A/N – Thanks again for the reviews and the personal messages, I love hearing from you all. I'm sorry for the delay in uploading this I just didn't have the time or energy to do a final read through until this morning. It's a good long chapter, and leads into a few very interesting days.

Chapter 31

Tuesday found Ty turning off his alarm and getting into the shower almost immediately. It was a big day at the ranch and Amy told him she'd be up early but if he could, to make it to breakfast in the ranch house at 6:00. He got in with time to spare and found everyone awake and puttering except Amy.

"Good morning Ty, she's saying goodbye to the horses, she's on Alpacas today. Go ahead, rescue barn." Betty called out.

Ty smiled and walked through the door, a second later he headed down the steps of the porch with Jackson, hat and boots on and at his side reaching up for his hand.

"Good morning Jackson, coming along or going the same way."

"Coming along."

"Ready for today ?"

"All set, wrangling, washing and mucking."

They stopped at the partially closed barn door and looked in. Amy was standing by a horse about midway down and talking softly to it. After a time she moved on to the next one and started talking to it.

"She says they don't really understand her but look at them" Jackson whispered.

"You don't have to convince me Jackson."

Ty pushed the well built and virtually silent counter balanced door a little to the side and walked in with JT.

"Good morning." He called out.

"There are my handsome men, just saying goodbye to all these guys and gals."

"Good bye Simi. You're going where it's warm, North Carolina. I think you'll like it. What do you say huh ?" Ty and JT watched, looked at each other and smiled when the mare nodded up and down.

They walked with her for the last few and then through the door and over to the house. Just like at Heartland with Jack, Amy walked in and people took their place at the table. Ty had taken up the spot to Amy's right with JT next to him followed by Maddie. Betty sat opposite Amy, Charlotte across from Mad, Lisa and then Jack across from Ty.

Amy had 2 files and an iPad next to her plate. She called up the days schedule while Ty poured them both coffee and the family ate.

"Grandpa, you're on here, are you Ok to help ?"

"I feel fine, had your tea last night and put the cream on before sleep."

"Just don't overdo, I'll have Sandra keep an eye on you. Ok so you're in the barn and Lisa is, well look at that, breezing thoroughbreds."

"Bryce asked, he was in a bind." Lisa did a very poor job of hiding her grin.

"Of course he was because cleaning a barn is much more enjoyable to the trainers than horses. He likes you Lisa, have fun."

"Thanks, I think I will."

Maddie smiled across the table at her. "We can't get licensed until we're 18, I can't wait."

"Your mom ran Dexter to show in her first race when she was 18 I think."

Amy cut in then, "ancient history, girls we'll need you here keeping these horses calm for vetting and loading, I'll be with the Alpacas all day."

"We're good mom, Bobby and Brin are coming to help."

"Good Mad."

"Betty you ok ?"

"Pavel and I will keep everyone fed."

"Trucks pulling in Amy, the Figueroa's are here" Bryce said coming in followed by Sandra.

"Sandy we good ?" Amy asked.

"All good, sorry Ty, because of tomorrow and the new ones coming in you and Bert are stuck checking them all out with the seconds today. You have grand rounds after and we have two possible surgery's next week to send you back on your way to Alberta. You fly out a week from Sunday with Wyatt. Georgie is staying for the following week. Georgie and Wyatt are of course tentative if they decide to stay."

"Lisa, Jack, I have you on for flying out this coming Sunday ?"

"Time we were heading out and I have a couple meetings next week." Lisa answered.

"Hey, what's with the face Jackson ? You knew I had to go but I'll be back in a few weeks." Ty asked.

"I'll have school again after."

"And I'll be back before school starts, right ?" He said it looking around.

"Last two weeks." Sandra confirmed.

"Ok" JT said.

"Ok" Ty repeated roughing JT's hair.

"Ok, I have to get to work." Amy said with a smile.

"I have Spartan saddled and tied up with Jasper at the round pen Amy."

"Thanks Bryce, who's with me ?"

"Yours truly"

"How nice, how's Roberta ?"

"Anxious and miserable, other than that fine."

"Ok ? Everybody know where they're going ?" Sandra asked.

Amid nods and moving chairs Amy kissed the kids, Jack and Lisa and then Ty. "You know, I'm going to miss you when you go too and I also have to go back to school," she whispered walking him out onto the porch.

"I'll definitely be back for you." He whispered back walking with her.

"I'll meet you in a hot bath later." Amy answered as they reached Spartan and Jasper.

They kissed gently and smiled at each other, "let's go to work Ty."

"You got it boss."

"That's going to be a thing with you huh ?"

Ty smiled, "I think so."

"T minus 20 Ty, scrubs please." Sandra said walking over.

"Yes ma'am." Ty said with a grin and trotted towards the barn.

"Bert's on his way, you doing Ok Amy ?"

"I'm trying to get through the week Sandy."

"We'll be busy and exhausted, you'll do fine."

"Well they're probably set up by now so I've got work." Amy whistled, "come on boys, work time." Both Dodger and Duncan came charging out of the barn and over to the horses.

"They look ready."

"They're always ready, see you later Sandy."

"Have fun Boss !" She called up as Amy turned and headed towards a long day of cutting and calling.

Amy rode up to the temporary enclosures set up for shearing not far from the Alpaca herd. "Heel boys."

She got down and Bryce came over to take the horses while Amy talked to the shearers.

"Miranda, it's great to see you " Amy said as they hugged.

Miranda Figueroa Olsen was 34 years old, the mother of two teenagers and firmly entrenched in the shearing business started by her parents 22 years before when they came from Peru to find their fortune. She started learning the business when she was 12. Her husband Ralph was a high school math teacher in Lake George. As far as Amy was concerned the Figueroa's were the best at what they did in the state whose population of Alpaca, sheep and Llama was growing. The Pegasus herd was large by state standards at almost 500.

"Back at you Amy, these coats look magnificent. The market's a rocket opened at 6.25 this morning, dad and mom send their love."

"How's she doing ?"

"Better than Dad, he hates seeing her in pain but the surgery went well, brand new hip, he didn't feel right leaving her, it's only been a few weeks."

"Please, I'm glad he stayed with her, so who's our grader ?"

"Viv Mason from New England Textile, she's fair, I like her."

"Like her or not she's who we drew."

"Here she comes now, I guess we're ready."

"You must be Amy, heard a lot about you, all good, Viv Mason from NET."

"Good to meet you, Amy Fleming" she said shaking hands and smiling.

"So I'm told you put on quite the show with those dogs, haven't seen that one yet."

"We do Ok, what's your take on the herd ?"

"Preliminarily, your fleece will average at 6.25 or higher, this will be a nice shear and I'm sure Miranda's told you the market is starved for quality Suri fiber, this may be the best I've seen in a few years."

"Let's hope then, are we ready to start Miranda ?"

"We're good Amy, feed us as you can."

"Viv ?"

"Let's get to it."

Amy walked over to the small temporary paddock and got up on Spartan. When she was clear of the gate she called out "Dodger, Duncan, Stand Ready !, Let's cut 'em " as she walked Spartan through cutting several Alpaca gently from the herd and began calling out commands for the dogs to herd them away and towards the cutting chute.

"Cut left Duncan !" "Stand Ready Dodger"

She also whistled commands, in a simple pattern or short tweets and long whistles.

She began to cut a second group as soon as the shearing began, she had between 6 and 10 minutes to fill the chute pen with 10 more if she hoped of keeping up with the shearers. She smiled as the dogs responded and soon they had a nice pattern set up, an hour later 50 of the Alpaca had been sheared. When she stopped for some water she was told the fleece was easily running Grade 1 and high 2 for over 95% of the first 50.

Back at the main compound Ty stood at the side of a chute vetting horses for discharge. Looking around he was amazed at the activity. All the horses were out and kept separate by shipment. Groups were led by wranglers including Jackson and Cars from paddocks to bathing stations to brush downs. They went from this into holding for the vets. When the horses had all been groomed every free hand mucked and shoveled every speck that they could out of the rescue barn. Every stall was cleared of anything.

Starting at about 8:00 AM and following Sandra's transportation schedule, every now and then a truck and trailer, both marked as Pegasus vehicles pulled in and a team loaded them and their trucks with their horses, feed and everything else on a shipping order. Sandra checked each trailer and truck out herself.

What amazed Ty the most were the hands, trainers and staff all taking the time and stopping when they could to touch and wish each horse goodbye and a good life. They treated these animals they had cared for, made well and trained, like royalty.

The other thing that he watched admirably were the twins, who were all over the place calming the horses, keeping them still, steady and at peace. When a horse balked at a bridle or they were a bit nervous getting onto trailers one of the twins was there, whispering and talking to the horses exactly the way Amy would. He heard that same trusting vocal patter that he had heard Amy use a thousand times.

"They're something else those kids, I've seen you noticing." Bert said across the chutes they were manning.

"I guess you've known them from when they got here."

"Pretty close to it, Meg and I were there for the adoption ceremony. Meg and Trudy, Charlie's wife were very close as are Charlie and I and Trev. Trev's wife Stephanie too. Meg, Amy and Trish though are tight. I hear you play pool Ty ?"

"I've been known to shoot some racks and I hear you shoot from either side Bert."

"He's got your ticket Bert, time to move on." Katie said smiling.

"I'd be glad to play you Bert, quarter a point sound good ?"

"Well a quarter is 25 grand in Charlie's world but I guess that's not what we're talking about."

"Nope."

"Last 8 you two, you both going out to the Alpacas for lunch ?"

"I think so Sandy, Ty ?"

"Sure am."

"I'll have them get two horses ready."

"You don't have to Sandy."

"Sorry Ty, Assistant Director comes with a saddle during business hours."

"Then thank you."

Sandra smiled, patted his shoulder and moved on, iPad in hand.

"I would tell you she runs the place but the truth is no one really does, she's any one of several people who seem to do so much."

"And you ?"

"And me and you Ty are at the mercy of many very demanding women. Believe it or not we are getting the files of two horses who went down in a tumble in a breezing exercise. We'll start getting pictures in a few days once both are stable enough and if they can be kept comfortable."

"Sandra mentioned it, any preliminaries ?"

"A vet on site whom I trust told me that our decision will determine these two horses fates Ty. They're not equipped for multiple surgeries and one will almost certainly need it. The owner is fine with comfortable retirement so we've agreed to look, there's probably a money issue too so either way we're involved. That's our condition by the way, in the contract."

"I don't understand."

"Amy and Trev came up with it, like all surgeries the best result leaves the animal comfortable and in no pain. Some times even our best work will leave a performance animal comfortable and in no pain but unfortunately not able to say, race or jump again safely or with any real surety for their future well being. That's our contracted decision and if we say comfortable retirement that's contracted too and we check. You race or jump a horse like that and we'll sue and we mean comfortable retirement, allowed to live out it's natural life comfortably and in peace."

"And not the best result ?"

"We've put horses down Ty and lost them in surgery and after, we run way over 90% though and we get the absolute worst."

"How way over ?"

"For performance animals, not counting vehicular accidents and rescues which well, let's not go into what we see and with comfortable retirement about 98%."

"Who decides ?"

Bert turned and looked at him "Amy does Ty, with our recommendations, she also makes the call to the client and hands it over to us if there are questions. The most humbling part of my life," he laughed then, "Meg says it's what keeps me centered on Earth, is realizing that these horses aren't here because I'm the end of the line, they're here because she is." Ty looked at him for a second, Bert was smiling, "But you knew that already didn't you, I've read both Marion's and her journals Ty, and I've seen what you have, Miracle Girl really doesn't cover it, come on, let's get washed and changed."

On their way to the Medical Barn Jackson ran by and Ty scooped him up, "where you off too Jackson ?"

"Get a hot dog up by the shearing and watch mom, how about you ?"

"Seems we're heading in the same direction then buddy, got a horse saddled ?"

"Chuck's getting Merlin tacked for me."

"Someone's saddling for us so we'll meet you over there at the barn."

"Sure thing Dr. Borden." Ty let him down and he smiled and scooted off.

"Don't think he was waiting for you or anything." Bert said with a chuckle.

"Nope, don't imagine he was." Ty said smiling and walking into the scrub room to wash and change.

They met JT and Chuck outside the family barn. Ty stopped for a second at the rescue barn and saw at least 8 people doing the last of the sweeping and a crew with sprayers waiting to begin disinfecting the inside before the power washers moved through.

"That's some process." Ty said walking up.

"Sorry Uncle Bert but Browning is out in a meadow so I saddled Chisholm and Klondike for you and Dr. Borden."

"Thanks Chuck and please call me Ty."

"Ok Ty, Dad said you were Amy's boyfriend, I figure that means you're a pretty good guy."

"He is Chuck, thanks for this." Bert agreed with a smile.

"You three have fun, I'm next shift out to see the dogs run."

"Bye Chuck, I'll make sure to leave a hot dog for you." Jackson said climbing up on Merlin.

"Thanks JT have fun." He called up and then turned to walk to the rescue barn.

They rode up quietly, Ty in the center flanked by JT and Bert.

"You been fishing lately Uncle Bert ?" JT called over.

"Not much for the quiet ride are you Jackson ?" Ty said smiling.

"Well sure when I got stuff to think about but I'm pretty empty now, what are you thinking about Dr. Borden, maybe I can help ?"

"I was wondering about the last time Bert fished actually."

Bert laughed.

"Come on, oh wait, I get it, you were thinking about mom."

"How do you know I wasn't thinking about you Jackson ?"

"Maddie said it's the same."

"She does."

"Yup."

"Teenagers and precocious adolescents add spice to a relationship Ty, gotta learn to switch gears at a moments notice."

"Thanks Bert, I'll keep that in mind. I was thinking about you and your sisters and mom Jackson."

"Mom says we're a handful but Gran said there's always room for more so you don't have to worry about anything."

"See Ty, nothing to worry about." Bert said leaning over to pat him on the shoulder.

"You a drinking man Bert ?"

"Charlie, Trev and I have been known to sit through a tasting flight every now and then. Bourbon or Rye usually."

"We'll have to do that soon then."

"And shoot some pool."

Ty smiled, "we'll see about the pool Bert."

They came over the hill and rode down to the paddock where Bryce was waiting to take their horses.

"I'll take those guys, JT, give me a hand please." Bryce said walking over.

"Thanks Bryce." Ty said and Bert nodded smiling.

Bryce looked up "She's do a break coming up, the shearers need a rest."

"How's it going ?" Ty asked.

"Great, market's up and our product is top notch. She wants that indoor arena this spring, this may just cover it." Bryce said.

Ty walked over to the rail and watched as Amy pushed a few alpacas off and the dogs took over. She called out commands, "Dodger left, move 'em on, chute dodger, chute."

He smiled watching her turn on Spartan and command Duncan "herd 'em in Duncan, herd one, herd one, good boy. Stand ready."

When he had watched her herd two more groups he saw her ride over to dark haired woman and speak to her before getting down. A second woman joined them a moment later. Ty climbed through the face and walked towards the group of three women.

Miranda saw Amy turn her head and watched her face change into a glowing and very welcoming smile. "Oh my god, is that him, he's gorgeous Amy." Miranda whispered.

"That's yours ?" Viv asked.

When Ty reached them Amy wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. "All done Ty ?"

"They're on their way, barn's getting done."

"Ty Borden this is Miranda Figueroa whose family has always handled our shearing since the beginning and this is Viv Mason, our grading pool rep from New England Textile."

"Viv, Miranda, it's good to meet you both." Ty said shaking their hands. "How's it going ?"

"Market's at 6.41, 16 cents higher than this morning. A whole lot of #2 coming in, this #1 is going to drive the market."

"Can you take a break and have lunch ?" Ty asked her and all three actually.

"We were just doing that and I want to switch horses anyway. Come, let's hand Spartan off and grab some food."

Jackson came running over when they walked away, "I got him mom, Bryce said go eat."

"Thank you JT." Amy said kissing his head and handing off Spartan. "Have them saddle Jasper for me sweetheart."

"Ok, mom, on it."

They walked arm in arm towards the bbq's set up. "How's it going Ames ?"

"Fine, almost half done."

"And you ?"

"Hot day, sweaty horse, my panties are riding up, I'm pretty randy Dr. Borden"

"So, we gonna wait for later or hit the woods ?"

"Tempting offer but I think I have a date with a hot dog and a bottle of water. Later however you may have your way with me."

"I can't wait to have to concentrate on rounds with that thought rolling around."

"I love you Ty."

He smiled and turned her "I love you so much Ames."

Her smile at that moment sent shivers up and down his body, it was all he could do to keep himself from carrying her off, instead his smile grew, that smile that she fell in love with so long ago.

She sighed and took his hand, "let's eat Ty."

They sat with Bert and were joined by Bryce and Jackson who fit himself in between his mom and Ty. They had hotdogs, bottles of water and chips. Amy was talking to Miranda who had also joined them. The market was holding steady at 6.41.

"I just called in the preliminary on 5000 lbs of Grade A, that may drive the prices even more." Viv Mason said coming over.

"So, we building in the Spring Amy ?"

"Sure sounds like it Bryce, I'll mention in to Trev and Charlie."

"This is that indoor facility ?" Ty asked.

"Yeah, two large rings, and a water rehab center."

"And stables."

"Yes Bryce, 72, I think, maybe less if we add offices and I think the seconds deserve them."

"Where is this going ?" Ty asked before taking popping the last of his hot dog in to his mouth.

Bryce answered while Amy swallowed.

"We have a 50 acre spot with road access so that it's easy to get to from outside the ranch. Amy's been talking about a jumping show or at least schooling events for years."

"And a place for the horses to be worked over the winter."

"You plan on keeping outsiders separate ?" Ty asked.

"There'll be 24 indoor stalls attached directly to one side of the arena accessible only from the road entrance. Our two 36 stall barns will be attached to the other side by enclosed breezeways." Bryce explained. "It's near the thoroughbred stables, same access road."

"The plan is to do with jumpers what we do for the thoroughbreds but over the winter so the arena is important."

"And the pool and hydro facilities." Bert added.

"That'll make Georgie happy." Ty added

"She's still into that, it's good to hear she kept up." Amy said. "Ready Miranda ?"

"I guess we have to be" she answered with a smile.

"Can I try mom, I've been practicing my commands ?"

"What do you say Miranda ?"

"I'm game JT, think you can handle us."

"Yes ma'am, I think so."

"Good enough for me, let's make it happen JT." Miranda said with a wide smile.

"Go ahead JT, Jasper's all saddled."

"Thanks Bryce, you gonna stay and watch Dr. Borden ?"

Ty looked across at Bert who smiled "we sure will for a little while JT, wouldn't miss it."

"Thanks Uncle Bert."

Jack smiled at Ty and Amy and trotted to Jasper who was waiting patiently.

"Thanks Bert" Ty said.

"Don't think I want to see my godson herd alpacas Ty ?"

"Oh, I didn't realize."

"Yup, Meg and I have that honor."

"The girls ?"

"It was different with the girls, JT was a baby, unofficially John and Trish for sure and you couldn't do better."

Amy had gone over to give JT some pointers and as he started she returned and fit herself to Ty's side. He looked down and kissed her.

"Look at us." She said smiling.

Ty smiled at her and then turned her gently to face him and taking her into his arms and pulling her in for a proper kiss. Touching foreheads after he smiled "look at us."

Bert glanced over and smiled "Come on JT !"

Amy and Ty split and both turned to the rails and JT. He managed 8 the first set and then 11, by the third he had settled into a routine and was doing well.

Amy turned at the hoof beats behind and saw the four teens and Jack and Lisa stop to watch from horseback.

"Cut 'em JT, woohoo" Maddie cried from behind them.

"That's it Jack, get him in the chute" Jack called out to his great grandson.

"Go ahead Grandpa, Barclay's a good cutter, Mad trained him."

"You think ?"

"JT will love it, go on."

"Go ahead Jack" Ty called to him "Let's see what you got."

Amy noticed Maddie and Brin on Honey and Percy. "You think they're ready Mad ?"

"Ready enough for a trail ride here and to see how they do with the Thomas's. She stays right with him mom."

"Brin ?"

"She's been pretty perfect Amy."

"Tell Sandra, let's have them next week when things settle a little."

"That's it JT, your doing great !" Charlotte called out.

"Cut left Dodger, chute 'em up. Cut 10 more GG."

"Push 'em Dunc, push him, good boy."

"Grab 'em up Dodger, that's it chute boy chute !

"Maybe I won't do this anymore seems we have a winning team." Amy said to Lisa who had come down off of Lyric.

"Amy this horse is beautiful."

"Lyric always reminded me of Cinders Lisa, I'm sorry, you two were close."

"I miss her, haven't really even."

"Take Lyric, she's young."

"No Amy, I couldn't."

"We'll if you change your mind or you can go pick one at White Horse."

"Maybe it's time, I'll think about it. Would you look at those two."

"I'm filming it to send to Georgie, she'll love this." Ty said holding his phone sideways.

"Thank you Bryce." Lisa said as Bryce took her reins. "She's coming tomorrow and Lou on Friday ?"

"That's the plan I think. Ty handed it off to Sandra. Betty may have it, she does most of the travel stuff."

"I was surprised at how much she actually does." Lisa commented while not taking her eyes off Jack and JT.

"Are you kidding she's the heart and soul of this place." Amy said and then whistled a command to Duncan.

"Thanks mom ! Jack called back pushing Jasper at a hembra.

"Ty, we'd better head out."

"Sure thing Bert, thanks for the extra time."

Bert walked over to Amy, "you're the heart and soul of this place Amy, there's no pushing that away."

Lisa turned and smiled at him as he turned to walk away.

"Go fix my horses old man." Then she giggled "old men."

"Later Boss" Ty whispered leaning in for a kiss.

"This job's always just going to be more fun for you than me isn't it Ty ?"

"You can always teach Meg to talk to horses Bert, sorry, that's all I got." Ty answered laughing and then ducking from Amy's hat.

"Go – To – Work !, Both of you !" Amy said stamping her foot with a big smile.

"Sure, you've got a 6 year old and an 86 year old to do your job." Ty called back.

"We better go while you're ahead Ty." Bert said smiling as they walked towards the stable where Bryce was pulling their horses.

Charlotte walked over and snaked her arms around Amy for a hug.

"How's your day going sweetheart ?"

"Good, empty barns are so sad." Charlotte answered.

"They are but they hold the promise of more to come so there's that."

"So you asked about JT, you know, if he said something ?"

"What's up Charlie, what did he say ?"

"He asked about the watches."

"And ?"

"And I told him that it means that you love each other."

"Come on Charlotte just tell it"

"He wanted to know why you didn't come home."

"Out with it." Amy prompted.

"I told him I'd ask. Sorry mom, he says the house feels empty. I just didn't know what to say."

"You shouldn't have to say anything Charlotte, I probably handled this wrong from the beginning."

"Well Mad and I sort of get that you two needed some alone time to, uhm, get sorted out but I'm with him, you pushed it, now you got to own it. Watch, baby, buckle comes with the bedroom and that chair. Anyway, I got a date trail riding with a handsome young man so I've got to go." She reached up and kissed Amy on the cheek, then walked around Amy and kissed Lisa as well and then whispered in her ear "was that loud enough ?"

"Perfect honey."

"She's all yours then." Charlie said with a giggle and walked over to Bobby.

Amy and Lisa watched as the four teens rode off towards the preserve and then disappeared beneath a rise at a slow canter.

Amy looked at Lisa and then turned to the meadow. "OK JT, my turn, you too Grandpa."

"Coward."

"I'll talk to him Lisa. What was I supposed to do, it's Ty, god knows what one of his idiot friends or all of them would have said to him when he went back to send him packing. He needed to see and be a part of this place before he goes back."

"They'll still say those things to him you know."

"Don't remind me. Seriously though, was I supposed to do wait for him to ask me out on a date when he rode up to my door ?"

"I don't know that it matters now, talk to Ty and decide what you're going to do and if you're not moving into the house you need to talk to your son."

"And if we are moving into the house ?"

"You need to talk to your son."

"I guess we'll have a talk with Jackson then. What are your plans for the afternoon ?"

"Trail ride with a handsome older fella."

Amy smiled "Have fun, see you at dinner Lisa and thanks for the pep talk."

"Sorry I just don't have anything for this."

"Who does ? Have a good ride !" Amy shook her head, took a deep breath and headed over to the paddock to claim Jasper from JT and get him and the dogs watered for the rest of the afternoon.