Chapter 4 C

Tyler and Rebeka met 6 days ago.

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At the door, Tyler took a deep breath, put the packages in his left hand, put his right arm around Rebeka's waist, and drew her close. "Beka, I don't know how they found out we're here. Don't make eye contact. Look at the sidewalk. I'll help you maneuver the crowd."

"Thank you."

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 4 C

Once Rebeka sat in the SUV with the door closed, Tyler faced the crowd. "I'm not sure what this is about, but there's not a story here."

"That's Rebeka Miller, the famous romance author, right?" called out a woman. "She looks pregnant. Are you the father?"

"I said there's no story. You need to leave."

He put the packages inside the SUV, got behind the steering wheel, and turned the key. "Ready for home?"

Rebeka swallowed. "How did they find out?"

"I don't know. I'm guessing Janie called them."

"You spent a lot of money in there. Why would she do that?" Rebeka whispered, "I'm sorry I got you involved."

"You didn't get me involved. I involved myself, knew the risks, and chose to help."

"I'm grateful for everything you've done."

*****
Inside the house, Elizabeth walked to them. "I'm glad you're back. Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes." She smiled at Tyler. "I've fixed a diabetic friendly meal, grilled chicken and plenty of vegetables."

He chuckled. "Great, let me guess dessert is a huge pan of brownies."

Elizabeth frowned. "No, fresh fruit." She faced Rebeka and teased, "I'm actively ignoring him. Sweetheart, how'd your doctor's appointment go? Heather's nice, isn't she?"

"She is. You know her?"

"She's a hometown girl. She and Ty have been friends since elementary school."

"They have history."

"Not that kind of history." Tyler shook his head. "We've only ever been friends. Probably too much alike to be anything more. Heather and my sister, Lori, were best friends." He scanned the area. "Where's Missy?"

"She and Zeke are in the barn with Pete. You'd better get her. By the time she gets cleaned up, dinner will be on the table." Elizabeth glanced at Rebeka. "Why don't you go with him?"

"Shouldn't I help with dinner?"

Tyler took her hand. "You need to meet Maude and Gabby. Besides Heather said you should get some exercise." He held Elizabeth's jacket. "We should've gotten you a coat in town."

On their way to the barn, Elizabeth yelled out the front door, "Ty, hurry and get Lily, you need to see this. It's not good."

He glanced at Rebeka. "Go back inside. I'll be right there." He took a few steps and called, "Missy, you're needed in the house."

"Uncle Ty, can't I stay a few more minutes?"

"No, dinner's ready."

Peter stepped from the barn and held up his phone. "I think she better stay a little longer. I'll bring her in. You need to take care of a few things."

Tyler nodded and hurried to the house. Inside he said, "Pete will bring Missy. What's going on?" He studied Rebeka's tears. "Beka?"

Elizabeth motioned him to have a seat in front of the TV. On the entertainment section of the news were photos and videos of him and Rebeka coming out of the hospital's OB/GYN clinic, the coffee shop, and the dress store. The reporters speculated on Rebeka's pregnancy and Tyler being the father. It was also mentioned that the couple live together on his ranch. The final sound bite was 'Dallas's most eligible bachelor has been snagged by the number one rated romance author.'

Tyler exhaled and then glanced at Rebeka as the tears streamed down her face. "I'm sorry. I knew there'd be stares and comments but never expected this."

"I never should've stayed here."

"You've mentioned that, but you didn't have a viable choice." Tyler took her hand.

Rebeka pulled it away and stood. "Ty, no Dr. Butler, I need to leave tonight. I'll call a taxi and stay in town."

Tyler stood. "That's not going to happen. Your pregnancy's high risk. I'm sure your blood pressure is off the charts. You'll remain here. There'll be less stress."

She pointed at the TV. "Are you saying this isn't stressful?"

"It's stressful."

Rebeka glanced at her phone and then clicked it off. "It's Richard. He's probably seen the news and figured out he's the father."

Tyler checked his phone. "It's Roger. I'll take it in the den." He walked away as he answered his phone.

Elizabeth said, "Rebeka, I have an idea to help get your mind off all this for a few minutes. I want to show you a project I've been working on." They went to Elizabeth's room. Once there, she motioned for Rebeka to sit on the bed. She uncovered a frame with a quilt started. "Have you ever helped make a quilt?"

"I have. This is beautiful. I like the pattern. I haven't seen one quite like this. Those colors go together perfectly."

"I'm making it for a women's bazaar at church. Would you like to help?" Elizabeth took a piece of fabric and handed it to Rebeka. "It'd be nice to work on it together."

Rebeka studied the stitches. "Your stitches are so delicate. I might mess it up."

Elizabeth smiled. "I doubt that. I have a feeling your stitches are perfect. How old were you when you started quilting?"

"Around ten. Mother made all our quilts."

"I had a feeling you started early. I bet you might be better than me."

"I doubt that. This is beautiful."

Silently they worked together on different stars and turned their heads when they heard Peter and Tyler.

Elizabeth stood. "Let's go downstairs. I'd better finish dinner. I'm sure Lily's hungry. She'll need to take her bath and get ready for bed."

As they entered the living room, Tyler said, "Tomorrow I'll take Missy to school and then Beka and I'll head for her dad's. Pete will stay with you and you'll both pick up Missy. I'll tell the school's office that Missy isn't to speak with anybody about this situation."

When he saw Rebeka's raised eyebrows, he said, "Maybe I should've spoken with you about this before I made plans, right?" When she didn't answer, he added, "Nothing's finalized. What do I need to change?"

"Nothing. My parents don't own a TV or radio, so they won't see or hear this. Some people in our community aren't as strict as Father and would be happy to tell him that his daughter strayed. I need to tell him before he finds out. I'm not sure you should accompany me. I've already done enough damage to your reputation."

"I'm not worried about my reputation. I am worried about your health. Today hasn't helped. I know tomorrow will be worse. You need a doctor with you, and I'm volunteering."

Elizabeth touched Rebeka's arm. "Sweetheart, Ty's right. You'll need somebody with you."

"I don't have a car. I could do it over the phone."

"Probably not a good idea. Be right back." Tyler stepped away and returned with a map. "Show me where we're going."

Rebeka pointed to a small area away from any towns or cities on the other side of Dallas. "Here."

"It really is in the middle of nowhere." Tyler studied the map for a few moments. "It looks like a four-and half-hour drive." He asked, "Aunt Beth, can we take your SUV? I think Beka will be more comfortable in it."

"Of course, you did today. How am I going to get Lily from school? Your pickup's a manual and so is your corvette."

Peter offered, "Elizabeth, I'll take you to get Lily."

Tyler refolded the map. "It's settled. Beka, call your dad and tell him we'll be there around noon. As soon as I drop Missy at school, we'll head out."

"I'll do it after dinner."

"Good idea. Aunt Beth, how close is dinner?"

"All I need to do is put it on the table. Pete, will you join us?"

"I'd better get to my place. I'll be back first thing in the morning."

Tyler watched Missy come into the room. "Hands and face washed?"

She held them up to show him. "Can I meet Miss Miller, now?"

"Sure can." Tyler introduced them.

Rebeka knelt to Lily's level and held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, but you can call me Rebeka."

"Uncle Ty won't let me call adults by their names." She glanced at him. "Can I call her Miss Rebeka?" When he nodded, she said, "Goody!" and gave Rebeka a hug.

Elizabeth carried in a platter and a bowl. "Ty, please help Rebeka set the table."

It didn't take long to set the table, pray, and start dinner.

*****
After the table was cleared, Tyler told Lily to get started on her bath and then call him for her story. As Lily went up the stairs, he faced Rebeka. "When are you calling your dad?"

She swallowed. "I'll help Elizabeth with the dishes and then call."

Tyler thought for a moment. "I'll probably be reading Missy's story. Can you call now? I want to be with you."

"Thank you, but you don't need to."

"I know but want to." Tyler hesitated. "If you don't want me with you, I'll understand."

"I'd like the support, but..." She turned away from him.

He grinned and took her hand. "Let's go to my den and do this." Inside the den, he shut the door and offered her a chair. "I'm ready whenever you are."

After Rebeka sat, Zeke sat beside her, and she petted his head. A few moments later, she removed the phone from her pocket. She stared at it as she took a few deep breaths. "Okay, I'm ready." She clicked on her father's name.

The phone rang a few times, before 'Hello,' was heard.

"Father, this is Rebeka." After he acknowledged her, she continued, "I want to see if it's all right if a friend and I come for a visit tomorrow around noon?" She listened then said, "Yes, that's right. We'll only be there for the afternoon. We'll enjoy sharing a meal with you. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you. Goodbye, Father." She hung up.

Tyler studied her before he said, "That was awfully formal for a father daughter conversation."

"That's Father. Would you share what you and Roger discussed?" Rebeka continued to pet Zeke.

"I can." Tyler opened his black bag and took out the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. "Can I do this first?"

"That bad?"

"Let's get this over with." He checked it and said, "I knew it would be high. It's almost at danger level. I'll check it again before you go to bed."

"Roger?" reminded Rebeka.

"Richard Stuart repeatedly called Amber. She didn't answer so he came to her apartment and continued knocking and shouting. Not sure how to handle it, she called Roger. He went over there. After the threat of a lawsuit, Stuart left. Roger didn't answer any of his questions. The major one who's the father of your baby. Amber's spending the night at Roger's apartment."

Rebeka's hand flew over her mouth.

"I guess both of you are staying with Dallas' most eligible bachelors," teased Tyler.

"I'm not sure that's something to be proud of."

Tyler chuckled. "You could be right." He walked to the door. "I hear Missy. It's story time."

****
Once Lily's story was over, Tyler noticed Rebeka's bedroom door was closed and knocked. "Beka, I need to check your blood pressure." As he did, he said, "We'll need to leave about seven-thirty."

"I'll be ready. How bad is it?"

"It's gone down slightly, but not enough. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

~~~~~
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