Chapter Fifty-Six

Memories of Young Love

A/N – I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. Bart's storyline was just going to be half a chapter but as I was writing it more ideas popped in my head, especially JT and him meeting Marion in their dreams. Summer will now get back into full swing with many work activities, fun and horse jumping. But the most exciting thing will be the surprise for their parents. The girls can hardly contain themselves. Thanks for the continued reviews and I would really like to hear from more of you. Mature Content. Enjoy

After coming down from a busy week the Borden family was back into the normal routine, well their version of normal. The business demands continued to grow and prosper but thanks to a good plan everyone was handling the extra workload. With the increase in their University clinical and youth program participants the team was able to utilize the extra support where it was needed. New clients continued to arrive from all over Canada and the Northern US. They even had a wealthy family Mexico that came up as well. The notoriety the entire organization had received, especially Amy and Ty was spreading like wildfire. The Board met to discuss the future. Lisa began the discussion, "Well as you all know we are doing very well. I believe we are good this year but my concern is that moving forward we may start to max out again." Looking at Amy she continued, "I know refusing anyone is not in our vocabulary but we have to decide steps to take moving forward. So, you all have homework. Think of ideas on how we can increase our scope and when we meet in the fall let's put it all out on the table." Everyone agreed and already started formulating plans. It was a little scary but also exciting. None of them ever thought that their dreams would become more of a reality each day.

The girls summer was back on track. They had all been faring well at their jumping competitions as the older three girls continued to move toward the Fall Finale. Maddie was still not eligible for that yet but she had been doing really well in the entry level competitions she had been in, placing in the top three every time. Amy, Georgie and Katie continued to work with them and were proud of their discipline and passion for jumping. Also Addie had entered some beginner level barrel racing competitions and much to Casey's delight had done really well. As they were watching she leaned over to Amy, "That girl is fearless. Look at how she takes those barrels, she is so focused. And she explodes as she heads toward the finish line. I think this one is a rodeo girl and I understand she loves motorcycles. She is a handful Amy." Amy smiled as she watched her. "It's so funny to see her and Annie. They are so different but so alike and connected. But I agree we need to control her a bit. I knew this guy who use to be like that and he turned out Ok." She blushed as Casey gave her a side hug. Ty was always on her mind and she smiled thinking of their life in the early days. He was everything to her and couldn't think of a life without him. Casey looked at her with concern, "Amy are you Ok?" Amy blushed, "Just thinking about how lucky I am." Casey giggled, "No you are thinking about Ty, I have never seen a bond like the two of you have." Amy smiled, "Busted."

The girls were also having a lot of fun with their friends. Lyndy and Wyatt were as together as ever. It seemed natural for them and even though they did have a spat now and then they always resolved. One night they were sitting on the porch with Amy and Ty. Ty asked, "Wyatt how is your grandma doing. I know you talk to her often and see her on the weekends. You know we should get her to dinner on the weekend, maybe make it a regular event." Wyatt smiled thinking that would be great. "She is doing Ok. I know she missing living in her house but Lyndy and I have brought some things to remind her of home. She talked to her niece and thinks it is time to sell it. She will need the money for her care." He looked down, "I just am sad that she is going through this. I wish I could do more for her." Amy put her hands in his, "Wyatt you are a wonderful grandson. When she sees you and Lyndy her eyes light up. We should get her an iPad so you can video chat her more. I bet she would love that." Wyatt smiled and Ty continued, "Wyatt you and June are our family and we will help prepping and getting the house sold." Wyatt smiled and thanked Lyndy and her parents. He had never felt so loved.

Addie and Annie were having a great summer. Their bond with the Trudeau twins was strong and they talked often. Both of them we doing well on the horse jumping circuit placing in the top three consistently. Addie was loving barrel racing and motorcycles. Much to her mother's concern she had taken a few rides on the ranch compound as her father and Clay watched diligently. Clay was also an avid biker and enjoyed watching her ride. As they were watching Amy walked up on them, clutching her husband's arm, "Ty this still scares me but she is doing pretty good. I hope she doesn't push it because I know she is just like you." He frowned kissing her cheek, "Amy she is fine, Clay and I are here and even if she topples she is not going that fast and has all the armor on. I was thinking maybe we could be a few minibikes that the kids can ride around the ranch. I know we have ATVs but that may give her a safer way to practice." Amy smirked, "You never give up do you." They kissed as Annie yelled, "Hello you guys focus on my sister, I am scared out of my mind watching her on that dang bike." They laughed remembering how Amy used to say the same thing. Annie was also starting to work with horses. She leaned on Katie for guidance and although in the early stages it looked as though she may have the gift to. For now they determined it was just a fun activity but they would quietly increase her engagement.

Maddie as always seemed to be having the most fun of all. She was active at the ranch handling a lot of different things with Gwen. Besides chores she exercised all of the family horses with her since the other kids were active in more Equine work. Gwen's riding skills had improved but Amy reminded her youngest daughter to make sure she only had docile horses. The family horses had become familiar with the two of them and when they walked in the family stable they all looked over the door thinking they were being fed or ridden. One night at dinner she had a forlorn look on her face. Lyndy who saw the clue, asked, "Hey there girlie, why the long face?" She spoke quietly, "I really miss the Trudeaus, can we call them to see how Bart is doing. And I was talking to Gwen and I think it would be cool to go on a family trail ride this weekend. Just us with Wyatt and Gwen of course." Amy smiled at her daughter, You know I will text Mrs. Trudeau and see if we can do a family video call. I think they would like that." Ty continued, "And I think a trail ride with just us would be great too. How about Saturday and Maddie we will even let you pick the place." The kids were excited, not only for the ride but that their plan was in action. Lyndy sent a text to Lou, Georgie and Katie that this Saturday was a go." They all were silently giddy and excited to surprise their parents.

The rest of the week flew by and as Saturday came closer the girls were struggling with keeping their excitement at bay. It was determined that they would leave around 10am for a couple of hours ride and come back to head to Maggie's for lunch. In the afternoon they would either go to the stream to swim or to a movie. It would be a full day of family fun, away from the ranch and the work. At dinner on Friday they finalized everything. The girls would tack up the horses and be ready to go at 10am. That night as Amy and Ty made the rounds all the girls seemed a little more giddy than usual. They put it on the excitement of the family day and headed to their room. Amy was sitting at her vanity combing her hair as Ty watched from the bed. He always marveled at her natural beauty. He spoke to her with a love that was unmatched. "Amy, remember when we went to the fishing cabin to feed the wild horses." She blushed, "Of course silly that was when we both said we loved each other after all that foolishness." He continued, "Remember what I said when we woke up?" She blushed even more, "Yea, you said I was beautiful. You were delirious you know." She giggled. "Well I never thought it could be but right now you are more beautiful than ever. I don't know how you do it but you are the most beautiful woman in the world and you get better and better every day." She finished and walked over to the bed, "Dr. Borden, if I didn't know any better I would think you are seducing me." He smiled, "Well did it work?" She lunged on top of him kissing him with unbridled passion getting his answer. The would definitely be sleeping in tomorrow.

The morning couldn't come quick enough for the girls. After a quick and quiet meeting in Lyndy's room they went down to start breakfast. Wyatt got JT and kept him occupied. Addie asked, "Maddie what time is Gwen coming over." As she finished Gwen walked in the front door. After being patient their mom and dad lazily walked down the stairs to a full breakfast. Ty spoke as Amy yawned, "Wow you guys are going all out for family day and no grief about "Sleeping In." They all giggled and sat down for a nice breakfast. Since everyone was dressed for the day they let their parents head back up to get dressed. As they got in the room, Amy locked the door and jumped in her lovers arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. "Amy, we need to get ready, I can't believe how excited they are about today. I mean it is going to be fun but it's not like we haven't done this before." Realizing Ty was talking Amy slid off, "Huh, I was kind of busy. Uhm yea they do seem excited. But I am too, it's going to be a great day and rain check for sure" They headed downstairs just before 10 to see everyone mounted as well as Blaze and Triumph saddled up. Surprised they mounted their horses and the family was on their way. The girls could hardly focus.

As they headed out Lyndy and Wyatt led the group purposefully heading the way to the jumping course. Amy yelled up, "Lyndy where are we going to?" She smiled back, "I want to show Wyatt something so we are heading this way." Amy and Ty were in the back a little confused but really didn't care as they were holding hands and whispering to each other. "So still on for our rain check," Ty smirked. Amy blushed leaning over for a kiss, "You better rest up Dr. Borden." Maddie looked back in disgust, "Really you two can you just chill back there." She smiled knowing shortly they would be kissing even more. As the ride continued Amy and Ty realized they were on a familiar path. Lyndy motioned for them to come up front. "Mom, which way is it to the old jumping course, that's what I wanted to show Wyatt." Ty laughed, "Really you don't know where it is, it's here right around the…" He stopped dead in his tracks and looked over to his wife whose mouth was wide open as tears started to flow. Ty whispered, "Wow, look at this place!"

When they all pulled up Amy and Ty dismounted putting their arms around each other. The old course had been neglected and to be honest they had not been up this way in a long time. As they looked over the well-manicured course and saw rebuilt jumps with streamers and flags on each post. Over to the right in the open meadow they saw a beautiful picnic lunch set up with a table with linens, chairs and a buffet table with a wide assortment of lunch delights. The tables were set and as they looked further they saw a beaming Lou, Katie, Clay and Georgie looking over the spread. Lou screamed, "Surprise!" Amy ran to her sister for an embrace unable to speak. Lou looked over to Lyndy, "Just text me when you are done. She smiled again at Amy and Ty as she hugged them along with the other helpers. Clay left his iPod and speaker so Wyatt could play some music, especially one special song. Now it was time for the girls to hug their parents. Amy could hardly speak so before she could, Lyndy spoke for the group. "Mom and Dad, A few of us wondered up this way and remembered the story about this place. We went to Lou and Georgie and they told us more personal details. We decided that day we needed to fix it up for both of you."

Amy hugged her daughters for the hundredth time and finally was able to speak. Ty held on to JT still unable to mutter a word. "You guys this is the most wonderful surprise we have ever received. I cant even begin to say how much this means to us. How did you pull this off?" Maddie smiled, "Well remember last week when we all went on a ride with the Trudeaus. Well they were in on it to so with them and help from Georgie, Clay, Katie, GG, Max and Steven we cleaned it up. Clay hauled up all the equipment and we all worked to get it fixed up. The flags and streamer were Annie's idea and we talked to Lou and she said she would handle the picnic lunch. It all just kind of came together." The girls all beamed with excitement in seeing their parents so blown away. Addie continued, "Mom and Dad you do everything for us so we wanted to do something special for you. But we want to hear the story from you guys." Ty laughed, "Wait a minute, all those people knew and it never leaked out, even Lou?" Annie proudly smiled, "Lisa, Caleb, Cass and Mr. and Mrs. Trudeau know as well." Wyatt laughed, "Even my Grandma knows." Before they could respond a video call come over Amy's phone. She smiled seeing who it was and answered, "Maryanne, you have some explaining to do, how did you keep this a secret." She laughed as the entire family was on the call. "Well to be honest we were most worried about Justin, so we didn't tell him until this morning. We are just so happy for you two and your special surprise. I know the girls were excited to help and have been on pins and needles since they have been home. We just wanted to call and make sure everything went well. How about those kids of ours." Amy and Ty thanked them and Amy had a quick personal conversation, blushing and giggling as she talked din a whisper. Maddie frowned, "I bet they are talking mushy boy/girl stuff. Yuck."

After the kids secured the horses, they all sat at the picnic table as Ty began to tell the story. "Well as you know when mom first got Spartan he was a mess. But your mom was persistent and after hours and hours of work she finally reached him. Watching her was something I had never seen before and it was breathtaking, she was breathtaking. She knew he was a jumper and once she gained his trust she wanted to try him on a course. The trouble was that the only course was too far and she needed to trailer him." He took a breath and Amy took over. "So your dad knew I was upset because Spartan would not go in a trailer since he was so damaged from the accident." She took a gulp and continued. "When I look back fixing Spartan I realized that he also fixed me in a way. I was not even able to go to my mom's funeral and missed her so much. Your dad saw my need and took it upon himself to google it, find this field and built this for me. Our friend Mallory will tell you she helped but to be honest she was probably more of a pest to him." Ty continued, "Well I went back to the ranch, got GG's old truck and asked her to come see something with Mallory and I. She was a little hesitant but Mallory insisted and she came. GG wasn't happy because I had been gone all day and I heard him yelling as we pulled away."

Wyatt spoke up, "So Dr. Borden did you like Mrs. Borden and if so, how did you know." Ty smiled putting his arm around Amy, "Well Wyatt, back then Amy was kind of bossy, always telling me what to do. I didn't know a thing about horses and farms so I was kind of lost. Really all I knew was old trucks, motorcycles and getting in trouble." Amy poked him and spoke up, "I wasn't that bossy, well maybe a little." Ty kissed her cheek and continued, "But when I saw her jump Spartan on the course with the biggest smile ever, I felt something I had never felt in my life. I can't explain but it was a feeling that Amy was special to me. We were still figuring things out you know." He hesitated clutching Amys waist, "But something happened that turned the corner for me. GG showed up to take me back to the ranch and I looked over and waved at Amy. What she did then I will never forget. She looked over to me with the most loving smile I have ever seen and waved back. I melted in the seat of the car knowing that I had done something good." At this point everyone of the girls were sniffling. Even JT sat staring at his father. No one could speak, especially Amy as she leaned into Ty's chest. Finally JT spoke up, "Daddy you did good." That broke the tension as everyone laughed.

Annie was the next to talk, "So mom spill the beans, what is your side of the story?" She smiled, "well not to different. When we pulled up to the course I was speechless. I couldn't believe that dad did that for me and to be honest never expected it. I mean we were becoming more civil with each other even after he saved me and beat up my drunk boyfriend at a party, then gave me a ride home. Another story… But when we came over the day after he showed it to me and ran the course, the feeling I had flying over the jumps with Spartan were magical. We instantly had a connection and I know he was something special." Maddie laughed, "Spartan or Dad?" She blushed, "Well maybe both a little. Our relationship was new and I have never met anyone like your dad. He was edgy, tough and kind of confusing. We became good friends the first year he was here and after a few bumps in the road, well here we are." They kissed as the group groaned. Lyndy spoke up, "Well lets eat and mom are you up for some jumping? Amy smiled, "Of course, only if you guys jump too. The broke out the food and had an amazing lunch sharing more stories about their parents. As they continued the meal Wyatt had music playing in the background. As they finished, he looked over to Lyndy with a smile, it was time for another surprise. She stood up, "Mom and Dad we love you both and cleaning up this course was our way of showing you how much. You are both amazing people and the best parents any kid could have. But before we go jump we have on more surprise." Wyatt took his cue to start the music, Modern Women came on. The song was very important to them. The danced to it when their dad gave the promise ring to their mom that she still wears on a necklace. And it was their wedding song and one that they danced to often. Ty stood up and held out his hand to his bride. She took it, and they started to dance to the song that meant so much to them. The kids sat in silence as they watched their parents look so much in love. Their eyes never left each other's as the glided to the music. It was magic all over again.

After the kids cleaned up it was time to ride. Amy went first and flew over the jumps as Blaze cleared them all with grace and skill. Ty watched with his eyes misting up remembering Spartan and how much he loved to jump. The girls all took their turns each going through several times. There was clapping and laughing as they all made their way through the course with ease. It wasn't a day for competition it was a day for fun and family. Amy made a few more rides as well and like Ty thought a lot about Spartan. When they were finished they cooled done the horses and took them to a nearby stream for a drink. As they got ready to head home, there was one more surprise. Maddie walked over with a card that had a drawing in it. Amy looked at it and asked, "What is this, you guys have done so much already." Addie laughed, "Just open it mom." She opened it and read the card with Ty as tears began to fall. It was heartfelt and full of love. Maddie finally blurted out, "Geez, open the picture." Amy and Ty gasped in unison looking at a drawing of a new wooden sign that would be going up at the entrance of the course. It would be done by one of the ranch hands who was handy at woodworking. It read:

The Borden Family Training Course

A Gift For Our Parents – Amy and Ty Borden

From the Borden Children

In Memory of Spartan, The Best Horse Ever!

Amy and Ty were overwhelmed, hugging their children with complete love. Even Wyatt and Gwen got hugs to, Wyatt especially liking the one from Lyndy. Realizing it was mid afternoon already they headed back to the ranch. On the way back Lyndy texted Lou and the family decided it would be pizza night as everyone was pretty tired. After dinner the kids made their way to bed. Amy and Ty took time to thank them each again for the surprise and how happy they were to have such amazing kids. They went to Lyndy's room and spoke to her and Wyatt, "Honey we want to thank you for today, it was beyond amazing." "Mom, it was fun and we are so happy you both liked it," Lyndy whispered. They gave her a special hug and Ty patted Wyatt on the shoulder and smiled, "15 minutes." Amy and Ty got ready for bed quietly and when they were done laid down in each other's arms. "Today was the best, our kids are the best." Ty whispered. Amy spoke from her heart, "Ty talking about those memories reminded me of how lucky I am to be married to the most amazing man in the world, I mean you built a jumping course for me." She put her head in the chest, "Ty I am sorry that I was a little bit of a jerk back then, you were like no other person I hade ever met. You actually scared me a little. But I have to say after you built that and I saw you almost naked that one early morning when I had that crazy dream about Spartan, my mind started to change." He cooed into her ear, "Hmm, you liked seeing me naked then? She blushed reaching into his boxers, "Yea I really do." She continued to slide them down his legs and allowed Ty's hands to remove his T-shirt from her. They pressed their bare skin together tightly as they kissed with passion and love. Their night wasn't over for sure as the spent time exploring each other zones of lust. When they made love it was slow and complete, each reaching the level of satisfaction they needed. Amy and Ty were in love with their life, their kids and most of all each other.