A/N – Just watched Season 12 Episode 1. No spoilers, I enjoyed it, it was new Heartland. I tried to do this earlier but unfortunately today was the first day I felt really up to proofing, I'm actually feeling much better. Here's the next chapter, one of my favorite stories in a story chapters. You'll see. Enjoy and thanks for all the reviews and well wishing.
Chapter 38
19 of the 20 horses dropped at the ranch on Thursday seemed well enough and stalled comfortably. Wallace was doing as well as could be expected. Sarah debrided him through the course of the rest of the day and into the early evening and he seemed to do well with her around. Walking past them you could always hear Sarah whispering or singing to him softly.
The three other debrided horses were also doing well. Off their meds they were dosed with Valerian and seemed content and calm. They were in isolation stalls along the back outside of the rescue barn along with any other horse they were unsure of. The horses that came in accompanied by a vet and papers assuring they carried no communicable diseases were stalled in the barn. Six of the rescue horses that came in were outside in isolation for a mandatory 48 hour watch along with the three.
As horses were delivered through the afternoon they were vetted, groomed, fed and watered. Amy, Violette and Sarah checked blood work and vitals as the information was gathered they tweaked the feed and supplements regimens of each horse to match specific health goals. Then Amy sat with Chuck and went over exercise schedules for the horses that were up to it. He would also see that each of the horses was seen by the farrier and that they were fed as regimented in their files. He knew his job and Amy trusted him to do it or seek help. He would leave nothing on his list of assigned tasks undone, it was how he was taught and he took great pride in his work.
Ty sat with Burt and worked through files, they also went through each of the intake charts and records, noted the natural remedies Amy had approved and looked for the telltale wording that made her who she was "No drug regimen expected."
"I swear that if they let her loose on dogs and cats vet clinics would be shutting down faster than buggy makers." Ty said going though the files.
"Not really, Amy's methods take time and more patience than many people would give if they hear an injection would clear it up. I don't know that I disagree in many of these nowadays. I have never seen healthier horses in my life than those she and the staff care for, there's a list of thoroughbred owners who would stable here if we had the room and when they announce the jumping facility there will be a mad dash for slots. We've got all the time in the world to see these horses through."
"And you think they are better off this way ?"
"I do Ty, in the end I think any drug regimen we can save them from is beneficial to their future. Antibiotic and other drug resistance is very real and seems to be being passed generationally and our methods can slow that down maybe over time reverse it. Stronger and more virulent antibiotics are clearly not the answer. The only reason Amy ever agreed to teach was her singular message, stop drugging them unnecessarily." They turn students away from the electives she teaches, they're considered coveted slots, she's a passionate advocate and teacher."
"These transfers in the barn assigned to the girls ?" Ty asked.
"Yeah, they each take 4 when they come in like this and they're not in school, they'll get them bridled and saddled and then we'll see."
"They'll each join up with 4 horses ?"
"Pretty cool to watch. Amy has the other two and she'll take the ones who were debrided today. Probably Sarah as well. You seem surprised Ty."
"I guess I shouldn't be, I met Amy when she was 15 and this is what she did, I fell in love with her watching her with Spartan."
"She must have left that out of the book manuscripts." Bert said laughing.
"Book manuscript ?"
"Books actually, case files and methods, she uses them for teaching."
"Published ?"
"She's being pressured but not yet. Don't look like that, she's not keeping it from you Ty, there's a lot to take in, in what, the less than two weeks you've been here."
"Why did you ask about public speaking ?"
"We are all about to be put on the block for the Dean of Cornell Law and Vet schools, Locking you in as the future Medical Director of Pegasus would be a coupe for Lorin. That, the book, me, Sunday will be a negotiation, he won't specifically ask for anything but suggest something simple, like you do a series of lectures on something."
"In exchange for Georgie's slot."
"Yup."
"You would do that for Georgie ? Oh, for Amy, like Charlie."
"And now for you Ty, you are important to me and Georgie is important to you. I'm formulating an idea that may be all we need and would benefit us as much as the school. I have to talk with Charlie first as it deals with a scholarship."
"Where did she learn all of this politicking ?"
"Charlie, Trev, Meg, me I guess, it's mostly common sense and determination. That's what she's got. She has a way with people, convincing them, getting them on her side, making them comfortable, making them trust her. Build a bond of trust and stick to it, horses, people both seem the same to her. She's very good at this Ty, she's amazing in a social setting like a cocktail party."
"Amy. At a cocktail party." He said it as statements. Ty was incredulous.
"She tries her best not to these days, back when we started raising funds though she was something to see."
One of the things that the staff and hands starting seeing and commenting on with smiles and giggles was that both Ty and Amy went out of their way to spend a second or two with each other through the day. A passing kiss, a touch, a tender smile or a hug, if they were anywhere in each other's vicinity they took a few extra steps to make contact.
They also noticed the look in Ty's eyes when he was found watching the girls or Jackson work. Sitting with Bert at one point he heard a flute song start and immediately looked up.
"Go ahead, we're almost done, that's Brin on the recorder."
Ty walked out and found the twins and Bobby walking among the rescues and Brin sitting with her back against a stall, a black quarter horse looking down at her from above. She was playing what looked like a way fancier recorder than he remembered Georgie playing in school. The tune was familiar but he couldn't quite place it and then her heard Charlie and Maddie start to sing and Bobby who also seemed to have a fine voice join their song.
A/N – This song is actually sung by Amy with a little girl in Season 3 Episode 2. It's called "I Ride an Old Paint". Legend has it that the song was collected by Carl Sandburg, a musicologist and was passed to him through others. The author was a Santa Fe cowboy, name unknown. It's been recorded by Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger and Linda Rondstadt to name a few.
"I ride an Old Paint
I lead an old dam
I'm goin' to Montana
To throw the Houlihan
They feed in the Meadows
They water in the draw
Their tails are all matted
Their backs are all raw
As they walked from stall to stall the horses seemed to come forward for contact, the song and smiles soothing them in a way. They handed out apples which the horses appreciated.
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go
Ty smiled and turned when Amy joined in singing, she had walked in from stalling Spartan and came to stand next to him. They stood arm in arm, Amy tucked in to his side as always, her rich alto matching the tone of Brin's Alto recorder.
Old Bill Brown
Had a daughter and a son
One went to Denver
And the other went wrong
His wife she died in a pool room fight
And still he keeps singing from morning til night.
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go
Several other hands came into the tunnels to listen and several at the entrances on the front or back. Brin played artfully along, accompanying the singers and playing small interludes between the verses.
Well when I die
Take my saddle from the wall
Put it on my pony and lead him from the stall
Tie my bones on his back
Turn our faces to the west
And we'll ride the prairie
That we love the best
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go
Ride around
Ride around real slow
The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go"
When they were done, Brin started playing again after a minute or so. This time it was a classical piece and Ty had to admit though not the biggest fan of classical music that it was a beautiful melody and Brin was very good. While she played Maddie came by the tunnel and Ty asked after the piece.
"Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto in G, she's been practicing it all summer, what do you think ?"
"It's beautiful Maddie, she's quite accomplished." Ty said.
"She has a solo performance at the end of August, Piano and recorder. You'll come ?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world Mad."
Maddie smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek and hug him before continuing on her round. "It'll be nice to have you there as part of the family Dr. Borden."
"When did you get so perfect ?" Amy whispered up to Ty.
"I've always been perfect Amy, you know that."
"I'm very excited about our date Dr. Borden. It was nice of you to ask."
"I'd been planning, dating, courting and wooing for some time now, I just figured you know, why not start this weekend."
"How about you and I step away for an hour or so." Amy whispered.
"I have rounds, my boss insists I do my job."
"I'll have a talk with her later, raincheck on the hour ?"
"I'm going to ravish you later Amy, no prisoners, no time frames."
Amy sighed, "you'll be the death of me Ty Borden."
"I hear it's not a bad way to go."
"You heard that did you, where would that be ?"
"Around."
"Around where exactly ?"
"Just around."
"Uh huh, wouldn't care to define ravish for me would you ?"
"Go to work Amy."
"You got it boss." She said reaching up and biting at his neck.
"Hey, no hickeys, I'm a professional."
Amy giggled "I'll see you in a little while my love."
"Not too long."
"Never too long again." Amy whispered moving her hand to his cheek.
Ty smiled and leaned over to kiss her then turned back to the medical barn.
Amy walked through the rescue barn and sat down next to Brin who was swabbing her recorder before casing it. "The Vivaldi is coming along Brin."
"I think so, one or two odd parts still, I've neglected it a little working on the piano pieces. It'll come together. You look happy with Ty Amy, it's nice."
"I am happy with him."
"So I hear you've got a date."
"I do, it's very exciting."
"I don't know if I should say this, Mad and Charlie, they get that you need space with Ty but they'd feel better seeing you together."
"Together ?"
"See you being together rather than leaving together to be alone."
"They want to spend time together with us as a couple."
"As a family Amy."
"Thank you sweetheart."
"Anytime, between us Ok ?"
"Always Brin."
Later on towards dinner, Wyatt, Amy and Ty walked from the guest house to the ranch house together. Georgie was looking at dresses with Lisa and Betty, Meg Koenig skyped along from home while getting her dinner ready.
"What is that ?" Georgie asked when she saw Meg walk away and then return after sliding two loaves of woven breads behind her.
"They're called Challah Georgie, it's a traditional braided bread, Jewish, typically we eat them to welcome holy days and for celebrations."
"It looks awesome."
"Next week I'll make an extra for Amy to bring home, they're coming for dinner Friday. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and goes for 24 hours. The challah is one of the ways we welcome the sabbath. We're not observant by any means but I grew up in a traditional home so when I can I cook traditionally for holidays and well the sabbath."
"I get it, like ham or turkey on Christmas or an Easter Goose."
"Exactly."
"Oh that's nice, really nice" Georgie said looking at one of the dresses on the screen.
"He has that in both a 6 and 8 so that should work and it's perfect for what we need." Betty added looking at the screen.
"Choose three or four Georgie, this way we'll be covered unless we need a cocktail or more formal dress." Lisa said
"What happens then ?" Georgie asked.
"Depends on the time frame, for formal, if we have time to head into Manhattan that's what we'll do." Lisa answered, Betty nodding along.
"The helicopter ? Ty mentioned it."
"Yup." Lisa answered with a smile.
"Is it weird that she seems the same ?"
"She is the same Georgie, she's grown into the money part." Betty answered "we were pretty tapped out when we started, she fell in love with this place, that was before us, and threw everything she had into it. Roberta would send Amy's lunch with Bryce to make sure she ate, not that they had money but a PBJ is easy enough."
"Mac and Cheese for dinner too" Georgie said. "Wyatt and I've been tapped."
"Georgie you never mentioned."
"No Lisa, let's not, we wanted to make it on our own."
"And prove the naysayers wrong."
"Well, mom, dad, Jack, Tim, Jen, seriously how many people had to tell us it would be hard ? We were too young ? I haven't talked to her about it, waiting for Saturday but I can see where Amy felt she had to leave, after years of being encouraged to dream and do, it gets old getting told no Lisa."
"I'm sorry honey."
"Please don't be, I could never had done any of this without you Grand Mare." Lisa smiled at the use of the name, having heard Amy's kids use it Georgie loved the idea and immediately adopted it, when she remembered. She was sure it would get easier. "Mom and Tim were shocked when I said I wanted to do the vet tech training and give up performance. They loved vet school but living with Wyatt ? You always had my back."
"Ty and I never even went there" Amy said walking over "that's a nice one." She said looking over at the dress. "Living together probably would have changed everything that happened but well here we are looking at very expensive dresses."
"We're getting that one for the brunch, we're now onto a few more." Meg said from the iPad.
"Hey sis, how's dinner coming ?"
"Fine Amy, soup's done, Challah's out and kugel is in."
"Kugel ?" Georgie asked.
"It's a sweet noodle casserole pudding thing with eggs, raisins and cinnamon. It's great and JT's absolute favorite food especially if Meg uses cheese."
"Well this is for Shabbat Amy, no cheese but I'll bring a piece and see if he turns it down."
"Jackson turning down food is not going to happen. Oh, Saturday night Katz's deli night here, a prelude to Zabar's at brunch."
"Deli and then the Q & A."
"Sure throw a pall over my gastronomic dreams why don't you ?"
"Amy, I don't care."
"You don't care about what Georgie ?"
"Any of what happened 8 years ago, I don't care."
"Well, good, thank you Georgie, I'll tell you a secret, I don't really care either, sure I question my decision sometimes but not the result. I think my reasons for leaving were valid and what's done is done. Sarah says life's for living not reliving."
They were joined by Wyatt and the teenagers a few minutes later and the girls immediately took over the screen and had 4 dresses ordered for Georgie in 10 minutes. Talking a mile a minute along with Georgie, discussing the why's and why nots about each including where a dress like that may be worn including dates and night's out and virtually shutting out the adults.
"Well that was easier than I thought." Georgie said laughing when they sent the email. Lisa and Betty had taken Georgie's measurements and the four dresses would be near perfect with room for adjustment if needed. Betty and Lisa would handle whatever minor alterations were necessary.
"Wyatt's all set ?" Amy asked.
"I sure am." Wyatt said obviously thrilled that the women let him choose and were happy within his choices."Two suits, sport coat and slacks. Shirts and ties, all pretty nice."
"Unless we need formal for either." Meg added.
"Let's hope not." Amy said.
"Agreed" Georgie nodded.
"So jumping ?" Amy asked looking at the teenagers.
"Not this week mom, to much to do, how about Colgate, next Saturday ?"
Amy looked at Ty for a second and Charlotte smiled "What ?"
"Day trip with Trish and John to Watkins Glen, couples thing."
"That would be a double date if there's scorekeeping." Ty added.
"Nice Doc." Charlotte said smiling.
"I could ask Mom to coach us ?" Brin said.
"This is a jumping event, Colgate ?" Georgie asked.
"Yeah, they compete 14-15 years olds, nothing real until 16 here."
"I'll go."
"Awesome, Georgie can coach us." Maddie said.
"Awesome it is then." Amy agreed.
"Great, when do you practice ?" Georgie asked.
"We've slacked off this week." Maddie said.
"So how does this work, I tell Sandra and she puts it on the schedule and then works mine around it ?"
"And theirs." Amy said nodding.
"Ok, I'll talk to Katie and Barb and then Sandra."
"Uh Georgie ?"
"Uh Maddie, before you're about to say what I hope you don't, I'm a Fleming too, we don't take kindly to losing and when we do, it better not be for lack of effort. No practice, no competition, make the time."
"Oh you're definitely hired" Amy added laughing.
"She's worse than you are Mom." Charlotte said with a grin.
"I seriously doubt that but your mom knows what you can do and I don't, so you'll jump for me and make me feel better."
"I love jumping." Brin said.
"We all love it Brin." Bobby agreed.
"Then we're agreed, let's eat." Amy said getting up.
They came out of the library to find Jack sitting with Erma, Sarah and Violette. Jack had Kimmie fast asleep against his chest and Erma was telling him about their herd of Brown Swiss dairy cows. They were also nibbling on fresh Potter Farms creamy gruyere.
"Lisa you have to taste this gruyere, Erma makes it, it's absolutely the best."
"It was perfect when I checked so I just cut a huge chunk to have with dinner. Brought a few dozen eggs too."
"Erma you don't have to."
"Oh please Amy, it's just cheese and eggs."
"Mom, can I ride over and help April with chores in the morning. ?"
"And your chores JT ?"
"No, after my chores, guess I should have led with that."
"Of course you may, just let someone know you're leaving the property."
Sarah got up when Ty walked over. She had a big smile on her face. "Well Ty, Wallace is standin' on his own, breathin' much better, drinkin' and holdin' down some mash. I'd say your first surgery with us was a rousin' success and I congratulate you, let's have a toast !" Sarah said putting out her hand "Well done."
"Hear hear" Amy called out applauding.
It didn't take long before Betty pulled a bottle of Champagne and one of non alcoholic sparkling cider to open and share with some of the gruyere and grapes Lisa put out.
"To Dr. Borden !" Jackson called out holding his cider.
"To Dr. Borden" they all called out.
Walking to the table Amy pulled up to his side and put her arms around him. "You're kinda my hero right now Ty."
"I like being your hero Amy, I think it suits me."
"It definitely suits you Dr. Borden, I might have them change Assistant Medical Director on your scrubs to Amy's Hero."
"You don't think Bert might have an issue with that ?"
"Don't worry about Bert Ty, his ego can handle anything."
They kissed before splitting to sit across from each other, way further away than either of them wanted but Amy had dreamed of him there many times and she knew he felt that when she looked across the table at him.
"Not a puppy thing then" Maddie said watching them.
"Not a puppy thing Mad" Lisa said from across the table.
"It's kinda nice to have someone look at you like that." Brin said looking over to Maddie who leaned in for a kiss.
"It's spreading" April said giggling.
"So what are all you kids and teens doing after dinner ?"
"April is coming home and getting a good night's sleep as are I, if Kim here cooperates." Erma said smiling. "And I'm tasked to drop these three off on the way. Brin has to practice, and Bobby and Cars have chores to finish."
"So it's just us ?" Ty asked.
"What do you have in mind Dr. Borden ?" Charlotte asked.
"Well I was looking into, well your mom and I, into getting a place away from here, not too far like a home away from home to unwind and spend time together."
"Spend time together ?" Jackson asked.
"As a family Jackson, all of us, riding, fishing just being together without the pressure, no work."
"No work." Charlotte said looking over at Amy with her eyebrows raised.
"No work Charlie" Amy assured her.
"And ?" Maddie asked.
"We have some videos of places, we were going to choose but I think maybe we all should."
"Cool" Jackson said.
"How about we all head over to the guest house after and look at some ?"
"Sure Doc, that would be great" Maddie said "do we have popcorn ?"
"S'mores" Jackson added.
"I love s'mores." Brin pouted.
"I'm sorry Bina, next time."
"It's ok Mad, I have s'mores ice cream at home."
"Grandpa, Lisa, Betty, want to join ?"
"No thanks Amy, I'm heading to a comfy chair and then bed." Jack said.
"I think we all are Jack" Betty agreed "you kids have fun, pick a nice one."
"So Erma, how did your family come to these parts." Jack asked.
"A story for the ages Grandpa." Amy said "true Americana."
"I'm all ears" Jack said leaning forward.
"So am I" Georgie said.
Erma blushed and grinned "Well, the legend has it that my great great great great great grandfather, I think that's right, Eamon and August's grand sire Jeremy met on a boat out of England to the colonies in 1770 along with their wives. August's family from England and mine from the German Swiss border, my maiden name is Kiltcher. They became friends on the trip and traveled here together and finally settled in what became Ithaca in 1772. The legend tells that Eamon and Jeremy left together to the revolutionary war in 1775 and returned a year later triumphant. Our families have lived side by side for over 225 years. August was born 40 days before me in the same hospital delivery room and delivered by the same doctor. We attended the same schools, were best friends and then husband and wife. Since the day we were both born onto this earth we have never lived further than ½ a mile from each other."
"What do you say to that Grandpa ?"
"I don't know what to say, it does sound like a story out of a fairy tale, 225 years, imagine the history in those houses."
"How far you think it is between April's house and here Jackson ?" Ty whispered.
"Cut it out Doc" Jackson whispered back blushing.
April looked over and smiled at Ty, the girls were beaming.
"That's absolutely remarkable" Lisa agreed.
"We joined the farms when the folks retired and now rent one of the houses, nice bit of income. My folks passed and August's dad. His mom is still with us though, she's 88 and doing well actually."
"And you've always farmed."
"And dairy, Brown Swiss, heavy butterfat, great for cheeses and cream, our starter stock came directly from the Switzerland, Kiltcher stock actually." She said it proudly.
"My kin hail from Scotland, came by to the Appalachia in the 1820's." Sarah said, "missed the first 2 wars but none of the others."
"Set up the witch practice right off did you Sarah, or work your way into that ?" Ty asked with a grin.
There were laughs around the table.
"Well," Sarah said laughing herself "the Smiths, that's my momma's side, been tendin' to folks and critters all along as far as I kin remember. Our songs and stories go back a far piece, back to the old country. Some pretty scary stuff. One says one of us was burned by the church in Scotland, who knows ?"
"Burned ?"
"What, none of your kin never needed burnin' Ty ?"
That broke the room up and Betty started clearing with help from others.
"You all going to have dessert back at the cottage ?"
"That'll be fine Betty, you kids want to sleep over in the living room ?"
"Sure" Jackson answered first off.
"We're game." The twins agreed.
"Help Gran tidy and then get changed, grab some stuff for the night and head over, we'll get the guest house ready." Amy said and they all nodded and went off to their assigned tasks.
"What's this ?" Betty asked
"They want to spend time with us as a family" Amy told her.
"Makes sense I guess, the source ?"
"Sabrina mentioned it this afternoon in confidence."
"Good source, good idea. The dating sort of threw me."
"I can see it but I think they're just playing at this stage."
"You seem Ok with it" Betty said with a side look and a grin.
"I can't stop thinking about it."
"I think Carlotta stocked you pretty well so breakfast won't be an issue but we start early tomorrow. Let Ty get some rest."
"You think he'll make a good son in law old woman ?"
"I'll think about it when he asks me and the kids."
"Is that a subtle message Betty ?"
"Ty's got a good heart Amy, he doesn't need that message. I do look forward to the sheer awkwardness of the moment."
"Yeah, they're not gonna make it easy on him are they ?"
"Those girls are probably working on the questions already." Betty answered laughing, "I wish you could be there Amy."