The Borden Family Legacy - A Heartland Dream

Chapter Fifteen - New Routines, New Challenges

As winter turned into spring there was still a chill in the air – it is Canada. The Borden family was doing well. The girls were doing great in school, the business was flourishing while transitioning and JT, now almost 3 months old was growing every day. Amy and Ty were continually reminded of how great family was especially their beautiful daughters. It was hard not to notice how JTs eyes would light up anytime one of them were nearby. When he saw them or heard their voices, he made a lot of noise kicking his legs and waving his arms. But Ty saw something also when JT saw or heard his mom. One night after dinner Amy was busy in the barn. JT was not in a good mood and even with everyone's effort he still remained cranky. Maddie spoke up and said confidentially, "It's time to get this taken care of." She got JTs coat, handed him off to her dad and along with the rest of the group took him out to the barn. As soon as JT heard his mom talking his entire demeanor changed becoming calm and relaxed. Ty walked to Amy, handing him over. "Someone needs their mommy and trust me I can relate." He nuzzled in her ear. Amy calmed her little boy and he responded to her touch and whispers. Amy stood next to Ty, leaning into him. "So, you need me?", she whispered as she kissed him passionately on the lips. Addie coughed and said, "Geez you guys' JT is right there. Can you guys cool your jets." Ty and Amy laughed and said together, "Never!"

Amy, Lou, and Georgie had been working for a few days organizing the transition from winter to spring. The boarded horses began to be sent home or rehomed as needed. Ty stopped by and Amy reminded him that he and Steven had to give them the all clear before they left. Amy and Georgie had already begun to receive and schedule new clients and the list was long. When they worked on Heartland, they brought Katie in as she would continue to take on more responsibility there. Lou was also focused on the Dude Ranch. The extra cabins they built were definitely going to be needed as more and more clients needed a place to stay. Katie and the girl's school, Georgie's training schedule and baby time were all included in the scheduling. Also the two weeks that Steven and Georgie would be in Paris for the Olympics – including their wedding that was happening right before they left. They figured even though it was their honeymoon, why not use a paid for trip. And Lisa give them a weekend as well at her home in Toulon, on the beach during their visit.

The week of spring teacher conferences went well. All of the girl's teachers couldn't say enough about how well all of them were doing. Teachers at their school understood that ranch life was a little more demanding and were always impressed how kids could handle chores as well as their schoolwork. Unanimously each teacher said the girls gushed talking about their new brother all the time. They felt like they knew more about little JT than their own children along with the rest of their classmates. But what really got to Amy and Ty was the conversation they had with Maddie's teachers. Ms. Addison, told them about something that she had done that impressed the staff, even up to the principal. She clarified, "There is a young girl named Gwen, who is diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, be is high functioning. Although she was very friendly many of the children ignored her as she was streamlined in regular classrooms. Some of us had noticed that Maddie had befriended her getting her engaged with her close group of friends." Amy and Ty continued to listen as they held hands.

"One day there was a ruckus at recess with raised voices and kids yelling. Several of us headed over to see Gwen crying and your daughter laying into several girls who had been teasing her." She took a breath and continued, "Mr. and Mrs. Borden, what we witnessed was amazing for such a young girl. After she successfully dressed down the girls, much to the delight of everyone watching, she helped Gwen up and held on to her. She yelled out, "Gwen is my friend and if anyone plans on being mean to her, they will have to deal with me." Ty and Amy, were speechless as Ms. Manning added, "You should both be proud of your daughter." "I totally agree," Mr. Dunning, the school principal added as he entered the room. "Your daughter is a reflection of you and from what I have heard about the both of you, that is not hard to believe. I just want you to know that your daughter will be receiving a 'Student Cares' award at the next school assembly, I hope you both can attend. And I wouldn't mind seeing your baby, I have heard about him too from Addie." Amy and Ty thanked everyone and walked out overwhelmed with pride.