Happy Friday! Hope all is well with you and yours. Please keep reading, reviewing and suggesting.
Thanks!
Be Safe, Stay Healthy.
SBR
A bevy of squawks, screeches, screams erupted from the chicken coop at 3:15 am Friday morning, waking everyone, but Peter, in the Heartland household. Jack, Lou and Amy, in various stages of dress and consciousness, ran outside to investigate. Jack, shoeless in only his long johns, inspecting the dwelling found gaping hole ripped in the side fencing. Amy and Lou discovered a collection of hen and rooster feather strewn around. "Well, judging from the size of the gap, it's either a fox or coyote. Probably that coyote you saw." He started off for the barn to get some fencing to repair breach.
"Grandpa, maybe some boots would be helpful." Lou suggested.
"Good point." Changing direction, he headed toward the house.
"I'm gonna go check on mama and baby, before I go back inside."
"Amy, you should get a coat. It's cold out here." She nodded and headed toward the house too.
Lou smiled, muttered to herself, "What would they do without me? Frostbite and pneumonia, for sure."
Chores done, Jack and Amy were back in the house, showered and dressed for the day by 4:00 straight up. Lou had already prepared a big breakfast of eggs, sausage and hash browns. "I couldn't go back to sleep and I didn't want to wake Peter, so I cooked." Lou shrugged her shoulders.
"Good. Cause I'm starving. I don't even remember eating dinner or going to bed." Amy shoving a link of sausage into her mouth.
"Of course not. You were out like a light. Ty brought you in and put you in bed. Again." Lou said.
Jack shook his head. "Amy, I worry that you are burning the candle at both ends."
"You're just lucky that Ty is always there to take care of you. I can't count how many times recently he's done that." The oven timer dinged several times. Lou opened the oven, pulled out a tray of perfectly browned, flaky biscuits. "Homemade biscuits, anyone?"
"Lou, they smell heavenly." Amy breathed in deeply, mouth watering.
"Hey what's all the commotion out here?" Scratching his head, Peter stumbled sleepily into the kitchen. "Is that really the time?" Looking at the clock on the wall. He shook his head muttering.
"Well, the hen house had visitor this morning. Whatever it was got at least a hen or two and a rooster." Jack sitting down at the kitchen table. "Let's eat."
Peter came behind Lou, kissed her neck. "How's my beautiful wife and Monchhichi at this ridiculous hour?" He took a seat next to her.
"I'm good, so is baby. Monchhichi? What are you talking about?" Lou asked.
"Lou. Don't you remember those little dolls that looked like monkeys? Marion had one." Said Jack.
"Remember there was that stupid jingle that went with it? "Monchhichi Monchhichi, oh so soft and cuddly!"" Peter sang, then shook his head. "Ugh That's going to be in my head all day."
Laughing, Amy teased, "Well, I'm way too young to remember that!" Implying that every one else was old. She took another big bite. "Hey, the reception last night was pretty great. Thank you so much for organizing it, Lou."
"Actually, Dr. Young and Dr Jackson did most of the organizing. Apparently, UCVM received a huge donation soon after that video of your Q and A aired. So they wanted to show their appreciation." Lou said.
"Wonder who made the donation?" Amy asked.
"Some anonymous donor with deep pockets." Lou shrugged.
"My bet is a racetrack or racehorse owner." Jack guessed.
"Or an oil guy!" Peter said, winking. "What am amazing opportunity! When are you going to enroll in school?" Peter asked.
"I don't know if I can. With HEaRT just starting, when would I have time?" Amy lamented.
"Oh don't let this opportunity pass you up." Lou warned. "Remember that old proverb, opportunity knocks but once."
"I suppose. Maybe I could take one class, maybe in the evening." She figured.
"Amy, watch that burning candle." Jack warned, raising one bushy eyebrow at her.
The table got quiet for a moment as the four devoured the breakfast before them. "Lou, did you see Dad yesterday?" Amy asked.
"No. But, I invited him. Did he show?"
Jack groused, "Yeah, he did. And, he tried to start a fight with Ty." Jack huffed, still disgusted by his ex son-in-law's behavior.
Lou and Amy in sync, disbelief, "What? When?"
"Now, no worries. No harm, no foul. Or maybe just no harm." Jack said. "Definitely another Tim Fleming foul in my book."
"Grandpa, what happened?" Amy pleaded.
Jack and Peter gave the highlights of Tim's swing and a miss at Ty's head, how they carted him out of the building. "Girls, he's having a hard time with the whole Dexter and Janice situation. He blew a gasket, blew off some steam." Jack added.
"I hate to differ. Its more than blowing off steam, Jack." Peter said. "Tim is a bully. Period. He has a problem with Ty, for whatever reason. Tim uses Ty as his punching bag."
"You could be right, Peter." Jack conceded.
"Arg. I feel awful about this. I stood up to dad. I was angry so I walked away. So dad took it out on Ty." Amy shook her head. "And, Ty didn't say a word."
"Amy. This is on Tim, not you." Jack trying to assuage her.
"I need to check on Ty." Then Amy asked. "Lou, mind if I take some breakfast to him?"
"Of course not. But, make some fresh eggs. We can warm up the sausage, biscuits and hash browns." Lou smiled at her sister, knowing she wanted to take care of him.
Tiptoeing up the loft stairs with a picnic basket full of breakfast, Amy peered in and saw Ty sprawled across the bed, on his stomach, sound asleep. In usual his bed attire, he was shirtless, wore only boxers. She stared. He faced away from her. His head laid atop of the pillow, his hair was a mess, in a sexy sort of way. His arms and hands tucked under the pillow. Ty was very fit, muscular but not overly so. Muscles, defined, rippled his across his broad shoulders and back. His spine valleyed slightly running lengthwise down his back to his slim waist and buttocks. His butt was firm, begged to be touched, or even pinched. Frozen in place, she just stared.
He stirred sensing her presence, smelling her lavender scent. "Horsey girl?"
"I brought you breakfast." Caught, she smiled anyhow.
"Hmmf. What time is is?"
"Um. 4:45." She admitted.
"Oh. Early. Why?"
"Chicken coop was raided earlier. So, we dealt with that, then ate breakfast. Thought you'd want some."
"Hmm. Okay. Smells good."
"Yeah. Eggs. Sausage. Hash browns. Biscuits. The works. It's good."
He rolled over, sat up, showing his bare chest, just as intoxicating as his back, looked at her. "I meant you. You smell good." he grinned, she blushed.
She sat down on the edge of his bed and opened the basket. She pulled out the Tupperware container full of eggs, sausage and hash browns and the biscuits, two, buttered and wrapped in a napkin. She poured him a cup of coffee and a glass of juice, setting them on his night stand. She pulled out a bottle of ketchup too. She didn't lift her eyes to him, but he watched her closely. Finally she looked up, catching his eyes on her. "Hungry?"
"Starved." He said with a mischievous lopsided smile and raised eyebrow. She blushed.
"Well then eat. Don't gawk!"
"I'd rather gawk." He grinned, picking up a piece of sausage with his fingers, popping it in his mouth. "Mmm."
"Sleep good?" Amy asked.
"Not enough. Some horsey girl left me to do night check, then she woke me way before the crack of dawn."
She shook her head. "Should I go? You can get another hour or so of sleep."
"Nah. How did you sleep?"
"Like a baby. My someone special took good care of me, tucked me into bed...thank you."
"Glad to help. This is really good, Amy. Thanks."
"I only made the eggs. Lou did everything else."
"You put cheese in the scrambled eggs. My favorite." He smiled, licked his lips. "And ketchup." She knew his favorites.
"Tell me about Dad in the forum. Grandpa and Peter gave us the lowdown."
"Well, then you know everything there is to know." He didn't skip a beat.
"You could have been hurt. I should have never left you with him. I am so sorry. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Nothing to tell. Nothing happened. No harm, no foul." He kept eating as he shrugged his shoulders.
"I hate him." She insisted.
"No you don't. Come on Amy. Not worth the energy to hate someone. Especially your dad. I should know." He patted her knee.
"Yeah. I guess." Unconvinced, she added, "Still."
"Just forget it." He wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Now that I'm all tanked up, wanna ride?"
"Absolutely. You get dressed. Warmly. I'll start the morning feed and water." She jumped up and ran downstairs.
With Spartan and Harley tacked, they rode slowly out into acreage with no planned course. The sun hadn't yet risen, but the sky was painted in streaks of light, swirling waves of pastel hues of peaches, pinks, oranges. They stopped, watched the quickly changing colors and dimensions. "It's so pretty. I could just watch for hours." Amy mesmerized.
"Me too." He was watching her, not the sky.
"Hey. What did you think of the reception?"
"It was nice, fun. Especially the scholarship part. Still can't believe it." He answered.
"I know. Lou tells me that after our Q and A video got posted, someone made a huge donation to the school. The school wanted to thank us."
"Whatever the reason, the scholarship is going to make my life so much easier."
"Will you still work for Scott?"
"As many hours as he'll give me. I just won't have to worry about scrounging up money for tuition." He blew out a lung full of hot air, and watched it turn into a milky puff of smoke in the cold air. "What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Reception, scholarship, iPad, speeches, HEaRT. You pick."
"Reception was nice, scholarship and iPad generous, HEaRT sign perfect."
"Hmm. What's bothering you?"
"HEaRT is just starting with lots of new work. When will I have time to go to school?"
"You don't have to start today. You could next semester, part-time. Organize your business with your new software."
"Yeah. I guess." She pouted a bit.
"What?"
"What what?"
"Something else is bothering you. Spill it."
"I don't want to be a Vet. There. I said it."
"Who said you had to be a Vet?"
"The scholarship is for UCVM."
"You don't have to be a Vet. Dr. Young is a PhD, not a DVM. You can study whatever you want."
"Are you sure?"
"Promise. Talk to Dr. Young."
"Oh. Okay. I will." She was relieved.
"Just because someone offers you something, does mean you have to take it." He suggested.
"When did you become so smart?"
"When I started hanging out with you." He grinned, she bopped him in the shoulder. Laughed.
"We should head back. What's on your agenda for today?"
"School, vaccinating and pregnancy testing Jack's herd and Caleb's bachelor party. You?"
"Barn sour horse, mama and baby, Dexter. Valerie, Silk and Star's owner, is coming by." She paused. "Maybe I'll play with that new software."
"There you go!"
"One more thing. I am going to offer Matt the ranch hand position."
"Why?"
"Well, he's hard working, reliable, he rides and he's not Caleb."
Nodding with a grin, "All good reasons."
"Speaking of Caleb. Remember, I am not, I repeat, not, bailing you guys out of jail."
"Fair warning..again." He laughed. "Don't worry."
"Famous last words."
"Is Ashley having a bachelorette party?" He asked.
"Yeah. At Heartland. Tonight at 7. Mani, pedi, facials, pizza. In the morning, hair and make-up. I am soooo excited." She frowned "Ugh. I hate that stuff."
"Well at least you won't be hungover."
"True."
Within a few hundred yards of the barn, Ty stopped, spotting something moving in the thicket "Shhh." Ty pointed. A low huffing sound broke the quiet, followed by a tiny bark, almost like a dog. Ty dismounted and took a closer look. "Amy, do you have a flash light?"
"I have my phone."
"That will work." She jumped down and approached with the light from her phone. Semi-hidden in the underbrush, a female coyote laid on her side, panting, blood oozing from deep cuts on her face, eyes rolled back. The dog was in shock. A single pup, maybe 6 months old, barked quietly, crying for its mom. A few chicken feathers were scattered about, a tiny one stuck to the young pup's nose.
"Well, I think this is your hen house thief. It appears she got pecked and spurred by her prey."
"What should we do?"
"Let's wrap them both up in our coats, take them into the clinic. I think she's save-able, if we hurry." Quickly, encasing each animal in a coat, they used the zipper and sleeves to restrain them.
At the clinic, Ty caged the pup in an isolation room then looked at mama coyote's wounds. "She's really lost a lot of blood." He called Scott, rousing him from sleep, telling him the situation.
"What did he say?"
"To give her short-acting anesthesia by injection, put her on oxygen, start an IV drip for meds and fluids, clean and stitch her up." Ty arranged his supplies.
"Amy, could you assist?" She nodded. They both washed their hands, put on surgical gloves, unrestrained the coyote. "Okay mama. I am going to give you some anesthesia to block the pain. This will sting a bit." He pinched a small handful of fur, skin and muscle on the back of her neck, inserted the needle, pushed the anesthesia in. The dog already limp, almost immediately closed her eyes.
"Amy, hand me the clippers. We need to shave the fur on her forearm to reduce the chance of infection at the IV spot...Good. Okay, now cleanse the shaved area well with those swabs...okay good." Ty placed the IV, taped it in place, then connected it to the IV tubing and bag.
"Okay Amy. Let's put the oxygen mask near her nose...Good. Now, let's clean these wounds on her face and stitch them up." He started with the wound on her neck. "Look here. This one is really deep and nasty."
"Ty. You are incredible. Where did you learn all this?"
"Watching Scott, reading. And believe it or not, watching YouTube." He laughed.
Scott walked in as Ty was stitching the last wound, checking his work. "Nice job."
Ty grinned. "Thanks. Amy helped." She rolled her eyes.
"Hardly. It was all Ty." She beamed at him.
Scott nodded. "Get her in an isolation cage as soon as you can. Then find a wildlife clinic. We can't keep them here." Scott patted Ty on the shoulder. "Really good job, Ty."
Soon after they arrived back at Heartland, Matt pull his truck next to them. "Hey. Amy, Ty."
"Hey" Ty returned. They walked to the barn together.
"Hey Matt...remember that coyote we saw?You'll never guess. Ty just performed surgery on her. We found her and her pup while we were riding. Guess a rooster attacked her, blood was everywhere." Amy was excited, proud.
"Really? That's pretty cool. Is she okay?"
"Yes, We think so. Scott Cardinal thought so."
Ty just smiled, shrugged it off. "Hey. I got to get ready for school. Matt, I'll see you this afternoon?"
"Yep."
"Ty, get your stuff together. We can walk to the ranch together." Amy suggested, he nodded.
"Matt, trail and barn horses. I'll do mama and baby. We're getting a new horse, Bess, today. She's barn sour. Star and Silk's owner is coming too. It's all on the board." Ty descended the steps, a backpack and picnic basket in each hand. "Matt, I'll see you in an hour." Amy said.
Walking to the ranch house, Amy gushed, "Ty. That was amazing. You were amazing. You are going to be such a great Vet." She stopped him and gave him a hug.
"You know. Working on a wild animal was really cool. I want to do that again."
"You should. Does UCVM have classes in wildlife medicine? You should look into it."
"I will. Now that we have scholarships, we can take whatever we want."
In great detail and enthusiasm, Amy related the story of the coyote, the pup and Ty to Jack and Lou. "Well, Ty, sounds like you saved that coyote's life, probably her pup too. Good work."
As usual, Ty had trouble accepting a compliment, so he hung his head, looked uncomfortable.
"After she heals? Then what?" Jack quizzed him.
"I need to find wildlife preserve to take them. They won't be brought back here."
"That's what I wanted to hear." Jack smiled. "Got to get moving. I'll see you all later." With that, everyone headed in a different direction.
The long drive to Calgary seemed short. Ty was still riding on a high from the last twelve hours, the coyote, iPad and scholarship. So, he sang, off key, at the top of his lungs the entire trip to school.
Arriving early on campus, Ty made a beeline to his counselor's office, despite not having an appointment. Luck would have it, Dr. Wallace was in and available. After shaking hands, Ty feeling a bit cocky about the scholarship, started. "Last evening, Drs. Jackson and Young awarded me a full scholarship to UCVM."
"Well, congratulations. You must be very deserving. Full scholarships are very rare."
"Thank you. It came at the perfect time too. I got the bill for next semester yesterday. It's due in 5 days."
"Mr. Borden. Let me check our records." Dr Wallace asked his Canadian Id, student id, drivers license and birthdate, then entered the information.
"Hmm." The counselor frowned, shook his head. "We don't seem to have your scholarship in our computer records." He paused, sighed. "Um. Are you sure that you received a scholarship? Dr. Jackson jokes a lot."
"I sure hope they weren't joking. They announced it with Dean Singh yesterday in the Dean's Hall to at least 30 people." Ty nervously answered, starting to sweat profusely. He muttered "I really need that scholarship."
"Okay. Let me call the Dean's office." He stepped away from his desk, leaving Ty worried, alone. Twenty-five minutes later, Dr. Wallace still hadn't returned. Ty had class. So, he scribbled a note, included his cell number, and left it on Dr. Wallace's desk.
Upset, Ty hurried to his next class, arriving late, his normal seat in the second row was taken. He had to sit in the last row with the hungover students. "Dammit" he muttered.
Seated amongst the slackers, he closed his eyes, briefly, as they burned with frustration. He couldn't concentrate on the lecture material. Ty wasn't religious, but the phrase, "the good lord giveth, the good lord taketh away" kept bouncing around in his head.
His cell phone vibrated, he checked. It was Amy. "Hey there."
"Hey."
"Thinking about coyote mama and you. You're amazing." He tried to smile, but the "good lord taketh away." He took a deep breath.
"Thanks."
"((((TY)))) virtual hug." he smiled. He thought, "maybe the good lord doesn't taketh everything."
"{{{{{{AMY}}}}}} right back ya horsey girl."
Class let out a little early. As he was walking to Scrubs to meet his study group, his phone vibrated again. Not recognizing the number, he answered anyhow, "Hello?"
"Ty Borden. Robert Singh. How are you?"
Not expecting the dean, he stuttered. "Ah, dean, ah. I am fine. Ah. You?"
"Fine. Thanks. Look Dr. Wallace contacted me. Your records haven't been updated with the scholarship information yet. Not to worry. Just pay your tuition, we'll reimburse you later."
"Ah, um. Well umm. I can't Dean Singh. I don't have all the money yet."
"I see."
"I'm real close, maybe I could get an extension?" Ty desperate for a solution.
"Hmm. These things do take time." Dr. Singh grunted. "Let me see what I can do. Can't promise anything." He paused again. "Stop by Dr. Wallace's office the latter part of next week." He paused once again. "You have my private cell now. If it isn't fixed by then, call me."
"Okay. And thank you very much. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"You are welcome. Bye." He hung up.
At their usual table, Steve was sitting alone, concentrating on his laptop. "Hey Steve. How's it going?" Steve looked up.
"Hey Ty. So the reception was wild, huh? Full scholarship. Man, you are one lucky dude." Steve rambled on with excitement for his friend.
"Yeah. Pretty crazy." Ty responded, not feeling particularly lucky.
"Well, I am glad for you."
"Thanks. I hope it works out." His forehead creasing into worry lines. Shaking his head to dispel negative thoughts, he changed the subject. "Hey. Do you know, does UCVM has any wildlife classes?"
"Not sure. Why?" Ty proceeded to tell him about the coyote. "Wow. What a morning!"
"So wildlife classes?"
"Check course listings, or your counselor." He thought for a minute. "What about UCVM student clubs? Or outside groups like the Canadian Wildlife Federation or Vets Without Borders? Think the student union has listings."
"Thanks man."
Looking at his watch, Steve urged. "Hey. We best be moving or we'll be late for anatomy." They headed off to class. "Surprised that Anne isn't tailing you." Ty just shrugged.
Morning for Amy and Matt was non-stop. Morning chores, receiving the barn sour Bess, Dexter, working with mama and baby. "Are you ever going to name those two?" Matt asked.
"Grace Kelly for mama. She is beautiful but reserved. Dancer for baby. She is always doing some fancy footwork. What do you think?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Good with me." He didn't really care, just didn't want the mama and baby names to stick. "What's the plan for them?"
"Good question. They need to out of quarantine with a clean bill of health first. Grace needs to be saddled and ridden. Then, we can post on our website. I'd love for them stay together. Maybe to a good family."
"Yeah. What about Star and Silk?"
"Valerie will be here today. We'll make a plan then." She paused. "What about Rebecca?"
He sighed, showed his discomfort with the question. "She talks about them constantly. She thinks dad will buy them for her."
"But?"
Lowering his eyes, quietly said, "We can't afford them. Not since the divorce."
"Oh. Poor Rebecca." Her voice reflecting her sinking heart. She shook her head, "I know she loves them. Maybe we can figure out something. Do you have a barn?"
"No, we have always just stabled them somewhere."
Frowning, she nodded, then began walk away. "Hey Matt. Let's talk in the office."
"Sure boss." She walked in, taking a seat behind the desk, he took the one opposite her. "What's up?"
"It's been a good week at Heartland with you as our ranch hand. You get here on time, you do good work, and you are good with horses."
"Glad to hear."
"I'd like to offer you the job." She smiled, and let it sink in. "So starting, 15 per hour, 2 weeks paid vacation. It's around 31 thousand per year. I know it's only minimum wage. But, we will reassess that every year." She paused again, trying to gage his interest. "So, interested?"
"Yes! Thank you. I like it here. Plus, full-time at minimum beats part-time at sixteen."
"Great. One more thing." She opened the middle drawer of the desk, pulled out an envelope and handed it to him. "Here. Open it."
"What's this?" He opened it, found a 600 dollar check. "Um. Is this payment for this week? You said it was a tryout."
"I always intended to pay you. But wanted to gage your interest first, regardless of pay." She stood up, held out her hand. Standing, he enthusiastically shook her hand. "Welcome aboard." She smiled, he grinned.
"Thank you! You made my day!" He paused, looked at his phone. "Hey, got to go. Have a date with Jack and a bunch of cattle.
Cattle penned, Jack, Caleb, and Matt met with Scott and Ty to go over the plan. "Jack, you, Caleb and Matt, separate the cattle, bulls and steers over there." He pointed to one pen. "Cows and heifers over here." Scott directed. "Ty, you are on pregnancy testing, okay?"
"Yep."
"And, you have the non-live vaccine? Tags too?" Ty nodded.
"Good. Caleb, when Ty finds a non-pregnant, non-nursing female, drive her to that third pen. Jack and I will double check and vaccinate."
"Okay."
"Matt, you're with Ty. Document the record, push cattle to Caleb, hold animal for tag and non-live vaccine."
"Okay."
"Jack, you are with me. Guys, this should go fast, or at least faster, with all of us. Let's get to it." Each headed to their assigned position.
Ty and Matt got into a groove quickly, working side-by-side, quietly except when Caleb rode up to fetch and escort an animal.
After some time passed, Matt spoke. "Ty. Um. Just wanted you to know that I accepted the ranch hand job. Wanted to make sure you are okay with that."
"Amy told me that she planned to offer you the job." He paused. "But, you know. That's between you and Amy. It's really none of my business."
"Yea. I know." He paused to consider his words. "It's just you've been at Heartland for awhile. You must have done something right for Amy to keep you around."
He nodded, smiled. "Matt. For what's its worth. I think Amy made a good decision to hire you. Just don't mess up."
"I won't."
A few minutes passed, he softened, "Hey Matt. Congratulations, man. Welcome to the Heartland family." Ty removed the shoulder length polyethylene glove covered with fecal matter, then reached his hand out. Matt grimaced, but shook Ty's hand anyhow.
"Thanks man. That means a lot coming from you."
Just then Caleb rode up on Shorty. "Hey guys. Ready for my stud party tonight?"
Ty rolled his eyes. "If we ever get done, I'm going need a beer, or three." Ty laughed. "So, yeah."
"Matt?"
"Yeah. I'm with Ty. I am going need a brewski."
"Brewski. Ha. Whiskey is more like it. We are going to cut loose! This is my last night of freedom!" Caleb let out holler, a cross somewhere between whoop and a squeal. "Hey. We're all gonna bunk at the trailer tonight so the party can go on." then he rode off with his unencumbered heifer.
"He's a bit crazy." observed Matt.
"Yes. Yes he is." Ty laughed.
"This party tonight may end up being wild. No wonder Amy is worried about getting arrested.
"Okay, seriously now. Amy will kill us if we get arrested. You've got to be the adult tonight."
"Really? Me? I'm barely nineteen. I've got to take care of you? The 35 year old man?!"
"Funny. Not. I am only 21. Hey. Remember, I have an IN with your new boss. Don't let me down!" He was laughing, as plunged his arm into the rectum of yet another cow.
Meanwhile, Amy has just put Star and Silk into the round pen when a silver minivan pulled through the Heartland gate, stopping at the barn. Valerie got out of the driver's side, waved to Amy, "Hey Amy. Give us a moment.", and ambled around to the passenger side. After several minutes, she pushed a somber, young woman in a wheelchair toward Amy. "Hi Amy. This is my sister Stephanie Harris. Steph, this is Amy Fleming."
"Please to meet you, Stephanie."
Stephanie didn't respond verbally, she just nodded. Stephanie was, maybe, in her late twenties, with black hair, hazel eyes. Amy could see that Stephanie was once very pretty, athletic, vibrant, alive. But, now she could only sense a deep sadness radiating from her, etched into her face, riddled through her body. Her prettiness was flattened, masked by a grayish parlor, a creased brow, drooping corners of her mouth, listless eyes, dull hair. Her athletic body had shriveled, wasted, her ill-fitting, drab clothes hung on her heavily. Her chest and legs were harnessed to the chair by thick straps, pulled tightly. She seemed to a person without dimension, without any spirit flowing through her.
"Valerie, Stephanie, I really glad to see both you. Has the purpose of our meeting changed?" Amy said quietly.
"No, we have to make some decisions about the horses. Stephanie needs to be involved. She agreed to come." Valerie said very business-like.
"Okay then." Before we have that discussion, Star and Silk asked me to show you something."
Without asking, Amy wheeled Stephanie right up to the pen. Upon sensing Stephanie, her smell, her presence, Star and Silk immediately stopped in their tracks. Seeing her, they ran to the fence, pushing against it, stretching their necks, noses toward her. Talking all the while, nickering, blowing, squealing. Stephanie smiled. "Well hey Star. Hey Silky. How is my favorite couple?" She put her arms through the fence rails. Each horse nudged gently a palm, tickling her with their whiskers, into a sigh, then a small giggle.
"Oh. I missed you two so much." She paused, a little choked up. "I am so sorry that I left you." Then Stephanie started to cry, a tear rolled down her cheek. "You must hate me." The horses sensing her heartache began to nuzzle her hair, her neck, her face, comforting her. She broke down, sobbed uncontrollably. The horses reacted, they pushed to be closer, to kiss her tears.
Valerie seeing her sister so distraught, walked away, opened her car door and got in. She placed her head on the steering wheel and began to cry.
Stephanie did not notice. She was consumed by her equine friends, their noises, their smell, their warm, moist breath. Stroking their muzzles, she began to calm.
"Stephanie, would you like to go into the pen with them?" Amy asked gently.
Stephanie wiped the tears from her eyes and face. "No."
"Are you sure? I think they missed you as much as you've missed them."
She shook her head, "I can't."
"Of course, you can. They want to be close to you. These bars prohibit that. I will go in with you." She watched Stephanie closely for any sign. "Come on. Let's go in. Just for a minute." Amy urged. Stephanie relented.
Amy opened the gate, slowly wheeled Stephanie in, and closed the gate behind them. As they crossed to the middle of the pen, the horses followed closely, touching her frequently with their noses. When they stopped in the middle, Stephenie closed her eyes tight, took a deep breath and let it out loud and slow. She opened her eyes and whistled. The horses came to her immediately, standing side by side, facing her, in rapt attention. Star and Silk froze, trembling ever so slightly, anticipating her next move. Stephanie quickly raised her arms over her head. In turn, both horses reared up on the hind legs and pawed the sky. Then she quickly dropped her arms, both horses immediately bowed down before her. "Good girl and boy. You make me so proud." She softened, started chuckling lightly. Star and Silk walked to her, dropped their noses in her lap. She loved on them, rubbing their necks, whispering in they ears. She gave each a mint from her pocket.
She slowly transformed, bit by bit. First, her eyes began to shine, the corners of her mouth turned up. She smiled.
"Oh my gosh. That was amazing and so beautiful." Amy gushed.
"I loved performing with these two. They loved it too." The grayish pallor of her skin lightened, her cheeks and lips a pale pink.
"Tell me more about your performances."
"We traveled all over Canada and the states. We performed exquisite, Liberty inspired dances, to packed audiences. We wore beautiful clothing and moved to lovely music. I loved the travel and the performances but mostly I loved having a career that evolved around these two, my best, dearest, most loyal friends."
"Gosh, it sounds like a dream job. I would love in some ways to spend all my time with my horse, Spartan."
"My life was incredible, the places, crowds, and money." Her face grew sad again. "But, the accident ended all that. It ended a whole lot of things." She took a deep breath, held it for a second, then released it.
"Stephanie. It doesn't have to end. You could modify your routine to accommodate your condition."
"Nobody wants to see a cripple in a wheelchair with two horses." She groused, then laughed "That's absurd, morbid."
"It's not absurd or morbid. I bet others who have similar struggles would love to watch you perform with Star and Silk. They could dream through you, see what's possible, learn to be courageous. Like you." She focused on Stephanie to gage her reaction.
She just took it in, saying nothing.
Any changed tacks. "Show me more liberty moves."
"Okay. Do you have two horseman sticks with or without flags?"
"I have both, let me get them." As Amy headed to the barn, she noticed Valerie leaning against the pen fencing. "Valerie. Please stay with Stephanie. I will be back soon." Valerie nodded.
Returning with the sticks, Stephanie told her to hold one and give her one. Slowly, she coached Amy on cues, signals, words, then with the horseman sticks. The horses responded quickly, in unison, running the pen's edge, changing direction, spinning, laying down.
"Wow. That was incredible. I want to teach my horse, Spartan. Do you think Star or Silk can help with his training?"
"Absolutely." Stephanie said. "I started with Star then brought in Silky."
"Oh that explains why Star does things first and Silk follows."
"Yeah. She's my alpha girl." She laughed.
Amy got serious. "You know Stephanie. There is a group called Canter Project. They pair differently abled adults and children with horse to assist in their healing. I recently met the director, Julie Baker. She might have ideas on how to make this work for you and your buddies here."
Stephanie just shook for head, changed the subject. "Amy I want to thank you for everything. Today brought back so many good memories for me. A chance to see my best friends. To see where they are living. To meet who is taking care of them. My sister and I will make some decisions and call you this week." She opened her arms to Amy, who leaned down to hug her.
"Stephanie. It was my absolute pleasure and joy to meet you. I hope you will consider how to go forward with your two spectacular horses. They love you and it's clear that yo love them. Please keep in touch." She hugged her again, then she hugged Valerie.
"Thank you so much Amy. This was more than I ever expected." Valerie hugged her back, then kissed her cheek. "You really are the Miracle Girl."
"Valerie. I am getting tired. We should go." Stephanie said. "Bye Amy."
The last animal was vaccinated at half past five. "Good work men. Let's all head to the ranch house for a bite to eat and a beer. Know you young men have some celebrating to do tonight."
They loaded up their equipment, trucks and horses, and headed back. Ty, hot, sweaty and very rank, went by the loft to get clothes first before he hit the shower. Amy was in bringing in Bess for the evening.
"Hey there." Ty saw her first.
"Oh hey. Thought you'd be at KO's by now."
"Nah. Caleb thought a free dinner and beer at Heartland was a good start to his stud party." He grinned. "How was your day?"
"Good. Long. I'm beat." She wiped her hands on her jeans as she approached him. "Yours?
"Mixed."
"Oh. Sorry to hear. Tell me something good then." She smiled.
"Honestly?" She nodded. "Your text. It came at the right time."
"Hmmm. Virtual hug?" She teased.
"How about a real one instead?" He suggested.
"I smell a bit like a horse." She smirked. "Okay maybe a lot like a horse."
"I beat you. I smell like a cow's ass." He laughed.
"Oh. Wow. We are a pair. Come on." She opened her arms wide, he moved in, grabbing her by the waist. They stood together in each other's embrace.
"You feel really nice, Amy."
"Hmm. You too." She pulled away. "I'm gonna head in, get a shower before you get the chance to use all the hot water. See you there." Her eyes lingered on his, her finger tips grazed his cheek, then she turn away. He watched her walk out of the barn, her blonde hair swinging with each step.
By the time he got to the ranch, everyone had gathered around the table but Amy. "Ty, take a load off, have a beer." Jack called.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to shower first. I'm not good company right now." He paused.
"Go right ahead." Lou suggested.
As he reached for the bathroom doorknob, the door opened. Amy stood there, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around her wet body, glistening. "Oh."
His fingertips touched her wet hair. "Hi." He said quietly. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, his body temperature began to rise. "You smell nice."
Blushing, she lowered her eyes, her breath caught. She could feel his body heat radiating against her cool skin. "It's all yours." Watching her, she walked around him, went into her bedroom, closed the door.
Stripping down, he stepped into the shower under the cold spray water hoping to chill the things she did to him. He closed his eyes trying to get the image of her, her wet naked body of out his mind. Failing, he had to take matters into his own hands.
In her room, Amy stared at her naked body in the mirror. She imagined his touch, his fingertips, his hands, where they would roam. Her fingers followed her imagination.
By the time she left her room, hair dried, curled, mascaraed and lipsticked, wearing her best jeans and a tight, pink sweater that just barely covered her navel, Ty had already left with Matt and Caleb.
"Finally. I thought you fell asleep and I'd have to do the bachelorette party all by myself." Lou said. "You look great Amy. You should wear that outfit on your next date. Kinda hot."
"Like that's going happen any time soon." Disappointed she walked to the refrigerator, got the orange juice and poured herself a glass. "Where is everybody?"
"Grandpa went to bed. He was worn out. The rest of them, including Peter, went to KOs."
"Peter? Really."
"Yeah. Ty begged him to go. I told them I wasn't bailing them out of jail." Lou smirked.
"Great minds think alike. I said the same thing. Funny." She chuckled.
"Hey!! Let's get this party going!" Ashley came through the door with Soraya who carried the pizza and wine, and Mallory who carried a suitcase and two overnight bags.
"Are you moving in Mallory?" Amy asked.
"Funny. No. I am just the bellhop who gets the privilege of schlepping bridezilla's luggage." Mallory said sarcastically.
"Hey ladies. I had to bring all my beauty supplies to make you all wedding ready!" She laughed.
"Whatever?" Soraya rolled her eyes. "I am perfect the way I am." as she flipped her hair and batted her eyes!
"We are all staying here overnight, right?" Ashley asked. "Caleb can't see me the night before our wedding. We sure as heck don't need more bad luck."
"And, if you are going to wear white, you should be pure for at least 12 hours." Mallory added.
"That too." Ashley agreed.
"Yes, of course, you are all welcomed to stay here." Lou said. "Too bad I'm prego. I could use a nice glass of wine."
"Hey Lou. We can watch the others make fools of themselves after a glass or two!" Said Mallory.
"Oh yeah. I'll get the music. Do you want dance, country, blues?" Lou asked.
"Dance!" Yelled Ashley.
"I got the perfect song to start, it's an oldie but goodie by Sister Sledge, "We Are Family"."
All five got up, started dancing and singing together at the top of their lungs.
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(And) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(All) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose
We are family (Hey, y'all)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing (sing it to me)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
Living life is fun and we've just begun
To get our share of this world's delights
(High) high hopes we have for the future
And our goal's in sight
(We) no, we don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong, oh no
This is our family jewel
We are family (hey, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family (oh, I can hear you now)
Get up everybody and sing
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family (get up, get up y'all)
Get up everybody and sing
We are family (I got all my sisters with me)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing (Get up and sing it to me)
We are family
By the time the song was done, they were breathless, laughing, the party was off to a roaring start. The wine was uncorked, pizza boxes opened, gossiping started. By 10, a bottle of wine was polished off, Lou was fast asleep in her bedroom and Mallory in Marion's.
Laying in front of the fire, Ashley, Soraya, and Amy continued to talk, in somewhat hushed, slightly slurred tones, about their hopes and dreams, but mostly about men. Naturally, Ashley talked incessantly about Caleb.
"Caleb is exactly what I need. He loves me, protects me, wants only the best for he. He's been there for me through all the drama with my mom. I love him so much." Ashley gushed.
"He is very sweet. In a goofy kind of way." Soraya added. "He loves you, clearly."
"Oh my god. He is awesome in bed too." Ashley giggled. "The things he does to me." She sighed, then squealed. "He makes me moan!" She tipped back her head, finishing her wine.
"OMG Ashley. Did you just say that?" Soraya scolded.
"He does. Don't be embarrassed. It's natural."
"Yes. But we don need to know the intimated details between you and Caleb." Soraya shot back, grinning.
"Well then. Soraya. Tell us about Ben. I had a thing for him at one time." She paused. "Puppy fling, of course. What about you and Ben?"
"Oh Ben is great. He's doing well in school, and he encourages my studies. When he comes to town, he always has a special date planned." Soraya smiled. "It's very, very nice. Hmm."
"Nice. What about sex?" Ashley pointedly asked.
"Oh. We aren't." Soraya answered tactfully.
"Really? Why not?"
"Just not what I have decided to do. Ben is respectful of my decision." Soraya adamant.
"Good for you, Soraya. It shouldn't be only about sex." Amy supporting her friend. "Friendship, encouragement, respect, trust are just as important."
"Yep." Soraya agreed, taking a sip of wine. "Pretty good stuff."
"So Amy. You and Ty?"
"There is no Ty and Amy. We aren't together. We are just friends, the best of friends." She said.
"Before? No sex? Just a little bit?" Ashley pushed.
"No. I mean we kissed, a lot. You know." Amy said blushing. Feeling uncomfortable, she took a big gulp of wine.
"Come on ladies. Ben and Ty are hot. Don't you think about making love to them? Them making love to you? About touching their body? Them touching yours? The Big O? Come on." Ashley quizzed them.
Neither said anything.
"You two are not ninety. You have eyes." She huffed. "Okay. Amy. Have you ever seen Ty nude?"
She giggled. "Once. But it was mistake, I mean an accident. It was when he first got here." She giggled more she whispered. "He sleeps in the nude, sometimes."
"Oh my god. What did you see Amy?" Soraya asked.
She giggled again. "Everything! Oh my god." She put her hands over her mouth. Whispering again. "He's so...ah..um.." she took another gulp.
"Big? Sexy? Hairy? Crooked? What Amy?" Ashley was laughing. "Amy, you are not a little girl any more."
"Oh, I can't say it." She rolled her eyes. "But I think about it a lot." She buried her head, embarrassed. "Tonight even. Oh god. I can't believe I said that."
"Oh my god, Amy!" Soraya squealed. "Amy, are you lusting after Ty?"
"No. No. Hmm. Hmm." She giggled. "Maybe."
"So, Amy. Why don't you get back together with him?" Ashley asked. "Come on. You two belong together."
"I used to think that." She sighed "It's better that we are friends. I won't get hurt." She pouted.
Soraya stared at Amy. "I know I am still learning about psychology but we had a lecture this week about love and trust." Sounding very mature and scholarly.
"This ought to be good." Ashley rolled her eyes.
"Five steps to trusting again. One. Stay Present, Don't look back. Two. Forgive. Three. Don't repeat the same mistakes. Four. Know what you want. Five. Let go of fear." Soraya rattled them off, then smiled at her success.
"Those are actually pretty good." Ashley was surprised. "How did you remember those?"
"We had an exam this week, that I aced." She smiled.
"I think I haven't let go of my fear of being hurt yet." Amy said. She took another drink.
Just then Peter tiptoed in the front door. Seeing them strewn all over the floor, "Oh you ladies are still up?"
"Yeah. We were just talking about se.." Ashley started to say.
"Sections of the couch." Amy interrupted.
"Interesting conversation at 11:15. But, hey. I gotta get to bed. Good night ladies."
"Oh my gosh. 11:15? I haven't done night check. Shoot!" She jumped up and started putting her boots.
"Want me to help?" Asked Soraya.
"Nah. It shouldn't take long." As she ran out the door.
Entering the barn, Spartan snorted at Amy. "Sorry Spartan. Sorry to be so late. Ashley is getting married tomorrow. We had a bachelorette party. Danced. Ate pizza. Drank wine. Maybe too much wine." She just kept rattling. Then she hiccuped. She started giggling uncontrollably.
"Is that you Horsey Girl?" She turned around, Ty was standing there with a crooked smile, disheveled hair, shirtless. "Its pretty late to be doing night check?" He noticed her sweater, how it had inched above her belly button, showing her taunt stomach. He smile in appreciation.
She started giggling again. "You are not in jail. You are not wearing a shirt." She hiccuped again, stumbled a bit.
He laughed. "Whoa. Had fun at the bachelorette party, I see. Wonder who's gonna have the hangover?"
"Haha. Not me." She smiled, but then squinted her eyes briefly. "Oh, maybe." She paused. "Whoa. Um. Where's your shirt? Not that you need a shirt. You should go without a shirt more often. I mean, I like you in shirts. Without. Oh, you know what I mean. Right?"
He just looked at her and laughed. "Amy. Are you okay? Let's get you into bed."
"No. I gotta do night check."
"I'll do it, don't worry."
"Lou says I'm lucky. Grandpa says I'm burning you at both ends."
Ty shook his head. "Amy. You aren't making sense."
Amy looked at him. "Ashley says we should have sex. Want to?" She giggled.
"Come here." He opened his arms and folded her in. "Oh Amy. More than anything I want to. You have no idea. But tonight isn't the night."
"You don't want me?" Her bottom lip stuck out, quivered a bit.
"Oh Amy. I do want you. But, I want you for my entire life. Not just for one night." He wiggled her bottom lip with his finger making her giggle.
"Promise?"
"Yes. Promise. Let's get you to bed." As they started walking towards the ranch, she stopped, retched. He held her hair back as she vomited two pieces of pizza dyed purple by 3 glasses of wine onto the side of the barn. "It's okay Amy."