A/N – Haven't done one of these in a while, hope you're all enjoying the story and S13 if you've been watching. Interesting episode tonight. Anyway thanks for all the reviews and PM's, I love them good and bad.
Chapter 83
Ty stopped at the small table set up at the back entrance to the Rescue Barn to grab a cup of coffee when he was spotted, called out and stopped by Amy.
"The tea Ty, it will help your throat, you're like the worst patient on earth." Amy said walking up to hand him a steaming cup.
Ty's throat was raw and had been for a couple of days, Aside from lecturing for Bert which really was harder alone than it looked and rounds, vet duties and 3 surgeries so far, he was on the schedule for mare lectures at the ranch. Amy offered to cover for him or even have one of the seconds do it but he refused. "Just earning my keep boss."
"Good, go sit on the porch and rest your throat, sip your tea and relax until you have to go to the airport. Someone else can go you know."
"No, I want to pick them up and I'm feeling better."
"Are you really feeling better ?"
"I promise, still horse but I'm not sleepy and the tickle is gone."
"Ok, big bunch of people heading up with us to the planetarium, be a shame if you were too sick."
"I'm taking my meds and drinking my tea. Now let me go relax, I have reading to do anyway. You have a lecture this afternoon ?"
"And an appointment with Barry, I'll miss you getting back I think."
Amy presented her cheek for a kiss and Ty sighed. "this part sucks you know."
"This part sucks for me too Ty but you are seriously germy."
"I know, how's it going, you know with Barry " he asked as they walked through the barn to the front.
"Ok, I guess, still doing background stuff, it's a hard question to answer. Go ahead, I have to sit with Sarah for a little while before I go, I'll stop at the house."
"Welcome Amy, come in and thanks for switching to the earlier appointment." Dr. Porter said reaching out to shake her hand.
"Not a problem Barry."
"Well, let's try to keep it on the light side since I know you have to lecture after, how did the closing go ?"
"It went great thanks and came with a surprise."
Amy came out and greeted Ruth and Peter Treulich, Ruth's son-in-law, who was married to her daughter Rosie. Peter was the Spelts' family attorney and along with other clients handled mundane matters like wills, trusts and personal real estate for the Pierrepont-Spelts estate. The West Canada home and property fell into the latter category.
Ruth hugged Amy and introduced her to Peter. "Thanks for putting us up Amy and thanks for the welcome to our family."
"It's our pleasure Peter, come on and we'll get you two settled. I know you have to get back tomorrow so we're set for 10:00 AM ?"
Peter looked at Ruth and nodded "sounds great." He said.
"And it'll give us some time for a ride and catch-up." Ruth added.
"I'd love that Ruth" she said showing Ruth her room which for tonight was the large master guest suite. Peter was shown to the room across the hall where Ruth stayed last time.
"This is too much Amy." She said walking in.
"Come on Ruth, otherwise you or Peter are upstairs or over the barn."
"We'll meet you out on the porch Amy, thank you, the rooms are beautiful."
Amy smiled at Ruth's smile and turned down the hall. She stopped at the library where Betty was sitting sorting papers. "Whatcha' doin' Gran ?"
"Just filing away the last of the Grainger Foundation paperwork, how about you ?"
"Waiting for our guests to settle I guess, with Ty off his game and busy as he's been I'm all caught up on paperwork. I'll check in on the kids, do you need help with dinner ?"
"All set, big pot of soup and vegan fare."
"I'm glad you baked, the house smells amazing."
"Go up and let me get done, then, for the first time in history we'll both be caught up."
Amy settled on the porch after seeing the kids, Ruth and Peter met her there not long after.
"Peter, up for a ride ?" Amy asked.
"Not in the cards I'm afraid, I have a few calls to make and some paperwork to deal with but thanks."
"Well let me set you up in the library so you can be alone and comfortable."
"I've got it Amy" Betty said coming out, "Come on Peter, some coffee or tea ?"
"Coffee will be great Betty, thank you. Mom, you'll be Ok ?"
"I'm fine Peter, send my love if you call home."
"Sure thing mom, have fun."
"Mom huh ?" Amy asked as they rode the path into the preserve towards the thoroughbred stables and the new construction site.
"Louis' wife Viv also calls me mom, it's nice."
"It would be weird to hear any of the kids calling me mom, not that there's any reason to think the couples that exist now will finalize."
"Well, they either will or won't and if they're good to your kids it won't make a damn bit of difference what they call you. From what I saw though I'd say the odds run higher than not for your lot."
"Yeah, close quarters ranch life."
They stopped and took a walk through the thoroughbred stables. Benny greeted them and met Ruth. There wasn't much for Amy to do, they were between seasons, keep 'em healthy, exercised and happy was their job and per Ruth "these are some fine looking horses Amy." Amy left Ruth to wander for 5 minutes while she spoke with Benny. She was surprised that Annabelle had been by for something and on the way out commented that a good shot of red clover in the meadows might be something to consider and Amy made a note to ask her about it.
"The best of the best Ruth, champions and hopefuls. We had Cloister here a few weeks ago."
They rode over to where a basic plan of the new facility had been laid out, a group of 4 men stood across the way and one of them, an architect, the only one in a sports coat and tie waved and motioned if he was needed. Amy waved back a no as she described to Ruth what the plan was and in general where facilities would be placed and a general outline of the work, rehab, arena work and the pools.
"So we're back to given the time, some if not many of the horses put down could in fact be saved."
"Well, I doubt there's been a study but it's not just that. There's the money for tests, exams and surgery. A break could and often comes with a $25 thousand or more surgery and no guarantees. Colic can run $5-6 thousand and sometimes horses are more prone and time isn't a real factor in those. Not many places will have the pools or vets that have been innovating rehab techniques for years or the time to invest in treatment. We can't intervene in every one and the truth is there's always a risk, even when we do it. However, coupled with whatever else, rehab and time are certainly an issue for many."
"And what are they building back near the house ?"
"Ah, we've outgrown the family barn so we're adding an extension between that barn and the rescue barn."
"Does this by any chance have to do with those 13 horses you mentioned last time ?"
"And Georgie's 4; that broke the camel's back, Chuck was beside himself and he's right so, we add stalls and a couple hands."
After dinner they gathered in the library where Ty, Peter, Ruth and Betty shared some cognac and the kids sat around as always. This time however the conversation was all about the new house, Jackson and the girls were all very excited and Ruth delighted in that excitement. Peter, a bit of a fisherman himself showed Jackson and the girls several spots off the beaten path they'd fished at and two spots on the lake where they could find some decent bass as the lake bottom dipped in those spots. He also told them that they had ordered a mapping of the lake bottom which he had somewhere and promised to find and send over. Though the map was old and the depths probably somewhat off, deeper and colder was usually just that even if a bit deeper or shallower.
Amy also showed Ruth pictures of the three glass pieces she had bought for the house and a picture of the tackle shop interior she had secured for the infamous saloon room.
"I never liked that saloon and that horrible wainscoting was so dark. Had we stayed I would have switched it."
"Well we'll light that tackle corner nicely, the wainscoting and the bar are going with the Kennedy's to be recycled and they'll build a more kid appropriate bar. Lighten up the floor and a bright paint job and we'll be good."
"Piano ?"
"I think we have room for the player upright and a baby grand for Sabrina Mad, we'll surprise her with a trip to Steinway when she comes to visit in the city."
"I might just have to come listen to this Sabrina of yours Madeline, she sounds very special." Ruth said glancing over.
Maddie smiled widely, "she's awesome and this'll make her cry, it's nice mom, thanks."
"She has to practice Mad and I want her to be comfortable spending time at the house. You three should get ready for bed and Jackson, sleep I think."
Jackson got up and hugged Ty and then her. He turned and hugged Betty and shook Peter's hand. He stopped at Ruth who put out her arms and Jackson smiled and obliged "thanks for trusting us," he whispered.
"Thanks for being trustworthy young man" Ruth said smiling. She was also hugged by Maddie and Charlotte.
"I'll be up in a few minutes" Amy said as they left the library.
"Great kids" Peter said "Jackson's a pip huh ?"
"They're good kids." Amy agreed.
"Well the girls are beautiful Amy and you've raised them proud and strong." Ruth said "They're adorable when then talk about Sabrina and Bobby."
"You haven't met April." Ty said smiling "that's an experience."
"I've spent time with Erma, I think I can imagine."
"Can I interest either of you in a refill ?" Ty asked "Betty ?"
"I'm not proud" Betty said "hit me Ty."
"I'll join you Betty, it's very good."
Amy got up with Ty and leaned up "stay with our guests sweetheart, I'll be back in a few minutes."
Ty nodded and Amy raised her head for a light kiss before excusing herself and heading upstairs. They talked for a while about the cognac and a few other topics before Amy came back around as a topic.
"She's all Mom's talked about since she was here." Peter mentioned taking his drink from Ty.
"She can have the effect on people" Betty said "I never left."
"Cheers Betty" Ty said.
"To Amy Fleming" Betty said raising her glass.
"You've got to be kidding me" Amy said walking in, "you four aren't allowed to drink together anymore."
Ty took her hand and coaxed her down to the couch next to him.
"You two make a nice couple."
"Thank you Peter, I agree." Ty said smiling and finishing his cognac.
"You're all liquored up aren't you." Amy laughed.
"It'll help my cold."
"Now it's a cold ?"
"It's remarkably potent." Ruth agreed laughing at the mild chiding and reaching over to turn the bottle.
"Hennessy Paradis Imperial" she read. "Doesn't sound cheap"
Amy giggled and reached to run a finger over the edge "really nice bottle though, Waterford or Baccarat, oh is this one of those return bottles ?
"$1200 towards your next bottle of $3000 cognac, Baccarat I think, a special edition, some Israeli designer" Betty said looking at her phone "here it is Arik Levy."
"Oh interesting Shoshana mentioned him to me, I'll have to look him up."
"Shoshana ?"
"Sorry Ruth, Jackson's surgical team is Israeli, Shoshana is one of his surgeons."
"They know their business the Israeli's, their medical start-ups are excellent investments." Peter commented "we've done quite well in medical tech."
"Charlie agrees, well, I'm for bed."
"I'm with you Betty" Ruth said getting up.
"I think it's time for all of us, I'll see you all for breakfast." Amy said getting up along with Peter and Ty.
The next morning was drizzling and misty and they opted out of a trail ride. As such Amy took her place with Sarah meeting the students at 7:30 to have them experience the pregnant mares, watch the exams and have some hands on, an experience many of them will never see in a professional setting. Ruth and Peter opted to watch and after a time were joined by Ty and Georgie from early rounds.
"She's very comfortable with them, the students I mean" Peter said "we have a lot of teachers in the family."
"She's always been comfortable teaching I think" Georgie said "she likes doing and explaining, the journals are fascinating Marion's and then hers, Marion was radical, Amy more methodical, thoughtful and when she started asking questions about herd health and getting deeper into the herbs and native grasses, plants, weeds, the stuff in the last few years is wild."
"And the consensus amongst your colleagues Ty ?"
"It's certainly mixed Ruth but she has some heavy hitters behind her."
"And the young, she likes focusing on the young."
"Catch 'em when they're young Ruth, they're easier to train, less set in their ways."
"Just like horses Georgie ?" Ty asked.
"And men" Georgie quipped with a smirk and a wink at Ruth.
"Very nice Georgie, train Wyatt well did you ?"
"Actually Ty, yes, Wyatt's pretty perfect for a guy."
"I'll be sure to let him know." He answered laughing.
"I tell him he's perfect all the time, but feel free."
When Amy was done and the students were leaving with their coffee and bagels she joined the group of 4. "Was that fun for you all ?"
"It was great Amy." Peter said "Mom's been talking a lot about horses lately, fascinating creatures apparently."
Amy smiled "I always thought so and we owe them so much of what we are as a nation, North and South of the border, oh well."
"I've got to change for school" Georgie said "I'll see you after lunch ?"
"I'll be there." Amy confirmed.
She hugged Ruth, shook Peter's hand and waved bye to Ty before heading out the back towards her staircase. The rest walked back to the front and over to the house where they gathered for coffee and sat in the kitchen talking until 10:00 they assumed when the closing was scheduled.
"What was all the endless pool stuff on the office computer ?"
"Well, it won't matter this year because he won't be swimming until we can open the pool. Different enclosures for the actual pool bother me for a variety of reasons so, if we want an endless for Jackson we need to find a place in the house which doesn't seem easy or build something to hold it. One idea was a cabana near the pool that can have a bathroom, say a changing room, some storage for pool things and an endless."
"Seems doable I guess" Betty said "we can get it to match the house."
"Or ?" Ty asked.
"Reclaim the gym in the house and build a structure elsewhere, not have an endless, or swap the gym and the basement bedroom, put in the endless and the gym equipment and make the gym into a smaller bedroom or something else."
"Which way you leaning ?"
"He's 7 and technically won't need the exercise regimen he's kept up once this surgery's done and he's healed, it will ultimately be up to him, I'd love to see him keep it up but we can't force him."
"He loves exercise."
"I know Ty but it's goal oriented, soon we'll reach that goal, one day Phyllis will tell us there's no longer a medical need for her services or a schedule for him to follow, no chart to check off." Amy said this quietly as if she almost couldn't believe she was saying it and then feeling the tear forming sniffed it back and reached for the coffee pot. "Well, anyway, more important things like a new dining room table come first."
Everyone respectfully gave her a second to compose herself when they were interrupted as a white Maserati pulled up to the house followed by Tom's Audi SUV.
"Boys are here" Amy said laughing and getting up to meet Tom, Trev and Charlie coming onto the porch "come on in and grab some coffee" she said with a hug for each as they walked past.
Introductions and reintroductions were made as coffees were poured.
"Why don't we just stay here and do this" Amy said "Kids are in school"
"Fine with me" Tom said opening his briefcase along with Peter and each pulling out a stack of papers. Charlie and Trev both pulled out pens and laid them on the stacks.
When the offer was tendered and accepted Charlie transferred 400,000 dollars to the existing escrow account to bring it's total from the offer of 5.3 million to 5.7 million, the agreed upon and Peter sat next to each other, compared documents and passed them to Betty, Amy, Ty or Ruth depending on the signatures needed. There were deed transfers, escrow transfers and releases, tax forms and land grants. While they were at it Trev slipped in mortgage forms, more tax forms and releases, promissory admissions, the works. In the end after the mumbling of names and the pointing at lines for signing it ended rather abruptly. "That looks like it, Peter and I will makes sure all the dots and dashes are correct but for the most part congrats to all of you."
"What was that last bit Amy and I signed ?"
"Mortgage papers and your agreement to conserve along with a plan to reinvest and build the rescue center. The mortgage is pre-approved, the second half will take time so the first half becomes viable when the second half goes through." Tom explained. "this is a show of good faith."
"So we own this as an unmarried couple ?"
"Until November 26 Ty, don't try anything shady."
"I'll keep that in mind Trev, thanks." He answered laughing.
"I have another closing after lunch which I can have with Sally if you folks don't need me anymore ?" Tom asked.
"Go ahead Tom, thanks for everything." Trev said after Amy shrugged.
"Well, sort of a double bonus for me, Sally's ready for her two week stint at that pool and let's not even talk about Bobby and Carson whom by the way noticed more than 2 seats in that boat of yours Ty."
"We'll have a blast Tom." Amy said seeing him to the door after he went around shaking hands. "Love to Sally."
Amy returned and sat down across from Ruth "I guess this is your meeting now Ruth, what's up ?"
Peter pulled an envelope out of his bag and slid it to Ruth who took out two smaller envelopes. She slid one to Trevor and one to Charlie, who both left them sitting in front of them as Ruth looked across to Amy.
"There are two deeds in Trevor's envelope, one is for 160 acres of meadow with frontage on Route 37 in Massena, NY, the other is for an additional 230 acres behind it which contains the remnants of one abandoned sandstone mine. Charlie's envelope contains a check for $500,000 to begin reclamation of the secondary property which hopefully will become a nature rescue center. There is also a partnership agreement between the Marion Bartlett Foundation and the Pierrepont-Spelts Conservation Fund to work jointly on that project and the construction of a Pegasus Center on the forward property. That is if we have a deal, care to be partners Amy ?" Ruth asked sticking out her hand.
Amy smiled with tears in her eyes and reached across the table to shake hands with this sweet and bold generous woman.
"We'll go through the agreements and be in touch Peter, thank you both so much for your generosity." Charlie said reaching across to shake hands followed by Trev, Betty with hugs and Ty with a hug for Ruth and a handshake. Amy got up and followed with a hug for Ruth and Peter.
"Guess now you'll be bugging me for a horse." Amy said when they broke apart and Ruth held her out to look at her face.
"A nice grey one I think."
"Like Steel" Amy answered.
"So you found an affinity with this new friend, Ruth, she was inspiring to you, how so ?" Barry asked. They had been speaking for almost 40 minutes at this point, touching on several comments Amy had made under prodding by Dr. Porter when they started the session.
"She was, is, so comfortable with who she is, she grew up a Pierrepont, ruling class so to speak and worked in the mining business with her husband as an equal partner, not easy back then in the 50's and 60's. He died young and she was strong enough to take over, stay an engaged mother, start a conservation movement in her industry and pretty much define the word matriarch in her world."
"And you told her about your life and her reaction ?"
"You mean aside from agreeing that all men suck ?" Amy quipped.
"Seriously"
"That I was strong enough to face what can't be changed and rise above it."
"Well I agree with Mrs. Spelts, you're a remarkably strong woman Amy and perhaps your biggest strength is your resiliency. Let's end this session with a statement from me and a comment from you that I'd like you to write about."
"I hate these."
"You're very good at expressing yourself in writing Amy, years of doing it have made you concise and thoughtful. Now true or false, my Grandfather was always there for me."
Amy thought for a minute , "can I qualify my answer ?"
"Sure, it's just an exercise."
"My Grandfather was always physically there for me."
"Take that a step further before you go, a clear path for your thoughts."
"Give me a minute I need to say this right." Amy said and then closed her eyes for a second forming her thoughts.
"My grandfather was always physically there for me but I'm not really sure he was ever on my side."
"Your side ?"
"Emotionally, as family or business-wise I guess."
"Emotionally between you and Ty ?"
"Between me and anybody, it was his ranch and my place to understand that I had no say. Pretty much tow the line as Grandpa saw it, maintain the status quo."
"Expand on that in your journal and we'll talk Monday."
Later that day as Amy was winding down her lecture towards the final question answer period, Ty pulled into the Privateair terminal in Syracuse and parked the new Jag which now had all of 597 miles on the speedometer, he wondered what Wade's reaction would be. Ty sat in the lounge with a cup of coffee and waved when he saw his mom and Wade walk out of the tunnel. Both waved back with big smiles.
"Mom, it's good to see you again" Ty said while hugging her. A SkyCap loaded the suitcases into the Jag's trunk as Wade walked around the car before stopping next to his wife and stepson.
"What do think Wade ?" Ty said letting go of Lily and reaching over for a much briefer hug with Wade after a handshake.
"Go sit up front Wade, I know you're dying to see the inside."
"It's a Jag Lily, I can't help myself and I'm dying to look under the hood."
"Honestly Wade you haven't been interested in a car built after 1970 in years, you just want to meet the kids." Lilly answered laughing "It's all he could do but talk about working in that garage with them all."
"Well, they'll appreciate it Wade, last few weeks I haven't had time really."
"Mom said you've been busy."
"You too from what I hear, 4 cities in two weeks ?"
"We've installed satellite trackers and dash cams in all the trucks, it's a big deal with the truckers and the unions. I mean I understand it's intrusive to a point but they are our trucks and what's inside them our responsibility including the truckers, the technology has come down in price, the devices now almost impossible to defeat, like a black box in a plane."
"Makes sense, still, 4 cities in 4 weeks is rough."
"Anyway, in our test regions, the numbers are amazing so there's no backing away. Wouldn't be that bad traveling this way though, I fly coach or business class when I can and the waits, weather delays and stopovers are brutal. Plus, does anyone actually like rental cars ?"
"Yeah, this is pretty over the top."
"Over the top nothing, you guys can fly me anywhere." Wade laughed.
"Ty, before we get to the house, do you have any plans to, you know, actually ask her ?"
"Whose been tugging at your ears mom ?"
"Nobody, but if you think it doesn't come up when I talk to Lisa or Betty you'd be wrong."
"Sunday Ok, but please don't spread it around to anyone."
"Really ? Well congrats Ty, so we'll know if she says yes before your mom shops for a dress ?"
"There are wedding plans in place or getting there Wade, I think she'll say yes."
"Just saying Ty, sometimes the order of things is important. Now are my grandkids going to be home ?"
Lily laughed, "whether she says yes or no those kids are pretty much stuck with Wade."
"It'll be fine and they'll probably be home and finishing their homework. Plan on getting on a horse Wade ?"
"Absolutely and a bike or two. How's old blue ?"
"Better than ever."
"Money'll do that, my '56 is doing great, I get the added bonus of having one of our driver's pick up any package along their route for free and it's all on the up and up."
"Sounds like you've saved them a bundle in loss Wade."
"We've done Ok, takes a bunch of thieves to stop a bunch of thieves. You should meet the guys from data security."
"Let me guess skateboards ?"
"And bicycles, it's like a high school over there."
They were met by the whole family when they pulled up. Ty ran into two construction zones and some traffic getting into the Cortland Ithaca area.
Amy was first down the stairs followed by the kids who all went to Lily's door as it opened.
"Lily, welcome back, it's great to see you" Amy said as they hugged. Lily was bending over for Jackson when Amy walked around the car to Wade.
"Wade, it's been a few years." Amy said leaning in to hug him.
"It sure has and doesn't seem to have done you and harm Amy, you look like you haven't aged a day."
"I've aged for sure Wade but thanks" she said as she leaned up to kiss Ty who was standing alongside them.
Then came the kids and Ty did the introductions while Betty immediately took Lily by the hand. Wade was holding Jackson who was about to lead him to the garage when Betty came around.
"Come on Grandpa I'll show you the trucks."
"How about after dinner Jackson ?" Betty said, "your Grandma and Grandpa need to settle after their trip."
Ty waved off the two hands walking over he assumed for the bags and with the girls help, they got them onto the porch and rolling to their suite.
"No Ty, the smaller room is fine, let Jack and Lisa have that one."
"Come on mom, we don't play favorites, this is a first come first serve establishment. Jack and Lisa will be fine across the hall and Lou will be fine upstairs."
Wade followed them in and stopped at the door. He took a few seconds when he came inside not realizing how big the house actually was at first glance from the outside.
"This house is huge Ty."
"Live here for a while and I promise it doesn't feel that way unless you're alone, usually it's like Grand Central Station around here."
"We should be somewhere between here and the porch when you're settled" Ty said "just come find someone."
Ty walked down the hall and met the kids coming down the stairs. Charlie slid in on one side of him and he slipped her arm around his waist.
"What's up Charlie ?"
"We get you back tomorrow, Uncle Bert's coming home."
"Probably more after the weekend Charlie and if the weather holds out we have a date to finally ride next weekend."
She slipped away after kissing his cheek at the kitchen when she passed to head out to the porch and he turned in "The weather will be great" she called over her shoulder "think positive thoughts papa."
"We had no choice Ty, we just didn't have the time before this." Amy said seeing the look on his face when he turned into the kitchen after a kiss and a smile from Maddie.
"I know Ames but maybe we should have just opted for a few hours one afternoon."
"They wanted this and understood the implications Ty."
"I get that."
"So do they, they're old enough to live with their decisions, so we'll ride next weekend and see mid fall in Quebec and Prince Edward."
"Positive thoughts Ames ?"
"Always, this home is built on positive thoughts, your folks Ok ?"
"Mom wanted the smaller room."
"Of course she did, you dispelled her of that notion nicely ?"
"All good."
"So I called Bridget to make sure we had a reservation for dinner Sunday night and she told me it was done. 40 people Ty ?"
"I know right, who would have thought that many people wanted to see the sky show, it's fluid until Sunday."
Ty was leafing through the paper and Amy watched him for a minute then looked at Betty, something was up. "I'm gonna check on the kids and see Sarah, dinner Betty ?"
"Half hour, send the girls in to set the table please."
"Girls, table setting please and give Gran a hand getting ready. Jackson, come walk with me, we haven't had a good talk in days."
"So whatcha want to talk about ?" He said giggling, pushing the dogs who had run off the porch and all around them as they walked away. Amy hissed and snapped her finger and they settled behind immediately.
"How's your week been going so far ?" Amy asked as her hand ran over the back of his head lovingly.
"Oh, pretty good I guess, school's Ok, April and Cars, Ok, we got the house and Grandma and grandpa are here. Pretty good."
"Sounds pretty good, you like Mrs. Montgomery ?"
"Sure do, she has a nice smile."
"Your teacher having a nice smile is very important, I smile at my students." Amy said as they walked through the rescue barn.
Sarah was sitting on a small stool by the mares going through her iPad.
"Hello Jackson, Amy." She drawled looking up. "Need something Amy ?"
"Just checking in Sarah, Annabelle around ?"
"In with Vi going through nutrition files."
"Can I go visit mom ?"
"Go ahead, I'll find you when it's time to go." She answered as Jackson scooted away "She getting comfortable ?"
"She'll take some time but I think so."
"Red Clover ?"
"She has science and genetics."
"What do you think ?"
"Plant some patches and let them decide" Sarah said nodding towards the stables.
"Agreed but we start with it in some feed, a test group."
"Oh she'll like that."
"And Crey ?"
"Can't wait for Bert."
"I just bet he can't." Amy said with a chuckle.
"Ty feeling any better ?"
"He says he is and I guess seems to be, at least he's not droopy eyed anymore. How's Eli doing ?"
"Not looking forward to leaving Barnum, that's for sure."
"It's just for a few months until we can move Barnum to Saratoga. Harold said they'd be honored to have him. I'll miss them, Rachel's become a friend and Zach's such a cutie."
"Good folks are always missed. That little boy leaving is breaking Violette's heart, they had a real thing those two."
Amy looked around and seeing they were alone, "and her and Marcel ?"
"Waiting for a miracle."
"There are many children in this world that would benefit from having those two as parents. It doesn't close any doors on miracles either."
"She's mentioned it Amy, your brood is the poster family for adoption. We'll see."
"It's not the money is it ?"
"I don't think so, I really don't."
"I'm glad your kids are on board Sarah."
"So am I Amy and I can't wait to see that new property of yours. You'll start making notes ?"
"Already have, rose hips and willow won't be a problem, that's for sure. I saw bee balm, echinacea, St. John's wort, several nice sunny meadows, milkweed, ground nuts, all wild and that's just on horseback over that weekend. Oh and a lake with a huge cattail showing. We'll get a better idea and fill in over spring and then set up a plan. Also that property we just got in Massena can be reclaimed as a medicinal space."
"We're gonna need some hands."
"We have Cornell and 4 colleges up in Potsdam, we can offer unique botanical and environmental opportunities."
"Sounds like you have a plan and Ruth will go along ?"
"I don't see why not, reclaimed is the goal, reclaimed as a living wild medicinal garden shouldn't be an issue if that's our goal."
Amy found Georgie sitting with Crey going over surgical and medical case files and Vi sitting with Annabelle going over nutritional files for the mares.
"How are you two doing ?" Amy said planting her hand gently on Annabelle's shoulder.
"I think it's a bit overwhelming for both of them Amy, It was for me in the first couple weeks, Crey's doing fine."
"Annabelle as well." Violette added.
"You two have mouths ?"
"I'm fine Amy" Crey drawled "Ty and Georgie are good teachers, I guess once we get used to the routine it'll, uhm, well be routine."
Annabelle giggled "I'm good too Amy, nice to put what I know from home and what I learned together, just a couple more of us and we'll have a right fine coven handy."
They all laughed as Jackson shot into the room. "Found you !" He gasped looking around smiling.
"Imagine that, how are all my horses ?"
"Awesome, even that huge one in medical."
"Yeah he's kind of big, he's a plow horse, part of a team, hopefully his other half will be down here over the next few days, we've located a team for the owner to use in the meantime."
"Oh great, he'll have a friend, that always helps, look at Barnum and Carter !"
Amy smiled looking down "Come on Jackson, dinner awaits. You all have a good night."
Dinner was fun, Wade had a great sense of humor and kept Jackson occupied telling each other jokes. The girls involved themselves in the upcoming Grandmothers trip to Manhattan to start their wedding dresses. Lily was ecstatic having never been to New York City before and they promised her some fun and a spectacular dinner.
Betty had made a medium rare rack of lamb which Ty sliced into chops. Apparently lamb was Wade's favorite along with garlic mashed potatoes and string beans with almonds he was in heaven.
"This is great gran" Maddie said after swallowing some lamb.
"You said it Maddie, best ever, my compliments Betty."
"Thank you both" she said smiling at Maddie and Wade.
When they were done with dinner which ended in apple pie and a cheese platter served with coffee Betty, Amy and Lily volunteered for the clean up so the kids could take Wade and Ty out to the garage.
"Ty that boat ?" Amy asked.
"What about it ?"
"It's sitting in the spot the Jag is supposed to go."
"This weekend, I promise."
"Please Ty."
"We'll get it done and stowed."
Amy smiled and leaned up for a kiss shifting her head so Ty could get her cheek.
"I'm feeling better you know."
"I know you are my love but I'm not really interested in getting sick."
"Nope, I get it, I get it."
She smiled as he trotted away following the group and Amy went in to help with the clean up.
"Sit down Amy, we're almost done" Lily said wiping her hands in a towel before grabbing the last of the food destined for the fridge.
Betty turned and hung her towel before grabbing a steaming mug of tea resting near her and putting it in front of Amy.
"Oh, thanks Betty" she said leaning over for a sip.
"So how've you been Amy" Lily said sitting down across from her.
"I've been good Lily, plans seem to be working out with the new house, we had a nice weekend, we're, well most of us are healthy." She said stopping for another sip.
"Ty was never the sick one, sure a cold here and there but."
"This is lecturing, most people don't use their voices like that, the building is dry, and Ty's been doubling up, not resting enough and under some additional stress with Bert away."
"He's Ok Amy, I mean fitting in, you know not going dark ?"
"Not is the way you mean Lily, not the whole Borden thing unless it's just worrying about not being perfect. That no parent is perfect is a hard lesson to learn."
"Probably not so hard a concept for him." Lilly answered softly her voice strained.
"You know Lily, I think we know enough these days about addiction and abuse and what comes with it to grant yourself some forgiveness." Amy answered leaning over and taking her hands. "You've been a great mom to him for the past few years and Wade equally so. It's good to see and equally good to see people rise above their afflictions to make a positive change in their lives."
"I worry about him, I can't help it."
"Maybe you can worry a little less now. We should get out there, it's still a school night and they need to wind down."
They heard the music before they got to the garage. Wade was dancing with Maddie to the Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Women which was blaring out of the speakers, as Jackson danced with Charlie. Amy walked over to Ty who was watching from one of the pick up beds.
"Getting a lot of work done ?"
Ty took Amy's hand and pulled her in front of him with his arms around her belly.
"This is great !" He said close to her ear.
"Look at him" Lily said laughing as Wade danced over and took her hand.
"Come on Grandma" Maddie said reaching for Lily's other hand.
Charlie came over and took Amy's hand and Jackson pulled at the other.
Ty looked over at Betty "Come on Gran" he said taking her hand.
"Good lord Ty" she mumbled following him to join the others.
Back in the house after closing up the shop, Amy sent the kids up to get ready for bed while they all settled in the living room.
Amy brought out some fruit and asked if anyone wanted something to drink. "Ty, I've got tea for you."
"Tea sounds nice." Lily added and Amy nodded, "I'll make a pot."
"When did you become a tea drinker Ty ?"
"I'm not, I prefer cognac for my colds actually, my wife however prefers her methods."
"Best do what she says Ty." Wade whispered.
"Thanks Wade." Ty said back with a look.
"Hey go with what works right ? So Papa, think that'll stick."
"I kind of like it actually."
Wade smiled and reached over to pat Ty's knee. Amy had walked in a few moments before and stopped to look at the two bantering and then watch Wade reach over. It struck her as a very fatherly action.
"JT will call him dad, top of his bucket list." She added.
"Works for me too." Ty said reaching for the mug obviously reserved for him as Amy poured for Lily.
They stopped in before heading to bed and found the kids fast asleep.
Ty came out of the bathroom and climbed into bed. "I've had 12 cups of tea today can we at least snuggle ?"
Amy giggled and scooted backwards and into his arms that wrapped around her immediately. Ty sighed as Amy's hands wrapped around his and pulled them closer.
"Whatcha' thinking ?" Ty said in a low voice close to her ear.
"I have an appointment to see my gynecologist at the end of the month to uh, well have my birth control removed."
"You do, I thought we were waiting."
"Well, I want it out, you know, for after the wedding and it'll bruise, there'll be a bandage, some discomfort, so earlier it would all be gone by the wedding."
"And when is the appointment ?"
"Well with the surgery, the 29th because I won't have time in November."
They lay quietly for a minute or two before Amy was uncomfortable.
"Ty ? You Ok with that, I could change it."
"No Amy, no, I just, no, never mind."
"Ty ? Please tell me."
"I love you is all, I never stopped and now …."
She felt the tear on her neck roll down her shoulder and turned to him. "Look at you" she whispered reaching over to kiss him and pull him closer to her. She kissed him again and continued over his cheek and down to his neck.
"Amy"
"Shhhh, make love to me Ty."
"What about my diseased ridden body ?" He teased quietly.
"Well if you think you're not up to it."
"Come here you." He laughed pulling her close so that now on his side he was leaning over her smiling.
"What a happy face." She cooed pulling him down to her waiting lips.