Serendipitous Chapter 2 C

Tyler and Rebeka 2 days ago.

Previous Post:

Tyler stood. "I think that went well, don't you?" He held her chair.

"Do you think Roger will get the desired results?" Rebeka glanced at him before she stood.

"I do. I've seen him in action. I think you'll be pleased."

She stood and faced the living room. "I'll call Amber and let her know he'll be calling." She exhaled. "I'll also..."

"Let them work it out. Roger is used to things like this happening." When her eyes widened, he continued, "Really, he is."



TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 2 C

Rebeka contacted Amber through a Zoom call. "How's everything in Dallas?"

"It's a beautiful sunny day. I can't believe it's completely different where you are, but that's Texas for you." Amber held up some papers. "I found all the royalty and bank statements. I also have a record of your canceled checks and withdrawals."

"Good. Monday a lawyer friend of Tyler's, Roger Whitmore, will contact you for as much information as you can give him. He'll want to meet with you."

"You're kidding, right? The Roger Whitmore will contact me?"

"You know him?"

"Of course not." Amber giggled. "But your sparkly eyes and Roger are number one and number two most eligible bachelors in Dallas. Probably all of Texas." Amber took a breath and fanned herself. "I can't believe you accidently stumbled onto them."

"Amber, you need to pause. They're just men who are nice enough to help me out of a difficult situation."

"You're right, but I can dream, can't I? You're living your next romance novel. It doesn't get any better than this." She held up her phone. "Here's a photo of your sparkly eyes and Roger together. Get a look at those muscles. You must admit they're hunks."

"Okay, they're attractive, but there's a lot more to people than their looks."

"True, but all indications are they're great guys too."

"If they're that great, they'd already be married."

"Or maybe they haven't met the right person."

Tyler entered the room. "I think Amber's right. Roger and I haven't met the right women yet. I believe they're out there." His eyes met Rebeka's. "Lunch is ready, when you are."

Amber laughed. "He even cooks."

He winked. "Not really cooked, only sandwiches and a salad."

"Still..."

"Bye Amber, I'll stay in touch." Rebeka turned off the computer. Tyler held her chair as she stood. "She's a great assistant."

"I'm sure she is. You two seem to get along well, even though you're completely opposite."

They walked to the kitchen together. "We are very different." Rebeka sat in the chair offered.

*****
After lunch, Rebeka went to her room and started writing. Amber may be right about my next novel. I could change some things, but there's a story here.

She started with an outline of her heroine and the hero. A few hours later she had a working timeline of events. She felt a few cramps and rubbed her stomach. I probably sat too long. Maybe a snack will help. She headed toward the kitchen by way of the bathroom.

*****
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rushed into the kitchen. "Tyler!"

Tyler turned away from the lady who spoke to him through FaceTime. "Rebeka, what's wrong?" He hung up and went after Rebeka. He touched her arm as she retreated. "Rebeka?"

"I'm sorry I interrupted."

He used his thumb, dried her tears, and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. "You didn't interrupt anything. I was trying to get rid of her. I'll explain later. Now, I want to know why you're crying."

He motioned for her to sit on the couch. When she did, he sat beside her. "Talk to me." When she remained quiet, he put his arms around her and guided her head to his broad chest. "Relax and tell me what's wrong. I can't read your mind."

A few moments later, Rebeka whispered, "I'm bleeding."

"Okay." Tyler closed his eyes and swallowed. "I need to examine you. Lay down, while I get my bag."

Tyler returned with his stethoscope around his neck. "First, I'll take your blood pressure and pulse. Next, I'll listen for the baby's heartbeat."

Silence continued as he completed these tasks. After he listened for the heartbeat, he offered, "I know you want to hear it."

He waited until he saw Rebeka's smile. "There's that beautiful smile again." He pulled a chair closer. "You want answers, but I don't have any. Only possibilities. Your blood pressure is elevated. That's not good. We'll need to work to get that down. There are a few other possibilities. I'd need to do a complete exam to diagnose it further."

She shook her head, whispered, "No." as fear entered her eyes.

He continued, "I don't have the proper equipment so there's no reason for that."

"Thank you."

"Now for a few possibilities: with vaginal bleeding there's a threat of a miscarriage, maybe an infection or Placenta Previa."

He stared at his stethoscope for a few moments then took out his phone, pressed a button, and waited until the call was answered. "Aunt Beth, later I'll call and explain, but where's your glucose testing kit you've never used?"

He hung up. "There's a possibility I want to check. I'll be right back." He left and then returned with the kit. He held a lancet. "Would you prick your finger? I want to check your glucose level."

She took the lancet, held it to her finger, and swallowed.

"Give it here. I'll do it. Look away." When she did, he pricked her finger and then squeezed a drop of blood onto the test strip.

"What's it say?"

"Unfortunately, what I suspected. Your glucose level is 165." His eyes met hers. "Little lady, your pregnancy is going to have challenges. I'll keep an eye on your blood pressure and your glucose level. As soon as possible, I'll get you an appointment with Heather."

He placed a call. Once this call was answered, he said, "Heather, good to hear your voice." He listened and then explained how he met Rebeka and then described her pregnancy. "She needs an appointment as soon as the roads clear."

When he hung up, he said, "I'm to keep monitoring you. If your blood pressure and/or glucose level continues to rise, we'll helicopter you to the hospital."

"Do you think that's necessary?"

He stretched his neck from side to side, as he stared at her. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think it was."

"Okay."

"Right now, I want you to rest. I know your life is in an uproar, but for your baby's sake you need to relax. I'm confident Roger will handle Stuart."

Under her breath she said, "I wish he could handle Father."

"I wish he could too." He touched her arm. "Right now, rest. We'll worry about your dad later. He's not a threat at this moment. While you're here you have nothing to worry about." He stood. "Want the TV on?"

"I don't watch TV."

"Okay. What can I get you?"

"My laptop. I can write."

"Writing doesn't stress you?" When she indicated it didn't, he stood. "I'll be back with your laptop."

When he handed it to her, Rebeka said, "Thank you." Then paused. "Sorry about interrupting you and your girlfriend. I hope me being here won't cause problems."

"Don't worry about it. Elena and I dated a while back, but it wasn't going anywhere. I tried to give her gentle hints, but she didn't understand. When I got guardianship of Missy, she couldn't understand why I'd leave Dallas to raise my niece. I thought she'd leave me alone. She has relatives in town, and through small town gossip, she heard Missy's in town and hoped I'd return to my old job. I'm not. I'm happy here. I won't be going back to Dallas, and Missy will remain part of my life. It has nothing to do with you." He tilted his head. "Let's pretend we, Elena and I, were still together, and I helped you, if she didn't understand and felt threatened then we'd have a bigger problem called trust. It's part of being a doctor. I help people."

"Thank you."

He stood. "I'll be in my den if you need anything." He glanced at Zeke lying on the floor by her. "My dog likes you."

Rebeka reached down and petted his head. "I like him."

"Good to know. Holler if you need anything."

*****
Just after dinner, Tyler came in from checking the barn animals and began building a fire in the fireplace. "The wind's strong. I think the house is a little chilly. This should help."

He had a good fire built when the lights flickered. "I'll get the flashlights, just in case."

He returned and handed her one. "One of the hazards of country living." He took out his phone. "I'd better call Missy."

Just as he finished saying goodnight the lights went out. "It was nice of them to wait, wasn't it?"

"It was."

Tyler moved closer. "Okay, I know you're worried about the baby, your agent, and your dad. Is there anything else going on? I feel there is. I sensed you just tensed up. You need to be open and not keep things inside."

Rebeka remained quiet.

"I don't want to shine the flashlight in your face, but I'm also sensing tears. You need to talk. Are there tears?"

When she didn't answer, he reached over and touched her damp cheek. "Thought so." He paused a moment. "What brought these on?" Silence. "Rebeka, are you afraid of the dark?"

"No," came a whisper.

"Then what?" A minute of silence followed. "Amber told you I was in the tabloids. Are you afraid to be alone with me in the dark by a lit fireplace?"

"Hmm."

"You are. I'm a bachelor and for some strange reason got voted the most eligible bachelor in Dallas. I'm not a playboy. Never have been and never will be. You're safe with me. I took an oath to help people, that includes protecting them, even from me. I'm also a Christian. Understand?"

He moved closer. "Since you're crying, you're under stress. That's not good for the baby or you. I'm going to hold you and hope it helps. That's all I'm doing." He put his arms around her and guided her head to his chest. "Just relax. Take deep breaths. I want you to feel safe." He hummed 'When You Wish Upon a Star'.

When he felt her body relaxing, he said, "Good. It's helping." He paused a moment. "Sorry about the song. I sing it to Missy when she struggles sleeping." When their eyes met, he continued, "Tonight I want you to sleep down here where it's warm. The bedrooms are chilly." She inhaled deeply. "Don't worry. I'll be in my room. You've got to learn to trust me. We may be like this awhile."

My youngest son, Steven's birthday is March 17th. We'll leave for the Gulf Saturday and return Tuesday. I should be able to post on Sunday, but sometimes life happens, no matter how much we plan.

I want to thank YouTube for both of these videos.

~~~~~~
Heartbeat of an embryo at 13 weeks.


~~~~~
When You Wish Upon a Star


~~~~~
Rebeka Miller - our heroine, she's twenty -two, a romance award winning author, extremely old fashioned

Dr. Tyler Butler - 'Ty' an ER doctor, raising his niece, Lily.

Richard Stuart - Rebeka's agent and rich spoilt brat, a not nice person

Amber Wilson - Rebeka's personal assistance and best friend

Peter Dawson - Tyler's friend and part-time ranch hand

Elizabeth - 'Aunt Beth', helping raise Lily and helped raise Tyler after parents died

Christina - Elizabeth's close friend

Lily - 'Missy', Tyler's niece, 5 years old

Lori - Tyler's deceased sister and mother of Lily

Zeke - Golden Retriever mix, family dog

Roger Whitmore - a lawyer and Tyler's best friend

Dr. Heather Sharp - OB/GYN and Tyler's childhood friend