Chapter 100

"Ty, I have to use the ladies room, check us in at the concierge please."

Ty nodded as they split and he walked over to the concierge part of the front desk.

"Yes sir."

"Dr. Borden, we have a lunch reservation under Fleming."

"Yes, Professor Fleming, I took her call. We have a nice quiet corner of the library set aside, ah here she is, welcome Professor, it's good to have you with us again."

"Thank you Robert, this is Dr. Borden, my fiancé, well for the next couple of weeks anyway."

"We've met but I didn't hear the news, congratulations to both of you. Can I have them bring you a drink ?"

"Iced tea for me I think, unsweetened" Ty said "Ames ?"

"Cranberry, soda and lime please."

"I'll get those in and let the kitchen know you're here, it's the small study, the small seating area by the fireplace Professor."

"I love that room, thank you Robert."

They held hands walking, Ty following Amy's lead, truth is he had no idea where he was heading.

"You've come here often ?"

"Not really, but when the townhouse is leased and Charlie's not home they're very accommodating as you can see. Here we are, shall we sit across from each other or on the settee."

"Settee ?"

"That's a settee Ty, not quite a loveseat and somewhat less comfortable."

"Let's be comfortable, you take the settee."

The waitress came over immediately along with a younger man who laid out silverware, bread and a small carafe of iced water with lemon which he left after filling their water glasses.

"Professor Fleming, Dr. Borden, welcome to the Cornell. I took the liberty of grabbing one of each menu, the Tap Room has a small plate Saturday menu and the Cayuga Dining Room a full menu. Do you have a preference ?"

"Amy ? " Ty asked.

"If it's a regular dining room menu then that's for me please."

"I'll go along with her choice."

"The dining room menu is only changed quarterly and most of the standards stay. I'll leave those with you then."

As they scanned their menus a bar hop came over with their drinks and bowed away.

"What's good ?"

"I love the 5 lettuce Caesar salad as an app, I'm sure we can order it for two. The entrée's are all good, but I've had a hankering for the Mediterranean Loup de Mer."

"What are cockles anyway ?"

"Little salty clams."

"Ok, that's not for me, this duck bowl sounds interesting."

"I love that too." Amy agreed.

When the waitress returned Amy smiled as Ty ordered. They were glad to double the appetizer and Ty opted against wine or beer.

For himself he did order the Free Range Long Island Duck Bowl, handed back the menus and sat back with his iced tea.

"Wedding stuff ?" Amy asked.

"Let's uhm, talk about all this business with Jack."

"Grandpa ? Like what ?"

Ty leaned forward, "you're seeing a shrink to deal with your feelings about your grandfather Ames."

"Not actually, I'm seeing Dr. Porter to come to peace with Heartland. I can't do that without all the pieces and you took part in most of those Ty, I'm sorry about that."

"And you don't think you should talk about it with Jack ?"

"To what end, convince him that his decisions were always in everyone but my best interest ? I couldn't do that because I believe that he feels that all of his decisions were in everyone's best interest no matter the cost or hurt. I would have survived and eventually moved on if you hadn't come home from the crossroads that night, would he have told me what he knew eventually ? I would have survived the Dear Jane letter you left never knowing that there was a reason besides me that you disappeared, would he have told me then ? I have no way of knowing in any of those scenarios, but it doesn't matter because it would serve no purpose to confront him and hear his logic. No matter what Grandpa believes I know that the end is not always justified by the means Ty."

The waitress returned then with a large Caesar salad and two plates, She offered to serve but Amy said she'd do it. The waitress nodded, asked after drinks and left. Amy divided the whole salad onto the two plates keeping the artichoke hearts to herself as Ty didn't favor them and then leaned forward to the small table to start.

"You confronted your dad."

"My dad always saw me as a money making machine I think. Again, don't get me wrong, there's love in there but something takes over with dad that's bigger than that and he has a nasty habit of also claiming it was for my best interests, that he was always on my side. He never knew how to get close to me. He had the opportunity to take my side but he never really did and left it to Grandpa and he's still horning in or trying to and learning that I'm not the horning in kind of gal. He's my dad, the kids grandfather and Casey's husband, I want him as part of my life but not in business and without the adversity he loves spreading, I needed to be pretty clear about that."

"And I guess he's not 90."

"No he's not."

"So." Ty asked after swallowing another bite and pushing an anchovy off to the side on his plate.

"No anchovies ?"

"Never had one, tasted one and they're nasty salty. So, wedding ?"

Amy set up her iPad on it's small stand and went through details, table settings, flowers, music, food, scheduling and anything she could remember. Ty nodded and asked but didn't really feel the need to change anything. He heard the processional order and was fine with it. He understood that Amy needed Betty to stand with them and the reasoning behind the others sitting. He was also happy that Amy understood his need to have his folks and really Jack and Lisa as part of the wedding even if it meant Amy had to suffer through Tim. He also understood that she really didn't want to leave Casey out either. She had bonded with the girls, their fun grandma as it was.

After lunch that they devoured entirely along with coffee and a split Heirloom Carrot Cake slice that Amy swore through dinner was to die for and Ty agreed after his first taste, loving every bite. The reservation was in Amy's name so she signed for lunch, the bill would be forwarded to the Pegasus office and paid by someone. Ty texted Pat when the coffee came and he was waiting to get the door when they came out. Amy always got some stares, her cowboy hat that Ty was surprised she wore around the city and her ever present boots but a stretch Mercedes was a prize in Manhattan, they didn't come cheap and that took some looks even outside the Cornell Club. They didn't own it but no one really knew and everyone dreamed.

"So, feed my paranoia here a bit, these people at the club, guests and the employees, do they know, say, who we are ?"

Amy looked at him for a second "well, I guess calling me Professor's a dead give away at the club but I'm not quite sure they know what I teach and in academia, Dr. could mean anything, plus you could just be an alumnus."

Ty nodded somewhat unsatisfied with the answer and Amy saw that.

"Of course they've all probably seen the hunk and hot babe pages if that's what you're referring to."

"Yeah" Ty muttered discouraged "that's the one."

"I've even seen that one Ty, and I went to State school." Pat deadpanned pulling up "It's that building right there. Saturday's not crowded around here only the non orthodox private dealers are open so just text when you're ready and I'll swing up."

Amy smiled "Thanks Pat, no longer than an hour I would think. Uhm do you have that package ?"

"Oh yeah, here Ty." Pat said grabbing a leather satchel off of the front passenger seat.

Ty looked at Amy for a second and reached across taking the black leather case and then glanced inside. "Are we buying cocaine for the folks Ames, this bag is full of cash."

"Welcome to the Jewelry and Diamond district Ty, cash and a handshake." Amy said taking Pat's outstretched hand as he opened the car door.

"Thank you Pat" she said getting out and waiting for Ty.

They entered the small doorway into a narrow entry hall and up to a window with a slit. A few feet away was a desk and an armed guard behind it.

"Good afternoon, you're here to see ?" The guard asked pulling a his computer screen forward.

"Amy Fleming and Ty Borden to see Mr. Schneider ?" Amy answered.

The guard nodded, moved a mouse and then clicked, a second later the door before them buzzed and Amy pushed it open. "You can head through and I'll call up."

The lobby was set up as sort of a maze which fascinated Ty. They walked through into a gated room that was constructed as a cage.

"You have to close the door behind you before we can thumb the far gate open."

Ty nodded and closed the gate behind him which buzzed and clicked. There were two cameras pointed into the cage and a second later a second buzz as the far gate clicked open and Amy went through. One the other side a guard holding a double barreled shotgun sat on a stool across from the elevator which was opened.

"Mr Schneider controls the elevator, as soon as you're in it'll take you up to the sixth floor where you'll be met."

Again Ty nodded and followed Amy in. The doors closed and again Ty noticed two cameras pointing down.

"This is a bit excessive don't you think ?"

"I guess not if you consider there may be 100 million in jewels, precious metals and cash in this building alone. These are diamond brokers, one of the largest diamond distribution districts in the world on these two city blocks."

When the elevator stopped and opened they walked out to face a long glass wall to what seemed to be a large jewelry store. The first thing Ty noticed taking a step closer was that the glass was very thick. Looking further the shop looked closed with the exception of the lights being on. A moment later he noticed a man behind a counter who followed their movement to the large double door not surprisingly behind and in front of a cage. It took only a moment for them to once again go thorough the two double locking doors and into the carpeted showroom.

"Amy, it's good to see you again and you must be Dr. Borden, Ty right, I'm Daniel Schneider, Daniel is fine." He said this all walking towards them his arm outstretched to shake Amy and then Ty's hand.

"I hear congratulations are in order so congrats !, Come sit, I'm set up for you over here, coffee ? Water ? Anything ?"

After declining they sat at the small table, there were several trays set up under velvet. Ty took a second and glanced around the room. It was a classy set up, subdued colors and lighting except for the countertops and cases which had their own obviously anti glare lamps set up. From what he saw any of the cases could be worth 100's of thousands of dollars.

"Let's start with a brief disappointment, I could not find suitable candlesticks but, based on what I got from Charlie this should work" he said moving an object over onto a rubbery velour mat and lifting the velvet cloth off.

Amy smiled at the smallish cut glass tray.

"Snowflakes and Holly, what year ?"

"1911 and signed by HPSJ, himself."

She leaned over and examined the cuts and then looked up at Daniel "go ahead" he said as she gently lifted it slightly and tested the weight before lifting it to catch the light. When she put it down Ty spoke up.

"Is this for you, us, sorry."

"Don't be sorry, no, it's for Erma I had originally thought short candlesticks but this is beautiful and Christmas is just coming up."

"This isn't Steuben I take it ?"

"Right, this was created by H.P. Sinclaire Jr. and Company and apparently by Junior himself in the early years. Steuben didn't come into being until the early 30's, before that though the area around Corning still specialized in glass except they were known more for etching and cutting rather than crating and blowing which was typically done further east on this end of Central NY in the area around Rochester or out of state."

"Originally, William Hawkes was the big company in Corning and Sinclaire worked closely with him engraving while the Hawkes crew did more of the cutting, cut and edged crystal rather than glass. I'm almost sure that while Hawkes used NY crystal blocks for their work when Sinclaire broke off to start his own company he imported his crystal from Indiana, Dorflinger I think. He didn't start his own glassworks until Dorflinger shut down a few years later when Sinclaire moved east and opened a glass factory that both mixed and shaped then cut."

"How much ?"

"Well, truthfully, this is not my thing, I paid $9850 for the piece, about $10300 all told to get here after broker fees, that's all I want."

"Sold" Amy said.

"The gift is to thank Erma for what she's done ?"

Amy nodded "she deserves to be acknowledged and she'll love the New York significance of the piece."

Daniel rose, slid the glass plate into a velvet pouch with a satin closure and laid it on a table to the side.

"Earrings or watches ?" Daniel asked.

"What's on top ?" Amy countered and Daniel grabbed the top two trays, pulled their covers and lay them down on the mat before them. "The others ?"

"Off to the side, you can certainly still switch if you see something."

"Well I chose them all online so a few minutes checking those after looking at these first I think. If you see anything you think your mom would like Ty let me know."

"What else are we getting ?"

"Earrings for Casey and your mom, watches for my dad and Wade. The other stuff is there" she finished pointing at the pouches to the side.

"And Lisa and Jack ?"

"They've already got a watch and that brooch pendant in Saratoga. I was thinking 6 round trip tickets anywhere in the world but North America would work for Grandpa and Lisa."

"Jack won't think much of that."

"Lisa will convince him of that folly or take someone else."

"These are nice, I've seen mom wear similar to these, well not diamonds I don't think and not this size but I like these."

Daniel lay them on a separate display and checked the little tag then tapped into his iPad. "A total 3.2 carats, , GIA certified VVS1, 14 carat gold and platinum setting."

"English ?"

Daniel looked up at Ty and smiled, then spoke as if he was reciting doctrine "Diamond weight in carats, about 200 mg per carat and these are certified by the Gemological Institute of America, the diamond is analyzed and recorded, meaning like fingerprints each diamond is unique and singular, the method uses laser refractions to map the stone. VVS1 is the third highest clarity of diamond behind F for flawless and IF, internally flawless. VVS1 stones are as close to perfect as you'll likely find."

"I think I love these for Casey, I mean I love them for me but they are just Casey's style" Amy said holding them against her ear before laying them on the mat.

"Very similar cut and carat weight wise" Daniel said typing the number into his computer. "3.5 carats total weight, also certified VVS1, GIA, and also 14 carat gold and platinum setting."

"Let's see watches." Amy said glancing at the earrings and nodding.

"You had asked for a new Rolex Stainless Submariner, perpetual date. I have others though."

"It's for my dad, he'll think less of not new and won't want to wear gold."

"Sold ?" Daniel asked.

"Sold." Amy nodded.

"The price on that is fixed by the way, retails for $8950 the best I can do is $6700."

Amy nodded "I expected something like that but what can you do."

Daniel nodded and then pulled over the largest of the covered trays and pulled away the velvet to reveal two dozen vintage watches of all types.

"Wade's not getting a Rolex ?"

"I don't know Ty, we could I guess I was just thinking though that unlike dad Wade wears a suit to work and has a classier look than Alberta cowboy, he's an executive."

Ty nodded and looked over the watches "hey, this is nice, I like the rectangular."

"A Hamilton Bentley, beautiful choice, this one from 1937, solid 14 carat gold case, original crystal and 17 jewel hand wound movement, completely cleaned and timed, alligator band, really a fine collector's piece suitable for everyday wear. I think we have one similar in the back with a separate second hand, let me check."

Ty glanced over the watches again and picked up a second, looked at it and lay it across his wrist next to his Tag Heuer.

"You like it Ty ?"

"I do but I have a watch."

"You can have two, that would look very stylish with that new grey suit of yours coming down the aisle holding my hand."

"I thought I'd wear this" he added lifting his wrist.

"Don't be upset sweetheart but I'm not wearing my blue watch tucked under my beautiful, sexy white wedding gown sleeve."

"No watch ?"

Amy leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I have a diamond Patek Phillipe that I've always thought well, you know."

"Now that is a watch, that Patek is simply stunning." Daniel said returning with a small box in his hand. "Betty's Rolex also a very special piece."

Amy nodded, "try it on Ty."

Daniel leaned over to note the watch Ty was lifting. "1932 Hamilton Scott, solid 14 carat gold case, 18 jewels, double hood and as far as I'm concerned one of the classiest unpretentious Hamilton watches ever made, rare on the market, timeless really, excuse the pun."

Ty took off the Tag watch he was wearing , lay the rectangular watch on his wrist and secured it.

"It's a beautiful watch Ty."

"It really hugs the wrist and it's so thin and light compared to that." He said pointing at the Tag.

Ty looked one more time before undoing the band and laying it in front of himself.

"You think ?" He asked.

"I've seen enough, we'll take it Daniel now what did you bring us."

"The Bentley came in two styles one with and one without the small second hand, this one was just acquired and is in queue for cleaning and a nice light refurb, if you're interested I can have it ready by Tuesday or Wednesday."

"Either will work, I'm leaving Thursday."

He looked at Amy and nodded waiting for Ty.

"I like the separate second hand, let's do it, truth is Wade's easy and he still has trouble getting gifts, he'll love it."

"Excellent, shall we come to an understanding ?"

"Let's play." Amy said making Daniel smile.

"Let's go in order" she said a moment later pulling out her iPad.

"Georgie and Wyatt" Ty said before the list came up.

"Harley Sportsters." Amy said.

"Trish and John, horses and saddles."

"Wade and Lily" Amy said and grabbed the watch and earrings off to the side.

"Casey and dad" Amy said again grabbing a watch and a pair of earrings.

"Grandpa and Lisa get the tickets Shane and Jacqui get a donation."

"Wait, a donation ?" Ty asked.

"Excuse us Daniel."

"Please, I'm fascinated."

"You'll be disappointed, Shane is my brother and a few months ago I bought him a car for his birthday and he made me promise we were done until his wedding so I, we'll we now, really can't but we can make a donation to their theatre group, so …."

"Lou and Katie" Amy continued "the small tennis bracelet for Katie and these earrings for Lou."

"Maddie, Charlie and Sabrina, these tennis bracelets, Bobby seriously needs a new saddle."

"Chuck gets this watch, Robin gets Trudy's necklace after the ceremony with, this diamond heart" she said reaching over.

"Two heart necklaces for Kimmie and April. Cars and JT get cross country saddles and Betty will get my pressed wedding bouquet."

"Your pressed wedding bouquet ?" Ty asked.

"It's a very personal and loving gift, it'll mean more to her than more earrings."

Ty was pretty much blown away when he slid into the car. Daniel had looked across the table and asked for $55000 in cash as Charlie had already secured him with a deposit. It was jaw dropping. Amy haggled that figure down to a still impressive $41,600 so they'd have change from what Ty realized was the $60000 they walked in with. Adding to that what he estimated to be an additional $35000 for the other non jewelry gifts, the Harley Sportster, plane tickets, horses and saddles.

"Where to ?"

Amy looked at Ty who held the leather clad satchel with cash, "Home to dump this in the safe and then the hospital I guess."

"Home it is, are you sure you don't want me to set up someone else for Monday ?"

"Trish and I'll be fine Pat and you're booked until next Sunday and we're leaving Thursday I think, you take a long weekend please."

"Amy you don't have …"

"Enough Pat, I won't hear of it, you never signed up to babysit the twins or Jackson and his buddies, transport cash, pick up food and you are not just our driver when we're here, you're a trusted confident so go home and spend the time with your family as a gift from us."

"Where's the safe Amy ?" Ty called back from the bedroom. She had stopped in the small seating area where Lou and Georgie were having a cup of coffee after returning from Maggie's in Brooklyn and before heading to the hospital.

"There's a thumb reader under the light inside, oh forget it, I'll be right there." She called back smiling at her sister and niece. "Be right back."

Ty smiled when she walked in "sorry about that."

"Stop saying that Ty, how would you possibly know." She remonstrated as he watched her switch off the closet light switches and then push both buttons together to pop open the light switch panel which revealed a thumb reader. When she pressed it the was a whir and click and Amy walked over to pull out a small section of shelving to reveal a safe. She thumbed that and clicked it open and then closed with the case within, locked and hidden again.

"That's so freakin' cool."

Amy smiled at Ty walking over to him leaning on the door to the closet "I thought it was pretty cool and when we lease the home, we don't tell them about the safe."

The group of four, Amy, Ty, Lou and Georgie got off the elevator and were immediately taken in by a small crowd of people in the large waiting room. They were clustered around Robert and Colleen and most if not all were firefighters and their spouses. Pat had left to be in Soho for the girls. Amy had been checking their purchases through the afternoon and found them all reasonable. She wasn't sure the girls had even reached $1000 yet so she was satisfied.

Colleen jumped up when she saw the group and came over. "Amy, Ty come meet some of the crew and Robert's station Captain."

Amy sent Lou and Georgie on and followed Colleen. They shook hands with the firefighters and their wives. Amy made an effort to remember names but it wouldn't work she knew.

"Ma'am, on behalf of my squad and the the fire department I'd just like to thank you for your generosity."

"A lot of people made this happen Chief, we're probably the least of it. Besides the real work will be all Robert and if I get the boys right, he's got some work to do."

"Swimming" Robert stated "never my strong suit."

"We'll get you a coach Robert, have no fear, those muscles will be aching soon enough."

"Married life has made you soft buddy, you're gonna have to tow the line now." One of his station mates told him, "bet Colleen can stand a couple of those pounds off you."

"I haven't actually gone to pot Bruce."

"No you haven't and I love those little handles." Colleen added giggling.

"We'll get him in shape Colleen." Amy said laughing along "it was good meeting you all and thanks for the breakfast." With that she hugged Colleen as Ty patted Robert on the shoulder and they walked off down the hall.

They found most of the others clustered around Jackson and the other patients on the couch of the family lounge staring at the screen and pointing at things as comments and questions came up from the group.

"Amy your ranch is beautiful" Louis told her from his seat at the edge of the seating area with Babs.

"Thanks Louis, you're always welcome. What are we looking at ?"

Jackson looked up for a second and made room for Ty "Wyatt hooked up go pros to Tristan, Buck and Merlin and we're on a trail ride. Wyatt's on Merlin, Kace is on Buck and Piper's on Tris, we're heading to the rescue center to see what's new."

"That's so sweet." Amy said looking at the screen.

"Wyatt's awesome." Jackson beamed looking at Georgie.

"I love Alpacas." Marie said looking up "they're very sweet looking."

"They are usually very sweet animals Marie."

"Mama says I can't get one, they're too big."

"I think they're definitely too big for the city, maybe a dog or a cat."

"I can get a dog when the cast comes off."

"Well that's exciting, you have to take care of it though."

"I know, I will, I promised."

"Jackson says they're great with the other animals" Eric said "we never thought of it on our farm."

"Well it you're interested we can talk, their economic viability comes with numbers though so it's that kind of a decision."

"They are absolutely adorable Amy, that's got to be worth something."

"Well it's not unheard of two get one or two as mascots or pets Robin , they are very good with other animals. Anyone see Trish ?"

"I think she's with Colonel Molly in my room mom."

"Well then I'll leave Ty here and see what's up."

There were actually five women in the room with Meg, Erma and Sally sitting in chairs or on the bed. Amy checked her phone, the teens weren't due for an hour or so. Georgie and Lou followed Amy in and found spots on the floor or the edge of the bed not taken.

"Look at those tables yet sis ?" Erma asked turning to Amy.

"I have and it gave me a headache so I passed them on to committee. I had Bridget send the lists to Loren and Pat and another to Linda Chen to deal with their faculty. Pat said she'd get the list to us soon."

"Definitely one way to handle it." Erma agreed "so I guess we're pretty much done."

"What's up next ?"

"Next Georgie ?" Erma asked "your notes on what you liked or didn't like at Amy's wedding so we can start planning yours the right way over the course of 6 months rather than 2."

"Now that's exciting" Amy added "what do you think Georgie, what parts of my wedding won't you approve of ?"

Georgie looked up at Amy who was grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Georgie smiled back "I doubt we'll have snow removal crews standing by."

"Snow removal crews ?" Amy asked looking across at Erma.

"Well ? Seriously Amy, how pissed would you be if I didn't and it snowed ? I've even arranged to have roof shovels to clear the tops of the tents if snow builds up."

"Come here you, give us a smooch" Amy said pulling on Erma's arm.

Erma giggled "Ok stop, Amy stop."

"Ok, but promise we'll smooch later."

"You're incorrigible."

"Lou, you're going to make it back for the bridal shower right ?" Sally asked.

"Flying in Monday and staying with Georgie, well going to the mountain house and then staying with Georgie. Katie will come with Mitch, Jen and the others on Friday after school."

"I specifically said it's not a bridal shower."

Meg smiled "Well, it's not but what else would you call it, a bunch of women getting together to hang out a few days before one gets married ?"

Amy pouted "I wouldn't call it a bridal shower."

"Ok, Lou, you'll be back for the kegger ?"

Lou nodded "I will, flying in Monday and staying with Georgie."

"I think you're with Ash."

"Oh Ashley's coming, that's exciting." Amy paused "Meg, how would you know Ash is coming."

"We talk, you know since that weekend."

"You bonded with Ashley Stanton ?"

"Oh yeah, we talk all the time."

Georgie laughed at the look on Amy's face "that's worlds colliding for you, they just hit you, boom."

"She staying with us, I thought you knew."

"Yeah, well, I'm not really up on who's staying where, you could have mentioned the whole bonding thing Meg."

"It's not some grand conspiracy Amy, pretty sure Maddie knows, Brin talks to her too."

They were interrupted by Colleen who came in carrying a tray with at least a dozen packed ice cream sundaes. "One of the guys showed up with a million of these, the kids are ruining their dinner already."

"Why not." Amy said reaching over "which is what ?"

"No idea, just grab one and you can switch."

Amy nodded and reached out for one with what looked like strawberry topping. Others grabbed as well.

"I have to get back."

"Thank you Colleens" were called out as she left.

"This is some sort of praline sauce and chocolate cookie dough." Molly said "it's very good."

"Mine is apple pie ice cream I think with strawberry sauce and chunks of strawberry." Amy said going for another spoonful.

"That's sounds good too, here, let's trade."

Trading ice creams around the room led to a discussion of the wedding desserts which in almost December would not include ice cream but warm apple pie and crême fraiche courtesy of Erma's cows.

Erma finished chewing an ice cream covered brownie chunk "So the apple pies became a thing and a few of the local farms are sending in their apple things, Sally and my pies and a few others, apple cider donuts, fritters and the like so basically a butt load of competitive NYS apple products."

"Cider, hard and not, and everyone gets cider donuts or fritters and a small apple butter on the way out." Sally added.

Amy nodded swallowing the last of the cup she ended up with cherry chocolate chip with marshmallow and pineapple topping and tossing the container "Betty told me about the others, it's a nice thought, very Ithaca."

"What's very Ithaca" Betty said walking in.

"The whole apple dessert thing for the wedding" Sally said. "Shouldn't the kids be back ?"

"They were, actually are" Betty said "Charlie and I met them downstairs and they're heading to the house to drop their stuff and then come over. Charlie's with them."

"Do we have dinner set up ?" Amy asked.

"Thai delivered in like an hour then back to the house I guess."

They kids ate with the moms and Ty so they could all spend some time together. The teens ate with Lou, Georgie and Trish.

Babs, Robin and Shira who'd be head on call for the night were fine having April and Cars camp out in JT's room. The moms promised they wouldn't leave until all the kids were asleep. Colleen mentioned that she'd be around with Robert as well. After dinner they grabbed the hospital shuttle for the quick ride down to the house.

Brin and Bobby both had their clothes for the evening at the townhouse so they bypassed Charlie's place altogether. He'd be by later on to join the get together.

The consensus after checking supplies was Cranberry Lime Daiquiris, they had 3 blenders after borrowing one from the downstairs tenant, one would be virgin and two not. Meg volunteered her services to mix them and they settled around the table awaiting the teens. Pat sat waiting with a virgin drink having found a spot outside for the limo.

"Midnight right ?"

"Midnight is good Pat." Amy said looking for confirmation from Sally and Meg.

"I'll drop them at Charlie's and watch the twins home ?"

"I'll mention it to the girls."

"Mention what to the girls mom ?" Charlie said rounding the corner holding hands with Bobby.

"I'll drop you all at Charlie's and wait to see the twins here." Pat said getting up and buttoning his suit jacket.

"Yeah, that's not gonna work for me, gotta see Charlie home Pat." Bobby said switching his arm around her waist.

"Ok" Amy said with a grin at Sally, "reverse it."

Maddie and Brin came around the corner next. Standing together Ty's eyes quickly scanned the girls. The twins were both wearing fairly tight fitting satin suits. They wore different colors but not by much, both had broad vertical stripes alternating a shade of blue with black. They each wore a tight satin blouse underneath also in a different color. Looking down they each had slightly open toed black shoes closed in the back with what looked like an inch and half heels and each sported a black silk fedora with a feather.

"What do you think Papa ?"

"You won't be cold ?"

This set the mother's laughing. Ty was clearly not ready to see his girls dressed like city fashionistas in what were clearly outfits chosen to be tight and sexy. Brin was also in what appeared to be a tight A line dress with squared shoulders. It was dark blue and obviously silk or similar because of the way the light played off it as it moved. She had her hair down which wasn't very common for her and the way it played around and framed her face was astounding. One thing he did notice was that Sabina was wearing flats. Maddie and Brin were almost the same height so, with her arm around Brin's waist Maddie looked at least an inch taller.

Bobby was in black jeans, black boots and black T shirt and what Ty thought was a really ice shirt and told him.

"Awesome shirt Bobby."

"Thanks Ty, Charlie bought it for me." He said leaning over to kiss her cheek.

"Charlie's got good taste. That's a beautiful dress Sabrina, you all look wonderful."

"Thank you Poppa !" Maddie said. "tickets mom ?"

"Tickets, right, they're on my dresser upstairs."

"I'll get them" Charlie said and took off. She was back a minute later and handed each of the others a roll of the gold colored tickets. "Guess that's it except for the good-byes."

The girls each came over to Ty and leaned over for a kiss and hug "have fun girls."

They went to Amy next. Bobby and Brin went to their moms and Brin stopped to kiss Ty's cheek on the way back to the hallway.

"Midnight kids." Amy called out. Brin leaned back and gave her a thumbs up as their voices disappeared through the front door.

"The twins certainly have a look." Lou said finishing her daiquiri and glancing over at the blender.

"I'll whip up another batch Lou" Meg said seeing her "I'm ready for another, refill that virgin Amy ? Trish ?"

"I'll have one Meg, tasty brew." Amy said passing her glass along the table. "I haven't seen those outfits Lou, did they get them with you Betty ?"

"Not this week, maybe today ?"

"Well, they certainly have the figures for that stuff, the girls look great and Bobby looks like he's built like a tank."

"I'm not used to it, you don't get that stuff in Hudson."

"What stuff Ty, women with good figures ?"

"Come on Ames, you never dressed like that."

"I never had the money or a charity event to go to."

"I know that but you or Georgie never dressed like that for anything."

"I never had the money or a charity event either Ty."

"I know Georgie, I get that."

"I think Ty's problem is that if he was walking down 5th Avenue he'd turn to look at the three of them walk past."

"I don't know about that Trish."

"Sounds about right Ty" Lou said taking a sip of her fresh drink and continuing "Maddie and Charlie are wearing suits, not tight mini dresses and Brin a very stylish dress that's pretty modest in length, by todays standards all pretty tame."

"So what are you saying ?"

"I think my love that what they're saying is you need to change your perspective, this isn't Hudson and the kids aren't us, they're individuals now and here not there and then."

"Still."

"And you need to trust that your daughters were raised to be both proud of their bodies, selves and their individuality as well as strong and independent. They're not on the prowl Ty, they're out dancing with their loves."

Sally looked over "What's the charity ? Bobby mentioned an outreach."

Betty took up the answer "The Museum of TV and Broadcasting has an outreach scholarship fund with certain NYC high schools, this helps fund that."

"Where's the money, how much can you raise with carnival tickets ?"

Amy laughed, "sorry Ty, when I said like carnival tickets I meant in concept not price. The ticket rolls have tickets worth $50, $100 and $250 depending on the ticket. You buy them as a book for say $2500 which includes admission. 300 teens, that'll raise ¾ of a million dollars and awareness, I'm sure there are other donations made, there might even be more expensive books, I didn't actually check with Charlie about the cost."

"Ok, that makes more sense, I knew I was missing something. So Brin found out about this ?"

"She called a few friends from Juilliard to see about something to do and found out that some of her friends are in the band at the event and here we are."

Ty had looked over at Meg as she explained and nodded. Charlie showed up at one point holding two bags, one with rum and triple sec and one with limes and confectioners sugar. These were immediately appropriated by Meg and carried to the blenders.

"The Saskatchewan Alpacas are now ours, we have 100 days to move them." Charlie said after his first sip of daiquiri. "Good job Meg, I forgot the cranberries."

"We'll use what we have, I think there are a few quarts of strawberries."

"Or just lime." Ty said.

"Does Haddie know ?" Betty asked.

"She texted me as soon as Ashley emailed her the ownership papers, 5 minutes ago."

"I'll have the girls call Haddie and get involved in setting up Fairfield. They can talk with Lisa when she's here for the wedding."

Ty noticed Betty glance over at Amy who seemed to somehow let her know that she approved. It was odd and he'd seen it with others including Jackson and now was wondering if he did it and just didn't realize he was.

They were into their third round of drinks when Erma chimed in. "So Charlie, Chuck and Robin have plans you know of ?"

"Robin has her heart set on the chapel, pretty dress and light rain. Can you do that ?"

"Light rain ?"

Amy smiled "Chuck has always loved the sound of rain on the roof of a big space like the barn, she comes sometimes when she has chance and it's raining. They hang out with the horses. He was always easier to calm in a space like that. Maybe it's a rhythm thing."

"I guess we can do light rain with sprinklers in case it doesn't rain." Erma pondered and then took out her pad to make a note. "You know they go to the chapel sometimes, trail riding, I've seen them, they sit and talk. Who's going to marry them ?"

"Judge Newsome of course, Chuck's already asked. He's thrilled."

"Judge Newsome ?"

"Sorry Ty," Charlie said turning "after Trudy passed the Judge was nice enough to have a brief ceremony making Amy's god mother status legal. It meant so much to him and the Judge has always taken the time to keep that relationship, they've had Chuck and Robin over many times."

"Legal how ?"

"Not legal legal sweetheart, Ithaca legal, small town legal."

"So daiquiri's are surprisingly potent." Ty said reaching for some nuts and a slice of cheese.

Meg looked over "the secret is the snacks and not drinking where you're not sleeping."

"You're not sleeping here Meg." Amy said laughing.

"Oh yeah, maybe we should go soon then."

"No argument from me" Sally agreed "I keep farmer's hours, love daiquiris though."

"I made them, someone else load them in the dishwasher please."

"I'll help." Georgie volunteered standing.

"How many of those did you have ?"

"No idea mom but I'm Ivy League now, so gotta step it up."

"Go big red ! Erma said standing as well.

Amy was surprised when she heard the front door, Pat would have texted and then she remembered Colleen who appeared a second later. "Geez, I fell asleep with Robert watching TV, Shira approved a safe snuggle, this is like the nicest hospital in the world. Arch, I was looking forward to a drink."

"I wouldn't get used to this kind of treatment from another hospital and we may have some daiquiri left." Amy said.

"All the same if I'm drinking alone, would you have an Irish whiskey ?"

"I'll check, if not ?" Ty asked walking off.

"Rye would do." She called back.

"So, not a lightweight ?" Lou asked.

"Oh no, raised Irish, Catholic School, the works. My da gave me sips of beer on his lap, and the whiskey's part of it in a real firefighter family."

"Redbreast 1991 – Aged in Sherry 25 Years" Ty said walking up and handing it to her. He also held two glasses, a rocks glass and a shot glass that she reached for. She leaned over and poured the tall shot full then raised it before her lips, thought for a second and in a full Irish brogue and her smiling eyes on Amy, she toasted the crowd.

"I wish you health, I wish you well, and happiness galore.

I wish you luck for you and friends; what could I wish you more?

May your joys be as deep as the oceans, your troubles as light as it's foam.

And may you find, sweet peace of mind, where ever you may roam. Sláinte !"

Then they watched as she turned back her head, she didn't shoot it down, instead it was like a gentle pour. When she righted herself she smiled "well, best whiskey I've ever had, that's for sure." She then took a step and pulled Amy into a hug.

They smiled at each other for a second and then Colleen said with a laugh "Well, I'm for bed."

Amy smiled at him. He was leaning on his elbow perched over her. That small lick of hair hanging down between them, the shade of his beard against his beautiful smile, his dreamy eyes. She closed her eyes as she once again pulled his head down so that their lips joined. The movie was long forgotten, they lay on the couch in the small seating area in the townhouse bedroom and necked like teenagers. Several times Amy had giggled like she had so many years before in the loft and pushed his hand away from here or there when their petting pushed the limit.

"Ty stop", she whispered with a chuckle, pushing him back gently and trying to straighten her blouse "we can't, the girls will be home soon."

"Ok we'll stop."

"So extreme, maybe just slow down ?" Amy asked meekly pulling him down again.

Earlier, at the moment the group to Charlie's apartment was heading through the door on the way out the text came in from the girls begging another hour which was whittled down to leaving in 40 minutes and home by 1:00, late for the group for sure but it was a special occasion of sorts.

That left Ty and Amy with about 90 minutes to kill so they decided on a movie. He was so cute after some drinking, he wasn't drunk by any stretch at this point but still cute and very touchy.

"Ok, why don't we grab a fruit or something in the kitchen, they should be home any minute." Amy said giggling at his frown and standing back from his clutches "and tuck yourself in."

"I will, go on I'll be down in a minute."

Amy stopped and brushed her hair for a second and then headed to the door tucking her shirt back in, adjusting it, her bra and her buttons.

She tossed Ty an apple when he walked into the kitchen. She had a bowl of strawberries out and a bottle of water.

"What's the latest they've ever we out ?" Ty asked reaching for her water for a sip.

Amy looked at her watch "12:47 and counting."

At 12:54 the door clicked open. The girls were quiet coming up and turned the corner into the kitchen dropping their fedoras on the table and pulling off their jackets almost simultaneously.

Ty noticed the girls looked a bit washed out and assumed the party was tight and hot.

Maddie immediately sat down, kicked off her shoes and took a second to massage her feet.

Charlie leaned over and wrapped her arms around Ty's waist. "Poppa you stayed up waiting, were you worried ?"

"I was not worried Charlie but I was thinking about you both, did you have a good time ?"

"We did." Maddie answered standing and immediately hugging Amy. Having removed her shoes she was now just slightly taller than Amy. "Hey mom, thanks for tonight."

"I'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves."

"What is the fascination men have with watching two women together and why would a woman put up with a man who turned his head to stare at those two women both of whom want nothing to do with him ?"

"I, uhm, well." Ty began thinking the question was thrown his way and that he should probably answer.

"We know the answer Poppa, the question was rhetorical, it's gross." Charlie whispered still in his arm with her head on his chest. "No one hit anyone, so all's well."

"Always a good sign." Amy agreed "I assume Brin and Bobby had an equally good time ?"

"Bina is clearly the most beautiful woman in any group." Maddie sighed coming over to hug Ty as well which sent Charlie across to hug Amy.

"And Bobby ?" Amy asked smiling.

"Only has eyes for me." Charlie sighed mimicking her sister's comment a moment earlier.

"As it should be." Amy agreed smiling across at Ty.

"So what do you spend those tickets on ?"

"Well Poppa" Maddie explained "admission is the big $250 ticket, water is $50 a bottle, soda $75, really good cookies for $75 a bag, ice cream for $100, pizza slices for $150, song requests were $200, like that. We left the rest in the bin on the way out."

"Just like the carnivals back home." Ty muttered.

Amy laughed, "Grab a free water and then bed you two."

"I think we'll rinse first, stinky sweaty bleh." Maddie said making a face and grabbing for her discarded clothes.

Charlie kicked of her shoes and reached for them and her jacket as well. "What time are we leaving tomorrow ?"

"I think the flight home is 4:45 so figure heading to the heliport about 4:00. The appointment at Steinway is at 10:45. Pack before we head to the hospital please." Amy told them while getting good night hugs.

Breathless a little later Amy collapsed into Ty's arms that immediately wrapped around her and was followed by gentle kisses, hers to his chest and his to her head. She sighed "is this Ok, I could move over."

"This is fine" he said his hands gently caressing her back. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too Ty, I'll be home Thursday."

"And I'll be busy until then."

"Sounds like it."

"Won't be that bad."

"Hopefully not, you'll handle it."

"Is there a trick ?"

"Let people do their jobs and be encouraging."

"Is that the secret ?"

"No, the secret is picking the right people to begin with."

"You're so smart."

"I'm a professor, says so on my door." She murmured sliding off to his side and clearly ready to sleep.

Ty turned to his side and pulled her close. "good night professor."

"Mhmmmm" Amy murmured again covering Ty's arm which had wrapped around her mid section as they drifted off to sleep.