Chapter 119

Erma leaned over and gently lay her hand on Amy's. She leaned over and whispered "Hey sis, it's time to get up and ready, we're almost home."

"Where are we ?" Amy whispered opening her eyes.

"Over Pennsylvania, 20 minutes to Syracuse. Go wash up, I ordered coffee."

Amy popped her chair up and stretched. She noticed Sally's seat empty.

"Bathroom, we all just got up."

"Ok, back in a few." Amy said standing and checking the overhead as she grabbed her travel bag.

"You Ok Sal ?" She asked when she passed her friend in the corridor.

"I'm good, coffee is an imperative though."

Amy nodded certainly agreeing "I'll be there in a minute."

With the 3 hour time zone difference they had agreed to leave Phoenix early on a 6:15 flight, 9:15 New York time which would arrive about 4 and a half hours later a little before 2:00 PM. If the weather was clear they would chopper to the ranch and be in before 3:00. They wouldn't be so lucky as a cold front had moved in and they'd be picked up and driven home by August in Amy and Ty's Land Cruiser.

As soon as Amy reached her seat a flight attendant headed over with a pot of coffee and a smile which she returned gratefully.

"August texted he's at the terminal." Erma told her after swallowing a gulp of her own coffee.

Amy nodded "are there plans ?"

"I plan on getting my kids to bed early and having sex with my farmer husband." Erma said her eyes and smile bright.

"Lawyer for me." Sally added with a smile and lifting her finger to make the point.

"Well don't look at me, I'm the newlywed."

They had chosen to come home on a Saturday so that at least Amy would get a day at the ranch before school took over her life. It wouldn't for long actually, just 2 weeks as Winter break was coming up and they'd spend a few days in Manhattan for Jackson's imaging tests and a few things they had to get done, Ty's haircut for one, but more importantly his Visa to remain in the US needed to be dealt with, it would take a year or so for US citizenship. He was debating that but seemed to be leaning towards a yes if for no other reason was Tom's assurance that adoptions would be easier. Georgie and Wyatt were along for the same reason, making their temporary student visa's permanent and amending work visa's to them as well. Amy, Betty and the girls would also make a trip to Sebastian for a gown fitting for her and for the rest to see and choose their dresses for the event.

"I meant kids and dinner." Amy said.

Erma smiled "I know sweetie, I think we're splitting up but everyone will probably be at your place waiting."

It was just about 4 in the afternoon when they pulled through the Pegasus ranch gates and they watched as a small crowd wandered in from the house and the barns. Amy spotted Ty pushing Jackson with Georgie, Wyatt and all the kids walking over from he barn, she smiled and waved as August pulled up to the house.

Amy kissed Ty gently and then leaned over to lift Jackson out of his chair and into her arms for a long hug.

"Missed you kiddo."

"Missed you too mom."

Ty took Jackson and leaned in to kiss her again before she stopped to hug and kiss her girls and then a patient Betty.

"Ok sweetheart ?"

"Just fine Gran." Amy whispered back.

Jackson was back in his chair and they turned to walk to the house, Ty slipping his arm around her as they went.

She stopped at the porch to hug Georgie and Wyatt before stopping by Chuck for another long hug.

"You Ok sweetheart and Robin ?"

"We're great Amy, have fun ?"

"I don't know that being away without everyone is fun Chuck but we had a good time."

She turned to see her bags being carried up the stairs and stayed for a few minutes for welcome and goodbye hugs to Sally, Erma and their families before heading up into the house and plopping down into her seat in the kitchen. A moment later Betty lay a hot cup of coffee down in front of her and took a seat herself.

"How's everything around here ?"

"We're good." Georgie answered "full stables, weather hasn't sucked until today."

"And we're all good ?"

"We all survived." Ty answered with a grin.

Amy smiled and reached her palm over to his cheek "I missed you husband."

Ty turned and kissed her palm "We all missed you Ames, let's not do that a lot."

"Definitely." Jackson agreed.

"How's Emily doing ?"

"She's amazing Betty, and her mom is doing much better out there, we spent some nice time together."

"And everything else ?" Charlie Rodgers asked. He had come in with Trev and stood back initially.

"A whole pack of signatures are waiting for you two, I'd say from a business perspective is was a successful trip."

"Sounded like it from our end, you did good country girl." Trev said smiling.

Amy reached over for her messenger bag, pulled out two folders and two iPads and handed it to Trev. "That should keep you busy for a while Trev. I guess I'll head upstairs and unpack, maybe a quick shower. When's this weather supposed to hit, think I can go for a quick ride on Spartan before dinner ?"

"Doesn't look good mom." Maddie said holding out the weather app on her phone. "Snow in less than an hour. We just brought them all in."

Amy nodded while standing, "Ok, barn visits it is. Need me for dinner Betty ?"

"We'll help mom, you go take care of your stuff."

"Thank you Charlie."

"I can set the table." Jackson volunteered. Amy smiled and bent over to kiss his head.

She stopped at Charlie and Trev who were chatting and gave each a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You two go home, I'm fine."

As if no time had passed at all, after dinner Amy and Ty sat in their bedroom with Betty and the kids. Amy was feeling the jet lag and stifled a yawn as soon as Jackson let out one of his signature time for bed ones. Betty saw it and suggested they leave her to rest. Amy smiled and kissed and hugged Jackson and the twins at the door to the master bedroom with Betty hugging her and suggesting that it would be fine for her to sleep a little later in the morning and catch up.

They were both anxious to get to bed and their reunion was capped making love both in the evening and first thing in the morning. They lay together after watching the sunrise and snuggling together.

"So, want to talk about Alberta, we never really delved into much."

"It was nice to visit, the weather wasn't great once we got to Hudson so I really didn't get a chance to to look at much."

"You went up to the cemetery though."

"I had a nice ride up and around with Lou before the big snow hit."

"And Jack ?"

"Grandpa" she sighed "I used to think I got him, you know, and I get his whole obsession with the ranch house and wanting to know everything before deciding, but our building a house, the size ? Why the hell should he care, he should be thrilled."

"It's his ranch Ames."

"You know how stupid that sounds Ty, seriously, he's almost 90, you think it's time to let someone in ? I guess there was a time when my dream was to take over the ranch and have him retire but now ?"

"You think he'll say no ?"

"No, I think he was sort of freaked out by Lisa. For a second there I thought she was, uh, I don't know how to describe it, but she pretty clear, she wants a new kitchen, her own bathroom and a new mattress. I almost wonder if he'd be a little happier if I was some struggling single mom."

"He wouldn't Ames, I think it's a relief to him to know you weren't struggling."

"Anyway, there are upgraded plans on the iPad for our house including two apartments over the barn but we won't get hard prints until we're finalizing."

"Any idea of a price ?"

"We're looking at probably, figure around $350,000 finished plus furnishings for our house, the barn and apartments. Not sure about the ranch house."

"Why do I feel like I'm spending all this money, you know, because well, I guess we're back together."

"I hate to tell you Ty, not only are we spending this money, the odds are it's because we're back together." She made sure to emphasize the we in her response.

"Not just a feeling then huh ?"

"Come on Ty, the majority is either buying or improving high value real estate which is an investment and the vacation home which technically, we didn't buy. Maybe slow down on the cars and trucks, those are pretty much a waste of money, you never get back what you put in."

"Well, the cars and trucks should be done for a while."

"That's true I guess" she agreed and then turned slightly.

Ty smiled "I guess we should get showered and dressed ?"

"Hmmm, I was thinking maybe a little more reunion before showering ?

His smile widened "Definitely got one more reunion in me."

Her hands roamed lightly over his chest as he lay back and pulled her closer for a kiss "Atta boy." She murmured as she shifted herself over him.

It was a hectic two weeks, snowy and cold but they were all busy with school and horses. Another 12 rescues were taken on, with more coming in three weeks. One of the plans hashed out in Montana and Arizona was that Pegasus or White Horse would try to get them get them and they would have to try taking 12 horses a month to finish training and re-home.

The big question coming up would be Jackson's near future which would be determined by his test and exams in Manhattan. He was doing great, swimming 4 times a week he'd gained back his pre surgery muscle mass and toned up his body quickly. Phyllis and Dr. Sherman both were very pleased with his progress. Jackson was as antsy as a pregnant mare, he wanted to be ready to ride and fish in the spring.

Amy was in her element, her first stop Sunday morning after their eventual shower was a breakfast meeting with her rescue staff, the seconds including Creighton and Annabelle along with Sarah, Vi and the girls to go over what she'd missed and to deal with any problems that came up over her trip, one of which was Isabelle, a mare they took a few days to figure out.

"Deaf huh ?"

"As a post near as I can reckon." Sarah said "any ideas ?"

"I don't know that she's ever been ridden." Georgie added "she's skittish as hell, we were able to get a blood sample but that's about it."

"I can imagine she's scared, well, we've done blind, I'll take her on but I have a feeling we're keeping her, I'll call Victor after I meet her, maybe he's handled something like this before."

"Any thoughts ?"

"We'll start by seeing if I can get her to trust me and go on from there, wish it was Spring though, sitting with her might be the way to go, I'll meet her after we finish, this may take some time. Maybe try to track down some history."

"We'll leave her to you then." Sarah said marking her up in the iPad.

Next up for the day was grand rounds which would start in about 30 minutes or so. Since she didn't have near the time to get out to the thoroughbreds she texted Benny that she'd be out after lunch and headed to the rescue barn to meet Isabelle, the deaf horse and her new charge.

Amy checked her iPad for a second, found Isabelle's chart and headed to her stall. Isabelle immediately backed herself into a corner when Amy stopped at her stall. Obviously a quarter horse, she was a beautiful reddish chestnut color, standing at about 16 hands. Amy noted the spread between her eyes and her high forehead. If she was right Isabelle was a smart horse.

"Hey girl" Amy said smiling making sure Isabelle could see her face, then she held out her hand.

Amy tilted her head thinking. "Come on girl" she whispered softly. A second later she took back her hand and walked off to her small potions room, grabbed a handful of white tablets from a drawer and shoved them into her pocket before walking back to the stall. She then tossed one of the tablets onto the floor at Isabelle's feet.

She watched for at least a minute with Isabelle staring right into her eyes, Amy watched Isabelle's nose twitch before she broke eye contact with Amy and bent her head down to sniff the tablet. She looked back at Amy again for a second before bending her head again and taking the tablet.

Amy watched her chew and then lift her head to stare at her again. She reached into her pocket and took out another tablet, then held it out in her palm.

"Gotta come get this one sweetheart."

Isabelle stared at her for a solid minute. Amy watched as the horse's ear's pricked forward, 'probably an instinct' Amy thought.

"Come on girl" Amy said and then after thinking a second lifted her left hand and made a beckoning motion. Isabelle immediately stepped forward and two steps later looked at Amy and took the tablet from her palm.

"You've been trained in hand motions, I guess we'll have to learn them." Amy said now that she had her hand on Isabelle's muzzle and then raised it up her face. Isabelle leaned forward towards her and Amy wrapped her head in her arms.

"You've been lonely haven't you girl ?" She said softly while running her hand over her neck starting a cursory exam.

"How about I come in there with you, huh ?" She asked stepping back and unlocking the stall before slipping in.

Isabelle stood still looking at her and Amy used her hand signaling back only to have the horse nod and take a step back.

"Good girl, mind if I take a look, I don't think anyone's been able to get close to you yet." She said stepping towards the horse and putting out her hand to ease her. Amy then gave her a common hand signal to stay as she began moving her hands around her body and down her legs. She thought for a second before acting, shrugged and then tapped Isabelle's front hoof while lifting. The horse responded as any other stock trained horse and lifted her leg for Amy who checked it.

She looked over for a second and found the horse, neck turned and watching her. Amy stood and moved to the next leg which is when Sarah walked up quietly and watched Amy check and then drop Isabelle's leg and move on.

"Looks like you two have come to an understanding, maybe there's something to this horse whispering after all." Sarah said quietly with a smile.

Amy laughed "Mom's first rule, when all else fails bribe them with candy. She's been trained to hand signals and she seems smart. She needs a farrier, I'll get the preliminaries done and then we'll see how she takes to a second person. I'm going to get her moved to the family barn near Spartan and Merlin, it's been you and Georgie so far ?"

"We got the blood but like Georgie said she's pretty jumpy."

"I'll have Chuck get a stall ready and then try to get a bridle on her, let's get some chamomile into her feed for now."

"Might help." Sarah agreed "time for rounds boss."

Amy nodded and stepped out of the stall, secured the gate and turned again. With Sarah there Isabelle immediately stepped back into her corner.

"It's Ok sweetie, Sarah won't hurt you, won't you come say hello ?" Amy asked passing a candy to Sarah and then signaling the horse to come closer. Isabelle took one step but didn't take her eyes off Sarah and then stopped.

Sarah stepped right next to Amy and held out her palm. The horse hesitated for a several seconds, took one step closer and stretched out to take the large tablet followed by a step back.

"Work in progress I guess" Sarah murmured "we'll get there."

"I'll handle the preliminaries." Amy said as they turned towards the medical barn tunnel from rescue "get her hooves cleaned out and check her teeth first, you'll help."

"You're the boss."

"So they keep reminding me, she's been eating well ?"

"Yup."

"Her teeth are probably fine then but she'll need to have them floated."

"Ah, there you are." Bert said as they turned the corner into medical.

"Sorry Bert, I was with Isabelle." She said as Ty slipped his arm around her waist.

"Isabelle, oh yes, the deaf horse, how'd that go ?"

"Not bad at all, I think she's been deaf from birth, she shows no outward neurological signs that I can see, she's obviously not a paint, that rules out most later life causes and she at least understands rudimentary hand signals. I've added chamomile to her feed regimen, I'll deal with her for now."

"She's all yours miracle girl."

Amy smiled again "come on, let's see what I've been missing."

With 39 horses in medical and rescue and with Amy wanting to be caught up on almost every one rounds took about 90 minutes and she was starved.

"What's planned for the rest of the day ?"

Ty shrugged "Ames ?"

"Well Bert, I'm starved so after a quick stop with Chuck, I have a hankering for some Ciao's pizza."

"I love that place."

"Then your welcome to join me, Ty pizza ?"

"Why not."

"Then you text Betty while I find Chuck."

Bert nodded "Well, Meg's grading freshman papers all day and trust me, you don't want any part of that so I'm in. Oh, and I think Chuck and Robin are up at Georgie and Wyatt's."

"Thank you Bert, let's get to it then." Amy said slipping from Ty's arm turning towards the doors.

"Your wife's hungry."

"Seems that way Bert and she wants pizza."

Amy was passing the family barn and rather than upstairs found Robin and Georgie in the family barn, apparently visiting the horses.

"Hi Amy, welcome home."

"Thank you Robin." She answered taking Robin into her arms for a hug. "What are you two up to ?"

"Chuck and Wyatt are going to bowl with Charlie and my dad and me and Georgie were going to raid her fridge for lunch."

Chuck and Wyatt turned into the barn at that moment "Hey Amy."

"Hello Wyatt, Chuck, tomorrow morning I need a stall between Spartan and Merlin please."

"Ok, sure, first thing, who's going in ?"

"Isabelle."

"Oh, the deaf horse, poor thing."

"Maybe not Rob, I think I'm gonna keep her."

"She won't come near me."

"She and you will learn Chuck, she understands hand signals, so she's been trained before. It'll take some time but she seems very sweet and smart from what I can tell. Now you guys have plans, hug your dad for me. We're heading to Ciao's for lunch, girls join us ?"

"Georgie ?" Robin asked.

"Why not" Georgie nodded "go on, I'll meet you at the house, I need shoes."

Amy glanced down and saw that Georgie was wearing fuzzy slippers. "Seriously Georgie ?"

"You know Boss, technically, this is my basement. Go on, I'll catch up."

"You know, drive over in your truck, we'll need two vehicles."

They gathered in the kitchen as Amy ran up to change. She passed Ty on the stairs with a quick kiss, "down in a minute, Georgie and Robin are joining us."

"What are we taking ?"

"Georgie's truck and the Land Cruiser I guess." She called down before disappearing into their room.

Ty saw Georgie parking in front of the house and walked towards the back to move the Toyota up front which would make it easier for Jackson's wheelchair. Everyone was ready for him to be mobile again if even with just crutches for a while. Hopefully that would be the plan after his scans in a couple weeks.

Betty had texted ahead and there was a table set up for 8, they'd be 9 but JT would stay in his chair.

"Jackson, I'm putting Isabelle between Spartan and Merlin so that she has two calm and trusting horses on either side of her. Please take it easy around her, she's deaf and she needs to see you so have some patience please."

"Ok mom, I'll let her come to me."

"That would be perfect."

"Need us to do anything with her ?"

"Not for now Mad, I think me and Sarah initially until we know more. She seems to respond to hand signals but I don't now how far that goes. I'll try to bridle her once she's settled and has some time in her new stall."

"How trained do you think she is ?"

"I have no idea Bert, ideally all the way. There's no real history in her file and I'm not sure how the rescue we got her from got her in the first place. I'll have Sandra fit in some digging into her past. Deaf working horses can seem as perfectly normal as hearing working horses with the added bonus that they don't spook at loud noises."

"How did you get in with her ?"

"Your grandmother's first rule Georgie."

"Candy ? Really ?"

"Horses love sweets."

"Thank you Charlie, I have 4."

"She has 5."

"It's not a competition Jackson."

"Good thing for you Georgie." JT muttered.

"Hush Jackson."

"Yes sir."

Ty smiled and reached over to run his hand down Jackson's head and got a smile in return.

Amy smiled at the exchange between Ty and JT. "They're herbal candies, not filled with sugar. I'll switch to other treats once she's settled Georgie. I don't do this often."

Betty suggested that since it had warmed up into the 40's that they take advantage of a walk downtown for a couple of hours before heading back to the ranch. Bert excused himself to catch up n some work at Cornell.

"You need me Bert ?"

"No Ty, thanks but it's fine, take the time with Amy and the family, this is mostly chairman personnel reports from last semester which are woefully late unfortunately."

"You get grades, you're a teacher ?"

Ty laughed "I get grades Jackson, imagine that."

Amy laughed too, "they're not really grades like you get sweetheart, it's Uncle Bert's job to make sure that the students in his department get the absolute best education Cornell can provide so he makes suggestions on how to make it better."

"Are you a good teacher ?"

"I guess that's really up to Uncle Bert Jackson, but I think I am."

George laughed as well "Your dad's been teaching me for a few years JT, he's very good and very patient."

Ty looked over at the comment "thanks Georgie, that means a lot."

"Well, if that's the benchmark then I agree." Bert said with a nod turning towards the parking lot. "You all have fun."

"I'll handle afternoon rounds Bert, don't feel as if you have to rush." Ty called out and got a backwards wave as Bert disappeared.

Window shopping and a stroll led to paperwork and reading at the house. Ty and Amy ended up snuggling with some work on the couch. Betty took the desk and the kids scattered on the floor.

"You should have bought that shirt Poppa." Maddie said from her book.

"Sorry Mad, I'm not big on the whole used clothes thing, it's weird."

"It's like recycling, you're for recycling aren't you ?"

"Of course Charlie, I have nothing inherently against used clothes, I'm just not comfortable in them."

"I just wear what mom or Gran buys."

"Would you wear used clothes JT ?"

"I guess, if I get wet or dirty at Cars house sometimes I change into his clothes, that's like used clothes I guess."

"I don't know if technically that's the same JT" Ty said "whatever, I'm not comfortable buying used clothes though I have no problem donating my used clothes to a cause."

"You know Poppa ….." Maddie started but she was immediately cut off.

"That's enough Maddie, if one of my faults is not wearing used clothes I'll live with that."

"Yes sir" she answered mimicking Jackson's typical response.

"Mad …."

"Yes Poppa ?"

"I love you Madelyn Fleming."

"Thank you Poppa, I love you too."

"Faults and all." Charlie added.

"Thank you Charlie."

"Do you love me too Poppa ?"

"Yes Charlie, I love you too."

"Thank you Poppa, I love you too."

"Well, I love you all." Amy added.

"Ames, let's go take care of a quick rounds."

"Just us ?"

"Just us"

"We could come."

"No thank you girls, we're gonna neck on the way."

"Yes Poppa, uhm, have fun ?"

Amy giggled "Sometimes I can't believe we actually want more of these."

"Boys please."

"Jackson" Ty said

.

"I know, I know, no choosing the flavor."

Betty laughed "Ok, OK, let's let your folks go and you three can help me figure out what leftovers we're eating for dinner."

"90 minutes Gran."

"Go make the donuts son."

Ty caught up with Amy getting her boots and gloves on. She grabbed her hat and Ty opened the door for her while zipping his jacket.

"Start at medical and move back ?" Ty asked reaching for her gloved hand.

"Sounds good to me, I think I want to hang a bridle on Isabelle's stall. See her reaction and get her used to it."

"You're the miracle girl."

"That's what they keep telling me."

"So apparently Lorin got word from UC that they'd love to have you back anytime."

"It went well, I enjoyed it and Uli was wonderful."

"He's a good guy, not pretentious at all."

"Well, he's not a surgeon, so ….."

"Hey, I'm not pretentious."

"You'll grow into it." Amy answered with a chuckle and stepped back when Ty tried to grab her. They both laughed for a second before Ty took her hand and pulled her in for a kiss.

They passed the medical barn and peeked through the mostly closed doors. Amy noticed Georgie and Robin next to one of the stalls and nudged Ty over.

Amy cracked the door wider "What are you too up to ?"

"Just visiting." Georgie answered. "You two ?"

"Late rounds, join us ?"

"Rob, feel like walking rounds ?"

"Isn't that what we're doing ?"

"Come on then" Amy said putting her arm around Robin's waist as they left the barn and headed to the surgical building. "How are you adjusting to married life sweetheart ?"

"It's nice, I didn't think it would be that different you know but it is, it feels different. Do you feel different ?"

Amy thought for a second "I do feel different, sort of more whole than I used to be."

"Oh that's good, I have to remember that."

"Use it anytime." Amy answered laughing and reaching for an iPad on a stall.

They left Isabelle's stall for last and got to it about 40 minutes later.

"Georgie, would you grab me one of those rope bridles please ?" Amy said as Georgie turned to the far end of the barn.

Robin and Ty stood back as Amy walked to the stall door. "Hey Girl. How you doing ?"

She could see Isabelle look at her and then glance to Ty and Robin. Then she turned and watched Georgie walk over and hand the bridle to Amy and step away as well.

"Come on, they're all away over there." Amy said raising her right hand and beckoning.

Isabelle hesitated for a second and dropped her head then looked up at Amy again. Then her ears twitched forward and she took a few steps so Amy could reach her and stroke her muzzle. A few seconds later she took another step over and dropped her head so Amy could run her hands over her.

"That's a good girl." Amy whispered out of habit moving her hand up to a t-touch point. She stopped after a minute and reached down to where she dropped the bridle bringing it up and holding it her hand.

"You now what this is ?" She asked holding the bridle close to Isabelle's face. The horse looked and sniffed and then looked at Amy before going back and nibbling at the bridle.

Georgie smiled "she's not scared of it."

Amy turned the bridle around as If she was going to put it on and Isabelle leaned forward. "Do you want this sweetie ?" Amy asked slipping it over Isabelle's muzzle and passed her ears tightening the cinch gently. "Looks like she's been bridled before."

"Pretty much a lock she's been ridden Amy."

"I'd say so Georgie. We'll move her into the family barn tomorrow and get her out into a meadow with Spartan and Merlin. Interested in leftovers for dinner ?" Amy asked and then reached into her pocket pulling out an apple and holding it for Isabelle.

"We're heading to Charlie's for dinner but thanks Amy."

"You're welcome anytime Georgie, have fun at Charlie's."

They made it an early evening, Amy was still tired from her trip and since she blew off meeting with Benny and Bryce she was scheduled for breakfast with them at the thoroughbred stables at 6:00 since she had a 10 AM lecture and wanted to spend some film with Isabelle before disappearing to Cornell.

Yawning wide she settled in bed and stretched before leaning back into Ty's waiting arms.

"You don't have to wake up with me in the morning Ty."

"I have early rounds, office hours at Cornell and what I'm told is a long list of surgical consults, it's gonna be a long day."

"I'll pick Jackson up for his swimming."

"I'd love to make that but I don't see a way around it."

"It's Ok Ty, Jackson understands work."

"I know he does, still. Sounds like you have a big day tomorrow too."

"I'm used to it, just one lecture though and office hours. I'll be around for consults if you need me. I'm hoping for some time with Isabelle before I have to get Jackson."

"She seems pretty responsive to you."

"Yeah, it must be hard for her, I'm hoping she'll buddy up with Spartan and Merlin which should keep her calm, we'll get her moved in the morning and see how that goes." She said followed by a big yawn.

The two weeks towards what was called President's Week or Winter Break went by slowly especially for Jackson, who was anxious to be permanently out of his wheelchair. He didn't mind the crutches that much but really wanted to be able too go crutch free at least for some time during the days or maybe even allowed to ride Merlin, slowly and with care and probably accompanied by his mom but he missed riding even more than fishing.

The kids went to school, did their homework and did what they could in allowable weather to care for their horses and their assigned rescues. No matter what came with their days and depending on the weather they did what they could to get their horses exercised and the rescues healthy and ready to move on to their new homes.

The girls also looked forward to their weekly Skype meeting with Lisa and Haddie which was as much a gossip and bull session as it was an update on the alpacas at Fairfield. One lesson they learned was that not much happened during the dead of winter in the foothills of the Rockies. Lisa loved the herd and made sure to ride by and spend some time visiting with them everyday. They were for the most part friendly creatures who once used to seeing her gathered around when she came and even got to recognize her Porsche and wandered to her makeshift parking spot near their fields when they saw her slowing down.

They ran random blood tests every two weeks so that Haddie could adjust their diets and found two mature first grade machos in BC that she purchased to let loose in the spring. She was more than happy after examining the herd when they arrived finding them actually on the 2nd grade cusp or over. She was confident that they'd bring the offspring to high grade 2's and low grade 1's in 2 years. Their expected shears should more than pay for their upkeep in the interim.

The girls also wrote a progress report each week for Betty who shared it with Amy. This they did switching off week to week the work being checked by the other. They reported on expenses, blood work, change in diet, any health abnormalities and basically anything that had to do with them. All part of learning that part of Pegasus' business. They were also tasked with going over the same reports they received on the herds at Haddie's and in Montana and Arizona, signed off by them and included in their report to Betty.

Phyllis saw Jackson 4 times a week. 3 times at the pool and once at the guest house gym for a workout. Ty handled 2 other gym workouts by the chart which hung on the gym's universal weight machine. For his part Jackson did not push either of them but followed directions to the letter, no fooling around. He was seriously invested in nothing stopping his progress which was impressive. Asher and the team learned quickly how much faster kids bounced back than adults.

Besides watching over the kids and the house in Ty and Amy's absence Betty was arranging for their trip to Manhattan. She dealt with everything from making sure Pat was on task to be their driver, the townhouse was stocked, cleaned and ready for them, Tommy, Robert and Gordon had places to stay and were set to come, as well as arranging for Tommy's family's flights. Robert and Gordon lived in the city and they assured her it wasn't an imposition for them to get their own ways to the hospital. To make life easier for the medical team all three patients would spend the night in the hospital, checking in and out at noon so to speak. They'd have 90 percent of their progress analysis and a plan moving forward before they left. Marie would not be joining them this time around, she was already scheduled for her next surgery in July. While Phyllis was coming, Trish wasn't, her schedule was full but Molly would be on hand and glad to pitch in and keep an eye on things.

Ty had full days that started early and often ended late. They were full up on horses in rescue and medical and they still had to deal with the 80 horses on the thoroughbred side. Complicating matters were two horses heading to Hudson from California that were getting fairly intricate surgeries and Bert was flying up to Hudson to work with Scott and Cass. John Hamilton would fly in to Ithaca to handle the day to day while Ty was in NY with the family. They had no surgeries scheduled for that week at Ithaca and in an emergency Ty was a chopper ride away, 90 minutes or so to the ranch. Even with the surgical lull at Pegasus Bert was spending a bunch of his time prepping for the surgeries with Scott and Cass which was more difficult long distance and this left Ty having to take up more of the slack at home and combining with his Pegasus work there was Cornell.

One day he caught Amy in the library, an off occurrence when their schedules collided for one reason or another.

"I had no idea how much time professors spend before actually getting to teach."

"It does get easier my love, a couple years in most of it is repetition that you upgrade with the newer stuff. I actually love it and the truth is Pegasus generally takes more of my time."

"Not a whole lot of us and family time these days."

"Well, that's true but we're off school next week and we have holidays and summers off from teaching and that's more than most get."

"I know, just complaining I guess."

Amy laughed "Feel free sweetheart."

"Yeah, you don't complain much."

"I don't have much to complain about, I bend people to my will."

"You scare the hell out of them."

"Well, that's not true but for the little I have to complain about I've got Erma, Betty, Spartan and my journal."

"You could complain to me y'know."

"Nah, I'd rather snuggle with you."

"You're incorrigible."

"Maybe a little, anyway I'm done and I've got a date with a horse."

"How's that coming ?"

"She's coming along great."

"What are we going to do with her ?"

"I think I'm going to keep her."

"Really, for you ?"

"Yeah, Spartan doesn't jump anymore, I need to stop pushing her because it's comfortable for me. She's in her 20's, her knees aren't great, joints swelling…." She said her voice trailing off.

"He's doing fine Ames."

"I know sweetheart, still, I can deal with training a 6 year old, I'll see you at dinner, Sarah's got late rounds."

For Amy's part the free time she usually had to spend with the kids was partially forfeited to Isabelle though often, once homework was done, in the morning before school or on the weekends the kids sought her out to watch Amy do her magic working with a deaf horse.

During the first few days Amy started by getting Isabelle outside. Though it was snowy she made sure Isabelle spent time in the sun. On the first morning before taking her to her new stall Amy brought her to a small meadow where Spartan and Merlin were grazing and let her go. She took to the lead well and seemed thrilled when she was led outside. Amy swore to the family sitting in the bedroom after dinner that she stopped about half way to the gated meadow and turned her face to the sun.

Every morning Amy stayed as a presence at the fence having her coffee for Isabelle to see and when she had to leave to school Sarah or Chuck took her place until it was time to lead her to her stall. Over the first week she calmed in her stall and only backed away from people she wasn't used to. Amy made sure each of the kids spent some time with her as well and she got used to them.

The big surprise was how she took to Robin, Chuck's wife, who visited with her every afternoon while she waited for Chuck to finish. Amy came by several times to find Robin patiently brushing her down.

"Don't fall in love Robin, she's mine."

"I won't Amy, I have Dot."

"I know you do, I remember when you got her and named her, she's a beautiful horse."

Dot or more to the point Polka Dot was a beautiful Appaloosa that Amy found for her when Robin was 12 and first came to Pegasus. Like Chuck, Robin's parents brought her for Amy to work with and get her to open up and soon after seeing Robin's change asked Amy if she could find a horse for her. She spotted the then 2 year old while on a video call with a rescue facility in Kansas and immediately fell in love with her and offered to buy her. It took a few weeks before they found a trailer coming their way. To Robin it was love at first sight. The horse was white with a beautiful speckling of black spots, she really was polka dotted and as soon as she came off the trailer Robin named her.

"So what's this ?" Amy asked joining Robin in Isabelle's stall and grabbing a second brush.

Robin shook her head "I don't know, she's deaf, I feel so bad for her and she really loves being brushed."

"Well, I'm going into the city soon so it's good to now you'll stop and spend some time with her, she's still very timid of new people."

"You're going to ride her soon ?"

"Actually the first step is seeing how she is with a saddle so we'll start by putting a blanket here on her stall and see how she feels about that."

"What do you think she'll do ?"

"Someone's taught her to obey hand signals so I'm pretty sure she's been ridden before. If she recognizes it and likes having a rider I'd bet she'll react well but some horses don't like riders and that might take some work."

"You'll be able to do it right ?"

"Let's start with hoping her reaction is good and then we'll see."

"Can I watch ?"

"Come in the morning with Chuck and we'll get you into Ithaca for work after."

"I'll be late."

"You know, just a hunch but I think if you tell them you were here with me it should be Ok but I'll text Bridgett and let her know."

"Oh yeah, you're the boss."

"That's what they tell me, you know, come have breakfast with me tomorrow and then we'll see."

"Chuck too ?"

"You and Chuck are always welcome sweetheart, he's stubborn though and won't eat till he's sure the horses are fed."

"But you're the boss."

"It's good to be me Rob but the horses come first."

Isabelle reacted favorably to the blanket and seemed almost excited to have it on her back. Seeing that, Amy tested her with hand weight and even had her take a bit though she would rather not have to use it. The choice then became saddle first or join up and seeing how much calmer and easier Belle had come through the week she ordered the chamomile stopped and gave her a couple of restful days, lounging with her new buddies in the barn or wandering in a small meadow.

On the Sunday morning, just under a week before leaving to the townhouse in Manhattan Amy opened her eyes and checked the clock, 4:45 AM. She lay back for a second, took a deep breath and got out of bed. She took a few minutes to stretch and loosen up before heading to the bathroom.

At 5:30, coffee in hand she stood before Isabelle's stall with a lead in her hand.

"Come on sweet Belle, you and I are going to come to an understanding."

She led the horse out and into the round pen and left her to herself so that Amy could finish her coffee. Isabelle or Belle as Amy was now calling her wandered around nibbling at small patches of grass located more towards the center of the round pen or slightly past the rails. When she was ready Amy brought Belle to the center and physically moved Belle back, forth and around reinforced by showing her hand signals. She then had Belle turn in place by pushing in a small circle again reinforcing her command with hand signals.

After about 15 minutes of this Amy picked up her lead line and began swinging it in an arc towards Belle forcing her to the outside of the pen and around. She was not a small horse, more the size of Phoenix at about 16 hands, and as well muscled as she was figured to weigh in at 1000 -1100 lbs. Amy at 5 foot 5 inches looked very small.

Ty came down to the kitchen where the twins were each being handed a bowl of oatmeal by Betty. Jackson was already eating. It was the weekend and weekend chores stretched for a few hours, they ate before heading out.

"Good morning Pappa." The girls said simultaneously, he was used to it.

"Morning dad." Jackson said after swallowing and about to shove a huge amount of oatmeal into his mouth.

"Cheerios and blueberries Ty ?" Betty asked putting down a cup of black coffee.

"Thank you Betty, Amy's not answering her texts, any idea ?"

"Sorry Ty, I have no idea, she's had coffee though."

"I got this" Maddie said typing into her phone.

"Oh, Chuck says she's in the round pen with Belle."

"Figures." Ty said sipping his coffee.

"Oh Poppa, did mom trade you in for a horse ?"

"Charlie, stop, what a thing to say."

Ty laughed, "it's fine Betty, she's traded me in for a horse before. She always come back though."

He was finishing his cereal when the kids hit the door, coats, hats and boots.

"Hey look, Mom's joining up with Belle."

Ty heard Jackson and stood up with his coffee to look out the screen door. He saw the horse lapping the outside of the pen and went back in to hand the empty mug off to Betty who was waiting.

"Thank you Betty."

"Go on, go watch."

Ty smiled and leaned over to kiss Betty's cheek.

"Take a hat it's windy."

"Yes Gran." Ty mimicked Jackson grabbing his toque off the hook over his woolen parka.

As he walked over to the round pen where Amy was working he saw Chuck walking out carrying a saddle with a bridle balanced on top and met him at the fence.

"Morning Ty" Chuck said as he leaned over to gently put the saddle on the grass outside the pen.

"Good morning Chuck, you here alone ?"

"No, Robin's up having breakfast with Georgie and Wyatt. We're gonna go for a ride and there's a concert at Ithaca later."

"Nice, how long she been in there."

"We got here a while ago and she was already in with her so I don't know exactly. It's ending soon, she asked for the saddle."

Ty stood with Chuck for at least 20 minutes. The girls had popped out by then and Charlie snuggled in against his side. He smiled when Maddie pushed in next to Chuck,"C'mon God Bro' get closer it's windy out here."

"I gotta get back to work Mad."

"You might as well stay Chuck, she's blowing like a locomotive."

"Mad's right, that horse has had it." Charlie agreed.

They watched as Amy turned Belle one last time before she dropped the lead rope and watched Belle come to a slow stop. Maddie was right, in the cold she was blowing vapor like a freight train. Amy turned away and took three steps as Isabelle stared at her back. As far as Ty was concerned the horse took the longest 10 seconds he had ever felt before her ears twitched forward and she started over to Amy. With her first step they saw Amy's smile form on her face as Belle walked up and moved her muzzle over Amy's shoulder and she turned to hug her.

She noticed the small group huddled together at the rail and waved. Her face was red and raw from the wind and she was obviously winded as well.

Ty spoke first "You Ok ? How long have you been at this."

"Not sure maybe not quite 90 minutes. I'm fine." She said it catching her breath. "Anyway, can't stop now, big breakthrough you know." She continued reaching through the rails and grabbing the saddle and bridle.

She carried it over to Belle who looked up at her and then down at the saddle and then leaned down to smell it and gently touch her tongue to it and then back up to looking at Amy who bridled her gently, something Amy had done everyday before leading her to the meadow. A moment later she walked to the rail and came back with the blanket and pad in her hands.

Belle sniffed the blanket and then went back to the saddle while Amy walked to her side and gently lifted the blanket and laid it across her back all the while whispering to a deaf horse out of habit.

She came around and stood face to face with Isabelle and stroked her muzzle before bending over and lifting the saddle. Then, Amy balanced it on one leg and lifted her hand in a signal to stay. She then carried the saddle and lay it down alongside Belle who turned her head to see the saddle on the floor. Once again Amy leaned on Belle's back pushing down. When Belle didn't budge Amy lifted the saddle to her back, and waited for a reaction, none came and 5 minutes later Amy led her around the round pen by her reins with a saddle on her back.

Leading Belle back into the center Amy slowly moved to her side again, took her reins and grabbed the saddle horn and a moment later she was in a stirrup and lifted herself and swinging her leg over the horse. Belle had a slight reaction but nothing extreme and over the next half hour was put through a slow series of reining exercises where Amy learned that Belle was used to and responded well to leg commands. You couldn't click at her or cluck your tongue. She wouldn't hear 'come on girls' or 'whoah's' or any vocal exhortation, legs and reins was all there was.

That afternoon Amy had her out in the round pen again, reined her for a half hour and then rode her for another half. For the first couple days she stayed with this routine and on the third day she rode her bareback. It was clear that Isabelle was well trained so on the fourth day she had Robin ride her in the afternoon with Sarah spotting her. The plan was for Robin to exercise Belle during the week Amy was gone from the ranch. While Robin would keep Belle in the round pen Amy began taking the horse on short trail rides, testing her stability and trail smarts. What she learned was that Belle seemed to use her other senses in lieu of hearing. Her head would naturally turn from side to side apparently from what Amy could tell to scan the area ahead of her. She had one other trait and that was stopping every now and then to lift her head and use her sense of smell, flaring her nostrils and lifting her head in the breeze to catch any odors she could.

By the time the weekend of their leaving rolled around Amy was ready to leave Belle to the care of Sarah, Chuck and Robin, three people the horse seemed to trust as this point.

By the end of the week the excitement of the trip to Manhattan grew especially for Jackson who was sure he's get the Ok to lose the wheelchair. He felt great, followed all the rules and exercised diligently. He was not tiring for a few weeks once he got his swimming stroke back. The girls were always excited to travel to the city especially if their significant others were joining them. Brin was in class most of the week but only for mornings and Bobby was coming along with Carson and April. They were all staying at the house with the family.

For her part Amy was happy for the break, the two weeks back were hard for her, catching up with her work both at Cornell and Pegasus. Adding 2 hours a day with Isabelle just increased her workload though she wouldn't have traded time with Belle for anything. Almost nothing make her happier than one on one time with a new horse though she had less and less time for that kind of work.

Ty was also glad for some alone time with the family though they had appointments and the like to take care of. In addition to his daily vet duties and Cornell, he'd been busy getting John ready to take over for both him and Bert in their absences and working with Bert to get a solid surgical plan set for his trip to Alberta. Bert would be staying at White Horse with Haddie and now Scott who had moved in. Everyone wondered if there would be a wedding to attend one day soon though the couple was hush hush about the prospects.

They were all set and packed by Friday night and they'd all fly out by chopper the next morning, Bert included. He was scheduled for an early morning flight out of Newark so he'd be aboard and dropped at the airport after the family was dropped in Manhattan. They made it an early night as Saturday would be long. Jackson was scheduled for overnight on Monday so they had Saturday and Sunday to spend together and they were all looking forward to it.

Amy snuggled against Ty with her eyes closed.

"Looking forward to the week ?" He asked softly noting she was almost out.

"Looking forward to catching up on sleep and resting I think. It's been a rough couple weeks."

"I can use some down time for sure."

Amy sighed "yeah, down time." The last words she said as she nodded off.