Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this fic, except the ones that you don't recognize. Disney and Alliance Atlantis and so forth own them all. I'm sorry for the delay of this chapter, but I've been very busy and had some problems with the comp. And just to end the confusion before it starts, this chapter starts out with the present time and not the book.

Note: *~*~* means a switch from present time to the time in the book and vice versa; ~~~~~ means a switch between different scenes; and ***** means a switch from past to present in the book or flashbacks. The italics are mostly when someone's thoughts.

Realization of Fate

The Object of My Affection

She looked up from the book she was holding in her hands. The flight attendants had just announced that boarding would commence in a few minutes. Immediately, she paged her husband to meet her at the gate. She closed the book carefully, leaving an equally torn bookmark on the last page she was on, meaning that she will eventually get back to reading it.

"Are they boarding already?" asked her husband as he approached her.

"Not yet," she replied as she took her daughter. "Where have you guys been?"

"I wanted to buy stuff, but Daddy said they're not for sale."

She looked at her husband who just shrugged and picked up their carry-on luggage. The attendants had just announced that all first-class and business-class passengers are welcome to board at this time.

"Let's go," he said as they headed to the jetway. "We don't want to miss the flight."

"We're only a few steps away from the gate," informed his wife. "How late can we get?"

"We'll never know. We can't always tell the future."

She followed him along with the little girl as she contemplated his last words. He couldn't have been more right. Once again, her thought went back to the book. His last words were also very true regarding the book. Any why wouldn't it? It is titled 'Realization of Fate.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few minutes had passed after they had safely boarded the plane. Except for a slightly cold temperature than usual, everything about the weather was fine. The plane was on the runway and just about ready to take off.

"Is this gonna hurt?" ask her daughter.

"You've been on planes before."

"I don't remember."

"It doesn't hurt a bit."

"Eat this gum," said her dad.

"What for?"

"Because I said so," he kidded, but she didn't get the joke.

He turned to his wife who was looking outside the window.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine."

He just nodded as he settled himself on his seat. The plane took off without any problems. They had six more hours before they arrive. Since it was nighttime, the time being eleven o'clock, the stewardesses didn't serve any food. It was a great time to sleep. Twenty minutes into the flight, her husband and daughter already fell asleep. She wasn't sleepy, so she got her bag and took out the book. Once again, she started reading.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

For the first since they were talking, Tyler was speechless. What she said was like a dream. A dream he had hoped to come true for a long time. The only thing was that it was real, and she was standing right in front of him.

"Tyler? Please say something."

"Uh…I…something?"

"Come on, Tyler," she hit him playfully. "I'm serious."

"I know. I just don't know what to say. I mean, are you serious?"

"I just said that a while ago."

"That's really great. I'm really excited, but what about Seth?"

"Oh, Seth…" she said followed by a long pause. "We're separated for now. We decided to take a break for a while."

"I'm sorry. I don't know…"

"And we're considering about getting a divorce."

"Wow…What happened?" he asked. 'This is a surprise.'

"Well, I guess that sooner or later you'll have to know about this. I mean, I already told everyone except Brooke."

"You told everyone that you're moving back in here before me?"

"I didn't tell them that yet."

"Then what did you tell them?"

"I'm pregnant."

"Whoa…Flashback!"

"Don't worry," Val smiled at him. "It's not yours this time."

"Okay, that was close," he smiled back. "But how can that be a problem between you and Seth? I thought you loved each other."

"And I didn't see him run after me, did I?"

"Okay, go on."

"That's besides the point. The point is that I just don't see him as a father. Alyssa is not that bad because she has your attention as well as mine. I just don't think it work with two kids, you know."

"I understand."

Rachel sat down on her bed and sadly touched her stomach.

"How many months?" he asked curiously. "If you don't mind."

"Almost two months."

"I was going to say that you gained weight, but luckily I kept my mouth shut."

Val smiled at him once again before the sad look on her face returned. Tyler moved next to her and took both of her hands in his.

"Don't worry, Val. We'll help you out."

"I know. That's the reason I came back."

Alyssa came out of nowhere and poked her head in the room.

"Where's my pyjama?"

"It's in that small luggage," she said as she started to get up.

"Hey, just stay there and rest. I'll get it for her."

Before she could protest, Tyler went out the door and closed it. Val smiled and started a countdown.

"5…4…3…2…1…"

"Can I have the keys to the lock?"

"I knew you'd come back," Val said as she handed him the key.

"Thanks. Good night, Val."

"Good night, Tyler."

Alyssa came in and gave her a hug.

"Good night, Mommy."

"Good night, sweetheart. Have fun with Dad."

"I will," she smiled. "Bye."

"Bye," she laughed as Alyssa tried with all her strength to close the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Val and Alyssa stayed at Tyler's house while Tyler went off to work. They settled their things in their rooms until they could get an apartment. Val still needed to look for job. Even though she and Seth had decided to take a break, she had a feeling that she'd be staying in Kingsport for quite some time. To her surprise, Tyler had a playroom in his house. She occupied Alyssa there.

It felt funny to be staying with him, and yet it felt nice. He is Tyler after all. What is it about him? He was really being totally nice and cool about this whole scenario. I figured he really missed Alyssa. A part of me screams that he missed me as well. Is there more to that? I knew this wasn't a good idea from the start. The best solution was to stay far away from him as possible. Wait a minute…I've been there, and I've done that.

Val walked around the house and counted the rooms as she went along. It certainly entertained her. Tyler didn't seem to be the kind of guy who lavishes himself with such luxury, but people change in time. From the looks of it, he could have his own hotel.

"18…19…20," she finished counting. "Twenty rooms? And he only uses one. Well, he never seizes to amaze me."

And as if she conjured him up in her thoughts, Tyler arrived at the house.

"What are you doing here?"

"I live here."

"I know that, but you said you were coming home later."

"Did I interrupt anything?"

"I was only counting how many bed rooms you have, and for your information, you have twenty."

"Twenty? I must have been drunk when I asked them to build me this house."

"So what brings you here so early?"

"You know that we're going to Hank's place tonight. I was wondering if you'd like to see my office, and I won't take no for an answer."

"Do I have any other choice?"

"I don't think so," he laughed, "Where's Aly?"

"She's in the playroom."

Tyler quickly went to the playroom and told Alyssa his plan. After Val and Alyssa changed their outfit, the three left in Tyler's car.

"Do you drive all your cars?" asked Val. "You have a lot."

"On different occasions," he replied while keeping his eyes on the road. "You're free to use one if you want."

"I don't have a license, remember?"

"I remember. It just slipped my mind, that's all."

"Sure it did."

After thirty minutes, they arrived at Tyler's building, which had 'Connell Law' in front of it.

"Daddy, why does it have my name on it?" Alyssa asked as Tyler parked the car in the garage of the building.

"Because Daddy owns it."

"Can I have it?"

"Someday Aly, this will be yours."

"Can I have it now?"

"Why do you want it so much?"

"I don't know, but it has my name on it."

Tyler gave up after failing to come up with a comeback. They went on an elevator and went to the highest floor where Tyler's office resided. As they entered the floor, they encountered a few people before they reached his office. Before Tyler could open the door, someone from behind called his attention.

"Is that you, Connell?"

"Hey Robbie," Tyler said as he turned around. "Val, this is my right hand, Robert O'Brien. Robbie, this is a close friend of mine, Valerie Lanier."

"It's nice to meet you," Val said as she extended her hand. "You can call me Val."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well," he replied as he took her hand. "You can call me Robbie."

"And this is my daughter, Alyssa," Tyler introduced her to him.

"It's nice to finally meet the famous Alyssa," Robbie said as he approached the girl who was clinging on one of her dad's legs. "You're dad talks about you all the time. You should see his office."

Alyssa, who was usually shy at meeting new people, didn't say anything.

"What's in his office?" asked Val.

"You'll just have to find out for yourself," Robbie replied. "I have to run, Connell. I'm meeting someone."

"Is it someone I know?"

"Um…sure."

"Are you hiding anything?" Tyler looked at him suspiciously.

"Of course not," said Robbie. "Why would you think that?"

"Because you've been tapping you're right foot on the floor, and it's getting pretty annoying."

Robbie stopped abruptly and looked back at Tyler.

"I got to run, Connell. I'll see you on Monday."

"Have fun on whatever you're doing. Take care."

"I will. Bye guys. It was good to see you all."

"Bye," Val said as Robbie left. "What was that all about?"

"What?" asked Tyler as he proceeded to open his office.

"Do you think he's hiding something?"

"Well, I have my advisors, and they've reported some suspicious things. I don't know. I trust the guy. I've known him since college. He's like a brother to me. He has helped me through a lot of things. Who can you trust if you can't trust your right hand?"

"Your left?" Val said in an attempt to make a joke.

"That's cute," Tyler laughed as he opened the door.

Val looked around and could only smile. His office was certainly big, but what was inside was the one that made her smile.

"Well, Alyssa sure is famous around here."

The room was filled with pictures of Alyssa, Alyssa and Tyler and a few pictures of Alyssa with Val and the three of them altogether. The other pictures were of Tyler and some other people.

"Hey Daddy! That's me. And that's me. And I'm over there and there and there and there."

"I know," Tyler said as he scooped her up in his arms. "Do you know why you're everywhere?"

"Because I'm famous?"

"Well, that too, but it's because Daddy misses you a lot."

"I miss you a lot too, Daddy," she said as she gave him a hug. "I have some pictures of you too."

Tyler was truly a terrific father. I wish Seth were the same. At times whenever he visited us England, I wish I were married to Tyler Connell instead of Seth Cummings. It's wishful thinking, considering that he has his own life now, and I had mine. I looked at the situation as wanting Seth to be like him rather than wanting to be with him. Our situation is definitely complex, but I love Seth. I do love him, don't I? I sounded more convincing before I came here. Who am I kidding? He didn't run after me, which only means that he doesn't love me? What do I know? I don't know how the British mind works.

"Are you two ready to go?" asked Val as Tyler and Alyssa continued to look at the pictures.

"Sure," Tyler said as he put down Alyssa. "We'll be late for Hank's if we don't hurry."

"Come on, honey," Val said as she took Alyssa's hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They arrived at Hank's house in a jiffy. Val thought it was a nice house. It wasn't as big as Jamie and Caitie's, and it sure was not as big as Tyler's, but it was good enough to fit all of them. From what Hank told her, he sold their first house after Melanie passed away. It was a tough decision, but he had to move on. He moved back to Kingsport, where the rest of his friends lived.

"Come on in," Hank said as the three arrived. "Well Val, this is the house."

"It looks great, Hank. Nice curtains."

"Melanie made them a while ago. We were going to use it at the house, but we never got to."

"It's really nice. I like it."

"Well, the rest of the guys are here."

"What's for dinner?"

"Pizza."

"Pizza? Is it Italian? How long did it take you to make?"

"I didn't make it. It was Brooke's turn. She was in a hurry, so she just grabbed some pizza on the way. Is that all right with you?"

"Pizza's fine. If I'm hungry, I'll eat anything. Next time, I'll be expecting something more from you."

"Don't worry. I know my food, and I know how to cook them."

"If you say so, Beecham."

They all basically dined around the kitchen. The children were eating at the table, while the adults just stood and took pizza from the counter. It was much relaxing than the day before. Val and Brooke already finished eating and sat in the living room while having a private discussion.

"Brooke, I'm thinking about moving back here."

"Really? That's fantastic. Mom and Dad will be so thrilled. Have you called them yet?"

"Not yet, but I have something else to tell you."

"What?"

"I'm pregnant…again."

"Oh my God! It's not Tyler's again, is it?"

"No, Brooke, of course not. Tyler and I haven't don't anything since Caitie and Jamie's wedding."

"Are you sure you didn't get drunk at any bars during the times he visited Alyssa?"

"I'm sure, Brooke, and there's more?"

"What is it now?"

"Seth and I are deciding about getting a divorce."

"Well, that's a lot of change."

"I know…I know. I just don't think he's ready to be a father. I gave him like 2 years to get used to Alyssa, and he didn't. Why would it be different this time?"

Val turned around and saw Alyssa laughing with Tyler.

"I think that's why she's so attached to Tyler," she continued.

"We're all here for you, Val. Anytime you need anything, you have my number."

"Actually, the last time I called it said that your phone number was disconnected."

"Oh, I totally forgot," Brooke said as she took her shoulder bag and took out a calling card. "I got a new number. Now you can reach me at home, at work, or you can reach me on my cell, pager, or e-mail address."

"Okay," Val looked at her strangely. "So how's Mom and Dad? Did you tell them I'm here."

"I thought you would call them or called them already."

"That's fine. I'd rather tell them anyway."

They both got up as Malcolm, Kyle, Tyler, and Hank went outside the yard.

"Where are they going?" asked Val.

"Football," Jamie shrugged.

"Wait a minute," Val said in an exaggerated tone. "You despised football jocks in high school and maybe even college, and now you're letting your son play football?"

"Both of his uncles are football jocks. What can a man do?"

"And is Chrissy set to be a cheerleader?"

"Oh no, thank goodness," Jamie said. "No offense, Val."

"None taken," she smiled. "So what is she like?"

"She might dress normally, but don't let that fool you," Jamie said. "She's truly her mother's daughter."

"And she's your daughter too. Don't forget that."

"Yep, she'll be the ultimate rebel when she grows up," joked Jamie. "But let's hope she stays out of trouble."

"She seems like a nice young lady."

"Well, she is a nice little girl, but I have a feeling that when my twins grow up, they'll be as different as Caitie and Tyler was when they were in high school."

"What does Caitie think of the football deal with your son?"

"She doesn't mind. We don't really mind. We've learned to cope with the hardships of parenting."

"Your kids are only three-year olds," Brooke told him.

"Oh yea, I better save that one when they're older," Jamie laughed as he joined the guys outside.

"Jamie's still Jamie," Val said.

"Tell me about," added Brooke as a laugh followed.

Hank came in and came over to them.

"Val, Tyler told us that you're moving back here."

"I'm leaning towards the idea, but I most likely will."

"If you need any help with finding a job, there's an opening in my department. I was wondering if you're interested since you're in pediatrics as well."

"Thanks Hank. I'll think about. You're the best."

"I know," he said before returning outside.

"Well, it looks like everything is finally working out for me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Val laid down on her bed as soon as she finished getting dressed. Alyssa was already asleep, and she figured Tyler was sleeping already as well. She noticed that she had a phone in her room, but she felt like she had to ask him to use it, as if it wasn't her privilege to use it. Getting up, she went outside to look for him.

"Tyler?" she called out as she entered his room, but all she found was Alyssa fast asleep. She closed the door quietly and headed down the stairs. "Are you down there?"

She heard no reply but instead heard a muffled conversation. She realized it was from his office. She knew that she would be eavesdropping, unless no one finds out. Slowly and quietly, she crept to the door and listened in.

"What do you mean I can't do it? I own the freaking company for God's sake! …I can take a leave whenever I want…What about Mr. Steinberg? …I'll only be away for a few days. It's the first time my daughter has visited me…I don't care if Walter Steinberg is the president of some dumb company. Heck, I don't care if he's the president of our country…So what if he's one of our biggest clients? …He's paying a lot? I don't give a damn if he's paying me a gazillion billion dollars, Robbie! …Did you even call Mr. Steinberg yet? …Why didn't you? He'll understand. I'm sure of it…What do you mean he won't? …I'm your boss, and I'm telling you right now, do not contradict me, Robbie."

Val backed away a little bit. She has never seen or heard Tyler yell like this. There was a short pause before the conversation resumed.

"You're asking me to choose between spending some quality time with my daughter or going to a meeting with Mr. Steinberg for a million-dollar case? I don't believe this! …You know what? Take the case if you want. If you want the money so much, take it…It's for the good of the company? …I own the company, and I know what I'm doing…I'm sure he would've understood if you had called him. I might sound conceited here, but I'm the best lawyer in this business. I can make anyone's life a living hell, and if they want me to take their case, they'd wait…Fine! Take the case! But I'm telling you right now, never let me choose between my daughter and my job."

Val jumped up when she heard Tyler slam the phone down. 'Well, I guess he does have a temper.' Val walked away slowly but found out that she was too late when the door opened.

"How long have you been here?" he asked with a hint of irritation still in his tone.

"Long enough," Val said with guilt. "Business problems?"

"You could say that," Tyler sighed. "Did you want anything?"

"I was looking for you to ask if I could use the phone."

"Sure. You have one in your room."

"I know. I was just wondering if I could use it."

"As long as you're staying, you're welcome to use anything."

"Thanks Tyler," Val said as she headed upstairs. "Tyler?"

Tyler turned around and looked up at her.

"You sure aren't like you father."

Tyler smiled.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Don't stay up too late. Tomorrow's a big day."

Tyler looked up abruptly at her as though she just figured out his secret.

"How did you know?"

"You're cooking tomorrow, aren't you?"

"Oh that," Tyler sighed with relief. "Sure, I'm cooking tomorrow."

"Why? Is there something else I don't know about regarding tomorrow."

"We'll see," he smiled and returned to his office.

Val continued her climbed up the stairs, but now her mind was wondering on what Tyler seems to be hiding. When she reached her room, she picked up the phone and called her parents' house.

"Hello?" spoke tired voice. "This is the Laniers."

Val looked at the clock and just realized that it was already eleven o'clock.

"I'm sorry. I should have called earlier."

"Val? Is that you?"

"Yes, Mom. It's me…in Kingsport."

"You're came back here, and you didn't tell us?"

"I'm sorry. I'm staying at Tyler's for a while."

"Is Seth all right with that?"

"He didn't come."

"Is something the matter?"

"It's a long story, Mom."

"I have time. You just woke me up."

"Okay, so here's what happened…"

Val told her mom everything from the relationship issues to the pregnancy to the plan of moving to Kingsport.

"I don't know what to say," her mom said. "Well, whatever you do, your dad and I will be behind you one hundred percent."

"Thanks Mom. It was nice to talk to you again. I hope I'll see you soon. Tell Dad I said hi and that Alyssa and I love him. And we love you too, Mom."

"We love you too, honey."

"I better go to sleep. Tomorrow's a big day."

"I see. Come visit soon."

"We will. Bye Mom."

"Bye sweetheart."

Val put the phone down, and once again she laid down on her bed.

"What is so big about tomorrow?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day seemed to come by slowly. Brooke, Caitie, and Jamie were already at Tyler's house. Tyler left for church and took Alyssa with him. Val decided to stay in the house and just enjoy Brooke, Jamie, and Caitie's company. After Tyler and Alyssa arrived, they continued to talk as the kids played. Hank arrived moments later with Malcolm.

"Now that you're here, I better start cooking dinner," Tyler said. "I'll be in the kitchen in case somebody wants me."

"Don't count on it!" Jamie said as Tyler left.

"Is anyone else coming?" Caitie asked. "It seemed like he was expecting someone."

"I don't think Robbie is coming," Val said. "They had a little argument last night."

"Maybe Andrea is coming," said Jamie.

"Who's that?" asked Val.

"He didn't tell you?" asked Hank.

"Wait…Is this the Andrea he's been mentioning now and then?

"So he did tell you about her," Caitie said. "Andrea Burbank."

"He mentioned her when he visited. They've been going strong for about a year now or something."

"A little bit over a year," said Hank. "Have you seen her?"

"She's only on every other cover of fashion magazines," Caitie said.

"Yep, that's Tyler's supermodel girlfriend," said Jamie.

Suddenly, they heard a screeching noise outside, followed by light footsteps and a knock on the door.

"Speaking of the devil," Hank said as he opened the door and faked a smile. "Hello Andrea."

"Hey Hank!" she said as she gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Hey guys!"

They all waved, except for Val, whom Andrea eyed curiously. Val eyed her all the same. She had auburn-colored hair and green eyes. Height-wise, Val was a bit taller than her, but she seemed like every guys' fantasy.

"You look familiar."

"I could say the same about you," she said as she stood up to greet her. "I'm Val Lanier --- one of Tyler's friends."

"I remember now. So if you're here, then I believe your daughter is here as well."

"She's in the playroom. I guess Tyler talks about her all the time."

"It gets pretty annoying after a while. I mean, his office is like filled with pictures of her and only a few of me."

Val just nodded and sat back down to her seat.

"Where's Tyler?"

"In the kitchen," replied Jamie as Andrea left them.

"I don't like her most of the time," Caitie whispered to Val. "What did you think?"

"No comment."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the clock struck seven, Tyler was already ready to serve the food. Caitie once again stayed with the kids while Brooke offered to help. From just being at the table, it was obvious that the food was going to be good.

"What did you cook?" Jamie asked him as he put the food on the table. "Is this Italian?"

"You guessed right," Tyler said. "They're all Andrea's favorites."

"They look good," Val said. "What is this called?"

"Pomodori Secchi al Tonno," Tyler said in a terrible Italian accent.

"Tonno? That's fish, right?" asked Val.

"You guessed it," replied Andrea. "It's really good."

Val took a bite as Tyler waited for her reaction.

"It's definitely unlike anything that I've tasted before," Val said as Tyler continued to look on. "I meant that in a good way."

"Good, because I have one more."

"What is it this time?" asked Hank.

"Mazoro…a la…Valesana."

"What?" asked Hank.

"Um…wild duck," Tyler translated in English.

"This is good too," Hank told him. "What's for dinner?"

"I believe it would be Tiramisu," Andrea told them.

"Why do you believe that?" asked Caitie as she approached them.

"Well, Tyler said he's making my favorites."

"I see, well, I better get back to the kids," Caitie said as she returned to Brooke. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I'm not hungry. Besides, I don't like Italian food, except for pizza."

"Well, yea, but we eat American pizza anyway."

"True."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This Tiramisu is delicious, Tyler," Val said. "I'm sorry for even doubting that you could cook."

"It's all right," he told her. "You're not the first one."

"I was the first one," Jamie said.

They continued to talk and eat and talk and eat until they finished. There was a silence in the room for a while before Tyler stood up to say something.

"I'm so glad that everyone that I love and care about are here," he began. "As I mentioned, I cooked all of this in honor of Andrea. Andrea, we've been going out for more than a year now. Even in the tough business that I'm in, you've found a way to make my life more fun and exciting. I have to say that I am very lucky to have you in life, and I hope that you will be there until death do us part…"

Val looked at him in shock as he started to bend on one knee. 'I don't like where this is going at all.'

"I guess what I'm trying to say is…Andrea Burbank…will you marry me?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So that was chapter 3…the longest one by far. Please review! I hope you liked it. I'll be back! ~ Scarlet182