Chapter 102
The plan was for Amy to drive the loaded Dodge Crew Cab up to the mountain house as it was now being called, leaving at the crack of dawn. This was fine for most of the passengers who regularly woke at that time, Meg Caldwell and Ashley were less than thrilled.
Ty and Chuck were there loading although Amy told Ty to stay in bed. Sam Caldwell had picked up the rest and deposited them at Pegasus on his way to the hospital. Erma, Sally, Trish, Meg and Ash. Georgie would come up with the rest in the Land Rover later on in the day.
Amy had deliveries coming and craftspeople to meet. The Kennedy's had finished construction under Jonathan's watchful eye and were coming with the furniture, She had a load of Alpaca blankets and three hand woven rugs already there as was some of the art she had bought including several paintings from Jane. She was getting glass, the dining room table and surprisingly the chairs as well as two game settings and the recovered and refurbished pool table, the games and the table were a surprise for Ty. She found the gaming tables on line and contacted the Kennedy's with instructions and changes. Ty and JT had taken to playing checkers and Ty wanted to teach Jackson chess. These game settings were custom made to fit the room she had started referring to as the family hobby room. She couldn't wait to see it.
There was also the piano tuner who was coming for the baby grand Brin had chosen and the player upright that came in the room. Meg would deal with him or her.
The last things packed in the now less than cavernous truck bed were two enormous coolers that Ty and Chuck hauled down individually. Then they covered and tied down the load.
"Jonathan and one of his drivers will meet you at the house and help you in with this stuff."
"Thank you Ty, we would have managed."
"This is better Amy, the safe combinations are in your notes file, you'll need them to key your thumbprint, the doors are done."
Amy nodded and headed back up the stairs and into the kitchen where everyone sitting looked up. "Let me just check in on the kids and kiss them goodbye, if you gotta pee, now's the time, it's about 90 minutes."
This trip up was fun, Meg and Ash had become fast friends and Amy fell back into her old rapport with her in no time. Meg had already introduced Ash to the others in the group so it was no holds barred.
"I'm pretty excited about this and Brin is beside herself she can't see it until New Year's."
"Well Meg, I'm excited too, and I'm sorry about Brin, it's really coming together faster than I thought, I didn't expect the table done so fast but I do get it's big commission."
"There's no vegetable garden, there's something inherently wrong with that." Erma said "I met Ruth, I guess they never really lived there or there would be one. We'll take care of it."
"We won't have someone there every day, I don't know how that would work."
"We'll figure something out Amy" Sally said, "maybe we can hire a local kid to stop in, come on, summer without fresh mozz pies with fresh tomatoes and basil."
"Something to worry about in the spring." Amy answered turning off the highway. "Do we need to stop for anything ?"
"Nope, we've got beer, the cellar and Steph has the tequila, we're good." Meg added.
Amy reached up and tapped a button on her console. A moment later she announced "Call Jonathan" and a few seconds after that "Hi Amy, I'm actually at the house, you almost here or we can come back."
"10 minutes Jonathan."
"That's fine, we'll meet you out front."
Amy slowed and the truck grew quiet as she turned down a shaded road on the left and slowly drove the black topped road through a shaded and wooded area before it opened onto a large road with fences along either side as the glass and wood structure of the house came into view.
"Damn girl, that's a big house" Ashley said softly rolling down a rear window as Erma leaned over behind her to stare as well.
"I don't think big covers it Ash, those doors look like they're eight feet tall." Sally added ducking her head to take it in as Amy pulled up to the front stairs.
"It's beautiful Amy." Trish said softly.
"This is the ugly side Trish." Amy answered as the doors opened and Jonathan walked out smiling.
"Hey Amy !" He called out, "welcome home, they've been like beavers around here."
"I hope it didn't put you out that much Jonathan." Amy answered getting out and shaking his hand.
"Not at all and once you said just leave the Kennedy's the rest wasn't much."
"This is Matt, he's one of my drivers, cousin actually, let's get you unpacked."
While Jonathan and Matt started unloading onto the porch Amy led her friends up the wide porch staircase where she stopped for a few minutes to examine the wheelchair ramp before moving through the doors and into the entry foyer where they all stopped to look as Amy continued on to the fridge and a bottle of water.
"Anyone ? drink ?" She asked from the fridge pulling out some bottles and putting them on the counter.
They joined her at the center counter of the open kitchen and as they grabbed water caught site of the views through the soaring floor to ceiling windows on the other side of the house. Erma looked off to the side and saw the line of doors to the granite patio off the kitchen and dining room and walked over and through them a moment later.
Amy watched her go and stop outside to look off at the northern view where the Adirondacks rose in the distance. She smiled and grabbed a second water following her outside. She stopped next to her and handed over a water. Amy wrapped her arm around Erma's waist. "How'd I do sis ?"
"We are gonna grow old, grey and curmudgeonly sitting on this patio Amy." Erma whispered.
"Yeah, some would say I'm a bit curmudgeonly already." Amy sighed back.
"Eh, like the gray I guess, you cover it well."
Amy giggled and nudged Erma with her fingers "I can't wait to see it through the different seasons."
"Amy ." Jonathan said from the doorway, "sorry, these should probably go straight into the safe."
Amy glanced down and noted that he was holding a large wheeled gun case, "yeah, they should and I have to key the safe. Erma ?"
"We'll unpack the food and maybe have a peek around the wine cellar, wonder what we have ?"
"You don't know what you packed ?"
"We each submitted a list of 4 items and are allowed to bring one mystery, then we wing it." Amy explained "like on the food network."
"I got it." He answered following her
"Trish, come give me hand for a second please." Amy asked walking past.
Trish followed them through the double doors to the first floor of the master bedroom and stopped in her tracks when she caught sight of the wall of glass in front of her.
With Jonathan's help as he'd been there when the locksmith changed the safe locks to incorporate the Pegasus system Amy keyed the lock to her code and thumbprint after she logged on to the system.
"Trish ?"
"Sorry sweetie, admiring the view, what are we doing ?"
Amy took a second to introduce Trish and Jonathan who commented that he had met John.
"Check the guns and get them in the safe please."
"Why do we have guns ?" Trish asked snapping the case open.
"Predators, we just wanted them in the house without the kids seeing and a big fuss."
"2 shotguns, 2 hunting rifles scoped, 1 open sight and 2 semi auto pistols." Trish reached down for the first, snapped open the breech on the shotgun, checked for clear and snapped it back up. One Browning 12 gauge, double barrel, nice gun. She then snapped it into the rack in the safe, secured it with a lock guard and reached for the next.
As she checked each gun Amy looked around the room while Jonathan watched Trish.
"You seem pretty comfortable with these Trish, hobby ?"
"Army."
"Really, I did a 4 year stint out of high school, taught me heavy machines, been my life since."
"Nursing for me, still with it, it's where I met John" Trish said hoisting the next gun, a scoped rifle "wow, Anschutz 1782, walnut stock, Leica scope, 30-.06, this is a hell of a gun."
"We're going to have to move this safe, maybe one of the corner panels in the dining room or something."
"The thinking was the bedroom was the most private place, no one would stumble across this."
"I know Jonathan but we're planning on a baby and this is it's nursery and I don't like the idea the guns are here."
"Oh I get that, there's probably some space on the hallway side of the main staircase. Maybe they have something that'll fit behind that wainscoting, a flat slide out one maybe."
"That would be perfect, thank you Jonathan, I'll keep that in mind and mention it to Ty."
"Ok sweetie, this is done, you can lock it up and this form." She said laying it down and signing "can go where it needs to."
"I'll get it to Mitch Amy, I should see him this week." Jonathan said.
"Fine with me Jonathan, thanks."
On the way back out he glanced at the form and noticed the signature, "Patricia Enchino, Major, US Army, Ret."
"Major ?"
"John was a Marine Master Sergeant."
"No shit, Master Sgt., huh, those guys were tough as nails."
"Still are Jonathan."
"Yes ma'am, I think we're done unless you want us to haul out the empty coolers ?"
"We're good Jonathan, thanks for everything."
"Tell them to leave any crating out front and we'll get it out Thursday."
"We unpacked ?" Amy asked turning to her friends at the counter.
"We are." Sally reported looking at her paper notes. "We'll have pizza for lunch, seafood for dinner, waffles or breakfast bread late and steak and eggs for breakfast. How's that ?"
"Sounds awesome Sal, tour then lunch ?"
"What time is everyone else getting here ?"
"Georgie said maybe 3ish, I figure we'll see the house, have lunch, hang out a bit and then tour the outside with everyone and I'll take them around the house after. We have to stick around here, I have stuff coming and being set up all day. They should be mostly done by 3."
They started where they were in the kitchen, the double stove, vented grills and flat top, air fryer, salamander and the under the counter fridges. She opened the door to the circular stair that ran down the wine cellar and promised they could explore later. Erma was enamored by the wood fired two sided oven. You could prepare the food going in at the counter in the kitchen and retrieve it to serve from the other side on the dining patio.
"It's brilliant Erma, we used it for lunch when we stayed the weekend, two pies in, sit outside for a few minutes and slide 'em straight onto the table from the other side, piping hot."
The all stopped to admire the now more wintry view than Amy saw last time. Still the mountains they saw had started becoming white, their peaks shining in the snow.
"That's a little bit of Heartland huh Amy ?"
"One of the many things that make this place pretty perfect Ash."
Back inside they of course had seen the dining area which was part of the huge open space on this end of the house. The table would be delivered almost any minute. Because of it's size it would be brought in pieces and put together by Jon Rosetree, it's creator. The Kennedy's would also be by to check in on their work and bring the last few reupholstered pieces and Randy Nellis the glass blower would bring Amy's purchases. They'd arrive crated and he would unbox and place them for her. He was also the middleman between Joan Morrison and the leaded glass artist who was turning Joan's watercolor design into new glass panels for her front doors.
They walked down what Ruth called a grand foyer and which was in fact a large long hallway big enough for two small sitting areas that ran from the dining room/kitchen area to the living room. The highlight of the foyer as with most of the first floor were the soaring windows by the sitting areas.
"How tall are these ceilings ?" Sally asked walking with her head perched up.
"Ty said 24 feet in some spots but I bet Jonathan would know and we have the architectural plans." Amy answered.
"Lot of different woods, I like the effect."
"I do too Meg and all the perspectives change as the sun moves through the day and I guess with the seasons. There are also lights which are stunning."
"Why didn't we make the wedding here ?" Erma asked "I mean for one, it's you know, indoors."
"It had to be Pegasus Erma, I couldn't not be at the ranch."
Trish plopped down on one of the couches, several others followed and Amy, spotting a pile in the corner walked over and pulled a box open.
"These are gorgeous." She said prompting Erma and Sally to get up and walk over.
Amy handed each a lightweight blanket with a dark ecru center and varying geometric designs riding the borders. The colors were bright and vibrant.
"This is nice work, I met her, a, a Wicca ?"
"That's right Sally, you were there that day, Wicca Stroudt, she's weird but she does very nice work."
Amy then walked over to the two rolled floor coverings and cut the ties on one. She stepped on the other and gave the one she'd cut a kick with her heel to start it rolling out.
"This goes in front of the fireplace so this one must be the one that goes over there."
"I love that dark mustard color, nice pop." Erma said leaning over to touch it.
"I actually found these on line in Erie, nice couple with a big loom, Wicca's heard of them. There should be others scattered around, I bought 6."
Erma walked over and slid her arm around Amy's waist, "come on, let's see the rest, down or up ?"
"Let's do down, I haven't seen that room redone yet."
"And the pool." Meg added.
They glanced through the extra guest bedroom that they all said needed work, nodded at the gym and were all fascinated by the heat and water pumps of the geothermal power plant.
Trish was looking at the wall full of gauges "So all the heat, hot water and cooling are free ?"
"And most of the electricity, apparently we can now add some magnetic coil thing that the water would turn which will also provide electricity, the whole roof is solar panels and there's wind we could do I think. We'll see."
They could hear the doorbell and also see a light flashing on a panel in the hallway they were standing in. Amy walked over and a second later touched a button and a young man appeared in the video panel.
"Hi Jonathan, it's Amy, the door's open I think ?"
She saw him lean forward and heard the click "yup."
"Ok, we'll be up in 10 minutes, the dining room table and buffet are straight across."
"Somebody else is here."
"Hi Amy !"
"Oh Randy, hey, I guess you can unload too, and obviously those are the door panels."
She listened for a second until she heard footsteps and walked back, "Ok, let's see" she said and popped the double doors. The first thing that hit her was the smell of fresh wooden construction and then the light. Now, with new window treatments, no carpeting, light bright walls, lighter woods and new lighting the room was inviting and refreshing.
"Oh, look at that" Sally said walking over to the fishing store installation. There were fly tying setups on a round table, cabinets with antique fly's and reels. Big comfy leather chairs and a small loveseat. Old Osage rods on wall racks and a big window that became a wall hanging with a light that read Ogdensburg Fishing Co., Est. 1932.
"I just love that you got all this stuff together, it's like preserving history, oh look at those photos, I wonder who they are ?"
"That's part of the mystique of it all Erma, who sat it these chairs, at the table, we may never know most, maybe we'll do some research when we settle in, I can start with asking the Kennedy's if they know."
"Definitely big enough for the two pianos." Meg said walking over to the baby grand and sitting down. She lightly ran her fingers up and down and made a slightly sour face. "They never travel in tune and we might need dampers."
"Dampers ?"
"It's nothing, a rod covered in padded velvet across the strings of the piano not being played so that we don't get a vibration."
"Got it." Amy said looking at the small kitchen and snack area. "this is more like it, it's family oriented and still has a couple taps and a liquor cabinet. That whole saloon thing was bleh."
"There's no desk."
"There's no desk Trish."
"I'm impressed."
"I can spread out on a couch and use the floor."
"Of course you can." Trish sighed "Promise you won't."
"I promise I'll try. Theatre and pool ?"
Back in the hall they all turned at the screeching sound of a sealed wooden crate getting pried open. They were all impressed with the media room which was really a movie theatre.
"You leaving this ?"
"They all want it Meg, I don't like theatre look, we can make a small stage in front of the screen and pull the theatre seats. Maybe loveseats and some couches, ottomans, pillows, and something in the back for the fridge and popcorn stuff, I'm not a big fan of this stuff along the walls. It's like a carnival."
"So complete redo ?"
"Maybe yeah." Amy sighed "Charlie's gonna kill me."
"Charlie, seriously, he's got a million dollar play room." Trish said "not one to be finger pointing."
Sally was holding an iPad with a chart of various forms of media on the opening screen. "How does this work ?"
"You are definitely asking the wrong person" Amy laughed. "Come on, one last stop on this level."
There were actually two stops, the laundry center was right next to the door to the side patio and pool and the stopped again for a second. "Two washers and dryers, you can do colored and white together and look they're the newer ones with the steam thing for sweaters, ironing station, folding tables, neat."
"Been looking at appliances Sal ?" Erma asked laughing.
"We need a new washer dryer, Bobby can't fix 'em anymore, the appliance guy said he can't find parts anymore."
"What's the hold up ?"
"We have to widen the door to the laundry room for anything realistic, Tom's talking to people. We're gonna do the whole room."
"Oh, this is amazing." Trish said walking out onto the granite patio and over to the pool. "every one of these views is spectacular. Look at that, it just goes forever."
"This is a big pool, and it's heated ?" Meg asked.
"It is, Peter, Ruth's son says it brings pool use an extra 2 months one on either side of summer at least for swimming which is good for Jax I guess. The geothermal keeps the temp regulated. Chairs and stuff are in those built ins along the wall."
"We're gonna have to blast the kids from this place in the summer."
"We still have a ranch Erma and the kids are part of that and we're building, we'll work something out."
"Always do." Erma agreed "we should start figuring out lunch."
"And I have to deal with some craftsman."
"We'll get lunch going, I assume we're feeding the lot ?"
"Thank you Erma"
"You shouldn't coddle them Amy, you make the rest of us look bad." She whispered.
"I coddle the cheese lady."
"That's different, go on coddle away." Erma said leaving Amy's side and heading to the kitchen while Amy turned to the right where she found Randy Nellis and his dad Thomas along with a woman in her 40's who decidedly did not color her hair.
"Amy it's good to see you again." Randy said as Amy came over to give him a short hug. She immediately switched to Thomas "Thomas, so glad you could come. Vernon ? I hope he's Ok ?"
"He's fine, Zoe has to be out for a while this afternoon on guild business and Grandpa's staying with RJ. He's saving his trip for the other house. Amy this is Chloe Sanderson, her leaded glass work's some of the best there is."
"Amy Fleming, Amy please, good to meet you Chloe" she said holding out her hand.
"And you Amy, thank you for this, your friend Joan is fascinating and the watercolor is breathtaking. You've spoken with her about our agreement ?"
"Absolutely, I would never ask either of you to compromise your vision. Your commission is for your interpretation of Joan's watercolor in leaded glass."
"Then when you have time, I have some sketches. In the mean time, I'm going to take measurements, make some sketches and take some pictures."
"You both let me know when you're ready, and there's lunch, pizza and I guess salad."
"I'm vegan but salad sounds great."
"There'll be a vegan pie Chloe, one of us is as well, no worries."
Amy then walked off to the side and watched Jonathan Rosetree use a rawhide mallet to knock a connecting pressure peg into place on her table. It had come in a bunch of pieces and seemed to fit together like a 3-D puzzle. When he was done she walked over and ran her hand along the tabletop which was smooth as silk.
He turned and smiled.
"It's beautiful Jonathan, the chairs and the buffet ?"
"Still in the truck, this is Dan Gelber by the way."
"Ah, my chair artisan, we spoke, good to meet you Dan." Amy said holding out her hand.
"You too Amy, not often I make 24 chairs, my wife's due in a few weeks and this order gives me a few weeks off to help her."
"Glad we could help."
Turning back to the table again and looking at the sections put together she smiled running her hand over it again. "The barn lumber is this stretch around the outside ?"
"Yup and also around the buffet doors and around the top to match this."
"And you made arrangements to get the old buffet and table to the charity ?"
"Not a problem, it'll leave with us and you'll get a receipt in the mail when it sells. It's a nice set, it'll sell fast."
Amy smiled and nodded before turning away back to her friends. ""What can I do ? Should I open the wine cellar ?"
"We're having beer so far, I'm good." Ashley said.
Those that drank turned and nodded in agreement, they each had a beer nearby. Amy looked around and decided to at least set the table that was leaving and that had been placed off to the side. "We might as well use this." She said setting up the chairs.
They ate not quite at the table or the kitchen counter but in between the two, some sat and some stood. The pizza was as always wonderful, sourdough shells, basil and fresh tomato sauce provided by Sally and of course Erma's fresh mozzarella. Combined with the wood burning coal stove and there was no other outcome possible. A veggie pie with vegan cheese was also on the table. All of the artisans refused beer as did the Kennedy's who showed up but declined food as they had just eaten.
Amy sat with Ashley and caught up on what was going on. Val was doing fine, high strung as ever. Jesse had returned to Florida, his last few weeks in Hudson were miserable Ash assumed because Ty rattled him.
"So, you all set ?"
"I guess, not sure what all set means but I'm in go mode Ash."
"You know, I was sitting there in Maggie's when Georgie brought Jackson. I don't think I've ever seen Ty that completely happy in, what is it 16 years ?"
"It is, 16 years Ash, think we dragged this out enough ? Ty and Jackson, they've formed a really tight bond in a very short time, the girls too."
"He doesn't seem to mind."
"Neither do I, he's scared though, maybe unsure is a better word. I keep telling him he's got good instincts but he doubts them sometimes."
"Shitty childhood ?"
"Basically I think that's where we're at, I'm hoping it fades."
"And your shitty childhood ?"
"Childhood was fine, those teenage years were a trip though. I came to a revelation the other day that my Grandpa was not my dad and I have no right to be pissed at him because he wasn't. I don't know if he was a good dad or not to my mom, I just don't remember and it was different once dad left and after Grandma Lyndy passed. I keep getting pissed that my Grandpa never really acted the way I expect a father to react, to protect me from the pain of life, guide me, be on my side, but it just wasn't his job and my dad was a waste."
"We all just really screwed ourselves over for some reason, none of us really likes going back. Ty was a lifesaver for me and Cass actually if you can believe it. I used to go back and pretty much stay at Briar Ridge."
"Ty doesn't mind going back, I guess we'll all go when Jackson's up to it and the snow's gone. I'll probably go earlier, the closing."
"I'll be there to hold your hand."
Amy turned and smiled at her old friend "thanks Ash" she said as Ash turned and smiled as well, "got your back kid. Oh and you own 400 more Alpacas on their way to Hudson in the next week or two."
"So I've heard." Amy answered smiling with an elbow nudge.
"Ha ha." Was Ash's answer nudging Amy back. "January in Alberta, good plan by the way."
"Maybe we just go shopping in Paris ?"
"We can do that too."
While Amy was going through their work with the Kennedy's they were interrupted by Meg and a young woman named Olivia who was their piano tuner and someone Meg actually knew from the Ithaca theatre program at the college. Olivia had married a local farmer and she tuned pianos, taught private vocal lessons and worked as chorus director of one of the local churches. She seemed happy with the arrangement and was fine with Meg being the arbiter of her work. They talked about Ithaca almost non stop through the process.
Amy spent the most time with Randy Nellis, first placing the tall sculpture in the grand foyer. She had asked the Kennedy's to contact Randy as they would be making the stand that would display the piece. She asked that the stand be about 5 feet tall and Randy specified weight, base and display shelf. They had also decided that the Christmas ornaments would be displayed here in the girls room and used on the tree they would have here for New Year's. Trout with Gold Fly was set in a window alcove in the family sitting area upstairs by the bedrooms. The window overlooked the lake in the distance but more than that Jonathan had assured her that in the winter they could actually see one the the small estuaries they had rode past. Amy spent a few minutes and found it, a line shining in the distance and focusing she could actually make out it's path through their land.
Lastly, they placed Salacia's Wave, the piece Amy had won in the auction centered on the new buffet. The light's above were perfect to highlight the piece in the evening and it was off to the side, away from the traffic of the house.
Before leaving, the Kennedy's and Randy helped move some furniture along with Trish, Erma and Sally and they lay the carpets, setting the blankets on the couches and chairs in the living room when they were done. Two carpets upstairs were also laid under the seating area as well and one under the small area in the master bedroom.
Everyone but Meg settled in the living room with either a beer or water for Amy and Trish. They had decided to relax until the rest came and just do one long and loud tour.
"Should we get a fire going ?" Amy asked getting up and walking over to the wood storage bins built into the rock face of the fireplace. It wasn't quite like Heartland's and much larger but the concept of the large stones set forever in place was somewhat nostalgic to her. She wondered if Ty had noticed.
Erma got up to help, "A small one until later, it's actually supposed to dip in temp tonight around here. Weather is looking good for the weekend so far, 50's would be amazing."
The large Toyota pulled up into the spot next to Amy's truck and they all got out. Georgie, Lou, Meg, Stephanie, Robin and Cass who Georgie kidnapped along at the last minute. They each grabbed their bags and anything else that needed to come in and walked up to the porch.
"Can it actually be bigger than it looked on the video ?"
"Sure looks that way mom." Georgie said reaching the porch steps.
"It's very big."
"You'll have your own house soon Robin."
She turned and smiled at Stephanie. "I love that house."
"When's the big day Robin ?" Georgie asked "Should we ring the bell ?"
Meg reached forward and pushed the button.
"January Georgie, wedding in the chapel and then I hope sleigh rides to Pegasus for a big lunch. Erma said she'll get big warm blankets so people will be warm on the ride."
"Then I hope it snows for you." Georgie answered with a smile.
They had been hearing the pianos being tuned and played up until a few minutes before and now the front door bell. Amy reached for her phone which was hooked to the door system by video but Meg called out that she would get it. By the round of hellos they all knew that Georgie's load had arrived and all got up to walk over for hellos.
"I'd swear my small barn is closer to my front door than this door is to that living room." Erma muttered immediately after she finished her beer.
Sally giggled and grabbed Erma from behind to stop her and pull her up. "Don't you ever change Erma. Give us a smoosh, come on" she said leaning over to kiss Erma's cheek.
"Go away Sal, go smoosh with Amy."
They were all laughing when they walked into the huge entrance kitchen and were greeted by the early group. Except for Amy none of the first group had seen Robin's engagement ring or her since she'd received it and Amy had only seen a picture of it on her finger.
Ty, Amy, Chuck and Charlie had met Roslyn and Richard Morton of Heirloom Treasures, the same people Ty had bought the mabe pearl set Amy would be wearing at the wedding. The couple he met at the Watkins Glen Craft Fair.
It seems that Roslyn was more the spokesperson of the couple "people are often put out a little by used wedding bands and engagement rings so as a little side line we look for these which are new old stock that we've located at auction from jewelry stores and pawn shops that have gone out of business. We redo them, add our touch and offer them for resale in new condition."
"How old ?"
"That's an interesting question Ty because engagement rings didn't really come into vogue in the US until the mid 1940's."
Charlie looked up "the returning soldiers."
"Exactly" Richard added and then continued "it wasn't really big in Europe either up until then, more for the upper class but the war put a lot of estate jewelry on the market which drove prices down and opened the market up."
They started with engagement rings for Chuck who thought they were down to 2 but learned that the Morton's had completed two more so there were 4 to choose from.
"Ok now there are 4."
"It's Ok Chuck, let's start like this, any you don't like ?" Charlie asked gently, typically Chuck was fine with things like this, 5 horses instead of 3 and things like that, he'd learn to stop, think and focus on the present. But there was an emotional component here and a different kind of pressure, he was nervous.
"This one looks too big, I was looking at her hand the other day, you know trying to imagine."
"So, three." Amy added. "tell us what you're thinking sweetheart."
"Not this football one, I don't like the points and Robin wears a lot of sweaters and it'll catch."
"That's called a marquis cut so we'll take that away and now those two again."
"Yeah, I like them both.'
Amy frowned for a second and reached for one, it was a round stone, not huge but over a Carat she was sure, it was on a gold setting close in, not raised. There were three smaller diamonds on either side. Pulling it from the case she slipped it on her pinky and stretched out her hand. Richard moved the little light they had brought over.
"What do you think ?" Chuck whispered.
"I think getting the ring and your asking her will make either the most special thing in her life for now Chuck." Amy answered softly reaching over for the other, also a gold setting this was an emerald cut, a small graduated rectangle with two small square diamonds mounted on either side. A classic deco look. She took this one out and placed it on her other pinky, held them both out and then to Chuck.
"What do you think buddy ?' Charlie asked.
Chuck swallowed and closed his eyes for a second then nodded. "The round one, that's my favorite."
"The round one it is !" Amy announced taking off the other first and laying it in the case. "Charlie, Trudy had that lovely diamond heart and earrings set, they would go lovely with this. And Chuck as soon as I'm back from my honeymoon I plan to give this necklace to Robin, we'll have the Morton's find a nice one for me."
"Congrats Chuck, when you gonna pop the question ?" Ty asked patting him on the shoulder.
"Tonight, we're going to dinner at her house."
"You be sure to call !" Amy told him.
"I'll call, she'll be so happy."
Later that day Charlie turned up to join the family for dinner being too antsy and nervous to stay alone. Everyone was a bit anxious except for Jackson who didn't quite understand what the problem was, Chuck and Robin loved each other so sure, she'd say yes and they'll get married, easy.
They moved dessert into the library so that Charlie could have some cognac with his coffee. Ty and Betty joined him. He was sitting and commenting on Jackson's book and his memories of it when he read it with his boys, then, his phone beeped.
"It's Kathy" he said lifting the phone "it's a video"
Kathy and Dennis Pressman were Robin's parents. Both retired from the NYS school system as teachers and later administrators, they now tutored part time. Kathy saw Chuck take out the box when she passed to get dessert and stopped to duck behind the arch to the dining room to record the event.
Charlie's phone rang when he disconnected, Amy had already logged onto an iPad that they all gathered around as Charlie answered.
"She said yes dad."
'We're watching the video right now."
"Where are you ?"
"At Pegasus with the family."
"Tell Amy I did it."
"We're watching Chuck I think she knows."
When Kathy got up to grab the cake she had baked for dessert Chuck pulled the box out of his jacket pocket.
He reached over and took Robin's hand and they could see he was nervous. She turned and smiled at him, that radiant smile she always had when she looked at him.
"I love you Robin."
Her smile brightened, "I love you too Chuck."
"I was thinking, oh wait, I wasn't thinking" he said before pushing his chair back and getting down on one knee.
"Oh look, how sweet, go Chuck go !" Maddie called out to no one really.
You could hear Kathy who was recording giggle through her obvious tears.
Ty looked over at Betty and Amy standing close, each with tears in their eyes.
"I was thinking, well hoping that maybe well, that we should get married."
"And ?" Robin whispered her eyes fixed on his, she was fidgeting on her chair ready to burst out.
"Oh, and will you marry me ?"
He looked at her for a second before realizing he hadn't opened the box. He fidgeted with it for a second and then opened it.
"Oh Chuck" she whispered as he took it out as gently as he could. He was shaking when he held it out and she had to reach over with her right hand to steady his.
"Yes" she said holding out her hand.
She jumped into his arms knocking him over as soon as it was on her finger.
'Yes, yes yes !" She called out leaning over to kiss him.
"Let's get a picture of the ring for the video Robin." Kathy asked moving back into the room, the last shot they saw at Pegasus was the ring on Robin's finger, her radiant smile and another shot of her and Chuck kissing.
At this point in the group that gathered at the mountain house only those that had come with Amy had not seen the actual ring on Robin's finger which was the talk as they grabbed drinks and headed back to the living room. Amy walked with Meg Koenig and Stephanie as she hadn't seen them in a couple days either. The scene they came upon was of course Erma, Sally and Trish surrounding the new soon to be bride and hearing the story they had all seen now being told by the recipient.
Robin jumped up to hug Amy and they stood for a solid minute swaying back and forth. There were some sniffles from the assembled watching Amy who was out and out crying. When they broke apart Trish handed her a hankie to wipe her eyes as she focused on the ring that Robin proudly held before her.
"It's beautiful Robin."
"He said you helped."
'I was there sweetheart, he chose."
They took the time for Robin to repeat her wedding wishes, this time with Erma and Amy there to officially approve of her plan of a January affair.
Erma just nodded yes with everything she said, truth is she'd have agreed to anything Robin wanted as would Amy.
Ultimately Amy took the second group around the first and lower level along with Meg Carmichael who felt the need to play and prove the pianos in tune. She also mentioned that she had ordered dampers even though neither her or the tuner could hear any residual resonating from the other piano.
"They're cheap enough and who knows what Brin would hear with those ears of hers, she scares me sometimes." Meg explained.
Georgie had moved close to Amy through the tour and Amy heard her quiet exclamations as they passed from room to room and explored the patio views and the pool.
Outside the kitchen looking over at the view from behind the dining table Georgie whispered "It's really not that far off Hudson is it ? I mean it's not the foothills of the Rockies but this is breathtaking Amy."
The others had gathered around them and heard Georgie's statement. Amy smiled recalling their weekend "We ate dinner out here the Saturday night we stayed, the view and sunset were amazing, the whole weekend was and Ty just called the real estate agent and made an offer." She sighed and put her arm around Georgie's waist "Come on we'll get the rest and head outside for awhile before doing the master bedroom and the upstairs."
"Look at this barn" Georgie exclaimed walking through when the door slid open. "It's perfect, is it heated ?"
"I don't know about bringing horses up in the snow this season Georgie."
'Still Amy, 16 stalls, nice sized tack and feed rooms."
"And I've thought about stringing some outdoor stalls on the other side, 16 might not be enough."
"I actually can't believe you just said that."
"Think about it Erma, which kid isn't bringing a horse ? We'll be starting Kimmie soon, she'll need a mini then a pony. We'll also need an Alpaca enclosure. Too many wild things around for my tastes. I guess we can do some work on the barn, maybe add an apartment or two otherwise it's gonna get crowded around here, big and many are two different things."
"I don't think jumping into anything this season makes sense, stalls are one thing, living quarters can probably wait." Lou started "Ty tells me you have three pretty cozy camp buses."
"We do have those, easy enough to use."
They moved onto the utility building and then down the path to the guest houses.
"These are pretty perfect and they came this way huh ?" Sally asked.
The groups reaction to the guest house was similar to Amy and Betty's, they were as Sally said, pretty perfect. From the long wraparound porch to the side by side 2 bedroom apartments with the shared public living spaces was ingenious. The furnishings so close to Amy's relaxed style they were all surprised she hadn't ordered it.
"Nope, nothing wrong with the old buffet and table in the house either except it was too small for us."
They moved down to the boat house last and Erma immediately latched on to the upper deck for summer parties. "We could dress a little maybe get some music for dancing by the water. We can work on lights and stuff when it gets warmer."
Amy smiled "we could definitely talk about that Erma, sounds nice."
"How are the bugs by the lake ?"
"I really don't know Lou except, I think Jonathan mentioned that Mrs. Spelts is fond of the Little Brown Bat for insect control so we may do well, they are apparently everywhere on the property."
"Bats ?"
"Bats Lou."
"Is that their name, Little Brown Bat ?"
"That's actually their name Robin, I haven't seen one yet but the pictures are adorable."
Back at the house after a slow stroll they finally kicked off shoes and boots at the door, grabbed some drinks and settled back in the living room to relax before the last of the tour.
Amy plopped herself between Ashley and Meg. Cass was sitting on Ashley's other side.
"So, how'd we do so far Ash ?"
"This is amazing Amy, it's really perfect, I mean a 16 horse stable, who builds that for a summer place ?"
"We would have for sure so there's that. Ruth is real money Ash, Pierrepont money."
"Really, steel ?"
"Mining, granite and sandstone mostly, upstate along the Canadian border. How's Val ?"
"She's fine, back in Hudson."
"For the winter ?"
"She sent Jesse back to Florida, better all around, no clients down there, just horses."
"What does he do exactly ?"
"Exactly nothing, he's incapable of anything useful from what I can tell." Cass interjected.
"Is this a Caleb thing ?"
"In part, he hates Ty most but Ty hasn't been around. No worries, Jesse's gone. The house is amazing Amy."
"Thanks, I guess we should see the rest of it. Let's start upstairs and work down through the master."
They all loved the informal seating area at the top of the stairs, it was nice that it had a fireplace and they all noted the views. Meg walked over to the new glass sculpture of the trout with fly which was set in a deep window alcove overlooking the the lake and estuaries.
No one had moved in or done anything to really personalize their rooms so Amy didn't have any qualms about walking the group through. Betty's room, the girls suite, Jackson's room and a side of guest rooms. All done with relaxed ranch furnishings, private balconies most nicely placed for some privacy. The girls and Jackson shared a balcony which was fine. Jackson's room was adorable, the rowboat bed, antique rods and reels and flies mounted in box frames. They weren't huge rooms but certainly comfortable enough.
"Well sis, let's see the big room." Erma said once again wrapping her arm around Amy's waist.
"And how many beers have you had ?"
"There's my mom, 3, I'm fine, besides I think we're switching to wine so it's all good."
It was late afternoon and the sun was starting to set, they all noticed walking by the big windows in the seating area. It was way more evident through the double doors of the master bedroom where the group looked straight on to a wall of glass and wood that ran the entire 2 stories on this side of the house.
"Wow." Robin whispered.
"So this is the actual bedroom part." Amy began.
"Let's do the patio first." Georgie said heading to the stair.
"I'm with her." Trish said.
"Patio it is." Amy announced taking Robin's hand in hers.
"So wow is good ?"
"It's beautiful Amy."
"You and Chuck are always welcome Robin."
Robin smiled and laid her head on Amy's arm.
Amy leaned over and kissed her head, "so you and I, old married women soon enough."
"Soon enough" Robin said sighing.
"Happy ?"
"Floating like a cloud."
"That's nice." Amy whispered as they walked through onto the patio.
"This work ?"
Amy looked over at Sally who was pointing at the hot tub. "Yup, been in it. Hold on a second."
She turned away for a minute and dialed.
"Hi Amy, what's up ?"
"Hot tub ?"
"If you're going to be out there just start the whole system, so there's a green panel just past the fire pit on the short granite wall."
"Got it and open, 4 switches all red. With initials."
"Push them all to green."
"What am I pushing ?"
"Push first the tub takes about an hour. It's automatic and will start in a few minutes so if anyone's in there measuring."
"We're clear." She laughed looking over.
"Left to right, the first switch diverts warm water from the geothermal system to the patio, the second turns on the heat pump and thermostat for the heated floor and the tub. Third turns on kitchen power and fourth the gas if you want the heaters or stove. Calm night like this, fire and tub you may get 50 on the deck without the heaters.
"Got it, anything else I need to know ?"
"Wood is stacked in the wall slots, there are also some sticks tucked in for marshmallows, of course you have to have marshmallows."
"Don't know, we'll make due, thanks Jonathan."
"Call anytime Amy."
The water turned on as Amy joined the group by the short wall looking out at the view. She bent over and touched under one of the three faucets that were on and pouring water into the tub. "It's all automatic, there's a pad for adjustments on that side."
"He said it'll stay 50 out here on a night like this without the heaters."
"Well it's just beautiful, like the perfect private space." Lou said off to the view and to no one in particular.
"Sure looks that way, it actually feels warmer our here."
"That's the floor Meg, there are pipes under the granite that were opened so the geothermal spring warms the floor and the tub, the tub also has a heat pump to help it along."
"Ok, I vote we examine the wine cellar."
"I second Erma's suggestion" Ash announced, "anyone else ?" The majority raised hands immediately.
"Ok" Amy said laughing "There's just this lower level left to see unless you want to go up and see the bedroom space."
"So this is just a seating space ?"
"I guess" Amy answered Sally. "I can't really see using it for that unless we were alone or entertaining out on this deck. I'm hoping it'll end up the perfect nursery."
"That would be nice, nursery with it's own bathroom is always a great feature, big enough for some comfy adult space too. What would you do at the ranch ?"
"Maybe use part of the guest suite next door for a little alcove or a pocket door that we can seal back up, I don't know Erma."
"We'll help decide when the time comes."
"I'm sure there will be no lack of opinions Steph, maybe we'll take a vote. You need to just pull the door up until it locks in place then that guard moves and the light's turn on." Amy said pointing to the recessed handle in the floor of the kitchen area.
The safety feature Amy referred to was the first of two being installed. This one, already available from the company that dropped the storage unit was added to features after the original was done. The second, a gate to keep little feet away when it was open was being worked on by the company that made the custom kitchen cabinets.
"Are there baskets down here ?"
"It's not a supermarket Erma" Amy called back "You'll have to hand them up."
"Somebody grab these two please !" She called out a few minutes later.
"Hand them to me Erma" Sally said as Erma came up.
"Marcassin Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley 2009" she read off the bottle "what do you think?" showing the bottle to Amy.
"Nice bottle." Amy agreed "I have no idea Sal."
"Meg !" Ashley called up "Grab these please !"
"Ohhh, champagne, nice."
Ashley followed the bottles up "I brought 20 lbs of fresh snow crab legs on dry ice, you haven't lived till you've had them with champagne."
"Louis Roederer Cristal 2008" Meg read.
"I love Cristal, it'll go great with the crab legs" Ash said from the top of the stairs with her head popping out. "Anything else we need ?"
"We need a bottle of white for the mussels." Steph called back.
"I saw a few bottles of an Albareńo, here we are" she said lifting a bottle up for Steph to grab. "Excellent, thanks Ashley."
Ash smiled and climbed up closing the room behind her. "That's a treat in a half. Has Lisa been down there ?"
"Not yet, Betty has, Lisa should be fun though, I think they're coming for the weekend after the wedding."
"I'd keep Bert, Trev and Charlie out of there as long as you can."
"Charlie Trev assessed the cellar value from a list they supplied so the cat's out of that bag. Should we divvy up sleeping spaces before dinner ?"
"Probably a good idea since I'd like to change before we settle and gift giving and all that ?"
"What gift giving Trish ?"
"Bridal gift giving Amy, you didn't thing you'd escape it all did you ?"
"I don't have a gift." Robin whispered.
Georgie smiled and leaned to her "They're not like gift gifts Robin, like for a birthday, just fun bridal things like frilly nightgowns."
"Like the Victoria's Secret ?" She asked back quietly.
Georgie looked at her for a second before she responded again "it comes in the mail Georgie."
"And ?"
"We pick sometimes, some of it's weird, but some not."
Amy smiled at the conversation, Chuck and Robin had been having sex for a couple of years now, they had taken classes geared towards leading normal lives on their own and of course sex education was part of it. Chuck lived alone and Robin, though she lived with her folks, worked full time, cooked when she needed to, had no problem calling for a ride, shopping or being fairly independent. Together with Chuck they did just fine on their own. They stuck close to home for the most part and were fairly well known in the Ithaca community. The Pressman's, Robin's parents were also fine with Robin spending the night at Chuck's as long as they knew not to expect her. As with many Down's couples, they were genetically incapable of having kids.
They were quite capable, finances were not a problem and they had huge support and back-up, Amy and Charlie had pondered one night whether one day they would bring up fostering.
"I like the PJ's." Robin continued saying bringing Amy back to the present.
"And the rest ?" Georgie pressed with a smile.
"Looks pretty uncomfortable." Robin whispered back. "And either too cold or too hot."
"Well, what's Chuck think about it ?"
"I think he'd rather just naked." She answered, quiet and leaning even closer to Georgie and then blushed hearing Amy giggling on the other side of the conversation.
"We good now Georgie ?" Amy asked leaning forward and looking around Robin.
"Uhm, yeah, Ok, we're good."
"Beds ?"
"Pick beds Erma, I don't care and we have those air mattresses so you can bunk in front of the fire if you want."
"I hate picking." Robin said.
"You can stay with me sweetheart, it's a big bed." Amy told her reaching over and drawing her close.
"We can talk about weddings."
"Then I guess Georgie should join us."
"Yeah, it'll be like a slumber party."
"Actually never been to one of those." Georgie mentioned "closest was bunking with Jade."
"We had great slumber parties." Ash said "Remember Amy ? Before the dark years."
"I do remember Ash, with Jen and Soraya."
"We always swore we weren't going to sleep and we almost never made it though whatever movie we were watching. You never stayed in touch with Jen ?"
"Not really, she's a vet tech in Saskatchewan, we never clicked later on when we finally got in touch."
"Well Soraya's coming in Thursday, anyone else ?"
"Mallory and Jake tomorrow, surprise for everyone."
"Nice."
"Yeah, sounds like they're starting to not be thrilled with Texas, they need to touch home. This works and Grandpa and Ty will be thrilled."
"Who's doing what for dinner ?" Trish asked taking the lead on getting things rolling.
"What do we have ?"
"Good question Cass" Sally began "we've got king crab legs, shrimp, mussels, rice, a load of veggies for salads and stuff and corn, we'll leave the potatoes for breakfast. Trish you have vegan chorizo and seitan."
"I'll do salads" Cass volunteered.
"How about a seafood paella we can finish crunchy in the stone oven."
"Good Steph, I'll do a vegan one, we can finish together."
"Sally and I'll get the corn ready, we can do those on the grill outside."
"Robin and I'll get the table ready and set."
"Robin, give me your bag and I'll get it upstairs with mine."
"Take mine too Amy."
Amy smiled and nodded, she knew Georgie's suitcase as it was from the house sets and Robin pointed to a flowered rolling case. "That's mine, with the flowers."
Robin turned to Georgie "This'll be fun !"
Georgie smiled and nodded then reached over and hugged her with the arm closest.
They started on the wine and then graduated to the champagne at the table. Amy made a couple pitchers of limeade since there seemed to be an abundance of limes, she added some mint and lots of ice.
Dinner was spread out at the huge table with friends serving others from large platters and later them being passed as their size diminished. Steamed or grilled crab legs and shrimp along with mussels served in a hearty wine sauce. Cass found Thai mango as part of veggie mix and created a beautiful Thai salad with a spicy peanut dressing. Trish switched from a vegan paella to a jambalaya when she found a bag of okra in the veggie bin.
While Amy, Trish and Robin abstained from alcohol the rest more than helped themselves and decided by vote that they'd change and move out to the master bedroom deck at least until it became too cold. Most ended up wandering out in sweats or similar attire, flannels, hoodies and booties with socks. They weren't a high fashion group at that point, more a group of mature women with nothing to prove that simply wanted to stay warm and comfortable in a judgement free zone.
There weren't enough chairs or loungers stored on this patio as it was set up to be private but Georgie and Robin grabbed some blankets and towels and stretched out on the heated granite floor. While they unloaded and unfolded, Stephanie began laying shot glasses across the counter off to the side in the now opened and lit kitchen alcove. The whole deck had adjustable lighting and after playing at the panel for a bit they came to a nice comfortable setting. The stars had not yet come out, the sunset was a nice subdued winter one, quickly fading.
"OK ladies, let's do this !" Steph called out having filled a dozen shot glasses and laid out two bowls of salt and a bowl of lime slices.
The label read Cierto Tequila Reposado, Georgie noticed it first.
"Never heard of it."
"Neither have I Georgie" Stephanie answered "I asked Trev for a bottle to share and he handed me this."
"Seems it's a sipping tequila" Cass said her phone out "and not available anywhere and highly recommended."
"I've heard about people who sip tequila, they are not from Alberta." Ash added reaching for a glass.
"Georgie, take the first toast" Stephanie said handing shot glass out along the counter.
"Me huh ? Ok, a bit off the grid for me but Ok here's to all of us, the strong women who get the things done that need to be done and guide our men out of our way !"
"I'll drink to that !" Stephanie agreed.
"Here, here !" Erma called back pushing back her head and pouring the drink down followed by a lick of salt and a lime wedge.
"One more !" Sally called out slamming her shot glass down.
"Oh boy." Amy whispered standing between Trish and Robin.
They lined their glasses up as Stephanie filled.
"To Amy and Ty and the beautiful babies they'll make together !" Lou announced.
"Here Here !" Erma called out again before turning her glass down and taking a deep breath. "I need to sit" she finished turning and smiling at Amy. "Love you sis !"
"I love you too Erma, come sit."Amy said walking over and putting her arm around Erma's waist then leading her to a chaise. Erma sat and once on the chair Amy jumped behind her and pulled her back into her arms.
Erma struggled for a second giggling the whole time until she sighed and leaned back against Amy "Fuck it sis, I'm toast, go ahead, have your way with me."
"Just a smooch sweetie." Amy said leaning over and kissing her best friend's cheek.
Erma sighed again and leaned back.
Steph pulled over a soft bag she had brought to the patio with her. She was sitting next to Robin talking softly when she reached in and took out several bridal magazines that were all geared towards winter brides and weddings.
Some of the women joined the magazine group including Georgie, closest to Robin's age and on her way to planning a wedding they bonded over the plans. Over the next months Robin and Georgie would become close.
Trish and Sally had pulled up seats on either side of Amy.
"How's Chuck been over the past day."
"It's been a roller coaster for sure Sal, Charlie's been perfect though and Chuck stood strong, didn't go through that whole non decision thing, he stopped and held off the stress."
"He's really come so far." Trish agreed nodding.
"I'm so proud of him, them both actually and she's walking on clouds."
"I got a sweet text from Kathy Pressman on the way up asking if I'd heard anything from Robin." Erma said.
"This is pretty much a Pegasus affair I assume ?"
"As far as I know Sis, regular staff at the ranch and the office, how many is that ?"
"A little over a hundred I guess, add in the families figure 125 give or take. Can we fit that many without a tent ?"
"We can't have a tent in the winter Amy, no tent company would do it. I was thinking the family barn might be nice."
"Really, sitting at tables ?"
"On one side maybe dancing on the other. We can fit the tables along one side and at muster spot up front. Or tables on both sides and dancing at the muster."
"That'll be a first."
"I'm too liquored up to plan let's talk about something else."
Lou, Ash, Cass and Meg Carmichael had been sitting across from Amy's group and Ash looked over "good, let's talk about important stuff."
"Like"
"Like sex Lou, c'mon spill Amy, how's Ty in bed ?"
"Seriously Ash ?"
"Definitely, dish the dirt." Cass added with a grin.
Amy laughed "Ty is an excellent and attentive lover, I have no complaints."
"Well, we have aids."
"Aids Meg "
"You know lingerie and stuff."
"Stuff Meg, what kind of stuff ?"
"Stuff you wouldn't buy yourself."
"Oh, that stuff."
"That's it, tequila shots and gifts !" Sally said pushing herself out of her chair.
"And then hot tub." Erma muttered.
"I can massage your shoulders."
"You will stay away from my in that tub Amy Fleming."
Trish burst out laughing "just what do you think is going to happen Erma ?"
Once again the ladies gathered at the counter where Steph had set up another round.
"Who are we toasting ?" Sally asked holding her drink and trying to keep it steady.
"Robin and Chuck !" Meg Koenig called out turning to Robin and holding up her glass.
The toast repeated and the shots gone Amy watched Erma wander over to the hot tub kick off her boots, pull off a sock and dip her toes.
"Well Erma ?"
"Come on Sally, it's naked time."
"Let's go Margaret" Sally said to to Meg Carmichael.
"Really ?"
"Strip Margaret." Sally said slipping off her panties before a two step drop into the large outdoor tub.
Erma was next having taken the time to sit and fold her clothes.
"Ash grab towels please !" Meg announced inching down into the tub.
Cass, Amy, Robin and Trish opted not to join the hot tub brigade and almost immediately were called into action getting some cold drinks for the mostly inebriated hot tubbers.
Once done and chairs were dragged over so that the dry group could hang with the wet the gifts were called for and carried over to the tub area.
Robin leaned over to Amy and whispered "I didn't get anything."
Amy smiled and leaned over wrapping her arm around and pulling her in for a hug and to kiss her head.
"You celebrating with me is just a perfect gift sweetie. Pick a box and let's get this over with."
Robin smiled and looked at the pile a second before picking one of the flat clothing boxes first and handed it over. What followed was not really what Amy expected. What she expected was gaudy, over the top bridal gifts from Frederick's of Hollywood. What she did get was a much more appropriate well chosen set of nice lingerie, mostly longer and solid pieces that would accentuate Amy's figure in a more sensual rather than sexual way. They also came with assorted candles, oils and massage gifts some of which looked like fun though she doubted they'd be used often.
Robin dutifully examined each piece as Amy opened the boxes, looked at her gifts, discussed them sometimes at length and handed them back for Robin to fold and set aside. When they were done it seemed that tub time was over and after the rather enjoyable experience of watching mostly drunk naked women who had been soaking in a steaming bath right themselves and wrap in towels, Amy and Robin carried the boxes into the bedroom and upstairs while the others either straightened up the patio or left to change.
Georgie who was tripling up with Amy and Robin was in the bathroom changing while the other two settled for a minute waiting.
"I know it just happened Robin but do you need help with anything ?"
"Wanna help redecorate ?"
"Chuck's house ?"
"Our house."
Amy smiled and nodded "you are absolutely right sweetheart, your house and I would love to help. What have you been thinking ?"
"Well, there's enough closets in the bedroom but not the dressers and the chairs and the couch…"
Amy laughed and interrupted, "so just everything and Chuck thinks ?"
"He said if that's what I want."
"How about you, your mom, Aunt Meg and I take a ride up to Syracuse one day in a couple weeks and we'll start but sometimes furniture takes time so you can order but maybe have to wait."
"I know, we'll wait. Do you like the nightgowns ? My legs get all wrapped up or they end up around my waist."
Amy giggled and looked at her.
"No, not that way." Robin answered blushing and laughing along.
"Well to answer I like PJ's too, they're easier but it's nice wearing a nightie every now and then, like, I don't know, like wearing a dress instead of jeans. Besides, these are satin and I think the riding up part is more cotton or flannel. Ty likes them."
"I'll try, Chuck would like them I think."
"Chuck would like anything you were wearing Robin."
"Thanks Georgie, I bet Wyatt and Ty are the same way. Chuck talks about you guys, not like weird stuff just how happy you all are."
"Well how about we do something like this for you, my place or even here if we can and we'll invite all your friends."
Robin smiled and blushed and then quietly nodded.
"So you like PJ's and Chuck ?"
"Shorts and T shirt how about you Georgie ?"
"Sweats or scrubs, I'm pretty boring. Wyatt's like Chuck, shorts and T-shirt unless it's too cold. Ty too as far as I know."
"Not anymore Georgie, family has immediate and full access, gotta suit up, he's got these really sexy drawstring loungers, usually no shirt."
"This is nice, I never get to talk to anyone about this stuff."
"Do you have questions about, uhm, well, uhm, anything ?"
"No, I don't think so Georgie, it's just nice to see that I'm a, well, not a complete weirdo, you know more normal than I look."
"Than I look ?"
"Down's syndrome doesn't mean blind Georgie, I know it's not supposed to matter, it's who we are but we get looks when we go to dinner and people say weird things like do we have money and do we know how much stuff costs." And then in a very low voice "Chuck's rich you know."
Amy leaned over and smiled "you too sweetie."
"You shouldn't have to answer for yourself like that." Georgie muttered "It's, it's, discrimination."
"Most places around Ithaca know who we are, it's not that bad. We know better Georgie, some people need to learn not to judge a book by it's cover."
"You are good people Rob, I wouldn't be that forgiving."
It was getting late at this point especially for those that regularly went to bed and woke up early but there were snacks, water and nightcaps available downstairs as the three grabbed nibbles, bottles of water and made their way to the group sprawled around the living room. This time Amy plopped down next to Lou and leaned over banging her head against Lou's shoulder.
Lou smiled and put her arm around Amy and leaned over to kiss her head.
"You gonna be the first Fleming to end up happily married first time out huh ?"
"Certainly the plan Lou."
"Well from my perspective I think you two will make it, Georgie and Lisa think so too."
"You good Lou ?"
"You know I am and looking forward to staying close to home."
"Maybe you'll meet up with a cowboy and ride off into the sunset."
"Certainly a plan worth looking into little sister."
"So I assume you'll close on the Stampede Maggie's at the end of January or so ?"
"About then" Lou answered "Ash, any word on a closing ?"
"January 24th was banded about, it's a Thursday, definitely not set in stone."
"I think if scheduling works maybe I'll come up for it."
"That would be nice."
"Definitely not set in stone Lou, keep it between us please."
"My lips are sealed."
"Trish, can you do the bread, I've got one move left" Steph called out.
"Can I help ?"
"You certainly can Robin, you carry the bread and I'll carry the water."
"Check the stone oven Trish, it may still be warm."
Trish nodded as she turned and Georgie plopped down next to Amy. "What's the bread?"
"You get a hunk of warm homemade whole grain bread and apple honey for dipping and a bottle of water. Erma and Sally swear that you won't have a hangover."
"Does it work ?"
"You're definitely asking the wrong person but from observation unless you drink an unconscionable amount this seems to mitigate some of the after effects."
"You know it sounds pretty good right now."
"It does, I'm actually a little hungry."
"You're always a little hungry."
There were two long loaves of dark sweet sourdough bread covered and filled with nuts and seeds. These were made by Sally, her family's breakfast bread, passed down through the generations all the way back to Ireland. Made for coal miners at home, it transferred well to farmer's here in the states. The Kelly's, Sally's family had emigrated in 1852. Three brothers and young wives. Sally's grandsire was one of the three, Robert Kelly first cut the soil on their farm in 1853. His brothers went further west and settled near Buffalo.
There was also two bowls of honey, Erma's apple honey which was great with the bread. They both believed that the bread soaked up alcohol and the honey would help settle stomachs and bring on sleep. Amy had no idea if either was true, it was all anecdotal and it didn't matter, the bread was amazing warm and crunchy, and she immediately grabbed a hunk, slathered honey on it and bit down.
"Can we make this in the diner ?" Lou asked catching a drip of honey in her palm.
"I don't know Lou" Amy answered laughing.
"What's it called ?"
"Breakfast bread."
"Really ?"
Sally looked up nodding, "that's it breakfast bread is the only name I've ever heard."
"Ever think of taking it commercial ?"
"It takes 3 days Lou and my starter is over 100 years old so I don't know if it would translate well to commercial. You're welcome to watch the process when you have the time."
"I wonder how much you could charge for two slices, butter, honey or a nice jam."
"It's great with soft cheese, like a whole salty sweet thing." Meg Koenig added "good as ever Sally."
"Thank you Margaret, compliments are always welcome !"
Most of the bread disappeared and they started their goodnights while carrying their mess back to the kitchen. Trish rinsed and Robin loaded the dishwasher, there wasn't much to do, just glasses and small plates.
The hugs and kisses were long and heartfelt and Amy stopped at Cass and smiled before hugging her.
"I know this is somewhat overwhelming but I hope we didn't scare you too much Cass."
"Actually this was great and not too overwhelming."
"Well, I hope we can become friends, if anything it might relax Caleb."
"If anything" Cass laughed "Caleb's a floater, he'll land softly."
"Well, as I might have mentioned I should be in Alberta in January, maybe we can hang out."
"You'd come alone ?"
"It would really be a business trip for a closing in Calgary but I'd probably stay a few days, kids have school and Ithaca's bad enough getting JT around and seeing him safe, Alberta would just be that much harder."
Amy saw that everyone was squared away before making her way to the master bedroom where she found Robin and Georgie sitting on the couch chatting and looking through bridal magazines. Georgie was in scrubs and a tank top, Robin in PJ's. Georgie had started a small fire and they each had a water bottle with one set to the side for Amy.
She plopped down in the big chair and swung her legs up onto the ottoman Robin was sharing with Georgie.
"That was fun" Robin said.
"It was nice to just be for a few hours, it's been busy. I mean I know I signed up for busy …. anyway, this was nice."
"I'm sorry Georgie, I know the wedding and the surgery are piling things on you."
"It wasn't a complaint Amy, it's been amazing and I'm just in awe because I know that Sandra, Bridget and Linda are handling a bunch of your stuff, Sarah a bunch more, I don't know how you juggle it all."
"All those people you just named Georgie and people like Robin, she handles at least half of the donor visits, our official unofficial ambassador, they do their thing and I get my info when I need to, besides I have you now."
"I have you too Georgie." Robin said yawning.
"Well this girl's going to get a swelled head but maybe tomorrow because I can't keep my eyes open."