A/N – I'm sorry for the delay in publishing this chapter but I've had sketchy or no internet connection for a large part of the past two weeks. It seems back and fixed finally so I'm hoping for clear sailing at this point. It's not just that I need the internet to upload, but my writing is very research based and I depend on notes, excerpt chapters that I use and the like so I'm sort of dependent on google and the cloud to work. Anyway, so as to get something up for you wonderful folks I've chopped this chapter into two and I'll upload another in a few days.
Jane Morrison is not blind or going blind in my story.
Chapter 85
Ty looked down to the side car, Jackson was sitting back his head turning to the right and left as the road home from Montreal passed by. It had been a hectic week though there was a light at the end of the tunnel that they all looked forward to, the weather reports for this weekend had come up good for the most part until sometime Sunday, today, when they'd be on their way home. The sky was darkening up ahead and John who led the pack alongside Trish motioned to the right at a sign for a scenic pull off up ahead.
They had driven up to the Canadian border from Ithaca as soon as school let out on Friday and caught enough light left at the border to ride the bikes the last 30 minutes to Kingston. The girls hooted and hollered the whole way, legal, on their Harley's, 2 years work in the bag, they were in heaven. They spent the night in a large set of suites at the Delta Waterfront Resort overlooking Lake Ontario. The Valet's and front desk didn't know what to make of the crew, half wearing Marauders colors, the others, namely Ty, Amy and Jackson in leather. Once Ty stepped up and handed over his passport and credit card, their attitude changed.
"Dr. Borden, you and your party's rooms are ready, you have a three bedroom suite and two other single suites on the penthouse floor with access to the patio. If there's anything you need just let us know."
After unpacking and changing in their rooms, John, Trish, Cooter and his wife Becca joined the Borden-Fleming Clan in their suite where they had hot drinks and a small fire going and decided that rather than head out again they'd order a large delivery from a local highly praised burger joint, Harper's Burger Bar, that offered regular fare and a large vegan selection for John and Trish. They ordered a lot, several family sized salads, assorted burgers, apps, sides and sandwiches. Amy called downstairs and the hotel was happy to set up the table for dinner, supply drinks, desserts and direct the delivery when it arrived after initially offering to send someone to retrieve it.
They talked about the route north to Montreal and the places they wanted to stop and check out along the way. They'd start on Rt 2 and hook up to the Thousand Islands Parkway until it reconnected with Rt 2 just south of Montreal where they would take 401 in to downtown. The route was known as one of the prettiest fall rides in Southern Ontario and it offered a treat for Amy at the end, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts had a glass show going, one that they could visit Sunday morning before heading back.
In the morning they started with a little stretch taking a walk in Kingston, a city established in the late 1600's as a French trading post and known as Limestone City because of the limestone used in the buildings. They walked a circular route to the Geneva Crepe Bistro where again they offered a wide variety of vegan options. After checking out at 11:00 they started off to Montreal, normally a 3 ½ hour drive, with stops and sightseeing they figured 5 hours or so. The plan was to check into the Hotel Le Crystal and then hit the town for a few hours, find some dinner and wander on a Montreal Saturday night with friends and family. Even Jackson wouldn't be a problem Ty realized as he was the only adult along that drank alcohol. It was strange being the odd man out.
They took their time riding, and stayed within the speed limit, they were all fine with it, the twins first run and Jackson along in the sidecar made it a no brainer and no one along cared. Maddie and Charlie were legal riders this weekend and everyone was very proud of them. Amy and Ty felt more comfortable following the girls and having Cooter behind them and more importantly behind Jackson. John and Trish took the lead, followed by the girls, Amy, Ty with Jackson and lastly the LandCruiser and trailer.
While a pack makes stops less solitary it doesn't do much while you ride. Amy spent her time working out the answer to a question she was asked by Dr. Porter the week before. Ty thought back on the week.
The week started with a sad goodbye on Monday, Veteran's day and a Federal holiday. The Hirshman's were heading back to Albany where Eli was expected to man a desk until he was fit for a new horse. Eli, Rachel and Zach became like family joining them for meals at a moment's notice, sitting on the porch just hanging out or, with Rachel, who was a teacher being on duty to help any of the kids with homework. Zach became a firm fixture in the barns and the potions room, a pure delight to have around. Violette had grown quite fond of Rachel and Zach.
There were kisses, long hugs and tears with promises to see each other soon. Eli had a password to the video feed in the family barn so he could see Barnum in his stall anytime. He was just beginning rehab and should be ready in a few months when they would transfer him to the Saratoga Racing Retirement Center to live out his days. Close enough for Eli. While Eli returned to work Rachel would be looking for a house, hopefully big enough for a horse or two, neither parent thought Zach could live without them at this stage, he absolutely adored Pegasus, they had all adored it.
Tears quickly turned to laughter though as soon after the Hershman's pulled out a helicopter landed to transport Betty, Lily, Lisa and Lou to Manhattan for dress consults and fittings with Sebastian. Lily's first time in a helicopter and she was both excited and very nervous. They had already received a text from Casey who was landing on time at Newark and would meet them in the city.
Jack and Katie had flown back Sunday evening straight from the restaurant. and Tim was picking them up. Katie had a school assembly and Jack was fine bringing her home. It wasn't perfect but Katie would soldier through a short night's sleep though Jack assured them that she had also slept on the trip and he'd bring her in late with a note.
Lily who like many of them had never flown in a helicopter before coming to Pegasus giggled nervously as Wade helped her onboard, he thought this was great and promised to ride on a horse before the day was out. This had been their comprise, originally she wanted him along.
"We've got her Wade, she'll be fine, we'll have a ball." Betty called out as the pilot closed the luggage hatch and walked over to the passenger door.
"Have fun Lily !" Wade called out and stepped back to where Ty and Amy were standing.
They waved as the chopper rose and laughed at the expression on Lily's face in the window until it disappeared. They'd be at Sebastian's first, from there to check in at the Greenwich, some spa time and dinner at San Carlo Osteria – Piedmonte which, according to Brin was a Northern Italian powerhouse and not to be missed if it can be helped.
The twins and Jackson, off from school met them midway between the lawn and the porch.
"What are you all doing today ?" Amy asked putting her hand on Jackson's back and rubbing.
"Grandpa and me are working in the garage."
"Jackson ?"
"and I, sorry."
"Girls ?"
"We'll start checking the bikes for the weekend, what are you both riding ?"
"I'm on the Harley with Jackson."
"I'm on my scout."
"Gran ?"
"Gran's not coming Mad, this is a bit much for her, we'll find a nice day trip when it's warmer in the spring." Amy explained.
"Papa, how did the Harley ride last time you were out ?"
"Mom was on it last Charlie."
"With Ruth, it was great, no hesitation, give it a quick listen Charlie, check the fluids. Gas 'em all up. Where are Brin and Bobby ?"
Charlie spoke up, "Bobby's at the farm with Cars for a little while longer and Brin is giving April her first piano lesson. They'll be by when they're done."
"Erma and Meg mentioned the lessons, that's nice." Amy agreed.
"When are you heading into the city ?" Ty asked Amy as they walked towards the house.
"I'm not heading into the city, busy, busy, busy."
"Don't you and well everyone else need fittings ?"
"Sebastian will be here tomorrow afternoon and he's taking over the cottage."
"Then why are they in the city ?"
"So Casey and your mom can have a good time, get the special treatment a mother marrying off a son or daughter deserves and Lisa and Betty are glad to do it."
"Seriously ?"
"Yeah why ?"
"No reason I guess, good for them."
"There you go. You ready for your trip ?"
"Jackson's excited."
"Well Tom's coming to help with the boys, did you make appointments for them ?"
"I did, Sara will cut them all, Mad and Brin will coordinate."
"Ok, John Anderson will be here tomorrow morning and stay until the wedding, he'll handle the on call when you or Bert are away."
"What are you doing the rest of the day ?"
"I have some calls to make about the new house, decorating stuff, check in with Jonathan and I need to call Peter Treulich about the new Pegasus Center."
"Ok, ok, you've got Boss shit to take care of, can I help with any of it ?" He asked laughing.
"Decorating or Pegasus Center land reclamation ?"
"Yeah, guess not, sorry."
"Don't be sweetheart, my two favorite things are decorating and building Pegasus centers."
"Oh yeah, Charlie asked me to mention, mmmmm…, on the decorating front, that…"
"Tell Charlie Amy said poo"
"Poo ?"
"Yes poo, the Kennedy's looked at that saloon room, they can lighten the wainscoting to a light golden oak, they've measured for the new bar kitchen space and for the tackle shop and are sending an architect's drawing of the room. Willa called and wants me to check the swatches before she looms, we need to get the glass pieces from Randy, dining room, couches and I wanted to ask Jane about something."
"Jane Morrison ? That's probably more in line with what Charlie's talking about."
"Poo."
"Fine, I'm not getting into the middle of this."
"Where you off to ?"
"Look at some horses I guess."
"You guess ?" Amy asked laughing. They had stopped at the porch and she turned to face him.
"Consults with Bert and surgical plans for this week."
"Good, surgery, we need to pay for the decorating."
She leaned up with a big grin and put her arms around his neck. "Still want to marry me Ty ?"
"Yes, spend, spend, spend."
"I should make that your ringtone."
"That's all I need, why's John here ?" He said as the big black Harley pulled up to the garage and he waved walking inside.
"Check the sidecar I think."
"Something wrong ?"
"No but it's been used with an adult and up to Syracuse and around here and he wants to check the welds and stuff before we do 10-12 hours of riding. The girls could have done it so he's probably bored."
"How late can you usually ride around here ?"
"This is it, we'll start getting frost in a week or two and with the metal bridges around here it gets unsafe very fast. Frozen patches and black ice are deadly,I think we lock down after this trip."
"Meet you back here later ?"
"Yes my love" Amy whispered as their lips touched and Ty's phone rang. The song Chain Gang played and Amy giggled.
"Who's that ?"
"Bert."
Amy kissed him once more and turned up the stairs laughing.
Both Amy and Ty popped out of the house and the surgery building almost simultaneously when the texts came from the twins a few hours later.
"Here Grandpa, this is Merlin, he's my horse and very gentle, everybody learns on Merlin so you got nothing to worry about." Jackson told him in one breathless statement.
"Thanks for loaning him Jackson." Wade said walking around the horse at a short distance. "Looks sturdy enough."
"Come on Grandpa, up front and say hi, meet your mount." Charlie said waving him over.
"Just put your hand out like this and let him sniff you."
"That's it, perfect now move your hand up and down slowly and introduce yourself."
Maddie stood to the other side on Charlie and then stepped around as Wade did as he was told.
"Hi, uh Merlin, how you doing boy, we going to do this you and me ?"
Merlin stared at him and dropped his head for Wade to reach up and he did, slowly scratching his forehead.
"There you go Grandpa, you found Merlin's sweet spot" Jackson said smiling.
Maddie took over "Now step over by me Grandpa and Charlie will hold Merlin steady for you, you want me to give you a leg up ?"
"I'm in pretty good shape Maddie, left foot then up and over."
"That's all she wrote."
Ty was filming from a distance so as not to get in the way and he smiled as Wade hoisted himself up and over.
"That was good Grandpa now lean forward and pat him a little on the neck and tell him good boy." Jackson said looking up from under his black ranch hat and adjusting a stirrup.
It was starting to get chillier in the afternoons and the kids all seemed to gravitate towards cowboy hats. Bobby, Brin, Cars and April as well. Bobby, Brin, Cars and April all came out then leading horses for the rest of them and Charlie held Merlin while they all mounted and then hoisted herself up onto Colton.
"Take it easy kids, Wade's got some bluster but he's a beginner."
"We'll take it easy Papa, haven't lost a student yet." Maddie said reaching down to rub his hair as she passed.
"Hey Mad, not the hair." Brin said laughing.
"Thank you Sabrina." Ty said smiling as Brin rode by before clicking her tongue. Pancho, Brin's ranch horse sidled up to his buddy Barclay, Maddie's horse, as the girls joined hands.
"Nice group." Amy said walking up and immediately settling arm in arm with Ty. "How you guys liking the new digs" she asked nodding at the building they were walking towards.
"It's nice, great actually, I think we're all still used to the barn."
"Well, first three surgeries this week, hopefully that'll change your minds."
They had already expanded into the building, medical horses were now housed in the new stable area in the building. The barn was now being converted for intake, assessment and general equine exam and care, perhaps minor procedures. Bert and Ty had side by side offices and the three seconds for now shared a large office with three desks. They'd get more space in the new construction. There was also a lounge and food area, shower facilities, a dining area and two conference rooms. More importantly though were the glass enclosed galleries for viewers.
"That should be nice, room for everything and everyone we need right there, sounds like a dream."
All the riders had slowed for the exit, Ty with Jackson and Amy pulled over next to the girls and pulled their helmets off. The SUV and trailer driven by Cooter and 'Becca his wife pulled up a little further away across several spots.
They gathered at the edge and looked out at the overview of the woods and the water.
John who had stepped away with his phone returned and sat on the edge across from Trish. "So far only mist up ahead, no rain yet at Thousand Islands, what do we want to do ?"
"I say we go for it, we can always pull over it you think it's unsafe Rocket."
"Thanks Mad. Amy, Ty ?"
"Oh right, parents." Maddie muttered with a grin.
"What are we about an hour to the border ?" Ty asked.
"Just about." Trish said looking down at her phone screen.
"Let's make a run of it, Mad's right, with Cooter behind we're fine to pull over if we need to, every body have enough gas to make it to the border ?" Amy asked looking at Ty who nodded.
With affirmations to the positive in the form of nods they got back on the road. They made it to the border and over into NY before refueling and stopping for a quick bite. The border guards let the girls ride over the bridge into NY where they loaded the bikes and tied them down in the carrier Cooter had hauled in case of unexpected weather and to at least get the girl's bikes to Ithaca.
Waiting for their lunch the girls were positively giddy that they had just ridden, open road and legally.
"I have to say girls you rode great." Amy said smiling "I'm so proud of you both."
"It was awesome, Bobby's been saving up for a rat."
"Has he Charlie and Brin Mad ?"
"Brin, I don't know mom, maybe one day, for now she's Brin."
"Just wants to have her arms around you."
"Not so bad from my perspective Trish" Mad said blushing. "She wants a Prius btw, she's so sweet."
"Bobby's getting Sally's pick-up and she's getting another I think."
"Sally mentioned it." Amy nodded.
The rain was coming down steadily when they left the diner and the large warm LandCruiser was a welcome sight though a tight fit for some. John sat up front with Cooter and with the center seat down, Mad in the middle, next came Becca, Jackson and Trish with Ty, Amy and Charlie in the third seat, the ride, about 2.5 hours was filled with the passengers checking photos and passing around memories of the trip. It was tight but they were fine. It was pouring and cold when they reached Ithaca and they voted to just leave the bikes on the trailer at John's garage. They'd be fine in the gated and locked lot.
Life returned to it's normal hectic self on the ranch, three surgeries in three days, 4 rescues and two surgeries in Alberta, one of which they would Skype through with Scott and Cass on the other end, they'd be fitting a sleeve.
"Go up Wednesday morning Bert, I'll do the lecture on Thursday and the surgery here with John Wednesday afternoon and Thursday if you're not back or you know, up to it." The last he said with the seconds smirking.
"Ha ha, if I go up I'll do that surgery left handed and save my right hand for the surgery here. Scott said he can handle it, he's up on the technique, I'll think about it and you can go too, John as well."
"You explain my absence to Amy."
"Sorry buddy, she's all yours."
"Fine, but I'll be gone and you'll be here with her."
"He's got you there Bert."
"Thanks Georgie" Bert said smiling "I can handle Amy, I've got Meg."
Amy was also busy through the week and from Ty's perspective in a dark place though she hid it well. He had discussed this new aspect of Amy with Lisa at one point and he meant to do the same with Georgie. Over the eight years Amy had developed the ability to mask her emotions at least for a time. Sure she could let go like with that photographer a few weeks past but for the most part she seemed to be able to shove emotions behind her and stay on task, especially with the kids. It started Monday evening once the kids had left their bedroom to their own which was right after the Gran's checked in for good night's.
They had called a little after 8:00 PM from their corner at the restaurant.
"How's it going ladies ?" Amy asked sitting the iPad on. The small night table so they could all hear. "You're on speaker, hit the FaceTime button."
"Hi everyone" Lou said.
"Hey Lou, how's the day been ?"
"Pretty great and we're two amazing courses into dinner."
"Someone take notes for Brin please, she's very excited about this one."
"We will Mad, Lisa has some pictures" Betty said.
"Well" Amy said breaking the silence "Sebastian said you all have dresses picked, I guess I'll see them tomorrow."
"Are you coming tomorrow Amy, I could hang here another day ?"
"No Lou I'm swamped, Sebastian and crew are heading up here tomorrow for a few days."
"What, he didn't say that, why are we here ?" Betty asked "what's going on Amy ?"
"How else can I treat you all to a night out and a fun time together ?"
"I left your dad with my rodeo and flew here from Saskatchewan Amy."
"You're so welcome Casey, having a good time ?"
"Oh stop Amy, he's going to be pissed."
"He'll get over it, don't worry about it."
"What do you have planned for the morning ?"
"They want to see Rockefeller Plaza and maybe we'll shop on 5th a little." Betty said "We'll be back by 3:30 I think."
"See you then, have a good night."
The kids and Ty joined in the good night's and then left themselves, Ty and Amy stayed in their seats. At one point Ty turned and asked "Bed Ames ?"
"You go ahead Ty, I'll be over soon."
"What are you doing ?"
"I have to write about a statement, it's Dr. Porter stuff, it's not easy."
"Want to talk about it, can you talk about it ?"
She was quiet for a long minute "Right now, honestly no and no, I can't Ty, not until I sort through some of it."
"If you need me Ames, I'm here."
"I know my love, this process is meant to in some ways break down walls that I built a long time ago in Amy years, I'm used to them, they're automatic, and now I have to find a way to revisit behind the wall."
"So I'm back there behind that wall ?"
"Everything from the day I left is back there Ty and you're right here" she said taking his hand and kissing his palm "and right here" she saying laying his palm on her heart. "Never forget that. I'll be over in a little while, this will wait another week."
"Showing up without your homework ?"
"He won't have a problem with it, he's the one who built the walls, he knows how hard this is for me."
Ty took her left hand and touched her ring with his thumb as he leaned over and with his other hand gently stroking her cheek around to the back of her head to turn her to his lips. "I love you" he whispered.
She smiled as he stood, still holding her hand "I love you too, go to bed, you have surgery tomorrow."
Ty stirred several hours later and noticed the light across the room. Amy was fast asleep curled in her chair. He walked over and took her journal, closed it and placed it in her bag then gently slid his arms under her.
"What's going on ?"
"You fell asleep in the chair, it's late."
"I can get up Ty."
"I've got you" he said lifting her easily.
She fell back asleep in his arms, he hadn't noticed before but her eyes seemed puffy as if she'd been crying.
She was out of bed and gone when he woke at 6:00 Tuesday morning. He knew she had to deal with the mares and get the kids off to school and assumed she had just woke early.
By the time he got downstairs after getting ready and dealing with overnight texts and a rundown of new notes it was already 6:45 and the kids were eating breakfast. Chores were done already and Ty made the rounds of good morning kisses and hugs including Betty.
"Amy ?"
"Off to medical as soon as the kids were settled" Betty said placing a steaming fresh coffee mug down. "She has a class at 7:30 and then school I think."
She has a department meeting, office hours and an after lunch meeting. I think she plans on getting back for the kids though so I guess mid afternoon. Where is this whole Sebastian thing happening and what is happening ?"
"Wedding dresses Papa, you're getting married." Charlie said laughing.
"Proposed and everything" JT mumbled with half chewed food in his mouth.
"I seem to remember."
"Her dress, the girls, Brin, April, the bridal party, some of the others, there's no time for trips into the city with school. They're setting up shop in the cottage, Mathilde and her crew will take the bedrooms. Sebastian in a guest room here. Fittings in the great room at the cottage. It's off limits to you by the way."
At seven, after washing up the kids came down, kissed them both goodbye and headed up to catch the bus.
"More coffee Ty ?"
"No thanks Betty, uhm, notice anything about Amy this morning ?"
"Like what ?"
"Like was she sad or upset ?"
"Something up with you two ?"
"No, we're good, something up with Dr. Porter."
"She say anything to you ?"
"An attempt at an explanation, she seems to be struggling with something. I mean I know it's the past and Alberta and Heartland but…"
"You have to give her some time, I guess they're starting the hard stuff, she's strong Ty, we, well, you, need to give her some time to sort it out."
"I get that, she's hard to read sometimes, I guess she always was a little but this is different."
"Patience son."
Ty got up and put his stuff in the dishwasher after a quick rinse. He leaned over to kiss Betty's cheek but she had other ideas and drew him into a hug.
"She'll let you know when she has something to say Ty."
"Patience has never been my strong suit."
"Get over that before a baby shows up at your door." Betty said laughing. "Go make the donuts Ty."
"How many donuts are we budgeting for this wedding by the way ?"
"Sorry Ty, we're not going there. What is she planning with her buddy Jane Morrison ?"
"I have no idea Betty."
"Well I guess Charlie will poke his head in eventually, let's leave her be for now."
"You don't have to convince me." Ty said laughing "later Gran."
Having not seen Amy most of the day when he finally did see her she was obviously not herself and her puffy eyes seemed worse, compounded by the mild redness on the undersides of her nose. She'd been crying and sniffling.
"Hey, you Ok ?" He asked walking up to her outside the rescue barn, "I tried calling."
"I know I'm sorry, I'm trying to work through something and my head's all over the place. Don't you have surgery ?"
"Yeah I have a little time, can you tell me ?"
"I can't, I'm sorry, I know I keep saying that but it's not how this works, at least for me, I have to work it out in my head."
"Can you at least tell me what it's about ?"
"It's about Alberta Ty."
"How about one step closer than an entire Canadian Province?"
"Heartland ?" She added sheepishly.
"That's a cop-out."
"Grandpa, Ok ? My relationship with Grandpa"
"And you can't talk to me about Jack ?"
Amy looked into his eyes and stepped forward, then laid her head against his chest so that he would instinctively wrap his arms around her before she continued quietly, he could feel the release in her body and the involuntary swallow to try and hold back her tears and emotions. "Do you think that anything that happened from the second you got to Heartland until the second I left doesn't involve you Ty. My relationships back then all surrounded you completely and Grandpa's decisions back then all involved you and for the most part were all about you. My assignment is expanding on a statement."
"What statement ?"
"My grandfather was always physically there for me but I'm not really sure he was ever on my side."
"You can't believe that."
"I have no choice but to believe it Ty because it's true. He made decisions that benefitted you, him, and his ranch and I don't know that he ever considered me at all. He never made any effort to actually explain decisions that hurt me and I don't want to do this here or now or maybe ever, the pain of facing that truth changed me Ty and I don't know if you, Grandpa or anyone will ever understand that, but finally admitting it brought me forgiveness and peace."
"And how does forgiveness and peace equate to not wanting to return to Hudson ?"
"Because I put it behind me and locked it away when I left, on that mountain, walking the circle at Victor's and then later with Dr. Porter, so that I can move on and form lasting, trusting relationships and love again with my eyes finally open. Now, I'll be fine and I'll work through this and you've got surgery so get your head in the game and go fix my horses."
"Will they ever be my horses ?"
Amy looked at him again and smiled "The truth Ty ?"
Ty laughed, "Bert's already laid out the truth, the first week I was here."
"Someone's got to be held ultimately responsible, that's why I get the big bucks."
"I get half the big bucks though right ?"
"Yes my love and all of my heart."
"I'm here for you Amy."
"I know Ty and it makes all the difference in the world to me."
Chain Gang started that moment and they both laughed.
"Can we fire him ?" Ty asked laughing.
"And how would that help the horses ?" She answered mimicking Bert's standard answer to her "besides, I don't actually think we can."
Ty leaned over and gently kissed her "I'll see you later Ames."
"Go be successful Ty, I love you."
The surgery took later than scheduled by a couple hours. They had discovered some beginning laminitis and minor stress fractures that they needed to address before finishing and closing. The horse would be fine with no real difference in rehab or recovery, just some extra healing to happen alongside what they had planned along.
Wyatt, Meg and Amy waited dinner for their significant others. The Grans had eaten with the kids. They'd fly out first thing in the morning arriving back in Calgary and Lily in Vancouver in the morning as well due to the time zones.
Word was left at the surgery that dinner awaited any of the team that wanted it at the house and in the end Katie, Georgie, Ty and Bert joined them. Amy had invited Sebastian, Mathilde and their two assistants to dinner as well but they declined for a small meal at the cottage making plans and going over schedules.
"The gowns are amazing Amy, have you chosen a final ?" Meg asked over dinner.
"Not yet, there's one that really caught me but I want to see them all again and I haven't tried any on."
"I haven't seen anything yet so slow down." Georgie added.
"I've seen yours Georgie, it's awesome."
"Sebastian sent me a picture Meg, have we discussed length, I'm for ¾."
"I think we're leaning that way, the girls want to be able to dance and Steph is all for ¾."
"Trish likes ¾ also, that uniform in full length in brutally heavy." Amy added "Dancing in a wedding gown, ugh and if we go Latin later on I'll need to change."
"The whole main dinner thing will be over already so changing is entirely appropriate, are you leaving Saturday night ?"
"I think Amy and I are leaning towards the treehouse for the night, breakfast with the family and the Adirondack house after."
"So changing to what ?"
"Not sure Georgie, a white dress that I can dance in and entice my husband for our wedding night."
"I'm all for that." Ty said raising his beer in a toast. "I'll change too."
Ty was asleep before Amy got to bed though they woke together in the morning and dallied in bed together before showering. Ty left straightaway after getting downstairs, saying his hellos and goodbyes and being summoned by Georgie, Sarah and Robert who were all heading to the Potters for breakfast and cow herd vetting. Harley was saddled and waiting.
The mares were due to start dropping their foals any hour now by anyone's guesstimate and Ackey was here to check them and lecture with Katie assisting. They'd use a wave sonogram today so the crowd was unusually large. Amy stopped in to check the meeting before heading into Cornell to take care of business before spending the afternoon with Sebastian and crew.
She had some barn rounds to deal with at Cornell as well as office hours and a few consults. Passing the medical center on the way brought her to thinking about Tuesday morning's meeting with Dr. Porter.
"I completely understand that it's a hard assignment to face and that you've been busy Amy, let's forget about it until next week, so you can have this whole week to lay it down on paper. I do think we should still talk about your grandfather, I don't want to lose that focus."
"It's tearing me up Barry" she whispered.
"Let's start at the beginning then, from when your mom passed."
While Amy searched her memory and relayed as much as she could remember Dr. Porter took notes and occasionally stoped her.
"So he left to the other stables."
"Briar Ridge, the Stanton's boarding facility."
"Right, right and then when they discovered his past they kicked him out and he hung around."
"Supposedly to leave after the party but I talked to him, well yelled at him, and he still had his probation to finish so he came back to Heartland.
"And you two were alright, your grandfather was Ok ?"
"He had already taken to Ty, he was smart and a hard worker, he got along well with Grandpa or as well as anyone could in those days. He's mellowed now, grandpa became a little surly when he kicked dad out and worse when Grandma Lyndy passed. He'd snap at someone in a heartbeat back then and be a nice guy 5 minutes later. He certainly acted and talked tough."
"Overall though ?"
"He was my Grandpa and I loved him, somehow he'd kept the family together."
"And Heartland."
"Barely, it was 50 – 50 that first year, maybe two until I established myself. Eventually there was the dude ranch which wouldn't make money for a while and the on again off again herd for a couple years so I was the game."
"But you and Ty grew closer."
"We did and fell in love as far as I could tell, I won the Fall Finale, we had kissed and it was amazing and then he was gone."
"He left the hat and the note." Dr. Porter said checking his notes.
"Right, Ty's idea of a dear Jane letter I guess. I may not ever, have to do some things, a jumble of emotions but through it all he seemed to say he would try to come back but if not to find happiness with someone better. It was the most heartbreaking thing to read, I was devastated."
"He never mentioned his father."
"Nope, or the letter he had received from him, at least to me, apparently Grandpa knew."
"And he didn't tell you."
"No, he saw me struggle for months and just let me be. I guess he figured I would get over it, the tears and moping and hoping. Every time I heard an old truck I'd look up."
"You dated though ?"
"Eventually I gave in and agreed to go out for my birthday, well sweet 16, with the new ranch hand Grandpa hired, even older than Ty if you can believe it and it seems it was just to get me out of the house to get the party set-up."
"Is or was age a thing ?"
"Not to me or apparently to any adults in my general vicinity. I have two 15 year old daughters Barry, an 18, 19 or 20 year old expressing interest in them would be troubling to me. Two of them fighting over a gaggle of 16 year old high school sophomores in my barn, I doubt I would be happy with it and I'd let them know that I wasn't."
"But Ty ?"
"Ty turned 18 before he could leave because of his probation, I was 15, a high school freshman and very naïve, a condition I suffered with for years."
"So your grandfather kept that secret from you, about why he left, how would knowing have helped ?"
"It would have at least given me some reason other than blaming myself for his leaving, how many times did I have to say the words why did he go, where is he before Grandpa would bend and give me something to ease my thoughts. How many times did he have to find me with tears in my eyes ?"
"And he never told you or hinted ?"
"No."
"Did you confront him when you found out about these things ?"
"No" she whispered "it wasn't who I was back then."
"Nothing ?"
"His ranch and his promise to Ty, I don't think the effect on me played into his thoughts at all, maybe, had he come to me and explained his reasoning but truth is I don't think he thought he owed me an explanation." She said it with her voice cracking as if the words themselves hurt.
Dr. Porter reached out with the box of tissues and Amy dried her eyes and cheeks and then blew her nose.
"Is there something that happened that first year, we'll start with one event that can never be tarnished ?"
"I got Spartan, my horse, even though we had the crash and mom died, he's been my constant companion for 16 years. Actually, Grandpa brought him to Heartland, maybe with a little prodding from Scott but he brought him to help and it did, so."
"That's a very good place to stop, I think we're done for the day Amy, I'll see you Thursday."
"Am I ever going to feel better about this stuff Barry ?"
"You just did, you need to give yourself the time Amy, talking with a fair bit of introspection will help, I promise. Time to heal and love, the same as with those horses of yours. Don't forget your assignment, it's important to firm up your feelings."
"I know." She whispered grabbing her coat and hat. "See you Thursday."