Debra woke up with the sun shining in the window. She reached over and felt for Edward, but he wasn't in bed. She slowly got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.
Debra walked into the dining room with Carrie and the boys a while later. "Good morning."
"Morning Aunt Debra. Mom told us we might get our own place out here." Jake said.
"Yes. Would you like that?" Debra asked as she sat down.
"Yes. She said we might get our own rooms."
"That would be cool. Do you have your own room at home?"
"Yes."
"Can we decorate the room any way we want." Carl asked.
"Of course." Debra smiled. "Where's the men?"
"I'm not sure about Edward, but Ace and Jared are out looking at locations."
"Already?"
"Yes. They seem really excited about it."
"That's good." Debra said. Mrs. Gardner brought in a plate of food and coffee. "Thank you, Mrs. Gardner."
"You're welcome. How are you feeling?"
"Pretty good. I slept in a little today."
"Yes, an afternoon nap does you good."
"So I've been told." Debra said. Mrs. Gardner left.
"So, when do you want to try on your dress?"
"When I get done here. We'll do that before you need to do what you need to do."
"We have most of the morning. The caterer won't be here until after eleven and the photographer will be here this afternoon."
"That's good."
"I know you don't want to hear the details."
"I'm sorry about that. I just wanted simple."
"I know and I did as simple as I could." Carrie said.
"I do appreciate everything you have done. I know I'm not acting like I appreciate it, though."
"I know you do. I love you, sis."
"I love you, too." Debra said. She finished her breakfast then sat back and drank her coffee. "I'm slowly starting to get use to people caring about me and doing things for me."
"You've come so far in the last two months."
"I'm glad to have a sister and two brothers that care about me as much as you guys do."
"We're glad to have another sister to our family. Even though Julie is divorcing Ace, she's still a part of the family."
"I wish I could have gotten to know her better. She seemed nice when I talked to her." Debra said then finished her coffee. "I'm going to go upstairs. Come up when you're ready."
"All right."
Debra got up and took her plate and cup to the kitchen. She placed them in the sink then went upstairs to her old bedroom.
Carrie walked in several minutes later. She walked up behind Debra and zipped up Debra's dress. "It looks amazing."
"Thanks."
"You're a beautiful bride."
"Do you think Edward will like it?"
"He'll love it. I don't think you have to do thing to it."
"I guessed my belly size pretty good."
"I still can't believe you made this by yourself."
"I bought the petticoat for it."
"How are you going to do your hair?"
"I will probably just use the curling iron on it."
"All right. Who's going to walk you down the aisle or stairs in this case?"
"Nobody. We talked to the preacher and we omitted the giving of the bride away. Just like he doesn't have any best men and I don't have any bridesmaids. We are doing this our own way."
"All right."
"You said you had decorations for the house. Where are they?"
"They are in the closet." Debra said. She ran her hands over the dress and looked at herself in the mirror.
Carrie went over to the closet. She opened it and pulled out a box. "You are a very gifted woman, Debra."
"It was mostly the internet but thank you." Debra said. "I had a lot of extra time on my hands with the pregnancy and not being allowed to do much. Edward is a little overprotective."
"That's Edward for you."
"Can you unzip me, please?".
"Of course." Carrie said then unzipped Debra's dress. Debra walked into the bathroom. "So, this is going to be the nursery?"
"Yes. After we come back, I'm going to figure out where to put everything. Probably the attic and get started on that."
"Have you looked at cribs?"
"I've glanced at them, but I was focusing more on the wedding." Debra said. "Every time I stopped to look; Edward would tell me one thing at a time. He wanted to limit my stress and we also wanted to make sure the babies were all right after all my mishaps at the beginning. Since everything looks good now, we can move on even though it's still a long way off."
"It will be here before you know it."
"I know." Debra came out of the bathroom. "This is just so fast. I didn't think three months ago that I would be pregnant and getting married." She sat down on the bed. "I am happy and is love, but it seems like too much has happened. What if I'm not a good wife or mother?"
Carrie went over and sat down next to her on the bed. "Don't think that way. Of course you will be a good wife and mother. I know it. I'm sure with everything you have been through, you and Edward can make it through anything that comes up."
"Thanks. I needed to here that."
"And I will always be a phone call away if you need to hear it again."
"All right." Debra said. "Thanks for being here."
"No problem." Carrie said. She heard a call from one of the boys. "I better go before they kill each other."
"Yeah. Go do what you need to do. I'll see you later."
"Come down to the old barn later and see what I did to the place."
"All right."
Carrie hugged Debra. "You'll be fine, Debra." She said then got up. She walked out of the room.
Debra got up and got an empty suitcase out of the closet. She walked over to her bedroom and put it on the bed. She opened it and went to the closet. She pulled out some clothes and took them to the bed. She folded them and put them in the suitcase. She went back into the closet and got some more clothes. She came back out and saw Edward standing by the bed. "Good morning."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm packing for our honeymoon." She said as she put the clothes on the bed. "Did you think I was taking off on you?" She said as she walked in front of him.
Edward wrapped his arms around. her. "I hope not, but you've been rather on edge lately."
"I promised to marry you and I don't break my promises." Debra said as she looked up at him. "I love you; Edward and I want to marry you."
"That's good to hear."
"Do you want me to pack your bag, too?"
"You can if you feel up to it." He moved his hand to her belly. "How are they doing today?"
"They let me sleep in a little."
"That's good."
"What are you doing here? I thought you had work to do."
"I had to come back for something and just wanted to see you."
"Oh, ok." Debra stretched up and kissed him.
"I'll try to get my work done early. Ace and Jared want to go out later."
"Yes, I know."
"They have the whole crew involved."
"Really? That sounds like fun." Debra said. "You need a get out with the boys. You don't go out."
"That's because I'd rather be here with you."
"You need to go and have some fun."
"I'll try, but I will be thinking of you the whole time."
"As long as you just think about me and not worry about me. I'm fine."
"Before we leave tonight, we will get the furniture moved for you and Carrie."
"All right.".
Edward kissed Debra and stepped back. "I'll see you later, darling."
"Don't work too hard."
"You either." Edward said then walked out of the room.
Debra continued to pack her suitcase. She got done and packed Edward's suitcase. She moved them off the bed onto the floor. She walked downstairs. She walked out to the kitchen and got another cup of coffee. She leaned against the sink and sipped the coffee.
Mrs. Gardner came into the kitchen. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes. I guess."
"Are you getting nervous about tomorrow?"
"Yes, and the road to come." Debra said as she put her hand on her belly.
"Don't you worry. You and Edward belong together. You'll both be great parents."
"I know, but I still worry."
"Everything will be fine." Mrs. Gardner said. "I just know it."
"I guess."
"You should take one of your walks or do something to clear your mind. You always seem to feel better when you come back."
"I guess I will. Thanks." Debra drank some of her coffee and poured the rest in the sink."
She walked through the house and out the front door. She walked down to the barn and walked through looking for Misty. She checked all the stalls, but she wasn't there. She went out to the corral, but none of the horses were there. She pulled out her phone and dialed Edward.
"Hey, darling." Edward answered.
"Did you move Misty? She's not in her stall or corral. None of the horses are here."
"No. She was there when we left. Can you see if any gates are open?"
Debra walked along the fence. "I can't really tell."
"Don't worry. We'll track her down. She couldn't have gotten far."
"I'll use the truck and look for her."
"Ok. I'll let you know when we find her."
"Ok. Bye." Debra hurried to the truck. She got in and started it. She pulled out. She drove down the dirt road around the barn and out the back. She looked across the fields but didn't see her. She kept driving around. She stopped after several minutes and pulled a pair of binoculars out of the glove box. She used them and looked out across the acreage. After a few moments, she put the binoculars down and pulled out her phone. She dialed Edward.
"Hey, darling. We haven't seen her yet."
"I see horses, but I can't tell if Misty is amongst them. I'm on the road between the older cattle and the younger ones, I think. They are pretty far away."
"All right. Someone will check it out. Keep an eye on them in case they move."
"Ok." Debra said then hung up. She drove down the road further trying to get a better view. She stopped and shut off the truck. She used the binoculars and looked out over the field. In the distance, she saw two riders coming closer. She kept an eye on them. They made it to the horses and started to move them, but he didn't see Misty. Her phone rang on the seat next to her. She quickly picked it up. "I don't see her."
"She's not with that group. She must have gone out on her own. I'm sending them back, but Ace and Jared are on their way to look from there."
"Ok. I'll keep going down this road."
"Be careful. That road is bad in spots."
"I've noticed." Debra said then hung up.
She continued down the road stopping every now and then looking for Misty. She stopped at an old bridge that looked like it was ready to fall apart. She got out and used the binoculars to scan the area. She caught sight of her and pulled out her phone. She called Edward. "I found her." She said before he could say anything. "I'm at an old bridge that doesn't look safe to drive on."
"Yes, don't cross it. We aren't far away. Stay where you are."
"She's on the other side of a creek."
"Do you see any other horses?"
Debra looked with the binoculars. "No, but it's pretty thick here."
"Ok. Stay where you are and don't try to get to her."
"What aren't you telling me, Edward?"
"That's where the wild mustang brood live. They can be dangerous if you encounter them. Just please stay where you are. I don't want you to get hurt."
"All right. I'll stay here." Debra said.
"We will be there shortly." Edward said then hung up.
Debra stood by the bridge and kept an eye on Misty. She looked around for any other horses but didn't see any.
Edward, Ace and Jared rode up almost half hour later. Debra walked over to the fence. "It's about time you got here."
"Where is she?"
"She moved up the hill over there." Debra pointed.
"Ok. Ace, Jared, try to find the hole. I'll go this way." Edward said as he rode away from the fence. He rode fast and jumped Majesty over the fence. He rode along the truck and over to Debra. "Stay here."
"I can help."
"It's too dangerous." Edward said. "I will get her."
"She's better with me and you know it."
"If I need you, I will call for you. I don't know what is over there. Stay here." Edward rode slowly over to the bridge. He looked back at Debra. "Promise me, darling." He said impatiently.
"I'll stay here unless you call me." Debra said reluctantly.
Edward slowly made his way across the old bridge. Once on the other side, the rode quicker towards Misty. Debra watched him until he disappeared over the hill. She used the binoculars to try to see Misty. She saw Ace and Jared moving through the trees. Once they went up the hill, she couldn't see anything. She paced between the bridge and the truck. She waited for half an hour before she spotted Edward leading Misty with a rope around her neck. Ace and Jared followed behind. Edward led Misty to the bridge, but she started fighting. Edward talked to her, but she refused to move. "Debra, you're going to have to try to lead her across. She knows the bridge isn't safe." He said. "Stay in the middle and watch your footing."
Debra slowly walked across the bridge. She took the rope from Edward and walked up to Misty. "Hey, girl. It's all right." She said as she stroked her. She looped the rope through Misty's bridle. "Come on girl. I won't let you get hurt." Debra said.
"Slow and steady." Edward said as he started across. When he was across the bridge, Debra started to walk Misty across.
"Let's go, girl. Stay with me. We can do this." Debra said to her quietly. They started forward. Misty hesitated, but Debra coaxed her to keep going. They went slowly. When they were about halfway across, a horse called behind them. Misty started to go backwards. "Easy girl." She said as she stopped Misty's progress backwards. "Come on, girl. We're almost there." She said then got her going again.
"We need to move. That stallion isn't going to be nice for long." Ace yelled.
"Patience, Ace. They are almost across." Edward said.
"If he gets any closer, I'm, firing a warning shot."
"Not until they get across. They could get hurt."
Debra slowly made at across the bridge. Edward, who already dismounted, took the rope from Debra. He walked her to the fence and tied her to it. Debra walked with them and looked at her. "She's bleeding, Edward."
Edward walked over to the other side. He looked at the scratches. "They don't look too bad. She probably scratched herself on the barbed wire."
"Why do you think she went over there?"
"That stallion probably called her." He said motioning to the stallion. "I guess nobody checked this line of fence after the storms. A tree fell on the barbed wire and pushed it down."
"You need to get that fixed."
"Ace is already on it. Someone is bringing out tools."
"Good." Debra said. "We don't need this to happen again."
"Are you all right?" Edward asked. "You didn't stress yourself too much, did you?"
"I feel fine, Edward." Debra said.
Ace and Jared walked over to them. "How's she doing?" Ace asked.
"She just has a couple scratches. Nothing serious." Edward said.
"That's good."
Edward stepped towards Debra, "Are you sure you're all right? You're shaking a little." He said as he put his arm around her.
"Yes. I'm fine." Debra said. "Just glad we found her before she got hurt."
"Are you all right to drive home?"
"Yes, I'm fine, Edward. I'm not an invalid. I can do things." Debra said as she twisted out of his grasp. She petted Misty's neck.
"I never said you were an invalid, Debra." Edward said. "You were just shaking a little."
"I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that. I just feel like I am helpless sometimes."
"You found her. You looked where I wouldn't have thought to look because I didn't think she could get there. You did good."
"Thanks. So, are you going to lead her back, or should I walk her?"
"I'll lead her back. It's a long way to walk."
"I'll stay here and wait for Joe and the tools and fix the fence." Ace said.
"All right. We'll reinforce them after I get back from our honeymoon."
"All right."
"I should get back and get some lunch." Debra said. "The natives are getting restless." She said as she put her hand on her belly.
"Are they moving?"
"Yes." Debra said.
Edward stepped to her and put his hand on her belly. "That is so cool."
"Walk me to the truck, will you?"
"Sure." Edward said as he put his arm around her. They walked over to the truck.
Debra turned to him. "I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"I'm sorry I insisted on your safety. You know I love you and care about you, darling."
"It just proves that there's more to learn about the ranch that I want to learn."
"I know and you will after you have these little tykes." Edward said. He opened the door for her. "I'll see you back at the house."
"I love you." Debra said then climbed into the truck.
"I love you." Edward said as he kissed her. He stepped back and closed the door. "Be careful."
"I will." Debra said then she started the truck. She pulled up and turned around. She drove past the men and horses and drove slowly down the road.
Debra laid on her bed later, after eating lunch when Edward came in. He sat down on the bed next to her. "How are you doing?"
"Fine, I guess."
"Misty is back, had a bath and cleaned her wounds. I put her in her stall. Maybe you can go see her later."
"I will."
"Were you trying to take a nap?"
"I was trying to rest at least. There's too much on my mind to take a nap."
"Anything I can do to put your mind at ease?"
"Not really. You'll just say like everybody else has said and I'm just trying to believe them."
"Well, if it makes it any easier. I'm having doubts about being a good husband and father."
"Really?"
"Yes. This is all new to me too, but we'll figure it out together, darling. We have had our differences before, and we worked them out and we will continue to work on it."
"So, I guess it's normal to have doubts about our life to come."
"Yes, it is, darling." Edward said. He put his hand on her back. "We'll make it together because, but both believe in each other."
"One thing that really bothers me is that we've only been together while I was pregnant, and I can't ride or really work. But afterwards, I want to be hands on more. I'm afraid you won't let me." Debra said. "You have enough help around here."
"Darling, as soon as you an able to, after the doctor gives you an all clear, I will teach you to ride so when spring comes along, we can work together. I promise you that. And I want to work with you in taking care of these little ones." Edward said.
"I promise and I give you my word. And you know how much that means to me."
Debra sat up and leaned towards Edward. "Yes I do and I'm going to hold you to it."
"Do you feel better?"
"A little."
"Good. Now, you rest a little and I'm going to get my work done."
"All right."
"I'll see you at dinner unless you need me before then."
"All right." Debra said then kissed Edward. "I love you."
"I love you." Edward said then got off the bed. "Get some rest."
"I'll try." Debra said then laid back down. Edward walked out of the room.