A/N β Seems I write this on every chapter now, thanks so much for the reviews and opinions. Again, many of your questions are valid and will come up soon. We're not half way through yet. This chapter should be fun.
Chapter 20
Ty opened his eyes to an empty bed, stretched and went straight to the bathroom. He heard signs of life and laughing outside, showered and dressed in new blue jeans, T-shirt, a striped, open, button down shirt over it and headed out.
Amy was getting coffee and walked over to kiss him. "Morning Ty."
"This Ok ?" He asked low referring to his clothes.
"Until after lunch, changing for the competition, I know it's weird but it's what's done. We won't have to do this again. The rest of the fancy competitions well let's say we don't do this."
Amy sat down with Jack, Lisa and Betty, Ty got coffee and a bagel and joined them.
"This is good smoked salmon and a good bagel."
"It's Nova Lox and I agree, it's excellent." Amy said "I picked it up on Wednesday when we were in the city, all those other smoked fish also. New York bagels are pretty special. Pizza too."
"What's the schedule today ?"
"I've got to meet the girls make sure they've got the horses braided, no problems overnight, the usual, stay and have breakfast and I'll be back, JT's with the Carmichaels, he'll be back eventually."
Lisa and Jack were going to walk down Broadway and see Saratoga after breakfast. Betty considered joining them but wanted to find out what Amy's plans were before committing. The boys needed to be watched.
"So I read about this charity, Amy mentioned she's seen their facilities, how does this event raise money ?" Jack asked.
"Amy writes a $300,000 check to start." Ty muttered.
Betty stared at him for a second, "You know Ty I start to think I understand you and then you lose me. You do understand on some level that those Boy Scout jamboree trips to Mongolia and wherever are paid for by people like Amy. I could understand if she was buying a Lamborghini but it's charity and this one is dear to her heart. I can't imagine that donation information wasn't given to you in confidence either, you should learn to mind your tongue, she doesn't broadcast her work." With that she got up and walked off to her trailer.
"I'm not making the best impression on her am I ?"
"You're not making the best impression on me either, in case you haven't noticed, for the most part they live on that ranch with no pretension Ty or haven't you seen those kids shovel manure yet or Amy on her knees in the barn ?"
"Lisa, what do you call this ?"
"I call this the modern version of what they drove up from Fairfield to save your ass from that plane crash with Scott years ago Ty. Open your eyes, the foundation collects millions of dollars and supports the retirement facility this charity funds with resources. There is an image that needs to be shown to the world. By the way, I own one of these busses now, how high do you rate my pretension. I think I'll go for a walk and find the girls. We'll go at 10 Jack."
Jack looked over, he didn't say anything.
"At least Amy's still talking to me."
"Hanging your hat on that are you Ty ? You have insulted my wife who considers you her son and the woman who cooks your food and considers Amy her daughter."
"How do you live like this Jack ?"
"I don't and neither does she and I don't start by questioning a remarkably generous donation to a worthy charity by the woman who earned the money. I assume you asked for this information ?"
"Brin's mom came by and thanked Amy for doing this and I asked, I found out that it costs $10000 to jump for the event. She paid for all of them including Brin and Bobby."
"Do you have a problem with that, does she, do their parents ?"
"I asked, she told me that each does what they can and they are all fine with it. Brin's folks took the girls to Disney last year and Jackson went to see Niagara Falls and some other stuff with Cars folks. The girls wanted to jump, the charity is important to them and they want their friends."
"Ok so I guess now her donation is $250,000."
"Yes, I asked, she told me."
"Different Amy, no more secrets and lies, that's what you said right, back then when you turned your back on her ?"
"I did say that and I didn't see clearly enough back then and I didn't turn my back on her." he whispered.
"Don't feel bad because none of us saw it all clearly back then either, seems she's made sure that kind of thing won't ever happen to her girls, not after what I saw last night. She's done quite well raising them on her own. You shut down all communications with her Ty, you had every reason to be mad and she knows it and knew it then but you gave no leeway and the times she came to you, you turned her away. You ask her how much money she has yet ?"
"Yeah, I don't even know why."
"To build that worthlessness bullshit up in your head again, the I'm not good enough part, or she doesn't need me part, or the stand in her way part, and I don't want to know the number by the way. You'd think those kids would be a little spoiled."
"They get what they want Jack."
"So did Amy and so did Lou, you think a Columbia degree comes cheap Ty , it's what parents do. Those girls take care of 4 horses each, JT takes care of three, the pet Alpacas and Bunnies. They get good grades, they help in the house, the girls watch out for their brother and as I understand it help their mom when new rescues are in. They seem to do your job Ty and they're 14. JT is 6. You want them to pull fence ? Chop wood ?"
"Amy had a motorcycle ?"
"Had Amy come to me and asked me to help her build a motorcycle like those girls did to her, you think I wouldn't have helped her ? You heard her, they built those things from rats Ty. How old were you when you showed up ? 17 ? You had a truck, a motorcycle, an attitude and a probation to finish. Now you're a partner in a vet clinic. Why doesn't your shit stink ? What's really bothering you son ?"
"Yesterday, the thing with Brin when Maddie went out with John and Trish."
"I noticed you didn't go."
"It struck me at that moment that I was looking at you and me Jack. That man stepped right up as her dad, he didn't question that place, Amy didn't and Maddie didn't, I heard your voice in my head, it's not your fight son."
"You want that spot Ty, it's yours to earn, I don't think John would stand in your way. He's a good man, he loves Amy and those kids, he knows you're what's best for them."
"And you Jack why didn't you go ?"
"Lisa was squeezing my hand and I heard her voice in my head."
They smiled at each other as Amy walked up with JT.
"Hey, you two deep into something ?"
"Hey GG, Dr. Borden, Maddie kicked some guys butt last night, everybody's talking about it."
"Jackson Timothy I told you that did not happen, she spoke to him and stood while he apologized to Brin."
"That's a butt kickin' mom."
"JT, you certainly make my life interesting. Ty, we have a few hours we could join Grandpa and Lisa with the family for a stroll through town ?"
"Ty you might as well take her in and tell her, Lisa's on the way back already I see, maybe I can dig you out with one of them."
"Jackson, please stay around the camp."
"Ok mom."
Amy went inside and pulled off her blouse heading into the bedroom.
She turned and then went back to the bedroom door. "Ty ? Look at you and that face, what did you do, did you steal pie ?" She giggled. "I was gone for like a half hour. Ty ? Come in and talk to me while I wash up and change please."
He wandered over, leaned against the door and told his tale.
"Ok, well lesson learned I guess, don't do that again, I value my privacy. Is it over now because I found the whole having a baby together thing way more interesting. Maybe we should talk to Betty about that."
"Sounds like John and Trish are pulling in. Do I have to change for town ?"
Amy giggled again "You sound like JT, your next change is after lunch for the competition."
"I'm only changing because I hate shopping smelling like a horse. Come on Ty, stop being mopey, we know the money's an issue, we'll figure it out. We'll buy all the baby's clothes in the thrift shop."
"Stop Ames."
"Stop what Ty ? You don't have an issue with the money ?
"How do I square things with Betty ?"
"You don't, that'll happen in time when she gets to see you out of this element and working. Your dedication to your patients will win her over. And the kids Ty, that's what she's watching. She's scared too you know, they're her grandchildren and me, I'm"
"Her daughter"
Amy nodded and smiled "Let's go and don't be mopey, I love you and I'm on your side, that sort of counts for something around here."
They came out to hugs and kisses from John and Trish and the girls, Brin and Bobby.
"Our group has grown." Lisa said.
"Lisa, let's go to town and spend an obscene amount of my money. Really impress Ty."
"Oh great, Amy I apologized."
"Actually you didn't, I forgave you."
"Can we stop for Cars ?"
"Of course JT, Brin where are your folks and they know about last night ?"
"Maddie thought it best that we tell them first thing last night so we stopped on the way to, uh."
"The campfire."
"Right. They're in town too."
"Maybe we'll run into them."
After picking up Cars, and apparently granting the elder Carmichael's some alone time, they walked off towards town. The track was about a ΒΌ mile down Broadway from downtown so in no time they were window shopping. They walked slowly, chatting and laughing. Ty was in back with John, Amy walked with Trish along with Lisa and Betty.
"John, why are there Marauders from the Utica and Plattsburgh clubs wandering the streets ?"
"No reason."
Amy smiled and watched bikers walk by the girls and nod or fist bump them. Kali, the den mother from the Saratoga chapter walked up to them at one point, kissed and hugged each and began walking with the girls.
"How many John, the place is crawling with bikes and bikers ?"
"Probably close to 300 Amy. They'll start closing off the street at 1:30. Pat's talked to the organizers they know what's coming."
"You think you can swell their heads a little more John ?"
"If you can come up with a way Amy, I'm all ears."
"You're incorrigible." Amy said swatting at him.
Ty had stopped at a jewelry store that had a display of watches in the window. He gazed over the large display and his eyes stopped on a TAG Heuer watch. It was a Special Carbon series Formula One Chronograph with dark blue features.
"ooohh watches."
"Mine stopped a few weeks ago."
"Which one you like ?"
"No Amy."
"Please Ty ?"
"Amy no."
"Pretty please ?"
"You don't even know how much it is."
Amy snaked around in front of him and ran her hands over his shirt. "Please Ty, please, please, please ? Just try it on, what could that hurt ?"
"I like that one, Patek."
"Which one Grandpa."
"That one right there, brown leather band."
"Lisa what do you think, Grandpa likes that Patek."
"Fine looking watch Jack. Let's try it on."
"Can't make out the price."
"Don't you worry about that Grandpa, it's a gift and besides, it's a watch, how much could it be ?"
Lisa looked at her and smiled as they walked through the doors.
"Come on Ty, you can stand to watch Grandpa try on a watch can't you ?"
"Why are you doing this ?"
"Doing what my love, buying the man who raised me from a child a watch ?"
"Come inside Ty." Lisa called out.
"Girls, you can go on, but keep an eye on the boys please."
"Ok mom."
"John ? Want a watch ?"
"I'm good Amy thanks, got one."
"Betty, you good ?"
"I'll wait with John and Trish Amy."
Lisa ooohed and ahhhed when Jack had the watch on.
"That's sharp Grandpa, what do you think ?"
"I can wear it working and out."
"How much ?"
"Never you mind about that Grandpa." And then "we'll take it." to the clerk.
"Amy is that the price ?"
"Of course not Grandpa, that's probably the model number." She smiled at the clerk who smiled back. He was thrilled.
It was all Lisa could do not to burst out laughing.
"Ty, which watch were you looking at in the window, it was one of those black TAG Heuer ones wasn't it ?"
"Ah the special carbon series, plain face or the chronograph ?"
"Oh, definitely the chrono, let's see those."
"Amy."
"Oh, they're very light, here Ty, try one on."
"Go on Ty, it's just a watch." Jack said.
"Seriously Jack you."
Lisa walked over then and took Jack's hand "come look at this brooch Jack." As soon as Jack turned Lisa turned to Ty and shot daggers at him with her eyes.
"Watch or no Ty don't spoil this for them." Amy whispered.
"Sir ?"
"That one with the blue accents on the dial."
Ty tried it on and turned his wrist.
The clerk smiled "only 500 of those will ever be made sir."
"Is that so, hear that Ty, one of 500."
"We're fortunate to have one of the sets as well if you'd care to see that ?"
"Sets ?" Amy asked her smile growing by the second.
"His and hers."
"Oh definitely let's see that" Amy was thrilled.
The clerk smiled "yes ma'am, one moment."
"Amy I'm not going to let you do this."
"I am so done with this nonsense Ty, it's a watch, you need a watch, we could have matching watches." She whispered and sighed looking at his expression. "What am I supposed to do with you, this is the biggest thing, the money, how we feel, have felt without each other can't beat the money ?"
"Here you go ma'am, matching serial numbers and we can engrave the backs with a sentiment."
Amy took hers out and put it on. "And it's blue to match my eyes."
"Have the man's engraved 'I will always love you and be there for you" sign it 'Amy'.
"And the ladies' ma'am"
"Just the men's for now please."
"Of course, it will take a few minutes."
"You'll have exactly one hour from when we leave this store."
Amy took a paper from the counter and wrote something out. "Can this be inscribed nicely on my grandfather's watch ?"
"Yes ma'am, that shouldn't be a problem."
"Amy ?"
"Please Ty, let me finish one thing at a time, I'm not as young as I used to be."
"Grandpa, I'd like to have your watch engraved, would that be Ok ?"
"I'd like that Amy."
"I'll take care of it sir."
"Lisa what are you ogling over there ?"
"It's a brooch, it's nothing."
"It's not nothing and this is an object lesson for Ty, remember ?"
"Which one, oh it must be that one with the blue stones, that's just your style."
"I'm scared to touch it."
"Take it out please."
"Amy no." Lisa said but without heart or any conviction.
"Please ?" She looked up at the clerk who could not even begin to figure out the commission this pretty woman was racking up.
"Yes ma'am."
He placed the small brooch on the counter. It was surrounded in small sapphires and diamonds with a large sapphire in the center, the backdrop was gold carved with small flowers. Amy turned over the box and put it down. The clerk placed the brooch on a black velvet mount he brought over and then brought over a natural light. "It has a hidden loop as well, to be worn as a necklace or pin. The center stone is registered as 3 carats VS1."
"Oh Lisa, look at that center stone shine." Amy held it up in her palm then held it against Lisa's blouse. "What do you think Grandpa ?"
"It's beautiful Amy, makes her eyes shine even more."
Lisa smiled at him.
"I'm sorry Ty, you were saying."
"Amy what are you doing ?" Ty whispered.
She stared at his for a second and pulled him to the side and though whispering it wasn't the most private conversation.
"No Ty, what are you doing because if you're here for the great sex then let's get a room and a Victoria's Secret catalog and when you've had enough you can leave and I won't have to shame myself in front of my kids and employees anymore."
"That's not fair."
"It's not fair ? You know what's not fair, you acting as if I didn't say the words twenty million dollars to you. If that bothers you so much why are you still here if it's not the sex ?"
"Because I love you."
Amy smiled and turned back to the clerk.
"Three watches and a brooch, Lisa please escort our two handsome men outside while I dicker with this young smiling gentleman." She had reached into her pocket and pulled out a black card. It had the words American Express across the top in an offset black and nothing else. Lisa saw it as did the clerk.
She was out a few minutes later wearing her new watch.
"Ty, that watch in there represents my love and commitment to you forever, I promise to always be there for you. You heard the inscription, I seem to recall you made me several promises similar to that over those 8 years, you wished you could spend the rest of your life with me, it's time to pony up."
"John, if Dr. Borden is not wearing a TAG Heuer watch that matches this one at noon take him back to Ithaca, pack his shit and drop him across the Canadian Border, maybe the one near Niagara. We'll ship his bike when it's done."
"Come on Lisa, let's find the girls." Amy said turning and arm in arm with Lisa she walked away. A few steps later she let out a deep shaky breath and Lisa squeezed her side and whispered "All on the table now sweetheart."
"And about damn time" Betty muttered on Amy's other side.
Ty stood next to John, Trish and Jack.
"You walked into a store with a beautiful woman who adores you and a second before you walked into that store she ran her hands over your body and pleaded to buy you a watch. What the fuck did you say to her in there ?"
"He walked right into this John he told her he loved her and no thanks to the watch."
"It's a $5000 watch Jack."
Jack turned and stared at him for a second but remained quiet.
John however was another matter altogether "Are you out of your mind Ty ? What difference does that make ? Did her money make any difference to you when you rode up here with her arms around you ? Did you price her Scout ? The cost of the linens ? Is there someone else you'd prefer waking up with in the morning ? I'll tell you a secret buddy, Trish is a retired Army Major. She runs a trauma team of nurses at Cornell. Her salary is $140,000 a year not including a full Army pension. That's a bit more than I make, partners means partners Ty, do I strike you as weak, unmanly, you think I'm being kept ? I get it Ty, more than you know, your dad sucked, he treated you and your mom like shit, so did mine, you don't have to be him, fuck him and get on with your life."
Ty looked at him, the sentiment was so close to what Jack mentioned Amy had said to him with an added understanding apparently.
"I like you Doc, I really do, but you heard her. You've got some thinking to do. Niagara, that's a long drop to the border." He said it half seriously and with a smile but at the same time Ty had no problem thinking that John would strap him to a bike and at least see him to the falls crossing.
"Thanks John, I'll uh, keep that in mind."
Jack and Ty walked ahead to catch up to the women and kids.
"Uhm Ty, what you said back there."
"Jack, we are going to swear an oath you and I, right here and now, that Amy never hears about that number I mentioned. You may tell Lisa you heard it and get the rest from her but today that's a pit I do not want to face and you will wear that watch every time Amy sees you."
"Fine, I'll do it for Amy, but you owe me one though. By the way and for the record on the whole money thing Ty, you've been to Fairfield I assume ?"
When they caught up to the group Ty was surprised that Amy walked over and snaked her arm around him as if nothing was just said. Jack had his arm around Lisa, Betty walked on the outside and kept checking her watch. Lisa kept slapping her hand down chiding her to stop already. Ty noticed.
The girls were up front, they were wearing jeans short sets with white hats, short boots, typical teens. Maddie walked arm in arm with Brin and Charlie hand in hand with Bobby. Ty smiled when Brin reached over and kissed Maddie's cheek. "Those two've got it bad."
"Yeah, the first time Maddie ever saw her she was gone."
"Grade 6, Charlie said Maddie just froze when Brin looked at her and smiled."
"Grade 7 formal Maddie walked right up to her and asked her to dance."
JT walked over then and leaned up to whisper to Amy who had leaned over to meet him. "I think I should sit for a little."
"How about you ride on my shoulders Jackson ?"
"Sure Dr. Borden, that would be great."
Cars walked along beside them. He giggled when John swooped him up onto his shoulders.
Ty felt JT turn and look up at his friend.
"Sorry Jackson, this is as high as I got."
"That's Ok Dr. Borden, this is just perfect for me."
