A/N – Thanks for all the reviews and your patience waiting for this update, I hope you all like it.
Chapter 48
Ty rubbed his eyes walking out of medical for a five minute break between conferences and rounds. Brighton was on the way. The brace the seconds had sent down fit well and immobilized the leg securely for transport. They'd need to be careful but he should endure the two day trip just fine.
It was busy out in front with groups of people milling about and murmuring to each other. They were clustered around the 4 round pens where Amy, Maddie, Charlie and Sarah were working horses. The had put up mesh screens between the pens so the horses wouldn't be distracted.
Ty could sense Jackson standing at his side without even looking over and reached over to put his hand on his shoulder. "How's it going Jackson ?"
"Mom's horse has been ready for 10 minutes, she's just playing with him now."
"The other three ?"
"Holding their own, horses seem pretty good and I think they've all been saddled before."
"Looks like your mom's ready." Ty said walking over to watch as Amy turned away from the horse. "Hey handsome" she called over seeing him standing there.
A second later Amy was being nuzzled by her horse. "Let's call him Timber Chuck. Got a bridle and saddle for me ?"
"Sure thing Amy, here you go." He said lifting the saddle, blanket and bridle through the fence railngs and laying it on the ground.
"How are the girls doing Chuck ?" Amy asked.
"Oh you know, Ok, I think Mad will be next but who knows."
"You think this is good for their egos?" Ty asked walking over.
"Hey, look at them, they'll beat me one day, they get better every time."
"And Sarah ?"
"Sarah just loves horses Ty, she has a way. Well, I gotta go, see you later sweetheart." Amy said taking the bridle and blanket over to a standing Timber.
Ty took a minute and wandered over in time to see Maddie's horse start to tire. He knew the signs, a few more laps and his tongue would be out. "Looking good scarecrow." He called in to the pen.
"She's done isn't she ?" Maddie called back.
"She's not riding yet Mad, so she's not done."
He watched for a minute more and then passed Charlie and headed back into rounds.
"How's it going out there ?" Bert asked.
"Amy just joined up, Mad looks to be next."
"I remember joining up with Browning, remarkable experience."
"We need another round pen so I can play too." Georgie said walking over. "The girls are good."
"Best yet was Jackson and Merlin, little guy was tuckered. Amy's got it taped somewhere. Last year right after his birthday. He joined up with Jasper last March I think. Guess Turk's next when he gets the go ahead."
"You have the details of this last surgery Bert ?"
"I do Ty, surgical plan in my office, wasn't sure you wanted to know."
"You have all of them ?"
"Yup, I'll pull them for you, we've used about 4 of their techniques on horses to some extent, some of their scanning software tech too. Amazing things they can do. Ty, I'll agree to let you see them if you promise not to obsess and I'm letting Amy know you have them."
"That's fine, I won't obsess over them, besides I can now obsess about identical twins. Come on, let's get rounds done so I can take a ride with Jackson."
"What are you doing this afternoon Georgie ?" Ty asked grabbing the first iPad in rescue.
"Apartment hunting, maybe talking to parents about a wedding decision, that part should be fun."
"What do you think's going to happen ? This guy seems to be doing well , Hey Wallace how you doing boy ?"
"Seriously Ty, you were there the first couple times, moving out and then the engagement ? Why rush into it, you're doing well, it's a big step and the ever popular, you're already living together are you going to get pregnant is that the rush ? As if the fact that we love each other and want to be husband and wife and plan our future isn't enough." Georgie said.
"Well Georgie, you're 22 and not asking permission, so don't go into it that way, just say Wyatt and I have decided on the Spring, if you can let us know what dates wouldn't work that would be great." Bert said, "we all go through it in one way or another, parents never really want their kids out of the house."
"We've never gone into any of this asking for opinions or permission Bert, still got the arguments and heart to hearts."
"Amy calls it Heartland Delay Syndrome or something like that" Ty laughed, "truth is, in most cases she's 100% right. Jack and Lisa, Amy and I, way too much thinking and listening to others. Of course the alternatives symptoms, Lou and whomever and Tim and whomever are just as bad. I think you two are ready for marriage, yes you're young, but you both know what you want, support each other and have the support of people who love you, what more could they want ?"
"Dad will be fine and I think so will Jen. Mom and Tim, wild cards, Jack and Lisa will be fine, Lisa will pull him over. They'll all have something to say getting there no matter how we say it."
"Amy and I believe in you two Georgie."
They had moved several horses by now.
"Vi what is this poultice for, oh here it is, mild tendinitis." Bert said looking at the chart. Georgie walked in and lifted the hoof then ran her hands down the leg.
"I checked him in, I listed the severity as 5 I think, this is much better, 2 if he came in today." Georgie said coming out.
"5 to 2, that's excellent progress, well, let's keep him on the poultice then." Bert said "I remember when 4's and 5's were destined for surgery."
"Some still do we evaluate up to 10, elsewhere that one would have had surgery, you're not obsolete yet Bert." Vi said laughing in that flowery French accent. "Georgie, I lived above the barn for a semester, in a one bedroom, they're beautiful, but the view from the back apartment is so lovely and peaceful, Amy said to take it but I was alone and it was too big and when my husband came we found a small house."
"Is it quiet ?"
"Perfectly, you won't hear or smell anything unless you open the windows."
"Barb and I sack out in the one bedrooms if we're caught late. I've been considering moving into one when school starts. I live at home and it's noisy, I can check on the folks through the week, they're fine on their own." Katie said "we'd be neighbors."
"I agree with the consensus, Meg and I had the 2 bedroom when we remodeled, very comfortable apartment. Let's get done and have some lunch."
By the time they were done with rounds all four had ridden. Maddie was second, Charlotte and Sarah were done almost at the same time about 30 minutes behind Maddie. Maddie was 20 minutes behind Amy who was saddled and riding comfortably at 1 hour 44 minutes.
Bert left to Cornell and Ty and Georgie headed to the house. Georgie continued on to the cottage where she would have lunch with Wyatt who's been on the phone all morning working his way through Montana CPS finding the right people. Jackson and Gran were planning lunch to go. Jackson figured why not ride then eat and Ty was fine with the plan.
"Give me 10 or 15 minutes to talk with your mom and I'll be out."
"Sure thing, I'll get this stuff out to the horses."
"Betty ?"
"I think library with Lou and their Dad."
"Maybe I should."
Betty laughed "Go ahead Ty, Amy's not the yes girl she used to be she may need you."
Ty walked back though the house and hearing the conversation through the door quietly opened the library and walked in.
"You don't knock ?"
"I knock when I want to enter any bedroom but mine, this is my library so no Tim."
He walked over and leaned over to kiss Amy. " I'm heading out with JT, everything Ok ?"
"Everything's great, when Georgie and Wyatt are done with lunch we'll see the apartments and they'll decide. I'm heading into town with at least Wyatt after, how long will you be, I'd like you to meet Bridget, she'll handles our personal stuff."
"Probably back by 4, too late I think. Have Sandra throw a couple hours on the schedule. Figure that surgery for Friday, she probably knows. Need me for anything ?"
"I could make a list Ty, go have your talk."
"Houses after dinner ?"
"Absolutely."
They kissed again this time Amy pulled him back for a second. He smiled when he got up "see you all before dinner."
"It's like you two were never apart" Lou said when Ty closed the door.
"It doesn't feel that way to either of us Lou, right now I begrudge every second I've missed and every second away from him now."
"Houses ?"
"Yes Dad, sort of a getaway home for family time." Amy said.
"Georgie mentioned it, sounds nice."
"You can join us Lou, you too Dad. They're video tours of the properties and files on the houses, it's nice."
"Don't you just go see them ?" Tim asked.
"They're somewhat special Dad and not close to here or usually each other, it takes at least a day to see one and I would assume a lot more if we get serious. We'll look at the ones we like and would be a good fit. #4 and on tonight. One, two and three, not for us."
"Let's get back to this." Tim said
"Why are you a part of this discussion anyway Dad, I thought you were only partners in the original Maggie's. ?"
"Well we agreed on Canadian Maggie's, Calgary's in Canada."
"How much to buy you out ?" Amy asked "Check or cash ?"
"Funny, it's not for sale."
"Then sign away or sell the Canadian rights to me, what difference does it make ?"
"How about we sign you in Amy ?" Lou suggested.
"Be dad's partner ? I've structured my entire business plan around not doing anything dad would do, so no Lou, that's not going to happen."
"What's that supposed to mean ?" Tim said raising his voice.
Amy stared at him for a second.
"Sorry, Ok, sorry."
"It means that the last thing I would ever consider doing, would be to offer for sale any part of Heartland property in a newspaper, like your stake in the dude ranch."
"That was just a ploy and you know it."
"Lesson 2, don't screw over your family or friends just to make a buck. Lisa was both of those things at the time if not to you than certainly to the rest of us."
"This isn't going to go anywhere ." Tim said.
"So that's a no, once again you'll put your pigheadedness before your family. This here, is where your supposed to say, I'd be thrilled to see you two as partners, actually you know, be a dad who really gives a shit."
Amy stood up, closed two files that were open on her desk.
"My offer stands Lou, we will fully fund a Calgary Maggie's as a silent partner to you and you alone. If it works we can talk about more."
"Thanks Amy, I've got some thinking to do."
"Anytime Lou, you two can stay unless you want to see the apartments, I'll be in the kitchen waiting for Georgie and Wyatt."
"We'll be out, wait for me." Lou said.
Alone for a few seconds Lou stared at her father.
"What, I know Ok, I just couldn't say it at the moment. I'll sign over the Canadian rights. You going to do this ?"
"It's an amazing offer dad and it would be great for Katie to stay at Heartland."
"Are you willing to live at Heartland, those are her terms."
"Why not, I know that sometimes I'm away a lot but Heartland is home."
"It's like she hates me."
"She doesn't hate you dad, I don't think she's got it in her."
"Then what is it ?"
"Disappointment, you coming ?"
"Sure."
Ty and Jackson stopped at a clearing in the preserve and tied their horses off. They sat and unpacked their lunch.
"So what are we talking about Doctor Borden ?"
"Knocking and privacy Jackson."
"I knock." He said definitively taking a bite of his sandwich.
"So your mom tells me, it's like in fishing Jackson, the bite without the set."
"Mom always says come in."
"And now your mom and I will say the same thing but you need to wait to hear it."
"Ok, I'll remember." He was quiet and thoughtful.
"Jackson" Ty stopped and motioned Jackson closer "we're not shutting you out and I'm not taking her away from you. There are just some things that 7 year olds need to learn about their parents and privacy. Do you barge in on Mad and Charlie ?"
"No, but they could be, you know, uhm ?"
"And Gran ?"
"No one barges into Gran's room."
"You don't think your mom and I could be uhm like Mad and Charlie?"
JT giggled, "I guess."
"Don't you think your mom and I deserve the same courtesy you extend to your sisters and Gran especially since we extend it to you ?"
"Mom always knocks unless I call her then she just comes in."
"And I promise to as well, so how about it ?"
"Ok, I understand, knock and wait."
"That's all there is to it."
"Not much of a problem."
"Sorry Jackson, some are easier than others. Besides, did you have something better to do this afternoon than a trail ride and a visit to the nature center with me ?"
"Well if you mean not fishing, this sure is next best."
"Why don't we mount up and you can tell me how the special trail ride plan is coming ?"
Once they had set off Jackson allowed about a minute to go by. "So how long you have Harley Doctor Borden ?"
"15 years Jackson, he's 22. Mostly trail rides these days."
"Like Spartan I guess."
"Yeah Harley here and Spartan go back a ways together."
"They sure like being with each other, I guess like you and mom. She's gonna miss you I think."
"Yeah, I'm going miss you all too. So tell me your plan."
"Well, we're going Wednesday, I'm going to make Gran's chicken salad with the little apples and celery and nuts, April's favorite. Bring carrot sticks, she likes those and a couple apples. Some juice boxes and water. I'm going to get my chores done and shower, get lunch ready and go pick her up at her house. Then we'll ride up to the top side of the grotto, there's a nice view and you can see the creek and the lake."
"Sounds great Jackson, how about that surprise dessert ?"
"Well, I'll help Gran make Oatmeal Raisin cookies, April's favorite."
"I thought I heard April loves ice cream."
"Oh she does, black cherry chocolate chip, that won't work."
"What if I were to tell you that I could get a couple scoops of black cherry chocolate chip ice cream that you can use to make two oatmeal raisin cookie ice cream sandwiches for that special dessert."
"That would really be special, think you can, it's summer."
"Well, I'm getting something delivered tomorrow and we're going to check and make sure and if it works, we're good to go."
"Ok, fingers crossed, an ice cream sandwich would be pretty cool, ha pretty cool."
Ty laughed as well as they turned into the small paddock at the reserve compound.
Amy walked Georgie, Wyatt, Lou and Tim to the back of the family barn and up an outside staircase, she punched in a code followed by her thumbprint and the door clicked. Georgie stopped to look at the view from the landing and smiled, at least 20 horses milling around, laying or grazing on some rolling hills.
"If you take it we'll key the door to you two." Amy explained
"Who else can get in ?" Lou asked.
"Betty, Ty and I have full access to every keyed Pegasus lock worldwide."
"Ty ?"
"Will you stop this crap please Dad it's getting stale very fast." Amy snapped.
"Fine, sorry."
Amy hit the lights and walked them into an enormous open room that resembled the interior of a post and beam house. 2 large beams ran the length of the expanse mounted on large black hangers across 4 large posts that ran from ceiling to floor. Joists from the 15 ft ceilings and sides cut into the beams on an angle. There was a flat screen TV above the fireplace and built in bookcases on either side running about 8 feet ending in two large windows on either side. One wall had two double windows that faced out the back, the view Georgie had seen from the landing, each of these had a window seat. She walked over, sat down, looked out the window and lay her finger on the glass over a horse in the meadow which made her smile.
All the doors in the apartment with the exception of the front door were pocket doors with beautiful carvings along the front. It was decorated in what Lisa called Modern Rancher in deep burgundies with accents in browns and tans, The living room furniture was covered in Amy's signature bison, soft, lightly textured and comfortable. There was a rack of stacked alpaca blankets and a soft rug in front of the fireplace. The artwork was all western based, the Rockies could be seen in several and there were two of Jane's paintings on display.
To the left about half way down was a very nicely outfitted full kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a center work counter with a small sink. The counter also served as a seating space with four stools on the outside. There was a window above the main sink that looked out at the house and beyond. Three hanging pewter lamps hung over the center counter. All the hanging cabinets had lights beneath them shining down on the workspaces. There was also a separate dining room table that would comfortably seat 8. It was a custom piece, hand rubbed natural oak with a poured swirled acrylic river running down it's center. The same matching lamps hung over this as well. When she switched on the lamps above the table center almost glowed and it looked like fish swimming through the river.
The living room area of the room had two medium sized couches facing each other in front of a nice bluestone fronted fireplace. Two large lounge chairs with ottomans completed the seating area. Each of the chairs had reading lamps perched nearby and small tables alongside. There was a table between the couches done in the same style as the dining room table.
The room also had a large square glass cupola set in the roofs center and two additional skylights. The main bathroom had a beautiful shower and bath set up with frosted glass walls into the room and black marble walls facing. There was a rack of towel warmers, a single sink and a small closable room with the commode.
There were six total lighting sequences for the room and a stereo. Spot lights, pocket lights, highlight spots changed the mood in the room but also allowed each area to be lit separately. A switch in the master bedroom specifically lit a dim path to the kitchen for an evening snack.
Amy also showed them a firewood dumbwaiter built into one of the bookcases that they could fill on the ground with firewood and hoist up with the pulley.
"Oh Georgie" Lou said walking around and looking at the room. "Amy it's beautiful."
"It's huge" Wyatt whispered.
George walked around the room and opened the first pocket door to reveal the bathroom. A second later she opened the second and walked into a large room with a small seating area next to a wood burning stove and a large four poster bed. There was a long dresser and two tall ones in the room as well. One wall held two double wide windows. The double pocket door led to a large walk in closet with a dressing table. The other into a large two sink bathroom with an elaborate bath and shower. The bath had a skylight.
The smaller bedroom was set up with a futon, a roll top desk and two small dressers with a double closet. There was a double window on the outside wall.
"We can ship down any furniture you want from Hudson and fit it in Georgie." Amy mentioned softly. She was walking along and was somewhat taken by Georgie's silence. While the others had been commenting Georgie was completely silent.
"Georgie ?" Amy asked.
"I don't know what to say Amy." Georgie said softly turning to her. "I mean, they told me, Vi and Bert, I mean, that it was nice but this could be in a magazine."
"So, you like it ?" Amy asked.
"Wyatt ?"
Wyatt walked over and took Georgie's hand.
"Wy ?"
"I want to come out of our bedroom in the morning and see you curled up in that window seat with your big mug of coffee watching the horses and a sunrise almost as beautiful as you are Georgie."
"So that's a yes ?" Amy asked questioningly with a big smile.
"We haven't seen the one bedroom apartments." Georgie answered.
"I'll show you if you want Georgie, they're nice but nobody ever stays here. I'd love it if you did."
"Ok, just don't beg" Georgie answered laughing "Wyatt and I would love to live here Amy, who wouldn't."
Wyatt added "as to our furniture, we have one dresser that should go back to Heartland, everything else can go straight to the dumpster."
"Amen to that." Tim muttered.
"Then you can move in anytime." Amy told them with a look at her father.
"Well we were going to ask to stay in the house until we were both settled here when school starts. I'm not interested in staying in the guest cottage or here alone for now. It'll be different once it's ours, living here, you know what I mean."
"Well depending on when people head out there'll be several rooms in the house that are open, move in Sunday."
"Works for us" Georgie agreed.
"Oh, I'm heading back to Alberta on Wednesday." Tim said, "have to meet Casey Friday in Regina."
"I'll let Bridget know." Amy told him. "Maybe we can get you both out together, Nashville right Lou ?"
"Maybe Calgary, Dad will sign over the Canadian rights to us." Lou told her looking at her father.
"You sure ?" Amy asked Tim.
"I'm sorry, I should have done it before, it's the whole backing down thing." He answered with some contrition.
"Maybe I should have dressed you down years ago." Amy said with a smile.
"I wouldn't have listened years ago."
Amy hugged him, "thanks dad."
"You're welcome sweetheart."
"Ok, I'll call some people and speak with Nicole. She's offered a few times to buy out most of my share of New York, I may consider that, I'm tired of the traveling."
"Take your time Lou" Amy said "I'm not going anywhere and you now have a stronger foothold in NY, Katie can come stay with us if you have to be in the city."
"It's a good thing I didn't see this loft or I might have suggested an Ithaca Maggie's. It's really nice." Lou said.
"Thanks Lou, that means a lot. Ok, I've got to get back to the house." Amy said walking towards the door. "You can stay, just lock up."
"Wyatt and I have to call Jen so maybe we'll just do that and then meet you to head in to town."
"Everything Ok ?"
"Everything's fine Lou, we just want to catch her up and see if there's anything she wants to know. Just a check in." Wyatt assured her.
"Hey mom, how about texting dad and seeing if he and Annie can Skype in during dinner so we can all toast together, we can ask Jen and Mitch too."
"I'll text him now Georgie."
"See you soon you two." Amy said leading Tim and Lou out and down the stairs and leaving the young couple alone.
"That's a nice gift Amy, an apartment like that."
"There's a price Dad, living at the ranch puts you on call 24 hours a day. It won't come up often but it will come up. She'll love it, it's not hard to see she loves her work."
"Why do you have them, the apartments ?" Lou asked.
"Well for one we get owners and large donors who come to visit. Say John Branch who I assume will be here in the next week or two. He's a multi million dollar a year client and donor who'll show up with his wife and two kids and a buddy. He'll take the cottage for his family. We'll even switch one of the rooms to a single kids bed and a crib and give them nursery stuff. His buddy will get a one room apartment, similar to what you just saw."
"Suck up."
"It's really not Dad, John is not that kind of a guy, it's more a matter of respect and more importantly for people not like John to show that we have nothing to hide. Anyone can call a Pegasus center and get a tour almost anytime."
Jackson and Ty left the nature center and rode back side by side. Jackson was telling Ty silly jokes that were so bad he couldn't keep from laughing.
"So who socked Grandpa ?" JT asked as nonchalantly as he could.
"Uh well" Ty said glancing over and losing his laugh.
"Come on, a bathroom door, really ? Mom said he acts out sometimes so I figure he got socked."
"I don't know about this Jackson, this one's kind of touchy."
"So you want to check with Mom or is it a too young thing ?"
"Definitely the first maybe probably the second."
"Ok, you're new at this, I get that, asking mom's probably the best way to go."
"Thanks for understanding buddy."
"Hey no one wants to get yelled at."
"I haven't heard your mom yell once since I'm here Jackson."
"I didn't say she yells a lot but she puts her all in it when she does and sometimes she can yell and not really yell you know, like yelling under her breath."
"I can't wait Jackson, thanks."
"So your middle name is James, where's that from ?"
"I have no idea or the Tyler either, I should ask my mom I guess."
"I'm named after GG and Grandpa, you know he was a famous rodeo star."
"So he's told me, over and over, GG was too."
"They used to call mom the miracle girl. Charlie and Mad found a video on YouTube."
"I was there that day, it was a sight to see for sure. I've seen your mom fix some messed up horses Jackson."
"Yeah, we've have some messed up horses here I can tell you that."
"I'm sure you have, hey how about we shoot for some fishing Thursday, I'll mention it to Sandra."
"That'd be awesome Dr. Borden."
The group got back from town and split up, Georgie and Wyatt to the cottage, Lou to the kitchen, the girls were at the Caldwells until dinner and Tim to his room for some phone calls and a nap. Amy went to the library with her pile, Ty found her there an hour later.
"Hey you." Amy said looking up when he walked in.
Ty smiled and walked over, he leaned on the table and put out his hand. She smiled and in a moment fell against him, his armed wrapped around her. They both took a deep breath and relaxed.
"How's our boy ?"
"He'll knock and wait as will we."
"Went Ok then ?"
"Yeah, that part went fine."
"Oh no Ty, what now ?"
"He wants to know who socked Grandpa, they don't buy the whole door thing."
Amy laughed, "I wondered about that, didn't seem plausible to me either."
"So ?"
"I'm in the weeds on this one, I'll ask Betty what she thinks."
"You told him your Dad acts out ?"
"Well, sort of."
Ty laughed, "that must have been some talk."
"The talks I've had with that boy." Amy sighed and shook her head. She was smiling but JT was tough.
"I can imagine that, he like softens you up and then boom !"
"Yeah, we also couldn't tell them it was Meg, who knows. How did it go with Cass and Alex ?"
"Working on the practical, they'll take two local high school students with a recommendation from the school and their biology teacher. One day a week after school and one day on the weekend."
"That's a start."
"I guess, I'm going to grab a shower and change before dinner, I also have to pack my stuff and move it."
"Yeah, that's done, your presence in the cottage has been entirely wiped out by Carlotta."
"And unpacked ?"
"Pretty much. Betty's not one to procrastinate."
"You know it's fine, I still have boxes to unpack in Alberta and I've been there awhile."
"Boxes of what ?"
"I don't even know to be honest with you."
Amy took out her phone and dialed.
"Hey Amy, how's everything."
"Everything's great Lisa how was the flight ?"
"Perfect, even Jack didn't complain much, the lamb and duck were both excellent and I splurged on the wine."
"Our pleasure Lisa, I'm here with Ty, I think Scott has the key to Ty's house, it needs to be sandblasted, disinfected, mowed and trimmed or bulldozed, whichever is cheapest."
"Bulldozed might actually be cheaper" Ty muttered.
Lisa laughed "I'll call a service and get it taken care of Amy."
"I guess we should do Georgie's place too, text Georgie and let her know."
"I'll do Georgie's, it's a cute studio for a very in love young couple if you get my drift."
"Fine, Ty and Wyatt will be back Sunday night and we'll get the money to you."
"No problem honey, anything else."
"Well unless you want us to skype you in for the family toasting tonight ?"
"That would be nice actually, I'll keep the iPad handy, thanks for that by the way."
"Our pleasure again Lisa, I'll let you go, figure 6:15 maybe 6:30."
"Perfect, talk to you both later."
"You don't by any chance need a shower" Ty asked his hands moving slowly down her back and over her jeans. He bent slightly and began kissing her neck.
Amy sighed "Ty, if I finish this stack it's the first time I've been up to date since you got here."
"How about if I just lock the door ?"
"Are you serious ?"
"You remember those times in the office for night check." He continued nuzzling here neck.
"I remember they were quick and cold" she whispered back now nibbling at his neck.
Ty interceded, his hands clearly doing their best to sway the vote, his lips seeking hers "I think" he sighed breaking off and returning to her neck "what I remember most is your convincing me it was safe while unbuckling my jeans."
"You drove me crazy like now." Amy sighed. "go, lock the door, have your way with me."
"A lock and no Jack, definitely moving on up" Ty sang and danced on his way to the door. Amy giggled, "so jeans off ?"
"Heh, yes, I remember sex with boots on, a challenge for the young, need help with those jeans ?"
Amy shooed Ty away a half hour later, "go shower and let me do at least some of this, dress nice, I'll be up to rinse and dress soon."
"I'll just wait and we can."
"No, No, No Ty, you shower now. Ariats and a nice shirt please, we have company."
"Bert and Meg are company now ?"
"It's a celebration and I'm going to suggest to Georgie that she takes care of the wedding announcement tonight."
"So dress nice is not company but celebration."
"Yes, it's because they're not coming for movie night or just to hang, they're coming as guests to a dinner celebration."
"OK, that actually makes sense."
Amy ran up to get ready late but she did manage to get though her pile. She found Ty on the edge of the bed pulling on socks. He was wearing nice jeans and a dark green button down.
"I'm late Ty, go downstairs and be the host, man of the house, whatever, offer them drinks."
"I don't know where drinks are but I'll wing it" Ty stood with a chuckle.
Amy walked over and put her arms around his waist, "Oh Ty, it'll feel like home soon, our home, our kids and our Gran."
"I know Ames, I do, I'll explore through the week."
Amy kissed him and turned to the bathroom.
Ty walked into the kitchen and found Betty and Lou at the table dressed for dinner and minding the stove.
"Good evening Ty, Amy getting ready ?"
"She is, I take it Bert and Meg aren't here yet ?"
"They should be along any minute, need something ?" Betty asked.
"Well, I'd offer them or either of you a drink but."
"Tall cabinets in either the library or the living room, it's actually one cabinet with two sides. The upper and lower parts spin and move up and down, come I'll show you."
Betty walked into the living room and over to the cabinet. She open the double door to reveal shelves of bottles, 12 across and 12 high, ending in a granite shelf with, the backs of the doors held glasses and bar supplies. The lower cabinet held three small refrigerators, one for wine, one for beer and one for mixers. There was a small ice machine on the edge of the granite shelf. The first three rows were a mix of high end vodkas, gins and rums. The next three all scotches. The top six which were almost impossible to reach, ryes and bourbons. In total 144 bottles.
"I have very good taste in booze." Ty said looking up at his preferred ryes and Canadians.
"You don't know the half of it." Betty said with a smile as she pulled a latch.
Good stood amazed as she pulled a handle on the top shelf unit and slid the counterbalanced unit out effortlessly and pulled it down, like a university blackboard the bottom unit rose and the top stalled into place giving access to the top 6 shelves which were no the bottom.
"That's fantastic !" Ty exclaimed.
Betty smiled and then pulled the top unit out again, this time she pulled it further and when it snapped open she swung it 180 degrees to reveal a second set of 72 bottles. As a matter of fact once snapped back into place the entire unit spun giving access to the bottles on the library side. In total the magic 2 sided revolving carousel bar gave access to over 500 bottles the majority of which were small distillery, private batch, rare editions Ty had only heard of, barely.
"Where, who ?" Ty asked.
"Oh, Charlie, Bert, Trev, Bryce they travel, they buy, they bring, they taste."
"And the wall is this thick for this ?"
"Exactly the opposite, the bar exists because all the relays and servers are in this wall. You gain access to the electronics of the residential complex through the library all built into this wall. The design of this unit was originally created for a cigar humidor. We had them build a heavy duty one for the booze carousel."
"There's a gorgeous black Porsche pulling in." Lou called over
"That's Bert and Meg." Betty said closing the doors. "Have drinks in the library, it's cozier."
Ty nodded and walked out to the porch to welcome the Koenigs. A handshake from Bert and a hug and kiss from Meg.
"Come on in, apparently I have a large selection of alcohol, can I interest you in something", he said once the hellos in the kitchen were done.
"Betty, where are the kids ?" Ty asked leading Lou, Meg and Bert out.
"Still upstairs I think."
He nodded and led the group into the library, spotted the cabinet and walked over.
"What's your drink Ty ?" Bert asked following him as Meg and Lou went to sit down.
"Out, usually a Manhattan."
"Rye or Bourbon ?"
"Rye or Canadian."
"You two ?" Bert asked the women.
"Manhattan's fine with me Bert."
"Me too." Lou answered.
"Seems a pitcher's in order, we'll just add Betty, Georgie and Wyatt to the mix." Bert said. "Manhattan's for say 10"
"Not in my skill set Bert."
"I've got it, you'll learn, pay attention." He said taking a pitcher off the door along with a glass stirrer.
He checked the wall and pulled down a bottle of Prohibition Distillery Rye. "He poured in a small amount of sweet vermouth, this is Carpano Antica, the original vermouth. Prohibition is a nice small New York State distillery. The rye is good and mixes well." He said as he checked the side of the pitcher and poured. "We go back and forth on the best bitters right now the vote leans towards Dutch's Spirits Colonial Cocktail Bitters" Bert mentioned and reached over to open a small cabinet with rows of small bitters bottles.
"Are those all bitters ?" Ty asked.
"Yup and cherries, we'll use these Luxurient's, hand down the best maraschino's in the world, mix," he said stirring the pitcher.
As the mixture settled Bert set up glassed with a few round ice cubes and a maraschino. He then poured the four drinks and grabbed two to carry over to Meg and Lou as Georgie and Wyatt walked in.
"Perfect timing" Bert said walking past and shaking Wyatt's hand and kissing Georgie's cheek. "Manhattan's ?"
"Sure." They both said and joined Lou and Meg.
Meg leaned over to hug each as did Lou, Meg whispered congratulations softly in each of their ears and squeezed.
Ty brought down their Manhattan's and Bert one for him and Ty just as Amy and Betty came in. Ty immediately took care of a drink for Betty and brought Amy her preferred Ginger Ale or at least he hoped it was still her preferred.
"So Sunday night girls night ?" Meg said to Amy after her pass around the room.
"I'll be fine Margaret."
"Of course you will be and Georgie will as well, Trish, Steph and I will be here to make sure of it."
The girls walked in and Betty whispered something to them. The twins were back a minute later with a cheese and fruit platter. Katie had sat next to her mom.
"Can we mix something ?" Charlotte asked.
"Sure, include enough for Jack please, go on Katie, it's fun." Amy called back "not too much sugar please."
Jackson walked in a minute later and handed the boat catalog to Ty. "This one seems good and I picked a troller."
"Good work Jack, house first though, who knows maybe no lake."
"They got trailers too."
"Still, beds before boats sweetheart." Amy said.
"So I was thinking that maybe this Sunday I would just do Grands ?" Ty mentioned sipping his drink and glancing at Bert as Tim walked in.
"Something to drink Tim ?" Ty asked standing and turning from Bert's scrutiny.
"Water would be great Ty, thanks." He said sitting down.
Ty returned a minute later and handed Tim a bottle and a glass with water.
"So we're at Thursday morning, all day Saturday and most of Sunday." Bert asked.
"Thursday till 10 only. Saturday is that day trip." Ty explained.
"And Sunday ?"
"Well Sunday I figured JT and I could fish then rounds as I said." Ty said with a smile.
"And ?"
"I'd kind of like to spend what I have of the afternoon with the family, maybe a picnic."
"That's sweet Ty, Bert, it's only fair besides he'll make it up in September and October." Meg sang.
"September and October ?" Ty asked.
"Bertram agreed to a 15 day river cruise on the Danube and I checked, Lorin would be fine with you covering his lectures at Cornell, he just needed to check with you."
"15 days ?" Ty asked.
"That's 15 days at home, I say go for it Dr. Borden."
"Thanks Jackson, I'll take your vote into consideration." Ty said reaching over and roughing his hair.
"Me too." Amy said "15 days home, I like the sound of that."
"It's fine, you'll at least give me a clue about the lectures ?"
"You'll do great Ty, it's early in the semester and Barb and Katie will be there, and Georgie." Bert said, "Katie and Barb have heard each lecture twice by now."
They moved to the dining room and sat, Lou, Betty and Katie went for platters of Roast Chicken and new potatoes, Georgie's favorite and fried chicken which was Wyatt's.
They started with Ty filling wine glasses for those partaking and platters being passed. The food was homey and good, the conversation cheery. They talked about the apartment, Georgie and Wyatt were so happy. This was the first the kids had learned she was staying over the barn and they were all thrilled. Even Tim seemed happy and laughed along with the rest.
When the food was cleared off, Lou and Amy set to getting Peter and Annie and Jack and Lisa on Skype. Wyatt reaching for his iPad courtesy of Pegasus and connected to Jen.
Jen and Mitch were engaged and planning to marry the following summer in Hudson. Peter had married Annie and few years back and was happy. The girls and surprisingly Lou liked her. They hadn't planned on kids and Annie was happy with the role of step mom.
"Amy it's so good to see you !" Peter said. "I can't wait to get down for a visit."
"You're welcome anytime Peter, just let Georgie know."
"Bert why don't you do the honors" Ty said pouring him champagne and moving around the table again.
Bert stood "well, I've only recently met Georgie and Wyatt but in that short time I have seen them to be loving and caring of each other and their families, determined, enthusiastic and hard working. They want to do more than just be, they want to make a difference. Personally I can't think of two more deserving people to join our Cornell family so here's to you both, I wish you love, happiness and success equal to all you can stand in your lives. To Georgie and Wyatt !"
Everyone stood and toasted, there was hugging and tears. When Amy hugged Georgie she whispered "do it now Georgie, tell them, we're with you."
When everyone sat down Georgie took Wyatt's hand and intertwined their fingers. She looked at Amy who nodded and then leaned over to kiss Wyatt gently.
"Wyatt and I have another announcement to make while we're celebrating."
Lou and Peter looked up and then at each other for a second. Jen looked on as well.
"Georgie and I have decided to get married in the spring, we'll be settled here for several years and we don't feel there's any reason to wait so, well that's it I guess."
Amy was first jumping to her feet and walking over to hug each followed by Ty and then Katie, the girls, Jackson, Betty and the Koenigs. Lou and Tim sat their chairs.
Lisa yelped congratulations through the iPad and Georgie picked it up to smile at her and Jack. Then they received congratulations from Jen and Mitch, Jen was crying and Peter and Annie, both were crying.
Lou looked across at Georgie "Mom ?"
"Congratulations Georgie, I'm so happy for you she said getting up. Georgie met her half way and they hugged.
"Well if everybody's good with this, congratulations you two." Tim said.
"You shouldn't be so grumpy all the time Grandpa, you should go fishing or something." Jackson said.
"He's been fishing Jackson, doesn't help" Katie agreed.
"You two are right, if Wyatt and Georgie want to get married so young I should be happy for them and I am." Tim said with a smile "See."
"So what kind of wedding do you want Georgie ?" Lisa asked ignoring Tim's voice.
Georgie described the scene, the meadow, the wildflowers, horses, and music. Jade would be her maid of honor and the girls and Katie bridesmaids.
"So maybe Heartland or Fairfield ?" Lou asked.
"We kind of asked Amy if we could do it here Mom, this is where our future is for now."
"Here ?" Lou repeated.
"That's great Georgie, you just let me and your mom know what you need and where to be and we'll be there with bells on." Peter called out.
"Anything I can do to help Georgie, let me know." Annie called out as well.
Georgie smiled at both.
"Mom ?" Georgie asked.
"It's your wedding Georgie, if you want it here we'll plan it here."
"Well I had planned on one wedding, two will work as well as one." Betty said "I can't wait, you'll be a stunning bride Georgie."
"I agree, I can't wait." Lisa called out.
After dessert Bert and Meg begged off and everyone chipped in to clean up. They all agreed to change and settle in the basement to view some more houses.