Chapter 132
There was an impressive line of women stretched out on the chaise lounges surrounding the pool. It was 86 degrees and sunny, the pool was set for 79 degrees and for the time being empty.
"I have to admit that if I had to fill out a bingo card of things I would be doing in a year this would not be one of them." Georgie said. She was laying next to Amy followed by Mallory, Lisa, Charlie, Maddie, Brin, Katie, Casey and Betty. The men, which in this case was Jack, Ty and Jackson were fishing and not due back for hours.
"I hear that." Mallory agreed "Nanny for Amy's twin boys was definitely not on my scorecard. I miss Lou."
"Mom's on Stampede duty until it's done and that includes shut down. Business is booming."
"When's the last time you talked to her Georgie ?" Amy asked.
"It's been a few days but at least half a dozen texts a day, there are lines for tables as late as 10 at night and same deal outside by the truck."
"Is she handling it ?"
"Yeah, actually Jade came back in to help out as a favor and works a manager shift so between her, mom and Sloane they're getting by. It's only a few more days, Jade said tips are off the chart."
"Well we always figured the Stampede was the difference between a good year and a great year."
"By the sound of it that appears to be the case." Lisa agreed.
Amy shrugged "We'll see where the chips fall, a profitable first year in the restaurant business is never a sure thing. Maggie's Stampede is for now at least still the new toy all the city folk need to try. Girls we need some horse time."
"And I need to practice." Brin added scooting forward on her chaise.
Amy grunted as she moved to the end of her chaise."The boys coming back for lunch ?"
"They took sandwiches so I doubt it, especially if they're biting." Betty answered. "We'll get lunch ready while you all go about your business."
"Sandwiches and salads are fine for us Gran." Maddie said looking at herself and trying to determine if she colored at all. She looked at Brin who smiled back and showed an obvious glow around her cheeks. "You've got some color Bina."
"Meet you all back here at 3:00." Georgie said. "Dressed and horses, come on Katie."
"Mallory, how about you and I take a walk, I can show you the rest of the compound and we can talk."
"Sounds good to me, we really haven't done that yet have we ?"
"Well, it's only been three days, the day you got in and yesterday coming up here and today. How's Jake doing ?"
"He's great and thrilled to be working with horses again. Texas is cow country and ridiculously long and hot days."
"Let's get changed and take that walk."
"You took the job pretty quick Mal." Amy said as they stopped on the porch of the guest house to look at the views.
"Texas was nice for the first couple years. Denton, where we live is mostly a university city so politics are fairly light and more in line with who we are. We tried Fort Worth which would have been closer to work for Jake but it was Texas through the roof, worse than Alberta. Teaching down there is becoming a nightmare."
"Denton sounds like Ithaca and Syracuse, the cities are fairly democratic bastions and the suburbs aren't."
"Texas has changed over the past few years. New York is a whole different world, we talked about going back to Alberta."
"Well, you're safe with us, we don't care what you guys do and the added bonus is when we go to Alberta, you go to Alberta. How are the folks ?"
"They're Ok, dad's moved on to beloved old time musician, mom's mom. Jack looks good."
"Grandpa needs to accept beloved old time cowboy and relax."
"And how do you make that happen ?"
Amy laughed "I have no idea but he's promised to slow down after that heart business. They're dissolving the horse brokerage, cow's are easier."
"He won't just retire ?"
"He won't just retire Mal. So horses ?"
"No horses, I didn't have one and Jake sold his. Pirate was a cutter, Jake didn't feel right taking him away from that. The ranch he worked at bought him no questions asked, he's a good horse."
"And you ?"
"Borrowed was easy enough, lot of horses in Texas."
"Well, not up here, how's Copper doing ? I'm sorry I didn't get to see him when I was there."
"Trail horse at the dude ranch."
"Trail riding is pretty much all you'd be doing here, we could bring him down."
"You sure, I'd love to have him."
"Why not, I'll talk to Lisa about it and set it up. Jake can pick a rescue, I'll let Bryce know."
They wandered down to the boathouse and up to the second level where windows and screens had been installed along with a new floor. They'd install low cabinets next and upgrade the electrical before finishing the walls. The cabinets would serve as window seats with cushions along their tops. There would also be a bathroom installed on the boat level.
"You look good Amy."
"You look good too Mal."
"Felling Ok ?"
"Yeah overall, I guess more that anything I'm more tired at the end of the day and I'm sure I'm not getting the same exercise. Riding keeps you toned, I don't know how to make up for that."
"Well you do have a pool."
Amy laughed "I do have a pool."
"I'm not used to you in a dress."
"It's come on since Ty's been here, I kind of like it and it's very comfortable pregnant. It's sort of like officially off duty, it's amazing how much it feels like the pressure is off a little since he's been here." She was wearing a plain maternity jumper over a striped short sleeve blouse, a white cowboy hat and well worn boots. She walked as she usually did these days with her clasped hands perched on her belly. Mallory wore jeans in black boots and a short sleeved knit. She no longer carried the chubby baby fat Amy remembered, she was thin and quite pretty.
They walked back slowly and by mutual decision past the house and over to where they were working the horses. The stopped for a second where Brin's playing could be heard through the door and the open windows. Amy took Mallory through a quick tour of the garage and into the barn.
"Reminds me of Briar Ridge."
Amy smiled "I'll take that as a compliment, wait until you see the barn at the house in Alberta."
"Jack mentioned it's big, all of it. I still can't believe he let you upgrade the ranch house."
"At least into the 21 century and it wasn't me really, it was Lisa."
"All of a sudden, Lisa, just like that ?"
"Ok so Lou and I opened the door for her to have her say."
"Maybe that's what he needed." Mal said waving to Georgie who was in a round pen with a Chestnut mare.
They walked past what was now three round pens in front of three paddocks. Amy explained that the compound actually ended at the barn and they had brought in a land contractor to open up the area in front and past the barn for the round pens and some extra paddocks as well as 16 outside stalls. Maddie was in the pen directly in front of the barn and Charlie was sitting on the rail of the furthest one and surprisingly Katie was in the pen.
"Hey mom, Brin still at it ?"
"She was when we walked by the house, she won't stop Mad."
"She loses track of time, it's weird. Getting the grand tour Mallory ?"
"I am and catching up, uh, Maddie I guess."
"Maddie it is, we really are different."
"What's going on over there ?"
"Katie wanted to give it a go and Charlie volunteered to teach."
"Good for them both, it's about time for lunch Mad, you all should start getting done for now. I'll stop in for Brin."
As they passed Georgie who was in the first pen Amy noticed that she was slowing down and moved closer.
"I'm starved and he's done."
"Get him a mash and some water, lunch is coming up fast Georgie."
They came in through the back door and after wiping their feet headed down to the music. Amy walked up to the door and stopped with Mallory following close behind and waited for Brin to acknowledge them which happened a moment later when she didn't stop but looked over at Amy who motioned with her hand by bringing it to her mouth. Brin smiled and nodded and then turned right back to her music.
"She sounds very good to my untrained ear." Mallory said as they walked to the short staircase up to the main level.
"She's concert quality Mal, the daughter and granddaughter of two concert pianists. She's practicing for a concert at the end of the summer. That's her solo piece. It's an all Beethoven program with a string quartet spelling the piano. Brin says it'll be fun."
"She's been playing for two and half hours."
"She'll play again after lunch while they work the horses, meet up with the girls at the pool after. It's not unheard of for her to play 5 hours a day."
"So she doesn't do the whole horsey girl thing ?"
"Oh she loves horses, she'd ride all day and jump but this is her thing, like Bobby and the farm."
They stopped to wash up before heading into the kitchen area where a bottle of white wine had been split into three goblets each held by a grandmother or a great grandmother.
"Ladies." Amy said walking behind the counter and opening the fridge. "Mal, want something ?" She asked taking out a bottle of cranberry juice and reaching for a glass.
"That looks good." She answered pulling up a stool next to Lisa.
Amy pushed Mallory's juice over and walked around the counter when her phone rang.
"It's Ty, hey you, how's the fishing ?"
"Pretty good actually we were just taking a rest for some sandwiches and talking about checking out another hole."
"Jackson behaving himself ?"
"Sure thing, the bite's good, Jackson's happy."
"Grandpa doing ok ?"
"Yeah, he's fine and a lot like his great grandson, the bite's on and he's thrilled, how are things on your end ?"
"Gathering for lunch soon also, I assume we'll be back at the pool by 3:00 or so after some more horses. Brin's been at the piano, I'll check in at home after lunch. Be nice to see you three at the pool later."
"We'll head back about 2:30, that should be enough anyway, I have some files I have to check and call in too, how's that sound ?"
"Perfect, see you then, have fun and kiss JT for me."
Brin was first of the group to join them at the counter after grabbing a bottle of water. "Mad texted, they're coming in."
"What's the piece you've been playing Sabrina ?" Lisa asked.
"Beethoven's Piano Sonata #32 in C minor, it was his last piano sonata and was years ahead of it's time. It was panned when it was first performed, I just don't understand it it's amazing how forward thinking it was."
"Is this for a class or a performance ?"
"Well, technically it's a nice piece to have in your repertoire but this is for a performance at the end of summer."
Betty frowned "Where is that Brin, I feel I should know ?"
"Rochester it's an early student concert, I'll be up there for a few weeks in August and they asked if I'd be willing to play and I get to do a piece with mom so that's pretty cool."
"That right, Amy told me your mom is a pianist."
Brin nodded at Mallory "she is, the piece is written for four hands, Beethoven's Sonata in D major, Opus 6 for four hands, it's fun."
"On one piano ?"
Brin smiled and nodded "one piano. I play my part, mom plays her part and we sort of meet in the middle."
"We've got a jumper !" Charlie announced coming up the stairs from the lower level followed by the three others.
"Get washed up and you can tell me over lunch." Amy said slipping off her stool. "Lunch time I guess."
Maddie was first back to the table and started immediately "Spitfire, dark brown, shiny with a dark main and tail ?"
Amy nodded.
Charlie continued before she even sat down. "Georgie went in to use the bathroom and left him alone in the round pen."
"He went right over the rail mom, straight to the meadow." Maddie said reaching for a sandwich.
"With a bunch of air to spare." Charlie finished.
Georgie giggled sitting down looking at the twins "I'm still not used to them, I didn't see it, anything special for now ?"
"Well, where is he now ?" Amy asked.
"He's in a stall for now just to make sure, he's got mash, hay and water. Should we meadow him for the afternoon ?"
"It's where he wanted to be."
"Ok I'll put him out after lunch."
Amy nodded and Georgie bit into her sandwich.
"Good jump girls ?"
"He's not huge. Like Chester, but he made the jump like it was no thing at all."
Amy nodded and looked over at Brin who was beaming at the comparison to her horse. "Like Chester." She repeated softly.
"I could give him a go at home." Georgie suggested.
Amy thought for a second "Give him to Nick and Claire, is he healthy ?"
"He's on a high weight gain regimen, blood work is fine last time I checked."
"I'll come out after lunch and take a look at him. We'll tailor his diet if we have to but he goes to Nick."
"Don't trust me ?"
"I trust you completely Georgie but this is what Nick and Claire do, they train winning jumpers. Feel free to look in and offer to help."
"So what happens to him ?"
"We'll see how he evaluates but, if he's good we either keep him and jump him, or jump him and sell him."
"What if he's an amazing jumper ?"
"Well Madeline if he's an amazing jumper we'll sell him for an amazing amount of money. We're not keeping him so don't fall in love, let's at least pretend this is a business."
"Uhm, hear from Poppa ?" Charlie asked hearing Amy's tone change.
"The bite is on, Jackson and GG are thrilled. They'll be back at about 3 I assume."
"Alright gang, let's get done and jump in that pool." Georgie said getting up "clear the table for Gran girls."
"What's his name Georgie ?"
"Spirit."
Amy nodded, "good name, Katie are you doing Ok ?"
"Yup, Fleming magic."
"She's doing great Mom." Charlie said. "Assorted grandmothers, what are you all doing this afternoon ?"
"Laying our old assorted old bones at the pool Charlotte." Betty told her.
Lisa smiled "A nice cold Pinot Noir wouldn't hurt."
"I can get used to that." Casey agreed.
"Not missing the rodeo Grandma ?"
"Well Mad, in a word, nope,,,, it's like the best of both worlds I love the sun and I love Alberta and this is like a little bit of both and your grandfather loves the rodeo so for at least now, the pool and a nice crisp Pinot work."
"Are we ready ?" Georgie asked "work time."
"I'll meet you three at the pool in a while, Mal you with me or the wine aficionados ?"
"Tough choice" Malory answered with a laugh "but I think with you for now."
"Then lead on Georgie, let's meet Spirit."
Maddie stopped at Sabrina and took both of her hands. "Back to the grind Bina ?"
"It's not a grind to me Mad, it's what I do, pool later ?"
"You know it, save me a seat."
Neither leaned forward first, it was more mutual consent on both their parts but anyone who notices saw that it was sincere; a slow, simple kiss between them and a quiet affirmation of love in their look afterwards.
Amy stopped at the bathroom before leaving so she and Mallory followed the group out. By the time they were heading downstairs and out Brin was already at the piano and the twins and Katie were each leading a horse to a round pen.
"So Maddie and Brin ?"
"Yeah, Maddie and Brin and Charlie and Bobby. That's a thing. They're teenagers Mal I don't know what else to say."
"No I get it, I was just asking, general family info. And Brin is a prodigy ?"
"We don't use the word but I guess you'd call her that."
They turned into the barn where they found Georgie playing with a well muscled but slightly underweight dark brown horse covered with a long dark brown mane and tail. Amy took him for about 16 hands. He was wearing a rope halter comfortably and was responding well to Georgie.
"This is Spirit."
Amy looked at him for a second and slowly put out her hand. Spirit studied her for a second before passing his nose quickly past.
"Hey you." She whispered loud enough for Spirit who stopped and turned back to Amy's hand. A moment later she was rubbing his muzzle and a few seconds past that T-Touch on his crouched head.
"Well, that hasn't changed." Mallory mumbled.
"Oh, Mal, it's way worse."
"It's not worse or better." Amy said opening the stall "Back Spirit, good boy, let me in."
"Amy be careful."
"I'm always careful Mal."
She moved her hand slowly from Spirit's head around to his neck and gently down his back.
"You're a good boy Spirit." She said coming back to the front and rubbing his forehead again.
"I checked his legs when I stalled him before lunch and they were fine. What do you want to do with him ?"
"I don't know Georgie, why don't we put him in a round pen and leave him alone."
Georgie smiled "Guess that's why you're the boss. I'll pull Maddie out, that's where he jumped from last time."
Amy nodded "And I will sit on that hay bale." She said pointing to a short stack of bales at the front of the barn. "Tell Maddie to get a couple horses into that meadow he jumped into."
Georgie held up her hand in acknowledgment as she walked away and over to the round pen and a couple minutes later they made the switch. A few minutes after that two more horses were in the meadow and both Georgie and Maddie pulled over bales to join Amy and Mallory.
"Ok, what are we doing ?" Maddie asked.
Amy put her arm around her "Waiting for Spirit to join the grazing party."
"That could take a while don't you think ?"
"Are we in a hurry Mad ?"
"Guess not, probably shouldn't have mashed him though."
"He's a horse Mad."
"Sure looks like a horse, good eyes Georgie."
Amy pulled two hay stalks from the bale and started braiding them as they talked. It was mostly Mallory at that point talking about their travels and ending up in Texas and the change from the Texas they had found to the changes in the loud opinions of the politicians being mimicked by the people.
"When they started talking about introducing God in the classrooms and how something as benign as a rainbow over the tack board with the words "good thoughts and deeds" on it being indoctrination rather than a place for kids to tack actual good thoughts and deeds, teaching became more of a chore than a joy."
"And Jake ?"
"Jake would come home everyday shaking his head and mumbling."
"So this is good timing ?"
"This is good timing Georgie, for me and him. Anyways, he prefers horses to cows."
"And Alpaca ?"
"He's fine moving a herd every now and then, besides they don't wander much do they ?"
Maddie laughed "until a fence is down and they wander as a group, there are very few things as funny as watching a herd of Alpaca just wandering up the road and all stopping every 20 yards to just, you know, look around, 400 heads with big eyes inspecting the world."
Amy laughed "leave my Alpaca alone, they're adorable."
"I saw the few by the house but I was swept away to sun in the mountains before even riding around."
"I'll give you a tour of the ranch when we get back Mal, it's actually much bigger than Heartland and then you add in the conservation land."
"Look at him." Amy said nodding to Spirit in the pen. "This won't take much longer."
Spirit was sticking his head through the rails of his round pen and doing his best to nibble at the tops of the grass in the meadow beyond. At one point he stopped and looked around as if he was trying to see if the coast was clear before taking a step or two back and springing over the almost 5 foot fence into the meadow.
"Reminds me of Phoenix." Amy said softly taking in the horse "but much younger."
"So ?"
"So Maddie, he goes to Nick and Claire, he's too young to be really jumped, he needs to be brought around slowly for at least a year, maybe two."
"So we gonna jump Spirit ?" Charlotte asked walking over with Katie, both leading a horse.
"He needs to grow a little and mature a lot Charlie, we'll let Nick and Claire have him until he's ready. Katie how are you making out ?"
"Not bad I think, they've been keeping an eye on me."
"We'll bring out the Fleming mom, she's doing great." Maddie said laughing.
"So far she's the only one with that actual genetic make-up Mad, like I keep saying, what I do is just a state of mind."
"What's next ?"
"Next is we're not done with these rescues Katie." Georgie said. "Come on team, 4 more horses to exercise before pool time."
"Mal, here or inside ?" Amy asked pushing herself off her bale and standing.
"You're gonna work so I'll kibitz with the old folks."
"Then ladies, we will gather again at the pool." Amy said turning to the house "good jobs by the way, they're looking good."
"Easy bunch mom."
"I wish they were all easy Charlie but the hard ones make it interesting."
"And need us more." Georgie added.
"Sad but true." Amy said softly already walking towards the house.
Mallory ran up to change and Amy kept walking, peaked in on Brin who smiled at her and went back to her piece and then out the pool area where she found the group of Betty, Lisa and Casey on chaise lounges pulled over to the shade. It was a hot day and Amy could see that they'd swam. There was a small cooler with them and two bottles which Amy assumed was the Pinot Noir.
"How's your jumper Amy ?" Lisa asked.
"Young but game, Nick and Claire will bring him along. You three have everything you need ? I think Mallory's changing and coming down, by the way."
"And you ?" Betty asked.
"Work through come correspondence until the girls are done."
"Mail's in the library. Bridge and Sandra lightened the load."
Amy nodded "I told them to cull away, we should have them up for a few days."
"And ?"
"And, I'll take care of that Gran."
Done with mail Amy was finishing up reading her emails and signing off on Sarah and Violette's charts on the thoroughbreds and jumpers when Georgie came in a plopped down in a chair across fro her desk.
"You Ok with saddles tomorrow ?"
"If you all think their ready but you and Ty should give them all a full hands on first."
Georgie nodded, "not a problem and Spirit ?"
Amy thought for a second "you or the twins, not Katie, if he takes off to jump we can't have her on the horse."
"This is hard for you isn't it ?"
"Ordinarily I would do it Georgie, I need to let someone else do that now, it's, I'm just not used to it."
"You don't ride every racehorse."
"And I won't jump every one of the new horses either. They're a known quantity, we don't get untested racers and our jockey's are top notch, I do it because I love it and I'll do it again and jump some of those horses, just not now. The rescues are just different for me."
"I get that, anyway, pool time ?"
"Go ahead, I'm right behind you. Maddie get Brin ?"
"Yup, just get changed."
Amy was naked and standing in front of the full length mirror in the master bedroom when she heard the door unlock and Ty slipped in.
"There's my beautiful wife."
"I swear Ty, I'm bigger today than yesterday."
Ty smiled "while that's probably true Ames it really doesn't show day to day."
He walked over behind her and slid his arms around her. "Pool ?"
"I was in the process of getting on my swimsuit."
"I need a rinse, meet you down there ?"
"I'll be waiting where are Grandpa and Jackson ?"
"Jackson is rinsing and changing, Jack is rinsing and napping."
"Is he Ok ?"
"He's fine, he's not a pool person and a nap sounded like a good idea to me."
"A nap is fine, I'm sorry, I worry too much."
"Don't be sorry, it's OK to worry but he's fine."
She walked out of her room as the shower turned on and ran into Lisa coming upstairs.
"I'm just going to check on Jack."
"Ty said he's showering then napping."
"That's what Jackson said, I just want to check in."
Amy smiled "I'd feel better if you do. See you at the pool."
The hallway to the pool was quiet without Brin's music. Amy though it was almost amazing that she could play for almost 5 and a half hours albeit with a lunch break but figured she wouldn't be Brin if she didn't. Her brain was clearly wired differently than other people's as most brains were.
Maddie was at the far end of the pool helping Jackson set up a lane. While the pool wasn't Olympic sized by any measure it was safer for him to have a dedicated lane and an Olympic lane was just over 8 feet wide. It left plenty of room for the rest of them.
As Jackson learned to swim properly so did the rest of the family, it was the natural thing to do and as such the kids learned as well as Amy watched watched Sabrina walk to the edge of the pool and dive perfectly take two strokes underwater and rise into the breast stroke. She did not do that swimmer kick or flip at the edge just slow to turn and head back. Those moves were Jackson's alone, he worked at them and was coached to be perfect.
"Brin's a good swimmer, me not so much but I can do an acceptable freestyle and backstroke."
Amy smiled "I can do most of the strokes but I prefer the breaststroke. Watch Jackson Casey, he's the treat."
"All set on this side bro !" Maddie called out across the pool.
"Thank Mad, this is great !"
Jackson turned for a second and smiled at her which always makes her heart skip a beat. She watched him kneel and dip his goggles before fitting them to his face and going through his routine of shaking out his muscles and loosening up before popping his head back and forth.
"He looks like one of those Olympic racers getting ready."
"Watch."
She saw his deep breath, his knees bend and his arms pull back and then his perfect arc into the water. She watched his body flex twice and his huge perfect stroke before his body lifted out of the water with his arms automatically pulling to the side for his next stroke. One more stroke before his head disappeared and his feet suddenly appeared for a second. The next she could see him was his head breaching the water line and his mouth opening, sucking air in and readying another stroke before his head disappeared again.
"He's amazing Amy." Casey whispered.
"I can watch him all day Casey." She whispered back.
They were interrupted when Katie and the twins ran to the pool holding hands and jumping together and Ty walked by to look at the pool before turning back to her and leaning over for a kiss.
"Everybody good ?" Ty asked looking at Betty and Casey.
"We're fine Ty, did you see Lisa ?"
"She's bringing Jack a cup of tea, all good, she'll be down in a few minutes."
"What are we doing for dinner Amy ? We have a bunch of pasta sauce, pasta and salad ?" Betty asked.
"How about we go out tonight and take it easy ?" Ty suggested."The Inn or Logan's ?"
"Not the Inn, Logan's would be nice."
"Better call then and tell them we're 12 and outside please so we can bring the dogs."
"What time ?"
"Betty ? 6:30 ?" Amy asked.
"6:30's fine Ty."
"Girls, Ok with Logan's for dinner ?"
"Logan's is awesome Pappa." Charlie called back with Maddie raising her thumb in approval.
When they went for breakfast or lunch they usually did it at the Timberline Café where Amy and Ty had become friends of owners and operators Mandy and Mike. They in turn recommended two spots for dinner, the Inn At Speculator and Logan's Pub. Both were friendly and unpretentious and served somewhat similar menus with Logan's being slightly more casual, a little noisier and homier. They also served fresh fried seasoned potato chips which quickly became a family favorite.
"Does he stop when he gets tired ?" Casey asked still watching Jackson.
Amy looked over and saw that he'd switched to a freestyle stroke and not showing any signs of slowing down.
"Have you been counting laps ?"
"Nope but he did switch from breaststroke to something with his arms going the opposite way and doing that swishy thing with his legs."
"Butterfly so if he's free stroking which is what that is" Amy said pointing "he's cooling off, he'll stop pretty soon."
"That's cooling off ?"
"For him yeah, look how little effort that takes for him compared to the breast stroke and the butterfly which is the hardest stroke to learn and do well and definitely the hardest stroke on the body. Freestyle is like walking a horse after a race."
He stopped a few laps later, Amy had been chatting with Casey about the northern Alberta rodeo circuit when they saw him lift his way out of the pool and reach for his towel.
"How many laps Jackson ?"
"50. 30 10 and 10."
"Take a 15 minute break, did you bring a book ?"
"On my chair." He said pointing to one of the chaise lounges.
"He's not even out of breath." Casey mentioned once Jackson settled with a bottle of Gatorade and his book.
"He's in excellent condition and on his own, his body and swimming are a big part of what defines him, hopefully it stays that way. Jackson's off his required regimen, he's on his own."
"On his own ?"
Amy closed her eyes and described her last conversation with Phyllis, Jackson's physical therapist for the past 5 years, basically at this point a part of their family they spent time with 4 or 5 times a week. She had called Amy to tell her she'd like to talk to her and Ty after Jackson's quarterly progress exam and so at the end of June she came into the library where Amy and Ty were dealing with their paperwork while waiting.
"What's up Phyl ?" Amy asked when Phyllis knocked on the open door and both she and Ty looked up.
"I need your signature on a few forms Amy." She said moving over to sit across from her and Ty who had moved his seat to Amy's desk. Jackson pulled up in the seat next to Phyllis.
"I assume this isn't for insurance or he wouldn't be here with that big grin on his face. What's up Phyl ?"
"I graduated."
"You graduated what Jackson ?" Amy asked with a smile.
"I'm done, you know all better."
"I'm lost Phyl."
"The papers are Jackson's release from care. He doesn't need me anymore. He's had his last surgery and from every physical test we've run, blood flow, bone density, you name it he's 100 percent normal or better than the average child his age who can't press 50 pounds or swim 50 laps. I've spoken with Asher and Shoshana who'd still like semi annual evaluations and Don who'd be happy to do them, but, as of today he's on his own."
"Like I said graduated, I'm all better."
"I've spoken with him about keeping up a revised and somewhat less vigorous exercise schedule and with the coach who'd love to see him regularly at the pool but he just doesn't need the structured PT schedule I've kept him too, hence, I quit, with your signature of course."
Amy sat quietly looking across at her and then Jackson before the first tear rolled down her cheek followed by several others. Ty reached across and took her hand as she reached for a tissue to dab at her face.
Jackson smile changed a bit before leaning over to Phyllis and whispering "I think this is the good crying."
Phyllis smiled "I think you're right JT."
"Me too." Ty said smiling at the boy.
Amy smiled "This is the good crying sweetheart. Uhm, Ok then, I mean, what do I have to sign ?"
Casey sniffed and wiped her eyes "so that was unexpected huh ?"
Amy sniffed as well and wiped her eyes clear "Since the moment I ever laid eyes on him through all the years I carried him around, held him through his pain, I mean I hoped to one day hear those words but it's been tough Casey."
"I can't imagine Amy, so, now ?"
"He just swam 50 laps, he rides whenever he can, does chores, he's in constant motion and eats twice his weight each day, so far so good. The real question is the pool at home and winter when riding is weather driven. Will he use the gym ? Who knows ?"
"Is it 15 minutes ?"
Amy laughed, she hadn't paid attention at all "probably not but go ahead." Amy said watching JT get up and jump in with his sisters and the rest.
"He's certainly a bundle of energy."
Amy nodded and smiled "that has never been a problem."
"How about you Amy, swim ?" Casey asked moving to the edge of her chaise just as Lisa turned the corner.
"Lose the robe Lisa, let's get these expensive bathing suits wet. How's Jack ?"
"Reading a fishing magazine with his legs up and a cup of tea. What did I miss ?"
"Jackson's all cured and we're eating dinner someplace called Logan's."
"All cured ?"
Amy put out her hand looking for some help standing to which they both obliged lending some counterweight and steadiness while she stood "100 percent all boy."
Lisa smiled "that's wonderful Amy you can tell me later and Logan's ?"
"Logan's Pub, it's casual and good. Sort of like a diner menu but they make their own potato chips that are out of this world."
"Are you a jumper Amy ?" Lisa asked as the three walked to the pool. Amy checked back one last time to glance at Betty who was napping.
"When I'm not carrying twins." She looked around the pool for a second "Ty my love, a hand down please sweetheart ?"
Ty smiled and made his way over to hold her hand while she came down the short staircase. "Who would have thought we would ever own a pool ?" She said walking down.
"The list of things that fills that criteria is long and varied. 5 kids ? Not on any list I ever made."
Amy shrugged "fair enough but I have at times wondered how many kids I'd have, that
they'd all come in multiples was not on my bingo card."
Amy watched her adopted grandmother and great grandmother revert to teenagers and smiled.
"You first." Lisa said.
"No way, let's just go on three, together." Casey countered. "I'll count."
"No way Case, you'll just watch me, we hold hands and count together."
"Fine you baby." Casey muttered. "Ready ?" She said opening her hand for Lisa to take.
Amy smiled when they counted and jumped together and then watched them giggle and wade off to the girls and Jackson while Amy turned her back to Ty and he wrapped his arms around her.
Georgie and Mallory came out and dropped their towels and robes on a chaise. Georgie stopped for a second to look at the pool then ran, jumped over Amy and Ty and cannon balled into the pool soaking them. She was followed a second later by Mallory.
"Hey you two!" Amy shrieked laughing.
"It's a pool Amy, you have a bedroom."
"You're just jealous that Wyatt's in Alberta and you're here."
"Not jealous at all. Just got off the phone with Katie and Barb, nothing much happening in Ithaca and Wyatt sends you all his love."
"Sorry for yelling Georgie, that's a nice suit."
"You're forgiven, the girls bought the suit and I chose to come here and not go to Alberta"
"Why is that ?" Ty asked watching JT swim over.
"Because there are no odds that I wouldn't be working at a Maggie's this week."
Ty nodded in acquiescence "yeah that's probably the case."
"Jake is not a pool person, he prefers lakes and the ocean."
Ty noticed JT coming in underwater a second before he popped up and squirted water at him.
"Hey dad !"
"Hey yourself." Ty said cocking his flat hand forward and forcing a spray of water into Jackson's face.
Jackson laughed and used both hands to splash him back "catch me if you can !" He called out as he turned and dived under the water.
Ty laughed when he popped up 5 feet away and called out "or are you chicken ?" And then went under again.
Amy laughed "go on, go play." She said giving Ty some space.
Georgie and Mallory both smiled when Ty started moving to catch him.
"What are the odds of Ty catching him ?" Georgie asked.
Amy smiled "Alone ? In the water ? About the same odds as a one armed man wading out into a stream and catching a trout, without a fishing rig."
"I think that's the point." Mallory said watching Ty leap for him and Jackson disappearing into the water and popping up a few seconds at least 10 feet away behind him. They were having a great time doing it.
"Betty's napping should we start dinner ?"
"Sorry Georgie you weren't here, we're going out to Logan's."
"Oh, Charlie took us there over the honeymoon week, that place is great, They make their own potato chips."
"That's the place." Amy said. "6:30 reservation." She looked down as she said it and saw JT swim past her and come up behind Georgie and Mallory.
Georgie smiled but didn't turn.
"How's he doing cuz ?"
"He's terrible at this."
"To be fair JT I have no idea when the last time Ty actually swam was and I don't count the grotto at home."
"I know Georgie but ….. uh oh, dad's got help, gotta go." And with that he slipped back under the water as Ty and 4 girls formed a wall heading towards them.
"This doesn't look good." Mallory said watching as Maddie reached down and grabbed at Jackson's leg going by. It took one turn for her to lose him and for him to take off to the other side of the pool.
"You know he'd never get through all of us."
"I'm game." Mallory shrugged.
"Oh look, Lisa and Casey are joining the capture team which means that I can lay down on a chaise and dry off. I have no desire to chase Jackson around a pool." Amy said "anyone want to join me ?"
"I'm staying, IPad's under my towel, couple interesting rehab articles, one specifically on pool use from Edinburgh."
"I'll stay, I want to visit with Lisa."
"Have fun Mal, I'm going to read."
Amy settled and got caught up in the papers both of which interested her, the first which dealt with acupuncture intervals for jumpers, she forwarded to Cassandra and the second dealing with water therapy and massage she saved to reread but in the interim sent a text to Katie and Barb asking them to take a peek.
"Busy Amy ?"
"No Betty, come sit."
"Ty's having fun."
"Yeah, it's good to see he him letting go."
"You were in ?'
"For awhile, you were napping, how about you ?"
"Actually I swam like 3 laps this morning."
"You'll be able to challenge JT soon enough."
Betty laughed "If he spots me nine laps in a 10 lap race."
"Anything from Ithaca ?"
"Georgie called, seems everything is fine at least on the horse side. Sandra and Bridge's emails were pretty pedestrian."
"You know, I haven't even looked. My iPad can perpetually beep at this stage and I don't really care, if it's that important someone will call. I know that your stuff can be more important Amy, my stuff usually isn't."
"Good for you Betty and you're right of course, no one's going to let a bill or travel arrangement not get paid or planned for."
"Just what I was thinking, you, Ty and the kids are here, Carlotta's keeping the house up, that's about it."
Amy laughed "By all means Betty, take the summer off."
"Seems you've discovered my plan sweetheart. I'll probably still cook, I like cooking."
"You cook great Gran !"
"Thank you Jackson, it's one of the things that keeps me going." Betty said pulling him over for a hug.
Amy smiled and looked up as Brin walked over to her chaise and grabbed a towel and a robe.
"Are you two heading somewhere together ?"
"I am going to try a remote lesson with April." Brin answered.
"I'm gonna say hi to April before they start." JT added.
"And I'm going to check on Jack and wake him up or he'll be up all night." Lisa said following behind Brin.
"Maybe we should all take a break, get changed and go outside."
"We are outside Amy. You want to see horses."
"Fair enough Lisa, you found me out" Amy moved to the end of her chaise "girls, let's get changed and see to the horses before we head out to dinner." She called out across the pool.
"You need me ?" Ty called out from the edge. He had been talking with Georgie, Mallory and Casey off to the side.
Amy smiled "what a question, of course I do, but we're just getting the horses checked and settled before dinner, stay and enjoy yourself, we'll grab Jackson."
"Come on you two, laying around in the shade is definitely not good for you." Amy said to the dogs who perked up at her voice and then jumped up behind her when she whistled.
"Hey GG, come to visit the livestock ?" Maddie said to Jack when he turned into the barn after they'd been working for some time.
"I'm not a pool person.
"Hey Grandpa, what's up ?"
"How are they doing ?" Jack said nodding at the line of rescues.
Amy had grabbed Jackson from the kitchen and they all met 15 minutes later changed and ready to work before walking out towards the barn. The first order of business was grabbing the horses from the meadow and getting them stalled after a brush down and having their hooves checked.
"They're doing well Grandpa." Amy answered as Charlie went in to check on Spirit and his stall.
"While you're down there Charlie check him for swelling."
"Got it mom."
"How's that ?"
"How's what Grandpa ?"
"Stepping back, letting someone else do the hands on stuff ?"
"I've been stepping back for years Grandpa, the more horses we take on the less hands on I am. The biggest decision, work wise of course, that I've had to make is teaching. It takes a lot of scheduled and unscheduled time."
"So ?"
"So, I decided teaching is more important than hands-on. It's not quite the same for you Grandpa, not dying is up there on the decision pole. Are you having a hard time ?"
"Can you keep a secret ?"
Amy smiled "of course I can, spill."
"Cows are not as exciting as horses."
She laughed "are you bored Grandpa ?"
He was helping her brush down the horses and get them into their stalls.
"I have to look for things to do."
"Grandpa, pick a hobby and get a library card. Start with Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour or Cormac McCarthy or just grab a book from the western section."
"I just started a book."
"Good, pick a hobby, you've always liked woodwork."
"What would I make ? I like woodwork when I need something or something needs fixing."
Amy laughed "start with that, at the least the porch stuff probably needs a tightening and a paint job."
Jack sighed as a response.
"Grandpa, what's really bothering you ? It's a ranch, there's always something to fix or paint or change for the better, all the things you haven't done because the horses or the cows were more important."
"What happens when the list is done ?"
"Grandpa." Amy said softly "this isn't the end of the line" she said walking around the horse and taking his hand. She turned it and moved it towards her belly and then stopped when he tried to pull away. "Grandpa please" and then took his hand again laying it against her newest kicks. She held it for a second until she felt it and knew he had as well. She saw him smile and she lifted his hand to her lips for a kiss before laying her head against his chest. When she reached around him his arms pulled her close. "There's a whole new list Grandpa."
"And when did you get so wise ?"
Amy laughed "clearly it comes and goes."
Maddie broke the moment when she took up the horse's bridle "He needs his stall mom, last one, we're done."
"Ok Mad, let's shut the barn, we're on the deck so we can bring the dogs."
They stood as a group while Jackson hit the two switches that would close both sets on barn doors.
"That's a nice trick." Jack said watching the doors close.
"All green !" Jackson said turning to the group. 4 green lights lit as the doors closed and made contact with their counterparts.
Jack turned with the group and cocked his arm for Amy too take a hold of.
"So Amy, names ?"
"Yeah, names, there are a bunch on the list, any suggestions ?"
"Ty ?"
"He's pretty adamant about not doing that though James is in play."
"What else ?"
"Samuel, Mitchell, Jefferson if that's not too hard for you. Finnegan's a contender, Bartlett, I like Bart."
"I have good memories of my dad Amy, he broke down when my mom and June died. When your Grandma Lyndy died and then your mom, I think the way he was and you girls were the only things that kept me from going over the deep end. Jefferson would be fine, he was a good man hit with unbelievable sorrow."
"Well then I think Samuel Jefferson will do for one."
"That's good mom, SJ works, Sam works."
Amy nodded "All subject to final approval, it's a work in progress."
"Are you going Borden or Fleming-Borden ?"
Amy turned, the question had come from Katie who was quietly walking with the girls.
"I actually don't know Katie, we haven't talked about that part. I don't even know, are you a Fleming-Morris ?
"Technically, but I'm Katie Morris at school, they sort of drop the Fleming for the day to day."
"Georgie jumped and performed as Fleming-Morris."
"She's still Fleming-Morris at least on her motorcycle license." Charlie added as they went in the door. The house was quiet until they heard voices coming from the living room.
"Brin says everyone's in the living room and we should get washed and changed."
"Thank you Maddie." Amy said "Let's do that then and meet back downstairs."
By the time they got home from the pub it was late. Jackson had already gone through his yawning routine in the truck on the way back and Katie was fading fast. Amy and Ty changed clothes and made the rounds making sure everyone was settled.
Amy stood in front of the full length mirror in their room while Ty washed. As usual she stood with her hands on her stomach. She was wearing loose shorts and a tank top which was pushed up revealing her belly.
Ty stepped behind her and slid his hands over hers then leaned forward and kissed her neck.
"Do you have a problem with Fleming-Borden ?"
He thought for a second and she shifted her hands over his and leaned back a drop into his body. "I really haven't thought about it, is that what you want ?"
"Ty, we've talked about this."
He laughed "I know, I'm sorry, I have no problem with Fleming-Borden."
"Thank you my love, I do appreciate your trying to defer to make me happy but I promise to let you know when I'm not. How do you feel about Samuel Jefferson ?"
"Samuel Jefferson Fleming-Borden."
"Sure is a mouthful when you say it." She quipped.
Ty laughed "It's a mouthful when anyone says it. Why Jackson Timothy and not the other way around ?"
"I didn't think I could bring myself to hear Tim all day, you know hear my dad's name all the time. I've always called Grandpa Grandpa so that wasn't a thing."
"No one ever calls him Jack so that worked out."
They'd moved over to the bed by now though their hands seemed to return to their same familiar spot on Amy's belly.
"Any thoughts on the other name ?"
"Mitchell James but I think we should ask Betty and the kids how they would feel about that."
"How do you think they'll react ?"
"The girls and Jackson will be fine with it, I think Betty will too. James does double duty, you're a James and so was her husband."
Amy shifted her weight against him and stifled a yawn.
"You're tired."
"A little, I could probably be coaxed into a second wind or you could wake me in the morning. I like when you wake me in the morning.
"Something we have in common I guess."
"Then it's a date ?"
"Definitely." Ty said leaning over to kiss her shoulder.
"Night Ames, I love you."
"Goodnight husband."
"How's that coming ?"
"Almost rolls off the tongue, I love you Ty."