Chapter 101
Amy waited and watched the limo pull up as the ambulance pulled way. They were heading home. She had ridden over from the hospital in the ambulance along with Jackson and Trish. Pat had Phyllis, Mrs. Weingarten their tutor and the luggage in the limo. A crew was already descending on the brownstone to clean and shut it down for the time being. Amy had offered Colleen the use of the house until they moved home but she had thought ahead and having become fast friends with the Lowther's over the week Ann and Craig insisted that she stay with them in Gordon's room. Robert refused to be released earlier than his new little buddy.
Renee and Asher were on their way to Florida for a few days to visit Renee's sister and some cousins before returning to Ithaca for the wedding. Shoshana and some of the staff were still in NY and would return home to Israel or to Ithaca for the wedding the following week after Robert and Gordon were discharged. Shoshana's fiancé Gabe was arriving in a few hours to spend some time with her in the city before heading up to Ithaca for the wedding. Captain Gabriel Keitel was on 3 weeks furlough from his assignment as a pilot in the Israeli Air Force.
After getting Jackson inside the chopper and buckled, the luggage was loaded and soon after a pilot check the rotors began spinning and they lifted off home. The chopper would land them on the front lawn at Pegasus in 90 minutes.
It was still early afternoon when they arrived and the girls and Jackson's friends were not home yet. They landed to a small welcoming party, John of course, Dr. Sherman, Phyllis's husband Myron, Mrs. Weingarten's sister Rose, Chuck and several hands. Ty, Bert, Georgie and Sarah wandered out of the medical barn as the rotors cut.
As John lifted Jackson to his ranch wheelchair which Ty held in place Amy walked over and reached up for a gentle kiss hello. Betty, who had also just walked over was next with a hug followed by the rest especially Sarah who was holding a small silver colored scissor.
"Let's see the arm Jackson." She said in her usual drawl.
Jackson smiled and held it out, the red cord still tied where she had placed it. She smiled and reached over to cut it and then dropped both cord and scissors into her pocket. Then she reached over and kissed his forehead. "You're officially on your own again youngster, don't hurt yourself."
Ty watched this in silence and then looked at Sarah.
Sarah looked up at him "what ?"
"What." He answered back as she looked at him for another second. "Some comment you care to make Dr. Borden ?"
"I'm good Sarah, err thanks."
She looked at him a second longer then nodded and turned.
"Neat ride Jackson." Ty said watching Jackson taking in his new chair. It took only a few seconds before a family of horses strolled over to the nearest meadow fence and Jackson took off.
"Easy JT." Phyllis called out as he wheeled to a stop in front of Merlin who leaned over close and sniggered at him.
"Hey boy, how's it going huh" he said holding and rubbing the big head. Jasper and Turq pushed in as did Spartan and Harley while Amy and Ty strolled over. Several hands moved everything unloaded from the helicopter and all except for those handling the goods strolled over to where Amy and Ty had gone.
Goodbyes were said for now as people headed home. John and Trish would not be joining them for dinner. Trish leaned over and Jackson reached out for a big hug "thanks Aunt Trish" he whispered.
"Oh Jackson, you know I love you so much." She whispered back and then hugged and kissed him again. The twins and JT did not call John and Trish, aunt or uncle, just John and Trish, it fit and saying or hearing the honorific was special to them when it happened.
"Let's check the lift Jackson, I'd like to go home." Phyllis said walking over.
"Sorry Phyl, sure, the horses you know."
"I know JT and now you've seen them and they've seen you, besides, Dr. Sherman can't wait around all day and he'd like to see you settled and check your circulation."
Mrs. Weingarten said her goodbye leaving a packet in Betty's hand and the admonition that Jackson had a short school day that day and would be expected on time, ready to learn first thing in the morning.
Jackson continued on and Amy stayed back and walked with Chuck after holding him for long enough for him to get uncomfortable. Letting go she leaned up and kissed both his cheeks. "Ok, Amy, Ok stop, they sent me pictures of the rings they have and I picked two."
"So when we sit down on Monday we'll look and you can decide, do you have the pictures on your phone ?"
Chuck pulled out his phone and found them quickly enough. "You can do the finger thing."
"It's called swipe."
"Right swipe, well left, you know."
Amy laughed, "I do sweetheart, they're both lovely Chuck do you have a favorite."
"It changes."
"Then that would be no which is fine, sometimes when you hold something and see it the choice gets easier."
"You'll help ?"
"I'll always help Chuck and your dad and Ty will be there too."
"This is definitely a mom thing Amy."
"If you say so Chuck, excited ?"
"Yeah mostly, sometimes I'm nauseous."
"Fair enough, it'll be fine, Robin loves you Chuck. Go to work, don't think about it."
Amy caught up to the crowd who were now admiring the charge station for JT's new outdoor rover. This chair had a power assist and was strictly for the outside so it would be parked on the porch on the plate that would charge the batteries overnight.
She stopped to check the ramp that had sprung up while they were away and then into the house to look at the chair lift on the staircase. They had installed the system when they redid the house having gone back and forth with the idea of an elevator.
She watched Jackson wheel through the door in his regular chair, past her to swing around and back himself into the wheel locks on the lift. She watched the light go green and Jackson hit the button to be brought up to the second floor.
Most of the crowd had dispersed by now and Amy and Ty followed Jackson upstairs with Betty and Georgie close behind. Jackson's room had gone through a slight remake, his bed was now actually a hospital bed exactly like the one he had left behind. There were three monitoring machines, two against a wall off to the side and one pulled up alongside the bed. Don Sherman was waiting.
"Hey Doc !" Jackson said brightly when he swung into the room.
"Jackson, welcome home, seems the surgery was a success. Let me just check your leg and your heart and I'll leave you to rest awhile. Up you go young man" he gestured to Jackson then the bed. While Ty stayed with Jackson Amy walked over to check his bathroom followed by Betty.
"It's all set up Amy, arm assists by the sink and commode and the extra shower guides."
The idea was that after a short time Jackson should be able to see to his personal needs on his own using the guides to bathe and get ready. It was important for him to do it on his own and of course the family encouraged it with the understanding that he ask for help when he needed it.
"Lot of jostling today Jackson, are you having some discomfort ?" Dr. Sherman asked while wheeling away the machine he had just used.
"It's not bad." He mumbled.
"So that would be a yes, number ?"
"4, not 5"
"Fine, I know better than to ask if you want to take something for it so how about just stationary until your friends get here ?"
"I've got homework but I was waiting for Cars and April so we can do it together."
"How about reading JT ?" Ty asked.
"Stay with me ?"
"Sure, I can work on notes and files, I'll get my stuff."
Dr. Sherman nodded and straightened up. "none the worse for wear Amy. I'll walk you out Ty."
"See ya doc !"
"I'll stop in Saturday, don't overdo."
"I won't."
"Should I stay until Ty gets back ?" Amy asked sitting down on the edge of his bed.
"I'm good."
"The pain Jackson ?"
"I'm good mom, really, already stopping."
"Alright tough guy, I'm going to look at all my horses."
"Say hi for me."
"You'll be out later if you promise to take it easy." Amy said leaning over to kiss his forehead. Betty who was standing to the side leaned in as well "text if you need something Jackson." Then kissed him as well and followed Amy out.
"10:00 tomorrow Amy ?"
"Hair and nails ?"
"Yes ma'am."
"10 tomorrow it is Gran."
"What's 10 tomorrow morning Ty asked sprinting up the steps with his leather satchel in hand.
"Hair and nails, where's Caleb and his brood ?"
"Cass is at Cornell with Rich and Chris and I think Caleb's walking the kids around looking at the animals. Rose'll need a nap soon so I think they'll head back to the rental house."
"How'd that work out ?"
"It's a nice place, nice yard with swings and a slide which is a big help."
"Good, think he'll recognize me with the hair ?"
Ty laughed "I think so."
Amy smiled "that mammoth of a horse in isolation ?"
"Sure is, Sarah and the girls say he's smart too and a few of the rescues."
"How smart ? Liberty smart ?"
"I don't know what that means."
Amy nodded "ok then, Jackson awaits. Make sure he lets you work."
"We'll be fine" he answered and leaned over for a kiss. He sighed when they separated "missed you."
Amy smiled even deeper and reached her palm up to his cheek for a second and then headed into their bedroom for a quick change to ranch clothes.
She knew immediately that Chuck was clandestinely waiting for her, knowing she'd be down to walk the stables, his stables. She smiled as she walked along the stables past the family horses seeing that Chuck was glancing at her from the side and doing it very awkwardly.
"Come on Chuck, let's have the grand tour."
Amy took his arm in hers and they strolled from stable to stable. She asked questions about the things she noticed and prompted him to tell her about his charges, the horses in his care. Through and into the rescue barn she became more interested and listed to him recite their feeding regimens. Nine horses that arrived 4 days before. He recited them as if by rote and she knew the time it took for him to set these tasks to memory and she took pride when he stopped, frowned and pulled up a chart on the iPad for reference when he didn't remember. He had learned over time that they never thought less of him for taking a few more minutes to double check anything or to second guess an order and ask for clarification.
She stopped and he waited and watched while she entered their stalls and quickly assessed them herself, she knew they had been looked at and pampered for days but she felt more comfortable making contact. The hardest lesson she had learned and the hardest she dealt with was her inability to focus on this many animals. She consulted on hard cases and watched over her staff but for Pegasus, her spending most of her time focused on high performance horses and their unique problems was where she needed to be. She was comfortable with Sarah, her girls, the seconds and Vi as her eyes and ears, her comfort level went up when Georgie decided to stay.
"Hey Amy."
"Annabelle, how's everything been going ?"
"Great, glad I ran into you, I'm heading up to Potsdam tomorrow, back Sunday night."
"Ruth was fine with the idea so you should be good."
"I spoke with her, we'll go over some maps tomorrow afternoon with two of the conservationists she's been dealing with on other projects, they seem interested too."
"We need someone if we get to conserve the property by our other place, let me know if you like either of those firms. I'd love to do the same thing and we have several water sources, moving and stationary."
Annabelle nodded "I'll let you know."
"Call if you need something Anna."
"I will and I'll send pictures."
Amy nodded and moved on into isolation where the world's largest quarter horse was waiting.
"He's a giant." Chuck murmured "Easy eats like 5 horses, way worse than Phoenix and the Paints." Phoenix's appetite was legendary and he was a large horse but the girl's liberty horses, Rudolph and Margot were the clear champs, until now.
"We can afford the feed Chuck, him and Dancer getting along ?"
"Oh yeah, they're real good."
"She's a gift for Trish."
"Aunt Trish loves her for sure so it's a nice gift. Cause Hagrid is for Uncle John ?"
"Because Hagrid is for Uncle John, was Mike from the saddlery here ?"
"Same day Hagrid came, he kept measuring and shaking his head. You're gonna need a custom post and shoes. Farrier shop's working on it."
"Thank's Chuck, good work."
"Special gift, hope it works, Uncle John should have a horse."
"Yes he should, thanks for the tour Chuck, I need to check into potions and ride out to see Benny, can you get Spartan saddled for me please?"
"Sure will, I'll tie him off outside medical."
"Thank you sweetheart " Amy said reaching up a little to kiss his cheek.
"I'm coming to the welcome home Jackson dinner."
"With Robin I hope ?"
"Dad's picking Robin up."
"Then I will see you at dinner if not before." She finished with a smile before walking off towards her office in the medical barn. She got two steps when a young girl came toddling around the corner. It must have been her mom reflexes but before she ran dead on into Amy's leg and boot she was scooped up and into Amy's arms.
"Whoa sweetie" she said with a smile at the two large eyes staring at her smiling face.
It took a second before a familiar voice from her past sounded coming around the corner. "Rosie ! Come back here."
They were face to face a moment later.
Caleb looked frazzled and half turned trying to hold on to a small boy in a big cowboy hat. "I'm sorry ma'am she's mine."
Amy laughed, "maybe I can help you out Caleb"
"Amy ? Holy sh … uh, wow, the hair must've thrown me for a second. Uh, you can put her down."
"I'm fine Caleb, so if that's your daddy you must be Rose." Amy said smiling to the little girl she was holding who looked at her with big eyes and nodded.
"I'm Amy" and then leaning over a bit "and I guess you're Caleb too ?" She added reaching out her hand to shake with the young boy's hand which he did straightening first to do it properly.
Amy then leaned over to kiss Caleb Sr. on the cheek. "Can I help ?"
"No, we're good, sort of lost direction for a second in the barn, we're parked behind the um, um, uh?"
"House Caleb ?"
"Kind of big for a house."
"Fair enough, behind the big house. Well you're heading in the right direction, do you need something ?"
"Nope, the truck Ty lent us is behind, in the lot is all, Rose needs a nap and hopefully I can convince CJ."
"I assume you've been invited to dinner ?"
"We have, yeah, nice place you have here."
"I like it, anyway, I've got to get to my next appointment and my ride seems anxious." She said nodding in Spartan's direction which was behind them at this stage.
"Oh Spartan, he looks great, none the worse for wear."
"He's getting on but so far still good. I'll see you later ?" She continued gently leaning over to drop Rose of unsteady feet. She held on until the small girl got her bearings and then straightened up.
"Yeah, we'll be back once Cass is done for the day."
"Have a good day Caleb, good seeing you again."
"You too Amy."
She put off potions and spent a solid 2 hours with Benny and the trainers, with the 40 minutes back and forth she was late for school kids and friends but she was glad she had the one on ones with her people and got to see her horses.
As she dismounted off Spartan Chuck came out to take him. She waved at Sally and Erma on the porch and then told Chuck she'd brush and feed Spartan herself. She missed her time with him over the past few weeks. He did insist on dealing with her saddle and she thanked him, sent a text and got to work.
"Amy what's up ?"
"Nothing Sarah just checking in."
Sarah picked up a brush after saying hello to Spartan and started opposite Amy.
"We're all good boss, adding my two really took the pressure off even with Annabelle's other project. Crey doesn't know as much as the others for sure but he's got good instincts with horses and he asks."
"You and Vi getting by ?"
"We're good honey, don't worry, between us and the seconds we're covered."
Amy trusted Sarah, all of her people actually, she knew that if they needed help something would be done about it. Sarah was her de-facto official second in command at the compound and if she was fine, they were.
"Ok then, I signed off on all the thoroughbred's regimens so that should be online and I'll meet with the senior 3 a little later. I need to get to the house."
"They ain't here anyways, all at school, should be back soon though, Bert too."
"You two playing nice ?"
"Oh, you know, tit for tat, he behaves when you're not here."
Amy smiled as she led Spartan into his stall and went to the feed bins to get him a mash. "Coming to dinner Sarah ?"
"Dinner with the kids since Annabelle's heading out, besides gonna' be a crowd 'n a half over there and she's no good in a crowd."
"What is that ?"
"It's not closed spaces if that's what yer thinkin', she's fine in tunnels and the like, used to hide in dead trees. I think it's the people" and then she leaned over conspiratorially "when she talks on it sounds like she feels 'em, like inside."
Amy nodded "well we've had our share of empathic horses, why not Annabelle to some extent."
"Just how I'm thinkin', we done ?"
"I'll see you tomorrow Sarah."
"Have a good night Amy."
Meg and Betty had joined the porch crew and Amy stopped at both as well as Sally and Erma for hellos. "Sorry, I ran way later."
"Nothing to it, Ty's with the kids and Brin and Bobby are in the basement with the twins."
"We good on this end Erma ?"
"We are in countdown sis, need us this weekend ?"
"You coming for cuts and nails ?"
"I'm going with the girls Saturday morning" Meg said "Brin insisted."
"Meg, don't let them do something weird."
"Wouldn't think of it, and I might stop in tomorrow anyway."
"Sally and I will meet you here at 9:30 and I think Trish." Erma finished.
"And Robin" Betty added.
Amy smiled, "How nice, should we ask her along Tuesday ?"
"She'd love that." Sally said "let's do it, you and Trish won't be drinking or anything."
"We'll ask her tomorrow then, how many are we ?"
"Probably a dozen."
"Really Erma, a dozen, I'm not sure we have a dozen beds."
"We'll figure something out and I haven't counted, it may be more."
"We have those air mattresses Amy, you could pack those." Betty told her "I think they're in the basement closet."
"That's right, 6 full size air mattresses for sleepovers, excellent."
"I'll find them over the weekend." Betty said eliciting a smile from Amy.
"Welcome home Amy." Wyatt said swinging around the corner and up the new ramp with a backpack on his shoulder.
Amy hugged and kissed him when he reached her "Thank you Wyatt, everything been Ok ?"
"Great, good couple of weeks, I've got to get to Jackson's ride, we've got a surprise."
"Surprise ?"
"Yeah, these go pros that we used on the trail ride, I rigged them to attach to his wheelchair so he can record and stuff and one spins around so he can go 360."
"Onto what ?" Amy asked.
"An iPad that clips to the side."
Amy tilted her head in acceptance and stepped aside while sweeping her arm passed him in the direction of the wheelchair charging in the bay set up on the porch.
"What powers it ?" She asked thinking.
"The iPad is charged off line with the go pros, it's all Bluetooth connected and the motors for the camera mounts run off the aux on the chair's battery."
Erma turned, "that won't drain the battery ?"
"The battery is actually large enough to power an oxygen unit so it's got what it needs, these motors are tiny, I checked, no draw at all really."
"That's fine Wyatt," Amy told him "I'm good with it around here but not in school."
"You really just clip them off and slide the bars down. The iPad clip comes off too, I'll make sure he understands these are for the ranch only."
Wyatt worked quietly and they all looked up when the distinctive sound of his Mustang entered the property and drove down and into the last bay of the garage, next to the Jaguar. Robert Cleary's pickup followed a second later driving up to the spots in front of the house to let Katie and Barb out. He waved at the porch before pulling back and heading away.
Georgie and Cassandra walked from the garage as Katie and Barb came up the stairs, smiled at the group and walked over to get a hug from a waiting Amy.
"Good to have you back boss, JT good ?"
"He's great Katie thanks, you two ?"
"We're great." Barb answered.
"And Dr. Cleary ?"
"Expected at the rescue center."
"How's that been going ?"
"He's loving every second." Georgie answered walking up to Amy, they hugged for slightly longer than the rest. "Well ?"
"Chris and Richard have been great, nice overload class size."
"They have one more Tuesday and then break ?"
"And then Bert and Loren on mixing the holistic and veterinary in real life situations. I hear you and Cass have met under less than extraordinary circumstances ?"
"It was a long time ago Georgie and I've met her adorable kids so we're good."
She stepped to the side and passed Georgie stopping to a somewhat familiar face that popped into focus in her head immediately.
"Cass or Cassandra ?" Amy asked extending her hand.
"Cass is great Amy, good to see you again. I heard you say you met my rug rats ?"
"Helping Caleb get his bearings, he took them for naps."
"And took one himself, he can't get through a book before the both of them and he are fast asleep. Do we have to go over the past ?"
"Nope, do you need a ride home, want coffee ?"
"Oh, coffee would be great, thanks. Caleb will come when they're up, Georgie was going to show me her place, we haven't had time."
"I'll get a pot going." Georgie said going past.
"One's just up Georgie." Betty added.
"Wanna cup Gran ?"
"No thanks Georgie, I put it up for you."
Georgie smiled "you're amazing Gran."
"You're a coffee addict Georgie."
"Guilty as charged." She answered through the door on her way to the kitchen.
"Let's help her, anyone else ?" Amy asked turning from Cass to the porch.
Meg, Erma and Sally raised their hands, addicts all. "Maybe we just shift inside so we don't have to lament the baked goods." Erma added standing with a smile.
They heard the children first, Cars and April coming down the stairs followed by the whir of the chair lift and Ty's quick tread coming down after. Both kids hugged Amy before plopping into their mom's laps.
Jackson wheeled around the corner next, Amy was in her customary head of the table slot between Erma on one side and Cass who she nonchalantly sat next to her, so it wasn't hard to get to her son who immediately reached over for his hug. "Hey mom !"
"All done ?"
"Yup."
"Plans ?"
"They're working the rescues."
"They ?"
"You know, Mad and Charlie."
"And Brin and Bobby." Brin answered walking in along with Bobby a second later.
Amy got up for the twins, it had been almost a week since she'd seen them. She hugged and kissed each and then held them out one by one to look at them for a second.
"We haven't changed mom."
"Let me look at you for second Mad." She whispered gently.
"We're going to work the rescues in the round pens, get 'em moving."
"Sounds good Charlie, sorry I wasn't …."
"Seriously mom, we're good, they're not hardcore."
"And I hear some smart ones ?"
"Two, we'll work both today, a black and a chestnut."
"Very responsive" Maddie added.
"Liberty ?" Amy asked.
"Definitely, performer ? Who knows ?"
"I'll come out and watch when you get started. Jackson, Wyatt's got a surprise for you outside."
"Awesome, I love surprises !'
"Good, you three need snacks ?"
"No dad got us snacks."
"Off with you three then and JT ?"
"I'll be careful, first day back, don't overdo."
Amy smiled and kissed him, "go ahead and I heard your dad come down."
"He had to return a call to Uncle Bert, think he went to the library."
"Thank you Jackson, we'll watch from the porch."
She took a sip of her coffee "Cass is there anything I can do to make your life easier ?"
"Fly me and the kids home, Caleb will drive the truck, 36 hours in a truck with the kids, motels in the middle, well, I can't describe it."
"I can imagine, Georgie, mention it to Sandy please."
Georgie nodded and Amy continued "Rich and Chris, potions, you're all good ?"
"So far I think."
"It's a lot and we're here and I'm sorry I'm not being very helpful."
"It's fine Amy, I mean, you're getting married, and Jackson, I'd be a nut case."
Amy nodded and heard the voices carry over from outside. "I've gotta move to the porch." She said getting up, "come watch or Georgie, want to take her up ?"
Georgie looked up from the dishwasher she was loading "I'd like to watch them for a few minutes."
"Ok with me." Cass agreed as all the women headed back out to the porch.
The younger group of kids were huddled around Jackson while the teenagers tied off 4 horses at the fence. Apparently JT was stationing himself between Maddie and Brin in the first round pens so that he could watch both on the iPad. It immediately struck Amy as bizarre, that with them actually working the horses 5 feet away they chose to look at the device.
"Uhm Amy, something wrong ?"
"What ? Sally, no, why ?"
"Your knuckles are white and I'm not sure even fine Amish craftsmanship like that chair, you know ….."
"Look at them, 4 round pens right in front of their eyes and they're looking at an iPad."
"It's a new gadget Amy, leave them be." Erma laughed. "It's JT, he'll discover pretty quick it's way more fun to wheel himself around in that tactical wheelchair of his, you should hear April go on about it."
"She and Cars came over to play with it the other day." Sally said, "they had a ball which is when Wyatt had the idea to do the go pro thing."
"In some ways spring and summer are better for the surgery, in some ways winter is better. I think in the end this is better from my perspective. Georgie, please talk to Wyatt, have him keep that stuff at your place."
Georgie laughed "you're amazing."
"What ?" Amy asked.
"You just don't let shit go. I'll text him, he's upstairs."
The teens were all brushing down their horses getting them used to some contact. She knew they were all talking to the horses while doing this. All four were in jeans, boots, flannels and hats. They could have been in the foothills adding in Jackson's and Cars' hats and April's boots to the mix.
As the couples split, Maddie and Brin each leading a horse closer and Bobby and Charlie further away. They always arranged themselves so that one of the twins was next to one of the others, usually this way, Maddie, Brin, Charlie and Bobby. The twins were far more experienced than the others and they got to be next to their significant others.
Maddie had a darker shade buckskin, medium build, 14 maybe 14 ½ hands while Brin's horse, a beautiful chestnut stood about 16 as far as Amy could make it, fairly large if you leave Hagrid out of the equation. She also noticed Brin's horse as he instinctively moved with her, his gait, his forehead and eyes.
Charlie's horse was pitch black, about 15 hands or so and had developed a nice coat, he shone in the sunlight as it struck him and Bobby had a lighter buckskin also around 14 ½ hands.
They were just letting them out and giving them some space, there was no plan so quickly they were each running the fences, the teens in the center turning with them, keeping them steady and on a mid level pace as they were still in recovery.
Amy took a few minutes watching each, both handler and horse and then returned her gaze to Brin. While the other horses followed the lead Brin's horse was actively watching her, keeping pace more with her than the lead which was frustrating Brin somewhat as it just wasn't normal. Amy saw it differently, got up quietly and headed down the stairs pulling on her hat.
"Where's she going ?" Betty asked.
"I have no idea, looks like Brin's pen." Georgie said glancing back.
Amy glanced at Maddie as she passed and ruffled JT's hair before stepping up on a rail and calling out.
"Sabrina, bring him to the center."
"Something wrong Amy ?"
"Nope, just testing a theory."
Brin nodded, waited a second for her horse to stop and walked up shortening the lead as she went until she could get close and grab his bridle. A few steps to center and Brin looked over.
"Lose the lead please." Amy said watching Brin comply. "Just drop it, that's fine. Get up to him and shove him backwards, you know how."
Brin nodded and walked up "Back Cosi" she said gently and then laid her palms on his chest and leaned in. Cosi immediately took two steps back. "Push him to the left Brin."
Again the horse complied once he realized what she wanted.
"Excellent, you Ok to try something harder ?"
Brin nodded "See if you can muscle him in a spin. Just grab his bridle and see if he'll comply and let him keep you in his sight."
"Got it. Come on Cosi, this way." Brin commanded, she went nowhere for a second and then Amy told her "now move out of his sight in the direction you're pulling."
"What's she doing ?"
"If I had to bet Meg ? I'd say Brin's going to join up with that horse." Georgie answered not turning her head.
"No, really ?"
"What Meg ?"
"Three horses ? She doesn't need three horses."
"What makes you think Amy'll give her the horse ?" Cass asked.
"Well, it's Amy." Sally said matter of factly.
"And Sabrina." Meg lamented "She'll fall in love with that big sweet face and those big brown eyes the second he nuzzles her and that's pretty much the ballgame."
Erma reached over to pat Meg's leg "it's not that bad Meg."
"You know" Meg said "one day Erma, Jackson's gonna show up at your place with Alpacas for his sweetie and you know how April feels about those guys."
Back in the ring Brin followed Amy's directions and as soon as she left Cosi's sight he followed, his big eyes and head turning to keep her in his sights.
"Excellent work Brin." Amy told her in a calm steady voice. "Now shoo him off and pick up the lead, start him around."
She watched steadily as Brin followed Amy's directions, having Cosi pick up speed and run harder. When she saw the horse falter a bit in annoyance she called out "turn him now Brin, get in his face !"
Sabrina ran to the other side of the pen and threw up her hands in Cosi's path as he faltered again and kicked up dirt pulling up so as not to run into Brin and then turned.
"Get 'em moving Brin ! Don't let up this won't take long !"
Cosi was a strong horse albeit a bit depleted from what was normal for him Amy thought looking at his body and muscle movement as he ran. It took longer than Amy thought it would to the point where the porch crowd had moved off and was now loosely gathered about Brin's ring. The other three teens had pulled their horses and joined the milling crowd having set their horses in a meadow to the side. Maddie stood holding Charlie's hand and whispering "that's it Bina, keep him moving, he's strong but you've got this."
Ty had come out onto the porch surprised to see no one there and then noticed the crowd. Walking over he took in the scene and walked over to stand with the girls and Bobby.
"Is she joining up with that horse ?"
"That's up to the horse Pappa."
"I know Mad. How long has this been going on ?"
"Probably 45 minutes, where have you been ?"
"Library getting lesson plans done with Bert and Loren."
"Ty, we doing those quick rounds ?" Sarah asked walking over.
"Yeah, Sarah, just watching Brin."
"That horse Cosi, he's a smart strong bae."
"Brin can do this." Maddie said looking over.
"She seems to be holdin' her own Madelyn, that's for sure."
10 more minutes went by and Brin had thrown off her hat, her hair sticking to her brow. It reminded him of her concert, her concentration and determination giving her strength.
"That's it, right there" Maddie said louder than her previous comments as she let go of Charlie's hand and climbing up next to Amy who looked over at her and smiled.
Cosi was clicking huffing, licking his mouth when Brin turned him again.
"Go ahead Mad, it's time I think."
"Let him around one more time Bina and speed him through it then turn him and turn away."
Sabrina glanced over at Maddie and then noticed the crowd that had gathered as she picked up her hat without taking her eyes off of Cosi and used it to turn him one last time and then chased him waving and yelling before stopping, putting on her hat and turning from the horse. She stood stock still for a few seconds as Cosi stopped and stared at her.
"Three slow steps Bina." Maddie said quietly.
Brin complied and then closed her eyes. Ty, Charlie, Sarah, Meg and Georgie all walked over to stand behind Maddie an Amy and watch. Ty lay his palm on Amy's waist and after a glance Amy shifted her hand to take his. Meg had moved up along Maddie who leaned over smiling and kissed her forehead.
"Look at her Meg, she's awesome."
Cosi stared at her back for a good minute of huffing until his ears shifted forward. Sabrina started crying as soon as she heard Cosi's footfalls. He was big and tired and his tread was heavy, in the silence that had come over the group it wasn't hard to hear his heavy breathing or his steps both of which seemed amplified.
Cosi did not just nuzzle her from behind but nuzzled her to force her to turn so he could see her face, dropping his huge head into her hug.
"Walk him around a little Brin and then inside for a nice brush" Amy told her and then leaned over "Mad, help her and get him settled between Rudy and Margot. Sit with Sarah and set up a nice mash for him."
Amy got down and Maddie walked over to the gate ready to open it for the new couple.
Amy hopped down into Ty's arms and after a brief hug and kiss turned into Meg who was staring at her.
"What ?" Amy asked.
"That's it, what ?" Meg answered, her eyes were misty as was the case for many who had watched.
"Some things are just meant to be Margaret, that horse could not take his eyes off of her.
"So now what ?"
"Now we see if we can teach Cosi to respond to musical cues."
Meg stared at her again "well, ok that sounds way cool but seriously."
"He'll live here for now Meg and we'll worry about all the rest when the time comes, now lets's go inside and get introduced."
"Hug me first." Meg said taking a step
Amy smiled at her and opened her arms "Ok, he is handsome." Meg said quietly her arms around her friend.
"He's a beautiful horse, no doubt." Amy whispered back before they broke apart and turned to the barn. Amy took a step and felt an arm wrap around her waist and pull her up.
"Can I help you Dr. Borden ?"
"I haven't spent 5 minutes alone with you since you got off that chopper."
"Hmmmm, how can we fix that ? Let's meet Cosi and then sneak away."
"I have rounds."
"Hmmmm, that is a problem then isn't it. Will a kiss hold you until later my love ?"
"I guess it'll have to do."
Amy turned and raised her hands around his neck "I love you old man and I promise to wear you out later."
"Promise ?"
As an answer Amy pulled him down and kissed him hard on the lips as they moved into each other and Ty pulled her close. "You have my word Dr. Borden" she whispered in his ear before kissing his neck and laying her head against his chest for a moment.
"Are we done, some of us have work to do." Sarah drawled finding them as they were by the desk and digital board in the barn.
"We are Sarah, let's go." Ty said releasing Amy from his grasp.
"Sabrina did well, that horse has a real likin' to her."
Amy nodded as they turned to leave and then walked over to the teenagers. Bobby and Charlie were off talking to Chuck and going over a chart. Amy figured they were rearranging stalls. They were still a week or so off using the side extension they had built, final connections and trim were this week so this was still a squeeze.
"That's a big horse Brin."
"He's just a big sweetie Amy. Aren't you Cosi ?"
"What are we going to do with him Mom ?"
"Well Mad, we are going to see if it's possible to train a liberty horse using musical cues."
Brin's face lit up hearing this "Hear that Cosi, you and I are going to play together, we'll start with a recorder, you can help mom !"
"Hope he's got a good ear." Meg muttered "playing for a horse, please don't tell your grandmother Brin."
"Hey Brin, I've got a video of it but I don't know how to get it off the iPad."
"Thanks JT, maybe Mad can help, I'd love a copy, it's such a happy personal thing I can't imagine watching it, he was great though."
"You were both great Brin." Amy told her leaning over to kiss her head. "Why don't we all leave you to finish up and get him some mash in peace. Come in and get washed up for dinner when you're done, not too long please."
Betty had set up a kids table for dinner which made room at the big table for all the adults. They ate early, fried and roast chicken, Jackson's favorites. They finished early at the table and shifted to the library and living room for desserts. Several others came by to join and welcome Amy and JT home.
"Who's coming when and staying where ?" Amy asked "Is there some schedule on line or something ?"
"For now, Lou is coming Sunday as is Ashley, Lily and Wade and Jack and Lisa on Wednesday. The real load comes on Friday." Betty told her, "I'll send you a link to the schedule. Lou is staying with Georgie by the way."
"Oh, that's nice. My dad and Casey are coming when?
"Thanksgiving morning."
"Who knew they flew Thanksgiving at all."
"It's a private airline Amy, we call, they fly." Betty answered with a chuckle."Scott, his wife and John are coming on the same flight."
"And Katie ?"
"With Peter, Annie, Mitch and Jen, I think it is on Friday."
"That's right Gran, Jen's Wyatt's mom, fun flight." Georgie interjected laughing. "Peter who dated Jen, don't ask," she said holding up both hands "and obviously married once to mom who dated Mitch who is now engaged to Jen."
"Small town life Georgie, it's the same all over." Erma said "time to get April home to a bath."
"Mine too." Sally said rising as well. "Carson go round up your brother."
Amy and Ty settled in their chairs in the bedroom seating area. Betty sat across from them knitting, JT in his wheelchair next to Ty reading his book. The girls sprawled on the small couch with books as well. Amy had a ream of notes that Georgie and the staff had piled up for her. Not work per se just the normal ranch operations for her to see. Most signed off by Bryce, Sandra, Bert or Sarah.
Betty had set aside a folder of financial documents and projections heading towards the end of the year and changes brought about by the new home and her impending marriage. She ran through these quickly and set them aside. It was time for Ty to be a part of the inner workings of the foundation and the ranch business. They'd find some time alone together to start the process, maybe a couple hours at the treehouse. She'd ask Betty to see if schedules could work out for a few hours or maybe some quiet time on their honeymoon, she could snuggle through 4th quarter financials.
"Jackson should you shower ?" Amy asked.
Betty smiled and looked over at her grandson waiting for his answer.
"Uhm, I guess ?"
"Good answer bro, us too I guess, we should get going."
Amy tapped Ty's hand and motioned with smiling eyes at JT.
"Come on Jackson, let's get you squared away for bed." He said smiling at Betty, Amy and back to Jackson "should I wheel you ?"
"Nope, got it."
"I'll stop in to see you all when you're ready. Kiss Gran goodnight she looks about ready for a good night's sleep.
"We're all here and safe, I'll sleep very well thank you. Jackson you're easier for down here sweetheart, scoot on over."
They filed out and Betty said her goodnights to the twins and Ty at the door where Amy walked them all. She hugged Amy last and held on for a good long squeeze.
"It's good to be home mom." Amy whispered and the kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight sweetheart."
"Nite Gran."
Amy thought for a second and jumped into the shower. After she changed into a short sexy satin nightgown which she covered with a long white robe. She wandered down the hall and checked on Ty and Jackson who were sitting and talking so she moved down and knocked on the girls door.
"Come" An undistinguishable voice came through the door. Amy thought it was Charlie.
"Hey mom" Charlie said from her bed where she was laying with her book.
"Say your goodnights ?
"You might find Brin mucking out Cosi's stall tomorrow before school. She's so cute."
"You're in love Mad." Charlie said.
"Yeah." Maddie said with a smile.
"Goodnight girls, don't stay up too late."
"We won't" Charlie said her arms wrapping around Amy. "Night mom."
Maddie was next and Amy left shutting the door behind her and stepped over to Jackson's room.
"Hey mom, I'm ready."
"All good, pain ?"
"Not bad two three."
Amy sat on the bed opposite Ty and leaned over to kiss and hold him. "I'm glad we're home."
"Me too." He whispered back.
"Night dad."
Ty leaned over and hugged him too "goodnight Jackson."
Lights off they headed to their room where after a deep kiss Ty bemoaned having to leave her to shower.
"Didn't feel like waiting ?"
"You're so cute, go shower, I'll be right here when you get back." She answered pointing to the bed.
"I'll be quick."
"Should I hold my breath ?"
"Stop." He laughed as Amy physically turned him and gave him a little shove towards the bathroom.
She climbed into bed and fooled around on her phone until she heard the shower turn off and a few minutes hearing the door knob turn, she hid her phone and closed her eyes.
She could hear him mutter walking to the bed. When he sat he sighed for a second and then stood to drop his towel and reach for his sleepwear.
"I thought at least you'd make sure." She whispered.
He turned with a smile on his face.
"See how easy it is to turn that frown upside down, come on lover boy, do your best."
Her smile was golden and he watched her as he scooted closer leaving the towel and his sleepwear behind. "Isn't that supposed to be do your worst ?"
"Not from my perspective." She whispered pulling him towards her and wrapping him in her arms.