Chapter Eighty-One

The Discovery

A/N – I am sure many of us have dealt with the loss of someone close to us. I wanted to make sure I properly described the healing process and how we all need someone to go to in times of sadness. Lyndy and Wyatt are very close and as I continue their relationship will flourish and grow. I had feedback that I should bring Ty and Wyatt closer as well. I had planned to and used this to accomplish that. The JT and Wyatt bond is something that has been on my mind for a while and I promise it will continue to grow as well. Our next storyline again came from a reader and I have to say I am really excited about it. I just hope I can turn my ideas on how to do that and develop it into a worthy story. As I move forward, we will continue to focus on the time up to the end of the school year. We have babies coming, a wedding to enjoy and a few birthdays sprinkled in. Mature Content Enjoy!

After a little more than involved Spring Break the Borden kids were happy to be back at school. There was a lot going on from now until the end of the semester so each of them were focused on what they needed to do. Projects, exams, show jumping preparation, recitals for Lyndy, horses and anything else that came up. The shadow over the first week was preparing for Grandma June's service. The plans were complete and the Colorado group had their flights booked. Jenn had the Dude Ranch already for them to stay at. Luckily, she was able to hold three cabins for them and Wyatt's Aunt and Uncle would be staying at the Miracle Ranch. It was decided that the casket would come on the plan with them so Ty and Jack made sure the funeral home was there to pick it up and take it back for the service. The service was scheduled for noon on Saturday and the family had a reception planned at Fairfield for all the attendees. All of the family and many of the staff were attending in support of Wyatt and Lyndy. The morning of the service Jack and Lisa hosted a very light breakfast for the visitors and immediate family. The night before the visitors settled in their cabins so the morning would give them a chance to meet Wyatt's extended family. Wyatt's family was overwhelmed with the kindness of everyone and the preparation taken to welcome them and make them feel at ease. The cars showed up and the caravan left Heartland for the funeral home. The family was overwhelmed at the number for people who showed up to show their respects. The funeral attendants had to open up additional space to handle the overflow.

The service started with words from the minster from their family church. Then there were eulogies from Wyatt, his aunt, Ty and Jack. Amy and Lyndy surprised the group with a duet, singing Hallelujah. They took the breath away of everyone there. Their voices were beautiful together and the melody filled the room with joy and love. Ty smiled at his wife and daughter in between the tears he shed along with everyone in the chapel. The group moved to the cemetery with a caravan of over 50 vehicles. Wyatt's Aunt was brought to tears when she saw the love and support that the Albertans showed for her family. The gravesite service was the most stressful, especially for Wyatt. Lyndy held him tightly as the minister said the final prayers to lay her to rest. Wyatt was stoic but was on the verge of losing it, especially since along with his grandma, she was now next to his mom, dad and grandpa. As they lowered the casket he buried his head in Lyndy's shoulder. JT came over to him and held his leg tightly. Amy and Ty also came over to support him at the most crucial moment. Wyatt collapsed in TY's arms as tears came in tremors. It was time for him to totally feel his loss and his aunt and the Borden's were there for him. He was only 15 years old and had lost all of his role models as he was definitely feeling lost and alone. More than ever he needed Lyndy and her family and he knew she would be there for him no matter what. Once they got back to Fairfield Wyatt was feeling better. He went for a walk with Ty as they looked over the grounds. He quietly said, "Thanks you for everything you have done for me and my family. You have all been amazing. My Colorado famliy is so appreciative of everything too." He paused looking like he had something to say but didn't know how to. "Were you serious when you said I could call you dad?" Ty smiled and put his arm on his shoulder, "Wyatt of course you can but only when you feel comfortable with it. Ty works too. It would be my honor to have you consider me as your father, but you have to be OK with it.

Amy and Lyndy watched as they returned. Lyndy smiled, "Wyatt seems better. Whatever they talked about must have worked and look how close they are. Mom he really loves the both of you but I think dad and him are really close. It makes me so happy to see him happy." Amy leaned into her sharing a tear of happiness. Amy loved her husband more than ever. She smiled, "Lyndy your dad has a lot of love in him and I am sure there is plenty of room for Wyatt." Everyone headed home and after rounds Amy and Ty were in their room. Amy had been trying to control herself ever since she saw Ty and Wyatt come back from their walk. She was snuggling up to him as her hands were actively moving around his body as they kissed passionately. He laughed, "Kind of frisky there cowgirl." She rolled on top of him looking into his eyes seductively, "I love you so much Ty. Today with Wyatt, I have never loved you more. So I thought I would…" She began to touch him and kiss him in all the places the loved. He moaned with every one of her advances enjoying her touches. She was on a mission to please him and she was successful more than one time. He was overwhelmed as she brought him to multiple moments of complete release. He quickly moved to satisfy her needs especially using his hands, lips and tongue. He went to the place of her most erotic needs to bring her the pleasure he had just received from her. She tensed up and looked at him with love filled eyes. As he moved inside her she moaned and lightly spoke his name many times. As she reached her peak she pushed into him and arched her back in ecstasy. As they settled, she wasn't done, pulling him on top of here. He entered her with a love that was only meant for the two of them. As they moved they both moaned, kissing each other passionately. As they neared their climax the intensity increased as the moment approached. In one single moment, their loved exploded in a desire to pleasure each other with the love they shared together completely. As they came down from their mutual high and caught their breath they, molded into each other and held their damp naked bodies close. There was no need for words as their eyes told each other how they felt for each other.

The next morning a groggy Amy and Ty came down to see Wyatt, Lyndy and his aunt cooking breakfast. His aunt smiled and said, "These two were cooking breakfast so I decided to help out. Maddie said something about some times you two like to sleep in." Amy blushed and went to find her troublemaking daughter. Everyone had a quick laugh and the rest came down for a great breakfast. Everyone was meeting at the Miracle Ranch for the ride to the airport. Max and Lilly were also going home as well. They loaded up and headed to the airport for their noon departure. After the sendoff, the family came back home for a relaxing afternoon after a very hectic and emotional few days. The Borden's were just planning to hang out with the horses and around the farm. The girls went on a ride with Amy less Addie who was helping her dad while he worked on the Norton. Wyatt and JT rode their horses over to Heartland to help Jack with something. He needed to move some things to the cellar and needed Wyatts strong back. JT was more of a supervisor and was looking around the cellar moving stuff around. Neither of them had been in the storm cellar before and Jack told them a story about how they were go there when bad weather came. As JT was digging around he pulled a box down and saw another box hidden behind it. He pulled it down and it spilled onto the dirt floor. As the top popped off, A bunch of leather-bound books fell out. Jack and Wyatt came over to see what the little one was up to. As they walked up to the mess Jack's mouth fell wide open. "JT what have you found?" Wyatt helped them pick up the books and they counted over 50 of them. As they began to open them Wyatt said, "These look like the journals that Amy has," Jack sat back in astonishment in an old chair that could barely hold him. Wyatt and JT were worried and JT said, "GG are you Ok?" He gathered himself and smiled. "Little guy lets pack this up and Wyatt can you carry it up to the kitchen for me. I have to make a couple of calls."

Lisa was confused when the two buddies walked in with a very dirty box. She saw Jack on the phone and wondered what was up. He walked in with a smile on his face. The rest of the Borden's are on their way. A few minutes later four galloping horses and the Norton were heard coming down the road. Jack had called Amy and Ty and told them to come to Heathland as he had a surprise for everyone. He took a minute to clean it off before they all barged into the house. Amy was out of breath, "Grandpa is everything OK. I mean you said to hurry over so we galloped almost the entire way." Addie chimed in, "Dad was flying down the road," She said smiling as Amy gave Ty a upset look. Jack calmed them down and began telling his story. "Well, JT, Wyatt and I were putting some things in the cellar for storage. JT was looking around, pulled out this box that was hidden and it spilled out. As we were helping to pick it up I looked at one of the leather-bound books and realize something. Amy like your mother, Grandma Lyndy and her dad were quite the horse healers. I thought these were long lost and had actually forgotten about them. Amy, these are journals from your GG and Grandma. Like you and your mom, they kept notes on everything and Lyndy was always looking back at them. I believe that your mom used them too early on but then somehow they were lost." I can't believe that JT found them after all of these years. Amy was speechless as she opened one of them. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she read the notes and looked at the hand drawn pictures. "I can't believe this it is overwhelming. Lyndy look here are notes about a horse that won't accept a saddle." Amy added, "And Ty her are notes on loco weed, remember when we had that horse at Fairfield that had eaten some." Amy took a second and placed her hands on the table to support herself as she read something that brought even more tears. With the help of Ty she sat down a bit wobbly.

Immediately Ty held his wife asking, "Babe are you Ok?" The rest of the family looked on with concern and JT grabbed her hand. Lyndy looked over her shoulder and noticed one journal that looked different. It was thinner and the cover had a picture of wildflowers on one side and a bouquet of yellow and blue asters sprinkled with baby's breath on the other. When Lyndy opened it she saw two handwritten letters. When she saw it she realized why her mom was so emotional. The blue and yellow wildflowers looked exactly like her mom's wedding bouquet and as she recalled Wildflowers were her Great Grandma's favorite flower. She looked at her mom, "Mom do you want me to read these to everyone?" Amy meekly shook her head yes but not before JT spoke and said the most amazing thing. "Mom, don't be sad, Grandma and Great Grandma wanted me to find this and want you to read the notes." The girls gasped as their amazing little brother spoke so calmly to their mom. Ty held on to her tight as a tear came to his eye. Wyatt grabbed Lyndy's waist and teared up as well. Jack and Lisa looked on at the love of a family that was so strong. After a few moments Lyndy began to read the notes. One was from her namesake Great Grandma Lyndy Bartlett and the other from her Grandma Marion Fleming. She sat next to her mom as she gathered herself, hoping that she would give the words the justice they deserved. Jack put his hand on her shoulder for support and she immediately felt his strength. Lisa held the other three girls and JT stayed on his mom's lap as she prepared to begin.

Lyndy looked at the date. It was two weeks before she passed away. "Marion, as you know these older journals were passed down to me by you father-in-law Thomas Payne. He was an amazing horse healer and understood horses sometimes better that his three daughters. His knowledge was not learned in school, it was learned from his heart and his mind. I think he told me a thousand times that a horse will tell you what he needs, you just have to listen. Marion, you have our gift. I saw it in you when you were very young. I swear you talked to Kindling more than you talked to your dad and I. I remember you would always head out on a ride and be gone for hours. We worried initially but after we figured it out and we knew you were on the ridge. I don't know how many times I had to send dad to go get you. I just wanted to write this note to tell you how much we love you. You are an amazing daughter and I wish I could be here longer for you. I may not be by you side but I will always be in your heart. Don't ever forget that and use these journals to continue to write your own. I have no doubt that you will save hundreds of horses and continue the work my dad and I took on. I am sure of it. Marion, I know she is just a toddler but I feel the same ability in Amy. The way she watches you and looks at horses tells me she will continue our work. I am sure that God has given our family this gift to use and she will continue it. I expect her skills will surpass ours and I hope these journals help her. And I know one more thing, She will have a daughter that will continue our legacy. She will be strong and confident and show the same drive and love that we have all had. Not to be vain but I hope she is named after me, that would be lovely. Honey, I only have a short time left with you but I will make sure that it is full of love and care. I hope you don't mind but I really want to spend a lot of time with your girls, especially Amy. I can't explain it but I feel that she is the one that will build our legacy into the future. I love you with all my heart, my precious child. Take care of Daddy and your girls, they are everything to me. Love you forever, Mom."

Lyndy could barely keep control of her tears. Amy sat in a trance, completely unaware of everything around her. Even Jack was struggling as Lisa grabbed his waist. No one spoke until JT said, "Mommy we have to read the one from Grandma, she wants us to." Lyndy found the strength to continue, "Don't worry I got it buddy." She began noting the date, one month to the day before the accident. "Amy by now I expect that you all have found the journals that I hid in the cellar long ago, shortly after mom died. I also expect that I am no longer with you. Something has compelled me to find this special journal and add my letter to you. Don't be upset because my reasons were simple. Grandma and I decided that our journals and one day yours would move our legacy onward, including my Grandpas work. Each of us have had a specific influence on our ability to help horses and the people we love. The journals in this box are from my mom and father-in-law and are for you to use. Your Grandma Lyndy and Grandpa Jack loved the three of us very much. After things went bad with your dad, they were all we had and they didn't let us down. I really hope you forgive your dad one day and never forget your grandma Lyndy, especially her songs that you love to sing. Most importantly be there for your dad, as he will need you just as much as you both need him. Amy, as I have watched you grow up, I see so much of my mom and Grandpa Payne in you. As mom says you can find out about a horse by looking deeply in their eyes. Huten taught me that no other animal is as soulful as the four-leggeds. Baby, I see that in your eyes to. You have a deep passion for life, your family and the horses you heal. This is a passion that comes from three generations before you from all of us who were chosen by God to do this. It is a gift not to be taken lightly. There are two things I don't understand but know as clear as the sky. First I am sure your oldest child will be just as blessed as us and second the young man I have sent you also will help you realize your potential. When I met him I had a feeling that was the reason he came to me. Again, I don't fully understand it but I am sure I am right. Amy please don't be sad, as I love you and your sister with all my heart. I will always be next to you both to encourage you to move on. We are privileged and responsible to continue our work and pass it on. Use this special journal to write a note to your child one day. You will know when you need to. Take care of those you love and Grandpa as I am sure he is still hanging around. I love you and Lou both forever. Mom

The family sat in silence as they all tried to comprehend what they had just heard. Amy's emotions were all over the place as she heard the words of both her Grandma and Mom run through her mind. Along with Lyndy they continued to comb through the journals. Great Grandpa Payne's journals were interesting in their simplicity but his detail was amazing. He was vert artistic and drew clear pictures that were linked to the specific issue or horse. She noticed as well that he made multiple references to the fact that he was always working with Lyndy, his oldest daughter. Several times he said she had the gift and would do great things with horses. Several of the journals were worn and some of the writing slightly faded. Ty spoke up, "Honey I think we should freshen these up, maybe pay someone to clean up the journals and handwriting." Lyndy smiled, "Daddy, I think we should do it. It will help us better understand what he wrote" Annie, Addie and Maddie smiled in agreement. Amy smiled at the four of them and stayed in her husband's arms. "I think that is perfect girls, will you help me?" They all hugged with a love of a mother and her daughters. Ty chuckled, "well I think you all are crazy but whatever you need from Wyatt, JT and I we are here. Amy, I think we need to use the den to do this work. Also I am going to do some research on how to preserve these. These are a family legacy and we need to do everything we can to preserve them for future generations." Jack finally decided to speak, "I completely agree Ty. Lisa and I will foot the bill to have the professionally preserved after you guys finish. This is the legacy of horse healing that is important and needs to be saved." Amy stood up and hugged her Grandpa tightly. "Thank you Grandpa, I think that is a great idea."

It was close to dinner so Lisa decided to order pizzas for the group. Amy and her girls continued to look over Grandma Lyndy's journals amazed at the detail she provided. Lyndy called Lou, Georgie and Katie and they came over as well. The Bartlett and Fleming clan perused all of the journals carefully. Lou, Georgie and Katie read the notes from Grandma Lyndy and her father. Lou was extremely emotional especially the comments about their dad. The others emotions were mixed with laughter at some of her comments. Maddie laughed, "GG, GG Lyndy is a riot, she talks about a horse that is showing a lot of attitude like you. She call this horse bullheaded, like Jack." He looked concerned and joked, "I'm not bullheaded am I Lisa?" Lisa smiled patting him on his back. The family was committed to refreshing the journals and although it was emotional it was also heartwarming and rewarding. After a quick dinner they continued the work until Ty and Jack stood up and said that it was time to go home, we have school and work tomorrow. Jack said he would store the journals in a safe place until they all decided what they wanted to do. Tearful goodbyes were shared by all. It had been an emotionally draining activity and Ty was sure their kids would sleep well.

As they drove home Amy quietly held his hand tightly. He could tell something was on her mind but decided to wait until they were alone. They got to the house and the kids were still buzzing. Amy and Ty told them to get ready for bed. After good night rounds filled with a lot of questions Amy and Ty headed off to their room. Ty could tell that Amy was emotionally exhausted and needed him to hold her. She was really struggling so Ty went to her, Helped her get undressed and carried her to their bed. She melted in his arms and as gently laid her down. He went to lay next to her and he finally asked, "Ames, what's wrong, I can tell something was on your mind on the way home." She broke into tears and held him tighter. He was at a lost but then she reached into her nightstand drawer and pulled a folder out. Sobbing she gave him what was inside. His mouth dropped, it was a letter written to Lyndy, similar to the letters they found earlier. He held her even tighter. As she calmed she spoke tentatively. "Ty, after the problems with JT's birth, Spartan passing away and my cancer scare I decided to write a letter to each of the kids and you. But Lyndy's was a little different. It was about her inherited capabilities healing horses." Ty read it softly as she listened. Amazingly the verbiage matched the approach that Lyndy and Marion had taken. When he finished he was visibly shook. "Amy did you think you were going to die?" Amy smiled nervously, "No I don't think so, but something drove me to do it and now I know why. Ty it unnerves me to think that my mom and grandma guided me to do it. You know I see them in my dreams now and then. I miss them but I think these journals will help us all be closer to their legacy and dreams." She smiled and hugged him, moving to kiss his lips passionately. In minutes she fell fast asleep in his embrace. He soon followed her.

Over the next week or so the word spread rapidly about the discovery of Lyndy and Thomas Payne's journals. The letters stayed privately with just the family. Ty and Jack made arrangements to take part of the Quonset hut at Heartland and build a temperature-controlled room with room to store the journals and generations of journals to come. Lisa encouraged them to get a backup generator as well in case power was lost. Dr Molder and a team from the University came to view them as well seeing value in including them in the archived journals from Amy and Marion they had digitized. He brought a couple of staff from the Art department who specialized in restoration and preservation. He spoke to them, "Amy and Ty we want to be a part of this and will offer these services for free. This is a historical find and want to be a part of it." Amy and Ty were overwhelmed with his support and happily agreed. Until the temperature-controlled room was finished they were moved to a room at the Miracle Ranch with had a separate air conditioner. Everyone wanted to see them so they allowed staff, friends and invited guests to look at them. Either Amy, Georgie, Katie or one of the four Borden girls had to be there at all times to insure they were treated with care. Ty had done a lot of research and created a list of dos and don'ts that he shared with the family. When people looked at the journals they were amazed with the detail and were proud to be employees of the company and part of the legacy. Close friends were supportive of Amy and the rest of the girls who worked with the horses day in and day out. Overall everyone walked with pride as the word spread all over Hudson and the rest of Alberta.

One morning Amy got an email from the Good Morning Calgary hosts Alex and Sam, who they had interviewed with before. They had heard of the find and wanted them on the show to talk about it. She looked at Ty, "I don't know Ty if I want to do that. I mean I understand their reason but am I being too protective." He walked over and pulled her into a hug. "Babe, I understand, but the journals are a treasure that should be shared. The letters are just for us but the journals, just like your mom's and yours are guides. It is your decision but think of how many horses will benefit from knowledge like this being available to trainers all over Canada." She smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "You had to bring horses into it didn't' you." He smiled and kissed her passionately. When she came up for a breath, "Ok, Ok you win I will let them know we will do an interview, but you are coming with me. I would like to bring Georgie, Katie and Lyndy too." He smiled, "that would be awesome." Amy responded and they planned to have them on Friday at the end of the week. They slotted 15 minutes at the end of the show which was a lot of airtime. Amy and Ty had a meeting with them the day before to discuss the logistics with the hosts of the show. Amy has also decided to ask Lou to come as well. Alex and Sam were excited and expected the interview to gain a lot of attention. The had been running teasers all week and had request from local officials to be there to view it live with the in-studio audience. As they met, Amy was clear on one point. "Lou and I have talked and we want to make sure that there is no commercial intention here. All we want to do is share this amazing story. Our plan is to share the content as a part of our digitized series provided by the University of Calgary." She choked up a little, "Alex and Sam these are very personal to our family." Before she could continue, Alex grabbed her hand. "Amy I can assure you that not our intention. Your family is a blessing to this community and we want share that with everyone."

The morning of the show was an early one for all of them. They all drove in Ty and Amy's big SUV. Their segment was at 7:45 so they needed to be there by 7:15am. Everyone was ready to go and they made it to the studio a little early. After a little makeup they waited in the green room. On a break Alex and Sam came back to see them. Sam started, "You guys can't believe the buzz your story is getting. We even had the provincial governor ask to come along with some representatives from the Canadian government." I can't even guess how many people are tuning in. Alex smiled at them, "You guys all look amazing and Georgie, my lord are you due soon I hope." They laughed as Georgie said, "About two months or so." Sam asked timidly, "Do you mind if we congratulate you on air?" She smiled agreeing. Amy joked telling them they had already talked to the PM and his wife. And they are allowing all of their staff to take time to watch it at work along with most of Hudson. Alex finally laughed, "Ty my god you look great but all these women, how do you handle it?" He laughed, "I am just the driver." They all laughed as Amy kissed his cheek. The hosts left and the producer told them 10 minutes. They were talking quietly when they came to take them into the studio. Just like last time they were hustled into their seats. Amy, Lou and Georgie sat in front and the other three were in the back on higher chairs. As they settled and waited for the interview to start, Amy and Ty noticed several people in the audience but were shocked when they saw Maryanne and Haley in the front row smiling broadly. Amy waved at them just as the camera came on and Alex opened up the interview.

She laughed, "Well if you noticed as we came back on the air one of our guest Amy Borden was smiling and waving at someone in the audience. Well folks that someone is Maryanne Trudeau and her daughter Haley. Seems these Borden's have some pretty prominent friends out there. Any way Sam and I are thrilled to welcome members of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince team. I imagine most every knows Amy and Ty Borden along with Georgie Weber our Olympic champion. Before we have Amy introduce the other guest we would be remiss to not congratulate a rather pregnant Georgie Weber. So Georgie, how much longer." Georgie blushed, "Well Steven and I have a little over two months and I have to say our twins, Noah and Hannah can't wait." Sam laughed, "Oh my you have twins too," Lou spoke up, "And they are less than two. Oh and I am the grandma." The entire group laughed including the audience. Amy interrupted, "Well as you know now this is my sister, Lou Cardinal. Her husband Scott runs the Hudson Vet Clinic and is one of our now 6 vets on staff. Next to Ty is our oldest daughter Lyndy and then Lou's youngest Katie Fleming." Alex again laughed, "So the horse jumping champion/extremely talent dancer and the Marion Fleming doppelganger and soon to be married young lady." Ty laughed, "Well you guys have really done your homework." Again everyone laughed as Alex got to the reason for the interview. He generally described The Discovery as it was being called. The group was extremely quiet as she described how it was found and generally what it contained. She paused and looked at Amy, "Amy give us some insight, it must have been quite the emotional surprise." Amy rubbed a tear from her eye as Ty put his hands on her shoulders.

Amy went through the entire story from JT and Wyatt finding them to the preservation steps they are taking. As she rested, Georgie took over. "Our hope it to incorporate the journals from my Great, Great Grandpa Thomas, Great Grandma Lyndy, with those from Grandma Marion and Amy in a digitized help guide for trainers around North America and maybe the world. The University of Calgary is spearheading the conservation and restoration effort and will be producing the digitized series." Lou added, "This is not an intended money maker but there is a nominal charge for production cost. Any profit will be given to the Albertan Equine Association." Then Lyndy spoke up surprisingly. "The world needs to know what these four amazing people have done and we are so proud of them." She reached out her mom and hugged. As Sam and Alex began tearing up Ty spoke. "We just want to thank you for your support. Our family is not in this for the glamor, we do what we do only for the horses and other animals we work with. It may sound corny but that is the basic truth. My wife and the other four women on this stage are just a part of an amazing legacy and team." The crowd erupted in applause. Alex and Sam thanked them for coming and told their viewers, this is what a true fairy tale looks like." The cameras cut away as the show closed. Hugs were all around especially Amy and Maryanne and Haley and Lyndy. As they settled, Amy walked up to Ty and hugged him. She whispered in his ear, "Ty Borden I am glad my mom brought you to me. I love you so much."