A/N – First, dealing with the website for the past few days has been a horror and my mail server was one of those effected so I was getting no emails, then twenty then none again from the site. I don't like uploading when it's all not working well.
Also, Hudson, came out and to honor what I thought was a great addition to the Heartland canonical universe, an out lesbian character, it called for a rewrite as my lesbian character was on her way to Hudson.
For those who don't know Hudson is a web series, 6 episodes that run 7 – 11 minutes long. It's based on a story centered around Jade, some rodeo buddies and Sloane, a new character in town who came to stay with her dad after a break up with her girlfriend.
You can only catch it in Canada for now on CBC Gem so if you have access go ahead.
Chapter 62
Plans changed drastically for Ty on Wednesday morning. He was supposed to have Jackson with him and then take him to the airport with Lou and pick up the four incoming from New York.
Cass was in the pediatrician's office with both hers and Caleb was away with some students for the morning, Scott was at an emergency which left Georgie and Ty stacked with two emergency surgeries when a car struck two dogs on the side of the road, half mile from the clinic.
"I'm sorry Jackson, GG and Lisa will take you and Aunt Lou. Come on give me a hug."
"It's Ok, this is important, you'll let me know how they are ?"
"I sure will buddy, kiss ?"
"Go ahead you don't have to ask."
"How about me JT ?" Georgie asked.
"Sure thing Georgie."
They figured 2 ½ hours for both surgeries and agreed to meet everyone at Maggie's when they were done. The surgeries were fairly standard accident surgeries though the second would involve an amputation. Both would require the extra time to check through the animal for blunt damage to organs or a bleeder.
"So you have fun with Jackson this week ? He was a blast around here, I did checkups with him, clients loved him." Georgie asked while patting a surface dry with a large gauze pad.
"Yeah it was great, he swam with the team on Monday morning and said goodbye, he insisted on buying $30 dollars in donuts and milk for the guys, his own money. They gave him a great sendoff and a team jacket, really nice."
"And you and the coach ?"
"Please Georgie, we're friends, Amy would like her."
"Stop being so serious Ty, a few months ago she would have been a real contender for you, she's hot as hell."
"A few months ago I would have never met her and I hadn't dated for almost 3 years at that point if you recall."
"That's true, what was up with that ?"
"Helena, who was I kidding Georgie, she was ready to commit and I considered her a fun fling. I mean what the fuck is that ? I felt like the most heartless asshole in the world. I was breaking up with her and she thought I wanted to move in together."
"Ty Borden, Heartless Bastard. I like it."
"Stop, there, see it, cauterize, thanks."
"No problem, so you filled old blue Monday ?"
"Yeah, Jackson and I went through my clothes, we picked the mostly not ripped, I need to shop for just jeans and stuff. Pictures, albums, cd's all boxed and stacked. Amy wants to use the house as an inducement for the right candidate. I'll get back in when you guys leave and box or chuck the rest."
"Mine wasn't hard, free scrubs were way cheaper than new jeans, PJ's or loungewear. I think I'll shop when I get to Ithaca. Sandra said whenever I'm ready she'll arrange straight transport for my horses, can you vet them with me and fill out the forms this week please."
"Just let me know when Georgie, how long is the trip ?"
"She's sending a Pegasus trailer, they'll do it in 2 ½ days. What an operation."
"I haven't heard a grouse yet either, have you or Wyatt ?"
"Nope, Wyatt says everybody loves what they do. They have several parents of down's syndrome kids whose kids now work there after school. Some of them take vacations going to Pegasus Centers, they help, they relax, see the sights. Amy is by all accounts a very good boss, I certainly can't complain and Olivia is suitably impressed and proud of me."
"That's only taken what like 10 years ?"
"Yup, we can stand each other in 4 hour intervals after 10 years." Georgie said laughing "quite the accomplishment."
"How was the food ?" Ty asked laughing as well. "Amy remembers Olivia."
"Amazing, I had Duck Confit, Wyatt had Lamb Cassoulet, and the dessert was this chocolate terrine, the creamiest chocolate."
"And Betty Lou's ?"
"We begged out, there's a piano bar in the hotel. We had a nightcap, a dance and an elevator up to a hot bath."
"You two do that a lot, the hot bath I mean."
"Our heat sucked, we'd get home, cook dinner which warmed the apartment, ate which warmed us and when we cooled off we took a hot bath, put on our sweats and crawled under the blankets. They're nice at the end of a long day and kind of our thing. It's so close, cozy."
"We've been liking it. Amy and I took our first bath together in that treehouse."
"Seriously ?"
"Georgie, we lived at Heartland, even when Jack was spending the night at Fairfield he could show up any time. Seriously, the first morning here was amazing. Amy's right, we should have done what you two did."
"We only did it because of you two."
"Life is so fucking weird."
"How'd JT like Mustang Flats ?"
"Oh, I'll show you some pictures, he was dying to go down to them, but his face Georgie was pure childhood wonder, it was indescribable."
"I'll bet, you won't hold the girls back."
"You think they can approach a wild herd ?"
"They're good Ty, taught by two of the best I've seen, Amy and Sarah."
"Let's play this all by ear, for now they're set on the Saturday night open mike at Maggie's. Aside from that, who knows.
They left at about 3:00 PM on Tuesday for the flats, Scott had said that the best time was as close to dusk or dawn as you can get. Since Ty had to be in the clinic in the morning as close to dusk as he could get was what they chose. Jackson sat expectantly with his binoculars, or Lisa's to be more exact, Ty had a surprise in the back, he had borrowed a very expensive Bausch and Lomb spotting scope with a custom Leica lens and camera set-up from a client who was a nature photographer.
They brought Phoenix and Trouble, two solid Heartland horses who wouldn't be bothered by the wildies.
"Listen to me Jackson, you have to keep control of Phoenix, legs and reins and we have to tie them well. Wildies can have a weird effect on horses.
"Mom taught us, I'll be fine."
"Anything your mom didn't teach you ?"
"Uncle Bert taught me to pee at the toilet."
"He did."
"Mom called it godfather work, I was pretty good."
"Good to hear."
"The whole pointing thing took some practice."
"I seem to remember that I think."
"Oh sure right. Who taught you to pee ?
"I assume my dad but I don't remember."
"Rocket taught me to ride a bike and my scooter, mini bike I mean. Mom was sort of mad."
"My dad taught me to ride a bike, I have a picture of my first time on a dirt bike, I can show you back in New York. We're here Jackson. Let's get the horses saddled."
They tied the horses off on the trailer and gave them a quick brush before blankets and saddles. The ride on the one horse path took about 20 minutes. Ty went first on Trouble and Jackson followed on Phoenix. Ty looked back every now and then and smiled, cowboy hat, boots. "Keep turnin' around and I'll be scraping you off the floor, watch where you're going please, I can ride a trail."
"Thanks for checking Dr. Borden but I don't want you to get hurt."
"Jackson have I ever told you I love you."
"May have mentioned it in a hug, I love you too doc, you know that right ?"
"Just wanted to make sure you knew it was mutual."
"You don't really hide it you know, like with Mad and Charlie, they're crazy about you."
Ty smiled and rode on "Right through those trees Jackson, we'll set up at that clearing line by the ridge."
Jackson tied off the horses and checked them twice. Ty put down the hard Camo case on the ground and laid out a large horse blanket. He turned to Jackson who was holding both bridles "You two stay here and no fighting the leads, that's a double hitch, it won't come out and you'll just end up hurting yourselves Ok ?"
Ty laughed when Phoenix nodded and knocked JT's hat to the ground.
"I think he's got it Jackson, come on and help me set up the scope. Who taught you a double hitch ?"
"I guess mostly Barb and Katie, it's what they use in medical for the transport. You learn from a lot of people on a ranch I guess."
Ty set the tripod and Jackson helped him lay the heavy scope on top. "Tighten the knob JT and I'll hold it steady. I'd say we have maybe an hour until they start hitting the outside of the meadow."
They had brought sandwiches and drinks from Maggie's. Sloane had packed them and put in a treat for JT. Her and JT had become fast friends, Jackson's natural ability to say the right thing at the right time won out again. JT got a big hug and a kiss from her and Viv who was off but there to say goodbye. Jackson had also met a harried Casey who rushed in while they were waiting for Sloane.
She stopped and smiled looking down. Then up at Ty.
"Jackson, this is your Grandma Casey."
"Oh hey" he said his smile brightening and then he put out his arms.
Casey had instant tears in her eyes when she bent over and lifted him against her. "It's very good to meet you Jackson."
"You too Grandma but we gotta go."
"That's fine Jackson, I just wanted to see and hold you for a second. Lisa said I can come down to your ranch any time so when the rodeo season's over, maybe for your birthday."
"Ok great, Maddie and Charlie are coming tomorrow so you can meet them and Katie, I guess you know Katie, you're her gran too."
"Sure am sweetie and I'm Wyatt's aunt."
"Oh wow, that's cool, Georgie's my cousin."
"And my granddaughter."
"Oh yeah, right, there's a lot of us."
"And bound to be more." Ty said leaning over to kiss Casey on the cheek. "Later Grandma, if you can stop by tonight."
"Can't, I have to be at the grounds but I'll be here with Tim tomorrow and until Sunday for the girls."
"Let Lisa know about dinner tomorrow, Lou'll be gone."
Ty had a thermos of coffee and Jackson had juice, water and a small strawberry shake with a small heart on it and the words Love Sloane.
"Looks like you made a friend." Ty said "Go ahead, it's fine, water next, not the juice."
Jackson smiled at him and plunged the straw in the cup. "Sloane's awesome."
"And pretty."
"Oh stop, she likes girls like Maddie."
"I know she does, you tell Sloane about Maddie ?"
"And Charlie and mom, she knows who mom is, her picture and some of her trophies are in the case. Showed her April's picture too."
As they were packing away their garbage Jackson looked up and at Ty a second before he felt it.
"Is that an earthquake ?"
"No Jackson, that's a herd of horses, look."
Ty filmed the look on Jackson's face as his expression changed and the herd came into view. "Wow, look at them." His voice was low and somewhat breathy as he raised the binoculars to his eyes.
Ty took a moment to locate the mare standing off a bit to the side, wary, almost keeping watch. He set the scope on the mare and locked it in place. "Here Jackson, look though here."
"Ohhh, is that her, the head mare ?"
"Sure looks like it, for one she's huge but see how she stands apart and faces the field and the tree line ?"
"She's watching for trouble. Oh look, foals, 2, 4, 5, looks like 5, they look healthy."
"You actually have to count legs because a foal might be behind a mare."
"Oh, that's smart, mom teach you that ?"
"Well she probably would have but it was Scott."
"Can we take pictures to show mom with that thing, uh scope ?"
"Sure can, there's a camera hookup." Ty said pulling the box over. Jackson sat on a big boulder looking through his binoculars while Ty set up. He wouldn't take his eyes off them.
"Come on Jackson."
Ty explained that the camera on the long lens was very sensitive to motion. The camera sent the image it was seeing to Ty's iPad and when you saw the shot you liked, you took the picture using the iPad and then used the iPad to move the camera, and as long as the color was green on the button, the shot was in focus. Jackson went wild and took 20 pictures before Ty stopped him laughing.
"Ok Jackson, the battery on that camera mount won't last forever, take one or two more and we can pack up to start heading back."
"It's so cool like that phone."
"The cool part is doing it with you Jackson."
"Definitely cooler."
They returned late to the ranch house. Lisa had packed for JT and laid out his clothes for the morning. He showered and joined the family for the last night at the fireplace. Georgie and Wyatt were by and sat with them as well.
There was a door knock which was unexpected and Lisa who was fixing tea answered.
"Ty around Lisa ?"
"In the living room Mitch, can I get you something ?"
"No, in and out, but thanks."
"Mitch, good to see you" Jack said.
"Stay seated everyone, just wanted to say good bye to Jackson here and let Ty know that I took care of that thing for you, my pleasure."
"Thanks Mitch" Ty said "Short notice and a full schedule this week."
"That's me, full schedule" JT said standing. "Don't have my hat handy Mitch" Jackson said putting out his hand.
Mitch leaned over and shook JT's hand "you keep track of these two for us in NY huh buddy ?" He said referring to Georgie and Wyatt.
"Sure thing, Gran's adopted 'em though so they'll be fine."
"Nite folks, gotta see some cattle about some feed in the morning."
"Well you're up Jackson go wash up and get your teeth done for bed and we'll say our goodnights." Ty said his hand on JT's back.
Jackson ran off to the bathroom.
"That young man's been raised right." Jack said "real gentleman."
"He is." Ty agreed.
A few minutes later Ty sat on the edge of Jackson's bed and reached across to move some hair from his forehead.
"Mom does that but it just falls back."
"Mine too. I'll miss you Jackson" Ty said softly.
"I'll miss you too, a whole lot."
Ty smiled and leaned over to take JT in his arms.
"I love you dad" Jackson whispered trying his best to squeeze even tighter.
"I love you too son, so much. You sleep good sweetheart."
Ty came out and stopped by the door after closing it. Lisa came from the kitchen and seeing him put her two cups down on a small table and walked over to hug him.
"You're a mess aren't you ?"
"I don't know that I'd call it a mess but in deep for sure."
"Well, I'm glad you're here with your family and the girls are coming tomorrow so brighten up."
"I'll try."
"Is there a problem Ty ?" She whispered.
"No, it's time to have a talk with Gran and then the girls."
"And Amy ?"
"This is about Amy, so after yes."
"What did he say to you today Ty ?"
"The gist ? We were engaged 8 years ago and didn't get married. The summer is a long time away to a little boy with dreams."
"Can't say I haven't heard that this week." Lisa said.
"You're not the only one" Georgie added "Don't listen to that sh, uh crap Ty." Georgie said glancing over at Jack.
"I really don't care what people think, I care about him and the girls and Betty and Amy."
"So ?"
"I'll talk to Betty first and move on from there."
"Are there wedding plans for you two ? Jack asked.
"Amy and I, what I've heard are words like, that's ridiculous can we keep it down to 600."
"600 ? From what ?" Georgie asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine Georgie, I don't think I know 600 people if you take clients off the list."
"Well, if that's the criteria I'm sure she doesn't either, add to that 200 employees to start, 50 family and close friends and we're down to 350 business associates, each of whom or group probably contribute or bring in millions in funds ?" Lisa said. "I don't find the number outrageous, where would you sleep that many people ?"
"How about you Georgie ?" Jack asked
"200 to 300 hundred or thereabouts if we add in the ranch. Erma suggested everyone up front for the ceremony then a buffet for most and a family close friends sit down a little later."
"Sounds like something but how do you alleviate feeding 600 plus sit down." Lisa asked.
"No idea" Ty answered.
"So you're going with Erma sweetheart ?"
"Oh Lisa, her stuff is beautiful." Georgie said grabbing her iPad and bringing up Erma's site. She handed it to Lisa who moved closer to Jack as she swiped along.
"That is one beautiful chapel." Lisa commented.
"Check this out" Georgie said. "That chapel was converted from a barn that the families built after they got back from the war of independence, 1778. You know their story right ?"
"We do Georgie" Jack said.
"Elegant and understated, just like you Georgie" Lisa said looking at the various tent and table setups. It's so country, simple, beautiful."
"Right ? I need you to come with me Lisa, someone needs to hold Jen and Mom in check."
"Betty and I will stand by you Georgie and I'm sure Amy will."
"My team."
"The bridal squad" Wyatt said laughing.
"And Amy ?" Jack asked.
"She hasn't said but I can't figure it not being Meg, Lisa and Betty, maybe Ash." Ty answered. "This won't be cheap."
"I think you two will squeak by" Georgie said laughing.
"What did Mitch do for you Ty ?" Jack asked.
"I asked him to check on Amy's jumping course, we've been keeping it up for Georgie but it needed a mowing. I think the girls will want to see it."
"Pick-up ?"
"I figured I'd drive over in the super cab and pick all 4 up. Georgie will finish up at the clinic, Scott should be back by then. Figure we'll be here 1:30 maybe ?"
"Sleeping Ty ?" Lisa asked.
"Girls in Lou's room in the big bed and Betty in Amy's."
"I'll get them ready in the morning. Dinner here tomorrow ?"
"Absolutely, they're ready to do open mike night Saturday so we're partying at Maggie's at least one night, check with Casey about dinner tomorrow, I kind of told her it would be fine."
"And it is Ty."
The next afternoon Jack was also forced to stay at Heartland when Mitch returned from the herd with news that some fencing was down and six mares were wandering next door. In the end it was Lisa, Lou and Jackson who ultimately drove the big truck into Calgary to pick up the girls. They met in the customs lounge with hugs for Lisa from three happy great granddaughters and Betty, her new best friend, their hug was long and heartfelt for two who had just seen each other days before.
Lou sat with Katie off to the side talking about her time away and looking at pictures. Neither was sad because this trip was for Lou to start breaking away from the US Maggie's group day to day and sign papers with Amy to officially form the Fleming sisters Canada expansion. Lou would spend most of her time, for the next few years at least, in Alberta and close enough to home usually to return each night.
Jackson sat with Betty with the girls in front of them cross legged on the floor. He showed them pictures Ty had put on the iPad Jackson was bringing back.
"Wildies, we're doing that." Charlotte said bouncing on her feet.
"We're getting closer than that ridge" Maddie said "That's the mare, right there."
"That's what the doc said." JT agreed.
"She's huge, did you see the the stallion ?"
"No, he's waiting for dark to come out, we checked the woods line from the ridge but didn't see him."
"Girls, please don't push your father." Lisa said softly. "I know, we're not there yet, but that's not how he feels, he needs to grow into the difference between you two and JT."
"Girls ?" Betty asked.
"We won't Grand-mere, we'll present a well thought out argument and leave it to him." Maddie said.
"Right" Charlotte agreed.
"You both have him wrapped around your little fingers, don't you, just like Mitch." Betty said shaking her head and smiling, "you two could get him to agree to anything."
"Dad was a pushover." Charlie said with a sad smile.
The flight attendant approached Lou and leaned over.
"Jackson sweetheart, time to say goodbye." Lou said walking over with Katie a moment later. Their tickets, passports and boarding passes were with the crew. The authorities checked everything and all documents would be returned on the plane, it was the easiest most stressless boarding in the world and when Lou sat down and belted in next to Jackson she thought back on all the exhausting trips she had taken with Katie through the years and blessed her sister as Charles one of their flight attendants handed her a flute of champagne for take off.
At Amy's suggestion Lou had ordered a lobster and shrimp salad platter for lunch, Jackson, a cheeseburger and fries. After confirming this with the crew Lou pushed back her seat and closed her eyes. The girls on the other hand did not want to stop for lunch, they wanted Maggie's so at just about 1:30 the truck pulled up and parked a few steps from the small plaza.
They moved the luggage into the truck and locked up. While things like feed, old tires and tools were fine to leave, luggage was too tempting and the girls insisted that their guitars came with them.
They were a sight walking towards Maggie's, you would never know they weren't from town, White hats, tight jeans, cotton button downs over close fitting blouses and easily identified worn boots. They stopped just through the doors and looked around before heading over to a table by the front window past Jade and five of Tim's bronc riders all of whom turned as the girls walked past.
Betty and Lisa had gone straight to the bathroom but Viv came out of the kitchen and saw them before heading over to serve her table which would take a second trip. Sloane noticed them as well but was involved on the phone and ringing up two checks. It was inevitable that one of the bronc riders leaned over to chat up the twins.
"You two alone ? You could always join us, or maybe be our guests at the rodeo this Sunday ?"
"You boys ride bulls ?" Maddie asked.
"Broncs, team roping and bulldogging."
He didn't notice Tim coming out of the office followed by Casey But he did see Maddie's face light up as a shadow loomed over him. He paid no attention to the shadow instead to Maddie and moving his chair back, chair or lap sweetheart ?"
The pitcher of ice water slammed into the young cowboy's lap.
"What the hell Tim ?" The young man demanded as his table and several other customers laughed and he jumped back and stood knocking the ice to the ground.
"Hey Grandpa" Charlie said wrapping her arms around him for a hug. Maddie was next.
"Don't stand there like a fish Gretsch, get a mop and clean this mess up." Tim said "Idiot."
"Girls, this is your Grandma Casey, let's see if I can get this right, this is Madelyn and this is Charlie."
"Good try Grandpa" Charlie said leaning forward "I'm Charlotte Grandma."
"It's a pleasure to meet you sweetheart." Casey said and then turned to Maddie who stepped up and hugged her.
Viv walked up and handed the bucket, a bunch of towels and a mop to Gretsch and tapped Tim on the shoulder, "out of the way Tim, let me take a look at these two."
"Hi Aunt Viv." Madelyn said hugging her followed by Charlie.
"Hey Maddie, Charlie, Haddie's busy but she wants you to come by so tell Ty. It's good to see you both, mom Ok ?"
"Just great, she sends her love." Charlie said.
"Well I have to get back to work, you all eating ?"
"I'm starved" Maddie said.
"Me too" Katie added.
"Well here comes Sloane with some menus, I'll see you two."
Both sisters looked up at the smiling young woman coming towards them. JT had told them all about her and they stood up when she came over. You're both as pretty as your pictures.
"Maddie, it's good to meet you" she said reaching out to hug her.
"Charlie, welcome to Hudson."
"How can you possibly tell them apart, I'm their grandfather and I can't tell them apart."
"It's all in the eyes Tim." Sloane said smiling at Maddie. "We'll talk girls and boys another time" Sloane said to them with a big smile."Chocolate shakes ladies ?"
"Yes please" they answered together.
"Vanilla Katie ?"
"Yup, thanks Sloane."
Sloane ran into Lisa and Betty on the way back and Lisa introduced them "So you're Gran huh, JT's told me all about you, shakes ?"
"Coffee for me Sloane" Lisa said.
"Strawberry Betty, JT told me ?"
"Sure why not thank you Sloane."
Georgie and Ty were a little late getting out and walked into Maggie's as the family was being served. "I've got it Ty, chili and iced tea ?"
"Yes please Georgie."
He stopped and looked at the table and Betty noticed him and smiled. She got up and wrapped her arms around him. She leaned back and tenderly kissed him on the cheek. "From Amy."
Charlie got up and wrapped her arms around him, Ty kissed her head and closed his eyes. Maddie took over from her and Ty kissed her as well "you must have really missed me to come this far scarecrow."
"You got me Doc." She whispered hugging him again.
Georgie handed a filled out check to Sloane who smiled at her "identical twins always freak me out a little" she whispered.
Georgie laughed "spend any real time with those two and your worst fears will be confirmed. I'm not kidding."
"Great, oh well, I'd like to get to know them, JT's a great kid and he thinks the world of those two."
"So does Ty and so do I, what's with the bucket and mop brigade ?"
"Gretsch hit on the twins, Tim cooled him off with a pitcher of ice water."
"Get the fuck out."
"It was a sight, here grab the chili, I'll get the drinks."
Georgie shoved the chili in front of Ty and put hers down on the table by the seat he pulled over next to him for her and then went she and hugged Betty reaching over her from behind and kissing her, then Maddie and Charlie. Katie was in the corner and hard to reach. Katie smiled "hugs from here Georgie."
Ty was talking with the girls and Georgie while they ate. He glanced over at Lisa and Betty and then finished up and wiped his mouth. "Finish up girls, let's get over to Heartland."
He got up then and walked around the table and crouched beside Betty. "Let's get you to Heartland Gran, let you relax a little."
"I'm fine Ty."
"We've run you ragged old woman, I'm sorry."
"I'm really fine sweetheart."
"You're an awful liar Betty but we should go get settled anyway."
"Jack's on his way in the Porsche for the overload, why don't you take Betty and the girls and Georgie and I will grab a ride back with Jack."
"Thanks Lisa."
Ty put out his hand to Betty who took it and stood. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I don't need to be coddled young man."
"I'm not coddling Betty but there's no need for stubbornness either."
"I can use a nap."
"That's all I'm saying."
"We'll follow right behind Ty." Lisa said with a small squeeze to his hand as he passed, his other hand resting gently on Betty's shoulder as she walked through the seats.
Maddie walked over to Gretsch "It's Gretsch ?"
"William Gretsch."
"Well Billy, back up a little"
Gretsch pushed back and Maddie moved over and sat on the end of his knee.
"Maddie, what the ?"
"Easy Grandpa."
Sloane and Jade looked on with big smiles on their faces.
"Now Billy, I want you to close your eyes and think of the most beautiful dark haired woman in the world. Go on."
Gretsch smiled and closed his eyes as Maddie brought up a picture of Brin. "Open them."
"How's that, close ?"
"Pretty close, who is she ?"
"My girlfriend, you tried to pick up a lesbian, I dig chicks."
Sloane cracked up which set Jade laughing, which set the table to laughing.
"And uh your sister ?"
"Pretty handsome boyfriend, farmer, vicious right hook."
Gretsch smiled and nodded "You two want to want to hang out anyway ?"
"Actually we want to team rope slick, we'll see you at the rodeo grounds."
"Team rope ?"
"We promised our Great Grandpa that we'd rope for him, doing it kicking your butts is just an added bonus."
"Care to put your money where your mouth is ?" One of the other riders asked.
Ty listened smiling until this point and then Amy's words came back to him and he took a step, wholly unnecessarily "Sorry, we don't gamble, we'll just play for bragging rights."
"Madelyn Fleming" she said standing and putting out her hand to Gretsch "Maddie or Mad is fine."
"That's my sister Charlotte" she followed and Charlie put her hand out.
"Tomorrow afternoon then, at the rodeo grounds" Tim said. "you girls need anything ?
"Well, a chute, a calf, 2 horses and ropes would help Grandpa." Charlie answered.
"We got those." Tim answered smiling. "I'll have Caleb pull two horses for you."
"This should be fun." Jade said putting out her hand "Jade Verani Maddie "
Maddie shook her hand "Good to meet you Jade, bronc rider right ?"
"That's me."
"Georgie told us, you are a woman too right, identify that way ?"
"Yup."
"Somewhere between their teacher, bronc rider and woman, these idiots are disrespecting you when they chase tail at your table."
Maddie smiled at Sloane who was sitting with Jade. "You should definitely come cheer us on Sloane."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world sister." Sloane said with a smile and then stood to high five her.
"Come on Grandpa we need to see a man about some working horses." Charlie said taking his arm.
Maddie walked up to Casey, "we've never barrel raced, that's a thing with us."
"I'll fit you in sweetheart." Casey said with the brightest smile. "I can't wait to see you two ride."
"Thanks Grandma" Maddie said leaning over to kiss her cheek. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"Case, I'm going to head over to Heartland, I'll meet you at the grounds at 5:00."
Casey nodded and waved then sat down with Lisa and Georgie.
"My granddaughters are kinda spunky huh ?" Casey said sitting down.
"Wait till you meet Amy." Georgie said.
"Georgie, they any good ?" Gretsch asked.
"Never seen 'em rope, but it they're half as good with a rope as they are with everything else horse I've seen, I'd be ready if I were you."
"If they were good they would have bet." One of the others opined.
Lisa looked over "Dex is it ?"
"Yes ma'am."
"They don't bet because they train thoroughbreds for a living, the two don't mix."
"I thought all you horse owners bet Mrs. Stillman."
"I didn't say they owned thoroughbreds, I said they trained them, from many stables, head to head sometimes. Their honor is above reproach."
"Makes sense, well this should be fun."
"It'll be fun if you win Dex, or lose, either way Tim's still their Grandpa" Casey reminded him.
"So basically this can't end well." Gretsch said his head down in his hands.
"He alright ?" Jack asked walking over "I passed Ty on the way."
"He's fine Jack," Lisa said "he's roping against the girls tomorrow, it's finally hit him, he could lose."
"Or win" Gretsch moaned. "Fuck" he whispered.
"That should be fun, we ready to go Lis ? Casey you coming ?"
"No Jack, I've got a few appointments. I'll see you at the grounds tomorrow and dinner, Lisa ?"
"Absolutely Casey, see you then."
"I'll come back early with the girls and give you a hand."
"That would be wonderful."
Ty turned down the road, past the mailbox and under the Heartland sign. The girls turned this way and that looking out the windows until Ty stopped at the house. Betty stretched and stood by the truck looking around and stopping at the Mountain View. The girls walked over to the nearest paddock and stood as a couple of horses walked over. Ty took a picture of the girls rubbing the horses muzzles and sent it to Amy.
"Girl's, come on, let's get the stuff inside and get settled."
Jack pulled up a few minutes later and the girls ran down to meet and hug him. Tim also pulled up a few minutes after that. "Your two horses will be here in an hour girls, Diamond and Pimo, champion ropers."
"So now the big secret gets revealed, when the money's down, who's who?" Jack asked coming up the stairs.
"When we gotta win, Maddie's the header." Charlotte said.
"You two want to practice, gets dark late around here."
"We need a round pen Grandpa." Maddie said "They know their jobs right ?"
"They do Maddie." Tim confirmed.
"Well without time it's probably better that they know us." Charlotte added.
"You two good ?"
"We won't embarrass you Grandpa."
"I don't think you could Charlie."
"It is Charlie right ?"
"It is Grandpa."
Ty came down having changed into ranch wear, checked on Lisa and Betty who were in Amy's room and then came out. "What's up for the rest of the afternoon ?"
"Mad and I have to work with two horses."
"Caleb's bringing over Diamond and Pimo." Tim said.
"Ok, just let Grand Mere know that dinner start may be fluid. I'm grabbing a cup of coffee, Georgie, vet yours after ?"
"Great, 6 horses are being dropped in Michigan Monday and that trailer is coming here for our 4. They may ride down with 40 Alpaca if Haddie can manage to get them ready."
"So you're taking Morgan ?"
"He's a barrel racer, the girls want a barrel racer."
"Just one ? You just want Morgan and that's fine Georgie."
"Well, no reason we can't have 3."
"Genes or not, you're all Fleming's that's for sure."
"The more the merrier Ty, we'll need barrels too."
Amy was in full swing host and thoroughbred mode, so much so that Trish and Meg took the girls and Betty to Syracuse and were spending a few hours in town between flights. They'd be back with Lou and JT about 6:30 with the time zone swing. Pavel was handling dinner, Amy was riding and spending the day with their best customer and his family.
Not only did John Branch keep about a dozen horses at Pegasus year round at $24000 each, between Price and Cloister they had billed another million and that didn't include the fact that John and his family built and sponsored the 4 existing Texas Pegasus Treatment facilities and he was actively seeking a 5th location in the Dallas area. On top of that Amy and the Branch's were best of friends and though they now spent more and more time apart, when the got together they were family.
"He's really not here, unbelievable Amy." Rachel Branch said coming up the stairs to the house.
"I'm sorry Rach, next time I promise, no one's here, the girls are leaving tomorrow with Betty and Katie, my sister's youngest and Lou, my sister who you will meet actually, will be flying in with Jackson."
"Come on Cliff, you can do it" Amy cajoled the three year old climbing the steps. She held her hand out for the small boy to take and then he smiled at her.
"Cookie and milk buddy ?"
He shook his head and walked in to the house with Amy where Betty was setting fresh just cooled cookies onto the table with a container of milk.
"Coffee, Tea Rachel, anything ?" Betty asked.
"Done breast feeding, coffee please." She said putting Connor their one year old into the convenient high chair.
"John, please get off the phone and come inside."
"I'm off, I'm here Rach." He said walking over to Betty and kissing her cheek. "How've you been Betty."
"Good John thanks."
"He's not here, I'm tempted to fly to Alberta from here" John said "are you happy Amy ?"
"I'm very happy John."
Betty came over with a bowl of fruit and some Cheerios for the baby and sat down herself. "I'm sure Ty would prefer to be here, although he's having an absolute ball with JT it seems."
"It does, did I tell you he bought donuts for the swim team and they gave him a team jacket."
"That kid can charm anyone or anything." Rachel said "a real talent, like this one." She said nudging her husband.
"Me, ? How about yon horse whisperer ?"
"Ok enough, it's just the Grainger - Fleming charm." Amy said patting Betty on the hand. "Pavel, what's for dinner ?"
"Oh, your Grandfather shipped beautiful roasts Amy, the rest from the garden."
"Betty, you need help packing ?" Amy asked.
"No, the girls do themselves and I'm sure there'll be shopping."
"Any idea what they have in mind doing ?"
"Barrel racing with Grandma Casey, team roping with Tim and Jack, and Ty, poor thing."
"How's that working out ?"
"It's hard to describe Jackson and Ty Rachel, it's like they're learning each other and JT's just got no brake."
"What's going on ?" Betty asked.
"The schedule bothers Jackson."
"Schedule ?" John asked.
"Engaged by Christmas, married June or July, after school."
"Seems normal." Rachel said looking at them both and then wiping Connor's face and gently cleaning his gums.
"JT sort of implied that last time we didn't get married so can we get that part over with sooner than later. He also wants the paper and the official dad."
"Well, we've heard at least your side of this thing and all I've ever come up with is you both just weren't ready, too scared you'd get in each other's way." John said sipping the coffee he helped himself to.
"I think that's our consensus" Amy said "I feel whole for the first time in a very long time."
"He sounds like he's ready for a nap, how about you shooter ?" Rachel said to her yawning toddler, Clifford.
"Help her back with them John, want to ride over to the stables after or stay and rest yourself ?"
"If you're good give me half an hour to get them settled and me changed."
"I'll be here."
"Rachel call or text if you need anything." Betty said standing.
"I can't imagine what you've got over there, I think we'll be fine." She answered laughing.
"Your bags are in your rooms and everything for the kids is set up."
"Thanks Betty, we'll see you at dinner."
"I'll be back sooner." John said taking Connor in his arms while Rachel took little Cliff's hand.
"Bye Amy" he waved.
"I'll see you soon sweetheart, have a good rest."
"Betty, I'll have Chuck get two horses and stop in Medical, could I ask you to wait if John get's back before me and when are we expecting the girls, is this a honeymoon or goodbye for a week ?"
"Don't you dare, if you didn't have the hospital you could come you know, leave those two be, besides they have Katie with them."
"I know, I will, I'll be back." She sighed.
"It's understandable that you miss him sweetheart."
"It feels horrible."
"I know, he'll be back soon."
"Make sure he's Ok."
"You worry too much, go."
Amy asked Chuck to saddle Spartan and Harley for her and John. She stopped at the round pen where Sarah was working out Wallace.
"Sarah, he looks great, what are we going to do with him ?"
"I was thinking Georgie's beau Wyatt needed a horse, I'd hate for him to go Amy."
"Wyatt does need a horse, does Wallace here do anything ?"
"Well Wyatt doesn't do anything does he, if he does they can learn together. He's a good ride Amy, nice and young too, no older than 7."
"Fine, we do have to get rid of some of them Sarah."
"We'll get rid of all the others."
"Vi is off doing farm rounds, Is Bert around ?"
"I left him at the other stables, you see anything in that Boxer Amy ?"
"Do you ever get that feeling that you do but can't pinpoint it, that's what I got."
"It'll come to you. It always does. Take a break and go back."
"No choice really, the Branches and the hospital with goodbyes and hellos tucked in."
"We'll watch over these baes Amy, you take care of them and then you."
"Put in a good word for me witch."
"Always do, the good lord knows who you are Amy Fleming."
"A person could look at that two ways Sarah, work on a different horse please, we're falling behind, I have a billionaire to keep happy."
Amy turned and walked to meet John who was coming towards her. "Rachel and the kids settled ?"
"All three sleeping thankfully, Rachel's beat."
"And you ?"
"Good to go."
They rode over to the track, they ran horses today and Amy wanted to check the course. She got down and walked about 50 feet in both directions. She looked up when the harrowing machine came into view and pulled up. "Gonna be long Amy ?"
"No Finn, go ahead, water seems to have shed well off that new cover."
"Those channels make all the difference, Benny wants to French drain the edges."
"We'll talk about it, we're building this huge thing too."
"I was just saying boss."
"I'm sorry Finn, I didn't mean it that way, I'll talk to Benny and Bryce."
"No worries Amy."
"What's up with you ?"
"John ?"
"Go to Alberta, fly around a while, I'll give you my jet."
"John Branch."
"Don't John Branch me."
"I don't like being away from him, it's not sex, I've gotten used to him."
"He's going to travel Amy, not extensively but he needs to you know see and be seen"
"I know John, I know, but the kids, JT."
"What the hell you waiting for anyway ?"
"Wooing and dating."
"Oh the girls thing yeah, you can do that married you know."
"It's not just that it's Boxer, he's driving me nuts."
"Boxer ?"
"Sorry a dressage horse, I'll show you." She said getting off Spartan as a groom walked up. "Thanks Casey, I think you can keep them saddled."
"So what do you think about running Cloister against Prince tomorrow, Tappy's in the city."
"Sure if you want to embarrass Prince, he won't stand a chance and I won't ride him in a crazy heat. He's a year away from that kind of run John, he's too young, by the end of this year we'll know if he'll qualify."
"So Tappy ?"
"Bring him up, I'll run Prince, I'd actually like an unbiased time of Cloister. I'm not riding him on the circuit."
"Who else ?"
"Carlos Esperanza, he's free. Keep them both together, separate races and we'll switch off to get Prince used to different riders. Cloister's bullet proof."
"And you'll maybe come out with Ty for a weekend, see them, let them see you."
"We'll see."
"Roberta asked Amy, don't make this too hard."
"Someone's happy to see you." Amy said as they turned down what amounted to John's wing of prized thoroughbreds. "It's a cute trick Amy, I'm with you."
"Come on John, they all love you, you leave them here don't you ?"
"Nice, very nice. Hey Duke, how are you boy ? Ready to race huh."
John walked though his horses "They look amazing Benny, their times are great."
"Some of the finest horses I've ever seen John, you should be proud."
"We should all be proud. Hey Prince, look at you, so just a bad muscle pull hull, I'm glad he was here."
"That makes all of us." Amy agreed with a smile and a nudge to John's back.
"Show me this dressage horse."
"You need me Amy, I have to set up the running schedule for tomorrow ?"
"We're good Benny. Tappy's coming tomorrow morning, he'll ride Cloister against Prince and if Carlos Esperanza calls tell him he's on for the season, give him a date to be here."
"Bryce, you heading home ?"
"Can I come back Amy, we're driving each other crazy."
"Half time this week just to make sure she's on a schedule Bryce. Let her at least get sleep one more week."
"Fine, I'll go home for lunch and stay."
"It's like working for your mom" John said patting Bryce on the shoulder and laughing.
"Way worse than that." Bryce said jumping away from Amy's swat.
Boxer was out in a small paddock grazing. Barb was sitting on the rail with coffee and jumped down seeing Amy and the others.
"How the hell do you sit and watch a horse for hours on end Amy ?"
"I don't know, I just do I guess, see anything."
"Nope, what are you seeing."
"He's off, head, neck I can't pin it down. Chart an acupuncture session in and have the chiropractor see him."
"You got it boss."
"You, Katie, Bert, Me, Sarah, seriously, if we can't figure this out it'll drive me nuts. All the tests in ?"
"All in unless we redo some." Barb said.
"I'll look at the videos again when I can, Saturday I'll work with him."
"These two are good together." John said brushing Harley down in the family barn.
"Harley's Tys' horse John, he and Spartan are long time friends."
"That explains it. So had did all that go when he came, they all came ?"
"Well, better than I could have expected, I think seeing Ty and I talking and communicating helped them understand that focusing on whatever else but this was not constructive."
"So you and Ty didn't has that out ?"
"Oh no, I think we did, we talked and cried and told each other how we felt or what that's become in our minds and tempered it with love and just being together. When it got heavy for either of us we respected a break and came back to it. It happened way faster than I thought, that may have been Grandpa and Lisa with Betty thrown in. He also had. Along talk with a woman named Cheryl at a Casino and a Pegasus Center on the way here. Anyway they all seemed to talk to him a lot and I stayed out of that."
"The uhm money ?"
"Yeah, I pushed that one. I low balled it a bit when he asked and I thought he was good and then I just snapped in a jewelry store over a watch."
"We're good John, he's neck deep in kids though."
"Amy, look at me, don't wait, just do it."
"Just like that ?"
"Give me 24 hours notice and we'll be here from anywhere in the world and we're good with a streaming feed if that's all you got."
"Don't take this the wrong way John and I don't need you butting in with him, stay away. Ty has to decide and ask, I'll marry him anytime and anywhere."
"I don't even know him Amy."
"Right, like that's an impediment to you butting in."
They walked to the house and stopped at the porch.
"Dinner at 6:30 friend." Amy said leaning over to hug him.
"We'll be there, with one that actually has bells on I think."
"The dogs will love it."
Amy came in to find the kitchen empty. "Everything good Pavel ?"
"Of course, everyone is packing."
"Thank you, smells wonderful."
Pavel smiled at her and she turned to head up the stairs.
Amy walked down the hall to the girls rooms where Bobby and Brin were sitting on beds and the twins were on the floor with suitcases."Can we just get new black boots in Hudson, these are impossible." Charlotte said struggling at pulling on hers.
"Fine with me, wear you ropers, how many hats you bringing ?"
"White and black." Maddie answered pulling out the hat case they'd share.
"Some dresses for Lisa please."
"We know, Gran gave us a suggestion list." Charlie said.
"Suggestion ?"
"That's what it says."
"I'll check on Katie."
"I'm here, she said dragging her bag, I've got overflow on the bed."
"Go ask Gran for another small bag Katie." Amy told her. "I'm off to shower, you all have a nice ride ?"
"We did." Brin said.
"Good, I'll see you all at dinner."
By 8:00, Amy sat curled up in her big chair in the basement across from the twins and Katie who were looking at information on Alberta, Rodeo, Calgary, shopping, Hudson and whatever they could find. Betty sat finishing a blanket she planned to hand to Rachel for Connor. Amy stared at dressage and hated the world.
"So Grandma Casey is a champion barrel racer who teaches ?"
"So I hear, I only met her briefly but she was very nice."
"And Grandpa ?"
"Champion everything else except bull riding, Ty was the only one stupid enough for that."
"And GG ?"
"Described by some who saw him as the best bronc rider they'd ever seen. You will not ride a bronc, either of you."
"Should we deliver a message to Dr. Borden for you ?"
"Gran will deliver my message thank you, you two may hug him for me anytime."
"You'll be Ok in the hospital mom ?"
"I'll be fine Charlotte, Trish and Meg will be there."
"You'll call ?"
"I'm fine Mad, it's a check up remember" Amy said straightening up "Oh, my neck"
"You Ok sweetheart ?" Betty asked.
"Nothing a massage wouldn't cure, my masseuse is way the hell over there." Amy pointed.
"You just pointed at Mexico." Charlotte said giggling.
"It's almost blurring my vision, Betty could you ?"
"I was waiting, I gave up the masseuse job a month ago and I've been forgotten already."
Maddie giggled when Betty started massaging and Amy groaned in pleasure.
"What's so funny ?" Amy said her head lolling forward.
"I can't imagine what a memorable massage with Ty sounds like."
"Get out of here all of you go to bed." Amy said laughing and swatting at imaginary kids.
Everyone was laughing straightened up the room. The girls all came over for hugs and kisses before heading to the stairs.
"We'll stop in soon." Amy told them.
"It's amazing how quickly we get accustomed to the stimuli that bring us pleasure." Betty said.
"He's been gone a week and you're in the same stressed out weight of the world on your shoulders shape you used to get into."
"Pleasure ?"
"Of course and not wholly in that way. You two enjoy each other's company, you love being close, holding hands, arm in arm, glancing at each other. You're reassured in his proximity, he brings you peace. Pleasure."
"I guess, come on, I'll shower the rest away."
Amy woke at 3:30 and picked up her phone then a second later held it out. "What ?"
"I have an early morning so 6:00 AM at Boxer. Go back to sleep."
Amy put her phone down and closed her eyes.
The phone rang a minute later.
"What ?" She said.
"I can't sleep."
"When he turns his neck in a very specific way he looses peripheral vision in the right eye."
"What do you think it is ?"
"I have no idea Bert, it must have been caused by a trauma since it wasn't always there. One we confirm the diagnosis we'll sit the girls down and look through the videos again until we find it starting and see what we can piece together. At the same time I guess we get every picture we can of every angle of that neck and the optic nerve path and then talk to an equine ophthalmologist."
"I hope we can confirm then. Good night Amy, good job."
"Night Bert, thanks."
Amy lay back down and snuggled in to Dodger and Duncan when the phone rang again.
"What now Bert ?"
"uhm, uhm, it's Ty, why would you think it was Bert ?"
"Good lord." Amy said laying back again.
"I figured out Boxer and called him to tell him to meet me at six. Then he called back for more details."
"Oh Ok, that makes sense."
"Ty ? Why are you calling is everything Ok ?"
"Oh fine, just can't sleep."
"And ?"
"And."
"Ok, I have to pee first."
"Take me along, how did you figure it out ?"
