Chapter 140
Ty stopped at the door and smiled at Amy across the room. She was sitting and looking down at Mitch whom he recognized by the big letter M on his sleeve.
"Good morning my love, have time to burp this little guy?"
"Good morning to you too Ames and I think so, where's Sasha and Mal?"
"Getting us some breakfast, they'll be back in a minute, you all ready for today?"
Ty took the baby and sat down in the rocker next to Amy who got up to reach for Sam.
"Breakfast, fishing, rounds, lunch, gifts and then we'll see I guess. They might couple up so I guess then you'd have me. I think the assorted grandfathers are going to inspect the trucks at one point or another."
"Sounds like a busy day."
"I'll be fine, how about you?"
"It'll depend on these two but I'll probably end up on the porch with the OG's."
"OG's?"
"Malloryspeak for original Grandmas."
Ty smiled "fits I guess. Leave it to Mal though."
Amy nodded and glanced down at Sam who was getting busy at her breast.
"Leave what to Mal big brother?" Mallory said walking in with two thermoses, one large and one small. She was followed immediately by Sasha carrying a small thermal cooler. There were also three mugs between them.
"Betty insisted on more than the croissants. We have sandwiches."
"Tea first please Sasha." Amy said lifting Sam gently to her shoulder and starting to pat his back.
"What's your next assignment Sasha?" Ty asked from a changing table where he was checking Mitch.
"From here I'm off for about a week to wander the streets of Ithaca during the day and sleep at night."
"And then?"
"There's a preemie, a little boy with some issues who was born in Syracuse yesterday who'll be home in a week to ten days with whom I'll hang my hat for a few weeks."
"Well, we'll miss you for sure Sash." Amy said.
"Not that much, I'm still coming back for my horse lessons if Mallory will have me."
"You're always welcome Sasha. Anyway, I've got to get going, the kids are probably done with chores and this guy's ready for the crib."
"Have fun Ty and send up a flare if you need help."
"Plenty of help along Ames, we'll be fine and you should eat your sandwich." Ty said leaning over to kiss her and Sam.
"We'll be around when you're done, you'd better go so Betty doesn't have to hold breakfast for the troops."
"Have you seen them?"
"They stopped in on the way to chores before for birthday hugs and a visit with the boys. Depending on Sam here I might see them off but I'm heading to a quick shower first so…"
"And them?" Ty said nodding at Sam.
"Mal and Sasha will deliver them to the Gran's for ogling, they'll be fine and fall asleep."
Amy came out onto the porch as the fishing group was mounting up. She waved at the group and watched her kids and Georgie wave back and ride their horses over to say hi.
"Hey mom, sorry you're not coming."
"Thank you Jackson. What happened to your significant others?
Maddie smiled "Brin and April are on baked goods with Bobby. I think Sally and Erma will come by with them once they close the stands for the day and Bobby's done."
"They're all not the hardcore fishing crew."
"I know Charlie. Please don't spend the whole time giving your father the gears."
"That's like at least half the fun." Maddie answered with a smile.
"I won't let them and Wyatt's studying in case you were including him in them."
"Thanks Georgie, you all have fun, send pictures and see you for lunch."
Amy leaned over the boys who went from upstairs into their stroller on the porch where Lily was making a valiant effort keeping them occupied.
"They're fading Amy."
"It's about that time Lily, we'll take a stroll to visit the horses after their next feed and that usually keeps them awake."
"And you, what keeps you awake?"
Amy smiled "nothing actually, I fall asleep mid conversation. I do OK for the next few hours, late mornings to mid afternoon, after that it's touch and go."
"Mal's been helping?"
"She's been great Lisa and Sasha's been a dream. It'll be an adjustment with her leaving."
"Right now actually." Sasha said pulling her suitcase through the door and onto the porch followed by Mallory holding the door open for her.
Sasha left her bag by the door and came over to sit next to Amy and put her arms around her for a hug.
"You'll do great Amy; the boys are perfect."
"I know it's repeating myself but I'll miss having you around Sash, you sure we can't persuade you to stay a little longer?"
"There are moms that need me more than you Amy Fleming and don't feel bad because I will miss this place and your brood. It's Mallorys' time to shine now. Take it slow and sleep when you can, it'll be much easier week by week. Oh and Josie said she'll be by today with her folks and she'll give them a quick once over. Besides, I'll be by for those lessons."
She hugged and kissed Amy, Betty and Mallory, nodded and smiled at the various Grands she had just met and started off the porch as a car pulled into the ranch.
"Boyfriend Sash?" Amy called out.
"Uber, sort of between significant others. Bye all!" She called out while getting in.
They all waved as the car drove away and Amy sighed. "Well Mal, here we go."
"I was thinking this morning that we outnumber them like 10 to 1 and we have Betty our expert, and Josie, how hard can this really be?"
"At 2 in the morning it's you and me Mal."
"I can nap."
Amy laughed "I guess we can both do that and you should go back and grab one now."
"What did you get the kids this year Amy?" Lisa asked.
"I left it up to Ty so, no idea, Betty?"
"The girls' gifts were delivered through the back door and placed in the music room. Jackson got new waders, a rod, some other fish stuff and that custom saddle for Turk you actually had made."
"Hmmm, forgot about the saddle the rest should be fun then. I assume you guys all got something?"
"We did standard dressier shirts for all, nothing fancy, but going out stuff." Lisa answered.
"We have pictures of Ty when he was younger for the girls and miraculously Ty's first leather jacket for Jackson."
Amy smiled "oh he'll love that, and the girls will love the pictures of Ty."
"There's more, Wade had a long talk with the powers that be and they're moving us to the home office, which is just south of Ottawa, we just need a house and to sell ours in Vancouver. The company will give is a bridge loan."
"Lily, that's wonderful, it's not a bad drive, you can visit all the time and please let us know if we can help."
"Easier for sure, we're happy."
"We just framed up some buckles, barrel racing for the girls and one of Tim's bulldogging for Jackson along with a picture of Tim bulldogging on Pegasus."
"I really think the horses would have carried through this birthday for the girls Case, but thanks all the same, they'll love them."
"I've really got nobody else to to leave my stuff to or spend my money on Amy, giving it to or spending it on my grandchildren is a no brainer."
"I guess you'll end up spoiling these two eventually."
Casey laughed "You can bet your ass on that."
Amy smiled and lifted her feet onto the small foot bench in front of her and leaned back against the pillow on her chair.
"Close your eyes Amy, it's fine."
"I'm supposed to be hosting."
"You don't host your family, we're fine."
"Ok" she sighed closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
It was almost an hour before her eyes opened at the sound of two motorcycles, unmistakably Harleys, that turned down the road towards the house.
"John and Trish are here." Lisa said looking up and mentioning it as if the bikes didn't tell the tale.
"That's Josie's bike." Betty said, "Trish texted that she's covering a floor's morning shift for one of her nurses with a family emergency."
"They're all going for a trail ride after lunch and those two a walk before, Josie's also here to give the boys a look." Amy said sitting forward and standing slowly. "I'm going to wash up, one or all of you make sure the twins don't escape."
Casey laughed "I think we can handle that."
She came back out just as John and Josie made their way up the stairs where each got a hug from Amy. "Hear from Trish?"
"She'll be here for lunch; she's just filling in a couple hours for a timing issue." Josie answered. "I'll need to borrow a horse later Amy."
"Regular old Quarter horse, thoroughbred or maybe a jumping warmblood?"
Josie laughed, "just a plain old horse will work fine Amy. Now, let me give the boys a listen, Sasha sent their stats along before she left."
"They seem pretty perfect."
"They are Amy, just a little small, I'm just going to listen to their lungs and hearts."
Amy nodded already knowing the routine and she was thrilled that Josie had no problem stopping by rather than her having to take the twins into the office.
She watched as Josie leaned over with her stethoscope and listened before laying her hand under their shirts which Amy assumed was just a cursory temperature check.
"No problem feeding Amy?"
Amy laughed "they love to eat, sometimes rather insistently."
"Well then, I hereby proclaim them hale and hearty, when's lunch?"
"At least an hour, come sit and rest those long legs of yours. Any men barking up your tree?"
Josie smiled, with John and Trish as her parents Josie stood at just under 6 foot 3 inches with golden blond hair she usually kept in a long ponytail, blue eyes and a wonderful smile, like Trish, Josie was beautiful and basically an amazon. "Not easy being me on that front Amy, at least so far. Mom lucked out with dad for sure. As to sitting, Dad and I are scheduled for a catch-up walk."
"You'll find someone kiddo, you're still young, want me to look?"
Josie laughed "Please don't."
"Just asking Josie, you two have a nice catch-up." Amy said closing her eyes again and sighing.
She woke again the moment she heard one of the boys whimper and opened her eyes to see Brin walking over to grab the offending boy and pull him up into her arms. "You're all wet MJ, come on, Auntie Brin will get you changed and back for a suckle in a few minutes."
"You Ok Brin?"
"Sure thing Amy, I'll be back soon and he's going to need a new outfit, soaked right through this one."
"Rinse and hang it please Brin, there's a drying rack in their bathroom and pull out the matching outfit please, I'm sure Sam will need one too."
Amy stretched and stood, then stretched again. She looked over at the group and smiled "kids, lunch, husband?"
Betty smiled "The fishing group is on the way back, Bobby and obviously Brin are here, he's putting the desserts away. Sally, Erma and the other kids will be here soon, all is good and you?"
"I think I'm napped out, Mal still sleeping?"
"She's up and texted a moment ago, having a rinse and heading down soon."
"And you all?"
"We're all fine Amy." Lisa said looking up from her book.
They all turned at the opening porch door.
"Brin wants Sam, is that Ok?" Bobby said coming out onto the porch.
"Go ahead Bobby, he's stirring, I'm heading in to wash up."
She turned for a second as Bobby gently lifted Sam out of the stroller as the baby started to cry, brought him up to his chest and turned "He's soaked Amy, I'll swap and fetch MJ for you."
"I'll be in the library Bobby; they eat better with less of a crowd."
"You got it Amy."
"Need help sweetheart?"
"I'll have Brin and Bobby Gran, I'm fine."
It was about 5 minutes later and Amy had grabbed a water from the bar and settled in her chair, legs up on the ottoman. She grabbed a blanket and lay it handily next to her, a couple of cloth diapers from the table between the two cribs they had set up so the kids could nap quietly while whomever was with them could work.
She heard Bobby coming down the stairs having an animated one-sided talk with MJ and smiled as he came in and looked up at Amy.
"Ready Amy?" He asked walking over.
"Give him here Bobby, sounded like you two were having a nice talk."
He smiled and sat down on one of the couches while Amy got set up and Mitch latched on for his feed. "Just telling him about his sisters. Oh yeah, Charlie texted, they're back and getting the horses brushed down and out into the meadow."
Brin walked in a few minutes later and Amy looked up from Mitch "He's not done yet Brin, can you hold that one?"
Brin smiled back "All day if I have to." A moment later she sat on a couch and raised her legs resting Sam who was grasping her index fingers and gurgling, a moment later she was singing very low.
"Au clair de la lune
Mon ami Pierrot
Prete-moi ta plume
Pour écrire un mot.
Ma chandelle est morte
Je n'ai plus de feu
Ouvre-moi ta porte
Pour l'amour de Dieu.
Au clair de la lune
Pierrot repondit
Je n'ai pas de plume
Je suis dans mon lit.
Va chez la voisine
Je crois qu'elle y est
Car dans sa cuisine
On bat le briquet.
Au clair de la lune
L'aimable Harlequin
Frappe chez la brune
Elle repond soudain.
Qui frappe de la sorte?
Il dit a son tour
Ouvrez votre porte
Pour le Dieu d'Amour.
Au clair de la lune
On n'y voit qu'un peu
On chercha la plume
On chercha du feu
En cherchant d'la sorte
Je ne sais ce qu'on trouva
Mais je sais que la porte
Sur eux se ferma."
"He's very attentive Amy."
"He can certainly hear you Brin and you have a lovely voice, but he can only focus maybe 6 to about 10 inches."
"I know, still, it doesn't change anything, he's beautiful and attentive, aren't you Sam?"
Amy smiled and glanced down at Mitch who had broken off for a moment and needed some prompting from his mom to latch on again. When he broke off a few minutes later she smiled as he leaned back and she wiped a small trail of breast milk off his face.
"I think this one's done for the time being, Bobby, grab a diaper and get him burped please, I need to pee before I get Sam latched on."
"No sweat Amy." Bobby answered walking past one of the library cribs and grabbing a cloth diaper.
Amy came back to find Erma, Sally and Meg Caldwell occupying the couch across from Bobby and Sabrina who now had the babies lying next to each other between them.
"Here you all are." Amy said stopping at each of her friends for a quick hug before heading to her chair. "Let's go Brin, time to give him up."
Brin smiled and lifted Sam to her chest and shoulder "come on Sam, time for lunch."
"So, you really have no idea what Ty got the girls for their birthday."
While Amy got Sam to latch on Meg moved across and took Mitch who was playing with Bobby's fingers and carried him across to Sally and Erma.
"How long you think they'll be?"
"Figure 15 minutes or so and then washing up."
"Thanks Bobby, guess we'll eat soon enough. How are you three going?"
Erma shrugged, "we're good, you getting any rest sis?"
"There's a pattern working its' way in all this."
"It gets better Amy, they just need to sleep longer."
"I get it Sal, no worries."
"You Ok Amy, sorry I slept so late."
"It's fine Mal, feel better?" Amy answered as Mallory made her way around the room saying hello.
"I'm good for now, I'll nap again later. Gran said lunch is ready whenever you are by the way, the barn crew is on their way back, the rest are doing rounds."
"We forgot rounds, anyway, Sam here should be done soon."
Mallory walked over and leaned against one of the desks as they heard the fishing crew walk through the door and come down the hall. The twins came in first and seeing Amy with Sam immediately moved over to Brin and Bobby and were followed into the room by Cars and JT who had waited for April who was helping Betty get the lunch buffet ready.
"Ok, you all need to wash and change before all the hugging." Sally announced as Cars came near. "Go on, Amy's almost done and then we'll move to the porch or a walk."
"Pappa and the medical crew and taking care of rounds and we're off to shower and get changed into appropriate birthday outfits. How are the boys?"
"Well as you've heard, this one should be done any second and that one seems to be fine getting passed around."
"He's great Charlie," Sally said,"one very happy baby."
"Mal, take him please and I'll get myself together." Amy said a moment before Mallory reached over for the baby and Amy started tucking and buttoning.
"Walkies?"
"Walkies are good Mal, I can use a stretch. Let's visit some horses. Bobby could you please move the big stroller around the house, Spartan and entourage should be in the back meadow, going through the back will be faster."
"Are we in a hurry?"
Amy laughed "There's a porch full of grandmas and dogs out front Erma, that won't be fast."
Bobby stood listening to the exchange, nodded and headed out towards the porch.
Amy stopped for a second when they were finally outside and turned her face to the sun for a few seconds as if she could absorb its rays in that short time frame.
"Missing your outdoors time Amy?"
"I guess so Sal. I should make it a habit to go out for a walk when the boys are sleeping. The porch isn't really this."
"Still Sis, you're just a couple of weeks in and they need some time."
"You and they both need some time Amy." Meg said adding to Erma's comment.
"I know, I know." She said turning and smiling as both Spartan and Isabelle walked towards her. She reached up to each of them immediately "Hello Spartan, hi Belle."
She watched as Spartan leaned over and moved his huge head to within a few inches of the boys and sniffed. A moment after Isabelle did the same but stayed farther away than Spartan. Amy assumed it was because her sense of smell was heightened to make up for her deafness.
"You find them horses yet Amy?"
"Not yet Sal, couple of nibbles though. They'll ride minis first."
"Black and white paints for growing into? Maddie mentioned it."
"Yeah, that would be my first choice for ranch horse Brin, we'll see what turns up over the next year, Chuck's in no hurry for more horses."
She watched as Jackson, Cars and April popped through the back door of the house and ran over. Each hugged Amy and then leaned into the twins who stared at them with big eyes.
"Anyone have a message?" Amy asked as they straightened up.
"Gran said we're supposed to find dad and tell them to hurry. The girls are helping Gran get ready to serve."
"Then I guess you should do that. We'll make our way back to the porch and wait, go on."
She watched again as the three ran off to the rescue barn and Wyatt, Chuck and Robin started their way down the stairs over the barn.
"Hey guys." Amy said as they came over to the group now ready to head back.
"We saw you all and thought we'd join you, lunch soon?"
"Lunch soon Wyatt, walk with us and the medical crew will be by soon, Jackson just went after Ty."
"Hi boys." Robin said leaning over where each grabbed one of fingers on each hand.
"Like the horses?"
Amy smiled "push the stroller Rob, we're heading to the porch."
Two steps in she wrapped her arms around Chuck's and pulled him closer to her "How's life treating you these days sweetheart?"
"Oh, good, we're happy."
Amy turned from him "Happy Rob?"
"Yup, always, I like being married."
"You happy Amy?"
"Tired but happy Rob, they still awake?"
"Nope, doesn't look that way."
Amy sighed "Yeah, they do that when you wheel them around."
Robin giggled "me too I guess, I fall asleep in cars."
They got to the front of the house when they spotted the medical crew with John and Josie along being led by JT, Cars and April heading to the house. Amy waited for them allowing Brin and Robin to bring the boys up to the porch with Bobby dutifully following with their stroller.
"Fast asleep Amy."
"Just get them into the stroller Brin, they'll be up soon enough."
"No rest for the weary huh?"
"I've got another month or two of weary Brin, it's why men don't have babies."
Brin smiled heading up "it's the whole childbirth process I guess, definitely woman's work."
She watched the teens get the boys down peacefully and without waking and turned when she felt Ty's arms wrap around her gently.
"Hey you, have fun fishing?"
"I did, it was a good morning and you?"
"Same I guess. Brin and Bobby helped out with the boys, ready for lunch?"
"I'm actually starved."
"Then let's eat and we can get the birthday gifts out of the way." Betty said standing followed by Lisa, Casey and the rest of the crew sitting on the porch.
Lunch today, as dictated by the birthday trio were serve yourself Bahn-Mi sandwiches. Fresh French baguettes from The Way Home bakery delivered warm that morning three kinds of filling including seasoned and braised tofu, for the vegans along with a huge variety of fresh and pickled vegetables and two Vietnamese salads as sides. Mal volunteered to stay on the porch with the kids and would trade that duty with others when they returned to the porch with their sandwiches. There was plenty and she didn't mind the wait.
Amy lined up at the table and grabbed a plate. As she spread her baguette and started scanning the table she realized Jack was right behind her watching what she did.
"Hello Grandpa, I must have missed you coming back."
"I went straight to the room to wash up and change."
She nodded as she lined her bread with some lettuce as a base "how was fishing?"
Jack smiled as he followed her lead on the sandwich line "I've come to realize that there are two kinds of fly fishing, the quiet contemplative fishing I'm used to and Jackson's fishing."
Amy laughed "Not quite as contemplative? Have a favorite?"
"Both have their place, and I don't think I can choose, fishing with your three does hold a special place in my heart these days though."
"Good to hear." Amy said throwing some random pickled vegetable onto her seasoned meat. "I can't remember the last time I had a contemplative time fishing though so there is that, but I do love talking to JT, always interesting to hear what's going on in that brain of his."
Now it was Jack's time to laugh "there is that."
"Grab one of those Vietnamese beers Grandpa, Ty likes them." Amy said reaching for a water bottle "Come sit outside with me and Mal can grab some food."
Amy checked the boys before sitting even after Mal had told her they hadn't budged.
Mal smiled and shook her head before walking off towards the door.
"Lisa tells me Ty was in charge of gifts this year?"
"Yeah, I couldn't imagine how I'd think about it this year though I did order Jackson a cross country saddle a couple months ago so that's a part of his and some fishing gear as always. The girls I left to him and all I know is that they're in the music room across from the library."
"So?"
Amy laughed, "I'm sure he spent more than he should have."
"Is that an issue?"
She chuckled "nope, it's cute though and they have those trucks already so probably less than that."
As they ate and chatted the conversation grew to include the growing crowd of birthday well wishers who were already spilling off the porch onto blankets on the lawn favored by the younger folks and to the picnic tables for the older ones.
Amy and Jack were joined by the other grandparents, Mallory, Jake and Ty.
"What's the topic of conversation?" Lisa asked settling next to Jack.
"Ty's spoiling the kids." Amy answered grinning.
"Come on Ames, not really that much."
Lilly laughed "What's that much these days?"
"None of your business." Ty muttered with his mouth half full. "Besides" he continued after swallowing "those trucks will retain most of their value and part of todays gifts are definitely investment grade."
"I like investment grade anythings." Betty added "especially real estate, is it real estate son?"
"No Betty, not real estate, can this be over now?"
Amy was laughing "Yes it can, that should be enough for now."
"For now?"
Amy laughed again "Well, it is going to depend on what you bought Ty."
"Fine, I don't think you'll have a problem."
"Good to hear. Betty, have we decided to wait on cakes and dessert until after gifts?"
"Last I heard, gifts were first. Though I'd like to pick up and clear away before we all disappear for gifts."
"Then we'll do that." Amy added before taking another bite.
It was decided over lunch that presents would wait not only for cleaning but for the newborns to have their feeds so that Amy wouldn't have to miss or get called away from the birthday gift festivities, so it was almost an hour before Ty led them down the hall to the music and media room across from the library.
"More waiting?" Jackson asked stopping next to Ty.
"Just waiting for your sisters Jackson, lighten up a bit huh?"
"Sorry dad."
Amy smiled watching Ty sigh and put his hand gently behind Jackson's head which elicited a smile.
"We're here pappa." Charlie said moving from next to Bobby to next to Maddie.
Ty smiled and pushed the doors open and three kids moved next to him.
"Wow." Maddie said staring across the room.
There was a small pile of wrapped gifts to the right leaning against one of the small couches where Jackson scooted around towards a second later followed by Carson and April.
The girls took a second longer to react to what lay across from them across the room. There were two mikes on stands in front of two electric guitars on stands in front of two amps.
"Oh Pappa." Charlie whispered walking forward next to Maddie who was headed straight for the bass.
"That's a 1972 Natural Telecaster Bass Mad, and a 40 watt Marshall bass amp."
"The guitar Pappa?"
"Natural 1973 Thinline Telecaster Custom Charlie and a 40 watt Marshall guitar amp."
"Thank you Pappa." They said simultaneously.
"And?" Amy asked.
"And you mom." Maddie said smiling and then coming over to kiss her and then Ty before Charlie followed.
"Interesting choice." Amy said from his side.
"Good though right?" Ty asked about to head over to Jackson.
"They love them so it's fine Ty, as long as they don't wake the boys."
"We'll establish rules and there are headphones."
"Well, one of us will definitely establish rules; pick up a boy Ty, let's check on JT."
"These are great mom!" JT said seeing her approach with one of the babies and sitting down near the pile of wrapping paper. He then fitted on a pair of waterproof and thermal gloves and showed her his new waders and the bridle for Turq.
"There's a matching English saddle in the barn Jack." Chuck added.
"Wow, that's awesome."
"You'll have to get used to riding English Jackson, I'm sure Georgie and your sisters will help."
"Anytime I'm free cuz." Georgie said a second before Maddie plucked on a bass string.
"What was that Sam, huh?" Amy cooed smiling at the baby she was holding when he reacted to the note.
"You girls want to play with your new toys?" Amy asked.
"Yes please." They both answered.
"Ok, these guys need their naps so we'll leave you all here, not too loud please girls, you can turn it up a bit when they're up again."
"K mom." Maddie answered looking at the headphones and looking for the jack.
The guests all hovered amongst the kids while Mallory went over to Ty and put out her arms.
"Give him to me Ty and you can stay and play with the kids and their new toys."
"Thanks Mal, you guys call if you need me."
"We will my love." Amy said leaning up to kiss his cheek before depositing Sam into the stroller while Mallory waited right behind her with Mitch.
"Hey mom, you going?" Jackson asked coming over.
"Yup, it's nap time for these two JT, your dad's staying."
"Can I go see Turq?"
"I don't see why not, you can even go for a trail ride if you ask Chuck nicely to help with the saddles."
"Can I take Turq?"
"In a western saddle and grab a phone."
Amy smiled at Carson and April scooting over to their moms for permission.
"Folks" she announced, "Mallory and I are heading up for the boys to get a proper nap, our ranch is your ranch."
"Need help Amy?"
"I think we're good gran, once they're down we'll hang in my bedroom with the monitor and see how that goes."
"I'll stop up, probably with the others, I think the men are heading out to the trucks."
Once changed, Amy and Mal lay the boys down and watched them fall asleep minutes later. They smiled at each other having successfully gotten them down without a whimper, set and checked the monitor and tiptoed out of the room closing the door behind them. They high-fived in the hallway on the way to Amy's bedroom and slumped down to relax.
"Maybe you should nap Mal?"
"You know, I feel fine, maybe a little later, how about you?"
Amy laughed "I'm sort of used to just napping where I am and it's a special day for the kids. I haven't asked Mal, are you two comfortable in the house, it's probably a lot to take in."
"I kind of like being in the center of things, we lived alone for a long time and Jake's hours were brutal and I was home kind of early most days once I left the kindergarten group. I sort of missed the hubbub. Truth is your family and this place is just what I needed and Jake's happy as a clam."
They both looked up when the gentle knock came on the open door and saw the four grandmothers, Betty, Lisa, Lilly and Casey all smiling.
Amy smiled back, "come on in and find a squat, where are your other halves?"
"Trucks and motorcycles, the girls gave them permission for test drives so they'll be heading out soon enough. The other moms opted to leave you be for now and went off on some horses." Lisa answered.
"We're so proud of the twins getting those trucks ready."
"How are the lessons going?" Lisa asked.
"Not my purview but Ty said they're doing fine. I actually think the motorcycles helped with that, you can't be unsafe on a bike. He says they're both attentive and safe drivers. They'll have their junior licenses before winter. He takes is all very seriously. John and Trish have been taking them out also."
"And then the worrying starts."
"I worry enough now Lilly but there's a nine o'clock curfew on those junior licenses so I have time before the real curfew trips happen."
"Well, they're beautiful, the trucks I mean."
"They did a nice job Casey."
"And you Amy, getting any sleep?"
Amy smiled "I'm doing Ok I guess, a lot of help and naps. Hopefully another month or two and they'll be sleeping longer."
"When do they sleep through the night?"
"They say 4 to 6 months Casey, we'll hope for the best and take what comes. I think if I can sleep 4 to 6 hours at a time I'll be good, until then, I nap when they do usually and spell with Mallory."
"She does all the feeding though so not really."
"Is she a good boss Mal?"
Mallory smiled "she is, just look around at all the happy people who work here."
"And riding?"
"Another month at least Lilly, I really miss it."
"You'll get there Amy."
"How's Ty doing?"
"He's fine, though I wish he'd sleep longer, I get it though. He's really stepped up with the ranch and the kids, he's been awesome that way."
"The kids are in heaven with all the attention he's been giving them." Betty added.
"And the gears?"
Amy laughed "Well, I think he's always going to get the gears, at least from the girls, they love poking at him and I think he loves it."
"You can see it in his eyes with all three." Betty added again.
"He's a good dad Lilly, you didn't break him, stop worrying."
"I'll always worry Amy."
"I think all parents worry and I don't think it ends but maybe a little less now?"
"A lot less Amy."
"Excellent." Amy proclaimed. "Now how about you all go exercise some of my horses, I can't imagine staying inside all day was the plan."
"You kicking us out sweetheart?"
"Not unless you want to watch me nap Gran, but my eyes can be closed for an hour I think, what do you say Mal."
"I'll read, maybe that'll become a nap."
"Well, if Lilly can abide us, how about a bottle of wine ladies."
"Aged grapes, I can definitely go with some aged grapes Lisa." Betty said followed by Casey, "certainly a proposal I can get behind."
"And I'm fine, I'll have Amy's regular, cranberry juice with soda and a lime."
"Definitely my favorite drink out Lilly."
"You have a good nap Amy."
"Thank you Lilly, I'll see you all later."
"Mind if I just sack out here Amy?" Mallory asked pointing at the couch.
"Fine with me Mal." Amy answered laying back on the bed and closing her eyes. The last thing she remembered was hearing the boys quiet breathing.
They both woke with the first gurgle which became two babies whimpering and then crying within a few seconds. Amy smiled at Mallory as she passed to the bathroom and again when they passed in the doorway.
"I'll see you down there Mal."
"I'll just be a minute Amy."
"Shhhh, shhhh" Amy cooed once she got to the door of the boy's room. "Now, now, mom's here, who's first huh?"
She lifted Mitch first since he was closest and made a mental note to switch cribs as she drew him up to her chest and kissed his head. "You're all wet aren't you sweetheart." She said patting his back as Mallory scooted in and reached for Sam. "I've got you SJ, come on, Auntie Mal will get you all cleaned up."
They stood side by side after a moment each stripping down the boys and getting them changed.
"It's a bit early for their next feeding Amy."
"Let's just sit with them for a while Mal."
Mallory laughed "I guess that'll be up to them."
"It's going to be like that for some time to come I guess, chairs or couch?"
"Chair for me."
"Chairs it is then." Amy answered heading to hers. Mallory followed seconds later.
"I never asked Mal, you and kids?"
"Funny, Jake and I actually just talked about that and decided to hold off for the year while these two become less hands on."
"It does take some time Mal, keep that in mind and you know that you two are welcome to stay with us and get old here, this is your family's ranch."
"I know sis and I've missed you all so much and feel at home here. You know I'm proud of you Amy, your mom would be so proud of all this."
"Thanks Mal, you know I didn't do this all on my own."
"Yes, you did Amy, without you, none of this would be here. This, Marion would have loved this."
Well, she'd have loved these kiddos, wouldn't she have Mitch? Huh, wouldn't she?" Amy cooed before blowing a raspberry against his arm."
"Teenaged troops." Mallory said as 4 feet of steps headed up the stairs.
"Hey mom, hey Mal!" Charlie said coming in and seeing them sitting with the boys "what's going on?"
"Hi guys, just keeping them occupied until they're due for their next feedings."
"Can we get a snuggle?"
"Sure Mad, I can stretch, come get him." Amy said standing and waiting for Maddie to close the short gap between them.
"Charlie?" Mallory asked.
"Absolutely, come here Sam." Charlie sang softly taking the baby from Mallory's hands a moment later.
"Tea Mal?"
"I'll come with, I need a sugar fix."
Amy smiled and put out her hand for Mallory's "Have fun kids, back soon."
"We've got them mom." Maddie said with Mitch in her arms who was holding onto Brin's finger.
They heard the gathering crowd coming up the porch stairs while they were coming down the stairs from the second floor for the inevitable meeting that happened moments later when the door opened and the mud room/hallway/stair landing filled with people.
"Hey mom!" Was the first thing she heard as Jackson kicked off his well-worn boots and ran straight into her arms.
"How are my horses doing?"
"They're all great." Georgie announced heading into the kitchen.
"What she said." Jackson added before "where are the twins?"
"Both sets of twins are in the nursery while Mal and I are supposed to be grabbing snacks and drinks."
"Can I go up?"
"You need to wash and don't you want a snack?"
"Oh sure."
"Where's your dad Jackson?"
"Caught on the porch." Georgie threw in from the cookie platter on the kitchen table, while chewing on a cookie "I'm starved and these are awesome." She added more to herself than anyone in particular.
"What are we doing Amy?" Mallory asked sipping from her coffee mug.
"Heading back upstairs Mal, grab a plate of sweets and follow me up. Georgie, get what you need and come upstairs please."
"What about us?"
"Grab a cookie, get some milk and come up when you're done and washed and you can visit with your brothers Jackson. Your mom's are still out riding?" Amy asked April and Carson?"
"Guess so if they're not here."
"Thank you Cars."
She smiled back when Carson smiled at her answer, his mouth now chewing a cookie.
"Let's go crew." Amy said looking at Georgie and Mallory who were each walking towards her, plates and mugs in hand. As she started up the stairs she called back "Someone send my husband upstairs when he comes in please."
"I'm right here Amy, need something?" Ty called up coming through the front door.
"Nothing but you sweetheart." She called back.
By the time they got back , the girls had checked the boy's diapers and had them on the floor sided by side. They were both still awake and wriggling next to each other. Bobby was half laying across the couch while Brin and the twins were on the floor interacting with the boys as much as possible.
"Had enough Bobby?" Amy asked chuckling as he sat up to make room for Georgie while she and Mallory made their ways to the rockers.
"You all have plans?"
"We're hitting the trails mom, just waiting on you all."
Amy sighed "Yeah, pretty much can't wait for that."
"You've waited this long Amy, end of that trail coming."
"I know Georgie, still, this whole birthday's been kind of weird for me. No real planning, the gifts and everything else, I just left it for the others."
"Come on Mom, there are bigger fish to fry here, look at what you did."
Amy laughed "I see what I did Mad, and I know I had to step back but thanks for that."
Maddie nodded "What are we doing with them?" She asked nodding at the twins on the blanket.
"Well, they're quiet and I expect three more kids and your father soon enough so leave 'em for now. Have fun on your ride and ask Gran if she'll need anything from you later."
"Anything I need to know Georgie?"
"We're getting a Briard."
"Oh Georgie, they're adorable. Male? Or Female?" Amy exclaimed.
"Male puppy, 8 weeks."
"Know anything about his sire or dam?"
"Like?"
"Size?"
"Yeah, pretty big, he'll probably go 90, give or take."
"Get him vaccinated at school Georgie, we don't carry them here."
"Last thing I'll do before bringing him."
"Bringing who?" Ty asked walking in and making his way past the boys and straight to Amy.
"A dog for Georgie and Wyatt, hello husband, all grandma'd out?" Amy asked leaning up for Ty's kiss.
"What dog and yes, definitely all grandma'd out."
"Have you seen the Briards in the vet school shelter?"
"Sorry Georgie, they just don't fit my equine and large animal schedule. The farthest I get is the large animal barn. I honestly don't remember much about Briards, French right?"
"French herders." Georgie answered.
"With gorgeous coats, get them used to the horses, Bert loves dogs and didn't mind my two on rounds much. You should be fine. What color?" Amy added.
"Solid black, they're all adorable and Bert knows."
"He should be old enough to train with the alpaca herd in the spring."
"You'll help?"
"I'll contact some people about teaming yours with ours Georgie, we'll get it done."
"Thanks Amy."
"The more the merrier Georgie. Ty, do you have plans for the rest of the day?"
"I figured I'd spend at least a few hours with you Ames."
"Then Mal how about you and Jake head out for a bit, busy Georgie?"
"Nope, I can use a ride, let me check with Wyatt, he could probably use a break."
"Jake's good, Chuck and Robin are in the barn getting ready, trail ride for six?"
"Wyatt'll meet us downstairs."
Ty had moved down to sit next to the boys on the floor. Each held a finger on Ty's hands and he was leaning over them so they could focus on his face and listed to his soft voice.
"You two good to get them down?"
Ty smiled and looked up "We're great Mal, go take a breather and Amy and I'll take care of these two."
"Works for me." She answered. "Ready Georgie?"
"Yup, I'm good."
"Check with Gran about dinner you two and we'll see you later." Amy said. "They seem to be fading anyway. Maybe there's a snuggle and a nap in my future."
Ty sighed "I can snuggle and nap."
"I'm sorry they've been keeping you up Ty."
Ty chuckled "They'll be keeping me up until college Ames."
Amy smiled as Jackson's voice came down the hall "Just don't yell but normal talking is fine so they get used to it."
"Het mom, hey dad, hey guys!" Jackson said getting right down on his knees next to Ty and bending over the twins.
"Hello Amy, hello Ty." April added a second later while Carson being the talkative one ended the trio's entrance with "hey."
"Hey guys." Amy said smiling at the trio. "They're fading."
"That's ok, we were going to start my birthday puzzle."
"Sounds like fun, where are the dogs.?"
"Oh yeah, Georgie said they were taking them along so they can get some exercise."
"Thank you April."
"What are you guys gonna do?"
"Your mom and I were going to take a nap."
"We'll try not to make any noise mom."
"Thanks Jackson, but it's a puzzle."
"I know dad, just the other stuff, like jokes or when we fit a big chunk together."
"Well then your mom and I thank you for your understanding and Mitch is asleep."
Jackson looked down "yup, c'mon guys, babies got to sleep."
"Have fun you all." Amy said getting up from her rocker "Check him before you lay him down Ty, I'll get Sam."
Amy opened her eyes to find Betty sitting on the edge of the bed. She remembered getting the twins down and watching their eyes close and Ty's arm slipping around her waist in bed but that was it. She smiled at Betty and listened to the boys quiet breathing before turning to the older woman.
"Sorry to wake you sweetheart but would you like to eat while the boys are still asleep, the girls are back and I'm sure the three puzzlers won't mind?"
Amy nodded and started sitting up when Ty roused himself.
"What are we doing?"
"Trying to eat in peace before the boys wake for their next feeding."
Betty smiled as Ty rolled to the opposite side of the bed "I'll get things started." She said standing next to Amy.
"We'll get washed up Gran." Amy said when Ty got up and headed to the bathroom.
"How long did we nap for?" Ty asked at the sink.
"Not quite an hour and a half, better than nothing." Amy answered between splashes of water on her face.
"I think I could have slept until morning."
"I've got to be up soon anyway and eating in peace sounds like a plan."
Amy sighed walking out of the bedroom but had her signature smile on her face coming down the stairs with her phone, which was now hooked up to the baby's monitor, in her hand.
"How are you doing Amy?"
"Naps are great Lily."
"That goes away after a while but don't worry, they come back when you're older."
"Good to know, everyone waiting for us?"
Lily smiled "Seems that way."
"Then let's get to it, I'm starved."
Diners dispersed onto the porch and across the lawn as they made their way from the buffet of fried and roasted chicken and salads. Ty grabbed a blanket as they passed a pile of them coming off the porch and settled with Amy along a patch of lawn not far from Charlie, Chuck and Robin. Within minutes, Georgie, Mallory and husbands joined them along with the compliment of kids and their others.
"We need these things Papa." Maddie said dropping an iPad next to his dinner plate.
"Hello Madeline, nice of you to join us, typically there's a kiss before you hand me a list." Ty said before taking a bite of a chicken leg.
"Sorry papa, greasy lips from the chicken, unless?"
Amy giggled as Ty politely declined Maddie's offer. "No, no, that's fine Mad. Maybe you can cut to the chase and tell your mom and me what's on the list."
She loved the way Ty dealt with the twins and Jackson and loved watching their interactions. Like her, he was a pretty easy mark if he could be convinced that there actually was a need for what they were asking or possibly, they were just pulling his chain and giving him the gears. She knew he wouldn't make a decision couched this way and without talking to her and possibly Betty, but this is the way requests came these days.
"Two keyboards, two mikes, 2 more headphone sets, a headphone mixer, a digital drum set and a digital synthesizer."
"Doesn't sound cheap." Mallory added.
"Your mom and I'll talk about it Mad, how much?"
"Not sure Papa, there are choices."
"No recording studio?"
"Uhm, the synthesizer will connect to a MacBook and we can run everything through it." Brin said from her spot next to Maddie.
"Sounds loud to me."
"Headphones mom." Charlie answered.
"You plan on fitting all that in with your chores?"
"Winter's coming mom, lots more indoor time."
"Should I tell Nick and Claire or do you two want to?"
"We'll get it all done mom and our chores will always take precedence."
"Then we'll discuss all this Charlie, at another time please. Now, how are our alpaca faring?"
"We sent our last report to Charlie, Haddie and Gran since you're, well, somewhat indisposed. We've got a total of 3530 Alpaca spread over 5 ranches. About 30 percent or so are pregnant and, we sold almost 800 cria and 130 machos, so it's been a good year so far."
"Can't really argue with those numbers and you can actually email a report to me girls, I'll decide on my own whether to read it or not."
"Sorry mom, we just figured, you know."
"I get it Charlie, still, please keep me in the loop."
"Miss not being in the middle of everything?"
"Interesting question Georgie. I miss spending the time with the kids I'm not with and my friends. I miss spending the time with the people that I love who do all the things around here that make us successful and I definitely miss the time with the horses; but I don't think I'd give those twins up for any of it."
"We miss you too sis!" Erma called out from a few feet away just as one of the twins started fussing.
"That's my cue." Amy said leaning on her hand and straightening up to stand. She smiled watching Ty bolt up and put out a helping hand for her.
Ty saw Mallory kiss Jake and start to get up and waved her back. "Stay out here Mal, we'll be fine."
"If you're sure, just text if you need me."
"We will." Ty answered taking Amy's free hand as they walked toward the house.
Holding the phone and listening to the boys starting to get restless they passed through the grandmother's easily promising that I exchange for some husband and wife child bonding, they'd return for a visit with the boys once they were fed.
Ty chuckled following Amy up the stairs. "That phone is like a natural gateway to getting past that crew with minimal problems."
"Enjoy it while you can my love."
They settled in the boys room alone with two changed boys in their arms, Sam being held and fed by Amy and Mitch gurgling in Ty's arms. Both had their feet up on their matching footstools while gently rocking in the chairs Amy spent two weeks testing before choosing.
"Happy with the chairs Ames?"
"Very happy husband, you?"
"Definitely in my top three but that might have just been a style thing."
Amy laughed "These not masculine enough for you Ty?"
"Heh." Ty answered with a laugh of his own "I knew one day that I'd have this conversation with someone, you, the daughters…Mal maybe, and I knew that's what whomever would say, so…. I just thought something like horses or hockey players would be what you'd choose. These are fine."
Amy smiled and then took a second to adjust Sam's position, "There's nothing inherently feminine about blue and yellow flowers Ty, besides, I chose for me, not them."
"Now that makes sense and they are really comfortable. I have to go to Manhattan to look at that apartment. Probably with Trev, maybe Charlie. Any tips?"
"Tips, nope, look, ultimately we'd be buying that place for Maddie and likely Brin so that's what you're looking at. So first, are you Ok with that, and second, forgetting the money part because it is a Manhattan real estate investment, are you OK with this particular apartment for her."
"Putting aside the buying an apartment for my 16 year old daughter and her girlfriend, a few years waiting, a few years college and then it's a family place again, right?"
"Well, technically I guess, but now assume that Maddie decides on Columbia or NYU Law or business school or medical school for that matter, anything really."
"And again, I know there's an and."
"Are we really taking the apartment if they stay a couple and want to stay?"
Ty sighed "I guess not and Charlie?"
"Charlie, well, if she stays here in Ithaca for school then we'll see what she wants to do. If she stays a couple with Bobby then she has a farm to live on one day or we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Here" Amy said, "this boy is done."
Amy lay Sam gently across her legs and took Mitch from Ty's arms, a moment later he lifted Sam and lay him against his chest which was now covered with a cloth diaper he one-handed across himself.
"I guess this is what normal people do." He said starting to pat Sam's back.
"We're normal people Ty, I mean I get the finances part but we live on a ranch with lots of folk around. Mallory's as much my little sister as anyone, her husband works here, Gran, Georgie, the twins and Jackson, the cast would have been different if we lived at Heartland but I think it would pretty much be close to this."
"I love this time, just us and these two."
"It's nice and it is nice having the family to help. I worry about losing time with the others."
"They get it Ames and they have the same unlimited access."
"That doesn't mean I don't worry about the time lost. Here, put Sam down for a second and burp this one, I have to pee and we'll get them into long sleeve outfits for the porch, it's starting to get a little chilly when the sun starts going down."
They carried the boys down and handed them off to Betty and Lisa who were the first two Grans sitting on the porch with the others quickly leaning over to see them. Amy and Ty moved further down to where the kids and other moms had gathered.
Amy sat down and sighed leaning back.
"Tired sis?"
"I guess but that's not this Erma. I miss being in the middle of it all."
"That'll come back soon enough Amy, they'll start napping longer and stay awake longer and there you go. Patience sister."
"Patience, mom's strongest attribute."
"Hush Charlotte, this too shall pass." Amy answered laughing. "What's the topic before we interrupted."
"Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year." Sally answered.
"And?"
"Charlie offered his place for a big Thanksgiving meal. We can pot-luck I guess."
"C'mon Sal, have you seen Charlie's kitchen?" Erma said "We can cook there and play downstairs."
"How did this offer come about?" Amy asked.
"Robin was talking about missing Christmas week and being in California and Charlie offered a Thanksgiving blow-out at his place." Erma answered.
"I'm gonna miss them like crazy over the Christmas break so I'm in."
"I assume we're up at the mountain house like last year. Christmas Day here and up the next day?"
"If it's Ok with all of you, we had a great time last year."
"We did." Ty added
"We all did too.' Maddie added with the three other teens nodding along.
Erma laughed "Then let's assume it's unanimous."
"We're gonna need more rooms."
"We have those huge RV's." Ty suggested.
"That'll work as a temporary for sure. They're normal size Class A's Ty, we'll have to get them checked and have gas and electric hookups set up somewhere and arrange for pump outs."
"Temporary?"
"We'll talk about it sweetheart."
Ty shook his head "I have 5 kids and to think I would ever own more houses than I have kids was not on my bingo card."
"You can always have more kids Pappa."
"Well thanks Mad, maybe we give your mom a rest before that."
"Maybe we do a bit more than that." Amy added laughing.