A/N – I lost a friend and found it hard to write. I hope this chapter makes up for it. Keep the reviews and comments coming, I love reading them.

Chapter 64

Both trucks pulled up into the lot behind Maggie's together and the family piled out and down the large alley to the door. Ty held it open and Sloane came over to greet them. There were two large tables set up near the stage. One for the Bartlett – Fleming Clan and one for the girls new rodeo pals from Tim's school. They were expecting a full house, Sloane had invited her girlfriend Melissa to meet the twins and she had agreed to do a few songs which always drew a crowd. Sloane and Melissa would be sitting with the twins at the family table. Jade and Caleb were sitting at the rodeo table next to Georgie so they were all in the same area.

Thursday morning Amy woke and got ready. She checked on Jackson who was still fast asleep and headed downstairs, started coffee and pulled together the makings for breakfast. She sat down with a cup of coffee after grabbing the newspaper from the porch. At about half way through she heard the charge and his feet barreling down the stairs, way to fast for her tastes, as it always was, followed by the slide past the kitchen and his appearance, always smiling. Amy put out her arms and he climbed up into her lap, hugged and kissed her "Morning mom !"

"Good morning sweetheart, what will we be doing, your choice."

"Fishing ?"

"If fishing is what you want, then fishing is what you'll get. Erma's coming for you at 1:00 so we need to be back in time for you to pack an overnight."

"You'll be ok ?"

"Sure, Trish will be with me most of the time and Megs will come by, Steph, Sally."

"Megs, ha" Jackson said "I'm hungry are you hungry ?"

"Eggs and cheese ok with you ?"

"Yup and toast please."

"Get yourself some milk and a glass of water."

"Where's Aunt Lou ?"

"Still in her room I guess."

"Kind of quiet around here."

"Well, Gran would be sitting right there, and Mad and Charlie right there, so yup, it's kind of quiet around here kiddo."

"You forgot Dr. Borden."

"Hmmm, and Ty would be right there, that'll be nice. Well, I have to cook eggs"

Amy got up while Jackson got his drinks, and set three place settings.

"Should I cut some oranges ?"

"Carefully on a cutting board please."

"Aunt Lou's coming."

"I hear, Good morning Lou"

"Good morning Amy, Jackson" Lou said walking over and kissing Jackson on the head and Amy on the cheek.

"You sure you don't want to sit while I sign Lou ?"

"No you should head out with Jackson, they just go from you to Trev anyway."

"Ok thanks, sure you don't want to fish with us ?"

"No, I'll have lunch with you like we planned, I'm scheduled to leave about when you are."

"Make yourself at home then." She said handing Jackson his breakfast.

"Eggs Lou ?"

"Sure, thanks."

"When's Dr. Borden gonna call ?"

"I'm sure it'll be soon, it's just 5:00 there now."

"Miss him JT?" Lou asked.

"Kind of rough being me these days Aunt Lou, the whole missing thing."

"I can imagine Jackson."

"JT, finish up and get changed, I'll grab my gear."

"Ok mom."

Ty opened his eyes and tapped his watch and phone to turn off the alarms. He was downstairs in the bathroom a couple minutes later. There was a light door knock as he was finishing.

"One minute" he said while he gathered his stuff and slid it away.

He opened the door to Maddie and Charlie leaning against the wall, heads down. They each passed, reached up to kiss his cheek and then both disappeared into the bathroom. He shook his head and walked to the stairs when Katie came out and walked to the bathroom. "The girls are inside Katie."

Then he stared again when she knocked "it's Katie" and the door opened for her to slide in.

Halfway up the stairs Jack came out and Ty told him "the girls are in the bathroom"

"Both ?"

"All three, probably room for Lisa in there if they don't breath."

"I'll wait." Jack said. Then with a single flush of the toilet the door opened and the three disappeared into their two rooms."

"All yours Jack. Sure you won't consider an upgrade ? It's on us."

"I'm getting enough from Lisa, Amy and Jackson, I don't need it from you."

"Sorry Jack."

Amy sat on the porch with her half packed saddlebags sipping a last cup of coffee. Ty settled to watch the sunrise on the porch with his coffee and dialed.

"Good morning Ty my love, how are our beautiful daughters this morning."

"Grumpy and tired, they went back to bed."

"Ah the joys of parenthood."

"I miss you Ames."

"I miss you too sweetheart."

"Me too." Jackson said coming out with his stuff.

"Here Jackson, say your good mornings." Amy said grabbing his stuff and getting it into her saddlebag on the opposite side.

"You bring TP ?"

"I have a roll, say goodbye Jackson."

"Well we're going fishing how about you ?" Jackson said.

"Rounds and rodeo sounds fun, oh well."

"Yeah, fishing with mom is great, just you know if we were all together."

"No, I get it, well I don't but, you know."

"Ok, I love you too, here tell mom you love her."

Amy smiled and took the phone "Do you love me Dr. Borden ?"

"I love you very much Amy Fleming."

"Then I will catch you a fish this morning and we'll name him Jesse and send him on his way."

Ty laughed, "sure you don't want to fry him up ?"

"Probably wouldn't taste good anyway" Amy answered. "Take care of the girls Ty, no weird stuff at the rodeo grounds."

"I'll watch out for them Ames."

"And I want videos."

"You'll get them, Georgie's pulling up I gotta go, love you."

"Love you too bye."

Amy and Jackson waded out into the stream and found spots. After 20 minutes with not so much as a nibble Amy chose a small swirl off a log that had been there since they bought the ranch and dropped her small midge off to the side of it where it was drawn into the current. It would be tricky if she got a hit but she thought she'd be quick enough and when she felt the nibble she tensed for a second before snapping her rod back and setting the trout.

"Go mom he looks huge, look at that bend !"

Amy muscled the fish out of the small fissure he was in and then let him run when he was free of the log. Her reel screamed as the large brown fought as she hauled back again and stopped him, she held for a second and dipped to the left, forcing the trout around and soon he was losing a battle against Amy's deft hand. Jackson scooped the large and fat 14 inch fish into his net and held it out to Amy.

"You gotta take a picture of this guy mom."

"I will but he's too pretty and proud to be Jesse, we'll call him Ty because he's beautiful."

She held it out and Jackson crawled under her arms, just like the picture he had with Ty. Amy sent it along to his phone with the caption "He was too pretty for a Jesse, we named him Ty, Love you Sweetheart."

Jackson took a fish a little later and after that picture they took a break for a snack and a rest. They sat against the same log that hung over the river and shared slices of apples with each other and with Spartan and Merlin who grazed nearby and wandered over for the offered treats.

"I get nervous when you're not talking, out with it Jackson."

"Why can't we talk about you getting married to dad, Dr. Borden ?"

"Because I can't give you an answer sweetheart, neither of us realized that you would care as long as we're together. He's away for a few weeks, he'd be away married or not you know."

"Married would be better."

"We know you feel that way sweet boy and I told you we'll talk when he gets back, but we can't do this at a distance."

"Ok, I get it, thanks for talking to me about it."

"Thanks for understanding, I know all this is confusing to you. I promise TY and I will talk about it Ok ?"

"Wanna fish some more ?"

"Is that what you wanna do ?" Amy asked mimicking him.

"How about we trail ride, I haven't seen the treehouse in a while."

"Then let's pack up."

Ty drove along a back road in Oketoks heading to their next stop when his phone rang and after a glance pulled over. "Hey Charlie"

"Hi Doc, we're going to head over to the rodeo grounds with GG, we'll meet Grandma Casey and Grandpa there."

"Ok, but the competition isn't until after 1:00 right ?"

"Yeah, we'll get some practice in and look around, we'll be safe."

"Thanks Charlie, kiss Mad for me and send pictures. Love you."

"Love you too Doc, don't worry."

"Georgie, dial Casey for me please."

"Hi Ty, they're not here yet."

"Casey, I'm appointing you the official adult, can I trust you ?"

Georgie was laughing and Casey was as well "Lisa and Betty will be here soon but I'll watch over them Ty, I promise."

"Thanks Casey, Bye."

"It was funny but definitely necessary Ty."

"Oh definitely, it's that turn there right ?"

Betty and Lisa waved at the girls as Jack drove them out with Diamond and Pimo trailered behind.

"Lisa would you please call Casey for me, I don't have her number yet."

"Hi Lisa."

"It's Betty Casey, sorry, they just left, I don't trust Jack to say no at all and Tim well let's not go there."

"Ty's already called Betty, I have nothing to do but stand by their side."

"Thanks Casey, we'll be along, maybe an hour or so."

"Bye Betty, don't worry."

"Sorry Lisa, I love Jack but."

"No, no, definitely necessary. Jack couldn't say no to Georgie or Katie separately, there are two of them."

"Well Ty got to her first."

"Good for him."

"You raised him well Lisa."

"Raised him nothing, he's scared of Amy." Lisa answered laughing.

"She's spending the morning with Jackson before she goes into the hospital. He's way too caught up in this whole marriage thing. Ty was very sweet asking."

"No doubting his sincerity that's for sure."

"Not the way he looks at them, reminds me of my son Mitch. Oh, they don't look alike at all but the look, that gaze."

"Let me get my paperwork done, you said you wanted to walk and see the place, it won't take long, we'll have a ride tomorrow, the real Heartland is out there." Lisa said pointing at the woods and mountains in general.

"I look forward to seeing it."

"Can I punch in the code mom ?"

"Go ahead, is your thumb clean ?

"Yes it's clean, I've been in a river all morning."

"That's true."

Jackson punched in his code and put his thumb on the pad until the light changed to green.

"It worked."

"Of course it worked." Amy said "Go on up."

Caleb and Jade met the truck and trailer pulling in and the girls got out and looked around. They got Diamond and Pimo out and Caleb led them to a large stall where they put the horses. The girls spent a few minutes getting them settled and were greeted with hugs and kisses from Casey when they stepped out. They were wearing blue jeans, white hats, well worn ropers with light summer flannel plaids tucked in over tight blouses. They proudly wore the Stampede buckles and they matched completely.

Their first order of business was thanking Tim for the buckles and it came with kisses and hugs. Casey stepped in when Tim began the competition talk and wanted to get them with the school first thing.

"Hold on Tim, they're guests not trainees, come on girls, I'll give you the grand tour and then you girls can get started readying yourselves."

Casey walked them around and introduced them as the need came up. Cowboys were a friendly group and being introduced as Flemings and Tim's and her granddaughters or Jack's great grand brought handshakes and smiles.

"Well, that's the Hudson Rodeo grounds, now do you want to trash talk or a little alone time with some ropes ?"

"Ropes would be great Grandma, is that what you want to be called ?" Maddie asked.

"Grandma's fine sweetheart."

They both nodded and followed Casey to a trailer with the McMurtry Rodeo logo on the side and the girls stopped and looked at it.

"Hank McMurtry was my first husband, he passed a while ago from cancer and then a few years later I started dating Tim. I always kept the rodeo going for Hank though."

"That's nice." Charlie said.

Casey pulled open one of the side storage areas. "Tim got you both new ropes but I think some with some wear may be easier, no reason to spend all morning breaking in a stiff rope. Pick."

There were probably 20 ropes and it didn't take the girls much time to choose two.

"Let's find you two some posts to practice on and get loosened up."

"We shouldn't head over to."

"No, we shouldn't, we should loosen up and get comfortable, those idiots do this every day, it's their life but your grandfather and they won't see it that way. Trust me, be ready before or they'll make sure you're not, they'll play with your heads all morning."

"Bring it on" Maddie said "they want to play our game we're good with that."

Casey watched over the girls and was impressed by their throwing skill. After a few minutes and used to the ropes, they were fast and deadly accurate with their throws. Casey sent a couple texts watching them and had them move back as far as 6 feet to throw and stopped them when she saw they were starting to wear.

The girls sat down across from her and she handed them each a bottle of water.

"Let's take a break, a bottle of water and get you on the horses for a little while, get them used to your throwing styles."

They drank and nodded listening to her.

"You both jump so are used to competition, how good are you two at this ?"

"We do pretty good against the guys at home when they fool around. Bryce our head wrangler taught us and Mom of course, they're both Albertans."

"We'll it'll be Gretsch and Trace they put against you two."

"Just the two teams ?" Charlie asked.

"I may try to finagle a third team, that may shake the boys up."

"It's team roping Grandma, this team can't be rattled." Charlie said.

"Good to hear."

Tim's school was centered around the actual rodeo arena so all the events they taught could be run under actual rodeo conditions and the team hung out there. Casey had arranged a more private setting for them over at the practice chutes and after gathering and saddling their horses she led them there, where Jack was waiting by the chutes.

"Keeping them away Casey ?" Jack asked, "thanks for the text."

"Where does Tim think you are Jack ?"

"Checking some stock, he's holding court with the students like he does."

The girls settled the horses and came over to hug Jack. "Hey GG" they both said leaning in for a hug and his kisses to their heads.

Two hands came along the chute leading a calf and set him ready in the small pen outside.

"Ready Case ?" One asked.

"Thanks Hank, girls, give it a shot ?"

"Let's get to roping." Maddie said hoisting herself on Pimo who was excited at the scene and knowing they would work.

"Jack, work the chute ?"

"Sure thing Casey."

"I'll run alone first GG, just to see Pimo and calf and have him get used to my lean." Maddie said getting into the left chute. Charlie will just ride along the first free runs."

"You two are in charge."

Maddie threw past the calf the first three times out and stopped to take a breather.

"Mad, what's up ?" Charlie asked across the top of the chutes.

"He's too fast out of the chute for me, I need to slow him down."

"Too fast how Maddie, he looks fine to me ?" Jack asked.

"I don't have the strength to stop him at a full run GG, I'm a 15 year old girl. I need to get on him right out the chute, Pimo's trained by a man who has those extra seconds. I'll get it."

Maddie worked with Pimo a few times with no calf, just the chute and her and then with Charlie. Jack saw what she meant 10 minute later.

"Load the chute Casey" Maddie said setting up Pimo. "Easy boy, I need two seconds up front I need that calf a second in front of you Ok ?" she whispered and then heeled him steady.

Maddie closed her eyes and then reached out with her right arm where she and Charlie touched fingers for a second.

When she nodded Jack watched in astonishment as Maddie threw right past the gate and immediately spurred to the left when Charlie had already released.

"Wow" Casey said from over the chute.

"Anyone get a time ?" Jack asked.

"4.9 one of the hands called back, impressive."

"Load him up again GG." Charlie called out pulling back her rope.

In successive runs over the next 30 minutes the girls timed in at 4.9, 5.1, 5.3, 4.9 and 5.0. A crowd had gathered including Jade who had walked over to see why the crowd was gathering.

Maddie had seen her coming and decided they had worked enough and called out to Charlie who nodded and got down to lead Diamond out of the practice arena where one of the hands who were helping took him and nodded to a stall. Another hand walked Pimo over where they drank sharing a trough as the girls walked over.

"I'm impressed beyond words girls" Jack said hugging each or them. Win or lose you'll put up an impressive fight."

"Worthy of a Fleming ?" Maddie asked.

"As far as I'm concerned."

"And Grandpa ? Not so much ?"

"A lot quicker if you win."

"Well, winning is good GG, but we've never seen them rope."

"You're every bit as good as those guys Charlie, just do what I've seen. No matter what you'll shake them up a bunch."

They met Lisa and Betty while walking the horses back over to the main arena where Gretsch and Trace were in the chutes.

"Let's see what you got cowboy." Maddie said climbing up.

"Worried ?" Gretsch asked.

"About what ? If you win you'll have to walk about bragging that you beat two 14 year old girls from New York who don't compete and have actually never even seen a rodeo. If you lose, you can see that on your own can't you. Then there's Grandpa and Great Grandpa. We're not worried about a thing Gretsch, besides, we're really good, like scary good."

"Gretsch get your head in the game, don't listen to her." Trace sad.

"Boys, we gonna do this ?" Caleb asked from the chute control.

"Remember Gretsch, around the horns." Maddie said.

Gretsch missed, completely. Maddie applauded, "perfect, not worried at all."

Then they switched for the next run. Charlotte climbed up. "Trace is it ?"

"Couldn't find a better header ?"

"I'm not him, you can't mess me up like that."

"I'm not her either, kind of confusing. I'm the heeler. You don't trust him much do you ? I mean the object is to anticipate him doing his job and to just heel that calf but you didn't throw."

"Didn't have time."

"So he can't head and your slow ? I'm not worried either." She finished jumping down.

"No one would have been that fast" he called back to her.

"Hey get your head in the game Trace" Gretsch called across.

"Let's see that lightening speed Trace" Charlotte called in.

"You two are good at this" Casey said. She was standing with Tim and Jack who were enjoying themselves.

"You should hear mom and the jockeys" Maddie said laughing, "she'd have that guy bawling by now."

"We learned from the best" Charlie added.

They both missed this time and ended up yelling at each other.

"Shall we show you how it's done boys ?" Maddie asked.

"Go ahead, this I gotta see." Gretsch said.

"You're not gonna back out later now are you ?" Charlie asked. "We've invited the press."

"Not likely, let's see what you got smart ass."

"Watch your mouth Trace." Tim snapped.

"You're right, I apologize ladies." Trace said tipping his hat, "you push like guys."

"Girls with attitude" Sloane said walking over "trash talk time ?"

"Showing them up time actually, we'll do it again later."

The girls got their mounts and set up while Caleb and Jade got a fresh calf in the chute. Maddie reached across and touched hands with Charlotte then pushed her hat down and set her rope.

"Watch this" Jack whispered to Tim, "no thinking."

The chute cracked and it was over fast Maddie roped the calf no more than 4 steps out and Charlotte had her rope out before Maddie even cinched, it was textbook at 4.8 seconds.

"Fuck me" Jade said while Sloane was whooping up a storm.

"How do you do that, throw that fast ?" Trace asked.

"I pay absolutely no attention to Maddie at all, as soon as I have a throw I let it go, 9 times out of ten I get both legs though one will do."

"You get right on him and then rear back."

"I'm a 15 year old girl Gretsch I can't manhandle a calf at full speed, I get the rope on, let the horse do the rest and Charlie get's it done."

"Do it again." He asked.

"Hold on, let's not make this the event." Tim said.

"No grandpa, we'll run again" Maddie said.

"Film this Caleb." Tim called out.

"Cameras are already rolling Tim." He called back.

The gate took a bounce and Maddie lost a step so they finished at 5.3, still impressive but it begged a question.

"You waited that time, you should have thrown early and you didn't trust her." Trace said smugly.

"That's the thing about identical twins, somehow I knew she was a step behind. Sorry bud, can't help you with that one." Charlotte said. "When's Dr. Borden coming ?"

"They're on their last stop Charlie, Ty just texted" Betty said.

The girls were off with the stalled horses, Katie and Brick had gotten dropped off by Jen and came over with a bag of hamburgers from Maggie's and a box of shakes. The girls sat by the stalls and each grabbed a burger and a shake. Others came by and helped themselves. Jade, Gretsch and Sloane sat as well and talked about life in Ithaca, Brin, Bobby, the ranch and Amy.

"Mom remembers you stole Grandpa's truck with Georgie in it. That must have been fun." Charlie said.

"Which one are you ?"

"Boyfriend" Which made Sloane laugh.

"It was a misunderstanding straight girl"

"Charlie or Charlotte, straight girl doesn't work in a crowd."

"You two are good, you do anything else ?" Gretsch asked.

"Jumping and Grandma Casey's going to show us barrel racing."

"We can't do some events, not that we'd probably want to, we were hurt in a bad accident when we were kids so we have hip and leg things."

"We'll be able to get our jockey licenses though so that'll be fun, we like the speed." Maddie added finishing her burger and shoving the wrapper back into the now empty bag.

"You like speed huh, I've got a dirt bike." Gretsch offered.

"Yamaha ?" Charlie asked.

"Yup, ever ride ?"

"We've ridden, we get our motorcycle learners in September."

"So you're 15 in September but in the states it's 16 isn't it ? I have cousins."

"We'll do it up here, we have dual citizenship and houses and stuff for addresses and we're only a few hours south in NY to the border."

"So what do you ride ?"

"Harleys" Maddie answered.

"Harleys ?"

"'58 Panheads" Maddie pulled out her phone and called up a picture of them in their colors and standing by their bikes."

"Wow, you bought these ?"

"No we bought these." Charlie said showing pictures of the rats that became the girls' bikes.

"What's with the get-ups ?"

"We're members of our local motorcycle club."

"You're bikers."

"They are Gretsch, true members, earned stripes and everything." Ty said walking over with a bag of his own.

The girls jumped up and hugged and kissed him "word is the competition's over before it started ?" Ty asked.

"They haven't thrown when it's counted yet" Jade added.

"Seems to me they have, nervous Gretsch ?"

"Inspired Dr. Borden, driven."

"Well, don't hurt yourself cowboy, we want you come see us Saturday night at Maggie's, our treat."

"Thanks Maddie, we don't want to put you out."

"It's the least Charlie and I can do considering, invite the team."

"We eat a lot"

"We've got you covered Gretsch."

"Don't choke when you get the bill."

"We won't be selling the bike's Gretsch."

They decided or Tim decided that the competition would be best of three runs and at Casey's suggestion Jade and Avery would also compete to give the boys some extra added competition.

They drew straws for position and would run in order through the three.

The girls drew the short straw for third. Jade and Avery were first and the boys in the middle. It was surprisingly close through the second round. Jade and Avery averaged 5.1 and the boys and twins each at 5.0.

Jade and Avery and the boys both ran a 4.9 which officially put the boys in first. The twins would have to run a 4.9 to tie or better to win. Maddie and Charlie set up and went through their ritual. It wasn't text book, Maddie's side of the gate went wide again this time clipping her leg. Caleb threw the flag signifying interference and Maddie leaned over in her saddle as Ty ran over.

"Come on Mad, I'll help you down."

"I'm Ok, just give me a second ."

"Maddie, no, you have nothing to prove, they're pros and your hurt."

Betty had come over then followed by Tim and Jack.

"She wants to finish."

"I'm fine, it's a bruise I've been hurt worse."

"Madelyn, look at me." Betty said. "It's your leg."

"It's fine Gran, nothing broken."

"Maddie." Lisa implored.

"Please don't embarrass me by ordering me off my mount. I'm fine."

"Mad, your mom."

"My mom would believe me and let me finish."

Charlie rode over "we've grown up Flemings too, let us do our jobs and go home having done our best."

"You're going from here to the clinic, go ahead, do your job." Ty said.

Jade and Gretsch walked over to the rail where Maddie sat Pimo as they were switching the calf.

"You don't have to do this Maddie" Jade said. "It doesn't prove anything."

"What would either of you do ?

"Good luck Maddie." Gretsch said putting his hand on her shoulder. Jade nodded and stepped down.

Ty and Betty stood alongside Maddie's chute when Charlie reached out and this time took Maddie's hand "Tos dubar cota Mada ?"

"I'm good Charlie, let's finish this."

TY reached out and took Betty's hand when Maddie nodded and then he cringed at the slam of the gate which this time did not overextend. She was so fast in her throw the calf almost slammed the gate himself and Charlie was right behind her. The two judges checked their watches and showed Tim, 4.7 seconds.

He walked over to the boys with both watches and held them out as the girls rode over.

"4.7 girls, excellent run." Tim said.

Ty had walked over and Maddie leaned to him. "Give me hand Doc." Maddie's said as she groaned and lifted her leg over the hors, Ty taking her weight and easing her to the ground. "Georgie, Katie take care of Pimo for me please and check him for injuries please ?" She said as Ty walked her past.

"I'm coming too." Charlie said.

"Stay and take care of Diamond Charlie, it's just a bang, there'll be pretty colors, we can take pictures. Call Brin for me please, be positive."

Betty and Lisa came with Jack's promise to get Charlie and the rest home. Casey said she'd start getting dinner ready if there was a delay but would accompany Jack with the kids once the horses were ready.

Trish was waiting after being called by Jade and took Maddie into the exam room with Betty in attendance. "You'd better call Ty and Dr. Verani is it, you need to look at this before flour see x-rays of Maddie's bionic leg." Betty said handing a thumb drive to Trish.

"It's Trish, have there been prior injuries ?"

"There's a bunch of titanium in those legs."

"Got it. Let's look first."

Ty came over and sat by Lisa, "this should be fun."

"This is not your fault Ty." Lisa said.

"In case you didn't see it Lisa I made the decision to let her ride again."

"I did and I think it was the right decision, now call your wife to be and tell her that your daughter has been hurt."

"Hey, it's about time, you're on speaker with JT, how'd they do ?"

"They won but Maddie clipped her thigh on the chute gate, it overextended. She's with Trish Verani now, she seems Ok, walked here on her own. She's in with Betty."

"She stayed to finish after ?" Amy asked more matter of factly that he had ever dreamed.

"It was the last run, she insisted on making it."

"She's Ok ?"

"She's fine Jackson but she'll probably get x-rays which I assume we'll have sent to Dr. Sherman."

"They won though ?" JT asked.

"Yes Jackson, they won. They were pretty amazing, as soon as I get the videos from Caleb I'll forward them. She's seems fine Ames, just a bruise."

"She walked in so we'll hope that's all it is, let me call Betty and talk to her sweetheart, are you Ok, is someone there with you ?"

"Are you really worried about me at this point ?"

"Of course I am, what a thing to ask."

"Lisa's sitting with me."

"Ok and Charlie ?"

"Taking care of the horses with Georgie, calling Sabrina and meeting us at Heartland. She's fine."

"Ok, that's a good sign Mad's Ok." JT said.

"What's a good sign ?"

Amy took over "If it was something serious and she was in real pain or worse scared, Charlie wouldn't leave her side."

"Go call inside, I love you Amy and you Jackson." He added.

"We love you too, don't freak out Ty."

"I won't, I'll talk to you again soon."

"No blame ?" Lisa asked.

"Uhm no, it was fine."

"Surprised ?"

"Frankly, sure, that's her daughter."

"And yours it seems now, would you let John walk Maddie out today to confront a bully ?"

"I don't imagine I would."

"She allows the people she knows love her make extraordinary decisions regarding her business, money and home everyday."

"Her kids ?"

"Her trust is a measure of her love in you and the love she knows you feel for those kids."

"This is absurd." Ty said getting up and walking over to the exam room.

"Dr. Borden, you can't go in there." Patty the receptionist said.

Ty looked back and then knocked on the door.

Betty opened it a second later "Ty we just got off with Amy ?"

"Is she dressed ?"

"She's in a gown."

Ty just stood there and looked at her for a second "I need to see her Betty, now."

Betty stepped aside and Ty came in and took a second to glance around the room to find Maddie laying on her uninjured side on an exam table. She tried to sit up when she saw him but he moved to her quickly and kept her down.

"Hey scarecrow, you Ok ?"

"It hurts."

"I'm so proud of you Mad." He reached out and ran his finger across her forehead and pushed aside her hair so he could see her better and kiss her gently. "I need to see sweetheart."

She nodded and smiled stoically. Ty stood up and turned to Trish "Trish gloves please and have you taken x-rays ?"

"It's a deep bruise Ty, it'll heal fine she" said handing Ty a pair of blue gloves. "Are you sure you should be doing this, appropriate I mean ?"

"I am and Maddie doesn't object."

"Mrs. Grainger ?"

"She's in my care Trish, not Betty's."

"It's fine Dr. Verani." Madelyn said.

Ty walked over and pulled on his gloves.

"Lay still Mad" Ty said "Betty would you ?"

Betty nodded and walked over, she slid Maddie's gown up to the top or the bruise as Ty leaned in and moved around to see. He gently touched her knee and moved her a little and then stood up.

"I trust your judgment Trish, do the x-rays anyway and forward them to Don Sherman, our orthopedist at Cornell, we'll get you his email."

"I don't know that it's justified Ty and the insurance, is she registered ?"

Ty shrugged and pulled out his wallet and handed over his Amex card. "Just charge this, we'll deal with the insurance."

"You want me to stay with you Mad."

"I'm Ok, Gran'll stay."

Ty smiled and pulled off the gloves and leaned over to kiss her again and gently hug her. "I'll be right outside, Trish, do you have a pair of surgical scrub bottoms she can wear home ?"

"I'll get her a nice baggy pair." Trish answered smiling.

"I'm sorry" Maddie said softly when he looked down at her.

"You have nothing to be sorry about sweetheart."

Her broken smile hearing him broke his heart "I'll be right outside calling Charlie."

"Ok."

"We won't be long Ty." Trish said.

Ty stopped at Betty for a second "I've got her son."

Ty sat down and after talking to Lisa and reassuring her, dialed Charlie's number and did the same for her explaining that he had just seen Maddie and she was fine, nothing more it seems than a bad bang. He stopped for a second and thought and then dialed again.

"Ty ? Is something wrong ?"

"No Sabrina I just didn't want you to worry, she's fine, looks like a bad bang, already turning colors."

"You saw ?"

"I did, I asked them to x-ray her anyway just so Dr. Sherman is aware and can double check but Trish, our doctor, is very skilled with these kinds of injuries, her daughter's a champion bronc rider. Are you Ok ?"

"I just want to talk with her."

"As soon as we can make that happen Brin, I promise."

"Ok, thank you Ty."

"You're welcome Sabrina."

"That was nice of you Ty." Lisa said patting his hand when his phone rang.

"Hey Ames."

"You have her yet ?"

"No, I've seen it and her and asked Trish to x-ray it anyway and have the pictures emailed to Don. It's a bad bang nothing more, I trust Trish."

"It's fine Ty, I trust your judgment."

"I'm actually blown away by that Ames."

"Now why would you say that, they get hurt Ty and sick."

"Still."

"I'm sorry I'm not there with you but I trust you 100% Ty."

"You've spoken with her so I'll have her call you as soon as she's talked to Sabrina which we'll keep short."

"Ok, text when you're on the way home."

"I will."

Ty called Georgie to let her know everything was fine and asked her to take Charlie and dig up some loose stuff for Mad to wear for the next day or two.

That evening wearing short PJ's Mad posed for pictures which would be repeated every night. They'd be sent to JT who kept a file of family bruises on his computer. It was a matter of pride for the family that completely freaked Betty out.

"Enough girls, you know how I feel about this stuff."

"We're done gran." Charlie said "So what's up for tomorrow ?"

"I was thinking we switch things up, originally I was going to take you both to White Horse with Georgie and I but I think you both should take a day relaxing here and barrel racing on Saturday is postponed until at least Monday."

"Relax ? Seriously ?" Maddie said.

"Yes, Maddie, relax seriously, and before we really need to get into it, Heartland is no more a democracy than Pegasus. I asked Tim to let us hold on to Diamond and Pimo until you leave, so if you're up to it and Lisa and Jack agree to accompany you, you may trail ride gently and see Heartland. I'm sure Gran and Katie will come along. Georgie and I will meet you all for lunch at the club and then we'll see about the afternoon. Is that acceptable ?"

"It's fine, sorry." Maddie said.

"Good, the weather looks good for Saturday so I'd like to do something just the three of us so we can talk, how about fishing ?"

"Talk about what ?"

"Stuff" Ty said. "I heard you mention shopping around town with Sloane and Jade, again, if you're up to it Saturday afternoon would work. We'll have lunch at Maggie's and I'll head to the clinic for a few hours while you damage credit cards."

"Sounds like a plan." Betty said "Girls ?"

"Agreed" Charlie said. "Agreed" Maddie mimicked.

"Maddie I have a pain pill for you if you feel the need to get to sleep ?" Ty asked.

"I'm good Dr. Borden."

"You change your mind you know where to find me. I'm off to call your mom and get some sleep."

"We are too, I'm kind of tired." Maddie said.

"Hey I'm sorry, you were sleeping."

"No, I asked you to call and it's only 11 here. How is she ?"

"She's fine and JT will wake up to a slew of day 1 shots for his file. Easy day tomorrow and Saturday."

"No arguments ?"

"The theory of this is not a democracy rules the roost."

"I have reports of your sweetness Ty, Maddie sort of gushed."

"Seeing her on that exam table gave me the shivers."

"I know that feeling." Then speaking away from the phone "I know Trish, let me just say goodnight. We're ruining my sleep study."

"Good night Ames."

"Goodnight my love and good night from Trish."

"Goodnight back, call when you can tomorrow."

Saturday morning found Ty up early making pancakes for the family. Betty joined him and set the table while he worked, Lisa and Jack were out on the porch with coffee and the girls finally wandered in. Friday had been slow and easy and everyone seemed to have benefited from the easier day.

Betty smiled when the twins came in. Each walked over to Ty for a long hug and kiss before grabbing juice and stepping outside onto the porch.

"It'll be nice having you home Ty." She said when they were outside. "They love, respect and trust you."

"They just like my pancakes." Ty said looking around and smiling.

"Maybe a little more than that." Betty said walking through the screen door sipping her coffee.

Maddie landed the first fish of the morning a beautiful speckled rainbow trout with beautiful coloring worthy of a picture for sure. Ty and Charlie landed their first almost simultaneously and had the added burden of keeping their fish apart. When they'd been in the water for over an hour Ty asked for a great and they spread a blanket. The girls each grabbed a water and Ty poured himself a cup of black coffee.

"How's it been being back Dr. Borden ?"

"It's been lonely Charlie, you, Mad and JT are a godsend but I miss your mom. Oh the last of her bloodwork is back and she's good until next year."

"That's good to hear, we go next week with Jackson for regular checkups." Maddie said.

"How's the bruise." Ty asked with a nod.

"It's good unless you really press against it, this isn't bad."

"You too are ready for tonight ?"

"We're good, maybe we'll practice later." Maddie answered.

"So I wanted to talk to you two. I'm not sure what mom or gran or JT for that matter have talked to you about lately but I feel that it's important that I ask that you tell me you're Ok with your mom and I getting married. I'm not asking permission but I'd like your approval."

"We know you love her Dr. Borden and she seems to love you." Charlotte said.

"Seems like you'd be a good husband from a lesbian's point of view. I assume you plan on sticking around ?"

"I do Mad and I love her very much, I would always be there for her and support her."

"Why now ?" Charlie asked.

"We sort of had a schedule, JT asked and I told him and he's not to keen on it."

"What was the schedule ?"

"Engaged by Christmas, married after school in early summer."

"And now ?" Maddie asked.

"JT thinks that with our past, a year is too long and he's got his own separate agenda. Your mom and I will talk about it when I'm home."

"Are you thinking of changing the schedule ?"

"That'll be up to your mom and I Charlie, there are a few things involved, we'll see, but yes, it's possible but I won't say likely yet."

Maddie looked at Charlie who smiled and said, "you have our absolute approval Doc, marry away."

Ty smiled and opened his arms for the girls to inch forward and hug him. He kissed them both on the heads and sat back again, this time the girls were closer.

"There's something else we need to talk about and I think I'd like you to take some time with your answer. I assume you both know that JT and I and your mom have spoken about my adopting him. It's pretty important to him and to me actually. I admit I have no idea what's entailed in the process but I've spoken to Tom Carmichael who will sit with your mom and I when I get back and fill us in."

"And ?" Maddie asked.

"Well" Ty smiled and looked down "I was wondering if you two had given any thought to the whole idea, I wouldn't want you to do it for Jackson and told him that but I love you two, there's no getting around that and I would do my best to be the best dad in the world with or without the paperwork, I want you both to know that so I'd be honored and very happy if you agreed but there's no rush, I just wanted to say it and leave the thought with you."

He was tears eyes when he looked up at them and saw their expressions and their misty eyes. "That's it I guess, you can both speak to Tom if you'd like and certainly your mom and gran and Jackson."

"We're honored at the asking Doc, it was sweet, you're very sweet" Charlie said leaning forward to hug him.

"Sort of like a proposal." Maddie said sniffing back tears and leaning forward for a hug again. "We'll do as you asked and talk about it, you know we love you too right, that's nothing you ever have to worry about."

"I know sweetheart and I know you remember your dad and that this isn't the easiest decision to make."

Maggie's filled quickly especially with several table made into two large ones. Extra seats were set up and the doors were kept open for overflow into the small plaza outside were smaller bistro tables were set up. Sloane who was half in charge for the night along with Jade brought her girlfriend Melissa over and introduced her to the twins who took over and introduced her to those who didn't already know who she was.

The rodeo school students came in a group and Sloane showed them to their table. They said their hellos and stopped at Mad and Charlie to congratulate them again and ask after Maddie's leg. "This is on Maddie and Charlie guys, they insist." She told them which brought whoops from the table and thanks called across to the girls who tipped their hats.

Sloane asked the girls and they preferred to go last before the break. This wasn't a competition or a talent contest so they were granted the request. Maddie sat next to Ty and Charlie next to her and they sat so they could see both table easily. Avery, Gretsch and Trace sat nearby and they joked around with the girls. Tim and Jack joined in and Casey, Lisa and Betty sat further down. Katie sat next to Georgie and Wyatt across from the girls. They listened and applauded and laughed for over an hour while they ate and listened to music.

"Mad, Charlie, you ready ?" Jade asked.

"Sure thing" Charlie said getting up with Maddie and walking to the side of the stage to grab their guitars.

"Those are nice guitars and old" Mellisa said to Ty.

"I'm not knowledgeable at all about guitars." Ty said.

"Trust me Ty, they're worth a bundle."

"So are they." Ty answered with a smile and then turned around to face the stage as the girls seated themselves.

Georgie took a seat next to Ty and tapped the iPad screen and switched on the go pro attached to the chair in front of the girls. Then she connected it to Amy's iPad in Ithaca where a crowd had gathered in Charlie's basement.

"Hi" Maddie said into the microphone moving it where she'd be comfortable and hold her guitar, "I'm Madelyn or Maddie."

"And I'm Charlotte or Charlie and we're the Fleming Sisters."

There were cheers and applause from the room and the two tables in particular.

"As you've probably picked up on by now we're extraordinarily similar sisters." Maddie added.

The crowd laughed at this.

"I know, most people say identical but they'd be wrong, she digs chicks."

This elicited whoops from their tables and several tables of women scattered around.

"Speaking of which, I got propositioned by a guy today." Maddie said.

"That must have been awkward."

"Actually, l kind of liked it."

"Madelyn Fleming !"

"I don't know Charlie, there was something about him."

"It was that guy we met in New York right, I've seen the way he looks at you."

"Oh good lord" Ty moaned and dropped his head into his hands "I knew it was too easy."

"And I've seen the way he looks at you."

"Don't be jealous Mad."

"I'm not, what's not to like."

"What's going on Amy ?" Charlie asked.

"I guess Ty spoke with them today quiet I want to listen."

"He is kind of cute in a goofy, tongue tied sort of way." Maddie continued.

"Definitely not hideous and you have to admit his hair is perfect." This made Sabrina giggle. She was sitting with Bobby, JT and April.

"So what was this proposition ?"

"Same old same old, he wants to love me and be there for me, forever and ever, he was very sweet and sincere about the whole thing. I think I might have fallen for him. You Ok with that Charlie ?"

"Yeah, well me too, guess we should talk to mom about it."

"Mom ?, what are we going to talk to mom for, she's been stringing the same guy along for 16 years, she'll be no help at all."

The laughter from the crowd of rodeo folks, long time residents, family and friends was intense, Ty leaned over head in hands, completely red and laughing along. The same went on in Ithaca and Amy turned red as a beet. Maddie and Charlie started playing and after a few chords and the first words which Maddie sang, the applause started again welcoming the song.

(A/N – The song is called "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys" written by Ed and Patsy Bruce."

Cowboys ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold

They'd rather give you a song then diamonds or gold,

Charlie took up the song next.

Stampede belt buckles and old faded Levi's and each night begins a new day

If you don't understand him and he don't die young

He'll probably just ride away

Then they sang together.

Mamas' don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

Don't let 'em pick guitars or drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such

Mamas' don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

'Cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone

Even with someone they love

Charlie started up again.

Cowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountain mornin's

Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night

Then Maddie took it up.

Them that don't know him won't like him

And them that do sometimes won't know how to take him

He ain't wrong he's just different

But his pride won't let him do things to make you think he's right

Then once again together.

Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

Don't let 'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such

Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

'Cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone

Even with someone they love

They played the round again and Charlie asked the crown to Jin in and many did.

Mamas' don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

Don't let 'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks

Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such

Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

'Cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone

Even with someone they love

The applause was heartfelt, the girls were good and funny to start with and there were soon calls for one more.

"You two have another you can do ? Sloane asked.

"Just give us a second" Charlie asked and the girls turned off their mikes for a second and then on again.

"You'll excuse us while we retune for this" Charlie said as they both tuned against each other.

Maddie continued "This is an English traditional that we heard the Wainwright Sisters play in Ithaca where we hail from. We thought it fit us so we learned it.

"It's called Do you Love an Apple ?" Charlie finished as they struck up the opening chords and she began

Do you love an apple?

Then Maddie.

Do you love a pear?

Then they sang together.

Do you love a laddie/lassie

Maddie had sung lassie and Charlie had sung laddie and they stopped and looked at each other, smiled and shrugged. The crowd laughed and applauded and they repeated the line, each singing it their way.

Do you love a laddie/lassie with curly brown hair ?

Then Charlie sang.

Why yes I love him, I'll never deny him,

I'll always love him 'till the day that I die

Maddie continued.

Before I got married I wore a black shall,

But after I'm married, I wore bugger-all

But still I love her, I'll never deny her,

I'll always love her 'till the day that I die

Charlie picked it up next.

He stands on the corner, a smirk to his mouth,

his hands in his pockets he whistles me out

But still I love him, I'll never deny him,

I'll always love him 'till the day that I die

Then together.

Do you love an apple?

Do you love a pear?

Do you love a laddie/lassie with curly brown hair?

Why yes I love him/her, I'll never deny him/her,

I'll always love him/her 'till the day that I die

The girls finished, stood and bowed then dipped their hats to the applause. Ty got up to meet them and Amy smiled watching Ty hug each one after they shut their cases and walked over to him. They spent a few minutes talking to Amy, Maddie and Charlie waved and blew kisses at Brin and Bobby before disconnecting.