Chapter 106
Amy smiled when she saw her grandfather's smiling face in the mirror and turned.
"You look …. You look so beautiful Amy, just like your mom on her wedding day."
"Thank you Grandpa, let's hope this one ends up better than that did." She added with a chuckle."
"I don't think you have to worry about that Amy. Sabrina said you wanted to see me."
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind walking with me Grandpa."
"I'd be honored sweetheart." He answered softly. His voice broke and his eyes were watery as he turned next to her and raised his arm for her to take.
Before taking his arm she leaned up and kissed his cheek, she looked at him for a second and then answered softly, "the honor is mine Grandpa, I love you."
Hours earlier Amy opened her eyes to a slit and glanced at her watch which was facing her on the nightstand.
"Ty ?" She whispered.
"hmmm ?"
"You should go."
"Go where ?"
"Back to where you're supposed to be."
"Seriously ?"
"Yes seriously."
"What time is it ?"
"Uhm, 4:40."
"Amy ….."
"Pleeeeaaaaassseeee."
"Ok, Ok, it's too early for another one of those." He answered with a chuckle kissing her shoulder and sliding back off the bed to where he had dropped his clothes the night before.
"Go quietly."
"Like a ninja." He chuckled softly leaning over to kiss her.
"I love you Ty."
"I love you too Ames."
The next time Amy opened her eyes it was just past 7:00 and she figured she'd better get to it. Since she'd be showering and getting her hair done later she washed at the sink, dressed in her normal ranch clothes, combed out her hair and tied it into a braid before heading downstairs in search of a cup of coffee and whatever cinnamon pastry she smelled from her room.
"Good morning ladies" she announced walking into the kitchen. Lily, Casey, Lisa and Betty were sitting in front of a pot of coffee and a platter of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
"Sit Amy I'll get you a mug" Lisa who was sitting at the head of the table closest to the kitchen said getting up.
"I'm glad you slept in, you must have needed it and it'll be a long day."
"To be honest, I tossed and turned some before falling asleep Betty but I am glad I slept it out."
"Ty must have also tossed and turned, apparently Jack went out about 2:00 for some water and he was missing. We figured he must have gone for a walk."
Amy looked over the rim of her mug at Lisa as she spoke.
"Worse than teenagers" Lily muttered, a grin spreading across her face making the others chuckle.
Amy smiled "I should hope so, I'd hate to think the teenagers were getting married today and having sex with their fiancé's." She said reaching for a roll.
"What's up for today Amy ? "
"Lot of tents outside, I assume the circus is in town, where are my children ?"
"Chores are done, the girls, Bobby, Brin, Georgie and Katie are washing, brushing and braiding horses, Wyatt's with Brick, Jackson's on rounds with Ty. Your plans ?"
"Visit my horses and then we'll see, probably a ride to the other stables, Erma come by yet ?"
"Meeting the set up crew at 8:30" Lisa answered clearing her stuff to the sink.
Amy finished her roll and licked her fingers before finishing her coffee.
"I wouldn't mind a few minutes with her before she leaves, can someone text me please ?"
"No problem Amy." Lisa agreed as Amy stood.
"Meg says shower at 2:00 sweetheart."
"I'll be here Betty, no worries. What are the odds of my finding Chuck today ?"
"He's in the barns, making sure it's perfect for later."
Amy glanced over down the porch when she stepped out and whistled, the dogs immediately popped their head up and then trotted over.
"Come on, let's do rounds." She told them petting each of their heads and rubbing them down before heading down the ramp.
Amy smiled walking into the barn, she had no idea this was planned but every horse was out and it looked like every available hand was inside cleaning. Chuck looked up as she stood just inside the doors, dogs on either side sitting and watching.
"Hey Amy, we're almost done."
"I had no idea this was happening."
"You're getting married here in a few hours Amy."
"I know sweetheart."
"Well we can't have it all stinky you know."
"I guess not, Gran said the girls were around and what about you ?"
"Dad's coming at 12:00 sharp, no arguments. The girl's are out back in the sun."
"Look at them" she said to herself watching her ranch hands joking and laughing while scrubbing stall walls and floors. "Send them home to get ready when they're done Chuck."
"There's a schedule, you're not supposed to worry."
"I'm not worried, I know you take care of them, how's the extension ?"
"Pretty much done until spring, we'll move horses in next week."
"I'm glad we did it, you were right Chuck." She said smiling and raising herself to kiss his cheek eliciting a blushing smile from her godson. "Guess I'll see you back here later sweetheart."
"Sure will, you should go so I can work."
Amy smiled and nodded before walking though the barn to the rear, the dogs following at her heels.
It wasn't hard to hear the group as she approached the rear barn doors or to see the assembly line against the meadow. One group washed, one brushed and one braided. Amy couldn't help but smile at Trish who was sitting chatting with Georgie as they braided two horses tails next to Brin and Maddie. Charlie and Bobby were brushing out Merlin and Rudy which Shane, Jacqueline and several hands were laughing and washing.
"Look at all this." Amy exclaimed as the dogs felt free enough to start exploring, their first stop sniffing around Georgie, they'd been staying with her when the family was away.
"Hey mom." Charlie said leaning over for a quick kiss before returning to her brushing.
"Trish ?" Amy asked leaning over to kiss both Maddie and then Georgie before laying her hand on Brin's shoulder with a brief squeeze and a smile when she looked up.
"Give me half a minute to finish this girl up." Trish said deftly pulling an elastic bow tie off of her wrist and looping on the end of Dancer's tail.
"What is all this ?" Amy asked as she stepped back for Trish and then getting a hug.
"We figured why not make it a special day for them too ?" Georgie said also finishing and standing up to stretch.
"They do love being pampered. Should I help ?"
"We're almost done, you shouldn't, it's your special day." Brin said also finishing. "Just four more, we'll be finished in no time Amy." She said starting on Barclay's mane.
"I was going to ride over to the thoroughbreds, who can I take ?"
"Take Cozi, I haven't had time to ride him in a few days, he's a sweetheart, you'll love him. He's in a back stall, I wasn't sure about a crowd yet."
"Good to be careful, I'd love to ride him, thanks Brin. Just waiting to see Erma. Well, I guess carry on you all."
She walked over and went through the back door of the house to the front where, from the porch she could see Erma standing in the tent with Betty. Workers went back and forth in front and behind them. Erma glanced over, smiled and waved for her to come over.
Betty patted Amy's shoulder and smiled as she passed heading back to the house.
"Hey Sis !" Erma said taking her into a big hug. "You good ?"
"I'm good Erma, all this stuff ?" Amy asked waving her arm around randomly which freaked the dogs out a bit as they didn't understand the command. They understood the sharp snap of her fingers though and quieted immediately.
"Nothing for you to worry about, we're perfect !"
Amy frowned "you have enough help ?"
"It's really fine Amy, Bridgett's handling transport, Sandra, Betty and Lou have the set up kitchen and catering. Lisa's got relatives, Sally's on pies and all things Central NY."
"And you ?"
"General contractor, now you go do what you were doing, I'm good."
Amy smiled and reached in for another hug until she was pushed away after a few seconds "go, go go … I have to get into Ithaca to see the flower arrangements before they're loaded on a truck."
"I'm going, I'm going ….." Amy said her voice mockingly fading as she turned towards the side flap and out.
Cozi seemed happy for the attention and stood stock still as she saddled him. Brin was right, he was a nice ride and very responsive to Amy's handling. She rode slowly and cut through the woods rather than taking the more trodden path. It wasn't faster but did give the opportunity for reclusive thinking as Amy began reciting their vows in her head again.
She also wanted to see how Cozi reacted off road so to speak and as far as she was concerned he did fine. She did a full 20 minutes making her way to the thoroughbred stables and as always was spotted on her approach and as always Benny was there to hold her mount and welcome her to his domain.
"Hey boss, surprise inspection ?"
Amy laughed "not hardly, wouldn't mind shooting the breeze with Tappy and Kid, see how the seasons went. I'm not supposed to be doing anything which I don't deal with very well."
"Come to the office and I'll text Jesse, I think they're back relaxing behind the apartment."
She settled in the office with Benny after fixing herself a mug of tea. Benny walked over and handed her an iPad that she ran down with her eyes.
"That's the training schedules so far," Benny said settling in his chair at the desk and taking a sip of coffee before continuing "starting March 1. We've got about 80 settling in at the Arizona ranch now, once they're here we'll be at 210 by April 1st."
"Well, the contractors say if they're lucky with weather we can be ready for jumpers mid to late May but they have until June 10th I think. I wouldn't plan on anything early, good weather is not something I'll hang my hat on."
They were interrupted when Jesse, Benny's wife swept into the room with a plate of Pan Dulce, central Mexican sweet breads with filling. Amy got up and they hugged for a second.
"So here you are and getting married this afternoon, let me guess, you're in the way "
Amy laughed at her "really in the way Jess."
"Then I'm glad you came for awhile." She said fixing herself a cocoa and sitting next to Amy to stir as Amy rose again to welcome two of her favorite people.
"Here's the bride !" Tappy said lifting her and swinging her around.
"Put me down Tap, you'll hurt your back." She said laughing and leaning across to hug the second man "How's it going Kid ?"
"Just perfect Amy, you look good."
"Thank's Kid, good to see you both in one piece. So, grab a snack and let's hear about the races and what we're getting back."
Technically, neither Tappy or Kid were employees of Pegasus, they were independent jockey's free to ride for anyone but both rode almost exclusively for the stables Pegasus trained and neither had any complaints. Pegasus produced winners and winners filled their pockets. These were also safe and responsive horses, problems whittled out of them by the staff here and in Phoenix.
Amy sat, listened, kibitzed and laughed at the stories of races, some where they rode alone, and some where they competed against each other. There were owner stories, jockey and trainer stories and for over 90 minutes they ran through the horses and races, times, other horses and issues they encountered which were thankfully few.
Amy did get race reports and reviews as well as training notes from the field but they didn't and couldn't adequately relate what she needed to hear, how the horse felt under the jockey. What could be improved and where could they shave a second.
Benny had many of the races available to watch so they did, sometimes more than once with Amy listening to the riders and then going back to review the footage. She had lost all track of time while immersed in planning until her phone sounded a text when she realized that it had been silent all this time.
She reached over to the desk and glanced at the screen which opened for her to a text from Betty.
"Are you coming back eventually ?"
Amy smiled and texted back "nervous gran ?"
"No, not nervous, where are you ?"
"Thoroughbred planning" she texted back "I'll leave in a few minutes."
"There are a lot of guests, lunch will be ready soon unless you're full of Jesse's pastries."
"Lunch would be fine, thank you."
"Leave soon." Was Betty's last text which made Amy smile.
"Now they miss you ?"
"Now they miss me Jess, this was great and it killed almost 2 hours."
"Our pleasure as always" Tappy said standing and then bowing low which was almost amusing seeing as he was an inch and half shorter than she was barefoot.
"John told me you have a couple promising jockeys."
"You might be smart to bring them here for a season Amy."
"Ok Kid, we'll look into it, let Benny know." She said getting a goodbye hug and then one from Tappy.
"You should go."
"I'm going Jess, guess I'll see you all later." She said walking through the door accompanied by Benny.
"I'll go through the notes and get them into the files Amy." He said holding Cozi for her.
"Thanks Benny, seems we had an excellent season and Prince is going to the crown."
"Seems that way boss, safe ride back."
Amy returned to the stable from the back lot to find Chuck talking to the girls while florists held flowers that were being strung on the stalls they'd walk through later. She smiled that the horses were engrossed in the whole procedure of the florists and the ranch hands making sure the horses couldn't reach the arrangements.
"Girls ?"
"Hey mom, Gran wants you at the house, Brin and I'll get Cozi stalled."
"Thanks Mad, that's fine, everything good around here, where's Ty ?"
"Lunch at Dad's house." Chuck said grabbing his knapsack. "Plans changed and I'm late."
"You have a ride sweetheart ?" Amy asked.
"Wyatt's waiting."
"Then you'd better go." She said reaching up to kiss his cheek. What about you two ?" She asked Charlie and Bobby.
"Walking with you."
"He's a very well behaved horse Sabrina."
"He's definitely a sweetie." Brin smiled back. "Aren't you Cozi ?" She added nuzzling against the horses muzzle.
Amy smiled and put her arm around Charlie's shoulder "Let's get on it, Mad, you're on the clock, no dawdling."
"Love you mom !" Maddie called back.
The porch was teeming with guests and family and all turned to look at Amy and the teens as they walked over.
"Guess you're the star of the show mom." Charlie muttered.
"Guess so." Amy answered as Betty popped her head out the door.
"OK you all, lunch is out, eat and leave please, we have a wedding to dress for."
"Very nice Gran." Charlie said coming up the stairs and walking past her into the house Bobby following close behind after stopping to lean over and kiss Betty's cheek.
"You Ok ?" She asked Amy as she walked up.
"Great, you ?"
"Everyone who is traveling to Ithaca is here, no stragglers, full house. All agree that's pretty unheard of in large catered affairs."
"Ruth told me her dad opened the grounds to the town when she got married. Quite the sight apparently."
"I'll mention that to Erma." Betty added laughing walking in after Amy.
There were platters of sandwiches already made up, salads and chips to go with them and cupcakes for dessert. Obviously the work of Pavel's crew.
Amy grabbed a half sandwich, a small plate of salad and a water and settled on a couch in the library with the Cornell Daily Sun. She was immediately joined by Georgie, Soraya, Ashley, Trish and Molly Harris.
"Colonel, how are things back in the city ?" Amy asked after a sip of water.
"Things in the city never really change Amy."
"And the other things?"
Molly smiled "coming along."
"Excellent !" Amy answered with a smile.
Betty wandered over as Amy was finishing "what are your plans until 2:00 Amy ?"
She glanced at her watch for a second and looked up "I think I'll close my eyes for a while Betty."
Trish immediately looked over and cocked her head to the side.
Amy laughed "does that actually work ? I'm fine Trish, I'm in the way and laying down will feel nice I think."
Trish nodded and Betty leaned over to kiss Amy's head "we'll get you when it's time."
Amy got into light sweats and lay down a little while later. She considered and opted against a bath worried that it would take too much from her. She closed her eyes and ran through the vows again before nodding off.
Almost 90 minutes later she opened her eyes as a finger brushed the out of place hair away from her face and she looked up into Betty's loving eyes.
"Time ?"
"Time sweetheart, you can just put your hair up and shower up here, Meg will wash your hair downstairs. Would you like me to stay ?"
"No, you need to corral the kids, is Lou around ?"
"She's downstairs."
"Ask her to come up, tell her I'm heading into the shower for a few minutes."
"I'll see you downstairs."
"Thanks Gran. Love you."
"Oh Amy, I love you so much." Betty answered sweeping her into a hug.
"Come on Betty, no bawling till later, go fetch up my sister."
Lou popped her head in the bathroom while Amy was showering and made sure she didn't need anything. When Amy came out in a bright white fluffy robe she found Lou sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace reading the Cornell paper Amy had lay down on the small table. Both dogs had made their way in as well and looked up when Amy came out.
"Rest." She said smiling at her eager pups. Lou smiled when they settled back down and sighed.
"I'm sorry I haven't had tons of time with you Lou."
"Don't be sorry Amy, this is sort of a big deal."
"Should I get dressed or just go down in the robe ?"
"I guess either would work, I actually don't think there's a man in the house. Jackson's with Ty at the cottage. We have some time, sit for a little while Amy."
Amy nodded and grabbed a water before settling in the chair opposite her sister.
"How's it been going Lou ?"
"Good, I closed up with the Nashville group and I'm working out something with Nichole, I'll keep 35% of the Brooklyn Maggie's."
"And the Calgary closing ?"
"End of January."
"And we can be open by the Stampede ?"
"Hopefully June 1st."
"Busy day in my life it seems, the jumping facility's on the same schedule, I'll figure something out."
"The closing ?"
"Hoping to be there though Ty may stay behind."
"Do we need his signature ?"
"No, we talked about it, this is me and you Lou, just the sisters."
Lou's smile brightened "who would have thought ?"
"That I'd own a diner ? Not in my wildest dreams."
Amy took another sip of her bottle when there was a light knock.
"Come in." she called out.
Meg Caldwell popped her head around the door, smiled and then came in.
"Time ?"
"Finish up your water, it's fine."
"The girls ?"
"Brin's combing them out now."
"Sally, Erma ?"
"On their way, everything looks beautiful, those photos of you and Ty are amazing and the flowers, Amy, it smells and looks like heaven in that dinner tent."
"Erma's a wonder."
"She was going over Georgie's wedding with Annie and me last night, I honestly don't know how she juggles it all and a farm." Lou told them finishing her water along with Amy.
"Let's go kiddo." Meg said standing and putting our her hand for Amy to take.
She fit slippers on and headed down to the large guest suite. Coming in she looked around and saw several mirrored dressing tables were set up and there was a table of food and assorted drinks. Charlie was sitting at one of the tables and Brin was combing out her hair, Amy noticed some slight curl to the bottom but nothing much different. Maddie had already been done, her hair virtually the same. Georgie was also done and sipping an iced tea with a big smile on her face for Amy.
"Here comes the bride !" Georgie called out raising her glass.
"Come into the bathroom Amy and we'll get you washed." Meg said swinging her hand as if Amy didn't know where the bathroom was located.
Brin moved around brushing out the room. They'd all had their hair done with pictures along that she followed. Amy's cut was close to her normal cut and Meg would add some wave and curl to the ends to keep it lively, fairly close to how you'd see her on a normal day with her hair down.
Amy sat for Meg while Brin started on make-up, she began with Katie then moved on to Charlie, Maddie, Georgie and Lou. Once Amy's hair was done initially, it would be finished once she was in the dress, Meg suggested Amy take a breather before make-up and the dress, they had time. She moved to one of the large wingback chairs and sat watching Katie get her make-up.
As if on schedule there was a knock at the door that Meg answered moving away for Stephanie and Meg Koenig to stop in for a hug and kiss. They'd be attending the suite across the hall which was commandeered for dressing. Once make-up was applied everyone but Amy would move across the hall where gowns were waiting, Steph and Meg would help dressing.
A few minutes later the door knocked again and Meg and Steph took that as a cue to bow out and head across the hall. The next in were Erma and Sally who had just come from the cottage where they dropped Carson and Bobby whose job it was to keep Jackson and Carson out of Ty's hair. Also arriving was a very smiley April who was ready for her hair comb out, make-up and gown, she was in heaven.
Both Erma and Sally were dressed and ready and looked beautiful. Amy smiled as both came over and bent over for a light kiss and hug.
"Looking pretty good there sis." Amy said the biggest smile bursting on her face. "Dropping off ?"
"What else is new, Sabrina, you have her ?"
"I do, come on April, go sit with Mad and Charlie until I'm ready for you."
"I have a message for Amy first." She said walking over and then crooking her finger at Amy so she'd bend forward. When they were close enough April leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"That's from Ty." She whispered with a sly smile stealing across her face.
"Thank you so much April, how's he doing ?"
"I think he's excited, he's sitting with GG and Wade."
"Well, guess I'll see him pretty soon. Jax ?"
"Oh, Jackson's fine, he's excited too."
"I kind of figured he would be."
April smiled again when Brin walked over and put her hand gently on April's shoulder "I gotta go get make-up."
"I think it's time for me too sweetie."
A few minutes later Amy was alone in the suite with Meg and Betty and Meg began gently pinning back some of Amy's hair so she could lay a light foundation on Amy's face. During the 20 minutes she was being made up they were joined by Mathilde who would oversee Amy's dressing, and the return of Georgie, now dressed in her knock out gown and lastly Trish who was positively shining in her formal US Army mess uniform.
"Geez Trish, look at you !" Georgie exclaimed taking in the uniform jacket, formal dress gown and formal hat. She was covered in badges, ribbons, medals and epaulets. Her solid gold Nurse caduceus shone beneath the American flag.
As was her style Amy was made up with light makeup which highlighted her beautiful innate nature and her bright blue eyes. Meg had made her up for formal and semi formal events many times and worked quietly and with ease, Amy trusted her implicitly. Betty, Georgie and Trish sat chatting quietly while Mathilde got the dress ready, hung out, fluffed and primped. Betty retrieved her jewelry and also lay it out on a table to the side, earrings, necklace and her watch were placed on a velvet cloth. Georgie wandered over to look and stared at the watch which still looked almost simple although covered in small diamonds.
Everyone else was kept away from the room while she was readied and later while she dressed. She slipped into the large dressing closet to remove her robe and Betty went in to assist which was more keeping her company as she donned her lingerie set, white with blue accents keeping that part of the bride's tome intact, something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue.
Mathilde set up the dress with Georgie and Trish holding and lifted as Amy stepped into the gown which was lifted by Betty while Mathilde secured the small buttons and then cinched up the satin ribbon in the back securing it with a perfect bow on either side.
Georgie then secured the mabe pearl necklace which glowed against her body. Amy then slid in her earrings after which Trish clipped the watch closed. When this was done Meg stepped back in to unclip her hair and then spent a couple minuted primping and fluffing it until perfect.
Lastly Amy sat while Georgie handed her the white custom boots which were immediately covered when Amy stood and was led to the mirror. With the exception of Amy all the women in the room had moist eyes and were sniffing and dabbing away tears.
"Absolutely beautiful." Trish whispered leaning over to gently kiss her cheek as Amy blushed. She turned twice for Mathilde who nodded and then led Amy to a chair making sure she sat without harming the dress as Betty opened the door to the suite and those waiting across the hall. The girls were first and each came in dressed and smiling at their mom who seemed more alive and beautiful at this moment as they had ever seen her.
"You are both so beautiful." Amy said smiling at her daughters who looked at this moment so grown up. Lou and Katie were followed by Meg Koenig and Stephanie both decked out as she expected. Lastly Brin came in with April her face a glowing light, like a little porcelain doll. Brin had put small ringlet curls at the ends of Aprils hair.
"What a picture you all make." Amy said starting to tear up. Georgie immediately grabbed and held out a tissue for her as Meg Koenig popped a bottle of cider and started pouring.
"You look like a princess Amy." April said staring into Amy's face and trying to take in the dress while she was seated.
"Thank you sweetheart." Amy said and then in a whisper "you do too."
"Amy can I get you anything ?" Lou asked pouring herself some cider and grabbing a piece of cheese.
"Water would be great, I'd have tea but I'm too nervous I'd drop it."
"Water is best" Mathilde agreed softly glancing up at Amy with a sly smile.
"How much time ?"
"About 35 minutes sweetheart, guests will start arriving soon."
"There's something for them to do ?" Amy asked not remembering the plan at all.
"Horses and alpaca are in pens, there's refreshments, it's a nice late fall day, they'll all be fine." Betty assured coming over and sitting down. While she spoke she took Amy's hand in hers and got a squeeze in return. Amy did not let go.
Across the back side of the compound the door knock was almost unexpected though not out of the ordinary but it did well breaking up the underlying tension in the cottage. No one appeared outwardly nervous, it was just a palpable feeling around the room. JT and Cars were sitting with Ty and an iPad looking at local places they could float their new boat come spring.
Lisa who was in the kitchen walked over to answer.
"Oh my !" She exclaimed her head involuntarily moving up and then down John's torso.
"That's a pretty standard reaction Lisa. Move soldier boy, no human can get by you." Bert said standing behind the large Marine. Trev who was behind Bert laughed.
John Enchino was an imposing force no matter how he was dressed, at 6 foot 7 inches his all muscle body was downright scary as a biker, dressed in his formal Marine dress he looked like an impassable wall. He filled the doorway and with his hat he was even taller at 6'9".
He wore a dark blue formal jacket over a starched white shirt, black bow tie and a white cummerbund. His slacks were royal blue with a red stripe down the sides. All impeccably crisp and starched. Finishing the ensemble were black patent leather shoes that glistened and a white cap with the emblem of the US Marines on gold flourishes proudly displayed. His arms were covered with gold stripes and his Master Sargent insignia. Gold ribbons on his shoulders and the ends of his jacket sleeves, his rank insignia and honorable service medals displayed on his jacket lapel.
All very impressive and imposing until you got to the commendations on his left breast. Along the top, 2 medals, the Navy Cross and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the 2nd and 3rd highest commendations available for valor in combat and service to the United States. Following were 5 rows of service ribbons and beneath them two more medals hung, both Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. Lisa remembered Trish telling her that it was impossible for her to look at her husband and not flash to him dressed like this and the pride she could see in her face and hear in her voice. In this uniform John was the embodiment of honor and courage.
When he walked in he removed his hat and tucked it under his arm and Lisa noticed that he was carrying a long leather case which she glanced at for a second until he leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"Can I take that for you John ?"
"Thanks Lisa, this stays with me."
She nodded and watched Carson immediately walk up to John "can we see ?"
"You'll see it later buddy."
"Come on Rocket" JT implored "they don't know." He whispered conspiratorially.
Bert smiled when Trev said "here we go, it's like traveling with a carnival ride."
"What's in the case John ?" Ty asked laughing and standing to shake hands.
"It's his sword dad, like a real sword."
"Sword ?"
"A sword GG, it's so cool."
"I'm sure it is Jackson, why do you have it John ?"
"It's part of the uniform if worn in a ceremonial setting, and walking down the aisle at a wedding qualifies Jack."
"A sword."
"Hard to believe Ty but there it is." Bert answered.
"We just stopped in to wish you our best Ty, well Bert and I at least, we've been delegated to the meet and greet staff." Trev added.
Ty smiled "and you ?" He asked looking at John and taking it all in.
"Erma wanted me out there but if you need me ?"
"I'm good John, go do what you have to do."
"Then I'll see you at showtime buddy." He answered smiling.
There was a knock at the door a second before it was opened. Erma popped her head inside the suite.
"Time sis" she said smiling.
"OK, time" Amy repeated with a staggered breath of air. "Someone help me get my legs under me please."
Trish and Georgie both smiled and held out their hands. She was sitting in the master guest suite on the first floor next to the library and would be escorted out the back door and over to the back of the family barn where the rest of the wedding party would be waiting.
Amy was sitting with most of the wedding party women with the exception of Lily and Lisa who were with Ty. This also included Brin who was with Amy's party until she felt better walking over to make sure Ty was Ok.
Mathilde stood back and critically assessed Amy's dress, looking for anything at all out of the ordinary. A moment later the door opened again and Leslie Hirschhorn stood there with a big smile on her face and camera ready. It was only a moment until she fired off a dozen photos and then stepped to the side next to the actual wedding photographer who was quite in awe of the presence of the more noted celebrity photographer who had joined the party.
"You're set up for after Leslie ?"
"Everything's perfect Amy and the kids and their friend's were very nice and cooperative so they're done already in several groupings. Just you and Ty and you and the family for later."
Amy nodded and took a few steps to the full length mirror.
"You're perfect Amy." Meg said looking at her face and hair.
"Yes, Yes." Mathilde added in her French accent, "the dress is beautiful."
Brin stepped in next and looked at Amy "there's an extraordinarily handsome gentleman that can't wait to see you Amy." A moment later Jack cautiously stepped into the room and smiled at Amy.
"He's out there ?" She asked.
"Waiting at the barn." Jack answered with a nod from Brin who had retaken her spot next to Maddie and taken her hand.
Amy smiled when she saw her grandfather's smiling face in the mirror and turned.
"You look …. You look so beautiful Amy, just like your mom in her dress."
"Thank you Grandpa, let's hope this ends up better than that did." She added with a chuckle."
"I don't think you have to worry about that Amy. Sabrina said you wanted to see me."
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind walking with me Grandpa."
"I'd be honored sweetheart." He answered softly. His voice broke and his eyes were watery as he turned next to her and raised his arm for her to take.
Before taking his arm she leaned up and kissed his cheek, she looked at him for a second and then answered softly, "the honor is mine Grandpa, I love you."
Amy squinted for a second when she stepped out the back door but she did not pull her arm from Jack's hold or her hand from Betty's as she turned towards the family barn. She smiled looking down at the long wide red carpet that was pulled over the concrete, pebbles and grass of what passed for parking and horse paths behind the main compound buildings.
Wade, Lily, Tim, Casey and Lisa were standing out behind the family barn and were first to see Amy and her escort. Amy watched as everyone laughed obviously from something Wade had just said. It was with this laughing face that Lisa saw and then turned to look at her and Amy could see the change in her face as laughter turned to a smile and her eyes and expression changed to one of pure love. The feeling rocked Amy to her core which brightened her smile looking back.
As the rest all turned towards Amy Jackson backed out of the garage and caught sight of her as well. A second later he reached in and apparently tugged at Ty's jacket. She watched as he stepped out and again and his face now changed seeing her walking towards him. She could see him look down at Jackson who looked back and smiled. A second later Ty reached down and with his hand on Jackson's shoulder they moved together towards her.
"Hey." Amy said with a smile.
"Hey yourself."
"Pretty spiffy suit."
"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
Amy blushed "so, we're doing this ?"
"I think Erma would insist."
"Let's get to it then. Grandpa, there should be a horse around here somewhere."
"Well, then let's go find him."
While Ty smiled and fell in to walk beside Jack, Jackson had no such thought and merely backed his chair up staring at his mom.
"Cat got your tongue Jackson ?" Betty asked smiling.
"Uhm no Gran."
"What do you think Jackson ?"
"Uhm, like dad said, you're beautiful mom."
Amy smiled and tilted her head as Jackson smiled back and she twirled her finger to get him to turn and face the direction he was traveling.
Erma had stepped out as she approached the barn door which was now covered in luxuriously smelling flowers on vines. Amy stopped and Erma walked up and reached around her gently pulling her close.
"This is it sis." She whispered in Amy's ear.
They both had mist forming in their eyes as they came apart, two adopted sisters cut from the earth with an understanding only they seemed to perceive.
"Look at your guy, that's pretty impressive." Georgie whispered to Trish.
"That's my man, pretty much takes my breath away Georgie."
"And the sword ?" Georgie asked with a giggle.
"He cuts a dashing figure no ?"
"He sure does Trish." She finished as both Wyatt and John came over to walk beside their partners.
It was here that Amy leaned over to hug and kiss Jackson and spend a moment with each member of the wedding, offering them her smile and thanks for being a part of this unforgettable moment in her life.
She stopped at Phyllis and Shoshana standing off to the side.
"This doesn't look planned." Amy said "what's going on ?"
"I'm walking."
"You're walking where Jackson ?"
"Down the aisle with April and Cars."
Amy looked at Jackson then at Phyllis and then at Shoshana.
Shoshana smiled and answered. "We were here so Asher and I checked his leg, circulation, pressure, you know normal stuff and he asked. He walks further in PT sessions and we'll get his chair up on the stage and …" she trailed off looking at Jackson.
"And I promise to sit."
"Or ?"
"Rocket will sit on me." He answered softly and resignedly.
Amy smiled and looked over at Ty who shrugged.
"Well Ok then" Amy answered also resignedly but with a smile. "Just down the aisle."
Jackson's face lit up at the pronouncement and pumped his fist then he peeked around at April and Cars who were off by the horses and gave them a thumbs up.
"Amy, it's time to get the show on the road." Erma whispered leaning in.
Apparently, the party had been briefed on this moment and at Erma's calm request lined up in front of the horses who were now being held by two hands just outside the rear of the barn. The doors leading into the tent where they'd be married were closed, they'd been adjusted, greased ant tested at Erma's request.
One of the hands reached over and gave Ty a leg up onto Harley.
Amy stopped and thought for a second before she walked up a few steps to where her father was standing with Casey.
"Dad, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me a leg up ?"
"It would be my pleasure Amy."
Spartan was wearing a standard Western saddle as was usually Amy's choice but it seemed they had made a slight adjustment so she could comfortably sit side saddle.
She leaned over to kiss Tim's cheek as he leaned up and the she looked over at Ty, smiled and nodded at Erma who smiled back. Erma then nodded off to the side signaling a ranch hand. The click sounded very loud in the now almost silent barn as the doors slipped open revealing an audience standing and looking back as the lights in the barn shifted and Georgie and Wyatt began their slow walk past the washed and braided horses watching from their spotless stalls as the wedding moved forward under Erma's careful direction.
