Chapter Seventy-Four

Celebrating the Past and Future

A/N – I am feeling good about the last chapter. Not to belabor the point and I know some readers feel differently but I enjoy the Borden/Trudeau relationship. I think it is a great bond that I will continue to develop. Additionally the Lilly storyline continues to be a great story of love and support for a person who has had a challenging life. The Borden's seem to be good at that. It's time to party and celebrate everything that has happened for the entire family and team and even more exciting to be looking to the next year and beyond. Times are good for the Borden's especially Amy and Ty. Please let me know what you think and submit a review. Mature Content. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, the family had little time to rest as the annual New Year's Eve gala at the Miricale Ranch was just a few days away. It was the day after the Trudeaus had left and the family was chilling. The plans were in place, food ordered, tables and chairs ready and invites were all accepted. As was normal, famliy, close friends and several staff members were invited. Ty and Amy had allowed the kids to ask a few friends each so in total they were close to 50 people. New this year was a heated tent that was connected off the front porch and added a lot of additional space. They decided to make that the eating and later dancing area and had the rest of the house set up for casual seating. With a strong recommendation from Amy and Ty the Board decided to purchase the tent and heaters as they figured that they would get plenty of use out of it. The kids were busy all day so Amy met with Georgie and Katie to look over a few horses and Ty, Steven and Cass talked though several minor surgeries they had to do after the first of the year. Although not pressing one if the horses would be monitored in case they had move it up a bit. Amy and Georgie spent some time in the round pen with a couple of new arrivals so they could get ahead of the schedule. At the beginning of the year they had a number of additional horses coming in that was a little higher than normal. They had a plan but still felt compelled to stay on top of things. Clay joined the five of them for lunch. Everyone was excited about New Year's and the big party. Three of the kids from the youth program volunteered to watch the younger kids at Fairfield so of course they decided to pay them because in total, with Georgie's twins it was about 10 kids. They would stay with the famliy for dinner but would be shuttled over to Fairfield after that. All the kids would stay the night so Ben and Jenn said they would get them up and ready for pick up the next morning. Since Georgie wasn't drinking she would be there early to help with her little ones. New Year's Day would be the usual open house at the Miracle Ranch where people could come and go as they pleased. All they needed to do was to get the party started.

It was early afternoon and Amy and Ty headed back to the office. They kids were set to be back by 4:30 as everyone was invited to Tim and Casey's for a BBQ. Other family members were invited and everyone was excited as this was the first time they hosted the family. As they were checking emails, Amy IM Ty with a picture of a cabin with a bunch of hearts. Without a word he got up and kissed her deeply. They hopped in the GMC and headed to their private den of love. They parked behind the cabin hiding their presence and ran hand in hand to the back door. As soon as they got in a locked the door they frantically took each other's clothes off. This no intimacy at home was becoming more and more of a challenge. They took complete advantage of their time together. Amy got Ty undressed first and jumped into him pushing him back on the bed. Somehow he got the rest of her clothes off while she began to ravage him with her lips and hands. She moved her hand to the place he wanted her to be and brought him to full attention. She continued to focused on the area of his body she loved. He moaned her name over and over until he moved slightly and began to return her level of passion. His hands fondled her breast and his lips engaged as well. She lost a little focus and gave him an opening and he rolled over on top of her. She was helpless as he moved down between her breast to her navel and below. She let out a whimper as he found the part of her that was the most stimulating for her. She grabbed the sheets and reach multiple climaxes. Ty was relentless in his attention and she arched her back and yelled out his name. He move back up to her face as they caught their breath. Amy whimpered, "Well that was fun, Dr. Borden you are quite good at that." He smirked and nibbled on her ear, "Mrs. Borden you have a lot of talent as well." The giggled like kids and Amy took the chance to roll on top of him. They joined in the ultimate act of union and moved with each other like only they could. Their tempo increased and Amy was focusing on keeping it together by staring deeply into his eyes. With a look of pure love they climaxed as one and continued their movements for several minutes past the point of their apex. They collapsed next to each other breathing heavily. After a few minutes Amy leaned over to her husband's chest drawing circles. He felt her smile as he glanced at his phone to check the time. He frowned, "Well we better get going, we need to keep the kids off guard.

They got back to the ranch at the same time the kids started getting back. Maddie laughed, "So how was your day mom and dad. Ty answered, "It was good we worked on some things and got ourselves organized for the start of the year." Lyndy laughed, "So was the meeting at the Dude Ranch, we saw Old Blue parked behind one of the cabins while we were on our trail ride." The rest of the kids giggled waiting for their response. Amy blushed and answered. Well one of the kids had to clean some cabins and borrowed dad's truck to carry some supplies over." Maddie smiled, "Hmm I wonder what they were cleaning, Jenn said no one was scheduled there at all this week." Amy smiled, "Well I don't know then and they both hurried into the house. Ty hastily said, "Well we are leaving in an hour for Grandpa and Casey's house so make sure you are ready to go. The kids planned to continue their interrogation but Amy and Ty ran into their room knowing they were busted. They planned to hide out until it was time to go. Amy leaned into Ty, "Looks like we are busted but I don't care it was worth it. I think I need a shower, care to join me?" He didn't need to wait for an answer as he began to unbutton her top. An hour later a refreshed Amy and Ty headed down to the kitchen to gather up the kids. With such a large group they took two cars and headed to Tim and Casey's. The Trudeau kids had never been to Big River and had a great time with the family. The BBQ was fun and Tim seemed to be enjoying the company. Lou and Amy smiled at each other noticing how happy he was. Hopefully, this was a good thing as he continued to be a more involved Grandpa and dad.

After the next morning, the Borden and Trudeau tribe began prep work for the big party. The entire house needed to be cleaned, tables and chairs needed to be set up and furniture needed to be moved around. Amy and Lou directed the girls as they set up the buffet table and a bar for drinks of all kinds. Lyndy, Haley and Elana with direction from Maddie decorated the house and the tent. Ty, Wyatt, Brant and Clay moved the furniture around in the house to make is party friendly. Clay set up the music station and Jack helped Ty set up some lights. Everything was coming together so Amy and Ty did a final walkthrough holding hands and stealing kisses. Lou and Katie came over to them and Lou smirked, "So I hear one of the Dude Ranch staff borrowed your truck Ty to bring over some cleaning supplies. Hmmm, interesting since there were no cabins booked." Katie started giggling, "You two are too much. Really, in the middle of the afternoon!" Amy and Ty told the kids that their groups would need to hang out in the tent and let the "older folks" hang out in the house. Haley, Brant and Elana were excited because their new friends were coming as well as a few of Lyndy and Wyatt's friends. Annie and Addie had invited Jeremy, Desi and a few of their other friends so Ezzie and Emmie were looking forward to hanging with them. Of course Maddie had Gwen and Sylvia coming and spending the night so they planned to hang with the little ones until they all left for Fairfield. Amy made Ty and Wyatt set up a pregnant lady seating area close to the fire with a comfortable chair and table for drinks and food. Maddie organized a timetable so at least one of the kids would be there at all times to get what they wanted. She also made cute signs so they knew where they were supposed to sit. Bethany was still unsure she was coming as her pregnancy had been difficult. They prepared a seat anyway. Thay also set up a section in the house for the elders. Grandma June was coming but may have to not stay all night.

A little after 3:00 guest started to show up. And to their surprise a reporter and cameraman showed up to. Ty looked at Amy with an apologetic look, "Sorry I forgot to tell you. The Hudson Times is doing an article on local New Year's Eve Parties and they heard of ours." She smiled as the reporter approached. After a number of questions for Amy, Ty, Jack and Lou as they walked through the party they took a lot of pictures. The reporter joked, "A pregnant section that is so cute. And what is this schedule?" Amy explained about the three pregnancies and Maddie's schedule. The reporter asked if she could meet this Maddie. As she walked up, the reporter remembered, "Aren't you the PM's BFF? Maddie smiled, "Yes I am and all of the Trudeau kids are visiting." The reporter asked for a picture so Amy, Ty, their kids and the Trudeaus got together for a group shot, after she texted Maryanne for permission. The reporter was so excited and asked to stay as people arrived. Ty spoke with her, "That will be fine but we hope you respect their privacy as this is a family and close friend party." She smiled at him. "Of course actually we will just take some shots of the party and chat casually with some of the guest. Heck I wish I could stay, this party seems awesome." Amy laughed, "Well at least stay and eat, all the food outside of the cookies is from Maggie's and is being set up by kids from our youth program. They also clean up at the end." The reporter was in awe, "I could just spend all my time doing an article on this party. It is so amazing. Amy you and your family are so committed to family and friends as well as to Hudson and the surrounding area. It has been my pleasure to meet you, Ty and the rest of this amazing group of people."

After an amazing buffet dinner and the team from the Times left the party kicked into gear. Clay got the music going and the two groups of kids got their dance on. Lyndy and Wyatt danced together for over an hour and were excited when Haley and Rusty had joined them. Brant and Elana were a little more hesitant but did enjoy dancing with Jillian and Chet. Katie and Clay hung with them even though in Wyatt's words, they were kind of older. He joked, "You two are like married almost, do you still want to hang with us kids." Katie shushed him and hugged Clay planting a big kiss on his lips. She smiled at Wyatt, "Yea whatever but I can do that." Wyatt shrugged them off and gave Lyndy a big hug. June, Lisa, Lilly and Casey sat along the side of the tent watching the kids dance. Maddie and the twins were having a blast dancing with their friends hooting and hollering. Addie and Annie snuck a couple of dances with Desi and Jeremy as well. The 4 women chatted and laughed at all of the kids having so much fun. Lilly spoke up, "It is so wonderful seeing so much fun and laughter. I have to tell you June, that grandson of yours is truly smitten. See how he looks at her, it reminds me the first time I met Amy and how my son looked at her." The other three women smiled as June agreed and said, "Lyndy is a special young women. I have not known Amy as long as you guys but she is so much like her mother, it is so special." Lisa and Casey agreed and then Casey added, "Look at those Borden twins and their two friends. I swear these Borden girls find someone they like and go for it." Lisa added, "Well I know they are engaged, but Katie and Clay seem to not be able to be apart. She is such a beautiful young woman. You know I met Marion a few times before she died and Jack swears she is her twin." The four women laughed as Amy and Lou walked over to them. Lou spoke up, "What are you four on about, enjoying the show?" The quieted down and June spoke quietly. "Well we were watching your daughters over there. Lyndy and Katie are in love and Addie and Annie really like their two friends. You two have a rough go ahead of you, especially you Amy." Lisa joked, "Just wait until Maddie gets the boy thing, god help that kid." They all laughed enjoying the kids have fun. Amy smiled privately so happy that her kids had such great friends.

About 7:30 it was time for the little ones to head over to Fairfield. JT want Brent were the oldest and kind of wanted to stay but they really liked the three kids that were watching them so they agreed. Ty, Ben and Caleb loaded them all up in their cars and headed over. There were 7 little boys and the Weber Twins. It would be a hand full but the older girls were looking forward to it. They planned to make smores at the firepit and then get them settled. When the boys heard smores they were ready to go. All the moms hugged their kids and discussed instructions with the three young ladies and the kids. All the phones were charged if needed. When Ty came back Amy jumped in his arms. She was ready to celebrate. A pregnant Georgie whined, "Hey you two it is not even midnight yet, cool your jets." Amy smiled between kisses and said, "We are practicing for midnight." Everyone laughed. Now that the little people were gone the young and almost middle-aged adults got into the partying mode. Amy, Ty, Lou, Scott, even Georgie and Steven started to join the kids dancing and having fun. Even Cass and Bethany joined their pregnant partner Georgie and danced. Bethany was not as active as she was not feeling 100% Will was very aware and kept close to her. Amy also kept an eye on her as well. Jenn, Ben, Ellie, Nick, Jade and Cliff joined in on the fun. The group danced and enjoyed their extended family. When slow dances came up the couples paired off, even the older folks joined in. Lyndy was dancing closely with Wyatt but couldn't stop looking at her parents. He looked at her, "Hey, what's up?" Lyndy blushed, "Sorry I am just watching my parents. Their love for each other is amazing. Look at how they gaze at each other. I swear when my mom is with my dad she has a glow that I can't describe. It makes me so happy." Wyatt looked at her and gave her a quick kiss, "Kind of how I feel when I am with you."

June was observing the two of them dancing. Lyndy noticed she was alone and told Wyatt she was going to sit with her while he got them some drinks. When she sat down June smiled and grabbed her hand. "I saw you looking at your parents honey. They are so in love and it's like they both shine when they are together. I felt the same way with Wyatt's grandpa. He was the first person I saw in a crowded room and every time I saw him he looked right at me. I saw the love in his eyes." Lyndy blushed as she continued. "I see that with you and Wyatt. Kindred spirits don't have to be a certain age to become connected. Yes, you two are young but you are very mature and sure of yourself. Don't take what you have for granted. Be there for each other and always listen to what each of you have to say. It won't always perfect, there will be challenges, but I am sure you two are meant to be together. Did you know that I knew my husband was the one right after my 15th birthday. He was still trying to understand but I knew." Lyndy was very emotional and asked her, "Grandma, how did you know?" She smiled, "Well when I saw him and we were together, my heart always fluttered. I reacted to no one else that way not even my parents. I know he was the one." They smiled and held each other. June spoke softly to her, "Thanks for calling me grandma." They embraced as Wyatt came back hesitantly watching the interaction between his grandma and his girlfriend. "Is everything OK you guys?" Lyndy smiled stood up and hugged him. "Everything is perfect, grandma and I were just talking." Lyndy and June smiled at each other as Wyatt figured he would just roll with it. Meanwhile, Amy was resting her head on Ty's chest watching her daughter's interaction with June and Wyatt. She whispered to him, "Look at our daughter, she is so in love. Do you know the other day she asked if I thought it would be Ok if she called June grandma. I said of course you can never have too many grandmas." Ty laughed, "Quit staring horsey girl but I think she crossed that bridge. Look at June watching them two. She had the grandma look for sure." He looked into Amy's eyes, "I love you Amy Borden." They kissed and held each other tight.

As planned a bunch of snacks and munchies were laid out around 10:30 so the group could take a break and recharge. Clay just put some background music on and the group settled into quieter conversations. The three pregnant women needed to put their feet up so they went into the house and let their husbands serve them. Amy walked with Bethany taking her to her seat. As she sat she grimaced slightly and whispered to Amy, "Don't tell Will but I am not feeling well. He is having so much fun I just hate to tell him I want to go home." Amy looked at her, "Bethany you will have many New Year's Eve's together. I will guarantee you he will not be upset. You know those men have this need to protect us so maybe tonight you let him do it. Ty has already noticed that you were uncomfortable and said I should tell you to go home. He is such a man." Bethany smiled but Amy saw pain in her eyes. "Amy can you get him, I really need to go home." Suddenly she doubled over in pain and almost immediately, Will and Ty ran to her. Will asked, "Honey what's wrong." She winced in pain, "Will I hurt, something doesn't feel right. We need to go to the hospital." As calm as they could Amy and Ty helped her out to the car that Will had brought up. Will lifted her into the back seat and Amy sat next to her. She smiled at Ty, "I am going to go to help her, can you come get me in a half hour?" Bethany protested but Will was happy she offered, He was very scared. As the group looked on they all wished them the best. Jack got everyone's attention, "Everyone I am sure Bethany will be fine, and I am sure they want us to have fun tonight but let's take a moment to pray together. Lisa took over and offered a quick prayer for them. When she finished the group resumed their break. Ty left and came back with Amy a little while later. She announced to the group that Bethany was fine and more comfortable but would be in at least overnight. Jenn spoke up and said she and Ben would take care of little Billy as long as they needed. The group was relieved and prepared for bringing in the new year.

Again a determined Jack and Lisa had prepared a small speech just before midnight. The group settled and they stood in the middle of the tent. He began to speak, "Well the first thing I want to say is Lisa and I will pray for Will and Bethany tonight before we go to bed and I expect all of you will as well. But we would expect nothing less of this group of people. The love we all have for each other is evident and Lisa and I are confident that this love is the reason why we have been so successful. Every one of you plays a valuable part in our success and the future is bright." Lisa stepped in, "As Jack says you are the reason we are doing so well. I was a part of building a pretty strong business with Fairfield Stables. But since we formed this company and Fairfield was brought in, the business and reputation has grown exponentially. My friends and business associates love working with the "new" Fairfield and the other companies as well. That my friends is because of all of you." She looked to Jack and put her arm around him as he continued looking directly at the children. "I know this business talk might be a little boring for you young folks but I want you to remember this one thing. We all love you deeply and what drives us is building something that is for you and your future. Never forget how much you parents love and care for you. Pay that love forward in everything you do." Everyone smiled as many tears were forming. Hearing Jack talk this way was not something many of them were used to. He finished. "We had had a great year and next year will be even better. There will be a lot of new things going on but one thing will never change. This family and that means everyone here, will be the reason we succeed. Our love and support for each other will take us into the future. A future of love and happiness. Don't ever forget that." Everyone raised their glass for a toast and Ty yelled out, "Too the future!"

It was about 15 minutes to midnight and the party had reached a high level of excitement. Couples were dancing in preparation for the stroke of midnight. The elders sat on the side of the tent watching the fun in front of them. Lilly spoke up, "Jack that was a wonderful speech. Who ever knew you were such a softie." They all laughed as he responded. "Well I don't have much of a choice, I am surrounded by women. They have an effect on you." Casey laughed and said, "Well Jack all those women are pretty amazing and you are lucky to have them." He smiled understanding that was true. The entire group was dancing and getting ready for the countdown. Amy and Ty were focused on each other. As was their custom, they would start their kiss just before midnight and keep it up after. Ending the previous year and starting the new one showing each their love. As it came closer to midnight they looked at their kids with the love only parents could have. Maddie was dancing and frolicking with Gwen and Sylvia. The twins were having a lot of fun with their groups but had successfully gotten close to Desi and Jeremy with midnight approaching. Then they saw Lyndy and Wyatt talking and dancing next to Kattie and Clay. Amy whispered, "I think they are taking notes. I have noticed that they are spending more time with those two, trying to mirror their love. It is cute but I really believe they are meant to be. Lyndy and I talk about it all the time but I am Ok with them. They are both so levelheaded." Ty agreed and laughed, "I remember you were so in love with me when I first came here. I was surprised you could resist my charms." She poked his ribs, "Calm down there Casanova, you were Ok I guess." He smuggled into her neck kissing her. "Whoa lover boy, I guess our Dude Ranch time has sparked a little lovin' in you." He smiled in her neck and they looked in her eyes. "You are my spark, you are beautiful and I love you more and more each time I see you. I will show you the loving part a little later." She smiled and kissed him deeply, "It's a date."

The time was fast approaching. All of the couples and friends joined for the countdown. Amy and Ty were only focused on each other. The countdown started at 10 and their kiss began. It was a deep and passionate kiss just for them and no one else. In that one moment it was just Amy and Ty, no family or friends were present to them. The clock struck twelve and cheers rang out. But their kiss continued. Finally they separated, told each other they love them and went to their kids, hugging and kissing each of them. Hugs and kisses were shared by all as the joy of the moment took over the entire group. Lyndy was still blushing a bit when her mom and dad hugged her. Amy smiled and whispered, "A good kiss huh?' She turned bright read, put her head down and told her mother she loved her. Ty shook Wyatt's hand like a father would and gave him a hug as well. The twins ran to their parents and told them they each got kisses on their cheeks. They were beaming with excitement. Maddie ran over and jumped in her father's arms and grabbing her mom's arm. "Happy New Year mommy and Daddy." The Borden family and close friend huddled together celebrating the new year. Jack and Tim got everyone's attention. "Ok everyone lets head outside, Tim and I have a surprise." As they got out a fireworks display began in the pasture. It lasted almost 15 minutes with a grand finale that was breathtaking. Amy glanced over and saw Lyndy holding her with her phone up. "Honey what are you doing?" She smiled, "I want to show this to JT tomorrow since he isn't here. I think he will love it." She put her arm around her oldest daughter realizing how wonderful she was.

After the fireworks, the party died down and people began leaving. Cass and Georgie were exhausted as Caleb and Steven helped them to their cars. Scott and Lou took June back to her retirement center and the others slowly filtered out. The kids, including the Trudeau's helped clean up and headed up to get ready for bed. Amy and Ty did a final walkthrough and decided everything was in order. They made the rounds as most of the kids were already just about asleep. Amy and Ty reminded everyone that they should all sleep in as tomorrow would be laid back family time. The headed to their room and as he closed the door Ty gave Amy another deep kiss. She cooed, "So, you don't seem tired." He smiled, "I am a little but am looking forward to making out a little with my wife." She laughed looking at a very tired Ty Borden. She went and got ready. She slipped into one if his favorite pair of PJs, washed her face and combed out her long hair. She kept glancing at Ty as he laid on his back, just in his boxers looking at her. She couldn't' help but notice that he was fighting to keep his eyes open. As she finished she turned off the light and climbed into bed nestling into him. She whispered into his ear, "I love you." In return she heard slow and heavy breathing. He was down for the count sleeping peacefully. She looked at him and saw a contented and happy man whom she loved like no other. She pulled the covers over them and laid closely to his side listening to his slow and steady heartbeat. She leaned up to his ear and whispered, "I have never been happier than I am right now. I love you so, so much Ty Borden." He moved slightly and whispered, "Rain Check. And I love you more." The each fell asleep quickly dreaming of their amazing life.