A/N – Here's another, I'm trying my best to keep up but I've gone beyond the chapters already written so this takes a little longer. It's also spring and I have a lot of land to deal with. Thanks for all your reviews and kind thoughts. To those who have asked, the West Canada Lake Wilderness exists and is in fact near Spectator, NY. The home doesn't exist and the property I describe in the story is fictional. I got one PM that was funny, no, I am not rich by any standard.
Chapter 69
Ty opened his eyes and grew accustomed to his surroundings. He took a second to process where he was, checked the clock and listened. 6:20, not a sound, where was Amy ? He reached over and grabbed the room remote. Gently he raised the opacity bar on the windows and let in the light from the outside come through into the room. When he had raised it enough he saw her on a chaise outside on the patio below. She had her hair in a towel and was wearing a white robe.
Ty was wearing a loose pair of cotton pants, he grabbed a t shirt and headed downstairs and out. Level with her now he saw that she was on the speaker phone and sipping a mug of coffee while balancing a plate on her lap.
Closer still he watched her break off a piece of croissant and pop it into her mouth.
"I know Erma, I like the fiber, let's go with that."
"Good morning."
"Good morning Ty" Amy sang leaning up to kiss him as he bent over to do the same. "There's coffee and stuff over there."
"Morning Ty !" Erma called out of the speaker.
"Good morning Ty !" Sally called out a moment later.
"Good morning Erma, Sally, what's going on ?"
"When else would we three get to talk ?" Sally asked.
"I guess that's true, you're all job dependent early risers. Look at that sunrise."
"Picture, picture" Erma called out.
Amy grabbed her iPad and snapped a shot and sent it off.
"Very nice, and this is outside your bedroom on that patio ?"
"Exactly where we are Sally."
Ty got a cup of coffee and grabbed a chair over to where Amy was then went back for a muffin.
"So Ty, do you want the invitation to read Ty, Tyler or Tyler James ?"
"I have no idea Erma, it's just Amy right, no last minute Philippa is my middle name ?"
"No, it's just Amy." Amy answered laughing.
"Then I think Amy and Ty will be fine Erma."
"Amy Fleming and Ty Borden it is. I'll let Hannah know and you'll come up with a number."
"Lisa and Betty are coordinating the list."
"Is there something I should be doing wedding-wise ?"
"I'd like you to look at things as they come up, we'll get some mock invitations to look at in a couple weeks, we decide as Erma needs decisions. The invitations will be made by a local craftswoman, Hannah Traub, she makes fiber paper that I love and is a fine calligrapher. She'll make the paper, do the layout and have them printed. Then she'll calligraph the addresses for mailing."
"Ok, I'd love to see her make paper." Ty said.
"We'll stop in one day to say hi and she'll show you. It's an easy process, she hosts kids birthday parties where they make simple paper as an activity, hers is a work of art."
Ty snapped a panoramic picture on his phone as the entire sky backlit the mountains and the trees in a rainbow of color.
"Well you can't really appraise that." He whispered looking away once the picture was done.
"No you can't." Amy said reaching over to take his hand.
"Well I guess we should all get on with our days. I'll talk to you both." Erma said.
"Same same." Sally said.
"Bye you two." Amy said and then hit off.
Amy looked back at Ty who leaned in to kiss her.
"You didn't wake me."
"I thought you could use the rest Ty."
"It did feel good to sleep in."
"But ?"
Ty smiled and leaned over to kiss her. Amy wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him down. Ty shifted from the chair and sat alongside her as their kiss deepened. He was about to shift onto the chaise with her when the knock came at the door.
"Hmmmm." Amy murmured, "rain check lover ?"
"Absolutely." He whispered sighing and kissing her one last time.
"Ty ?"
"My kids too Ames, my kids too."
"I love you Tyler James Borden."
"And I love you Amy Phillipa Fleming."
"I should have had a middle name, Lou's got one."
"Or she'd be Sam." Ty said walking to the door.
He expected kids but found Betty.
"Sorry Ty, we have no plan. The kids are getting the horses fed and out and then I figured we'd eat and muck ?"
"Come in Betty, we were just having coffee on the deck. Did you get a good night's sleep ?" He asked walking beside her.
"I did and saw a beautiful sunrise."
"We caught it as well, on a big screen TV" he said pointing to the deck.
Amy was up and handed her a mug of coffee along with a hug and kiss.
"We're having Hannah do the invitations, Erma will send us some wordings."
"Morning coffee chat ? How's Sally doing, she's always so busy this time of year."
"She's good, both families are."
"I was going to do breakfast sandwiches, we have fresh bagels."
"I'll help while Ty showers, we can eat out here and plan the day. Let me just brush out my hair and get dressed."
"Tyler or Ty ?"
"Amy and Ty." He answered heading out after kissing Amy's cheek.
"Sorry for the interruption."
"Please don't, all access means all access Gran, I let him sleep in."
"Good, he's been pushing hard lately too."
"I love this place Betty."
"I love us together in this place, it's peaceful one comfy, which is astounding."
Amy was dressed for riding in jeans, boot socks in moccasins for now, a tank top and a light flannel, sleeves rolled up to ¾ showing as always her watch. She'd grab a dungaree jacket on the way out. The kids had returned and were gathering table ware to get out to the deck when Ty joined them. Each of the girls came over for a hug and kiss and he had Jackson up in his arms a second later getting his hug and good morning kiss.
"How'd you sleep champ ?"
"Oh awesome, how about you ?"
"Awesome too, mom let me sleep late. Go help your sisters buddy, we'll eat and plan our day."
At exactly 7:45 Amy's phone rang. She had just finished her sandwich and was working on her second coffee. "Good morning Bridg what's up ?"
"No it's fine, what do you need ?"
"Right us and the Koenig's, up Friday for the night and back Saturday. Have Meg choose, I don't care but I don't want to drive up in the truck. I guess we will, thanks for the vote of confidence , a Jag will probably be in the running, Ty likes them, thanks Bridget."
"What are we doing ?" Ty asked.
"Just along for the ride Doc ?" Maddie asked laughing.
"I guess for now we all are, Ames ?"
"We have the glass gallery opening Friday night the 12th so we need a place to stay over. We're going with Meg and Bert. Next is Birthday weekend, then New Orleans with Trev and Steph and then Bert and Meg are off to Europe."
"Mom's got a social calendar, that's awesome" Charlie said.
"It is kind of awesome." Betty agreed smiling at them both.
Amy was blushing and begged them to stop.
"What's New Orleans ?"
"It's a city in Louisiana Jackson."
"I know that Doc, well maybe not the Louisiana part."
"Your mom and I are going for a Latin dance festival."
"Nice" Maddie said "Brin and I loved Latin dance, lots of touching and moving." Then she got up humming and danced herself to the counter and filled her juice, "oh yeah, like the Latin dance."
"Ok, and on that vote of confidence from Mad let's clear off and look at these trail maps." Ty said grabbing plates and moving them to the counter.
They each retrieved their happy and willing horses from the paddock and led them into the barn where Ty handed out the saddles and laid Jackson's on Merlin for him. He also brought out two saddle bags, one for him and one for Amy. Once saddled they loaded some snacks and trail supplies. Ty handed ropes to the girl to clip to their saddles and a horn and a can of bear spray to Amy. He tucked the same, a zippered case and a pair of binoculars into his.
They rode out in a single file the plan to skirt most of the outside perimeter of the 1000 acres. There were side paths that led to specific spots highlighted on the map some of which they would see this morning, namely two promising river landings and what appeared to be a large meadow clearing Amy wanted to see.
Ty led the way and for this trip, their first, Amy rode last. Jackson rode behind Ty followed by Betty, Charlie and Mad.
This was a path Ty hadn't taken with the four wheelers and they rode slowly and quietly. There was way more wildlife evident with the horses and caught sight of at least 2 deer and 3 or 4 foxes. Ty was focused on the birds and when they got near the lake pulled out his binoculars and spotted two Osprey nests high up against the far waterline. He also caught sight of what he assumed was an eagle's aerie and marked all three on the map.
Their first stop was right on the path, a landing on the lake where they found a small wooden structure that was empty, it contained several racks and Ty explained he was sure it was meant to hold canoes or kayaks and oars.
They all walked down to the waters edge together leading their horses for a drink.
"Somebody's in a canoe down there" Jackson said pointing.
Ty lifted his binoculars and confirmed it. "Man and a woman I assume, they allow primitive camping on the state land, I'll ask the conservation officer what the deal is, I think I read that there are two or three designated spots they can use."
"Hunting Ty ?"
"I'm not sure Betty, certainly not on our land and Tom said 500 yards in any direction. It's another good reason for us to take the conservatorship."
"On the list ?"
"Top of the list with predators and the rules governing them."
"Rules ?"
"Rules Betty, I see a cougar, bear, wolf, coyote at Heartland and consider it an imminent threat to man or livestock it's shoot to kill."
"Could you do that ?" Jackson asked.
"Well I had to face a cougar once Jackson, I scared it off but it threatened our horses and your mom and I'd like to think I could if it came to that. I'm sure your Grandpa and GG have done it to protect the herd. It's not something any of us ever look forward to doing Jackson, taking a life should never be an easy thing."
"I get it, it's not hunting it's protecting."
When the trail they followed along the lake widened out Ty dropped back to Amy and they rode for a while holding hands. He sent the girls up to take the lead.
Amy clicked at Spartan and he stepped over close enough for her to lean over close to Ty for a short kiss.
"What are you thinking Ty ?"
"Lot of birds and beaver sign, the beaver are not the friendliest neighbors if they're industrious enough."
"We have Beaver in Alberta."
"I know, that problem's not mine, this is."
"See any other sign."
"No moose sign that I could see, doesn't mean much. No canine that I've seen, looks like a bear happens by every now and then."
"There's a path over to the right leading away from the lake Dr. Borden, is that what we're looking for ?" Charlie called back.
Ty pulled up and checked the map. "That's it, follow it to the right Charlie, there looks like a small split a few hundred feet in."
He saw her nod and click Colton off the path and across the grass away from the lake.
About 10 minutes in on the trail they saw Charlie stop and turn with her finger over her lips. As they moved across the woods on the edge of the clearing they were looking for they spied a group of 8 white tailed deer.
"That's a nice sunny meadow." Amy whispered. "I'l love to plant it full of wild beneficials, the whole property actually."
"I'm sure we can do that." Ty whispered back. "There must be a buck hanging back, too early to abandon the lot for bachelors."
"Three of those does are pregnant." Maddie said.
"Maybe all with just the three showing, two not showing, and three yearlings, one male." Ty added.
Rather than ride through they skirted the edge of the woods surrounding the meadow so as not to spook the deer. They made their way along a side trail that met up with their original path until Ty pointed out the next landmark that led them to the first of the two river estuaries that crossed the property.
They could hear the running water from a ways off and both Amy and Ty could see Jackson's excitement start affecting Merlin who danced a little.
"Jackson you're telegraphing." Charlie said dropping back and reaching over to Merlin.
"I'm excited Charlie, I can't help it."
"You have to try JT, when you feel him reacting like that you can stop and reach over and calm him. Focus on him and it'll help you calm down."
"Ok, I'll try."
"You'll get it but you have to pay constant attention when you're on a horse, he spooks you get hurt or worse he gets hurt."
Jackson reached over and patted Merlin's neck and rubbed his mane "easy boy."
Merlin turned his head slightly and snorted low then comically nodded and shook his head.
"Ok, let's go." He said sitting back up.
Ty looked over at Amy who was watching her kids, Charlie taking JT in hand gently, teaching him, reminding him of his responsibility with both love and understanding. In the weeks that passed since they got back together he had seen Amy in many different new and exciting ways. Her ease with her staff, the faculty and students at school and her clients all of what seemed to be an extension of who she was years ago. It seemed to him that she had become a mature more focused woman with an air of professionalism and gentle command, comfortable in who she was without losing that essence, the simple country girl from Alberta. Sure her tastes had obviously changed and an Amy with money was a force to be reckoned with but it seemed all tempered, down to this, that look, watching Charlie and JT, this pride and love in her family the most simple of joys that meant more to her than anything.
His thoughts came back to the trail when the sound of the water grew louder and they pulled up into a nice sized clearing along their next stop, the first of two rivers estuaries, this one a break off of the Raquette which joined back up with it's parent several miles away. It was a nice stretch of river and looked clear. Jackson got down and tied Merlin off near a nice sunny patch and wandered down. He was joined quickly by the twins.
Jackson kneeled down and put his hand in "how deep you think ?"
"It'll be deeper and faster in spring than the end of summer JT." Ty said coming over and kneeling.
Amy walked over from the horses with Betty and watched Maddie's hand shoot out over some grass by the water.
"Midge's and nymphs I think might work." She said opening her hand when the other's were looking. The small wooly bug unfurled itself and flew off.
"There's something like that in a case upstairs, I'm sure of it." Charlie said "Looks easy enough to tie if we had a rig, we can bring a jar and take some pictures, start keeping a diary."
They heard the familiar ripple and all three looked up and over together. Fish, that was a fish and they all smiled.
"Let's follow it a bit." JT said.
"Why not." Amy said looking over at Ty who shrugged.
They made their ways along the river's edge following Maddie in the lead. The estuary changed a little as they walked along. Fed by what must have been an underground stream somewhere along the way this part was slightly deeper and faster moving. When they reached another clearing they got down and JT popped his hand in. "It's colder for sure and look at those eddies and swirls, this is a much better spot Mad, we need to mark this on the map."
"Why don't we stop here and have a snack" Betty asked and soon the horses were tied off.
There was a large thermos of coffee and water bottles which the kids snatched up. Ty took a cup of coffee and laid it on the ground for a second while he fished in his saddlebag.
"Heads up Jackson" Ty called and flipped the small case at him.
"What's this ?"
"A black zippered case."
"Marked Orvis, cool" JT said sitting down while the girls gathered.
The case contained a fly rod and reel broken down into 6 pieces at 6'4" it was the perfect size for Jackson. There was also a flat box with an assortment of small flies marked CNY.
Jackson fit the rod together and Maddie and Charlie chose a small red nymph similar to what they had seen before.
"Can I ?"
"No you may not go in, try a couple casts from the edge, we don't have all day." Amy said gently.
"Er sorry." Ty said softly.
"For what ?" Amy asked.
"I keep buying stuff."
"I guess you should watch that, it's not like their birthday isn't in two weeks."
"Well to be honest I bought that to keep on the road in Alberta with me to practice, that was before, well you sent everybody up to keep me in line."
"I didn't send them to keep you in line and I didn't send the girls and Betty at all, or John."
It was Maddie who got the hit during her few casts, a small 10 inch Brook Trout that she popped out of a small swirl against the far bank. She kneeled at the edge to gently remove him and send him on his way.
"Nice fish Mad" JT said "and where there's one."
"There are many" Charlie finished while breaking down the rod she had taken from Mad after Mad got down to her knees.
"This doesn't look like the best spot to cross the river" Ty said.
"I think some of these swirls are deep" Jackson said. "We'll need to pole it."
"Let me scout up a ways while we clean up." Amy said getting up on Spartan and inching him past the others and up the path. She was back no more than 10 minutes later. "It widens out a little further up but looks slower and clear across. Let's head up to that."
"We'll follow you" Ty said getting up on Harley after giving Betty a leg up.
They crossed over at the second clearing Amy had found. Here the river widened giving a rest to the rushing waters that sounded like they sped up again further down.
They rode along with Ty checking the map and a compass until the sound of rushing water couldn't be missed. This estuary apparently ran from falls coming down from Long Lake in the north. They weren't at the highlighted landing on the map and would have to backtrack along the river to get to it so they decided to follow the river the opposite way and see where it took them. This was the closest corner to the house and Ty thought that after a time they'd come to a place they could cross to the road on a bridge built over the river at a low dip in the landscape.
They hit the bridge after following the river for about 20 minutes. It was a wood structure built over steel beams on concrete footings. The bridge was solid enough for traffic.
"This is one of the roads that could lead down to the area I think a rescue center could go. I wondered about this bridge with Tom, it's solid enough for a truck. There should be some documentation as to weight restriction." Ty said getting down to check under the bridge and along the edges. "No plaque that I can see about weight."
"Come on Ty, lunch and then a meeting sweetheart." Amy said stepping out onto the bridge with Spartan.
Back at the house Betty got to shaping the two pizza doughs she had left on the counter while Amy got a fire going in the brick oven outside. When it was going well she added charcoal to it and the thermometer started to rise. The girls came downstairs and started cutting thin strips of peppers while Betty moved on to getting a sealed bottle of sauce opened and ready to spread. Amy took out the wrapped mozzarella and began to slice it as thin pats. This was Erma's mozzarella, it wasn't meant to be shredded but laid in slices. It was as good raw as it was melted but it made a very good pizza.
Ty came over from the living room side and handed his phone to Amy. "Georgie needs to speak to you and then you should call Meg Koenig about something."
Amy took the phone and handed the knife to Ty who continued slicing.
"You think we can keep things simple like this, just checking in and the like when you two are here ?"
"I think it's going to depend on lots of different factors and I guess sometimes we'll each be busy separately. This weekend has been promising so far, so I hope mostly like this Betty."
The pizzas came out of the oven perfectly done as far as Amy and the rest were concerned. Thin crunchy crust, the edge puffy with that woody taste to it. Erma's cheese, the fresh tomato sauce and veggies were sweet, chewy and had the perfect stretch.
"Between that sunrise and this pizza I'm pretty sold." Ty said laughing.
"There's got to be a way to add one of these at home." Betty said "I'm tempted to bake bread."
"Homemade bagels or pretzels in that oven would be amazing." Amy added.
Betty had mentioned taking a ride and scouting the area, butchers, farms, supermarkets, whatever there was. Jackson was anxious to go along. The twins wanted the sun so they would be around and Amy and Ty had a meeting with Jonathan and a New York State Conservation Officer.
"Can we use the deck outside your room mom ?"
"Ty ?"
"Don't see why not, we certainly aren't Mad."
After straightening up the kitchen and wiping down Amy and Ty settled in the living room to wait while Betty left and the girls changed and headed down to the deck.
"Before I see it, how bikini are they ?"
"Somewhere between strings and floss and what you'd prefer, you'll be fine."
"Ok, thanks."
"Ty, uh, when they're here with Bobby and Brin there's going to be touching you're not used to."
"Like ?"
"Imagine Bobby without a shirt, in cutoffs, to help that image, the boy works hard on a farm, he's pretty cut. He'll at times say have his arm around Charlie's waist or they might share a chaise."
"Just Charlie ?"
"No, Brin and Mad too but I've found that psychologically people look at that differently, you may not do that by the way, they are equal."
They were interrupted by a chime from the front door. "Pleasant enough sound" Amy said "how did we not check that earlier."
They shook hands with Jonathan and Lieutenant Michael Tarlick of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and brought them back to the patio outside the kitchen since it commanded a decent view of the back of the property.
Amy had a pot of fresh coffee, muffins and cookies and a pitcher of iced tea ready and she and Ty carried them out.
"Lieutenant, thank you for coming." Amy said sitting down. "Help yourself please."
He reached and poured himself a black coffee. "Jonathan mentioned you prefer first names, I'm Mike in informal settings like out here on the patio."
"Ty and Amy." Amy said smiling.
"So before we start I should come clean" Mike started "I asked my adjutant to run you both through the system. I assume from what I saw we start from a common ground when it comes to conservation."
"I assume we do as well Mike" Ty said. "Let's start with the worst, imminent danger ?"
"To person or livestock do what you must, most scare as easily as stand and fight."
"We would always at least try." Ty agreed and Amy nodded.
"Predators next ?"
They sat and talked going though the list of questions they had put together. As it turns out there was a black bear couple that inhabited the area. They were named Archie and Edith. Archie seemed to stay on the far side of the area across the lake while Edith moved slowly and freely around.
"From what we can tell she's in her late teens, him about 20 or older. She had a pair last year so assume she's not pregnant, the two yearlings were removed at 14 months to the north. Neither have been known to come near the house but they like the river fishing especially in spring when the steelheads run. They both hibernate on the other side of the lake."
"Coyote ?" Ty asked.
"The Eastern is a traveler, they've been seen in the area occasionally but as far as I know they've always stayed away from the house. If you see sign let me know, we'd like to tag them. I'll do the same and let you know about spotting."
"Moose come down in bad weather, same here as in Canada, you leave them alone and they'll do the same."
"Have the beaver been a problem ?"
"They're fairly new to the area, back about 10-15 years. So far we've handled obstructions when the need arises, if you have a problem give me a call and we'll look into it."
"Hunting ?" Amy asked next.
"Hunting is an issue, I won't lie, these are proud people as I'm sure you know, they'll take a deer when times are bad, in or out of season."
"They'll stay clear of the house ?" She asked.
"They will, the question arises if you take the conservatorship."
"We would prefer no hunting but I assume a sign won't stop someone with kids to feed. Let's deal with it when the time comes. I'm not interested in coming down on someone in need, it's those that do it for sport out of season that bother me." Amy answered.
"I agree obviously" Ty said with a smile, "I assume if we go ahead with the rescue and research center that will keep people from the area."
"I've seen the proposal, we can certainly use someone around here, right now we can help very few of the injured and put them down, having an informed opinion or someone to help is a godsend."
"We'll do what we can Mike, that road with the bridge leads down to that side of the lake, I was going to ride it but you may know."
"We keep that road clear for access, you can bring a logger down that road."
"So the bridge weight limit ?"
"I think 18000, unlike in Ithaca by the way we would not be adverse to you trimming out if you use the wood on site. We do fire breaks and the like, we're way more spread out than where you are. There are a couple logging companies we've used for Game Warden and Conservation cabins and look outs. We approve the cuts."
"That's good to hear, we built treehouses in Ithaca."
"Really, that's interesting."
"Campers, fishing, is that all allowed ?"
"You need a permit for either, there are 7 designated primitive camp sites and about a dozen fishing spots. The state offers a primitive woodsman course that we require for the overnight campers. The fisherman are not permitted to start fires. We keep an eye on them, we don't get many but they can be steady at one or two through the summer. Most of the primitive sites are hard to get to, most steer clear of those."
"We saw a couple canoeing on the lake before." Ty said.
"There is a spot taken. If you'd like I can let you know when there's someone in the woods. Certainly if you take over, I assume you wouldn't curtail the use of the preserve to hikers or campers ?"
"Or fishing, I don't see why we would" Amy said.
One of the final things they did was hand a photocopy of the entire families lifetime sportsman licenses with NYS. Ty promised to register the guns that would be kept on site with the conservation office and they both agreed to allow full access to the property to NYS Conservation officers with the promise that they would be informed as soon as logistically possible.
"Oh bats, we have a large population of little brown bats, that's actually their name, little brown bat, anyway, Mrs Spelts hates mosquitos so she but up bat houses all over the place and they get used, they're harmless but I wanted to let you know."
"I saw an eagle aerie and two osprey nests ?" Ty mentioned.
"We have 3 eagle pairs in the area and a dozen osprey. We also get loons, peregrines, hawks, a golden a couple years ago for awhile, great horned owls, they're awesome."
"So if this happens and you start the rescue facility how does that work ?"
"Like we're your personal vets Mike. We'll give you a number, hopefully we'll have one vet on site at all times and if we're lucky 2. At Ithaca we have a husband and wife team and I guess when I'm here you have me. We alert local police and vets, you'd be surprised how quickly word spreads."
"I wouldn't be surprised at all actually Ty, you may get more business that you can handle."
"We'll get local vets to help out and be available for emergencies. It's good for business."
"For my part and the DEC Ty, I wish you the best of luck getting this place."
They walked Mike to his car and realized that Jonathan had come on his own and was hanging back.
"Jonathan ?" Amy asked.
"I talked to Rosemary about this and she believes as I do that there's no reason not to tell you that Mrs. Spelts called and asked after you all. I may work for her but my job doesn't include spying. I don't think she meant any harm in it, she's not that kind of a person but I like being up front about things."
"Anything specific she asked about ?"
"She asked who was with you, if we were asked to do anything. I told her you had horses and were exploring the property, taking care of the horses yourselves. I also told her we had ice cream and that you all seemed just an ordinary family."
"Did you tell her about this meeting ?" Amy asked.
"I did mention it."
"I assume she'll call Mike as well and that she's checked us out, I would, I just can't figure out the end game, would she actually refuse to sell if someone met her price ?"
"Would you sell Heartland or Pegasus to someone who you knew would make it into mini mansions ?" Ty asked.
"I guess not, Mrs. Spelts and I may just like each other."
"It'll certainly be an interesting meeting." Jonathan said. "She's quite the dynamo."
"Well thanks for letting us know Jonathan, we appreciate it."
"No problem Ty, I've got to head back, I'll stop by tomorrow."
Ty and Amy settled on the deck with the girls waiting for Betty and JT to get back.
He wasn't shocked by the bikinis but it would take some getting used to. Seeing them like this with Brin or Bobby will be interesting, that would take getting used to as well.
They lay side by side on chaise lounges, each with their iPad. Amy was once again dealing with emails, Ty on a different mission.
"What are you looking at Ty ?"
"Cars and SUV's"
"For us ?"
"Well a car at least, we should get a family car Ames."
"So what's up ?"
Ty handed over the iPad, "Jaguar XJ50, that's some family car."
"That's more for us, you know going out, school functions, gallery openings."
"What's the family part ?"
"Anything but a Cadillac Escalade, every asshole I ever dealt with drives one of those things."
"I like the Land Cruiser."
"So do I and it's actually a capable truck."
"Ohh look, build your Land Cruiser, what color Ty ?"
"You know you could move over here and we could do this together."
"We could huh, what'll they think ?" Amy answered nodding at the girls.
"Let's find out."
Amy scooted over and lay down alongside Ty. He leaned over to catch her lips in a soft kiss.
"I like the green with the matte black grill and wheels."
"Not the blue ?" She asked reaching up to nibble at his neck.
"Hey, stop that. No, blue for the car."
"Luxury Package 1 has all these neat things so let's get that."
"And the Premium B & O stereo systems with the headphones and separate rear controls."
"Tow package and this big Cummins V8 Diesel." Amy said snuggling closer.
"Cold weather package. We should get that, you're always cold."
"Not cold now" Amy said slipping her hand under his t shirt.
"Don't you start."
"Start ? What would I be starting" she whispered running her hand across his belly.
Ty snaked his arm around Amy's body and lifted her then slid her onto her back. "You sure you want to push this ?" He asked leaning over her and joining his lips to hers. He ran his hand from her waist up her side, his palm just brushing the edge of her breast eliciting a gasp momentarily and then a sigh as his hand ran back down and then under her flannel.
"Ty stop" she giggled.
"Stop ?" He whispered.
"The truck Ty." She said her breath a little ragged.
"Of course the truck, $103,000" Ty said "that's ridiculous."
"Really, the Ford we came up in was just about $90,000."
"Let's look at the car."
"Which one TY, you said the XJ, long base, oh in Loire Blue, that's a nice car Ty."
"Base price is $99,000, seriously ?
"Supercharged V8, top speed 161 mph."
"In a sedan and base price, what could you add to a $100,000 car ?"
"Let's see, front windshield heater, yes, luxury rear seat package, yes, Meridian 1300W 8 speaker stereo, yes, adaptive heads up display, yes. That's it now, buy this Jaguar." She said pushing the button.
"$114,100." Ty read "It's just a car."
"It sure is and a lifestyle choice, want to look at a Maserati, Charlie's got one."
"No, really Ames a Maserati, doesn't seem our speed."
"Benz, Beamer ?"
"I really like the way the Jag looks."
Amy took out her phone and dialed.
"Amy, how's the house ?"
"It's beautiful Charlie, everything at home ?"
"He's fine Amy, you need to stop worrying."
"I'm away from him, I worry Charlie, I'm sorry."
"How can I help ?"
"We'd like to test drive a Jag VJ50, maybe next weekend, we're heading up to Skaneateles."
"I'll call Powers Motors, are there models ?"
"The Long Base Supercharged V8 if we can."
"Amy you know you can't pass this off as a safe car for you, Ty she can't drive it."
"I'm driving Charlie, Bert and Meg will be with us for the trip. We'll wait until her probation's up for a 2 seater."
"I'll let you know, is that your first choice ?"
"I love the look" Ty said.
"I have it on the screen in front of me, it's definitely a nice car, it wasn't available when I bought the Maserati, I didn't like the F Style and the older XJ's had that older long front oval shape. Where are you heading again ?"
"Glass studio opening in Skaneateles." Amy said.
"That's right, Bert mentioned it, sounds like a nice time for you."
"You Ok Charlie ?"
"I'm fine Amy, this is nice is all, you and Ty."
"You need to stop worrying about me too Charlie."
"Well that's never going to happen now is it, we're both hopelessly in Trudy's clutches forever."
"Love you Charlie."
"You too Kiddo."
Amy dialed again and got Georgie right off.
"Hey Amy, how's it going ?"
"Great Georgie, just checking in. Rounds go Ok ?"
"Everybody seems fine, nice day, most are outside. We lightened Boxer's eye covering a little. He's outside laying down in the sun."
"Good for him." Amy said. "Do you know if Wyatt and Bryce worked in the garage ?"
"Call either, they're in there now with John."
"Call if you need anything Georgie."
"We're good, you should have your next week lectures outlined with the pictures in your school emails, let me know if I need to change anything. Ty, you have a meeting with Exotic Animal faculty on Tuesday at 11:00."
"I know Georgie, thanks."
"No problem, I'll email later after night rounds."
After good-byes Amy dialed again.
"Hey boss."
"Bryce, I'm with Ty" she said putting the phone on speaker.
"Ok, you're on speaker here with Wyatt and John."
"What's up boys ?" Ty asked.
"The Mustang's good for now, brakes, tune-up, plugs and points, cleaned out the carb, new exhaust and a cat to pass inspection." Bryce told them.
"And new tires." Wyatt added
"What else has to be done ?" Ty asked.
"I'm sending it in Ty, body and a new ragtop, figure end of January so we have it for the spring."
"Good for you Wyatt, it'll look great. How's old blue ?"
"I'm here to take the front axle, transverse and tranny to the shop Ty, full rebuild." John said.
"Oh, Ok."
"What Ty ?"
"I've just always done that stuff is all."
"You don't have the time with the projects you have coming up buddy, we'll tune the engine in the meantime, get new brakes done and put her back together with a new exhaust like Wyatt's. Should we send the body out ?"
"Not now, wait until winter like Wyatt. Tires ?"
"Yeah, you'll get new ones and snows for the winter." Bryce said.
"Ok guys, thanks."
"Don't be disappointed Ty, plenty of automotive coming your way."
"I know John, thanks, Ok, well I'll see you guys Monday I guess."
"Be good Ty."
Jackson came barreling out to the deck when Amy hung up "we're back" he said out of breath.
"Calm down, where's Gran ?"
"Kitchen mom, she bought some stuff at a farmers market."
"Girls, you want to come out with us ?" Ty asked.
"We'll get changed" Maddie said coming over. "What are you two plotting anyway ?"
"We need a car when we go out and we could use an SUV that fits us well." Amy said "Go get changed, we can ride for a couple hours and come back and hang out for the night and we can show you pictures."
"Car ?" Charlie asked
"Ty likes the Jag, we'll show you later."
"Driving lessons in a Jag, we definitely have to go by school."
"Look at me Mad, you are not driving the Jag, you'll learn in old blue like your mom did."
"But Papa ?" Charlie sang.
"I have to be honest Charlie, the Papa part is growing on me, but no Jag."
They met in the kitchen, the girls changed, Betty puttering about dinner, Amy, Ty and Jackson sitting at the counter.
"I think I'll sit this one out. I have calls to return and wouldn't mind my feet up."
"Ok with us" Amy said.
She saw Ty look over "don't, I'm fine but Lisa's called twice, Erma and Sandy and I'd like to look down in that wine cellar."
Ty stretched across the counter and kissed her cheek. "Have fun Gran, pick something nice for dinner."
Betty smiled at him "Can I drive the Jag ?"
"We'll talk." Ty said smiling.
After having talked with Mike, Ty felt better about straying off their land and took the road over the bridge that followed down the the Long Lake estuary river. He was again up front with Amy in the rear. Mitch and Jonathan had told him to follow the road down until they got to the second bridge that would take them over to the land alongside the lake that Ty had selected for the rescue center.
They rode around the area and found the large meadows, one of which Ty would want used for the actual facility. The logging road ran down close to the lake where Mike told him he's find a path that would wind around the edge of the lake where they'd find several industries beavers who had settled in. The rode down and when Ty spotted the small dam rode up to a higher knoll he spotted and showed Jackson and the girls from a higher view so they could look down and not disturb the wildlife.
Ty handed his binoculars to Jackson who pulled up next to him.
"Oh cool, and they really chew through the wood ?"
"They sure do Jackson, see if you can zoom in." Amy said.
"That's big teeth."
"An adult beavers top teeth can grow up to an inch and are sharp." Ty told him "Pass the binoculars to your sisters Jackson."
"So how big do those things get ?"
"The beavers or the lodges Mad ?"
"Both I guess."
"North American Beavers can go maybe 3 feet I'd say, 60 – 70 pounds for a male."
"And the lodges ?"
"Depends on if they have to dam them but as a colony grows they keep building. Apparently the Conservation people keep an eye of colony size and split them up sometimes."
On the ride back they found a stretch of river with a nice sized landing and that looked as if it had been fished before. They decided that they would come here first in the morning. The river ran at a decent speed and seemed to be ideal in depth. JT felt the temperature was good though no one really new how he determined it. The times they traveled JT's predictions seem to pan out more regularly than not so they took it as a good sign.
"Do we want to try the lake ?" Ty asked.
"Jackson ?" Maddie said.
"We need a couple catamarans so we can stand. We can learn the whole kayak thing which may be fun but we don't want to fish sitting you know ?"
"We'll look into them but for now the house is enough I think, we can fish the edges and rivers." Ty said. "One of those rowboats is a flat bottom drifter, that may work for now as well."
Maddie led the way back to the stables and Amy and Ty followed the group hand in hand.
Back in the house with the horses settled and mashed they found Betty on the deck outside the kitchen having a grand time with Lisa on Skype. Both had half bottles of wine opened on either side. Betty had a line up of 5 or 6 bottles sitting on the table.
"Have a glass of wine Ty, it's an exceptional Zinfandel."
"Let me wash up Betty and I'll join you."
Everybody walked off to their rooms after kissing Betty and saying their hellos to Lisa.
"I'll make dinner" Amy said closing the door to their bedroom. At the bed Ty stripped down to his underwear and pulled off his T shirt. Amy turned to see him heading into the bathroom and followed immediately.
Amy walked up behind him as he bent over washing his face. She smiled and lightly raked her nails down his back. Ty stood up and grabbed a towel to run over his face. When he turned he reached out and pulled Amy against him. They kissed passionately and Ty gently turned her and lifted her onto the counter. His hands roaming seductively over her body, their lips never parting for more than a moment.
"Ty" she gasped coming away from him.
Their foreheads touched and they kissed lightly. Amy ran her hand across his cheek and trailed her finger across his jaw drawing him in for another soft kiss.
"Meet you back here later ?" He whispered.
"I can't wait."
Ty dressed in a pair of faded jeans and an Allman Brother's T shirt. Amy in a faded jeans dress and flat slippers. Ty nuzzled her neck when they reached the door and she smiled at him, "I love you Ty."
His smile back was golden "I love hearing you say that."
Apparently Betty had found fresh duck breasts from a local farm on sale at the farmer's market. Amy found a large cast iron skillet hanging from a rack and set it up to pre heat while she pulled out salad fixings. She started on the lettuce and micro greens she found and started slicing a cucumber when Maddie came in from outside and stepped over to take over that duty.
"I've got it mom, get the rest set up."
Amy turned on the broiler to heat and turned to season the breasts. Charlie and JT were in next collecting plates to transport outside.
"How's Gran doing Charlie ?"
"Having a great time with Lisa and Doc. We like this place mom, it's nice being together away."
"You two agree ?" Amy asked JT and Maddie.
"We vote yes mom." JT said.
"Ty and I vote yes as well. We'll start the process when we get back."
"What process ?" Ty asked coming through the door at the tail end of Amy's comment.
"Buying the house."
"That's a good idea" he said wandering over behind her and putting his arms around her waist.
"Can I help you with something Dr. Borden ?" She giggled.
Ty leaned over and kissed her neck which made her smile and shift slightly.
"Ty, what are you doing ?" She giggled again.
"Nothing." He whispered innocently kissing her neck again.
"Ty the kids." She whispered.
"I think the jig is up Ames, the kids know."
"Know what ?" Jackson asked smiling.
"How much I love your mom Jackson."
"And how much his mom loves you Dr. Borden" Amy said leaning back to kiss him "now leave me be so I can cook these duck breasts."
"Yes ma'am" he whispered leaning over for one last kiss.
"Shoo, go away."
Ty laughed and brushed Jackson's head before heading back out to the deck.
"You good mom ?" Maddie asked.
"Sure Mad why ?"
"Just the way you look, like you're here and somewhere else at the same time."
"I'm good Mad."
Amy seared both sides of the duck breast in the large cast iron pan and when she was satisfied put the whole thing into the oven and set the timer on her phone.
"I'll be outside Mad, you almost done ?"
"Just cutting the tomatoes."
Amy wandered out to see that Charlie and JT had the table set. Ty was in a chaise next to Betty's rocker, they each had a glass of wine and were talking to someone on the iPad.
"Hey Amy" Lisa said from the screen.
"Hi Lisa, having a good time ?" She said leaning over to kiss Ty which she did and then touched his cheek. Her smile was radiant when she turned back to the screen.
"Not as good as you it seems Amy. Ty and Betty tell me that the house is as beautiful and the area as peaceful as you'd hoped."
"It's been a pretty perfect couple of days, the place is just like the video, more beautiful actually, the views are amazing."
"Company's pretty good too" Ty said leaning over for a second kiss.
"Apparently wine makes Ty very attentive, we'll have to watch that in public." Amy said smiling when her alarm beeped.
"Duck's calling, about 10 minutes to dinner Gran." She said standing and turning to the kitchen.
JT wandered over as Amy left and climbed onto Ty's chaise and then got pulled over by Ty. "Hey Grand Mare !"
"Hi sweetheart, how do you like the house ?"
"Oh it's great and you can tell GG there's tons of fishing and no leeches."
"I'm sure he'll be thrilled Jackson, like your room ?"
"My room is awesome, my bed's a rowboat."
"I remember, I guess I should let you all go and have dinner, I can't wait to explore that cellar with you Betty."
"That should be fun" Betty said laughing. "Kiss everyone at home for us and we'll talk soon Lisa."
They settled at the table about 15 minutes later. Amy had sliced the duck breasts from the head of the table constructed salads with the medium rare slices of duck laid on the sides of the greens and passed them around.
"This looks amazing mom." Charlie said looking down while the rest were served.
"When did you learn to cook Ames, you were a nightmare in the kitchen."
"I started in Belgium with Claire, we all chipped in cooking, time was money back then. Then a break when I first moved to Pegasus but three hungry kids sort of makes cooking an imperative."
"Mom used to make dinner with JT in a snuggle sack against her chest flapping his arms around, it was funny, I loved it when he laughed." Charlie said.
"I remember that, Jack was always happiest next to mom." Maddie agreed.
"I remember a little of that stuff but I always remember mom smiling at me and her hair tickled and made me laugh."
As dinner ended they cleared off and Betty brought out a bowl of sweet dark red strawberries that she had picked up at the market. Amy, Ty and Betty had coffee and they all sat back to view a beautiful sunset light the sky. Amy watched the outside of the house transform again and sighed at the reflections of light against the wood.
"Just beautiful" Betty said as the girls each shot a picture to send off.
It was just about 8 PM and Ty reached over to his phone sitting on the table and after a second of checking dialed a number.
"Dr. Borden, good evening, I didn't expect to hear from you over the weekend."
"And I didn't expect you to answer the phone Tracy so we're even."
"Well Dr. Borden, this week I have one job and that's taking your call, how can I help ?"
Ty stood and walked off further from the table. Betty looked at Amy who got up and walked to his side slipping into and under Ty's arm as it wrapped around her. "5.3 million that's a blind appraisal by our people and our opening offer."
"Congratulations Dr. Borden, I'll write up the offer and get it to Mr. Carmichael. You can sign it electronically and email it back to me. I'll let Mrs Spelts know."
"Thank you Tracy, have a great weekend."
"Thank you Dr. Borden, we'll speak soon."
Ty looked down and Amy was beaming "We'll have so many happy times here Ty, so many beautiful sunsets."
They returned to the table with huge smiles and Betty looked at them both, "done ?"
"60 days Gran, we either have a deal or we don't." Amy said.
"Congratulations you two, I hope you're blessed with many years of happiness and love here."
"So it's ours ?" Jackson asked.
"Not yet sweetheart" Ty explained "it's a negotiation now, we're dickering, and there are some other special things we have to do, one of which is meeting the owner of this place."
"Ok but we're nice people so what's the problem ?"
"No problem Jackson" Amy took over "I think she just wants to make sure that the people who buy this treat it well and keep it special and as wild as possible."
"Well, we're great at that and we'll even fix the animals."
"We are Jackson and hopefully Mrs. Spelts will approve." Betty explained. "Hopefully it'll be ours soon. Let's head upstairs for a little fire, I have a surprise."
Settled in the central lounge area by the bedrooms everyone changed into PJ's and hanging out clothes when Betty walked over and grabbed a bag. A minute later Jackson was looking at several new fresh fishing mags with Ty while the girls, Amy and Betty sat giggling and pointing at a stack of bridal magazines.
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
"I'm wearing the Mabe Pearl set Ty bought, they're beautiful and special, they're my something old."
"The chain is from Trudy, borrowed from Chuck." Ty said looking up."
"Perfect" Maddie said.
Amy smiled and nodded "we'll work out the rest. I love this dress, Betty what do you think ?"
"It's beautiful, send a pic to Sebastian ?"
"Think we should ?"
"I'll think about it, maybe send it to Mathilde." Betty suggested.
"Probably best I think."
"I'll do it in the morning."
Soon Jackson who was sitting against Ty as they turned pages and looked at the gear and pictures yawned a second time and Ty closed the magazine. "Into bed Jackson, mom and I will come in soon."
Jackson hugged him and climbed down, hugged his sisters and Betty and headed off. Betty followed to her room and Amy and Ty went to see Jack tucked in and say their good nights.
The girls met them heading to their room to Skype goodnights to those left behind and hugged them both. "You two were great on the trails today." Ty said hugging them.
"We really do love this place Doc." Charlie said hugging him "and you too."
"Goodnight girls" He said and turned arm in arm with Amy to their room.
"Bath Ames ?" Ty asked taking her in his arms from behind and wrapping her in his arms.
"Come make love to me under the stars Ty." Amy whispered turning in his arms and reaching up to his lips with hers.
Amy was panting and collapsed in a heap on Ty. They were both covered in a thin sheen of sweat, neither was up to speaking. Amy had opened her eyes and saw Ty's face, teetering between pain and pleasure and when the pleasure finally won the battle she watched his mouth open and his silent gasp, his head turning back, the wonder of his expression as happiness spread across his features. For her part Amy couldn't move as if the electrical pulses shooting across her body was zapping her strength, she felt like rubber.
"Shift over my love, make some room" she whispered still searching to fill her lungs with air. The shudder in her voice turned him on, the things she did to him were indescribable. He moved to his right and eased her off onto the vacated half of the queen sized chaise, more like a futon. Both lay in the soft breeze and looked up into a sky full of stars and an almost full moon which bathed them in light.
The sweat dried quickly and Amy turned to her side and laid herself across his chest and into his arms. "I'm cold Ty, hold me."
"We can go in Ames."
"Not yet, this is nice."
"You Ok ?"
"Ty, your touch sets me on fire, I'm so much more that Ok."
"So we did it, we're going to buy this place."
"This will be our place Ty, our special place, just for us and our family."
"I love how the girls pay attention to and watch over JT."
"Maybe it comes from the accident, I don't know, they love him so much. They thought he was dead like their folks. They were still cutting him out when the girls were taken away. He was unconscious, they didn't hear a sound from him."
"I can't imagine."
"Neither can I."
They made love again when they moved inside, straight to bed opting for a shower in the morning. When they finally fell asleep Amy lay on her side, spooned against him and tucked into his arms. He had forgotten the windows and couldn't reach the remote without waking her, they'd be up early.
