Serendipitous Chapter 1 C

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Tyler and Rebeka met today.

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Once she heard footsteps return down the stairs, she cracked open the door and grabbed the clothes. She held up the sweat bottoms and studied them. "I've never worn pants. Father would be so upset, but I don't have a choice. I wonder if the females' not wearing pants rule has exceptions. I hope so. I've broken so many rules." Tears welled in her eyes. "Father will be so disappointed when he finds out." She held the clothes to her chest and cried.

TODAY'S POST

Chapter One C

Tyler held an empty mixing bowl in his hand. He glanced up and watched Rebeka walk into the kitchen. "I hope the bath warmed you."

Zeke walked to her, and she petted the dog's head before she answered, "It did. Thank you."

Tyler came closer. "The sleeves cover your hands. Let me help with those. I knew everything would be too large, but it's all we have."

She hesitated, but allowed him to fold the sleeves, and almost whispered, "Thank you."

Over his shoulder as he walked back to the counter, Tyler said, "I'm getting ready to make cornbread. I hope you like it." When he heard Peter's voice call him, he turned his head. "Pete, I'm in the kitchen. I thought you went home."

"Can you come here? My boots are wet and muddy. I don't want to track all over the house."

"Sure." He grinned at Rebeka. "I'll be right back."

I might as well make myself useful. I can make cornbread. Rebeka measured the cornmeal.

*****
Tyler returned to the kitchen as Rebeka put the cornbread into the oven. She glanced at him. "I didn't know if you put sugar in your cornbread or not. Mother always did, so I do too. I hope it's all right."

"Since I've never made it before, I have no clue how Aunt Beth makes it. I'm sure it'll be great. You're a guest. You don't need to do anything."

"You're stuck with me for the night."

"Stop right there." Tyler held up his hand. "I'm not stuck with you. I didn't have to respond when I heard the crash. I could've chosen to ignore it. I made the decision to see if I could help and the decision to bring you into my home." He grinned. "Honestly my barn would've kept you warm and dry."

She studied the oven door. "You have a point."

"Glad we've cleared that up." A gust of wind banged against the window. Tyler walked over and peered out. "They're predicting the rain could turn to snow or ice tonight. It may be a few days before you can get to town. I don't have a clue how long it'll take for your car to be fixed, or even if it can."

"That's not hopeful."

"But realistic." He faced her. "You're welcome to stay as long as you need." He pointed to the door. "I promise not to send you to the barn."

"Don't make promises you can't keep. I might have an annoying habit you can't stand."

Tyler's eyes met hers. "Somehow I doubt it."

"I better check the cornbread." Rebeka went to the oven.

He nodded. Why's she so uncomfortable? Is it me or all men? Wish she'd tell me what's really going on. He opened a cupboard door. "I'll set the dining room table. Aunt Beth has beef-veggie stew in the crockpot."

"I'm sure it's good."

"She's a good cook. I think you'll like it."

*****
As they finished dinner, the lights flickered. Tyler took his last bite of cornbread. "This is good. I'm glad you added the sugar." The lights flickered again. "I need to go to the barn and check on Maude and Gabby."

"Who are they?"

"Maude's a mule." He shook his head. "I'd say the orneriest critter God ever created, but Gabby's right there with her."

"Is Gabby a mule too?"

"She's a Nanny goat, who for some reason keeps getting pregnant. I can't figure out how she does."

Rebeka's eyebrows rose. "You're a doctor and don't know how it happens. I'm pretty sure goats get pregnant the same way humans do."

"You're right." Tyler chuckled. "I guess I'd better explain. We don't own a Billy and the closest one is a few miles down the road. She doesn't go missing, so I can't figure out how they're getting together."

"Maybe they meet at a halfway point or there's a wild Billy running around."

"You may be on to something." Tyler stood when the lights flickered again. "That's number three. I have a feeling we'll lose electricity. I'd better hurry." He took two flashlights from a drawer and handed one to her. "In case it goes off before I return."

Rebeka watched him leave. I'd better do the dishes before there's no electricity.

*****
Tyler returned, stood in the kitchen doorway, and watched Rebeka at the sink. What's her story? Aunt Beth said she's in her early twenties. She doesn't dress like most young women. Most females her age would have four or five buttons undone on the shirt. She has it buttoned to her chin. No makeup or jewelry. She's old fashioned. Her brown hair was braided and pinned up. Now it's down and below her waist. I doubt it's ever been cut.

The lights went out. Tyler asked, "I hope you have the flashlight handy."

Rebeka stiffened. "It's you."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"I guess I'm jumpy." She hesitated. "I left the flashlight on the table."

"Stay put. I'll bring it to you. I know my way around better."

"Thank you."

As Tyler handed Rebeka the flashlight, the electricity returned. "Keep this handy. It may go out again."

"Good idea."

Tyler glanced around the kitchen. "You didn't need to do the dishes. I planned on doing them."

"I thought maybe they should be done before the electricity went out. You were busy." She turned toward the kitchen doorway. "I think I'll go to my room. I need to call my assistant, Amber, she's worried."

"I'm sure she is. If you need anything, I'll be in the den. I promised Missy I'd call and say goodnight." Tyler watched her walk up the stairs.

*****
In her room, Rebeka called her friend and assistant. She explained that Richard Stuart, her agent, had embezzled money from her checking account. She continued with why she left town, decided to take a vacation, and then the crash. "Please don't tell anybody where I'm at. I haven't decided how I'm going to handle this. I want Richard held accountable."

Amber agreed, "He should repay all your money. Any idea how much he embezzled?"

"No. I know how much is in my account now and it's not very much. I don't know how long it's been going on. Since I only spend money on necessities, I haven't kept track. Can you go back through my bank records starting when I received my first royalty check? I guess we start there."

"Of course. When will you be home?"

"I don't know. It's rained hard enough and there's been flash flooding. The road's closed. I guess lightning struck the bridge. I'm not sure if my car can be fixed. I might need to get another one, but I can't do anything until I can get to town. There's the money issue too. Right now, I'm practically broke."

"How's the family you're staying with?"

"Well, that's another story. Dr. Tyler Butler's a bachelor who's the guardian of his niece, Lily. His sister, her mother, was killed in a car accident. They live with his Aunt Beth. Both Lily and Aunt Beth were trapped in town when the storm hit."

"So, you're alone with a bachelor doctor? He took you in, so he's nice. Is he cute?"

"Probably."

"What do you mean probably? Either he is or he isn't."

"Sort of, but more importantly, can you imagine what Father would do if he knew I was alone with a man?"

"Good point." Amber giggled. "You have the plot for your next romance novel."

"Amber!" Rebeka took a deep breath. "I'll call tomorrow and see how you're coming with my financial records. If I don't call, it's because the electricity went out. I might not have a charged phone."

"So, you'll be alone in a dark house with a handsome doctor. It doesn't get any better."

Frustration could be heard in Rebeka's voice, "Goodnight, Amber."

Amber continued to giggle. "Goodnight."

*****
Rebeka walked through the living room to get a glass of water from the kitchen. From the dining room she heard Tyler's voice.

On a Zoom call, he read the bedtime story, Tomorrow I'll be Brave by Jessica Hische, and patiently showed Lily the pictures as they discussed them. He reminded her that even though today didn't go as planned, tomorrow is a new day.

When Tyler led Lily in her nighttime prayer, Rebeka bowed her head.

Father, we thank you for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light,
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be kind to others and to be good.
In all we do, in work or play,
To grow more loving every day.

At the end of the prayer Rebeka said, "Amen."

Tyler turned. "Rebeka, you're welcome to join us. Missy, I'd like you to meet Rebeka Miller."

Lily smiled. "Hi, Miss Miller. Uncle Ty said you're staying with us. I hope you're still there when the road's fixed."

Elizabeth joined them. "Ms. Miller, I'm a huge fan. I've read both your books. I hope I get to meet you."

Tyler frowned. "Ladies, this isn't getting Missy to bed. We'll have plenty of time to talk later."

"I'm happy to meet both of you," said Rebeka. "I'm sorry, I interrupted everything. I just came to get a drink. I'm sure we'll be able to visit later." She went into the kitchen.

*****
Before Tyler turned off the computer, Lily said, "Uncle Ty, she's really pretty, don't you think?"

"I'll talk with you tomorrow." He gave a pretend kiss. "There's your goodnight kiss. I'm turning off the computer."

When Tyler entered the kitchen, Rebeka set her glass down. "Sorry, I upset Lily's bedtime routine."

He grinned. "If a fly flew by, it would upset her routine. Missy's full of life. Calming down isn't one of her strong points, but she's great."

"I can tell. You're very good with her."

"I do the best I can. She's had more experience being a child than I have with raising one."

"You seemed to be a quick learner."

"Thank you." Tyler scanned the kitchen. "Did you get what you wanted?"

She picked up her water glass. "I came for this. I'd better go to the room you've supplied for me. Thank you, again." She turned and left.

Tyler's gaze followed her.


Thank you, YouTube, for - Tomorrow I'll be Brave by Jessica Hische,






~~~~~
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.

Richard Stuart - Rebeka's agent and all around not nice guy

Amber Wilson - Rebeka's personal assistance 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