Chapter 92
Ty moved next to Amy and their fingers wrapped together for a second before Amy got moving and practically dragged Ty through the door. He had lost her hand by the time she reached Jackson's room across the hall and disappeared inside without a pause.
Asher was standing on the far side and Ty stopped to get his bearings. There were two monitors set up, one bunch of wires still connected to Jackson's chest and a new one connected to his leg. Bert had described the leg brace to him. They both wished they could get one for Pegasus. This set-up, the leg brace and it's report to this monitor and the system behind it were all still considered proprietary and actually travelled with the team. There were also two bags hung from a drip and a machine Ty recognized as a controlled dosage meter that he assumed was a morphine drip.
Amy gently sat on the edge of the bed and reached over to lovingly touch Jackson's face. There were some red marks where Amy knew Trish had wiped away the tape adhesive. He was breathing softly as if he was home. She took a moment to look around at the machines and then up at Asher who was moving away and allowing Ty to move in though there was no room for him to sit, his hand moved to hers and touched JT's cheek as well. Amy noticed a tear fall to Ty's cheek and his hand went back to wipe it away.
Betty had waited for the girls and stood at the edge of the bed . Trish was moving around in the background.
"He's in and out, give him a few minutes." Asher whispered. "The readouts are perfect, circulation, stress, muscle reaction, all over 92%, they should raise with exercise. I'm late to join Shoshana." He smiled and was gone a second later as Amy turned her attention back to Jackson's face.
Amy leaned over as soon as he moved. His eyes twitched tight as he swallowed which was clearly uncomfortable for him and she immediately grabbed a spoon from the table and filled it with some crushed ice.
"Here's some ice sweetheart, open your mouth."
Jackson swallowed again and opened for Amy to gently shovel some ice in.
"Mmmmm, some more mom." He crackled as Amy reloaded for a second small teaspoon.
His left eye opened before his right and he looked somewhat disoriented by the light that Trish immediately lowered.
It took a second for him to focus on Amy's face "hey mom." He whispered, "all done ?"
"All done sweetheart."
"Can't move."
"I know, soon my love."
"Dad ?" He whispered.
"Right here Jackson." Ty whispered reaching out and placing his hand in Jackson's.
"All done."
"All done buddy." Ty whispered back a tear falling on his cheek again.
"Here's Gran and your sisters Jackson." Amy whispered moving back for Betty to inch forward. Ty noticed Trish standing and moved away to allow her access. She held an iPad in one hand and pressed buttons on the large bodily function monitor with her other, next, she moved to the metered dose unit and entered a complex code to unlock the system and she stood with the control in her hand. When Betty and the girls had their hellos Trish looked over. "It's time Amy, he needs to rest."
Amy nodded and motioned for Ty to go first. He sat and leaned over "Time for you to sleep buddy."
"Hurts a little." He whispered back as Ty leaned over to kiss him and then back away.
Amy sat next and Trish handed her the control. Apparently this was their routine. "I'll be right here Jackson."
"Ok, ready ?"
Amy reached and took his small hand to place it around the control, then wrapped her hand gently around his.
"Ready." She whispered.
"Love you" he said and then "call April and Cars."
"First thing." Amy whispered. "Here we go." She said it as together they pushed the plunger. It really took just a second as his body relaxed, his eyes closed and his breathing calmed.
"Trish ?" Amy said a few seconds later when she was sure he was well out and comfortable.
Trish nodded and pulled the blanket away gently for the family to see the long thin scar under a few layers of gauze, wrapped in elastic and encased in a brace complete with wires, a control pad and three pulsing green lights.
"When are they getting him up ?"
"Phyllis will stop in tonight, they'll get him up sitting first thing tomorrow morning. Standing around lunch I'd say."
"He'll be out how long ?" Ty asked.
"Maybe 6:00 or so we'll wake him and hopefully get him to eat, you can be back for that and eat with him."
"We'll help you with your stuff mom." Maddie said with a nod from Charlie.
"Betty, go home and rest some, Ty take her home please."
"I'm fine Amy."
"I know Betty, but he's just going to sleep and I'm just going to sit in that chair. Come back for dinner with Ty and the girls."
"And the rest ?"
"I don't know, I don't want to overload him, can we just say it's best in the morning ?"
"Not a problem at all, Ok, let's gather our stuff."
"And I'll see you out, text Pat Charlie, he's probably near."
"Maybe we should walk, what do you say ?"
"Fine with us if you want to walk Gran, Poppa walk ?"
"Walking is fine Charlie but let Pat know he's free from us until dinner."
"Walkies !" Maddie exclaimed taking Ty's arm in hers "Smile Poppa, Jackson's all fixed."
"I think I'm with mom on this Mad, home would be better, I hate these places."
Amy took Ty's arm from Maddie and walked them to the elevator.
"I could stay with you." Ty whispered taking her in his arms.
Amy reached in and hit L "I'll send him down in a minute."
She returned to her spot in his arms when the doors closed and reached up to kiss his lips gently. "I can't leave him, there's a house full of guests, I need you to do this Ty."
Ty leaned forward and kissed her again, this time pulling her closer. When the elevator opened she stepped back and whispered, "go be the poppa, I love you."
"I love you too, uhm dinner ?"
"Mac and cheese, Jackson's choice."
"Hospital Mac and Cheese ?"
"No, Pat will pick up the top 4 current best rated Mac and cheese's in Manhattan and he'll choose the best."
"OK, I'm marrying into an insane obsessed family."
"You thought marrying me would be a walk in the park ? I come with accessories."
"And needs I live to fulfill, I'll see you later Ames."
Trish had dimmed the lights further and turned on the light next to Amy's chair where she settled. Trish was out a minute later with a light blanket and a pillow that she handed to Amy with a smile.
Next she grabbed a chair from the hallway and pulled it in next to Amy then laid Amy's suitcase down as an ottoman. "Molly's gonna come up for a visit."
"I can stand a bull session."
"You miss Erma."
"I really do, I talked to her before when they were finishing with Jax."
"How's April ?"
"She's so sweet, Erma says she's holding her own."
"We can ask him if he's up to talking to her for a minute later, he should be OK."
"He's always a little loopy Trish, that'll be cute but not too long."
"Nothing too long for now, he needs his rest. I'm going to check on Tommy and Marie, you good Amy ?" She asked with a bright smile.
Amy nodded and smiled back "Can I make you a cup of tea ?"
"Tea would be great, meet you back here in 10."
Amy stood in the small kitchen looking out the window and singing softly. She glanced over at the timer next to the tea pot and then back out the window.
"Here you are." The voice from behind her intoned quietly.
"Molly" Amy answered with a soft smile, "Trish mentioned you were coming by, she's just checking on the others, I'm making some tea, join us ?"
"Love to" she said coming over and sitting at the table. "Jackson looks fine."
Amy smiled and nodded "he's a tough kid."
"They mostly are, I've seen my share of kids with traumatic injuries."
"I'm sure you have, I can see it in Trish's face sometimes after I know she's on during one of those horror accidents you get on the news."
"You'd think by now I'd have seen it all Amy."
"Listen to you in the prime of middle age."
The older nurse turned and rose with a huge smile as her face transformed into that of a mom who's missed her child. "The far end of middle age Patricia, my you are a sight for sore eyes." She said as their arms wrapped around each other.
Amy couldn't help but smile at this affirmation that genetics played very little into a mother's love for those she considered her children. If ever there were two people destined as mother and daughter it was these two.
They broke apart with a gentle kiss when the beeper sounded and Amy moved to close the heater and set the pot steeping. Trish grabbed the three mugs and they left together to Jackson's room. She handed the mugs off to Molly and grabbed a third chair for the room.
Amy poured and they sat quietly in the dimly lit room sipping the first of the hot fragrant mint tea.
"What was going on in Washington ?" Trish asked.
"Nothing, ridiculous notion."
Amy smiled "sounds intriguing."
"Back in service is not intriguing and I find their suggestion, well repugnant." Molly said muttering the last.
"Which is ?"
"An Army Nursing school, trauma specific. No Patricia, I was raised with the idea that if I did my job war would stop but it never does and the easier we make it, well, if it's easy it'll never stop. There are just too many good soldiers, patch them up send them back until they crack. A professional army pushed to the brink."
"I heard about it through the grapevine." Trish said. "General ?"
"Six months in, I left them with an earful."
"So you're staying here ?"
"That depends, there's a position I've heard of that interests me."
Amy smiled and looked up from her email "more intrigue, spill colonel."
"Word is Dean of SUNY Upstate Nursing is opening up."
Both Amy and Trish looked up, SUNY Upstate was in Syracuse, just about an hour north of Ithaca, less than an hour from either the ranch or Trish's home.
"Molly ?" Trish asked.
"What do you think ?"
"Is it what you want Molly ?" Amy asked.
"It's state level and accessible to people who need it, I've always been pretty good at steering those in my care with positive results. It's a good ending to a career in service to others I think."
"And ?"
"And Patricia it's near you and I miss you" then after a brief pause "and I can have a horse." She finished laughing. "If Amy will teach me to ride."
"The girls will teach you Molly and you're welcome at Pegasus anytime."
"Patricia ?"
"Molly, not only do I think it's perfect for you but of course John and I would love to have you close, you know how much I miss you. How long, are there any details ?"
"It has not been officially announced yet as far as I know. There have been back room talks, I have some light feelers out."
"I could." Amy started only to be interrupted by the colonel.
"Light feelers Amy Fleming, when I need a cudgel dropped on someone's head I'll be sure to call you." She said it jokingly but Amy knew she was dead serious.
"Fine, I'll steer clear."
"Good, I am more than qualified for that position and I think I can safely say that I have trained some of the finest nurses in the world, they'd be lucky to have me."
"These decisions are made by New York politicians Molly, whom since 1775 I think we can safely say are not always the brightest bulbs in the bunch."
"I know Amy, let's start with the light feelers."
"Colonel, you're OK right, this isn't one of those weird."
"No Trish, I'm perfectly healthy as of two months ago, I miss the feeling that I'm shaping the next generation behind me, I'm tired of the city, that's it. Now, where would I live ?"
It had turned into a nice afternoon and along with the constant stream of high end restaurants and specialty bakeries, cheese shops and the rest they passed there were high end clothing shops. Hermès for Men, Barney's Madison Ave, Chanel and a stream of smaller and lesser name shops were nearby and the girls insisted on a bit of a walk around.
"It's so strange to see a cleaner's shop, a fruit stand and a Chanel store 50 yards from each other."
"Welcome to Manhattan Ty, homeless people down the block from $10000 a month studio apartments which could very well be down the block from rent controlled $500 apartments." Betty said as they crossed the street back towards home after stopping for gelato at a small shop on Madison.
The museum group was back in the house, mostly lounging and talking in the living room. Ty, Betty and the girls joined them and brought them all up to date which was mostly that he said 10 words and looked at them. Reports from surgery had no surprises and there was no reason to curtail any of the relief they all felt.
After a short time, Betty, Ty and the girls all excused themselves to touch base at home.
"Girls, please make sure Meg and Sally are caught up when you call, I'll call Georgie and Erma, Betty can touch base with Sandra ?"
"I sure will Ty." She responded with the girls nodding.
"I'll call Lou." Lisa added to Ty's returning smile.
Just before turning to leave Betty added "I'm sure Amy will touch base with everyone after dinner when he goes down for the night."
"How does dinner work ?"
"It'll just be the four of us Jack," Ty explained mimicking Amy's decision, "he's still half out and we don't want to overload him. He'll be sitting tomorrow morning, I think that's probably better, he'll still be a little loopy but they'll be weaning him by then."
"Sitting first thing huh ?" Jack asked.
"Standing and maybe a few steps after lunch Jack." Ty answered "I need to get my stuff done."
Ty called Erma first and spent a few minutes on the phone with her and August nearby. She was as concerned about Amy as she was about Jackson which touched Ty in a big way. He hadn't yet reached the end of the relationship Amy had with the younger group in this bizarre family, Meg, Sally, Erma and Amy were as supporting a group of mom's as he'd ever seen. Of course he'd never done a survey but anyone was better at this that the Bartletts and Flemings. Lou and her friends ran some bizarre competition amongst themselves or at least Lou did. He had to admit he never paid much attention to Cass and Caleb and kids but Cass was a busy vet and they had a nanny so while he was sure they had 'kid' friends he'd seen very little of it.
He made sure to speak to April as well and she was very sweet but obviously scared for her Jax. Ty promised that he would call from the room if Jackson was up to it. Georgie's call was longer as business and school played a part. She had already spoken to Amy after the surgery and even saw a picture of JT sleeping. Georgie assured him that everything was under control both at the clinic and at school, he knew it already, the staff's were incredibly efficient but he felt better getting it from Georgie who he knew would say something it there was anything amiss.
He knew there was water in the small fridge in the bedroom but also knew he wasn't here to deflate, at least not yet. He decided that he'd be available but not in the thick of things so he made his way downstairs, made sure he was seen and then settled with a bottle of water at the large kitchen table.
He stretched and then lay his head on his palms, his elbows on the table. He took several deep breaths when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Jack passing to the cupboard for a cup and reaching for the coffee.
"Coffee Ty ?, you look like you can use a cup."
Ty laughed "the twins want me to cut back, too much stress and caffeine."
"Starting young are they ?"
"Yeah, they're probably right, I guess I'm what some folks would call intense."
Jack sat down across from Ty and took a sip and then a moment to savor the cup. "They make exceptional coffee, I assume it's not from the economy big box."
"I don't know where this comes from but in Ithaca they mail order from a coffee roaster in Colorado I think, it's actually not that much more."
"How are you holding up ?"
"Ok I guess, it's hard to process Jack. He's got an amazing spirit."
"According to Betty you're about to get it in spades."
"Yeah, I've heard he pushes, like her that way I guess."
"Like them all, not like Maddie even entertained the idea of getting off that horse at the rodeo grounds. And Amy ?"
"Still learning this Amy Jack, the whole compartmental thing she does seems to work for even this. I mean she lets me in you know but."
"I get it."
Ty looked up at him and nodded. "She's always had this inner strength but I guess the parts, those frustrations that would rise up don't really happen or at least you don't see them for very long."
"Lisa and I've seen that deep breath thing."
"Tyler James Borden, you may have mentioned that my grandson will be deciding on the best Mac and Cheese in this city."
"Sorry mom, what difference does it make, Pat's bringing enough for here too."
"The difference is Ty that he'll be judging five, blindly, one being mine."
"Mom."
"Don't mom me." She said when Meg and Stephanie walked in and pulled out a pot, two boxes of pasta and a load of cheese from the fridge, including Erma's block of gruyére.
'What do you need from us Lily ?"
"We need to boil those two pounds of pasta and grate a mess of that cheese and I need butter, whole milk and a spice rack."
"Here you are Poppa" Charlie said coming over and leaning over to kiss him on the cheek "from Sally." Maddie was at his other side a second later and kissed him twice.
"Brin and Meg ?" Ty asked to Maddie's affirming nod and smile. "What are we making ?"
"Mac and Cheese." Lily answered.
"OK, why ?"
"Because Madelyn, my mac and cheese is as good as any restaurant mac and cheese."
Charlie rubbed Lily's back before opening the fridge and grabbing two waters "You go girl, knock yourself out Grandma."
"Thank you Charlie."
Jack squeezed by and reached for the coffee pot to freshen his cup and took a second to glance at Charlie.
"You too with the caffeine ? Sit down GG, I'll make you a cup of tea."
"Charlie" he started.
"No Charlie GG, you and your buddy Ty here drink way too much coffee. Now tea or water ?"
"Give it up Jack." Ty said shaking his head.
"GG ?"
"Tea Charlie, thank you."
Charlie leaned over Jack who had sat back down and hugged him followed by a big kiss "coming right up GG !"
Lisa came in with Betty and sat down next to Jack, Betty peeked in the kitchen and sat down next to Ty.
"Is there coffee Maddie ?" Lisa asked since it was Maddie who was standing by the machine chatting with Meg who was hand grinding cheese.
"Amazing" Maddie muttered plugging out the machine and grabbing the pot towards the sink. "Caffeine dispensary closed, tea or water Grand Mere."
"Just go with it Lis." Jack said lifting his fresh mug of tea.
"Ginger tea please."
"Thank you Grand mere." Charlie said from against the wall.
Amy called when Tommy was out and was put on speakerphone at the table.
"He's fine, the surgery went very well."
"How's Jackson ?"
"Sleeping, he's calm. Molly was here until a few minutes ago and Trish went to help out when they were done with Tommy.
"And you ?"
"Fine, reading with a cup of tea, haven't really been alone until now."
"Well, we shouldn't be too long seeing you."
"I know, everything good over there ?"
"Yeah, John just texted that they're on their way, I think we need to switch to the living room."
"Girls Ok ?"
"We're good mom." Maddie called over.
"Well, go move and I'll get back to this book."
"Love you Ames."
"Love you too sweetheart and all the rest of you." She called out before they
disconnected.
Ty moved the group back into the living room, Lily, Meg and Steph stayed and were there to welcome the men when they got in. The girls begged off the crowd up to the family room and a television to veg near while toiling around in social media.
John checked his phone and then sent a text. "Pat will pick us up at 6:00 which is when they'll start getting Jax up."
"You coming ?"
"Yeah, Amy's good, don't worry, I'd like 30 minutes with my wife too buddy."
"Sorry John, I didn't think and didn't."
"Forget it Ty."
Ty nodded and patted John's knee before leaning back and closing his eyes for a second.
"I know buddy, worrying about them can mess you up."
"I've had loved ones sick John."
"It's not the same Ty, we all have kids, your kids, shit, you never stop worrying about them."
"Who are they on the phone with ?" Ty asked nodding at Charlie and Trevor off in the corner.
"I think Haddie, something Alpaca."
Trevor obviously caught John's comment and raised his finger at Ty obviously asking him to wait. "I hear you Haddie, we'll get right back, Charlie's working on the money, that won't be an issue, straight cash transfer, yup, yup."
"Not the best timing" Trev said walking over to Ty and sitting. "Betty ?"
Looking up Betty came over as well and sat down. "Problem ?"
"I wouldn't call it that, Haddie had a call from some ranch outside Regina, Owner suddenly died a few weeks ago and the family needs to get rid of their Alpaca herd, 412 total, they had two Machos work the herd eight weeks ago. They got the call from the Macho owner who knows Haddie and the herd in question."
"I assume she wants them ?" Betty asked.
"Yup, they need to be moved to a separate location and not mixed with ours until they're all vetted by our people." Trev explained "we also need a random DNA run."
"And their fleece ?"
"Consistent some Superfine, Haddie said she trusts we can get them up to Ultra in two or three seasons."
"Plus we get the first cria."
"Superfine will pay for the herd as we go, we can wait for the profit, where though ?"
"Heartland or Fairfield comes to mind." Ty mentioned "Heartland would be hard at this point it's way open, what do we need ?"
Betty looked up "Depending on the condition of the land for 400 or so up North we need 100 acres per grazing meadow and figure three meadows to move them through that we'll supplement with our mix to get us into the spring, at that point we'll get together and decide."
Ty nodded "should we talk to Lisa or Amy first ?"
"How much time do we have Trev ?"
"We have 90 days to move them maybe 100 but they need the money in escrow to calm the bank down and reorganize."
Betty nodded "I'll talk to Lisa after mentioning it to Amy later but tell Haddie to make the deal, worse case scenario we'll find 500 acres to lease, how much ?"
"1.2 CDM, that's about 900,000 US" Charlie said walking over. "TD Canada doesn't have a problem covering the loan against the herd, 4 years,1 point over prime floating with a buyout option."
"English Charlie, I'm behind on the business lingo."
"No sweat Ty, TD bank will loan us 1.2 million at one point over prime which is now 4.75% so 5.75% to us. The loan will follow the prime rate quarterly and we pay the interest figure around 60 – 70 thousand a year for 4 years before we buy out the loan. The buyout option is an option to pay out the loan early based on a prearranged formula if the prime rises unconscionably or for any reason actually."
Ty nodded, "is it really that easy to make money ?"
"No Ty, it's not easy at all, you need to get a 1.2 million dollar loan, keep, feed, vet and care for the herd of 400 creatures for 4 years before you make a dime. They need to be kept on hundreds of acres of land you need to have available and maintained to our standards. Manpower, personnel, taxes, the loss of income from the land you dedicate to the herd."
Betty smiled and patted his knee "and then pray the herd is capable of producing Grade 1 Ultrafine for the big payoff and that's the genetic gamble, as good as Haddie is it's a roll of the dice."
"Livestock is always a gamble no matter what they do or why you buy them." Charlie said sitting back.
They were joined by Steph and Meg who followed Lily out of the kitchen, the mac and cheese safely in the oven.
Meg had spied Bert in the dining room on her way out of the kitchen, he had glanced up at her and smiled as she went by.
"Bert's on with the seconds ?" Meg asked looking at Ty who nodded "I've been excluded, Georgie said all was well so whatever."
"Your'e better off without the details" Steph said leaning over Trever for a kiss.
"Ah preciosa" Trev said smiling at Steph "could I ask you to put together a page on a deal for me, might save Amy some time later, we need a decision and I don't want to hassle her."
"Since you asked so nicely of course." Steph said smiling "Ty can we use the office ?"
"Help yourselves, excuse me the rest of you, I'm going to check on the girls, Charlie could I ask you to play host and ask about drinks."
"Go on, Bert and I've got it."
Ty glanced at Betty for a second which she took to mean he wanted to talk "I'll come with you Ty."
The girls were laid out on one of the long couches and Ty sat in one of the chairs, Betty joined next to him.
"Shouldn't we involve Lisa in this ?"
"We will, Amy first."
"No I mean as a partner ?"
"Oh, I think that's not out of the question, to those two it's just a deal, they look at it and decide if it's worth it for us to hear it, neither will have a problem bringing in Lisa."
"Just one big happy family Poppa, what are we buying ?"
"Alpaca Charlie."
"Love Alpaca" Maddie said from her corner "where they going ?"
"Maybe Fairfield, they're Canadian Alpaca."
"Fairfield Alpaca" Lisa said surprising them "what are we discussing ?"
"Come sit Lisa" Ty said.
"Should I get Jack ?"
"If you think he needs to hear it immediately then we'll repeat it, it's not much now and Amy hasn't heard it yet. Haddie's been offered 400 or so Alpaca, it's a family thing, there's a death and I think they'll firm up the land and estate issues with the herd sale, regardless we need a place to keep them. They're in Saskatchewan so it's easier to keep them north of the border."
Betty took over at this point "it's a 4 year investment until a profit can really be expected and that could go longer or bust altogether. That land is yours Lis so we'd pay to lease it and pay for upkeep and whatever fencing and construction we'd need. We could definitely cut you in and work out a quid pro quo."
"Is there a downside aside from the time ?"
"If their fleece doesn't hit Grade 1 or we lose part of the herd, it's livestock Lisa. Haddie says go, Stephanie is putting together the proposal for Amy." Ty finished.
"I've got the land, you run it by Amy, I'll mention it to Jack. We'll need temporary fencing through the winter we couldn't possibly sink posts."
"That shouldn't be too hard."
"No and we have some spots where you can use existing fence line."
"Haddie will deal with the logistics when the time comes," Betty answered "no need to get ahead of ourselves so you're on board ?"
"For now, don't see why not." Lisa confirmed.
"You'll love Alpacas Grand Mere, much easier than cows."
"Thanks Maddie, they'll be a site, that's for sure."
"Especially when they get out and wander up to the road" Charlie muttered.
"That'll be enough Charlotte, they're harmless." Betty said laughing.
Amy opened her eyes and immediately leaned forward to focus on Jackson and the two monitors. A second later she felt Trish's gentling touch "He's fine Amy."
"Guess I dozed off" she murmured before stretching in the seat and gathering the blanket to fold.
"Go get washed up sweetie, we're fine."
"Tommy ?" Amy asked.
"All good, sleeping next door, I think Robin and Eric are there and Marie is with her mom and dad upstairs in the atrium."
After grabbing her small toiletries kit Amy made her was passed Tommy's room and smiled in at Robin who was sitting and reading a book and then at Eric sitting back on the couch in the family lounge before disappearing. She stopped on the way out, washed and fresh again and spoke with Eric for a few minutes. She met Babs and Louis returning with Marie from their time in the sun upstairs on the roof atrium, spent a few minutes with them and then stopped into Tommy's room.
Robin patted the chair next to hers and Amy sat down and took her hand with a smile.
"He was so happy when he realized it was over." Robin whispered with a tear. "They're so strong."
"They've had to live their lives through the obstacles life threw at them Robin, the exercise regimens set for them take a real commitment."
"High school coach sniffing around Jackson yet ?"
"Oh yeah, you guys too ?"
"Tommy swims at the high school every day in the colder months, either before or after school, what do you think ?"
Amy's phone vibrated and she stood up "He's stirring, I assume late dinner for Tommy, there'll be loads of Mac and cheese in the fridge if you want. They'll send the leftovers out for lunch tomorrow."
"He loves mac and cheese night and then seeing if he matches JT."
"Then we'll keep them unmarked and separate. I think Marie might play too."
She immediately looked at Jackson when she walked into the room and saw him asleep and Trish at the monitors with her iPad. "He's stirring a bit, I think he'll be up soon. Everyone else good ?"
"Sure, Marie's going to watch some TV and Tommy's out obviously."
"John texted, Pat's at the house with dinner."
"Mom ?"
"Right here sweetheart, want some ice ?"
"Water."
"Have some ice until we can sit you up and then I'll get a straw."
"K sweaty."
"Have some more ice and Trish can clean you up which will cool you off."
"mmmm" he murmured chewing on the ice.
"Slow down and let it melt, here's some more."
He opened his eyes on the third spoonful and smiled at her. "hungry."
"They should be here soon, how are you feeling ?"
"Doesn't hurt, sticky bleh."
"I'll leave you to Trish."
"Sit up"
Trish smiled "I'll be faster if you're laying flat Jax ."
"K"
Amy smiled and walked out into the hall as her phone vibrated.
"Hi !" She said walking into the big kitchen dining area across the hall. This space was bigger and actually had a working kitchen and large family type tables.
"Hey, we'll be leaving any second, everything good ?"
"He's been up a few minutes, Trish is getting him ready."
"Ready ?"
"Sponge bath, combed and sitting up. He wants a straw and some water."
"That's good."
"He's hungry, that's better. How are you doing ?"
"Oh you know, Ok I guess."
Amy laughed "you sound just like him."
"I'm ready, let's go" Ty said off phone to John's prodding at the door.
"Ames ?"
"I'll see you in a few minutes sweetheart, you better catch up."
She set up a serving spot in the family lounge so that people could serve here and then move to the rooms as they understandably weren't set up for a buffet. The family and the food arrived before Jackson was done and Amy stepped out so that they'd bypass Jackson's room first off. The door was closed anyway.
Amy was hugged as the bags were placed on the counter. Betty took over setting up the small display of now 5 mac and cheeses that thanks to the thermal bags were all still piping hot. There was actually a 6th platter, as always a vegan option but Jackson had decided that vegan mac and cheese wasn't his thing though Amy and the girls didn't think it was that bad.
"One hungry boy waiting !" Trish said at the door to the lounge.
"I have his plate right here, 5 mac and cheeses." Betty said grabbing a fork and walking past Trish with the rest following with their plates. John stayed behind for a second and walked out with two plates handing one to Trish who was standing back while Jackson was kissed and hugged.
"Been missing you big guy" Trish whispered leaning up on tip toes to reach Johns's lips. Trish was 6 feet tall, stood two inches over Ty and 7 over Amy and still struggled to get close. Ty smiled when John, balanced plate in one hand, snaked his free hand around Trish's waist and lifted her slightly off the ground.
"Mmmmm" Trish sighed when he lowered her back down.
Betty lay Jackson's plate on the small table over the bed and leaned forward for a big hug and kiss followed by the twins and then Ty.
"Hey Dad, Ok ?"
"Me, just fine, you ?"
"Got that stuff, kind of tingly and numb, hungry though."
"Then let's eat." Ty said standing and pulling the bed cart close enough for him to grab a fork.
"Why 5 ?"
"There's just 5, what difference does it make ?" Maddie asked.
"No difference Mad, just askin', this one's good"
"I'd hope the 5 best in Manhattan would all at least be good." Trish said.
"Hey Rocket, didn't see you there."
"Hey Jax, going Ok ?"
"Oh yeah sure." He answered before shoveling another mouthful in his mouth.
"Slow down Jackson" Shoshana said walking in carrying a plate similar to John and Trish's.
Jackson merely smiled at her and chewed.
"Phyllis is with Asher, she'll be in any minute." Shoshana told Amy before heading out on some other errand.
Charlie leaned over to where Ty had sat on the arm of the chair Betty was sitting in "you know he's stoned out of his gourd right ?"
"Yeah Charlie, I sort of got that when he didn't notice John."
She smiled and nodded "#3 is really good, have that one yet JT ?"
He looked over chewing and glassy eyed "mhmmm."
Ty smiled "I'm hungrier than I thought, I'm up for seconds."
Amy followed him and ran her arms around him from the back as soon as he stopped at the counter with the food. "Hey" he laughed "didn't know I was being followed."
"I miss you."
"I miss you too Ames." He answered turning around into her waiting arms. Amy was sure they weren't kissing for long when she felt more than heard company.
"Don't stop on our account but, you know, be aware we're here." Maddie giggled.
"Sorry girls."
"Nothing to be sorry about Poppa, I miss Bobby like crazy." Charlie said with a smile.
"One more scoop of each for the judge."
"Small scoops Betty, that stuff is going to wear off much faster now that he's eaten."
"I've got it Amy, go on all of you."
"How did we get 5 anyway ?" Amy asked walking across the hall.
"One's mom's" Ty said as they entered.
"Get out."
"Seriously, Erma's gruyére and Wisconsin cheddar."
"No hot dogs."
"No hot dogs, hey you remembered."
"I remember you putting ketchup on it and grossing me out."
"Hey dad, got a favorite ?" Jackson asked stopping the conversation immediately. Ty walked over and sat on the edge of the bed after moving the small table away.
"I do Jackson but I don't want to influence you."
"Oh I picked already, these are just double checking."
Ty noticed that he seemed more awake and wasn't slurring his speech as badly. He had also noticed JT shifting in bed a little.
"Can I help you move Jackson ?"
"Uhm, no, not the best idea if you don't know the whole nurse's thing". He said quietly, "I'm good."
Ty pushed the little table back and handed Jackson his fork.
"So let's hear it JT." Charlie said with a smile as she finished off her second plate and put it down on the growing pile on a side table.
"Well, Ok, the one that's not, you know macaroni can't win. I know sometimes you don't have the right noodles but this is the championship."
"Makes perfect sense" John agreed. "Only elbow macaroni need apply."
"Down to 4." Amy added.
"Right now I know color is mostly the stuff you use to make the cheese, you know from Erma but come on, mac and cheese championship."
"2 left."
Ty had said it after deducting the two white cheese based casseroles and Jackson smiled at him.
"Right so these are both really good, nice and cheesy and good crunchy top."
"So Jax, come on."
"OK Mad, hold your horses, but this one is really creamy, like back home and the top is really good, so this one, uhm number 4."
"Unbelievable." Ty said.
"Actually perfect" Trish said turning off the recorder on the iPad.
"What ?" Jackson asked.
"That's my mom's mac and cheese and Erma's gruyére."
"Wow, what's the top ?"
"Crushed potato chips." Trish said "Meg told me."
"Good for grandma," Charlie said clapping "we chose that one too, you sort of grow up with a taste you know and Erma's is almost just like this one."
Betty laughed "she'll be thrilled."
"And Erma." Trish added.
"Did I miss the judging " Phyllis asked walking in.
"Hey Phyl." Jackson said waving. "I just picked and it's my Grandma's."
Phyllis smiled and took the hug from Amy. "Nothing like Grandma's mac and cheese Jax, we done eating, I need 15 minutes ?"
"We can wait for dessert, go ahead Phyl." Amy announced.
"Come on, let's give Phyllis some space, grab the dishes." Betty said leading the girls and John out.
"Need me Phyl ?"
"I don't think so Trish, Amy you staying ?"
"With Ty if it's Ok with Jackson."
"Sure thing and you can see what they do, the nurses thing."
"I'm all eyes." Ty answered him with a smile.
Phyllis first leaned over and looked into Jackson's eyes.
"Starting to feel it a little Jax ?"
"A little, still tingly."
"Wanna move, I think you slipped a little, let's sit you up."
Ty watched as Phyllis wrapped her arms with Jackson's and pulled him into a hug. "Deep breath" she whispered before literally suspending him and taking all his weight for a second and repositioning him. Jackson was only 7 but not lightweight, Phyllis had game.
"Better ?"
Jackson let out his breath, smiled and nodded.
She was already wearing gloves and pulled over a stool.
"Time for a peek Jackson."
"Go ahead, I know you gotta ask."
Phyllis smiled and nodded "Amy, Ty I assume you haven't taken more than a glance ?"
"Jackson ?"
"Sure dad, you're gonna see anyway."
Amy had moved over without Jackson's permission.
"I need to check both up like this and then flat, let's start this way." Phyllis said as she folded away the blanket and sheet. Jackson wasn't wearing the standard tie in the back gown but one with several ties on the sides. She undid two of these and lifted them away. There was a visible arced red line that ran along his hip for about 5 inches. It was masterfully stitched.
"That's some stitching job and it looks like he's removed the old scar tissue." Ty said leaning over.
Phyllis ran her hands over Jackson's hip with her eye's closed then stopped and looked down at her iPad where she viewed scans of the final surgery.
Next she covered up his hip and rolled her seat lower and uncovered the brace covered leg.
"Awesome" Jackson said leaning over to look at the long thin scar.
"Not awesome Jackson." Amy whispered seeing the wound.
"Come on mom."
She looked over and relented to his pride "Ok, maybe a little awesome."
Phyllis closed her eyes and ran her hands over his thigh and lower past the knee and calf. Jackson winced twice and Phyllis murmured an apology but continued.
"I'm going to lay you down now Jackson." She said and hit the button. When he was flat she did the same thing this time however she checked reflexes with a cold steel tool. She also examined his toes and foot and what looked like blood paths down past his groin.
"Ok, let's get you back up for your dessert and then I think you'll be ready for a good night's sleep."
Ty watched again as she hugged him while the bed rose keeping him where he needed to be. She could feel the reaction in his body and knew his tingling was slowly becoming a throb.
"Not too long Amy." Phyllis said "We'll get you into a chair for breakfast Jackson and start getting you massaged."
"I asked Gran for pancakes."
"Whatever, you'll eat them sitting up. I'm going to check on Tommy and Marie, I'll stop in before I go."
Amy opened the door and signaled Trish who was leaning against the lounge door holding hands with John and talking. A minute later Jackson was biting down on a maple frosted donut with a second off to the side. The girls stepped in while Jackson ate and set up a three way FaceTime chat with April and Carson. They joked for a few minutes while he ate his donuts and had some juice. Sally and Erma had said 5 minutes but it was good that the kids got to visit.
The girls and Ty each had an apple and Amy an apple and a couple really good homemade oatmeal cookies that had showed up in the kitchen. They all chatted while Jackson was occupied. Seeing Jackson sitting alone when they were done Ty walked over and sat on the edge of his bed. Jackson smiled and took his hand.
"How's that tingle ?"
"Oh, that's gone."
"Are you in pain Jackson ?" Ty whispered.
"I'm ok, a little longer."
Ty nodded and stood when Amy walked over changing places with her and then standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder.
"Awful quiet there sweetheart."
"Yeah, listening though."
"Don't force yourself, tomorrow's a big day and you'll need your sleep."
"Ok."
"Time for goodnights." Amy said turning and standing. While everyone said their goodnights Amy led Ty out and across the hall to the lounge where she tucked herself into his arms just to be held. Their kiss was gentle and loving.
"You'll be Ok I assume ?"
"I'm fine Ty, he'll be fidgety tonight. I've got Trish with me."
"Let me say goodbye."
They walked back into the hall and Amy stopped for a second."Hey, you'll be Ok too ?"
"The hardest part is not dwelling on it and with a house full of people that's not easy."
"Yawn."
"Yawn ?"
"Yawn, that's what I've got, stressful day, early morning, just yawn when you've had enough."
"I think I'll get home and have a beer, that should leave no doubt."
"He'll be sitting up first thing, the girls have class here and I'm not sure what Betty's plans are. Call in the morning, maybe you can come with the girls and the rest can follow."
The girls were joking around with him when Ty came through and they moved back to give him access.
"Hug ?"
"Careful" JT whispered.
Ty was extra gentle and let Jackson tighten his arms. "Love you."
"I love you too Jackson, I'll see you in the morning, you sleep well."
"You too, don't worry."
Betty tapped Amy's shoulder, "I need a minute, business." She whispered.
Amy nodded and waited for Ty. "Jackson I'm just going to the elevators, you good till then ?"
"I'll say goodbye here Amy, I need to get him brushed and clean those hands and that face." Trish said with a smile looking in at JT who was staring at the TV across the room. "Not too long Amy, he's starting to feel it."
Amy nodded and walked down the hall arm in arm with Ty and then sat across from Betty and the girls and took the paper Betty unfolded and handed to her. She scanned it twice and thought for a second then looked over at the girls.
Betty looked at her "They're 15, you wanted them included, what better than the Alpacas to start with ?"
Amy nodded "Fairfield, have you talked to Lisa yet ?"
"She overheard and expressed interest."
"Fine, buy the herd, the price is fine, but that's it for now, I want to see the deal before we agree and remind the boys that the foundation has tendered an oral offer to take over Fairfield."
"Uhm, how much does a herd of Alpaca cost ?" Charlie asked.
Amy looked up and thought for a second "1.2 million Canadian so about 900,000 US. We'll buy them with a loan that I'll explain tomorrow. This is not discussed outside the family girls. Come on hugs, Jackson should be ready."
Once again Amy sent the family down for an extra few seconds with Ty.
They kissed and Amy reached up to stroke her thumb across his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too, you can call you know, I don't mind getting up to talk."
"I know Ty, I'm sorry about the crowd."
"Lesson learned I guess, hopefully we'll never have to test it."
"mmmm" Amy murmured leaning up to kiss him again as the elevator opened.
"Come on, enough kissy face" John said laughing and walking by them into the elevator. "Forgot about me huh, everyone forgets the little guy. Night Amy."
"Goodnight John."
Back in the room Amy sat down with Jackson who was watching a super hero show she was sure he'd never seen before. He shifted and stifled a gasp then settled and let out his breath slowly.
"What do you say champ ?" Amy asked leaning over to push his hair off his forehead.
"Yeah, OK." He said as Trish walked over to set the machine and hand the button to Amy.
Jackson put his thumb on the button and Amy covered it with her hand.
She leaned over and kissed him "Ready ?"
He closed his eyes and nodded "Ready" and they pushed together. She was always amazed at how quickly it seemed to take effect.
After a few minutes Amy sat back in her chair and grabbed the light blanket and pillow and then her book. Trish checked on the others and joined her with 2 mugs of tea a few minutes later.
Trish settled and they each took a few sips and set their cups down.
"All good Trish ?"
"All good, Marie goes in at 6:00, Tovah's doing that and I'm heading back to Charlie's for 24 hours."
"Got any plans ?"
"Sex and sleep, not necessarily in that order."
"I hear that" Amy muttered and then grinned raising her hand to high five the smiling nurse beside her.