Amy's Sunday continued
"So. How many for dinner?" Amy asked Lisa as she stood at the kitchen sink rinsing lettuce for the salad.
"Six." Lisa said opening the oven door to check on the roasting chicken and brussel sprouts.
"Six. Who's coming?"
"Believe or not, Tim called. He's bringing Susan." Lisa checked the doneness of the potatoes on the stove.
"He called ahead? Wow." Amy shook her head in disbelief.
"I know. Susan is a good influence."
"Yeah. She is. I hope this one sticks." Both women giggled.
Fresh air swirled around the mud room and snaked it's way into the kitchen, as Jack and Simon entered the house. "Hey ladies! It sure smells good in here!" Jack bellowed as the two stepped out of their work boots into their house shoes.
"Hey grandpa. Hey Simon." Amy called back. "Dinner's almost ready."
Jack padded into the kitchen, cozied up to Lisa, wrapping his arms around her waist. He nuzzled in her ear, "Hmmm. You smell better than good." Then he kissed her neck as she giggled demurely.
She playfully push him away. "Go wash up. You too Simon."
"Hey! We're here!" Tim announced as he and Susan entered the house, shedding their boots per house rules.
"Hey Dad! Hey Susan! Glad you could join." Amy responded looking up from the salad.
"Thank you for including me. We brought dessert. Homemade French apple pie." Susan, petite, dark haired and blue eyed, grinned as she handed the dessert to Lisa.
"Oh Susan, this pie looks scrumptious. Can't wait to have a bite!" Lisa smiled back.
Hands scrubbed of the day's accumulated dirt, every one settled into their seats, Jack at the head, Lisa to his left, Amy to his right, Simon next to Amy. Tim sat at the other end, Susan to his right next to Lisa.
"Mmm. This sure does look and smell good." Jack licked his lips.
"Sure does. I am starving!" Simon inhaled deeply. "Jack drove me hard today. He left me to do the barn and field work by myself."
Jack rolled eyes, as everyone laughed. "You're young. You'll live." He took a big helping of mashed potatoes, then passed them on.
"Save room for Susan's world famous pie!" Lisa reminded everyone. Susan blushed as Tim patted her knee.
"So Susan. How are things at ole Hudson High?" Amy asked.
"Probably about the same as when you were there." She laughed.
"Figures."
"Well. Here's news. My senior French class is planning their five day trip to Montreal. Kind of a French language immersion field trip."
"Well you certainly have better field trips than we did. Are you chaperoning?"
"Yes. And, I am really looking forward to it." She glanced at Tim, then added. "Hopefully I can convince your dad to come with me."
"Montreal with you, Susan, sounds great." Tim rubbed his chin. "But. Five days with a bunch of 17 and 18 year olds? Not so sure." He grimaced.
"Sounds like an adventure, no doubt." Jack chuckled.
"Adventure is not the word I would use." Tim retorted.
"Come on Dad. Be a sport. Plus, you could use a break from Maggie's." Amy cajoled.
"Well. I am thinking about it." He shoved a forkful of chicken and potatoes into his mouth.
"How are things at Maggie's?" Lisa asked.
Tim swallowed, then answered. "Good. Real good actually." He wiped his mouth on his napkin, then continued. "Business never has been better."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Well. You know, we expanded the menu. The French apple pie and creme brûlée are a huge hit." Tim winked at her. "They are Susan's recipes."
"I'm glad that Tim let me help out a bit." Susan said. "He's really open to new ideas."
"I bet he is." Jack said sarcastically.
"So Amy. How was Calgary?" Lisa asked, changing the subject.
"Calgary was good."
"Well, except for Old Blue breaking down. Again." Jack muttered.
"Oh Amy honey! No! Really?" Lisa tilted her head, gave Amy an empathic look.
"I don't know why you bought that hunk of junk." Tim groused, not looking up as he took another bite of chicken.
"You know why dad. We have been over this before. I needed transportation. It was for sale. I decided it buy it. I do not regret my decision." Amy defended her decision for the millionth time.
"Pfft!" Tim mumbled, shook his head.
"Tim." Jack sharply reprimanded him, staring intently at his ex-son-in-law.
"Okay. Okay." Tim pivoted, softening his tone. "Amy. Its just that I worry about you being stranded. That truck is not safe."
"The truck is safe." She retorted, not swayed by his feigned concern. "I was not in danger." She touched Jack's arm, as she looked at him. "Plus. Grandpa came and got the truck going again. Thanks."
"You are welcome, sweetheart." He cleared throat, inhaled and exhaled signaling that advice was going to be served up. "Now, as much as I don't mind helping you out, Amy, it just might be time to consider a more reliable mode of transportation. Especially if you'll be driving back and forth to Calgary."
"Grandpa." She flashed her shining eyes, innocent smile which always melted him. "Anyhow. Breaking down actually ended up being a good thing."
"Why's that, Amy?" Lisa asked.
"Well, this guy, Michael Barnes, pulled over to help me. Turns out he's a Veterinarian and a professor at UC. Get a load of this, he teaches the Equine Behavioral Health and Nutrition classes."
"How fortuitous!" Said Lisa.
"I know, right?" Her voice grew excited. "He was real nice. We talked a bit about UCVM, his classes, my work."
"He could have been a zombie or axe murderer." Simon said under his breath, mouth full of bread. "Or both. You never know."
Amy laughed. "Simon, you play too many video games! When was the last time we had a zombie or axe murderer attack in Alberta?"
He just shrugged his shoulders, as he pointed the green orbs on his plate. "What's this?"
"Brussel sprouts. Try them. They are good." Lisa suggested.
After tasting one, he said. "Not bad. They smell funny though." Making everyone laugh.
"You know. Simon's right though Amy. You got to be careful." Jack leaned in, his bushy eyebrows knitted into concern.
She acknowledged his look with a slight nod but continued on. "Get this...He and his dad have done quite a bit of work with the wildies at Pike River."
"Really? Small world!" Jack took another bite of the mashed potatoes and gravy.
"I know. We traded a few stories. His horse, Gwendolyn, a real pretty bay mare, was a rescue from a Pike River cull." She took a breath. "It was fun just reminiscing."
"I bet. Pike River has been so important to you and..." Lisa trailed off.
Amy responded before Lisa could finish. "Yeah. Pike River is full of good memories. For all of us."
"Not for everyone." Tim said under his breath, still smarting from the last trip four years ago and his unsuccessful attempt to fix things for Amy.
Amy didn't skip a beat, ignoring her dad, she continued on. "Anyhow. I toured the campus on my own. The Haskayne business school and vet school are on opposite ends. So I checked out the business school first. The new Centre is really nice."
"That's good. And, the Vet School?" Jack asked.
"I spent most of my time there, seeing the arenas, clinic, fields, horses and animals. It has a nice set-up."
"So a good afternoon." Lisa added.
"Yeah. It really was." She sighed contentedly.
"Amy, sounds you are close to a decision about school." Jack asked without a real question.
"Yeah. Close." Amy replied but she had already made the decision to enroll next semester, all but the paperwork.
"Good to hear." Jack then turned to his wife. "Tell us about your day Lis."
"Well. It was good." Trying to think back over it. "Oh. Lou called. She and the girls spent the weekend in shopping in the big city. Sounds like they did some damage. Especially Katie."
"When will they be home for a visit?" Jack asked.
"She didn't mention it. But. I suppose it will depend upon Peter. He's still trying to get settled into that new job."
"Bet that will take forever and a day." Tim complained.
"Cut him a break dad. It's quite a switch. From private gas exploration to government environmental conservation." Amy defended her brother-in-law.
"Yeah. And. It only took that explosion and those injuries to get him to switch." Tim added sarcastically under his breath.
"Tim. Honestly." Jack shot back, getting close to the end of his rope. "I am just happy for them. Finally all in the same place." Jack said.
"Yeah. And. I'm happy that I don't have an oil man as a son-in-law."
Jack muttered under his breath. "Never liked oil men."
"See Jack. We are on the same page here." Tim said cheerfully.
"Grrr." Jack groused.
Lisa switching the subject, "Amy. I checked in on Sprint during hydrotherapy. She is doing so well. She's not favoring that back right leg anymore."
"Good. She seems to really love the water."
"One of the best investments we've ever made was buying that piece of equipment." Lisa added. "Thanks for the push. It's really expanded our business, partner!"
"Speaking of business. The head trainer of Forthright Ranch called."
"The ranch in Ashcroft? Who did you talk to?"
"Yeah. Hmm..Brian Holmes. I think. Do you know him?" She scrunched her nose as she tried to remember.
"Not Brian. But I did a deal with the owner Trey Forthright on a racehorse years ago."
"Interesting. Anyhow. He wants us to work with a couple of their jumpers."
"Oh. That's great news Amy. With the team in Europe on tour, we have excess stall capacity." Lisa was delighted.
Tim jumped in "Speaking of the team..hear anything from Andrew?"
"Yes. He called late last night. The team had a good day yesterday. He came in forth in the individual but the team snagged a third place. It's still early in the competition so he was really happy." She smiled. "He sent me some pictures. See." She pulled out her phone and showed them.
"Amy. Do you think you'll join him for part of the tour?" Susan asked, opening the door to more than she suspected.
She smiled. "As much as I already miss him, I also know how chaotic those tours can be. I would just be in the way. And, all that press." She grimaced. "Plus, we have a barnful of jumpers at Fairfield and barnful of rescues here...so we are pretty busy."
"I can vouch that." Simon bemoaned the fact.
"So, not this time." Amy concluded.
"That's too bad. I always wanted to travel to Europe." Susan said wistfully.
"You would love Paris, Susan." Amy said.
"Yes. The sights, the architecture, the food, the beautiful.." Lisa added.
Tim interrupted their musings. "You know what they say, Amy. All work and no play, makes Amy a dull girl!"
Amy laughed. "That's what we all do dad. Work. So I guess that makes all of us dull."
"Dull and unmarried." Tim mumbled.
"Tim! Will you just put a lid on it?" Jack warned.
"Jack. I'm just saying an eligible bachelor like Andrew ain't going stick around forever." Tim was irritatingly smug as he cocked his head and raised his eyebrows.
"Stick around? What's that supposed to mean?" Amy took the bait.
"You know. Honey. You need to show Andrew a little more support. More commitment." Then he muttered. "You should have gone."
At first, she didn't respond, didn't even look at him. Amy just shrugged, pushed her food around her plate as she tried to ignore his comments. Again. Tim had a knack. Not matter how much she accomplished, how much she earned, it was never enough. He always pointed out where he thought she was lacking. Real or imagined.
"Tim!" Jack said sharply.
"It's okay, Grandpa." Then she addressed Tim directly. "Dad. Andrew and I are happy. He understands that I can't go on tour right now. I have my work, my life here. I like things as they are."
"Does Andrew?" Tim challenged.
"Dad. You are unbelievable. Frankly, our relationship is none of your business. So stay out of it."
Amy picked up her plate, her meal half eaten, then headed to the kitchen.
"Tim. You are an ass." Lisa glared at him. Then gathering her plate, she followed after Amy.
"Of course it's my business. I am her fa.." He yelled after her.
Susan cut him off. "Tim! Hush. That's enough." Sternly schooling him as only a teacher can, surprising Tim. Plate in hand, she left the table as well. Simon followed quickly, escaping an inevitable blow-up.
Jack reprimanded him. "Tim. You are truly a piece of work. Why do you have to constantly meddle?"
"Jack. You know I only want the best for her." Tim tried to defend himself, then lowered his voice. "And. You and I both know that Andrew is best for Amy. Look how happy he makes her. He wants to marry her. He's got connections, he's successful, he's rich.."
"Tim! Will you just shut up?" Jack glared at him. "I have had it up to here with you!" Jack drew his hand across his throat.
"Fine." Tim shoved a roll into his mouth.
In the kitchen, Susan was apologetic. "I am so sorry Amy. I had no idea."
"Susan. It's okay. Don't worry."
Lisa counseled. "Amy. Hon. Don't let your dad get to you. You made the right decision for you. And don't let him get to you."
Amy inhaled and exhaled deeply. "It's okay. Really. By now I should know that he has to have an opinion on everything. Right or wrong. I just need to learn to ignore him. Brush it off."
Lisa grasped Amy by the shoulders, looked directly into her eyes. "Amy. Honey. You are smart, thoughtful, good hearted, successful. You are more than capable of making decisions for yourself. Never, ever second guess yourself."
Lisa pulled her into an embrace. In turn, Amy laid her head on Lisa's shoulders. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you. Lisa..."
"Hush. I am always in your side." She stroked Amy's hair lovingly.
By the time the coffee had brewed and the pie plated, emotions had calmed enough for everyone to return to the table for dessert. Jack and Simon dominated the conversation with their plans to move cattle to the lower fields with Ralph the following day.
Pie eaten, dishes done, company gone, Amy kissed her grandfather and Lisa good night. "I'm headed out. Good night."
"Sleep well Amy. I think I am going to turn in early myself." Lisa said, then she headed for the bedroom.
"Amy. Join me in front of the fire for a bit." Jack suggested.
Amy nodded, then followed her grandfather into the living room. She settled into the couch, feet tucked under, watching mindlessly as he threw a log on the fire, slowly stoking the tiny embers into dancing orange and red flames. He took his seat next to her, she shifted closer to rest her head against his shoulder. They sat in silence for several minutes lost in their own thoughts.
"Don't mind your dad. He means well."
She only listened.
"He can be overbearing at times."
No response.
"Everything okay?"
She nodded.
"Things okay with Andrew?"
"Yes. Of course." She said, then added somewhat defensively. "Why wouldn't they be?"
"Well. We were all somewhat surprised when you didn't go with him on tour."
She sighed. "Really Grandpa? I have two businesses to run. I have responsibilities here now that Lou is gone. And, I am considering school. I couldn't go on tour. Andrew honestly understands."
"Good." He paused, smoothed his mustache, then continued. "You know. I have been watching you and Andrew for some time. It's clear that you love each other..." He sighed. "You two are good together."
"We are. It's hard to believe that we've been dating for more than a year now." She smiled.
"Now this could just be me. But. It just seems like something is holding you back."
She considered that. "Oh?"
"It seems like you are hesitant to take the next step. It's just that...well, just because it didn't work out before. You don't have to be scared. You don't have to compare Andrew to.." He didn't finish. He realized he had said more than he wanted.
"Grandpa!" She chuckled. "I am certainly not comparing Andrew to anyone." She shook her head.
He nodded, though he didn't seem convinced.
"Grandpa. I love Andrew. I do. And he loves me." She explained further. "But. I like things the way they are. Andrew's job took him to Europe. I trust him to stick around, to come back."
"Don't listen to your dad."
"It's not just dad. Between Lou, Dad, and honestly you, grandpa, the constant pushing is not helpful. I am more than capable of making my own decisions."
"You are right Amy. I am sorry. We truly want only the best for you. Until Andrew came into your life.."
"I know. I was in a really bad place. My confidence was rock bottom. I was a mess. It affected the whole family, my business for a long time. And, you still blame Ty for moving to Calgary. You haven't forgiven him."
Jack's face visibly tensed, his shoulders drooped, his eyes closed. Hearing Ty's name had that effect on him. Ever since Ty left Hudson soon after their last trip to Pike River, Jack was heartbroken. He hadn't heard from Ty since except a single letter that came months later. He couldn't bring himself to even say his name, not alone hear it.
"Grandpa. I never told you this. At Pike River, Ty asked me to get back together."
"He did?"
"He did. But. I said No."
"Why Amy? You loved him so much. You were so heartbroken."
"Grandpa. We did love each other. A lot. He got caught up in the wild horses at Pike River. We both did. But it didn't resolved our fundamental issue. He lost faith in me, in us, so..."
"Couldn't you work it out?"
"We tried, but we were both hurt, so heartbroken at that point. So he moved on."
"He wrote me a letter."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. A few months later. He tried to explain." Jack shook his head.
"His letters were never very clear."
"No."
"You must believe me when I tell you that Ty and I mutually decided to part. Though it took me a really long time for my heart to heal, I have finally forgiven myself and Ty. I have moved past all that."
"Have you? You still have his truck and his horse. And, you live..."
"In the loft. I know. But, the loft isn't at all the same place after the remodel. You know that. I just didn't want to live in my childhood bedroom any more. The house was crowded. I needed some independence." Then she added. "And he left Harley. Someone had to take care of him."
Jack nodded.
"Grandpa. I am happy with my life. Period. Please believe me. Andrew is wonderful, he's a good man. So supportive and loving. He helped me regain my confidence after Ty and the whole Ahmed mess." She sighed. "He helped me stand on my own two feet. But. I am not ready to be married."
"Oh?"
"Grandpa. Andrew asked me to marry him before he left. I said No. He understands that I am not ready. Or at least he said he understands."
"Oh. You didn't say anything."
"No. I didn't. I didn't want dad to be all over me."
"Understand. We wondered when he would. It's been several weeks since he asked your dad and me for your hand."
"I know. Andrew told me how gracious you were. Thank you Grandpa. Now. Please stop worrying about me and Andrew. Okay?"
"Okay. I will try."
"Look. It's getting late. I need to check on the horses. And get to bed. Morning will come sooner than I want as it is." She stood and kissed her grandfather leathery cheek.
"I love you Amy."
"I love you grandpa. See you in the morning."
As she walked toward the barn, she looked at the darken sky scattered with stars. She wondered what he was doing at that moment.
Hi Everyone. Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.
Please know that I do plan on finishing this story as well as Learning to Fly as time and inspiration move me.
SBR