Park stared at Ty, jaw dropped. Maybe Ty should’ve mentioned the idea to Park first.
Nico grimaced. “You mean a TV show?”
“Yeah,” Ty said, pumping enthusiasm into his voice. “Like the cameras follow you when you find a classic car and then show the before and after of it being restored.”
Nico shook his head. “I have zero interest in being on TV.”
“It could be good for business,” Ty said. “National coverage. People would come from all over to buy classic cars from you. My brother could set up a website too, where people could shop online.” Alex was a graphic designer with multiple projects, including designing websites.
Nico seemed to be considering it.
Ty rushed on. “It wouldn’t cost you a dime. My sister-in-law is Claire Jordan. She’d run it through her production company.” That was the next part of his plan, but he needed Nico and Park on board first.
Nico nodded. “I know Claire. She made the movies out of my sister-in-law Julia’s books. The Fierce trilogy. I was an extra in one scene.” He shuddered. “So damn boring that line of work.”
“Yeah, that’s her,” Ty said. “You wouldn’t have to be on camera if you didn’t want. Maybe we could just do it for Park’s projects.” He hitched a thumb at Park.
“This your idea?” Nico asked Park.
“This is all news to me,” Park said.
Ty barreled on. “I’ll be the personality and Park will be the technical know-how. I’m a stuntman and I work in front of the camera all the time.”
Park held up a hand. “Whoa, Ty, I’ve never been on TV. I’m sure I’d bore the viewers to tears.”
Ty clapped him on the back. “Nah. When you talk cars, you’re interesting.”
“Thanks a lot,” Park said drily.
Nico chuckled.
Ty turned to Nico. “Think about it. It could be a real boon to business. If it’s okay with you, I’ll run it by Claire and have her get in touch to work out the details. You’d be compensated for any inconvenience. I’m sure we could get you some kind of consultant fee or percentage or something.”
“I’ll think about it,” Nico said and went back to work.
“Can I tell Claire about the idea?” Ty called to Nico’s retreating back.
Nico stopped and turned. “Sure. But nothing’s definite until I see the terms all in black and white. My wife’s a lawyer; I want her eyes on it.”
Ty would’ve done a victory jump and whoop if he wasn’t in a cast. “Thank you so much,” he said instead.
Nico grunted and went back under the hood.
Ty gestured for Park to follow him outside. As soon as they got there, Park said, “Where did you get this crazy idea?” He lowered his voice. “And you might have mentioned it to me before telling my boss.”
“Sorry, you’re right. I’m freaking out about Charlotte. I need a gig that’ll keep me near her. Who else would I want to work with than you, my main man, my bro—”
“All right, shut up.” Park socked him on the shoulder. “You know I’d do anything for family.”
Park was not only engaged to Ty’s sister, Mad, but also his honorary brother since Ty’s dad took him in at ten years old. No one he’d rather do business with than Park, an honorable and hardworking guy. Plus Park’s deep reserve would play well on camera, balancing Ty’s natural put-it-all-out-there enthusiasm.
Park glanced over Ty’s shoulder toward the parking lot. “Looks like your lady missed you.”
Ty turned to where Charlotte was stepping out of the car. “We’re heading back,” he called to Charlotte. “Stay put. I’ll be right there.” She sat again and shut the door. He breathed a sigh of relief. It was going to take a while for him to truly relax about her high-risk status.
“Congrats, by the way,” Park said. “Mad told me it’s a miracle baby.”
“Thanks, but it’s not a sure thing yet. She’s high risk and I need to keep a close eye on her.” He glanced over his shoulder at Charlotte tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. “I’d better go. Think about it.”
Park clapped him on the shoulder and squeezed. “You work out the details and I’ll see what I can do on this end.”
“Thanks, I owe you.”
“Don’t think I won’t collect,” Park said with a grin.
Ty made his way back to Charlotte as quickly as he could on crutches.
“You buying a car?” Charlotte asked when he got in the car.
“I am, but not here. I want something new and big like a tank.” Now he was even looking at cars in a whole new light, for their safety instead of their power, speed, and coolness factor.
“A tank?”
“Yeah, whadda ya call it, a van or something. Maybe a Hummer.”
“Okay,” she said slowly.
As soon as they got back to Charlotte’s house, he escorted her safely to the sofa and put on the TV, telling her he was making her a healthy lunch before she went to work. But first he needed to make a phone call. He crossed right through the kitchen and out to the small backyard. He didn’t want to reveal any of the details of his plan to Charlotte until he was sure it would work. No use in getting her riled up over nothing.
He called Claire and actually got her. “Hey, it’s your favorite brother-in-law.”
“Hi, Josh,” she said warmly. “How are you?”
“It’s Ty.”
She laughed her famous throaty husky laugh. “I know. I’ve got the whole Campbell clan programmed into my phone. How’s our girl?”
“She’s good. Listen, I have an idea that might help me be here for her more.”
“Anything,” Claire said. “I love her like my own flesh and blood.”
He got a chill at the intensity in her voice, even over the phone. “I’m thinking a reality show about classic cars. I’d be the host; Park would do the technical nitty-gritty. Your production company would run it. The place where Park works is locally well known for the quality and variety of classic cars. I ran it by the owner and he’s open to hearing more.”
“I’ll pitch it to the Turbo channel. They’re all cars all the time. If not, I’ll try PBS. Worst case, we’ll create a series of webisodes. Hold on.”
He did a silent fist pump that she was on board so fast.
A few moments later, Claire said, “Jake wants to back it as his first producer credit. I’ll get you and Park on payroll with health insurance for you. Give me the number of the car place and I’ll work out something with the owner too.”
A huge weight lifted off his shoulders. “Yes to all of that. How can I thank you?”
“Wrap things up in LA and then do whatever you have to do to get back to Charlotte ASAP.”
“I’m on it.” His eyes watered at the caring Claire showed for their situation. “Claire, you have my undying support forever. Really. Anything you need, ever, I’ll do it. I’m so glad you’re in our family.”
“Now you’re going to make me cry. Geez. You Campbells are so damn expressive. I love you too.” She sniffled and took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m okay. Now I want you to be aware of all possible outcomes for your show. We’re going to start with a pilot episode. That’s what I’m going to pitch. If it doesn’t work, if you and Park have zero chemistry, or maybe you do and we get the deal, but no one tunes in, I want you to be thinking of a plan B. Got it?”
He already was, contingencies upon contingencies rattling through his brain. “Got it.”
He hung up, quickly put together a healthy salad and sandwich for him and Charlotte, and brought lunch out to the coffee table.
Charlotte smiled. “What’re you so busy planning, Ty? You’re acting very strange. Tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m planning stuff for our wedding to surprise you.” He sat next to her and pointed to her lunch. “Now eat.”
“Really?” She took a bite of turkey sandwich. “I thought Hailey was taking care of all that.”
“I’m helping.” He ate his sandwich, watching in
his peripheral vision that she was doing okay.
“You can relax. I feel great. Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
His gut clenched and he put his sandwich down. That was exactly what he’d told her, “nothing’s going to happen to me,” expecting the words to be enough to ease her worries about the risks he took, but now he knew on a gut level that nothing would ever make him feel better about her being high risk. He’d seen the aftermath of the worst-case scenario with Alex and he couldn’t shake the terror of the same thing happening to them.
She gave him a look of sympathy and set her sandwich down, taking his hand. “Really. Nothing’s going to happen to me. Just like nothing’s going to happen to you with your stunts. After your leave of absence, once the baby’s here, it’s okay with me if you go back to it. I know I was freaking out before, but I don’t want you to give up your dream job for me. I don’t want you to resent me or the baby or feel like you’re missing out. I just want you to be happy.”
He stared at her, shocked to hear it. “Really? But you were so worried before.”
She cupped his face and gazed into his eyes with so much love he got choked up before she said a word. “I love you so much that I put no conditions on it. I love you so much that all I want is for you to have everything you want.”
“So you want me to keep my job?”
She lifted her palms. “I want you to do what makes you happy.”
“Good.”
“Okay, that’s settled, then.” She gave him a small smile and he saw in her eyes what it cost her to give him that.
“Char, I just want you to know how much it means that you’re making this sacrifice for my happiness. I know it’s hard on you. And, well, that’s how much I love you too. I quit.”
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean you quit?”
“I mean my leave of absence is permanent. No more stunt work. I’m selling my house in LA and I’m staying here with you permanently.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “When did you decide all this?”
“Just now.”
She let out a happy cry. “Ty, are you sure?”
He nodded. “The moment I heard you were high risk, I understood how you felt. You can’t help being high risk and it’s because you’re carrying my baby. I can help it.”
“But what will you do? Mad says you hated being a personal trainer.”
“I didn’t hate it. I was restless. Then again I was twenty at the time. Things are different now with you and the baby.”
“But now you’re sacrificing for my happiness,” she protested. “I don’t want you to regret it.”
He wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug. “No regrets. I’m jumping in with both feet, eyes wide open.” Her shoulders shook and he pulled back to see she was crying. The doctor said she’d be extra emotional with all the pregnancy hormones. He tipped her chin up and kissed her gently on the lips and cheek and jaw and back to her luscious mouth, trying to make her feel better.
He wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Better?”
She nodded and kissed him again. He obliged, always willing to do his part in making her feel better and better and better.
Things got out of hand.
They always seemed to with Charlotte. He really couldn’t help it if she found him irresistible. He understood. She was irresistible too.
Chapter Eighteen
Two weeks later, Charlotte was feeling pretty good about life. The doctor was optimistic (with a few cautionary warnings about symptoms that required an immediate call), she had no morning sickness, and best of all, Ty was on board one hundred percent. He’d quit his job, which she was happy about, but of course she would’ve liked it better if he’d had a job to replace it before he quit. She’d have to scale back at work in a few months.
“Dinner,” Ty called from the kitchen.
“Coming!” She smiled to herself at the wonder of the man in her kitchen. He didn’t want her on her feet any more than was necessary and had taken over cooking and washing dishes. Who was she to complain? She’d been doing all that for herself for most of her life and it was nice to be treated so special, even if it was a little over the top.
“Smells delicious,” she said, stepping into the kitchen. It was his Monday night specialty, spaghetti and store-bought meatballs. She crossed to where he was piling spaghetti on a plate and kissed his cheek. He was off crutches now and wearing a walking boot.
He smiled. “Bring your plate to the living room. I want you to watch something on TV.”
“Sure.” She let him finish adding everything, snagged both plates, and headed to the living room. Ty followed with tall glasses of milk. He made sure she had enough protein for the baby’s growth. He actually read all the info on the pregnancy websites she’d sent him.
Ty loaded a DVD and grabbed the remote to get it started. “Ready?” he asked with a grin.
“What’re we watching?”
“You’ll see.” He pressed play.
Ty appeared on the screen in a black T-shirt and black jeans, looking edgy and sexy, talking right into the camera. The jeans covered his walking boot and, honestly, it just added to his slow swagger.
“What is this!” she exclaimed.
“Shh, listen,” he said with a wide smile. “And eat.”
She did. Ty on screen sounded so relaxed and natural. “Classic cars are a high-stakes game. Who will discover the ultimate barn find? And what’ll it be worth after it’s restored? That’s the name of the game at Exotic and Classic Restorations. I’m here with Nico Marino, owner of the shop, who found this nineteen fifty-six Jaguar XK140SE Roadster in an abandoned garage.” The type of car appeared in bold on the bottom of the screen. “Tell us more about the car.”
Nico obliged, moving around the car to point out its features.
The camera zoomed in on Ty again. “Chief mechanic, Parker Shaw, will be bringing this car to its former glory. We’re hoping it’ll bring six figures at auction. Let’s see how it all pans out.”
“Park too?” she exclaimed.
Ty squeezed her hand. “Yeah.”
She watched as Ty talked up the car and the history of its kind, his own enthusiasm contagious, even for someone like her who didn’t know much about cars. Then there were some shots of Park working on the car and explaining what he was doing. Park and Ty took it for a test drive and then sold it at auction for a primo price. At the end, Park and Ty had a lightning round of questions, testing each other’s car knowledge, that had her laughing. They were both knowledgeable; it was just fun to watch them try to one up each other and rib each other for a close but not quite answer.
The episode ended, and Ty turned to her. “What do you think?”
“It was awesome! Fun, informative, and entertaining. When did you do all this?”
“Two weeks of early mornings to get it together.”
“That’s where you went early mornings? I thought you were working out.”
“Nope. And I wanted to wait until we were further along before getting your hopes up.”
“It’s awesome.”
He waved toward the screen. “Honestly, the auction was for another car. We edited it in just as an example. We’ll have a theme song and some catchy title too. Claire’s still working on that part.”
Her jaw dropped. “You and Claire put this together? Is that what all those phone calls were about?”
“Yeah. Some of them. The show will mostly be me and Park. Nico will only do the initial car intro. Claire convinced him it would be good for business. You know, the man behind the name. She told him it was because of his expertise, but she told me it was because he was eye candy.” He gave her side eye, waiting for her reaction.
“Oh, no! You’re definitely the eye candy on this show.” Though Nico was very easy on the eyes.
Ty gave a small nod, seeming satisfied with her answer. “If it goes well, this is my new job and we’re filming in Connecticut. Maybe a few field trips to pick up a clas
sic car, but otherwise I’m here. Jake’s producing it through Claire’s company.”
“I can’t believe you guys put all this together and I had no idea!”
“I wanted to surprise you.” He kissed her and pulled her into his lap in one smooth motion. “It’s low risk and pays well. I’ll be so close to you, you’ll be dying to get me out of your hair.” He stroked her hair and wrapped it around his fist, tilting her head back for his kiss.
She spoke as soon as he let her up for air. “I’ll never want you out of my hair.”
He grinned. “The best part is, it’ll only film in the spring and summer when the weather’s good. The rest of the year I’m all yours. Maybe we can build our own personal training business here. I take the clients when you’re on maternity leave, and then you pick up with them when you’re able.”
“You figured it all out, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did.”
“You’re amazing.” She peppered him with kisses all over his face and neck. “If it’s a boy, we’ll name him Ty Jr. Only you could have done all of this. He’s your legacy.”
Ty’s chest puffed out and then a moment later deflated. “Wait, you don’t know my real name, do you?”
“Tyler, right?”
He held up a hand. “Okay, don’t laugh.”
“Uh-oh.”
“I was very active in the womb.”
“Not surprised.”
He grimaced. “Tyger with a y.”
“Tyger? Who does that to a kid?”
“My mom apparently. And, of course, there’s Tiger Woods. He was setting records on the golf course while she was pregnant with me.”
“But that’s not his real name.” She giggled. “I can’t believe I haven’t heard the guys teasing you about it.”
Ty put his hand on her belly, as he often did like he was trying to connect with the baby. “It reminds them of my mom, so no one mentions it.”
She got serious. “Sorry. I know your mom isn’t your favorite. We could just call him Ty, nice and short.”
So Revealing (Happy Endings Book Club, Book 3) Page 17
