Chapter 134
Amy checked her watch as they toweled off and grabbed their coats "they've been in surgery almost 5 hours."
"They've got an hour to go, maybe a little less. This is nice group." Georgie said referring to the yoga group they had just left as they climbed into Amy's truck.
"They seem to be, I kind of like the fluidity of the thing, seems natural. Should we go for a snack ?"
Georgie smiled "Kind of hoping a snack was part of the deal."
"Dolce ? They make a tolerable decaf latte not that anything decaf is tolerable in the long run."
"Definitely the best cannolis for sure."
"So Georgie, how did I not know you do yoga ?" Amy asked as she drove out of the parking lot.
"For me it's a first thing in the morning thing so I don't know how you would know and I don't have a regular schedule 's where classes really help because you actually schedule your sessions. I basically did it almost all through college. There's a nice yoga shop in town by the way, we can pick up a mat and a ball for you on the way home."
After Ty, Katie, Mallory and Jake left to Alberta, Amy checked and learned that there was a faculty and graduate student pregnancy yoga group at Cornell. They met mornings and afternoons for an hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was completely open to come or not come as working schedules permitted which was perfect for Amy. The class was taught or at least overseen by one of the school's athletic coaches who as far as Amy was concerned was understanding and completely non-judgmental.
"I was the biggest one in the group."
Georgie laughed as they found a table at the small Italian eatery. "Stop saying that, Donna said they have other twin moms who come at other times during the week and besides you're in way better shape than most of them. How are you feeling by the way ?"
"It was nice to really stretch out, some of the techniques really help."
"And the ball ?"
Amy laughed "Ok, the big ball actually helps, I'm glad I went."
"Good, now I'm pretty free to arrange to go with you at least for the next few weeks just let me know."
"Thanks Georgie, for now Wednesday looks good so let's do that."
"I'll let Sandra know, they're heading back up Wednesday ?"
"Betty, the kids including April and Carson, Meg, Sarah and Anna yup. Maddie and Meg will pick up Brin on Friday and bring her back on Monday and they'll come back next Wednesday I think."
"And Ty should be back Saturday ?
"That's the plan."
"Should Wyatt and I stay with you ?"
"I'm fine alone Georgie, are you coming to spa day tomorrow ?"
"I invited Katie and Barb who'll be on call but Robert said he'd watch the store and he's glad to do rounds with Bert and Violette."
"It'll be nice to have them along."
"It'll be nice to have my eyebrows done."
Amy laughed "my eyebrows are all I can reach these days. I'm definitely getting my legs done. I'm also getting at least a trim."
"I'll be right there with you, I can use a trim too, oh, and you're set for the doctor ?"
"Erma and Sally are coming with me which'll be nice, I went to a few of Erma's with Kimmie when August was tied up."
As they drove down the road to the ranch house they saw the girls, Annabelle and Creigton each working a horse in the round pens. Maddie, who was in the closest pen saw them and waved as Amy drove around the house to the back. They had stopped at the yoga store where Amy chose two maternity sets of pants and a top, a nice mat and a large yoga ball that she'd have one of the hands fill for her. She pulled up to her normal spot behind the house where Georgie grabbed Amys' ball to carry over to the barn while Amy grabbed her bag at the moment her phone went off.
"It's Ty Georgie, they must be done."
"Hello husband, I'm with Georgie, how did it go."
"Hey you two, really well for a first time fitting the sleeves alone and everything. I forgot how good Scott and Cass really are."
"You can trust Bert would never have gone through with something like this if he wasn't sure Ty, but I'm glad you're happy. Next one Wednesday ?"
"Yup, we'll do a few run throughs tomorrow and I have the inspection. How are you feeling Ames ?"
"Good actually, I really think the yoga helped with stretching although I think I might be a little sore later."
"Well, take it easy then."
"It's not like I'm doing much these days. Sarah and Vi are coming to the house to keep me in the loop. Nick and Claire on Wednesday and on Thursday and Friday I catch up on my pile of paper."
"Scott's got Bert on the line and he's signaling, talk later ?"
"Later my love."
After saying goodbye for now to Georgie she made her way through the house dropping her bags in the library before heading to bathroom and then into the kitchen where she found Betty sitting with a cup of coffee and a stack of mail.
"What are you up to Amy ? How was yoga ?"
"Yoga was nice and now I think I'm going to sit on the porch and watch the horses until Sarah and Violette get here."
"Sounds like a plan, I'll leave your stack here or the library ?"
"Library is good, Jackson ?"
"Rode over to the Potters, staying for lunch."
Amy nodded "Oh, the bags in the library are for upstairs by the way, yoga stuff."
"I'll leave them be then, we'll have lunch after your meeting."
The three sat on the porch for over two hours going through every horse on the ranch. Eventually those working with the horses in the round pens finished up and wandered over to the ranch house after seeing that their charges were watered, brushed and led out to a meadow.
The twins along with Annabelle and Creighton all headed over to the porch as a group and joined the adults except for Maddie and Anna who stopped inside for water that they handed out to the others.
"What's everyones' plans for later ?" Amy asked.
"Getting dropped at the Carmichael's and I think dinner there." Charlie answered.
"He can't be persuaded to take the time away huh ?"
"Not this year and I feel bad pushing him mom, it doesn't feel right and it's only a week."
"You packed ?"
"All ready except the last minute stuff."
Amy smiled "Ok and you three ?"
"Rounds and horses for me." Crey answered.
"Horses for me." Maddie added.
"And you Annabelle ?" Sarah asked.
Annabelle smiled and pulled the tube that was popping out of her backpack. "First drafts for the Massena site came this morning."
"Well, that's exciting both the facility and the conservation ?"
"Sandra has the Pegasus part."
"I'll text her, just for a peek, that's a Charlie thing." Amy said "What happens with the conservation ?"
"I'm going to compare it to my notes, then check yields with Violette and then sit down with you and mom, and Vi if she wants."
"Friday ? I need something to do in the morning."
"I could be ready for Friday, mom and I could Skype from the Adirondacks."
"You ?" Amy asked Violette.
When she nodded Amy suggested 8:30 so that they wouldn't interfere with rounds at 10 which was agreed to by all with the promise of bagels that Violette suggested and would bring.
Maddie giggled "so how's the grand scheme coming ?"
"Pretty good I think. Catch up on paperwork after lunch today, spa day tomorrow, you all Wednesday until you leave, afternoon yoga with Georgie, dinner at the Carmichael's, Thursday is my obstetrician appointment with Erma and Sally, rounds, lunch with Charlie and Trev in the afternoon, dinner at Georgie's and Friday morning with these fine women, yoga in the afternoon."
"Pretty good plan mom, hope it all works out."
"Thank you Charlotte." Amy answered with a slight seated bow, "now I just need Friday dinner and I'm set."
"If Poppa flies home Saturday morning."
Amy smiled "yes, well, let's all keep a good thought to the Alberta team's successes this week."
"There's always the horses mom."
Amy nodded "I miss riding so much."
She smiled when the dogs got up and came over to her at that point Dodger pushing at her hand with her immediately obliging them both reaching to scratch them both behind the ears.
Violette laughed "You can always come visit with me in potions and I volunteer to come Friday afternoon and make a real back home dinner for you Amy."
"A real French dinner huh ?"
"Boeuf Bourguignon ala Violette."
"Well, I'm not passing that up, I assume Marcel will join us ?"
"Of course and I'll invite Georgie and Wyatt."
"Then I'm all in Vi."
"Excellent." Violette said smiling.
"What's that like ?"
"What's what like Georgie ?" Amy answered while technicians filed their toes. They had been at the spa for several hours for massages, steams and facials so far and were now in the salon for nails and pedicures before hair.
"Fingernails, actual fingernails, you know, not glue ons."
"Ah" Amy answered laughing "it's been awhile for my own nails, uhm not bad, though I've been reminded these might be a pain once the babies come."
"They're nice mom, Brin's nails are always perfect."
Amy smiled "Maybe we should try another line of work."
"Mine aren't bad, just short though." Trish added from a couple of seats away and holding up her hand.
"Mine are nice but I have to keep them short for the manuscripts." Meg Koenig said from the other side. Steph's got the nicest."
"Thank you Margaret, it's what drove my decision to be a paralegal translator." Steph answered from the far end.
Amy laughed again "You're a whiz at languages Steph, I thought for sure you could have figured out Grainger."
"Think the boys'll do it ?" She asked.
That the girls had their own language they could resort to was not a secret to this group, especially to Betty.
"Not all of them do at least that's what I heard from some of the others at those twin get togethers, some don't at all, some do sign language." Amy answered.
"I think we all do something." Charlie said "we met girls who could tap the others hand, like they could talk that way, that was weird."
"That was weird-er Charlie, weird-er, and that's only on a good day for you two." Betty muttered.
Amy tried her best but couldn't stop her giggle from coming through.
"We're not that weird." Both Maddie and Charlie said simultaneously which made the whole line of women laugh.
Amy smiled "nothing wrong with a little weird girls, I wouldn't trade you two for anything."
"Thanks mom." They both answered.
"So Georgie you and Robin ?" Betty asked.
"Yup moving in tomorrow as soon as you guys leave."
"Wait, moving where ?" Amy asked.
"Into the house Amy, you shouldn't be alone."
"My house ?"
"Actually our house mom, the Graingers."
"Well technically Charlotte."
"Actually legally is more than technically mom." Maddie added.
"Don't I get a vote, I'll be perfectly fine and Georgie asked me yesterday and I said no."
"You won't even have the dogs mom." Charlie argued "besides, we all took a vote and it was like 15 to nothing. 15 to 1 doesn't change that."
"Robin's excited." Georgie added "you don't want to disappoint Robin do you ?"
"That's just not fair Georgie and who started this, sounds like Trish, I'm a grown woman."
"It wasn't me though it's not a bad idea so I probably would have mentioned it but I did vote yes."
"Ty."
"It was Jackson mom, not poppa, he uhm, well …."
"I get it Mad, to whom ?"
"To me." Georgie volunteered.
"Figures. Well, Ok, but I'm having dinner with Sally's crew Wednesday, what are your plans ?"
"Rob or Charlie will pick up something on the way, we'll camp in the guest room and watch something or hang on the porch until you get home."
Amy shrugged "What are you doing with your hair Georgie ?"
"Just a trim and the loose ends, you ?"
"I'm thinking maybe 2 inches and I guess a color touch-up. It's not easy reaching back there to brush it out these days."
"It'll be lighter for sure, I remember when I cut mine." Steph said.
"I remember you were traumatized first." Meg said laughing.
"It was definitely a system shock at first but Amy and Trudy loved it."
"You got over it pretty quick Steph, Trev loved it too."
"He did Betty, he was very supportive of the whole thing."
"You didn't tell Pappa did you ?"
"No, Jackson either Mad."
"Wyatt knows I'm getting a trim. He shrugged."
"Ok, Ok, Ty knows the plan is for me to get a cut eventually so I doubt he'll be that shocked."
"And it'll still be long mom."
"Thanks Charlie but I really don't need the pep talk, I'm fine with it. Ty will be fine with it."
40 minutes later Amy sat and watched Georgie's trim waiting for her turn.
"Trim and color Amy ?" Brenda her stylist asked.
"2 inches shape and color today."
"Baby mode huh ?"
"Starting, we'll see how it goes."
"Somebody mentioned twins ?"
Amy laughed "Somebody huh, it's not a secret Brenda."
"Only one of mine had perpetual hair pulling and they came one at a time. The girls here ?"
"They're with their Aunt Trish."
"Georgie, I think you're good." Brenda said turning her to face the mirror and holding up a mirror behind her.
"It looks great Brenda, thanks."
"My pleasure Georgie, let me just disinfect and you're up Amy."
While Amy, Meg Koenig and Stephanie were getting color touch-ups, Trish, Betty, Georgie and the twins were not and so were heading out rather than waiting the over two hours for the process. They were heading back to the ranch for a ride to close out their afternoons.
"Any word on the walk through Amy ?" Meg asked as they sat while being working on.
"I assume they're right in the middle Meg. It's Ty, Lisa, Grandpa, Lou and Katie who's documenting. We'll be able to watch once she uploads the file. You're both coming tonight ?"
The plan was for Amy to pick up April and Jackson from the Carmichael's farm when she was done. The kids were helping out on the farm for the day to make up for Carson's upcoming absence since he was heading up to the Adirondack house for the week starting the following morning. Sally came out of the house with a big smile to greet Amy when she pulled up.
"Hey, look at you ! The cut looks great and not that different Amy, how's it feel and how are you feeling ?"
"Thanks Sal, it feels lighter for sure and these two feel like they're auditioning for the gymnastics team."
"Yeah I remember both boys tussling about in the last couple months, two at once must be fun. Come inside and I'll text Bobby and let him know you're here for the kids, tea and snack ?"
"That would be great, if you have time."
"Always have time for coffee and a snack."
Amy laughed "you know, I don't think I ever met a rancher or a farmer who didn't."
Sally set up a small pot of tea to steep and poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat down across from Amy and pushed a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies between them. Amy grabbed one and took a bite.
"So what are we talking about ?" Sally asked after a sip of coffee.
"Your eldest son."
"Bobby ?"
Amy looked at her for a second and smiled.
"Yeah sorry." Sally said with a smile.
"He's throwing off the balance Sal."
"The balance ?"
"From the moment Maddie leaves with Meg to fetch Brin Charlie becomes a third wheel. Not good Sal."
"Got a suggestion because I don't know what to say to him anymore, I told him to go. Has Charlie ?"
Amy sipped her tea "I'm sure she's hinted but she's not going to push him, she's proud of him."
"You know, I think we screwed them up, cooked 'em too much. I was never this serious when I was 16. A chance to go away for a weekend with my boyfriend, with a pool ? I'd have been packed a week early."
"Tom ?"
"Tom's tried but he's like Charlotte on this."
"Be honest Sal, I mean, I get it if he needs to be here."
"Of course he doesn't need to be here, Tom and I can take care of anything that comes up mid season, got a plan ?"
Amy thought for a moment "not really beyond you and I putting the screws to hm at dinner tomorrow."
Sally nodded and smiled "Ok, assuming that'll be enough how do we get him up and back ?"
"Not sure, let me touch base with Meg and see what the plan is for Sam and hope he's still going up and on Friday."
"Hey mom, wow you cut your hair." Jackson said coming in and immediately over to Amy for a hug.
"Hi Amy, your hair looks nice."
"Thank you for noticing Jackson and you April, how's everything at home ?"
"Kimmie started running."
Amy laughed "I seem to remember your mom mentioning that."
Sally laughed too "don't laugh Amy, yours will run in opposite directions."
"I've got two herders and I plan on practicing my roping. You all excited about going to the other house ?"
"I'm excited, I love drawing by the pool and I have new swimsuits and I get a piano lesson with Brin over the weekend."
"Yeah, horses, fishing and swimming for me." Carson answered and added "uh, could we have cookies?"
Sally smiled "Go ahead, each of you take one, Carson take out the milk and some cups please. Bobby stayed out with Charlie ?"
"Yup, he picked her a daisy." April said smiling.
Amy smiled at her.
"Why'd you cut your hair mom ?"
"It's getting hard to reach and I might cut it again when your brothers decide to come along."
"It's still long."
"It is, finish up and we can head out. April you're with us."
As she watched the kids belt themselves into the back seat Amy told Sally that she'd touch base later and see her the next night with Katie's video of the new house and compound at Heartland.
"Feel free to start on Bobby tonight with Charlie there Sal."
"I'm going to play that one by ear but I'm definitely going to talk to Tom about it, he should be back any time, court closes soon so I should have some time."
That evening after a family only dinner they moved to the music and media room across from the library where Amy, family and friends who came bearing desserts, would get a first look at the finished but not yet fully furnished house and the rest of the property which now included the completed 16 stall barn, 2 paddocks and 2 round pens.
It was a fairly large group, the family minus Charlotte who was with the Carmichael's, Ty who'd be joining by Skype in about an hour, along with Georgie, Wyatt, Meg Koenig, Stephanie and Trish. The men not present were at some summer function at Cornell. John was with the club. The surprise was Erma and April who showed up with a plate of brownies.
"Hey sis, mind if we crash ?"
Amy smiled and wrapped her arms around her friend "Always welcome you two, what's up ?"
"Dad's got Kimmie for a couple hours, mom's had it." April informed her matter of factly.
Erma smiled "hush April, go find JT."
Amy laughed "Ok there's milk and other stuff inside sweetie."
April smiled and walked past them and into the room where she immediately spotted Jackson and headed off towards him greeting everyone along the way.
"So, had enough ?"
"Some days you just got to get out sis, I don't know what else to say and August said go so here we are. Boys still wrestling ?"
"You have no idea Erma."
"I can't imagine carrying twins."
Amy scanned the room and pointed Erma to a love seat behind the other three women. Maddie shared a couch with Georgie and Wyatt with April and Jackson right nearby.
"Well whoever's got the play button hit it." Amy said after grabbing a pastry from the platter Trish passed back.
Maddie reached over to the iPad laying over in front of her and hit the arrow. Immediately the large TV mounted to the wall behind the piano lit up red a second before Ty's face hit the screen.
"Hey Ames and I guess whoever's sitting there. We'll start with a quick walk past the paddocks and round pens to the barn and up to the apartments. Go past the utility shed which actually holds the utilities, the garage and then to the house. I'm here with Jack, Lisa, Lou, Mark Hendron the contractor and of course Katie who's making the video.
As he spoke Katie moved the camera around showing each of their faces as they were named. Everyone laughed when Katie flipped the tablet, smiling and waving at the group.
Unused and hydro seeded with grass starting to come up the unused compound looked beautiful. The first set of ooohs and ahhhs came when they entered the first building on the tour, the barn. They watched Lou walk over to one of the new stalls and ran her hand over the metalwork they were waiting for the last time Ty visited. The black wrought iron features on each of the stalls bore both the Heartland sun logo and the Pegasus logo side by side on each of the stalls. Off to the side and covered with a tarp which Mark lifted for the group to see was the road gate to the facility which also bore the logos. The gates would be the last feature added to the compound once the road in was paved in a couple weeks. They passed through a large tack room and into a similar sized feed room and office combo which suited Amy just fine. They wouldn't be healing horses in this barn.
"That's one nice barn Amy." Erma whispered from her side.
Amy turned and smiled "Yeah, you only get to build them once, I loved the blacksmith's renderings, he really did them justice and the contractor Lisa set us up with."
"You Ok sis ?"
"They're playing soccer again, I swear. Have no idea what they're doing in there." Amy answered running her hand over her belly and then taking Erma's hand and laying on one spot "I mean what is that ?"
Erma laughed "I have no idea, does it hurt ?"
Amy shrugged "nope, just weird."
Moving upstairs in the barn the first loft apartment was the large two bedroom very similar to Georgie and Wyatt's current place. It wasn't completely furnished to the eye though Amy had ordered everything for this space. They could hear Lisa telling Ty that several pieces, most notably the dining room set, matching service buffet and several other pieces were scheduled to arrive at a later date.
"It's nice Amy and I love the rugs." Georgie said "really a lot like ours."
Amy nodded "I sent them the architectural drawings for your space so this side is a lot alike. The changes are on the other side."
Most of the appliances were off as requested, no point in anything running until they would be used. Mark assured them that everything was tested after installation. They were also assured that the geothermal heat pumps, generators and batteries all worked. Jack ran the hot water in several rooms just to check. They were also assured that the fireplace and wood burning stove had been tested along with the flue controls. The next part of the inspection showed the 'new' design to the space.
The first difference was the double pocket door that led to a hallway behind with the entrances to two single bedroom suites each with a wood burning stove, seating area, separate bedroom and a bathroom. The hallway ended on one side to a door leading to a staircase down to the side of the barn.
The first suite was empty of furniture with the exception of a king size bed, 2 night tables alongside and a long dresser. The rest was still being made. The second suite was completely empty.
"So what are you going to do this side ?"
"I don't know Meg, for now it can stay empty."
"What are the choices ?" Trish asked.
"Office or more a kids room, another bedroom. These aren't like at Pegasus."
"No small kitchens." Georgie said "It took me a second."
"Right." Amy agreed. "The people who use these rooms get to eat in the big house or in the larger apartment. They're a part of the large apartment or the ranch house, one way or another."
"Well, no clients, patients or anything like that so I doubt you need it." Erma said.
"The stable looks great." Jackson piped in. "Let's see the house."
"I think the utility building is next Jackson but that shouldn't take too long." Amy answered Jackson who smiled back at her.
It didn't and although it was actually a temperature controlled quonset building the outside shell was covered to make it resemble the other two buildings. Along one of the interior walls they could see the power plant of the compound, the pumps that fed the geothermal systems in all three buildings along with emergency generators and the batteries that stored the power for this building and the barn. The house had it's own set of batteries and a separate generator. The wall opposite was set up with a long workbench, a sink and shelving. What wasn't workbench was set up to hold longer tools. The center of the room was empty with a bare concrete floor available for any machines or larger vehicles and snow devices they'd choose to buy.
They had decided to first walk around the outside of the house. Like the barn and the utility building, the exterior of the house was primarily Western Red Cedar on concrete and stone foundations. The house was situated so that the porches, one each on the front lower and upper levels faced the mountains and it was here the group stopped for a couple of minutes so that Kate had a moment to turn the iPad and record the scenery which brought a collective sigh from the group at Pegasus watching the TV screen.
"Now that's a view."
"That's the view I grew up with Trish."
"The Adirondack house view is amazing but look at that." Erma added as the turned to see April sleeping with her head on Maddie's leg. Jackson was leaning over fast asleep as well.
"Well, I should get her home before she gets too comfortable, I'll see the house another time." Erma said standing and stretching for a second. "Need help moving Jackson ?"
"It's fine Erma I have an Amazon, Trish, would you ?"
Amy turned and hugged Erma who'd have her hands full with April in a minute.
"I'll go up with Trish in case he wakes up mom."
"Thanks Mad, you coming back ?"
"Yup, few minutes."
Amy sighed and settled back into the couch with her hand rubbing her belly.
"You alright Amy ?"
"Oh yeah, I'm fine Steph but sometimes one of them shifts and moves and I can't help wonder what the hell he's doing."
"What are you reading these days ?" Meg asked.
"Everything about twin babies, especially identical which I probably shouldn't be doing because it just confirms everything Betty says."
Betty nodded "of course it does, except for the money woes."
"I'm sorry for doubting you Gran."
"The kids walked into this blind, Mitch and Gloria, looking back we did a lot of laughing though, we would just look at each other and then sit back and watch the two of them interact. Sure the stereo crying and the feedings and poops were harrowing at times but having two was really special and I hope those forums reflect that, with the stereo crying there's also stereo laughing. Nowadays we're bordering on too much info."
"They had the internet 15 years ago Betty."
"I know Margaret, it was different."
"I guess."
Amy's phone rang moments before Trish, Maddie and now Charlotte walked into the room.
"Dr. Borden, how was your day ?"
"Long, sorry this came so late, what's going on are you watching ?"
"We're watching, Erma came with April so we stopped when April and JT crashed to get them to bed and Charlie's just got home from the Carmichaels'. We're on the porch about to go through the front door. How's it look in person ?"
"It's real nice Ames."
"No problems ?"
"Mark pointed out a few things that still need doing or fixing but none of us saw anything off. Couple wall touch ups, a cracked tile and a floor scratch that needs to be buffed out. Nothing major that anyone could see. How about you ?"
"Nothing here as far as I can tell, it's hard looking at the screen though."
"Well he reiterated that the warranty runs the year which makes it all a lot easier to just look for the obvious and it has to live through the winter in Alberta so …"
"Are you staying on while we watch the rest ?"
"Do you want me to ? I need a shower and honestly, I haven't eaten yet."
"No, definitely go do your stuff and we can talk later."
"Ok well love to everyone." Ty announced to good night responses from everyone being called back to him before he hung up.
"How was dinner Charlie ?"
"Dinner was good, Sally made a roast."
"And you and Bobby ?"
"Ya, we're good. What did I miss ?" Charlie answered quickly changing the subject.
"Fancy barn and the apartments up above." Maddie answered "We haven't been in the house yet."
"I like barns." Charlie muttered.
Amy laughed "You can look at the barn on your own Charlie, it's a very nice barn. Maddie, start it up please."
The house was not as big as either the Adirondack house or even the ranch house they were in at Pegasus but like the barn it was enormous for Heartland. The double door was all stained glass with the Heartland logo on one and the Pegasus logo on the other. The doors opened into an almost round entrance hall which was reminiscent of the Adirondack house, the kitchen off to the left and the dining area straight ahead. Also like the Adirondack house there was a large staircase heading up which separated two hallways, one, on the far side leading to a large open living room area and the closer one leading to a library and further down a utility room and large closet.
The entire house was post and beam with large logs spread across overhead. The windows, also reminiscent of the Adirondack house were large and open to sweeping views of the foothills and the sky. Black iron and brass lamps hung down to just past the structural logs to light the area though clearly they weren't needed on this sunny day. The one big difference was the elaborate parquet design in the entryway in the shape of a white horse's head in a circle and a diamond. It had been covered from it's installation through all of the subsequent construction since and it was the first time anyone outside of the construction crew had seen it. The reaction from the family walking through on the recording mimicked the reaction in the room at Pegasus watching the screen.
Lisa was the first in and almost gasped when the floor came into view.
"Would you look at that, Ty did you know about this ?"
"I had no idea she was doing this Jack, it's so lifelike."
Mark smiled and shook his head when Ty turned to him "Don't look at me, all I knew was the dimensions of blank space in the design we got in the diagram Amy sent. We got it done filled in with plain flooring to keep the area level and left it. Two weeks ago the boxes showed up with a note saying Paolo and son were on the way."
"I was here the other day when the carpet runners showed up at the ranch house, I walked right over this." Lou whispered.
They could hear Katie's voice from behind, she giggled "I think you're supposed to walk on it mom."
"That's absolutely stunning Amy." Betty whispered.
"Wow." Was all Georgie could say "That's, I'm not sure stunning covers it Gran, it's breathtaking."
"It's a wooden mosaic." Charlie added.
Maddie nodded "you've outdone yourself on that mom."
"Is that Pegasus ?"
"As close as we'll get in wood Trish, Mark sent me a picture of it when they finished."
"Who does that kind of work ?" Meg asked "it's so tight it almost looks painted on."
"A man named Paolo Becker and his son Maximo, we uhm, well they cut it at their workshop in Rome and we flew them in from Italy for the installation."
"Ok, how much does something like that cost ?"
"Forget it Margaret, my lips are sealed. Start it up again Mad, let's see the rest, it's getting late and you guys are traveling tomorrow."
As in the barn apartments there was obviously furniture and carpets still missing but being worked on by the craftsman Amy had chosen. It made the rooms look somewhat weird and uneven like the 2 couches alone in the living room set up in front of a large stone fireplace with no tables or lamps or the dining table with no chairs as they hadn't been delivered yet. The theme ran through the rest of the house as well. Some beds had no mattresses or obvious spaces where furniture would go and some rooms nothing at all except for the carpet.
One of Amy's building design quirks, pocket doors was well represented in this house as in the apartments and where in the Pegasus ranch house the master bedroom, music room and the library had double French doors which opened inward this was not the case in this house. Not only was every door and double door set a pocket door but built-ins like the frosted glass doors on the bar in the living room were also pockets.
"Good job mom." Maddie said after seeing Katie's smile appeared on the screen just before she signed off.
"When are we going ?"
Amy smiled and patted her belly "You just might get there before me Charlie, who knows. Go on, you two head up and get ready for bed."
"I can take care of down here if you want to head up Amy."
"Thanks Gran, there's not much, let's say our good nights and head up together."
Alone in the kitchen afterwards Betty and Amy put the few glasses into the dishwasher and bagged or covered the leftover snacks.
"It's a beautiful house Amy."
"Yeah, the when are we going seems iffy."
"That house isn't going anywhere Amy, we'll get plenty of use out of it."
"Charlie and Trev are taking me to see some properties in Ithaca."
"What properties exactly ?"
"One's an older refurbished house in town and one's one of those new condo townhouses."
"I know the ones, they're nice, why ?"
"I'm betting Charlotte's staying in Ithaca for college."
"Freshman dorm rules means she won't need one for 3 years."
"Freshman dorm rules don't include Ithaca residents."
"To students living at home not in luxury townhouses."
"Yeah, I guess. Charlie says they're a good investment."
"I get the Manhattan apartment, this can wait I think."
"We could look at the house though, maybe lease it to Cornell for visiting faculty."
Betty laughed "You bored Amy ?"
Amy smiled "I don't know Gran, maybe."
"Then go with Ty and look at the house as an investment, the condo doesn't make any sense."
"I'll ask him to have the realtor show us the house on Sunday."
"Take pictures."
"Sure thing, come on Gran, I'm beat."
As always these days morning came up too fast for Amy's taste. She wasn't sure how many times she woke during the night only to readjust herself and fall back asleep but each morning was an adventure in getting up. Sighing she slid herself to the edge of the bed and headed off into the bathroom.
The morning went by too fast for her as well, the kids were already out to the barns by the time she made she made her way downstairs. She got herself a cup of tea and decided to sip that before thinking about breakfast. Betty came in a moment after she took her first sip.
"Good morning Amy, sleep well ?" Betty asked hanging her baseball cap on a peg and dropping the Ithaca Times on the table.
Amy sighed "maybe we hold off on that question until Winter Gran."
Betty joined her with a cup of coffee and nodded "maybe a nap later ?"
"I think I might, maybe between you and yoga. I'll text Georgie and let her know. Kids all packed ?"
"They are and the girls checked Jackson. They're getting the horses ready for loading up now."
"Touch base with Meg yet ?"
"She'll be here at 11 and will pick up Carson and April and their horses along the way."
"They're taking the jumpers ?"
"As far as I know except for Merlin who I'm riding. Sure you don't want to come ?"
"It's fine, besides I get Ty alone for a few days."
"Speak with him this morning ?"
"Not yet, we spoke last night for a few minutes." Amy checked her watch "they're already in surgery or just starting. Mail here yet ?"
"Should be along any minute, plans for the morning ?"
"I'm going to sit on the porch, read this paper and wait for the kids I guess." Amy said grabbing the newspaper Betty had brought in.
Amy sat down on a pillowed chair and lay the paper next to her. It was a nice mid-summer day and it reminded her of a lazy afternoon at Heartland. There were several rescues making their way around a meadow and every now and then a ranch hand or one of the medical staff walked out for one reason or another. She assumed the kids were all in the family barn brushing down and spending time with their horses. The ones not traveling would be put out behind the barns in a meadow she couldn't see. Lifting the paper she noticed an article about Ithaca real estate, the first of three parts outlining the state of the market.
She was awake for a second and realized that she'd been napping. What woke her was the sound of boots and she opened her eyes towards the sound.
"You fell asleep." Betty told her from the seat next to her.
Jackson was the first to reach her as always.
"Hey mom, all ready."
"You're taking Turq ?"
"Yup, the girls are taking Cassidy and Dice."
Hey mom." The girls mimicking JT's welcome.
"Maddie, who are you bringing for Brin ?"
"She wants Cosi, she swears he'll be fine on the trails."
Amy nodded "Fine with me, just keep the dogs close when you're out please and bear spray, Edith prowls our side."
The kid's bags were out along the porch rail when Amy first came out and now she noticed Bettys' had joined them. There was also a stack of waders along with several fishing rod cases and a tackle bag.
"How are you feeling today mom, still have a dance hall going on ?"
"I'm fine Charlie, they've calmed down a little, I took a nap before, I'm good. You three go get washed up, looks like Derrick's pulling the trailers up."
They'd travel with two trailers of 4 each. Sam Caldwell would drive up on Friday with one of Sabrina's other horses, Poncho and she hoped Bobby and one of his horses.
Amy watched as Meg Caldwell drove her Mercedes up to the house and waved followed by the rear doors opening and the appearance of April and Carson.
"Should I just leave it here ?" Meg asked moving to the popped trunk where the kids were grabbing their bags and supplies.
"Sure, just leave the keys in case, you're driving my truck up I think."
"That's the plan, how are you feeling ?"
"I'm fine, perpetually tired."
"I know the feeling, you'll be fine in a few years." She said coming up and leaning over to give Amy a kiss.
"You ready for this ?"
"We'll be fine, they're good kids. Bobby ?"
"We'll work on him tonight, he's being ridiculous. Sally says there's no reason he can't be away for the weekend."
"Don't be too hard on him for wanting to do the right thing."
Amy smiled "We're just going to talk to him Meg, I assume Sam knows ?"
"He knows, he's fine hauling Bobby and his horse and Friday hasn't changed. Good luck by the way. You'll let me know ?"
"I will definitely let you know."
At about 11:15 Meg and Amy watched the two trucks slowly make their way around the outside of the house from the side with Bryce driving one and Derrick the second. A minute later they both parked and came up to grab bags and gear and load them into the truck beds.
"I'll get them." Amy said grasping both rails of the chair.
"Stay, stay Amy, I can do it." Meg said gently putting her hand on Amy's shoulder.
Amy sat and watched Meg head through the door to grab the troops.
"Two coolers in the kitchen." Amy said to the men as they came up the stairs.
Bryce smiled and went right in.
"How are you feeling Boss ?"
"I'm good Derrick, how's everything at home ?"
"All good, you staying alone ?"
"Robin and Georgie are staying with me, don't worry."
"No worries boss, got it." He said with a smile before opening and holding the door for Bryce who carried out one of the coolers.
Meg held the door open for Derrick who came through with the second cooler a moment later followed by Jackson, his friends and the twins. Jackson walked over to her and Amy sat back for him when he leaned against her as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Ready to go sweetheart ?"
"I wish you were coming."
"I know, I'm sad I'm not coming with you but it's easier here and I have meetings and the doctor tomorrow. You'll take care of the dogs ?"
"Sure will."
"Kiss and hug then."
Jackson gave her as big a hug as he could along with a kiss that she returned twice. Moving away he whistled at the dogs who were laying past Amy. Hearing him they sprang to life and stood waiting until he moved and then followed him off the porch. The girls were next and made promises to not just disappear on Betty and Meg and to help watch over the kids and the dogs who were now in Betty's truck with April, JT and Carson. Lastly Betty and Meg each stopped for a kiss and brief hug and their goodbyes.
"Keep in touch." Amy called out as they headed down the stairs to the trucks. "Drive safe !" Was her last call out to goodbye waves by both Meg and Betty.
Bryce took a minute to talk to Derrick and then walked up the steps and sat down next to Amy.
"What's up Bryce ?"
"Everything's running great, I mean Bennie's Bennie, always overly everything but Nick and Claire are really good, with the trainers, hands and the owners."
"I lived and worked with the two of them in Belgium, we made a lot of money together. I've known Nick for over 16 years, Claire for maybe 14."
"They were a great choice. You Ok on your own ?"
"You two didn't vote ? Georgie and Robin are staying with me."
Bryce smiled "Not sure if Berta did or not either way she says if you get bored or lonely we're just a phone call away."
Amy smiled and leaned over to kiss Bryce's cheek. "I know, today I have yoga with Georgie and dinner at the Carmichaels. Maybe a nap in there somewhere."
"Well, I'd better get back to work which today is my weekly with Sandra."
"She always has cookies." Amy said.
"Really good cookies and really good coffee."
"Have fun Bryce, tell Roberta I'll call her, I'm going to text Georgie and close my eyes for a couple of hours."
"Naps are good, get used to them they help."
"Almost my favorite thing these days."
At about 4:30 that afternoon Georgie pulled up to what had become her spot in the back of the house.
"What are we doing ?" She asked as Amy opened her door.
"I'll put up a fresh pot of coffee for you and make a cup of tea for myself. Why don't you get changed and meet me on the porch in 15 minutes and we'll eat some of these donuts."
After a quick rinse Amy dressed for dinner in a new blue dungaree jumper with a striped blouse and headed downstairs. She set up a cup of tea to steep and grabbed the box of donuts out to the small table on the porch. She met Georgie pouring a cup of fresh coffee in the kitchen and together they headed out to their chairs.
"So when's Robin coming ?"
"Charlie's picking her and dinner up on the way."
"Well, I'm sorry I'm missing that."
"He was too, do you mind if we eat here ?"
"Not at all and maybe I'll get back in time to hang with you all for a bit."
"I'm sure Charlie would love that."
"I miss our talks."
"He's said the same thing, I guess you two should change that."
"Listen to you, it's been a pretty hectic year Georgie."
"I guess, no reason you can't fix it though."
Amy sighed "You're right, especially these days."
Georgie finished her coffee and checked her watch "I'm going to check in with Barb see if she needs anything and invite her to dinner if she wants. Messages for anyone ?"
"No I'm good, I talked to Violette before. I'm glad that surgery in Alberta went well, one more to go. I'll see you later Georgie, I should head over to the Carmichael's."
Amy grabbed Ty's truck and pulled up to the Carmichael's at just about 6 o'clock and a moment later she saw Sally waving from the picture window in the dining room.
"Hey Amy, can I help with anything ?"
Amy looked to her side and saw Bobby walking down a path between the avian coops and the small barn they used for their goats. There was a much larger barn behind the house for their horses and a Quonset hut behind that that held their equipment.
"Just a dozen donuts Bobby, I can handle that."
Bobby nodded "just going to wash up and change my boots, see you inside."
Both Sally and Erma had rules in their house that started with sinks in the barn. In an effort to try and keep their houses clean, you washed up and changed your footwear before stepping into the house. Amy thought it a little strange since they both had mud rooms but she understood that the rues had been enforced since before either of them had taken over and just stuck.
It was Tom who opened the door before Amy could knock and he smiled and stood back sweeping his hand across the open space welcoming their guest.
"How are you feeling Amy ?"
"Stuffed and hungry, it's interesting, how about yourself Tom ?"
He laughed and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "I'm good Amy, make yourself at home."
Sally met her coming out of the kitchen and they hugged automatically "Hi sweetie, how are they these days ?" She said pointing at Amy's belly.
"They've actually calmed down a little which is a nice break. I guess we'll see tomorrow, you're still coming I guess ?"
"Wouldn't miss it, come sit down, can I get you something ?"
"I'm fine Sal and it smells amazing in here, can I help ?"
"All ready sweetie, table's set, just waiting for Bobby."
"He was heading to get washed up a minute ago, how's he doing ?"
Sally shrugged "he's a teenaged boy, everything's always great and I'm not to worry about him."
"So where are we Sal ?"
"I actually think Tom might have gotten through to him a little, hold on …. Tom !" She called out.
"How can I help ?" He asked walking in.
"Bobby ?"
"To be continued, I think he's swinging over, he was pretty pensive when he got home from dropping her off last night."
"After dinner last night they sat out on the porch, watched the sunset I guess. I think she misses the time with him."
"I think she does too Sal, she's not Mad who misses Brin like crazy but deals with it differently, different vibe you know."
"How different ?" Tom asked.
Sally smiled "Anybody can pick veggies Tom, only Brin can play for Brin."
They stopped the conversation as soon as they heard Bobby on the porch which created an obviously awkward silence in the room when he walked in.
He smiled at the three adults "Dinner ready Mom ? Need help ?"
"Everything's ready Bobby, how about you grab the chicken platter and I'll grab the sides."
Dinner was fresh buttermilk soaked fried chicken, home grown green beans and potatoes along with Sally's famous biscuits and gravy. Amy was sure there was something baked for dessert hiding somewhere in the kitchen. The only reason she brought the donuts was for Bobby who basically inhaled them.
They sat at one end of the dining room table with Tom at the end and Sally to one side of him across from Bobby. Amy sat next to Sally.
"Go ahead Amy, help yourself."
"Thank you Sal, don't mind if I do."
Once they were all eating the conversation meandered and after a slight lull Amy looked up at Bobby.
"How's the crop going this year Bobby ?"
"So far really good, I figure another week, maybe 10 days and we'll be full time harvesting."
"Well, I'm sure my crew will be on hand to help. So, now that that's out of the way, a week maybe 10 days doesn't really interfere with this weekend by my reckoning ? Sal, how about you ?"
"Nope, actually I was kind of looking for a nice quiet romantic weekend with Tom and no kids."
"I was definitely looking forward to that." Tom muttered.
Bobby groaned "Ok well in Carson's absence let me just say gross."
Amy laughed "You'll get over it Bobby, so let's move on to the elephant in the room, what's up, I think we'd know if you guys had a fight."
"I don't know how to explain it."
"Another girl ?"
"No mom, really, I love Charlie, I couldn't even look at another girl."
"Would it be easier if I wasn't here ?" Amy asked.
Bobby shook his head "It's the whole house thing."
"You don't like the house ?"
"No Dad, I love the house."
Amy shook her head and looked at Sally who shrugged. "I swear, are all men like this ? Bobby just say what's on your mind, everyone at this table loves you."
"You're rich Amy, which makes Charlie rich."
Amy laughed "It's not like we've been hiding it Bobby."
"I uhm, I went online to see about getting another of those shirts Charlie bought me in the city, she loves it so I figured I'd get another, you know a different color."
"And ?"
"And it's over $200, I can't do that Amy. How could I ever do anything like that ?"
"You gave her a daisy yesterday, she pressed it into a book, what did that cost ?"
"It's really not the same is it ? I'm a farmer Amy, it's all I ever wanted to be."
"So you figure what, that you're not good enough for her, you'll tie her down, hold her back, how could you ever measure up ?"
"Is that wrong ?"
Sally sighed "It's wrong if you love her Bobby, Charlie never hesitates a second to let anyone know how proud she is of you."
"I had nothing when I married your mom son, we lived here with your grandparents and it was years before I paid off my loans and made any real money. All this is due to your mom." Tom said sweeping his hand around the kitchen.
"But now you're a lawyer."
"This farm is worth almost 2 million dollars Bobby, all paid off over a 100 years ago. Lawyer or not your mom's loaded, listening to you I don't know what I am."
Sally smiled and took Tom's hand "my loving husband and partner in life and all things sweetheart."
Amy sighed "My mom died when I was 15, we had an accident rescuing Spartan. A few weeks later Ty showed up at the our ranch, Heartland, with a letter from mom and CPS papers. She'd arranged for him to finish his probation as a ranch hand, he was 17. We became close friends, eventually kissed. Soon after he turned 18 he left and left me a letter. I guess most people would call it a dear Jane letter, Ty never was the best communicator, especially expressing and showing his feelings but basically his letter hit some familiar points, that he really wasn't good enough for me, he'd tie me down, hold me back, could never measure up and that I was pretty much better off without him. None of it was true. He was back a few months later. A few months after that we became a couple and then I became the Miracle Girl who could whisper to horses."
"Charlie showed me the video."
"Pretty cool huh ?"
Bobby smiled "You gentled a wild colt in three hours."
Amy smiled "Yeah, I did, that was pretty cool too. You can't hold her back Bobby, I didn't raise my girls to be held back by anyone nor to judge people by their positions in life. She fell in love with a farmer and I know because I can hear it in her voice when she talks about you, so if you want to break up you have no right to blame it on her."
"I don't blame her."
Tom shook his head "She won't see it that way Bobby."
"So what do I do ?"
"How about you be the best friend, farmer and partner that you can and have the trust that it will be more than enough for Charlie."
"And this weekend ?"
"She'll be very happy to see you. You can head up with Sam on Friday and surprise her."
"Mom ?"
"Listen to your dad Bobby, you're 16, go up and be with your girlfriend, the farm's not going anywhere. Pie Amy ?"
Amy pulled her truck up to the ranch house and waved at the group on the porch. Along with Georgie, Wyatt, Robin and Chuck, Charlie was sitting and nursing what she assumed was cognac, his preferred after dinner drink.
"How was dinner Amy ?"
Amy smiled "dinner at Sally's, fried chicken, fresh beans….."
"Biscuits and gravy ?" Charlie continued.
"Of course."
"Like a food group in itself." He sighed.
"Ach….baby brain, she sent over the leftover pie, your favorite, it's in the front passenger seat well."
"The woman is a positive saint, Chuck, there's strawberry rhubarb pie in the front seat of Amy's truck."
"I'll put up some coffee." Georgie added getting up along with Chuck who headed for the porch stairs and Amy's truck.
"I'm full, you guys enjoy." Wyatt said "I can't believe you all have any room left."
"Sally's pies are legendary."
"Robin's absolutely right, and her strawberry rhubarb is amazing, besides what Central New Yorker turns down pie." Charlie agreed.
Wyatt shrugged, "fine, I'll have a small slice."
"Slice Amy ?"
"No thanks Charlie, I just had one, divvy it up amongst yourselves."
Charlie nodded and sliced the pie into 5 equal slices. "Real estate ?"
"Assuming Ty's home Saturday we'll look at that house Sunday if you can arrange it. We'll leave the condos for now."
"Want me to come along ?"
"If you'd like, the more the merrier, then again if Ty's delayed then definitely."
"I'll carve out the time."
"Another house ?"
"At this stage an investment property in town Georgie, sounds nice, refurbished 1890's house."
"I know that house, it has those turret things and a nice porch."
"Sounds like the one Wyatt." Charlie answered right before he took his first bite and smiled "perfect as always, she has a real touch, doesn't over sugar like some do with rhubarb."
"I love the crusts on Sally's pies, I wonder what the secret is."
"Fresh cold butter and not overworking them, ask Sally or Bobby if your really interested Georgie. I'm sure they'd love you to join the late summer and fall assembly line. They make hundreds of pies every year."
Amy yawned and sighed. "I can't do this anymore, can you guys lock up, I need to get out of these clothes."
"Come on Chuck, let's get you home." Charlie said standing and holding out his hand to Amy to give her an assist.
"Where are we eating tomorrow Charlie ?" Amy asked once up.
"Up to you, in or out ?"
"In is easier."
"Platter from Gorgers ?"
"Works for me, make sure they send roasted veggies and smoked turkey Charlie and don't let me eat pickles."
"No pickles, got it." He said leaning over for a hug and kiss.
Robin and Georgie took a few minutes tidying up from dinner and then changing into sleepwear. They found Amy sitting in her chair with her feet up and her iPad perched on her lap.
"Ladies."
"Have you been sore from the yoga ?" Georgie asked.
"Actually no come to think of it, maybe my body's muscle memory is still used to my daily routine."
"Seems possible. What's up with Charlie tomorrow ?"
"Taxes." Robin said.
Georgie looked at her for a second and then turned to Amy "I thought taxes were in April ?"
"Non profits like the foundation file in September and we set the business up in September so we file estimated quarterlies and submit our return at the same time."
"And how do you know this ?" Georgie asked turning back to Robin.
"I do my end of year expense reports with Bridgette."
Georgie shrugged "Wyatt was doing that the other night, he didn't mention the taxes though."
Amy smiled "and you didn't ask."
"Nope. Hey Ty was telling me that the boys will have to be printed in case they get mixed up, is that really a thing ?"
"Yup, they mostly have identical DNA, the girls do, so the only real identifiable feature that differs are their prints. Feet when they're babies and then fingers when they're older."
"What about dental records ?"
"I guess that might work, I'd have to ask, but the girls have never had a cavity and both have had their wisdom teeth removed so for all I know their dental records may very well be identical. You know, thinking about it their titanium pins might tell them apart, I think they're numbered."
"I can't believe you're having identical twins."
Neither can I Rob, I thought Miriam was joking when she said it." Amy laughed "you should have seen the look on Ty's face."
"I can imagine." Georgie said "Oh, how'd it go with Bobby ?"
"Bobby, yeah, he's going up to surprise Charlotte on Friday with Sam Carmichael. It was just stupid boy shit, sweet actually but wrong headed."
"So what was it ?"
"Money and a touch of ego."
"You know I never really understood just how much money Chuck had. I mean, me and my parents always had enough, a nice house and trips like a lot of people and when I started at the foundation I had a good salary for me but you know I never really thought about it. I guess that's different for guys huh ?"
"In their minds Rob."
"So Wyatt doesn't care Georgie ?"
"I really don't think he does, he's just not wired that way, we're a team not competitors. I mean we wouldn't be here but for Amy and Ty and if I was say a set designer for TV or movies we'd have visited and gone home and school in Alberta."
"And Ty ?"
"One of the reasons, maybe the biggest reason I left Alberta was his thinking like Bobby. What could he do for me as if it wasn't enough to just be us."
"What's different ?"
"When he got here all that mattered was the us part, the most important part."
"I'm glad he came."
Amy smiled "I'm glad he came too Rob, I need to sleep. You two bunking together ?"
Georgie stood and gave Amy a helping hand up "Yeah guest room next door, yell if you need us."
As Amy moved to the bed after hugs and goodnights she smiled to herself when Georgie and Robin were closing her door and hearing Robin, "I'm glad you came too Georgie."
