Chapter Thirty-Five

Summer Activities – A New World

A/N – Well I am on a roll, four fun chapters in a row. The family is entrenched in the summer with the added motivation to get the new organization up and running. As with a new venture there will be some hiccups but as I am sure you can imagine, the family will prevail. Work, Competitions and Activities are ongoing. Relationships continue to grow, most importantly Amy and Ty. (I mean they are the reason for this story) Mature Content. Enjoy

Sidenote - I sincerely appreciate the reviews I have received but I would still like to hear from more of you. What do you think of my writing style, is the storyline making sense, do you have any questions about the main characters. Although I still have a back log of storyline ideas but I would love to get some from you, what you want me to write about. Peace!

It was early in the morning and as Amy opened her eyes the sun shone through their bedroom window. Lost in thought she jumped when a pair of little arms wrapped around her neck. "Who is in my bed, is it a monster?" She rolled over to a giggling JT with a smiling Ty lying behind him. JT said, "No its me mommy. Are you surprised?" "Well yes I am and I am so happy that my two favorite men in the world woke me up," as she looked at Ty wondering what was up. Generally as a rule, Amy and Ty didn't have the kids in their bed unless they were sick or had a bad dream. "So to what do I owe this surprise." "Mommy, I had a bad dream and daddy came to help me. I was really scared." With a motherly embrace, she pulled her baby boy into her chest. "Do you want to talk about it?" He stuttered, "Well Lyndy went on a date and so did you. It scares me that everyone is going on dates and leaving me at home. In my dream everyone was gone and I was alone." Ty and Amy were overwhelmed with concern as Ty answered their son. "Jackson, I can promise you that you will never be alone. You have us, your sisters, Georgie, Katie, GG, Mimi and Aunt Lou who will always be here for you and love you. You have nothing to worry about ever." JT pondered his comment and giggled, "You called me Jackson and does Max and Grandma love me too." "Yes and Caleb, Cass, Steven, Wyatt, Clay and everyone that works here. You are a pretty lucky guy." Amy whispered to him kissing his forehead. JT smiled and was smothered between his mom and dad as the hugged and kissed him. But then a serious look came to his face, "I love you with my heart."

After their eventful morning, they decided to go downstairs early and get breakfast ready before the girls got up. As they walked down the steps Amy and Ty held each other amazed at their transformed son. She whispered in his ear, "I love you with all my heart too." Ty and JT got the food out for breakfast and Amy set the table. As Ty started cooking, JT went to wake up his sisters. They trudged down to the table as Ty and Amy set out eggs, bacon, hash browns and fruit. Milk and juice glasses were filled and the family sat down together. It was another warm morning and the temps would rise throughout the day. Lyndy spoke up first, "What is this all about, I mean I love it but why are you guys treating us to such an amazing breakfast." Maddie added with a bunch of eggs in her mouth, "I know this is awesome." Addie and Annie joined in on the praise. The girls offered to clean up so Amy helped them while Ty and JT went upstairs. Annie was the first to ask, "So mom spill the beans, why the fancy breakfast." Amy pulled the girls in so she could speak quietly. "JT had a bad dream and dad brought him into our bed last night. He is worried that since Lyndy went on a date and so did dad and I that we are all going to leave him all alone. His dream was about that and it scared him. Don't worry we assured him he will never be alone and that all of us love him." She paused and looked over the food remaining, "That's why we made breakfast for you guys." They girls were all visibly upset but Amy assured them, "This is no one's fault, it was just a dream. Just love him like you always do." The Borden girls hugged and finished the cleanup. It was going to be a busy day.

All of the construction projects except for the vet clinic were finished and family and staff were already seeing the benefits. As expected the business was prospering and client experience was nothing less than exceptional. Word was getting around that this organization was where you wanted to be. The collaboration with Clint and the troubled youth center was working well. The extra hands were used in almost every aspect of the business from Maggie's to Fairfield. Initially the goal was to follow the model used with Ty and Badger, where the work was going to be focused on just horses. But when they planned it out the included other aspects of the business to include in the work program, restaurant, hospitality, vet techs, cattle and of course the ranch hand work. After Clint and his team selected candidates and determined their area of interest, they were evaluated by the staff at the facilities and if qualified were assigned to that business. It was similar in scope to the arrangement that they had with Tim's rodeo school. Each candidate was assigned to a "buddy" at that facility to mentor them and provide guidance. So in perspective they had created a work skills program that benefitted the individual as well as the different business under the Heartland Equestrian Expereince umbrella. Clint was actively engaged and mentioned that other provinces were going to send officials to check out what they were doing.

The decision to increase the scope of Caleb's role couldn't have been going better. The point person at every facility was ultimately responsible for all supplies. Lou created a site for all of the orders to be combined to get a price break but still being able to deliver what was needed for each location. In it's infancy, they were already seeing some significant cost savings and only expected it to get bigger. But even more effective was Caleb's responsibility to flex labor. After consulting with other Board members they compiled a list of staff members that had the stretch to do different things. Clay and Wyatt were on that list. This was already positively affecting the bottom line of the parent organization and with all this extra profit and savings the Board was able to continue to look at enhancements to even get better. But most importantly, the staff members who were selected to flex were not only enjoying the new challenge but were learning more about the overall business. When selecting someone to do it, Caleb and the business leader took their time to select someone who would be best suited for the new responsibility with that perspective in mind..

Since Georgie was just starting her third trimester she was limited to only working outside the pen. Amy and she decided to have Lyndy and Katie split their time working the horses she had assigned to her. As an extra layer of protection an additional ranch hand would also be there. The family was hypersensitive to her pregnancy especially since there were twins on the way. Georgie was taking care of herself and so far both her and the twins were doing great. The cousins preferred their boyfriends (yes everyone considered Wyatt to be Lyndy's boyfriend) to work with them and it happened, but not enough for their liking. Katie and Clay had become more serious as he surprised her with a promise ring not too long ago. The real bonus was that Katie and Lyndy were really starting to improve their horsemanship skills. Amy began joining them as much as she could. They both showed promise and Amy and Georgie were excited about the growth of their abilities. Throughout the summer they continued to challenge both of them. One afternoon, Lou, Jack and Lisa came over to the Equine Center talk with Amy and Ty about the three horse-based facilities. They had decided to meet periodically to make sure the work was being distributed efficiently. Their conversation moved to the two girls. Amy spoke, "I have been watching them and Georgie agrees that we will continue to push both of them. They remind me of mom so much and I think moving forward, they will become highly skilled which we will need as we continue to grow. They each have the passion and that special sense that she had." Amy began to tear up, "They are amazing." Jack stepped in, "I agree that they are like their grandma but Amy they are like you and I expect you know that. Don't shortchange your impact on both of them. I see how they look at you and Georgie." Amy hugged her grandpa as Ty spoke up, "Oh, oh guys do we have two more Miracle Girls in our family?"

The summer jumping season was well underway. Katie and Lyndy were in the same age bracket and were top finishers in almost every event. By mid-season they had already accumulated enough points to qualify for the Fall Finale. Lyndy was especially doing well for being the youngest in the age group. She had her mother's instinct and skills. But what amazed their parents was how they supported each other no matter how the other performed. You could call it mutual respect, but they attributed it a love like sisters, always there for each other. At an event Amy and Lou were watching with Katie as Lyndy competed. "You know Lyndy is amazing Amy, she is one of the best riders in this age bracket and I am so proud of her. I remember watching you and she rides just like you. She is going to be a future champion, maybe even as good as Georgie." Lou spoke up and Amy looked at her as well, "Honey you are a really good rider too. Don't you want to move on and compete at a higher level?" Katie smiled at them both, "Mom, thank you and I am happy riding and competing. But I know I have about reached my limit. Lyndy is the future. I have other dreams, I want to keep working with horses and I really want to become a teacher. I hope I can do both." They both realized the level of maturity that Katie had reached. Amy put her arm on her shoulder, "Katie you can do anything you want and your mom and I will support whatever you want to do." Lou continued, "Honey you are an amazing young women, daughter and cousin. And I don't think I could be any prouder of you."

The twins were also having a great season. Both were in the top three of every meet they were entered in and like Lyndy and Katie already had enough points to qualify for the Fall Finale. One day Amy was working with them and Georgie walked up. "Hey, it is just amazing how similar they are not just as twins but as riders. Their styles and approach to the course were like looking in a mirror." Georgie stated. Amy smiled, "I know it is amazing. You know that thing they have, Annie told me the other day that they feel each other when they are on the course. Addie added that it feels like they have two perspective while competing." Georgie stood in amazement, "That makes sense. The other day I was working with Addie and we were going over her approaches to higher jumps. We talked about her step sequence and after some practice she nailed it. Annie was not even there and I had a session right after with her. Amy, I know they didn't speak to each other and I was planning to do the same training with her. But without even talking to her about it Annie maneuvered the jump just as I had instructed her sister." Amy held up her hand and calmed down her niece, "Georgie did you ask her why she adjusted her approach without talking to you about it." Before she could respond, Amy continued, "And she told you she felt her sisters thoughts and automatically adjusted." "Oh my lord that is what she said, Amy it is uncanny. I know they felt each other's presence but I never realized it was to that level. You know whatever we teach to one the other is being taught at the same time." She said breathlessly. Amy just smiled, "Its more than that Georgie, they feel each other in every sense of the word." Before she could continue, they heard Annie screaming her sister's name.

Georgie and Amy headed toward the scream. When they approached they saw Addie and Annie holding each other with Desi and Annie's friend Jeremy standing next to them. Ty and Steven were tending to a nervous Boone standing just before the last jump. Everyone was frantic and the girls were sobbing in each other's arms. They went immediately to the twins as Amy breathlessly cried, "Girls what's wrong , are you OK." Both of them were too distraught so Amy and Georgie held on to them. Lyndy, Wyatt, Katie and Clay also ran over from the other barn. Word was spreading around the facility that something happened in the indoor arena. It was mayhem as the distraught girls were approached by everyone to see how they were doing. Ty walked over and brought his girls into his arms. "Girls, Boone is ok, a little shaken but there seems to be no injuries. To be safe Steven is going to take him to the exam room and take an x ray." Amy spoke up again, "Girls what happened to Addie and Boone?" Addie composed herself and began to speak. "When I was approaching the last jump I seemed to be out of sync. I don't know if Boonie was tired or I lost focus. About fifteen feet from the jump I heard Annie scream telling me to pull up. Mom she wasn't even watching me. I realized that I was out of step and if she wouldn't have yelled at me I would have not reacted in time and crashed into the jump." Annie and Addie consoled each other and began talking in their language much to the amazement of those watching who weren't familiar with it. Amy stepped over to them gently asking, "Girls you need to talk to us." "Annie put her head down as Addie looked at her sister, "Sorry, we were arguing. Addie thinks I saved her and Boone from getting hurt or worse. I told her I just felt she was in danger and helped her. She is overreacting. It's not that big of a deal" Surprisingly Desi spoke up, "Annie we were all here and saw what happened. I know most of us are confident that what you did was unbelievable and you did save your sister." He surprisingly went and hugged Addie as Jeremy put his arm around Annie's shoulder. As the others looked on, Lyndy whispered into her parents ears, "Looks like there is another double date on the horizon." They both rolled their eyes.

It was not like Lou and Scott didn't have enough going on but they had a wedding to plan. They had decided to wait until after the arrival of the twins so were looking at the 3rd weekend of October. They had also decided to have a small ceremony, since they are a bit older and had each been married before. All total they were looking at 50+ people and had asked Lisa if they could use the Fairfield Arena. Scott wanted to include some of his native American traditions into the ceremony including clothing more appropriate to his heritage. Lou was very supportive and understood his need to connect to his ancestry. He only had a few relatives and they would be dressed in the same manner. Of course, Amy was Lou's maid of honor, Georgie, and Katie her bridesmaids. Scott asked Ty to be his best man as well as Steven and his nephew who he had staying in touch with to be groomsman. Maddie would be the flower girl and JT would be the ring bearer escorted by Lyndy. The twins would be handing out programs and seating people. Lisa who was ordained to do weddings would administer the vows. Clay had offered to do the music with Wyatt assisting and Marni would cater. And after some consideration and a discussion with Jack and Lisa, both Jack and Tim would walk her down the aisle. It was an all in the family wedding party. To simplify things the wedding and reception would be in the same tent. At dinner one night, Amy mentioned to Ty, "It seems that Ms. Frantic Lou is cool and calm about the wedding. Maybe doing this twice makes it easier?" Ty looked at her and before he could respond she said, "Ty marrying you was one of the best days of my life and I have no intention of doing it again. Love you!" She kissed him on the lips passionately ensuring that he believed her. Addie gagged.

One day an opportunity came upfront that really was going to see the true power of the new organization. Amy and Ty were in the office one late afternoon when his phone rang. "Ty, this is Ben at Fairfield, we have a situation over here that we need your help with. We obviously handle birthing of foals all the time but our two most productive brood mares are both pregnant with client foals and we just found out one of them is having twins. We aren't set up for that and I know you and Scott have experience birthing twins. Can you guys come by in the morning, we need to figure out what to do." Ty in a serious tone said, "Actually maybe we should come by now, with twins sometimes the mare doesn't go full term. Let me call Scott and we will be over in 20 minutes." Amy looked over with concern, "Is everything ok, I can tell by your look you are worried." "Well they have one of their brood mares ready to give birth and just found out she is having twins." He said while he packed up dialing Scott. Amy quickly said, "Go, and keep me posted." As he walked out she remember early in their marriage when they had to help a mare foal twins. He was just about to graduate and some of the family didn't think he could do it. But he did and both foals survived and eventually became great horses they rehomed. It was one of the many times he showed her and others that he was going to be an amazing vet.

Ty arrived at Fairfield at the same time Scott and Cass showed up. And luckily Steven was there administering shots to horses so the four of them met Ben and his lead trainer at the mare's stall. Cass and Stevn checked on the other brood mare and determined she was fine and should be foaling within a day. Scott and Ty examined the foal Ben was concerned about. Scott spoke first, "Well Ben I am glad you called, this mare is in distress. The foals are not aligned properly and right now I can't bring her to the Vet Clinic due to construction," Ty interjected, "Scott she can come to the ranch, we are setup to handle this but Ben we need to take her now. Ben can you guys trailer her up and I will go ahead and get things ready. I am going to get Amy to, this mare is going to need her help as well." Scott added, "I will meet you there after I take Cass back to the clinic." Both Cass and Steven spoke at the same time, "we are coming too."

Ty called Amy and filled her in on everything. She asked to see it Georgie or Katie could get little Ben because Cass was coming too. He then asked her to get Caleb and have him get things ready in the surgical bay they had. She said she would handle everything and meet him at the surgical stable. After she called Georgie and Caleb she talked to Lyndy. "Honey we have an emergency and Dad and I will be busy for a whole. Katie is going to come over with Ben and I left money out for you guys to order pizza. Its going to be pretty crazy out there and I need you and Katie to keep the kids occupied." "No problem mom we got it. Can you fill me in later and if you need anything just give me a call." Amy smiled and hugged her mature daughter. "You are the best." As Amy headed to the surgical stall, she saw, Ty, Steven and Scott with Cass pulling up. A few minutes after, Katie pulled up with Georgie and little Ben. Katie headed to the house with Ben and Georgie headed to the barn. She hugged here husband who had called and asked, "What can I do." All at once, Amy, Ty and Steven said, Stand back and watch." She shrugged and said, "Fine." As they all looked up a truck and trailer approached the barn.

As they waled out Amy asked, what the mare's name was. Since they were in such a rush, no one knew. Ben hopped out smiling, "Her name is Venus and she needs help. Scott we barely got her in and had to drive slow so two of the ranch hands stayed with her in the trailer." Wes, the head trainer at Fairfield spoke up, "she is about ready to foal, we need to get her in the room and settled. She is really struggling." Without the need for words the team used the harness to get her into the room and laid down. Ty and Scott had developed a birthing assistance device that had been patented. The device was going to be used so after she was situated, Scott and Ty began working on her. Cass and Steven were right there with them to assist and Amy was quietly talking to the horse calming her. Georgie snuck up and helped her as well. Venus seemed calm until the contractions started. A fairly large audience had gathered as this is a rare occasion and one some may never see again. Amy glanced over and saw Lyndy and Katie watching as well. She looked over to her as she mouthed, "Where are the babies" Lyndy answered, "Lou came over and has the kids." With that Venus screamed in agony as a large contraction hit her.

After some silence Scott announced, "Ok the first foal is ready, Ty come to the other side, Cass and Steven I need you right behind us." With a lot of effort the first foal slipped out of its mother. Steven and Cass took him, got him up and cleaned off as he whinnied for his mother. Scott and Ty continue to focus on the mare and Amy continued to talk to her. Amy whispered, "Scott, Ty she is really tired, I am worried about her." Scott looked over to Ty and they each went to assist with the second birth. The foal was out of position again so Ty reach in and realigned her. Another contraction hit and as Amy soothed Venus, they helped the foal escape the warmth of her mother. Once out Venus was completely exhausted, sweating and breathing heavily. Steven took the second foal with Caleb and they got her up. She whinnied as well much to the relief of the crowd that gathered. Ty and Scott continued to focus on the mare. Amy looked at them with worry in her eyes. "Guys, I think she it in shock, she is not responding to my touch." Ty immediately inserted and IV line and Scott got some IV bags with saline. They hoped that the hydration would help her recover. As the three of them tended to Venus the rest took the foals to an adjoining stable and made an attempt to bottle feed them. At first it was a struggle but eventually Katie and Lyndy were able to get them to eat.

With that crisis averted the focus went back to Venus. Cass and Steven rejoined the group with her and they brainstormed what they could do to help her. She seemed lethargic still but seemed a little better. Scott and Ty assessed her and found no visible injuries from the births. The also did a quick x ray and found no internal concerns. The Cass had an idea. "The birthing device you guy made can heat up correct. Maybe if we warm her up and try to get her in the harness that will help hydrate her more quickly." Amy added, "Cass I agree, while I was reading up on twin births when Ty and I had to do this that was one of the after-birth procedures they mentioned. I say let's do it." Everyone agreed and they go Venus set up and added an antibiotic to her regimen. After she was settled they set up a schedule with the ranch hands to spend the night with her. Scott and Steven also volunteered to be there on shifts as well telling Cass, Ty and Amy they should go see their families and could take over in the morning. Even though he protested, Steven agreed that he and Georgie would take the first vet shift.

An hour later Amy and Ty trudged back to the house only to see four girls waiting for them on the porch, hoping that JT was in bed. Maddie spoke up, "We know it is late but we had to find out how Venus and her babies were doing." Amy answered, "Well thanks to a great team the foals are doing well and Venus is doing much better. Now off to bed." They headed up and Lyndy mentioned that there was pizza left in the fridge. Amy and Ty had a quick bite to eat, made the rounds and headed to bed. As Amy was sitting at the vanity brushing out her hair, Ty stepped out of the shower. She saw in the mirror and stared at him from head to toe, biting her lip. "Why Mrs. Borden have I not told you countless times that it is not polite to stare. I mean if I wanted to I could stare at you as well, sitting there in your sexy panties and bra brushing that beautiful hair," Ty teased. Before he finished Amy stood up and took her husband into her arms and kissed him passionately. She kissed his neck and upper chest while her hands ventured to other places. Ty answered her kiss with passion and moved as well over her body. She whispered, "So are you going to take me right here, that might be fun." He answered by picking up and throwing her over his shoulder and lightly slapped her behind. She tried to wriggle away, laughing and pinching him as well. He laid her on the bed and continued his sensual attack. She moaned heavily and breathless said his name. He stimulated her over and over until she couldn't resist and exploded in ecstasy. With an opening she rolled him over and pleasured him in the ways he loved allowing him to release as well. They then joined as Amy straddled him moving as one. After time they succumbed to each other's passion releasing their love. As they laid next to each other catching their breath, Amy laid her head on Ty's chest and whispered. "Well I am definitely tired now." She closed her eyes and they both immediately fell into a deep and peaceful sleep realizing that their life was blessed.