Chapter Eighteen

Moving Forward – Borden Style

A/N – Not a lot to say after that chapter, I hope I gave it the honor Spartan deserved. Life continues for the Borden Family. The summer is coming to an end, business is booming, and school is fast approaching. I have a lots of storyline ideas so I can't tell you how much longer this story will go. Let me know if you want me to continue. I hope everyone is enjoying it, I know I am. Strong Mature Content is back. Enjoy!

Amy sat in the office making notes in her journals while Ty sat on the iPad entering some notes. Ty had tried to have Amy enter her notes electronically but that would not happen. One entire wall of the office was filled with her all of the journals from her and her mom. They were organized chronologically and could be easily referenced by anyone who needed information. It never failed that if someone was struggling with a horse the answer was there. It was a treasure trove of information that was a testament to Grandma Lyndy, Marion and Amy who had committed their lives to the 4-leggeds, a word Victor Whitehorse had always used. Both Amy and Marion had befriended him when they were struggling with Pegasus and Spartan. He sent a lovely note to Amy and Ty when he heard of the passing of Spartan. He mentioned that his old friend Pegasus had to be happy that his buddy had joined him.

As Amy and Ty continued to work, she began to daydream. It had been a few days since they had to put Spartan down and she had been clinging to Ty a little more than normal. She smiled as she remembered last night. He was her rock but allowed her the time she needed to grieve the loss of their friend. Now that JT was almost 8 months old their intimacy had returned months ago, as good as ever. But last night she really needed him. He held her and whispered into ear soothing her like he always did. She hugged him with all her mite, and he knew she needed them to be close. He was so amazing and caring as the made love well into the evening. As they held each other panting and breathing heavily, Amy whispered as she looked into his eyes. "Thank you, Ty, you have been my rock. I know this has rocked you as well but as always you always put me first. And I can't imagine not having you hear with me."

As she looked up from her daydream, she noticed Ty yawning. "So, Dr. Borden, are you a little tired today," smirking at him seductively. He looked up saying devilishly, "Well some amazing woman needed some of this last night and well who am I to deny her all of this," as he moved his hands up and down his body. "Please don't flatter yourself but I must say that one move last night, well it stills give me tingles." She blushed. He stood up and walked over to his bride and helped her stand up into his arms. He held her tightly and moved his lips on to hers. She answered opening her mouth and allowing their tongues to dance. They continued for a few minutes realizing they were in the office with the door open. He looked into her eyes and moved his hands to pinch her beautiful rear end. He whispered into her ear, "Rain check."

They went back to work, and Amy began daydreaming with thoughts about their children. Lyndy was a mature 12-year-old looking forward to her second year of middle school. Amy was amazed at her ability to be there for her family, especially her younger siblings and for Wyatt. She recalled how she was during his recovery and how although shaken she put her feelings aside to be there for him. The twins, who would soon be 10 were growing into confident and beautiful young women. Although identical in looks their personalities were not. But each of them exhibited traits of their parents and other family members. Their close group of friends were fun to watch as they interacted at the ranch and at school. But that connection they had, knowing what the other was thinking was still there even stronger than ever. And she continued to be amazed how they used their language when either or both were upset or shaken, as they did when Spartan was ill. And there was her little Maddie. She would be 7 right after the twin's birthday. She was a breath of fresh air. Her compassion and love of life was unmatched. She was inquisitive, dynamic, and always had something to say. The way she had befriended Gwen and how she treated everyone in her life was a testament to her commitment to be there for them whenever they needed her. She had compassion well beyond her years and her and Ty would always joke that they would have to keep an eye on her.

And finally her thoughts went to her little angel, JT. He would be 8 months right around the upcoming birthdays of Maddie and the twins. He was the sweetest little guy she had ever seen. He was always happy and joyful and really loved the attention he got from everyone especially his sisters. He had been crawling all over the place and she lost count of how many times he would disappear and be found outside one of the horse's stalls. She sniffled a lot remembering how he loved to go to Spartan's stall and get his attention babbling away. He loved Spartan and Spartan loved him. Yesterday she found him sitting up against Spartan's door with a sad look. She went to pick him up and he looked into her eyes. "Momma, Spartan" was all he said, and she held him and said everything would be Ok. He then hugged his mom comforting her and her grief. Amy remember Ty walking up behind them and joining in. It reminded her that she had two amazing men in her life.

As she continued her daydream, she looked over at Ty, attentively working on his files. She thought about what an amazing man he was and how after so much adversity he drove himself to become the best husband, father, vet, friend, and family member. So many people looked up to him, but his humbleness and passion were things that stood out most to her. As a partner and lover he was unmatched. When he told her years ago that he would do anything for her, she was reminded over and over of that commitment. Finding Spartan, surviving two crashes, standing up to Chase, Jeremy, and Ahmed, protecting her from a cougar, and being by her side after she was kicked by a horse and was blinded temporarily. He was there for her during all the births of their children, coaching her and supporting her. He was her rock and her best friend. But in a way it even went farther than that. They were one just like they committed to at their wedding. She recalled the comments he made on the gazebo after their reconnection at Pike River. "Amy, I don't want to do it alone, I want to do it with you. OK" Those words were what she had been waiting for during those months of separation. After they returned home, they gave the family the news of an upcoming wedding. From that point forward the love they had for each other became their destiny and to this day continues to grow stronger. She loves him with everything she has in her heart and soul.

The summer was coming to an end with the school year fast approaching. Business continued to be strong, and the leadership team was already making plans for the fall. One day Amy, Ty and Lou were talking through some scheduling and plans. Amy spoke up, "You know have you noticed that Caleb has stepped it up and has become reliable when we have needed him . He seems to be toning down the rodeo circuit and helping dad less with the rodeo school." Ty added, "I agree, when Wyatt got hurt and Spartan got sick, without hesitation, he took over things here while we were focused on what we needed to focus on. I think we should approach him about becoming the head ranch hand." Lou continued, "Like have him over all the ranch hands, inventory, and barn activities – manage the barn operations at both locations. He would be great at it since he has such a great personality and knows what we do here. I mean he is family and has been for a long time. And he was Amy's boyfriend before you Ty" she added tongue in cheek. The all laughingly shook their heads in agreement and Ty went to get him.

A few minutes later a wide-eyed Caleb walked in with Ty. "This can't be good, the Fleming sisters want to see me. First off, I didn't do it, second sorry Lou that I kissed you and last Amy I know when we dated that I had no chance against Ty." The sisters broke out laughing and Ty smacked him in the arm. Amy finally spoke up, "Caleb O'Dell after all these years you are still incorrigible. And for the record we never really dated. But seriously we have been talking and we want to ask you something. Would you like to be our Ranch Operations Manager." With a confused look he asked, "That's an awful big title so you will have to tell me what it means." Lou continued, "You have really stepped up recently when we have needed you to and with business growing and more staff on hand, we need someone to take over the operations side, supplies, the ranch hands and all the other day to day things that keep us up and running. I need to focus more on the Maggie's expansion, the Dude Ranch, and the finances. Since we plan to grow our veterinary services Ty is going to be heavily involved in that with Scott and Cassandra. And as you know Amy is always involved in working with horses, developing some of the family's horsemanship skills and with Ty taking care of their 5 children." After pondering the offer Caleb responded, "Well to be honest my rodeo days are slowing down, Jade has really taken over the Rodeo School with Tim and I really like where this place is going. So, I'm in!" They all shook on it. Everyone was told of his new role and responsibilities. Everyone thought it was a great fit and looked forward to the rodeo star's leadership.

As the summer continues all four of the girls were active in the show jumping circuit. Maddie and the Twins were still too young, but Lyndy was preparing for the Fall Finale. She had already qualified, and Amy was working with her several times a week. Wyatt had become her self-appointed head groom, making sure that Sundance was well cared for. After this season the other girls were all moving up a level and the twin's competition would be at the level just below Lyndy. Georgie worked with them exclusively as Amy continued to work with Maddie, with Katies help. Amy was grooming her to do more coaching. Katie was herself very accomplished on the circuit and it didn't hurt that she had a sister who was a Canadian Olympic Medalist and Coach.

All of the girls loved to show jump, but none felt as though it would be something they would pursue to a level that Georgie had achieved. Amy and Ty never pushed them and encouraged them to try new things. Something that a younger Amy used to struggle with as Ty would reminded her of frequently. At a minimum they wanted to be like their mom, a really good jumper but also open to do other things. Lyndy and Katie had already begun to do some liberty work and Addie had an interest in Barrel Racing. Amy had contacted Kit Bailey, one-time short-term girlfriend of Ty to work with her. The past was the past and their relationship had improved as they grew older. Kit had married, divorced but had two really cute boys the ages of the twins and Maddie. Amy wanted Addie to learn from an accomplished rider. And Kit was happy to do it. As she worked with Addie, she saw that she has great horse skills, and her horse Boone was well suited to be a quality Barrel racing horse.

One day Addie was training as Amy and Ty walked up. Ty said, "Wow Kit she looks good, you have done a great job with her." Kit answered, "Well thanks, it doesn't hurt that she has inherited those Amy Fleming horse skills, she is a natural. Amy maybe you and I should get our ropes out and show these kids how we beat Caleb in that roping competition years ago. I see you have your buckle on." Annie was listening next to Maddie and said, "Wait a minute mom, you were a roper, seriously!" Amy blushed and said, "Well a long time ago I entered a few roping competitions with Caleb, so I had to learn how to. A couple of years later, Caleb was desperate and asked me to team up with him. But then he dumped me, and I found out that he had asked Kit and dumped her to. Well Kit and I weren't good friends then but to get back at Caleb we partnered up and beat him." Maddie spoke up, "Mom please rope for us, please, please, it would be so cool to see our mom rope a calf." Ty looked at the two formal rivals and they smiled and nodded yes. "Girls gather everyone up, the roping competition starts in an hour."

Within an hour the ring was set up and there were two other teams consisting of the 4 young ranch hands from Tim's school. He even got wind of it and planned to be there as well. To make it official Jack agree to announce the competition and Caleb was the ring judge. Trash talk already started with the ranch hands as Amy and Kit just warmed up quietly. Almost everyone was there, even JT was there to cheer on his mom even though he had no idea what was going on. Just seeing his mom on a horse was enough for him. The first run was two of the ranch hands, who stumbled a bit but got the calf roped in 7.5 seconds, a pretty good time. Then the next two ranch hands went, and it was a clean rope just a little slower – 7.8 seconds. Tim was gloating about the performance of his kids and told Jack how Amy and Kit didn't have a chance. On the first of three runs Amy and Kit had a cleaner run and timed in at 7.5 seconds. The competition was the best average of three runs. The next run was pretty even, 7.6. 7.6 and another 7.5 for the ladies. All they had to do was win by one tenth of a second and they would be the overall winners. In the final time both teams of ranch hands ended with a time of 7.6 again. So the stage was set. Amy and Kit knew what they had to do.

As everyone looked on Amy and Kit bolted out of the gate and were right on the calf within seconds. Amy, who was the header made a great toss onto the calf's horns and head. Kit found the calf in great position thanks to their combined effort, flung the rope and cleanly latched on to the café's hind legs. She pulled back, hooted, and hollered with Amy, and waited for the time. Jack hesitated as Tim tried to look over his shoulder. Jack spoke to the crowd, "well ladies and gentlemen as I know age only makes you better, Kit and Amy's time, 7.2 seconds. They are the winners!" The crowd went wild, Ty ran up to Amy as she jumped off Blaze and into his arms. Kit ran over to her longtime friend Caleb for a high five. Then Amy and Kit joined hands and raised them up in victory. The clapping even got louder. Even JT was excited. The girls ran over to her mom hugging and high fiving her. The had never been so proud of her. As the family celebrated together Maddie spoke up, "Mom you have to teach me how to do that." Everyone laughed and said together "Oh Maddie."

The Fall was soon to arrive in Alberta. It was the first week at school, and the business was switching to fall mode. The girls were really getting into their classes and school time with their friends. Lyndy found the transition to 7th grade brought on new challenges and with Wyatt they would work with each other every day. He was becoming more of a regular at the ranch after school and over the weekends. Lyndy quietly smiled about the time they spent together. The twins continued to be popular especially since many of their friends were helping out at the farm. Also everyone they know came to the Equine Center if they needed help with a horse. The Marion Fleming Equine Center was becoming a major part of the Hudson economy and was gaining the respect of other centers around Alberta, the rest of Canada and the northwestern US States. Maddie was pumped about 2nd grade. Starting to take actual courses was exciting and every day at dinner she told the stories of her day. She talked about Gwen also. Her friendship was very important to her and as many times as she could Gwen came to the ranch to help out and play with JT, who she loved.

Preparations were also underway to the upcoming birthdays. Much to Amy and Ty's chagrin, the twins wanted a sleepover and Maddie wanted to go to a ropes course. Both parties were scheduled and all of the kids had a great time. It took Amy and Ty several days to recover from the sleepover. Luckily Lyndy spent the night at Maya's and Maddie and JT went to stay with Georgie and Steven. A little practice for the newlyweds? Although the girls were behaved there was something about a group of preteen girls that was rough. The giggling and laughing was overwhelming but after 4 attempts they finally fell asleep. Amy and Ty collapsed in their bed at 1:00am. Maddie's party was really fun. Especially since several of the other parents were there as well. It was nice for them to be able to socialize with the other parents. Several mentioned their condolences for losing Spartan and Amy tearfully said thanks. They decided to have a BBQ for the family so they could celebrate and let them give their presents. As usual it was fun to get everyone together and for once Amy's dad behaved himself.

Although they were not completely kid less now, Amy and Ty had been getting reacquainted a few months after JT was born, especially during the day when JT napped or was with Lou. It was a little different with him around, but they always were able to work it out. Over the years one thing they did was always make sure they had 'alone time' as they called it. After a little more time than usual between intimacy, Ty walked up behind Amy as she sat at the desk. Putting his arms around her he whispered. "God, I miss you Mrs. Borden, it has been forever since we were together." She looked up at him, "Ty it's been less than 48 hours, but I do miss you. I have an idea, tack up the horses and meet my outside the back of the barn in a half hour." He smiled in anticipation and went to get ready. "Oh, grab some blankets, waters and maybe a snack too." Ty knew food was always important to her. She got ahold of Georgie and asked if she could watch JT until the girls got home from school. "Ty and I have something to do and will be away for a couple of hours," Amy said kind of blushing. Georgie smirked, "Oh I expect you have an important meeting," holding up her hands with fake quotation marks. "Just kidding you kids have fun. Your secret is safe with me."

Ty got the horses ready and filled up the saddle bags with 10 minutes to spare. He waited patiently for his wife trying to stay out of the way. He was startled when Caleb snuck up behind him. "Oh looks like someone is going on a romantic trail ride with the girl of his dreams." Ty stuttered saying, "Well we haven't ridden Blaze and Triumph in a while so we thought we would take them out." "Yea I get it, have fun," Caleb smirked. Finally Amy came out the door smiling at Caleb and got on Blaze. Without a word they headed out to their secret destination. At Heartland the first time the made love was on the jumping course that Ty built for her. At the Miracle Ranch they had discovered a very private grove of trees that had a beautiful view of the Rockies on one side and their property on the other. While it was private it also allowed them to see or hear anyone approaching. Like two lovesick teenagers the held hands and then decided to gallop to the spot. It was a nice early afternoon with a warm breeze. It was perfect.

When they got to the spot and after they gave them a drink, they tied the horses off by a nice patch of grass. The quickly got their supplies and laid the blankets in the grass over a protective outcropping of trees. They couldn't get to each other fast enough. Before Ty knew it Amy had jumped on him straddling him all the way to the ground. Their kiss was heated and passionate. Amy was as aggressive as he had ever seen her. As he got a moment to breathe, he said, "And I am the one who thought it had been too long" She grabbed his face and said with lust, "Shut it Dr. Borden and make love to me." As they continued their passion, they began unbuttoning their shirts. Almost immediately he noticed that Amy didn't have a bra on. "What no bra, were you expecting to take advantage of me?" he smirked. She again responded in a low husky voice, "That is not the only undergarment I don't have on." That comment ignited the both of them. In minutes all clothes were discarded and hands, lips and tongues were engaged. Moans came from both of them as the lovers touched and stroked the parts of their bodies that needed it. Amy exploded in ecstasy a couple of times as the moans continued. As they joined, their rhythm and thrust increased. Both of them were breathing and panting heavily as they reached and unbelievable climax together. Ty continued even after they reached euphoria. As the laid next to each other gaining control of their breathing they rolled over and looked into each other's eyes. The look in their eyes was one of complete and unselfish love. Each of them made sure their partner had been satisfied. After a few moments Ty spoke, "Maybe we should wait a little between lovemaking in the future because that was amazing, you were amazing." She looked at him with love and lust. "Well if that's the case, ready for round two." The loved on that hill for a couple more hours knowing that when the returned late there would be looks and stares. They didn't care because they were Amy and Ty.