Chapter 126
Amy, Colleen and Ruth loaded into Amy's truck to do some shopping. Robert was content with a movie while everyone else had ridden out after breakfast to see the property and check the rivers for fishing. It wasn't promising as far as Amy and Ty were concerned, Ty had called Mike Tarlick at NYS Conservation who gave him the latest local water temperatures, speed and depths which were too cold, too fast and too deep for either Amy and Ty's tastes. The difference between the rivers back home coming off the lakes and lower mountains and those here coming off the still snow peaked Adirondacks were extreme enough to make that much of a difference. They discussed it over breakfast.
"Besides bro," Maddie started "you know how sluggish they are when it's that cold, hardly a run or fight at all."
"They don't even hit worth a damn JT and you end up fighting the water and not the fish."
"I know Charlie." Jackson admitted.
"How about we fish home on Sunday morning, Charlie and I can help Pappa do early rounds and then we'll head out for a few hours."
Jackson smiled "that'll be great Mad and we can invite Cars."
"Then it's settled." Ty said ending the conversation "come on, we better get riding so we can be back for Georgie and her gang."
The first stop Amy made was the Super M supermarket. It was small but the large hugely commercial Price Chopper was almost an hour away and they really didn't need that much, some restocking some fresh vegetables, milk, juice and fruit.
"We're out of eggs." Colleen said looking at the list.
Amy nodded "eggs and everything else is local so one more stop and we can sit for awhile and have a snack."
"Not far I have to pee." Colleen said as they were checking out.
"Just down the road, the Timberline, we passed it coming here."
Ruth smiled "I ate there once, nice place."
"We've had them to the house, Mandy and I hit it off, they're good friends with the Grayzels."
They pulled up to the Timberline and coming in Colleen made a beeline down the hall following Amy's finger to what was obviously the bathroom. Amy on the other hand stopped a few steps inside and watched Mandy turn from a table to look at her.
Ruth noticed that they both smiled and watched when Mandy pointed at her cloak.
"Rosemary told me, come on, open up and let's see."
Amy looked down and unbuttoned the big woolen buttons. She comically opened the cape and held it open with her arms stretched out. She was wearing a dark floral maternity dress with tights and a somewhat prominent bump which was immediately covered over by Mandy's hug.
"I'm so happy for you all, I'm sure everyone's so excited. Staying or just getting the order ? I have a good decaf hot chocolate."
"I'd love that, get one for Colleen too, Ruth, oh, I'm sorry do you two know each other ?"
"Aside from eating breakfast here a few years ago, I don't think we've met." Ruth said holding out her hand. "Ruth Spelts, it's good to meet you Mandy."
"Oh, you built the house, that's right, you came in for breakfast one morning with Rosemary. I'm sorry I didn't remember."
Ruth smiled "that you remember that much is astounding to me."
"What are we doing ?" Colleen asked joining the group.
"Sitting, I ordered you hot cocoa."
"Cheating ?"
"Not cheating, decaf."
"Then I won't give it another thought, cocoa will be perfect."
Amy smiled "Mandy Connor, Colleen Hernandez."
"Pleased to meet you Mandy, are we sitting ?" Colleen said putting out her hand to shake Mandy's and then zipping down her coat.
"Right here next to the window is fine, I can give you the bakery list or you can walk over and peek into the cabinets, or menus ? Ruth a hot drink ?"
"Coffee please and I'll peek."
"We'll all peek." Colleen said getting silent approval from Amy with a nod.
"Sit for a minute, it'll take a while for the cocoa, Ruth wait or coffee now ?"
"I'll wait, thank you Mandy."
"Are you sure it's not an imposition for us to stay a couple more days Amy ?"
"Of course not Colleen, I asked you to stay, you're both welcome now let's get something gooey, Mike makes great sticky cinnamon buns and then Georgie and Lou are coming."
"I guess the wedding's in about a month or so ?" Ruth asked sitting back down at the table with the group after telling Mike what they wanted, three warmed sticky buns which Mike brought out and lay down before Mandy lay down 4 cups, a pot of coffee and a thermos of cocoa before setting her tray down on the next table and pulling out a chair.
"I'm gonna sit and chat with the girls for a few minutes sweetheart." She said to Mike who nodded and smiled at Amy "congrats Amy, give my best to Ty."
"I sure will Mike, thanks."
"So where do you folks hail from ?" Mandy said pouring coffee while Amy poured cocoa.
"Ireland originally, Staten Island since."
"Mike's Irish, our last name's Connor."
"And your family ?"
"American I guess, a little German, English and Irish I think and a little whatever mixed in, my family came up here in 1846. We still live on the old homestead, in a new house though. There was nothing up here back then. And you Ruth ?"
"French and English, we've been in New York since the 1700's."
"Ruth is a Pierrepont Mandy."
Mandy shook her head, "that's right Pierrepont-Spelts Mining, I knew that, and your husband Colleen what does he do ?"
"He's a firefighter."
"Oh, see there, Mike's a volunteer EMT, he was a medic in the Army. So when are you two due ?"
"August for me," Colleen said "Amy's end of September early October."
Amy nodded while swallowing and checking her phone on the table for a text.
"I guess we'd better get back, they're about a half hour away."
"Your stuff's all in 2 boxes I think, eggs, turkeys, cranberry sauce, bread, cheese, pastries, it's all there. I'll have Mike carry them out to the truck."
Amy hugged Mandy when they stood up and handed her a credit card. After Mandy headed behind the counter Amy saw Ruth drop a 20 dollar bill into the tip jar on the counter. Mandy noticed too and made sure Ruth saw her frown.
"If you find yourself with some down time come by the house." Amy told Mandy when she handed over the receipt.
"I sure will, good meeting you both" she said to Ruth and Colleen "and hi to everyone at home Amy !" She called out with them getting in the truck and getting a last wave from Amy as she started the truck.
"You do tip her I assume ?" Ruth asked as Amy righted the truck onto the road.
"Of course I tip her Ruth, don't mind Mandy you did nothing wrong. Now what's up for after lunch ?"
"Your story Amy Fleming, it's gotta happen and we have all the time in the world. 8 years apart is what I want."
Amy sighed "Ok Colleen, I promised, the next time everyone's out riding you can hear my sordid tale."
"And me."
"And you Ruth, I promised you too." She finished pulling onto the private road leading down to their home. "Grab the supermarket bags and we'll leave the boxes for the boys. I do think this afternoon will be reserved for Georgie going over the wedding plans unless they decide to ride instead."
"Erma is her wedding planner ?" Ruth asked.
"She is and she really needs to firm up the menus, flowers, music, like that."
"I liked her, Erma I mean, is she coming ?" Colleen added coming through the door and carrying her bags to the counter.
"She's not, this is a decide and get back to me by Friday meeting. Georgie, Wyatt, my sister Lou and her daughter Katie here and whomever is joining from Canada."
"I'm going to check on Robert who I guarantee is sleeping in one of those big chairs downstairs, movie long over." Colleen said turning toward the stairs to the lower level.
"Let him sleep Colleen."
"Ach Amy, if he sleeps all day he's a pain at night, tossing and turning, on his iPad, he needs to get up."
Amy laughed at the fridge while she stored the items Ruth handed her.
"It'll be nice to see Georgie again, I think I met your sister when I was here."
"I'm sure you met her at the wedding."
"I met so many people Amy."
"Yeah I get it, some events are overwhelming."
"Truth is I couldn't take my eyes off your daughters and that Sabrina, what a talent."
"MOM, WE'RE BACK !" She heard followed by small bootless feet trudging up the short stairs.
"There's no need to yell Jackson, how was the ride sweetie, everything still where we left it ?"
"Oh sure, we counted beavers and saw a bear, it was awesome."
"Must be Edith, Archie doesn't like this side."
"That's what Dad said, oh and an eagle."
"Seems like you had a good time Jackson, I'll start lunch, what'll it be ?"
"Mac and cheese."
"And salad." Amy added.
"Ok, and salad."
"Go get washed up." She finished and starting filling two pots she had taken down from the rack with water for the noodles.
"What are we making ?" Betty asked coming up the stairs.
"Lunch, mac and cheese." Amy answered.
"And salad." Jackson muttered walking past.
Betty laughed and rumpled JT's hair, "how can I help ?"
"Pull the salad and the cheese, milk and butter please."
"What are we making ?" Charlie asked walking up with Ty and Maddie.
"Mac and cheese and salad for Jackson." Amy said dropping a handful of salt into a pot of boiling water.
The girls came around the counter as Ty lifted himself on the counter edge and leaned over to kiss Amy.
"Ok you two go somewhere else and Mad and I will make lunch."
"Where are we going ?" Amy asked.
"Go snuggle with pappa."
Amy reached down and untied her apron.
"I have no problem sitting for a while." Betty said taking off her newly donned apron as well. "Is there a fire in the living room ?"
Ty's arm went around Amy's waist the moment she came alongside him. Amy glanced back at the girls for a second.
Maddie looked up "go go." She said sweeping her hand and shooing Amy away.
"4 more coming !" Amy said back getting Maddie's nod.
"Good morning ?" Ty asked as they headed to the living room behind Betty, Ruth and Colleen.
"Fine, we stopped at the café for a snack, turkey and fixin's for dinner."
"How are the Connors ?"
"They're good, Mandy had coffee with us."
"When do the turkeys go in Amy ?"
"I got two 14 pounders so figure without the convection fan 3 and ½ hours. In at 2, eat at 6:15 or so after resting."
"The works ?"
"Well Lou said she'll make the stuffing and I have brioche for that and French toast for a breakfast and I got fresh whole cranberry sauce and I bought early peas."
"Bread ?"
"Three loaves of Mike's pretzel bread, two sliced for sandwiches. Pastries for dessert."
Betty nodded as they chose the two large couches by the fire to gather into while Ty joined by Jackson walked over to stoke the fire and start it up with some fresh wood. It really never seemed to go out except for overnight. Ty handed the poker to Jackson and pointed to where there were still viable embers to catch as they threw some kindling underneath to light.
Amy watched as Ty stooped over landing on one knee and patiently explained the process, pointing to where the kindling should go and the reason the fire needed air to catch adding in the reason for the flue and updraft into the chimney.
"He's good with him." Colleen whispered about Ty and Jackson.
Amy turned and smiled at her and Colleen smiled back.
The light on the wall panel lit a second before Amy's phone woke up, after a touch Georgie's face filled the screen "where should we go ?"
"Just pull to the back and up to the barn Georgie."
"Got it. Any instructions ?"
"Ty's coming out to help."
Ty got up and brushed off his knee as Jackson shoved the poker back in it's holder. "Come on Jackson, let's go help with the horses, what rooms Ames ?"
"Katie's in with the girls and before she left Robin and I changed the sheets and towels in the other rooms so whichever they choose."
"Come on, stand up and let me see !" Lou gushed when she got to the living room followed by Georgie and Wyatt.
Amy smiled and stood up while Lou scanned down for inspection and then gently reached her hand out laying her palm on Amy's stomach. "Look at that, you look great Amy."
Amy looked at her sister's big smile and opened her arms for a big hug. "It's good to see you Lou."
A moment later Amy glanced over and saw Ruth and Georgie hugging and then Ruth being led over to Lou. "Mom, do you remember Ruth from the wedding ?"
"I do, hello again Ruth and of course I remember Colleen who is also pregnant I see."
Colleen smiled "guilty as charged, good to see you again Lou."
Katie who had stopped and sat with the girls walked in and Amy walked over to hug her. "All good Katie ?"
She nodded and smiled and Amy looked her over "how tall are you now ?"
Katie smiled "I have no idea, I'm having sort of a growth spurt bender that never ends, last time we checked 10 centimeters in like 8 months."
"You'll be taller than me, that's for sure."
"Oh, table's set, Charlie said 10 minutes."
Amy nodded and turned to Betty "Lunch gran." Betty nodded and shifted to stand and got a smiling hand getting up from Wyatt.
"Oh, thank you Wyatt. How's everything at home ?"
Wyatt laughed "not lyin' gran, we've been struggling without you lot."
Betty playfully swatted at him "oh stop, I'm serious."
"Pretty much the same as when you left it Betty minus 4 horses and a trailer."
"Well I can't imagine they're missing those." Amy said as they started walking the long foyer to the dining room table "I'm sure we left plenty of other horses and trailers behind. Who'd you bring Georgie ?"
"Turq, Phoenix, Wallace and Dancer. Katie and Dancer have a thing."
"Which explains where Jackson and I guess my husband are. Why Turq ?"
"See how he does on a strange trail, he's a rock at home."
"Does Ithaca feel like home Georgie ?"
"You know, I do feel at home, it's nice."
Amy smiled and put her arm around Georgie's waist and seeing Jackson and the girls carrying food over to the set table she stopped at Ty who was waiting for her.
"Sorry, Jackson decided he needed to stop and spend some time with Turq."
"I figured, all settled in their stalls ?"
Ty nodded and gently placed his arms around her with his hands stopping at her belly. "And how are our nuggets doing ?"
"Smelling food and hungry." Amy said turning and reaching up to kiss him gently.
Ty pulled out his chair and sat watching Amy move to the other end of the table.
"All good girls ?" She asked turning to them before sitting.
Maddie nodded "sit and we'll carry the hot stuff over."
"Well, what's for lunch ?" Robert asked walking over after a stretch.
"Good nap Robert ?"
He looked at Amy and smiled as he pulled his chair in "they're all good naps Amy, the best are when Colleen joins me." He answered reaching over to kiss his wife as she sat.
Lou took the seat to Amy's right across from Betty and Georgie sat next to her mom.
"It looks wonderful girls." Betty said as the twins and Katie sat.
"Yeah, it looks great !" JT announced as well
"Ready to eat buddy ?" Ty asked grabbing a scoop as Jackson held out his plate and others at the table did the same.
"How's the diner coming Lou ?" Amy asked as she reached for the salad bowl in front of her.
Lou answered while scooping some macaroni. "Still on point for June 1st, working on the menu and pricing. The take away truck out front is doing great by the way so we're trying to get it permitted to stay there. People can come in and sit for breakfast or grab a to go order from the truck and then we'll move the truck downtown for lunch"
"I guess we can thank Colleen for the truck idea then." Amy mentioned remembering their conversation in Manhattan.
Colleen leaned forward and smiled "free burgers for me !"
Lou laughed "Any time you're at any Maggie's, even the Brooklyn one Colleen."
"Next time we head to Robert's fire house for a visit you're on Lou."
"That's right, you're in Brooklyn Robert."
"Cobble Hill, yup, not far from your place Lou."
"So girls," Ruth began from directly across the table. "I guess you'll be visiting colleges soon, any idea of what you're looking for, a focus ?"
Amy perked up for this one and looked over at the girls who both noticed her interest.
"Colleges, so far Cornell, Columbia and NYU for me."
"I went to Columbia." Lou said, "undergrad and MBA."
"Really, that's cool, everyone we know went to Cornell." Charlie said. "How about you Ruth, college ?"
"I have a teaching degree from St. Lawrence University and my husband Donald went to Clarkson. Ty, where are your degrees from ?"
"Both from the University of Calgary."
"Yeah, not going to Canada."
"So Charlie what'll it be so far ?"
"I'm leaning towards Animal Studies or Ag environmental so Cornell's a pretty hard turn down. Maybe a year abroad in the Netherlands if I do that though, I don't know."
"Well, I went to John Jay College for Fire Safety, met Colleen there." Robert said.
"What's your degree in Colleen ?"
"Public Administration, I work for the Board of Education Ruth."
Amy frowned "Still the only adult at the table without a college degree."
Georgie laughed "and literally the only full professor at that same table Amy."
"It's always going to bother me Georgie."
"It shouldn't, you know more about the training, care and rehabilitation of horses than anyone I know Ames."
Amy smiled "thank you my love but I still think about it."
"Nothing to stop you from going back Amy."
Amy smiled at Ruth "thanks Ruth, but the list of things stopping me is long and profound, starting with these two." She said pointing at her belly.
"For now."
"I've never given the thought up entirely before and haven't now. Mad, did you mention a focus ?"
"Right now leaning towards law, specifically, not sure, maybe Charities and Trusts, Gender or Women's Rights or something like that. I'm not ready to map out my life tonight mom."
"I'm not asking you to do that sweetheart, just getting a small read. And you Charlie ? Animal Studies ?"
"Vet school ?"
Charlie glanced over at Ty and then her mom "I don't know Georgie, I'm not too sure I want to be a vet, maybe more like mom, nutrition and rehabilitation, training, you know more hands on holistically focused stuff."
"I'm gonna be a vet."
"Pretty young to be locking all that in JT."
"I guess, don't now why I'd change my mind, you ever want to be anything else Charlie ?"
His sister laughed "Of course, last year I wanted to be a dress designer, not gonna happen."
"I wanted to be a paleontologist when I was your age I think."
"We both did Mad, we had like every dinosaur book in the world." Charlie said "a whole bookcase full."
Betty laughed "and about a million toy dinosaurs."
"Nothing else you'd like to be buddy ?" Ty asked.
"Well, I guess Lt. Mike's pretty cool and you get to ride your horse at work and work in the woods."
"And who is Lt. Mike ?"
"Michael Tarlick is our local Conservation Officer Ruth."
"Oh I met him a few times, of course, the name escaped me."
"I started school wanting to be a police officer" Colleen began "it just wasn't for me. I though about turning to ed but I liked the behind the scenes stuff so public administration was where I ended up. I like it."
"Robert, always wanted to be a firefighter ?"
"My dad was one and then I met Colleen, her whole family are or were firefighters or police and I admit I love it."
"Well I can't imagine a more heroic and selfless job Robert."
Robert blushed and Colleen was bursting with pride "Thank you Amy."
"No Robert, thank you." Betty said "Now what are we doing this afternoon ?"
"Hitting the trails, lots more exploring to do." Jackson said pushing back his seat and grabbing his plate to clear.
"Not for me today JT, I have wedding things to decide or Erma will have my head but first thing tomorrow cuz, we have a map to follow and we'll see how well Turq does in a strange place."
"We'll take you out for a few hours Bro, Pappa's got some work to do." Maddie said collecting plates.
"Please set the other horses out before you go."
Maddie nodded back at Amy as she passed, "sure thing mom."
"Can we take the dogs, they look pretty bored."
Amy thought for a minute and turned to look at her herders laying behind her. "Fine, you're right Jackson, they're not used to laying around all day and I'm not comfortable letting them loose yet, you guys need to promise to keep them in sight though, I don't want them wandering around on their own."
"We'll keep them close Mom." Charlie said taking the last of the serving plates away to the kitchen.
With the table cleared Amy started collecting place mats and runners and then headed to the patio doors to shake them out with Georgie following and getting the door.
"Thank you Georgie, how about I shake and hand them back to you ?"
"Great, uhm, could you be a part of the whole wedding decision thing, not sure if you had plans."
"Give me like an hour to check in at Pegasus and with Bridgett. I guess I also have to see what everyone else is doing."
"3:00 library ?" Georgie asked as they made their way back in.
Amy nodded, "sounds good Georgie, I'll be there."
About an hour later Georgie knocked on the door frame letting Amy know they were there. Amy smiled back and waved them in placing several sets of papers into folders and tucking them into her messenger bag on the floor.
"So how many are you at Georgie ?" Amy asked sitting back in her chair as the others settled. Lou sat across from Georgie who was setting up 2 iPads and calling up Zoom on each.
Betty looked over which surprised Amy "168 invites with 31 plus 1's so up to 199."
"Impressive." Amy murmured as first Lisa and then Peter's wife Annie filled the iPad screens.
"Thanks for doing this guys."
Lisa was with Jen at Heartland and Annie from Vancouver told her it was no problem and greetings filled the room. Lisa apologized for Casey who was stuck with Rodeo booking issues.
Georgie looked around the room for a second "Oh I think Lisa and Ruth might have met but Annie this is Ruth Spelts, a family friend."
"Who's doing this ?" Amy asked.
"Mom's got the list."
"Are we ready ?" Lou asked unscrewing her pen and looking down "Best man and maid or matron of honor."
"Chuck and Robin."
"Really, that's nice Georgie." Amy said with a smile.
"Jade really was uncomfortable since she can't be here for any of the planning and same with Wyatt and anyone he could think of. We love Chuck and Robin. Charlie's handling the bachelor thing at his place and Robin's got the spa booked for the day and a party after at her house, which is really nice by the way."
Betty nodded "It's definitely a nice house, and she just got most of the new furniture she ordered."
"They seem to be a very nice and loving couple, I sat with them and Georgie at the wedding for a little while." Ruth added.
"Music, ceremony and party ?" Lou asked getting back to business.
"Just write see Sabrina mom, not sure for the ceremony, Brin said a quartet and the same band as Amy for the party."
"Flowers ?"
"Roses mostly, Erma said she'll fill the rest in, white for the bouquet and wedding party, red for the tables."
"I love roses and May is good, they'll bring them up fresh and fragrant from the south." Ruth said.
"I've always loved them too, no brainer for the wedding."
"Move on ?"
"Go ahead mom."
"Menu, should we do this in parts ?"
"Parts is fine, poultry, fish and vegan."
"I vote duck."
Georgie laughed, "you always vote duck."
Amy smiled "I like duck, I vote duck."
Betty laughed as well "One vote for duck, what are the choices Georgie ?"
"Ok well I guess herbed or roast duck, roasted Cornish game hen or roasted chicken, I'm all for the game hen over the chicken, so let's say game hen or duck."
"Wait, didn't we talk about fried chicken and waffles ? Isn't fried chicken a big favorite for Wyatt ?"
Georgie cocked her head at Amy "you think, the whole finger thing ?"
"Well, you can go boneless fried chicken breasts over waffles, local syrup, fresh butter, I liked that idea and it's a wedding, no matter what you serve people are going to eat with a knife and fork Georgie."
"It's novel, that's for sure." Ruth chimed in.
Betty nodded, "so what was that whole vintage thing ? Salmon cakes as the fish choice ?"
"Or crab cakes" Lou added "a bit less pedestrian."
Ruth smiled "You know that sounds good, nice lump meat crab cakes are perfect, good horseradish sauce with them."
'So the vegan pasta Bolognese as the third ?"
"That's good Georgie." Lou said writing. "Ok so the entrée's are Chicken and Waffles."
"With maple butter and pecan syrup."
"That sounds great Amy." Lou said glancing at Georgie who nodded "with ?"
"Mac and cheese and collards or just mixed greens ?"
"Greens are good. We'll tell him nice and smoky." Lou muttered while writing.
Amy saw her sister's brow curl "Don't worry Lou, Pavel does Southern very well for a Polish guy."
"With the salmon cakes ?" Lou continued.
"Warm vinegar based potato salad and Haricot Vert."
"That's perfect Annie." Georgie said with a smile at the iPad. "and grilled veggies with the pasta."
"The cake Georgie ?" Amy asked.
"Honey Rosemary from The Hudson Cake Studio in town and they'll make cookie bundles to take home."
"Wait, are they really called the Hudson Bake Studio, how coincidental is that ?" Lisa cut in laughing.
"Georgie nodded "Yeah, we said it at the beginning but there's a bunch of Hudson here starting with the river and even a town named Hudson further south."
"Let's back up to salads. We skipped right by them."
"I loved the roasted beet and goat cheese salad at Amy's wedding." Lisa said.
"That's fine for us" Georgie said "Wyatt had that and it was awesome and that micro-greens one is Vegan, I liked that one. Just two salad choices."
"Cheese course ?"
"I don't think so Betty, we went back and forth with that one along with soup, there'll be a cheese and fruit layout on the dessert buffet and no soup."
"And the cake, what was that place called again ?"
"The Hudson Cake Studio mom."
"Right right and take home cookies." Lou murmured "and how's that gonna work ?"
"We'll have the cutting and the cake'll be sliced out onto the center of the buffet."
"Coffee ?" Lou asked writing.
"Coffee and tea will be on the tables in thermoses and there'll be a tended specialty coffee bar off the buffet with after dinner toddies and specialty coffees. Baristas and bartenders. Erma said she'll take care of having a good selection of local dessert specialties, the good donuts and cupcakes, etcetera, etcetera."
"Processional order ?"
"Right, marching order." Georgie repeated with an exaggerated exhale through pursed lips.
"Your call Georgie, take your time, no one will be upset at your decisions." Amy started "Let's start easy, first down Robin and Chuck."
"Ok, Robin and Chuck. Jade and my brother Jeff, Katie and Brick, Barb and Adam, Katie and Ollie,
"Ollie ? Who's Ollie again ?" Annie asked.
"Wyatt's study partner."
"Right, I knew that, thanks Georgie."
"Who's next Georgie"
"Maddie, Charlotte and Jackson, is that Ok or you want him with you two."
Amy shrugged, "he'll be fine going down with the girls."
"Then you and Ty, Jen and Mitch with Wyatt, mom ?"
"If Annie will have me I'm fine walking with her."
Annie smiled "mom and step it is."
"Excellent" Georgie said "and then me and dad."
"So, in order," Lou said looking down at her notes "Chuck and Robin, Jade and Jeff, Katie and Brick, Barb and Adam, Katie and Ollie, Maddie, Charlotte and Jackson, Amy and Ty, Jen, Mitch and and Wyatt, Annie and I, Georgie and Peter."
"We need to get the turkeys in the oven, Georgie, you Ok without Betty and me."
"Yeah, I think we're good for now anyway. Hors d'oeuvres are next, we got it."
Amy stood up, stretched and groaned and then waited for Betty who slipped her arm around Amy's waist as the two turned to the doors. Lisa laughed hearing Amy as they went through the doors. "Ok if I just sit and watch Gran ?"
Lou smiled "she's still that Amy."
"She's way more than that Amy mom."
"She is still that Amy" Lisa commented "and different."
"We all grow and stay the same, I guess. Your mom passed a while ago Lou ? I would have liked to meet her."
"You would have liked her Ruth, she was loving and tough, hard and compassionate. Mom was one of a kind, pretty much a straight shooter, I'm sorry we were at odds in the end."
"Jack's always says you and Amy were more alike and both way more like your mom than either of you think."
Lou glanced over at Lisa and smiled "I guess in the end that's probably true." She hesitated for a second before "for both of us."
Amy sat down at the counter while Betty tied on her apron and got out to roasting pans. She set the timer and temp on the upper and lower wall stoves.
"Having a good week Amy ?"
"It's been nice, I really miss riding with kids."
"You can go out and work with Spartan."
"I planned on spending time with him tomorrow, it's not the same."
"Of all the horses in the world Amy, I'm pretty sure that horse of yours understands."
"It's me Betty, riding is part of who I am."
"So's coffee."
"Coffee sounds great." Ty said coming around the staircase and wrapping his arms around Amy who turned her head exposing her neck to his lips.
Betty smiled "I'll put up a fresh pot Ty, how was your walk ?"
He chuckled "It was nice, I don't do a whole lot of walking these days."
Ty had taken Colleen and Robert for a walk and headed down to the lake stopping to show them the guest house and the boat house before taking a trail they had found along the edge of the water. The younger couple then said they wanted to visit the horses and Ty left them outside.
"How's everything down that way ?" Amy asked when Ty sat down.
"Definitely coming back to life, that entire path is covered in crocuses and daffodils ready to pop on both sides. Everything looked great that I could see."
Amy nodded as the group from the library came in and Colleen and Robert turned the corner. Robert made a bee line for a chair and Colleen came over to the counter.
"Is that regular coffee ?"
"Sorry Colleen it is." Amy answered. "Ty wanted a cup."
"Oh not for me, for Robert. There's a fresh pot coming Robert, I'll bring you a cup. Oh and the kids are back, Maddie, I think it was Maddie said 30 minutes."
"Robert, overdo ? Can I get you something ?"
Robert smiled at Ty "Actually I wouldn't mind some of that Irish in with my coffee."
Ty smiled back "I'll join you, I'll grab the bottle."
"It's in the living room Ty, start the fire while you're in there, it's all ready for a match." Amy said as Georgie, Lou and Ruth sat down at the counter.
"Lou you're doing the stuffing ?"
"I am Betty, mom's specialty passed down from Grandma Lyndy."
"Ok, we have green beans and two quarts of fresh cranberry sauce so I think we're good."
"Lisa and Annie said goodbye by the way, they had to go, Lisa said you needed something from her so call when you get a chance."
"What do we need from Lisa ?" Ty asked coming back.
"Looking for two very young stock Paints to train."
"To train for what ?"
"Our sons."
She said it as Betty poured two mugs of coffee that he dosed and carried over to the table.
"Little early for that don't you think ?" Georgie asked smiling as Betty poured her one.
"Not really Georgie, it takes time to bullet proof two horses, best we get them young and they can grow up with the boys. Merlin was one when I adopted Jackson."
"Coffee Ruth ?"
Ruth nodded reaching for the bottle of Irish which she offered to Georgie first.
"Shall we move to the living room ?" Amy asked getting up. "Can you make it Robert ?"
"No problem, I can shift, Ty grab the bottle."
"Make room" Ty said coming over to Amy on the couch. She had watched him put his mug on the mantle and lean over to poke the fire a bit, moving some logs to let the flames through.
"Snuggling ?" Amy asked with a smile while shifting forward while Ty moved in behind her. Amy pushed herself back against him and snuggled into his arms before sighing.
"Snuggle and talk." Ty said settling as comfortably as he could and then slipping his hand around Amy's waist to rest on her belly.
"Tell me about these horses ?"
"Tell you what, we don't have them yet."
They were interrupted as the kids and Wyatt came into the living room. Jackson came over kissed Amy and Ty and then squeezed in and settled against Amy's belly on top of Ty's hands. Amy reached her hands around Jackson.
"How was your ride sweet boy ?"
"Awesome, Charlie's got leaves "blueberry, and she thinks raspberry and something else."
"Here." Charlie said leaning over to kiss Amy and showing her the three leaves. "Wild blueberry I know and I think this is wild raspberry but this one is close but no cigar, blackberry ?"
"We don't grow them on the ranch, these are black raspberry leaves. Ruth ?"
"Yes dear ?"
"Berries ?"
"Oh yes, are they still going, we planted them in a couple spots and then neglected them which they told us was the way to go."
"We found a patch off that large meadow with all the clover. Dozens, maybe more, pretty big too."
Ruth smiled "I'm glad, I forgot all about them, there's another patch on the other side of that small river, the main estuary one, I can show you on the map I think."
"Can we get an ice cream machine ?" Jackson asked.
"We sure can", Amy answered "especially if we have all those black raspberries."
"Wouldn't be true Central New Yorkers if we didn't make black raspberry ice cream now would we ?" Betty added.
"I can't imagine Archie and Edith don't know about two huge berry patches." Ty said mostly to himself.
"We'll check for sign through the summer Ty." Amy answered quietly.
"So what's the topic of conversation ?" Maddie asked sitting on the edge of the couch arm.
"Horses." Ty said.
"We still love them ?"
Ty smiled "yes Madelyn we still love them, so much in fact that your mother is buying two more."
"Looking for two more at this stage." Amy amended "for the boys."
"Oh babies." Charlie exclaimed "Remember Merlin ? He was so adorable."
Maddie laughed "I remember mom walking over with Jackson in that snuggly and them staring at each other."
"And Jackson reaching out to touch his nose, God that was cute."
"I don't remember any of that."
"You were a baby JT, what's your first Merlin memory ?"
"I remember chasing him around the round pen and laughing and then I fell and cried and he came over and stuck his nose in my face which made me laugh."
"That was your first join up Jackson, you were 3."
"Not really."
"Jackson, Merlin stopped, turned and walked to you, got right in your face. He cared, he needed you, you were his person, that's all a join up really is."
"So everybody's ok with Amy buying 2 horses for infants."
"They're just gonna grow up with the boys Ty, we'll have minis for them until they're ready."
"So what are we looking for ?"
"Black and white paints, stock bred quarter horses."
"Baby paints, Brin's never leaving." Maddie laughed.
"She'll fall in love immediately." Charlie added laughing as well.
Amy laughed along. "So what's the plan until dinner ?"
Maddie stood up "we're puzzling and Charlie and I are working on Helplessly Hoping and we'll need a third voice so …."
"I'll need the words."
"We'll get you the words." Charlie answered leaning over to kiss her head.
"Jackson, it's time to move." Amy said trying to lean forward to kiss his head.
Jackson stood and smiled "Can I er may I" He asked pointing at her belly.
She smiled "go ahead."
Jackson leaned forward and whispered "hey guys, it's your big brother, mom's getting you guys horses, they'll be awesome. Thanks mom."
"Go ahead, go sit with your sisters. Lou are you doing the stuffing ?"
"Yes the stuffing, is there room in the oven ?"
"I'll start the wood stove, it'll be nice."
"I'll go Amy, stay with Ty." Betty said standing and stretching.
Colleen stood with some help from Robert. Both stretched. "We'll walk with you Betty, it's foot massage and nap time."
"Nap sounds good to me too, count me in." Ruth added standing as well.
Georgie groaned comically from her spot sharing a couch with Wyatt. "I don't feel like moving, Wy can you grab my bag from the library I have 2 Neuro chapters I have to read 3 times."
Ty looked up, "I'll come with Wyatt I have reading too, Ames ?"
"I just need a blanket from the pile but if you're going grab my iPad from my bag please Ty."
"Oh, a blanket would be perfect and kick up the fire please sweetie." Georgie added glancing back at Amy.
Wyatt met Ty at the small stack of colorful blankets, "you do the blankets Wyatt, I'll get the fire."
Wyatt grabbed two and walked over to Amy first handing her one with a smile. "Thank you Wyatt." She said musically while leaning forward to open it.
She watched as he walked over to Georgie and opened the blanket before leaning over to spread it over her and then leaning to tuck her in. He disappeared from view a second later which distinctly brought forth the sounds of kissing.
"I love you G."
"I love you too Wy."
"Hey, don't fall asleep, you have to study." He said as he came back into Amy's view.
"No promises but hurry back in case."
Amy watched Ty and Wyatt walk off "hey Georgie, how's school going ?"
"You haven't asked in a while, I was wondering."
"I'm trying to give you some space Georgie this is a rather closer relationship than the normal TA internship."
"I'm pretty sure if I don't mess up finals or practicals I'll get straight A's. What happens next year ?"
"You can TA for Ortho with Ty or Bert or someone like Richard or Chris for a specialty or even Acky. I'll get Katie or Barb next year, maybe Robert, I have a strange suspicion that Ruth's been keeping track of him."
"Ruth ?"
"Ruth and I or the foundation actually, are building a Pegasus center in Messina, NY on a very large plot that she donated. Most of it will be a nature conservancy similar to ours. She met Cassidy and Alex and wants a wildlife rescue in the area. Robert would fit that bill for large animals and wildlife rescue. He's from Norwood, 20 miles south."
"How would that work ? With Ruth I mean."
Amy laughed "well that's where the fun part is, you see he gets virtually the same deal as you Georgie, well one or two pay levels below because he had no experience in exotics and wildlife care at all but we also cover his books and tuition. As it stands she really has nothing to offer."
"So ?"
"If I'm right about the whole thing the next move is hers, she'll do it though Robert or herself. Knowing her I'd guess she'd do it herself, either way, the ball's in her court."
"What ball, whose court ?" Wyatt asked putting Georgie's backpack down alongside her.
"Ruth's ball and Ruth's court. How's school been going Wyatt ?"
"I'm sorry Amy, school ?"
"School, law school, how's it going ? Like it ? Grades ok ? What ?"
"Uhm, nothing, school's good and yes, so far I like it and my grades are good."
"And the internship ?"
"What's up Amy ?"
"Hmm ? Nothing's up Wyatt." She laughed "I'm technically your boss, you're marrying my niece in a month, less actually, you live over my barn, so I'm checking in."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, for what ?"
"Caring and not doing it too often, it's weird. You and Ty, well, you're way more like friends than aunt and uncle or bosses for that matter. I get it though."
"Uhm Wyatt ? Where's Ty and my iPad ?"
"Ty is sitting with Lou and talking about the construction at Heartland and your iPad is in Georgie's backpack."
Georgie held the iPad up in the air and was surprised when Maddie took it from her hand and reached over to Amy who hand was also in the air. Then continued on to grab two blankets and turn back.
"Thanks Mad. What are you all doing ?"
"Katie and JT are puzzling and Charlie and I have to go over the song."
"Need me ?"
"Nah, this is guitar parts."
Amy nodded and focused on her iPad, she had texts and emails to run through. She unconsciously hummed along with the girls and stopped when Georgie's phone rang.
"Hey Annabelle, what's up ?"
"Yup, she's right here and I think Ruth is resting, who do you need ?"
"Give it here Georgie." Amy said sitting up and reaching her hand across. "Hey Annabelle is there a problem ?"
"I'll have her touch base but as far as I know she's leaving tomorrow after lunch so Friday should be fine."
"I promise she'll call so plan to go for the weekend. How's everything at Pegasus ?"
"Good, school going Ok ?"
"Excellent, call if you need something Annabelle and send my love to Vi and your mom. We'll be back Saturday afternoon. I'm feeling fine. Yup, you too, bye Annabelle."
Amy reached her hand with the phone over the couch and waved it finding Georgie hand doing the same.
"What's up ?"
"Apparently she's supposed to work with Ruth this weekend and they were supposed to meet and do a ride around the property with the conservation guys for plantings and whatever. Ruth was supposed to confirm everything today and hasn't yet, it's fine."
"How's that going ?"
"We have three major projects that are close to home or us personally I guess and I'm trying not to be too involved in most of it. Ty and Bryce are dealing with the jumping facility, Ty and Lou with the Heartland build and Vi and Annabelle on the NY Pegasus thing."
"How's all that going, the Heartland thing, I go by the jumping facility and see that."
Ty had heard the last part of the conversation coming over from the kitchen with Lou.
"Funny thing Georgie, I was just about to talk to Amy about the Heartland thing."
He was carrying his iPad and Amy leaned forward so that he could shift behind her. When she shifted back against him his arms wrapped around her, one holding the iPad.
"I have pictures and questions."
"I like pictures." She said taking the iPad.
"There's an album in Photos named HLhouse."
Amy found it and opened the first slide.
"That's the foundation for the house all poured and ready to be framed once they inspect the concrete next week."
Amy slid to the next frame and continued as Ty spoke. Georgie and Wyatt had both gotten on their knees on the couch they were using to peer over the edge and see the pictures.
"That's the barn which was poured first and is already being framed."
"12 stalls right ?" Georgie asked.
"Actually that's one of the things we have to talk about, we changed the house to the original bigger plan because of the twins so I had them pour for a 16 stall barn and it'll be built to have 8 outside stalls on the far side."
"You did all that ? And Grandpa ?"
"Grandpa doesn't know." Lou said walking over from the puzzle crew.
"I told Lisa what was going on and she was fine with it and Lou knows."
"And Grandpa ?" Amy asked again.
"It's not his house Amy besides he does know about the bigger house."
Amy sighed "So what do you need from me ?"
"Oh, the upstairs now has more room."
"So if we did it like ours, a 2 bedroom and 2 one bedrooms that would work ?"
"Probably a different layout but basically yeah."
Amy thought for a second "tell the architect that we'll have Sandra pull and send the plans from our barn and he can use those as a guide and we'll send pictures of the interiors as well, I want the post and beams. What about the ranch house ?"
"They'll dig the wells and get the house done simultaneously when they're here, uh, in Ithaca for the wedding. Lou and Katie will stay at Fairfield and Mitch said he's fine keeping an eye on everything while Jack and Lisa are here."
"We're flying back with them. We'll come here after the wedding like you did and then to Alberta for the week."
"If that's what you want Georgie." Amy said "time alone and time with family and friends was nice for us though. And you Lou ?"
"A week before and leaving a day after. Katie and Brick will come with Mitch and Peter. I'm coming with Jen. Annie will meet us in Calgary and Peter."
"Dad and Casey ?"
"Also with Mitch and Peter and the kids but Casey might come earlier."
"And the jumping arena ?"
"They're finishing the roofing this week they do the solar panels right after, utilities all installed, they've started the finish work and the stalls are going in, looking pretty good and on time, maybe 3 weeks. Horses start coming in June 15."
"All new staff coming in on June 10 including 2 new large animal vet techs."
"I didn't interview them, should I have met them ?"
"Bert and the seconds interviewed them and I interviewed them and you're building the building, besides you get three Cornell interns in September."
Georgie laughed "Ty and his ducklings, it'll be cute watching them follow you around."
Lou joined Georgie laughing "Come on Georgie you followed Ty around once."
"Georgie was never a duck, more like an albatross." Ty muttered "Hopefully they won't be mouthy."
Georgie leaned up and playfully tapped Ty on the head "Hey,I love you Ty and I'm not mouthy."
"It's Ok Georgie I didn't call you mouthy just hoped they wouldn't be and I love you too."
"He thinks we're mouthy too." Maddie called out. "Mom's gotta work on that."
"Am I mouthy ?"
"No Jackson, none of you are mouthy." Ty called back.
"What about me ?" Amy asked playfully.
"You are definitely mouthy Amy Fleming."
"Really, I don't think I'm mouthy."
"Shall we vote ? Kids ?"
"Mouthy" they all called out.
Georgie ?" Ty asked.
"Definitely mouthy, but like you're a mom and technically the boss so it's like your job to be a bit mouthy. It's not like your overbearing or anything."
"Somebody has to keep all of this together.' Amy muttered under the sound of Ty's watch alarm going off. "What's up ?"
"Lou, turkeys out and stuffing in. 30 minutes kids, time to close up shop and get ready for dinner."
"I'll come with you Lou, start getting the table set." Amy said trying to sit up against gravity until getting a helping hand from behind. She turned and smiled "thank you my love" and then reached over to kiss him gently. "Add some logs before you come over."
"I'll do that, should I wait for the kids ?"
Amy shrugged and bent close to his ear "you don't have to ask, just do what feels best at the moment."
Georgie also got up "I'm gonna put on a dress for dinner because I don't have rounds."
"Good for you Georgie."
They found Betty behind the counter at the ovens pulling out the two turkeys and Ruth getting a load of green beans ready for the steamer. Once on the counter Betty slid the two casseroles of Grandma Lyndy's stuffing into the brick oven and turned back to to bast the turkey while it rested.
"Looks like I made the right choice, everyone's in a dress." Colleen said coming down the stairs, Robert at her side. "I'm starved and that smells amazing Betty."
Amy patted the seat next to hers as Colleen got closer and then shoved two clementines across to her. "I can't stop eating these."
Betty smiled and put a small plate in front of Colleen who smiled back and started peeling.
"Why the special dinner ?"
"Turkey ?" Amy asked "It's not really special and Ty loves it, they take time and space so people don't really make them much but the truth is they're not that hard."
"And then you get sandwiches." Jackson said walking over washed and changed.
"You changed for dinner ?" Amy asked.
"Dad said and I gotta change back for feeding."
"Well thank you for going through all that hassle sweetheart."
"It's just changing mom."
"And where is my husband Jackson ?"
Jackson shrugged "I thought he was with you, the girls aren't upstairs either."
Amy turned as Lou and Katie came down the stairs with Georgie and Wyatt. "Ty and the girls ?"
"Out dealing with the horses" Georgie said grabbing a clementine. "We have to set the table cuz, they'll be getting washed up and changed when they're done."
"I'll help too" Katie said walking up to the buffet table to get dishes from the cabinets beneath.
Ruth had gone down to the cellar and returned with three bottles of Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2018 a favorite of hers and a vintage she thought would go great with the turkey.
With about 15 minutes to go until dinner the girls returned with Ty and headed upstairs to get ready for dinner while Ruth opened two bottles to breath and Betty set up to make the gravy, the last piece of the puzzle.
They thought it was best to carve the turkeys at the counter and bring platters to the table so Ty set out to carve the first turkey deftly starting by separating the turkey leg deftly skirting just around the bone.
Jackson sat and watched while Ty moved on to the wings
"There are 4 turkey legs."
Ty smiled "I think we can arrange for you to get one if you promise to not eat it like a barbarian."
"I don't know what that means."
"Let's start with not talking with food in your mouth, no slurping sounds and using a napkin."
"It's a turkey leg, there's gonna be noise."
Ty sighed "The turkey is dead Jackson there doesn't have to be noise."
"Drippy juices and gravy but I'll try."
Ty shook his head and went back to slicing the breast and laying it on the first platter for Maddie to carry away. They sat to dinner a few minutes later when the stuffing was ready.
With every sound he made Jackson glanced at Ty and then went back to his food. He only spoke with food in his mouth once and went through at least 4 napkins, Ty lost track.
He noticed Jackson lean back and pat his slightly distended bell when he was done which to JT signified a good meal that he was done with Ty smiled.
"How was dinner Jackson ?"
"Great, best ever Gran."
"And Aunt Lou."
"Oh yeah the stuffing was great too Aunt Lou."
"Well, it's good to know that you can still have a great meal eating like a human being."
"So that was a lesson ?"
Ty ran his hand through his hair and Amy smiled at him and watched his hair fall back into place. She loved watching her men interact, Jackson's natural nature and Ty just being Ty.
The girls were already up and clearing, they'd decided to save desert after digesting a bit.
"What a delicious meal Betty, I'll sleep good tonight for sure."
"Thank you Robert."
"Oh, baby brain, I'm sorry Ruth, Annabelle called while you were napping."
"I texted her when I woke up, I'm heading back after lunch tomorrow. When are you coming up Amy ?"
"I don't have an exact date yet but I think I'm driving up with Anna, Sarah and Vi sometime between the wedding and a week after. I need Georgie married and school over Ruth, it can't be helped."
"Completely understandable, you let me know when, I have plenty of room."
"You don't have to bother, we can stay at a hotel."
"I won't hear about it, Annabelle's practically got her own room and no it's not an imposition, in fact, now that I understand her better, we have a good time together."
"And what have you figured out Ruth ?"
Ruth sighed "I don't want to say the wrong thing, but having no better word she's probably the most empathic human I have ever met."
Amy nodded "That's a good word for it."
"And there's the whole witch and Jesus thing."
Ruth laughed "I wasn't going to mention that part Maddie."
"Good witches though." JT added.
"Of course Jackson, only the best witches work at Pegasus." Ty agreed shaking his head "can we change the subject please ?"
"No we cannot." Colleen interjected. "Witches ?"
"Not witches." Amy said laughing "Look Sarah is just, she's from Appalachia, a healer, she knows more about natural, well, herbal healing of animals than anyone I know, it's just mixed with a bit of uhm."
"Witchcraft, she's a witch with a bible Ames." Ty said stopping her.
"Actually we checked." Charlie interrupted "we've got a coven, three is a small coven."
"What's a coven ?"
"A group of witches JT."
"Good witches though, like mom talks to horses is weird but good you know."
"I don't talk to horses Jackson."
"You definitely talk to horses." It wasn't just Jackson, but Maddie, Charlie, Ty, Georgie and Wyatt all said it together.
"You all talk to your horses." Amy said looking around.
"Ours don't talk back." Maddie finished "You gotta own it mom, you talk to horses and that" she said sweeping her arm across "is why you get the big bucks."
"Can we not please ?"
"Fine with me" Colleen muttered "but we've added another topic for tomorrow Amy Fleming."
Ty smiled "it's all part of the same story Colleen."
"Mom, practice." Charlie called out from the small seating area towards the back part of the living room.
Amy was leaning back on Ty who was gently rubbing her belly with his hand which she took and gently kissed "I'm summoned my love."
"I heard, I'll save your place."
Amy smiled and turned, "kiss ?"
She loved his grin and shining eyes and lost herself in them as he leaned forward to catch his lips. She smiled when he leaned back "maybe later you can massage my feet ?"
"Sure, do your feet hurt Ames ?"
Colleen was across from them talking to Ruth and Betty and giggled "it's a euphemism Ty."
Ty couldn't see her over the couch from his position so he looked at Amy who nodded "it's a euphemism."
"Count me in."
"I gotta sing."
"We've been though this already Ames, I'll be here."
Amy was almost immediately replaced on the couch was Georgie and her Neurobiology text. "Can you test me ?"
"Sure, what are we doing ?"
"Nerves."
"I hated nerves, where's Bert when you need him, let me have the book Georgie."
There were three conversations nearby, Georgie and Ty going over the location and function of the thirteen nerves in a horses body, Betty and Ruth talking about growing up in upstate NY which was markedly different and Colleen and Robert were asking Lou and Wyatt about life on a ranch and surprisingly about the charity foundation and the work they did. Katie and Jackson were die hard puzzlers apparently and sat stoically working away determined to have it together before they left on Saturday.
The twins and Amy started off very low but got louder as they got more confident in their harmonies. They started off a cappella, dividing the harmonies amongst the three of them, Amy the obvious alto and lead for this song and the girls doing the higher harmonies. They had it mostly down when they added the guitars and naturally got somewhat louder than they were just singing.
Betty stopped at one point and turned to the trio "Come on you three, it sounds like you've got it down, let's hear it."
"Ok, Ok we're as ready as we'll be tonight." Amy said as they turned to face the others.
Ruth smiled and leaned over to Betty "I love this song. I had the single with Marrakesh Express and fell in love with the B side. And then Woodstock, oh, I was in heaven."
"I've heard that, was it really their first performance together." Wyatt asked.
"That's actually a common fallacy." Betty started "It was their first time as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, there was a concert before that without Neil Young. He was a surprise at Woodstock."
Ruth was about to add something and glanced at Amy before thinking better of it "Sorry girls, go ahead."
The sang together for the verses but in the refrain Amy sang first with Maddie and then Charlie adding their voices. Maddie played the intro lead with Charlie's guitar adding a bright rhythm.
(The song is called Helplessly Hoping written by Stephen A. Stills and published by Wixen Music Publishing. If you want to hear it you can check any video on YouTube listed as Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills and Nash)
"Helplessly hoping
Her harlequin hovers nearby
Awaiting a word
Gasping at glimpses
Of gentle true spirit
He runs, wishing he could fly
Only to trip at the sound of good-bye
Wordlessly watching
He waits by the window
And wonders
At the empty place inside
Heartlessly helping himself to her bad dreams
He worries
Did he hear a good-bye? Or even hello?
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for-or each other
Stand by the stairway
You'll see something
Certain to tell you confusion has its cost
Love isn't lying
It's loose in a lady who lingers
Saying she is lost
And choking on hello
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for-or each other"
Embarrassed by the applause and hoots and absolutely refusing an encore Amy suggested they get to dessert which was heartedly seconded by Colleen and Jackson. It was later than planned and so they decided to head back to the dining room to eat. There were brownies, blondies and oatmeal cookies, all made fresh by the Timberline that morning, along with tea and milk rather than coffee. Georgie wasn't happy and kept on giving Ty the gears as a caffeine traitor. Ty for his part enjoyed the peace of not having the girls rail on him about his caffeine intake and was getting used to the tea.
When Jackson's second yawn came around it was the girls who volunteered to head upstairs with him, they wanted to call home, well Brin and Bobby before it got too late and Katie had a long day and was tired as well. Once they had said their round of good-byes and disappeared upstairs Lou mentioned to Amy, Georgie and Wyatt that Katie would be calling Brick as well though she wouldn't admit it to the adults. Lou was sure the girls knew.
They sat and chatted across the table and picked at fruits and sweets. Ty had fetched the bottle of Irish they were working their way through. He had already texted Charlie and asked him if he couldn't rustle up a bottle or two for the bar at home.
He poured a few glasses and pushed them over to Georgie, Wyatt and Lou. "You guys have to try this." He then poured for the rest of the drinkers.
Georgie looked at the amber liquid, smiled and said "Sláinte ! I hope that was right" before taking a sip.
"Smooth" Wyatt said following behind her along with Lou.
Colleen reached for the bottle "that was perfect Georgie and this bottle looks to almost be a dead soldier."
Ty sipped at his as well "I asked Charlie about getting a couple bottles for home."
"Good luck with that Ty." Robert said "I hear it's pretty rare."
"Rare we can probably deal with unavailable is unavailable, we'll see."
The group slowed down, pregnancy, age, a long day and coupled with a fine Irish whiskey for those that partook. Ty glanced down at the living room and Wyatt, seeing him volunteered to check it was low enough to leave for the night as Ty checked the dining room.
Once upstairs they bid their guests goodnight with hugs and good wishes after which they checked on the kids all of whom seemed fast asleep.
"Ouch, that looks like it hurts." Ty said gently touching the marks left behind by Amy's bra.
"It wasn't that bad going on, guess I'll move up a size, this is maxed out." She said tossing the bra into a hamper. As she did every night Amy walked over and stood in front of the full mirror.
"Still beautiful."
"It's like a skin stretched over a small beach ball that's slowly getting blown up." Amy answered rubbing her hand over her bump.
Ty had changed from his clothes into thin black silk yoga pants which were tied lightly at the waist. He was shirtless and bent over to add kindling, dried sticks and two logs to the fireplace before striking a long match and catching the kindling in several places.
He moved behind her as she turned back and forth in front of the mirror and ran his hands around to her front and over her belly.
"Come to bed."
Amy smiled and moved her hands over his "I need to wash up, meet you there."
She joined him a few minutes later, he was laying on his back and she sat down alongside him. She had changed into a long nightgown that was lightweight and snug which accentuated her bump. When she leaned over to kiss him he turned slightly and his hands made their way around her pulling her gently as she gently slid her body underneath the quilt that covered him.
"Massage ?"
"Sure." She answered slipping her hand under his waistband eliciting a gasp from his lips.
"Amy." He whispered a moment later.
"No massage ?" She asked as she straddled him a moment before he pulled her down to his lips.
