A/N: There are a couple of songs mentioned in this chapter. I suggest that you skip to the footnotes at the bottom and pull them up on YouTube so you can play them as you read that part of the chapter.

Chapter 65: Heartstrings and Abundant Joy

Bustling energy filled the air as everyone took care of what they needed for the impromptu trip to Heartland. Lyndy asked her mama to find her a container, and she transferred the cookies to it with Lily's help. She was excited about sharing them with the rest of the family. Mitch grabbed a few drinks to take with them as well. Amy let them know that Lou, Peter, and Katie had gone to Vancouver, but the rest of the family should be there. Lyndy asked if they could take Skye with them, and she got the ok, so they all piled into the truck and headed over. Skye was always excited to be going on a trip, so his little tail was wagging as he scampered over Trent, Lily, and Lyndy in the back seat going from window to window to check things out.

When they arrived after the short ride, Lily felt a bit of déjà vu as she got out of the truck. Not a lot had changed physically since her last visit, but her relationship with Amy was much closer now, so that helped to ease some of the pull on her emotions at being back on the ranch where her dear son had spent the last and happiest years of his life. They went inside to greet the family first. Lots of hugs were given, and Trent was introduced to the rest of the family. He immediately felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere that emanated from the Bartlett clan.

Amy pulled Jessica aside to let her know more of Lily's request and to ask her if it would be okay if they showed Trent the loft. Jessica took a quick mental inventory and answered that she thought they had left it orderly enough that it would be fine.

Lyndy was in the kitchen with Lisa showing her the cookies and had asked to help with preparing sandwiches for their lunch, and Jack, Tim, and Mitch had started talking business, so Amy took the opportunity to suggest that Trent and Lily accompany her to the barn. Amy explained to Trent what some of Ty's jobs had been and a little bit about the history of him getting into Veterinary medicine, and how their plans had come about to work together in their own business. She showed him where their office had been, where they'd shared their very first kiss, and then took them up to the loft. She tried to describe what it had looked like early on, though it was a little hard to imagine now that it was such a lovely living area. She spoke of Lyndy's birth there, and she even shared how their very first night together had ended up having to be in the 'before renovation' loft because Lou forgot to put the key to the room at the Dude Ranch in Ty's suit pocket the night of their wedding. She then walked them out by the pond where she and Ty had shared a number of consequential conversations. On the way back to the house, she showed them Ty's truck, the old one that he'd fixed up, the one in which he'd given her a ride that cold night that sparked the beginning of their journey together. And she told the stories about the two dances they'd shared in the bed of the truck. It felt good for both her and Lily to reminisce these moments together, and it was very special for Lily that Trent was also hearing about them. Amy felt like it had opened up a world between her and Lily that she needed to share more of. There was so much that Lily didn't know that Amy was sure would be very special to her to learn about her son. It felt good that the tension between them from earlier days no longer seemed to exist. She committed to asking Mitch how he would feel about her sharing more stories about Ty when the five of them were together in the evening.

Upon returning to the house, a very attractively set table awaited them, even though they were just having sandwiches. It was very Lisa, and Lyndy was very proud of the help she'd given. The conversation during lunch turned to Ty, and Jack, Tim, and Lisa were able to share a few stories of their own. It was not only good for Lily to hear them, but some were stories Lyndy had not heard. Lyndy brought in the cookies when it was time for dessert, and she announced that she and Nana had made them. Everyone raved over them on Lyndy's account, and Lyndy and Mitch pronounced them scrumpdiddlyumptious! Those who hadn't already been exposed to Daddy and Daughter's favorite snickerdoodle description now had. All-in-all, it was a most special three or so hours that the family spent together, and Trent felt completely at home.

Back at Whispering Meadows, Zeke took off early, showered and put on his best jeans and a dark burgandy shirt with a bolo tie, and made a quick run into town where he'd asked a lady friend to help him with putting together the perfect meal for the evening. She'd packed three containers, one for hot, one for cold, and one for setting up. He swung by the florist to pick up the flower arrangement he'd ordered. Permission had been given by Mitch ahead of time for them to borrow the arena. Zeke had found a couple of large pieces of plywood to use as a staging area, and he set up a table with two chairs, a white tablecloth, candles, the centerpiece, and he created a candle-lit walkway from the entrance to the table. He also borrowed one of the standing heaters to take the chill out of the air. He had a CD player ready to provide music for them. His friend had included two beautiful table settings complete with placemats, china, crystal wine and water glasses, floral linen napkins with napkin rings, and silverware. She even had a wine chiller prepared for him. All he needed was to get some ice from the fridge in the bunkhouse.

While he'd been in town, the family had returned. When everyone got out of the car, Amy caught Mitch and asked him what he thought about sharing more stories of Ty after dinner. He told her he was fine with it. He and Trent went to help finish up evening chores while the ladies prepared supper. They fried chicken, fixed mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy and bread, and for dessert, they sliced fresh strawberries and whipped some cream to go with them. Amy was more than happy to have Lily teach her how to finally make gravy. When coming back in to wash up, the guys were especially pleased to learn what was for supper! "Good ole country home-cooking," Trent proclaimed.

Lily was a little quiet at supper. It was dawning on her that this was her last night together with this little family that she'd grown more deeply in love with in just a week's time than she'd even imagined would happen. She mostly set back and soaked in the interaction that was playing out before her so naturally, and she was thrilled that Trent seemed to be fitting right in.

Meanwhile, in another area of the ranch, Zeke had finished laying everything out, and it was time to go 'pick-up' his special lady. As he entered the side porch to walk to her door, he could hear the muffled sounds of lively conversation and laughter coming from the dining room. He knocked on Nina's door, and a vision of loveliness greeted him. She was dressed in a white dress with a fitted bodice graced with spaghetti straps that tied at the shoulder showing off her satiny bronzed skin. The dress was belted at the waist and had a full skirt adorned with three ruffles that draped upward to the side meeting at the waist. The bodice had tiny pink and yellow roses embroidered on it. She sported white boots accented with pink piping, toe caps and pull straps. She carried a baby pink pashmina for a wrap, and from her delicate gold necklace chain hung a small pendant of Star Rose Quartz with matching dangling earrings.

Zeke struggled to speak and finally got out, "Nina, you take my breath away! You are so beautiful!"

Her cheeks turned a bit rosy as she reached up to kiss his cheek and said, "Thank you. And you are most dashing tonight!"

Zeke said, "It's slightly chilly out, so you may want your wrap on," and he helped her place it around her lovely shoulders and offered her his arm.

As they exited the screen door, she asked, "So where are we going, my gallant man?"

He looked down at her with a grin, and answered, "Oh, not far. Just walk with me."

As they neared the arena, and he seemed to be heading them that way, she looked at him puzzled, and then she started to hear music playing. "Zeke, what have you done?" she quizzed him.

"Just be patient," he answered, and he led her to the smaller side door of the arena and opened it for her. When she stepped in, she let out a soft gasp as she saw the candle-lit walkway and the table awaiting them.

"Zeke, it's beautiful! You did this for me? It's so romantic!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, all for you, my dear Nina."

He carefully seated her at the table, and she laid her pashmina over the back of the chair. Then Zeke went to a small side table he'd set up with the food. From there, he served them Ceasar salad to start with and water to drink. They finished their salads, and Zeke got up to set the dishes aside, then he served their plates with filet mignon drenched in a rich balsamic glaze, rosemary roasted potatoes, buttery grilled asparagus shoots, and glazed baby carrots of varying colors. He paired the steak with a Cabernet Sauvignon wine, and then sat down for them to eat. Nina had grown used to praying before her meals with Mitch and Amy, so she asked Zeke if he minded if she said a prayer for them. He happily agreed as they held hands.

"Dear heavenly Father,

What a gorgeous night you've given us to enjoy together! Thank you for Zeke's thoughtfulness and all the trouble he's gone to just to please me. Thank you for bringing him into my life. He has been a breath of fresh air to me!

Thank you for this lovely meal. May it nourish and strengthen our bodies as you have designed it to do. Bless Zeke's hands and whoever else's helped to prepare it."

Nina looked up at that point, saw him watching her, and she winked at him.

"Thank you for the employment you've given both of us here at Whispering Meadows and for your providence in bringing us together.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

Zeke squeezed her hand and said, "Nina, that was lovely! Thank you."

They continued to enjoy their meal, and when they finished, Zeke brought out the dessert. When he placed Nina's in front of her, she asked, "What's this?"

"It's called Flan. Have you ever had it?"

"No, never. It looks delicious!"

"I think you will find it is. It's a Mexican dessert, and it's one of my favorites. I wanted to find out if it might become one of yours, too." Then he poured them a German Riesling wine to go with it.

When Nina took the first bite, Zeke watched for her response. He was not disappointed. She closed her eyes savoring it, and when she raised those beautiful, thick lashes, she said, "Mmmm, this is amazing! So creamy and just the right amount of sweetness. I love the caramel sauce, too! Yes, I think you have a winner for both of us!" she agreed delightfully, and her response only added to Zeke's happiness for the evening. He was beginning to relax a bit, yet still knew there was more ahead of which she was unaware.

They finished their Flan, and when Zeke removed their plates, he started a song on the CD player, then walked over to offer his hand as he asked, "May I have this dance, M'Lady?"

Nina responded by clasping his hand and rising to be enveloped in his arms. She was quite a bit shorter, and her head rested on his heart as they slowly danced to 'Unchained Melody.'(*1) It was one of Nina's favorites, and she could hear Zeke's heartbeat increasing as they held each other and slow-danced to the music. She felt so protected and safe in his arms. As the song ended, she felt him slightly pull away from her as he held only one of her hands. He'd used the other to reach into his front jean pocket, then he dropped to one knee, and Nina's eyes grew big as her hands reached up to stifle the small cry that escaped her throat. Zeke looked up at her with total adoration as he proclaimed, "Nina, my dear, sweet love, I know we've only known each other a short time, yet it feels like a lifetime already. You captured my heart the moment I saw you the first day we met, and you've had the lock and key to it ever since. I never expected to feel this kind of love again, but you've unexpectedly arrested my every waking thought. I cannot now imagine living my life without you. I love you, Nina Lafleur! Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and make me the happiest man on earth?"

Nina's eyes were overflowing at this point as a couple of tears began to trace their way down her cheeks toward the most radiant smile Zeke had ever seen. She reached down to take Zeke's face in both her hands and answered, "My handsome, amazing, beautiful man, I will gladly become totally yours. In these few short weeks, you've come to mean more to me than I ever imagined anyone could again. I love you with all my heart!"

Zeke beamed and slipped the ring on her finger as she held out her left hand to him, then he rose to embrace her. A few moments later, he slightly broke the embrace, keeping his right arm holding her closely against him, and his left hand gently reached around the nape of her neck entangling his fingers in her silky hair as his lips captured hers in a passionate, yet slightly restrained kiss that deepened as far as he dared go toward the brink. As they loosened their tight hold on each other, Zeke looked down at her and said, "I'd like to play you a song that I just heard the other day that I think totally fits us." He reluctantly released his hold on her long enough to change the song, then he came back to dance with her again as 'Since I Found You'(*2) began to play. It had kind of a country yet native Indian beat to it, so the music reflected their pairing as much as the lyrics. They held each other close as they swayed together listening to the words. Nina loved it! They decided that night that it was their song.

Elation filled them both. Nina helped him gather up the dishes and any remaining food, though there was very little left, and they decided to take things inside and share their joyful news with the family.

Inside, while Zeke and Nina had been having their time together, special things were happening with the rest of the family. When they'd finished supper and cleaned up, they moved to the family room. Trent and Lily sat on the couch with Lyndy, and Mitch and Amy took the love seat. Amy and Mitch shared more stories of Ty, and Lily was able to share a few childhood stories. By the time she finished, even though Lyndy was enjoying the stories, she was also getting antsy. She leaned up to whisper in Lily's ear, and Lily knew she needed to share her news. She reached over to take Trent's hand, and she said, "Mitch and Amy, thank you so much for letting me invite Trent to come join us this weekend. I especially wanted you to meet him because…we have something to tell you. Trent has asked me to marry him, and I've said yes," then she waited for their reaction.

Mitch and Amy both looked at each other, and then they looked at Lily and Trent, at the same time noticing that Lyndy was beaming. Amy spoke first, "Well, Lily, I can't say that we are too surprised. We kind of suspected just from watching you two today that there was something special going on. We are so thrilled for you! In fact, we'd already talked about hoping that this was something that was going to work out for you. We think it's wonderful!"

And Mitch nodded and said, "Congratulations! We are so happy for you!"

Lyndy could no longer hold it in, and she said, "Mama and Daddy, I knew! And I kept Nana's secret until she could tell you." She was so proud.

Mitch said, "Well, Lyndy, we know you have become quite the expert at keeping secrets! Good job!" and they high fived each other. Then he turned to Trent and Lily and asked, "Have you set a date?"

Trent answered, "Yes, we are planning for September 2nd. It's Labour Day weekend. We thought that way, we'd always have the weekend off when we celebrate anniversaries. It's also taken us that long to find the right place for us. Both our apartments are too small, so we've been looking for a while. We've found a two bedroom with an office area. We think it will be big enough for us to still host guests when needed."

Lily added, "It will be a small wedding, just family, but we'd love for you to come if you can work it into your schedule?"

Amy pulled out her phone and looked at her calendar. She was pleased to realize that it should work out, especially with them being so close. She showed Mitch and verified that he didn't have anything she was unaware of, and he nodded. "Lily, I think we can do that! Just let us know the details, and we'll be there. Lyndy will have started school that week, but with the holiday, it won't interfere. We look forward to sharing in this with you!"

"Oh, Nana! I'm so excited! Hey, can we see your ring now?"

"Oh, I almost forgot!" She looked at Trent to explain, "I wasn't wearing it until we could tell them ourselves," and she pulled it out of her pocket and put it on her finger, then showed Lyndy.

"It's beautiful, Nana!"

Then Lily asked her, "Lyndy, would you like to be a flower girl with Trent's granddaughter?"

"Oh, can I?" then she turned to ask Amy, "Can I, Mama?"

Amy nodded yes.

"Yay! So after you get married, what will I call Trent?"

Lily looked at Trent indicating for him to field this one. He asked, "What would you like to call me?"

"Well, what do your other grandkids call you?" Lyndy asked.

"They call me Papaw."

"Hmmm, Papaw. Nana and Papaw…? I like it!"

Just as Lyndy spoke her last sentence, they heard the sliding door open, and Zeke and Nina floated into the kitchen carrying the two baskets. Mitch and Amy looked at each other expectantly as they turned back to look at the radiant couple. They stood up from the love seat and both held their hands up as they looked toward them and asked, "Well?"

And Nina held up her left hand as Zeke wrapped his arm around her and hugged her close.

Amy ran over to Nina squealing and hugged her! Mitch walked over and shook Zeke's hand offering his congratulations, then they switched to hug the other halves. Lyndy suddenly realized what had happened, and she ran to hug them both. Next, she started counting on her fingers, and then exclaimed, "Three engagements and a new baby in seven months' time?! Wow! There's a lotta lovin' goin' on in this family!" And everyone laughed at her comical, yet insightful, antic!

However, Zeke looked puzzled and asked, "Three?"

And Lyndy said, "Yes, three! Trent and Nana just told us that they are engaged, too!"

Then more congratulations had to be said. What a night it had been – so much joy!

The next morning, Zeke and Nina joined the rest of them for church. Lily and Trent decided to leave right afterward so they'd have more time after getting home to get ready for work the next day. They planned to get lunch on the way. Goodbyes were said with some tears but with very grateful and happy hearts for the week they'd had together and with the joyful anticipation that they'd see each other again in September.

After Lily and Trent got off, Nina offered to make lunch for all of them. Of course, Amy was not going to turn down the offer, but she did offer to help, and the guys did, too, so everybody pitched in, and lunch was on the table in no time. Mitch led them in prayer…

"Dear Father,

What a joyous weekend you have blessed us with! We have lots of changes ahead. We pray we look to you every step of the way as we navigate them. Bless Zeke and Nina as they plan and prepare for their new life together. We are so thrilled for them! We ask the same blessing upon Lily and Trent. We are so grateful that we've had the chance to rekindle the relationship with Lily and the blessing that we can be to each other's lives. And Father, once again, we thank you for the precious life you have granted to Amy, Lyndy and me that will soon be joining our family. We can't even express the joy we feel!

Thank you for Nina, and the talent you've given her to bless us with such healthy and delicious food day-after-day. Thank you for the bounty you provide. And we praise you for your beloved Son who came to offer us your salvation. We love you, Father!

In Your Son's name, Amen."

And everyone said, "Amen."

Lyndy then said, "Well, Mama, our house is 'empty' again."

And Amy answered, "Yes, but for those of us still here, it's still filled with lots of lovin.'" And she winked at Lyndy who rolled her eyes and laughed.

A/N: (*1) 'Unchained Melody' written by Alex North and Hy Zaret, Just Once in My Life album, released 1965. I recommend you listen along to either the Righteous Brothers version or my next favorite is Austin Brown's version that you can find on YouTube.

(*2) 'Since I Found You' by Bobby Gray, released on YouTube August 21, 2024. I could find no further information on this as it appears to be a brand-new song. I also had to ignore the fact that the story is currently in 2023.