Chapter 76
Ty opened his eyes when the knock sounded and looked over to see that Amy was not in bed and then glanced at his watch. He got out of bed and walked over opening the door.
"Sorry Pappa, mom says it's time to get up."
"That's fine Charlie, is happy birthday appropriate considering it's actually not ?"
"Perfectly acceptable."
"Then happy birthday sweetheart" he said reaching out to hug her and kiss her head.
Charlie reached around Ty as well and hugged him back "ohhh, thank you Pappa."
"Anything else ?" He asked.
"Nope, see you downstairs."
20 minutes later, in jeans, a who t shirt and wet hair which Amy thought very sexy, he found Amy, Lisa, Betty, the Harwell's and the Hershman's who had returned late the evening before at the kitchen table, only slightly smaller than the dining room table actually. There was also a crowd on the porch. He smiled at the Harwell's and Hershman's on the other side of the large table and kissed Lisa and Betty going by on the side he was on.
"Morning Grand Mere, morning Gran."
"Morning all."
"Good morning Ty" they all responded randomly.
Amy was manning waffle machines and loading a plate of sausages from the grill. When she got the sausages to the table she turned to Ty who pulled her into his arms as the peck Amy had planned became more.
"Good morning sweetheart" he whispered close to her face.
"Good morning my love" Amy whispered back raising her palm to his cheek and stroking over it with her thumb.
"Is my waffle going to burn ?" Nick asked with a smile.
"No it's not." Amy answered smiling after one more quick kiss before turning.
"Have a better night's sleep son ?" Betty asked pouring him a cup of coffee when he sat.
"I did actually and sleeping in was nice, besides today Eli can worry about Barnum."
"My pleasure Ty" he answered.
"Ty, Zach and I are going to join the rescue center group if that's Ok, he loves it up there ?"
"I've heard another parent along is always welcome Rach, thanks !"
As Amy brought food to the table people helped themselves. Ty made sure that Amy had already eaten before starting on his. She had, the first group, served by Betty and Lisa were either outside or helping Chuck sort horses for JT's friends to ride out.
Jack and Tim came in from the porch and each refilled their coffee.
"So what's the schedule of events ?" Tim asked.
"Family gifts, Jackson's friends first then some mingling then the girl's friends."
"Family gifts, I'm told that two barrel racing horses from us is more than enough." Tim said.
"Two surprise horse's are definitely more than enough dad, they love them."
"Casey picked Jackson and the girls some nice button down shirts."
"That's nice dad, Grandpa bought that cool vest for JT that he keeps pining to wear praying for colder weather."
"And I have some family earrings to pass on." Lisa added.
"Well, let's gather them all on the porch I guess and we can have the big tearing of the wrapping paper when the kids are back from chores." Betty added getting up.
While Amy and Ty cleared off the last of the breakfast dishes, those with gifts gathered them to the porch waiting for the kids who were reportedly almost done. The Carmichael's, Caldwells' and Potters had shown up in the meanwhile and joined the crowd. Their kids heading over to the barn to help the Fleming kids get finished with chores.
"He's here !" Amy said after a a glimpse out the window above the sink, laying the last of the dishes in the dishwasher and grabbing a dish towel hurriedly to dry off.
"Who's here ?"
"Shane, it's a surprise."
"Shane, your brother ? What about Tim ?"
"Fuck my dad Ty, Shane's our brother and Lou hasn't seen him in years and Georgie never. He lives in Ottawa, pretty close." She answered running out and down the porch stairs a huge smile on her face.
"She seems excited, I guess someone you know ?" Lisa asked Betty.
"Someone you all know Lisa, that's Shane." Betty said standing with a smile and heading down the stairs walking after Amy.
When the Subaru Cross Trek pulled up and the door opened Amy almost tackled the occupant getting out of the car and everyone from the porch watched the hug and kisses.
They turned towards the porch arm in arm and Amy wiped her sleeve over her eyes. "Come on bro, let's face the crowd."
"How's he going to react ?" Shane asked as Betty stepped over smiling for her hug.
"Welcome home Shane."
"Thanks Gran" he said with a smile with Amy and Betty now on either side of him.
"You start by calling him dad Shane and we'll see, this isn't Heartland and there are rules."
Lou who was talking to Nick and Claire looked up at the scene "Is that, Oh my god." She said getting up and rushing through the crowd to the stairs only to have Amy step back while Lou who was also crying wrapped her brother in her arms which he reciprocated. She wouldn't really let go just held him looser so she could see his face.
"Hey Sis, it's been awhile."
"I'm so sorry Shane, it's so good to see you. Amy didn't tell me, I'm so happy you're here."
Amy left Shane to Lou and Betty and walked up the stairs where Lisa and Jack were standing to receive them.
"Casey, come on, in case he hasn't mentioned it by now, you have a son to meet." Amy said holding out her hand with a smile.
"You could have told me." Tim said getting up.
"You could have picked up a phone and called him Dad, behave yourself."
"He could have called me too you know."
"As I recall you made yourself pretty clear at the time, is that how you look at me, should I have called you too, well, don't expect an apology from him either."
Shane was all smiles meeting Casey, after all it's not everyday you meet a mom and Casey had a real country way to her, her welcoming smile and expression were really all it took and after their hug he looked up and saw Tim. It was evident that Shane's body language changed at that moment and Tim seemed to have deflated a bit.
"Dad, it's good to see you, you're looking well." His tone unsure but hopeful.
Tim looked at him for a second and in a very un-Tim moment raised his hand to wipe his eyes and sniffle. "Shane, it's good to see you too son." He said it taking a step over. Their hug was tentative at first but took hold to everyone's relief.
"I agree with your mom by the way bro, you can drive back in the morning." Amy said "hungry ?"
"I'm good for now and I know, she laid down the law on my drive down. She and David send their love, and thanks for the talking car sis, you give a hell of a birthday gift."
"You're very welcome Shane."
"Where are my nieces and nephew ?"
"Barn, they'll be along, and we have a surprise for you."
He noticed Ty off to the side when Amy sunk into his side. "Ty, good to see you man, word is you're destined for brotherhood."
"Guess so, never had a brother."
"Me either, full up on pushy sisters."
He excused himself into the house with his bag, Betty led him to Jackson's room where he'd be bedding down, they were actually out of space. Shane was fine with it, he loved Jax and the girls.
"You bought him a car ?" Lou asked.
"Come on Lou, you want a car, he's my brother and what he was driving, well, we won't get into it. I spoke to Miranda and David, it's really not an imposition."
"You'd buy me a car ?" She asked sheepishly.
"Maybe a little car." Amy said bumping her head against her "I am buying you a diner Lou."
"Yeah, forgot about that for a minute."
The line of kids leading saddled horses to the front paddock was impressive and they were followed by Alex, Kace and Piper Running Bear riding down the trail from the preserve. They were there to ride back with the kids, several of whom didn't really spend much time on horses. Amy also noticed Robert Cleary leading some horses and smiled. She had been told that he had been showing up for work on weekends. Chuck appreciated the help. She also noticed his horse saddled as well. He rode over with Alex rather than leaving Victory Star in the paddock.
"Robert, good to see you and Star's looking good."
"He's been happy Professor, thanks."
"And you're here for ?"
"Oh, just a set of helping hands at the rescue during the festivities. I've been helping out on the weekends."
Alex got down and reached up to shake Ty's hand over the rail. "Robert's going to be working with the high schoolers who are volunteering."
"Nice" Ty said.
"And you've been helping Chuck I hear so thank you for that. It's not mandatory though." Amy said "you need time for yourself Robert."
"I miss some of the farm work truthfully and it helps stay in shape, I'm not a gym guy. Besides I get to hang with Star, the seconds, Cassidy's big birds and I can spay 6 rabbits in an hour now."
"Impressive, don't let it interfere with vet school."
"Yes ma'am, I mean no ma'am, uh professor, sorry."
"Whose Cross Trek ?" Maddie asked.
"Your Uncle Shane is getting settled in Jackson's room."
"Awesome" Jackson said stepping up.
"Happy Birthday Mad" Ty said looking over.
Maddie smiled and walked over throwing open her arms. "Thank you Poppa" she whispered as their arms wrapped around each other and Ty kissed her head and squeezed.
She smiled when they came apart and looked up at him "whatcha get me ?"
This made everyone who smiled at the exchange between the two laugh. "Are we up to that now ?" Ty asked laughing.
"Mad, what are you thinking ?" Amy added between laughs.
"I'm thinking he bought you a house and a Jag, shall I go on ?"
"And a truck as of Thursday."
"Another truck ? Betty asked.
"A land Cruiser so we can actually fit the whole family." Amy answered.
"You're just loving this aren't you." Lou asked low in her ear, Amy swatted her gently.
"How about we do the gifts here first" Ty said.
"So your gifts won't fit here ?" Charlie asked walking over to the pile.
"What's going on ?" Georgie asked walking up the stairs with Wyatt.
"Gifts." Ty said.
"Ah, what time am I riding Amy ?"
"Figure 1 - 2 we'll entertain, then food, then kids go and teens stay."
"There were several gifts that most stood out to the kids today. From Lisa the girls each received a pair of diamond studs, both sets given to Lisa by her grandmother's in high school. Lily also had a surprise, for the motorcycle shop Ty had told lily and Wade about, a framed blown up photo of Ty's first time on a motorcycle on the dirt bike Brad arranged for him to ride. The same photo Ty had. Lily had found several old items tucked away, the negatives for a lot of pictures included. She had the negative digitized and photo shopped to it's current state. Wade and she also picked Jackson a leather biker jacket they found that was close to Ty's in appearance.
Besides barrel horses, Casey had picked blouses and shirts for the kids and Tim presented Jackson with a special belt buckle in a frame, one of his National All Around Champion buckles, one of very few in the world and one of the four Tim owned.
"That's an amazing gift dad."
"Best in the world ?" Jackson asked.
"Best in Canada for sure Jackson." Ty said.
As gifts cleared and the kids calmed down everyone sort of turned to Ty and Amy.
"Who first ?" Amy asked with a big smile waiting for Jackson's hand to shoot up.
"Jackson first." Maddie said.
Ty turned to the garage and pulled out his phone. He set door number 3 to open and hit the button. As it went up all could see Amy's red vintage on a new blue lift. On the hood, now closed was a wrapped box with a bow.
"That's yours Jackson, go ahead" Ty said as JT scooted off the porch and ran to the garage followed by Cars and April and the rest walking behind in a crowd. Amy had texted John when they started on the porch and he and Trish came down the hill as Jackson ran across the lawn.
He grabbed the box down and all three kids tore the wrapper off. The look on JT's face was precious when he maneuvered a padded seat with a pole and ball thing attached to the bottom. He stared at it and then at Ty, then Amy. "Ok, what is this ?" He said holding it up.
"It's a seat, all yours."
"Where's it go ?"
"Oh" Ty said hitting the phone by the button for door 5. As the door opened Jackson stepped away to look.
"It goes in my new float boat."
"Wow, you got a float boat, it looks awesome !" He said running over with the seat and finding where it would go. He climbed up and over the side and slid the balled base into the hole until he heard a satisfying pop and then sat down and began swinging back and forth.
"It's got a trolling motor and everything, flat bottom, bait well, wow, wow, wow !"
When Ty got there he jumped off the side into his arms "best present ever !" He said then bore down on a hug. Amy came over and Jackson moved over to her arms for a big hug. "You'll wear a vest Jackson and listen to Ty without argument."
"I promise."
Ty turned where the girls were waiting anxiously. He smiled and hit two buttons together. "Go." He said as the first two doors raised and Ty finally hit the button that powered the lights and neon lighting up the interior of the now fully furnished garage.
The girls stopped at the trucks and walked together between them.
"These are awesome" Maddie said.
Charlie popped the hood on one and hiked it up, it creaked loudly. John stepped up and laid a torsion arm in to hold it up.
"What do you think Mad, Chevy big block ?"
"Not if you want to fit an a/c in there Charlie." Amy said "I looked into a Stroker V8 for mine, nice and compact 383, get a tight 4 speed, dual exhausts and you've got a real hot rod that'll pull a trailer."
"18" tires, matte black rims, dark amethyst with a metallic black flake, how about it Charlie ?"
"I'm thinking black with a metallic amethyst flake would work for me Mad. Wow, look at this place" she said first noticing her surroundings.
"Pappa she is never going to let you do this again but this time you did very well." Maddie said walking over to him for another hug.
"Thanks Mad, so good gift ?"
"Very good gift Pappa" Charlie said also coming over to his other side. "They're going to be very fast."
"So that's it, hot rod custom ?"
"Disappointed ?"
"He's not Charlie, he actually said it to me, I don't even care if they go hot rod as long as they build them." John said. "Those exact words. And you two will wait until someone shows you the proper way to weld off those panels."
"We will." Maddie said.
"We'll work together." Ty said, "Jackson and I are going to work on the Ford."
"Custom or refurb ?"
"Stroker V8 huh ?" Ty asked looking over at Amy who was smiling.
"Fleming, we're all Fleming's."
Wyatt wandered over to a vintage HH Scott receiver and clicked it on, looked at the inputs and chose aux. Turned on the CD player and chose the first CD on the stack. He looked at it and smiled. A second later the Latin beat of Tito Fuente's big band fired out of two Klipsch Heresy speakers mounted down from the corners of the space.
Mad was immediately joined by Brin who needed no further invitation than the music and the floor to dance, a second later their hands in the air they sought some space. Bobby and Charlie joined them a second later and were certainly doing their best to follow the beat.
TY felt Amy's hand come over his shoulder and he smiled and reached to grab it as he turned into her arms. "You knew they would just go for the custom."
"Oh yeah, no brainer on that" she said leading him out to some space swaying with the music.
Georgie and Wyatt joined and Shane pulled Lou over. Jack and Lisa walked over to Jackson and his friends who were climbing all over the boat, actually a very well constructed raft.
"What do you think GG ?"
"Pretty slick Jackson, looks like some fishing adventures for sure."
"It's cool, in videos online you can see they stand on the boat and it floats with the river while you cast."
Tim was standing with John, Trish, Betty and Lily watching the dancing. Casey was dancing in place.
"You don't think they're dancing just a little too close ?" Tim asked.
"Who Tim ?" Lily asked a moment later.
"The kids."
"Our kids or their kids ?"
Betty and Trish laughed out loud at her question, John smirked "good question. They're good kids Tim, all of them."
"That's what Amy says." He muttered.
"She would know. Not my monkey, not my problem." Lily muttered a moment later eliciting that laughter again.
"Do you have a point to make Lily ?"
"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones Tim. That would include both of us."
Betty reached over and patted Lily's shoulder. "I like you Lily, girl's, some light please, you've made your point." She said to the twins turning towards the entrance where cars and trucks were parking to drop off, " come on, it's time to herd kids anyway."
There were a total of 14 guests dropped off for the party not counting Carson, April, Piper, Kace and Jax who were excellent riders. To escort the group there was Ty, Chuck, Rachel Hershman with Zach, Erma Potter, Dr. Cleary and Alex Running Bear. They sorted the kids into those that knew how to ride or had trail rode in the past and those who were new. Ty assigned helpful riders for those less experienced with the exception of one rider Stephanie Tompkins who liked Carson, a lot, and the feeling was mutual. Cars took it upon himself to watch over a smiling Stephanie and ride beside her. April, her good friend and JT rode the other side of the pretty young girl. Ty marveled at the whole thing, a 7 year old double date.
Sally Carmichael stood and watched the group take off and Amy smiled "guess it'll be a double wedding Sally."
"Almost destined if we make it that far, hot rods huh ?"
"Yeah, they build them they can drive them."
"Better have Tom brush up on his traffic court chops. Flemings with hot rods, that's gotta be good for business."
"It'll be awhile Sally. Let's see what needs doing." Amy answered laughing while putting her arm around Sally's waist and leading her to the house.
As it turned out nothing needed doing. Jack, Shane, Tim and Nick were at the track watching the horses being breezed. Amy stepped out of medical to see Shane's reunion with Pal. His smile when he turned to her was precious.
The grandmothers sat around the porch watching over Georgie who was playing with Kimmie. John and Trish had gone off to get the cotton candy truck ready for later and the teens were in the barns making sure that Chuck would be happy with the state of his domain when he got back.
"Georgie, are you dressing for your performance ?"
"Not a performance without the costume Amy, Sandra's law."
"Then let's check on the girls and do a quick rounds before getting the horses out and warmed up which will give you enough time to change."
Georgie got up and Sally and Meg Caldwell got down to take over and keep Kimmie occupied.
They found the girls, Brin and Bobby setting out the horses in rescue and working on their stalls and after checking on their progress arranged a small performance practice and warm up at noon and then continued on with Georgie to find Bert and her crew.
Rounds were routine. Eli sat with Barnum as he usually did during the day. Sometimes Zach came and played alongside the two which seemed to amuse the horse. Amy was fine with it and the staff simply smiled and worked around him as they did Jackson and his friends at that age. Jeff had returned to duty though his horse Crater, ever Barnum's stablemate stayed behind, his duty to his injured comrade. In a week or so they'd move Barnum to rescue and start pairing him with other horses to wean him of Crater.
Georgie stayed behind to finish charts with Bert and Sarah while Amy headed back past the girls to greet Pavel and make sure he was set for lunch. The grills had been lit and his small crew were dealing with food, all was well it seemed and she settled with everyone on the porch and soon had Kimmie on her lap.
"So are we just leaving them out at the grotto with wood and matches ?" Meg asked.
"Georgie and Wyatt have volunteered to chaperone."
"Oh, that's good, they've been bred to defer to coaches."
"Now we just have to keep Georgie and Wyatt from sneaking off." Amy added laughing.
"How many Amy ?"
"Around 20 Betty, it could change and there's a middle schooler with mom in tow. Tracy, not sure I got her last name, came out recently, parent's still a bit shell shocked."
"One's bringing her, that can't be all bad."
"True, just be aware."
"Consider me aware."
"You have plans for a honeymoon honey ?" Lisa asked walking over with Lily.
"With Jackson in a wheelchair, maybe we'll have the other house by then. Ty and I can go alone for a few days and then the family can come up and join us, we actually have an elevator. Ty and I haven't talked about it."
"Christmas ?"
"Here, and maybe New Year back at the other house."
"Alberta ?"
"Kids are off in February, Mid Winter Recess, I think maybe warmer than Alberta with a beach, he'll be still using crutches or just off, we'll see, surgery and recovery first, that's all I can focus on."
"We'll talk" Betty said hoping to curtail any more questions. Glancing over she saw the thanks in Amy's eye's and smiled.
Wyatt joined the crowd on the porch shortly before Georgie was done and rounded up the teens for warmups.
Georgie asked that they set up a small stands for the crowd, she was never comfortable at full speed with people hanging over the railings on Checkers blind side. For his part Checkers was noticeably up beat and happy if there was a word to describe it. "We're going to run today sweetheart, happy ?" Georgie chided while scratching Checkers chin.
Georgie had the girls go first, they performed together and then Amy and Spartan joined them and the girls stepped back as Amy worked all three.
"Never saw her do three before" Jack said riding back to the barn with the other men and Benny who was joining the party. Bryce also was riding back having set the ring for the fire at the grotto and hauled several loads of wood out with some hands. The kids would gather the rest.
"Remember that Dark Horse thing Jack ?"
"I'll never forget that Tim, the first time I ever saw her like that with Spartan was on my birthday, they did that dance and he bowed to me that day, I'd never seen a horse that close to it's rider before."
"Working with her in Europe for that year and a half was a lesson. The way those horses started focusing on her was eerie." Nick said grabbing a brush.
"So Shane what have you been doing lately ?"
"I teach English and run a small theatre company in Ottawa Jack, we live there now, well, mom and David in their place and me in mine."
"English ?"
"High School, Grade 10 and 11 and I run the high school theatre program."
"Like it ?"
"I love it and the chance to get summers free, I still get time to write and the kids are pretty good for the most part."
"And a ?"
"I have a girlfriend Dad, her name's Jackie and she had a family event of her own so we split up." He took out his phone and brought up a picture of a very pretty young Asian woman with a bright smile, almond eyes and long straight black hair."
"What does she do ?" Jack asked.
"She's a social worker, CPS. We're both also in grad school."
"Noble work, we've had some dealings with CPS over the years."
"And it seems the family's kept it up, Amy's three are amazing."
"Wyatt, Georgie's beau is working with CPS in Alberta and somewhere here in the states to see about getting kids together with horses. Might be something there for you, well her, you are family Shane."
"Are you serious, you and Jackie I mean ?"
"We live together dad, two years almost, we met a few years ago chaperoning a Halloween party at my theatre. We do all the make-up and stuff for the kids and put on a show."
"And ?"
Shane sighed "and the rest you'll get later."
"Ok, Ok" Tim said "just wondered."
They were told to skip the mash and set the horses out to graze which is what they did. Jack tried to mark the horses back on the iPad but in the end Shane figured it out. Georgie was warming up in jeans and street clothes, nothing fancy just some side drops to get Checkers warmed up.
"Well the pictures aren't lying, Georgie's pretty." Shane said stopping to watch in front the barn. "And insane" he added seeing her drop for a few seconds into a side suicide drag before pulling up where Amy and the girls were standing.
The men waited as Amy and the rest brought their horses over for stalling. Georgie still had to get Checker's dressed once she was in her costume. It was a warm day for September and Amy wanted them to cool a little before riding all out, the girls would also rein to start their routine.
Maddie and Charlie both stopped to hug Shane before heading in, Amy stopped Georgie and Katie while Bobby and Brin went in as well.
"Katie you were just a baby when Shane officially joined our family, Georgie, it's a shame you two never met so, this is your Uncle Shane, mine and Lou's brother."
They both smiled wide and Georgie reached over for a hug. "I've read some of your short stories, Mom printed them for me, good stuff."
"Thanks, I like doing them, especially when they get printed but I love the theater and writing plays."
"Well, I'm here now so maybe Wyatt and I can come up and visit, maybe see one of those plays."
"Deal." Shane said.
Erma and Rachel came over the rise first followed by a group of kids and outriders, Ty and Chuck rode up last.
Amy wasn't sure where they were all hiding but Bryce and several hands appeared to take horses, have kids say their thanks and goodbyes to their mounts and send them towards the porch where adults were waiting with basins for washing and towels for drying. Chuck stayed and sent everyone else away including Jax and friends "not today Jackson, you have guests."
"Chuck''s right son, give Merlin a hug and go on." Ty said smiling and nudging him with a gentle palm on his back.
"Ok, see ya boy." JT said as the the other 3 did the same to their horses.
As often happens no matter the preparation or the randomness of the entire thing, a steady stream of cars came through to drop teens or stay as guests, many almost simultaneously, started causing a backup on the road. Bert was here and Meg showed up with Trish who had run to Cornell for a meeting. John and Cooter were setting up the cotton candy and candy apple wagon. Erma and Sally had spent the week making dozens of candy and caramel apples. The apples all collected through the week at the small Pegasus Macintosh grove, maybe, 6 trees doesn't make a grove but all told the ranch had over 100 apple trees, 16 varieties. Many of the properties owned by their large core group had apple trees as well so there really was never a shortage.
The girls, Bobby and Brin welcomed the cars with teenagers that stopped around the circle near the house. When Tracy and her mom drove up both twins welcomed them and Maddie called Amy over.
"Hi, welcome to Pegasus, I'm Amy Fleming, the girl's mom." She said it with her signature smile and reached through the window to shake hands.
"Evelyn Monroe, pleased to meet you Amy."
"And you're Tracy, I'm so happy you were able to come, why don't we make this easy, Tracy, why don't you get out and mingle and I'll show your mom how to get to some out of the way parking and see she gets back."
"Mom ?" Tracy asked.
"That's a fine idea sweetheart, I'll be right back."
"Mom, I think we'll take this to the music room until Georgie's ready, I think we're in Pavel's way."
"Ok Mad, we'll come find you."
Amy had walked around by then and had opened the door for Tracy and then took her place.
"Just follow that road over there Evelyn."
"Thank you so much for understanding Amy."
"That you wanted to stay ? No, No, as a parent you should always be comfortable, I get that and she's young, this is a high school party, I understand completely."
"And this, uhm, this"
"Revelation ?" Amy suggested.
"Perfect, I mean I've always known something but just couldn't put my finger on it."
"You're doing fine from where I'm sitting, next to the truck is perfect Evelyn."
"How did you ?"
"Easier than you, twins. Maddie never once paid attention to boys, and once Charlie noticed it was done. Identical twins sort of even out in social growth especially as close as my two are. It was pretty obvious that Maddie liked girls and Charlie gave her the ok so to speak. She never actually came out to us. She was just a lesbian."
"Don't know if that would have made a difference I guess."
"Can't see how it would have in the end, this is who she is. Let's just go in the back door, the kids are in the house."
Ty had come in as Amy and Evelyn walked past the first floor suites and joined them from the other way.
"Evelyn Monroe, my fiancé Ty Borden."
"Evelyn, good to meet you."
"I'm sorry I thought you were married, Tracy said, "never mind."
"Ty lives here, he's their legal guardian until after, the girls may just not have wanted to go into it."
"Previous marriage ?"
"No, neither of us has ever been married, I adopted the kids 6 or so years ago. Their parents died."
"Ah, sorry, I guess I was prying a little."
"It's fine Evelyn, I want you to feel comfortable asking anything, we're a family and we love Maddie and truthfully Brin and what the outside world makes of it will never change that. We may be configured differently than your family but the key is the family part. Let's barge in."
The Rolling Stones were on the stereo and Amy opened the door to a room full of teenagers clustered around sitting or standing in groups. There were 4 apparent couples, 2 besides the twins. Two boys sat in a group holding hands and two girls, one with their arm around the other talking with Brin.
"Girls, Georgie is changing so it's almost time, 20 minutes or so." Amy said walking over to where they were standing with Bobby and Tracy who smiled at her mom.
"Ok mom, we'll move everyone outside." Charlie said.
"And formal introductions are expected later."
"Got it." Mad said with a smile and a wink at Ty.
"We'll be in front."
"Formal introductions ?" Ty asked on their way down the hall.
"I want their names and to shake their hands and welcome them to our home Ty, we expect them to act like adults and part of that is treating them like adults."
"I agree, you have guests I or my husband need to meet them and the parents before I drop you off, no parents, no drop." Evelyn agreed. "I'm actually wary of parents who just drop and run."
"Same here, I assume no dates yet ?"
"No, I think she's a bit young for that."
"The twins became official at 14, and I'm best friends with Sally and Meg and Bobby and Brin are like my kids."
"We'll talk" Evelyn said with a smile as they came outside. "What happens now ?"
"A bit of horse entertainment then lunch, cakes, our son's kids go home and the teens head off to the grotto, swimming hole on the other side of the property. My niece and her fiancé will be with them, music, campfire, teenagers."
"Can't wait." Evelyn muttered.
"Come meet some other parents." Amy laughed nodding at Ty who understood it was mom's time.
10 minutes later Amy bowed out of the small chatty group after making sure Evelyn was in good hands with Meg, Sally and Erma. After a minute she made her way to where she found Ty with John, Trish, Trev, Step, Meg, Bert and Charlie.
"Where's Chuck Charlie ?" She asked walking over.
"Bryce took him to pick up Robin and get Roberta and the kids."
"So I finally get to meet Robin" Ty said "he mentioned the dance lessons a few times. I told him he might mention Latin dance to their instructor, for our wedding I mean."
"So what's happening with them, anything ?" Amy asked.
"Hard to tell and short of asking him outright, he's thought about it I think."
"Like what getting married ?" Ty asked.
"Yes Ty, like getting married, they're both highly functional, they both effectively live on their own and work." Amy explained.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to sound outrageous."
"Neither of us took it that way Ty but I can see Chuck doing it, they can't have kids, statistically most people with Down syndrome are sterile and they've both been tested."
"Well if it's in the cards I look forward to dancing at their wedding."
"Mom, it's time." Maddie said walking past with Brin who ran over to Ty, "Hi Ty" she said leaning up to kiss his cheek.
"Hey Brin."
"Jackson's surgery is the 7th, you have a hair appointment November 10th which is Friday, that'll take you through the wedding."
"Brin you" he started.
"You're welcome Ty."
"Thanks Brin" he called back, a second later she turned, smiled and waved. Maddie turned a second later. "She's great right ?"
"Just perfect Mad." Ty called back.
"Timing fits." Amy commented.
"Still, is she coming to this one too ?"
"Maybe I will."
"That would be nice."
Amy smiled and nudged him "Go find a seat sweetheart."
Ty walked over to the small grandstand set up and Amy to the girls. Their horses and Spartan were off to the side. Amy saw Georgie walking out of the barn and smiled. She was wearing a midnight blue outfit and Checkers was outfitted similarly. Georgie's gear was skin tight and when they hit the sun they were a sight to see.
"Woah, look at Georgie" Jackson said coming over to sit next to Ty followed by April, Cars and Stephanie. A minute later 15 other excited kids came and sat down around them.
Betty and Lisa waited until they were last and when they took seats on the end of the grandstand Betty nodded at Amy.
"Girls, off you go." She told the twins.
Reining is a matter of practice and an intimate association with your horse as you need to convey your command with your legs with a little assist from the reins. You also need excellent balance to be able to shift your weight in anticipation of the sudden starts and stops. It was hard with one rider and one horse, like with liberty work, 2 horses side by side with two riders or handlers was harder than the sum of its parts.
The girls excelled at it, Charlie's connection with Colton and Madelyn's with Barclay, their ranch horses were as familiar and close as they could be. The girls doted over their horses, made sure they were exercised, played with, worked and performed with them whenever they could.
There are eight basic reining moves that must be performed at a competition routine, The combinations of these movements are where the wow factor came in. Circles, flying lead changes, rundowns, sliding steps, back ups, rollbacks, spins or turnarounds, and lastly the paste or hesitate. They were originally set up to mimic the moves a cowboy and his mount needed to do in order to effectively do their jobs on a ranch.
Their routine ran about 20 minutes until they rode off to grab a break, a drink and make sure the horses were settled and comfortable before starting the liberty. Ty watched from his seat as each of the girls knelt and checked each of the horses legs, then gave them each a bucket. The paddock had a running water trough.
During the break John, Trish and Cooter handed out bottles of water to those that wanted before returning to their seats as the girls, guide staffs in hand, walked out while their horses followed them attentively. Since they had most recently performed a liberty play in Saratoga they used some of those routines to form the basis of today's and for about 15 minutes, they danced and spun with Rudolph and Margot, their beautiful paints. At the last they had them both lay down and walked off towards Amy who entered with Spartan behind her.
Spartan walked to each of the paints under Amy's direction and nudged each to rise. They stood on either side of him and then following Amy's dance and direction all three horses ran the complicated course her baton and commands ordered. They followed her every movement and their eyes never came off of her. Jack glanced over from where he was sitting at Ty, Jackson was sitting or leaning against him between his legs but Jack let that part go, he was fixated on Ty's gaze, as fixated on her as the horses, he's seen that look before and remembered what Ty had twisted that into, being with him would just hold her back.
His gaze turned back to Amy and the thought left him as the three horses stood around her, Spartan in front and each of the paints to her sides. Jack sucked in a breath as Amy reached up and each of the horses rose onto their hind legs and pawed at the sky inches from her face. Honestly it was at least two feet but Amy knew the crowd would make the worst of it.
The girls joined her as the crowd whooped and applauded and they led the horses off to several hands who were waiting. Amy went over to where Georgie waited alongside the grandstand as out of sight as she could and still see. In her outfit and Checkers they would attract too much attention and she didn't want to be a distraction. Checkers was fine waiting with her, he knew that soon they would be performing and he loved that. He'd waited patiently with Georgie before.
"Ready Georgie ?"
"As soon as you announce us."
Amy smiled and walked out into the ring and held her hand up for quiet. "Ladies and Gentleman, please try to keep the screams to a minimum and remember to breathe, Pegasus Ranch is proud to present Georgina Fleming Morris and Checkers !"
Amy climbed through the fence and walked over to Meg and Trish who moved over to free a seat on the edge for her as Georgie and Checkers picked up speed and Georgie dropped off Checkers' side into a side bar, when they were at full speed and back in view of the crown she dropped from that into a side drag.
Amy looked over at John and Bert and then realized that Lorin was sitting beside him.
"Lorin ?"
"Ah Amy, Bert mentioned Georgie was trick riding and, well, how have you been ?"
"I've been fine Lorin" she laughed "staying for lunch ?"
"That would be lovely, thank you Amy." He answered not taking his eyes off of Georgie as he hadn't actually from the second he acknowledged her presence.
"She's quite something isn't she ?" He said as she dropped into a rear drag and his expression changed as his head flew back a touch.
"Yes she is." Amy answered.
One of Georgie's strengths as a performer was her ability to make practiced tricks seem almost like accidents eliciting gasps and horror from the audience, she grunted and huffed during some moves just loud enough to be picked up by the audience and they came more frequently as her set progressed. Of course they were all faked, she had learned early that doing tricks before she was ready endangered both her and Checkers and she had learned restraint.
Kick-ups, Croupier Vaults a shoulder stance, forward and reverse fenders, forward and reverse side death drags, hideaways and spins around the horn, Georgie kept up the energy to the cheers of the crowd. Amy watched her kids react, Jackson jumping up and down and Ty's smile at his excitement. The girls were hooting encouragement and she caught Lisa gently trying to calm Betty. The seconds and Robert Cleary sat with a lot of the staff on call along with Sarah, Vi, the Running Bears, Harwells, Hershmans and family. The seconds were beside themselves, yelling and screaming like the teens. Lou had that stoic look Amy remembered when Georgie performed, a mix of awe, pride, love and fear, feelings Amy knew too well with her crew.
Amy knew Georgie was finishing up when she went into a hippodrome but was surprised when she slowed down, dropped to her saddle and pulled up in front of the fence near where Amy was sitting.
"Come on" she called over "I need you for the big finale."
"No Georgie" Amy said shyly holding up her hand.
"Come on, you don't want to disappoint the crowd." She smiled and 'whispered' which was funny since everyone heard. "Don't embarrass me in front of the dean."
Amy handed her hat to Trish, stood up, reached into her pocket for a hair tie and pulled her hair back.
"What are we doing ?" Amy whispered "I'm a bit older than I was Georgie."
"Just a hippodrome, stay in front of me, wave and smile."
"Just a hippodrome" Amy muttered.
Georgie laughed as Amy got up on Checkers and set herself as Georgie got on behind her. "Go ahead Amy, you're in the driver's seat"
Amy nudged Checkers forward and as he picked up speed Georgie whispered, "you're first, I'm right here."
Amy smiled and shifted her feet from the riding stirrup to the upper trick stirrup and felt Georgie's hand on her lower back steadying her as she pushed her legs to stand. She could hear everyone cheering as Georgie rose behind her "wave to the crowd Amy" she said as they both waved and smiled "Ok, keep this up and I'll be back in a second."
"Georgie, what are you …." Amy started and then instinctively knew she was dropping off the horse and glanced behind for a second to confirm that Georgie had dropped off Checkers's back into a full suicide drag as they flew around the track.
It felt like forever before she felt the pressure on the saddle and heard Georgie grunt as her stomach muscled strained to pull herself back up. Amy felt her grab the steady strap and a second later Georgie was standing beside her again.
"Everything Ok up here ?"
"You could have told me Georgie."
"We sit on three, ready, 1,2,3 and pull us into the center please."
Amy slipped off followed by Georgie who was smiling and waving. "Wave and smile Amy" she said out of the side of her mouth.
Amy stepped forward and waved her arm back and then applauded "Georgie and Checkers folks !"
Georgie bowed and then signaled Checkers who cautiously bowed next to her.
"Lunch everyone" Amy called out having glanced over to Pavel who was standing on the porch looking over.
Trish stepped down and handed Amy her hat. She was about to actually tell Amy what she thought about trick riding when the kids ran up jumping and all talking at once.
"We'll discuss trick riding and trauma later Amy." Trish said with a smile "don't you ever do that again" she whispered.
Amy glanced over at Georgie who was standing patiently with Checkers, she had pictures that she was signing for some of the kids and taking selfies for them to have.
Lorin walked over and shook her hand "had to see this for myself Dr Morris, Pat will never believe it."
"We've got video Dean" Brin said from behind him before she reached over to hug Georgie "That was awesome Georgie."
"I'll never question that grip of yours again Georgie" Bert said "very impressive and pretty much confirms that all of you Fleming's border on insane and it's not genetic, so maybe something in that Alberta water."
Meg and Trish just hugged her as the crowd died down and moved towards the house as Georgie and Wyatt walked Checkers back to the barn.
Amy found herself with the Carmichael's, Caldwell's and Potter's for lunch. Ty joined her as did the kids and teens. They sat around on blankets laid on the grass. Evelyn Monroe came by with Tracy and joined them.
"Evelyn, doing ok ?" Amy asked.
"You throw a nice party Amy with some pretty unexpected entertainment, my husband, Tom, well Thomas, but Tom, will be sorry he missed it. He grew up on a farm down south, talks about the horses and animals all the time."
"Tell him anytime he wants to sling that shovel again, that part of farm life hasn't changed" Amy answered laughing. "But seriously, he's welcome to come anytime and take a trail ride. Best family time I know for all of you."
"Meg mentioned family time might be a good idea, get to know Tracy a little better."
"Did she mention the Pflag Church services ?"
"She did, we don't know how our church will react, Tracy mentioned you folks don't."
"It wasn't this, I wasn't raised to any particular faith, I really don't remember going to church for anything. My understanding that most churches go with we don't have any problem at all if you're gay, we have a problem when you act on it. If you resign yourself to a lifetime of celibacy or marry within the church doctrine, meaning someone of the opposite sex they're fine with it. I'm not and I haven't asked but I doubt Maddie would be."
"So this is like a horse hospital ?"
"In general terms, we're sort of mixed, high performance horses and rescues. We fix and train. I'll take you around once they head off to the grotto."
"Ty's a vet and Assistant Director of our medical facilities, I'm more the rehab, training and nutrition end of the equation."
"And you're a Professor Tracy tells me ?"
"We both are, at the vet school, and you ?"
"Human Resources at Cornell and my husband's in college recruitment, he travels."
"So ultimately we all work for the school."
"Pretty much" Evelyn agreed with a laugh, it sort of put them on a more even keel somehow, these people, nice as they were, had money.
Georgie had changed and she and Wyatt walked over from the barn. Amy spotted them at the food tables and since she wasn't done eating excused herself for some more before cake.
"You over it ?"
"I'm fine Georgie, it was more the momentary shock, it was fun."
"Where you sitting ?"
"Over by the mom's."
"Meet you there."
Ty introduced Evelyn to Georgie and Wyatt and Amy joined them a minute later.
While Chuck and Bryce went off to gather some help to get the next set of horses ready to leave Robin went to sit with Charlie, Meg, Trish and the others. Amy grabbed Ty for an introduction. Robin was sweet and like Chuck friendly and forthcoming. She worked for the foundation and did well. She lived with a roommate in town, her folks had a house not far out. They both worked for the Ithaca school district.
"Are there rules ?" Georgie asked coming over.
Amy smiled, "keep the close fraternization to a minimum, couples don't wander off and be back and in the barn by 8, fire at the site doused and of course policed."
"And you ?"
"At least Meg and I will be by at one point or another."
"Oh, Shane's coming along."
"That's great, I guess he's be bored here and dad probably won't let him breath. Get to know him Georgie."
"What time do we have to be back mom, parents at 10." Maddie asked.
"I just told Georgie Mad, back in the barn by 8 and we'll have snacks in the entertainment room."
"Got it, ready Georgie ?"
"We're ready" Georgie said.
"Thanks for this Georgie."
"No problem Amy. Come on Wy, Shane, we're out of here." She called out.
JT's guests were picked up around 3:30, the regular crew stayed along with the moms. Kimmie was napping in the library. Ty and Bert headed off to do rounds and start a plan for the horses arriving Monday as well as some work on the lectures Ty would give in Bert's absence.
The women settled on the porch. Most of the men drove over to Charlie's literal man cave for a couple hours.
Betty and Rachel started to knit and Evelyn was immediately interested, she learned as a child and wanted to take it up again. Betty set her up and Rachel got her started on an easy pattern of rows. Amy sat within the crowd of her friends going over wedding choices and decisions. Erma knew they'd end up like this and didn't want to pass up the opportunity to pin down some answers from Amy and with her committee sitting here it was like shooting fish in a barrel.
"Evelyn do you ride ?" Amy asked over to the next group.
"Horses ? I have been on a horse but just trail rides over the years, mostly on vacation."
"Trail ride is what we got on the menu today if you'd like to ride out with Meg and I."
"To the party ?"
"To the party." Amy answered.
"I'm in if you have a calm horse."
"You can ride mine, Spartan, calm as can be. Sally ?"
"I'm good, I'll keep the lot here."
"Want a nurse along ?"
"College Professor ?"
"You two want to come ? Fine with me. Chuck we'll need 6 horses at 6 o'clock sweetheart."
"Ok Amy, we're getting three pregnant mares ?"
"We are Chuck, time for the girls to deal with some foals and mommas and I'll need them for a vet school clinic. Usually the Ag department has some loaners for me but the timing is off and these came up. And the nine rescues."
"I'll set the mares in doubles so the foals can stay with them and we have room."
"Your barns Chuck" she said smiling. Amy noticed the look on Robin's face, she was always so proud of him and he of her.
Lisa and Betty opened a bottle of wine and then another. There was also soft drinks, coffee, tea and snacks that appeared
Evelyn took a glass of white wine and fell back into gossiping and knitting, she seemed to fit right in.
When they finally rode out they were 7 after Lou decided she'd come along. Ty and Bert had joined the men at the Rodger's house for a couple hours.
Evelyn did fine with a leg up and rode between Amy and Meg Caldwell.
"So we really have to be more trusting of our kids than straight moms, that's what I've got."
"In a way Evelyn," Amy said "the schools or the public won't separate them but if you think about it how much more mature is Tracy having stepped up to tell you this most intimate of secrets."
"Don't think it hasn't been noticed by Tom and I, we know what it took her and what got us past that night was how much she must trust us. You know they bus kids from the middle school to the high school for the clubs and mentoring. She's the only one for now going to the GSA club, they were nice to make her feel welcome."
"They're a nice group and there are straight kids in the club, I was parent liaison two years" Meg told her.
"I guess it's easier that you two are friends."
"Doesn't hurt, at least we know were on the same frequency with the touchy stuff. Sally's son Bobby is Charlie's boyfriend so we're all in it together I guess."
"She'll push boundaries like any teenager Evelyn, treat her exactly like you would if a boy was involved." Amy said.
"Can you really do that considering ?"
"Of course" Meg said "sleepovers and trips have changed, they can't just bunk together, change together and they used to, it's inappropriate and bizarre in that in school we have no control but home is home."
"You think about grandchildren ?"
Amy laughed and Meg joined in "one day you can ask Brin" Meg said "She'll tell you all about her plan and 3 – 5 rug rats."
"Georgie's adopted, my three are adopted, I'm not worried, Mad is a loving person, she'll have kids I think, one way or another."
Over the slight rise and into the grotto Georgie, Wyatt and the twins jumped up to help with the horses. Amy spotted Evelyn down. Nothing seemed even remotely remiss. Kids sat around, the same two couples from before held hands, there was a small fire for show, containers of snacks lay on a blanket next to a soft cooler.
The girls took Amy by the hand and led her around introducing her to their friends, some straight, some horse kids, some gay from the club. Evelyn went over to Tracy who was hanging with Katie and sat with them for a few minutes. Lou, Shane and Georgie joined them.
On the way back Evelyn seemed more at ease and Amy leaned over "they really are just as shy and careful as straight kids, they don't rush ahead."
"It seems to have done her some good, I guess leading up to her decision she seemed, I don't know tense, probably the wrong word. She looks happy."
"Your acceptance has probably meant the world to her, the fallout from the world is where you need to be strong for her as she learns to stand up for herself. There will be finger pointing and whispering and comments."
"I feel much better for all this so thank you. You're fortunate to have so accepting a family."
"They can leave anytime they want" Amy said. "Are either of your folks still around ?"
"Both mine and Tom's mom."
"They'll surprise you I think, the ones in between will come around."
"Well I guess if they want peace with us they'd better be fine with it, I don't for a minute buy that they can get better crap, Tom and I might be church going but we've both got graduate degrees."
Meg reached over and patted her back gently "you'll do just fine Evelyn, if not we have a motorcycle gang we can lend you."
"I think part of Evelyn's plan was to have us meet your twins before talking to us. She dragged us to the last movie night at that motorcycle shop. Tom had a blast watching the old cartoons."
"You're welcome anytime Evelyn" Trish said from behind them.
Back at the ranch they helped Chuck get the horses stabled for the night and then laid out drinks and snacks in the entertainment room. Benny and Bryce were coming back to help with the teens.
John drove Bert and Ty back to the ranch, they'd had a couple drinks and they settled in the library after Ty met the friends. The women headed back out to the porch.
"Have you thought about a wedding cake Amy ?" Erma asked.
"Apple pies."
"Apple pies" Erma repeated, "I like it actually."
"There you go." Amy said smiling.
"And it's Thanksgiving weekend, that's good, I can use that."
"And she's off." Sally said laughing.
Erma looked up at the women staring at her and grinning "oh stop, Amy loves Central New York, that's a good theme."
"It is and I do love Central NY. Go to town Erma."
Evelyn spoke with her husband and although she had told Tracy 9 PM they relented to let her stay until 10. When she went back to tell her she found her daughter dancing with a group of kids, her hands in the air and she was smiling to light up the room.
Back on the porch for the last hour, Amy had seen Jackson to bed, Erma and Sally had left with theirs an hour earlier and Bobby would get a ride home from one of the kids. Amy, Lou, Evelyn, Megs, Trish and Georgie sat and chatted.
Shane and Wyatt joined Ty inside.
The rest had gone to bed. Pavel and his crew had cleaned everything up and stored the rest. He and Yvette were the last to leave of that crew with Amy's thanks. Very soon after the last of the teens were picked up everyone else headed to bed. It was a long day, getting clean and sleep were in order.
There were long hugs with the girls on the landing near the master bedroom. Ty stopped into Jackson's room after knocking to make sure Shane had settled Ok. Jackson elected to give Shane his bed and took the roll out himself.
Amy lay back against Ty in deep steaming tub. She had combed out her hair and Ty played with the ends.
"How did we spend so little time together today, I mean I know what we both did but how the hell did you do this alone ?"
"I went with Jackson's group, then the middle and then did the same. Bert could have gone with his group but parent is important."
Amy lifted her arms and stretched. When she returned to her resting position Ty began massaging her neck in small circles. Amy moaned as his fingers moved.
"Ty ?"
"Hmmm ?"
"How did they introduce you to their friends ?"
"Ah, Jackson's was about 100 words spoken in 12 seconds basically saying that at one point or another I'd be his dad. We got there eventually, some of the kids added to the fine points."
"Sorry I missed it, and the girls ?"
"Let's leave it at they're fixated on the Pappa and the fact that, you know, as their legal guardian I get to come visit them in juvie. Everyone agreed that was important."
"Yeah, well, I think it's understood that they definitely don't want me visiting them in juvie." Amy added with some surety.
"Or bailing them out of jail." Ty said moving on from the massage to the nibbling.
"No definitely not" Amy whispered turning her head towards his waiting lips.