Debra woke up before dawn the Wednesday before the wedding. She slipped out of bed and left the bedroom in her pajamas. She went downstairs and to the kitchen. She made a pot of coffee and sat at the island while it brewed. When it was done, she poured herself a cup and walked out on to the front porch. She stood on the top of the steps and leaned against the pole. She sipped her coffee and looked out across the yard. She stood there for about half hour before she heard the door open behind her.
Edward came up and wrapped his arms around her. "Are you nervous about your appointment today?"
"Yes, and the twins are restless again. They are going to be morning kids."
"That's good." Edward said. He kissed her neck. "You are so beautiful in the morning."
"Just because I get up doesn't mean you have to. You can sleep more."
"I can't go back to sleep." Edward said. "Besides it seems like this is the only time we get to spend alone."
"You love Ace being here though."
"Yes, he is being a big help, but it seems like we are never alone except when we are sleeping."
"And we're both been so busy and tired."
"Do you want to watch the sunrise on the hill?"
"I'm not dressed."
"I brought out boots down. Please?" Edward asked then nuzzled her neck.
"All right. But I need a refill first. " Debra said as she turned around into his arms. She put her empty hand on his hip. "Since we are awake and relatively alone, maybe we can really enjoy the sunrise."
Edward smiled. "I'll get an extra blanket." He said and then kissed her. He took her hand and led her into the house.
Edward and Debra walked in through the back door after the sun came over the horizon. Mrs. Gardner was in the kitchen making breakfast. Debra handed Edward her coffee cup. "I'm going to get dressed."
"Ok." Edward said then hissed her. "I'll be waiting for you."
Debra put her hand on his hips and pulled him close. She kissed him. "You were wonderful."
"Right back at you, darling." Edward said the kissed her again.
"I'll be down in a few minutes." Debra said then walked away.
Edward walked into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot. "Good morning Mrs. Gardner."
"Morning. I see Debra got up early again."
"Yes, the twins woke her up."
"What time is her appointment?"
"It's at eight. We will eat, turn the horses out then leave so we can get there early."
"Everything will turn out all right. I can feel it."
"I hope you're right." Edward said. "Debra is worried, but she's not talking about it."
"Whatever happens, I know you'll get through it."
"Yeah, I just hope it doesn't mess up the wedding."
"Don't worry, Edward. Everything will be alright."
Edward picked up his coffee and walked out of the kitchen. He walked out the back door and stood by the railing.
Ace came out a few minutes later, "Hey, how are you doing?"
"I'm hanging in there. I'm worried for Debra." He said, " She's putting on a good face, but I know she's worried."
"Of course she is. She went through a lot at the beginning of her pregnancy."
"I just hope everything turns out fine."
"It will, brother. Have some faith." Ace said then patted Edward's back. "Breakfast is ready."
"Thanks, I'll be in in a minute."
"Ok." Ace said then went in the house. Debra joined Ace and Edward in the dining room a while later. "I decided to take a shower." She said as she sat down. She started eating. "So, what time are we leaving?"
"After we eat, we'll turn on horses out and then we'll leave." Edward said. "Then afterwards, if you're up for it, we can do some shopping."
"We'll see how it goes." Debra said with a forced smile.
Edward reached over and took her hand. "It's going to be all right. I'm going to be right there next to you."
"I know." Debra said. "Everyone tells me that. Honestly I am tired of hearing it." She said as she pulled her hand away. She started eating.
Edward looked at Ace then ate his breakfast. When he finished, he picked up his plate and took to the kitchen. He put it in the sink and walked to his office. He sat down at the desk and turned on his computer. He waited a few minutes then checked his email. He went through it and read a couple of emails.
Debra walked through the door and sat down on the couch. "I know everybody means good, but I've been hearing that everything is going to be all right too much. I just want to hear from the doctor and then I'll believe it."
"I know. I guess we think we can convince you or we don't know what else to say."
"Let's just get the horses turned out so we can get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get answers." Debra said then got up. "I want to stop worrying over all the possibilities. I need to how what to worry about."
Edward got up and walked around the desk. He put his arm around her shoulders. "Or if there is anything to worry about."
"Yes, I wish I could be positive as you."
"You are who you and I love you to that." Edward said then bent down and kissed her. He smiled then they walked out together.
Edward and Debra walked out of the hospital with smiles on their faces. They walked out to the truck. Edward helped Debra in and walked around to the other side. He put the key in the ignition and looked over at Debra. She had tears in her eyes. Edward reached over and took her hand. "What's wrong, darling?" He asked. "Dr. Brooks said everything looked good."
"I know. I guess it's just a relief coming out, but I've been a little mean to everyone."
"Everybody understands you've been under a lot of stress. With the wedding and these tests, we've both been stressing."
"I guess, but it wasn't right. I think I know a way to make it up to them, though." Debra said as she wiped her eyes. "I can bake them some cookies. It's been a while since I've done that."
"You don't have to make it up to them, but I won't argue with you if you want to make cookies." Edward smiled.
"I love you, Edward. Let's go shopping." Debra smiled.
Edward started his truck and started out of the parking lot. "You do know everyone is going to tell you 'I told you so'?"
"I know." Debra said. "I know we haven't talked much lately about the babies, but since they seem to be fine, I was wondering if you wanted to know if they were boys or girls."
"I don't know. I kind of hoped Dr. Brooks would have said something today."
"I asked him not to until we knew if they were all right." Debra reached in
her purse and pulled out envelope. "I don't know if I want to know."
"If you want to wait then we can. We can get everything in neutral colors."
"But if we knew, then we could think about names and paint."
"Then we can open it."
"Then it won't be a surprise." Debra said. "I don't know."
"Why don't we just wait a while and think things through? If you decide you don't want to know, then we will burn it." Edward said.
"All right." Debra said then put the envelope back in her purse. "Don't you want to know?"
"As long as they are healthy, that's all that matters. Yes, it might make things easier to buy, but I am putting this decision all on you."
"Thanks, you're no help at all."
"I know." Edward said. He drove to the grocery store. They got out and went inside. Debra got the ingredients for the cookies and a couple of the things she wanted. They checked out and walked out to the truck. Edward helped Debra in and put the groceries in the back seat. He went around and got in. "Do you want to do any other shopping?"
"Not today. After all the stressing I've been doing. I think I just want to go home, bake and relax."
"All right." Edward said as he started the truck. He left the grocery store parking lot. "The worst is over."
"I know. I'll just be getting bigger and bigger for the next five months."
"It's not all that bad." Edward said. "It's just more for me to love."
"I guess." Debra said. "I can't believe I put on that much weight."
"The doctor said it's a healthy amount."
"I guess it is, but it just seems like a lot to me."
"You'll love it after they are born."
"I know."
They rode back to the ranch and Edward helped bring in the groceries. Debra started making cookies as Edward went to work. By the middle of the afternoon, Debra finished the cookies. She put them on a plate and grabbed a carrot. She took them out to the barn. She put the plate of cookies in the office then walked out to the corral. Misty came over to her. "Hey girl. How are you doing? I'm fine. Everything is just fine." She held out the carrot. Misty took it.
Joe walked up behind her. "How are you doing, Debra?" He asked as he stood next to her at the fence.
"I'm doing good, Joe. Everything looked good with these two." She said as she put her hand on her belly.
"That's good."
"I put some cookies in the office."
"Thank you." He said.
"Have you seen Edward?"
"He's down at the west pasture. Mitch needed help with the cattle."
"Thanks." Debra said then turned and walked away. She went back up to the house, put some cookies in a container and grabbed the envelope out of her purse. She hurried out the door and to Edward's truck. She climbed in and pulled out. She drove over the rough roads slowly and to the west pasture. She stopped along the fence.
Edward rode over quickly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Debra said. "I just wanted to see you." She said as she grabbed the container of cookies and the envelope. "Do you have minute?"
She asked as she got out of the truck.
"Yeah, sure." Edward said.
Debra climbed to the top of the fence and sat down. "Here's some cookies." She said as she held the container out to him.
Edward walked Majesty closer. "Thanks." He said as he took them. "You didn't have to come all this way to bring me cookies, darling."
"That's not the only reason." Debra said as she held out the envelope.
Edward dismounted and climbed the fence to sit down next to her. "So, have you made a decision?"
"Yes. I want to know. I hate surprises."
"I figured you would."
"I want you to open it though." Debra said as she held out the envelope.
Edward took it. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. While I was baking, I was looking at different baby stuff on the internet and I want to know."
"All right." Edward opened the envelope. "Are you ready?"
Debra took a deep breath. "Yes."
Edward pulled the papers out. "Ok, this one is a girl and this one is a boy."
"One of each?"
"Yes. But it could also be wrong."
"I hope not. This is what I wanted." She said as she looked at the pictures. She put her arm around Edward and her head on his shoulder. "They are precious."
"Yes, they are." Edward said.
"I just wish we would have made them together."
"They will be my children and I will treat them the same as the others that follow. I love you, Debra and I will love your children."
"I know you will, Edward." Debra said. "I'm glad I decided to find out. Now we can decide how to decorate the room."
"After our honeymoon, darling. First things first."
"Are we actually going somewhere?"
"Yes. Saturday night, I booked a room in town then Sunday, I have other plans which I'm not going to tell you."
"You know I hate surprises."
"Yes, but you aren't going to get it out of me." Edward said. "I should get back to work."
"All right." Debra let him go. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Edward said then kissed her. "I'll see you at dinner." He said as he hopped down off the fence.
Debra climbed off on the other side of the fence. She climbed in the truck. "Be careful and enjoy your cookies."
"I will, darling." He said as he mounted Majesty.
Debra waited for Edward at the dining table at dinner time. Edward come in a few minutes after dinner was served. "Sorry I'm late, darling."
"It's all right." Debra said. "Where's Ace?"
"He said he would finish up so I can eat with you."
"That's nice of him."
"He realizes he didn't spend enough time with his wife, and he wants us to spend time together before the wedding."
"I guess Carrie is coming tomorrow to get things together. Where are you staying Friday night?"
"Here with you."
"We talked about this, Edward. We can't spend the night before the wedding together. It's bad luck."
"I'm not a superstitious person, but if you insist. I'll stay in the bunk house."
"Yes, I insist. I want you to be totally surprised to see me."
"So, I can't have breakfast with you either?"
"No, dear. We can have dinner together, but then you have to go."
"All right. Whatever you say."
"We will have the rest of our lives together."
"I know."
"Besides, Carrie, Janet and I will be here decorating and doing something."
"I'm sure the men will want me to go bar, too."
"That's usually how it works."
"Can I at least call you?"
"Of course."
"Good, because I can't go a whole day without talking to you."
"Our wedding is at one, so technically it won't be a whole day." Debra smiled. "I'll miss you, too."
"That's a long time to be going without you."
"I know, but that's how it should be."
They finished their dinner then took their coffee out to the front porch. They sat down and talked and watched over the land.
"So, have you thought about any names for the babies?"
"Not really, I've been busy with the wedding stuff."
"Yeah, that comes first. We have several months before they get here."
"One thing at a time."
"Yes. Are you resting though? You need to rest in the afternoon."
"I laid down when I got back, but I didn't rest too much. My mind kept thinking of things that needed to get done."
"You need to let everyone else worry about that stuff."
"I can't help it."
"I know, but at least you can stop thinking about that after Saturday and we can both relax for a few days."
"Relax? Do you know how to do that?"
"I can try at least. I won't have my radio and we won't be around here. We are going away for a few days."
"Are we going to fly?"
"No. We will be driving. Unless you want to fly, then we can."
"No. I'd rather drive even if it would be a long drive. I really don't want to be on an airplane unless I absolutely have to."
"That's how I feel too." Edward said. "If the directions I got are correct, it won't take too long to get there."
"That good. It's starting to get hard to sit in the same position for long."
"We aren't on any timetable, so we can stop whenever you need to."
"All right." Debra said. "Can you trust Ace to keep things going here?"
"Yes, of course. I'm doing all the bigger projects before we leave so he just has to keep up on the small stuff."
"All right." Debra said.
"Everything will be fine here. I have anything taken care of."
"I'm not worried."
"I think I know a little about you by now."
"So, I worry about a lot of things." Debra said. "I can't help it."
Edward reached over and took her hand. "Everything will be fine here for a few days. I have everything under control."
"All right. I trust you."
"I hope you trust me. You are marrying me in just a couple of days."
"I do trust you with all the heart." Debra said.
"Even though I think you're keeping something from me. You've been very secretive lately."
"I'm sorry, but it's a surprise. You won't know what it is until after we get married."
"Ok, whatever." Debra said. "I guess we can have a few surprises as long as they are happy surprises."
"I am sure it will be a good surprise." Edward said. "You'll love it, too. I'm sure of it."
"It better not be a new car."
"I assure you it isn't that. I listened when you said you didn't want me to get you one."
"Good." Debra said. "Is it a wedding present? Because if it is, I didn't get you anything."
"No, it's something for the wedding, actually, but you won't see it until Saturday."
"All right. I think I am going to go inside and lay on the couch for a little while."
"Are you feeling all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a little tired."
"All right." Edward said as he got up. He pulled Debra up and close. He kissed her softly. "Are you sure you're feeling all right?"
"Yes. These babies wear me out sometimes."
"You go rest then. I'm going to check on the horses."
"Ok." Debra said then went into the house. Edward walked towards the barn.
Edward walked into the living room a while later. He walked over and saw Debra asleep on the couch. He went out to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. He carried it into the room and sat down on the chair. He picked up a magazine and started looking through it. He read a couple articles, then put the magazine down. He went over to Debra and touched her arm. "Come on, darling, let's get to bed."
"Ok." Debra said. Edward helped her up and walked with her up to their room.
Debra woke up early again, got up and went into the bathroom. She came out a few minutes later and walked quietly into the closet. She grabbed some clothes and came out.
"Darling, come back to bed. " Edward said.
"Did I wake you up again?"
"Come back to bed with me." He said as he flew back the blanket on her side of the bed. Debra walked around the other side of the bed, put her clothes on the dresser and laid down on the bed. Edward pulled the blanket over her then put his arm around her. Debra scooted back against him. "I don't think I can go back to sleep."
"Who said anything about sleeping?" Edward said as he moved his hand under her shirt. "I love you, darling."
"I love you, too." Debra said. "I don't mean to keep getting up so early."
"I know. Maybe you should take a nap earlier in the day, you won't be too tired after dinner. You should try to clear your mind and get some rest. You look exhausted by dinner."
" I know, but it's been hard." Debra said.
"Yes, I know you've been busy planning, but promise me you'll do better next week."
"I promise, I will."
Debra and Edward walked downstairs later that morning. They went into the dining room and sat down the table with Ace. Mrs. Gardner brought them in breakfast. She set the plates in front of them. "You look refreshed this morning. Did the little ones let you sleep in?" she asked.
"No, but I stayed in bed and tried to go back to sleep."
"Oh, ok." She said. "Did it work?"
"No, but I tried." She said as she looked at Edward.
"You two really need to save some for the honeymoon."
"Jealous?"
"Nope. " Ace said then finished his breakfast.
"What time is Carrie coming?" Edward asked Debra.
"She won't be here until after lunch sometime."
"Is Jared coming too?" Ace asked.
"Yes. The whole family will be here."
"I wish Julie would let Justin come. She won't even take my calls. Or the calls from here."
"I'm sorry, Ace." Edward said. "I'm sure she just needs some time."
"I really messed things up."
"Time heals all wounds, Ace. She will come around." Debra said. "Remember the first time we met? I was so scared of everything. I healed."
"Yes, I remember." Ace said. "I just wish she would let me talk to Justin."
"She has our numbers when she's ready." Edward said.
"When I moved out, I told him I wouldstill be his father. I feel like I let him down."
"You're still his father and you always will be. He knows that." Edward said. "Just be patient."
"I'm trying. I know I did wrong by beating the guy up, but I got suspended for it."
"I'll try to call her again later, but she hasn't answered my calls either." Edward said.
"Don't bother. I just have to wait until she's ready to talk." Ace said and got up. "I'm going to start checking the fence line."
"Ok, brother." Edward said. Ace got up and left the dining room. A few moments later they heard the front door close. "I wish I could do something to help him."
"You can only do so much, but we are her supporting him."
"I know, but I wish she would let Justin come."
"I know. It's not right for him not to be here." Debra said. "I'll try to call her. Maybe she will listen to my point of view even though she doesn't know me."
"She sees this number and she don't answer. I don't know how you can talk to her."
"If she won't take the calls, the only thing I can do is talk to her in person."
"It's a long drive into the city and who knows if she will see you."
"He went out of his way to help us. I think I should at least try to help him."
"All right. I'll make sure the truck is gassed up. Be careful, though."
"I will. Don't say anything to Ace about it." Debra said. "I don't want him to get his hopes up if she doesn't listen"
"I won't. Call me if you need me."
"I'll let you know how it goes and when I'm headed back."
"Are you sure you'll be all right in the city?"
"Yes, I'll be fine." Debra said as she reached over and took his hand. "I love you, Edward."
"I love you, too."
"I lived in a bigger city than that for five years. I can take care of myself."
"I wish I could go with you, but I have a couple of things to take care of here before the honeymoon."
"I understand. I think this is something I should take care of myself." Debra said then finished her breakfast.
Edward finished then took their plates to the kitchen. Debra came out and they walked out to the barn. "Joe, gas up my truck, please. Debra needs to use it."
"Of course, boss."
"Thank you." Edward said as they went inside. They led Misty out to the corral with the other horses. Debra pet her before she ran off with the rest of the horses.
"She enjoys the company."
"Yes, I believe she does."
"I guess I should get my stuff and get going."
"Be careful."
"I will. If Carrie gets here before I get back, don't tell her what I'm doing."
"I won't." Edward said then kissed her.
"I'll see you when you get back."
"Ok." Debra said then walked out of the barn.