Chapter 105
There was a knock at the door a second before it was opened. Erma popped her head inside the suite.
"Time sis" she said smiling.
"OK, time" Amy repeated with a staggered breath of air. "Someone help me get my legs under me please."
Trish and Georgie both smiled and held out their hands. She was sitting in the master guest suite on the first floor next to the library and would be escorted out the back door and over to the back of the family barn where the rest of the wedding party would be waiting.
Amy was sitting with most of the wedding party women with the exception of Lily and Lisa who were with Ty. This also included Brin who was with Amy's party until she felt better walking over to make sure Ty was Ok.
Mathilde stood back and critically assessed Amy's dress, looking for anything at all out of the ordinary. A moment later the door opened again and Leslie Hirschhorn stood there with a big smile on her face and camera ready. It was only a moment until she fired off a dozen photos and then stepped to the side next to the actual wedding photographer who was quite in awe of the presence of the more noted celebrity photographer who had joined the party.
"You're set up for after Leslie ?"
"Everything's perfect Amy and the kids and their friend's were very nice and cooperative so they're done already in several groupings. Just you and Ty and you and the family for later."
Amy nodded and took a few steps to the full length mirror.
"You're perfect Amy." Meg said looking at her face and hair.
"Yes, Yes." Mathilde added in her French accent, "the dress is beautiful."
Brin stepped in next and looked at Amy "there's an extraordinarily handsome gentleman that can't wait to see you Amy." A moment later Jack cautiously stepped into the room and smiled at Amy.
"He's out there ?" She asked.
"Waiting at the barn." Jack answered with a nod from Brin who had retaken her spot next to Maddie and taken her hand.
20 minutes earlier Brin had begged away from the bridal suite after whispering with Meg and Amy. She grabbed her small bag, kissed Mad and ducked out.
"Brin you'll let us know and could you please ask my Grandpa to stop back with you ?" Brin nodded before leaving and a few minutes later knocked at the cottage door. A moment after the handle turned and Jackson backed his chair up swinging the door open.
Lisa smiled and looked over "final inspection Sabrina ?"
"Unless he needs a pep talk."
Lisa laughed "he looks amazing Brin, well done."
"Thank you, thank you" she said coming in with a flourishing bow. Ty stood from the couch and faced her with a smile.
Brin frowned for a second and walked over to immediately button his jacket. "When you sit you unbutton and when you stand you button."
"Right, got it" he answered with a smile.
"They do a very good job, the fit is perfect and you can't see the darts."
"Darts ?"
"Darts are small sewn seams that give the suit shape. Be careful when you sit Ty, stay off the jacket tail, you don't want to crease the jacket."
"I'll be careful."
Lisa smiled as Brin moved on to Ty's tie and adjusted the knot.
"Uggggh, why so tight ?"
"I can get a finger in there, it's not too tight, stop being a baby."
She looked up next and smiled, "your hair is perfect."
"Of course it is" he added smiling. "So, I can get married ?"
"You may get married Dr. Borden, shame no one will notice you walking next to her but that can't be helped I guess."
This made both Jack and Wade laugh from their seats.
"It's a very nice suit Brin." Lilly told her.
"It is, and you all look perfect." She responded looking around.
Ty's phone beeped and looking down thumbed the cancel.
"Time to walk." Jack said "Breathe son."
"I'm good Jack, Brin you walking back with us ?"
"I'll stop and let them know you're waiting Ty and Jack, Amy would like a moment."
Lilly took Ty's hand in hers and patted it "Let's go Ty, you've been waiting half your life for this."
Lisa joined him on the other side as the group made it's way out the door, the women leading him, Brin and the men with Jackson between them behind. Ty had spent the day before with the girls and the evening with Jack, Wade, Lily and Lisa in the cottage.
By Friday evening the last of the guests had arrived, Scott was there as well as Peter and Mitch. John, Bert, Charlie, Chuck, Wyatt and assorted other ranch folk both men and women stopped by for a drink and to toast the groom. Shane popped in for a while but wanted to spend some time with his sisters. Even Jackson, Bobby and Cars spent some time. Not quite a bachelor party but this wasn't that kind of a crowd. There also didn't seem to be one spot at Pegasus where there wasn't some happy celebration going on. Ranch hands, seconds, jockeys, family and friends gathered as part of the weekend.
Georgie, Cass, Ash and Mallory walked Caleb over for a few minutes and then left him to hang out.
He had seen Amy three times through the day with zero contact except for the smiles and her silent mouthed I love You's as they passed. He remembers her kissing him goodbye first thing in the morning and then Mad and Charlie's gently knock to wake him later on.
By the time he was up she had done rounds with Sarah and Victor tagging along with the two, showered in the guest suite and was dressing in her gown with Meg Caldwell there to help. They had coffee and muffins while this went on and once Sebastian was satisfied and she was released a crowd had formed on the porch and in the kitchen. There were small snacks, coffee and champagne to get the ball rolling while waiting for the bus that would take them to the spa.
Since they had a rather large crowd they chose the August Moon Spa at the Hotel Tourelle in Ithaca, though not Amy's favorite as she liked a smaller place the times she had been here with friends had been fun. Besides, they had wedding guests staying on what is usually a dead weekend and the hotel was happy to oblige the group. Spa trips always reminded her of Trudy who just loved a day at the spa and roped, then dragged Amy to her first which sold her forever. She loved spa days with Betty or with the girls, they didn't do it often but they were always fun.
Ty was on the porch sipping coffee Maddie had handed him, he had made it out in time to wave goodbye to Amy as the bus pulled away. Since his favorite breakfast was sandwiches and the girls made a batch with egg, cheese and sausage on fresh rolls which they served JT for his second breakfast, and most of the men remaining, Jack, Wade, Shane and Wyatt with their firsts.
"How's your sandwich Poppa ?"
"Great Charlie, I had no idea you girls could cook."
"Mom and Gran taught us. Cooking, laundry, cleaning, oil and lube, we are domestic goddesses."
Maddie smiled "mom says we need to not be dependent on other people for basic necessities, you never know."
"I can cook too." JT added "not everything yet but I can make eggs and pancakes and stuff. Even made lasagna but Gran helped."
Ty smiled "guess mom's got you guys covered. So what's on for today ?"
"Well there are three brand new crated Stroker engines and three old engines that need a rebuild." Maddie answered dropping her plate in the dishwasher rack.
"So we're starting the rebuilds ?"
"Yes Poppa, we know the rules."
"Rules Charlie ?"
"We have to rebuild the old engines so that they turn over."
Wade smiled "that's a good way to get a firm foundation for sure, none of those chips and circuit boards."
"Exactly, you girls need to understand how a multi stroke engine works. It's close to a motorcycle so it shouldn't be that bad." Ty affirmed following the girls lead and clearing his space. "John's coming too, we've arranged a surprise for Jackson."
"Awesome !"
"Awesome it is, we've built a moveable ramp so you can wheel up and see and help."
"Oh cool, kind of miss out on a bunch down here."
"We've got a surprise too Poppa, we got you all official Pegasus garage coveralls."
"Well thank you Charlie, Maddie, I can't wait. We ready to move out ?"
"We are GG, JT, need help with your dishes ?"
"I got it Charlie, just need you guys to move."
"We'll wait on the porch for your ride change Jackson."
"Thanks Mad, out in a minute."
Mad was first to the garage and thumbed the master control switch which charged the system, three buttons later the doors opened on the three pickups. There were three large crates against the back wall all marked Eagle Specialty Stroker XKE. Laid out in the flat bed of each truck was that trucks dismantled original engine, steamed and where necessary sand blasted down to it's original finish.
Jack and Wade walked around the three trucks which were basically frames at this point with the majority of the exterior panels welded off the vehicles and either lined up against a wall or already gone off to be refinished.
"You girls got a lot of work done, I'm impressed." Wade said taking the coverall Maddie handed him and holding it out full length. He smiled at the name over the breast pocket under the Pegasus Garage and the Pegasus logo Grandpa Wade. He glanced over to Jack's which simply read GG.
Ty was surprised when he looked at his seeing the Poppa under the logo, when they first set up the garage he had glanced at Amy's which hung on the rack and smiled as hers read Mom.
John drove up and Ty helped him unload the ramp. They had Carson test the design and then built it to spec. To keep it a reasonable size it was designed specifically for Jackson's wheelchair. The ramp was slotted and the platform allowed for Jackson to turn 90 degrees in either of three directions while locked into a swivel. Perfectly safe.
"Unfortunately I can't stay, I have pick stuff up at the Carmichael Farm and drive it over to Pavel's kitchen, back in maybe an hour or so. Lunch at Franco's on me."
"On you ?"
"It's your day Ty, don't get used to it." John answered swinging into the driver's seat.
They had two heavy duty portable engine block carriers they could build on after deciding that the girls would work together on one engine at a time and Ty and Jackson would work on the second. It made sense as the girls certainly understood how an internal combustion engine worked, could read and follow an engine schematic and were familiar with the tools and how they were used. Both Ty and John were both sure the girls could do it on their own given enough time and a little trial and error but that would defeat part of the project which was spending time together as a family.
As it turned out today, because Jackson was with them which would slow things down with questions and a lack of familiarity, Jack and Ty would on Amy's original engine with JT and the girl's would work with Wade.
Because of weight limitations, once cleaned the garage assembled the engine block and cylinder gear, attached them together, primed and painted them before sending them back. For the first hour, Ty and Jack explained the process of how the engine works, tiny explosions of gas, forcing rods and cylinders up and down to turn a crankshaft which would be attached to the transmission. By the end of the first hour the girls had set the camshaft in place and were working through timing and balancing, while they were used to motorcycle engines with one or two cylinders these engines were 6 which made it's timing and fluidity harder to set.
Maddie was taking her turn trying to get the cam right, the music playing in the garage was off of Ty's phone, a classic rock playlist probably playing a bit loud but no one noticed. Wade joked with the girls and offered suggestions while they worked, the idea being they figured out the tricks themselves. They had been very close twice and were getting it. Ty turned as Charlie took Wade's hand.
"Come on Grandpa, dance with me." She cried moving back and moving her legs.
Wade obliged and Ty and Jack took a second to watch as Wade swung Charlie close and then away and then in a spin away and back. Wade held his own and Charlie laughed as she spun under his arm forwards and then back.
"I got it Charlie, fit the compression bracket." Maddie called out which stopped them dead in their tracks.
Charlie maneuvered around and slipped the sleeve over the open end.
"Perfect fit and flush Mad, excellent, let me ratchet it and I'll do the other side."
As the were finally ready to move on to dropping the cylinders a loud call sounded from several feet away.
"Tonsei my friends tonsei !" Victor Whitetail called out walking up.
"Good morning Victor, sleep well ?"
"Slept well Ty and had a nice walk through your barns, I've been sitting with Sarah exchanging tall tales. How about a walk ?"
"Well I sort of promised the kids."
"It's Ok Dad, Mr. Whitetail checked with us."
"It's fine Poppa, Grandpa and GG will carry on, groom stuff takes preference."
Ty shook his head, clearly today was not his to schedule. "Lead on Victor."
"Jack ?"
"Wade and I will watch them Ty, go take care of your business."
Victor put his hand on Ty's shoulder for a few seconds as he turned him towards the house. They walked side by side past the house and the small parking area behind and then along the family meadow.
"I don't think I've ever been this way." Ty commented walking along the pasture fence and entering the woods behind a few second later.
"I went exploring, there's a nice path just up ahead."
"I haven't had a chance to talk to you much since you got here Victor, I wanted to thank you for coming, it means so much to Amy."
"It was an honor to be asked Ty, Amy has always struggled with her spirituality which runs deep I think but we're here to talk about you for a few minutes. How are you feeling ?"
"I feel great, a little nervous, some butterflies I guess." It had become his standard response to the question.
"By tradition it's my place to speak to you about the responsibilities of a husband to his wife, at least by the standards of the First Nations, it's usually excessive these days as many First Nation couples are somewhat secularized by traditional standards. The residential school system seems to have fueled that but many are returning to more traditional beliefs and many of the beliefs they tried to have us lose never really disappeared."
They had stopped in a small clearing that was peaceful and warm as the sun shown down on it. There were two large logs down and Victor sat on one motioning Ty to sit at the other.
"Women have always played a pretty central part in the nations. They were the spiritual center of the family, they cared for the home, children and the elderly. They defended the home in the place of the men if they were gone. They planted and fished providing everything for the tribe except meat. Many of the First Nations believe that we are a matriarchal society and that it was to the woman that the creator bestowed his gifts to be shared with the people. They pass lineage through the woman. Their strength and love and spiritual centers kept the people going."
"Pretty much a matriarchal society here." Ty laughed taking in Victor's thought.
"How are you doing with that aspect ?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's not a trick question Ty, you were apart for 8 years and this is not the Amy that left Heartland or the one that showed up on my doorstep at the same time. That Amy was scared, lost, undecided and unsure of herself, she was a hurt, emotional nightmare. She had considered hiding away like a hermit and even harming herself."
"I know."
"She'll never be the Amy you wanted back then Ty, she's almost the opposite."
"I don't know what I wanted back then Victor."
"And I'm not asking you about what you wanted back then, I already know that, I'm asking how you're dealing with the the Amy you're marrying tomorrow, the Amy you were scared of back then."
"I don't know that I'm dealing with it, it's more like I'm being with it. That must sound strange."
"Actually not at all, it's a good answer, is there more ?"
"The things that come to mind from that time seem pretty petty these days. I'm not the person I was back then either."
"No of course not, still there's more to it than you and her."
"Well, I never thought I would be marrying a family, that's for sure, now I can't imagine not being a part of it."
"And the ranch, the foundation ?"
"You mean the money."
"OK, let's do the money."
"I don't know, maybe that's the weirdest part."
"Weird in what way ?"
"Well less weird now than originally, it's not an issue, it's just weird."
"OK, let's go back then since the money is a small part of what I'm getting at. I think deep down you know that no matter what Amy's in charge around here."
"The final decision on most things Pegasus or the foundation is Amy's, it was spelled out pretty early in the process actually."
"You're Ok with that."
"Having a boss ? Sure, and I'm not the biggest fish around here that's Ok with it which sort of makes that easier I guess."
"You are the only one marrying her though."
"I trust her Victor, I can't imagine Amy would knowingly allow a horse to come to harm or allow one to be harmed if she can help it let alone an employee or family member."
"You're sure of that, absolute trust."
"Absolute trust."
"Good, we should head back or you may be missed."
Ty was a bit confused but nodded and stood along with Victor. Once again Victor patted his shoulder for a second and then walked alongside quietly.
"So ?"
"So, 8 years ago the thing that devastated her more than anything was the complete lack of trust any of you exhibited in her. Apparently that's over, you sound sincere, I'm satisfied."
"Join us for lunch ?"
"Which is ?"
"Pizza in town."
"Sounds good, June is off with Sarah and Annabelle."
John had returned by the time Ty and Victor returned. He was joking around with Jack and JT while giving Jack a hand checking a cylinder for trueness. Ty checked their progress and with a small brush of his hand on JT's shoulder got a smile with the boy's smile and acknowledgment that he was back.
Charlie was adjusting a set of pistons while Maddie had her head in a manual on the computer when he stepped over.
"All good Poppa ? We get to keep you ?"
Ty leaned over and kissed the back of her head while he looked at the screen. "You get to keep me Mad, those are the Strokers ?" He asked looking behind her to the display.
Maddie looked back at him with a big smile "Yeah we have options for the controls, we can customize the dash or leave it original and install a heads up display, very expensive, or run it through an iPad, almost like a Tesla."
"How much customizing ?"
"Cut to shreds, at least two more displays, air conditioner controls and it we want a tach or a back up display, forget it, you'd never know it was original."
"And the iPad ?"
"Pretty inconspicuous mount, rear display, radio, phone, the works."
"And very expensive ?"
"New smart windshield, holograph projector, engine and electronics interfaces, sounds like a nightmare."
"iPad's Charlie ?"
"iPad's for sure Poppa and if we make them removable it disables the car completely."
"Your mom shouldn't have a problem, sounds like the safer decision all round. Hear from her by the way ?"
"She called to say hi while you were with Victor "Charlie told him.
Then Maddie added, "she was heading in for a massage and then the sauna so she touched base first."
"All good ?"
"She's great, we should go eat or we'll be stuck here for at least an hour with the pistons."
"Ok, Charlie, you two get washed up first."
They took the Land Cruiser which fit them all including Jackson's chair in the rear hatch. At Franco's they left it to the kids to order 2 cheese pies and one vegan along with garlic knots and cheese bread as appetizers. Ty, Victor and Jack had beers and the rest assorted drinks with Jackson ordering his usual cherry coke after seeking permission.
The surprise came when April and Brin walked in, April immediately walking behind JT and putting her hands over his eyes.
"Surprise !"
"Oh hey April, what's up ?"
"Hi Jackson, Brin's taking me for hair and nails, mom said it was ok."
"Where's Cars ?" JT asked all smiles.
"Finishing up chores with Bobby, their hair is done."
Two things happened while this exchange was going on, John added a chair for April next to Jackson who was on the end because it was easier with his chair and one between the twins for Brin which meant that Mad had to get up while things were shifted. She leaned over and wrapped her arm around Brin.
"Hey Sweetie, nice surprise ?" Brin asked reaching over for a kiss.
"Very nice surprise Bina" Maddie said kissing her again and eliciting Sabrina's bright smile.
"Excuse me there are children here !" It was a voice from the side a few tables over. The Pegasus group had several center tables pushed together. Most people in hearing distance turned to see what the voice was referring to and it took a second for the Pegasus group to realize the voice referred to them. Wade was closest on the far end and looked at her for a second before asking "I'm sorry are we too loud ?"
"She's talking about us Grandpa, just ignore her." Maddie said looking down the table at Wade and then glancing at the woman.
"What am I missing here ?"
Brin put her hand on Madelyn's, "simmer down Maddie, her opinion doesn't matter" and then looking up at Jack "she's a homophobe Jack, like Maddie said it's not worth the bother."
"Seems kind of rude to me."
"It is rude Wade, let's hope it's over." Ty answered glancing at Maddie and getting her nod.
It wasn't over at all for Maddie so when Brin had to leave to get April to her appointment Maddie got up, spun around and took Brin in her arms.
"Absolutely disgusting !"
Maddie turned and Ty was up in a second, his hand firmly on her shoulder "sit." He then turned to Brin and April who was holding her hand "go Brin, April I can't believe you'll be even prettier." Leaning over he kissed her head and then gave Brin a short hug.
Watching them go he turned and looked at the woman who was sitting next to a younger woman and across from what looked like an older man, probably her husband and a son.
"Can I help you with something ?" He asked quietly looking at the woman after walking over to her table.
"Are you one of their father ?"
"I am, is there a problem ?"
"Well as a father you should know it's hard enough to raise kids as it is without having to explain that."
"That as in a kiss ?"
"Look" the man said and Ty shifted his gaze.
"All we're trying to do is protect them from that sort of stuff, there's no reason everyone has to see it, is there, this is a family restaurant."
"That sort of stuff as in a kiss ?"
"You know what we're talking about."
"It sounds like you're offended by the fact that my daughter is a lesbian. Personally, I find that attitude offensive so I guess we're even and I'd appreciate it, if you ever see my daughter again that you simply ignore what doesn't concern you and keep your comments to yourself." At that point he turned his gaze from the man back to the woman and then turned away.
"I fail to understand what gives you people the idea ….." The woman began her voice slightly raised.
Ty turned again, this time his face and voice changed, hardened, his eyes like emerald ice stared them both down "Enough, I'm Canadian so I may not get this completely right, but the words, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should probably clear that up for you. Are we done ? I guess blank stares say we are."
There were no real leftovers for the group and John and Jack had them getting ready to leave while Ty was having his talk so when he turned the group was waiting for him and Maddie was holding his coat.
"Here Poppa, we're paid."
Shrugging on his coat he followed the group out, he was last following Maddie and Charlie.
"Are you mad at me Poppa ?"
"I'm not mad sweetheart but I worry about these stands of yours if we're not around. Don't get me wrong Mad, I want you to stand up for yourself."
"But I pushed it."
"Nothing bothers a bigot more than being ignored Maddie, they depend on other people for their strength, alone, they're just pathetic. When you react, you give them a platform and they get louder, which they used."
"It was a kiss Poppa."
"Which is what I said to them, but what you did was make a statement Mad."
"You said more ?"
"I said more." Ty said gently turning her toward Brin who was waiting and specifically not saying more to Maddie which he hoped ended their conversation.
They had decided to stroll a little before heading back so it was a little over an hour before they were back in the garage and in coveralls. Bobby and Cars had shown up once they knew the group was back which meant Ty and Jack had their hands full with both JT and Cars and the invariable questions and horsing around. Victor headed out to find June.
Bobby sped things up for the girls as he was the fix-it up mechanic on the Carmichael farm and though he'd never rebuilt an engine from the bottom up he had an innate ability to ponder how things needed to be back together and between him and Charlie made short work of the cylinder, piston and rod assembly. Once together, timing took about a half hour and they were ready for another break.
They gathered around the fridge with either water or juice, the girls adamantly opposed to anything caffeine as the drink of the ranch these days. Amy and Ty were dealing with it. Jack and Wade grumbled.
"Sarah and the seconds are taking care of the thoroughbred rounds but I'd feel better taking a walk through the barns down here. Bert's off somewhere with Asher and I want to touch base with Cass."
Maddie nodded "We'll come with you."
"Mad you don't have to."
"Team Poppa all day" Charlie added "Cars, JT ? horses ?"
"Oh yeah." Jackson agreed.
"Miss your horses buddy ?" Wade asked rubbing JT's head
"I miss ridin' like crazy Grandpa but I see my guys everyday and mom says they know I'm hurt 'cause they're, uhm, em, word word …."
"Empathic bud." Ty said coming over.
"Right, empathic, they can feel people things like feelings."
"Emotions."
"Right, emotions. And I still take care of 'em best I can."
"And they do know that Bro, nothing to worry about there, your guys love you even if you can't ride."
Jackson turned with a bright smile for Charlie and it was born out as soon as Merlin who was first in line to see him, reacted to his presence by leaning as far as he could towards his little rider.
"Georgie needs some help upstairs getting ready for Peter and dinner." Wyatt said "I'll catch you all later."
"I think Jack and I should check in also." Wade said with a nod from Jack.
"John" Ty asked.
"Well, I should check in home and at the shop, see you later buddy, kids."
In the end it was Ty, the twins, Bobby, JT and Cars walking through the family barn to rescue where Ty had patients.
"What's the plans for dinner girls, you seem to have this all planned out."
Maddie looked over "You're having dinner at the cottage with your folks and I think Jackson, probably Cars, John, maybe some others. After there'll probably be guests and well wishers."
"And you two ?"
"Georgie and Lou are making dinner at Georgie's for mom and I guess others, Ash, Soraya, probably Shane and Jackie."
"And Georgie's dad and step mom, Katie, not sure who else is coming." Maddie added
"Mitch, who's a partner in the Heartland business and Jen who's Wyatt's mom, and I'm staying at the cottage."
"All night Poppa," Charlie said "we'll stop over to visit."
Half way through they were joined by Sarah and Chuck who walked with them going through the last of the barns and then into the medical building which contained only two horses, both of which were operated on by Bert and Cass during the week.
"You checked their incisions Sarah, I don't want to mess with them again."
"I did, no sign of infection, they're healing well, switched them from valerian to vervain, they're taking to it well. Cass is in the office."
"I was heading there hoping to find her."
"Well then, I'm heading home for a bit, we'll stop in later to wish you well Ty."
"I'm going to sit with Cass for a while what are you lot going to do ?" Ty asked the twins, Bobby, JT and Carson.
"How long "
"Not sure Jackson, let me talk to Cass for a minute."
Ty knocked on the door or the small library where they had set Cass up.
"Oh hey" she said looking up from her notes "doing case studies and surgical write ups."
"And ?"
"I'm lost."
Ty laughed, "I was lost doing my first few too, let's sit for a while and see where you are."
Ty turned to the kids "l'll be here for awhile, maybe you all should go check in and visit with mom for a while, she must be wondering about you. I promise to text when I'm done."
"Yeah, we can have snacks." JT piped in.
Maddie and Charlie both leaned in for kisses and small hugs and Ty bent over to kiss Jackson's head and give it a tussle.
"Later Poppa, Cass."
"Bye guys !" Cass called back.
Ty sat down and Cass pushed her iPad over so he could read what she had so far.
"So you and those kids are pretty tight."
"Yeah, Team Poppa, keeping my mind away from Amy and tomorrow."
"How's that going ?"
"The kids are amazing."
"Caleb mentioned how different you seem here than the past few years."
"And you ?"
"It's hard not to see it Ty."
They worked for a little over an hour until Ty got a text which told him that the last Alberta group had arrived. Peter, Annie, Katie, Jen, Mitch, Scott and his wife Bonnie.
"I'm fine stopping Ty, this has been great, how about I email you final drafts to read over ?"
"That'll be fine Cass though I can't promise the fastest turnaround."
"As long as you see it before Bert."
"Bert's not that bad Cass, he knows you've never done these before."
"Feels like I'm back in school."
"Yeah, he can definitely do that. What about the rest of the crew ?"
"Well Amy promises more time with me next time and I completely understand but Rick, Chris, Sarah, Vi and those seconds, even Georgie, I'd come work down here in a heartbeat."
"And the surgeries ?"
"Bert's off the charts as a teacher."
"Everyone around here teaches, Georgie explained the leg braces, figuring out the angles, blood circulation, muscle expansion, I was floored."
"Now you get to go back, do and teach."
"I've never been much of a teacher Ty."
"You'll do great Cass, I'm sorry you won't get to see Amy teach this time around."
They talked while Cass packed her stuff away and by the time they were leaving Ty was sent an all clear that he could come to the house to say hi as Amy had moved off to Georgie's apartment.
"So you're not supposed to see her all day ?"
"Well technically I've seen her twice but yeah, no actual contact."
"How's that going ?"
"You know, thinking about it, it's really the only thing I really want to do is talk or hold hands or anything really."
"I guess it's having the desired effect then, Bert said Meg and him did it for a week. I'm going to stop to say hello and head over to the house, Rose is getting up from her nap."
As they turned out of the clinic Ty was shocked to find a cities worth of huge white tents being raised by a large crew of workers.
"Looks like the circus." Cass said with a smile.
"Yeah, sort of didn't envision this in my head." Ty agreed as they approached and began a long sweep around the tent that was now up and in front of the family barn where the ceremony would be held. They stopped for a second to peek in and found Erma standing with a chart next to a workman and pointing to the picture and then the end of the tent where he assumed the ceremony would be held.
After the man nodded and apparently agreed she turned and put on a huge smile "Hey Ty !"
"Hey Erma, everything Ok ?"
"Perfect, they'll be done in a couple hours and the inside setups will go first thing in the morning. Flowers and food set-ups after and we'll be ready."
"I'm sure it'll be beautiful Erma."
"Well I have to head back to the farm, Sally's holding down the fort, I stopped to check on the tents, see Amy for a minute and drop Brin and April off."
"She's up at Georgie's ?"
"Yup, with Trish, two Megs, Ashe, Soraya, Renée and Steph. Lou's in the house hosting apparently every man she's slept with in Hudson and their wive's and fiancés."
Ty laughed, "yeah, maybe we should get in there. See you later Erma."
They made their way as best they could through the growing tent city and found Jackson, Cars and April standing on the porch watching several men guiding a large three pinnacled tent up poles as a winch pulled on large ropes.
"Hi Ty" April said the first to speak as they walked up the stairs.
Ty leaned over and lifted her into his arms. "Hey beautiful, look at you all ready for the big day "
"Hair and nails are done as you can see" she beamed showing her nails.
"I noticed the hair first off April and your nails are perfect."
She smiled again, "momma said I can have some make-up tomorrow, Brin said she'd love to."
"Well you'll have to save me a dance April."
She beamed again "I would love that."
"You two Ok ?" Ty asked the boys who were staring at the workmen.
"Oh yeah, this is so cool." Cars said not taking his eyes off the tent work.
"That's a wooden floor." JT added pointing to a stack of lumber off to the side "A wooden floor in a tent !"
"It's for dancing Jackson, where are your sisters ?
"Inside, everyone's here."
Ty nodded and led Cass into the house and past the empty kitchen into the living room and library where people were gathered.
"Here you are, I was wondering where you were" Bert said walking over to Ty and then Cass.
"Sorry, didn't expect you here Bert, I was going over Cass' preliminaries."
"Just waiting for Meg and Renee to join us, heading back to the house for dinner."
Ty nodded and looking around started the rounds of hellos from Scott and Bonnie who were staying at the Koenig's home along with the Koenig kids and Asher, Renee, Shoshana and her fiancé. Next to Mitch and Jen who were staying with Charlie and finally Peter and Annie who were at Georgie's. Lou was sitting with Jen.
Ty learned that Wyatt would be driving over to Charlie's as soon as Katie was settled with the girls. Brick was with them and would also be at Charlies'.
It all seemed to happen pretty fast once Wyatt, Renee and Meg Koenig came in from Georgie's where they left Amy and her protective detail of bridesmaids and well wishers. It wasn't long before Ty was alone with the girls, Bobby, Brin and Katie. The kids were still on the porch watching the tents go up.
"Another big truck dad !" JT called into the house.
"Anybody trucks ?" Ty turned and asked the teens.
They all looked at him for a second before Maddie suggested "Let's see, we can always text Erma."
Outside it was plain that it was all unnecessary because another more familiar truck was coming down the road straight towards the one JT had all erected them to. Yvette, one half of their local catering team got out, waved to the porch and immediately addressed the driver of the delivery van. Pointed at one of the tents and then another before walking over to the porch.
"Delivering the stoves, sinks and heaters, no worry Ty."
"I won't worry Yvette, I promise. Do you need anything ?"
"No, No, I'll make sure everything is in order and sign and I'll let Erma know."
Ty nodded as she turned and headed back to a small square tent where a drop back was lowering a commercial stove to the ground.
"Where are we supposed to be ?"
"I think we should probably get you to the cottage."
"I can get myself to the cottage Charlie."
"Of course you can Poppa but we'd like to see the grand folks and Katie hasn't seen GG and Lisa yet."
Ty smiled, they had an answer for everything.
"You three come too, you're having dinner at the cottage." Maddie told them.
"And dinner for you five ?" Ty asked the Katie, the girls and their significant others.
"We're good Poppa" Charlie told him, "we're going to help Georgie and we haven't really spent any time with mom. We'll come back after dinner and we'll get Jackson to bed."
Once again Ty smiled and shook his head as he pulled each into one of his arms and kissed each of their heads as they walked up to the door while Jackson wheeled himself around the ramp with his wooshing racing car noise. Seven was still seven.
Maddie leaned forward to knock and the door was opened moments later by Betty who looked around and smiled.
"Good timing, dinner's almost done so we can sit for awhile."
JT and the kids immediately headed for Lily who was standing in the kitchen looking over food at the counter.
"What's for dinner Grandma ?"
"Mostly salads but Meg sent over a cheese noodle thing for you sweetie, uhm kugel ?"
"Awesome, my favorite."
Ty and the girls wandered over to where Jack, Tim, Wade and John were sitting. Casey, Lisa and Betty were across the room where Lily was joining them.
The girls, Bobby and Brin headed to the women. JT and the kids around the men.
"John ?"
"Best man duty bro, Wyatt's having dinner with his folks at Georgie's and our kids are close to home, anyhow, Trish and Molly are with Amy so …."
"Amy wanted to spend some time with Peter and meet Annie, Jen and Mitch." Jack told him "how you doing son ?"
"I'm fine Jack, nice day all around."
Ty made sure to spend a few minutes with Harold Bergman whom he'd met in Saratoga and was obviously Betty's plus one. "Harold, you look well."
"Thank you Ty, can't complain, congratulations by the way." He added reaching out his hand which Ty took.
"How's Barnum doing, getting along ?" Ty asked knowing that from a purely veterinary standpoint he was fine and doing well. It was decided early on that Ty would hold the lead as Barnum's doctor, both Bert and Amy thought it was important to firmly promote Ty's position at Pegasus from a professional viewpoint and this media heavy case was perfect. He wanted to know how Barnum was doing from a purely social standpoint.
"He's fitting in well, he''s still somewhat separated from the main body but there haven't been any problems in the small group he pals with."
"That's good to know."
"He's not in any apparent pain, his gait seems near perfect."
"Has Eli been up ?"
"Oh yes, almost every weekend, sometimes alone or sometimes with that other horse."
"Carter."
"That's right and his rider."
It was Tim who asked about dinner and was immediately seconded by Cars and Jackson. Betty and Harold excused themselves with the girls, Brin and Bobby, she wanted to eat with and check on Amy and make sure Georgie was holding up with the visitor rush she was hosting.
Each of the women stopped to kiss Ty and inform him they'd be back. Brin was last "Ty if I don't remember to mention it you need to shave first thing in the morning."
"I usually do Brin but thanks for looking out for me."
Brin nodded in her way and smiled before turning, last out the door, one hand reaching for Maddie's as the other pulled the door closed behind her.
"They've got you seriously outgunned Ty." Wade said laughing which got a chuckle out of both Tim and Jack.
Dinner was loud and fun with the kids participating in lively conversations with Jack, Tim and Wade along with a smattering of grandmothers. The kids also insisted on clearing the table after dinner while Lisa and Casey packed leftovers, rinsed and got the plates in the dishwasher.
Ty grabbed a beer and settled in a large leather chair in the corner of the living room. The rest settled around the room, some with drinks and some without. Several small platters of snacks were around on small tables in the room and a little after 7:00 there started a slow stream of well wishers stopping in.
They spent a lot of time laughing and reminiscing as far back as Ty's childhood with stories and some new pictures from Lily. The kids and later the teens lapped it all up enthusiastically, storing it away for future.
Ranch people, Bryce and Roberta, jockeys, hands, Bert, Charlie, Trev, the seconds and many of the staff stopped in either for a drink and toast or just a smile and handshake.
At one point Ty leaned over to John "not quite what you hear about bachelor parties huh ?"
"We're not the bachelor party types Ty, this is pretty standard in farm country, these people all have to work tomorrow."
"What kind of biker are you exactly ?" Ty asked with a chuckle.
"Sober, married, two adult kids with two mortgages kind of biker."
Wade laughed "I feel you brother."
The evening was not slow and as couples visiting joined up they started leaving. The first of the 'family' groups to leave were the Potters, Carmichaels and Caldwells. Erma, Sally and Meg walked the wedding area, checking tents. Erma measured and checked angles for tables and then checked the chapel tent where the ceremony would take place. This tent would also be used for the after party Latin dancing session they had arranged. It would be set up during dinner and once the party moved back to this tent, the crews would be able to clean and work on the dinner party tents and get them set for the morning where a breakfast buffet would be available for guests.
Amy and Ty would leave for the night to the tree house and return for breakfast with family and friends before driving up to the mountain home for their honeymoon.
You could actually hear the comings and goings of people between the barn where Georgie's apartment was and the cottage where Ty was, people going from group to group meeting on route and stopping for a smile, laugh or short visit, all around a fun
Trish, Georgie and Wyatt were the last official stop by's as the last of the gusts were gone and it was time to turn in. It was still comparatively early, just around 10. John left with Trish and Georgie and Wyatt headed back to officially close down, check on their guests comfort and get some rest.
It wasn't long before Jack, Lisa, Wade and Lily also headed to bed and Ty settled on the couch where it was made up into quite a comfortable bed. It was where he was expected to spend the night. He wan't buying it so after 30 minutes and a close listen to the silence from the cottage bedrooms Ty sat up and smiled.
It was peaceful on the ranch as he made his way to the back door to the house. There was only one of the guest rooms occupied here, the master being saved as Amy's wedding suite and where Ty and Amy would retire for a few minutes of alone time after the ceremony.
He removed his shoes and thumbed the lock listening for the now familiar click and as quietly as he could made his way past the rooms, the library and music room and through the living room turning onto the staircase. A few moments later he looked around once before thumbing the lock and quietly stepping through the door into the darkness.
Amy smiled to herself and didn't move. She could hear him walk around the bed and pull off his jacket and shirt and undo his pants. She felt him slide under the blanket and gently pull himself across the bed until his hand made it's way around her hip and she felt herself lightly pulled back against him. When she turned she plastered a frown on her face which he saw as his eyes adapted and the smile left his face only to be reignited as her frown brightened into a smile and she reached up to pull him closer.
"What took you so long ?" She whispered reaching up to gently touch her lips to his.