georgie's maid of honor and Katie, Lyndy and her friend Jade would be bridesmaids. Steven had no siblings so Ty was going to be his best man and Wyatt along with two of his friends would be groomsman. Over time Wyatt and Steven had become close so they agreed that pairing him and Lyndy would make sense. Although Peter and Georgie had become distant since her parent's divorce, he was going to attend but Georgie still wanted Jack and Ty to walked her down the aisle. They were the most influential men in her life and also meant a lot to Steven, so it was an easy decision that her father accepted.

They did not want a bachelor or bachelorette party, so the rehearsal dinner was going to handle the family only get together for the couple. Lisa offered to have them use Fairfield for the event and said that Jack and she would pay for it. Lou protested lightly but understood, especially since Lisa let the planning for her to handle. The night of the dinner was unbelievable. Outside of the Bartlett, Fleming, Morris and Borden clan, Stevens parent's, who had both remarried, and the other wedding party members were there. Speeches and toasts were had. Georgie and Steven specifically asked Ty to give a speech. He was hesitant but agreed and stood up to speak. "Well, these two wanted me to say something and I have to say, having to follow Jack and Lou is going to be tough," the group laughed.

"The first time I met Georgie was when I found her hiding in the loft. I had to sleep there for a while there since Caleb's trailer was falling apart. Anyway weird things were happening at Heartland and as I was sitting there, I heard a cough. When I look to see what it was, a small body lunged at be kicking me in the shin and running away. I chased her down the steps and confronted this little kid shaking a pitchfork at me. I disarmed her and pulled her stocking cap off and was startled when I realized it was a little girl. I asked questions with no answer and carried her into the ranch house. Jack finally got her to speak and the girl that is Georgie became a part of this family. I can tell you that this family has a way of doing that, they did the same for me." He hesitated as Georgie raised her glass in agreement. "Well what we see today is an amazing, accomplished and loving women. Steven, you better take care of her, or you will have all of us to deal with, cheers to Georgie." Cheers resounded and glasses clinked.

Ty took a drink and continued, "I still remember Steven trying to win Georgie over, which I have to say was not easy. He was this cute little kid who brought her cookies that Jack ended up eating," Jack interrupted, "And they were really good, winking at Steven's mom." Putting his hand on Jack's shoulder, Ty continued, "Jack my speech Ok. Anyway Steven was persistent and eventually broke her down and their friendship developed. Like Amy and I they loved to do night check together. One night we headed out to help and walked in on them sharing a kiss. We hid in the office, eaves dropping on them, hugging of course and remembering our first kiss, which was almost at the same spot. We knew they were meant to be together. As the years moved on, I grew closer to Steven, as some life experiences he had were similar to mine." Steven dropped his head, remembering when he opened up to Ty about his mom's abusive boyfriend. "He allowed me to help him, and our bond continued to flourish. I'll never forget the day they came to me and told Amy and I that he wanted to be a vet. I again was honored that he asked to be my apprentice, remembering when I did the same with Scott." Scott interrupted saying, "Yea and you turned out alright." again the group laughed and smiled. "Again you two, my speech. Steven has excelled in his schooling and has become a major part of the Equine Center's veterinary component and a valued partner and friend. To Steven." Again glasses clinked. The party ended with hugs, kisses, and excitement about tomorrow.

It was the morning of the wedding. The girls were all getting ready at the Miracle ranch, the boys at Heartland. Georgie and the rest of the women were going to be brought over to Heartland in a horse drawn carriage. The Twins and Maddie all had roles in the ceremony and had matching dresses to the bridesmaids. JT was with the group at Heartland and was dressed in a little tux, mainly there just to be cute. Lyndy's friend Maya and Maddie's friend Gwen would be taking care of him during the ceremony as he was very comfortable with both of them. Lou was out of control, making sure the girls were good, the Miracle ranch was set up for the reception, and moving over to Heartland checking in on Lisa and the tent and shuttles. Marnie, her friend was handling the catering as Georgie and Steven wanted western fare as opposed to more traditional wedding food. The last bus of guests were on their way to Heartland and the very large carriage had arrived to get the girls. At Heartland, the notification came that the carriage was enroute, taking 15 minutes or so. So the guest were asked to take their seats and the groom and groomsmen took their assigned places. Ty and Jack went to meet the carriage as a visibly nervous Steven stood up front with the minister.

The carriage arrived and all heads looked toward it in anticipation of seeing the bride. The twins and Maddie got out first and walked down to the smiles and awes of the crowd. Next Lou came out and surprisingly Scott met her and walked her to her seat. Next came Lyndy who happily latched on to Wyatt's good arm. Katie and Jade followed and walked down with Stevens friends blushing wildly. Next it was Amys turn to step out. Ty met her with a look of astonishment at the beauty of his wife, "Amy you are stunning, I love you so much," kissing her cheek. She blushed like a teenager and the girls all smiled at their parents. After Ty dropped her off, he went back to handle his other duties. Jack and Ty took their places at the bottom of the carriage stairs and helped the bride down the steps. "Georgie, you look stunning," Jack said tearing up. Georgie smiled at both of them and said, "I love you both very much. Let's get to it." They all smiled as she held each of their arms walking down the aisle. Before she reached Steven, she stopped to hug Peter and his new wife and then hugged Scott as well as her mom. The hug lasted several seconds as both of them were misty eyed. Jack stepped back and Ty took her to her man. As Ty took Georgie's hand and put it in Steven's she leaned into him kissing his cheek and whispering in his ear, "Ty thank you from both of us." Ty smiled and looked over to his beautiful wife mouthing 'I love you.'

The ceremony was beautiful as Georgie and Steven swore their forever love for each other. When they came to the end of the vows Amy and Ty were surprised when they heard the words, "For your heart is my heart, now and forever." These were the exact words they said at their wedding. They felt warm inside when they used them. As the minister said you may kiss each other the crowd erupted in applause. Georgie leaned over and hugged Amy, Katie, Jade and Lyndy while Steven bro hugged Ty, Wyatt, and his buddies. As they walked back down as husband and wife their happiness was overflowing. After the crowd began to head back to the reception, Georgie mounted Phoenix side saddle and Steven rode Trouble. They took their time and when they arrived, the twins took their horses to stable them.

The reception was amazing, and everyone had a wonderful time. Georgie danced with Peter, Jack, Ty and Scott, and Steven danced with his mom, Lou, Katie and Amy. These were the people that meant a lot to them, so the dances were a thanks to them. Toast were made and the food was a big hit. JT was great and enjoyed the extra attention from family and friends. Amy and Ty were looking over their daughters as all the Borden girls got their dance on with the boys of their choice. Amy smiled and leaned into Ty's ear, "The wedding was amazing, they were always meant to be with each other. Kind of sounds like another couple I know," kissing his neck. Ty turned to his wife and gave her an enthusiastic kiss that lasted a little longer that it should have. They were interrupted buy Addie and a babbling JT. "Geez you two, it isn't your wedding. And JT needs his parents." They laughed, grabbed their little boy, and danced together with him. He yawned and Maya came over. "I'll take him to bed Mr. and Mrs. Borden, I think this little guy is done for the night." They said thanks and continued to dance. They night closed out and everyone headed home. Georgie and Steven were staying at the Dude Ranch and after a morning family breakfast they headed to Paris for their honeymoon and the Olympic games.

A couple of weeks after their return the business was running smoothly. Their trip was amazing, and the team brought home a number of medals. Georgie was recognized by the team for her outstanding work and credited with their success thanks to her efforts. Steven gleamed with pride as he watched his wife work with the team. Toulan was a great diversion as it allowed them to have some true alone time. Now that she was not training the Olympians it allowed her to get more engaged in the work at hand and acclimate to her new married life. Steven had really stepped up his internship with Ty and he was given more and more responsibility. The most exciting was the surgery aspect of the job. He was amazed at Scott and Ty's surgical skills and was excited when Ty mentioned he would be involved in the University program in the fall. Although they had lived together, they were enjoying being married and living everyday more and more in love.

One day there was a commotion in the family barn. Amy was with Lyndy working on a horse when Georgie came running to her. Amy followed as Lyndy stabled the horse they were working on. As she entered the barn, she saw a crowd outside Spartan's stall. Maddie and the twins were in tears being consoled by others. As she turned into the stable, she saw something that rocked her. She fell to her knees as she saw Ty working with her distressed black stallion – her best friend. Georgie held her tight as she whispered, "Spartan."