Chapter 129
Amy stood patiently while Mathilde reached around and measured her bust size and turned to list it on Amy's chart.
"How bad ?" Amy asked when the seamstress turned back to measure her hips.
"You don't worry Amy, you're not the first pregnant woman I've fitted."
Georgie laughed "It's a beautiful dress Amy."
"Thank you Georgie."
"2.58 inches around the front, not bad, I'm sure your doctor is happy." Mathilde muttered dropping the tape measure to write.
"Two and a half inches in a month" Amy muttered "and she wants me to step up the eating."
While everyone else's dresses were getting final alterations in the city, Mathilde had flown back with the group to deal with Amy and Georgie who could not get into the city. Sebastian would deliver the rest on Thursday for final try ons. It was finals week at Cornell and Amy had 3 to administer, while Georgie had 3 more to sit for, one being Amy's, Bert's surgery exam and a General Large Animal Heath Practical with Dr. Ackelson.
"Ready to examine a horse and a cow Georgie ?" Amy laughed.
Georgie smiled "I've lost count of how many horses and cows I've actually examined over the past few years. It has to be a hundred horses since I got here. Cow's in Alberta, I can't even begin. Let's face it, between the nature center llamas in Alberta and the alpaca here is there a large domestic I haven't examined ?"
"So straight A's ?"
"For this year it's looking good I'd say for all of us."
"Ok Amy, I'm done for now." Mathilde said holding out her hand to help her step down. "you can change your shoes if you want. Georgie, let's get you dressed or do we have to wait ?"
"Nope, I insisted it just be Amy, they can see the finished product on Saturday. I haven't changed Mathilde."
"Still, come on, one more time and I'll be there when you dress."
They were alone and Georgie started stripping as Mathilde started fluffing the dress.
"Do all brides get this service ?" She asked, now down to her panties and bra.
"No." Mathilde said "Now hands up. Amy can you help please ?"
Amy stepped up onto the small platform and helped drop the dress over Georgie's head. She stepped down as Mathilde slowly zipped the dress up the side.
"Oh Georgie, you look beautiful." Amy exclaimed as Georgie stepped up and turned to look in the mirror.
"Yes, yes" Mathilde said softly walking around the small platform "the fit is very good, how does it feel Georgie, your arms are Ok, you don't feel constricted ? Come down and move around." She said putting out her hand to help Georgie down the two steps.
"No, it feels very comfortable, I guess, in a wedding gown sort of way."
"Here Georgie, sit and see how that feels." Amy said holding out a chair she grabbed from the dining room table. As with Amy's wedding the guest cottage was converted into a small dress studio where they could be alone.
"It's perfect Mathilde. Are the shoes Ok ?"
"Yes, very becoming, with the dress a midi, they are a nice choice Georgie."
"Not too sexy Amy ?"
"Sexy as hell Georgie but definitely not over the top, I'd wear it."
"I need a drink and some lunch, let's get it off."
"Me too and I have a test to administer." Amy said getting up "lunch on me ?"
"Nope, lunch on me."
"Lunch on you is good Georgie, Mathilde what are your plans ?"
"I am going to alter your dress and then drink wine with grandmothers. You'll come first thing ?"
"Eight Ok ?"
"Perfect."
They both hugged and kissed Mathilde before they left and met 15 minutes later behind the house. Amy had Georgie call in to the Ithaca bakery after they decided to pick up sandwiches and eat in the office so that Georgie could go over her notes before her written exam. Amy had office hours after while Georgie took her practical and they'd head back to the house together.
Georgie grabbed a bunch of fries onto her plate. Amy told her to order a Zoe;
Chicken salad, cranberry sauce, lettuce & tomato on a rosemary-salt bagel and Georgie ordered the same along with a large fries that they would split. "What's the protocol if you're a TA taking a test by the way. You're my second to last tomorrow."
Amy took a second to swallow "Nothing, just sit and take the test Georgie like every other student, sign in, flash your ID and start, don't cheat."
"Do people do that, cheat I mean ?"
"Since I've been here we've had one or two, it's stupid, you can retake a class, what's the point, how was Neuro ?"
"Not as bad as I thought, I don't think I over prepared or anything but I don't think I missed anything. You and Bert tomorrow, should I be scared ?"
Amy laughed "Not mine I don't think, I've heard Bert's tests are hard but he's a fair grader, I doubt scared should be the word. You've survived his orals over a surgery, I think you'll do fine."
It was several hours later when Georgie returned to the office and seeing the door open walked through to find two of her fellow first years sitting across from Amy.
"I'm sorry the door was open."
Amy smiled "they're job hunting for the summer."
"Need me to leave ?"
The two were Jason Noveke and Paul Yarm, both of whom Georgie knew as classmates but not well as they hung out in different groups and the simple fact that Georgie was busy as hell and didn't spend any extra time at the school.
"It's OK Georgie." Jason said looking over at Paul for confirmation.
"Why Pegasus ?" Amy asked "And what do you propose doing ?"
It was Paul this time who spoke "We both grew up with horses for one but the truth is neither of us wants to go home, we'd work for room if you have it and a small stipend."
"We'd do what you need, like Paul said we've both cared for horses, wranglers or hands would be fine, something more veterinary would be great but we get asking for that is a lot."
"Sorry for asking guys, but why don't you want to go home, I mean if I didn't live here I'd be thrilled to head back to Alberta."
Paul looked over at Georgie and then over to Jason who nodded before he continued "we're a couple Georgie."
"And home isn't a welcoming place for you two ?" Amy asked.
"For one of us more than the other and not by much but it's the whole being apart thing and we can't afford to get a place on part time salaries so work to live seems the best option."
"And we love Ithaca." Jason added.
"Why don't I know you guys are a couple ?" Georgie asked.
"We don't spend a lot of time advertising the fact, some of the students and faculty are more, uhm conventional than others."
"And Pegasus ?"
"Word gets around Professor, you've got a PFLAG sticker outside your office door and a flag on the wall." Jason said pointing over at the small flag over Georgie's head. "Safe space ?"
Paul nodded "we've also driven past the ranch, that's a pretty big facility you've got going up, we figured maybe you needed some help."
"We are hiring Amy."
"I know Georgie, Ok, well, I can't just hire you two outright there's a process, so stop by my mailbox tomorrow and there'll be an envelope with two applications and your names on it. Fill them out and leave them back in the mailbox for me and in the meantime I'll mention you to Sandra who deals with the preliminaries and my ranch manager Bryce, one of them will be in touch either way."
"Thank you for even considering this Professor and however it works out have a great summer. I guess we'll see you tomorrow Georgie." Jason said as they both got up and reached out to shake Amy's hand and wave at Georgie.
"Home ?" Amy asked when they got to the truck.
"Ice cream ?"
Amy smiled "Don't have to ask me twice, on you ?"
"On Ty actually." Georgie laughed "He texted me before, he's worried about your weight."
"2 scoop hot butterscotch sundae for me then, my husband's a closet chubby chaser."
"Explains Helena." Georgie muttered.
Amy giggled "I wouldn't know."
"You've never seen a picture ?"
"Don't want to Georgie, he's mine and trust me, too much history isn't a good thing."
"I never liked her and she had an aversion to Hudson, this whole condescending city attitude, I think she hated horses honestly and I don't trust people who hate horses. You've never asked him about her ?"
"Nope and don't want to know. I'm sure the sex was good and they had fun but Ty's not the city guy, it's not like he's perked up when we're there, it's almost as if he puts up with it, which is just like me, it's fun for a few days but the country is home."
It was a nice day although jackets were definitely needed and both Amy and Georgie were wearing hats. They grabbed a table where Amy sat and checked her phone while Georgie went to the window to order. She returned a few minutes later with Amy's double scoop hot butterscotch sundae covered in peanuts, whipped cream and three cherries and carefully laid it down before sitting across the table. Georgie had a small one scoop cup of vanilla.
"What's that ?" Amy pointed.
"Vanilla, low sugar. I'm getting married Saturday and my dress fits perfectly."
"Seriously Georgie what's up ?"
"There's all this wedding stuff at home and hovering moms and grand moms."
"You had to expect that Georgie, when are Peter's folks coming ?"
"Tomorrow with his brothers."
"So what's the plan ?"
"Help me study in peace somehow and I'll be all in tomorrow after my last exam."
"That's easy, tell Wyatt to pack you a bag and I'll pick him up and drop you both at the treehouse."
"The treehouse, why didn't I think about that ?"
Amy shrugged "we don't talk about it much. Is that what you're doing for the wedding night ?"
"Definitely and then the vacation house for a few days. We'll come home and head to Alberta."
"Alright, I'll take the heat with the moms and grand moms, they need to understand that you both need to regroup, study and that you'll available tomorrow after you're done. We ready to go ?"
"Wyatt will be waiting." Georgie said nodding after texting "he thinks it's a great idea. Thanks Amy."
"Got your back kiddo, let's hit the road."
A little while later, having gone around the back entrance to the property and bypassing the porch she picked up Wyatt and dropped him and Georgie off to be safely ensconced in the treehouse Amy parked behind the house and walked through back to front. She heard the crowd on the porch and stopped in the kitchen for a bottle of water before joining the family outside.
"Here she is finally, is Georgie inside ?"
"I dropped them at the treehouse Lou."
"Why the treehouse, is everything OK ?"
"Everything's fine, they need to wind down and study in less than the busiest environment in Ithaca."
"Do they have food Amy ?"
"We stopped for food and snacks Betty, they won't starve, they're fine, Ty or I will pick them up in the morning and take them to school, they'll be back on the compound tomorrow afternoon."
"I thought we'd see them is all." Lou said softly.
"But you understand. ?"
"Yes I do understand."
"Excellent, Grandpa, how are you feeling, how was the trip ?"
"The trip was fine and I'm fine, stop asking."
"I'm glad and no, I won't stop asking. Now before I adjourn to the library is everyone except my sister and Grandfather content ? Is there anything I can do to make your time here more enjoyable ? Lisa ? Peter ? Annie ? Jen ? Everyone happy happy ?" She asked scanning the dozen or so occupants of the porch.
"A resounding silent yes, excellent. Gran, I will be in the library nursing my stack and messages. Tell the kids to wash up and come say hi before homework."
Betty nodded and Lisa looked over "When's Ty expected ?"
"I'd say around 5 give or take Lisa, test ends at 3 and I'm sure they'll have office hours."
With the exception of the kids coming in for their afternoon hugs before heading off for studying and homework, Amy plowed through her piles and was sitting with the first of her exams and looking over the answer rubric she had created to remind herself of the points she was looking for in the handwritten portion of the test when Lou knocked.
"Hey Lou, need something ?"
"Can we talk or ….."
"Test grading can definitely wait, come on in, what's the topic or is this a general sister catch up ?"
Lou smiled, "it can be both, how are you feeling these days ?"
"Do you ever get over the lack of caffeine ?"
"Not that I can remember, how's that going ?"
"I think about how nice it would be to grade these exams with a pot of coffee. I mean I'm fine with not having it but the memory of coffee definitely lingers."
"Yeah, that's about right, some women I know never went back, some stay with tea and add back the caffeinated stuff."
"I like that I don't need it but I do miss it. Aside from that I prefer sitting to standing these days and I really miss riding. The ranch is designed for horses not driving back and forth around the outside."
"A group can be helpful, like yoga or some organized exercise thing, you also get other moms in that which is nice."
"There's a couple at Cornell that I've looked into, I need school to be over, problem is we'll be going back and forth to the other house once the kids are done so a formal commitment is rough. I asked Mandy, a friend up there to keep an ear out, something not formal, more a place to go when I'm there. I keep fairly busy and I'll swim or run once school stops."
"You run ?"
"I run when I'm away from the ranch for a time like when Jackson's laid up in the city. Typically I'm pretty busy and I spend a lot of time on a horse so I keep in shape."
"When does school end for you guys ?"
"For Georgie tomorrow, for me and I guess Ty, next week after year end meetings and grading. I'm off next term until January but I agreed to work over the summer with the profs who are filling my spots but that shouldn't be too bad. This is all new to me so I'm doing my best to play it by ear. How about you Lou ?"
"I'm doing good, bunch of wedding stuff, the diner's done and doing Ok business before the grand opening which is the June 1. The truck is doing real well though, that was a good idea. Coupons and ads for the official opening are set and we'll hopefully start getting Stampede business soon after opening, you know the set-up crews, wranglers and the like. We won't know the day to day until the Stampede's over. Nervous ?"
"Me ? About the diner ? Not really, the real estate was a good investment either way."
"And the kids ?"
"Officially finish school June 23 but the last week is half days for Jackson and finals week for the girls all Regents Exams which are New York State mandated. They're basically in yearly review at this stage. They're excited to go to the other house."
"How's that gonna work ?"
"I have no idea, Betty's ready to spend most of her time there. Ty and me and the kids will probably be back and forth, it's going to depend on business and the new facility. There'll be a lot of playing it by ear, especially this year. It's a few hour drive, I'm looking into the whole chopper back and forth thing once the horses are there for the summer."
"How's Georgie doing Amy ?"
"You just spent over a week with her Lou."
"Well a crazy week is no way to tell."
Amy thought for a second "It looks to me as if she's living her best life. She's a good student, she seems very happy with Wyatt and comfortable here. We love having her here."
"How's the dress ?"
"No changes for her, it's beautiful but you know that, I have to go in tomorrow morning for a final try on, you can join me but I can't hang out, I'm administering my last test tomorrow at 10."
"Georgie finishes when ?"
"Her last exam ends at 3:30 tomorrow, I assume she'll be here by 4:30 free as a bird."
"Except for work."
"Don't grumble Lou, we're not ogres, she's off until after the honeymoon."
"Is Ty off because I know how that tune goes, 'I'm off mom but Ty is whatever he's doing which won't take long and is more important than me.'"
"I'll talk to Ty." Amy answered laughing. "Tell her you want to take her shopping for a couple hours Thursday, a trousseau trip."
"She hates shopping, she's like you."
"I don't hate shopping Lou, I'm just particular in how I do it. Georgie's independent but this is a bride thing. Thursday night's the bachelorette fling so keep that in mind."
"Am I interrupting?" Ty asked from the door.
Lou smiled "of course not Ty, just sister shit."
"How's your day been wife ?" Ty asked walking over to Amy first and leaning over for a kiss.
"My day has been full but not busy, thank you for the ice cream sundae by the way."
Ty smiled "Sorry."
"Stop worrying Ty, low normal is still normal and once I stop at school I'll slow down and I'm sure to put on weight without riding or school."
"I'm not worried, just helping you along. Georgie texted, she and Wyatt are at the treehouse studying ?"
"They just needed some alone and quiet time, can you drive them to Cornell in the morning, I have another fitting ?"
"Yeah, she asked and I told her 8, she'll hide in your office until test time. Wyatt's first is at 9."
They heard the kids coming down the stairs and Charlotte knocked at the open door while Jackson waited.
"Come on in you two, we're just talking." Amy said from the desk sliding her drawer closed.
"Hey dad, you're home, school over ?" Jackson said walking over as Ty squatted down for his hug.
"Welcome home Pappa." Charlotte said kissing his cheek when he stood again.
"Gran says 90 minutes for dinner." Maddie announced walking in "plenty of time" before leaning up to kiss Ty's other cheek. "All done Pappa ?"
"Bert's doing the last test tomorrow so for me test grading and meetings, no more tests or classes."
"Plenty of time for what Mad ?" Amy asked.
"Chuck said they're harrowing the track tomorrow morning so we're going run our herd around and get them some exercise. Georgie texted and asked if we could deal with hers."
Jackson waited until Maddie was done and nodded the whole time "Georgie and Wyatt are at the treehouse studying. What are you gonna do ?"
Amy smiled "head upstairs and flop down on the bed, maybe your dad will oblige me with a foot massage."
"I'd love to give you a foot massage Ames, you guys be careful and ride the track before you let them loose, it gets harrowed for a reason."
Charlotte and Maddie answered simultaneously "we'll be careful Pappa."
"Take the dogs girls and tell Gran I'm going to lay down for a bit please."
"Wanna go for a ride Aunt Lou ?"
"Katie's back from school Jackson, I'm heading up to Georgie's place to call and see how she's doing."
"Ok, say hi for me and if you change your mind we're at the track."
"Thank you Jackson." Lou answered smiling.
Amy shuttered slightly as her hand lovingly touched Ty's head which now lay just above her belly as he softly stroked her growing stomach. He was so gentle and she loved his touch especially after their lovemaking.
"How's your dress, you had a fitting this morning?"
"Very sexy."
"I can't wait to see it."
"You think I'm still sexy Ty ?"
"Of course I do, what kind of question is that ?"
"I don't know, a self conscious one I guess, You think they'll look like you ?"
"I don't know Ames, it doesn't matter, what do you think ?"
Amy sighed and ran her fingers through his hair. "I think that if they're as good looking as you my husband we're in for a ride and a half."
"You think I'm good looking ?"
"Stop strutting you." She laughed.
"Anything else I should stop ?" He asked, his hand straying over her hip.
"Probably but not what's on your mind." She answered as he shifted position and smiled up at her
Having spent the entire time in bed together they were just getting up to get ready for dinner when her phone buzzed.
"Dinner, I have to rinse off, Ty you go stall."
"Stall ? you know they won't eat without you at the table right ?"
"No table, buffets until after the wedding. Just tell Betty I'm taking a rinse and will be right down, 15 minutes."
"Ames, she'll give me that look."
Amy laughed "go own it Ty, this belly just didn't appear and she's figured out foot massage."
Ty slipped on his shoes and bent over to tie them.
"Yeah there's a difference I think, 15 minutes Ames."
Amy called back from the bathroom "I'm starved, it may be sooner."
She came down in a blue floral half sleeve cotton dress which tied above her belly to a crowd on the porch after passing the food laden table and then the empty kitchen.
"Hey mom, can we eat now ?"
"We can Jackson, I'm sorry you had to wait."
"That's Ok, just hungrier I guess."
"Betty ?" She called gently.
"Oh that's a beautiful dress Amy." Lisa said turning as Betty got up.
"Girls, let's get the hot stuff on the table." Betty said turning to the twins and holding the door open for them then announcing. "Dinner everyone, the salads are already out."
It was Italian night, 2 large lasagnas and 2 platters of sliced Italian beef that could be eaten on its' own or placed between the sections of fresh Italian bread in baskets on the table. There were several salads also laid out. Dessert would be ricotta cheese cake and cannolis from town.
When Amy made her way back into the house she looked over to see Ty and Jackson moving along together with Ty filling Jackson's plate and then his own as they moved down the table. She found herself on the loose line that moved around the buffet with her grandfather who took food and watched Amy fill her plate with a sandwich, lasagna and several spoonfuls of roasted vegetable salads marinated in oil and vinegar.
"That's a mighty plate you've got there Amy." Jack laughed "I think you can come back for seconds.
Amy laughed "it's easier this way Grandpa, I'm starved. Come eat out on the porch with me, we haven't talked this afternoon yet."
She grabbed a bottle of water and slipped it into her pocket, a fixture she insisted Sebastian put into all but the more formal dresses, checked behind her for her grandfather who also grabbed a bottle of water and walked out through the screen door. She looked down the porch and spotted Lisa and Betty with room for two more made her way through two groups before laying her plate down on the small table between the chairs. Jack followed and settled as well.
"How is everything ?" Amy asked the two grandmothers.
"Everything's very good." Lisa said looking up.
Amy grabbed some roasted peppers to add to her sandwich before leaning over her plate and taking a bite. "Oh that's so good." She exclaimed her mouth half full and taking another bite before finishing the first.
"You Amy, are the reason Jackson eats like he does." Betty laughed "don't ever doubt that."
"What ?" Amy said grinning innocently with her mouth almost stuffed.
Jack, Lisa and Betty laughed. It was Betty who held up her hand, "ok stop."
Amy took a sip of water "I'm sorry, I was hungry but the smell of the food was almost painful, I actually considered eating on line and I don't think it's me by the way, Carson eats pretty much the same way and have you seen Bobby and a pizza or hot dogs ?"
"Speaking of Bobby, the girls asked if Bobby and Brin could come over for a little while tonight."
"I don't know Gran, it's a school night."
"They have an argument."
"Girls ?" Amy called onto the lawn where the twins were sitting and eating. "School night guests ?"
Both got up and left their plates and drinks on the lawn and walked over.
Maddie started "Ok so, we essayed out of finals except for the Regents classes which are three weeks away and we're in review now."
Charlie nodded and continued without missing a beat. "And Bobby and Brin are both like free tonight, like really, so we figured maybe this one time."
Maddie continued "They're always so busy this time of year so a free night is really something."
"Ok, enough, how is this being done ?" Amy asked.
"Bobby will pick up Brin and he has to be home by 9 if he drives."
"Fine, good argument, if it's Ok with Meg and Sally it's fine with me."
"Thanks mom, you're the best !" They said simultaneously.
"Never forget that." Amy said "go, call, finish eating."
"What's so busy these days ?" Jack asked.
"Brin accompanies a lot of the senior recitals, Meg's also swamped for a few more weeks. Bobby's a partner in the farm now Grandpa, he works as hard as anyone and his day starts before the sun comes up and continues after homework and studying."
"A partner ?"
"Carmichael family tradition, at 16 you become a partner, he's a special young man Grandpa."
"And college ?"
"He'll go, Cornell's got one of the best agricultural departments in the country."
"And if he and Charlie stay together ?"
Amy smiled "At this stage I'd say Charlie would be fine married to a farmer and Bobby would be fine married to Charlie no matter what she decided to do with her life."
"And you ?"
"And me, I love Bobby and that farm is the perfect distance from where I am. So, how are you Grandpa, feeling more yourself ?"
"Seem to be, can't ride for a few more weeks though but I haven't been out of breath or as tired and achy as I was."
"He seems to be doing much better Amy." Lisa confirmed.
"You need to take is easier Grandpa."
"I know I do Amy."
"Something to talk about after the wedding then. I guess they've started on the upgrades to the ranch house, have you heard anything ?"
"I spoke to Mitch this morning, they've removed a couple sections of roof and they're running pipes to the side."
"I assume they'll run all the air conditioner ducting and the heat lines before they insulate."
"They've also pulled out the kitchen and bathroom, first thing actually. The batteries will go onto the build out for the master bath, I'm not sure of the order." Lisa added "I'm glad we have a place to be while it's going on. Your house is almost all closed in already."
"I'm hoping to come down at the end of June and do some furniture shopping, Ive ordered all the kitchen and bathroom fixtures and household stuff on line. Haddie says there's a good furniture consolidator in Red Deer so I'll probably head up there."
"I know the place, want some company ?" Lisa said.
"Then we're four, you, me, Haddie and Meg Koenig."
"There's mom !"
Amy looked up to see Jackson making his way through the seatings on the porch followed by Ty who was slower reaching them because he was stopping momentarily along the way when it was needed for greetings.
"We were looking for you." Jackson said when he reached her.
"Then congratulations, you found me, what's up ?"
"Dad wanted to check up, don't know."
Ty reached them a second later.
"Here Ty, sit in my spot I'm just going to check inside quickly." Betty said getting up with her plate.
"The girls are just starting to clear some stuff away." He told her as he sat.
"I'll just check, can I get anything for anybody ?"
Amy looked around at their small group and smiled "er, maybe another half sandwich with some of the roasted peppers."
"Jackson, come with me and you can bring it out, I'm going to start a fresh coffee urn."
"Ok Gran, I'll be back in a minute mom."
"Take your time sweetie, I'm not starving."
"All good Ames ?" Ty asked reaching across and taking her hand.
"Bobby and Brin are coming by for a couple hours, did they mention ?"
"They mentioned they haven't had time together."
"They see each other all day in school Ty, don't fall for it. It's fine but the whole whine is pretty funny considering."
"Yeah, I guess, I didn't think about that actually, we didn't have that."
"We had a very different relationship Ty, technically you worked for me although it may not have seemed that way."
"I guess I worked for Scott after a time."
Amy laughed "I have no idea why we kept you around."
"My good looks and sparkling demeanor ?"
"You were a good kisser."
"It feels so long ago, those early years."
"It was so long ago Grandpa and here's my sandwich, thank you Jackson."
"You're welcome, can you fish GG ?" He asked as Ty lifted him up onto his lap.
"I can Jackson, I just can't ride a horse yet."
"We can take a four wheeler, I mean after the wedding."
"Let's talk about it then Jackson." Ty added before the badgering started.
"Oh sure, it was just an idea."
Amy collected the 5 empty plates and cutlery on the two small tables and handed them to Jackson. "Bring these in and see if Gran needs any help getting dessert ready sweetie."
"Should I bring you some, there's cannolis."
"If it's ready a slice of cheesecake and a cannoli would be wonderful."
"I'll go too, tea Ames ?"
"Maybe some cranberry juice instead my love and where's Ashley."
"Ashley's with Cass, Charlie, Val, Scott, Haddie and Lou in the library sipping cognac."
"Very expensive cognac I'd wager." Lisa added.
Amy nodded "If Charlie had anything to say about it"
The announcement from the door to the house was typical Jackson "Excuse me everybody, Gran says there's coffee, tea and dessert that you can get inside. It's cannolis so ….., that's it."
He smiled and walked past a few seatings on the porch, some getting up to head into the house. He made his way through until he reached their group and stopped "Gran said you have to host so she wouldn't give me your dessert."
"I'm coming Jackson, did you get a cannoli ?"
"Gran's holding it for me, chocolate dipped outside with sprinkles."
Ty stood and put out his hand for her and waited while she stood and smoothed out her dress before leading her to the screen door followed by Jackson, Jack and Lisa.
"Why don't you get yourself dessert Ames and I'll make the rounds."
"How about I put mine aside and we both do it ?" Amy suggested going through the door.
Ty nodded as Amy moved towards the table behind Peter and Annie.
"Peter, Annie, you two have everything you need ?"
"Amy, hey." Peter answered after he turned, "We haven't had much time to talk about anything, your ranch is beautiful."
"Thank you, we try, the house we found you working out ?"
"A bit empty actually but it'll fill up tomorrow when my family and Annie's gets in. I guess you've never met my brood ?"
"I met your folks years ago at Katie's naming ceremony."
"That's right I forgot about that."
"They gonna be alright with a judge rather than a minister ?"
"Probably not." Peter laughed "What are you gonna do ?"
Annie turned "as long as they keep it to themselves we're good. How are you feeling Amy ?"
"I'm good, it is an adventure though."
"I never had my own, it didn't work out for me I guess, my first husband was a nightmare."
"And your second ?" Amy asked smiling.
"This guy ? This guy is a dream and I love Katie and Georgie."
"So, I guess win-win for you." She said while deftly laying a slice of cheesecake on her plate next to some fruit in syrup and a cannoli.
"Definitely."
They stopped at the end of the table where Amy handed her plate to Betty then turned to Peter and Annie and smiled, "I have hosting duties, see you a bit later ?
"No problem Amy, thanks for everything by the way."
"It's fine Peter, Georgie's special to me."
"I was there Amy, I know why Jack kept her at Heartland and I know how special she is to you."
Amy nodded and reached over to hug him, "To all of us I guess, you know, back when I thought about adopting my brood I thought a lot about Georgie and what I knew about the person she was and had become and could be. All that potential I saw…it made my decision much easier and I've never been disappointed by either of those decisions, never."
When the couple turned to leave, she turned to Betty "Hostess, I know, remember those days when we had no relatives to host ?"
"Hey, you didn't have me either remember ?" Ty said from behind her "Betty please." He said handing his plate over to her for safekeeping as well.
"How could I forget my love, but you came with a crowd. Ok, once around the house to earn our desserts."
"Oh, the twins are downstairs with Bobby and Brin." Betty said.
"Yeah, I'm not going down there. I guess they came in through the back ?"
"And got as far as me to pass the word before disappearing with cannolis."
"Jackson ?"
"I sent him up to shower and get ready for bed."
"Fair enough, anyway, I guess living room and library ?"
"I assume Charlie's coaxed them all into the library by now."
"Pouring my expensive alcohol willy-nilly, I wonder what that's costing me." Amy joked which made Betty smile. "Still within the budget ?"
Betty thought for a second which she usually did with her head cocked to her right "I think we'll make it give or take, unless Charlie really goes nuts in there. Do you care ?"
"Not really." Amy answered turning to Ty, "Ready ?"
Ty smiled at Betty and reached out his hand as they left the kitchen. "Uh, Ames, what budget ?"
"We budgeted 100 thousand for flights, ground transportation and hotel stuff."
Ty stopped for a second and looked at her "I shouldn't even ask these questions should I, I mean, maybe in a couple of years."
Amy poked at him and then leaned in for a kiss, "whatever makes you comfortable husband."
It was still a relatively close crowd being several days before the wedding. Today's arrivals included Peter, Jack, Lisa, Ashley and Val. A much larger group including Peter's parents and brothers and Casey would arrive Wednesday with many more arriving over the following days. This was Casey's second time in since she flew home for the weekend rodeo. As she suspected everyone seemed to be with Charlie holding court in the library which was his favorite room in the house. There was a small fire going and Charlie was regaling the group with some tall tale about the ranch in it's early days.
"Here's our hosts !" He announced as she walked through the doors along with Ty.
Amy smiled through the hellos and walked around behind Charlie where she reached around him for a hug. "What awful lies are you telling these nice people about me." She said planting a big kiss on his cheek.
"Nothing that isn't at least partially true. Ty, care for some of your very expensive cognac ?"
"I'd love some Charlie." He answered sitting down next to Lisa "Ames ?" He asked motioning to the seat beside him.
"I'm going to go up and check on Jackson, have your drink Ty, I'll be right back."
"You sure, I could go, save you the stairs."
"I'm sure, you relax and stop fussing over me please."
"So Ty, you've seen it, how's the Alberta house going ?"
"Looks to be on schedule, at least Mark Hendron the contractor seems happy. The barn's nice, almost done, waiting on some custom iron work for the stable part, walls were about to go up in the apartments. They were wiring and plumbing while I was there. We own tons of flooring and batteries. The house was getting faced when we were there. Power plants are ready for water and solar batteries, it's coming along Charlie. Amy need to start doing her thing I guess, she said something about June."
"Amy and Meg are coming down in June for some furniture shopping I guess, maybe fixtures. We're heading to Red Deer, maybe Calgary, I'm not sure, she's consulting with Haddie and I think she may have a decorator."
"Well, I think I just paid for 10 bathrooms and 4 kitchens, 5 actually if you count the patio. Cabinets, counters, appliances, fixtures, tiles, metalwork for the kitchens, the works."
"Right, right, she showed me some choices, I picked some actually."
"I can't imagine what it costs to outfit houses that big." Jack wondered out loud "I mean I just bought a 2000 dollar refrigerator that looks like it could take a howitzer round at 100 yards."
Charlie laughed along with the rest, "for Amy it's the art and touches where the budget goes to hell in a hand basket. Glass cases covering the library walls, the bar units. Once the artisans get involved, heh, she's ordered 12 stained glass windows, 12, it's a wonder to watch her go."
"Well, it's all beautiful, my sister has quite the eye and touch."
"Thank you Lou," Amy said walking in with a plate or desserts. Why is every conversation I walk into about me ? And did you all get some dessert ?"
She was followed a few moments later by Betty who carried a cup of coffee and a plate for Ty. "Here you go sweetheart." She finished handing it down to him.
"Betty cognac ?"
"Don't mind if I do Charlie."
"Amy drink ?"
"Cranberry and soda please, thank you Charlie."
"Mmmmm, this cheesecake is great." Ty said after a sip of coffee to which he had added his cognac.
"It's ricotta based, very little sugar, it's more lemony." Amy said "Dolce Delight in town, great Italian pastries and coffee."
"We've never been I don't think."
"Then we'll make a date of it, even if I can't drink the coffee."
"When's your next ultrasound Amy ?"
"Thursday morning Lou, feel like a peek ?"
"Oh sure, I'd love a peek if you're serious."
Amy shrugged "not a problem I go every four weeks, they're all the rage."
"They're not bad are they ?" Lisa asked.
"Not particularly, I just didn't expect this pregnancy, I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm fine with it, thrilled actually. But, well, I guess I'm still, I'm still a bit, identical twins, me ? You know ?"
"Have you felt them yet, that should be starting I guess."
"It's possible Lou, Frances, the ultrasound tech said that if she sees something I should feel she'll point it out so maybe I have and just don't know it. I have had some weird sensations but I'm pregnant so who knows."
"At first they're like flutters."
"That's what they say Lou, I don't know. Charlie, where are the kids ?"
"Chuck and Robin ?" He asked to which Amy nodded.
"First people duties, beer and snacks run for Thursday night and I think Yvette's coming to their place to firm up the food after which they're trying out their new hot tub."
"They got a hot tub ?"
"Delivered and installed yesterday, it needs to run for 24 hours before you can use it. Nice unit, seats 8 I think. They used the one at the Adirondack house on their honeymoon and Chuck fell in love with soaking."
"I miss soaking."
"You can soak Amy just not very hot."
"What's the point Lou, I like steamy."
"Boiling more to the point." Ty muttered.
"Ah, my teenagers have come up from the catacombs."
"Just the basement mom, Brin and Bobby have to go." Maddie said "Just walking them out to the truck."
"Thanks for letting us come over Amy."
"You're very welcome Bobby, you drive safely and say hi to your moms for me."
"Bobby, I don't think I've seen your farm yet, how about a tour."
"Sure thing Jack, glad to show you around, anytime Charlie's here I'm probably home just tell her you're on the way and I'll meet you at the house."
"Look forward to it son, have a good night."
"You too sir, uhm all of you."
"Goodnight Sabrina." Amy added.
Sabrina smiled at Amy and nodded to the group as they walked out and towards the back of the house.
"How big is the farm Amy ?"
"About 500 acres Grandpa, 100 Acres of fruit tress and most of the rest they farm seasonally. They also have goats and chickens."
"No cows ?"
The twins were back and Charlotte answered "They used to have some cows GG but they were really just for show. They get what they need in dairy from Erma and she takes the goat's milk. Sally takes care of the animal end mostly and Bobby does most of the crops now."
"What's their biggest crop Charlotte ?"
"Sweet corn, about 150 acres, really good too. The rest they rotate by season, except for the trees, they grow the usual crops, melons, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, greens and like that. Just a regular farm. They sell mostly to a restaurant jobber so it stays local, or at least in state which he loves and things like the tart cherries really have to go fast or they go bad. They have a produce stand and sometimes they go to the farmer's market but it's all mostly commercial."
"Tart cherries ?"
"They're wonderful Jack, add some to pies or cider and it makes great jam." Betty said "It goes fast, I'll save you a jar this year."
"Sounds like they do Ok."
"Well Tom's a lawyer." Amy added "that helps with the big stuff, farmers don't usually vacation in Costa Rica."
Maddie giggled "Yup, Bobby's plan is to marry a rich country girl."
"We'll see sis, we'll see." Charlie said with a smirk on her face.
"Ok, that's enough you two, you'll give your pappa a heart attack. Time for you both to start getting ready for bed. Me too I think, I have an early morning fitting and then school."
"I'll come along too, I have to get Georgie to school in the morning and start grading." Ty added standing and holding out his hand for Amy. "Let's say our good nights."
Amy settled in bed and put her feet over a small wedge before opening her book.
Ty was laying on his side facing her "Is that helping ?"
"The book or the wedge ? The book is definitely helping, the wedge, I don't know and I miss snuggling."
"That's the book about twins ?"
"Twin specific, I've given up on the standard. What to Do When You're Having Two: The Twins Survival Guide from Pregnancy Through the First Year by Natalie Diaz. This woman's got her shit together. Plus, we've got Betty who's lived through it, at least the infant twins stage, I think I've got a handle on the when they get older part."
"For girls, these are boys."
"I'm not talking about that aspect of it and well we are I guess raising a pretty rambunctious boy, I'm talking about the weird twin stuff, in case you haven't noticed."
"I actually don't think I've spent a day not noticing how absolutely fucking weird and simultaneously amazing they are Ames." He answered laughing. "It's a long way from pregnant to 8 years old though."
"Not as long as you think, it almost feels like yesterday that I was holding Jackson for the first time and falling in love with that smile. Oh, I saw a ranch stroller I really loved, grab the iPad."
"Ranch stroller ?"
"More off road than a travel stroller."
"How many strollers are we getting ?"
"One off road for here and one for the other house and then one or two regular ones for the vehicles and unless we want to spend hours switching car seats, probably 4 of those."
"This thing looks like it's built for a war." Ty said touching the screen and switching photos "and is that the price ?"
Amy laughed "I know, Roberta warned me, that's the twin one, twin one's cost more and we have to order them for an up to 60 day delivery wait. What do you think ?"
"What color ?"
"I like the blue one, the purple is too purple, you know."
"Green's not bad, how about blue for here and green for the other house."
"Works for me, haven't chosen the other stuff yet, I'll send you some links ?"
"Not as exciting as cars but I'd love to weigh in Ames. Tell me about the architect, we haven't talked about it yet, I'm sorry I missed the meeting."
"It's fine Ty, he had a slot open and you had a test, it was just preliminary and Betty was there." Amy shut her book and turned her head while trying to shift her body to still keep her legs elevated. "This sucks." She muttered giving up "come closer."
Ty laughed and shifted while Amy wedged a pillow under her head.
"Anyway, he hated the idea of the pocket door into this room. He said that as far as he was concerned we should focus on setting up the two rooms we were going to connect with one as a nursery and one as an office/spare room for the time being. That would allow me to work upstairs while they napped and on a bad night to just use the room as a bed for you or me, or Mallory depending. We'd put Mallory and Jake up in that bedroom" She said pointing to the wall at the far side of the room "until they boys start sleeping through the night, so maybe 6 months. They could focus on those two rooms, get the Jack and Jack bathroom set up and then it's just a matter of redecorating as they get older.
"Sounds Ok though it means heading down the hall rather than across the room to get to a fussy baby. What do you think ?"
"Tommy, our GC liked the idea, apparently a pocket door over there would be a pain in the ass to install and I don't want a framed door over there. I also kind of like being able to work in there rather than from the library which is a stairway away."
"Betty ?"
"Betty liked the idea too, we could actually leave the girls to listen in right across the hall, it would make life easier for sure in that regard rather than monitors all over the place."
"I don't want to sound indifferent Ames but either way is fine with me, I kind of like keeping our bedroom as it is, we can keep them here as long as we need and then shift them, bring them back if we need to and this way the construction's done once and over with."
"Then let's do it that way, it really does make sense to get it done once and over with."
"Cribs and the like ? Do they take time ?"
"There's a place in Syracuse that's floors of baby and kids furniture so once the wedding's done I'll take a ride up with Erma and Sally and look. I assume most furniture is a wait of some sort so we'll see about that."
"And Alberta furniture ?"
Amy sighed "Well the plan is to head up for a few days in June so once we firm up Nick, Claire and the new facility, I'll make arrangements."
Ty noticed that Amy had her eyes closed while saying the last and took a second to scoot out of bed and walk around to get her light.
"Oh, thank you my love, I think this wedge does help a little, takes the pressure off my back."
With his light now off as well Ty moved over closer to Amy and settled on his side facing her before reaching out to lay his hand on her belly and close his eyes. He smiled when her hand landed on his and squeezed lightly then fit between his fingers. He heard her sigh and her breath softening until he knew she was asleep and followed her a few moments later.