Chapter Sixty-Three

Family Time

A/N – As usual the Borden family, led by Amy and Ty, as well as others are always there those that need them. With any illness there is always the unknown. I am sure a lot of us have cared for an elder parent or relative and issues like the one's addressed in the last chapter are a part of life. My hope was to continue to tell the story of an amazing family and an amazing couple. We will broaden our story a little and run a few story lines about other characters with the promise of focusing on the Borden's involvement. It should be a pretty carefree chapter but to be honest but with the way I write one never knows. 😊 Enjoy

Everything was getting back to normal. Both June and Jack were doing well but the Borden girls still made it a point to spend time with both of them. On the weekend when Lyndy and Wyatt visited one or two of the other Borden kids came along. They were beginning to be regulars at the facility and had befriended several of the residents and staff. One trip when Amy brought them in, the facility director asked to speak with her. "Mrs. Borden do you have a second. I just want to thank you, your kids have brought a lot of joy and happiness to the residents. Many never get visitors and it is a breath of fresh air to see such kindness. Your daughter has become a friend to our oldest resident, Gladys who is 99 years old. She is pretty sharp and Maddie plays cards with her every time she comes. Gladys had no family and talks all week about Maddie's visits." Amy smiled, "She had never said anything about it to us which is not like her? And please call me Amy." The director continues, "And Addie has somehow hooked up with two residents who were Harley Davidson riders. You should hear the three of them talking. They harass her about the Norton and she gives it right back to them about Harleys. But most of all you should see Lyndy. We have to former NY Ballet instructors as residents, both in their 90's. The staff have seen them instructing her. One of them told one of the nurses that Lyndy is an amazing dancer. It is so special." Amy smiled again and smiled thinking of the wonderful children her and Ty had.

That night at dinner Ty noticed that Amy was a little quiet. He glanced over to her and she smiled a little misty eyed. Lyndy also noticed the interaction between her parents. She broke the ice, "Hey mom, I talked to Mimi today and I hear GG is doing great." Grabbing her attention, she smiled, "Yep it seems the cancer was even less aggressive than they thought. He is in full remission and they believe that it most likely won't return." JT smiled, "Awesome!" Maddie looked at her mom knowing she had something on her mind. "Mom, spill you have something else on your mind young lady." The rest of the group giggled as Amy looked at her as a mother. "You are a perceptive little girl Madelene Louise. I was talking to the Director of June's facility and she told me about you guys." She hesitated as her emotions rose. Ty walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders and kiss her cheek. "Anyway he was talking about how you all have interacted with the residents. Maddie I hear you are a pretty good card player and Addie seems you have some new biker friends. Ad Lyndy, seems you have caught the eye of some ballet instructors from the NYC Ballet company." This was also news to Ty as Amy had not been able to tell him yet. He beamed with pride and hugged his wife from behind. Addie blushed, "It's not a big deal we just were having fun meeting some of the residents. They have amazing stories to tell and I just got lucky to meet two Harley guys. Don't worry dad, I didn't give them too much trouble. By the way they want to see your Norton!" He smiled shaking his head in agreement, "Maybe next weekend we will take a ride there." The family was happy that June and GG were Ok, but most of all Ty and Amy were proud of their children.

Lou and Amy had the afternoon set aside to work on a branding project for the "New Idea" Board meeting planned in a month or so. They had also brought Georgie in on the work so the three of them were enjoying some time together. The work was coming along. The wanted to improve the way the website aligned the individual companies. Katie and Clay had an idea on how to sync them better so for example potential clients who wanted to bring a horse to be looked at would automatically be sent to Jenn so she could offer a place to stay. That was just one of the links they wanted to create so they brainstormed a list and came up with over a dozen potential alignments. As the work continued, both Amy and Georgie noticed that Lou seemed distracted. Georgie was the first to speak up. "Hello, earth to mom are you paying attention, I just asked a question." Lou smiled meekly, "I'm sorry I have a lot of personal stuff going on right now with Scott's family. Remember his nephew from our wedding. Ahote?" Georgie acknowledged, "Yea he walked down with Marni at the wedding. What's up with him?" Lou continued, "Well Amy remember when you and Ty went with Scott to save that wild herd from the cull?" Amy smiled, "Yea that was awesome, his grandfather's cottage and land are breathtaking." We got to see a lot of it and you could tell Scott loved it. But I do remember he was a bit uncomfortable when he met and old girlfriend who had called him to help."

Lou smiled shaking her head, "Yea I think that they almost got married but Scott decided to leave for Vet school and the tribe was not happy. Seems the only person who was happy about it was his grandpa." "So how is Ahote involved mom," Georgie asked. "Well, he approached Scott because the family wants to sell the entire property. Scott has someone who checks on the cottage and he has even left some family stay there. Heck we have spent a weekend or two up there too," winking at Georgie as she gagged. "Scott is really under a lot of pressure and is torn. The last thing his grandfather asked was for him to keep the ranch. He told him the spirits of their family's ancestors were there and needed it intact so they could rest in peace. The rest of the family led by his nephew and his investor group, see an opportunity for a land grab and development." She gathered herself and emotions rose. "Scott is just a mess over it. We have had several arguments. I support him but it's like he is angry at the world. I love him so much and am devastated watching him go through this." Amy took her sister into her arms trying to comfort her. Georgie joined in by rubbing her back, "Mom what can we do to help. We all love Scott and he has been a huge part of our family and our lives for a long time. I love his grandpa's ranch and especially the horses. There has to be something." Amy had an idea. "Let's do this, there are two men that Scott is close to, Ty and Grandpa. We need to let them know what is going on and brainstorm ideas. Maybe bring in Lisa too. Agreed?" Lou smiled in agreement as Georgie's mind was going a mile a minute.

After Lisa, Jack and Ty were brought into the loop they agreed that not only did Scott need them but they needed to help. Jack and Ty decided to meet with him alone as Scott was very private and the others may cause discomfort for him. They asked him to lunch at Maggie's making sure Lou was not there. When they sat down Ty could tell Scott was troubled so he went right in, "Scott, Jack and I are fessing up, Lou, Amy and Georgie told us what is going on and we are here for you. You are my brother and I know like me Jack considers you his son. What can we do." As Jack out his large hand on his shoulder, Scott spoke quietly. "Well I guess you know the particulars but I see both sides of the story. And it has really put a lot of pressure on Lou and me. My family wants to sell and are planning to take a legal approach if I refuse to. I control the property and land so it is ultimately my decision. My grandpa did that because he knew I would do the right thing. It is so much pressure on me and I just don't know what to do." Jack took over, "Scott like Heartland you grandfather's land is your family's heritage. Heartland has been threatened several times in the generations it has been here, but we always fought to keep it. Son, I know you know what the right thing is to do. So we are her to fight with you. Your land is as much a part of our lives as it is yours." Scott smiled as his shoulder's raise in relief. "So let's fight what do you both think I should do." Jack smiled, "Well Lisa, Amy, Ty and Georgie and I talked and my amazing wife came up with an idea."

As they enjoyed their lunch Jack talked about the idea they had. "Ty here has already done some homework and contacted the Cree Nation Council, the Albertan Native American Tribunal and the Provincial Native American Department. Our idea will need their blessing and in fact maybe we should be able to get some financial backing as well." Scott was interested as he stopped eating and looked at them smiling, "What have you guys come up with." Jack continued, "Well with some enhancements to the living quarters we want to take the ranch and turn it into a summer camp for Native American kids who couldn't afford it. We would include the area's tribes including the Cree which is yours. Basically we will set it up to operate from May to September, closing down for the winter. You know the foothills become pretty rough and the kids would be back in school anyway. We would hire a Camp Director and allow them to build a staff of counselor volunteers from the local Universities. It could become a great internship opportunity." Scott smiled getting excited about the opportunity to save the land and build a legacy for his grandfather. Ty continued, "Scott we want to name it after your Grandfather so he can always be a part of the future of the Cree Nation. We talked to Clint as well and one of his counterparts is in the Native American side of their department and believes he could have this program be a part of their organization. He believes we should target teenage kids as that is the most vulnerable group. He was also confident that we could get enough corporate and provincial financial funds to support it almost 100%. You and your family would still own the land and lease it to the Camp for $1 a year. So what do you think Scott, we were thinking of calling it, 'The Albertan Native American - Chief Standing Horse Youth Camp.' What do you think?" Scott stopped eating and took a deep breath, "Ty, Jack, this is an amazing idea. I can feel my grandpa's approval. One of the hardest things for my grandpa was when his stupid teenage grandson went down the wrong path. He was always grateful that Marion and you guys saved me Jack. He would love this idea. When do we start!"

Before the scheduled announcement Scott, along with Jack and Ty's support met with his family to let them know the plan. Everyone was extremely pleased and offered any support they could give. His nephew and his investors at first were taken aback but eventually gave in and understood the reason for the use of the land. Eventually they even provided an annual endowment to sponsor three teenagers a year. Lisa hired an architect to draw up the plans for enhancing the property to house the Director, 6 counselors and 24-30 kids. It involved some renovation of the main house to add a larger kitchen, additional bathrooms, a dining area, the director's office and apartment and meeting rooms It also included the building of two bunkhouses, one for girls and one for boys, to include the counselors. The barn would need to be enlarged and they made a deal with Scott's old girlfriend and her husband to provide horses for the staff and kids. Their ranch was next to the property so after the season they would be able to take the horses back. They also agree to watch over the property during the off season. Staff and kids also had the opportunity to bring their own horses as well so the barn and stables would need to be doubled in size with adjoining round pens and fenced pastures. All together the project was cost to $250K and much to their delight the Province and Indian councils committed to covering the cost. News spread quickly through the Heartland companies as Scott and the team were overwhelmed with volunteers. The plan was to begin the physical work soon and Clint's cohort set up a selection process for the staff and kids. Everything was online to be able to start the program on May 1st. The family was overwhelmed with support and Scott went from a troubled time to one of great happiness. When he lay in bed with Lou, he smiled. "You know I love this family and I love you. I am so happy that your mom saw something in me and brought me here." She smiled cuddling into him as they fell asleep.

The Borden family was still really excited about the new camp on Scott's property. But they were even more excited about the opportunity to help. Since Lyndy was the only one of the kids that had been there, at dinner one night she told the kids all about how amazing the ranch was. Maddie spoke first, "Mom, we really want to help, it sounds so awesome." Ty smiled, "Well let's wait and see how it will be set up because we really don't know yet. And you have school, chores, and all your other activities." Amy smiled, "If there is something we can do to help, we will help. But I agree with dad, we have a lot to do here and that comes first." The girls nodded in agreement. After dinner Lyndy told Amy that her and Wyatt were going for a walk. Her mom alarm went off as she whispered to Ty, "That is the 3rd time this week. Reminds me of when we used to do night check for 3 hours." Her eyes grew wide, "I hope they are not doing what we used to do?" Ty smiled, "I am sure they aren't. But I sure remember what you used to do." He smiled pinching her behind as she squirmed, "Later big boy. We need to talk to her, I have noticed that they seem to be together a lot more. I am Ok with that but we still need to address it." They finished cleaning up and sat on the porch as the rest of the kids went to the barn. The snuggled talking about all the times the snuck off to have a little fun. Amy reminded him that they were older and already had been intimate. He smiled coyly, "It was just so hard to keep my hands off you. You really knew how or get me going." The began to make out a bit when the heard a throat clearing. The snapped up and saw an embarrassed Lyndy and blushing Wyatt.

Ty reacted quickly based off of their plan, "Wyatt, can I borrow you for a second. I need some help moving some things around for a surgery I have tomorrow. Can you help me?" He nodded yes and they headed to the Equine Center clinic. Lyndy said she would come to but Amy motioned for her to sit next to her. "Stay with me honey, we haven't talked in ages." Lyndy smiled and hugged her mom sitting next to her on the double chair. She snuggled into her mom and smiled, "Your right what should we talk about." Amy not one to beat around the bush came right out with it flitting her eyebrows. "So, lots of walks with Wyatt lately, what's going on with you two." Lyndy laughed, "First off the eye thing, kind of gross. But if you need to know, we really enjoy being together. After his Grandma June had her stroke and we started helping get her house ready for sale, we seemed to have become even closer than ever. Mom he is on my mind a lot and I care for him deeply. We talk a lot about our lives together and the future. I can't imagine my life without him. And he loves our family especially you and dad. He told me the other day that he is so happy you have guardianship rights for him and consider you his mom and dad. I am so happy for him." Amy smiled remembering how her and Ty were when they were young. She looked into her daughter's eyes, "Lyndy, I am happy for you and you know that we love Wyatt very much. I believe you when you say you have such a strong bond with him. Just be patient. I know you are extremely mature but take the time to continue to build your friendship and love. There will be trying times but as your dad and I can tell you those make you stronger." Lyndy smiled and hugged her as they just sat quietly for a while. She loved her mom and dad but she also felt she had room for Wyatt.

As mom and daughter opened up to each other Ty and Wyatt were moving some heavy equipment around, For the most part Wyatt was quiet but as he set a load down he looked at him needed to ask him something. "You really didn't need my help did you?" Ty laughed, "Busted, we thought that Lyndy needed some mom time. Their relationship is special and they lean on each other all the time for support. They are so much alike and I love them both with everything I have." Wyatt smiled, "Well I do to. I expect they are talking about how close we are becoming. You know Dr. Borden, I have heard that when you like a girl you should meet their mother. So if that is true and Mrs. Borden is a look into the future, Lyndy will be even more amazing as she gets older. Pardon me for saying this but Mrs. Borden is one of the most beautiful and caring people I have ever met. When we went to see my grandma when she had her stroke, she took charge always keeping our feelings top of mind. I lost my parents very young, but I consider you and her to be my mom and dad now. I am not saying that to get on your good side, I really mean it." He tried to calm down and put his head down. Ty smiled in a fatherly way. "Wyatt, Amy and I feel the same about you and you didn't need to say it to get on our good side. Ever since you came into our lives we have seen you grow and mature. To be honest at almost 15, I was in so much trouble it was ridiculous. I was an immature child trying to act like an adult and failing miserably. We love you like a son and are really happy for you and Lyndy. What you have reminds us of how our love developed, be it a little later in life." Wyatt looked up with misty eyes, "Like a Son?" Ty placed his arm over his shoulder and lightly hugged him, "Yes Wyatt like a son and we have thought that way for a while. And with Lyndy, I know how much she means to you and you to her. Cherish your time together and make sure you are open and honest with each other. Always remember what she means to you. Mrs. Borden is my everything and I will never neglect that." Wyatt smiled and fully hugged Ty with all his might. He had never felt so lucky to have a family like the Borden's and a girl like Lyndy in his life.

After their heartfelt conversations, Amy and Ty went into the house to check on the other kids. Wyatt and Lyndy sat on the porch talking about their individual talks and were amazed that they were very similar. Lyndy laughed, leaning into him. "Yes, they are really in sync, it is kind of scary how close they are. I guess I should be used to it but it still amazes me. I hope one day we can be that close." She blushed leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "I know we will." As they cuddled Maddie burst out onto the porch with JT on her tail, "Lyndy have you told him yet, we have a lot to do." Maddie screamed. The JT let the cat out of the bag, "Wyatt's birthday party is going to be cool." Wyatt sat back looking at his girlfriend and her siblings, "What party?" Maddie grabbed a confused JT's hand and quickly went back into the house. Lyndy grabbed Wyatt's hand, "Please Wyatt listen to me. We all care for you and wanted to give you a real party. Becoming 15 is a big deal for all of us and especially me. Wyatt I want to do this for you. We are hear for each other. And the way I figure you are one year from driving," She added winking, "And think of the freedom that will give us. Please say something." He kept his stern look for a few more seconds but couldn't keep it as she stared at him with her beautiful green eyes. He smiled at her, "Ok let's have a party." She squealed in glee hugging him, "Thank you and just to let you know the party is this Saturday." She help him tightly as he reacted tightening his hug finally relaxing into submission. Rolling his eyes, "Lyndy Borden you are crazy and I love you." Lyndy couldn't hold her excitement as they cuddled next to each other watching the sunset.

Saturday couldn't arrive soon enough for the Borden girls. All 4 of them were up early getting breakfast ready for the birthday boy, their little brother and parents. As everyone woke up a light breakfast was served. During breakfast, Maddie went over everyone's responsibilities. "Ok, Lyndy you need to make sure everything in the house is ready. Tables, chairs and such. Remember the food will be set up in our kitchen and people will be above to sit inside or outside the house. Annie and Addie, after you do morning chores, I need you to get some of the ranch hands and make sure the tent is secure and tables and chairs are set up. Katie and Clay are on their way and will help you. Clay will set up the music. JT, you are with me, we will go through and check everything and make sure it is all set up the way we want it too. Mom, I need you to work with Marni and the youth program kids to organize the food and dad, make sure you, GG and Tim have all the drinks set up and make sure you have it in multiple areas." Wyatt was quiet but finally asked, "What should I do?" Everyone stopped and looked at him as Lyndy spoke, "Wyatt it's you party you don't have anything to do." Before he could respond Maddie blurted out, "Wyatt you can help Lyndy which I am sure you would do anyway. You can make out and stuff too." In unison, Annie, Addie and JT started gagging as Amy and Ty smiled at her candor. Finally Ty said, "Maybe more working out than making out." Everyone laughed and went on their way.

About 40 people were coming including the family and a host of Lyndy and Wyatt's friends. Lyndy wanted to make sure that the other kids in the family had friends there as well so Gwen, Sylvia, Desi, Jeremy, Abby and Bella came invited by the other Borden girls. The Stillman boys, Billy and Ben were coming as well for JT. Also invited were close friends and some staff. It was going to be a fun time for all. The Borden girls were great host greeting all the guest with Lyndy and Wyatt. The biggest surprise was when Lou and Scott pulled up with Grandma June and a nurse. She was still weak but feeling much better and wouldn't miss this party for anything even if she could only stay a short time. Wyatt ran to her with tears in his eyes pulling Lyndy with him. His best present had arrived.

Until June left Lyndy and Wyatt along with the other adults spent time with her eating and listening to her tell stories about Wyatt growing up. When she left, Lyndy and Wyatt mingled with the guests. After cake and ice cream, Clay started up the music and many of the kids started dancing and having fun. Per Lyndy's request and Wyatt's relief the only presents came from the family and after he opened them the dancing and partying continued. He noticed that he had not gotten a gift from Lyndy yet but he figured that would come when they were alone. He loved the gift from Amy and Ty. They gave him a custom saddle that he really wanted. Amy had gentled one of the wild horses for him named Sparkle and when they gave it to him Clay brought him out with the saddle tacked up. It was awesome and he couldn't wait to try it out. The family gifts all had meaning and he took the time to thank each and every one of them. But when he got the gift from Lisa and Jack he was speechless. As the family sat around he read the letter that he received. Tears began to from him and Lyndy looked over at the letter. She looked at them in disbelief. "GG, Mimi this is so amazing." She ran over to them with Wyatt to hug them tightly. Amy finally broke the scene, "Lyndy honey, what does it say. No one in the family except June knew what it said. Lyndy talked as her voice broke, "First off the letter says how they feel about Wyatt, it is so beautiful. But what it says at the end is even more wonderful." Jack took over, "Lisa and I decided that since Amy and Ty have legal guardianship and along with June's permission we determined that you are a member of our entire family now. So we want to give him a stone on the Heartland fireplace. Those stones are for our family and Wyatt you are a part of this wacky group now." The family was stunned but overwhelmed with happiness. Everyone took turns hugging him, Lyndy. Jack and Lisa.

As the party ended the Borden family finished cleaning up. There was a quiet happiness as they cleaned up, storing the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. It had been a good day and everyone was still reeling about the amazing gift from Jack and Lisa. Wyatt still couldn't believe it, outside of Grandma June, since his parents died when he was very young. AS they were just about finished, Lyndy grabbed his hand, "Let's go for a walk." Amy and Ty smiled holding hands watching the two of them walk toward the pond. As they walked they were silent and they found a bench to sit down. Lyndy smiled, "I do have a gift for you and I wanted to give it to you earlier but GG and Mimi's gift kind of took precedence. Anyway here it is." She handed an envelope over to him and he gently opened it. It was a beautiful card with two hearts intersecting each other and the words Forever inscribed below it. He opened the card and read the inscription smiling and kissing her cheek. He then opened the letter inside of it. As he read it Lyndy was on edge waiting for him to respond. He finished and put the letter down. Lyndy had laid it all out, telling him what he meant to her and her family. But at the end of the letter the words stuck him deeply in his heart. He read them out loud to her, "Wyatt, you are the kindest, most generous and loving person I have ever known. I know you care for me as much as I care for you. And I know in my heart that I want us to be together forever. You are my everything and I am excited to spend an eternity with you." He leaned into her as happy as he had ever been.