A/N: Dear readers, I'm sorry it has been such a dry spell with posting to my story. A lot of life responsibilities hit, and I also think I just needed a break from writing to rejuvenate. I hope to post a bit more regularly going forward until I finish Mitch and Amy's story. For now, I offer you two more chapters in this tale.

I should give a PTSD warning for these two chapters, so please beware. I'd also like to give a shout out to FanFiction reader taucher191266 and to Eoin MacLean for the input and help they have both given to me for anything having to do with the military in my story. They are valued resources for accuracy and realism in this area for me. I hope you find this to be true as you read.

Chapter 53: Expected and Unexpected

Beep, beep, beep…beep, beep, beep! Lyndy rolled over on Monday morning to shut off her alarm. She threw her covers back with excitement knowing she had a lot of things to take care of and that it would be the start of some additions to her routine. She slipped on her clothes and shoes and hurried down to greet Skye, his appreciation displayed in the wagging of his tiny tail, and as Lyndy picked him up, he showered her with kisses. Lyndy took him and set him down by the door, as she'd seen her parents do, and asked, "Skye go out?" and he wagged his tail and emitted one bark answering in the affirmative. She led him out the door to the place in the yard they were training him to go. The mornings were still a little chilly, so he finished quickly. Lyndy brought him back in, put him in his pen and fed him. Then she went back up to take care of her bathroom duties, make her bed, brush her hair, and grab her backpack to take downstairs.

Ginny was in the kitchen by that time and had already started breakfast for everyone. Doc was moving their luggage by the front door to be ready to load in the car. Secretly the night before, Ginny had slipped the Bible and Bible story book to Mitch that he had asked her to purchase for him. He thanked his mom for choosing the perfect gifts. He had been right to trust her judgement. It had been rewarded just as he expected.

Mitch and Amy were already coming in from having gotten up early to do the essential chores. Everyone had a quick breakfast together, and Lyndy hugged her grandparents goodbye. They wished her a happy week as she headed out to catch the bus. Doc and Ginny said their farewells looking forward to returning the following Monday. As Mitch hugged his dad goodbye, Doc whispered in his ear to remember that Sunday was Mother's Day. Mitch appreciated the reminder, and they left a few minutes after Lyndy to get on the road. They had several things to tie up at home in order to be ready to be gone for several weeks to help with the builds.

The morning kicked-off a week, and what would be several weeks, of new changes. As Amy settled in to do a little work in her office, she received a call – one that intrigued and excited her. When she came in the house, Mitch was at his desk making sure that all the building supplies they would need for the remodel and the arena enclosure were ordered and expected to be delivered on time. As he turned to give her his attention, he could see exuberance emanating from the bounce in her walk, almost a run.

"Mitch! You'll never guess the horse I'm going to get to work with!"

"I'm sure I won't. Are you going to tell me or keep me in suspense?" he grinned.

"It's a rare Akhal-Teke!" she said, quickly moving in his direction. As she got to his side, he reached out and pulled her into his lap looking at her quizzically.

"Tell me more about this breed. I've not heard of it," he said as he leaned in to plant a kiss on her neck eliciting her giggle.

"They are an ancient and rare breed originating in Turkministan and are under a threatened status. There are only 3000 pure-bred ones worldwide and only 600 in North America. They are amazing horses! They have exceptional intelligence, are very athletic, have wonderful temperament, great endurance…elegance, metallic coats, strength and stamina. They make perfect companions, have amazing heart, are competitive and are absolutely gorgeous animals!"

To Mitch's amusement and wonderment, the description poured out of her, "So you're not the least bit excited about working with this horse, huh?" he teased her with a chuckle.

Amy leaned back to look directly into Mitch's mischievous eyes and responded, "You just wait until you see him! Then you'll understand!"

"What's the problem with the horse?"

"Well, their nature is to be a one-person horse, and this one's owner recently died, so they are needing help with getting her to bond with the grandson. They generally bond for life."

"When will she arrive?"

"They are bringing her tomorrow. Tomorrow! Oh, I need to be sure Logan can be around some the next few days to help me. I need to call him!" she exclaimed, the excitement still evident in her voice. She leaned in to kiss her fascinated husband, and he reluctantly let her go to make her call. Mitch adored seeing her when the passion for her craft poured from her heart. He turned back to his work, but he was curious to see this horse she was so excited about.

Amy reached Logan, and though he'd not heard of the horse breed, the excitement in Amy's vice was infectious! He was looking forward to meeting this animal the next day.

Tuesday morning, Amy was so excited that she rolled out of bed even before Mitch. She went out to prep a clean stall for the special horse. She knew that she and Logan had a challenge ahead of them in helping her to bond with the new owner. When Amy got back to the house, Mitch and Lyndy were just about to sit down to breakfast, so she washed up to join them. While Amy had been in the barn, Lyndy told Mitch about the special Mother's Day card she'd made for Amy in her Bible class on Sunday. Mitch realized he needed to make a trip into town soon.

Logan arrived shortly after Lyndy got off to school to await the arrival of Sheena, the Akhal-Teke.(1) When the trailer arrived, Amy went to help the new owner, Cade Grant, to unload the horse. When she stepped out, showing a little resistance to Cade's guidance, Logan's jaw dropped. She was the most beautiful horse he'd ever laid eyes on. He understood immediately what had prompted the name. Her coat had the most amazing, golden metallic sheen. However, Cade mentioned that the actual meaning of her name was "God's gracious gift." She was obviously a most treasured animal. Amy and Logan both felt privileged to get to work with her. Mitch came out to see her and was just as impressed. He couldn't get over her coat, though it also reminded him of a golden version of Sapphire's blue coat, yet even more brilliant.

While Amy and Logan had their work cut out for them for the day, Mitch decided to take the opportunity to make his trip into town for the purpose of finding a couple of Mother's Day cards and ordering flowers to be delivered to his mom 'special delivery' on Sunday, and he would pick up Amy's flowers on Saturday. He ordered her a mixture of yellow and red roses – yellow to honor Marion, and red for his love for Amy and his appreciation for the wonderful mother she was to Lyndy. He also added a box of chocolates to his order that would be from him and Lyndy. For his mom, he chose pink orchids and gardenias, as he knew she loved the unique and sweet fragrance of the white, delicate flower. He recalled the smell from his youth when his dad would bring them to her on special occasions and sometimes 'just because.' He suddenly realized perhaps he should do that for Amy, as he hadn't really bought her flowers before now. That was something he had yet to discover. Was she really a "flower" type girl? She hadn't really struck him as such, but then, he'd never seen her receive flowers other than the wedding and when Rich had surprised her with the bouquet of their wedding colors that last morning on their honeymoon at breakfast. She had seemed really pleased. He realized his thoughts had been wandering, but he especially enjoyed those tangents when his wife was the subject.

When Mitch returned home, Amy and Logan were still working with Sheena and Cade. He used the time to check out the bunkhouse to be sure it was ready for Dax and Ike to arrive the next day. He discovered Zeke and Charlie had done a good job of sprucing things up. He continued to be impressed with their thoughtfulness. He was grateful they had turned out to be such good hires. In some ways, they'd started to feel more like family. He was hopeful that might be the case as well with the three new hires soon to become part of Whispering Meadows.

Lyndy got home from school, and she joined them at the arena to watch the training with Sheena. When she saw the horse, she exclaimed, "Mama, she is so beautiful and shiny!"

"Isn't she gorgeous, Sweetheart!"

"Oh, so gorgeous, Mama! May I pet her?"

"Not today, but perhaps after she's bonded more with Cade, we can give that a try," Amy responded.

Wednesday came, and Dax and Ike were there bright and early to get their belongings settled in before Zeke and Charlie began to orient them to all things Whispering Meadows. They would plan to ride the Heartland property the next day to get them familiar there. Zeke planned to give them the first couple of days to get a feel for how would be best to split up all the duties and chores. By Thursday evening, Zeke reported to Mitch that they had ridden both properties, and, as expected, he thought they were going to be a really good fit. They'd even pitched in with the cooking in the small bunkhouse kitchen. However, Zeke admitted that they were all looking forward to Nina's arrival. Mitch was glad to hear it, as he knew they would all be anxious to do a good job on the remodel and get it done as quickly as possible.

General daily life was starting to fall into a familiar routine for the Cuttys, though they knew that the coming weeks were going to be anything but normal. Skye was getting better at signaling when he needed to go out under Lyndy's attentive training and loving care. She was so like her mom in her way with animals. They knew it wouldn't be long before they'd be able to do away with the pen at night. Lyndy was becoming proficient at setting the table, and when she was able to get ready in time, she was even helping her daddy in the kitchen and learning more about preparing various breakfast foods. They were enjoying those times of working together. They'd often sing as they worked, and Mitch was teaching her how to whistle. Amy loved when she'd walk in from doing chores to the happy sounds in the kitchen.

As the weekend arrived, Sheena and Cade had made great progress in bonding with each other under the wise guidance of Amy and Logan. Helping Cade to understand that Sheena was grieving the loss of her owner just as he was grieving the loss of his grandfather had helped him a lot as he worked with the horse. Cade had shown up early every morning to help with feeding her and stayed after each work out to help with her care and grooming. Horse and owner were getting to know each other more intimately. Lyndy got home from school on Friday, and Amy let her give petting Sheena a try. With Cade standing beside her, Sheena took well to Lyndy's gentle, child-like caresses. The horse sensed her gentle nature. Amy released Sheena for Cade to take her home Friday afternoon with the condition that he call her or Logan if he had any problems whatsoever. Cade was extremely grateful for their help and assured her he would call if he needed them, and he added that he would be recommending them to everyone he could. That, of course, was something they loved hearing.

Mitch called in the afternoon just to re-confirm that all the materials they would need to start the remodel would be delivered the next day and was glad to hear that all was on schedule. However, the door, toilet and sink would not be available until mid-week. Since those would be among the last things to be needed, there was no problem. He was glad to know that at least the combination tub/shower would be delivered with everything else. Amy decided that she and Ginny could take measurements, and she'd call Nina when things were close to being finished, then the three of them could shop for curtains, a shower curtain, and other decorative and needed household items.

Family night included Lyndy's request of PJs, popcorn, hot chocolate and watching the second Anne of Green Gables movie. More of Aesop's Fables was also on the agenda. She asked if she could take Skye to bed with her, but Amy encouraged her to give him at least another week before they tried it. They got Lyndy to bed and continued to read in John. They were getting close to the end of the book and chatted briefly about questions that Amy had jotted down in her phone. It had been a full week, so they turned in early and fell asleep, almost as soon as their heads hit their pillows, in each other's arms.

'Mmmmm…,' Mitch gradually opened his eyes catching the savory whiff of sizzling bacon wafting on the morning air. He rolled from his side to his back as his stomach grumbled. Soon, Lyndy smelled it, too. They both felt a special incentive to roll out of their beds and dress quickly. Amy had been up before the others to try her hand alone at getting breakfast ready for them. As father and daughter descended on the kitchen, they heard Amy humming a lively tune.

"Good morning, Mama!" Lyndy greeted her as she hugged Amy's waist.

Mitch walked up behind her wrapping her in the circle of his arms as he whispered in her ear sending a chill down her spine, "Good morning, my angel," and he showered kisses on her neck. Lyndy giggled as she watched them while moving toward Skye to let him outside.

"Whatcha got here? What can we do to help?" Mitch asked.

"Something I hope you'll like. It's almost ready. You and Lyndy could set the table and help me get the food moved over."

"You've got it!" Mitch replied as he winked at Lyndy and kissed Amy on the cheek.

They all pitched in. Skye scratched on the door to be let back in, which Lyndy did, then they sat down together for their morning meal. Mitch led them in prayer thanking God for their new hands and how well they were fitting in, for Amy's success in preparing breakfast for them, and prayed for a blessed weekend together. Lyndy added at the end, "And help me have a fun time at GG's and Gram-Lisa's tonight!" All three said "Amen" as Mitch kissed both his ladies' hands.

They finished breakfast, and Mitch headed to the barn. Shortly thereafter, the materials were delivered for the builds, so he and the hands got them unloaded and organized. Lyndy took Skye upstairs with her to start packing a bag for her overnight at Heartland making sure she remembered her mama's card. Amy washed up the dishes and began to put laundry away. As she stowed some of Mitch's socks in his drawer, she noticed a flat, rectangular box and some kind of framed certificate. As she pulled it out to read it, she realized it was a citation. She opened the box to see a Star of Military Valour(2) medal. Amy wasn't super familiar with military medals, but she knew enough to know that this one was special. She googled it and found that it was "awarded to recognize acts of valour, self-sacrifice, or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." Amy hadn't thought about Mitch receiving a medal for the battle he'd described to her, but she was certain he more than deserved it. She read the citation…

"While deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan in the Panjwai district in August 2013, Sergeant Mitchell Cutty and his platoon came under enemy fire. Sergeant Cutty protected his fellow soldier from a mine by throwing himself over his body, saving his fellow soldier from harm while being inflicted with shrapnel himself. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Cutty found himself on the receiving end of a sniper's bullet, while at the same time witnessing his Lieutenant succumb to a mortal wound. Knowing that his platoon was leaderless and in grave danger of losing more men under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Cutty took command directing his men out of the situation while pulling himself to a higher vantage point to lay down fire cover for the platoon to escape with all their lives, save two. For his valour, courage, leadership, remarkable execution of duty, and bravery under heavy fire, Sergeant Cutty is awarded the Star of Military Valour.

As Amy read the citation, tears welled up in her eyes, and it became even more real to her what Mitch had been through, how close he'd come to death, and how very blessed she was to be the wife of such an extraordinary man. She felt extremely proud of her husband. Amy put the citation and the medal back in the drawer and decided to wait until Lyndy had gone to Heartland before saying anything to Mitch. Since they would have an evening alone together, and before things got really crazy with the remodel, Amy wanted them to spend some special time together.

Around mid-afternoon, after they'd made sure the guest room was ready for his parents to arrive on Monday, Amy asked Mitch if he could drop Lyndy off at Heartland and go into town to pick up Chinese take-out rather than them cooking for the evening. She told him she'd call the order in so all he needed to do was pick it up. Mitch, of course, agreed as he loved the idea of having more time to spend alone together, and it would give him an easy way to pick up the flowers for Amy without her becoming suspicious.

Using the time after Mitch and Lyndy got off to Heartland, Amy began some preparations. 'What did I do with those yellow petals?' she thought as she searched her drawers. 'Ah, here they are!' She laid out the lingerie set from their honeymoon night, went to shower, slipped on her lingerie and then pulled on her nicest sweats. She scattered the petals on the bed, lit candles around the bedroom and house, queued up their favorite playlist, set place-settings on TV trays at the couch, and chilled some wine.

Mitch pulled up and went to check on the horses before coming in. Everything looked in order. The hands had already fed and groomed the horses. He locked the barn for the night and headed toward the house. He grabbed the food, flowers and chocolate from the truck, and as he walked inside, he noticed it smelled of jasmine and lilac, a familiar memory. He slid the chocolate into one of his coats hanging in the entryway, then as he walked in, he saw Amy sitting on the couch. When she saw Mitch, she quickly got up to greet him.

"Hi, Angel. Here's the food," Mitch said.

He sat it on the island, then pulled the flowers from behind his back.

Amy's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "These are beautiful, Mitch! But what's the occasion?"

"Did you forget that tomorrow is Mother's Day? Since tomorrow's not a normal delivery day, I picked them up early. These are because you're such an amazing mom! I chose the yellow to honor your mom, and the red roses because, I believe, they are supposed to symbolize love and appreciation for my beautiful wife!"

"Oh Mitch! Thank you! It's been a long while since anyone really acknowledged the day for me. I didn't even think about it," she said with glistening eyes.

Mitch laid them on the island and wrapped her in his arms saying, "Well, you certainly deserve it! And now, Mrs. Cutty, now that I have you all to myself…" he enveloped her lips with his in a passionate kiss.

As they finally broke from each other, and Amy recovered from another of Mitch's weak-in-the-knees kisses that they only had rare chances to experience these days, she teasingly asked, "So are you hungry for food…or something else?" with a glint in her eye.

"Hmmm, let me think…well, I'm famished…and I think I'll be better at the something else if I get some energy first," he laughed.

"Then let's take care of that. How about you go shower while I warm up the food and get these beautiful flowers into water?" Amy suggested.

Mitch agreed and headed down the hall. When he walked into the bedroom to get his clothes and noticed the candles and flower petals, his anticipation heightened. He speedily showered, and as he returned down the hall, he saw Amy carrying their plates to set them on the two TV trays.

"I thought it would be more relaxing and comfy to eat here together."

"That sounds perfect," Mitch replied.

They sat down, and Mitch reached for her hand for them to pray together. Then they shared about their days as they ate, and Mitch relayed to her how excited Lyndy had been to stay the night at Heartland, and the grandparents seemed just as excited! As they finished their meal and continued their conversation, Amy reached over to take Mitch's hand and said, "Sweetheart, today, I was putting laundry away, and I came across something in your drawer."

"Oh?" Mitch asked as he looked toward Amy, and then she saw it dawn on him when he looked down and said, "Oh…."

"Darling, I read the Citation, and I'm so proud of you! You were so brave and a true hero! You already are one to me, but it was really special to know how you've been acknowledged," Amy said to him with shining eyes of admiration.

Mitch sat quietly, reflecting on what Amy had said to him, yet did not respond.

"Hon, what is it?" Amy asked.

Mitch hesitatingly and humbly replied, "It didn't feel heroic. I was just doing my job. We were all just trying to survive."

"Oh, Mitch, you performed that 'job' the way I've seen you respond in so many ways in everyday situations…always with a level head, seeing things strategically, putting others before yourself, stepping up to lead with wisdom. You embody these traits every day in the life you live before others, before me and Lyndy."

Mitch blushed while his wounded heart was bathed in Amy's words of love and praise. He sat without saying anything for a moment, and Amy asked, "Is there some reason you have it hidden away in your drawer?"

"It's just hard to look at for me. It brings the memories back. And, with the way the withdrawal was so sloppy, incompetent, and completely botched…so many people that I'm sure must be dead now because of leaving them stranded…it's just not something that makes me feel proud, nothing to brag about. The award and medal somehow feel tainted," Mitch confessed sadly. "I sometimes have wondered about the interpreter who worked with us. Is he still alive? Did he get out? Or did the Taliban kill him? And all the people we tried to help over there or that helped us…did any of them get out? And what about all the women and children that, if they haven't been killed, are now back under oppression? We ended up letting so many people down. Yet looking back, I'm not sure there was ever a way to truly win. It just seems like it was all in vain and so many lives lost."

Amy reached over to cup his cheek thinking how to encourage him. "Mitch, as a soldier, you had no control over all the politics, greed, and hidden factors, I'm coming to realize, that affects wars. But I believe you and all the men you were with can be proud of the way you gave your all and served with honor while you were there. It's fine if you don't want to display your medal and the citation. I can understand that. But know that I am so very proud of you!"

Mitch reached up to cover her hand, and answered without words as he slipped his other hand into her silky hair at the nape of her neck drawing her close to gently kiss her lips. As the depth of their talk, the mixed feelings welling up in Mitch, and the fire that was kindling between them urged him to deepen their kiss, Amy totally surrendered to his urgency for comfort. Momentarily, she drew back long enough to reach for the remote and turn on the playlist. Mitch chuckled at her move and took the opportunity to ask her to dance. As he held her in his arms and gently circled his fingers on her back, he realized there was something beneath her sweats. Curiosity got the best of him, and he slipped his hands up under her shirt to discover the lingerie.

He laughed again and, looking down into her clearly mischievous blue eyes, said, "My dear wife, what is this underneath your sweats?"

Then he wiggled his eyebrows which evoked her laughter that he so adored. He energetically helped her slip out of the bulkier attire and recognized right away the negligee from their very first night together. That was all the motivation he needed before his brawny muscles rippled through robust arms as he lifted her with ease and carried her to their bed for a most reminiscent evening of exploring one other all over again in loving embrace.

A/N: Photos of (1) the Akhal-Teke and of (2) Mitch's Star of Military Valour 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.