Edward found Debra in her room later that evening. She was looking through her suitcase. He walked in and sat down in the chair. "How have you been feeling?"
"I feel fine."
"That's good. Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?"
"I don't think I am ready to go out yet."
"Actually, I was thinking about somewhere quiet. Just the two of us."
"I guess, but we don't have to go anywhere. We are alone in the house every night."
"Yes, I know, but sometimes I like to get away from the house." Edward said.
"All right, I guess."
"Great. I'll set it up. What are you doing?"
"Just seeing what I have in here. I've been wearing clothes from the closet. I didn't pack clothes for this environment."
"You weren't expecting to end up here. Do you have other clothes in the rest of your stuff?"
"I might have some, but I have a lot of dressy clothes. I used to work in an office. I will just have to wait until I am more comfortable until I can go shopping."
"I could pick up some tomorrow while I go into town."
"I don't want to bother you with that. I will get them sometime. I can wear these clothes for now."
"I wish you would put your clothes in my closet. There is plenty of room."
"Actually, that is why I was going through my clothes. I was seeing what I could put in there."
"Oh, so you're not mad at me?"
"Why would you think I was mad? You let out your frustrations. I have done the same thing a time or two."
"It still wasn't right for me to do. He was angry that I let you ride Misty. He thought that I let you, he could do it, too. He apologized for it."
"So, he was jealous of me?"
"Yes, I suppose he was. I promised him that I would train him to help me. I don’t think he will be able to do it though."
"Well, sometimes you have to face challenges to see if that is what you really want." She said as she walked over and sat down on Edward's lap.
"Yes, I know." Edward said as he put his arms around her.
"I know. I am your biggest challenge, aren't I?"
"Yes, you are." Edward said then kissed her.
"Once my stuff is here, I will have more to keep myself busy and I won't be bothering you so much." She said. "I can add some decorations to the house."
"I am looking forward to it." Edward said then kissed her again. "I love you, Debra."
"I love you." She said. "Don't you have office work to do?"
"Yes, but I would rather spend time with you." He said. "I don't want you to overdo yourself."
"I can put away my clothes myself. You can go do your work." She said as she got off of him. "Go do your work. I'll be down later to distract you."
"You better or I will come up here and distract you." Edward said as he got up. "Don't do too much."
"I won't."
About an hour later, Debra went downstairs to the kitchen. She got herself a glass of water and then opened the refrigerator. She looked inside, then closed it. She went over to the pantry and looked inside.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?" Edward said as he walked into the kitchen.
"I want a snack, but I don't know what to have." Debra said then closed the pantry.
"I just came out for more coffee as I am waiting for my computer. The network is acting up and keeps knocking me off."
"I hate when that happens."
"I am trying to get an update about how the planting is going so I can plan out picnic. It’s a tradition around here. We have a huge picnic after the planting is done then again when harvest is over."
"I never had many traditions. We barely did holidays."
"Well, then I guess you will have to start. You are in this family now. We have picnics and parties and holidays. You'll love it."
"I guess I will have to get use to them."
"I better get back to work." Edward said as he walked back towards the office.
Debra woke up alone in bed the next morning. She got up and went into the bathroom, then got dressed. She went downstairs and into the kitchen. She made herself a bowl of oatmeal and poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat down at the island and started eating.
Mrs. Gardner walked in the back door. "Good morning, Debra. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling pretty good." She said. "Edward left early."
"Yes, he said he had a few things to take care of. He said Joe is out in the barn when you need help. He said that you better ask for help, too."
"Yes, I will."
"He also said the picnic is next weekend. It’s going to be fun."
"I guess."
"Don't worry, you'll have a good time. You will meet the rest of Edward's brothers and the extended family. There is no need to be scared."
"I know, but I'm not ready you be around a lot of people yet."
"I can understand that this might be different from what you are used to."
"Yes, it is, but I like the slower pace." Debra said as she finished her oatmeal. "Edward asked me out tonight. I guess we won't be needing dinner."
"I know. He told me that before he left. He actually just wrote me a note of all these things."
"Oh. I guess he wanted to get an early start. By the way, I'm moving into Edward's room. The rest of my stuff is arriving on Monday."
"That’s great. You are moving forward."
"Yes. I'm not sure how things will work out, but I am trying to put the past behind me."
"That’s good."
"I don't know what it is. I have lived in so many places, mostly bigger cities and around a lot of people. It’s strange that I feel so comfortable here."
"That’s just how it works sometimes."
"Well, I better get some work done." Debra said as she got up. She put her dishes in the sink the. walked out of the kitchen. She walked through the house and out the front door. She walked slowly to the barn and saw Misty already in the corral. She walked over to her. "Hey, Girl. What are you doing out here already?" She said as she stroked Misty's nose. "Are you feeling all right?"
Josh walked over with a grain bucket. He hung it on the fence. "Morning, Debra."
"Morning, Josh. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. Doc says I need to take it easy for a few days."
"That's good."
"I'm sorry for yesterday. I said things I shouldn't have about you and Misty." He said as he lowered his head. "I figured that if Edward let you ride Misty in your condition, then I could ride Diamond. I guess I was jealous."
"I didn't know anything about what you said. So, don't worry about it. Edward probably wouldn't have let me ride Misty if he wasn't always trying to make me happy. I also wanted to show you how gentle she was, that she can be trusted. So, I guess I should be apologizing too. I'm sorry."
"Misty is a good horse and I'm sorry I doubted her. She is settling in fine."
"So, what happened is in the past. I am trying to look into the future more."
"I just made a pot of coffee. Do you want a cup?"
"Sure. Another cup won't hurt me." She said as she stepped away from the fence. "Who put Misty out this morning?" She asked as they walked towards the barn.
"Edward did. He didn't want you to do it by yourself and he didn't know how she would be act with someone else."
They walked into the barn and into the office. Josh poured them both a cup of coffee. He sat down at the desk. "I hear you have decided to stay for a while."
"Yes, the rest of my stuff will be here on Monday."
"That's great. Edward is much happier since you showed up."
"So, does it get busy around here?"
"Yes, during the summers, we have the riding team here practicing and more horses. It can get hectic at times."
"I guess I should get my flowerpots done. I'm going to need help a little later."
"Joe and I are around to help you. All you have to do is holler."
"All right. I'll remember that." Debra said then finished her coffee. She threw the paper cup in the trash before she walked out.
By lunchtime, Debra had all the pots done and situated by the barn with the men’s help. She went inside, ate a sandwich then walked out onto the front porch. She sat down and relaxed. A short time later, Edward drove up and parked in front of the house. He got out and walked up onto the porch. He bent down and gave Debra a kiss. "I see you have been busy."
"Yes, but Joe and Josh did the lifting. I just gave directions."
"They look great." He said. "I’m glad they were here to help."
"They acted like they were working, but I could feel them watching me. They need practice being discreet."
"I will let them know that they weren't fooling you." Edward said. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel pretty good now, but I felt like crap when I got up this morning."
"I guess that’s why they call it morning sickness."
"I guess."
"I'm going to get something to eat." He said then went into the house.
Edward came out a few minutes later with a sandwich. He sat down on the porch with Debra. "The flowers really brighten it up around here. Do you have much more to do?"
"I want to clean up all around the house. There are weeds where there shouldn't be."
"You shouldn't be working so hard in your condition."
"My condition isn't anything to worry about. I feel fine."
"I still worry and that is why I have the men keeping an eye on you."
"You should trust me more. When I get tired, I'll rest."
"I just don't want anything to happen to you or the baby"
"I could say the same thing to you when you work on the horses, but I don't because I trust that you will be careful." Debra said. "I know my limits, Edward and you know yours." Debra said then took a deep breath to calm herself. "I don't want to argue about this, but I don't need anybody watching over me." Debra stood up and walked off the porch. She turned back and looked at Edward. "I'm going to take a walk." She said then walked off. Edward watched her go.
"You are going to push her away if you're not careful." Mrs. Gardner said from the doorway.
"She's been through enough. I only want what is best for her." Edward said. "I love her so much that it hurts to be away from her."
"It will hurt more if you lose her." Mrs. Gardner said. "From what I understand, she has never had a family support system like you have. Give her some time to adjust. Has Ace or Jared come up with anything about her parents?"
"Not that I know of." Edward finished his sandwich and got up. "I have work to do." He said then walked off the porch.
Debra stood at the fence of Misty's corral when Edward came up to her a while later. He stood beside her but didn't touch her. They stood there for several minutes without saying anything. Edward finally turned towards her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had them watching you so closely. I just care so much about you."
Debra turned and looked up at him. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. "I'm sorry for getting so upset. I'm not use to people caring about me."
"Have you been crying?"
"Yes." Debra said then stepped towards him. She put her hands on his chest and felt something hard. "What's that?"
"It's a protective vest. I wear it to help protect me from getting hurt when I work with the horses."
"Oh."
"I'm taking more precautions."
"Are we still on for our date tonight?"
"Yes, if you are feeling up for it."
"Yes, I feel fine. What time are you picking me up?" She asked smiling at him.
"I'll pick you up at seven. That is about three hours from now."
"I better start getting ready then."
"You look beautiful just the way you are."
"This is our first official date. I want to look nice for you."
"If you insist. I should get back to work so I can clean up for you."
"I'll get ready in the other bedroom so you can get ready in your room."
"Ok, I'll meet you downstairs at seven." Edward said then leaned down and kissed her. He turned and walked off.
Edward waited for Debra downstairs at seven. He paced the floor at the bottom of the stairs. After a while, he heard Debra come out of the bedroom. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Debra stopped at the top of the steps wearing a red dress. She started down them. Edward stared at her until she came to the bottom. "Oh, Darling, you look beautiful."
"Is it too much?"
"Not at all, but I feel a little underdressed." He said then took her hand. "Shall we go?"
"Of course."
Edward escorted Debra out the front door and to his truck. He opened the door and helped her inside. He closed the door and walked around to the other side. He got in, started the truck and pulled out.
"So, how long is it going to take to get there?"
"Not very long. I didn't want to go too far away just in case we needed to get back to the ranch quickly."
"Oh, Ok."
Several minutes later, they came to the top of a hill. Debra saw a campfire glowing with a tent set up nearby. Edward pulled the truck close and shut it off. He quickly got out and hurried to the other side. He helped her out and escorted her over to the fire.. "This is what I was doing earlier."
"It looks really nice. All the comforts of home." Debra laughed.
"Well, almost." Edward said. They went over an sat down on the blanket by the fire. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm starving."
"Well, Mrs. Gardner supplied the dinner." Edward said as he opened the cooler behind them. He pulled out two covered plates. He handed one to Debra. "I didn't think you would want my cooking."
"Not if the stories I heard are true."
Edward handed her silverware and a napkin. They started eating. "Josh apologized for what he said about Misty even though I didn't hear him."
"Yes, he said he was going to do that. He is trying to do the right thing."
"He is." Debra said “What else did you do? You were gone since early this morning."
"Well, I got this done then went into town. I got the mail, supplies, did a little shopping."
"What kind of shopping?"
"I needed some new jeans and other things." Edward said as he smiled.
Debra put down her plate. "Edward, what did you do? Did you buy me something you shouldn't have?"
"Why would you think that?" He asked. "You should really finish your dinner. You might need your strength for later."
"Really? Here I thought it was just going to be a quiet night in front of the fire."
"It is, but I have a few things in mind."
Debra picked up her plate and ate a little more. She put the cover on and put the plate off to the side. She stared at the fire for a while. "It is so quiet out here."
"Yes, it is." Edward said as he put the plates inside the cooler. "Are you warm enough?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Good. Do you want me to turn on the radio in the truck, so it won't be so quiet?"
"If you don't mind."
"Anything for you." Edward said then got up. He went over to the truck and turned on the radio. He adjusted the volume and closed the door. He stopped at the side of the truck and pulled out a guitar. He walked back over to Debra. He sat down and started playing and singing along with the song on the radio. Debra stared at him as he played and sang. When the song was over, he put the guitar down. "Did you like it?"
"Yes. You have an amazing voice. You are a man of many talents."
"Thank you."
"Where did you learn to play?"
"I've been playing since I was about four. My parents taught me."
"And you kept up with it?"
"Yes, but I don't play too much. We have a ranch band and we play at the picnics, but that is about it. Now that I have someone to play for, I might play more often."
"I would love that. Will you play another?"
"Of course." Edward said then picked up the guitar. He played the next song that came on. He sang along with it. When it was over, he got up and walked over behind Debra. He wrapped his arms around her and watched the fire for a moment. He reached over and put another log on the fire. "Debra, I've never felt like this about anyone in my life before. I think about you all the time and it actually makes it hard to concentrate on my work." Edward said. "I know you have just come into my life twelve days ago, but it feels like a lot more. I can't imagine my life without you." He said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He held it out in front of her.
Debra took it and looked back at him. "I don't know what to say."
"Open it, darling." Edward said.
Debra opened the box. She took out a ring box and opened it. It was a ring with a heart on it. "It's beautiful, Edward."
"Will you promise that I am your one and only?"
"Yes, of course. I don't want to be with anybody else but you." Debra said then turned and kissed him.
Edward pulled back and took the ring out of the box. He slid it on her finger. "I grew up with traditions and values. This is the first step in any relationship."
"I love you, Edward." Debra said then kissed him again. Edward held her close to him and rubbed her leg. Debra pulled back slightly. "Edward, what happens if you can't find my parents?"
"What do you mean?"
"I just mean what if they can never be found, will our relationship go farther?"
"I'm sure it will, but I am not to that step yet."
"Do you really have steps in relationships?"
"I take steps in almost everything I do. I don't write anything down, but I know what steps should happen when. In fact, you are the first one that I ever gave a ring to."
"Well, I am honored to be the first." Debra leaned against his chest. She held up her hand and looked at the ring. "How did you know what size I wore?"
"I have my ways and I'm not revealing them." He said. "It looks really nice on you."
"I hope you didn't spend too much on me. The ranch needs it more."
"You don't need to worry about how much I spend. I have money to spend and if I want to spend it on you, then I will."
"I always worry about money. You never know when something comes up when you need it." Debra said as she rubbed her stomach. "I save money whenever I can. You might be surprised to see my bank account."
"And you would be surprised to see mine."
"You surprise me so much already. You are so talented. I know you told me your parents died. May I ask how it happened?"
"You can ask me anything you want. They were on their way to see my game when a drunk driver ran a red light and slammed into them. My parents died at the scene. My brother made it to the hospital and died in surgery."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I don't have any siblings, so I don't know how that I must have felt."
"I took it hard and started causing trouble. My aunt couldn't handle me, so she gave me up."
"And you stole the truck and ended up here."
"Yes. I am going to start the truck, so I don't kill the battery."
"You can turn off the radio if you want."
Edward moved Debra off his lap and got up. He went over to the truck and started it. He walked over to her and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Debra took his hand and stood up. "I'd be delighted, but I am warning you, I'm not that good of a dancer."
"It’s a good thing I am a strong leader." Edward said as he led her to the open area. He pulled her close. They started moving to the music. "You don't give yourself enough credit. You dance just fine."
"That's because you're a great leader." Debra said. The song ended, but they still swayed in each other’s arms. "There isn't a better place I'd rather be than in your arms."
"And that is where I want you." Edward said. He held her for a while, then led her back to the fire. They sat down and he pulled out a thermos. He poured two cups of steaming coffee. and handed her one. "You do know that with us together, you can tell the men to do things. They will listen to you."
"I realized that today, but if they start to call me boss, I'm going to punch them."
"Really? That I would like to see."
"I know how to defend myself, Edward. My father taught me how to fight and to use several different kinds of weapons. Of course, I am out of practice since I haven't seen my parents in years. And I haven't been to a range since."
"So, you didn't keep up with it?"
"I did some of the martial arts as a way of calming myself at times. I even went to classes in New York." Debra said.
"Really? That is one thing I have never did was martial arts. And you say that I am talented."
"Well, I don't know how my aim is anymore, but I use to be pretty good." Debra said as she put another log on the fire. "My parents made sure I knew how to defend myself in any situation. It’s like they were scared of something happening to me. I didn't have that much happiness in my childhood, but I had that."
"Were they in law enforcement or something?"
"Not that I know of. I never seen them have badges of any kind."
"I thought it might help by brothers to find them."
Debra finished her coffee and put her cup off to the side. "I like it out here in your arms."
"I do too."
"I just wish I could be doing more around here and learning different things."
"I know and by this time next year, if you are still here, you'll be doing everything there is."
"Do you doubt that I will stay?"
"I just don't have confidence in relationships. I can get pretty busy and as much as I would want to spend time with you, there might not be enough time in the day."
"I understand all that. Don't doubt what we have, though."
"Ok, I won't."
Edward and Debra laid under a blanket next to where the fire had burned out during the night as the sun rose over the ridge.