A/N: It has been a long, dry spell since I've posted any chapters for you, but it's also been a very full and busy summer. Thank you for your patience. I know for those of you that have been checking back, it has been tried. I do hope you find it worth the wait. What I thought was going to be just two chapters lengthened to become four, so you are getting four at once. I do hope you are still reading, but more than that, still enjoying the story that I have surprised myself at weaving.

Chapter 62: Happy Plans Revealed

Amy was lost in a flashback from the night before as she unconsciously chopped vegetables for Nina and gazed absent-mindedly across at Lyndy and Skye on the family room floor. After having gotten a melancholy little girl down for the night, the vision re-playing before her and bringing a smile to her lips was of her in the bathroom, getting ready for bed when she'd just stepped from the shower, dried off, wrapped the towel around her, and was about to dawn her nightgown. Mitch had stealthily slipped in and enveloped her from behind, twirling her around, and masterfully delivered an intoxicating, electrifying kiss that left her weak in the knees. It had been a while since they'd had the freedom to express their love so passionately, and he'd carried her off to bed for a night of bliss. Suddenly, it registered that Lyndy was trying to get her attention. Tearing herself away from her delightful reverie, she forced herself to focus on what Lyndy was saying.

"Mama…MA…ma, I'm bored," she lamented as she sat in the middle of the floor with Skye having fallen asleep beside her. Everyone else was doing Monday morning chores.

Amy tried to suppress breaking into a grin, though she knew what Lyndy was feeling because she'd felt it a little, too. After everyone's leaving the day before, the house felt so empty. "Sweetheart, we've just got to get through this week, and then, do you know who is arriving?"

Lyndy looked up questioningly, then answered, "No, who?"

"Your Nana Lily, Da-da's mom."

"Really? Nana? She hasn't visited in a long time. I kind of remember her. Didn't Da-da take me to visit her once or twice?"

"Yes, he did, and she came to see us about a year after he passed. It will be good for you to have the chance to get to know her better, and I know she is looking forward to seeing you again! Now, why don't you play with your magnetic paper dolls, color, take Skye out to play fetch, or you could swing, or go and see if Logan minds you watching him work with our current client horse, or you could ask if Dax and Ike have any tack you can help them clean?"

"I think I'll check with Dax and Ike," she answered after considering her options. She reached over to gently nudge Skye and said, "Wake up, boy! Come on, let's go!" Skye lazily opened his eyes and stretched before hopping up to follow Lyndy out the door wagging his tail. He was always ready for an outing!

Mitch was already helping the guys with chores, so Amy finished the vegetables and excused herself from Nina. She decided to use the time to look through a couple of boxes that had been stored in their closet wanting to locate Luke's gift she'd found before moving her things from Heartland. She thought she'd use some of the week they now had to themselves to prepare Lyndy for her Nana's visit and for Luke and Andrea's visit a little later. As she rummaged through the boxes, she found the one she was searching for. She placed it on the bed, sat down and opened the lid. The first thing that stared at her was the beautiful painting that Jane Morrison (*1) had done for her when she'd helped Jane come to terms with the fact that her failing eyesight was affecting her confidence in riding her horse. Amy had almost forgotten about the painting, but scolded herself at how she could forget such a special gift. As she pulled a few more things from the box, she finally located the hand-made frame with the photo that Grandpa had helped Luke make as a parting gift to their young family. She started tearing up as she remembered the day she, Ty, and Lyndy had opened it on their land, and then the memories of the night they'd decided to foster Luke (*2) flooded back. Ty had understood so much of what Luke was going through because he'd lived it, and he'd been so earnest about the need to open their hearts to make room for Luke. The young boy had stolen both their hearts in the few visits he'd had with them up to that point. When Luke had been stranded with his mom the night he'd called them, she remembered Ty saying, "We can give him a home for as long as he needs one…Maybe we're asking ourselves the wrong question; we should be asking ourselves if we have space in our lives for Luke?" And they'd both agreed that they did.

Mitch quietly came in and washed up. As he walked back by the bedroom door, he noticed Amy's pensive look. He walked in and sat down beside her putting his arm around her and said with concern, "Love, you ok?"

As she turned to look at him, he saw a tear on her cheek and more brimming in her eyes. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked with deep alarm in his question. Amy instinctively burrowed into his loving hold for a moment before she spoke.

"Oh, Mitch, I don't want you to think I'm not blissfully happy with us, but I decided to find the gift Luke had given our family when he left with his mom, and when I saw it, all the memories just washed over me in a wave I could not hold back," and she hugged him tighter.

Mitch took Amy gently by the shoulders, then tilted her chin to look him in the eyes, "Darling, please…never feel you must apologize for thoughts of you and Ty's life together. I know those times are going to happen, usually unexpectedly. Remember, we talked about this. Please…tell me more about Luke and your time with him."

Amy looked up at him with deep appreciation, respect and love as he brushed the tear from her cheek with his thumb, and she said, "What did I ever do to deserve you? Do you know how amazing you are!" and she took both of his hands in hers as she began to relate to him many of her memories and showed him the gift Luke had made for them. As she finished up, she said, "It has been good to share these things with you. I know I need to get them out before he and Andrea visit next month. I don't want to be blubbering when they are here, and especially for Lyndy's sake. I thought I'd see if she might like to hang his gift in her room. I know she was awfully young when he left, but I thought it might help remind her of him before they come and make it easier for both her and Luke to reconnect."

"I like that idea, Sweetheart. I'll be happy to help you when you are ready. And thank you for sharing your memories with me. It means so much to me that we can be vulnerable with each other, and it helps me prepare for his visit as well. I really look forward to meeting him!" Mitch responded. As he said that, his eye caught the beautiful painting of Amy. "Darling, where did this come from?"

"Oh, perhaps you never saw it. I think Jane did this for me around the time that you and Lou were close to breaking off your engagement. I went to a retreat Jane held one weekend for art and helped her figure out what was wrong with her horse. The problem turned out to be that she was starting to lose her vision, and he was sensing her nervousness when they would ride in less familiar places. She saw the deep trusting connection Spartan and I have with each other, and that inspired this painting that she gave to me right before I left. Even though her sight was starting to fail, she did such an amazing job on the portrait! I feel so blessed to have it from her!"

"Well, we need to be sure it gets hung so we can enjoy it! Where would you like us to put it?" Mitch asked.

"Maybe since it's by Jane, how about we hang it beside the one she did that Ty brought back to me?"

"I think that sounds perfect. I can do that for you right now."

"I can help. Thank you, my love…for once again being so understanding." And they embraced once again, but this time with no tears.

As they went to hang the portrait, Amy said, "You were up early this morning."

"Yes, you were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bear to wake you, and I knew you and Lyndy probably both needed the rest after such a full two months…and after our evening of activity," he winked sheepishly with a raised eyebrow.

Amy laughed heartily as she responded, "Well, the extra rest was much appreciated!" and she reached up to kiss him on the cheek.

About the time they got the portrait hung, Lyndy and Skye came back in the house. She saw the portrait, and of course, Amy got to sit down with her and tell her the story of her da-da's plane crash, the painting surviving along with him and Scott, and then of seeing Jane again and how the portrait came about. Then she used the opportunity to ask her about hanging Luke's gift in her room. When Lyndy saw the photo, she remembered the wading pool, and when she saw Luke's face, she remembered him playing with her in the tree house. She was happy about the idea of hanging it in her room, and Mitch helped her decide where and hung it for her.

That night, when they put Lyndy to bed, she told them she'd been looking at the picture, and she asked, "Mama, you know how they make those picture frames that have two sides and fold in the middle?"

Amy nodded, and Lyndy asked, "Do you think we could take a picture of Luke's gift and put that on one side, and then when he's here, we could take a picture of all of us and put it in the other side to give to him?"

Amy and Mitch smiled at each other, once again touched by their daughter's thoughtful heart, and she answered, "Sweetheart, I think that would be about the best gift we could give him, so he can remember us just like we remember him."

Lyndy gave a satisfied smile and hugged both their necks then reached for both their hands for them to say goodnight prayers. Speaking from her childlike heart, she prayed:

"Dear heavenly Father,

Thank you for all the family we got to have with us for so long before yesterday. Thank you that Nana is going to get to come see us! Help us have a fun time together. And please bless Luke and his mama. Thank you that I can get to know him again, and help him to remember me. I can't wait for him to meet Skye. I know they will love each other! Thank you that Da-da didn't get killed in the plane crash so that I could be born. And thank you for letting Mitch come to us to be my daddy now. Thank you that we all love each other so much and for Jesus loving us even more!

In Jesus name, Amen."

Mitch and Amy found they were squeezing each other's hands a little more firmly through the end of her prayer. Their hearts were overflowing.

On Tuesday, the entire family and staff rounded up cattle to move them to the lower pasture for better grazing. Amy was more excited for a cattle drive than she'd been in a long time, mostly because her time to take a break from riding was drawing nearer. Nina came along, too, just to get the experience. She stuck close to Zeke or Amy most of the time. Lyndy stuck close to Mitch. They'd all had a substantial breakfast before leaving, and Nina packed them a lunch in case it took them longer than they expected. It did, with Lyndy and Nina along, but no one seemed to mind. It had given Lyndy some good initial experience, and Mitch thought he might start helping her give Skye a little gentle training before long. They all road into the barn area around three o'clock and after untacking the horses and caring for them, everyone headed to shower and clean up. However, the first thing Lyndy did was let Skye out of his kennel. He was overjoyed to see her! Then, with him following her upstairs, she went to shower. Amy went to check on them a little later and found them both curled up on Lyndy's bed. She covered them with a light throw and went downstairs to help Nina with getting supper ready. Everyone ate together that night on the patio, and Logan had even invited Miley to join them. Charlie was missing Claire, but he still enjoyed the ranch family that had become so familiar to him.

The next day as morning chores were winding up, Zeke asked Mitch if they could talk. Mitch could tell he had something weighing on his mind, and Amy's office was free, so he suggested they talk there. Mitch decided not to sit behind the desk for this talk…rather, they both sat in the two 'guest' chairs in front of the desk.

"So, Zeke, what's on your mind?" Mitch asked.

Zeke had his hat in his hands and nervously turned it in circles between his fingers before he began, "Mitch, are you pleased with my work as your foreman?"

That was not a question Mitch had anticipated, but he affirmatively answered him, "Why yes, Zeke, very much so!"

"Well, that's good. I've been thinking a lot lately, and I want you to know that as long as you are happy with my work, I want to be here a long time. I think you know that I'm very interested in Nina. She is also really happy here. Neither of us have any plans to go anywhere else. And…well…I want to ask her to marry me. I know it seems sudden, but we've been seeing each other day after day here for almost two months now, and we've had some really deep talks on our dates. We've talked about us both wanting children, and neither of us are getting any younger, and we both just know that we want a future together. But I don't feel right about asking her without having a plan in place for that future. I guess what I'm asking you is, how would you feel about us working for you indefinitely?"

Mitch ran his fingers through his hair, sat back a little in his chair and smiled. "Zeke, first, let me say that I am really happy for you! I understand what it is to meet that one woman that can totally change your life! As for staying on indefinitely, I should run it by Amy, but I'm pretty sure what the answer will be."

A smile spread across Zeke's face, then he looked thoughtful again. He hesitated only a moment before continuing with all that had been whirling around in his mind over the last several days. "If that's the case, I know whenever we get married…provided she says 'yes,' and I'm 99% sure she will…we could live in her little apartment for a while, but I know that can't be a long-term solution. I've been saving up for quite a number of years now, and I believe I can swing purchasing whatever would be needed to build us a house. What I need to know from you is if you'd be willing to lease us a small portion of your land to build it on?"

The request was unexpected, but logical. Mitch thought a moment, then answered, "Zeke, I can see that you've really been thinking this through. Let me talk with Amy, and I'll get back to you soon. Have you thought about a timeframe for when you'd want to get married?"

"Well, I don't want to wait too long, and I don't think she will want to either. I thought I might suggest to Nina that we have a winter wedding, and then we could start building in the spring or summer."

Mitch was thinking about Amy being pregnant and their newly formed plans for his parents, none of which Zeke knew about yet. These would be things he and Amy would need to talk with them about. But he felt like timing could be coordinated to make it all work.

"Let me talk with Amy tonight, and I'll let you know something tomorrow," Mitch promised.

"Mitch, thank you so much! Your faith in me means a lot!" Zeke answered gratefully.

They both stood up, and Mitch put his left hand on Zeke's shoulder and reached out to shake hands as he said, "I'd offer you congratulations, but I guess we need to hold off a little longer on that til you have Nina's answer, but I'm really happy for you both! Do you know yet when you plan to ask her?"

"Well, I've still got a little planning to do, but I think next weekend on our date."

As they walked out of the office together, Mitch said, "That's wonderful! Let us know how it goes."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll hear about it from Nina, probably before me," he said with a grin, then he got up to get back to work.

Before they laid their heads down for the night, Mitch planned to talk with Amy about his conversation with Zeke earlier in the day. However, before he could, she brought up something first. "Darling, I've been thinking about Lily's visit. I know she'd probably like to see the family from Heartland, and they'll want to see her, but I'm thinking it might be easier on her if we got together here. If we did it at Heartland, it may bring up some painful memories for her. I was thinking maybe we could invite everyone over for Sunday supper. What do you think?"

"That sounds good to me. We could grill some burgers, provide the condiments and drinks and have everyone else bring the sides and desserts."

"Yes, and it will be good to have everyone over again. I'll call tomorrow to invite them and see who all can make it."

"So I have something else I wanted to talk with you about," and Mitch started to relate to her his conversation with Zeke.

Amy was thrilled that he was going to ask Nina to marry him! She knew how in love Nina was with him. They'd even had a talk when working in the kitchen together at the beginning of the week about just how crazy she was about him. And Amy actually felt great satisfaction in knowing that they both wanted to stay on indefinitely. They'd fitted in so well and felt like family already. Mitch mentioned Zeke's request about leasing a small part of their land to build a home on, then he proposed, "Amy, rather than leasing the land to them, what would you think about gifting them an acre to build on as a wedding gift?"

"Hmmm…well, that's a mighty generous wedding gift, but it doesn't surprise me one bit that you'd come up with that idea. Darling, your benevolent heart never ceases to amaze me! If that is what you'd like to do, I can totally support that," Amy responded gazing at him with adoring eyes, then she looked questioningly at him as she asked, "Did you talk at all about the timing of all the plans. It could be tricky with the arrival of our little one and the plan for your parents moving here."

"I was thinking about that. Zeke did say that he planned to suggest a winter wedding for them. So that could work, but I know we do need to talk with them about coordinating building plans and that would also include telling him you are pregnant. Are you ok with me sharing all that with Zeke when I speak with him tomorrow?"

"Certainly. Just be sure he knows not to say anything about any of it to anyone but NIna until we are able to tell Lyndy and that that may not be for two or three more weeks."

"Will do," Mitch assured her.

"Oh, this is so exciting! I'm not sure if I'll be able to go to sleep now!" Amy said softly clapping her hands together.

"Well, maybe I can help you with that," Mitch winked as he enfolded her in his arms and soundly kissed her taking her mind off anything else but them.

During chores the next morning, Mitch pulled Zeke into Amy's office and gave him the good news. He purposely didn't mention anything about leasing the land. That could wait to be a surprise. He also told him that he and Amy were expecting and about the plan for his parents to move back in the spring and the need to work out a coordinated building plan. Zeke was pleasantly surprised and was so happy for them and gave Mitch his congratulations. He assured Mitch that they'd be able to work out whatever was needed.

Amy called Heartland to let them know of Lily's anticipated visit and to invite the family over for Sunday supper. Everyone was going to be able to make it except for Peter who would be headed back to Vancouver. Also, it would be the first opportunity for Jessica to meet Lily.

Friday came before they knew it. The week with just them had passed way more quickly than they thought it would. Amy had a couple of mornings that she felt slightly nauseous, but the nausea was lessening more and more. That morning after breakfast, she sat down in the family room with Lyndy to talk a little more about her Nana Lily coming the next day.

"Sweetie, I thought I might tell you a little more about your nana since you were so small when you last saw her. Did you know that she helped make the naming of the Equestrian Centre after your da-da possible?"

Lyndy cocked her head while thinking back, then answered, "I sort of remember you taking the sheet off the big sign that day."

"Well, she had a horse named Howler that made a lot of money when he won a race. She donated a large portion of that money to us, (*3) and that is how we were able to keep the Centre going when it needed help. And you know that horseshoe that's in the big shadow box Daddy made for us?" Lyndy nodded yes. "Well, that was a gift your da-da intended to give me for our sixth wedding anniversary. I found it after he passed, and that is what gave me the idea of what to name the Centre and what to put on the sign."

"Thank you for telling me that, Mama. That's so special! It must have made you sad and happy at the same time when you found it."

"You are right, Sweetheart, that's exactly how I felt."

"Does Nana know that story?"

"Not yet. In fact, she's never seen the Centre yet. But we'll be sure to tell her the story when she is here and take her to visit the Centre. I know she is going to be so happy to see you! I was also thinking that maybe we want to wait and have family night tomorrow night so she can be with us for it. What do you think?"

"Oh, yes, that's a great idea, Mama! May I come up with our plan for it?"

"I think she'd love that. Why don't you work on that now, and you can share your ideas with Daddy and me tonight."

"Ok, Mama. Come on Skye. You can help me!" and Lyndy raced upstairs with Skye trailing behind her.

Amy walked into the kitchen where Nina was working and said, "Nina, I'm going to head out to the barn now to meet Logan, and I also need to talk with Mitch for a minute. Do you mind keeping an eye out for Lyndy? She's upstairs in her room right now, but if she comes down, will you let her know where we are?"

"Sure," Nina replied, "nothing to worry about here."

Amy found Mitch and let him know about the plan to move family night to Saturday, then she and Logan headed to the round pen with their client horse to get to work.

As soon as the ranch work ended for the day, Charlie was the first one to the bunkhouse to clean up, then he grabbed the suitcase he'd packed the night before to head to Calgary. His family lived in Calgary, so he had a place to stay, but he had to admit he was more excited to see a certain beautiful lady waiting for his arrival.

After supper, Lyndy was anxious to run her ideas for family night by her daddy and mama. They approved after adding a few suggestions. They also made some lemonade and snickerdoodles to have on-hand the next day. It was a good substitute activity to share together since they were postponing their family night. Lyndy went to bed happy and looking forward to her nana's arrival.

As Mitch and Amy read the Scriptures together that night, Mitch sat with his arms around Amy and his hand on her tummy. Amy laid her Bible on the bedside table and snuggled deeper into his arms.

"Love, I have my next appointment with Margo on July 28th. Will you plan to go with me? We are supposed to listen for the heartbeat."

Mitch raised up a bit to look at her, and replied, "Absolutely! I wouldn't miss that for the world!" Mitch maneuvered to talk to her tummy, "You hear that little one, we're going to get to hear your heartbeat soon! And I think it's about time that you stop making your mama sick in the mornings, too, ok?" And he gently rubbed her belly.

Pleased and amused, Amy smiled and responded, "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you are present through all this! I love you so much!"

Mitch responded by showing her his love as they took advantage of their last night of privacy before having more company in the house.

A/N: (*1) Jane Morrison painting the picture of Amy with Spartan was in Season 13, Episode 7 of Heartland. She was also in Season 3, Episode 9 before Ty and Scott were in the plane crash.

(*2) Ty and Amy deciding to foster Luke was in Season 12, Episode 11 of Heartland.

(*3) Receiving the money from Lily and dedicating the Centre to Ty was in Season 15, Episode 10 of Heartland. Amy finding Ty's gift is in the same episode.