A/N – Spring and rain bring so many chores. Hope you like this chapter and again thanks for all the reviews and PM's. Keep them coming.

Chapter 67

They pulled out of Heartland just before 8, along local roads west to Longview and then cut over to Route 40 and North to the Kananaskis. They weren't in a rush and stopped to have coffee and stretch at several nice overlooks. John and Ty had flown into Calgary on Friday afternoon and were picked up by Lisa and Jack in a large Mega Cab Heavy that they rented for the week. John took the passenger seat so he could stretch out his legs while Jack drove. Got you two Harley's, a friend of mine in Oketoks is selling them, it's taking some time plus he wants them sold as a set and was fine to loan them out for a few hundred bucks.

"You'll have to look them over before you ride them hard, they're in Ty's garage."

"I'll take care of them Jack, Ty's got a few days meetings." John said.

"I'll come over and give you a hand. They're nice 1962 Duo Glides, he bought for him and his wife. They rode for years and then she passed and his hips went to hell."

"Thanks Jack, uhm, what color are they ?"

"Two tone black and cream. Some rust, nothing serious and they both start and ride."

"What's he asking ?"

"You buying bikes John ?"

"We're looking for a nice set, '62's are nice. What do you think Ty ?"

"Well, we get to ride them, price Jack ?"

"I think he's asking $16000 cdn ."

"That's about $12000 in US." Lisa clarified.

"Who are these for ?" Jack asked.

"Georgie and Wyatt, wedding gifts from the family, we'll give them to the girls to get ready, hide 'em at John's. They can ride the Norton's until then, Mad and Charlie are getting that second Scout tuned."

"And you have the sidecar Harley."

"We have to pay you for that John."

"It's a gift from the club Ty."

"Well maybe the sidecar sure but the bike ?"

"Forget it Ty, we tore apart a dead bike and put it back together with used parts, we're good."

The evening of their arrival they sat in the living room at Heartland and went through the previous week with Lisa, Jack and Lou. Katie was off getting a pre school assignment ready.

"The party after the concert was nice." The kids hung out in the music room while the adults were in the living room and library. Several locals and ranch friends who stayed away and watched online stopped by. The teens had discovered Ty's music collection unsorted and unpacked off to the side and rifled through it on both vinyl and CD. Ty's taste was eclectic and had changed drastically over the years. It was obvious that he'd influenced Amy somewhat and the mix of music that started, stopped or remained on through was as diverse as the collection.

Lorin and Pat had stopped by and the group put up a concerted effort to steer clear of Cornell talk until they had a consensus amongst them about how much time they would allow the school to have with their newest Assistant Professor. Bert and Amy wanted to ease Ty in over the year especially since he would be filling in for Bert.

Ty and John pulled out first thing Sunday morning for the West Canada Preserve and the summer house. They took their time and were welcomed to the house by the groundskeeper Jonathan. He was surprised at Ty and John who arrived on motorcycles in leather and colors, but he'd been told that Ty was a vet, wealthy and that John was an army hero and a close friend of the family.

Jonathan was instructed to show them the house, the quads, the trail heads and to hand them maps. He also handed Ty the keys, all properly marked. Within an hour he was gone.

"Just gave you the keys, just like that."

"There's a 5 million dollar escrow account, let's not break anything."

They set up in two bedrooms on the second floor. Ty refused to sleep in the two story bedroom alone. John took a room with a king sized bed and Ty the room that would be Jacksons, the fishing room.

Once settled they started at the bottom and walked through every room, looked at everything, switched on lights, opened doors and really anything you would expect of a prospective buyer.

"You had to figure it couldn't be as nice as the video but it's way more impressive in person isn't it." John said standing at the end of the great room by the kitchen and looking across to the living room end. "It's fucking enormous, last time I felt small in a room was at the Vatican."

"Gimme a break" Ty said laughing.

"Well maybe not that big but you have to admit Ty."

"It's big but when we're here with the kids and friends."

"And when you're here just the two of you ?"

"The bedroom is effectively our own apartment, even a small outdoor kitchen, hot tub, deck."

They rode into town for lunch, picked up dinner, chicken for Ty and a load of veggies and tofu for John and then rode out to the property on quads for the afternoon. Again the outer buildings were as described, the property was well maintained and marked, the trails clear. Ty kept watch for signs of wildlife figuring the quads would scare most away from their being seen. He checked a few river edges and snapped some shots for Jackson as well as of the lake that bordered the property.

They had their dinner on the patio outside the kitchen and watched the sunset over the mountains beyond. They each took pictures of that.

"What do you think ?"

"Can't wait to borrow it." John said laughing. "What do mean what do I think, this is the shit you watch on television."

"It is sort of overwhelming."

"I didn't mean it that way Ty, don't go there. Who wouldn't want a place like this to bring their family. This isn't a whim for you guys, it'll be in the family for generations, the memories of growing up here will be amazing."

They went to bed relatively early, they had to get back early and the real estate agent was scheduled for 8:00 AM. They were done eating breakfast and packed to leave by 7:30. They walked the exterior of the house and looked at the pool area while they waited for the real estate agent. She showed at about 7:55, they came around to meet her after hearing the beep. She drove a late model BMW and wore a stylish business suit. She was young, late 20's tops, long blond hair and shapely.

Ty's questions mostly concerned the geothermal well and he was surprised that she had most of the answers he was looking for at hand. She had also brought along some information they had requested from the hatcheries and the adjoining state agencies.

"I've been told that your family is looking into some sort of conservatorship over some of protected areas around the property Dr. Borden ?"

"We have a similar arrangement at our ranch and the powers that be seem good with it. We were thinking of a nature rescue and research center on part of the property perhaps in conjunction with some state agencies or Cornell."

"So can I assume an offer to be pending anytime soon ?"

"I think once the family has seen it, has time become an issue ?"

"I don't think so, just a feeler on my part."

"It's big, almost feels bigger in person than the video but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and we'd like everyone's opinion before we tender an offer."

"Works for me, any idea when you'll next be up ?"

"Early September with the family, overnight or a weekend. We'll have horses so you might mention that to Jonathan, we'll care for them ourselves."

"Just let us know and we'll be ready. Nice to meet your in person Dr. Borden."

They sat for a last cup of coffee before leaving, the area was certainly quiet and peaceful.

"How fast you think something like this could happen ?

"No idea John, I've bought a small house on a small property with a down payment and a mortgage and endless forms, it took a while I guess. This, with cash and the conservatorship I'm lost."

They rode straight back with one bathroom stop. They separated in town and John headed home while Ty continued on to Pegasus. After giving his Ok at a late lunch and showing pictures he headed off to three days of non-stop vet duties, preparing for Boxer's surgery and gathering the information he needed from various sources to do the final switch over in Alberta. Bert spent his time equally between Cornell and Pegasus, preparing lectures and for the surgery.

Meg Caldwell and Betty took on the task of school shopping for her kids and Brin. They shopped Ithaca mostly but took a ride to Syracuse for the day to pick through some pricier items.

Amy was in full Cornell mode. She worked all day with Georgie, the seconds, Sarah and Vi. Georgie was reading though last years lectures. Vi and Sarah went through slides for presentations and Katie and Barb had two papers ready for rehab supplements that they were working on for Bert as well as helping Amy and keying Georgie in on the papers. Vi and Sarah would add the nutritional information and supplements to the papers after the rehab curriculum was approved.

"I assume there are first years that have never touched a large animal ?"

"You can definitely assume that Georgie." Amy said.

"What's that like ?"

"Well for general nutrition and care it's what it is, they'll never treat a horse, they're city vets. You help them familiarize themselves as best you can or as best as they can, like the dude ranch Georgie. The electives classes are different, they choose them and are interested. Most of them are familiar with horses. Those are the classes that are special, thoughtful questions, young inquisitive minds."

"Listen to you, you sound like Bert."

"You send them out thinking there's a better way Georgie, get 'em young, make them question the status quo, we're radicals amongst vets."

"You go girl." Georgie said high fiving Katie who was walking behind her.

"Do we have any snacks ?" Amy asked.

Sarah reached back and opened a cabinet then the fridge. She turned to Amy and nodded a negative.

"Oh well."

"Let's move upstairs to the loft, lots of space, music and snacks."

"No Georgie, that's imposing."

"It's seriously not Amy, come on." She said closing folders and laptops and stacking the iPads.

"Party time Georgie style" Barb sang grabbing a stack.

"We have work to do." Amy said laughing.

"I can work and dance, I went to Cornell" Barb sang on the way out the back door of the medical barn.

"Don't look at me" Georgie said to Amy laughing "I'm Canadian; I can work, dance and drink beer."

"Where's Wyatt ?"

"Foundation offices with Trev."

Not hearing anything else Amy looked over "What's up Georgie ?" Amy asked coming upstairs.

"I don't know that it's my place to say."

"Ok, I'll leave it with you then, but don't get weird."

"I'll try" she answered with a chuckle.

It actually worked out well, they got through more than Amy had actually hoped they would and it was nice to get out of the potions room. So it was a satisfied group that sat back with beers or whatever they were drinking and dipping tortilla chips in salsa when Amy's phone rang.

"Hey Betty, we're at Georgie's, sure what do you have, oh fine, you need help ?"

"Pull out plates, mac and cheese for dinner, Ty and Wyatt are carrying."

"It's like I never left Heartland." Georgie said pulling out forks and knives. "Let's cut up some of these veggies."

Ty and John pulled off at a small overlook restaurant in Kananaskis and sat down near a window.

"Some beautiful country up here Ty, that's for sure, shame to have to turn back, I hear Banff is pretty nice."

"It is, the views are amazing, teeming with wildlife. We should come back one day with Trish and Amy."

John nodded and looked through the menu. He ordered a large salad with oil and vinegar dressing, asked for avocado instead of chicken and no cheese. Ty ordered a chicken salad sandwich and fries. "Something up John ?"

"I'm thinking through a moral dilemma buddy and I'm going round and round."

"This has to do with me ?"

"It does, and Amy and whether it's my place since it would be revealing a confidence."

"Amy told you something about me in confidence."

"Amy said something to Bert, not about you specifically and not something Trish and I and probably a few others didn't already know. She basically confirmed it, recently."

"So ? Where are we ?"

"Let me ask you this, have you had a specific conversation with Amy about coming back to Hudson or Alberta, you know a visit ?"

"Well we mentioned it, nothing specific like dates or anything, why ?"

"It may not be as easy as you think and you need to keep that in mind when you broach the subject with her. This business 8 years ago freaked her out and it still does."

"Yeah, I got an inkling of it when we talked about back then, she, uhm, started crying and rambling, we had to stop."

Their food arrived and they started eating. There were other diners for lunch though the place didn't become loud or full.

"What did she say to Bert John, in for a penny."

John chewed on his salad and followed it with a piece of bread and some water. All the while he looked over at Ty. "She said something to the effect that she doesn't want to live through the pain and think of you that way again. I assume it's way more than you Ty, I know it is, so don't go there."

They ate and looked out at the valley and across to the mountains. A hawk gave them a show for a few minutes and John spotted a bear on a slope not far from the restaurant.

"I don't know how to handle this John, at all and I don't want to fuck it up."

"This is really Trish's thing Ty, let me talk to her when we get back to New York, for now follow Amy's lead."

"What happens when the kids ask or Jack, Lisa, Lou ? They're business partners."

"We'll figure it out, you'll figure it out, eventually you'll talk, she knows she's expected to make a grand homecoming at one point or another, I just didn't want you to head back and start with plans for a trip or worse surprise her out of New Orleans or something."

"How the hell do you know about that ?"

"How the hell do I know about the Planetarium ?" John laughed.

"What is this John ?"

"It's something or a series of things that traumatized her back then, other things pushed off her dealing with it and then it all compounded into one big traumatic event for her from beginning to end and eventually she ran from it. She used it to become who she is but she never dealt with it. I know the events, you know them, how they form up for her only she knows."

"So tread lightly."

"Look, Lisa or someone will call and say you should come or her, bring the kids, whatever. She'll make an excuse, for now it'll be Jackson, school, marriage, anything, you need to support that for the time being and wait her out. I think that's what Trish would say, just pay attention."

"You think she'll bring it up ?"

"It's inevitable, you'll be married and he'll be walking and winter will turn to spring, excuses fade."

"She's been back for White Horse."

"She spent more time in the air than on the ground in Alberta, Trev said she glanced out the window at the Heartland compound, commented wistfully about a 2nd barn and closed her eyes."

"We built a barn a couple years after she left."

"So did she."

Ty sighed and finished his iced tea. John motioned for the check. "Don't internalize this Ty, she needs to work through this with support not animosity and going to that place in your head creates animosity."

"What's this going to take ?"

"We won't know until she does so it'll take patience, Amy's strong and having to face weakness is not something she does these days, it scares her."

"She's been spending a lot of time with Georgie lately, they were very close back at Heartland and that seems to be shoring up again. Maybe she'll have some insight, they read each other very well."

Amy sat with Ty on the small love seat in Georgie's apartment each with a bowl of mac and cheese on their laps. "Wyatt mention anything to you ?"

"About what ?"

"Don't know, Georgie mentioned something then backed off."

"We talked cars, we need to get the Mustang and Old Blue on the lifts, money and space means we can actually work and Wyatt's just learning."

"And you need those out of the way before the delivery."

"Wyatt more than me for now and I'm going back."

"I'll ask Bryce to talk to Wyatt and talk to you about the car and Blue, he's an amazing mechanic, he loves to putter and Roberta's not big on Bryce not helping when he's home. 4 kids under 10 is a handful."

"So he can putter here ?"

"He can putter here Ty."

Amy looked over and saw Georgie and Wyatt sitting and talking and waved. When Georgie looked over Amy beckoned.

"What's up Amy ?" Georgie said sitting down across from them with Wyatt.

"I can't do this, I don't do this, what's up ?"

"We need to talk or you need to talk me through something, maybe tomorrow sometime ?" Wyatt asked.

"Ty too ?"

"I guess, well after this week, yes, the both of you."

"Rounds at 8 tomorrow so 6:15 in the barn, well go for a ride and talk." Amy said looking for acknowledgement. "Too early ? It's a ranch and we're swamped with work."

"Not too early" Wyatt said "just not what we're used to in terms of speed to resolution."

"I don't know what your plans are for tomorrow Wyatt but we have rounds at 8:00, school until lunch and lectures after and Georgie has surgical meetings after that and I have horses to deal with. Wednesday is worse and then Ty's gone soon after. It's dangerous to work distracted, let's talk it out and be done besides Phoenix needs a ride in his new home and Wallace needs one from his new human."

"Phoenix needs to be jumped in the next few days and Checkers well, you know." Georgie added.

"And I guess we'll need the barrels out somewhere so we can set that up."

"I'll get them started Amy and someone will jump Phoenix for me and we'll see to the rest."

"Thank you Georgie."

John and Ty rode into Ty's garage in the late afternoon. They had a good day, the weather was perfect, both temperature and air quality, the views were sharp and breathtaking. They were just going to brush off from their trip and head out again. Ty needed some time at the vet clinic and John was heading to Heartland to look over a welding project Jack had been putting off. Having a licensed and trained welder happy to do the job made all the difference as far as Jack was concerned. Ty was glad too, he was scheduled to be busy all day.

"Tear yourself up on the ride home ?"

"A bit John, a bit. It's funny I was thinking about her, she doesn't let things fester at all at home. Last week she knew Georgie or Wyatt actually was put off by something and then just arranged to talk it out. Something like this ?"

"Well I have no doubt that the decisive parts of who she is comes from that time but something like this I think is more serious. What happened to her at least in her mind shook her down to her boots so to speak, at her very center. The who am I really part. People at odds literally fighting to voice their opinions of who she was and no one seemed to pay much mind to what she'd accomplished and hoped to do and become. It all became soiled to her, muddied, she became soiled, leaving Hudson put her on a new course, led her here to now and looking back at what she was, who she was, the last time any of you saw her, is not something she ever gave much thought to I think."

"Out of sight out of mind."

"Literally out of mind Ty."

In the morning Amy and Ty met Georgie and Wyatt for coffee before their ride. They sat at the counter in the loft above the barn and talked about their days.

"So we working up here again later Amy ?"

"No Georgie, it's not right, I'll ask Sandra about converting a single up front to more of an office for the seconds or rehab staff for now. We'll definitely put one into the jumping and rehab center, you all need a place, it's time."

"Then in the meantime we should do it here, it's not crazy, we're not messy, come on I insist."

"Fine, but if I see it getting out of hand or too comfortable I'm stopping it."

Ty was so used to riding out past the barns and off to the preserve he actually had to ask where they were off to when Amy lead them off to a different path south.

"This is the side that meets the Potter's land Ty, I asked Erma if she'd mind if we looked at the wedding chapel since Georgie and Wyatt were along, and you I guess."

"I'd love to see it" Georgie agreed. She was on Phoenix with Wyatt on Wallace. Ty and Amy road Spartan and Harley.

"Ames you thinking of using the chapel ?"

"No, I'm thinking of using the family barn full of horses."

"Really, wow." Georgie exclaimed "think you can make that work ?"

"I mentioned it to Erma, she'll give it some thought."

"We could braid them all and hang ribbons and the wedding party could stand alongside their horses."

"There's heat, bathrooms and protection from the winter." Wyatt added.

"Talk to me Wyatt, what's up ?"

"Charlie and Trev sort of work together in this weird mix of duties they each do well. Charlie is finesse, he reads other people like you read horses Amy, not Georgie, you, just so you get the distinction because like Georgie, Trev's no slouch."

"We only deal with the best Wyatt but thanks for confirming that, how does this affect you ?"

"I'm privy to private family information."

"As an example." Ty asked.

"The whole financial plan for purchasing the summer home with projections if the state, et al give their consent to the conservatorship. Escrow, bid estimates, appraisal, I know everything Ty."

"And ?" Amy asked.

"And I have to, I don't know, lie to Georgie, keep things from her."

"You'd always have to do that."

"No Amy I wouldn't because it wouldn't come up but the other night we were talking about you going up and moving on to the next step and she said I wonder what a house like that costs, I know Amy, everything. It's I don't know, I don't like keeping secrets from Georgie, we've never done that."

"Wyatt that's sweet but it's not lying to me" Georgie said, "I understand confidentiality."

"No, I get it" Amy said.

"So, I talked to Trev about possibly just confining myself to the Foundation."

"Would that work ?"

"Not really Georgie" Amy answered. Amy nudged Spartan still and moved alongside Phoenix.

"Georgie, there is nothing I value more than our privacy and privacy for the kids. Everyone knows we're rich, how rich is never discussed, what you learn is not gossip to anyone, Grandpa, your mom, anyone."

"I understand, it's not a problem Amy. We'll figure something out for Wyatt."

"No Georgie, our family, which includes the kids and Betty, have a net worth of about $60 million dollars. That includes, livestock, land, property, art, tubes of sperm, our shares of Pegasus, you name it. It goes up and down ends up a little more. The appraisal for the summer home is just about 5.3 million. We have 5 million set aside for an initial bid, they're asking $7 million, they won't get it."

"uhm ok."

"I know, it's a lot to process."

"So my horses aren't a burden ?"

"No Georgie, Chuck's getting a whole new barn thanks to your horses. Wyatt, let's try not to make our family finances the gist of every conversation but please if something makes you uncomfortable tell Georgie what you need to so that you don't."

"Thanks Amy, so much, for what you just did and understanding."

"Well, I trust you both and I appreciate the dilemma so if you ever have a question just come to one of us."

As they turned down the apple tree path towards the chapel they heard a horse cantering up a side path and a second later April turned into the lane on Kite.

"Good morning April, what brings you out this early ?"

"Mom said to stop for coffee and sticky cinnamon buns on the way back, good morning Ty."

"Good morning April, I really like the picture Aunt Meg framed for my office. Thank you."

"Oh you're welcome, it's nice when people see my pictures and smile."

"Well, it'll certainly brighten my days."

"I have to get back for chores, should I tell her you'll stop ?"

"Sure, we'll have a little time." Amy said.

"Good, see you at the house." April said clicking Kite around and riding off.

"It's weird that there's this little pocket of horse culture tucked away here, it was really the one thing that drove some of my decisions to stay in Alberta for school. I knew I wouldn't have the time with them that I did in high school but being away from my horses, I don't know that I could have done that."

"The time I was away from Spartan was brutal. When I checked the property the first time we drove past the Potter's, August was outside brushing down a horse. When we rode around on quads to see the property we stopped and I could see their small herd. We drive a little of the horse culture in the area, try to expand a little, most of the realtors who sell horse properties let prospective buyers know that we'll help them get and learn to care for horses, ride if they want to keep up. Some do, some convert the barns into something else."

"Every little bit helps." Wyatt said riding up to the chapel.

They tied off the horses to a series of bushes nearby. Each couple walked hand in hand into the chapel.

"So no crosses or bibles or anything."

"No Georgie, it's a non-denominational chapel. The stained glass are country and floral scenes, it's just a building. They bring in stuff if the bride and groom choose but there are enough traditional old churches around for that."

"It's simple, I like it."

"No horses Georgie."

"We could ride up and walk in."

"Should fit 200, not sure, 8 per bench, 16 per row and " Amy started.

"18 rows" Wyatt said "288, not bad actually."

"Getting people from here to Pegasus for the party will be a thing, talk to Erma, I thought you wanted outside ?"

"I don't know Amy, I can see either fitting and this takes care of weather."

"May, right Georgie ?"

"May, there's still snow in April ?"

"It's happened for sure."

They rode to the Potter's taking the route over the meadows where they found August checking their herd.

"Everything good August ?" Ty asked riding over.

"Two last calves taking their time, they'll show up over the next few mornings."

"Need me to look ?"

"No, they're fine, I'll ride back with you, just came to check these two and check the graze. I'll bring these down for milking in a couple hours."

"We could move them down now August, we've all moved cows before."

"I know Amy, Ok then, might as well, to the milking paddock it is."

"Look at you all" Erma said a little while later from where she was standing with Kimmie and April and watching her cows being led into the paddock.

"Brought you work Erma" Amy called out getting down from Spartan.

After hugging Erma, Kimmie reached up and Amy grabbed her and perched her on her hip. "She's standing more and more."

"And will be chased soon enough." Erma answered laughing then kissing her small daughter's head.

After welcomes and August and Ty setting the horses in a small paddock, they sat for coffee, and Erma doled out her sticky treats.

"This is gross" Georgie laughed scooping the melted icing off her lip and into her mouth, "they're absolutely perfect Erma."

"They are, oh look at Ty, you don't have to sweetheart, Ty's not a sweet hound." Amy said laughing.

"I'll get you one without the sticky icing Ty."

"Thank you Erma."

"So you guys are getting married and I get a new dress, maybe two." April said smiling, a hint of milk on her lip.

"Are you excited April ?"

"I love weddings Georgie, all the flowers and pretty dresses. The man comes and carves the ice, that's so cool. Everyone's dressed up, the music and dancing."

"Did you like the chapel Georgie ?" Erma asked sliding a fresh un-iced bun at Ty with a smile.

"A lot actually, if we used it how would we get people from here to Pegasus ?"

"I can get 6 wagons and teams that would take a total of up to 84 at a time, we'll serve champagne and hors d'oeuvres here and people can grab the next as they return. Of course if the weather's bad we can use busses. Or a combination if you think guests will balk at the wagons."

"Nice wagons ?"

"Nice wagons Georgie, padded seats, blankets, well cared for." Erma assured her.

"I'm sorry, I'm not used to this."

"Nothing to be sorry about Georgie, getting married is supposed to special for your guests as well as for you and Wyatt. It was a natural question to ask."

"We need to head back, let's help you clear this stuff away."

"Leave it, April and I will take care of it."

"Sure will, I'll get the tray." April said walking off.

"You thinking of a honeymoon ?" Georgie asked Amy. They were now side by side with Wyatt and Ty riding behind them and heading back to Pegasus.

"With JT still recovering and Christmas coming, I doubt anything immediate. You two ?"

"Probably when finals are over, I guess it depends on the actual date we pick."

"Semester ends like the 20th but then there's Memorial Day weekend. First weekend in June ?"

"I think Erma said we have the weekend that finals end which is the one before Memorial Day. Be nice to have a little blow out."

"Apple Blossom season, the meadow past the track, that huge copse of trees and the surrounding trees all blossom Georgie, those are all apple trees. We can fill those meadows with beautiful horses."

"November isn't your dream is it Amy ?"

"Well I guess that's obvious but there's a bigger dream in play here and my day will still be special in so many ways."

"Eyes' on the prize"

"Eyes' on the prize Georgie. School tomorrow."

"Ty what's on your schedule tomorrow.?"

"Bert's first lecture after rounds and then we're back for surgical run though."

"You ?"

"Bert said to be at the first, it's special so I'll do that after rounds as well, home for lunch and a check in with family and Sandra, then I lecture twice in the afternoon then back. With Vi and Sarah for a couple hours, meet with Benny and I'm done."

"That's it ?" Georgie asked.

"That's a pretty full day Georgie."

"I'm being sarcastic Amy, how's that go for you ?"

"Well it's pretty full when you factor in the kids and assorted other things that pop up, Ty might slow it down, that's new but school's school, spreads the word, really makes you feel like you make a difference and it pays well."

"Seriously, you worry about making a difference with the foundation, the rescues and everything else ?"

"Yeah, but I'm not really in the trenches, this is one on one with the future."

"You and Bert have a really singular mindset with this stuff."

"One of many I guess, secret to my success, surround yourself with yes people. They did all this around me Georgie. I just fixed the horses."

"That's not how they see it Amy, at least at the offices, they consider you an inspiration."

"And how do I inspire them Wyatt ?"

"Charlie says it's just being you, they see how you are, how they're treated, your kids, the horses, Pegasus Centers, all of it, you care, you have a good heart."

"Are people who care about and treat other people with respect so rare ? None of you are much different than me you know. Charlie, Trev ?"

"Maybe, but they chose you." Wyatt said "don't shoot the messenger."

"How's it been back in New York John" Jack asked while John let a weld he had finished cool before cleaning it off and checking it.

"Fine Jack, pretty busy when Vet school starts but that calms down. I hear the decision is to break ground on the new arena this year and just stop when winter sets in so that might be soon."

"Any reason ?"

"Believe it or not that last trailer full of Georgie's horses plus those two surprises broke the bank and Chuck rebelled. They're extending the rescue barn and dedicating the whole family barn to the family and hands at this point. The girls now have 10 between them and Amy's stuck in the middle."

"Yeah, Georgie could never get rid of any of her brood. I had nothing to do with Casey and those two black barrel racers."

"Let's lift this plow Jack and I'll start the other side."

John started rasping and spraying the crack getting it ready for his weld.

"How's Amy been with him gone ?"

"She's Ok, a little lonely I guess but she has the kids this time and a wedding and school to deal with. Classes take time and tire her out. JT and the girls start school soon, it gets hectic."

"Maybe Ty will help with that."

"I assume as far as the kids and coverage that'll be the case. Amy can get sort of obsessed when she's busy you know ?"

"All too well."

"I think having him around certainly couldn't hurt getting her to slow down and take care of herself. He seems to have a way of redirecting her focus."

"Well seems enough of you around to keep her grounded."

"We try."

"So you've never been up here before huh John ?"

"Nope, lower Rockies for sure but Canada, all on the eastern side. Toronto, Montreal, Trish and I rode to Halifax one summer."

"And her ?"

"Trish ?"

"Amy"

"Amy's been to Ottawa to see Shane a few times, some government meetings once, to buy that ranch for sure."

"You weren't up here for that ?"

"No she came with Trev and Charlie the first time and Trev to sign the papers. She renewed hers' and the kids' Canadian Passports at the Embassy in Manhattan. We've been there."

"Is Ty doing that, the passports ?"

"Dual, I have no idea, once he's married he can certainly do it. I doubt there's a rush."

"I think Lisa talked to Amy about coming up for New Years' but I think Amy's pushing for warmer climates while the kids get off in February is it ?"

"Yeah Winter break. I typically don't get the news until it's decided to tell you the truth Jack."

"So no different than the rest of us mortal men huh John ?"

"I guess, Trish rules our roost and I'm just fine with it. Let's get this welded."

Amy and Ty split up when they got to the Vet school. Amy rode off to the Ag center where her office was located and Ty into Admin to check for messages and then up to his office. He was just here for the lecture. He had no lectures of his own scheduled and a meeting with the Exotics department and Lorin on Thursday morning. He met Bert packing his large messenger shoulder bag and seemed to be heading out.

"Oh Ty, glad I caught you, I read over the changes and it's fine so it's off to the seconds and Amy's crew for rehab and care supplements. You're here for the lecture ?"

"I am, with Amy though she's run to her office, she has two lectures this afternoon, but she's coming to yours."

"I asked her to, there's been grumbling about the TA slots."

"What kind of grumbling ?"

"We have three TA's between us, all first years. It's a bit irregular."

"Is it a problem ?"

"No. Katie, Barb and Georgie are where they are because they've earned their spots, it's not up to students to gripe about who we choose as assistants since a poor choice would be our problem and I am the Department Chair which should count for something. Acky and Lorin approved Georgie after looking at her file and that should be enough. Since it's not, my first lecture will include an object lesson in respect. It'll be crowded, the first usually is because it includes a run through of summer surgeries of interest."

"I'll be there, just filing this stuff away and I'll head over."

15 minutes before the lecture was to begin Ty walked over and right into Lorin. "Ty, it's good to see you, here for the first lecture ?"

"I am Lorin, have you seen Amy ?"

"Not yet, come on, we'll save her a seat."

Ty tried his best to find a reason to not sit with Lorin but couldn't, dealing with the dean was a learned thing and he had no idea what to say except for not agreeing to anything. Amy came by not a moment after Lorin led Ty in and walked over to the main doors to look around.

"Can I help you with something Professor ?"

"It's Jesse right ?"

"Yes ma'am, I had you for general."

"Right, I'm looking for a new faculty member, Dr. Borden ?"

"Your fiancé ?"

"Ok, that'll work, have you seen him ?"

"He's in the faculty section with the dean, right there."

"I'd better go."

"Hey Am, uh professor." Georgie said walking in and catching her obvious name faux pas.

"Hi Georgie, you have a place ?"

"Katie and Barb are down front, they have a spot."

"How have classes been ?"

"First year with an equine specialty is not designed to keep people who grew up knee deep in horse manure challenged."

"It gets harder through the year, learn what the professors want and give it back in spades."

"We have two with you this afternoon."

"I'm running home after this and then back after lunch, are you good ?"

"Yeah, we're having lunch in your office."

"That's nice, dump the trash in the stable bin please."

"You got it."

"I have to save Ty, go sit, Bert starts on time."

Amy keyed herself into the Faculty/VIP seats and walked to the aisle entrance where she would have to cross over Lorin and Ty to get to her seat. Since Lorin was occupied with Ty Amy tapped him and without giving him a chance moved to pass him. Ty glanced up to see Amy mouth "move over" and Ty smiled and stood, Amy leaned in to peck his lips and then sat between him and the Dean.

"I won't eat him Amy."

"I know Lorin, just nibble around the edges, my edges."

"He's been very good, hasn't agreed to anything yet."

"What's Bert doing anyway, standard first lecture ?"

"I'm just the Dean Amy."

"I know that feeling" She agreed with a chuckle.

"Apparently there's an object lesson on professorial choices coming." Ty added almost questioningly.

"Oh no" Lorin sighed "who's crossed his path now ?"

"It has to do with Georgie, Katie and Barb."

"Not the kids" Amy sighed, "it's father shit."

"Is this bad ?" Ty asked.

"That'll be up to Bert." Lorin said "hopefully he won't point at any of the faculty."

"It's students I think."

"Ok, that's a relief, we don't really care about them" Amy added to the laughter of several professors around them and the Dean.

"That's inappropriate Amy." Lorin said.

"Then consider me turned in boss."

"He didn't say you were wrong Amy." A man from behind said laughing and then reached out his hand. "You must be Dr. Borden, I'm John Albert, I teach dentistry."

Ty shook his hand and then several other surrounding faculty members introduced themselves until the lights dipped slightly and Bert walked out.

"Seems they've seriously over booked this section, show of hands please, how many of you are actually registered and are you all up front ?"

"Good, excellent. To those not registered, please defer questions and comments until these students have their say and I hope to see a lot less of you non students from now on."

The lecture was scheduled for 2 hours. Bert usually spoke for about 60 to 75 minutes leaving time for questions, comments and discussion, often the most interesting part of the class and one where if you wanted to be noticed you were thoughtful in answering.

He was funny and kept a good cadence going. Before introducing each surgery he had Katie or Barb hand out a case study with pertinent information for the students to study and bring up questions at their next meeting. They were expected to analyze, understand and one day hopefully become skillful enough to perform them on their own or better yet use to further their own ideas. If they were to survive a specialty in orthopedics with Bert they'd better be on their game. He used the screens to show photos, clips and specifics about the various surgeries and stopped to answer questions when he needed a breather. He took each surgery through rehab, nutritional analysis and retraining.

After 4 surgical overviews and several sessions of questions Bert walked to the front of the stage and then back and forth in front of the center section where his actual students sat.

"There will be four students chosen to intern though the process at Pegasus starting in January. This is a new program. They will be chosen from 2nd and 3rd year students for 6 month rotation slots. This is an elective for Equine Orthopedic students, which will expand over time as our newer facilities open. We are also working on a program for more exotic work in our nature preserve. On the equine side you will take part in the entire process of diagnosis, treatment options and their determined paths, care and nutrition with myself, Dr. Borden our Assistant Director, Professor Fleming, her assistants and these three young women right here, our seconds who are our surgical assistants and rehab specialists.

He stopped for a second and walked back and forth looking out over the first few rows as some murmuring started.

"We'll have minimum requirements for admission and how candidates will be chosen and get them posted before October when we'll start the process of choosing. I wanted to give you an idea of what you'll get out of the semester and what we'll expect. You'll be on call every second you're not in class and expect to spend a lot of time at our facility. We care for a lot of horses in various capacities. You'll be required to ride as well, if you're serious and don't ride, get some lessons and practice. As to what we hope to get when you're done, I figured a picture is worth a thousand words."

With that the theatre lights dimmed and Bert walked off to the side as a video started.

The first videos showed Katie and Barb from before Georgie was at Pegasus. They were checking out a horse after obvious surgical repairs by the scars evident. They handled the horse which was in a sling and gently measured motion in the repaired leg. No explanation was needed, they were alone and formulating a rehab plan. The next showed them with Amy and Amy out with a horse taking turns riding while the others looked on and then all down examining the leg. The next shots were of them adjusting slings and attaching a brace. Bert and Amy came by, examined it, checked the charts and left.

The next video showed Georgie dealing with an obviously cantankerous horse coming off a trailer and calming him, it was easy to note his distress and the calming effect she had as she led him to a surgical bay.

Next a series of surgeries alongside Bert or Ty where trial by fire questions flew out to be answered by unseen voices as the hands worked, both sets, then on to a second and later a third surgery. The last surgery was shown as an overhead, a very distinctive voice calmly examining and commenting on a monitor with someone behind her, there was nodding and approval before the camera refocused and showed Georgie explaining to the team the process of extracting a bundle of baling wire and sharp closures that ran from a horses stomach into his intestines. The camera angles changed at that point and the surgeries were replayed for just a second or two showing the faces attached to the sure hands performing the work. In each case it showed either Bert or Ty and one or two of the seconds very ably handling their end while answering rapid fire questions from Bert sometimes from a different surgical table all together. Bertram Koenig and his captive audience. It wasn't just the handing of tools, he chose clips that actually showed the seconds taking off the pressure, stitching, cauterizing and working as a team. There were several comments thrown in and allowed to stay, most notably was Georgie telling Bert to mind his work and leave hers alone which elicited laughter from several quarters.

When it turned to the last surgery again it showed Georgie, standing with Barb and Katie to her right and Bert to her left, with Georgie directing the actual removal of the obstructions all through her stepping out leaving Bert to close. The video went dark for a second and then showed snapshots of Katie, Barb and Georgie doing rounds, checking legs and wounds, mucking out and one of Georgie and Katie asleep on the bench behind the medical barn.

"Barb and Katie have been with me or more aptly with Pegasus and Professor Fleming for over two years doing this kind of work day in and day out while attending college. Georgie has worked side by side with Dr. Borden for four years and has had constant contact, caring for horses day in and day out for the past 11years. She is by any stretch a champion jumper, as he said it the screen lit up with Georgie jumping Phoenix "and a professional trick rider" as the video cut to Georgie at the Calgary Stampede doing a shoulder stand and then flipping up and into a hippodrome, "you can't really question that kind of drive and determination."

"Professor Fleming, Dr. Borden and I chose them with the approval of the Dean and Dr. Ackslebury, because in our combined opinions and right now, they represent our best futures. There are four slots open to start the program for next semester. Any questions ?"

"Are they your TA's for the entire 4 years ?" One student asked.

"Oh heaven's no, they're way to valuable. By next year at this time our new surgical facility will be open and working as well as our indoor rehab center and hopefully new stables full of non racing performance horses needing our attention. They'll be keeping you all that make it to our facility in line. We'll each select new TA's next year."

"If I'm in can I stable my horse at Pegasus ?"

"Where's your horse stabled now ?"

"At home in Norwood, I can't afford stables around here."

"Bert, have one of the girls get his number and we'll arrange to bring his horse down either way." Amy called out from the gallery.

"Your name young man ?"

"Robert Cleary sir, Bobby"

"See one of the seconds when we dismiss and you can thank Prof. Fleming later."

"Anyone else with a stable issue or question ?" Bert asked while small pockets of laughter broke out.

"Then you're dismissed, your assignments are on-line, see you next week."

"13,000 is his bottom line Ty, in cash." Jack said sitting on the porch sipping a beer alongside Ty. John had a large iced tea.

"I really think they'll love them, they have that low rider vintage feel and the black and cream is classic."

"So that's a yes ?"

"John, care to weigh in ?"

"Well, we all rode them, I gave them new plugs and a quick adjustment by ear and they rode nice, no skips that I can remember."

"He took care of them no doubt" Jack said "just hard to keep them perfect if you can't ride."

"That's a yes Jack."

"You have 13 grand in your pocket Ty ?" Jack asked laughing.

"Well no" Ty said "tell him we'll call when I have the cash and tell him they're going to a young newlywed couple as a wedding gift, they'll grow old on these bikes."

"I think he'll like hearing that." Jack said smiling and patting his knee.

"Guess, I'll call Charlie."

"So you got the girls trucks and we have the bikes, what next ?"

"Getting my truck done and Wyatt's car, when do the tools come John ?"

"I can check, figure next week but I can lend you what you need."

"Tools ?" Jack asked.

"Ty made the snap-on guy the happiest man on earth."

"Least they won't sit and not be used."

"That's for sure Jack, once I give blue the once over Jackson and I will start on Amy's Ford."

"I looked at it with her, '53 right ?"

"'53 F100, it's a nice truck." John confirmed.

Wednesday was a blur and centered for many at the ranch around Boxer's surgery. Amy had her first office hours set for Wednesday morning and one section to teach in the afternoon, the seconds all had classes in the morning. Bert and Ty went through the surgery one last time, this time with Rich Tepadino the closest they could find to an Equine Ophthalmologist. They had discovered a small calcium growth that pressed against Boxer's optic nerve when he turned his head to the right past a certain angle which, they learned from close observation and spending time with the videos was getting worse and they were going to remove it.

As always the kids worked with the horses. After chores Jackson ponied sets of horses around the property to get them exercised. The girls worked with the rescues. They had two young mares with very mild temperaments, they'd had them with calves and some cria and had April and JT sit in the round pen close to them and watch their interactions. Then they added the dogs. They'd try bunnies next and ask Erma if they could borrow Kimmie for a quick test. Amy would do that one after spending some time with them. They needed a constant supply of trained therapy horses for Pegasus centers and they weren't as easy to find as most people thought.

Lou had returned to Heartland and a welcome home good bye forever to Nashville dinner. After dinner she joined Jack, Lisa, Ty and John outside.

"How's Amy been, Georgie told me it's a madhouse with vet school starting."

"It's been very different than it has been. I actually never thought about what it takes physically to teach three lectures in a day. For one, she stands and moves the entire time, she's animated. She drinks tea constantly, there are office visits and she deals with horses at Cornell that they use in practicals and the like then comes home, deals with the kids, medical, Benny, it's insane."

"Every day ?"

"No, not everyday thankfully, she does 6 lectures a week, 2 general care sections which are 2 hours each and 2 electives which are 4 hour lectures. She's exhausted in the evenings. I've been convincing her to just go to bed. She likes seeing the kids off at night, Jackson's easy, he's out by nine usually so she's been going up with him and I've stayed down with the girls. It's important to her that the family has time together, everyday, even just doing their own things in the family room."

"They get a routine down after a couple weeks Ty, it doesn't change the way she treats herself but it's less hectic."

"I get that John, but a person need time to decompress."

"That's going to take some effort but it seems at least you're part of the equation is helping. Getting her to bed early can't hurt."

"No doubt Lisa, and I'm sure I'll help with the kids and school and the like, the problem is I don't know that she can turn it off. I take away one thing she just fills it with something else."

"That's what the other house is for, at least that's what you said, to get away as a family and not think about Pegasus every now and again."

"I guess John."

Thursday morning Ty opened his eyes just as he heard the shower turn on. After a quick stop at the commode he was wrapping his arms around a surprised Amy.

"You're up early Dr. Borden."

"I've been missing you, how about we sneak away for an early morning ride ?"

"That sounds nice Ty, we'll leave a note."

Ty went out to saddle Spartan and Harley while Amy filled a thermos of coffee and grabbed some rolls and muffins.

"Where are you off this early ?"

"Good morning Betty" Amy said reaching over to kiss her cheek. "Early ride with Ty."

"Sounds nice, he leaves tomorrow for how long now."

"Hopefully just the week, we're heading up to the Adirondack house Labor Day weekend, you got that ?"

"I did, that's fine, just us ?"

"I think so, the big mega cab and we'll pull the six horse, we'll bring feed and have them get us hay. The meadow and paddocks look nice and lush and Ty said the groundskeeper was very clear, all natural, no pesticides and John and Ty checked anyway."

"I figured they would, I've read about this Spelts Family, they seem serious about their conservations efforts."

"We'll be back by rounds, have the kids get their chores done and I think Ty would like to spend some time, maybe town for lunch and a stroll while I'm at Cornell ?"

"Nice day for it, I'll mention it to the kids."

They rode out slowly to the preserve, dogs in tow and stopped at a meadow on a rise that actually had a side view of the treehouse which was hidden from most views on the ranch. The sat against a large rock outcropping and had coffee and rolls. Ty had his arm around her and she leaned against him.

"Something you wanted to talk about Ty ?"

"No Ames, I mean I could ask you to take some time for yourself next week while I'm gone but nothing's up. I got spoiled having full access and stole you away."

"Yeah, it's been nice" Amy agreed turning her head up and catching a kiss when he glanced down.

"You good with the date Amy, November 26 ?"

"I am, I left a message with June for Victor, he's in BC golfing."

"Reaction ?"

"She said they wouldn't miss it."

"Good, a little spirituality we can both deal with."

"Well I've always felt closer to earth as a mother than anything else, Victor is the earth to me, stable, sure, grounded."

"I think I might remember going to church with my folks but nothing solid. Lou's wedding may be the first time for me."

"Well we did not do the church thing, all too "judgey" for Grandpa and mom, well, we won't go there."

"Vows ?"

"We could have vows." Amy agreed.

Ty looked down and again found Amy's lips waiting. He shifted to his left and Amy dropped slightly and right into his waiting kiss deepened and he shifted again lowering her to the ground.

"Tyler Borden, is it your intention that we brazenly roll around necking like teenagers ?"

"Absolutely." He whispered kissing her gently.

"You should set an alarm."

"Absolutely." He mumbled kissing her and bringing his arm over reaching to his watch.