A/N – Here's a good long chapter, thanks for all the reviews and the PM's they've been great !
Chapter 35
"Oh wait !" Georgie said "Wyatt where's the box Scott sent ?"
"I put it on that table behind you Georgie"
"Here Ty, Scott said you'll need this."
Ty smiled when he saw the box and Amy took it in her hands. "Seriously Ty."
He took the box from her and opened it to reveal the stethoscope Amy had gifted him years ago. When he put it on and fit to his ears she took the end and held it to her heart.
"Hasn't changed at all" he said taking them out and leaving them around his neck.
"No it hasn't. Let's go to work." Amy answered.
Amy started off with two adoptions, one a quarter horse to a 14 year old girl and one a calm trail horse to a family with two kids, one autistic. The second family had spent several hours a week for the past 5 weeks at Pegasus familiarizing the kids to their horse and getting the horse, Vado, and Daniel, their autistic son together. They seemed a good match and today they were taking him home. When she was done Amy made the rounds of all the barns, stopping to talk with, answer or simply inquire after the hands and volunteers in for the day.
She saw Miranda and Viv for a few minutes and introduced Mad and Charlie to them.
Seeing the Marauders setting up their half carnival half anti bullying booth she walked over to find Trish and Meg Koenig laying out brochures on the table. After hugging and kissing both she went on to visit for a minute with John and Cooter.
"Mighty long line at the gate Amy." John said looking up. He was sporting a red clown nose as was Cooter. Amy giggled, nothing made a giant biker more ridiculous looking than a big red clown nose.
"You guys are amazing for helping out with all this stuff."
"It's nothing and we have a blast, couple news trucks out there, the clubs got them off to the side and the pet folk safe with two troopers they sent over."
"I'm off to the preserve after rounds John, thanks."
"See you at dinner Amy."
Her last stop was through medical where she found an exuberant Georgie being led around by Barb and Katie. Georgie was wearing new blue scrubs, her name "Georgie" and "Second" both prominently under the Pegasus logo.
"What do you think of our barn Georgie ?"
"It's like everything I ever dreamed of in rehab all in one place."
"Barb, later you can show her the plans to the hydro facility, it's a go I think."
"That's great Amy, can't wait." Barb answered enthusiastically.
"How many out there ?"
Katie looked up from her iPad, "Over a 100 so far, mostly vaccinations and spays at this point, no large yet but they usually wait. Ty's looking over the new Boxer files that came in today. He'll be arriving Friday, so far we got nothing."
"Get me the performance films and we'll divvy them up."
"Anything on the rescues ?"
"Not that I've heard, I don't even know if we have a prelim list yet." Kate checked her iPad "nothing, just a working file."
"You three roving ?"
"Yup, we'll lend a hand wherever, the other techs are slotted." Barb confirmed.
"Ready Georgie ?"
"Ready as I'll be I guess, wish me luck."
"I'd rather wish you success." Amy said smiling "Ok, Ty and Bert in the conference room ?"
"Last we saw." Barb answered.
Amy nodded hugged each of them and walked off towards the conference room.
"Ty, you speak with JT about Harley yet ?" Amy asked poking her head through the door.
"On my way now, you leaving ?"
"I'm heading that way, Bert you all ready ?"
"We're good Amy, Alex is on his way down now, we'll start with 4 and the rest will be along about 9."
"Ok, see you at dinner, has Sandra mentioned anything ?"
"Nothing at all Amy, we are at her mercy, is Meg with you today ?"
"Meg is with Trish right now and I'm on paperwork."
"I don't envy you, uh, school paperwork part of that ?"
"I will hand Lorin my completed written obligatory nonsense on Sunday before the begging begins."
"Thank you Amy. Oh we lost one of the two thoroughbreds from that breezing accident. He started seizing and the owner decided it was best. They think they'll be able to get a good set of shots of the second by the weekend."
"That's a shame, freak accident, should I call ?"
"I don't think so, maybe a note of condolence."
"Ok, I'll do that." Amy said taking out her phone and making a note to herself.
"Have a good day Bert."
"You too Amy."
"You'll be in the library, guest house ?" Ty asked as they walked.
"Treehouse, I don't hang around news crews."
"Seriously you don't see any of this ?"
"Well truth is this is a godsend for me, a whole day to get through this stuff is just what I needed."
"I want you to start letting me help with this paperwork Ames."
"I promise to start going through it with you when you get back from Hudson, till then I don't know that either of us will have the time. It's fine Ty, I've just let things pile up, my evenings have been way more enjoyable lately, a very," she paused for a second "satisfying trade off."
They found all the kids with Chuck, Bryce and Jack at the small meadow with Spartan, Harley, Pal and Merlin.
Harley reacted immediately to Ty and then changed directions 100% when he got a whiff of Amy. Both Pal and Harley pushed to get at her and soon both her arms were around their necks as they nuzzled up close to her.
"Hey boys, how have you been huh, miss me ?"
"So we've been discussing what to do with these two." Bryce mentioned with a look at Ty.
"Well, I'm going to be pretty busy over the next few months" Ty started "I was wondering if someone would take Harley on for me for the time being, keep him exercised, brush him down, someone I can trust."
"Well we could put them in the rotation, that should cover it."
"I know Bryce, Pal did that and he's fine I think for now but Harley, he's sort of a one guy horse, wait, I've got an idea" Ty said looking down at Jackson who had an anxious look in his eyes. "Jackson you think you could …"
"Absolutely, Dr. Borden, I'll take care of him for you, no problem, muck him, exercise, you name it, like he was my own."
"You're sure now, you've got all these other chores and all." Ty asked.
"I'm sure, I'm your man, er kid, you know."
"I do Jackson, you've got the job, maybe though we should move him near Merlin and Jasper, you know, no reason they shouldn't be friends like you said."
"Sure we could do that, whatever you want Doc." Jackson said nodding.
"Ok so you'll have to move some of them around. How about, Jasper, Merlin, Harley, Spartan, Pal, and then your sister's horses." Ty suggested as they walked the stalls.
"Awesome, I'll get right on that, I've got morning in the family barn with GG, we could do it together. I bet Harley and Merlin will be great friends." Jackson said. "So should we shake on it ?"
"Shake huh, can't get a hug ?" Ty said bending down.
Jackson smiled and ran into his arms, everyone around smiled just as Bryce's phone screeched, it wasn't a normal ring but a baby crying.
"Seriously 'Berta, today ?" Bryce muttered going for the phone.
"On the way sweetheart, I'm with her now so she knows, stop worrying, she won't hate you. 10 minutes. Love you too."
"Got to go Amy, boy on the way."
"Go ahead, go." Amy answered hugging him. "Kiss her for me and that new baby !"
As he trotted out Amy turned to Chuck "You ready for this big guy, you're in charge, I'm counting on you."
"Don't worry about a thing Amy, I'll take care of everything, you'll be proud." Chuck answered.
"I'm always proud of you sweetheart" she said reaching up to kiss his cheek. "Now I need a horse with those two saddlebags."
"Dancer Ok ?, she's up next or you want Spartan ?"
"Dancer will be fine Chuck, let's leave Spartan here with these guys today. So you're in charge here at the compound, call Benny and tell him the Thoroughbreds are his until Bryce is back and get Dancer saddled for me."
"Ok Amy, Jax, give me a hand saddling Dancer and then you can get these stalls set up." As he walked away she heard Chuck on the phone talking to Benny and then smiled when she saw him take the iPad, she watched as the digital screen on the wall changed from B. Watson, Head Wrangler to C. Rogers, Head Wrangler and then she turned to wipe away a tear.
"You Ok mom ?"
"I'm great Charlotte, I'll be in the treehouse if you need me."
"Pretty cool what you did with Harley Doc, he's gonna brush that poor horse raw though." Maddie said laughing and coming over to hug him "What do I get when you go, something in the garage maybe ?"
"Where's you girlfriend Mad ?" Ty asked laughing.
"Piano, composition, performance prep and practice."
"Huh ?"
"Brin's a bit of a piano prodigy, she's in the Ithaca College Advanced Performance Program in the summer." Amy explained. "I assume she'll be by later."
"Well, I'd love to hear her play and Bobby ?"
"Strawberry jam day at home." Charlotte answered. "With Cars, they'll be by later too."
"That's right they have a small farm Sally runs and Meg's a piano teacher."
"Well we need to get Colton and Barclay saddled for the Alpacas and Sandra asked if we could play with the Paints after lunch for the crowd." Charlotte said starting the round of hugs followed by Maddie.
"Seems everyone's set so I'll head out, Grandpa you'll keep an eye on Jackson ?"
"I will Amy, have a good day."
"Thanks Grandpa" she said hugging him.
"I'll walk you out." Ty said slipping his arm around her effortlessly.
Sandra walked over to meet them at Dancer. "Heading off boss ?"
"I am, I guess you heard about Bryce ?"
"About time, I thought she'd never pop, I see you put Chuck in charge ?"
"I have."
"He can do it Amy, we'll all pitch in."
"I know he can Sandy." Amy agreed choking up again.
"Proud momma are you ? You should be."
"Stop, I'd better get going, see you all later."
"Carlotta has lunch and snacks set up for you and those apartments will be open by this afternoon. She's also sticking around with her daughter's for general housekeeping over the weekend at least. Your sister is coming around noon Friday with Katie and your dad Sunday but that's not me, Bridgett's got that one and she's at the office today if you need her."
"Ready Ty, we'll be starting soon."
"Ready Sandy" he said giving Amy a leg up. She leaned over for a kiss before turning away and riding off.
"Can I see my clinic schedule Sandy ?" Ty asked reaching for the iPad.
"Here you go, problem ?"
"Adjustment, let's take out these two breaks for me and make lunch 2 hours."
"You want a two hour lunch and no breaks."
"I do."
"Need a horse ?"
"Motorcycle, where are the girls ?"
"What are you planning, wait are you ? You want me to change your schedule so you can ….."
"We're passing into the TMI zone Sandy."
She sighed, smiled and laughed, then shook her head "you two are going to be a handful aren't you ? The girls are in rescue talking with Miranda, they're about to move the un-sheared herd down to the grazing meadow for the demos.
"Thanks Sandy." He said walking off to the rescue barn and up to the small group by Colton and Barclay.
"Good morning Ty" Miranda said.
"Good morning Miranda, Excuse me, girls I need a bike at noon."
"Take anything but the Chief, Gran's particular. Yours is almost done, depending on the rescues we may be finished in the morning. Either of ours is fine if you want." Charlotte said.
"Thanks girls, I've got to go or Bert will kill me."
"Later Doc." They both said eerily at the same exact second.
Ty got two or three breathers through the morning but worked pretty steadily. He lost count of the spays he performed, some with Georgie and some without. He kept track of her through the morning and heard Bert and some of the other vets thank and praise her more than once. At one point Bert was removing several growths along the esophagus of a dog who had developed a wheeze and some difficulty breathing. These were slow growing and non cancerous, calcium buildups. If they could be removed they're regrowth would take years, and would probably not keep the dog from living out it's natural life. Georgie was assisting. He was working near the heart when a second tech monitoring vitals pointed out a small bleed and before Bert could react Georgie surprised him by closing it herself stitching the muscle and stopping the bleed. "Keep going Bert, It's minor, I've got it."
"Well done Georgie, thank you."
Ty had to admit that the techs and the seconds were top notch, knew their jobs well and were always happy and smiling when they lent a hand. Georgie has always fit that mold once she had seriously chosen becoming a vet and came to the clinic.
They had several sad cases of found growths and cancers and an assortment of worms and other illnesses that had progressed into serious issues. The vets or seconds handled the parents and kids as well and volunteers herded them to recovery areas to wait. There were several local vets helping and those cases that required hospitalizations were divided amongst those practices and sent through the day. Pegasus just wasn't set up for housing smaller patients and the foundation would handle all expenses.
During one of his breathers Ty took in the main compound. Jackson seemed to be by his side immediately and smiled when Ty reached his arm over his shoulder.
"This is something else huh ?"
"Sure is" Jackson agreed. "It's a lot of fun, most kids aren't used to large animals, even out here."
Ty looked around, there were two Marauders tying balloon animals for kids on the line. Several others with wagons of water for both humans and animals. One handing out cookies or animal treats every now and then and each wearing big red clown noses which pretty much made them harmless.
He smiled when John waved from across several paddocks where he was standing with one pink cotton candy cone and a blue one handing them down to kids as Cooter reached through the window. They both had big red noses.
The line reached past the family garage and several trailers had pulled in and were parked near the barns.
Bert joined them a moment later. "Madhouse run by bikers."
Ty laughed and Bert did as well "Come on Ty, let's get the large stock done."
Miranda and Viv stopped them for a second to say goodbye to Ty.
"Here Ty, Sandy said you'll see her at lunch, tell her 48 hours."
Ty opened the envelope and looked at the money transfer which read $545,708.41.
"I'll see that she gets it Viv, thanks. Nice meeting you both."
As they turned to walk back to work Bert looked over "not a bad week for you Ty."
"Sure is" Ty answered scooping Jackson up. "You done getting everyone settled ?"
"Yes sir, all tucked away."
"Good man, I've got to work."
"Time to help serve the hot dogs for me." Jackson answered as Ty put him down.
"Have fun Jackson." Ty said with a fist bump before JT scooted off. "Not a bad week at all Bert."
"Georgie's very well trained and pleasantly intuitive Ty, you're a good teacher."
Ty smiled "I didn't do that on my own Bert."
"You and Amy are a pair, that's for sure."
Ty and Bert stepped out again an hour and a half later for lunch. Hearing the applause they wandered over to watch the girls performing a liberty routine.
"They're very good." Georgie said surprising him after joining him at the rail.
"You have no idea Georgie, you should see them jump."
"I can imagine, if they were Canadian they could compete in the finale."
"They are Canadian Georgie, Dual citizenship, Amy too." Ty told her. "I've gotta head out."
"Where are you going ?"
"Out."
"Thanks Ty."
"Amy, Ok Mallory."
"I'm not near that bad and you know what Jack would say." She said giggling.
"I do and you don't be jealous, go find Wyatt." He called back trotting to the garage.
Georgie looked over at Bert who was smirking.
"You'll lose all respect for me if I head to the guest house won't you ?"
"My wife is right over there Georgie so no, I have an office with a lock I'm considering, your respect is intact."
"Well Ok then, see you for round two Bert."
"Don't be late Georgie."
"Don't believe everything Ty tells you about me either Bert."
Georgie waved at Ty as she headed towards the guest house and he rode out on the Scout and a few minutes later he was throwing down the kickstand on the back side of the treehouse along an unpaved service access road.
"Well this is an unexpected surprise." Amy said getting up with a big smile and wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him down for a kiss.
"I've gotten used to having you around." Ty said not letting her go from his arms.
"Lunch ?" Amy asked
"After ?"
"Ty, you have an hour."
"I actually have two."
"You didn't."
"Guilty."
Amy laughed "get 'em off then and let's get to it."
"You're a hopeless romantic Fleming."
"You want romance my love, it's romance you shall have" Amy said wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing her head up to whisper a sultry suggestion in his ear and then start nibbling down his neck. "Seems scrubs don't do much to hide your hopeless romantic nature Ty, isn't that uncomfortable ?"
He sighed when she undid the pull on his pants and they dropped to the floor.
"There isn't that better ?" She whispered as her hands roamed his body and found their target.
"You have no idea." He groaned.
They ate lunch sprawled on the bed, sheets wrapped around them, they shared a large salad with fresh rolls, hard boiled eggs, cheeses and assorted toppings.
"When you're ready Dr. Borden, I want my ring back, don't fuss it up." She said it matter of factly and went back to her salad.
"Ok, that's good to know." He said smiling at her.
She smiled back at him and chewed. The look in her eye's made him dizzy.
"So Brin's a pianist."
"She's quite remarkable, Mad just melts when she plays."
"And Bobby ?"
"Bobby's very smart, mathematician has been bandied but he's undecided. He also writes, short stories mostly, I think they're great and I also think he's seriously considering Cornell Agricultural College. What's up Ty ?"
"Nothing's up Ames. I was thinking about Jackson."
"So you asked about the girls ?"
"Weird huh ?"
Amy got up holding the sheet with one hand and deposited her plate on the dresser. Ty looked up just as she dropped her sheet "Got time for a final act sweetie ?"
He smiled back "I think that can be arranged."
Sandra stood outside the medical barn looking at her watch as Ty walked by "welcome back Dr. Borden, thank you for being on time."
"Have to set a good example Sandra."
"Seriously Ty ?"
"Don't judge."
"I don't, I just comment. Have a good afternoon Ty."
"You too Sandra."
The last patient pulled out at 6:05 and as soon as the car cleared the gate the applause started. People came out of all the buildings and barns to clap, hoot, whistle and congratulate each other for a job well done. Amy stepped up on a bale and thanked the assembled for all their hard work. She apologized that everyone wouldn't fit in the house but that the buffet Pavel and crew were setting out was welcome to all and their families. She gave special thanks to Chuck and Benny for stepping up in Bryce's absence and promised that as soon as there was any news about the baby Sandra would send a ranch wide text along with the pool winners which brought laughs from the crowd. Many of the staff made a point to personally shake Chuck's hand and congratulate him.
They all knew what was coming and many showing up fresh were about to work all night setting up for intake and joined those leaving for dinner and to hear how the day went. Families also arrived to eat and spend time with those that worked all day and some for dinner before their loved ones would stay and spend the night working under the lights.
There was no grumbling or griping, these people loved what they did and it was evident in how they treated the horses and the respect they showed each other. Vets sat with wranglers, bikers and trainers, they joked, laughed and their kids all ran around like family.
Walking past the family barn on the way to the house Amy noticed Charlie standing and staring at the electronic duty sign on the wall and stepped over with Ty.
"Hey you, what are you doing here ?"
"Chuck sent me a picture of the sign, I had to see it." He was crying, unashamed, the man who had stood up to the legislative and judicial branches of the US Government and walked away whole shook, as the tears rolled down his face and Amy wrapped her arms around him.
"Hey, hey, what's all this, we should be celebrating, come on, let's crack open a thousand dollar bottle of champagne and have a hot dog."
"Where the hell were you brought up Amy ?" He said with a slight laugh.
"Steak ?"
"Better, chateaubriand even better," then more seriously and with intense feeling "Thank you Amy."
"He did it himself Charlie, we just showed him the way and gave him a chance. Where would be without that remarkable son of ours ?"
"Come on, let's go eat, he's not leaving by the way, not until they're done tonight." Charlie said "laid that out as soon as he saw me."
"We'll set him up in a loft apartment tonight so he can get some sleep, Carlotta opened two of them up today and if you want to stay you're welcome as well."
"I met Wyatt today at the office with Trevor, nice young man, good head on his shoulders."
"Can you get him into Cornell Law ?"
"Trev will get it done and we have an ace in the hole."
"Go on ?"
"They've been asking me to teach a little tax law my way, it might be fun."
"Charlie, you'd do that for me ?"
He looked at her for a second and then leaned over and kissed her head, "I'd do anything for you Amy, you know that."
Ty smiled, there was a time that exchange would have drove him crazy but this man loved her like a younger sister or daughter. She cared for his son as if he was her own and there was no love loss it seemed between any of these people who surrounded her.
Chuck was Amy's first stop in the house and she hugged and kissed him. "I am so proud of you Chuck."
His smile was indescribable "Thanks Amy." He said blushing.
"Well done Chuck, we're all proud of you." Ty said reaching out to shake his hand.
"Thanks Ty."
Charlie hugged and kissed him as well and Chuck shied away. "Come on dad, not in front of the guys." He whispered
"Amy kissed you."
"God moms are different" he whispered.
"Ok, Ok, make sure to eat before you get back to work."
"I will Dad, I promise."
"Red letter day Charlie" Trevor said walking over and sitting down. He was followed closely by his wife Stephanie who hugged Chuck as he walked away and then stopped to hug and kiss Charlie from behind.
"Just think" she said "all those Pegasus centers doing amazing work because we saw Chuck change before our eyes. Look at what he's accomplished. Remember that autistic boy Amy, Randy was his name ?"
Amy smiled, "I will never forget that, the look on his face when he touched that roan, like he was healed, his anger driven away."
"I saw that in Erie, Georgie did you see Chance ?" Ty called out.
Georgie came over with Wyatt, "he saw me and freaked out. We were stalling Harley and Pal for the night, it was good to see him."
Ty continued "I literally watched him heal this kid, his mom told me it calms him down for days, one second he was yelling and laying on the ground in his own closed off world and seconds later he had his arms around that huge white neck like a baby."
"Georgie did you bring anything nice to wear ?" Amy asked.
"Nice how ?"
"Nice dress, sport coat or suit for Wyatt ?"
"Some leaning towards more casual, sorry." Georgie answered.
"Not a problem, Meg, Lisa ?" Amy called out.
Meg, Bert, Jack and Lisa strolled over, they had either wine or champagne.
"First, when are you flying out Sunday ?" Amy asked.
"Betty insisted on the dinner flight." Lisa answered.
"Oh, out of Syracuse it's nice, get the lamb or duck, the steak is plain and the chicken or fish bleh. I hear the wine list is top notch." Amy said enthusiastically "You'll have to join us at brunch, it wouldn't be right, Lou too I guess. Well, I'll talk to Betty, Lisa I need you."
"What do you need honey ?"
"Please talk to Lou about clothes for Sunday, look at what Georgie and Wyatt have and judge, otherwise Meg, you and Lisa will get them dressed. Sunday brunch with the dean, casual in a fancy way, Saratoga-ish. Call Sebastian and see what he has in her size but go shopping if you need to. And ask Trev about his end, there might be suits and more formal in all this for law."
"Amy."
"Georgie, listen to me, focus, the formalities of the process, the politics, are important. Cornell is the second best Vet school in the world, the Dean of that school is coming here at our invitation to meet you. Bert here is going to sing your praises. Process, then take a deep breath."
Georgie stopped for a second and closed her eyes. "Got it, Ok, Wyatt ok ?"
"Cornell Law for me and you haven't stopped smiling since you've got here. I'm good Georgie." Wyatt said.
"And there's always lunch at the ranch as an inducement." Bert added which broke up Meg and Amy, Ty tried to hold back, Georgie and Wyatt blushed.
"Sorry Lisa, Grandpa, there's no explaining that." Amy said trying hard not to blush.
"Don't actually think I need to hear it Amy." Jack said smiling.
When the food came out Ty laughed seeing what he thought was a joke. Hot dogs, burgers and beef on a bun. Assorted salads and a heap of fried chicken.
"Is this all you eat, hot dogs ?" Ty asked laughing.
"It's the last of them, there's this hot dog company in Canton, NY called Glazier's, every now and then someone's passing and we get a couple gross in the summer mostly and we don't freeze them, it does something so we use 'em up and then we go back to other stuff."
"They are good hot dogs." Ty acquiesced.
Amy smiled chewing one and nodded as Ty wiped mustard from the corner of her mouth.
John and Trish joined the group after a time, they had eaten with the club at the large buffet. John smiled when he noticed Ty lifting Jackson against his chest to carry him off to bed fast asleep. Jackson wrapped his arms around Ty's neck without a care in the world, laid his head on Ty's chest and sighed. The Carmichaels had left for the night as did the Caldwells. Amy followed him up the stairs a steadying hand against his back.
"What do you think John ?"
"Those two are good for each other Jack."
"Which two specifically ?"
"Ty and either one I guess."
"Or all I'd think." Jack added softly.
"How was your day Jack ?" John asked with a smile and a nod of agreement.
"I have to admit I had fun today John but you folks put in some long days, I'm beat."
"Yeah, us too, just wanted to stop by and say goodnight before heading for a bed."
Ty gently laid Jackson down after Amy pulled back his quilt. While Amy sat Ty untied JT's sneakers as Ty was getting used to hearing them called and then undid his belt to get his trousers off. He sat opposite Amy and they pulled the cover up. Jack didn't budge, out completely. Amy bent over and kissed his forehead and cheek. Ty ran his hand over Jackson's hair and leaned over and kissed his forehead as well.
"Sometime's I sit here and just bask in his silence." Amy said with a smile.
"He's perfect Amy." Ty whispered.
"You falling in love Ty ?"
"Way past with all three of them, real bad too."
"Ty ?"
"It's good Amy, I'm good."
They heard the girls coming up the stairs and quietly met them in the hallway.
"Jax Ok ?"
"He's fine Mad, just tired." Amy said.
Charlotte smiled and hugged Ty which tonight he returned. "Night Charlotte."
"Goodnight Dr. Borden."
Maddie followed while Charlotte went to Amy.
"Not gonna spill huh Doc ?" Maddie asked her arms around him.
"Truck lifts Mad, I'm having three truck lifts installed."
She stepped back and smiled "Really ?"
"Yes really."
"Why ?"
"They're for working under a truck Mad."
"I know that why."
"Then why did you ask ?" Ty said with a smirk.
"You're impossible."
"Night Madelyn."
"Good night Dr. Borden, night mom."
"Good night sweetheart."
As they walked down the stairs Ty looked over "I don't know how I tell them apart but, it's weird, a week ago they were exactly the same."
"And now ?"
"They're completely different."
Amy nodded and smiled at him as they hit the last step.
The room broke up very quickly when Amy and Ty returned most waited for the good byes and good nights. Bert, Meg, Amy, Ty, Georgie and Wyatt were the last and about to leave. Rescues were coming in the morning and as they turned Sandra stood at the door iPad at the ready. "It's up, 38 rescues coming in over two days and Boxer on Friday. The first is due no earlier than noon tomorrow so relax tonight. The files are open."
"Immediate surgeries ?" Bert asked.
"The first four arriving were found beaten, we need to be ready to intervene. They're under medication, stable for now and jittery. 16 are coming, health stable from facilities with everything we usually find. The rest from state authorities, it's us or well, it's us."
"There will be colic somewhere in that state group, out of 17 figure 4 in 48 hours. Let's meet at 10:00 and see the latest reports, we'll plan from there." Bert announced. "Good night everyone."
"Good night Bert, thanks Sandra, we'll look them over and get set in the morning." Amy said "Go home and get some rest, how's it going outside ?"
"They'll get to sleep, they want to do a good job for Chuck, everybody's pretty proud Amy. Good night everybody, good work today."
Everyone wished each other goodnight and soon Amy, Ty, Georgie and Wyatt were walking up the path "So Lisa says the rules are we can ask anything but there are some topics you want discussed once with the family which is Saturday night."
"Well, I didn't realize we had formalized it but Ok Georgie." Amy said.
"Does anyone know what you wrote to them ?"
"Not unless you discussed it, no, not from me."
"Can we establish you're rich ?"
"By most standards." Amy answered as they went into the guest house.
"Cool."
"Thanks Georgie."
"Can we get washed up and hang out a little ?"
"I'd like that." Amy said with a smile.
"How long will it take all of us to shower ?"
"On demand hot water Georgie, we can run both showers and tubs simultaneously and never run out."
"I'm never leaving" Georgie said, "ever, send for my stuff."
"Let's meet in the living room in a half hour." Amy said laughing.
Georgie and Wyatt came out to find Amy sitting across Ty's lap in a big leather chair. They were each reading files on an iPad.
"We'll have more detailed reports on most of them by the meeting tomorrow." Amy started. "This first group may be pretty traumatized, those are the ones we lose, if we can't get to them we can't treat them. Why would anyone beat a horse ?"
"Bert mentioned the state adoptions." Ty asked.
"If the horse requires extensive work a lot of smaller rescues can't take them even with a scholarship from us. It's time they can't spare from the rest of their horses. If the state can't find a rescue facility to take them ultimately they put them down. If we have a slot we have the people and the time."
"Seems a shame." Ty whispered.
"Look at me sweetheart, we can't take them all just do our best for the ones we get." Amy had her hand on his cheek.
"I know, it's amazing we can do so much."
"So TV ? A movie ?" Georgie asked.
"Sure Georgie, if you can figure out how to use that thing, I guess there's a remote somewhere." Amy said pointing to the TV.
"You've never put the TV on ?"
"Sorry Georgie, oh wait, get that thing on I have a thumb drive and a website with a password." Ty said slipping out from under Amy and trotting off to the bedroom.
"Thumb drive ?"
"Real estate Georgie, Ty wants to buy a getaway for us."
"Getaway from what ?"
"From here Georgie" Ty said coming over with a laptop.
After checking the envelope it was easier to use the website and the iPad/SmartTV setup and soon they were watching a 20 minute video of an extravagant home and adjoining buildings that started and ended with a flyover helicopter tour of the property. When it was over it prompted for the next property overview.
The group was silent for a few minutes until Georgie said it in one word. "Wow."
"3.7 million dollars ?" Ty repeated stunned "I mean it's amazing but 3.7 million ?"
"It's a nice property, I don't think it's the one for us but overall very nice." Amy said.
"You can consider 3.7 million dollars ?"
"Yes Georgie, I doubt there's anything under that password we can't afford."
"Why not for us ?" Ty asked.
"Doesn't feel right for what we want unless we want to entertain a lot and I doubt that's what you're looking for. It's a tad to formal I think. We're a pretty active bunch, something more recreational would suit us better."
"Oh, I have an envelope I was supposed to give you at lunch." Ty said running out again and returning with the Alpaca money transfer.
Amy opened the envelope "You forgot to give me a half million dollar piece of paper Ty ?"
"You drove it from my mind." He said sheepishly.
"That's a really good shear." Amy said looking at the supporting document. "If the other herds do this well there's going to be some nice Christmas bonuses."
"And you're building me a hydro pool."
"Just for you Georgie, plaque and all." Amy laughed.
"You should make the main pool smaller and build an adjoining lap pool or endless pool or two differing depths. They seem to prefer that from the articles I've read at least."
"Ok, well, gather the research and sit down with Barb and Katie. Let me know when you've all decided."
"Really ?"
"Yes, really Georgie, I had no idea they had an endless pool that would work."
"You know what an endless pool is ?"
"Yes actually, there's one down that hall in the gym. Oh that reminds me, JT has PT at 9:00."
Georgie got up and immediately went down the hall. She was back a second later. "There really is no reason to ever go back, Can I have this place ?" She said it as a joke and it made them all smile.
"No, this is the guest cottage, when you decide to stay we'll talk about where. Do you have a wedding date ?"
"No, we wanted to figure out paying for school first and all that, it may be a couple years off."
"More Heartland syndrome, you're figuring is over, I'll cover school anywhere, long engagements don't work, trust me, set a date Georgie."
"Fuck that, we'll set a date when you two set a date."
"Fine with me." Amy agreed.
"What the hell Amy ?" Ty exclaimed.
"What he said Georgie, I mean I really want to marry you but," when Georgie turned to look at him with that look he had learned so well he realized that in using but he had made the wrong choice of words and stopped, "fine, that's fine."
Georgie smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "Thank you Wyatt, I really want to marry you too."
"See Ty, all good." Amy said smiling. "Come on, let's fool around and get some sleep, Jackson at 9:00, maybe before."
"We have a lock on the door in the house right ?"
"I think so sweetheart, goodnight Georgie, Wyatt."
"Good night Amy, Ty" they said.
Georgie turned to Wyatt "more TV or frisky Georgie ?"
"Get the lights and lock up woman, I'll get us some water and meet you in the biggest bed I have ever seen."