Chapter 94

Amy sat with Jackson and watched a show about mountain families living off the grid. She always seemed to find it interesting as she'd known people in her life that lived this kind of life whom she talked about with Jackson as the show ran. Amy always wondered if her Grandpa might be considered a mountain man as resistant to change as he was. She had always been described as hating change but that wasn't really true, she hated the change in relationships but she would have welcomed a change in the size of the Heartland water heater, the barn or a new truck guaranteed to actually start more times than not.

With the men, the grands and the twins occupied, Meg and Steph came over to visit and sat with Jackson for a while to chat. There was one thing Jackson loved above most and that was talking. If you wanted to talk, JT was your guy. At one point Shira came by and Jackson took a pill, 20 minutes later he yawned and fell asleep peacefully and the three friends went across the hall for coffee and scones.

Later, they heard the welcomes and hugs and Amy peeked out to see Renee Bar-Lev, Asher's wife standing with Babs and Louis.

"Renee's here" she said turning to the other two "I'm going to check on Jackson."

Phyllis was sitting in the corner chair working on charts and schedules with two tablets and looked up when Amy popped in.

"He's resting well, I doubt he'll sleep much longer."

Amy nodded and walked to the foot of the bed and looked down on his little feet which were sticking out. She smiled, he always did that and on nights when there was a bad storm and she would bring him to bed with her she'd always wake up cold because Jackson had uncovered their feet. Ty's feet were always cold it seemed but she took comfort in the heat the rest of him produced, Ty snuggled well.

"All pink, his circulation is up to 100%."

"I've seen this foot every color of the rainbow and white as a clean sheet Phyl, I really don't know how to thank any of you."

"You have done enough for this team that they just might owe you thanks Amy." The svelte redhead said softly from the door while walking across to her.

"Shalom dear friend." She said reaching her arms around Amy before they kissed each other's cheeks and hugged again.

"Shalom Renee, good flight ?"

"Fine, fine, oh look at how he's grown and how handsome he is Amy, you must be so proud of him."

"My pride and joy Renee, he's wonderful."

"Stop talking about me."

"Are you Ok sweetheart, did we disturb you ?"

"No, it's Ok mom, Phyl can you help me up please ?"

"Sure thing how about your mom takes Mrs. Bar Lev across the hall and we'll get you ready and across the hall for a snack ?

"Hey Mrs. B."

"Shalom Jackson, it's good to see you well."

Jackson smiled at her as his back lifted on the bed.

"We've got scones or Apple Cider donuts Jackson."

"Ok, donut and milk mom, uh please."

"I'll have them ready my love."

Meg was next with Renee at the family lounge and Amy stopped into Tommy's room where he was sitting in his chair with an iPad.

"Renee's here Robin, in case you haven't heard."

"Just finishing this line up and Shira should be back any second to see him into a chair. I assume it's snack time ?"

"Donuts or scones, come across when you're ready."

"Eric's already had a scone, he said they were great." She said folding the sweater neatly and carefully putting her knitting needles through the garment to lock the work together before dropping it carefully in her knitting bag. "Go ahead Amy he sounds mobile." She said nodding to the door as Jackson's chair popped out.

Amy settled with the women, coffee, tea, pastries and a catch up with friends not seen often. The boys settled with drinks, donuts and checkers. Once again Amy had a special relationship with this particular woman. Renee Bar Lev married her husband while he was in medical school and before his prominence. They had four children together which they managed with her still being able to teach elementary school and him to concentrate on surgery. When it became untenable for them to continue as Asher's travel increased Renee retired to private tutoring and keeping the family going through Asher's absences.

When began the search for the right orthopedic surgeon to treat Jackson beyond his care all avenues pointed to one man or team actually, the one led by Asher who was so in demand could never seem to be reached. Amy was so frustrated that one night she pulled some strings and dialed a number in Jerusalem she was given, the person she spoke to was Renee. After speaking to Amy and hearing her impassioned plea of Jackson's plight and the accident, and the twins, Renee spoke to her sister in law and Asher's junior partner Shoshana who slipped Jackson's file into Asher's pile at a staff planning meeting.

When he opened and leafed through it he sighed "Is this you Shoshana, I would love to help this boy, all boys, but who would pay for all of this ?"

"Not my doing, I'm just the messenger Asher, it's from Renee."

"Renee, my wife ?"

"Before you decide, talk to Renee and the mother, they will pay for it all and a second surgery they've identified and when we're ready a third child we'll find."

"And your thoughts ?"

"Asher, my thoughts are irrelevant though if you want them, I would do it, when was the last time Renee asked anything of you ?"

Ty would eventually hear the story the week of the wedding when Asher would be in Ithaca and several impromptu bachelor parties at Charlie's home would spring up as guests arrived. He was sure that no other person could have convinced Renee to do what she had never done before and beg a boon of her husband, or Asher, who realized the need for their proposal to set up the orthopedic pediatric surgery center at Cornell that he could use as his base in New York.

Pat drove through the park to the West Side and dropped Mrs. Weingarten at Lincoln Center Plaza. Heading downtown he confirmed to the car that the Center housed the New York Philharmonic, The New York City Ballet and The Metropolitan Opera and that Carnegie Hall was in fact not part of the center at all but entirely separate. He dropped the four older women and the twins at what could only be described as a limo station at a large mall across from the entrance to Central Park and told them to just text when they were ready.

Casey and Lisa were more with the girls as they roamed past and into various stores while Betty and Lily chatted and commented behind.

"Girls is there a plan ?" Betty asked stopping them for a minute.

"Christmas, wedding and you know, fun." Charlie said with a shrug.

Betty nodded and they moved on into and out of stores where they would look around check some prices but still holding back and waiting to spring. Lisa had mentioned several dresses they had held up against themselves and each other and several they tried on which was quite interesting to watch.

"Way better than a mirror Grand Mere and you get the whole walking away thing. You can also take the other shopping or get a quick try on to keep a secret."

"I see that Mad, something that never occurred to me I guess."

The girls had a way of smiling and nodding to affirm what someone had said to them almost as if you had stumbled upon some secret power they had and they affirmed it. Lisa found it a bit unnerving but she seemed to learn more about them each time they interacted and she loved spending time with them.

Lily stopped at several racks and reached over to check tags. "These prices are amazing, do people actually spend $70 on a T shirt ?"

"Kind of eye opening I admit but they live a slightly different reality than many and Amy likes the idea of work hard, spend hard and relax harder."

"Amy relaxes ?" Lisa asked leaning back.

"It's a perspective thing Lisa." Betty answered with a smile

The girls first strike was at J. Crew where Charlotte found a small checked twill shirt in indigo blue that she grabbed for Bobby and laid it to the side. Maddie walked over with a Baird McNutt Irish linen shirt in a minty sage green and held it up.

"Poppa ? Definitely, untucked with some nice linen slacks, very sexy." Charlotte agreed and it joined the pile.

8 pair of swim trunks 2 each for Bobby, Ty, Carson and Jackson joined the pile as well as two very nice zip up hooded pool jackets for the boys and a checked gingham shirt for each as well. After consulting with Betty they also took an adorable denim jump suit for April and were thrilled to find a match for Kimmie in the baby section. They also found each two bathing suits that joined the stacks.

They hit a bit of a bump in the Woman's section where Maddie found a dark blue mid length linen dress covered in small white daisies and fell in love with it for Brin. Charlotte matched it with a white cashmere button down cardigan and discussed it with assorted Grans while trying on a few dresses themselves and choosing two linen buttoned and belted wraps in bright florals.

Ty, Trevor and Charlie sat back with their beers and joked with Jack who was none to thrilled with the sometimes intimate process of measuring him for a suit when Charlie's phone played a familiar tone.

"And we're off" he said reaching into his jacket pocket. "First stop, J. Crew, $1,148.91"

"Not a bad haul." Trev said "where are they ? Columbus Circle, J. Crew's lightweight for that mall."

At a shop called Lucky Brand Maddie found a slim long sleeved jumpsuit for Brin that she held on to and simultaneously they spotted a long country midi in a dark floral that the girls immediately thought would look amazing on Amy.

As they moved on through the mall Charlie noted the second stop and again gave Trevor a peek. "Lucky Brand ? Never heard of it "$596.59."

"How about a couple pair slacks Jack ? Maybe a sweater ?"

"I don't need slacks Ty and I don't wear sweaters, where would I use them ?"

"Don't take this the wrong way Jack but you can wear them anywhere you're not working, like say, dinner out. Go someplace with Lisa."

"How about something like this Jack ?" Charlie said holding up a nice thick round collared blue sweater with three tortoise shell buttons. "Keep you warm on those cold Alberta nights and I bet Lisa would love to snuggle up to you in this."

"Try it on Jack, it's got big pockets so you can tote your crap around like JT." Ty said with a chuckle holding out the sweater waiting for him to move.

Charlotte stood in the aisle at Thomas Pink Haberdashers and held a shirt out in front of her and then laid it on a table nearby and ran her hand over it. Maddie had gone over to pick socks for all the men and boys from a huge display.

A saleswoman came by and seeing Charlotte staring at the shirt walked off and then came back a moment later with a black high crew long sleeved knitted shirt and laid it underneath. "There how's that ?"

"Doesn't help" Charlotte muttered "sorry, this may be pushing it and that doesn't help, thanks, it's really too perfect."

"I'll uhm leave you to decide."

Casey walked over and smiled at her then lay the back of her hand against the shirt. It was 100% combed Italian cotton, triple stitched, cut long and athletically. The colors were amazing as far as Charlie was concerned, dark greens, browns, a thin black line detail and perfect for Bobby, he would love it and he'd be absolutely gorgeous wearing it "that's very nice, for Bobby huh, it's a beautiful shirt Charlie."

Charlie smiled and turned over the price tag.

"Ooohhhkay" Casey said under her breath "is that, well, really out of the ballpark for you guys ?"

"Well, It's not the number exactly, I've never shopped for a boyfriend or a dad, both of whom I love like crazy so we're on unfamiliar territory here Grandma. So it's not can I, it's may I."

Casey smiled and leaned over conspiratorially "See that's where your problem is darlin', it's just should I. Grab 'em both, I've got your back."

Charlie turned and smiled at Casey before throwing her arms around her for a big hug. "Thanks Grandma, you're right, it's really like buying myself a gift, right ?"

Casey smiled as Charlie broke away and ran over to Maddie where she laid out the shirts and showed her before checking the growing pile of socks and starting to separate them by person.

"What was that all about ?" Betty asked looking at the expression on Casey's face.

"I told her to buy the shirt."

"And ?"

"It's $235."

"Casey !" Betty said not loud or even angry, it was more a shocked expression.

"You should have seen the look on her face Betty."

"No, not really Case, I stay back here for a reason, 15 and madly in love, I remember when they were born."

"I remember 15." Lisa said.

"I remember madly in love" Casey added.

They chose 6 pair of socks for each of the men they were shopping for: Ty, Bobby, Carson and Jackson. They also chose six pair of mixed weave cotton and silk short boxers for Ty and two pair of silk and linen drawstring slacks.

"Boxers ?"

"Sort of like a honeymoon trousseau for mom y'know ?"

As always Betty stepped forward as the girls placed their goods on the counter. Charlotte held back the now shirt set because she wanted it boxed and when it rang up she glanced at Betty who patted her shoulder and leaned in "it's a beautiful shirt Charlie."

Charlie glanced back and smiled at Casey before they grabbed these bags to add to the others and headed for the door.

Ty was on his phone when Charlie's phone sounded again and he glanced down. "I'd better make a call" he said turning the phone to Trev who noted Thomas Pink Shirtmaker's and Haberdashers, $1,165.42.

Maddie's phone rang when they were in public space and glancing down she stepped over to the side pulling Charlie with her. "Hey Uncle Charlie."

"Madelyn, I assume you're with Charlotte and are the ones actually using these cards ?"

"Yup, no worries, just us and the grans."

"Almost done ?"

"Couple more stops I think, more stuff than normal this year, new poppa, wedding and Christmas."

"And I'm sure Brin, Bobby and those Grands, It's fine Mad."

"I know, just doing what you do."

"Have fun, send my love."

"We love you too Uncle Charlie, thanks."

Ty had looked over when he heard Charlie talking to Maddie "hold on Caleb" he said "was that the girls, everything Ok ?"

"Everything's fine Poppa" Charlie laughed "they're just shopping" he continued holding up his phone "at over 3 grand I figured I'd call."

"How much ?"

"Never mind Ty, go on with your call."

Ty shook his head and turned back to his phone, "OK Caleb you found me what horse ?"

"Oh right, really, that's awesome, how big ?"

"English herder and thoroughbred, right, judged a true quarter not that it matters to us, Ok, answer the big question."

"18 hands ? Did you say 18, that's not a quarter horse Caleb."

"Just shy is still enormous, over 1400 pounds, are you shitting me ?"

"Have Scott look at him, maybe Tim ?"

"OK, fine, how much ?"

"We can do that but you can definitely go cheaper and find him a saddle if that's possible. Just let Haddie know and she'll get it down here. Yes Caleb, I can buy a horse without Amy's permission, you know I do make a pretty good living."

"Well, buying a Jag is way more fun doing it with Amy, we were snuggled on a lounger, but this, not so much."

"Ok, that will have to get run through her or someone, but I don't see why not, space is more the issue than whether Amy will care that you're in Ithaca. What's the horse's name ?"

"Seriously, Hagrid ? Yeah, I hear you, ok they have Sandra's number at the ranch, have Cass call her and tell her you're driving down early, it's all of you and you need a place until after the wedding."

"Ok fine, but I have no idea and I'm not getting in the middle of the details. Just have Cass call Sandra."

"Right, well I live there and work there so I'll be around."

"No just the one, we have plenty of horses Caleb."

"Call or have Cass call or I'm sure I'll hear from Sandy, she's not shy, later buddy."

Ty walked over to where Jack was standing with the salesman, Trev and Charlie. Ty insisted he take 4 shirts so they chose 2 white and two striped patterns that Jack actually liked. The suit would be dark charcoal which he said suited him since he already had his trusty blue one. Ty insisted on a belt and socks as well, Jack balked at boxers and underwear in general.

"What's up with Caleb ?"

"Not important right now, I asked him to keep an eye out for a special horse and seems he's got one."

"You need me to transfer money Ty ?"

"We're good I think, large quarter horse not a champion or an investment, it's a gift for John."

"John Enchino ? How big we talking ?" Charlie asked.

"Just shy of 18 hands and just over 1400 lbs, he's a monster named Hagrid."

"You better break that to Chuck gently, what does a horse that size eat ?"

"I can't actually even answer that but Bonnie and Clyde, Lisa's Clydesdales are 19 ½ and almost 1900 lbs and eat enough for 6. We'll go stall and a half I think, I'll talk to Chuck Charlie. What's up with the girls ?"

"They're shopping."

"I know, did you say $3000 ?"

"And they're not done."

"I don't know how to wrap my head around 15 year olds spending that kind of money Trev."

"Yeah, I get that from your perspective and I'm not being trite but you've been a big part of roughly 6 million dollars in…"

"I know Trev but that's a lot of Amy in there, she sort of eggs me on, it's like a game for her."

"We all know that Ty, she's as bad with Steph and Meg, you know that Alpha Steph drives, Amy practically picked it for her, I mean Steph loves that car, really, really loves that car, but it wasn't cheap. Meg's Porsche and that last home remodel, Amy definitely had a hand in that."

"Ya, Bert's pretty much made that clear, Meg's been looking at sedans for going out after seeing the Jag. She was more excited than we were."

"She can look but I doubt she'll sell that Porsche, she loves it almost as much as she loves Bert." Charlie said laughing.

Ty smiled, "Oh, you see, that's the thing, Amy doesn't understand why they can't just get a sedan for dating, so, Meg's not selling the Porsche."

Trev checked his phone "we done here ? limo's downstairs."

"Charlie they have our info ?"

"We're good Ty."

"Jack, time for you to buy me a really expensive drink."

"Amen to that son." Jack said putting his arm around Ty's shoulder as they headed to the elevator.

It took about 15 minutes to get to the Cornell Club from the tailor and it was mostly spent with Charlie or Trev pointing out Manhattan landmarks and stories to Jack who stared out the window like Jackson on a chopper.

The Cornell Club was over 100 years old but moved into their current building on East 44th Street off 5th Avenue in the 1980's. It looked like it had been there much longer as they restored the building to it's original splendor of oak, gilt and marble. It's look was classic old school Ivy League.

Your show Ty." Trev said patting his shoulder.

Ty walked up and handed his card to the concierge who smiled and popped it into the reader.

"Good afternoon Dr. Borden, you're new to the club I see, I could arrange a tour if you'd like ?"

"No thanks, I'm sure my friend's can point out the highlights."

"Yes sir, of course," he said looking up and nodding at Charlie and Trev, both of whom he knew, "anytime though, now you're here for the afternoon, we have a few rooms open for the evening ?"

"Just the afternoon, two other members and a guest."

"No problem, now would you like to keep a card on file with the club ?

Ty looked at him for a second and turned to Charlie and Trev.

"Go ahead Ty, it's fine."

Ty pulled his wallet and handed over his Amex card to the slightly raised eyebrow of the concierge, it was momentary. He handed back the card after swiping it and hearing a beep along with a green flash on the reader. Excellent, now, can I direct you somewhere ?"

"Charlie, where we hanging ?"

"What do you say Trev ? The study is comfortable."

The concierge looked at Ty who nodded "go right ahead and I'll let the tap room know you're there ?"

"Perfect." Charlie nodded.

"Have a relaxing afternoon gentlemen."

They sat in four individual leather chairs in a room that had books shelved 30 feet high on all sides and at least 6 different seating spaces Ty could see. There were several men sitting and one couple who were leaning over a file.

"This is something huh ?" Jack said looking around "I'd whistle if it didn't seem so out of place."

"They did a nice job restoring the space when they settled the club here." Charlie said as he held up his hand for the waiter who stood at one of the entrances.

"Gentleman, anything I can get you ?"

"Hand him your card Ty." Charlie said.

Ty handed his membership card to the waiter who scanned it with his tablet, handed it back and stood ready.

"Jack, Manhattan good with you ?" Ty asked.

"Sure Ty."

"4 Classics please James." Trev said noting the waiters name from his coat.

"Yes sir" the waiter said nodding and turning away.

Charlie gave them both a brief history of the club and the moves until they bought this place in the 1980's. When the waiter returned it was with a cart. He put a bowl of round ice cubes with a tong on the small table between them, a bowl of peanuts, 4 heavy rocks glasses and 4 individual small pitchers of Manhattan's one near each.

"We'll serve ourselves James." Charlie said leaning over towards the table.

"Yes sir, of course" he said handing a small silver plate with a slip of paper and a pen to Ty.

"Ice Jack ?" Charlie asked before dropping one of the large round cubes into the glass and pouring.

"Ty ?" He asked before doing the same from Ty's pitcher.

"That's a lot of Manhattan" Ty said looking at what was left in the small clear pitcher of liquid.

"They pour a nice drink for sure" Trev said taking a sip.

"This is perfect" Jack said swallowing "err why are the ice cubes round ?"

"It has to do with the physics of surface area and melting." Ty answered surprising Charlie and Trev. "The faster the cube melts the more watered down your drink so the large round cube melts much slower than smaller or square cubes."

"You know Ty, with that shopping going on, it brought to mind that time when Amy bought you a fancy bridle for Harley, remember that ?"

"I do Jack, she and Lou just replaced it along with a matching saddle."

"I was shocked when I found out what that rig cost back then but she said she loved you and you loved that horse and would never buy one for yourself so she did it."

"I know Jack." Ty said softly.

"And I know what Maddie just told me, I bet there are way more gifts than things they bought for themselves." Charlie said seeing where Jack was going with this and picking up the cue.

"They're good girls Ty, sometimes you have to step back."

"Something I'll have to get used to Trev."

"I'm married to a woman who buys a new Porsche every two years to park in front our old log house and I'll tell you guys a secret, it drives like a dream."

"It's a wonder what tortures we men have to put up with huh Jack ?" Ty said laughing.

Amy glanced down at her phone and smiled each time a credit approval went through and popped up on her phone. She knew that Charlie was also getting texts and wondered at what point he would call the girls just to check in and let them know they were not alone. Besides, Betty was with them as were the other Grands.

"Something going on ?" Renee asked.

"The girls are shopping" Meg answered.

"Last week while Ty was in surgery they went through his closet and drawers getting sizes." Amy told them laughing "they made this long list of everything from socks to underwear, pants, you name it."

"You let them ?"

"I have to admit they have excellent taste and they like dressing him young which I love so have at it."

"First time official couples for Christmas." Steph added.

Amy nodded with a chuckle "who could have foreseen that, they were couples last year, just unannounced."

"They're nice couples."

"They are Meg and the girls are very happy."

"So they're serious ?"

"Serious is relative Renee," Amy told her looking down at her phone "you know that, they're 15. It's Sandy, excuse me, I have to take this."

"Hey stranger what's up ?"

The group in the mall had stopped for a sit down and some refreshments before continuing on and were now moving again. The girls shopped windows a little ahead of the Grands when they turned with bright smiles "In here" they said simultaneously and then giggled before disappearing.

You don't find that, I don't know, weird ?"

"All I can say Casey is that you get used to it and you ain't seen nothing yet." Betty told her patting her shoulder as they walked in. "Well, this won't be cheap" she said looking around at the racks and lifting a price tag for a glance.

The girls made a bee-line to a massive display of swim and beach wear, pulled out their phones and started picking. They discussed each suit, top and bottom before choosing and then grabbed 4 of them in search of a dressing room. "Watch those Gran please !" Maddie called back.

Betty watched them find a sales person and then saw the door they went to, grabbed the pile and turned "let's go see what they've chosen."

"Why all the bikini's ?" Lily asked.

"Amy and Ty just bought a vacation place with a pool." Lisa said walking behind Betty and Casey with Lily.

"That's right, Ty told me, but so many ?"

"They're different sizes" Betty called back as she lay the pile on a chair near the dressing rooms. "This stack are gifts I'd say, I'm going in, they can't choose bathing suits without approval."

"I'll come with" Casey said following behind and into the hallway of doors.

It was obvious where the girls were and Betty knocked, "open up girls, let's see."

The door snapped open and Casey and Betty were shocked at the size of the room which was enormous and then stepped in.

Betty looked at Maddie and then Charlotte and then spun her finger around.

"What do you think Gran ?" Charlie asked, Maddie looked at Charlie and nodded turning to Betty.

The girls were each wearing the same bikini with a different color pattern, both floral, one was based in navy blue and the other based on a field of dark subdued green. The flowers were exotic and bright but placed to be more on an accent than a focus. The tops were able to be worn with or without a tie around the neck and both had a very nice twist design in the bandeau's center. They were a touch risqué but she was fine with it.

The bottoms were both side ties, again a touch risqué but the ties were thick so more like a regular bikini though still technically a string. The front was cut a little high but the back bottom did provide full butt coverage which was more of a concern.

The suits were stunning as were the girls.

"You two look amazing !" Casey said taking them in, they were of course identical but to a weird resemblance as their musculature which was pronounced was also identical. Casey could swear that on a scale they'd weigh almost exactly the same.

Betty turned to look at Casey for a second who smiled at her innocently then to the girls. "First, I have to say you both should be very proud of those bodies. You're both beautiful. As far as I'm concerned they're acceptable, but are the others like this ?"

"Ties are thinner a little and there's a ring not a twist." Maddie said.

"Let's see then, we'll step out."

Lisa and Lily walked over. "They're changing." Betty said "that last suit bordered."

"Not that bad" Casey said. Betty looked over "come on Betty, they're not heading to the Mediterranean on spring break."

The door unlocked and Casey held it open for Betty and then left it for Lisa and Lily to stand and look in. The bikinis again fit impeccably on them. These were solid, one in a medium matte green that was pretty and summery and the other in a shiny grey with a hint of blue.

These tops also had the optional neck tie feature but instead of the twist which made the original bandeau top solid these had a ring separation. Slightly more risqué than the first but Betty felt still acceptable.

The bottoms had a true string tie as opposed to the first which had the more substantial tie. These obviously showed more skin and were somewhat more risqué but again Betty had to admit she was impressed with the total butt coverage.

"Gran ?"

"I'm going to go with a tentative yes but."

"You're gonna send a picture, go ahead." Charlie said standing facing forward while Maddie turned.

"That's perfect isn't it." Lisa said smiling at the one picture both sides shot being provided.

Betty raised the phone snapped the shot and turned. "Get changed, I have a feeling you two aren't done."

"We can be done here Gran, more shopping to come before we head back." Maddie said reaching behind herself to undo her top as Betty closed the door.

While the girls shopped and tried on bikinis, Amy walked off and sat a little apart from the group.

"Things are good here, no problems, Georgie's a wonder and she has a nice way with Chuck. She and Sarah have things in hand. I'm calling about this thing with Caleb." Sandy told her.

"Ok, what thing with Caleb and I assume it's Caleb from Alberta ?"

"Right, Cassandra's husband, so I guess Ty mentioned nothing to you."

"About Caleb ? Nope, I know Cassandra is coming in to spend time in potions and with Rich and Chris."

"And to be here to spell Ty if he needs it for the wedding, anyway, you at least know about the horse ?"

"What horse ? Just tell me the whole thing Sandy."

Amy sat and listened her run through it once and then confirmed.

"Ty called around some stock people he knew looking for a large or extra large quarter horse for John."

"Right."

"Caleb found a horse and Ty bought him or authorized it. Do we know anything about the horse ?"

Amy listened and then interrupted "It's got papers certifying that it's a quarter at that size ?"

"Certified, mare and sire, he's a quarter Amy. Name's" Sandra giggled "How did I not catch that before, his name's Hagrid, oh that's precious, John has a horse named Hagrid, well, the girls will never let him live that down."

Amy laughed as well "Ok, Ok so Caleb is feeling nostalgic and wants to drive it down with Cass and kids and stay until after the wedding. We've already allotted the ranch space, every inch, any ideas ?"

"There are a couple of airbnb homes, professors on sabbatical and the like, nice places, not ranches."

"See what you can find and I'll talk to Ty when I see him, I don't have a real problem with it but Caleb with kids sounds like some time and work, time we may not have."

"Caleb is your problem, I'll get on a place and ask Bridgett if she knows of anything."

"Thanks Sandy."

A few minutes later the girls resumed their shopping while Amy's phone buzzed with a text from Betty.

"Text from the field" Amy said picking up the phone and unlocking it as the picture appeared.

Amy looked at the picture and sighed "they should probably have forwarded this to Ty," she said laughing and handed the phone to Steph who showed it to Renee, Robin, Meg and Babs who had wandered in and sat with the group. Marie was still in surgery.

"They have grown up haven't they" Renee said "by Israeli standards that's not a bad suit, covers the important parts at least."

"Not near as sexy as that suit you wore in New Orleans, I meant to ask where you found that." Steph said.

"That's literally computer cut by laser, Rachel Branch took me a couple years ago in California, they have this machine that measures you by computer and lasers the material. It's meant to be like a second skin."

"They got that part right, even Trev mentioned it."

"I'm good with this, anyone ?" Amy asked looking around the group.

All in agreement, Amy texted a thumbs up back and put the phone down.

"Anything up at the ranch ?" Meg asked.

Amy described the call which elicited laughs and comments from the group at the horse's description and purpose just as the girls started laying out the suits in pairs and grabbing cover ups.

They made sure that each set which consisted of one suit with a pattern and one complimentary solid they chose one wrap and one over the head cover up. At one point they wandered off together and returned to set down a fifth set.

"So whom do we have here ?" Betty asked "these two sets are yours."

"These are for Georgie, these for Brin and these for mom."

Betty walked over and held up Amy's cover ups to see the suits.

"And this pile ?"

Charlie smiled and picked up the floral one piece that had a somewhat borderline revealing V neck and a high cut front and sides and turned to hold it up in front of Casey.

"Definitely" Maddie agreed.

"Oh yes, come on Casey" Lisa squealed pulling her to the dressing room.

"Find one for your great grandma here girls" Casey called out laughing "Stop Lisa, I'll try it on." She said disappearing into the tunnel.

"Everything Ok here ?" A clerk asked hearing the laughter.

"Great" Charlie said piling up the stuff except for the wrap for Casey. "So far we're taking these, could you find a place for them, I hate carrying them around."

"Uhm sure thing, you're fine on your own ?"

"We're good." Maddie said standing up next to Charlie which further confused the woman as they usually did, most people were momentarily stunned to see them side by side.

"You two are very good at that, it's impressive." Lily said.

"Mom says always go with your strengths, we're odd, it freaks people out."

"No argument there, you two are definitely odd Charlotte" Betty muttered with a laugh.

"Thanks Gran, now, a suit for Grand Mere." She murmured wandering off towards Maddie who was searching as well.

The found a dark grey one piece suit with a nicely subdued floral pattern across the mid section, and up one side. There was a sexy v cut to the front but it was spanned by a nice mesh panel that complimented the pattern. It did have high sides and a high front but Lisa was in good shape and had no problem turning some heads in tight riding slacks or jeans.

Charlie walked it back just as the door opened and Casey stepped out.

"Wow, that's smokin' Grandma."

"You don't think it's over the edge ? What do you think Lisa ?"

"It really just fits you perfect Casey, how do you feel ?"

"Woah, really hot Grandma, lesbian seal of approval."

"Thanks Maddie, it feels amazing, Ok, you know what the hell, I can't imagine Tim would go anywhere near that pool anyway."

"Oh, here Grand Mere, give this a shot ?" Charlie said handing over the suit she'd been holding.

"Really ? Jack would never."

"What, see you in it ?" Casey chided "come on Lis can't hurt to try ?"

"Ok, Ok."

"Excellent !" Charlie and Maddie said together "We'll wait."

Lisa went in first and Charlie called out "Grandma ?" and when Casey turned two phones snapped a shot that they immediately compared.

"What do you plan on doing with that ?"

"Nothing insidious, we would never, just mom."

"Just Amy."

"And Brin and Georgie but that's it." Maddie added "I can't not, you understand."

"Fine" she said closing the door behind her. "you two seem to be able to talk me into anything."

"Want to try a bikini ?" Maddie asked.

"No" Casey answered laughing "Hold on Lisa I'll help."

"I don't need help" Lisa said followed by "good lord" she continued looking up into the mirror.

"Great Grandmother my ass, you'd turn heads anywhere Lisa." Casey said thoughtfully walking around her.

The girls were positively giddy and bouncing on the balls of their feet when the door opened.

"Oh my" Lily said "Lisa, that's remarkable."

"Nice legs Grand Mere, you got the whole package going."

"Thank you Madelyn, I couldn't possibly wear this in public."

"It's not public, it's a pool in the mountains on a granite hill facing nothing."

"Alright Casey, you and me, there are cover ups right ?"

"There are Grand Mere smile !" Maddie said raising her phone along with Charlie.

The little pitchers of Manhattan's the men were served, each about 1 ½ well poured drinks, were empty and more than enough for a Wednesday afternoon.

"How about a snack ?" Charlie suggested.

"I'd love one, what do they serve ?" Jack asked.

"Not here, let's walk over to Grand Central. We can use the fresh air."

It seems when the girls meant they could be finished shopping it was meant as an in general kind of thing, more in reference to the store in general because they went straight from the changing rooms to the dress department.

They started off choosing 4 long or three-quarter sleeved knitted skater dresses. Two obviously for them. Lily and Lisa looked at them on the table and both agreed they were very nice garments, stitched and pleated impeccably with a decidedly short length when held up. Several pairs of leggings and hose joined them soon as well as 4 maxi or midis that they laid down on the table.

"Girls ?" Betty asked.

"These are for us, cute huh ?" Charlotte asked holding up one of the skirts with a black top and a vertically striped dark blue and black skirt colored along the pleat to make it a shocking reveal. The other similar but with a dark red feature.

"Short, you'll need to try them on and these ?"

"Brin" Maddie said holding one up It was more subdued with a dark green floral pattern as Brin liked to dress herself more conservatively. She more than made up for it with a shockingly beautiful face, dark hair and striking gold flecked hazel eyes.

"Mom" Charlotte said holding up the forth, dark blue boat necked top and a black and white patterned pleated skirt, short.

"You realize she's going to Sebastian tomorrow."

"Sebastian is not this, this is playful and sexy, Sebastian does elegant sexy and country girl sexy because that's what he knows won't scare her away." Maddie explained "trust us, she'll look amazing in this, mom's got a killer bod."

"So where do these fit ?"

"These fit you four, come on, mom's going out with Poppa tomorrow night, and you should all go out. Mad and I have JT."

"Charlotte."

"Come on Gran, live a little."

"Well, I like mine, I'm going to try it on." Lily said.

"Way to go Grandma, seize the day." Maddie said smiling.

"Come on Lisa." Casey said "Betty, let's do this."

"You two are going to give your Uncle Charlie a heart attack." Betty said smiling after checking the price tag on her dress.

Amy's phone buzzed on the table and she leaned over. "The men are at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, this should be fun dinner conversation."

"Who ?" Steph asked returning with a cup of tea.

"The men and I can't imagine Grandpa or Ty have ever met an oyster up close."

Walking through Grand Central Station was an experience for Jack and Ty, it was as huge and over the top as it was made to look over 100 years before, a cavernous space of granite arches, steel, gilt and glass.

Trev opened one of the large double doors and Charlie nodded at the head waiter who smiled "Mr. Rodgers, how good it is to see you again, I have a table right here for you. This way."

"Thank you John, gentleman" Charlie said putting out his arm and leading the other three past several sets of patrons obviously waiting for a table. Ty noticed Charlie slip something to the man as he stood behind him. "Can I send anything over in the meantime ?"

"Water and four House IPA's, thanks John."

"I've never eaten an oyster." Ty said.

"Me neither, never wanted to either." Jack muttered.

"Well, you will today and with an open mind because nothing goes better with a beer than oysters. We'll order some raw and some fried."

"I'll give it a shot" Ty said taking a sip of the water that appeared in front of him.

"Jack ?" Trev asked, "what do you say ?"

"I'll try a fried one and we'll go on from there."

"Good man." Charlie said "to adventurous cowboys" he finished raising his beer.

The waiter returned seeing there was beer at the table and stood over them with his pad. The Oyster Bar was old school and had been here since the building opened.

"2 dozen blue points and two dozen mixed fried and a plate of burnt ends."

"Yes sir, I'll get them started."

"Burnt ends ?" Jack asked sipping his beer and sighing appreciatively.

"Barbecued pork tips, the ends of the ribs , they're nice, oysters aren't very fatty so they make a nice mix."

"Sounds more my style, this beer is very good."

"I love mine" Lily came out twirling a little and holding out her dress, but I'm paying for it."

"Me too, good taste girls." Casey said outside.

"No, no, Mom and Poppa would never forgive us, you're our guests, besides, in for a penny in for a pound." Maddie said.

"This is nice girls, well done, but I don't think I have shoes for it."

"No worries Grand Mere I'm sure somewhere in Manhattan there is a pair of shoes that will work."

"Thanks Charlie, I don't doubt that." Lisa answered laughing.

"Maybe you should let Uncle Charlie know we're done at the mall" Charlie whispered to Maddie while the clerk scanned tags.

Maddie nodded and walked off to send a text and then picked up a pamphlet on the counter.

"Whup, hold up, we'd like to join the club first please."

The clerk smiled "I'm sorry, you apply with your first purchase and get 15% on your second."

Maddie nodded "Ok then cancel this order and we'll take one of the suits and order the rest online when we get our cards. We head back to Ithaca soon and won't have time to come back in."

"You know, let me talk to the manager for a second." The clerk said walking off.

"Way to go Mad." Charlie whispered.

"Hey 15% of this stack, that's like $800 bucks."

"Your mom will be so proud." Betty said laughing "you two have spent more than enough."

"It's a special year Gran and we're here, we're way more dangerous when we can touch the clothes."

"You deserve to splurge a little, next week you're back to shoveling poop and there are 6 horses coming in and your mom doesn't know yet and will not be there."

"Hello, Ms. Fleming is it ? I'm Carla Giuliani the manager, Jacqui's explained your dilemma, I think we can honor that 15% on our own and that'll leave you with an extra 15% courtesy of corporate."

"Excellent" Charlotte said and handed over the ominous black Amex card as Jacqui, who had now been named, continued scanning. Lisa looked over at the manager who seeing the card was confident that this was a good deal.

Betty had texted Pat who was waiting at the double doors to the loading bay where he stood. Everyone carried bags at this stage which Pat took the time to fit into the cavernous Mercedes limo trunk.

Both Amy's and Charlie's phone buzzed almost simultaneously across town from each other and they both glanced down. Charlie had gotten the text so he knew they were done, Amy had not, looked at the time, decided they must be done after that and looked away.

"Well ?" Steph asked.

"$5000, I think they should be done. What's Ted Baker ?"

"Never heard of them" Meg said typing on her phone. "High end leisure and up, bathing suits are a big thing."

"Bathing suits would explain it, guess they come with the pool."

"Asher mentioned you bought a summer home, are there pictures ?"

Amy pulled over the iPad and loaded up a picture spread she had made before handing it over.

Both Ty and Jack had tried the hot fresh fried oysters with several dips and declared them excellent. On their second round of beers as Jack was picking at the burnt rib ends Ty lifted an oyster, ran his small spoon around to insure it was free. Added a dab of hot sauce and a small scoop of seafood sauce and after a grin and a count to three lifted his head back and slurped in the mollusk and down, a second later after a slug of beer declared them not only edible but tasty and fun and reached for a second.

"Does Amy eat these ?"

"She does Jack, we had a large seafood platter in the room when I flew in from Alberta, she loved them and the clams." Ty told him ready to slug down his third.

"Try one Jack, the worst scenario is you wash it down with the beer and never have another."

"What the hell, Ok Charlie, what's the routine ?"

Ty picked up his phone clandestinely checked quickly and hit record as Charlie loaded Jack's oyster and the three watched him lift it and slide it back into his mouth, chewed once and swallowed.

Once down he lifted his beer and took a long pull. "Salty, spicy, not really as slimy as I thought it would be, not bad actually, goes good with the beer for sure. So, let's have another and we can add these to my life experience."

Everyone wanted to see Jackson so the women's group stopped at the house, dropped off the packages while Pat waited to ride them over to the hospital and leave to pick up dinner.

While the men started on their second beers and the girls and Grands loaded their boxes into the house Asher appeared in the doorway to the family lounge wiping his hands with a white lined towel he tossed into a bin off to the side.

The group noticed immediately and Babs and Louis walked over. "Asher ?" Louis asked.

"I'd say 18 - 20 months and one after that but who knows for now she is perfect and Tovah and Shoshana will bring her in soon. She'll be running in a few months with a limp for now it running."

Babs started to cry and Louis teared up as well. They both hugged Asher who passed them to the rest of the group as he held out his arms for Renee his wife, hugged and kissed her gently and led her out to the hallway.

Talking softly in the hallway is where the twins and Grands found them, Maddie and Charlie running up to hug Renee and then Asher before heading inside to Amy, Jackson and the rest. After saying her hello, Betty introduced Renee to the other three grandmothers who also headed inside leaving the couple alone again.

The girls sat with Jackson and Tommy for a bit before Amy corralled them over to either side of her.

"What's up mom ?" Maddie asked.

"Tell me about today, pictures, funny ha ha's."

"Ok a little overboard."

"A little Charlie," Amy agreed "now, what'd you get me ?"

Amy sat with the girls and looked at photos either from the shops or pictures they could find on-line. They started with bathing suits and delighted in the pictures of Lisa and Casey who came over to join the group talking about the day. Amy approved of the shirt Charlie had bought for Bobby and leaned over to kiss her head to let her know. She loved the skater dresses the girls chose and was surprised that they had picked one for her. In the end it was as she thought they spent the vast majority of money on others, it was sweet and true that both she or Ty would have insisted on paying for the Grands dresses and she loved the Ty honeymoon trousseau idea and promised to keep the secret.

The men gravitated through the room in sort of a group that lost Trev to Steph and made their way over to Amy's group seated around a couch. They were greeted with the good news that Marie's surgery was done and successful. Asher had returned to his patient and team, Louis and Babs had gone to Marie's room for some alone time and to wait for her to be brought in.

Jack took the safe route and walked up to stand behind Lisa and place his hand lovingly on her shoulder and squeezed. Lisa smiled and raised her hand to place on his. Ty took the less safe route, leaned over to kiss Amy and struggled with his balance ending up awkwardly trying to stop himself from falling on top of her. Charlotte moved quickly and stood up to guide him into her seat next to Amy while she scooted out of the way.

"Easy Poppa" she said giggling "just" she added as she guided him past her, "there you go."

"Thank you uhm 'er Charlie." He muttered settling and twisting himself to face forward. After pushing his hair back over he turned with a smile and leaned in to kiss Amy.

"Like the club Ty ?"

"Oh yeah, it was nicshe."

He of course meant nice, his pronunciation or lack of it mad Maddie giggle and she immediately covered up her mouth with her hand.

"Ok, we had a couple drinks."

"And the Oyster Bar ?"

"A few beers."

"Grandpa, what's holding you up ?" Amy asked with a grin at Lisa who turned and looked up at Jack smiling.

"I'm fine" Jack said but his eyes were slightly dipped and he really wasn't steady on his feet now that Lisa had moved and he couldn't use her shoulder as a steadying point. "I ate oysters."

"Good for you GG, I hear they go good with beer" Charlie said smiling "Why don't you sit down here" she continued getting up from the spot she took after giving hers up for Ty and taking Jack's hand.

"Thank you sweetheart, I think I will."

"Charlie ?" Amy said looking up at Charlie Rodgers standing behind Betty.

"Amy ?" He asked looking back. She continued to stare at him and then shifted her head slightly.

"What ?"

"Nothing Charlie."

"Why am I always to blame ?"

"I'm not blaming you, Ty and Grandpa are big boys."

Phyllis stopped in the room, leaned over to speak with both boys and then walked over to where Amy was sitting.

"Time Phyl ?"

"Rest before dinner I think and we've lowered dosage a bit so bed I think until dinner."

"Bed it is," Amy said standing after kissing Ty "Jackson" she called out, "scoot over and say goodbye to your dad and GG, they're heading back for a nap. They'll come back later and be here all day tomorrow while I take care of some things."

"Nap sounds good." Ty murmured.

"I'm fine" Jack grumbled.

"You can hardly keep your eyes open Jack" Lisa said with a laugh.

"I texted Pat, say your goodbyes boys." Amy said moving aside for Jackson to get through.

Amy was sitting with Renee and Jackson. Robin and Babs were with their kids and with the exception of the surgical team the flow had cleared out. Renee was waiting for Asher to be done. Everyone cleared out after dinner, the empanadas that Pat had picked up. Jack and Ty were returning to see JT again and have their dinners that they had napped through.

After the men ate Amy and Ty went up to the atrium to spend some alone time together while Jack and Renee sat with Jackson. Renee spent her time reading and Jack and JT watched a show together about Antarctic wildlife.

There were a few people in the atrium which was nice in the evening with it's view of Manhattan and Amy and Ty found a quiet corner to sit and cuddle a little.

"How are you feeling Ty ?"

"Head's a bit achy but otherwise Ok, eating helped. What's the schedule for tomorrow ?"

"I'll head back to the house when someone shows up to relieve me. I need to shower and get ready for the day, maybe relax a little. We'll do Sebastian and lunch then maybe some time with the girls. John, Trev, Steph and Meg are heading back tomorrow afternoon so I think John will come by to spend time with you guys and JT. Charlie will be here too I think. I'd assume Trev in and out."

"And us."

"This is nice" Amy said leaning in and kissing him deeply, his response immediate.

"So tomorrow night dinner out and then ?" Ty whispered when they came apart.

"I assume a quick check back here and then home. We have all day Friday together until Shabbat dinner which is actually now at the hospital for ease sake. You know I miss you too Ty."

"I know you do Ames, you're not mad about today, this afternoon I mean ?"

"Of course not, you're entitled to blow off some steam."

"When do you blow off steam ?"

"Ever ride a thoroughbred full out ?"

"You haven't done that in a while."

"This surgery's a deep reviving breath for me Ty and the first time I got a security pat down so that was fun."

Ty smiled "we should go"

They made their way into Jackson's room where they found Asher sitting on the edge of Jackson's bed in civies, ready to go back to their apartment.

"Marie is awake and eating and I am going to sleep." Asher announced standing. "Shoshana is napping in the break room for a few hours, she'll stay overnight and then I think will try to get some rest and meet up with you all tomorrow."

Renee got up and took Asher's hand "Good night Jackson."

"Night Mrs. B, Doc."

They both kissed Amy and said their goodbyes to Ty and Jack, they were walking for some fresh air, Asher had not left the hospital since Monday morning.

Ty took the spot alongside Jackson that Asher had vacated and leaned over for a hug and kiss.

Jackson yawned "night dad"

"Good night Jackson, see you in the morning."

He stood up and put his arm around Amy and stepped back for Jack to lean over for his hug. "Night Jackson."

"Good night GG."

Amy walked the men to the elevator and leaned up to kiss Jack's cheeks and Ty a bit more thoroughly.

"No arguing with the professionals you two, no matter what Jackson wants."

"We'll be good, why don't I go down and take a breath of fresh air, give you two a moment." Jack said hitting the lobby button in the elevator.

"It'll be nice to sleep in a real bed again tomorrow night." Amy said snuggling against him.

"It'll be nice sleeping in a real bed with you." Ty said leaning down to kiss her head.

"Awww, that's so sweet."

"I can be sweet, hey can we talk about this shopping spree today ?"

"How about we talk about it during our 24 hours along with Caleb and a horse named Hagrid."

"Yeah, I guess Sandy called, ok deal and some of that Jack stuff ?"

"And some of that Jack stuff."

The elevator dinged and Ty blocked the door with his leg as they kissed.

"Kiss the girls for me."

"I will, I love you."

"I love you too Ty."