Chapter 71
Ty opened his eyes, stretched and raised his hand which still bore his watch though he had gone to bed naked. Just past 5:30 but he was up having gone to bed emotionally drained and exhausted early the night before. He reached for his iPad and immediately went to Barnum's chart. He had rested comfortably, eaten well and seemed settled. Carter was certainly doing his job.
He headed into the bathroom and while showering at 5:45 received a text from Bert. "Breakfast in the medical barn."
Ty replied "15 minutes."
He came downstairs in fresh scrubs and found the door open and April coming out of the kitchen.
"Good morning Ty."
"Good morning sweetheart, what's going on ?"
"Oh, mom's outside, she made bacon and cheese biscuits and we figured since you were alone we'd bring you some."
"Well thank you April" Ty said scooping her up and carrying her out to where Erma was sitting in the truck and waving at him, Kimmie was sitting in her car seat.
"Thanks Erma, apparently there's breakfast in Medical, we'll have them later."
"That's fine Ty."
"How's Barnum ?" April asked.
"He seems Ok for now, I'm heading over to see. What are your plans April ?"
"Labor Day, sort of light on chores today, don't know, wait for Jax I guess."
"How about you hang out and be my helper today, I'm not really supposed to be here anyway ?"
"Like Jax was in Canada ?"
"Well almost I guess, we only have the horses though sweetie."
"I would love that Ty."
"Erma ?"
"Why not, that's sweet, thank you Ty, call if it gets out of hand."
"I'm assuming they'll be here by noon Erma, I can handle 6 hours."
"I'll behave." April pouted.
"Of course you will April" Ty said lowering her to the ground and waving as Erma drove away. Ty turned to the barn and held out his hand which April took with a big smile and together he and his new assistant walked off.
"You have to be gentle with Barnum and wait for him April."
"Ok, I know never spook a horse, especially the rescues."
They turned into the medical barn and were immediately greeted by Carter and a remarkably more responsive and in better shape than he'd hoped Barnum, who appeared happy and anxious to see him.
Ty walked over and made contact with Carter and held out his hand gently to Barnum who reaching forward allowing Ty contact. Then Ty lifted April who did the same until he reacted and then she reached over to hug him.
"How you doing Barnum huh ?" She whispered.
"Good morning Ty." Georgie said coming in with Officer Bicks who was wearing blue coveralls with the Albany Mounted Equine Unit logo on the pocket.
"Good morning Georgie." Ty said smiling.
"Good morning Georgie, I'm Ty's helper today."
"You are, that's great April." Georgie said smiling.
"Officer Bicks, do you have a first name ?" Ty asked.
"Jeffrey, well Jeff to everyone."
"Jeff, I'm sorry I sort of faded on you last night, your room is comfortable I hope, do you need anything ?"
"Everything is perfect Dr. Borden."
"Ty, please Jeff."
"Ok Ty it is and last night was perfectly understandable."
"Have you eaten ?"
"Not yet, or coffee which is way more pressing."
"Well, first, this is April and apparently there's breakfast inside so say your good mornings to these two" he said nodding to the horses "and let's get some food and go over what we'll be doing to start."
"Are you Barnum's rider ?"
"No April, Carter is my mount and he's Barnum's stablemate."
"Good, it's important to have a friend." April agreed.
After Jeff was satisfied in his good mornings, Ty smiled at April and reached out his hand.
She smiled and took Ty's hand again and they walked back to the conference room to find Bert, Sarah, Vi and two of the seconds, Georgie and Katie along with several hands who had stopped in to eat.
"Everybody, this is Officer Bicks, Carter's rider who prefers Jeff and I assume you all know April who has graciously agreed to assist me this morning."
Everyone greeted the two and Ty started by sitting with a cup of coffee while April walked around the table of food. "What's all this ?" Ty asked looking at the vast breakfast spread.
"Sent over to the hero heartthrob of the hour from your obviously admiring coed fans at the Ithaca Bakery Dr. Borden." Katie said grinning from ear to ear.
"What ?"
She kept smiling and turned around her laptop to a picture under the flag of the Hunks of the Ivy League website, a picture of Ty smiling, close up outside the tent in Albany. "What is that ?"
"It's you Ty, the caption reads Check him out fellow leaguers, yesterday's hero of the hour is none other than the newest Cornell hunk, Vet School Professor Dr. Ty Borden, how gorgeous is he ? Welcome to the Ivy League Dr. Borden."
"What ? It does not."
"Barnum's story was picked up by the major media outlets." Bert said.
"And that smile spread like wildfire." Georgie added with the hugest smirk on her face.
"Think Amy's seen it ?" She continued laughing "Send me a link to that Katie, I'll start a scrapbook."
"Georgie !" Ty exclaimed.
"That's a nice picture Ty." April said climbing into the seat next to him after pushing a plate with a blueberry muffin on to to table.
"Thank you April."
"And you are cute."
"Thank you April."
She nodded and bent her head to tear the muffin top from the bottom.
"Nothing to say Bert ?"
"Well Ty, not really, I've got nothing, I don't even think Meg considers me a hunk. Nice picture though."
"Thanks, I didn't think I smiled at all yesterday."
"That was with me outside when we stepped out Ty though I don't remember what we said to smile either." Sarah said from the buffet table.
"So what is all this ?"
"The Ithaca Bakery sent it with their compliments and thanks for what we did." Bert said "I don't think it has anything to do with your newest designation, eat Ty, the nova lox is very good."
"I'll grab a bagel, something to drink April ?"
"Milk please."
Ty smiled and walked over to pour her a cup.
After sitting a few minutes later with an open sandwich and a second cup of coffee. Ty ate for a minute and then turned to Officer Bicks. "Jeff what's your usual routine with Carter ?"
"On an off day, we'll let him loose to graze in the morning while I do paperwork and the like. Parade and patrol regimens after lunch and then usually we ride or I lunge him, basically a light exercise routine to keep him active."
"Well, we are at least a week off Barnum's surgery, we need the swelling down, get his immune system up to par, check his blood work, he can't be moved for now." Bert said.
"Let's wait until Amy get's back" Ty said, "let her meet them and then we'll decide on the easiest course of action. For now let's shorten Carter's absences a little from the stall and Sarah it's probably best that you be around when Jeff here takes Carter to work out."
"Sounds like a plan Ty." Sarah agreed.
Amy double checked the trailer connections and then pulled it out alongside the barn and backed it near the entrance for loading.
When she got back into the house she found that the kids were up and dressed. She had left Betty starting breakfast, there was a line of suitcases near the front door.
"Oh Papa, look at you." Charlie squealed staring down at the iPad. Maddie wandered over and looked, her smile lit up like the sun "uh mom ?" She said giggling.
"What Mad, let's move these onto the porch so we can just load them last and go."
Maddie walked over and turned the iPad.
Amy stared at it and just started laughing.
"Maddie ?" Betty asked from the griddle where she was preparing French toast.
"That was quick." She said with a big smile when Mad walked over and showed her, "think he knows ?"
"Yeah, Georgie texted it to me, I think he knows." Charlie answered.
"Then let's play" Amy said pulling out her phone.
Ty took another bite of his bagel when his phone vibrated. He looked down at the table and picked it up. "Morning beautiful you're on speaker in the conference room."
"Good morning my love and what are you doing this fine morning ?"
"Uh having a bagel and lox."
"Oh somebody brought bagels, nice."
"Well sort of, the Ithaca Bakery sent over a spread."
"And why would they have done that ? I can't recall they've ever sent over a spread before. Did it come with a card ?"
"I don't know Ames, I wasn't here when it was delivered, it's because we have Barnum and are taking care of him I guess."
"So it has nothing to do with you being our newest Cornell hunky hero professor, they are sort of a randy college bunch at the bakery, uhm gift maybe in anticipation that you stop in and thank them ?"
"You saw."
"Pretty tight community we live in, it was inevitable, they took down the Hot Babes of the Ivy League site again a few months ago, I guess they got caught. They go up and down as the authorities catch up. It's all pretty sexist."
"You think ?"
"I do, especially when it's my picture which was and probably will be again way different than yours."
"What was your picture ?"
Ty looked over at Katie who manipulated her laptop for a second and swung it around facing Ty.
"Wow, just wow." Ty said looking at a picture of Amy in tight blue leans, a tight long sleeved Indian Vintage Motors shirt, and chaps. She was standing next to the Scout in the faculty parking lot.
"Gross huh ?" Amy said
"Gross is not the word I would use no." Ty said "that picture is actually amazing, what was the caption ?"
"There are no words to describe Cornell's newest Vet school faculty member but babe is one that comes to mind." Amy recited.
"Can't really argue with that" Bert said off handedly.
"Thank you Bertram."
"Any time Amy."
"We can't get this taken down ?"
"I don't think Loren would go for that Ty." Bert said shaking his head with a sly grin. "Right now 100's of undergrad girls are switching to pre vet majors."
"Boys too no doubt" Jeff Bicks muttered "looking over at the picture."
The comment hung there for a second before everyone in earshot started laughing with the exception of April and Jackson who both had no idea what the big deal was.
Taking a plate of French toast from Betty JT looked up "Gran, what's a hunk ?"
"A hunk is a very good looking man, it's not a terribly nice word Jackson but not a curse."
"So this is bad ?"
"Not really JT it's more funny but you're a little young to get it." Maddie said.
"Ok, I get that, as long as its not bad."
"Nothing to worry about bro." Charlie assured him.
"Hey Jax" April said leaning into the phone.
"Oh hey April, we're leaving soon, see Barnum yet ?"
"Sure did, I even gave him a hug."
"Ok, you know what, April take this out and quietly, you may show Barnum to Jax, Amy, I love you and will talk to you later."
"Bye Ty !" Amy called out of the speaker as April carried her away.
"I seriously have to be one of the Hunks of the Ivy League, I'm taking to Trev about this."
"And I'm sure he'll love hearing from you, shall we do rounds ?" Bert asked standing.
"You're enjoying this."
Bert looked at him and was about to speak when Georgie cut him off "of course he's enjoying it, Amy's enjoying it, I'm enjoying it, even Jeff's enjoying it and wait till Wyatt and Jack hear about it."
"Ok Georgie, I get it."
Jeff accompanied the rounds group out and only Sarah, April and Ty approached Barnum for this walk through along with Jeff who was staying behind with him and Carter.
"How's he look to you Jeff, you see him everyday ?" Ty asked.
"He looks better than I would under similar circumstances. He's a little less bright eyed and looks like he's hanging his head a little."
"That's the impactions along his spine, put him on the chiropractor rounds and talk to Amy about acupuncture." Ty said softly to Sarah who nodded. "Just chamomile huh, must be the natural nature of police horses, just generally calm animals."
"He's very sweet looking." April said.
"Stay with Georgie sweetheart." Ty said looking down at April.
Ty slowly walked into the large ample sided treatment stall and after spending a few seconds eye to eye knelt to check his front legs and then along his flanks and across his spine. He stopped to thank Barnum with some gentle pats and backed out.
He patted Carter and nodded to Jeff as he returned to the group, "Georgie, once the chiropractor's had a go, massage might work to relieve some of his muscle soreness. He's pretty stiff, warm wraps maybe or soaks and watch his front legs, the slight weight shift ?"
"Amys back soon, we'll sit and come up with something."
Their next stop was Connor's Girl, affectionately known as Connie. She was a German Warmblood, dark chestnut with a hint of white at her forehead. She was beautiful and unfortunately fractured one foreleg and broke the other. She would never jump competitively again which was something she'd have to live with but she would be with her family and her rider who was perfectly happy to just have her. She was an older rider and resigned to retire from competition to work as a trainer. The foundation was covering the majority of the expenses not covered by Connie's insurance policy.
Bert was looking at the newest x-rays taken early this morning "the repair is looking good and the splinted leg. I guess we'll see how good in a couple months, I'm starting to look forward to that hydro center, her first steps in water might be nice. She was an excellent candidate Ty."
"She was lucky we could get to her." Ty said running his hand on her neck and getting some love nuzzling back. It never ceased to amaze him how the animals he treated had an instinctive knowledge of the people that only meant to help.
The majority of rescues that came with bangerang were out of medical's purview at this point, they had six, four of whom had surgeries after coming and one with a recurring dermal infection that they had finally gotten a handle over.
"Sandra's working on 8 rescues that are giving a facility in Maryland a rough time. John's flying in to get an eye on their conditions." Bert said "You probably have an email Ty."
"My next stop actually from here is checking correspondence, anything else I should know ?"
"Well an idea from me that we do a lecture or two together to get you in the flow, I was never sending you out blind Ty."
"I would love that Bert."
"Maybe Amy too, she adds a certain levity to lectures."
"I can just imagine." Ty muttered.
"She fascinates them Ty, they've spent their whole training up until now buried in science and coming here as vet techs and helpers from drug 'em, charge 'em and send them on their way clinics."
"I'm sure she does." Ty said with a smile.
"Don't be sexist, the women react the same way."
"I'm sure they do." He said his smile growing deeper.
"You should go watch her lecture Ty."
"I plan to Bert and I do get it."
"Everybody likes Amy Ty, you shouldn't be surprised."
"I'm not surprised at all April, now we've got paperwork, I bet we could drum up some drawing stuff and you can draw while we fill out all these forms."
"Sounds good, I'll draw a picture of you all working."
"I'm turning off at the fire road and going the back way, this is ridiculous." Amy said inching along Route 81.
"It's not that bad Amy."
"I want to get home Betty."
"The pull off is blocked by a trooper."
"The hell it is" Amy muttered.
"Amy what are you going to do ?"
"Find out what the hell is going on, I can get home from here fine."
"Ma'am, exit's closed and it's not here for this."
"Why are you here ?"
"Truth is ma'am to keep people from wandering the roads trying to find away around. Lot of families out and about."
"I live here Trooper and I have 6 horses in a trailer behind me, I know my way, how does one get past this ?"
"I don't know ma'am, it's two miles to the exit."
"And how far is that backed up ?"
"I can't say ma'am, accident up ahead, Labor Day traffic."
Amy took out her phone and dialed.
"Seriously Amy, my personal cell ?"
"Chris, please just talk to this young officer so he'll let me get home."
Amy looked up and smiled at the trooper handing him her phone.
"Officer, Major Novak on the line."
"Yes ma'am" he said looking at her and reaching out for the phone.
He listened for a few seconds then answered one or two questions, "Yes sir, Ryan sir, of course sir, no problem, thank you sir."
Amy took back the phone "Thank you Christian, come for coffee during the week, we have at least one of yours staying with us."
"Officer ?"
"Ryan ma'am, let me just pull back and you can ride by."
"Thank you Officer Ryan."
"Excuse me ma'am, your license plate Pegasus1 ?"
"Yes ?"
"You have Barnum ma'am ?"
"So I'm told Officer Ryan though I'd like to see him with my own eyes before confirming it more definitively."
"Yes ma'am, thank you ma'am."
Amy smiled and thanked the officer as she passed him slowly turning the truck and large trailer down the road.
"There, that wasn't that bad" Amy said shifting the truck gears and speeding up.
"You're impossible" Betty muttered.
The route they took brought them to one of the ranch service roads and Amy guided the trailer down to the area with the stairs leading to Georgie's apartment right over the rear doors to the family barn. Before they had all gotten out Chuck was walking to the back of the trailer where he met Amy who had walked along the far side.
He reached for the handle but Amy stopped him and reached around him for a hug.
"You don't have to worry about me Amy."
"I can't just miss you Chuck ? I never thanked you for letting me wear Mom's necklace."
"You're my mom now too Amy."
She had tears in her eyes when she pulled away "maybe one day you'll need it again sweetheart." She said softly kissing his cheek. "Let's get them out."
"Go to medical mom, we've got them." Maddie said coming around.
"Just in the meadow will be fine I think, some hay and water." Amy said. "you all Ok ?"
"We're fine Amy, I'll have someone take care of the truck and luggage." Betty said.
She walked into the rescue barn and through the tunnel to medical, she assumed by the time that rounds were over and everyone was charting and making changes in diet and regimens. She heard the laughter from the potions room and knew instinctively that Ty, Bert and two of the seconds were getting ready for afternoon consults as she passed the surgical conference room. That shouldn't be bad, typically they had a much slower day on holidays that fell on Mondays.
Amy stopped at her desk for a second and grabbed her iPad before checking the barn and finding Barb talking to a man in blue coveralls that she did not recognize at all. They were standing by two horses one of which she did recognize, Barnum.
"Hey Amy, welcome back" Barb said seeing her coming over.
"You on call Barb ?"
"Nope, no school though so I came in for consults and to check on the lecture set ups."
Amy then turned her attention to the man in the blue overalls and with her signature welcoming smile "You must be Officer Bicks, I'm Amy Fleming, a bit late I'm sorry but welcome to Pegasus. I hope you'll join us for dinner tonight so you can meet our family."
"It would be my pleasure ma'am."
"Amy please."
"Jeff. Uh, Amy, just let me say it once, thank you so much for, well, everything."
"Just once then Jeff, it's truly our pleasure to help."
Amy then turned to Barnum who looked at her with a lowered head but eye to eye. Checking her iPad she noted the order for a chiropractor and possible acupuncture and signed off immediately.
"Hey boy, how's it going huh, pretty scary couple of days for you." Amy cooed holding her hand up. Barnum moved up and sniffed. "That's it, you know you and I are going to spend a lot of time together so how about I come in and give you a once over, huh ?"
Her hand had moved up to his forehead and he bowed towards her and her T Touch. "I've always loved police service horses, so trusting and calm." She whispered moving into the stall. "Why don't you take Carter out through the rescue barn and have someone put him with the family horses, he should meet Spartan, you'll be here awhile."
"Spartan ?"
"My horse Jeff, I'm head mare, he's head horse." Amy said smiling.
"I'll show him Amy," Barb said "does he need a bridle Jeff ?"
"No just a light lead."
"Amy ?"
"I'm fine Barb go ahead, just hand me the iPad please."
When she returned Amy sent Barb into consults and stayed examining Barnum. Jeff had stayed at the meadow fence to watch Carter for a few minutes. 20 minutes later Amy was done and sat on the ground by Barnum's stall and went through the charts.
She didn't hear him walk over until he lowered himself to the ground. She turned and smiled then leaned over to give him a tender kiss. "I didn't want to interrupt you before."
"Everybody Ok ?"
"We're all fine Ty."
"Trev called before, Tom's attached the electronic signature and returned the bid, it's official."
"Do you need me for consults ?"
"I don't think so, fairly light load and I don't think the seconds knew you'd be here so they'd gotten that covered."
Amy's phone rang and she looked over "It's Rich returning my text." She said answering.
"Hey Rich."
"Just on my way Amy, leaving school now, what's up ?"
"Touch base with Chris maybe later this afternoon for some acupuncture."
"Got it, see you soon."
Amy picked up the iPad and entered some information and then turned back to Ty. "I need to make the rounds my love, I'll see you after consults."
They stood together and Amy looked around, not crowded, off day.
"What" Ty asked.
Amy turned back "coast is clear" she whispered reaching up and pulling him down for a kiss.
They both laughed when Barnum reached over and snorted at them.
"Good boy Barnum." Amy said reaching over. "I think Rich and you are going to be good friends. We've ordered daily chiropractic visits and acupuncture as needed starting with today."
"Where's Carter ?"
"Out with the family, I want him between Spartan and Carter for rehab."
Bert stepped out and looked over "Ty, we're ready. Oh Amy, I'm sorry Barb mentioned you were here, Everything good ?"
"Perfect Bert, you may have him and I'll just fetch Sarah."
"Here you are Ty," April said walking over "Georgie was right we have to watch you every second."
"Good morning April."
"Good morning Amy, I guess Jax is back."
"Don't think we left him behind, he's in the family barn sweetheart. We April ?"
"I'm Ty's assistant today but he keeps disappearing."
"I'm sorry April, I went to the bathroom and then saw Amy. Would you like to go see Jackson ?"
"Yes please, it was fun helping."
"It was wonderful having you help, April see you at lunch."
"I left my picture for you, I hope you like it." She said skipping out through the tunnel.
"Ty ?"
"Erma came bye to drop off biscuits since I was alone and I invited April to stay as my assistant."
"Awww, that's sweet, I'm sure she loved it."
"It was nice having her, I hear congratulations are in order with the house Amy, good luck."
"Thanks Bert" Amy said. She then reached over and pulled Ty down for a quick kiss as they split with Amy towards potions and Ty off to the conference room. "Oh Bert, do we have reservations for Friday ?"
"We do, at some B & B, how are we driving up ?"
"Hopefully in a Jag we're looking at, Charlie's working on it" Ty said.
"That's the problem with the Porsche, it's just not comfortable for four as couples. Especially dressed better like to an event."
"Event ?"
"There are a few charity events that benefits the school, a few others that Amy may consider now that she has an escort, Ithaca Symphony for one, the music school is pretty dear to us all."
"Keep the Porsche, we'll pick you up." Ty said laughing.
"Keep the Porsche, as if Meg would give up her Porsche." Bert answered laughing "Come on Ty, let's get this done."
"Lunch ?" Amy asked.
"Working lunch so we can get done, fridge full of the spoils of generosity." Bert answered. "Join us ?"
"I have paperwork and lunch ready at the house, Ty, I invited Jeff to dinner."
"Good, seems like a nice guy."
Amy smiled and nodded as she ducked into the potions room.
When she finally got back to the house after giving the kids permission to go riding as a group, she helped Betty and the girls get sandwiches together for lunch. Brin ,Bobby and Cars showed up soon after and soon Amy and Betty sat to their own lunch, the kids on their way to a picnic.
"I've been on the phone with Mrs. Hershman, Rachel, she's Eli Hershman's wife."
"Barnum's rider, how's he doing ?"
"He's doing well, they'll be comfortable transporting him by the end of the week."
"Great, we're moving Barnum and Carter into the family barn as soon as we can set up a double stall for him."
"Officer Hershman will need a ramp and some help I guess, I described the cottage and she was thrilled actually, it was pretty cute, they're saving for a house and living for the time in smaller than ideal quarters. Glad we did the front with that ramp we can add."
"Ok, Jeff is in one of the loft one bedrooms and if Officer Hershman needs an aide he or she can stay in the second. Suggest Dr. Sherman and Phyllis for his rehab, they have a baby, daughter ?"
"They actually asked and we suggested Dr. Sherman, as to the kid we thought daughter, but he's three, Zachary."
"Ok, set the second bedroom up for a three year old boy and have Chuck dig out a mini saddle."
"Sandy and I'll take care of it."
"What are you doing this afternoon Betty ?"
"Erma, wedding lists, and gossip. Lisa's calling in, come along ?"
"Shower, change and some peaceful library time."
"I figured I'd ask."
"Betty have I not relaxed enough the past few days ?"
"You have, sorry, old habit."
Amy was working on paperwork when she was alerted by her phone that the front door opened. She listened for a second and then smiled.
"Hellllloooooo ?" Ty called out.
"In the library Ty." She called out laughing.
He came in with a big smile on his face "wow, this place is empty."
Amy stood and put her hands on his hips and leaned over to kiss him.
"What's that ?"
"Go shower Ty, I'm all clean and you're all vet, we're off the rest of the day, federal holiday." She said sitting down and looking at the desk.
"It's so quiet."
"Get used to, kids go to school, Betty goes where she goes, the dogs are with Chuck today, the house is big and empty."
"We're actually all alone here." He said looking at her, his eyes were shining and his smile, that adorable boyish smirk that never changed.
She looked up and smiled, "my, my, the look on your face, go ahead and shower, let me straighten up and put this stuff away, I'll be right up."
"Should I lock the door ?" He asked leaving the library.
"Already done" Amy said laughing holding up her phone.
"Oh right."
"Go Ty, these moments do end unexpectedly."
Amy sighed and willed herself to move, sex with Ty was simultaneously exhilarating, exhausting and so satisfying, she slipped out of bed and walked over to open the window. A cool breeze blew in and blew the curtains against her naked body. She turned and found Ty's eyes on her.
"What's that look ?" She said climbing back into bed and back to her spot next to him.
"Just a look."
"So you think Hot Babe of the Ivy League fits ?"
"I can't imagine anyone would ever dispute it."
Amy's phone vibrated and she lifted it from the bed.
"Frittata's for dinner ?" The text was from Betty.
"Why not ?" She muttered and sent back a thumbs up.
"Frittata's for dinner Ty."
"Never had but Ok."
"Big fluffy baked omelette stuffed with stuff, veggies, cheese, sausage."
"Sounds good."
"I'd like to check Barnum and see how he's doing after the chiropractor treatment." Amy said kissing his chest and then scooting off the bed.
"I'll come along." Ty added joining her and reaching for underwear.
Amy dressed in the same jumper she was wearing before their break and Ty changed to jeans and just threw on a clean scrub shirt, pocketing as always his stethoscope.
They walked arm in arm past the two barns to medical. Sarah was sitting in the large stall and reading to Barnum. She had downloaded a book about the showman and was sharing bits with the horse while Chris Lee, Equine Acupuncturist was working on Barnum.
"Amy, how are you and you must be Dr. Borden, we haven't met, Chris Lee," he said. "I teach the acupuncture electives at the school."
"Good to meet you Chris and it's Ty please."
"I'm almost done, he's taken to it well."
"He looks calm Chris, that's what we're looking for, the hardest part of his recovery will be boredom, we need him as stress free as we can."
"I know the drill Amy, let's see how every three days go and then we can adjust."
"His neck looks much better Sarah, standing straighter, he looks way more comfortable."
"Rich spent a lot of time on him, Barnum was appreciative, he has a good spirit Amy, he's a well loved horse."
"It shows, apparently his rider will be here by the end of the week."
"That can go either way."
"We'll take it one step at a time, Carter being ridden ?"
"Yup."
"Good, I think I'll invite him to ride with me tomorrow, get to know him and ask about his partner. How's Connie doing ?"
"She's getting by, not as calm as this one."
"Yeah, police service animals are really chosen for that temperament. Georgie around ?"
"Up at her place, with Wyatt."
"I'll text first." Amy said with a smile.
They strolled out the back door and along the rescue barn, she looked up at the apartment about to text Georgie when she spotted her sitting in the window seat writing.
"Look at her." Amy said pointing so Ty could see. Just then Georgie looked down while sipping from a big mug, smiled and waved, a few hand motions later they were heading up the stairs and Georgie welcomed them at the door.
"Welcome back" Georgie said pulling Amy into into a hug.
"You did good Georgie, Sarah glowed when she told me about how you handled yourself."
"How weird is it that I thought I saw Grandma Marion when I stepped into that tent. I don't know her from Adam."
"I can't help you Georgie, I have certainly seen or not seen some weird shit in my life." Amy said laughing. "You wouldn't by any chance have a pot of coffee ready ?"
"Just brewed, help yourself."
Wyatt who was at the dining room table came over to hug Amy and shake hands with Ty. Wyatt offered Ty a beer and they settled by the unlit fire place.
"Maddie sent me a picture of the dress you liked, really nice." Georgie said sipping at her coffee.
"Yeah, it's more a style thing for Sebastian to work off. You start looking ?"
"Whole stack of bridal magazines by the bed."
"Any decisions ?"
"Nah, too early, just ogling."
"Ty, there are 2 Vintage Audio places, one north and one southwest."
"And local listings ?"
"Lots of those."
"I need to juggle down a few things before I focus on stereos Wyatt, maybe even after the wedding."
"What's next ?" Georgie asked.
"This week getting the girls to Canada for their written exams and getting two trucks delivered from Nevada stashed at John's garage. Wyatt, my truck ?"
"End of the week Ty, lot to rebuild."
"How's your ride ?"
"Really nice actually, fixing everything at once it's pretty neat."
"Tell me about it, when the girls handed me back the Norton, it was almost spiritual."
"So what'd you get them ?"
"1959 GMC 1000's, they're 4 x 4's, nice trucks, wide bodies, big windows. They need rebuilds, engine and tranny, but they both started and they're desert trucks so virtually no rust, bodies are solid and sound."
"Can't wait to see what they do with them." Amy said.
"You two coming to dinner ?" Ty asked.
"We are," Georgie said "haven't even seen the kids yet, so the house ?"
"Clock's ticking, we put in our initial offer." Ty said.
"Congrats !" Wyatt said tipping his beer to toast Ty's.
"Not ours yet."
"Come on Ty, once you resigned to bid you resigned to the full 7.2 and you know it. The odds of them rejecting that isn't really believable, you two represent her best hope from what I understand."
"I saw the sunsets and some of the pictures the girls took, it looks beautiful."
"You'll love it Georgie," Amy said smiling "it's so peaceful and comfy, which is weird because the house is enormous."
"Well it looks big in the pictures."
"Until you're actually standing in the great room, I don't think you can truly appreciate it. John looked small." Ty said.
"He mentioned it when we were working on the cars." Wyatt told him "speaking of which, I'm picking up papers at Powers tomorrow, care to spill ?"
"What are they anyway ?"
"Powers Automotive is a middleman for luxury vehicles, they have contracts with most of the major more expensive companies and agreements with others like vintage brokers and agents. Their network can locate what you want, get it here for a price and broker the sale at a nice rate. They get paid by both sides."
"XJ-50 for Amy and I."
"Dude, awesome choice."
"No Wyatt."
"Come on Ty we have this law school black tie shit we have to go to."
"Borrow Charlie's Maserati"
"We'll talk, black ?"
"Loire Blue, it's gorgeous" Amy chimed in.
Wyatt grabbed the iPad and swiped at the screen for a minute or two, "oh it's definitely nice" he said showing Georgie "wow, supercharged, 165 mph in a sedan."
"Olivia would shit if we picked her up in this."
"Georgie, you've really got to give this up, we're flying you back and forth on Gulfstreams" Amy chided and laughed.
"I can't help it, when we got engaged she sent me links to second hand dress stores and bargain wedding packages."
"Ok then, screw her we'll make her fly coach, maybe we can arrange stand by." Amy added still laughing "Lou says her mom's a piece of work too."
"Yeah, Lacey Wheaton, can't imagine what she makes of the sheriff."
"And Wheaton is different than Westfield is it ?"
"Oh over the top different, Westfields probably stack up more like you money-wise."
"Can't say I've ever competed at that level" Amy laughed again "I'm good since I don't have to deal with them or Lacey Wheaton."
"But you're Ok with Val."
"Val's not either of them, I get Val, this business as a woman, you have to be tough. She's not that far off Lisa, Val deals with the public more and thoroughbred owners are far more hands off and far different than jumpers owners who are a pain in the butt half the time."
"And yet we're building a facility for them."
"We are Wyatt, I assume you've seen the business prospectus ?"
"Sure have, no doubt it's good business."
"And I love jumpers, they're magnificent athletes."
"I love them too, how is this going to work, I mean, do you have someone like Benny ?"
"This is proprietary Georgie, not a word."
"Got it."
"Do you know Nick Harwell ?"
"I know of Nick Harwell, kind of hard to jump in our neck of the woods without knowing, besides he's the one you partnered with."
"Well, he'll be here with his wife for the kid's birthday weekend and Ty and I will talk to them. They want out of Europe, he's an amazing trainer and he's got a way with people, they both do. Claire's excellent behind the scenes and not a bad trainer in her own right. Their kids are well behaved, good riders, they can jump for us, the Harwell's are perfect for this."
"So the surgical building is now October 15th." Ty said, "what's up with that ?"
"Well truthfully it's a contract thing I understand?", I just looked at it before, two equipment delays and all that rain bumped it." Amy said.
Amy's phone vibrated and she answered on the speaker "Hey Charlie."
"Where is everybody ?"
"Gran is still at the Potter's I guess, we're in Georgie's."
It took 30 seconds before an army of boots began trudging up the stairs.
"Welcome to living on the ranch Georgie." Amy laughed when the knock came.
"For the time being I love it, how many ?"
"Not quite a dozen." Amy said heading to the kitchen to check for drinks while Georgie went to the door.
What they got was nine, Madelyn, Brin, Charlotte, Bobby, JT, April, Cars, Kace and Piper, the later two Cassidy and Alex's kids who had spent most of the summer in Alberta at their grandparents home.
"Kace, Piper, welcome home, come meet Dr. Borden, Georgie and Wyatt."
"Hi Amy" Kace, a 12 year old boy with a black ponytail said coming over for a hug. He was wearing jeans, a flannel, straw hat and boots. Piper, his 10 year old sister with the same hair who was dressed similarly hugged her next. Then each shook Ty's, Georgie's and Wyatt's hands before joining the kids getting drinks from the fridge.
"You Ok Georgie ?" Ty asked watching her looking around.
"Sort of like group home noisy, you know ?" She answered looking sidelong at Ty.
"I do actually" Ty acknowledged and then was interrupted by a smiling face and outstretched arms.
"Hey Jackson, there you are, I thought I'd never see you again." He said pulling him in for a kiss. "Did you see Barnum ?"
"And Carter, I thought he'd look worse."
"Yeah, we think he was pretty lucky overall but he's hurt son, it'll take time."
"We got time I guess."
"We do, all we need, and you April, Cars, having a good day ?"
"Sure thing Dr. Borden." Cars said.
"Well, half day with you Ty and half day with Jax, you know."
"Pretty good day for you April ?" Georgie asked smiling.
April's answer was a big smile and all that was needed.
Amy smiled at her also "what's up for dinner ? Who's here and who needs to get home ?"
"Mom and Dad are picking us up at the porch and we're going to the food truck square for dinner." Kace told her.
"My mom's picking up and dropping the rest." Brin said "maybe we should all head back."
"Clean up after yourselves, let's not leave Georgie with a mess." Amy said getting up. "You two will meet us ?" She asked Georgie and Wyatt.
"If they're straightening up we can walk too, maybe Betty needs some help." Georgie answered walking over and grabbing her short boots.
It was quite the group walking back to the house, Amy walked with Georgie and they were laughing about something, Ty was walking quietly with Wyatt when the twins turned and positioned themselves on either side of him forcing his arms around them which was their goal it seems as they did the same to him.
"What is this ?" Ty asked laughing after each kissed his cheek.
"I wanted to let you know that I for one never considered you a hunk Papa."
"Thanks Mad, I really didn't think you did. And you Charlie ?"
"I'm sorry Papa, but you rode up on a bike, all cute, with that hair and confusion, what's a girl to do, but not now, I mean that would be gross."
Amy and Georgie who were walking just in front of them kept straight faced for a second.
"How long is this going to go on ?" Ty asked.
"At least today Ty, no longer than a week I'll bet." Wyatt answered laughing.
"Trev will keep an eye out for T shirts popping up in town." Amy added.
"They wouldn't."
"Pretty industrious bunch Cornell students, it is the Ivy League you know."
"Can we keep it local ?"
"O-k-a-y" Maddie said slowly.
"Mad ?"
"Just Grand Mere and Sloane."
"Sloane ? Seriously ?"
"She asked what's new, I told her not to show anyone."
"She agreed ?"
"Well Jade was there so she saw."
"I'll text Sara Nicole and tell her not to put your picture on her Celebrity wall in the shop ?" Brin said "It is her haircut."
"It's my hair Brin."
"Still Ty, she's so sweet and you know you might not have made the list with that mop you used to wear around."
"Fine, who the hell will notice at the shop."
"That's the spirit Ty." Brin said "Shrug it off, women have shrugged off being the objects of men's sexual desires for generations."
"It's not the same Brin."
"It's not Papa ? Please enlighten us as to how it's not ?"
"Yes Ty, tell Maddie how it's not the same as say a poster of me trick riding that they suggested we do it without the horse or the trick riding, that guy couldn't have been more sleazy."
"I'm sorry Georgie, all of you, it's definitely off putting."
"Off putting is a start" Maddie said.
"It's gross." He amended.
"Gross is better" Charlie agreed.
"Is this training ?"
"We're never to old to learn Papa. We maintain a strong estrogen footing at the ranch."
"I can see that Mad, how about you Wyatt ?"
"I'm with Georgie Ty, she also maintains a strong estrogen footing, it's very attractive."
Georgie turned and smiled.
"I definitely get the attraction Wyatt." Ty said looking over at Amy who blushed.
They settled on the porch at the house, the kids all going to wash up, Betty returned home with wedding notes, questions and assorted messages for both Georgie and Amy that they all agreed would be dealt with later.
Georgie was happy to help Betty with dinner, she and Wyatt had eaten frittatas at several jumping brunches and she was eager to learn how to make one. They had also brought over whatever was left of the spread sent over by the Ithaca Bakery to fill out the meal.
The Running Bears came by first for Kace and Piper, Meg was by soon after for the rest of the non Fleming kids, and once again it was just the family which now permanently included Georgie and Wyatt.
Amy saw Jeff Bicks walking over and waved. She got up and welcomed him onto the porch making sure he'd met the kids appropriately and got him settled. Ty grabbed him a beer and both Georgie and Betty came out for a second to say hello.
"I'm sorry but I'm expecting a call so if it comes in."
"That's fine Jeff, I can't imagine it's easy being away from home at a moments notice."
"It's fine, really, just a few incidentals from my place and my truck."
"We could have arranged something sooner, I wish you would have let us know." Amy said "We certainly could have lent you a truck."
"You've done more than enough and it really hasn't been an inconvenience, Betty and Sandra have been very accommodating. The Major and my Unit Commander are coming tomorrow and one will drive my truck maybe with my trailer if I can store it here."
"It's not a problem Jeff." Amy told him. "and if there's anything you need until then please don't worry about asking."
"Thank you Amy."
Dinner was ready a little while later and they all complimented the stately frittatas which stood tall out of the oven. Betty had made one while Georgie watched and Georgie made the second. They were both perfect and delicious.
Jeff's phone vibrated during dinner and he apologized and left the table to the porch.
He returned a little later and Amy saw he was a little thoughtful upon his return.
"Everything alright at home Jeff ?"
"Fine, just some juggling I guess."
"Jeff, I was wondering if you wouldn't ride with me in the morning so I can get to know you and Carter, I'd love to show you around the ranch and preserve."
"That would be great Amy."
"You an early riser ?"
"I have a horse ma'am so up around 5:30 I guess."
"How about 6:30 here for some breakfast and we can go."
"It's a date, err, sorry."
"Date is fine Jeff." Ty laughed.
They discussed the week over dinner, the kids had school Tuesday though Thursday this week, Friday was a superintendent's day for teachers only and the day the girl's were heading up for their learner's tests. John and Trish were taking them as Ty and Amy had the opening. The girls were fine with the arrangement, just the thought of being able to ride on their birthday was remarkable and a full year early. Ty and Amy would be along for that first ride.
After dinner while dishes were being done they settled back on the porch. Ty came out a few minutes later with a bottle and some glasses. Coffee was also going around.
"What do you have there Ty ?" Betty asked as he settled next to Amy.
"I figure we deserve a drink Betty and I spied this Graham's 40 year Tawny the other day."
"I'm game." Betty said with a smile.
Ty poured for her and then handed one to Jeff, Georgie and Wyatt who all nodded at his offer.
"You don't drink Amy ?"
"Never have, not even sure why. My dad has had issues, maybe that was it. Enjoy though Jeff, I don't mind."
"What are we toasting Ty ?"
"Barnum, weddings and sunsets."
Everyone lifted what they were drinking and repeated "to Barnum, weddings and sunsets !"
"So weddings." Jeff mentioned after taking a sip and obviously finding it very palatable "How does that work exactly, I mean Georgie talked about her and Wyatt, congratulations Wyatt, but if it's not too intrusive, you two aren't married abut have three kids ?"
"I adopted the kids 6 ½ years ago, Ty and I were engaged 8 years ago and took a break. That's probably the easiest explanation."
"Let's go with that then, so November 26 ?"
"That's the date." Ty said.
"Nice."
"And you Jeff ? No one special ?"
"Well, there is but, it's a little complicated."
"Oooohh, intrigue" Charlie said leaning over. "Come on, we're all family here Officer Bicks, spill."
"Leave him be Charlie." Ty said, "Jeff's entitled to his privacy."
"At least tell us his name" Maddie asked glancing over with a big smile.
"Robert and he prefers Robert." Jeff said smiling at Mad. "That easy to spot a club member Madelyn ?"
"It was a wild guess actually, my gaydar is pretty much chicks only."
"It's not complicated here Jeff." Betty said softly. "Robert is welcome anytime."
"Thanks, he, uh, he's trying."
"What's he do ?" Amy asked, "tell us about him, got a picture ?"
"Of course I do" he said handing over his phone. "Just swipe around."
Maddie and Charlie gathered behind her "he's handsome Jeff, hardhat, is he in construction or a boy band ?" Amy got out the last giggling and both girls raised their heads and nodded with smiles.
Jeff laughed, "Masonry, rebar and concrete, a lot of the people he works with don't know, his employees do but customers and other contractors, some do and some don't. He's not in the closet but at work it's awkward."
"And you at work ?" Ty asked.
"Work is fine, I came out before becoming a cop, nobody seems to have an issue, I do my job."
"Good, so while you're here you can certainly mention he's welcome to visit or stay." Ty said.
"Does he ride ?" Amy asked.
"He does, when we play with the idea of getting a place we talk about getting some horses."
"Well if it comes to pass, we can set you up." She assured him.
"And he can ride one of ours if he comes, we've got plenty." Jackson added.
"Thank you JT, I'll let him know."
The girls and Georgie moved off and started looking at a bridal site. JT sat with Ty and talked about tomorrow, JT's first day in 2nd Grade which Ty like Amy seemed to call Grade 2. Ty promised to walk him up to the bus.
The girls were starting 10th Grade and it was the year they'd start talking about college. Amy of course wanted them to choose Cornell, it was local and they could stay home. It felt weird to think they could choose to go anywhere, money wasn't an issue and he'd already learned that when you have the wherewithal to travel by shared private jet nothing actually seemed that far away.
As sunset drew to a close Jeff headed to his quarters as he referred to them. The kids were sent off for showers and to get ready for morning. Amy also had school as did Ty, the first meetings with the exotics department chair and Lorin and their beginning to explore a Vets Without Boarders program at Cornell.
After seeing the kids off to bed Amy and Ty sat curled together on the couch in their room. The dogs were back, Chuck had them with him all day and they were laying on the cool stone by the fireplace. Amy was going over her classes for the next day while Ty was going over and signing off on charts.
"You looked like something was on your mind when we were on the porch Ty, do you remember ?"
"I was thinking about the girls, the kids actually and how much different their lives are. They're good kids Amy, the best, they work hard but the truth is imagine when we were their age, well you, me, I was in a bad way at 15 but they can go anywhere they want, do anything they want. They'll be picking colleges and well."
"Something more's bothering you." Amy said disentangling herself from him and gathering her papers into her saddlebags ready for the morning. Ty stood and did the same and then both headed off to the bathroom. After washing up Ty continued.
"I used to look at people like, well us now, me now I guess, and I'd think something was unfair or look for something in my mind that tried to find a flaw in them. They're stuck up, they're not nice, I don't know, almost, well looking for things in my head."
"Human nature stuff, it's natural for first generations like us to feel that way, discomforted by the whole thing. We haven't grown into this, even the kids, a couple generations down the line though, we have to hope that our kids see the importance in how they were raised, to work hard and stay busy and pass that on, the good fortune we've been lucky to gather. Charity is also taught and learned."
"First generations ?"
"We're actually not or at least I'm not, between Heartland and Fairfield in the end, Big River too I guess, the family has done surprisingly well. Lou and I would have made out well. I'm talking about what's called "new" money."
"As opposed to old money ?"
"Old money, passed from generation to generation, not just the land, like us in Alberta, land rich and cash poor, but viable businesses and wealth, art, real estate, financial holdings, political footing. Trust funds that start doling out money to start kids off based on a prearranged financial plan set up years before, access to a fortune. Waiting with nurturing positions for their kids in financial, investment or law firms, medical dynasties and even horse breeding and racing."
"What it seems you or we're doing."
"What's the alternative Ty, end up like Peter, he lost a fortune over the course of a few months, new money, bad planning, it would almost be impossible for this to all just disappear. The family is almost completely isolated, very little to no liability."
"And what drives this ?"
"The idea that you can work a lifetime and have nothing to leave behind but the same exact life you just left. The absurdity that complacency and maintaining an even keel is the goal in life rather than striving towards something better and leaving a better and easier life for your children along with a purpose."
As they settled in bed and Amy backed up against him and into his waiting arms Ty thought about what she was saying. Somehow whenever she spoke like this Ty was sure she was talking about herself and that year, that trip to Europe. As he felt her relax and ease into sleep he thought about John and that conversation about her going back to Hudson. It wasn't until she settled completely and her arms fell around his and somehow drawing him nearer that he relaxed and fell asleep.
