Debra woke up hours before daybreak, changed quietly to not wake up Edward, then went downstairs. She went into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. She sat down at the island and saw the folder from the marshal. She stared at it for a while until coffee got done. She poured herself a cup and started reading.
Everybody seemed to get up once the sun broke over the horizon. Debra stood in the kitchen making breakfast when Edward came into the kitchen. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. “How long have you been up?” He asked then kissed her neck.
“Long enough to bring back a lot of things that I thought I buried and to make breakfast.” Debra said as she leaned back against Edward. “I would rather not talk about the past today, though. Today is about my new family.”
“Ok. Just remember, we are all here if you need us.”
“Something sure smells good.” Ace said as he walked into the kitchen.
“Go sit down in the dining room. I’ll bring in the food.” Debra said as she pulled away from Edward. She turned off the oven and grabbed the potholders. She opened up the oven and pulled out a tray of food. She placed it on top of the stove and pulled out a second one. She closed the oven and carried the tray into the dining room that she already set up. She set the tray in the middle of the table. Edward followed in with the other tray.
“It sure looks good.” Ace said. "Do you need help with anything else?” Ace asked.
“No, go ahead and sit down and eat.” Debra said then walked out of the dining room. She went back to the kitchen and pulled a jug of orange juice and milk out. She carried them into the dining room and set them on the table.
“Debra, I think you cooked too much. It’s just the seven of us.” Edward said.
“You know how I get when I’m trying to occupy my mind. Maybe the rest of the crew can eat.”
“I’ll see if they ate yet.” Edward said as he pulled his radio off his belt. “Josh, are you up?”
“Sure, boss. Just going to start breakfast. Do you need something?”
“Don’t make anything. Tell everyone to come up to the house.”
“Yes, boss. I’ll let everybody know.”
“Thank you.” Edward put his radio back on his belt. “Are you going to eat?” He asked Debra.
“I ate earlier when I first started. But go ahead.” Debra said then walked out of the dining room.
Debra came back in the dining room a while later and saw everybody enjoying the food. Edward waved her over. She walked over to him and he pulled her onto his lap. “It was delicious.”
“Thank you. Did everybody get enough?”
“It was plenty, Debra. Thank you.” Ace and Josh both said.
“To Debra. For making this wonderful breakfast.” Jared said raising his coffee cup. Everybody else raised their cups.
“Thank you, but it’s not necessary. In the short time I have been here, everybody has excepted me. Some has risked their lives to find me, and others kept an eye on me. This is what family truly is. I am glad to be part of it.” Debra said. She turned to Edward and smiled.
He leaned up and kissed her. “I love you.” He kissed her again.
After the men all had their fill, they thanked Debra as they walked out to start the day. Only the family was left in the dining room. Carrie told the boys to get dressed and to watch television. They ran out.
“If you keep making food like this, I’m going to have to start working out.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you get rid of the extra calories.” Debra said as she winked at Edward.
“You two need to take that talk upstairs.” Ace said.
“Are you jealous, brother?”
“No, I just don’t want to hear that kind of talk after I eat.”
“I’m going to go up and get my shoes on. We still need to put up the decorations for the festivities.” Debra said as she took off out of the dining room.
“How’s she doing?”
“I know she read the file. I think she is barely keeping it together.”
“She looked like she was about to burst. She’s been up for quite some time. I heard her in the kitchen around four.”
“Let’s just all keep an eye on her without being too obvious. She has a habit of running.”
“You can count on us.” Ace said.
“I knew I could.” Edward said.
Debra came back a short while later and they went outside to start to set up.
By lunchtime, everything was set up and ready to go. The men took the boys out for a ride while Debra and Carrie relaxed in the house. Around two, Edward came back and found Debra in the bedroom sleeping. He went into the bathroom and when he came back, she was awake. He went over and sat down on the bed next to her. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“I didn’t mean to go to sleep. I just thought I would lay down for a minute.”
“You need the rest, darling. I know you want to keep busy, so you don’t think about things, but you are wearing yourself down. It isn’t good for you or your baby.”
“I know, but I don’t want to think about all the lies that these people have told me all my life. I mean now I know why they trained me the way they did.”
“What do you mean?”
“They trained me in hand to hand combat, how to shoot a gun and even a bow. That’s my favorite, by the way. I mean, Edith did teach me how to bake, so that a good thing. It doesn’t answer who my real parents were and why we were constantly moving. I think I was better off not knowing all this.”
“I wish I could make all this go away. I hate seeing you stressing over all this.”
“I just need time to let everything settle down.” Debra said. “I guess I should get ready for this party.”
“You don’t need to change. You look fine the way you are.”
“I made something to wear today. I want to look nice. Maybe it will make me feel better.”
“Ok. I’ll wait for you in my office. I need to check a few things.”
“Ok. It won’t take me long.”
Edward pulled Debra closer and hugged her. “I love you, darling.”
“I love you.” Debra said. Edward got up and walked out of the bedroom.
Debra walked into the office a while later wearing a dress. Ace was the first one to notice her and went over and gave her a hug. “You look pretty.”
“Thanks.” Debra said as she walked over to Edward at his desk. “You aren’t supposed to be working this weekend, remember?”
“I just checked a few emails and talking with my brothers.” Edward said as he pulled Debra down on his lap. “You look amazing by the way.”
“Thanks. I like making stuff.”
“You could make a living out of doing that, sis.”
“There isn’t much use for these kinds of clothes out here, I’m afraid.”
“That is very true, but the city isn’t that far away.”
“I don’t think so, Ace, but I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Why don’t we go out and get this party started?” Edward said.
“Sounds good to me.” Debra said. They got up and walked outside.
After dinner, Debra excused herself to take a walk. She walked out and checked on Misty and talked to her while she stroked her neck. She stood there taking deep breaths for a while.
“I thought I would find you out here. You are doing all right?”
“I just needed some air. I was getting a little uncomfortable at dinner with all the people.”
“It can be a little overwhelming if you’re not use to it.” Edward said as he wrapped his arms around her. “Your food was a big hit.”
“I noticed.” Debra leaned back against him. “How did all this get started?”
“Years ago, when we started farming more and had to hire more people, we couldn’t pay a whole lot, so we started these picnics at the end of each season to thank everyone for their hard work. Even though we have made more money, I still like to carry on the tradition.”
“That’s good. It makes everyone know they are appreciated.”
“Yes, it does. Of course, it seems like it has gotten a lot bigger over the years.”
“Do you think we will be missed if you made me forget how I am feeling for a little while?”
“Let them miss us. We can go up in the hay loft to be by ourselves.” Edward said as he took her hand. He led her inside the barn and up to the hay loft.
Debra and Edward sat on a bale of straw putting on their boots when Edward's radio went off. He reached over and picked it up. “What’s up?”
“Just thought you would like to know; the marshal’s truck is on the way up the drive. Should I put up the guards?”
“No, let them through.” Edward said.
“Yes sir.”
“What do they want now?”
“Maybe they want to arrest me for assault on the marshal last night.” Debra said.
“Yeah, not going to happen.” Edward said then finished putting himself back together. He took Debra’s hand and led her down out of the loft. He took her hand and walked through the barn and out to the driveway. The marshal stopped the SUV and got out.
“What do you want now, Marshall?” Debra said. “Did you come to arrest me and my family again?”
“No, we aren’t here to arrest anybody. Did you get a chance to read the file I gave you last night?”
“You mean the one that told me that my whole life has been a lie? Yes, I read it.”
“We thought you deserved more of an explanation.” The marshal said then opened the back door of the SUV. A woman got out.
“What are you doing here?”
“We want to explain why we did what we did.”
“I don’t want to hear it. You lied to me for eighteen years. Then you just disappear without a trace.”
“We were protecting you. It was our job.”
The other door opened, and a man got out. “Debra, just let us explain.”
“No. You had these goons come and put me, my boyfriend, and his brothers in handcuffs and carted off in front of our family and friends and you want to explain now? A phone call or email or something would have been better.”
“We had no control over that.”
Debra stepped towards the marshal. “Please escort these people off the property and next time call before you decide to come here again.” Debra said.
“I will take that under advisement.”
Edith reached inside the vehicle and pulled out a folder. She handed it to the marshal. “In there should answer any questions you might have along with our contact information if you wish to contact us.”
“I doubt that.” Debra said as she met the marshal between them. She took the folder. “How’s the lip?” She asked.
“I hope you all the best. I apologize to ruin your festivities.” The marshal said then walked back and got into his vehicle.
Edward joined Debra as the truck pulled out of the driveway and down the drive. “I’m proud of you for standing up to them.”
“This is the only family I need. Let’s get back to the party.”
“I think I owe you a dance.” Edward said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they headed back to the party. “I like this new you. You are almost a bad ass.”
“I’m tired of being scared. Its time I stood up for myself.”
“I’m glad. I love you.”
“I love you.” Debra said then stretched up for a kiss.
The band played and they all danced for several hours. Debra finally walked back to the table where the rest of the family was. Ace set a glass of water in front of her. “You all right, sis?”
“Yes. I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” Debra said then drank the water. She looked over to the stage where Edward was singing with the band. “He sings really good, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, he does. He used to make me jealous in high school. All the girls wanted him.”
“I can see why. But he chose to stay here instead of other things.”
“He loves it here. He might enjoy other things, but he loves this place and what it has become. And he loves you.”
“I know he does. And I love him. I just don’t know what the future holds for us. I am remembering things that I suppressed for so long since last night. Not that any of them changes how I feel about Edward. That file might have answers I have dreamed of having, but what if it opens up another can of worms?”
“Do you mind if we look at it?” Jared asked.
“No, go right ahead. I don’t know if I am ready to look at it or not.” Debra said as she got up. “I’m going to dance some more.” She walked off, found someone to dance with and started dancing.
Edward played a couple more songs before he dedicated a love song, he wrote himself to Debra. He sung it to her then got off the stage. “Debra, I love you so much. You make me happy in so many ways.” He said as he pulled a box out of his pocket then got down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”
Debra covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh, Edward.” Tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded her head. “Yes, I will marry you.”
Edward took the ring and placed it on her finger as he stood and pulled her into an embrace. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Edward tossed the microphone up to Josh on stage and pulled Debra into an embrace and started slow dancing. “You feeling all right? You’ve been dancing quite a lot.”
“I feel wonderful. I’m going to be your wife and I couldn’t be happier.”
“That’s great. My world is complete with you in it.”
They danced for a couple of songs and then went back to the table. They got some drinks. The brothers and Carrie congratulated them. They sat and rested for a while. People came over and said their goodbyes as they called it a night. The brothers and the crew started cleaning up. Edward took Debra inside and up to bed.
Debra and Edward showered and dressed before they went downstairs. They walked into the dining room holding hands where everyone else was waiting. They all started cheering. They sat down at the table. Mrs. Gardner brought in two plates of food. They started eating.
“So, have you two talked about dates or anything?”
“We didn’t do too much talking last night.” Edward said.
“So, what’s on the go for today?” Ace asked.
“I figured we could go for a ride around the ranch without the boys if that’s all right.” Edward asked.
“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll keep an eye on the boys.” Carrie said.
“I’m just going to rest today. Yesterday wore me out.” Debra said.
“Yes, you need to rest.” Edward said.
“I will.” Debra said.
“So, Debra, have you thought about when you wanted to get married?” Ace asked.
“No, I haven’t thought much about it. I had other things on my mind.” She said looking at Edward. “I think I’m still thinking this is all a dream.” She said. “One that I wish I will never wake up from.”
“This is not a dream, darling.” Edward said.
“Well I’m going to need time to get a dress or make one, so maybe this summer or fall. I don’t know how your schedule might be. I would like to do it before the baby, if that is all right with you.”
“I would marry you today if I could, so we will look at the calendar later and decide.”
“All right.” Debra finished her toast and water. “I need coffee." She said as she started to get up.
“I’ll get you some. You sit.” Edward said and got up. He took the cups to the kitchen.
“You’re going to make a beautiful bride.” Carrie said.
“Thank you.” Debra said. “I guess I have something else to think about and to keep me busy.”
“Yes, you do.” Ace said. “We’ll go all out for this wedding.”
“I don’t need anything fancy. We can get married here at the house.” “You don’t want a church wedding?” Cassie asked.
“No, I never went to church much.” Debra said. “I know Edward doesn’t go to the church.”
“Did I hear you talking about our wedding?” Edward asked as he came back with the coffee.
“Yes, I was just saying I don’t need anything fancy.”
“She wants to get married here at the ranch.” Ace said.
“That’s fine with me. Whatever she wants” Edward said as he leaned down and kissed her.
“So, if I wanted to get married on the top of the Empire State Building, you would be fine with that?”
“Sure, is that what you want?”
“No. I was just checking.” Debra said than looked at him and smiled. “I love you”
“I love you.”
“I want it here at our home with family.”
“All right.” Edward said. “So, we have the location. Now all we have to do is figure out then date.”
“Well, the main harvest is in August and September, so it should be before or after that.” Ace said.
“I think October would be on the cooler side for an outdoor wedding, don’t you think?” Cassie asked.
“And I will be seven months pregnant by then. So maybe the end of July?” Debra asked “I’ll have to check the schedules for any house competitions that might be going on, but that sounds good to me. I’ll have Josh get me a list of dates for them.”
“Two months doesn’t seem enough time to plan for the wedding.” Carrie said. “It took us over a year.”
“This will be a simple wedding.” Debra said. “It can be like the picnic.”
“Are you sure darling? This is your wedding day. Don’t you want it to be a huge
blowout?”
“I don’t have other family that I know of, so I don’t have anyone to invite.” Debra said.
“Besides, the bigger the wedding, the more money. Simple is better.”
“If that is what you want.”
“Yes, that is what I want.” Debra said then finished her coffee. She stood up and faced Edward. “Are you sure you’re alright with this?”
“As long as you become my bride, I am fine with whatever you decide. I’ll even wear a tuxedo if you want me to.”
“You don’t have to do all that.” Debra said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You can wear anything you want.”
“You don’t need to wear a gown if you don’t want to.”
“I do want to. Debra said. She kissed him. “I love you.”
“I love you.” He pulled her close and kissed her. He held her close.
“How sweet, you two.” Ace said.
Edward pulled back and looked at him. “Why don’t you two go out and get the horses ready while I talk to my fiancé for a minute?”
“Sure, brother. Take all the time you need.” Jared said then got up. He slapped Ace on the shoulder. He got up and walked out. Carrie picked up the dirty dishes and walked out.
Debra snuggled closer to Edward. “I don’t need much, Edward, but I do need you. I want to be your wife and run this ranch with you.”
“And I need you, Darling. I want to be with you forever.” Edward said.
“I’m not going anywhere.” She kissed him. “Now, you go have your ride with your brothers and I’m going to look at dresses on my laptop.”
“All right. Take it easy.”
“I will.” Debra stepped back. Edward kissed her one more time then walked out of the dining room.