A/N – Thanks again for the reviews and PM's I do enjoy reading them.
Chapter 17
Amy and Betty sat at the table with their coffees looking at the newspaper split between them and talking about local issues. It was just about 6:45, and Amy had left Ty sleeping soundly at 5:15 and had done rounds making sure to check on the boys and Buck. By 7:00 the girls were up and heading out to get their horses and gear ready to be trailered and get their stalls ready for their return. At 7:15 JT and Cars came barreling through the door famished.
"How's Buck doing Cars ?"
"He's great Amy, Carlo checked him at night and this morning I helped Katie with his special mash. She said it looks like we can move him later."
"I checked him on rounds early this morning and agree. You two did very well."
"And Buck." Carson exclaimed proudly.
"Of course Buck."
"Where's Dr. Borden Mom ?" JT asked.
"Sleeping or puttering around I guess, why ?"
"PT at 9:00"
"And what's Cars going to do ?"
"Sally's coming to get him soon so he can clean up and get his stuff ready. She's bringing Crater, then dropping him off again with his bags."
"That's fine and I'll make sure Ty's out of the guest house by nine JT.
"Where's GG and Lisa ?" JT asked.
"Out on a ride, they should be back soon." Amy got up and checked the window to the front. Three large recreational vehicle busses pulled in along with a small stainless food service truck, Mercedes Passenger transport, and an enormous 6 horse trailer with living quarters for the hands pulled by a large commercial cab diesel truck. All bore the Pegasus logo prominently displayed.
"I hate those things out there on the circle" she mumbled.
"They'll be gone soon enough Amy."
"I'm packed except for what's coming. You good here Betty ?"
"We're good, go get him up or out."
The morning went by quickly, Ty was having coffee, answering emails and texts and had packed for the weekend. Together they moved their bags out to the house to be loaded onto a bus later. They had agreed to shelve the Erie tale and Cheryl Parmenter until later in the interest of actually getting on the road which they were both excited to do. Amy was anxious to leave but they waited until the clothes showed up and she knew they had everything they needed. She wanted some time to stop and shop along the way and not be rushed on their ride. Route 20 was very special to her and the people and history one of the things she loved about Central New York. She also needed to stop and see the side car. She knew it would be perfect and safe enough for a newborn, but she had to see, and was by no means convinced by everyone's assurances.
"It's odd to see her not working or running around the ranch full of worry. I'm glad to see her taking time for herself, this is new for me." Betty said sipping coffee with Lisa and Jack on the porch. Jack sat near the door and Lisa and Betty had moved further down off to the small seating area with a table.
"She always found the time to go out with him. They were both busy, he had a job and college and later vet school and she had all those horses she cared for and ranch work but early mornings or when they could fit it in they'd go out on the bike or truck or horse to spend time alone together."
"Not here Lisa, she rides less and less these days as the Foundation gets bigger and the work and kids demand more of her time. She actually took an afternoon off from the ranch yesterday, first time since I guess we've been together unless it had to do with the kids or a trip. Seeing her taking the time for a leisurely ride on a horse or bike with a man and smiling the way she has been does a mother's heart good."
Lisa patted her hand "She mention how last night went Betty ?"
"Not much but they're still together so I guess it didn't exactly go badly, they've got some talking yet, he's as scared of those kids as they are of him."
"And the money."
"And the money." Betty agreed.
"And a host of other crap only a man would think of I guess."
Betty laughed, "and that too, how true."
The highlight of the morning was a dark blue truck hauling a similar colored trailer. It contained two very important things, a jumper named Chester and his rider, Sabrina Caldwell.
"Blue trailer pulling in" Jack called out absentmindedly looking up from the paper.
He startled when the door shot open and one of the twins ran out, hopped the four steps off the porch and flew across the lawn.
Amy and Ty walked up from horse trailer that Ty wanted to see., "Come on Ty, say hi to the Brin-laws."
"Seriously Amy ?"
"They'll want to meet you Ty, be nice."
They walked arm in arm across the lawn eliciting smiles from the porch.
"Does he realize how deep he's in Jack ?"
"I don't think he has a clue Betty, look at them, that could have been 8 years ago and you'd never know it."
"They fit well and they never quite let go of each other do they ?"
Lisa smiled "they always have fit well, kissed a lot, and contact was always a thing. I've always worried about him and kids, abused and psychologically tormented like he was. I don't think he would harm a fly, don't get me wrong, and I truly believe he would be a wonderful father, but I can see him, I don't know."
"Thinking he won't be good at it just like he never felt good enough for her. He probably still battles about what she see's in him."
"You need to head that crap off Jack."
"I'll talk to him after the weekend Betty, maybe we can fish with JT. Let him see the boy, JT will take care of the rest. Couple of those questions of his and Ty will wonder where that kid's been all his life."
"I wonder how long Amy's patience will last, I understand that she was pretty indecisive back then. It would be interesting to meet an indecisive Amy. This should be good" Betty said nodding at the teens on the lawn "4 weeks is an eternity at that age and those two especially."
The scene on the lawn was in full view as the two girls faced each other. They didn't run into each other's arms but stopped a few steps away and took each other's hands. Then Brin let go and put her hands on Maddie's cheeks and kissed her. Maddie's arms went around Brin's waist and then that was reciprocated. This kiss was real, the girls made no bones about that and before it got uncomfortable for the setting and Amy stepped in, they were apart and smiled at each other for a second before turning, they were beaming and obviously very excited to be with each other again.
Brin immediately hugged Amy and then stopped to look at Ty. "Definitely a step up from the men Maddie frequents Dr. Borden, you, are not hideous." It took a second for Ty to get his bearings as Brin opened her big hazel eyes and smiled at him.
"Thank you Brin, it's good to meet you, and it's Ty." He said laughing.
"Thanks Ty, excuse me we have to get Chester and the tack out."
"Uh Brin ?"
She turned around and smiled again, he had to admit she was stunning, "how come you can call me Ty ?"
"Oh, you're not my mom's boyfriend Ty." He watched her walk off as a more mature woman in her late 30's walked over. Once again Ty had to admit, the acorn did not fall far from the tree.
"Hi Amy, you sure this is no problem ?"
"Of course not Meg, where's Sam ?"
"Emergency, we'll come after he's out of surgery. I assume you also informed Maddie about bunking arrangements."
"Absolutely, you'll have dinner with us tonight ?"
"Where else would we go, Sally and Tom too I guess. Thank you for this Amy."
"Please stop, it's for a favorite charity and I love Brin and the boys like they were my own."
"Well, I just wanted to say it."
"So this is him huh", she turned and took Ty in and then smiled and held out her hand "Meg Caldwell Ty, Brin's mom."
"Good to meet you Meg." Ty answered with his signature smile while shaking her hand.
"You planning on sticking around ?"
"Still working out the kinks."
"Well Maddie likes you, not hideous is high praise from those two." She said laughing.
"Thanks Meg."
"Brin come say goodbye and I'll see you in Saratoga later."
Once Meg was gone Amy tracked down the teens in the shop. "Scout's all ready mom."
"Thanks Charlie."
"Dr. Borden this is Bobby Carmichael, Carson's older brother." Charlotte said.
"Bobby, good to meet you."
"You too sir, thanks for letting us jump Amy, it's real nice of you, and thank you for Buck, little guy was beside himself."
"You're very welcome Bobby, it was nice of you to walk him over yesterday. You and Cars riding up with our crew ?
"Yeah, Dad's in court and we want to walk around the town before all the Classic stuff."
"Ok we'll see you all up at the track, help your Gran set up before you disappear later please."
"We sure will mom."
Maddie said walking through the door hand in hand with Brin.
"Thanks Mad, now kisses and hugs please."
All the teens came over to hug her. Ty was surprised that he got a handshake from Bobby and kisses on the cheek from the three girls.
"The boys are with Buck ?"
"Yup. Cars got dropped off with his stuff at 10:00, mom's on a tight schedule."
"Let's ride over to the barn Ty and just head out from there."
After appropriate goodbyes in the barn Amy and Ty headed out into Ithaca for a stop at Ithaca Custom Cycles where they played around with the sidecar. Ty drove Amy around and then she drove him. If felt very safe and she knew JT would get the thrill of his life. The kicker was the puppy faced expressions of the club which were comical.
"Ok boys, do not break him please."
"Don't you worry Amy."
"Sorry John, if you can worry about your grown up brood I can worry about my little one."
After Amy got several huge bear hugs from the gang, Ty asked to see the shop.
"Um I don't know Doc, it's kind of messy right now."
"I think I can handle that John."
"Ok, no freaking out though alright ?"
Ty smiled and walked into the shop. It stood out like a sore thumb and immediately drew his gaze.
"John is that my frame ?"
"Well Doc you see it's a little crooked and you haven't done almost any of the technical bulletins that came out through the years so the girls are taking care of that stuff and well, the frame's on the universal overnight."
"Any idea when I'll be on the road again ?"
"Tuesday or Wednesday the latest. If you need a ride before just ask, we have plenty of loaners."
"Come on Ty, let's ride." Amy said laughing.
"Thank you for doing this John."
"It's our pleasure Ty."
They left north on Route 11 at around noon, connected to Route 20 and then drove East at a leisurely pace. It wasn't the quickest route but Amy had learned to love the trip. She loved riding in the Adirondacks the most but they didn't have time for that this trip. She almost never had time these days but when she had to cross the mountains heading east Route 20 or the more northern Adirondack route was what she took. Amy's biggest reason for loving Route 20 was that riding it always made it seem like the world wasn't racing by her as quickly as she felt it was. She loved just driving the family along the road and stopping at farms and towns for the kids to walk around and take in the long history of their native country.
Amy told Ty what she knew about U. S. Route 20 which began as First Nations trails in the early years of America. Ty also took some time over coffee in the morning to get some information on his own and he too was fascinated the more he read. During the nation's first century, these trails were transformed with the building of several turnpikes, no more than the route cleared of brush and pounded into road by traffic. They were needed to handle the increase in westward traffic by horse and wagon. The farms and businesses that sprung up along the road dated back to the mid 1700's a 100 years before Heartland was settled. Many of these farms and landmarks still connected to their original settling families. The most famous of the turnpikes connected Albany, NY to Cherry Valley and later was lengthened to just north of Syracuse. This roadway became known as the Cherry Valley Turnpike and soon it too was dotted with taverns, wayplaces and other stops and services for travelers. In the 1860s, the Cherry Valley Turnpike became the property by decree of New York State. State and federal programs began providing money for the road and the state took over it's upkeep and eventual paving.
With the coming of the automobile, the highway had once again changed. In 1926, the road was designated as U.S. Route 20, the longest road in the country, running coast to coast a distance of 3,365 miles.
Roadside attractions and tourist cabins and way stations provided entertainment and much-needed services to a whole new kind of traveler. You could actually track the westward growth of the state and the northern country of the nation in the buildings and the landscapes found along Route 20 in New York alone. The quiet neighborhoods and Main Streets of its historic villages were littered with Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles of the Colonial days mixed with buildings and structures dating all the way to the Turnpike era or the late 1900's, it wasn't odd to see a town with several inns and taverns dating back 200 years and drive past a fast food restaurant across from a diner made out of a railroad caboose in 1930, a mile out of town.
Along Route 20, they drove past New World Dutch, English, and the famous gambrel-roof dairy barns of the Northeast, and numerous drive-ins and motor courts in the glitz and deco of the 1930s-1950s, all against the backdrop of the productive farmed fields and orchards and tranquil pastures of dairy farms that first brought prosperity to the region. Orchards of apples, pears peaches and berries, and corn as far as the eye could see. It always reminded Amy somewhat of Alberta, it wasn't uncommon when speaking to people along the road to find those who have been on the same land as their ancestors for 250 years.
They stopped along the way when it struck their fancy. Since it was summer the small main streets were inviting with racks of things and oddities for sale. They took the time to shop and stroll and talk and laugh together. Arm in arm or holding hands they always smiled and their old familiarity returned slowly.
Ty loved watching Amy shop for things and interact with the shopkeepers, she had a way of striking friendships and her almost childlike excitement over smallest things like some vintage earrings or dresses, made this time with her special. They stopped at a farm cheese shop and a and another roadside smokehouse and charcuterie along the way and began filling the saddle bags with assorted foods they nibbled at and delighted in. Along with the large saddlebags, she also had a backpack to fill. At one stop at a farmer's market along the way they bought apples for later and a pint of fresh just picked strawberries and sat to eat them on the side of the road. Ty sitting against a tree with Amy leaning back against him.
"You're right Ames, it's not Alberta but there is some beautiful country up here and the history of this road is amazing. Those are the Catskills ?"
"Those are the Adirondacks, the Catskills are to our south. When I have the time my favorite ride up here is through the Adirondacks. They're not the Rockies but they are beautiful."
"Then we'll have to do it sometime."
"Will there be more sometimes for us Ty ? Have you thought about, well, anything ?"
"Why can Brin and Bobby call me Ty but the kids can't, is it as simple as Brin says ?"
"This is a complicated answer, one of those that may scare you, the girls were 8 when the accident happened they remember their parents. They talk to Betty about them and she reminds them of memories so they don't forget and they talk to me about them sometimes."
"And Jackson doesn't."
"Right, I think he's scared that if he becomes very attached to you that you may just disappear, like their dad, his dad, that he never knew."
"That doesn't actually answer my question."
"No, it doesn't but that's the reasoning behind it, the girls are following JT's lead, they'll call you something different when he does and not before."
"Have any of them spoken to you about it, um us ?"
"Not really, this is all new to them, I've never dated or done anything like this Ty around them. I assume they've talked among themselves. Betty has a way of getting into that with them. You might ask Lisa and Grandpa though, they've spend a lot of time with the kids, JT with Grandpa and the girls with Lisa."
"I'll do that, Jack suggested "fishing."
"They love fishing."
"What were Brin's folks thanking you for by the way ?"
"Well the Classic is a charity event. It costs $10000 to jump. That's a heavy amount to pay for a meaningless non point event and far more than any other event, even for a Doctor or an Attorney up here. So, Pegasus entered them."
"And their folks are OK with that ?"
"We've all been good friends since I adopted the kids and the Caldwell's moved in. You haven't met the Potter's, April is the third to Cars and JT. Be prepared, she's a lot like Mallory. I would do anything for them and they know that. Meg's taken the girls to Disney and the Carmichael's took Jackson and April up to Niagara to see the falls and Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame. We do what we can for each other. Their horses came from us and I train them, they ride under the Pegasus logo.
"So you've paid $40000 for this weekend ?"
"So far. Assorted crap like that shopping trip to the city, camping slots, catering, the banquet fee and the donation will get more serious."
"The 40 isn't the donation ?"
"No, the donation will be much larger."
"Go ahead, I want to know."
"Quarter million."
"Really ?"
"It's just money Ty, going to a very good cause."
"I read about it, I agree."
"Ty ?"
"Still here Amy, just processing."
"I love you Ty."
"That's where all that processing leads Ames, those 4 words."
"Then I'll make sure to keep saying them."
They split the last strawberry which playfully got a bit messy. They spent a few minutes necking and whispering to each other, neither wouldn't have been surprised to know that they both thought back to simpler times as teens in those moments, when just being together and in love was all that really mattered. Amy hoped with all her heart it was.
They rode on making their last detour around Sharon Springs. Dating back to the mid 1700's, they stopped at several historical buildings and markers. They also stopped at a favorite spot of Amy's, the Black Cat, which was a bakery and small café. She loved the petit fours that were a special that day and their regular selection of cookies and bought enough to fill the last place in their bulging saddle bags after they sat for frozen "hot" cocoa, Amy and the kids favorite on a hot summers' day.
They cut over to the thruway for the last leg of the trip. Amy wanted Ty to let out the Scout and he did get it to almost 90 mph once before he ran into some traffic. They arrived in Saratoga from the east and drove down Broadway with it's stately homes. Ty enjoyed the colors, the beautiful old world hand made wooden designs and manicured gardens full of flowers. Saratoga was old money and though many of the original families no longer counted amongst the wealthiest in the area any more, many also kept hold of the family home. They spotted the girls and Bobby carrying bags along the quaint looking but high income touristy shopping part of town and Amy had Ty pull over into a spot.
"Hey mom, Dr. Borden, nice ride ?"
"Really nice Mad, thanks. You girls been tearing up a card ?"
"Gran said go ahead mom, free day. We've been good."
"I trust you Mad, did you buy something pretty for Brin ?"
"Bathing suit." Brin said blushing.
"I forgot a sweater so "
"Charlie picked one for you, that's fine Bobby."
"Girls, I appreciate what you're doing with the Norton but you can ask, I trust you."
"Thanks Doc, nothing more we can do anyway, there's only so fast that bike will go though I bet with the 'o' rings you'll get better compression. That may boost you 10 miles an hour."
"There are no 'o' rings Maddie."
"There are in the 1977 technical specs doc, it's a customer upgrade written up in the back but it really makes a difference, we also beefed up that cross bracket. A lot less vibration."
"I'll leave it up to you girls."
"Ty let's head over to the track, I want to get washed up and changed."
They headed down the road where she pointed him to the VIP entrance and handed over a card to the attendant. Ty had checked on the town and the track as well. This track was built in in 1863, the 4th oldest in the country and certainly one of the most famous.
"Good afternoon Ms. Fleming. Your camp is #1, at the end of this road, I doubt you'll miss it."
"Should I be surprised we're #1 ?" Ty asked with a grin as they slowly rode down the small road.
"No, it's the only site facing no one and no one on two sides, I don't like people in my business Ty. There are many here who live for the paparazzi and I don't, I'd like to keep it that way. My kids and Betty want to do this and so I'm here."
They pulled up at a luxurious setting of vehicles arranged in a large U. Three luxury trail busses along with a food vehicle. When opened the busses were enormous. Two were expanded to accommodate a second bedroom for the kids. One, Amy and Ty's was not.
Lawn furniture and tables were set out. Several coolers were open with an assortment of items. Amy had Ty park behind the food truck and she proceeded to hand Pavel, Amy's preferred caterer, the assortment of local farm cheeses and jams, heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, fruits and bakery goods she had collected along the way. They had snacked on some of these things on the road, slices of cheese, fresh apples and cured meats. Some Amy managed to feed him while they rode. Amy thought the day and the ride was special and Ty began seeing the love of his life differently, he saw this Amy the one that belonged in this camp and at Pegasus with those kids, while realizing how much she was the same as the Amy who was happy being with him on a blanket in a meadow on a favorite ridge. When they walked out into the center, Betty, Lisa and Jack were sitting with coffee.
"Here Grandpa, one of the great things about Central New York, 200 types of apples. I think for eating right off the tree the best are Honeycrisp."
Jack rubbed it and then bit down with a crunch, he was surprised at the quantity of sweet juice in such a firm fruit and when he had the chance "that is a good apple", he said handing it to Lisa for her to try.
"Come late August to November the whole countryside smells like apples. We have them in the meadows at the ranch, and that line of trees along the road are 12 varieties of apples. The pies, breads, cakes and ciders are what makes the season special though. We have some happy happy horses on the ranch for a few months."
"Sounds wonderful Betty." Lisa said taking another bite before passing the apple back to Jack.
"I tell you Jack, there's some beautiful country up here to ride. Some real mountains too." Ty added.
"I still haven't seen the ranch it seems, Amy you have a nature rescue preserve ?"
"Not me personally Grandpa, the foundation."
"Do you take credit for anything sweetheart ?"
"My mistakes Lisa. I need a shower and we need to get changed before the lifestyle judging begins, the kids are with their horses and walking the course ?"
"Cars and JT are with them too." Betty told her
"Good."
"Amy how many for dinner ?"
"Did you arrange for the pantry pick-up Pavel ?"
"Of course, best call of the day."
"Might as well for 35 then and the rest go to a good cause."
"What are we having ?"
"Steak and rib tips, sliced rotisserie chicken breast and seitan stir fry. Sides are rice and salads and since Betty is so fond of it, Yvette's Double Blueberry Pie, also vegan.
"Seitan ? Who's a vegan ?"
"I'm surprised you know what it is Ty, Trish and John."
"A bunch of the vets without borders people are vegan so I've had it and there is no way that guy is a vegan, he's enormous."
"Next time we run into an elephant or a mountain gorilla we can discuss size and being a vegan or you can just wander over and ask a horse. Rocket was sick and now he's healthy, the diet worked. Trish and their kids joined in to support him."
"How sick ?"
"Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and circulation problems. He became a vegan, dropped 120 pounds of fat, went from 6 pills a day to none. I teach that to vets, proper nutrition, natural supplements, strong immune systems and care means healthy horses."
"So you actually teach at the Vet school ?"
"I do actually, it's odd, I admit it."
"What do they call you ?"
"Professor, and that's enough of this conversation for now, I'm getting showered. Ty let's unpack, ariats and a button down pease. Please have the kids change when they get back Betty. The hands all settled ?"
"Bryce is on it."
"What the hell is he doing here ?"
"He said he's got a few weeks and any other bullshit he could come up with."
"I've a good mind to have Rocket throw him on a chopper back to Ithaca."
"I have two numbers in case Amy."
"Well that's something, though this is her fourth, she could have it while he's over Cooperstown."
"I'll call Roberta and make sure someone's with her."