Background
Respect any man who heals a broken woman he didn't break and raises a child he didn't make.
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Tyler and Rebeka met 11 days ago.
Previous Post:
"Not sure." Tyler glanced at his phone. "I just got a call from the mechanic about your car."
"Today? It's a holiday." Rebeka studied Tyler and then said, "You're face says it's not good. Can they repair it?"
"It'll be expensive." Tyler pointed at his den. "Let's call your insurance company." He glanced at Roger. "You might be needed."
Rebeka turned toward the stairs. "I'll be there in a minute. Let me get my purse. I'll need my insurance card."
TODAY'S POST:
Chapter Eight C
Moments later the three of them sat in Tyler's den as Rebeka called her insurance company.
Both Roger and Ty tapped their fingers on the desk as Rebeka explained for the third time that the police couldn't respond because of the flash flooding and a lightning strike had damaged the bridge. She repeated, "Sir, I hydroplaned, hit a tree and then a mailbox surrounded by bricks. Only my car was involved. I'm sorry, I didn't' notify you immediately, but I'm pregnant and was concerned about the safety of the baby." She listened, then said, "I can send you pictures of everything I hit. It'll only take a couple of minutes to get them. I'll call back when I have them."
Tyler texted Peter to take the photographs and to bring them to him.
It wasn't long before Peter came in. "I have the photos."
"Good. Send them to Beka, and she'll forward them to the insurance company."
Roger called the repair shop and had them send car photographs to the insurance company.
When that was completed, Rebeka called the insurance company again. They insisting with their argument that the policy stated without a police report they wouldn't pay.
Roger took the phone from Rebeka. "This is Roger Whitmore, Ms. Millers attorney. What would happen if Ms. Miller's car was damaged in a hailstorm? There wouldn't be a police report. Would you pay for the repairs?" He listened. "Of course, you would. A severe thunderstorm caused this accident. It's also an act of nature. Your policy says you should pay." He again listened. "Good idea. We'll expect a call tomorrow after you speak with your supervisor." He hung up and his eyes met Rebeka's. "Now we wait."
Tyler called to Elizabeth. "Aunt Beth, do you need your SUV?"
"No, why?"
"We're going to town. I have an idea."
"Is Beka going too?"
"Yes, we won't be long. I promise, you'll be able to continue with whatever you have planned." He motioned toward the front door. "Let's go."
*****
On the way to town Tyler asked, "Is your BMW fully loaded?"
"I'm not sure." Rebeka's eyes widened.
He glanced at her. "You're not into cars, are you?"
"No. I just drive it and put gas in it. I don't drive very often. I didn't want a car. My agent said I needed one. He chose this one saying I needed to project a certain image."
"I'm sure it's loaded and has low milage. What are you thinking?" asked Roger.
"Maybe we can talk the repair shop into making an equal trade for another car." Tyler paused. "Even after the cost of the repairs, they'd get a sizable profit from it. Beka could get a responsible new car. Not a BMW but something that suits her purpose. With the baby, she'll probably need something like a crossover. I think she could get one around twenty-five thousand dollars. They'd still make almost double that selling her BMW."
Roger thought before he said, "You're right. I like that idea."
"Guys, I'm right here," said Rebeka.
Tyler blew out a deep breath. "I did it again, didn't I?"
"You did and had help this time."
"Sorry. I'll keep working on it."
"What's going on?" asked Roger.
Tyler grinned. "It's been brought to my attention that I have a habit of making decisions and not including the person who should be included in the decision-making process."
Roger chuckled. "Amber has pointed that out a few times. I guess it's an occupational habit."
"Maybe a male habit," added Rebeka.
"Could be," said both men.
*****
The repair shop agreed to consider making that deal, but said it'd take a few days for management to bless off on the offer. The threesome headed back to the ranch.
*****
Elizabeth met them at the door. "Fill me in on the details later. Beka, you need to head for the shower. We need to do your hair, makeup, and nails. I can't wait to see you in that new dress. Ty, go to the barn and get Lily. She's next."
He saluted Elizabeth. "Yes, Ma'am, we'll get right on it. Come on, Roger. We have our marching orders."
"Don't forget I can still whip your butts," teased Elizabeth. She faced Rebeka and Amber. "Those two were stinkers when they were younger. I don't think much has changed."
Rebeka watched Tyler leave. "I'm sure, but they seem like really good men."
"They're among the best. I wouldn't change a thing. Now, get yourself upstairs and shower."
When Elizabeth headed toward the kitchen, Rebeka went out the front door and sat on the porch swing.
Lily ran onto the porch. "Ms. Beka, are you coming inside to get ready?"
"I'll be in. I'm just taking a short break." She smiled, as Lily ran inside.
*****
Roger stood outside the barn and watched Tyler study Rebeka before he said, "She's special, isn't she?"
"What you mean?" questioned Tyler.
"You're falling for her."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I've known you for over twenty-five years. I've never seen you so fascinated with a female."
"What are you saying?"
"There's something special about Rebeka that's gotten to you."
"She's a young lady in need. I'm always willing to help."
Roger shook his head. "I know. This is different. I can't put my finger on it, but Rebeka's different." He watched her for a few moments. "Why's she sitting on the porch? Aunt Beth wants her inside getting ready."
"Aunt Beth and Amber want to fix her all up. Beka doesn't do that. She's probably avoiding them. She tends to avoid situations, instead of confronting them."
"Sounds like you've had experience with her avoidance issues."
"You're right. Let's saddle the horses and ride around the ranch."
*****
When Rebeka went inside, Elizabeth and Amber were waiting. Amber smiled. "Ready?" She paused. "I know you don't do make-up. We've taken that into consideration. I'm pretty sure what we've got you'll approve of. Will you try it?"
After releasing a deep breath, Rebeka said, "Okay."
Elizabeth pointed to the stairs. "Good. Go ahead and shower. Come down in a robe. I promise the guys will remain outside."
"Thank you."
*****
Hours later, everybody waited in the living room for Lily and Rebeka to join them.
Lily ran downstairs and turned around with arms in the air. "Uncle Ty, do you like my hair and my dress?"
"You're very pretty."
"Ms. Beka did my hair."
"The blue ribbon braided through your hair matches your dress and blue eyes," said Amber. "Did you inherit your mom's blue eyes?"
Lily giggled. "I did, but they aren't as cool as Uncle Ty's."
"Did Rebeka say anything about how long before she's ready?" asked Elizabeth.
"Not sure. Her dress has a slit on the side. She's stitching it up."
Tyler released a deep breath and stared at Elizabeth. "Aunt Beth?"
"It's only a small slit."
Amber headed toward the stairs. "I'll hurry her."
At the top of the stairs stood Rebeka. "I'm sorry I've held you up. I hope you haven't waited long."
Tyler's sparkling sapphire blue eyes watched every step she took. At the bottom of the stairs, he held out his arm. "Wow! You look amazing. I'll escort you to the dining room. I think we're ready."
Lily lifted Tyler's left pant leg. "Uncle Ty, did Ms. Beka knock your socks off?" She glanced at Elizabeth. "This sock is still on." She paused. "Aunt Beth said in that dress Ms. Beka would knock your socks off."
Flustered Elizabeth said, "Dinner's getting cold. We'd better get into the dining room."
"I'm sorry." Rebeka turned toward the stairs.
Tyler reached for her hand. "You're not going anywhere." He paused. "Please enjoy dinner with us."
"But?"
"Let's go." He hesitated. "Please?"
In the dining room, Tyler held Rebeka's chair as he said, "Aunt Beth, we'll discuss this later."
She nodded.
The waiter held two platters of escargot. "I'm Benjamin. I'll be your waiter this evening. Please enjoy this escargot in garlic sauce." He set down a platter at each end of the table with a platter of French bread. Before he left, he placed two shells and a slice of bread on each person's plate.
Rebeka stared at them.
Tyler, beside her, touched her leg. When she glanced at him, he eyed his tongs. He picked them up with his left hand and nodded when Rebeka did the same. He then used the tongs to hold the shell. With the small fork, he pierced the meat and pulled it out of the shell. After she did the same, he placed the meat in his mouth.
Rebeka followed his lead. After swallowing, her face scrunched up and she took a quick drink of water.
Tyler grinned and whispered, "It's an acquired taste." He reached over and took the other shell from her plate. "Roger, what's the main course?"
"Easy answer. Short ribs with potatoes in a cabernet wine sauce. I know it's one of your favorites."
"It is. Thank you." Tyler touched Rebeka's hand under the table and mouthed, "You should be okay."
She nodded and smiled.
While eating, Elizabeth said, "Thank you, Roger. This is delicious. I can't remember the last time I had French food."
"You're welcome. I remember the last time Ty and I went to Europe, we enjoyed Paris, actually all the French countryside. What was that two years ago?"
Tyler chewed his last bite before he answered, "It was before Lori died. Probably close to two years ago."
Roger nodded. "Buddy, we need to change that."
"Can I go too?" asked Lily.
With a grin, Roger said, "We should make it a family affair." His eyes met Amber's. "Have you been to Europe?"
"My grandparents are from Scotland. After I graduated from college, Mom and I took a trip there. It was great."
Lily asked, "Ms. Beka, where have you visited."
"I've never been out of the US. A few of times I've traveled to the East Coast on book tours."
"Mr. Roger, can Ms. Beka come too?" asked Lilly.
"Beka is welcome to join us any time." Roger nodded toward Rebeka. "I mean it."
"Thank you."
Tyler watched the conversation.
*****
After dinner, Elizabeth and Tyler ushered Lily upstairs to get ready for bed. Roger and Amber retreated to Tyler's den. Rebeka went to the front porch and watched the stars.
When Rebeka heard the front door, she turned. "Did you finally get Lily settled down?"
Tyler grinned. "It took both of us, but we won the battle." He studied the stars. "I see you're star gazing. Has your hero messed up?"
"No. I'm hoping I didn't embarrass you in front of your friend. I haven't had many life experiences." Rebeka exhaled. "To be honest, I haven't had any."
"You did nothing wrong. Even if you did, Roger and I are close enough, nothing could embarrass me around him. We've seen each other at our worst."
"That's good to know."
"He thinks you're a special lady."
She glanced toward the front door. "I have a feeling he also thinks Amber's special." She studied the stars. "I hope she doesn't get hurt."
"You're worried about his eligible bachelor status, right?" When Rebeka nodded, Tyler continued, "Don't be. Roger's is just as wrong as mine. He's one of the good guys. Neither of us deserve that rating, and it has only caused problems. I feel you've misjudged me because of it."
Rebeka's eyes met his, studied them for a few moments, and then looked away.
"I felt you were about to say something. You can speak freely. I hope you know that."
"I do," whispered Rebeka.
Tyler reached for her hand. "Let's sit over here."
Rebeka accepted his hand.
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."
~~~~~
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
Author Notes
Thank you, FanStory AI for the image of escargot and French bread.
Chapter 8 is another long chapter, and so I'm posting it in three parts. This is part 3 or C. It has a little under 2200 words. I'll post higher than normal so reward you for reading.
I had hoped to write that this time I had not make any changes. Not such luck. I made quite a few changes during the week. I'm trying to make it a tight read. Thank you for taking your time to read and write a review. I appreciate all reviews.
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