Therapy is Good for the Soul

“Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo) 'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you” Bailey’s eyes shot open as she heard Bruno Mars’ voice from her alarm. Not wanting to wake Tyler, she carefully stretched across his chest just enough to reach her phone to turn off the alarm. Just as she was about to get up, Tyler grabbed her arm and held it on his stomach to keep her from pulling away.

“Don’t get up yet.” He groggily requested as he shifted his body to look into her eyes.

Bailey nestled her cheek against his chest and he tightened his arm around her. He brought her hand to his lips, before leaning down and pressing his lips against hers with a delicate sweetness. The warmth of his lips travelled all the way down to Bailey’s toes as she snuggled in closer to him.

She sighed, “I have to get ready for work.” She gave him one last kiss before getting out of bed and heading to the closet.

“God, I can’t wait ‘til we’re married!”

Bailey peeked her head out from the closet giggling at Tyler’s frustration. “And why’s that?”

“Because this won’t be an issue anymore!”

Bailey turned back to look at Tyler, puzzled by his remark. “What do you mean?”

“Once we’re married we can sleep in on weekends if we want.”

“Tyler, I hate to break it to you, but I’ll still have to work at least one weekend a month. That rule doesn’t just apply to single employees.” Bailey shook her head and chuckled at how silly she thought he was being.

“I know, I meant when you stop working though.”

“Stop workin? Why would I do that?”

“Bay, I make more than enough money for both of us, so you won’t need to work anymore. Hell, if you want you can quit now.”

Bailey’s demeanor changed from lighthearted to sullen. “You want me to quit?”

“Why not? We don’t need the money, so you can quit and hang out with me.”

“And what about when you’re workin?”

“I don’t know. You can do whatever you want; go shopping, to the gym, take dance classes, or cook. I don’t care, you can do whatever floats your boat.”

Bailey twitched her lips as she contemplated the bomb Tyler just dropped on her. Afraid she’d say something she’d regret later, she told him he’d given her something to think about before heading into the bathroom with her change of clothes. Frustrated by the conversation, she decided to take a short shower, get dressed, and head out to work as quickly as she could.

Tyler sensed something was wrong when she came out of the bathroom. “Hey, you ok?”

“Hmm? I mean yeah, I just need to get out of here.” She replied a bit curtly to him.

“What the Fuck Bay?”

“I’m sorry, that came out wrong. I meant I’m afraid I’m going to be late, so I need to get going.”

“Well let me take you then. Just give me a minute.”

“No, no, you don’t need to do that. I’m just being paranoid. You stay here and go back to sleep. I can take the T.”

“You sure? It’s really no big deal.”

She went over to him and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”

“Ok. I love you.”

Bailey mustered up a half smile. “Love you too. I’ll see you later.”

“Hey! What about my kiss goodbye?” He hollered as she was heading out the bedroom door.

She turned around and blew him a kiss with her hand. “I really have to go. Bye.”

Guessing that Tyler sensed something was off, she decided it would be best to just grab her coat and escape before he could stop her. She wasn’t ready to talk more at that moment. She left in such a rush; she didn’t even fix breakfast, knowing she could just grab something in the hospital cafeteria.

Bailey was thankful there were a couple of new evaluations in addition to the handful of other patients requiring weekend coverage, to keep her busy and her mind off her conversation with Tyler. Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept returning to the discussion and Tyler’s request for her to quit. She was still confused and shocked that he didn’t want her to work anymore. Bailey talked about her job all the time, and was sure Tyler knew how much she loved it, so his request was a completely new and unwelcome revelation. She had no idea Tyler wanted a trophy wife, nor did she feel she could fit that bill. Bailey knew she needed to explore this topic further with Tyler to figure out where this idea was coming from and more importantly change his mind. She contemplated everything she needed to get off her chest on her commute back to his condo. She took a deep breath before knocking on his door.

“Let’s see who that is buddy.” Tyler and Marshall got off the couch and headed towards the door when they heard the knock. “Did you forget your key?” He asked Bailey as he opened the door and pulled her in for a hug and a quick kiss.

“No, I knew you were home and didn’t want to barge in since I’m not comin over just to take Marshall out for you.”

“Bay, I didn’t just give you the key to take care of my dog; I want you to feel comfortable coming here anytime you want. You do realize this is going to be your home soon, right? I mean it could be your home now if you want.” He said with a wink.

“Tyler, you know I can’t move in yet, we’ve talked about this.”

“I know, I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying. But I still want you to feel comfortable coming over anytime you want. If there something I need to get to help you feel more like this is your home too, just tell me and I’ll get it.”

“Thank you, that’s very sweet of you, but there’s nothing I need besides you. Well maybe Marshall and then you.” Tyler pulled her in for a kiss as she giggled at her little joke.

“Steven and Em are coming over at 7:00 for dinner, do you want to change and take a nap before we start cooking?”

“Maybe in a minute.” Bailey bit her bottom lip and started fidgeting with her hands. “Tyler I need to talk to you about something.”

Tyler looked at Bailey with concern. “I knew it! I knew something was bothering you this morning; I should have stopped you before you left for work. You’re not having second thoughts about marrying me are you?” Even though she’s never given him any reason to doubt her love for him, in the back of his mind he still had the irrational thought she’d wake up and realize she’s too good for him and leave.

“Don’t be ridiculous Tyler!” She rolled her eyes at him as she took his hand guiding him over to the couch. “I’ve been stewin on this all day and had a hard time concentratin at work. It’s drivin me nuts!!”

“What is it Bay?”

“Did you mean what you said this mornin? Do you really expect me to quit workin once we’re married?”

Tyler couldn’t miss how visibly upset Bailey was, so he immediately took her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “Bay, I’m sorry if I upset you this morning. I was just joking because I didn’t want you to get out of bed. Forget I ever said anything.”

“No Tyler, I need to know is that somethin you want. Do you want me to quit my job? No jokes, please be honest.” He ran his hands through his hair, something Bailey knew he did whenever he was stressed or nervous. “It’s ok, I promise I won’t be mad; I just need to know what you want.”

Tyler contemplated his words before finally speaking. “Kind of....Yeah I guess I do.”

“Ok. May I ask why? I mean I thought you liked that I was independent, had a job, and wasn’t out for your money.”

“Bay I do love that about you, but.. Oh I mean look at Brittany, and most of the other guys wives, they don’t work.”

“Tyler I don’t care about your teammates’ relationships, I care about ours. I don’t believe for a minute the only reason you don’t want me to work is because nobody else’s wife does. What’s the real reason you don’t want me to work?”

Tyler was now the one looking uncomfortable. “I know it’s selfish, but I want to spend more time with you. I hate going on roadies now, because I miss you. When I’m here, I just want to be with you as much as possible. I want to take care of you and for you to need me to do it.”

Bailey smiled as she took both of Tyler’s hands in hers. “See that wasn’t so hard. Tyler I miss you too! I sleep in your shirt and Marshall and I fight over your pillow when you’re gone.”

She knew that would lighten the mood and make Tyler smile. “Wait, what do you mean you fight Marshall over my pillow?”

“Really Tyler? You know there’s no way I’m not lettin Marshall sleep in the bed with me when you’re gone.”

“I know, but I guess I assumed he slept at the foot of the bed.”

“Nope, we wallow in our misery together.”

“Bay if you feel the same way, then can’t you see how you not working would be so much better and make both of us happy?”

“Me not workin isn’t goin to change the fact you have road games. If anything, it will make it harder for me because I won’t have anything to keep me busy while you’re away. You know darn tootin well I hate to shop and I’m not going to take up tennis or somethin like that. I love my job and I’m dang good at it too. When I help a tiny baby drink safely from a bottle, help a kid access a device so they can finally communicate with their family, or witness a child with Autism initiate a hug with his mom for the first time, Tyler those moments are priceless. I feel like I have a purpose.” She took a deep breath before continuing to try to help him understand her perspective. "Tyler do you remember what the first thing we kind of argued about was?"

"Yeah, you wouldn't let me pay for the popcorn and drinks at the movies."

"Exactly, and throughout our relationship we've kind of argued about you tryin to pay for everything. Tyler, I know you literally make over a million times more than me, but I don't ever want you to think I'm using you for your money."

"Bay, I know you aren't with me for the money." He brought her hands to his lips.

"I'm the only one comin into this marriage with debt because of my student loans. I need to feel like I can pull my own weight and don't ever want to feel like a burden to you."

"Bay, you know I love taking care of you! You'll never be a burden; you’re a blessing! You've always been a strong independent woman and I love that about you. I know you aren't using me."

"That's just it Tyler, you fell in love with a girl that can stand on her own two feet. If I stop workin, that will change. What if you start to resent me? I'm afraid you'll get bored with me!"

"Are you serious Bay? Come here." He pulled her into his arms and gave her a gentle yet reassuring squeeze. "Bay I love you with all my heart and that will never change. Everything I have means nothing if I can't share it with you. Honestly Bay, I don't care about the money. You know I would have already paid off your loans for you if you'd let me."

"I know but it just isn't right, it's my debt not yours."

"Bay, when we get married it becomes our debt and I wouldn't have it any other way. I really wish you'd stop worrying about money; it really isn't a big deal. I'm fortunate enough to have a career that pays really well and will allow me to take care of the both of us and our family. You are my lifeline Bay! You help keep me calm and rationale. You help me see the good in everyone and make me want to be a more kind, forgiving, and generous man. You carry more than your fair share in this relationship. Sometimes I still wonder why you chose me? Bay, paying for our expenses is one of the few things I feel I can offer you. So don't you ever fear that you aren't doing enough for me or for us!"

Bailey listened to everything Tyler had to say. It was comforting realizing he had insecurities about their relationship just like her. "Tyler, you are my life too! You've helped me feel comfortable in my own shell and with who I am completely, which is why I was shocked when you said you wanted me to quit." She moved out of his arms and sat on her knees facing him. She took his hands and interlaced them with hers. "Tyler, how would you feel if you got injured or somethin happened and you were told you could never play hockey again?"

Tyler contemplated about it for a minute. "I'd hate it! Hockey is all I know, I think I'd be lost and wouldn't know what to do."

"Exactly, that's how I feel about my job. Tyler I worked very hard to get into an exclusive program and graduate. I'm one of a very select few new grads Boston Children's actually hired. Every day I try to prove to the hospital and myself that they made the right decision in choosin me versus a more experienced therapist. Over the past couple of years, I've really grown and I'm proud of myself. I'm so lucky that I get to help so many families, it's so rewardin! Although it can be stressful at times, I still love my job! Tyler it gives me a purpose. You know how you said you miss me when your on road trips?"

"Yeah, I truly do and it drives the guys crazy, because I apparently talk about you nonstop."

Bailey giggled and kissed his cheek. "I think about you too. Workin is what keeps me sane."

Bailey's voice and body language made him realize how important her job was to her. He never really considered how she might feel if she had to give it up. He realized his request was selfish.
“Bay, I’m so sorry! I never thought about your job being so important to you. Thank you for showing so much restraint this morning and not tearing my head off. I know I would lose my shit if someone asked me to stop playing hockey. I didn’t realize you might feel the same about your career. It’s ok; you don’t need to quit. Do you forgive me for being so selfish?”

Bailey gave him her sweet smile before pressing her lips to his for a gentle loving kiss. “I love you and there’s nothin to forgive. I’m actually glad we’re talkin about this. We need to be honest and open with each other if our marriage is goin to work. I have an idea that I think will make both of us happy. Marriage is about love, but sometimes it’s also about compromise. What if I cut back to part time? I can see if the hospital will let me work four or five half days so I could be home around the same time you’d typically be done from practice. If that’s too much, I can see if I can work three eight hour days, or even two, ten hour days if you’d prefer. Just tell me what you’d like and I’ll ask.”

“You’d do that for me? I don’t want you to feel like you’re losing a part of yourself and then resent me for it.”

“I promise I won’t. As long as I get to work some I’ll be fine.”

“Ok. If you’re sure, I kind of like the idea of the half days. That way we can get lunch together and you’d be available to cuddle during game day naps too.” He knew that last comment would get a giggle out of her.

“I’d love to join you for your naps.”

“Do you think the hospital will be that flexible?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll ask.”

“Bay, I guess while we’re talking about work we need to talk about summers. You know that I usually go home over the summer to train. Would the hospital let you have that much time off?”

“Hmm, I didn’t think about that. I don’t think they can let me have that much time off. I’ve been accruing PTO faster since I’ve been workin so many weekends and taken on some extra patients in the afternoon to try and pay off my loans faster, but it still only gives me about five weeks off. If I cut my hours, I won’t earn time off as quickly. I know I could take some time off without pay, but not the entire summer. It wouldn’t be fair for me to ask the hospital to find that much coverage. I guess I can look into getting a job in the schools so I’d have summers off and maybe just work PRN for the hospital.”

“No, I don’t want you to do that. Like you said we need to compromise. I can do some of my training here and we can just go home for a couple of weeks. There’s a camp I have to do for two weeks, but other than that I can rearrange things to be here.”

“Thank you!” She leaned forward and brought her lips to his. “I’ll also talk to Jessica and the director of rehab to let them know they need to get a new liaison for Bergy’s program and new coordinator for the Summer Games program.”

“Absolutely not! We wouldn’t even be together if it wasn’t for those two programs. I know you love helping with them; I’m not taking that away from you. Besides I can’t do that to Bergy.”

“Thank you for understanding. I’d like to keep working with Bergeron’s Bravehearts, but I think it’s time to pass the torch to someone else for the Summer Games. The bulk of planning for that event occurs in the summer and if we’re going to be in Canada some and maybe take a vacation for just the two of us, hint hint; I can’t give the Games all the time it deserves. I can train someone to take over for me so the program doesn’t die.”

“Bay, the Summer Games is your baby. You created that program; are you sure you want to give it up?”
“Yes, you are more important to me and I know the Games will be fine without me.”

Tyler kissed the top of her head and smiled gently. “Bay, would you be interested in helping me with my foundation then?”

“Really?”

“Yea, I mean there would be no Seguin’s Stars if it wasn’t for you. I’d really like to do more for families and have some type of fundraiser each year. Between your experience with Bergy’s program and the Summer Games, on top of your medical background, you’re the perfect person for the job. Plus it means we get to work and spend more time together so it’s a win win! What do you say, will you do it?”
Bailey climbed into Tyler’s lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. She gently pulled him to her and gave him a loving kiss. “I’ll take that as a yes!” He smiled and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I love you soooooo much!”

“I love you too!” He brought his lips to hers again. “So Bay, does this count as a fight?”

“I don’t know that I’d really call it a fight, maybe a disagreement, but not a fight.”

“Well, personally I think we should count it as a little fight.”

“Does it really matter?”

“It absolutely does!”

Bailey stared at Tyler bewildered by his need to make their discussion a fight. “Why?”

“Because now we get to have fun making up!” He winked and exposed his devilish grin before picking Bailey up and hauling her off to his bedroom.

Notes

I can't say thank you enough for reading my story!!! This isn't a long one, but I wanted to give y'all an update; hope you like it. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on the story.