Chapter 123

It just wasn't worth fighting the inevitable, opening day of fishing season and deer seasons, both buck and doe, were going to be a mess with parents just calling their kids in sick in vast numbers. Even if you weren't part of a hunting family many parents were wary of their kids being out and away on a day where many in the population openly carried firearms to and from their hunting spots. Bowing to this inevitability, it has been long established policy in many upstate NY school districts that schools just closed.

These school districts simply made these into Superintendent days, teachers attended for special training and meetings and there were no classes. The Ithaca district was no different. As such, Amy and Betty were up early preparing hearty breakfasts for their teams of fisherfolk including the kids.

The weeks before opening day included fly tying, reel oiling and tuning, line checking, stretching and changing, rod re-corking and tip refinishing along with a healthy dose, and a build up, of tall fish tails. This was Ty's first experience with the exuberance that permeated the ranch kids this time of year especially Carson and Jackson though the twins were only a notch or two below that.

Ty checked outside and found that Chuck was also up early with a line of saddled horses being readied and set outside to wait. Bert and Charlie showed up for breakfast early and were outside helping, Tom came by with Carson and Bobby to help the kids with chores so they could get done. August came by with April and Brin. Sally, Erma and Kimmie would be staying to get lunches ready and would show up a little later.

Jackson looked at Amy as she served up a last platter of pancakes and wrapped her arms around Ty from behind while he sat "You're gonna be cold like that mom, you changing ?"

Amy sighed "I'll be along later sweetheart, I'm not riding anymore, doctor's orders. I'll come in one of the ATV's with Gran, Sally and Erma, we'll bring hot drinks and lunches."

"Not fishing either ?"

"I don't know sweetheart, my balance is a little off, we'll see, there's more to think about now."

"I get it, you gotta worry about the babies."

"Thank you for understanding Jackson. Now I don't want you arguing with your dad, he'll be checking your lips and hands and if he thinks you've had enough of the cold you have to get out, get a blanket on and warm up by the fire. It's not good for your leg Jackson, you're still healing."

"I'm wearing my thermals and wool socks."

"Jackson."

"I promise I won't argue Mom."

"Thank you." Ty said swallowing his pancake.

"Where are the babies gonna sleep ?"

"For now we'll convert the guest room next to ours into a nursery and then we'll see." Amy told him releasing Ty and standing.

Ty glanced over at Jackson's empty plate "Go get washed up and load your saddlebags Jackson, it's about that time."

"Clear my place first." He said to himself getting up.

Amy kissed his head as he went by after dropping off his plate and glass. She leaned over and kissed Ty and then kissed the girls as they came in to eat.

"Chores are done and we're all loaded up. You getting changed ?"

"I can't ride anymore Mad and I'm not sure it's smart wading out into a cold fast moving stream, I'll be on food detail, besides I have to call Canada with the update."

"That should be fun." Charlie said.

"Yeah, I think I'll start with Shane though."

"Send our love to everyone."

"I will Charlie, you two keep an eye on Jackson and the other kids please, Ty might not see all the signs."

"We will mom, no worries." Maddie said "See ya later."

Amy then turned to Betty who was wiping counters "I'll be in the library calling North gran."

Betty nodded and began loading the last of the cookware into the dishwasher "I'll join you once the caravan pulls out."

Amy checked the time and the schedule Shane had given her and saw he was on a break and probably in the teacher's lounge so she dialed.

"Hey sis, how are you feeling ?"

"I'm great Shane, you and Jacqui ?"

"Chugging along, wedding plans, summer plans, folks too, all good, everyone down there ?"

"We're all good."

"So what's up, I don't have tons of time."

"Ultrasound yesterday."

"That's right, sorry, Jacqui mentioned it last night, I assume it went well."

"It went great, I guess there's no other way to say this so, it's twins."

He laughed "seriously, glutton for punishment much sis, that must have been a shocker."

"Not as shocking as they're identical."

"Oh my, boys or girls or do you not want to know."

"I don't know Shane, I didn't but now, I don't know and they weren't in a good position, I'll send a pic later."

"So I guess you don't know, that's cool sis, you have time to decide, don't stress it."

"Trying not to stress anything at this point."

"Ty Ok with everything ?"

"Of course, he's on cloud nine, is that the bell ?"

"First bell yup, got to get off Amy, I'm sure Jacqui will call."

"I look forward to it and a visit with you both, have a great day little brother, call your father, love from everybody."

"Back at you and everyone at home Amy, talk soon."

Amy sat back for a second when Betty walked in carrying two large fragrant mugs.

"I brought you some tea, cranberry hibiscus roiboss, Sarah dropped it off, it smells heavenly."

"Thanks Gran, Shane sends his love."

"How are they doing ?"

"They're good, he was on a break between classes so we'll talk again soon."

"Who's next ?"

"Still too early to call Lily in Vancouver. Lisa I guess, maybe I'll catch her with Lou having coffee."

Amy took a sip of her tea and smiled, "well this is wonderful, I mean no caffeine but wonderful."

"Is that still a thing, the caffeine ?"

"It's more a fond memory than a longing."

Betty nodded as Amy put her phone in the conference speaker cradle, when the light turned green she hit dial.

"Hi Amy, I was hoping you'd call, Lou's here with Katie."

"Hi Lisa, I'm on speaker with Betty, put us on speaker there please, might as well get this out of the way."

"Hey Lou."

"Hi Amy, how was the ultrasound ?"

"It was fine and I'll text some pictures later."

"Did you get the sex ? I know you didn't want to."

"Uhm, Ok well here's the thing, she couldn't see the sex because it was blocked."

"Blocked by what honey ?" Lisa asked.

"Blocked by a third leg."

There was silence for a few seconds until Katie chimed in "you're having twins or a very weird kid."

Betty and Amy both laughed "It's the twins one Katie."

Betty smiled "not saying they won't be weird mind you."

Amy laughed again "Ok Gran, you get to use that one but don't give the girls a complex please."

Lisa and Lou were laughing too, "I don't know of any twins on our side Amy maybe Grandpa would know. How about Ty ?"

"He has no idea Lou but here's the thing, there's only a genetic predisposition for fraternal twins."

Lisa cut in immediately "I don't understand."

"Oh tell them already."

"Thank you Betty." Lisa interjected.

"I'm carrying identical twins Lisa, they're considered a fluke of nature."

"You have identical twins Amy."

"Well, I adopted identical twins Lou."

"That's true." Lisa muttered "that's so weird."

"As I keep saying." Betty added matter of factly.

"So what does that mean ?"

"I'm not sure Lou, my OB is pretty insistent on a hospital birth and I'll probably get an ultrasound every visit which will be more frequent."

"We'll need at least two of everything and a good supply of Tylenol, cases of diapers."

They all laughed at Betty's meanderings.

"Is this too much for you Gran ?" Amy asked laughing.

"I've been through this before Amy, trust me you haven't lived until you've been cried at in stereo."

"We will figure it out, besides there are a bunch of us and a helper."

"You're getting a nanny ?"

"Probably not what I would call her, an assistant might go over better."

"And who would this person be ?"

"A couple."

"A couple of what Amy, it's like pulling teeth."

"I haven't talked to her yet Betty and her husband is an experienced wrangler, a couple."

"Who is it Amy, it's not like we're going to know them."

"It's Mallory and Jake Lou, so yeah I think you will."

"Mallory and Jake ?"

"I sat with Mallory a few times when they were here for the wedding Lisa, they'd love to get out of Texas, she's an elementary ed teacher and Jake's wrangling but they don't like it down there. I figure they might like it here for a few years, at least we have snow."

"And family." Lou added.

"Anyway, I haven't spoken to her yet, any idea of where Casey is ?"

"Livestock auction with Dad and Grandpa, she won't be free until afternoon."

"I'll call later then, don't feel the need to keep it a secret, I'll call Lily in about an hour. We'll let you all go."

"Hey isn't it fish day or something ?"

Amy laughed "it is Lisa, opening day of freshwater fishing season, anyway I can't ride anymore, not with twins so I'm doing lunch duty and riding over on four wheels."

"So Ty's out there all alone with the kids ?"

"Of course not, Tom, August, Bryce, Bert and Charlie."

"Have a good day Amy, talk to you soon."

"You all as well." Betty added before reaching over to hit end call.

"Mallory ?"

"I haven't talked to her yet Betty, she's good people and like a sister, I trust her."

"Ty ?"

"I haven't mentioned it to him yet either, I'll tell him later and see what he says but he won't have a problem."

"Twins Amy, not the easiest."

"In the past 7 years she's taught kindergarten for two years and grade , sorry, first grade for 5. Twins might be a vacation Betty. Besides, Jake's a wrangler and a damn fine rider and we can always use a wrangler."

"I've always trusted your judgement Amy, I'm not doubting you."

"Breaking in a stranger would be a huge pain in the ass Betty. Mallory knows me."

"She knows the old you."

"Old, new, she's not the same either."

"Jack and Lisa told me a little about her, not the best childhood."

"She grew up at Heartland, her parents travelled, he was a singer, actually still is I guess."

"I listened, pure country, not really my thing."

Amy shrugged "should we try Lilly ?"

Ty glanced over at Charlotte leaning towards Jackson and listened.

"Jackson come out and sit by the fire for a bit, you look pretty cold."

"I'm Ok Charlie, it's only cold between fish."

"Why don't we all take a break by the fire and finish the cocoa, they'll bring more with lunch." Ty said reeling in his line.

Cars started reeling back immediately "Cocoa's good for me, I'm cold."

"Ok with me too, come on Jax we can all share a blanket." April said putting out her free hand.

Ty smiled looking at JT responding to April's suggestion. He smiled again when JT glanced at Ty again who was setting his hook to the cork handle on his rod. Ty looked over at the smile on August's face as he walked over and put his hand on Ty's shoulder.

"It's a life lesson Ty, he's just learning who's really in charge around here."

It was early April and the water was moving with good speed and higher than Ty remembered from the fall. The stream, fed by the winter melt would be fast and cold for at least a few weeks and even with thermals and lined waders it was cold and it creeped up on you.

As they settled around the fire Bobby grabbed a couple of cut logs and chucked them in the steel ring to build it up and generate more heat. Ty looked up when Charlie, Bryce, Tom and Bert came walking down the path from upstream. April, Jackson and Cars huddled under a blanket and the twins each grabbed one and disappeared under each with their significant others. Maddie had one of the thermoses and was filling a cup for each of the kids who took them with both hands and sat as the steam curled around their faces.

Charlotte filled a cup for each of the teens and Ty who thanked her.

"Which is coffee Ty ?" Bert asked rubbing his hands and sitting down on a log.

"No idea Bert, I'm having cocoa."

"You don't seem the cocoa type buddy." Bryce said sitting down and taking the thermos of coffee Charlotte handed him.

"I'm being kept on a caffeine leash Bryce, don't rub it in."

"Isn't there caffeine in cocoa ?"

"Ok that's enough picking, he's cutting back because he loves us. There's 10mg of caffeine in cocoa and like 200 in the devil's brew mom orders from Colorado. " Maddie said between sips.

"So twins huh ? Gluttons for punishment."

"We're sitting right here uncle Charlie and we have excellent hearing."

"And I love you both Madelyn. Just saying, what are the odds on something like that Ty, identical twins ?"

"Point 4 percent Charlie, not much of a bet."

"No it's not." Bert commented "Due date ?"

"We won't get one until later, just an approximate, twins can be finicky that way, late September to early October for now." Ty said glancing at the girls.

"Pappa, are we finicky ?"

"No sweetheart." Ty said smiling at Charlotte "you're both perfect."

"Well, maybe somewhere between finicky and perfect Pappa."

"Maybe Maddie and I'm getting used to the whole not coffee thing."

Maddie smiled and Brin turned to kiss her cheek and then smiled at Ty.

"What Brin ?"

"You two are adorable."

"You don't have any control over your life at all do you Ty ?" Bert said laughing.

Ty smiled "It's definitely a theme that runs through my mind Bert."

"And where do I fit into that theme ?"

"Well Bert that list is about to grow so you're getting bumped down a couple, but right under the kids, no offense."

"None taken."

"Well, I'm all warmed up, are we gonna fish again ?"

"It's been like 10 minutes Jackson, we'll give it 30, go for a walk if you've warmed up."

Cars dropped a twig he was playing with "Let's go see how high the grotto pool is."

"Dad ?"

"Go on, be careful." Ty answered.

Sally, Erma and Amy were packing warm sandwiches and thermoses of hot drinks and soup into thermal bags while Betty loaded utensils and pots into the dishwasher.

"Coming Gran ?" Amy asked.

"Can I not, I'm not a big fan of the off roaders. I can try Lilly again while I put my feet up."

"It's perfectly fine and if you get Lilly tell her Ty or I will call when we're free or she can call."

"I'm sure she understands."

Amy nodded and then glanced out the window. Chuck had ridden over with one of the ranch's 6 seat Polaris off roaders. She noticed that he'd put up the hard plastic sides and top so they could use the heater and smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"All gassed and ready Amy." He said coming in "Snow tomorrow, not much 2 or 3 inches."

"I saw, it's just a cold snap, looks like it'll melt off Sunday."

Betty stopped and looked over "Hungry Chuck ?"

"No thanks Gran, Robin's coming for lunch, she wants to visit the horses."

Amy nodded "Bridgette told me she's been busy with donors this week, I'm glad she can get away, you have a good lunch sweetie. Ready to load ladies ?"

"I'll carry yours Amy." Chuck said putting on his gloves.

"I can carry something Chuck."

"But you don't have to because I'm doing it."

Erma laughed "give it up Amy, his logic is unflappable."

"I'm not even really showing" Amy said holding up her flannel shirt.

Sally came by with an armful of thermoses "you keep telling yourself that Amy. Come on, Chuck's got your shit."

"Be careful on the road !" Betty called out as the door closed.

Since the only way to get to the fishing holes on the ranch were by horse or four wheeler and the only way for the four wheeler to get through was off public roads so Sally drove the Polaris up past the Pegasus gates and onto the County road and around the property to the abandoned logging road that snaked down to the landing. No one really maintained the road though a couple times a year they did make sure it was clear in case of emergency. As such there were no blockages but the road itself was bumpy and Amy and in turn the twins she assumed felt every one.

Erma turned at one point "How's it going sis ?"

"I am never doing this again and I'm having this road paved. Sally do you have to hit every bump ?"

"I'm sorry Amy, maybe it'll be better without all the food and stuff."

"Don't bullshit me Sally."

Sally laughed "we're almost there sweetie, I'm sorry."

"I have to pee." Amy moaned.

"We could stop." Erma said holding out her hand.

"Just get us there before I piss myself, why did I think this was a good idea again ?"

"Which part Amy, the ride or getting pregnant to begin with ?"

"Ok, I can't wait, tell me we have some TP."

"I have tissues." Erma said laughing as Sally stopped the Polaris and Amy starting maneuvering herself around the bags of food to get out.

"This whole thing is starting to suck." She grumbled heading into the woods.

"Which part sweetie ?" Sally called out as Amy disappeared into the bushes.

"I hate you both." Amy called back.

Erma laughed "I'll switch to the back Amy, maybe that'll help."

"When does this stop ?"

"Amy you were with me the entire time I was pregnant with Kimmie, it never stops and twins, who knows ?"

"Just the peeing part ?"

"Should let up soon Amy." Sally told her.

"And the morning sickness." Erma added.

Most everybody was fishing when they drove out of the woods, they found April and Brin by the fire. Brin was laying back with ear pods tucked in and April was sitting with her special mittens tucked past her fingers and a drawing pad on her and August were fishing on either side of the kids.

"Had enough Brin ?" Amy asked lowering herself onto a blanket.

"April and I each caught a fish and one is enough."

"And it's freezing in there." April added.

"Yeah, I don't miss that part at all." Amy agreed.

"Feeling Ok Amy ?"

"I'm doing Ok Brin, I think, at least the shock is almost over."

"You're a great mom Amy."

"Yup." April added and then smiled.

"Well, thank you both, I'm not so much thinking about the motherhood part, it's the whole pregnant part that's freaking me a little."

"Mom did it, everyone helped, we'll all help."

"Thank you April, now I've got to pee though, you two should help Sally and Erma."

By the time Amy returned to the landing two blankets were laid out with sandwiches, bags of chips and thermoses waiting for the fisherfolk who were making their way out of

the water one by one with August waiting patiently as Cars and Jackson took their time. She watched as Ty waited to give a hand to each of the twins and Bobby coming out of the rushing stream.

"Thank you Pappa." Charlie said as Ty gave out her hand for the big step. She followed it with a quick kiss to his cheek before heading over to the lunches. Bobby was next followed by Maddie who also thanked him with a kiss.

He waited to give Carson and Jackson a lift out and then a hand to August.

August stopped for a second once out of the water "I don't know about you Ty but I'm freezing."

"The joys of fatherhood August." Ty said laughing and patting him on the back. "Come on, let's get warm."

Amy stood and got kisses from her daughters and then an awkward hug from Jackson who tried to keep his waders far enough away to not get her wet. "How many JT ?"

"Oh, they're really biting but not fighting much, still pretty cold."

"Yeah they'll stay sluggish for a few weeks like always."

"How 'bout one more session after lunch and they'll we'll head back." Ty suggested taking a sip of the hot chicken soup he was handed.

"Can we come back tomorrow ?"

"Still showing rain in the morning and afternoon Jackson." Maddie said checking her phone "probably Sunday for a few hours."

"We can fish if the rains not too bad Mad."

Jackson turned to Ty who glanced back.

"Are you hungry Jackson ?"

"Nope, I had enough."

"We feed you enough at home ?"

"Sure, uhm, Ok what's up ?" He said seeing that this was heading somewhere.

"If we feed you enough then we don't need to fish in the rain, the water is cold enough without being soaked through and getting sick."

"Sunday ?"

"If the weather is good I promise we can fish Sunday, Ok ?"

"Sunday's great."

Ty nodded smiling and then turned to Amy who sat down next to him "you Ok Ames ?"

She moved closer and reached for a blanket "brrrr cold."

Ty tapped Jackson's leg to get his attention "go fetch a couple pieces of wood for the fire JT." Then he moved over and wrapped his arm around Amy while she held out the blanket to include him.

Bert, Charlie, Bryce and Tom came down the path while most were still eating and came over to join the group.

"How was the ride down, the road looked clear yesterday."

"Bumpy." Amy grumbled "maybe we should pave it."

Bryce laughed "we all know that's not gonna happen, clear and pave a logging road are you nuts ?"

"It's dangerous."

"It's not dangerous Amy, what is this about ?"

"She had to stop and pee."

Bryce looked at Erma and then back at Amy and laughed again "serves you right, what are you doing here anyway ?"

"It's opening day, it's important to the kids."

"So after today you're not doing that again, right ? And next year on opening day you can ride down on a horse so we really don't have to clear and pave the road ?"

Ty smiled "you know, maybe we can pave the road and build a Tim Horton's franchise, donuts, those awesome breakfast sandwiches and that great coffee or those frozen latte's you like Ames. It'll pay for itself."

Amy frowned and poked Ty under the blanket "are we done, 'cause it was just a suggestion."

Charlotte laughed "honestly mom, I don't think I've ever heard you make a suggestion before. How about you Pappa, mom ever make suggestions to you ?"

"You don't actually think I'm getting into the middle of this do you Charlie ?"

Bert laughed and muttered low "well, she's made suggestions to me, most of which were anatomically impossible of course."

"Ok then" Erma said "that's probably a 'nuff said moment. I should probably try to call Betty and see how Kimmie's doing."

"She's fine Erma, she loves Betty."

"I know but I have to stand and stretch a little so…." She said unfolding herself from a blanket with August and standing "Might as well call."

"When will you feel them moving ?"

Amy looked over at Brin and swallowed her last bit of lunch "Like 18 weeks, it'll be a while Brin, I'm only 12 weeks or so."

"So what's next ?"

"Another ultrasound in 2 weeks or so I think and then Easter break at the other house and then Georgie and Wyatt's wedding. Well" she said shrugging off her blanket and maneuvering to stand, "I have to get back, I have a late class at Cornell."

"You gotta teach on opening day ?"

"Vet school is not elementary school Jackson, you see Georgie or Wyatt here fishing ?"

"I wondered where Georgie was, she likes fishing."

"She's in school, Sal you ready ?" Amy asked seeing Erma walking back.

"We ready to head back ?"

"Let's load the empties." Sally said reaching for the empty thermoses and bags.

"I'll help." Bobby said getting up and grabbing an armload of thermal bags "Carson grab the garbage bag buddy."

Later, at just about 5:30 Georgie dropped Amy off at the ranch house before driving around to her apartment.

Amy sat in the mud room and pulled off her boots.

"You must be tired if you're sitting to get those boots off."

"Long day Betty, how long before dinner ?

"You have time, around an hour I'd say."

"Ty ?"

"Library with the kids, go on, how about a cup of tea ?

Amy nodded "the roiboss please, thanks Betty."

"Go, I'll bring it in and join you, the stew will be fine."

Amy walked over to the library and stood by the door for a second. The twins were each reading stretched out toe to toe on separate ends of a couch, Ty was in one of the large leather chairs with JT in the other. The fire was low but warming and Amy smiled and stopped at each of the kids for a hug before walking over to Ty who laid his folder and iPad down.

"Hey, how are you doing ?" He asked as she sat down across his lap and laid her head against his chest.

"Tired and happy to be home, this is nice." She said as his arms wrapped around her.

She sighed "how was the last round of fishing ?"

"Cold." Maddie said "the wind picked up."

Amy nodded "I noticed that, good opening day though ?"

"Great." Jackson answered "fish were still small but biting for sure."

"You sound tired mom, want to lay down, Mad and I can move."

"Thanks Charlie, I think if I lay down I'll definitely fall asleep."

"So take a nap, you are pregnant."

"I know I am Mad, I'll probably turn in early."

"Well, you just let us know."

"Don't worry Charlie, I'm not the first tired pregnant woman in history."

"We know mom, just …. you know."

Amy smiled "I do know sweetheart and I appreciate it."

Betty walked in then holding her phone which clearly showed a timer and Amy's tea which she put off the little table next to Ty's chair.

"What's the timer for ?" Jackson asked "is that dinner ?"

"That's biscuits going in the oven by someone younger than me."

"I'll go Gran, timer for biscuits ?"

"15 minutes Mad and dinner will be ready."

Amy started shifting to get up and Ty stopped her and slid gently from under her, "you take the chair, I'll move over next to Betty."

Amy took his hand as he walked away, he stopped and smiled, then turned and leaned over for a kiss.

"Thank you my love." She whispered and then reached for her tea, took a sip and sat back closing her eyes, putting her feet up on the ottoman and sighing.

"Amy, it's time for dinner." Ty whispered while gently putting his hand on her knee.

"Hmmm ?"

"You've been napping, it's dinner time."

"Mmmm, Ok, I'm up." She said opening her eyes. She smiled a second later and reached out to cup his cheek. "I guess I dozed off."

Ty smiled and stood up reaching out his hand for hers. "Come on, the kids are getting washed up."

She yawned and nodded, "I guess we should do that too."

Ty stopped her outside the kitchen on the way from the bathroom and Amy smiled and reached up to kiss him. He smiled back holding her after "we can stay down here after dinner and let you sleep Ames."

"It's a long day Ty, Jackson will be yawning right after dinner, I'll be fine."

"OK but you can change your mind."

"Come here and kiss me again." She whispered.

Their kiss deepened until Jackson came out into the hall "They're right here Gran, kissing and stuff."

Betty laughed "just tell them dinner's on the table JT."

"We heard Jackson, come on." Ty said moving his arm around JT's shoulder and taking Amy's hand in the other.

The table seating had changed over time in that when it was just family, rather than Ty and Amy at opposite ends of a rather large half-empty table, she sat to Ty's left along with Betty with Jackson and the twins sitting opposite them. Coming in Jackson split off to sit to Ty's right and Ty stopped to hold Amy's chair as she sat, as always, followed by a brief kiss.

"Who's got some news ?" Betty asked while serving stew in big bowls and passing it around the table.

"The land for the new Heartland house is cleared and they're starting to dig the foundations for both buildings in the morning." Ty said laying a bowl in front of JT.

"How's Grandpa doing ?" Amy asked pulling a biscuit apart, "these look great Betty."

"Top notch Gran" Charlie added with a smile.

"I got the news from Lisa, he's trying to steer clear but the implication is he's fine."

Amy nodded "When are they tearing the ranch house up ?"

"The day after they all leave Alberta for Georgie's wedding, they think they can get done in the two and a half weeks if there isn't tons of weather, it's mostly inside work once the wells are done which they'll do before then. Katie will stay with her friend Parker while Lou's here prepping for the wedding and Peter will pick her up and bring her back down for the wedding.'

"And it'll all be ready by when ?"

"The building part of our stuff will be done by August 15th, which includes the finish work, painting and all that. Decorating is up to you."

"Later than I thought." Amy said, "is our house taking longer ?"

Ty nodded "well, I changed it, so about two to three weeks longer."

"You changed what ?"

"Twins, I kind of added two more rooms, so 8 bedrooms, the original plan except two Jack and Jill rooms."

Amy smiled "and Grandpa ?"

"Can't really argue with twins Amy."

"What happens here ? Have we decided ?" Betty asked.

"Tommy's having the plans drawn up for permit approval but the way it looks" Amy started "is a pocket door from the master to the guest suite which can be closed off and covered when we're done with the room eventually. The two rooms directly across from your two rooms" she said nodding to the girls "will be changed to a Jack and Jill bathroom connecting both so one can be a playroom until they're older and decide if they want to share like you two or be separate."

"They won't."

"They won't what Mad ?"

"They won't want to be apart Pappa."

Ty smiled "I really have nothing to judge that one, I've never had a sibling let alone an exact duplicate of myself."

"All done by when ?" Betty asked taking back the conversation.

Amy smiled and nodded "All done hopefully by August 31 and during the times we're away at the other house. The pocket door and painting that room won't be an issue and if they have to overlap with when we're here on the other two rooms it wont be too bad. Tommy's real good at not getting in anyone's way."

Betty nodded in agreement "And he does beautiful work, I don't think I've had one complaint about this house or anything really he's done for us. How about the contractor in Canada ?"

"Haddie said the work he did at White Horse was impeccable, Lisa agrees, so that should go smoothly." Amy answered. "I've got a few folders of furniture samples from up there and down here to go through so we'll be doing that soon enough."

"Seems kind of early no ?" Ty asked.

"Craftsman need time Ty, ordering now is no guarantee we'll even have some of this stuff by when we need it at least for Alberta. We've got more time here though I would like to have it by August 31, and I'm not ordering furniture for the Jack and Jill room or finishing until we have a sex."

"Haven't changed your mind about that ?" Betty asked.

"Waffling back and forth at this point." Amy said "Ty, what do you think ?"

"I'm, I don't know, ambivalent isn't a good word. I'm worried that with all of these extra tests one of us will see something and then what ?"

"Make a deal, if you know you have to let the other know you know and then it's up to them."

"That'll never work Mad because once you know you're bound to use a pronoun and the game is over and then it's your fault."

"Ty's right", Amy said "this is silly, let's just find out and if we have another then we'll talk about it again."

"It does makes life easier to know and you don't have to dance around themes and colors." Betty added.

Charlie laughed, "Gran just wants to make pink sweaters."

"Or blue Charlie." Jackson added ending with a yawn.

Amy smiled "or blue JT, tired sweetheart ?"

"I guess."

"Maybe we all just head to bed and relax after dinner."

"Works for me Gran, I'm beat and I need a shower." Charlie said, Maddie was chewing and just nodded.

"Well, the day is definitely catching up to me, Betty, the stew was amazing."

"Thank you Ty."

"We can clean off and close up, why don't you all head up." Maddie said swallowing her last bit of biscuit covered in gravy.

"Should I shower ?"

Ty laughed "Yes Jackson, you should definitely shower. I'll stop in to say goodnight in a little while."

"Hey, come here and give me a big hug and kiss kiddo." Amy said turning to the side and opening her arms wide. When he got to her she drew him close and closed her eyes as his arms wrapped around her "mmmmm, good hug you got there JT."

"Love you mom."

"Love you too sweetheart." She said and then watched him lean over to Betty.

"Love you too Gran."

"Goodnight Jackson, sleep well."

"Night JT." Each of the girls said from the work counter as they packed away stew into containers and loaded the dishwasher with rinsed dishes.

Amy was glad to be prone and let her body relax as she lay back on her pillows and sighed. She didn't move when the gentle knock came but called out "come" as she turned a bit to reach for her iPad.

"It's us mom" Maddie said poking her head in.

"What's up Mad ?"

"Just saying goodnight."

"Come on in but I'm not moving."

"We'll come to you." Charlie said as they walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"You Ok mom ?"

"I'm fine Charlie, getting used to my body changing."

"So how is it ?"

"Well, I don't feel anything yet but the nausea seems to be subsiding or maybe I'm just heading it off, I don't know. I've definitely got a bump which is weird and my balance seems a bit off, I really don't know how to describe it. Not sure if I'm eating more, it's a lot to take in Charlie."

"We're here for you mom, anything you need."

"I know Mad, you've both been great."

"We haven't done much mom." Charlie answered.

The door opened and Ty stepped in and smiled "girls only ?"

"Of course not pappa, how was your first opening day ?"

"Well Charlie, pretty cold actually and I've been living through Alberta winters."

"It's standing in the water that does it and then you get splashed and then it gets windy, so."

"I get it." Ty laughed.

"Ok, we'll let you two ….. uhm…. I don't really know how to finish that."

Both Amy and Ty laughed, Amy answered "get ready for bed is fine Mad."

"Well Ok then, see you both in the morning."

"Goodnight girls." Amy said opening her arms for hugs.

Ty was till standing and also kissed and hugged both before locking the door.

Ty stretched and sighed "what a day."

"Go take a hot shower and change my love."

"Definitely, you good ?"

"I'm good, have to check messages. Two lectures to review for tomorrow, don't know I'll stay up enough for that though."

Ty came out about 20 minutes later in sweats and toweling his hair towards the bed. He laid the towel over the back of chair and shook his head followed by running his fingers through it. Amy smiled as it dropped into place, a touch shaggy but not messy.

"What are you smiling at ? I thought you'd be sleeping."

"I'm smiling at your hair dropping into place."

"Yeah, I got used to it pretty fast, it's nice."

Ty lifted the quilt and Amy lay her iPad aside. As he slid across she lifted her arm so that his wrapped around her stomach and hers dropped over it interlacing with his fingers. She squirmed for a second and sighed.

"Comfy ?" he whispered.

"Mmmmmmm. Did you have a good day ?"

"It was nice, I didn't expect the girls to be as excited as Jackson and Cars."

Amy smiled to herself "they come pretty close, they love to fish, they love to ride and spend time with their others a little more. He will too one day."

Ty chuckled "guess that's why we put in for two new ones."

"They'll need clean footprints taken at the hospital and we'll need to name them immediately so we'll have to be ready."

"Why ?"

"They're identical twins Ty, they need to be named and printed in case we mix them up."

"Seriously ?"

"I read it on a chat room and asked Betty. She said yup, it's not a rule but the Graingers did it."

"Any ideas for names ?"

"Samuel, Jefferson, Bartlett, June, Sarah, Mitch, Gloria, Marion, Lyndy. I've got a lot of ideas do you want a Ty Jr. ?"

"Wouldn't be right with twins and no, I don't really care."

"Bartlett ?"

"I love that name, we can call him Bart."

"Bart's actually a cool name."

"It is and we're not going to decide this now. Goodnight husband."

"Goodnight wife." Ty answered as Amy made one more attempt to get even closer and sighed as he leaned over to kiss her head one last time.