A/N – Love the reviews and thanks for the PM's as well. Sorry this wasn't up sooner but the site was down for most of the day yesterday. Enjoy.

Chapter 16

Ty smiled when Amy padded out of the bedroom in a mid length denim dress with flowers embroidered across the bottom hem. It fit her perfectly and he smiled at the dark blue moccasins on her feet. Without her boots, Amy was short, barely 165 cm. She wore delicate dangling filigreed earrings and a simple gold chain with three children and a black horse head as charms. He was finding it harder to ignore the feeling he had seeing her, being in the same room with her. He had missed this so much it was almost like a healing for him.

"You look pretty Ames."

"I don't do girly often these days, I picked some simple stuff up in the city. I figured with you here I might have a chance to wear them so I had Sebastian put some stuff together. This one fit fine so I brought it home, the rest will come in the morning."

Ty looked up at her walking from the door to the kitchen and back. He was having a hard time deciding if she was really the same girl, well woman, he fell in love with all those years ago. She was so beautiful. He thought about what she said, how lonely those words sounded, the chance to wear a dress.

They sat next to each other at the small table outside in the garden and ate, making small talk.

"So you never gave up on Heartland beef huh ?"

"I like sourcing local food, straight from the producer. There's some good beef around here for sure but I don't know, it all felt off to me. I'm fine to eat out but home, this suits."

"So how would you like to do this or would you prefer to tell me about the mysterious dressage horse we're getting."

Amy looked at him for a second, the words we're getting sounded good to her and she smiled. "Two veterinary clinics have failed to diagnose the issue of Boxer, a nine year old very promising Belgian Warmblood who is fouling up when going to his right. Something that got progressively worse over the past few months. Bert and I discussed it last week and then in subsequent conversations after looking at the files and talking with the referring vets at Colorado State we agreed to look, no guarantees but it won't be cheap and they've agreed that money was no object, gotta love internet millionaires.

"Money is no object ?"

"Please Amy, money is no object. Those six words pay for a good part of the Foundation and our work. It's pretty simple, if money means nothing to them then we'll put it to good use."

"Seems wrong somehow."

"I thought so too but Nick set me straight on that."

"Nick ?"

"Nick and Claire Harwell and I were partners for a over a year in Europe and then I bought this place. We stayed partners for a while after, getting rid of some stock in Europe and dealing with some clients we lined up in the states before I left, he still refers clients and we've helped each other out since.

"Really, that's a big chunk of the puzzle."

"I left Hudson to Victor's where I spent a few weeks talking and you know, what I do at Victor's. Basically trying not to kill myself agonizing over what I had actually done, once I'd realized I had actually done it. After talking it out and taking a deep breath I lined up a job, I left Spartan with Victor and flew to Paris. I worked for a month with the French team, working with their horses while trying to figure out what I was going to do for the future and then the team moved to Antwerp where I ran into Nick. He became a jumping trainer in Europe after the whole polo thing. I met him and had dinner with him and Claire while on tour with Ahmed's team a couple of times, It was nice to get away from the foreigners. Anyway, they started a small side business of moving jumpers, buy low, train and sell. Quick turnaround stuff. When we met he had a few horses that well, were proving more difficult. He asked and I worked with them. One night at dinner they proposed that we pick up some more troubled warmbloods Nick knew about on the cheap and see what we could do. We threw in all our cash and we did well, real well, we must have worked on 80, 90 horses in the year, buying other people's problems and turning them around for very good money, but I was dissatisfied, unhappy and Nick and Claire knew it."

"I'm happy they're together again, glad they worked things out."

"So am I, they're a good match. They have 2 sons, a small place in Belgium where they can work, a good life for them, they're happy. Anyway, I started working out a plan of coming back but Canada wouldn't work obviously so I chose the US and over time I found a nice piece of property where you would never find a horse ranch and near not only a major university with a vet school but as it happened Bert."

"I was lucky, I met Charlie, Trudy, Bert, Bryce, Trev, Stephanie, Trish, John, the kids, Betty, we all became a family and this just grew. We licked our multiple wounds together and jumped."

"And the feeling bad part ?"

"Right, sorry, Nick reminded me when I was talking about it with him that when Spartan broke his leg Scott had no problem charging almost $30,000 for that procedure. He knew Grandpa was selling off calves to pay it and took a loss selling them early. He vetted them for the sale. Heartland was his home Ty, Mom fixed him, we were his family through college, vet school and he has always been welcome. Really like a big brother to me. Almost a brother in law, twice. We all appreciated his interest in you but that $30,000 was a hardship and a half and had we not been able to pay and I said put him down for that reason."

"Scott would have put him down."

"And we wouldn't have faulted him but you and I both know there's no way the cost of the procedure was $30,000. That was his price, it may or may not have been a really good price but the result was clearly worth what we paid. Now, you're a partner Ty, what if it was Phoenix, the surgery was doable, a difficult surgery but $50,000. Have you put down a horse because the expense was too much to bear for a family ? More importantly, when a $60,000 surgery walks in, someone who's got the money, what's that family, Westfield ?, you go to dinner and celebrate ?"

"Look, we just charge more, we're their last chance Ty and our stalls are in demand and come at a premium. Our wealthy paying clients understand that and support what we do willingly. We spent weeks going over tests, we dedicated days of staff time. John Branch was charged just under a million for Cloister and happily wrote two checks, a million to the ranch and a million to the foundation. Cloister's value went from 1.5 million to 40 million the second he won the crown, John was absolutely thrilled."

"I can imagine, still, it's going to take some time getting used to this Amy."

"Hopefully we'll have the time to do that Ty."

"To tie that all up by the way, we can't fix every horse, but we have a generous scholarship fund, and if we knew of and could do or sponsor we thought would have a positive surgery, we'd fix Phoenix for what they could pay or nothing and take the money from John Branch who was happy giving us two million dollars knowing that we would just do as I described with it and I have I six straws in the deep freeze to boot. Well 5, I'm partnering with Lisa on a foal."

"Those straws are worth a fortune Amy."

"Imagine that and they cost him nothing."

"What do you do with them ?"

"So far very little and I have quite the collection. Cloning scares me Ty, these straws may come in handy one day."

"Really ? That's a discussion for another day huh, maybe a script. After the zombie apocalypse we repopulate the world with thoroughbreds."

"I was going to start later with a performance Dr. Borden, I may just not, do not mock me." Amy made her serious face which made Ty smile and raise his hands in mock horror.

"I would never."

"You're cute, it's almost nine, let's clear off and we'll do a kid check and then talk by the fire."

"Why does everything sound so easy when you say it."

"I've already made my decisions and the past is done, I think I did my best for the people I love without interfering in their lives. I did what I did out of love and won't apologize for that, it goes against everything I've become Ty. You make decisions and live with them and move on, other people make decisions and they move on. The alternative is eating yourself alive."

"Hard way of looking at things."

"As opposed to your way which is agonizing over the past until it consumes you ? Amy walked over to him and got up close to his face her eyes staring into his and whispered as if it was a secret between them. "Ty Borden you have always been and will forever be good enough for me. I never wanted to spend the rest of my life with your past my love, just the present and future with you at my side." She smiled and kissed him gently.

The roar of 2 engines was nothing like the club but Amy smiled and headed to the door, "come on, I like having the last word."

They strolled out, Ty catching up and taking Amy's hand as the bikes pulled up to the house.

"Nice dress mom, the sidecar's awesome, can't wait until you see it."

"I'm sure it is Mad but JT's so small and a setback would destroy him."

"It won't happen Mom and he's not that small," Charlotte said. "Really nice dress, good for you doc."

"Thanks for the compliments girls, I promise to look but the decision has to be mine."

"Fair enough, going to shower, love you" Maddie said hugging and kissing her followed by Charlie.

"Night Dr. Borden, let her get some rest huh, all that talking, I'm surprised you're not hoarse. Get it, we take care of horses."

"Good night Maddie." Ty said laughing.

"I'm Charlie."

"Then you're wearing Maddie's vest."

"Observant, I like that."

"Don't mind her Dr. Borden, I have a mark right here and Mad has a scar here and the tattoos, but they're hidden. You'll get used to it." Charlotte said with a grin.

"They get tattoos Rocket, you'll pay. Trish, is this thing safe ?"

"I'd do it Amy, John's real gentle and we'll leave it here so you can play with him too, we just built it for Jax. Come on, the boys worked hard, come and look and bring this one, I like looking at those eyes."

"See you in the morning you two." Amy kissed both of them and Rocket shook Ty's hand, "Have a good night Doc, helluva family huh ?"

"They are that John. Ride safe."

"When the girls finish with your bike the four of us should take off for a day and ride, we'll slow it down so you can keep up."

"I'd appreciate that John." Ty said smiling.

"They do seem nice. Rescue barn ?" He said when the bikes took off.

"Let's hit it."

They found the door closed and rather than making a racket went in through the medical side.

"Hey Amy, they were close to out when I went in 10 minutes ago. It was nice having them here, I actually think the other horses liked the company."

"Thanks Katie, anything up ?"

"Preliminary Boxer films."

"See anything ?

"We need better shots but I saw the film and it looks like tendon or radial related if it's anything. I'd like to see the blood supplies and nerve paths maybe there's a pinch or something. I see nothing bone."

"We'll sit down when he's here and decide on a course, I'd like to ride him myself and make sure the rider isn't causing it. I find it strange that two good facilities couldn't at least diagnose the issue.

"If it's the rider that'll really piss Bert off." Katie answered laughing.

"How hard is that ?" Amy said joining in with a chuckle.

"Go ahead kiss those adorable kids goodnight."

"Aren't you're supposed to be gone already."

"Leaving now, had dinner with the boys and then the pictures so naturally I."

"Good night Katie."

"Night boss, night Dr. Borden."

"Ty, please and good night Katie."

She smiled and nodded before turning towards the back door.

When they got to the tent the boys were asleep with Dodger and Duncan curled up in front. Amy climbed in and covered both boys and then kissed them.

Carson was sleeping peacefully after his emotionally draining day.

"Good night mom I love you." JT barely whispered.

"Good night my sweet Jackson. I love you so much."

"Good night Dr. Borden."

"Good night Jackson, happy dreams."

Amy checked and made sure it was Ok with Carlo if the dogs stayed with the boys and after, they walked back and found the grandparents on the porch, sharing a bottle of wine.

"Amy, Moosewood is wonderful even Jack liked his chicken and biscuits." Lisa told her holding up the restaurant's original cookbook that she had bought, the cookbook that put the restaurant on the map.

"Purity Ice Cream too, and all those flavors." Jack added.

"We don't go out often but I like Moosewood, good simple food and Purity is special. Has Betty mentioned Wednesday to you two ?"

"I'll keep the little ones in line wrangling Amy. Lisa will work with Betty in the kitchen and walk around making sure people are happy. Do those guys actually hand out peanuts and pink cotton candy ?"

"Thank you both, a couple years ago the club came home from an auction with one of those carnival things that makes cotton candy and a peanut roaster. They set up on the side of the road, have movie nights and the kids love them. They go to events in the area, all free, they love the kids and they hand out anti-bullying pamphlets. They wear red clown noses.

"Wrangling 7 years olds can be a chore Grandpa if they get bored JT's been working on his rope skills, oh and ask him to rein for you. The girls make a pretty good roping team, they wouldn't take buckles but they're clean."

"Who's the header with the girls Amy ?"

"They switch Grandpa, I have my personal favorite combo but I'm not telling. Anyway our cows are on a neighbors graze until we need them for training so we'll see if there's time."

"Dinner go ok ?"

"Dinner was great Grandpa. We all set for tomorrow boss ?" Amy said turning to Betty.

"You and Ty on the scout and the rest of us with everything else, 6 horse, 3 mini mansions, kitchen and the passenger bus. Clothes are due here by 10, we should be gone by 1:00 and sitting at a fire by 5:30. Jack and Lisa with the girls and I'll take JT and Cars. Pavel and Yvette in their camper."

"Thanks Betty, we'll see you all in the morning."

"Good Night Amy, Ty."

"Jack, Lisa" Ty answered.

Back to arm in arm they strolled to the guest house and Amy walked over to fix a cup of tea while Ty grabbed a beer and wandered into the bedroom.

"Ames, what are these packages ?"

"I made a list, underwear socks, some jeans, sweats I think. T shirts, some button downs, swimming trunks, Some things are in the closet."

"Well, whoever got this stuff for me thank them please."

"Betty picked it up and you can thank her yourself."

"Living room or bedroom Ty ?"

"Does one mean we won't get to talk, I just want to get some answers so I can gauge the extent of your evil manipulations, Jack told me about White Horse and Heartland and Lisa about Fairfield. Nick Harwell huh, you went all the way to Europe to land back in Hudson."

"Start a small fire Ty and I'll get into PJ's, there should be something to sleep in for you in that bundle."

"PJ's ?"

"I have kids and they have friends Ty, running around half naked is unacceptable. I like PJ's and got used to them. Besides, anything less and we won't talk." She smiled and walked over.

"What ?"

She leaned up and whispered "don't worry sweetheart, they slip right off or rip, either way."

"Ok stop, go ahead I can't imagine they're not sexy as hell." He growled and smiled and grabbed at her. She giggled and spun away into the bedroom.

Ty found some light sweats, changed and sat down on a big comfy leather chair by the fire. He watched her walk over. Seriously PJ's are not supposed to fit that way. When she reached him she sat down across his lap and snuggled in to his side.

"Uh, Ames ? Talking ?"

"Ask me questions Ty and I'll have one for you later."

"When did you and Scott first talk ?"

Amy looked up at him and he turned to her "I've really missed your lips Ty." He grinned and she craned her head up to kiss him. "One more." She whispered tasting him once again. "I called Scott when I found out you brought Lacey to the loft."

"Next question" she said and reached up to kiss him again.

"Why ?"

"It was gross Ty, you're supposed to be a respected member of the community."

"Yeah, that's sort of what Scott said and in front of Jack, it was sort of an intervention."

"And Grandpa ?"

"That I was embarrassing Lisa."

"Ohhh that must have stung."

"Yeah. I'm sorry about how I spoke to her before. I told her but that's going to gnaw at me. I drank a bit too much for a time back then."

"And spent too much time with Caleb."

"Yeah, he was more than happy to join me in my debauchery until him and Cass found their way."

"Don't let what you said before bother you too much, Lisa knows you've had a lot thrust at you."

"Next question or are we behind on the kissing ?" Ty asked.

"Hmmmm, how about here" she whispered lifting her head and running her finger down her neck from her ear over her pulse. Ty ran his lips down her neck in soft kisses to her collarbone.

"You ?" She whispered turning her head and running soft bites down past his chin and on down his neck.

"Not the teeth Ames if we hope to finish. Surgical procedures and ?"

"Some of the horses you worked on were routed by us."

"Why ?" Ty pulled back a second to look at her.

"To give you the experience you need to do the surgeries we do here Ty."

"What do you want me to do here Amy ?"

"This is all out of order but I promised to answer whatever you asked so," Amy took a deep breath. "I'd like you consider taking the position of Assistant Director under Bert and then take over for him when he feels you're ready. He wants, actually feels he needs to be there to teach, and he does Ty. You've met Katie and Barb ?"

"Sure, the on call vets I met."

"No, not vets, vet techs, Bert calls them his ortho techs and surgical aides. They're his seconds, his eyes and ears when he can't be here. They're off the wall innovative when it comes to post surgical care. They're starting vet school in September, his personal projects, that's what he wants to do, training a new generation of surgeons with vision, who can carry on our work but he needs a passionate replacement here, we'll give you the experience Ty, I know you have the passion and vision in you."

"Passion huh ?" Ty leaned over and cupped her cheek lifting her head so their lips met softly.

"Ty ?"

"Hmmm."

"Is that something you might consider ?" It was barely a whisper but she was looking into his eyes and holding her breath.

"Consider ? No vet would just blow off an offer like this without considering it Amy, your kids are great but this job comes with them."

She let out her breath and sighed. "Ty, I love you but I can't say I'm sorry about anything having to do with them. They weren't part of my life plan when I bought the ranch but they're so much of my life now. We need to finish, the last part, so we can ride with a clear conscious and you need time to think and process."

"What don't I know, the last part."

"What you might consider the worst."

"Kiss and tell then."

"Oh that's sweet Ty, come here" she said and pulled him down to meet his lips half way for their kiss which went on for more than originally planned.

"Amy ?"

"I financed your trips with Vets without Borders, your absences from the practice."

"I'm somewhat distracted Amy, you'll have to explain." He said it reaching down to kiss her neck.

"Really Ty, that spot ?"

"Talk woman."

"After Mongolia and the months of getting back on your feet after you wanted to go and do all these other things, wolves, Vietnam, back to Mongolia, conferences, more trips and Scott said that it was getting ridiculous and you've got to stop because your absence is hurting the business and your equity position but you loved it so much."

"So ?" He said pulling back and looking at her.

"There is no account with White Horse Ty, we maintain our own vets and there isn't a rent a vet service or whatever he called it, we just sent over a White Horse vet if he needed fill in help. You never paid attention to the business part so he made Cass a partner and Scott and I clandestinely covered you."

"Ty ?"

"He goes to White Horse all the time Amy."

"He hangs out with Haddie and the vets for a few hours to make a show of it. That's also usually when he talks with Bert. Studies our work to pass along the techniques. He helps out if they're busy but pretty much no work."

Ty stared at her for a second and then started laughing.

"What ?"

"Cass and I thought he has a thing with Haddie, because he always insists on his going, like really insists so we just figured."

"Well that would be funny considering he sometimes takes a check when he leaves."

"I guess, that's the worst ?"

"I think so, I can't even think of anything else, those are all my evil machinations. Oh, you still have the same credit card. Every time you use it I get a text."

"So you knew."

"The whole way to Erie. Ty, the money, White Horse ?"

"Assistant Director under Bert Koenig ?" He said.

"Ty ?"

"I'm Ok Amy, just, not now, I'm good, sort of feel kept which is weird considering, we can talk it out, let's forget it for now, the money part's going to be something I have to come to terms with, besides, I'm really horny, I love PJ's, oh, how did you know to meet me after Erie ?"

"I told you I had a question."

"That's right, these PJ's of yours are very soft and distracting" he said unbuttoning her top.

He moved his head down and began to kiss her neck "ask away Ames" he murmured.

She moaned as he moved down further and began pushing aside the soft blouse his kisses and then fingers driving her to distraction, her question was rather breathy "the answer can wait till morning Ty, who the hell is Cheryl Parmenter."