Chapter Forty-Three
New Year, New Journey, 15 Years
A/N – I hope the last two chapters have not been to overwhelming. For those of you that have followed this story as I write I have a storyline in mind but as I progress my story takes on different unrelated paths. Bottom line I tend to wander. I hope this works for you all. I would love to hear what you think. What a Christmas holiday so now it is on to New Year's and a year that will bring more excitement and challenge. We will start off with big news for the family and an amazing accomplishment. It will be fun. Mature Content Enjoy
The family sat at the breakfast table and Addie couldn't help watching at her father, who was gazing out the kitchen window. "Geez dad, don't worry the old truck is still there. You have like taken it out like 10 times since Christmas day and I saw you both really sitting close. What's up with that." Amy spoke up, any chance I get to snuggle with my husband, I take it. And we love that truck.." She reach over and kissed Ty's cheek. Lyndy spoke up for the family as JT giggled fake gagging, "Mommy and Daddy are kissing." "Ok guys we know like you are the love story of a lifetime and trust me we love having parents so in love. Around us it is tolerable but around our friends is a little much. There are times that even Wyatt is a little embarrassed" Maddie added, "Gwen calls you the Kissers." Addie and Annie added, "Our friends always ask us why you are both so lovey dovey. And sorry but several of them, like Maya and Chucky still think you and mom are hot. It's gross." Realizing they had a point, Ty spoke, "Well girls that truck is a big part of our love so we are going to act emotionally. We will not stop being affectionate, we love each other too much." Amy continued, "But we understand it may be embarrassing and I won't lie we may slip now and then but we will be more "aware" of when your friends are around. But to let you know, I love your dad more each day we are together. You are the result of our love but we will try to be better behaved." Maddie had a look on her face like she had a revelation. "Oh now I get it, I know what sleeping in means now. You are." Lyndy put her hand over her mouth to stop her from saying something she may regret. Amy interjected, "Your dad and I love you all and want to be with you and be involved in your lives but we also need time for just the two of us. As you all get older it will make more sense, especially when you find someone like we did." Content the girls and JT left for the barn. While cleaning up Amy went to hug her husband kissing him chastely on the lips. "Well, since they are growing up I understand where they are coming from. I guess we need to be a little more discreet. He looked into her blue eyes and kissed her like it was their first kiss. Breathlessly she whimpered, "Yea like that." They composed themselves and headed out to the barn to start the day.
The annual New Year's Eve party was ready to go at the Miracle Ranch. Like last year the adults would party with their children until the kids needed to leave. They would all sleep at Heartland and since Jack was recovering him and Lisa offered to take care of them. Annie, Addie and Maddie would help with the four little ones. Lyndy and Wyatt would get to stay with the adults for the first time and they were excited. Amy and Ty reluctantly allowed him to stay at their house but Ty figured he would not sleep a lot tonight. Folks started arriving just after dinner. Lyndy, Wyatt and the girls were on coat check and placed all of them in the office next to the living room. Ty and Scott took care of drinks and Amy, Lou and Georgie got the appetizers in order. Steven was handling the Twins and was going to help take the kids back to Heartland when they left. Besides the three Borden girls there would be JT, Ben, Brey, Dax, Billy, Hanna and Noah. When Jack and Lisa came to get them they visited for a short while as everyone how asking how he was doing. Lou and Amy again asked, "Are you sure you two are up to this? Seven small children and the three girls? That is a lot." Lisa comforted them, "Girls first off you have everything we need and all the beds are ready. And the girls will be a lot of help." Moving to a whisper, "And Jack is so excited to be with the little ones. Girls, his love for them is what will help him beat this. We aren't there yet but I can promise you he is really doing well. This is the medicine her needs." They smiled and hugged their step grandmother, although their love for her made her a real one.
Once the kids left the party got into a higher gear. Everyone was in great spirits after an amazing year for many of them. Ben and Jennifer along with Will and Bethany were starting to mix into the Heartland family. Max and Lilly were becoming part of the leader group which is needed for all families. They were breaking ground on their cottage after the ride of the year and found a spot centrally located to Heartland and the Miracle Ranch. Although they were there they planned to join Jack and Lisa for a quieter new Years and Lou had given them a cabin at the Dude Ranch. They had to leave late tomorrow to go home as Max was working with his daughters on the final transition of his law firm. Will and Bethnay were closing on their house right after the first of the year and Jenn set them up at Fairfield until they could move in. The four of them seemed to gel as they were close in age. Lou and Scott were sitting with Amy and Ty relaxing over a drink – of course Amy had an apple cider. Amy said, "It was really a good year for us and I really feel lucky to be in this family. Look at everyone having fun and enjoying themselves, we are definitely blessed." Scott responded a little choked up, "Well Ty and I are more than overwhelmed with this family and the love they have. I never had this growing up and I can't believe I am here,' as he hugged his wife. Ty added with just as much emotion, "I will say this until the day I die but this place saved me and I love this one here more and more each day," leaning over and kissing his starry-eyed wife. From the other side of the room they heard their daughter Lyndy say, "Mom, Dad boundaries."
Ty and Amy made the rounds sharing the season with everyone. They were so happy to be a part of an amazing group of people. Great family and great friends. They spent some time with Tim and Casey who had to leave early to get to Casey's family party. Amy was happy that her dad had finally realized what this family meant to him and got his act together. They spent some time with Katie, Lyndy, Wyatt and Clay. They had noticed they were huddled together most of the night especially Katie and Lyndy. Amy whispered to Ty, "What's up with those two? They have been hugging and giggling all night." He agreed as they headed over to visit with them. With a higher than usual voice, Lyndy commented, "So lovebirds have you calmed down a bit. You guys are too much." Katie added, "I think it's kind of cute, I hope when Clay and I get that old we will still be all huggy and kissy like them," as she reached over and kissed his cheek. Ty sternly answered, "Wait we are not that old and I will be all huggy and kissy with my wife as much as I want." Kissing Amy on the lips. They laughed as Amy continued the conversation, "So what's up with you guys. You been huddled together all night. Wyatt answered, "Well no offense, I mean you guys are cool but everyone else is older than us and talk about their kids all the time. I guess we are kind of in between." Clay agreed, "First off you guys are really cool and I hope that when we get to be your age, Katie and I are still so in love. Ty and Amy, you are our role models." Amy blushed, "Well that is nice of both of you to say, but love is something that develops over time, trust me Ty and I had our highs and lows. But one thing we had through all of it was respect and trust for each other. Without that love is impossible. We each made mistakes but resolved them and moved on. The key necessity of love it not keeping secrets. Secrets ruin relationships. So for all four of you, never keep things from each other, no matter how bad it may be." They all smiled and the girls hugged. Katie was about to say something when Lou and Scott interrupted them giving everyone the 30-minute warning.
Amy headed over to a large group of friend and coworkers. Caleb, Cass, Dr, Ellie, her fiancé Nick, the Stillman's, the Master's along with Jade and Cliff were sitting at a larger table laughing and having a good time. As they approached Caleb, who had had a few beers yelled, "It's Amy and Ty, the King and Queen of Heartland. You know guys Amy had the hots for me years ago but can you believe she picked him." Smiling at his best friend as Cass punched him in the ribs. Amy responded hugging her husband and kissing his cheek, "Caleb O'Dell I believe you had the hots for me and trust me you never had a chance, I am completely and forever his girl." Everyone awed at the two of them. Ellie spoke up, "First off all of you are crazy. Second, Amy I saw you guys with Katie and Lyndy. What is up with them, they have been huddled together all-night giggling away. Any idea?" Ty answered, "I don't know but something is up for sure. When we went over there, Lyndy seemed a little too excited. Our girl is very controlled and she seemed not at all that way." Jennifer added, "All I know Amy is that as I spend more time with both Katie and Lyndy are so much like you and from what I have been told like your mother Marion." Amy smiled eyes misting a bit, "Jenn that is so nice. My mom was an amazing women and was my inspiration for all of this. And you are right, by Jacks account Katie is an exact doppelganger for my mom and Lyndy is close in looks as well. But their real similarities is the instinct with horses. They have my mom's intuition and understanding of horses. It is very rewarding for me to see them develop into amazing women and horse women." Ty hugged her and added, "Amy they also are like you so take some credit." She smiled at him as the rest of the group awed. Caleb broke the silence adding, "I don't know about the whole 'doppel' thing but Katie and Lyndy really look like your mom." Everyone broke out into laughter as Caleb took another swig of beer.
They were on the 5-minute clock so everyone paired up with their partners on the adhoc dance floor. Clay had a nice slow song on and was ready to start the countdown. Amy and Ty held each other moving with the music. As was their custom, their kiss started a minute before midnight and carried on a minute or so after. They wanted to end the year and start the year on the same kiss. As they finished everyone cheered and hugs were shared with all. Clay interrupted and said Happy New Year to everyone. But with Katie in his arms he continued, "Katie and I have an announcement to start the new year with. And don't worry, Jack, Scott, Lyndy and Wyatt already know." With a big smile on her face, Katie screamed in happiness to the group, holding up her left hand, "Clay has asked me to marry him and I said yes!" The crowd erupted in applause, as Lou almost passed out, Amy and Georgie ran to Katie for big hugs and gawked at the beautiful ring. The man all bro-hugged Clay and patted him on his back. Amy whispered to Katie where only Lou and Georgie could here, "Grandma Marion would be so happy Katie. And I bet GG was over the moon." "He was when Clay asked his permission and so was Scott. By the way mom he also called dad and he was happy as well." She admitted. Lou smiled, "Honey you can tell everyone, I am so, so happy for you both." She motioned Clay over and hugged them both tightly. She was on top of the world, new twin grandchildren, marrying the man of her dreams and now her baby engaged.
Everyone spent the rest of the evening talking, which went a little longer to congratulate the newly engaged couple. The women focused on the beautiful ring and wedding plans. The men gave Clay some husband advise. He liked the attention except when Caleb hugged him and could barely speak. Amy looked at Katie and then Lyndy, "You knew didn't you. I could tell something was up with you two, in fact you have been acting weird for a while." Katie smiled putting her arm around her cousin, "Yes Clay actually talked to Lyndy first so she knew before me. And I asked her to be my maid of honor and Amy, Georgie, would you be my bridesmaids." Amy and Georgie screamed in unison, not needing to say yes. Their hugs answered that question. Katie continued, "And since Clay is an only child, he has asked Wyatt to be his best man as well as Ty and Steven to be his groomsman, we have the perfect pairing for our wedding party." Georgie was finally about to speak. "So when is the wedding?" Katie smiled as she answered, "Well I am sure Grandpa Tim would say we are to young but we decided to wait until I finished this school year to decide. And GG has offered the Heartland Ranch attic room to us and even said he would have a bathroom put in." Georgie whined, "Are you kidding me, I was in that room forever and he never gave me one." Everyone laughed and enjoyed the big news.
The last person left a little before 2:00am. The big news had extended the good times and everyone was excited and very tired. Ty helped Cass get a pretty drunk Caleb in the car. Ty and Amy made sure everyone was good to drive and when they were confident people headed out. Lyndy and Wyatt helped clean up a little and a little after 2:00 everyone went to bed. Ty made sure he watched Wyatt head to his room after walking up to a rather passionate kiss they were having. Even though it was Ok it was still his little girl. Amy and Ty quickly got ready for bed as Amy continued her rant, "I told you something was up and that Lyndy keeping a secret from us." Ty calmed her, "Ames, it's Ok. Now we all know and I get to walk down the aisle with the most beautiful woman in the world." He kissed her gently and was interrupted by her yawn. "I think we will have to take a rain check. We have to get the kids and get ready for the family party at Heartland. So, Rain Check?" Amy smiled and was asleep in minutes. Ty held her, realizing how happy and how lucky he was. He fell asleep a few minutes later dreaming of the horsey girl lying next to him.
The family gathering the next day was very relaxed as several of them were tired from the night before. It seemed that the kids night was exciting as well but Lisa and Jack couldn't talk enough about how amazingly helpful Addie, Annie and Maddie were. "Amy they were so helpful. They kept them on schedule all night, snacks, PJ.s, reading books and getting them to bed on time. The most fun was carols that we all sang led by Jack on the guitar and Max, who has an amazing voice. The kids had a blast." Lisa gloated. "You should have seen your twins with their twin cousins. They kept them occupied all night and made sure they were happy." The group enjoyed the low-key atmosphere of the New Year's Day gathering. The talked was mainly focused on Katie and Clay's big announcement. The other part of the conversation was about Ty and Amy's upcoming 15th Anniversary weekend in Banff. Due to Jack's illness they moved it to the weekend after New year's. They planned to leave on Friday after breakfast and would come back Sunday midafternoon. The kids had to go back to school the next day so the Borden family headed home early.
It was Friday morning at breakfast and the Borden family was in active discussion mode. The kids were all heading to different places for the weekend so Ty had all of the contact information and numbers distributed, JT was spending weekend with Brey and Dax at the Stillman's. Maddie was with Gwen's family, Addie with Tim and Casey and Annie with Georgie and Steven. Even though it troubled Ty a bit Lyndy was going to stay with Wyatt and Grandma June. She had not been feeling well so they were going to care for her and do some work around the house. JT was going to stay with Lisa and Jack but he had a bad treatment and was not feeling well. All four girls offered to stay with them, which amazed their parents but Lou and Scott would be there. Amy and Ty said their goodbyes as they dropped off their kids. They came back to the house, picked up Old Blue and headed to Banff. Amy couldn't sit closer to her husband.
As Ty opened the door to their room their breadth was taken away. They had been there before but the rooms and views were like a picture. The bellman dropped their luggage in the entry way and Ty tipped him generously. As the door closed Amy jumped on him wrapping her legs around his waist. She breathlessly said, "Rain Check requested." Their afternoon was full with intimacy and love. Ther was no rush, only slow, unselfish and meaningful love making. As they laid back Ty said, "Well that was not bad for two older married people. I kind of glad we didn't have a dinner reservation so I pre ordered room service which will be her in a half hour. But one of us will have to answer the door." Amy smiled, "Well I could I guess but whoever brings the food will get a free show because clothes are not happening for me until tomorrow. I am heading to the shower, gonna join me?" She flirtatiously got up motioning him to the spa bathroom. He smiled back not worrying about clothes following her in. He set the time to give him a few minutes to put on shorts and a t-shirt so he could answer the door. But not before he enjoyed a shower with his wife.
Their evening went very well with a great in room dinner made even special with the lack of clothing. They fed each other, laughing and talking. After they finished they cuddled in front of the fireplace and made love. Throughout the night the held each other enjoying each other completely in several areas of the room. They next morning, or let's say mid-morning, Amy opened her eyes a little surprised they were in the bed. She rolled over and saw the most beautiful man in the world next to her. She huffed as she realized that they actually had to get dressed. Poking her husband she whispered, "Ty, babe we need to get up and get ready." They had a romantic sleigh ride up to a café on the mountain for lunch. He grunted, "How did we end up in bed? I don't remember how we got there. "Good morning my love, you look beautiful." He leaned in for some cuddling and maybe more. "Ty, stop, there will be time for that later," shushing him away. She picked out her clothes and headed into the shower. She felt Ty's eyes on her. "Are you staring at me Ty?" He laughed, "Are you kidding me I have the best view of all views. God, you are so hot, sexy, hot and beautiful." She laughed, "Give it up darling." Feel free to join me but we need to be ready to go in 45 minutes." He groaned, gathered up his clothes and joined his wife in the shower. Unfortunately, this time it was about cleaning up.
The sleigh ride and lunch were magical. The ride took them through a mountain pass and after a gondola ride they had a wonderful lunch overlooking the snow filled valley. During the sleigh ride back, Amy fell asleep snuggling her husband. When they got back they decided up to the room a nap. Just lying next to each other was amazing for them as they dozed holding each other. Ty's alarm went off startling both of them awake. Amy buried her face into Ty's warm neck. Dr. Borden you have kind of worn me out, I really needed that nap." He gloated, "And they said we were old. I think like 6-7 times in 30 hours, not counting the other stuff ain't to bad Mrs. Borden." They dressed for their dinner which was at the very highly rated lodge restaurant. The had a reservation along the window so they expected the view would be breathtaking. Ty had a sport coat and tie and Amy had a surprise for him. Both for dinner and later. When she walked out of the bathroom, Ty gasped, "My god Amy you look stunning. You are as beautiful as the day we met, with let me change that, you are more beautiful right now as you have ever been. That dress is amazing." Before their weekend she had went with Lou, Lisa and Georgie to Calgary to but a dress for the dinner. It was a form fitting dark blue dress that reach mid ankle with a beautiful lace shawl. She had a pair of matching high heels with a cute ankle bracelet that Lou let her borrow. The neckline was low enough to show a little more cleavage than she was used to but it was for Ty. But what got him the most was the plunging back of the dress that exposed her beautiful skin. He was mesmerized and totally in love.
As they walked to the restaurant, Ty could help but notice the looks from not just men but several of the women. The bellman that helped them said good evening and even he couldn't help but sneak a look at her. Ty whispered in her ear, "Everyone is looking at you Amy, you are beyond stunning." She smiled and nudged against him, holding his arm, making sure everyone knew that she was with him. The hostess seated them in a secluded table against a large picture window. He looked at her with a question but she interrupted, "This table was selected by, Jack and Lisa," as she read from a card. They sat down, looked at the view but them focused on each other's eyes. The both whispered I love you to each other as the waiter approached. He had an iPad in his hand, "Before we talk about your dinner, we have some people who what to talk to you. He propped the iPad up on the table and as it opened they saw a screen full of their family on a Zoom call. Everyone waved at them and said Happy Anniversary. Lou spoke up. Well Amy and Ty we all wanted to tell you happy anniversary and the we all love you very much." Amy began to tear up and Ty was choking out his words. "Well thanks everyone this is beyond surprising." All of a sudden Maddie yelled out, "Mom stand up and show us the dress." As several other patrons and staff looked on she reluctantly stood up and spun around a few times. Lyndy tearfully spoke, "Mom you are so beautiful, that dress is." She couldn't talk as she leaned into Wyatt's shoulder. Jack spoke up, "Amy I'll speak for everyone, that dress is stunning, Ty you are a lucky man. We all love you both very much. Enjoy your meal and we will see you tomorrow afternoon." There were a chorus of goodbyes and I love yous as they call ended. As Ty looked around several of the staff and patrons were wiping their eyes.
The dinner was amazing as the pair finally calmed down. After dinner they went to the lounge and danced to a few slow songs. They held each other tightly, occasionally stealing a quick kiss. When the got to the room, Ty had arrange for the honeymoon turn down with a bottle of Champaign, chocolates and a one blue and one yellow, long stem rose on the bed, Amy's favorite colors. As they settled by the fire Ty reached around and pulled out a small nicely wrapped box. "Happy Anniversary my darling." Kissing her lips gently. She opened it and pulled out the most beautiful gold necklace she had ever seen. The pendant was two diamond hearts linked together. "Remember what we said at our wedding, my heart is your heart. This necklace is our hearts as one, forever." He reached over and passionately and seductively kissed her, a kiss that came from his heart. She smiled and said, "But Ty I didn't get you anything." He smiled, "Amy my present is that dress you are wearing and this weekend. All I need is you, nothing more." "Well Dr. Borden why don't you get ready for bed, I do have one more present for you. See you shortly," she smiled batting her eyelashes.
When Amy walked out of the bathroom Ty's heart fluttered. He couldn't believe that his breath could be taken away twice in one night. Amy walked out swaying her hips in the sexiest negligee he had ever seen her in. It left nothing for him to wonder about. She looked so hot he could barely contain himself. Before he could talk, she jumped into bed kissing him with her entire heart. Her passion was relentless and their love was pure and honest. The loved the night away, holding each other, kissing and whispering to each other. They made love moaning each other's names over and over. They lost all track of time and what was around them only focusing on each other. They fell asleep in each other's arms completely satisfied and in love.
The next morning they awoke holding each other naked bodies. They looked into each other's eyes and kissed. Amy was in a playful mood so she began tickling him. He fought back as the wrestled and rolled all over the bed. They laughed as they fell onto the rug continuing their attacks. They had room service brunch on the way so they hopped into the shower. After a little fun, they emerged just in time to answer the door. After a wonderful late breakfast, they went back to their room to pack up. The needed to get on the road to get home and see their kids. The ride home was fun as they talked about anything but work and their kids, it was all about them sharing stories of theirs lives together. When they pulled up they saw all of their smiling kids on the front porch. Seems it was decided that they would be brought to the house rather than them having to pick them up. Amy jumped out of the car to hug all of her kids. Ty was right behind her. The girls helped them with their bags and the family settled. They had a fun dinner, provided by Lou and talked about the weekend and the start of school. As they made the rounds Maddie had a question for them. "Mom and dad I kind of know about you guys needing time to be alone. Did you get enough of that this weekend." Ty laughed. Maddie you are something and we can talk about it when you are older." "But dad I saw that dress and the way you were looking at mom." She continued. Amy smiled and hugged her baby, "Honey, all you need to know is that Daddy and I love each other very much and will forever." She smiled and said good night happy that her parents were so amazing.