Edward and Debra led the way down the driveway with Ace and Jared’s vehicles behind them. He glanced over at Debra. “You OK?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just thinking about how my life is going to be around here. I think I am going to be very happy.”
“I hope so, darling.”
“I want to learn everything about the ranch.”
“I will teach you everything I can while you’re pregnant, but something and places will have to wait until after you have the baby.”
“I know. I just want to do more around here.”
“And you will.” Edward said as he reached over and took her hand. “I want you by my side all the way.”
“That’s what I want too.” Debra said. “As much as I loved having your family here this weekend, I’ll be glad to have the house back to ourselves.”
“Yes, I know what you mean.”
Debra let go of his hand and moved it to his thigh. She moved it up and down getting closer to his crotch. “I love you.”
“You are making it awfully hard to concentrate on the road.”
“That’s the point. Maybe if I get you worked up enough, you’ll turn around and take me home and into bed.”
“You just need to wait a few more hours. Let’s try to make it through dinner.” Edward said as he grabbed her hand to still it on his thigh.
“Ok, I will try.” Debra said.
“Just so you are aware, I have dated some women who work at the pizza place. They don’t mean anything to me, but they may say something.”
“Well, I will sure to make sure they know you are taken, then.”
“I’m sure you will.” Edward smiled.
They rode to the pizza place in the center of town. Edward parked the truck and shut it off. He got out and hurried around and opened Debra’s door. He helped her down and snaked his arm around her waist. They walked over to the door and waited for the rest of the family. They walked inside. Ace told the hostess how many were in the party and she went out into the dining room to arrange some tables. They waited in the foyer until she returned. She led the way to the tables. They sat down and ordered drinks. The waitress left.
“This place has changed since I was here last,” Jared said.
“Yeah, they just did a renovation not too long ago,” Edward said. “Marie runs it now.”
“Is she still hot as she was?” Ace asked.
“She hasn’t changed much in the last couple of years. It’s not like she’s my type.” Edward said. “Not that I was looking.”
“You can still look if you want,” Debra said. “It won’t bother me.”
“I only have eyes for you,” Edward said as he leaned closer and kissed Debra. “As I said, she isn’t my type.”
“Ok. If you say so.”
“She was hot in the day.” Ace said. “She wouldn’t give me the time of day though.”
“That’s because you were always an ass to her.” Jared said.
The waitress came back and handed out the drinks. They ordered three pizzas. The waitress left. Conversations kept going on around the table. Debra told a few stories of her training that her stepparents taught her. After a while, the pizzas came, and they started eating. Debra ate a couple of slices, then excused herself to use the bathroom.
Carrie walked into the bathroom about ten minutes later. “Debra, are you all right?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean? What’s wrong?”
“I’m bleeding.”
“How much?”
“It’s just a little spotting, but I’m scared.”
“It’s going to be fine. A lot of people spot during pregnancy.” Carrie said. "Have you called your doctor?”
“No.”
“You should call him and see what you should do. It’s been a stressful weekend.”
“Edward is going to freak out. Please don’t tell him.”
“I won’t. Call your doctor and see what he says to do.”
“Ok.” Debra said then got her phone out of her purse. She called her doctor, talked to him for a few moments then hung up. “He said I should go to the hospital. He’s there now.”
“Ok. Do you want to tell Edward or should I?”
“I don’t want him to cause a scene in here.”
“Why don’t you go out to the truck. I’ll tell him you needed some air and he should go see you.”
“Ok. Thanks, Carrie.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”
“I’m worried, though.”
“I know. Have Edward call when you find out what is going on.”
“I will.” Debra said. She hugged Carrie. Carrie walked out of the bathroom. Debra took a deep breath then made her way out of the restaurant and to the truck.
Edward came out a few moments later. “You all right?”
“No. When I went to the bathroom, I noticed blood.”
“Oh, no. Have you called the doctor?”
“Yes. He said to take me to the emergency room. He’s already there and will meet us.”
Edward unlocked the truck and helped Debra inside. He closed the door and hurried around to the other side. He got in, started it and pulled out fast. “Are you in pain? Do you think you’re losing the baby?”
“No, I’m not in pain. But it won’t matter if you kill us before we get to the hospital.” Debra said. “Slow down.”
Edward slowed down a little. “Sorry. Do you think you are losing the baby?”
“I don’t know. That’s why we are going to the hospital.” She said. “I’m just worried at this point.”
Edward reached over and took her hand. “It will be fine. We will get through it together.”
He drove fast to the hospital and pulled up to the emergency room entrance. He got out and hurried over to the other side and opened the door. He helped Debra out. Dr. Brooks came out the door with a wheelchair. “Sit down Debra. I have a room already for you. Edward, park your truck and meet us inside.”
“Ok. I’ll be right there, darling.” Edward said then gave Debra a kiss.
“So, when did this happen?” Dr. Brooks asked as he started pushing Debra towards the door.
“I just noticed it.” Debra said.
“Ok. So, you caught it early.”
“Do you think I am miscarrying?”
“Let’s not jump to any conclusions. We will run some tests and do an ultrasound.” He said as he took her to an exam room. “If you would please change into a gown for me.” He said. “The bathroom is right in there. I’ll go get a nurse and show Edward where you are.”
“Thank you, Dr. Brooks.” Debra said as she got up. The doctor left and she took the gown into the bathroom. When she came out, Edward was standing by the table. He helped her up onto the table. “I’m going to be fine, Edward.”
“That’s my line, darling. I’m the positive one, remember?”
“You must be rubbing off on me.” Debra said as she smiled.
Dr. Brooks came in with a nurse. “Just lay back and let me have a look.” Debra did as instructed, and the doctor started to examine her. “Are you under any added stress?”
“We have had a stressful weekend, actually,” Debra said.
“Well, that can cause spotting at times. You need to limit stress.”
“It wasn’t our doing, but I will try to in the future.”
Dr. Brooks did his exam, then stood up. “I do see some discharge, but it’s only a small amount. I will do an ultrasound to make sure everything seems to be fine. Nurse, will you get an ultrasound machine?”
“Yes, Doctor.” The nurse left.
“When you feel stressed, take a walk or get out of the situation. Just get away for a few minutes by yourself helps a lot.”
“I would, but someone won’t let me be by myself.” Debra said as she looked at Edward.
“I care about you.”
“Edward, believe it or not, Debra being alone for a few minutes will do her good.”
“Well, I got a lesson in that earlier.” Edward said.
The doctor looked at us curiously. “I punched him then ran off.” Debra clarified.
“Oh, I see. That is one way to relieve some stress, but I don’t recommend that too often.”
The nurse brought in the ultrasound machine. “Just try to relax, Debra. This might be a little uncomfortable.” Dr. Brooks said. Debra put her feet in the stirrups and the doctor started the exam. Debra closed her eyes and took deep breaths to try to relax. Edward held her hand. Dr. Brooks moved around the wand and pressed on the ultrasound machine a few times. “How are you doing, Debra?”
“I’m all right.”
“Do you want to take a look?”
“Is something wrong?”
“No. But there is something you need to see.” Dr. Brooks said. He turned the ultrasound screen towards Debra. Debra and Edward looked over. Dr. Brooks pointed to the screen. “Do you see that? That is your baby’s heartbeat.”
“But there is two of them.”
“Yes. That means you are having twins.”
“Twins? Really?”
“Yes, and both heartbeats look strong.”
“But why didn’t you see that on the other ultrasound?”
“Sometimes the portable machines aren’t as strong as the ones we have here or the other could have been hiding behind the other one. I don’t know the reason, but it’s clear as day.” Dr. Brooks printed up some pictures of the babies and handed them to Debra. He removed the wand. “I’ll let you get dressed and then we can talk.”
“Thank you, Dr. Brooks.” Debra said. Dr. Brooks and the nurse left the room. Edward helped Debra sit up. “I’m going to get changed and I need a minute.” Debra said as she got up and went into the bathroom.
Debra came out a few minutes later just as the doctor came in. Debra sat back on the table. Edward took her hand. "So, Doctor, what's going to happen now?"
"I would like you to be on bed rest until the spotting stops completely."
"I was afraid you were going to say that."
"Try not to stress too much. I am sure it will only take a day or two. I'll come out there on Tuesday and see how you're doing."
"So, I'm not miscarrying?"
"There is still a chance, but you aren't right now. If you experience any pain, clotting or heavy bleeding, call me right away."
"Of course, Doctor." Debra said. "Is there any chance any more are hiding?"
"No. I thoroughly checked. Any other questions?"
"Not at the moment."
"Then you are free to go."
"Thank you, Doctor." Edward said. "I'll bring the truck around." Edward gave Debra a kiss on her forehead and left the room.
Debra got into the wheelchair and the doctor wheeled her out to the entrance. Edward pulled up and helped her into the truck. They thanked the doctor again, then drove off.
"Have you let your brothers know that I am fine?"
"I texted them when you were changing. Carrie said you can call her any time."
"I guess this means our shopping trip is canceled."
"It's not canceled, just postponed."
"So, I know you were fine with raising another man's child, but are you sure with two?"
"Of course, Debra. I am still happy. One, two or a thousand, it wouldn't matter to me. I love you and no matter if more comes up, then I will love them. What makes you question that?"
"I don't know. I guess it is in my nature."
"How would you like to stop for some ice cream?"
"That sounds pretty good, actually."
"Great," Edward said as he drove down the road. He reached over and took Debra's hand. "Everything will be all right. You'll see."
"I'm trying to stay positive," Debra said.
Edward drove to the ice cream shop and parked the truck. "What would you like?"
"I think I will just have a chocolate cone," Debra said.
"All right. I will be right back." Edward said as he leaned over and gave her a kiss. He got out of the truck and walked up to the window. He waited in line, then looked back and smiled at Debra inside the truck. He worked his way up to the window and ordered two chocolate cones. He paid for them and the cashier handed him the cones. He carried them to the truck, got in and handed Debra one.
She slowly licked up one side of the cone. "Mmmmm, this is so good."
Edward cleared his throat, closed the door and started the truck. He backed out of the spot and headed towards the ranch. "You're quite enjoying that ice cream, aren't you?"
"Yes, it is quite good." Debra said as she licked it all the way up one side and they put the top of the cone in her mouth.
Edward swerved back onto the road. "You are going to be the death of me, darling."
Debra smiled as she continued eating her ice cream.
Edward drove back to the ranch. The ice cream was finished by the time they drove through the gate to the ranch. Debra shifted in her seat. "Can you pull over?"
Edward put on the brakes and stopped. "What is it? Are you in pain?"
"No, nothing like that." Debra leaned across the seat and kissed him as her hand started to rub his leg. "Before we continue up to the house and things get crazy, I wanted to let you know how much I love you." She said as she stroked him through his jeans.
Edward continued up along the driveway a while later. "You do know that there are cameras all along here, right?"
"Yes, I know. I remember now but didn't think about that a few minutes ago." She smiled at him. "It doesn't matter. Everyone knows that we love each other."
"Well, if they didn't know before, they sure do now," Edward said. "You are one wild woman. Not that I mind, mind you."
"I guess I can be, or we can blame it on my hormones."
"Sure," Edward said as he pulled up to the house. He shut off the truck and got out. He hurried over to the other side of the truck and opened Debra's door. He helped her out and into the house. He followed her up to their room and got her settled in bed. "I'm going to check on the horses and make sure everything is put away. It looks like it's going to rain later."
"Ok. I'm just going to read or rest or something."
"You need to rest and stay in bed."
"I know. Go do what you need to."
Edward gave her a kiss then walked slowly out of the room.
Debra grabbed the remote and turned on the television. She flipped through the channels and settled on a movie. She started watching it.
Edward came up a little while later carrying her laptop and craft bag. He put them next to the bed. "I thought you might want them."
"Thank you. How's Misty?"
"Josh said she kept watching the road and didn't want to go into her stall, but after she heard the truck come in, she settled down."
"I think she senses when something is going on with me."
"Yes, you and she have a connection that I don't understand."
"Neither do I, but whatever it is, I'm sure it is just her. Don't even start telling me about some kind of gift."
"Ok, I will keep those thoughts to myself." Edward chuckled. "I need to check my email and do a little in the office, but it shouldn't be too long."
"You don't need to sit here with me all night, Edward."
"I know, but I am worried about you."
"No reason for it."
"Do you need anything?"
"You can bring me a bottle of water when you come up, but you don't need to make an extra trip up here just for that. I can wait. I don't need anything else though."
"All right. I shouldn't be too much longer." Edward said then leaned down and kissed her. Debra wrapped her arms around his neck and held on making the kiss last longer. Edward pulled back. "I better get going." Edward said then walked out of the bedroom.
Edward came back up to the bedroom a couple hours later. Debra was in the bathroom. He went around the bed, sat down, and took off his boots. "You all right in there?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Debra replied. A few moments later, she came out, walked around the bed and got under the covers.
Edward got undressed, used the bathroom, then got under the covers. "I was reading about spotting downstairs. How heavy is yours?"
"It's not heavy at all. It's just very little, actually. I just got scared when I saw something."
"It's not anything to ignore. I'm glad you said something. It concerns me, though."
"I thought I was going to die twice, and you saved me. If I made it through them, then I can get through this."
"You make it sound like I'm some kind of hero or something."
"You are my hero. You brought life back into me when I needed it. You've kept me strong through my worse times and you never let me give up." Debra said as she rolled onto her side. She put her arm across his chest. "You are my rock, solid and strong. Don't change that now, babe."
Edward kissed the top of her head as he pulled her closer to him. He reached over and turned out the light. "Good night, darling"
"Good night."
Thunder and lightning woke Debra in the middle of the night. She jumped as thunder rumbled outside. Edward tightened his grip around her. "It's just a storm. Nothing is going to happen to you." Edward said softly.
"I know. You will keep me safe." Debra said as she snuggled up next to him.
"Yes, I will." Edward said. They went back to sleep.
Edward woke up in the early morning. He slipped out from around Debra and quietly got dressed. He walked out the door and downstairs. Mrs. Gardner was in the kitchen making breakfast. "Good morning, Mrs. Gardner." Edward said as he sat down at the counter.
"Good morning, Edward. It seems like you are relaxed today."
"I assume you heard about last night, too."
"Yes, everybody did, but Pete already yelled at Jake who alerted everyone."
"I'll have to thank him." Edward said.
"How's Debra doing?" She asked as she set a cup of coffee in front of him.
"She started spotting last night, so we ended up in the ER. The doctor said that it doesn't look bad but wants her on bed rest."
"I bet she's not happy about that."
"No, she's not. Will you make sure she doesn't need anything?"
"Of course." She said. "Did Ace and Jared make it home all right?"
"Yes. They said they had a wonderful time despite all the mishaps."
"That's good."
"I just hope Debra can move on now that she knows the truth."
"I'm sure she will always have questions, but hopefully she can get past it. I just hope those people that called themselves her parents don't bother her anymore."
"So, do I. She has family here for her though."
"I know and all we can do is remind her of it all the time. But she is still trying to fit in here with the rest of us. I'm sure it will take her some time. She might need a purpose. You know since she can't ride in her condition."
"What are you suggesting?"
"She could help you in the office. You know, get the books in order and maybe straighten up that mess you have in there."
"I don't want her cleaning. I have a system in there."
"I meant, she can get her own system and you won't have to work in there. Another words, give her the office to take care of."
"I guess I can think about it."
"Good." Mrs. Gardner said. She made up two plates of food. She pulled out a tray from the cabinet and put the plates on it. She poured orange juice in glasses and placed them on the tray. "Now, go bring your fiancé' breakfast and eat with her before you run off."
"Yes, ma'am." Edward said as he finished his coffee. He stood up, picked up the tray and slowly walked out of the kitchen.
Edward walked into the bedroom to see Debra sitting up in bed. He carried the tray in and set it down across he legs. He walked around the bed and carefully sat down. "How are you doing this morning?" He kissed her softly then picked up his plate. He started eating.
"It's about the same. What are you going to do today?"
"I guess I have to check for any damage from the storms that went through last night. If you need anything, you can always text or call me."
"I'm sure I will be fine. Mrs. Gardner is here."
"Yes, I already told her about you spotting."
"And I'm sure you instructed her to keep me in bed."
"I am counting on you to do that on your own."
They ate their breakfast in silence. When they were both done, Edward moved the tray back and leaned over and kissed Debra. "You really make it hard for me to leave you. I will be thinking about you all day."
"Don't get too distracted though. I wouldn't want you to fall off your horse."
"You don't need to worry about that." Edward kissed her quickly again then got off the bed. He picked up the tray. "I'll check in on you later." He said then left the room.
Debra sat on the bed and picked up her crafting. She started working on it for a few minutes before Mrs. Gardner knocked lightly at the door. "Come on in, Mrs. Gardner."
Mrs. Gardner stepped into the room. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel fine. I'm just spotting a little." Debra said. "Did Edward tell you what else the doctor told us?"
"He just said that you started spotting and ended up at the ER."
"The doctor did an ultrasound and saw two heartbeats. I am having twins."
"That's great. Two little ones running around here." She said. "Are you fine with having more than one?"
"Yes, and I came to the conclusion last night that I even though I want to prove myself around here, I have been pushing myself too much. I know I need to take it easy more and not worry so much about fitting in and worry more about my unborn children. These twins mean more to me than trying to fit into a place that I hope to have a lifetime to learn and explore." Debra said then smiled. "Edward means the world to me. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love him."
"I'm glad you finally came to that conclusion. It's not like I haven't been telling you to slow down and take it easy. But I think you should tell Edward what you just told me."
"He knows. He's standing in the hall." Debra said and smiled then looked over at the doorway.
Edward came to the doorway. "How did you know?"
"You're not as quiet as you think you are." Debra smiled.
"I'll check back with you later." Mrs. Gardner said then quickly exited the room.
Edward walked around the bed. "So, does that mean I don't have to worry about you staying in bed?"
"You don't have to worry. I will stay in bed unless I need to go to the bathroom. Then tonight, you can help me take a shower."
"That sounds like a deal, darling." Edward knelt on the bed and leaned across and gave Debra a kiss. He stood back up. "I forgot my radio and phone." He said as he picked them up off the end table. He walked over to the door. He turned back. "You mean the world to me, too."
"I love you, Edward."
"I love you, too." Edward said then left the room.
Edward walked into the room later in the afternoon soaking wet and muddy. He walked straight into the bathroom and started the shower. "How are you doing, darling?"
"I'm fine. Just bored."
"I'm sorry. Let me get all this dirt off me and warm up in the shower and I'll keep you company for a little while."
"Take your time." Debra said.
Edward came out a few minutes later with just a towel wrapped around him. "We had to round up a couple cows who got out through a break in the fence."
"That's not good."
"Luckily, they didn't go far, and I think we got them all. The guys are repairing the fence now."
"And you decided to come back and check on me to make sure I was still in bed?"
"No, I decided to come back to spend some time with my fiancé and get warm." Edward said as he climbed on the bed.
"Well, we can't do what we did before when we were trying to get warm. Not that I don't want to."
"I know, but I can still spend time with you." Edward said as he leaned over and kissed her lips. "I can't stop thinking about you."
"I'm fine, Edward. I'm just bored. I can only craft so much and television is boring. I have never been this still in all my life."
"I wish I could take away your boredom."
"I wish you could too, but it was advised against." Debra chuckled.
"Do you need anything? Water, a snack, maybe? Dinner won't be done for about an hour or so."
"No, I'm good. Mrs. Gardner brought up some cookies a little while ago."
"OK." Edward put his arm around her and pulled her close. "I know we can't do anything, but we can just relax for a while in each other's arms."
"I like the sound of that." Debra said as she snuggled up next to him. "Was there much other damage from the storm?"
"No. Just a couple tree branches down." Edward said. He kissed the top of her head. "I've missed you, though."
"I missed you too, but if there is something you need to be doing, don't let me stop you."
"There is nowhere I'd rather be than here with you. And the other things can wait for now."
"I was just saying."
"I am doing something, but it needs time to download, so that is why I am up here. But don't think I didn't want to be here anyway."
"It's fine, Edward. You don't need to explain yourself to me. I know you are busy running the ranch, then doing all the paperwork that goes along with it."
"And I will teach you everything in time. When you are able to."
"I know. I need to concentrate on myself and these babies of mine."
"Of ours, darling."
"Yes, I know. I'm sorry." Debra said. "I am still getting use to the whole idea of everything."
"I know and it seems like more and more keeps surprising us."
"Hopefully no more surprises are in our future."
"Let's enjoy this while it lasts before something else comes up." Edward chuckled.
They laid there in silence for a while just listening to each other breathe. Edward's phone went off and he shifted to grab it off his table. He looked at it. "Misty is giving Josh problems. I should go down there and calm her down."
"I'm sure she just misses me." Debra said.
"Yeah, I know." Edward said then kissed the top of her head. "I'll take care of your horse then bring up dinner when it's done."
"OK."
Edward got out of bed and got dressed. He walked around the bed and leaned down and kissed Debra. "Don't go anywhere." He laughed.
"Not funny." Debra said. Edward walked out of the room. Debra pulled the blankets around her more and closed her eyes.
Edward came back later carrying trays of food. Debra sat up and he put her tray across her legs. He walked around to the other side of the bed and sat down with his food. Debra pushed her tray back a little. Edward watched her. "Is something wrong with dinner?"
"I'm just not very hungry." She said. "All I've done is sit here and it's hard to work up an appetite."
"I know, but you need to eat. You need to keep up your strength." Edward said. "Then after we eat, I have a surprise for you."
"I usually like your surprises, but I'm stuck here in bed."
"Eat at least some of your dinner and you will find out." Edward said.
"Ok, I will try." Debra said then pulled her tray closer. "Did Misty give you any problems?"
"A little, but I told her that you would be down tomorrow to see her even if I had to carry you." Edward laughed.
"And that worked?"
"Yes, and some treats." Edward said. "But if the doctor doesn't clear you, then I will carry you down there."
"I'm pretty sure he will be considering I'm not spotting a lot or anything. Maybe by tomorrow, I will stop completely."
"I hope so, but you still have to take it easy."
"I know." Debra said. I'm planning on it. I want to go through more of my stuff from New York that is in the basement."
"Some of that stuff is heavy. I don't want you lifting it."
"I know. And I won't. I will ask you or someone to help me if I need it. I really didn't think I had that much stuff."
"You never do until it is packed up and then you wonder how everything fit where it was."
"I guess."
They ate their dinner in relatively silence. Debra ended up eating most of her dinner even though she said she wasn't hungry. Edward got up and took the trays out of the room promising to bring up coffee and her surprise. Debra got out of bed and went into the bathroom, then came back and got back in bed before Edward came back up. He came up a few minutes later with a folder. He sat down on his side of the bed and pulled a flash drive out of his pocket. "Now, I don't want you to get too excited, but I would like you to take over some of the office work for me."
"Really? Do you think I'm qualified? I don't know much about ranch stuff."
"Yes, I think, actually I know you're qualified." Edward said. "Get your laptop and I will show you how it works."
Debra got her laptop from next to the bed and started it up. Edward gave her the flash drive and she put it in. She clicked a few things and the program started. Edward spent the next hour going over everything in the folder and helping her navigate through things. After she got comfortable with it, Edward told her that was enough of work and she could work on more of it tomorrow. They turned on a movie and both fell asleep during it.