Chapter One Hundred-Eight
Love and Support, Family Thanks
A/N – Seems that things have stabilized with Amy and Ty. Although the results of Lilly's test results are looming I plan to move a little more to the happiness of the holiday. I believe that in times of trouble and concern strength comes from family and friends. I have found this in my life more than once. I feel that I covered how anything can be handled with someone by your side. Let's see how this amazing family gives thanks as they definitely have a lot to be thankful for. My plan is to really focus on that. Also the highly anticipated anniversary weekend for Amy and Ty is close. I am continuing to enjoy writing this and thanks to your feedback I plan keep things moving on. With you input I have a bunch of storylines in the coffer so don't hesitate to keep the ideas coming my way and tell me how I am doing. Mature Content Enjoy!
It was early on Monday morning at the start of the holiday week. Amy opened her eyes and saw two beautiful green orbs looking directly after. She smiled and said, "Good morning, how many times do I have to tell you it is not polite to stare." He kissed her forehead and laughed, "Sorry I guess it is a bad habit to stare at someone so beautiful." They snuggled quietly thinking about all of the things that had happened over the last few weeks. Amy spoke up, "It was good to see Max and I have to say Ty, he really loves your mom." He smiled and hugged her. "So what time is the call today?" Ty sighed, "I think we are supposed to be at Heartland around 11:00." She listened quietly knowing that nothing else needed to be said. They chatted about the day and decided to get up a little early and cook a big breakfast for the kids. They showered, got dressed and headed down. To their surprise all the kids were up and in front of them was an amazing breakfast spread. The table was set and the kids were all at their places smiling. Lyndy spoke up, "Good morning mom and dad, we decided to treat you to a full breakfast as JT held his mom's chairs and Maddie her dads. After hugs and kisses Lyndy, Maddie, Annie and Addie went to get the food and brought it in. Wyatt brought them coffee as they sat silently and smiled as the kids served them. Finally Amy spoke up, "So what's the occasion?" Annie smiled and spoke for the group. "Well it is the holiday week and we just wanted to treat our parents, whom we love, to a nice breakfast." Amy and Ty smiled thanking them and conversation was light and fun. Ty and Amy knew the reason but kept to themselves. It would be busy but everything would be shut down over the extended weekend. The kids had several fun activities planned. Maddie and her troop were going on a trail ride and hanging at the Day Care. Annie and Addie also had a trail ride planned with May, Bella and their men. They also had an afternoon trip to the movies on Tuesday. Wyatt and Lyndy had some horses to work with and also were going to an afternoon movie with Clay and Katie and having dinner at Maggie's. Wyatt soke up, "Are you guys Ok with me driving on Wednesday. It's daylight and Clay and Katie will be with us?" Addie laughed, "Dad, you may want to stay off the rode while he is out there, you know to be safe." Annie and Maddie mockingly agreed ribbing Wyatt. They kept it up and Lyndy noticed JT's furrowed brow. "JT, before you blow a gasket, they are just kidding, so don't go all Rambo on them." JT's shoulder's relaxed a bit and he asked, "Who's Rambo?" The table erupted in laughter as Amy and Ty smiled holding hands. It was going to be a good week.
Amy and Ty headed over th their office as the kids all headed out their own way. They held hands smiling and chatting quietly. Lyndy was walking to the barn with Wyatt and whispered, "They seem good, I hope today goes Ok." He smiled as he challenged her to a race to the barn, which of course she won. Georgie was waiting for Amy when they walked into the office and Ty told them both goodbye as he headed to Heartland to drop off JT for some fishing, say hi to his mom and talk to Steven. He yelled back at his smiling wife, as he loaded up JT in the SUV, "Ames. I'll be back to get you. And don't forget we are going to Maggie's after." Max had asked all of them to have lunch after the call. Lou and Scott would be meeting them there. Tim and Casey were out of town so they couldn't make it, although Casey was in the loop. Lisa and her had been spending a lot of time with her. Georgie was reviewing the schedule for the week and began to work on the one for the rest of the year. They wanted to stay in front of things and had continued to use Katie, Wyatt, Rusty and Lyndy more. Georgie hesitated, "How is he doing?" Amy smiled and looked away from the screen, "He is Ok, but you know Ty he always has a lot going on in that mind of his." She giggled, blushing a little, "He has been a little restless at night but that could be because of other stuff." Georgie smirked, "Good lord you two, rub it in. With three little ones, Steven and I are challenged to be as lovey dovey as you guys. We can't wait until they get older. I mean we are good, but I wouldn't mind a little more alone time." She blushed as Amy took her hand. "Well, why don't you plan something for the weekend, I am sure Wyatt, Lyndy and some of the other girls would love to watch them for you." Georgie smiled, "I like that idea." They finished up and Georgie hurried out to talk with Lyndy. Ty and JT pulled up to Heartland and saw, Jack, Max, Brey and Dax on the porch, ready to go. As they got out Jack bellowed, "Come on JT, we are losing daylight." JT went right from their truck to Jacks. He hugged his dad and looked at him, "Dad, it will be Ok whatever happens." Ty smiled and walked into the ranch house to see his mom. Lisa and Lilly were cleaning up and he greeted them, "Hey guys what's up, I just wanted to say hi before I went to see Steven. Amy and I will be back later for the call." Lisa kissed his cheek and Ty hugged his mom tightly, a little longer than normal. She smiled and whispered, "I love you Ty, see you in a little bit.
Ty talked to Steven briefly and headed back to the Miracle Ranch. He was subdued but found that keeping busy helped. Amy and Lyndy checked in with him several times and although a little overwhelming he enjoyed their attention. Ty and Cass were in the middle of a surgery when Amy walked in to get his attention. She whispered in his ear, "Hey change of plans, The call was moved to 2:00pm so we are meeting everyone at Maggie's at 12:00 for lunch and then heading back to Heartland." He smiled back thanking her and kissed her cheek through his mask. Cass and the vet tech would normally jab him a bit bet they knew along with several of their close friends what was going on. Amy met him in the office and they headed out to Maggie's. Lou made sure they had a table set up in the back so they had a little privacy. Jack, Lisa, Max and Lisa walked in just a little bit before Scott and soon after the Borden's walked in. They all sat down and chatted about several things. Most important was the fishing results and of course Jack and Max beamed as they talked about the boys. Jack joked, "Well as least we don't have to listen to Tim about how he is the best fisherman of everyone." As everyone chuckled Ty added, "Yea but now we have to listen to JT brag." Everyone laughed again as their food was brought over. The staff was abuzz as they realized that most of the Board was having lunch together. As they were eating, a reporter from the Hudson Times came over to say hello. She politely smiled, "Sorry to interrupt, but are we seeing an impromptu Board meeting since the hierarchy of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince are all having lunch together. Are some new and exciting things on the way?" The all smiled as Ty spoke up first, "Well, you can always count on us having new and exciting things on the horizon but actually it is just family members having lunch." Lisa smiled and added, "I can say that we will be having a Board Meeting in a couple of weeks and will provide you a press release. But for now it is just lunch with a group of people who are enjoying some family time." The reporter blushed a little and thanked them. Jack looked at the group, "I'll never get used to that but we need to do this more often. You are all family and we always stand by each other." He put his hand on Lilly's shoulder as he spoke. They finished their lunch and after Scott ribbed Amy about her eating prowess they headed back to Heartland.
Lyndy and Wyatt were at Heartland with JT working on some horses with Georgie and Katie. They all saw the cars heading over to the Ranch house when the lunch group got home. JT broke away and ran to his dad jumping in his arms. "Daddy, did GG tell you about the huge fish I caught?" He smiled, "Yep, he told all of us." He hug his dad and mom then headed over to Lilly hugging her and whispering in her ear. She smiled and kissed his check as he ran back to the round pen. As they walked in the house, the rest of the kids waved at them. They sat down at the dining room table as Lisa and Lou provided some drinks and cookies to munch on. Amy had to ask Lilly, "So what did the little guy have to say to you Lilly?" She smiled, "Well he told me something but said it was our secret so if I tell you I would have to kill you." The whole table laughed and moved to a nervous silence. She continued, "Now all of you stop it. What we hear will be what we will hear. The important thing is moving forward no matter what the news is. Got it," They all calmed a bit thinking of how brave she was as Lisa opened up the laptop that Clay had set up with an extra monitor. Max pulled out the information and opened up the Zoom meeting. Lilly had also invited the family from Colorado and several of them were on as well. After all the introductions, the team of doctors from the hospital in Colorado and the staff from Hudson hospital were all there. Dr. Lassiter, Lilly's lead doctor welcomed everyone and after Max introduce everyone at the table he spoke. "Well I have had a lot of meetings like this but this might be the biggest audience ever. Lilly, family support is always necessary and you seem to have an abundance of it." Lilly was a little tongue tied so Max spoke up, "Doc we have the best family ever." After a short silence, the lead doctor began. "Lilly and Max as we discussed we have found cancer in your liver that looks to be between stage 3 and 4. And we are confident it is only in the liver, which is good to know. We will still have to run some more invasive test to determine the actual stage you are in. But, let me say this now. In the phase, stage 4 cancer has always been considered terminal but today, with all of the advances in treatment, that is not the case, especially with the cancer that you have. The common thought is that alcohol and substance abuse are the cause for it but that is not always the case. But you have been very open and we expect it was the catalyst of this version of liver cancer you have." He took a moment for the news, although somewhat expected to sink in. Amy kept a close eye on her husband as he watched his mom for a reaction.
After a few moments of silence Lilly spoke up, "Well as you know along with everyone here, I heavily abused alcohol and drugs for many, many years. I caused so much pain for the people around me, especially you Ty. But I can't change the past so if you don't mind, Dr Paige, I want to talk about the road moving forward not how I got here." She smiled as Max held her as she reached out to take Ty's hand. "You know, my little grandson told me that his other grandma and great grandma told him that everything is going to be Ok." The doctor smiled, "Well that is great that he is so close to all of you." Lilly smiled, "Actually doctor, they have both been gone for years. It seems our little JT has a connection and always gives us messages from them. It's quite amazing that he can do this but he has shown us that he can over and over." Another doctor spoke up, "I have heard of this before and it you believe it or not it is a connection that really helps." Everyone smiled thinking of the amazing little man. Over the next 45 minutes the family asked questions and continued with positive conversations. Amy remained quiet as she was happy to see Ty engage in the conversation, calmly asking questions and adding input. Lisa and Lou had a lot of questions which was typical as they wanted to make sure they could do everything they could for their friend. The doctors from both facilities made sure that the group understood that each team would be able to seamlessly handle her treatment when they spent time in both Colorado and Hudson. The treatment plan was detailed, she would start off with a drug regimen to build up her immune system and begin to set the platform for fighting the cancer. When test showed she was ready, they would begin a first round of Chemotherapy that would be moderately aggressive. Her diet would be controlled and exercise was recommended. Lilly laughed, "Well between Max's daughter in Colorado and Lou and Lisa in Hudson, I expect my diet will be controlled. I imagine they will become linked to make sure. And as far as exercise, I have a bunch of grandkids in both places that keep me on my toes." She looked at Amy and smiled, "I can only imagine what Maddie will come up with." Everyone chuckled at the thought. Both teams of doctors asked if there was anything else and said goodbye. The family stayed on as Lilly felt the need to say something. "Like I said I don't want to rehash how I got here, I only want to talk about beating this. Also I want happy and positive people around me. I love you and you make me want to get better. I have never had that but now, because of all of you I do. Because of your love and support I believe JT and know I can beat this. There is a lot more I want to see. I love all of you so much." After goodbyes to the Colorado group the Hudson group said their farewells. Overall the group heard her request and vowed to be there for and with her moving forward.
Telling the kids at dinner went much better than expected. Maddie's mind was already in high gear making plans to ensure that they all had the maximum amount of time with Lilly while she was there. Since Amy and Ty would be at the resort for their anniversary weekend, Max and Lilly confirmed that they would stay with the kids at the house, which was now a real bonus for them. Since Lyndy and Wyatt were taking care of Noah, Hannah and Nate overnight they talked them into letting them stay there on Friday. Lilly happily accepted, really excited to have the 9 kids with her overnight. They were going to have a pizza party that night and Max and her were planning a big breakfast. Initially Ty and Amy were considering to cut their weekend short but Lilly insisted they take the entire time, leaving on Friday and coming home on Sunday. Lilly had an appointment with the Hudson team the following Wednesday so she would be there longer. Max needed to head back on Monday for some meetings, so Lilly would stay with the Bordens until she left to go back to Colorado. When dinner was finished the family headed off to bed. Ty and Amy went to see each of the kids and answered any more questions they had. As they went to their rom, Amy could tell that Ty was both physically and mentally tired. She began to get ready but kept glancing over at Ty as he settled in bed. She made a decision and headed his way. She softly said, "Dr. Borden, roll over on your stomach." He looked at her and obliged. Amy moved toward him and began massaging his shoulders, back and legs. She giggled, "Let's get these boxers out of the way so I can give you a good massage, you are so tense." As she moved up and down his body, she felt him settle and moan lowly. Her intention was to help him relax after such a difficult day, but the feeling of his skin was something she couldn't ignore. As she continued she got a little bolder moving to areas that he reacted to. She straddled him and really got into his back and shoulders. He reacted and spun around as she continued to massage his chest, stomach and legs. A kiss would be snuck in as Ty seemed to be perking up. She laughed, "Seems a part of you likes what I am doing." She pulled her nightgown off as their naked bodies joined in a deep and passionate kiss and hug. "He moaned, "Well Mrs. Borden it seems you are into this also." Amy positioned herself above his as he entered her slowly. She gasped as they began to make love nice and slow. Ther was no rush or need to hurry. It was like the massage moved to a higher level as they both relished in each other's bodies. As they came to a combined climax she rolled off of him and laid by his side. They were still breathing heavily and sweating but as the calmed down they settled into each other's grasp. Ty smiled and whispered, "Amy thank you for being here for me, I love you." She smiled into his chest as they both began to doze off. She whispered, "I can't wait for this weekend."
The rest of the week was filled up with a lot of Pre-Thanksgiving Family time. Ty and Amy spent time closing out some things in preparation for the long weekend. The kids were busy too helping out at the ranch but also enjoying some time with friend and of course Lilly. JT and the group snuck a morning of fishing in, Lyndy, Wyatt, Katie and Clay went on a date, Annie and Addie went on several trail rides with their friends and Maddie and her buddies helped at the Daycare and had fun with Lilly. With all the drama early in the week the Bordens and the family were happily enjoying the time together. Amy and Ty were in the office one morning and she noticed that Ty was in deep thought. She went over and sat on his lap, "Ok Mister, what's up." He smiled which immediately helped her feel at ease. "Just watching the kids this week, it just makes me feel so happy. Amy they are just amazing. I have been watching them and see how they each have such a love for life and have such close friends. Watching Lyndy and Wyatt working with horses and supporting each other unconditionally reminds me of a certain couple I know. Annie and Addie support of Bella is awe inspiring. Along with their friends, they have really helped her, trust me I know exactly what it means to her to have support because I never did, until you, your mom and Jack. And Maddie, she is definitely a special young lady. She has personally made sure that my mom was busy and that everyone spent time with her. And then JT, his connection to Jack is unbelievable and now I see him also bonding with Max. I caught them talking about mom and he was consoling him, telling him it will be alright. What kid at his age does that." He caught his breath as Amy kissed his cheek, "They are our greatest achievements and have a great dad and mom." She smiled as he kissed her lips. He pulled back and mentioned something, "Jack told me that when they were fishing JT got a little lightheaded but was OK after he rested." Amy looked at him, "You know Lyndy said the same thing. After the holiday I think we need to take him to see the pediatrician, just to be safe. Probably just the bug but I still think we should do it." He smiled and agreed and went to kiss her again. Lyndy and Wyatt walked in the office since the door was opened and gasped, "Mom, Dad, really, Cant you wait for the weekend already." Amy looked at them both and proudly said, "No we cannot"
The morning of Thanksgiving, after a light breakfast they continued the new tradition of a Borden family trail ride. The weather was unseasonably warm so they decided to head up to the ridge and visit the family cemetery. Ty, Wyatt, Maddie and JT got the horses ready while Amy and the other girls packed up some drinks and snacks. No one wanted to fill up for the 2:00 feast at Heartland. This year as with the last few it was only family in addition to the only non-family members, the O'Dell's and Master's. And of course Ben and Jenn who were part of the family circle. The horses were ready and after saddlebags were packed they headed out. Although JT was improving they all still went at his pace. It was a beautiful morning and the chatter was lighthearted and fun. Some of the girls showed off by jumping over some branches but for the most part was a very leisurely ride. They set up just up the hill from the cemetery and just let the horses graze. They were so well trained they knew they would stay put. They walked over to the plots and entered the fenced in area. They milled around looking over the stones talking about them as they passed. Amy told the story of GG's sister June who passed away when she was only 17. "GG and his sister were very close and she was determined to make sure he went off to do the rodeo circuit. Although not common, she planned to run the ranch until she was killed one day in a freak accident. GG told the story of how he had to come back home and take things over and that rodeo became more as a part time thing. The good thing was he met GG Lyndy and we know how that turned out." Addie asked, could June work with horses to?" Amy laughed, "Yes GG said she tried hard to but didn't have a lot of patience, like him." Ty ribbed her, "And like you too." They all laughed and noticed JT sitting facing Marion's headstone. He seemed to be mumbling something so they let him alone. After a few minutes Wyatt walked over, "Hey buddy, talking to Grandma Marion?" He smiled at him, "Yea, I just was telling her we are all good and that we miss her. I also told her to make sure her and GG Lyndy keep an eye on Grandma Lilly." Amy could barely keep her composure as he got up and hugged her tightly. All of the girls joined in as Ty and Wyatt watched. Wyatt smiled and whispered, "We are two lucky guys." Ty smiled and put his arm around his shoulder. They went back, had their snacks and headed back to the house to get ready to go to Heartland. Amy and Ty rode with JT between them. It was a perfect morning.
They decided to take two vehicles since they had food, chairs and tables to bring. Amazing the others Ty let Wyatt drive Old Blue with him and Lyndy. The loaded up the back with all the stuff they needed and Amy took the other kids in the SUV with the food. Addie joked, "Dad we will let you guys go ahead and wait a bit. I would hate to have a Thanksgiving accident." Lyndy looked at her with a stern eye, "See if we ever give you a ride anywhere." They laughed, stuck their tongues out at each other and headed over to Heartland. The Bordens pulled up and immediately Clay and Katie saw Wyatt driving Old Blue. Clay frantically started to clear everyone out, "Watch out everyone the new driver is coming our way." Katie smacked him and made him apologize. Tim added a few comments as well as they all helped upload the chairs and tables. Jack and Lisa had enlarged the porch and also installed tarp walls so it could be pulled down and used for extra seating. It was so nice they didn't need them but set up come portable heaters as all of the kids, including Katie and Clay would be sitting outside. Lou whispered to Amy, "Katie volunteered to watch over all the kids with Clay, Lyndy and Wyatt. I bet they are thinking about having a baby, that would be so wonderful." Amy smiled in agreement, "She has seemed to be helping with the little ones more for sure. Well I guess we shall see Granny." The two sisters poked at each other as Scott and Ty watched grabbing a beer. Scott leaned over to him, "Well we married them." Ty laughed as their wives headed over to them. Lou looked at the both of them, "What are you two laughing about?" Ty looked at Scott, "Nothing, just how lucky we are to be married to the Fleming sisters and how beautiful you both are." Amy and Lou rolled their eyes as Scott clinked his beer bottle with Ty's. Jack, Lisa, Tim, Casey, Lilly and Max were watching the four of them as Jack spoke up. "Being it is Thanksgiving I guess I have to say the thing I am most thankful is the four of them. They are the next generation of this family and I expect they will take the family and our business forward. I love my granddaughters with all of my heart and those two guys are like sons to me. Look at them and how happy they look." He quieted contemplating they future as Lilly spoke up. "Jack those girls are a testimonial to you. They are a combination of the best and maybe the worst of you, all of you. All of you should be proud of what they have become. They are independent, empowered, confident and caring women and full of so much love. And as for Ty and Scott, well I know what you mean to my son and Scott is just another boy in the loft. Jack you molded both of them into what they are today. You gave them a fatherly model that is seen in everything they do. Look at how they gaze at their wives with a love that is unmatched." She leaned into Max as Jack did with Lisa. They all smiled looking over the activities in front of them as the kids played and young adults huddled passing the babies around. They all knew this would be a great day.
Lisa, Amy and Lou gathered up everyone to come into the house so Jack could talk to the entire family before dinner. The kids were wound up but as they entered the house, out of respect for the patriarch of the family, they settled sitting with their families. JT and Noah got the honor of sitting on their GG's lap. Once settled Jack began. "Many of you know that family is very important to me. And as I look over this crowd I am overwhelmed with happiness and joy to see everyone here today. It is also good to see extensions of our family as well and I welcome the O'Dell's and the Master's. Thanksgiving is a time when we look back at all the great things we have accomplished and look forward to what we are going to do. Just before I gathered you all Lisa, Max, Tim, Casey and I were watching my two granddaughters and their husbands. We marveled at how their love has transcended to all of you and how they are the next generation to take us forward. Each one of you are important to me and to the family. Never forget where you came from and how this family's legacy was formed. We are now in the 10th generation of this family… Addie I need you to check my math later." Everyone chuckled as Addie starting counting with her fingers. Always remember where you came from and work very hard to get where you want to go. As I look at the number of youngsters in front of me, it warms my heart that when I move on this family will be strong and steady. Never forget that our strength is together not apart. Heck, if Marion and GG Lyndy wouldn't have pestered me we would still be using outhouses." Everyone laughed again. "As we enjoy our meal today and spend time with each other remember my words and never forget how this family is strong and solid, just like this fireplace built many, many years ago. And don't forget to thank those who took the time to prepare the meal." He whispered into JT's ear and asked, "JT it's time." JT stood up and yelled, "Let's eat!" The family broke into applause and just about everyone there went to hug and kiss Jack before they ate. It was a tribute to him as the head of this amazing family. The last hugs came from his sobbing granddaughters. Together they said that they loved him and thanked him for helping them in their life. Jack smiled at both of them and whispered, "I love both of you deeply and always will. The two of you, Ty and Scott are the foundation of this family going forward" The meal began and the family was having a great time.
The parents made sure the kids were settled on the porch. At first Nate, Rosey and Sean were going to be with their parents but immediately the Katie, Maddie and Lyndy stepped in. Katie spoke up first, "Clay and I will take care of my favorite nephew and I think he will enjoy being with the younger generation." Georgie smiled, thinking of just having a meal with adults and said yes. Lou whispered to Amy, "See look at them, they are practicing." They giggled when Maddie went over to Will and Bethany and offered the same with Beau. He too was more aware of everything around him and smiled when Maddie went to pick him up. Bethany smiled tearily and spoke to her, "Maddie, you don't have to, he can be a handful." She smiled, "We are buddies, I am good." Then finally Lyndy and Wyatt approached Cass. "We will take Rosey, she is such a sweetie. You two enjoy some older people time." Caleb smirked, "I'm not that old?" Wyatt put his hand on his shoulder, "Sorry Caleb but you are kind of old." Everyone laughed and all smiled in amazement at how they stepped up to take care of the little ones. The moms and dads kept an eye out for sure but were more than comfortable. As the adults settled a smiling Ty spoke up quietly, "Those kids are something." Jack raised his glass and toasted the younger generation. The younger group was having a great time enjoying the food and some time together. Katie and Lyndy sat with this little ones in their lap watching over the group. There was a lot of laughing and giggling. JT was huddled with Billy, Ben, Brey and Dax at one table more than likely telling fishing stories. Noah joined them to and sat wide eyed with the older group. Annie and Addie made it their job to keep them in line and checked on them frequently. Hannah was helping Katie and Clay with little Nate. She made it her point to make sure they were doing things right like a true big sister would. Rosey was a dream and really enjoying the attention from Lyndy and Wyatt. Several times she saw them looking at each other and stealing a kiss. When Lyndy would lean over to kiss his cheek, she would giggle and say, "Kissy, yuck." It just made Lyndy blush more and think about Wyatt as a father. It warmed her heart. But by far the most amazing site was watching Maddie with Beau. Her ability to love a child with special needs was something to watch. Katie and the other Borden girls watched her and felt love for her and for the special little man. For all of them this was what family was all about.
Inside in adult zone, what Caleb called it the conversation at times was a little more serious. There were several conversations going on about the kids and their activities and the business. Lisa spoke up, "As I said I think we will have a Board meeting in a few weeks to talk about next year and look over how this year went. Once I figure what day works for Max, I will set it up and send some talking points." Lou spoke up as well. "Guys we have had a better-than-expected year and I will send a preliminary report for you to look over. Lisa, Amy, Grandpa and I have talked and we think we have some ideas that can make us even stronger while still allowing the time to our families. Today reminds me how thankful I am for all of you." A toast was raised again as Scott kissed his wife's cheek. Lilly then clinked her glass and timidly spoke up. "Wel I am not one to speak up but I wanted to let everyone here know how thankful and blessed I fell to be a part of this family. If you haven't heard I have a challenge in front of me and to be honest I am a little sacred." She hesitated as Max took her hand. "But with a family like the one I have here and in Colorado I will face it with confidence. Whatever the outcome, these last years, when I found the love of my life and found my son again, have made me the happiest person in the world, Cheers to all of you." Ty came over and gave her a big hug as glasses clinked in agreement. Conversation carried on a little lighter as Amy, Ty, Georgie and Steven were ribbed about their upcoming weekend trysts. The four of them blushed but clutched hands under the table and looked at each other lovingly. Cass and Bethany stepped out to look in on the kids. When they came back Bethany seemed a bit misty eyed. Immediately Will went to her and held her asking her what was wrong. She couldn't talk so Cass spoke for her. "You guys have to sneak a peek and see how Maddie and Beau are getting along. It is so wonderful and we could barely contain ourselves." Slowly the rest of them walked over and looked out the window at the two of them and the rest for the group. As they stepped away their tears joined those of Bethany and Cass. As they settled to continue the meal Jack stood up to say something. "When I see what we all just saw it warms my heart. Watching the love and caring those kids have for each other makes me realize that the future of our family is set for the long haul. Here's to the next generation." They all raised their glasses in agreement.