Chapter 24
Ty wandered over when he saw John alone for a moment. "Take a walk with me John, let me run a few things by you."
"Sure Ty, I'll just let Trish know. Where's Amy ?"
"Napping for about 20 more minutes so the clock is ticking."
"Got it Doc. You got her to nap ?"
Ty smiled at him "sure, no problem" he said as the turned past the trailers.
They wandered down towards the stables "I need your help John. If I was from around here or able to stay for good for the next few months."
"You're not going to ask me to watch out for them are you Ty ?"
"No, I know you'd do that, have done that all along. I need a gift that keeps on giving for the girls."
"Is there something they don't have ?"
"Actually there is, something to do for the next year. Fussing over those perfect bikes is a way to hang out, not stay busy."
"Agreed. Go on, I'm all ears."
"They're going to need trucks a year or so from now. Nice, crappy identical pre 1970's rat trucks that they've, you know fixed up and decorated. Paint and chrome on me, hell I don't even care if they go hot rod as long as they build the engines."
"And I'm supposed to find these trucks ?"
"What do you say, partners ?" Ty asked holding out his hand which John shook with a smile.
"What about that truck in the shop ?"
"That's mine and Jackson's project."
"All in huh ?" John had stopped and looked at him.
"Do I have a choice ?"
"Don't know why you'd want one actually, those three are a treat." John agreed and they started back.
"Also, I'm going to need a few trips into the Adirondacks, I wouldn't mind the company."
"Another project ?"
"Looking for a get away."
"Sure, no better way to get to know someone than riding the roads and I guess you and I are destined to be friends Ty, I'm in."
"Excellent, thanks John."
"I assume you'll be there to lend a knowledgeable hand with those trucks ?"
"That's part of the plan for sure."
John nodded as they headed back to the camp. Caught up to Trish and headed back to the B & B to change for the evening.
The girls got back with a few minutes to spare. Bobby and Brin were at their camps to get ready as well. As usual the families would gather at the Pegasus camp and foray out as a team. Strength in numbers Ty figured.
"So, should we do this ?" Maddie asked.
"Go ahead girls, I'll be right behind you."
The girls went inside and up to her bed. Maddie reached over to move the hair from her face.
Amy smiled and didn't open her eyes. "Come snuggle with me."
"Which one or both mom ?" Charlotte whispered from behind her head.
Amy opened her eyes, "is something wrong girls ?"
"No, Dr. Borden sent us in to keep him safe from your evil clutches and wily ways. Time to start getting ready."
Amy giggled "Thanks Mad, go on, you're wearing your costumes in and then changing ?"
They nodded as they headed to the door each stealing a Petit Four from the platter on the counter.
"All clear Doc but she still might want to snuggle."
"Thanks Maddie."
"Hey that's pretty good doc."
"50/50 what the hell, might as well roll the dice."
Maddie smiled and Ty walked up the steps to the trailer and turned.
"You are Maddie, right ?"
"Whatever Doc, it's the thought that counts." Maddie said with a big grin.
Ty smiled at her and shook his head as the door closed, came in and over to the bedroom where he was promptly hit with a pillow. "I said an hour Ty."
"And Betty said this will be fine, you needed to rest."
"So this is it, you'll be taking care of me now Dr. Borden."
"You know you don't get to play that card, and yes it's only fair that I will be taking care of you now Ms. Fleming, your meddling days are over and mine have just begun. I've been very busy."
"oooh tell me." She said playfully scooting over to sit on the edge of the bed and running her hands under his T shirt.
"Well, Betty said she'd help me find a realtor. John has agreed to ride the Adirondacks with me looking at suitable properties. Jackson has agreed to partner up with me to get that F100 running and we have started the search for suitable trucks for the girls to drive in a year."
"Well, John will keep you safe" she said leaning over and kissing his stomach "and Jackson will drive you crazy," she said undoing his belt and pants button, "tell me about the trucks ?"
"I've asked John to find two identical pre 1965 trucks that should rightfully be shot. Chrome and paint's on me."
"You're getting the girls projects."
"For their birthday and tools and catalogs of course, maybe a lift or two."
"Going for the whole ball of wax huh ?"
"Diving right in, shall we dress for the ball Ms. Fleming, we'll be pretty conspicuously late if you continue on your current trajectory."
Amy sighed "You're right and pretty sexy when you're doing the whole protective dad thing. I guess I'll have to wait. You know we haven't danced since Grandpa and Lisa's wedding reception."
"I guess not." While Amy's was said with excitement, Tys' came with sadness.
"Well let's not go there Ty, remember, starting this again ?"
"Amy loves Ty and Ty love Amy."
"Pretty much seems written in the stars." She said standing to kiss him gently and scoot by.
Amy went into the bathroom and Ty got his suit out.
"Amy should I shave ?"
"Not in that suit, you'll be perfect."
Ty followed her into the bathroom and stopped dead in his tracks. Amy was wearing white silk panties a matching bra and a garter belt.
"Holy…., I fucking love Saratoga." Ty said staring into the bathroom.
"Dress up comes with perks sweetheart."
"We are definitely dressing up more often Ms. Fleming, definitely."
"There's a catalog in the house Ty, feel free to shop."
They passed in the doorway and their lips brushed, Ty's hand catching her in the exchange, his fingers running across her body in passing. She giggled and continued on.
He washed, brushed and tried to comb his hair and came out to find Amy pulling up stockings.
"How am I supposed to concentrate on anything but you tonight ?"
"I'd be so disappointed if you did Ty."
"Good to hear my obsession is appreciated."
"Obsess away sweet prince."
They smiled and flirted as they dressed. Catching glimpses of each other it was all either could do to stay away. Amy did her make-up and got her dress on. Ty zipped her up, kissing her neck when he pulled up her zipper. He helped her with a simple pearl necklace which she matched with slight dangling pearl earrings.
Before pulling his suit jacket on Amy walked over and helped him with his watch. He took hers "was the sentiment Ok ?"
"Perfect." She said turning it over to glance at it before he strapped it on. It was one word "Forever".
"Doesn't really go with that outfit."
"I'll have a sweater with me and I don't care. Come on my love everyone's probably waiting."
"They wait for us huh ?"
"It makes me uncomfortable but that's the way it is, so yes, our ranch, our group, they wait for us, no one says anything, but to them it would be like us eating at Heartland before Grandpa sat down."
"Tell me before we go out ?"
"I love you Ty."
"I love you Amy."
"All that matters ?"
"All that matters."
Amy snapped down Ty's sleeves and straightened his jacket before flattening her dress and opening the door. Stepping out and down the stairs,Ty steadied her, holding her hand walking down behind her.
"Wow, would you look at those two, they'll notice her now." Betty whispered.
Amy wore a mid length cotton silk blend dress that fit every curve of her body before opening into a flowing skirt. She wore short boots with a somewhat wide heel which would make it easier on the grass. Her dress was a dark yellow and had a trail of vined blue poppies that ran down and across. She had done her hair to the side and in a French braid coming down on one side and leaving her neck and shoulder on the other side bare. She was radiant next to Ty who looked every bit the Georgio Armani ad, trim and handsome in his suit. Almost a denim blue, it was a cotton tropical wool blend with a slight sheen. The cut was very athletic and accentuated Ty's build. His white linen double white shirt seemed to show off his eyes and smile. Together they made an impressive couple certain to garner looks and attention. Ty might not have known it but their clothes screamed wealth to the assembled. Their smiles as they laced their fingers was something no one in their group had seen on either in a long time.
"I have never seen her dress or look like that, she's stunning."
"Come on Betty" Lisa whispered "let's get noticed."
"An hour before starting Pavel."
"Sure thing Amy." He answered before she turned with Ty and walked.
"Starting what ?"
"Well Grandpa, be forewarned, while we have a table the dinner is a buffet which is surprisingly quite awful so."
"We get sliders and Glazier's hot dogs at the camp." JT called up.
"Heartland sliders." Amy added to JT's obvious glee.
"Let me get this straight, you pay to come and won't eat the food."
"Eat away Jack, Amy's right, the food sucks."
"Thanks Betty." He laughed.
"What can I say, true is true."
"So no one eats it ?" Lisa asked.
"Oh no, the people who come in for just the ball and don't have a camp eat it and others. I'm sure some like it too. We just prefer burgers, hot dogs and pie, actually fresh apple pie and ice cream to over cooked buffet food."
"And s'mores" Brin called back.
"Come on Ty, let's work up an appetite, I want to dance."
Betty walked into the pavilion with Lisa and Jack. They were joined minutes later by the Enchinos, the Carmichaels and Caldwells. All in dresses and suits, it was tough to see John as looking regular considering his size but a suit did cover a multitude of tattoos. Trish was stunning with her hair down and out of her normal jeans. The Carmichael's and Caldwells we also dressed well though neither of the three men wore ties for a more casual look. Meg and Sally both wore beautiful dresses as well. As usual Amy chose a table away from the inside dance floor towards the outside. The girls, Bobby and Brin followed Amy and Ty to dance outside and under the stars while the rest found the table and ordered drinks from the waitresses who immediately came over.
"Coke please with a cherry" JT ordered.
"JT ?"
"Mom said one Gran."
"And one s'more, I don't need two 7 year olds bouncing around my trailer at midnight on sugar overloads."
"Go ahead Carson, one for you too." She added smiling after getting a nod from his mom.
"Coke please with a cherry" he said grinning.
The boys were each wearing boots, grey slacks, shirts and blue blazers. They also wore their black hats like GG.
Jack wore a dark grey Armani suit, white shirt, his Heartland string tie and belt, boots, his new Stetson and his new watch. Lisa wore short cream colored boots and a cream colored linen dress which fit her perfectly and showed off her shape. Pinned to her dress was her new brooch which offset her blue eyes. Amy lent her a pair of sapphire earrings and a matching tennis bracelet. Betty's dress was a light emerald green and also fit her well. She wore the same Pegasus diamond brooch and Rolex she wore in the afternoon and a very slight gold diamond and emerald laced necklace.
Looking around Lisa approved of the tent and what they had done to bring an elegance to a field in a race track. Two very nice bronze sculptures were on display as well as other art relating to racing and the history of Saratoga. She was surprised that the china and cutlery were very high quality for an outdoor buffet as were the floral arrangements around the tent, the grounds surrounding the party and the tables. The band was outside at the other larger dance floor which made the tent comfortable and a place to visit and though the music could be heard, it wasn't right there blaring at you but was enough for dancing on the smaller indoor floor.
The guests interested her in that they seemed a mix of old and new money and many stayed separated. The old money seemed to gravitate towards one corner of the tent while the younger crowd here, where they were. The older money all ate easily from the buffet it seemed and seemed to keep the drink waiters fairly busy. Lisa assumed that these folks were the ones that came for the banquet and returned to their mini summer mansions in the area or along Broadway for the night. The younger rich she guessed were the ones arrayed around the outside of the field in opulent camping settings like the Pegasus camp.
This brought on another train of thought which was interrupted by Jack "you seem pretty focused Lis, everything Ok ?"
"I'm sorry Jack I was just taking all this in."
"Seems nice."
"Oh it is, very well done, it just brought Ty to mind."
"How he's going to deal with this ?"
"He seems to be dealing with this fine so far it's just he described to us looking for a fishing cabin with nice views. He described an Adirondack camp to Betty and that's what she told Charley Rodgers."
"I'm not following Lis, what's the difference."
"Up here what Ty described, hundreds of acres, Mountain View's, fishing, a house with modern amenities that's done. Caretakers and the like. It needs to be fairly large as well they'll need 8 or 10 bedrooms with friends, perhaps some guest cottages, other buildings like stables, garages and probably a boat house."
"I'm still lost."
"Two to six million Jack, probably more in the lower end of that because I think Ty will go for an older renovated and modernized house rather than a new more modern structure."
"You think he has no idea ?"
"I know he has no idea, I'll mention it to Amy back at the ranch. I know she knows."
"She's just playing with him isn't she ?"
"He decided to do this and talked to Betty while Amy napped. This is not her and I don't know if she knows exactly what he asked for but if he did describe it that way she knows and I'm sure she's smiling inside. She owns lots of land Jack."
"She was raised to love the land."
"Have you seen White Horse ?"
"Driven by, you ?"
"Had to drop some charity stuff off to Haddie once, it's beautiful."
"Not many ugly Alberta ranches Lis."
"We'll go when we get back, you'll see."
"then I look forward to it.
Lisa smiled when a gentleman walked over and asked Betty to dance. She was sitting with John and Trish and excused herself "Of course Harold, I'd love to." She answered smiling and getting up to take his proffered arm.
"Don't you like to dance Grand Mere ?" JT asked.
"She loves to dance JT, you two OK alone ?"
"Oh sure GG, we're just waiting for the all clear and we'll go hang out with Pavel."
"We've got 'em Jack" Tom and Sally Carmichael laughed coming over "Come on guys let's walk over to the stables and visit the horses."
"Bye, Grand Mere, GG, come have a hot dog later, Glaziers are the best."
Jack and Lisa walked out of the tent and over towards the large outside dance floor. The band looked to be 18 pieces and played a variety of generational dance music. "Love me Tender" was the song just starting and Lisa caught sight of Amy and Ty in a dark corner completely oblivious to anything going on around them. Ty was either whispering or kissing Amy's exposed neck at first and her smile said it all. They also spotted the twins and their dates off to the side similarly oblivious and dancing very close.
"Should they be dancing like that ?"
"Like what Jack, touching ? They're Amy's kids and she trusts them."
"Amy and Ty seem pretty happy."
"I haven't seen Ty smiling like that in years."
"Wonder why that is ? Come on Lis, let's dance."
Lisa smiled at him and took his hand onto the floor.
About 20 minutes later the girls were called off by the staff and headed out with Brin to meet Bryce and the Paints. The girls had named the pair Margot and Rudolph after Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev the great Russian ballet team. The routine they had written and learned was complicated and somewhat controversial in this setting and in Saratoga.
Ty and Amy stopped at the bar. Amy got a large glass of cranberry juice on ice and Ty opted for a beer. Amy spotted Betty at the rails with John and Trish and they joined them.
"So what are we seeing Amy ?" Trish asked.
"I've seen the routine but not read the script. Margot is Maddie's partner in this and it's a dance so we'll see how far she pushes the story, she's the radical."
The rest of the group joined them using Rocket as a beacon. "No losing you in a crowd eh John ?"
"It's why I married him Jack." Trish answered laughing.
Meg wandered over to Amy "I read the script, not too bad."
"How did you ?"
"She's got to sleep sometime Amy."
"Meg you didn't."
"Tell me you didn't look ?"
"How would I do that, the other one is always around."
"I read it, it'll be cute and I think the crowd gets Maddie's stance by now." Betty added looking over.
"How did you see it ?"
"I told her that while you were willing to give them their head I was not."
"Teamwork, I like it." Jack said laughing just as the light's in the Pavilion and the dance area dimmed and the lights in the area past the rails went up. Brin's voice filled the air.