Chapter 120

Amy slipped out of bed, stretched and hit the bathroom. It was their first full day back and she was going to spend some quality time with Spartan and Isabelle and then head over to have breakfast and a bull session with Erma. It was Sunday so obviously she didn't have classes scheduled which left her more than enough time for a good visit and make it back to sit with Sarah and Bryce to go through the stock records and get caught up on the ranch and ready for school.

She had stopped in to see the family horses soon after they returned the day before along with everyone else actually. They were, as always, in good spirits and glad to see their riders. They got back in late afternoon and the horses had just been fed having been out in a nice sunny but cold meadow for the afternoon. Robin was there along with Chuck and reported as Amy had already heard that Isabelle was doing great with the other horses but often shadowed Merlin or Spartan, neither seemed to mind. It made perfect sense actually, as a defense mechanism, by shadowing a familiar horse she was used to, when she sensed them becoming alert she would become alert as well, probably extending her smell and looking for danger she could not hear. She had worked with several blind horses through the years, tying them to a partner was the easiest way, couple riders made the most sense. From experience she knew that blind horses were most uncomfortable alone or with horses they were unfamiliar with and didn't recognize their scents.

By the time the kids came out for their chores Amy had already fed and exercised Spartan and was working with Isabelle in the round pen. She stopped for good morning kisses and hugs before they disappeared to tend their horses in the barn and get them out. The dogs also found her for their morning scratches and then found a place nearby in a patch of sun.

She put Isabelle through her paces and had her around the pen several times before having her stand for her saddle. For all her early fear Belle stood stock still when she saw the saddle and Amy was anxious to get her out on a trail and eventually get her to a herd to see how she did. Belle certainly responded very well to leg commands and was very attentive to hand commands so Amy was hoping she'd do well at liberty. Before leaving she said goodbye to the kids and told them they could reach her by cell and then stopped at the house where she found Ty and Betty finishing breakfast and having coffee.

"Heading over to see Erma ?" Ty asked as she leaned over for a kiss.

"Yup, just stopping by to check in, coffee and breakfast."

"You see a Jackson this morning, how's he doing?"

"He's in heaven, two weeks and then back to normal, a month to ride."

"How are you doing ? You did some tossing and turning last night."

"I don't know Ty, maybe I'm just not getting enough sleep or maybe I'm just catching up. I'm fine."

"Well, doesn't seem you have any symptoms of anything so …."

"Doesn't feel like I'm coming down with anything."

"Well, take it easy one more day and before you know it you'll be back in the swing of things." Betty said standing and then leaning over to kiss her head and give her a little hug. "Send my love to Erma."

Ty also got up with his cup which Betty immediately took. He glanced out the window and saw Isabelle tied to the rail. "How's she doing ?"

"She's great, it'll be nice taking her out and getting used to her, seeing what she can do."

"Have fun at Erma's, say hi for me." Ty finished grabbing his jacket. "Gotta get caught up for rounds. Love you !" He called back as he closed the door behind him.

"Need me for anything Betty ?"

"No, go on, Sandra's stopping by for a chat and update."

"Say hi for me." Amy said fitting her hat on, "later Gran."

Amy smiled as she turned Isabelle towards her intended trail and watched Maddie leading Jasper and Merlin out into the round pen for some exercise with Jackson following to the rail to watch his boys. She waved back when her kids acknowledged her and then out out habit clicked to Isabelle as she kicked her up to a canter.

"Good morning Amy, how's your day so far." August said coming out of the barn on cue as she rode up.

"So far so good August, how about you ?"

"I'm great, could be warmer though. This is that deaf horse Erma told be about, uhm….. Isabelle ? Our horses are out communing with nature and a fresh bale, she Ok with them ?"

"She should be fine, thanks August, let me know if there's a problem."

"Erma's in the kitchen or getting Kimmie, go on in Amy."

Amy smiled and headed to the door, she stopped in the mud room to take off her coat and hat. When she sat down to pull off her boots April walked over.

"Good morning April."

April was wearing with her wellies over jeans with a hat is hand "Good morning Amy, can I get a ride back with you ?"

"Hanging out with JT ?"

"We have a big puzzle to do and I have a lesson from Brin on the big piano."

"Well I don't think Isabelle will mind carrying both of us."

"Thank you and I'll thank Isabelle later, have to go help dad."

"I'll let you know when I'm leaving so you can wash up."

April smiled again and headed out the door pulling on her hat.

"Hey Sis !" Erma said a few seconds later coming down the stairs with Kimmie in tow.

"Good morning Erma, Hi Kimmie !"

"Amy."

Amy smiled and reached out for the little girl "Come on sweetie, what do you want momma to make for breakfast ?"

Kimmie smiled "Eggie."

Amy smiled back "Your favorite huh ?"

"How about you Amy, some eggs too ?"

"I don't think so Erma, maybe a yogurt and a muffin, my stomachs been a bit queasy this morning and I didn't sleep well."

"How long's this been going on ?" Erma asked pouring her a cup of coffee.

"I'm not even sure, a week I guess, might be a weird period thing." Amy said reaching for the pitcher of milk and pouring a glass of milk for Kimmie who smiled at her taking the small plastic cup in both her hands. "April ate already ?"

"With August before, she was heading to weekend chores part two when you pulled up, she loved the trip Amy."

"I saw her a second ago, we were happy to have her Erma, she absolutely loved the Met."

"She went on and on about it and the Guggenheim."

The kids were always excited by the chopper trip into the city, they sat by the windows pointing at the scenery flying by. Amy smiled to herself wondering if the kids or Ty were more excited. Ever since the first trip in she felt his excitement.

She caught his eyes wander to the windows "You can learn to fly a plane Ty, probably one of these eventually."

"When would I find the time Ames ?"

"We can find you the time Ty, think about it, there's a flight school at Ithaca Airport."

As always Pat was waiting with a big smile. Since they were traveling with a crowd they all piled into the limo while the luggage was packed into a minivan which followed them.

They'd need separate cars during the week anyway.

In the limo Amy noticed Wyatt was sitting with his head turned to the glass. "Wyatt, you good ?" She asked.

"Great, never been, trying to take it all in I guess."

Georgie smiled "It's all he could talk about all week."

"Good week to see the sites, anything in particular ?"

"Jackson insists that I see the T Rex, but really, any of the museums, Time Square, some music, I don't know, we'll certainly be back."

Amy nodded "Georgie, you and Wyatt can take the second master."

"Girls, sites ?"

"We promised April the Met and the Guggenheim."

"Nice choices."

"When's mom and Katie coming ?"

"Wednesday morning, they'll head back on Saturday when we do, she'll be at Maggie's in Brooklyn most of the day Friday I think."

"She's selling ?"

"She's keeping 30 percent I think is how they worked it out."

"I'm not sure I get that."

"She won't be involved in the day to day stuff, that'll be Nichol's job, basically she's an investor now."

Once at the house they split up to get their stuff to their rooms and settle in, they'd meet in 30 minutes and figure things out.

"Anyone have plans for tonight ? Brin is there music ?" Amy asked putting out a bowl of fruit.

"NY Phil but it must be sold out."

"Good program ?"

"Ives, not my cup of tea, some of his work is just plain weird. Not sure about the clubs or anything."

"Well, it's Saturday night, we can check movies or stay home, girls ?"

"I think home is fine mom, we've got like a 1000 movies here and we sorta promised April the Met tomorrow."

"That's fine Charlie, April will love it."

"What day we goin' to see the dinosaurs ?"

"Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday Cars." Amy said "after we get Jackson back."

"No wheelchair."

"We don't know that Jackson." Ty said gently "Let's wait."

"I've been good."

"I know you have but it's still going to hinge on the science."

"I know, just sayin'."

Ty nodded "For the record, we're all rooting for you son."

Jackson smiled at him "I can't wait to ride."

Betty checked her phone and typed back "Pat's texting, I'm ordering from Patsy's or John's and what time ?"

Amy looked around at the indifferent nods "Patsy's is easier for him, it's way closer and I love the marinara pies."

"One with eggplant please." Maddie added.

"Tell him Patsy's at 6:15." Amy said "and invite him to join us please."

"We're eleven with Pat so 6 pies and garlic knots and we'll have leftovers."

Amy nodded and Betty checked her phone and then headed into the hallway to make her call.

They settled upstairs after dinner and set Pat free for the night. They were in the media area outside the master suites which had several large chairs and 2 large couches. They put up the latest Star Wars movie and as if on cue Jackson reached out his arms to her and climbed from the wheelchair onto her lap.

Amy hugged him and kissed his head and whispered "it's just tests my love."

"It's overnight, you staying ?"

"Do you want me to stay, I think April and Cars are staying."

Jackson was silent and felt so small in her arms "I'll stay with you sweetheart."

She didn't think it was possible that he could burrow further into her arms but he seemed to. She was always amazed at the comfort she was able to give him, she wasn't sure if all kids were like that or if she and Jackson were particularly close because of the circumstance of their life together but she was happy to be able to provide what he needed. She knew that the girls found that comfort in each other and was happy with that also.

They called it an evening before the movie had ended. It was an unspoken thing they did for the kids who invariably fell asleep and were carried to their beds. They'd watch the end of the movie together at another time. The kids typically slept better somewhat split up so Bobby and Cars bunked with Jackson and Brin with April.

Amy leaned back into Ty's arms after a slow and sensuous love making session and sighed as his arms closed around her.

"I didn't realize you'd stay with him Monday night."

"Neither did I especially with the other two with him, maybe it has to do with Trish not being around."

"Are the other mom's staying ?"

"Gordon's young so Ann probably will even though they live pretty close. Not sure about Robin and Colleen has a million volunteers to drive her back and forth and they have a dog now so ….. I also don't want to overburden Molly, I think she'd worry about the kids. Are you Ok with it ?"

"Of course, I saw it when he climbed into your lap. Even when it's just tests hospital's are scary places when you're the one in the bed."

Amy nodded and turned slightly to reach his lips "especially when you're a 7 year old boy who misses riding."

"What do you think ?"

"I think he's fine, Asher will probably ask for 2 weeks of crutches in crowds and at school and no riding yet. I'm thinking March 1st the earliest, maybe a month."

"That's not bad at all."

"No and ultimately it'll be up to Phyllis' assessment and she's got a very obvious soft spot for JT."

"She wouldn't let him do anything to hurt himself."

"No of course not, I'm hopeful not worried."

"Will I like the Met ?"

"I think if you give it a chance you will, I had Charlie make arrangements for a doyen to accompany us, sort of a gift for April."

"I'm sorry Ames, doyen ?"

"A doyen is an expert, an ambassador of the museum."

"So…"

"So he or she will know everything there is to know about the artwork and be there to answer all of April's questions. We might even get some behind the scenes stuff."

"You really go out of your way don't you ?"

"It's what parents do Ty and I actually didn't do anything, Charlie's a benefactor."

"Of course he is."

"Don't be like that, Charlie's a major contributor to the arts, it's a good thing Ty, we need art in the world."

"I don't, didn't mean anything."

"I didn't think you did. I grew into the arts Ty, I really had no exposure at all until Europe and New York City is a cultural center of the world. The kids love it."

"I don't know Ames, modern art ?"

"Ah, you googled, we are not going to MOMA which is the Museum of Modern Art tomorrow though we may later in the week, we are going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Which actually has both modern and what you'd consider classics, it all might surprise you Ty or not, I don't know, it's a big museum, and it's not all paintings and stuff like that, there's sculpture, glasswork, musical instruments, furniture. Art comes in many forms, you don't have to love everything."

"You don't love everything ?"

"I'm a bit more traditional so definitely not everything and some of it is pretty weird." Amy yawned "can we sleep now husband ?"

They sat for a few minutes with Sarah Crocker, a graduate school art major and one of the dozens of museum doyens who volunteer and dedicate their time giving tours and lectures through the halls of the Met. Amy mentioned that April was an artist and after a minute April mentioned that she has a copy of Claude Monet's Water Lillies on her wall.

Sarah smiled "Would you like to see it April ?"

"It's French."

"It's here sweetheart, a whole room of Monsieur Monet's paintings."

"Oh I would love to." She answered almost awestruck as Sarah winked at Amy and put out her hand for April to take.

Ty stopped in his tracks after entering the long hallway leading the the French impressionist's wing. Amy turned seeing she was now alone.

"Ty ? Have a thing for Seurat ?"

"This place is amazing Ames but a few years ago I went to a play in Calgary called Sunday in the Park with George, it was about that painting."

"I saw it on public television." Amy confirmed. "That's it, in real life, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."

"So it's at the end of this long hallway."

"So you can watch it dissolve into dots as you walk towards it."

Soon after he was sitting on a marble bench next to a Rodin sculpture listening to the doyen patiently answer questions about a Degas they were looking at when he heard it the first time.

Maddie exclaimed pointing at the plaque alongside the painting "Hey look, this is one of Uncle Charlie's !"

"Excuse me ?" The doyen asked.

"Trudy and Charles Rodgers are our aunt and uncle. Well, our aunt passed but …."

"Not for real Aunt and Uncle, we just call them that." JT amended.

"Well, I love Degas so please tell your Uncle Charlie thank you from the bottom of Sarah Crocker's heart."

"We sure will Sarah." Charlotte acknowledged.

Amy had wandered the room and made her way back to Ty's bench. She watched him for a second before leaning over and wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"And what's on your mind husband ?"

"How much you think that Degas is worth ?"

Amy tilted her head for a second and typed into her phone," Hmmmm, It's hard to say, they're not on the market very often, that's not a pivotal piece, these days figure 20 to 80 million."

"Does Charlie actually own that painting ?"

Amy smiled "Charlie probably owns a couple dozen of these works on permanent loan to the museum's collection. The Renoir over there" she said pointing across the room :is likely the most expensive."

"Amazing."

"Charlie is an amazing man Ty, come on, there's a lesser known Picasso Triptych he owns in the next room we can sit and stare at that one for a while, well actually three."

Ty laughed "then what ?"

"He owns two sets of armor downstairs, we can go see those."

"What does permanent loan mean exactly, isn't that a donation ?"

"In perpetuity, it's basically a donation you get to partially deduct every year. It's a gift to the world Ty. Trudy was very proud that she could do this."

"And Charlie ?"

"Would do anything she wanted, these were bought specifically for this purpose Ty, to display them for anyone to see."

Since a couple restorers had come in to work on a Sunday which was their option apparently Sarah got permission to show their group how a work of art was restored. It fascinated Amy as much as it did April. Paintings being meticulously cleaned by brush, inch by inch, touched up by the most delicate hand. They worked under brights lights and through complicated magnifying glasses mounted on headsets.

One of the restorers was kind enough to let the group see the work through a series of lenses, up close and personal. He described what they saw on two works, the paint strokes as identifiable as a fingerprint, the layering of paints, shading and the texturing used by the artists to fool the eye of the viewer.

Ty was surprised that he spoke to them for almost an hour before letting them know that it was time for him to get back to his work. He clearly loved his job and loved taking the time to share with his mostly young audience.

It was a nice day, sunny and dry though brisk and they decided to walk to a favorite restaurant for lunch, called Eats, it was about 15 minutes away from the museum. Brunch was served until 3 and that's what they were going for. Amy texted Pat to let him now that they were walking and that they weren't sure if they would need him to get them back to the townhouse after their meal.

A little over an hour later they were heading down Lexington Avenue, Ty pushing Jackson ahead of him, it was a decent walk and after a while JT acquiesced to Ty's help. Amy walked along next to her husband, April and Cars on the other side of them with the teens walking as couples and window shopped along the way. All in all a peaceful brisk afternoon stroll through the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Betty told Pat to take the rest of the day and to pick them up at 10:30 in the morning to get them to the hospital. Jackson was checking in at 11:00. She was in the kitchen when the group got home to the heady aroma of one of Gran's wonderful beef stews.

"How was the museum ?" She asked turning and wiping her hands on a towel.

"It was wonderful." April said hauling herself onto a chair and looking at Betty.

Betty smiled "How about some cocoa April ?"

"Yes please."

"Anyone else ?"

"Ok, Ok gang, thank you Betty, cocoa will be wonderful" Amy said answering for everyone before the volume got too loud.

"Come on, everybody needs to get washed up while the cocoa gets made." Ty said to the room.

Amy walked over "you Ok on your own Gran ?"

"Oh fine sweetheart go on."

"Just getting changed Gran, that stew smells wonderful."

"Well, once the biscuits go in, it'll just smell better. Go get cleaned up."

Amy found Ty in his boxers letting out a moan as he tried to invert his body and push against the small of his back.

"That doesn't sound good what's up ?"

"I guess it was leaning over and pushing Jackson all those blocks."

She pointed "you're doing that wrong." Referring to the way he was trying to stretch out.

"Some help ?"

"Your body is not meant to stretch backwards even though that seems right. Hold on a second let me get these pants off."

Ty laughed, "that's not going to help."

Amy smiled as she kicked her pants away. "Do what I do" she said raising her arms and bending over in a full extension to her legs.

"I can't do that."

"As far as you can my love, that's the stretch part."

Ty did as she did and stretched as far down as he could moaning all the way.

"Again" Amy said walking over . As he bent she reached over and pushed him further down holding him in that position for a few seconds "hold it there."

"It's not helping." He moaned.

"Yes it is, again."

She continued, expanding the stretch. "Now stand up."

He still moaned but stood straighter that he was a few minutes prior.

"Thank you, it feels much better. I guess I'm not used to all that leaning over."

"What about when you do surgery ?"

"This is more extreme an angle I guess."

Amy turned away to the closet to grab a dress "you know babies come with a lot of bending Ty, you might consider your magical genetics won't help with everything."

"What do you suggest ?"

"Talk to Phyllis, she'll give you stretching exercises. You'll love it and you'll get to swim with JT."

"You don't swim."

"I've been stretching for years while you've been drinking and playing pool."

Ty laughed "Ok, I guess that whole bad boy thing is catching up to me."

"You were never a bad boy Ty" she said walking over "zip me please." She said turning around.

"No hiding from my past Ames."

"I'm not hiding from anything Ty, you were never bad you just made mistakes when you were younger, we can't judge ourselves on the past."

Ty smiled "Jack told me that a long time ago."

Amy nodded "well maybe it's time to remember that, I wouldn't have fallen in love with a bad boy and I certainly wouldn't let a bad boy be my son's idol."

"I'm not his idol Ames, you are."

"I know my son Ty, I don't mind sharing. Come on, get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs."

"Love you Ames."

"I love you too Ty."

"Uh Ames ?"

Amy stopped at the door and turned back "the uhm uh pushing babies, uhm, you're not …."

Amy smiled "Pregnant ? No, probably periodic, I'm actually feeling kind of run down."

"You Ok ?"

"Like I said, I think I'm getting my period, I'm fine."

"Sorry, I thought maybe you were sending a message."

"I'm sorry sweetheart, you'll just have to try harder. Later maybe ?"

Ty smiled "maybe."

"Hmmm., not the enthusiasm I'm used to, maybe you should take it easy today old man, save your strength."

Asher, Shoshana and the Colonel were talking in the hallway when the elevator doors opened. They all smiled and walked to meet Amy, Ty and the family in the public lounge. After a round of hugs they walked together towards the smaller lounge where it sounded like a party going on.

"Jackson, your Aunt Trish asked me to fill in for her while you're here, how's that sound ?"

"Sounds great Colonel Molly, I like having someone to talk to."

"So, since we'll be doing all this talking here how about you and I make a deal," she said glancing at Amy "let's just go with Molly, how's that sound ?"

Jackson smiled and nodded putting out his hand "Sounds great Colonel."

"Colonel it is Molly." Amy added putting her arm around the Colonel's waist "we last ?"

"You are." She answered and the volume level increased as the twins and their friends walked in the room.

"Hey Amy !" Colleen yelled out running across the room for a hug.

Amy wrapped her arms around Colleen and then moved her to arm's length. Colleen was not past her first trimester for sure but on her thin frame she was certainly showing.

"Colleen, look at you !" Amy said with a big smile.

"Not quite 3 months, we haven't really made an announcement yet but ….." she said pointing at her stomach, can't hide this."

"I'm so happy for you two." She said walking over to Robert, who was sitting on a chair with Gordon in his lap reading a book.

"Amy it's good to see you." Robert said as Amy leaned over for a hug and a kiss "You've been busy young man."

He laughed "we have a lot of time to kill together lately."

"And you Gordon, do you remember me ?"

Gordon nodded and smiled and then turned his head back down to his book.

"Ann, Craig, how are you both ?"

"We're great Amy, everyone's been so wonderful." Ann answered "Craig's passed his mechanic's certification test and with his experience is very high on the list. And I'm working right near here at Julia Richman High School."

"I'm so happy things are working out, your new apartment ?"

"6 bus stops from work, I might get a bike in the Spring."

"Well let me go say hi to Robin and Tommy and I'll see you in a bit."

Robin immediately excused herself from speaking to Ty and Betty when Amy approached and wrapped her arms around her for a big hug.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, how are you Rob ?"

"We're all just great Amy, hopefully getting to the end."

"I guess that you and I feel the same then. Things at home ?"

"Same, same, Eric couldn't come, just too much to do on the farm."

"Tommy loving his new semi-freedom?"

"He almost burst when Shoshana gave him the all clear to swim again, I had to hold him down so he wouldn't call Jackson."

"Are you staying tonight ?"

"Yeah, it didn't make sense to set up shop for an overnight, we got in this morning and head back late afternoon tomorrow after the results are in."

"Pat picked you up ?"

"He did thanks, and with breakfast in hand, he's great Amy."

"He is, I'd hire him full time if there was a reason I could come up with. Jackson asked me to stay so we can catch up later, when do we start ?"

As if on cue Molly asked for attention and explained that since each of the patients would be getting the same tests that the team would split up and by swapping the orders of each of their tests would get them all done simultaneously though breaks would split them up as well, at least they'd all get done by Tuesday morning. They'd start in about 30 minutes.

Ty's phone beeped while they chatted and waited and he sighed "I gotta go, Georgie and Wyatt are on the way with Pat."

Amy smiled "Good luck, what's your first stop ?"

"Canadian Embassy to get everything certified and then I go to apply for a Permanent NYS License to Practice Veterinary Medicine, that's it for me today."

"And Georgie and Wyatt ?"

"With me at the Embassy and then shopping, I need to do goodbyes."

They had arranged for dinner with Pat to be picked up from Joe's Shanghai on Pell Street off the Bowery in Chinatown. A load of soup dumplings and other Shanghai family favorites, especially the noodle dishes and Lion's Head meatballs, all JT's favorites along with a variety of vegan dishes for the Israelis.

While Ty, Georgie and Wyatt did their thing and Brin was off in her jazz piano program downtown Betty took the twins, Bobby, Cars and April to the Guggenheim Museum for a visit. The plan was to meet back at the hospital for dinner sometime between 4 and 6.

Amy spent the day relaxing and chatting with the women while they waited for their men to join them. Eric, Gordon's dad had gone into work late and would be back for dinner.

She knew Robin would be knitting but was surprised when Colleen and Ann each had a bag. Apparently Robert had decided that he preferred coming into the city and having his check-ups with Gordon who had been out to Staten Island to visit a few times as well. Colleen had started Ann off on crochet and Ann found a Saturday morning class at the local library and joined.

Amy sat and wrote in her journal. She had started up again after the wedding, it felt good putting her thoughts down on paper, she hadn't really stopped completely so this was us a routine that made it regular in her life again. As always they were mostly random meanderings about her day to day mixed together with thoughts about horses and work. They spoke while they did their individual things even Amy while writing, a skill she had developed sitting with the kids.

After about two hours all 4 patients emerged from the test labs for a rest, stretch and a snack. It was staggered over about 20 minutes with the first, Gordon being pushed in his wheelchair by Shoshana who rather than answer questions pushed Gordon to his mom and excused herself for a minute to prepare herself a cup of tea.

"Can you tell anything yet Shoshana" Ann asked when Shoshana walked back over.

"We only get a partial picture during the scans, the machine is faster than we are, imaging flies by and I have to look away to deal with settings, so I only get a partial look but so far his circulation looks very good. At this stage in his healing that's the most important thing. Remember, it's still very early in his treatment."

"And Robert ?"

"It's really the same answer Colleen, we're looking for circulation because right now that's what we need. Blood flow and healing go hand in hand and Robert's seems fine."

"Bones ?"

"Bones", she repeated and sighed "as an orthopedist this is always hard to say but bones can be fixed if they're not healing and fusing properly and truthfully for the most part replaced as a last resort. For Gordon and Robert, blood first and then we'll go over the rest."

Amy reached over and took Ann's hand "Jackson has a titanium hip. The sleeves that partially sheath his bones are also titanium, Gordon will be fine Ann, you have to have faith."

Shoshana smiled and patted Amy's knee as Tommy and Jackson rolled into the room followed by Asher and Molly.

"Hey mom's" came almost simultaneously as they rolled over.

"Ok so far JT ?"

"Oh sure, hungry though."

"Of course you are, go grab a snack on the table."

Asher stepped up sipping a coffee as they rolled away.

"Well ?" Amy asked.

"We'll make a final decision tomorrow afternoon with everything in front of us."

Robin laughed "Asher, we're just farm girls, good or bad ?"

He smiled and nodded "very good Robin, you'll have two very happy boys. It's really how far we're willing to let them go and how much more restriction two young active boys can handle."

"And how much more we can take." Robin muttered.

"As I said" Asher agreed and then softly "I'm pretty much sure we are done with wheelchairs but I still want them to take it easy for a little while longer."

Asher walked off to Shoshana and Molly joined the women on the couch. She sat down, checked her watch and called out "10 minutes and then we'll finish up."

"How's it going Molly ?" Amy asked.

"He can literally talk about anything, both of them actually."

Both mom's laughed and Robin spoke "I really think a lot of it has to do with all of this, hours on end away from home with nurses and doctors, I don't know."

"Hey mom, gotta go back soon, where's dad ?"

Amy glanced at her watch "I assume he's with the state licensing people about his veterinary license and then they're picking up Brin at school. We'll all meet back here later."

"That should be good, the license thing right ?"

"Don't worry sweetheart I'm sure the least complicated part of the week is transferring that license to New York."

"And the rest ?"

"Jackson, your dad and I are married, we've known each other, pretty much been in love for 16 years, no one is sending him back to Canada."

"Ok, I trust you."

"Just now ?"

Jackson thought for a second "ok, no, I trusted you before, sorry mom."

Amy laughed "It's fine JT, no one's taking your dad away."

It was about 4:45 when everyone finally gathered at the hospital. The group from the Guggenheim showed up about 4 and Ty and Brin at about 4:45. Pat left immediately to pick up their dinner.

The teens all saiid their hellos and excused themselves for some privacy at the large floor lounge up front which was empty. The rest stayed in the family lounge and talked. It was funny that they all quieted when Asher and Shoshana walked in and Asher looked up smiling "stop, tomorrow afternoon has not magically turned into this afternoon. Density tests tomorrow and then we shall see."

As Amy had thought having Ty as a licensed New York State Veterinarian was not hard. He was fully accredited in Canada, attended a 4 year program, passed his licensing boards and was actually licensed not only in Canada but several other countries where he had worked. He had recommendations from Scott, Uli and Cass in Canada as well as three tenured professors at Cornell with one being the Dean of the Veterinary College. The actual document would take about two weeks before mailing but he was assured it was a done deal. His temporary license was extended until then.

His next appointment, and Georgie and Wyatt's were with immigration. Since Georgie and Wyatt basically went from visiting to attending school and what was known as special training which would allow them their internships (TA positions came with their student visas) they were on temporary amended student visas arranged by Tom and Trev. They were now applying for full time status which appeared to be a lock but there were formalities.

Ty on the other hand had decided to join Amy and the kids in dual citizenships. Amy got hers as the adoptive parent of three United States citizen children. Ty was applying as the newly minted husband of a US citizen. Trev assured him that it would happen, this wasn't a sudden thing, he and Amy had a long standing, provable and sustained relationship. He also needed a green card so he could continue to work and live in the states until his citizenship was approved. Unfortunately, citizenship would take a minimum of one year and require home visits and interviews, basically a pain in the ass.

Since they were staying for tests rather than treatment and since April and Cars were also staying over, the kids, including Gordon and Tommy asked to camp out in the family room. Robert agreed to stay on a couch and Molly agreed to let the moms and Colleen sleep in the beds vacated by the campers.

Ty, Betty and the kids left before they started the movie, Pat would drop them at home and then Craig Lowther at his apartment before calling it a night. As usual Ty stayed upstairs for a goodnight kiss and talk while the others went down to the car.

"You stopping by tomorrow morning ?" Amy asked after a soft kiss.

"We have to be there at 9:00 so, I don't think so, I told Jackson."

"Ok, hopefully I'll see you by lunch."

"I hate bureaucracy."

"It's a nuisance in life."

"Your not worried ?"

"No Ty, not worried at all, we're not perpetrating a scam and you're not a drain on society, as a matter of fact we're about to pay an inordinate amount in Federal income taxes. Top 1 percent or so in the country, they love us."

Ty laughed, "Ok, I got it."

"Have a good night my love."

"You too Ames."

The next day after the morning tests were done, rather than wait at the hospital for Asher and the team to go through all the results Amy had everyone come back to the townhouse to hang out and have lunch. Asher and Shoshana would come by when they were done to address everyone at the same time, answer questions and say their goodbyes. They were flying back to Israel on an overnight flight. Amy had Pat arrange for a car to take the team back and forth and then to the airport.

Ty, Georgie and Wyatt were still gone when the families got back to the townhouse greeted by the twins, Bobby and Betty. Brin was off at her piano program. Georgie had texted that all was well and they'd be on the way as soon as Pat made it around to pick them up though with Federal Square and midtown traffic that could take a half hour. Asher and Shoshana arrived while they waited for Ty and told the group that all the news was good or better than good and to please let them go over everything at once. As the news was all good they acquiesced to the wait as Betty served both surgeons fresh coffee and a plate of vegan pastries Pat had dropped off in the morning.

When the time came for the news Asher and Shoshana sat in two chairs facing the group. Ty, Georgie and Wyatt had sandwiches and drinks with them. It was uncommon for doctors to address a group about medical issues but this group was in it together and had intimate knowledge of each of the patient's ailments and prognoses, they really had no secrets from each other. Besides it was important that Gordon hear the prognoses of the older kids, to hear how far they've come, especially this time.

Asher started by thanking them all for their patience and waiting. He also informed them that they had the results of Marie's tests from Montreal and had the permission of Louis and Babs to include for the group to hear. Marie was a part of this even though they thought it best that she not have to travel for tests that could be performed closer to home. Robin had brought Tommy to be with Jackson more than anything. As promised the news was all good.

"I guess it's easier to just go in order so Jackson first." Shoshana began smiling at the boy who leaned forward in his wheelchair. Tommy patted him on the shoulder "good luck buddy." Amy sat alongside Jackson and he reached out to hold her hand for the news. Robin held Tommy's hand in one of her hands and a phone with Eric listening in the other.

Asher and Shoshana spoke as a tandem team each describing the results of the tests they oversaw. Asher on the bone and muscle density scans and Shoshana on circulation, joint and growth reports. As they had assured the group the results all exceeded their expectations.

"Jackson with care for the next two weeks you may use crutches at home and when not in a crowd or near horses. In school and the stables please stay with the chair." Asher said looking over. "You need to do this honestly Jackson, while we are sure you're stable enough I'm still worried about you getting jostled."

"I promise, and after two weeks ?"

"After two weeks. You should use the crutches outside the ranch and slowly acclimate to no crutches at home. That means taking the stairs with care, hand on the rail and at human speed and being careful near the horses."

"Yes sir, and uhm, you know, riding ?"

"One month from today you may ride, supervised trail rides at first." He said this looking at Amy more than Jackson.

Jackson squeezed his mom's hard and turned with a smile "a month, that's not too bad."

Amy had a tear in her eye "that's no so bad at all sweetheart."

"That's awesome Jax, how about me ?"

"The same rules will apply to you Tommy but first let your mom and dad hear the test results."

The doctors went from Tommy to a brief word about Marie and then on to Gordon and Robert. Robert would be going straight to crutches for a month and then without until his next surgery. Marie and Gordon would follow a path similar to Jackson and Tommy but they would each get a brace after the wheelchair as their legs would need extra support.

Everyone was ecstatic at the news and they made a call to the Thibault's, Marie's family to include them in the celebration and toast which was set up by Betty in the townhouse.

The group stayed together until it was time for Pat to take Robin and Tommy to the airport for their flight back to Kansas. One of Robert's fellow firefighters who lived not far from them in Staten Island and was stationed in Manhattan was gracious enough to stop and pick them up for a ride home.

Pat took Gordon's and his folks home and picked up Brin and dinner before taking the rest of the night off. Dinner was from their favorite uptown Vietnamese food called Vietnaam, Jackson's choice. They ordered way too much, several orders of assorted dumplings and spring rolls to start, two types of pho to share and several bahn-mi sandwiches to split amongst themselves. Jackson parked his wheelchair immediately and switched to crutches though he agreed to use the chair at the Museum of Natural History when he visited his buddy the T-Rex.

They were scheduled to leave at around 1:00 on Friday to make it back before dark. Amy begged off on several day trips including two Museum visits. On Wednesday she needed to catch up on business at home. Betty stayed for the same reasons. They both joined the family for a Broadway show and dinner out on Wednesday evening and Amy accompanied the girls on Thursday morning to two guitar shops in search on an acoustic bass guitar, they'd been talking about it for awhile and since they were in the city and Amy felt like spending some time shopping with the girls and of course Bobby who was along as well. She had envisioned clothing as their choice but a guitar was just as good, Amy didn't care and Bobby certainly preferred music stores to clothes.

They dropped Ty, Betty, Bobby and the younger kids at the Museum of the Moving Image where two Disney Imagineers were teaching about the history of how cartoons are made which seemed to excite the kids when they went through the things to do during the week. Since the class was for 7 to 10 year olds it was the perfect time for the guitar trip. Bobby was along because the men were scheduled for haircuts in the afternoon.

The girls found their prey at Rivington Guitars on the lower east side having been to two other shops through the morning and not being happy with what they were after. The guitar they fund was used but not vintage and it also had an optional Fishman electronic setup which they weren't really interested it at this stage but it was the sound of it as a pure acoustic bass that didn't need an amp. This bass could easily hold it's own against a regular acoustic guitar. They all loved the sound and all thought it was a sweet looking instrument.

The guitar was a factory custom Martin BC-16E with a solid Sitka spruce top, and East Indian rosewood back and sides. It had beautiful tone and easy to play. Ezra, the clerk explained and showed them that the rich and loud tone came from a set of heavy braces the original owner had Martin install to reduce vibration on the body and force more sound from the tone hole. On this guitar the built in electronics would be great for recording but the bass was clearly an excellent purely acoustic instrument.

For four days Brin had attended a comprehensive Jazz piano curriculum taught by NEA Jazz Master Joanne Brakeen from 8 each morning until Noon. From 1 until 5 she played with the Mannes New School of Jazz Herbie Hancock Ensemble under the directorship of Canadian Jazz Pianist Kris Davis who personally chose Brin based on recommendations and audition tapes.

The culmination of Brin's intensive curriculum was a performance held at the Blue Note, the legendary jazz venue in Greenwich Village and the family was attending. Brin was dressed and waiting for them when they arrived. She was wearing black silk pants and a sequenced top with short heeled boots. She was going to have dinner with the family before her performance. While they got seated and settled in Brin took Maddie backstage to meet her instructors and fellow band members and some of their friends who came for the performance.

"So what are we going to hear ?"

"You're going to hear Brin's jam Pappa, excuse the pun." Charlie answered. "Jazz improv."

"Cute Charlie, seriously, I though she was a classical pianist."

"She is, she's great but this is what she loves, the freedom to just play."

"So this is not written down ?"

"It is, well technically I guess but she gets to play her head, like letting her mind wander and then come back, I can't describe it."

"Brin's brain doesn't work like ours does, she's special." April said matter of factly looking up from her almost finished burger. "She can play anything."

"So I've heard." Ty answered and then picked at his last fry as Maddie made her way back through the tables to her seat on Ty's left opposite Jackson.

"How's she doing Mad ?" Amy asked.

"She's great, anxious. Listen to much jazz Pappa ?"

"Can't say that I do Mad, shouldn't Meg and Sam be here ?"

"It's being streamed and recorded, they're watching the stream."

Three musicians, Brin at the keyboards, the drummer and bassist, didn't leave the stage once they were seated. Ty noticed that alongside the piano, which he noted had the top open and was miked, there were two stacked electronic keyboards as well as a mic for the player. The upright bassist had a mic at tone hole level and there were several mics on the drummer's set. There was also an open stool next to an amp and three open microphones that were, for now, empty and off.

An older woman appeared on the stage as Brin and the other two musicians took their places to mild applause. The woman glanced over at the musicians who all nodded when they settled "Ladies and Gentleman, the Mannes School and the New School of Jazz are proud to present our own Herbie Hancock Jazz Ensemble."

Brin turned to the audience for a second "Watermelon Man" she said into the mic and a second later the drummer and the bass player began. Brin stepped in a moment later, no music, no page turner and eyes closed, she played. Maddie reached over and took Ty's hand as she did at the classical concert he attended at Ithaca.

Ty listened to the piece as it flowed and watched Brin the whole time, her eyes were closed every second she was at the piano until she glanced over at the bass player and smiled as he took over in an improvised solo. She and the drummer didn't technically stop playing but stepped back adding rhythm and flourishes to the solo.

At some predetermined riff that Ty didn't catch Sabrina pivoted to the organ and took over in a flourish of music far different than the piano, electronic sounds bopped from the stage, he noted her eyes were wide open at this point as she pushed switches and slides while she played until she made an almost imperceptible nod and the drummer took over and she switched back to piano, eye's closed, oblivious again to anything but the music.

The audience applauded with gusto and hoots when they stopped. For the life of him Ty could not understand how they stopped on a single note and was surprised when the applause came. Maddie stood and hooted eliciting a smile from Brin at the piano as three other musicians joined the trio on stage, a saxophonist, trombonist and a trumpeter.

It was almost 9:30 when they stopped after playing four pieces and while they chose pieces highlighting each of the new musicians on stage, Brin was there, both leading and following the changes of the other instrumentalists. When they were done, Brin waved at the table when she stood and bowed with the other musicians and then walked to the edge of the stage and put out her hand for Mad to join her.

"Not too long Mad, the kids need to get to bed."

"Ok mom, not too long, she needs to say goodbye."

Amy nodded and then grabbed her phone to check on Pat and have him bring the car close. It was late getting home for this group of mostly ranchers and farmers and they were tired in the morning. Not much to o do with their day since they all woke somewhat later and were heading to the heliport, they packed after breakfast and they napped on the flight home.

Amy sat and played with Kimmie who was across from her while Erma got her daughter's egg and toast ready.

"You want some cheese on your egg sweetheart ?" Erma asked and Kimmie smiled and nodded yes.

A couple of minutes after Erma turned with a plate in one hand and a fresh pot of brewed coffee in the other. She put the plate in front of Kimmie and the coffee on a trivet next to some coffee mugs already on the table. Then after opening the refrigerator and filling her arms behind the door she laid out a tub of her home-made yogurt and a couple bowls of berries and finally a plate of what smelled like recently baked muffins.

When she finally sat down next to Kimmie and across Amy she turned her head at an angle and looked at her best friend "You Ok sis, you're looking a little green."

"I don't know Erma, a little queasy, the muffin will help." She answered separating the top from the bottom before reaching for the coffee.

Erma thought for a second and smiled, "A week huh ?"

"About that, like I said it's period time."

"Did you uhm, get your period ?"

"December no, January yes, this month no but symptoms, I think I'm still adjusting to getting the Norplant out."

Erma nodded "I guess you could be a little dehydrated as well, let's get you a bottle of water." She said standing and going back to the fridge.

Amy nodded, the few bites of the muffin and sips of coffee seemed to make her feel a little better. "It's already going away, it was probably the empty stomach."

Erma smiled and nodded. They chatted about this and that, mostly the end of frost and getting started on rototilling the beds. Amy was talking about the girls wanting to start a row of bok choy in the garden, it was one of Brin's favorites. Sally had a patch that seemed to disappear and never make it to the stand or any of the restaurants they supplied. Bobby always grabbed the bok choy babies before they grew to harvest.

Erma disappeared to the bathroom while Amy finished her coffee and started to nurse the bottle of water.

'Feeling better ?" She asked Amy when she finished her water.

"I guess the food did it, I could probably sleep better, being back at work should do it."

"That's probably it, busy day planned ?"

"Getting ready for tomorrow, back at Cornell and everything else, see where we are on the last batch of rescues we got. I guess I should head back, let me pee first and I'll let April know to get ready.

Erma nodded and stood with her "here sis, give this a whirl while you're in the bathroom."

Amy looked down at Erma's hand to see what she was being handed.

"What's this ?"

"It's a pregnancy test, you pee on this end."

"I'm not pregnant Erma."

Erma smiled and wrapped her arms around Amy and then held her out at arm's length "I wouldn't bet the ranch on that sis."

"uhm, uh…." Amy said looking at the stick now in her hand.

Erma smiled again, and then leaned forward to kiss her friend's head gently, turned Amy towards the small hallway and gave her a tiny shove "Go on, before you pee on my floor."