Yours Seductively

Chapter 12.1 (Part 1)

   Jane was expecting a call Friday afternoon. Sandy had delivered a healthy baby boy Wednesday night and had expected to be released from the hospital Friday morning. She'd promised to call and report on their progress. When the phone rang, Jane snatched it up, picturing Sandy at home with her son. The image was bittersweet. As happy as she was for her friend, Jane couldn't help being aware of how slim the chances were that she would ever hold her own child.

   She was startled to hear Tyler's voice on the other end of the line. "Jane. It's Tyler."

   Her first instinct was to tell him again that she didn't want to talk to him. She simply couldn't get involved with him again without trust. But something she heard in his voice made her hesitate. "Is something wrong?"

   "It's my brother, Brent." Tyler started.

   The depth of anguish in his tone struck at her heart. "Oh, God. What's happened?"

   "He's been in a plane crash. There's a chance he—" Tyler is having difficulty continuing his words.

   "I'm so sorry," she said. "What can I do?"

   He had recovered his voice, though it was still gruff. "My parents and I are flying to him immediately."

   "Of course. Who will watch Tom and Amy?" Jane asked, suddenly concerned about the children. She realized, Tyler will not be able to bring them with him in that situation.

   "That's why I called. Can you take care of them for me?" Tyler asked.

   She was so startled by the question that it took her a moment to answer. "You want them to stay with me?"

   "Yes. It would be ideal if you could stay here with them, but I'll bring them to you, if that's better for you. I know I'm asking a lot..." Tyler pleaded.

   "What about Sally? Or your nanny?" Jane enquired. She's still don't know why Tyler would call her for this.

   "Sally's still in Alabama with Dave's family. Tara left yesterday for a week-long vacation in Florida. Even if Tara has been in town, I would have called you first." Tyler explained, then continued, "Tom's going to be upset enough that I'm leaving. Having you with him will make it easier for him. But if you'd rather not, there are other people I can call."

   "It isn't that I mind. But I've had so little experience with children. I'm afraid I'll do something wrong." Jane stated anxiously.

   "If I didn't think you could handle it, I wouldn't have asked." Tyler reassured her.

   Jane has to believe him. No matter what their personal history, he would never leave his children with someone he didn't trust to take care of them. "When are you leaving?"

   "As soon as we can." Tyler answered.

   "I'm on my way." There were tears in her eyes when she hung up the phone. She blinked them away and dashed toward the bedroom to throw some clothes in a suitcase. Maybe she was only a convenience for him again, but she could no more have turned him down than she could have flown. He needed her, and so did his children.