A/N – Thanks for all the reviews, Tim, what are going to do ? I like having women smack him by the way, it has a good following line, I always through it would be Peter or Ty. I have my money on Mitch on the show. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and PM's I get a real kick out of your ideas and predictions. Here's the disclaimer, Wyatt's last name is still a mystery so I'm using McMurtry, I like it."
Chapter 45
Ty's watch alarm went off at exactly 6 AM. He opened his eyes just as he heard the shower turn off. A few minutes later Amy came out in jeans and a tank combing out her hair.
"Morning Ty."
"Good morning Amy" he said springing out of bed and leaning over to grab her and kiss her neck.
"Someone's in a good mood." Amy laughed.
"Fishing in peace for 3 hours."
"Plan on slipping JT a roofie ?"
"He's not that bad."
"You are a cream puff."
"I guess, I get a real kick out of talking to him. Your plans ?"
"My plans are check the house, check the jumpers, check the kids who are not jumpers, check on my dad, sister, Grandpa and Lisa and check the barns not necessarily in that order."
"I like my morning schedule better which is only fair because those game rules last night were decidedly in your favor."
"My game, my rules, you want rules, make up a game."
"I'll give it some thought." He said as Amy came over to kiss him before heading out. "tell Jackson I'll be right up."
Amy found Jackson walking a set of thermal lined saddlebags back to the house "hey mom Dr. Borden inside ?"
"Just dressing JT, he'll be right over."
"Ok, Gran's gonna pack us breakfast."
"Your Gran is a wonderful person. The girls ?"
"Saddling" Jackson said, "Brin and Bobby are on the way. Georgie's with the girls"
"My family ?"
"Oh yeah, Katie is with Georgie." Jackson added.
"Lou is upstairs with your dad, Lisa and Jack are packing I think. You should go up." Betty said.
"Really ?"
"Amy."
"Fine." She said and leaned over to kiss JT on the head. "Have fun fishing with Ty JT."
"Sure thing mom."
Amy knocked at Tim's door and Lou came to open it. "Good, you're here."
"What the hell is wrong with that friend of yours Amy ?" Tim said, his head was down and she didn't have a good view.
"I don't know what you said dad so I can't help you. Did you deserve to be hit ?"
"Who deserves to be hit ?" Tim asked.
"Fair point, nobody I guess, would you have hit you ?"
Tim didn't answer for a second, "probably, Ok ? probably," he muttered.
"Then let's leave it at that for now, how's the face ?"
Tim looked up and Amy shied away "ewww, that's bad. How's the tooth ?"
"He glued the crown back on and took an impression for a new one, ready Tuesday, he put a rush on it because you're family. Family, ha, is he gonna hit me ?"
"I'd hope none of the club members hit you, that would involve John, you remember John ?"
"Yes, the enormous guy driving the school bus."
"Trish's husband, Retired Marine Master Sargent John Rocket Enchino, don't get hit by him."
"What do I do about this ?" He said pointing at his face.
"Stay out of site until the brunch is over, please."
"Fine, can someone bring me food ?"
"Yes dad, lay down and watch some TV, I'll ask Sarah if she knows of anything that will help. Not many horses get slapped in the face."
"Sarah, the witch ?" Lou asked.
"Geez Lou, she's not actually a witch, at least I don't think she is."
Lou was laughing "Cut it out Amy, go see, I'll stay with dad and ask someone to text me and I'll go down for food. Put the ice back on Dad, 20 on and 20 off, you know the drill."
Amy walked to the door and then stopped and turned.
Lou looked up as did her dad, "my assumption is that Grandpa and Meg won't tell me what you said but the blurb from Meg was enough I think. Dad, I have no idea what you think of women, my experience is Mom, Clare, Miranda and Janice and in each of those cases you acted atrociously and I have to believe that you have no respect for women at all. You can think of me as a gold digger or a whore, I don't care because your opinion no longer matters to me. You are welcome to visit and get to know my children but you will watch your tongue and mind your thoughts because the next time will be a day you will regret, that's a promise."
Both Lou and Tim stared at her as she turned and left. In the foyer outside the room she stopped and closed her eyes, took a deep breath and pulled out her phone to text Sarah as she made her way down the stairs. A couple texts back and forth and then she stopped in the kitchen and talked to Betty about feeding Tim. Next she walked back and knocked at Lisa and Jack's suite.
Lisa opened the door. "Here she is, we were hoping you'd stop in, did you see Tim ?"
"Lou's with him, he's got ice, getting food and hopefully I've calmed him down a little, seems he admits he would have hit himself. I also told him that it's the last time his opinion is welcome."
"Amy."
"Enough Grandpa, he can think of me as he wants, adding another layer to how he's broken my heart is nothing at this stage. Anyway you two, everything good ?"
"All packed except stuff for later." Lisa said.
"Is it weird at this point to even say I'll miss you two so much ?" Amy said starting to tear up.
"No it's definitely not" Lisa said coming over to hug her. "I don't know what I'll do with out the crowd around here, and all the kids are staying."
"Katie will be back soon enough and I think we'll be sending Georgie and Ty back and forth a bit, the Hudson Clinic deal is looking good. I should tell you both that I've broached the idea of a Calgary Maggie's instead of Nashville and have hinted at Lou finding another partner who'd be more amenable."
"Not for my sake I hope."
"Let's call it for Katie's sake then Grandpa but I'll be happy that she's there to help Lisa keep you in line."
"It would be nice to have her home, and you Amy."
"As soon as Ty is settled Grandpa, I promise. Lisa, we'll be staying at Fairfield if that's Ok ?"
"Just let me know and I'll have the service turn it out and I have the girls winter vacation schedules."
"2 weeks huh ?" Amy asked.
"About that, 12 days maybe, why, what do you have in mind ?" Lisa asked.
"Nothing, just a thought, you were thinking of Toulon ?"
"I think the girls are counting on it."
"Well, we'll see, we have a surgery coming, France is easy enough to plan."
"Anytime honey, you know that."
"Well I have a million things to do, Lisa, can I ask you to check in on the library, I haven't heard from Meg yet."
"Sure Amy, Betty showed me the choices."
"I'll see you both later. Oh, Pavel is a do you think kind of guy."
"Got it." Lisa said.
Amy left and Jack stopped "I'm sorry Lise, what's a do you think kind of guy ?"
"Pavel do you think these flowers would look better over there ?" Lisa said.
"Oh I see, got it, Caleb, don't you think that manure would be better in that wheelbarrow ? I'll try that, maybe he's a do you think kind of cowboy?"
Lisa laughed "Come on Jack let's see if we can help with something and the girls are jumping."
Amy stopped at the kitchen where Lou was getting breakfast ready for their dad who was showering. "Sarah will be by in a while with a poultice."
"A poultice ?" Lou asked.
"What did you think a toad, a wand and a spell."
"No, it was just the word, poultice. Amy about Dad."
"Don't Lou, I'm done, he's my dad, I'll always love him but I really can't deal with his crap anymore and I really don't want his opinions on my life, my business, my money and how I raise my kids. Take dad his food please, it's all I can do to not throw him out on his ass. Betty, the fishing crew ?"
"As soon as you went up Ty stopped by and off they went."
"Got coffee to go for me ?"
"Pot's fresh sweetheart, help yourself."
Ty and Jackson unsaddled their horses and tied them off on long leads. After unpacking their stuff they sat down. "I'm starved Jackson, let's eat first."
"Sure thing Dr. Borden, I had an apple before, but I can stand to eat. It's like I'm always hungry."
"Comes with growing and being active Jackson, it'll slow down when you get older."
"I guess, that'll be a while though."
"Enjoy growing up Jackson, you only get to do it once."
"I'm doing pretty good, mom says my first job is to have fun."
"She's a pretty good mom huh ?"
"Mom's the best."
They ate quietly and talked about fishing and the rescues.
"So you said you wanted to talk about some stuff you've been thinking about, want to do some now or get fishing ?" Ty asked.
"Well you've still got your coffee."
"I sure do, what's up buddy ?"
"I don't even know because a new question popped up."
"Let's do that one first."
"Yesterday, Charlie and Mad said they were Ok being your girls."
"You seemed pretty happy with that."
"I know, I was, am, but."
"Jackson, remember, we're going to be honest with each other."
"Right."
"I know that you've been thinking about adoption and words like, step-dad and dad."
"Ok."
"So have I, especially after what you told me when we went for ice cream. You know how you had a father and not a dad. That a father has kids but only a dad takes you fishing and camping, and hangs out."
"Sure, I remember."
"What happens when a step dad does all those things, hangs out, takes you on adventures, fishing, hiking, riding, makes sure he's always there for you, loves you like his own son or daughter ?"
"I guess he'd be a dad."
"And not a step dad ?"
"Maybe both."
"Or maybe like you said, just a dad. It sounds confusing but it's really isn't because it's really not a piece of paper that makes people what they are Jackson, that comes from inside."
"So Mad and Charlie ?"
"That might be harder to understand but I'll try and you might just ask them. I love them Jackson and you, and I'm going to marry your mom and live in that room just down the hall and I'm going to be your, Charlie's and Maddie's dad, paper or no paper, and no matter what words you or they or the people who dole out those papers want to use. Yesterday, I told your sisters that no matter what decision they make about that piece of paper, I'm still going to be their dad and they're Ok with that."
"So you and me ?" Jackson said and then giggled when Merlin leaned over and nudged him.
"You and me ? You and me are riding and fishing and hanging out."
"So, I'm your boy ?"
"I'm thinking I prefer son."
Jackson smiled "so we fishin' Dr. Borden ?"
"We're fishing Jackson, should we, you know, hug, just to seal the deal ?" Ty said after he was standing and brushing out his jeans. He looked over just as Jackson raised his arms and Ty scooped him up. He could feel Jackson feeding off of his love for the boy those small arms wrapped around him squeezing with all his might.
"Can't breathe, can't breathe" Ty gasped.
Jackson laughed and let go "sorry doc."
"It's fine Jackson, let's fish, Maddie gave me some midges she's been tying to try out, want to fish one ?"
"Sure, Mad's fly's are great."
When Amy caught up with the jumpers in the family barn she found Georgie dressed in a Pegasus jumping outfit with a coaching jacket.
"Glad you found a good fit Georgie."
"Nice selection, sure beats Lou's hand me down closet, I texted Jade and asked her to ship my boots, she has a key to our apartment."
"I think Lou wore one of my mom's jumping jackets once, boots were always the worst." Amy laughed.
"You four split up into two's and do two complete circuits and then we'll see." Georgie said.
They nodded and led their horses out. "Anything I should know ?"
"Push Brin, she's an excellent jumper, I'll get you the list of Colgate jumps tomorrow but they've historically not thrown any curves our group can't handle. Figure on it being a 2 minute circuit. I've got to finish my rounds but I'll stop back."
"I've got them Amy, I looked over the notes you gave me, I'm good."
Amy nodded and gave her a little hug "I'm glad you'll be a part of their lives Georgie, I'm proud of the woman you've become."
"Ok, that's pretty sappy but thanks, you know when we went through the family versus Georgie and Wyatt getting engaged and moving out war Lisa asked me if there was a compromise. I told them sure, with all of this family support we could just leave like Amy did."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."
"You're not getting the point Amy, you've always been there for me. Jack told me it was you who insisted that I stay at Heartland. Everything I am now hinged on that moment and when you left I thought of you and the letters before I made any of those decisions. She hugged Amy again and smiled, "you're pretty awesome yourself and I'm proud of the woman you've become Amy. I've got to get out there."
Amy checked the horses brought into the family barn the day before. They would be started through the next few weeks, saddled and worked. She randomly checked their legs and hooves and noted that although tended they each needed farrier work for their comfort and health. Since Chuck was usually away most of Sundays she checked the staff schedules and was satisfied that other people had also thought the same, made a few notes and left to the rescue barn.
She ran into Sarah walking through with a jar. "Comfrey, Arnica and Cayenne" she announced holding it up.
Amy opened it and looked, she had formed it into a gel which could be lightly applied. "Sounds good, didn't add anything for the smell ?"
"Well, momma says we need to learn from our mistakes Amy, we'll bring down the swelling with the comfrey and arnica and take the edge off the sting with Cayenne, that's the remedy, but the smell will make him remember and think, that's the cure. Meg Koenig huh, have to ponder that one."
"Haven't actually had the chance to talk to her about it." Amy answered. "Don't let my dad snap at you."
"Don't you fret on my account Amy, I'll see you tomorrow with a crisp one dollar bill. Hey you've got a date with a handsome feller tonight I hear."
"I do and I'm pretty excited about it."
"Well you have fun sweetheart, use that lilac and orange oil I made you, I think he'll like that."
"Maybe I will, good choice Sarah."
After passing through medical and stopping to review charts with Katie who was on call she stepped out and over to Jack who was standing along a fence to one of the jumping rings watching Georgie school Brin. "Again Brin, tighter angle on the turn, cut the corner."
Charlotte waved from across the paddock where she was mounted on Baggins.
"That's it, good Brin, around once more and do that again." Georgie yelled.
Amy also saw Lisa in the second ring encouraging Bobby while Maddie sat on Rocky off to the side watching. When they were done Georgie and Lisa told the kids to take a break and then the plan was for the coaches rather than the jumpers to switch.
"Amy your service ware is absolutely stunning and Pavel tells me it's mostly all local." Lisa told her. "That caviar service is gorgeous with those ice formed cups fitted on that crystal."
"I was done looking once I went to Steuben and watched the glass blowers. On a school trip no less. I was fascinated. Glass blowing is amazing. I even bid on a Chihuly hanging light fixture for the library a couple years ago on-line through one of the auction houses but Charlie pulled me back. I have two of his smaller sculptures in the treehouse. I love it, vintage, modern it's breathtaking, the glass, how the facets and cuts reflect their environment."
"I also love local, the closer to central NY the better. Fantastic craftsman, history and pride, stuff that's built for living and to last, comfy, homey. I love working with the makers. When we finished the ranch house we threw a small party for all the craftsman and artists, we had the best time watching them see their work mixed with others, it was great."
"Well I love your aesthetic, sort of modern rancher with a vintage touch and that suite would rival any 5 star Amy, you know your grandfather loved it and that's not easy."
Amy blushed, "that means a lot Lisa, thank you."
"Want to switch ?" Lisa asked nodding to the jumping ring.
"I guess I've got to call Meg, maybe touch base with Trish first."
"Ty and JT ?"
"Still fishing, Ty was so excited this morning."
"They've become close confidantes those two."
"Yeah, I always knew Ty would be a great dad, just need to keep reminding him of that."
Amy took out her phone and showed Lisa the catches of the morning. Both JT and Ty had one brown each, big smiles evident on both fishermen.
"It's nice seeing Ty smile like that."
"JT just lights up when he sees him, the day of that open house Ty stepped out for a breather and JT was standing with me at the family barn. I could see that boy just start to sizzle like a fuse. I said go on Jack and he just fired off straight into Ty's arms."
Amy smiled, "and please, the gang all dressed and waiting by 11:30 Lisa."
"I'll remind everyone honey, go get your stuff done."
Ty and Jackson had each caught one fish. They were pretty nearby to each other as fly fishing went but both were comfortable. Ty was taking his time and watching his timing, he misjudged a few casts but didn't lose the fly behind him.
"The distance thing takes the longest I think Dr. Borden, how much line to let out for a good drop, you'll get it."
"I know Jackson, some things just need practice. So what's up with April ?"
"Oh April, well we both missed each other a lot, I mean a whole lot when she was away."
"I'm glad she's back then. So you two missed each other and"
"Yeah, well the day she got back we rode out to the preserve and I sorta ended up holding her hand."
"Sort of ?"
"Well the trail got narrow and we, well out horses brushed together and she smiled and then we were holding hands."
"Just like that."
"Yup, sure seemed that way."
"And when the trail widened out ?"
"We kept holding hands, it was nice."
"Doesn't sound like you have any questions then."
"Well she kissed me."
"Is that a question Jackson." Ty was turned away and working his line. He had the biggest smile on his face.
"No not a question, that was kinda nice too but I want to do something special for her, you know to make her feel special and I don't know what."
"Well, I once surprised your mom with a special picnic lunch where she went off to do liberty with Spartan while I studied. What's April like to do ?"
"She likes to ride and draw, she's a real good artist and August helps, he draws too and teaches her. April draws animals, trees, all kinds of stuff."
"How about one day you make a special lunch with all her favorites, ask Gran to help and invite her over for a ride, take her to a really nice place where she can draw and then you can have the special lunch."
"What do I do ?"
"Bring a book or a magazine and read while she draws."
"Ok, that sounds good, just hanging out but special with a special dessert."
"A special dessert would be nice and if you can surprise her, even better."
"Ok yeah a surprise. That's a good idea."
"Right now though, I have a better idea," Ty said slowly dropping his rod tip a hair and dropping the line from his feeder hand "get the net Jackson" a second later feeling the nibble turn to a tug, he jerked his arm up, and set the fly as the trout ripped line from his reel "Fish on !"
"Awesome !" Jackson cheered wading towards the shore. "That's some bend, you need to tire him out, keep the tip up."
Amy got back to the house and found Trish and Meg at the table with Betty and Lisa.
"Oh you're both here, I was going to send out riders."
"We're waiting." Trish said.
"Lou just went up to get Tim ready." Lisa said as Amy hugged and kissed her friends.
"Ready for what ?"
"I have to apologize Amy." Meg said forlornly.
"And you ?" Amy asked Trish.
"I'm her second."
"Meg, he's always gotten wound up like this, I sort of pushed him yesterday afternoon with some of my baggage, he had a hard day."
"Oh stop making excuses Amy, there's no justification for any of this male dominant bullshit." Trish said.
"You don't get that with John ?" Lisa asked.
"Of course I do and when he's done with his crap I tell him to stand down and remember who he's talking to, then again the Marines trained John well, apparently the rodeo doesn't handle that part of manhood, the shut up and listen part."
"I'd say the Marines would handle that better." Jack agreed walking in. "I guess the fact that you're an Army Major helps."
"Army Major, wealthy horse breeder, millionaire horse whisperer, Ivy League English professor, homemaker, all noble, women are what they make of themselves Jack. My folks, well, let's say they weren't Ty's or John's but when I was a teenager my parents just let me do whatever the hell I wanted but the one lesson my mom taught is one I have kept with me my entire life, learn what your can on your own because no man will ever teach you what you need to survive, it's against their best interests. The army and my mom taught me that my strength comes from inside me, I love John like crazy, always have and I love having him as my partner through life, he's the finest man I have ever met, but we stand together, side by side."
"And he blocks that pretty face from the sun." Amy added cutting her off and eliciting laughter from the table, "Go apologize, he's already admitted he deserved it and I've had my say, everybody will be in for showering and dressing soon."
"Let me check with Lou." Lisa said picking up her phone to text.
"Go on up, he's sitting by the fireplace." Lisa said a moment later.
"Come on Meg" Trish said standing "big girl panties."
Lisa laughed as they left the room "how did those two ever get together ?"
"Amy's in the middle of that, you should see Bert and John, those two are hilarious together." Betty answered.
"Can't wait to see Ty in that mix, he's hit it off with both of them. Somebody walk me through the library please." Amy asked and was quickly accompanied by both Betty and Lisa.
It was coming up on 10:00, the guests scheduled for 11:30. Meg had asked that Bobby and Brin attend with the girls, Brin was a favorite of Pat, the Dean's wife who was a voice instructor at Ithaca college. Once they had eaten they would excuse themselves. Meg Caldwell volunteered to drive them into town for a movie after lunch. Jackson would change and ride over to the Carmichael's and April after lunch and spend the afternoon there. Everyone would be home and waiting for the pick-up at 6:30.
When they walked into the library it was different than any of them had seen it. All the service ware was now out along with the floral arrangements. The only thing missing was the food. The room had a bright fresh scent to it. Amy recognized lemongrass and sage. They stood in the center and then turned a quarter. The second time they turned Lisa gasped.
"That is absolutely gorgeous." She walked over to a table set for a large colorful fruit display. On a wrapped pedestal sat a large blown glass horses head, it gleamed crystal clear in the center and reflected the flowers around it on the edges. When the fruit display was placed the head would gently reflect that as well.
She did her best to see it from different angles. "Amy's baby" Betty said walking over. "The bidding was fierce I can tell you that we watched online, Charlie Rodgers was fit to be tied. The rest of the crew just cheering her on."
"It was hand blown at Steuben in 1940 using a Remington bronze as a model, it's one of a kind. It went up for auction in Zurich 3 years ago as part of an estate in escrow." Amy told her, "Lisa, I never felt I ever had to own anything in my life until I saw that horse's head."
"You were there."
"Absolutely, they were going to tell anyone on the phones that there was a blonde woman standing in the room holding a sign above her head and not moving. I could hear Charlie's voice in my head, yelling Amy ! slow down, make them sweat a little. It could have been worse, then again the guy who was yelling in my head has a pair of Matisse' in his living room. That head was coming home to central N.Y. with me. I even bought it a plane seat.
"uh" Lisa stammered.
"$135,000, at $95 I pushed the bids to $125 and 5 bidders dropped off one guy hung on, a spite bid I think. It's been appraised at $160. I'll never sell it.
"I can imagine, it's so lifelike and it's crystal, clear crystal." Lisa whispered. "Just stunning, the movement."
Amy was beaming when Lisa turned and looked at her.
"Pretty neat huh ?"
"Pretty neat" Lisa agreed.
They found no real fault with anything in the room but each gratuitously moved this and that, a napkin, a glass, turned a bottle.
"This is Pavel, he's very good." Lisa said.
"They're an interesting couple, this is actually Yvette who goes through this elaborate routine once he's done setting and it ends up like this." Betty explained.
"Men, where would we be without them adding 20 minutes to any task ?" Trish said joining them walking up with Meg during Betty's explanation. "I watch over 30 adult men riding around on bikes, they're worse than toddlers and way harder to herd."
"How did it go up there ?" Amy asked laughing.
"Fine, we both apologized and made peace." Meg said and then under her breath "what an asshole."
"You just had had to go there Margaret." Trish said nudging her.
Amy laughed "It's fine Meg at least here he gets to go back to Alberta, at Heartland you're just stuck with it."
"You're telling me." Lisa added under her breath.
"Lisa, you and Jack are welcome in our home anytime.".
"I think we both plan to take you up on that Betty."
Ty and Jackson came through the door laughing which made Amy smile and the group headed out to greet them.
"Hey mom, check this last one out."
"That's one big rainbow."
" Fourteen inches, took Dr. Borden 20 minutes to get him in."
"Who came up with this picture ?" Amy asked passing it to Lisa and Betty with Trish and Meg looking on.
"We were goofing around" Jackson said, "it was fun."
The picture that they all looked at was of Ty holding a trout in front of him with Jackson hanging over his back, his head over Ty's shoulder, side by side. Both had the widest grins on their faces.
"I guess we should start collecting these together in a folder somewhere." Amy said.
"I'll start one on my computer upstairs Mom." Jackson told her.
"Jackson, you better head up to shower and change, Bobby will probably be along to join you, I've laid out your clothes." Betty said.
"Ok, good fishing with you Dr. Borden."
"Always a good time Jackson, we'll go again soon, before I leave, I promise."
Jackson smiled and scooted up the stairs.
"And how did that all go ?" Amy asked.
"I'd say very well, and ahhh, our son is dating, special trail ride in the works."
"Son ?" Trish asked.
"Running title for now, all worked out, we're good." Ty said. "I have quick rounds and I'm running late."
"I'll walk you out Ty." Trish said.
"Bert's out there already Ty, he just texted." Meg called over. "I'm running home to change too. Bert has his stuff with him."
Trish stopped Ty off the porch "Ok, Car behind medical at 5:30 and flowers in the front seat and those catalogs, cute by the way."
"And two bottles of bubbles, pink and purple for the girls, they've already got their books but who shows up empty handed, oh and the flats ?"
"Flats are ready, the girls and Jackson will love it, enjoy yourself later, she's very excited about all of this. By the way, her dream date is New Orleans."
"Thanks for all this and the tip Trish."
"Anytime Ty."
The girls, Bobby and Brin were next in and passed Ty and Trish calling out their greetings. Ty waited and walked back to the cottage with Georgie.
They walked in on Wyatt who was on his phone at the kitchen table. Georgie wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled his neck.
"John will pick me up at 4:45 with all the stuff Ty asked for and I'll drive the car back. The owner will have it picked up on Monday. Ok, good luck this afternoon. That is my decision Charlie. Yup, bye Charlie."
"What's this afternoon ?" Ty asked.
"He's having drinks with a friend on the Board of Governors of the school about me. Feels so weird."
"And what's your decision ?" Georgie asked.
"We don't have to talk about that right now because it won't matter." Wyatt said "We need to get dressed."
Amy got up to her room and found Katie brushing out her hair. "Brin's in the shower Aunt Amy, she should be almost done."
"Have you been enjoying yourself Katie ?"
"Sure, Charlie and Maddie are great, I feel like a third wheel sometimes though."
"You shouldn't Katie, we're together all the time" Brin said walking out in a robe with her hair wrapped. "Don't mind Mad either Amy, she gets all up in her activist self over this shower stuff, we'll just skinny dip in the grotto tomorrow and she'll be fine."
Amy laughed "That's actually my point Brin, I do trust you two and so do your folks but there's a modicum of decorum and respect we should be looking for here."
"And Charlie."
"Charlie and Bobby are certainly part of it."
"I get it Amy and so does she, you know how she is."
"I do Sabrina and she's all yours."
Brin sighed, "A burden I am happy to bear."
"You And Mad are sweet together." Katie said.
"How about you Katie, got someone special ?" Amy asked.
"Nope, I move around too much I guess, pretty sure I like guys though."
"Well that's something." Amy said. "no need to rush Katie."
"I have my stuff in my room, Brin want to come down and dress with me and we can leave Aunt Amy to herself."
"Sure thing Katie, come on, my hanger of stuff is right here, I'll do your hair."
"Thank you girls." Amy said closing the door behind them.
Amy was the last to join the crowd, she had stopped in to see if Tim needed anything. She sat with him for a few minutes before heading downstairs, he was fine if not a little butt hurt.
She saw Brin sitting with Mad rifling her fingers on her lap and walked over. "We have some time Brin, go to the piano and work it out, playing out on your knees wont help."
"Ok, I'd better, thanks Amy" she said walking off "go with her if you want but let her play Mad." Amy added a few seconds later.
Even with the door closed the Steinway could be heard through the doors to their "media" room which everyone called the music room.
"What's going on ?" Ty asked snaking his arm around Amy's waist.
"Ah, when Sabrina isn't doing stuff, staying busy, she replays her music in her head. She sits fidgeting with her fingers, it's better if she plays the piece out, she has one of those roll out keyboards upstairs but she prefers the real thing."
"OCD ?" Ty asked softly.
"The doctor says no possibly Synesthesia."
"Which is ?"
"A weird way the brain processes stimuli." Maddie answered walking over. "Thanks mom, I wasn't paying attention. She's good. Brin automatically processes music she hears into music she plays, piano, not so often recorder, her fingers start playing the notes, it looks fidgety. Usually it doesn't affect her at all but if it's a performance piece she gets stuck on and she has to work it out, it's faster when she can actually play. There are a bunch of different synesthesia's one is where music gets converted into numbers, another as colors like Duke Ellington or Franz Liszt. Beethoven composed the Ode to Joy almost completely deaf, got to be something there Doc."
"I guess Mad. That's a pretty dress, all of you actually." Ty said looking over at Charlotte. The twins had gotten to the point when they realized they would never really change in appearance so they stopped dressing the same though they had very similar tastes and often bought different colors of the same outfit to switch among themselves. When Amy asked about the change they explained that besides being tiring having to constantly tell people who you were it almost seemed rude to intentionally confuse them by wearing the same thing.
"Big Jag pulling in" Betty called out from the kitchen.
"That's Joseph and Karen" Bert said.
"They have a couple with them."
"Probably Norm and Tracy." Amy added.
Brin came out when she heard the announcement and walked over to take Maddie's hand alongside Charlie and Bobby. Carson was standing with Ty and Amy. Amy smiled wide when Georgie and Wyatt walked in. She looked beautiful, she had her hair in a french braid off to the side, light on the make-up and all smiles. Her dress was dark green and fit close, it stopped at just about her knees and the short country collar and sleeves gave it almost a vintage look. Georgie was beautiful. Wyatt wore what she later learned was a late 1940's herringbone sport coat, pleated tropical wool pants and two tone brown and tan shoes. He also wore a tan colored cotton shirt and a brown tie obviously silk, it was narrow and also vintage. They were definitely a young professional couple. Amy and Ty hugged her and they moved off to Jack, Lisa and Lou while Amy took Ty's arm and went forth to greet the first of their guests followed closely behind by Bert and Meg.
The first guests to arrive Drs. Joseph and Karen Toschlag were both veterinarians and both animal nutritionists. They were Amy's closest supporters amongst the non Pegasus affiliates at the school. They helped out when called but they were not on the payroll. After greeting them and introducing them to Ty they welcomed Dr. Norm Crouch and his wife Tracy. Norm was the head of large animal neurology and was one of Amy and Bert's swing overs. After allowing Amy and her staff to evaluate several of his patients and consult on their diet and rehab Norm saw immediate results in a reduction of neurological symptoms often only treated with drugs or occasionally surgery. Not all were immediate reversals but over time he saw horses with issues resolved naturally without the use of drugs and he was sold. Norm was Pegasus' on call neurologist. Tracy worked in Cornell undergrad admissions.
After a few minutes and while people began helping themselves to drinks and coffee Drs. Rolfe and Rebekah Martin arrived. Rolfe taught General Surgery, the meat and potatoes vet stuff, an in and out make a buck and move on country vet, his wife Rebekah was too, she ran the Ithaca Veterinary Clinic and both were proponents of the less drugs the better attitude and dedicated to making sure their patients got the best nutrition available. Both availed their practices of and referred their equine patients to Pegasus for a nutritional plan and guidance. They also weren't on the payroll but both had been at Pegasus for part of the bangarang and the open house.
People steered clear of hurting the platters much, they grabbed some finger foods but they all new Lorin and Pat were the guests of honor and waited.
Lorin McLaughlin was 56 years old and the Dean of Cornell Vet School for the past 8. He was a good shepherd for sure, accepting both the new and the old and fitting them like a puzzle into the school he shaped during his tenure. By all standards and lists, Cornell had long established itself as one of the top two vet schools in the world sharing that honor with the University of Edinburgh. No one on the faculty of Cornell believed it for a second, especially the dean, Cornell was by far the best as far as they were concerned.
His wife Pat was also a teacher. She held a PhD in Vocal Performance and was one of the graduate instructors of voice at Ithaca College. Sabrina or Meg Caldwell were often her choice for collaborators to accompany her vocalists.
The first half hour after the dean's arrival was spent in greetings and by the end the tell tale sound of plates and silver began to fill the room as well as the odor of Yvette's blintz station.
"Amy your home is as beautiful as ever." Pat said to her as they balanced their plates on their laps.
"And the ranch Amy, just so peaceful." Lorin agreed. "And you two look very happy."
"We are" Amy said smiling at Ty who was sitting near her.
"Oh Sabrina dear" Pat called softly to Brin who was walking past with Maddie.
"Good morning Dr. McLaughlin" Brin said walking over.
"To you as well and you Madelyn. Brin, I just wanted to thank you for taking on Tanika for her level this year, she was so worried about those two jazz pieces."
"Oh, I loved the music when she showed me and I love Tanika, she focuses well and uses the piano."
"Well, I think you're best for her, you two are a good team."
The girls nodded and excused themselves. Amy was trying to focus on both conversations but the one with Lorin and Ty won out.
"You know Ty, I have to admit I was intrigued and had my staff do some checking, that's quite an impressive resume you have. Your trips and involvement with Vets without Borders admirable. It got me to thinking that we should encourage more of that amongst our students, while they're still young and unencumbered."
"I'm sure I could put you in touch with the right people at VWB to start the discussion Lorin, let me make a few calls over the next few weeks."
"Excellent, thank you Ty, now, one bagel and that exceptional lox down I'd say it's time we met your dream student."
"And I understand her handsome fiancé" Pat added.
They had met through the week, Bert, Meg, Ty and Amy to discuss and try to figure out what Lorin would ask for and what they would be wiling to put forth. They decided early on that Ty was the prize. With Bert and Amy already faculty members the biggest coup would be locking in Ty. The question was in what capacity and within the first 10 minutes Lorin had let them know, he was going to capitalize on Ty's youth and passion to build Cornell's rep by sending it's students out into the world to do good. Lorin wanted press and she assumed a very handsome face for the program.
"Let me get them Lorin, excuse me." Amy said getting up and laying her plate and napkin on her seat. They had arranged for Georgie and Wyatt to be with Bert and Meg and away from family. In this way when Amy went to fetch them, Bert and Meg would naturally join the grouping as well. The other Cornell faculty steered towards the end of the library knowing to stay clear of the negotiations. Their presence was to remind Lorin that Amy and Bert also held a power position on the staff, their ability to sway a part of the faculty into a block was a chess piece in the game as well. Having the more progressive faculty available to shore up a vote was a marker the dean couldn't ignore.
Ty scooped up Jackson while Amy was away "Come say hello Jackson." Ty said his hand on JT's shoulder.
"Hi Dean, Dr. McLaughlin."
"Jackson, hope you've been well, how's the trout situation these days ?" Lorin asked.
"Oh great, we got three this morning, Dr. Borden snagged a 14" Rainbow."
"Is that so, have to admit I haven't been out that much lately, it's been a busy year."
"Mom says you gotta make the best of your time."
"Your mom is right" Pat agreed with a smile.
Amy returned then and lay her hand on Jackson's head, she tapped her finger once unobtrusively and Jack looked up "well, I should go," he said with a smile. Amy long ago taught her kids liberty cues for social occasions. She wanted her kids around an event like this, they belonged here but there were times when children should be seen and not heard and this was one of them.
"It was nice catching up Jackson."
"Yes sir." He stood for a second and then smiled before scooting off.
"What a sweet boy Amy."
"Thanks Pat, he's a handful but we love him."
"Aren't they all." Pat agreed.
"Georgina Fleming Morris and Wyatt McMurtry I'd like you to meet Drs. Lorin and Pat McLaughlin. Pat teaches at Ithaca College."
They smiled and shook hands "A pleasure to meet you both and I prefer Georgie." She said with a big smile.
"What a stunning smile you have young lady" Pat gushed "and those dimples my word."
"A blessing and a curse" Georgie said.
"I can well imagine" Pat agreed laughing.
"Well Georgie Bert's told me a lot about you and we did some digging as well. Like Dr. Borden and Amy here you have quite the impressive background. A bit of the spectacular."
"It's a family thing I think." Amy said.
"I was most impressed by a video Bert sent over, quite the surgery you took part in young lady, I have to admit I've never seen something like that myself, baling twine."
"I didn't realize he'd sent it" Georgie said with a slight scowl at Bert.
Lorin caught it and smiled "I'm glad he did, along with a video of you jumping in competition and trick riding, I don't recall having a student trick rider before but then again I guess you all don't grow on trees."
"And you're adopted and Ty fostered into Amy's family and she's kept up with that tradition." Pat said.
"Yes ma'am, Heartland, our family's ranch in Alberta's motto is Healing Horses Healing Hearts."
"Well then it seems Pegasus has kept on with that tradition and Cornell is proud to be a part of that." Lorin added.
"And we wouldn't have it any other way Lorin, our affiliation with Cornell is part of our success." Amy agreed.
It wasn't that surprising when Trever and Charlie walked into the room although they were clearly not on the list. What surprised Amy was that she just assumed they were filing their plates and hiding, instead they grabbed a bottle of Champagne and a tray of glasses and walked over.
"Mr. Rodgers so good to see you again" Pat said.
"And the same to the both of you. Looking forward to the symphony season this year."
"Oh yes, an excellent schedule, do mostly to benefactors like you."
"I do what I can" Charlie answered taking a champagne glass.
Trever took the time handing out and filling champagne glasses for the small group.
"Trev, what's up ?" Bert asked.
"A toast to a chivalrous young man." Trev said handing Wyatt a glass and then filling one for Georgie.
"Congratulations Wyatt, I'm pleased to inform you that starting in September you will be attending Cornell Law and better still attending me as my teaching assistant." Charlie announced.
"Oh Wy, that's awesome" Georgie gushed leaning over to kiss him.
As word spread Lou and the others came over to hug him and the next fifteen minutes or so went by hectically.
"So how are you chivalrous young man ?" Lorin asked.
"It's nothing and I thought it would amount to nothing." Wyatt answered shrugging the question away.
"Nonsense, both Mrs. Hallandale and I were inspired by it Wyatt." Charlie said.
"Wyatt ?"
"It's really nothing Georgie."
"Charlie, what did he do ?" Georgie asked.
"Wyatt said that he would gladly work the year for the foundation for the promise of a slot in next years class. You have a good heart son, that's a good place to start as an attorney in my book."
"Wyatt, you didn't, I wouldn't have let you."
"It wasn't your decision to make Georgie, right now your being here is more important than law school, I would have been fine working the year, besides, I had faith in these guys."
"Well, I'm not sure I'm ok with the way you made your decision but I can live with chivalrous until we talk about this later." She said leaning over to kiss him. "I'm so proud of you Wyatt."
"Well, seems I've been outplayed by chivalry." Lorin said.
"Shall we haggle over blintzes ?" Amy asked smiling.
"It's like they're deciding my dowery" Georgie muttered.
Lorin looked over and smiled. "Georgie, you're a marvelous candidate and show a dedication we unfortunately don't always see in our students. I showed your information to our Director of Admissions who had no hesitation is agreeing that you would have been a very serious candidate under any circumstances, no one will be put out that much by all this and it will all advance the cause of veterinary medicine. I'm confident you will make Cornell proud through your accomplishments. So, congratulations young lady, you're in, and we don't run in the halls so mind that. Now, why don't you two go tell the folks and head out to the porch and properly congratulate each other. Pat and I expect an invitation to the wedding by the way."
"Thank you so much Dean McLaughlin, it means so much to hear that." Georgie said, her smile infectious.
Amy leaned over and hugged her as did Ty, on the way past Bert and Meg also hugged her as the congratulations grew on the other side of the room when she made her way over to Lou and the family. The professors hearing of the acceptance walked over and introduced themselves and welcomed Georgie to the school. She would study under each of them at one point or another and Georgie certainly not only knew who they were but saw their books in the small Hudson Vet Clinic library and online.
While Bert and Lorin grabbed desserts and coffee Amy stopped over and spoke for a few minutes with Betty.
"That's a great idea Amy," Betty agreed, "Georgie mentioned they loved Sushi which is perfect, we'll have Carlotta set it all up, Champagne, Sake, the works. I'll call the restaurant and text Carlotta right now."
"And breakfast and snacks." Amy added.
"Of course." Betty agreed.
Lisa and Lou walked over, "should we celebrate ?"
"We were just talking about a celebration actually, a romantic one for them in a special place." Amy said.
"For tonight ?" Lou asked somewhat deflated.
"Come on Lou, they're young and their lives have changed, they're excited, let them have the night, it's a great idea." Lisa said.
"You're right, where is this romantic night supposed to happen ?"
"In the trees." Amy told her "Ask Betty, excuse me, I have to finish."
Amy returned to the small group and sat down next to Bert who was speaking.
"6 is way to much to start with Lorin especially with you pulling Ty away to exotic animals."
"Pulling Ty where ?" Amy asked.
"Faculty Liaison to VWB." Ty said.
"Let's discuss the faculty part of that." Amy said.
"We are not becoming distracted Amy that's how I got you. Bert proposed the practical rescue rehab program and I proposed 6 students to start under Dr. Borden's supervision." Lorin explained.
"Seriously Lorin, he's been here two weeks, 2 students on a rotation through our process, one of those rotations will be under Ty."
"And the other rotations ?" Lorin asked.
"Rescue intake and treatment with the seconds, Herbology and natural healing with me and the potions staff, surgery under Ty and rehab, under me and the seconds. "
"Two is not enough, and can we pass a faculty vote to never use the word potions ?"
"We'll leave out the potions." Amy laughed.
"And the two ?"
"We'll take three." Amy offered.
"Three is fine for now." Lorin agreed.
"Ok, so we get three scuts and Ty does some face time in Exotics." Amy said.
"That's going to take time to roll out." Ty said.
"We have time, based on what I've read about your trips, safety is going to have to be a factor, can't have our students near death and poachers." Lorin said. "We'll work on a more staid experience."
"Faculty title ?" Amy asked.
"Visiting." Lorin started and then stopped seeing Amy's face, "Adju" he had started the word Adjunct but the face got worse. "Fine Assistant, until he becomes medical director."
"Two years Lorin." Amy said.
"Fine but he has to publish. At least 4 surgical papers and I need some lecture time and fund raising, we'll think of something."
"Are we done ?" Bert asked.
"With this yes but in terms of publishing no. Amy, your Professorship is contingent as well, this isn't a matter of the faculty or school or my being stubborn, academia requires it."
"I have the body galleys Lorin, give me a few months to get the supporting stuff ready."
"Submitted to committee this year Amy, I'm serious."
"You have my word Lorin."
"And please shore up votes for the program, no surprises."
"Aren't we paying for it ?" Amy asked.
"Still requires a vote, and thanks for paying for it." Lorin added with a smile.