Chapter Seventy-Two

Could It Be Any Better

A/N – I have to say that was a great chapter for me to write. I feel as though the story grounds itself when we talk about this family and how amazing they are. I considered to get a little more dramatic with some Borden things and may still go that route but for now I think I will continue down the path I am heading. I hope you all agree. It is time for the holidays. It should be a good one. A lot of fun on the way and a visit from the Trudeaus. My plan is to get into other members of the family as well and will probably break it up into a Christmas, Trudeau and New Year's chapter. But as always I will see where the story takes me. It has been a great year and next year even looks better. The last line of the last chapter said, "Their lives couldn't be better." I want to ensure they do. Mature Content. Enjoy!

It was the last day of school before the break and each of the kids were having a great day with their friends. Some plans were made for some holiday fun but for the most part it would be family time. It had been a been a great week as the kids were getting ready for the holidays, the Trudeau visit and being with family. Each of the girls had some shopping to do still as did Amy and Ty so they all slotted some time to shop on their own with their mom or dad. This was a covert operation to protect the whole Santa thing with JT. He had a list for him and a couple of weeks ago he went to see him with his parents and left the list. He couldn't stop talking about it with everyone he interacted with. It was so much fun for the family to watch him and all the other little ones excitement. Amy and Ty loved how he had so much joy in him and seeing him happy was very important for them and the girls. Ty couldn't help but remember his youth and vowed with Amy early on that their children would have the best Christmas ever and so far they had all been memorable. Amy noticed him in thought as they watched him and leaned over, "Ty, we have kept to our commitment. Our kids are happy and loved, just like we agreed on. I know your past still is a part of you but seeing these kids has to make you, us feel good. We have done it Ty." He smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. They were interrupted by a happy, but serious little boy, "So, Mommy and Daddy what do you want from Santa?" Realizing they needed to answer Amy spoke first. "Well Santa knows I want a new cowboy hat and I think daddy want a new pair of riding gloves for his Norton. I hope we get them." He smiled assuring them that he had an inside tract with Santa, "Don't worry mom and dad, I got you covered." Again they smiled and hugged their little boy and were soon joined by the girls.

It was the weekend before the Christmas and the house was decorated including a tree that the family had cut down the week before. The decorations looked great and as always there would be a party at Heartland on Christmas Eve just for the Bartlett, Fleming, Morris, Weber and Borden family. On Christmas morning Amy and Ty just wanted the kids and Wyatt and then in the afternoon, everyone would go to Fairfield including June, Ben and Jenn, Caleb and Cass, Will and Bethany and all the kids. Ellie and Nick went home for Christmas but promised to be at the New Year's Eve Party at the Miracle Ranch. Some additional friends and staff were coming to the Christmas Day celebration as well. But the weekend before was the mad rush for the girls, Amy and Ty to finish all of the buying of presents. Just like last year the giving was limited to family's only except for the kids who also got stuff from Jack, Lisa, Lou, Scott, Amy and Ty. Georgie protested as she had fallen off the kids list since she had kids of her own. Secretly she liked the extra gifts. Steven promised that since she was good this year he would take care of her. As they had Saturday morning breakfast, Maddie laid out the plans for the day. "Ok, Mom is taking Lyndy and Wyatt so they can get their stuff done. Dad will take me, Annie and Addie to the mall and play with JT at the kids play area while we shop." Ty interrupted, "Well actually JT and I have some shopping to do also but it is a secret." JT high fived his dad as Maddie continued, "Ok whatever, we will all meet for lunch at Maggie's and then head out for the rest of the afternoon. Everyone needs to be back by 5 and we will have pizza for dinner and bake Christmas cookies. After that we will all go to our rooms and wrap all the presents and place the ones we need to under our tree and bag he rest up. Most important rule, "No Peeking!" She was out of breath as the rest of them laughed and Lyndy spoke up, "Well it is official we now have a Lou in the Borden family." They all tickled her and loaded up for the morning shopping.

Amy, Lyndy and Wyatt had a plan. They shopped together for a while then split up. This way they got each other's opinion on what they were buying others and had solo time to get gifts for each other. Amy also had a list for Ty that she wanted to get done in the morning. Her hope was that if Ty was done that they could spend the afternoon with JT and have some fun. Lyndy texted her mom to meet her. She needed some help with what she wanted to get Wyatt and her dad. When they met she hugged her mom, "Mom I need your help. Wyatt and Dad are very important to me. Wyatt gave me "kind of" promise necklace and I want to give him something like that. And I want to give daddy something that tells him how special he is to me." Amy thought for a minute. "Well, does Wyatt like necklaces of watches?" Well I know he wears a gold chain with his parents wedding rings on it sometimes. He likes it because it reminds him of them." Amy smiled, "What would remind him of you." She smiled, I don't know maybe my birthstone. Let's look It up" They found several but Lyndy immediately noticed the moonstone, which was blue, the color that matched her eyes. A lightbulb went off, "Mom he always says he loves the color of my eyes, I want to get him this and add it to his chain. I know he would love it." Amy smiled, "Lyndy that would be amazing and beautiful. Then he would always have you close to his heart." They both teared up and hugged each other. Lyndy smiled, "So what about dad? I want to get him something just from me" Again Amy smiled at the love her daughter had for Ty. "I know he likes when I get him something that is just between him and I, you know personal that connects us." She pondered he mom's comment. "Well you know one of the first things I remember was when he would put that little helmet on me and ride me around Heartland on the Norton. Wait I think I have a picture you took of that. I think I was maybe 3. I am going to get a nice frame and give that to him." Amy smiled, remembering being the girl on the back of the bike. "Lyndy he will adore it for the rest of his life."

Ty had not seen the girls in a while but was Ok as he knew they were organized and he had them sharing a credit card. JT had been a big help when he picked out several of Amy's gifts. He was sworn to secrecy and vowed to his dad he would keep things quiet. "Daddy mom is going to love that cowboy hat and the picture frame that you have with to fit all of our pictures." Ty smiled, "Thanks bud, I couldn't have done it without you. But what about the bracelet, do you think she will like that?" JT thought a bit and answered. "Well mom is sparkly just like that bracelet so I think it she will love it." He thought some more, "And she is always sparkly around you." He giggled and hugged his dad. Their bond was strong and Ty held him tightly with a slight tear in his eyes. As they gathered themselves JT noticed the girls coming their way. The three of them were all smiles as they approached them. Maddie, was the first to speak up. "Well morning shopping is competed. Let's go eat." The all piled into the big SUV and headed to Maggie's to meet the rest of the family. Lou made sure a large table was held and they had a great and lively lunch. Lou walked over, "You know if you all don't quiet down I may have to kick you out." Everyone smiled as JT through a fry at her. She laughed, "And you buster will be the first to go." As she tickled him. "Now who wants a milkshake" Everyone raised their hands and of course Amy and Ty shared one. There were a few modifications to the afternoon schedule so after the adjustments they headed out. After they were done, they would head back to the house for pizza and start the cookie baking. Amy said she would get the wrapping paper making sure Ty had JT out of hearing range. The plan was to wrap all the Christmas morning gifts with the same paper some the Santa thing was protected. The night was fun and a very tired group fell asleep quickly.

It was early Sunday morning and after a full day of shopping, baking cookies and wrapping presents Amy and Ty expected the kids would sleep late. Except for a trip to a trip to church the day was going to be laid back. Hang out with each other and the horses. Amy wanted to go to the cemetery for a family trail ride but she would need to check on the temps as a storm with snow was coming in. Amy opened her eyes and saw a set of bright emerald eyes staring at her. "You know it is not polite to stare." He smiled, "Sorry I can't help myself. I just can't understand how someone can wake up and look so beautiful. It is unbelievable how amazing you look right now." She laughed, "Ty my hair is a mess, I have no makeup on and not the most flattering clothes on. You are just biased." He looked at her like he was looking into her soul, "No I just love you." He leaned over and kissed her on the lips slowly and seductively. She smiled as they kissed understanding that their morning would be eventful. She aggressively rolled over onto him attacking his lips and battling tongues with him. She continued her sultry moves and removed his shirt and boxers. He was at her will as she had her way with him. He maneuvered and removed her clothes as well as now the wrestled in love kissing and touching each other. They positioned themselves so they could pleasure each other, allowing their lips and tongues to help each other reach climax. As they concluded they embraced as Amy rolled on top of her man and lowered herself onto him. They united in the way only they could do it. They moved together as Amy writhed and moaned as Ty matched her aggression. They increased their intensity and their moans increased. They realized they might be a little too loud so Amy collapsed on him to stifle their moans. Their movements were never interrupted until they both reached their goal of complete satisfaction. Ty continued even after they had reached the peak of their love. As they slowed down, Amy hesitantly rolled off of him and laid her head on his chest. He smiled, "Early Christmas present?" She giggled, "Well let's say it is the first of many presents."

As planned after a quick breakfast and church, the family came back and packed up for a ride to the cemetery. The weather system was stalled so although chilly, it was bearable. They had all remembered Amy's story about her mom. She always said when it is cold and you go on ride there are no flies, so it is a bonus. When they got to the cemetery they all spoke to Marion and Lyndy. Each took time for a private moment to speak to both of them. Their comments were private and only meant for them to hear. JT grabbed him mom's hand when he went up there. He wanted her to be with her. She listened as he spoke to both of them together. "Hi grandma and great grandma. I know we haven't talked in a while but I wanted to let you know everything is good. Mom and Dad are really in love. Lyndy is an amazing dancer and her boyfriend Wyatt is really cool. Annie and Addie are doing great and they kind of have boyfriends. Maddie is a little crazy but really cool too. And I am good. I haven't had a chance to talk to you guys in a while but maybe we can talk after the holiday. I love you both and we all miss you." Amy sat dumbfounded as her almost 3-year-old spoke to the two most important women in her life. His awareness of everything around him was unbelievable. She hugged him tightly as he motioned for his dad to come over. The girls watched with their eyes tearing up. "Oh one more thing, Great grandma, my dad is just like GG and I know you would like him. And Grandma, thanks for bringing him here to be with my mom. He is the best dad ever and I know my mom loves him a lot." Now, it was time for Ty to hug his son as a tear came to his eyes. The entire family hugged and enjoyed some hot chocolate and cookies before they left. On the ride back they were all kind of quiet remembering their comments to the two matriarchs of the family. Although they had never met them the kids saw them every day in their mom and loved them forever.

The first to rise on Christmas Eve morning of course was JT. He politely knocked on his mom and dad's door and Ty got up to let him in. Even he knew the rules. He jumped in bed and hugged his mom, "Mommy, one more sleep and he will be here." Amy smiled and hugged him tightly, "I know are you excited. Remember we can't forget to leave some milk and cookies out for him." "No problem" he proudly said, "I just have to make sure Wyatt doesn't eat them all." They laughed and snuggled with their little boy. He was a kind and gentle soul and they really loved time alone with him. Soon Maddie, Addie and Annie joined them too. Ty looked with a little concern, "Where is your sister and Wyatt?" Addie laughed, "I think they are making out in her room, you know it is Christmas." Before her could jump up and check on that, Maddie laughed smacking her sister, "Chill dad they are starting on breakfast. But they may steal a kiss or two, three…" Now it was Addie's turn to smack her sister back. JT looked at his mom with a question, "Why is it bad that they kiss, you guys do it all the time?" They all laughed tickling him. Amy and Ty were beaming at their kids and their time together. They all headed downstairs in their PJs and found that Lyndy and Wyatt had the table set and a light breakfast ready to go. Over the next couple of days there would be many food comas so a light breakfast was needed. JT kept an eye on Wyatt to make sure he limited his cookies. He looked over at him, "What's up JT, why are you glaring at me." He very sternly answered him, "We need cookies for Santa so I am making sure you don't eat them all." The table broke out in laughter as JT kept watching him. Lyndy leaned over to her little brother and whispered, "After we clean up you and I will make a special batch for Santa, deal?" JT smiled and hugged his now favorite sister. Amy reminded everyone that they were leaving at 2:00 to go to Heartland. They all spent the rest of the morning relaxing or hanging with the horses.

The Borden family made their grand entrance at Heartland as always. JT immediately ran to his GG and Grandpa Tim. Addie and Annie headed for Noah and Hannah who squealed when they came up to them. The four of them were forming a bond that would last for their entire lives. Georgie and Amy looked at them as she whispered, "Amy my kids love those two so much. I swear it seems like they are all connected like your two guys are. I really think like one of their first words were Annie an Addie." Amy smiled feeling warm about the four of them and putting her hand on Georgie's small baby bump.. Maddie ran into the kitchen to see Mimi, Aunt Lou and Grandma Casey. "Ok what do you need me to do?" Lisa laughed as Amy and Georgie walked in, "Well hello Lou Jr." The ladies laughed and worked together on the dinner for the evening. Lyndy and Wyatt went directly to Katie and Clay as their bond was strong. They hugged and shook hands. Lyndy said, "So any wedding planning yet?" Katie laughed, "No not quite but as you can imagine my mom is nuts. We are trying to avoid her." Poor Ty was stuck with carrying all the gifts in so Steven who was kid free went to help. Ty griped, "Story of my life, they all run in and I am stuck with the heavy lifting." Steven smiled, "Ty we are surrounded by women what to you expect. Once Noah and JT get older we may get some more help?" They laughed and placed the Heartland gifts under the tree. Amy walked out and saw Ty and Steven working hard. She went over and hugged Ty kissing his cheek. "Thanks babe you are the greatest. I bet Santa will be good to you this year." Leaning into his ear and whispered, "And maybe his little elf Amy will be too," as their kiss went to their lips. Georgie huffed, "Seriously can you too chill out, like ever." They giggled and continued to hold each other. This was going to be a great holiday.

As usual Christmas Eve was a celebration of family at Heartland. The food was awesome and Jack was in the story telling mood. The kids all loved to hear him talk about Christmas past and all of the family members. Their ears perked up when he talked about his wife, his daughter and his granddaughters. "Women were a big influence in my life, My Grandma Lois gave me the strength to pursue Lyndy. I was kind of shy and new to the whole dating thing but I really wanted to ask your great grandma out on a date. She coached me on how to act, what to say and what to do." Lyndy spoke up, "GG are you saying you were shy?" "Yes honey I was and I have always had trouble showing my emotions. Lyndy's mom was also very important to me. After we started dating and eventually married her and Lois became great friends." Maddie asked, "GG did you have any siblings?" He put his head down. Amy and Lou had never shared the story of his sister June who was killed in an accident on the farm. "Well honey yes I did and she is buried at the family cemetery. Her name was June and right after I left for the rodeo, she was helping my dad clear rocks from the fields. There was an accident and she was killed, she was only 16." The room got extremely quiet. JT was on his GG's lap and very upset that he was sad. With a serious look he spoke to him. "Did your sister have light brown hair in two ponytails, a cowboy hat and wore blue overalls?" Jack looked stunned but got up and went into his room. He brought out a picture only Lou and Amy had seen. "JT have you seen this before?" He shook his head no and added, "No she was standing next to GG Lyndy the last time I saw her in my dreams. She seemed nice and smiled a lot at me." The entire room was stunned. Finally Jack got himself together enough to respond. "Well little man that is the best present ever and can you do me a favor. Next time you see her would you tell her I said hello." He smiled and gave him a thumbs up and yelled, "Is it time to open presents?" Everyone laughed and headed to the tree.

Everyone was pleased with what they got and as expected the Borden kids thanked everyone. Amy and Ty were so proud of them. The Borden's headed home to get ready for bed but not before JT made sure the cookies and milk were set out. As he put them out he gave a stern look to Wyatt. He laughed, "Don't worry JT I am too full, Santa's cookies are safe." Amy and Ty made their rounds as everyone was excited about the morning. Amy was brushing her hair as Ty walked over to her. Rubbing her shoulders he spoke quietly, "Man that story by Jack was pretty emotional and then when JT described meeting her I was overwhelmed with emotion. He is such a special kid. Of course I looked it up and I there have been documented cases where one family member has a link to family members that have passed. Maybe we should have him meet with someone to talk about it. I have several places in mind." Amy smiled standing up and hugging him. "Dr. Borden you are always the inquisitive one. After the holiday let's talk about it and we can decide then. He is so special and his relationship with my grandpa is something special." She kissed him again as he looked down. "Uh Amy you know you don't have any pajamas on under that robe." She smiled looking deeply into his eyes. "And that is a problem, I mean you are just in your boxers and I can remedy that just like this." She reached down pulling them to the floor with ease. Her robe fell to the ground and as he carried her to the bed she nibbled on his neck. She smiled, "Ready for another present?" Their night was far from over.

The next morning everyone was lazily getting up until JT ran screaming up and down the halls. "Santa's been here, there are a lot of presents under the tree, and some are for me. And the cookies and milk are gone." With the encouragement everyone headed to the kitchen. Amy had a light breakfast prepared ahead of time and she laid things out on the kitchen island, started a pot of coffee and set up other drinks. Everyone grabbed a plate and drink and headed to the living room. It was decided that one gift would be open at a time and of course JT started. Every gift opening was celebrated and followed by a thank you to Santa or to the person who was the giver. JT understood that some gifts were from Santa and others were from people. He was excited about his new ice fishing pole from Santa and couldn't wait to try it out with GG. Maddie had wanted a new saddle for jumping and Santa came through. Annie was really excited about the microscope she asked for and Addie was in awe of the kit she received to make her own remote-controlled motorcycle. It was a little strange request, but Santa came through. Lyndy got an assortment of dance clothing and shoes she needed for the new school from Santa and Wyatt got a new let buckle and a dozen Christmas cookies. He laughed, JT it looks like Santa knows I have a problem." Amy got a really nice dress cowboy hat that she could wear to more formal events. She thanked Santa and smiled at Ty as well. And finally Ty got a really cool picture collage with Amy and him in the middle and the kids all around him. He got a little teary eyed when he saw Wyatt added as well. The rest of Santa's gifts were opened up mostly for the ids and everyone was thankful. Then the kids gifts for each other were given out. Everyone was proud of their choices and had really took the time to think about this purchases. Appreciation abounded and there were a lot of hugs. The entire Borden family was happy and loved being around each other.

As things broke up Wyatt and Lyndy went to the porch to exchange presents. Wyatt started and handed her a box, "Lyndy I hope you like it." She opened the box and was overwhelmed with joy. It was a beautiful gold and silver bracelet with their names engrave on the inside. She held it up to the light and without a word hugged him in thanks. Now it was her turn and she handed him a beautifully wrapped box. He opened it and pulled out a beautiful stone with a link attached to hit. He said to her, "It matches your eyes." She was so happy, "Yes, I thought it could be added to you chain with you mom and dad's wedding rings. I talked to June and she liked the idea." A little concerned, she asked, "Is it OK?" He caught his breath, "Lyndy it is more than Ok it is perfect. Now I have the three most important people with me always." Amy and Ty went to their room to exchange their gifts. Ty handed her a box wrapped very nicely. She smiled and opened it up. Her eyes sparkled as pulled out a bracelet with a birth stone for each of the kids, herself and Ty in order. It glistened in the light along with her eyes. "Ty this takes my breath away, it is beautiful, I love it so much." He smiled, "I am glad you like it. To let you know JT helped and approved. It is a beautiful as you are." Amy then pulled out a bag and gave it to him. He pulled out the gift and unwrapped it with a shocked look. "Amy you got me a new stethoscope and it is amazing." She smiled and turned it over to show him the inscription. To the love of my life yesterday, today and tomorrow, Amy. He smiled and kissed her deeply with a passion only meant for them. After a few minutes there was a knock on the door. Lyndy asked if she could come in. She came into the room and Amy excused herself understanding what was happening. "I better check on JT, I am sure he is up to no good." Ty spoke up, "He honey what's up." She smile and took a breath. "Daddy you are very important to me. I feel a special bond with you and have for years. You are my rock and I need you and love you so much. I talked to mom and I wanted to get you something, just from me to you." She handed over a small box. He opened it opened it up and saw a beautifully framed photo of the two of them on the Norton. She was about three and had her little helmet on with a smile a broad as the sun. She had her hands raised in the air and her eyes wide open. Ty stared at it as a tear came to his eye. "I remember this, Your mom wasn't too happy but I reasoned that you had been on a horse for a while already. I thought you may become a motorcycle girl." He hesitated, "Lyndy I will cherish this for the rest of my life and I love you so, so much. They embraced as Amy reentered the room. "So Lyndy he liked it?" She looked at her with eyes full of tears and simply said, "Yes."

The family settled back in the living room and shared some of the private gifts they each got. Early afternoon they packed up and headed to Fairfield. The only gifts they had were for the people who they hadn't seem yet. Amy and the girls also had gifts for the not yet born babies from the entire Borden family. When they arrived, Wyatt was excited to see his grandma and couldn't wait to show her the gift from Lyndy. Lyndy in turn showed her the one from Wyatt as well. Lou, Georgie, Katie and the other women gawked over Amy's bracelet. Lou spoke up, "Man can that guy find the right gift. He is a legend." Some of the other men huffed and Steven spoke for them. "Ty dude you make it rough for all of us. Why do you have to be so good. Our wives let us know all the time how awesome you are." Everyone laughed and Ty stood next to Amy proudly. The three pregnant ladies got a lot of attention as everyone was so excited for them. Everyone was having a wonderful time as they enjoyed each other's company. The business was doing well but family and friends are doing even better. June was sitting with Casey and Lisa looking over the scene. "You know a few years ago I was so concerned about Wyatt. He was drifting away with no parents and no focus." A tear came to her eye, "This family has saved him and given him purpose. Look at how he fits in with everyone and Lyndy and him are perfect together." Lisa and Casey smiled as they each held one of her hands. Ty got the attention of the group including his family when he pulled out his laptop. On the screen were Max and Lilly, each holding the newest additions to Max's family. Everyone gathered round as they said Merry Christmas. Lisa spoke up, "Lilly you look really good, how are you feeling." As she spoke the baby she was holding started laughing. "Well everyone I am feeling a lot better. Still have a ways to go but Max and I are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Amy, is it Ok if we stay through the day after New Year's still?'' Amy smiled. "Lilly and Max you can stay as long as you want. And Max, JT got a new pole for ice fishing so there's that." Everyone laughed as they said goodbyes.

Ty had a gleam in his eye. He was so happy his mom was doing better and that his family had become so close to her. After all that she had been through she deserved some happiness. And her happiness affected Ty's as well. Jack sat back and looked over the celebration. Ty noticed his melancholy look and headed over to him with a beer. Jack smiled, "It is so good to see Lilly doing well and I can see that you are as well. Son, I know your life was a mess but I expect you are happy for her as well. Both of you have come a long way" Ty smiled without words and shook Jack's hand. He continued, "Something to see, eh. You and I are very lucky to be a part of this family. Look at the love everywhere. Amy and Lou are both beaming. And all those girls are beautiful inside and out. Georgie, Katie and your kids are all something special." He laughed, "I even like Tim today." They clinked their bottles as Ty spoke, "Well Jack I couldn't agree more. I still can't believe you all believed in me and let me in. I love this family so much and Jack, I love you to. You are my father." They smiled and continue to look over th festivities. Amy caught Ty's eye and smiled mouthing 'I love you.' He smiled as well to the woman who was his everything.