A/N – There is no canon for Aunt Viv or Haddie for that matter. I briefly thought of Jade as a spy but I didn't think it fair to Georgie, I like their friendship. Someone thought I might forget Carson in the gifts, I would never intentionally slight anyone as sweet as Cars. Thanks for all the reviews and the PM's. I try to answer questions as honestly as I can without giving away too much.

Chapter 53

Amy came outside just as Jackson and Ty led Merlin and Harley into the family barn. They stopped and left their backpacks by the barn door and walked the horses over to get clipped up for brushing.

Amy sat on the porch with her coffee and ever present iPad and read the Ithaca news, Cornell news, texts and an email from her last undisclosed spy in Hudson.

"Hey Amy, so Caleb and some of that crowd are arranging a big hoop de doo at KO's for Monday night and that buddy of his from Vancouver is coming to town for something with that weirdo Bob. Strange thing, that Helena girl was here having lunch with Cassandra the other day. They stayed friends after, well you know. Haven't seen her much lately though. Lou's back but I guess you know that and your dad was and then headed out. Jack and Lisa seem fine so no worries there. Jen's happy Wyatt will be home, she's so proud of them both. I miss Georgie and Wyatt, she's really staying with you huh ? I guess you know Ashley's coming in but I've heard tell Jesse is due for a visit, you might check on that, him and Ty and all don't mix well. Nothing more really, you've got Ty for now, I'll watch out for him and I guess you know about Scott and Haddie, cute couple, they laugh a lot. Guess I'll be seeing you one of these days, can't wait and to see those beautiful kids again. Maybe I'll finally retire. Love, Viv."

Viv Taylor or "Aunt Viv" as Amy first started calling her all those years ago had waitressed at Maggie's since Amy used to get dropped off with Soraya, Ashley and Jen at the diner some days after elementary school. They'd always sit in the same booth and Viv would be their waitress. Viv was always there and on top of things going on around town and especially with her little foursome of girls. She was always there for a hug in the corner or to offer some sage advice about anything. As the girls grew and matured Viv was there and when Maggie's closed and later reopened under Lou, the first rehire was Viv.

She was also the last person Amy spoke with before leaving Hudson and left handing her a brand new iPhone, contract covered. Since that day everyone always marveled at Viv's attachment to her phone, always the newest model as soon as it came out no matter what the cost. Amy's first and last spy. Lou was going to freak and that made Amy smile for some reason.

She dropped her cup in the dishwasher and headed out a few minutes later, she caught Ty hugging Jackson at the entrance. "Get your chores done Jackson and you can swim circles around me later then pull me to safety."

"No sweat Doc." Jackson said with a smile "we'll get you up and swimming in no time, buying a big pool you know."

"Jackson."

"Hey I get it, not a done deal yet, you do swim though right ?"

"Yes, I can swim Jackson."

"How was the fishing ?" Amy asked listening to the banter and laughing.

"We got 4, it was great mom." Jackson said "You better get going or we'll all be late."

Amy reached over and kissed his head, Jackson hugged her around the waist before smiling at Ty and running off into the barn.

Ty put his arm around Amy and pulled her in for a kiss which turned into a short hot affair which left Amy breathless.

"You Ok Ty ?" Amy asked.

"We were messing around after a serious separation talk and I was tickling him and kissing his neck, he was squirming and giggling and he, called me Dad."

Amy could see Ty's face screwing up a little and Amy dragged him into the Rescue Barn and into a corner. Being Sunday it wasn't very busy "hey, hey come here" Amy whispered pulling him in for a hug.

"Sorry, it just."

"What are you sorry about Ty ? Did you ever doubt his love for you ?"

"No, of course not, it's just, forget it. Let's get to rounds."

They came out arm in arm to Bert, Meg, the twins, Katie and Trish coming back on horseback.

"I didn't know you all were out."

"Betty said you hadn't been up yet, we figured well, you slept in." Meg whispered the last bit.

"Where's John ?" Ty asked.

"John doesn't really ride, he's never comfortable and thinks he's a burden to a horse." Amy explained.

"What ?" Ty asked incredulously.

"Let it go Ty" Trish said "just let it go."

"I don't think so Trish." Ty said laughing.

"That's what they all say." Amy said "I can't get him comfortable."

"I learned how to ride a horse, he doesn't ride, I'm not satisfied" Ty said "Bert rounds ?"

"We've got Browning Uncle Bert, you go on." Maddie said walking over for the lead.

"Thank you girls, then I'm ready Ty."

They discovered a full crew for rounds, all 3 seconds, Vi and Sarah were there as well. "I thought I was doing rounds and you two were off doing the family thing" Amy said to her two.

"We figured it was Ty's last rounds for awhile and we wanted to say goodbye and wish him well." Sarah explained.

"Well, thanks you two that's nice." Ty said somewhat surprised. Thinking about it he assumed that was why Barb and Katie were there considering Georgie was on until the picnic. "Thank you all actually" he said looking at the two seconds who smiled back at him.

Rounds were fine and fun actually. Amy and Ty stayed arm in arm and often whispered, giggled and kissed as they went.

At one point when they left medical and went out to isolation Bert turned to Barb. "Order broad spectrum antibiotics for all of these."

Barb stared at him for a second, "uhm Bert ?"

"Wait what ?" Amy asked looking up "what did you just say ?"

"There you are" Bert said with a smile. Everyone else laughed.

"You're like the big brother I never had or wanted Bert." Amy said.

"And Charlie ?" He asked.

"The big brother I always wanted and never imagined I would get."

"And Trev ?" Ty asked.

"The middle brother who keeps the other two in their place." Amy answered smiling.

"And John ?" Georgie asked.

"John keeps his eye on you Ty, he's our muscle." Bert said smiling.

"Nice, very nice" Ty said with a smile.

Amy laid out her clothes for the afternoon which consisted of a bikini, a pair of shorts and a sundress. Ty was packing a small suitcase on the bed.

"What are the shorts for ?"

"The ride out and back" Amy said, "bare thighs on those saddles, not fun. You can also wear them with a bikini top."

Ty zipped his suitcase shut. "I'll ship Old Blue and the Mustang back together I guess and load them with stuff."

Ty pulled out torn jeans, a pair of swimming trunks and a T shirt, tossed them on the bed and stripped down naked.

Amy turned and saw Ty bending over "Amazing how that butt has the same effect on me that it had in that loft 16 years ago."

"Come on, snuggle out of those tight pants, my turn."

Amy smiled and began to hum, she turned slowly and pulled down her jeans leaving her panties intact. Ty reached over and ran his hand over her ass. "Hey, hey, are we touching, I'll have to call the bouncer if you misbehave Dr. Borden."

"How will you know how much I appreciate your performance ?"

"You come complete with an appreciation gauge, care to lay back and see how good I do ?"

"No because that's just weird" he said pulling on his trunks. Followed by his tight ripped jeans and sneakers with no socks.

Ty turned to her and smiled, his hair was a mess, he hadn't shaved and he was shirtless. Amy could have stared at him for hours "You would absolutely make a beach bum every mother would despise Ty, I'm a pretty luck gal."

"You'll get no argument from me Ms. Fleming, I'm just bad to the bone. Damn you look good in a bikini."

"So nice of you to notice Dr. Borden" she said dropping her sundress over her shoulders.

The pack out was complicated because Amy and Ty wanted to hand out presents at the picnic. Once the food was stowed Amy decided to just pack out one horse and soon the large party of picnickers was heading out.

They arrived at the small gorge grotto about 30 minutes later. Jackson, April and Cars were in the water minutes later. The teens laid out blankets and a small Bluetooth set for music and were laying in the sun soon after that. Amy, Ty, Georgie and Wyatt unpacked the food and set the coolers off to the side. Ty wandered over to the water and sat down on a large stone overlooking the water. Amy came over and sat next to him. They watched the kids swimming and chasing each other around. Georgie and Wyatt came over and walked into the water. They found their way across and sat down on a small outcropping so they were half in the water. They just sat, Georgie leaning against Wyatt, holding hands. Amy saw Wyatt lean over and she watched a soft kiss.

April swam over and stood up. "Hi Ty" she said with that sweet melody of hers and lifted her arms. Ty reached out and lifted April out of the water onto his lap. "Gonna miss me ?" Ty had no idea what if anything her bathing suit was called by it was an orange one piece where a large floral design popped up when it was wet and disappeared when it was dry. Her blonde hair was braided into two strands on either side of her face and they were tied with several colorful ribbons

"I am April, I'll miss that smile and the way you say Ty."

"Watching Jax swim ?"

"yup, he's amazing. He swims like a fish."

"Not a fish Ty, Jax is an otter, I bet an otter is Jax's spirit animal."

"What do you know about spirit animals April ?" Amy asked.

"I have a book about Native American culture or uhm, First Nation ? Yeah First Nation in Canada, Jax is definitely an otter, look at him, it's like he slides around in the water." She said it with her hands palm to palm in front of her swerving back to back mimicking what Ty assumed was an otter.

"An otter huh ?" Amy said. "Interesting thought April."

"What's in the saddle packs ?" April said looking over.

"Amy and I chose gifts at a very nice crafts fair we were at yesterday."

"Did you buy me a gift Ty ?" April asked in her sing song way.

"I did April and I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will, I like most things, we have gifts for you too, the kids I mean."

"Well that's sweet, I'm sure I'll love them all."

"Coming in ?" April asked climbing off Ty's lap and stepping down the rocks "come on" she said with the biggest smile holding out her hand to Ty. Ty smiled and got up, he moved around and kicked off his shoes. The catcalls rang out when he pulled the shirt off and Ty turned to the teens and bowed, then flexed.

Amy wandered back to the baskets and opened some tablecloths on the ground. Betty put out plates and cutlery and the girls came over to help lay out food. Amy whistled off into the woods and Dodger and Duncan showed up yipping and barking a minute later.

When Jax, Cars and April got out, the teens and Katie wandered in to get wet before lunch. It wasn't the hottest of days and the gorge itself tended to be cooler. Ty came out after a few dunks, he whipped his hair back with his fingers and of course it sprang all different ways until he forced it down repeatedly. He settled behind Amy who was sitting with an iPad perched on her legs watching Boxer's dressage routines. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her back slightly against his chest before leaning over to kiss her neck. She turned and they kissed softly, "this was a nice idea Ty."

"Should we eat ?" Betty asked.

"Sure thing" Amy said scooting forward and then getting up and brushing her dress down.

They uncovered the baskets, there were cut up veggies, chips and assorted sandwiches. Fruit and cookies for dessert. Everyone grabbed a bottle of water and sat back to eat. Jackson, Cars and April came to sit with Amy and Ty, Betty joined them as well.

April was off to the side a little with her pad. She ate her sandwich and drew while she chewed. Ty glanced over at her at one point and she looked up and smiled at him, her face was like a blast of sunshine.

"That smile is priceless." Betty said noticing Ty.

"You're telling me." Ty answered. "Reminds me of Mallory a little."

"Amy's told me about Mallory, always expected her to stop by one day."

"She knows about this place ? About Pegasus ?" Ty asked.

"I met Mallory at Mrs. Bell's memorial service in Florida, she's in Texas with Jake. She spotted me and came over to tell me that my disguise would probably work with most but not her sister."

"What disguise ?"

"The hair color, hat and glasses, not a real disguise, truth is I didn't expect to see anyone from Canada there being she was shipped north for the funeral."

"I was out of the country when she passed, didn't even hear about it until weeks later." Ty said.

"The memorial was nice and Mallory spoke, I should have, one of those regrets I guess." Amy added.

"So she's teaching and Jake's a ranch hand."

"Yup, Mal teaches Elementary Ed."

"You've been in touch with her ?"

"Like with Shane, we talk and text every now and then. Why are you ignoring your phone Ty ?"

Ty's phone was off to the side in his pants while he was in bathing trunks and buzzed every few minutes.

"It's Caleb, he's trying to set up a welcome home thing."

"Monday night at KO's, sounds like a done deal to me. Helena was in town having lunch with Cass last week and Jason is expected at one point."

"Helena, what the hell ? Ok, how do you know this ?"

"My last spy reported in this morning." Amy answered leaning back.

"Spill Fleming I am not going back to be reported on."

"Viv Taylor."

Ty sat for a minute "Fuck, that's brilliant" he muttered "A Maggie's waitress."

"So three spies, Haddie, Scott and Viv."

"Well, add to that Mal after a fashion once we met and I did have some contact with Mrs. Bell over the years."

"What contact ?"

"Making sure she was comfortable for one thing. I would have hated her to end her life like that Ty."

"We talked a couple times a year and of course when she was in Alberta. It became evident I guess that the travel wasn't working. I always meant to go down for a visit, I guess the regrets keep playing through."

"For both of us Ty and everyone else in the world, regret is part of life and it teaches us to take chances, take a step and move on. Each path chosen leads to regrets born of those paths not taken."

"Sound's like something Victor would say."

"Almost word for word actually, accepting regret as part of life is one of the keys to finding your center. You need to face your regrets when you walk the medicine wheel. I've walked it twice since that time with you Ty, maybe I'm due another."

April wandered over while Amy was up and clearing the leftovers with the girls. She had a rolled up piece of paper in her hand, it was tied with a ribbon obviously taken from her hair. "this is for you Ty, so you can remember today." When he took it she leaned over, hugged him and kissed his cheek.

Ty smiled "I have something for you too, how about we open them together ?"

"Ok" she said sitting down and taking back her scroll.

Ty got up and grabbed two saddle bags and hauled them over. After digging through he pulled something out and held it behind his back. "Ready April ?"

She smiled "One, two, three" she said and whipped both hands forward, Ty took one and she took the other.

April took the journal in her hand and held it gently. "It's got my name on it and flowers." She whispered and then "whoa" she said opening it and seeing the pencils and the large blank papers.

At the same time Ty opened his ribbon and unfurled the paper. It was a picture of the picnic, different people sitting in different places around the meadow. It wasn't anywhere near perfect but Ty was so taken by the gesture.

"Thank you so much April, it's perfect, do you like yours ?"

"Oh Ty, it's just wonderful and all my stuff in one place. Thanks so much I love it." Ty reached over and they hugged again.

"We have stuff for you too" Jackson said sitting down.

A crowd had gathered and Maddie ran over to grab her saddle bag which held their gifts.

They handed Ty two small wooden picture frames each folded and closed with a brass clasp. They were made to be travel photo frames to be opened on a bed stand or night table when away from home. Each frame had two pictures. He opened the first case and looked down at the two pictures. The pictures were small but very clear, one picture was from Saratoga, Maddie, Charlie, Brin and Bobby in a grouping with their ribbons. The other picture had Charlie, Maddie and JT dancing around with the bubbles in the living room. Ty smiled and wiped his eyes on his hand and reached for the second frame. This frame showed a picture of Amy and the three kids, April and Cars in the family barn with their horses, all of them smiling. It was obviously from before he got there but it was definitely this summer. The last was the picture of Jackson and Ty and his first trout, Ty holding it out in front of the smiling boy.

Ty was choked up "thank you all so much for this, it's perfect."

After hugging each of the teens and thanking them Amy and Ty started handing out gifts. Everyone got one or more. Bobby was pretty speechless with his journal and thanked Ty and Amy with hugs and handshakes. Brin swept around in her cape laughing and when she found out from Amy that it was Ty's find gave him a big hug and kiss with Maddie joining in. Jackson was thrilled with his cases and when he found out Ty had a matching set back at the house was all smiles.

Between Ty and Amy everyone got something and the girls and Betty still due their jewelry the following week. Today the girls including Katie got a combination of nice woven blouses, thick winter socks, belts, hats and scarves, Carson got a leather fly folder to sort and keep his fishing flies handy and neat and a pair of leather mittens. Amy had picked Betty two nice hand made silk blouses with matching scarves.

Once cleared away the kids all gravitated back to the water for a swim and splash, Betty joined them and Amy and Ty were left sitting against a tree, Ty against the trunk and Amy in front of him with his arms around her.

"What happened to Georgie and Wyatt ?" Ty asked.

"They took a blanket and a path while everyone was occupied with the gifts." Amy answered.

"Ah the impetuousness of youth" Ty whispered against her neck.

"It's nice that we'll have this forever, just sitting against a tree. Such a simple pleasure." Amy turned and lay her palm against Ty's cheek, her kiss was soft and loving, Ty reached around and drew her in closer and their kiss deepened. His hand found it's way under her dress and she shuddered "don't you dare." She said biting at his ear.

Ty sighed and Amy snuggled in. They sat like that quietly and alone in each other's space, at that moment they were one complete couple. Georgie and Wyatt wandered back holding hands and walked over to sit by Amy and Ty. Wyatt leaned back against a tree and Georgie snugged in.

"We're pathetic." Georgie said "it's like we're sending them off to war."

Amy laughed, "it is a little pathetic."

"Viv Taylor is the last spy Georgie, absorb that." Ty told her.

"Seriously, the old crow" Georgie laughed "Aunt Viv huh ?"

"Oh, Jesse's coming to town Ty, steer clear of him please. I'll call Ash."

"How's Ash going to help ?"

"Ah, I was going to surprise you but you may as well warn Caleb, Ash is sort of our Pegasus attorney in Alberta, she's handling the merger."

"Ash and Cass." Ty repeated.

"Surprise !"

"You're not serious Amy."

"Why not, I trust Ash, she likes you and she doesn't know Cass from Adam, what difference does it make ?"

"Ash left him for one."

"Cass almost had you in jail, twice, her boyfriend got me drunk. It's time to grow up."

"She's changed Amy."

"So what's the problem ? Make believe they share custody of a kid."

"True, Cass always says business is business." Ty said "and Jesse ?"

"Turn the other cheek, you know, like the 33 year old man you are ?"

"He pushes my buttons."

"What buttons could he possibly push ?"

"He just does, I don't know Amy."

"Listen to me Ty, there is nothing he can do to you, at all, unless you react to him. He can't threaten you with money, financial ruin, your kids, me, Heartland, nothing."

"And if he just up and hits me ?"

"Call a cop, just like he did. Then call Trev."

"How long does it take to get to the airport ?" Wyatt asked.

"20 minutes and they'll land you right next to the jet, state department will meet you there."

"Definitely the way to travel." Ty said.

"You're telling me, I hate Jackson going though those damn machines."

"And customs ?" Wyatt asked.

"All at the private terminal Wyatt, you'll be out 30 minutes after you stop at the terminal in Calgary." Amy said. "You taking a limo ?"

"Mitch is picking us up." Wyatt said "He wanted to."

"Fine with me, where are you staying ?"

"The apartment, I have to pack, I'll call some friends to claim furniture and whatever we have, no point in selling it at this stage, I'd feel better if someone used it. Oh Ty, I have a meeting with Clint the week Georgie's back, I was wondering if you'd come along, might help to smooth the way a little."

"Sure just check with me before for it's firm, but it shouldn't be an issue. I called Lisa, I'm staying in Georgie's room."

"Get a ride in to this celebration thing Ty and take an Uber or a cab back please." Amy pleaded.

"I'll be there Amy, I'm not the drunken warrior." Wyatt told her "I got your back uncle Ty."

"Thank you Wyatt."

"You're very welcome Amy, have to keep the boss happy."

"I'm the boss too you know." Ty said.

"She has a witch Ty."

"You've got a point there." Ty muttered.

"Amy, Ty, sorry kids, I think it's time to pack out." Betty said walking over.

"This was nice Ty, thanks for suggesting it."

"You're welcome Betty, not sure it will help being apart but it was nice."

"It all helps." Betty said walking over. She placed her palm on his cheek, it may have been the most heartfelt motherly gesture anyone had ever made to him "We've gotten used to having you around Ty, there's no getting around that. Now come on, you don't want to be rushed."

They rode back slowly Amy, Ty, Georgie and Wyatt were last. Amy and Ty rode behind the younger couple. Each held hands and were quiet.

It was fun getting all the horses clipped and brushed. Ty was next to the kids as Harley was with Merlin and Jasper. April rode Jasper and Cars Pal, so it became Ty's job to pull down the saddles for the kids who then insisted on carrying them themselves which meant Car and Jackson maneuvering through various horses and riders to the tack room, three times of course.

"Bobby, I'm quite capable of carrying my own saddle." Charlie said when she turned and Bobby grabbed for her saddle.

"I know that Charlie, I want to." He leaned forward and kissed her.

"That doesn't change anything." Charlie said smiling.

"Coming through, little people with saddle" Cars announced "Bobby move your butt."

Bobby looked up, "Stand Colton" he said to Charlie's horse as he stepped forward pushing gently against Charlotte so she was between the horse and the saddle as the boys went by. Bobby leaned forward and kissed Charlie and with no where to go they continued with Charlotte's hands moving to wrap around Bobby's head. When the saddle passed Bobby stepped back. "How about now Charlie, does that change anything ?"

"Nothing that has to do with a saddle but go ahead sweet knight." She sighed waving her hand towards the tack room.

Brin and Maddie smiled, "Can I carry that for you Mad ?" Brin asked giggling.

"How about we each carry our own and just neck in the tack room ?" Maddie answered lifting her saddle and nodding. "After you my pretty."

"What's something like night check for a million horses like, are there tents for rests ?" Georgie asked laughing at the girls antics.

"Being civilized here at Pegasus, we have ranch hands, heat, running troughs and video." Betty said "I've heard rumors about night checks, those four already get away with enough."

"What do we get away with Gran, hey I was chewing gum, Brin do you have my gum ?" Maddie asked trying not to laugh.

"Very funny Madelyn and you don't chew gum."

"Oh, yeah right."

"Wait, then whose gum am I chewing ?" Brin asked laughing which set several others off.

The horses were stabled almost all at once, the teens going over to help the younger three finish up and get the horses mashed. Soon they all walked back to the ranch house together. Georgie and Wyatt had taken a few minutes during the morning to transfer their stuff to the small, relatively speaking as Georgie was sure it was bigger than their apartment in Hudson suite that Tim had occupied next to Amy and Ty's bedroom, so both couples headed upstairs while the others headed to their rooms to stow their gifts.

"Those pictures were a nice gift." Amy said coming over to put her arms around him.

"I'm going to convince Wyatt to stay at Heartland tonight also."

"That's probably a good idea, he can start in the daylight. So we need to sit for a few minutes and I have something for you."

"This sounds serious." He said following her over to the chairs. Ty smiled when the dogs got up and moved over close enough for petting.

Amy picked up a leather messenger type briefcase and put it up on the ottoman between them. It was a distressed black leather laced up the sides like a motorcycle bag and it fit his persona perfectly, handle, shoulder strap and rings so that it could be tied to the Norton seat behind him. The foundation logo was pressed into the corner of the flap. Ty ran his hand over the leather and the logo and then opened the flap. On the bag underneath the flap, also deeply embossed, his name, Dr. Ty Borden, D.V.M.

"Do you like it ?"

"I love it Amy, thank you."

"You're welcome, there's more to it than the gift though."

"Well, clock's ticking."

"Ok, you wanted to start being a part. I thought maybe you would take a project from me that I'm no good at."

"Shoot." He asked leaning forward.

Amy opened the flap with her fingers and showed him a large folder. "This is the preliminary designs for the jumping and rehab arena and stables facility. I glaze over when I talk to contractors Ty, the seconds, Bryce and Bennie have changes or suggestions. Sandra is coordinating with the architect. Call her tomorrow, get some sort of a schedule and go through the stuff. Lot of threads to come together before we dig."

"I'll look it over what else ?"

"Facility Director, this folder has my one and only choice or choices, if they say no we'll look further. Look over the file."

"Who is it, they whatever."

"In a minute, this folder has the proposal for Fairfield, Lisa asked for it, again it's a preliminary document though I can't imagine what she would have a problem with. It deals with Pegasus taking control over time and converting Fairfield from a breeding and training facility to a thoroughbred rehab and retirement facility. This folder has my suggestion for the person to represent Pegasus at Fairfield. They're connected."

"Go on."

"I want to offer Nick and Claire Harwell the Jumping facility, Europe is changing and their kids are getting older, it sounds like they feel stuck. Bryce would be made overall ranch manager and coordinate the three. After a few years I'd like the Harwell's to take that over as well and offer Bryce a chance to go home to Alberta, I think he'd love the job at Fairfield. I'd like the Harwells to visit in September so you'll absolutely need to be here for that. These names are need to know, if you need an ear Lisa will work."

"OK, sounds like a plan, let me look at it and we'll talk. What's that ?"

"Those are my books Ty, I'd like you to read them."

"I look forward to it Ames, and the iPad's ?"

"One for the clinic, one home and the one over there to carry around, we have tons of them."

"Come in" Amy called out when the soft knock sounded at the door.

"Chopper's cleared mom, 20 minutes."

"Thanks Mad, Wyatt know ?"

"Just now, we're on the porch."

"Ok, give us a few minutes sweetheart."

Ty moved the bag to the floor and reached over "come here you"

Amy had her head hung and moved over from her seat to his lap and sunk into his chest as his arms wrapped around her.

"You promised to be back by Sabrina's recital."

"I promised to be here for the recital and I will."

"Text when you land."

"Of course I will"

"and call me when you get to Heartland, you take off at 6 and land at 7 remember."

"How can I forget ? So no kisses ?" Ty whispered leaning over.

"Always kisses." Amy murmured.

They sat talking and kissing for a few more minutes, the second knock came with a call from Georgie. "Come on, lots of hugging to get through and then party time."

"Woo hoo" Amy called back half heartedly.

She wheeled Ty's bag, a light, polycarbonate 4 wheeler that he seemed to like rolling like a bowling ball or spinning in place. Betty got it for him as part of a set for Saratoga. "Never had a suitcase before, just duffel bags."

"You want to be very careful shoving a $3000 suit into a duffel Ty."

"I read the instructions on the suit, that part was clear as a bell" he laughed.

They walked out to the porch, Ty put his new bag down on the edge next to where Amy left the suitcase. John walked over and grabbed both to bring to the edge of the lawn.

TY and Wyatt started their goodbyes, Ty went to Betty first and she drew him into a big hug and then touched his cheek "come home soon son." She whispered sniffling back a tear. Ty was already having a hard time. "As soon as I can Gran, I promise."

Bobby was next and he put out his hand. Ty smiled and gave him a hug "I'll hug the big Marine too Bobby."

Charlotte and Maddie had tears in their eyes and Charlotte was first to reach around him "make it a good one doc." She laid her head on his chest and squeezed "take care of yourself" she whispered after kissing his cheek.

Brin was next and hugged him and then kissed his cheek. She stepped back and touched the ends of his hair. "This is just sad Ty, you need a real cut."

"I promise when I get back Brin, I'm all yours."

"That's all I ask" she smiled.

"And don't forget my ticket."

Maddie wasted no time in getting her hug. "you two take care of your mom and brother for me."

"Always" she whispered "don't do anything stupid or even mildly heroic Ok, word is you're terrible at it."

Ty laughed "I'll try Mad."

"Ok, well this is starting to get weird, hugging a guy and all."

"I think we're Ok Mad."

"Yeah." She said moving apart from him.

"Take him fishing."

"We will."

Cars was next and Ty leaned over for a hug "Bye Ty, have a good time, thanks for helping Buck."

"No problem Buddy."

He looked over at April who smiled and put her arms up to which Ty obliged her by swinging her up into his arms "Amy said I could send you drawings, would you like that ?"

"I would love that sweetheart."

She leaned over and hugged him and then kissed his cheek. "Well, good bye Ty."

"Goodbye April."

Ty scooped up Jackson next and carried him off the porch and onto the grass where friends had gathered including Charlie and Chuck.

"Chuck, you take care of things and keep an eye on the kids for me buddy."

"Sure thing Ty, have fun."

Charlie smiled and shook his hand and walked , "check over the offers to Lisa and Scott, they're fair, call Trev or I with any questions or ask Bridget and we'll get back. And uhm" he said looking at a smiling JT, "I hear there's a plan coming together, if you need anything I'm always here."

"Thanks Charlie."

Steph, Meg and Trish were next. "Trev's in the city for an early morning meeting but he send his love Ty, he says to call anytime and trust Ashley."

"Thanks Steph."

Bert hugged him around JT "Stay out of trouble Ty, don't hit anything, your hands are tools."

"I'm not going back to duke it out Bert."

"Still, your reputation precedes you."

John made no pretense and hugged Ty scrunching JT in the process. "You need me just call Ty, I don't do much around here anyway."

"This whole horse business is unacceptable to me John. If they can get a horse under that guy on Bonanza they can get one under you."

John just shook his head and laughed "take care of yourself Ty, see you soon."

Bryce was standing near his truck and Ty smiled and went over to shake his hand "We haven't spent much time together Ty, I guess that'll change. Roberta's sorry she couldn't come, Tuck's out cold. Back to Alberta, color me jealous."

"I'm sure when Tuck's up to it Lisa would love to have the family visit at Fairfield, you should go."

"Maybe we will, have a good trip boss."

Ty turned and saw Meg Caldwell, Sally Carmichael and Erma Potter waving from the side of the family barn. They'd been upstairs getting the apartment ready for the party.

The chopper came over the house and turned.

"It's time Jackson" Ty whispered.

"Ok, well you remember what you said you hear no matter what ?"

"I do."

"I love you Dr. Borden" he whispered.

"I love you too son" he whispered turning and walking over to Betty. He kissed Jackson on the head and handed him off to Betty with a smile.

A moment later, it was just Amy and Ty, Georgie and Wyatt standing as the chopper landed. John and Chuck carried the bags to the pilot while the couple said goodbye.

"Think of last night Ty." Amy whispered.

"It hasn't left my thoughts." Ty answered.

They were head to head, their noses touching, soft kisses. Late the evening before Amy leaned over Ty, her hair draped around his head. His eyes were slits, they bodies moved together "open your eyes Ty, look at me"

Ty looked up into pools of deep blue reflecting the small fire in front of her. He watched her expression as it changed, the pleasure in her eyes, the outpouring of her love as he felt a wave overtake her. He closed his eyes concentrating.

"Open your eyes Ty, look at me" Amy gasped her eyes grabbing his as soon as they opened. Amy leaned back holding his gaze and then reached over his chest and gently, sensuously raked her fingernails down his chest and over his abdomen.

He sucked in his breath and before he even realized she had driven him over the edge and he groaned and stared into Amy's eyes, their bodies held together as pleasure overtook them both and she collapsed against him.

"Hey, you Ok ?" Amy asked tweaking him with her hand a few minutes later as he breathed deeply and sighed.

Ty's breathing calmed "In all my life I have never felt as close to anything or anyone Amy."

"One heart ?" She whispered.

"One soul" he whispered as sleep crept over them.

"We're ready folks"

The pilot's voice cut through both couples lost moments and they broke apart. One final kiss and soon Amy and Georgie backed away and then turned for several steps before once again facing the chopper.

They both looked up and waved as the rotors sped up and they shielded their eyes momentarily.