Chapter 104

Dinner was not how Amy would have liked it but as Betty repeatedly interjected "we have no option, I know you like sitting but we're over 40 for the wedding, we can't expect guests and family staying in Air BNB's and hotels to deal with no thanksgiving or finding dinner reservations."

"I can accept it and not like it Betty."

"Then be a proper host and stop frowning, smile, be happy, you're getting married."

'Yes Gran, see, smiling and happy !' She said stretching her mouth into a hideous grin.

Maddie and Brin wandered in to the official buffet setup in the dining room. It was far from ready, the three turkeys not coming out for at least 2 hours. They were shooting for a 3:00 PM start.

"What's with the face ?' Maddie asked looking at Amy.

"She doesn't like buffets." Betty said.

"Little late for that mom, wasted energy."

"I know Mad." She said smiling at her daughter, her smile now back to normal.

"Come out on the porch mom, Brin's gonna work Cosi with a recorder make sure he doesn't freak out."

"Horse stuff, excellent distraction ! You have a plan Brin ?" Amy asked grabbing her hat and a jacket and following them out.

"I've worked out a plan of 12 recorder tones that I've assigned to standard vocal and hand commands. So first order of business is getting Cosi used to the sound of the recorder, seeing it with me and approaching him with it. Then maybe an easy command like back, or maybe just playing."

"Physical command, vocal, leg and then musical. He needs to be trained to the others whether he responds to the music or not. I would get him used to seeing and hearing the recorder first though, let's try him in the pen and you can sit on the rail and play and we can gauge his reaction. Horses seem to like music so this should be fun."

Brin nodded as Amy spoke, she had a way of focusing and nodding affirmatively that Amy loved because to her at least it left no doubt that Brin was listening and absorbing the information.

Charlie came out with Bobby next, he was carrying a platter of fruit, sent out by Betty, destined for a small serving table on the porch. They were already both dressed for dinner, Charlie in a dress with a mid weight sweater and Bobby in nice jeans and a dress flannel shirt. Both wore hats. Brin and Mad were still in ranch clothes as they walked to the barn. Bobby lay the platter down between the adults and the young couple walked a few seats down and took a double rocker, Bobby's arm reaching around Charlie as she settled against him to watch.

"That's a nice dress Charlie, new ?"

"From a vintage shop in Soho Sally, I guess, new to me ?"

They watched as Maddie and Brin walked out with Cosi on a long lead. Maddie, who was carrying a hard leather case stopped and sat up on the top rail of the center round pen as Brin went in and got Cosi settled.

Lead off, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of oats and dumped them on the floor at his feet. As he leaned over to nibble at the treat, Brin walked over and standing in front of Maddie, her back to Cosi, she snapped open the case and pulled the three wooden recorder sections out as Maddie shut the case.

Watching, Amy smiled as Cosi left the small pile of oats to walk up to Brin and nudge her.

"Hey you" Sabrina giggled turning and reaching up to scratch his forehead. "Look at this Cosi, it's a recorder, it makes pretty music and it can't hurt you at all."

She held it out and Cosi reached his head over to sniff it and then touch it with his nose. Then Brin turned to the side and rubbed the recorder over Cosi's neck as he watched her. There was no reaction, he trusted Brin. She handed the instrument to Maddie, Cosi watching the exchange and then Brin climbed up to sit. He immediately shifted position as she settled the recorder in her hand and blew a clear long toned "C".

Cosi watched and they all saw his ears shift forward to Brin. Once again she blew the note.

Again Cosi stared at her. "So far so good" she muttered at Maddie.

"Play something short Bina."

Sabrina thought for a second and began playing Blackbird by The Beatles. As she ran through it Cosi stepped back and cocked his head to the right, obviously listening. He cocked his head back to normal when she was done and smiling and he stepped forward again this time nudging at the recorder.

"Look at him, that's adorable."

"It's a great first reaction for sure Meg, most animals respond well to music." Amy said without taking her eyes off the round pen.

"Want some more sweetie ?" Brin asked with the biggest smile on her face.

"Play it again Bina."

"Blackbird ?"

Maddie nodded and Sabrina began again, this time though Maddie joined in singing.

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise"

Cosi had stepped back again this time his head bopping back and forth between them as they played and sang causing Maddie to giggle as she sang and Brin to falter once in her playing. When they stopped he stepped back again and bobbed his head up and down once and then stamped his foot.

"Looks like a success so far" Charlie said with a big grin on her face. "Look at Brin, she's in heaven."

Sabrina smiled and handed Maddie the recorder as she hopped down into the pen. Maddie got the instrument back into the case as Brin moved back and forth, her long hair flying from under her hat and Cosi following her playfully.

'What do you think Mad, leg up ?"

"You think ?"

"What's the worst, I get thrown, he won't hurt me Mad, I know he won't."

"Rub him down a little and try some pressure on his back, you want a blanket ?"

"I don't think so and I'll use the rope halter and try using his mane."

"Mad, how's it going ?" Ty asked walking over with Bert and Sarah. They had done a quick rounds before all the eating.

"Good so far Poppa, she's gonna try to get on him, he was fine with music."

"You take care sugar !" Sarah called out "I think I'll stay and watch." She said softer to Ty and Bert.

"We'll stay too" Bert said "I know someone's always got to be first, why it has to be the irreplaceable prodigy is beyond me but …" he finished in a mutter.

"She'll be fine Uncle Bert, Brin's a great rider." Maddie said laughing and then dropping gently from her perch and leaning up to kiss his cheek.

'We actually pay people for this Madelyn." Bert said as she walked away.

"Hush now please." She answered playfully and with a smile.

"Sarah ?" Ty whispered.

"Why don't I hold him for you Sabrina, 'til you get settled." Sarah said taking Ty's cue and walking through the gate he now held slightly open.

Brin nodded to her as Maddie and she walked to his side and Sarah took hold of Cosi's light rope halter.

"Easy boy, it's just Sabrina, light as a feather." Sarah whispered moving her free hand to a T Touch on his high forehead.

"Ready Bina ?"

Amy had stood when she saw Brin was going to ride him. Having watched Cosi over the past half hour she knew that his and Brin's connection was strong and she was sure Brin could feel it and wasn't scared but more nervous and she hoped the fact that she was a professional performer would help her tamp that down and not telegraph it to her mount, she was an excellent, experienced rider. Brin had one other thing going for her, a positive attitude towards life that was admirable.

Meg came to stand beside Amy and when Sarah walked in to the round pen she took Amy's hand.

"She'll be fine Meg."

"Promise ?"

"Sarah's right there."

"I'm gonna kiss that husband of yours for getting her in there."

Charlie and Bobby came to stand right behind them "she's a good rider Meg and they have a real connection."

"And a witch." Bobby muttered after Charlie.

Meg and Amy giggled "thank you both, I'll be happy when it's over" Meg finished.

"Amy, I remember when you rode Tristan over for April's birthday" Erma said "We looked at him and he looked huge compared to her and August, bless his heart, just hoists her up and drops her on his back, I nearly passed out and she just grabbed on, leaned over to hug him and all was good with the world."

"She'd been with Tristan for 6 months at that point Erma, it's not the same but thanks" Meg said it with love, taking a second to turn with a big smile, she did appreciate the thought.

"Moment of truth" Sally said standing up and joining them at the rail.

Maddie cinched her hands and leaned over and a second later hoisted Brin up on Cosi's back. Maddie took a step back but stayed ready as Cosi stiffened for a second and took a few small steps. Sarah stood right there calming him until Brin leaned over and wrapped her arms around his neck "shhhh, Cosi, it's just me, right here."

Between Brin's and Sarah's reassurances Cosi settled and Brin sat up keeping her hands on his neck, running her fingers though his mane for a few seconds before taking some into a firmer grip.

"How about I walk him with you Sabrina, just to start ?"

"OK Sarah, yeah, thanks, I think he's good but Ok, once around. I'm Ok Mad, really, he seems pretty calm."

"Looks good." Amy said watching Sarah leading Cosi around the perimeter of the pen as Maddie walked over and leaned against Ty before wrapping her arms around him.

"Good day Mad ?"

"Good day Poppa, you ?"

"Good day for me too."

"Excited ?"

"A bit anxious, maybe some butterflies."

"Mom loves you Poppa."

"I know she does Mad."

"And we all love you and Gran."

"I know that too Mad."

Amy's eyes strayed to Maddie and Ty and she couldn't help but smile at the relationship developing between her kids and her very soon to be husband.

"What ?" Meg asked.

"What what ?"

"The smile on your face must be pretty serious because there are tears Amy."

"Oh" she said absently rubbing her sleeve over her face.

"Oh what sis ?" Erma asked smiling. "Come on, share."

"Ty and the kids, Betty, Ty and all of you really, I don't know what to make of you all" she was all out crying at this point and immediately surrounded by friends, Betty came out and Lou, Georgie and Cass turned the corner to the porch having come from Georgie's apartment where they were catching up.

It was Betty and Charlie who led her to sit. Georgie went in to get her a cold water bottle. Lou came and sat next to Charlie.

"It's you Amy, I guess you don't see it like we do, your happiness is almost infectious." Erma said kneeling down and taking her hand.

"He's become special to us mom, he's a good, loving man and he's so sweet and caring and I don't know, scared almost. And he loves us, we can feel it and it's not hard to return it."

"Well, it's embarrassing to say actually but he looks at me like Mitch used to, cuts right through me." Betty added.

"You two have always been like that Amy, when you two weren't full of yourselves you were amazing."

"Mom's right Amy, that stuff's gone and behind you both, I saw it that morning I showed up. Before I really got to know this you, it wasn't hard to see the change in him, like this hard intensity he's had for the past few years just started disappearing and now, I can't imagine him anywhere else."

Amy looked around at her friends and family and smiled into tears again.

"It's how we all feel Amy" Bobby added with a crooked smile.

"Look at Brin." Meg said and they all turned, Amy stood and walked over to the railing where they lined up to watch her canter Cosi.

They could hear her laughing and all smiled as she reached down and hugged Cosi's neck after she got him stopped. He responded well to leg commands as she rode, a good sign as they had figured he had been ridden but you can never know how he was trained and whether his rider had been good.

Maddie was there to spot Brin off and walk with her as they led Cosi to the gate where Brin stopped to give Sarah a big hug before heading off to get him settled. As they left Sarah, Ty and Bert continued on to the house.

Ashley, Jack and Lisa had gone for a ride with Mallory and Jake and were returning when the group moved inside following Bert for pre dinner cocktails. Surprisingly Lily and Wade went to pick up Tim and Casey from the airport. Lily and Casey had developed an interesting friendship on their conference calls. Soraya who was flying into Newark Airport was being met by a limo. All were due at the ranch in less that an hour.

Inside Amy's group broke away to the living room while the men moved to the library. When Brin and Maddie made it in, washed and changed they settled with Charlie and Bobby in the music room. The three kids, JT, April and Carson were at the Potter Farm with August and Tom who texted and were heading over with the Thanksgiving cider and Sally's pies in a few minutes.

Ty did not stop at either group coming into the house but headed straight upstairs to wash and get changed. He stopped long enough to make eye contact with Amy who smiled and nodded as he pointed upstairs. She glanced now that she was settled and saw him heading down the staircase once again bypassing her this time without a glance. She realized why a few minutes later as the commotion in the kitchen announced the arrival of the truck from the Potter's. Followed by the unmistakable whirs of Jackson's wheelchair through the dining room and into the living room followed closely by April and Carson. All three wove their way to their mom's for hugs.

"Hey mom, happy thanksgiving."

Amy leaned forward to kiss his forehead and smile. "Have fun at the farm JT ?"

"Yup, bottle filling machine."

"It's cool." Amy agreed.

"Yup, GG and Grand Mere just rode into the barn, they're with Chuck."

"Why is he still here ?"

'Don't know mom."

"Of course not, why don't you three head into the music room. The twins are there and I'm sure Caleb's kids will be along soon."

"What about Kace and Piper ?"

"The Running Bears went to have dinner at the Onondaga Nation lands with Victor and June."

"Pow Wow ?"

"I don't think so sweetie but I don't know."

"I get it, June said the whole Thanksgiving thing is complicated."

"It is for sure." Amy laughed, "go on scoot."

She saw the kids all wave to Ty as they went by and his smiling face walking in a moment later. He was wearing slacks and a green and gold dark paisley shirt which brought out his eyes. A sharp belt with his Pegasus buckle and a pair of soft leather boots she had not seen before.

He leaned over for a short kiss and whispered "are you Ok ?"

"Tears of joy Ty, no need to worry." Erma answered. She and Sally had followed the kids out to check on what their husbands had brought and seeing that Betty had it in hand were shooed from the kitchen.

"Go have a drink Ty, August and Tom just went by."

He smiled and leaned over for another kiss and Amy placed her palm on his cheek before he pulled away.

Ty had come to feel that that gesture was pure love and it it seemed to warm his heart. It was the last thing she had done when she left Hudson. She had always loved him, and he had loved her but they were bull was with that thought that he walked through the double doors to the library where Bert was immediately on his feet heading towards a pitcher of Manhattans to pour one for Ty.

The women made room for Mallory when she got back. Lisa stayed in the kitchen with Betty. Jack and Jake joined the men after stopping for a moment and letting Amy know that Lisa had sent Chuck home.

Amy had been spending as much time as she could with Ash and Mallory. Neither had changed much, Ash was, well Ash and Mallory was Mallory and neither felt any need at all to curb their questions or call her out. She found it interesting that those women she had strong lasting relationships with were pretty much all the same, Ithaca, Hudson, made no difference.

They retold and relived old stories told from a different point of view between them with laughs and questions from the others who either knew of the story from Amy's past or a story they had never heard. Sally and Erma discreetly moved around and refilled snacks with smiles of thanks from Amy. Georgie went to grab a drink and made the snack round in the library.

Meg showed up to join Bert for dinner but Charlie was hosting Thanksgiving for his family and Robin's. Trev and Stephanie were joining the Rogers. Bryce was also hosting a thanksgiving for Benny's family and the jockeys who had flown in for the wedding, namely Amy's choice for top jockey's for her horses, Peter 'Tappy' Tapper and Carlos 'Kid' Rodriguez. Tappy had just jockeyed Cloister to a Triple Crown.

After stopping with Betty for a few minutes Meg banged in for a second to lean over Amy for a kiss before bowing back to the library for a drink and settling down for a minute with Bert.

Sometime after 2:00 Betty and Lisa each walked in with a tray of empty champagne flutes and laid them on the sideboard.

"Amy, welcome toast coming up and there's a limo pulling in. Your dad is 10 minutes out."

"Oh, that's Soraya" Amy said getting up with a smile, "fetch Ty for the toast Lisa and tell him about dad please."

Amy had last seen Soraya when she had just given birth to her daughter, Daniela a name both she and Dylan had come upon in a book and liked. They called her Dani. This was about 3 years before, during Amy's last trip to Europe. Soraya was coming alone this time out. Dylan was a teacher and had to work, Dani had just gotten over an ear infection and was being watched by Maggie.

Mallory and Ashley came out with her to meet the limo and when Soraya stepped out the reunion was loud and happy. The driver was nice enough to to carry the suitcase up the steps. As he was hired by the ranch his tip was set and generous. Amy smiled and thanked him, got his thanks in return and joined the group heading in.

They bypassed the crowds and Amy brought them up to her bedroom so that Soraya could settle for a second, wash up and change if she chose which she did. They didn't make much pretense of it, Soraya was not staying at the ranch but with Ash at the Caldwell's.

"Amy, pictures do not do justice to this house." Soraya said sitting at the dressing table with her make-up kit and a brushing out her hair. "This bedroom is huge."

"Pegasus is pretty impressive, I'll say that" Mallory added "Jake's in love."

"Thanks you two, you're all always welcome you know that, speaking of pictures ?"

"That folder right there are the newest we have of her, so no guys Ash ?"

"Really Soraya, you've been here 5 minutes."

"Hey Amy's getting married, who would have thought she'd beat you to it."

"I've been married Soraya, I'll introduce you later."

"That's right Caleb's here with his family, Cass right ?"

"Cassandra or Cass, yup, Ash likes her." Amy added.

"She's nice, shoots tequila, good sense of humor, goofs at Caleb, what's not to like ?" Ash confirmed.

Amy stood once Soraya tucked her cosmetics bag back into her suitcase "Ty and Georgie like her, the time I've spent with her has been fine and fun so I'm good, we ready ?"

Back downstairs Amy went in search of Betty or Ty while Lisa grabbed Soraya over to Jack for a few minutes. She found Ty making his way to greet Soraya followed by Betty who stopped waiting for Amy.

When Ty stepped back from his hug Amy introduced Betty to Soraya.

"Toast ?" Betty said looking back and forth between Amy and Ty.

"Toast, right, that's me."

"You Ok Ty " Amy asked quietly.

"Uhm, yeah, just not something I ordinarily do, stand with me ?"

"Of course I will and I promise to swat away anything they throw."

Betty laughed "they're a pretty easy crowd Ty, come on son, make it short and sweet, welcome them, give thanks, drink and dinner."

Ty's problem came in Betty's words, son. In the 5 plus months he'd been at Pegasus, the people in this house took him in as one of their own, they referred to him as family, he was a poppa and a dad….. dad.

"Everyone, let's get started" Betty called out "grab a flute, champagne or non alcoholic cider."

The Thanksgiving toast began 4 years before, the first three delivered by Amy on behalf of her family. The first dinner served in the new house was this meal, Thanksgiving, and the toast was a natural.

This was Ty's first and while he'd gotten way better at public speaking having been thrown in to teaching head first this was different, especially now that he saw Betty, the twins and Jackson come to stand or sit next to each other in front of him with Amy on his right and Betty to her left.

"Here goes nothing." He sighed and lifted his glass.

"It's good seeing you all and welcome to our ranch and our home. I know the tradition is for me to start off with what I'm thankful for but I don't know where to begin. You've all"

He stopped then and closed his eyes for a second "you've all in your own way taken me in, accepted me, guided me, forgave me our misunderstandings and have shown me nothing but love."

He stopped again regaining his thoughts and emotions "I'm thankful for it all, for you all, and for this amazing family" he said stopping to look at each of them, Betty, the twins and Jackson who reached up and took his hand.

"So from our family to all of you and your families, may your year be filled with health and happiness and good fortune. Cheers !" He finished and raised the champagne to his lips.

"Well done poppa !" Charlie said smiling and leaning up for a kiss followed by Maddie. Ty leaned over to kiss Jackson then leaned past Amy for Betty. Lastly he slipped his arm around Amy's waist and pulled her closer for a gentle kiss.

'Let's eat !" Jackson called out finishing his cider and turning his chair.

The Thanksgiving buffet laid out on the dining room table was what you would have expected, three dressed turkeys, 2 spiral sliced hams and the standard array of too many side dishes which included two types of potato casseroles as well as sweet potato

Pipes, two types of stuffing, fresh peas and Brussels sprouts, whole cranberry sauce, cider, salads, gravy and biscuits.

Later on coffee, tea, after dinner drinks and pastries would be served along with assorted pies, cheeses courtesy of Erma and fruit salads.

It was interesting but not unexpected that folks grouped by kids. Amy, Ty and Betty settled in the library along with the Potters, Carmichaels and Caldwells where the twins, Bobby, Brin and the younger kids could hang out together.

It was fluid to be sure, couple and individuals moved around during fill-ups to visit with other groups. Lou stayed with Georgie and Wyatt and were joined by Tim, Casey, Jack and Lisa. Lily and Wade started in this group and then moved for a while to the library group. Jake, Malllory, Ashley and Soraya hung with Caleb's group so they could visit and catch up. Bert had struck up a lively conversation with Cass and kept it up through dinner. Mallory and Soraya corralled and played with Caleb and Cass' kids, Ash watched fascinated in the fact that these could have been hers.

It took about 90 minutes for people to stop picking at food and Amy promised Pavel's staff that they could be done by 5:00 so that they could in turn get home. At exactly 4:30 they began packing most of the food into packets and then boxes. Several packages were stored in the fridge but for the most part leftovers were leaving with the teenagers who were heading to the VFW post to do their dinner shift. Leftovers would be added to the fare served.

The Marauders took over the local Veteran's of Foreign War post on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving three holiday dinners, at noon, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. All were welcome and the Marauders bus ran all day picking people up and delivering them for meals. The twins, Brin and Bobby worked the 6:00PM dinner service. The twins and Bobby serving or working in the kitchen and Brin on piano accompanying some local choirs that came to sing and entertain the guests. There was always a need and this tradition of service and good will the Marauders provided had been going on for years.

Trish showed up at Pegasus promptly at 5:00 and made the rounds wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving while the teens loaded leftovers into the pickup. Bert and Meg left for after dinner drinks at Charlie's place.

As was as common in Canada as in the US, after dinner the men congregated in the basement where they watched a split screen of football and the annual shoot out NHL hockey games. The kids gathered in Jackson's room with permission to watch a movie, they had Caleb Jr. with them. Rose and Kimmie were laid down in Porto cribs in the music room across from the library where the women gathered.

Once again, Alberta and Amy's adventures as a teenager were the subject of the hour. Amy spent her time chatting with Soraya, Ashley and Mallory, the others, especially the Hudson crew and family chimed in with details and background. None of the Ithaca group ever recalled Amy that open with her life in Canada, it was commented on when Betty nodded for some help from Sally and Erma who sat more on the outskirts because of the kids, Meg was in tight on the couch.

They followed Betty into the kitchen and the large butcher pantry past the appliances. For special occasions Amy sometimes ordered chocolates from her favorite chocolatier, Sweet on Chocolate in Syracuse and though Ithaca was on the far outskirts for delivery, with a wedding order it was standard and Amy just added several pounds for pre wedding snacks.

"She's changed, gotten better at this."

Betty looked over at Erma and then glanced at Sally, "inner circle, she's had some revelations."

"On her own ?"

"No Erma she's had some help."

"It's nice to see, what goes where ?" Sally asked holding one of the large trays. "The smell of these things is intoxicating."

"You two bring yours to the library and I'll go down, see what they're up to."

"I'll go down Betty" Amy said walking in from the hallway.

"When do you want to have coffee and dessert Amy ?"

"I guess an hour or so give or take ? Set the coffee up in 30 minutes. I'll be up in a few minutes."

Amy heard the TV on the way down the stairs to the basement. Wyatt was closest and immediately got up to help Amy with the platter.

"Thank you Wyatt, oh look at Grandpa, he can't stay that way." Amy immediately went and sat on the edge of the chair Jack was sleeping in and leaned over. "Grandpa it's time to get up and take a proper nap, you'll feel horrible tomorrow sleeping like this, come on."

"Amy, oh I was just dozing."

"Of course you were, come on, you can lay down in the guest suite and take a proper nap."

"Stop fussing Amy, I'm fine."

"I'm not fussing I'm trying to take care of you which is different, come upstairs, have a cup of tea and a nap."

"Go ahead Jack, there's no winning this argument." August told him getting up to grab a few chocolates.

"Ok, Ok, just give me a second."

Amy walked over and leaned over Ty "hey fella, how's it going ?"

"Great, up there ?"

"Just hanging out, dessert in about an hour at the outset boys."

"How are the kids Amy ?"

"All fine August, Kimmie's sleeping and April's up with JT, Cars and CJ."

"CJ's probably sleeping, we'll probably leave right after dessert."

"Most of us will Caleb." Tom said getting up for some chocolates himself.

"Come sit in the kitchen Grandpa and I'll make you a cup of tea." Amy said walking him up the stairs to the main level.

"How are you doing Amy."

"I'm good Grandpa, a bit busy and harried, touch of nerves."

"Spent a good long time out with Victor this morning."

"I did, I get comfort talking with him."

"I think he's always been special to you, you were always excited going up when you were young. I guess you don't remember."

"I really don't though I've seen some pictures." She said putting the mug down in front of him and grabbing a few cookies off one of the trays and putting them on a napkin next to the mug.

"Your mom found comfort speaking with Victor too I think, I guess I may have been wrong about him."

"Wrong how Grandpa, Grandma Lyndy was getting sick, dad left, Lou left, you did what you thought you had to do."

"Your mother never …"

"Mom told Victor she could never love anyone but Dad, that was her decision Grandpa, you have to respect that."

"Maybe it's just second guessing then."

"Sounds like it."

"Do it more and more as I get older."

Amy sat down across from him with a cup of coffee "you know Grandpa I've spent the past couple months doing some soul searching, trying to make sense of things you know ?"

Jack nodded and took a sip of his tea. "Any grand revelations ?"

"One big one, you can't go back only forward."

"So that's what it all boils down to huh ?"

"In the most simplistic way, yes. Our pasts, our decisions, the decisions others made about us make us who we are. If we like who we are, and I like who I am, then the past is just a road travelled to a destination. Judging ourselves and others for things in the past doesn't change who we are and ascribing our feelings onto what others should have done or not or felt or didn't, is pretentious and really only stands to second guess our present."

"Seems a lot of who you are happened here."

"That's not true, I don't know that I've fundamentally changed as a person, I think it's what comes from maturity, being on your own. Remember, by the time I left Heartland at almost 24 you had left at 18. By 24 you had a career, had met Grandma Lyndy, you worked towards a goal. You already had mom by my age now and control of Heartland."

"And the conversations that seem to pop up back home about you and Heartland ?"

"What conversations Grandpa ?"

"Lately ? Mostly, did we hold you back ?"

"Is this a we question Grandpa or a you question ?"

"Both I guess."

Amy paused for a second and took another sip before looking back into his eyes. "I guess answered alone, a purely physical answer would be yes but lives are not built on the physical as much as the emotional. Looking at my life now I can't imagine not being here, in this place, being who I am, the kids …. if, …. If at that welcome home dinner after Europe you had said, fine, we'll add 8 stalls to the barn and spruce it up a bit, I don't know where that would have led. What I do know is that I would never consider trading what that life would have been for the life I have now. Did you all hold me back or push me forward, there's no answer to that."

'So that's the grand revelation ?'

"I don't know that there is a grand revelation Grandpa, I'm happy with who I am. Are you happy with who you are ? Your life, accomplishments ?"

"I think I am."

"Then maybe these conversations are best left to greater minds than ours."

"I guess you're right."

"Ready for your nap ?"

"I think the turn in early plan would suit better."

"I'll hold you to it then, it's time for dessert anyway. Pop your head downstairs Grandpa and break up the party, I'll run up for the kids."

"When do the girls get back ?"

"Probably late, they close down around 8:00 but there's cleanup and they wait for John and Trish to drive them all home."

"It's a good way to give back."

"It is and a good way to honor those that served. We've all helped out, the people really appreciate it and the kids always make them smile. Here, drop this platter on the dining room table on your way" Amy said handing Jack a tray of cookies before lifting a large tray with three pies.

Betty had the same idea as she, Meg Caldwell and Sally walked down the hall. Erma was dealing with a waking Kimmie.

The table being set, Amy went upstairs and over to JT's room where she found 4 sleeping kids, movie long over. Amy smiled and gently woke them.

'Come on, wash up, dessert's getting set up."

"Awesome" JT said shifting from the chair he was in to his wheelchair. The dining room dessert buffet was moving along and loud as families reconnected. Jackson did the table with Ty and both joined her in the library where she had settled with Betty, Lisa, Casey and Lily.

'Betty what's up with my schedule tomorrow, it keeps coming up blank, I at least had rounds." Ty asked taking a sip of coffee.

"Wiped clean at the request of the twins."

"Me too." Jackson said his mouth only half emptied of pie.

"What's going on ?"

"Trucks, engines and stuff, mom's doing all the bride stuff so we figured, you know, you and GG and the Grandpa's can all work on trucks with us kids, you know relax."

"You figured that did you."

"Not just me dad."

"I know Jackson, sorry to make it seem that way, thanks, sounds like fun."

Jackson looked up and smiled brightly as did Amy.

"And you tomorrow ?" He asked looking across at Amy.

"An early morning fitting and then spa day."

"Did you know about the garage ?'

'Not specifically but when the girls and Brin opted out of the spa I figured it was a team poppa thing. It'll be a nice day for you Ty. I think it's cute."

"So good ?" Jackson asked.

"Very good kiddo." He answered smiling leaning over to kiss then ruffle JT's hair.

Bert and Meg had left when they broke for dessert, they were expected at Charlie's house for drinks and dessert. Lisa, Lou and Georgie shooed Erma and Sally away from clearing and helping so that they could get their kids home. After all the goodbyes from those leaving including Ash and Soraya to the Caldwells for the night it was basically family left and after sending Jackson off to get ready for bed the rest settled in the library.

"Mal, you have what you need, the apartment is good ?"

"It's perfect Amy, even stocked with beer and snacks." Jake answered "besides Georgie's our neighbor."

Lisa stood up and stretched "I'm done, I need to get to bed what time are we leaving in the morning ?"

Betty stood as well as did the rest, Jack, Wade, Lily, Casey and Tim. Betty turned "ultimately it will be up to Sebastian, when the fitting's done we can leave, figure 9:00 or so ?"

Then everyone seemed to stand for goodbye's leaving Lou, Georgie, Wyatt, Mallory and Jake with Amy and Ty who were offered nightcaps agreed to by most.

Ty pulled a bottle of Armagnac and filled glasses as he went along. As the drink started to have it's effect on the remaining few, the girls arrived stopping in for hi's and goodbyes.

"How was it girls ?"

"Oh fun Mom, Brin played and most of the kids are there for the dinner one, you know families, so happy kids."

"That's great Charlie, you all serve ?"

Maddie answered this one, "we switched around."

"Well, we have to shower or head to bed smelling like turkey dinner and cleaning solution."

"Go ahead Mad, we'll see you for breakfast." Amy said getting up as well "I'm ready for bed."

"You head up Ames, I'll deal with the glasses."

"That's fine Ty, we'll drop them in the machine on the way out, go up with Amy."

"Thanks Georgie, lock up behind you please."

"You got it boss, see you in the morning."

Ty and Amy were the last to their room. They stopped into Jackson's room and found him fast asleep.

"Come." The voice from the girl's room called out.

"OK girls ?"

"All good mom" Maddie said as Charlie looked over and nodded.

"Nothing to say ?"

"About what Poppa ?" Charlie asked with a smile.

Amy giggled.

"Tomorrow ?"

"Charlie and I are spending the day in the garage, if you're not doing anything we'd love the help. Do you have plans Poppa ?"

"You know I don't have plans Mad, you arranged it."

"I don't know about that Poppa, we're like 15."

"Not together." Ty mumbled. "Well, turns out I'm free tomorrow by some fluke so how about I join you."

"We'd love that." Charlie said as Maddie nodded.

"Good night girls" Amy said leaning over Maddie for a kiss and hug and then Charlie.

Ty followed Amy "Brin and Bobby ?"

"Eventually, Bobby and August are double teaming chores, Sally and Erma are with Mom and Brin's with the kids."

Ty nodded at Maddie for the info and stood at the door. "You just had to ask."

"Ask what Poppa ?" Charlie said getting Ty's attention from Maddie.

"Forget it."

"Already forgotten, good night Poppa, love you."

"Goodnight Charlie, Mad."

"Who knew Thanksgiving could be this exhausting, I'm wiped."

Ty was in cotton loungers with no shirt. He was leaned over the sink washing and getting ready for bed.. Amy's arms wrapped around him from behind as he toweled his face dry.

"You Ok Ty ?"

"I'm fine, just tired, do we have any time tomorrow ?"

"You mean together ?"

"Yes Ames, together."

"I don't think anything specific and uhm, well it's been bandied about that maybe you stay in the cottage with the folks tomorrow night."

"What ?"

"Sort of like a thing, like we stay apart for the last day until the ceremony."

"What ?"

"Ok, stop saying what, Meg suggested it, Koenig."

"This is this Jewish custom Bert told me about 7 days apart."

"Well, it's one day and night."

"You know no matter what we do when I see you in that dress you'll be all I see right ?"

"With all my heart Ty."

They were both tired and Amy settled against him, his arms wrapped around her.

"What time is Sebastian getting here ?"

"They're in town at the hotel on campus, I'd say 7:30, maybe 8:00, he's not the most patient man in the world. Your suits are good ?"

"Brin approved."

"She was great today with Cosi." Amy said softly while fading quickly.

"I guess most of the out of town guests are getting in tomorrow ?"

"Yeah, if you need to find someone Bridget and Sandra have the lists, sleeping now Ty. Love you."

"Goodnight Ames, I love you."

"Mmmmmmmm" was the last sound he heard.