Serendipitous Chapter 19 B

Tyler and Rebeka met 121 days ago. (I put this here because I only post once a week or twice a week, so it seems much longer. This will NOT be in my manuscript.)

Previous Post:

Tyler's eyebrows rose before he chuckled and hugged Rebeka. "Buttercup, you're priceless." He held her and lifted her feet off the ground.

"Ty, stop it. We're in public."

He kissed her cheek and whispered, "It's okay. We're married, remember?" Her frown caused him to chuckle again. "I told you I'd never attempt to change your ways, but no wife of mine is going to spend all day washing and hanging up cloth diapers. Jakob will use disposable ones. You have plenty."

"They're so expensive."

"Believe me we can afford them." He glanced at the baby. "Kiss our son goodbye. We'll discuss finances on the way home."

Rebeka kissed Jakob goodbye and promised she'd return. Tyler slipped his arm around her waist as they left NICU.


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 19 B
Jakob is 2 days old

Zeke was the first to greet Tyler and Rebeka at the door. The wiggly dog made it apparent he'd missed them both. Lily ran up to Rebeka and hugged her. "I'm so happy you're home. Can you read my story tonight?"

"I'd be happy to."

As Elizabeth, Roger, and Amber came into the room, Tyler said, "Let Beka find a seat." He pointed. "Where would you be most comfortable?"

Rebeka walked toward the couch. "Right here. That way Lily can sit beside me."

"It sits pretty low." He released a deep breath. "I'll be happy to help you." Tyler sat opposite her.

Elizabeth brought Rebeka a glass of water. "In case, you need it." She checked her watch. "Dinner will be ready in about forty-five minutes."

Roger pointed toward the backyard. "Beka, Amber and I didn't get flowers, but we did get you a Texas Smoke Tree. They have smoky-purple flowers. We thought you and Ty would enjoy watching it grow as Jakob grows." He grinned at Tyler. "I already planted it. I hope you approve of the spot."

Amber handed Rebeka a large sack. "Of course, there are a few things all new babies need. You really should've had a baby shower."

"I don't think so and this is way too much. You didn't need to do all of this."

Amber hugged her, as she said, "I should've done a lot more."

Elizabeth, Lily, and Amber enjoyed watching Rebeka open the baby presents.

Tyler watched for a few moments and then said, "Show me where you planted that tree."

The guys went outside.

*****
After they sat for dinner, prayers, and passed the dishes around, Rebeka quieted, crossed her arms over her breasts, and stood. "Excuse me." She rushed toward her bedroom.

Tyler stood. "Beka, what's wrong?" He followed.

When Tyler opened the bedroom door, her back remained toward him and she said, "Please leave."

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

Her arms remained across her breasts. "Tyler, I need you to leave."

"You used my first name. This must be serious." He studied her. "Your milk came in, didn't it?" When she ignored him, he continued, "Your breasts are probably engorged and uncomfortable. There may be leakage. I can help with these symptoms."

He walked into the bathroom. "I'll make some warm compresses. They're for your breasts. It'll help relieve some of the tightness." He returned with some hand towels damp with hot water. "Here." She took them but didn't apply them to her breasts.

"The warm compresses won't help if you don't use them." He picked up the box containing the breast pump. "I'll set this up. Once you pump, you'll feel better."

After the breast pump was set up, Tyler said, "I'll help you get started. With engorged breast, it'll be uncomfortable to pump. If you're not going to use the warm compresses, you can manually express your milk." When she didn't move and remained silent, he said, "It'd help if you told me what you're thinking. Then I'd know how best to help."

"The best way you can help is to leave."

"Rebeka?"

"Tyler, leave."

He started to say something but instead left.

*****
In the dining room, Elizabeth asked, "Is everything all right?" She noticed his set jaw and continued, "What's wrong?"

"Beka's milk came in. She's uncomfortable and embarrassed. I can help, but she won't let me. This is one of those topics in her religion or culture you don't discuss in mixed company."

Amber stood. "I'll talk with her."

Elizabeth exhaled. "Amber, I think this is a situation where Rebeka needs an older female, like a mom. I'll go."

Tyler and Elizabeth left the dining room together. Tyler went into his den. Elizabeth went to Rebeka's room.

*****
A few moments passed before Roger walked into the den with two cups of coffee. He held one out. "How about some coffee or do you need something stronger while we discuss what's going on?"

Tyler offered a partial grin. "Pretty sure something stronger would only make the situation worse." He shook his head. "In college those nights we solved our problems with whiskey never solved the problem."

"Not only that, but the next day was worse." Roger sipped his coffee. "And occasionally the following day."

"You're right."

"Want to talk about it?"

Tyler repeated what he'd said previously in the dining room.

"I'm far from an expert on this, but why won't she let you help? You're her husband and a doctor. Doesn't that give you some advantage?" asked Roger

"One would think. She's embarrassed and scared. Heather glazed over nursing during the childbirth classes. I should've warned Beka what to expect but never thought about it. Part of this is my fault."

"You can't think of everything. You remained by her side through all of this and helped with the delivery. That's a lot of support."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Maybe but Beka carries a lot of extra baggage. I've only been able to peel back a few layers. We were making progress. I hope this hasn't caused us to backslide."

Tyler studied his coffee cup. "Beka's dad had so many rules, and they're ingrained in her. He convinced her if she didn't follow them exactly, God would be angry, and she'd be unworthy of love."

"Amber's mentioned how in college Rebeka was always worried about doing something wrong. Amber called it brainwashing. I didn't realize it went to this extent."

"It does."

*****
About forty-five minutes later, Elizabeth stepped into the den's doorway and held up a bag filled with breast milk. "I'm putting this in the fridge."

"Actually, freeze it. Label it 'Butler' with the date and time. Also put it in a sterile bag. How's she doing?"

"A little better. Amber's with Lily."

"Good. I'll check with Missy in a few minutes."

Moments later, Rebeka stood in the doorway with tears dripping down her cheeks. "Ty?"

Roger stood. "Amber and I need to go to town. We'll be back in about an hour."

Tyler nodded as he walked toward Rebeka.

She hurried into his arms and cried. "I'm sorry."

"Shh, it's alright. I understand." Tyler exhaled and held her tighter.

When her tears lessened, he said, "I should've prepared you for what to expect."

She cuddled closer, as Tyler kissed her forehead. She's not ready to talk. He led her to the small couch. "Let's sit."

Rebeka's head laid against Tyler's chest but remained quiet.

Not sure what to say, Tyler held her in silence. Maybe she'll work up to telling me what's on her mind.

Rebeka took a few deep breaths, before she said, "I'm sorry. I never should've spoken to you the way I did. You didn't' deserve it. Please accept my apology."

"I'll accept your apology, but you don't need to apologize." He wiped a tear on her cheek. "Your body ganged up on you." When her eyes met his, he continued, "While you were pregnant your body released pregnancy hormones. Once Jakob was born your body wanted to go back to normal, but you're nursing, so now your nursing hormones are in full swing."

"Are you saying I'm a mess?"

"That's an oversimplification but yes." Tyler hesitated. "You're not a mess, but your hormones are."

"Will they ever be normal again?"

"Yes, but it'll take time. I'm guessing you'll nurse for a while."

"I was thinking about a year. Think that'll be okay with Jakob?"

"I'm sure it will."

"I was mean to you. You probably hate me."

"Buttercup, I could never hate you."

She cuddled into his chest again. "Thank you."

His arms tightened around her.

Moments later, Elizabeth stood in the doorway and mouthed, "Lily?"

"Missy's ready for her story," said Tyler. "I'd better read it."

"I told her, I would."

"Sure, you're up to it?"

"I am."

They walked up the stairs together and went into Lily's room.

Rebeka sat on the edge of her bed and noticed the book in Lily's hand. 'Madeline' by Ludwig Bemelmans. "Is this the story you want me to read?"

Lily studied Rebeka for a few moments. "Aunt Beka, your eyes are red. You've been crying. What's wrong?"

Rebeka glanced at Tyler. "Nothing, sweetheart. So much has happened that sometimes I get overwhelmed, but everything is great."

Lily reached up and hugged her. "I'm glad. Uncle Ty won't let anything happen."

"I know. He's special that way. Let's get started on this story."

*****
When Lily was settled in for the night, Tyler and Rebeka went downstairs. Elizabeth walked to them. "You two haven't had dinner. Ready?"

They both agreed. As they ate, Roger and Amber returned. Roger carried a small refrigerator.

Tyler's eyebrows rose. "What's that for?"

"I got to thinking about Beka walking down those stairs," Roger pointed, "half asleep during the night and decided she needed one in the bedroom." He headed toward the stairs. "I'll set it up."

Tyler followed. "I think we need to discuss this."

Watching the two men head toward the stairs, bantering back and forth, Rebeka asked, "What just happened?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "Roger acting like Roger, and Ty acting like Ty. Get used to it, sweetheart. It happens most of the time they're together."

*****
Roger and Tyler returned to the living room, and Rebeka stood. "It's time for me to go upstairs."

"If you need anything, let me know," said Elizabeth.

"Thank you."

Tyler watched her walk toward the stairs. "Buttercup, be sure to label it with our name, the date, and time. I left some sterile bags in the freezer compartment to put it in."

"Thank you."

Roger watched his buddy. "She's got this."

"I know." Tyler paused. "I'm wondering what during the night will look like. We share the room."

"Hadn't thought of that. Interesting question. I'm sure you'll handle it like a pro."

~~~~~

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.

Jakob Tyler Butler - Rebeka's baby from a forced pregnancy.

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