A/N – I certainly haven't given up, have no fear. This Chapter was supposed to be finished 10 days ago. That morning I fell a short distance off of a ladder and I've been slowly getting over it. I hope you'll be patient.
Thank you all for the PM's concerning my well being and as always for the reviews and you good words. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 73
Ty was standing with Bert and Jeff next to Carter and Barnum when they heard the familiar two tap horn blow that was John's signature arrival announcement and glanced to the door.
"You know, I'm just going to run over and see the girls off Bert."
"We're pretty much done here anyway Ty, I'll meet you in the conference room when you're done, give them my love please."
"And my good wishes, hell of a plan you came up with Ty, riding in Canada, pretty neat."
"Thanks Jeff, I'll let them know. When's Robert getting in ?"
"Oh, after work, we'll get some grub hub. He'll stay until early Monday so we'll have plenty of time to meet."
"I look forward to it" Ty said turning out of the family barn.
He found Trish peeking under the tarp with John obviously in the house for something and of course fetching the girls.
"Hey Trish."
"Hi Ty, I'm dying to see it."
Ty smiled and hugged her hello. "Get on that side."
Trish giggled and ran over. She followed Ty pulling the car cover off which he folded and popped in the trunk while she ran over it with her fingertips. "Well, get in." Ty said laughing.
Again she ran over to the driver's door and Ty pushed the remote button to unlock it.
"Oh Ty, Amy's right, this is positively decadent, feel that leather."
"Fit this in the cradle and hit the starter Trish."
"Really ?, like this and push." She muttered and then her head shot up when the engine roared to life.
"Wow, can I ?"
"Sure, just keep it in Park."
Trish smiled and tapped the accelerator lightly and the engine burped and settled. She giggled and this time left her foot and increased the pressure. She laughed as the engine's purr raised in volume to a roar and then pumped it. John and the girls came outside laughing and Ty spotted Amy and Georgie walking over from the rescue barn and waved.
She got out when Amy came over and they hugged and then Trish hugged Georgie.
"John and I are taking the girls to dinner when we get back Georgie if you want to join us ?"
"No idea Trish, Wyatt's at school, how about I text one of the girls ?"
"Works for me, we have to get going John."
"Let's go team, we've got a test slot to make."
"Thanks for doing this John, Trish." Ty said.
"It'll be nice, we haven't spent tons of time with them lately." Trish answered, "do we have a first driving lesson in mind ?"
"We'll if we can firm up an overnight, we can do a nice stretch of Lake Erie past Prince Edward, it's supposed to be one of the nicest routes in Ontario." Ty answered "I'll show you the route Sunday John."
"Sunday ?"
"Help me get my truck back together ?"
"Am I doing that ?"
"Kinda figured, we'll feed you."
"Deal."
They hugged and kissed the girls and watched as they drove off.
"Ty, Sandra said the guy with the neon signs is delivering Tuesday during school hours."
"Thanks Georgie, I never realized how much of a parent's life is dictated by those words, during school hours."
"Ty, neon signs ?" Amy asked "what neon signs ?"
"There was a guy at the crafts fair who made these neat wall hangings from the front fenders of vintage cars and trucks with neon so I had him make one for each bay in the garage, I'll show you the pictures he sent, it was a surprise but not really for you."
"What else ?"
"A Marauder sign apparently."
"Goes without saying." Amy agreed. "The neon idea sounds neat, I can't wait to see them."
"Weren't you supposed to breeze this morning ?"
"Changed it up, I didn't want to shower two more times."
"Jackson ?" Ty asked "and where are the dogs ?"
"He and they rode out on mail delivery to the rescue center, he'll be back by lunch, you done ?"
"Maybe an hour more, I think with Eli coming Monday we're looking at Wednesday for Barnum's surgery."
"And where are we with that ?"
"It's looking like 4 pins and 2 sheaths, I'm encouraged now that the swelling is down and the picture is clearer."
"Good, let's go with encouraged, do you need Georgie ?"
"Not for paperwork, you need her ?"
"Just to go over my notes for next weeks lectures."
"No problem" he said leaning over to kiss her, "I'll see you at lunch."
Amy and Georgie grabbed coffee and went to the library.
"What time you have to be at school Georgie ?"
"After you're gone, lecture at 3:00, the business of veterinary medicine, think I'll need that one ?"
"You'd be surprised, I wish I had one like it when I started my business."
"You had mom and Jack."
"I worked for someone else's future first Georgie, made decisions that were not in my best interest, trusted too much. Always make sure you take the time to think about the repercussions of your decisions in terms of you first."
"And Wyatt ?"
"I didn't tell you not to consider other people Georgie, of course you have to include Wyatt in your decisions but you're the one who has to live with it in here" Amy said pointing at her head, "and in here," she continued pointing to her heart "and in here she said pointing to her stomach. "I should have gone to Colorado Georgie, Heartland should never have been my responsibility. Mom died and your mom stayed, my dad showed up, I was 15. I was 16 when I made that decision, I thought that's what I was expected to do. No one told me that my place was in school."
"They respected your decision."
"16 Georgie, at 16 we challenge our children's decisions, at 16 you don't have the requisite decision making skills to be allowed to decide your future without the challenge. No one told me, that side by side in a blind test people would believe you over me introduced at Amy Fleming and Dr. Georgina McMurtry, you doing that by the way ?"
"I don't know, we haven't done the name thing, is it really like that for you, even now ?"
"In a year people who don't know us will meet us and think I'm the blonde lucky enough to have bagged the handsome millionaire vet. They'll smile and nod at me, maybe even share a man's moment with Ty in a job well done. In a blind test of course, a cocktail party or Veterinary Conference, I would be ignored or they'd wonder why I wasn't off with the wives."
"Many people hearing that you and Wyatt are both interns, him law, you vet would assume automatically that he had the higher salary than you. It's hard wired into society."
"So your wedding invitation will be Dr. Tyler and Amy ?"
"I guess it could read Professor but we decided on Amy Fleming and Ty Borden."
"You Ok Amy ?" Georgie asked softly.
"Let's get done Georgie." She said with a smile and calling up a folder on her iPad.
When they finished Amy told Georgie she had to make a call and Georgie excused herself to give Betty a hand with lunch.
Amy rubbed her hands across her face and took up her phone.
"Dr. Porter, hi, it's Amy Fleming."
"Amy, it's been awhile, how have you been ?"
"I've been doing very well actually, Ty and I are getting married."
"Well is this a progress call then ?"
"No, I think I need to come in."
"Let's see where I can find some time with you."
"Thanks Barry."
"No problem Amy, none at all, I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to call."
Ty found her loading folders with papers and creating a stack pile. "Ready for lunch Ames ?"
"I am, do we have an arrangement ?"
"Bert's heading home, he said anytime, they're ready."
Betty and Georgie sent Amy and Ty out to the porch, lunch was in hand. As they sat Jackson came out of the family barn along with Chuck and Jeff. He was as always involved in a rather animated discussion with Jeff.
"Hey mom, can Chuck and Jeff come for lunch, I told them it would be Ok."
"Talk to Gran JT, she's doing lunch but I'm sure it'll be fine, why don't you two join us and JT will make your case to the boss."
"I actually didn't mean to impose, JT, he."
"I know Jeff, the insistent hospitable type." She said watching him nod.
"Chuck, how are our plans coming together ?"
"Bryce thinks he may have a couple from Montana who want to come to the home ship for a while. The architect is drawing the barn pictures. Not sure when it will all happen but it will."
Betty came outside wiping her hands on a towel. "We're ready, Jeff you have everything you need for the weekend ?"
"Yes ma'am, we'll be fine."
"And you sweetheart" she asked reaching over to kiss Chuck's head "are they working you too hard ?"
"Never Gran, working just enough."
"Come on, lunch is ready."
"So Jackson, what are your plans for the day turning out to be ?" Ty asked after swallowing a bite of his sandwich.
"April's coming and when Cars gets here we're going to ride over and help August set up for the presses, you know wash the barrels and stuff."
"Presses ?" Jeff asked.
"The Potters, April's family have the farm next door, they press late season apple cider." Amy explained.
"Knew about the farm not the presses."
"Their cider's the best and there's one with cranberry for thanksgiving." JT said earnestly.
"I'll make sure to get some JT." Jeff answered smiling.
"Jeff, I'll expect you and Robert for dinner Sunday ?"
"Sure thing Amy, we'd love to."
"Georgie ?"
"Wyatt and I will be here."
"You two should get a move on." Betty said "It's a beautiful day and Skaneateles is a nice stroll."
"Jackson, how about you and I plan on dropping a line Sunday morning, we haven't been out in a while."
"Don't have to ask me twice." He said all smiles.
"Then we'll call it a date, how about you help Gran clear off and mom and I will get changed."
"Sure thing, you'll be back tomorrow ?"
"Yup, not sure what time though, sometime in the afternoon I guess and Uncle Bert and I will have to do rounds or at least catch up and look over charts, we have 8 rescues coming Monday."
"Bad ?"
"Not horrible but they'll take some care for sure, the place they're at just can't deal with them."
Amy's phone beeped and she glanced down "they just crossed into Canada and are heading to sign in for the test then have some lunch."
"Good, I guess we should actually get ready." Ty said standing and walking over to Amy.
Amy hugged everyone including Jeff, Ty hugged Georgie, Jackson and Betty.
"Georgie, what are your plans for the weekend ?"
"Jump Phoenix and ride Checkers for one."
"That should be fun to watch." Ty said, "you'll draw a crowd with Checkers Georgie."
"I guess that's the point. I'm good with people watching."
"Have someone spot you Georgie."
"I will, I'm sure the girls will be out."
It was a cool late summer day, Ty loaded their suitcase and garment bag in the spacious trunk and opened the door for Amy. She had brought only dresses and was wearing a dark yellow dress with a floral print and a light sweater, pearl earrings and a simple pearl necklace, light colored Saddle Tan bison boots and a straw hat. Ty was wearing dark gray Ariats and a lightweight dark gray crew necked sweater with a navy line running through it. He reached in to kiss her before closing the door and walking around to the other side.
"Are these things fun, openings ?" He asked fitting the fob into it's slot and hitting the starter.
"Depends, I intend to have fun" she said reaching over and running her hand along his thigh.
Ty smiled and leaned over, the car still in park, he moved towards her and her hand reached up to cup his cheek as they kissed while his slid up her skirt making her giggle.
"So that's a yes, fun ?" She whispered before kissing him softly again.
"Do we know where we're going ?"
"Meg made the arrangements so no, I have no idea." Amy said. "Come on my love, let's roll out."
Five minutes later Ty pulled around the big paved U shaped cobblestone driveway to the front door of the Koenig house and popped the trunk before turning off the car.
They got out and were met by the front door opening and Meg's happy smile. "Trish called, I can't wait to see it." She said hugging and kissing Amy and then Ty and rushing past to the car.
"Here Bert, let me grab one of those." Ty said reaching in for one of the suitcases.
"You are going to cost me a fortune Ty, I just want you to know that."
"What are you talking about Bert ?"
"You had to buy a car for double dating, you couldn't just keep the hot rod Porsche and meet us places."
"It's a family car Bert, kids remember ?"
"Oh Ty, it's absolutely gorgeous." Meg said walking around looking at it. "I love cars, especially when they make a statement."
"And what statement does this make Meg ?" Ty asked as Amy moved beside him and his arm reached around her.
"Look at you two." Meg said softly.
"Really you're gonna bawl ?" Ty said in his closest approximation to JT.
"No" she said with a sniffle, "get in, Bert sit up front with Ty so Amy and I can visit."
Meg turned and got in before Ty could say anything and Bert was already opening the front door so Ty walked Amy around to the rear drivers side and opened it for her. Before starting the car he turned back. "How is you back there and me up here with Grumpy the furtherance of dating ?"
"This isn't technically dating Ty," Amy said smiling "this is husband and wife stuff, you know shopping for art, It's a bit confusing considering we're technically not engaged and planning a wedding, now, New Orleans, that's a date and why is he Grumpy this time ?"
"I'm not Grumpy, this is nice by the way, just saying." He said running his hand along the burl inlaid dashboard.
"What others did you look at Ty ?" Meg asked as he started it up.
"Lexus, Alfa Romeo, I drove Ashley's Mercedes, it was nice, I just like the look of this, the black out stuff and I've always had a thing for Jag engines and the whole classic British luxury. This one just came together nice, Amy loved it so here we are."
"So you're keeping this one ?"
"Probably not, this is one that just came out, the engine is 575 horses, that's absurd, maybe in Germany but here ? This one with a stepped down engine I think."
Skaneateles was about an hour almost due north of Ithaca up Route 34 to Route 20 and then east a few miles. Their destination for now was the Princess of the Lake Inn on Skaneateles Lake. It was built in 1899 and boasted the best views of the lake, three luxury rooms, two of which Meg had booked.
"We'll pick rooms when we get there." Meg said "Oh we should make some stops coming home, both Routes have nice Saturday shopping."
"Sounds like fun" Amy agreed "see what's in season an hour North."
"Ty and I have to get some work done tomorrow."
"You are just a load of laughs so far Bert, is there alcohol in this room ?"
"There's alcohol in my bag." Bert said "and bitters and cherries."
"Trust no one buddy ?" Ty asked laughing.
"Trust but verify Ty."
Sitting in the back Amy decided to check out all the things in the rear seat luxury package including the table, headphones, volume control, climate control and everything else including the small fridge with a tiny ice bucket and bottled water. She asked Bert for his sports jacket which he had to shrug off so she could hang it on the hanger on the back of the driver's seat. There was even a slot to snap her iPad in so she could watch a movie.
"You can live back here." Meg said, "just order grub hub."
"And bathrooms ?" Bert asked.
"Oh stop being such a poo Bert." Amy chided.
"I'm not being a…., oh forget it, you just want me to say it."
"You two are amazing together." Ty said laughing again and then glanced over at the navigator and slowed to turn onto Route 20.
"It's a nice ride." Bert said. "Feels solid, corners like a sports car."
"Really handles well." Ty said "I hate watching the speed though."
There were three spots behind the Inn and Ty pulled into the first one available. A young man came out a moment later and welcomed them with a valet cart and grabbed the bags after which they followed him through to the small desk.
"Who's taking which room ?" The smiling woman at the desk asked Meg who had made the reservation.
"Does it matter ?" She asked.
'You have the Stella and the Mary reserved. The Mary is slightly larger with the nicer views, the Stella is considered more romantic."
"Take the romance Meg." Amy said. "We'll take larger, more room for the chase."
"Fine by me, I've stopped running."
"Too quick for you huh Bert ?" Ty chided.
"The whole chase tires us old folk out Ty, romance is fine, when should we meet, how's 30 minutes ?"
"Come on Bert, Amy's pretty quick, might take me a while to catch her, how about we text ?" Ty asked laughing.
Meg giggled and Amy swatted Ty playfully.
"Which way to our room" Bert asked shaking his head "If you're like this on a husband and wife weekend what are you two like on a date ?"
"Come to New Orleans Bert."
"Someone's actually got to work Ty."
"What part of our 24/7 lives don't you get Bert, if that phone goes off I can literally be on a chopper in an hour."
"And I could be driving that car back to Ithaca." Meg said enthusiastically. "Just saying, not hoping."
Bert laughed "I can drive too Meg and that's Charlie talking Ty but 24/7 is what we signed on for not an excuse. Both Cass and Scott said they'd be fine checking out cases on the West Coast, with John and you every now and then we may get some interesting work in the next few years. Ok, no more shop."
"No more shop, agreed, but Charlie isn't all together wrong Bert."
"I know he's not Ty." Bert agreed.
The bellhop met them at the door having put their bags inside, Ty handed him a $20 in exchange for the key or at least that's how it looked.
Amy took off her bag and laid it down with her hat a second before Ty took her hand and swung her around into his arms.
"How can I help you Dr. Borden ?" Amy asked softly, her smile radiant, her eyes soft and captivating. Ty leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, so familiar, her taste so intoxicating as they explored each other and lost each other when Amy ran her hand to the back of his head. He lifted her as she grabbed him.
"Don't rip the dress Ty." She panted as he lowered her gently to the bed, pulled off his sweater and eased himself alongside her.
Later, as she brushed out her hair in the bathroom with him behind her doing the same thing while assuring her that her dress was fine and not creased Ty was unnecessarily close and she smiled that he didn't want to break the connection left behind after their lovemaking. When he was done his hand strayed to her side and she reached over to pull it in around her while she lay her brush behind her and looked up expectantly, waiting for his lips to carry her away.
A few minutes later Ty texted Bert and Amy grabbed a shawl and Ty his leather jacket, they walked out and down the open staircase holding hands rather than waiting for the small cage elevator.
They walked around the lobby, the inn building was built in 1899 with a few additions through the years. It was a nice home, with a cozy parlor, a large living room both with fireplaces. The dining room was also spacious with a large enough table to accommodate all the guests to breakfast.
"Good afternoon, I'm Eve Revson, your host, everything to your liking in the room ?"
"It's perfect, lovely actually." Amy said smiling. "Amy Fleming and Ty Borden."
"Nice to meet you both. You in town for something special or just a night away ?"
"An opening, Randy Nellis' Glass Studio."
"Hot ticket tonight I hear."
"Really, how so ?" Ty asked.
"Our local Artist Guild is in a bit of a bind, structural issues. The building was originally built in 1848 and well, some issues have come to light. Randy's grandfather was one of the charter members in the 50's so Randy and his dad and Grandpa made a piece to auction off and many of the guild patrons are coming for an impromptu auction to raise funds."
"Three generations of Steuben trained craftsman in one piece, that is something." Amy said softly.
Ty smiled, "Charlie and Trev warned me about this."
"Hush Ty, I'm sure the piece will be magnificent."
"You're a glass art aficionado Ms. Fleming ?"
"Please, Amy, and yes I love it, especially the old Steuben pieces and style."
"They always lived here, the Nellis family farm and land, ever since Thomas became full time at the works. His dad worked as a warehouseman at the factory and they moved for a while to Corning leaving the farm to be kept by close family. He passed from the flu the year Thomas turned 5. His mom had learned to type which was a highly sought skill up here in the 30's and 40's and Thomas took a job sweeping and helping out after school until she was done at work. Eventually he became an apprentice and an artist in his own right but as soon as he started full time he brought his mom back to Skaneateles and their farm."
"Apparently many of the blowers stayed for all of the firing days to take turns with the fires and just went home for the weekends when they turned them down. They slept on cots."
"That's the story I was told, ah here are your friends."
"Bert and Meg Koenig, this is our hostess Eve Revson." Amy said introducing them as they walked up.
"It's a beautiful home Eve, our room is very nice." Meg said with a smile.
"Thank you Meg, where are you all off to ?"
"Just a stroll around town and I guess dinner along the way." Amy said.
"Beautiful day for it, have fun."
After browsing through several shops they had split into Bert walking with Ty behind Meg walking with Amy.
"Oh the girls texted, aced their permit tests and are on the way back across the border."
"Good for them" Bert said "They must be thrilled."
"They are." Amy called back.
"So this is the husband wife configuration ?" Ty asked Bert.
"It is though don't bet Steph and Amy won't do the same on a date date."
At one stop Ty actually bought something. He'd been looking on line for a jacket to bring along fishing now that summer was ending. Jackson had told him about the vest Jack and Lisa had bought that he could wear over a sweatshirt and Ty had been looking as well, more for a jacket but a nice vest would work.
He found a Loden Green Fly Guide Jacket, zip out thinsulate liner, large pockets, hood, completely waterproof and made of a tough ripstop.
"I like it" Amy said walking around "fits you well, good length, can you cast ?"
Ty lifted his arm and swung back and forth. The bellows built into the jacket expanded and closed well.
"Yeah, no problem."
"Well Simms is quality stuff." Amy said.
"It's probably one of the three or four better jackets for fall fishing. There's a Patagonia which we don't have in stock and an Orvis, a similar Cabela's." The clerk said.
"Well, a bird in the hand" Ty said handing over his card. "Can you keep it until tomorrow, we're just strolling."
"Not a problem, if we're still here on your way back would be fine as well, we're here until 8 today and Saturday, are you local ?"
"Close but no, Ithaca, we're staying at the Princess."
"Oh, then I'll drop it with these on my way home." He said motioning to some envelopes. "They have couples coming in for fishing next week and we did the arrangements."
"That would be great" Amy said, "Thank you."
"Got a recommendation for dinner ?" Meg asked.
"The Krebs is great and it's still early, it's pricey though but you're dressed fine. Just up the road, 10 minute walk then it's 20 minutes stroll back to the inn after."
They had the choice of being seated in the formal dining room which boasted a more extensive menu or what they chose, more casually in an upscale tavern setting in a room called The Library.
The group ordered a raw bar platter for 4, an enormous salad enough for all accompanied by fried oysters and a large specialty of the house smoked Mac and Cheese that Ty raved over.
Amy had lemonade while the others ordered Manhattans and they had a great time, talking about cars, the wedding, Georgie and Wyatt who Meg simply adored.
"They seriously have their shit together." She said after a second sip of her Manhattan.
"Nice teamwork, those two." Bert agreed.
The men switched to beer when the food started coming out, Meg joined Amy with lemonade.
The conversation turned back to the early days of Pegasus, not too long before though it felt like forever. Bert told a story of coming in and finding Amy and Bryce gone with both of the long trailers they had at this time. "They were just building the thoroughbred stables and we made money through rescue and the medical back then." He told Ty.
"My phone rang at like 2:30 in the morning saying I was needed at the barns. 14 horses in the dead of night, Amy and Bryce looking like they just crawled through hell."
"Hey 14 horses we eventually sold for 30 grand." Amy said.
"We were reckless back then." Bert said laughing.
"So no midnight raids anymore ?" Ty asked.
Amy smiled "Maybe in extreme circumstances, much easier to exert political pressure to have the authorities step in, we offer to cover all expenses, just get us the horses and we won't call the press."
"Speaking of the press, surgery Wednesday, Friday press conference ? Loren's offered a spot."
"Loren can kiss my ass" Amy said, "we'll do it at the ranch."
"I'm lost."
"Loren's spot is at the school's podium under the Cornell flag." Bert said.
"And that matters ? It's still us right ?"
"It matters to me." Amy said softly and quietly.
Ty smiled and nodded his deference to her choice. "Ok, not going there, how about desserts ?"
"Yes please" she said bright and cheery again.
Again they ordered several to share, a plate of local cheese and apples along with a pot of black coffee.
"We had a thing a few years ago with a joint press conference, needless to say, we steer clear though Loren is persistent." Meg explained "you couldn't know" she whispered conspiratorially across the table so everyone actually heard.
"Ah, well, we won't go there again then." Ty said leaning over to kiss Amy.
"How's your end of Cornell Margaret ?" Amy asked.
"Doesn't change much, there's really no advancement of 17th to 19th century romantic writers and poets. Not like there's new and exciting additions to go through. The kids like it though so I like teaching it."
"Your class is core ?"
"One of the secrets to academic longevity Ty, the Chairman's classes are always required." Meg said "this gruyere is good but doesn't hold a candle to Erma's, this is good for grilled cheese and burgers."
"It's the texture, Erma's is more creamy on the palate." Bert said nodding.
The walk back to the hotel was pleasant, the evening at the tip of Skaneateles Lake took in a nice breeze. The opening was scheduled for 7:30 which was when they decided to meet in the lobby, they had about 40 minutes alone.
They both stripped down and hung up their clothes. Amy pulled out a dark red, almost deep burgundy cotton dress with a squared bodice and hung it on a hook.
"I'm going for a quick rinse Ty."
"Really ?"
"Yes really, I'm a mess."
"How are you a mess ?"
"Stop thinking like a man and consider our afternoon my love. I'll be right out, get dressed please."
Ty pulled out what Cass called his casual summer evening suit, it was light grey and a mix of cotton and tropical weight wool, there was a touch of dark green threading here and there which was interesting. Pleated pants, narrow lapel combined with a dark green shirt and Ty was ready for the evening. He sat down and pulled on socks, dressed, while leaving his jacket on the hanger and sat down to lace on his black short boots.
"I love that suit Ty." Amy said walking by in nothing but panties. Ty got up and followed her until she stopped by her dress and he ran his hands over her arms.
"Ty, goosebumps, really ?" She said turning and kissing him quickly on the lips. "Go away and let me dress, shoo."
He was surprised that Amy's dress looked surprisingly country, the hem came to just above where her boots stopped and adding a hat and the simple diamond studs and a thin gold necklace with a small diamond star, it screamed cowgirl.
Bert wore a darker suit, also without tie and Meg a very nice flowing pants suit he knew Amy would never wear.
They pulled up at the converted barn that was Randy's studio and showroom. Ty pulled in to a corner spot and walked around to help Amy out. The lot was about ¾ full and they could see a nice crowd through the glass to the showroom. There was a large poster outside announcing the opening. The piece Amy had bought was the centerpiece of the announcement.
They were approached immediately by a waiter carrying a tray of Champagne and Ty, Bert and Meg each took one and thanked him for it. Amy declined and Ty immediately spotted the bar "I'll get you something Ames." He said walking off as the other three turned to the first piece to the right of the entrance.
Ty returned at the second piece along the wall and handed Amy her ginger ale before slipping his arm around her. Amy tucked in to that familiar slot against his side and took a sip.
"I like this one, what do you think Bert ?"
"For where ?"
"We need a nice piece for the dining room table, under the lights."
"Let's at least go around the room once Meg, I'm sure there are others we'll like."
"Two or three maybe." Ty muttered.
Bert turned to him and Amy giggled "what, it's possible." Ty added with a smile.
As they approached the third display Randy noticed them from across the room where her was speaking to a small group of people. After a minute he excused himself and made his way straight to Amy.
"Amy, Ty, I'm so glad you could make it."
"It's a beautiful space Randy, good to see you again." Amy said and then surprised Ty by giving Randy a quick hug and a cheek kiss.
"Randy, congratulations, this must be very satisfying." Ty said reaching over to shake his hand.
"More satisfying if people buy but It's a dream so far."
"These are our friends, Bert and Margaret Koenig, this is Randy Nellis, the man of the hour." Ty said as both shook Randy's hand.
"If I could steal you away for a few minutes, my dad and grandad are dying to meet you Amy."
"We'd love to meet them." She said smiling and shifting to Ty's arm.
"We'll catch up" Amy said to Meg and Bert.
Randy brought Amy and Ty over to two men who were sitting on a small couch in one of the viewing rooms. A quick glance revealed that the piece that was being auctioned was in this room, the piece worked on by all three Nellis glassblowers.
Both men looked up and started to stand and Amy immediately stopped them and pulled over a metal chair nearby.
"No, No, I'll come down to you" she said with a smile, the most disarming smile Ty had ever seen. He stood behind her while Randy introduced his father Thomas and grandfather Vernon, who was way into his 90's. These two men spent almost 80 consecutive years at Steuben and Amy was positively giddy meeting them.
"So tell me how you came to such a noble end as glassblower Vernon." Amy asked taking his hand in hers. It seemed that all her attention was focused just on him and Ty saw that the elderly man could sense it and he smiled.
"My mother worked for Mr. Houghton a couple years after he assumed the artistic lead, she was his correspondence secretary. I got dropped off after school and would read when my homework was done waiting for mom to finish. Mr. Houghton handed me a broom in 1934, I was 8 years old and I worked at Steuben for 65 years. Started working with the blowers when I was 13. On my 18th birthday I helped shape my first piece."
"Catcher ?"
"Yes, catcher, long time ago."
"I caught for my dad my first time and Randy for me."
"I come from a long tradition of passing on skills, your history is very meaningful to me. So show me this generational piece you've all created." She said standing.
Randy helped his grandfather stand and Amy took Randy's dad's arm and walked with him.
"We named it Salacia's Basket, Salacia was the wife of Neptune." Thomas explained. "Dad mixed the silica, true 10M as you can see. Randy pulled and dad and I caught and then Randy and I did the etching. We each signed it."
"It's beautiful." Amy said walking around. The basket was shaped as a wave with a sweeping handle breaking over the top. They had etched a water environment and fish into the inside of the bowl. It was pure and clear, no flaws that she could see under the bright lights.
"What makes it 10M ? What is 10M ?" Ty whispered in her ear.
"10M is the process developed by Corning that Steuben used for their glass, it's perfectly clear. When you add Boron to the mix you get Pyrex." Amy explained. "The formula for 10M is only known to those that have actually mixed it, and they were sworn to secrecy, I'm told most do it by sight ?" Amy asked looking up at Vernon who smiled and nodded.
He looked at Ty, "no matter what you do the sand is never quite the same each time you mix and heat, there's always humidity and a tiny percentage of impurities in the media. The real process is in the handling, heating just so, slowly removing the impurities, then cooling and repeating until the glass is homogenous, I mixed silica for I don't know, 8 years until they stopped watching me."
"And the auction ?"
"The building that houses our art society and guild offices is in dire need of repair. We survive because of the area, artists come here and the offices provide support for the arts and craft people in the area, legal help, accounting, advertising and expertise as much as we can." Randy explained.
"It's important to us, Dad was a charter member, we've all been on the board at one point or another." Thomas said. "And we've all passed on our arts through our outreach programs to the kids and more importantly to the the high schoolers."
"Well, I have just the spot for it or will." Amy said smiling.
"So I actually get to see you in auction mode ?"
"I doubt this will get that heated Ty, what are you starting at Randy ?"
"Have an opinion ?"
"The factory would ask what, in the 70,000 range for a one off, actually with the flourishes higher. How about starting at $10, how's the crowd ?"
"There are a quite a few art patrons in the crowd. The guild brought them out. Not all glass people but it is a good cause."
"And a beautiful piece with a wonderful pedigree and provenance."
"You plan on buying this don't you Amy ?"
"I do Vernon, as soon as I can." She said to the old man with the sweet smile.
"Why don't we see the rest of the show Ames." Ty said reaching out his arm for Amy to step into.
"Gentlemen, we'll visit again later." He added with a smile.
They moved through to the next room where Meg and Bert joined them.
"You two find anything ?" Amy asked.
"Well, there's a bowl they said was yours apparently." Meg said.
"There's another we were going to consider equally, don't listen to her." Bert said.
"In one ear and out the other." Amy answered with a smile "besides Bert, if it was that important to her I would put that bowl on your table myself."
Meg reached over and kissed her cheek, "You know you're like the best sister ever that I didn't have to diaper."
They walked through the displays, one of interest to Amy was Christmas tree ornaments that were made by Randy's former high school students, some who had gone into the arts and were in college and two apparently who had opened small glass shops after college. Most though were of students who benefited with Randy as a teacher and had moved on into non art fields but took the time to come in and express themselves through this one, glass blowing under his and his father and grandfather's watchful eyes.
The ornaments were priced under a sign explaining that the funds would be shared 50-50 with the students and the rest for an initiative to promote self expression through the physical arts rather than the vast computer arts that were replacing it amongst the younger generations. The guild believed that expressing yourself in the physical hands on work delved deeper into yourself and used all your senses rather than just sight and sound. Amy agreed, it's why she loved what she did, using all her senses to do her work.
Amy stepped back and looked around, a moment later she was noticed by a woman with a clipboard and a small case who smiled and walked over.
"Randy tells me you're Amy Fleming and Ty Borden." The woman said putting out her hand with a welcoming smile.
"Amy and Ty please, and these are our friends the Koenig's, Meg and Bert."
"Sheila Hoffman, I'm Randy's agent, how can I help ?"
"Do I have to sign in for the auction ?" Amy asked.
"Well, you're known so no, I don't think so, besides, we have your pieces."
Amy laughed "that is true and buying ?"
"Ah" Sheila said opening the case that served as the base for her clipboard of pieces and prices. "How about blue ?"
"Blue works" Amy said taking a sheet of blue dot stickers from Sheila's hand "and the ornaments ?"
"Just dot the chart and list above. Which interest you ?"
"The quartet of Pride ornaments."
"Ah, first, it comes with a fitted wooden case one of the young men made, his art is cabinet making. The other three each made one of the first three and all made the fourth. They represent broken hearts finally coming together as a rainbow. They all came out to their families through their art."
"It says they made a series of colored hearts and broke them to form the first three." Ty said reading the small brochure. "The fourth was made clear and was filled the dust from the others to form the rainbow."
"Price ?" Amy asked.
"$ 2000 but I could call and see, that's sort of a wish amount."
"Let's make their wish come true." Ty said. "It's a good cause."
Amy smiled and took one of the blue dots and handed it to Ty who stuck it on the wall behind the piece.
They also found another piece that interested them both. It was a take off on the classic Steuben Trout and Fly, Amy described the original to Ty, a clear trout rising on it's tail to take a Golden Coachman fly dangled just above it's mouth. The Steuben issue was not one of Amy's favorites, she always felt that the clear glass and air bubbles didn't do the trout proud. Through the years, seeing hundreds of them she considered it quite the beautiful fish, the rainbows especially.
Randy's take was different. The trout rose out of a clear glass pool with a splash of water coming off the tail, the trout however was a beautiful dark gold with green highlights trading with speckles of brown and black. The fly was also different in that it was not gold but an actual Caddis apparently tied by Grandpa Vernon onto a 14 Carat gold hook. This piece was also much larger that the Steuben which Amy recalled about 8 inches. Randy's was about 14.
"How much is it ?" Ty asked.
"It's inquire dollars" Meg said.
"Never a good sign." Bert said.
"There's Sheila" Ty said chuckling at Bert and then looked at her for a second until she noticed and smiled.
"Ty, how can I help ?"
"Trout in Flight ?"
"$24000 but I think there's some negotiation in there."
"Any interest in the piece ?"
"Now that wouldn't be fair would it Ty ?" Sheila said smiling at him then Amy. She looked at them both again, nodded and walked off.
"Well ?"
"Slap a dot on it Ty, there's a nice window facing the lake upstairs in the new house where it will look beautiful. We'll work out a price after the auction."
The group of four wandered off to the small bar and buffet. Amy helped herself to several sweets which she laid on a plate and grabbed a cup of coffee. The rest did the same and together strolled out to a small patio that seemed tucked fairly well between two wings of the converted barn.
"So an auction, think Ty's ready for that ?" Meg asked with a mischievous grin.
"Oh stop." Amy said. "Ty had definitely seen my competitive side."
"I've lived the past 16 year amongst Flemings, Bartletts and Stillmans, I think I get the picture." Ty said "besides, what's overboard ? It's art, she loves it, she loves glass and horses."
"And I love you Ty Borden, you get me."
"Ames, I don't get you at all but I know what I know."
"Find anything Meg ?" Amy asked.
"Come look." She answered walking towards the double door to the gallery.
Amy walked with Meg and showed her the bowl she was considering. "What do you think ?"
"Ok, well I bought that other bowl for your anniversary and this bowl though nice doesn't fit the dining room and now you've ruined your surprise so I hope you're happy with yourself."
"I don't believe you, Trish said you bought them as a set. You just don't like this bowl."
"I like that bowl just fine but not for your dining room, the bowl I bought is perfect and I wanted Trish to think that they were a set, but that piece" Amy said pointing at the showpiece "will stand alone on a pedestal between the dining room and the living room in the new house and the bowl will sit on your dining room table."
"Well then now I'm not buying anything." Meg complained.
"Amy's buying enough for all of us Meg." Bert laughed.
"It's not the same Bert."
"We'll buy stuff tomorrow Meg." Amy laughed.
"Promise ?"
"Good lord Meg, Amy bought us that bowl so at least say thank you, and we're looking at cars."
"Folks, we're starting the auction." Sheila said from a small podium. The three Nellis glassblowers stood by the piece while Sheila described it, the process, what each of the generations did. Amy looked around at the crowd and tried to discern those that were truly interested versus those that would bid to save face but not commit.
Ty was standing with Bert as Amy scanned the room. "Look at her, she's like a lion stalking her prey."
"Cut it out Bert." Amy said swatting back at him.
"Does someone want to call out an opening bid or should I choose one at random ?"
"5,000" a woman called from the other side of the room.
"Do I hear 6, I do, 7, do I hear 8 ?"
"You going to bid Ames ?"
"When the time comes, half these people are just bidding so their friends see them bidding."
"We have 12,000, folks, remember the money is going to a worthy cause. What's that $12,500, I'll take that, 13, 13.5."
Amy raised her hand and showed a one and then a five with her fingers.
"We have a new bidder, 15,000, is our bid. Do I have an advance on 15 ?, 15.5, thank you sir, $16,000 is the new bid."
Amy held up a 3 and a 5.
$18,000, thank you ma'am."
It was at this point that the other two bidders turned and looked at her, both men and both as far as she knew locals at least to Skaneateles. Amy of course smiled and tipped her hat to both. One man smiled and nodded, the other turned and raised his hand and announced "$20,000."
Amy looked up and smiled and held up a her hand splayed as a 5.
"Twenty thousand five" Sheila started and looked at Amy who nodded no.
"I'm sorry, that would be $25,000." Sheila said confirming with Amy's affirmative nod.
"Here we go" Bert muttered "strap in."
The man looked over "$26,000."
Amy held up three fingers.
"$30,000" Sheila announced then looked over at the gentleman who was at that point in conversation with a woman apparently his wife who was getting annoyed. Finally he shook his head at her and then turned to Sheila and shook his head no.
"Any advance on $30,000 ?" Sheila asked looking over the small crowd "30,000 once ? Then a pause, "Twice, last chance for an advance on thirty thousand." Then looking one last time. "Sold for $30,000 dollars, congratulations Amy, Ty and thank you so much."
Amy turned to Ty and kissed his cheek "all for a good cause." She whispered with a smile.
"Come on Ames, let's go see our new piece."
"Do you like it Ty ?"
"I love it, I admit I don't understand the money part but I get the significance of the piece and I've gone a bit overboard lately, I just bid 5 million for a house."
"Just out of control aren't you Borden." She said giggling "who figured I'd be the cheaper pair of this couple."
"Keep convincing yourself of that Amy." Meg said laughing "congratulations sis, I knew you could do it."
"Well Amy, you certainly don't disappoint." Randy said walking over "Ty, thank you as well." Then quietly "I'm glad you got it, he's a pretentious bastard, nobody likes him. Could I bother you both for some pictures ?"
"Sure, I assume you'll also want a credit card." Ty asked smiling.
"We'll talk and then yes. Come on, Grandpa rooted for you."
"That's so sweet." Amy said and when they turned the corner and Vernon looked up she smiled at him and surprised him with a hug and a kiss.
"So you'll both have to come when Randy brings these pieces and we can sit and talk." She said having switched to holding both their hands.
"We look forward to it." Thomas said smiling.
"Excuse me dad, Amy, Ty, I'd like you to meet my wife Zoe, Zo, this is Ty Borden, Amy Fleming and Bert and Meg Koenig ?"
Bert nodded and reached out to shake her hand as did Meg.
"I'm sorry, our son took sick and I wanted him asleep before I left. I wanted to be here earlier."
"Please" Amy said reaching out to touch her hand, "we have three at home, I understand completely. I'm glad we could meet and please come along when Randy comes, we have a large ranch, horses, alpacas, something for everyone."
"If we can it sounds lovely, thank you Amy."
"Your son is ?"
"RJ, Randy Jr., he's 7."
"We have a 7 year old as well, Jackson."
"We have an older daughter, Georgia but she just started her art degree at New Paltz and she had first project due, she actually left back Thursday, she helped set this all up."
"Well you must be proud. We have twin 15 year olds, starting to look at colleges now."
"Ithaca, you have two great choices right there."
"And Ty and I teach at Cornell."
"Well I guess you have a shot then, I'd be happy with not to far a drive."
After some publicity shots that Amy and Ty happily took part in, they got several group photos taken of them and the Koenig's and while Bert and Meg strolled the room one last time Amy and Ty sat with Randy, Zoe and Sheila to iron out the final costs.
"Oh you bought the Pride set, we can do better on that, they actually goofed that $2000 number, they would be happy with much less." Randy said.
"Sheila mentioned that, we're good, they only get half right ?" Ty confirmed.
"That's true and they want the other half to go toward our ever failing LGBT initiative."
"Why ever failing ?" Amy asked.
"Our board although generous is, let's use conservative as a word, they don't agree with setting aside separate funds for an LGBT group, an excuse more than anything. One even actually said that maybe they'll get something from spending time with normal kids. We've survived barely by specific grants from some LGBT support groups but it's not enough. A lot of LGBT kids especially those newly identified or trans are uncomfortable being completely themselves and their art and expression suffers."
"Specific grants ?"
"Right, so if we get a specified donation like this auction, building fund, the charter states that the funds must be earmarked for that like a scholarship fund. If was the repairs were 25,000 then the remaining 5,000 can't be used for something else it has to be part of the building fund."
"What would be your dream ?" Amy asked.
"For an LGBT program ? To me the sky's the limit." Randy said.
"The atmosphere up here runs hot to cold for these poor kids." Zoe added "Their families are often against them, if they have family support there are teachers and shop owners, it's a mess. Last year a transwoman high school student went into a local shop and was told point blank that dressing rooms were strictly female and he was not welcome, she was with her mom who exploded in anger, the cops came, it was horrible."
"Come up with a legitimate grant proposal Randy, say start to five years, the whole ball of wax and get it to me, I have some connections." Amy said.
"That would be amazing Amy, anything would help."
"We'll see what we can do Randy."
"You really can't tell a book by it's cover, no offense but the whole cowgirl outfit doesn't scream liberal." Zoe said.
"Truth is Zoe that most real ranch folk could care less what two people do behind closed doors. Religion gets into it of course, misguided as far as I'm concerned, but for the most part we're a live and let live society. There's even an LGBT rodeo circuit that grows every year." Amy explained.
"That's nice to know and always good to have predetermined prejudices shot down."
They paid their personal art work with a check and the 501c3 charitable donation to the guild with the Amex card. Amy called and designated the purchase as a charitable donation, with their card there would be no fee deducted by Amex and they would match an additional 5% to the charity. It's one of the perks they used to keep their wealthy customers happy and well worth the tax deductible expense for their part.
Amy explained that for the most part the pieces would be for their new home and Randy had no problem holding them for a while, besides having them crated for transport would take a week. They did take the ornaments but left the rest for Randy and family to deliver either to Pegasus or the new home depending on how things went. They would deal with Meg and Bert's bowl but really their anniversary wasn't for a few weeks and October would be just as fine.
Ty parked in the same spot at the inn. It was now across from a BMW 850i. They were greeted by Eve, the owner who asked after them and offered a late tea and a snack. Amy and Meg accepted and Bert went upstairs to grab a nightcap for him and Ty.
As they settled in the small garden patio, Eve brought out a tea service on a tray along with some cookies and left them with instructions to just leave it when they were done. She also informed Ty that his package was delivered and left in their room.
They sat and chatted, Ty and Bert with some Bourbon and Amy and Meg with tea.
"So what did you get for the kids ?" Bert asked.
"Garage is ready, and those trucks are at the cycle shop." Ty said.
"And those learner's permits." Meg added.
"Bunch of Orvis stuff that I guess will end up at the new place." Amy said. "Some clothes for the girls and JT too."
"Nothing big for Jackson, though I can't see anything he needs."
"JT's not really like that Meg, he's been pining over a rod and reel combo for a year that's all wrapped up and he'll love it." Amy answered.
"No biggie for JT Ty ?" Bert asked.
Ty took a sip of his bourbon and mumbled something.
"What was that Ty ?" Bert asked with a smile.
"I might have picked up something."
"Something ?" Amy asked.
After a moment she smiled "Ty my love ?"
"Just a small boat."
"A what ?" Amy asked trying to keep a straight face.
"A small boat Ok, for the lake or drifting, more like a raft."
"A raft." Amy repeated looking up at Meg whose grin spanned ear to ear.
"So a small raft ?" She asked.
"A fishing boat." Ty explained.
"I'm lost." Bert muttered.
"Ty ?" Amy chided "what exactly did you buy our son sweetheart ?"
"More like us, you know."
"You and Jackson."
"Right."
"Let's see this raft." She asked handing him his phone.
Ty called up a video from the website and handed the phone to Amy who took it and leaned over so that Bert and Meg could look on.
"Oh look, it's nice." Meg said.
"That's impressive, standing and casting like that, what's it made of ?"
"Aluminum frame, nylon and that high impact floor." Ty answered.
"It's nice." Amy said "but you can't give it to him as a birthday gift."
"So, then what ?" Ty asked.
"Well, if it's a gift you bought yourself for your birthday and it happens to have a second seat."
"Actually it has a third seat."
"Ok whatever, you can't give him a boat especially since you told him you won't buy him a boat."
"Another Ty ?" Bert asked seeing his glass empty.
"I think I should call it a night Bert."
"I'm with you Ty" Meg said standing.
Amy hung her dress on it's hanger and turned. Ty was in his shorts and hanging his jacket over his shirt. She reached around and ran her nails softly down his chest and over his abs. When her turned she kissed his chest and ran her hands over his butt.
"We ok Ames ?" He sighed as she moved her kisses to his neck.
"Ty, how much was the raft ?" She said now laying her head on his chest.
"6,000."
"Let's make a rule, no spending 6,000 on the kids without a discussion ok ?"
"Ok" he whispered "I uhm, I"
"Shhhh, it's ok Ty, come to bed. It's a nice raft."
"Thanks Amy."
"I love you Ty." She whispered just before his lips touched hers.