Chapter Seventy-Three
Visitors
A/N – Strong relationships are a major part of any story. This family is full of them and it is enjoyable to break them out and develop storylines from them. The last chapter had a lot of them, but I for one have always enjoyed the one between Jack and Ty. Over the years I consider their connection next to Amy and Ty to be the strongest. They have this father/son thing going and it is good for both of them. The holidays are only halfway over so there is a lot to come. And there are some pretty important visitors on the way. The Borden family is excited and looking forward to it. Mild Mature Content. Enjoy!
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The Borden's had little time to rest after an eventful Christmas. The Trudeaus were scheduled to arrive mid to late afternoon and Max and Lilly were begin picked up by Jack and Lisa just before lunch time. Ty was really excited to see his mom and Amy sensed his anxiety. At breakfast, the family was very talkative but Ty seemed a little inside himself. Amy leaned over, "Ty it will be Ok, I can't wait to see her too. She did seem better on the call and I am sure she can't wait to see you." He smiled, "I know and I bet she can't wait to see you and the kids as well." Lyndy saw the conversation between her parents and spoke up. "Daddy we can't wait to see Grandma Lilly and Max. We are really excited. Are we still planning to meet the four of them at Maggie's?" He smiled and nodded yes. The other kids came over to hug him understanding he needed it. He smiled as a small tear came to his eye. He loved his kids and how understanding they were. Maddie spoke up next, "So, are we still going to have dinner here with the Trudeau's, GG, Mimi, Max and Grandma Lilly."? Amy smiled also excited to see her friend Maryanne, "Yes but it will be low key since they have been traveling all day." The security team had been there to look over things a few days before Christmas and several were scheduled to show up with them. The families were going to lay low except for a couple of events that the Prime Minister had planned. He had begun to do town halls all over the country and had one in Okotoks, Calgary and Hudson. He had asked Amy and Ty to come to the one in Hudson and they happily agreed. And after a coordinated coup by their kids, they were all going to stay on until after New Year's. Justin and Maryanne had an official event on New Year's Eve so they had to head back early.
Maddie and JT convinced their parents to let them go to the airport with their GG and Mimi to meet the visitors. At first they were hesitant until both JT and Maddie looked at them with puppy dog eyes. Maddie begged, "Please mom and dad, I want to see Grandma Lilly. You know we have been writing each other a lot and I want to see her as soon as I can. And I know JT would get a kick out of the planes and seeing his fishing buddy Max." Amy gave in and let them go as Maddie and JT high fived each other. The girls and Wyatt were busy getting ready for the Trudeau kids staying with them. They helped Ty set up the extra cots, organize the extra food in the kitchen, add a table and extra chairs and made sure they had extra horses in the family barn. Around noon Amy called to them as they all had to go to Maggie's. "She yelled from upstairs, "Guys we are leaving in five minutes." She leaned back into Ty as they were having a little make out session. She smiled, "Do we have to go to lunch, we could get Katie and Clay to take them?'' He smiled as he nuzzled into her neck, "You Mrs. Borden are quite the tease. But I can't blame you for wanting a little of this." He shook his body as Amy broke out in laughter. "My god please don't ever do that again. Well at least not until tonight." They kissed, laughed and headed downstairs. They loaded up and headed to Maggie's. Everyone was excited as it was going to be a really fun day. As they pulled up Addie yelled, "Look there they are just getting out of the truck." Ty barely had the SUV stopped when the three girls and Amy jumped out and ran to their guest. Ty and Wyatt were a little more casual and laughed at the squealing girls. As Ty looked over at his mom she had a gleam in her eyes as she was being hugged by everyone. She looked over and smiled at him before being smothered by the Borden women. JT proudly sat in Max's arms standing next to Jack, smiling at the scene. As his dad and Wyatt walked over he smile and said, "Those girls are crazy." All of the men laughed as they all headed into the diner.
Lou had a large table set up in the back so they would have a little privacy. Along with Scott she joined the lunch group. She smiled at JT who was beaming, "Don't forget I have my eye on you. Any problems and you are out of here." He laughed at her and ran over to give her a big hug. She melted in his loving arms. Lunch was great as everyone caught up. Each of the kids talked about their favorite Christmas gifts and Lilly couldn't stop smiling. She looked over to Amy's bracelet, "Amy your bracelet is stunning, I bet I know what got that for you." She smiled, "Lilly I am sure you do and he is wonderful and has a wonderful mom." Lilly teared up as Amy and her hugged. Ty spoke of his gift from Lyndy. Again Lilly was amazed at the love of the family and how they all were there for each other. She leaned over to Ty. "Ty this family of yours, they are just wonderful. That is because of you and Amy and the love you have for each other. Look at her looking over at you. She loves you so, so much." Ty smiled and hugging her whispered into her ear. "Mom this is your family too and everyone here loves you with all their hearts." She smiled not being able to talk. Maddie sensed that she needed to go over. She walked over and sat on Lilly's lap, "Grandma I love you." Lilly smiled and continued to enjoy her lunch and her family. As they finished their food, Lou had the waitress bring over milk shakes for all the kids and as always, Amy and Ty shared one. Lilly laughed and asked, "Why do you two always share." Lyndy answered her quickly, "Grandma, it is one of those Amy and Ty things. They always do things like that." She put her fingers up like quotation marks, "You know like "sleeping in, going on trail rides alone, as well as motorcycle and Old Blue rides just the two of them. And sometimes they have meetings away from the ranch but no one knows where they are? Seems funny don't you think." Amy and Ty blushed and Lilly smiled understanding what their perceptive daughter meant. Everyone laughed and JT stood up defending his parents, "Lyndy, Mommy and Daddy sleep in because they are tired, give them a break." The laughter increased as the little boy stood proudly by his parents.
Lilly and Max were staying at Heartland and were going to head back after a stop at the clinic. Max had arranged with Ty to schedule some treatments for Lilly while she was in town. She wanted to stay on schedule as they planned to stay a couple of weeks. Lilly kissed Ty, Amy and the kids goodbye and said they would see them later. Lou and Scott went back to work and the Borden's headed home to finish up prep for their visitors. JT got a quick nap and as the rest of the kids rested as well. Amy and Ty went to the barn office and got a few things done and kissed a little. Amy got a text later in the afternoon from Maryanne that they had arrived and the caravan was on its way. They would come to the Miracle Ranch to get the kids settled and get ready for dinner. Maryanne and Justin were staying at Fairfield with the security team but expected to be at the ranch a lot. Addie and Annie kept watch out the window and when they spotted the caravan they yelled heading out to the porch. As the cars pulled up the two families met in the yard with embraces and hellos. The security team got the kids bags and set them on the porch. Brant, Wyatt and all the girls got ready to head to the barn but not before Maryanne and Amy gave them some rules and that they needed to haul their suitcases in first. Bart and JT were on their mom's hips laughing at the other kids. Ty and Justin grabbed them along with his bag and headed to JT's room so they could play for a bit before dinner. Brant, Wyatt and all the girls headed to the barn to see the horses and catch up. Brant leaned over to Wyatt, "Good lord the giggling is going to kill me." Wyatt smiled, "Don't' worry I talked to Clay, Rusty and some of the other ranch hands and we got some guy stuff planned." Once the young ones were settled, Maryanne and Justin headed over to Fairfield with a promise of being back in an hour for dinner. Maryanne asked one of the security agent to stay with the kids and the other went with them. Ty said they could put him up in the bunk house as many of the ranch hands were home for the holiday.
Haley, Elana, Emmie and Ezzie were excited to see the horses. The Borden girls showed them who they would be riding while they were there so the group spent time grooming and meeting their horses. After an hour, Lyndy spoke up, "Ok guys we need to get back and washed up for dinner. And you guys need to take your bags to the rooms you will be sleeping in if you haven't already." The girls all laughed and ran to the house. This time, Lyndy and Haley hung back with the boys. "You guys are right those six are trouble. You know we need to do something together. Let me talk to Rusty, Katey and Clay. And Brant, Rusty has a sister your age so maybe the 8 of us can see a movie or two. I am sure mom will let Clay drive the big SUV." They all agreed and Brant seemed a little interested in meeting Rusty's sister, Jillian. The group got to then house and the Trudeau kids out their bags in their assigned rooms. Justin and Maryanne arrived a few minutes later and Amy and Ty got everyone drinks and the sat in the lounge while the kids hung out in their rooms. To keep things orderly, Brant would stay with Wyatt, Haley and Elana with Lyndy, Emmie and Ezzie with the Borden Twins and Maddie in the twins room which was bigger. And of course the little men were together. The Borden house was full to the brim for sure and the excitement level was DefCom 1. After dinner and before the Trudeau parents left both families had a big family meeting in the lounge. Justin spoke first, "Ok you guys now you are guest at this house and you need to show respect for Mr. and Mrs. Borden and mind them. They speak for us so if they tell you something you listen. Behave, be polite and helpful, especially when we leave in a few days." Ty in a fatherly voice chimed in, "Borden's that goes for you as well. Things are the same as always even though we have guests. We still have chores and everyone helps keeping the house and your rooms clean." Lyndy and Haley were smirking as Amy and Maryanne did as well. Haley spoke up, "Wow being a little over the top their dads. Pulling the father card is just weird." Everyone, except the two patriarchs laughed hysterically. Amy and Maryanne soothed and comforted their husbands bruised egos. Hugs abounded as they left for Fairfield. Let the fun begin.
The kids were pretty excited but went to bed fairly well. Amy and Ty made the rounds. Amy went to the girls rooms and Ty checked on the little boys and young men. Ty and Amy went to their room and got ready for bed themselves. As Amy was brushing her hair Ty walked over hugging her from behind. He looked a little depressed and Amy spoke to him, "Awe honey are you still bummed about the mocking you and Justin took?" He smiled sadly, "No not that. I just realized our love making may have to go on hold. Feel kind of weird having you take advantage of me with 12 kids in the house." She smiled, stood up and hugged him. She was only in her nightshirt and panties so it was making things difficult for Ty. He laughed, "And then you are dressed like that and are the hard to resist." She cooed, "I am not standing here just in my boxers like you." The hugged tighter and kissed passionately. She smirked, "Well we can still have some more restrained fun. You know there are some things we can do to each other and keep kind of quiet and I have a surprise. I already talked to Lou about this and she gave me the leys to one of the cabins for the entire time our visitors are here. And it is not booked and told Jenn not to make it available." She held them up and jingled them in his face. "So Dr. Borden, when we have a break or the urge we can go and I will let you take advantage of me." He smiled, "You Mrs. Borden are a keeper and kind of sneaky." He picked her up and carried her to bed. "Let's try some of that restrained stuff." They discarded their clothes and began discreetly pleasing each other. They were Amy and Ty and their love was stronger than ever.
The next morning Amy and Ty were a little late coming down but were pleased when all the kids were up and being served breakfast by Lyndy, Haley and Wyatt. As they greeted the kids Maddie spoke up. "Don't worry mom and dad we filled the Trudeaus on the sleeping in thing." Amy blushed as Elana added, "Our parents sleep in sometimes too, we get it." All the girls giggled and Lyndy set down plates for them and Wyatt brought them coffee. Ty spoke to the group, "So what are you guys doing today?" Lyndy spoke first, "Well Haley, Elana, Brant, Wyatt and I are going for a trail ride and then Katie and Clay are taking us to Maggie's for lunch. We might go to the mall after that. Mom, can Clay borrow the big SUV?" Amy smiled, "Katie already texted me." Addie was next. "Dad, Emmie and Ezzie want to ride the ATV's with Annie, Maddie and I. We promise we will stay close and Maddie is riding with me." Annie continued, "We are going to end up at Heartland and have lunch with Georgie, Steven and the twins. Then we are going to hang out there for the afternoon and spend some time with Mimi and Grandma Lilly." Amy smiled, "And you two little guys are hanging with GG and Max all day. I hear you may go to the pond and fish so make sure you have your coats and gloves." JT and Bart smiled broadly. Maddie couldn't resist, "So mom and dad have any meetings planned today," emphasizing the word meetings. "Well miss smarty pants we have some work to do and need to start planning for New Year's Eve. And…We are meeting Mr. and Mrs. Trudeau after lunch to talk about the town hall meetings in Hudson, Calgary and Okotoks we are going to with them." She smiled but Maddie continued, "Hmm will that fill your day?" Amy reached over to hug and kiss Ty's cheek, "Well if not I am sure we can figure out something." The kids half gagged and half laughed. The cleaned up and went to enjoy their day.
Amy and Ty went to the office and had a very busy morning. They were working on New Year's and scheduling some things into January. It was going to be a little busier than normal so they worked with Caleb, Katie and Georgie to make sure they were using all of the extra support from their different programs. Ty smiled, "I have to say, having a full load of ranch hands, kids in the youth program and college kids on clinical rotations is our saving grace." They all agreed and made a note that they would bring it up in the follow up Board Meeting after the first of the year. After they finished, Amy and Ty had lunch in the office. Justin and Maryanne came to see them and they laid out the schedule and plan for the Town Halls. Justing said, "I can't thank you guys enough for this help. I think having you there will help to conversation be more productive. And I have to ask you, can you come to the ones in Calgary and Okotoks as well? I know it is a lot to ask and understand if you can't. It seems the kids will be pretty busy all week." Ty smiled, "Of course we will and we have a recommendation. We would like to bring Caleb with us to Okotoks as he is from there. A lot of people know his family and I think he can. And can Lou and Scott come to Calgary. They both have a lot of connections and will definitely bring some additional creditability." Justin sat back amazed at his friends and Maryanne spoke up, "You guys are unbelievable and of course they can all participate. You, your family and team are very influential and everyone has heard of the Heartland Equestrian Experience." The four of them worked on the details. There would be a meeting each day for the rest of the week. Maryanne let the PMs staff know of the additions and Amy and Ty let Lou, Scott and Caleb know. Caleb asked it Cass could go as well and she was from there to and her dad and mom were both doctors at the regional hospital. The plan was set.
The older kids really enjoyed their ride laughing and joking the entire way. The group really jelled well and were having a lot of fun. Haley was excited as she got to ride Amy's horse Blaze, "Lyndy this horse is amazing. He is so responsive and smart. How long has Amy had him?" Lyndy smiled, "Well it has been maybe 3-4 years. When my mom's horse Spartan had to be retired she picked him out of the wild herd on the ranch. Actually it was kind of cool, Spartan actually helped her break him. Blaze became his best buddy and learned from him." Elana then asked, "So where is Spartan stabled, I don't think I ever met him, he sounds amazing." Lyndy choked up a bit and Wyatt helped her, "A few years ago Spartan got sick and we had to put him down. It was a very difficult time for Lyndy's mom and the family. He was very important to everyone." Haley interrupted, "Wait, is Spartan one of the two horses on the company logo and who is the other one?" Lyndy gathered herself, "Yes the black gelding is Spartan, he was an amazing horse and good friend to my mom. He was the horse that her and her mom rescued when my grandma was killed in an accident. The other horse was Pegasus. He was my grandpa's rodeo horse and when he left for a while he became my Grandma Marion's project. My grandpa had a terrible accident with him and my grandma made it her mission to help him recover. Pegasus was very special to her and my mom." The group was silent for a few minutes when Brant spoke up. "Well they both sound like they were special to you family Lyndy, I hope we didn't make you feel uncomfortable." She smiled and they continued back to the ranch. Clay and Katie picked them up and they had a fun lunch at Maggie's. Lyndy surprised them when Rusty and his sister Jillian showed up too. Haley and Brant were happy and Rusty brought another younger ranch hand named, Chet. He and Elana seemed to hit is off. The 5 couples had a fun lunch and afternoon at the mall. The planned to go see a movie or two and go bowling. Lyndy told them about a holiday dance for school kids they should attend as well. The group jelled and really looked forward to the rest of the week.
After a fun ATV ride Maddie and the two sets of twins headed to Georgie's for lunch. After lunch Georgie and Steven had to work so the group volunteered to hang out with Noah and Hannah. They had an amazing time with them. Emmie and Ezzie fell in love with them and were amazed at how they were connected together. Emmie said to the other twins, "Look how they are with Maddie they really love her. And look how they bond with her. They can't get enough of her." Annie laughed, "Maddie has always had a way with them. We like to hang with them two, you know they whole twin thing but to be honest they really like being with her." After an hour or so they went down for their nap. Georgie came back home and the girls headed over to the Heartland house to hang out with Lilly and Lisa. Casey had showed up as well. They had a blast baking cookies with them for the New Year's Eve party. They listened to stories about the family and joked about their parents and other siblings. Maddie asked Lilly, "Grandma, how are you feeling?" She smiled, "I feel Ok honey, I have set up a couple of treatments at the clinic in Hudson so I can stay on schedule. I think I am getting better every day but Maddie, I will never be 100%. My past decisions were not well thought out." Maddie held her and spoke to her privately, "I want to go with you for your treatments. I want to be there for you. Do you mind?" Lilly smiled and shook her head yes, unable to speak. She loved this little girl with all of her heart. The two of them went back to the group her were diligently working on the cookies. Lisa and Casy had them in stitches telling funny stories about Jack and Tim and their relationship. Addie questioned, "So Grandpa Tim actually found GG in the field after his heart attack?" Lisa laughed, "Yes he did and even though they were always at odds he actually really cared for him. But trust me neither of them will admit it." Casey added, "When Tim had his cancer scare his biggest supporter was Jack. He was there for him, even taken him to his appointments. You know they bicker a lot but deep down they really care for each other." The group finished their cookies, sampled some and headed back to the Miracle Ranch.
Ty dropped JT and Bart off at Heartland, Jack, Max and Tim gathered them up and got all of their gear ready. The actually decided to go up to the river to fish. Lisa and Lilly packed them a lunch and they headed out in Lisa's SUV. They were so excited to be with these three and the elders were looking forward to it even more. On the ride the two little guys were very talkative. JT spoke first. "GG which one of you is the best fisherman?" He immediately responded, Well of course I am. I have been fishing this property for a very long time. I know where all the fish are and will make sure we find some today." Tim laughed, "Don't listen to him JT, I am the best fisherman by far. I always catch the most and biggest fish when we go out. Your GG is just upset because he knows I am better." When JT looked at Max he just shrugged his shoulders. Bart pulled at Max's arm and whispered is his little voice, "Them two are crazy." Max laughed and smiled at his new buddy. When they got to the river they set up their gear and had a great picnic lunch. They all liked the hot chocolate and although the adults wouldn't admit it the smores were pretty good too. They cleaned up and started fishing. Jack and Tim were with JT whose fishing skills had steadily improved. Max and his new, best bud hung out and fished together. JT caught the first on but amazingly Bart was right behind him. It was catch and release time of the year so the older men showed them the right way to let the fish back in the water. After a productive hour and a half the kids started yawning. GG recommended that the rest in the truck and they both fell asleep quickly buried under a lot of blankets. The three men sat around the fire and enjoyed some coffee and chatting. After an hour they boys woke up and the fishing continued. Bart continued to open up and talk more. JT and him were definitely getting along and were quickly becoming very good friends. As they sat resting around the fire they started talking about their dreams. The three older men, knew of their link but were still amazed at the calmness they each had as they talked about their linked dreams. They packed up after a successful afternoon and took th boys back to the Miracle Ranch. Additional trips were planned, even one up to the fishing cabin. The three gentleman enjoyed the time with them just as much as the little guys did.
Dinner consisted of stories of everyone's day. Amy and Ty were confident that the rest of the week would be filled with a lot of fun activities but reminded them that chores still needed to be done. They all feel asleep quickly and Amy and Ty had another restrained night of making out and such. Ty smiled as the rested after some pretty aggressive play. "We have to have a meeting at the Dude Ranch tomorrow, I am ready to explode." She giggled, "Well we have a few hours tomorrow so you can explode all you want." He smiled and buried his head into her neck. The next morning right after breakfast Justin and Maryanne picked up Amy and Ty for the Hodson Town hall. This was new to them but they really enjoyed themselves and were impressed with how their friends engaged the audience. Maryanne introduced them as honored guest but as expected everyone knew who Ty and Amy Borden were. What really impressed them was the open and honest answers he gave the attendees. Some of the questions were challenging and he handled them with skill and finesses. He always thanked them and called them by their first name. Some questions were directed to Amy and Ty and they mirrored the approach to the Trudeaus. And the best part of the day was Amy and Ty's secret rendezvous at the Dude Ranch. Let's just say a few days of control was handled in their three hours together. The next day was a trip to Okotoks and Caleb and Cass were a big hit. Cass received a lot of questions about veterinary care and he parents work at the clinic. Lucking they were able to attend as well. Caleb received a few comments about his rodeo prowess and he was happy to brag a bit. During the conversation Justin interrupted, "Are there any questions for me?" Everyone laughed. He definitely received a lot of great questions and couldn't deny that having his guest really made the group more comfortable and open.
The final meeting in Calgary was the most anticipated one of the visit. Along with Amy and Ty, Lou, Scott, Georgie and Steven attended. The room was set up with a oval arrangement with easy access to see the PM, Maryanne and his invited guest. This was a much more formal set up and the Governor and Mayor introduced the PM, his wife and all of the invited guest. The place was packed and there was a lot of media presence. Amy and Ty noticed the morning show host they had worked with before and waved at them. Each of them had wireless headsets and there were staff spaced out with remote mics for the audience. As the town hall began after the introductions Justin began speaking. "I would like to thank all of you for attending today's town hall, this crowd is amazing. My wife Maryanne and I are so happy to be here with you. I want to recognized my invited guest since like you they are citizens of this great province and proud members of the Board of Directirs of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince. Like you their questions and comments are valuable to me. And trust me, although I consider them friends they have no problem telling me how the government is doing. Lou Cardinal over her has on several occasions questioned Canada's commitment to small businesses and has challenged my team to do a better job of recognizing their value." Lou laughed and gave him a thumbs up." So let the questions begin. Ove the next almost two hours they handled a plethora of questions about policy, programs, taxes, education and commitment to the infrastructure of the city of Calgary. Many of them were challenging and as always they were answered honestly and with determination. Not everyone was happy but were satisfied that their concerns were heard. As the meeting concluded the PM thanked his invited guest and the attendees for their honesty and open minds. After they adjourned, Maryanne and him were interviewed by the media. The Heartland group stood to the side but were also approached with some questions. All of them were impressed with the process and mostly their friends.
The next day Justin and Maryanne prepared to leave. Jack and Lisa hosted a farewell BBQ lunch so they could give them a sendoff. Justin and Maryanne made sure they spoke to the Borden's with their kids present and reminded them to behave and be mindful of what they told them to do. Maryanne made sure that they also understood that they helped with chores and cleaned up after themselves. They weren't guest but a part of the family. She reminded them that she would be back mid-week to pick them up so they could get back for the start of school. The Borden's started school on the same day so it worked out well. After some hugs and kisses the got ready to leave. Maryanne and Amy hugged and spoke quietly to each other, "Amy I need to get you to come visit for some girl time. I really need to catch up and need my best buddy." Amy smiled, "Well I think Ty has a lecture in mid-March in Montreal, maybe I can come and hang out with you." She smiled, It's a date." Justin hugged Amy and shook Ty's hand thinking them both for their hospitality and keeping the kids for a while longer. Everyone waved as the left and the kids broke off into their little groups. Amy looked over to Ty and he know where it was going. Lou noticed them and winked at Amy, "You still have the key right?" Amy put her finger to her lips so she would be quiet. Amy and Ty went to the office and covertly headed to the Dude Ranch. Their next two hours together would be worth the wait. Ty joked on the way, "Maybe we should have one of the cabins permanently available. I have to say this sneaking around stuff is pretty kinky." Amy smiled looking into his eyes deeply with a love just meant for them, "You haven't seen kinky yet mister." It was a good afternoon for them.