Friendship to Home Chapter 55: Remodel Time!, a heartland fanfic

Chapter 55: Remodel Time!

"Good-bye, sweet girl! Papa Doc and Gram-Ginny should be here when you get home. Have a good day at school!" Amy said as she waved Lyndy on to catch the bus on Monday morning.

Mitch looked at Amy and said, "Can't we slow her down? She's growing up too fast!"

"I know. How does time fly so quickly?" Amy questioned rhetorically.

Shortly after Lyndy got off to school, Doc and Ginny drove up. Mitch and Amy were still on the porch, so they went to greet them and help them unload their things.

"We tried to time it to get here after Lyndy got off to school so we wouldn't be a distraction for her," Ginny said as she handed Mitch some luggage.

"Well, perfect timing! She left just a few minutes ago," Mitch responded. "Dad, all the materials, except three items coming later, were delivered on Saturday, so as soon as we get you guys settled, and I call in the hands, we can get started. Oh, did you already have breakfast?"

"Yes, we ate before we left so we'd be ready to dive right into getting started," Doc answered.

They got all their things carried into their room, then Mitch pulled out the blueprint to show his dad.

"This looks like a good plan, Son. I think we can manage this rather quickly. When were you hoping to have it ready?"

"We were hoping to have it done by Tuesday week so that Nina can move in on Wednesday," Mitch responded.

"That should be no problem. Well, ready to get started?" Doc encouraged, raring to go.

Mitch walked out to get the hands, and when he returned with them, they all gathered round as introductions were made and jobs were assigned to begin the project. Amy and Ginny visited for a few minutes, played with Skye for just a bit, and then began to make a plan for menus for the week to feed everyone. Since this was way out of Amy's wheelhouse, she was very grateful to have Ginny's experienced help.

The day wore on, and they got a strong start on Nina's room. Lyndy got home and was thrilled to be welcomed by her other set of grandparents! After Ginny and Lyndy carried supper out to the hands, the family had a nice meal while catching up on the previous week, then gathered to read and continue visiting briefly before Lyndy had to get to bed. Mitch and Amy agreed that she could have a first try at letting Skye sleep with her and see how it would go. She was elated! And so was Skye!

The building was going well. Wednesday, the toilet, door, and sink arrived. It looked like they'd be ready to put them in by Friday, and then they'd have Monday and Tuesday to do the finer finishing work. Everyone was encouraged with the progress being made.

Meanwhile, at Heartland, Peter and Lou bid their goodbyes to the family and caught a cab to be off on their Paris honeymoon. Lou had been her usual self the night before, trying to make sure that all the things on her list were taken care of assuring that nothing would be neglected while she was gone. Her plan was effective because Wednesday morning, she was calm, yet excited for their trip. Peter looked pleased and anticipating as they entered the cab. All went well for them in catching their flight and arriving in Paris, though with a bit of jetlag to overcome before starting a refreshing ten days together away from everything.

On Thursday, Amy called Nina to suggest shopping together, and she encouraged Nina to come out the next day to see what they'd accomplished so far. Nina was very appreciative and eagerly consented.

Thursday night, Doc and Ginny let Mitch and Amy know that they had made a reservation for them at the Heritage Inn to have a night to themselves, and they offered to keep Lyndy. They graciously accepted, but then Amy realized that she might not be able to do the shopping with Nina. Ginny said that was fine…she and Lyndy could go with Nina. It would be a good opportunity to start getting to know her. Amy was also glad that Skye sleeping with Lyndy at night had been going well, and that it should be no bother for Doc and Ginny taking care of them overnight.

Mid-morning Friday, the guys were all continuing their various jobs on the remodel when Nina walked in. Work stopped, and though no one else noticed, Charlie saw Zeke's mouth gape and his feet freeze in place momentarily. While he was getting his bearings, Charlie covered for his friend and moved to welcome her, introducing her to the rest of the men. As Zeke shook her hand, he was very aware of how small and delicate it felt as his rougher work-worn hand enveloped it. He'd not felt any such spark since losing his wife. He wondered if she'd felt anything at all. 'She's so stunningly beautiful,' he thought to himself… 'probably out of my league.'

Nina was impressed with what would soon be her home, and she again expressed her gratitude. Amy let her know that plans had changed slightly, and it would be Ginny and Lyndy going with her to shop on Saturday. She was fine with that.

When Amy picked up the mail that day, she discovered their wedding album had arrived. Though she was tempted to look, she decided to pack it for their night away and surprise Mitch, wanting them to take a first look together. Jessica's suggestion for a photographer had proven to be solid as they'd been so impressed with the proofs they'd chosen from shortly after returning from their honeymoon. Sharing them together would be a very special touch to their night away. She also packed the bewitching negligee that had so caught Mitch's eye their last night in Nashville. Amy was especially anticipating the time alone again as she'd been longing to be close to Mitch all week. He'd been exhausted every night from pushing to get the room finished on time.

Doc and Ginny shooed them out the door around 3pm. The crew stopped work at 5pm and cleaned up for a delicious meal Ginny had prepared for them. They all had a great time getting to know each other better in a setting other than work, and it was obvious to the Cuttys that Zeke and Charlie were particularly fond of Lyndy…and Skye, and Dax and Ike were taking quick notice as well of the endearing duo. The guys even pitched in to help with the cleanup before going their own ways for the weekend. Since things were coming along so well, Mitch and Doc had agreed that everyone deserved the weekend off, except for necessary chores.

In the bunkhouse, Dax and Ike had already left for their evening plans, so it gave Charlie a little time alone with Zeke.

"Hey, buddy! Did I detect something in you when Nina showed up today?" Charlie quizzed his friend, grinning broadly.

"What makes you ask that?" Zeke retorted, not convincingly denying it while trying to hide the warmth he felt crawling up his face.

"Just the fact that your mouth was open, and your feet seemed to be stuck to the floor when you saw her!" he chided.

"It was that obvious?" Zeke asked with a sheepish grin...embarrassed, but he couldn't wipe it off his face.

"Well, I don't know that it was to anybody but me, but we do know each other pretty well," Charlie assured him.

"Charlie, I've not been affected by a woman like that since…well, since my wife," he confessed. "But…I doubt anyone like her would even give me a second look," he added skeptically.

"Don't be so sure, my friend. I've known Nina for a while now, and I thought I detected a sparkle in her eye I've not seen before when I introduced you two. You may need to take it slow with her because of all she's been through, but I'd encourage you to go for it," Charlie said bolstering his friend.

"You really think I have a chance?" he asked hopefully.

"I don't see why not. Give yourself a little credit," Charlie encouraged.

"Gram-Ginny, with Mama and Daddy gone tonight, are we still going to have family night?" Lyndy asked slightly downcast as she'd already come to love Friday nights with her family.

"Do you want to have it without them? You know, we could wait till tomorrow night and do it together," Ginny answered.

"Hmmm…then, how about we wait, and maybe tonight we could…bake cookies?!" she asked with hopeful expectation.

Ginny couldn't deny that bright, eager little face her request, "I think we can manage that. What kind of cookies would you like to make?"

"Well, Daddy really likes snickerdoodles, but I kind of like chocolate chip even better," Lyndy answered.

"Then how about we make both kinds? We can do one kind tonight, mix up the dough for the other one, and then bake them tomorrow morning after breakfast before we go shopping with Nina," Ginny suggested.

Lyndy clapped with delight. "That sounds like a plan, Gram-Ginny!" she said sounding way too grown up.

As they worked together that night, Doc was reading a magazine and fell asleep in the big chair. Ginny and Lyndy sang as they worked and while they were waiting on the last batch to finish in the oven, Lyndy asked, "Gram-Ginny, do you think I'll ever have a brother or sister?"

Ginny hid a grin and asked, "Sugar, is that something you've been thinking about for a while?"

Lyndy shook her head 'Yes.'

Ginny thoughtfully replied, "Well, I do think it's something that your mama and daddy want for your family. These things just sometimes take time. But you know what, it's something we can pray about."

"I'd like that. Maybe we can do that when I say my bedtime prayers tonight," Lyndy said with a satisfied expression.

Doc, Ginny and Lyndy had a special rest of their evening together, and praying for a little brother or sister was added to Lyndy's prayers that night.

Doc took a leisurely ride on Maverick Saturday while Ginny and Lyndy baked their cookies and headed out to shop with Nina. It had been a long time since he'd ridden the ranch. It felt good to be back. He knew that the timing had been right for them to sell the ranch as they both needed less responsibility and time for Ginny to heal, but he really did miss it. He was especially grateful that Mitch was afforded the opportunity to buy it back. When he returned to the house, he decided to get a head start on building a good-sized picnic table for the eating area that would be set aside on the enclosed porch for the hands and Nina. He hoped to get it mostly completed by the time Mitch and Amy returned so that he and Mitch could work on staining and sealing it on Sunday afternoon.

Lyndy had lots of questions for Nina about her childhood with her Cree family, and they started bonding during their shopping time together. Nina was intrigued by the inquisitive, bright-eyed and precocious child. She was also excited about the curtains they'd picked out and a few decorative items to make her room homier. She sensed that she was going to feel comfortable in her new setting. The Cutty family seemed like very special people to her already. And…she was looking forward to getting to know the hands that she'd be cooking for, especially that one named Zeke. She'd sensed great kindness in him when they shook hands.

Mitch and Amy had enjoyed a most special intimate time overnight and most of the day Saturday. They took advantage of the hot tub upon arrival and had a wonderful meal together Friday evening. Amy was pleased that reminiscing as they'd browsed through their wedding album together was the perfect surprise for Mitch and only added to the romance of their time away with the negligee again being a hit! They made use of the workout room, had 'morning delight,' enjoyed the free breakfast, and after a leisurely time of getting ready to check out, for lunch, they decided to drive back to Okotoks to the restaurant where they'd had Pho together on their first real date a little over a year before. All in all, it had been a most special time of mixing old and new memories. They felt so grateful for the thoughtfulness of Mitch's parents in gifting the special time to them, and they returned home refreshed.

"We're home! Anyone here?" they asked as they came in the front door. Lyndy ran to hug them with Skye toddling behind her.

"We're in the kitchen!" Ginny answered. She was starting to prepare dinner for the family.

As they came into the kitchen, Lyndy barraged them with…"Mama and Daddy, we had so much fun with Nina today! She makes me laugh. Did you know she is Cree, and she has two brothers that live in Quebec. So she doesn't get to see them very often. And her mom and dad died, and so did her husband. And they didn't even have any children. She must be really lonely. Maybe we can be her family. And don't you think she is so pretty?" Lyndy was on one of her rolls and obviously must have asked Nina a lot of questions.

"I do think she's pretty," Amy responded. "Sounds like you and Nina got to know each other quite well."

"Oh, they did!" Ginny said with a wink to Mitch and Amy. "I think Nina is really looking forward to getting started here."

"That's good to hear," said Mitch.

"Hey, Mitch, I want to show you something," Doc said as he motioned him toward the side porch.

As they walked through the door to the porch, Mitch spotted the table. "Wow, Dad, you've been busy!"

"Well, I needed something to do while the ladies were shopping, so I thought I'd get a head start on this, and then I thought maybe we could work on finishing it tomorrow after church and lunch," Doc replied.

"That sounds great, Dad! By the way, we'd like to go to church with you. Amy and I have been talking about the possibility of us starting to go as a family."

"That would be great, Son!" Doc said while silently lifting up a thank you for answered prayer.

Lyndy came around the corner and said, "Hey, Daddy, we also made cookies while you were gone."

"You did? Sounds like all of you were very busy while we were away," Mitch said. "Will we be having them for dessert?

"Of course, that's why Gram-Ginny and I made them! We made your favorite, and we also made some chocolate chip ones," Lyndy said proudly.

As they walked back into the kitchen, he informed her, "Well, did you know that chocolate chip cookies are my second favorite?"

"They are?"

"They sure are!"

"Then I guess you can have both kinds for dessert tonight," Lyndy suggested with a satisfied smile.

"That sounds scrumpdiddlyumptious!" Mitch shot back as he reached down to lift her high in the air, and then they embraced in a giggle-filled hug. Amy looked on treasuring the sweet picture of dad and daughter.

As Mitch was setting her back down, she said, "Oh, and Daddy, we decided to wait and have family night tonight so you and Mama could be with us."

"Thank you, Sweetheart, for being so thoughtful. We'll get to have a bigger family night for the next few weeks with Papa Doc and Gram-Ginny here. Lots of fun ahead!" Mitch predicted.

The family had a tasty meal together with cookies and milk for dessert, finished the Anne trilogy, and Lyndy and Ginny were excited when Mitch announced that they'd all be going to church together on Sunday.

Sunday morning, the whole family managed to get around and get off on time. It was special for all of them getting to attend together, and Mitch was pleased that Amy had been the one to suggest it. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed it and needed it. Lyndy was excited to see Cody and Rebecca again, even though she'd see Cody at school the next day.

For lunch, they had a pot roast meal that Ginny had left cooking in the crockpot. Mitch and his dad worked on finishing up the table. Ginny finally got to teach the girls several ways to fold fancy napkins, and they all had a lovely first weekend together.

Come Monday morning, the new hands were getting into a good routine, and things were on schedule for Nina's room to be completely finished by Tuesday mid-day. When work was completed, Mitch asked for volunteers to go and help Nina move her belongings to Whispering Meadows the next day. Zeke was quick to volunteer with Charlie following suit for his friends.

Wednesday morning, Zeke and Charlie got chores done quickly, having assigned the majority of them to Dax and Ike for the morning, and they headed to town to help load up Nina's things. She was happily surprised when she answered the door and saw them both there to help her. Zeke did his best to constrain his joy at seeing her again. It didn't take them long to load, as she didn't have very many things. It was obvious she'd been living a very modest lifestyle. He was happy to know she was about to have a much better situation. When they arrived at Whispering Meadows, Ginny and Amy greeted Nina, and the guys helped her unload. As Zeke was bringing in the last box, he noticed that the first items she'd set out were a drum(*1) and a photo(*2) of herself. He was mesmerized with the photo. She was in her native Cree dress and was vividly striking! He noticed she looked a little younger in the picture and extremely happy. Her eyes were bright, without the underlying pain he'd recognized from their first meeting. He commented on the photo, and she explained that it was what she'd worn for her wedding, though her husband had been killed in a mountain-climbing accident. Zeke didn't let on that Charlie had already told him.

"I'm so sorry, Nina," he said sincerely, and she saw an understanding in his eyes, one that told her he may have tragedy in his background as well.

Then she mentioned that the drum had belonged to her father. Zeke realized that with the losses she'd suffered, both items must be very special to her. He found himself longing to take away her pain.

Nina began to settle in on Thursday. Ginny was helpful to her in orienting her to the kitchen as both of them discussed with Amy more details of what expectations would be. Of course, with Ginny there, she'd have extra help for the next several weeks, so it would be a good way for her to get comfortable with the job and ease into it.

Friday night, the family invited Nina to join them for family night. She was happy to be included, and as the evening went on, she realized she'd not felt this kind of love in a long time. She really hoped the Cutty family would be pleased with her work because she could already tell that she wanted this job to be permanent. They sang some songs together while Mitch played his guitar, and Ginny expertly tinkled the keys on the keyboard. After singing, Mitch was excited to share a new book he'd come across on the internet one day and had ordered for Lyndy. It had come in the mail that afternoon. It was called "Brave Animal Stories for Kids."(*3) It had fifty stories of animals who had done heroic and unusual things. He suggested they could alternate it with Aesops Fables for their reading together. Lyndy liked the first story so much that she asked for two more before going to bed, and the family found that the adults enjoyed the stories just as much as she did. They all got ready for bed, and as Lyndy said her bedtime prayers that night, she thanked God for the big Whispering Meadows family they were growing telling Him it was starting to feel a lot like their own Heartland.

A/N: (*1) A Cree drum, (*2) the wedding photo of Nina, likenesses of how I picture the four hands, a link to some Cree music, and a link to (*3) the book that Mitch discovered 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.