Chapter 48: First Family Weekend
The next morning, Mitch and Amy tried to sleep in for a while, but Lyndy had other plans. They heard a tap, tap, tap on their door with an angelic voice softly asking, "Mama, Daddy are you up yet? May I come in?"
Amy, who was cradled in Mitch's arms, whispered against his neck, "So much for sleeping in. Reality is here to stay, I'm afraid."
Mitch agreed, "I'm afraid you're right." Then he responded to Lyndy, "Yes, Lyndy, you may come in."
She slowly opened the door, peeking around it, and when she saw the smiles on their faces and their open arms, she ran to jump on the bed and snuggled up in between them. Mitch asked her, "Did you sleep well, Sweetie?"
"Uh, huh. So Daddy, when can we go ride?" she asked excitedly, obviously having had the question burning in her little mind.
"Well, first I need to keep a promise to your mama to help teach her how to cook breakfast and have everything ready at the same time. Then we'll eat and can go out to see how far along Zeke and Charlie have gotten with morning chores. If they are all done, we'll tack up the horses. How about you go up and get dressed while we get breakfast started?"
"Ok, Daddy," and she hugged both of their necks before she scampered out of the room.
"Yep, looks like our cuddly mornings are gone by the wayside. But Sweetheart, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to wake up beside you each morning in our own house," Mitch said squeezing Amy tightly against him. And she only hugged him all the more tightly in response. "Well, I guess we better get started before she comes back down," Mitch said. And with that, they both rolled out of bed to get dressed.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Lyndy had picked out what she wanted to wear for riding, and while she was in her closet, she saw one of her boxes alongside the paper dolls she'd carefully placed the last time Ginny had been there with her. She opened the box and found inside the small boxes for her necklace and ring. Also, inside was the Nativity that she and Ginny had made together. She took the two small boxes and carefully stored them away in her dressing table drawer. Then she carefully closed back up the box with the Nativity inside and placed it on the closet shelf that was the easiest for her to reach. She got her clothes on, and then she picked up the paper dolls. She took them to her desk and began to play, singing as she did.
In the kitchen, Mitch was helping Amy logically think through what needed to happen first, second and so on to coordinate the chosen breakfast items. For this morning, they were having bacon, eggs, and toast. Amy was a quick learner and thinking through things the way Mitch explained it made a lot of sense. Of course, it would be different anytime the menu changed a bit, but the basics helped to give her more confidence that she could apply the things she was learning to each meal, and she might be able to pull this off by herself at some point in the future. They cooked the whole pound of bacon to save part of it for Sunday morning when Mitch would teach her to make pancakes. She appreciated Mitch's patience and how skilled he was at explaining things. Perhaps that came from his military training, but she suspected a good amount also came from Ginny. As they worked, it also began to dawn on her that it was a lot of the same principles she used in correcting horses' behaviors – each thing building upon the other and some things needing to happen first in order for something else to follow.
Breakfast was just about ready when they realized they'd heard nothing from Lyndy. Amy went up to check on her. When she saw her with her back to the door happily playing and singing, she went to the top of the stairs and whispered, "Mitch!" motioning to him to come up. He stealthily climbed the stairs, and they both stood watching her for a moment appreciating her contentment until she realized someone was there. Amy said, "Hi, Sweetheart. Breakfast is about ready. What do you have there?"
"Paper dolls, Mama! Gram-Ginny gave them to me last time we were here together. I put them in my closet to have when we moved in. I found them while I was getting dressed."
"They are lovely, Lyndy! That was very nice of Ginny to give them to you," Amy replied. "Since we've got a busy morning ahead, how about you put them away for now and come down to eat."
"Ok, Mama," and she gathered them up and carefully placed them next to the box with the Nativity in it.
Mitch asked a blessing on their food, and they enjoyed breakfast together. During breakfast conversation, they told Lyndy about Caleb, Cass and Carson planning to come over for lunch the next day. She was excited about seeing Carson again and being able to show them her new room. They finished breakfast, got their boots and hats on and headed out to see how Zeke and Charlie were coming along. As they entered the barn, Zeke looked up and said, "Well, good morning young lady!" And Charlie added, "Don't you look all ready to ride today!"
Lyndy responded eagerly, "I finally get to ride horses with Daddy using the saddle he gave me!"
"Well, that sounds mighty special," Zeke replied. "Mitch, we just finished mucking the last stall, and they've all been fed and watered, so they should be ready for you to tack up. Do you need some help?"
"You might help Lyndy get Harley tacked up while Amy and I get Spartan and Maverick ready."
"Sure thing!" Zeke said.
As they led the horses out of the barn, Mitch helped Lyndy mount Harley, and she sat proudly in the saddle. "See, Daddy, it fits me just right!"
"It surely does! I'm so glad!" Mitch said with great satisfaction.
The three of them headed out on a nice, leisurely ride, taking it slow and enjoying the morning and showing Lyndy more of their ranch. On their forty-five-minute ride, it was obvious that Spartan, Maverick and Harley had missed having their owners take them out. They were anxious to please and responded to the slightest signal given. They watered the horses halfway through the ride at the gentle creek that ran alongside one side of the property. Lyndy playfully splashed her daddy, to which his response was to run and swoop her up in his arms, twirling her around and round until she was dizzy and giggling with delight. When they returned, Zeke and Charlie were cleaning tack, so Mitch and Amy asked them if Lyndy could hang out with them while they took Sapphire and Shadow out for a ride. The guys were happy to help and offered to untack the three horses while Amy and Mitch tacked up their two.
For this ride, they didn't take it slow and leisurely. Mitch said, "Race you?" And off they went, all four loving breaking into a run, feeling the breeze and sunshine, and Mitch and Amy admiring each other in their saddles! They stayed out about thirty minutes enjoying the freedom and joy they felt in riding what was now their property.
Upon returning, they found Lyndy busy at work. When they walked into the barn, she looked up with a big grin on her face and said, "Zeke and Charlie are teaching me how to clean tack!" She looked so proud; they couldn't help but smile.
Amy said, "That's wonderful, Lyndy! I'm sure they are good teachers and have cleaned their share of tack. And I'm sure your being able to do it will be a big help to us when needed."
"She's a mighty quick learner, too, Ms. Amy," Charlie bragged.
"We're proud of you, Sweetie," Mitch added as he gave her a side-ways hug as she continued working.
Mitch and Amy untacked Sapphire and Shadow, and they turned all the horses out onto the pasture to enjoy the sunshiny day.
Mitch talked with Zeke and Charlie letting them know that he wanted to start interviews in the coming week for hiring the new hands. He also let them know about the plans for looking for a cook and the remodeling they hoped to do to the side porch to provide quarters for whoever it ended up being. Zeke and Charlie loved hearing that! They'd fared okay with the kitchenette in the bunkhouse, but it would be really nice to have someone to do the cooking for them. That was something they looked forward to, and they said they wouldn't mind at all helping out with getting things ready for that to happen. In fact, Charlie mentioned he might have someone in mind who could use the job. He said he'd speak with her and let Mitch know.
"Well, Lyndy, shall we go in and fix some sandwiches for lunch?" Amy suggested.
"Yes, Mama, I think I worked up an appetite!" she answered.
So the Cuttys retired to the house for a mid-day break. They ate their sandwiches, and Lyndy went upstairs to play some more with her paper dolls while Mitch and Amy made a plan for lunch the next day. They had everything they needed to make lasagna, and that was something Amy really wanted to learn to make, so they decided that would be perfect for their meal together with the O'Dells.
They walked out to the side porch together to discuss plans for the addition. It would be fairly easy to add a room and bathroom on the far end of the porch. They should be able to connect water from the line that already ran to the patio. And they decided that they could get some roll-down, insulated shades to be able to further enclose the entire area in the colder weather, making it convenient to add a picnic table to the porch so the hands and the cook could eat there. And with the outdoor heaters Mitch already had, one or two of those could be brought in if needed. That way, it would give a little more privacy to their family and a little more separation for the employer/employee relationship. However, Amy suggested they include Logan at their family meals. Mitch was amenable to that.
Lyndy had been awfully quiet, so Amy went up to check on her. She'd been playing with her paper dolls on her bed and had fallen asleep. She probably needed the nap as it had been an exciting week for her filled with lots of changes, so Amy let her sleep.
When she came back down, Mitch suggested that they really should give his parents more notice about their plans and their request to them, especially since they also wanted to ask for their help with the enclosing of the arena, so they gave them a call. It went well, and Doc and Ginny were excited about the chance to again spend time with their kids.
Ginny said, "You don't know how special it is to get to refer to 'our kids' after it only being Mitch for so long!"
"Well, Mom, I'm really glad I could accommodate that," Mitch teased.
Doc said, "So we will have a few things to square away here to be gone for that long, but how about if we plan on coming back there on Monday, the 15th, and we can start the remodel that day. Then as soon as we finish up with the porch, we can begin work on enclosing the arena?"
"Dad, that would be great! Thank you so much for being willing to help. I know this will have been a lot of big projects, but I so appreciate your expertise because I want to get them right. By the way, Amy and I got some good ideas for the arena from our visit to Camwood Farm while on our honeymoon. I look forward to sharing them with you."
They chatted a little longer, learned that Lyndy was napping, and expressed they were really looking forward to the adoption ceremony, then said their goodbyes.
After the call, Mitch decided he needed to start laying out the plans for the remodel and also for the arena. Amy went to her office to do some work and confirm her appointments for the week. Mitch got a really good start on the plans, and about the time he was winding up, a sweet little girl rounded the corner of the stairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and came up to Mitch at his desk.
"Well, hi there, sleepy head. Did you have a good nap?" and Mitch drew her close in a side hug kissing the top of her head.
She nodded sleepily and then said, "Daddy, can we play Chinese Checkers?" not realizing that, subconsciously, she was wanting to establish a lot of the fun memories she'd made over the past months into their routine at home.
"Sweetie, I'd love to play Chinese Checkers with you! Are you remembering us doing that at GG's?" She nodded yes. "Well, do you want to just play with me, or would you like to wait and include Mama?"
"Can three play?"
"They sure can, and it's even more fun that way! In fact, you can have as many as six players!" Mitch informed her. "How about you let me finish up here, and I'll text Mama to see if she's about ready for a break."
"Where is she?"
"She's working in her office out in the barn."
"Maybe I can just go get her?" Lyndy suggested questioningly.
"You know, I bet you are big enough to do that all by yourself!" Mitch acknowledged. And Lyndy suddenly was fully awake and confident.
"I'll go ask her!" and off she went. Mitch texted Amy that she was coming out just as a heads up.
Lyndy made it to the barn in short order and walked into the office finding Amy at the computer.
"Hi, Mama! Daddy said I could come find you. We want to know if you will come and play Chinese Checkers with us?"
"I'm about ready for a break. I think I can do that. Just give me a minute to finish up here."
Lyndy started looking around and noticed the trophies from the rodeo on the shelf Mitch had built. She pointed to them and said, "Mama, that was a fun day!"
"It surely was! And we'll have lots more fun days together. You know, I think there might be a juice box in the fridge if you want one while you wait."
Lyndy went to the fridge and took out an apple juice box and proceeded to put the straw in it and then decided to go and see Harley while she waited. Amy finished what she was doing, and they walked to the house together holding hands.
"Mama, I miss our big family at Heartland, but I really do like living here, too!" she said as they almost reached the house.
"I really do like living here, too, especially since I'm with you and Daddy," Amy smiled.
The Cuttys played Chinese Checkers until it was time for them to do late afternoon chores. Then they had dinner, took showers, Mitch read Lyndy a story, they sang a couple of songs, and their little family enjoyed their fourth night together. Life felt really good!
However, when Mitch and Amy went to bed that night, Mitch said, "Amy, I know Lyndy has done fine this week, but it's becoming more obvious that she needs a companion. Paper dolls and Chinese Checkers can only keep her busy for so long. I don't think getting her a puppy can come soon enough!"
"I agree. Hopefully, we can make it one more week!" Amy said optimistically.
"Maybe we should plan on going to the pound first thing Saturday morning," Mitch said. "Of course, it will be interesting breaking in a puppy with Mom and Dad arriving the same day. But they've done it before with me as a kid."
"You had a dog growing up?"
"Yes, he was an Australian Shepherd named Champ. He passed away while I was in Afghanistan. He and Maverick were pretty good buddies."
"Awww, that must have been especially hard on Maverick, not having you or Champ around. And then your mom's stroke preventing your dad from giving him much attention. No wonder he was aggressive with you when you got back."
"You know, I hadn't even thought about that added loss for him til now with you mentioning it. Amy, you surely have taught me a lot about horses. And about their feelings," he said jokingly and bumping her shoulder. That prompted her laughter that he loved so much!
"So shall we read a little more from John? I think we are on about chapter eleven or twelve, right?"
"Eleven, I think," Amy replied. And Mitch began to read before they turned out the light and snuggled up together for a goodnight kiss and a restful slumber.
The next morning, they were all up early for Mitch to teach Amy how to make pancakes. He used his mom's recipe, as it always turned them out light and fluffy. Though he also let Amy know he liked his mom's buttermilk pancakes a lot, too. But since they didn't have any buttermilk on hand, they could try that recipe later.
"The very first thing we do is take the butter out so it can be softening while we get everything else ready." So Amy walked to the fridge to take it out and set it on the cabinet. "Next, we'll start the syrup heating on low on the stove while we mix up the batter. Lyndy, do you think you could pour about a third of the bottle of syrup into this pan for us?"
"Sure, Daddy!" and she proceeded to carefully trickle the syrup from the bottle. Amy turned a burner on low and helped her place the pan on the stove with the handle turned away from the edge letting Lyndy know why. At least she had learned that much from being around Lou.
"Ok, now we mix up all the dry ingredients first. I usually use a wire whisk to do that," and he handed Amy the tool that he made 'appear' with a flare from the drawer causing the girls to laugh. She mixed the ingredients. "Then we start the griddle to heating like so," as Mitch turned it on, "and you make a little well in the middle of the mixture and add the wet ingredients, whisking them in as you do," which Amy did quite well. After all, she'd had some experience in the kitchen. "Then I use about a ¼ cup measuring cup and dip the batter out to pour onto the griddle. Of course, if you want bigger pancakes, you'd use a larger measure."
They let the griddle finish getting hot, and Amy poured four pancakes onto it. Mitch said, "Now, the way you know when to turn them is when they start to have bubbles appear on top and the edges start to look a little bit dry and set. That usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. While you are waiting for them to bubble, in between turning them, you can get the bacon out, and since we've already cooked it, you can just put it on a paper towel covered plate to heat in the microwave for about twenty seconds. I'd suggest getting it ready to heat, and then doing that when you turn the last set of pancakes. Also, if you ever don't want to cook all the batter at once, you can cover it tightly, and it will keep for a couple of days in the fridge."
Amy followed all Mitch's instructions and when she poured on the last of the pancakes to cook, Mitch asked Lyndy to get the milk out of the fridge while he got glasses for them to pour some milk to have with their breakfast. When Amy turned the last pancakes, she put the bacon in to heat, and left it in the microwave until she'd plated up the last of the pancakes. She was tickled pink when everything was ready at the same time, and they all helped get it on the table for serving.
When they sat down together, Mitch praised his wife, "Lyndy, don't you think your mama did a great job on making our breakfast? She's going to be a cook yet!"
And Lyndy said, "Yes, Daddy, she did! Now can we pray and see how it tastes?"
"Sounds good to me! Would you like to say the prayer for us?"
"Ok, Daddy," and as they held hands, Lyndy began…
"Dear God, Thank you for our family and for Daddy teaching us how to cook pancakes. Thank you that Mama is such a good learner and that we are learning so many things together! Thank you for our food. And help us to have a fun time together when Carson and his mama and daddy come to visit. Thank you for watching over us while we were sleeping last night. In Jesus name, Amen."
"That was a very good prayer, Lyndy. Thank you," Mitch said as he kissed both his girls' hands. Mitch served up the pancakes as they passed around the bacon, and each one buttered their own. Then Amy passed Mitch the syrup. He poured the golden brown goodness over his pancakes and passed it to Amy who poured Lyndy's for her before serving herself. As they all took their first bite together, they agreed that Mama had indeed done a great job. Lyndy couldn't resist, and she said, "Mama, these are scrumpdiddlyumptious!" and they all laughed heartily!
After putting the leftovers away and cleaning up the kitchen, they did morning chores. By the time they got back and washed up, it was time to start prepping for their lunch. Once again, Mitch patiently instructed Amy on making the lasagna while Lyndy looked on and was included when there were things she could do. They got the lasagna ready for putting in the oven, the bread sliced and buttered with a garlic butter mixture and wrapped in foil ready for warming, and prepared a toss salad that was now waiting in the fridge. They planned to put the lasagna in the oven about an hour before the O'Dells were to arrive.
Since everything was prepped, they gathered on the couch for some story time and singing. Being Sunday, Mitch thought it appropriate to tell a Bible story for Lyndy, so he told her about the shepherd boy David who killed the giant Goliath with five smooth stones and a slingshot. Next, he taught her and Amy the song, 'Jesus Loves Me.' Then Mitch said he wanted to teach them an old hymn that had come to mean a lot to him, and he felt the words were something that would speak to their family. The hymn was called 'God Moves in a Mysterious Way.' He moved to the keyboard, pulled a hymnal from the bench, and began to play and sing. Amy listened to the first verse, and then added her harmony to Mitch's melody on the remaining verses. Lyndy even started to join in.
.
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.(*1)
.
"Mitch, that was beautiful! And God has indeed worked in a mysterious way in our lives! Something we would have never thought to dream. You'll have to teach us more songs that you know."
"I'd love to! Maybe we can incorporate that into our Friday nights together," he suggested.
Lyndy spoke up, "Daddy, that song was so pretty. There were some words I wasn't sure about though, and one especially. What does sov-rin mean?"
"Sovereign? In the song it is referring to God, and it means that He has the highest power and authority over everything. There's no one greater. And when you hear the word used in reference to someone else, that would usually be a king or queen or someone serving as a ruler. Does that help?"
"Yes, thank you. Wow, Daddy, there are so many words to learn!"
"There are! And Sweetie, you'll be learning new words all your life. Mama and Daddy are still learning words, too," Mitch assured her.
By the time they finished their discussion, it was time to put the lasagna in the oven, which Amy did. Lyndy wanted to go up and find some of her toys to offer Carson for them to play with. Mitch set up one of the patio heaters just in case they needed it. The days were getting warmer, but there was still the occasional chill in the air. Amy made sure they had a good pen available and the will ready for signatures. She began setting the table. Lyndy came down shortly and offered to help. The girls tried to figure out a good way to fold the napkins, but finally gave up and just folded them in half. Amy made a 'note-to-self' that she wanted to ask Ginny if she might be able to show them some fancy ways of folding when she was visiting, though it might have to wait until they came back for the remodeling, since they'd be staying longer then. Mitch came in and made sure there was plenty of ice in the ice bin for drinks. They'd picked up Neapolitan Sherbert (orange, raspberry and lime) on Friday when they were in town to serve for dessert, as well as a six pack, just in case Caleb or Cass wanted a beer. Mitch also made some iced tea. And there were juice boxes or water for the kids. By the time they got everything in place, Lyndy was starting to watch out the window for their guests to arrive. They were actually all three a bit excited since this would be their first time to host company as the Cutty family.
Around noon, Lyndy alerted her parents that the O'Dells were coming up the driveway. Lyndy stepped out onto the porch to wait for them. When they got out, she and Carson ran toward each other meeting in a hug filled with the wild abandon that children can so uninhibitedly express. She grabbed his hand pulling him along as she said, "Carson, you've gotta come see my new room!" And they were off on a new adventure.
Caleb and Cass entered to hugs from Mitch and Amy as Mitch took their jackets and hung them up on hooks in the entry way. Amy then said, "You guys really should follow the kids to see what Lisa and Lyndy did with her room!"
So all the adults proceeded to follow in the direction of the children. By the time they'd gotten upstairs, Lyndy was turning on the twinkle lights for Carson, and Caleb and Cass were quite impressed. Cass proclaimed, "Lyndy, your room is beautiful! You must have had such fun decorating it!"
"Oh, we did! Gram-Lisa helped me with figuring out just how I wanted it. Daddy gave me the dressing table, and look at what he carved on it! And Gram-Lisa gave me my stuffed pony and dog," she related full of excitement at sharing something so special with them.
Cass said, "It's perfect, Lyndy!"
Caleb noted Lyndy using the familiar terms for Mitch and Lisa. Unexpectedly, he had a tinge of mixed feelings about her calling Mitch "daddy," but at the same time, he was glad to see Lyndy so very happy, and Amy was glowing, so he knew he just needed to adjust.
Amy then directed, "Lunch is just about ready. Shall we all move downstairs and eat?"
Everyone agreed that sounded good. Lyndy asked for Carson to sit by her, so Mitch got a pan for him to sit on making it easier for him to reach the table. When everything was on the table and all were seated, Mitch asked if everyone would join him in a blessing. Lyndy reached for Carson's hand and Caleb's on the other side of her, and everyone followed suit in joining hands. This was new to Caleb and Cass, but they complied. Mitch led in prayer.
"Dear Father, You have blessed us so richly! We are grateful that our friends – Caleb, Cass and Carson – can be with us today. Bless our time together and thank you for your bountiful blessings in providing this meal for us to enjoy together. May it strengthen our bodies to carry out your purposes for us. We ask these things in your Son's name. Amen."
"Ok, let's dig in. By the way, Amy made the meal for us," Mitch announced proudly.
"Well, only with a lot of direction from Mitch, but he is helping me learn how to cook some things. And Lyndy helped as well," Amy interjected.
"It smells wonderful, Amy!" Caleb said. And Cass followed with a "Mmmm, hmmm!"
Plates were served, and when the first bites were taken, everyone agreed that it was all delicious! Since this was the first time they'd really had a chance to talk since before the wedding, much catching up was done over lunch with Mitch and Amy sharing all the things they'd done on their honeymoon and their plans for the businesses. Dessert was then served, and the kids were thrilled about the colors and flavors. When finished, the food was put away and the dishwasher quickly loaded while the kids tried out the keyboard. Then Amy suggested that Lyndy and Carson go up to her room to play for a while.
The four adults moved to the living room, and Mitch began the conversation, "Caleb and Cass, there's something we especially wanted to talk with you about today. I'll let Amy take it from here."
Caleb and Cass set up a little straighter, giving them their full attention, and Amy said, "Guys, this is a subject that I know will hold a bit of mixed emotions for all of us, but you remember that Ty and I asked you to be Lyndy's guardians?" Caleb and Cass both acknowledged her question with nods. "Well, Mitch and I realized the other day that we needed to revise the will to reflect our new circumstances. We both agree that we'd like you to remain her guardians, should anything ever happen to Mitch and me. We just wanted to talk with you to be sure you still feel great about doing that, and that we all agree that's what's best. I know at the time we made the plan, you didn't have Carson. Do you still feel the same way? Do you need some time to think about it? We just want to be sure we are all on the same page with the plan," Amy said and waited for them to answer.
Caleb and Cass looked at each other and knew right away that their feelings hadn't changed, and they both said, "Absolutely!"
Caleb took the lead at that point, "Amy and Mitch, first, I just want to say, Mitch, thank you for trusting us with this honor. I know you don't know us as well as Ty did, and I understand this is something that's hard to talk about. In fact, it reminds me that it's something Cass and I need to think about as well for Carson. You know we adore Lyndy, and God forbid that we are ever needed, but we have no qualms about caring for her."
Mitch spoke up at this point and said, "Thank you so much for that, Caleb. Our one concern, that I don't know if it was voiced when you originally agreed to this, is that you would be sure that both of our families remain paramount in her life. Of course, my parents weren't even in the picture back then, but is that something you feel like you can commit to?"
Cass affirmed, "How could we not? We know how much both your families mean to Lyndy, and to us. I think I can say with confidence that we would carry out those wishes…" and she looked to Caleb for agreement noting that he was nodding his head.
"We don't have any plans to be anywhere else, and with Cass now being a partner with Scott, she's getting well-established. We count it such a privilege to have even been asked, and to reaffirm that commitment together with you both today means a lot," Caleb genuinely expressed.
"I really didn't expect anything different, but we just wanted to be sure. So if you are ok with it, we had our attorney draw up the revision, and we have it here today for all four of us to sign?" Amy said.
"We'd be happy to," Caleb replied.
They took care of signing the paperwork, and Mitch and Amy felt good that the plan was now reaffirmed. Amy then said, "We've also talked it over with Lyndy, and Mitch is adopting her. It will be finalized in court on Friday, but we are having an adoption ceremony here on Sunday for the family. In addition, we want to continue the Bartlett tradition of the naming of fireplace stones with our new family here, so we'll be combining the two ceremonies. Will you join us? It would mean so much to us!"
Caleb and Cass felt overwhelmed, and with tear-filled eyes said, "We would be so honored! Thank you!"
Cass added, "Just let us know what time and what we can bring," and hugs were shared.
Then Caleb said, "So to change the subject, we haven't seen the finished remodel of the barn. Could we go look at it?"
"Sure! Let me check on the kids," Mitch responded. He went up to let them know the plan, and of course, they wanted to go, too. A tour of the barn and Amy's office was given. Caleb and Cass were so happy for Mitch and Amy with all they'd been able to accomplish and the plans they had. It was also the first time Cass had really seen Sapphire, and she marveled over his beautiful coat! The kids petted the horses, and then they and the ladies headed back to the house while Mitch wanted to show Caleb what he had planned for enclosing the arena. It also provided an unexpected opportunity for the guys to talk.
"Mitch, I have to say that I was taken a bit off-guard earlier when I heard Lyndy call you 'daddy.' It surprised me that it stirred up emotions in me I didn't realize were there…." Caleb paused trying to regain his voice as it broke when he continued, "Ty was my best friend….We didn't start out that way; in fact, for a short period of time, we both were vying for Amy's affection. But we all went through so much together, and a lot of growing up, maturing together. Then to have a front-row seat to watching Amy grieve losing Ty, along with my own grief, was so painful. I have to admit when we first saw you and Amy together at the Stampede, I had my doubts about you as a couple. But watching you over the last year, and then today, seeing you all together…the sparkle that's back in Amy's eyes and the absolute joyfulness in Lyndy…well, I'm fully convinced, brother, that you all belong together. Thank you, Mitch, for bringing light back into their lives."
"Caleb, thank you! That means a lot!" Mitch responded and reached out to give Caleb a brotherly hug. "But I must add, they've brought just as much or more into mine!"
"Can I ask you something," Caleb said with a hint of shyness in his tone.
"Of course, shoot," Mitch replied.
"Have you always believed in God?"
Mitch was a little surprised by the question but happy that Caleb had asked, "Well, I grew up with parents that have a strong faith, and I did as well until I went to Afghanistan. Some of the things I saw there caused me to start doubting and my faith to waiver, and for a few years, I put God on the backburner; but thankfully, He didn't do the same with me. I've worked through a lot of it, and I still am, but now Amy and I are doing it together. My folks have also already had an impact on Amy and Lyndy. In fact, Amy and I have been reading the Bible together."
"The Bible, huh?"
"Yep," Mitch replied, but decided to leave it at that for now, unless Caleb wanted to ask anything further. And Caleb found he had a lot to ponder from their conversation.
Caleb changed the subject at that point and said, "You let me know if there's anything I can do to help when you start to enclose the arena, ok?"
"Sure thing! We hope to have at least two more hired hands by then, and my folks are coming again to help out, but as before with the barn, you were a great help, so any time that you can afford would be appreciated. I just don't want you to take away from your job or family in the process. Thank you so much for offering," Mitch said gratefully. "I guess we should go back and join our ladies now."
When they got back to the house, Amy and Cass were busy in conversation in the living room and the kids were outside, so Mitch and Caleb went out on the patio and discovered Lyndy and Carson covered in mud from making mud pies. Caleb peeked back in the door and said, "Girls, do you know what our kid have been doing?"
Amy and Cass looked up with questioning faces, and Amy replied, "It has been a little while since we checked on them."
"Well, you should come take a look," Caleb said snickering.
They walked out onto the patio and saw that the kids had started the hose on one of the flowerbeds to make mud and had gathered four tins they'd found in the workshop that were now filled with 'beautifully designed' mud pies. Lyndy and Carson looked so proud, but their hands, arms and legs were now a chocolate brown.
"Well, haven't you two been having a time?!" Cass laughed. "You know this means your daddies are going to have to hose you down?"
"Oh my, this brings back fun memories!" Amy visualized. "Lyndy, let Daddy wash you off, and I'll go get some towels."
"Amy, I have a change of clothes in the truck for Carson. I've learned that's often needed with little boys," Cass said referencing experience as she headed out to get them.
The dads washed them off and to the sound of chattering teeth, got them wrapped in the towels Amy brought for them. Needless to say, Lyndy and Carson had created a fun memory they would not soon forget. The moms helped them into dry clothes, and Cass turned to Caleb, "Honey, we should probably get going since this is a school night. We've still got things we need to do, and I'm sure Mitch and Amy do as well. It's been such a joy to be together today! Let's not take so long to do it again," Cass said.
"Yeah, maybe we can host next time," Caleb added.
"Amy, be sure to let me know what we can bring on Sunday. We look forward to it!" Cass said.
"We'll plan to have lunch together at 1pm and the ceremony afterward. So glad you all will join us!" Amy replied. And the O'Dells and Cuttys said their goodbyes for the time being.
Late afternoon chores were completed, and they made roast beef sandwiches for dinner with the leftovers from the night before. While Mitch and Amy cleaned up, they sent Lyndy up to get ready for bed. When Amy went up to help her brush her hair, she noticed that Lyndy had already laid out her clothes on the end of her bed and her backpack was sitting in her desk chair, all set for the next morning. Amy let her know she was proud of her, and she breathed a small sigh of satisfaction that they seemed to be developing a routine.
Mitch grabbed a beloved book from the bookshelf before he came up to join Amy in tucking Lyndy in. She said prayers and then propped up in bed with her mama and daddy on either side of her. Amy brought a question up to her, "Sweetheart, do you think you are ready to walk to and from the school bus now by yourself?"
"Oh, can I, Mama?!" Lyndy answered enthusiastically keen on the idea.
"Well, Daddy and I talked about it, and we think you are big enough to do that now."
"Oh, yes, Mama! Thank you!" and Lyndy reached out to hug Amy's neck and then Mitch's. They both looked at each other realizing how big this one little act had made her feel. Of course, Amy knew she'd be watching her from the window until she got on the bus.
Mitch pulled the book out from behind his back. "Lyndy, this is a book that Papa Doc and Gram-Ginny used to read with me, and I thought you might enjoy us reading it together. It's called 'Aesop's Fables.'(*2) It is full of very short stories, perfect for bedtime, and each one teaches a lesson. Since they are short, I thought we could read one or two each night and discuss what they mean before we tuck you in. What would you think of that?"
"I know if Papa Doc and Gram-Ginny read them to you, they must be good, so I'd like that," she replied.
Thus, Mitch began to read 'The Fox and the Grapes' and 'The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs,' and they had a good, quick discussion about what 'sour grapes' means and about how wanting more may mean you end up losing all. Amy continued to grow even more in admiration and gratefulness for the blessing of this man, now a father to her little girl – something she knew she would express to him before their heads hit their pillows that night.
A/N: (*1) "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," written in 1773 by William Cowper from England. It was written by Cowper as a poem entitled "Light Shining out of Darkness". Melody is London New (The Psalmes of David in Prose and Meeter) Dundee, published 1774.
A link to the tune I grew up knowing the song by will be posted on the following three Facebook groups: Kevin McGarry Fan Page Home of #McGarries and SuspendersUnbuttoned Podcast; Nathan Grant Fanfiction! Home of Sunday Night Serge; and The Heartie Analyzers: All things Kevin McGarry, KEVLA and WCTH.
(*2) "Aesop's Fables" – or the Aesopica, is a collection of fables credited to Aesop, a slave and storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.