Chapter 25:
Rescues: 23
"Do we have an order ?" Lisa asked.
"Mom first !" Charlotte called out.
"Rosie mom" Katie said giggling when all three women looked up.
"That might be best" Rosie said "Jack, the girl's gifts first please" Rosie said sitting on the floor cross legged. Katie and Charlotte immediately dropped to each side of her with Georgie next to Charlotte. Before sitting Georgie placed both Lyndy and Jared on either side of Amy who was across from Rosie.
"What is all this ?" Amy said smiling.
Jack walked over and lowered two guitar cases over the girls heads and to the floor in front of them. "These are my gifts to you two. You have to promise to take care of them. They're precious." Rosie explained.
"We promise" they whispered.
They made sure the snaps were up and popped them over. Their eyes widened as they looked down at the guitars.
"Wow" Mitch whispered. "Martins."
Both the guitars were virtually identical Sitka Spruce topped DJr2 Martin Acoustic guitars, the only difference between the two was that under the name and date on the guitar's head were the kid's names, one said Charlotte and one Katie. These were slightly smaller than a normal sized guitar but were high quality instruments.
"Mitch, could you please get the cases ?"
"Sure Rosie."
"Do you play Mitch ?"
"Good enough for campfires, uke too."
"It'll be nice to add another instrument, I think there's a uke or two in the attic."
"Jack, please ?"
Jack came back a moment later and handed Rosie her guitar case. When she laid it flat the group saw the custom covered leather hard case and the embossed rose on the neck. Rosie ran her hand across the leather and snapped the case open. It was as if she held her breath as she lifted it open to reveal a sheet of white silk with a rose embroidered in the center. Her eyes shone when she pulled it back. Rosie lay her fingertips on the guitar and ran them across the body and then up the neck where she gripped it and lifted it out. Mitch reached over and pulled the case away after snapping it shut. She held it almost as if it was a baby, her eyes were closed and she ran her hand around it lovingly as she brought it up into the playing position.
Georgie had two wooden blocks in her hands.
"This started out as my gift for you Amy and it's, well, grown to this. As I understand it there may or may not be something after this. Charlotte play me an open chord please. After Charlotte complied Rosie asked "Tighten your D please, Play E,A,D."
"Perfect."
"Katie ?"
"That's good."
Rosie then ran down her strings and there was an audible gasp from the crowd. This was a very special guitar.
"Uhm Rosie ?"
"It's a 1936 D-18 Mitch, I was very fortunate to get it."
Rosalie looked up at Amy and into her eyes. Amy smiled and whispered "I love you Rosie."
A second later Rosalie looked down and nodded so that the girls started playing, Georgie keeping an easy simple rhythm with the blocks. When Rosalie began playing Jack whispered "wow" under his breath and Lisa and Ella each took a hand. It wasn't just the guitar, Rosalie was an extremely accomplished player, her notes expressive, sure and exact. She kept her eyes closed as she picked the opening and they could see her concentration in the flutter under her eyelids and her changing expressions as she formed the melody.
When she raised her head and opened her eyes the green reflected the fire to the side and were bright like emeralds flecked with shards of gold as she smiled and sang. Her voice was sweet and pure, her emotions clear, the words and her tone were captivating.
A/N – The song is called 'Love you Till the End' by The Pogues. The version I used for this is a cover by Niamh McGlinchey, you can find it on YouTube.
"I just want to see you
When you're all alone
I just want to catch you if I can
I just want to be there
When the morning light explodes
On your face it radiates
I can't escape
I love you 'till the end"
On the last line Georgie, Charlotte and Katie sang along softly and then the three repeated it while Rosie hummed along.
"I love you 'till the end"
Then, after a short guitar refrain, Rosie took over again.
"I just want to tell you nothing
You don't want to hear
All I want is for you to say
Oh why don't you just take me
Where I've never been before
I know you want to hear me
Catch my breath"
Amy was smiling and looking at Rosalie, tears streaming down her face unabashedly, mouthing 'I love you' to her with the girls repeating the refrain two more times.
I love you 'till the end
I love you 'till the end
I love you 'till the end"
It was here that Rosalie began to play, she smiled at Amy as her eyes closed again, her long dark hair hung down her arms and behind the guitar, her fingers moved with surety and precision. Her picking was sharp and it was here that the guitar sang, it's tone crisp, each note clear. No one really knew how long the break was, all concentration in the room was focused on her. She was captivating. When she brought the solo around to it's familiar melody she joined the girls again and sang.
"I just want to be there
When we're caught in the rain
I just want to see you laugh, not cry
I just want to feel you
When the night puts on it's cloak
I'm lost for words, don't tell me
'Cause all I can say"
The girls joined in again at this point
"I love you 'till the end
All I can say
I love you 'till the end
I love you 'till the end
I love you 'till the end"
When the last note stilled the room was silent except for several people drawing back tears.
"Oh Rosie" Amy whispered "that was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard."
"Georgie, Charlotte, Katie, thank you so much."
"Go ahead Georgie" Charlotte whispered.
Georgie looked down as if making a final decision.
"Do it Georgie" Katie said poking her.
"The girls asked me to help them with this and I had a hard time deciding but I think after talking to some people and of course Katie and Charlotte and thinking a lot about it, that it's the right thing to do."
She got up and walked over to the tree. Reaching behind it she came back and sat to the side between Rosie and Amy and placed a small box between them.
Amy reached over and pulled the bow from the center. The box was oak and obviously hand crafted. In the center the word "Mom" surrounded by a circle of words.
"What's it say Georgie ?" Rosie whispered, neither her or Amy had actually touched the box short of pulling off the red bow.
"It says 'They can have their diamonds and we'll have our pearls'."
"Oh my" Amy whispered. "Open it Georgie"
Georgie looked over at Amy and then Rosie and popped the lid. Inside were two rings, they were silver and gold colored fused together deftly on the diagonal. Cut through the metal were three small running horses and in the center 3 small shining Opals.
"They're called Pearl Opals, I thought they were beautiful."
Rosie reached down and picked the box up, she noticed her name on the inside lid over one ring and pulled it out. "It's beautiful Georgie" and then looking inside saw a number. "What's the number mean ?"
"One of the people I talked to was Ashley and asked her about the contract, I wanted to read it. She handed me a copy because apparently it's been filed as an eviden-ti-ary document for the legal guardianship. When it's processed it's assigned a document and case number to be filed under at the court. APFC 3924718A, that's the number assigned to our contract which has officially been registered with the Alberta Provincial Family Court."
Amy was staring at the ring in the box. Her hand on the pendant and over her wedding band and her mom's ring. The room got quiet as Amy reached down and ran her finger on the ring and then moved it to her ring finger leaving the ring in the box.
"This was wrong, I'm sorry, I made the wrong decision."
Amy immediately reached a hand to Georgie's and looked in her eyes. "No Georgie, no. I'm just … Charlotte, Katie what does this mean to you ?"
"They're contract rings, so that everybody knows you're our Mom's and we're a family." Charlotte said it pretty matter of factly with Katie nodding along and looking at them both.
"Has someone said something to you two ?" Rosie asked
"No one said anything" Katie started "it's just that we wanted you to have something you know to show how much we all love you and we know how much you love us, and … each other" The last part she said looking down with a little blushing. "You do love each other ?"
"We love each other very much." Amy said her voice cracking a bit.
"Rosie ?" Amy said looking down.
Rosie came and knelt in front of Amy matching how she was sitting. They were both looking down and their heads touched and they took each other's hands.
"I love you Rosalie Boucher, with all of my heart."
"And I love you Ames, my soul is bound with yours."
Rosalie took the ring she had been holding and placed it in Amy's hand. Amy reached down and plucked her ring from the case and looked at it and the number engraved inside She handed it to Rosie and they smiled and slipped a ring on each other's finger. Amy reached across and lay her palm on Rosie's cheek. "So beautiful" she whispered before kissing her.
"Woo hoo !" Charlotte shouted high fiving Katie and Georgie "who's next ?"
They all laughed and after once again wiping tears away, Rosie went to check her guitar that Mitch had laid off to the side in the case.
"Did you say 1936 ?" Mitch asked walking over with Ashley on his arm.
"Yup I have a '52 D28 too, a few others. Generally I travel with my Gibson or the backpacker if I'm on horseback."
"I have to admit that was quite the, well I don't know how to describe it."
"I loved it" Ash gushed.
"We need to get going, I have to be next before it gets too late. Just some gifts out by the barn. There are rules, first and foremost, there's no wandering ahead. Coats and hats please."
Amy pulled on her coat and came face to face with Haddie who wrapped her arms around her. "She's beautiful and wonderful Amy, I'm so happy for you."
"Let's go make her happy Haddie."
Lisa strolled the twins as the group walked toward the barn which Mitch had lit for the occasion.
"Georgie, you're first come on."
Amy walked her over to the door and stepped aside.
"Oh my god" Georgie exclaimed touching the plaque, tears formed and she began to cry her arms wrapping around Amy.
"No, no, sweetheart, come on Georgie, there's more you know. Gather round this door please, the barn door is off limits for now." Her arm was around Georgie's waist as she led her to the desk. Jack had handed Georgie his bandana and she was wiping her tears.
"This is your desk now Georgie, I bought it for Ty when he graduated and I know he'd want you to have it."
Georgie sat and touched the wood and the desk plaque that had her name on it.
Then Amy walked over and placed the journal on the desk. "You're going to start healing horses soon sweetheart, it's time you kept a journal. That was my mom's cover and later mine, my first. Grandma Lyndy carved it for her. I did the back in my spare time."
Georgie ran her hand over the flowers carved on the front of the journal. It seemed old but not worn. Well cared for. The leather was stiff and yet smooth from use so it seemed soft. There was a smooth rectangle about ¾ of the way up the front with the words Journal carved into it's center under the Heartland logo. It smelled wonderful, like the barn, of oils and horses and the tack room, a rich heady smell of time worn leather. Turning it over she looked at Amy's handiwork and the sharp Whispering Pines logo carved there brought smiles to Ella and Rosie. She opened the cover and held her breath. Written on the inside cover were the words, signed by the original owner Marion Bartlett, Heartland Ranch. Underneath, a second signature, a bit darker and much younger but distinctively hers Amy Fleming, Heartland Ranch.
"I can't take this, it should go to Lyndy" Georgie said tears forming in her eyes again. "I don't deserve it".
"Enough of that and one day maybe you'll pass it on to Lyndy, but for now sweetheart, it's yours." Amy said standing up and coming over. "You're her granddaughter Georgie and following in her tradition through me, there is no one more deserving than you . Sign your name under my mine, you've earned that spot, go on, we've got more gifts to give."
Amy and Lou walked behind her as she sat, Amy ran her hand down the back of Georgie's hair and leaned over to kiss her head. She watched as Georgie took a deep breath and signed, she then put in a comma and stopped for a second and then smiled and continued. When she pulled away it said "Georgina Fleming Morris, Whispering Pines."
Georgie smiled and stood up into Lou's arms "I'm so proud of you Georgie, Mom would be too."
Everybody came over and hugged and kissed.
"Ok let's move on, Haddie would you please help Ella on with her bandana please ?"
"Excuse me ?"
"Come on Gran, no fussing, new Sheriff remember"
"Fine Charlotte" Ella said as Haddie smiled and tied it around her eyes.
"Seems to me Ella that you've taken to de-stressing by holding a baby. All well and good I guess but they're getting a little squirmy these days so I figured a replacement was due." All the while Amy was walking Ella through the door and into the barn. Haddie had gone over and quietly taken out a large black and white bunny to the giggles of the girls and handed it to Amy. Amy stroked it a second. "Arms out gran" Amy whispered.
When she placed the bunny in Ella's arms it immediately reached over and licked her face.
"Get this thing off my eyes" she said laughing as Amy lifted the bandanna off and Ella hugged the little guy when she looked down. "He's adorable, I love him, thank you Amy."
"I'm glad Ella because he comes with buddies" she said turning her around.
"My lord, look at these adorable faces." She insisted on touching each one.
"We have bunnies" Katie whispered and high fived Charlotte.
"Haddie, blindfold these two scamps please."
"Awesome" Katie exclaimed turning her back to Haddie alongside Charlotte. Betty walked out to the back of the barn. The crowd ooh'ed as she walked back, two puppies squirming in her grip. She handed the surprisingly quiet and curious pups to Amy who looked over at a smiling and crying Rosie.
"Down on the floor you two, cross legged."
The girls sat down as anxious as could be as Amy dropped one each into their laps. As soon as they were released the lick fest began and the two girls were beside themselves on their back giggling as the puppies attacked them. They managed to get their bandannas off as Amy looked down smiling and Rosie came over to stand arm in arm and watch their girls. Remi came in then and checked them out and after giving them her seal of approval lay down off to the side.
"Girls, pay attention, you get to name them and care for them when they're with you but they stay with me so that I can train them. They're cow dogs and I'd like them to work our herd."
"So they come back and forth with you and then they're ours when you move ?"
"That's it except for them working. What do you think you'd like to name them ?"
"Fili and Kili !" Katie called out.
"Perfect" Charlotte agreed.
"Fili and Kili it is then. Get them leashed for now" Amy said handing them the two leashes she had hung on a stall.
"Rosalie, your bandanna please !"
"Amy, what is this ?" Rosie asked laughing as Haddie tied on her bandanna.
"Hush, now come on." Amy led her out to the paddock on the side of the barn. Mitch had switched on the overhead sodium lamp before so the paddock was lit and opened the gate as Amy led Rosie in. A second later a small Alpaca cria wandered over to butt her leg and look up. Amy reached back as Rosie looked down and pulled the bandanna free.
"Oh look at it, It's adorable" Rosie said bending over face to face with the wide eyed tiny Alpaca. It took a second for the rest of them to wander over. Rosie was beside herself and on her knees when she realized that there were seven and soon she had her hands on each as the Alpaca curiosity took over and they all came to stare at her face to face.
"Go on girls, go meet them." Amy said as Charlotte, Katie and the dogs entered the paddock and all hell broke loose in a good way. Everybody took their turns visiting with the animals and Haddie and Rosie walked off, Haddie assuring her and then Ella that they were the easiest creatures to love and care for and that arrangements had already been made by Amy for their enclosure up at Whispering Pines.
They then wandered over to Amy standing with Ashley and Mitch who was making friends with one of the older female Alpaca. "An adult female is called a "hembra" the foals are called Cria. Males are called a macho."
"So this is a hembra, are any of these hers ?"
"No way to know Mitch, we got them as rescues. They're very adaptable and these hembra will watch over the young ones." Haddie explained.
"We let them wander around, I love watching them explore. They never go far, they love visitors and the second you shoo them they go right back to their enclosure." Betty explained laughing.
Amy watched as Lisa stood Lyndy up and Ella Jared. She saw Georgie snap a picture of Lyndy standing face to face with a cria both of them staring at each other wide eyed.
"Look at them Rosie."
"I see them, I love the gift Amy, they're wonderful."
"And the bunnies and the dogs" Ella added with a side glance. "Can we call it quits till spring ?"
"I'm all done Ella."
"I don't believe you at all Amy, but fine, we do have other gifts though."
"Come on everyone, other gifts to be given." Amy announced.
"What about Kili and Fili ?" Katie asked.
"They can stay with you and in your room at night but you have to promise to walk them first thing. There's food and bowls for them in the kitchen."
"Amy !"
"Seriously Grandpa ? You're going to deny your great granddaughters their new puppies on Christmas ?" Amy asked laughing.
"No, of course not" Jack said realizing how silly his objection really was.
"And Grandpa if you can figure a way to label those two's collars until we can have something made ?"
"I'll take care of it before the ride tomorrow Amy."
"Can you two tell them apart ?" Amy asked walking up to Katie.
"Kili has white hair on his ear is easiest, then soon enough they just look different."
"Thanks Katie, have you two decided ?"
"No owners, it's silly for us to choose anyway."
"You're right about that, if they want to choose they will."
Desserts were being put out on the table and fresh coffee was being brewed. Amy and Rosie gave the twins each a half cookie and some milk and then got them into pajamas. They seemed happy and the moms decided they could stay up a little longer.
Amy watched Haddie pouring Irish whisky in both hers and Betty's cups, sit back against each other and sip. They were holding hands.
"Bourbon, wine, cognac and Irish coffee. You two lovebirds don't actually think I'm letting you drive home ?"
"We're fine Amy."
"Mitch could I ask you to run up and get a fire going in Cabin 2 please ?"
"Sure thing Amy, Ash feel like a ride up to the dude ranch ?"
"Val how are you all getting back ?"
"We got dropped off and will get picked up Amy, not to worry."
Turning back to Betty on the phone Amy heard her ask "Haddie, what time tomorrow ?"
"Tell them late afternoon," Amy cut in with a smile, "you can sleigh ride up with us and visit mom, we take a few hours riding Christmas Day, we stop at the cemetery."
"Late afternoon Mark. Sure thing, call or text if you need anything."
"We'll get you something to sleep in and toiletries." Lou said smiling.
"Thanks Lou."
Trish had already claimed Cabin 1 dumped her stuff and started up a fire before she came down. Jade was staying with Georgie. Mitch said he'd drop a few logs on Trish's fire as the family had dessert and chatted while waiting for Mitch and Ash to get back.
When they were all back in the living room sipping coffee, playing quietly with puppies and chatting Ella and Jack asked for attention. "We both need the twins for these gifts, Jack why don't you go first."
"Actually it's from Lisa, Lou and I. Amy would you please stand and bring Jared with you. Charlotte, Rosie, Katie, Georgie, come on you too."
"Grandpa ?"
"Come on sweetheart." Lisa said putting her arm around Amy's shoulder.
"We have a tradition to assign stones on this mantlepiece when someone joins our family and I guess after tonight it somehow seems an imperative. Rosie, why don't you go first. Amy give her a hand please."
"Lou ?"
"Go ahead Amy, we can't add Charlotte and Jared without Rosie now can we ?"
"No I guess not. Rosie, this is my stone, this Ty's, this Lyndy's and this Shane's."
"Who's Shane ?" Charlotte whispered.
"Grandpa's son" Katie answered.
"I have two mom's with a brother ?"
"Hush Charlotte, yes Lou and I have a half brother named Shane who you'll meet next week."
"This stone touches both you and Lyndy so I'll take that one and this one touches you and Lyndy and it could be Jared's." Rosie said and so it was decreed.
"Come on Charlotte where do you want to be" Katie asked
"Where's yours Katie ?"
"Over here next to Georgie and mom and dad."
Charlotte stood back and looked at both spots, her mom, Amy, Jared and Lyndy and then over to Georgie and Katie.
Amy bent over "It's all one mantle Charlotte, where you go doesn't measure how much we love you or the place you hold in this family and Heartland which is an equal share."
"Then I'll take this one next to Georgie and Katie."
"Excellent" Jack said a tear in his eye. "Ella, your turn I guess"
"Well I did this at home, better than after a bunch of Jack's scotch. Anyway, this is the Carmichael Family bible. Every year at Christmas and trust me it was the only time anyone touched it, we wrote in births, deaths, marriages and the like so under Jared's name which is the last entry I've entered Amy Fleming, Mother, Georgina Fleming Morris, daughter, Kathleen Fleming Morris, Daughter and Lyndy Fleming-Borden, Daughter. Welcome to the family folks."
"Wait, we have a bible ?" Charlotte asked giggling.
"That's enough Charlotte, you know we have a bible." Ella said laughing along.
Amy gave Jack the buckle he had gifted Ty on a new belt that she cut. "He loved it Grandpa, I think he would have wanted you to have it." Jack smiled and nodded, holding the buckle and running his thumb across the buckle thoughtfully.
"Lisa I was wondering if you wouldn't mind hanging this somewhere in the house and keep it for me. It's the painting Ty brought back in the plane crash."
"I'd be honored Amy, but, are you sure you …"
"I'm sure Lisa, it belongs here and l" Amy started and then cried, moments later she was out the door.
They all watched for a few seconds and Rosie started to get up.
"I got this mom" Charlotte said getting up and handing her Fili.
Charlotte grabbed two cookies and walked out onto the porch. She saw Amy sitting on the bench her head down and her arms around her stomach. She wasn't crying anymore just hugging herself and rocking.
Walking over Charlotte pushed herself against Amy and climbed into her lap. Amy's arms immediately went around her.
"I know how you feel mom."
"How do I feel sweetheart ?"
"When I was little, my dad painted my room and they fixed it all up the way it was when you came. I remember sitting in the hallway watching him work. I loved how he moved his hand and the color changed. I think I thought it was magic. I was so excited when we found out Katie was really coming and then GG and Lisa came up and I watched them do all that stuff to that room and all I could think of …. was." Charlotte started crying then.
"Was that they were wiping him away ?" Amy whispered kissing her nodding forehead. "I'm so sorry Charlotte."
"No, you don't understand" she was trying not to cry and spoke haltingly "don't be sorry. You see, the paint is still there, they just covered it up and now it'll be there forever, just underneath a little, I can still see it if I want to, I just had to close my eyes for a second and he's right there painting again."
Amy hugged her and started to cry again. Charlotte had her head on Amy's chest and her arms around her until she stopped.
After a few minutes Charlotte shifted a bit "uh mom ?"
"Hmmm."
"I'm freezing."
"Oh Charlotte, I'm sorry, come inside, what was I thinking ?"
"Stop, I just need some cocoa. Here I brought you a cookie."
"One cocoa for Charlotte" Amy announced coming through the door. "Go sit by the fire and warm up sweetheart."
"Ok ?" Rosie said coming over and laying her forehead against Amy's.
"Yeah, Charlotte fixed it."
No one said anything about Amy's moment. They had put Lyndy and Jared to bed in the meanwhile. Amy ran in to kiss them goodnight and when Charlotte was served her cocoa the evening continued.
Lisa and Ella had gotten together and made barrettes up for all the girls that had the Heartland and Whispering Pines logos on top. They were done by a jeweler and for special occasions only. They also had buckles and bolos made and Mitch was very surprised and thankful when he was given a set.
"You're a part of both of our families now Mitch, we're happy about that."
Amy and Lou gave each of the girls Georgie, Charlotte, Katie and Lyndy earrings that they had been been given by either Marion of Lyndy when they were kids and Jack made sure Georgie got the earrings Lyndy always wore with her Christmas dress. They also gave Lisa a pair of Marion's earrings and Ella a pair of Lyndy's.
Lisa biggest gift was to Georgie. Lisa presented her with a pair of diamond studs that had been given to her by her grandmother when she went off to college. They were apparently hers and were now almost 100 years old. "I know the setting is somewhat dated Georgie but they were, are actually, very special to me."
"They're beautiful Lisa, I don't know what to say, to anything tonight actually. I love them just this way I would never change them, thank you so much" Georgie said softly as they hugged.
"How often do you get a lifetime's worth of earrings in an evening ?" Val asked laughing.
"Seems that way, several lifetimes actually." Amy agreed.
Georgie and Jade had a Christmas ritual which they followed tonight as well, each year they gave each other a memento of their biggest triumph of the year. Georgie gave Jade a banner off of one of the jumps and a pin she had received for the Fall Finale. Jade gave Georgie a buckle from the Regionals and the hand strap she used.
"Wow, awesome, is that really a bronc riding buckle ?" Charlotte asked.
"Sure is Charlotte, here take a look."
"We've got lots of buckles. Ribbons and trophies too. That one there is for GG being in the Hall of Fame. Grandpa's got one too. That whole cabinet's full of rodeo buckles. You're a Fleming now too Charlotte, we're champions. You can't brag outside the house though."
"You have buckles Mom ?"
"I do Charlotte would you like one of my buckles ?"
"Yeah, wow."
Amy got up and went into her room. She came back with two buckles both for team roping and gave one each to the girls.
"Team roping huh, header or heeler ?"
"Those, one each actually. One with Caleb and one against Caleb."
"Don't remind me."
"Lighten up Ash, I gave you the money and knocked him down a peg."
"True enough."
"You beat Caleb ?"
"Don't be so surprised Charlotte, girls can do anything boys can do."
"I know Jade , my life is pretty much ruled by women."
"Poor Charlotte" Haddie laughed.
"No it's Ok Haddie, I get a vote."
"Nothing like a vote" Amy agreed.
Mitch's gift to Ashley was surprising and very sweet. "When I was a kid the most beautiful and special person in my life was my Grandmother. I remember these earrings especially, she wore them on special occasions and then they just passed to the family and I've got no sisters. They're simple and probably worth way more sentimentally than anything else. Anyway, I figured it's a fitting gift to the most beautiful and special person in my life now."
Similarly Ash pulled out a box with a pair of cuff links and a lapel pin with a running horse motif. Val was surprised seeing them and smiled, they were her father's, Ash's grandfather who loved horses.
The evening wound down when the puppies decided it was time to sleep and the girls followed by yawning with them. Amy insisted that the dogs sleep in the box on the floor. They skipped reading for the night and kissed them goodnight.
"Thank you for what you said before Charlotte. It helped. Tomorrow I'd like to introduce you to my mom when we visit the cemetery, would that be Ok with you ?"
"I'd like that and maybe I could take you to my dad too ?"
"We'll do that when we're back home."
Rosie and Amy left the room and headed back to the living room where Val called for a ride form Briar Ridge. Trish was driving up to the dude ranch with Haddie and Betty who were now traveling with a small kit supplied by Lou, PJ's and a morning set up including things like toothbrushes and the like. Lisa included a bag of snacks and muffins for both cabins and when the Briar Ridge truck turned in to the ranch they wished their guests goodnight. Georgie and Jade took to clearing away and everyone insisted that Amy and Rosie head back to the loft.
"I'm not going to argue, I'm exhausted." Amy said reaching for her boots.
When they got to the barn Amy walked the stalls and took in all the horses. She spent some time with Spartan, Rosie standing next to her with Harley.
"Rosie, would you ride the sleigh with me tomorrow ?"
"I'd love to Ames, you're Ok with that ?"
"I think so, I'd like Charlotte to ride Spartan."
"She'll think that's very special, Katie on Harley and they can switch ?"
"Sure, they can decide though. Katie's ridden both."
They spent a few minutes checking the bunnies and the Alpaca, all bedded down.
Upstairs, Amy kicked off her boots and plopped down in the leather chair sighing. "How did I ever come to live in a place with 8 hour winter days. Are we expecting snow ?"
"A few inches" Rosie said coming over in a flannel nightie and sitting down on the edge of the couch next to Amy. She smiled and leaned over to kiss her. "Come on you, let's get to bed, another day just like this one tomorrow."
Rosie threw some small logs on the fire and crawled in to bed next to Amy who turned and laid her head on Rosie's chest and snuggled into her arms.
"Your song was beautiful Rosie" Amy whispered raising her head to look up at her.
"I love you Amy"
They shifted so that Amy held Rosie's back spooned against her. Amy reached over to run her finger over Rosie's ring and murmured, "I didn't expect that, I was completely floored." Rosie put her hand over Amy's and the rings touched.
"Me too, you're" she hesitated for a second "Ok with it ?"
"More than Ok Rosie, I promise to always be there for you, I don't think I could go on without you" she whispered, it was very low but Rosie heard. She shifted again and this time face to face with Amy they kissed, softly, passionately. They were exhausted and used what little energy they had to have one last contact before succumbing to their dreams.
Amy woke on her back it was just 6:00 and glancing over she rolled and put her arm around Rosie and began kissing her bare shoulder where her nightie had slipped.
"Mmmmmmmm" Rosie whispered "I like waking up with you."
"It's early Rosie."
"I've learned that you'll let me go back to sleep." She turned while she said it and wrapped her arm around Amy pulling her in for a kiss.
At first it was a light scratch almost indiscernible from Amy's moaning as Rosalie attacked her neck, it was the whine that got them to stop.
"Seriously, 5 kids and 2 dogs, we may never finish this" Amy said scooting off the bed towards the door. She undid the deadbolt and opened the door to two puppies scooting up the stairs and no daughters.
"What is going on ?" Amy said as the puppies jumped up in bed where Rosie immediately started playing with them.
It took about a minute until Amy heard them whispering.
"I told you they'd run off Charlotte."
"They didn't run off, they ran to the barn that's where ranch dogs run to."
"Mom's gonna kill us."
"Which one ?"
"Oh yeah."
She smiled and opened the door as she heard them walk towards the office.
"Looking for something girls ?"
"Uh, uhmmmm"
"Are you ill Charlotte ? Upstairs, now !" Amy snapped as the dogs came running over to their little people.
"Well ?"
"Well, uh mom, you see they wanted to go out and…"
"Enough Charlotte, take your coats off, we'll make you something to tide you over till brunch and we'll review your performance as dog owners. Rosie text someone over at the house and tell them these two are here please. Have they been fed ?"
"Well, that was next, they really had to go."
"Did they ?"
"Yup."
Make them some eggs Rosie, they'll be fine."
"Why don't you shower Amy and I'll get breakfast, you're a bit tense for Christmas morning."
"I was trying to work that out."
"My poor baby, go shower, repeat after me, I love my kids so I got them puppies."
"We'll continue this conversation later." Rosie heard the shower start minutes later.
Amy was out and dressing as the girls were finishing their oatmeal and milk. "Leash these dogs and get them outside again. They'll learn to stay with you and be safe off the leash Charlotte, in time, leash first though, it teaches them."
"Right mom, sorry mom."
"Don't be sorry, be attentive."
"Ok mom. C'mon Fili"
"Tell whomever we'll be down soon."
"Ok mom" Katie called back.
Amy closed the door and came back up "Rosie are you" she stopped at the top of the stairs "look at you all naked".
Rosie had a big smile on as she walked towards Amy and burst out laughing when there was a knock at the door. Amy answered the door laughing a second later.
"Hey, care to share ?" Georgie asked walking past.
"We have 5 kids and 2 puppies Georgie."
"Ah, well Ok, horses ? Alpaca ? What are we doing ?"
"Set them all out in the close paddocks for now. Put Bonnie and Clyde in the Alpaca one. And the rescues in the back meadow. Are the girls outside ?"
"Playing with the puppies."
"Tell them to help, clip the puppies to a horse lead in the barn and let them explore. Make sure they have access to some water. They need to get used to horses. I'll be down in a minute and we can get the morning chores done. Why are we so early on Christmas Day by the way ?"
"Puppies."
"Yeah, oh well, nothing to do about that now."
Georgie smiled heading down the stairs "I don't mind, I don't think Katie has ever been as happy as she is this second."
Amy turned and ran into the bathroom where Rosalie was drying off.
"What's wrong ?"
"Nothing at all" Amy whispered as she threw her arms around Rosie and kissed her. It took a second to turn Rosie's surprise into passion as they melted into each other. When they broke apart Rosie was breathless.
"Glad we got that in" Amy said as she walked out of the bathroom with Rosie nodding at her and smiling.
Amy's first stop as always was a quick check of Spartan before heading out to the rescues. In just the few days they had done well and were filling out. She stopped at each, casually checking their stances, eye color, breath, respiration and lip color when she could. She fed them next and cleared their waters.
Walking back into the barn she laughed as two puppies strained to get at her until she was close enough to make contact.
"Hey Fili, stand here. Stand, Stand," Amy held him still and then "good boy" reaching into her pocket for a small treat.
"Fili stand !" Amy said with her finger up. The dog stood staring at her finger and Amy gave him a treat. "good boy" she added petting him.
"Fili sit" Amy said and pressed down on his butt. As soon as he sat she gave him a treat and then repeated it several times.
15 minutes later she had worked with both dogs and then went over to the Quonset to check on the sleigh.
"Oh hey Grandpa, Mitch, I was just coming to do the same, I cleaned it the other day."
"Well, we put it away to make it easy and treated the runners, let's give it a shove."
Jack and Mitch got behind and surprisingly the sleigh moved smoothly with little resistance.
"Let's leave it for now and push it out once Bonnie and Clyde are tacked up."
"Probably best Amy, it'll keep it out of the snow for now. Are you going to lead the team ?"
"With Rosie, I rode the back road up to the cemetery the other day, seemed clear but maybe a rope or two ?"
"And a couple of hooks" Mitch added.
"And an ax" Jack said walking over. They loaded the stuff into the tool box on the underside of the sleigh. While it worked fine for a ride on Christmas it's original use was to get hay and supplies out to the herd and was built that way. A side that folded down into a trough on both sides and tool boxes on the back and underside. The sleigh at Whispering Pines was a leisure sleigh and a way smoother ride.
They checked the barn and called in the girls who were running around in the snow with the puppies. The Alpaca had decided to lay themselves in their shelter and seemed content as did the bunnies.
Rosie joined them and they headed off to the house where brunch was cooking and a pile of presents lay to be opened.
Christmas morning was different than Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was an all out laugh fest. All presents were fair game, if it had your name on it you could tear it open. While the gifts on Christmas Eve were specific and came with more than love but meaning, the free for all was for everything else. Clothes, toys, horse gear, school gear, hobby gear and everything else. Since Amy and Rosie decided to go all out this year the fun went on for quite a while. Amy had bought all of the kids, and most of the women thermal underwear and loungewear. She bought trail riding supplies for the girls and gifted some of the her old riding things and ranch stuff as well. Charlotte was very thoughtful when Amy gave her an old pocket knife she carried when she was a young, a gift from her mom. Katie carried a knife Ty had gifted her just this year. He had carried it for almost 10 years. He had found it in the desk and asked Jack if he could use it. Jack agreed but never told Ty, nor did he ever know that it's was Jack's fathers knife. Katie cherished it.
Amy had gotten together with Rosie and put together survival packs for the girls. They contained things like filter straws, space blankets, compasses, multi tools, fire starters, poly rope and the like. Amy and Rosie would teach the kids how it's all used in an emergency.
Val, Ashley and Mitch fixed up two jumping saddles for the girls, both were Ashley's when she was younger and very good quality. Mitch took the time to clean and oil them. He replaced worn leather and gave them new pads. The girls hugged and kissed each of them realizing how special these gifts were.
Lisa had bought them hand made grooming kits for their horses that they would one day take to competitions and when traveling. The tools were fitted in a nice leather kit and had their names on them.
There were new bridles, lassos, flannel shirts, gloves, socks, ties, belts, toys for the twins, stuffed animal and a new iPad for Georgie who passed hers down to the girls.
Amy had bought several pairs of mukluks and wool sweaters for those that had commented on hers.
Rosie and Amy had bought several pretty camisoles for Georgie, another pair of Ariats and several very nice blouses for going out.
Ella and Rosie gave Jack 12 flies that were sure fire winners at several spots in Larson.
Additional presents were exchanged through the morning as friends and family coming to brunch brought presents for under the tree.
Scott and Cass brought on the first emotional moment of the day when they sat down with Amy, Rosie and the kids. They had checked with both Amy and Rosie who thought their idea was sweet and approved.
They presented each of the kids a set of Ty's scrubs, his name embroidered on the pocket over the words Hudson Veterinary Clinic. They were professionally cleaned and they were each in their own storage box. One of them done so that it could be hung in the twin's room in a box frame.
"Georgie", Cass began, "this is Ty's stethoscope, it was a gift from Amy and she wanted you to have it. You'll need one."
Georgie took it and held it in her hands. In her mind she brought up Ty's face, stethoscope buds in his ears and that look on his face, love and concentration melding together bringing a tear to her eyes and she put them in her ears. Amy took the end and placed it against her heart making Georgie smile, "this is the first sound Ty ever heard through these Georgie, my heart, it beats for you too, you use those well sweetheart."
"I'll pass it to Lyndy when her time comes" Georgie whispered putting it back into the case and closing it.
"That would be nice Georgie" Amy said reaching over to hug her.
The room was quiet when Casey walked in followed by Tim. The awkwardness was broken when Rosie got up and immediately went over to welcome them with a Merry Christmas, a hug and kiss, she was followed close behind by Amy.
"I'm sorry for what I said, to all of you, not just Rosie and Amy but the whole family. I'm trying to work on that, on changing my attitude towards things."
"We're all glad you understand the need Dad. Come on there are gifts for you two."
When Tim walked into the living room Amy turned and wrapped her arm around Rosalie. "You're amazing Rosie." She drew her in for a kiss right in the kitchen.
Holding her after and whispering "I'm sorry for how I acted Ames, this is the least I could do. I love you so much."
"You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for, I'm thankful for what you did and if this comes with a self realization on his part then we all owe you for this Rosie. Someone should have done it a long time ago."
Tim and Casey surprised everyone with their gifts, whether it was his health scare or an apology for how he'd acted was unknown but his and Caseys gifts were something else. They presented the girls with a package that contained a frame with three buckles mounted and removable. The two outside buckles were two of Tim's National All Around Canadian Rodeo Cowboy Buckles. The rarest and most desirable buckles in Canada. In the center was one of Casey's National Barrel Racing Champion Buckles. Not as rare but prized none the less.
As the girls reached out to touch them Tim came over and sat on the couch looking down at them "Girls, always remember that you're Flemings and that means something in this world. We don't give up and always do our best and that makes us Champions whether we win or lose. Your mom" Tim paused for a second composing himself and then continued haltingly "is the finest horseman I have ever seen, your great grandfather the best bronc rider, you two can do anything."
"Georgie, the saddle I used for those championships is outside in my truck, it's been stamped by the Cowboy association, I'd like you to have it and use it."
There was a lot of crying for a Christmas morning. Amy thanked him as did Rosalie. There was an exact duplicate of the frame with three different buckles for the twins room. Those that knew realized that the buckles and saddle represented a small fortune. At auction Tim's buckles and the saddle, sold as a lot could bring as much as $100,000. It was pretty much acknowledged that no one would ever win 4 consecutive titles again. Tim Fleming was in fact one of the greatest rodeo stars that ever lived.
"There's a trailer pulling in, are we expecting horses or riders ?"
"We are Lisa, Michelle the photographer from yesterday and her girlfriend Bobbie." Rosie said grabbing her coat and hat followed by Amy.
"That was well done Tim."
"Thanks Jack, I'm glad I did it."
"So am I, it's about time you acknowledged I was the better bronc rider." Jack said smugly with a huge grin causing everyone in the room to start laughing.
Ella came over and hugged him.
"That's it ?
"Atta boy ! That better ?" Ella exclaimed with a smile.
"Much, thanks Ella"
Ella moved on to Casey for her hug and then the girls thanked them both with hugs and kisses.
Rosie and Amy walked out as they were pulling up with their two horse trailer. Michelle was waving and immediately received a hug from Rosie and Amy who smiled as Rosie said "Welcome to Heartland Michelle, please be comfortable here." Two of the Alapaca cria wandered over, poked their noses at Michelle and stared up at her.
"Oh my god, they are so adorable
Michelle then introduced them to Bobbie and together they led their horses out into a paddock. "That's Kettle and that's Pepper, our good boys. We got them from a rescue a few years ago. We keep them at our place with a bunch of chickens we inherited with the property." Michelle explained.
The two couples walked back four across, each couple holding hands. They met Haddie and Betty coming down the hill and Amy introduced them to Michelle and Bobbie as wife and wife.
"Amy" Haddie said in a whisper.
"Haddie ?" Amy answered looking into her eyes almost defiantly. "You can be yourselves here Haddie, you saw that last night. Michelle and Bobbie are a couple. Michelle is a professional photographer and from what I've seen so far, very good. I have no idea what Bobbie does."
"High School science teacher."
"Ella and I are teachers too. I work for CPS tutoring troubled kids. Ella did the full tour and 8 years as a High School Principal, she tutors now as well."
When they got inside they introduced Michelle to those that weren't at Briar Ridge for the article and Bobbie to everyone.
The brunch buffet was set up and Lisa and Ella invited everyone to help themselves. Cass and Caleb volunteered to sit with Lyndy and Jared and see to their lunch. Amy sat with Rosie, Michelle and Bobbie.
"So is this a club meeting or can heteros join in ?"
"Sit Jade, are you hetero these days ?" Amy asked grinning.
"Well, no, solo actually."
"Jade Virani this is Michelle and Bobbie, I don't think I caught their last names"
"I'm Sanders and Bobbie is Dougherty. Good to meet you Jade. Are you the bronc rider, that Jade Virani ?"
"That's me and you two ?"
"I'm a photographer, action mostly and Bobbie's a teacher. I'd love to get access to shoot you working Jade, no money unless something gets published."
"She shot us yesterday, the pictures are great." Amy added.
"That'd be awesome, are you local ?"
"Oketokes, local enough."
"Amy, we need to get Bonnie and Clyde ready." Georgie said walking over arm in arm with Wyatt.
"Ok Georgie, have everyone get ready to saddle up and count how many horses we need. Michelle and Bobbie have theirs, Ash too. Jade, you need your own horse wouldn't you say ?"
The group, Amy, Rosie, Georgie, Wyatt, Jade, Michelle and Bobbie headed through the living room to the coats and boots. Amy stopped and let Jack know they were getting ready, walked over and grabbed his arthritis pills and in front of Lisa poured two into her hand and handed them to her. "You're riding in the sleigh with gloves, a blanket and Lisa in your arms to keep you warm, take these." She then turned to Ella and tapped two pills into her palm as well "you too, if you need, we can find someone to hug you too."
"I'm sure Rafe would volunteer next week Gran."
"That's enough Rosalie."
Amy laughed, a short giggle really ending in a broad smile.
"Amy Fleming don't you dare involve yourself in that silliness."
"No. Of course not Ella, because it would take more than a blind man to see that you're unaffected when he offers to do anything to be close to you and that smile of yours when you turn away."
"Amy he's"
"Ella" Amy interrupted "look around and be careful about what you're about to say."
Ella looked at her and then at Lisa's smiling face and Jack's smirk.
When Amy and Rosie got to the barn they found the rest of the group on the far side where the Alpaca and the Clydesdales were playing, well the Alpaca were playing and the horses seemed amused.
"How awesome is it that you have Clydesdales and look at them with those alpacas." Michelle said while shooting shot after shot of the scene. Georgie and Mitch had pulled the harnesses for the Clydesdales and Amy shooed the alpaca away and proceeded to get them buckled up. She talked to them continuously to their nods and nuzzles whenever she passed in front of them. Michelle shot these moments as well.
Bobbie watched the scene and wandered over to where Rosie stood. "They're so big she seems tiny next to them and they fawn over her."
"They all do eventually from what I've seen."
"Must be pretty special to be like that."
"She's very special" Rosie's voice cracked as her gaze covered every movement Amy made and when she caught her smile it lightened her mood and when Amy glanced over and caught her eyes she was lost.
"Wow, you've got it bad."
"You have no idea."
Amy refused to put a line on them and instead had Charlotte fetch her baton. She led the team to the back of the Quonset where Jack was waiting and kept them still while her grandfather and Mitch hitched them. Then surprising them both she pulled out two long strings of bells she had mounted to leather strips and attached them to either side of the team.
"Nice touch Amy."
"Thanks Mitch, I found these buried in a box and just redid the leather. They were stamped SB 1922. I have the strips saved on the bench Grandpa."
"I remember these from when I was a kid." Jack was smiling and his eyes were a bit moist, "imagine that, they were here all along."
It was a tight turn out of the Quonset and around the barn but Amy handled it. They were 27, 14 in the sleigh and 13 riders.
Amy went about assigning horses to those using Heartland stock and Charlotte was disappointed when she told Brick to ride Chance and Katie when she handed Boone to Bonnie.
"Charlotte, you're on Spartan, Katie take Harley please."
Charlotte stood there staring at her. Rosalie was off to the side grinning.
"What Charlotte ?" Amy asked looking down at her "you don't think the head of our family and his best friend should come along ?"
"No mom, sorry, thanks, saddles ?"
"Yeah, too big a crowd and I can't watch you."
Ordinarily, the ride up to the cemetery was an easy 20 minute or so trail leading from the barn. The logging road however, necessary for the sleigh was a good 50 minutes if clear. The large party headed out as Amy called out to the team.
"C'mon Clyde" Amy snapped, "c'mon Bonnie" as the sleigh slowly started it's trip. She had them in a canter to the main road and along it until the turnoff back up to the logging road up the mountain to the ridge line where the cemetery lay. The bells jingled and the group was happy for the trip. They sang songs and joked. Various riders changed and rode alongside the sleigh, visiting with those inside. They had brought some flowers, finding wild flowers at this time of the year was hard, and passed coffee and cocoa in the sleigh.
Mitch and Ash rode up at one point and to everybody's surprise Lyndy decided that she should be riding with Mitch and called out to him from Ella's arms and began reaching for him.
Mitch reached out and soon Lyndy was in his arms and dropping into the saddle before him. Since Jared couldn't stand the separation Ash had him a moment later and they dropped back and rode easily with the twins.
Rosie sat on Amy's right and while Amy lightly held both driving reins in her hands Rosie wrapped both hers around Amy's right arm and leaned her head on her shoulder. They stole kisses periodically to the smiles of many especially Haddie and Betty who were wrapped together in a colorful woolen blanket and truth be told stole kisses from each other as well.
Wyatt and Georgie had fallen behind and could be seen holding hands and talking quietly. Val spent her time watching Ashley and Mitch and the twins up ahead. They too were talking quietly and Val could catch Ash's smile every now and then and saw the look on her daughter's face when she just glanced over.
"What's on your mind Val" Lisa whispered reaching across to take her hand.
Val started at Lisa's touch, "oh what Lisa, nothing just daydreaming."
"Daydreaming huh ?" Trish said in a low voice with a smile.
"Her and Amy getting back together was the best thing for her. For all the acquaintances in Vancouver I honestly don't this she had a real true friend. They needed each other."
Amy turned then, not meaning to eavesdrop but sitting right there "I would have gone crazy the past three years without her Val, she was my dump, she listened to me for hours and judged nothing. She was always there for me, they'd call her out of meetings for me, she insisted. She kept me sane when Ty had his accident."
"I'll never forget her barreling into Heartland that morning, straight from the airport, a book, her pocketbook and a toothbrush. She didn't even pack before she left." Lisa recalled.
Every now and then the path would bring Mitch and Ash close and they held hands while keeping an eye on and arms around each of the twins who also reached across to each other, giggling and calling out each other names.
Rosie moved her head and kissed Amy's neck who turned her head down a moment later to catch Rosie's lips. Rosie whispered "Merry Christmas my love."
"Merry Christmas to you too my love." She whispered back.
Charlotte, Katie and Brick led the group, they were joking with Cass, Caleb and Jade who joined them to give Georgie some alone time with Wyatt. Michelle and Bobbie moved around while Michelle stopped for a landscape or a family shot. At one point she caught most of the couples in a sweet kiss and there were several pictures of Mitch and Ashley with the twins, they made a nice family.
Lou rode in the sleigh next to her dad and Casey. She watched the group, her eyes shifting to the various couples. She watched Georgie for a few minutes and saw them lean together for a short kiss. Georgie's and Wyatt's smile and their after gaze leaving no doubt they were in love. Since Katie was up front watching her brought her gaze past Mitch and Ashley and Amy and Rosie. She pulled her eyes from the first to focus on Amy and Rosie. She watched them and knew they were chatting though she couldn't hear them. When Rosie moved her head from Amy's shoulder and reached over for a kiss Lou smiled and a tear came to her eyes when she saw Amy's smile and eyes in the second their lips parted.
"It's nice to see her happy, seems it's been a while since that was her normal state."
"You mean that Dad, you're ok with her and Rosie ?"
"I really am Lou, there was a time, long ago but that's long gone."
"She needs you to tell her Dad, she's come face to face with that long ago recently and I think it's thrown her."
"Dr. Reed, the counselor, would rather I stay in the background until we can talk, meet and talk but I think telling Amy I love her and welcome Rosie would be fine."
"Good Dad, that's good."
Tim reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a small box.
"Haddie ?"
Both Haddie and Betty looked over at him.
"Do you remember this ?" He asked handing the box over to Betty who handed it to Haddie.
Haddie opened the lid and looking inside brought a tear to her eye. Her voice cracked "I do Tim, I gave that to Marion for her sweet sixteen."
"You should have it, I think Marion would have wanted that. I'm sorry for not being there for you two, it was a horrible time for me and I was an ass."
"Thanks Tim" Haddie insisted that Betty fasten the simple gold chain around her neck and then looked down at the single small pearl setting she laid in her palm. "We miss her so much" Betty added.
They reached the cemetery and set up a picket line for the horses. Mitch and Amy unhitched the Clydesdales and clipped them apart. It was interesting having them move about jingling. They dumped two bales of hay attached to the sled and spread them around for the horses while groups wandered and looked at the views or approached the cemetery.
Amy walked up with Jack and Lou. Jack, not one to fuss stepped in with Lisa first and stood before Marion's and then Ty's grave for a moment, touched each headstone and moved on. Lou walked over next and Georgie joined her kneeling on a blanket laid over the snow. They spent a few minutes in front of Marion and then Ty, and walked away wiping tears from their eyes.
As Amy took a breath before entering Rosie walked up and took her hand intertwining her fingers with Amy's and then turned to smile at her.
Everyone watched as Amy and Rosie knelt before Marion and bowed their heads. Neither of them spoke, just knelt, eyes closed, fingers laced.
After a few minutes Katie pulled Charlotte though the crowd. Katie walked over and stood next to Rosie "move back mom" she whispered breaking into Rosie's thoughts and causing her to look up. Rosie smiled and moved back as Amy noticed and did the same, Charlotte was next to her. Katie kneeled down and leaned back against Rosie as Charlotte watched and did the same.
"Hi Grandma, it's Katie. Well, Merry Christmas. Georgie and me"
Rosie squeezed her side for a second "oh sorry mom, Georgie and I have a new sister, brother and mom. This is Rosalie, she's my mom now too, we have a contract and rings so it's pretty official. Anyway this is Charlotte, she's great and mom, well Aunt Amy, she's my mom now too, said we could ride together whenever it doesn't interfere with other stuff so that should make you happy."
Georgie came over then and handed Jared down to Katie and took Lyndy from Lisa.
"Go ahead Katie, you're doing great."
"Ok, well you know Georgie and Lyndy but this is our new brother Jared and he's pretty cool, he likes riding too. I guess that's it, this is all of us now. Say hi to great Grandma Lyndy, uncle Ty and Jason for us. We all love you and wish you were here."
Everybody who had listened to Katie smiled at her innocence in speaking to her grandmother and introducing her new and official family as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Girls, give Amy and I a few minutes with Ty alone please. Ash could you take Jared please."
This surprised several people though they kept it to themselves and Amy and Rosie knelt before Ty and bowed their heads. Amy started crying a few minutes in and soon was in a racking sob with Rosie hugging her and telling her it's Ok.
Ella grabbed for Charlotte who hopped out of her way as she pushed through the crowd walked past Rosie and stopped behind Amy.
"I thought we talked about this Mom, anyway, don't you think you should introduce Jared and I, it's cold as a witches butt out here."
Amy pulled away from Rosie and smiled and chuckled through her tears. Charlotte pulled a bandana out of her pocket and handed it to her. "Sheesh mom, you're a mess."
"Thank you Charlotte" Amy said grabbing her. "Come here you."
Rosie got up then and walked over to take Lyndy as Georgie came forward with Jared and they returned to surround Amy. "Hey Ty, this is Charlotte, you would have loved her, she's so special and this here is Jared, Lyndy's best friend, probably will be forever at this stage. Charlotte and Katie too. I think you'd have liked our plans for Whispering Pines and I wish you were with us as weird as that might sound. I'll always love you Ty."
"Good job mom" Charlotte said and then she hugged her and whispered "I'll always love you too."
Amy smiled and hugged her back. They walked away together and Amy showed them the Bartlett's and ancestors going all the way back to the 1850's. Others then visited Marion and Ty, most walked by and nodded, spoke a few words and touched the headstones. Haddie and Betty knelt at Marion's grave, bowed their heads and walked away a few minutes later tears in their eyes. Jack walked Ella around and showed her the various Bartletts of yore.
"Lyndy isn't here I understand Jack ?"
"No, she loved our fishing cabin. She'd watch me and write songs or practice on the porch. It was her favorite place. She was a good fisherman but preferred to write or play. Her ashes are scattered in the river. It's what she wanted."
"Well, I'd love to visit there one day."
"Then we'll do it one day Ella."
They settled for a while outside the cemetery and used the sleigh as a snack area for coffee and cocoa. There were Christmas cookies and baked treats for the horses. They had parked the sleigh near the woods to provide some shelter from the wind and in a moment alone Amy dragged Rosie off into the woods and kissed her. She drew Rosie in for this and started with small kisses, her palm on Rosie's face, their eyes drawing each other in. The kisses became more determined and passionate until they lost themselves for a moment and became one.
"That was nice" Rosie sighed.
"Come on Rosie or there'll send out a party."
They walked out of the woods looking at each other and smiling and Michelle was fortunate enough to get the picture. "Hey, what are you doing ?" Amy asked with a smile.
"Best picture of the day and I have some memorable ones, here look".
Michelle pulled the camera off her neck and turned it for them to see. "It'll look amazing on paper, can't wait to develop it."
"Let's see some others"
"Just swipe your finger to the right, like an iPad."
There were magnificent landscape shots, group shots and pictures of the girls smiling some with Brick and some without, Scott and Bonnie, Cass and Caleb and the sleigh. Amy stopped when she came to a picture of Haddie and looked up."
"They're for her and Betty, they asked to be included."
Amy smiled and went on to swipe a picture of Georgie kissing Wyatt and then a moment later, both smiling and holding hands. She smiled at the pictures of Ashley and Mitch with the twins. Ashley bending over when Lyndy reached for her. A picture of the twins when they could hold hands and a picture of Ash watching Mitch bend over to talk to Jared. There were pictures of Val, Lisa, Haddie, Betty, Trish and Lisa laughing and one of her dad and her grandfather having a discussion.
When it was time to leave Amy approached the riders. "It's 20 minutes by trail and 50 by logging road. Katie, do you remember the way back by trail ?"
"Sure do Mom."
"Then you and Charlotte are in charge." Amy glanced at Georgie who was grinning. "Get everybody back safe and the horses brushed and fed. Mitch and Ash will ride with us in case the sleigh gets stuck. Georgie get some wood on the fire in the house and the loft please and get those dogs out."
"You heard her, saddle up" Katie announced "uhmmm please."
Tim and Jack had reattached the Clydesdales to the sleigh and they waved goodby to the riders as Amy clicked to the Clydesdales and made a wide arc turning the sleigh to the road.
"Amy, why don't you let your Grandfather and I handle the team for a while and you and Rosie can snuggle a little, you must be freezing."
"I'll take snuggling Lisa, thanks, let me just get them to a level spot, whoah team, easy Bonnie, easy Clyde." After bringing the sleigh to a stop, she set the brake and got off as Jack and Lisa climbed over, Amy and Rosie took their place in the corner and a second later Amy was safely in Rosie's arms under a nice woolen blanket. The twins had fallen asleep snuggled on Haddie's and Betty's laps.
"You two have a good day ?"
Haddie turned to Rosie with a wide smile "I think the best we've had in a long time."
Amy and Rosie were holding hands under the blanket and Amy ran her finger across Rosie's ring. "It feels right" Rosie whispered in her ear. Amy smiled and squeezed her hand under the blanket and then let go. She reached back behind her hat and pulled her hair to the side where Rosie immediately began to kiss her. Amy closed her eyes, lost in the soft kisses.
"Enjoying yourself Amy ?"
"I am Ash, very much actually, Rosie is quite the kisser. There's a lesson here Ash, when you have 5 kids and two are asleep, send three the other way and neck."
"Getting to be a bit much Amy ?"
"Not at all Val and we love them to death but it's a full time job on top of our full time jobs. Charlotte and Katie might be a full time job on their own. Right now alone time for us is at a premium."
"I can't believe how different and more confident Katie is, you were right about her stepping up to accept responsibility."
"Thanks Lou but that's all her, confidence is a matter of familiarity, apparently kids are like horses that way. So what do you think about this acreage Mitch ?"
"You saw the pictures, it's perfect for me, us actually, I worry that we'll love it and have to leave but what can you do ?"
"If you love it we offer to buy it."
"Easy for you to say Val" Mitch said laughing.
"I guess it is Mitch, feels good too. All I'm saying is that if you love it there's a discussion we can have with the owner."
"I agree with that" he said as they pulled through the trees and Jack checked the road before turning the team.
They rode up to the barn where they found the puppies tied off, Caleb with a bunny and Cass sitting down on a bale of hay with two cria nuzzling at her. "I love these guys, everybody should have a couple dozen."
"Like bunnies Caleb ?" Rosie asked undoing harness straps on Bonnie's flank.
"We had 'em when I was a kid, every now and then mom would cut one up, well until she ran off, we always had 'em." Cass and Caleb grabbed the dogs and headed back to the house and Mitch and Jack hung around to save Rosie and Amy from brushing Bonnie and Clyde on stools or bales, together they got them, Maverick and Apollo stalled and after checking the Alpaca and the bunnies, headed into the house.
They found all the kids in the living room. Some playing with the twins, some with the puppies. They were on the floor in front of the fireplace with the adults sitting around on couches and chairs.
"What's next mom ?" Charlotte asked.
Amy sat down on the edge of the couch, "specify mom's kid, the answer might change."
"You."
"Your mom and I are heading back to the loft to get changed and breathe. Hopefully, Michelle and Bobbie will come and visit so we can talk. Georgie loves The Santa Clause. I suggest that. Should we take the twins ?"
"We've got 'em" Cass and Ashley said together, they each had one. Lyndy crawled over to Ash as soon as she got down on the rug.
"Dinner ?" Lisa asked.
"What do you two think, 5:30 ?"
Rosie and Amy shrugged. "Sure."
The four walked back to the barn and up to the loft.
Amy immediately added some wood to the fire and Rosie asked about refreshments. The three had beers and Rosie fixed Amy some tea. Amy and Rosie changed into comfortable loungewear, all brand new. Designed for an evening at a ski lodge or some nonsense like that, it fit well, was sexy and it was warm.
"This stuff is great Ames."
"See Rosie, sexy for me and toasty warm for you."
Amy was lounging back against the corner of the couch, one leg on the couch and one bent touching the floor. Rosie came over and put Amy's tea in her hands. She sipped twice and laid it down on the small table. Rosie returned a minute later with her beer and Amy opened her arms. "Snuggle please."
Michelle smiled as Rosie lowered herself and leaned back against Amy who immediately took her hand, ring to ring.
"Care to explain those rings ?"
"They're contract rings as you've heard." Rosie said leaning over to kiss Amy who was beaming at her.
"Hand me the iPad love"
Rosie leaned over and reached the device on the coffee table and handed it to Amy who called up the ceremony at Whispering Pines, queued up to the contract reading and handed it to Michelle. Since Bobbie had also moved to the corner of the couch Michelle smiled at the couple across the table and snuggled up next to her girlfriend who smiled and wrapped her in her arms.
They watched it twice and Bobbie was misty eyed. The subsequent conversation of the event leading up to her going to Whispering Pines was emotional and when they described Christmas Eve their new friends were wide eyed.
"It seems so tragic and beautiful, you sang to her ?" Bobbie asked wiping her eyes and looking at the rings.
"She sang to me first."
"Seriously ?"
Rosie snatched back the iPad to Amy's protests and queued up the karaoke performance of "I kissed a Girl" and passed that over.
"Wow, that's awesome, talk about a coming out" Michelle laughed.
"I don't think either of us considered ever being under." Amy said questioningly.
"I didn't, kissing you was as natural as kissing Jason. This is a matter of raising kids to be empowered. Hopefully our kids will never have an issue with who they are. Amy is a strong woman, it's exhilarating being with her."
"I feel the same way about you my love, your strength is the ultimate turn on."
"So what are your plans for this evening ?" Michelle asked.
"You heard, dinner at 5:30. There's a Christmas light walk in town folks might gravitate to. You two want to stay, we can put you up for the night ?" Amy asked.
"No, we can't, we have plans, I was wondering though, would you two care to join us ?" Michelle asked.
"That's a great idea, you really should." Bobbie agreed nodding.
"Where ?"
"Christmas Party in Oketoks at the Barn Door, I promised I'd take some pictures for the website, They don't allow cameras generally, this is a charity event."
"The gay bar ? Amy asked."
"Actually it's not technically gay though there are certainly more men than women most nights. It's true Thursday night is officially ladies night but men and women are welcome every night. We've even gone with straight couples, no judgements. Anyway, on family holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, Easter, New Year's, they throw a party for all. It's those days where same sex and non traditional couples are often disassociated with their families both for regular reasons and those more related to our romantic interests." Michelle explained this matter of factly to the newly same sex couple who had experienced none of that.
"I guess, we're fortunate." Rosie whispered. "With our families I guess."
"You should definitely come, there's a band, videos, dancing; they cater snacks and a late night buffet, free beer and champagne" Bobbie described.
Amy cut her off then "free champagne, we're in."
"I thought you didn't drink ?"
"Oh no Michelle, I don't but my sweet Rosalie here gets awful frisky and I'd love me some frisky tonight." She turned to see Rosie smiling at her with an almost impishly lustful grin and then was lost in her touch and eyes as she ran her finger across Amy's chin "What time should we be there ?"
Michelle smiled and laughed "you two are something else, nothing really happens before 9:00. It's couples only which is strange because in a queer place any two people qualify."
"Sometimes three" Bonnie added giggling.
"As I said" Michelle continued, strange, it's $100 a couple and a charity event for the Coalition. They'll recognize you and if they can put your picture on the website it'll be free."
"Amy, can we come up ?" Haddie called from the stairs.
"Sure Haddie, your'e always welcome."
The couples disentangled themselves as Haddie and Betty came up. "Looks like we've interrupted, I'm so sorry."
"Nonsense Betty, we were just relaxing and making plans for tonight. By the way, we'll pay, it's a good cause and if you control the pictures Michelle and think it will help to use my picture, that's fine, you Ok with that Rosie ?"
"Sure, I'm past worrying about what people think about my happiness."
"I think I am too, fuck 'em, I'm too old for this shit." Haddie said.
The girls all applauded when Betty reached over and kissed her. "I expect you two to join us for breakfast at Maggie's tomorrow morning, bring the kids, I'm taking my girl out."
"We'll be there Haddie, good for you !" Amy said hugging her and then Betty.
"I assume you're talking about the party in Oketoks tonight ? The Barn Door ?" Haddie asked.
"Yup. You two want to join us ?"
"Sorry Rosie and thanks, we'll be exhausted."
"Amy, there will be blowback somewhere down the line, I know you're not naïve but you live in part in a competitive world and they'll find a way."
"I do know Haddie and I've thought about it. The way I look at it if parents or people don't want the best training and care I can give them, their kids or horses, then so be it. My kids and horses will win, and they'll have to watch that and decide."
"Your mom and Grandma would be proud Amy, of both of you. We're proud."
"That means so much Haddie, your love, support and friendship is important to us." Rosie answered blushing when Amy took her hand and kissed her palm.
"We have to get going, there's a few hundred Alpaca that probably have missed us." Haddie said putting out her arms for Amy's hug. Rosie hugged Betty and they switched and then Michelle and Bobbie did the same.
"You four give us hope for the future." Haddie said at the stairs.
"Your strength made this possible Haddie, Betty, thank you so much for leading the way."
"We hid" Betty whispered.
"You stood up, drove to Edmonton and married and that public record stands as a testament, don't ever say you didn't make a difference. You persevered through hate and prejudice, be proud of that." Michelle announced.
"Thanks Michelle, have a good night, Amy we'll talk soon, how's 9:30 for breakfast ?"
"Sounds great Haddie !"
After they left Michelle looked back at the three. "I can't imagine what they went through."
"Thankfully none of us can." Amy agreed.
"What do we wear tonight ?" Rosie asked.
"Dress nice, nothing fancy, it's a party, dressy jeans, nice blouse." Bobbie added.
"It's going to be nice dancing with you Rosie."
"I can't wait Ames."
Their guests left at about 5 and Rosie and Amy spent some time straightening up and pulling out clothes for later. Regardless of plans all the kids but Georgie should be in bed by 9:00 which would leave Amy and Rosie free.
They cleaned themselves up, checked the barn and all the critters and wandered out to find Georgie, Wyatt, the girls, the twins, 2 puppies and Remi on the grass in front of the house.
"Hey Mom" Katie called out running over to Amy who was closer. "Dinner time ?"
"Soon sweetheart, let's get washed up and these guys fed."
They sat to an elaborate dinner of leftovers, the crowd was smaller and when Amy, Rosie and the kids came back inside several people rose to leave. Caleb and Cass left as Cass was on call both tonight and over New Years. Trish was also on call and left as well. Jen had left as she had to deal with Maggie's in the morning and Brick was staying over.
It turns out that Mitch and Ashley were somehow convinced to take the girls and the twins into town for the light show and that the grandparents were accompanying them. Georgie, Wyatt and Jade were meeting some rodeo friends for a Christmas Party. Rosie mentioned without detail that she and Amy were joining Michelle and Bobbie later and hopefully dancing. She didn't give any details and Amy offered none herself.
They also told the girls that they were meeting Haddie and Betty for breakfast at Maggie's in the morning, Wyatt and Brick were of course welcome.
They stayed as Georgie's group left in Jade's truck and the rest left to the Christmas display. After locking up the house they headed over to the loft to change. At least that was the plan until Rosie unclipped her bra and Amy ran her hands around her.
"We are all alone on this ranch" she whispered.
"We promised, think of the long game, dancing, champagne, flirting and necking."
"It all sounds like appetizers."
Rosie giggled and turned to her side of the bed to change. Amy stripped naked and knew Rosie was watching. First, she walked over to the small table and chose a small bottle. The orange lilac infusion was Rosie's favorite and after turning the bottle on her finger ran it from her neck, through her breasts and down past her navel. The she slowly shrugged into a pair of plum colored satin lace low cut panties. When she dropped the matching camisole over her head Rosie sighed. Amy sat down in front of the mirror and brushed out and arranged her hair. She used the new barrettes from the night before and sprayed some curl and shine. She did her eyes lightly with sharp lines over a soft base. She wore pair of dangling diamond earrings that seemed to go well with her pendant. After dropping the Plum colored silk blouse over her head she pushed 6 gold bracelets on her right arm. She then pulled on skin tight double black ariats and fitted her loops with a black bison belt and her new Heartland/Whispering Pines buckle. Black socks and her black bison boots along with her 100x hat and she was ready.
She turned and looked up at Rosie and they both smiled when their eyes met.
Rosalie was also wearing dark black ariats along with her Black Cherry boots and matching belt and buckle. She wore a dark emerald green silk blouse and dangling emerald earrings. It was her eyes which she did in shades of green with black highlights. They were shocking and sexy as hell.
They didn't say anything for a moment and then exactly at the same time "you're beautiful."
Then Amy surprised her, "Do you think you could do that to my eyes ?"
Excitedly Rosie turned away and a second later returned with a huge smile and a small box "go sit."
They walked up to the line and got on the back. They were holding hands and stealing a few kisses when one of the security people walked over. "Excuse me, Ms. Fleming, please follow me."
Amy and Rosie followed the gentleman to a separate door, "if you agree to be photographed admission is covered."
"I agree to be photographed and here's our cover, it's a good cause" Amy said pushing $100 bill into the tub.
"Thank you very much ma'am, I believe your niece's party is already here."
"My niece ?"
"Yes ma'am Georgie Fleming Morris."