Chapter Forty-Four

New Ventures, New Family, Birthday Boy

A/N – Definitely the last chapter had a lot less drama and was definitely more upbeat and positive. And of course full of the love that makes Amy and Ty was apparent. As the new year begins some new folks are joining the family group, somebody is turning 2 years old and the business is preparing to explode. Lots of additional storylines on the way as I develop more than just the main set of characters. As always please don't hesitate to send me a review and any ideas you may have for me to cover. Enjoy

The continuing effect of their romantic anniversary weekend was evident with Amy and Ty, Stolen glances, hugs and kisses seemed more evident to their kids and the people around them. It seemed that whenever they were alone, in the office, paddock or clinic they seemed to be drawn to each other even though neither of them noticed it. It seemed to happen naturally. They girls had learned that before they entered a space where they were to cough or call to them. More than once, it seemed that when they did walk in their faces were flushed or they were fidgeting with a piece of clothing. Although they girls understood it still made them slightly uncomfortable especially since the three oldest girls had different levels of relationships with boys. One night Amy had to make the rounds at bedtime since Ty was tied up in an emergency surgery with Scott at his clinic. When she came to see Lyndy, she could tell that she wanted to talk. Their relationship was so strong that each could tell without speaking that the other had something on their mind. Lyndy looked up to her mother preparing to have a serious discussion.

"Mom, can we talk. Don't worry it's not about you two and this romantic obsession you have with each other. Actually I like it a lot but think maybe sometimes you may want to be a little more discreet." Amy laughed and jumped in bed next to her as she continued. "You know when I see you two so in love, I always think about Wyatt and me. I know we are still young but I feel like Wyatt is my friend and partner for the long haul. Am I being unrealistic to think that I am with someone that means so much to me. I mean he just turned 14 and I will be 14 in 5 months. Is it just a silly little girl crush? Amy smiled answering her, "Outside of the whole juvenile delinquent thing Wyatt reminds me a lot of your dad. I was only 15 when we met and not nearly as mature as you are now. So I can understand how you feel. But there is a lot of time ahead for you both. Things will change and I for one can tell you early on I struggled with that. I think a testament of a long-term relationship is to be willing to accept that and move forward. Honey does that make sense?" She blushed and snuggled into her mother, "I understand Mom. When I see you guys and how it seems you are only complete when together, I want that feeling. And to be honest, there are times I look at him and feel like I can't be without him. I think of him allot Mom, he is on my mind. When we stayed with his Grandma on New Year's Eve she kept talking about her and Wyatt's grandpa. They met at 10 years old and she knew they would be together forever. Is that a possibility for me?" "I always dreamed that I would meet someone that made me whole and your father is that person. Maybe this is for real, maybe not. Just be there for him, be honest and truthful." Amy shared with her daughter. They each said good night after a longer than usual hug. When Ty came to bed Amy told him about the conversation. He smiled but still fatherly said, "Well I understand but Amy, she isn't even 14 yet. Should we be alarmed?" Her answer was a kiss and cuddle assuring him everything was Ok. She wasn't tired at all.

There was a lot going on at the ranch and for that matter the entire organization. The Board met and approved the purchase of the land and brainstormed some ideas on adding capacity to Heartland and the Miracle Ranch. Tentatively they looked at and additional barn with stables and additional pens for The Miracle Ranch. Also, they considered adding bleacher seating to the indoor arena so they could hold events and have clinics with more attendees. At Heartland the improvements would be a few new round pens and a bunk house for the full-time ranch hands. Heartland had the room and was close enough so the hands could ride their horses to the other facilities. SO they also decided a ranch hand only barn would need to be built. They also made some decisions on the way the organization was aligned. Max was in town with Lilly checking on the start of their new cottage and was in attendance as well. With his guidance the decision was made to take all open land at Fairfield, Heartland and The Miracle Ranch and move ownership to the Heartland Equestrian Experience. The Board would have control over it moving forward and the purchase of the additional acreage would come out of the parent company's operating budget. The Dude Ranch and Fairfield home were reclassed and combined as short-term residential properties and the Heartland and The Miracle Ranch homes and outlying buildings would stay with the individual ownership of those that lived there. The moves were made to streamline decision making and take advantage of tax savings.

Other new beginnings were under way as well. Max and Lilly were in town to oversee the building of their cottage. They built on a small plot of land on Amy and Ty's ranch that was on the edge of their property. The cottage would have a master, two larger bedrooms with multiple beds, a large kitchen and living area. A deck would extend off the back of the house with a beautiful view of the mountains. They hoped that the grand kids would enjoy spending some nights there and then have a place for Max's family as well when they visited. The plan was still to spend time there late spring to early fall. They would spend the other half of the year in Denver at their home. They also agreed to allow Jenn to have access and use the cottage when they were not there for larger families at no charge to the company since the land was given to them. Overall they were looking forward to the late Spring when everything would be done. At dinner with the Borden's one night Max and Lilly were filling the family in. JT listening finally understood that his grandparents were going to live near them. He immediately asked, "Grandpa Max and Nannu (Lilly's name), when you move can I have a sleep over with Billy, Ben, Brey and Dax. Maybe even GG and Grandpa Tim can come too. We can talk about rodeo and cowboy stuff and eat BBQ and beans." He was so excited as Amy and Ty smiled and the girls all laughed. Lilly spoke, "You know I have a better idea, I will come visit your sisters and mom then your daddy can go to – like a boy party, what do you think?" JT jumped in her lap, "That will be cool!"

The other new neighbors were the Masters family. Will, Bethany and Billy were moving in this weekend to the nice home they bought just outside of Hudson less than 15 minutes from Heartland and the Miracle Ranch. All the Borden's helped out. Ty. Wyatt and Will unloaded and set up the furniture with direction from Maddie. "Dad no, the couch needs to go against that wall, and that table is facing the wrong way. Mom, Bethany and I have a plan, you need to follow it." She dictated. Will looked at Ty and he shrugged, "Welcome to my world." Laughing they went to get the next piece. The home was modest but more than enough for them. As you walked in the house past the nice front porch there was a nice living room, opened to an eating area and good-sized kitchen. There was a small office that would also be Billy's playroom so they set it up first to help let the boys play. Maddie was also in charge of that and hanging with the kids. There was a nice master on-suite and two additional bedrooms with an additional bathroom in the hall. There was a nice two car garage, with a shop and an upper loft room that would be additional living space to build out later. Amy, Bethany and Lyndy handled the kitchen, master and bathrooms while Annie and Addie set up the two other bedrooms. They had Billy and JT help with them as they expected JT would be there for sleepovers. It took most of the day but by late afternoon they finished. Everyone was tired so they ordered pizza and ate it in different areas of the house. Somehow Billy convinced his parents that JT had to spend the night. Amy was prepared and had brought a bag for him. As they left JT was given instructions to behave himself. They left to head home and Amy's phone buzzed with a text from Bethany. "I went to check on the boys and they were already asleep, I think we wore them out."

The next week was filled with school, work and family activities. Lyndy was getting excited about the upcoming competition in Calgary. The Hudson Dance School , ran by Amy and Ty's friend Sandra, was bringing over 20 dancers to compete in several different events. Lyndy who was one of Sandra's best students was in a group, duet and single performance. Amy and Ty were going to chaperone along with Maya's parents and the other three girls were coming. JT opted to have a weekend with GG and Mimi.

Annie was preparing for her upcoming Science Fair. She was partnering with Jeremy which was even more exciting. They had a project based off of using older fruits, like Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries to make jam. Their idea came from a conversation they had once with her mom and Aunt Lou about the famous Mrs. Bell who taught them both how to do it. They were confident they would land a blue ribbon.

Addie was enjoying her barrel racing training with Casey. Casey had found her a great horse that her mom and dad agreed to bring into the family herd. Addie was amazed at how good Casey was and listened attentively as she provided guidance. Casy whispered to Tim during one of the sessions, "The girl is really good." Tim laughed, "That's the Fleming in her, just like her mom when she won the only race she was ever in."

Maddie was active in so many things at school Amy and Ty were a little concerned that she was doing too much. One night when they went to see her to bed Amy voiced their concern, "Honey I know you like school and other activities but dad and I are worried that you might be taking on too much. We don't want you to stress yourself." Maddie calmly looked into both of their eyes, "Mom and Dad I am ok and I know my limits. And you should talk, you both are my heroes. You both have full time jobs, help everyone around you and are here for each of us every day. I don't know how you do it. My friends parent don't so half the stuff you do for us. And you still make time for each other. I know I say its gross but that's a lie. I love when you guys cuddle, hug and kiss. It makes me feel like the luckiest kid in the world. I love you both very, very much." Amy and Ty were speechless. They grabbed their amazing daughter with tears in their eyes hugging her tightly. Ty blurted out, "And we both love you.

But from JT's perspective it was all about his birthday party. He was definitely a party kid and couldn't stop talking about it. All the people special to him would be there including the now 5 little boys in his play group. Amy and Ty had decided to have it at their home and per JT's request they would have pizza, mac & cheese with ketchup for his dad and Addie, salad and assorted fruits. On top of his cowboy cake he wanted saskatoon berry pies and ice cream. Of course he would get what he wants. The day before the party Amy and Ty spent a little more time with him before he went to bed. They reminded him to be nice to his friends and to make sure he spends time with everyone there. They also told him to make sure he thanks everyone for their gifts and for coming to his party. He smiled at them and said, "I am not a baby mommy and daddy, I know what to do." They smiled with tears in their eyes concerning him. "Did I say something wrong." Amy brought him into a big hug, "No honey, dad and I love you very much and are proud that you are such a big boy. Now get to sleep you have a big day" He smiled and closed his eyes falling to sleep immediately.

The morning of the party JT woke up to Maddie, Lyndy, Annie and Addie standing next to his bed. "Happy Birthday Party Day JT," they sang blowing horns and shooting streamers on him in bed. JT was a late sleeper and at first looked mad but after the attention he laughed and jumped up and down on his bed. "It's my day," he rejoiced as his sisters brought him into a big hug slobbering kisses all over him. Lyndy carried him downstairs where his parent were finishing his birthday party breakfast. He was lucky because on his actual birthday he got it as well. Amy scooped her baby into her arms as Ty wrapped his arms around both of them. She whispered in his ear. "Jackson, we love you so much, you are one of the lights in our eyes and make us very happy." He smiled, "Mommy and Daddy, I love you forever." After everyone composes themselves, the family enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes with bacon and a huge bowl of fruit salad. They all laughed and joked enjoying the food and each other. The crowd would start arriving around 2:00pm so each one of then, except JT had jobs to do. Ben and Jenn had invited him to their house to have lunch and play with Dax and Brey. The plan was to keep him occupied while the house was being prepared.

Jenn and Ben actually got the three boys to lay down right after lunch for an hour as they figured they needed the rest. Jenn picked up Cass and headed over to help Amy. The plan was for Caleb to pick up Ben and the three boys at 1:45pm, just in time to get to the party. At the Miracle Ranch final preparations were underway. The decorations and tables were set up. Ty and Clay set up a music station as Lyndy and Katie set up the gift table. Annie and Addie helped their dad hang a Happy Birthday JT banners on the front porch as Maddie, a.k.a Lou Jr., made sure it was level. Amy should hear her barking out orders as she set up the food with Jenn and Cass. Cass said, "That girl is something else, I think she is going to do big things in her life. I mean her best friend is the Prime Minister." Amy smiled and added, "Do you know that they write letters to each other, it's amazing. Who knows maybe she will be a politician?" They all looked at each other with concern and broke out in laughter.

All the guest had arrived as Caleb and Ben pulled up with the boys. As they entered. JT came in first and was greeted with Happy Birthdays, hugs and kisses from everyone. His smile was so happy Amy thought his face would break. JT saw his mom and ran to her as she scooped him up. "Hey birthday party birthday boy." He smiled and whispered just to her and Ty who walked over to join in, "Hi mommy and daddy. Thank you for being my parents, I love you." Amy and Ty melted as the others watched the touching scene. Amy reluctantly set him back down and he yelled, "Let's Party!" The party settled in and groups were already forming. Amy and Ty had decided to have a buffet style meal and people could eat wherever they wanted to since most of the stuff was lap food. The birthday boy and his 4 buddies had their own table and at about 4:00 Annie, Maddie and Addie helped them get their food, drinks and got them settled. They received welcome assistance from Desi. Jeremy and Gwen and Ty even caught the twins holding hands with their "friends". He looked over to Amy and she gave him the don't bother them look. Clay started the music and everyone enjoyed the early dinner socializing and having a good time. The crowd was relaxed.

JT was given the option to open presents first or after cake and ice cream. Of course he wanted his presents. He received many amazing gifts from his friends and other guest. He saved the gifts from his family to last. He almost dropped to the floor when he opened the gifts from Jack, Lisa, Max and Lilly. Jack and Lisa got him a custom cowboy hat. He put it on immediately and hug and kissed them tightly. From Max and Lilly he got his own deluxe fishing pole, jacket and a set of homemade lures. There was a noted in the box that said he also gets a lifetime of fishing trips with Max, Jack and Tim. He smiled and hugged all of them. Tim and Casey gave him his own rope and lessons on how to rope a calf. His sisters went together on the next set of gifts. They and an assortment of things in a basket, free room cleaning as he hated to clean his room, riding lessons, trips to the movies and other fun activities. The card said from your sisters, Wyatt, Desi, Jeremy and Gwen. It was a thoughtful gift and he was excited to spend time with all of them. Lou, Kate and Georgie along with their men gave him a custom saddle and set of tack. Lou said, "when you get your first horse now you have everything you need.

While he was waiting to see what his mom and dad gave him, Lyndy and Wyatt had snuck out the back door to the barn. Ty, spoke up, "Well first of all Amy and I want to thank everyone for celebrating out little man's 2nd birthday. We appreciate the love you all have for him and also our girls." Choking up he continued as Caleb called him a marshmallow. "Anyway we have a gift for you JT, so let's all walk out on the porch. When JT walked outside along with those who didn't know already he stopped and was shocked when he saw a beautiful Blue Roan gelding pony. He was about 8 hands high and looked as though he would grow much bigger, basically grow with JT. JT put his hands over his eyes holding back the tears. He couldn't as Amy reach down and picked him up crying as well. "JT lets meet your horse." They walked over and Lyndy handed the reins to him. The horse nuzzle his head as he giggled hugging his head. He began rubbing his forehead and said to Amy, "Look mommy I am doing t-touch like you." The crowd erupted in laughter and tears. Ty took him in his arms, "Do you like your present little man? Now you have to name him." Daddy, I want to call him Blue Boy, Blue for short." He said with pride. Everyone liked it and applauded.

JT smiled for the hundredth and yelled out that he loved all of his presents looked at Lyndy, "When is my first lesson." Again everyone laughed. The cake came out to a resounding chorus of Happy Birthday led by his mom and her beautiful voice and Jack on his guitar. While it was being sung Ty noticed him staring at his mother with a look only a child could give. After the song finished, cake, pie and ice cream was given out. JT had a piece of cake, pie and a scoop of ice cream. Max leaned over to him and said, "Don't eat too much buddy you don't want to get sick. If the weather is OK tomorrow may you GG and me can try out that new fishing pole you got at the pond." JT smiled shoving some cake into his mouth while Lilly poked his ribs, "Leave him be Maxwell." JT laughed, "Your name is Maxwell, that's funny." Now it was time for Amy to poke her son, "That's not nice Jackson Tyler Borden." They all laughed. Ty again noticed his son gazing at his mother. When he had a moment alone he decided to see what was up. "Hey, my man are you having fun." She smiled leaning into his dad, "I am having fun and I thanked everyone for my presents." He hesitated, "I hope everyone has a birthday like this." Ty looked at his son with so much pride he thought he would burst. What 2-year-old is aware enough that he would say something like that. "Little man, why did you say that?"

At this point Amy and Lyndy joined in the private conversation as everyone else gave them space. "Well one of the kids school was telling everyone that he didn't get any Christmas or birthday presents because his daddy can't work because he is sick. I don't know what that means but some kids laughed and made fun of him. I got mad and told them to be quiet. He was crying daddy and I didn't know what to do." He whimpered. The three of them held him closely with moistening eyes. Amy spoke, "Oh baby, it's Ok and it is very nice that you stood up for him. Some families just aren't able to do some of the things for their kids they would want to. It is no ones fault it just happens." All of a sudden an idea came to this thoughtful 2-year-old. "Can I give some of my gifts to him. I have so many things and I want to share them. He deserves to have presents too." At this point, Amy and Ty were in tears and Ty couldn't hold his amazing son tighter. Ty spoke to his son, "Well if that is want to do we will help you. Why don't you give us his name and we will get with his parents to make sure they are OK with it. And maybe we can help them too." JT smiled and said, "Can we do it tomorrow?" He smiled shaking his head yes. Amy and Lyndy hugged him again with love and respect. He squealed, "Too tight mommy."

As promised the next day Amy and Ty met the little boys mom at Maggie's. They explained what JT wanted to do and the woman broke down explain that a year ago her husband, who was Ty's age, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to stop working. He went on disability but even with her working things were tight for their family of five. She looked at them, "I am sorry but I really don't have anyone to talk to and here I am spilling all of this on to you guys. We have no family outside of my husband's grandma who is in her 90's" Amy smiled and grabbed her hand, "Well there is nothing to be worried about, JT talked about this with us last night, he just wants to help and so do we. We have 5 children and an amazing family and if you are Ok we all want to help you. We own the Miracle Ranch and actually my sister owns Maggie's. Please let JT and our family help you." She looked startled, "Wait you are/were Amy Fleming, I was one year behind you in school." She smiled and thanked them for their kindness, They worked out some details and left to go tell the girls.

Ove the next few weeks the Borden family showed the true meaning of sharing and helping those who need it. JT was able to share his gifts with the little boy and the girls did the same for his two older sisters. Annie and Addie knew the middle girl from school and began to include her in their group. The other girl was a year behind Maddie and she immediately befriended her and with Gwen and starting hanging out. JT had Brent, the little boy over for play dates and had his other buddies were there as well. All three kids were introverted so the Borden kids stepped up to include them. When her husband was up to it Amy and Ty had their family to the ranch for a BBQ lunch and tour of the facility. The girls, Jillian and Amy got to see the horses even riding for a bit. Amy found out that their mom, Brenda used to ride as well so Amy got her on a horse as well. Ty sat with the father Walt on the porch watching over everything. He was quiet and smiling but spoke up to Ty, "I am so grateful that you invited us. It makes me feel good to see the kids and Brenda having fun, it has been a while. I don't know if I deserve this." Ty looked over to him and said, "Well you have our 2-year-old to thank. He mentioned that kids were picking on Brent because he didn't get any presents for his birthday and Christmas. He told us he wanted to share his gifts with him. Walt, we had no choice and to be honest we wanted you all to come see our place. I think the kids are having a blast, and not just yours. And your wife sure has a big smile on her face." Walt took a deep breath barely being about to speak. "I know and thank you all very much." There were no words said as the two proud fathers looked on. For the first time in a while Walt had hope in his eyes and looking over to Ty he smiled.