Chapter 4

Considering his smile as she walked up the short steps to the porch Amy couldn't wipe the smile from her face. He sat on a two person bench and moved his hat to an empty chair on his left.

"Do we have time to sit for a few minutes ?"

"If you're not too hungry, I don't have a firm time set for Isaak." She said sitting on the small bench and in turn dropping her hat to the empty chair beside her.

"I'm fine for now, can I get you coffee or something ?"

"Nope, I'm good."

"Busy weekend coming up ?" He asked.

"I have a few client horses I'm dealing with and picking one more up today, you ?"

"All booked up for tomorrow, pretty free for Sunday though, need some help ?"

She smiled "You don't need a pretense Finn."

"No pretense then, want to get together Sunday ?"

"How about a trail ride with Lyndy and me, maybe a picnic lunch and then dinner with the family later on ?"

She glanced over and saw him smile. It wasn't the biggest bench, they had room but Amy couldn't help feel the closeness between them. She glanced down when she felt his arm flex and saw his hand turn palm up and his finger's spread and smiled as she lay her hand on his and their fingers joined. His hands were farrier hands and she felt the leathery toughness and calluses along with the gentleness in his touch and the heat that rose from the connection.

"PBJ's for lunch ?" He asked smiling.

"I could probably do better than PBJ's, how about turkey sandwiches ?"

"Turkey huh ? Hmmmm, I like turkey."

"So, it's a date ?"

"Well, if you're gonna fuss over turkey sandwiches how can I say no."

"Uhm, the family dinner part …"

Finn smiled and his finger's snugged a drop tighter around hers "I get the family dinner part Amy, if you're ready ?"

"I don't want to sneak around Finn."

"Open and above board then, it'll be Ok with the family ?"

"The women are on board and the men, well, the women are on board." She answered with a laugh. "We should go though, I want to try to get home for Lyndy so I don't want to be too late to the Fraser ranch."

"The women ?" He asked walking to the truck after insisting on paying the bill.

"Lisa and Jessica."

"And your sister ?"

"She's either heard or will tonight I guess. Oh and Cass obviously knows."

"The women."

"My women."

Once they returned to Heartland Finn stayed with her long enough to unload Brandy, Isaak Fraser's horse into a doubled up outside stall she had prepared, then park and disconnect the Heartland trailer before hopping back into Amy's truck for a ride home. Much as work was involved they both had a good time, from their moment on the porch to lunch at the Saskatoon Farm Café where they ate and then split a slice of Saskatoon berry pie with Saskatoon ice cream, to Amy's recommendation and introduction of Finn to Isaak to trailering Brandy back to Heartland.

The 20 minute ride to Al's house took 10 without the trailer and as Amy had learned Finn wasn't much for front seat talking so he got out and walked around the truck where she rolled down her window and a moment later he was leaning on the truck, his hat now on the cab roof so that it didn't bump the door frame.

"You have to get back, I know it was part work but I had a really good day Amy."

"So did I."

"As a matter of fact it was such a good time that ordinarily I would imagine, that I uh would ….."

"Kiss me ?"

"Is that an answer or a request ?"

"Both." Amy answered, a sudden nervousness creeping up her spine.

It took hardly a moment before his lips touched hers and over just as a fast but It was enough to raise goosebumps up her arms. She was happy that he leaned in again for a more prolonged kiss which lingered for a second as their tongues touched.

They looked at each other for a second after and the world disappeared for her momentarily except for him and his expression.

"You'd better go." She heard him whisper bringing her back into the now.

"I'd better, we'll talk later ?"

He nodded and stood, reached for his hat that he settled on his head and tapped the door.

"I'll talk to you later Amy." He smiled at her for a second before turning towards the back of the truck. She saw him wave as he passed the side again and then stopped to watch as she drove off.

She passed the bus that had obviously just dropped off the kids and waved at the driver as she went by and then turning into Heartland spotted Katie and Lyndy walking down the dirt road hand in hand. They waved as she drove slowly past them giving them a wide berth and pulled up to the house. A moment later she stepped out and righted her hat when Lyndy who ran down the hill leaped into her arms and Katie walked up with a big smile on her face.

"Hey Amy, you look happy."

"I am happy Katie, it's been a good day."

Lisa and Jessica both stepped out onto the porch as Amy let Lyndy down and they all headed through the small gate and up the stairs.

"Snacks ?" Lisa asked.

They settled at the small table in the kitchen and Lisa put out 2 sliced apples, a container of milk and a small plate of cheese. Jessica leaned against the sink after putting out glasses and small plates and was joined by Lisa a moment later.

"How was everyone's day ?" Jessica asked.

"My day was great !" Lyndy exclaimed and then explained how they started out with book reading about a turkey taking a plane ride which she thought was very funny.

"Maybe we should get that book so we have it to read at home ?" Amy asked and with Lyndy's nod continued "I'll send an email to your teacher and ask for the name of the book and we can get one."

Lyndy went on to talk about maths circle where they counted and singalong, writing and recess and even the ride home on the bus.

Katie on the other hand answered as expected "It was school." Which made them all smile.

"How was your day mama ?"

"My day was amazing and I have a new horse named Brandy to work with."

"What's wrong with the horse momma ?"

"I'm not sure anything's wrong with her sweetheart but her owner can't seem to find anything she likes doing so he can't find her a new home."

Katie smiled "Sounds like being a freshman in high school, I don't know what I want to do either."

Amy nodded "You'll figure it out Katie, follow your heart. Lyndy, go wash up and change into ranch clothes, they're on your bed, and put those school clothes in the hamper."

"Ok mama." She sang and hopped off her stool.

"Where did you go for lunch Amy ?" Lisa asked while she moved aside and watched Lyndy take her milk glass and her small plate to the sink and then turn to skip out of the kitchen.

"Saskatoon Farm Café."

"I love that place." Lisa added.

Jessica noted "Worth mentioning it to Tim, I'm tired of steakhouses and pizza. Is it upscale ?"

"Not really." Amy answered "It's a real farm, I mean it's nice, I wouldn't go straight from a cattle drive, casual, clean clothes. We both wore jeans and flannels."

"Who's we ?" Katie asked.

"Oh, Finn and I. Have you met him Katie ?"

"The cute lumberjack."

Amy smiled "Actually his grandfather's the lumberjack, Finn's a farrier."

"The cute farrier then. Wait, was this a date ?"

Amy scrunched up her face a second thinking "I guess part date, part work, he came along to my client to help with the horse and so that I could introduce them. My client's a stock middleman."

Katie smiled "Well, that's great, a first date, how was it ?"

"Not officially a first date, we've been, uhm, seeing each other for the past few weeks."

"So you're seeing each other, is it like official ?"

Amy glanced over to Jessica and Lisa who had again returned to leaning on the counter once Lyndy left and were both smiling at her.

"Define official ?"

"Would you introduce him as your friend or your boyfriend ?"

"At this stage I would introduce him as my boyfriend."

"So you've kissed ?"

Amy smiled and noticed both Lisa and Jessica lean forward just a bit as if they wouldn't hear the answer sighed "What the hell, yes, we've kissed, and before you ask it gave me goosebumps."

Katie smiled "Goosebumps are good."

Amy then stood up "I'm going to check on Lyndy, Katie, go do your homework."

"So I guess the conversation's over ?"

"Go Katie, now." Amy said as she collected Katie's glass and plate and turned to the sink.

"Dinner Sunday ?" Lisa asked.

"Dinner Sunday." Amy answered. "Any other questions ?"

Jessica smiled "the kiss, goosebumps ?"

"It was a nice kiss Jess." She answered before turning towards the rest of the house to see how Lyndy was doing on her own and grabbing her for chores.

She loved afternoons like this, out amongst the horses with Lyndy, brushing them down and putting them back into nice clean stalls after a day in the meadow. Her daughter's almost endless banter directed right at the horses as if they understood her every word. Amy smiled remembering back to when she was Lyndy's age and doing the same, mimicking her mother's vocal cadence which is what actually elicited their responses rather than any deep understanding of what she was saying. Horses were smart and empathic but they learned emotionally and by rote and learning this was really the heart of understanding them and the secret to what she did.

Katie was setting the dinner table when they got back to the house. She had seen Jack and Tim riding in from the north when she and Lyndy left the barn and mentioned to Lisa that they were back and probably putting up their horses.

"Jess went back to the loft a little while ago to get washed up and changed, we weeded the vegetable bed."

"It needed it." Amy said. "Lou ?"

"Late meeting in town but on her way back, Peter's coming tomorrow, did you know that ?"

"I think it was up in the air last I heard, maybe I'll shower tonight with Lyndy and avoid the morning rush."

"Probably a good idea, you have work tomorrow I guess, maybe I'll take Lyndy to the farmer's market in the morning."

"She'll love that, I've gotta get washed up and see that she's clean for dinner. Can I help with something before I go ?"

"Katie's setting the table and it's stew which is done, I'm just going to pop in the rolls. Go get ready, we'll be eating soon."

After making sure that Lyndy had done as Amy had asked she left her sweetheart with her dolls and her vivid imagination and washed up before heading to her room. Behind closed doors she pulled out her phone and texted Finn while she changed. "Well Katie knows which means Georgie knows and possibly Lou. More of my women."

"How many more are there ?"

"You know, I think that's about it, just the men left. You ?"

"Me, let's see. I mentioned it to Grandpa who patted me on the shoulder and said "she's special Finn, go slowly and get it right." My mom said "I knew you weren't staying there for Al."

"That's it ?"

"Dad wasn't home and that's the A team aside from friends, that can wait."

"I envy you."

"I envy me too and not for the family part."

Amy smiled "That was sweet Finn."

"Let me know how it goes."

"I will, bye for now."

She ran a brush through her hair a couple times and pulled it back into a ponytail, put on her moccasins and walked next door to join Lyndy in her fantasy until dinner.

"Two." Lyndy said when Amy laid a roll on her plate.

"One until you eat some stew and green beans."

"Ok Mama."

"Ok." Amy said with a smile.

"I noticed a new horse in a double on my way back in." Jack mentioned.

"Her name's Brandy, one of Isaak Fraser's. I picked her up this afternoon."

"I probably could have helped."

"I took Finn Cotter, I wanted to introduce him to Isaak."

"You sure that was smart, your recommendation carries some weight Amy."

"Finn's an excellent farrier Grandpa and I have no problem recommending him. Lisa used him and he totally fixed Spartan."

Lisa nodded "Did a real good job that day at Fairfield, didn't waste all day and didn't charge through the nose. Amy's invited him to Sunday dinner."

"We're going on a trail ride first !" Lyndy added. "Can I have another roll please I finished my green beans."

Amy smiled and reached for a roll "here you go sweetie."

Lyndy took it and immediately bit down.

"Hey what do you say ?"

"Phank ou" She answered her mouth half full.

"Please swallow before speaking next time Lyndy." Amy answered "And you're welcome."

"A trail ride ? What kind of trail ride ?"

"I don't know Dad, a trail ride, how many kinds are there ?"

"Sunday dinner Amy ?"

"Yes Lou, Sunday dinner, I want Finn to meet the family."

"Is this uhm, something ?"

"We've been seeing each other."

"Finn's nice, his horse's name is Night." Lyndy added.

"Seeing each other, is that like dating ?" Tim asked.

"Well, I'm not in high school anymore so dating doesn't seem to fit."

"I thought he lived in Saskatchewan?"

"He's staying with Al Grandpa, he's getting on in years and lives all alone."

"How serious are you about this ?"

"I'm not even sure I know how to answer that, we've been seeing each other, it's been nice."

"Well, he's gorgeous." Katie added.

Jack looked over "aren't you a bit young ?"

Katie smiled "nope, I'm definitely old enough to notice good looking men GG."

"Good for you Katie, you pick a winner." Amy answered with a smile getting a small scowl from Lou.

"How do I not know about this ?"

"I didn't really tell anybody Lou but I don't want to sneak around so I've invited him to Sunday dinner to meet the family."

"What do you know about him, this seems awful fast ?"

Amy stopped for a moment, this really shouldn't be this hard she thought, she wasn't 15, she was a widowed single mother at 27 and about to turn 30.

"Katie, how about you take Lyndy into her room and we'll bring dessert to you when we're ready ?"

Katie looked at Amy for a second and nodded "Got it, come on Lyndy, let's pick a book."

With the kids out of earshot Amy turned to Jack. "What's the problem ?"

"Just that I've dealt with his family before."

"His family ?"

"Al, his grandfather used to work here, did you know that ?"

"Nope, when was this ?"

"Back in the 50's."

"70 years ago, those 50's ? That's a lot of years ago Grandpa. I'm afraid I'm lost, did he steal ?"

"He chased after Lyndy."

"After you were married ?"

"No he asked her out when I was dating her and he knew I was serious."

"Let me get this straight, 70 years ago before you were married he asked Grandma Lyndy out. I assume she said no ?"

"Of course she said no but she also knew I was getting ready to propose and so did he."

"But she said no."

"All I'm saying is that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree, that's all."

"Really Grandpa, at this table, the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree ?"

"What's that supposed to mean ?"

"Let's see, your father, my GG so to speak was a violent drunk. My father, who abandoned me at 5, was addicted to pills and alcohol and was thrown out, by you, and my husband literally came with a juvenile probation officer because he tried to beat his step father to death and you're concerned about Finn because 70 years ago his grandfather asked out a beautiful single woman you were dating, who said no and who happened to marry you soon after ? Are you serious right now ?"

"Does sound pretty lame Jack." Tim said "and I didn't abandon you Amy, I was thrown out."

"You know dad I had no contact with you from when I was 5 until I was 15, I actually think that qualifies as abandonment and this is neither the time or place to discuss it so I'm laying down the law, here and now, you will both treat Finn with respect or deal with me."

"Respect, what does that mean exactly ?" Tim asked.

"It means that there won't be a nickname or hay stacking or giving him the gears or any of the other childish games you've played."

"And what about Lyndy and Ty ?"

"I will talk to Lyndy as things progress and you don't have to make this harder for me than it already is Grandpa, Ty's dead."

"You're still wearing his rings Amy." Jack said softly.

The exclamations of "Jack" and "Grandpa" came simultaneously from both Lisa and Lou who were shocked that he pointed that out knowing how hard this must be for Amy.

"Fine." Amy muttered and immediately worked at getting her now snug rings off and when they came she got up and walked over to Lisa holding them out for her to take "I know you have a bank lock box Lisa, could you please hold these safe for Lyndy. Good enough Grandpa ?"

"Amy, I ….." Jack started.

"I've heard enough, let me get my daughter some dessert and to bed, thanks by the way, I was having a good day and this sucked."