Serendipitous Chapter 9

Tyler and Rebeka met 16 days ago.

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After they sat on a porch bench, he continued, "You look amazing tonight. I feel you were uncomfortable with the make-up and the nail polish." He lifted her right hand and checked the polish. "It's pretty and natural. I think it's perfect, as is the make-up. It's very natural." He touched her long flowing curls. "I've only seen your hair down a couple of times. It's beautiful." He swallowed. "Is wearing it pulled back another rule."

"Sort of an unspoken one. It falls into the category of not bringing undue attention to your physical qualities."

"If my opinion counts, I don't feel you're dressed immodestly." He grinned when he noticed she fingered the slit she's stitched together. "Sorry about the slit. I'll speak with Aunt Beth about that."

"I'm sure for most women it wouldn't be a problem."

"You're not most women." He avoided eye contact as he glanced toward the door. "It's getting late. We'd better get inside. Tomorrow, Missy and I need to speak with her teacher."

"If I don't see you before you leave, good luck with that."

He winked. "I'm sure I'll see you before I leave. I'll take your blood pressure and check your glucose reading." He stood. "Matter of fact, I need to do that before we retire for the night."


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 9

Rebeka and Lily returned to the house late Saturday morning from the barn, and Lily held Rebeka's hand, giggling. "Gabby really likes you."

"I like Gabby. She's silly," replied Rebeka.

Tyler came from the kitchen with a large mug of coffee. "What have you two been up to?"

Lily hugged him. "You're up! Aunt Beth said you didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning. I missed you at dinner last night."

"I missed having dinner with you."

"Miss Beka read my story."

Tyler winked at Rebeka. "Thank you for taking over the story." He sipped his coffee. "I'm here now. I couldn't miss spending time with my favorite girls."

"You won't fall asleep during the Valentine's Day dance, will you?" asked Lily.

Tyler chuckled. "There's no way that'll happen."

"Good." She tapped him, until he bent to her level, and she kissed his cheek. "It'll be so much fun."

"I'm sure it will." Tyler watched her run into the kitchen with Zeke following. "She's energetic."

Rebeka watched Lily. "That's true."

"How are you doing today?" asked Tyler.

"Good." He continued watching her, so she smiled and added, "I did some research on what to expect at fifteen weeks pregnant. The baby's about four inches long and about two and half ounces." She studied her feet. "Is there such a thing as pregnancy brain? Also do you think I'm putting on too much weight?"

Tyler chuckled. "I've heard of pregnancy brain, but I'm not sure it's a real thing. We'll ask Heather on Wednesday. As for the weight gain, I'd say no. I'm sure you're showing because you're petite. Every extra ounce will show."

"I hope you're right."

With a sigh, he glanced at his phone. "Sorry, it's the hospital. I need to answer this." He walked into his den.

*****
Elizabeth and Rebeka sat at the kitchen table, as Tyler walked in after his phone call. Elizabeth asked, "Do you need to go back?"

He poured himself more coffee. "No. I spent over eighteen straight hours there yesterday and early this morning. I'm not going in if I can help it. Missy's looking forward to the Valentine's Day dance. I won't disappoint her."

"I heard dinner will be served around six-thirty," said Elizabeth.

"Let's plan on leaving around six." Tyler sat beside Rebeka. "Buttercup, I think you'll enjoy it."

"It's a family thing. I'll be all right here."

Elizabeth said, "Nonsense. You're family, you're going."

"But my presence will only cause more speculation and gossip."

Tyler took another sip of coffee, before he said, "I'm not concerned about the gossip." He stood. "You're going. Be ready." He left the kitchen.

Elizabeth swallowed. "I'd say my nephew settled that."

"He's never been that direct before."

"I'd say too little sleep and not enough coffee. I wouldn't worry about it."

"You're probably right." Rebeka stared in the direction Tyler had gone, before she glanced toward the back door. "It's a beautiful day. I'm going to the back patio and write."

"I need to make some phone calls for the church's women's club, so I'd better get busy."

*****
Rebeka retrieved her laptop from her room and sat at the back patio table. She reread what she'd previously written and made revisions. Ready to start a new chapter, Rebeka glanced up when she heard the door creak.

Tyler walked toward her. "It's a beautiful day."

"It is." She studied his eyes. "Did Aunt Beth suggest you come outside?"

"I haven't seen her. Why?" Before Rebeka answered, he said, "I'm sorry I snapped at you. You didn't deserve it."

"Aunt Beth and I chalked it up to lack of sleep and not enough coffee."

He chuckled. "Some truth to it, but it shouldn't have happened. There's probably an underlying issue that's bothering me that we should address."

Rebeka's eyes widened.

"Don't look so worried." Tyler sat. "Is it okay if I join you?" He grinned. "I probably should've asked before I sat."

"Of course, you can join me."

"Good." He paused. "We've known each other a little over two weeks, right?"

Rebeka swallowed. "Where are you going with this?"

"I thought I've made it clear that I'm not worried about gossip. You're here because I want you to be. If I didn't, we could've worked something else out. I'm happy you're staying with us. You need to be included in family activities."

"I'm already interfering with your homelife. I don't want to interfere with your private life."

"I thought we'd become good friends. Am I wrong?"

"No," whispered Rebeka.

"I'd hoped you would've been a little more certain with your answer. What's the problem?"

"There's not a problem, really." Tyler's eyes widened, as Rebeka continued, "I feel you've put your personal life on hold for me."

"Buttercup, you're wrong. I didn't have a personal life to put on hold. My life consisted of Missy, Aunt Beth, and work. Nothing...or nobody else. Now, I have you in my life. I'm happy about that"

"You sure?"

His striking sapphire eyes glowed. "Positive." He leaned over to glimpse at what she'd been writing. "Is your hero in trouble?"

She shut the lid. "Nobody reads until I'm ready. Not Amber nor you."

He stood. "Feel like taking a short walk?"

Rebeka smiled, stood, and lifted her laptop. "Let me lock this in my room," she teased.

"I enjoy seeing your beautiful smile." Tyler chucked. "I won't read."

*****
A little after 6 o'clock, Tyler parked in the church parking lot. "It looks like a good turn out."

Lily jumped out of the SUV's open door. "This is going to be so much fun."

She started to run off, but Tyler caught her and took her hand. "This is a parking lot. You'll stay with us." He led her back to the vehicle. "I need to help the ladies. We'll walk to the Fellowship Hall as a family."

Lily sighed. "Yes, sir." She smiled. "Can I visit with my friends?"

"First, see who's here."

Inside the Fellowship Hall, Lily grabbed Rebeka's hand. "I want you to see the Noah's Ark we made during Sunday school. It took forever!"

Rebeka followed Lily's lead.

Elizabeth and Tyler stood beside each other, as Elizabeth said, "Lily's off."

"That she is. I'll rescue Beka in a minute."

"I see Christina," said Elizabeth. "I'll find enough seats at a table, so she can join us."

"Good idea."

Pastor Ben shook Tyler's hand. "I'm glad your schedule allowed you to come tonight. The buzz around town is the ER was busy last night."

"It was. I've gotten a few calls today, but I promised Missy, I'd bring her. I'm trying to make sure she knows she's a priority."

"You and Elizabeth are doing a great job with her."

"Thank you." Tyler noticed Elena, someone he'd dated a few times, talking with Rebeka. That can't be good. He released a deep breath. "Pastor, I need to take care of something."

Tyler walked up to the two ladies, and Elena said, "Ty, I thought I'd introduce myself."

His eyes met Rebeka's as he said, "That's nice."

*****
Elizabeth waved her arm. "Ty, over here."

He nodded toward her. "Aunt Beth thinks we'd better get to our seats." He paused, "Beka, know where Missy's at?"

She pointed to Noah's Ark. "She's still over there."

"Why don't I escort you to Aunt Beth, then I'll get Missy?" Tyler offered his arm.

"You don't need to. I can walk by myself. It's only a few steps." When she looked into Tyler's eyes, she said, "Okay," and accepted his arm. What's he upset about?

He held the chair for her to sit. "I'll get Missy."

Before Rebeka sat, she touched his arm. "Have I done something wrong?"

Tyler held his breath and then slowly released it. "Aunt Beth, can you get Missy? I need to talk with Beka."

"Sure."

He cupped Rebeka arm. "Let's step outside for a minute."

They'd only taken a few steps before, Pastor Ben announced, "The gentlemen have something to share with the special ladies in their lives." He pointed to a table with numerous types of flowers on it. "They've been prearranged by family groups."

Tyler held Rebeka's chair. "We still need to talk, but I'll take care of this first." He walked to the table.

First, Tyler pinned a yellow rose corsage on Christina. When he finished, he pecked her cheek. "Thank you for being the perfect family friend."

She returned the kiss to his cheek. "Thank you."

Tyler went to Elizabeth. She stood while he pinned a white rose corsage on her. "Aunt Beth, thank you for being like a mom to me. I've come to rely on your motherly advice." His cheek peck and a hug lasted longer.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Ty, you're the child I never had. Thank you. I've watched you grow into a wonderful man."

"You've had a lot to do with who I turned out to be."

Lily stood on her chair and bounced. Tyler tilted his head. "What do you think you're doing?"

She pointed. "There's still some in your pile. I'm hoping one of those is for me. I'm special."

He slipped a multicolored rose bud wrist corsage over Lily's hand. He lifted her and hugged her. "You are special. Thank you for bringing joy to my life."

"Uncle Ty, you're the best dad a girl could ever have." She planted a huge kiss on his cheek.

Tyler set Lily on the floor and dried his eyes. Releasing a deep breath, he stood beside Rebeka. "I didn't forget you. I'm glad you wore your hair down." With his fingers he brushed the right side back and secured a cream-colored rosebud hair clip. "It looks perfect there."

Rebeka struggled controlling her voice, "Ty..." She swallowed. "You shouldn't..."

"Maybe I wanted to. Like I said earlier, you are part of our family."

Pastor Ben stood in the front. "Please bow your heads while I bless the food."

Everybody held hands as the prayer was said.

Roast beef, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables were served along with fresh rolls. Chocolate cake was dessert.

With the dinner dishes cleared, the music began.

Lily studied Tyler. When he pretended to ignore her, she blew out a deep breath.

He grinned. "Missy, you want something?"

She folded her arms on the table and placed her head on them. "No, nothing."

"I was about to ask you to dance, but since you're busy..."

"I've been patiently waiting for you to ask." Lily jumped from her chair and grabbed his hand.

He chuckled. "Patient, you are not."

They walked onto the dance floor together.

Three dances later, Lily led Tyler to the table. "Ms. Beka wants to dance."

Rebeka shook her head. "It's okay, Lily. I know how much you want to dance with your uncle."

She walked up to Rebeka and pretended to whisper. "I know he's the most handsome man here. I've heard people talk. I'll share him with you."

With a grin Tyler offered his hand. "Buttercup, may I have the next dance?"

"No, thank you. Really, I can't."

He took her hand and whispered, "You can." He pointed. "Pastor Ben is dancing with his wife. We're in the church. Nothing immoral is going to happen. Please dance with me."

Rebeka gulped, took his hand, and stood. "I don't know how."

"That's okay. I'll lead." He placed her left hand on his right shoulder. "Your hand goes here." Next, he held her hand. "Stand with our feet shoulder length apart." He paused. "You're doing great. Now follow my steps."

"What if I step on your foot."

Tyler grinned. "It'll be okay. I expect a few missteps."

After a few moments passed, he said, "Look at me, not at your feet. You're doing great."

Their eyes met. Tyler continued, "We've been busy. I haven't told you how beautiful you look tonight."

Rebeka released a deep breath. "Your eyes did when I walked down the stairs."

"I'm glad."

During the second dance, they moved closer together. By the third dance Rebeka's head rested against Tyler's chest.

The dancing continued. When the music stopped, Lily touched both their hands. "Aunt Beth says it's time for me to go home and get ready for bed. We have Sunday School and Church tomorrow."

Tyler grinned. "She's right." He led Rebeka from the dance floor.

****
Lily was securely in bed when Tyler opened the front door. "Buttercup, I figured you'd be out here. I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight."

"I did. Thank you for including me." Rebeka stared at the stars. "The sky's beautiful tonight."

"It is. Is there a particular reason you're star gazing?"

"Hypothetically, if a male and female went someplace together..."

"A date?"

"Not a date. Just as friends." When Tyler nodded, Rebeka continued, "One of them felt relaxed. Maybe more than relaxed, maybe at home, comfortable. Is that possible? Is it a bad thing?"

"It is possible. I'd say it's good. If one of them felt it, I bet they both did."

Her eyes met his. "You think so?"

"I'm pretty sure. This is just hypothetical, right?"

Rebeka averted her eyes. "Of course."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." Tyler grinned. "Let's go inside. I need to check your blood pressure and glucose. How's the cramping and spotting?"

"Both a lot better, very slight."

"I'm glad. I'll be right back." Tyler went to his den. I guess I don't need to address Elena. Beka felt comfortable with me. I felt it too. Now what?


~~~~~
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the men in our lives. Those who are dads, those stepdads who chose to raise a child or children they didn't father, and those who are wonderful examples to the young males or females in your lives. If I missed any, please know I'm sorry.

~~~~~
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 assistant 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

Ruth and Elijah Miller - Rebeka's parents