A/N – Way longer than intended originally, oh well. 200th show tonight, a true milestone, I remember watching the pilot for the first time, wow, long ago. I case you didn't know I published a one shot this week, check it out, that was fun to write. Hope you enjoy this, I remember a summer years ago where it rained endlessly, ugh. More taxes this week, I'll try my best.
Chapter 55
By Thursday afternoon Amy was done, she had had it. Since the moment she had woken up Monday morning the week had gone from bad to rock bottom. She was tired, cold, wet and completely over Jackson's cloud of doom. To make matters worse the weatherman promised more rain for the weekend, hopefully clearing by Tuesday, hopefully.
It started while they slept Sunday night, first the rain was gentle and then it picked up. By 2 the thunder and lighting filled the ranch. By morning Georgie, Amy, Dodger and Duncan woke together. Georgie had walked in at 2:15, padded lightly over to the bed and lay down next to Amy who smiled and pulled her close.
"Still hate the thunder huh ?" Amy whispered.
"When I'm alone." Georgie said with a yawn. The next barrage of thunder brought the dogs to the foot of the bed. By morning, Katie had climbed in with Maddie and Charlotte, found that way by Betty. Amy would learn that Meg checked on the kids and found all three huddled together on the family room floor with Bobby moved to the floor with them to keep them calm.
The first call came during breakfast, the second 5 minutes later and spread through the Pegasus sisterhood in 30 minutes. The first call was from Meg to Amy and Erma, April had woke up flushed and didn't have much of an appetite, Meg kissed her forehead and discovered as she thought that April had a mild fever and after checking found it hovering at about 100 F. Meg smiled and gently separated the kids and took April upstairs to get her ready to head home and probably to a doctor's visit. While brushing out her hair Meg discovered something else. April had a rash of some sort. 20 minutes later Trish walked into the Carmichael house and upstairs to where April was waiting now with Erma, Meg and Amy. Trish confirmed what they all new. April, fully vaccinated had a mild case of chicken pox.
They spoke with Josie, Trish and John's oldest who was the pediatrician to all the ranch kids and received three simple instructions, Tylenol for the fever, Calamine and Oatmeal for the itching and house quarantine for 10 days. There were only 30 or so pustules but it was still contagious. The teens, Bobby, Brin and the twins had the chicken pox so they were safe but Josie was pretty explicit, they were far better off keeping the younger kids separate. Both Cars and JT were vaccinated but with the same exact batch of vaccine as April and Josie said better safe than sorry.
The bigger problem was Kimmie who had one shot and not her second yet so after a quick caucus August delivered her to Pegasus where Betty, Amy and the girls would keep her safe. It was over precautious but the fear that the baby would get it was enough. Erma was beside herself but there was nothing to be done and she was so thankful that there was such a loving home willing to watch over her.
The rain continued almost non stop so no trail rides or fishing. Jackson's mood through the week grew as dark as the skies and he was as miserable as a wild mustang in a pen. On top of it all it was August, and Pegasus was in full swing to get horses ready for the fall season out West. The rain didn't help. The week was exhausting, moving horses, keeping them exercised in the rain, watching their coats, hooves and the rest for the invariable signs of rain born ailments. It didn't help that Ty was in Alberta, there were a vet down and she missed him. Bert had the sniffles as did several others, it was inevitable that several succumbed to the rain. They all came to work anyways.
Ty was also miserable at first, he also missed every one and while he had the support at Heartland for how he felt, aside from Scott and Ashley everyone else didn't really seem to care, which bothered him. It seemed even his closest friends didn't seem to get it. His problems compounded with the rain in the East. When Ty committed to staying in Ithaca Amy sent John Hamilton who typically stayed in Ithaca for the summer rather the constant travel he did for Pegasus throughout the rest of the year to fill in at the Hudson clinic for Ty's absence. With Bert coming down with something and the constant rain and dealing with the livestock Ty met John at the clinic and handed him a ticket to Ithaca.
"I'm sorry John, I'll take up the slack here until we find someone or I have to head back to NY."
"This is what I do boss, my wife's on active duty in Germany so I travel, Pegasus points and I go."
"Still, this is unexpected."
"Really Ty, it's not an issue."
Ty kept in constant contact with Ithaca on several fronts. Sandra and the seconds on the new indoor facility. Bert and the seconds on Boxer progress, Lorin on a variety of issues, the girls and Brin just because they were teenagers and stuck in the rain, Jackson who got more sullen by the hour, as if the rain and missing his friends especially April sucked his life away. Lastly Amy, having to deal with mud and horses and leaks and power outages, missing him so much it ached and trying to keep Jackson at least somewhat smiling as well two normally ridiculously active dogs who became only remotely interested in movement as soon as the rain started.
Amy was also miserable for another reason, dressage. She found it unbelievably boring and watched Boxer at it every free second she had. Something was off, she knew it, she could sense it but she couldn't pin it down. At times she thought she was close but it didn't seem to click. It made her moody and not surprisingly Amy's mood had an effect on the ranch, when she was moody it spread like wildfire. Wednesday morning found her in the library watching videos. Jackson came in and wandered around, he sat at the desk and opened some drawers, he wandered some more and sighed loudly.
"Jackson, how can I help."
"IIIIIII''''''mmmmmm soooooo boooorrrred."
"Have you finished all your summer assignments ?"
"Yes, you know I have."
"Then ask your sisters for a book you haven't read and come back and read here by me."
"Or I could bang my head with a shovel, I hate being inside." He moaned.
"Go to the barn and see if they can use some help."
"Thrown out already."
Amy smiled and grabbed him into her lap, she couldn't imagine what he had done to get Chuck, the seconds or Bert pissed enough to send him packing " Come on, sit and watch Boxer with me."
"Please no, just get the shovel and end it now."
Amy laughed "I feel the same way, grab your drovers and boots kiddo, let's go to the bakery and drown ourselves in a donut."
"Can we get some to send home for Cars and April ?"
"Of course we can, let me just make sure Gran has Kimmie."
Through the week in the evenings Georgie ended up sitting in Amy's room doing paperwork, charts and the like or working out changes in the rehab facility on line with Katie or Barb or together. She went over some things with Amy and got her input. Amy did paperwork as well and told Georgie about some of the foundation work she was dealing with. Amy also showed Georgie specific clips of Boxer and asked how she thought a particular movement looked. Neither could pin down anything but Georgie eventually came to the same conclusion, something was off. Kimmie lay in Jackson's old crib off to the side or with Amy or Georgie while they worked.
Monday night the kids and Betty headed downstairs for a movie and all three tied flies while Betty knitted and kept Kimmie happy. Tuesday and Wednesday night the kids ended up in Amy's room sprawled about with the dogs and books, games or iPads. The rain had cooled things off and Amy had a fire going and it was cozy though they all felt it was getting beyond ridiculous for August to get washed out. They'd already cancelled the jumping competition for the coming weekend and since the next was also outdoors that was being threatened as well. The field would be drenched if the rain continued into mid week and it wasn't followed by bright sunny skies.
Erma and August came by when they could to see Kimmie and spend some time with her. She was a happy baby and easy with Amy, Betty, the girls including Katie and even Jackson. It was nice because Amy would sit with either while they visited and gossiped or talked about simple ranch and work coming up, a neighborly chat. Amy offered Jackson or one or both of the girls to make up for April's chores but they declined. April was holding up well and drawing up a storm in between sleeping and bathing in oatmeal for the itch.
Ty had to admit his week did have high points over time. Pulling up to Briar Ridge Monday morning in the Porsche was very nice, hell pulling up anywhere or pulling out, the car was a dream. Ashley met him outside and after a long hug and a friendly smile Ash insisted on being taken for a ride first. Ty had to admit it was good seeing her and Ash felt the same way. She was single, never remarried and absolutely thrilled that Ty and Amy reconnected. Their meeting on Monday was fun and they decided to head into Maggie's for lunch. Ty ignored the looks he got when he pulled up and those that came of him escorting Ashley to a table. They at least reverted back to years past and laughed enough while reminiscing to garner glances. Again the two completely ignored the others. The one thing Ty couldn't ignore was Caleb, who walked in, looked over and then turned to leave. Ash had her back to the door and didn't notice.
"It's like he's still a damn kid, excuse me Ash."
She turned to see Ty walk out the door and stop Caleb in mid stride. She couldn't hear what went on.
"Dude, what the fuck ?"
"I don't know Ty it's weird."
"I'm bringing her tonight Caleb, she's a good friend and it seems I need one with me right now."
"What's that supposed to mean ?"
"It means I'm not feeling the love, has something changed in the past few weeks ?"
"You're leaving, you're rich, you're with Amy, who left you and really comfortable in a $175000 car."
"Caleb, are you saying I've changed as a person or is it just my situation that bothers you ?
Caleb was quiet so Ty changed the question.
"Let's try this, what part of what you said are you pissed at or is it Ashley, am I supposed to choose sides between you two ?"
Then after another moment of silence.
"Caleb, are you jealous ? Look, whatever, regardless of how you feel towards me you need to go inside and say hello to Ashley."
"I'll say hello tonight."
"Dude, you need to get this shit straight in your head and talk to me. I don't want to lose you as a friend."
"You won't, we'll talk later over a few beers."
Ty not only got Ash to come to KO's but to dinner at Heartland with Val. Lisa soldiered up when Ty called to ask, she was secretly thrilled with him staying at Heartland, as was Jack. Wyatt had dinner with his family but came to get Ty and Ashley for the night in the Mustang.
The evening at KO's started off a little tense but lightened up considerably when Ashley and Cassandra hit it off. By their third Tequila shot and beer chaser they had arranged a shopping trip to Calgary for Thursday as soon as their meeting was over. Caleb was beside himself.
"What the hell are they talking about ?"
"Well Caleb, if the women I've met lately are any indication."
"Get out, they wouldn't."
"You did as I recall one drunken evening."
"That's different, guys, no, that's definitely different."
"Caleb, are we Ok ? I'm going to be Cass' boss and I'm rich buddy, try as I might to not think about it, which is pretty hard in that car."
"Could you like actually buy that ?"
"I can actually probably call and never give it back and Amy would absolutely love it if I did."
Ty glanced at his phone and smiled "gotta take this Caleb."
"Wife ?" He asked laughing.
"Son" Ty answered with a big smile at the photo that popped up and turned towards the door.
"Hey Buddy how's it going ?"
"Well, it's pretty sad Dr. Borden. Pegasus is a big mud puddle."
"You gotta get though it Jackson it won't last forever."
"I'm a kid, tomorrow is forever. I'm talking to your boyfriend." The last came in low in response to a voice Ty didn't quite get but understood immediately.
"Hey there."
"Hey Amy, Jackson was just telling me how much fun he's been having."
"I'll bet, what are you doing ?"
"KO's watching Caleb watch Ashley and Cass bond over tequila shots, he's freaking out."
"That must be precious" Amy laughed "I'll talk to you later sweetheart, Jackson not too much longer."
"Well, I gotta go take a shower, don't know why, I haven't done anything dirty."
"Goodnight Jackson, kiss your sisters for me buddy."
"Nite Dr. Borden."
"Son, really, got a picture ?" Caleb asked when Ty came back inside.
Ty took out his phone and pulled up the shot of him and Jackson with his first trout then swiped to the one where Jackson was across his back. One more swipe brought up the girls on Rocky and Baggins without their helmets.
Caleb looked at the pictures and softened a bit, "that there's a good looking family Ty. And uhm Amy ?"
Ty swiped again and showed him a picture of Amy with Spartan, hat on, flannel over tank, faded jeans and a smile.
"She hasn't changed at all has she, looks like the same boots."
"They might be Caleb "he said laughing, "she has changed so much Caleb but that's her, Professor Amy Fleming. Pretty much the same girl who left here."
"And the, you know, the rest."
"The sex Caleb, has been pretty amazing."
"Cass was saying that she would go down there every now and then, I guess it would be Ok if I tagged along ?"
"Of course it would brother, fancy jet and all."
One thing Ty made sure to do was talk to Cass about Helena before the tequila started pouring. "I don't know what she wants Ty, when I saw her we were in limbo, you had just gotten to NY and you were closed mouthed remember. I told her that you had gone to see Amy."
"So when did she say she wanted to see me when I got back."
"Well she came not knowing you were gone and was surprised when I told her. I don't know that she'll still want to, you know."
"Ok, if she calls I'll deal with it, if not I'm not looking for it."
"I don't blame you partner, she did a bit of a rant to me one time that you didn't, you know, consider her for a lifetime because of Amy."
"She's not still thinking that we ?"
"It's not unheard of Ty, you're back with Amy after how long ?"
Wyatt dropped Cass and Caleb, then Ash and finally stopped at Heartland.
"Stay the night Wyatt, it's late."
"I am, I told Mitch I'd sack on the couch in the loft. Night Ty."
Mitch and Jen didn't live together in the loft because of Brick. Jen kept her apartment in town where they stayed most nights. It was somewhat of an unspoken secret between the Heartland adults that Brick would stay at the house every now and then when Katie was there and Jen would stay with Mitch. Tonight Jen was in town and Mitch didn't mind the company.
It was agreed upon by three of the four parties to the Tuesday meeting that it would be at 1:00 with lunch opposed to 10 AM which Cass and Ash were dead set against after the tequila. Ty pulled up at Briar Ridge to get Ash at 12:00, there were a couple of things they needed to talk about before the meeting. They sat in the Briar Ridge office talking when his voice rang out coming closer. "Ashley, whose fucking Porsche is that" Jesse said walking into the office and stopping in his tracks.
"Why the fuck are you here ?" Jesse said looking at Ty sitting across from Ashley.
"Making an offer to buy Briar Ridge." Ty said "Ready Ash ?"
"I didn't see that piece of shit of yours parked outside."
"It's a classic asshole and I'm here in the Porsche."
"Right, the Porsche is yours."
"Jesse, shut up you're making an ass of yourself." Ash said.
"That's not a stretch for him Ash."
Jesse followed Ty and Ash out and watched open mouthed as Ty opened the door for her and helped her in. He gave Jesse the finger out the window and over the top as he gunned the engine and tore out tearing up dust in his wake. He stopped out of sight smiled at Ash and hit the button that converted the car into a convertible.
"What part of don't engage do you need explained Ty ?" Ash asked him as he turned the Porsche towards town.
"I didn't hit him Ash."
"That's not enough anymore Ty and you know it, you've won in his eyes isn't that enough ?"
"Ash he pushes my."
"Enough" she said sharply interrupting him, "it's me Ok, this is bullshit, macho bullshit, let it go."
"Just keep him away from me Ash. When did he get in anyway ?"
"Must have been early or late, I didn't know his majesty had arrived."
"What is it he wants ?"
"He wants you to stoop to being who you were so he can be right, that you're nothing more than a juvenile delinquent and you always will be."
"Why ?"
"So that he can convince himself that he was better for Amy than you. He's a spoiled child Ty, he lives in the past."
"I'll be good."
"You'd better be, you're more than a brother to me than he ever was."
Ty smiled and gunned the engine and Ashley hooted and picked her hands up into the sky as the Porsche flew down the deserted back road picking up speed.
As Ty found out a day before Pegasus was very generous with the practice and with the staff salaries. Besides the initial buyout of their shares Cass would start at $90K and Scott at $130K. When they were done and there were no more questions Ash stood up and smiled at Ty "You three should talk without me" and then she held out her hand.
Ty smiled and reached over to drop the keys in her palm. "The problem with Alberta girls is that they all drive a stick. Don't hurt her Ash."
"How much do you get Ty ?" Cass asked with a smile "I mean besides the car ?"
"Well the car's a lease and I get more than you Cass."
"I'm more than satisfied partner and Caleb tells me keeping that car wouldn't be an issue."
Ty smiled "I'm glad you're happy with the offer Cass and you boss ?"
"That's gonna change soon enough Ty, I'm proud of you, you and Amy will do good things."
"And you and Haddie ?"
"If it's Ok with you and Amy we'll be talking to Cliff to bring in one or two hopeless delinquents to foster at White Horse and give a chance, Haddie said we can probably offer them school ?"
"Sure thing, we could use a couple more vets around. It's more than Ok with us Scott, maybe even a younger one to keep around."
"Maybe and you ?"
"Starting with three, the rest will come. Wyatt's here to start getting Pegasus' feet wet with CPS, he's got contacts, talk to him. We'll see where it goes."
"And Georgie's loving life I bet. Bert sent the video of her leading the baling wire extraction. Nice job that." Scott said proudly.
"Cornell Vet School, that's a hell of a pedigree." Cass added.
"And Cornell Law, those two must be besides themselves."
"They are happy Scott, they're taking a 2 bedroom apartment loft at the ranch. School covered plus salary. They're planning on a May wedding I think. If yours want to commit a few years to Pegasus Cass, we'll cover UC or anything up here that can be converted by Pegasus. Anywhere actually."
"We have a ways to go Ty but it's nice to know. You straighten things out with Caleb, he's been weird lately."
"I think so Cass, I think he wants to see Amy, not in a weird way, maybe see me and Amy, we all go back."
"I get it, I like Ash, is that weird ?"
"Why would it be weird Cass, I like Ash, Amy likes Ash. Caleb loved her and I'm willing to bet even still does on some level, you don't lose that stuff."
"I agree about Caleb, it's why he has a problem, on some level they still love each other, they were young, it fell apart, but you're right some feelings stay with you. Let me ask you something Ty, Helena asked me if I thought you still loved her on some level."
"What'd you say ?"
"I told her I actually had no idea, you and I don't talk about you guys, it's history. Do you ?"
Ty was quiet for a few seconds. "That's the thing Cass, lately, I don't know that I ever was in love with her, not in that way. I think I became disillusioned when I realized that my feelings for her weren't taking us anywhere. I realized that to me she was more like a friend with benefits and to her it was not. It put me in a bad place when I told her, I didn't think I was capable of so one sided a relationship."
"Did you tell her that ?"
"Well, maybe not in those words but I did tell her that I just couldn't imagine what she did. Until she said it, kids with her were the furthest thing from my mind. When she started talking about moving in together I knew that wasn't going to happen and told her."
"Has she called or texted ?"
"Nope."
"Well, I'll try to let her know and certainly about Amy if she calls me first."
"You wouldn't want to head this off for me would you ?"
Cass looked at him and smiled "Men, no Ty, you are - on - your - own. Tell Amy yet ?"
"I'm going to mention it tonight, maybe the fact that I went to Amy soured Helena on the whole thing. Oh, by the way, Viv Taylor, spy number 3."
"That bitch, she always pulled us over to her, and then she bribed us, extra fries, big pie, that was just so we'd always sit by her." Cass fumed.
"Viv practically weaned Amy, Ash and Soraya." Scott said "glad Amy's on our side and uses her evil powers for good."
"Ok, so we've told the vet schools we're looking and I'm here 8:00 AM till 2 tomorrow ?"
"And Thursday" Cass said "same hours."
"Ok, you'll get the proposal to the attorney and the accountant and they'll be in touch with Ash and us and if you two need anything let me know."
"Should we just hire ?"
"Well we want someone who can be part of the focused switch to horses and surgery and there's no reason not to shoot Bert and I a resume. You haven't done too bad picking personnel Scott we'll go with who you and Cass want. If I'm here and you want me to meet one for the interviewees schedule me in."
"See Bob yet ?" Scott asked
"Tomorrow afternoon, heading to Fairfield from here."
"Does Bob know ?"
"Not from me, Jason will be there for the good news too."
"Don't let those two get to you Ty, you don't owe them a damn thing."
"I'm good Cass, I have a checkbook."
"They'll use that against you, don't let them, it's your life Ty." Cass said giving him a hug. "Those two are lonely and miserable."
"Like I was ?"
"No comment."
"I'll comment" Scott said "Ty, I haven't seen your eyes this bright and your smile that wide in 8 years and this business with Helena, I'll give you odds she just broke up with a boyfriend and wants you back. She'll call figuring Amy threw you out."
"You've been spending way too much time with Haddie Scott, way too much time." Cass said laughing.
"Whatever" Ty said laughing, "I wouldn't blow her off if she wants to talk but that South American temper is off the wall."
"In two languages." Cass added.
Ty had texted Ash and when she got back she sat down with the three.
"Scott would you excuse us please, I need to talk to Cass and Ash."
"Without me ?"
"You're a fucking spy Scott, get out, Amy business, go, get out."
Scott laughed and left closing the door behind him.
"What's up Ty ?" Ash asked.
"I need you two to take me shopping Thursday. I need a few suits and some nice clothes. One suit for next week and travel clothes and the like."
"For ?"
"I'm taking Amy to dinner and dancing Thursday night in Manhattan, I'll be back Friday. It's a surprise."
"What level we talking about here ?" Cass asked.
Ty reached into his jacket pocket and tossed the Amex card on the table.
"Wow" Ash said.
"So, say three suits, a newer leather jacket, some slacks, shirts, a few ties and shoes. Shouldn't be bad, we should be done here at 11:00."
"I'll have a limo meet us here at 11:30, we'll do lunch and shop."
"How is this surprise happening ?" Ash asked.
"We'll do that tomorrow, I have to get to Fairfield and spend a few hours with Lisa, am I dropping you Ash ?"
"Are you taking me out to dinner this evening Dr. Borden" Ash asked when they pulled up at Briar Ridge.
"Not sure if anyone has plans actually but if not I'd love to Ash, I'll let you know."
Lisa came out to meet Ty when he pulled up at Fairfield, they hugged and walked into the house arm in arm, son and mother to any who looked.
"How did this morning go Ty ?"
"It went great, the offer is more than fair, Scott and Cass seem happy."
"I can imagine" Lisa said "what I can't imagine is how they stay afloat if everyone gets this kind of deal, have you looked through the Fairfield proposal ?"
"I talked to Trev about them. These aren't actually business deals and you have to factor the parties into the equation. I'm not that far removed from understanding the business end Lisa, it's true Scott and Cass handled most of it but I'm not in the dark."
"Go on" Lisa said pouring coffee as they settled in the Fairfield office.
"Our primary business are those thoroughbreds at all our facilities and soon the jumpers at Ithaca. The higher end medical is a close second, they're good contenders in profits. They make up the majority of the 60 million in revenue that Pegasus the corporation takes in along with rescue stock sales, the alpacas, apparently some commercial real estate holdings."
"And soon I hear a Diner dynasty." Lisa added with a smile.
"Amy" Ty stopped "we're funding that out of pocket though Charlie's crew will watch our end."
"And Tim ?"
"He backed off and signed over the rights, Amy tore him up a bit."
"Any hope that she ever sees him differently ?"
"He could stop a bullet meant for one of the kids I guess." Ty said "she's dug in on the idea that he left her Lisa, she needed him and he knew it, to Amy, especially now that she's a mom and what she's gone through with Jackson."
"The Heartland cooling off period that never cools off anything before if runs off the rails. It never worked with you and Amy, Lou and anybody, Marion and Tim, Jack and I, it just doesn't work."
"You'll be happy to know that Amy doesn't hold with that philosophy. She could write a book on how many mistakes Jack made as a father to me."
"Ok, now I'm curious give me one."
Ty laughed "when I took that four months to find myself and, well, came home with Blair. Amy asked me, so one day Jackson will say that's what he wants to do and in a fit of madness we say fine, take a few weeks and find yourself. That's what it was supposed to be. She said, how long Ty before you reach out to your son and say get your ass home because for me that's a hell of a lot sooner than four months. I left all summer Lisa, came home, put my bag in my room and quit for school and Scott, that's not what a ranch son does."
"I guess that's one, speaking of ranch sons, Val tells me you've seen Jesse ?"
"Yeah I was in the office with Ash. Oh by the way, do we have something tonight, I was thinking of having dinner with her."
"No, not especially, you two seem to have reconnected well."
"Well, we were always friends after the initial jumping nonsense. It's been nice actually because Caleb was pretty much an ass when I got back and I'm still not sure where he stands and I've got Bob and Jason tomorrow."
"I won't tell you what Jack calls those two."
"Dumb and dumber, I know, wish I knew where I fit into that."
"You don't, dinner home Thursday please Ty."
"Sure thing, I'm shopping with Cass and Ash Thursday."
Lisa looked at him while he had gone back to the proposal.
"Ty ?"
"Lisa ?"
"Why are these proposals so generous and Ash and Cass, pick one."
"Oh of course, we got off track, Fairfield isn't supposed to make money in the end, all we want is a very smooth transition from breeding to rehab and retirement, it's looked at as long term, the initial investment will be large but mostly paid back by the business as it exists and slowly transition."
"The practice is an investment. Scott and Cass are excellent surgeons and diagnosticians, we'll start with one more that we're looking for to train and hang a Pegasus sign over the door. With Fairfield and White Horse we can start a rehab program and hopefully down the line a boarding facility that we either build or buy."
"Buy ?" Lisa asked.
"I joked with Jesse when he barged in demanding to know why I was at Briar Ridge, well, after demanding to know whose Porsche that was. Anyway, I told him I was there to make an offer on Briar Ridge, it's not that far fetched a thought. At regular boarding and training fees figure Val grosses four million tops, not a bad business. If Pegasus owned Briar Ridge and filled it with thoroughbreds we would immediately net almost 9 million and that's without making it a rehab center. Truth is with Fairfield as a breeder and Briar Ridge as a boarder/training facility we could clean up. Mares brought to Fairfield for breeding, foals and mares transferred when ready to Briar Ridge for care and training. That and it's contiguous to Heartland makes it a tempting target if we were so inclined" Ty answered with a grin.
"And a final blow to Jesse, you're not fooling anyone Ty Borden. What else ?"
"I'm flying back to NY, I think next Thursday, to take Amy for dinner and dancing in Manhattan, I have reservations at the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca. I bought these." Ty called up the picture of the earrings, "and send them to Sebastian who is designing the perfect evening dress for her, she'll be kidnapped into the city, fitted, pampered and ready for a date. I'll be back Friday evening."
"I'm impressed Ty, really and these are absolutely beautiful."
"Anyway, I have one suit and really nothing else so shopping with Cass and Ash."
"Your hair Ty ?"
"While Amy is being pampered so will I, Brin is arranging my hair appointment at a fancy Manhattan shop and then I'm off to Tiffany's to see about the pendant that goes with that set. They were broken up at one point and it made it's way back to it's mother shop."
Ty called up a picture of the pendant and showed her.
"Oh my, how much is that ?"
"It's appraised at $16000. Charlie said I could probably get it down to $12000."
"You're not running away with this are you Ty ?"
"Lisa, she wants to be wooed and I intend to woo her until the second we say our vows and long after."
"Good for you Ty."
They sat and went over the proposal page by page, there were some questions that they flagged with post-its and notes and then sat and chatted again.
"You had mentioned something about Helena Ty ?"
"Oh yeah, the big Helena mystery."
"Well it seems that" Ty began but was interrupted by his phone.
He smiled and put it on speaker "Hey Ames, I'm with Lisa at Fairfield."
"Ahoy to both of you from Noah's Ark, what do you think of our proposal Lisa ?"
"Betty was telling me about what you're dealing with, the proposal is very generous Amy, I'll pass it to my attorney with some notes and we'll move on from there. We were just chatting before Ty has to get ready for his dinner date."
"And whom are we dining with Dr. Borden ?"
"Just going to dinner with Ash Ames, it's been nice hanging out with her."
"She hasn't been able to make it to NY in a while I'd love to join you."
"We'll work on it, Jesse's in town and was pretty slack jawed when I left him in the Porsche's dust."
"Tyler Borden, what did I" Amy started.
"Easy Amy, Ash already read me the riot act, I'll behave, I promise."
"How's Caleb ?"
"I think he's good, I don't know, we'll see."
"And frick and frack ?"
"That's tomorrow."
"Anything else new ? Scott and Cass are happy ?"
"Yeah, we're meeting our attorney, which is weird on Thursday."
"I guess you're on both sides of this."
"So what were you two chatting about ?"
"Helena." Lisa said with a smile at Ty as he frowned.
"I'm sorry Lisa I thought you said Helena. Is there more than her having lunch with Cass ?"
"She was surprised that I wasn't in town, it was just after I left to New York. Cass told her I came to see you. Anyway she asked Cass if she thought I still loved her on some level and mentioned getting together with me to talk when I got back. I haven't heard from her so as of now, that's it."
"And if she calls ?"
"It wouldn't be right not to meet her if she wants to talk or catch up, I don't know. Scott has a theory that she just broke up and I'm a rebound better than nothing or better the devil you know thing."
"Ok well, was there a reaction to you coming to see me ?"
"Not that I know of but she likes to seethe so there's that."
"Hey there mopey, come say hi to Ty and grand mere."
"Hi Grand Mere, Hi Dr, Borden" Jackson said in almost a groan.
"Hi Jackson" Lisa laughed "everything ok sweetheart ?"
"The alpacas are practicing the breast stroke I think their plotting an escape."
"That bad huh ?" Ty could not hold back his laugh.
"Kind of thinking we should have ordered that row boat you know ?"
Ty laughed "I'll talk to you both later, I have to get back to Heartland and get changed. I'm on tomorrow morning till 2:00 then I'm at the Nature Rescue."
Ty fell back in the groove quickly at the clinic after dinner with Ash at the local Italian restaurant the night before he got to bed early with just two calls, the kids were together and Amy was alone. It was nice treating the simple ailments and performing the check-ups and vaccinations, not one life or death decision, not a bad morning.
Ty had lunch at Maggie's before heading to meet Bob and Jason. He stopped back at Heartland to switch to the truck figuring the car would be overkill. He also took the time to change from $200 jeans to his old Levis.
Ty actually wondered if there actually wasn't something wrong with either Bob or Jason after a couple hours Wednesday afternoon.
He figured he'd start easy and just tell them he was offered an amazing opportunity unfortunately Jason has shown up with a problem and the beginnings of a plan.
"Dude I kept texting." Jason said.
"I was in the Adirondacks I don't know what to tell you man. So I need to tell you guys something."
"Wait, wait, first things first. We need you for a month, two if you can."
"That's the thing, I was in NY and was offered a job and took it."
"Wow, we were sort of counting on you Ty so that's it ?"
"Sorry Jason, I've already started. I'm actually here on business and to shut things down."
"So what's this great job ?" Bob asked chucking the stick he was peeling off to the side.
"Assistant Medical Director of Pegasus Medical in Ithaca, NY."
"I've heard of them, what the hell they want with you ?" Jason asked laughing.
"Wait a second, talk in town is that, what's her name, your old girlfriend." Bob started.
"Fiancé" Ty corrected "Amy Fleming runs it."
"So what, you fucked this chick again and she gave you a job ?"
"We're getting married so watch your mouth asshole."
Bob nodded "Fine, sorry but it seems kind of convenient doesn't it, didn't she just disappear on you ?"
"She didn't disappear, just left Hudson."
"So you're marrying this Amy, how does that change your helping us ?"
"I have a job and well a family, Amy has three kids Jason, I can't just leave for months on end."
"Well I guess that means we're high and dry on this one Bob."
"More than this one Jason, I'm out."
"Wait, wait, completely ? What about the cause man ?"
"I'm not abandoning rescue Bob, we actually have a wildlife rescue center and plan on a second. I just vetted 36 rescue horses that are being trained for rehoming now. What I can't do is abandon my wife, the kids and responsibilities to run off on a moments notice for personal glory."
"Her kids aren't yours Ty, where's their dad ?"
"I'm their dad or plan to be Bob, their natural parents died in a car crash, Amy adopted them and we plan on adding some of our own."
"So let's just run through the sequence of events, you've been gone what, three weeks. You go to NY, fall in love, propose and take a job ?"
"I fell in love with Amy 16 years ago, we got engaged and would have been married 8 years ago but we screwed that up. Seems neither of us have been happy since and have never stopped loving each other."
"So what's up with the car ?" Bob asked.
"Leased it and the truck for the month, Wyatt, Georgie's fiancé and I are shipping our cars to Ithaca Monday. Georgie's coming with me."
"You leased a space ship for the month ?"
"We leased a Porsche."
"And buying out the clinic I hear, love and money, nice inducements."
"What's bothering you Bob, think I'm selling out ?"
"I don't know what to think Ty."
"I'm sorry about that Bob, I'll see you around, either of you ever come to NY let me know. If you decide to get your head out of your ass I'll probably stop for a beer at KO's later" Ty reached into his pocket and pulled out some bills "If I don't make it, have a couple rounds on me. Jason, safe trip home."
Ty called Lisa who was more than fine with him joining them for dinner. Jack was grilling and he'd just throw one more on the grill. Lisa sent him up to relax until dinner and Ty lay back on the bed and called Amy.
"Are we both actually in bed at the same time ?" Amy asked.
"I guess, I blew off the drinking part and I'm here for dinner. What are you doing in bed ?"
"Outlining lectures. How did it go this afternoon or shouldn't I ask ?"
Ty went though the dialogue highlights and Amy listed on and then switched to FaceTime "Hey let me look at your face."
Ty hit the button.
"I don't know how to feel about that sad face when it's directed at me." Amy said with a smile.
Ty's face brightened "that's better" Amy cooed, "that's my love."
"I'm sorry, you're right, you can always make me smile can't you ?"
"I try, I have powers. How long before dinner ?"
"Probably half an hour."
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours ?" Amy said with a big smile.
"I'll lock the door" Ty said shooting out of Georgie's bed listening to Amy's giggles.
Ty stopped in the bathroom on his way to the dinner table and washed his hands and face.
He grabbed the plate of steaks from Jack and laid them on the table as they settled. It was just the three of them, Wyatt was with friends and Lou at Maggie's.
"Felling Ok Ty, you seem a bit flushed."
"Uhm yeah Jack, I feel fine, might have been a bit rough washing I guess."
"I take it your afternoon at the rescue center didn't go smoothly ?"
"Who knows with those two, they're a little short on the uptake I think."
"Dumb and dumber" Jack muttered.
Ty looked up and smiled with Lisa.
Jack looked up at the two a second later "just callin' 'em as I see 'em son."
"Have you spoken with Amy ?"
"Just now Lisa, we were talking when you texted."
Ty looked up at Lisa's grin and blushed then looked at her pleadingly and nodded to Jack.
"I'm not that old son, pass the potatoes please. No one scrubs that hard."
"We're happy for you Ty." Lisa said reaching across to take his hand and squeeze.
Ty smiled "Lisa how would you like a whirlwind 36 hours of beauty, pampering and frolic with the girls and Amy in Manhattan next week ?"
Lisa smiled her eyes lit up "tell me, tell me."
"Well I told you about the kidnapping. I was also going to ask Ash, it's been a while and apparently they've gotten together in New York. So, I'm thinking to see if we could join Ash in flight from Vancouver to NY. We pick up the girls, Amy, Brin, Katie and Betty and head to Manhattan, I have stuff to do while you all start and finish at Sebastian's. Amy meets me at the Roxy and we'll put you all elsewhere, we'll fly back out of Teterboro from the city and a chopper will bring them back to Ithaca."
"So we'll have the night with the girls, how delightful, we can have dinner and see what's happening, maybe a concert."
"Or just dinner actually" Ty said thoughtfully, "Brin said she always wanted to try a tasting menu and I promised her one but that's a whole evening thing."
"I would love that but where ?"
Ty took out his phone and dialed.
"Ty, it's good to hear from you, meetings going ok ?"
"Everything's great Charlie and I'm here with Jack and Lisa."
Pleasantries exchanged Ty outlined the plan. Those things that he had already set up and those that still needed doing.
"Thursday is good and you two are in Tribeca so if I can get the girls and ask Meg Caldwell if she's setting Brin up, into Shibui then they can just stay there and we'll limo them to dinner. I'll call Bridget. Following the rules ?"
"I'm trying, soldiering on Charlie."
"Lisa, Jack it's been a pleasure as always."
"You too Charlie."
"What are the rules ?" Lisa asked.
"The first rule is before you start ask yourself one question, has the shit of many animals been of concern to you today. Since it's our collective concern 7 days a week the answer is yes and if the answer is yes you've earned some relaxation."
"Sounds fair to me." Jack said.
"Rule #2 is try not to fixate on the cost especially for something like this because as soon as it's over, there's that shit again."
"You really can't argue with that either."
"I get that Jack but I'm actually spending quite a bit for woo."
"Is there a rule #3 Ty ?" Lisa asked.
"Rule #3, spending quite a bit for woo is a term relative to circumstances Lisa and I'm not handing that Porsche back a second earlier, it was a gift from Amy and Georgie and they'd be devastated."
"I'll bet they would too" Jack said with a laugh.
Thursday went from good to better for Ty. The practice attorney and accountant both thought the deal was very fair. They answered some questions they had been sent, made some minor changes in language which they highlighted for Ashely and left. Cass and Ty waited for Scott to settle after lunch before they left to Calgary and their first and possibly only stop the Chinook Center. Ty told the limo driver to park and feel free to move about so to speak, they'd text 15 minutes before he was needed. Over a quick sushi lunch they came up with a plan. Since they were pressed for time they would try to just stay here. Their first stop would be Hugo Boss and then they'd move on to Henry Rosen.
"Can we see the dress and earrings please ?" Ashley asked.
"The earrings yes and a picture of the pendant too but the dress I'll have to check. So these are the earrings I sent him" Ty said passing his phone "and if you swipe that's the matching pendant I hope to get."
"Damn Ty and the dress ?" Cass asked.
Ty texted Bridget and put his phone down to grab another piece of sushi. As he sipped his beer he received a text and hit the number to dial.
"Hi Izzy, it's Ty Borden, is he or Mathilde available ? A picture of the dress, I'm buying a suit. Sure, great 12 inches, got it. Thanks Iz see you next week."
Ash whistled when the picture came in, the dress, still pinned on the form was an over one shoulder metallic jacquard body sheath midi cocktail dress, It was black on the top and bottom and metallic gray diagonally from under her left breast across to her right hip. The separation done in tight sequins.
"Doesn't leave much to the imagination does it ?" Ash said "I'd date her in that."
"Let's shop" Cass said.
As they planned they started at Hugo Boss, two pair of slacks and 4 button down shirts, one dark green cotton silk blend that so brought out Ty's eye's both Ash and Cass insisted that it be the date shirt. They decided that Ty would be slightly less formal than Amy, a young debonair professional, no tie. To that end it was matched with a slim fit dark grey merino virgin wool suit with some white and lighter grey threading through the weave. Ty also found a pair of lace up full cap boots that worked very well and he found very comfortable.
At Henry Rosen's they chose Ty two made to measure business suits, chose several shirts and ties and to Ty's surprise, stylish boxers, several cotton silk t shirts and a dozen assorted socks.
While anything bespoke required several weeks they arrived back at Heartland with bundles of clothing which Lisa insisted on going through and commenting on.
Several items would be picked up and tried by Ty on Tuesday. They had dropped Cass off back at her place to deal with their kids and send their nanny on home. Ty laid out his plan to Ashley for the following week and she jumped on the opportunity. "If you have to I'll just come in Wednesday night or meet you in Manhattan." The plans were coming together.
Amy on the other hand thought she could cheer Jackson up by taking the family to the Destiny Mall and at least keeping JT occupied in the entertainment area of the huge mall while the girls shopped. Unfortunately so did every other family for 100 miles and JT was even more miserable waiting on interminable lines full of other impatient kids. Amy also wouldn't let JT anywhere near the rock climbing wall. "Absolutely not Jackson, not yet."
"It's safe mom or they"
"Can't I get this one thing Jack, how often do I say no to you ?"
"Not often" he said looking down and kicking the floor.
The girls and Betty took him for a while and returned him to her no better, he was just becoming more inconsolable by the hour.
They stopped for Bar B Que on the way home which they hoped would cheer him up. He was happy with the food but his attitude didn't change at all.
"I've had it, 5 more days of this s not going to happen. Georgie what time are you flying out tomorrow ?"
"3:30 flight, with the time change I'll be at Heartland at 6:00. Wyatt's picking me up."
"Tell him to drive the mustang or the truck I'm sending a large package to Ty."
"How large a package ?"
"50 lbs and a suitcase. You are to deliver it into his hands Georgie, personally, from the jet to him."
"What am I delivering ?"
"Jackson."
"What" Jackson exclaimed.
"Go bother your dad Jackson, I've had it."