Chapter Seventy-Five

How Can it Be – JT is Three

A/N – As I reiterated in my last A/N times are good for the Borden's especially Amy and Ty. I really enjoyed showing the emotional side of Jack, especially with his reference to the many women in his life. Another point I continue to support is the bond between the Borden kids. Lyndy thought nothing of taking a video of the fireworks for JT. My intention is that Amy and Ty project this love by their actions for all of their children. Kids rely on guidance from their parents and it is not always verbal direction. The Trudeau kids are heading home and school is resuming. Business will dominate the family early in the new year but there is a little boy who is kind of excited about his big day. Let's join in the celebration. Enjoy!

I continue to enjoy your feedback. Don't forget I would also love to hear some of your ideas on storylines. Right now I have enough to get me to mid-summer. Thanks so much for your support

The kids had mixed emotions as they all headed to the airport with the Trudeaus. They were heading home and they all decided to take them to the airport to meet their mom who had flown back to get them. Breakfast that morning had been subdued. Although they were excited about school starting back they were really going to miss their friends. All of the kids had a great time during their visit. Lots of horse time, friend time and most of all family time. The kids had really grown their friendships and had the beginnings of lifetime relationships. Maryanne and Amy had talked the night before about the kids and making sure they were able to keep their friendships going. Amy laughed, "You know, Haley and Lyndy have become very close. I caught them several times in conversation, giggling about boys. Haley really likes one of our ranch hands, Rusty. They see to share a lot of likes, especially riding. And Bart and JT, well we already know their link. It is uncanny to watch them interact with each other." Maryanne sighed, "It will be tough being apart but maybe we can have regular calls so they can keep connected. I think the older kids are Ok but a Skype call between our two little guys might work." They were quiet until Amy spoke up. "Maryanne I hope we can stay in touch as well. It's nice to have someone to talk to about kids, husbands and everything else. I am really excited to see you when I come with Ty for that meeting. We need to make sure we get together, maybe dinner with the four of us and some time alone." Maryanne answered immediately, "Definitely, well I will see you all tomorrow." The caravan arrived at the private hanger where the government plane taxied in. Amy had Maddie, JT, Bart and the Trudeau twins with them and the security team had the others. As they pulled up a smiling Maryanne was waiting for them and as a surprise the PM was there as well. Hugs and goodbyes abounded as the children said goodbye to each other. Amy, Ty, Justin and Maryanne huddled as the security team transferred the luggage. Justin and Ty moved the kids on the plane as the Borden's got a chance to look it over. Amy and Maryanne stayed back to talk privately. They embraced as tears rose from each of them. Jusitn tapped Ty on the shoulder chuckling, "I think they are taking this harder than the kids." Ty laughed as he saw his misty-eyed wife hug her friend one more time. The family looked on and waved as the plane taxied and took off. They would miss their friends.

The ride home was quiet as Ty looked at his sad wife and held her hand. He tried to get the kids talking so asked the group, "Hey kids are you all excited about school?" Maddie spoke up first, "I sure am, we have a lot of projects we are working on and I can't wait to get started on them. Gwen and I are working with two other kids and we are all looking forward to the work." Annie added, "I am getting ready for the science fair coming up soon. Abby, Jeremy and I were working on a project where we take strawberries, let them start to spoil and then turn them into jam. I found and old recipe at Heartland from a lady called Mrs. Bell. Mom isn't that the same lady who adopted dad and made your wedding dress?" Amy smiled, "Yes it was, Mrs. Bell became dad's adopted grandma and helped him with his tuition for a while. Her little horse, Sugarfoot walked in our wedding being led by Georgie. He was so cute and Dad and I loved Mrs. Bell as much as GG." They all smiled and Addie spoke up, "Dad, we are taking apart a motorcycle in shop. I am so excited to show off my skills. And I think we will get to ride it too." Amy smiled at her excitement. Lyndy was quiet. Amy looked back at her, "Lyndy are you looking forward to Goddard? She smiled timidly, "Yes but I am a little nervous too. What if I am not good enough. Those kids that go there are really talented." She held Wyatt's hand, "And I am really gonna miss you guys when I am there, it is so far away and I won't see you at all." Maddie giggled, "You mean you won't see your boyfriend." Everyone chuckled until their mother gave them the look. Ty spoke up, "Honey you will do great. You are an amazing dancer and they wouldn't have offered you this unless you earned it. I am sure we all will be here to support you and I know we are all proud of you, right kids." Everyone agreed. JT said he was excited to see all of his friend and fish on the weekends. Lyndy asked Ty, "Dad are you excited that we are going back?" Ty smiled and winked at Amy, "Well of course your mom and I are, but we will miss you guys during the day for sure." The car was quiet when Maddie had to respond. "Yea right, this give you and mom more alone time so you can make out and stuff, so disgusting." The girls all giggled as Amy blushed a little. The ride home had become less stressful for sure.

At dinner school talk continued. Amy made sure that after dinner the kids got all of their school stuff together and picked out clothes. Although their girls understood modesty it still was a habit to make sure that they dressed appropriately. Ty fretted, "Amy it is so tough now. The was some of these kids dress today, it makes me nervous. I hope we don't have an Ashley in our house." Amy giggled, "I bet you liked some of those outfits she wore but don't worry. Our girls are aware of what they can and can't wear. Don't have a panic attack." He smiled nervously, "Amy I have 4 beautiful daughters and a hot wife, it's my right to be nervous." At dinner there was also a lot of discussion about JT's birthday party this weekend. Everything was set and gifts had already been purchased. The plan was to have a breakfast party for just the family and then a big party in the afternoon. They had kept the tent up and planned to have it in there so the kids would have room. Between family, JT's friends and some of their parents it would be a big group. JT wanted hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, cake and ice cream. Amy and Ty added some adult food as well. The kids settled in for bed and Amy and Ty spent time with each of them making sure they were ready for tomorrow. They had decided to talk with Lyndy and Wyatt for a little while longer. As the entered the room they noticed their daughter quietly talking to Wyatt misty eyed. Amy went over to her and pulled her into a hug, "Oh honey you are going to do great at Goddard. I know it is a little scary but you have all of us to support you." Wyatt spoke up, "Mrs. Borden, I said the same thing." Looking at her he continued, "Lyndy we are all so proud of you. You are an amazing dancer and it's time for everyone to see that. I just hope when you become a big star you remember us little people." They all laughed as Ty patted Wyatt on his shoulder approving his comment. Ty added, "Honey, you are like your mom and me. Sometimes when we have had to start something new you are anxious. But it goes away and you will have a blast. We can't wait to hear your stories at dinner. And don't worry we will keep an eye on your boyfriend for you." They all laughed and Amy and Ty told them good night. As usually Ty gave them the 10-minute warning.

Breakfast was a little more chaotic than usual but the kids got off to school. After some cuddling Amy and Ty headed over to the office. They had a morning full of meetings as they prepared for the extra business coming their way. As they waited for the others to arrive Amy got an email from Will. "Will responded to my email asking how Bethany was doing. Oh my, it seems she has developed gestational diabetes. It seemed diabetes runs in her family and the doctors determined that was the issue. They can treat her and it was good that they found it early. She will need to rest and have regular checkups. Ty, he sounds concerned." Ty thought for a bit, "Let's go see them later, better yet lets invite them for dinner. I think it is time for the Borden's to step up to help." Ty got on the phone and called Will insisting that they come over for dinner with little Billy too. He was resistant but Ty convinced him to come and agreed. Amy smiled, "Let's make sure we talk to the kids and some of the others as well. I think this will be a team effort. Shortly after their call, Georgie, Steven, Cass, Caleb, Katie and Clay showed up for their planning meeting. The also had Jenn and Lou on the phone as well. They went through a bunch of topics and plans for the unusual number of clients headed their way. Jenn made notes and ensured the group that she would have all the accommodations ready. Amy, Katie and Georgie broke out the horse assignments and the three vets divided up the exam schedule. Caleb, Lou and Clay talked about supply management, ranch hands and the youth kids. Cass committed to get with Ellie and talk about the university students. They broke for lunch and the Miracle Ranch group had lunch brought in. Lou was at Maggie's and Jenn was having lunch with Ben and would fill him in. Before the broke for lunch Ty told them they would review everyone's plans after lunch and Amy mentioned that they all needed to talk about Bethany's issue. Everyone agreed and broke for lunch.

At school they kids were getting back into the zone. Ty and Amy felt blessed as all of their children loved school and enjoyed their classes and classmates. At lunch, the conversation talked about the first day of school. Caleb ribbed Amy, "As I recall you weren't much for school, remember when you abducted your math teacher's father who had Alzheimer's." Amy smacked him, "First off we didn't know that and second after it was all done my teacher was happy we helped her dad's horse. She became my favorite teacher after that." The group laughed as others told school stories to each other. At Hudson High School every one of Lyndy's friends were excited but a little sad about Lyndy's Goddard school program. At lunch, Maya was asking her a lot of questions. "Lyndy how excited are you. You are going to be at one of the best dance schools in Canada and best of all get to get away from this place a couple of days a week." Lyndy smiled sheepishly, "Yes I am excited but will miss you guys." Maya laughed, "You mean you are going to miss lover boy." Lyndy blushed and leaned into Wyatt. The twins were also getting into the school mode quickly. Annie and her science project team sat down to discuss their plan. She told the others about the Mrs. Bell story. Abby laughed, "I would like to be you dad's honorary girlfriend, he is so hot." Annie glared at her, "Abby that is gross, he is my dad." She smiled to herself realizing the she was right. Addie was holding fort as they shop teacher went through the schematics for the motorcycle they were rebuilding. The class was broken into 4 groups of four and would be working on different parts of the rebuild. She was pumped because Desi was on her team and they had the engine and transmission. She couldn't wait to start the work and planned to ask her dad for help if needed. Maddie was on top of the world. The project they had to do involved working with the PreK kids and although she wouldn't be working directly with JT she would be able to see him a lot. She loved her little brother a lot. JT heard about it as well and felt the same. He was close to Maddie and was looking forward to seeing his sister more.

After lunch, the meeting at the Miracle Ranch resumed. Plans were reviewed and alignment was strengthened. Everyone felt good about the onslaught of business and vowed to meet regularly to make adjustments as needed. As they concluded everyone was anxious to hear about Bethany. Amy took the floor and detailed the gestational diabetes diagnosis for the group. Ty added, "Gestational Diabetes has several problems that could impact the pregnancy. The baby will be more than likely larger than normal and an early C-Section may be needed. She is really going to have to rest and be monitored a lot. She may have blood pressure issues and also blood sugar swings. I bet they are worried especially since Will still has to work and Billy needs attention." Amy continued, "So it is time for us to step up and help. I expect all of you are already thinking of things we can do. We have invited them to dinner tonight and will offer up our help. If you guys have anything you want to bring up let me know and I will talk to them about it.." Jenn immediately spoke up. "Well Billy and Jaxon are in the same class so anytime they need me I can bring him home with us. I think they would get a kick out of that. Heck Amy I can get JT too" Lou mentioned that they could have some prepared meals made for them and the kids from the youth program could deliver them. Amy smiled, "And you can be sure that Maddie will set up a schedule to make sure there is some there all the time. She is kind of good at that." Georgie and Cass smiled at each other as Georgie added, "Well Cass and I have already went to see her and we will handle the emotional support thing. Since all of our hormones are out of whack it seems we can help each other. She is really doing well but we made a pack to be there for each other any time of the day" Amy smiled and teared up a bit, "God, I love you all so much. I knew we could count on everyone but this is amazing. We are going to talk to the kids before they come over. Katie and Clay I expect that you guys along with Wyatt will be brought into the mix." They finished the meeting and everyone went on their way. Amy closed the door and jumped into Ty's lap. She kissed him with passion startling him a bit. He sat back, "What was that about?" She smiled, "I love them all but I love you even more. Let's make out for a while, the kids get home in an hour." Ty set and alarm so they didn't lose tract of time.

After the discussion with the kids Will, Bethany and Billy showed up for dinner. Bethany seemed to be Ok but was still a little unsteady. When Amy presented the plan to them they were beyond overwhelmed. They sat there speechless not believing the work that had gone into helping them. When they decided to meet Ty a few years back they never thought that this family would care so much for them. Finally Will was able to talk, "Amy and Ty this is unbelievable. You all are amazing and we don't deserve this. I just don't know what to say. The girls went over to him and put their arms around him and Bethany while JT went to Billy. Lyndy spoke for them, "You guys are family and we will do anything for family. Whatever you need we will be there for you. All of us." Bethany finally broke down and hugged Amy tightly, "Amy you guys are too much, I don't think you can fully understand what this means to us." Amy smiled, "It is what we do, you three are part of this family and we do anything to help you. Jenn has offered to pick up Billy when needed. Lou is having some dinners prepared for you so you don't have to cook a lot. Maddie is arranging a schedule for someone to be with you or close by, especially when Will is at work. We have more volunteers than we need. And I already heard about your little pregnant mother's club with Cass and Georgie. I am not pregnant but I would like to be a member too." The conversation lightened up and fully turned to JT's party. He was excited and so was everyone else. This 3-year-old was going to have the time of his life.

Party day had arrived. In order to allow the family time to get set up Jack, Tim and Max took all the boys fishing at the river for the morning. It was chilly but not unbearable especially after Tim built a big fire. Having, JT, Billy, Ben, Breydon and Jaxon out of the way would be a big help. In order for Will to come help out, Georgie and Cass took the twins and stayed with Bethany. She was still undecided but really wanted to come to the party. Will, Clay, Caleb and Wyatt were on grilling duty. Scott, Ty and Steven worked on making sure the tent was set up, especially an area for the three pregnant ladies. The plan was to have the entire party in the tent but if needed the house could be used as well. Lilly, Lisa, Lou and Casey were with Amy prepping the rest of the food. The Borden girls were cleaning the house and decorating both the tent and house. Maddie walked up to her mom laughing, "Look I made a label for a ketchup bottle, JT and Daddy's Ketchup Bottle." Lilly gagged remembering that her son would douse mac and cheese with a lot of ketchup and it seemed so did JT. All of the ladies laughed. As things progressed, Amy and Ty walked around making sure everything was perfect. Being the only boy among a lot of women, they really wanted this to be a special day for their son. As they checked things out they held hands and thanked everyone. They were overwhelmed with the love everyone had for their little boy. Amy leaned into Ty and whispered, "This is overwhelming Ty, I am so happy for JT." She kissed her forehead in agreement. Ty, Lyndy and Wyatt left to get June and Amy headed over to check on the pregnant ladies. Katie also came over to get the Weber twins and bring them back. When Amy arrived she was happy to see that they were ready to come back with her, including Bethany. She hugged her and whispered, "I am so happy you can come, JT will be over the moon. You know he prays for you and your baby every night." Bethany smiled and leaned into her shoulder.

Tim texted Amy and told them they were 10 minutes out. Amy and Ty got everyone ready to greet the birthday boy. As the truck pulled up all the mothers headed to get their kids and the Borden girls ran to get the birthday boy. He looked out the window with a big smile on his face as he saw everyone waiting for him. He jumped out of the car into Lyndy's arms as the four sisters kissed him. She put him down and he ran to his parents and jumped in Ty's arms. He was still smiling but seemed a little overwhelmed. Everyone moved into the tent and JT looked over the scene with wide eyes. He was overwhelmed with happy birthdays and hugs. He was very polite and thanked everyone but he stopped as something caught his eye. Amy noticed it first as she watched him slowly walk over to the area where Bethany was. As he approached his eyes grew wide and his smile lit up the room. He looked at her and said, "You made it, I am so happy. This so far is my favorite present, I am glad you are feeling better." He gently put his hand on her stomach and she held him with tears in her eyes. Everyone was still and several sobs were heard from the group. No one had ever seen such a wonderful thing. Amy and Ty were holding on to each other as they looked on. Behtany whispered something into his ear just for him. He smiled and hugged her again. As he stepped away he went to his mom and dad. Ty asked, "What did she say to you?" "Daddy she told me that she loved me and wouldn't miss my birthday for anything. She said something else but it was just for me." They hugged him tightly. He jumped down and the party started.

The food was ready so everyone filled a plate and enjoyed an amazing feast. The BBQ was a big hit and the mac and cheese was as well. Ty and JT liked there personal ketchup and splashed it liberally on their mac and cheese. JT was excited when he saw that Grandma June liked it to so he shared their bottle. Everyone laughed at the interaction as he high fived her and kissed her cheek. Jack laughed and said, "That young man has a way with the ladies." The mood was happy and carefree. Amy and Ty watched their son interact with everyone, amazed at his ability to treat everyone the same. They especially were happy when he spent time with the older group showing a level of respect to all of them. Lilly, Lisa, Lou and Casey got special hugs. As he walked away Jack again said, "See he is definitely a ladies man." What made Amy and Ty feel even better was how JT interacted with his sisters. He loved each one of the deeply and every time he passed one of them he hugged and kissed them. He was a very loving boy and wasn't shy about showing how much he cared for them. As parents it made them feel so happy. Clay started some music and many of the kids were dancing and playing around. Everyone was having a lot of fun enjoying his party and although he was the center of attention he never forgot to spend time with everyone. Amy called him over, "So JT is it time for presents or time for cake and ice cream?" He thought for a second, "Well I bet everyone is still full so maybe we should do presents first." Before he committed he ran over to Bethany and asked her what she wanted to do. He smiled, "Present time!"

The girls had JT set up in the middle of tent so everyone could watch him. Lyndy, Annie and Addie brought the presents to him one by one and Maddie kept a log of who gave what. JT took the time to look at each gift and thank the people who gave it to him. From Tim and Casey he got a new cowboy hat and one of his belt buckles from his past rodeo days, Jack, Lisa, Max and Lilly got him a brand new fully stocked tackle box and fishing vest. Many others gave him clothes and toys that he wanted. The gift from his sisters and Wyatt was one that he was really happy with. First each of them wrote a personal birthday card that he would cherish for many years. With the help of each of them they read the cards privately together. After each one he whispered something their ears and they smiled at each other. The card from Wyatt seemed to really impact the young boy. He smiled with a little tear in his eye and hugged him tightly. JT and Wyatt had formed a strong bond. Lyndy looked on smiling amazed at the both of them. She leaned into her mom, "I am so happy right now, look at them." Amy smiled and hugged her. Then the girls handed him a gift basket containing gift certificates for, riding lessons, trips to the fun center, movies and other places and things to do that he enjoyed. He was so happy with it and with every card he smiled even more. He loved his sisters and Wyatt and the gift meant everything to him. The final gift was from his mom and dad. The tent opened up as Katie led Blue Boy in. Immediately JT noticed a brand-new saddle custom fit just for him along with a new bridle with his name on one side and Blu Boy's in the other. The whole set was brand new and as Wyatt lifted him up he smiled broadly. "Mom and Dad I love it, it is so cool. He was a happy young man and thanked everyone again. He smiled at his mom and yelled, "It's cake and Ice Cream time!"

As the group settled Amy, Lou , Katie and the Borden girls got ready for the cake and Ice cream. The girls brought out the cake with three candles. The cake was fishing themed with rods, reels and a lot of different fish. Since there was so many other people they had additional sheet cakes. Several flavors of ice cream were available as well. As they brought the cake out a resounding version of Happy Birthday was sung with Jack, Amy and Lyndy leading the group. JT was smiling broadly and after being told to make a wish he blew the candles out to applause and happy birthdays. The girls took orders, Amy, Lou and Katie dished it up and everyone was sitting with cake and ice cream. Ty, Caleb, Will and Wyatt made sure everyone's drinks were refreshed. Maddie kept bothering JT to tell them what his wish was. He was stoic and would not say it. "It's a secret Maddie, if I tell you it won't come through." After everyone was eating JT looked at his mom and asked her to come over. He whispered something in her ear and immediately she teared up and hugged him. Ty came over to see what was up, "Hey Amy are you OK?" She smiled at him. "I am more than alright , JT wants us to do something with him." He grabbed his mom and dad's hands and walked over to Bethany. She smiled as he came close to her and sat in her lap. "Bethany, I hope you don't mind but my wish was that you have a healthy baby." Bethany melted into him not able to speak. Cass and Georgie heard it as well and were in tears. Georgie looked at him and said, "Don't worry your secret is safe with us buddy." He smiled and hugged Cass and her as well. Amy and Ty were simply amazed at how thoughtful and caring he was.

The crowd soon began leaving but several stayed to help clean up. Amy told the kids to get ready for bed as Ty and her made a final look around. When they were done Amy decided to go spend some time with the birthday boy. Ty went to see the girls and Wyatt and thanked them all for all of their help. Lyndy and Wyatt were talking when he walked in, "Hey dad how is JT doing. I saw him talking to Bethany, is everything alright?" Ty hesitated but decided to share what he said with them. "Ok you keep this quiet but his wish was that she has a healthy baby. Needless to say she was pretty moved by what he said." Lyndy smiled, "He is amazing dad, all of us love him so much." He smiled and gave the customary 10-minute warning. He went back to check on Amy and JT. He didn't hear any talking so he quietly opened the door. When he looked in his heart fluttered as he saw them cuddled up together fast asleep. He got a blanket and covered them up, kissing each of their cheeks. JT opened his eyes and told him, "Mommy is tired, she can stay here if she wants." He smiled and said, "No problem buddy, take care of her for me." He walked out giving the thumbs up to a smiling little boy. As Ty walked into his room he sat looking at the pictures of the family in their room. Although he would be sleeping alone tonight he felt as though he was the luckiest man in the world.