Chapter Thirty-One

Back to Normal, Kind Of

A/N – When the idea for the last chapter came to me I took my time to develop the storyline as it included some disturbing things. As we all know Ty had a difficult life before he found Amy. I hope that I got my message across as Ty so eloquently explained to Will. Don't worry Will and his family along with Lilly and Max will be back. As we move into Spring some normalcy has returned, but remember it is the Borden's. 😊 Enjoy!

** I generally respond directly to reviews but in this case I can't. A recent review I received showed concerns with the Lilly and Will story line. First thanks for all of your reviews, they have been great. I understand that this review isn't sold on Lilly being back again. Trust me I know she has had a lot of chances on the show. My depiction of this storyline is based off a personal experience and my goal with this story is to be positive. Regarding the other concern to clarify Ty is not the father. Again based on some knowledge of the juvenile system very unfortunate "things" happen in that environment. I apologize if it troubled you. As you have seen there is a positive twist at the end and as a peek under the tent, more good things coming. Again keep the reviews coming. Peace!

Relative calm had been restored, at least for the time being with the Borden family. After Lilly and Max's successful visit plans were already in place for Ty's mom to come in for the second U of C lecture and to see the kids. Will's wife Bethany had already set up two weekends for them to come down so she could begin training with Georgie while Will and Billy could hang with the family. After they left and the air was cleared, every one of the Borden kids really wanted to spend time with them, in fact the Twins were trying to convince their parents that they should go up to visit them on a weekend. Besides their increasing job demands Amy and Ty were preparing for the Spring Semester lecture at the U of C. By request, this session would be held in the show arena that sat over 2000 and horses would be involved. Dr. Molder said that students, faculty and even some local equestrian enthusiasts had shown interest in seeing this equestrian power couple. They had a few ideas and already decided that Scott, Cass, Georgie and Steven would have to be involved. They considered this a way to promote the business and had already decided on the itinerary that the school had signed off on. A date had been set and in a week the flyers and emails about the session would be distributed to the parties that were going to have th opportunity to attend. The had over 1200 open seats that would be first come first serve and they expected to fill the place.

The more current need was the family and then staff introductions to the new company. They were about 3 months from the announcement date for the Heartland Equestrian Expereince and the family meeting was scheduled in 10 days. This meeting would be less formal and rather small but an event with a BBQ and formal presentation was planned for the rest of the staff. They had already assigned the staff members to specific Board members for the individual follow up meetings. After some discussion they did ask Max to review some legal documents just to get a second opinion and he provided some great feedback that helped Lisa and Lou see things clearer. As meeting dates loomed there was a lot of quiet discussions among family and staff with a feeling that something was up. Tim even approached Jack and Lisa with questions based on what he had heard on the rumor mill. Jack, Lisa, Ty Amy, Scott and Lou decided to meet with him and Casey a few days before the family meeting to get them up to speed. For now the only involvement would be that Tim would be the sole provider of beef to the organization and continue to use Heartland land for grazing. There would be a formal agreement written, which was Max's idea. They were mildly concerned but figured he should be happy with that.

The girls were continuing to enjoy school and JT looked forward to his play group which he now attended 3 days a week for 5 hours. One day Amy decided to pick him up and went in to get him. As usual he saw his mom and ran to her anxious to talk about his day. Ms. Brantley greeted Amy and asked JT to go get his things from the room he was in. She spoke to Amy, joined by Miss Jennifer one of the assistants. "Mrs. Borden we want to talk to you about something that happened today." Immediately Amy got a concerned look on her face. "No, no nothing bad, don't be concerned. Today the kids were outside for playtime. JT is very quiet generally but plays well with the other kids." Amy kindly interrupted, "Wait you say he is quiet, That is funny because at home we can't get him to stop talking, he is just like his sister Maddie, always commenting about everything." Miss Jennifer, who spent a lot of time with JT's group laughed, "Well he generally is but I have to say I have never seen a more aware and caring 18-month-old. Mrs. Borden, Amy, today one of the kids, Sonya lost her balance on the bars and landed roughly on the ground. We didn't see it as they were on the other side of the yard and to be honest kids like Sonya and JT are pretty independent and don't need constant supervision. Anyway we heard the screams and headed over."

"Amy what I saw was unbelievable. Sonya was in tears with a pretty bad gash on her arm. Actually we found out it was broken when the paramedics came." Amy put her hands to her mouth asking, "Is she OK?" Ms. Brantley spoke with a smile, "Well I see now why JT is the way he is Jennifer. Amy, here we are talking about your son and you are worried about the other child," clutching Amy's arm in a motherly manner. Jennifer continued, "When I walked over JT was crouched down comforting her. He had helped her sit back against a wall and had taken his overshirt off to wrap her arm. He had his hand on her shoulder calming her down and telling her everything would be OK. Amy he wouldn't leave her side even when we started helping her. He held her hand as she got on the ambulance and told her she would be Ok as they closed the door." Amy was quiet but looked up when something she remembered came up, "You know that makes sense. One day his sister was hurt and he was there watching my husband and I tend to her. I have to think he watched us and acted on what he saw." Miss Jennifer spoke up." He did mentioned to me that he knew what to do but to be honest he is just an amazing little boy. He always goes out of his way to play with kids who are a little more bashful. He is a joy."

JT ran out interrupting the conversation. He held up a plastic bag with his dirty shirt. Frowning he admitted, "Mommy I am sorry but I got my shirt dirty." Confusing to him Amy picked him up and hugged him tightly as both the teachers smiled at the two of them. They said their goodbyes and headed to the car to go home. Dinner that night was as usual active with conversations about everyone's day at school, and work. Amy had told Ty about what happened and everyone couldn't help noticing that JT was very quiet barely eating his meal. Lyndy called him to come and sit on her lap and asked, "Hey little brother what is up?" He smiled modestly and mumbled, "Nothing." Ty spoke up to the family, "JT I know what is on your mind, it is about what happened today." Everyone's eyes shot up to look at the youngest member for the family. "Do you mind at I tell your sisters what happened?" He shook his head and smiled at his father running to his lap. Ty detailed when he had done that day. He spoke proudly about JT and how the teachers were proud as well. Amy spoke up, "And we talked to Sonya's parents. She is already home doing well and they were very thankful of what you did JT." The girls gushed on him hugging and kissing their brave brother. Maddie looked at him and gushed, "Sonya? Does JT have a girlfriend?" Everyone laughed as JT stuck his tongue at her saying, "Maybe." The hugs continued as it was a good day for all.

All of the girls continued to do well at school. Several of their friends continued to help out at the Equine Center and of course Wyatt was a constant at the ranch. Lyndy was really happy about that. Lyndy, Annie and Addie were getting excited about the Show Jumping season. Lyndy was moving up to Katie's bracket and the twins had one more year as intermediates. All three were training diligently as time allowed. At dinner during the conversation about the events, Maddie spoke up with earnest. "And don't forget the Annual Borden Family Competition. I am sure I will win again." The other girls laughed at her and tickled her. It was a fun dinner as JT joined in on the fun. Amy and Ty sat back with huge smiles on their faces. Several other big events were on the horizon. Spring Dances, a dance competition for Lyndy, her 13th birthday and of course the end of school. But the biggest thing on her mind was the favor she was going to ask of her parents. Katie and she had been talking about a double date, since Clay had a truck and was 17 years old. They would make it simple, Maggie's and a movie but for Lyndy it was a big deal. Even with Katie and Clay along her going somewhere just with Wyatt and not all of their friends was awesome. Her plan was to ask them at her 13th birthday party. Her fingers were crossed.

The day arrived for the family reveal. Jack and Lisa decided to have a dinner at Fairfield for everyone. The "Board", all immediately family along with Wyatt and Clay were invited. Amy and Lou decided that they should be there to. Katie and Clay were a serious couple and of course Wyatt just about lived at the Borden's. And since Katie and Lyndy were already in the loop and they didn't want to have that pressure on the two young women. They also invited a few of the key employees respecting their family ties and recognizing their part of the future of the new company. Dinner for a little over 20 was little more formal than normal and the girls were a little confused. Maddie whispered into Lyndy's ear, "What is going on, I feel like I am at church." She smiled and patted her shoulder, "It's all good girlie." One the Fairfield staff cleared dessert dishes, Lisa and Jack stood up as Lou, Amy and Ty set up a projector and screen. Annie spoke up, "Wow are we going to watch a movie?" The people who didn't know what was going on laughed nervously. But what happened next really got everyone's attention. Max and Lilly walked in to hugs from the Borden kids wondering what they were doing there. JT insisted that Max put him on his lap as he sat next to Jack. Lilly joined the girls. Lisa began to speak and many were on the edges of their seats.

"Well I am sure several of you are wondering what is up as Ty fired up the laptop with the now familiar "Heartland Equestrian Expereince" logo. So before I start telling you about this I want the "Board" to stand up." Along with those already standing, Scott, Georgie, Steven, Caleb and Cass stood up. Lyndy took a confused Ben from Cass so she would walk up with the rest. "The folks up here with Jack and I are the Board of Directors for a new company we are all forming named the "Heartland Equestrian Expereince." We have been meeting since late last year following up on and idea that Jack and I had to design and develop it. We are taking Heartland, The Equine Center, Fairfield Stables, The Hudson Vet Clinic, Maggie's and the Dude Rance and forming a new company where each will remain independent subsidiaries but be aligned as this new company. So for the younger family members, girls what that means is for example your family's Equine Center will still operate the same but will benefit by being a part of the bigger company. We are confident that this will help everyone be more efficient and grow the overall success of everyone." They then put up an org chart that details how it would look. "Everyone that currently runs one of these companies, like Scott with the Vet Clinic will stay in place." She took a moment to let the group look over things. Katie had a question, "Mimi and GG why is there no one listed for Fairfield and Heartland, are you and GG leaving?" It was a legitimate question that impressed her.

"Well honey as you know this one," pushing Jacks arm, is not getting any younger and to be honest we have talked about stepping back and take time to travel and enjoy ourselves. We don't know how yet but we are still deciding on how that looks." Jack could tell that Maddie, Annie and Addie had concerned looks on their faces so he walked over them and spoke, "Girls, we are not leaving in fact I think you may even get more time with us. Mimi and I will still be involved, we just believe it is time to turn things over to the next generation. It was agreed upon that I would be the president and Lisa the CEO and Chairman of the Board moving forward." As soon as Maddie heard that, she frowned, "GG does that mean I won't be CEO anymore?" The room erupted as Lisa stood up and picked up her saying, "Well Maddie, I think I am going to recommend that you be the new Assistant CEO of the new company helping me," As everyone in favor said, Aye. She had one more comment that left the group in stiches, "Well then I need a bigger office."

The meeting continued with a little more detail and how Tim and Casy would be the sole provider of Big River beef. At the last minute they decided to ask them to come as well. It was hard to read Tim, but he seemed content for now. Unfortunately the family knew that could change at any time. Lisa announced that Lou would be the CFO, which again brought a question, "What is that?" Ty responded to her, "Well honey do you know how mommy controls all the money for our family, Lou will do that for the new company." She looked and proudly stated, "Well as Assistant CEO, I approve that." Again the group broke out in laughter and Tim sincerely spoke out." Well Lou that New York experience will really help." Lou then added that Max was here because he has been asked to be an as needed legal counsel for the new company. She confirmed he has already been helping so they wanted to make it official. Jack then got into a serious part of the meeting. "There is one more important thing to discuss. We all have to make sure for now that none of what we have talked about gets out. As Lisa showed you we will be meeting with the entire staff in a couple of weeks. I need everyone's word that we keep this quiet looking directly at Tim." Everyone agreed. Lisa closed it out with the dates of news releases and the official startup. As she finished everyone was very happy and excited about the future.

It was a week before the staff meeting and an announcement went out. They decided to do it on a Sunday and make it a BBQ so everyone would come even if it was their day off. Maggie's and the Vet Clinic would be closed and the rest of locations would not be in full operational mode. There was an inference that there was going to be an announcement so with that they expected a lot of people to attend. When they tallied RSVPs it was well over 100 people, almost everyone was coming. There was a feeling within the ranks that this was much more than a BBQ, it was bigger, much bigger. Everyone had also noticed surveyors and construction people milling around almost everyone's place of work. Discussions were hushed and it was always one of the adult family, Caleb or Cass with them. As determined, every facility, except Maggie's and the Dude Ranch would be modifying their locations to better fit the new organization.

The indoor facility at the Miracle Ranch was all set up with a buffet line, tables and a head table. It had been closed all day with no one allowed to enter. They decided to use Marnie for everything so the "Board" could be free to roam and greet everyone. They even decided to have her do the BBQ to which Jack and Tim mildly protested. As everyone began to arrive they noticed several things. First the formality of the layout, a head table with only 10 seats, a podium, projector and screen as well as two covered easels. The other thing that seemed more formal was assigned seating. It was decided that people would be mixed in where they sat so someone from Maggie's might sit with someone from Fairfield. Again seemed odd to some and increased the overall anxiety even more. Everything had a purpose and that would be exposed. Jack got to the podium and asked everyone to take this seats. Lisa came up next to him to take over, the two elders standing together as one. "Good afternoon, we all really appreciate that you could make it today to this exciting time for all of us. Now before you have any more anxiousness, it is all good. There is no need to be worried in fact you should think in happy anticipation. Let's eat and in an hour or so we will call this meeting to order." As the others at the head table stood up she continues, "We are excited and after lunch you will be as well, we are sure of it." In a moment for silence JT could be heard as he ran to his mommy, "Love you mommy." The group laughed and seemed a bit calmer about what was about to come.

After a very good lunch the group came to order right on time. The lights were dimmed and the projector came on. Everyone gasped when they saw the logo "Heartland Equestrian Expereince" As the projector moved to the next slide, an Org Chart, Lisa began to speak, "Ladies and gentlemen I would like to introduce a new company that will be formed in a couple of months. I would like to introduce the Board of Directors." She went around the table and introduce each person and their company. As she finished the group stood up arm in arm with big smiles on their faces. The crowd tentatively applauded until Maddie spoke up. "Hey where is my name on the Ord Chart thing?" Lisa smiled, "Well Maddie I am sorry. Everyone, I would also like to introduce Maddie Borden, my Assistant CEO." The group relaxed, laughed and continued a more exuberant applause. As they settled Lisa explained that each Board member would talk about some changes coming to their individual business and then Lisa and Lou would talk how the new company would pull everyone together. Max would be on speaker phone as well if there were any legal questions. She also glance to Ty and Scott who were manning the flip charts encouraging everyone to ask questions freely.

One by one each 'Board' member talked through their part. A major part of the time was allocated for the Equine Center and Fairfield the largest entities. Ty and Caleb talked through his new role and the flexing of labor. Sott and Cass then discussed the shared vet duties between them, Ty and Steven. Then Lou, Lisa and Amy talked through shared expenses and the anticipated cost savings on feed alone. The group was engaged asking many questions. If they couldn't be answered Ty and Sott would jot them down. As Lou, Amy and Lisa had begun they had been going for 1½ hours already but interest had not diminished. The most questions were originally about the new organization and how each individual entity fit in the puzzle. But as the meeting progressed questions became more personal as everyone was wondering where they fit in the puzzle. Jack stood up as the new President. "I can promise you that everyone in this room has a role moving forward unless you decide to leave. In fact, many of you will take on new responsibilities with added authority. We will also most likely be adding staff, like we have with Max. You all made us what we are today and you will help us move into the future and be even better."

Lisa closed out the meeting and made sure everyone understood the timing on the announcement to the Hudson and Calgary news media and business communities as well as several national equine magazines. She also included the request of the "Board" that the information shared today be kept in confidence. Everyone agreed shaking their heads. The final slides detailed the breakdown of the individual meetings and the promise that all would be done before the announcements to the general public. Jack closed the meeting thanking everyone for their time. As the group stood up no one wanted to leave. The "Board" members were flocked to but JT wanted his GG to hold him. He whispered in his ear, "Can we talk to Max." Laughing Jack called him and then Skyped in the corner alone. Finally everyone started going home except those that needed to tend to night feeds. The group of leaders huddled and hugged each other. It was the start of a new venture and each of them were excited. As Ty and Amy gathered up the kids they got in the car to head home. The girls were eerily quiet and JT dozed off as Amy and Ty smiled and reached for each other's hands.