A/N – Sorry for the slight delay, things got busy. Hope you like this chapter and keep those reviews and PM's coming, love hearing your thoughts.
Chapter 90
Charlie was waiting at the elevator with a big smile on his face.
"This is a pleasant surprise." He said stepping to the side to let them out and then showing the way to the apartment which was not hard to see considering there was only one set of enormous double doors. Ty looked around and aside from there only being one set of doors visible he noticed the hallway wasn't what you'd expect in an apartment building, it was decorated as if it was one of the rooms in the house. It was obvious Charlie had the entire floor.
"Not much of one, that guy called up." Jackson said as Charlie chuckled and scooped him up in his arms.
"Slightly different world in the big city than Ithaca JT. Where should we hang ?"
"Game room !"
"OK then" he said dropping him down, "you know the way, go on ahead, there's water and juice in the fridge in there and I'll give Ty a quick tour."
Jackson ran off "Ty, how about we skip the tour which is ostentatious and boring and head straight to a Manhattan, how are you holding out ?"
"Just one but yeah, skin of my teeth Charlie."
He followed Charlie into what was obviously the library study and looked around.
"Have a seat Ty and yes it's all over the top, I'd sell it if anyone could afford it. It was different with Trudy and when the kids were young, we combined two apartments, I could work and have meetings here completely apart from them, now it's absurd."
"Well, our place is around the corner."
"Its' only saving grace Ty, believe me" he said handing over the drink.
Ty took a sip and stood, "let's join Jackson."
"After you, two doors down on the right."
Jackson was standing by the shuffleboard bowling machine and rocking his arm before firing the puck down for a spare. "yeah." He grunted and fist pumped. Ty walked over and leaned down to kiss his head. Jackson looked up beaming "hey dad, play ?"
"How about I sit with Charlie for a few minutes and catch up, next game ?"
"Sure thing."
Ty walked over to join Charlie in a small all leather seating area and sat down.
"I don't know how Amy does it. Keeps up that smile for him."
"Years of practice, she breaks when he goes in, you should be ready for that."
"Hmmm, ok, how bad ?"
"Quiet and moody, bouts of crying, a little snippy, she's like a super mom, you know the whole horse thing combined with actual kids. This is completely out of her hands and until she sees him again, well."
"How long ?"
"It helps when he's off the hard stuff and can move his toes."
"I'll feel her out."
"That's all you can do and who knows you may just be the ticket Ty. So" he said leaning forward "dad is new ?"
"Very new in public, we haven't talked about it yet. We had a dad understanding until today."
"Well, it has to be about this."
"Sure but what's his reasoning."
"With him, who knows, no matter there'll be some morbidity to it considering."
"I'll feel him out too."
"Come on, let's join him, we have to leave soon and you should text Amy."
"Oh, I sent her a picture of him at the machine."
Charlie begged off playing and stood by the game sipping his drink. Ty took the learning curve in stride before Jackson stepped in to comment.
"See, think of it like you're casting, you move the puck back and forth, 1 2, 1 2, concentrate on your spot and then cast smooth." He said sliding the puck forward and watching it slice the headpin and the 8 pin forcing them all down. "Strike, yes !"
As Ty was being beaten for the third time his phone rang.
"Hey Mad, yeah finishing up a game. Ok, 30 minutes, no sweat."
Charlie walked off for a few minutes with the empty glasses and came back as they were finishing.
Coats on they headed out and around the corner. At the house Ty sent Jackson off to get washed and changed for dinner. Charlie made his way around in hellos and hugs and found himself a seat. Ty learned that Amy had gone off to their room to clean up and excused himself to join her and do the same.
Amy sat in a robe at a small dressing table in the bedroom and looked up when Ty came in. She smiled as he spotted her and made his way over leaning down to kiss her softly.
"Hey you, how was the zoo ?"
"We had fun and obviously stopped at Charlie's, we walked over together."
"I figured you would." She said responding again to Ty's lips as he drew them closer for another kiss. Amy giggled "what's up with you Ty, definitely no time for this."
"I know, I know."
"How about we break up the party early and meet back over there." Amy nodded at the bed and leaned up for another soft kiss.
"That would definitely fit my plans." He whispered moving in for one last kiss which they prolonged.
Ty moved to the bathroom and Amy could hear the water running as he washed up.
They dressed together and she wore a light denim dress embroidered along the hem. She reached for her comfortable indoor moose hide mucks and stopped at the mirror where Ty found her and zipped her up. With Amy in flats their height difference was pronounced, 6 inches and almost 7 with Ty in shoes.
"Hey, Jackson mention anything to you about me lately ?"
"Like what ?" Amy asked turning to him.
"He's been calling me dad all day and introduced me as his dad to Charlie's doorman so ?"
"Nothing we've talked about for sure Ty, maybe ask him ?"
"Haven't found the right lead in yet, for sure before bed tonight."
"Ok, well, if I hear something I'll let you know. You Ok Ty ?"
"Yeah, well I expected it eventually, the girls seem to have just adopted Poppa which kind of grows on you, I mean this has to do with the surgery right ?"
"I'd wager, that's a safe bet." She answered laughing.
"Yeah, well anyway, do I do drinks, wine ?"
"Charlie's out there, anyone wanting a drink has one, by the way, there's a bar in the sideboard in the living room and a smaller one in the study. One of the closets in the dining room is a wine storage, server thing that pulls out."
"Ok, I won't remember that and I'm not sure I know what a sideboard is so let's just wing it."
As they walked down the stairs Amy mentioned "a sideboard is just like a buffet but not in a dining room."
"Ok that makes no sense at all."
"You've been spending way too much time with Jackson Ty." Amy giggled.
"Seriously, does a sideboard become a buffet if you lay food out on it ?"
"I have no idea." She giggled again.
They heard voices from the living room so turned that way slipping arms around each other's waist. The hallway was central to the living room and the small crowd looked up as they came in and moved to the kids before heading to the adults.
"They make a hell of an entrance." Meg said to no one in particular. "I mean seriously power couple."
"Charlie, you've been part of a power couple, what do you think ?"
"They've definitely got it Trish, Trudy and Amy were alike that way, almost naturals. Amy's always unsure up front, Ty is great until he realizes what was going on, together though they're greater than their sum. It's like they bring a calmness to each other, you have to admit Amy's been calmer. Calmness is the key, what makes a power couple is the ability to fit comfortably in any situation, it's the lack of fear that makes you powerful. If you fit in, you belong and if you belong you're an equal."
Ty made sure everyone who wanted a drink had one and thanked Charlie. When he saw Betty head to the kitchen he followed. "Do we have wine picked Betty ?"
"Actually no, let's do that" she said leading him into the dining room where the table was less than half set with seating for 24 and only 11 for dinner. That door there is the wine keeper, I think there's a list inside."
"What are we eating ?"
"Roasted Spanish Chicken, Vegan Paella, potatoes, green beans."
Ty pulled the list and scanned down, "This looks promising a Spanish Rosé they have listed with 4.5 out of 5 stars marked off, let's see, this row, pull this out, here we go" he said handing one out to Betty and then leaning back with two more in his hands.
"Why don't we just pop one and check ?" Betty said reaching into the draw for a cork screw and two tall flutes from the rack.
"You're on." He said cutting the foil from the lip on one of the perfectly chilled bottles.
Betty checked her phone app while Ty uncorked "Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva" she read, "it's well regarded seems to have a nice profile."
Ty poured two taster glasses, they both breathed, swirled and tasted.
"Good enough for me." Ty said reaching back in for a 4th bottle before closing down.
"There are thermal sleeves for serving so we don't have to deal with ice, they're right inside that door." Betty pointed.
They sleeved the bottles they had out and after filling their glass were interrupted by a buzzer. Betty checked the video in the kitchen and buzzed the door and Ty walked over to meet their guests.
"Asher, Shoshana, welcome, come on in, let me take your coats." Ty said standing to help.
Amy had heard the door and came over as Ty hung up their coats. She hugged them both and then Ty shook hands with Asher and hugged Shoshana.
They led them both into the living room where the kids came over to say hello before they settled back in their claimed space and the new pair joined the adult group.
Both Shoshana and Asher declined drinks before dinner opting instead for wine with dinner. Amy would later explain to Ty that the brother and sister team are always on trauma call and as such limited their alcohol consumption. Ty wandered over to the kids and sat down on the couch next to Jackson who was on an iPad leafing through a Fly Fishing magazine.
"Hey dad, dinner soon ?"
"Hungry JT ?" Amy asked walking over.
"Getting' there."
"So dad huh JT, you've decided ?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah, well I'm a dad kinda guy I think. Dad's Ok with you right ?"
"Dad's always been fine with me Jackson, I have been wondering about why today was that day, I'm not unhappy for sure, I love being your dad, just wondering."
Jackson was quiet for a minute and swiped his hand to turn the on-line page. "Well, you'll get the speech tomorrow, so, I well …"
"What speech Jackson ?" Ty asked.
"There's a speech, the guy, uh Dr., the uhm anas, uhm."
"Anesthesiologist" Maddie interrupted, "there's a speech, you know, he's in great health, we don't expect any problems but 6 or 7 hours under anesthesia under the best of circumstances sometimes…."
"I get it Mad," Ty said softly gently interrupting her, "so Jackson, the anesthetist will prepare us for the worst case, which won't happen." Amy had her hand on Ty's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
"I know it won't and you know it won't but that don't mean that it won't and I wanted well this time, well, you're the best dad I could have ever wanted and I don't need a paper for that, so before, well you know, you're my dad and I love you."
Ty was in that quiet place he went, fighting back his emotions while the twins and Amy showed no such restraint as their tears fell.
Ty reached over "come here you" he said pulling Jackson into his lap and surrounding him with his arms. "Hey, you know already that I think you're the best son a father could ever hope for Jackson and I love you more than anything."
"On that note" Betty said softly wiping her eyes as she heard the last of it after walking over "we should probably eat, long days start tomorrow."
Arm in arm Amy and Ty followed the kids to the dining room. Betty, Trish, Meg and Stephanie turned into the kitchen as Amy maneuvered Ty to the head of the table and nodded for JT to sit on his right as she sat to his left. He looked at her as she did it and she smiled brightly at him and leaned over for a kiss. The twins sat next to Jackson and Asher and Shoshana next to Amy.
It was a pleasant and fun evening of old friends. They didn't dwell over why they were all gathered. The twins and Jackson told jokes, ragged on each other, talked about the new house and of course fishing and horses. Ty and Amy joined in, Asher and Shoshana caught everyone up on their families and home and everyone ate too much. After clearing the table they returned to the living room with desserts and sat by a small fire Ty started though the room hardly needed it.
It was destined to be an early evening as Trish, Asher and Shoshana needed their rest. There were three surgeries scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday which together required almost 24 hours of surgery beginning with Jackson on Tuesday morning at 6 AM. Monday would see all three patients checked in for their stays followed by a barrage of x-rays and computer analysis along with surgical run throughs for all three surgeries and lectures on the surgeries to resident and visiting orthopedists as well as students.
Besides Jackson, Marie Thibault, 5 years old was in for surgery on Wednesday. Hers' was the most complicated and scheduled for 8 – 10 hours starting at 6AM. Tommy Engels was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon an hour after Jackson's surgery. Ordinarily they wouldn't stack surgeries into a day but as it turned out Asher would be lead surgeon for Jackson and Shoshana, Lead Surgeon for Tommy. Both would assist the other but in a much lesser role.
Amy had spoken with each of the other kids and their parents who were old friends at this stage. Louis and Babs Thibault were delightful with bright West Indian smiles and bubbly demeanors. They emigrated to Montreal from Trinidad after marrying when offered the opportunity to work at an up and coming West Indian Restaurant. They did and it did well and eventually the couple started their own smaller restaurant in one of the trendy up and coming Montreal suburbs and both the area and the restaurant took off. Marie was their only child, her leg was mangled in a car accident when the Thibault's car was hit by a car speeding through a red light. Marie was 4 and this was her first long reconstruction.
Eric and Robin Engels, were farmers from outside Kansas City, KS. Tommy now 8 was in for his last surgery. He was getting a sleeve replaced with the same type sleeves Jackson was getting, the newest model. Marie was not ready yet, her leg would unfortunately be broken and shaped. It would be allowed to heal with titanium supports which would later be used for rigid sleeves and after replaced with the growth sleeves. Three more surgeries, hopefully, four possibly depending on the results. Tommy's leg was injured after falling off a horse who kicked his leg once he was on the ground. The initial fall broke the leg in two places the kick sent everything to hell and impacted his circulation severely. His surgeries were patterned after Jackson's, restoring the blood flow, allowing the leg to heal until it was ready to be shaped by Asher and his crew.
Jackson kept in somewhat regular contact with both Marie and Tommy. He was excited to see them both, they lent each other strength as did the families. Monday they'd have a nice dinner together in the hospital suite, all the families and on call staff would come. They'd repeat the event in about 10 days before they were each transported home for healing and rehab.
Amy called for Pat to be ready to drive the Bar-Lev duo back to their residence within the half hour as the group began their good byes for the night. Charlie, Meg and Steph promised to stop in to see Jackson in the afternoon, Meg and Steph would return to the townhouse in the morning to make sure it was ready for the family arriving from Canada who would stay with Amy and Ty, mostly Ty as Amy would not return until Wednesday when Jackson would be weaned off the drip. Trish would also leave in the morning, suitcase in hand, she would not leave the hospital until Amy did, more an unspoken pact between them. Trish would return to Charlie's apartment and join John who was coming Tuesday with Bert and Trevor.
They sent the kids off to get ready for bed while Amy, Ty, Trish and Betty cleared the living room and started the dishwashers. A cleaning crew would be by during the day to take care of the house.
Betty and Trish retired down a level to their rooms while Amy and Ty changed into house clothes and headed down for goodnights. The girls were reading. Their school stuff laid out out and waiting. Amy and Ty hugged and kissed each before moving to Jackson's room. He was pretty tired but had enough energy left for two enthusiastic hugs.
"Goodnight sweetheart."
"Night mom, night dad, I love you."
"Goodnight Jackson" Ty said leaning over for his second hug and kiss. "You Ok bud ?"
"Oh yeah, nothing to it," Jackson answered in a long yawn, "good night."
They stayed for another minute and watched him drift a little further towards sleep. Amy reached forward and moved a lock of JT's hair off his brow before sighing and getting up.
Outside Ty felt her deflate and take a deep breath as he walked her up both short flights of stairs to their level. His hand lay gently on the small of her back lending his presence and what strength he had to give.
Their lovemaking was a combination of desire and an emotional release they both needed, wrapping each other in a cocoon that held them together until they slept.
Towards dawn Ty woke and realized that Amy was crying quietly. He could feel her mild shudders and pulled her back against him so he could wrap her in his arms.
"Shhh, shhhh." He whispered as she tightened her arms around his and breathed out.
"I'm sorry Ty, it just comes over me and I can't stop."
He held her tight and whispered gently in her ear "No, no, no, you have nothing to be sorry about, you never need to apologize to me Ames, never."
She sighed and they lay together quietly, Ty felt her relax and they seemed to doze off together into a light sleep.
Amy opened her eyes hearing low voices she assumed were coming from the level below. Looking at her watch on the nightstand she knew that one was Trish and assumed Betty the second. As gently as she could she unwrapped herself from Ty's arms and grabbed her robe.
She walked silently into the kitchen, her moose mukluks hiding her entrance. Betty was at the stove with Trish sitting and facing her. Amy wrapped her arms around Trish from behind and Trish took her arms and returned the hug.
"Did we wake you sweetie ?" Trish asked letting go and turning.
"Just nodding in and out I guess, I did sleep a few hours though, I'm good I think."
"Of course you are, some drops and make-up on those eyes before Jackson please." Trish said gently running her thumb across Amy's cheek. "It's decided to rain, Pat's on his way, we'll pick up Asher and the team along the way."
"I didn't notice." Amy mentioned.
"Georgie sent a picture, she was on overnight, snow at home, maybe 4 surprise inches expected, should melt though, going up into the 40's." Betty mentioned.
"I should go get ready."
"Ty ?"
"He slept on and off too, I guess that's expected with me there."
"Jackson had his say I hear" Trish mentioned getting up to put her breakfast stuff in the sink. "Ty Ok ?"
"Yeah, about that, he's great with it, this week, who knows, I guess we'll see." Amy said walking Trish out to the front door where her bag was waiting. Trish was moving out for a few days and would be returning to Charlie's where John would be staying until the weekend.
She stopped back after seeing Trish out and hugged Betty as well. "You sleep at all Gran ?"
"How about for this last one we just stop the whole sleeping question routine ?"
"I guess we could, you staying here ?"
"I'll come over when the tests are done, I want to be here for our guests. I can make lunch for the girls."
"I'll be down soon."
Ty kissed Amy quickly on his way to the bathroom. She was brushing out her hair as he went by. He walked back in a few minutes later after washing up and saw her drop two drops from a bottle into each eye. "It clears up the red." She said noticing that he was watching. "And keeps the puffiness down." She added as he watched her apply some make-up and concealer as well.
He was surprised that she wore a dress and not surprised that there was a small suitcase packed. She noticed his gaze for a second "Ty, you'll be Ok ?"
"I'll be fine Ames, I should be here with the girls."
"And our guests."
"And our guests, of course."
"I love you."
"I love you too Amy Fleming, uh, why the dress ?"
"People will come by, today is best."
"People ? Our people don't care."
"This is like Saratoga, aside from the fact that 5 Cornell professors will be here tomorrow, that it's groundbreaking surgery and it's Asher and Shoshana, we represent a huge funding block to this hospital, it's just today really."
"Sports coat ?"
"Not even, button down and ariats are fine, comfy shoes too, tomorrow you can wear whatever, I'll be in jeans."
"Anything I should know ?"
"Nah, this is lightweight stuff, hand shake, smile and nod, they want to talk less than you do. There will be a couple meetings though."
They went downstairs as a couple and found all three kids and Betty having pancakes, Jackson's favorite. Betty insisted on serving as Amy and Ty were already dressed.
"You all packed JT ?"
"Think so mom, you should come look. Schoolbooks and stuff, underwear, magazines. Next week'll be different."
"One week at a time is fine sweetheart and we'll check after breakfast. Girls you're here with Mrs. W until 2:00 ?"
Both nodded, with the exception of Tuesday, the day of JT's surgery the girls would officially be "in class" from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM everyday with a half hour for lunch. They'd be given reading assignments for Tuesday, and have additional work that they could do but Mrs. Weingarten left that to them. The girls and Jackson were all smart and sharp, quick learners. Mrs. Weingarten knew this so her goal was to get through assignments leaving time over the week to visit some museums. She firmly believed that it was an important part of a child's education, besides, what the school district didn't know wouldn't hurt them, Amy and the girls agreed.
Amy interrupted the girls 'class' at 9:30 for them to wish JT good luck with hugs and kisses he stood for resiliently. Meg and Steph had come by as well and with Betty hugged Ty, Amy and Jackson as they left. Charlie was waiting at the limo and would accompany the three for business reasons and as support. Pat dropped them at the private entrance to the hospital a little before 10 and while Ty and Jackson waited for a few minutes Amy signed Jackson in as a patient. The ominous plastic ID band was clipped to his wrist. They had asked that he remove the red cord Sarah had tied to the same wrist and he adamantly refused and when Amy took his side the administrator backed off.
They were met upstairs by Asher, Trish and Shoshana and after hugs and good mornings Trish once again put out her hand and Jackson took it and with a deep breath and smile back at Amy and Ty wheeled his small suitcase down the hall followed by Shoshana.
"We'll start the mapping by 11" Asher began "You can have lunch with him at about 1:00 and he'll be done maybe 3:00 -3:30. The other families should be here by 2:00. Tommy will get mapped today and Marie tomorrow while the others are in surgery. Ty, Shoshana and I will be lecturing all day today and going through the data we retrieve from the mapping as part of that. I can't promise you'll understand everything as is but I think you'll do fine if you'd like."
"I'd love to see and hear some of it, let me find out what else is going on before committing."
"That's fine and it's all on video I'll arrange for you to have access," then Asher smiled and leaned towards him with a conspiratorial smile, "I've been where you are Ty, he was just like Bert, he'll mention some aspect of the surgery at one point, don't get caught not knowing what he's talking about. Overview lecture is at 11:00 figure to start 11:15 till around 1:00 when we'll break for lunch, guest lecture halls are on the 3rd floor."
Ty smiled, "thanks for the tip, I'll do what I can today and maybe tomorrow I'll use that access."
"Well, I have to get ready, oh, last thing, one dad to another, decline the invite to observe Jackson's surgery, one of the others would be fine if you're interested, you and Bert have full access to the theater. For now, good coffee in the lounge, Trish will get you before he goes in."
"Let's sit and talk." Amy said leading them down the hall to the small, well equipped kitchen and dining lounge.
"Is there actually stuff we have to do aside from waiting ?" Ty asked sitting down with his coffee.
"There are two meetings Amy may have mentioned" Charlie said, "one at 11:00 to cover our tab and one at 2:00 to review our, ummm, word, word." He said mimicking JT.
"Commitment" Amy suggested with a giggle.
"That'll do, our commitment to Cornell Pediatric Orthopedics, here and in Ithaca."
"How about I skip the paying part and attend the commitment one ?"
"Probably best" Charlie agreed.
Ty nodded "How much ?"
"Your part, probably half a million for the two weeks for the three kids, all in." Charlie answered "that may be a bit light but in the neighborhood based on what we have."
"Guess this is where being Canadian or in Canada would help."
"Well my love, we are all actually Canadian citizens, the family I mean and they wouldn't pay for this, they may have covered bits and pieces of the stay and tests but this is cutting edge stuff Ty, here or in Canada I think JT would have a prosthetic. We did have the option to have the later surgeries done in Israel, that would have been cheaper, the logistics were a nightmare."
"There's no way to sugar coat this one Ty, Jackson walks because we took the risk and had the money." Charlie said. "We'll walk you through the bill later, it's not like we'll get to discuss it, Trever will check what's important, he'll tale care of any negotiation. They take a huge chunk now up front and we'll adjust later."
"And the second meeting ?"
"The second meeting is them telling us what they did with our money and a budget prospectus moving forward."
"I like that one" Amy said.
"You just like the pictures."
"I love the pictures Charlie."
"Pictures ?"
"Of the kids that pass through the centers. Sometimes they have after shots of them playing." Amy said "it's like watching an autistic boy show his absolute love for a horse."
"I get that for sure" Ty said remembering his stop at a Pegasus center.
"Regardless," Charlie said finishing his coffee, "no decisions will be made today, we'll go over their numbers and work it out before the new year which in this case is actually January 20 I think."
Amy got up to put the coffee mugs into the dishwasher and turned when Trish led Jackson into the kitchen and he ran over to her. We was wearing pajamas as opposed to a hospital gown which he hated. He'd be wearing one in the morning and most of the time after that in the hospital but until the actual surgery he was allowed this concession.
Amy bent over and made a loud grunt when she lifted him. "Pretty soon you'll be too big to hold JT, all ready, have a video picked ?"
"Yup, all ready, kiss ?"
Amy gave him a big smooch on each cheek and lowered him down where she got a big hug and a kiss from him. Ty was next and he just stepped between Ty's legs as he had pushed out his seat and was now sitting facing Jackson. Ty wrapped him in his arms for a squeeze and then kissed his head. When JT stepped back Ty smiled at him and kissed his forehead.
"Come on Jackson, let's get started." Trish said smiling at everyone in the room as JT took her hand. "I'll text when we're almost ready for a lunch break."
"Thanks Trish." Amy said finally turning back to the dishwasher to slide in the top door and close the machine.
"I don't know what I'd do if Trish didn't do this. Probably go nuts."
"How does this work exactly with Trish down here ?" Ty asked.
"Trish is a Cornell Nurse, a head nurse actually so she's qualified and already on payroll. The Cornell system's Chief administrative nurse is Retired Colonel Molly Harris who was Trish's commanding officer at Rammstein where Trish served. Asher and Shoshana also request her as part of the team."
"Hat Trick." Charlie said. "Amy, we've got a meeting on the 2nd floor, I believe."
"I'll get off at 3 and find a seat, see you at lunch ?"
"Lunch is back up here, I'll text but we expect Asher and Shoshana." Amy said as they walked out to the lounge and elevators.
Charlie sighed loudly which made Amy giggle when she kissed Ty as he was getting off the elevator.
Ty was surprised when he turned down the hall and found a manned nursing station. The attendant looked over "Asher Bar-Lev ?" Ty asked.
"Your pass sir ?"
"This is all I have" Ty said showing the young man the access ID card around his neck.
"Dr Borden, thank you" he said looking at the list. "Here you are with the instruction to just let you in any time so, right there #2."
Ty looked through the small glass on the door and saw that they had begun, he wondered for a second about interrupting and put it aside opening the door. Of course Shoshana who was speaking stopped for a moment and looked over breaking into a big smile and turning to Asher who was sitting to the side. This seemed to be a tag team lecture like he and Bert often did.
"Come in Ty, it's fine we were just starting. Excuse us for a moment" she said to the crowd who had all looked over. "Dr. Borden's son is one of our patients, he's a Veterinarian specializing in Equine Orthopedics and an instructor at Cornell Vet."
Asher came down and handed Ty a packet similar to those the doctors already present had and then sat down next to him while Shoshana continued. She completely ignored the low murmur of the two men speaking softly to the side and didn't break stride in her comments when Asher returned to the stage as Ty leafed through the material and looked up to listen.
Charlie followed Amy out of the elevator of what was obviously the administrative floor. She walked up to to reception desk with Charlie right behind her.
"Can I help you ?"
"Amy Fleming and Charlie Rodgers here to see someone about a bill ?"
"Oh yes, please, have a seat while I call back."
Amy walked over and stood by the floor to ceiling window facing 1st Avenue. Charlie joined her a minute later.
"What do you think ?" Amy asked watching a cab roll around the arch in front of the building.
"Board of Governors rep maybe, hospital president maybe."
"That's the one" a smiling man said behind them "are we that predictable ? Brendan Morrow, Ms. Fleming, Mr. Rodgers it's good to meet you both." He said putting out his hand to Amy and then Charlie.
Amy immediately changed demeanors as her signature disarming smile grew on her face "Mr. Morrow, it's a pleasure, we heard there was an administrative change, smooth transition I hope ?"
"Dr. Preston retired, I've been working with him for the last few months so as smooth as we could have hoped for. I won't keep you, come let me walk you back, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the support of your group and that we all hope for the best of results for the children. If there's anything I can do to make your time here easier or anything in the future, don't hesitate to call. Here we are", he said walking them into a conference room. "Bob Danforth and Anne Roberts our special projects team, Amy Fleming and Charlie Rodgers."
The Engels, Eric and Robin were sitting and reading in the lounge when Amy and Charlie came out of the elevator chatting.
"Oh Amy" Robin called out jumping to her feet ready to hug Amy who walked over with a pronounced smile.
"It's good to see you too Robin." She said moving over to hug Eric as the process was repeated with Charlie.
Amy sat down with Robin and Eric moved over to talk with Charlie. "Trish told me Ty would join us for lunch with Asher and Shoshana. We saw Jackson for a moment, all smiles as usual."
"How's Tommy been ?"
"He's great, can't wait for this to be over."
"Jackson also, I still can't believe we've come this far."
"We met Babs in the apartment lobby, they were going out for a walk with Marie, probably the zoo."
"They have time, nothing really for Marie today."
Amy and Robin settled into easy conversation quickly, they talked about the twins, the Engel's eldest, Bobbi who had just started at the University of Kansas as an Ed Major and of course, farm life.
Charlie, who had the innate ability to have a conversation about anything with anybody sat joking with Eric about grain futures and ranch management.
Tommy was first out, led by Trish who walked over to stand by Amy and Robin.
"JT will be done in about 15 minutes, he's doing great."
"No problems Trish ?" Robin asked.
"Not my call but none we've seen yet."
Both mothers sighed and took each other's hand.
"I have to get back" Trish said smiling with a little wave as she turned down the hallway.
Jackson came barreling around the corner about 15 minutes after and after a quick assessment of Amy looking him up and down jumped up into Amy's lap.
"Hey mom !"
Amy hugged him and smooched at his cheek making him squirm.
"OK so far ?" She asked kissing him again.
"Oh sure uhm where's dad ?"
"He's at Asher and Shoshana's lecture, they should be along any minute as should lunch which I should check on." She said pulling out her phone and sending a text. Jackson wanted deli, corned beef sandwich, a knish and a soda which was approved by the staff as his second to last last heavy meal until after surgery, There would also be a delivery from the local falafel and mid eastern restaurant with vegan fare for Trish and most of the Israeli staff.
"Ok, the food is on it's way here and Pat is on his way back with all the Grans from Alberta. Amy said coming over as the door to the elevator opened and Ty, Shoshana, Ashe and two other staffers came out. The staffers walked on to their tasks and Ty stopped to scoop up Jackson who had run over.
"Hey buddy, how's it going so far ?"
"Oh good, I get to see a video and Trish talks to me so that helps stay still. You went to hear them talk about me ?"
"You, Marie and Tommy, it's important that other doctors learn this stuff."
"I get it, like mom and you teaching, mom says uh, watch one, do one, teach one unless you're 7 then you're still learning but I can't help it."
"You're a good teacher Jackson, you've got patience which is very rare in a 7 year old and very important as a teacher."
"Oh hey, you should meet Tommy and his folks, come on." He said climbing down and taking Ty's hand.
Jackson introduced Ty as his dad to both Tommy and his folks and moved off to continue talking to Tommy about their farms, horses, friends and fishing. He was almost two years older than Jackson in actual time though only 8 to JT's 7, Tommy would be turning nine in a couple months. Still they were friends and shared many of the same life experiences and interests.
After lunch the groups split again, the boys returned to their mapping scans. Amy stopped to call the house and check in with Betty. The limo was due back from Teterboro airport any minute and the girls had eaten and were finishing their schoolwork. The girls had indicated that rather than ride they'd prefer to walk over to the hospital and Amy had no problem with that, pretty much a straight shot down 65th street.
"If they stop I need to know they're stopping Betty."
"I'll lay out the rules Amy and I'll text when everyone's here, I'd like the girls to wait until they say their hello's. What time should we plan to head over ?"
"How about between 4:30 and 5:30 ? JT will be done and we can visit a little before the family dinner."
The meeting with the endowment fund people took about 45 minutes. Amy leafed through brochures, pictures and case files while Charlie did a short run through of the financial statements, he made sure he left Ty with a good understanding of how this worked. They started with a large endowment to the hospital which was meant to secure additional funding and garner income from investments. Aside from yearly donations by several entities affiliated with, and Pegasus entities, the family actively solicited donations from other individuals and charities. The hospital also matched funds up to a certain level determined bu a complicated formula. What surprised Ty most was Amy who really seemed to be paying no attention to the details interrupted with a question every now and then which clearly showed that she was.
The group split after the meeting. Charlie was heading back to his apartment for a couple hours, Ty to join the lecture in progress and Amy back to the Pediatric suite The outer waiting room was empty so Amy headed back to the smaller and more private family lounge where she found the Engel's leaning back in recliners and reading. This room had a small refrigerator, a microwave and coffee and tea service. It was right next to the kitchen, which was well equipped. They'd all cook the last meal together here, a custom they followed when they stayed together.
"I can't imagine wedding plans with this going on, you Ok Amy ?"
"I'm fine Robin, Erma and her crew are handling most of it, my dress is being made here in Midtown, I've got a fitting Thursday, Ty has a haircut Friday."
"And they're coming Friday ?"
"Sally, Erma and crew, yup, you'll have the weekend to catch up, you can meet my sister too."
They all grew up on the land or more to the point as part of it. Even Babs and Louis Thibault, Marie's parent's grew on a farm in the West Indies so when they all got together they talked farms and land and home. It took the stress off the moment thinking about the land and the animals. They never discussed the money and the good fortune they had to do this for their kids. The Engels and the Thibaults expressed their love in their eyes and hugs and that was more than Amy needed.
Amy reached over for her rollaway which she noticed in the corner. All three moms stayed in the suite, actually in their kids rooms until they felt right about joining their husbands or families. The floor was set up that way, single beds and two large recliners that opened to beds with the touch of a button. Custom ordered they were surprisingly comfortable and the stress it took from the kids and the moms worked for all concerned.
She sat back with the first volume of her text book, grabbed some post it notes and a pen and sat back to read.
Some time later, Robin looked up with a smile at Amy when Louis Thibault's heavily accented West Indian patois carried down the hall along with the distinctive odd clacking sound of little Marie's leg brace and crutches tapping down the hard tile floors. They both looked over to find Eric Engels napping in his chair and both rose to meet the Thibault family out in the hallway to keep the noise level down.
"Hi Amy ! The small beautiful girl piped at her while balancing the crutches under her shoulders and putting her arms out. Amy scooped her up into a big hug while Babs her mom grabbed for her crutches.
"How are you sweet Marie, did you love the zoo ?"
"It was wonderful" she said "not as big as Montreal but I love it."
Amy smiled at her, she spoke with a sweet somewhat odd accent, a combination of island, English and Québécois. Babs leaned the crutches against the wall and leaned forward to wrap Amy in her arms and hug her gently around her daughter still perched in Amy's arms.
Eric had woken up and joined them at the door telling them it was fine to come in. Soon after the three couples and the little girl settled they were joined by Tommy and Trish. After his hellos Tommy sat down and paid attention to Marie who was all smiles as she showed him what she was working on in her coloring book.
"Jackson's almost done Amy and the lecture seems to be wrapping as well, I'll be back soon. Do you have a good time for Ben ?"
"When Ty's here Trish, I hate this part."
"It's just a formality Amy and don't get snotty about it, I understand the underlying dangers."
"Really Trish ? You're going to be mean to me ?" She answered pouting.
"You're impossible you know that" she said leaning over and hugging Amy. "Jackson should be done, let me go help get him sorted out."
Amy heard Trish call down the hall "in here Ty."
Ty was at the door a minute later and Amy walked over for a kiss and to take his hand and introduce him to the Thibault's where he was met with a broad smile, a handshake and hug from Louis, a hug and kiss on the cheek from Babs and a handshake and smile from Marie.
They sat and chatted and included Ty in their catching up in both asking about his life and work and taking the time to include their history when needed to fill in gaps for him.
The twins showed up just about the same time Jackson came out with Trish. They came with the news that Jack, Lisa, Casey and Lilly were at the house and sitting with Gran.
Amy had gotten texts when the Alberta crew arrived and when the girls left to walk down to the hospital. They didn't stop on the way as it had turned chilly and damp. First night family dinner was always Chinese, something not to be missed in Manhattan. Soup dumplings and Lion's head meatballs from Joe's Shanghai, Peking Duck from the Peking duck house, Lo Mein and Pork Buns from Chow Shui and Vegan fare from Buddha Bodai and Spicy Moon. This was where Pat shined, he arranged for it all to be delivered to a central pickup and was there waiting. Charlie had volunteered to go along and they'd come straight to the hospital. One of the hospital vehicles would pick up the Grans and bring them separately.
"Folks, it's time" Dr. Benjamin Goldman announced with a big smile from the entrance to the lounge. "Have we drawn straws or will there be a volunteer ?"
"We'll go first Ben" Amy said with a laugh "might as well get it over with."
"Do I have to ?" Jackson asked looking back and forth between Ben and Amy.
"Not if you don't want to Jackson as long as I know you agree will be fine."
"I'm good." He said "You two good ?" He asked Tommy and Marie who both nodded.
"Done, Amy and Ty is it ? Good to meet you I'm Benjamin Goldman, anesthesiology. Ben is fine. How've you been Amy ?"
"I'm good Ben, we've been good" Amy said walking over for a quick hug "Val ?"
"Val and the kids are great thanks."
They walked around to a small bank of offices against an outer wall and sat down. They sat holding hands across from Dr. Goldman who explained the procedure broadly but went into some detail on the anesthesia and the precautions his team would take. In the end Amy signed, there was no question she would, this was just a formality. Everyone new the dangers inherent in a lengthy surgery.
Amy looked at Ty and smiled as enthusiastic a smile as she could muster walking back to the lounge. The Engels went next followed by the Thibaults. Soon Asher, Shoshana and their team along with Trish wandered out and they all moved to the larger lounge where hospital catering was setting up a buffet with plates, silverware and soft drinks.
Back in the larger lounge with the elevator the crowd all turned as doors opened. Lab techs and hospital personnel all felt the uncomfortable scrutiny of the crowd. When they opened to a familiar site there were smiles. Jackson was first over to Jack who scooped him up for a hug.
"Hey GG."
"How's it going Jackson ?"
"So far so good, kind of hoped you were dinner though."
"Sorry buddy" he laughed putting JT down so he could move along for hugs.
Betty went over to the Thibault's and Engels for hugs and welcomes and then took care of the introductions to the newcomers, Casey, Lily, Jack and Lisa. The girls, Meg and Stephanie were next for their hugs which was about when Amy received a text from Charlie.
"Girl's go down and help Charlie and Pat with the food and make sure Pat joins us for dinner."
"He'll argue mom."
"Argue back, Charlie will help you."
In the end it was Amy who wouldn't let him leave. "Pat, please, you've been running around all day, stay and eat."
"I have food in the car Amy, it's like my job."
"I know but I feel bad, ordinarily I'd send you home for a few days but the season and guests this year."
"My job Amy."
"I get it, now please join us for dinner."
"Fine, thank you."
"And you'll go from the Airport on Sunday home for a couple days, I'm sorry it's not sooner."
"I could get you a replacement for a couple days Amy."
"Let's not go there again." She said turning to see most of the food out of their thermal bags and Jackson, Tommy and Marie lined up. She saw Babs and Eric there to help their kids and turned to Ty to ask him to help but saw Maddie walk over to give JT a hand which mostly meant keeping him to a manageable amount of food.
"Hungry ?" Ty asked coming over to Amy.
"I am, just keeping and eye on the human waste disposal" she said nodding towards Jackson. "Ever eat a soup dumpling ?"
Amy was chatting with Lisa and Jack walking over to the table while Charlie took Ty in hand at the makeshift buffet.
"These are soup dumplings, those are regular pork dumplings and there are veggie ones with the vegan stuff." Charlie explained as they went along through the various unfamiliar specialties laid out.
With their plates suitably full Charlie led ty over to where Maddie and JT were sitting on the floor using a coffee table as a surface.
Ty watched as Maddie gently lifted the large soup spoon and bit the end off the round dumpling and gently slurped the soup that poured out into her mouth leaving the rest to spill into the spoon to be finished in the next slurp along with the dumpling shell.
"I don't get it Mad."
"The inside is soup dad" JT said "it's real hot so you nibble off the end and take a little and then you balance and the soup comes out in the spoon. It's really good."
"How do they get soup inside a dumpling ?" Ty asked examining the round dumpling on his spoon.
"It goes in as a solid and melts into soup in the steamer" Amy said walking over and lowering herself onto a chair. "Try one, they're heavenly."
Betty, Trish and Charlie Rodgers walked the Albertans through the meal as well. They were all introduced to Asher, Shoshana and their team and dinner as usually turned into a fun family time.
When the leftovers were packed and sent off to other floors to be shared by staff members the groups became somewhat more somber as it was closing in on the time when the patients and their mom's would be left. Jackson's surgery was scheduled for 6 which meant a 4:30 wake-up. While the other two kids would probably sleep through Amy knew she'd see Babs and Robin soon after she got up with JT.
It was decided that it would just be immediate family in the morning pre surgery, Amy, Ty, the twins and Betty. Aside from the fact the the Albertans needed to rest it would be uncomfortable for Jackson who put up a great front but who deep down was scared. He'd be given a relaxant before being wheeled out that acted as a small truth serum which could be embarrasing.
Ty sent everyone down with a nod "I'll be down in a second Betty" there was room in the elevator but he wanted a moment alone with Amy. Trish had taken JT off to wash and brush. They'd gather in the lounge for a movie before bedtime, a chance to relax with the kids and try to take their minds off of their circumstance.
"I'm not used to this, leaving you alone." He said holding her close.
"Not lately at least" she whispered "sorry."
"It's Ok, you good ?"
"I am, my place is with him."
"And mine is with our family."
"I love you Ty" she said reaching up to kiss him, a kiss that deepened.
"I should go." He whispered holding her against him.
"I'll see you bright and early, if you need me you'll have to text Trish, I can't have a phone with me."
They kissed as the doors opened to an empty elevator and Amy pushed him back with a smile. "Go Ty, early morning coming."
She watched the doors close and walked back to the lounge where the kids and moms had settled in the dimmed room. The kids, who basically left it up to Marie, had chosen an animal documentary about Canada and Jackson moved over into Amy's lap when she settled. Marie sat on Bab's lap as well with Tommy on the floor in front of his mom.
As the movie started Jackson leaned back against Amy and she wrapped him in her arms. "Love you mom" he said low against her.
Amy squeezed a little "I love you so much sweet boy."
