Chapter 64: An Unexpected Question
Friday night family night had been a much-anticipated event. Nina and Zeke were invited to join them, except for the sleepover part. Logan was also invited, but he had plans with friends. Of course, Charlie was off to Calgary just as soon as he could clean up, and Dax and Ike had plans in town. Nina, Lily, and Lyndy made lasagna together along with garlic bread and a toss salad, and they baked a chocolate cake from scratch for dessert. A good part of their afternoon was spent on the preparations. Lyndy also made sure they had plenty of blankets set out to build the tent they would sleep in, and their sleeping bags were set to the side. In addition, she wanted to share the first Anne of Green Gables movie with her nana. Lily said she hadn't seen it since she was a girl.(*1) And of course, with a movie, there had to be popcorn. They got an early start with everyone ending work around 4:30 so they could clean up and eat supper by 5:30 because Lyndy also wanted them to get in some singing after they ate.
They finally sat down at the table to eat, and Mitch led them in prayer. Mitch sensed that Zeke was a little preoccupied, and he had a pretty good idea why. The food was much enjoyed, and dessert was a big hit, especially with ice cream to go with it! Zeke and Nina offered to clean up so the rest of the family could get their PJs on – a prerequisite, according to Lyndy – for the sleepover. When everyone settled down in the family room, Mitch pulled out the Bible story book to read one story, this time about Joseph when his brothers finally recognized him after they'd sold him into slavery, and he ended up being their family's salvation during the famine that had struck the land.
Mitch was on the couch beside Amy with Lyndy and Lily on the other side of her. And, of course, Skye was on Lyndy's lap. After he finished reading, Lyndy became aware, once again, of Skye's position. This time, she asked, "Mama, why do you think Skye always lays his head on your tummy?"
Amy caught her breath and glanced at Mitch with a questioning look in her eye. He caught her intent and nodded his head, so she wrapped her arm around Lyndy and began, "Lyndy, I think that Skye has a keen sense that is telling him that something special is happening in Mama's tummy." She looked up briefly to notice the question, then the hint of recognition on Lily's face, and the smiles working their way across Zeke and Nina's faces. They felt privileged to be a part of this moment.
Lyndy looked up at her mama and asked, "What do you mean, Mama?"
"Sweetheart, you have a little brother or sister growing in my tummy that will be joining our family in a few months, God-willing."
Lyndy's eyes grew bigger and bigger as it dawned on her what her mama had just said, and then tears of joy started to form in those big blue eyes as she threw her arms around Amy's neck and said, "Oh, Mama, Daddy! I've been praying and hoping for this for a long time!" She drew back and looked Amy in the eye as she exclaimed, "Really? You're not teasing me?"
And Mitch hugged the two of them and said, "No, Lyndy, we're not teasing. God has blessed us with a baby to be added to our family," and they all hugged each other again. Then Lily joined the hug and gave congratulations, and Zeke and Nina expressed relief that they could now talk about it more freely. Though they were reminded that the rest of the family still didn't know.
"When will it get here?" Lyndy inquired excitedly, as the reality began to sink in.
"Our baby is due to arrive sometime in February, so still several months off. It should come several weeks after you go back to school after Christmas break," Amy replied.
"I'm so happy, Mama! Maybe we can start learning some lullabies to sing to the baby. Maybe we could start learning one tonight?" Lyndy suggested as her mind was already starting to imagine the future.
Lily interjected, "You know, Lyndy, I may have one we could learn tonight that my mother sang to me and that I sang to your da-da when he was a baby."
"Oh, Nana, that would be great!"
"Mitch, maybe you could join in once you catch onto the tune?" Lily suggested.
"Sure, I can try," he answered as he picked up his guitar.
"It's called 'The Contented Bird,' and it goes like this…"
High up in a tree a little birdie sang,
"Tweet, tweet, tweet, sweet, sweet, sweet."
From his tiny throat the softest music rang,
"Tweet, tweet, tweet, sweet, sweet."
"Tell me, Birdie," said a child one day
"Why is it you're always bright and gay?"
All the birdie did was clear his throat and say,
"Tweet, tweet, tweet, sweet, sweet." (*2)
"Nana, that's so pretty! Yes, let's learn it! Daddy, can you play along with us?"
"I think I can pick something out. Let's try it," Mitch responded.
They sang through it a couple of times until they felt they had it down. Mitch, Amy, and Nina were even able to add some harmonies as they sang. Afterward, while Nina and Zeke popped popcorn, the others built the tent using the tables and chairs handy in the family room, and Lyndy put their sleeping bags in it. Then they all settled in for the movie. Zeke and Nina hadn't seen it before, so it was especially fun to get to share it with them, and Lily was reminded how much she had enjoyed it from her earlier days. After it was over, Zeke and Nina excused themselves for the night, and the rest of the family settled into their sleeping bags. Lyndy said a prayer while laying between her parents and holding their hands with Skye at their feet.
"Dear God,
Thank you for listening to my prayer. You know how many times I've asked you. Thank you for saying yes! Please be with my baby brother or sister as they are growing and getting ready to come join our family. Help me be a help to Mama and especially to be a good big sister! Help me always to be a good example for them.
Thank you for all the fun we could have tonight and for Nana teaching us the new lullaby and that Zeke and Nina got to join us and that we are finally getting to have another sleepover.
We love you, God. Goodnight.
In Jesus name, Amen."
And all the adults echoed "Amen." Lily continued to be more and more impressed with her granddaughter. She longed for Ty and wished he could see her, but she was so happy for Amy and Lyndy to have Mitch in their lives. She felt especially grateful to be included in their new family. The four of them told stories, often giggling, until they could no longer stay awake with Lyndy being the first to doze off into happy slumber. It had been quite a night, one that had brought with it an unintended, joyous surprise, but the time just seemed natural and right!
The sleepy heads were awakened the next morning to sounds in the kitchen, though Nina was doing her best to go about her work quietly, but the smell of sizzling bacon cooking was tantalizing. No one could stay asleep with that lovely, unexpected smell torturing their nostrils, so each one started to get up and go to their rooms to get dressed for the day. Nina didn't usually cook on the weekends but knowing that the family probably didn't get the best rest on the floor, she wanted to have breakfast ready for them.
Before they came downstairs, Lily helped Lyndy brush her hair and pull it back in two half braids with her golden locks flowing down her back. Lily put on her best dress and a little make-up in anticipation of Trent arriving later in the morning. Everyone met at the dining table, and Nina served them all a delicious meal.
After breakfast, Mitch went to help with chores, and Amy helped Nina cleanup while Lily and Lyndy gathered up ingredients to make snickerdoodles to have for dessert with lunch. Lily said that Trent should be there by then. Amy already knew, but she asked Nina what her plans were for the evening. She told her that Zeke had a twilight date planned for them and had even told her the dress he wanted her to wear. Amy managed to contain the huge smile that she wanted to release, but she didn't want to give anything away. After they finished, Amy went to her office and Nina to her room.
As grandmother and granddaughter worked together, Lyndy inquired, "Nana, what's Trent like?"
"Well, he's about my age, and he works in the gas industry in Medicine Hat where we live. He lost his wife a few years ago. We met at work. He treats me really well, he's friendly, loves people, has a couple of grown kids and two grandchildren so far – one older and one younger than you – both girls," and with a wink in her eye, she added, "and I think he's really good-looking." They both laughed.
"He sounds pretty fun. I'm glad we'll get to meet him. Do you think you will marry him?"
"Oh…well, I wasn't expecting you to ask that question. I'll tell you what. Can you keep a secret?"
"Sure, Nana. I'm really good at keeping secrets when I need to. Daddy told me so. I had to keep from Mama how Gram-Lisa and I fixed up my room here for a really long time."
Lily was amused at her answer. "You and Gram-Lisa did an excellent job on your room! To answer your question, Trent has asked me to marry him, and I've said yes, but I really want your mama and daddy to meet him before I tell them. Think you can keep that secret with me for a short time?"
Lyndy went over to hug her and answered, "Sure I can, Nana! And I'm so happy for you! Do you have an engagement ring?"
"I do. I'm just not wearing it until we tell them."
"Ok. I can't wait to see it!"
"Well, you shouldn't have to wait too long. Maybe tonight," Lily replied.
They finished up the cookies and carefully put them in the cookie jar and cleaned up the mess they'd made in the kitchen. Lyndy told her Nana that Nina would appreciate them doing that. Then Nana suggested they go upstairs, and Lyndy could help her get a head start on her packing so she wouldn't have to do it once Trent got there. They worked together on the project for about thirty minutes chattering away.
Outside a little later, Mitch saw a pickup truck turn onto the road, and he assumed it was Trent. (*3) He called Amy from her office, and they went out to meet him. Introductions were made, and they ushered him into the house. Lyndy and Lily had returned downstairs by then. The first words out of Trent's mouth were, "Mmmm, what smells so good?"
Lyndy volunteered, "We made you snickerdoodles for dessert! Do you like that kind of cookie?" she asked.
"I surely do! And you must be Lyndy?"
"That's me!" she answered. Then she added as she looked at her Nana, "You're right, Nana! He is good-looking!"
Everyone laughed, and Trent went over to hug Lily and gave her a quick peck on the lips and said, "Hi, Darlin'. So what have you been sayin' about me?"
"Only good things. How was your trip?"
"Not bad at all. I was able to get an early start."
Amy then said, "Trent, welcome to our home. We thought we'd put you in the guest room at the end of the hall, if you'd like to put your suitcase in there."
"Sure thing. Lyndy, do you want to show me the way?"
"Sure, follow me. Oh, and this is Skye. Come on, Skye. Let's show Trent where to go." And off they went down the hall with Lyndy barraging Trent with questions all the way.
"Well, it looks like they've already hit it off," observed Mitch. "She really doesn't know a stranger."
"She's an impressive little girl!" Lily said. "Amy, you've done such a great job with her, and I can see that the two of you together…well, I just know that Ty would be pleased."
Amy was touched by her words and gave her a hug and also responded, "Thank you for saying that, Lily. Mitch has really had a lot to do with her coming out of her shell. It was pretty hard for both of us before God brought the three of us together. I'm sure you understand."
About that time, Lyndy, Skye, and Trent returned from the bedroom, and Lyndy grabbed her Nana's hand and said, "Come on, Nana! We're going to give Trent a tour of the place!"
Trent looked at Lily flashing a smile, and the four of them headed out the door in a Lyndy whirlwind of enthusiasm! Amy and Mitch looked at each other, and both, at the same time, said, "I like him!" Then they laughed together.
Amy said, "It seems like she's finally found a keeper. I know we're just going on first impression, but they seem really good together, and obviously, our little girl likes him. I really hope this works out for Lily."
Mitch came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, and as he showered kisses on her neck, he managed to get out, "Me, too!" in the midst of Amy's giggles as she turned in his arms to allow for an achingly passionate kiss in this stolen moment together. Mitch gathered her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom with Amy laughing. They shut the door to grab a little more canoodling time before they totally expected to be disturbed. After a while, they heard the front door open, and laughter entered the house. They straightened themselves, and Mitch exited the bedroom giving Amy a chance to run a brush through her hair.
When Trent saw Mitch, he said, "Mitch, this is a really excellent operation you have here!"
"Thank you! We've put a lot of planning and hard work into getting it where it is. We've had a lot of help along the way. The hands work hard, and my dad and uncle helped us with a lot of the building, as well as Amy's family when they could pull away from their own work. We actually share the beef part of the business with Amy's family at Heartland. Lily, I don't know if we'd shared that with you yet. That part has come together since we got married," Mitch responded.
Amy caught a part of the end of Mitch's statement as she came out of the bedroom. When Lily saw her, she asked, "Amy, do you think it would be possible for us to take Trent to see Heartland before we leave? I think I feel strong enough to face that now, and I'd love for him to see where you and your family helped Ty turn his life around."
Amy was surprised but really happy that Lily felt the way she did. She answered, "I think we could arrange that. Let me call them and see what their schedule looks like."
Amy went to the bedroom to make the call. Lisa answered, and she explained the request. Lisa asked her to hold for a minute, and Amy could hear her talking to Jack in the background. Soon, she returned to the phone and asked, "Do you think you guys could run over now and plan on having lunch with us?"
Amy walked out to ask the rest of them if they were good with that, and there was a yes on all counts. So she let Lisa know they'd be there in about an hour. Before she hung up, she heard Lyndy say, "Mama, tell Gram-Lisa that we can bring the snickerdoodles for dessert!"
Mitch headed to the barn to let the guys know they'd be gone for a while. Logan came down from the loft while he was there and let Mitch know that he wouldn't be around for lunch or supper. He and Miley were spending the rest of the day together. When Mitch saw Zeke, he could sense his anxiousness about completing chores for the day. Mitch took pity on him and pulled Ike and Dax aside to ask if they'd be willing to take on anything unfinished if Zeke needed to take off before it was all done. Dax answered with a chuckle, "Oh, you mean so he can get ready for his special date?"
Mitch answered with a knowing grin, "Yes, exactly!"
Ike said, "We know. He's really excited and nervous about tonight. We've been ribbing him a bit all morning."
"Of course you have!" Mitch replied. "Thanks, guys, for pitching in!"
"You got it, boss!" Dax replied for both of them.
Mitch went back and put his hand on Zeke's shoulder and told him, "Feel free to take off a little early today if you need to. The guys will cover for you."
Zeke wiped his forehead and looked at him, "Thanks, Mitch! Were you this nervous when you asked Amy?"
Mitch laughed and said, "I was a bit, but I was mostly excited, and I was pretty sure what the answer was going to be. I'm thinking you know the same thing, am I right?"
Zeke looked a little relieved as he gained reassurance from Mitch's encouragement, and he said, "Thanks, Mitch! I needed that. I just want everything to be perfect for her."
Mitch assured him, "It will be because you are perfect for each other." The certainty of Mitch's statement caused Zeke to break out in a confident smile.
"See you later. You know we are all pulling for you!" and Mitch turned to head back to the house.
A/N: (*1) I threw in Anne of Green Gables here as the choice for the movie as a sort of Easter Egg because of Megan Follows playing Anne when she was a young star and also playing Lily in Heartland.
(*2) 'The Contented Bird' was a song that my great-grandmother, my grandmother, and my mother sang to us kids growing up, and then I sang it to my kids and grandchildren as a bedtime lullaby many times, only we called it 'The Birdie Song.' It was written by Olive Hall and Daniel Rowe, Copyright 1910.
(*3) A photo of 'The Birdie Song' and one of what I envision Trent looking like 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.