On the drive back to Heartland, Ty looked at Amy behind the wheel. She was concentrating, he could almost see the wheels turning in her head.
"So. What's your plan?" He asked.
"Who says I have a plan?"
"Of course, you have a plan!"
She smiled at him. "Okay I do."
"Well. Let's hear it."
She inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "It's really time for me to be an adult. I am 22 after all." She said with conviction.
"You are old, in other words." He deadpanned, then smirked as he ruffled Ruth's ears.
She cut her eyes at him, shook her head. "Ha Ha." She said, not laughing.
"Sorry. Go ahead."
"Okay. So. All my life, someone has looked after me. Mom, grandpa, Lou. Dad, in his own way." She hesitated, wrinkled her nose, then sighed. "Even Ahmed and Adela, I suppose."
"And, look where that got you." He muttered under his breath, frowning.
"My point exactly." Agreeing with him.
"Which is?"
"Its just that, I don't take any responsibility for myself. I mean, I have never had to worry about the roof over my head, food in my stomach, clean clothes on my body. I just work with horses. That's it. I delegated those other responsibilities." She said seriously.
"Amy. You didn't delegate anything to anybody. You are a part of the family. You work hard. You contribute. You earn your keep." He countered.
She conceded. "Okay. I do work hard. But. We all do." She shrugged. "Earn my keep? Bet Lou doesn't think so."
He ignored her last comment. "So...what's your plan?"
She gripped the steering wheel to brace herself against his reaction. "So...I'm..I accepted the position at the Polo Club."
"What?" He blurted out, somehow not expecting her answer. He recovered slightly. "I mean..Wow!"
With a quick side glance, she continued. "I start Thursday. I am moving tomorrow morning. Nick is coming to get Parsnip and Midnight. Spartan and I will follow them in the trailer." She said with determination, her eyes steeled on the road, her chin thrust forward.
"Boy. You didn't waste any time in there, did you?" He said blinking, trying to absorb her words.
"Yeah. Well. No time like the present as they say. Whoever they are..." she chuckled, then explained, rationalized. "Plus. I already have a training session with Cassidy tomorrow afternoon. So..."
"I see." He said quietly.
"Hey. You can have the loft until you move to your new apartment." She offered.
He pursed his lips, shook his head, No.
"Why not? The trailer doesn't have water or electricity so..." She added.
"This isn't about me, Amy." He groused.
"But, no reason not to stay in the loft." She retorted.
He tried another tact. "So. What about Dr. Flower? Her advice?"
"Of course, she's right. I do need my family's love and support." She sighed.
"So why are you doing this..moving out?"
"Ty. I also need their respect. And, I need my independence." She countered.
"But. What about your safety? You know Ahmed is still out there...?"
"I didn't forget." She said, then reasoned. "I think I'll be safe there. There's lots more people around. They have security. Plus. The restraining order includes the club."
He looked straight ahead, said nothing.
"Ty?" She glanced at him, trying to read his expression. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged.
"Come on. We promised to be open and honest."
He turned his gaze to the passenger window.
"Ty?"
"Okay." He started, still not looking at her. "Seems like we are moving apart. Again."
"Ty. We live in different places now." She stated the obvious. "And, don't forget, you are moving away to Calgary this weekend."
"I know." He conceded quietly. "I wasn't talking about where we live. Exactly."
"Oh?" She glanced at him again.
He shifted in his seat, turned toward her. His green eyes focused beyond her, almost searching for words written somewhere in the distance. Then his eyes found hers. "Amy. We are back together again. Or at least, we're friends again. We're talking. I just want don't want to jeopardize that."
"You once told me that...we can be even more together if we're apart." She said seriously.
"Oh, so you're going to quote me now...?" He groaned.
She smirked for a second, then her expression grew serious again as she looked ahead at the road. "Look. Ty. I really need my own place. This will be good for me. And, your move will be good for you."
"What about us?"
She shook her head. "You were the one that wanted the break, Ty. Not me." Her voice quiet, sad, her dewy eyes glued to the road.
"Amy. I made a mistake. I am sorry." He pleaded.
She acknowledged him, his apology with a tight smile, nod. Then she shrugged. "I guess if we are meant to be, we will find a way to make it work." She glanced at him, caught his eye.
"Amy. You are important to me! I want to make us work."
"Well. Okay. Then."
A few miles passed, neither knowing what to say, so they said nothing, each pretending to concentrate on the view.
Finally, she broke the silence. "Ty. You are always welcome to visit me at the club." She offered.
"Really?" Not so sure.
"Yes, of course. I would like that."
"I will then." Then he tried to make a joke. "Will I have to get all spiffed up." He chuckled.
"Suit yourself...but I will still live in a barn. I won't be spiffed up."
He laughed making her smile.
She reached out her hand, touched his knee, just briefly. "Seriously. Come whenever you like." Then she grinned. "And, if you can manage to get your butt out of bed early enough, we can even have coffee." She teased him.
"I'd like that."
"Me too."
"Will you visit me in Calgary?" He asked.
"Are you inviting me?" She countered.
"Yes."
"Then I will."
"Good." He sighed. "So, you certain this is what you want to do?"
"Absolutely." She said confidently.
"Then. Amy. I support you 100 percent." He looked at her, his eyes soft, caring, locked on to hers for a split second.
"Good. Cause I need your help." She said softly.
"Sure. Anything. Do you need help moving?" He asked.
"No. I don't really have that much stuff."
"What then?"
She bit her lip. "I want to give you the copy of my journal."
"Why give it to me? I've read it." He was confused.
"Exactly."
"Huh? So why then?"
"I want you to give it to grandpa so he can read it."
"Why me? Why don't you give it to him?"
"You read it, you can tell him about how you felt when you did." She reasoned.
"Amy. No." He firmly rejected her request.
She begged with her eyes, her lips. "Ty. Please."
He shook his head No.
"Please. It would really help him if it came from you. I can't...you know." She whispered. "It's that picture..." she trailed off.
He tilted his head back against the headrest, raked his fingers through his hair.
"Please." Pleading, barely audible.
He sighed heavily. Their eyes locked briefly. "Okay." He whispered back. "Fine."
"Thank you." Her smile telegraphed her gratitude beyond words.
As the truck traveled the last few miles to Hudson and Heartland, the radio sang old time country music that they did not hear. Both lost in their thoughts, they occasionally glanced at the other but not in unison. She pulled the truck up to the barn, put it in park, cut the engine. She didn't make any move to open her door and get out.
"Everything okay?" He asked, unbuckling his seatbelt, turning toward her.
Draping her hands and forearms around the steering wheel, she leaned forward, rested her forehead on the wheel.
"Amy?" His voice full of concern.
"I hope I am doing the right thing." She second-guessed herself.
"You are. This will be good for you." His left hand, reached out, gently touching her back.
"I know." She replied.
"And good for us. We'll make it work."
She nodded.
"So what is it?"
"Grandpa mostly. But everyone. I guess." She paused. "I don't want to upset them. Or disappoint them."
"Amy. They really do want what is best for you. They love you. Just tell them."
She nodded. "Will you go first with your news?"
"Sure. If that's what you want. I will."
"I do. Thanks."
"Come on. I have some chores to do before dinner. And Spartan and Ruth probably need some time with you."
She smiled as she took the black and white puppy from his arms, drew her to her lips, kissed her forehead, her nose. Together, they exited the truck, then disappeared into the barn.
An hour or so later, they walked, sided by side, almost touching, towards the ranch house.
"Ready?" He asked.
"Yeah, think so." She inhaled, exhaled deeply, heavily. "I'm a little nervous."
"You'll be fine. I got your back. Okay?"
She nodded as she opened the front door.
"Hey." She called out tentatively as she entered the house, Ty just steps behind, the screen door creaked closed behind them.
"Well, hey Amy!" Lisa called back, peeking out from the kitchen. "Oh Ty. You're here too. What a nice surprise."
"Hey Lisa." He greeted her.
"Here for dinner?" She asked hopefully as she dried her hands on a towel. "Both of you?"
"Yes. Is that okay?" Amy hesitated as she hung her hat on the hook.
Lisa tilted her head slightly, surprised by her question, replied. "Well, of course it's okay, honey. You should know that."
They shucked off their boots in the hallway, pushed them under the bench, came into the kitchen.
Amy went straight to Lisa, pulled her into a hug, whispered in her ear. "Thank you." The she kissed her cheek.
"Well my goodness. You are welcome." Lisa chuckled, startled by Amy's sudden affection. "Everything okay?"
Amy pulled back, nodded.
"Something smells good." Ty interjected, changing the subject.
"Jack put his famous beef stew in the crock this morning." Lisa said as she lifted the lid, plumes of steam infused with a rich scents rushed upward fogging the kitchen window.
"Yum. Its been forever."
"Maybe for you. It's only been a few days since his last batch." Lisa smirked, the corners of her eyes crinkled.
Ty admitted. "I'm starving."
"Ahhh. The truth comes out." Lisa teased him.
She tasted the stew, then pursed her lips. "What do you think Amy? More salt?" She offered her a spoonful.
Amy put her lips to the steaming sample. "Hot!" She said, pulled back immediately.
"Yeah. Give it a few seconds." Lisa advised.
She blew on it, tried again. "Tastes pretty good to me."
"Ty? Wanna taste?" She offered a spoonful to him as Amy took a seat at the kitchen table.
"Good." He remarked licking his lips. "But. You know. Jack's just gonna add more salt so.."
"Yeah. Probably." She took another taste. "He sure does love his salt.."
"Despite having high blood pressure." Amy quipped.
"Same goes for his gallons of caffeinated coffee." Lisa added.
"How's he doing by the way?" Amy asked.
"Actually. He's good."
She closed the crock lid, then settled into a chair next to Amy. "Except he worries about you, dear. Me too."
"You don't need to worry. I'm good." She said.
Lisa put her hand on top of Amy's. "I know Ahmed, this whole thing..." she waved her hand around, implying Ty without saying it.."has been tough on you. But, please know we are here for you. Always."
She leaned over, hugged Lisa's neck, cheek to cheek. "You have no idea how much that means to me." Amy whispered as she blinked away the threat of hot tears.
Lisa murmured back. "Anything you need, just ask. Okay sweetie?"
Unable to speak, Amy just nodded, squeezed her tighter, before releasing her embrace.
"Um. Who else is coming for dinner?" Ty asked. "You know, so I can set the table?"
"Well, thank you Ty. The usual suspects, I suppose." Lisa said, eyeing them both. "Not sure about Tim. So, might as well set it for eight."
Ty nodded, headed to the dining room with a stack of plates.
"Everything okay between you too?" Lisa whispered.
"It's some better." Amy whispered back, then volunteered aloud. "How about I make a salad?"
"Sure. That sounds great." Lisa said, her brows raised.
Amy opened the refrigerator, pulled lettuce, tomato, cucumber and purple onion out of the refrigerator. Hands full, she shoved the door shut with her foot. Crossing the room to the sink, she stood silently as she washed and inspected the vegetables.
"Mmmm. Don't buttermilk biscuits sound good?" Lisa said, not really expecting an answer. "And. I think we have all the ingredients."
"Sounds good to me." Ty called from other room. "Need help?"
"Well. Sure." Lisa squinted at the recipe. "Let's see. Flour, baking powder, baking soda, butter, buttermilk." She paused, then laugh. "Oh, and salt!"
"Of course!"
While Lisa mixed the dry ingredients together, Ty cut the cold butter into tiny chunks.
"Now, the fun part." Lisa added the butter, then proceeded to blend it into the dry mix with her fingers.
"How much buttermilk?" Ty asked.
"Two cups." He measured the milk, then added it to the mixture.
"Hey, will you turn the oven to 450 degrees?" After turning it on, he took a seat next to her. In silence, he watched her roll out the dough, then use a floured glass to cutout the biscuits.
Promptly at 5:55 pm, Jack strode in the front door just as Lisa put the biscuits in the oven. "Hey!" He hollered out as his removed his boots, hat, shoved them aside. He headed straight for the kitchen.
"Well. I'll be." Surprised but pleased to see them both. "Amy. Ty. Joining us for dinner?"
"Hi Grandpa." She kissed his cheek. "Yes we are."
"Jack." Ty reached his hand out. "How are you?"
Jack grasped Ty's hand for a firm handshake, pulling him closer. "Good! Very good now." He patted Ty's arm.
With a grin on his face, he made a beeline for Lisa. "Lis. You are a sight for sore eyes." He grabbed her around her waist and pulled her close for a kiss.
"Mmm. You are in a good mood." She purred, then tried to playfully push him away.
Undeterred, Jack held her tighter, moved her hair, and whispered, "Love is in the air." His warm breath tickled her ear, she giggled, pulled away, eyes flirting with his.
"Seems like it. Now. Go wash up. Dinner is almost ready." Lisa laughed. Jack smiled at her as he reluctantly turned away, headed for the bathroom.
Lou, Georgie and Katie barreled into the house all talking loudly at once. Lou stopped in her tracks. "Ty. Amy. You are here."
"Hey Lou." Amy greeted her sister.
"Amy!" Katie and Georgie ran to her, both hugging her around the waist, making her laugh with delight.
Lou cocked her head, raised her eyebrows, smiled like a Cheshire Cat. "Do you two have some news for us?
"Well. As a matter.." Ty said
Before he could finish his answer, Lisa called out. "Everybody wash up. Dinner is on the table."
Settled into their seats, Jack was at the head of the table, Lisa to his left, Amy his right. Ty sat between Amy and Georgie while Lou sat across from him between Lisa and Katie. Tim's assumed seat at the other end was empty.
Jack cleared his throat, smoothed his mustache, then raised his glass. "I'd like to propose a toast." He could hardly contain his happiness as he looked around.
"Shouldn't we wait for dad?" Lou interrupted.
"He knows what time we eat here." Jack groused. "Let's get started."
Everyone raised their glasses as he continued. "Here's to each and every one of you around this table. It's good to have the family together again." He looked directly at Amy making her smile, blush slightly.
"Cheers!" They toasted in relative sync, their glasses clinking repeatedly.
Conversation quieted to murmurs as food was passed, from hand to hand, around the table, each filling their plate with food. Before taking his first bite, Jack salted his food liberally. Lisa, Amy and Ty watched him intently, while exchanging knowing "I told you so" looks.
"What?" Jack asked
"Nothing..just happy to be together." Lisa responded.
"These biscuits are so good, Lisa." Katie mumbled, mouth full.
"Why thank you, Katie. Ty and I made them from scratch." Lisa offered.
"Well, I'll be." Jack nodded toward Lisa, then Ty, took a bite of his biscuit, slathered in butter and honey. "I'm with Katie. These are excellent."
Lisa winked at Ty.
"Amy. Ty. Do you have something to tell us?" Lou leaned forward, with anticipation, grinning at her sister.
"Um. I do have some news." Amy said surprising Ty.
"I knew it." Lou declared smugly, settled back into her chair.
"Well, tell us." Jack implored.
"Well. I worked out a deal with the Calgary Polo Club and the Anderson's." She leaned forward, looked around Ty, directly at Georgie, then continued. "If you are still game, Georgie, I can train you and Phoenix on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at the club with Cassidy and Sally Ride."
"Really?" Georgie's brown eyes grew wide, her grin wider as Lou's grin faded.
Amy nodded quickly, her grin matching Georgie's.
Georgie squealed, jumped up, wrapped her arms around Amy from behind. "Thank you, thank you!" She kissed the top of Amy's head.
"Well. Amy. That is good news." Jack said, poised to take another bite of biscuit, this time drenched in with stew juices.
"But. You will have to get your mom's permission first, obviously. And. There's a matter of getting you and Phoenix to the club." Amy looked over her shoulder at her niece, then across the table at Lou.
"Mom!!! Please, pretty please." Georgie begged Lou as she ran around the table to hug her mother.
"Wow. That is quite an offer. Thank you Amy." Lou said, in a measured tone, clearly disappointed.
"I know the club's not convenient and Georgie will train have to train with Cassidy..." Amy trailed off. "But, I think it will be beneficial to Georgie and Phoenix to train with Cassidy and Sally Ride. Plus, the club has an indoor arena with regulation jumps. Something Heartland doesn't have access to any more."
"Oh mom. Please. This will be perfect." Georgie said, her arms still wrapped around her mother.
"I will need to consider it first. That's a lot of transporting back and forth." Lou had a thin, forced smile on her lips.
"I'm happy to help with transportation." Lisa offered immediately. "I absolutely love to watch polo."
"I can help too." Jack offered.
"Well, that's definitely helpful. Thank you." Lou frowned. "But, there's still the matter of money. It's likely, gonna cost me a pretty penny."
"Actually. I am not going to charge you at all for my time. And the club has agreed to waive all guest fees for Georgie."
"Well. That is very generous." Her eyes narrowed, trying to understand Amy's sudden change of heart.
"Oh my gosh!" Georgie said excitedly. "Mom. Can I go call Cassidy? Please?"
"Georgie. I haven't decided yet." She warned. "Plus, You have to finish your dinner first." Lou retorted. Georgie quickly took her seat and began to shovel huge spoonfuls of stew into her mouth, causing laughter to rise around the table.
Lou shook her head, tried hide her amusement, then said in her best mom voice. "Georgie, please don't eat so fast. You're likely to upset your stomach, or worse."
"Okay." She said between bites, not slowing down.
"So. Amy. Why did you change your mind? How did you work this out?" Lou narrowed her eyes at her sister.
"I took your request about training Georgie to heart and gave it a lot of thought. I wanted to make it work for Georgie. And you." Amy replied, without much detail. "So I accepted some additional work at the club."
"What will you be doing, Amy?" Lisa asked.
"Actually. I accepted their full time trainer position. So I will be teaching several classes, training horses, rehabbing injured polo ponies."
"Ponies?" Katie exclaimed. "Can we go watch some time?"
"Of course. I would love that, Katie." Amy leaned toward her niece.
"Yea!"
"What about your work with Nick?" Lisa asked.
"We will still work together. I am still rehabbing Midnight and soars up."
"Wait. Did you say full time? Why didn't you tell us? Who is going take care of the horses here?" Lou fired her questions in rapid succession.
"I will." Ty spoke up, then added. "For the time being."
"Yes. Lou. The job is full time. And, I just decided today. Actually less than three hours ago." She explained calmly. "And, I am taking Parsnip, Midnight and Spartan with me. So, there will be less three less horses."
"What do you mean, with you?" Lou continued to pump her for answers.
"The job comes with a studio apartment. I am moving in tomorrow."
"Amy. How can you do this to us?" Lou demanded.
"I am not doing anything to you. I am trying to make things easier. I needed to rebuild my business and make some money. Georgie wanted jump lessons. And the club needed a full time instructor. It just fell together and made sense." She laid out her thinking without emotion.
"Well. Amy. Congratulations on your new job." Jack offered, withholding any judgement, a smile painted on his lips.
"Thanks grandpa." She smiled earnestly. "That means a lot to me."
"Amy. But, what about your share of expenses?" Lou continued to pepper Amy with her inquisition.
"Lou. We will manage." Jack warned, then added. "Amy. Promise me that you won't be a stranger around here."
"I promise Grandpa."
"But.." Lou proceeded.
"Enough Lou." Jack cut her off. "Well, then it's settled." He said firmly.
"Congratulations on your new job, Amy." Georgie said, then asked. "I'm done. Mom. Can I be excused?"
"Me too." Katie mimicked.
"Fine. Take your dishes into the kitchen." Lou acquiesced.
"More wine anyone?" Lisa asked. Jack nodded, so she poured the deep colored cabernet into his empty glass, then topped off her own.
"I need another glass myself." Lou added, pouring herself a full glass, emptying the bottle of its last drops, then taking a long sip. The remaining adults ate and drank without conversation for several minutes, their eyes focused on their own plate, their own thoughts.
Ty broke the silence. "I have an announcement to make too."
"Well let's hear it." Jack said, trying to be enthusiastic.
"I got a vet tech job with the clinic at school. I start this weekend."
"Well, that is very good. Ty." His voice swelling with pride.
Together Lisa and Lou congratulated him.
"But. What about the horses?" Lou remembered.
"I already talked to Caleb. Jack. He's willing to take my place if you want him."
"Fine with me." Jack continued. "Proud of you, son. I knew you could do it."
"Actually Amy got me the job." He smiled directly at Amy, their eyes meeting.
Jack smiled as he observed them. His hand slipped into Lisa's knee, giving her a squeeze.
"Really? How did Amy do that?" Lou was skeptical.
"She wowed my professor today. She spoke to our Large Animal class about a horse she trained in Europe. Winter's Snow. After that, he offered me the job." Ty grinned as he responded. His hand slipped onto Amy's thigh, his thumb began to slowly trace a circle.
"You don't say. Well, that is wonderful. Both of you." Jack remarked, obviously happy.
"You never mentioned Winter's Snow, Amy." Lisa observed. "Tell us about him."
"Snow is actually a six year old mare, a beautiful dapple ombré gray, Holsteiner warmblood..." Amy spent the next 30 minutes excitedly talking about Snow, answering their questions, amusing them with Drift and Snow's antics. Even Georgie and Katie returned to hear her retell the story.
"Wow Amy. That is an incredible story. You should be really proud of yourself." Lou was enthusiastic, swayed by her sister's work. "I had no idea that you did that sort of thing over there. I am impressed."
"Thanks Lou. That really means a lot coming from you."
"Maybe we should blog about it?" Lou pondered.
Amy just shook her head No and laughed.
"She has several great stories that you'll want to hear." Ty added.
"Tell us another." Georgie urged.
Amy thought for a second. "Okay. Do you all remember Renard Perez?"
"From Dark Horse?" Jack asked.
Amy nodded.
"Dark horse? Isn't that famous touring horse show?" Lisa asked.
"That's the one. Lis, did you know that Amy auditioned for them? She even got an offer to join them." Lou crowed. "She was spectacular, so mesmerizing."
"I had no idea." Lisa sat back in her chair, blown away.
"Well. That audition was long ago." She said humbly, then continued with her story. "Anyhow, Renard and I have stayed in touch since then. And, we saw each other in France, twice."
"Small World!" Lisa remarked.
Amy told the tale of Juliet, training her in Liberty work, selling her to Renard, the opening performance at the World Games.
"Oh sweetie! That is just amazing. You are just amazing!" Lisa remarked.
"Amy. Your mom would be so proud of you." Jack's eyes sparkling.
Amy beamed.
"Have you considered writing a book?" Lisa suggested.
Ty and Amy looked at each other, chuckled awkwardly.
He began to speak, "Actually.."
Amy cut in. "Actually, it's really late and I am exhausted. Today has been a really long day and tomorrow will be even longer." She suggested. "Let's do the dishes."
"I'll help." Ty offered.
"Never mind those. You two have night check." Jack reminded them.
Secretly relived, Amy and Ty thanked everyone for dinner and bid their good nights.
As they were headed to the door, Lou approached Amy, took her aside. "Amy. I am so sorry. I have been a horrible sister of late. I have been so stressed out by work, Peter, the girls. And I took it out on you. That was so wrong of me." She explained.
"It's okay." Amy said gracefully.
"No. It isn't. I have been the evil sister incarnate. I am so sorry. Forgive me?" Lou had a pained, sorrowful expression on her face. "Please?"
"Of course. You are forgiven." Amy smiled. "I love you Lou."
"I love you too Amy." Lou whispered as her arms encircled her sister, Amy's arms slipped around Lou's waist. They swayed together, laced in each other's arms. Forehead to forehead.
"Plus, are my favorite sister." Amy grinned.
"And, your only." Lou laughed. "And, you are mine."
Walking back to the barn, side by side, relieved, and more than pleased, Amy and Ty talked about the evening.
"Well. That went way better than I expected."
"No kidding." He stopped, turned to look at her, the evening moonlight dancing in her eyes. "I am so proud of you Amy." He purred.
"Thanks. I am proud of you too." She cooed back.
"Night check?" He asked.
A devilish expression spread across her face, she challenged him. "Race you!"
She took off running with him close behind, both laughing.
--
Hello lovely readers! Happy Juneteenth, Happy Friday. Hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. As always, drop a line, let me know what you think.
Small World is next.
Cheers.
SBR