Chapter Sixty-Six

Never To Careful, Let's Jump

A/N – My plan in the last chapter was to provide some more detail about the Vet Clinic and continue the story of Sunshine. Also I am trying to continue to develop the reason this team does what it does. Starting with Grandma Lyndy and then Marion this family's passion has been to help animals and by understanding them better. As you hopefully have seen that also is why the Borden family is so close and in sync. It's Fall Finale time and the girls have been busy preparing. We will get caught up on the kids and what is going on with them. Amy and Ty are busy as always and an old issue will arise that will again see the family be there for each other. A lot of Borden stuff coming up. Enjoy

It was the morning after Aisha and Sunshine left so the Borden family were really quiet, each of them in their own thoughts during breakfast. JT looked around the room and finally said, "Mommy, why is everyone so quiet? She smiled, "Well honey, we are sad that Aisha and Sunshine left to go back to Colorado. She has to get back in school and continue to get ready for the Olympics." JT sat for a minute contemplating what he heard, "But mommy, you helped Sunshine and Aisha and they are better, why should you be sad, we should be happy for her." His reasoning caught the attention of the girls as they all looked at him. Wyatt pulled him into his lap, "My man you are pretty smart." Lyndy added, "And you are right, we should be happy. I guess we will just miss her." Again JT sat and thought about his response, "Ok, you mean like we all miss Spartan, because he left us." Ty put his arm on Amy's shoulder as her eyes glistened up. The memory of her beloved friend was always with her. Annie spoke up, "Well JT you are right, we shouldn't be sad. I am sure she will come back to visit and if she does well, Georgie will get to see her as they compete." Lyndy added, "And she told me she has a qualifier in Calgary just after the first of the year and asked if we could come to cheer her on." "And cheer Georgie;" Addie added. Amy finally gathered herself after his comment about Spartan. The family quietly waited for her to talk, "JT, we all miss Spartan, but the difference is he only comes back to us in our hearts as we remember him." Amy started to quietly tear up and JT went to her and hugged her with all her might. "Mommy, I love you and Spartan is always in my heart."

The kids headed off to school so Amy and Ty gathered up their stuff and headed to the barn office. Their day was busy but not overwhelming. As Amy went to get up off the bed she felt a little uneasy. Ty immediately noticed it and went to her, "Whoa there babe, are you alright." She smiled, "I am fine, kind of an emotional morning, that JT, he is something. Ty I love him and all the kids so much. And you are the love of my life." He smiled and gave her a deep passionate kiss still concerned but so in love. "You know we can delay going to the office." She smiled into his lips, "Well not a bad idea but I have a client coming in 20 minutes." He frowned picked up her stuff, grabbed her hand and they headed over to the barn. Their day was going well but they didn't cross paths until lunch. As he walked up to her she was sitting with one of the ranch hand and his internal alarm went off. She seemed unsteady and the young man helped her get settled. When she looked up at him he immediately saw her eyes as she looked right at him and knew something was not right. Caleb and another ranch hand were nearby so the four them helped her onto the couch in the office. Georgie who walked on to the scene got her a water and sat on one side of her while Ty was on the other. After Amy calmed a bit Ty asked her, "Amy you have to tell us how you are feeling. After this morning and now this you need to talk to me." She whispered , "Something is not right Ty, I have had a little trouble sleeping and have been achy." She looked at the rest of the onlookers and Caleb caught her silent request, "Guys let's give Amy some space. Ty if you need anything I am right outside." They stepped out including Georgie but before Caleb left patted Ty's shoulder.

Amy answered Ty's question looking deeply into his eyes. "Well I have had trouble sleeping lately and have been tired. Also, " She hesitated and continued, "Ty I have has pain in my breast right around the area my cancer was. I am sorry I waited to tell you, I really thought I pulled a muscle or something and you know I go through bouts of insomnia now and then." She smiled, "And we have been kind of getting it on a lot lately and although I love it we aren't kids anymore." He laughed at her comment but still was focused on the issues she was having. "Well we aren't old folks yet but Amy we need to get this checked out. When we were going through your treatment I did a lot of research. Even though we beat it there is still a potential for some mild aftereffects. Let's call Dr. Virani and see if she can see us today. I will get with Lou and Georgie to make sure the kids are taken care of, although they don't need that much. We need to do this." She smiled and blushed a little, "She can see us at 2:00pm, I already made the appointment, but let's keep it on the down low, just you and me. We can tell Georgie we have to go see a horse off site. After they ate something they walked out to see Georgie and told her that they had a call to come see a horse about 45 minutes away. She smiled reading into their white lie, "No problem, I will get with Lou and make sure the kids are OK. Just let us know when you will be getting back in case the kids ask." She looked at them with concern, "And I hope everything goes well." Knowing they hadn't fooled her Amy hugged her a little more that she probably should have confirming to Georgie that this was not a visit to see a horse.

As they headed to see the doctor, Amy quietly leaned into Ty. She asked if they could take old blue as it comforted her and she could be close to him. She needed his strength and recognizing it he put his hand on her lap in top of her hands. They pulled into the parking lot and after a deep breath and kiss, they headed in. Amy checked in and they sat silently waiting to be called. There was no need for words just comforting as they both understand what she went through. It was a trying time but also one of joy. The way their kids supported both of them was a moment that made them both very proud. Amy finally spoke, "No matter what we hear, we need to talk to the kids. No secrets, right?" Ty smiled, "Yea the secret thing is not the best route, we sure know that." She smile and leaned over to give him a light kiss on the lips, "You got that right Borden." As they kissed again Amy was called in. After the nurse took her vitals and asked some questions she stepped out as they waited for the doctor. As they waited they chatted about work things as Ty tried to keep her steady and calm. The door opened as Dr. Virani came in. Hugging both of them she spoke up, "Well young lady what's going on. The nurse said you have been a little unsteady and have some pain you are concerned about? Spill it Amy." Amy smiled and went through everything she had told Ty with a few additions. It seemed the fatigue had been going on for over a month and the pain a couple of weeks. She looked at Ty, "Sorry, but you know I am not good at telling people I am not feeling good." He smiled and put his forehead on hers, "I know and it's Ok we are here now." Dr. Virani watched them and as always was amazed at the love they shared, one she never had with her ex-husband. She interrupted, "Ok Amy let's take a look."

Amy took off her top and bra and put on a gown. Dr. Virani, ask here where the pain was and she checked it out. As she moved her hand around she kept asking her how it felt. As she responded she held Ty's hand harder and harder. She asked, "Well Amy and Ty I think we will take some x-rays and do a mammogram on both breast. I really don't feel anything out of the ordinary and the point of the incision is completely cleared up. So tell me about the fatigue?" Amy took a breath, "Well I have always had bouts of sleeplessness and insomnia in my life. Ty can tell you there are times I am not the best person to lay next to." Ty coyly smiled, "Well not all the time." Amy blushed and Dr. Virani laughed, "You two are something else. So Amy do you believe that your fatigue seems a little worse than normal?" She thought a bit, "Well yes lately we have been really busy and when I get busy my mind has trouble settling at night. This guy can sleep through a tornado, me not so much. So yea, I have felt a little more fatigued than normal. Does that make sense?" Dr. Virani smiled putting her hand on Amy's knee, "Of course it does. When you go through cancer treatments there is always a good possibility of some aftereffects, months even years later. Let's look at the x-ray and mammogram results, we can have them in an hour." Amy felt a little relieved and they decided to go to the ridge and wait. They thanked Dr. Virani and headed to the truck. Ty smiled, "I think a little time sitting in the back of the truck together would be great." They arrived and set up some blankets and pillows and watched the world go by. Amy's phone beeped with a text, it was Georgie. "Hey, the kids are home and all settled. Will you be home for dinner, Lou is having us all at Heartland, so Steven and I will get the kids there." She smiled and replied, "Thanks and we will meet you at Heartland."

When they get back they were taken right into Dr. Virani 's office. As they sat down, she smiled and began the conversation, "Well you guys the x-rays and mammogram were clear. There are a few calcium spots, here and here, but they are not a concern. With regular annual checkups we will keep an eye on them." Amy and Ty felt a rush of feeling knowing that the cancer had not returned. Amy smiled with a tear in her eye, "So no sign of the cancer returning, we have read that could happen." Dr. Virani smiled, "No the cancer has not returned but to be open and honest that is always a possibility. Patients who have cancer have a higher risk in it retuning. We will keep an eye on that as well, but I am not concerned." Ty and Amy acknowledged and shook their heads. "But I want to talk more about the sleeplessness and fatigue, which by the way is also an aftereffect of your treatment. While you were beating you cancer your body was changing. Anyone that goes through chemotherapy always see things like change in appetite, physical limitations, even mood changes. It's just natural. Amy, what do you think is causing your sleeplessness." She thought for a second, "Well recently it has been the worry that something was wrong and maybe the cancer returned. But like I said generally I have always been a restless sleeper. Ty can attest to this, after my mom died I had nightmares of the accident. And when Ty was kidnapped in Mongolia, I had them again. Each time they eventually lessoned." Then a lightbulb went off, "You know during my cancer scare, I thought a lot about my Grandma and Mom. I think that also affected my sleep. My Grandma Lyndy died from breast cancer and I remember my mom always getting checked and making sure Lou did."

Dr. Virani sat back in her chair contemplating her story and began to respond, "Well Amy what you described is not an unusual list of reasons to cause sleeplessness. Stressful situations cause all of us to have nightmares, it is normal. My concern is that my opinion now, but it seems the duration of these issues is a bit longer than normal. I believe there are things that happen to us that condition us to build up a type of reflex. Even childbirth, which is a wonderful and rewarding experience causes the brain to remember the pain of it along with the happiness. So, knowing a lot about your life, I believe that although right now I expect you couldn't be happier these past experiences accelerate current things that impact you. Now I am not a counselor, but I believe this is something that can be treated through therapy and medication." Amy sat back, "Dr. Virani, I don't want to use sleeping pills, I have read that they cause more harm than good and I have never taken any long-term prescriptions. Heck we use natural herbs with the horses so I don't want to go that way." She smiled, "I don't believe something that invasive but there are mild, over the counter, non-addictive medications that could help." Amy and Ty looked at each other, "Can we have a minute to talk privately?" She stood up, "Well I have to go look at how a 5-year-old's broken wrist is healing so I will be back in 15 minutes." She stepped out allowing them some privacy.

After a few moments of silence in each other's arms Ty spoke, "Amy I am so happy that you are clear with the cancer. I think when she said that I was finally able to breathe again. And about the sleeping issues and nightmares, what she said makes sense. You have had a lot of things in your life that have been stressful and to be honest, I was always amazed at how you handled and recovered from then. I think her treatment ideas are sound and I really think we should look into them." She looked into his eyes with a love that was everything to her. He looked confused, "What?" She kissed him, "Ty Borden you are my heart and soul and I agree as well. But I have something to add. Ty, you have had things in your life just as tumultuous, in fact even more than me. I have seen you go through sleepless night and have nightmares as well I think we should do this together. I think we can get help and help each other. I mean that is kind of what we said the day we got married." He looked at her and tickled her side. As she giggled he answered, "I am all in, you and me, me and you, forever." The embraced and kissed each other until Dr. Virani returned startling them. "Well am I interrupting," She chuckled. Amy bashfully said, "Sorry, we decided that we are in." "We?" she asked. Ty smiled, "Well, similar to Amy, I too have also had things in my life that have driven me to nightmares and sleepless nights. So we want to do this together. At our wedding we committed to always be there for each other and we want to do this." She smiled, "You too are something. Here is the name of a good friend of mine who specifically deals with this. He is amazing and I know you two will really hit it off." They got up and each hugged her thanking her over and over. Relieved they headed home to be with their kids and most likely have a story to tell.

As they arrived at Heartland the kids were running around playing but close to the porch. When they pulled up they ran to them happy to see them. Lyndy knew something was up and when she went to hug her mom the she noticed the embrace was a little more than usual. Amy leaned into her ear and whispered, "Everything is Ok honey, we will tell everyone at dinner." Lyndy even embraced her tighter as Ty noticed and came over putting his hand on her shoulder. Lyndy reached over and hugged him too. Dinner was a typical family extravaganza. Multiple conversations were going on at once. There was a lot of talk about the upcoming Fall Finale. Georgie and Steven's twins were their usual active selves and Maddie was holding court. Jack had noticed that Amy and Ty were kind of quiet watching over the activities. He leaned over to Lisa and before he could say anything she whispered, "I see it too Jack and look at Lyndy and Georgie, something is up for sure." After desert the family sat relaxing continuing the Fall Finale discussion. Katie had decided to stop competing but Lyndy, Annie, Addie and Maddie were all in. Initial plans were discussed as usual the entire family planned to be there for the two-day event. The younger girls would be completing on Saturday and Lyndy's group on Sunday. The Borden's decided to stay in Calgary overnight, along with Georgie and Steven. The rest would commute back and forth. Georgie was excited, "Yes, a night without the kids." Lou laughed, "Well another baby would be nice." As Georgie blushed, JT looked at his mom, "Why would there be another baby and a horse competition?" The group laughed and Amy mentioned to him she would explain later, hoping he would forget.

As the conversation ended Ty got everyone's attention. Lyndy and Georgie tensed as he began to speak. "Well Amy and I wanted to talk to everyone about where we actually went today. First off we didn't go to see a horse, we actually had an appointment with Dr. Virani." The girls eyes opened wide as he continued. Looking at the kids he continued, "Guys your mom has had a little trouble sleeping lately and has been tired during the day. Today she had to sit and rest several times. Now let me finish this next point and then you can ask questions." Amy grabbed his arm letting him know she wanted to continue. "Girls, I have been experiencing a lot of fatigue and some pain in the area where my cancer was." At this point the four girls were in tears and held on to the person next to them. Georgie held on to Steven, Katie held Maddie, Lyndy and Wyatt held hands, Lou had JT on her lap with Scotts arm around her shoulder, Annie went to her GG and Addie went to her dad. Everyone listened intently as she continued. "At first I thought maybe that I had pulled a muscle the other day working with a horse, but after taking to your dad, we decided to have it checked out by Dr. Virani." "Maddie interrupted with tears almost unable to talk, "Mommy did the cancer come back." Sobbing continued as Amy smiled, "No honey it has not. We ran a bunch of test, did a mammogram and several x-rays. Guys everything was clear, no problems at all." The entire room exhaled in relief. The girls went to their mom to hug her and Lou hugged JT tightly showing her relief. Ty continued, "But we are going to do something about mom's recent sleeplessness. Your mom and I are going to see a sleep therapist and try to figure out why she, actually both of us, have trouble sleeping sometimes. We are confident that everything will be fine and we are both relieved that the cancer did not return." The family dispersed relieved and happy. The Borden kid's had rode their horses over but Georgie said they would pony them over in the morning. Since Amy and Ty had Old Blue, Lou helped drive the kids home with them.

Just as things calmed down from Amy's news, the morning of the Fall Finale arrived. After a hardy breakfast the Borden's with help from Wyatt, Katie and Clay, who planned to stay overnight as well, loaded up the horses and vehicles for the trip to Calgary. Maddie was completing at noon and the twins at 3:00pm. Lyndy's competition was on Sunday at 10:00am. The entire program was over early afternoon to allow for travel home. The family had a celebratory dinner planned Sunday evening at The Miracle Ranch. The ride there was fun and as they arrived, the girls, Katie and Amy took their horses and go checked in. Ty, Clay, Wyatt and JT checked in to the hotel parked the trailer and went back to meet the family who were coming to watch. Maddie was the first to compete and she was the fourth contestant out of 10. Not a bad place but she would be going crazy have to wait for the last 6 to finish. Her age bracket, just like Annie and Addie's made two runs and the average would determine the rankings. In Lyndy's age bracket they were doing three runs this year which was a change from the past. Maddie got Mystic ready and primed to compete. Katie and Amy had been working with her and they looked on proudly as she prepared for her first run. Mystic stood proud as she kicked her to start the run. They effortlessly flew over the jumps with precision and ease. After she cleared the last jump she thrust her arm in the air listened to the cheers of the families. The loudest came from Amy and Katie who were jumping and hollering along the fence. After the first round Maddie was positioned in 2nd place only .9 seconds behind. After a short break the second round started. Again, Maddie was ready for round number two. She leaned over and whispered to Mystic. "Come on boy let's do this for Mom." Katie overheard her and gave he a thumbs up. Just like last time, they moved fluidly through the course. They nailed it 1.5 seconds faster than the first run. She jumped off Mystic into her mom's arms, "Mommy we did that for you." Amy's happiness was matched by her tears. When it was all done, Maddie had done it placing first by .4 seconds. She smiled broadly as she was awarded her ribbon and a night cover for Mystic. The family was excited and happy for the young rider.

After a very happy lunch the family regrouped for Annie and Addie's competition. JT was hanging with Clay and Wyatt and having a blast. He went to his mom, "Maddie did great! And I having fun with Clay and Wyatt. We are the three amigos." She laughed, "Where did you hear that?" He laughed again high fiving them both, "That is what GG calls us." Annie and Addie went to get Theo and Boone ready. This was their first year in this bracket and they were a little nervous. Amy, and Katie had been spending a lot of time with them and were confident they would do well. Privately they knew that Annie was stronger and were happy that Addie was still interested in jumping. Amy and Ty expected this would be her last competition as she had really taken to barrel racing, with Casey's help, and of course motorcycles. Annie had drawn the last ride and Addie was first. Boone was ready and her rider was too, as Addie held her head high. As they began Boone responded to her lead and glided over the jumps. Outside of a few grazes it was a great run. She was pleased but quietly she looked at her mom, both understanding how she felt. As she got off Annie hugged her and whispered in her ear, "I am going to miss jumping with you. Without the words she know what Addie was thinking. Addie laughed, "Well then I may have to get you on the barrel racing course. I will kick your butt there." They looked at each other with teary eyes feeling each other thoughts. Amy and Ty looked on understanding what their daughters were going through. Annie was ready to go and she and Theo sat at the starting line head held high. They flew through the course logging the best time of the first run. She was excited pumping her fist in the air just like Maddie. As the second run for Addie started she seemed at ease having fun. Boone effortlessly glided over the jumps as Addie was simply along for the ride. Much to her surprise she logged the third best time cutting almost 3.5 seconds off her first run. Annie was the first to get to her hugging her tightly as Addie whispered, "Now go win this." And win it she did. When she finished her second run and the results were in Annie had topped her first score and ended up almost 2 seconds ahead of everyone else. Addie came in fourth but was so proud of her sister she didn't mind. So far, three age groups done and two Borden winners.

The family along with Katey and Clay headed to the hotel. Wyatt was heading home with Lou to stay at Heartland. Lyndy was a little bummed but knew she would see him in the morning. Jack and Lisa promised to bring him early. Since the hotel was hosting a lot of the completion's families, they provided an hour buffet that evening. The family had dinner and celebrated the girls success. After dinner, JT sat with Clay his new BFF and Katie bragging to some of the other people there about his sisters and how awesome they were. The girls saw a lot of their competitors that they knew and were hanging out with them as well. Maddie was with several boys and girls her age talking about the competition. Many of them knew of the Miracle Girl and her aunt the Olympic Champion. Amy kept an eye on her to make sure she controlled her words. Maddie looked over repeatedly tempering her comments and not bragging too much. Amy walked over and much to the delight of the awestruck group and talked with them for a while. The twins mingled in a larger group of girls. They were giggling, talking about boys. Addie talked about her motorcycle accident continuing to grow it in size and scope. As she had the stage, her dad walked over to calm her down. As he walked away several of the girls giggled. "Annie and Addie, your dad is hot." Since Wyatt wasn't there a lonely Lyndy hung with the kids she had been competing with for years. One asked, "Where is the better half Lyndy, I rarely see you two not together." She frowned, "He had to go back, but he will be back in the morning. He is my good luck charm." The girls laughed as another girl added, "And he is hot, you are a lucky girl." Lyndy blushed knowing that he was. Amy and Ty looked on and got the kids together to go back to the room. JT was staying with Katie and Clay and the Borden's suite had three bedrooms so Amy and Ty were alone. The twins shared a room as did Lyndy and Maddie. Ty was happy because their room was on the other side of the common area, private and the door locked. They said good night to the girls and headed to their room. Amy barely got the door locked before their passion erupted. They were not going to sleep soon.

The next morning, a happy Borden family enjoyed the room service breakfast that Ty had ordered the night before. After the food arrived the girls started eating when there obviously tired parents wandered out in their PJs and robes. Addie laughed, "Nice hair mom and dad is your robe inside out? They all laughed as their parents sluggishly headed towards the coffee feeling the result of their night of love making. She smiled at her man handing him a cup of coffee. They kissed as Maddie moaned, "Geez you two give it a rest." Again all the girls laughed at their parents appearance. Lyndy finished the torrent, "Ahh young love it's so beautiful." Ty finally spoke to the giggling girls, "Funny, Ok we leave in an hour and a half. You need to be cleaned up and packed ready to go so we can head to the arena." They grabbed some food and headed to their room, "See you all in an hour and a half." They closed and locked the door. After eating some food and having another cup of coffee they cuddled on the couch. "We need to shower and get packed babe, we don't want to be late for the giggling girls," Amy said. He laughed kissing her passionately on her neck. "Last night you were amazing Miracle Girl, I hope that shower is for two." She giggled kissing his lips. "Definitely and I have to say, last night was magical, wonderful and everything like that. Ty Borden I love you." Right on time a clean, refreshed and packed Amy and Ty walked out of their room. The girls were in the lounge all packed as well and Wyatt, Jack and Lisa had just arrived. Maddie and the twins did a quick check of the rooms and when Katie, Clay and an excited JT were at the door. The family headed to the cars and drove to the arena.

They headed to the Arena early to get Sundance ready. Lyndy's group was going to do three runs this year. Another twist was that the course for the third round would be aligned a little differently. Even with that the three times would still be averaged out to determine the winner. Lyndy was one of the favorites along with a rider from Briar Ridge. The family was in place. Only Georgie and Wyatt would be with Lyndy as Amy opted to stay with Ty, she was too nervous and after recent health issues she needed him for strength. This was a pivotal event for her. After this she had to make a decision of what was next. Move to the senior circuit or step back. Amy, Ty, Wyatt and her had several long conversations on it and Lyndy was contemplating her decision. But now it was time to ride. As she moved through her first ride, Sundance effortlessly glided over the jumps leaving Lyndy little to do but go along for the ride. In the stands, Amy whispered to Ty, "Look at our baby Ty." He smiled pulling her into his chest smiling the smile of a proud father. After the first two rides, Lyndy had a slight lead over her biggest competitor. There was a 30-minute break to change the course but Lyndy decided to stay with Sundance. Their bond was the main reason they were so successful. As the time came for the final run, Sundance was getting excited. She ran second to last so together they watched the other competitors. Before she mounted her horse she kissed Wyatt and looked up to her mom and dad. A confident smile was on her face.

They started the course aggressively. Sundance held his head high as the abolished the first three jumps. As the cut to the next one, Sundance seemed to kick in another gear and cleared it by over a foot which was unbelievable. Georgie and Wyatt looked in awe as the team finished the course unscathed and fast, really fast. When the score came up she recorded the fasted time of the day, for everyone. She dismounted right into Wyatt's arm hugging him then Georgie. Amy made her way to the staging area and she ran into her arms. "Did you see that mom, Sundance was amazing." Amy kissed her cheek, "No honey you both were, we are so proud of you." There was little doubt but she was still anxious to hear the results. The announcer took the microphone and announce the 2nd and 3rd place winners. It wasn't her. "And finally, our champion with an average time of 42.55 seconds, a full 2 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, is Lyndy Marion Borden and Sundance from The Miracle Ranch!" The crowd erupted in applause. After over an hour of congratulations and celebration but family and friends they packed up and headed home to the dinner at home. The family had a lot to celebrate as the Borden family placed first in 3 of the 4 age groups. The legacy of the Fleming horsemanship continued. Jack was sitting off to the side by himself looking over the scene at the celebratory dinner. He felt Lyndy and Marion in the room too. Amy and Ty walked over to sit with him. Amy smiled and hugged him as Ty placed his hand on his shoulder, "Grandpa I feel them too."