A/N – Thanks for all the reviews and PM's I'm glad so many of you are enjoying this. I'm not interested in moderating the reviewers so please be kind. I understand not agreeing with the premise of a story but as several have said, this is a FanFic, it's been 8 years since they've seen each other, perhaps everyone has matured and slowed down just a bit.
Chapter 13
After Lunch, they strolled into the barn and over to the family horses where Amy got Spartan out and clipped off.
"Who would you like to ride Ty ?" She said as her hand swept passed several stalls opposite Spartan.
"Amy, these horses are beautiful."
"I know "she giggled "they're my beautiful mares collection I guess. We rescued them over the years and I can't bear to give them away so they're rotation ranch and trail horses. This is Lyric, Dancer and Chrystal. Dancer came pregnant with Chrystal.
"Have a favorite ?"
"Not really, take Lyric, the other two were out this morning" she said checking the iPad station.
They saddled and rode slowly out past the other barns. They were joined immediately by two dogs who ran or trotted on either side of them.
"They follow you everywhere ?"
"They seem to sense when I'm working and steer clear but we're heading towards their job so I guess they figure what the hell."
"Their job ?"
"My hobby, Dodger and Duncan here are Australian Herders, I trained them."
"You any good ?"
"I've got game."
"How much game ?"
"Guess you'll see next week."
"Ames, I'm going to have to go back to Alberta."
"I know Ty, a few weeks, Scott's fine with it."
"You've spoken to Scott ?"
"For years."
"I'll have to process that I guess."
"Ty, promise me something."
"What Amy ?"
"Promise you won't run away from me."
"You know, in the past few days two mothers have basically given me that very same advice, and Lisa, not being one of those, keeps looking at me like she's next. So considering, I promise not to do anything like that before talking it all out with you."
"Two mothers, neither Lisa and I assume not Lily is going to take some explaining. Wait has Betty said something to you ?"
"That's one, and please don't be mad at her. She loves you very much Ames."
"I couldn't be mad at her, she's pushed this for a long time and I can't imagine she didn't play some role in the grand reunion, I love her too."
"The other mom ?"
"That's a long story best left for later."
She looked at him for a second and nodded, "fair enough."
"Good, so how big is this place ?"
Amy described the ranch and the deal with the various government agencies. As they rode he noticed meadows filled with horses everywhere.
"You've got a lot of horses here Amy."
"From the spring through fall we run somewhere up to 200 horses here. I think this is about 160 now but it's really fluid, boarding and taking care of performance horses pays for a lot. Most of our clientele are like John Branch, younger, more modern rich as opposed to old family. Our way, mom's way, makes sense to them and the results speak for themselves."
"And the surgeries."
"They're not all surgeries but medical issues for sure."
"What was Cloister's problem if that's not a trade secret."
"Truth is I'm not really sure, the first few days were tests but he showed no outward signs of injury. While The medical team went through everything I rode him gently, let him be a horse, changed up his diet a little and eased him back to the track. He was a bit hesitant in a pack for the first couple practice runs so a bump or something in a race might have given him pause or hesitation but after a day or two he seemed back in stride so we drove him down. He came here between the other races and back after Belmont."
"So Miracle girl stuff, that probably pays for a lot."
"Come on Ty, stop." She said blushing.
"That paper I signed I guess I work for you now."
"Not really and everyone here works with me Ty, it's a 30 day pass, feel free to have the clinic send a bill, then you don't work for me, just a visiting consultant."
"They call you boss."
"I like to think it's more of an affectation."
Amy felt rather than saw the dogs go to ready position and called them back, "easy boys"
They were coming up on a rise and Ty looked over "what's up with them ?"
"They smell the herd." And a second later they came over the rise and Ty looked out over a field of cotton, moving around.
"That's a lot of Alpacas."
"My babies, they're adorable." She said as she kicked up to a canter and rode down. Ty watched her get down off Spartan and walk into the herd running her free hand over them as they parted to let her through pushing back with big wide eyes swallowing her up following behind. Ty took a picture and sent it to Georgie and Lisa.
When she came out she mounted and routed the dogs forward where Ty joined her. They passed through a gate in the tall fence that opened when Amy punched a code into the raised horseback height keypad and passed into the trees.
"This is beautiful Amy."
"And it will stay that way if I can help it."
"So how does this work ?"
"It's like an adoption really, we keep the land as it is and they're Ok with it. We cover all expenses, including the road through, fire breaks, contribute to the recuse squads and fire brigades. We don't allow hunting, and if we want to build a structure we need approval, so far they've been very cooperative. It's a starter program and they're very happy with the results so far. We also get a tax deferral which always helps."
They rode along at one point joining hands when they turned down what Ty thought was an old logging road. He was surprised when he passed a sign "Entering Pegasus Foundation Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center – Access Restricted – Only authorized personnel beyond this point."
"What is this ?"
"It's our wildlife rescue center Ty, come meet the vets."
Amy stopped at a small open paddock area and sent Spartan in, Ty did the same with Lyric.
"Amy !" I didn't expect you, what a welcome surprise. That's him huh, that picture of your's does not do those eyes justice, that's for sure. It's Dr. Borden I hear, good to meet you, Cassidy Running Bear."
"It's Ty please, I didn't expect all this to tell you the truth."
"Amy insisted on it and the government was fine with it. Come on in, stroll around and I'll get some coffee up and find Alex."
"Nice set-up" he said as they snaked their arms around each other.
"It's a wonder how easy that is."
"Muscle memory."
"I'm all for that Ty."
"Amy ! Not in front of the wildlife."
She giggled when he squeezed her side. They walked past several large netted canopied Aviary set ups "lot of big birds."
"Cassidy's an Avian Specialist, her particular interest is just what you see here, hawks, falcons, eagles, all those birds of prey, there's smaller enclosures in other places around the center and obviously there's other wildlife. They bring them here from around the area for surgery or rehab. The highways are brutal up here to wildlife, we passed an injured hawk the first year the Graingers lived here and the girls insisted on helping it and we literally had no where to turn. We had vets willing to guess and give it a shot and they helped it but that was enough for me. I was lucky to find the Running Bears and they're from Alberta, north of Edmonton. Alex is a general vet, exotics and wildlife and we have vets who volunteer like you guys do in Hudson. It took years before we could do it but I'm glad it's here."
"Amy ! And you must be Ty, Alex Running Bear, good to meet you. Come up to the house and have coffee, good view from up top."
"Up top ?"
"We built them a treehouse Ty, I figured they couldn't resist."
"She was right, come up, it's still breathtaking." Alex said.
Amy turned to the dogs, "rest boys". Ty watched them lay down, right where they were.
He hardly realized it was there before he saw the staircase and went up. There was a large open area with a big open stove and hearth. Leather couches and soaring windows. Ty couldn't believe it, it was living in the trees. It was all a little compact but looked huge with the openness of the windows which were curved out extending the view. He got the grand tour and saw the clever design for the kids' rooms. They were small but looked like a ball to live in. The kitchen, again small but quite adaptable with an outdoor grill. The bathroom was unique but obviously useable. Then he followed Alex up a circular stair to their bedroom which during the day looked more like a lounge, the bed carefully hidden somehow and Ty then looked across to the tops of the Aviaries in the compound and saw the big birds. "Wow."
"For me, it's like waking up in paradise Ty." Cassidy said coming up with a tray followed by Amy with one as well.
"I can imagine, actually until this moment I don't think I could."
Amy was beaming with pride. "they wouldn't let us build a permanent residence on the ground, the vet facility downstairs is actually built to be portable but we don't move it. It's a wink and nod thing. Anyway, one day I saw the girls watching this You Tube video of these amazing treehouses. We contacted the people at the wildlife commission who contacted their attorneys and as long as nothing was permanently damaged they approved us. This structure is entirely supported by steel posts that we disguised as trees. We had the forestry people do the pruning for the structure, our architect had a ball and here it is."
"It's like living in one of those zoo enclosures I've seen in videos."
"Come sit on the deck and have a cup, I hear you've had some adventures Ty."
They sat and had a very nice talk, Ty was comfortable and in his element. They laughed and told war stories of rescues in far away places. Amy was amused and asked pointed questions but Ty got the feeling it was somewhat feigned and that maybe she knew more about his life than he originally thought.
After about 45 minutes, the coffee was done and they excused themselves to continue on and allow the Running Bears to return to work.
"Come by again Ty and we'll give you the real tour" Alex told him reaching out to shake his hand, "coyotes, White tail, fox and raccoons oh and rabbits, hell of a lot of rabbits. We've had moose, snakes, beavers, lots of fun. We had a bear cub shipped out a week ago. Real pain in the butt, we named him Jackson."
"I bet he loved that." Ty laughed.
"He did, they had a thing those two. Anyhow, we restrict most vehicles as much as we can so horseback when you head out. Amy on Wednesday, I'll come in and Cassidy will be here for tours ?"
"That's great Alex thanks."
"We'll I'm shutting down at least long enough to watch those kids if they perform."
"That's fine Cass as long as you let Sandra know."
Cassidy hugged and kissed Amy as did Alex and Cassidy kissed Ty's cheek and hugged him too. "It's a First Nations thing Ty, besides you've got game Dr. Borden."
They rode out down the road and turned off onto a narrow path that meandered along a stream that joined another and then another. Ty was surprised when Amy stopped and then noticed the small open barn enclosure. He got off along with her and straightened up. "I assume this is still yours ?"
"This is my private place Ty, I'm really the only person who uses it, when I need to collect myself. Betty and the kids have been here once or twice, I assume most of the ranch doesn't even know it exists other than rumors."
"Are you sure you want me to ?"
"Make love to me above the trees Ty, I'm pretty sure. It's been on my bucket list for the last 60 minutes."
"Don't you have to get back ?"
"I sent a text that's probably running around the compound right now in total disbelief, I told Betty I was taking the afternoon off."
"Well then, maybe we should just unsaddle these two and make sure they're nice and comfy."
"What a wonderful idea Ty."
She led him up the steps and stopped before a door with a keypad and punched in a code. She then hit a button, punched in another set of codes and touched her thumb to a pad, when the light turned green she turned "punch in a 6 digit code Ty."
"Amy, this is your".
"Please Ty."
"Fine but you please stop doing that." He punched in a code and Amy said "thumb here Ty."
After sighing and then complying with her request and a few seconds later, the light flashed green three times.
They climbed the stairs and Ty followed Amy through into the room and sucked in his breath. The windows before him looked out over the preserve and continued on over Pegasus. Meadows of horses, the track, and alpacas. You could just make out the structures at the end of the vista. There were some trees the way and the treehouse seems to be cut back in such a way as to keep it partially hidden. The dogs settled on two plush mattresses in the corner. Amy set up water for them on a mat near the small kitchen.
"Wow Amy, it's, well I don't have the words."
"Want a drink Ty ? I think there's beer in the fridge, probably old though since, well, I don't drink I guess."
"It's probably fine in the fridge but I don't think so."
"I'll get some fresh stuff sent up here, I have a service that takes care of it. There's road access on the other side."
"Ames, you don't have to."
"Stop Ty, it's nothing, I give them a list and they fill it, they also rotate the fresh stuff in the fridge, how about a bottle of water oh and look there are cherries."
She grabbed two bottles and the bowl and headed up a circular stair to a large bedroom with a sitting area and another fire place. This panorama was 360 degrees and off in the distance mountains. He noticed that the décor was distinctly Albertan, hand made wooden furniture, paintings of wild horses. "Hey these are all by Jane Arcand, like that painting I got before the crash."
"I like the wild horses and they bring back good memories, I come here to dream about Alberta Ty."
"Amy."
"No, No Ty, none of these words need to be said now. Come help me out of these clothes, how about a nice bath ?"
"Well, that's one I don't think we ever did."
"Can't say that I recall one either, how novel."
They made love in the what Ty called the magic bath because it never got cold and then under a rainfall nozzle in the stone enclosed shower. Ty was a bit freaked out that one wall was solid glass and faced a drop but Amy seemed to like it, twice actually, facing it and not. When it first came out she became obsessed with concept of on demand hot water, heat recyclers and radiant heat. Memories of cold water showers and freezing floors in Alberta would never be an issue here. When needed, her barns had heat.
They air dried sharing a lounge chair on a screened in deck in the warm summer breeze. They laughed as a formation of ducks interrupted their necking, they squawked going by and all the way to Seneca Lake which they could see in the distance.
"Why don't you just live up here Ames ?"
"Because the world is down there and there are people who depend on me."
"It was a rhetorical question."
"Not really. I assume I have enough money to just stop everything and do just that but I truly love what I do Ty. To think that we, this place makes a difference. I think if I stopped it would change me. I come up here a lot when JT's recovering from a surgery just to look out and clear my head. Take a deep breath you know."
"Part of my problem has always been not stopping for that breath."
"You know what they say Ty, the first part of conquering a problem is understanding that it exists."
"I guess, should we be heading out ?"
"Well I had hoped to inaugurate the bed."
Ty smiled and leaned forward to carry her inside while she nibbled at his neck and giggled.
The days were long in the Ithaca summer though not anything like Alberta, the sun was still high in the sky when they rode back through the woods and then a light gallop home, Spartan's days of jumping and hard riding behind him. They slowed when they reached the compound and got off to walk their mounts to the barn. They were walking hand in hand in front of the horses just getting past medical.
"Isn't that just adorable, I'm here working when I should be at the school and you are taking a stroll on an impromptu day off !"
"Shit" Amy whispered, "I knew I forgot something."
"Where in our agreement, our unspoken partnership does it say you can just ship one of my vets away, what am I going to do if a surgery comes up, it's summer remember."
Amy turned with a big smile "I have a very capable surgeon right here Bert, stop bellowing."
"Who is this ?"
"You know who this is Bert Koenig, she's right, stop bellowing. I assume by the smile on her face that you're Ty" a smiling youngish middle aged woman dressed for riding and leading a handsome roan turned to them and stopped." I'm very glad to meet you, I'm Meg Koenig and as you've heard this is my husband Bertram whom you may call Bert."
"Bertram Koenig, the orthopedic surgeon ?"
"Bert please, it's good to finally meet you Ty, Scott speaks very highly of you, I look forward to working with you. There, was that satisfactory ladies ? Amy Fleming, why am I delivering class schedules to you and you really do have to attend those faculty meetings, frankly I'm running out of excuses."
"Bert, do they really care, it's not like they listen to me, some of them sound like idiots."
"Still Amy, what am I supposed to tell them and stop referring to your colleagues as idiots."
"Tell them, you know Bert, I don't care what you tell them."
"And how would that help the horses ? More and more listen to you every day Amy, the young, that's our target."
Amy sighed "I hate you sometimes Bert, I promise, next one."
"Next two, and you need to check and sign off on the schedule Amy and the whole meet me at the ranch for class or office hours is pissing people off. Why do I bother ?"
Meg cut in laughing, "you bother because you love her and you love her because she provides you with endless mysteries to solve and you love them and then she provides you with the wherewithal, latitude and time to solve them !"
"Steer clear of marrying English Department heads Ty, their command of the language is hard to duck."
Amy laughed. "Thank you Meg, Ty, let's get these two stalled."
"Bert, why am I leading a saddled horse and you are standing there staring at Amy's ass"
"I am not, oh forget it, they do make a handsome couple though, come on Meg, who am I riding ?"