Chapter Sixty-Nine

The Decision

A/N – I do this every time but for those of you who are bored with business talk, I apologize. My focus on it aligns with the growth of the family and friends as well as the business. The Company is a big part of the Borden Legacy and everyone around them. And I must be honest, I spent a career in business and it allows me to look back on things I was a part of. So, let's move forward. The holidays are coming up and there are a lot of cool things on the way. Some friends will return to visit and several exciting announcements are coming. As always my focus is the Borden's amazing family and will be a part of everything coming their way. I expect this will consume several chapters but we shall see. Keep the reviews coming!. Mature Content. Enjoy

The news of the Board meeting spread quickly. Rather than do a large meeting the Board decided to have individual meetings for each entity in the organization. Amy and Ty were getting ready to meet with their team. They picked a day when almost everyone was working and offered to pay those who were off to attend. They used the inside arena and over a pizza lunch went over the highlights of the upcoming changes and enhancements. Everything was well received and there were several questions and rounds of applause. Overall the group was very excited, especially about the day care, employee ownership and scholarship opportunity. One ranch hand raise his hand, "Amy the day care idea is awesome. I know my wife would love it and since she works part time would be happy to volunteer on her days off sometimes. Is that a possibility?" Several others shook their heads in agreement. Amy smiled, "Well Russ that is awesome. We aren't sure how we are going to staff it yet but we know for sure we will have someone in charge and also bring a nurse on staff, maybe part time. Your idea is interesting. Maybe if we have enough interest, we could offer volunteer opportunity for other staff family members and give them credit on their weekly expense for the center? What do you guys think of that?" Another ranch hand spoke up, "My mom is a retired nurse and would love to be a part of this." Ty looked at Amy and spoke to the group. "Well Georgie and Amy are putting things together and these are great ideas. We appreciate it." Russ followed up, Well I know I speak for others but we appreciate you and the Board. This is a great place to work and now you are making it even better." Amy and Ty smiled thanking them for their enthusiasm.

A few days later the Board had a quick Zoom Meeting to go over the individual meetings they had with their teams. The feedback was pretty aligned. A great idea came from the Vet Clinic meeting. One of the university students who was doing her clinicals mentioned that the Day Care should consider a similar approach to staffing the nurse role. Fill it with a nursing student as a clinical round requirement. Amy spoke up, "You know that is an awesome idea. Another idea Georgie and I had came from Sal, one of the ranch hands. His mother is a retired nurse administrator with a background in childcare. We may consider offering her the director role. We really don't need it to be full time and we expect that we will have plenty of volunteers to help with the kids. We decided that if a staff member has family that wants to help out we would give them a credit on their bill." Everyone really liked that idea and asked them to detail it out for all to review. Like the Equine Center meeting the employee ownership was a hot topic. Lou spoke up, "The more Lisa, Max and I talk about it the more excited we get. This has the potential to be a big win for us both financially and from an employee engagement viewpoint." Again everyone agreed. Caleb spoke up about the supplier consolidation, "Well Lou and I have looked over the preferred list and Lou feels the savings and delivery efficient will be greater than expected. We were surprised at the number of items some of our suppliers handled. We should be able to cut the supplier list in half." Again everyone was pleased and Cass blurted out, "That's my guy, Supply Man." Again everyone chuckled and Lisa set a tentative date after a first of the year to have a follow up meeting.

After the dust settled the Borden family was back in their routine. The Thanksgiving holiday break was in a few weeks and they were winding down school activities. Quietly they were all excited to see Lilly, especially since she had been ill. At dinner one night Maddie spoke up, "Mom and Dad can we Skype Grandma Lilly, I think she would love it." Amy smiled as Ty texted Max to see if she was OK to talk to them. After a few back-and-forth texts they set a time right after dinner to give her a call. The family dinner was very active as always. Lyndy spoke of her upcoming dance recital in Calgary. It was just a local event but as always there would be representatives from several schools and dance studios present. She smiled tentatively, "I am a little nervous about it. I have been so busy with school and Fall Finale prep I am not as prepared as I should be. And I still am torn on what I want to do." She put her head down and quietly asked, "What do you guys think I should do." Ty and Amy stayed quiet on purpose to see what the others had to say. Annie spoke up, Lyndy you are so amazing at both and your horse healing skills are getting better every day. I will not lie, I love to watch you dance, it takes my breath away." Addie smiled at her twin and added, "Lynn, I agree but I also feel the same way watching you and Sundance. You guys are amazing and have a lot of potential." Wyatt smiled, "Lyndy, we are all here to help you but ultimately it is your decision. And I think whatever you decide we will all be behind you 100%." He blushed leaning into her, "I know I will." After a hushed silence, Maddie spoke up. "Sis, you are amazing with both of them but I also see a strong link to what mom does in you. You two are so much alike and I think mom has done Ok." Everyone chuckled, "And I agree with Wyatt, whatever you decide, don't forget the other things you do. We are with you all the way forever." She ran over and hugged her sister. Amy and Ty sat and looked over their amazing kids only needing to hold each other's hand under the table and smile.

After a great call wit Lilly the family got ready for bed. Although she looked tired she glowed during the entire call. Every one of the kids took a turn talking to her as the others watched on. The funniest question came from JT, "Grandma, what is sirocious?" He obviously had problems pronouncing it. Lilly smiled and looked seriously into his eyes. "Well honey, when Grandma was young she didn't take care of her health like she should have, and that is why I have this disease. The good thing is that we are taking care of it but it will not be easy. I am going to need you and the family's help." Ty was taken aback at how upfront she was with the kids and a tear formed in his eye, He knew more than anyone what caused this and still held the pain of her life in his heart. She looked at him directly, "Ty stop, this is not time for tears but time for happy thoughts." He smiled as the girls came over to his to hug him tightly. Now it was Amy's turn to cry. JT looked on confused and turned his conversation more serious. "Grandma, don't worry, I was dreaming the other night and talking to Grandma Marion. We talked about you and how your life was so hard. She told me not to worry and that you would get better." The group sat stunned and unable to speak. This gift he had was so special and immediately Lilly smiled at him. "Well JT thank you for saying that and thank your Grandma Marion next time you talk with her." He smiled back saying, "No problem Grandma." Ty took his little man on his lap and gave him a big kiss and hug showing his love for him.

School was moving toward the fall break and the kids were very busy with projects and work. Lyndy was happy because she was so busy it took her mind off of the decision she had to make soon. Here recital was coming up on the weekend and she was feeling good about her level of preparation. Her parents had been contacted by a very prestigious school in Calgary letting them know they would be there and requested a meeting with them and Lyndy. After breakfast one morning, Amy and Ty ask Lyndy to help them clean up as the rest of the kids got ready for school. Amy broke the news, "Lyndy we wanted to let you know that the Goddard School has contacted us. They will be there Saturday as you know along with several others. But they have asked to meet with the three of us afterwards." Lyndy smiled nervously knowing this was coming. "Ok, I still don't know what I want to do but maybe the meeting will give me a better understanding of what they offer." Ty added, "Honey, we were hesitant to let you know and please don't be worried. We know this has been on your mind a lot but like we always have said, whatever you decide we are here for you as we know Wyatt and your sisters are. You need to take your time and decide what you want." She smiled leaning into them for a hug, "Thank you and I know, you have all been there for me all the time and I love you all very much." They quietly finished cleaning up and Lyndy grabbed her stuff and Wyatt and headed to the bus. When the rest of the kids came down, Annie spoke up for her two sisters. "Mom and dad is Lyndy Ok. We know what is going on with the dance schools and she seems a little stressed." Amy smiled at her thoughtful daughters. "Well guys, she had a decision to make and we need to be there for her and support whatever she decides. And you all are something else and we know Lyndy appreciates it." They all smiled grabbed their stuff for school and JT, kissed their parents and headed to the bus.

Amy and Ty smiled as they watched them head to the bus. Amy leaned into him and whispered, "God I love that group, they are amazing." She hesitated and then snuggled into Ty's neck, "So what time do you need to go over to the office?" He smiled knowing where this was going. "Well I don't have anything for a couple of hours, I was planning on catching up on some emails and files. How about you?' She smiled coyly, "Well I have a new horse coming at 11:00 and was going to do the same." They laughed and clutched each other's hand and headed up to the bedroom, giggling like teenagers. As they went through Ty locked the door and they each began kissing and hugging each other helping discard their clothes. As they headed to the bed they left behind a trail of discarded clothing items. When they made it to the bed, they embraced tightly, with each other's naked bodies. The heat was high as they rolled on the bed with Ty taking some control. He hovered over his beautiful wife and kissed her with passion, one that was only theirs. He moved up and down her body stimulating her with his lips and fingers. Amy was writhing and moaning his name, "Ahh, Ty that feels so good, god I want you so bad." He accommodated her wish as he ended up in her most private area amazed at her level of arousal. She climaxed almost immediately and giggled, "I liked that Ty." He chuckled seductively and moved back up her body stopping at all the areas that needed his attention. She regained controlled and rolled on top of him and began her focus on pleasuring him. He was entranced with her expert movements in meeting his needs. His moans increased as she caressed his most sensitive areas. They were with panting and out of breath as they attacked each other with complete love. He rolled back over her and she opened up herself as they joined completely moving in unison becoming one. After several minutes they reached their unified apex of love moaning and shaking as the climaxed together. As they laid there catching their breath Amy rolled over putting her head on his chest. She giggled, "Do we really have to go to work, I say we just stay in bed all day." He looked down at her and kissed her with a love like no other. "Well we have 45 minutes and we probably need a shower." They giggled got up and headed that way holding hands. Ty had a view from behind her and to be honest liked what he saw. It was going to be a good day.

After getting through the early part of the day Amy and Ty ate lunch quietly in the office working. Amy looked at Ty, "So, what are your thoughts on Lyndy's decision? I mean I am kind of on the fence." Ty put his hands on his chin leaning forward. "I won't lie, seeing Lyndy on a horse reminds me of you and I guess part of me would love to see what she could do, not just with jumping but with her horse healing skills. Amy, I have to catch myself daydreaming of what made me fall in love with you and when I see Lyndy those thoughts get even stronger. But watching her dance is the most magical thing I have seen, just like when you auditioned for Dark Horse. I have no experience with ballet and seeing how much she loves it and how good she is makes my pride for her rise even more." He caught his breath, as he thought through his words. She smiled going over to sit on his lap. "I know I feel the same way. I guess we will see how the meeting goes on Saturday. Maybe that will clear things up for her and us. She leaned over to kiss him remembering the romantic morning. The kiss continued until they heard someone clear their throat. The looked up to a smiling Georgie rolling her eyes. "Can you two ever get enough of each other. I mean Steven and I are all over each other every chance we get but we are younger. You two are crazy. I mean Amy I know Ty is hot and Ty, Amy is also hot but really?" Amy blushed as she got off Ty's lap and responded, "Well Georgie, how much do you love Steven?" Without hesitation, she responded, "With everything that I have inside me. He is my best friend and the love of my life." Amy smiled, "So need I say more." Georgie blushed and headed out reminding her a horse and owner would be there soon. As she left Amy looked at her and whispered to him, "Something is up with those two. Maybe an addition to the family." Ty smiled kissing Amy one more time, "Miracle girl you are such a romantic."

It was the morning of the recital and after a quick breakfast, Amy, Ty, Lyndy and Wyatt headed off to the recital venue. The girls would be going with Katie and Clay and JT was of course with GG, Lisa, Max and the just arrived Lilly. Since they had the meeting after the recital the younger kids would go back with them as well and get dinner ready for the entire crew. Lyndy asked her parents if Wyatt could stay with them and of course they were good with it. Amy went with Lyndy backstage to get ready. "Mom, I am really nervous, not because of my numbers but for meeting the people from Goddard. Mom they are one of the best dance schools in western Canada." Lyndy leaned into her mother for support. Amy smiled into her hair, "Lyndy enjoy your dance like you always do. In know how it feels when everything around me goes quiet when I do a liberty session or when I jumped. Just have fun. The meeting will be fine, don't fret. You have all of our love behind you. And I think you also have a young man who would do anything for you as well so just remember that as you dance." She smiled and gave her mom a light kiss on her cheek and a big hug, "Mom I love you so much." Amy smiled and left to go be with the family. As she got back Ty noticed her right away and opened his arms to her. Amy whispered, "She is nervous but is good, she told me she loved me." As she buried her head into his shoulder. Ty smiled wrapping her up in his arms. Addie was going to say something but sensed she should be quiet. She looked at Annie and felt her thinking the same thing. They held hands waiting for the recital to begin.

The director of the studio approached the podium and welcomed everyone to this special recital. "Today is a rather unique event. In the audience we have representatives from several dance studios and schools throughout Western Canada. Several of our students have received recognition from them so per their request we have put together a program highlighting these outstanding dancers. We will have individual and groups dances with the hope to give our esteemed guest a chance to see them in many different disciplines. Please enjoy and lets cheer our students on." As the crown applauded all of the students came on to the stage for recognition, The lights dimmed as the program began. Lyndy had two group performances and two individual ones, which was more than normal, with costume changes for each one. The family waited as her first group performance was the third one. After that she had an individual, then another group. He last individual performance was the last one of the recital and she was dancing to a song they had never seen her do. Her first group performance was a lighthearted dance to "Surfin USA" All the kids were having a blast and Lyndy was amazing. She had the biggest smile on her face and seemed to really be enjoying herself. In her first solo ballet performance she dance to Giselle, a haunting score that really let he show her skill and fluid movements. She had a determined look and performed flawlessly. The audience and especially the family exploded in applause as she finished and bowed. Amy saw a little tear in her eye and matched her emotions. After a short intermission Lyndy's next group performance was "A Hard Knock Life" from Annie. Again the group really enjoyed the routine and is included singing as well. Lyndy was really having fun and it showed in her face. Ty whispered in Amy's ear, "God she loves to dance Amy." She leaned into him confirming her agreement and love for her daughter.

The family really didn't remember the following performances as they were all on the edge of their seats waiting for Lyndy's final performance. As it was ready to begin each of them felt like time was sitting still. As the announcer spoke she mentioned that she would be dancing to Tchaikovsky's, "Swan Lake" and that this was the first time Lyndy had performed this for an audience. As the lights dimmed Lyndy took her position, she was ready and mentally prepared herself for her performance. Her thoughts went to her mom and Wyatt. The curtain rose, the lights came on and the music began. She glided beautifully across the stage following the routine perfectly that she had rehearsed for several months. As she moved across the stage she seemed to be floating on air. She would occasionally see her mom, dad and Wyatt but only a glance as she was totally into the music and her movements. Ty and Amy sat in awe as they watched their beautiful daughter move with grace and beauty. The entire family felt as though they couldn't breathe as she moved through the routine. As the music started to reach the end she moved with it feeling it in her soul. At the conclusion she ended in a beautiful position. After a momentary delay in time the crowd erupted and tears abounded. Lyndy had a smile on her face that her parents had never seen. Even more special was when Wyatt bought out a bouquet of roses and handed them to her kissing her cheek. He stepped back to give the stage to her but she still held onto his hand not wanting to let go.

Amy and Georgie went backstage to help her get ready to see the family. As soon as Lyndy saw her mom she jumped into her arms with no need for words. Georgie hugged her as well saying, "Lyndy girl that was unbelievable. You have never looked more beautiful." Lyndy quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and went to see her family. As they came out her sisters and little brother ran to her screaming with joy. They hugged her with all of their might as little JT spoke up. "Sissy that was beautiful, you are beautiful." Lyndy had a special hug for him. She then glanced over to her dad who was an emotional wreck. She skipped over to him and hugged him with everything she had whispering in his ear, "Daddy, I love you. Thank you for everything you do for me." He tearily smiled and whispered just to her. "Lyndy you were beautiful and I love you so much." He pulled back and looked into her eyes, "Forever." Amy watched the interaction with tears in her eyes. The rest of the family took their turns hugging and congratulating her on all of her performances. Each had their own favorite but none could deny that the last one was special. Maddie spoke up, "Lyndy that last performance was amazing and you were in the zone. I have never seen anything so beautiful." Lyndy made special notice of Lilly and went to her as she say resting in her chair. Lilly smiled as she approached to sit next to her. The rest of the family gave them some space. Lyndy whispered to her, "Grandma I am so happy you made it. How are you feeling." With tears in her eyes she spoke to her quietly. "Honey I wouldn't have missed this for the world. I am feeling better but to be honest watching you today makes me feel on top of the world. You are so beautiful and your dancing is the same. I feel better just being here to see you." They hugged and the rest of the family said their goodbyes and headed home. As they left the director approached them letting them know where the representatives from Goddard would be meeting with her. Several of the other dancers had meeting scheduled so he was making sure they all knew where to go. He spoke up to the four of them, "Lyndy, several other places requested a meeting but Goddard was the only on to request in advance. I hope you don't mind but I told the rest of contact you directly." Amy smiled, "Thank you and that would be perfect." Then he added to and astonished Lyndy, "You are the only student that Goddard wanted to see, so good luck." Lyndy looked at her parents and Wyatt amazed at what she said. It was time to meet them so they headed to the small conference room set up for them.

As they entered the meeting the three representatives stood and greeted them. After they introduced themselves Lyndy politely introduced her parents and Wyatt , who she proudly mentioned was her boyfriend. The director spoke first. "Well young lady your performances were amazing. You seem to be totally engaged in the music and dance, a feature that we don't normally see in such a young performer." The lady next to her who was the lead instructor added, "And I can't believe the cheering section. I have never seen such support. For me it kind of answers a lot of my questions about you ownership and love of dance, especially ballet." Lyndy blushed, "I love my family and our close friends. I am very lucky to have them in my life." She glanced over to Wyatt who was sitting next to her holding his hand. The Director of admissions spoke next, "Well I except you have a lot of people waiting at home to celebrate with you so we will get to the point. We want to offer you a full scholarship to Goddard. We have developed a program that we hope you consider. We understand you are quite a horsewoman and love your high school. So here is our offer to you." He took a breath as Lyndy tightened her grp on Wyatt's hand and grab her mom's as well. "The scholarship will be kind of a hybrid. We have talked to the team at Hudson High School and have worked with them to have you there three days a week for your general studies and activities. Seems you are an exemplary student and they say you can handle it. The other two days you will come to Goddard for your classes focused on the performing arts and each afternoon you will work under the tutelage of our world class instructors." Lyndy took a breath as he continued, "So Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Hudson and Tuesday and Thursday at Goddard. That should allow you plenty of time to experience the best of both worlds and keep up with your horse jumping. We have to say we watched some of your competition videos and are duly impressed."

The four of them sat speechless and the director added one more thing. "And young lady you have some powerful supporters out there." She stood up and opened the door and the two dance instructors from Grandma June's retirement center walked in with June right behind them. Lyndy and Wyatt's mouths dropped as they ran over to hug his grandma and the other smiling ladies. "It seems these two legendary NYC Ballet instructors are fans. In fact they are both graduates of Goddard and active alumni. They contacted us about you and said you were a special young lady. We had our eyes on you already but their recognition sealed the deal. So what questions do you have?" Ty was the first to recover and ask a question, "Will we be required to get her to the school on the days she is required to be there?" It was a mundane question but they were all still recovering from the offer. The director smiled. "Well we have enough students in your area that allows us to provide a van for transport at a very minimal cost. Lyndy would be able to use that service if she needs to." Finally recovered Lyndy spoke up, "what types of coursed will I be taking?" The director handed her a curriculum for her and the others to review. "Here are the courses we offer. Only 40% of our students are full time with us so like you, the others have modified programs. The circled ones are the courses we recommend for you and will be in the morning. After lunch you will spend the afternoon with the dance instructors. We encourage you to focus on several types of dance, not just ballet which of course is your strength." The lead instructor added. "Lyndy we believe that knowledge of all types dance helps you be able to be better at your most prominent one. Young lady you are amazing and wonderful ballet dancer, but the others types of dance will help you to." Lyndy looked over at the two instructors from the NYC Ballet and they smiled shaking their heads in agreement. The discussion finished and as they ended the meeting Lyndy thanked them and she had a lot to think about. As the family walked out they caught their breath still trying to absorb what just happened.

The ride home was quiet until Amy spoke up, "Well Lyndy that was amazing and we are so proud of you. You need to take your time and think through your decision. It is nice that if you agree to do this you still will be able to pursue your other interest. You just have to make sure you don't overwhelm yourself and have fun." She smiled as Wyatt grabbed her hand. "I agree Lyndy, and I don't know if I said this but your performances, especially the last one today were amazing. I am sure you took the breath away of everyone who was watching." She smiled and leaned into him unable to respond. As they pulled up to the house her four siblings were on the porch. Amy offered, "Busted I texted them and told them we were close." Lyndy stepped out of the car and JT led the charge to her. They all needed to know what had happened. She took them to the barn with Wyatt and took the time to tell them first. She felt as though she owed it to them since they had been so supportive of her. They were all excited as Maddie led the questions off, "So you still will be able to jump while going to this school." Annie added, I hope so because you are amazing." Lyndy smiled, "Yes they even brought that up and mentioned they had seen some of the videos online of my competitions." Addie asked, "Are you a little scared, I mean a new school in Calgary, away from Hudson." Lyndy thought for a second, "Well it is a little scary but the good thing is I will be home for dinner every night to harass you guys." The questions subsided and Lyndy told them all to keep quiet at dinner as she was going to tell everyone. She looked at JT, "And that means you mister." He laughed and hugged her tightly. They headed into dinner and what was sure to be more questions.

Dinner went well as Lyndy took the time to talk through what Goddard was offering. The family was all there including the Weber's, Katey, Clay, Lou, Scott, Jack, Lisa, Max, Lilly, Tim and Casey. Everyone was very excited for her especially Katie and Georgie. "Kiddo it is good that you can still jump competitively. You know what I think of you potential," Georgie boasted. After they finished Jack, Lisa, Max and Lilly called her over. Jack spoke first, "Lyndy, your grandma and great grandma would be very proud. Your namesake was quite a dancer as well but for her it was always her music and horses first. It is good that you have options and you need to explore all of them." Lisa added, "Honey this is a wonderful opportunity for you and it is well deserved." Max and Lilly agreed and were so proud of her. Jack spoke to her with a sullen look, "But I also want you to know that Lyndy and Marion held one thing above everything else in their lives. For them family always came first. Your mom, dad and siblings are what is important. And Wyatt of course. Never forget what they mean to you. They will always be there for you along with all of us." Lyndy smiled with tears in her eyes and hugged her GG with all her might. Ty and Amy looked on teary eyed watching the four of them interact with her. They didn't need to know what was begin said. Just watching them interact told them everything they needed to know. Their daughter was loved by all and they were never prouder of her as they were at that moment. They loved her completely.