Chapter Thirty-Six

Evolution – Family Strength

A/N – I hope you enjoyed the last chapter, I obviously covered a plethora of topics. My intent was to show the continued growth of the key characters as well as the new business. As the summer moves on multiple family plans are underway, birthdays, the birth of the twins and a wedding. The evolution of the new business structure continues and everyone is heavily engaged. But with the Borden family you never know when their strength will be tested. Enjoy

The final piece of construction was completed at the Hudson Vet Clinic so now the picture was completed and in place. As always constant adjustments and modifications were ongoing. The Board met weekly via Zoom if needed and now that the entire look of the new organization was in place, conversations always led toward what can we do better. At the Vet Clinic, Scott and Cass had noticed a spike in non-equine services. It seems that the energy of the newly formed conglomerate had made the clinic more inviting to clients that never used them before. With that in mind even though the construction was finished they already saw a need to make some minor adjustments to the surgery and stable area since they would no longer be taking horses. It was a good problem to have. Additionally the Equine Center's business was booming and they were at capacity. Since there was no more space there the team finalized and allocated money to increase the Heartland Ranch barn and remodel the Quonset hut. They decided a need for 1-2 more surgical bays and examination rooms so the blueprints for the Quonset hut were modified and expanded for it. With all this extra animal care the team also decided to hire another vet. Scott and Ty met with the Equine Department at the University of Calgary and obtained a list of recent graduates. The search was on.

The Borden girls continued to be busy with work, jumping competitions, spending time with friends and getting ready for school. Lyndy and Wyatt were going to start 8th grade and were excited to be in their last year of middle school. The twins were heading to 5th grade and likewise for them they would be in the last year of elementary school. More importantly to them they were continuing to hang out with friends especially Desi and Jeremy. The friendship between the four of them was growing and under the watchful eye of their parents and older sister. One day Lyndy stepped into the office to see her mom and dad. "Hey, you got a second. I am sure you have seen how close the twins are getting with Desi and Jeremy. I know you know them both but I wanted to tell you they are both really great kids and you shouldn't worry. Each of them have talked to Wyatt about us Borden girls. It's kind of cute." Amy rolled her eyes, "Those kids? Ok mom #2 you are funny. But dad and I really value your opinion and since you are experienced with young friendship I am sure you will keep an eye on them." Lyndy laughed, hugged her parents and kissed JT on the head. When she left they both broke out in laughter. But then Ty had a serious look holding Amy's hand. "Amy she is just amazing, every day I watch her I am overwhelmed at how mature and perceptive she is." Amy concurred, "Our kids are amazing but she is special. It's like she has the spirit of both mom and grandma in her, like an old sole." Ty smiled and kissed his wife passionately. They were interrupted when the heard "Gross" from JT.

Maddie was equally excited about the 2nd grade. Before the end of the year the teachers approached Amy and Ty about having her skip to grade 3. With a birthday in September she was the oldest in her class. After bouncing it off of Lou and Scott for their input they decided that she would remain with her class. They did bring Maddie in the loop and she was happy, as she had a lot of friends and of course Gwen was there as well. They did agree to the option of some accelerated learning to help her educational development. Maddie was excited about trying new things and was looking forward to it. JT had been going to structured play 3 days a week for the last 6 months. He really enjoyed it and the teachers said he was an active learner and participant. The program was from 10am to 2pm so there was a need for him to be taken there and back those days. It wasn't too much of a challenge but there were times when Jack, Lisa, Lou and even Caleb had to help. The program director proposed an idea that they had put together for some of the more engaged kids. The idea was to have a full three-day program and the kids could take the bus. And since Maddie and the twins would be on it as well they could take care of him and get them to his room. Amy and Ty talked to the girls and they were excited to have the responsibility. So they signed him up. He would do this for a year and then would be evaluated to be considered for early admittance to Pre-K next school year.

Lyndy and Wyatt's relationship continued to grow. There had been additional double dates with Katie and Clay and one time Ty and Amy allowed them to go to a movie just with Maya and her boyfriend. Ty would only do it if he was the one to take them there and pick them up. Lyndy was concerned a bit but he ended up being cool about it. On the way home after everyone was dropped off Lyndy sat up front with her dad. After being quiet for a few minutes Ty spoke up, "So did you guys have fun, everyone seemed happy." Lyndy smiled, "we really had a lot of fun." She hesitated, "You know dad, I am so happy that you and mom trust me. I promise that I will never betray that trust. You have my word." Ty took a moment and said, "Well of course we do honey, why do you ask?" She shrugged her shoulders but Ty know something was on her mind. He decided that when they got home he would grab Amy and they would talk to her in her room. When they walked in Amy was on the couch reading and Lyndy headed to her room. Ty filled Amy in on what happened and after a few minutes they went up to tell her goodnight. When the entered her room she was writing in her journal. She put it down and looked at her mom with misty eyes. Amy immediately hugged her as Ty came out and out his arms around both of them, "Baby, talk to us, why are you so upset"

"Lyndy did Wyatt do something to make you upset?" Ty asked concerned. Lyndy looked up smiling, "No Wyatt was wonderful and he would never do anything to hurt me or make me uncomfortable. But" she hesitated taking a deep breath. "Maya and her boyfriend were all over each other, kissing and touching each other inappropriately. Mom it was so uncomfortable for Wyatt and I to watch them." She continued blushing, "Is that what boys expect, do they expect us to touch them and make them feel like a man. I don't get it. Wyatt and I are close and yes we do kiss but he has never, ever acted like that with me. He is always nice to me and considerate of what I need. He is like dad is with you." As she broke down Amy hugged her tightly giving her a chance to recover. Ty talked calmly to her, "Right there is why we think so much of Wyatt and you. In life you are going to see things and hear things that make you uncomfortable and pressure you to not be who you are. Before I came to Heartland I witnessed many things that could have forced me to do something I shouldn't. Life will always test you and you have just proven to us that you are a strong women prepared to make the right decisions." She smiled, "Thanks dad I understand, but do you think I should talk to Wyatt about what happened. We were so shocked we barely talked the rest of the night." Amy stepped in, "Well it seems you feel you need to but be careful and aware of Wyatt's feelings. You know these boys struggle with being open sometimes so just make sure you remember that," poking Ty in the ribs. Ty grabbed them both into a tight hug. Lyndy was happy to have such great parents and such an amazing boyfriend.

At dinner, a few night later everyone was in a great mood. Wyatt and Gwen were there to so the energy level was high. Amy and Ty just sat back and listened to story after story. JT was giggling like crazy as he listened intently to his sisters. They were all excited about starting back to school in a month, Georgie's Twins and Lou and Scott's wedding. There was a 15-minute discussion deciding what names they wanted for the twins and another about what color their dresses would be for the wedding. Ty had JT on his lap and he leaned over to Wyatt. "Good lord these girls are wearing me out, let's go watch some hockey. Wyatt played hockey at school and loved the Calgary Flames. Ty was originally from Vancouver and loved the Canucks. It just so happened that they were playing that each other that night so the battle was on. JT sat between them as they watched not even hearing all of the girl conversation in the kitchen. At the intermission Wyatt looked to Ty needing to say something. "Mr. Borden, Lyndy and I talked about the other night and I know she talked to you and Mrs. Borden. I just want to assure you that I would never in any way do anything to make Lyndy uncomfortable. We are young and are the closest of friends," He looked down continuing, "She is my girlfriend and I respect her and care for her deeply. I hope you are ok with that and believe me." Amy walked by and overheard Ty speak, "Wyatt, Amy and I know how much you mean to each other and are more than comfortable with the two of you being together. You both are very mature and understand the need to be patient. You know I couldn't wait to kiss Amy for the first time and I will remember that day and all of our relationship milestones for the rest of my life. You are a good man Wyatt." He patted him on the shoulder and caught Amys eyes tearing up and smiling at him. She mouthed to him, "I Love You."

It was Friday morning and TY and Amy reminded the girls that they would be in Calgary all day. They were meeting with the Equine department at the University, having lunch, meeting with Clint at his office to go over the program results with the at-risk kids and then were checking a piece of property neighboring the Miracle Ranch they were considering purchasing. Amy made sure that the girls new to get off at Heartland since Lou would have JT all day. They also reminded them that they would be eating dinner there as well. As everyone headed on Amy and Ty got everything ready to leave. They had over a half hour before the had to go so Amy suggested they head out to the barn to check with Caleb and see how things were. Ty grabbed her are and kissed her on the lips. Pulling back he whispered, "I can think of other things we can do for a half hour." She giggled, "Ty we are dressed and I don't want to have to put myself back together. But making out would be Ok" She grabbed him and headed to the couch. The made out like young lovers. With five minutes left to leave Amy breathlessly stepped back and cooed. "Ok lover boy we need to straighten ourselves up and head out. Ty frowned as they headed to their bathroom. After they were ready they hopped in Old Blue and were on their way.

The first meeting at the University went well. The reviewed a list of potential vets they recommended and decided which ones they wanted to interview. They also talked about the fall lecture they would be giving. Dr. Molder said that many of the new students inquired about them so he expected another large turnout. They picked several dates and decided they would set one later. After the meeting, Ty surprised Amy by taking her to their favorite park in the middle of Calgary where they had gone before with the kids and even before that when they dated. There were several sandwich shops and a great ice cream stand. The got lunch and sat by the water laughing and talking about anything that came to their minds. When they finished their lunch they shared a chocolate shake and sat on a bench watching the world go by. They were being Amy and Ty for sure. The meeting with Clint, his boss and the team went very well also. They spent some time reviewing all of the kids that were there, looking over the evaluations that the family had submitted. Then they reviewed a list of potential kids for the next session. Ty joked, "Clint would you have ever believed that a juvenile delinquent like me would be part of a program that helped kids. Kind of crazy." Clint's boss spoke up, "Dr. Borden, your story and Clint's recommendation gave us this idea. What you achieved is a benchmark we want to set for all of these kids. They just need a break," Amy smiled, "He was kind of a mess." They all laughed and finished their discussion.

As Amy and Ty headed back to look at the property they were as happy as they had ever been. It had been a real good day and Amy rested her head on Ty's shoulder starting to doze off. Ty was always amazed at how she could fall asleep like that. As he listen to the phone provide directions to the land they were going to look at he smiled happily as Amy snuggled into his side. He was focused on driving when Amy woke up and settled on her side of the seat putting her seatbelt back on. "I should probably be wearing this hey." He smiled and noticed out of the corner of his eye something running from the woods. Amy yelled as the deer bolted right in front of them. Not being able to react in time they hit the buck head on crushing the front of the truck, deflecting them off the side of the road. The last thing Ty saw was the tree they were heading straight for. He instinctively reach over to block his wife from harm as they both heard a large crash. Next came darkness.

Totally confused, Amy opened her eyes smelling smoke and seeing broken glass everywhere. She gathered herself checking to see where she was. She felt OK except for her knee that hurt and noticed blood on her shirt and hand. She reached up and felt a cut on her forehead. Then she realized that she had been in the truck with Ty on their way to check out a piece of land. Startled she yelled, "Ty, Ty." Looking over she gasped seeing Ty hunched over the broken steering wheel unconscious. She tried to wake him but nothing happen. She looked over the scene a saw that the dashboard had his legs pinned. His right arm that protected her seemed broken and he had a large cut on his head. By all accounts he seemed to take the worst of the crash and later they would find out he actually turned the truck at the last minute so he took the brunt of the crash. Amy frantically tried to revive him and realized she needed to find her phone. Reaching around in the smoke and thankfully saw she had service. She quickly called 911 but was unsure where they were. She hadn't really been paying attention. She then remembered that Ty had a GPS app on his phone that she could activate and the Dispatcher could use to locate them. She delicately felt through his pockets and found it. She activated the app and gave the dispatcher his cell number. She dispatched the police, fire department and an ambulance.

As she waited Ty grunted and looked over at Amy. "Amy are you Ok, are you hurt. I'm sorry I didn't see the deer in time." Amy calmed him rubbing his shoulder, "Honey, I am Ok, tell me how you feel." "I tried to save you, I had to," Ty grimaced and yelled out in pain." "Baby stay still, help is on the way, I can't lose you do you here me." Amy cried as he calmed down even seeing a small smile from him, "You have to stay awake, don't leave me." She felt someone with them as her mom appeared just outside the car. She said, "Amy honey sing to him, he loves to hear your voice and that will sooth him. So Amy started to sing Grandma Lyndy's songs that she would sing to the kids. She heard her mom singing with her until she felt her hand on her shoulder, "He's going to be fine Amy, he will always be there with you." As she looked away her mother was gone and then she heard the faint sounds of sirens in the distance. Amy continued to look into Ty's eyes and sing to him. As help arrived, she became overwhelmed with the amount of people milling around. Hesitantly she left Ty so she could be tended to while she watched as they freed Ty and put him on a stretcher. He glanced over to her and before he could speak he lost consciousness. Amy screamed, "Ty, Ty please wake up" She passed out as well as she was in shock. The paramedics loaded them both on the ambulance and headed to Calgary Memorial.

Amy opened her eyes and immediately didn't recognize where she was. She was confused but then realized that she and Ty were in an accident and he was really hurt but everything was fuzzy. She bolted up from the hospital bed and screamed out her husband's name. Her body felt like it was too heavy to move as a nurse hurried into her room, "Mrs. Borden, please calm down. We have you on a light sedative so don't try to get up." Amy looked into her eyes, "My husband and I were in an accident, he was hurt, where is he, I need to see him, be there for him, he needs me, please." Amy collapsed on the bed feeling as if she was drained of all her energy. The nurse calmed her, "Please stay still, you are hurt as well. You have a sprained ankle and a mild concussion so you need to rest. Your Grandpa and sister are on their way. Amy, your husband is in surgery." Immediately Amy's eyes moistened, "Is he going to be alright, why is he in surgery." Again the nurse calmly responded. "Honey, your husband has severe bruising on both of his legs as well as a slight fracture in his right arm. He also has a contusion on his chest from the steering wheel. The paramedics said the he took the brunt of the crash but he did have his seat belt on and being an older truck, the vehicle took most of the damage. The biggest concern is that he took a pretty good blow to the head. The doctors feels he will be Ok but they took him to surgery to take care of everything at once."

Amy took a breath to digest everything she said. "When will the surgery be done, I need to be there when he wakes up, he needs me to be there when he wakes up." The nurse smiled seeing the love they shared. "The surgery should be done shortly and the doctor told her he would be in immediately to talk to you. He will be out of a bit so you will have plenty of time." As she finished she excused herself just as Lou, Grandpa and Lyndy ran in to the room. Lyndy went to her mom and hugged her, "Mom, are you ok, how is dad. When we got the call we had just arrived at Heartland and.." She broke down crying frantically in her mom's grasp. "Mom, I am so scared." Amy comforted her and as she calmed down she told the story of what happened to the three of them. She told them what she knew about Ty and that the doctor would be in to talk to them. As she finished, Georgie came panting into the room. "Oh my god, Amy are you ok?"

Amy chuckled and said I am but tired, I will let your mom tell you what happened. If it's Ok I just want to lay here with my daughter. "Well we couldn't help it but everyone is in the waiting room. We kind of took it over." Georgie confessed. Amy smiled, "Can you fill everyone in I don't think they want the whole crew in here. Lyndy can you grab JT and your sisters and bring them in. Lou, I will talk to the nurse, I thing they will let me come out to see all of you in a wheelchair. We can wait for the doctor together." Everyone headed out and a few minutes later Lyndy walked in carrying JT whose eyes were wide open followed by her tentative sisters.

When Amy saw the three of them she opened her arms for them to come to her. They came over but were gentle because Lyndy had told them to be. They were all misty eyed because they didn't want to upset JT. When he saw his siters her lunged for Amy and Lyndy placed him in her lap. She cuddled him and whispered in his ear to calm him. He broke the silence whimpering, "Mommy Ok." "Kids, I am fine, I have a sprained ankle, and a cut on my forehead. I have a mild concussion but already am feeling better with you guys here." She brought them all into a hug, kissing them to make sure they were ok. After a few minutes Addie asked, "How is dad, GG said he was in surgery, why, what does that mean." As the girls sat around her bed and as she held JT she told them what was going on with their dad holding back some of the adult stuff. She noticed that Maddie was very quiet. "Maddie what's going on talk to me." She looked into her mother's eyes and burst out crying, "When Gwen's grandpa had surgery, he didn't wake up, is daddy gonna wake up?" Amy understood and what she said next needed to be clear to her kids. As they all looked at her wide eyed she spoke to them as their mother, "Ok I need you to listen. Dad is hurt but everyone is confident he will be fine. We don't know everything yet but when the doctor comes out he will let us know. After we get home he will need our help and we will all have to be strong for him." Annie looked at her mother, "Mom we will be strong for you too. We love our daddy but we know how much you love him." They all hugged as the nurse walked into the room.

The nurse came in with a tech and a wheelchair. What they saw warmed their hearts. The tech spoke first, "Mrs. Borden your chariot awaits and can I say your children are amazing. Out in the waiting room they were very calm. You should be proud of all of them." She smiled as the nurse and tech got her into the chair and attached the IV hook. "I am." Lyndy pushed Amy and JT, who would not leave her lap out to the waiting room. Georgie was right , everyone was there and all came to her to each make sure she was OK. Once everyone settled small conversations started. The nurse came out and they all stopped to look at her. She smiled, "My this is a big group, anyway the surgery is finished and Mr. Borden is in recovery doing well. The doctor will be out shortly to fill everyone in. Amy can I chat with you alone for a second." She wheeled Amy over to the back of the room and Amy gave a reluctant JT to Lyndy. "Amy since there are little ones do you want them to go wait somewhere else, I don't want the doctor to make them uncomfortable." Amy pondered for a moment, "Well tell him they are here and I want them to stay. As you can see we are a strong family and I am sure they will be fine. And warn him, my seven-year-old will ask a lot of questions." When she returned she filled in Grandpa, Lisa, Lou, Scott, Georgie and Steven that when the doctor came they needed to keep their eyes on the girls. She would handle JT.

About a half hour later, the doctor was seen heading their way as Maddie yelled, "I think the doctor is coming." He laughed and said, "Yes the doctor is here and I bet you are Maddie, I have heard a lot about you." She smiled a little confused as everyone laughed. The doctor began his update focusing just on the girls, "Well, first off your dad I really doing well. The surgery went better than expected but he will be sleeping for a bit. He will be very sore and tired while he recovers. Now ladies, I know you are scared. I also have four daughters so I know how you are feeling. But I promise that he will get better and with your help will make a compete recovery. But you have to promise me that you will be there for him and be strong." They all smiled and shook their heads in understanding. Maddie walked over and hugged the doctor, "Thank you for helping our daddy, we all really love him." The tears that were starting to form now exploded with everyone in the room. The doctor gathered himself and provided more kid friendly details about the extent of Ty's injuries and recouperation time. "Overall your dad was very lucky, The contusions on his legs and chest were just bad bruises and will heal. Nothing on the inside of your dad was damaged. The fracture on his right arm is only slight and he will only need a light cast for a few weeks. Amy do you know why his arm was hurt, based on the information on the crash it surprised me."

Amy took a moment to think and her eyes opened wide. "He told me that he put his arm in front of me to protect me and I remember now that he turned the truck at the last minute so his side of the truck would hit the tree." She sobbed as she realized that Ty put himself in harms way to save her. The room was dead silent as the doctor continued, "Well that seems to make sense, as a part of the surgical procedure we were given the crash site photos. It is obvious that his side of the truck took the brunt of the crash and you landed against him, his arm still blocking you. It hit the steering wheel that resulted in the fracture." Everyone sat in shock and silence. To think that Ty would put himself in danger to protect Amy was not surprising. Annie quietly sobbed and spoke up, "Our daddy is my hero I love him and am so happy he will be ok." It was a moment that all of them would never forget. Amy looked at the doctor, "Can I go see him, I want to be there when he wakes up." "Of course Amy, but I think only you and maybe one more person should go in. When he comes out of it, he is going to be groggy and he doesn't need to be overwhelmed." She agreed and before she could respond Addie spoke up, "Mommy I want to go with you. I need to see him." Understanding their bond everyone agreed as Amy and Addie headed to the recovery room. Amy smiled to the group, "We'll be back soon."

Addie wheeled Amy into the recovery room and saw her dad. He looked calm but there were visible times of his injuries. Tubes were everywhere, there was a cast on his arms and bandaged on hie forehead. His upper body was uncovered and she noticed a large bruise on his chest. There were monitors beeping and like her mom a stand with several IVs attached. The nurse tending to her dad looked over to them, "Hi I am Mr. Borden's recovery nurse. He is really doing well. Mrs. Borden I see your drip needs to be replaced. Let me go and get it while you visit. I think he should be waking up in a half hour or so." They thanked the nurse and moved over to Ty's side. Amy grabbed his hand, "Ty, Addie and I are here, you are going to be fine but we need you to wake up." Several minutes later Addie grabbed their hands, "Daddy its Addie, everyone is here to see you and I love you so much, please wake up." She looked at Amy, "Can he hear me mommy?" Then they both were startled when Ty answered, "Of course I can honey and I love you too, both of you." Addie screamed, "Daddy you are awake, how are you, are you Ok." Amy grabbed her arm, "Calm down honey, daddy is really tired and he will tell us how he is when he is ready. I need you to do me a favor, can you go tell the group that he is awake and send GG in here." Ty squeezed Amy's hand and Addie kissed his cheek as she skipped out of the room.

Amy snuggled closer to her husband. "Ty I was so scared, after the accident I came to and saw you hurt. I was so worried. I can't lose you, you are my everything." She sobbed and continued, "Ty you saved me when you put your arm in front of me and turned the truck so your side hit the tree. I can't believe what you did for me." Ty whispered, "Remember I told you I would do anything for you." They smiled happy to be in each other's embrace. After a few minutes, Jack slowly walked into the room. He smiled as he saw the two of them holding each other. He coughed to get their attention and as Ty looked up Jack smiled, "Ty, good to see you up son. You had us all worried." "Thanks Jack, I am good but kind of sore." He answered. Amy looked up coming out of her daze, "Grandpa, he's Ok." She was exhausted from the events of the day. Jack again spoke up, "Young lady you are hurt as well. I have arranged for you two to be in the same room. So, you need to go back to bed and Ty will be with you shortly. Before she could argue the nurse got her back in her chair and wheeled her to her room. When she arrived Lou and the kids were waiting. "Everyone went home, they figured you guys would need some rest, but these guys wanted to see you both before they went home." Lou offered smiling. The girls went to their mom and JT wanted to be held. Amy got settled in the bed and after a quick check by the nurse she welcomed her children.

About a half hour later they heard a ruckus outside the door and as it opened their smiling father was being wheeled in. Outside of Addie, the others had not seen their dad yet. JT reached out for him but Lyndy took him in her arms. The respectfully let the orderlies and nurse get him settled. After the doctor checked him over Ty motioned for his kids to come over. Amy warned them to be gentle so one by one they went to kiss his cheek and hold his hand. Lyndy brought JT over and put him next to Ty on his good side, He leaned into his daddy, "Daddy OK?" Ty responded to all of them. "Kids I am really sore and may need a little help but I am fine and will be back to normal soon. But I need you to do something for me. You need to take care of Mom, she is hurt too." They smiled as everyone realized that their parents would be ok. Maddie had a look on her face again to Ty asked, "Hey little girl what are you thinking about." She meekly responded, "Daddy you saved mommy from getting hurt a lot more than she is. We are so happy about that and love you for it. You mean everything to us and we love you both so much." Ty responded bringing Maddie into his arms, "Honey thank you, and for the rest of you, you are all my life and as your dad I would do anything to make you safe. I love you all very much," Lou and the girls left a short time later. After they left Amy and Ty fell asleep in each other's arms.