Chapter Forty-Eight

Conference, Remembering, The Invite

A/N – How amazing for young Maddie. She is a special girl and deserves all the attention she gets. Addie and motorcycles, watch out for that. I loved writing about the clinic especially the impact on Ty watching Amy. It is a key point of their relationship and needs to be remembered. As we move on Maddie and Gwen are excited about their trip. A solemn anniversary is coming and Amy and Ty are in for a big surprise. Tempted to read now? I love reviews so please let me know what you think. A little stronger than usual Mature Content. Enjoy

Although this story will continue I have received feedback and have begun prep work for a story focusing just on Lyndy. Seems there is a lot of folks who want to hear her legacy so I am beginning to jot down some story lines. What do you think? More to come on that.

Over the next two weeks before their trip, Maddie and Gwen were the talk of school and Hudson. They were even interviewed, with their parents by their sides on several news broadcast in Calgary. At dinner, a few days before the trip Maddie was bragging a bit about how popular she had become which was not her. Addie blurted out, "Maddie get over yourself. I mean this is great and I am sure it will be awesome but you need to turn it down a bit." Annie chimed in, "Mads, you are a great sister, don't' become too good for us." JT added, "Maddie is cool." Amy and Ty had remained quiet until Amy spoke up, "Ok everyone let's just cool our jets. Lyndy can you go get JT ready for bed. Annie and Addie can you clean up and they head to your room. Maddie let's go for a walk out to the barn." Everyone quietly did as they were told sensing that their parents were not happy about the discussion at dinner. Maddie looked down as Amy took her hand and the three of them walked outside. Nothing was said until they went outside her horse Mystic's stable. They sat on a hay bale as Mystic reached over to nuzzle Maddie. She smiled and gave him a big hug. She knew why her mom and dad brought her here and waited for them to talk. She figured the conversation would not be the best she ever had with them.

Ty pulled Maddie onto his lap as Amy faced her holding her hands. Ty began, "Maddie we love you and cherish you as well as all of you siblings. We are so proud of each of you and are proud of what you have accomplished. No matter what you do in life we will love you, support you and always be there for you. You are one of the 5 lights in your mom and my eyes." Amy smiled, "Honey so you know why we came to see Mystic?" She sat for a moment and responded, "Well you always say that your horse loves you no matter what you do, a horse loves you without conditions." "Right, Mystic like all of us love you know matter what you do in life, unconditionally. The honor you have received is important but not as important of the love of family and friends," Amy continued. "Why do you think your sisters were upset with you?" Maddie pondered the question but know the answer, "I have been a little overbearing, bragging to everyone about my trip. Even Gwen has acted different around me. I don't know why I acted that way. I am sorry." Amy and Ty hugged her as Amy whispered, "Honey we love you and we know you didn't mean to be a little overbearing." Ty smiled and tickled her, "And I think you were a more than a little overbearing, kind of like you mom sometimes." Together, Amy and Maddie attached their fingers to his ribs tackling him to the ground in fits of laughter. Lyndy, Annie, Addie and JT, unable to wait any longer inside came upon the scene. Figuring all was well, they joined in on the fun. The family laughed and hugged each other as Maddie spoke up to everyone. "I am sorry that I was acting so weird, I promise it won't happen again. I love you all very much." "Well we love you too even though you are a little weird." Lyndy joked as they headed inside.

The entire Borden family went to the airport to send Maddie, Gwen and her parents off. Maddie was a little nervous but was fond of Gwen's parents and Amy and Ty assured her she would be fine have a lot of fun. They even let her have a phone so she could text often and video call them every night. As she walked through security she waved goodbye to her family grabbing Gwen's hand heading off on their adventure. As they got to their seats she looked at her phone as she had gotten a text. It was from her mom and had a picture of the family and said, "Have fun, behave yourself, we'll miss you and we love you" with a bunch of hearts following it. She giggled and showed it to Gwen. Then a second text followed, "And turn your phone off on the plane." She smiled and turned the phone off as the plane taxied to the runway. Maddie and Gwen hadn't been on many planes so they held each other's hands tightly. As they lifted off the girls felt the pressure of rising and looked out the window, marveling at the view. Gwen looked at her, "This is going to be fun." The family was preparing for dinner and expecting a call from Maddie. Right on schedule Amy's phone lit up with an incoming video call. Annie lunged for it and answered with a smile. "He you little runt are you there?" From the phone they heard two giggling little girls. "Hi everyone, we are here. Our hotel room is awesome. Gwen and I have our own room with a big queen bed. There are snacks and drinks and our own TV." Amy interrupted to settle her down, "Maddie we are glad you made it in one piece. And hi Gwen," Looking at her smiling face. "Now young lady you have a good time, listen to Gwen's parents and be respectful to your BFF the Prime Minister. And text us when you go to bed. We love you." The call ended and Amy leaned into her love. "I miss her already."

After a late-night Gwen and Maddie woke up to find her parents in the kitchenette drinking coffee. "Good morning girls, did you sleep ok after you finally fell asleep," Gwen's mom smiled. Maddie answered excitedly, "Yes ma'am, when do we leave?" She smiled motioned them to take a bottle of water, shower and get dressed. They would be leaving in 30 minutes. The girls ran to their room and were ready to go in 20 minutes. There was a limo bus waiting for them and others in the group to head to the location of the meeting, the government building where the Prime Minister officed. As they were dropped off Maddie's eyes grew wide but when she saw the Prime Minister she ran to him. He waved his security guards back and picked up his friend into a big hug. Maddie, it is so good to see you, how are you doing." She hugged him and began rambling, "I am really good, how are you. My mom and dad say hi and so do my sisters and little brother. I am so happy to see you, will I get to meet your family. My mom told me to take a lot of pictures. I am so excited about this week." He looked at her an put his hand over her mouth whispering in her ears, "Little one you are still very talkative. I need to be careful and spend time with all the kids here even though you are my favorite. And my wife and kids want to meet you and your friend. Don't spread the word but we want you all to come over on Wednesday for dinner, keep it on the down low though." She giggled and hugged him again.

Back home things were moving along. Over the break, the kids were spending all their time with friends working, riding and having fun. Although Wyatt was basically living with them her and Wyatt did sneak out on several rides alone. Amy knew but they kept Ty out of the loop. Lyndy was spending a good part of her day working with horses. With the 2nd path of university students in play her mom was busy so her, Georgie and Katie were working a lot more with client horses. She teamed with Wyatt a lot and he was honing his skills as well. Lyndy loved working with him and at times it was tough to keep it professional. He was focused so she made sure she didn't distract him too much. One day they were working with a rather challenging horse as her dad and mom looked on. Wyatt was trying to impress them and was working hard to join up with the horse. Lyndy was beaming at his determination and Amy couldn't help but notice whispering at Ty, "Look at her, she is just like some juvenile delinquent I used to know." He smiled kissing her cheek, "Watch it there Mrs. Borden, you keep that up and you may get more than a look tonight." She reach over and kissed him passionately hoping no one was watching. All of a sudden they felt a tug and whisper, "Guys really Wyatt is really doing great, can you at least act like you care." Lyndy whined. Amy whispered back to her, "Sorry honey and we are, he is doing great." Looking back at Ty she mouthed "Rain Check."

Later that day Amy and Ty were in their office as JT was dozing off on the floor. Ty was concerned because he had noticed Amy was quiet and had seemed distracted most of the afternoon. He looked at a scan of a horse he was working on and noticed the date. Twenty-two years ago today, Amy and her mom rescued Spartan and had the accident that cause her mom's death. He pondered how to bring it up until he glanced over at her gazing out the window with tears forming in her eyes. He went to her immediately and pulled her into his arms as the floodgates open. "Ty I miss her so much. I know it has been a long time but I am reminded of her every day. I am just being silly I know," she whimpered hugging him tighter. Ty looked at her with every ounce if love he had, "Well I have an idea. It has been a while since we have done a memorial ride. Let's do it when Maddie gets back. I am sure a lot of the family would want to go, maybe even Jack. We could use the carriage for him and Lisa." Amy looked at him and kissed him like it was the first time. "That is an amazing idea Ty, you are amazing." At dinner that night Amy let the kids know the plan. Annie, Addie and Lyndy wanted to organize it so Amy gave in. That night after bed check, Amy and Ty got ready for bed. As Amy walked out of the bathroom Ty couldn't help but notice she had his favorite PJs on. She cuddled into his arms and he whispered, "I only met her for a brief moment in the parking lot with Clint but I feel like I have known her my whole life. I see her in you, especially when you are with Lyndy. I owe you and your mom my life and I will never forget her."

Amy looked at him, "Well it seems like my mom and I have one thing in common, we love you and always will." She rolled up on top of him and whispered, "Rain Check." For the rest of the night no words were said. Amy and Ty kissed, touched and caressed each other in ways that ignited their passion. Amy attacked every part of Ty's body as he moaned in ecstasy reacting to all of her aggressive action. She pleasured him in all the right places and when he saw the opportunity, he did the same for her. He moved from her lips to her chest, abdomen and then to the place where her need was. Her moans were constant as she continued to moan his name over and over. She was clutching the bed and holding him tighter and tighter. As she released, she shuttered as he continued to pleasure her. They were always focused on pleasing each other but tonight another level was reached. As he finally moved back up to her side, they held each other breathing hard trying to catch their breath. After a few minutes, Amy was finally able to talk, "Wow, that was, wow. You are amazing and I love you so much." Ty smiled rolling over to his wife. "Well if you think that was amazing get ready for this." They attacked each other joining together as one. They moved smoothly with each other driving their partner to the edge. Amy opened her eyes into his as they both reach their peak moaning while they loved each other completely. The world around them disappeared as they slowed and held each other tightly. In each other's embrace the fell into a blissful sleep. They were Amy and Ty and would always be.

Day three was underway at Maddie's conference. As she committed, she video called her family every night and texted her mom and dad good night. She was having an amazing time, meeting a lot of great kids focused just like her. They would have group discussions every morning, talking about things they liked and what they would like to see in school and after school programs. In the afternoon they had activities both school related and fun. They visited museums, even going horseback riding one day. Maddie and Gwen were skilled at it so they helped some of the kids that were not to skilled. Maddie even gave a horse jumping exhibition. She was the talk of the group. Tonight was the night that she was going to the PMs house with Gwen. Her parents decided to go on an evening with the other parents to get to know them better. When Gwen and Maddie arrived the entire family was waiting on the front porch for them. Introductions and hugs followed. The kids showed Gwen and Maddie the house and their rooms. They really enjoyed the shared room of the two girls around their age. The stayed there for a while playing with them as they really hit it off. After a little time the PM knock on the door telling the girls dinner was ready. They all sat the family table talking and asking Maddie and Gwen a lot of questions. One of the kids said, " Maddie hear you have 5 siblings, trust me we know what that is like. Never a dull moment."

Maddie smiled looking at Gwen, who seemed disconnected. "Well it is but actually we have two other honorary family members. Wyatt who is my older sister's boyfriend lives with us too. His grandma can't take care of him right now and his parents passed away when he was young." The oldest daughter looked on amazed, "Your mom and dad let him stay in the house with his girlfriend." The PM looked over, "Don't get any ideas there young lady." They all laughed and then their mother asked, "Who is the other one." With a wide smile she reached over and put her arm over Gwen's shoulder. "Gwen is my sister to and she will always be." As they hugged the PM and his wife held hands tightly amazed at what a wonderful person Maddie was. "Holding back tears his wife said, "Well Maddie I think Gwen is a great sister and you two can consider yourself part of our family too." Dinner went well and Gwen's parents picked up two very tired young girls. The PM filled them in on what Maddie had said and mentioned he would call Amy and Ty as well. It moved him. The rest of the weekend went well but Maddie was ready to go home. She couldn't wait to see her mom, dad, her sisters and the little man. She loved her family and was looking forward to sharing everything about her week.

The final week of spring break was busy but the event the entire family was looking forward to was the memorial family ride remembering one of their matriarchs, Marion Fleming, Lyndy, Annie and Addie had prepared everything. GG wanted to ride and after talking with the doctors, they agreed he could but only for a short while. Lyndy got with Clay and Wyatt and arranged for Lisa and his horse to be driven close to where they were going. The plans was for them to mount there, enjoy the memorial and ride it back. It would limit his time on the horse but he was OK with it. The plan was for the main group to leave at 10:00am and meet them at 11:00am and head up to the ridge, Marions favorite place. Lou had a light breakfast prepared for the group at Heartland. The Borden family rode over and the plan was to leave from there. Cass and Caleb offered to watch Georgie's twins as they were still a little too small. Tim and Casey trailered their horses to Heartland so at 10:00am they were ready to go. Lisa and Jack had their horses trailered as Lisa would be driving to the meeting point. A lunch was packed and loaded into multiple saddle bags. The had so much they brought another horse with supplies loaded on him. At 10:00am sharp the group headed out for their leisurely ride. Amy and Ty rode next to each other holding hands as Scott and Lou rode behind them. The kids were having fun jumping logs, laughing and joking with each other. After they met Jack and Lisa they continued up to the ridge. Not much was said as everyone was deep in their own thoughts as they got to the ridge. All the kids took care of the horses, set up a couple of tables and chairs for the adults and got the food out. Before they were going to eat the group walked up to the top of the ridge placing marigolds and asters at the base of a lone tree. Jack cleared his throat to begin to speak.

"You know when Marion was young she always use to go off on her own. Lyndy and I would worry and more times than not this is where I found her. Her horse would be laying down and she would be resting up against him just looking at the clouds. She loved this place. She use to tell us that it felt like the most peaceful place on the earth." He smiled remembering it like it was yesterday. Amy spoke up, "This was the first place that mom took me on a trail ride. She loved this place and after she died I found myself coming here as well. Before Ty and I got married we used to come here lot to be alone and the girls know this place as well." Lyndy laughed, "You mean you came her to make out," as the girls gagged out loud and the rest of them laughed." Lou added, "Well I guess mom liked him because he is still around." Lou told several stories about her mom avoiding talking about her parents splitting up and Tim leaving for 10 years. Ty and Scott told their stories about Marion and Heartland saving them, both of them teary eyed. Georgie, Katie and the Borden girls all told quick stories as well. Jack spoke up after everyone was gone. "I want to share two final stories that assure me that Marion will always be with us. "Many years ago, when Amy and Ty were being silly with each other after some stupid issue, Amy went on a ride. Spartan was spooked by a bear, throwing Amy off and knocking her out. Somehow Ty knew something was wrong and went to find her unconscious. He woke her and brought her back to Heartland. But Amy told us a story that I will never forget."

Amy took over because there were some in the group that have never heard this story, "When I was laying there I had a dream that seemed very real. I looked up and saw a little girl with blond pigtails and a red cowboy hat. She had a brown jackets and sat on a pony she called Kindling. She told me to get on the horse with her because I was in danger. When I was with her I felt safe and eventually heard Ty calling for me. She stopped at a small stream and I saw Ty waiting for me across it. She told me I was safe now and that she would always look out for me. When I looked back she was gone so I crossed the river and woke up in Ty's arms. Later Grandpa showed me this picture, I know it was her," She was crying as she pulled the picture out of her saddlebag and showed everyone. Everyone gasp. Jack spoke up, "Well I have one last story. I have not even told Lisa this. When I was in the ambulance after my last spell I kind of saw what was going on but wasn't conscious. I looked up and saw Marion and Lyndy standing by the ambulance door. Marion looked at me "Its not time yet daddy, you have to fight, Lisa, Amy, Lou, everyone needs you to hang around for a little while longer." She looked at Lyndy who had her arm around her as she continued, "Jackson Tiberius Bartlett, wake up. You are the love of my life and will always be but you are stubborn and onery. Fight Jackson, fight." Well the next thing I know I was waking up in the ER looking at Lisa and Lou. They both saved me and I will never forget it." Everyone hugged one another as they listened to the story. Finally Maddie spoke up, "GG your middle name is Tiberius? Are you kidding me." He smiled. "Another story for another day, let's eat." It was a great day.

The regular routine of school and work was in place after the break. Everyone was hearing all about Maddie's week and the stories about Marion's memorial were being shared and added to. Friends and family were in sync and preparations were underway to for the upcoming busy season, which was expected to be demanding as they were also moving into the 3rd path segment for the university students. Amy and Ty were handling everything with their usual professionalism and care. In the office at the close of the day they both received an invite to meet with Dean Wortham and Dr Molder at the U of C. The meeting was the next day so they left a little early and caught a lunch in Calgary before the 1:00pm meeting. Any time they could sneak some time alone was always welcomed and they had been really busy lately. The sat close at a nice little café and enjoyed each other's company. As they entered the dean's office, both he an Dr. Molder greeted them smiling. Amy, Ty it is so good to see you and we are happy you could make this last-minute meeting,"' Dr Molder said smiling. "Well we cant lie, it feels good to get away from the "office" so to speak and we actually snuck in a quick lunch to be together for a bit. We don't get to much of that with the chaotic family we have," Amy said blushing. Dean Wortham spoke, "Well that kind of fits in to what we want to talk to you about. We were contacted by the Canadian National University Foundation and we would like your help. They provide guidance and direction, as well as a lot of funding to universities throughout Canada. Well, they had asked several universities to share any innovative and forward-thinking programs we were using and we shared your lecture/clinics. So, along with two other schools your program has been selected." He took a breath to catch his excited breath. "Do you have plans two and a half weeks from today and do you want to go to Montreal all expenses paid to represent our school and your program?"

Ty and Amy were speechless. Finally Ty was able to talk, "It would be our honor and it will take a little work but I am sure we can get things handled here. What are the logistics." The Dean continued. "Well you would leave Thursday. There is a reception with the organization leadership team and other schools selected that night. Dr. Molder and his wife will be attending as well. Friday and Saturday each team will be able to present their programs and then as a group you will discuss the results and outcomes of the sessions you have done. Then there is some sightseeing on Saturday afternoon, a formal dinner with the Prime Minister and some of his staff and then you would fly out on noon Sunday." Dr. Molder interrupted, "Now don't be concerned we have everything we need for the presentation and have all the data that will show the impact on the student and our community, we are so excited." Amy smiled and thanked them both and as they left she whispered in Ty's ear. "Three nights alone with you, that is my prize, And I guess the rest of it is pretty cool too." He kissed her cheek, "You are incorrigible Mrs. Borden."

The news of the national recognition for Amy and Ty's clinic spread through the family, customers and the community. Lisa set up a video Board meeting to congratulate Amy and Ty, discuss the event in more detail and finally look at the possible impact on their overall business. Thay had already been planning for the new year, in fact business had already seen an upturn, but brainstormed how this may impact that. They decided several high-level adjustments and went ahead to start looking at an additional vet. The kids were excited as well and so proud of their parents. Although they would miss them they know that they would have a good time. At dinner Maddie spoke up, "Mom and Dad we are really proud of you and make sure you say hi to the PM and his family for me. And you two better behave." Addie added, "And let's hope you get some of the alone time out of your system." The girls laughed and Lyndy looked on at her parents with so much love she could burst, "Honey are you Ok," Amy looked over with concern. "I don't know I am just so happy, I have amazing parents, a great boyfriend and Ok siblings," as her sisters tickled her. "Mom and Dad its like our/my life couldn't be better and you guys are the best." She broke down as the entire group hugged. JT was squeezed in the middle and blurted out. "Too much girl stuff, you are squishing me." They all laughed and hugged him tighter.