Heartland #8: Thicker Than Water
"You're going to spend the whole weekend with Ken and Marie!" Amy exclaimed, staring at Grandpa the next morning.
Jack nodded. "You know they've just moved, and it sounds like they could really use a hand getting their yard in order," he said. "I've offered to put in some runs for their dogs. It'll be easier all around if I stay there overnight."
"But what about Daddy?" Lou said. "You won't see him at all if you're away all weekend."
"I know, but I've thought about it, and I figure it's better this way," Jack said. "You two need some space with your father on your own." Lou opened her mouth. "I've made up my mind, Lou," Jack said before she could argue. "And I'm not going to change it."
Lou looked at his stubborn face. "All right," she said reluctantly. "If you think it's for the best."
Grandpa nodded. "Believe me, it is."
As he left the kitchen to go get his things together, Lou picked up a sponge from the sink and started to wipe of the kitchen table. "This place needs cleaning before Daddy gets here."
Snagging her jacket off the back of the door, Amy went outside. Maybe keeping busy would help keep her butterflies at bay, too.
At quarter to ten, Amy left Ty and Ben to finish the remaining stalls and reluctantly went inside to shower. When she came downstairs, Lou was hovering by the kitchen window. Every surface was spotless, and a vase of freshly cut flowers was on the table.
Not knowing what to do with herself, Amy sat down at the table. It was impossible to sit still. Every nerve in her body felt stretched to the breaking point. She bounced one foot up and down on the floor, and when that didn't help she started to drum her fingers on the tabletop.
"Amy!" Lou snapped, swinging around. "Stop that!"
Amy looked up with a start.
Lou's face softened. "I'm sorry," she sighed. "I guess I'm just a bit tense."
"It's OK," Amy said. "Me, too." She got to her feet and walked restlessly around the kitchen. The butterflies were getting worse now. She could feel a wave of panic swelling inside her.
I don't want to be here, she thought. I don't want him to come here.
But it was too late.
"Here he is!" Lou said, her voice rising in excitement as she flew to the door.
Amy followed, her heart pounding. A silver Volvo had jut parked outside the house, and a tall man was getting out.
"Daddy!" Lou gasped.
For a moment, Amy thought Lou was going to fling her arms around his neck. But at the last minute something seemed to stop her. "Hello," she said, coming to a halt in front of the car.
"Hello, Lou," Tim Fleming said, his English accent sounding clipped and precise. He walked toward Lou and shook his head wonderingly. "It's lovely to see you!" he said, taking her hands. "You've certainly grown." His eyes lifted and he looked at Amy. "Amy?"
Wishing she were somewhere - anywhere - else, Amy nodded. He reached out for her hands too, but Amy kept them firmly in her pockets.
Tim's hands dropped, but his eyes continued searching her face. "I can't believe it's you," he said.
