Her eyelids fluttered, slowly emerging from sleep and it's darkness, well before her alarm sounded. Like a soft winter muff, Mouse was curled around the crook of her neck, caressing, warming her. As Amy stirred, shifted, the kitten started to purr, vibrating soft and low, lulling her back into a deep sleep, a rhythmic breathing.
Not far away, a family of Canadian geese swam just beyond the marshy edge of a shallow pond. Diving black head first into the murky water again and again, the large gray geese plucked, pulled and ate the tender green shoots growing on the water's bottom. Without warning, the matriarch flapped her massive wings, churned the water with her black webbed feet, before taking flight. Her life long mate followed closely. One goose after another followed suit, taking to the air as a flock, assembling, forming and reforming the V, two separate lines behind the leader, practicing for their annual flight south. As the skein flew low across the polo grounds, their honking, squawking grew louder, waking Amy. For good this time.
Not yet 5:00am, Amy flicked on the coffee marker, dressed, then fed her babies. Tucking them into her makeshift papoose, she poured coffee into an insulated mug with a lid then headed down to the barn.
She found him in the feed room sweeping the floor. "Hey Brian."
He turned from his tasks, stared at her. "I didn't expect to see you this early." He remarked, then frowned.
"I was excited to use my new gloves." She said smiling. "Coffee?" She held out the thermos to him.
"For me?"
"Horses don't drink coffee, do they?" After a second, she quipped. "At least mine don't."
"Guess not." He accepted the mug, opened the top, took a huge gulp. "Ahh... Thanks."
"No problem."
Taking another swig, he pointed at her. "I see you brought your friends again." He seemed annoyed.
"Yeah. Figured they can play in the feed room, while I do morning chores. Do you mind?"
He sighed. "Do I have a choice?" He made it abundantly clear that he did mind.
He set the mug down with a thud, then started to move things away from the back wall, rearrange bins, hay bales, and feed bags.
"What are you doing?" She asked. "Need help?"
He grunted, shook his head No.
She left the room, Ruth and Mouse in tow, to start her morning chores, but mostly to get out of his way. She greeted Spartan and Harley first.
"Morning my handsome boys. How are you? Hope you are in a better mood than some others." She petted each horse, letting them greet Ruth and Mouse.
"Amy." He yelled from the feed room. He sounded impatient.
"What now?" She muttered to herself, but answered back. "Coming."
He was standing in the middle of the feed room, his face wore a mischievous look, like he knew a secret. He stepped aside, then tipped his head to the back corner of the room. There two three-string hay bales were arranged, forming a 3x4 pen complete with straw on the bottom and a small bowl of water.
"That should keep him out of my way." He said flatly.
"Oh Brian. Thank you!" Amy grinned, as she put Ruth and Mouse in the hay pen. "It's perfect!"
He just nodded.
"By the way, she's a she. The puppy that is. Her name is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And the kitten. Her name is Mouse."
Hearing her name, Mouse leapt onto bale wall, sauntered across the top, then jumped onto the feed room floor to investigate.
"Well at least Ruth can't escape, yet." She offered.
Lips pressed into a perturbed expression, he looked at his watch.
"We have work to do." Brian reminded her, then left the room pushing a feed cart.
For nearly an hour, the two worked on opposite sides of the barn aisle, each talking quietly to their horses, but not to each other. Occasionally Amy glanced at him, but he did not return her gaze. Finishing her chores just before 6, she gathered up Ruth and Mouse.
"I'll be back in a bit. Ty will be coming by at 6:30 with some herbs and things." She told him.
Brian did not look up from his work.
"You won't have to do a thing."
When he didn't respond again, she sighed heavily, then headed upstairs. Stopping at Ashland's door, she knocked twice, then twice more. Hearing nothing, she went into her own apartment and called her.
"What do you want? It's not even 6." Ashland was groggy, clearly cranky.
"Want some coffee and peanut butter toast before morning chores?" Amy answered her question with one of her own.
Ashland sighed heavily, then took her time in asking. "Can we sit on the balcony?"
"Of course."
"Fine. Give me 15 minutes."
"I'll leave my door unlocked."
Showered, dressed in her uniform, Amy was in the kitchen when Ashland opened her apartment door, dragging in.
"Good Morning!" Amy greeted her cheerfully.
"What's good about it?" She mumbled, barely audible, looking tired.
"Sleep okay?"
"No. Not long enough. Thanks to you." She complained, frowned, sleepy eyed, as she sat on a stool, put her elbows on the kitchen counter. Her head cradled in her hands.
Amy set a fresh cup of steaming coffee before her. "Here. This will help."
"Thanks." She mumbled, took a sip. "Hot."
"It's just brewed. Cream or sugar?"
Ashland nodded. Amy watched as she doctored her coffee with several teaspoons of sugar and a splash of cream. She held the cup to her lips, blowing on the coffee to release its heat. Finally she took another sip, then sighed.
"I don't know about you but I was exhausted after yesterday. So I went to bed early. Then I slept like a log." Amy offered, filling the silence in the air.
Ashland nodded, but didn't respond as she sipped on her coffee, clearly not a morning person.
When the toast popped, Amy turned her back to Ashland. As she spread peanut butter on the toast, she said. "Hope you don't mind crunchy."
In response, she grumbled something unintelligible. After a few moments, she asked. "What's this?"
Amy turned and saw the copy of her journal in her hand. She put the plate with peanut butter toast and a few apple slices down on the counter in front of her. "Oh. That just my journal. Nothing very interesting."
She read aloud from the label on the cover. "Amy Fleming's World Equestrian Games and European Tour. Copy 2." She looked up at Amy. "World Equestrian Games? Sounds pretty interesting to me."
Amy shrugged, changed the subject. "Let's go out on the balcony. Refill your coffee cup if you like. Bring your toast too. I'll get Ruth and Mouse."
Settling into the wooden rocking chairs outside, they watched quietly as the sky brighten pink as the sun was just beginning to peek across the flatness of Polo Club grounds.
"Did you go? To the World Games?" Ashland asked, then took another bite of toast.
"I did." Amy rocked in her chair, cradling her puppy to her chest for warmth while Mouse explored.
Ashland took a sip of coffee to wash down the peanut butter, then asked. "When?"
"This past summer." She responded without any detail.
"Wow. No kidding. Did you see all the events?"
"No, just the Jump competition."
"That was the best event anyhow." She leaned back, rocked back and forth in her chair. "That must have been crazy to watch it in person, huh?"
"It really was something." Amy smiled, thinking back.
"Tell me about it."
"Well. Being there, at the Games, was so much more than I could have ever imagined. There was this positive energy and excitement in the arena the entire time, from beginning to end. The opening ceremony was fantastic and so moving, especially when the riders from all over the world, walked in waving their flags, wearing their country's colors. Oh, and the horses were so beautiful, athletic, and naturally talented. The completion was thrilling, of course. And, so was the medal ceremony. The whole experience was nothing short of incredible." She gushed, fondly remembering.
"I bet."
"Did you watch too?"
"Yeah, I saw all three events online. Jumping was definitely the best. I couldn't believe it when the Saudi team beat France." She paused, frowned. "Of course, I was rooting for Canada the whole time. Wish they had done better." She scrunched her nose.
"Yeah. Me too. But, there's always another, four years from now."
"Yeah. I suppose." She drug an apple slice across the peanut butter toast, then popped it in her mouth. "So. What was Normandy like?"
"Very pretty. The green rolling hills, rich history, beautiful architecture, massive castles, walled cities. I loved it. We mostly stayed in Falsaise, about 30 minutes south of Caen, where the games were held. It was a trip of a life time."
"I've been to France too, well just to Paris. We went for my 16th birthday."
"Wow. What a wonderful birthday present."
"Yeah. My favorite was the Eiffel Tower. But, the Louvre was pretty cool too. Did you go to Paris?"
"I did. And I agree, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were pretty special. Did you see Notre Dame? That was my favorite."
"Yeah. That was my dad's favorite too."
"So just you and your dad went?" Amy asked.
"Mom too. We stayed for two weeks. We had so much fun." Ashland smiled.
"Sounds incredible."
She nodded as she took another sip from her cup. "Um. Speaking of dad. He called me last night." Ashland licked the peanut butter from her fingers.
"Oh?"
"He said you told him about yesterday."
Amy nodded. "Yes. He asked me to give him an update on how things were going." She tried to read Ashland's expression. "Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah. I guess." She shrugged. "He said I have to be an ambassador tomorrow."
"Yes. You know it's a part of our jobs." Amy said as a matter of fact.
"I know." She ate the last bite of toast, then exhaled heavily. "Well, I guess we need to do our morning chores."
"Yes. You go ahead." Amy urged, then added. "I already finished mine."
"What? You didn't wait for me?" She complained.
"Oh. Did you want to get up at 5?"
"5? No way." She whined.
Amy laughed. "Didn't think so. But, if you want to do chores together, you are welcomed to join me at 5."
"I am not going to get up at 5." She made that abundantly clear.
Amy shrugged. "Well. Okay. Suit yourself. But, know I'd love your company. Even at 5 in the morning."
"Well. You could love my company now and come down help me with my chores." Ashland gave Amy a side glance, batting her eyelashes, pouting ever so slightly.
"Does that work on your dad?" Amy chuckled.
"Most of the time." She admitted.
"Thought so." Amy continued. "As much as I'd love that, I have other plans."
"Other plans?"
"Yes. A friend is coming by for coffee, at 6:30."
"A friend, huh?" Ashland raised one eyebrow.
She shook her head, smiled. "Yes, a friend. I'll introduce you to Ty later."
"As much as I'd love that, I have other plans." She mimicked Amy, then laughed. "Kidding."
"Okay Funny Girl. Time to get moving." Amy walked her to the door. "See you in a bit."
Ashland started down the stairs, turned back then yelled. "Thanks for the coffee and toast." Then she disappeared down the stairs. Amy smiled as she shut the door.
With just a few minutes to spare before his arrival, she quickly straightened up the kitchen. In the bathroom, she brushed her hair and teeth, then put on a hint of mascara, lip gloss.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled, pleased with her reflection. She dabbed lavender perfume on her pulse points, her neck, her throat, her wrists.
"Oh what the heck!" She giggled as she dabbed a bit between her breasts.
Back in the kitchen, she pulled out her notebook, quickly wrote the day's agenda.
Friday To Do List.
Second Day of Work Calgary Polo Club
Spartan, Harley, Parsnip, Midnight, Nick's Morning Meeting, talk to Darren about Polo and Club, Cassidy/Georgie class, call Heartland, check on Mrs. Bell, *coffee with Ty*
She smiled as she asterisked coffee with Ty, then glanced at her phone, 6:30. "Perfect timing."
Sitting, waiting for his arrival, she felt oddly antsy so she paced around her apartment, straightening things that didn't need straightening.
At 6:40, she was growing impatient so she ventured outside, carrying Ruth, to get some fresh air on the balcony. Mouse joined them, weaving around her ankles until Amy put her on her lap too.
At 6:45, her phone pinged with a text.
"Hi Ames. Running late. Sorry. I should be there by 7:00."
"No problem." She texted back, though she could not help but feel let down.
Sighing, she chastised herself, muttering. "He probably won't even notice." She wiped off her lip gloss with the back of her hand, frowned.
At 7:00, she went back inside, put Ruth in her box, then sat in one of the wingback chairs in the front room scrolling through old pictures on her phone. Her mood did not brighten.
At 7:09, there was a knock at her door. When she opened it, Ty was standing there, out of breath, his face flushed, grinning with excitement.
"Hey Ames!"
"Hey." She tried her best to smile back. "Come in."
"We don't have time." He said abruptly, throwing her for a loop.
"But. What about coffee?" She whined.
"Not today Ames. We just don't have time."
She inhaled and exhaled heavily, her eyes began to sting, then water. She looked down, whispered. "Figures."
With his finger, he gently lifted her chin, trying to catch her eye. "Amy. Look. I'm sorry that I'm so late. I messed up our plans. But. I promise I will make it up to you."
She nodded, sniffled once as her breath caught.
"Come on. We still have time for a ride." He suggested. "You don't have to work until 8, right?"
She nodded again, then shrugged. "Okay. Let me turn off the coffee maker and get my jacket."
He was a few steps in front of her as they descended the steps. Down in the barn, in the middle of the aisle, Ashland and Brian stood awkwardly, side by side. She was grinning, he was not.
"Let's get the horses tacked up, Ty." Amy urged as she headed for the tack room. "We don't have much time."
He grabbed her arm, holding her back. "In a minute. First. I need to show you something."
"What now? We're late as it is." She snapped back.
"Come on Amy. Work with me." He said gently, then pleaded. "Please."
Her eyes locked on to his. She nodded.
"Close your eyes."
"Really?..."
"Please."
She sighed, did as he asked.
He stood behind her, placed his hands over her eyes.
"Hmmm. You smell nice." He whispered, his hot breath tickling her ear. She melted a bit.
He steered her a few steps forward, turned her to the left, then took her a couple more steps. As he removed his hands from her eyes, he whispered in her ear again.
"Okay. Open your eyes."
When she did, immediately her hand flew to her mouth in disbelief.
"Do you like it?" Ty grinned as he proudly surveyed their work.
Amy was speechless as she stepped forward, took it all in.
Before her, in the back corner of the feed room, was a tall old wooden table, maybe four feet long, with two top drawers and four thick legs. A old wooden stool was tucked underneath. A faded blue saddle blanket lay folded on the floor next to it. On the back of the desk was a wooden shelf, lined with bottles of oils, Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint and Thieves and other natural remedies like Honey, Devil's Claw, Yucca and Boswellia. A gray marble mortar and pestle sat next to a basket of apples and bananas and a mason jar full of Canadian mints. Hanging from the ceiling were bunches of Nettles, Dandelion, Raspberry Leaves, Fenugreek, Lavender, and Chamomile tied with burlap cord.
"Oh my gosh." She couldn't believe her eyes. "Is this for me?"
Still grinning, he replied. "Yes. Do you like it?"
"This is amazing. Thank you!" She threw her arms around his neck. "Oh Ty. I love it so much. Thank you."
His arms encircled her slender waist, pulling her closer, inhaling her. "We were hoping you would."
"We?" She pulled away from their hug, to look at him.
"Well, lots of people helped me. Mrs. Bell, of course. She gave me all the herbs, oils, the honey and stuff. Jack found the old table and stool in the Quonset Hut. Lou gave me the basket of apples and bananas and the jar of mints. She told me that the mason jar was one of your grandmother, Lyndy's. She used it for canning. Anyhow, Lisa gave me the old saddle blanket for Ruth and Mouse. I had the mortal and pestle from school."
"We helped too!" Ashland added. "I arranged the stuff on the shelf and desk. And, Brian and Ty hung the herbs from the ceiling."
"Brian and Ashland have been great. They both helped to carry everything in and get it all arranged." Ty added.
"Thank you both! But, when did you have time to do all this?"
Ty explained. "Well, Brian and I talked last night before I left for Hudson. On the drive home, I called Jack for help. He got Lou and Lisa involved. When he told me about the table, I called Brian to see if he could make it work."
"Wow! I can't believe you went to all this trouble." She looked from Ty to Brian then to Ashland. "Thank you so much."
Brian chimed in. "So, this morning when I was cleaning up, moving stuff around, you showed up. Early." He made a face. "So I had to wait until you went up stairs so I could finish." The he muttered. "I didn't think you'd ever leave."
Amy laughed. "Oh. You had me so fooled. I thought you were annoyed with me again."
Brian shook his head, then grinned as Amy hugged him.
"Thank you."
Then she looked at Ashland. "And you missy? When did you get involved?"
"I was clueless until I came down to do chores. Brian and Ty told me about all this." She waved her hand around. "It was fun putting all this together. But, I don't have a clue what you're gonna do with this stuff."
"Promise. I will teach you." Amy hugged her. "Thank you."
"Hey. Let's get a picture for Mrs. Bell. She'd love to see it." Ty suggested.
"Good idea." Amy pulled her phone out of her pocket, snapped a few pictures. "Let's get one all together." They posed for a few selfies in front of the table.
Ty looked at his watch. "Amy. It's 7:30. We're not going to get our ride in. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry. I'll exercise them later." She smiled.
Ashland jumped in. "And. Amy. I didn't get my chores done either. Sorry too."
"Understandable. You were busy!" She conceded. "But, if we hurry, there's enough time to do your chores before the meeting."
Brian cleared his throat, offered. "I can help Ashland. If you want."
Ashland's eyes widened, her head nodded quickly. "Yes!..." Then she looked to Amy.
"That's really kind of you to offer Brian but Ashland needs to take care of her own horses..." Amy started to explain.
"She'll still have to work. I'll just help." Brian reassured her.
Ty interrupted. "Amy. Let him. We can have coffee after all. I could really use a cup or ten."
"Plleeaase Amy." Ashland begged.
"Brian, are you sure?" Amy asked, starting to soften.
"Yes."
"Okay then. Thanks Brian."
"Yippie!" Ashland exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Then he couldn't resist, pointing to Ty. "Amy. Get him out of my barn. He's been moaning about coffee all morning."
Amy chucked, then turned to Ashland with a serious expression. "Ashland ." She warned her. "Do not be late for the meeting. And. Wear your uniform."
Ashland nodded.
"Well, thanks again everybody. I love my herb stand."
As Brian and Ashland headed toward her horses, she grabbed Ty's hand, ran up the stairs to her apartment.
Once inside her apartment, she made a beeline for the coffee maker. "Ty. It's still warm, but not hot. Should I make fresh or just turn on the warmer?"
"Warm is fine. Heck, I'd drink cold coffee at this point. Mrs. Bell only has tea at her house." He smirked.
She laughed and poured him a cup, which he downed immediately.
"You weren't kidding." She poured him another, which he emptied almost as quickly. "So, what time did you get up this morning?"
He looked up, pursed his lips, trying to remember. "Um. 4:30 or so."
"No wonder you need coffee."
He put his cup down on the counter. "I really need something more than coffee." He smiled a crooked smile, his eyes were shining, bumped her shoulder with his.
"Oh you do, huh?" She giggled.
"I do!" He raised his eyebrows, nodding.
She held out her hand. "A handshake?"
He took her hand, held it. "Very nice. But not what I was hoping for." He grinned, looked into her eyes.
"Oh? Hmm. A hug?" She reached her arms around his shoulders, gave him a friends hug.
"Very nice. But not what I was hoping for either."
"Hmm. Well...how about a kiss on the cheek?" She pecked his check.
"Very, Very nice." Then he said. "Just what I needed. Thank you." He didn't want to push her.
"That's it? That's all you needed?" She seemed disappointed that the game ended.
"I'm pretty happy... unless of course you are offering more." He teased.
She threw her arms around his neck, kissed him tenderly on the cheek, then whispered in his ear. "Better?" Then she kissed his neck. Just once.
Ty's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. Her feet left the floor. He whispered in her ear. "Hmm. Yes."
When he put her down, they stood close, bodies entangled, lost in the other's eyes, each afraid to speak or move. He wanted to kiss her pretty lips, but instead he touched his forehead to hers. They stood there swaying slightly in her kitchen.
"Am I forgiven for being late?" He murmured.
"Mmm." She said, looking up out of the corner of her eyes, pretending to considered it.
"Say it!"
"Yes." Before she realized it, she leaned in, kissed his lips tenderly. Almost as quickly, she stopped, pulled back. Quietly they broke apart, unsure what to do next, so they each looked away.
"Coffee?" He offered, changing the mood.
"Definitely. I haven't had my first cup yet."
She went out into the balcony, to gather, calm herself, while he poured two cups of coffee, one for each, then joined her. They rocked in tandem, sipping their coffee.
"This is nice Amy." He muttered.
"Yeah." She glanced at him. Noticing he had something green in his hair, she automatically reached up, gently pulled it out. "A leaf." She showed him.
"Thanks." He smiled his boyish smile.
She smiled back. "What are you doing today?"
"Studying mostly. On campus. I work 3 to 11 at the clinic. My first day."
"Yikes. That's a really long first day."
"Yeah. And, I'm kinda nervous. Who knows how things will go with Dr. Johnson." He frowned.
"You Will wow him. I have no doubt."
"I'm glad that you are so sure." then asked. "How about you? What's your day look like?"
"Full day ahead for me. Working with Midnight and Parsnip. Exercising the other horses. Have a training session with Georgie and Cassidy. Oh, and I have to learn all about polo and the club so I can be an informative ambassador tomorrow." She rolled her eyes.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Darren's giving us a lesson."
"The guy who afraid of mice?"
"Yep. That's him." She chuckled. "He's actually really nice. Very social. Anyhow, a full day. But nowhere near as long as yours."
He looked at his watch. "Speaking of which. We both need to get moving."
Yeah, I guess." She frowned, adding. "But this was fun."
"Yeah. We'll definitely do this again."
"Hope so."
She walked him to the door. "Ty. Thanks again. I really love my herb bench." She gave him a quick hug.
"Good. So tomorrow night, my apartment?"
"Yeah. Is 7 too late?"
"How about 8? I have to work 12-8 tomorrow." They agreed, said goodbye, then parted, Ty to his truck, Amy to her meeting.
The day flew by, as Amy and Ashland worked together, horse after horse, establishing a nice rhythm by day's end. Having good horse sensibilities and riding talent, the young woman turned out to be a quick study, much to Amy's delight. With Amy's encouragement, she relayed feedback as she watched Her supervisor work with each horse, commenting on the horse's take-off, landing or gait. She routinely added a bit of colorful sass while doing it. Sometimes making Amy laugh, sometimes wince. She even started to watch for Amy's cues, providing assistance like resetting rails, without impeding progress.
Except when it came to Onyx. Though Ashland attempted everything that Amy asked, she seemed unfocused, uncomfortable, and tense around her horse. She held the reins too tight or too loose, leaned too far forward or back in the saddle, took off too soon or too late on jumps. In general, she rode poorly, missed easy jumps. She deflected even the simplest questions about Onyx, leaving Amy wondering, with more questions.
After work, Amy rode Spartan around the grounds, mostly at a slow pace, ponying Harley. After doing her evening chores a bit early, Amy retired to her apartment, ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and two clementines. After long hot shower, she got into her pajamas then settled into a wing back chair with her animals on her lap. As she looked around new home, she spied their picture, the two of them smiling with Spartan and Harley. She pulled out her phone, texted him.
"Hey Ty! How's going?"
"Hey Ames. Busy. So much to learn. Can we talk later?"
"Sure."
She sighed heavily, not ready to call it a night. On a whim, she decided on a road trip, quickly dressed, gathered Ruth and Mouse, then headed to her truck. She waved to Officer Turner who was making his rounds in the parking lot.
When she pulled up to the house, Mrs. Bell was on the porch swing. Sugarfoot was standing by her side.
"Well hello Amy dear. What a pleasant surprise."
"Hello Mrs. Bell. Hope I am not calling too late." Amy approached the porch, her arms full of fur.
"Of course not. Come sit with me."
Amy ascended the steps. As she kissed the elderly woman's soft cheek, Mouse hopped onto her lap.
"Well hello Mouse." Mrs. Bell said as rubbed the kitten's chin.
Amy settled next to her, with Ruth on her lap. "How are you feeling today?"
"Just as right as rain and as fit as a fiddle." She chuckled to herself.
"Glad to hear it. You had worried us the other night."
"Never mind that. I want to hear all about your new adventures."
"Well, I absolutely love my new apartment. It's just the right size for me. It has a balcony on the east side overlooking the outdoor jumping ring and polo fields. It's the perfect place to watch the sunrise."
"Sounds lovely. Be sure to share it...especially with someone special.."
"Ty and I had coffee there just this morning. It was nice." She blushed, lowered her eyes ever so slightly.
"Good to hear..." she patted her thigh. "And your new job?"
"I like it." She described her new job, responsibilities, the horses, training classes, the club. She summed up. "It's really different from my Heartland work. But, it's a good change."
"Change is good." She agreed.
Amy nodded. "By the way, thank you Mrs. Bell."
"For what dear?"
"For all the herbs, honey, oils. Everything. Ty surprised me, and set up the herb bench this morning. It's wonderful."
"Ah. You are very welcomed. I am glad you will able to have a little of me and my herbs in your new place."
"Me too." She pulled out her phone, showed Mrs. Bell the pictures taken that morning. "Look? Doesn't it look so..so wonderful?"
Mrs. Bell leaned in closer to the tiny screen. "Yes. It does. Now tell me. Who are your friends?"
"That's Ashland my assistant and that's Brian the barn manager. But, we're not actually friends, just co-workers."
"Nonsense. The Italian historian Francesco Guicciardinia once said, "Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.""
"Mrs. Bell, you have the best sayings." Amy grinned.
"They are not actually mine. Mostly I steal them from others." She winked. She looked back at the picture again. "Bet that young lady could use a friend."
"Ashland? You know. When I met her, she seemed very spoiled, arrogant. Sorta mean. After spending some time with her, she's actually funny, smart, and a talented rider. But, she can be very insecure and acidic too. I am trying to figure her out."
"Be patient, listen, observe. People aren't all that different from horses, Amy."
"Hmm." She nodded in agreement.
"So how are things with Ty?"
Amy grinned, blushed. "Good. Actually. Very good. We're taking things slow.."
"Splendid. You two will figure things out. You are meant to be together."
"I hope so. You know, he started his new job today. And, he's studying a lot. His finals start Monday. So he's pretty busy..."
"He has a lot on his mind."
"Oh? Did he say something?"
"Not exactly. But he must be a jumble of emotions..pride, worry, guilt, sadness, anger. With all that happened to you on tour. Anyone who loves you would feel the same." Her voice was somber, her expression contemplative, her body seemed to curl inward.
Amy turned toward her, searched her face, guessed that she was not referring to Ty. "Mrs. Bell. You read my journal, didn't you?"
Mrs. Bell grasped Amy's hand in hers, spoke gently. "Yes. I did."
"Thank you for reading it."
"My dear. First and foremost. I am so very proud of you, your hard work, accomplishments. Everything you did on that tour."
"Thanks Mrs. Bell. That means a lot coming from you."
"More importantly, I hope that you too are proud of yourself."
"Well, I am...mostly." She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess."
Mrs. Bell squeezed her hand. "Amy. You ought to be proud of yourself. Hold your headup. You did everything right, nothing wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of...Don't that man, or anyone for that matter, define you Amy. You get to define yourself."
She listened carefully, tried to take her words in. But, still, her shoulders slumped, her body conveyed the memory of everything that had happened.
Mrs. Bell noticed. "And, that's why I am spitting mad at that so-called prince." Her demeanor changed, became a bit animated, her voice tinged with anger, surprising Amy.
"It's okay Mrs. Bell." She said calmly, not wanting to upset her.
"No it's not. Amy." Mrs. Bell squeezed her hand. "That fellow is nothing. Nothing. He needs a royal comeuppance. He needs to pay for his misdeeds. This is why it's so important to fight, to right this, so he doesn't persist with his..his terrible ways."
"I will." She whispered. "I am."
"Amy. I love you like my own. And, I will be by your side through all of this. I promise you that."
"Thank you. I love you too."
The swing's chains creaked against the ceiling hooks as they slowly swung back and forth, holding hands. Both, a bit melancholy, a bit emboldened, but fully pensive, sat close together, looking out into the distance at nothing in particular until the sun finally set.
When it was too dark to see, Mrs. Bell asked, "Why don't we go in and sample my fresh peach cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream?" Mrs Bell asked, then chuckled. "I put a little something special in the cobbler."
"Well. I can't pass that up."
After finishing their dessert, Amy washed dishes, then joined Mrs. Bell on the couch.
"Mrs. Bell that cobbler was so delicious. What's your secret?"
"The secret is ripe Redhaven peaches from BC and spiced rum." She whispered, then added, "Would you like the recipe?"
Amy chuckled. "Oh yes, I'd love the recipe."
"Good. I have something else for you." The elderly woman left the room, returned with an aged saddle brown leather pouch. She handed it to Amy. "Here."
"Oh Mrs. Bell." Amy uttered.
"Open it. Please."
Amy carefully opened the soft pouch, and pull out an old pair of scissors, six inches long, hand forged with butterfly handles.
"Those scissors belonged to my mother. She used them every day in her garden and potting shed. She had a gift with plants, herbs and remedies. I learned so much from her. I want you to have these."
"Oh Mrs. Bell. Thank you. I have never seen anything like them. The scissors are beautiful and so dainty." Amy looked at them closely.
"Don't be fooled. They are very sharp. Use them on your herbs. They will do a good job for you."
"Oh thank you. I will treasure them forever."
"And, one day, you will pass them onto your own daughter or son."
"I will." She hugged her. "Thank you."
Precisely at 9:30, Sugarfoot stomped on the wooden floor at the front door, letting Mrs. Bell that it was time for him nightly constitution.
"Oh my. Look at the time. It's after 9." She walk to the door, letting the miniature appaloosa pony out.
"Wow. I better be going myself. It's late."
"I can't let you drive back tonight. You can go in the morning." The elderly women declared. "The guest room sheets are fresh. I'll put a night gown and toiletries out for you."
Feeling rather tired, Amy didn't even try to argue, instead she simply thanked her.
Not long after changing into the cotton and lace nightgown, sliding under the old quilt and cool sheets, Amy was fast asleep. She lay on her side, knees curled, with Mouse and Ruth wound together in a fur pile nestled in beside her stomach.
So deep was their sleep, none of them stirred as he entered the dark room several hours later. Though Ty could not see her, he sensed that she was there. Her lavender scent waffled through the air. Her contented breathing was rhythmic and gentle. He stood beside her, until his eyes adjust to the darkness, just to see her sweet face, to watch her sleep for a moment. Then he leaned over, kissed her forehead.
On the other side of the bed. Ty stripped down to his underwear, crawled under the covers, behind her, his body curled around hers. Spooning. His arm sliding over her waist, his hand on her stomach.
"Mmm." He muttered, as he inhaled her scent, her warmth, her essence. He kissed her neck, a meandering path from her shoulder to her ear lobe, which he could not help but nibble tenderly.
She stirred, shifted, sighed in her sleep. "Oh Ty." She said, then sighed again.
"Amy are you awake?" He asked, hoping.
She didn't respond. He snuggled in closer, content to be next to her. Happy, he too fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Dear Readers. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Joy48 reminded me that this story is coming up on its one year anniversary. Who knew!
SBR