Chapter 29
“Very impressive,” Dr. De Luca said after Tyler’s six-week checkup. “Your tracking and scanning have improved greatly.”
“I can feel it,” Tyler said. “Driving isn’t an issue. I’m able to sit in editing sessions with my eyes open the entire time.” Tyler straightened. “Bet I’m your star pupil.”
“You are. A few more fun party tricks for you and we’ll move on to phase three.”
“Phase three?”
“Some computer therapy, some real-life activities.”
Tyler’s face lit up. “Kick boxing? Rock climbing?”
“As long as you keep mats underneath. No more concussions.”
“Nope. Definitely done with that.”
“You have plans for Valentine’s Day?” she asked as she finished typing on the computer.
Tyler grinned. “Yeah, I have a pretty special day planned for Lauren and David.”
“You guys are the cutest family.” Dr. De Luca stood. “I’ll be right back with your new games.”
Tyler sat, taking in her words. Family.
Lord, You know my heart’s desire. There’s nothing I’d love more than for us to be a family, but the ball is in her court. Help me to be patient.
Each day seemed brighter. The heaviness that plagued her heart the year before seldom came, and when it did, she lifted it to the Lord immediately. Lauren spent her days loving on David, attending Bible study or discipleship with Joyce, praying for the centers and writing devotions, and reaching out to churches about speaking on depression. The first week of February she shared at the church she attended before she met Tyler. It was packed out, her father and Tyler in the front row. When she talked about her darkest night, her father brushed away tears as Tyler patted his shoulder.
Wonder increased inside her at her feelings for Tyler. The words he spoke to her in the woods came back to her each time. When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.
The scripture of the day on February 14 was 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. She thought of Tyler the entire time she read.
God, when will it be time? I want it to be—
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“God, show me when it’s time,” she said aloud. “Help me to not be anxious but wait on you.”
“You ready to go?” Tyler asked when Lauren opened the front door for him.
“Almost. Packing David’s bottles.” When they entered the kitchen, David squealed from his high chair. “Are you sure about this? It’s one thing to take him to a restaurant and sit in the back. It’s another to be surrounded by thousands of people, snapping pictures and uploading them—”
“No one will even notice us.” Tyler pulled out his John Deere cap from his back pocket.
Lauren shook her head. “Ha, ha.”
“Don’t worry, little man, I didn’t forget about you.” He pulled out a matching baby’s cap and placed it on David’s head. It immediately slipped over his eyes.
“Are you kidding me?” Lauren rested her hands on her hips.
“Hold on.” Removing the green cap, Tyler tightened it. “It’ll be—” he set it on David’s head and took a step back—“perfect.”
David tilted his head, then smiled, grabbing at the bill.
“Fine.” Lauren lifted him from the high chair and handed him to Tyler. “It’s your job to keep him from ripping it off. Guess I’ll get a hat so I don’t stand out.”
Entering her closet, she walked to the hooks in the back. Scanning past the fancy hats that matched her spring and summer dresses, she flipped through to the casual ones. Lifting a denim cap, she uncovered the one Tyler gave her when she started her master’s degree. Her hand brushed over the black bill. I thought I threw it away after we broke up.
“Okay.” Lauren walked in the kitchen with her backpack diaper bag. “I think all that’s missing are his bottles and snacks, then we’re good to go.”
Holding David, Tyler stared at her with a smile.
“What?”
“Nice hat.” He playfully tugged at the bill.
“I was told once upon a time no one would recognize me if I wore it.” She kissed David’s hand as he reached for it. “So, I guess we’ll be an average family at the zoo today.” Family. She quickly turned. Are we becoming a family?
“With a tour guide.”
Lauren looked back to Tyler, eyebrow raised. “A guide?”
Tyler slung the backpack over his shoulder. “Behind the scenes, baby. Nothing but the best for you and little man.”
The last time Lauren saw Tyler so excited they were at his favorite band’s concert on his birthday.
“I’ll wear him in the front pack,” he told her when they began unloading. “You can push the stroller when he gets tired so he can take a nap.”
“I don’t mind wearing him,” Lauren argued. “I know it’s not a very manly thing to do.”
He chuckled. “I’m secure in my manhood. If I wear him, you can see his facial expressions and take pictures of him. I’m not skilled at the whole picture thing. I mean, I look awesome in them, but I don’t take them well.”
“Good point.” Lauren fastened David to Tyler’s chest. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
“Just trying to make the day special.” His dimples sent her pulse soaring.
He’s definitely succeeding, she thought as they headed to the gate.
“Good morning, Mr. Stevens, Ms. Riley,” a young man in his twenties greeted them in front of the customer service center. He looked to David. “You must be David. I’m Noah, your tour guide.”
“Noah?” Tyler chuckled. “Like the guy who built the ark?”
“Exactly.” Noah beamed. “My parents always wondered if my love for animals came from the name they chose or if God led them to choose that name because He knew I’d love animals.”
Lauren smiled. “You’re Christian?”
“Yes, ma’am. The director thought you might appreciate a tour that didn’t include the evolution perspective.”
“We do,” Tyler said. “But please, call us Tyler and Lauren.”
At every animal enclosure, Noah shared interesting facts. They cruised through the reptile and bird houses, went behind the scenes to pet the Galapagos tortoises and feed the giraffes. David laughed when Tyler made the animal noises, his eyes and smile widened every time he petted an animal. When they arrived at the elephants, David waved his arms and kicked his legs wildly at the sight of them.
Lauren zoomed in to capture his excitement. “He wants to ride one.”
“Think we can arrange that when he’s older, Noah?” Tyler asked.
“I can definitely look into it for you,” Noah said.
Tyler offered David his index fingers to wrap his hands around. “You know what the elephant says, buddy?” Tilting his head back, Tyler belted out a loud elephant trumpet. David immediately began giggling.
Walking backwards for a wider view, her heart rejoiced at the scene. David giggled harder every time Tyler imitated an elephant, which made Tyler laugh so hard he did it all over again.
Lord, thank You for Tyler and how much he loves David. It seems like he loves him as much as I do.
Two girls in their twenties stopped behind Lauren. They stared at the guys a minute until one spoke. “That totally looks like Tyler Stevens.”
Lauren angled herself so the girls only saw her back.
“You think?” the other replied.
“Without the hat and glasses? Totally. Take a picture.”
Belting out another elephant trumpet, Tyler threw David into full giggle mode. Even the zookeeper started laughing. He turned to Lauren. “Are you getting this on video? It’s hilarious!”
Moving closer, Lauren tried to shield Tyler and David from the girls. God, can’t we just have a day of hanging out in public without the show?
“That’s not Tyler Stevens,” the second girl said. “He’s some dad with his kid. Besides, he doesn’t even have a five-o’clock shadow.”
“Man, I hope my husband is that hot,” the first girl replied as they walked away.
Lauren slid one arm around Tyler and kissed David’s head. Lord, I’m so blessed. Blessed indeed.
Lunch included a traditional African stew of rice, veggies, and meat served with flatbread. The outdoor restaurant overlooked the animals grazing on the African plain.
“See those, buddy? Those are African buffalo,” Tyler pointed out to David.
“Aren’t they water buffalo?” Lauren asked.
“Water buffalo live in Asia,” Noah said. “Those are African buffalo.”
“The males weigh up to 1200 pounds,” Tyler continued. “You don’t want to mess with those guys. They kill over two hundred people a year.”
“How do you know this?” Lauren didn’t know if she was more impressed with the delicious stew or the random information that gushed from Tyler.
Tyler shrugged, scooping up a spoonful of rice and meat. “When I was in Africa I learned a lot about the animals on the savannah to share in the Bible study I led.”
“Did you see many?” Noah leaned forward. “African buffalo?”
“One herd while filming on location. There’s some crowned cranes.” Tyler pointed beyond the buffalo. “They make this crazy honking noise. And have a special mating dance.” He raised his eyebrows at Lauren.
“Shut up!” Lauren laughed, throwing her wadded up napkin at him.
Tyler chuckled. “This stuff is too good to make up. Right, Noah?”
“He’s telling the truth.” Noah sipped his soda. “Just do me a favor and don’t talk too loud. I’d hate to lose my job to you. I’m not quite as good looking.”
Rhinos, gazelles, and every feathered creature in view brought forth more facts from Tyler. David seemed as mesmerized by his talking as Lauren. He had never been so attractive to her, even in his beat-up blue jeans, white t-shirt, and tractor hat.
He’s going to be such a great father, her adrenaline rushed at the thought. He would be the perfect dad for David.
“It took forever to get him down.” Lauren went to work picking up burp rags and bottles in her family room when she came downstairs. “Seriously, Tyler, did you have to purchase the biggest elephant you could find?”
“Of course,” Tyler called from the dining room. “He loved it. Did you hear how hard he laughed today?”
“He had to kiss it five times before bed. Then I had to make the noise, only I didn’t do it right.”
Tyler entered the room. “Did he laugh?”
“No.” Lauren sighed. “Guess you need to teach me how.”
Tyler removed the rags and bottles from her hands and put them on the coffee table. “Time for dinner.” He led her into the candlelit dining room. The table was set with china, silver, and wine glasses filled with water. He pulled out her seat. “Madame.”
Lauren smiled at the sight of the tray covered with a silver lid. “Wonder what we’re having for dinner.”
Leaning in, Tyler slowly lifted the lid. In the center of the tray was a styrofoam box.
“You are so predictable. Always Mexican take-out for Valentine’s Day.” As soon as Lauren raised the container, she froze. “This feels heavier than nachos.”
“Does it?” Tyler placed the lid to the side before sitting.
Once the container was on her plate, she slowly opened it. A small, blue velvet box rested atop a larger one. “What is it?”
“That’s for you to find out.” Tyler leaned his chin on his fist. The grin hadn’t faded from his face.
Lauren brought the smaller one closer to her. It’s too big to be a ring, isn’t it?
The tear-drop diamond earrings caught the light as soon as they were revealed. They shone so brightly she had to move them back.
“Oh Tyler, it’s too much.”
“No, they aren’t.” He raised the large blue box and opened it facing her. Much larger diamonds adorned the entire necklace into the same shape. “This might be a bit much, but I wanted something for you to wear to the awards next month that did your beauty justice. You will attend with me, won’t you?”
She gently ran her hand over the diamonds. The light danced off them. “It’s beautiful.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”
Lauren lifted her eyes to his.
“I know it’s been a long time since you’ve been lavished with extravagant gifts.” He placed the necklace beside her plate. “But when I saw them, I had to buy them. You’re worth this and so much more.”
“Thank you.” Lauren grinned. “I guess March will be a busy month for us.”
Tyler raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Walking to the china hutch, she removed an envelope from the drawer and handed it to him. He unfolded the papers as he took them out.
“I thought I could sacrifice showering for three days to go on the ultimate hiking-bouldering trip.”
Tyler shifted his gaze from the papers to her. “Wow, that’s great, Lauren, but I don’t know—”
“Danny and Shelly are going. We’ll have a girl tent and a boy tent. Dad will stay here with David.”
“Thank you.” He looked over the papers again. “You’re really okay with sleeping in tents, hiking, and climbing?”
“Tents and hiking, yes. The guide said Shelly and I can take photos while you climb.”
“That’s fair.” Folding the papers, he set them on the table as he walked from the room with the styrofoam container. He returned a few minutes later with two plates.
Lauren smiled when he placed the plate in front of her. Shark, rice, and vegetables. “My favorite.”
“Sorry I didn’t have time to prepare it myself, but the five-star restaurant I ordered it from knows what they’re doing.” Tyler set his plate in front of him and took her hand. “Shall we pray?”
They talked and laughed all during dinner. It reminded her of their first dinner when he barbecued shark for her, only now he looked at her with love and respect rather than lust. She wasn’t anxious. She was certain of his love for her. And hers for him.
“So, best actor?” Lauren placed her hand in his as they sat talking after dinner.
Glancing at their hands, he smiled. “Six nominations in all. Apparently heart-wrenching dramas filmed in Africa are popular in several categories.”
“Think you’ll win?”
“I already won.” Tyler squeezed her hand.
“I know, last year. I did watch your speech.”
“That’s not what I mean.” Tyler caressed her cheek with his thumb. “Every day I thank God for you and David. I feel like the most blessed man alive.”
Lauren stood. “C’mon.”
Following her to the family room, she turned on music. He expected to hear Adam singing her love songs. Instead, it was a band she listened to when they first met.
“You find an old album?” he asked.
“Bought a new one.” She rested her head against his as they began to dance. “Threw out all my old ones when I got married. I started missing this one the past month.”
She bought it because of me? He tried to steady his breathing, but being close to her sent his pulse racing.
“Thank you for the perfect day.” Lauren ran her fingers down the back of his hair.
Her touch caught him by surprise. “It was perfect, wasn’t it?” His knees weakened as he inhaled the fragrance of her perfume. God, I’m so in love with her.
They danced in silence, her breath on his neck proving it wasn’t a dream. She was here, in his arms. Perhaps it’s time. Maybe she’s ready—
“The verses of the day were from 1 Corinthians 13,” she finally broke the silence.
“I saw that this morning.” He smiled, recalling how she immediately came to mind as he read.
“Tyler is patient, Tyler is kind.”
He laughed at her words. “Oh, please.”
“He does not envy,” she continued, her hand gliding from his neck to his shoulder. “He does not boast and is not proud.”
“C’mon, Lauren. Stop,” he said. That’s not me, he thought. I’m not that good.
She moved her lips closer to his ear. “Tyler does not dishonor me and is not self-seeking.”
Tears formed in his eyes. God, I only want what’s best for her.
“He’s not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Tyler does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” With each word, she pressed her body closer to his. “He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Leaning back, she stared into his eyes. “I love you. I love you as much more than a friend.”
He pressed his forehead against hers, allowing his tears to come as her words filled his heart. “I love you, too, Lauren.”
She brushed away his tears, kissing his cheek.
“I don’t expect you to forget Adam,” he whispered. “I know you’ll always love him.”
“And I don’t expect you to be Adam.” She kissed his neck. “I love you for the spiritual leader, the man of God, and the father God has made you to be.”
Father. After all this time, it was happening. She was his. And as a bonus, he was gaining David as a son. God, You’re so good.
Tyler stared at the stars a few hours later as he sat in his car on her driveway. They danced for a while, then put on a movie. They spent more time staring at each other than watching the film, so he challenged her to a game of cards and let her win. Twice.
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace. Thank You for the miracle of her love.
Are you as stoked as I am? A text from Danny came as he started his car.
He smiled, typing his response. Probably more so. Lauren told me she loves me.
Tyler’s phone rang almost immediately.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah,” Tyler chuckled. “Seriously.”
“And?”
“I told her I love her and resisted the urge to kiss her.”
“You didn’t kiss her?”
“No. I couldn’t. It didn’t seem right. This is the day Adam proposed. I didn’t want to set off a manic spell. Besides, I knew controlling myself would be hard if I did. So, I basked in the Lord’s goodness and danced with her.”
“Good for you, bro. I’m proud of you.” He paused. “I kissed Shelly.”
“And?”
“Out of this world.”
“That’s great.” Tyler started down the driveway.
“Ah, but not as great as you and Lauren. I remember the night of Will’s party, when we first became friends.”
“Her birthday,” Tyler said.
“Yeah. You were a mess. I prayed for you that night that God would help you let her go since you obviously weren’t going to end up with her.”
“I can’t believe it. I keep wondering, how did I get here? I mean, I screwed up so badly.” He pulled onto the street. “Why would she take me back?”
“You got here by obedience, through prayer, and by the grace of God. Keep at it, bro, and God will keep blessing.”
Was he thrilled? Shelly’s text came as Lauren climbed into bed.
Very much so, Lauren replied. Especially when I told him I loved him.
“You did?” Shelly blurted out as soon as Lauren answered the phone.
“I did.” Snuggling into her bed, she pushed off the light. “I do. I’ve known since his accident. I just needed to admit it to myself. And him.”
Shelly shrieked. “I thought so. What’d he do?”
“Cried. Told me he loves me.”
“No kiss?”
“No. I’m okay with that.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. He’s reading a book on sexual purity. If he can’t handle kissing me, I understand.”
“The man who pressured you to sleep with him years ago when you were dating won’t even kiss you?”
“Yes.” Lauren bit her lip. “Isn’t it crazy?”
“Completely. Did he tell you he’s reading a book on purity?”
“No, I saw it on his tablet. He’s reading it with Danny I think.”
“Well, Danny kissed me tonight.”
“He did?”
“Yes. We had a picnic at the beach and sat stargazing. He gave me a cross. A beautiful diamond cross.”
“Wow, Shel.”
“Told me he always wants Christ to be first in my life. And he wants to be second. Then he kissed me.” She sighed. “It was the most perfect kiss ever.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad you guys are together.”
“And now you and Tyler are.” Shelly squealed again. “I’m so happy for both of us.”
“Me, too.” Lauren yawned. “We need to celebrate some other time, before midnight. Little guy will be up by seven.”
“Okay. This weekend. Dinner and games. The four of us, and David, of course. You guys come here. I’ll make that pasta dish you showed me how to cook. David can pester the cats.”
“Sounds good.”
Hanging up, Lauren found herself repeating the same prayer over and over as she drifted off to sleep. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for Your goodness.