by Sharan Daire
My cheeks flushed. Eyes closed. Lips soft and parted on a sigh. Or possibly… a climax. Honestly, it looked like they’d caught me on a gasp of pleasure.
“That’s the money shot.” Chris nodded, seeing my stunned reaction. “Now do you see what we’ve seen all along? You’re exactly what we were looking for—in more ways than one.”
Across the top of the page, the ad read, “Red Velvet Angel,” and along the bottom, it said, “A sinfully beautiful dress worthy of a goddess.”
“Wait until you see some of the newer shots Paolo is working up,” Chris continued. “All magazine and billboard worthy.”
I couldn’t even imagine it. A billboard? Me? “You’re not really going to pay for billboards.”
He gave me a skeptical eyebrow look. “I can’t speak to all of the advertising channels. That’s Kaleb’s territory. But if he says buy a billboard on Times Square, then yeah, that’s what we’re doing.”
Kaleb winked at me. “I’ve got a few ideas for that billboard. I’ve got my eyes on a few of the shots from this week that I think will blow your mind even more than this one.”
“But…” I shook my head, helplessly trying to wrap my mind around the idea. “I didn’t think… I mean, this Fashion Week stuff is already so huge. I didn’t think we’d be able to do much more.”
Chris took my hands and guided me to sit down. “This is only the beginning, Shel. The first show. The first collection. We’re launching an entirely new line. A new brand. We want to be in every fashion magazine across the world.”
Paolo nodded. “Other designers may even reach out to see if they can purchase some of your time to model for them.”
“Fucking no,” Chris growled. “You’re our exclusive model. If they want you to walk in a show, you’ll wear my designs.”
It was a good thing he’d had me sit down because I was feeling lightheaded again. Somehow I’d thought this modeling gig would be short term. A lark. Take a few pictures. Maybe walk in a show. Then it would be over and life would just go on as before. It hadn’t dawned on me that they intended to slap my face up on a fucking billboard. Let alone one of those slick, beautiful fashion magazines I always saw at the grocery store but never bought.
“Too much?” Chris asked gruffly, studying my face. “Too fast? Red is good here too, Shel.”
My cheeks blazed and I carefully avoided looking at the photographer. Obviously Paolo knew that I was involved with at least Chris. He knew I was pregnant. He’d seen all the photographs we’d taken together, though most of what he’d done had been solo shots of me.
“It’s just… a lot.”
“Would it help to go over all our advertising plans?” Kaleb asked. “I can show you everything we’ve lined up.”
I took a couple of deep breaths. Thinking. Someone gave me a glass of water. I took several sips, letting my brain whirl and stew a moment. Nothing had really changed. I just hadn’t realized how far—and how quickly—Chris’ line would go. But with infinite money at his disposal, it shouldn’t surprise me that he’d invest quickly and heavily in advertising.
“What’s next?” I finally asked. “I mean, after New York Fashion Week, and all of these magazines and whatever else you’ve lined up. I’m assuming there will be orders, right? Maybe a lot.”
“I fucking hope so,” Chris muttered, shaking his head. “Or years of effort will go down the tubes in a hurry.”
“We’ve made arrangements with a factory in New York to mass produce the three dresses you’ll be modeling next month,” Everett said. “Chris had to make some modifications to the patterns as a result. We’re prepared to get the dresses out as quickly as the orders come in.”
“But like… what then?” I felt stupid asking, but it felt like my brain had come off the rails.
“Then we start the next collection,” Chris replied. “I’ve got dozens of sketches and ideas already started. I just haven’t had time to experiment.”
“You said a lingerie line, right?” Kaleb asked.
“Fuck yeah.” Chris nodded, flashing a sultry look my way.
“I’m not going to look very good in sexy lingerie in a couple of months.”
They all looked at me like I’d sprouted another head.
Derek squatted down in front of me, shouldering in beside Chris. “Sugar, you’re drop-dead gorgeous. Do you honestly think we’re not going to find you just as gorgeous when you’re carrying our child? We’re crazy about you. All of you. The thought of seeing you rounded and heavy with child, dressed in something that Chris made for you, makes me want to do X-rated things that would embarrass Paolo, so I won’t actually act on them.”
“At least not until I have the camera ready,” Paolo quipped.
Chris threw his head back and laughed. “I knew I liked you. Definitely, let’s get some of those sexy shots every single time. Even if they’re X-rated, I’ll kept them in my private collection.”
“This is just the beginning.” Everett’s brow creased with worry. “Remember when we went over the contract? You said you wouldn’t mind wearing anything that Chris created. But if you’re not comfortable modeling lingerie—”
“Or maternity,” Chris added. “Or better yet, maternity lingerie.”
“Then we won’t go there,” Everett continued. “But we do need to know now so I can adjust our five-year plan. We’ll switch up some of the other gowns from Red Velvet Angel and stretch out the release until you’re comfortable modeling again after the baby’s born.”
“You really…” I stared up at each of them a moment one by one. “Still want me? To model, I mean. Even when I start to show?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely,” Derek growled in as fierce a tone as Chris ever used. “Unless you don’t want to. Or if your doctor says it’s not recommended.”
“I’ve got ideas.” Chris waggled an eyebrow at me that implied more sultry photos like the ones we’d already done. “Lots of ideas. Pregnancy evening gowns, lingerie, you name it. There isn’t much of a market currently, so we can definitely rock some boats and shake things up. It feeds into my brand perfectly. Pregnancy and motherhood never looked so sexy.”
Tears pooled in my eyes and suddenly all four of them were babbling about changed plans, ripping up contracts, canceling New York, and tabling all new ideas to wait as long as I wanted to after the baby was born. It made me laugh, though the tears only fell quicker. “I’m not upset. I’m happy.” Though that last word came out more like a wail.
Chris scowled at me. “Happy women don’t cry like that.”
“Pregnant happy women do. The hormones wreak havoc on my emotions.”
“Then I’m going to need some kind of a signal for when you’re really upset, because I was ready to close down the line, shred the dresses, and send Paolo packing back to New York City.”
“Mother of god,” Paolo muttered. “I will not go.”
I took a deep, shuddering breath and hooked an arm around Chris and Derek’s necks, leaning into their embrace. “Let’s do this.”
14
Kaleb
When I’d first opened up the mechanic shop, I’d dreamed of restoring old cars or working on race cars. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the contacts for the race circuit, and they pretty much kept to their own.
As for restores, people who were into the classic cars preferred to do most of the work themselves. They only outsourced the specific trades they couldn’t do themselves easily. Most of the time, I was working on my friends’ and family’s cars, but it certainly wouldn’t have been enough for me to pay the bills without my share of the lodge’s income.
With Shelby and the kids joining us, I only became more aware of what I had to offer her. What I brought to the table. It wasn’t much, honestly. Fixing up Bessie had been my big contribution, but now that her old broke-down car was purring like a kitten, there wasn’t much I could do for her.
Oh sure, I helped out with the kids, and I loved every minute of it. But I wanted to show I was capable of
providing a good living for her if anything ever happened to the lodge.
I needed a new project. Maybe a new restore? I’d already done a ton of work on Taylen’s Volkswagen bug. Angela didn’t care about cool, special cars. Maybe I could find and restore one of those old farm trucks from the 1940s? I could give it to Marlo as a joke.
Or I could start working on a car for Liam. Though he was still quite a few years from even being ready to get his learner’s permit.
My cell buzzed. “Hey, Sis. What’s up?”
“We’re headed to the hospital.” Angela’s voice quivered ever-so slightly, which would have been full-blown hysterics for anyone else.
I shot to my feet immediately. “What’s wrong? What do you need?”
“I’m not feeling very well. I think my blood pressure spiked again. I called the school to pull Taylen out early, but I don’t want them to be home alone.”
“I’ll come over. Or Tay can come here. Whichever they prefer. Do you want us to come to the hospital?”
“Not yet. I want to find out what’s wrong first, and if they’re going to admit me.”
My throat ached, adrenaline surging through me. I wanted to rush up to the hospital anyway, but I had to respect her wishes. They wouldn’t want a bunch of frantic men in the waiting room clogging up the hallways asking for information. “Tell Marlo to keep us posted. If you need anything, anything at all—”
“Yeah. Thanks. I’ll let you know. Call Tay.”
“Yes ma’am, I’ll call right now.”
Angela hung up without saying goodbye. I texted Derek so he could tell everyone else, and then I called Taylen’s number.
“Hey, Uncle K.”
I could tell by their voice that they were crying. Fucking hell. My heart squeezed painfully in sympathy. “Hey, Bug. Come up here, okay? I don’t want you to be alone. Or go home and I’ll come over and get you.”
“I’m already headed there. I’m okay. I’m just worried about Mom and the babies.”
“I know. I’m worried too. All we can do is wait for news.”
“Waiting sucks.”
“Yep, it sure does. Are you going up to the lodge, or Canyon Rock?”
“Whichever. I just don’t want to be alone.”
“Head on up to Canyon Rock. I’ll tell D to meet us there. Does that work?”
“Sure. I left school early so someone will need to pick up Liam.”
I checked my watch. “Yeah, I’ll take care of that. We’ve got another hour before his school’s out. Are you sure you’re okay to drive? You can pull over and I’ll come get you.”
“I’m okay, though…” Tay hesitated a moment. I waited in silence, not pushing for a quick answer or response. “It’s nice to have you on the phone. If you don’t mind.”
“Absolutely. I’m going to put you on speaker so I can put the phone down a sec and put everything away and lock up.”
“Okay.”
I made sure the office door was locked. I glanced around the shop, making sure I didn’t have anything laying around on the floor or off its shelf. I hadn’t started a new project yet, so the shop was still pretty tidy. I grabbed my keys and phone as I left, locking the door behind me.
As I got into the Yukon, I realized Tay hadn’t said anything in a while. “How was school today?”
“Okay. The usual.”
I pulled out of the driveaway and headed up the hill toward Canyon Rock. “Any big tests this week? I can help you study.”
“Are you good with Trig?”
I groaned. “Not at all. Don’t you need an essay edited or something? I can help with that.”
“I’ve got a bunch of reading to do with US History, and a packet for Chem.”
“Everett can probably help with the history and maybe the math.” It was just a few minutes’ drive up the road to our house. I parked in the garage, not surprised to see Derek’s patrol car was parked in front. He would have come straight here to wait for us. “How far away are you now?”
“I’m at the light just off the freeway.”
So five to ten minutes. “I’m going to run inside and make us a snack. What sounds good?”
“Um…” Taylen sighed. “Nothing really. Maybe a Coke?”
“You got it.” I opened the door and held the phone away from my mouth as I yelled, “I’m home!”
I wasn’t sure if Shelby and Chris were still shooting or not. I didn’t see anyone in the front living room, but I found Derek in the kitchen. No surprise. He had a huge platter of thick steaks in his hand. When he was worried or upset, he liked to eat. Which meant cooking. Though for him, that meant throwing something on a grill outside.
“Is that Tay?” he asked. “How do they want their steak?”
I didn’t have to repeat his words. Taylen replied, “Medium, though I’m not really hungry.”
D nodded as he headed outside to throw them on the grill.
I asked, “Is Shelby back yet?”
“They’re on their way,” he called back over his shoulder.
Liam was already home, overseeing Derek’s work at the grill. “Don’t worry about Liam,” I told Taylen, in case they were still worried about him waiting at school. “Derek already picked him up.”
“Oh good. I didn’t want him to worry if I wasn’t there like usual.”
Liam heard me talking and his eyes lit up. “I got to ride in the police car. All the kids thought that was cool. Though I love Tay’s bug too,” he added hurriedly.
The front door swung open with a thud, and a whirlwind in pink tackled my leg. “Is that TayTay? I want to talk.”
I scooped Allie up in my arms and handed her the phone. “Are you almost here?”
“Yep, another five minutes or so.”
“Good. I have something for you. Miss Maddie helped me make it. Can we read books too?”
“Sure.”
It might be my imagination, but Tay’s voice sounded steadier and more like themself. Allie continued to babble about all the fun stuff she was doing in preschool, while Shelby leaned in and gave us a hug.
Wordlessly, I clung to her, squeezing her too hard against me with my other arm. Carrying a child was risky business. Women died all the time in childbirth. The statistics were horrifying, at least in America.
If anything happened to Angela, I’d be devastated. But if anything went wrong with Shelby’s pregnancy…
I couldn’t breathe at the thought. My stomach churned and my heart ached so badly I had to make a rough growl to clear the blockage.
Allie wriggled to get down, handing me back the phone and racing for the front door. Tay had hung up, so I guessed they must have pulled up out front. In a few moments, they walked back into the kitchen, Allie skipping along beside Tay and holding their hand. That little girl was like a ray of sunshine for all of us, but in that moment, she was a cherub sent straight from heaven. Her happy chatter and easy affection put Taylen more at ease, and her presence kept me from dragging Tay into my too-tight hug and making us all cry.
“Are you going to spend the night with us this time?” Allie asked, spying the backpack Taylen hauled in over one shoulder.
“This is just my school stuff,” Taylen replied. “I didn’t have time to swing by the house yet, but I’m definitely up for a sleepover.”
Allie squealed and raced outside to tell Liam.
I grabbed the bag, groaning loudly at how heavy it was. “What all’s in here? A ton of bricks?”
“Just the usual.” Taylen shrugged. “A few textbooks, my Chromebook. A couple of binders. Stuff I carry every day.”
“Incredible. I can’t believe you carry that all day. When you’re ready to go grab some stuff, I’ll drive if you’d like.”
“Sure, that’d be great.”
“Taaaaaaaay,” Allie called. “Come outside.”
We all stepped out onto the patio area. As usual, Chris had outdone himself with a full outdoor kitchen and comfortable seating beneath a covered patio. A large televis
ion and firepit made it the perfect place to hang out and watch a movie or roast some marshmallows.
The kids had a nice grassy area to play ball or tag, though it wasn’t very green yet. Wally yipped with excitement, racing around from kid to kid, loving every minute of their attention.
“I wish I had a fraction of their energy,” Shelby said ruefully as she sat down. “All I want to do is nap. Have you heard anything new?”
I shook my head as I sat opposite her. “Marlo’s supposed to call or text once he knows something. Ange said her blood pressure might be high. What does that mean?”
“It’s a pretty common complication, I think, though I didn’t have it myself. Hopefully they can manage it with medication, though being pregnant definitely complicates what she can take. When is she due?”
“April, I think.”
“The sixteenth, remember?” Derek sat down with us. “I joked at least it wasn’t Tax Day.”
“She may need to go on bed rest. I was exhausted all the time before, so I can’t imagine how hard it is to carry twins. How’s Taylen handling everything?”
I winced a little, lifting my shoulders helplessly. “They don’t talk a lot about their feelings. I’m glad the kids are here to distract them a little from the stress.”
“Didn’t one of you say that Angela had to wait quite a while to have kids again?”
Derek nodded. “Ange is pretty private about stuff, but she did have a miscarriage a few years ago. They had a bunch of tests trying to get pregnant, too, but I don’t know the details.”
“Rainbow babies,” Shelby breathed out, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Derek got up to flip the steaks and Taylen came over to sit with us.
“How are you holding up, Bug?” I asked.
Taylen gave me a wan smile. “Okay. Playing with Allie and Liam helps. Thanks for letting me come hang out.”
