A/N – Thanks again for the reviews, another in a few days. Enjoy !

Chapter 54

Ty and Wyatt were welcomed aboard by the pilot, co-pilot and two flight attendants then seated facing each other in extraordinarily comfortable leather seats in a small seating area for two. A moment later one of the flight attendants came over. "Dr. Borden, Mr. McMurtry, welcome aboard PrivateAir, my name is Heather and I'm one of the two flight attendants, that's Tracy over there. We have your dinner orders, would either of you care for a drink ?"

Ty ordered a Manhattan and Wyatt joined him. "It'll only be a moment, please let either of us know if there's anything we can do to make you more comfortable."

"No one is ever going to believe this shit Ty" Wyatt whispered. "It's not just me right, those two are, well, and Heather and Tracy, are those real names ?"

"I get it Wyatt and no, it's not just you."

Ty sipped his drink when Heather came over and put it next to him on the small table to his right. "Comfortable Dr. Borden ?"

"Just perfect Heather, thank you."

"Does Amy know about these two ?" Wyatt said leaning over close while taking his drink up from the table and watching Heather walk away.

"She probably put them here to drive us nuts."

Ty turned to his left and his eye caught the eye of one of the men sitting in another grouping.

"Todd Sperling, Environmental Services Canadian Petroleum."

"Ty Borden." Ty answered.

"Oilman ?"

"Rancher, horses and cattle." Ty answered.

"I heard her call you Dr. ?"

"Veterinarian."

Their conversation was interrupted by the pilot, they were ready for take off, there were six passengers, Syracuse was the last pickup before Calgary where they'd be landing in approximately 3 hours. Wyatt and Ty sat back and closed their eyes. They'd both been up late and the top shelf drinks didn't belabor the issue.

Back at Pegasus, Amy and Georgie begged off to collect themselves, wash up and get changed. Most of the women headed over to Georgie's new apartment to get settled, the girls, Brin and Katie went to their room to change as well. April had opted to head over to the Carmichael's for the night with Bobby in charge and he was fine with it. They'd all sack out in the family room after movies.

Lady's night was open door. On call staff could stop by any time and because of some of the odder hours kept by some on staff and others including Trish who could go 48 hours and then be off for 72, on for 12 and then off 24. Several always came by on call, fluid was the best way to describe it.

Generally on lady's nights there were also men's nights and typically when he was around that happened at Charlie Rodgers' home. Early on Chuck developed a liking for bowling and Charlie and Trudy would take him into town once or twice a week either together or when Charlie was working, Trudy alone. After her death and as Chuck took on more responsibilities at the ranch it got harder. Since Chuck lived in a small house on Charlie's property, Charlie sat down one day and redesigned his basement and then dug out a whole separate section to accommodate his plans.

When it was done, 18 months later, the basement of the Rodger's estate house stretched all the way to Chuck's house by way of a short tunnel. In between, the area had been turned into a virtual bachelor's paradise, his pride and joy, two full sized, professional bowling lanes side by side. There was a 12 tap beer bar, a wide assortment of alcohol, pin ball and video machines, 4 pool tables and an assortment of couches, TV screens and gadgets of all types. A top shelf sound system built into a 5000 CD Juke Box filled the room. There was a gym with an endless pool, steam, sauna and whirlpool. A kitchen complete with a pizza oven and a hot dog cart. Try his best, Ty couldn't bring himself to switch the trip until morning so that he could get a glimpse, the whole reason for the get together was his and Wyatt's leaving. Bert described it as absolutely decadent. Ty was sure he'd see it soon enough.

Amy was sitting in panties and a tank top reading a few things when Georgie knocked. "Amy you ready ?"

"No sorry I need like 10 minutes, come on in."

"Sit down Georgie, let me just finish this and I'll get my pants on."

"Wyatt texted from the plane before they took off. He was sipping a Manhattan, apparently the flight attendants are quite the lookers."

"Both the men and women, I think they get them from modeling agencies. He's holding his own ?"

"I think they'll manage." Georgie laughed. "Wyatt ordered lamb what are we getting ?"

"My bet is breakfast; waffles, bacon, sausages or sweets, ice cream and toppings depending on how you roll. Could be grub hub though." Amy walked over to the bed and pulled on a pair of jeans.

"You ok Amy ?"

"I am Georgie, I mean I miss him already but compared to 8 years ? I'm more worried about him." Amy grabbed a worn flannel off the bed, "ready ?"

She called the dogs and they headed down. "You Georgie ?"

"We're not an every second couple, our time was all over the place, working whenever we could get a few hours, school, me on call, nights at the clinic. He got into an agency that needed after hours bartenders, the money was great when he could work so he did it. He'd get in at 4 in the morning, put his arm around me and sleep until school, I'd get up at 5:30, if he could stir we'd make love before another 12 hours away and if not, there was later. There was one stretch during finals we may have seen each other awake one time in 8 days."

"Sounds like you two are all in, actually sounds nice Georgie."

"I don't regret it, I regret people not understanding and the arguments but nothing else."

"You love him ?"

"I've got it bad Amy, he's so much a part of me, my life and dreams it's like we're in tune. And you and Ty ?"

"You want me to say it so I will, Ty and I, we've been through this before, if feels right, more than before to be truthful but still, I keep waiting for a big hammer to drop. Helena was in Hudson last week, apparently she and Cass are still friends."

"I never liked Helena, and Jack and Lisa, we won't go there."

They got up the stairs and the dogs rushed in as soon as the door opened and the conversation stopped.

"There you are" Meg Koenig said walking from the kitchen. "Nice digs Georgie."

"We worked at it Meg, seemed to come together nicely, colors, patterns."

Amy giggled and gave Meg a hug. Trish who was toting Kimmie around leaned in for a kiss. "She needs a change, I'll be right back."

They looked around and both wandered over to the bedroom door. There was a blanket spread over the bed and Maddie, Brin, Charlie and Katie were sprawled out, a movie on the screen and snacks spread around.

"Hey mom." Charlie said.

"Girls, you good ?"

"We're good Amy, thanks for letting us hang out Coach, nice place."

"Your very welcome Brin and thank you." Georgie answered with a smile.

"Girls, take Kimmie duties from Trish please, you can put her between you, she'd love that."

"Sure mom" Maddie said squirming out from the group.

Amy and Georgie wandered into the kitchen, Amy grabbed a quarter waffle and a glass of juice and walked over to the seating area where Meg Caldwell, Sally and Erma were talking.

"So Erma, there's a story somewhere of how I picked up a daughter in law, care to share ?"

Trish walked over with Kimmie and was intercepted by Mad, "we've got her Erma, you relax, we'll keep her between us and play."

"Thanks Maddie" Erma said smiling and reaching down to grab and hand her the diaper bag. "Maybe half hour for a bottle and see if she'll go down, there's a port a crib set up in the nursery."

"Second bedroom Mad, second bedroom." Georgie corrected sipping her beer.

"Not ready yet Georgie ?" Trish asked, "you've got plenty of time."

"I know Trish, we never wanted to wait but the plan was to finish school, get married and have kids. Now though, well, there's no reason not to be married and we both want to so much but it wouldn't be fair to have a baby while in school and working with these schedules."

"Lot of help at the ranch" Katie said coming over and leaning in for a kiss. "Barb will come by soon, she's just doing late rounds."

"Sorry Katie I have enough guilt with you two over things like now and this afternoon let alone, breastfeeding a child every two hours."

"I'm just saying Georgie that 2 have become 3 and Barb and I couldn't be happier, you jumped right in, you fit, we don't need to hold your hand and both of us will get pregnant one day. You sort of get sisterly doing what we do, like Trish describes nursing, get married and go on your honeymoon and we will hold down the fort, what happens after will happen."

"And you'll both stand as bridesmaids for me." Georgie said.

"We'll represent the future !" Katie said.

"Who else Georgie ?" Amy asked.

"The girls and Katie of course. Jade will be my maid of honor."

"No Olivia ?"

"We've been at peace because of the boys, Wyatt and Adam are good friends and they were both supportive but bridesmaid, I don't think so. I think he may ask Ty to be his best man but he may go with Adam, I hope not but I won't stop him, it would be weird."

"Weird how ?" Trish asked.

"I dated Adam, first serious boyfriend, no sex."

"Wyatt should be able to figure that out on his own I think though he might choose groomsman." Amy said.

"I can live with groomsman."

"I'll play if you want Georgie" Brin called out, "no charge !"

"Thanks Brin." Georgie called back, then she looked over at Meg "what does she charge ?"

"Depends on what she does, Brin doesn't dress for less that $500. Wedding service alone figure $750, with a trio at the cocktail hour probably $1200 - $1500."

Meg smiled "Sabrina insists on paying her own way as a pianist and it's not like we can't afford it, Sam and I do well. She keeps saying we can make it up later spoiling her kids."

"So how does that work, Brin's training ? Georgie asked.

"Well, we have planning sessions, she requires lessons of course, performances, collaborations with other musicians, tweaks with other teachers, competitions, there are weekend and summer programs and college coming up. We go through it, she decides what to do with me and her current teacher advising her, she budgets time and money and we move forward."

"Is college Cornell ?"

"It won't be Cornell, Ithaca College is a fallback possibility as is Eastman in Rochester."

"So ?"

"Juilliard, possibly one of the others, Manhattan School of Music or Mannes. New York City Georgie."

"And Maddie's an issue ?"

"No, Maddie isn't an issue, my love for Brin does not diminish with distance." Maddie called out.

"I don't want to do this now, I have at least a year before this whole college thing thank you very much" Brin called out.

"Good luck being you two" Georgie said looking at Meg and Amy.

"It's not as serious as all that and Maddie has to decide on what she wants to study." Amy said, "so Erma, back to Jackson and April."

"Yes well, I've tracked it to my sweet husband, they were out on the farm on vacation and April innocently asked August when he fell in love with me."

"Ok, seems like an April question." Amy responded.

Amy looked up as Charlie and Maddie came over to hang on the bedroom door "Brin's got Kimmie, we don't want to miss this." Maddie said.

"He told her that I kissed him when he was 7 and he's been in love with me ever since. He honestly didn't mean anything by it, it's his pat answer but April is a girl with her own agenda."

"Ranch life is so not like city life." Maddie said.

"It's like we're all pre-destined, look at you and Dr. Borden, even Georgie and Wyatt, we're all like connected so early on." Charlie continued.

"I can't imagine what my friend Jade's reaction will be to you two." Georgie said. "Well my connection to Wyatt. Wyatt is Clay's cousin; Casey is Wyatt and Clay's Aunt and now my step-grandmom, brought Clay to the rodeo school where he hooked up briefly with Jade. I met Wyatt when I broke up with Adam but it was too soon. Then, like a year later, Wyatt's dad died and his mom, actually his step mom Jen and his brother Brick, who's Katie's age and sort of Katie's unofficial, moved to Hudson to be closer to Casey. At the time my mom and Mitch Cutty were on and off, Wyatt and I started hanging out. We had some crap and then got back together for good. In the interim Mitch dated here and there and then Jen, Wyatt's mom and now they're engaged. Oh, Mitch is partners in the stock business so there's that Heartland connection again."

"Brick and I are just friends, that's official." Katie called out.

"Whatever Katie" Georgie called back. "Yeah Mad, I guess ranch life is a little different, more isolated I guess, there's also the horses, lot of romance on a horse, city kids don't get that, they date interacting with inanimate things usually, movies, videos, crowds, I saw it at college, horse life tends to make us interact with each other, we're at peace and in the moment to keep the horses at peace and in the moment. Go riding when you're mad at each other and see how that works out."

"Yeah, no thanks" Charlie said "I'm all for peace and in the moment on trail rides."

"Thank you Charlotte" Amy and Sally said together and then laughed.

"Go back, we won't talk about you all anymore." Amy said shooing them away.

"I'm getting myself some food." Georgie said getting up.

"I'll join you Georgie." Amy said.

"And then we can all see the video of the house ?"

"Yes Trish, we can all see." Amy said patting her shoulder going by. "I offered to send you the file."

"I want to see it with you." Trish said pouting.

"Fine, the file's on my iPad Patricia, Majors don't pout."

"Hoooah" Trish called back.

"Charlie, how's Bobby doing ?" Sally called out.

"They're sacked out in sleeping rolls watching a movie." Charlie called back. "he thinks Carson's sleeping already."

"Cars react at all to this April Jackson thing Sally ?" Erma asked.

"He really doesn't seem put out, he likes that girl Stephanie from school."

"Stephanie Thompkins ? She's a friend of April's, does she ride ?"

"We haven't gotten that far."

"Probably better off for now Sally." Amy said coming back with a plate, Georgie right behind her.

After being gently woken from their naps by Tracy who smiled brightly at both Ty and Wyatt, "Sorry to wake you but dinner is almost ready, can I interest either of you in our wine or beer lists ?"

"Beer will be great, thanks." Ty said with Wyatt nodding and stretching.

There were 22 beers on the list. Ty recognized the Empire Brewing as from Syracuse and one that he had tried so he ordered that. Wyatt agreed.

Tracy and Heather came back a moment later and efficiently snapped a table to the wall between them and set it with a dark blue tablecloth, white napkins, crystal water goblets and silver flatware. Both Wyatt and Ty left to wash up and were back at the table a few minutes later. "There's a fucking shower in my bathroom, robes, towels." Wyatt said low.

"Mine too, I think there are two bedrooms, maybe more."

"Have you ever, you know ?"

"In an airplane, no, when would I have done that ?"

"I don't know Ty, you've been around."

"Trust me Wyatt, there's no sex flying commercial to Mongolia with Bob. What'd you order anyway ?"

"Jack suggested lamb" Wyatt answered.

"Yeah, Amy said the duck so I got that. This is like the strangest shit."

"I've decided to just go with it, can't wait till we show up during the day and can chopper over Main Street though."

"Yeah," Ty laughed "maybe we can strafe the clinic."

Both Tracy and Heather came over and poured a beer for Wyatt and Ty before smiling and backing away.

"You get the feeling that we're due to face zombies or like Godzilla any second."

"From the second I saw Amy Wyatt."

"Dr. Borden, Crisp Herb Roasted Duck, chestnut stuffing and mixed roasted vegetables.

"Mr. McMurtry, Mustard crusted loin of lamb, roasted potatoes and haricot verts."

"Can we get either of you anything else ?"

"No thanks, this is perfect." Ty said.

"Is there someone cooking this on here somewhere, they're sizzling and actually crispy." Wyatt asked after checking no one was around.

"Wyatt, I have no idea but this smells insanely good and I'm starved so I'm eating."

Trish cuddled up next to Amy who had a waffle, two scoops of maple walnut ice cream and a plate of bacon that she and Trish were dipping in the ice cream and eating.

"That table is just not going to work Amy, it's way too small."

"I know Betty, Ty and I saw a table and met the craftsman in Watkins Glen, we'll talk, he partners with someone for chairs. Apparently there's a pile of distressed lumber from the Heartland Barn that Ty thought would be nice to incorporate into the table."

"That's such a sweet idea" Georgie said.

"It is, we'll have to figure out what to do with the girls rooms, I guess Queen beds in the bedroom and couches for the second room. "You'll have to choose girls."

"How about your bedroom Amy ?"

"Well without fixating on the chandelier I'm thinking of changing some things."

"You're going to do this to the whole house aren't you ?"

"What Betty ?"

"Part of what makes this house a really good choice for us Amy, is the fact that it's fully furnished, except for the dining room table which is too small."

"And the master bedroom, which seems old."

"The two story master bedroom with a glass wall. You ranch girls have this whole out in the open sex thing. Trail rides, blankets, holding hands."

"And we're back to John on horses." Amy said putting her head in her hands.

"I'm lost." Georgie said from one of the chairs where she was sitting with Katie and Barb who had come up for awhile.

"John won't get up on a horse, no trail rides." Meg Koenig said.

"Why ?"

"Well, he weighs a ton and he's huge and he says at least that he feels like a burden to the horse so he's uncomfortable." Trish said.

"So he's scared." Georgie continued.

"My John ?" Trish asked "He carried three men to safety in a raging fire fight and got shot twice in the process."

"Everyone's scared of something Trish, medals or not."

"I don't know Georgie."

"Ty's on it Trish, John will either hit him or listen, we'll see." Amy said.

"That should be fun."

"Ty can take a punch and John won't really hit him hard, well, hard hard." Amy added laughing.

"It's a beautiful house Amy" Erma said.

"Thanks Erma."

"Erma, she's out, you want to do the move ?" Charlie asked from the door.

"Is she changed Charlie ?"

"All ready for tucking."

"You girls are angels." Erma said walking into the bedroom and whispering to the baby while she lifted her and carried her out.

"So Georgie tell us about your wedding plans." Trish asked moving over and pulling Georgie to the couch. "Going with Sebastian ?"

Wyatt and Ty sat across from each other sipping cognac "so you guys are going to luck out on the whole wedding thing, I doubt everyone will stick their noses into your and Amy's plans."

"What kind of a wedding do you want Wyatt ?"

"Me, the kind that ends with I now pronounce you husband and wife sooner than later."

"Yeah I get that, I told Amy I'd ask her before Christmas."

"So we become in the way."

"No, don't be silly, Georgie wants Spring and Amy is tending towards early summer, probably because of school and kids now that I'm thinking about it."

"Georgie wants a meadow wedding, her on Phoenix and me on Trouble unless I have my own by then, either way, come on Ty, face it, she's happy, I'm happy. I'm a little concerned about planning and foot stepping and the inevitable money speech. I'm fairly certain Peter and Lou can afford what she wants but Erma apparently does the kind of wedding Georgie wants and Lou, Lisa, my mom and now Amy and god knows how many of the strongest willed."

Ty laughed and cut him off "I get that Wyatt, you and I, we're going to need a united front."

"She's actually an Army major ?"

"She is Wyatt and Amy, Trish and Meg are a threesome."

Mitch met them in the PrivateAir terminal, Amy was wrong. Wyatt got his hug from Mitch 22 minutes after touching down. He glanced over when Heather called over to Ty and Wyatt and she and Tracy waved. "There's got to be a story with that." Mitch said shaking his head. "Come on, truck's right out side. Easiest airport pickup I ever did."

"So what's flying like that like ?" Mitch asked pulling out of the lot.

"Well, we'll fly you and Jen down for the wedding with the rest of the family so you'll find out" Ty told him.

"That can't be cheap Ty, I don't know."

"This is part of our wedding gift Mitch, don't worry about it."

"Then I won't, I've learned to answer wedding issues when Jen asks but aside from that, I'm point and I go."

"Probably a good policy." Ty agreed. "Did Jack pick up my truck ?"

"Yeah, there was an issue, it wouldn't start, we had it towed and Jack called Amy, anyway, there should be something for you to drive at Heartland. Wyatt, the mustang's at Heartland too."

"Mitch has them Amy, they're on the way to Heartland, they'll call when they're settled."

"Ok well I might as well tell you. The auto shipper is taking the Mustang and Old Blue early next week, running or not. I had Bridget arrange for alternatives which should be at Heartland pretty soon. They can share."

"What did you do ?" Georgie asked.

"I leased a Porsche and a truck for them to share for the month."

"New ?"

"Showroom fresh."

"Nice."

"Yeah, Old Blue wouldn't start, Grandpa had the old guy towed. I told them to sign it, Have fun Love Amy and Georgie, so you get points."

"Gotta love points" Georgie agreed, "thanks."

"So Georgie, how many people are we talking about ?" Erma asked sitting down across from her.

"Who knows, 30-40 family I guess and then friends, is there some ranch rule, I live here now, actually here above the barn."

"Let's say 200" Amy offered, "we can scale back, we'll need a table of professors to keep Lorin happy. You'll both have friends at school to add by invitation time. Wyatt will have guests from the foundation too, maybe Clint."

"And you ?" Meg asked with a smile.

"Bridget's trying to keep it to 600 but that seems insane."

"600 guests ?" Georgie asked.

"Everyone has a list, Trish what do I do about the club ?"

"You invite the club mom, they're family." Maddie called out.

"I don't have a list, everyone I love will be invited already, I don't even need a dress." Trish said.

"Coming naked ?"

"No Georgie" Amy answered "Trish and John wear their dress uniforms."

"That must be impressive."

"I've seen Generals stop and shake John's hand, that's something for a girl like me." Trish said.

"Ok, so we're at 200, nice manicured meadow, open white tent."

"That's it Erma."

"Sit down lunch or are we later or earlier ?" Erma asked.

"Sunset dinner" Amy said, "North meadow has a nice view."

"I'll go for that" Georgie agreed.

"You can ride from the field straight to the treehouse."

"Oh yeah, that would be amazing Amy."

"Live music ?" Erma continued on point.

"If we can, Wyatt would prefer it, he'll want a say."

"And food ?"

"Not heavy, fish and chicken maybe, not steaks."

"We can do a fish, chicken and vegan." Erma said.

"Works for me" Trish nodded.

It was about 8 when Mitch pulled up at Heartland and Lou, Jen, Lisa, Jack and Brick came out of the ranch house and down the steps to meet them.

Lisa was first to Ty and Jen to Wyatt, Wyatt then went over to Brick and Jack drew Ty in for a hug "welcome home son, come inside and have a cup of coffee."

"Uh anyone, the Porsche and the truck ?" Ty asked walking around the midnight blue convertible. "A Targa 4S Convertible, what's that 450 horse power ?"

"Ok well, Amy sent them over for you two to use, there's a note inside the house with the paperwork and keys." Lou said smiling "she is spoiling you rotten Ty Borden."

"You have an amazing woman Ty, she understands what the important things in life are."

"You can't just disappear in the Porsche Wyatt, that's not going to happen."

"Hey, I'm your wingman bud, we're good. By the way did Heather slip you her number ?"

"Both, you just got Heather huh ?" Ty asked grinning and grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to a couch.

"That whole mature graying at the temples thing is attractive to some women, I'll give you that. So I'm staying in Katie's room, you're taking Georgie's room ?"

"Yeah, gonna feel weird not being with Amy, anyway her room would drive me nuts, I have a briefcase full of paperwork anyway. Lisa, think you can fit me in for a few hours to sort through the finances of things until I get some understanding ?"

"Of course, just let me know what your schedule is, we can do it here or at Fairfield."

"Truck's nice too, loaded RAM 1500." Wyatt said looking at the paperwork, Porsche isn't 450, just 420. Ha, the note says play nice and share, have fun love Amy and Georgie."

Amy looked down at her phone and smiled before standing and picking it up.

"Seriously missing you right now Ty" she whispered walking away from the group.

"Miss you too, Wyatt and I appreciate the gift Amy but you didn't have to. We love them though."

"No reason work shouldn't be fun Ty, time to live a little, they sent me a picture of that Porsche, pretty slick."

"It's gorgeous, we're good, I just wanted to touch base, I'll call you you when I head up, for now we're just sitting in the living room."

"Kiss everyone for me and I'll talk to you later. I love you Ty."

"I love you too Amy."

Ty looked up "Amy sends her love to everyone. Any news around here ?"

"Well Scott and Haddie are a thing." Lou said.

"I know Lou, that's probably Amy's fault, well my fault. Georgie mention the third spy ?"

"Oh this is exciting, I've been racking my brain." Lisa announced leaning forward.

"Well, it's Aunt Viv."

"She is so fired." Lou muttered.

"I'll be damned" Jen said, "right under our noses, she's perfect, she knows everyone and everything going on in town."

"Explains the $1200 dollar phones and the iPads." Lou said "I never understood how she could afford every new phone that came out. Should have realized it though, she was always so close to Amy, Soraya and Ashley."

"This apartment is just beautiful Wyatt, you and Georgie should be very happy there, I'm almost jealous." Jen was sitting between Wyatt and Mitch and swiping along Wyatt's iPad at the pictures.

"Either of you know that Ashley is the Pegasus attorney here ?"

"No, but that's pretty funny Ty." Jack said laughing "Makes sense, from when they made up they were very close and Amy said they talked a lot after, well the whole Jesse thing."

"And Jesse's coming to town, I know, I know," he said raising his hands before the comments, "Amy's already spelled it out, take the punch, call the cops."

The knock was followed quickly by Caleb's voice "anyone here named Borden ?"

Erma and Sally were the first to leave followed closely by Katie who had early shift and Barb who had to get back to her shift. Soon after Meg Caldwell walked the girl's back to the house and left with Brin who had to be in early for practice. Bobby had called in that the three kids were asleep. Sarah, Vi and Sandra had popped in just to see how Amy and Georgie were doing and left as well. In the end it was Meg, Trish, Amy, Steph, Betty and Georgie.

"So I guess you got no real news from Ty but they're there and safe." Betty said.

"Jen was real happy to see Wyatt, Georgie please let them know that they're always welcome here."

"I will Amy."

"I don't relish mine leaving, they're 15 already." Amy muttered.

"Sounds like you'll have kids to keep you company for a long time to come Amy."

"I know Meg, but my girls."

"They may still go to Cornell, even Manhattan isn't a stretch for you."

"And if they go to Colorado Trish ?"

"Then you'll be 5 hours away on a private jet." Betty said laughing.

"How are they leaning focus wise, anything ?" Georgie asked.

"If I had to guess, Maddie law and Charlie Medicine or Veterinary."

"I think that may be a good prediction but Mad loves kids, social work is definitely a possibility or medicine, thank god they have options, I remember the fretting when they were born about putting two through everything." Betty said shaking her head. "I think I'll head to the house and leave you younger folks to gossip."

Everyone stood to hug Betty goodbye, "Welcome to our home Georgie, I hope you come to love it as much as we do."

"I love it already Betty, thanks for taking us in." She said with a big dimpled smile.

"Night gran, see you in the morning."

Betty hugged Amy close and kissed her cheek "don't stay up too late, you don't have to tackle that whole stack tonight."

"I won't, look in on the girls and Katie please."

"How bad's the stack ?" Meg asked.

"Actually I haven't let it go to seed, it's manageable since last week but I've turned the jumping arena over to Ty, given him some personnel to mull over, he's got the clinic merger and until he gets a handle on this stuff, I have to keep on. He's also got the book to read, he should be first."

"I'm glad you'll be getting the help, we worry about you."

"Worry about me enough to be the one to tell Charlie we're going into the Diner business."

"He loves diners." Trish said "and that show on Food Network.

"Mom ? You can't be serious." Georgie exclaimed.

"Why, she agrees her home base is Heartland and we fund her first Canadian diner in Calgary. I'm worried about Grandpa Georgie."

"I get that but Mom, you know how she is Amy."

"I think so Georgie, my memory is just fine and your mom is heading in the wrong direction. She's being led because her anchor's loose. Nashville is senseless and it strands her so far from family, Ty and I can fund a diner."

"And Tim ?"

"Your grandfather signed over his rights to future Maggie's in Canada to me. He's partners in Hudson, that's it, I won't do business with him."

"You know Charlie will be fine with it Amy, it's family."

"I know he will Meg, he won't make it easy though."

"Well, it's his most endearing quality, Charlie's wit will not be denied." Trish added laughing.

"So he's gone back to Alberta" Meg started and then leaned over "how's the sex ?"

"Caleb, come on in" Jack yelled back. "Grab a beer."

"We should be going, Brick needs to get home." Jen said getting up with Mitch and Brick.""

"I'll need to get my schedule together in the morning and call mom, I'll be in the apartment though."

"There he is" Caleb said walking in while twisting the cap on a beer "hey brother back home where you belong."

"Just a few weeks Caleb then I'm heading back. How's Cass and the kids ?"

"Just great and Amy ?"

"Really good." Ty said reaching for his phone. "Sorry, give me a second, I should take this." Ty walked down the hall, Mitch and Jen waved as they grabbed their coats, "Hey Ash, how's it going ?"

"Yeah, a little strange I guess, sure, 10 will be fine, well no, he's here right now so I think I'll get that part out of way. Sure thing. Ash, it's good to hear your voice again, I look forward to seeing you."

"Was that Helena ?"

"Helena ? Why would Helena call me Caleb ?"

"It's nothing, who was that ?"

"Nothing ? You fucking kidding me and that was Ashley."

"Ashley ? Why would Ashley call you ?"

"Well, I know the one" Jack said with Lisa nodding on.

"You first" Caleb said after taking a sip of his beer.

"Ashley is Pegasus' Attorney for the merger."

"Ashley Stanton."

"Yes Caleb, Ashley Stanton, your ex-wife. I'm meeting with her at Briar Ridge tomorrow morning at 10."

"That's your Porsche outside ?"

"And the truck, for Wyatt and I to use while we're here."

"Do you need me tomorrow morning Ty ?"

"No Lisa thanks, tomorrow is just scheduling for Tuesday and agenda highlights. I'd say you and I are destined for Tuesday afternoon and then with Ash again."

"Ty, Ash has a packet for me and some papers for Lisa to sign for the Foundation."

"I'll grab them Wyatt. Jack, I know you've opted to think about the board but Amy and I would love your opinion on anything either way so if you want to come with Lisa, well we don't want to exclude you."

"I understand Ty, I do, I'll consider it, I'm not much for meetings."

"Please, from what I hear you just have to outlast Jackson and then go for ice cream." Ty said laughing.

"I love that the kids are involved, Katie is so excited." Lou said "You know Grandpa, technically you don't have to go to the meetings but it's Mom's foundation."

"Speaking of Marion, have you seen this ?"

Ty reached into his bag and pulled out the first volume of the book. It was bound with a heavy paper cover as opposed to the real thing.

"Amy's working on the artwork" he said laying on the center table for all to see.

"Well I'll be" Jack said looking down. Both he and Lou had tears in their eyes.

In the center was the title in a large font "Heartland".

Beneath the one word was the Heartland logo and beneath that "A Guide to Healing and Understanding Horses."

On the bottom right it read

By Amy Fleming

Based on the combined experiences and journals of

Marion Bartlett-Fleming and Amy Fleming.

Lou turned the page which revealed two quotes under the words "For Mom",

"Remember Amy, when all else fails, bribe them with candy"; Marion Bartlett-Fleming.

And beneath that:

"We don't whisper to horses, we listen to them"; Amy Fleming.

"The dedication, forward and about the author pages are blank. The first two chapters are titled Pegasus and Spartan. Each chapter is a case study named after a horse, Spartan has 2 chapters, when he first came and later when he broke his leg. 24 chapters, 23 horses treated and healed by Amy at Heartland, 23 horses saved from the butcher. Each chapter is cross referenced to the methods and procedures book which is the second volume."

"The second volume chapters are things like, observing a horses behavior, researching historical behavior origins, herd health, Join up, allowing a horse to choose it's own medicine, the importance of meadows, on a horses immune system, Equine familial hierarchy, working alongside Veterinarians and science along with a couple hundred pages on herbs and remedies."

"Quite the accomplishment" Jack said putting his finger on the logo and then down the cover to Marion's name.

"I've got to get to bed, Caleb come outside and we can talk for a minute." Ty said standing. He put the books back into his bag and hugged Lou, Lisa and Jack. "I'll see you all in the morning. Wyatt, leave the Porsche."

Ty started towards the front of the house and then doubled back, he smiled at Wyatt as he palmed the keys, "I don't trust you at all" he said laughing along with the rest.

Ty grabbed a beer from the fridge and offered Caleb a new one which he took. On the porch he put the bottle down and walked over to the car. He was inside in a second and ran his hands over the steering wheel. Checking that it was in neutral he thumbed the key and listed to turbo charged 420 horsepower Boxer engine roar to light and settle into a low bass hum. He looked over at the speedometer, set to Km, the top speed read 340. He was out and alarming it in a second.

"What's a car like that run ?" Caleb asked as then sat down on the porch.

"It's leased for the month, I think it's $2200."

"To buy, what's it cost to buy ?"

"Outfitted like it is figure $175000. What's up Caleb ?"

"Well, tomorrow night at KO's to start, you good with that ?"

"Sure 7 Ok ?"

"Perfect, so does Cass know about Ash ?"

"I think Cass knows you were married before Caleb. The attorney thing, I don't know actually, though I'm sure Scott does."

"You're doing this, moving to New York ?"

"I am Caleb, Amy and I are getting married."

"And she has 3 kids."

"She has three kids that I hope to adopt and she wants to have at least one more so we're going to do that I hope."

"Just like that, give up everything."

"Give up what, loneliness, regret, remorse, being unhappy ?"

"Well your friends, your house, your business."

"If marrying Amy will somehow make you not my friend Caleb then so be it, I'm selling my house and I guess buying my business so I'll just be giving up the sadness. Look buddy, I've been fucking miserable for years you should be happy for me."

"Don't tell that shit to Helena."

"I basically did, didn't I, I just didn't see a future with her. What the hell does she want to see me for ?"

"No idea honestly, I got what I got from Cass. I got get home, find me tomorrow, I'll be here or the rodeo grounds and don't forget, 7 at KO's. It's good having you back Ty."

"Good to see you again Caleb."

"But not to back ?"

"Not without Amy or the kids Caleb, no."

"It's been less than a month Ty."

"Took me less than a month the first time too."

Ty lay down on Georgie's old bed and reached for his iPad.

"Hey handsome, all tucked in ?"

"Remind me why I'm here and you're there ?"

"Well, you've got a job to do and I've got a job to do and there are the kids and the horses and a rather large staff."

"I miss you Ames. Are you in the library ?"

"Yeah, just straightening up before I head upstairs."

"You work too hard."

"I love you Ty Borden, how's my ancestral home ?"

"Just fine, meeting Ash at Briar Ridge at 10."

"Give her a big hug and kiss for me please."

"I sure will, it'll be nice to see her again." Ty was yawning, he'd been up valiantly since early morning fishing with Jackson.

"Close your eyes my love, I'll talk to you in the morning."

"Goodnight Amy, I love you."

"Goodnight swetheart."

Ty could sleep through anything and always could, it took a lot of training to get himself to wake up to his phone. Being a vet on call and living alone, he had to get up when it rang. He looked at it for a second and then sat up answering it. "Bobby, it's Ty is everything Ok ?"

"Oh, hi Dr. Borden, it's Jackson." He whispered.

Ty glanced at his watch "Jackson, is something wrong ?"

"No, I fell asleep watching the movie and didn't get to say goodnight. I woke up and had to pee and saw Bobby's phone, I was just gonna leave a message."

"Jackson it's after one in NY, thank you for calling but you need to go back to sleep."

"Ok, well you're ok in Canada I guess, gonna miss you, I know, sorry, but I am, goodnight Dr. Borden, love you."

"I'll miss you too Jackson, sweet dreams son, I love you too."