A/N – Excuse the delay, I spent 21/2 weeks visiting kids I hadn't seen since August.

Chapter 114

With the exception of Jackson, April, Carson and of course Kimmie, everyone was still awake and gathered around the TV set watching the famed ball in Times Square drop. Katie had woken up with 10 minutes to go.

"6….5….4….3….2….1…. HAPPY NEW YEAR !"

The room quieted momentarily as couples embraced and kissed. Amy melted into Ty's arms as they kissed and again when they stood close and facing each other and they stared into each other's eyes. When they separated Amy glanced around and found her twins in the arms of their significant others. The kisses were done and they were simply holding each other whispering sweet words that only they could hear.

As the room of friends moved around for hugs and best wishes Amy stopped for a second to watch Ty and Betty embrace. Betty had tears in her eyes as she wished him a good year, kissing his cheek and then holding him close.

"Happy New Year son."

"Happy New Year Betty" Ty answered softly tightening his hug.

Amy couldn't hear what they said to each other, she just noticed the teary eyes and Ty's slight tightening hug. She smiled and turned into Madelyn who had walked up behind her with the other three teens.

"Happy New Year mom."

"Happy New Year sweetheart, I hope it brings you everything your heart desires."

"Got a pretty good head start mom."

They hugged and kissed each other with as much love as they could muster between them. Charlie was followed by Brin and Bobby, the later two each holding very special places in Amy's heart.

Once again rather than move on Amy watched Maddie wrap her arms around Ty and lay her ear against his chest.

"Happy New Year Pappa." She whispered against his chest.

"Happy New Year Scarecrow."

They hugged until Charlie walked over and moved into the same exact spot Maddie had just held.

"Happy New Year Pappa, best year yet."

"Best year yet Charlie."

Brin also hugged Ty to wish him a happy new year with Bobby last with an outstretched hand. Ty took it and shook and then brought him a little closer and put an arm around him for a brief second before moving on to wish the rest of the guests his best. Along with Amy now they moved through a line of hugs, kisses and well wishes.

They began straightening up over the next half hour as the teens, grands and others moved off to their beds at the insistence of Amy, Erma and Sally. Ty balked leaving as a host but after everything was moved to the kitchen counters Amy sent him off for the last half hour of packing away, rinsing plates and platters and loading the dishwashers.

Ty was sitting in front of a small fire in his undershorts reading Frightful's Mountain the third in the trilogy he and Jackson started in the hospital. Amy noticed that the shorts he was wearing were the grey and black Pima cotton pair that the girls had bought on one of their shopping excursions. As far as Amy was concerned they were the sexiest pair he owned and he knew they were her favorite. He looked up and smiled when she cocked her head to the side and smiled at him.

"Nice outfit."

"I chose it just for you."

"Somehow I think you chose it just for you." Amy answered smiling.

Ty smiled at her "Join me ?"

Amy sighed "are you trying to spoil me Dr. Borden ?"

"Sort of like part of my job description."

"Hmmm, job description huh, I guess that means there'll be reviews."

"Can't wait."

"Well, you know how much I hate paperwork."

"So ?" He said reaching for the flute of champagne on the small table next to him. There was also a bottle that looked about ¾ empty.

"I'm gonna get washed up, wait for me ?"

"I've cancelled all my appointments for the evening."

Amy had dressed appropriately for the evening, under her dress she wore a deep violet colored silk and lace camisole with matching panties. A matching short robe hung hidden on the wall covered by her standard white terry one which she put on to shield herself while she washed and removed her almost non-existent make-up. She switched robes before brushing out her hair and then opened a drawer and removed a small jewelry box.

When she opened the bathroom door the room was dark except for the light from the fireplace and two candles that burned on their night tables. He had moved to the bed and was sitting up with his iPad. He closed the cover and lay it aside the moment she stepped out.

She loved the way he tracked her every move, the shine in his eyes that took her all in and set her heart pounding in anticipation of his touch. She was barefoot and simply crawled onto the bed before dropping alongside him with her hand across his midsection and her head against his chest. His arm immediately ran down her back, his hand gently tracing her body down to her hip.

She moved her free hand up to his cheek and turned him enough to be able to catch his lips lightly staring up into his eyes. She traced the path back to her spot with light kisses along his neck and then down his chest.

He noticed her earring when she settled and her hair shifted and reached over to touch it. Amethyst, he thought surrounded by small diamonds.

"Those are nice, Is there more ?"

Amy smiled against his chest, she had learned over the past few months that Ty was turned on by her jewelry.

"You'll just have to wait and see."

He laughed low and reached over to the flute of champagne and took a sip. She looked up as he swallowed.

"Sip ?"

"I had a sip at midnight."

"Then this would be two."

She smiled again, it was good champagne, Lisa had chosen it from the cellar, Krug Grande Cuvée Brut, and she was a little thirsty so she leaned up on her elbow as he lifted the flute gently and she took a sip swallowed and then took a second even shorter one and then reaching up again to touch his lips she once again settled against his side as he placed the glass back on his nightstand.

Straightening out again he pushed his body down to lay next to her, the hand around her back slipping under her robe as he leaned in to kiss her and then move down to kiss along her jawline down to her neck paying particular attention to the area where he found the amethyst and diamond choker. Amy lay back slowly, her hands now moving gently over his body as she lost herself to his roaming lips.

The next time she paid attention to her surroundings, the fire in the fireplace had died down to embers though the candles were still lit. They lay quietly holding each other, catching their breath, silently sharing their love through their sheer proximity to each other.

Amy giggled when Ty's stomach growled.

"Hungry Ty ?"

"Actually, I've been thinking about that apple pie, share a slice ?"

"Definitely" Amy said shifting.

"Don't go anywhere." Ty said leaning over for a kiss and reaching for the robe that now was never out of reach.

"Leave when there's pie coming ?"

"What was I thinking." Ty said with a chuckle when he unlocked the door.

Amy climbed out of bed and grabbed her silk robe. She was still wearing both her camisole and her panties and once she spent a second adjusting them they were none the worse for wear. She left her slippers and padded across the floor towards the fireplace where she bent over and shoved two small logs onto the fire. She watched and waited for a second and then took a poker and moved them so that the fire had good contact before stepping back and sitting down on the couch tucking her legs to the side.

Ty came through the door balancing the small plate with a hefty slice of Bobby's Mile High Apple Pie, a recipe he only used for family. The pie, that he had first seen on the diner's show on Food Network took about a year to perfect and relied on apples sliced very thin, a thick crust and a low temperature. Typically 9 inches round it was usually about 4 inches tall filled with thin layers of tart candy apple filling.

Ty cut the first forkful and offered it to Amy before cutting himself one and leaning over the plate to get it in his mouth. He smiled and looked over to Amy who smiled back.

"It's really really good" Ty said a moment after swallowing. He handed the plate to Amy and got up, and walked over to his nightstand returning a moment later with his glass and the end of the champagne and a water he detoured to get from the small hidden refrigerator.

"It didn't occur to me that Bobby would be the lead in the baking department. I mean breads, pies, cookies….."

"He's been side by side baking with Sally for a dozen years, Bobby likes baking, it's part of the farm life for him, I don't even think he sees it as odd at all."

Their morning started early, Amy woke to the attention of her loving husband, his soft fingers tracing the lines of her body, his kisses finding those spots that quickened her heart. It was later than normal when Amy came out of her bedroom and made her way to the office where she found Erma, Sally and Trish sitting with their coffee and work.

"You're late." Trish said with a grin.

"We slept in."

"Uh huh." Erma muttered without raising her head from her work.

Sally giggled "Leave her be Erma, they're newlyweds, it's sweet."

"Thank you Sal."

"You're welcome sweetie, uhm, since you're up." She answered holding the thermos up "could you please ?"

"There should be a fresh one waiting." Erma added now looking up and smiling "love you sis."

"Where is Lou anyway ?"

"She was here" Trish said looking up "went up to shower."

Amy grabbed the empty thermos and walked towards the entry hall and the kitchen. She stopped for a second and took in the production line in the kitchen. Bobby was in the center of it all behind the counter with a twin on either side of him. He was kneading a ball of dough the size of a basketball. The girls were peeling and slicing what looked like a hundred apples and Brin was at the dining room table with Georgie, Katie and the kids making and decorating cookies. Brin and Katie were rolling and cutting the cookies on a large pad while Georgie led the decorations team further down the table.

Her first stop was the counter where Charlotte immediately lifted herself on the countertop and leaned across to kiss Amy "morning mom."

"Good morning Charlotte, that's a lot of apples."

"Bobby's making candy apple mile highs."

"Oh, I love those, Ty will too, they're sweet but the tart comes through. Thank you Bobby."

Amy took a mug of coffee from Charlie who simultaneously took the thermos from her to rinse and fill.

"They're everyone's favorite and so as long as someone else is peeling and slicing, I'm good." Bobby said his focus on the dough beneath his palm.

"What's that becoming ?" She asked nodding to the dough he was now slicing into chunks and kneading with his palms."

"We're gonna try baguettes in the wood stove. Mom says it'll work."

Amy nodded and walked over to Madelyn who followed Charlie's example and lifted herself on two hands and leaned over.

"Morning mom, you two sleep in ?"

"Good morning Maddie, and I'm pleading the fifth."

"As is your right."

"Do we have a breakfast plan ?"

Bobby looked up, "the kids had cereal, there are croissants, juice and coffee and John, Wyatt and the Colonel are out getting actual breakfast."

"Are those Breakfast Breads ?"

"They're for tonight and tomorrow morning."

"No chocolate ?"

"Maybe fudge brownies."

"Do we have ice cream for the pie ?"

Maddie giggled "they're stopping at the creamery."

"How's cookie central ?" Amy asked glancing over to the table.

"They're having a ball."

Amy took the last sip from her mug and handed it to Maddie.

"Fill-up ?"

"Yes please, and no argument."

Maddie smiled as Amy turned to the table. She stopped at Brin first for a hug and kiss and made her way around the table.

"Hey mom, this cookie looks like Turq."

"Good morning Jackson."

"Oh, morning mom." He said leaning up out of his chair for a hug.

"It does look a little like Turq." Amy made a show of leaning over the table to look at the decorations. Jackson was obviously doing horses. "So April's doing flowers and Carson animals. All very well represented. Georgie what's important ?"

"Lesson plans at least the first few so I can make changes if I have to. We're getting 12 horses next week, two are all yours. Looks like the others are 3 surgeries, 2 evaluations, and 5 rescues that seem to be doing ok."

"My two ?"

"The best description is falling to thrive for no reason they can come up with medically for lack of a better word. Taking them to a different environment hasn't helped. They're local, Fredonia I think."

"3 hours maybe 4, local enough."

"We just got notice of them yesterday afternoon and the files came in overnight."

"We need their old bloodwork too so we can track the decline."

"I'm almost sure I saw them in the file but I've been …." She finished with a sweep of her hand over the cookie works.

"I'll look it over now and this is what you should be doing Georgie." Georgie looked up and smiled. Amy nodded, brushed Jackson's head with her hand, picked up her thermos and headed to the library.

She stopped for a second when Meg, Sam and Tom passed her at the library door, they all headed straight to the kitchen after smiles and good mornings. She then topped off the mugs being held out in the library before settling in her spot next to Erma.

Amy was lost in a case file when a shadow passing in front of her snapped her attention away. She looked up at Ty standing there smiling "breakfast ?"

"Oh good."

"What were you reading that was more important than your breakfast call ?"

"The two horses coming in this week, failure to thrive, Shadow and Night, interesting names."

"There should be two pictures, they're both solid black."

"Haven't got that far but the names make sense, isolation for sure and we have to rerun all these tests, we'll take blood first and I want a fresh comprehensive IDAT run and let's see what we get." She said standing up and leaving the iPad behind.

"Any preliminary thoughts ?"

"Two genetically unrelated horses exhibiting virtually the same symptoms is either environmental or psychological."

"Psychological ?"

"Horses are some of the most empathic animals on earth, so empathic or sympathetic symptoms is something we should definitely consider. One horse is sick and one horse thinks he's sick."

"Can't wait to read the paper that comes out of this."

"Let's see where it goes first."

"You got it boss."

Breakfast turned out to be a load of fresh bagels and different flavor cream cheeses. Along with a fruit salad platter it worked fine as breakfast. The kids who had eaten earlier sat to eat again, Carson and Jackson tried the whole bit including a bagel each and fruit salad while April had fruit salad alone.

"Amy, do you have plans for after breakfast ?"

"I'm behind on my work Grandpa, what did you have in mind ?"

"The snow's settled, we were thinking of a ride down to lake, Lily's never seen a beaver."

"It's temping but the dinner crew was thinking of doing just that before we start dinner prep. Ty, why don't you go, show your mom a beaver."

Tom looked over, "I'll go with you Ty, I'll show you the site change. If we're just taking a nice ride down we'll be back by lunch."

"We've got the kids." Georgie added.

"Ok let's ride." Ty agreed grabbing a sip of coffee from his upraised mug.

After breakfast Amy settled back in the library with her iPad. Eventually she was joined by Erma, Sally, Trish and Meg. This was not their early morning time together and they weren't as singularly focused getting stuff done.

"Is that Pegasus ?" Amy asked glancing over at Erma's work spread out on the small coffee table. She was looking at what she knew was a section of the ranch with a large circle penciled in and smaller circles new the larger one.

"Georgie's wedding. Trish have any unique vegan entrees lately ?"

"Thin eggplant wrapped around roasted veggies and rice was one. Oh and we had awesome vegan sushi in the city."

"She wants poultry, fish and vegan. End of May, outdoors, too early for a cold salmon dish ?"

"Not my wedding Erma."

"I know it's not your wedding Amy but I'd like to offer her knowledgeable choices."

"Chicken and waffles is Wyatt's new fav."

"Chicken and Waffles ?" Meg repeated "at a wedding ?"

"Salmon croquettes, really nice ones, chicken and waffles, there's a theme there."

"Then make the vegan dish a good old fashioned pasta dish to round it out." Trish added. "Like a vegan Bolognese or puttanesca."

"That's one menu for sure and we can do up the appetizers to modern versions of vintage apps, carry it through the whole event."

"Cake ?" Sally asked.

"Donuts." Erma answered "and she wants bulbs and perennials so she can replant them into a small garden somewhere."

"That's sweet." Amy said. "I guess another could be roast duck, maybe salmon en croute and that rolled eggplant dish or stick with the pasta maybe a butternut ravioli or that Bolognese."

"I vote Bolognese, what are we talking about ?" Lou asked walking in and right over to the thermos.

"Georgie's wedding actually, Erma's working on menus to offer." Amy said moving some stuff off the chair perpendicular to the small couch she and Erma sat on.

Lou sat and then leaned over to kiss Amy good morning. "You weren't here before."

"Why is everyone so concerned about the time I get up lately ?"

"You're always up first Amy, it's like a badge of honor with you."

"I have a standard to set."

Erma laughed to herself and murmured '"except when you're gettin' some."

Amy held back her laugh and reached over to gently swat Erma.

The others did not and all smiled or outright giggled at the exchange, in the past six months the times Amy and Ty emerged from alone time or an apparent rendezvous had become legend amongst their close friends.

"So" Lou said after sipping her coffee "what are the dinner choices so far ?"

As it turns out the morning trail ride crew got back about the time the teens, who had volunteered to do lunch as well, were removing containers of the weeks leftovers to get them out and eaten before they left the next day.

Georgie, who was going along on the ride with the moms stopped in to announce that lunch would be a half hour or so and suggested they all change before since the teens were the third team out and wanted to rest up before the party as the evening was now being called.

Ty stopped by on his way to the bedroom to get cleaned up and change clothes. He stepped over for a quick kiss "need me for anything ?"

"Nothing pressing, but hold on" she said rising and bending over to slide her work into her bag "I'm heading your way."

Ty's phone rang as soon as the door to the bedroom closed.

"Hey Barb what's up ?"

Amy went up the bedroom stairs while Ty slowed down to talk. She stretched for a second at the bed where she dropped her bag before heading into the bathroom.

It was a few minutes before Ty came into the bathroom, Amy was bent over the sink brushing her teeth. Ty sighed and turned on the second sink letting the water run while he leaned forward a second staring into the mirror before rubbing his face and stepping back.

"Everything Ok ?" Amy asked after rinsing her mouth.

"Busy couple weeks coming up." He said leaning over to scoop water in his joined palms and splash it on the face.

Amy dried her face and looked at him again. "Hey, you Ok ?"

"Every time I look at my schedule I see the kids and your faces and not a whole lot of time."

"You'll find a way to fit us in. Come here" she said gently taking his hand from his side and nudging him in front of her.

"Surgery and classes, rounds, office hours, meetings." He listed while pointing at the blank screened iPad.

"Hey, hey, you will find a way Ty. Take them on rounds, do paperwork while they're doing homework, find them when you have free time, pick them up from school and have them do homework while you see students. They know you're busy, I know you're busy, you'll find the time."

He sighed again and closed his eyes for a second before opening them and looking into her eyes "thanks, I'll make it work."

She smiled and lifted herself onto the edge of the sink before leaning forward to kiss him gently. He smiled in return as their foreheads touched and he pulled her in for another kiss. It was soft and loving and he prolonged it leaning forward, closer to her. She sighed and shifted her hands to his tee shirt and sliding them under tenderly caressing his stomach before sliding down to the edge of his boxers.

"What are you doing ?" He rasped as her fingers slipped under the band.

"Finding time and making it work" she whispered back.

They were dressing at different sides on the bed, Ty pulling on a fresh shirt, his typical worn jeans off to the side waiting. Amy was shrugging into her skin tight thermal underwear and caught Ty watching with the corner of her eye.

"Can I help you my love ?" She asked standing and smoothing out the material.

"Whatever happened to baggy thermals with bibs ?"

"Online shopping, these are a lightweight weave and remarkably warm and comfy."

"They're sexy as hell."

Amy smiled and reached for a slightly thicker one piece coverall he assumed was the latest in outdoor wear. It too fit itself snugly to her body. She wore her indoor mukluks but grabbed a pair of lace up winter boots and her gloves.

"I'll be down in a few minutes." Ty said when she turned.

She nodded but walked back for a quick kiss "you make me feel very special Ty."

"I don't know how to answer that, you've given me so much Amy."

There was no need to leave separately at this point as Ty was by now ready as well. They came out on the second floor and headed down the main staircase to a bustling scene with people setting tables and dealing with food. They also heard voices from the library and glanced in on the way down.

The teens were busy behind the counter, Erma and Sally, both in more typical snow bibs were setting the table with the help of the kids. Trish and Meg, dressed very similarly to Amy were sitting at the counter chatting with the girls.

"We're good sis, 10 minutes or so." Erma called out after she saw Amy at the staircase taking in the scene. "The other's are in the study."

Amy nodded and turned to the library, Ty at her side.

"Everyone good ?" Amy asked the room.

"Fine sweetheart." Lisa answered looking up from what appeared to be Erma's notes that she entrusted to Lou.

Amy looked at the group which was surrounding Georgie and Lou and smiled "Georgie, you uhm ok over there ?"

"Yeah, just talking at this stage, what do you think about the chicken and waffles ?"

"I'd probably order it, do you like it ?"

"You don't think it's too finger-foodie ?"

"You know it's really not, fried chicken alone is one thing but unless you're sacrilegious you're pouring syrup and slathering butter and using a knife and fork. Fresh churned butter, local syrup or honey, it's a nice dish."

"For a wedding ?"

"Why not Lisa, it's no harder to eat chicken with a knife and fork than it is duck. It's hopefully an open sided tent with horses and alpaca grazing nearby on a beautiful spring day. Duck almost sounds too heavy."

"And right now it's just one of several dishes being considered" Erma interjected calmly, "and Georgie's free to scour the internet for other choices" she finished with a smile.

Amy smiled at Erma who could diffuse almost any difference of opinion. "So Lily, what did you think of our beavers ?"

"They look much smaller on TV and I thought I'd see, you know, those trees like in the cartoons, just bit through."

"That's Ok Lily, don't feel bad, while I think most people realize that horses and cows are big animals they never quite appreciate how big until they're next to one and no one is ever prepared to see a mature bear on it's rear haunches, no one."

"Big ?"

"Huge Wade, they can easily stand 6 or 7 feet tall when they stretch themselves out in a defensive pose." Ty answered "Outstretched claws can be 2 to 4 inches long."

Amy noticed Brin at the door about the time Brin saw her and walked over with a big smile. Amy immediately slipped her arm around Brin's waist and kissed her head when they were side by side. "What's up sweetheart ?"

"Lunch."

"Lunch !" Amy announced to the room turning with Brin still under her arm.

"Everything going good Brin ?"

"Perfect, I love these snow outfits by the way, you get married and everyone ups their game."

"Huh ?" Ty asked from Brin's other side where he was walking.

"She bought these for you Ty, Amy has perfectly good bibs like the rest of us."

"Brin, some things should probably be left unsaid." Amy whispered to Brin.

"I think it's sexier to know someone went out of their way to please me, besides, check out mom." She said nodding to where Meg was leaning over picking up something that had fallen from the counter.

"Your mom's got a nice butt Brin." Amy said giving her a little squeeze, "Go on, Maddie's holding your place."

"She does have a nice butt Amy, nice of you to notice." Sam said walking past towards his wife.

"I call 'em as I see 'em Sam."

He turned and smiled before slipping his arm around Meg's waist and kissing her cheek.

While everyone fed themselves on their favorite leftover dishes of the week Amy learned that those staying behind would form three groups. The teens volunteered to clean up after lunch and would get changed to take over the snow machines when the next group, the mom's group, got back. The men and kids would head downstairs to the family room where the kids would continue their puzzle while the men took part in a doubles pool tournament.

"A pool tournament huh ?"

"Doubles."

"Not you and Wade."

"That was established up front."

"Dad's real good at pool, he promised to teach me." Jackson added.

"And when's that supposed to happen ?" Amy asked smiling at him. Just hearing the dad part and his pride brought the smile to her face.

"Well, I got to be able to stand on my own."

"And you have to reach the table." Ty added.

"I could use a step."

Amy smiled "You can use a step."

"Me too." Cars added.

"Goes without saying Carson." Amy agreed "and you April, no pool ?"

"I don't think so, maybe when I can reach but I can practice my piano or draw while Jax gets his lessons."

"That's a good plan to look forward to April. How's the piano coming along ?"

"Oh, well, Brin says I'm a good student and I have a good ear and I like to practice so that's good."

"She's doing great Amy." Brin said from down the side of the table.

April leaned forward and smiled looking down the table at Brin.

"I can't wait for your first recital sweetheart." Amy told her. "Charlie, phones at the table ?"

"Sorry mom, Bobby found a bike."

"Bike ? Motorcycle bike ?" Sally asked.

Bobby nodded putting the phone down. Sally looked over to Amy who smiled and then back to Bobby "phone" she said holding out her hand.

"It's a rat mom."

"I don't care if it's a gopher Bobby, phone." Sally said motioning with her hand.

Sally looked at the picture her face a blank and then scrolled down "12,000 dollars ?"

"I have money saved and uhm, well, my birthday's coming up."

"Does it run ?" Tom asked looking into his wife's hands and then reaching for the phone.

"No and it needs a ton of body work. It's a '62 dad."

John reached past Trish who was sitting next to Tom, "let's see."

Tom looked over to Sally who nodded "go ahead, I'm holding him personally responsible for all of this." Sally said looking at John leaning forward with a smile.

"Don't you smile at me John Enchino." Sally said with a scowl.

"How is any of this my fault, oh nice '62 Electro Glide, compression ?"

"He says it's good."

"This bike's a mess Bobby, I think 12 grand is a pipe dream, maybe 8,000."

"He said negotiable, he's moving."

"If you pay 9 it'll probably cost another 5 if you do all the work."

"What'll it be worth if it's restored John ?" Tom asked getting down to brass tacks.

"Painted and chromed, all original, figure 28,000 all day."

"See mom, it's a good deal."

"Where is this good deal ?" Sally asked.

"B'ville, I figured one of you could drive me up in the pick-up."

"I'll call the guy and go with him Sally."

"I'll go with you also John."

"So, uhm, uh, is that a yes ?"

Sally looked over and twisted her mouth, "it's not no to a bike but, what you buy needs John's approval and your dad's Ok about the money."

"Awesome, can Charlie come ?"

Three no's rang out from Sally, Tom and John.

"Ok, Ok, no Charlie." Charlie said. "I get it."

"Charlie, you know I love you but you two and these two ?" Sally said pointing to Bobby then John "and don't tell me that Maddie won't be standing there as if she'd been invited all along." She finished looking at the girls.

Amy and Trish couldn't help but laugh which set several others off.

"Brin was looking at a pretty motorcycle, it had pink." April added out of the blue.

"Sabrina ?"

"Mom ?"

"I thought you wanted a Prius ?"

"I do, for school, but up here ? And I don't tinker." She answered holding up her fingers and moving them up and down.

"I'm sorry Brin, I just never thought of you ….."

"I know, not riding behind Mad, neither can I really, but for you know, movies, ice cream, school and local stuff that's great but for long rides it'll be nice to be on my own I think."

"We have extras Brin."

"I know Amy, it's just not my style, anyway, I didn't buy it and when I decide one way or another, I'll talk to John and he'll find one for me and it'll be perfect."

"Anytime Brin." John said.

Brin smiled and then took her plate and began to stand "well that was fun."

"We'd better get out to the trail." Amy said standing as well.

The snowmobiles were left outside of the utility barn, they were gassed and ready. Amy walked along with Meg from the house "Maddie and John will watch over her Meg."

"I know they will, still, my Sabrina with a motorcycle ? I figured maybe a Vespa, you know cute, like her, but a Harley, she wants a Prius Amy."

"A Harley Brin likes should be quite the sight." Trish added, "We'll make sure she's ready Meg."

"I know you and John will take care of her."

"And I think a lot of the Prius has to do with school in Manhattan Meg, I could see Brin with a Subaru if she stayed up here."

"I guess this is all my fault huh ?"

"It's no one's fault Amy, they watched you and got interested, there's nothing wrong with that." Sally told her "You certainly didn't make Bobby who he is."

"Or Brin" Meg added "It's a way for her to be closer to Maddie and she can't wait to dress the part. That is you by the way."

"Have you looked at yourself in the mirror today Meg ?"

"I know, I know, Brin showed me yours and Trish's."

"You look awesome Meg."

"Thank you Erma."

"You're welcome, can we ride now, where's that trail go ?"

Amy looked over "Past the guest houses to the boat house and then it scoots around the lake a bit."

"Let's go that way, lead the way sis."

The ride on this trail wasn't easy but none of them were novice riders and they made their way around obstacles slowly by going around them though Amy made a note at each one so that they could be cleared. They stopped twice to admire the winter scene around the lake and the mountains beyond.

"That's a bit of a Heartland view."

Amy raised her visor for the coffee she was handed and to free her eyes from the polarizer. It was bright and she shielded her view for a second to acclimate herself.

"It's a nice view for sure Georgie, different than from the house, lower I guess you'd call it and it's a winter view, you almost can't see the lake in the summer and fall."

"You get a piece from the patio outside the kitchen." Georgie told her.

"That's true, especially on sunny days."

Lou swallowed the last of her coffee "This is a beautiful property Amy, how many acres with the conservation ?"

"We own just shy of 1000 acres and are hoping to conserve about 9000 more."

"Tom said it's going well."

Amy nodded at Meg "they love having the wildlife rescue center in Ithaca and the Conservation and Forestry officers are pushing for this one. Hopefully we won't run into anything other than normal bureaucracy."

They stopped again when they turned around though the large meadow so they could head back the way they'd come. Meg and Sally wanted to stop at the guest house to pick up their clothes for the evening.

Amy walked back to see the small garage they'd put up to house snowmobiles before joining the rest who were sitting around the living room waiting for Meg and Sally. Amy plopped down in an open chair and texted the twins to let them know they were coming over from the guest house in a few minutes.

Amy took a sip of water from her bottle and sat back "Trish what's Molly doing after this ?"

"Renting a car and heading to Syracuse for two days, tour and meetings."

"So that's good, it's progressed."

"Not really, Molly called the Dean herself who was thrilled with the prospect of a giving her a tour. The meeting's an impromptu faculty get together."

"That's good politics."

"Meg Koenig came up with it."

"And by the end of a couple days the Dean will know Molly's interested and pass that along to the powers that be." Amy said softly "that's good politics."

"You said that already."

"Well it is, Meg's like the doyen of the politics of academia."

"I think I can do it ?" Meg said looking down at her phone.

"You think you can do what Margaret ?"

"Come with you all to Calgary the first week."

"Margaret, that's awesome, how though ?" Sally asked coming out of the bedroom area.

"Brin said she can handle some of it but my mom's coming."

"Is that allowed ?" Amy asked.

"It's not teaching, it's accompanying and my mom will scare the hell out them."

"And Brin and Sam will get fed."

"Well, there's that too. Not a done deal yet but very doable I think."

"So you'll fly back from Calgary."

Meg nodded rising as they all were, an unspoken agreement to get on with their day now that Sally was done.

"I hope it works out Margaret." Amy said slipping her arm around her waist and out to the snow machines.

The teens were only taking two and Katie had decided to stay back with the puzzle crew.

"Why don't we let those thaw in the sun while we're gone and we'll get them all away and gassed when we get back ?"

"Thanks Bobby",Amy said "that'll be perfect, which way are you all heading ?"

"How's that lake trail ?" Charlie asked

"You'll have to go around a tree and huge branch so be careful."

"Thanks Mom, kitchen's all ready, men and kids downstairs, anyone not there is with the Grans in the living room.'

"Thank you Maddie."

"Bobby the baguettes ?" Erma asked.

"In that stone oven I would check at 20 minutes. Take 'em out of the fridge maybe a half hour before ? We'll take care of it mom, get the rest ready."

"Half hour sounds good. I'll make sure they're out of you're not around." Sally agreed.

Coming in from the back of the house they passed and stopped into the family room which Amy was happy to see could handle the extra guests without too much problem though many more would be an issue. Her first stop was with Jackson who had a big smile on his face. There was a huge chunk of puzzle he had put together off to the side and was anxiously waiting for a bridge or an edge that would join it to the puzzle itself.

After Jackson and in turn Katie and the other kids Amy made her way to the pool table where Ty slipped his arm around her waist and leaned over for a gentle kiss and a whisper "how about I come up and help you out of that outfit ?"

Amy smiled and whispered back, "feeling frisky today my love ?" Followed by a small nuzzle against his neck.

"Actually" … he whispered moving his hand a drop seductively against her hip.

Amy smiled and looked up at his grin "let me just check with Meg and Sally who are coming up to our room to get changed."

"That's just evil." Ty murmured deflated.

"I'm sorry sweetheart, it just wasn't meant to be."

Upstairs a few minutes later Meg, Sally and Amy shrugged out of their winter wear, washed and got dressed. Ty and Amy were the topic of conversation.

"So what were you and Ty whispering and being all chummy about ?"

"Three guesses Sal."

Meg giggled "apparently you two are chummy a lot. Brin thinks it's remarkably newlywed and very sweet."

"Really Meg ? Sally ?"

"Yeah, pretty much the twins are on to you two kiddo."

"They're extraordinarily smart and intuitive Amy."

"Thank you Margaret but what does that ….."

"You positively glow after you have sex sweetie." Sally laughed stepping into her plush slippers "and Ty looks like he just snatched the last brownie."

"Pretty sure Amy's a blondie Sal." Meg added from the bathroom laughing as well.

"Ok, that's enough." Amy said turning so that Sally could zip up her dress.

The knock came a second later "you all decent ?" Trish's voice came through the door.

Amy walked over and opened it to find not only Trish but the rest of the crew, Lou, Georgie and Erma.

"We ready ?"

"More than ready." Amy said sitting down to pull on her warm booties.

"Uh oh, what's wrong sis." Erma said sitting beside her.

"Nothing is wrong Erma."

"You've definitely got a bee in your bonnet Amy, come on, tell Erma what's bothering you."

"Apparently, my sex life is a lively topic of conversation."

"No one said that Amy, don't go overboard."

"I'm not going overboard Sally, really the twins ?"

"We all have sex Amy, and the teenagers all know we have sex, what's the issue ?"

Margaret laughed "the issue is frequency."

"How often do you have sex ?"

"It's none of your business Lou."

"Don't snap at me Amy, I'm just trying to catch up."

"I'm not snapping Lou but what kind of a question is that ?"

"It's just a question, Sally's right, it's hard to hide we just had sex in a closed community like a ranch, you think we didn't know you and Ty were screwing during night check or packing out for a day in that blue truck of his or on horses ?"

"Who knew ?"

"I knew, Peter knew, Lisa knew, Katie was too young I think but I'm sure Georgie knew."

"Georgie ?" Amy asked.

"I'm staying out of this."

"You can't stay out of it Georgie, not if you're one of us." Trish whispered leaning closer to her.

"Fine, I knew."

"What about Grandpa and Dad ?"

"I think they pretty much knew Amy." Lou told her.

Amy looked over "Georgie, moving out was the smartest thing you ever did."

"Look," Trish started "sex sets off all kinds of chemical reactions in your body and while those elevated levels exist there are physical characteristics that are natural like facial color and texture changes, eyes get wider and more open, breathing is different, general demeanor, even the amount of natural pheromone. So depending on circumstances, when you have sex in the office and go straight into the house, you're gonna get noticed for one thing or another."

"Why are we talking about this,' Georgie started "the girls probably don't spend much time thinking about you two having sex Amy, it's weird and I think people's brains sort of skip that whole line of thinking 'cause it's just well … weird to think about your parents having sex. Anyway, look, in case you haven't realized it you've positively glowed since the wedding, you two light up any room you come into and in case we've all forgotten, sex is great, we should all have more of it."

"Amen." Erma said "Let's go cook a New Year's Eve feast."

Amy smiled and followed Erma out and to the staircase. She caught up on the way down the stairs and gave Erma a little nudge "getting' enough sis ?"

'We're farmers in winter Amy."

"Amen." Sally said making a third coming down the stairs and joining them on Erma's left.

"Here's to us then." Amy said as they hit the bottom and walked to the kitchen.

Amy was never known for dress wearing until recently and the pattern she set away from the ranch at least was that if she wasn't going to be working she'd try to wear a dress and so following her lead they all wore simple house dresses down to get things started. They'd of course change for dinner which would be more dressy for the occasion.

It wasn't odd by any stretch of the imagination that they each grabbed one of the aprons on the end of the counter to stay clean as had Bobby and the girls earlier in the day. Both Erma and Sally followed strict health regulations when preparing food for retail and commercial sale. Aprons or full 'whites' were required besides, why spoil a good dress ?

It was amusing though when Lisa came walking down the long foyer along with Kimmie and stopped to look at the scene before her.

"It's like an old 60's advertisement where all the women are dressed up to do housework."

Trish looked up from the cheese and fruit platter she was arranging "I kinda like it, I never wore a lot of dresses because I'm always doing things, besides, when in Rome…"

Erma came around the counter to scoop Kimmie up "I'm always in coveralls or an apron, I love having pockets handy. How are you my sweet ?" She said holding her and kissing her cheek.

"She's great but wants a snack." Lisa said.

"We're doing snack platters now." Trish said walking over with a slice of apple "here sweetheart, have this for now while I finish."

"Kimmie want to stay here or go back with the grans. ? She's Ok with you Lisa ?"

"She's fine, playing by herself mostly but she's getting plenty of attention."

Kimmie looked at Lisa who smiled and held out her hands for Kimmie to climb into. One hand held onto the apple.

"Five minutes Lisa." Trish told her grabbing a bowl to arrange breadsticks and crackers.

"We have plenty of drinks." She called back.

A few minutes later while Trish and Lou carried snacks to the living room, Amy and Sally carried snacks to the family room. Every glanced up when they came but only Cars piped up.

"Great, I'm starved."

"Carson, you've eaten three times today already." Sally scolded with a smile on her face.

"C'mon mom."

"I'm hungry too." Jackson added helpfully.

"You four want to share a plate or separate ?"

"Share" Katie and April said together, stopped, smiled and high fived each other.

"I'll get it ready for you." Sally said walking to the pantry and grabbing a plate.

Ty immediately walked over to Amy and slid his hand around her waist. "You need me to help with anything ?"

"This is perfect, you being a good host ?"

"I am." He answered glancing around and nodding.

"Then Sally and I should head back." She answered leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Have I told you today how much I love you Ty ?"

'Let me just get this to the kids Amy." Sally said said dumping crackers into the center of a plate and smiling at what Amy was saying.

"Several times actually."

"Good then." She said leaning up to kiss him gently and stroke his cheek for a second.

"I love you too you know."

"I do know that."

Ty nodded and smiled and leaned over for another gentle kiss.

"Ok enough you two, let's go Amy. Ty, have you done wine for dinner ?"

"Me Sally ?, that's Betty's cellar."

Sally laughed "we'll check with them."

They stopped a second later when Tom slipped his arms around Sally's waist from behind and kissed her neck. "I don't get the mushy talk ?"

Sally giggled, farm girl through and through "oh stop, you know I love you more than my critters ?"

"That's what I needed to hear." Tom said laughing "What man could ask for more."

"You're a lucky man Tom." Ty agreed taking a pool cue from Sam and turning his attention the table.

"April ok ?"

"Simpatico with Katie, she's great." Amy answered Erma. "What's first ?"

They split the work, chopping the herbs and slivering garlic to go in the roasts. Erma and Sally sat down to work out the times and plan.

"How are we serving the lobster, stir fried ?"

"We chose stir fried so steamed and into the wok for a spin." Sally said. "We've got tons of ginger, we'll do half with a nice clarified butter bath and half ginger and garlic."

Trish was busy chopping onions and mushrooms for a rich vegan mushroom soup to start the meal but was also prepping two vegan briskets that were shipped in from a new vegan store called The Compassionate Butcher that had garnered a very good reputation in a very short time. It was a seitan roast that from looks alone seemed very well done. It would be served with mushroom gravy Trish would also take care of.

Sides would be roasted and all supplied by the Carmichael farm; asparagus, brussel sprouts, potatoes and cauliflower. Last of the season for the greens and the cauliflower.

With dessert, baked snacks and bread made by Bobby and the girls, and cheese platters and ice cream supplied by the Potters and the local creamery.

Several things happened around 4:00 in the afternoon, the teenagers returned, the men finished their pool tournament and a delivery of fresh cut flowers arrived from the local florist.

"Ty could you sign for the flowers please ?" Amy asked from behind the counter. "Sally, where do you want them ?"

"Foyer, I'll use the coffee table and the boxes can stay on the floor while I work." Sally was the group florist and floral arranger. The farm was basically vegetables and fruit but Sally used every inch of the surrounding area to grow flowers, mostly stem flowers for arrangements that she sold every Friday and Saturday from late spring until fall. They were very popular in the area and always sold out. Today she'd be putting together several vase arrangements for the dinner table and the living room.

Erma was in charge of the table dressing, she'd start by laying the tablecloth and ironing it smooth. Amy had of course ordered table linen to match the artisan place settings, no two exactly alike as they were hand poured. Their pattern was called watercolor and they favored shades of plates stood in piles on the buffet waiting for Erma's touch. Once set she'd start o table decorations. 6 candles were placed to be lit for dinner, they were set in place as the vase arrangements were finished and brought to the table by Sally. These were followed by Erma's seasonal touches laid out on the table, small evergreen shoots laden with Juniper berries and pinecones added for effect. In the end her work took almost an hour and would stand on it's own as a centerpiece of a magazine article in many a publication.

It was decided that champagne would stand as an accompaniment to the lobster and crab legs and a deep Syrah would be served to compliment the beef. Water and a fresh non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider would be served for the non drinkers. They were dressing for dinner, cocktail dresses and sport coats or suits for the adults and teens. April and Kimmie would also be in dresses with Jackson and Carson in pants and a clean button down shirt, excused from the jacket.

They broke off to change on schedule, someone if not most would be done when the roasts were timed to come out and rest. The seafood was set and ready in the steamer pots and Trish would handle the quick stir fry of the lobsters, though she wouldn't eat them she was the most adept at the wok. The bread and sides would go in when the roasts were done, a schedule for everything.

Ty stopped into the bedroom as Amy was getting undressed for a quick rinse after spending the day active and cooking. He and Tom going oversaw the boys getting dressed and they'd set the them up to wait for the rest in the upstairs seating area. Amy was singing along with a song in the shower when Ty's arms wrapped around her and she jumped.

"Ty !' She squealed jumping from his grasp.

"Sorry, sorry." He chuckled as once again his arms wrapped around her, this time though, they were face to face and he leaned down to kiss her.

She sighed when she saw the look in his eyes "we don't have time."

'We definitely have time." He whispered close to her ear.

"Ty ….."

"Finding time and making it work" He whispered as he kissed down her neck.

Amy dressed in a sequined solid colored midnight blue dress, a dark blue sapphire choker set with a matching tennis bracelet and short earrings with her black Manolo Blahnik dancing shoes. Ty wore a dark charcoal colored bespoke suit, a crisp white shirt finished with a patterned dark blue and green tie. His outfit was finished with a pair of Bally loafers that were simple and appealed to his aesthetic.

"Good ?" Ty asked standing for inspection at the door waiting for Amy.

Standing after adjusting her shoes Amy smiled before him and reached up for a second to minutely adjust his tie. "Perfect my love, how do you feel ?"

"Happy."

"Happy is a good feeling."

"And you ?"

"Head over heels in love with you Dr. Borden."

Ty smiled ear to ear and reached his hand down to take hers "Ready ?"

Amy nodded as they both stepped back and he opened the door which faced the second floor seating arrangement with a small crowd had gathered.

"All good ?" Amy asked as they walked over to the group of teens and kids sitting in their fineries.

The teens immediately stood and smoothed their clothes as if waiting for inspection. Ty walked over to each of the girls and glowed as each of the twins walked over.

"Happy New Year Pappa." Charlie said reaching him first and gently kissing his cheek so as not to smudge her lipstick on his cheek.

"Look at you all" He said his eyes and smile flashing his unquestionable love for each.

Maddie also gently kissed him and wished him a happy New Year while Brin stopped a step away as her eyes shot up and down his torso. When she finally stepped forward Ty leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

She smiled and once again Ty was taken aback by her simple beauty and her affect which was always perfect. Brin would break hearts in a crowd of beauty queens. She reached up and tucked away a stray a hair past his ear before a short nod of approval, which was all Ty needed.

"Happy New Year Ty." Bobby said a second later reaching out his hand to Ty who took it smiling.

"Look at you three" Amy said sizing up the children in their finery as Ty hugged both Lou and Katie.

There was music now coming from the downstairs which drew their attention as they headed downstairs following Amy's lead while Ty took Jackson back through to the bedroom and to the elevator.

Amy was approached immediately by her friends, each gently kissing each other and then stopping to admire outfits. It wasn't often they all dressed, most of the time it was for charity events or Cornell dinners that some or most didn't attend, especially this group. Bobby and the teens immediately took over the final prep, slipping on aprons and picking tasks from the detailed prep list that Erma and Sally had left. The teens insisted on doing this.

Ty had moved off to the small bar that was set up in the large foyer and began offering drinks to the assembled. Erma and August stepped off to dance quietly to the music playing. Georgie, Wyatt, Wade, Lily,Jack and Lisa also moved over for a dance.

Ty was standing with Tom, Sally and Betty who were each sipping a Manhattan when Amy sidled over and slipped her arm around Ty's waist. Ty smiled down "can I get you something Ames ?"

"Dance with me Ty ?"

"Absolutely." He said his free arm slipping past hers and around her waist where it rested in one of his favorite spots, the lower part oh her hip.

Betty glanced over when it was obvious Tom and Sally would join the dancers and found Trish off to the side watching John dancing with Molly. She moved over to Trish's side who smiled at her as she walked over and also slid her hand around Betty's waist.

"I like what this place means to our girl." Trish said to Betty watching Ty and Amy slowly dancing while staring into each other's eyes, their smiles obviously for each other.

"She would never have considered something like this without him, it's amazing the change he's brought to our family. How they stayed apart for so long, I can't imagine."

"They certainly pushed it a bit far, or she did, let's face facts here, but I know what you mean."

"John and Molly seem to be having fun."

"He's like me Betty, Molly's family and as much a mom to him as she's always been to me. She's always been so proud of him."

"And you Patricia, you two make it easy."

Trish who was several inches taller than Betty, than everyone except John and Jack actually, leaned over and kissed Betty's head. "Geez, the dinner smells were bad enough, the smell of bread baking, well, I don't know about you Gran but someone better get some food in front of me soon."

"I think as soon as that bread comes out we're good to go." Betty said as Jackson rode himself over. Glancing up she watched Bobby turn the loaves on the cooling rack.

"Gran are we eating soon ?"

"I think so Jackson, you can go ask the girls if you want though."

He hardly had a chance to move before Brin and Maddie came out from behind the counter and walked over.

"Ready Mad I'm starved ?" He asked anxiously.

Maddie laughed "yes JT, dinner's ready, want to …"

But before she could ask Jackson to let the folks know he bellowed "DINNER !"

"Jackson, hush, were you raised in a barn ?"

"Pretty much Gran, let's eat."

As people sat Bobby and the girls lay three baskets of fresh bread and butter plates along the table and then sat. Sally and Erma were behind the counter filling two soup tureens with a thick, dark brown broth. `An infusion of mushrooms, onions and carrots that had reduced for hours to a rich soup.

They carried the two tureens over and were helped placing them immediately by their husbands Tom and August who were both old pros. Sally and Erma then stood and each served their side of the table. The aroma that had made it's way to the table when the pot was opened intensified as the bowls were filled and served. While this was being done Ty and Jack were filling wine glasses and champagne flutes. By serving both those that drank wine would be able to switch from the bold red Syrah they had chosen for the soup and the Filet Mignon, a 2013 Sine Qua Non Syrah Le Supplement Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard to a lighter blanc de blanc champagne, a 2007 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs for the lobster and fruit to come after, besides it was New Year's.

When Ty sat back down Jackson and Cars were positively fidgeting in their places waiting for everyone to be served.

"Just another few minutes guys, calm down." Ty whispered leaning over between the two on his way back to his seat next to Amy.

As the last of the soups were served the guests all turned to Ty and Amy.

"Should we start with a toast ?" Lisa asked.

"Ty, would you please ?" Amy asked.

Ty nodded and took a deep breath. "I've spent a good part of the day thinking back over the past few years of my life trying to find a New Year that felt like this one and I can honestly say it was a completely fruitless exercise and I have a funny feeling that each upcoming New Year will beat the one before. My life changed this year and for the first time I think I understand that the best of times are the times we have yet to live. For my part, I can't wait to see where this coming year takes us. So, here's to you all, our family, and to all those at home who couldn't be here with us, Amy and I and our kids" at this point Ty stopped for a second to put his arm affectionately on Jackson's shoulder and smiling at the girls who nodded and then at Betty who smiled with moist eyes, "wish you all a very happy New Year, cheers !" And with that he stood and held forth his hand before sipping.

"Here, here, Happy New Year to us all !" Jack echoed as they each drank from one of their glasses.

"Can we eat now ?"

"Yes Carson, you may eat."

"Great, bread please !"

Ty smiled and reached for one of the warm baguettes, ripped off an end to hand him and then a hunk to Jackson and then April who sat between the boys.

"Thank you Ty."

"You're very welcome April."

"Yeah, thanks." Carson said his mouth almost packed full.

"You're welcome too Cars" Ty answered laughing.

Jackson was about to answer with a mouthful as well but Ty was ahead of him.

"Don't even try Jackson, you're welcome."

Jackson nodded, smiled, swallowed and then moved on to soup.

The table quieted substantially except for the compliments on the soup. In an almost unspoken dance Sally, Erma and Trish took up aprons to get the seafood course ready, Trish ready at a huge wok she borrowed from the club waiting as the other two boiled and prepped the lobster. While that went on the twins cleared the table of soup bowls and got them to the dishwasher with Brin and Bobby resetting the table with room for the platters to come.

Between last minute prep, plating and serving, each entrée course took about an hour and they were in no rush. The kids all took long naps and Kimmie would just get carried to bed when she fell asleep. The Teens had made midnight for a couple years now.

Shellfish was always a treat and this was no exception. Champagne glasses were filled for those that were drinking, a sparkling non alcoholic pear cider was served to the rest as nutcrackers and napkins appeared. It was apparently August's job to get three plates ready for the kids who were not to be trusted with shellfish since there was almost a guarantee everyone within 6 feet would end up with at least some flying mess going their way.

"What is that, they look like scallops ?" Ty asked Trish who was sitting next to Amy.

"King oyster mushrooms sautéed in ginger sauce, taste a couple." Trish said passing the small platter. Ty took the platter and dropped two on his plate. Jackson popped a chunk of lobster into his mouth and leaned over and looked at s plate for a second for a second.

"Jackson, want to try ?"

Without skipping a beat he nodded yes.

Ty smiled and dropped one on his plate. A second later, again, without skipping a beat he popped a mushroom into his mouth.

"Jackson, you need to slow down, CPS would think we were starving you."

Jackson looked over, mouth full and drawn into an odd smile.

Ty held up his hand,"swallow and breathe before speaking please. April, Cars, want to try ?"

April answered 'yes please' while Cars, in the same state as Jackson nodded and held his plate out, mouth full.

"You too Carson, slow down." Bobby who was sitting on Cars other side said quietly.

Cars turned and nodded to his brother before pulling his plate back now that there were two mushrooms on his plate. Bobby just muttered something and nodded his head.

"Sorry Bobby."

"It's Ok Cars, just try and remember."

It was during the meat course that Amy glanced at Georgie who was reading her phone intently and then typing back. A second later she heard her mutter under her breath, "how the hell is this my job ?"

Amy smiled looking up after cutting a piece of filet, "problem Georgie ?"

Georgie looked over "er, uhm sorry, no, we're good."

Amy chewed her meat and swallowed not taking her eyes off her niece. "what ?"

"Apparently as of an hour or so ago, 25% of the horses we're getting this week tested positive, 3 pregnant mares."

"How is that possible ?"

"Which part ? Sarah said they're probably late pairings."

"What's wrong with them ?"

"Nothing horrible a couple months of decent food won't fix, they were supposed to be a quick turnover."

"And now we have them until at least September." Amy said.

"C'mon mom, not so bad." Maddie added, a thought finished by Charlie "And then we get foals."

"Foals are awesome." Jackson said throwing in his 2 cents.

"I love volunteers, you three are in charge of mare care."

"I'll let Sarah know." Georgie added with a smile.

"Actually tell Sarah to assign Annabelle to work with the kids and we'll peek in every now and then."

"Mare care." Maddie said, "can do."

"Hooo-ah." The colonel added holding up her wine and toasting the can do saying.

"What's after dinner ?"

"I for one am dancing with your mom Jackson, what would you like to do ?"

April spoke up immediately, "watch all the New Year shows."

"I think there's a TV set up in the living rom but you'll have to keep it low."

"We will." Cars assured him.

The next course was cheese and fruit and they decided it was time to get away from the table. The platters would get set up near the bar against the wall in the living room and later on they'd take a break for coffee and dessert.

Wyatt had spent part of the week setting up playlists of mostly slow dance pieces featuring several noted crooners and duets interspersed with slow Latin music that Ty and Amy insisted on. They had moved one of the seating areas in the foyer and several of the couches in the living room to create a decent sized dance floor.

Once again the teens came through volunteering to get the dining room straightened up and left the adults to gather in the living room and the cleared foyer where Ty immediately twirled Amy around into his arms dancing to Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet's rendition of "Anything Goes."

Soon, someone had stoked up the fireplace, set the kids by the TV and the jury rigged dance floor filled up with dancers and spectators who waited patiently chatting and sipping champagne until there was more room. Amy and Ty were going to take a break after their third dance but as it turned out to be a slow merengue they stayed before moving to a couch for a rest and a drink.

Lisa immediately came by with a flute of champagne for Ty and a cranberry lime soda or Amy.

"This is beautiful Amy."

"Wish we had more room for dancing but, it's pretty perfect."

"Next time we can move the stuff out or further down but come one Ames, this is pretty amazing."

"I wasn't complaining Ty and we should dance more often."

"I'm game, any ideas ?"

"Actually, each of the jumping rounds in the new building is wired for music for the dressage horses."

"That would actually work at the ranch, get Pavel to throw some stuff together."

"Well, I guess we'd need to figure out the floor situation, I for one don't want to dance in the dirt."

"I'll throw it to the architects, it's not a change per se."

Lisa shook her head "not them, call someone and ask how they convert an ice hockey arena to a basketball court."

"So just ask Charlie and he'll call someone." Ty said laughing, "got it."

"That's usually easiest." Amy added with a laugh.

"Ready for the dance floor ?"

"Oh, I was going to sit with the kids for a few minutes, take Lisa."

Ty smiled and stood, then put his arm out "dance Lisa ?"

Lisa wrapped her arm around his "I'd love to Ty."

After making sure the kids were content Amy moved around hosting, stopping to chat and visit with whomever was standing. She was chatting with Erma and Georgie when she caught sight of her grandfather dancing with the Colonel and smiled.

"His knees are going to be a wreck in the morning. I hope he remembers his cream."

"Stop worrying about him Amy, he's a big boy and hates fussing."

"I know Georgie but he's not as tough as he makes out to be."

"So, you're Ok with Jack ?"

"I'm Ok."

"And Tim ?"

"Dad's dad, I'm Ok, our relationship will be what he makes it. I like Casey."

"Casey's awesome, I did routines at a few of her rodeos."

"Well the kids love her, the girls text her all the time, it's nice."

At about 9:00 the teens disappeared to get dessert ready, Charlie came back to set up the coffee urn in the small kitchenette next to the bar. Amy had been dancing pretty steadily through a string of partners with a good dollop of Ty thrown in and was taking a rest.

"Need help Charlie ?"

"No, I'm good, you look like your having a good time."

"I've discovered I like dancing."

"It's the partner."

"You think ?" Amy answered smiling.

"Trust me, Charlie is wise."

Amy sipped her drink and watched as the dancers parted and then applauded as Bobby pushed a cart topped with 4 golden crusted mile high apple pies that were perfect and gathered around a tub of just-whipped cream. Two platters of cookies and brownies rode the lower shelf along with 2 plates of fruit.

The kids didn't quite make it to ten, once the pie and cookie sugar rush disappeared they faded fast and were carried up to Jackson's room for the night. Katie made it to eleven before fading on one of the couches and Lou thought it would be fine to wake her for the countdown and then send her to bed.

At about 11:45 they turned off the music and then raised the volume of the television which was on one of the stations now broadcasting continuously from Times Square, naturally everyone coupled up and started the countdown along with the screen and the clock in the corner.

"10, 9, 8, 7…"