Chapter Ninety-Six

School Days

A/N – Well I know many get a little board of business talk to I trimmed down the Board Meeting piece in the last chapter. I believe it is relevant especially because as the business grows, they adapt. The family business is there for future generations and I hope to continue to build on that. I had a blast writing the Boys/Girls Day storyline. A reader suggested an Amy/Lyndy trip or day and that is coming but this just kind came from that. As with a lot of my writing I have basic ideas and go from there. Originally it was just going to be a girls day but I figured why not a boy's one as well. My goal was to continue to develop a lot of small interactions amongst the whole group and I think I achieved that. I would love to hear what you think. Moving forward it's the start of another school year and as we know there are three birthdays as well. I expect everything I have to cover will take at least two maybe even three chapters. Let's see what happens. On purpose or not I have really tried to focus on the love Amy and Ty have for each other. That will continue to be the underlying reason behind this story. Mature Content Enjoy!

As expected the next morning was a rough one for the family as everyone was tired. They allowed each other a little extra sleep time although Amy and Ty's reason was a bit different than the rest. As the kids sleepily headed downstairs they decided on cereal and toast for breakfast as Maddie started a pot of coffee. After a little while, their groggy parents wandered into the kitchen. Lyndy smiled, "Well good morning mom and dad, sleep well?" Amy yawned and rolled her eyes, "We don't seem to be the only ones who are a little tired this morning." They all laughed and sat around the table talking about their day. All of a sudden, Ty looked up, "Wait, why did I not see any packages in the car last night. I tried to ask you mom and she avoided the question. What did you girls do?" Wyatt and JT joined in his stare of concern as well. Maddie immediately spoke up. "Daddy we weren't trying to hide anything. When we came by the house to pick up cars we decided to unload and not wait until later. Well at least I wasn't, now with the others you'll have to decide." Trying to divert any further questions Annie jumped in. "So how about tonight we give the boys a fashion show and let them see everything we got. And I mean everything Lyndy." Looking at her with a purpose. Before Lyndy could speak Amy stepped in, "Ty everything the girls got is fine, but Lyndy is almost 16, you just have to deal." He frowned, "Amy she just turned 15 at the start of the summer." The girls all laughed and Wyatt poked Lyndy in the ribs winking at her. They all got ready for the day. With school starting a week from today they had a lot of things to do in preparation for getting back into that routine. Without being there all day their focus on chores and homework became very important. They had decided to continue the communal homework thing so they could also have that be time together as siblings. Amy and Ty would also be adjusting their work and home schedules. As the kids got older their involvement increased and with work, their time away was going to be a challenge, especially Wyatt and Lyndy work with horses. But they committed to each other that the kids' education and family time would not be compromised. It was their jobs as parents to ensure that.

Outside of a few glares of concern the fashion show went well. JT did not hold back on some of his comments but Ty, who had Amy on his lap tempered his comments. Maddie started and showed off a few new pair of jeans, some very bright colored sneakers and a bunch of nice tops. She spun around as she loved new clothes. Amy spoke up to the group, "Maddie you look beautiful and are growing like crazy. I hope we can keep you covered until Christmas." The Borden girls were really good about sharing and passing clothes down but each of them wanted stuff that was just their own. Next came the twins who always like to show their stuff together. As they grew older the separation of style was becoming more of a thing. Annie's selection were for a better word, was more girly and her outfits were very appropriate and cute. Addie on the other hand was the rebel and some of the things she picked were a bit more edgy. Ty sat uneasily as he watched her, "Adds, interesting look? Amy you are Ok with it." Lyndy jumped in, "Dad they are individuals too I think they both look hot." Maddie agreed as Ty moaned, "I just don't know if I am ready for my almost 13-year-olds to look hot?" Amy smiled and whispered, "Get used to it, they are both gorgeous." Finally came Lyndy for which Ty was mentally preparing himself. She was an Amy clone and Ty remembered how some clothes she use to wear drove him wild. But this was his daughter and he tried to keep an open mind. The first few outfits were modest and in his mind appropriate. Amy couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she was. As she moved on a few things became a little too much skin for Ty to fathom. He attempted to control himself as Amy clutched his hands tighter. Maddie looked over at her struggling father. "Dad, do you need a moment, you look a little green." They all laughed as he weakly smiled, "To be honest you all look so beautiful but it is hard for me. Lyndy, when I look at you I remember when your mom and I were young and first met. You guys, your mom was stunningly beautiful in jeans, a flannel and cowgirl boots and that beautiful green dress she wore when I gave her a promise ring." He took a breath and Amy left the room for a minute. Ty smiled and hugged his girls when they all looked up, their mom was walking down the steps in that same green dress. She blushed, "Look it still fits." The room went silently as the girls all looked to their dad who was fighting back tears. The fashion show was a success and the ending was perfect.

The week went well for the family. Lyndy and Wyatt focused on finishing up the horses they were working on and sitting with Amy, Georgie and Katie to talk about their schooltime workload. Annie, Addie and Maddie started to get ready for the fall schedule for them. They would get up a half hour earlier to get chores done and still have time to get ready for school. Bedtime during school was adjusted for all of them as well, especially for the younger ones. Amy and Ty were diligent that they all got the rest they needed. Maddie, Gwen and Sylvia along with Annie got some additional jumping time in as the Fall Finale and for the special competition for Gwen would be coming up soon. JT just rolled with the flow, hanging with his siblings and getting some fishing in with his GG and Max. Max and Lilly would be heading back to Colorado after the birthday parties so all the kids made sure they got extra time with them. Amy and Ty focused on the work at hand and the adjustments needed when the kids were back in school. Secretly they were giddy about some morning alone time after the kids went to school. Maddie with help from her mom and dad had gotten the word out and as expected several organizations jumped on board for sponsorships. The plan was to do it a week or two after the Fall Finale. They were really excited when the Hudson Arena, where the Fall Finale would be held offered to host for free. Things were coming together as they already had over a dozen committed participants. An idea was brought to Amy and Ty that there should be a friendly rodeo competition for the ranch hands and staff that could maybe tie into the jumping competition. Caleb got involved so along with Rusty they started talking to folks to get their level of interest. As word got around Lisa and Lou thought they could combine a company event for staff and families that would happen that included the Rodeo and Jumping Competition. A small idea had evolved into a major event and as it developed it made more and more sense. Basically the jumping competition would be in the morning, a company BBQ for lunch and have the rodeo in the afternoon. The Borden girls, Amy, Georgie and Katie would be handling the morning event, Lou and Lisa the lunch and Caleb along with Jack and Tim the rodeo. With free use of the indoor arena all that was needed were sponsors to cover the food and minimal labor cost. Ribbons and Buckles would be provided by the company. It was set up and compunction was sent out to everyone that needed it. It was going to be a great day for the Heartland Equestrian Experience team.

The night before the first day of school the kids checked and double checked their backpacks for the next day. Amy and Ty spent time helping each of them before dinner to make sure they had everything they needed. Lyndy and Wyatt were excited about their sophomore year and for Lyndy her time at Goddard, which again would be part of her week. Annie and Addie were equally as excited about going into the 7th grade. Amy and Ty noticed that the soon to be 13-year-olds were maturing rapidly turning into very beautiful young women. Being the oldest in their class really helped that as they acted and seemed much more mature than many of their classmates. Maddie had spent a lot of time getting ready for school. Like the twins she would be 10 shortly and one of the oldest in the class as well. Her maturity was well ahead of her group but Amy and Ty noticed that she had such a caring heart that she didn't treat her friends at all like she was and different than them. It was the one thing they both loved about her. JT was beyond excited about his last year of Pre-K but to be honest he was ready for kindergarten. He loved school and learning and absorbed everything around him. Having four older sisters and Wyatt helped him develop well beyond his years. As GG would always say, he was an old sole and his actions always showed that. Dinner of pizza and salad was a fun and raucous event for the Bordens. To keep some semblance of order Amy and Ty let each child say what they were most excited about with the new school year. They were animated in describing their individual thoughts and their sibling listened and applauded. Once Amy and Ty made the rounds they went to their room to get ready for bed. It would be an early morning for them as they planned on cooking a special breakfast to start the new year. As they got into bed they held each other in a whispered conversation. Ty spoke quietly, "I can't believe how they are all growing up so fast. And the girls are all so beautiful and JT, he is one in a million. Wyatt is an amazing young man as well. We are so lucky to have them all in our life." Amy snuggled into his chest. "Ty we are lucky to have amazing kids but you know what. I am lucky to have you in my life. I am so glad I asked you to stay because without you none of what we have would have happened. Each day I love you more and I can't wait for all of our tomorrows." They kissed and held each other until a contented sleep came to both of them.

The alarm rang early but both Ty and Amy were ready to go. Breakfast was on their mind as they went downstairs before any of the kids were up to start putting the feast together. Traditions were one thing that Amy and Ty always pledged to create and this fell into that category and they loved it. Amy worked on fresh biscuits and started preparing eggs and fruit. Ty was on pancakes, hash browns, bacon and sausage. While things were cooking they set the table with nice plates with glasses for milk and juice. Maddie was the first downstairs rubbing her eyes and when she walked in the kitchen her eyes opened wide. "Mom, Dad it smells awesome in here. I am going to wake everyone." In minutes, the kids were down with hugs and kisses and headed over to do morning chores. Ty yelled as they ran out the door, "Breakfast will be ready in 30 minutes so get a move on." The kids all laughed skipping out the door. Just as the finished setting everything out on the table the kids came in the house. After cleaning up they all joined for s family breakfast feast. The group laughed and joked as everyone was excited about the day. Ty and Amy smiled as they watched the kids having so much fun. After they cleaned up Amy supervised the kids preparation and Ty made lunches for everyone. There would be three separate bus pickups just like last year, Maddie and JT were together and she pledged to make sure he got to class every day. Ty and Amy watch the last two leave as she snuggled into his chest with a little tear in her eyes. The minute the last bus went out of sight they both giggled and ran to their room locking the door. Amy giggled, "Ok time check." Ty laughed, I already set an alarm." Like two teenagers they took each other's clothes off in record time. Their love was never rushed but the excitement of a mid-morning love making session had them both at a fever pitch. Neither of them could control their advances and increased moans continued as the moved over each other's bodies. Ty moved over her breast nipping at each of them as Amy arched her back in desire. As he delighted her she moved her hand to his manhood and stroked it smoothly. He almost lost his grasp as he moaned her name over and over. He rolled over on top of her and her legs adjusted to the position. He entered her and they began to make love as only they could. Ty's thrust increased as Amy moved with him. They reached the apex of their love and when settled laid next to each other catching their breath. Amy moved over to Ty and kissed him passionately. As soon as she pulled away the alarm went off. She smiled, "I love the first day of school."

Being the first to start Lyndy and Wyatt walked into school holding hands but quickly moved apart to see their friends. Maya and a group of girls pulled Lyndy into the group and all screamed and hugged. Wyatt laughed as they giggled and eyed the boys in Wyatt's group. Although a senior, Rusty and a couple of his buddies were in the boy's circle. Maya grabbed Lyndy, "So Wyatt is looking good Lynny, in fact he is still pretty hot. The other girls chimed in as she blushed looking over towards him. He laughed as their eyes met with a look they only shared with each other. Cybil continued, Is that Rusty Soloman with him, isn't he a senior. He is so dreamy and cute." Lyndy smiled, "Yep, Wyatt and him are good friends since he works at the ranch with us. He is starting to learn how to train horses and is really good. But I have to tell you he kind of likes another girl who lives out of town." The girls frowned, "who is that?" Lyndy continued, "He likes Haley Trudeau. They talk all the time and when she visits they hang out. He has even made a couple of trips to visit her in the capitol." The girls all frowned not understanding why he didn't like a local girl. Wyatt was barraged with questions about the overnight trip they were allowed to take. One boy batted his eyes, "Did you get lucky, I know I would like to see what she was like." Wyatt got a very serious look on his face and Rusty noticed it moving toward him. Wyatt spoke sternly, "First of all what we did or did not do is none of your business and don't talk that way about her. If I ever hear you talk like that again you will regret it." He moved toward him and Rusty blocked his path, "Dude not worth it." The boys settled as the first bell rang for them to go to class. Wyatt and Lyndy had several classes together so they made sure if they sat next to each other. Most of the teachers knew they were together and were good kids, so it was Ok with them. At lunch both groups sat together but Lyndy noticed that Wyatt seemed subdued. She motioned to him and they stepped out to the common area to talk. "Hey, you what is up, you seem upset." He smiled and kissed her cheek, "It's alright, one of the guys made a rude comment about you and I almost went off on him. Rusty stood between us. I am sorry." She smiled and grabbed his hand whispering, "Well I love how you stand up for me and I love you." They looked around and snuck a quick kiss in before heading out for the rest of the day. They were really looking forward to their sophomore year at Hudson High.

Addie and Annie got off the bus and ran to another overly loud group of their friends, both boys and girls. They had seen them a lot over the summer both at the ranch and when they went out as a group but it was still fun now that school began. Being 7th graders was going to be a blast. Like Maddie they were older for their class year but the still felt comfortable with their close group of friends. Desi and Jeremy moved toward them to give them each a kiss on the cheek to hoots and hollers from the group. Addie spoke up, "Give it a rest guys it is just a small kiss, it's not like I am attacking him." Everyone laughed and she looked over to her sister communicating that she really wouldn't mind it. Annie's best friend Abby whispered to her, "I see you two and I can only imagine what you two are talking about with you weird twin thing." Annie blushed and Addie grabbed Desi around his waist tighter. Both Ty and Amy had noticed a big jump over the summer with not only their physical appearance but their maturity level. They were relatively comfortable with Addie and boys but Annie had them a little worried. When the bell rang they headed off to class. Amy and Ty had requested that they only be in a couple of classes together so they could begin to be more independent. They always hugged when they saw each other in the hall or class and sat with the group during lunch. Middle school was a time of significant change for kids but together they were handling it well. After her math class, Addie talked with the teacher about some extra work. He laughed, "Addie it is only the first day of school. Don't worry I have spoken to your advisor and we have some ideas for you." She smiled and hurried to her next class. Annie did the same thing in her advanced science class. The instructor pulled her and three other kids aside, including Jeremy, and told them to start thinking about the Science Fair coming up and that the department wanted them to enter in the High School level one. They were excited and walking out were already discussing some ideas. The most exciting thing for them and all of their friends was going to be the 7th grade dance. It was considered to be the first time they would be in a high school like setting and they were already planning. They had convinced their mom to let Katie and Lyndy take them shopping for dresses but promised her she had the final decision on their selection. Desi and Jeremy were excited as well as their relationships continued to grow. As they were heading to the bus, Addie whispered to Annie, "This is going to be a great school year!"

After Maddie and JT got off the bus they found Gwen and walked him to Pre-K. He protested a bit but Maddie was diligent and made sure she saw him all the way in. After they dropped him off the joined their group of friends in the commons. Little by little some boys had begun to join their group and most of the girls were excited. Even thought it was 4th grade some of them had begun to start liking boys hanging with them. Again Maddie was one of the oldest in her class, in fact early on Amy and Ty had talked to the school personal about skipping a grade. Maddie would not have it and told them this was her group of friends and she didn't want to leave them. Her advisor expected it due to the fact that Maddie was such a caring and protective person, as was shown with Gwen and Sylvia. She added, "You know Amy and Ty, the most amazing thing about your daughter is how she has helped her other friends accept Gwen and Sylvia into the group and I have seen some of them even befriend special kids on their own. I wish I could clone your daughter," she laughed. Amy and Ty smiled and thanked her for the comment. As classes began Maddie was full on taking notes and interacting with the teachers and her classmates. She was always on the lookout for others to make sure they were doing Ok. What excited her most of all was all of the interesting extracurricular things they were doing. There were several museum trips to Calgary planned along with one to the Goddard school. She smiled broadly as the teacher ask, "Maddie is that where you sister goes part time?" She proudly said yes and asked, "Maybe we can pick a day when she is there. She is an amazing dancer and I bet we could see come really cool things there." The teacher smiled in agreement. At lunch Gwen introduced the group to a new kid at the school who like her had Downs Syndrome. She spoke up, "Everyone this is Trudy, she just moved her from Edmonton and will be going to school with us." Trudy smiled timidly as the whole group greeted her with open arms. A couple of the teachers watched as she immediately calmed as Gwen walked her around. Maddie watched intently and decided at that point that their little group would now be four. When Trudy sat next to her she asked, "Trudy to you ride a horse?" She smiled, "Yes I have for a while and we like to jump." Immediately Maddie spoke up as Gwen and Sylvia smiled, "Well they we have something you will like." They talked about the upcoming jumping competition they had planned and she should be in it. "Here is my mom's number, have your mom call mine and we will set it up. It is going to be a blast." The rest of the day went well but at the end Maddie's advisor called to her. "Hey Maddie, do you have a second. I heard you talking to Trudy about a jumping competition you are having. Would it be Ok for me to call your mom. I am sure the school wants to help out and share the information with the entire district. It sounds like it will be amazing." Maddie smiled, "Thanks, I will let her know but I gotta go and get my little brother. See you tomorrow." Another teacher heard the conversation and said to her advisor, "She is some special child." The group of teachers around them all shook their heads in agreement.

Although not happy with the escort, JT hugged his sister before he went into his classroom. The teacher smiled at Maddie and mouthed "Thank You." JT immediately headed over to several of the boys he knew laughing and giggling. They were all chatting away when the teaching team got their attention. Once calm, the lead teacher welcomed them and asked each one to share the most favorite thing about their summer. Almost every kid talked about vacations, trips, the Family Fair, camping and such. JT ended up being last and took a moment to put his comment together. "Well my favorite part of the summer when I got to spend the entire day with my GG, umm Great Grandfather. He is like the head of our famliy and my best friend. He always takes time to talk to me because her says there are too many girls in our family and we men have to stick together. We always go fishing but this day was special because it was just the two of us." He took a moment to gather himself and continued and several of the teachers looked on with concern. "My GG is very old and although he is healthy I am worried that I won't be able to spend time with him in the future. So anytime I can I hang with him and the day we were together alone was perfect." At this point a few other of the staff had come in the room and many were fighting off tears. "Anyway we fished and went to repair a fence on the back pasture. It was so much fun. But after lunch he said we had a special mission and only I could help. We went to our Quonset Hut and searched for a specific container. He described it and we looked for it for over an hour. He was about ready to stop but then I crawled behind some boxes as he tried to pulled me back." He laughed, "I think he asked me to help because I was little. Before he could get me out I saw the container and tried to grab it. I couldn't but after some effort we pulled it out. It was dusty and a little rusted but his smile told me I had found it. He pulled it open and it contained over a hundred envelopes with letters inside. He told me that right before his wife, my great grandma Lyndy died, she told him that she had saved all of the letters he sent her while he was on the rodeo, you know he was a rodeo champion." He pointed to the belt buckle he had that was one of his. At this point almost every member of the staff there was misty eyed barely able to keep under control. "So he let me read one and it was so cool. He described all of his rodeo events and then said how much he loved and missed her. I told him that we have to show this to the family and he reluctantly agreed. He told me he had to talk to his new wife, my Grand Mere first. So after that we had a family dinner and everyone was able to look through the letters. They were like a history of his rodeo career. But what I loved the most was how much he loved my Great Grandma. I see my mom and dad and they loved each the same way too. I now it may not be as fun that some of the other kid's adventures but it was mine." He smiled as the room was silent. Composing herself the lead teacher came over and gave him a hug thanking him. Every one of the staff knew that JT Borden was a special soul and each knew they would remember his story for a long time.

As Amy and Ty were clearing things up before they went to wait for the kids her phone rang. The first call came from Maddie's advisor asking about the Special Kids Jumping Competition. She shared the story from the day and how Maddie had invited a new child with Downs to the event. Amy smiled and told her thank you and said she would make sure she talked to her mother about it. She smiled at Ty and began to tear up. Ty immediately went to her, "Ames what's wrong did something happen to one for the kids." She gathered herself, "No, it was Maddie's advisor and Ty she is so amazing, I love her so much." She took the time to share the story with him as they held each other. Ty laughed, "Well it looks like out little promoter is going to make this an even bigger event." They kissed and went back to their work. As they were just about to leave she received a video call from JT's team lead. When she opened it she said hello and notice several people in a room together. She motioned to Ty and he sat next to her. She began, "Mr. and Mrs. Borden, first off everything is fine but we felt the need to tell you what you son did today." She hesitated, "We asked each of the kids to share their favorite thing they did during the summer. As expected most al the kids talked about vacations and stuff and JT was last. Amy, Ty he began to tell us about his day alone with his GG. He talked about fishing, fixing a fence, lunch and looking for a special container. He described the container and its contents and how cool it was to share with everyone. It was one of the most heartfelt things we have ever heard." Ty and Amy noticed the rest of the group nodding in agreement. Another teach spoke up, "But what he said at the end is something I don't think any of us will ever forget. He told us that his GG is getting older and he realizes he has to spend a lot of time with him. If that wasn't enough he told everyone how much he loved that his GG loved his wife so much and that you two do as well. He was so confident and composed for such a young boy. I just can't find the words to describe what he said meant to all of us." At this point the school group were all wiping their eyes and Ty and Amy joined them. After a few minutes Ty was able to speak. "Well Amy and I really thank you for the call. JT is a pretty amazing kid even with 4 older sisters. He genuinely loves everyone he meets and his GG is a big part of his life. Jack is 86 years old and has greatly influenced everyone in the family, especially the younger ones. The kids know that he will not be here forever, we talk about it a lot. Our girls always fuss over him but his relationship with JT is special." Amy jumped in, "Outside of this guy, my grandpa has always been there for me, for us. When Ty came here he was kind of a mess and my grandpa took him in like a son. Everyone he knows loves him and when he leaves us we will all miss him greatly." The call ended with another round of thank yous and Ty and Amy sat in silence. With no words they held each other sobbing realizing two things. Their kids were amazing and that Jack would not be there for them forever. Thye held each other until it was time to meet the first bus.

After everyone got home chores were done and the family sat down for dinner. Each of them talked about their days and how excited they were about the upcoming school year. Amy and Ty asked a lot of questions but noticed that JT was a little vague about his day. Amy laughed, "So, Maddie I hear we have another competitor. We got a call from your advisor and from Trudy's mom. They are coming over Saturday to look the farm over and I think she wants to go for a ride with you." Ty laughed, "Seems like you are our own public relations department." The rest of the table laughed high-fiving Maddie. Amy and Ty had decided not to press JT but she did say, "Hey JT I saw GG today and he said he missed his fishing buddy." JT smiled, "Maybe I will call him and see if he and Max want to go Saturday, can I?" Ty smiled, "Finish your dinner and you can after. I figure none of you have homework? So let's clean up and get ready for bed. We can hang in the lounge for a bit before you go up. Amy asked Wyatt to take JT to his room to get ready and grabbed the girls quickly. She told them about his story he told in class today and each of them were in tears. "We need to be quiet about this. He needs to come to us, but I wanted each of you to know first. Lyndy make sure you tell Wyatt. Now girls I mean it, between us and doesn't leave the family, cool?" They tearily smiled and hug their parents. After some more time together they headed to their rooms to get ready for bed. Amy and Ty followed and sat with JT first. Amy asked calmly, "You were kind of quiet little man, did you have a good first day?" He smiled, "Yep it was great, everyone talked about their summer but I guess my favorite thing was a little different." He proudly continued, "I talked about my day with GG when we found the letters to Great Grandma Lyndy. That was the best day of my summer and my life. Mom and Dad, I love him so much but I know our time together is short. I want to make sure I spend as much time as I can with him." Amy smiled trying to control her emotions. "JT I know your GG loves you very, very much. You know I love my mom and grandma too even though they are not hear anymore. Even when GG is gone he will always in our hearts, forever." He jumped in her lap and smiled. "I know, I just hope when he is with GG Lyndy and Grandma Marion he helps those fish find my hook!" Amy and Ty laughed and hugged him tightly. As they walked out the door Amy just about collapsed in tears. "Ty he is such a wonderful little boy." They told the girls and Wyatt that JT talked about his story but still told them to let him come to them and not push him. As they got ready for bed Ty noticed how quiet Amy was. He knew that tonight he would need to be there to hold her tightly after such an emotional day. Tonight was about their love and being there for the most important person in his life, each other.