Serendipitous Chapter 25 A

Tyler and Rebeka met 162 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:

"I'm proud of you, Buttercup." Tyler faced her, as his eyes narrowed. "I need to ask. Are you positive this is what you want?"

She stared into Tyler's sapphire blue eyes. "I've never been surer of anything in my life. Jakob is our son."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for saying that."

Roger chuckled. "Now that's settled. I already relayed that message to his lawyer. Unless Stuart chooses to go the legal route and forces a DNA test, this is over. I doubt he'll do that because I'd go after him for a hefty child support sum. Jakob deserves at least half that trust fund, right?"

Rebeka covered her mouth. "Oh my."

Tyler grinned. "Right."

"I'm going to let you guys enjoy your baby. Talk with you later. Let me know when Amber and I can visit. Bye"

"Will do. Bye." Tyler hung up.

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 25 A
Jakob is 43 days old

Tyler entered the kitchen area, early Friday morning. He kissed Jakob and then Rebeka's cheek. "How's two of my favorite people?"

Rebeka rubbed Jakob's back while waiting for a burp. "We're doing good. Jakob just finished eating."

"Great." Tyler scanned the area. "Where are my two other favorite people?"

"Lily couldn't find any play clothes this morning and Aunt Beth is assisting with that."

"So, Missy decided she didn't want to wear what was easily available?"

"I'd say that's a fair assessment."

He glanced at the stairs. "I wonder if I need to intervene."

"Give them a few more minutes. Negotiations haven't been going on that long."

"I see. I'll get a cup of coffee and join you." Tyler went to the stove.

"I think breakfast is done."

From the stove, Tyler said, "You're right. Are you ready? I'll fix you a plate."

"Not yet. I'll wait until this little guy is ready for his nap."

Tyler set his plate at his spot and sat. "What time's your doctor's appointment?"

"One o'clock. What happens at a six-week appointment?"

"You'll have a physical exam. Heather will check the usual labs. She needs to make sure your blood sugar level is normal. Then check your abdomen, breasts, and cervix. Make sure your uterus has shrunk appropriately. She'll ask about any physical symptoms you're having." Tyler studied her for a moment. "Don't be shy about asking questions."

"I won't. That's a lot."

"There's more. She'll ask about how you're adjusting to the demands of motherhood or any emotional problems you're having."

"I think I've adjusted well, don't you?"

"I think you're doing an amazing job." Tyler sipped his coffee. "You look like you have another question."

Rebeka stared at Jakob. "I've thought about the counseling you've suggested. I think I need it. It's time I handled the extra baggage I'm carrying. Also, I don't want to risk damaging Jakob like I've been damaged."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded, so he continued, "I know a good counselor. I'll set it up."

"Thank you."

Tyler set his coffee cup down. "Something to think about. Heather may want you to catch up on your vaccinations. Completely your decision, but think about it, okay?"

"What do you think?"

"I think you need to discuss it with Heather."

"Anything else?" Rebeka watched Tyler finger his cup. "What are you not saying?"

"In your family this probably isn't discussed in mixed company." Tyler emptied his coffee cup. Poured another one and took another drink. "She'll discuss birth control and family planning."

"It's never mentioned. That's private. She'll really discuss that?"

"She will. I suggest you think about it before your appointment. She'd be a good person to answer any questions you may have."

"But?"

Lily stomped in. "Aunt Beka, do I look all right? Aunt Beth says I do. I think I look like a baby. I'm not a baby, Jakob's a baby."

"I don't think you look like a baby. I think you look like a very pretty young girl."

"Uncle Ty?" asked Lily.

Tyler lifted her up and hugged her. "I agree with Beka. Let's go toward the door. I need to leave." He faced Rebeka. "Come to my office about eleven-thirty, and we'll have lunch together. I'll go with you to your appointment," he winked, "but will leave early."

"Thank you."

He kissed Lily's forehead. "I'll see you tonight. Behave yourself today." He set Lily down. "What about Jakob?"

Elizabeth walked down the stairs. "Lily and I are babysitting the little one."

"Great. I need to get to work. Bye."

*****
After they ate lunch together, Tyler cupped Rebeka's elbow and they walked into Dr. Sharp's waiting room. Tyler grinned. "You don't need to worry about this. It'll go smoothly. The hard part was delivering the baby."

"You're probably right. Is it possible to fail a six-week checkup?"

Tyler attempted to contain his chuckle but couldn't. "Buttercup, failing isn't a thing."

"You're laughing at me."

"Not really. You're refreshing. I enjoy it."

A nurse opened the door and called, "Dr. and Mrs. Butler."

"I still think you're teasing me," whispered Rebeka.

With his arm around her waist, Tyler said, "Get used to it. I only tease people I love."

Did Ty say he loved me? Rebeka released a deep breath. No, he was probably still teasing.

He leaned over, hugged, and kissed Heather's cheek. "My wife is worried about failing her checkup."

"Beka, there's nothing to be worried about. This will be a breeze."

The blood work and all the preliminary things were taken care of, before Heather asked questions about any issues Rebeka was having nursing or being a mom.

Rebeka assured her everything was going well and then glanced at Tyler. "Do you agree?"

"I think she's doing a wonderful job. Jakob is thriving."

Heather studied her clip board. "Beka, I rechecked the vaccinations and think you'll be okay. Do you remember when your last tetanus shot was?"

"When I went to college. I was seventeen."

"Good, then you won't need one for how many years?" Heather checked her chart. "Your twenty-third birthday is in a week and half."

"That's right. The thirtieth."

Tyler winked. "I already have something planned."

"I don't want anything special."

Heather opened the cabinet and removed a gown. "We'll leave the room while you get undressed and put this on."

Tyler hugged Rebeka and kissed her cheek. "This is my cue to leave. Please don't be shy about asking questions. Come to my office when you're finished." His grin made his eyes twinkle with orneriness. "I need to make sure you passed."

Heather checked everything Tyler had already mentioned. When she finished, she said, "After you're dressed, we'll discuss my assessments and finish."

The examination had indicated that Rebeka was healing nicely and was ready to continue with a normal life.

Heather glanced at the attending nurse. "You can leave the room."

The nurse's eyes widened as she walked out.

"Please close the door."

Once the door was shut, Heather continued, "When you and Ty married, you were having a problematic pregnancy, so I'm sure you weren't intimate. You're now cleared to be intimate. Have you thought about birth control?" she asked.

"In my faith we don't use birth control. We let nature take its course."

"I see." Heather licked her lips. "Your body has healed a lot. You struggled with this pregnancy, and I suspect you will with every pregnancy. As your doctor, I suggest you don't get pregnant again, for a minimum of a year, two years or more years would be ideal."

"My marriage is only supposed to be temporary."

"I know." Heather took Rebeka's hand. "I've noticed the way Ty looks at you and you look at him. You both have real feelings for each other. This marriage is as real as any. Your relationship is probably stronger than most."

Rebeka studied her hands in her lap. "Maybe."

"We need to discuss birth control, so you're ready in case the situation arises. I'm pretty sure it will."

After a silence and a nod from Rebeka, Heather continued, "There are many options, the hormonal medication and devices we won't consider because you're nursing. The most reliable in your situation would be a barrier method, which blocks the sperm from getting to the uterus."

"What do you suggest?"

"When I did your examination, I measured your pelvis. To be most effective it needs to fit properly." Heather went to a cupboard and took out two boxes. She opened one. "This is a diaphragm." She held up the other box. "This is spermicide. They must be used together. You'll insert the diaphragm."

"I don't know how to do that."

"You're a very lucky young lady. I'm sure your husband does and would be more than happy to assist you. It could be included in your foreplay."

Both of Rebeka's hands covered her crimson face.

Heather touched her arm. "I understand nobody has ever had this conversation with you." She hesitated. "If you'd rather have it with Ty, I understand and will stop." She waited and got no response. "You'd rather have it woman to woman than with him?"

"I would. I'm sorry. Please continue."

"Please stop me at any time and ask questions. I understand this is all new to you. That's why I asked the nurse to leave. I want you to feel comfortable to ask anything."

"I'm sure you don't do this for all your patients. Did Ty ask you to?"

"No, he didn't. I've mentioned before that Ty and I grew up together. We've always been close. He's like a brother to me. You're more than a patient. I hope we're friends. I want that. I hope you do too."

"I do."

"Great, then let's continue."

Heather continued, and Rebeka asked a few questions but remained too shy to ask many.

As Rebeka prepared to leave, Heather said, "You have my number, please, I want you to text or call anytime you have questions. I'm pretty sure some will come up." She hugged Rebeka.

"I will." Rebeka returned the hug. "Thank you for taking the extra time with me."

"Anytime. One more thing, I know Ty. He won't make the first move. He'll wait until you're comfortable enough to make it. He respects you. Remember that. Now you need to get to Ty's office before he starts to worry."

"You're right. Thank you again."

~~~~~
After today's post there are only two posts left of this story.
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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