Chapter 135
Amy pulled up to the terminal pick-up area and checked the time. Ty would be landing in about 20 minutes and she needed the bathroom. She checked the board on the wall and saw that Ty's flight was on time before heading through the bathroom door. A few minutes later she adjusted her jumper before she sat down in one of the plush waiting room chairs, dropped her hat on the chair alongside hers and reached for the Syracuse Post-Standard, the local newspaper, and checked the headlines.
She smiled when a young uniformed woman approached her and asked if she needed anything.
"Some ginger-ale would be wonderful thank you."
"Not a problem, which flight are you waiting for ?"
"Calgary."
"Ah, it's actually coming in a few minutes early, good tailwind probably, I'll get your drink."
She glanced up when several people started moving towards the doors to the airfield and saw the hostess who had served her look over and smile and then point as the Gulfstream taxied towards the small private terminal.
She finished the article she was reading and looked up at the doors to the long tunnel which was now attached to the jet that had pulled up. A small table with a United States Customs logo on the front moved up to the doors as one of the attendants opened them and several men and one woman walked out and up to customs followed by Ty who queued up with his bag onto the small line that had formed.
With his passport and a customs form in hand he looked up and scanned the room for a second until his gaze stopped at her and his smile widened. She considered standing, realized that she was in a pretty plush chair and then decided to wait for him to join her and help her up.
Their smiles said it all as he wheeled his bag over and sat down next to her leaning over to kiss her gently and lay his hand on her belly.
"Hey you." She said softly raising his palm to her face and then kissing it gently.
"Hello wife, you are a sight for sore eyes. Waiting long ?"
"Nope but if you want to head home you're gonna have to help me up."
He smiled and stood up as she put her hands up for him to take. He let her lift herself up using him as leverage before she leaned up and kissed him again.
"Do we have plans ?" He asked as he followed her out to the truck.
"You hungry ?"
"No, just had lunch, should I drive ?"
"That's right, I wasn't thinking and yes, if you don't mind driving."
"I don't, so plans ?"
"Hmmm," she murmured as he straightened the truck out and headed towards the I-81S exit towards home "We could start with you helping me out of these clothes."
"Definitely sounds like a plan." He said reaching over to take her hand.
"How's Grandpa ?"
"Seems to be doing real well, Lisa's happy for sure."
"The horses ?"
"First shipment heading to Montana in two weeks. They'll be down to household horses by the time they head here for the birthdays."
"And the construction ?"
Ty laughed "I think he actually likes climate control and that soaking tub."
Amy laughed along "And I'm sure endless hot water, go figure and our house ?"
"Our house, the whole thing actually is amazing, want to tell me how that mosaic fit the budget ?"
"Did you like it ?"
"It's beautiful, I can't wait for you to see it in real life."
Amy smiled and squeezed his hand again.
"Ames, the budget ?"
"Ya, the budget." She sighed "it didn't, but on the bright side I've classified it as art rather than construction and furnishings."
"You know what ? It doesn't matter, I was actually saying to Lisa that we should really focus on family photos rather than bought art anyway, the views are spectacular how much more art do you need considering that ?"
Amy smiled and nodded "Works for me."
"Dinner ?"
Amy laughed "I'm definitely gonna want dinner. Any ideas ?"
"Honestly, I've been dreaming of a nice bowl of Pho, is that weird in the summer ?"
"Nope, pho sounds great, we'll get other stuff too and take it home the leftovers."
Amy's phone buzzed and she reached over and hit the button on the console "Hey Betty, we're in the car."
"It's Jackson, hey mom, is dad with you ?"
Ty smiled "Right here Jax, how you doing buddy ?"
"Great, came out for a snack and Gran said you landed."
"Just you ?"
"We're all here Papa, welcome home."
"Thanks Charlie, you guys having a good week ?"
"Awesome, we miss you guys though."
"Where are you Papa ?"
"Hey Mad, about to turn onto Rt 13 through Cortland."
"You all doing Ok ?"
"We're great mom, need to talk with Gran ?"
"That would be nice, kiss everyone for us and we'll talk later, we're going to Saigon Kitchen for dinner so we'll call when we get back."
"Hey kids, welcome home Ty."
"Thank you Betty, it's good to be back."
"I'm sure Amy's thrilled to have you home and I'm happy you have some alone time to spend together."
"We're both looking forward to it."
"Anything we need to know Betty ?" Amy asked.
"Everything's copacetic on this side, nothing to see here. We'll talk later, you two have a nice afternoon."
They pulled up at the front of the house seeing Georgie, Robin and Chuck sitting on the porch. Chuck headed down the stairs immediately and grabbed Ty's suitcase from the back seat leaving his briefcase for him to take.
"It's only the one Chuck, I could have handled it."
"I'm sitting right there Ty, welcome home."
Ty smiled "thanks buddy, just leave it in the hall, I'll bring it up with me."
"We were just waiting for Wyatt to go for a trail ride."
Both Robin and Georgie got up to hug Ty when he came up the stairs with Chuck and as if on cue Wyatt's motorcycle turned down the road and up to the garage.
Ty continued into the house and grabbed a bottle of beer for himself and a water for Amy.
Amy watched as Wyatt rolled his bike in next to Georgie's, secured his helmet, grabbed his bag off the back and turned to close the rolling door. "You two taking advantage of the summer I see."
Georgie smiled "horses, motorcycles and a classic convertible, we've been getting around. You two have plans for the afternoon ?"
Amy smiled "Ty's going to help me off with my dress and later we're going to Saigon Kitchen for dinner."
Robin giggled "and in-between ?"
"I guess we'll see Rob."
Ty handed Amy her water as Wyatt got up the porch and reached out for a handshake "Welcome home Ty, good flight ?"
"Good trip and a good flight, how are you two doing ?"
"Excellent, I think we're a foursome on a trail ride this afternoon with a picnic in there somewhere."
"We are." Georgie said "and we should probably get tacked up."
Amy and Ty watched the group head down the stairs and start to the family barn.
She sighed and rubbed her belly and then arched her back moving her hand around to help her stretch.
"You Ok Ames ?"
"I'm more than ready for you and these babies."
Ty smiled and moved his arm around her waist "Let's get that dress off you then."
"Sounds good to me."
Ty opened his eyes and looked around stopping as he glanced out the window as the sun began to set. He turned and saw Amy on her side facing away and watched and listened to her soft slow breathing. He reached over and ran his hand over her soft skin.
He heard her sigh and a moment later let her take his hand and move it around her belly as he inched closer.
"I'm sorry my love, I must have fallen asleep."
"Nothing to be sorry about and I just woke up myself. Hungry ?"
Amy laughed "constantly, let's get dressed."
He watched as she slid over and dropped her feet to the floor on hr side and then he slid over to his side and stood pulling his underwear up in one motion. When he reached for his pants he noticed her push herself off and stand slowly gaining her balance.
"Need help ?"
"No, I'm good", she said making her way to the bathroom. He was buttoning a fresh shirt when she stopped out at the standing mirror to look at herself and run her hands over her belly.
He smiled and walked behind her wrapping his arms around her and laying his hands on hers.
"I missed you Dr. Borden."
"I spent a lot of time thinking about you Ames. I know I had to go but I didn't like being away."
"I know you didn't Ty, thank you for going, it was important. We'll try to keep your leaving down to a minimum."
"And not until these two are born."
Amy smiled into the mirror looking at his reflection.
"Definitely not."
He grabbed his iPad and sat while Amy brushed out her hair and got dressed. She chose a button up front dress which she handled herself and slipped on her indoor booties.
"Our horses are winning."
Amy nodded "that's why they bring them to us. Do I look crooked to you ?" She asked looking in the mirror again.
He smiled "Crooked ? Do you feel crooked ?"
"Ever since Thursday I feel crooked."
"I think it's psychological, I can't tell really."
"I told you what Miriam said, about waiting after the first came out for the second to turn himself ?"
"Makes sense I guess, they're not puppies. I guess I never thought about it or asked, one of the girls is older than the other."
Amy smiled "Maddie is 43 minutes and 22 seconds older than Charlie."
"So all that soccer playing was number 1 turning around huh ?"
"Apparently, when you have one they do this regularly, she said for identical twins once one flips they usually stay that way. Sally said Carson flipped like three times. Are we ready ?"
"Truck ?" Ty asked as they stopped for Amy to slip on her boots.
"The Jag is much easier for me."
Ty laughed "I was hoping you'd say that."
"Did you miss your Jaguar Ty ?" She asked poking his side.
"Not as much as you and the kids."
"Well that's nice." She said tucking herself into his side for the walk over to the garage.
As always Ty opened her door for her and gave her his hand while she lowered herself into her seat and then leaned over to gently kiss her. She glanced over to watch his smile when he he hit the starter and the powerful engine sprang to life.
"That never gets old." He said mostly to himself as he put the car into gear and pulled out.
Being a Saturday night the lot outside Saigon Kitchen was busy but not full by a long shot, school hadn't started yet. Amy waited while Ty came around and got her door once again reaching down to steady her as she got up. As always these days her hands went straight to her belly as if she needed to make sure she was still pregnant before she turned and he followed her to the pavement leading to the doors where she tucked herself into his waiting arm.
There were several tables they passed where both she assumed grad students, now returning in August to get settled and Professors saw them and nodded their hellos.
Ty held her seat for her as their server put down their menus and two waters were brought to the table.
"It's good to be home." Ty said sitting down.
Amy smiled and took her menu "It's nice hearing you call this home."
"Alberta felt weird Ames, I mean Heartland is home but it's not, I can't explain it. You and the kids are home, Pegasus is home."
"I get it, feel a little torn ?"
"Not really" he said looking at the menu for a second before putting it back down.
"Know what you want ?"
"Yeah, I'm good, Imperial meat rolls, steamed dumpling and beef pho."
"Sounds good to me, sesame balls for dessert ?"
"Of course."
"So, not torn ?"
"I love Jack and Lisa, the clinic, Maggie's, Hudson but I feel lost there without you guys, I mean I missed everyone here, even Bert and Sarah."
"Wow, you missed Bert and Sarah, that's pretty bad. How about we spend the day at Pegasus tomorrow and you can catch up, and on Monday we'll call early rounds, take our first birthing class, grab a bite and head up to the other house, surprise the kids, and stay over for the night."
Ty smiled "I would absolutely love that Ames."
"Good, then let's do it, order for us, I've got to pee."
Amy had been resigned to seeing everyone on Wednesday but got caught up in Ty's excitement to head up for an overnight and surprise them. Bert wasn't thrilled that Ty would be gone so soon even if it was overnight, but Amy offered Bert the Adirondack house for the week and told him to grab Meg, trailer their horses and run away. They could head up on Thursday morning and stay for as long as they wanted.
"Thanks Amy but neither of us have the time, school starts in a few weeks."
"Of course you have the time, we'll take care of the horses and you can spend a couple hours a day doing school work together and then the rest of the day is yours. Ride, lay by the pool, go to Saratoga for the day, whatever."
When Amy stopped Ty took over. "It's what we did Bert take a few hours a day for paperwork and don't worry about this place for the rest of the day. Focus on each other and relaxing. It's not like we're out of touch. Oh and hey, if you want you can get a gander at the nature rescue site, they're cutting now. Let me know and I can let them know your coming or just mention it to Jonathan."
"Let me talk to Meg, it actually does sound nice but I'm going to need your input on lessons and this program starting this semester, your three ducks ?"
"Don't remind me, how about the last thing you do when you shut down" is send me an email and I'll make sure to send my thoughts before the next morning. If there's a problem text and we'll do the same."
"Fine, let me talk to Meg and one of us will call."
They decided that since they weren't actually bringing anything except for an overnight bag that they'd forego the trucks for once and head up in the Jag which was fine for the both of them. They left right after grabbing an early lunch to eat in the car and drove up the road to the Adirondack house a little after 2. They parked in front of the house and Amy waited for Ty to grab their bags before heading up the stairs and coming inside where they found Meg Caldwell sitting at the counter sipping a cup of coffee and Betty walking around the counter to join her.
"Surprise !"
"Amy ! Ty !" Meg called out.
"We're here for an overnight."
"Welcome home son, it's good to see you both."
Ty smiled "It's good to be back Betty."
"The girls took the kids for a ride, they should be back soon. Coffee Ty ? Amy ? Tea ?"
Amy smiled and walked over to hug Meg and then Betty followed by Ty who dropped their bag at the foot of the stairs.
"Brin's drop off went well I assume ?" Amy asked waiting for her tea to steep.
"Oh yeah, nothing to it, Bobby and Sam headed back after breakfast. It was good you guys got him to come, he had a great time."
"It's definitely been a nice time." Betty added handing Ty his coffee.
"How was Alberta, the house looked beautiful."
"Alberta was great Betty, it was nice to visit, I missed home."
"We missed you too and I'm sure Jackson will bowl you down when he see's you."
Ty smiled and and sat to finish his coffee before walking around the counter to drop his mug in the dishwasher before heading over to their small overnight bags.
"I'm going to empty these and change into something I can swim in, Ames ? Bathing suit ?"
"I don't think so Ty, they feel ridiculously constrictive these days. Maybe a nice summer house dress and I'll grab a chaise." Amy said pushing herself off the chair and stopping. She bent over and reached for Meg's hand as she started blowing out.
Ty came over immediately and put his hand on her back and then onto her waist "breathe through it Ames."
"Easy…..for…you…..to….say…"
"I know it's hard Ames." Ty whispered.
He felt her reach over and squeeze his hand as the pain subsided and she moved to lift herself back onto the stool to catch her breath and ride through the rest of the contraction.
"Hoooooooo," she sighed as she straightened up on the stool.
"Water Amy ?"
She shook her head "I'm good Betty, you go up Ty, I can follow."
"I'd rather go up the stairs with you."
"Go up Ty, I'm going to test the elevator."
"I actually forgot about that thing." Betty murmured.
"Me too." Ty said "Ok, how about I walk you over and take those stairs up."
"Go up my love, I'm fine to walk to the bedroom on my own, just taking a breather."
"Fine, I'm sorry, I know, just overprotective."
Amy smiled "it's very becoming Ty but I am really fine."
Ty nodded and smiled "I'll see you upstairs."
"You Ok Amy ?"
"I'm fine Betty, just a Braxton hicks. I'm getting used to them, getting down to the wire. They're going to come more frequently now I think. As of Thursday, no dilation yet. I'd better go up."
She'd never admitted it but Amy hated small elevators and this was the smallest she had ever seen. She was happy that the ride was so short. When the door opened she saw Ty naked and pulling up a pair of swim trunks and smiled as her memory turned back to the first time she had been up in the loft with him.
"That butt hasn't changed much in 17 years."
Ty laughed "what a thing to say."
"It's true Ty, you're more handsome than the day I first laid eyes on you, you know, when you almost ran me off the road."
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"It's Ok, I think I forgave you at one point or another. Ready ?" Amy asked stepping into her sandals and grabbing her iPad.
"Yup". He said putting out his hand.
They came down to what looked like an empty house and made their way to the pool where they found Meg and Betty each with a book.
"So what made you decide to come ?"
"I don't know Meg, it just popped into my head and Ty was in total agreement so here we are. The Koenigs' are coming up Thursday for a few days, maybe through the weekend or into next week, not sure yet."
Betty looked down at her phone "It's Charlie, they're back and getting the horses settled, they'll change and come out in a little while. Should I let them know you're here ?"
Ty looked at Amy who answered "Nah, they won't see the car, we'll surprise them."
"Cars and April ?"
"Having a ball." Meg answered. "They're good kids."
"I'm going to try some laps." Ty said standing and pulling off his shirt.
"Put on some of this waterproof sun block or you'll burn up that Alberta skin Ty." Betty said handing him the tube.
Ty nodded and stood to the side before sitting down in front of Amy to sunscreen his back.
Amy sat and went through some emails before switching to an article on equine rehab that was making its' way around. It was fairly comprehensive and published by the University of Glasgow Veterinary School which Amy thought was not only overly wordy but pretty questionable in it's findings and wondered why Bert had sent it. She decided she'd have Sarah and Ty read it and get their thoughts.
When she sat back from the article she noticed two things, Ty was getting out of the pool and Meg was watching him.
She grinned "Margaret ? Are you eyeing my husband ?"
"Yup, he's good looking Amy, I mean Sam's good looking but your husband's like a model."
"They say it was quite the sight at wood chopping time." Betty added from Meg's other side. "We get our cut wood delivered."
"He's not chopping wood, he's a surgeon."
"Sam's a surgeon Amy, Ty's a vet."
"You're just jealous."
"Whatever Amy, whatever."
Amy smiled watching Ty towel off and then run his hands through his hair as it fell into a loose and very sexy approximation of exactly how it should look. Sara Nicole was a genius at what she did.
As always the kids announced their arrival before actually arriving and this time they all got quiet when they came through the doors to the pool and spotted Amy. Ty had moved into the corner and was grabbing a drink from the fridge.
"Hey Mom, you're here !" Jackson called out and then ran in to hug her as best as he could these days.
"Hello my love, it's good to see you."
"Why'd you come ?"
"We missed you."
"Dad's here ?" He said looking around and spotting Ty walking towards them a second before he scooted across the blue stone to get scooped up.
"Hello Amy."
"Hey."
"Hello yourself April and you Carson, having a good time ?"
"Really good time !" Carson announced.
"How are the babies ?"
"Last we checked the babies were fine April, thanks for asking."
"Hello Ty."
"Hello April, having a good week ?" Ty answered putting Jackson down.
"Excellent."
"Can't ask for more than excellent, I'm glad you could come then. Cars, all good ?"
Carson smiled until gave Ty a thumbs up.
"Where are my daughters ?"
"They're coming Amy, they sent us ahead and they stayed with the dogs to get the other horses in the meadow."
"Thank you April."
"Can we swim ?"
"You can swim better than most Jackson." Amy answered with a grin.
"May we swim ?" April asked with a smile.
"Of course you may April, swim away, sunscreen first though."
It only took a few minutes for the sunscreen and a few minutes later three small cannonballs hit the water's surface. They all watched and Ty walked over and sat back and then lay on the chaise next to Amy.
"What are we doing for dinner ? Ty asked.
"No idea." Amy answered "Margaret dinner ?"
"We have 2 nice sized chickens that should feed us all, we can add another side to fill it out. They go in at four-thirty or so. We picked up some fresh early corn yesterday and brownies and ice cream for dessert. We can add green beans or something."
Amy smiled hearing the dogs coming down the hall and watched them scurry past and stop at the pool edge. A second later Dodger turned and barked running over to her and pushing his head under her hand followed a second later by a second yelping dog on her other side.
"Shhhhhhhh, hello boys, shhhhhhh, caaaallllmmmm, that's it. I'm happy to see you also, there, there, shhhhhhhhh."
Both Ty on her right and Meg on her left we're getting swatted by tails though is slowed considerably as Amy calmed them down. It only took a few minutes before they were each laying on either side of her and falling asleep.
"I guess the girls are changing."
"They won't miss their pool time for sure."
"By all the color you all seem to have taken on seems you've all spent a good amount of time in the sun."
"You did buy a house with a pretty big pool Amy."
"I know Meg, I'm not complaining just commenting."
"Wait 'till you see the girls. Their hair is streaked which Brin finds very becoming by the way."
"And"
"Tan, not bad either."
"I don't actually think I had a tan until I lived in Belgium with Nick and Claire. Alberta was just not the tanning capital of the world."
"You don't exactly dress for the whole sun thing when you're working Amy."
"I guess, that's a nice suit by the way Margaret, new ?"
"Of course it's new, how long have you had a pool ?"
Amy glanced over and saw that Ty was napping "he didn't last long."
"I never have an easy time sleeping when I'm away, how's he been since he's come home ?"
"He's had a few naps since he got home. It's nice, I get to nap with him."
Amy looked over when the girls appeared through the doors. They were barefoot, wearing identical bikinis in different colors, the tops worn as bandeaus. Both had their hair braided and then twisted into tight top buns. They were is tanning mode for sure as the shine of the already applied tanning lotion shone on their bodies.
Amy immediately put her finger to her lips and pointed to Ty while trying and failing to sit up in the chaise and pull herself forward without disturbing the dogs.
"Stay" Charlotte whispered and came around carefully sidestepping the dogs to reach out for a kiss and a brief hug. She stepped back for Maddie to do the same before they both stood side by side smiling at the foot of her chaise.
"You both look great, how are the horses ?"
Maddie answered "They're fine, I think they like it out here. Lot of trail rides. What's with the visit ?"
"We missed you, there isn't much keeping me at Pegasus these days and Ty traded the day with Bert who we convinced to come up with Meg at the end of the week for a few days."
"Nice to have you here Mom and thanks for the weekend surprise."
Amy smiled "you're very welcome Charlie, did you four have a nice weekend ?"
Maddie smiled "It was very nice."
"Hello girls."
"Papa, did we disturb your nap ?" Maddie said leaning over for a hug "Did you have a nice trip ?"
"It was nice Mad but pretty stressful actually, three surgeries."
"Hello Papa, welcome home." Charlie said leaning over as well.
"So when are you two heading back ?"
"Early tomorrow Mad, we have a pre natal class at 11:30. Figure we'll leave around 8 or thereabouts. We just came on the spur of the moment."
They both nodded and smiled "Well, time is tan so we'll be over there. What time are we practicing Meg ?" Maddie asked
Meg checked her phone for a second "how about we head in at 5 and practice at half past. Dinner will be ready soon after 6."
They all watched the girls walk over to two of the loungers in full sun and lay back with their eyes closed.
"What are you practicing Margaret ?"
"Brin's been teaching April "Somewhere over the Rainbow" to sing at Erma's birthday. Maddie is accompanying on guitar. I'm filling in for Brin."
"And what do you charge to fill in for Brin ?"
"A smile and a hug, that little girl is as precious as they come."
"So no brownie ?"
"I would never turn down one of Erma's brownies."
"How is Brin liking a summer of Beethoven?"
"Completely submerged, this weekend was good for her. Maddie and horses really just melts that away."
"Sally said pretty much the same thing, Bobby's totally cooked."
"And yours ?"
"Mine are good people with big hearts. Pretty obsessed with horses."
"Wonder where they get that from ?"
"From us, we raised good kids and here comes one."
"Yes Carson."
"We were wondering if there were snacks ?"
"There's a big bowl of grapes in the fridge Cars, bring that out." Betty said from behind her book.
Carson turned around "grapes" he called out.
Jackson nodded and put up a thumb a second before Carson scooted away through the doors.
Ty had opened his eyes and glanced around at that point. "Grapes sound good."
Amy laughed "you may have to barter for them, not sure how many grapes there are."
"Plenty of grapes, 3 pounds mixed." Betty said turning her page.
"What are you reading over there Gran ?"
"Well Amy this is a book about identical twins and clearly whoever wrote it has no idea what they're talking about."
All three adults laughed.
"Got an example ?"
"Most identical twins are not extensions of each other. Ha ! We've met more than most and it's just not true. I'm sure there are exceptions but the first time those two" she said pointing to the girls "went to one of those twin conventions they were 5, and they came away with one thing that really stuck with them "they were not alone." They'll wake up within minutes of each other, pee, shit and everything else within minutes of each other and well, you all know the rest."
Ty laughed "why are you still reading it ?"
"It's like a car wreck on the road, I don't know really." She said closing it and laying it on the small table near her head.
Carson scooted past with a big bowl brimming with grapes and was called to stop as he passed Ty's lounger.
"Cars, table please and no running and no eating in the pool. Come on buddy, slow down."
There were three tables with chairs separating the loungers near the doors to the house and Cars stopped at the one closest to the pool for the bowl. He smiled at Ty "You have to come out" he called to JT and April.
Ty got up and walked over to the double stack fridge in the corner and pulled out 6 bottles of water which he carried to the table as JT and April came out of the pool. Meg had also gotten up and threw each of them a towel.
"Dry off and sit kids, time for a rest before going back in."
Ty grabbed a cluster of red grapes and walked them over to Amy who smiled and took them thanking Ty.
"Gran, Margaret, some grapes ?"
"No thanks Ty, I prefer my grapes crushed, aged in oak and served in a glass."
Meg laughed at Betty's answer "None for me either Ty, thank you."
"Girls, water or some grapes ?"
"We'll come over Papa, thank you." Charlie answered starting to get up.
"First class this morning Amy, how was it ?"
"Well Meg, we went over the breathing through the contraction aspect as I demonstrated before. Aside from that, I like her."
"She'll be with you during delivery ?"
"Until someone kicks her out, though she was very reassuring."
"What's her name ?" Betty asked.
"Elizabeth Nolan, she's done a bunch of regular twin deliveries, and two identical twin births which is two more than Miriam actually."
"Sounds promising and the yoga, how's that going ?"
"I've been going with Georgie, nice actually, I like the group and Alice, the instructor, I like her too."
"5 weeks left ?" Meg asked.
"Yeah, hopefully I'll last that long. That'll bring me just past 35, 36 would would be better or later. No sign of dilation yet at least as of last Thursday. I'm not really looking forward to them in the NICU. Okay,I've got to pee." She said and started shimmying down to the edge of the chair. "Ty ? Please ?" She asked. He was standing by the table the kids occupied and walked over to offer her leverage as she stood.
Margaret got up as well "I'll walk with you and get the chickens and sides ready to go in."
"I'll follow Margaret."
"I'm fine Betty, you can stay."
"It's ok, I feel the need for some of my grapes."
"Sounds good actually, I'll join you."
Betty smiled and started getting up "grapes are definitely better with a friend."
Amy joined the two in the kitchen a few minutes later and pulled herself onto a stool.
"Plans for the rest of the month Margaret ?"
"Playing I guess, I'm starting to get lists from the faculty."
"Are there student pieces you haven't played ?"
"I'd say it's 50 - 50 for me. Brin gets a lot of newer, more recent and so more modern pieces, especially in jazz and with the vocalists. I accompany more that half the faculty. It works out well for us."
"Have you guys been to the Timberline ?"
Betty took a sip and smiled "The teens rode over on their horses for brunch on Saturday. Mandy actually said no one had actually ever done that before, caused a bit of a stir over nothing. There was plenty of room for the horses who they tied off on the side and the kids agreed to eat outside and kept them in sight. The Connors didn't have a problem. Mike actually stopped by after a call from a passerby and seeing your kids there sat down with a cup of coffee and talked."
"I guess horses alongside the rode isn't a thing here."
"Maddie said they weren't even near the road." Meg added taking a sip of her own. "Like Betty said, much ado over nothing."
Amy watched as Betty loaded the chickens into the oven and set the timer.
"Dinner will officially start about six thirty, we'll make the corn and beans while they're resting."
"Back to the pool then, grab the wine Betty." Meg said getting up and grabbing a wine glass for Ty.
They waited as Betty grabbed the full open second bottle breathing on the counter and emptied the bottle they had been drinking from into her and Meg's glasses.
At the pool they found Ty in the water with all the kids including the girls. Amy and her crew moved right back to the chairs they had left and settled back on the loungers.
"Names ?"
"Yeah, names, I think we're settled on one, Samuel Jefferson. Samuel Bartlett settled Heartland and Jefferson Bartlett was Grandpa's father."
"And ?"
"And the second needs Betty and the kids approval. Mitchell James."
"Oh my, it hadn't occurred to me." Betty said softly. "Well, I think I'd be fine with it. It's nice Amy, thank you."
Amy smiled, "you think the kids will be Ok with it ?"
"Jackson won't care, I think the girls will be fine. Oh and the Grainger's have a meeting with Tom next week."
"You guys kicking me out ?"
Betty smiled "Adopting Ty. Jackson's been pushing for it. They were waiting for their birthday weekend but with the twins coming they want to pick up the pace."
"The girls are ok with it ?"
"They're fine, like I said the decisions were made before this is just scheduling."
"Hmmm, something I haven't been thinking of lately. Pregnancy really does a number, Ty will lose it when it happens."
"You're doing pretty good memory-wise Amy."
"Thank you Margaret, I'm trying. Last names Betty ?"
"The girls are more torn than Jackson who's fine with Fleming-Borden. I think the girls are more worried about me and the whole Grainger thing. Mitchell James might smooth that out."
"The twins to be will be Fleming-Bordens ?"
"Not something we've actually discussed Meg. I think I'd like Fleming Borden since I don't use Borden. What do people do these days ?"
Betty laughed "These days ? They do whatever the hell they want."
"I think it's time to head in, kids !" Margaret called out "showers and changing please and then we'll practice."
Amy and the dogs settled in the library to check in on the doings at Pegasus and the foundation. Betty, and then Ty joined her a few minutes before Maddie, April and Meg popped in on their way to the piano and April's lesson and practice. JT, Cars and Charlie were last and heading out to check on the horses and get them stalled.
"Betty, I have Sandra on the phone, anything you need ?"
"Tell her to pay the bills and I'll see her Thursday for lunch, I'm on vacation."
Amy smiled "you hear that ?"
"Oh yeah, loud and clear." Sandra answered laughing. "See you tomorrow boss."
Amy sat and worked on a few emails and chatted with Betty who was knitting a panel of blue that looked like an infant's sweater back. She was actually waiting for Ty to get off the phone with Bert so she could ask him a question.
He looked up at her and smiled when he finally hung up. "John and Trish are coming up next weekend to spend some time with Bert and Meg."
"That's nice and how long are the Koenig's staying ?"
"He mentioned Thursday to Wednesday unless something comes up. Everything else is pretty copacetic. Your end ?"
Amy shrugged, in 24 hours my end doesn't change much. Sara's got everything covered on the animal side. Hey is Fleming-Borden Ok with you ?"
"Like how ?"
"The twins." She answered pointing to her belly.
"Yeah fine though you should know that Georgie always said they really focus on the Morris part."
Amy shrugged "I'm fine with that, ok then, kids next."
"Kids how ?"
"To see if the have an issue with Mitchell James."
Ty nodded "Gran, you Ok with this ?"
"Absolutely, it'll be nice."
"So Samuel Jefferson and Mitchell James Fleming-Borden. Sounds good to me."
Amy nodded, "Excellent, feel like a walk before dinner my love ?"
"Visit the horses ?"
"I can visit horses." Amy said standing. "Betty walk ?"
"No, that's all right, you two go. I'll deal with dinner."
Amy called the dogs to heel and took Ty's hand on their way out.
They stopped for a second to listen in on April's lesson and both smiled when they heard her sweet voice singing one of the verses with Meg and Maddie playing alongside her.
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true"
Coming outside they didn't expect to find Carson lunging his hunter jumper Preston around the round pen and walked hand in hand up to Jackson and Charlie who were leaning on the rails watching.
Charlie noticed the dogs and turned and smiled at Amy and Ty.
"What's going on Charlie ?"
"Preston's fidgety so I figured this might calm him down. He's tiring."
"How long's this been going on ?"
"10 minutes maybe, going on 15."
"How you doing in there Carson ?" Amy called in the pen.
She could see he was a bit hot by the color of his cheeks but could also see Preston tiring, flicking his ears and starting to chew.
"I'm Ok, think he's tired enough ?"
"He looks pretty done Cars." Charlie called out. "Let him be for a few minutes."
Carson hauled back the lunge line and called out "Come on Pres."
They all smiled as the horse walked right over to Carson and nudged at him. It wasn't a join up but that had already been done and these two were close buddies. Carson ran his hand over his muzzle and took his bridle leading him to the trough where he leaned over for a long drink.
"We need to brush him again Jax, he's all sweaty."
"Don't worry Cars, it's what we do."
"I'll help too Cars, it won't take long."
"Thanks Charlie" Cars said leading Preston through the gate. Amy and Ty followed and when the kids started rubbing Preston down Amy and Ty walked around the barn and visited with the other horses. Amy had trained most of them and although they truly belonged and loved their riders they could never get their fill of Amy's attention.
"How's he doing ?" She asked coming back around to where they were finishing up brushing down Preston.
"He seems much calmer, I'm pretty sure he just needed to blow off some steam." Charlie answered, "what do you think Cars ?"
"He's acting fine now, good idea Charlie."
"When can we start jumping them mom ?"
"I'd like Georgie or me to get you all started. So if Georgie has time she can start you guys off in the fall if not I'll get you started in the spring. The best you all can do right now is spending time with them in the woods, just like this weekend."
"And no hassling Georgie, mom will talk to her about starting you all out." Ty added.
"Georgie's cool, she'll do it."
"Georgie's cool and has a busy life Jackson, you leave her be and I'll talk to her." Amy said brushing her hand over JT's head. "Come on, get Preston settled and wash up for dinner which should be ready soon."
"Go on mom, we'll be done in a few minutes."
"Thanks Charlie but I think I'd like to wander down to the lake for a few minutes, not really sure when I'll be back. We'll see you in the house."
They walked down the path past the house. It was lined with perennial lavender plants which came up each year in late June to replace the lilies that followed the daffodils in May. Amy loved the use of the perennials and was thrilled to see what came next as the seasons passed. So far the lavender was her favorite, the tiny fragrant blueish purple flowers made her smile.
They watched the dogs moving from side to side up ahead, stopping every now and then to check something out. Passing the guest house where the lavender skirted two huge beds of daisies and blue moonflowers, also perennial, which sprung to life each season to fill the bed with white, yellow and blue blooms. Across the road was a small field filled with various plants that gave off a sweet smell and produced cone like flowers in pinks to dark purples.
"What are those ?"
"They're buddleja, commonly called butterfly bushes, all the plantings back here are deer repellent, butterfly and bee attracting plants. It's very well thought out, we should probably do this at the ranch."
"Well they work." Ty said watching a monarch butterfly stop at a cone momentarily before moving on.
"I really should ask Ruth who she brought in to plan this, it really is very well thought out."
"Isn't that Annabelle's thing ?"
"I guess it is, still, I'd love to meet whoever did this."
Passing the guest house the path turned down a bit towards the boat house and with the exception of the continuing lines of lavender the plants changed which Amy explained "You see here closer to the water, all the plantings and surrounding plants are mosquito repellents. Citronella, wild basil, peppermint, lemon balm and thyme. It's very well thought out."
They stopped at the boat house and wandered in to see their small collection of boats, canoes and kayaks all tucked in their spots behind the closed door to the lake before taking the stairs up to the large, now screen enclosed deck that overlooked the lake. The entire room was now painted, lit by 4 fan held light kits and decorated with chairs and couches. The latest additions were two exhaust fans cut alongside 2 sky lights.
"Not sure what we'll ever do down here but it turned out nice." Ty said hitting the switch to see the exhaust fans turn on.
"I'm kind of thinking the kids might use it."
"So basically come down here to snuggle and make out."
Amy shrugged "where would you rather they go Ty ?"
"Just sayin' Ames, just sayin'. We should head back."
They stopped at the guest house where Amy availed herself of the bathroom and came out carrying a long open ended basket and a snipper. She cut two full stalks off the butterfly first and then looked to Ty to help her cut some daisies, coneflowers and lavender stalks before heading up the path to the house.
"I though we might all come up for Labor Day."
Amy sighed "I'd love to but ….."
"The babies ?"
She nodded "I really don't want to go into labor here Ty, let's see where we are in a couple weeks and talk to Miriam."
"Sounds like a plan." He said opening the door for her.
"Quiet, I guess practice is over." She said as they stopped at the junction on the lower level. They could hear and smell Betty and Meg in the kitchen and headed up the small staircase to the main level.
"You're back and you stopped to pick, I'll grab a vase." Meg said wiping her hands in front of a huge bowl of just husked corn.
"Thank you Margaret, kids ?"
"Kids are outside with the twins and a telescope, they spotted one of the eagle nests."
"Is that water boiling Meg ? We're waiting on corn and green beans."
"Just starting Betty, we'll be eating in 15 minutes."
Amy arranged the flowers in a tall vase with a wide heavy base and stood to carry it out when Ty stepped in and took it from her.
"Ty, I can ….."
"It's heavy, tall and cumbersome Ames, this is better."
"Fine lead on, Betty you need the kids for serving ?"
"The girls please Amy, 5 minutes."
"I'll let them know." She answered on her way out to the large stone patio where Ty was getting a center spot cleared for the flowers. "Girls 5 minutes." She said heading over to the large red telescope Cars was looking through.
"Hey mom, we can see the eagle nest from here and they have two eggs."
"You can see eggs ?"
Maddie laughed "Apparently we have an analog view of one of the nests that has a video feed."
"Ah, well that's cool too and you two should probably head in and help Gran and Meg, and you three, table please."
"I love eating out here." Ty said once they were all seated and eating.
"It's a good spot for sure Papa." Maddie agreed. "So what have you two been up to aside from coming up here ?"
"Mostly quiet time together." Amy answered. "Talking about the babies, we had our first childbirth class this morning."
"Any other twins ?" Charlie asked.
"Not identical but there are three twin couples in the group. Our instructor sort of specializes in twins."
"What's her name ?" Jackson asked.
"Her name is Elizabeth Nolan and she's asked to be called Liz and we go all week at 11:30."
"What do they teach you ?"
"Well April, it's sort of like them letting us know what's going to happen when the time comes and ways to get past things like painful contractions using breathing exercises."
"How bad does it get ?"
"Not so bad that you have to worry about it Jackson" Ty assured him "there's no reason that you should worry about it. Dr. Miriam and Liz will be there."
"And you."
Ty smiled "I'll be there too."
"And Trish." Amy added.
"Trish ?"
"Well Ty, you can probably try to keep Trish out but I doubt that'll work."
"What about us ?"
"You'll be with Gran Jackson, and your sisters and probably Erma, maybe the rest, that'll all be timing I guess."
"You have names yet ?"
"Good question Charlie, you guys have any problem with one of them being called Mitchell James ?"
The girls looked at each other for a second and then at Betty. It didn't seem to strike Jackson at all.
"I'm fine with it." Betty said seeing the girls defer to her.
The girls looked at each other again and as far as Ty could tell decided without a sign "we're good" they answered simultaneously.
Amy nodded "Jackson ?"
"OK with me, what about the other ?"
"Samuel Jefferson."
"Cool."
Amy nodded again with a smile "Fleming Borden ?"
"Samuel Jefferson Fleming Borden." Maddie repeated softly.
"Sounds like a mouthful." Charlie added.
"The school will probably use just the Borden part." Meg said. "I like them both besides they'll be Sam and Mitch or SJ and MJ so a lot shorter than that mouthful Charlie."
"What time you leaving tomorrow ?"
"Early, probably 8:00 maybe a little after, we have an 11:30 class remember ?" Ty said patting Jackson's shoulder.
"Oh yeah, I forgot."
Neither Amy or Ty were surprised when they cleared the table for their brownie and ice cream dessert and the kids settled around the patio. They had both heard that this is where they had all started spending each evening. It was cool with the breezes coming over the trees from the lake and the sunsets had been spectacular. She and Ty settled alongside Meg and Betty on the loungers against the granite wall carved from the mountain.
Carson and Jax came out with their current puzzle on a board and carefully lay it on the now cleared table settling with April and the girls sat in a little grouping of chairs across from the loungers with their iPads on the table switching through social media while keeping in constant contact with their significant others. All five kids would head out for a quick night check once the sunset was ending.
Amy finished her dessert, wiping the plate as clean as she could with her fingers and Ty slid to the edge of his chaise and started collecting empty plates.
"The machines all ready Ty, just put the plates in and hit the button."
He nodded at Betty's instructions "Cognac ?"
"Sounds good to me Ty, bring it on." Margaret answered with closed eyes.
Betty laughed "there's a bottle of Hennessy and glasses in the buffet Ty."
He laughed and turned towards the door.
"Woah little guy." Amy whispered causing both Meg and Betty to turn towards her.
"You Ok ?"
Amy smiled "Yeah, I'm fine Meg, just that it's weird with this one facing down his feet are up here." She said pointing at her side.
"They looked pretty cozy in that sonography picture you sent."
"I think they definitely fit better. I feel crooked though."
"That's probably just muscle memory. Does this mean the one facing down is first ?"
"Well, if they stay this way."
"Miriam have an opinion or that teacher ?"
"Midwife actually, Liz is one, and both said the odds are high that's a yes."
"What's a yes ?" Ty asked walking over with a bottle and three glasses oddly separated and held by his long fingers.
"That Baby A will be first since he's facing down." Amy repeated.
"Which will be first Sam or Mitch ?" Maddie asked from across the way.
"How'd they pick you Mad ?"
"You know ?"
"Actually found out this weekend." Ty answered "Never occurred to me before."
"Gran says mom just blurted it out."
"And that's the way it went." Betty confirmed "or at least the story I was told by your dad."
"So mom ?"
Amy shrugged "Anyone have a coin ?"
