Happy Independence Day! Hope you enjoy this chapter. Please be safe, stay healthy.
In the distance, eerie yelping, yipping and howling echoed through the valley, amplifying the sound. Downstairs in the barn, the horses were restless, responded with stomps, snorts, squeals. Ty woke with a start. The loft was dark, cold, but not quiet, for the horses and coyotes. He glanced at his alarm, just 5 in the morning. The sun wouldn't rise for at least 2 hours. He started to get out of bed, "Geez, it's freezing." Wrapping a blanket around himself, he moved to the window and opened its heavy wooden door. Across the yard, the light in Amy's room glowed through the curtains of her window.
Dressing quickly in jeans, sweatshirt and boots, he went downstairs, turned in the lights and began greeting the horses. Harley motioned, neighed for his attention so he stopped at his stall first. "Hey boy. How are you this morning? Having trouble sleeping? Me too. Everyone's riled up this morning. Those darn coyotes are making too much noise." He rubbed his nose, ran his fingers through his coarse forelocks.
He took to Amy's habit of telling the horses his schedule, as a way to organize, calm his thoughts as much as anything. "Harley, I won't get to see you much over the next few weeks. School is getting busy, got class this morning. Scott has me doing cattle pregnancy checks and vaccinations all across the valley this afternoon. Jack scheduled his for Friday. Caleb's wedding is this weekend. And, I can't forget that Amy is a guest speaker in Dr Young's class tomorrow. I sure hope it's not another circus." He grimaced thinking about yesterday's Q and A. "So, you and me won't be able to ride any time soon."
Harley shook his head side to side, blew snot on Ty signaling his displeasure. "Yuck. I guess I deserved that." Wiping off the slime.
Stepping into Harley's stall, he retrieved his feed and water buckets and hay bag to refill. One by one he greeted each horse and gave them breakfast.
On a whim, he decided that he would saddle Harley for a morning ride after all. "Going for a ride without me?"
"Hey Amy. Want to join us?"
"Yes."
"Sleep okay?"
"Yeah. Not really. It was hard to fall asleep after yesterday's excitement. And, something woke me up about an hour ago."
"Was it the coyotes? They woke me too. They stirred the horses too." He said. "I saw the light on in your room."
"I got out of bed. For like one second. But, it was cold, so I got back under the covers and read a bit."
Then he grinned. "Not me. I braved the cold, got up, and started work."
"Thank you. Your my hero." She said. "I was reading through mom's journal."
"Oh? Everything okay?"
"Yeah." She said quietly. "She was so good with horses. She just knew exactly what to do."
"You are good with horses too. You know what to do."
"Miss her." He nodded.
"Come here." He held her for a bit. "Let's ride."
Horses tacked, Ty grabbed his coat, and they headed out in a slow trot. As sky lightened, they rode through the open field just past the pens. Turkey vultures were flying overhead, so they investigated. A small fawn had been mauled and killed, it's eyes open looking to the distance, it's throat and stomach shredded. "Oh! that is so sad. Nature can be so cruel. Think it was coyote?"
"No doubt. Coyotes usually attack from the front, wolves from the hind."
"I didn't know that. Ty, you really know so pmuch about animals. You are going to be a great vet."
He smiled.
"I am so proud of you, Ty."
They rode on, talking about their upcoming day. "How's your talk prep coming along?"
"Okay, I guess. I started with mom's journal, but I decided to do something from my own experience."
"That makes sense. What?"
"You are just going to have to wait until tomorrow."
"Are you nervous?"
"Nervous? No. I am kinda excited about the whole thing." She changed the subject. "We're not going to be late again, are we?" She teased, but serious. "Now that would make me nervous."
"I sure hope not. But, maybe we should go separately. Just in case another abscess pops up." He smirked.
"Gross. I won't be able to get that image out of my head for the rest of the day." She made a face. "But, you are right. Now that I know where to go, I can make there on my own."
"Good."
"Promise that you will be there?"
"Promise."
Returning to the ranch, both Caleb and Matt's trucks were parked in front of the barn. The horses had been turned out and they were mucking the stalls.
"Nice. You two are taking a nice, romantic ride while us grunts do all the work."
Amy rolled her eyes. "Hey Caleb, Matt."
"Good morning." Matt replied.
"Caleb, just so you know, Ty did the morning feed."
"Yeah, Caleb!" Ty shot back with a grin.
"Easy stuff!" Caleb challenged.
"Hey, by the way. On our ride, we found a freshly killed fawn in the close pasture this morning. Probably coyotes. We'll need to keep any eye out. Especially for the filly." Ty said.
"We could hunt them down." Caleb suggested.
"No. We aren't going to kill them. Or hurt them. Maybe they'll move on. We just need to be careful with the livestock." Amy said.
"What about a donkey or two? I hear that they will chase off coyotes." Matt said.
"Really? Is that true?" Amy asked
"Yeah. Matt's right." Ty said
"Ty. Will you ask Scott if you knows of an orphaned donkey?" He nodded.
She went over the chores for the day. "Caleb and Matt, go ahead and finish up here. Ty and I will untack and groom these two and turn them out."
"Let me take Spartan. I'll get started." Ty offered.
"Caleb, you are on the dude ranch and trail horses. Take Copper. Grandpa said there's some rotted fencing in their pasture by the south end. Please fix that then turn out the horses. After lunch, check with Grandpa. He may need some help rounding up the cattle for vaccinations and pregnancy check on Friday."
"Okay boss." Caleb flashed his smile.
"Jack already contacted Scott. It's scheduled for 2:00 in Friday. I'll be assisting."
"Good. Then grandpa definitely will need your help, Caleb, and maybe Matt, to round them up before then. Just let me know."
Matt, you have the Quonset hut. Turn out mama and baby in the small pasture. Be sure to clean up and change afterward. Then give Dexter the some exercise. Would you help me with Silk and Star after lunch?"
"Yep."
As the four worked on their barn chores, Caleb announced. "Hey guys. Friday night is my bachelor party at KOs. We'll leave right from here."
Matt and Ty looked at each other, shrugged. "Sure, why not? You buying?"
"Of course not. You two are. I'm the one getting married."
"I am just warning you now...I am not, under any circumstances, bailing any of you out of jail." Amy gave them the stink eye.
"Don't worry boss." All three laughed. Amy rolled her eyes.
Amy's cell phone rang. "Excuse me, guys." She left the barn to take the call.
When she return, she asked Ty if he had some time, she needed his opinion.
"Sure."
"Let's walk."
They headed towards the pond and the upturned rowboat. "So what's up?"
"Well, I just got a call from a breeder who is interested breeding Dexter with his mare. And, he's willing to spend a nice sum. What do you think?"
"Wow. That's really big news." he paused. "Do you plan to take Dexter there or the mare here?"
"Don't know. Do you know anything about one of those breeding phantoms?"
"I have heard about those, but I haven't seen one in use. I only have seen the traditional methods, with a jump mare or with the actual mare to be bred."
"Me too. Do you know who might have a breeding phantom?"
"I have no idea. Why the interest?"
"Thinking out loud here. Maybe others want his specimen too. But, I don't want the expenses associated with every specimen. But, I don't want storage fees either. So, what if we line up interested buyers first. Then use the dummy to get all the specimens, in one shot." Said Amy. Then she giggled. "No pun intended."
He laughed too. "Amy, let me check with Scott. He may have some ideas." Said Ty. "Wonder if the school has one."
"Let's keep this between us for now. I want to talk to Lisa first. There may be a strategy to all of this."
"Okay." He grinned. "You are beginning to think like business woman. Good for you, my horsey girl!"
She laughed. "Let's get back."
"Yeah. I got to get ready and get to school."
Ty's morning on campus did not go as he anticipated. What started as a simple invitation to Amy from Dr. Young to attend one of her Animal Behaviors classes as a guest speaker, turned into something very different. Word of Amy and Ty's performance in the Q and A had spread across the small Vet school campus. One of the students had video'ed and posted it on the campus intranet.
When Ty arrived at the Scrubs Cafe to meet up with his study group, students, some he knew, most he didn't, were congratulating him, shaking his hand, trying to engage him. He wasn't sure what to make of the attention as it was something he did not particular like.
Seated at the table, Maddie teased him unmercifully. "So, Mr. Borden, please explain to us the meaning of life. Or better yet, Mr. Borden please tell us about your experience in the birthing canal!"
"Oh stop. We were just supposed to be there to audit one class, not be on stage!" Said Ty slightly embarrassed by the whole thing.
"I think you and Amy did a great job. I bet neither of the professor's classes have ever been so entertaining." Said James.
"Agreed, Amy was great. I was nervous, especially to start." Ty admitted.
"Really?"
"Really! I almost vomited on the first row." He joked. They all laughed.
"Amy is the guest speaker, for real, tomorrow in Dr. Young's class, right?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. She asked me to go to listen and support her. Not that she needs me. Hopefully, it won't be another circus."
"Is Amy worried about that?" Asked James.
"No. She's not worried at all." he shook his head. "She's actually excited about tomorrow."
"Amy definitely was a natural. She seemed pretty comfortable up there behind the podium." Said Steve.
"Hey, aren't you Ty?" A young woman approached the table, interrupted. "You spoke yesterday in the combined class. I was in the first row."
Trying not to laugh, he just smiled and nodded.
"Hi. I'm Anne." She held out her hand for him to shake, which he did.
"Nice to meet you. This is Steve, Maddie and James." Ty introduced everyone. Pleasantries were exchanged.
Turning back to Ty, she continued. "Yesterday was crazy. I can't believe that they didn't tell you what they had planned. I would have been so nervous."
"I was."
"Really? You belonged up there. You were awesome."
"Thanks."
"Right after class I signed-up for Dr. Jackson's vet tech work. You made it sound really fun, challenging."
"Yes, it was."
Anne said. "You know, I think we're all in the same anatomy class. West Hall, right?"
Looking at his watch, Steve stood up. "Yeah. We should get going if we don't want to be late, gang."
"Mind if I walk with you all?"
"Not at all." Answered Steve. Ty shot Steve a dirty look. As they walked across campus to class, Ty and Anne walked side by side as the others trailed behind.
"Hey, did you finish your homework?" Ty nodded. Anne continued. "I got most of mine done. I got confused a bit. Mind if I ask you some questions?"
He patiently answered her questions about homework. Little by little, she brought up other topics, questions. Why Vet school? Favorite class? Spare time activities?
Anne was a pretty woman, auburn hair with lots of freckles, brown eyes and a nice smile. She had a good sense of humor, she had Ty laughing before he knew it.
When they reached the classroom, she asked him to sit with her. Before answering, he excused himself, signaled Steve to follow him.
"Steve, you've got to help me here."
"What do you mean?"
"Anne!"
"What? She seems nice. Good looking. You seem to have hit it off. Pretty chummy, I'd say." He said matter of fact.
"I didn't want to be rude."
"So, what's the problem?"
"Okay. Amy. Please do something."
"You know Ty. If something needs to be done, or undone, you need to take care of it." Steve shook his head. "Sorry man. You've got to pony up. Figure it out."
"Fine." Ty was frustrated.
As soon as he walked in, Anne waved from the back row and called to Ty, pointing to the seat she had saved for him. He mouthed "thanks" but pointed to his study group and sat with them in the second row.
He sat next to Maddie, who gave him the stink-eye. He leaned over and whispered. "What?"
She wrote on his paper. "Fame gone to your head? Already ditched your friends for your adoring fans?"
"No."
Ty had trouble concentrating during the lecture. He looked at a picture of Amy on his cell phone. He texted her. "Hey."
She immediately texted him back. "Hey."
A moment later. "Everything okay?" She knew him so well.
"Yeah." He hesitated, then "Miss you."
"((Ty))" he smiled. "Will I see you at dinner?"
"Yes."
"Good. We can talk after." Amy texted.
After class, he found Anne. "Hey, Anne. Do you have a minute."
"Sure."
"Anne, Nice meeting you."
"Oh me too! Would you like to get coffee, or something?"
"No. Sorry." He paused. "Um. Look. Amy Fleming, the woman who presented with me yesterday, is my..." He wanted to say girlfriend. "Um. Best friend. We are committed to each other."
"Oh, okay. So, she's the jealous type?"
He shook his head. "Look. Gotta to get to my next class. See you around."
He turned, walked away. Anne just stared after him.
After lunch, Matt and Amy worked on saddling and riding Silk and Star in the round pen. After a productive session, they decided to ride the two out to the pasture. "So, how are things for you at Heartland?" Amy asked.
"Well, it's been a good few days."
"Good to hear. Tell me what you like about this job?"
"The horses, of course. The beautiful land, being outside. Everyone has been great. I like the gentle approach you use with the horses. You are a good boss, it seems like we're all a team. Everyone pitches in."
"What do you feel like you bring to the operation?"
"Well. I work hard. Generally get along with people. I ride pretty well."
"All true from what I see. Any suggestions on making things more efficient?"
"It would be great if supplies, chores and stuff were more computerized. You know, instead of writing it on a whiteboard and rekeying it."
"I agree. How would we set that up?"
"There are apps out that there that can be accessed through a laptop or iPad or even a phone. It would be for better for record keeping and billing."
"Hmm good suggestions. And, you said you failed the business exam."
He laughed.
She continued. "So, if the price is right, would you be interested in working here?"
"Definitely, yes."
"Good. Could you commit to a year with us?"
"Yes. I think so."
She nodded. "You know, soon Caleb and Ty won't be working here. So there will be the same amount of work, with just you and me to do it."
"Yeah, that's okay."
"Good. Let's talk on Friday. See if we can reach an agreement."
Stopping at the open field, they looked toward the mountains. The air was crisp, the wind cold against their faces. "Look." Matt pointed to trees.
One hundred yards, give or take, a lone young grayish brown coyote was running along the tree line, it's bushy tail down, it's large triangular head up. Suddenly, he stopped, froze, nose pointing to the ground. With his back legs stiff, he shot straight up then pounced, almost diving, into the ground. He came up with some small rodent, too hard to distinguish at that distance, in his mouth. Sensing their presence, he briefly stared at them, then darted out of sight.
"Hmm. Coyotes are usually night hunters. Strange that one is out during the day."
"Yeah. But, cool watching him hunt."
"Yeah."
After a few minutes, they turned towards home just so the wind could be at their backs. "Are you glad to be back in Hudson?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Did you like Vancouver? I have only been there once."
"I did. When my parents split, my mom moved there. The high school has a great equestrian team. At one time, I thought I'd join the professional jumping circuit."
"Oh?"
"With the divorce, the family finances weren't what they were. Horse eventing is very expensive, even with a sponsor."
"Yeah."
"So what about you? Tell me about you."
"Hmm. Not much to tell. Born and raised here in Hudson at Heartland. My parents divorced when I was young. My mom had a real gift for healing horses and started this business. She died when I was 15. So, I've tried to continue her business ever since."
"That's tough. You seemed to have landed on your feet."
"Still pretty wobbling actually. It hasn't been easy. As I'm sure it hasn't been for you either."
He shrugged his shoulders. "It's good to be back in Hudson with my old friends, my dad and sister. That helps."
"Yeah, friends and family make it bearable." She added. "Not sure that I could have made it without Ty. He is very special to me."
"Caleb told me the story."
"He did, huh?"
"Yeah. And all your other deep, dark secrets. Salt and sugar applied."
"Good deal."
When they arrived back, Caleb was in barn, putting Copper in his stall after a quick grooming. Their horses untack and clipped, they started the grooming process.
"Jack wants to move the cattle into pens tomorrow. We need Matt. Three would make things go faster."
"What time?"
"8. We should be done by early afternoon."
"That works for me. We can still get the main morning chores done by 8. Matt, does that work for you?"
"Sure thing. I've never been on a cattle round up before."
"You are in for a treat." Caleb smile was a bit on the mischievous side.
Finishing up the grooming, Amy said, "Let's work on the tack. It needs a real, good cleaning."
"Maybe some organizing too?" Matt added.
Yeah, that too."
As they scrubbed and polished, the clouds overtook the sky, blocking sun and bringing in a stiff wind. "Looks like rain." Matt commented.
"Feels like it too." Amy responded. "Let's go bring in mama and baby." As they led the horses in, the sky opened up and dumped hard driving, cold rain on them. Laughing they ran, Matt had mama, Amy had baby. Just as he reached the hut door, his boot hydroplaned across the slick mud, formed under the hut's overhang. He lost his footing landing on his butt, smack dab in the middle of the mud puddle. Amy watching the whole crazy mishap, in what seemed like slow motion, doubled over in laughter. She reached out a hand to him to help him up. Naturally, he pulled her into the puddle stomach first. Now both hysterical, wet and muddy, the horses just looked at the them with disgust from within the shelter of hut.
Getting up, Amy said. "Alright. We're a mess. Let's groom these horses then go to the ranch to get cleaned up."
"Tell you what boss. I'll groom the horses, you go get cleaned up. I'm gonna take off from here."
"You sure?"
"Yep. Have a goodnight."
"Thanks. You too."
Walking into the house, "What on earth happened to you, Amy. You look like something the cat dragged in."
"Yeah. Kinda got drenched in the rain and fell in a mud puddle."
"Well, get a shower." As Amy turned toward the bathroom, Lou added. "Dr. Young called. She wants you to call her back."
"Okay. Thanks."
Fresh from her shower, she returned Dr. Young's call. "Hello. Dr. Young, it's Amy Fleming."
"Alicia please. Amy, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I should have let you and Ty know ahead of time."
"Alicia. No worries. It was fine, actually fun."
"Well, you both did extremely well. Both Dr. Jackson couldn't be more pleased. Thank you."
"Glad to hear that."
"Do you have any questions, or heaven forbid, reservations about your presentation tomorrow?"
"No reservations. But, do you have a projector that I can show some pictures to illustrate?"
"Sure do. Come to my office at 2:00 in room 412. We can prep then."
"Okay. See you tomorrow."
The drive from Calgary was long and tiring, Ty turned the volume up on his classic rock station to keep him wake. Half way home, he had to stop, get coffee because the music wasn't doing the trick. His day wasn't nearly over.
When he got to Hudson, he went directly to Scott's clinic. They were doing vaccinations and pregnancy checks at the Anderson ranch. "Hey Ty."
"Hey Scott. How are things?"
"Not bad. Ready?"
They loaded up the equipment in Scott's truck, then headed to Chuck Anderson's ranch. "So, how many head?" Ty asked.
"About 200. It will take us at least three hours to complete."
"Big ranch?"
"Not big enough for their herd. Only 300 acres."
"Why's that?"
"Well, the rule of thumb is between 1.5 and 2.0 acres per cow. Anderson is at 1.5 acres."
"And, if they have any calves, they will dip below that. Right?"
"Yeah. Not enough grass to support the herd."
"Gotcha."
Arriving at the ranch, they greeted Mr. Anderson and got to work. First, they separated the cattle, cows and heifers from bulls and steer as the males would only be vaccinated. Scott began to test the females through recital palpitation to determine if they were pregnant.
"Ty. This one is pregnant. Want to try?"
"Sure. What am I looking for?" Ty put on a long glove.
"Put your hand in there." He did as instructed.
"Can you feel the calf's head? Or at least the pulse in the artery supplying blood to the uterus?"
"Yeah. I can."
"About 6 to 8 weeks after conception, you should've able to feel that. Also the shape of the uterus changes."
"Wow. That's crazy."
"So, let's tag her and give her the non-live vaccine, it's safer for the pregnant ones. All males and open females get the live vaccine as it's more effective. We need to record it too."
"Yeah, this year we're hoping to beat our pregnancy rate from last year's 22 percent." Said Mr. Anderson.
"That's a pretty commendable rate."
"Yeah, but that's where the profit comes it."
As Scott predicted, it took all of three hours of non-stop work to vaccinate and pregnancy test the herd. 42 of the 180 females were pregnant, hitting the 23 percent mark. Mr. Anderson was elated. Scott reminded him about his herd size and acreage, his land really couldn't support 42 more animals.
They talked about strategies as Ty loaded up the truck. He was tired and hungry. He text Amy. "Just finishing up at the Anderson ranch. May be late for dinner."
"K"
Arriving at Heartland, he stopped at the loft to get a change of clothes then headed to the ranch. "Hey Everyone!" He said as he walked in. "Sorry I am late."
"Hey Ty. Come sit and eat."
"Let me shower first and then I will."
Fresh from his shower, Ty sat down next to Amy. Jack had made his stew, Lisa had brought homemade crusty bread. "Tell us about your day, Ty."
So he talked about coyotes and the fawn, school and the buzz about their Q and A, and his work with Scott. "Sounding like you had been very busy day." Jack patted Ty on the shoulder. "Ty, I am very proud of you son."
"Where's Lou and Peter?" Ty asked.
"They are attending some seminar on parenting at the hospital." Ty nodded.
"How was your day, Amy?"
"It was good. Busy." She added. "Grandpa, we found a fawn was killed by coyotes. And this afternoon, Matt and I saw a lone coyote hunting in the far field this afternoon."
"Well, that's not good."
"Shoot. Forgot to ask Scot about a donkey. Let me text him right now."
"Donkey? You know, a donkey will drive off a coyotes or any wild dog, really."
"That's our hope."
"But, they have to be stabled too. You don't have any spare stalls."
"Oh. Maybe we can just borrow one for a while?"
"I'll let you know what Scott says."
Amy changed the topic. "Seth Simon called today. He wants to breed Dexter with one of his mares. He offered a nice sum."
"Well, that's great Amy. Do you have it scheduled for spring?"
"I haven't committed yet. I wanted to get Lisa's advice first."
"Thank you Amy. That means a lot to me." A little choked up. "Well, breeding with the right horse can be very profitable for the owners of the stud and mare." Lisa chuckled. "The motto is Breed the best with the best and hope for the best."
"Good one."
Choosing her words, Lisa continued. "Seth Simon has a successful breeding business and good reputation. But, he is also one of my competitors."
"Good to know."
"So, how can I help?"
"So, given that Seth is interested, maybe other horse owners are too. So, what's the best strategy?"
"Well, Dexter is a thoroughbred. If you plan breed him to another thoroughbred, the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society requires a live cover with the mare. Artificial insemination or embryo transfer is not allowed. That's the rule. If he's bred to another breed, say a quarter horse, artificial insemination will do."
"Oh. I had no idea."
"I would love to breed Sage and Dexter, what a story that would be. But she's way too young. 6 or 7 years is about right for a mare. But, Dexter is the right age now."
"So, what should I do?"
"Amy, honey, you aren't equipped to breed horses at Heartland. So if you want to stud Dexter, you are going to have to trailer him to a breeding facility."
"I would want you to be my breeder. Of course. "
"I was hoping you'd say that. Thank you, Amy."
"So, let's make a plan. Nutrition, exercise, herbs, I assume all that's important."
"Yes, absolutely. Need to start now. And, between now and breeding season, we actively market Dexter as a stud. Seth can be your first contract. During breeding season, it's probably best if Dexter stays at Fairfield."
"Makes sense." Amy paused. "How many covers can Dexter do in a season?"
"No limit, physical or rule-wise. During the season, a stud can cover 3 times a day, seven days a week."
"Sorry grandpa. This probably isn't polite dinner conversation."
"I've heard worse." Jack rolled eyes, and chuckled.
"So, Lisa. I'm sure there will be expenses associated with breeding. Maybe I can pay with live cover?"
"You bet. Let's work on the details. We'll need a contract and keep very close records."
"For now then. Let's shake on it." Amy stood up and stretched her hand across the table to Lisa. Grabbing her hand, Lisa pulled her closer for a kiss. Not quite connecting, they both laughed, went around the table to hug.
"So that's how deal is done between ladies!" Jack beamed. "Congratulations you two."
"Cheers to a new adventure! Here Here!"
Everyone laughed, in good spirits.
"Dessert, anyone? We have cookies and ice cream." Getting no takers, Amy offered coffee or tea. Only Ty wanted coffee. "It's going to be a long night of studying." He frowned.
While the coffee brewed, Amy and Ty did the dishes. "Hey. Everything okay?" Amy asked.
"Yea. Why?"
"Your text. Don't get me wrong. I love getting messages from you."
"Oh. That. Yeah. Let's talk after night check."
"Should I be worried?"
"No." Ty changed the topic. "You know that was pretty amazing to hear, you and Lisa. She's a great advisor."
"No kidding."
After washing and putting away the dishes, Amy retrieved her notes from her room, Ty headed to the barn for night check. In the living room, Jack was sitting in the couch watching the lively fire in the fireplace when she returned. "Hey Amy. Sit with me."
"Hey Grandpa. Everything okay?" She kissed his forehead, nestled into his side.
"Amy, you never cease to amaze me, impress me. Its only been a few days since you took over the horse business, And look at all the good things you are doing."
"Thanks Grandpa."
"I am so very proud of you."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
Entering the barn, Ty looked at her "Sorry, I took so long. Grandpa wanted to talk."
"No worries. Thought maybe you forgot."
"Yeah. Right!" She bumped into his shoulder. Each focused on their own horse first, talking of course, but not to each other.
When she moved on to Silk and Star, "Hey Silk. Hey Star. I hear that you two have been best friends, special someone's for years. What's the secret?" She paused. "Oh really. Uh huh? No secrets, huh? Well, okay then." She looked at Ty, he just shook his head.
"My horsey girl, you are certifiably crazy!"
"No secrets!"
She gathered her journal, notebook and followed followed him silently up the stairs.
He got his books from his dresser, settled into his bed sitting up, knees bent, with his back against the headboard. Beside him, Amy, laid on her stomach, knees bent, feet hooked on the headboard with a pillow under her chest. Quickly, she became engrossed in her work. She alternated between reading her journal and taking notes, and every once in a while made a quiet noise, almost like a tiny laugh mixed with a sigh.
Ty, on the other hand, could not focus. He watched her, her little movements, her breathing, her ankles crossing and uncrossing, her hair cascading over her back. He touched her behind, the back of her thigh. He began to stroke her, lightly, back and forth.
"Ty?"
"Hmm?"
She sat up, crossed legged in front of him, "Tell me. But, kiss me first." She smiled, he softened, smiled. He leaned foreword, tucked a stray lock of her golden hair behind her ear, then pulled her gently toward him with his hand caressing her cheek. He gazed into her eyes, lost in their deep blue, rimmed with wispy eyelashes. He lowered his lips to hers, brushed hers, softly, gently. They separated slightly, their eyes searched the other for more. Then he pulled her back to him, onto him, one hand on the small of her back, his fingers entangled in her hair.
She responded, her arms around his neck, hands grabbing his hair, chest to chest, breathing him in, her lips locked on his. Hunger took over. Mouths, lips were mashed, bruised, parted by tongues. Breathing quickened, sweet ahs and sighs escaped, punctuated the air. He kissed her neck, nibbled her ear, licked her throat, she moaned in delight, her fingers gripping, stroking his neck, his shoulders. She kissed him back, some light flutters, some pushing and pulsating, his lips, his chin, his neck, his ear. "God. You feel so good." Amy said.
He rolled her over in her back, he looked at her beautiful face. "Oh Amy." He kissed her cheek, her forehead, her lips twice. "You drive me crazy. You have no idea." She smiled.
"Tell me."
He sighed, he leaned back, she sat up. "A woman at Vet School, Anne, came up to me today. She was at our Q and A yesterday. I didn't know her. She was very ..um, assertive, flirty. I didn't see it coming. We walked to class, talked. Then she asked me to coffee. I said No, that you and me, we're best friends, committed."
"Thank you for telling me. Why is this bothering you?"
"I don't trust myself."
"What do you mean?"
"I didn't see it coming. Steve and Maddie gave me shit for talking to her. I just didn't want to be rude. I don't want to screw us up, Amy."
"We have to learn to trust ourselves, just as much as each other."
He nodded.
"I told Matt told that I couldn't have made it without you. That you are special to me. Know what he said?"
"Nope?"
"That Caleb has already told him."
"Amy, what are we doing?"
"We're slowly getting over our hurt, slowly trusting. Ty, it's only been a few weeks."
"What are we? just friends? More than friends?"
"Why do we need labels? We are closer than ever."
"I need a label for me. I need to know. I don't care about any one but you."
"I only care about you too. But, I am not ready, Ty. You have to be patient with me."
"Amy. You are killing me."
"Can you be patient with me?"
"Yes." He said quietly. "But, no more of this kissing stuff. Honestly, you are pushing me over the edge."
"Okay. No more kissing." She pouted. "Can we still hug and hold hands? Please?"
He sighed, "Come here!" He pulled her into a bear hug.