Chapter 10

"Good morning Amy, good morning Lyndy, you're both up early I see."

"Good morning Lisa/Grandma." They said together making Lyndy giggle as she climbed into her seat.

Lisa pushed a mug of coffee in front of Amy before turning to Lyndy "what would you like for breakfast Lyndy ?"

"Bagel and cream cheese please."

"Half a bagel Lisa, she'll never finish a whole one." Amy added getting up and grabbing the milk and the cream cheese for Lyndy and a yogurt for herself from the fridge and half a bagel from the freezer for Lyndy which she handed to Lisa who popped it into the toaster.

"What are your plans for today Amy ?" Lisa said putting cream cheese on the now lightly toasted bagel.

"Early chores, obviously, get Lyndy off to school, shower and meet Cass."

"Oh, that sounds nice."

"Clothes shopping, not my strong suit."

"I hear Cass is pretty good at shopping, sounds like you're in good company." Lisa said laughing sitting with her own coffee "what are you shopping for ?"

"Dress and shoes for a dinner date."

Lisa smiled "Oh Cass is definitely a good choice. Where are you heading ?"

"Chinook and around, lunch first and then shopping."

"Oh, you're heading into Calgary. Where's dinner ?"

"The Lake House, I hear it's nice."

"Never been but I do hear it's lovely. So what's on the menu ?"

"The works; dress, hose and shoes."

"Done Momma !"

"Then let's get you washed up."

"How about you get started in the barn and I get Lyndy here ready for school ?"

"You sure ? Lyndy would that be Ok ?"

"I'm sure. Lyndy, how about you ?" Lisa asked.

Lyndy smiled and put her thumb up before hopping off her chair and putting out her hand for Lisa to take.

Amy laughed "Guess that's a yes, thank you both. I'll be back to walk her to the bus Lisa, she can read or play in her room once she's dressed."

She started early so she was almost done when she took a break back to the house.

"Thanks for doing this Lisa."

"Really not a problem honey and try to have a good time shopping. Think of the reason for your outing." She said as Amy helped Lyndy with her backpack.

"The end game, got it." Amy said heading out the door.

Since most anything is easier to hand off to a valet than a large pickup they decided that Cass would pick up Amy for the ride into Calgary. She had forgotten that Cass had just leased a new BMW SUV and smiled when it pulled down the road to the house. Cass called her for courage to sign the papers even though with the new partnership in the clinic and Caleb's partnership in the rodeo school she assured Amy that they could afford it and keep saving for a small ranch.

"Nice wheels !" Amy said opening the passenger side door and leaning over for a quick kiss and hug.

"Thank you, thank you, I like it."

"And Caleb ?"

"Not so much which is fine."

"Carson ?"

"He's more adorable by the day and loves nursery school. Lyndy ?"

"The same really, she loves school and horses. Caleb ?"

"Ok well, before Caleb we're talking about Finn. Goosebumps ?"

Amy smiled "it's pretty bad Cass."

"Doesn't sound bad to me girl, tell me about Sunday."

"Pull in for coffee Cass." Amy said as they passed a sign for an upcoming Tim Horton's pull off.

"No arguments here." Cass said as she turned on her turning signal and Amy began her retelling of their Sunday picnic and dinner.

Amy told her about their morning, the long ride up to the river and the picnic. Cass stopped her a few times with questions or comments about the story especially Finn's interactions with Lyndy.

"Sounds like a pretty idyllic an afternoon if you ask me."

"It was a really nice day Cass, no complaints."

"And the dinner ?"

The had made it into Calgary by this point and Cass pulled into the mall and rather than pull up to a valet Amy pointed out a fairly convenient parking spot that was opening up for them to use. The plan was to stop for a bite to eat first so that Amy's dress could be tried on after eating just in case.

"Trust me Amy, you want the dress to be perfect on a full stomach otherwise you'll feel fat which you are definitely not."

"I trust you Cass."

"As you should, now how was your family with all this ?"

They stopped for dim sum as neither Amy nor Cass were famished and as they ordered, waited and ate Amy continued on with her story. Again, Cass stopped her for more details as the story progressed.

"How was Jack after Finn said that ?"

"I think maybe those that didn't get it get it now."

"You're Ok with what he said though ?"

"He's not that guy Cass, he follows his heart so yeah I'm fine with him saying it. Basically he just reinforced what I said before anyway, I'm not 15 Cass, I'm all grown up. Now what's the deal with Caleb ?"

"Caleb and Sam are buddy buddy."

"What does that mean exactly ?"

"He was hoping you and Sam would give it a shot."

"You told him right ?"

"I told him but I think he needs to see. It's Caleb Amy, I love him like crazy but he's a little slow on the uptake. How do you feel about burgers Saturday night at KO's, a couples date ?"

"Fine with me, I'll check with Finn." Amy said pulling out her phone and texting.

"7:30 is easier with Carson when he answers."

Her text came as they paid their check and headed into the mall.

"7:30 at KO's is fine with him." She said stopping to text something else.

"What ?"

"He's asking where I am."

"And ?"

"I'm telling him I'm clothes shopping with you and that I'll text when I get home. We've both been pretty busy this week so maybe there's a trail ride in my future."

"Amy Fleming are you actually enjoying yourself ?"

They were walking again and Amy side glanced a smile at Cass and then playfully bumped her with her shoulder as Cass pointed to the first store she was taking Amy in to shop.

Four stores and at least a dozen try ons later Amy had two maybes when they stopped at the gelato stand for a rest and a snack.

"They both looked great on you and neither needed any alterations Amy."

"Yeah, I liked them both but if I'm going to splurge I'm really looking to love what I'm wearing."

"So what's holding you back on either of those ?"

Amy scooped some gelato into her mouth and was quiet while she savored the rich double chocolate cream and chewed a brownie bit, "I think they're too short, maybe something past the knee for this."

"You know, I've been to the Lake House twice, once was for a wedding so that doesn't count but once for a business meeting on a regular night and you may be right, especially for a Saturday night dinner and dancing. Let's change our plan a little, we need to go higher up the chain."

"Cass."

"This is your first real date in how long and I mean dressed to go out for dinner and dancing with a handsome guy ?"

"Years."

"Then we're splurging meaning, you're splurging and then shoes. Come on."

"Cass."

"Come on Amy or you'll blow a possible trail ride and you don't have to buy unless you're in love with it."

"Fair enough." She answered tossing her empty cup and spoon into the bin near the seating area.

It came in the third store they walked into, 11 dresses and an hour later, Ted Baker.

Cass was sitting on a small couch when Amy walked out and in front of a three sided mirror.

"Now that's what I'm talking about." Cass said standing and walking behind Amy.

"Me too, it's perfect."

The dress was navy blue, an embroidered midi dress with a well fitted bodice, an open neckline, tight waist and a tiered skirt with a handkerchief hem. The embroidery was floral with long delicate sleeves and it fit her perfectly. More than that though, the color set off her hair and eyes and she positively glowed in it.

Walking back and forth Cass smiled "well, I think our work here is done."

"What's the most you ever spent on a dress ?"

"4300 dollars."

Amy laughed "not talking about your wedding gown Cass."

"I don't know Amy, definitely several hundred. How much is that ?"

"It's on sale for $385 down from $565."

"It's gorgeous Amy and it's perfect for you and the evening."

"It's a lot Cass."

"You'll wear it again."

"Promise ?"

Cass laughed "We'll make sure of it."

"Oh man, how do I even justify this."

"Just think of Finn's face when he sees you in it."

Amy sighed and reached down to look at the tag again.

"Hey, stop thinking about it and get changed into your 180 dollar jeans, how many of those you own ?"

"3 pairs but I wear those all the time."

"Everything is relative Amy. Hold your breath and get your credit card ready, we have more shopping."

"Ok, shoes."

"Sheer stockings before shoes, preferably seamed."

"Will panty hose do ?"

"I take it he won't be helping you off with that dress ?"

"I don't think so Cass, we're not up to advanced dating yet, besides, we have no place to go and I'm pretty sure this dress isn't coming off in the truck."

"What's going on with that ? Have you made a decision ? Leaning one way or another ?"

Once again Amy sighed "I'm leaning towards taking the Director's job and moving out. Have an opinion ?"

"You already know my opinion Amy, you need a life of your own."

"And my family ?"

"Don't be silly, they'll always be your family just like I'll always be your best friend and we're all 10 minutes away."

Once again Amy gave her friend a side glanced smile and getting a smile in return before she nudged Cass again.

"And we'll always be there for you, never forget that." Cass said nudging her back. "You sure you don't want to try a garter and stockings, only you have to know."

"How about I promise to wear a new panty and bra set with my panty hose and we'll move on to garters next time."

"Deal !" Cass said smiling and leading Amy into their next stop, La Vie en Rose.

"I can't believe I just spent 85 dollars on a bra, panties and panty hose."

"Trust me Amy it'll make you feel great wearing them, now come on, shoes and home."

45 minutes later Cass popped the doors on her SUV and Amy carefully laid her dress in the backseat and the shoes and her other bags on the floor before climbing in to the passenger seat.

"I'm going to trip for sure Cass."

"You're not going to trip but you should definitely practice in the meantime and no hat Amy."

"I won't wear my hat and you'll lend me a black clutch ?"

"The clutch isn't a problem, we'll switch cars that afternoon, you are not going out in that dress in your pick-up."

"This ?" Amy said pointing around Cass' brand new BMW.

"I don't have a garage full of cars Amy."

"You sure ?"

"I insist. We'll swap back the next morning when you tell me everything. Are we stopping for coffee ?"

Amy checked her phone for the time and thought for a second. "Sure, we've got time, Lisa's home for Lyndy."

"And your trail ride ?"

"Would actually include Lyndy."

"Didn't realize that but it makes sense and really good for him that he doesn't resent it."

"I think they've sort of taken a shine to each other but are tip toeing around it."

"Cute, so back to the job." Cass prompted as they pulled over to an on-off road Tim Horton's.

40 minutes later Cass made the slow turn into the Heartland driveway and under the familiar sign.

"So we'll meet up Sunday afternoon or Monday and take a look at the space ?"

"Works for me." Amy said hopping out simultaneously with the front door opening for Lyndy and Lisa who were coming out onto the porch.

Cass also got out and walked over and up the stairs to hug Lisa and then lean over for a big hug fro her goddaughter.

"How'd it go ?" Lisa asked when she stood.

"She'll live."

"I will definitely live." Amy said handing a bag to Lisa and a smaller one to Lyndy.

"Love you Cass." Amy said putting out her one free hand to hug her friend.

"Love you too, you Ok ?"

"I'm fine, I'll see you Saturday night."

Cass smiled at Lisa and waved at Lyndy before turning down the stairs.

"Put the bag on my bed sweetheart." She said coming through the door and handing Lisa her dress so she could sit and get her boots off.

"Color ?" Lisa asked when Amy stood and put out her hand for the dress.

"Navy, dark navy actually. Come on I'll show you."

"Model ?"

"Nope, it's perfect, but you can look and gently touch."

She leaned over and carefully undid the zipper pulling apart the garment bag to show Lisa and Lyndy.

Lisa put out her hand to run the back across the fabric. "It's long."

"Midi."

"It's a beautiful dress Amy, you'll look amazing."

"Can I touch momma ? My hands are clean."

"Touch not grab sweetheart."

Lyndy reached out her hand and touched the fabric. "It's soft and I like the flowers."

"Think I'll look pretty ?"

She smiled when Lyndy nodded.

Lisa nodded as well and reached down to the tag, then looked at Amy. "Go ahead, tell me I'm not crazy."

Lisa turned the label and saw the 565 marked down to 385.

"Add shoes and lingerie, I just spent almost 600 dollars on an outfit."

"You're not crazy, not by a long shot. Come here, give me a hug and then show me the shoes and whatever. What's Saturday night by the way ?"

"Ah I was going to ask, Caleb inspection, double date, he's not happy I never dated Sam so burgers at KO's so that he can see us together."

"Sam ? Sam who ?"

"Langston, next door ?"

"What ?"

"I don't know Lisa, it's Caleb and they're friends or drinking buddies, whatever."

Lisa shrugged "I guess in a way I get it, either way it's another date and yes, we'd be glad to watch this one." She said bending over to tickle Lyndy.

"Lyndy, do you have homework ?"

"Two worksheets in her folder Amy." Lisa answered.

"Go sit down at your desk and get them done and we can go for a ride."

"Yay, a ride !" Lyndy cried out running into her room."

"Come with Lisa ?"

"I wish, I'm waiting on a call about a horse to make a call about a horse."

"Finn said he might make it." Amy mumbled checking her phone. "Maybe he got caught up in something."

"Text him."

"I texted when I got home, I don't want to guilt him if he's busy. Let's go sit."

The knock came as Amy was helping Lyndy with her boots which were new and not quite broken in. She glanced up at the screen door and smiled. "You are not dressed for a ride." She said to Finn who was standing there in his overalls.

"I'm sorry, I ran late. I can help saddle though."

"Come on in and say hi and Lyndy and I would love some help with our saddles."

Lisa had come in from the living room and smiled "Hi Finn, how's everything ?"

"Hi Lisa, everything's great, you and Jack doing Ok ?"

"We're good, not riding ?"

Finn laughed "In this outfit I'll just become a puff of dust every time I came down on a horse. I'm do for a shower."

"You can help me with Harley."

Finn smiled "I'd love too."

Amy fit her hat on and turned. "Let's get 'em saddled."

Lyndy skipped on ahead and Amy reached out for Finn's hand. Neither said anything when their hands joined.

Amy watched Lyndy walk over to the meadow where several of the horses were grazing and call out "Harley, Harley."

She saw the big brown horse turn his head and shake before walking out to look at the fence.

"Come on Harley !"

"Would you look at that." Finn whispered as Harley trotted over.

Amy smiled at his reaction and then whistled at the herd. Both Spartan and Shadow turned and Amy called out "Shadow, come on sweetheart."

A second later the light brown colt darted towards them.

They walked to the gate together which Finn opened and was surprised again when Lyndy just turned and walked towards the barn "come on Harley, you need a saddle" and the horse followed right behind her.

"Wonder where she gets that from ?" Finn said smiling as Shadow walked calmly alongside Amy towards the barn.

Amy clipped Shadow while Finn helped Lyndy clip him and then handed her a brush before grabbing her step stool and swinging it around Harley for her.

"Thank you Finn."

"You're very welcome Lyndy"

They worked quietly to brush the horse down before Lyndy ran to grab Harley's blanket and carried it two handed over to Finn who laid it on Harley's back before getting his saddle. When he was satisfied that it was snug he handed the reins to Lyndy who walked his out along with Amy who was ready at the same time.

Same as the last couple of times Lyndy held up her arms and Finn lifted her onto her

Saddle. She smiled at him before bending and hugging Harley's neck.

Amy watched smiling when Finn walked around Shadow's rump and Amy moved from his head.

"See you tomorrow ?"

Finn frowned, "I'm swamped all day and scheduled dinner out with Grandpa. How's your Saturday ?"

"Center all morning then Lyndy has story time at the library."

"Saturday night then." He said "Leg up ?"

Amy smiled and leaned over to kiss him gently before he hoisted her up "Text if your plans change."

"You too and have a good ride."

"They're all good Finn, talk later."

He stood and watched as they pulled away and waved at them both when they turned for a last smile before riding off.