A/N – Sorry for the short delay, family stuff, anniversaries, birthdays and visits. Hope you like this chapter and thanks for all the reviews of the last one.

Chapter 65

Ty walked into the terminal, received his passport and documents from the flight steward and walked over to John Enchino who was waiting just past the customs inspector.

"Welcome home Ty" he said enveloping him in a hug with those huge arms. "Good flight ?"

"You ever fly in one of those things, it's like spending three hours in your living room, with servants."

"Let's say I'm looking forward to it." John said grabbing one of Ty's bags. "Trucks out here."

"I assume there's a crowd at the ranch ?"

"Astute Ty, very astute."

"How many ?"

"Just us, you know the gang, fifty or sixty."

"Small family gathering huh ?"

"Pretty much, tell me about the trucks ?"

"They're on their way, two 1959 GMC 1000 Wideside 4x4's. Get this, they both start, trannies are shot and they'll need body work but there's no rust or bondo that I can see they lived their entire lives in the Nevada desert. The lifts ?"

"I don't know if the girls even know about them, all installed while they were in Alberta and Jackson was off with Amy that day in Erie, artwork is up and the snap-on rep is coming to the shop Friday."

"Erie, what did they do in Erie ?"

"Amy went to visit Em's mom in the hospital and stopped by the Pegasus center."

"That's it ?"

"She had lunch with that woman Cheryl Ty. Kept you in the dark on that one huh ?"

"I knew she wanted to meet her but truth is I've been so busy I haven't thought about Cheryl in weeks. I guess I owe her a call and an apology. How's Emily's mom ?"

"From what I hear on the mend just a bad bronchial thing that they were watching. You guys are moving her to AZ soon and that'll help. So you flew from Canada to Vegas to Columbus to here huh ? How's that horse ?"

"On her way here as soon as our transport gets there. Connor's Girl, I set her legs, she'll need surgery and then rehab but I think we can save her from pain. I doubt she'll jump again but the owner doesn't care, she'd be happy with trail rides."

"That's good."

"What's the deal with you and horses John, it's just us."

"I'm huge Ty, I'm not comfortable up there, I don't drive a Prius either."

"We'll get you a big horse, come on John, it's weird you hanging around a horse ranch and not riding."

"How big ?"

"Not a Clydesdale, a large quarter horse, you'll be fine and the horse won't care. We'll fit you a saddle and get you used to it."

"I'll look but I have to be comfortable."

"Amy and I will put out the word and see what we come up with and then you and I will see, Ok ?"

"Fine, you have fun with Jax and the girls ?"

"I did John, it was great having them with me."

"They had a blast, none of them could stop talking about it, you'd think they didn't live on a horse ranch with real cowboys."

"Come on man, you've met Jack and Tim, we don't have any of those here besides Bryce and Amy. They hung out with Tim's rodeo students. Ithaca is not Hudson and New York is not Alberta."

"Well, we got cowboy hats."

"And boots. I have to go back in a couple weeks, you should come."

"I thought we were looking at the house ?"

"We are, is the overflow at the garage at the point where you're no longer needed behind the desk ?"

"This is Trish and Amy isn't it."

"And me frankly, I asked Jack to look around for some bikes for us. You should ride Alberta, Trish won't go until Amy does, but September is beautiful, besides, apparently we have to register the girls in their home Province for a learner's and we don't have the time to trust the system by mail. How are they doing by the way ?"

"They've aced every practice test, it's a written test Ty and they cheat telepathically."

"They don't cheat telepathically."

"I'll let that go because you're new to this, ask Amy."

"Tell Jack Harley's Ty, I don't ride Yamaha."

"I'm convinced you guys ride Harley's so you have something to tinker with all the time."

"Thems some bold words from the guy on the Norton."

"The Norton made it from Alberta to Ithaca, untuned and with a dead carburetor just fine. A Harley wouldn't have made it to the border. Admit it John, you guys like touching your bikes almost as much as your wives."

"Do we need to stop for something before the ranch ?"

"What would I need that wasn't blonde with a touch of red right now ?"

"You two plan on excusing yourselves early ?"

"No but when we do it'll be to the treehouse and I don't intend to be very far from her until then. This was hard John."

"I get that, I miss Trish like crazy when I'm away from her a long time."

They pulled through the Pegasus gate where a hand painted sign read "Welcome home Dr. Borden" and the porch and lawn were filling with people walking over from the barns or from the house.

"Just the close family huh ?"

"Not bad all these people care this much about you, who would have thought ?"

"Not me in my wildest dreams John."

Amy let Jackson and the girls go first before he swept her off the ground and kissed her until the cat calls came. "Did you think about my idea ?" Ty whispered.

"The treehouse will be perfect, I'll ask Carlotta to."

"Already done Ames." Ty answered smiling and then leaning in for another short kiss before walking into the throng arm in arm.

"Ty Borden, you are my hero." She whispered leaning over and kissing his neck.

The group taking refreshments and greeting Ty on the lawn each spent some time with him, mostly the hands and the medical staff who whittled down in the end by dinner time leaving the nuclear family to come inside for Ty's official welcome home meal that Betty and Meg Koenig insisted on preparing themselves.

There were 25 for dinner which included Kimmie in her high chair slightly behind Erma and August. The kids, with the exception of Kimmie took up most of one side. Jackson, April, Carson, Maddie, Brin, Charlie and Bobby. The adults took up the rest of the seats, the Koenig's, Enchino's, Charlie and Chuck, Betty, The Margolies', Caldwell's, Potters and Carmichaels. The nuclear family. Looking around Ty was amazed at the group all here celebrating his return for what amounted to a couple of weeks.

They made a brief toast of welcome home and sat down to some platters of appetizers to start the meal.

"So what's the plan for the next couple weeks Ty ?" Bert asked grabbing a platter of roasted eggplant.

"I guess when Amy and I get back in the morning I'll grab who's ever on call to walk me through our patients. I'd like to sit with you and Boxer's surgical plan and I assume you'd like the same with Connie. Georgie and Wyatt are coming Friday. John and I are going to see the house Sunday and Monday. Hopefully we'll do Boxer's surgery at least before I go back for a week. We need to sit with the lectures I'll be doing for you. Don't look at me Jackson, I will spend plenty of time with you and your sisters and mom, lots of mom."

"And talking to mom." Jackson added.

"Ok, press that button" Ty said pointing at his watch and holding out his arm to Jackson. "What's that timer say ?"

"Uhm ah about 19 minutes."

"Jackson, I am starting to get uncomfortable when every time we're together, you can't go 20 minutes without talking about your mom and I getting married." His tone was gentle and loving but with a firmness that it was not a discussion.

"Your mom and I know what you want, everyone at this table knows and I assume people far and wide in Alberta know. Your mom and I will talk and the schedule may change but I promise what will not change, your mother having the wedding she wants, the gown, the reception and her family to witness it. That's going to take time and longer than tonight because I'll need all night to tell your mom how much I've missed her and how much I love her. Your mom and I have an appointment with Tom on Thursday morning and as soon as we have decided on a plan we'll let you ,Gran and your sisters know. Ok Jackson ?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, fishing Tuesday morning ?"

"Sure" Jackson snapped awake. "Think it's Ok with Uncle Bert ?"

"Uncle Bert can come with us."

"You should go Bert" Meg said "you haven't fished in ages."

"I have a job Margaret, two actually."

"Which of those supersedes godfather ?" Amy asked.

"Or friend and colleague." Ty added.

"Mentor" Bert said.

"Boss" Ty shot back with a smile.

"How did this become my life ?" Bert said laughing with everyone else "Can we be back by rounds ?"

"Sure thing, we do that all the time, Uncle Bert." Jackson said.

"Seems that's settled then." Meg announced.

"What's the plan with the whatever we're calling it house ?" Maddie asked.

"John and I are riding out to see it Sunday morning, there will be someone to take us around the property, we'll stay the night, I think meet the realtor in the morning and come back. If it looks in person like the video either your mom and I or all of us will go out, take horses and stay a weekend. The family seems accommodating."

"I can't imagine the offers are pouring in" Amy added.

"That's probably true for sure." Ty agreed.

"How are you getting around without horses ?" JT asked.

"Good question, apparently all the trails are quad trails which actually works for us because it's easier on the horses." Ty answered.

"So we won't have quads ?

"I'm sure we will Jackson" Ty said laughing "ready to give up Merlin ?"

"Oh no, but, he does need a rest every know and then."

The meal progressed with Ty's favorites Roast Turkey and all the trimmings and concluded to the living room where Bert tended bar for after dinner drinks and desserts were laid out. The kids hung out for a while and then all excused themselves downstairs.

Ty was sitting in the big lounger when Amy walked by him towards the couch and he reached out to take her hand and gently pull her into his lap.

"Haven't you sat across from me long enough ?" He whispered before gently kissing her.

"I love you Ty." She whispered kissing him back.

"Jackson ?"

"Was perfect and thank you for what you said, I'd miss the gown."

"Not the 600 guests ?"

"No my love, that isn't my dream"

"Georgie has mentioned walking down a wide aisle with her horses." Erma said.

"Excuse me" Betty answered.

"She wants to walk down the aisle with Phoenix on one side and Trouble on the other with Wyatt."

"Wallace on the other, we're gifting him to Wyatt, he's already stalled with the family horses waiting for Georgie's brood."

"Tomorrow ?"

"Tomorrow Mad and Charlie will get them settled and transfer their files to medical. Ty vetted them before transport." Amy said. "Sorry Erma go on."

"Each couple brings down a horse which I guess now, until the five are down, she wants them as witnesses."

"If that's what she wants." Amy said.

"We'll work it out and you ?" Erma asked.

"I'm riding down the aisle on Spartan. Ty Harley ?"

"If that's what you want Ames, I'm in."

"I've had dogs, cats and a goat, why not horses." Erma said "It'll look great on the web."

"How are you going to ride in a wedding gown ?"

"Side saddle Trish."

"Ah, Ok, we did not ride motorcycles down the aisle."

"We just rode them away." John added laughing.

"You're coming down alone Amy ?"

"I think Grandpa will ride with me until the aisle and then lead Spartan down beside me, Ty will help me off and we'll hold the horses off to the side."

"And we walk ?"

"And everyone else walks Betty."

"Amy, your Dad ?"

"We'll invite dad Trish, and I guess let him walk for Casey's sake but he's not walking me and he can sit, he can't stand by my side when it suits him."

"Maybe we should head out" Ty said "Saddle bags packed ?"

"Yup."

"You're taking horses ?"

"No Bert, we're taking the Scout up the side road." Ty said as Amy rose and they started their goodbyes and thanks for the warm welcome homes. The kids were called upstairs from the basement so that those that lived elsewhere could get there and Ty and Amy could have some time with their kids before they left for the night.

"So we gonna do stuff this week ?" Jackson asked Ty when the family was alone in the library with the twins and Amy.

"We will do stuff apart and together Jackson, I have a job, more that one, I'd love to spend all my time with you all but we'll do our best, just like your mom does."

"I get that."

"Good, you know you can always find me if you need me."

"I know."

"We're getting Georgie's horse load tomorrow girls, would you deal with them, Chuck has the stalling info."

"We know mom, we should talk about Chuck."

"What about Chuck Mad ?"

"He told Sandra to find out how much it would cost to join the two barns, A barn between the two and how many stalls we could have if we loose one in the family barn to join the two. The rescue would be isolated and the family barn would double maybe."

"He did."

"Yup and when Sandra brought up budgets he said he'd be happy to pay."

"Chuck would pay."

"Chuck's got money Ty, that's not an issue."

"Seriously ?"

"We need to talk and you need that meeting Thursday afternoon with Charlie and Trev, it's time. We'll be back in the morning you three, be nice for Gran and get your chores done."

They hugged and kissed the kids and sent them upstairs.

"Gran will be up to tuck you in JT and I'm sure check on the girls."

"Have a good evening Mom, Doc." Maddie said.

"We love you" Charlie said with hers.

Ty lifted Jackson for his kiss and hug and held him out for Amy. Ty hugged him "I love you Jackson" before setting him down.

They said their goodbyes in the kitchen to the Enchinos, Koenig's, Betty and the Margolie's. Steph hugged Ty and kissed his cheek, "I hear you have a thing for Latin women and dance Ty ?"

"Canadian woman and Latin dance Steph and I can't wait to go again."

"Me either" Amy said "I had the best time. I'm almost considering a Latin band for the wedding."

"Come on Ames, wedding plans another day." Ty said holding open the screen door.

Ty had the saddle bag over one shoulder and his other arm around Amy as they walked to the garage. "I bought those two trucks for the girls by the way, they'll be in Ithaca the week before the girls birthday."

"So we're really going to get married Ty ?"

"I'm sort of obsessed with the idea right now, hey let me ask you, is there some rule I have to use the same best man even though we didn't."

"No more Caleb ?"

"I was thinking John actually."

"Really Ty, you feel that close to him ?"

"I have a funny feeling that I will be Ames, that's the thing."

"You two are a lot alike Ty, way more that Caleb I always thought."

"It's early yet, you think Jackson's Ok with what I said ?"

"He's fine sweetheart."

The Scout was out and Ty fitted the saddlebags and got on. Amy got on behind him and wrapped her arms snugly laying her head on his back as Ty kicked on the bike in rode off the property slowly before hitting the road for the 5 minute ride to the treehouse.

Ty dropped the saddlebags, grabbed Amy and spun her around as soon as the door closed, their hands roamed each other's bodies as their lips played with their familiarity pushing each other, wrapping themselves is passion.

"What did Carlotta set up ?"

"There's waffle batter and toppings and some sort of side meat. Muffins and stuff. Juice, cider, milk, assorted snacks whatever else, I told her the waffles and she just went on from there."

"She knows what I like and waffles are good."

"Bath ?"

"I'll start, get some stuff and follow ?"

"Come here you" Ty said pulling her close again.

"Did you miss me Ty ?" She said nuzzling his neck with her lips.

"I left my heart here with you Ames." He whispered as his lips sought hers.

"When did you become a sweet tongued romantic ?"

"I love you Amy."

"Let me get to the tub sweetheart."

"I'll be right up."

Soon after he was upstairs as the tub filled "I have snacks, water, champagne and non alcoholic cider."

"Water and a sip of champagne please my love."

"Champagne huh ?"

"Just a sip but it makes you very kissy and touchy and I like that."

"I'll be right in."

Ty joined her in the large tub. She lay in his arms and sipped a bit of champagne with him. He nibbled at her neck and kissed up to her earlobe.

Ty closed his eyes and held her and then ran his hand down to her belly.

"Ty what are you thinking about ?"

"What, oh nothing really ?"

"Ty ?" Amy said leaning over to kiss his chest "tell me."

"Ames ?"

"You're rubbing my belly Ty."

"Pregnant, baby, I'm sorry, sort of rushing ahead."

"Ty, I'm 31, this might not be the easiest, you need to be patient sweetheart."

"31 isn't old Amy."

"No my love, its not, but it's also not 21 or 25. I don't want you to be disappointed."

"I would never be disappointed Amy, we have three beautiful children and we can foster and adopt. We'll take it one step at a time."

"Well, I would do either of those again in a second but I've always dreamed of carrying a baby, feeling it."

"I wouldn't mind feeling a kick either to be honest."

"I'll be fat and ugly."

"You'll be beautiful and radiant, nothing would ever take away from that Amy, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and you would never be less than that to me."

"You're sweet."

"I am known far and wide for my sweetness."

"Cheryl said you were sweet, she loved the pictures of you with the kids Ty. We should invite her to Pegasus with her family."

"We should dry off and take this conversation to bed Ames."

"Whatcha got in mind ?"

Ty leaned over and whispered in her ear and Amy giggled. "I like that, ok let's do that."

Hours later Ty opened his eyes slowly awash in long soft reddish blonde hair and a flurry of soft kisses along his jawline.

"Good morning Amy" he whispered groggily from slitted eyes. As he acclimated to the light her shining blue eyes came into view staring down on him from the canopy of hair.

"Mornings when you're here are way more enjoyable than those when you're not Ty my love." She whispered leaning down to nuzzle his neck and flick her tongue past his ear.

His hands moved over her slowly and her moan brought his desires to the forefront of his thoughts.

"Hungry ?" She whispered moving to slip away.

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere."

"No ?" She whispered playfully nipping at his collarbone.

"No" he murmured "no, no , no."

Amy giggled as he shifted and she slipped off him and he switched to his side, his free hand roaming freely over her.

"No, no, no" she sighed slipping her hand around to his naked backside and pulling him over her so she could wrap her legs around him.

His moan brought a smile to her already glowing face "feel good ?" She whispered.

"Mmmmmm" he sighed, her squirming making it difficult to concentrate or v dry quickly hold back "Amy, you're driving me crazy ….. Ames, slow down."

"How about I slow down and do this ?" She whispered working her muscles.

"Oh fuck" he cried out making her giggle and then laugh before pulling him down for a kiss.

"All better ?" She asked when his eyes focused again.

"When did you get to be so evil ?"

"Evil Amy is my screen name."

"I thought you looked familiar" he said laughing and sitting up.

They had talked during breaks in the night, they hadn't planned for it but the small talk snuggling lent itself to the problem along with Ty's earlier allusion to a child. There was a tentative plan that would have to be run through their event planners, namely Erma, Meg Koenig, Betty and Lisa. Both Ty and Amy's decision might be an issue but they were somewhat flexible, they wanted to be married before the New Year. It threw a bit of a wrench into Ty's plan for his proposal but he was already formulating a plan in his head to rebound.

Amy ran her hands around Ty's waist when they got on the Scout and Ty took a second to take her hands in his. They rode back to the ranch at around 11:00 AM and found Betty on the porch with Erma, Kimmie, Jackson and April, the later two heading down the porch steps.

After Amy got off, Ty followed and they were immediately welcomed by the kids. Jackson to Amy and April to Ty.

They switched off hugs and welcome homes before Jackson bid them goodbye. He and April were off for a ride up to their ridge. They walked about halfway to the barn side by side and then reached out to hold hands before disappearing inside.

Amy and Ty watched along with Erma and Betty. They all smiled watching the two kids join and disappear into the building.

"How was your evening kids ?"

"It was wonderful Betty." Amy said sitting down.

Ty grabbed the saddlebag and opened the screen door "Coffee Ames ?"

"Sounds wonderful Ty, thank you."

As they settled on the porch a few minutes later Erma asked "so where are we, any idea ?"

"Ty and I would like to be married before the New Year. I know it's a logistical nightmare but maybe between Christmas and New Year ?"

Erma turned and looked at her "how many ?"

"I don't know."

"The last count I got hovered at 600." Betty said softly.

Erma turned to look at Betty "600 people outdoors between Christmas and New Years ? You do live in Ithaca right Amy."

"We'll cut down the list and have a big party in the summer."

"You're not pregnant right, typically I'd steer clear of asking but you're not right ?"

"No, I don't think so."

"And the plan with Spartan and Harley ?"

"I'd like to see if we can keep it please" Amy said sheepishly.

"I'll look into thermally heated tents but I'm not holding my breath, we should start stock piling heaters immediately."

"I'm sorry Erma."

"You're so full of it, just don't come pointing your finger at me when the tent collapses under 2 feet of snow Amy Fleming because I'll just laugh at you." She softened a bit then and smiled looking at her friend and neighbor. She reached over and took Amy's hand "We'll figure something out, 200 tops but don't send any invitations out yet. Getting people here will be a logistical nightmare if the weather doesn't cooperate. Would you consider earlier ?"

"How early ?" Ty asked.

"Thanksgiving weekend ? The American one."

"Jackson will still be in a wheelchair." Betty said.

"I'll personally wheel him down the aisle" Ty said.

All the women smiled at him "let me look into the late one and we can decide, is this a secret ?" Erma said. "I should mention something I overheard, the girls mentioned in Jackson's presence that they wanted to ask if they could be walked down the aisle by Bobby and Brin. Jackson asked April if she would walk with him."

"What ?" Amy asked.

Ty just started laughing followed by Betty, Erma and finally Amy.

"I had thought that I would ask them to stand with Spartan and Harley, they're like my own kids and we can't leave Carson out but down the aisle ?"

"We'll talk about it Amy, we can always say no." Betty said.

"Maybe you can say no." Ty said smiling and looking at Amy.

"I can say no."

"You're on sweetheart." He answered smugly.

"We'll decide first and then see." She answered with a smile.

"So April and Cars will push Jackson down the aisle." Ty said "it'll be adorable."

"US Thanksgiving is the third weekend in November ?" He asked while Amy swatted at him for his last comment.

"This year November 24th, so assuming a Saturday Wedding it would be November 26, 4th weekend by the way. The hotels should be empty but flying, who knows ?" Erma answered looking at her phone.

Amy shrugged "look, well we'll fly all the family down from Alberta so that's not an issue. Our closest friends and clients will get here on their own and we'll help if we have to."

"Well, the first weekend we would hopefully not have snow and if it stayed in the 40's – 50's range that would be great, a lucky 60's perfect. The second is a crapshoot. I assume we could put together a catering staff for either, let me work on it, Betty if you or Lisa come up with something let me know. I'll talk to Meg."

"Thank you Erma." Amy said smiling and then leaning over to kiss her.

"So this is what sisters do for each other." Erma said taking the hug graciously.

"Guess so." Amy whispered back.

They watched the girls returning and waving at them riding towards the family barn but instead they cantered over to the house and tied them off. They were riding Wallace and another rescue they named Challenger.

"How goes the battle girls ?" Amy asked as they came up and did a round of hugs.

"They've both cut before I'd say" Maddie said.

"Definitely" Charlie agreed, "Challenger is probably up a notch over everyday ranch horse."

"Bryce is starting back, have him ride Challenger, Wallace handles well, no issues ?"

"Wyatt will be fine Mom." Maddie said.

"Ok, get them squared away and come back for lunch and we can start on the next three after lunch. Any jump a fence ?"

"Nope, all grounders."

"Can't win 'em all Charlie"

"I have some horses to see so I'll be back, lunch maybe 90 minutes ?" Ty asked.

"That'll be fine Ty." Betty said "I have a dentist appointment this afternoon, how about Moosewood for dinner, we all go out for a change ?"

"Fine by me" Ty said with Amy shrugging along.

"I'll dig into some paperwork in the meantime" Amy said getting up along with Ty. "You staying for lunch Erma ?"

"Sure, mine won't mind." She said smiling "Kimmie, should we go visit the horses. Yes, say yes momma ? Maybe later, eventually you'll blabber like April."

"Can't wait for that" Ty said with a smile.

"April likes you Ty, that's for sure."

"I like her too Erma."

At the door Ty leaned over to gently kiss Amy goodbye. She smiled "I'll be here if you need me."

"I don't think Bert's gonna go for that much longer Ames."

"Yeah, he's just jealous, go to work sweetheart."

"Yes ma'am" he said heading down the stairs.

He met Katie in medical and walked over. "Bert said you wanted a quick rounds Ty ? Would now be good ?"

"Sure Katie thanks, gimme 5 to change ?"

"No problem."

"Uh, Katie, is there a nice planetarium around here with a sky show ?"

"Nice, Rochester, their set up is amazing and they have weddings and stuff."

"Thanks, be right back."

Ty walked off into the scrubs room and pulled off his shirt replacing it with a blue top. When his pants were changed to scrubs he sat down and dialed.

"Good afternoon Ty, we still a go for Thursday ?"

"Absolutely Charlie, something else though, know anything about the Rochester Planetarium ?"

Ty stayed with Katie and Vi through his rounds and met Bert as they were finishing.

"Katie, Vi ? Come to lunch ?"

"I'd love to Ty" Katie answered and Vi begged off. "I have an appointment at Cornell."

"Bert lunch ?"

"Already eaten. Conference room at 2:00 ?"

"I'll be there."

"I need to change, I'll be a minute." Ty said.

"Should I ?"

"No Katie, you're fine, this is between Betty and I."

"Got it, mom son thing." Katie said smiling.

There was a platter of cold cuts, cheeses and salads. They had waited lunch until he came and he thanked them and apologized. Katie was of course welcomed and sat down by Amy next to Erma, the gossip end of the table. Ty of course had Jackson to his right and Betty sat to his left.

"How's your day been Jackson ?"

"Great, can't wait until Georgie's horses get here."

"Should be soon, Chuck mentioned 2 – 2:30." Maddie said.

"How many we getting ?"

"Phoenix Jumper, Checkers Tricks, Trouble, just a horse, she did Roman riding with Phoenix and Trouble and Morgan is a barrel racer."

"Did you talk to Chuck mom ?"

"We're meeting in Sandra's office after lunch Maddie; Bryce and Benny as well. Chuck's right we need to do something but I think we should expand rehab and take over the whole family barn except for extreme rehab overflow. Jackson I want you to stall Merlin and Jasper out by Turq for a week and then put them back in their stalls and then a couple days later move Turq. Let's see if we can coax him in."

"Can't you just talk to him mom ?"

"No Jackson, I can't just talk to him."

"Ok, I'll do it after lunch. Cars is coming."

"Thank you, are you going fishing ?"

"Out to Cass and Alex, spaying day."

"And you April ?" Ty asked.

"Babysit Kimmie while mom does some chores."

"And Bobby and Brin ?"

"They'll be by when Brin's done practicing." Charlie said.

"How's that coming ?"

"She's ready, she'll do great." Maddie answered. "She's happy you're here Doc."

"So am I Mad."

"If we take over the whole barn I want to offer to stall Bobby and Brin's horses for the winter. You guys have heat right ?" Amy asked Erma.

"Be nice to keep Tristan here, she only rides here in the winter. Kite will be fine with the rest of ours."

"Tristan it is then April." Amy said smiling.

"Want to fish with us tomorrow April ?"

"Oh sure Jax, I'd love to, Ok with you mom ?"

"Don't see why not, back by 10 right ?"

"Back for rounds but we leave early, you can use ride one of ours so you don't have to bother with the trailer."

"6:30 Ok, I'll have August drop her with her gear ?"

"Great we'll pack you a breakfast and I'll get you saddled."

"Girls, you're working ?" Ty asked.

"Yup, gotta do the horses." Charlie answered "Just earning our keep Doc."

"Family business." Maddie added with a smile.

Chuck came in and Amy invited him to join them.

"Something up Chuck ?"

"Don't know, just got off the phone with the driver. He's got 6 horses Amy, 6, not 4."

"Ty, you know anything about this ?"

"No, Georgie's 4 is all I know about and all I vetted. Hold on."

"Hey Cass, did you or Scott vet two horses for transport to the US ?"

"Two sold black quarters, Pitch and Black, for Casey, barrel racers. Got it, thanks Cass, no, no problem. Bye."

Ty hung up, "you two know about two Barrel Racers from Grandma Casey ?"

"No but it's awesome." Maddie said.

"Mad, can you actually muck out 5 horses before school ?" Chuck asked.

"I can try Chuck."

"Chuck ?" Amy asked.

"A new hand and a barn Amy."

"A new hand for sure and we'll discuss the barn."

"Deal."

"Hey Casey, it's Ty, you have something you want to get off your chest, now's the time."

"Just like that, two matching champion barrel racers just fell into your lap. I'm sure they'll call, I'm sure Amy and Georgie can get them started. Thanks Case. Yup."

"We watched them load the 4, she must have arranged to have them stop at the rodeo grounds, it's our transport ?"

"Haddie" Amy said "only person that can stop that truck, Haddie or Sandra. Bridge doesn't do livestock. Scott vetted them for Casey and Haddie had them stop to add the two, probably from White Horse."

"And it's to here so no one thought to ask." Betty added.

"So can we keep them ?"

"Let's see them first Charlie." Amy said.

"There are 4 bedded empties in isolation, you two go set up two more." Chuck said.

"Chuck we just vetted them." Ty said.

"I-so-la-tion" Chuck said slowly "48 hours, rules are rules Ty."

Ty held his hands up under Chuck's scrutiny, "your barn Chuck."

"Thank you Ty."

Ty smiled "Ames, put the word out, we need a huge quarter, 17 or better."

"That will live in my barn ?"

"Yes Chuck and I assume another with it and anytime you want to discuss that with your Uncle John, I'll let him know." Ty said "I vote for another barn, you can take that with you."

Chuck's face lit up "now we're talking."

Amy looked across at Ty who shrugged. She smiled and mouthed I love you.

"Katie, let's get back to work."

Ty patted Betty's hand and smiled. He kissed each of the children's heads including April's and wrapped his arms around Amy pulling her in for a kiss which made April giggle. "Latin dancing Erma." Ty called back following Katie outside.

"Latin dancing, check." Erma repeated with a smile.

"Latin dancing ?" Maddie asked.

"At the wedding Mad, help Gran clear, Chuck let's meet."

Ty and Bert took a break at about 3:30 and wandered outside to catch some sun and fresh air. They wandered over to a small group watching Maddie and Amy reigning two of the rescues around some poles set up in a large paddock.

The paddock beyond had some steers and calves grazing at a pile of feed that was scattered. Ty assumed they would move the horses into that area after they were done getting the horses heads together.

"Come meet Georgie's brood Bert." Ty said leading him back to the paddock across from the house.

"Hey Phoenix" Ty said when the large white trotted over followed soon after by the rest.

"So this is Georgie's Champion jumper ?"

"This is Phoenix, Georgie's jumper, he's been around a bunch and seems to be reacquainting with Spartan. The paint is Checkers, trick rider, the smaller white is Trouble and that Chestnut is Morgan. Those two are new and for the girls, Pitch and Black, supposedly champion barrel racers. Gifts from their Grandma Casey."

"Hi Uncle Bert, Ty."

"Hey Chuck, how'd the meeting go ?"

"Your vote helped Ty, Amy said to build it."

"Done by winter ?" Ty asked.

"Maybe, but we can do fine with just the outside and stalls. We can use hoses and heaters if we need if they can't finish. Amy wants the special stalls so that takes time."

Amy's special stalls were actually designed by several people though Amy and Bryce led the way. The system was simple, the walls between stalls were interchangeable. Two stalls could be joined to a double or three into to 1.5 sized stalls. The upper walls could be solid or picketed to allow or disallow contact between horses. The system ran on simple tracks that snapped into place, held by with wooden cotter pins and easily operated by one person with some effort or two quite easily. They were constructed off site to spec and simply attached to the structure as whole pieces.

Remarkably they were just six for dinner at Moosewood; Amy, Ty, Betty, Maddie, Charlie and Jackson. They discussed the rescues, 4 of which were ready to be shipped West to find new homes and of course Wallace who was staying. The girls were hoping to get 6 more ready before school started which impressed Ty. Their dedication no less than Amy's whose task was much harder at their age, it was Amy's job to make enough to pay the operating loans for Heartland, something Ty didn't think he fully appreciated until she was gone and he saw what the family had to do to replace her hard work.

"Latin dance Dr. Borden ?" Maddie asked.

"Planning a wedding ?" Charlie added.

"April said her mom was on the phone with the tent people, something's up." Jackson added "and they started it" he tagged on pointing to his sisters.

"Ty and I are thinking of moving up our wedding plans but nothing is firm yet."

"At least you're talking about it."

"We are Jackson, as promised." Ty said.

"Wedding plans and no proposal ?"

"Well Charlie we're sort of playing a moving game here so I'm adapting as we go."

"Got it." She answered with a smile.

They begged off dessert at Moosewood and had ice cream at Purity. Later in the evening as Ty was closing his surgical note files and heading to bed he noticed Amy laying in her PJ's with her hand tucked under her top on her tummy.

"Felling Ok Ames ?" He asked laying back and then turning to his side facing her.

"Oh no, I mean yeah, I'm fine, just thinking how time frames are changing."

"How's that going ?"

"It's a little scary I guess, I'll be pregnant hopefully and then we'll have a baby."

"I kind of get that impression."

"Yeah, I've wanted to have your babies for a long time Ty."

"So no waiting ? A summer in the last trimester is a possibility, we could wait until Spring."

"No, I don't want to be like that, when it happens it does, is that Ok with you ?"

"I'm fine with your decision Ames, I'm still getting used to the three I just got to start loving."

"I guess we would start with a crib in here and then make a small nursery out of part of the guest suite until he or she is ready for their own."

"Have a secret wish ?"

"A little brother for Jax would be nice though a baby girl would work as well, healthy would be a great change."

"I'm all for healthy."

"So, I could fool around, you ?" Amy said turning slightly and seeing Ty smile.

"Very romantic Ms. Fleming."

Amy turned to her side and pulled Ty into a heady, sensual kiss, her lips and hands drawing him to her until his arms took her and his hands played her body accompanying their kiss.

"Better ?" She whispered.

"Very romantic Ms. Fleming" he whispered, though this time with no comment, afterthought or playfulness, he meant every word of it.