Chapter Twenty-Five
New Year's Celebration and More
A/N – Just a heads up. Pardon for the delay in updating, I just started from the beginning of this story and reread everything. One to make sure I am providing the details I hoped to achieve and second to complete a thorough proofread. I am anal about things like punctuation, spelling and all that. 😊
Well the annual Borden Family New Year's Eve Party has returned. JT kind of put the kibosh on that last year. So let's enjoy the fun and good times. As always who knows what will happen and what surprises occur. Strong Mature Content. Enjoy!
The news of Steven and Georgie's new addition spread like wildfire not only throughout the staff, but all of Hudson and the Olympic Equestrian community. Everywhere they went congrats, hugs, pats on the back and high fives came their way. They received dozens of emails and cards from all around the country. Steven parent's, especially his mom were ecstatic and happy beyond belief. Although not as close Georgie had a great conversation with Peter as he told her how proud he was and that he couldn't believe he was going to be a grandfather. Georgie was with Amy and quietly said, "Amy I need your advice. My dad called and is really excited for us. I am still so angry about what happened with mom and him but he sounded happy and sad. Should I let him back in?" Amy took a breath and answered, "Well you know my dad left for ten years and I barely remembered him when he came back. I don't believe things will ever be the same with us but I still love him because he is my father. The decision is yours." She sniffled into her shoulder, "I know I still love him and maybe now is the time to bring him back into my life, our life. But what about mom, how will she feel about it." Amy's understanding smile answered that question for her.
The ranches were still on winter break but the horse care still continued. Most of the staff was off over the holiday but like Jack always said, being in this family requires us all to be involved in the care of horses, every day of the year. So the Borden clan understood what needed to be done and made sure the family horses were all taken care of. One early morning, Maddie and the twins were getting feed ready for the horses. As Maddie was falling asleep with her head in a feed bucket, Addie looked over to her, "Maddie wake up, we have work to do." Maddie snapped back, "But I am tired I just want to go back to bed." Annie chimed into the conversation that was escalating. "Maddie we are all tired but we all have to pitch in, we all have jobs to do." Uncharacteristically Maddie snapped, "Be quiet you two, I know what I am supposed to do, quit being mean to me." Lyndy walked in on the conversation and scolded her sisters, "What are you three on about. Quit yelling at her, she is just tired." Addie snapped at her, "Well maybe you should help out more and not hang out with your boyfriend so much." Lyndy then snapped back to her and grabbed her by the shoulders and squawked, "Take that back Addie."
Well the conversation continued to escalate to the point that Amy and Ty could hear it in the office. Even JT had a worried looked on his face and began to cry. Amy and Ty picked him up and went to stop the argument. The marched into the feed room with a crying JT in Amy's arms. The girls immediately stopped arguing noticing that their little brother was in tears and their parents did not look happy. Ty calmly asked, "What is going on here girls, JT is beside himself because her hears his sisters yelling at each other. Well…" The all put their heads down, ashamed of what had happened. Deep down they loved each other but they let their exhaustion take over and took it out on each other. Lyndy spoke up, "Well were all just pretty tired and I guess we took it out on each other. Being the oldest, I am sorry, I should have calmed everyone down but I just made it worse." As tears streamed down her face the four sisters hugged each other realizing it was silly to be arguing over such things. Amy and Ty didn't need to say anything else and as JT got put down, he ran over and jumped on his hugging sisters happy and smiling. Amy had to ask, "What started this girls, what was such a big deal that it made you all yell at each other." Maddie said with a blushing face, "Addie was mad because I was falling asleep with my head in a feed bucket." The room was dead silent for a few seconds when they all erupted in laughter realizing how silly they all were.
As was tradition, Amy and Ty always hosted a small New Year's Eve Party at the Miracle Ranch for family and close friends and then New Year's Day was at Heartland. Amy and Ty happily remembered last year's Heartland event was when she went to the hospital to have their beautiful son. This year was going to be a bit different. After their first meeting about the new company, Lou had an idea. The day after the meeting she met Lisa and Amy at Maggie's to share it with them. "I have a really good idea. A lot of great things have happened this year and after our meeting yesterday I have an idea about the New Year's Party. Let's use it to start a new annual event, an event where we invite family and friend like in the past but extend the invites to others, like clients, college folks, and others. Let's get a list from Scott to see who he would like to invite. It would be an adult only formal party. I think that once the new organization is in place this can be the yearly event that celebrates the past year and sets the stage for the next one." Lou breathlessly looked for a response.
Lisa spoke up first, "Lou I think this is an outstanding idea. It can be a celebration and a way for us to thank everyone who has been a part of our success." Amy added, "And we can either use the indoor facility at our ranch or maybe even Fairfield's since our house won't be big enough. Any idea on how many people? It would be fun to get everyone together to bring in the new year." Lou responded with excitement, since she loved big parties. "Well I would think 50+ people but we will have to ask everyone. So Amy let Ty know along with Caleb and Cass, Lisa you can tell Jack and I will talk to Georgie and Steven as well as Scott." She blushed when she mentioned Scott and Lisa and Amy, both caught it. "We need to move fast so let's say by end of this week lets meet to go over the list we have and set things in motion." As they left, they hugged and were all excited by the upcoming party.
The met that Friday at Fairfield, trying to stay under the radar. Between, family, friends, staff, clients and other invited guest the total came to 65, so they decided to use Fairfield. Amy understood and to be honest was a bit relieved. Ty, Caleb and Cass decided that the Miracle Ranch would be the kids location. All the kids would stay there under the watchful eyes of Katie and her now boyfriend Clay, along with Lyndy and Wyatt. Little Ben would be there too. They liked the place because everyone was comfortable there and it was less than 20 minutes from Fairfield. Invitations were sent out in early December with RSVP requested the week just after Christmas. Almost everyone was going to make it. Marni, Lou's friend would handle the catering and they even decided to get a DJ so folks could dance. Lou was on cloud nine as she was in charge of decorations. Fairfield had a bunch of tables and chairs and the rented a small wood dance floor. Things were coming together and the morning of the party everything was set and ready to go.
Amy and Ty were getting ready to leave and were going to ride with Caleb and Cass after they dropped off Ben. The girls understood the adult party reason and were actually kind of excited about the kids party they would be having. When Amy came down, they girls were speechless. She was dressed in dark green cocktail dress that was a perfect fit for her in all the right places. Lyndy gawked, "Mom, you look so amazing." Katie added giggling, "No you look hot, I bet Ty likes that dress a lot." Ty walked down answering, "You bet I like it. You look amazing Amy," He grabbed her and kissed her passionately much to the displeasure of some and happiness of others. JT clapped and smiled, "Momma, Dadda Kiss." Everyone laughed. Maddie added blushing, "Dad you look hot too!" Caleb interrupted laughingly, "Ok we are all hot but let's talk about the rules for tonight." All the kids sat down as Lyndy held JT and Katie bounced Ben on her lap. Amy went over the rules for the night, especially the sleeping arrangements. The kids understood and since they respected them so much promised that everything would be ok.
They arrived early to help with any last-minute needs and prepare to meet the guest. The placed looked amazing, as Lou, Lisa and the Fairfield staff did an amazing job. The unannounced "Board of Directors" would be in charge of greeting all of their invited guest and showing them to their tables. They had decided to set up tables strategically to force a little interaction amongst folks who may not know each other. A few uncommitted guest had RSVP late so the list was over 60. Even the mayor accepted but she and her husband had another event to attend so would leave after dinner. As the guest were seated, Amy, Lou and Lisa went up to the microphone to welcome the guest. Ty, Scott, Jack Georgie, Steven, Caleb and Cass stood next to them. Lisa started by welcoming them to Fairfield and thanked them all for attending. Lou followed thanking them all for the continuing business and support of all the individual businesses. Amy closed by thanking them especially for the support of the family and close friends. Looking around the room she teared up a bit and Ty put his arm around her. Before they started dinner, the mayor asked to say something.
"When we were invited, my husband and I were excited to attend. This family and the businesses they own are part of the foundation that make Hudson such an amazing community. They have brought fame and notoriety to our area. An Olympic Champion, The Miracle Girl, Maggie's and the Dude Ranch, The Hudson Veterinary Clinic home of three amazing vets whose surgical procedures are used through Canada, The Marion Fleming Equine Center, a world-renowned horse breeding center, Fairfield Breeding and most importantly the Heartland Ranch." Joking she continued, "As Jack lets everyone know every time someone ask." Jack called out, "should I tell the story?" "Maybe later Jack. But seriously the town of Hudson is proud to have your family as a part of this community. What you have given to us and what you will give in the future will help all of us grow and prosper. Cheers to this amazing family and Cheers to Hudson." The crowd raised their glasses and applauded the words of their leader. Lou thanked her and announced dinner. Walking away, Jack, Lisa, Lou, Scott, Amy and Ty huddled. Ty spoke up, "Wow it's like she knows what's is coming. We couldn't have written a better PR statement."
The party was a resounding success. The food was awesome as Marnie out did herself. She had given them a good price as she was able to land some work from the folks attending. As they hoped they watched people interact and many new bonds and business deals were discussed. When the dancing began, they quickly found they needed a bigger dance floor next year. Ty and Amy were separated a lot but always kept an eye on each other and had several dances, especially the slow ones. He whispered it her ear, "This was a great idea and I can't help it but I have to say something." She looked at him with a questioning look. "You look ravishing Amy, you are the most beautiful women in this room and in the entire world. I can't keep my eyes or my hands off of you. God, I love you so much." She melted in his arms and began to mist up. "Ty, I love you so much and I am as happy as I have ever been." As the dance ended Ty looked at his watch, "Time for a check in." He looked over at Caleb and they went into Lisa's office to call. This was the second call and things seemed to be going well.
The phone rang and Lyndy joked, "Right on time, girls it mom and dad again." The all huddled around as Katie answered smiling and acting out of breath, "Sorry Amy, it's kind of crazy, the ambulance just showed up and JT is throwing up again. Addie hopped on Boone and took off crying and I have broken up with Clay." Everyone tried to control their laughter as Amy responded. "Real funny you guys, so how are things going." Lyndy stepped in, "Ok you caught us everything it awesome, but JT did have a little upset tummy, he ate a lot of pizza and maybe too much ice cream, but he is all good now. Ben and JT have laid down and Maddie is laying with them until they fall asleep." Amy sighed and before she spoke Maddie walked in the room. "Hi Mom and Dad, don't worry Ben and JT are out like a light. I don't think they will make it until midnight." She laughed. Ty took over, "Well we are all happy you guys are having fun and make sure you be safe and don't get too rowdy." He fatherly added, "And all of the sleeping arrangements are ready correct." Wyatt and Clay blushed as Clay answered, "Yes sir, nothing to worry about." Katie pinched his side. Maddie spoke up again, "Don't worry mom and dad I will keep everyone in line." Caleb laughed and said, "Maddie I am sure you will." They promised to call again right after midnight.
The party at Fairfield continues to roll on as midnight approached. As everyone was getting ready to countdown couples joined together and champagne glasses were handed out. Even Amy who didn't drink took one. As the countdown began, Ty looked into Amy's eyes and began kissing her passionately. The kiss started with 10 seconds to go and lasted several minutes after. Lou and Scott ended their kiss and she said to Amy, "You guys aren't supposed to kiss until the clock strikes zero." Amy was still too breathless to speak so Ty answered. "Well we wanted to end a great year with a kiss and start the next one with a kiss. I think it will be our new tradition" Lou smiled and Amy was wrapped up in his arms with a look of complete love for the man of her dreams. She whispered to him, "I can't wait to get home."
The party wound down after midnight and everyone thanked their guest for coming. Everyone was overwhelmed with the party and were looking forward to next year. Lou even go a text from the mayor just after midnight wishing the family a Happy New Year. The call home was quick as they wished all the kids Happy New Year. The kids all said good night as yawns were heard from all. They reminded them they would be home shortly. Lyndy responded, "Geez mom give it a rest." Secretly she couldn't wait to talk to her mom about her kiss with Wyatt at midnight. Extra food was packed up and would be used tomorrow at the Heartland BBQ. The Fairfield staff would clean up when they came back on the 2nd. Everyone walked to their cars and hugs were shared. The plan was for Ben to spend the night so Caleb and Cass dropped the Borden's off to go celebrate their kid less time. After a quick room check they found everyone asleep except Lyndy who couldn't wait to tell her mom about her kiss. "Mom it was so amazing. He is so amazing and our kiss was simple but awesome. Mom the way he looked into my eyes I melted. I really like him mom." Amy was so happy for her but also that she understood that she was still young and new to this type of thing. She whispered in her ear as she hugged her daughter tightly, "Sweetie, it only gets better." She smiled as Ty hugged her as well.
As they went into their bedroom as soon as Ty closed and locked the door, they began basically attacking each other. Their pent-up lust for each other was released as clothes were taken off and thrown wherever they landed. The urgency was overwhelming as their lips joined and tongues tangled. Amy's hands were all over Ty's body and he happily returned the favor to her. She took a breath and whimpered in his ears, "I can't stop thinking about our kiss at midnight and what you said to me, Ty Borden I am yours." Smiling seductively to him she began moving her lips and hands to areas that satisfied him in a sensual way. The had been intimate for years but tonight she was on a mission and needless to say he was not complaining. After she completed her onslaught of love her returned the favor just as passionately as her moans told him. They joined completely and made love with a passion only they had for each other. After multiple levels of satisfaction they laid side by side looking in each other's eyes. She breathlessly said, "wow that was amazing, you are amazing, wow." He chuckled and said, "I told you I love that dress." They held each other's naked bodies and fell into a peaceful sleep.
It was a late morning at the Borden house. Clay took Katie and Wyatt home before most of the Borden family woke up, knowing they would see everyone at the Heartland BBQ. Lyndy and Maddie got the toddlers out of bed, dressed and fed, before a very tired Caleb showed up to get him. The girls were sitting around the table waiting for their parents. After last night's festivities, only a light breakfast was needed so they ate some toast and cereal. They all went out to the barn with JT and did morning chores which were easy today. The ranch hands had already taken care of the client and boarded horses so all they had to do was the family ones. As they were working, Annie noticed JT sitting against the door where Spartan used to be stabled. He had a sad look and when she approached, he said solemnly, "Spartan," Annie hugged him and the rest of the girls joined him. Lyndy said to them all, "Spartan will always be a part of us," putting her hand her heart. The all quietly held each other.
Amy rolled over and saw her husband sleeping soundly. She smiled remembering their night that brought in the new year. She was as content and as happy as she had ever been. She smiled and pushed his hair back off his eyes. He opened his eyes and smiled, kissing her lips lightly. "Good morning Mrs. Borden, do you know where my clothes are," he chuckled. She looked up and said playfully, "All over the room, I remember someone taking them off of me and throwing them all over the place." He reached down and tickled her stomach and breathed into her year, "Well it makes is easier to do this," increasing his tickling to more intimate areas. "Cool down Mr. Borden we had a bunch of kids waiting to see us," she reasoned. The agreed with each other and got dressed in their PJs and headed out.
They were surprised when they walked out to an empty house. There was a note on the table, 'We were doing chores, coffee is hot and we will see your soon,' signed your amazing children. The smiled and hugged each other as Ty said, "See we could have made out some more." As they continued to kiss the door flung open and Maddie walked in first carrying JT. The rest of the girls followed closely behind and as always Addie told them to stop kissing so much. Amy couldn't help but notice that JT seemed a little down. She looked at Lyndy and she motioned for Maddie to take him to his room but instead she handed him to her dad. "Mom, its ok, we kind of all had a moment. He was sitting next to Spartan's old stall door and sadly said Spartan," Amy's eyes moistened up and she hug her girls as Maddie joined them. Addie spoke up, don't worry mom, Lyndy saved the day and told us all that Spartan will always be in our heart. But mom it was so cute. JT put his hand on his heart and said smiling, Spartan here." Well Amy lost it and sobbed into the hug with her girls. Ty stood back with a tear in his eyes holding JT trying to figure out how he was so lucky to be a husband and father to these amazing women.
After things settled, Ty and Amy talked about the party and the girl's shared the fun they had last night. Maddie spoke up, "Mom, Lyndy and Wyatt had a real kiss at midnight, She is in love…" Ty immediately spoke up, "Well Maddie we are happy for her and Wyatt is a really special young man. I am looking forward to meeting your first boyfriend." The group laughed and tickled each other. Everyone got ready to leave and they headed over to Heartland. The Borden's arrived with their usual flare for dramatics. A lot of talking, hellos and happy new year's. A lot of hugs and kisses followed and of course JT ran right to GG to sit on his lap. The usual family and friends were going to be there. The good things the only thing they needed was to BBQ as they had all the leftovers from last night. Tim and Casey had been invited as well as Jade and her husband Cliff. Jade was active with Tim in the Rodeo school and Cliff had been hired by him to be the foreman for his newly expanded herd of cattle. Lou and Amy were a little worried and hope there would be not tension between Jack and Tim. It seems the Borden kids were happy to see them and Georgie was happy to spend some time with her best friend Jade.
The BBQing went peacefully as it seemed Tim was determined to regain favor with the adults in the family. They all sat down at a mix of tables and chairs and the casual laid back early dinner was enjoyed. The men, Addie and Georgie went right to the Hockey games on TV as the women went to do early chores. JT stayed with them men for some male bonding. Amy took the girls and Katie over to the Miracle Ranch to tend to the horse there. Everyone reconvened back at Heartland to talk about New Year's Eve and anything else they could think of. Of course Maddie kept teasing Lyndy and Wyatt about their kiss. Georgie, Amy and Katie were huddled and couldn't help noticing that Scott and Lou were spending a lot of time together talking in hushed tones. Katie said, "Something is up you guys. I have seen them in town at the clinic and having lunch together. I know for a fact that they have been on a couple of dates as well. I mean it is cool and I love Scott but there is something going on." Amy and Georgie agreed and made a note to ask Lou about it later.
As things began to wind down Lou got up to get everyone's attention. She seemed a little nervous and Scott came up to her and put his arm around her. For once it seemed that Lou was lost for words and she looked to him for support. Jack and Lisa knew what was coming but stayed calm. Scott began by saying, "I want to say that this family has always been a big part of my life. Marion brought me here and like Ty can attest to she saved me. I was going down a path that would have landed me in jail or worse. I was lucky to be the first boy in the loft. It also gave me a chance to meet Jack and Lyndy as well as Amy. They all accepted me and welcomed me. But the most special time for me was when I met Lou." He took a breath and smiled at her kissing her hair. "Anyway she was a lot different than me and for some reason we kind of gelled together and dated a little. I was whipped from day one, these Fleming girls are something else. Well we kind of went our own ways and reconnected after Marion died. We tried to get back together but again things didn't work out."
He glance over to Amy, Georgie and Katie asking to come over to him. "I need to ask you three something. Would you give me permission to ask Lou to marry me. You three are the most important people in her life and I can't move forward until you say yes." He waited patiently as the three of them looked at each other and into Lou's moistening eyes. Amy spoke up for the three of them as Georgie and Katie we unable to speak. "Of course you have our permission, you have and will always be a member of this family and all I can say is it's about time." The hugged and everyone laughed and cheered. Scott got on one knee and face a crying Lou, "Lou Fleming, I have loved you since we first met. Will you do me the honor of marrying me." He grabbed Georgie and Katie's hands as well, "And will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your step-father." The room was hushed as Lou looked him in the eyes, "Scott, I love you so much and of course I will." The room erupted in cheers and congratulations as the newly engaged couple held on to each other with huge smiles. As everyone congratulated JT spoke up and yelled, "Scott, Auntie Lou Kiss!" The room erupted excited about the news and another wedding on the way.