A/N – Thanks for all the reviews and PM's. Here's another chapter, hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 49
They gathered comfortably in the basement. The girls against the couch on Amy's side, Jackson back between Ty's legs. Georgie and Wyatt snuggled up in the corner of the couch, they had come back wearing Cornell loungers from either the Vet or Law schools to smiles from all. They also had a vet school outfit for Lou and a sweatshirt for Tim, Katie got a package of assorted things including a banner for her room. Lou and Tim sat to their right. Betty sat in her chair, a ball of wool turning and two knitting needles going full steam.
Ty hit the button on the iPad and music started.
"This is exciting" Lou said.
As always the video started with a fly over which elicited a whistle from Tim. The property was 968 acres located within of all places the West Canada Wilderness Preserve of Central NY. The property was grandfathered in by NYS Department of Wildlife after the Spelt Family of Potsdam donated the surrounding land in estuaries of the Raquette River ran through the property which also fronted on Cranberry Lake the other side of which was part of the Five Ponds Wilderness. They had to stop and rewind at Jackson's insistence so that he could hear the voice over again, 20 miles up river lay a NYS trout hatchery feeding the Raquette and surrounding estuaries. If that weren't enough Cranberry Lake was stocked by NYS Wildlife as well. The woods and surrounding area were pristine and bristling with wildlife and the buyer would have to not only satisfy the state and federal wildlife authorities that they would "do no harm" the Spelt Family as their last act of proprietorship had a requirement as well.
"Let's see the house already." Tim muttered.
"I'll sleep in a tent and wash in the river." JT announced.
"Speak for yourself JT." Maddie said laughing.
Amy gasped when the video did an overview of the house from the air, the house was built on a granite knoll with the back side open on the downward slope. It was an all log construction with huge glass sections, a slate roof, stone staircases outside, 2 porches that wrapped three sides and separate porches and balconies jutting out of the side facing the view of the Adirondacks. The helicopter hovered near the private balcony and glass frontage of the two story master bedroom, the terrace outside the room had a built in hot tub. All the kids and Georgie smiled when the helicopter banked revealing the heated pool on the far side of the house.
"It's enormous" Ty said watching the video.
The video then showed an overview of the 4 slip boathouse, a large guest cottage, a utility outbuilding and as a surprise a 16 stall barn, heated and plumbed. Back on ground the video now explored the house, designed by the award winning architectural firm of Whitney and Logan the home was built by Cedar Lake Log Home's in Saskatchewan and trucked down to the site. It was perfect for Amy, almost in her style, a modern version of a home that belonged in a past time. Soaring glass facades mixed with time aged woods. A heated bluestone path leading to a huge set of steps up to the carved counterbalanced double doors with stained glass inserts. The house itself was built mostly of full log cedar and redwood with many other woods both local and Canadian used as accent in the interior.
Completed in 2012 the custom-built home boasted 9,400 sq. ft. of living space, stained rough sawn oak floors, stained glass windows, vaulted beamed ceilings, a central staircase with two utility staircases. The main floor featured a spacious modern kitchen, a large center island with seating for eight, granite countertops and top of the line built-in appliances and as if that line-up wasn't enough a stone coal coal or gas fired bakers oven perfect for bread or pizza.
A fireplace was shared with the dining room next door. There was a large grill area directly outside as well as a small vented grill in the kitchen. The kitchen was open and facing a combination dining room living room space. The living room built around the enormous floor to ceiling stone fireplace was large and comfortable looking. Beautiful handcrafted woodwork could be found throughout, built ins and bookcases abounded. There was a 2000 bottle temperature controlled wine cellar accessible by circular stair from a hatch on the floor of the kitchen. A butler's pantry set up as a complete bar with 4 beer taps and a wine refrigerator, between the kitchen and the dining room, The views out the windows were spectacular, the windows were large and often spanned a wall from ground to ceiling.
Also on the main level was a laundry and utility room a large wood paneled study and the main double door entrance to the two level master suite where each level had it's own fireplace and deck or porch. The first level of the suite was a living room, relaxation and work area, with couches, chairs, and two desks close by. The second level had a large king sized bed along with an enormous bathroom and 2 walk-in closets and a second smaller more intimate seating area. A circular stair joined the two floors in the bedroom, there was also a hidden elevator in this room big enough for two passengers, one in a wheelchair. On the upper level six more bedrooms could be found equipped with their own walk-in closets and either joined by bathrooms or they had en suite bathrooms of their own. They were situated around a large family room with a fireplace against the outside wall. A second entrance to the master bedroom was at the end of the hall.
The lower level held the eighth bedroom set up as a small one bedroom which was, they assumed, meant for a housekeeper or maid, an exercise room with steam and sauna, a room styled as a modern saloon complete with bar, stage, small dance floor, pool table, pinball machines and a player piano, and a separate media room/movie theater with a bar, fireplace and walkout to a patio. The six car attached garage was also insulated and heated.
Each level also had a washroom and the second level it's own set of washer dryers as well.
The home was entirely heated and cooled and all hot water was supplied by a Geothermal pump. The roof tiles, though they looked like slate were actually solar panels which supplied 60% of the residential needs of a family for 6 months out of the year, and between 30 and 40% of the costs the rest of the year. The entire house was heated by radiant heat and the geothermal pump provided for quick on demand hot water.
Fresh water was supplied by a large regulated aquifer through wells. Electricity came off the road as did gas whose only use at this stage was for the 6 large generators and the stoves on the property. The video mentioned plans for avian safe wind turbines available that might take the home off grid completely.
The guest house was a four bedroom, three bath ranch-style log rambler that looked somewhat like Heartland. It featured a spacious dining and living room with vaulted framed ceilings, a stone patio out back and a wrap around porch. The kitchen had knotty alder cabinets, tiled floors, stainless steel appliances, an island and large breakfast bar. What made the guest house special was the layout of the bedrooms. It allowed for a pocket doors to separate the sleeping quarters. Two families could stay in the home with a shared living room, dining room and kitchen and separate sleeping areas.
The 80×40 fully finished utility building had radiant heat, floor drains and two large garage doors on each side making it a breeze to pull in and out. Two completely finished rooms that could be used for bunk house, office or additional storage plus a bathroom. There was also a walk in freezer and two utility refrigerators. The building was perfect for vehicles both utility and non utility though they would most likely house a tractor and plow.
The stable was roomy and modern looking, water to each trough, a video feed to the house, heat, sliding motorized doors, the interior finished in cedar and oak with black wrought iron hardware. 8 stalls on each side. Tack, feed and two utility rooms, it was perfect.
When the video ended with an evening shot of the home lit up taken from the outside it was stunning. Amy had wondered at some of the window placements but seeing this shot convinced her that the home was also designed to be an evening showpiece, it positively glowed. The room was quiet for a second and then erupted.
"Let's see it again." Charlotte said "find it on the map Maddie."
"Amy ?" Ty asked.
"Pass me the iPad please Ty."
"That was pretty amazing" Georgie said.
Amy scrolled down and looked at the access card Ty held punching in the code.
The page appeared and Amy scanned it with her eyes. "I wonder what the stipulations are ? I mean we run a nature preserve what more could they want."
"That's more than we talked about Ames, by double, more than double." Ty whispered seeing the price.
"That's fully furnished so lob a few hundred grand off in additional expenses. Heat and hot water is free and it seems most of the electricity. The utility building can be made into a caretakers quarters nicely or we can get a nice log kit for a family. This had got to be negotiable." Amy said looking at the price.
"Amy ?" Betty said holding out her hand.
Amy handed over the iPad and Betty scanned it up and down. "I only glanced, if we're serious let's look once more and check the furniture and each room and stop at that kitchen again."
"You're actually considering that ?" Tim asked.
"Certainly not crossing it off, seems like the land is perfect. I actually loved the house, yes, we are definitely considering it." Amy informed him.
"148 miles, waze says 2 hours 45 minutes." Ty said. "That's actually perfect for a nice ride."
"About an hour by air." Amy figured out loud.
"It's nice that you can heat the house and turn stuff on and off from here, nice and toasty or cool when you get in." Maddie said looking through the iPad file. "You can even check then property when you're away with a video feed."
"Let's watch it again and pause when we want to see more." Betty said putting aside her knitting and grabbing half a cup of coffee.
"I choose the room with the rowboat bed and fishing rods, up front, no backsies, just so you all know." Jackson announced.
"Jackson we still have other houses to see." Ty said laughing.
Charlotte giggled, "seriously Dr. Borden, hatchery, pool, stables, that's like a Jackson trifecta. He won't let up, it'll come up in every conversation."
"You're dead meat." Maddie summed up.
"And you two ?" Ty asked laughing and leaning over to hug Jackson who giggled.
"We vote Jackson our proxy, he's all yours." Charlotte announced laughing joined by Amy and Betty.
"You know what a proxy is ?" Ty asked.
"Sure we go to board meetings." Jackson said. "We give our proxy to someone when it gets boring and we go for ice cream."
Lou found that hilarious and started laughing "I can't imagine what your board meetings are like but I approve of them being there 100%."
"Kids, this house is way more expensive than we planned, mom and I have to talk and we need to see those others, who knows, just keep it in mind."
"You know you two" Betty said looking over at Amy and Ty, "I've been wondering lately what to give you as a wedding gift. It's not everyday you marry off a daughter who you love so much to someone you truly believe is the right man for her. Maybe this one's on me."
"Betty, why would you do that ?" Amy asked.
"Amy, my favorite place in the world is the kitchen at Pegasus, the dining room table, or on a horse with you all, fishing, sitting like this. I don't have to worry about leaving my money to my children or grandchildren, you certainly don't need it. I want to spend time with our growing family. I do this now and I can grow old watching you all fill whatever house you choose with love and babies, and husbands and wives and more babies. Pick this one or another and Charlie, Trev and I will work it out."
"I'm in family right ? Like pool rights ?" Georgie asked.
"Of course Georgie, you're all always welcome." Ty said looking at Lou and Tim.
"And I expect your babies to run around my kitchen too Georgie." Betty told her quietly patting her hand.
Georgie smiled and blushed, her dimples on full display.
"Those chaise lounges by that pool look pretty inviting." Lou added glancing at Betty before her comment.
Maddie sighed, "Brin, a bikini and a pool, sounds like heaven to me."
"Hadn't though about bikinis, Amy do you wear bikinis ?"
"Actually Ty, I look pretty good in a bikini. And you, Speedos ?"
"Ya no, cut offs or board shorts."
"I can live with cut offs." Amy whispered. "Tight short cut offs."
"Bobby looks awesome in cut offs."
"Video, don't want to hear this please." Jackson called out.
"Speed through the land part Charlotte." Betty asked.
"Come on Gran, it's the best part" JT pleaded.
"Fine, start at the beginning." Betty laughed.
They watched the video and were way more animated the second time through.
"Bears, coyotes and moose." Amy said. "Blacks bears can be nasty, coyotes not too much fun either."
"Moose will quite fairly total a truck, any truck." Tim added.
"Is that bad ?" Jackson asked.
"You'll all need to be taught about how to deal with a bear or coyote and there will probably be bear spray and a need for guns in the house but we Albertans all grew up like this and add in wolves, tigers, cougars and wolverines so no JT not bad just something to deal with." Amy said smiling.
They clicked through the kitchen for Betty, they stopped at each section of the living room and dining room.
"I would recover those couches and chairs but they'll come to the house to do that," Amy said of the seating area in the living room , overall it's fine, not my first choice of dining room set but I love the deer antler fixture, we'll need to deal with the art and some lit focal pieces. Amy said as they clicked down to the lower level.
'It's a nice bedroom, I'm glad there are windows on that side, I hate windowless sleeping spaces." Betty said on the small one bedroom apartment.
"The gym is nice, I'll miss the lap pool but we have the big one." Jackson added.
"Yeah can't imagine how hard that will be for you Jack." Maddie said.
"I was just sayin' Mad." He answered with a yawn.
Ty bent over and whispered "You tired buddy, should we head up ?"
Jackson lifted both hands and Ty pulled him up into his lap. He lay his head on Ty's chest "I'm ok, I want to see my room."
"Jackson" Ty whispered.
"I know, if we pick this one." He whispered back and then snuggled in.
"That saloon is a goner." Amy said, "I like the player piano idea but maybe we can switch it for one of those baby grand ones for Sabrina. Make it into music room/ family room, a fun place to entertain. Maybe an ice cream fountain instead of that atrocious bar."
"We'll keep the pool table."
"Of course Ty, I wouldn't think of removing your preferred method of exercise."
"Hey, good genetics, I can conserve my energy for more important things." Ty patted his belly gently.
"It'll be nice to have movie nights in the winter." Maddie said as they passed the theater.
The video went upstairs Gran picked a room with a seating area, en suite bath and a small balcony. The girls chose two remarkably like theirs at home connected by a bath that would have to be reconfigured into a parlor and double bedroom.
Georgie looked over and nudged her mom with her foot. Lou looked up and saw Georgie nod towards Ty.
Lou looked over and smiled, Jackson was fast asleep, laying against Ty who was holding him, just leaning back, Amy leaning against him.
Amy looked over at Lou and then at Ty and smiled looking back at her sister.
"So those two ?" Lou said softly.
"They'll probably run off together someday." Amy answered.
"Handsome couple for sure." Lou quipped back.
"Stop talking about me." Ty said leaning forward and standing.
"I'll see you upstairs Ames, this one's out like a light, night everyone." Ty said shifting Jackson until his head was over Ty's shoulder and those little arms reached around his neck. "Say good night JT." Ty whispered.
"I don't think so" Georgie whispered "that kid is done."
"I think I'm going up too" Katie said "I'm beat."
"Well I guess we'll go upstairs and skype naked." Maddie said.
"Have fun Mad." Amy said kissing her head.
"Night Charlie." Amy said hugging her.
"Carry something up and we'll put it away."
The girls all kissed and hugged their way around and headed up, each carrying a bowl.
"You're Ok with them saying stuff like that Amy, I'm not criticizing just asking." Lou asked.
"Well" Amy started as they all headed towards the steps "I guess I am, I say it to them enough, I trust them, there's no other option especially with Mad and Brin, none."
"Well Maddie isn't the one who'll end up pregnant." Tim said "not criticizing just saying."
"I trust them both dad, they know what I expect of them, they've had 15 years of good and loving parenting they have to be allowed to make their own decisions about their own bodies."
"Wow imagine that, girls making their own decisions." Georgie said looking at Tim.
"Why can't you admit that you struggled ?"
"Really Tim ?" Wyatt asked "that's what you want, fine, you've all been right all along, we struggled, we never had a problem with it. We had each other, we brought home food from work when we could, we showed up at Heartland when we needed a home cooked meal, we ate cereal, apples, PBJ's and Mac and cheese when we couldn't. We shopped at the thrift, took DVD's from the library instead of the movies, and walks and rides instead of vacations"
Georgie smiled at him. "And we have never once doubted our decision."
"and now", Wyatt continued "we're pretty much stylin'."
"Yes we are." Georgie said waving her hands in the air, singing and dancing. "And getting married !"
"I'll see you two in the morning." Amy said giving Georgie and Wyatt a final kiss and hug. "I'll be in the library for a few minutes, some odd and ends to take care of."
"Not too late Amy, please." Betty asked.
"Just a couple calls Gran, not too late." Amy said going over to hug her and whisper "we'll talk about the house."
"You're out of the loop miss, I will discuss it with Ty." Betty told her at arm's length.
"Fine, discuss it with Ty but I'm calling Charlie now and mentioning the property. We need a map and survey which I assume exists and some details about these surrounding lands and what everyone wants along with our money. I also want some background on the current owners, the house with a valid assessment and their deal before we start anything formal. I want all the information up front before we start the 60 day clock."
"I'm heading up to bed, night everyone." Tim said and then kissing Amy and Lou.
Betty went up next.
"Want to hang with me Lou ?"
"It's a business call Amy."
"It's family real estate, the asking price is $ 7.2 million which seems ridiculously high though I can't imagine that house cost less that 3 million to build. Still the mark-up is a lot. I think there's a story there and a negotiation to be had."
"You can do that, afford that as a getaway ?"
"We can. Real estate at this level can be odd but it's a solid way to get money out of the tax stream since it's real estate and not just sitting in an account and I am hoping we can get it down to a more reasonable price before committing."
"I wonder now what would have happened if when you got back from Europe we would have let you have your way."
"I stopped wondering a long time ago and again 2 weeks ago Lou." Ty said from the door of the library where Lou had settled into a large leather chair with an ottoman.
"The kids ?"
"All settled and you ?"
"About to call Charlie, come sit." Amy said pulling over a chair to the desk.
"Why Ms Fleming isn't it past your bedtime ?" Charlie asked "What is it 9:30, is there an emergency ?"
"Stop being silly, Ty and Lou are here, what do you know about #4, West Canada Wilderness."
"Figured you'd like that one, way more you than the others." Charlie said. "I asked the realtor about that, seemed pricey."
"Amy mentioned there had to be a story." Lou said.
"I thought so too, the family, the Spelts, made their money in the North Country mining. By all accounts they did not brutalize the land and most sites were refurbished and replanted and donated as public areas when they were mined out. As the generations moved on they became staunch conservationists, I asked around, the land and home are controlled by the matriarch, Ruth Spencer Spelt whose requirement is that she meet the purchaser and basically approve them. I've assessed the property, $5.2 tops and that's mostly the house which went up for 3.2."
Lou smiled at Amy who almost called it on the dot.
"Wild guess Lou" she whispered, "Charlie, can you get us a survey and some maps of the property outlined and the surrounding wilderness area, with which agency controls what. Get as much as you can without starting the clock, we still haven't seen the last three. How far can we push this, can we say fly over ?"
"Give me a few days, Trev suggested since it's a private purchase, local real estate we'd get Tom to do it ?"
"Fine with me." Amy agreed and looked at Ty "Our private family attorney, adoption and trust stuff, local real estate, we use Tom Carmichael."
"Conveniently left out traffic court." Charlie said over the phone.
"Traffic court ?" Ty asked smiling.
"It's nothing." Amy muttered. "A few misunderstandings."
"I'll get with Trevor and Tom tomorrow, this is the choice ?"
"Still have three to go, this is the first that's pretty much move in ready and we all seem to like it." Ty answered.
"Well we won't start the clock and this'll be your choice I think. In the end letting Betty and Amy loose in any of the other six will cost a small fortune in upgrades and decorating. In the mid 5's that means something. We'll get into it."
"Thanks Charlie." Amy and Ty said together.
"Lou always a pleasure, I'll see you two during the week at the office I assume. Have a good night."
"Coming up ?" Ty asked.
"Lou you staying up ?"
"Heading to bed too Amy."
"How about tomorrow you and I take a trail ride together Lou, we need a sister talk to catch up. We can have lunch at the treehouse, you said you wanted to see it."
"I was hoping to get to spend time sister to sister. I'll be here."
"Lou, no dad." Amy said before leaving.
"Any suggestions ?"
"Let him spend the day working the rescues with his grandkids and they have jumping after lunch with Georgie."
"Sounds good. Nite Amy." Lou turned off towards her small suite which was on the first level.
When they hit the landing on the top of the stairs Ty took Amy's hand and turned her towards him for a kiss. "I have to see the kids Ty, give me a second."
"I'll come." He said following her down the hall to the girls room. Amy knocked lightly.
"Enter." Maddie called back.
"I'm with Ty, you two Ok ?"
"We're good" Charlotte answered.
"How about spending some time with your grandfather tomorrow, we were going to suggest he helps you and then you have jumping after lunch, he can watch."
"Sure thing mom." They answered together.
"Night girls."
"Night mom, doc." Again simultaneously.
Amy just opened Jackson's door and peeked in before walking over to the bed and leaning over to kiss him. She straightened his blanket and fixed the hair over his face, both for no reason and walked over to Ty who was waiting at the door.
Inside their room Amy headed into the bathroom and stripped down to her underwear before leaning over the sink to wash. Ty was behind her moments later.
"Ok Dr. Borden, what's up with you today ?" Amy said turning around.
"Nothing's up."
"You have something to say and instead of saying it you're doing this, I'm all for this but what's up, talk to me Ty, is this about Alberta ?"
"Mostly not, it's about romance and what you deserve and your light hand, cows, milk and babies."
"Ok, that's some list, maybe bed is the place for this, let's get ready for bed and then we'll talk."
Amy changed into a set of short cotton pajama shorts and a tank, she never thought of them as sexy, just comfortable in the summer and they were shorts, mom visits were sometimes awkward in a short nightgown.
Ty was reading a journal when she came over and crawled into bed.
"Are you naked ?"
"Oh shit, I'll get a pair of pj bottoms. Can't I just after ?"
"After ? After what ?" Amy asked indignantly but laughing as well. "Get into the habit of changing into sleeping stuff, make believe we have no heat."
"We never had heat and slept naked all the time."
"Do we really need this discussion Ty ?"
"No, I get it, I'll get into a routine, plus those pj's of yours are hot as hell" He said climbing into bed and moving over to her.
"You mentioned dairy cows, and my Pj's are sexy ?"
"You're not the only one who steered clear of sex for the past few years you know."
"I figured you were just recovering from your Herculean effort."
"You know it wasn't as bad as, just forget it." Ty said when Amy started to smirk and raise an eyebrow.
"Already forgotten my love, you're mine now and I will flaunt that fact in Hudson."
"I have no doubt that's coming."
"Talk to me Dr. Borden."
"It's just that I want it all, the romance, the wooing, the dating, I want it all to be special for us, last night was amazing Ames. I would marry you this second but it seems almost like cheating the romance. I want to have babies with you but I think I want us to be married. I don't know what you want Ames, mostly I want it all to be perfect for you."
"Ty, I want all of those things" Amy said moving over and snuggling up to him. "What would you like sweetheart ?"
"Well for one, if I promise that say by Christmas you can officially be planning a wedding can we not elude to the lack of a ring."
"I was wrong to do that, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, you didn't mean it to be hurtful, just going forward. Now tell me what you want to do about babies."
"Well considering the by Christmas, a June wedding or thereabouts would be preferred, I think we should wait too."
"Then we will and I will talk with Betty and the kids, I don't have to ask your dad again do I ?"
"No, definitely not, has he been at you about anything ?"
"Haven't really been alone with him, just the snide comments. How about Wyatt and Georgie though, those two are in it for the long haul, what a strong couple."
"I'm glad she's here, they're here, I hope they learns to love this place as much as I do."
"They will, Georgie and Wyatt resigned themselves to make the best of situations, they took their bumps and bruises together, they've earned some better times."
Amy kissed Ty's cheek and settled back against his chest. It was soft and sincere "You know Ty, I only ever wanted to have a baby with you only really ever thought about having your children, if this hadn't worked I would have asked you to give me a baby and be as much a part of his or her life as you wanted."
"Then this is better, I don't know that I could have done the other."
"This is definitely better, so let's see if we can work around these Pj's of your's, oh look at that, all kinds of access."
Lou and Amy rode along slowly making small talk for a while until they left the compound.
"So, is there a man in your life Lou ?"
"Not right now, I dated a few guys in New York, went to dinner in Nashville. Nothing real, I may have missed that boat Amy."
"That's silly Lou, Grandpa got married, Dad got married."
"Peter got married again, this time I think it took, they're great together. Katie adores Annie and Georgie gets along great with her."
"And you and Georgie ?"
"We spoke a little, I told her I was proud of her and that maybe I was a bit more motherly than I should have been. It's weird I always thought she was so young but you were engaged at 20."
"And married at 32." Amy added with a laugh. "I call it Heartland Delay Syndrome, Ty and I should have been married already when I was offered Europe and that would have been part of the decision."
"How about you Amy, did you date, have a boyfriend ?"
"I had two men that I saw over a couple years. Both in Europe. I never really gave it a shot, I saw them when Ty and Helena were a thing. With the kids and Pegasus before that I really steered clear, I can't tell you how many times people tried to set me up. Last year Betty stepped up her game, you can go and see him at least, go back and see your family."
"Amy, you're successful and beautiful I can't imagine you weren't asked out."
"I was seriously chased and some really weird situations and I said no."
"Give me a weird" Lou asked.
"This past winter a young 24 year old internet millionaire who wanted to play with thoroughbreds approached me at a cocktail party. After I politely declined sneaking off for a quiet dinner he somehow got my number. I guess after several refusals he decided that the way to go was a quite unimpressive photo. Several men have offered to size up over the years as if somehow that would be my standard rather than me thinking the offer so offensive that it would be a complete non starter."
"I've actually had that too, I wonder if that's a thing ?"
"I don't know and I no longer care Lou."
"And you and Ty ?"
"Talking, being close, it's been pretty wonderful."
"He seems pretty happy and to have bonded with the kids pretty fast."
"Well Jackson, as much as we all tried to put men in his life it seems a father or in Jack's vocabulary a dad is pretty imbedded in his psyche. Ty's been open with the girls, more than I've ever seen, he's softer around the edges and the girls have responded to that. They have quarterly sessions with a psychologist, that should be interesting."
"Psychologists ?"
"The girls were 8 when the accident happened. They were awake, their parents were dead and they thought Jackson was dead. The last vision of their parents was laying side by side on the ground. Jackson goes because they were coming home with him, he has some guilt from that. The girls have something additional that they contend with, they're identical twins and their connection to each other is profound. For one thing they react strongly to each others emotional stimuli."
"Is that a thing, like really."
"Freaky real Lou, freaky real. They have their own language, Ty's heard them."
"They seem like great kids, real ranch stock, nurture vs. nature I think nurture took over big time. Katie seems to have taken to them and they've been very accepting of her being along even with Bobby and Sabrina. Does she realize how beautiful she is ?"
"I don't know, I guess on some level, she and Mad are so close and they worship each other."
"Well your girls are also beautiful, they remind me of Georgie, that inner strength, the drive and surety in herself, they're proud of who they are. That's not me I've always pushed for this extra bit, probably my problem with men, second guessing, that unsurety, possessiveness. The whole independent competitive thing, I don't know, I'm a nightmare."
"Are you lonely Lou ?"
"I guess, I think part of my problem with Georgie was that I saw her moving out as a glimpse of my future. What, I get 6 more years of Katie, most of them the dark foreboding high school years and then she'll leave. It was like Georgie telling me she doesn't need me anymore."
"And the dating ?"
"City guys which once upon a time, 20 years ago, was what I wanted, but now, they're either single for a reason which is usually evident pretty quickly or divorced, usually with kids they mostly ignore and send a check. See them once a month. Sled centered assholes"
"Maybe another reason to head back to Alberta, you're a ranch girl at heart Lou, find a ranch guy."
They rode for awhile and Lou declined seeing the nature rescue again so Amy lead them to the small stable near the treehouse and they stabled the horses. They carried their saddlebags which contained the makings of lunch and some paperwork that Amy had brought and stopped to dump everything on the kitchen counter.
Lou walked through and whistled. "Well this is a nice office."
"It's been used more in the past couple weeks than it has in the past two years."
"That's a shame, Grandpa says you work hard, Ty says it too."
"You don't work hard Lou ?"
"As hard as anybody Amy."
"Maddie calls it a double standard imposed on women. Women who work hard are often made to seem as overbearing, overachievers and are somehow almost pitied by men. Amy works hard sound like I'm a ranch hand. As a mother, you leave your child and go away to work, to some that makes you a bad mom while to those same people Peter is just doing his best to earn a living for his family."
Amy gave Lou a quick tour of the treehouse, the bedroom, baths and living spaces. They settled sorting food in the kitchen, stood side by side cutting veggies and setting out prepared salads and cheeses they brought. It was a nibbling lunch of sorts, one that took time at a table. Amy had juice and Lou some wine.
"So Maddie is the outspoken political one ?"
"Not really outspoken, certainly vocal, not really political unless it's a gender or choice issue but certainly feminine issues and the perception of women in the world are issues that are important to her. They both share issues for sure, bullying, internet and not, sexual harassment, they do their part to empower the kids they deal with."
"Charlotte's more reserved, a thinker, Maddie's the emotional one."
"And Jackson ?"
"The eye of the hurricane, the brightest center of a candle, hard working, determined, he's sweet and loving and honest to a fault."
"I'm glad you found each other."
"Is this karma Lou ? Eight years away, is that my payment for them, would we not have found each other, I can't imagine life without them."
"We don't get those answers Amy, we take life as it comes, every crossroad gets a decision and a future all it's own."
"Listen to us, two Alberta cowgirls waxing philosophical."
"Why not two Alberta Cowgirls ?"
"Lou, I'd like you to join the foundation board, Georgie will also be offered a seat and Katie can join the kids."
"I'd be honored Amy and I'm sure Georgie will as well but what do the kids do ?"
"Primarily help choose the new charities we take on, maybe some rebudgeting."
"How is that done ?"
"We give them a list of charities to read about and research on their own if they want, we make sure they're legit first. They've also found charities on their own that they've submitted."
"That's nice, really nice."
"I wanted them included and this seemed a nice way to make them a part of everything."
"I'm sure Katie will love it."
"Lisa has a seat as well."
"And Dad ?"
"The man who abandoned her and Pegasus on the board, I don't think so Lou."
"Grandpa kicked him out not mom."
"Don't for a minute think that would have happened without mom approving and it doesn't matter. He should have cleaned up and done exactly the same thing. Shown up got a job and tried to have a relationship with me, at least made an effort. He can't keep blaming other people for his decisions Lou."
"He's made his peace with her Amy."
"I'm glad for him Lou, I hope he's found some peace. Let's change the subject."
"So your hmmm, private time with Ty, no issues ?"
Amy looked over and smiled, "absolutely mind blowing."
"Amy !"
"You asked Lou, I can't resist him and Ty has been doing his best. Neither of us has had a partner in 3 maybe 3 ½ years. Mature no holds bar sex with a man I have desired for 8 years, it's absolutely mind blowing. And you, anything ?"
"You mean with a partner ?"
Amy laughed, "yeah, been there, I've hade sex with Ty more times in the past few weeks than I had over 8 years I think, and if not, it's coming up. The whole idea of letting him go to Alberta for weeks on end is tearing me up quick."
"Him too I bet, seeing JT sleeping on his chest last night without a care in the world, Ty looked completely content, I don't know that I've ever seen him like that. When he shifted JT and he put his arms around Ty's neck, well he just looked perfect."
"Yeah, he did, let's head back Lou, I have a date with thoroughbreds."
"Hey, it's a date with something."
"it has been a long time for you huh ?" Amy jabbed with a laugh.
"This was great Amy."