Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two

Ten Years Ago

Ok, I have been pondering this for a while and am going to take a short trip back in time. Kind of like the Christmas movie in the middle of season four, I want to take you back to the earlier years of this amazing family's legacy. It all starts with Amy and Ty and their unmatched love for each other. I will spend a little time with each of the girls and some with the family. This is what I would call the foundation of how this family has reached where they are now in my storyline. I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your thoughts. I will return to the regular storyline after this. Mild Mature Content. Enjoy!

Review Response – I had a review that I could not respond to some wanted to do it here. First off as always I love to hear from you so don't stop. The comment were questioning why I had so much focus on Georgie as the individual was not a fan. To be honest, several times in the series I was not as well, especially when it seemed to be all about her. Well, I decided that in my story I needed her character as well as Steven's and her kids. It is all part of the family and I felt they needed to be included. I hope you respect my decision and continue to read and provide your thoughts. Thanks

Amy and Ty

When Ty walked in from the barn he saw Amy sitting on the back deck, snuggled in several blankets looking out over the vast open field, the mountains and the wild horses. He smiled as he saw here intently reading one of her mom's journals. He smiled at the scene as it had been a while since he had saw her doing it. As he approached he couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man in the world, to have her in his life. It was a dream he never imagined but yet here it was right in front of him. She heard him and glanced over her shoulder, "How is Spartan doing?" He smiled and went to join her as she cuddled into his side, "He is really doing good, it looks like the tendon is completely healed and he looks like he needs a ride. Maybe tomorrow we can get Georgie or Katie to stay with the kids for a bit and we can go for one. It has been a while." She smiled into his chest, "Ty I am worried he may injure himself again. Is it not to soon?" Ty pulled her back, looked into her deep blue eyes and whispered. "You have always been the one to tell others to get back on the horse. I think both of you need this my love." She smiled blushing into his broad chest. "I love you Ty Borden." He mockingly showed a sign of relief, "Whew, thank god, because I love you too Amy Borden." They took advantage of some quiet time and stayed on the deck cuddling in front of the fire. With 4 active little girls Amy and Ty had very few of these moments, especially since Maddie was born 6 months ago. She joined her sisters, 3 year old twins Addie and Annie and of course the big sis, Lyndy who was now 6. Their home, The Miracle Ranch was full of life. And their new business, the Marion Fleming Equine Center was bustling and growing beyond their expectations. When Lyndy was just a toddler they decided to do two very important things, start working together and build the house on the land that her grandpa had given them. They moved into the house just before the twins were born and had erected a 20 horse barn, several round pens and a paddock to accommodate their growing business. Georgie, who had just come off her Olympic success, joined Amy in the business and Steven, who would be graduating as a vet soon had been working with Ty in the center's clinic. Ty and Scott had also formed a partnership, mutually agreeing that the Hudson Vet Clinic and the Equine Center would market themselves as a one stop shop for all animal needs. All of the equine business was diverted too the Miracle Ranch allowing Scott to increase the number of other animals they could care for. Cass was elevated to a partner with Scott and when he graduated, Steven would partner with Ty. As business fluctuated, Cass and Steven would move from one clinic to the other and if needed, additional techs would be hired.

Now that Amy was back to work, her and Georgie were as busy as ever. But no matter what, Amy and Ty made time for the kids. Lyndy was excelling in 1st grade and the twins were overjoyed to be in Pre-K. They were both very sociable and every night at dinner their stories controlled most of the conversation. Amy and Ty made a pack that the family would always try to have breakfast and dinner together, just like it used to be when Amy was younger. Maddie was a perfect baby even though she had a high level of energy. She had been sleeping through the night for over a month allowing Amy and Ty the chance to resume to their intimacy, which had always been a major part of their relationship. After every birth of a child and while intimacy was not available, Ty would do special things for his wife, a massage, a lot of cuddling and just an abundance of attention. Amy loved how he treated her and made sure when she was able to, she returned his love completely. They had implemented a rule with the three older kids that they always had to knock and wait until they were welcomed into their room. After years of too many interruptions, Ty and Amy decided that they need to set the stage to avoid any uncomfortable interruptions. Lyndy had taken personal responsibility for the twins keeping to the rule, especially Addie who was definitely the more rambunctious of the two. Occasionally Maddie would need her mom at night so they kept a monitor close by. She had moved to some solid food but she still enjoyed the closeness of her mom feeding her and to be honest, so did Amy. She had breast fed all of her girls although the twins were at times a challenge. As always Ty was there for her to support her and wait on her hand and foot. Just another of the many reasons she loved him so much. Their relationship and love continued to grow as they were best friends, lovers and amazing parents. The love they had for each other impacted everyone around them and the kids flourished as well as they saw it every day. Through the early years of immaturity and a certain prince that almost ended them, they persisted and grew together.

Ty whispered into her ear, "I know it is early but let's head to bed, maybe we can spend some time together." She smiled brightly and leaned up to give him a passionate kiss that went on for a while. She was tired but not enough to start paying him back for all the extra attention he gave her over the last 9 months. They stood up and looked out over their amazing view as she held him tight, "Ty Borden, I am so happy to be married to you. I love you so much." He smiled and picked her up, carrying her up the steps. They checked on their girls and all of them were asleep, except Lyndy who was reading a book. She looked up and smiled, "Sorry mommy I am going to bed now." They walked over and gave her a kiss goodnight and tucked her in. It seemed that she fell asleep almost immediately. Comfortable with the state of their daughters, they went to their room, locked the door and turned the monitor on. Amy walked out of the bathroom to see her husband just in his boxers with his head back and eyes clothes. She had his favorite pajamas on and was finally comfortable with her post baby body. She always struggled with how she looked after giving birth four times but you would have never known that the way Ty looked at her. He was mesmerized by her before during and after each child was born. Being a horse girl and not afraid of ranch work, Amy was always in unbelievable shape and from Ty's point of view the most beautiful woman in the world. He told her that a long time ago at the fishing cabin when he was very sick and she cared for him. It was also the first time the proclaimed their love for each other but both felt the love long before that morning. Ty opened his eyes and gulped deeply, "Amy you are so beautiful." She tingled just like the first time he told her and moved into his embrace. This was the place that she coveted the most. She loved her kids deeply but with Ty Borden it was even deeper, their souls were one and they were united completely. She leaned into a deep and passionate kiss that went on and escalated. The made love well into the evening, rekindling the excitement of pleasing each other. The kids cooperated and there were no interruptions as they explored each other's bodies completely. After a few hours, they laid next to each other recovering from their passion, breathing heavily. Amy finally was able to speak, "Ty that was amazing, you are amazing, I love you more each and every day." He smiled and whispered, "Amy, you are my Miracle Girl and some of the things you do to me take my breath away." She giggled reaching for his still hard shaft, "Just some of them." She began stroking him as he moaned answering her aggressiveness by moving his hand between her legs. They had some catching up to do.

Somehow the next morning they were able to get up and get the kids down for breakfast. As was routine, Amy would go get Maddie and feed her as Ty with Lyndy's help started on breakfast. The twins were sleepers so when Amy was finished with her baby she would go into their room and put her between them, which resulted in an instant wake up. It was Saturday so PJs were still the dress of choice, although Ty and Amy dressed more parent like. Finally Amy and her three youngest made it to the table and were treated to pancakes, country ham, jellied toast and juice. After a quick prayer, they sat and enjoyed the feast. Maddie played and ate some of the pancake that we placed in front of her. As usual the twins gabbed on and on about anything that came to their mind. Lyndy, along with her parents just looked over the mayhem. She was such a sweet girl and had already shown signs of having an old soul. She spent a lot of time with her GG and adored him, which was the reason she seemed so mature. Amy and Lyndy whispered to each other and Ty just sat looking over his five beautiful girls. He finally spoke and each of them looked at him attentively, "Everyone seems happy today, let's do something together." The all clapped and screamed with glee. Amy spoke up, "Let's go to Maggie's for lunch and maybe do some ice skating at the pond, how does that sound." Lyndy spoke in agreement, "And don't forget we need to do the morning chores and spend some time with our horses. Mommy, how is Spartan doing?" Amy smiled, "Well your dad thinks he is ready to be ridden, so if the weather gets better you and I can take him and Harley out, sound good." Ty laughed looking at his three younger girls, "Well it is going to be a little warmer so tomorrow and you three, I need your help in the clinic. Sound good?" The twins laughed and Maddie joined them, not really understanding what she was laughing about. It seemed their weekend was planned out and everyone was happy. Ty looked over Amy and their smiles were bright. She whispered in his ear, kissing him sweetly, "If we wear them out we can continue to enjoy our nights." He returned the kiss a little more passionately as they were interrupted by gagging from the twins, a huff from Lyndy and giggles from Maddie. It was a perfect start to their weekend.

Lyndy

Lyndy Marion Borden was born the day of Caleb and Cass's wedding. By choice, Amy wanted to have a home birth, with a midwife, much to her sister's dismay. She came into the world as beautiful as her mother and looked just like her. Her name was easy to determine as the two women were very influential to the new parents. Lyndy was the matriarch of the family and renowned horsewoman and musician. Amy constantly sang her grandma's songs to all of her girls and they all would be mesmerized by her voice. Marion was not only Amy's mom but the women that brought Ty to her, a gift that she realized was the salvation for both of them. She was a great baby with her mom's blond hair and bright blue eyes. Even though her father was a bit overbearing with his apps and books that he followed he eventually, after a talk with his father figure Jack, calmed a bit and just enjoyed the moment. The birth for Amy went well and she recovered quickly. She would experience some distress with her body recovery but as always Ty thought she was as beautiful as ever. Being young parents it was all new, in fact the first time Amy breast fed her, Ty bashfully looked away. Amy laughed and grabbed his hand, "Ty it's not like you haven't seen me before and this is a beautiful thing that I want to share with you. Our daughter is a gift that we will cherish forever." Lyndy was definitely a gift and as she grew she was mischievous, inquisitive, happy and completely in love with her parents. Lou and Lisa would joke that whenever they were apart from her she always looked for them. And when she heard either one of their voices she snapped her head in their direction and giggled uncontrollably reaching for their embrace. Within a few months Amy already had her with the horses, especially Spartan who understood that she was important and he would always protect her. As she became mobile Amy and Ty took her outside a lot as it seemed it was what she wanted. Her first ride with her mom was at about 6 months and she sat in front on the saddle waving her hands and giggling. Spartan was extra careful as they walked making sure the ride was smooth. Although she loved her daddy, Ty could already see a special bond forming between mom and daughter. Her love for her parents and the bond with her mother would last a lifetime.

Another thing that made them happy was how personable she was with the family and their close friends. She had an easy-going demeanor and was comfortable with family and friends. Caleb and Cass were asked to be her godparents and they were ecstatic. Ty joked, "Well she was born on your wedding day so it only makes sense." As she grew the first couple of years her personality did as well. Jack would always say the she was the spitting image of Marion and Amy both in looks and personality. He laughed, "She is a sweet girl but definitely has the fire that you and your mom had. But she also seems to be able to calm when she needs to. And like her dad she always wants to learn new things." Amy would constantly catch Ty looking at her as she slept with misty eyes. She felt so warm when he saw the love he had for their daughter. She always knew he would be a great father and her expectations were coming true. Even though there was a definite bond between her and Lyndy she couldn't help but notice her eyes light up when her daddy was with her. Just like her dad, she would stare at him at times and she always wondered what she was thinking. One day after she had begun walking Amy got up to go to the bathroom. When she came back in the bedroom she stopped dead in her tracks. Somehow Lyndy had gotten out if her day bed and was standing there, holding her lammie staring at her dad. Her eyes were fixated on him as he slept. She quietly walked up as Lyndy looked up putting her finger to her lips whispering, "Shhh mommy, daddy is sleeping." Amy melted on the spot and grabbed her amazing daughter, hugging her tightly. She whispered, "Let's go make daddy some breakfast. Lyndy walkie over and kissed his cheek and headed out with her mom. Amy looked back as Ty was smiling and winking at her. Amy and Ty had been talking about having a another child, but wanted to make sure that Lyndy would be Ok. They wanted their kids to be close but also wanted to make sure that Lyndy was ready. They had decided to start trying and planned to sit with Lyndy to kind of bring it up. The nervous parents sat on the couch while Lyndy was playing with her dolls. She had her favorite one in her arms cradling and singing to it. Amy asked, "Hey girlie what are you doing?" She looked up and smiled, "I am practicing." Ty looked confused, "What are you practicing honey?" She rolled her eyes, "Daddy, I am holding and singing to my doll so when I have a baby sister I am ready." They both sat dumbfounded at the depth of her understanding. It seemed seeing that her mom and cousins had sisters made sense to her that she would have one. Almost in tears Amy spoke up, "So do you want a little sister or brother?" She smiled, "Yea that would be so cool." Amy and Ty pulled themselves closer and Lyndy jumped in their laps. In the next few months they would be able to tell her that her wish was coming true.

Addie and Annie

The birth of Annabelle Lillian (Annie) and Addabelle Amelia (Addie) Borden was a bit more complicated. Amy still had the wild idea to have them at home but several things were making that not realistic. First and foremost, it was twins and although the pregnancy had gone well the difficulty would still be there and a professional hospital staff would be a benefit. Also a month before they were due the Borden's moved into their new home and they were still getting things all set up. Even though the house was completed, the barn, round pens and paddock were still being excavated. So reluctantly she agreed to have them at Hudson Memorial and plans were set. It was lucky she did because they decided to come early and she was still determined to have them naturally. Annie was delivered but Addie was being a little bit of trouble. She spun a little in the canal but luckily because of the team on hand, amazing support by Ty and a very strong willed mom she came into the world screaming loudly. After they cleaned them up, the nurses brought them over to the elated but exhausted mom. As Ty was regaining color in his face she handed Addie over to him as they hovered over their precious twins. Amy smiled, "They look so identical, that Borden brown hair and beautiful emerald eyes. Both of them sat wide eyed as their parents spoke to them softly. After an hour are so an impatient Lyndy was brought into the room by Lisa and Lou calling for her mom. "Mommy are the babies here, what are they?" Amy smiled, "Honey you have two sisters, girls are taking over the family." She screeched in delight startling the babies as their lips puffed out as they started to cry. Lyndy looked devastated and went to them speaking softly. Just as quick as they started crying her words calmed them down and she smiled proudly. The three of them spent an extra couple of days in the hospital as the doctors wanted to make sure mom and babies were good. Ty and Lyndy showed up to take them home with smiled and gifts. Lyndy handed her mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers and also had a stuffed teddy bear for each of her sisters. The family of five loaded up and headed home. As they pulled up Lyndy cold barely keep herself quiet and as they pulled up she screamed, "Look at the sign mommy and everyone is here. Sure enough the Miracle Ranch porch was filled with family and a few friends. Needless to say Ty and Amy didn't need to do anything as the babies were snatched up by Lou and Lisa, with the other women waiting for her turn. Everything in the house had been set up for the new arrivals as their room was perfect. The party was short as everyone knew the family needed to settle. Katie, Georgie and Steven took care of the horses so the family could get ready for their first night home.

After they got the girls settled, Amy and Ty sat on the couch as she was exhausted. She laughed, "Are you ready for this Dr. Borden?" He smiled brightly, "Amy you have made me the happiest man in the world. I have four beautiful women in my life and I am on top of the moon. Now it is time for the pampering to begin. I think we have an hour or two so I am going to draw you a bath and you are going to relax. I got the kids and you just need to take care of you for a bit. I am sure that you are tired." She smiled and tears formed in her eyes, ""That would be amazing Ty, I love you so much." On cue, after her bath was done it was time to feed Annie and Addie. Luckily it went well as she had gotten their routine down in the hospital. Although they were physically identical their personalities were already showing a difference. Addie always ate first as she seemed impatient. Annie was much more relaxed and was Ok being held by her dad or just lying in the basinet until it was her turn. Amy and Ty would see over their early years that this would be the norm with everything they did. Most people struggled telling them apart but family knew but their personalities which were definitely different. In their early years there was always one thing that was obvious. When they were together they displayed a level of comfort and content. They would play together for hours giggling and laughing. Even when one of them was in a bad mood all Amy had to do was to put them together and things settled. Ty had read about the bond that twins have but this was something special and started as soon as they both became more aware of everything around them. Another thing they both noticed was how Lyndy interacted with them. She was sweet and nurturing but also would tell them when they were acting up to calm. Whenever they heard her voice they both looked towards it. They knew she was their older sister and early on realized she would always be there for them. Another interesting thing they notice was that Annie reacted to Amy differently than she did with Ty and Addie the reverse. Both girls loved their parents but it just seemed there was already a bond forming. Lou and Lisa noticed it as well and felt it was Ok as long as the mutual love and attention by Amy and Ty never wavered. Being around such a loving and involved family was good for all three kids. Early on Amy and Ty watched the three of them interact with Jack, Lisa, Tim, Casey and the rest of them. Lou and Scott had reconnected and they were impressed with Scott's ability to make the girls laugh. They were hoping secretly that he would be around for a long time and had even asked Lou and Scott to be Annie's godparents. Georgie and Steven were asked as well for Addie, which they were excited about. The Borden family was settling in with three beautiful girls. What the future brought them was still uncertain but with a new house and a new business the future looked bright.

Maddie

Well the bright future became even more crowded, just about 3 years after the twins were born. Amy and Ty had made the decision to have another baby as Ty really wanted a son and Amy always dreamed of at least 4 kids. Again, after just a few weeks of "trying" Amy had become pregnant with baby number four. Everyone was elated outside of her ever negative father who couldn't believe that they would have another child, since the business was growing rapidly and they already had three under 5. The new nugget was due right around the twins 3rd birthday and when they told the kids, Lyndy, now just 6 was overjoyed. "Mommy, I hope you have another girl that would be awesome." She glanced at Ty expecting him to comment and he did but not like she suspected. "Well honey a boy or girl is not as important as the baby being healthy and happy. A girl would be cool but I would definitely be even more outnumbered." They all giggled and the twins went to smother him with hugs and kisses as Amy smiled tearily. He thought, maybe another girl would be Ok. Amy's pregnancy had been Ok with Maddie but definitely a little more difficult than her first two. The doctors insisted and Ty encouraged her to have the baby at the hospital. The trauma of twins made her more susceptible for issues and although she was headstrong she eventually gave in. Ty, Lou and the rest of the family were happy for sure. As day approached Amy found she needed a little more help that in the past, so Lou, Lisa, Casey, Georgie and even Katie came around to be with her. Ty as usual was always going out of his way to help her and Lyndy was unbelievable. She had become close to her 13-year-old cousin Katie and they would help Amy together. The twins also knew that mommy needed them and they also behaved and helped her, especially as the time drew near. And that time came soon enough. At the twins party everyone was pitching in and all day Amy had felt a little off. She was uncomfortable as this baby was much more active than the others. She was sitting uncomfortably with Georgie watching over the festivities. Everything the girls got was presented to her, she always had a drink and her food and cake were brought to her. She quietly just sat there trying to delay what she knew was coming. Finally, Lyndy looked over at her distressed mom and came over to see how she was. Amy whispered in between contractions, "Sweetie, get your dad, and my bag, we need to go." A very calm and controlled little girl did what she said as some of the others noticed her movements. Jack came to her, "Ok honey, it's go time." Ty brought the truck to the front door and they headed out. They girls each gave her a hug and said they would see her soon. They also got their bags and headed off with Lou and Georgie to stay at Heartland. Ty and Amy drove in silence as she held his hand tightening it with every contraction.

She had been an active baby but Madelene Louise Borden exceeded that the minute she was here. She screamed loudly as she came into the world and wriggled in her mom's arms. She only settled when Amy fed her and when she was in Ty's arms. With anyone else she was what grandpa would call lively. Early on Maddie was always looking around at the world and the members of her family. She was an inquisitive baby and always alert to things around her. But the amazing thing was that she always calmed with her parents and sisters and slept calmly. She made it through the night early on except for an occasional need for Amy to feed her. Lisa and Casey would call her a joy as she was such a happy baby and then toddler. With a determined look and only 6 months old she tried and try to sit up, and crawl. As she would grow up, she always seemed to be ahead of the curve as Amy and Ty were always amazed at how she was growing. She was a mix of both of them, with blonde hair and green eyes with an already developing an attitude to be seen and heard. Amy and Ty were so happy with their four amazing daughters but were most impressed with how Lyndy watched over her three little sisters. Anytime they were out as a family, at the store or at Heartland for dinner she was Amy and Ty's little helper and the best thing was that the three of them listened to her. One night after dinner, Maddie was a little cranky. Amy and Ty were cleaning up and the twins were in their room playing. After a few minutes, Amy looked at Ty and said, "Where is Lyndy and Maddie?" A little panicked they headed out to find them. As they walked up to Maddie's room they heard Lyndy singing. They quietly opened the door and saw Lyndy singing one of her GG's songs to her little sister. And the most amazing thing was that Maddie was laying on the bed, staring at her sister as content as she could be. Amy clutched on to Ty's waste as tears began to flow. Lyndy stopped and looked at her mom, "I'm sorry mommy, I know you like to sing to us but you and daddy were busy so I thought I would sing to Maddie to calm her down." Amy walked over to them and smiled as she joined Lyndy in the song. The twins heard the noise and headed out to stand by their dad and then join the other girls on the bed. Ty also had tears in his eyes as he watched as at that moment he was the happiest man in the world looking at the most important people in his life. Amy looked at him and while singing gave him a warm and loving smile her eyes glistening. Addie ran over to him and brought him to the bed as well. The family was one.

The Family

Jack Bartlett and Lisa Stillman were the matriarch and patriarch for the entire clan. Jack's ability to connect with all of the kids, grandkids and great grandkids was amazing. Every one of them loved him completely and in his cowboy way he loved them just as much. He was overjoyed that Amy and Ty had went into business and along with Lisa did everything they could to support them. Lisa had also supported Lou with the Dude Ranch when she contemplated shutting it down with business and persona advice. Their relationship at times was challenging as they both were head strong and opinionated. But they always worked it out. A usually unchanging stoic, Jack had succumbed to the need to change as they had finished and or were planning improvements to Heartland, which had remained the same for a very long time. A major barn and loft apartment were in the works as Amy and Ty needed more capacity as their business grew and eventually Georgie and Steven would need a place to live. But the biggest challenge for him was improvements to the ranch house. After a lot of back and forth he gave in to Lisa's request and a bathroom was added to their bedroom. And he agreed to the recommendation that he increase the size of the upstairs bedroom, adding a bathroom, living room and two smaller bedrooms. The expectations was that one day, Katie would need a place and that would keep her home. He succumbed to the new improvements mainly because her had seen what Amy and Ty had done with the land her deeded them, which made him feel happy inside. He and Lisa had also been talking about Fairfield. As they had gotten older, Lisa needed to step away and was considering asking her nephew Ben and his new wife to take it over. All in all they were pleased with everything, especially the family, which continued to grow and be strong.

Lou Fleming was the dynamic older sister of Amy. Since her divorce from her husband Peter, her focus was her girls, her family and her business. She had calmed a bit over the years, especially since she was on her own but had the tenacity and drive to build a strong business with Maggie's and the Dude Ranch. She would with a friend open a Magge's in New Your but saw, with the help of her sister, that it took too much time and sold out her share to her partner and friend, Nicole. Maggie's continued to flourish and she had actually opened up a catering business and a food truck. The Dude Ranch expended as Amy and Ty's business was growing and their clients needed a place to stay. Surprising to some, she had reconnected with Scott Cardinal, one of her first loves and they had been see together more and more. She really couldn't avoid him since the new partnership with the Equine Center and Hudson Vet Clinic was growing significantly. Secretly close members of the family along with her two daughters hoped that they would grow their relationship to be more permanent. Jack had always felt they were destined to be together and it seemed they were headed that way.

Georgie Flemming Morris an accomplished show jumper having just returned from the Olympics where she medaled as one of the team members for Canada. The family was ecstatic, especially her mom who had went with her for the competition. She was gaining even more recognition as a rider and trainer and joining up with Amy was what she wanted long term. Jack would always joke with her, remembering what a pain she was when she first came to Heartland. But after Lou and Peter adopted her she had a parents, a sister and a family that loved her. After the divorce she distanced herself from her father but they did stay in contact. But over the years since he had contacted her less and less as he had remarried and was starting a new family. The most important thing for her was that she had reconnected with Steven Weber, one of her first boyfriends. Their relationship was flourishing and they were together constantly. He was a little less than two years from becoming a vet and secretly they were planning a life together. There was nothing official yet but he had proposed and she accepted. Only a small group knew and by their choice they wanted to keep it that way. He needed to focus on school and she needed to be all in with Amy as the business grew. They were happy and deeply in love with a bright future ahead of them. She was preparing to move into the loft once it was completed and when that time came, they would officially announce their engagement. Her hope was that Jack would allow him to live there as well, which she knew would be challenging for the old school patriarch. They had a special bond since he was the first in the family to want to adopt her and she knew that if she worked on him, he would eventually give in.

Katie Morris was a feisty and challenging almost 13-year-old. She kept a little stronger relationship with her dad although like Georgie it seemed to fade more and more as the years went on. She deeply love her mom, her sister, her family and horses. She was relentless with her sister and Aunt Amy in her quest to go for rides and help them train. Early on Amy and Jack realized she had the gift while working with Amy and Lyndy, and was a spitting image of her late Grandma Marion. Jack caught himself more than once staring at her and seeing his daughter in her and Lyndy. He was happy, especially since the gift seemed to resonate from them. But since the divorce her bond with her mom and sister was what kept them all together and focused. She was very open and honest with them and always tried to emulate them in what she did. She had also formed a strong bond with Lyndy, acting like a big sister. They were often seen playing and riding together. She loved her Any Amy and Uncle Ty deeply. During the times when her mom was away in New York, she leaned on them for parental support and they were more than happy to be there for her and Georgie. It was something she would never forget in life.

Tim Fleming continued to try to become an engaged part of the family but his past was always there along with his pompous attitude. Amy and Lou had accepted him, even though he disappeared for 10 years of their lives. Jack not so much. But his constant badgering of his two sons-in-law weighed heavily on his daughters. Along with his constant battling with Jack, it was something that would follow him for a very long time. He had been with Casey McMurtrey for several years and the family hoped that she eventually would bring him to his senses. Fixing Tim was a challenge but she was committed to try.

Ty's mom, Lily Borden, had an adult life full of abandonment as well as drug, alcohol and physical abuse. Ty's childhood was a nightmare from the time his dad left and his step father Wade would beat both him and his mom. Wade had attempted to fix himself and he and Lilly were back together. Ty tolerated it because deep down he had no trust for the man that almost landed him in jail. The kids rarely saw their grandma Lilly who missed Ty and Amy's wedding and Ty's graduation from vet school. She did come to see Lyndy when she was just born but had still not seen any of the other kids. They knew of her but were led to believe that she was sick and couldn't see them.

The Legacy Begins

That beautiful night Amy and Ty sat quietly snuggling together to keep warm overlooking the open pasture, wild horses and the amazing view of the mountains. Ty was unusually quiet as he wife drew in closer. The twins and Maddie were sleeping soundly but Amy was sure that Lyndy was reading. They had a busy family day and the kids were exhausted. As she listened to his heartbeat, she spoke to him. "Ok Borden, you seem up in your head right now and at dinner your were kind of quiet. Spill mister." He smiled looking into the beautiful blue eyes of his wife and kissed her deeply. She smiled mischievously, "Well if you are thinking about what I am let's get to bed." He smiled a little misty eyed and she knew something was on his mind as he spoke, "Well I wont say no to that, but I am just thinking. When I grew up I was always so jealous of friends that had loving parents, grandparents, siblings and other extended family. They had a family legacy with stories about generations past. I had none that until you and Jack took me in. You made me feel like family and included me in all of the family activities and stories about the past. I have realized that our legacy is right in front of us. This ranch, the kids, the family, the business is all right here. The Borden name will have a legacy now thanks to Jack, Lou and everyone else. But the most important part of our legacy is you. Amy you have given me so much, your love, support and four beautiful girls. I promise I won't mess this one up. I am in it forever." She smiled as tears came to her eyes as well, "Ty, I love you and you forgot one thing. You are as much a part of this as any of us. Your love, drive and passion make our family whole and I am looking forward to building our legacy with you for the rest of our lives." Thye both smiled as he kissed he on the forehead. They sat for a while longer until they went in to check the kids and headed to bed. They had a commitment to keep.