Chapter 112
"Scootch on over to the middle April so Jax can get in."
April shimmied to the middle of the seat and a second later Jackson grabbed hold of two bars affixed to the frame and lifted himself up and in a second later.
"Here you go sweetie just buckle him in." Amy said passing his seat belt over.
"I know because he can't reach because of the cast." April said while Carson climbed in on her other side. "Thanks for letting me come today Amy."
"We couldn't leave you behind sweetie, it's just for 2 days, mom and dad just have deliveries before New Years."
Ty came out with Lou and Katie and dropped their luggage in the large Crew Cab truck bed Wyatt was driving up with Georgie and the dogs. Once secured they were ready to leave. Carson leaned forward for Lou and Katie to climb into the nice sized Toyota 3rd seat while Ty checked on the kids.
"You three good ?"
"Perfect." April answered.
Ty smiled "Glad you're coming with us April."
"I am too, it sounds so nice."
"I hope it lives up to your expectations then."
"Jackson, all good ?"
"Yup, let's hit the road please."
"Yes sir, hitting the road sir." Ty responded with a salute.
April smiled, "you two are so cute" and then moved her hand slightly to touch Jackson's which seemed to automatically open for her to lay her's in.
"Let's hit the road ?" Ty called up to the several people standing next to the four trucks in the caravan up to the mountain house.
Following Ty in the Land Cruiser were Georgie in Amy's Crew Cab, John and Trish in their pickup with the teens and Sally and Tom Carmichael in their Suburban with Meg, Jack, Lisa, Wade, and Lily. They hit traffic almost immediately as they expected being it was the day after Christmas but the trucks were full and close enough for the truck radios to work so although slow the trip was happy as conversations raced back and forth between trucks.
The trip took almost 4 hours and Jonathan insisted on meeting them so Amy texted him as they neared the home and when they pulled in to the cleared parking spaces in front of the house the Grayzel's came out of the front door and up to the trucks. They welcomed Ty and Amy and Jonathan immediately set out to help with the bags and food as did Rosemary. Ty's first task was getting Jackson in and retrieved his outdoor wheelchair even though he insisted the crutches would be fine.
"Crutches please."
"Wheelchair Jackson you know the rules."
"But this is like home."
"Outside, snow, wheelchair."
"But …"
"Now is not the time for this Jackson."
'Yes sir."
Ty smiled, "Trish has your crutches on the porch, wheel up the ramp, park that in the charger, she'll spot you in."
Amy noticed Lisa standing with Jack staring at the house from John's truck as he lifted out a cooler and headed towards the steps.
"What do you think ?" Amy asked leaving her suitcase for a second and walking over.
"It's beautiful Amy."
Amy smiled at Lisa "Grandpa ?"
"It's huge."
"That it is, grab your bags, it's bigger inside."
Lily and Wade wheeled their bags up to Lisa as Jack got their suitcases out of the truck bed and together the four headed to the ramp which though longer was easier than up the porch steps. The leaded glass in the front door hadn't been changed yet, that would come in the spring but she did notice that the Grayzel's had taken the time to Christmas up the front porch with Juniper laden boughs, the dark green limbs and red berries adding a holiday pop.
Inside she stopped for a second and looked around to see that Rosemary and her sister had filled the entry hall with poinsettias and Christmas cactus along with flowering paperwhites which added a wonderful aroma to the fire burning in the corner near the dining room table which Jonathan opened to seat the full 24.
"This is beautiful Rosemary, thank you so much."
"No problem, we love decorating for Christmas, rooms, guest house all done, I had to hold Penny back from decorating the tree."
"Yeah, we'll take care of that but you guys are welcome to join if you'd like."
"Please Amy, we try not to encourage her too much." Jonathan added walking over. "Elevator company checked it out, all systems go and I took the liberty of heating the bedroom patio, the hot tub is full and covered, full heat takes about 30 minutes so keep that in mind. Living room fireplace is lit too.
"Thanks Jonathan."
"Kitchen's stocked and ready to go, firewood all around where it needs to go, guest house heat is on, I think that's it." Rosemary added.
Ty came over as Amy was hugging Rosemary goodbye "Looks great you two, thanks for the effort."
"No worries Ty, uhm, that thing you asked for is done, 8 ready and prepped in the garage, papers on the office desk."
"Great, I got the email when they delivered."
"All gassed by the way, and the shed at the guest house is ready. Oh, leave the plowing to me please."
When they left Amy was curious "what's ready and got delivered ?"
"4 snow machines, now we have 8, and two tag alongs and a shed by the guest house so they can have some handy there if they don't want to walk."
"Nice touch." Amy said noticing the group of kids standing in the middle, "let's get people settled and we can deal with a late lunch."
"What's the plan Amy ?" Betty asked.
"How about you start on lunch and we'll have the girls show people to their rooms here and I'll take the guest house group out to get settled."
"And me ?"
Amy sighed and gently raised her palm to Ty's face "Jackson."
"Jackson."
"Husband gets easier every day my love."
"So maybe 10 years ?"
"Who knows ?" Amy answered before popping on her feet for a second to peck him on the lips.
"Carmichaels, have we decided on sleeping arrangements ?"
"April and Cars are fine in sleeping bags and blankets in Jackson's room. Bobby's not."
"Meg ? Brin ?"
"Us too, Erma's better off in the house with Kimmie."
"Ok, girls, can you divvy up the rooms upstairs ? Katie you with mom or in the suite room ?"
"Suite room."
"Ty will get Jackson up and I guess come back down for Cars and April ?"
"Yes please" they answered simultaneously. An elevator in a house seemed like a very odd and exciting adventure. They were disappointed that they couldn't all go at once but Jackson needed to go up in the chair for safety reasons.
"Good, let's get settled and meet back here."
Amy led her group; Sally, Tom, Meg, Bobby and Brin down the hall to the back entrance. Amy noticed Bobby and Brin's heads bobbing back and forth. Tom was doing the same.
"Stop trying to see everything" Amy laughed "we'll give a grand tour when we get back."
Outside Amy checked the trail which was pretty much cleared of snow recently. They were scheduled for a decent snowfall the following evening but for today they were walking.
"We have snow machines for you guys to take down when there's snow."
"Excellent, and to use right ?" Bobby asked.
"And to use, daytime only."
They left the divider between the two apartments open for the time being and would close it for the night when they got back. They decided to just unpack and head back immediately for lunch so Amy stayed. Bobby and Brin got done first and found themselves a nice spot in the living room to hang and wait. The adults took longer since they were involved in a 3 room conversation.
"This is a nice set-up being able to shut this door. Bathrooms on each side one for the public, common living space. I see a lot of not thought out spaces in my business, this is good."
"Thank you Tom, let me know how it sleeps."
"Nice to not have to share with the kids and the kitchen's a nice touch especially with Bobby, he eats like every 4 hours."
"It doesn't show Sal." Meg said laughing.
"He burns it off, look at Jackson" Amy added "it's like he eats his weight everyday."
"Carson too, I guess they all do."
"Guess that's settled then" Tom added laughing "they're eating us out of house and home. Sam still coming up day after tomorrow Meg ?"
"That's the plan, he'll hitch a ride with Erma and August."
"We're ready" Sally said coming out with Tom following right behind her.
"I'm good" Meg agreed and after a quick tour of the rest of the house and checking that the kitchen was stocked adequately they headed back to the main house.
The girls agreed to lead the tour for those who hadn't been in the house before and when Amy, Meg and Sally got to the kitchen they set about taking care of the assignments set forth by Betty, cheese platter, sandwiches, crudités and table setting. Sally started on the cheese, Amy on the salads and Meg on table setting. They'd all work on sandwiches along with Betty when they were done. Wine cellar retrieval would wait for Lisa who was chomping at the bit to just see the wine cellar.
Jackson had gotten a choice of one level where he had the freedom of using crutches and he chose the main level. His wheelchair on that level could be parked in Amy and Ty's bedroom and he could switch to crutches. He was also allowed to use crutches into the bathrooms but he needed to be spotted by an adult. They had hired a company to install temporary handholds in his bathroom and one of the bathrooms downstairs. They did not make a change to the doors which would not allow a wheelchair to pass hence the spotting rule.
He showed up with John, Ty, April and Cars and surreptitiously hoisted himself onto a kitchen counter stool without a thought with Cars and April climbing up onto their own stools on either side of him.
"Ty my love, could you add some wood to the fireplaces please ?"
"I'll get the living room Ty.'" John said turning and heading through the huge foyer.
"Hey mom's" rang out from Cars and Jackson.
"Jackson, are you taking it easy ?"
"Yup, you can ask dad."
"Dad hasn't learned the signs yet, April ?"
"I've been making him go slow Amy."
"Thank you sweetheart."
Trish appeared from the office, iPad in hand and sat down next to April who smiled at her.
"All good Trish ?" Amy asked setting the first of two platters of sandwich halves on the counter.
"Oh yeah, everyone's good with their schedules. Hey do you mind if the Colonel comes for New Year's ?"
"Oh sure, long ride from the city though."
"She'll be in Syracuse."
"Great, give her the GPS though, some of the address apps are confused about this place."
"Not a problem, need help ?"
"Platters to the table and we can round up people, what happened to the twins tour, they get locked in somewhere ?"
"They're in the fly tying room, they brought a bunch of stuff I guess they're putting it away."
"Thank you Jackson, Cars please call everyone to lunch."
"You two can sit, Ty, lunch please."
"Uhm which side is mine ?"
"I'm closer to the kitchen." Amy answered smiling.
Ty smiled, nodded "but at the house I sit…"
Amy interrupted "because at the time we were making a point and you took Betty's seat. We should have switched."
"We can switch."
"Please switch" Betty said putting a bowl of macaroni salad on the counter, "I prefer the other side."
"Then why didn't you say something ?" Ty asked.
"A few extra steps wouldn't kill me but I do like to hear and smell the food."
"We'll switch when we get home," Amy said "sorry Gran."
"It's nothing sweetheart, it's the chair you've always sat at."
The tour crowd from downstairs made their way into the entrance hall and over to the table. Jackson had already made a beeline to what he now knew was his seat. As seemed to be the case kids lined up on one side, Jackson, April, Carson, Katie, Charlie, Bobby, Maddie and Brin. The table sat 11 on each side, technically you could fit two people on the end caps for a total of 26. Georgie, Wyatt and Betty filled out the side.
Jack sat down next to Amy on the opposite side and leaned over. "This is definitely the biggest table I have ever sat at in a house."
"Not me, Charlie's table in Manhattan is bigger."
"Really."
"It's pieces that snap together and then just pop on an end cap."
"Makes sense I guess."
Amy grabbed a sandwich as the platter was passed and then some salad as did the rest.
"So Grandpa, have a reaction ?"
"To be honest I'm a bit overwhelmed, I don't think I've taken it all in yet. The views are spectacular."
"Too much ?"
"Not for your life, no, I mean look" he said turning his head to the rest of the diners. He stopped for a second and looked down at the exposed table, "is this the barn lumber Ty shipped down ?"
"It is Grandpa, on the buffet too." Amy added pointing to the wall.
"A piece of Heartland right here."
"Forever, no other room would fit this table." She responded laughing.
"Tree after lunch mom ?"
"Tree after lunch Charlie though I have to run out to pick up a an order from Timberline."
"We've got them Amy." Betty answered.
"And you two ? Tree trimming ?"
"Wouldn't mind a stroll to see the rest of the place."
"Tell you what Grandpa, how about you relax for a few minutes after lunch and I'll take whoever wants around when I get back."
"Sounds good to me."
Once table clearing was almost done, Amy grabbed boots, her hat and a coat and drove over to town. She only had one stop, The Timberline Café and Bakery and was immediately greeted with a big hello from Mandy, owner, host and waitstaff.
"Hey Amy, welcome back. How have you been ?"
"Great Mandy and you guys ?"
"Great too and once we're done on New Year's Eve we're closed for two weeks. Just the family this time too ?"
"Nope full house this time."
"Nice, I hear you have the space."
"You hear that huh, never been ?"
"Well, we've all seen the outside and most of us peeked when it was going up."
"How about next time we're up without a crowd you come for coffee and a tour ?"
"I would love that."
"So would I, so we'll leave that as an open date."
"Great, let me just get these plates out and I'll get your order from the back."
"Hey Amy, how's the family ?"
"Just great Mike."
"Good to hear."
The Timberline Café and Bakery was small and owned by Mike and Mandy Conner. They had two kids Colleen, 15 and Dylan who was 11. They bought the Timberline about 10 years previous when Mike gave up his stint as a cross country driver and took on being a short order cook. Mike cooked and baked and Mandy took care of everything else, host, waitress, bakery sales and marketing. The café itself was small, just 8 tables and takeout not counting the outside picnic tables which were of little use through much of the year. The kids helped when and as best as they could.
Added to the small bake shop were several shelves and a side by side refrigerator where Mandy highlighted local food artisans including cheeses from several local farms, jams, jellies, condiments, candies and candles. Of course Amy placed a large order as was her way. To her it was all about local sourcing and keeping the 'country' life she loved going. They had over two dozen mouths to feed and she was sure it would all be put to good use.
There were large bags that Mandy helped Amy load into the back seat of her pickup.
Amy turned "You have a great New Years and holiday Mandy. Going anywhere ?"
"We might do some day trips but the kids have school and really Mike and I can just use some down together time."
"We'll see you the next time we're up though I'm not sure when that'll be, maybe over Martin Luther King's Birthday weekend, that would probably be nice since I'll be away for a couple weeks at the end of January."
"You have a good New Year's as well Amy, it was good seeing you."
Amy texted Trish to help with the bags and she was waiting for her at the door which swung open as she pulled up.
"How's the tree trimming going ?"
"Lights are in, garland going up, ornaments being sorted."
"Ok, let's unpack this stuff and check that out."
Trish grabbed a bag which contained a box marked with the letter V and peeked. She cooed when a second joined it on the counter.
"I didn't forget you Trish."
"I secretly knew you wouldn't."
"You're impossible and there's no vegan cheese in that bag so I'm not superwoman."
"Come here you." Trish said opening her arms.
Amy stepped over and wrapped her arms around her friend who whispered "you're a superwoman in my book Amy Fleming, don't you ever forget that."
"Well so are you." Amy answered.
Trish moved her arms and held Amy out in front of her "that Ms. Fleming , goes without saying."
They walked down the foyer towards the noisy living room and Trish stopped for a second to look at the sculpture that Amy had bought at the craft's fair.
"It's really pretty Amy."
"Come back when the sun's setting in a few hours, I think that's it's best light."
They split off when they got to the living room. Ty was sitting in a loveseat with Jack and Lisa across for him when Amy walked over and sidled into his lap and leaned over to touch her lips gently to his. Ty wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest.
"How's this going ?"
"They've decided to do icicles next."
"Icicles are good."
"How do you like the tree ?"
"Smells wonderful, nice and full, how tall ?"
"Bobby climbed up, tape measure was a little over 13 feet."
"How tall are these ceilings ?"
"24 feet down here."
"It's a beautiful house kids." Lily said leaning over from the next couch.
"Thanks mom."
"Thank you Lily, it's still a bit overwhelming."
"I can imagine."
"So, it's a nice sunny day, a little brisk, care for a walk and see the rest of the compound ?"
"I'm good for a walk." Wade said grumbling a bit while standing.
"You gonna make it Wade ?"
"You just wait till your my age Ty, those fights and falls come back to haunt you."
"We'll be quite the pair then" Amy said mimicking Wade's grunt and then putting on a big smile.
"How many times have you been thrown Amy ?"
"That number's been long forgotten Wade, Trish keeps track though."
"It's not a pretty story Wade, we won't go into it." Trish said. She was sitting with John across from Ty's folks.
"Anyone else for the 50 cent tour outside ?"
"I'll go" Tom said, "I'd like to see the stables and the boat house if we go down that far."
Amy nodded and turned to the kids all busily dealing with the tree. "I assume you all are staying at this ?"
Cars turned around and shrugged "no horses we can look tomorrow."
"Always the pragmatist Cars."
Cars turned and stared at her.
"Never mind sweetheart." Amy said laughing eliciting another shrug from Cars before he turned back to the tree.
"We've got them Amy." Sally said laughing at her son.
"Duncan, Dodger, heel." Amy called getting an immediate response to her command as they came up to either side of her and stood waiting.
There was snow of course but the paths were tended. It was cold but sunny with no real wind. Jack strolled along with Amy and hiked up his collar as a breeze pushed around the corner of the barn.
"How big is this place Amy ?"
"Just under a 1000 acres but we're trying to conserve much more."
"How's that going ?"
"I have no idea, Ty's dealing with it, Tom ?"
"It's a process and a half Jack, state and federal government."
"Sounds more like a nightmare." Wade commented.
"I'm trying to be positive guys" Tom added laughing "I think we've passed the half way point towards approval, Cornell just submitted their commitment to the nature center which should make a big difference, I'd say by spring hopefully so we can start clearing."
The dogs stayed with Amy most of the way but the call of the snow covered paddocks was too much and they slowly wandered away. She saw them and let them off to explore, they weren't comfortable enough to wander to far and they needed to learn this new place. Rather than opening the large front doors they went in through a utility door on the side and into a small office with a desk set and two filing cabinets. Any pictures or wall hangings removed or never there. The building was set at 64 degrees so they kept their coats on.
"16 stalls huh ?" Jacks asked walking in and turning to look at the length of the barn and the luxurious stalls.
"All the comforts of home" Lisa added walking over to a stall and checking the set-up.
"16 plus 8 we're adding to the outside, two nice side paddocks and that big fenced in meadow."
"We'll have to figure a way for the kids to jump and I guess order some jumps."
"And the other thing ?"
"Ok Lisa, since you asked, Nick is looking into it but that doesn't mean we're doing it."
"Uh huh." Lisa said smiling.
"What are we talking about ?"
"A hunter course Lily."
"I'm sorry Amy, which is ?"
"You're probably used to seeing jumpers in an arena or outside, jumping over high or double jumps in a fixed pattern which is timed, like the olympics. The girls do that but there's another less popular sport called hunter jumping done on a course often cut through the woods. Hunter courses typically consist of eight to 10 jumps that are more organic in form and generally lower in height than fences used in formal jumper classes."
"Ok Amy, we're still lost."
She leaned across and kissed Wade on the cheek, "you have a way Wade, that's for certain. The kids want one, I mean I want one, I'm sure Georgie would love it, they're way less formal, they're fun and actually good practice."
"Why hunter ?"
"Oh, the sport is styled against a fox hunt which typically runs the woods."
"Duh, should have realized."
"Don't knock yourself out Wade."
"I still don't get the problem Amy."
"The cost Lily."
Lily stared at her for a second "what am I missing ?"
Lisa laughed understanding immediately why Lily was confused. "What Amy wants will cost, figure, oh, 150,000 dollars give or take."
"Now what am I missing ?" Wade murmured.
Amy laughed "Don't be confused Wade, it's really not the money in the end but it's actually a big job. The course has to accommodate 2 horses, jumps have to be planned, some with water, trees need to be trimmed for safety and removed if they're in the way, and not just cut down, but either ground below the surface or removed altogether. Then the ground needs to be relatively level and I'm sure I'm leaving out some stuff. Anyway, Nick Harwell has the maps and is working on it from Belgium where he is until June. So I'd say maybe next spring we can start, I wouldn't even consider it if he can't check progress and he'll be busy this summer into the fall. We may be able to do some preliminary work next autumn in anticipation."
"Ty mentioned a garage ?" Jack asked as they left the barn and headed to the utilities building.
"Still under discussion, we talked about making room in here but I'm not comfortable with bikes and the Jag in here with the plows and dozer." Amy began once again opting for a side office door.
"Wow" Wade said walking in behind her just as she switched on the overheads.
"I'll say." Jack agreed.
The garage was full but not really crowded. There were two sets of garage doors on either side of the building. Two areas on either side of one set of doors had glassed in rooms that appeared to be workshops and a small office they entered through. As they strolled around the vehicles they saw several John Deere's. 2 skid steers each with an attached plow. They stood next to a front bucket loader and a set of forks that would replace the plows when needed. A medium duty dozer with a plow up front stood front and center. Tucked behind those three was a tractor and a host of attachments that joined the skid steer attachments along the wall. Two riding mowers and a commercial mowing skid came next as well as two regular mowers. Two two stroke two staged walk behind snowblowers lined up in front of the mowers. There were four all terrain Polaris vehicles and 8 snow machines, two with tag alongs lined up by the second garage door. Along the walls were weedwackers, blowers, chainsaws, trimmers, hand tools and pretty much anything you could think of in property care.
"Looks like you're prepared for everything." Jack said "Impressive fleet."
"It's nice we didn't have to deal with it." Amy answered leading them out of the building.
"And the family of caretakers ?" Lisa asked.
"The Grayzel's have been dealing with the property for three generations. Of course the house is only recent but apparently the Pierrepont Spelts' have been coming here on glamping trips since when Ruth was a child."
"Glamping ?"
"Fancy camping like Saratoga Grandpa. They would let the Grayzel's know they were coming and when they arrived the camp was set up ready for servants to cook the catch or a steak."
They walked back past the paddocks and the house onto the path towards the guest house and stopped in front for a moment before heading up the short staircase to the porch.
"Like Alberta and not I guess." Lisa said. "She has quite the eye Ruth does and a hell of an architect."
Amy opened the door to the large great room, kitchen and dining area, a huge space similar to the house at Pegasus. The houses were very comparable in size with Pegasus trading a solarium and a gym for the two extra bedrooms here. This house also had a porch which the Pegasus house did not.
"Did you furnish this ?" Lisa asked.
"Nope, did nothing here, not sure I will, it's pretty cozy."
She showed them the bedroom setup as well as the split which made the guest house perfect for two families before moving on to the boat house.
"Do you own the lake ?"
"The lake and the island are not part of the sale Jack "Tom answered "they're state owned but they are part of the conservation" Tom answered.
"No motors." Wade added as he walked around the edges of the boathouse.
"Trolling motors only be state law Wade, sorry" Amy told him "the kids really wanted jet skis."
"I can imagine" Lisa muttered "fast and dangerous."
"Not genetic either." Amy answered laughing.
"More like monkey see monkey do. I'm sorry Amy, I know you race thoroughbreds but do they have to ?"
"You have nothing to be sorry about Lily, you're entitled to both your opinion and your voice. All I can say is right now, nothing is chiseled in stone."
"They jump horses, rope calves and get into a round pen with a big question mark from a rescue center, all dangerous in their own way. You have to trust me that I wouldn't let them do anything I didn't consider them 100 percent ready for."
"Oh course I trust you Amy, I didn't mean to imply otherwise but, it's just a lot."
"I know Lily and please believe that I didn't for a second think that you didn't trust me. Let's head back."
They strolled back and Amy wandered next to Lily and put her arm around Lily's waist.
"You know I do try my hardest not to break them. It's costs a fortune to fit them back together."
"You're impossible."
"That's what they say, I don't see it myself." Amy dead panned. "What have you been doing with John Wade ?"
"He bought a motorcycle." Lily said, "at his age, an old man with a motorcycle."
"I'm middle aged, Jack is old."
"Hey."
"Sorry Grandpa, I don't think you can really debate that point anymore but why Wade?"
"So he can ride with the girls." Lily answered.
"We have extras."
"I told him but he insisted."
Amy nodded "what d'ya get ?"
"'69 Electroglide."
"Nice bike, John has it ?"
"Needs some work, err, you think the girls ?"
"Oh yeah sure, they'll love to do it, don't know when they'll get those trucks done. Whatever, just ask them Wade."
"And you don't even think about it." Lisa said to Jack on their way in to the back door.
"It actually didn't cross my mind, Amy's got extras."
"We do Grandpa and you're always welcome to one." Amy said pulling off her boots in the small mud room. "I am going to brush my hair and get changed."
"I might freshen up a bit too" Lisa added as the rest went around the stairs to the living room while Amy and Lisa took the stairs.
"It's a beautiful property Amy."
"It is, thank you Lisa, pretty perfect I think."
"And Ty, how's he doing ?"
"Good I guess, wait, in what way ?" Amy said leading her to the upstairs center hall seating area.
"No way really.' Lisa answered sitting across from her. "This is a nice area."
"It is, I like home where they sit with us in the bedroom but this is nice. I mean I kind of expected him to turn up his nose at spending but …."
"Has he been doing that ? Sorry…. Go on."
Amy laughed "but … not really, we only had two snow machines last time I checked. I've seen him reach for ripped jeans and then change his mind so ….."
"He seems happy, I was just asking."
"He seems happy to me too, I need to make an appearance, don't worry Lisa."
"It's not worry really, you don't mind if, you know I ….."
"Check in every now and then ?" Amy asked finishing Lisa's thought and then answering "no, I don't mind."
They stood together and Amy reached across to draw her into a hug.
"What are you changing into Amy ?"
"The girls picked up a nice blue and black checked flannel dress for me, I've been dying to wear it."
"I have a nice home dress too, I'll wear that." Lisa added. "I'll see you downstairs."
Amy stopped after a couple of steps and half turned "we've got him Lisa."
Lisa turned as well, smiled and nodded before disappearing into her room.
"That's a beautiful dress Amy."
"Thank you Margaret, are we up to dinner prep ?"
Amy had come down the stairs in her bedroom and past the office into the entrance hall when she heard Meg and noticed her and Sally in the kitchen.
"These roasts are huge, they need to go in. Thankfully Pavel got them all ready."
"Can I help ? Sally what are you doing ?"
"Just getting a tray of yams ready, we'll be done in 10 minutes, go see the tree Amy."
Amy walked down the hall towards the living room but stopped to look at the central grouping of wall art. Looking up a moment later she saw a smiling Betty walking towards her.
"What are you thinking ?" She asked when she reached Amy.
"This wall should be full of family pictures."
"I can definitely live with that, need help ?"
"How about you pick through earlier shots, the girls, you, Jim, Mitch and Gloria, maybe a dozen to start, I'll do Heartland stuff and we'll sit with the family for more recent stuff."
"Wedding in the middle ?"
"That's what I'm thinking too, how's the tree coming ?"
"Almost to the top, Ty's been glancing around for you."
"Well, we can't have that." Amy laughed.
They reached the living room together and Betty walked off to join Lily and Lisa who were chatting on a small couch. Amy scanned the room quickly and found Ty grabbing a few bottle of beer from the service bar he uncovered behind several wall panels at the far end of the room. He handed one beer each to Georgie and Wyatt before sitting back down in the large leather chair across from them. He noticed her as he was sitting and when his eyes lit up and his smiled widened she had to admit she had butterflies form in her stomach.
Ty reached up and took her hand pulling her into his lap. Amy turned and settled across his lap for a second before wrapping her arms around him and pulling him in for a kiss.
"Hey, get a room !' Georgie laughed.
Amy pulled away from their kiss for a second "this is our room Georgie" before finding Ty's lips again. When she pulled away a second time she did it with a sigh and her palm lingering for a second on his cheek before taking in the room again.
"I love you Dr Borden" she said turning for a second as the twins popped up to each kiss Ty on a cheek.
"We love you too." They said simultaneously, "you need to help now Pappa."
"That's a lot of love for one man to handle son."
Ty smiled "Women have always loved me Jack, but I'm needed right now."
"But I just got you." Amy sulked.
"Time to share the love mom, April needs a lift and John's spotting for Bobby."
"Then go my love, I'll be here waiting patiently."
"Patiently ?" Trish asked from the floor where she was sorting ornaments with the kids "has marriage changed you that much ?
"How are you two doing ?" Amy asked looking across at Georgie and Wyatt.
"Looking forward to just relaxing for a week, it's like we haven't stopped since we got here."
"Are we working you too hard Wyatt ?"
"Oh stop Amy, he wasn't saying that."
"I know Georgie, I haven't become that hard-assed yet, we're glad you're here." Then Amy leaned forward "did you guys bring bathing suits ?"
Georgie smiled and nodded and whispered back "hot tub later ?"
"Definitely." Amy confirmed "it's gorgeous out there."
Amy looked over when Bobby reached for an ornament Charlie was handing him. She smiled when he took it and stretched far enough for a quick kiss. She spotted Maddie and Brin off to the side. Both were in flats so they stood about the same height with Brin leaning back against Maddie holding her hands on Maddie's which were wrapped around her waist. She thought they looked more comfortable than she had ever felt before Ty held her, it was a thought that comforted her.
"You'd have to be blind to think that either of them weren't a couple." Georgie said bringing Amy back to the present.
"I was just thinking that they're way more comfortable looking than I ever felt at that age. Ty was the first boy I ever felt really at ease with."
"Wyatt for me, there was always something with Adam. I dated here and there after Adam but when Wyatt came back it really just felt right."
Brin leaned her head back and whispered something to Maddie who smiled and kissed her gently. Amy, looking again, smiled at the couple.
Maddie smiled back "she can hear you you know."
"It's Ok Mad, it's not a secret."
Wyatt looked around for a second "there are four conversations going on in here, how could she possibly have heard us."
"Brin's got skills Wyatt."
Amy saw Jackson over by the ornaments lower himself onto the ground and lean on one arm as a prop while reaching into the box with the other. It was a valiant effort but awkward.
"Excuse me you two" she said to the young couple, "I'm gonna give Jackson a hand."
In passing Amy kissed Ty who was holding Bobby's ladder steady and made her way behind Jackson dropping herself lightly to the floor. She reached forward and tucked herself up to him so he could lean back and free the arm propping himself up.
"Lean back against me sweetheart."
"Oh hey mom, thanks, that's great."
"So what are we doing ?"
"Well, all the ice thingees are up so we're up to ornaments so we take one out and decide where it should go and Cars or April put it up."
"Dad won't let you up there huh ?"
"Nope, hey you think ?"
"Nope."
"C'mon mom."
"Sorry Jackson, you need to take it easy for another couple weeks."
"Hello Amy, are you helping ?"
"I am April, Jax grab an ornament."
"This one's flat." Cars said lifting out what appeared to be a lined wooden star.
"You have to spread that out gently Carson, here, let me show you" Amy said reaching over and pressing gently to separate the thin pieces of wood.
"That's so cool" he said as he gingerly spread the star open.
"That should probably go up front because it won't shine or reflect." Amy mentioned. "What do you think April ?"
"Hmmmm, up front, how aboouuut,,,,,,over,,,,, there " she asked pointing.
"Perfect, go on, I bet you can reach that on tip toe."
"I sure can" she said walking away holding the ornament out in front of her.
She sat with the kids choosing the next ornaments and watching either Cars or April walking off to either find a spot they could reach or having Ty or John lift them into position while Bobby handled the ladder work. When Sally, Meg and Trish left towards the kitchen Amy leaned over to Jackson.
"I'm going to go help get dinner ready sweetheart and you should get up and move around a little so you don't get stiff. Come on let me help you up."
Amy caught Betty's attention when she left Jackson's side and got a nod to let her know to keep a watchful eye on him because Ty was occupied. She glanced back at her son for a second while walking around the couches to head off to the kitchen and Maddie, catching her glance leaned over and reassured her as well "we've got him mom, go do what you have to do."
Amy was wearing her moccasins and walked up quietly, Trish was alone at the counter so Amy slid in next to her.
"Awful pretty to be sitting here alone sweetie, can I buy you a drink ?"
"Did your engineer mention there's a big hole in the kitchen floor ?"
Amy laughed 'how long have they been down there ?"
"Not that long really. Hey you two …"
"We're here Trish." Sally said climbing up the stairs and setting two bottles of wine on the counter. Meg followed a second later with a small basket holding 4 additional bottles."
"Find what you were looking for Meg ?" Amy asked laughing.
"Well, dinner is two or three bottles and I have a Sauterne and a Port for sitting at the fire by the tree."
"Are we doing that ?"
"Of course we're Ithacans, we decorate a tree and then toast it, dresses, slacks and button downs." Sally said watching the door drop and the safety gate slide away. "That's so cool." A second later she had grabbed some silicone gloves opened the oven partially sliding out the shelf with the roast and then back in.
"How long Sal ?" Meg asked
"Solid hour so the yams and the roast will come out together. How about you and I get the other sides ready, Trish and Amy can get the vegan stew up and then we'll set."
"So coffee, drinks and treats by the tree." Amy said thoughtfully, "there's a service cart but I don't remember which closet it's in."
Amy was still sitting when Trish started pulling vegetables out of the huge side by side refrigerator. "C'mon and cut Amy, it'll come to you, you can't be expected to remember where every tool is parked in the place right off the bat."
"It's annoying Trish." She said grabbing a chef's nice from the block, a vegetable peeler and pulling over a cutting board and two bowls. Trish grabbed a huge Le Creuset oval Dutch oven and placed in on the long center burner setting the flame low. She added some oil to heat followed by a stick of vegan butter and then stirred until it was melted before adding a cup of flour.
While Trish nursed the roux to a dark brown cream Amy prepped vegetables. Pearl onions were peeled and mixed with chopped garlic and put into a small bowl to be added first to flavor the roux. Next in a larger bowl Amy cut potatoes, carrots and celery into nice hearty chunks. She started humming while rinsing and getting the portobello mushrooms cleaned of their grit.
"Sing it Amy, we can use some music." Meg said from where she was tearing lettuce for a salad.
Amy had seen the song come up as next of the satellite radio screen as they pulled up to the house and the song had rattled around in her head since they'd parked.
With the water running Amy continued humming which got Trish to hum along "I know this." Trish muttered.
Sally smiled "I'm Going to Carolina. I love James Taylor."
Amy shook out the mushrooms which were in a colander at this point and turned. As she lay couple of kitchen towels flat she started.
"In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Isn't just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
And yes, I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
Meg's voice joined in from the far end of the counter and immediately adjusted to match Amy's, the perfect accompaniment.
"Well Karen she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shine
Watch her watch the mornin' come
A silver tear appearing, now I'm cryin' ain't I
So I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
There ain't no doubt it no one's mind
That love's the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
Hey babe the sky's on fire, I'm dyin' ain't I
So I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
They started the refrain and Amy gently elbowed Trish who was singing along under her breath, she joined in on the third line.
"In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine ?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Maybe just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Till I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
All four were singing by the second line of the next verse. Amy and Meg worked their voices around the other two.
"Dark and silent late last night
I think I might have heard the highway calling
Geese in flight and dogs that bite
Other signs that might be omens say I'm going, I'm going
I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
"Mom's singing." Jackson mentioned from his seat, "listen." The living room silenced with the exception of Bobby climbing down the ladder as quietly as he could.
"And it's with a holy host of others standing 'round me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me
If I'm up and gone to Carolina in my mind.
In my mind I'm goin', goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Maybe just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
Said I'm goin' to Carolina
I better get back on home again real soon
'Cause I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
They all laughed when the applause came down the long foyer from the living room.
Meg too out her phone and texted Brin "How's it going down there ?".
"Maybe ½ hour left mom." Brin texted back. "They'll be done in ½ hour."
"That should work out great with dinner." Sally said wiping a long section of counter Amy was done with now that the stew was going.
"Let's cut the biscuits and we can bake 'em right before serving."
Sally had already mixed the biscuit batter and hauled the glass bowl two handed to the counter. "Maybe cheese platters for you Amy unless you want to change." She was grabbing the flour ready to spread it out for the biscuits.
"Yeah, it's a new dress from the girls, I'd better not. Meg, please text Brin, clean and dressed for dinner at 6:30."
"Sounds good." She answered pulling out her phone again.
The crowd headed past the kitchen a little before 6:00, Ty and the girls came by for a hug and kiss from Amy.
"I'm kitchen sentry while everyone changes. Girls you have April, Ty please get the boys ready and take them in with you while you change."
"I'll get 'er done." Ty droned before leaning over to kiss Amy quickly. She pulled him back "Hey, you Ok ?"
"What ?" He answered softly "I'm fine, I think he's pushing it, he says he's good."
"Don't discount what you see, be tough, dad up my love." She said touching his lips gently with hers.
Trish was back first and on hand to grab the trays of biscuits from Amy as they came out of the oven to cool slightly on the counter next to the roasts which were resting under foil caps.
Amy had set up Champagne flutes and pulled a bottle of champagne and two bottles of non alcoholic cider from the under counter cooler when Lisa and Jack came down the stairs. There were also 2 bottles of red wine that stood closed. 2 had already been decanted into glass pitchers on the table.
"Champagne ?" Lisa asked.
Amy shrugged "It's sort of an occasion, our first real dinner, new china and all."
Lisa laughed, "I'm fine with any reason to celebrate."
The crowd grew and mingled in the large entry space between the kitchen and the dining room table, Trish and Amy carried over those dishes not yet served and refrigerated the cheese and fruit plates that would be served later in the evening in the living room with desserts.
Lisa and Betty filled the flutes with sparkling beverages ready for a toast. Amy came to stand next to Ty who was with Jackson sitting alongside in his wheelchair. Betty and the girls joined them.
"Everyone, Amy and I and our family are thrilled that you've all joined us this week, welcome. We want you all to know that this is a family home and you are all family, please feel at peace here, come often, relax, rest and be refreshed. We love you all."
With that he held up his glass "To family !"
"To family" all responded.
Had they not been a ranch and farming group this may have been an odd way to sit, a table that sat 2 dozen automatically put people at a distance, especially Amy and Ty so Amy rectified that by joining Ty at his end and rather than share the head of the table as it was designed she sat across from Jackson. Oddly, no one took the seat at the other end. Betty sat next to Amy then the girls. April and Cars sat next to Jackson followed by the rest up the sides. The rest they handled as ranch and farm people do in a crowd, by speaking loud enough to be heard by all, the only secrets at this table could be had by your closest dinner mates.
"That's a very pretty dress April, is it new ?"
April looked up at Amy and smiled "Thank you, it's new for me now, once it was new for Sabrina."
"Well it fits you perfectly."
"It was big but Sabrina fixed it."
"Well done Brin."
Brin looked over and smiled "As soon as I came across it I thought how pretty April would look in it."
"I'm going to be very careful so I can give it back for Brin for when she has a daughter."
"Ok, let's not have the Grandma Margaret discussion tonight please."
Amy laughed, "Don't look at me Meg, I'm on your side. Now, how are your piano lessons coming along April ?"
"Good I guess, I can play twinkle and happy birthday and jungle bells. Oh and chopsticks of course."
"Of course."
"And my scales." She huffed.
"You know what Sabrina does when she practices at our house ?"
"I know, scales."
"Just like with our horses, you know how you're taught not to just kick them into a full gallop ?"
"Walk then canter."
"Scales are walk then canter."
"Snow's supposed to start earlier than expected tomorrow." Ty said when Ty's weather alarm went off. "6-8 is now 8-12 inches by morning."
"Well, let August know, they may decide to leave a little later so they can get a head start on 81." Amy mentioned.
"Bobby." Ty said getting his attention "I think tomorrow we'll trailer three of the snow machines over to the guest house for morning."
"We can make a snowman." April said.
"Or a fort." Carson suggested.
"If it's good snow we can make a whole snowman family." Maddie added.
"That would be fun." Trish said, "I haven't made a snowman in years."
"We can line them up so mom and dad can see when they come."
"That would be great April" Meg said laughing, "I'm in !"
"I can't help."
"Sure you can Jackson, we'll set you up so you can be in the wheelchair like by the tree. We'll just dig you a path to use."
"Thanks Bobby, is that Ok mom ?"
"That's fine, sounds like there'll be a crowd of people out there. Anyone have plans for tomorrow ?"
"We were thinking of Saratoga or Lake George for lunch and some shopping but with the snow, I'm not sure." Betty said.
"Most of the stores open at 10, it'll be nice with the sales." Amy agreed. "I'm staying I think, I teach again next week."
"We'll stay with you Amy, Wyatt and I need some down time."
"We can shop." Maddie said with Charlie nodding along.
"We need stuff for the rooms, you know jazz things up." Charlie added.
"We were going to explore."
"I'll stay and explore with you guys." Ty volunteered.
"You Ok if Meg and I go along with the group ?"
"Fine with me Sal, Tom ?" Ty asked.
"I'll stay with you Ty."
"Trish, John ?"
"I'm with Georgie, down time sounds nice, John ?" Trish asked
"I'm gonna go with not shopping."
"And we'll make dinner." Brin added. "Sounds like a soup, salad and fresh baked bread night. We'll set the bread rising before we go."
"Sounds like we're settled then." Betty said finishing the conversation. "We'll leave around 9:00 and back after lunch."
The dinner table cleared quickly with the teens clearing and the mom's storing leftovers. The kitchen was equipped with two dishwashers and quick work was made filling them and setting them to run while coffee brewed and bakery treats were readied. The service cart was remembered to be in a closet in the office and they pushed that down to the living room where Ty was pouring after dinner drinks and people were settling in the dimmed room to appreciate the company and the tree.
A promised early start in the morning, after dinner drinks, coupled with a big meal and a long day made an early evening for most an imperative and Amy and Ty found themselves changing into bathing suits a little past 9:30. It was still a clear night though; though chilly and getting colder. Amy set the hot tub to warm to useable temperature.
They both wore suits the girls had gifted them. Amy's was a matte dark blue, the bottoms tied on the sides and the top a bandeau or at least Amy chose to wear it that way. Ty had never really seen her in a bathing suit until their trip to New Orleans, seems swimming was just not something they did at Heartland. It certainly wasn't Hudson which boasted many pools. Ty's suit was a slim grey boxer, Amy thought at least part silk by their feel, that ran to about mid thigh.
"I've never seen Georgie in a bathing suit." Ty said grabbing a fluffy robe and holding Amy's out for her to slip into.
"I was thinking that it just wasn't a Heartland thing, swimming. I think the first time I ever saw you in a bathing suit was New Orleans."
"We used to swim a lot when we were kids, by the time we were teenagers we just didn't have the time, jumping and horses, ranch work, school, it's pretty much a 7 day a week job. I mean you showed up right after mom died so …."
"Well, I get that, I don't know, just an observation."
Amy let Georgie and Wyatt in when they knocked, Ty had gone down to check the temperature.
"Come on down, Ty's checking the temperature, want something to drink ?"
They settled into corners facing the view initially up to their necks until the heat of the pool regulated their body temps.
"Jackson's pretty into this whole telescope thing." Wyatt said looking up at the sky.
Amy smiled "did you know that with a telescope you can see the constellation Pegasus from the dining room patio ?"
"Actually it was the first thing he said about it." Georgie answered.
"Imagine that." Ty added with a laugh. "Anyway, that's the Big Dipper over there" he said pointing to his right "and almost right above us is Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper."
They had become a very informal and close group with Georgie working so closely with Amy and Ty. Their conversations ran from being married to getting married to planning a wedding and dealing with kids. Some planning between Amy and Georgie about spending some time going over schedules and classes. Wyatt's progress with the joint foundation child services project he was working on and more often nothing, just sitting and watching the sky in the arms of the one they loved.
Georgie lifted her hands up to her face "I think it's prune time, I'm all shriveled up."
"We should get to bed." Amy agreed stretching before moving from in front of Ty and stepping up to sit on the tub edge and simultaneously wrapping herself in her oversized robe. "Brrrrrr, doesn't last long does it."
Ty was out and helped her up into his arms for a kiss while he rubbed her back and arms.
"This was nice." Amy said hugging Georgie at the bedroom door.
"The house is amazing Amy, I can't wait to see the land."
"That's been fun, it's way more like Alberta than Pegasus, we're literally surrounded by protected forest. Maybe we can take out the snow machines and show you around, it's amazing on horseback though."
Ty started the shower and Amy joined him a couple minutes later. She stopped for second as Ty stood under the stream of hot water and ran her eyes over his body. He smiled when he saw her and reached out to draw her close. The water felt wonderful as he ran his hands over her body covering her in the silky oatmeal wash she preferred before reaching for a washcloth to gently run it over her back.
She put her hands over his when they were on her stomach and ran her hands up his, tightening his grip on her and pulling him closer. She could feel his breath as he kissed her shoulder making her sigh.
"I love you Ty."
"How about we get to bed ?" He whispered against her ear.
Amy reached over and turned off the water then turned in his arms and kissed him, pulling his head down to her and meeting him half way, urgently, hungrily. His response was immediate, his hands moving down to her waist and then back up surrounding her pulling her body against his.
She was breathless a moment later, looking into his eyes, her palm gently touching his face "you mentioned bed ?"
She loved watching the smile grow on his face, the lines stretching from his eyes as his eyes focused on hers and she loved feeling her heart quicken to match the desire she saw.
Ty watched her walk to the bed a few minutes after he got under the sheets. She was wearing the same terry robe she had worn outside and he couldn't pry his eyes from her when she dropped it to the floor. She wore a short satin aqua slip and her smile and eyes told him all he needed to know about how much she loved him.
His arms naturally took her in when she slid under the blanket, a perfect fit as she gently lay her head against him, her hair falling along side and down his side.
"Wife" he whispered and she sighed and shifted her head so she was inches from his face.
The last word he remembered hearing that night was her murmured "husband" before her lips touched his.