Chapter 75
Amy opened her eyes to find Ty tying off his scrubs and sitting for his shoes.
"Hey you, something up ?"
"Woke up and couldn't fall back asleep, it's only 5:00, you close your eyes and get some more sleep."
"Ty ?"
"It's Barnum Amy, not what you said last night, I promise."
"Ok, I love you."
Ty leaned over to kiss her, grabbed his messenger bag and stethoscope and headed through the door. She smiled when she heard Jackson coming down the hall.
"There's my birthday boy" Ty said enthusiastically and Amy heard and imagined him lifting JT for a big hug. "Hey, how about we let mom sleep a little longer and you and I head over to see how Barnum's doing before breakfast ?"
"Sure thing, bet Gran makes pancakes."
"Because they're your favorite ?"
"Yup."
The conversation faded as did Amy to another ½ hour sleep until her alarm woke her.
They found Georgie sitting outside Barnum's stall reading a neurobiology text.
"Hey Georgie !"
"Happy birthday cuz, come here and let me get a hug."
"How's he doing Georgie ?" Ty asked checking the iPad.
"He's been calm, Jeff's bringing Crater by in a little while to visit and we'll try to feed them together."
"Ok, I'm going to do a quick rounds before breakfast, come on Jackson, let's leave Georgie to her work."
"She's just reading."
"She's studying Jackson, an important part of Georgie's job."
"Sorry Georgie."
Georgie smiled at him while Ty put his hand on Jackson's head and gently prodded him to move.
Amy met the twins and Katie coming down the hall about 30 minutes later.
"Where's the birthday boy ?" Maddie asked hugging Amy.
"With Ty checking horses, they'll be back soon."
"How's Barnum ?"
"He seems to be doing well Charlie, they're about to mash him."
"Morning Gran, Grand-mere" the girls and Katie sang as they hugged and kissed their hellos.
"Come on girls, set the table for pancakes." Betty called out. "Amy it's getting late and he's got chores and school."
"I'll text Ty Betty, we can drive them in to school if we have to."
"I get to ride instead of school."
"You still have to make up your work Katie" Lou said walking in "I'll ride too I think."
"Good for you Lou." Amy said as the familiar patter of Jackson's voice came through the door.
"Happy birthday baby boy" Amy said as Jackson ran into her arms.
"You were sleeping before."
"Not quite but thank you for understanding sweetheart, go get washed for breakfast."
"Mad, his box is in the library, want to do yours now or later. ?"
"If yours is new gear ours are a full fly kit."
"Fine Charlie, fetch yours and he can wait till later and tomorrow for the rest."
After the girls disappeared Betty asked in a low voice."Trish said to text John when the school bus leaves Amy. What's up with them ?"
"He's got to bring the girls trucks and that raft thing Ty bought and get them in the garage, signs up and ready for tomorrow."
"Wyatt and Georgie's wedding gifts are also here, what's the plan ?" Ty said coming in.
"We have time, I was thinking the girls could work on them at the bike shop for the time being."
"Work on what mom ?" Maddie said walking back in with Charlie.
"Matching 62's for Georgie and Wyatt's wedding gift. Ty and John found them in Alberta."
"How much work ?"
"Not bad Mad" Ty said after sipping his coffee "John and I rode them, tunes ups and general spiffing."
"We'll give them as early gifts" Amy said "keeping them locked up for months is just wrong."
10 minutes later they all watched as Jackson tore through wrappers to his new rod and reel combo, he'd been pining after the set for months. Ty and Jack sat patiently as Jackson showed them his set up and why he chose it along with technical features. The girls sat patiently and then added their gifts which he adored, 36 flies tied by them and set up in a case.
"These are great, I can't wait for fishing later."
"I'll get your reel set up with line Jackson."
"Thanks GG. This'll be great."
Birthday conversation resumed at the table amidst the eating of JT's choice, blueberry and apple cinnamon pancakes.
"So what charity did you pick this year JT ?" Charlie asked.
"It's called C.A.S.T for kids, Uncle Trevor said it was perfect."
"They provide a safe environment for children with special needs to go fishing." Amy explained.
"Oh sweet !" Maddie chimed in.
"You two ?" Betty asked.
"PFLAG and the Trevor Project" Charlie said.
"I'm sorry" Tim said. He and Casey had come in at the first question and sat down. "I don't get it."
"Well Grandpa," Maddie started "we're sorta not average in terms of gift giving so we give each other gifts, you know in the family, mostly fishing stuff but say Uncle Charlie or Uncle Bert and like that, well we don't need anything so we ask people to make a donation to the charities we choose and we donate toys and stuff we get to the hospital."
"So PFLAG ?" Jack asked.
"They're an organization that provides support to the families of LGBTQ people. They help families deal in a bunch of ways." Amy answered.
"Pick one." Lisa asked.
Maddie took over "Promoting family friendly church services so families don't need to feel ostracized for adhering to their beliefs. Straight parents and gay kids who simply want to pray together should be able to do that and a lot of gay kids don't want to give up their religion."
"And the other one ?" Tim asked.
"Suicide hotline for Gay teens though anyone can call obviously." Betty said. "So sad, suicide is the second highest cause of death amongst the group."
"Morning Wyatt, breakfast ?" Ty asked watching Wyatt come through the door.
"I'd love some but I thought I'd find Georgie here, Jade's sleeping in."
"Well sit down and text Georgie, Jackson and I just left her in medical 20 minutes ago."
Ty answered.
"So what's the schedule for today ?" Casey asked "I'd love to see the town."
"We have chores and school" Charlie said getting up followed by Jackson and Mad.
"I'll help, ok mom ?" Katie said.
"That's fine sweetheart."
"We should be back with the kids around 2:00 – 2:30" Amy added.
"And then we're fishing !" JT added heading out the door.
"Dinner back at the house around 6:30 which I guess is a buffet ?"
"Yup, we'll do tonight and Sunday" Betty confirmed.
"And tomorrow ?"
"Tomorrow is birthday party day Dad, we usually get Bar B Que."
"Already ordered and Pavel and Yvette will be along." Betty added, "I want to visit."
"Casey, I'd love to do the town with you." Lisa said.
"I'll come too" Betty agreed.
"And me" Lily raised her hand gently as she held a cup of coffee.
"Lou ?"
"I'm going to ride with Wyatt and the girls."
"That's nice Lou, could I ask you all to stop and grab my stuff from Bridget ."
"No problem Amy." Betty said smiling.
"Jack and I were going for a ride, should we just wait ?"
"Why not Dad, might as well get them in when we're together."
"Works for me Lou" Jack said, "I'll be on the porch."
"I'll be in the library." Amy said walking by with a large mug of coffee.
"I have to get changed for school, I'll come down when I'm done." Ty added heading out.
Betty joined Amy in the library and grabbed her stack of mail and the trash can.
"Have they said anything about Sunday ?"
"Not to me Betty, I thought they would have talked to you ?"
"Well I told them I would like Ty to come and asked them how they felt about it and nothing."
"Well I'd like to tell him today or he'll feel terrible."
"Feel terrible about what ?" Ty asked walking in and sitting down across from Betty.
"Today is Jackson's birthday Ty, the accident was two days later, this year on Sunday. I had mentioned to the girls and JT that I thought it appropriate, well, really that I wanted you to be along to the cemetery but I asked how they felt about it and we're in limbo." Betty explained.
"Is there a ceremony ?"
"Heaven's no, Jim, my husband, would spin in his grave, Mitch too probably." She laughed, "we were never church going folk. Jim well, oh never mind."
"We visit for a little while and head over to the Cortland Diner after, the girls remember going for lunch there when they were kids and then maybe a ride back here. With everyone visiting this week I'm not sure what we'll do" Amy added. "Maybe photo albums ?"
They heard the kids heading towards the stairs to get ready for school after chores and Amy called out "Ty will drive you in to school kids, please stop here for a minute when you're ready."
"K mom" Jackson called out the last footsteps up.
"They won't fit in old blue."
"Take the Jag, one last ride, they're picking it up tomorrow. The new one's about 2 weeks out."
"If I can meet you for lunch or at the medical center ?"
"Text me if you get free but they're just images Ty."
When Amy's phone beeped she glanced down and reached for it. "Here we go."
"Good morning, this is Amy."
"Good morning Mrs. Spelts, yes, sorry, Ty's number is still international so we thought this would be easier. Wednesday this week would be fine with the understanding that both Ty and I have obligations at school. Of course, I'm sure Betty would be glad to. As a matter of fact she is, as a wedding gift. It's sort of the family's decision. We look forward to it, let us know if you need anything from us or anything special for your visit. I look forward to meeting you. Excuse me ? No, we're up at 5:00 usually, this is fine and10:00 for your visit will be perfect." Amy laughed "More the livestock than anything else, it's a 24 hour a day life. Sure, Ok, bye."
"If you have plans for Wednesday Betty, they've changed."
"Anything special ?"
"Have a suite ready so we can offer her a place if necessary and she's a vegetarian apparently so Vegan fare, no Pavel though."
"Got it. Anyone else ?"
"Just whatever family is around and Georgie, I want her read on Mrs. Spelts."
"Ready mom, truck ?" Maddie said speaking for the three coming into the library.
"Jag, I need the truck to pick you all up later. Now talk to us about Sunday."
"We'd all like Dr. Borden to come." Charlie said.
"Jackson ?"
"Yeah, they should meet or however you say it not to be creepy."
"That's fine sweetheart." Betty said smiling.
"Ok."
Amy smiled "I texted Sally and Erma to let the drivers know to skip us for the pickup and I'll be in the school offices around noon, I'll get you first Jackson."
Ty got in line for kisses and hugs behind the kids and soon Betty and Amy were alone in the library as they left the house.
Lisa and Lily who were in suites down the hall passed while Amy and Betty were working.
"Mind the company ?" Lisa asked from the door.
"Not at all" Amy said signing a document and shoving it into a folder that she immediately closed.
"Amy is this for you, Bridget sent it over, Skaneateles Central NY Art Guild ?"
"No actually, the Nellis family, the glass blowers we went to see are affiliated with them. They need funds for their LGBTQ outreach program and the purse string holders have issues. I thought maybe the Grainger Fund might take it on."
"Ah ok, I'll read it over and maybe discuss it with the kids Sunday."
"And dust off the old photo albums, I think some time reminiscing with Ty and the family would be nice."
"The girls mentioned it, Jackson's iffy."
"He'll be with Ty, Georgie will be around, they have that in common, car accident when she was 3, Jackson loves her. Don't make a big thing about it."
"What are we talking about, can Jack and I help ?"
"Or me" Lily added.
"Smack between Jackson's birthday and the girl's which is Tuesday is the day we lost Mitch and Gloria."
"I'm so sorry Betty I just didn't think."
"Don't Lisa, you're here for their special days and this is your first, both of you, we've tried not to make a big thing of it for Jackson's sake. This year the girls, well with Ty becoming part of our family, and me honestly, well…"
"Please Betty, it can't be easy, they were your children."
"Life goes on Lis and someone caught us as we fell." Betty said looking over at Amy.
"Seems she caught Ty as well." Lily said with smile.
"Why don't you all head into town so I can get done before I have to pick up the kids." Amy said blushing and standing to shoo them out.
Georgie stopped in to go over some files for school and medical which is where Jack, Tim, Lou and Katie found her for their ride. She texted Wyatt who was in the loft and would meet them in the barn and they all made up to be back at the house around 2:30 to celebrate with JT. Lou would handle lunch at the ranch. Georgie and Wyatt each had classes and TA duties to deal with at Cornell.
Amy set her watch for an 11:30 beep to remind her to leave, she had everything she needed with early dismissal notes already sent to school. She worked for another hour before she heard Nick and Claire in the kitchen and someone obviously getting some breakfast.
"Good morning you two."
"Morning Amy" Claire said coming over for a hug followed by Nick.
"We slept in." Claire said turning on the burner under a cast iron pan and then starting to crack eggs.
"Uh huh" Amy said comically followed by a smile from both Nick and Claire. "Plans for the day, we should be back by 2:30."
"Meeting Bryce, Chuck and Benny for lunch at the other stables and then looking at the site." Nick said setting two places. "you good ?" He asked.
"Ya, I'll just grab a cup of coffee, so when was this arranged ?"
"I texted Bryce this morning, you were serious about the offer ?"
"Of course I was."
"So we're here, might as well poke around." Claire said loosening the edges of her omelette and then adding cheese and baby spinach to the top before plunging down the toaster.
"Ok then, arrange for horses ?"
"Actually riding over with Chuck and Bryce in a little while." Nick said sitting as Claire slid half an omelette onto his plate then hers and then fetched the toast.
Amy grabbed a muffin and a cup of coffee and sat down as well.
"How bad is it these days ?" She asked.
"It's more unpredictable than anything else" Claire said. "You never know what's going to pop up and turn into a three day riot."
Nick turned to her "and it's not just one group, it could be any one of three or four groups and you're sort of stuck being kept out of town sometimes for days on end."
"We feel safe at home" Claire continued "but the uncertainty is rough."
"Sorry to hear, I loved that place, the old house."
"The kids would love to move here."
"Here specifically or in general ?"
Claire laughed "either I assume, we're not married to Alberta."
"Well come to me if you have any questions and I'll try to get answers but honestly we haven't run all the numbers yet."
"It's not the numbers Amy, we know the offer will be more than fair." Nick started.
Amy gently interrupted "it's the long term commitment on short notice, I'm not expecting an answer this weekend. Look, after the last time we spoke the thought occurred to me and as the design panned out and other things happened, this became a real thing and I need people I can trust. I trust you two implicitly and we make a good team."
"We do make a good team" Nick agreed.
"So you and Ty, you were a mess when we found you, to this ?." Claire said "I assume there's a story since last we spoke ?"
"For another day ?" Amy begged.
"For another day then."
The cowboy boots on the porch steps stopped them as Bryce walked in.
"Morning folks" he said to Nick and Claire "Boss."
"Morning Bryce" they all answered.
"Let me just load away the breakfast dishes and we're good."
"Horses outside on the post Claire, take your time."
"Have fun you all, I'm off to check email and grab the kids. Don't scare them off Bryce."
Amy waited to get buzzed into the building and walked into the main office.
"Good morning Professor, I just called up for Jackson. I guess that last surgery is coming up fast."
"It is, he's excited, we all are, birthday X-rays for him and the girls today."
"Well he's a remarkable child and I hear quite the swimmer."
"He is at that and quite the horseman as well."
"Hey Mom, good afternoon Mrs Drake."
"Good afternoon Jackson and happy birthday."
"Thank you ma'am."
"Thank you Mrs. Drake, you have a good day now." Amy said smiling.
"Let's get the girls and eat."
"What are we eating Jackson ?"
"How about Banh Mi ?"
"Vietnamese it is."
"What's for dinner ?"
"I'm sure Gran's making all your favorites Jackson."
"Yeah, birthdays are great."
The waiting room at the orthopedic center was empty when they arrived, with the next three appointments and the first after lunch it was expected. As soon as they walked in and Amy signed the sheet for the receptionist Don Sherman, the head of Orthopedics came down the hall smiling. "The Fleming clan right on time, Amy, good to see you again" he said as she rose to shake his hand and give him a brief non professional hug.
"So Jackson, first or last ?"
"What do you guys want to do ?"
"We'll go first JT, you take longest and Mad and I can wait outside on the lawn."
"Ok Charlie, them first Doc."
Jackson smiled and they all followed when Ty poked his head in the room from the hallway. "Guess this is it." He said all smiles himself.
Amy got up and gently kissed him. "Don Sherman, this is Ty Borden."
"Dr. Borden a pleasure to meet you and put a face to the voice."
"You too Dr. Sherman" Ty said shaking his hand. "Let's switch to first names though."
"Our first victim ?" One of the technicians, Rafaela asked coming out of one of the hallway doors.
"I'll go" Charlie said getting up and walking over.
"Four for each of the girls Rafa."
"And a full house for the birthday boy !" She called back smiling at JT who had obviously charmed the staff over the years.
Charlie disappeared into the exam room and Ty sat down. JT immediately came over and Ty pulled him up. "How's your day going so far Jackson ?"
Ty, Amy and Maddie sat and listened to JT run down his morning. It started with a kiss on the cheek and a special birthday cupcake with strawberry icing and sprinkles from April. He went through the birthday announcement over the school PA system and the rest of his morning until his early pickup.
"Are you done for the day Ty ?" Amy asked.
"I am with an early morning Monday meeting instead. I'll be back for the press conference."
"Shotgun home in the jag." JT called.
"Looks like I'm driving alone."
"Don't be that way mom."
"I'm fine Mad, I'm pretty tough."
Maddie smiled as the door to the exam room opened and she rose to change places with Charlie. She knelt over to kiss her mom's cheek and whisper "toughest broad I know besides Trish" before scurrying off to the exam room.
"So what are we talking about ?" Charlie asked.
"Your mom is almost tough enough, Jackson got a kiss and a cupcake from his one true love."
"C'mon mom" Jackson drawled.
"I'm sorry JT."
Ty excused himself to the bathroom and after a few moments was noticed by Amy. He stood before a small plaque at the entrance to the suite they were in.
Under a portrait of a young middle aged woman the words "Her love and selflessness live on forever through those hearts she touched" and under them "The Trudy Rodgers Memorial Children's Orthopedic Suite donated and maintained with love by the Rodgers, Grainger and Fleming Family Trusts."
Charlie followed Amy's eyes and got up , walked over to Ty and wrapped her arms around his closest arm. "Not a bad bunch of scoundrels to hook up with huh doc ?"
"Guess not Charlie."
"The surgical suite in Manhattan has Grandma Marion's portrait."
"I'm sure that will make GG very proud."
"You can be proud too papa."
"I am Charlie, of all of this."
"Maddie's done" She said leading him over to the chairs.
Don Sherman accompanied Maddie out and stood by JT. "Ready Jackson ? Not all the way in this time."
"All the way in ?"
"I forgot it's your first time Ty, the girls get regular x-rays, Jackson gets a progressive scan. About 40 minutes or so and Asher or Shoshana will call Sunday I think. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary on the girls."
"It's Ok doc, no worries." JT said standing. "Let's get it over with."
"Knock 'em dead JT" Maddie said with a smile as he walked away under Dr. Sherman's arm.
"You want to go in ? The only time you'll ever be with him awake and quiet." Amy asked with a big smile.
"Tempting, I must admit." Ty answered with a smile. "I think I'll go out with the girls."
"And I'll check in with Sandra and Bridgette."
Ty and the girls met Trish coming out of the elevator "hey done already ?"
"Jackson just went in" Ty answered "heading down for some air with the girls."
"Mama Bear inside ?"
"She's not moving." Charlie said.
"She'd pee in that room if there wasn't a bathroom down the hall." Maddie added.
"Should I stay ?"
"No Ty, you should act like a normal person, I'll sit with her."
The girls led Ty around to a side entrance between buildings where there were no cars near and a nice piece of lawn where they chose a tree and sat.
"So what do you do out here ?"
"Well" Maddie said reaching behind to her pocket and pulling out her phone, "we're teenagers with a half hour to kill, fancy phones and unlimited data so it'll be social media for us, you ?"
"I'll do the same I guess Mad."
Ty started with texts and moved on to email before heading off to his social accounts. A moment after reading an email from Charlie Rodgers he stood and walked a small distance away to dial.
"Good afternoon Ty, how's the day going ?"
"Great actually, moved around a meeting so I could be at Don Sherman's with the family. We're waiting for Jackson to get done."
"Ok can we talk engagement ?"
"Absolutely."
"October 16."
"My birthday and a Sunday actually, what about it ?"
"Three church groups and a senior center had the planetarium booked for that afternoon, the church groups cancelled, we can take them."
"What about the seniors ?"
"They'd love to see you propose and the show afterward, especially if we pick up the tab. Be pretty easy to get everyone up there if that's what you decide to do with your birthday. Monday's Columbus Day, federal holiday, everything's closed."
"Two weeks earlier is fine for me and Bert and Meg will be back so that'll not be an issue. Go ahead Charlie, I'll work the conversation to the planetarium after the kids festivities wind down."
"I'll look into a place to eat after."
"Thanks Charlie."
"No problem Ty, they called me with the opening."
"Still, I can't believe you imagined this in your plans."
"I count very few people as family Ty."
"See you later buddy."
Ty returned to sit with the girls against the tree and Charlie who was next to him leaned over "Mom and JT will meet us here."
"OK."
"Important call ?"
"Charlie."
"Yes Papa ?"
"No, Charlie Rodgers."
"Ah, all good ?"
"Yup."
"Check it out, Bobby's got an enormous watermelon." Charlie said expanding the picture and holding it out.
"World class for sure." Maddie said "does he want to enter it ?"
"I don't think they know yet."
"Enter it in a competition ?" Ty asked.
"Yeah, bunch of local competitions. They don't usually, it's a hassle."
"The Potter's have won some though, cheese, cider and those beautiful cows."
"Yeah, those Brown Swiss are lookers and they keep them healthy." Ty agreed.
"Who's healthy aside from these three ?" Amy asked dropping down and shifting between Ty's legs and into his arms. A second later Jackson dropped between her legs and leaned back into her arms."
"The Potter cows." Charlie answered.
"Yes they are, and how's being a normal teenager been ?"
"Social media is not what it's cracked up to be." Maddie answered "Back to the ranch ?"
"JT's getting out at the Potter's and he and April will ride Kite and Tristin over for tomorrow."
"Why don't you go in the Jag JT, Mad and I need to stop at the bike shop to see something."
"I actually haven't seen them either, Ok you two good with the plan ?" Amy asked.
Jackson and Ty looked at each other and nodded and then stood up followed by Amy, the girls and Ty.
Ty drove up to the Potter's home and found the whole family in front of the barn, the house barn they called it as they had several, with Erma playing with Kimmie on the grass while August helped April saddle Kite and Tristan. They all smiled and came over to welcome Ty and JT.
"I expected Amy, good to see you Ty" Erma said with a smile coming over to kiss Ty on the cheek.
"I got free for the tests and Amy and the girls had some business at John's shop so we split up. You all good ?"
"We're great" August said coming over and shaking Ty's hand.
"You good Jackson ?"
"Sure thing Doc, see you at the house."
"You all coming to dinner ?"
"Wouldn't miss it Ty, we'll see you later." Erma answered.
John came out to meet the truck as it pulled up. "this is a surprise" he exclaimed hugging each in turn.
"Came to see the bikes, everything work out this morning ?" Amy asked.
"They're inside, this morning went great. Why don't you wheel them out and get a good look girls" John said waking them over. The bikes were under a work tarp and the girls smiled when they saw them.
"These are awesome." Maddie exclaimed running her hand over the bikes. "With saddlebags they'll be more hog-like so we should do that, slides not over, but these are classic, V2 engine, dual exhausts, nice."
"The color is classic too, all Wyatt, black and beige." Charley said pushing one out alongside Maddie. "They won't be super fast but they'll keep up with the Norton's, can we start em up ?"
"Go ahead, they're gassed."
Maddie nodded to Charlie who got on the bike she led out. Charlie sat down turned the key, then stood to kick the bike on.
After checking both and spending some time on their knees looking over the engines they decided to remove the engines and rebuild them, there wasn't actually much to do but they'd feel better replacing gaskets and checking compression and service issues. Removing the engine also gave them an easier time dealing with the frame.
"Let's order new bags so we can customize the bikes, maybe initials and symbols." Charlie suggested.
"A Vet Caduceus for Georgie and a justice scale for Wyatt ?"
"That's good Mad." Amy agreed. "We need to get back. Get these back in the shop girls."
"I'll have the boys dismount the engines for stripping and check the frame for trueness." John said when they had returned the bikes and were walking to the truck.
"Let's beef up those front forks." Maddie added climbing in the back seat.
"We'll download service bulletins in the meantime."
"Good stuff Charlie, we're here." John said closing the door for Amy. "See you all for dinner."
Amy and the girls pulled up just as April and JT rode off the path from the Potters. There was a crowd on the porch and an impressive line of saddled horses waiting patiently for their riders tied to a picket on the lawn.
Jackson and April rode to the porch where Ty and Bert came down to spot them off their mounts though neither needed it.
"This is awesome !" JT said looking around. "Let's get fishing !"
"Go say hello and welcome everyone first Jackson" Amy said softly "go ahead be a gentleman."
"Girls you coming ?" Ty asked.
"We were going to get our homework done and out of the way, it's going to be crowded enough without us." Charlie answered.
"Ames ?"
"I was going to try and get my homework done too Ty, looks like it's a boy's trip out."
Even April stayed behind to help with the special birthday dinner the "mom's" were cooking up. In the end Ty, Bert, Charlie, JT, Grandpa Jack and Tim rode out towards river landing while everyone else settled around the ranch house. Lou ended up with Amy; Lily, Lisa, April and Betty to the kitchen and the twins and Katie to their room for homework.
Soon after Amy and Lou settled they were joined by Nick and Claire who rode back alone leaving Benny and Bryce to finish up for the day.
"How did it go with Bryce and Benny ?" Amy asked.
"It went well, the numbers are staggering but Bryce was right, those horses are in top shape. You really think they'd pay that much to house jumpers ?" Nick asked.
"Those numbers include our staff of experts in nutrition, rehab, training and vet care. Top notch facilities and care, I think we'll have a waiting list, many owners have more money that empathy for their horses. We'll see."
"I think Amy's right, we'll need a specialized staff but I guess you have jockeys, we'll find jumpers." Claire added.
"Jockey's are for the most part more on the looser easier going side than jumpers and ours double as hands but we'll find them and use our own home grown jumpers with you two we have 8. So you're still considering ?"
"Assuming the offer will be fine and the kids don't balk at the idea which I don't think they will, we'll probably be sharing land again."
Amy smiled and leaned over to hug Claire, both had huge smiles on.
"We'll work everything out and hopefully get rid of that property of yours before you have to leave. I'll ask Charlie and Trev to see if they can make a few calls over there and get the word out. How much stock you have ?"
"Six assorted warmbloods, probably ½ a million give or take." Nick answered.
"Worse comes to worse we can ship them here."
"Probably worth more here." Claire added.
"I didn't realize you were joining Pegasus, so what would you be doing here ?"
"They would run the new indoor facility we're building Lou, we'll leave Chuck and Benny in place and Bryce would oversee the three."
"Georgie was telling us about that, I don't think she knew about you two but the facility sounds amazing. You'd live here ?"
Claire looked at Nick for a second then turned to Lou, "well, here yes but where here is still up in the air. Benny's place is nice but we're leaning towards a house."
"I'd also like to redo the forest run and bring it up to competition standard so we can change it up and we should have two outdoor jumping rings."
"I figured on the outside rings Nick, did you mention that to Bryce ?" Amy asked.
"I did, he's got notes."
"So house ?"
"I need to be able to come out on a porch and not stare at work Amy, a path to the facility and a driveway out."
"We'll deal with it Claire, I always thought it was weird in Antwerp when I was housed at the facility. Benny loves it. Work out what you want and Sandy will get something drawn up for you to look at. Do you want a barn ?"
"Be nice, maybe 8 horse for us, the kids and guests. So Lou I hear you have a chain of Maggie's ?"
"Two does not a chain make Nick but hopefully we'll be starting on number 3 next year, Calgary, partners with Amy."
"So how are we working this Jackson ?" Jack asked as they were adjusting their wader straps.
"I figure three teams GG, you and Grandpa, Uncle Bert and Uncle Charlie and the doc and me."
"Me and Tim huh ?"
"No hitting." Ty added with a smile. "You guys set yourselves up here and JT and I will go upstream a bit."
"Remember, you need to take pictures of your fish." Jackson said already walking towards the path that would take them to a small upstream landing.
"Jackson, you sure you want me to be there Sunday ?"
"Uh sure, it's only right and Gran really wants you there. I uhm always feel a little weird, maybe not so much with you there ?" He asked it as if he was unsure and glanced over at Ty before dropping his tackle bag on the small shore and wading in. "Which side you want ?"
"I'll go further out, you stay close to shore." Ty answered passing him. "You know it's not your fault Jackson." Ty whispered placing his hand on JT's shoulder as he walked past.
"I know deep down but up close sometimes it makes me sad."
" It's Ok to be sad son and to be sorry he never got to be your dad."
"Mad and Charlie say it's hard to think of what their life would have been like, with mom and all and now you."
"Life doesn't work that way Jackson, the choices we make and the things that happen are like this river, it just goes, once a fish is past us, it's not swimming back."
"Well this one's gonna swim back, FISH ON !" He called as soon as he drew back and set the hook.
Georgie and Wyatt showed up at the ranch house about 5 minutes after the group reached the river and immediately saddled Phoenix and Wallace to ride out to the fishing crowd. Jack sent Georgie on to meet Ty and Jackson while Wyatt, swamped with law cases to review settled in against a log to read.
"Hey Georgie !" JT called out when he saw her wading out towards him.
"Hey JT, shove over so I can fish."
Through the years at Heartland and later on vacations with Peter, Georgie became somewhat proficient at fly fishing and through jumping and trick riding her timing was dead on so she looked good doing it. So far both Georgie and Ty had caught a fish and JT had two.
"So GG taught you Georgie ?"
"When I was younger but when my dad moved to Vancouver and the thrill of the city wore off we went camping and fishing a lot. He was a guide when he was younger and a patient teacher."
"Hmmm, is he my uncle too ?"
"I don't think technically he is kiddo."
"What happened to your, uh, your…"
"My natural parents died in a car accident."
"Wow, like mine, I'm sorry Georgie."
"It's Ok Jackson."
"Uh Georgie ?" He asked softer.
"Come on bud, let's sit down and talk."
Jackson looked over about to argue but Georgie knew that he would and didn't offer the option, instead she reeled back while edging to the shore and Jackson, seeing no option followed. Ty had caught some of the exchange leading up to this and decided to let Georgie and JT have their talk, perhaps Georgie could ground him a bit.
"So when's the day JT, Sunday ?"
"Yeah, do you remember them Georgie ?"
"Well, that's hard to answer, I have their pictures, and my brother and my Aunt told me about them and sometimes I think maybe I remember something, like my dad's laugh or my mom's smile, but I was 3 Jackson, I don't know if what I remember is real or something I made up. I doubt you remember anything huh ?"
"Nope, Mad and Charlie remember and they tell me about them and Gran does all the time and sometimes I see her looking at me funny, like she's remembering. Mom's my mom, her laugh, her smile, that's my mom."
"I guess I feel the same way about Lou and Peter and Jack's my great grandpa for sure. Lisa, Amy, Ty, that's my family and my brother Jeff. Those are the smiles I know are real."
"Where were you going Georgie, when the accident happened ?"
"I don't know Jackson, is that important ?"
"They we're bringing me home from the hospital."
"Instead of going to the movies or out to dinner ?"
"I guess."
"It's not your fault Jackson, 5 minutes either way it may never have happened. Does anyone remember the accident ?"
"The girls remember the hospital."
"So no one knows if your dad sneezed or something ran across the road or anything about what caused it."
"I guess not. How 'bout your accident."
"A young college student had too much to drink and swerved into us, I met him a few years ago, he made a bad mistake when he was young and seemed to have become a better person, he was very sorry."
"What were their names ?"
"Matt and Mary and your folks were Mitch and Gloria."
"Grainger, like Gran's name."
"Crowley, my brother's a Crowley."
"Is he in Canada ?"
"He lives in Canada but he's been in a country called Norway for the past 6 months, he'll come visit when his contract is over, he's an oil driller."
"Oh wow, that's cool, I saw that on TV once, I'll have to look up Norway and see where it is, I've been to Europe."
"I have too. Jack would you like Wyatt and I to come Sunday, you could introduce us ?"
"You don't think that's creepy ?"
"I guess it could be a little creepy but I think it's important to remember them JT and keep them in your life, they're part of who you are."
"Yeah, I guess, maybe you could take me when we're in Canada."
"It's a bit further from Heartland than Cortland from here but if we can and have time buddy, you got a deal."
"So what happened with you and your brother when you got adopted ?"
"They split us up when I was 5, I didn't talk to him again for three years until one of my foster mom's tracked him down. At least then we could talk every now and then and I didn't see him again until I was 11 and fostered at Heartland."
"That sounds horrible." He whispered almost unable to comprehend being taken from his sisters. "I would miss Mad and Charlie so much."
"It's over Jackson, a long time ago. It's Ok."
"Looks like it's time to go." JT said seeing Ty making his way to shore.
"All ready to have a dad Jackson, I think he'll be a good one." Georgie said looking over and watching Ty.
"Yeah, the best."
"You two Ok, I think we should be walking to meet the others." Ty said coming over as Georgie and JT stood. "Everything Ok ?"
"Great, let's head back" JT said reaching up and taking Ty's free hand.
As it turned out both Jack's, elder and younger each had two fish to everyone else's one though Bert lost a second when his line snagged.
"Nice fish too" Charlie mentioned walking over to mount Barrett who he rode over to keep Browning calm.
"I'm glad you came fishing Uncle Charlie, you haven't fished in while."
"So that was the plan all along JT, get Charlie to fish ?"
"Hey, son, dad, grandad, great grand dad, god father, favorite uncle, best cousin ever, who gets to do that ?" He answered looking over at Charlie who was smiling.
"Not many Jackson, fried chicken for dinner ?"
"That's my favorite, pancakes, Banh Mi, fried chicken, Mac and cheese and green beans."
"I think your mom's doing the Mac and cheese Ty." Tim said.
"Last I heard Erma was making one and Lily another." Jack said from the rear of the pack.
"That aught to be fun." Ty said, "I've had both, they're very different."
"How different can they be ?"
"Pretty different Tim, mom's is tried and true yellow cheese and Erma's, aside from being her own hand made cheese are gruyere, white cheddar, Parmesan and a fourth that slips my mind."
"Fontina" Bert added "it'll be an interesting contrast."
"Especially if there's hot dogs in Lily's and Ty dumps ketchup all over it, that's gross you know." Georgie said laughing.
"Got me through childhood Georgie."
"I like both, regular Mac and Erma's Mac."
"Very diplomatic Jackson." Ty said reaching over to ruffle his hair and getting the best most loving smile back in return.
Georgie and Jack who were now riding together at the back of the pack each caught the gestures and glanced at each other with smiles.
The girls, Amy, Lou and April all came out to help with the horses and hear all about the fishing. Amy told everyone that the preliminary report from JT's results were excellent according to Dr. Sherman and that hopefully Asher will concur with a green light for the surgery. The girls were as always fine, their injuries no where near as severe as their brothers and long healed.
As they were finishing amidst laughter and jokes JT supplied, Brin, Bobby and Carson joined the crew and soon the crowd, this time including Chuck headed back to the house for dinner. On he way John scooped Jackson up for a big hug shared with Trish. The porch was full of people, the Carmichaels, Caldwells, Margolies, Running Bears and all the extended family came together for Jackson's night.
Fried chicken, two mac and cheeses so different the vote was no contest, they were just too different and excellent dishes, sliders, green beans and a salad. They converted one of April's many pictures of JT on Merlin into a cake topper and laid it on the large three tier cake Lisa baked and decorated with Lily. After singing happy birthday the adults gravitated to the living room and library while this kids headed downstairs for video games and a general hangout. It was an interesting group, the teens, near teens and kids hanging together but the teens and Katie were fine with it and it made the younger kids feel special.
Charlie and Bert headed into the library to concoct two pitchers of Manhattans for the group, Amy, Steph and the other younger folks gathered to talk about the next day and the following weekend where Stephanie was positively giddy about getting cottages at the Audubon in New Orleans. Learning that they would actually be staying in John Audubon's cottage and his studio Ty became equally excited as did Cassidy Running Bear who held Mr. Audubon in high regard.
When Bert returned Amy glanced over and saw that Trev, Charlie and the Harwells had settled in the library with drinks.
"That's going Ok ?" Ty asked Amy softly.
"With some details worked out their kids will attend Ithaca schools next year."
Lisa had heard and looked over and smiled. "You like getting your way."
"Always have" Amy answered with her own smile and then snaked her head over to kiss Ty gently.
She wanted the true New Orleans dining experience so they had reservations at Gallatoire's and the Commander's Palace for dinners and Brennan's for lunch on Saturday, they'd make due with local fare Saturday and Sunday mornings, she was all for Beignets and strong French roast coffee for breakfasts and a true Po Boy before flying out.
The birthday groups would split for most of the day on Saturday with the teens heading to the grotto to hang by the water while it was still warm enough with the younger group heading out to spend a few hours at the nature preserve and rescue courtesy of Alex and Cassidy. They'd join up for the afternoon buffet and entertainment for the kids. Most of the teens would come later for the late lunch and a bonfire into the evening and most of the younger kids who would be gone in late afternoon would have the day ride to the the reserve, entertainment by Georgie trick riding and Amy doing liberty with the girls.
As the evening progressed people started leaving, those with kids first and then the others, the Fleming kids headed off to get ready for bed after good nights, until the group left were the family staying at the house, Georgie and Wyatt.
"I caught some of the talk between you and Jackson Georgie, all good ?" Ty asked.
"He's processing, I think hearing about me and that I lost my folks young and don't really remember them helped. He can't even comprehend being separated from his sisters like they did with Jeff and I."
"He Ok Georgie ?"
"He's good Amy, I offered to come Sunday and he'd like that, I hope that's Ok Betty."
"Lisa and I decided to share gran duties with you two Georgie, you and Wyatt are family, I should have thought to ask you to come. Do you have family pictures sweetheart ?"
"I have the albums my aunt left behind."
"I remember that." Amy said, "It'll be nice to have you with us Georgie."
"So they really don't mind foregoing gifts and stuff, hard for a foster kid to relate to, everything was so precious when I was 7."
"They don't know any other way," Betty said "Amy raised them to stand up, vocally and financially. They know how fortunate they are and that it feels goods to give others a hand up. I like that Art Guild initiative by the way Amy, I've given it to the girls."
"Seemed like a good thing and it's close enough for them to see it. We bought a set of Christmas ornaments done by students in memory of one of their friends who was lost to suicide."
"That'll mean something to them." Betty agreed. "You two better get upstairs for the kids and we all have a long day tomorrow."
"And nine horses Monday." Amy added. "Goodnight everyone."
Jackson had showered and had just settled in bed when Amy and Ty came in.
"Did you have a god birthday sweet boy ?" Amy asked sitting one the bed and reaching over to run her hand through Jackson's hair.
"Yeah, good day." He said with a yawn.
"Happy birthday Jackson, sleep good son." Ty whispered leaning over to get and return a kiss and hug.
Amy did the same though her hug lasted a bit longer "Good night my love."
"Night, I love you" he whispered already fading.
They found Lou with Katie and after making sure all was well moved on to the girls.
"All ready for tomorrow girls ?" Amy asked sitting on Charlie's bed which was closest.
"Yeah, I guess there'll be about 20 of us," Charlie said "we'll ride out to the grotto after eating and hang out, Chuck and Bryce are getting a campfire ring set up and we'll collect wood."
"We'll come by with snacks at one point."
"Thanks mom, and you too Pappa, come meet our friends ?"
"Of course I will Mad, wouldn't miss it."
"Mom, uh, we have a friend, Tracy, coming who's younger, middle school, she's come by to the club a few times and I invited her."
"Ok ? I assume there's more ?"
"She came out and her folks are shell shocked, her mom is coming and doesn't feel comfortable leaving her with the older kids so I sort of told her that her mom is welcome to stay at the ranch."
"How old is she Mad ?"
"12, almost 13, starting high school next year."
"Meg and I will take care of her Mad, you can't judge people."
"I know mom, still, we have to support Tracy."
"We will, is this a religion thing ?"
"It's a part of it, they're African American which brings a whole other perspective in, her Mom picks her up and signed the release for her to attend the club, not sure how her dad feels but they've listened and not reacted."
"Listening and a non reaction, is better than we've seen in a lot of cases Mad, we'll help where we can and not judge."
"Got it mom, no judging."
"Ok then" Ty said "good night girls" Ty said leaning over to kiss and hug Maddie and then switching with Amy.
After washing up and spending some times with the dogs Amy lay down and snuggled up to Ty's side while reaching over and grabbing the surgical text he was reading and dropping it to the floor.
"Am I done reading ?"
"Snuggle time."
"I can snuggle."
"How do feel like escorting Jackson's friends out to the rescue center and giving the Running Bears a hand keeping them in line ? They love it out there and Cass puts on a good show. Chuck will go along to help."
"I can do that, what do you have planned ?"
"The girls, liberty practice, helping Georgie get ready and guests, the adults will show up anytime."
"Why does it always feel like you do more than I do ?"
"I don't really my love, you shouldn't feel that way, we each have what we do and sometimes that's spending time with the kids while the other takes care of other things."
"I didn't know about the birthday charities or the pediatric orthopedic suites. I'm so in awe of the kids and what you've accomplished Ames, it's amazing."
"I guess I'm going to miss some of the warnings and what's become a regular thing with us Ty, I'm sorry."
"Oh no, it's nothing, but like Georgie when I was their age that kind of generosity and love were pretty much foreign to me."
"Well, you're not that person anymore Ty and neither is Georgie. Kids need love and as cliché as it sounds love is a very healing thing."
"Just kids ?"
"Ty" Amy asked with a giggle "are you in need of love ?"
"I could deal with some love."
Amy shifted her leg and pulled herself up so their lips could meet. Ty reached down and pulled her closer, wrapping her in his arms and drawing her against him. She sighed as his hands roamed freely over her body and their kisses exploded into their familiar passion.