A/N – Sorry about the late post, us old folks do what we can. It took me a little longer to get this right that I thought it would. Hope you enjoy it. Keep those reviews and notes coming.
Chapter 61
Georgie, Wyatt and Caleb met the chopper carrying Ty and Lisa as it landed on the lawn at Heartland. They waved as it took off home and Ty stopped to check Caleb's pickup that Ty was driving up to the cabin full of posts and rails. Caleb would trailer the horses and the rest up in the morning after Jack and Lisa drove it back.
"So when will I see you again Georgie ?" Ty asked after he changed into jeans and came down for some coffee with his repacked bag and a second smaller bag. Jack and Jackson had brought Ty's tackle and waders.
"Sunday for dinner I assume ? Georgie answered.
"Ok, what's on for next week ?"
"We're in the clinic Monday through Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday, rounds and White Horse it says. You or they have interviews Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon I think. We're meeting Clint for lunch Friday.
"I'll have the girls Wednesday at one point."
"The twins ?"
"Yeah and Katie probably, save Lou the trip back up to Ithaca. She'll bring Jackson with her and drop him in Ithaca and then just head home from Brooklyn."
"The girls fly alone ?"
"They're 15 I think they would, but Betty's coming, my assumption is she'll hang with Lisa."
"Sounds like it'll be fun having them here."
"You two here for the weekend ?" Ty asked.
"No we're staying over in Calgary tonight and can we use your house until we leave ?"
"Sure, why ?"
"We've given away all our stuff, we have the bed, at least until we leave but pickings are scarce."
Ty reached in his pocket and pulled out his keys handing one off his ring to Georgie.
"Make a copy or Scott's got one."
"Thanks Ty" Wyatt said, "makes it easier."
"Ty, can you give me a half hour ?"
"Sure Lisa, is there a problem ?"
"No just some emails I'd like to answer before heading out."
Georgie had poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down next to Ty, Wyatt joined them with a water.
"So Calgary ?" Ty asked.
"We're meeting Adam and Olivia for a celebratory dinner in the city. Wyatt and I are heading dancing after and staying over. I'll be at the clinic tomorrow afternoon. Wyatt will be at Haddie's talking about the camp. Sunday I'll be here all day working with my horses and seeing about getting them ready to move, gather saddles and stuff, how's that being done by the way ?"
"Call Sandra and ask is what I've got Georgie, sorry. All I know is Old Blue, the Mustang and whatever we store in them are on the way to Ithaca Tuesday morning."
"It's just clothes for us and that's mostly done. We're packing the cars with the winter stuff, so clothes, photos, mementos and books. We have no things really. We gave the dishes and stuff away."
"So where's dinner ?"
"Olivia chose Rouge, looks expensive, their treat, hope she tells Adam, and then Wyatt wants to go to Betty Lou's Library, we're staying right near there so we'll valet the Porsche at the hotel and walk over."
"I've been to Betty Lou's, never been to Rouge but I hear that's expensive. Drinks at Betty Lou's aren't cheap but they're great. Dress nice."
"Always and we're driving up to Rouge in the Porsche."
"We have to give it back Wyatt."
"All the more reason to use it now Ty and get it out of our systems, besides you've got the truck."
"You have a vintage Mustang."
"Yeah right, like that's the Porsche."
"We are going to be so spoiled."
"Your wife Ty, your wife, mine's along for the ride."
"Sounds like Ty went a little overboard this weekend, suites with terraces, a shopping spree and a Tiffany photo shoot, dude, that's some dating." Georgie said laughing.
"It was quite the whirlwind Georgie" Lisa came out saying and poured herself a cup. "Rouge is not cheap kids."
"We just got back our first semester tuitions, that's the one we saved for so we could hold off on loans. With the new jobs we're pretty flush for a couple of fun weekends Grand Mere."
"Besides Olivia says dinner is on them. So for us it's Betty Lou's and the hotel." Wyatt added.
"You should definitely celebrate sweetheart and splurge a little, just making sure you're aware."
"I agree, you two are going to be way too busy over the next few years to do much, splurge a little now. Ready Lisa ?"
"As soon as we both pee Ty, I'll go first."
"7 people, fun mornings at the bathroom." Georgie giggled. "We're not giving you back the house."
"One word out of anybody and the girls and I are moving to Fairfield Georgie." Ty answered when Lisa came out. "Amy's ready to just drop a second story on this place."
"I'll mention that to Jack." Lisa laughed. "Jackson's been working on him about the toilet."
"Ok, now, ready Lisa ?"
"Yes Ty but I'd like to stop at Maggie's and touch base with Lou."
"Fine, let's go though."
"He's fishing Ty, not standing around pining for you."
"I know Lisa, maybe I'm anxious for my sake, I have to send him away this week."
"Awww, listen to you" Georgie sang.
"I miss him Georgie and Amy and the girls and you when I have to work without you, we good ?"
"We are, have you been working without me Ty ?"
"No Georgie, just saying." Ty laughed. "Let's grab the food and cooler please. Ty reached down and picked up a black case he had come downstairs with while Caleb grabbed the cooler and Wyatt the extra box of food.
"What's in the box ?" Lisa asked going though the door.
"Sat phone."
"What ? Lisa asked.
"It's a satellite phone Lisa, I can make and receive calls as long as there's a line of site to the south west."
"They cost a fortu." Lisa started "never mind."
"There's a solar and wind charged base unit that I ordered for the next trip, I know he won't like it but I don't care. He's 86 and up there with Jackson. I'm not worried today but we don't want to deny him doing that Lisa. While that cabin is as it is we need communication and these things will never work." He said holding up his cell phone.
"I get it Ty and the paddock ?"
"The paddock is just stupid Lisa, it should have happened years ago when they paved that road, you know it, I know it and more importantly, Jackson will know it, and if Jack says no, I'll have to call Caleb on this and turn him back with the horses."
Lisa stood and stared at Ty over the hood of Caleb's truck.
"What ? It was Amy's idea."
Ty parked behind Maggie's and walked Lisa in. He stopped and looked at some fishing vests and chose one with a zip out lining and handed it to the clerk with his card.
Lou and Lisa walked over chatting.
"Well she's having a great time at Pegasus and you're heading down Wednesday and back Friday or Saturday. Katie is coming with the twins and Betty."
"Believe it or not they're heading back in the same jet so I'll see Katie at the airport until they board. Amy and I have some papers to go through and then I'll head to Manhattan, meet with Nicole and fly home from Kennedy."
"Commercial ?" Lisa asked.
"Oh stop, you're like her, besides she used points to bump me to first class."
"She's something." Lisa said.
"Hey Lou, Katie's great, you Ok for the weekend ?"
"Lisa was a bit more descriptive Ty, thank you. I'm fine for the weekend, I made up with Jen that I'll work at Maggie's until I leave and she can have that time with Wyatt and Georgie. When I get back I'll have time to take Katie shopping and figure out how to say goodbye to Georgie."
"You'll see her all the time Lou." Ty said giving her a hug.
"I guess, if not this I'd probably be in Nashville half my time anyways. Calgary works, maybe I'll find a husband."
"You can carouse with Ash."
"I'm 41 brother, I don't carouse."
"You're 41, maybe you should sis." He smiled and kissed her cheek, "see you for dinner Sunday Lou."
"Have fun Ty, Lisa, I'll see you at home later."
They pulled up at the fishing cabin a little after 6 and found Jackson and Jack about to throw some burgers and corn on the grill. JT was practically bouncing on his feet.
"He looks excited." Lisa said laughing and undoing her seatbelt.
"He looks like I feel, get ready for the Jack scowl." Ty answered laughing and opening the door.
Ty looked at Jackson and smiled "Well, I'm not running into your arms."
JT smiled and charged across the grass and into Ty's arms. "How's fishing ?"
"Awesome, some big fish up here, how's everyone home ?"
"Everyone is awesome at home and get ready because I have kisses from mom" Ty said peppering a squirming Jackson with kisses, "Maddie" and "Charlie."
"Ok, ok, is that it ?" Jackson asked symbolically wiping nothing from his face.
"Go kiss your grand mere." Ty said popping him on the ground.
"Ty, can I speak with you a moment ?"
"Sure Jack, what's up ?"
"Why are you in Caleb's truck and why are there posts and rails in the bed ?"
"For the paddock Jack, Jackson and I wanted to go on a trail ride or two between fishing so Caleb's coming up in the morning with two horses and the post hole digger, we'll be done in a couple hours, Jackson come help me unload this stuff."
"Where is this paddock going ?"
Ty handed JT the end of a rail and the walked past Jack to the side of the cabin. "Right here, side of the paddock. Those burgers Ok Jack ?"
"Damn." Jack said racing over to the grill.
"You drive Caleb's truck back and leave mine."
"Ty, we need to talk about this."
"You know Jack, we really don't, you've talked about a paddock for years but there was no paved road for the trailer, now there is, there's a trailer with two horses coming up in the morning on that nice paved road. We need a place to keep the horses."
"Fine, what's next ?" He grumbled.
"Next ? We load a nice cabin with bedrooms and send that up on a trailer."
"Ty, you know."
"Jack, I know," Ty said stopping and facing him, "I do, but you do know your family just tripled, Georgie's getting married, Amy and I are getting married and the family will triple again, and we travel with an entourage, if you want them here or at Heartland there's got to be some give."
"And toilets, are toilets part of some give ?" Jackson asked biting down on a burger Jack handed him.
"A paddock and then maybe we can talk about something."
"That's all I'm saying Jack" Ty said handing JT a bottle of water.
"Lis, how about we leave the boys these burgers and we stop at that diner on the way back ?"
"Fine with me Jack, you all packed ?"
"He's bringing feed and shovels ?"
"We won't kill the horses GG, promise" Jackson said.
Lisa smirked, "come on Jack, let's get going."
Georgie turned around and held her hair up "zip please Wy."
Wyatt walked over and ran his finger down Georgie's back then kissed her neck.
"Come on sweetie, I am not showering again or going to dinner smelling like, well, that, so just zip."
"Just kisses Georgie."
"You start with kisses."
"I love you Georgie."
"I wouldn't marry you if you didn't love me Wyatt."
"It's a pretty dress, I like it, ready ?"
"Thank you, have your wallet and cash ?"
"Sure do" he said leaning over to kiss her.
"What is with you tonight ?"
"Hotels, fast cars and my beautiful fiancé. We have enough money to not have to count the bill up before dessert. I have no allusions of what the next few years will be like for us Georgie, we're gonna work our asses off, I'm celebrating that."
"As long as you have the strength to put your arms around me when I crawl into bed I'm good Wy, always have been."
Wyatt had called down and the Porsche was parked in a spot to the side. He helped Georgie in and ran around the front smiling at her. As always he closed his eyes when he thumbed the starter and the car roared to life then purred.
On a Friday night at 6:30 it was about 20 minutes from the Marriott Beltline to Rouge. The trip took them past the Calgary Stampede grounds and Georgie smiled a little as they went by.
"That was an awesome routine Georgie, you were great !"
"Yeah, it was fun."
"You regret not going that way ?"
"For about 5 minutes a day Wy, I'm going to be a vet, a surgeon, that rush tops even trick riding."
Adam and Olivia were standing by the stairs to the 1890 Victorian that was Rouge, named by one on line foodie magazine as one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world. Ty had it the last time Wyatt had seen them, before Georgie had flown in and neither had seen the Porsche. Wyatt hadn't mentioned it, when they met he was in the Mustang.
They heard it pull to the corner and looked over "Wow a Targa Turbo, Wyatt's going to be pissed he missed seeing that."
Olivia squinted, "Of course" she muttered "Pay attention Adam, that's Georgie in the passenger seat."
Adam stared when the Porsche slowed near the valet station. The attendant walked out and nodded and then ran over to remove two cones and motion Wyatt to park.
"That's it, he just gets to park in front, they took dad's Beamer down that alley."
"That's a $175,000 car Oli, I doubt the valet wants to touch it."
Wyatt, set the convertible top to close and when the seal lock beeped green he handed the keys to the attendant and took the receipt, grabbed his jacket and Georgie's sweater from the center console and walked around to give her a hand up. He kissed her when he slipped his fingers through hers. She stopped and smiled at him then leaned over to kiss him again.
"Enjoy your dinner" the attendant said as they walked by and Wyatt slipped him a $20.
"Thank you" Georgie answered brightly to the attendant while walking over to hug and kiss Olivia. It was gross but necessary, while Adam and Wyatt were friends, Olivia and Georgie tolerated each other, some things never changed. This was not Amy and Ashley.
Seated, they were immediately brought water and menus. Wyatt ordered a Templeton Manhattan, Ty having told him about the rye and Georgie joined him. Olivia and Adam ordered gin and tonics.
"So I saw Ty all over this week" Olivia started "he had a young boy with him once and Ashley Stanton, they uhm, looked pretty chummy."
"With the boy or Ash ?" Wyatt asked with a smirk.
"Either I guess."
Georgie smiled "The boy is Jackson Fleming, Amy's youngest, my cousin, Ty's adopting him. Ash is one of Amy and Ty's oldest friends and their attorney here in Hudson at least. At the end of the week you might catch him with identical twin teen age girls, my other cousins and Jackson's sisters, Charlotte and Madelyn."
"Adopting too ?" Adam asked.
"I'd say yes but I don't know for sure."
"I remember Amy from before she left, she coached you." Olivia said.
"She did, before your time Adam, I think, you don't know Amy ?"
"She was gone when Dad took the sheriff's job."
"Well I've heard of Pegasus, nothing much on the site but pictures, is it nice ?"
"It's beautiful Olivia, a lot like Hudson in Ithaca too though it's a college town." Georgie told her scanning the menu. "I'm starved and this Charcuterie and Cheese platter for the table sounds good, should we just share it and choose mains ?"
"Works for me." Wyatt agreed "and the Alberta Lamb Cassoulet."
"Duck Confit for me." Georgie added.
"I'll choose after, order the platter, I'll be back in a sec." Adam said and then kicked Wyatt gently under the table.
"I'll join you" Wyatt said "Ok G ?"
"Go ahead, we'll be fine."
"What's up Adam." Wyatt asked standing before the urinal.
"I didn't check before we came, she chose."
"You don't have the money."
"For this ? What was she thinking ? If we go out there and she's ordered wine, I'm going to jail."
"You're not going to jail dude, just put it on this, same bank as yours, she'll never know the difference." Wyatt said handing over his card. "Just put it in the book and close it. No worries bro, pay me back half when you can, act natural and Olivia will never know."
"I'll definitely pay you back Wyatt."
"I know you will Adam, like I said, no worries, Georgie and I are flush, plus column."
"That Porsche is sweet, what's the story ?"
"Amy leased a truck and that car for Ty and I for the month. I'm along for the ride."
"Nice ride. How bad you think this check will be ?"
"With dessert figure $400 maybe, if there's wine out there all bets are off."
Ty sat across the checker board from Jackson who was contemplating his next move.
"Have a good time with GG Jackson ?
"We had a great time, we fished and took walks. I asked him about Great Grandma Lyndy and he told me stories from the rodeo with Grandpa and before. They broke down on the road a lot. Grandma Marion was just like Mom, or, er, mom's a lot like."
"I get it buddy" Ty said laughing. "One of the biggest disappointments in my life was never meeting your Grandma Marion."
"What's your mom's name ?"
"Lily and my step dad's name is Wade."
"Are they near here ?"
"Well closer than New York but they live in Vancouver like Aunt Ash so not close enough for now but my mom's going to come to Pegasus in October for a week and both for three weeks I think in December for Christmas. How's that ?"
"Neat, lot's of people come Christmas time. Aunt Viv and Haddie came last year, Haddie's a lot of fun."
"She is, I've always liked her."
"Your turn. You gotta jump me."
"Hmmm, this doesn't look too promising."
"Walk instead ?"
"Walk instead son, good game, let's go."
They walked the path by the river, it was still early in Alberta, just past 7 and the sun was just beginning to dim a little, it would be a nice starry night for someone to see. Ty thought back to summer nights long ago with Amy, staring up into the night sky on a ridge, tucked in the back of old blue and dreaming about a future neither of them got quite right.
"Thinkin' about mom ?"
"How did you know ?"
"You get a look."
"I used to take walks with your mom up here along the river."
"So this is pretty cool, you walking with me."
"I guess, the first time your mom and I said I love you to each other was up here by the cabin. We came up in the winter to bring hay for the wild horses."
"There are wildies up here ? Think we'll see some ?"
"Maybe trail riding with the horses, that's the thing about wild horses, they move around a lot."
"So the head mares can feed the herd and keep them healthy."
"You been reading your mom's book ?"
"Nah, I'm a Fleming, I get it straight from the horse's mouth." Jackson said laughing.
"Well maybe we can find the time to head over to Mustang Flats and see if we can spot any when we're back at Heartland, I can ask Scott if there's been any sightings."
"Did you see April or Cars when you were home ?"
"I was at Pegasus for 25 minutes standing under a chopper Jackson, sorry. Miss 'em ?"
"Well, I sorta talk to April every day so a little. Cars too but he's lousy on the phone."
"How about we head back and call ?"
"GG said phones don't work up here."
"I have a special phone, come on."
"It's later in New York so we'll see if April's still up" Ty said sitting with Jack on the porch and dialing in Erma's number.
"Hi Erma, it's Ty."
"We are off the grid or used to be, I have a sat phone so all we need is a clear line of sight to the sky, April wouldn't by any chance still be up ?"
"Great, I'll see you in a few weeks, thanks Erma. Here Jackson, not too long April's getting ready for bed."
"Ok thanks. Hey April, yeah it's great he got a special phone. April says hi Dr. Borden."
"Well send her my love and thank her for all the pictures, I love them. Why don't I go inside and give you some privacy."
Georgie sopped up gravy with her last bite of duck and finished with a long turn of her beer. "That, was awesome."
"Mine too" Adam agreed, "glad I followed your lead Georgie. We having dessert ?"
"I am" Olivia said "the fish was a little overdone I thought, but very tasty."
"The lamb was perfect." Wyatt added "beer was a great choice, glad we didn't go with wine."
"I like wine." Olivia pouted.
"I know Olivia but you ordered fish, we had meat, besides, you have wine." Georgie tried.
"No it's fine, not the same choices by the glass is all."
"I guess, so I'm going with the Dark Chocolate Terrine with the Saskatoons and black dark coffee." Georgie said closing her menu.
"Make that 2" Wyatt added.
"3" Adam agreed "Shall we make it unanimous ?"
"I don't think so" Olivia said frowning "Lemon Tart and coffee, cream and sugar for me."
"That's the plan Amy, Thursday overnight for the sleep study and you'll be home all poked and prodded for dinner Friday. Jackson is going to the Potters for the night, Chuck's got the pups and everyone else is in Canada."
"When did I agree to this Trish ?"
"Last Friday at Shabbat dinner" Meg said "just stop or I'll call Ty, you promised him."
"I guess it's the best time for it, I just hope John and company don't decide to stay."
"You know Amy, you can tell that entitled child that this is your ranch."
"Leave John alone Meg, he's sweet, true he's never had to really grow up but which of our men has ? We spoil them rotten."
"Good night Aunt Amy."
"Good night Katie sweetheart, cookies all done ?"
"Gran's finishing, I'm yawning. Night Aunt Trish, Aunt Meg."
"Who's taking Bobby and Brin ?"
"I'll drop them, half hour ?" Trish asked.
"Should be fine, I'll text the girls and let them know."
"News on the summer place Amy ?"
"Tom's got it all now Trish, it's time to go at least see the property but that's supposed to be Ty and I don't want to take that from him. The family that owns it has been contacted about an interested party, there's no clock until we want it and make a viable offer and then we have to meet the matriarch."
"When's Ty coming back officially ?"
"He'll be here for Sabrina's recital, whether he goes back immediately after depends on the Hudson Clinic staffing at this stage. Sounds like they're interviewing this week so it may turn out well. I should talk to Ty about his house. It may make someone's choice of moving to Hudson easier if there's a small house to live in as an inducement. Georgie and Wyatt are coming next weekend to get ready for school and work. That house is empty and great for a single or a couple looking for or needing a small second bedroom or planning on needing one."
"Free ?"
"Enough to cover expenses maybe, it's a chunk of Alberta foothills country Meg, it's worth keeping. I'll talk to Lisa about decorating it."
"And we're decorating two houses now" Trish said laughing. "There's probably a pool to how much you'll spend not decorating the summer place."
"Trust me, very few people know what I spend on things, some things are sacrosanct. What's the pool on the engagement ?"
"Heavily bet between Thanksgiving and Christmas."
"Which Thanksgiving ?" Amy asked.
"US one, why is that not a good bet, what do you know, we could clean up."
"Clean up what Meg, it's a few hundred bucks." Amy asked "This isn't Vegas."
"I never win anything."
"You're amazing, married to a preeminent veterinary surgeon, you're a Cornell professor, you live in a beautiful home, great kids, you're best friends are a cowgirl and a biker chic both of whom who take a bullet for you, sounds like winning the lottery Margaret."
"And winning one of those pools would make it all perfect." Meg said with a big smile.
"All I have is it'll happen before Christmas. Sorry Meg."
The server walked over smiling, I hope you've all enjoyed the meal, I'll just leave this here." She said laying down the hard covered folder with the bill.
"You sure you don't want us to split it ?" Georgie asked instinctively.
"No Georgie, this is on Adam and I, we expect to be treated like royalty when we visit New York."
"Deal" Wyatt answered after a moment. Georgie was somewhat in shock that Olivia would even consider a visit.
Adam checked the bill so as not to alarm Olivia, added a more than fair gratuity and put Wyatt's card in the folder's credit card slot. He laid the folder on his side of the table and leaned forward. "So when are you two leaving, what's the plan"
Olivia reached across going for the bill and Wyatt shifted his hand slightly which stopped her. After a second of awkwardness Wyatt smiled "sorry Olivia, did you need something ?"
"I just wanted to see the check and make sure they didn't charge us for the Lemon Tart I sent back and they exchanged for the chocolate thing."
"They didn't, I checked hon." Adam said smiling and then leaned in to peck her.
"Can I see it anywa ?" Olivia started when the waitress swooped by "I'll be right back" and walked off with the folder.
"Sorry hon." Adam said smiling.
"It's fine as long as you checked. So your schedule ?"
"The car goes Tuesday and we go Saturday. Once we have schedules locked in I'll probably be back sooner than later." Wyatt explained.
"And you Georgie ?"
"I work at home Adam, school and work, I've pretty much been told my ass belongs to Pegasus for the next 6 years, I expect them to work it."
"I got the same from the foundation."
"So you get paid, tuition and the apartment ?" Olivia asked
"Pretty much." Georgie answered.
"Doing what you love ?"
"Pretty much" Georgie answered again." Sorry Olivia."
"I don't mean it that way Georgie."
"What's up Olivia, something's clearly bothering you ? Just say it, we're gone soon enough."
"I guess I'm sort of proud of you Georgie, you really did it, you and Wyatt went your own way and did it. It's a weird feeling."
Wyatt laughed first, then Georgie and then Adam and Olivia.
"Maybe there is hope for us after all." Georgie said smiling at her.
The waitress returned then "Mr. McMurtry ?" She said placing the folder between both Wyatt and Adam.
"Er, thanks" Wyatt said taking the card and pocketing it.
She smiled and turned away. Adam grabbed a chocolate mint and offered it to Olivia.
"What the hell's going on, why do you have Wyatt's card ?"
"Slow down Hon, I didn't realize how much this would be, my card won't cover it I just charged my textbooks. I just didn't want you to be upset, we'll pay Wyatt back."
"Half" Wyatt said "is fine, really."
Driving back to the hotel Georgie sighed "how about we hit that bar in the lobby with the piano player and relax Wyatt, my brain is fried."
"I'll cancel the reservation, not like we're coming back soon."
"We can go if you want Wy."
"No sweetie, I'm a bit fried myself, does she just naturally complain about everything ?"
"Thankfully we don't talk about everything, I couldn't handle it."
Amy's phone rang and she checked the number which was long and started with a bizarre code. She hit the button "Uhm hello ?"
"Hi Mom !"
"Jackson, how are you sweetheart, everything Ok ?"
"Great, I'm here with Dr. Borden, he has a special phone, it's awesome, I got to talk with April and everything."
"So you're still at the fishing camp ?"
"Yup, we went for a walk after we ate and now we're on the porch talking. Tomorrow morning we'll fish till Caleb comes, then we'll put up a paddock for the horses."
"How'd that go with Grandpa."
"Easier than a toilet."
"I'll bet, think I can talk to Ty ?"
"Oh sure, just wanted to say I love and I miss you which is weird because I like being here, sort of torn up."
"I know what that's like Jackson, I can't wait to see you though."
"Me too and April and Cars. Well here's Dr. Borden, kiss Gran for me please, I miss her too."
"Hey Ames."
"Hi sweetheart, I guess this is a Sat ?"
"Yeah, had it shipped before I came to NY and I ordered a self charging base unit to bring up next time."
"How did the paddock go ?"
"Fine, the second cabin though, that might take some doing."
"We're buying a small cabin in New York my love, one at a time please. Speaking of houses, have you considered using your house as incentive for the right vet ?"
"Think I should ?"
"Well, I wanted Alex and Cass, the house made the difference to them."
"My house is not a treehouse."
"Most people don't want a treehouse Ty, don't kid yourself, it's all relative."
"I'll talk to Scott and Cass."
"Figure out upkeep and figure that in, for someone you want it could be quite the inducement, I'd rather not settle on second best."
"How are you ?"
"I'm fine, here with Meg and Trish who are about to leave with Bobby and Brin. I'm going in to Cornell overnight on Thursday. Jackson will go to the Potter's for the night."
"You'll be Ok ?"
"Trish will spend most of the time with me. It's a pretty busy 24 hours."
"Any other news ?"
"I miss you."
"I miss you too Ames."
"John Burch and Family are coming Tuesday to see Prince and Cloister before we send them west and we're still trying to figure out Boxer. You'll be ready for the girls ?"
"Sure, no sweat. Jackson, I thought you were getting into PJ's ?"
"Pee first, of course if there was a toilet." He muttered wandering off.
"Kid's obsessed with toilets." Ty said softly.
"Yeah, we raised 'em too good. Should have send them out naked in the snow to poop."
"Ok, Ok, we're working on it." Ty said laughing. "Night Ames, I'm beat."
"Good night my love, guess now I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Well I bought an annual plan for $80 a month but if we go over we pay by the minute."
"Let's try not to go over then" Amy answered brightly "love you Ty."
The phone clicked off and Amy smiled.
"Were you just talking to Dr. Borden, I though he was off the grid ?"
"He bought a Sat phone Mad, what have you four been up too ?"
"Working out a song, open mike night at Maggie's Saturday."
"What song ?"
"Uh uh, secret." Charlotte said.
"OK well, Ty has Ash's number if you get arrested. Say your goodnight's, you have horses to work with in the morning."
Trish and Meg kissed Amy and the twins good night and Amy walked them to the door. Betty was just closing up the kitchen and stopped in the hallway to say goodnight as well.
"Do you snore ?" Jackson asked Ty who was reading a vet journal.
"Not that I know of Jackson, maybe if I'm sick."
"GG snores."
"And your Grandpa and Caleb."
"Doesn't get very dark around here."
"It does, just later in the night, in the winter it's dark early, you get used to it."
"Jackson, do you have a question that you're leading up to ?"
"What's the schedule ?"
"Schedule ? You go back with Aunt Lou Wednesday and the girl's and gran are coming."
"Not that schedule, the you and mom and us schedule."
"Hmmm, that schedule. Well, mom wants to get married when the school semester ends so late June, or early July."
"And the other stuff ?"
"Other stuff ? You mean us, the adoption stuff ?"
"Yeah."
"I have to say Jackson, I don't exactly know the rules. I had planned to talk with you and Gran and the girls when I was back and then mom and I would talk to Tom."
"Talk to us about what ?"
"Well, to start with I want to officially ask if you were all good with me marrying your mom ?"
"Really ?"
"Sure, you don't think that's right ?"
"I sort of live in a loud woman's world Doc, Mom, Maddie, you know, so why would you ask anyone but mom ?"
"It's not really permission Jackson, it's more making sure you're all Ok with it. It's marriage etiquette."
"Ok, well I could look that word up back in the real world, there are rules ?"
Ty laughed, "Sort of rules, I mean you don't have to, it's not those kind of rules, it's just considered nice."
"Well, it's considered nice to tell mom if I'm ditching chores to go fish with Cars but I could see that not working out."
Ty looked over at him. He was laying next to Ty with his head turned back, staring up at the sky through the window. Ty was sitting up against the headboard. Jackson glanced over.
"I would never do that, if, I said if."
"Uh huh, ok, well we'll go with that for now, but don't you think if someone had a problem it might be best to talk it out and get everyone on board."
"Well maybe for marrying I guess, doesn't work with fishing, you get like one beg. So let's say we're Ok with it, then what, didn't you already ask her ?"
"Well technically I guess, Jackson, you're really not old enough for all this so look, you want me to adopt you and I want that too. I'd like to know how Maddie, Charlotte and your Gran feel about that and if Maddie and Charlie want to as well. I'm sure they've been thinking about it. I know Gran's been thinking about it, I'm hopeful they know I love them and would be honored to be their dad but we have to start there Jackson. They get to choose."
"So you'll marry mom no matter what."
"Spit it out Jackson, where is this leading ?"
Jackson maneuvered himself on his side "You didn't get married last time, 8 years, no phone calls, remember ?"
"I remember Jackson" Ty whispered. "How long have you been thinking about this ?"
"Since you came here and then I came here. You're scared and mom's scared."
"I think what you're seeing is our missing each other."
"This is more than missing, I miss April but I know she's there, this is mom rushing to see us after a fall even though everyone says we're Ok."
"And me ?"
"You're scared you'll do something wrong and mom will get mad at you. Is that what happened ?"
"It's more complicated than that." Ty said.
"I get it, if mom was like that then, she isn't anymore, trust me."
"I trust you Jackson, I do."
"So stop, mom's not goin' anywhere."
"I'll try, I promise. Let's get some sleep JT."
Jackson lay back down and shifted his back to Ty who was laying flat.
Ty's was staring at the ceiling when Jackson whispered "Mom and the girls hug me when we share."
Ty smiled and turned on his side pulling Jackson over to him, with his arm around him he felt the boys arms wrap around his. It couldn't have taken five minutes before he was sure Jackson was fast asleep. Ty tucked his head over a pillow and followed.