Chapter 11
Amy opened her eyes and took a second to focus, 5:46. Laying back down she turned her head the other way and saw Rosie facing away from her. Her top had moved up and Amy could see the nape of her back above her shorts and a soft trail of light colored hair running up her spine under her shirt. She sighed and thought how strange it was that every time she looked at this woman it enticed her, things like the curve of her neck and this small dimple and line. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard Rosie speak softly, muttering half into her pillow.
"Are you staring at my butt ?"
"Actually no but at the nape of your back, there's a cute little dimple and a hair trail, it's all very sexy."
"You just going to stare at it then cowgirl ?"
Amy smiled and reached forward running her trembling fingers softly along Rosie's spine then leaning over to kiss the spot that intrigued her, their most intimate contact yet and it sent shivers up and down Amy's body.
"Mmmmmmmmmm" Rosie purred. A moment later she gasped as Amy pulled herself over and put her arm under Rosie's top, resting her palm on Rosie's stomach while pulling herself close up behind her.
"Good morning Rosie" Amy whispered kissing her neck lightly.
"Getting up tomorrow morning is going to suck."
"I refuse to think about tomorrow" Amy said between nibbles "come here you."
Rosalie shifted onto her back as Amy leaned off. A second later Amy had Rosalie in her arms and leaned over her supported by her elbows.
"Good morning Ms. Fleming, is this what I'm to expect every morning ?"
"One morning at a time Rosie."
Amy dropped her head, her hair falling around Rosie's face as she leaned down to kiss her. As the kiss deepened Amy lowered herself onto Rosie who wrapped her arms around her.
When they broke apart they were both flushed and Rosalie looked up at Amy "I have to pee."
Amy smiled down, "me first" she exclaimed and rolled off Rosalie giggling. They both laughed as Amy scooted across the bed towards the bathroom, clearly a shortcut.
"No fair, you stinker" Rosalie called out running around the bed laughing.
"Ahhhhh" Amy sighed sitting down on the commode while Rosie leaned on the counter.
"So, like we're peeing together, that's got to be some Facebook relationship rule thing and will you please hurry."
"Haven't looked at Facebook since Ty died. It's too depressing."
"I get that, I however am changing my status to 'in a relationship'.
Amy got up and walked to the sink while Rosie sat, "go for it Rosie, just leave the 'with' off please, for now at least, I'm told my page is full of condolences, it's just weird."
"Hey, it's Ok Amy, really"
She nodded acknowledging Rosie's understanding while she brushed her teeth. When she bent over to wash her face and rinse her mouth she heard the toilet flush and moved over a bit. The hands on her butt were unexpected and made her jump and giggle. Spinning around and standing she smooshed her lips to Rosie's and got exactly the reaction she expected.
"Ughhh you're soaking wet and frothing, Amy stop."
Amy laughed and spun away, "how about I put up a pot of coffee and you finish here and get back to bed."
"Back to bed sounds nice, how safe are we ?"
"Lyndy will sleep till 8 probably, the new rules of the barn are that if I'm not downstairs and the door is closed, no knocking until 8:30 but you can text after 7 and in emergencies of course."
"So when are you usually out anyway ?"
"Out of the house usually by 5:30 or so."
"Ella's an early bird, Charlotte too."
"And you, not so much ?"
"I like to be woken after chores, your worst nightmare."
"Not by a long shot, into bed you, I'll be right there"
They were laying on their sides facing each other while the coffee brewed, touching foreheads and kissing softly. Slow nibbles and soft caresses. Amy's hand was on Rosalie's hip her fingertips lightly touching the skin under her top. Rosalie's free hand was focused on Amy's face and neck. Her gentle finger swipes and touches made Amy smile and blush.
"I don't want you to go."
"And I want you to come with us"
"Look at us, we're pathetic."
"High school sophomores"
"That bad you think, Caleb and Kit, ugh. I'm glad you met Cass at least."
"She's nice and Caleb isn't what I expected at all, and them as a couple ?"
"Or us as a couple, a story for a later date, wait till you meet Ashley, better yet her mom Val."
"I'll meet Ashley in a few weeks, who else is there ?"
"Lara and Soraya, both currently in Europe and you can probably include Mallory in that group but I'd have to check where she is now, her and Jake move around a lot."
"And none of them have any problem with…"
"Us ?, nope, all on board, well, I don't know about Mal but she'll be fine. Are you worried about your friends Rosie ?"
"Some are a bit biblical on social issues and we steer clear of those, but this, who knows, let's not dwell for now"
The kissing started again slowly and built gradually, they had time and used it exploring each other little by little. Their hands roamed slowly over and under clothes as they began to learn each other's triggers. They were both ticklish and naturally giggled at some things but they quickly shied away from those spots. The soft moans and gentle sighs were exciting and each delighted when the other expressed pleasure at a touch or kiss trying their best to commit those special spots to memory. At one point Rosalie's hand brushed under Amy's shorts and across the top of her pubic hair making her gasp and bite down lightly on Rosalie's shoulder which made them both giggle.
Whenever their play got feverish they slowed down, whispered to each other and caught their breath. Time seemed to stand still. They knew that soon they'd be apart and didn't let it come into play. The two were like teenagers trying desperately to get enough to last them over their first real separation and knowing that it would never be enough. Not now, not when it was so new and exciting.
They stopped and smiled when they heard him stirring, a sweet gurgle from a happy baby. Neither minded stopping, this was as important to them as each other, a part of their love.
"I'll get him"
"Good morning my sweet boy, come on and I'll bring you to momma." Amy hugged him and kissed his head, she held him on her arm as he looked at her with a big smile and wide eyes putting his tiny hand by her mouth which she kissed and caused him to laugh. She laid him on the changing table and got him into a fresh diaper before sitting him on the bed by a smiling and adoring Rosie.
"I'll get us coffee."
Passing Lyndy's crib she glanced down, smiled and bent over. "Hey, look at you, you're awful quiet sweetheart, did you have a good sleep" Amy asked reaching in and lifting Lyndy who was smiling and started spouting gibberish at her. Amy changed her too and then lifting her "Come on you, mom needs some coffee. How about you visit with your big brother and Rosie huh."
Amy carried her over and sat her on the bed with Jared who was leaning against his mom. Rosie reached over and kissed Lyndy good morning while Amy grabbed a few stuffed horses and tossed them on the bed before she walked away and retrieved two coffee mugs to fill.
They sat sipping their coffee, their backs propped up against the headboard holding hands and watched the kids play, interacting when they became distracted and eliciting smiles and little laughs from the kids when they did.
"So we get to do this every morning huh ?"
"I guess when I'm up or you're here for now until they get bigger, eventually we may get Charlotte and Katie joining us."
"We can Skype play dates in the meantime."
"And other dates, Ty and I Skyped a picnic when he was in Vancouver and walks in Mongolia."
"That's sounds nice"
"It was" Amy answered sighing at the memory.
"That didn't sound nice, what's wrong Amy ?"
"So many memories seem tarnished" she whispered "they pop up happily enough and then …."
"That'll fade over time, you tend to remember the good moments as more special over time, the noise fades."
"That's what Grandpa says."
"Any other special Skyping ?"
The answer came with a look away and a serious blush. "He was away a lot and we did have those dates too, you and Jason ?"
"When he was gone, getting or dropping horses, you know overnights or weekends, they were fun."
The soft knock at the door was unexpected.
Amy looked at the clock and headed over, after checking she opened the door. "What's up Caleb, everything OK ?"
"Sorry, everything's fine, I know it's early, we're done mucking out and I have to pony some of these guys up to the dude ranch for guests, alright if Charlotte tags along on Chance ?"
"Sure thing have fun but check with Ella about leaving times" Amy said.
Charlotte bolted over the to door, "did mom say I can go ?"
"This mom says you can, pay attention to Caleb and wear a helmet young lady."
"Awesome, thanks Amy !
"Take care of her Caleb"
"You know I will Amy"
"Have fun you two and thanks Caleb."
He turned with a tip of his hat and a smile "well alright Charlotte, let's get your horse saddled."
Amy closed the door and headed up the steps.
Rosalie was checking a text and then looked up "Ella and Lisa wondered if we were interested in them coming over with some breakfast ?"
"I'm game, but not until they're bathed and fed and all that, how about 45 minutes or so"
"I'll tell them 9:00, who was at the door ?"
"Caleb, he and Charlotte are going to pony some horses up to the dude ranch."
"Caleb's safe I assume."
"Caleb is a knight, he won't let anything happen to her."
"He seems like a knight and I shouldn't second guess your judgement."
"You shouldn't feel that way Rosie, it's not judgmental. Let's get these two fed and washed, come on Lyndy, maybe mom can squeeze in a shower too."
"Showering again ?"
Blushing and looking over with a guilty smile Amy whispered "it was an exciting morning."
"I could probably use one too" Rosie answered leaning over to kiss Amy on the shoulder.
"He looks hungry."
"Growing boy, gonna be a cowboy like his Mom."
"He could be a teacher."
"Forget it, my kids will be cowboys and cowgirls like their famous mom, you'll have them all horseyed up, jumping and herding things around."
"You never know Rosie."
"I guess, hey she looks pretty famished too."
"She takes more and more everyday it seems, some mornings I have nothing to pump".
"I get that, we're almost there though. Hey Jared, have you had enough, is that what that is ?"
They both started burping the kids almost at the same time and Amy was able to pump a half bottle after. Rosalie didn't even try. "We have a pediatrician's visit Monday, I'm going to need to supplement one of these days, don't think there are any vaccinations this time. At least we're doing sippy cups now, washing bottles gets old fast."
"Ash is going to come with me to Trish on Friday, I'll talk to her then about how to at least test a formula. What did you do with Charlotte ?"
"She took to Similac I think, I'll ask Ella, they're probably all different now anyways, he'll be on milk soon though. Diapers are shockingly different 7 years later."
They got the kids bathed and dressed and sat them on the floor near the kitchen on a play blanket.
"Why don't you go shower and I'll set the table Rosie".
Amy checked her phone. "wait a sec, Georgie and Katie want to say goodbye"
"Sure".
Amy texted back that the door was unlocked and soon they were kissing and hugging Rosalie and Jared goodbye.
"Georgie is going to help me read the Hobbit like Charlotte." Katie said getting down on the floor with the babies.
"She reads Georgie, not you, it'll be slow at the beginning but you'll be surprised how fast she improves. Slow and steady, once she starts automatically registering and cataloguing repeat words she'll breeze through it. Patience and time."
"Got it Rosie, I talked to my dad last night. He mentioned the idea of coming up to you guys with Katie so we might combine that with a college visit to Camrose."
"That would be great Georgie, anytime would be fine. We'll have your room ready."
"So you're still considering Camrose ?"
"I understand that you need to do this Amy but I hope you understand that my decision is mine and has to be what's best for me."
"I do Georgie, I trust you to make a mature well thought out decision."
"But ?"
"I think the stand you took after dinner is noble, I do, but sometimes the noble gestures we make for loved ones are more enabling than altruistic."
"Not everything is about you and Ty Amy"
"I know Georgie" she said looking over and seeing Katie far enough away and occupied, "and some of my lesson came from that but I'm talking about the New York Maggie's" she said lowering a voice. "We all sat around that table and didn't think at all that once the deal was set your mom would leave one or both of you here with us to care for almost constantly. Of course Grandpa ended up taking that to a whole new level. Just think about that. Now go or you'll be late."
"Come on Katie, we may have to run"
"See you both soon"
"Bye Rosie" they called out heading down the stairs.
"Go shower, we're running out of time."
"Kiss me first"
Amy smiled and leaned over. The kiss was soft and they briefly touched tongues.
"Shower now" Rosalie said yanking herself away and pulling off her top as she walked into the bathroom.
Amy got the table set for four and after transferring the coffee to a thermal server, set up a second pot. She laid out plates and cutlery, mugs and the muffins sent over by Lisa. She poured a small pitcher of OJ and then sat with the kids.
Rosalie came out wrapped in her robe, her hair in a towel, "tag you're it."
Amy smiled and brushed Rosie's lips as she went by and into the bathroom. After showering she wrapped her hair as well and walked out. Rosalie was by her side of the bed, Ty's side actually and pulling clothes out of and putting stuff into a suitcase. She was still wearing her robe. Amy sighed and walked over determinedly.
"What ?"
"I can't just let you go away like this, look at me Rosie, in my eyes."
When their eyes locked Amy reached down and undid her robe. "Look at me Rosie" she said watching her eyes stray and bringing her attention back to Amy's eyes. Without a word she reached over and undid Rosie's robe and slipped her unsteady hands under it drawing Rosalie into a hug. Instantly Rosalie did the same and they held each other close, their bodies touching and immediately responding to each other. They felt each other tremble and the goosebumps rising to match their own. Their hands began roaming slowly, lovingly over each other's backs and down along hips and over asses. Amy's heart was pounding against her chest and she knew Rosalie could feel it as well. They nipped and kissed each other's necks, Amy nibbled at Rosie's collarbone and Rosie moaned in her ear. They slowed and kissed again, softly and playfully and then it was over, looking into Rosalie's eyes Amy stepped back and closed her robe.
"Interesting dating style you have Ames."
"You ok ?"
"Way more than Ok"
"I needed …"
"Shhhhhh, I did too."
"Look at the time, we have to get dressed, I think showering together would actually speed things up for us at this point."
Amy walked to her side of the bed and grabbed clothes. She sat down and shrugged off her robe, glanced back for a second and smiled turning away immediately to finish dressing.
"Like what you saw ?" Rosalie said smiling and starting to brush out her hair.
"What makes you think I peeked ?"
"Come on Amy"
"Leave me be Rosie, you're beautiful."
They were sitting on the floor with the kids and heard them talking before the knock. Amy leaned over towards the stairs before it came.
"It's open Lisa."
"Let's get them in the high chairs and they can have some solid food."
Rosie nodded and brought the chairs over as Lisa and Ella came up and hugged and kissed them. They had leftover sliced steak from the night before and an egg, cheese, bacon and potato casserole that Ella put together which were set out onto the table.
"Ella's breakfast casseroles are legendary"
"Good luck keeping Amy fed, she eats like a machine"
"Lisa, I do not"
"You work hard Amy and you can put it away."
"Ok, I admit I like my feed."
"How are you two doing ?"
"We're ok, we're a wreck, it's a fine line Ella."
"Anything we can do to help Amy ?"
"You can tell me that Georgie is not going to give up Camrose for her parent's selfishness Lisa."
"Any suggestions ?"
"I don't think Peter will be an issue. He'll be able to visit the kids on a ranch without dad, Lou and Mitch which should suit him just fine. Just as easy not watching your kids grow up near Edmonton as here."
"So getting Lou on side, how do we swing that ?"
"Really Lisa, you need me to say it, Grandpa. What Lyndy, you want some banana ? Yes, good girl". Amy handed Lyndy a chunk of banana that she began to nibble on immediately.
"You two huh big boy" Amy said handing him a chunk as well.
"The truth is Whispering Pines is the right decision to make and Lou has to understand that. I didn't set out to take Katie from here and them or Georgie for that matter and she's going to sit there and whine about how much she love's her kids, that it's all for them and all that other crap she goes on about probably with Peter nodding along. They need to be looked at and told that this plan is a direct result of their refusal to parent, period. Trust me you need Grandpa because dad, although he has no place at this meeting will sound off loud and clear. You might consider having Casey there."
"I'll talk to Jack and Casey, I think deep down he knows this is best."
"I don't envy you Lisa but he does know this is the only way if they won't step up. Jack will do the right thing."
"I know he will Ella, I just hope I have enough time."
"I'll feel him out too Lisa but you're going to have your hands full making sure he doesn't kill himself staying busy if this happens."
"Thanks Amy, any suggestions on how to stop him ?"
"You need to sit Caleb down and explain it to him, keep an eye on things and insist they hire another hand or involve Mitch perhaps as a third partner if the need arises, and you'll need to get him up to Whispering Pines every few weeks to see the kids. You might also consider offering Caleb and Cass the loft and offer to expand it along with the barn or Mitch can take it, other people around will keep him occupied too and he'll feel much better about leaving."
"You want to leave and have the barn and loft expanded for someone else ?"
"Lisa, I plan to have 72 stalls at Whispering Pines in 5 years. We have 24 and I want 48 more housed in a heated medical and rehab barn designed specifically by me for that purpose alone. Can you imagine my proposing that here ? The effort to get Grandpa to expand the 4 stall to a 10 or 12 will be almost insurmountable but it needs to be done."
"We'll get it done one way or another Amy, anything you can do to help with either Jack or Lou will be appreciated, I do like the stock idea, keeps him busy and at home."
"I need to come up and pee" Charlotte called up the stairs.
"Come up sweetheart" Amy laughed.
Charlotte ran past and into the bathroom.
"Nice of you to let her go riding with Caleb Rosie."
"It was me actually"
"Really ?"
"Why is that so surprising ? Amy asked. "Ella ?"
"She said her mom said it was Ok when they stopped at the house" Lisa said.
"I worded it that way is all"
"Learn this now Amy, that girl does not misspeak."
"I know Ella and I told her it was up to her, let's leave it for now."
Charlotte came out of the bathroom and stopped at the table, she grabbed a banana and an apple and headed towards the stairs.
"Where are you off to ?"
"Gotta brush Chance."
"There are apples and carrots for the horses in the feed and supplements room, have Caleb show you and make sure that banana peel makes it into a trash can and not a manure pile."
"Ok Amy" Charlotte said heading for the stairs again.
"Charlotte ? Apple ?" Amy asked opening her hand.
"I know about the horse apples Amy, banana for me, apple for Caleb." She said holding up each fruit for emphasis.
"Got it, say your goodbyes to the horses while you're down there Charlotte"
"I will" she yelled heading down the stairs.
"Why am I feeding Caleb apples ?" Amy said laughing as they all were.
"You love him and you're a pushover"
"Yup, handsome young men with poor social and communicative skills have always been my downfall, I'm switching teams Ella."
"You have Charlotte's and your stuff packed and ready there Gran ?"
"All ready, suitcases and packs in the mud room Rosie, we'll start saying goodbye's when she's done with the horses. Never actually saw a kid so happy with some hand me down muck out tools and brushes."
"Grandpa made them for me when I was about her age, I was so proud of them, I had him dig them out for her."
"You are strange Amy Fleming"
"I love you too Rosie and Charlotte adores the horses she loves taking care of them."
"Charlotte adores you Amy."
"And I adore her Ella which is why she has those tools."
"Well you'll be happy to know that next to 'Amy' on the handles she wrote 'and Charlotte.'"
Amy smiled and then sniffed when she heard and Ella leaned over to pat her hand and give it a squeeze.
"Come on, let's clear this mess and head over to the ranch house. We can get the truck loaded and start the goodbye process."
"You two head back Lisa, Rosie and I'll follow, want to take the babies ?"
"Sure, I know Jack would love a few minutes with them and this new guy he can't stop talking about."
"I'll help you into the strollers".
"Thanks Rosie, I'll clear this stuff away."
Amy set out to clear the table. She loaded most everything into the sink after putting away the leftovers. Rosie came up and climbed on the bed with her phone while Amy rinsed and filled the dishwasher. When she turned Rosie snapped her picture.
"Oh great, who are you going to show that to ?"
"Just for me Ames, this one is all mine, my little domestic housewife."
"You're a bit strange yourself Rosie, I like it."
"Come sit with me Amy, we don't have that much time."
Rosie leaned back against the headboard and Amy snuggled up to her.
"How long you think ?"
"It's really up to Ash, two weeks maybe."
"That's not that long actually, we're big girls."
"Ty went away for three weeks and came back four months later with a chick on the back of his bike."
"I'm not Ty and I would never do that to you Amy, never."
"Oh no Rosie, I would never suggest that or let you go in the first place for that matter" she laughed.
There was a knock at the door and a familiar voice behind it "Gran says get a move on Mom".
"We're coming Charlotte" Amy called back as they got off the bed laughing and Rosie wheeled her suitcase to the staircase.
Amy locked the door behind Rosie and they walked out towards the house. She was holding hands with Rosie wheeling her unruly bag over the dirt and gravel on one side, with Charlotte walking on Amy's other side holding her hand as well.
"Don't you cry Rosalie."
"What are the odds of that happening you think ?"
They walked over to the pickup and Rosie lifted her suitcase in alongside the others. Jack adjusted the strap to cover her bag and walked over to stand with Ella and Lisa who were each holding the other's grandchild.
The grandparents had all said their goodbye's to the kids and the Bouchers would stop at Maggie's to see Lou and pick up coffee and a sack of snacks for the trip home.
They took the babies first, Rosalie with Lyndy and Amy with Jared. Amy held Jared close, kissing his face and hands and hugging him before leaning into the truck and getting him settled and snapped into his car seat. She walked around the back of the truck and knelt over as Charlotte wrapped her arms around her crying.
"Shhhh, Shhh, sweetheart, I'll see you soon, I promise and I'll send you a picture of Chance everyday and we'll text and Skype."
"I love you Amy" she whispered.
"I love you too Charlotte. Now in you go and buckle up. Got your backpack ?"
Charlotte nodded sniffling.
She then hugged Ella as Rosalie spent time with Jack and Lisa. "I put a set of plans to the rescue barn interior in Rosie's bag. We need an old school carpenter to do that for us."
"We'll look them over and find someone. Come home to us soon Amy"
"I will Ella, I promise, and you get my ranch ready for winter."
"I'll take care of her for you Amy." Ella finished and then stepping back she kissed her on both cheeks and her forehead, the double meaning in Ella's words not being missed by Amy as she kissed Ella again. Ella sniffed once and got into the truck.
Amy walked Rosalie over to the driver's door arm in arm. "I packed a surprise in your suitcase, it'll help." She whispered.
"I can't imagine what it could be but thanks"
They held each other by the open door and murmured their love to each other. "You take good care of them for me Rosie." "I promise and you take care of this lot" "I promise my love." They kissed lightly and rubbed noses. Rosalie turned and got in. Amy stood while she did up her seatbelt and then reached in for a last kiss before swinging the door closed.
"We'll call when we get home Amy, stay safe"
"Thanks Ella" she said closing the door and stepping over to Lisa.
They waved and then watched until the truck was out of site.
Amy turned to Lisa and broke down in her arms. Jack and Lisa walked her to the porch and got her some water. Eventually she took Lyndy in her arms and rocked her using her daughter as a control for her tears.
"Would you two please watch her for a bit, I think I need to take a ride."
"Go ahead Amy, we've got her, I'll be here while Jack tends to some things."
"Thanks Lisa, I won't be long."
"Take all the time you need honey."
Amy strode off to the barn and a few minutes later was heading out past the paddocks on Spartan. Harley ponying along beside her.
"She'll be ok Jack, give her a little time, go pick up the feed order and I'll stay with Lyndy."
Jack nodded and walked off. He looked over to watch Amy disappear off on a trail before getting into his truck.
Amy rode along lost in thought, she glanced over to check on Harley and sighed "Where have you been keeping yourself ?"
"Here and there"
"And where is here and there ?"
"Just here and there Amy. She's pretty."
"I think so which I guess means you think so since everyone tells me you're in my head."
"I don't know that I buy that but I guess from your perspective."
"I love her Ty."
"I can see that, she seems to feel the same about you."
"Does it bother you ?"
"I would have thought it would have but not really, you're happy with her."
Amy reached a small clearing with a stream. Looking around she smiled at the memories every spot in Heartland brought to her and they were all with him.
"Are there meadows where we never made love Ty ?"
"We were a frisky pair Ames, maybe not."
"I couldn't get enough of you."
"Same here."
"You kept leaving me, I would wake up not knowing the day, where you were or if I'd ever see you again."
"I'm sorry I did that to you, I never wanted you to worry."
"You left me and you left Lyndy, would you have gone to Africa without us too ?"
"I wanted us all to go."
"You knew I wouldn't go, I wouldn't have left Heartland."
"You're leaving now."
"Damn you Ty, you have no right to do this to me."
"I'm sorry Amy."
"You know what Ty, just forget it, this stuff is all water under the bridge at this point."
"Can we just ride back now ?"
"Sure, if Harley doesn't mind why should I."
Amy rode back the long way and passed the jumping course. She got down and walked around a little letting the horses wander and graze. She sat on one of the jumps and felt his presence before he spoke.
"I always liked it here."
"So did I, now it's just memories."
"Good memories though, right ?"
"Yes Ty, they're good memories and they're all clouded and jumbled with all your crap."
"Look Amy, this whole Vets Without Borders thing, I wouldn't have just gone."
"Seems this conversation is me trying to convince myself of that."
"Amy, you really don't think that I would have"
"Don't go there Ty, I met your blonde bunk mate Carly remember and I didn't get to Vancouver did I, you had meetings, they wanted you and she thought it was a lock, I could see it in her face."
"Amy you don't think I ever had anything with Carly, we hardly ever saw each other."
"I want to believe that Ty, I do, but I'm going to get tested tomorrow."
"'I'm sorry you feel that way Amy."
"So do I Ty, you have no idea, I have to get back to Lyndy."
"I think I'll stay here for a while and spend some time alone."
"You won't be alone here Ty, ever, part of me will always be jumping this course that day."
"Simpler times."
"We didn't make anything simple Ty, even those things that should have been, you built me this course and I fell in love with you and then you, you know, forget it."
She took one last look before mounting Spartan and grabbing Harley's lead. When she got back she brushed them down and checked them before turning them out with the family. After tidying up the barn a bit she wandered back to the ranch house and joined Lisa in the living room with some tea.
"She's napping Amy."
"Are you busy Lisa ?"
"No, it's fine, want to talk about something ?"
"I'm going to get tested for STD's tomorrow and for some reason I feel guilty about it."
"You think that Ty had sex with another woman ?"
"Interesting way to put that these days but no, actually I don't, and yet it's the only responsible thing to do. I can't just trust to his fidelity anymore. It's sad, I'm starting to just doubt everything."
"I can't imagine what this is all like for you Amy. Ty's behavior since Mongolia, now that it's out or coming out is taking it's toll of your grandfather too. He says he talked to him several times and never saw anything like this. There was self doubt of course and a desire to prove himself as a husband and father but it's all so muddied. I never saw it either and even now I'm having a hard time believing some of this and yet."
"It's the 'and yet' part that's the gift that keeps on giving." Amy checked her phone and smiled. "Hey you, that was pretty good almost 2 hours."
"Miss me ?"
"Nope, took a trail ride and cleared my head."
"Liar."
"I miss you all like crazy Rosie."
"Well we're off again, just stopped for a snack, diaper check and pee."
"Text me when you get home."
"I will Ames, love you"
"Love you too Rosie."
"How about I make us some lunch Amy ?"
"I was thinking of heading into Hudson for some waffles and then a stroll, maybe some window shopping, Lyndy needs some warm winter socks. Game ?"
"Why not, maybe I can spoil you two a little" Lisa said.
"Ok, how about we give her lunch here and then she can nibble on some waffle at Maggie's. She should sleep a little more. Why don't I go pump and I'll meet you back here when I'm done ?"
"Perfect, I'll let your grandfather know, though he should be heading back by now I'd say."
Amy got to the loft and set herself up to pump. She tapped her new iPad and smiled at the line of texts and pictures from Charlotte that came in when she was out for her ride and were now popping up on her phone too.
Smiling and laughing while looking at all her pictures, the time went by quickly. She had texted back apologizing for being out of range and commented under several of the pictures. Charlotte obviously had her gran's iPhone and was using it to it's fullest. Amy was getting silly faces snap chatted to her. She set it up near the sink as she cleaned everything, stopping every now and then to text back. While heading back to the ranch house she stopped to take a picture of Chance out in the meadow. instagrammed it and tagged Ella so that Charlotte would get the notification. Charlotte them immediately posted Chance to her Facebook page with Rosalie's permission.
"Oh you have an iPad and that's some case" Lisa said surprised.
"I do, I've had it a few days and it's awesome and I just chose the best rated bullet proof military approved case I could find which just came so I feel good about taking it out."
"I guess you'd need that if anyone would. What got you to buy it ?"
"Grandpa's selling the Norton and Old Blue, things are holding steady, the money bleed has stopped and I have a long cold lonely winter coming up. I need a website, a rescue intake form on this that will satisfy RCMP and Wildlife. I can take and keep notes, even write my journal on this in longhand and print it out and since I like longhand" Amy smiled and presented her Apple Pencil. "I can read on it, watch videos, listen to music and it's light and small. Perfect for a saddle bag and much smaller to crawl into bed with."
"And you can Skype with Rosalie."
"I sent her one today" Amy squealed. "it's getting delivered later, cost me extra but I called the Apple Store in Edmonton and arranged a private service to deliver it."
"Good for you"
It wasn't quite a wail but it certainly wasn't a gurgle, Amy shot up and was in the nursery in a second. "Shhh, I know something's wrong and momma will figure it out in a second, there, you're a little calmer already aren't you, was it just a scary dream, huh sweetheart. Lyndy focused on Amy's soft singsong patter, her touch and smile and pretty quickly she was calm and getting changed. "See all better, it's all gone."
Amy carried her out and sat her on the floor in front of the couch. Lisa reached over and grabbed a small box of blocks to dump in front of her. Blocks were clearly Lyndy's favorite.
"What do you have for her in the fridge. ?"
"Three or four things, does it matter ?"
"Not as much to me as it did to him but no, you have nothing new here so that'll be fine. Milk in a sippy cup and I'll talk to Trish about figuring out a formula to use if we need it."
"He was pretty focused on schedules wasn't he ?"
Lyndy whimpered a little and looking at the clock Amy reached over for her and stood up.
"He was a pain in the ass about this stuff. He would come home after one of these outings and start asking me all these questions about her. Why this and why that ? One time I started stripping in the living room, he looked up and said 'what are you doing ?' I said 'Ty, they didn't have collard greens last week so I started Chard. You need to shower and take advantage of the fact that she's fine and asleep and I really want to have sex.'"
Amy set Lyndy up in the high chair as Lisa reached into the refrigerator for the plastic container at the top of the baby food stack. She handed it to Amy and took out a bottle of breast milk and poured a quarter full sippy cup. Lyndy had become a pretty good eater though she was still learning the cup.
"I hope that worked out for you" Lisa chuckled.
Amy smiled and blushed. "The point is she's fine and has been fine all along, size appropriate and everything else, how many people had to tell him to calm the hell down. The worst was 'stop giving her snacks', I hated that, I'd sit down and peel a banana and she would point, so she had a piece of banana, big deal, there are no fat kids on a ranch."
"True enough, ah here's Jack"
"Hello you two, hello sweetheart Jack said bending over to kiss Lyndy before taking off his jacket.
"So what's up for the afternoon ?" He asked leaning over to kiss Lisa and then Amy.
"Grandma is pampering us in town because my girlfriend went away."
"That sounds nice actually, you two go enjoy yourselves, you want to leave Lyndy ?"
"Oh no Grandpa she loves going to town and Maggie's, it's exciting for her."
"That's fine Amy, I think I'll ride out and check the cows anyway, get some thinking done."
"I'm not used to doing this Grandpa but can I give you a word of advice ?"
"Of course Amy, I could probably use some right now."
"There are only four people that your thoughts should focus on; Katie, Georgie, Lisa and you. No one else matters in all of this."
"Lou matters Amy."
"Grandpa, the only thing you or anyone can do for Lou is enable her, if she won't give this up then she's no longer your concern, she's the problem and is determinedly not a part of the solution. Katie, Georgie, Lisa and you."
"I guess when you put it that way."
"You and Lisa need to go for a ride tomorrow to decide on what you're going to do, together, then stick to it and you, have a second job."
"Your Dad"
"My dad" Amy said nodding.
"Any suggestions ?"
"Casey for one, he can't arbitrarily volunteer her services if she's sitting there. You can also call him out on his bull, because he won't pull his weight."
"I talked to Casey this morning while you were riding, she thinks if Lou won't stay the only real option is for Katie to go with you Amy. We'll talk tomorrow Jack but starting up a business takes up a lot of time and though Fairfield is back up and sales are looking good, we're optimistic, but still a ways from comfortable."
"Do you plan on going through with what you suggested ?" Jack asked.
"Today I think, it's time Jack."
"Is this is a secret ?"
"No Amy, not anymore, we'll talk later today." Lisa said.
"Ok well she's done and you did such a good job Lyndy. Let's get a washcloth and wipe your mouth and hands and then we'll check your diaper and go visit Auntie Lou."
20 minutes later Amy had Lyndy secured in her car seat when her diaper bag made a familiar chirp.