Words can't begin to cover how AWFUL I FEEL about not posting sooner. Next chapter (I won't even bother promising it's soon to come because knowing me it'll take 3 years) should be the LAST ONE. Won't be overly important, just kinda wraps things up... but it will be the last one (FINALLY!)

Sorry!

Chapter 21

Amy's optimism faded as she and Ty ordered some of the greasy fare offered by the small restaurant. Amy picked at her burger, shredding the white bun into small crumbs. She noticed that Ty wasn't paying much attention to his food either.

"I should be taking better care of you," Ty mumbled suddenly, pushing aside his plate and leaning against the table.

"You treat me just fine," Amy contradicted, a little shocked and confused by his sudden statement.

Ty shook his head. "Look at this," He gestured to Amy's plate. "I'm feeding you the worst possible meal," He heaved a heavy sigh which slumped his shoulders. "I'm not sure I know what to do."

Amy pushed her own plate aside and reached for Ty's hands. He took hers' willingly.

"You're doing just fine," Amy reassured. "I think one of the most important things is to keep me happy and you do that without even trying."

Ty looked down at their joined hands and kissed the backs of both of hers' before looking back up to meet Amy's eyes.

Without another word they both stood and while Amy was putting her arms through the sleeves of the sweater Ty had given her, he left a bill on the table.

"Thank god Amy," Lou breathed, embracing here sister as soon as she had gotten out of the truck.

"I'm ok Lou," Amy hugged her sister back. It felt really good to have Lou on her side.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Lou asked, brushing her fingertips lightly over Amy's forehead before pulling her into another embrace.

"How's Grandpa?" Amy asked, ignoring Lou's question.

"I think he knew you'd be back," Lou answered leading the two to the house. "He's been waiting in the living room."

"Of course I'd come back," Amy said, kicking her shoes off in the kitchen. "Heartland is my life."

"Don't worry, we'll get through this," Ty whispered, placing his hand on Amy's shoulder.

"You certainly will," Lou said in a surprisingly determined voice. She held Amy's hand and led the two into the living room.

Jack was reading the newspaper. His eyes rose from the pages when Amy entered and they narrowed and the paper was set down when he saw Ty.

"I thought I told you to stay away," His voice was as dark as his expression.

"Jack you don't – " Ty began calmly.

"You get away from my granddaughter," Jack's voice held a menacing note Amy had never before heard.

"Grandpa please jus–" Amy started.

"I want you out of my house," Jack's voice threatened as he rose from his chair in a slow, deadly motion. "And don't you ever think of coming back."

"Listen Jack," Ty tried again but he recoiled when Jack's voice rose louder still.

"No you listen!" He shouted.

"No grandpa, you listen," Lou's voice was just as strong as her grandfather's but twice as vicious. "Don't you dare," Her volume lowered as acid was injected into her tone. She dropped Amy's hand and moved to put herself in the middle of the fight. "Don't you dare make Amy go through what mom had to."

Jack's eyes remained furious for only a moment longer before it faltered.

"Go to bed Amy," Lou instructed without turning from their grandpa. Her voice was no longer angry but her expression was still livid.

Amy was rooted to where she stood and didn't move until Ty tugged her along to the stairs. They went up to Amy's room.

As soon as they were out of the living room Amy let out a breath that she seemed to have been holding the whole time.

"That was unexpected," She said, turning to a pile of Ty's clean clothes she'd washed when he was away. Has he only been back for a few hours? It feels like days already. She pulled his pajama pants from the heap and set them on this lap where he sat on her bed.

Amy ran the encounter through her head while she changed into the old shirt of Ty's she's taken to wearing to bed. When she turned back to the bed Ty was staring at the pants in his lap, his eyes unfocused.

"What's wrong?" Amy asked, kneeling in front of Ty, looking up at him.

"I would have done exactly what Tim did," He murmured.

"Don't be silly Ty, it's not the same thing and you know it," Amy shook her head, taking one of his hands in both of her own.

"Near enough. I would have left you when you needed me the most," Ty's voice was full of self-revulsion. He lifted his eyes to meet Amy's.

"You might have driven around for the night, but you would have come back," Amy's voice was confident. She knew that much about him, no one would make Ty do something he didn't want to.

He reached out and gently took Amy's face between his hands. "You have so much faith in me," His voice was awed. "More than I deserve…" He slid onto the floor beside Amy. "I will earn that," He promised. "I won't ever leave you again."

Amy nodded, knowing that was all she would ask for. The rest they could deal with together.