Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Past Never Leaves Us

A/N – Sorry that was a big one. Just like the chapter before about the children I felt it was now time to focus on Amy and Ty. As I have said this story is about my vision of their life and epic love story that I believe many of us wanted to see. I hoped it is meeting your expectation and as always, your reviews are welcomed. As we move forward some serious challenges confront a member of the family. More than ever they will need each other to make it through. Enjoy!

The Borden family were all back home on Friday and after a lot of hugs and kisses Ty and Amy decided to order pizza for dinner. As a welcome home celebration, Jack, Lou and Lisa invited everyone to Heartland for a BBQ the next day. When the pizza arrived the family sat around eating and telling stories about their weeks. Lyndy was the first to notice the necklace her mom had on. Actually JT who would not leave his mother's arms was playing with it. She asked, "Nice necklace mom is that new." Then JT said something that rocked everyone in the room. Holding the necklace in his hand he said clearly, "Spartan." The room was speechless and finally Ty broke the quiet. "Well JT is very intuitive. I bought this for mom in Vancouver and I wanted it to always remind her of Spartan. We all loved him and he was your mom's best friend." Amy was unable to speak and held JT as tight as she could. He looked at her and said, "Mommy, no sad, be happy. Spartan is with you here," As he placed her hand on her heart. Well that was it. Everyone broke into tears and a family hug was needed. Amy looked at Ty as both of them were in tears. Thinking the same thing, she spoke up. "Ok guys let's get it together. I love my necklace and what JT says is right, he is in all of our hearts. This necklace is special to me and will always be next to me heart." Addie walked over to Ty high fiving him, "Way to go dad, you rock!" Breaking the tension everyone broke out into laughter and the stories continued.

Stories continued as everyone moved into the living room. The girls got ready for bed as Amy and Ty took JT to bed for some extra parent time. As he snuggled in bed he kissed his dad and hugged him mom tightly, "I love you mommy and daddy." Both of them melted in his arms as Amy said, "Little man we love you with all of our hearts." He was asleep as they walked out and closed his door. They took a little extra time with the kids since they had been gone. Maddie couldn't stop talking about her trip especially riding horses every day. I love Gwen mommy and her parents are the best. Thank you for letting me go. After kissing her goodnight they went to see the twins. The seemed really happy chatting when they walked in. "So how was your first cattle drive, I hope it was better than my first one." Ty asked. Annie spoke first, "It was hard work but a lot of fun. I kind of miss being with Grandpa and Casey it was awesome. And I learned how to whistle." Addie added, "Dad Grandpa told us all about your first cattle drive and the ugly cowboy hat mom gave you. And he said you still can't whistle. Grandpa really seemed happy that we were there. I know there have been some problems but I hope we can spend more time with them." Her eyes misted a little. "Honey we will make sure he is more involved in your lives. I know you guys need to be with him and I am certain he needs to be with you." Amy answered her sincerely. The kissed them both as Annie added as they walked out, "And to let you know Addie and I are all good. Thanks for helping us." Amy ran back to them and hugged them again.

They figured that they would need a little more time with Lyndy. As expected she had a lot of great stories from her week and a lot of them were about Wyatt. "So young lady how was your week and not just the Wyatt stuff," Ty laughed. "Dad and mom it was so much fun. We played games and had a lot of team competitions. There was a ropes course and zip lines. At dinner every night everyone was so tired they could barely eat. I won't lie, being with my class and especially Wyatt was awesome." She took a breath, "Wyatt and I won the two-legged race and obstacle course. We rocked. I want to be honest, we did kiss a few times when we were alone. And don't worry dad, I initiated it." Amy joked, "Just like your father always kissing me first." "Mom and Dad the more I am with him the more I like him. I know we are young and we do understand that. Right now we are just really happy." Amy smiled at her comment and together they hugged her and told her goodnight. Amy and Ty got into bed as happy and content as they had ever been. Their kids all had amazing weeks and their trip made their commitment to each other even stronger. Holding each other, they said I love you and hugged tightly. In each other's arms they fell into a very peaceful sleep. Little did they know of the challenges ahead of them.

It was late in the afternoon and Amy and Ty were finishing up in the office. The girls were home already and the twins were having a quick training session with Georgie. Lyndy, Wyatt and Maddie had taken JT to the house and had begun setting the table for dinner. Much to Lyndy's delight, Wyatt seemed to stay for dinner a few times a week as his grandma was helping out at the food bank some nights. Amy was entering things into a journal and Ty was looking through some files on his laptop. All of a sudden an incoming email dinged and as Amy glanced over he opened it. Amy heard a deep sigh as Ty pulled back from the screen putting his hands in his hair. Amy immediately was alarmed as the posture she witnessed only showed when something was troubling Ty. "Babe, what's up, who sent you an email." He closed his eyes and wasn't able to respond standing with a look of disbelief, bawling up his fist and pacing back and forth. Amy immediately got up to go to her husband, she knew something was wrong. Steven stuck his head in the door and before he could say anything Amy looked at him and motioned for him to close the door. She looked at him and then to his computer. His eyes told her she could read the email so she hesitantly sat down in his chair.

When she began to read the email her hand went to her mouth. It was from his estranged mother, Lily. The had not heard from her since right after Maddie's birth when she dropped off the map. Their relationship had been up and down since Ty was 6 years old when he was forced into foster care because his dad left and his mom was addicted to drugs and alcohol. They reunited multiple times over the years but it always ended in continuing rejection, addiction and neglect. Ty wanted a mom but after years of turmoil he finally gave up realizing that his mother was no longer a part of his family's life. The last thing she remembered before Lilly disappeared was that she had fallen off the wagon, and got back with Wade, Ty's abusive stepfather and left for the states. Wade was always followed the next big deal and somehow he convinced her to go with him and abandoned Ty and his family. At that troubling time Ty decided it was time to let it go and after a long talk with Amy decided he needed to look at what he had in front of him. She stayed with him through all of it and supported every decision he made but felt letting his mother go was the right thing to do.

Amy began to read the email,

Ty, I can't tell you how sorry I am that I haven't been in touch for so long. As usual I have let you down and made poor decisions. My life is full of them and I wish we could go back in time to our camping vacation at Eagle Lake as a family when you were a little boy. I don't deserve it but if you can find it in your heart I would love to come and see you, Amy and the 4 girls. I have missed you all so much but understand that this is your decision.

Things have happened in my life that have made me realize what a fool I have been. Wade followed another stupid dream and was arrested and jailed for tax evasion. While in jail he was murdered by someone he owed money to. I know it sounds harsh but good riddance. He was a sick man and I will never forgive him and me for what we did to you. Those were the darkest days of my life.

My friend Suzie talked me into going to services with her. At church I met a wonderful man that has helped me recover from my vices. I can happily say that I have been clean for almost 18 months and we have decided to get married. Ty, he is everything in a man that I wanted for both you and me.

It has taken a while for me to get the courage but Max encouraged me to contact you. If you are Ok with it, we would like to fly in for a visit. We live in Denver where Max has his law practice. I would totally understand if you don't even want to respond to this, you have every right not to. But if you find it in your heart to allow us to visit I would love to see all of you and maybe restore our relationship.

Well, like I said I wait to hear from you. Again if you decide not to respond I completely understand and hope your life continues happy. You and Amy are amazing together and I expect your love continues to grow. It is a love that I believe I have now with Max. No matter what I will always love you my son.

Mom

Amy sat back and took a deep breath. She nervously looked up at Ty and he reluctantly looked into her blue eyes. When they connected she stood up to hold him and he burst into deep sobs and tears. He could barely catch his breath as Amy got him seated joining him on his lap, his head resting in her neck. The sobbing continued for several minutes and when she felt him calming down she whispered, "Ty you don't have to talk but when you are ready, I am here. I love you and our children adore their father. No matter what you decide you are stuck with us for the rest of your life." Trying to interject a little levity to break the somber moment. He looked deeply into her eyes and whispered, "Thank you and I know."

As soon as Steven left the office he went to see Georgie with an alarmed look on his face. He pulled her over to him and whispered, "Something is wrong with Ty. When I went to see him he looked devastated and Amy just motioned for me to close the door. I have a real bad feeling that something is really wrong and I don't know what to do." The twins sensing his concern jumped off their horses jogging over to them. Addie blurted out, "Steven what's wrong, are my mom and dad OK?" When he didn't respond, Annie looked at her sister, "Addie something is wrong we need to go see mom and dad." As they started to head that way Georgie stopped them, "Girls let's give them some time alone. If something is wrong they will tell all of us when they are ready. Take your horses to their stable and give them a good brushing. Meet us in the house and DO NOT bother you parents." They looked down and did what their cousin said. After a quick brush they ran to the house to see Steven, Georgie, Wyatt, Lyndy and Maddie holding JT at the dining room table. By the somber look they knew that Georgie had filled them in. Steven recommended that he and Wyatt go do the evening feeds for the family horses to allow the rest of them to wait for their parents. They quietly sat all wondering what was up.

After a few more minutes of silence, Ty spoke up his voice strained. "Amy I don't know what to do. I have given her so many chances and everyone led to disaster. She is a train wreck and now she sends an email like this after what 5-6 years. I mean what is she doing to me, to us. I sick of it and just can't take it anymore." Ty put his head back into Amy's chest and tears again began to flow. Amy took a moment and talked calmly back to him. "Ty you are a good man, and that goodness has always given your mom chance after chance. I can't tell you want to do because I have seen what she has done to you. But what she did made you the man you are today and brought you to me. I can't help but be thankful to her for that. It seems she might have finally made it over that demon but again we can never be sure of that. What we can be sure of is that no matter what you will always have me, our kids and this crazy family. Take your time and let me know what you decide. I am going to check on poor Steven and the kids, who I guess know something is up." As she got up to walk away Ty pulled her into an amazing kiss that had all the love he could muster. Looking up he said, "I want them to come and visit. I owe it to you and the kids but deep down I am excited that it sounds like she has finally turned the corner. Let's go see the kids and then I will need your help responding to her." She smiled kissed him again and headed to the house.

As they walked over the held hands not saying a word. They noticed Steven and Wyatt finishing night feed and Amy motioned for them to come with them. Wyatt stepped back realizing he was not really family. Ty put his hand on his shoulder, "Wyatt I want you to come to, you are as close as family as anyone." He bashfully smiled and followed. As they waked into the house Maddie immediately jumped up and hugged her dad. Ty held up his hands, "Guys I am OK but there is something serious that we need to talk to you about. Georgie that means you and Steven too and I asked Wyatt as well." As everyone sat down Ty began to speak, with Amy by his side. "Ok, I received and email today from Grandma Lilly." With his words they noticed a range of facial emotions from anger to confusion to a look from Maddie of not understanding. "Before everyone lets us know how they feel let me finfish. I am going to want to hear your feelings when I am done. As some of you know my relationship with my mother has been challenging. And, we haven't heard from her since right after you were born Maddie. Anyway I received an email from her and it seems she has finally been able fix her life, she has met someone and has been free from her vices for 18 months." Maddie went to say something and Lyndy clamped her hand over her mouth. Ty grabbed Maddie's hand and continued. "She wants to come and visit us and after mom and I talked I am going to invite her and her new friend to the Ranch. I still have to let her know and work on the details. So…" The room was eerily silent until Lyndy stood up and walked over to her parents. "Dad we all love you and will support your decision. You have always been there for us, now it is our turn.' The other girls and JT joined them for a family hug. JT spoke up, "We love you Daddy."

After a very happy dinner Georgie and Steven left and took Wyatt home. As they were leaving Lyndy walked out with Wyatt and they hugged. Wyatt whispered in her ear, "If you need me for anything even just to talk call me." She held him a few minutes more giving him the answer. Ty and Amy also walked out with them and Steven walked with Ty over to the side of the car. He looked in him and said, "Ty you have always been there for me and I want to be here for you now. If you need someone else to talk to please call me. I owe you so much and want to be here for you." Ty smiled, "Steven thank you and I will. If you want to help me be there for Georgie. Being with Amy saved my life and we can never do enough for the women we love." The bro-hugged and they went on their way. Amy looked over to him and asked, "what did Steven say to you." He laughed, "Uh, just guy stuff, you know. Let's go write an email." She laughed knowing it was much more than that and grabbed Ty's hand as they walked in the house and to the kitchen table. The girls were almost finished cleaning up and were going to get ready for bed and give their parents some space. Before Lyndy took JT into his room, he ran up and hugged his dad without saying a word.

Ty set up his laptop and Amy got some tea for each of them and of course a few cookies, she loved to eat. Ty chuckled as she sat down with the goodies just shaking his head. "Let's go ahead and reread this, I don't think I totally comprehended everything the first time. He quietly read as Amy put her arm around his shoulders for support resting her head on his shoulder. When he finished he took a deep breath and sat back in the chair. "I am finding trouble getting my head around this. Why does she want to see us now, it has been 6 years of silence. I know she has had a lot of challenges to get over but I am her only son you are her only daughter in law and she has 5 grandkids. I just don't get it." Ty reasoned. Amy took a moment to respond. "Ty your mom has made a lot of mistakes but to be honest a lot of her problems were caused by others. She was neglected and abused by two men as she watched them abuse her son too. I am not taking her side but she has not had a lot of peace in her life."

Over their shoulder they heard JT babbling. Lyndy and Maddie walked out timidly as Lyndy spoke, "We're sorry, JT wanted to say goodnight, he was pretty insistent." JT leaned over and hugged his parents and kissed them goodnight. "That's ok honey, we were just talking and forgot to come in. Thanks for bringing him out and getting him to bed," Amy said smiling at them. Maddie hugged her dad and simply said, "I love you daddy." Ty smiled and the girls took him back to his room, They could hear Lyndy singing one of Grandma Lyndy's songs. Ty leaned into Amy with a team in his eye. "How can I not give the kids an opportunity to meet their grandma, especially if she is finally straightened her life out." Right after he pulled his head up he heard two more sets of footsteps coming in the room. Addie spoke up, Mom and Dad we wanted to come and see how you were and say good night." Annie added, "You know dad we love you and if you need anything let us know, we are here to help." Ty looked up at them and pulled them into a hug, "Thanks you girls, I love you." He looked over into Amy's beautiful eyes and said, "Lets invite her to come, Its time we both move on." Amy smiled and together they responded.

Lilly and Max were arriving today. They decided to take all the kids to the airport to get them. Their flight was arriving at 6:00pm and the wanted the kids involved since they had been so supportive of their dad. Katie and Clay were going to drive Maddie, Lyndy and Wyatt so there was enough room. Ty was on edge all day, not really able to concentrate on his work. Amy was happy the kids were coming as she believed that would help him deal. The girls had made signs and as they anxiously awaited Maddie made sure they were ready. Ty was the first one to see her as she walked out from the secured gate area. She looked into his eyes and smiled. She was calm but couldn't wait to see him. Max held onto her arm calming her nerves. She had been fidgety all day and on the flight. Amy saw Lilly and waved and told the kids, "There she is girls." Lyndy and Katie had vague memories of her but did recognize her as she approached. Amy was the first to embrace her and introduce the welcoming party. Lilly was overwhelmed with tears as she hugged each one. Ty stood back and noticed that she looked different. After she met everyone she introduced Max, who was overwhelmed with hugs from the kids. Ty approached his mom and without any words he hugged her tightly. Amy and the girls were in happy tears as they saw their dad reconnect with his long-lost mother. Ty shook Max's hand saying, "Sorry for the hugging, the kids are really excited to meet their grandma and you." He smiled saying, Your mom and I have waited for this for a long time, We love it."

After a light dinner the girls and TJ said their good nights. TY, Amy, Lilly and Max went to the living room for tea. Amy started the conversation, "You know you guys could stay at the Dude Ranch or Fairfield. We have the guest room but it is small. "No way, I want to be with your amazing family as much as possible. Amy and Ty your children are wonderful, just like their parents." Lilly gleamed. "Well we will see what you say after a few days." Ty laughed. There was still some tension and Amy noticed that Lilly was very tempered in her approach. You could see she knew she had to gain Ty's trust back and seemed willing to take her time. Max, spoke up, "We don't want to overstay our welcome but we have a flight scheduled to go home in a week. If that is a bother we can change that." Surprising to Amy Ty responded immediately., "You guys can stay as long as you want. Our home is yours." Lilly's face began to tear up as she looked into Ty's eyes, "Thank you Ty, you don't know what that means to me." Everyone admitted they were tired and went to bed. The initial meet went well.

The next morning, Ty and Amy headed down for Saturday breakfast. When they headed into the dining room they heard laughter and happiness coming from the kitchen. What they saw caused them to put their arms around each other. Max was at the stove cooking eggs, sausage and hash browns with JT and Maddie assisting. Lilly and the girls were just walking in with a few bowls of assorted fruits from the garden and green house. Amy spoke up, "What is going on here. It sure looked like you all are having a lot of fun." JT yelled, "JT is cooking breakfast." Maddie corrected him, "No, "JT, Maddie and Max cooking." He just smiled and moved the eggs around under Max's watchful eye. Lilly walked over and hugged Amy and Ty as the twins brought them coffees, "You two just sit down and relax, we got this." Under the table they held each other's hands tightly and went to kiss ad Addie yelled, "But no kissing!" Breakfast was great and plans were made for the day. Ty was unusually quiet and Lilly noticed. She was next to Amy and as Ty and Max were in a conversation she whispered in her ear, "Is Ty ok, he seems overly quiet." Any whispered back, "I think he is processing everything Lilly, you know he is a thinker. I will tell you this, he is happy just trying to feel his way through everything." Lilly patted Amy's leg and smiled.

The next two days were filled with tours of the ranch, a BBQ at Heartland and a visit to the Fairfield facility. Everyone had lunch at Maggie's on Sunday where Max raved about the vegetarian chili. Lou took them on a tour of the Dude Ranch that afternoon. Lilly was overwhelmed at all of the changes especially at the Miracle Ranch. Max was overwhelmed with the whole operation. As a Lawyer he had several conversations with Lou and Lisa about how things worked. Lou considered bringing him in on their plans as his expertise could be helpful. Lisa said, "Lets talk about when we next meet and more importantly let's see how the reunion goes. The thing that please Amy the most was that Ty and Lilly seemed to be talking freely to each other going on walks around the ranch. At first Ty would have one of the kids with him but she noticed that spent time alone as well. Their conversations seemed civil and she was so happy. She was on the porch watching them with a tear in her eye when Lyndy came and sat next to her. "Mom, they are talking and dad is even smiling. I am so happy for dad." Amy put her arm around her daughter as tears of happiness came to her eyes.

As the week started the girls headed back to school and Amy got back to the horses. Ty was busy as well and Max and Lilly tagged along as best they could. Lilly was determined to learn everything about her son and really enjoyed watching Amy work. Max and Jack bonded and along with JT they did a lot of fishing and hanging out. One day Ty walk up to the Heartland house and saw the two of them playing checkers with a very engaged JT. "You guys are teaching your tricks are you." Max laughed, "No way he is way to smart for that. JT looked up to his dad. "I am winning daddy." Max also was a rider so several times over the week he went on rail rides with the girls and Amy. Lilly would have nothing to do with it.

At dinner on Wednesday Max and Lilly asked the family if they could stay through the weekend. Before Amy and Ty could respond Maddie jumped up into Lilly's lap, "Of course you can, that would be awesome Grandma and Grandpa." Lilly looked at Ty and Amy with the happiest eyes and said, "As long as your mom and dad are ok we would like to stay and fly home on Monday." Amy reached under the table and held Ty's hand tightly, "Of course, we would love you to stay." The girls clapped and JT did as well although he wasn't sure what was going on. The rest of the week continued to see Ty and his mom continue to interact. All of the girls and Amy kept a watchful eye on their dad and made it a point to hang out with Lilly and Max as much as possible. After a great dinner at Heartland on Friday Amy and Ty went back to the Miracle Ranch while the kids were going to spend the night with the Heartland group. This gave time for the four of them to talk. Ty felt it was time to put the ghost of the past to rest. Amy got some tea for them and they set around the fire. Ty looked over to his mom with relief in his eyes. "Mom I what to thank you for contacting us and coming to spend some time with us. Amy, the kids and I have really enjoyed your visit." Amy held his hand while they waited for her response.

"Ty and Amy, I was so scared when I sent that email. This one here encouraged me to do it, but I was already planning to do it before I even asked him," holding Max's hand. "I am so happy we are starting to be a family again, well at least I hope we are. I missed you and Amy and those grandkids, they are each amazing. Lyndy is just like you Amy, the twins are so special especially their connection, Maddie, well she is a pistol. And JT, I have never seen a child so young who is so aware of the world around him and so loving to you guys and his sisters. Ty he reminds of you before your father, Wade and I messed you up so much. I can't tell you how sorry I am for what you had to live with. As a mother it is a failure I will never be able to get back. I just hope we can move forward because Max and I really want to continue to visit and be a part of your family's life." Ty went to hold his mom's hands with his and looked into her green eyes, "Mom there is nothing more I want than to have you back as a mom and grandma. After watching you this week, I consider the past as the past with no more sorrys. I want, no I need you to be a part of my family, and Max you as well. I love you mom and am excited about our future." Everyone broke into tears as Ty and his mom embraced.

The remaining visit was awesome as the girls noticed that at least from their view their dad and grandma were back together. Since their flight let mid-morning girls said their goodbyes at breakfast before they left for school. Max promised that they would be back soon, probably for Lyndy's birthday. And they also promised to skype regularly. Amy, Ty and JT took them to the airport. After hugs and see you soons, JT spoke up, "Grandma and Grandpa I love you, come back soon." Lilly smiled the biggest smile and Max held up JT in the air, "You bet we will and we'll go fishing." Amy and Ty watched as they moved through security. On the ride back. JT napped and Amy sat next to Ty. No words were needed as they lovingly leaned into each other.