Serendipitous Chapter 22

Tyler and Rebeka met 124 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 opened the bedroom door and found Rebeka almost in a fetal position on the bed. She faced him. "Ty?" He nodded, so she said, "I'm sorry for tonight. You shouldn't have had put up with my meltdown."

"It wasn't a meltdown. It was raw emotions. You've suppressed them for years. They need to come out so you can deal with them and heal. I'm honored you trusted me enough to allow them out. We'll work this out together."

"You shouldn't have to. They're not your problems."

"They're my problems because I care about you and want to be there for you."

"Thank you."

"I'm going to get ready for bed. I'll be right back." He went into the bathroom and prayed he'd find the words and strength to help Rebeka.



TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 22
Jakob is 5 days old

Close to three o'clock Tuesday morning, Rebeka thrashed, screamed, and cried. Tyler woke up and held her. "Beka, it's all right. It's a nightmare."

She clung to him.

Elizabeth knocked on their door. "Is there a problem?"

Tyler indicated she could enter. "A nightmare."

"I'll check Lily."

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry I woke everybody." Rebeka took a breath and slowly released it. "It seemed so real."

"Understood. Things you've been suppressing were brought into the open." Tyler got up and got her a drink of water. "This might help." He watched her drink. "What would you like to discuss?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"You're far from fine." He waited a few moments, then continued, "Want to try to get back to sleep?"

She nodded and laid down. "I'm sorry I woke you."

Tyler put his arm around her and drew her closer. He tapped his chest. "Put your head here." She did. He wrapped his arm round her, slipped his hand under her pajama top, and caressed her back. "It helps Missy go back to sleep when she's had a bad dream."

"It feels good. Thank you."

He kissed her forehead, "Goodnight," and hummed 'The Keeper of the Stars' as Rebeka drifted back to sleep.

*****
"NO!" screamed Rebeka.

Tyler opened the bathroom door. "What's wrong?"

She grabbed the bedding. "I slept through the four o'clock pumping. My milk just came in again and leaked all over the bed. I'm sorry." Fear entered her eyes. "I didn't mean to. It just happened."

He crossed the room and put his arms around her.

"I'll get you wet." She backed away.

Tyler drew her closer. "It's okay. You needed the sleep."

"But."

"No but's. I'll finish in the bathroom and then take the bedding downstairs. Aunt Beth will take care of it. Go ahead and pump."

"It's not her job." Rebeka glanced at the clock. "I'm sorry. I'm running late."

He raised her chin so he could see her eyes. "It's okay. Don't worry about the time. We've got plenty of time. Pump and then get dressed. Breakfast will be ready when you come down." He grinned. "Breathe. Everything will work out."

"I hope so."

"It will." Tyler turned toward the bathroom. "I'll finish in here. You start pumping."

*****
Rebeka walked into the kitchen, and Tyler held her chair as she sat. Elizabeth set her breakfast in front of her.

"Thank you," whispered Rebeka. "I'm sorry. I've made a mess of everything." When she heard the washing machine spin, she continued, "Doing my laundry isn't your responsibility."

Elizabeth hugged her. "Sweetheart, I'm glad I can help. Families help each other, and you are part of our family. Now eat. You need to keep up your strength."

Lily ran in. "When can I see Jakob?"

Tyler set down his coffee cup. "Missy, what's the rule about running inside?"

"Don't."

"Right." He pointed toward the stairs, as he attempted to hide his grin.

She frowned. "Okay." And went back to the stairs and walked into the kitchen. "When can I see Jakob?"

"I was thinking about going to the hospital after lunch. Ty, is that a good time?" asked Elizabeth.

"I think so. Come to my office first. If I have time, we'll do it together. Maybe I can sneak you into NICU. I won't promise." He checked his phone.

"I'm sorry." Rebeka took her last bite and stood. "I'm making you late."

Tyler covered her hand with his. "We're right on time. Are you ready?"

"Yes." Rebeka paused. "I forgot the breast milk."

"I'll get it. You make sure you have everything." Tyler went upstairs.

Rebeka went to the kitchen and made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I'm not going to the cafeteria again.

*****
On the way to the hospital, Rebeka stared out the passenger window. "Ty, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused. None of this was my intent."

"I wish you'd quit apologizing. You have nothing to apologize for. Nothing that's happened is your fault." Tyler tapped the steering wheel. "Are you all right? You had a hard night."

"I'm fine."

"Or are you suppressing your emotions?" His eyes met hers. "If you are, they'll eventually come out."

"I'm doing what I have to."

"Anytime you need to talk or decompress, I'm available."

"You've already done so much. I can't ask anything else."

"You haven't made me do anything. I haven't done anything I didn't want to." He took a deep breath. "If you'd like, I could set you up a professional to talk with."

"I'll think about it. How's that?"

He nodded.

*****
Rebeka and Tyler held hands as they walked into NICU. They both smiled as they watched Jakob attempt to free his arms from his swaddle.

Tyler freed the baby's arms. "Are you more comfortable, little guy?"

Jakob's mouth opened.

"I think he approved," said Rebeka.

"I agree." Tyler picked up the baby and brought him to his chest. Jakob snuggled in. "Your mommy likes cuddling in too. It won't be long before you're home and can get all the hugs and love you deserve." He kissed Jakob's cheek and exhaled. "I need to get to work. I'll give you to your mommy."

Tyler held Jakob out and then drew him back in. "I need one more hug." He then handed him to Rebeka. He hugged them both and pecked her cheek. "I'll return for lunch and earlier if I can get away."

"Have a great day. Ty?" When their eyes met, she looked down, then whispered, "Thank you for everything."

He gave her another hug. "Buttercup, you don't need to thank me for caring. I want to."

*****
Close to noon, Tyler arrived at the NICU hallway and noticed Rebeka getting a drink from the water fountain. "What are you doing?"

Rebeka's eyes widened. "Getting a drink."

"Why?"

"I'm thirsty." She held up her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "I was getting ready to eat lunch."

He held out his hand for her to take. "I thought we'd go down to the cafeteria together."

"I..." Rebeka studied her sandwich. "I'm fine here."

"You're nervous about us going to the cafeteria. Why?"

"Maybe because yesterday, I was arrested."

"You weren't arrested, just detained. It was a misunderstanding."

"But everybody knows about it. Even your boss showed up."

"Samuel has taken care of the situation and wasn't happy about it. You have nothing to worry about." Tyler took Rebeka's hand. "Let's go."

"I've already made this. I can't waste it."

Tyler took the sandwich and tossed it into a trash can. "You don't have any more excuses. Come on."

"I'm not happy about this."

"Understood. Everything will go smoothly. You'll see."

Inside the cafeteria, Rebeka stood.

Tyler pointed at the different food areas and whispered, "Choose what you'd like, or I'll choose for you."

"I'll choose something." Rebeka walked toward the salads.

"Be sure to get some protein."

"Yes, Dr. Butler."

He grinned. "Cute, but you could address me as 'the most wonderful husband who cares a lot about me'."

"True. I could." Rebeka chose a Caesar grilled chicken wrap and a salad. She held it out. "Doctor approved?"

"Almost." He grabbed a fresh fruit bowl and set it on her tray. "Perfect."

Tyler carried her tray and his as they walked to the checkout counter. "I've got these. Input our code. I'll find a seat."

"But?"

He grinned and winked as he walked away.

Rebeka cautiously typed the code into the scanner and waited.

The cashier said, "Thank you, Mrs. Butler. Please enjoy your meal."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Rebeka sat at the table for a few moments, before she took a strawberry from the fruit bowl and put it in her mouth. "Why'd you have me put in your code?"

"Hoping you'd realize yesterday's problem is resolved. You can come down anytime you want. You don't need to use the water fountain."

"You made your point."

"Good. Enjoy your meal. Has Jakob had a good morning?"

"He has. Dr. Hobson mentioned babies typically lose five to ten percent of their birth weight within a few days of being born. Jakob was three pounds and two ounces at birth and today weighed three pounds. He's doing great."

"Jakob seems to enjoy eating." Tyler reached over and covered Rebeka's hand with his. "How's his mommy doing?"

Rebeka studied the hand Tyler held. "I'm doing well. Thank you for asking."

"I like hearing that."

"Have you had a busy morning?"

"So far a pretty normal Tuesday."

Rebeka tilted her head. "Is that a good thing?"

"It is. Mornings are busy and afternoons slack off some. I should be able to bring Missy and Aunt Beth to NICU."

"Good. I know you bringing Lily to see Jakob will be special for her."

Tyler watched Rebeka as he sipped his coffee. "Will Missy be the only person happy to see me in the middle of a workday?"

Pink tinged her cheeks as she studied her plate. "I'll be happy to see you too."

"I'm glad." Tyler glanced at his pager. "Excuse me I need to check this." He stood and went to a wall phone to make a call.

When he returned, Rebeka asked, "Is everything okay? Do you need to leave?"

"Some test results I've been waiting for came in. You don't need to rush your lunch. There's plenty of time."

"Are you just being polite?"

Tyler's sapphire blue eyes sparkled. "Maybe a little, but I want to spend time with you."

A few moments later, Tyler cupped Rebeka's elbow as they returned to NICU. Tyler frowned when he noticed Jakob was sleeping. "I was hoping to hold him. I remember from when Missy was a baby, one never wakes a sleeping baby. Maybe he'll be awake when I bring Missy." He hugged and kissed Rebeka's cheek. "I'll see you later."

*****
Later that afternoon, Tyler held Lily's hand as he led her into NICU. She wore one of his hospital jackets and a hair net.

When Lily walked up to Rebeka, she held up her hands. "Aunt Beka, my hands are sanitized. I get to see my baby brother."

Rebeka hugged her. "I'm happy you're here and so is Jakob."

Tyler kissed his wife's cheek. "Hi. I wanted to impress on her how special it is for her to get into NICU."

Lily turned toward Tyler. "Uncle Ty, I'm not tall enough to see him."

"I'll give you an elevator ride." Tyler lifted the young child. "Can you see him now?"

Elizabeth stood on the other side of the crib. "Ah, he's perfect. Beka, I know you must be very proud of him."

"I am. I can't wait to get him home." Rebeka glanced at Tyler. "I'm sure he's anxious to get his life back to normal."

"Not true. I'm enjoying the extra time we get to spend together." Tyler slipped his arm around her waist and squeezed."

Their eyes met, as Rebeka smiled.

The NICU head nurse, Nancy, walked in. "Dr. Butler, I have no clue how you pulled this off. Children are not allowed in NICU, and only immediate family with a limit of two visitors at a time. You know this. There are four people around your baby's bassinet."

Lily frowned. "I am family. Jakob is my baby brother." She held up her hand. "My hands are sanitized and I'm wearing a special coat."

"Of course you are," said Nancy. "I'll give you five more minutes, then everybody out but the mother and father." Her eyes met Tyler's. "Right, Dr. Butler?"

His eyes twinkled. "Of course." He hugged Lily. "We'd better say our goodbyes."


~~~~~

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