What this is

by Heartland Rider

This is an "AU" which starts about 8 years after Season 8 Episode 8. Amy drops Ty off at his trailer after bailing him out and then leaves Heartland and Hudson. They never make it to Pike River.

108. What this is - Chapter 108

A/N – It's been a tough few weeks with the holidays coming and my kids spread out far from home. I've actually found the need to reread a large part of the story so I could structure the next chapters. Anyway, here's the wedding party (part one I guess.) Hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 108

They had around 40 minutes as far as they could remember. After taking care of their bathroom needs they both mentioned being hungry and so each grabbed a small plate of food bites from the small appetizer buffet set up and Amy grabbed a bottle of water.

"I can have a beer right ?"

Amy laughed "why wouldn't you ?"

"I don't know, I mean I don't want to get drunk."

"Eat and have a beer, it's fine and no, it's probably not Ok to drink too much early on."

"Early on ?"

"I'm going to bet the boys plan on opening some pretty expensive bottles in the second half. You should have a good time my love, you'll only get married once." She answered with a grin.

They sat on the small love seat with their plates on a coffee table they pulled closer. After a few bites Amy leaned over and kissed Ty's cheek.

"Husband." She said grabbing a small mushroom tart and popping it into her mouth.

He smiled and did the same careful not to mess up her makeup "wife."

"Doesn't quite flow off the tongue yet, does it ?"

"Nope." He answered with a chuckle. "So, Mrs. Borden ?"

"How about Dr. Fleming, dad would be so proud."

"I don't think so."

Amy leaned against him when her plate was empty and he pulled her closer wrapping his arm around her.

"Your dress is beautiful Ames."

"You think ? Thank you sweetheart, I love it actually. I like the suit. It's nice."

"It's a nice suit. Uhm, this whole messing up your make-up thing ?"

"Come here you." She laughed turning slightly to catch his lips with hers.

While the newlyweds spent some quiet time as husband and wife Erma stood off to the side checking her watch and watching the progression of amuse-bouche and hors d'oeuvres. As they passed she mentally checked the list that appeared in her head of the 16 passed dishes they had chosen and crossing off those she had seen. It was a nice variety, Amy and the gang had chosen well, focusing on vegan and lighter fare highlighting local producers as Amy insisted. Well crafted bite sized Local Feta and Apple Cubes, Pollo Asado Tacos, Mac and Cheese Balls, assorted bruschetta and flatbread bites, Carpaccio of Filet en croute, sweet potato slices and others. People seemed to be drinking so she nodded when the bar manager lifted a another case of champagne and one of cider. Her bartenders and servers were on orders to let her know as soon as any guest appeared to be drinking too much and most of this crowd she knew were experienced drinkers. She doubted anyone would get drunk but they'd drink a lot.

Meg Caldwell and Sally came by and stood with her after a time and both commented on how beautiful everything was. The quartet was playing off to the side having moved from the ceremony tent which was now being cleared of chairs. People were moving around or speaking in clusters, both in the large entry tent where the servers walked around and the champagne bar was set up and surprisingly outside as the sun began to set beautifully. Many wandered to the fences to watch the horses milling about and the small group of household alpaca that were out with them.

"How much longer ?" Meg asked.

"10-15 minutes, when you go back we'll start pushing the crowd to their tables, I'll text when we're ready. Are Brin and the kids ready ? "

"The girls are fine, Bobby might have a heart attack." Sally answered Erma with a chuckle, "he'll do fine, he has a beautiful voice."

"He's singing with Brin, he'll do great." Meg added confidently patting Sally on the shoulder.

At one point Pavel popped into the tent next to his kitchen add on and scanned the room until he spotted Erma who seemed to intuit his search and caught his gaze. He held up an empty tray and a moment later his hand flashed a 5 and a 3 at her. Half the hors d'oeuvres were now gone, time to shift the guests.

Erma walked over to a panel on the wall and after a couple adjustments the lights in the large main tent where dinner would be served were raised as were the accent lights set up out side highlighting the entrances, a moment later the lights around the compound had dipped slightly. She looked for and spotted John and Trish who gave a nod to the club to circulate and round guests towards the table where their dinner orders would be taken.

Erma watched the progress and as soon as she felt the servers had enough seated guests to start circulating around their table she turned to Meg. "Go ahead sweetie, get them ready, I'll text when it's time."

The table ordering system set up involved a live wifi feed to the kitchen. iPads were used to take orders which assigned dishes, requested courses and special requests by seat at each table. Food was prepared to go out based on a printout of dishes and seats which would be filled, placed and sent out with servers along with a sheet of paper specifically assigning where each dish went. As long as people didn't switch seats mid meal, the system was flawless.

This was a formal sit down dinner timed to last 4 hours which included a sit down dessert followed by a Viennese table for nibbling. The meal was timed for dancing and wedding standards including toasts. The meal would be six courses starting with an appetizer and followed by soup, salad, entrée, cheese and dessert. Each course would be accompanied by a choice of wine, beer, non alcoholic cider or a regular assortment of soft drinks.

She picked up her iPad which sat on a small table next to where Erma was standing and checked the file for orders to see how far along the orders were and nodded at the progress. They'd be ready for the first course of appetizers after a couple of initial dances. She then took a second and once again ran down the menu.

Appetizer

Pritchard Farms Pork Sirloin Tips sautéed with Late Season Luscious Pears served over creamy grits.

Sautéed Long Island Sea Scallops in hand churned brown butter served over St. Lawrence Wild Rice

Oyster Mushrooms, quick fried and served with a Lemon Garlic Sauce over St. Lawrence Wild Rice (Vegan)

Seared Crisp Smoked Eggplant , roasted tomato and garlic aioli over a bed of seared fennel leaves (Vegan)

Sliced Lightly Smoked Lamb Carpaccio, Coleman's mustard served over crisp potato wedges.

Soup

Local Carrot Ginger Soup, corn bread croutons. (Vegan)

Roasted Leek and Yukon Potato Soup, crisp scallion spears (Vegan)

Smoked Tomato Basil Bisque, fried cheese crisps

Salad

Roasted Beet and Potter Farms Goat Cheese Salad with walnuts, clementine slices and thousand island muscat grapes. Grape seed and Poppy Dressing.

Roasted Fall Root Vegetable Harvest Salad, crisp Pink Apple slices, Cider Balsamic and EVOO dressing. (Vegan)

Mixed Micro-green and Cherry Tomato Salad, pecans, sliced red onions, honey mustard vinegarette (Vegan)

Fresh Potter Farms Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, aged balsamic vinegar and fried basil leaves.

Entree

Heartland Prime Rib of Beef au jus. Roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed local Brussels sprouts.

Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Apple and maple cashew cream sauce. (Vegan)

Roasted half of Long Island Duck, acorn dressing, haricots vert and St. Lawrence wild rice.

White Bean Cassoulet, local root vegetables and greens served over St. Lawrence wild rice. (Vegan)

Roasted stuffed Thanksgiving Acorn Squash, crispy Seitan, apple dressing, local cranberry sauce, roasted local Brussels sprouts. (Vegan)

Cheese and Fruit Course

A table sized platter of local cheeses, both vegan and not accompanied by local figs, jams, apples, grapes and pears. Served with appropriate aperitifs.

Dessert

Table side service will include freshly ground coffee and an assortment of teas. An assortment of locally baked and sourced prize winning apple pies will be served to each table.

Aprés Dessert

A Viennese table buffet of assorted sweets and pastries along with dessert wines and aperitifs will be served.

Ty was actually helping Amy in the bathroom when the low knock came and he called out asking for a minute. Meg was smiling when he got to the door and smirked when she looked over at Amy fixing her dress.

"Oh stop" Amy said laughing at seeing the expression on Meg's face "he was helping me pee in this dress before I have to go out again. How's it going out there ?"

"Erma's in charge, you have nothing to worry about, the guests are sitting and ordering, Sally's got the kids for now, Kimmie's happy as a clam on Lisa's lap. August and Jack are into the lean herd years competition. Let's get you touched up, come sit."

"How are you two doing ?" Meg asked while curling up Amy's ends with a brush and some spray.

"We're good I think, Ty ?" Amy asked looking over at Ty who had grabbed a small dumpling that he popped into his mouth.

"Good." He answered after taking a sip of his beer. "Having a few minutes to ourselves was nice."

Meg had moved on to Amy's face which really didn't need much other than some smoothing and a fresh coat of lipstick. Once done she checked Amy twice and then sat down in a nearby chair.

"What are we waiting for ?" Ty asked coming over and pulling a chair up next to Amy.

"Erma's text " Meg explained "you go out to the porch and wait for the band to introduce you as husband and wife and then go out onto the dance floor for the first dance. A few other dances after, we start the meal."

"I don't think I ever attended a wedding like this, certainly not a Hudson thing." Ty said finishing his beer. "Meg can I get you something ?"

"I'm good Ty. The ceremony was beautiful by the way, really down to earth, it fit having Victor. Oh and for the record this is probably the only wedding like this most of us have attended."

"Let's get closer than hiding in this room." Amy said standing.

"Fine with me." Ty agreed. Meg nodded at both and got up to open the door. They walked down the hall and settled in the living room for just a few minutes until the text actually came. Meg led them to the front door and poked her head out to find Erma at the tent entrance who nodded and signaled to someone further inside. There was what could be described as light music coming from the tent which also exuded the low murmur of the guests; excitement and laughter.

In a moment the music stopped and the lights dimmed a drop which silenced the crowd.

"Kind guests, if I could ask you all to please rise and put your hands together to welcome our newlyweds Amy and Ty, for their first dance."

Ty and Amy looked at each other and smiled before taking each other hands and walking out onto the porch and down the stairs into the tent which erupted into cheers and applause.

They both quickly scanned the room and Amy playfully waved at the crowd laughing all the time. She stopped surprised when she noticed the girls holding their guitars and sitting with Brin and Bobby. A second later they each leaned slightly forward and began playing.

(A/N - The song is Modern Woman by Matthew Barber which I'm sure you all remember from the show.)

There was an eight measure lead in to the song which was slow and perfect for a first dance, they played and Amy turned to Ty and snuggled up into his embrace moving slowly to the music.

Bobby was the first to sing, his warm tenor a nice offset to the guitars:

"Modern woman, let's make a home
Go do what you wanted
But don't leave me alone"

The girls played another interlude before Sabrina's perfect soprano began the second verse.

"Modern woman, let's make a family
Don't stop chasing your dreams
But please, be kind to your baby"

Once again the girl's took the melody around for several measures before all four took up the last verse.

"Modern woman, modern woman
Please, make this peasant your man
Modern woman, modern woman
I will love you the best that I can
The best that I can
The best that I can"

They girls then played the last 12 measures as Ty and Amy finished, again to the hooting and applause of the crowd.

By the end Sabrina had shifted to the large open upright piano that was set up right behind where they were sitting as the girls moved their guitars off to the side and Bobby removed the chairs.

Before any real reaction from the crowd Sabrina ran her hands up and down the keys which sounded across the tent as Don, the band leader called into the microphone.

"Come on people, time to dance !" And Sabrina's hands flew across the keys as a baritone sax player stepped up and followed Brin's piano lead.

This was a piano forward arrangement and Sabrina was pumped and ready to play. She had changed from her high heels to a flatter pair of shoes which allowed much more ease in using the pedals even when standing which she usually did unconsciously when she was in a rock and roll or rhythm and blues mode.

She had chosen the band from musicians both she and her mother accompanied during collaborative performances for level completion at Ithaca College and she chose the best. As it wasn't often your accompanist asked a favor it was usually thought in the performers best interest to agree to it. In this instance it wasn't a hard decision on anyone's part. This was an extraordinary group of young musicians and the pay and food were exceptional.

(A/N – This song is C'est La Vie written by Chuck Berry but I envision she played the version made famous by Bob Seger that favors a heavy piano/sax lead perfect for Sabrina)

"It was a teenage wedding and the old folks wished 'em well
You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle
And now the young monsieur and madame have rung the chapel bell
C'est la vie say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell

As Sabrina, the Bari sax and the band broke into the tune, Don the band leader sang as Maddie and Charlie ran across the floor to join Ty and Amy and Bobby moved to grab JT, April and Carson and move them into the group to join the fun and dance with the newlyweds.

"Come on Papa, dance with us !" Charlie said taking one of Ty's hands while Maddie grabbed the other, both raising them and whooping. Amy, Bobby, Cars and April each held hands in a circle around Jackson whose grin rode from ear to ear on his face.

They finished off an apartment with a two-room Roebuck sale
The coolerator was jammed with TV dinners and ginger ale
And when Pierre found work, the little money comin' worked out well
C'est la vie say the old folks it goes to show you never can tell

Wade and Lily, Jack and Lisa, Tim and Casey as well as many other were soon dancing together and with each other all celebrating the long awaited marriage of Amy and Ty.

They had a hi-fi phono, boy did they let it blast
Seven hundred little records, all blues, rock, rhythm, and jazz
But when the sun went down, the volume went down as well
C'est la vie say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell

Charlie Rodgers had walked over to a lone Lou sitting with Katie and took both of their hands dragging them out onto the dance floor. With all this going on an army of servers made their way to the tables with helpers and charts laying out steaming appetizers in their appointed spots. Erma was watching this progress ready to signal the band for the announcement that the appetizers were being served.

They servers been trained well and given specific instructions from Yvette to get in and out and consider any table not served theirs as well so that the teamwork kicked into overdrive. They were all being paid on a holiday differential and promised above average tips for exceptional work and they took that to heart.

"They bought a souped-up jitney, it was a cherry red '53
And drove it down to New Orleans to celebrate their anniversary
It was there where Pierre was wedded to the lovely mademoiselle
C'est la vie say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell
They had a teenage wedding and the old folks wished 'em well
You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle
And now the young monsieur and madam have rung the chapel bell"

As Sabrina and the band played the last of the measures in the song and they brought it to a close, the band leader nodded at Sabrina with a smile and then caught sight of Erma who signaled.

"Folks, if we could ask you all to your seats, appetizers are being served."

Amy had chosen what was called in the business an East Coast service which meant that the dinner was geared to have music and dancing between most of the courses. While the music played and folks moved about tables were cleared, straightened and the next course was served before people were called back to be seated. So after finishing their appetizers Amy reached for Ty's hand and they began the inevitable moving from table to table, welcoming and thanking guests for coming and received best wishes. While doing this the photography crew moved clandestinely along with them to get pictures of the newlyweds with the most guests as possible.

Rather than a lone sweetheart table the dais was set with Amy and Ty at a small center table with two branches jutting out on either side, Alberta family to their right and the kids and other parents from Ithaca to the left. One table over on each side were close Ithacan friends and Alberta friends. Other tables branched out into the large tent, a table of Cornell colleagues, foundation personnel, the Marauders, other close locals, ranch hands and the like.

Amy and Ty's first stop was understandably with the kids. The teenagers immediately stood for real hugs as opposed to the brief moments they've had since the ceremony. While Amy hugged, kissed and thanked both Sabrina and Bobby for the song Ty received two heartfelt hugs and kisses by Madelyn and Charlotte who were both beaming as was he.

"You two are beautiful, I love your dresses."

"Thank you Poppa" they gushed.

"Quite a handsome suit yourself" Maddie added "you've got excellent taste."

"I've always had a way with fashion Mad, true enough." He answered with a smile.

A moment later he looked over and reached for a smiling April who he lifted and immediately received a kiss on his cheek and a hug for his effort. He leaned over and rubbed Carson's head "how you doing buddy ?"

"Great Doc, awesome party !'

"Glad you're enjoying it Cars." He answered while leaning over to kiss Jackson's head.

"Jax is just happy." April said.

"You happy Jackson ?"

Jackson looked up with a big grin as Ty balanced April and leaned over closer "all that you imagined buddy ?"

"Not sure I ever had a real wish come true Dad."

It was Ty's turn to look down and smile as he lowered April and kissed her forehead "I promised you a dance April, how about a little later ?"

"I can wait" she answered with a sweet smile.

"Good, I look forward to it" he answered as Amy walked over and then leaned down to kiss and hug each of the kids as Ty switched sides and leaned over to kiss and hug Betty.

"It was a beautiful ceremony Ty, I'm so happy for you both."

When he turned Sabrina was standing arms open for a hug which he gladly gave. "You're amazing Brin, thanks so much for everything, I don't know that I could have, oh forget it, you know."

Brin blushed and leaned up to kiss his cheek just as the music started. They were instructed to play slow music between the first few courses, there was a longer break before the entrée when they would speed things up, after the entree all bets were off, a good mix of both fast and slow dance music was expected.

The band started with a slow Sinatra tune You Make Me Feel So Young and Ty leaned over "Betty, may I have this dance ?"

Betty smiled and nodded "it would be my pleasure son."

Ty nodded at Harold who smiled back with a nod a moment before Ty led her onto the dance floor. By the time the first verse was done Charlie Rogers had Amy out on the floor as well and then momentarily joined by many couples a second after the photographers had backed away.

There were three dances before they were to be called for the soup course and in firm conformity to wedding tradition they danced with Tim and Casey and then Wade and Lily. Parents, as they were, to the bride and groom.

When their orders for dinner were taken Amy opted out of soup considering the wedding gown and hearing that Ty did as well so they took the time to visit another table or two as they'd eventually have to visit them all.

"Ithaca or Hudson ?" Amy asked standing with Ty and wrapping her arms around his body

"Doesn't matter, let's do Ithaca."

The way the tables were arranged, the table closest to Amy and Ty on their left sat their kids and friends along with their families including the Caldwells, Potters and Carmichaels. One table up from them had Charlie Rogers and his family which included Chuck and Robin along with Robin's parents, Trev and Steph's family and the Koenig's.

It was this second table where they stopped and where Amy leaned over to hug Chuck and then Robin. Both stood for proper hugs while Ty made his way around the other side of the table. He was surprised as Charlie, Trev, Steph, Bert and Meg all stood for hugs rather than handshakes. Ty had met their children earlier in the week and stopped at each to welcome them as Amy made her way around the table the other way. They stopped for a moment when together again so that one of the photographers could grab a table shot with the newlyweds.

The music started as they left the table and more responsibilities became pressing, Amy and Ty were due to dance with Jack and Lisa, followed by Shane and Jacqueline, Chuck and Robin and Lou. They'd figure it all out as they went along. Their first stop though was at the Alberta family table where Lisa and Jack knew to wait.

"Our turn ?"

"I'm sorry Grandpa but apparently the proprieties must be followed. I promise to save a dance just for you."

"I'm not complaining Amy and I look forward to an unscheduled dance but I won't hold you to it."

"Uhm, how's dad doing with all this ?"

"Almost exploded when Charlie danced with you before he did."

"It's not a competition Grandpa."

"I tried to explain that to him."

"And how'd that go ?"

"Like trying to put out a fire with a bottle of bourbon, don't worry about it, Casey's got him."

"The woman's a saint." Amy murmured laying her head against Jack's chest to finish their dance.

"It was a nice ceremony Ty." Lisa said as they danced.

"I wasn't sure how people would take it, we could have used a judge."

"Amy ?"

"Well, I actually suggested Victor, they have a history, he centers her."

"Jack told me he had the same effect on Marion, Amy seems close to him."

"Since they met again when she was a teenager."

"How are you doing Ty ?"

"Uhm, great Lisa why ?"

"Just asking Ty, it's not often our wishes are answered."

Jackson mentioned that, it's a good feeling Lisa."

"I know the feeling sweetheart, I wish you two all the happiness in the world" and with that she leaned up and kissed his cheek gently. She had tears in her eyes and a crooked smile and Ty responded by pulling her close against him and wrapping his arms around her.

Amy's dances with both Shane and Chuck were all about weddings. Shane and Jacqueline decided that they would get married after the school year was over at the end of June or in July. Amy promised that they'd all be there. The discussion of gifts did not go well.

"There is no way I am promising to not buy you a wedding gift little brother, you can give that up now."

"Amy" he said and then stopped for a second "you know, fine" he continued "just like not a house."

"Not a house though I was thinking maybe some help with a honeymoon ? Jackie mentioned the beach ? The family owns a house on the French Mediterranean. First class flight over, car rental, the rest up to you ?"

"I'll talk to Jackie, thanks."

"Good, we have other places but she said beach and no matter what, I expect you to come down to our new place in the Adirondacks, we have a big pool."

"Jackson told us and took us on a video tour, he's real excited."

"We promised to keep working to a minimum."

Chuck was getting married in January on the Saturday before Martin Luther King's birthday giving people the long weekend to spend or travel. They were meeting with Erma, Chuck and the Pressman's over the next week to discuss plans. They weren't sure what to do about a honeymoon, neither drove and they were nervous about traveling. Amy was surprised to learn that Wyatt suggested maybe he and Georgie could go somewhere with them and Robin seemed to like the idea. Amy knew that Robin and Georgie had been spending time together talking weddings and looking at magazines. She immediately thought of the Manhattan townhouse. Both Chuck and Robin loved the New York museums and the city was a pretty accepting place. There was also the Adirondack house, Alberta and several other safer places they could choose. Chuck agreed that he'd speak to Robin and they could all sit with Amy and decide together.

Amy was determined to try two of the salads they had chosen and since Ty really didn't care they decided to share and pick from each and they enjoyed both immensely, the roasted beet and goat cheese was sweet and sharp and the tomato mozzarella, tart and creamy. Since the break between this course and the entrée course was longer Ty was hoping to get in some dances with Amy this go round but soon found out that Trev, Bert and John had different ideas so Ty, ever the gentleman danced with Steph, Meg and Trish before he finally got Amy alone for two dances before Wyatt cut in and Ty danced the last dance before dinner with Georgie.

They were both hungry when the entrées started coming out of the kitchen. As seemed to be the case as soon as the newlyweds got back to their seats a waiter was along a minute later with their food. Their waters had been filled, Ty had a fresh beer waiting and Amy her customary cranberry, lime and soda. On top of that the linen table cloth had been straightened, napkins remolded and silverware back to perfect.

Ty ordered the Heartland prime rib and was surprised when Amy chose the roasted butternut squash ravioli.

"Well, set aside that Yvette's ravioli are like fluffy light pillows" she explained "I'm scared of filling up too much, there's still desserts and crunchy fried things at the after party."

Ty nodded and smiled "so I expect you don't want any of this beef ?"

"You don't want one of these ravioli ?"

"I actually do" he said raising his hand and catching the attention of one of the passing servers.

"Should I get your server ?"

Ty smile again glancing at Amy "Not necessary but could you let her know that I'd like an order of the ravioli."

"Not a problem at all Dr. Borden."

He gave her one last smile before turning to his plate and cutting off a nice sized medium rare chunk of beef and pushing it past his lips.

"Wow that's good" he muttered as he chewed. "Perfectly done with those little slivers of garlic and the crusty herb outside. Mmmmmm."

Amy giggled and leaned over to bonk his arm. A moment later he cut a more normal side bite and directed his fork to her mouth.

"It is very good" she agreed sitting back up and cutting another ravioli before popping it into her mouth.

"More ?" Ty asked holding out another piece.

"No, I'm good, Pavel's packing our food for the honeymoon and those steaks are on the list. We'll eat well and then Betty and the others will come and we'll eat better."

As they ate guests came up to the table to chat and wish them their best, most Ty new and those that didn't were introduced. In particular Ty didn't know some of the clients for sure but he also had never met the top staff from the ranches in Arizona and Montana who were easily identifiable by their dress which included string ties, hats and boots.

Truman and Elizabeth Dalton were a fairly young couple who Ty would have bet were late 30's, early 40's ran the AACactus Ranch about 30 miles outside of Phoenix, AZ. This was one of the two intermediary horse ranches that were used between the West Coast and Pegasus in NY. They also maintained an Alpaca herd that now numbered close to 1000 head. AAC was 3600 acres with nothing around it but federal lands on three sides.

Bob and Carol Colter ran White Stallion Stables and Ranch a massive 12,000 acre tract off the Blackfoot reservation North of Billings. They were a transfer point for White Horse in Canada and northern California. Aside from their herd of alpacas they also maintained a protected 600 head herd of bison.

These four strolled up simultaneously for both hugs from Amy and an introduction to Ty.

Ty liked them immediately.

"I was talking with Bridgett and Sandra." Liz Dalton started.

"I haven't talked to Ty or the family yet Liz, I'll call next week."

"Well talk to me too."

Amy laughed "I'll call you both, promise."

Satisfied they left which left Ty looking at her as she finished the last ravioli swishing it around her plate to sop of the last of the sauce.

"I have to go to Calgary at the end of January and I guess stop in at the two western ranches."

"And me ?"

"Well Poppa I was hoping you'd stay home with the kids and take care of the ranch but we may be able to work it into a small vacation with the kids because there's a winter break in February or we may luck out with exams at the end of January. Either way I'd at least like to be at the closing with Lou in Calgary. Jackson may still be on crutches."

"I guess we'll talk about it."

"That's the plan as soon as we have a closing date and the test schedule."

"You Ok to go to Calgary alone ?"

"I won't be alone, Ash will be with me for sure and Trev or Charlie might come along, who knows ?"

They began their rounds by checking on the kids. There was at least 15 minutes before the dance music would start again. For now a lone pianist played as background music while the crowd was left in peace to eat and enjoy the company of their tables.

Jackson was working on a special Heartland cheeseburger, an unpublished specialty of the house, April and Cars were eating the same.

"How's your burger buddy ?"

"Awesome, did you eat ?"

"I sure did, right over there, you three Ok ?"

"It's a nice wedding Ty, I love weddings."

"I've heard somewhere that you love weddings April, I'm glad you're having a good time."

"Did you see the ice horse ?"

"Not yet Jackson, I haven't even walked the whole tent yet."

"Guess you have stuff to do."

"Seems so, the important stuff is over though."

Jackson looked up and smiled at him, one step closer to official.

Amy had moved over to the other side of the table and was laughing with Sally and Erma who had stopped being in charge long enough to sit and eat.

Ty stopped between the twins who were sitting between Bobby and Brin. Katie had officially moved her seat over. She was supposed to be sitting with Brick who unfortunately had come down with a bad sore throat. He was staying in Hudson under the watchful eyes of Jen's folks who were happy to fill in. As it stood Jen and Mitch were leaving back early in the morning rather that staying over until Monday.

"I guess I'll have to find the time to dance with you two.' Ty said as he dropped down between them.

"How about now ?' Brin asked "I promised to relieve Mitch the pianist so he can grab some food. "I'll play something special."

"Sounds like a plan Brin, thank you. Madelyn Fleming, care to dance ?" Ty responded standing and putting out his hand.

"I'd love to Poppa." She answered smiling and wrapping her arms around one of his mimicking Amy.

"Excellent !" Brin said "give me a minute."

Ty walked Maddie out onto the floor as Sabrina switched places with the young man at the piano. She spent a moment on the introduction getting a brief warm up and took a second to switch on her microphone before coming around to the beginning of the song.

(A/N – The song is She's Got a way by Billy Joel)

Maddie turned her hand in Ty's and laid her head against his chest his right hand surrounding her in a soft embrace. The crowd quieted a little noticing the sight which caused Amy to turn and watch he expression softening immediately seeing them together as the song began.

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
She's got a way of pleasin', mmh
I don't know what it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway

The song fit in so many ways, Ty's relationship with Maddie and her feelings towards him were the part that made most folks smile but the tone of Brin's singing and her heartfelt voice belied that, she was singing straight to Maddie and it's effect was easy for Ty to see as he could feel Maddie's reaction to her girlfriend's voice as the words played out.

She's got a smile that heals me, mmh
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way of talkin', mmh
I don't know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walkin'
Anywhere

Ty saw Wyatt walk over and ask Amy to dance as he glanced Peter and Georgie starting along with Charlie and Bobby. As always Brin's playing was perfect and although Ty knew she could sing this song, it had a different tonality to it, the deepness and richness in her voice came out in the emotion she conveyed with every verse.

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around
She's got a way of showin', mmh
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on goin'
She's got a light around her, ooh
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere

He knew Maddie was crying, he could feel it and hear it and he leaned over and kissed her head.

"Hey, you're gonna mess up your face."

Maddie giggled "she'll just fix it, Brin is unfazed."

"She loves you Mad."

Maddie giggled again "you think ?"

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around, ooh, oho
She's got a smile that heals me, mmh
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way about her, mmh
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway, hey

With Ty's help Maddie kept it together through the rest of the song which ended with her wrapping her arms around him and just holding on for a few seconds before whispering.

"Thank you so much Poppa."

"I love you scarecrow."

Brin started another melody and Maddie knew there'd be no more singing for now just music to finish food to or slow dance if a guest chose to do that. Maddie looked over at the piano and sighed.

"Go on Mad, I think I'll try to steal a dance with my wife."

Maddie skipped over to the piano and Ty saw Brin scoot over a bit leaving room for Mad who leaned over, kissed Brin's cheek and lay her head gently on her shoulder for a second. Amy had moved over to what Ty now thought of as the brothers table where Amy was leaning over beside Charlie and laughing with the group. He was by her side a few seconds later, his hand resting on Trev's shoulder as he leaned over to get Amy's attention.

She stood with a smile and he slipped his arm around her waist "uhm, could I speak to you over there for a second ?" He said nodding towards the end of the table.

"You can't tell me here ?"

"Over there would be better."

"Over there it is" she answered smiling.

Ty led her out and turned.

"Ty is something wrong ?"

"Nothing a dance with my wife won't cure" he answered slipping his hand around her waist and taking her right hand in his.

"Let's take care of that then" she answered smiling and leaning up for a brief kiss before, like Maddie, leaning her head against his chest and snuggling in as they danced.

"It seems weddings are more for the guests that they are for the newlyweds" Ty murmured leaning in to nuzzle her neck for a second.

"Most parties are, after each the most important thing on your mind is did everyone else have a good time."

"I guess, never real thought about it that way I guess."

"I also think that's why after parties have become a vogue thing over the past few years, brides and grooms are getting older and want to actually have a good time so after all the wedding proprieties you get to let your hair down."

"So later ?"

"So later my love, we shall Latin dance ourselves silly."

They were immediately split up moments later when the song ended and the newlyweds found themselves dancing with John and Trish, Ty having an easier time with it than Amy who was easily more than a foot shorter than her partner.

The big surprise to Ty came when a man in a cowboy hat, vest, white shirt, and boots tapped Amy on the shoulder. She turned and her face lit up in a big smile.

"Why Truman McCoy as I live an breath, what could possibly have drawn you out of the hills ?"

"Seeing you in that dress and this dance my dear, shall we ?"

At the same moment Sarah was standing there smiling as well.

"Sarah ?"

"Ty, you haven't met my husband Truman."

"You have a husband ?"

"Where you think Annabelle and Cray came from, dropped by storks ?"

"I assumed from the normal places kids come from Sarah but let's face it, six months in and I haven't heard nor seen anything remotely resembling a husband in your life."

"Well, Truman and I do better this way, we love each other at a distance and when our times roll around well, let's just say we roll around with it."

"Ty is it ? Truman McCoy, good to meet you !" He said putting out his hand which Ty took. "Shall we dance ?" He asked turning to Amy.

"Sarah , may I have the honor ?" Ty asked putting out his hand.

"The honor is all mine Dr. Borden."

By the end of this dance Erma had received a nod from the head waiter before letting the band know that it was time and getting the music back up. Ty and Amy resumed their rounds around the tables, visiting guests and taking in a dance every now and then. The party became a whirlwind for both but more for Ty who was in many instances meeting people he did not know or had not spent any real time with since coming to Pegasus. Some were clients and employees from afar whom he knew by name but not face and some locals, employees of the foundation or Pegasus centers he had seen, talked to, heard about or met but never really spent any time with.

Ty got his dance in with Charlie as Bobby danced with Amy and later Ty grabbed April as Amy did her best with a wheelchair dance with Jackson. As the evening wore on younger kids were shifted into a makeshift nursery who sent home with babysitters that the ranch supplied from Early Childhood educators, pediatric nurses or high schoolers who babysat in the area regularly and were known locally.

Rather than sitting for the cheese and fruit course when it came they picked at snacks as they moved through their duties, visiting tables and thanking their guests from coming to share in the event. Their next time sitting was for the pie which was delivered to the tables of mostly surprised guests with great fanfare.

Since they were effectively at a small table for two, Ty and Amy were served a small platter of half slices of assorted apple pies and a French press of black coffee. She had also requested that they leave the small cheese platter and soon enough she was setting up to at least taste each of the pies along with several slices of cheese. One of the things he had learned about Amy's change was her relationship with food. Aside from the fact that she was now considered a good cook by any standard, unlike her younger self where as long as food was there all was good, Amy had developed a palate and the interplay of the creamy saltiness of the cheese and the tart sweetness of the pies was something she was sure to love. Add fresh black strong coffee to the mix and Amy was in heaven.

This time out Amy and Ty took a few moments to look at their surroundings, the decorations, artwork, sculptures, flowers and the like. Leslie's photos were magnificent and the floral arrangements heady. Several of Amy's glasswork sculptures were displayed in the background, safe from prying hands but visible and as the wedding wore on and sunset came lit for effect. They stopped to watch the band for a few moments acknowledging them and after a song, to thank them for their beautiful playing. They also stopped into the kitchen to see Pavel and Yvette, their stalwart catering service. Ty noticed two trucks off beyond the kitchen, one filling with plates and spent trays which would be hauled off and cleaned through the night at a nearby catering facility and commercial kitchen and one truck working off the quietest generator Ty had ever heard running refrigeration units.

"This is some set-up" Ty said as a buffet of sweets was rolled out and an after dinner bar was set up off to the side.

"Erma's the real deal Ty."

"No denying that, look it's those almond cakes with the three colors."

"Imagine that, rainbow cookies, someone must have mentioned they were a favorite of yours" Amy said leaning against him. As the music changed they naturally fell into the slow dance and once again the crowd was caught up in watching the newlyweds lose themselves in their little bubble.

They had reached the last hour of the formal wedding dinner and Amy and Ty gravitated towards last dances with the more important people in their lives, Jack and Tim, Lisa and Casey, Lily and Wade and down the line from Alberta to Ithaca.

As the hour passed Ty caught sight of the tents being manned outside for bus, limo and uber drops, valet service and parting gifts. They had even arranged for the local garage to have a tow and mechanic nearby if there were any problems. A tent was opened near the exit with the coat checks and several people helping guests retrieve personal items left in their care. The landing lights set in the lawn circle in front of the house were repurposed facing down to provide light, lights that were strung earlier were lit and heaters were being fired up to keep people warm waiting for their rides as darkness and cold encroached on the party.

Heaters were also being placed along key parts inside the large party tent to be used later on in the after party. Servers moved from table to table clearing. Soon, with a nod from Erma the tables would be stripped and changed for the after party or moved out of the tent completely and smaller nightclub tables placed to replace them. There was also a set of softer more intimate lights set in the tent which would create a more nightclub atmosphere for what was coming.

Two bars specializing in more Latin influenced alcohol and drinks would be set up along with some buffet tables which would be filled themselves with Latin inspired snacks as the evening wore on.

The last of the children on site were April, Carson and Jackson and as people began saying their goodnights and seeking out Amy and Ty, Sally and Tom Carmichael were rounding them up. The three would bunk down in the Carmichael's house and be returned for breakfast in the morning. It was thought that with the after party there would be too much latent noise and excitement for the kids to get any rest and since they were together they didn't much mind. Sally's regular babysitter would be there to watch over the kids so that the adults could return for the after party.

As it stood it was closing in on almost 9:00 PM and the after party was scheduled to start at 10:00 PM and run a few hours at least, Erma figured by 1:00 AM most people would be exhausted and she assumed that neither Ty nor Amy would stay that late anyway. Breakfast would be served for any that made it back from 9:00 AM until noon Sunday morning. The guests were each being sent off with a basket of cider donuts and apple muffins, fresh bagels and packets of cocoa and tea, along with jars of both fresh local butter and apple and cherry preserves so that if they chose to skip the breakfast and head home they'd have a breakfast of sorts to get them on their way.

Amy and Ty would spend the night in the treehouse and return in the morning for breakfast before driving off to the Adirondack home for a nice private honeymoon for the week before being joined by family for a last celebratory weekend before getting things back to normal.

They'd get one more change in the master guest suite in the house before Carlotta and her crew would move the newlyweds back upstairs into their bedroom. Everyone including Amy had no desire for her to have to make it up a long flight of stairs in her gown to change for the after party. Their bags for the night and the week away were already packed and waiting. Chuck would make sure the trailer was ready, he insisted though Amy really wanted him to take the day off it just didn't seem in his personality at this point.

In the end it was the newlyweds along with family, guests staying at the ranch, and the Carmichaels. Even Erma and August went home for the hour to pull themselves together and change. The small crowd chatted briefly under the tent as the workers went about their jobs converting a dining tent into a nightclub. After a few minutes of hugs Amy reached for Ty's hand and then the couple disappeared to the guest suite for the time being and the others to their rooms. Meg and Brin were using the twins second room and Bobby headed up to Jackson's.

Amy stopped a few steps into the suite and leaned back against Ty who wrapped his arms around her and leaned over to kiss her neck.

"Are you happy Ty ?"

"I'd guess about as happy as I ever remember."

"Yeah" Amy whispered softly "Feel like helping me with this dress ?"

Ty smiled and tightened his squeeze a second before one more nibble at her neck. "I had no idea I'd get unwrap a present " he continued finding the hidden zipper and kissing her neck just above it as he started pulling it down.