Debra and Edward walked into the kitchen the next morning. Debra poured coffee and bowls of cereal. They sat down at the island and started eating.
"You're going to have to help me put the turkey in the oven."
"Is it ready to go in?"
"No. I need to make the stuffing and stuff it before it goes in."
"All right. I'll stay in here until you need me to put it in."
"Ok." Debra said then ate some more. "I can have Julie or Carrie take the ham over to bunk house later."
"Or you can call one of the men."
"We'll see what's going on then."
"Once the women come, I want you to let them help you."
"I will. I promise." Debra said. "We had a conference call the other day discussing what we are going to be doing."
"That's good. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, I want you to call me. I know I might be over-reacting, but I want to know." Edward said. "It's hard for me worrying about two pregnancies that can go at any time."
"Let's hope we don't go at the same time. I am the only one that can keep Misty calm."
"I know." Edward said. "And she's going to need all the help she can get so both of the colts are to be born alive with no complications."
"Have you seen it happen before?"
"When I first got here, one of the wild horses was pregnant with twins, but they didn't make it." Edward said. "None of them did."
"That doesn't make me feel any better."
"But nobody could help her. She was wild. Misty is young and strong, and you'll be there to help her." He said. "We can just do what we can and hope for the best."
"I know." Debra said then finished her cereal. She sipped her coffee. "I guess I should get started." She said then got up. She walked around the island and put her bowl in the sink.
Edward came around and put his bowl in the sink. "Do you need me to get it out of the refrigerator?"
"Yes, please. Just place it on the counter." Debra said.
Edward opened the refrigerator and pulled out the pan with the turkey in. He placed it on the counter and closed the refrigerator. "I'm going into the office. Call me when you need me."
"I will." Debra said.
Edward walked out. Debra started the stuffing.
Edward put the turkey is the oven, then they walked outside to the barn. Debra went inside Misty's stall while Edward stood outside. Debra talked quietly to Misty and stroked her gently. After a while, Debra backed out of the stall. Edward closed the door and they stood and watched her for a while. Edward put his arm around Debra's shoulders. "She's going to be fine, darling. Especially with you there with her.
"I know." Debra said. "I better get inside and start getting stuff ready for when the others get here."
"All right. remember, let me know if anything doesn't feel right."
"I will." Debra said then gave Edward a kiss. She walked out of the barn.
Edward walked to the office and poured a cup of coffee. He walked over and sat down at the desk and turned on the computer. He started typing on it as soon as it booted up. Joe walked in after a while and poured a cup of coffee. Edward looked up at him. "Hey Joe. What do you think about Misty?"
"She can go any time."
"I know, but what do you think her chances are?"
"I think she'll do good. She's strong, boss. Her and her colts will be fine."
"I hope so. It will tear Debra apart and she's fragile enough."
"I'll be on watch tonight. I'll keep an eye on her." Joe said. "Most of the time, they go in the middle of the night."
"I know. Call me at the first signs."
"I will." Joe said. "Anything else I can do for you? I need to start on the stalls."
"Nope, go ahead." Edward said. "I'll be out to help in a while."
"There's no need."
"It keeps my mind occupied instead of worrying."
"There's no need to worry, boss." Joe said then walked out.
"Easy for him to say." Edward said after Joe left. He worked on the computer for a while then went out and helped Joe in the barn.
Debra walked out of the house and rang a cow bell from the porch. "Let's eat." She yelled across the yard. She walked back into the house and into the kitchen. People filed into the house and took their seats at the table set up in the living room. Edward carried the turkey out to the table followed by Debra. He set it on the table and stood by the seats. "I just wanted to thank everyone for being a part of this family and making this past year possible. Without all of you, who knows what could have happened. I hope you will make the next year just as great." Edward said then put his arm around Debra. "Thank you, darling for coming into my life and for staying here. I love you more than anything."
" I love you, too." She said to Edward. "Let's eat." She said louder. She sat down.
Edward looked down at her. "You ok?"
"Yes. just tired." Debra said then smiled.
Edward sliced the turkey and they passed around the food. When everybody got some, a prayer was said then they started eating. Conversations was started about what everybody was thankful for over the past year. Debra enjoyed the conversation and watched everyone enjoy the food.
Edward leaned over to her. "You're quiet. It's not like you."
"I'm just enjoying listening to everyone."
"Are you sure you're feeling all right?"
"Yes dear. Except for being tried, I feel fine. Julie had me lay down for a while after lunch."
"That's good."
"I like watching people enjoy the food."
After a while, Marcus tapped his glass and stood up. "I want to thank Debra, Julie, and Carrie for preparing this delicious meal. They did a great job." He said. "I would also like to thank everyone for welcoming me into this extended family. This is the best Thanksgiving I've had in my life." He said. "Thank you." He said then sat down.
"You're welcome." Debra said.
"If you would please take your plates out to the kitchen when you are done, it would be greatly appreciated." Edward said. "Dessert is set up in the dining room if you would like some. Help yourselves."
People started moving around. Debra just sat there and watched everyone move. After a while, she got up and walked off to the office. She sat down on the couch and put her feet up. She laid her head back and closed her eyes.
Edward walked into the office a while later. "There you are. I've been looking for you." He said as he came over and sat down beside her.
"I needed somewhere more comfortable and quieter for a few minutes."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. You really need to stop asking me. There's no need to worry about me."
"Darling. I will always worry about you because I love you so much."
"It's fine to worry, but you don't need to keep asking me how I am. I will tell you when it's time to worry."
"I can't help myself, but I will try."
"Good." Debra said then smiled. "I guess I should go out and help clean up."
"No, I have that covered. You don't need to be working anymore."
"It's my party. I should be out there."
"You can come out, but you're not working." Edward said. "I'll make sure of it."
"Whatever you say dear." Debra said. "I don't have enough energy to argue with you."
Edward got up. He helped Debra up and put his arm around her. They walked out of the office and went into the dining com. They got themselves some dessert and walked around and ate it. They talked to everyone until the party started to break up. They said goodbye to everyone as they left. They went into the room and Debra sat down on the recliner in the corner. "I would say that was a success."
"Yes. I don t think anyone went home hungry." Edward said.
Marcus came into the room to get more food from the table. "Debra, you did a marvelous job."
"Thanks, Marcus."
"I don't think I could eat another bite."
"That was my goal."
Marcus picked up more dishes of food and took them into the kitchen. He placed them on the counter, then went over to the sink with Julie. "I don't know what to do with all the food. Since you know where things go, why don't I wash the dishes."
"Sure, you won't get any complaints from me." Julie said. She dried her hands on a dish towel. Marcus started doing the dishes as Julie started to put the food away.
Edward walked into the kitchen. He went over and poured a cup of coffee. "Marcus, you don't need to clean up. You're a guest."
"Here I thought I was family."
"You are family." Edward said. "I didn't mean anything by that. Debra told me to tell you that you don't have to clean up."
"Tell my sister that I want to help out."
"Ok. I will, but I'm sure you will hear something from her."
"If I minded, I wouldn't be doing it."
"I'm just the messenger."
"I know." Marcus said.
"I would help out, but my sisters have kicked me out of my kitchen more times than I can count."
"That's because you don't know anything about the kitchen and you've never offered to do the dishes." Julie said. " Now, get out of here." She joked.
"Yes ma'am." Edward said then walked out.
Later in the evening, after everything was put back the way it was, the family sat in the room with drinks.
"So, Edward, when do you think Misty will go into labor?" Carrie asked.
"Most horses go into labor in the early hours of the morning. Something about the moon and stars. I'm sure she'll do the same thing. I'm guessing by the way she's acting; it will be in the next day or so."
"I guess. She's getting close." Jared said.
"Joe is staying with her tonight to keep an eye on her. He'll let me know if her labor starts. The vet is coming in the morning."
"That's good."
Marcus finished his drink and stood up. "I'm going to head to the hotel. Will you call me if Misty goes into labor?"
"Sure, but might not happen tonight."
"It doesn't matter."
"Ok, someone will call you when it does happen." Debra said.
Marcus bent down and gave Debra a hug. "Thank you for a lovely dinner, sis. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Good night. Be careful driving."
"Of course." He shook Edward's hand. "Take care of her."
"I always do." Edward said.
"See you all later." He said to the rest of the family and then he walked out.
"Marcus is such a good brother." Julie said. "He was a good help in the kitchen."
"Yes, he is, but he seems to be trying too hard to make up for who his father was. He thinks he needs to do things to be welcome here."
"He doesn't understand that it doesn't matter who his father was."
"I know and that's what bothers me."
"Don't let it bother you. He'll learn some time." Edward said. "We have enough to worry about."
"I said it bothers me, not that I worry about it." Debra said. "I'm only worried about me and Misty. Mostly about Misty because usually twin birth doesn’t live."
"Misty will be fine and so will her colts." Edward said. "We'll do everything we can."
"I know. I just worry about her. Just like I worry about you when you're working with unbroke horses."
"I know we both worry about too much."
"I want to check on Misty then take a nice relaxing bath before I go to bed." Debra said then started to get up. "You can stay here. Joe is out in the barn. He can keep an eye on me."
"Ok. I'll stay here, then." Edward said. Debra got up and walked over to the door. She put on her coat and went outside. "Am I being overprotective?" He asked.
"Yes, but you have a reason." Jared said.
"She doesn't think I do."
"You're doing it more than she's gotten used to."
"I can't help myself. The doctor said she can go into labor any time. Misty is due any time. I have too much going on."
"Women's labor takes a while, Edward. Usually several hours."
"It can or it can be really quick. Everyone is different and Debra is definitely unique."
"I was worried about her today, but you need to just watch her and be there if she needs it. You don't need to always be on top of her." Julie said.
"I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn't think it would be like this."
"You are in love, Edward. I knew you were sunk the first time I saw you with Debra, but it will get better. I promise."
"How? When the babies are born, I'll have more to worry about." Edward said as he pulled out his phone. He looked at the cameras in the barn. "And then she goes into Misty's stall in her condition."
"Misty isn't going to hurt her, Edward. You know that." Jared said then got up. "I'll go keep an eye on her for you."
"Thanks, brother."
"I need to walk off some of this dinner anyway." Jared said then walked away.
"I guess I should get Justin and head out." Julie said.
"No, you're staying here tonight." Edward said. "The room is already made up. I already told Ace I wouldn't let you go home. He'll come here when he gets off work."
"All right, Edward."
"Besides, I'm going to need you two women to help keep an eye on Debra for me."
"Well, if anything, we can just help out a little around here for a few days." Carrie said.
"The boys love spending time together." Julie said.
"And you never know, maybe we'll get to see the colts born this weekend."
"I'll go up and let Justin know." Julie said then got up and went upstairs.
"I'm glad her and Ace worked things out."
"They just needed time apart to realize they were meant for each other." Carrie said.
"Yes, they belong together and maybe in the spring, we can break ground for the houses."
"Are you really going to do that?"
"Yes. I'm planning to expand."
"That's great."
"I haven't figured everything out yet but it's a work in progress. I have all winter to figure it all out."
"Yes, or you can go on vacation. That is the best time to go."
"I know but not this year."
"You wouldn't go even if you could. You were practically forced to go on a honeymoon."
"I only leave when its necessary."
"I'm glad that I'm not as grounded as you."
"This was the most important thing to me but that is changing. My wife and kids are the most important now."
"It's called change." Carrie said. "And it's all for the best."
Edward looked at his phone. "She takes too many chances in her condition."
"She's fine, Edward. Jared won't let anything happen to her." Carrie said then got up. She went over to the table and poured a drink. She carried it to Edward. "Have a drink. You need to relax."
"It's not in my nature." Edward said then got up and walked back to the office. He went in and closed the door.
Debra walked into the office a while later. She walked over to Edward at the desk. "What are you doing in here? I thought you would be visiting with your sisters."
"I would if they wouldn't be hounding me about being uptight."
"You are a little over-bearing at times, but I know you do it because you care." Debra said.
"Yes, I do."
"Well, since you care so much, do you think you can come up and help me take off my shoes and wash my back?"
"Of course, darling." Edward said smiling at her. He turned off the computer and turned to her. "Give me a minute and I'll be up."
"Ok. I already told everyone good night."
"Ok." Edward said. "Let me tell them that I will be back down in a few minutes."
"Ok." Debra said. "I'll be waiting." Debra said. She walked around the desk and to the door.