Chapter Ninety-Four
Settling In, Special Secret
A/N – First off I am happy to say my story alignment has been repaired so all is well. I know I have said this before but this is my first attempt at writing anything. It has been rewarding in many ways but especially because so many of you have enjoyed the story. As promised the last two chapters were all Borden, but I feel the last Chapter, "A Place For Love" was the favorite one I have ever written. It is the pure reason of why I am writing this story. Please let me know how you feel and review. Well it is time gain to close out the summer. Ty and Amy are continuing to manage the work and along with the Board moving the business forward. Summer activities continue for the kids. In order to keep things fun and interesting a secret comes from a family member that brings joy to everyone. And get ready, the school year is about to start along with September Birthdays and a visitor from the past shows up. Interested yet? Enjoy!
A publishing note – I was on holiday so was unable to write. Now I am back settled and will get back in the groove!
After a fun filled week away, the Borden family was looking forward to settling in for the rest of the summer. The trips for the kids and Amy and Ty are still fresh on their minds. When they returned the kids were filled with stories of all the fun they had and how their relationships had grown even stronger with the Trudeau children and their parents. Amy and Ty were quiet about their week but seemed closer than ever. At dinner Lyndy asked, "So, mom and dad how was your trip. Did it bring back some memories." Amy sidetracked and talked about Rambo and how she worked with Sam and Shoshana figuring out what was wrong." Maddie rolled her eyes, "Really you tell us about fixing a horse, we want to hear the romantic stuff." JT laughed, "Yea the sleeping in and rainchecks." The entire table burst in laughter as JT blushed along with his parents as Wyatt tickled him. As things settled, Ty answered, "Mom and I had a great week together but we did miss you guys. And mom working with a horse, that was the best part." Not convinced, the girls just smiled at them. After dinner and clean up the kids went to visit the horses and head to bed. As Amy and Ty made their rounds a few questions followed but again they were low key about their week. When they went to see Lyndy and Wyatt she couldn't resist, "Come on you guys, give it up. Everyone is talking about how you both seem even happier and clingier than usual. Something happened right?" Amy smiled, "Honey your dad and I love each other very much and last week just showed us how much we mean to each other. And how much each of you mean to us as well. In life you have dreams and goals. Pike River was where we finally realized that we had the same goals and dreams and it was wonderful to relive that." Lyndy looked up, "Wait the gazebo is there, did you see it." Amy blushed, "Yes we did, in fact I surprised dad with a nice dinner there. It was good to remember how important it was to us." With Lyndy kind of satisfied they said good night and headed off to bed. As they laid next to each other Amy whispered, "Ty, last week was amazing and I can't imagine a life without you. One heart and one soul, you are my everything." He smiled as she nuzzled into her chest. "Amy, thank you for telling me to stay." She giggled, grabbing his side, "So maybe we can replay the time we were together after you proposed for the third time?" She rolled on top of him as he whispered, "I thought you would never ask."
Work continued to pick up as the summer rolled on. Amy, Ty, Georgie, Steven, well everyone were knee deep in client horses. The Dude Ranch and Fairfield were booked up as the news of what the H.E.E. could provide continued to spread. Amy and Georgie continuing to look for more potential trainers that could focus on the easier problems. That would allow them along with Katie, Lyndy, Wyatt and Rusty to focus on managing horses in their level of expertise while allow some newer staff, with their support to manage the easier horses. From the vet side with the addition of Dr. Mandy, some quality vet techs and a continuing excellent group of students on their clinicals, the additional demand was being handled. The Day Care Center was flourishing as well and had a waiting list. Amy spoke with Marjorie, the Director and asked if she would come to the next Board meeting in a few weeks to explain expansion options. It seemed the center had gained a lot of awareness as a premium place to send youngsters. It was not only well laid out but it provided a lot of developmental options for this kids. One day Amy was picking up JT, Noah, Hannah and Nate from the Day Care Center. Marjorie came to her and spoke up. "Amy, we have more volunteers than we need and since some of them are professional child therapists, the innovative ideas are amazing. And to be honest Amy, the opportunity for staff to receive a discounted fee if they volunteer has really provided a big boost of support. I received a call from the local high school principal and he asked if we would consider having some of the high school kids volunteer for extra credit. He said kids need community service experience like this for their college applications." Amy smiled laughing, "Well Marjorie you have done a great job and we appreciate you and the full-time staff. We never expected this to be more than a way to help our staff. And the way our family is going we will need to expand more. Definitely a Board Meeting discussion and I would love you to be there for it!"
Overall every business which made up the Heartland Equestrian Expereince was continuing to grow and handle the continuing growth – all items to be discussed at the next Board Meeting. Maggie's had made several renovations to increase their capacity. The space next to them became available so the plan was to rent it out and move the tack and feed store there. This would allow Lou to expand the eating area and size of the kitchen. It would also let them build out the area outside for three season access as well. Lou was excited and was working with a friend to develop the look of the renovation. The Hudson Vet Clinic work that had been done previously along with the Dude Ranch improvements were all helping them keep up with the continued business growth. Space at both was limited and if improvements could be made they needed to be within their current confines. Fairfield was becoming more and more needed for high profile clients who came to stay for a period of time. As determined, Max and Lilly's home was used for clients when they were in Colorado but the issue was it was not available, when they were in Hudson from May to September. Ben and Jenn were sitting on the patio at Fairfield one night after the kids were in bed having some quiet time. She frowned, "We already have asked them to stay with Jack and Lisa twice this summer because of overflow and it is not fair to them. So I was thinking. What if we took that plot of land next to the main pasture and build a home for us. I mean I love our place here but with all of the guest, it is like we live in a boarding house. It doesn't have to be anything big but something just for us." Ben smiled, "And having our own place will give us some privacy and alone time. You are still thinking about another baby right? She smiled cuddling into his chest, "I think so but if so a house is a must then. We could take our quarters and create at least 4 more rooms for guest along with an increasing the size of the kitchen. Let's jot down some ideas and put it on the agenda for the next Board Meeting. The last two parts of the organization were Heartland and The Miracle Ranch. Both comprise a majority of the operating budget and generated the most revenue and profit. Heartland was at capacity and Jack was hard pressed to make any more changes. Amy and Ty were open minded about their property but had already expanded by purchasing additional acreage and adding the Day Care. Both felt they could continue to handle growth in the foreseeable future but long term it could be an issue. Jack, Lisa, Amy and Ty met privately one night to look over the land overview of Big River. Although Tim had been a challenge for many years, they did see the possibility of growing the business onto his property. As the kids grew they would need their own places and Big River was a good option. They already leased some pastureland occasionally from him and he had calmed down a bit, mostly thanks to Casey. It was a possibility and would bring it up to the Board in a few weeks.
Maddie, Annie and Addie were continuing to practice as the fall finale was coming in late September. They had entered a few smaller competitions and did well while keeping their skills honed. Gwen also had been practicing with them but unfortunately competitions for her were limited. Maddie had an idea so at dinner one night she spoke to the family. "Mom, you have always told us to do the right thing so I have an idea. There aren't many jumping competitions for kids like Gwen. It's not fair and I think we should help. We should start the first annual Miracle Ranch Special Kids Jumping Competition. We could hold it in the indoor arena and invite competitors from around Alberta. I am sure we can get it sanctioned and I bet a lot of sponsors. We can invite family, friends and just general folks would attend. We don't have to make money and if we do we can donate the profits. We can set up the tents and have food trucks or Maggie's sell food. Do you like my idea?" Amy sat for a moment to gather herself as Ty came over an put his hands on her shoulders. Since she couldn't find her words Ty spoke for them, "Maddie that is a wonderful idea and your mom and I couldn't be prouder. We have a Board meeting in a couple of weeks and we will bring it up. Can you write down the ideas and let us have them before it?" Maddie smiled as Amy went to hug her tightly so happy she could only do that. Annie, Addie, Wyatt and JT smiled in agreement as Lyndy chimed in, "We would love to help you Maddie, we think it is an amazing idea." The famliy continued to discuss what was happening. Lyndy smiled and spoke up, "Dad, Wyatt gets his permit to drive soon. Can one of you teach him?" Wyatt poked her and added, "I know you guys are busy, Clay and Caleb offered to so you guys don't have to." Amy laughed, "There is no way Caleb is training you. Years ago her stole your dad's Norton and crashed it. And Clay, hasn't he had like 2 or 3 tickets?" Ty interrupted and proudly said, "It would be my privilege to teach you. And we will definitely use Old Blue. Look how well your mom drives guys and that is all thanks to me. And several transmissions." They all laughed as Amy poked at her husband. The conversation carried on. Annie and Addie were excited about the start of school 7th grade dance and going with their friends. Lyndy chuckled, "You mean with Desi and Jeremy. I think my seventh-grade dance is where Wyatt first kissed me. Maybe you guys will be as lucky as I was." She leaned into him as JT started gagging, "That is gross" They all ticked him as Maddie blurted out, "So JT who is your girlfriend, Abigail? I have seen you talking to her and even eating lunch with her a couple of times. What's up with that?" JT got a very mean look on his face, "She is my friend and we have done some projects together, that's it." He huffed and went to Wyatt. He whispered in his ear, "Don't let them bother you, I think she is pretty cool." Amy now on Ty's lap looked on as their kids interacted. He squeezed her side as she smiled as both of them were very happy and proud of this group.
One ay JT was a little quiet so Amy asked him what was up. He said quietly, "I know I am supposed to go to the Day Care but could I hang out with GG and Max today. Maybe fish at the pond or go for a ride?" She smiled seeing that her little man needed some time with his GG. She quickly called Lisa and arranged for him to spend the day at Heartland. She asked Wyatt and Lyndy to take him there on their horses so he could have Blue Boy there. So the plan was in play as they headed out. Ty walked out to say goodbye and asked Amy, "What is up? Where are they going?" Amy smiled putting her arm around his waist. "JT asked if he could have some GG time. I think he had been a little worried after he got sick recently and just needs time with him. He is so perceptive and I think he knows that Grandpa is not getting younger." Ty smiled, "Well I have felt the same way and I think we should all do the same. He is sure a smart little guy and so thoughtful, just like his mom." She smiled and leaned into kiss him, "No he is just like his daddy." Maddie was flying out the door with Annie and Addie right behind them. All three yelled, "Gross" as they headed out to the barn. They had a day filled with chores and horsey stuff. Desi and Jeremy were coming over for a ride and picnic with the twins and Maddie was hanging out all day with Katie as she worked with some horses and was planning to spend some time coaching her, Gwen and Sylvia. As she got to the barn, Clay and Katie pulled up as he was dropping her off. He got out, opened her door and picked her up swinging her around kissing and laughing. Maddie shrugged her shoulders, "Ughhh, you guys to, Mom and Dad were just making out on the porch. All of you are just gross." Clay and Katie laughed and after one more exaggerated kiss they came to their little cousin and hugged her as well. Amy and Ty yelled over laughing at the sight. Ty spoke up, "Having fun Maddie." As they watched her struggle to get free Amy whispered in is ear seductively, "So Dr. Borden, I still have an hour or so until I need to head over to the office. How about you?" Without a word, he picked his phone up and sent a text and got an immediate response. He kissed her ear lobe and whispered, "I do to." They rushed in the house and up the steps to their bedroom, locking the door. They barely made it to the office on time after some early morning lovin.
As Wyatt, Lyndy and JT rode up to Heartland Jack called them over to the barn. Max was there as well as he helped JT off his horse and helped him untack him and get him settled. After a conversation with Lyndy and Wyatt they decided that Jack would ride JT back to the Miracle Ranch before dinner. JT jumped into his GG's arms and hugged him tightly. He asked, "When are we going to go fishing with Grandpa Max?" Jack smiled warmly at his little great grandson. "Well buddy it is just you and me today. Max and your Grand Mere are in Calgary all day meeting with people and Grandma Lilly is volunteering at the Day Care. She likes to help with the kids, especially your cousins. So it is just the two of us." JT smiled broadly, "That is awesome so what are we doing." GG again laughed, "Well we have an action-packed day. First some coffee, a muffin and the newspaper. Then maybe some fishing. Then we need to go up to the back pasture and check the fence, you up for a ride?" JT smiled, "Absolutely GG." He continued, "Then some lunch and after that I need your help cleaning out the Quonset Hut. I have been looking for something and you seem to be good at finding stuff, you game?" JT smiled so happy that it was just the two of them, "You bet I am GG but I will pass on the coffee, maybe some milk. Let's roll." He grabbed his hand and headed to the ranch house. Jack felt younger when he was with JT. He was an amazing young boy and although he couldn't say it, he was his favorite great grandchild. They hopped up the steps and went into the kitchen. After getting their muffins and drinks they went to sit in front of the fireplace. Jack was in his chair and JT sat on Lisa's. As Jack drank his coffee, snacked on his muffin and read the paper he looked over at his buddy. JT was drinking his juice, eating his muffin and looking at a fly-fishing magazine. His phone went off with a text from Amy asking how things were going. He snapped a quick picture of JT and just texted, "Everything is perfect." When Amy's phone buzzed tears came to her eyes as she showed it to Ty. Tears came to his eyes as well and she forward the picture to everyone in the family. She received a bunch of smiley faces and hearts. She leaned into Ty as happy as she could be. "Look at them Ty." He just smiled tearily and held her tighter.
A patient JT jumped up when Jack asked if he was ready to fish. The went to the pond and dropped lines in the water. They talked about a lot of things and when JT got the first bite he set the hook and with Jack's encouragement reeled in a nice sized small mouth bass. JT breathlessly asked, "Are we keeping him GG?" He smiled at him and said, "Catch and Release today JT." They continued to fish for another hour as each of them caught three. Jack made sure he took some pictures to show everyone later. They headed back to the barn, stowed the fishing gear and tacked up Buddy and Blue Boy. After a quick restroom break they got some snacks, a blanket and some drinks for their trip to the south end of the ranch. During the ride they talked again. Jack was always impressed with JT's ability to talk openly and with no hesitation. He looked over and saw a serious look on the young man's face. "GG, can you tell me about Great Grandma Lyndy. I mean she has talked to me in my dreams before but what was she like and why did you marry her?" Jack stopped the horses and pulled him off to go sit on a nearby log. He smiled, "Well she was the love of my life. A long time ago I was riding back to the ranch and the snow was picking up. My horse, Charlie, started to move toward the brush and would not take my commands. He moved over and I heard a faint whisper. You Great Grandma was in a thicket trying to stay warm. It seems on her way home her horse had been spooked and through her off leaving her there alone. I scooped her up and took her back to her house. It was very cold and she held onto me for warmth the whole way." He looked at him with a question. "GG, were you scared?" He smiled pulling him closer on his lap, "Well a little but I was more worried about her. She was shivering and barely able to talk. But somehow, Charlie knew what to do. He was a very strong horse and galloped over an hour until we reach her home. I will never know how but he knew where to go." JT smile and admitted, "GG, she told me that you saved her and from that moment on she loved you forever." Jack could barely speak. He fought tears as he answered the amazing young boy. "Well JT I knew I loved her too. We dated for a while and I asked her to marry me. We were young but knew we were meant to be." JT smiled, "Let's go fix a fence GG." Jack lifted him on to his horse and they rode off.
They pulled up to Heartland on their horses just in time for lunch. After they untacked, groomed them and gave them a snack they let them both out into the pasture. As they walked back to the house they waved to Georgie who was heading out to the round pen with a horse. Several of the ranch hands were there to exercising some of the other client horses. Georgie gave them space as she knew that this was there day. Caleb also saw them and yelled over, "JT did you make sure that your GG fixed the fence right?" JT smiled and gave him the thumbs up. They sat down for lunch and enjoyed some sandwiches and chips. They ate on the porch and watched the activity on the ranch. JT smiled, "GG, what was your father like. Mine is awesome but I have never heard about yours." After finishing his last bite of his sandwich he spoke to his inquisitive little man. "Well to be honest JT he was tough. He had a hard life and sometimes he forgot how to love his family. He had to give up a career in hockey to take over the ranch when my grandfather got sick. He seemed to never get past that spent a lot of his life taking his feelings out on others. He was a fair man but expected a lot out of my sister and me." JT looked at him, "Do you mean June?" Jack looked at him, "How do you know about her?" Well mommy told me and showed me her gravestone at the family cemetery." Jack took a breath, "Well my sister, your Great, Great Aunt loved the farm and horses. She also had the gift like your mom and sister. When I decided to join the rodeo, my dad was not happy but June encouraged me to go and said she would handle things at home. She wanted me to follow my dream as her dream was this ranch. While I was away there was an accident and she passed away." JT came over to sooth him sitting on his lap. "It's Ok grandpa it is not your fault. I bet she really loved you and wanted you to be happy." He smiled and gathered himself, "Thank you son, I know she did but for a long time I blamed myself. I came back to the ranch but after a while went back on the rodeo. I met your Great Grandma and got married. I stayed on the rodeo and she went around and sung with her group. When she got pregnant, we both decided to settle back here to raise your Grandma Marion. It was the best decision we ever made." He hesitated again as he continued, "JT I love Lisa very much but Lyndy will always be my first and most precious love. I think of her every day." JT smiled, "GG she loves you to and also loves Lisa. She is happy you two are together." Jack looked at his amazing great grandson and just hugged him. After a few moments he said, "Well let's head out to the Quonset Hut, we have some searching to do."
As they entered the Quonset Hut, they ran into Steven and one of the vet techs. About two thirds of the hut was converted into an examination and surgical room and they were looking over a new horse that just arrived. Steven waved at them but was focused on the animal. They quietly returned the greeting and headed to the part of the hut that was still used for storage. When JT opened the door he laughed, "What a mess?" Jack stood back and said, "This is very important stuff JT and what we are looking for is somewhere in here." JT smirked, "Yea like we will find it in here. What are we looking for?" He picked up a cardboard box about the size of a toaster. "We are looking for a metal container a little bit bigger than this. It is light blue with the design of horses on each side. It used to be where GG Lyndy stored her knitting needles." JT looked confused and asked, "We are looking for knitting needles?" Jack laughed and answered his question, "No silly there is something else in the box that I want to find. Something very important to me." JT smiled and with a determined looked answered, "Well let's get 'er done." They spent the next hour or so digging through the mess. Since JT was little he was able to get into areas that Jack couldn't. JT inquired about everything he found and listened intently as Jack described what each meant. For JT it was like a lesson in the history of Heartland and his family. He especially got excited when they found stuff related to his mom and asked a lot of questions about that. They even found a few things from his dad and questions followed. After almost an hour and a half a worn-out JT sat back and said, "GG this is taking forever, we are never going to find it." Jack smiled, "Patience son, I know it is here." With renewed energy they continued their search. As JT wiggled behind a pile of boxes, under Jack's watchful eye he screamed, "GG I think I see it." He tried to reach it but couldn't reach it. He pulled back out and with Jack's help they started through the mess. After 5 minutes Jack saw it and pulled it out. It was full of rust but you could still see the detail of the designs and the pale blue color. Jack moved it to the table and smiled at his fellow searcher. "Well let's open it up."
As they popped the top off JT was beside himself in anticipation. Although the outside of the container showed it's age the inside seemed in like new shape. As he looked in he whispered, "Woah, what are all of these letters GG." JT picked through what seemed to be over 100 letters all addressed to Lyndy Bartlett. He paged through them wondering what it was all about. Jack looked at him with a tear in his eyes. "When I was away at the rodeo I missed my wife terribly. So I started writing her letters. I kept her up on how I was doing and what sites I had seen. But mostly JT they were written to tell her how much I loved her and missed her. It was hard for her to write back because I never knew where my next stop was so it helped us stay in touch. I never knew what she did with them until I found them two days after she died. When you Great Grandma was close to death she wrote letters to me, Grandma Marion, your mom and Aunt Lou. Marion and I got ours right away but the girls got them on their 16th birthday." He took a breath and JT had a question blushing a little, "So GG are these love letters?" He smiled and pulled him onto his lap, "Well yes they are. I loved the rodeo but I loved her more than anything on this earth. You know how much you mom and dad love each other – it was just like that." JT smiled and hugged him. They spent the next hour reading some of them. It was like a history of his rodeo days and a testimony to how much he loved his wife. JT was entranced with all of the stories in the writing and that jack embellished on with his words. He had a million questions and Jack took the time to answer each one. After he looked at his watch he spoke up, "Well we need to get you back home." JT looked up to him with a sincere stare, "GG what are you going to do with these. I bet everyone would love to see them." Jack thought for a moment, "Well I need to talk to Lisa first but maybe we will do that. Maybe have a family BBQ and tell them all then." JT agreed and after they packed them up they got on their horses and headed back to the Miracle Ranch with JT's promise to keep things between the two of them.
At the Bordens that night dinner was as usual full of a lot of chatter. Ty and Wyatt noticed that JT was kind of quiet. Wyatt spoke up, "So JT how was your day with GG, I hear you guys had a busy day?" JT smiled and started to talk about fishing, fixing the fence and cleaning up the Quonset Hut. He was kind of vague about the cleaning part so Amy spoke up, "Man I bet the Quonset Hut was a mess. It is the place where GG throws all of his junk." JT looked sternly at her and spoke quickly, "Mom it is not junk, it is very important to him." The table went quiet as the usually carefree little boy stared at her intently. Amy responded, "I sorry honey you are right. That stuff is very important to him. I shouldn't have said it that way." He went to her and gave her a hug and whispered that he was sorry. The group silently cleared the table and headed off to get ready for bed. Amy was still a little shook up as they made their rounds. The purposely went to see JT last so she could apologize again. He was waiting for her and hugged her tightly as she went to give him a kiss. He smiled, "I am sorry mom but I am sworn to secrecy. GG and I found something he was looking for and wants to talk to someone before he shares it. Please don't ask me, he asked me to keep it between us. But I can tell you it is really cool." Seeing the sincerity in his eyes she smiled as both Ty and her pulled him into a hug. "Honey, we will respect the pact you have with GG. You know he loves you very much." JT smiled, "I know and I love him too. Today was a really fun day and being with him, just us, was great." He settled in and was sleeping in minutes. Ty and Amy stood for a while just looking at him in each other's arms. As they went into their room they held each other tightly. Ty finally spoke, "I think JT knows that Jack is getting older and might not be here with us one day. We need to make sure all of the kids continue to spend time with him and that goes for us too." A tear came to Amy's eyes as she hugged him even tighter. She looked into his eyes and gave him a passionate kiss and whispered, "Thanks for saying that and you know what, I love you a lot." He chuckled, "Well I kind of love you a lot too. I think we should show each other how much." The next morning a little sleeping in would be needed.
The next morning at breakfast JT seemed better so the girls and Wyatt let last night's unusual outburst alone. They talked about the next few weeks prior to school starting and some important birthdays. Amy spoke to Annie and Addie, "So girls the big 13. Do you want separate parties or should we keep it together?" They whispered to each other and Maddie noticed they were using their language, "Guys not polite, we speak English here." The table laughed as Annie spoke up. We want to have a combo one since we share the same group of friends." Relieved a bit Amy smiled and looked at Maddie. "And you young lady, double digits this year, anything special you want?" She pondered the question. "No not really. As long as I have the family and all my friends I am good." This time Amy and Ty both smiled happily since they had such amazing kids. Over at Heartland Jack had been a little nervous all morning and Lisa noticed it. She spoke up, "Ok mister spill you have been on edge since you got back from taking JT home." He smiled meekly and pulled out the metal container. "I want to show you something. I have been looking for this for a while. After we found the journals this became a quest of mine. Well yesterday JT found this for me and I want to show it to you before I share it with the family." He opened the top and took one of the letters out. As Lisa read it tears came to her eyes. At first Jack was concerned, thinking she would be upset, but before he asked Lisa came over and hugged him with a big kiss. "Jackson Bartlett, this is the most beautiful letter I have ever read. And the rodeo story is priceless." She hesitated and continued, "I know you still love Lyndy and I am happy that you do. This is why I love you so much. For an old cowboy you are quite the romantic. I wish I would have met her. I am sure we would have been friends." They hugged again and she spoke "Jack you need to share these with the immediate family. The letters are beautiful and the rodeo stories, well they are amazing." He gathered himself, "Thank you Lisa and I want to. Let's have Lou and Amy's families over and even Tim and Casey. I would also like Max and Lilly if that is Ok" Lisa smiled, I will send an invite out today.
As everyone arrived for the urgent family BBQ, there were a lot of questions but out of respect they all decided to wait for Jack to let them know. Rumors were abundant from a health issue to Jack actually completely retiring. Most of the family were slightly concerned but JT assured them everything was fine. Before they ate, Jack got everyone's attention. He went through th story of the letters, the container and how JT and him had found it earlier in the week. Lisa stood by him as he let everyone know that he shared them with her first out of respect and she encouraged him to get the family together quickly and take the pressure off of JT. JT smiled feeling very special since he was the only person outside of Lisa that knew. All of the women and girls were in tears and even some of the men. Jack shrugged and said, "Ok enough of the waterworks, these letters are a part of our family history and I wanted to share them with all of you." He pulled open the cleaned-up metal container and let them look through them. Dinner was still and hour or so away so they sat around the house reading them in groups. Maddie spoke up to Jack, "GG these are more than amazing. You are quite the romantic, but the details on your rodeo days is awesome." Amy laughed through her tears, "And you even had good things to say about dad." The entire group chuckled. It was time to eat so the letters were gently returned and each one of them hugged and whispered to the family patriarch. Even Tim had kind words for him. The BBQ was fun as the family was all in a great mood. Addie asked Jack during dinner, "So GG what are we going to with these?" He looked at Lisa and spoke, "Well we decided that these are a treasure just for all of us. We will keep them right next to the fireplace and when anyone wants to look through them they can." He hesitated as his emotions took over. "When I am gone I want you to make sure these are preserved and saved for the future, just like the journals. We considered putting them in the vault but these are just for us." Everyone sat in quiet agreement when Scott finally spoke. "Jack and Lisa, Lou, Amy, Ty and I promise you two that these letters will remain as a family heirloom for generations." Everyone smile dan continued eating. Ty poked Amy and motioned for her to look at her grandpa. When Jack was his happiest he had a glow as he looked over the family and Amy smiled at her husband understanding the look. The glow was definitely there as he sat at the end of the table in his rightful place. Jack Bartlett was the happies man in the world.