Debra found Julie's office building with a little help from the GPS. She parked the truck about a block away and got out. She locked it up then walked down the street. She stopped at a coffee shop and sat down at the counter. The waitress came over and she ordered a cup of tea. Debra sat there and looked around. She reached into her purse and pulled out the address and phone number of Julie's office. The waitress came back with her tea. "May I borrow your phone, please?" Debra asked the waitress.
"Sure." The waitress said then reached behind the counter and picked up the phone. She set it in front of Debra.
"Thank you." Debra said. The waitress smiled and walked away. Debra picked up the phone and dialed the number. "May I speak with Julie Maxwell, please?" She asked when someone picked up.
"One moment." A secretary answered.
The line rung. "Julie Maxwell's office, may I help you?"
"I would like to talk to Julie Maxwell."
"She's not in at the moment, but when she gets in, I can have her call you back."
"Is there any way she can see me right away? I am just down the street."
"If you want to come in, I can see if she can fit you in."
"Thank you." Debra said. "I'll be there in a few minutes." Debra said then hung up. She put the phone on the counter and drank her tea. She put some money on the counter then walked out. She hurried down the street to Julie's office building. She went inside and was directed up to the top floor. She took the elevator and rode it up. She got off and walked down to her office. She stopped at the secretary's desk. "I called for Julie Maxwell."
"Yes. She will be here soon. Have a seat and when she gets in, I will tell her you are here."
"Thank you." Debra said then walked over to the waiting area. She sat down. She waited for a few minutes before she saw Julie come into the office.
Julie walked over to her. "Hello I'm Julie Maxwell. Please come into my office." She said.
"Thank you." Debra said then got up. She followed Julie into the office.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine."
"Please have a seat." Julie said then motioned to the chair by the desk. Debra sat down then Julie sat down behind the desk. "What can I do for you?"
"My name is Debra Davis."
"You're Edward's girlfriend, aren't you?"
"Yes. Fiancé actually."
"Did Ace put you up to this?"
"No. He doesn't even know I am here. Please, hear me out."
"I guess I can since you drove all the way out here."
"Thank you. " Debra said. "Saturday is mine and Edward's wedding and we would like you to consider letting Justin be there. Ace misses his son. He knows what he did was wrong, and he's suspended for it."
"He's lucky he's not in jail."
"He knows that too. He's taking it hard not to be able to see his son or even to talk to Justin. He feels like he's letting him down."
"This isn't about Justin. Our problems started a long time ago. I've explained that to Justin."
"I'm not expecting you to forgive Ace for his actions but let him at least see or talk to his son." Debra said. "I understand your life with Ace is over, but you will be forever bonded by Justin. You just have to be able to be civil and understanding for your son."
"We got married because I got pregnant. Ace did the right thing and I loved him. He loved me too. But both of us are more married to our work. It's hard to juggle work and home."
"I can understand that it's a challenge. I also know Ace would do anything he could for his family. He did what he could to help me and I wasn't even in the family yet." Debra said. "I won't keep you from your work." Debra said then pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from her purse. She wrote down her number and put the paper on Julie's desk. "Here's my cell number. Please consider letting Justin come to the wedding. I will even meet you somewhere else if you don't want to come to the ranch, but you're invited, too." Debra stood up. "I'm sorry to have come to your work, but I didn't know how else to be able to talk to you."
Julie stood up and held out her hand, "It's nice to meet you. Justin talked about you when he came home for the ranch."
"He is a good boy." Debra said as she shook Julie's hand. "And a good rider. Thank you for seeing me and letting me talk to you."
"You're welcome. I'll think about what you said."
"Thank you." Debra said then walked to the door. She turned back to Julie. "You're a good mother and I hope everything works out for you." She said then went out the door. She walked back to the elevator and pressed the button. She left.
Debra pulled up to the ranch around lunch time. She parked the truck and got out. She walked up into the house. She walked into the kitchen and got a drink of water.
Mrs. Gardner came into the kitchen. "How are you feeling?"
"Pretty good."
"Any luck with Julie?" She asked. "I overheard you and Edward earlier."
"I talked to her, but I don't know if I got through to her. Don't say anything to Ace."
"As far as he knows, you had some errands to run for the wedding. He came in a little while ago asking where you were."
"Thank you."
"I don't know what he wanted. He didn't say."
"I'll see if he's in the barn."
"He packed a lunch, so he might have taken off already."
Debra finished her glass of water then walked out of the kitchen. She walked through the house and out the front door. She walked out to the barn and looked around but didn't see Ace. She walked out to the corral and stood at the fence. She watched the horses for a few minutes then pulled out her phone.
She dialed Ace's number then waited.
"Hey sis." Ace answered.
"Hey, Mrs. Gardner said you were looking for me."
"Yeah, I was, but I took care of it. I left a note in the office for you."
"Oh, ok. I hadn't been in there yet."
"It was just an order I put in for fence posts."
"All right. I guess I will see you later, then"
"All right. Bye."
"Bye." Debra said then hung up. She walked slowly back to the house and into the office. She went over to the desk and looked at the paper. She put it down then went out to the kitchen. Mrs. Gardner had lunch sitting on the counter. She picked it up and took it back to the office. She sat down at the desk. She ate her lunch and did the work on the computer. When she was done, she got up and went over to the couch. She laid down.
Debra woke up a couple of hours later and looked at the clock. She pulled out her phone and checked it but didn't have any missed calls or messages. She got up and walked out to the kitchen. She got a drink of water. She drank it then got a cookie. She walked out to the front door and stood on the porch. She walked down the steps and walked around the house. The whole place seemed quiet. She pulled her phone out and dialed Edward's phone.
"Hey, darling." Edward answered quickly.
"What are you up to?"
"I'm down at the reception barn with Carrie. Did you just wake up?"
"Yeah, a few minutes ago. I came outside and it seemed awfully quiet like something was wrong."
"There's a bunch of us down here."
"Ok. I was just wondering where everyone was. I will let you get back to whatever you were doing there."
"Are you all right?" Edward asked. "You don't sound right."
"Yes, I'm fine."
"I knew you were sleeping, and I told everyone to keep it quiet. You need your sleep."
"Well, I'm awake now so everyone can make noise."
"I'll let everyone know, then" Edward said. "Do you want me to come back?"
"You don't have to if you're doing something. I'll find something to keep me busy until you get back. There's plenty to do."
"Have you heard anything from Julie."
"No. I guess it was a waste of time."
"You tried, darling. That counts for something."
"I guess." Debra said. "I guess I will see you at dinner."
"What's wrong. darling? "
"Nothing. I'll talk to you later." Debra said then hung up. She said then kept walking up to the hill in the back. She stopped at the top and sat down. She looked out across the land. She sat there for a while before she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Edward. "You didn't have to come back."
"I'd rather be with you." He said as he stopped beside her. He sat down next to her. "What's wrong?"
"I thought I got through to her. I actually thought she would have called me be now."
"It's only been a couple of hours. Maybe she wants to talk it over with this new man."
"Maybe. I guess I'm just wanting too much."
"No. I want him here, too. You did what you could."
"I could do more, but I would probably be put in jail."
"You don't need to do that." Edward said as he put his arm around her. "The reception barn looks wonderful. "
"Maybe tomorrow I will look at it." Debra said.
"Carrie will have everyone setting up tomorrow."
"That's great." Debra said. "I can't believe in less than 48 hours, you'll be my husband."
"Are you getting cold feet?"
"Not on your life." Debra said then looked at him. "Are you?"
"I can't say I'm not nervous, but I don't have cold feet."
"Good." Debra said. "They are calling for rain tomorrow. I hope it's not too bad."
"It's only a slight chance."
"We are having the wedding inside anyway. I just don't want to keep people away."
"Are you hoping Jason and Edith will come?"
"They are the only parents I knew, so I guess I would want them here. I never heard back from them, though."
"The marshal did say they got your letter, didn't he?"
"Yes. He said he delivered it personally."
"Well, we can only do what can."
"Yes, I know." Debra leaned against Edward. "I'm just thinking about things."
"We can't control everything. Even for our own wedding."
"I know." Debra said.
"I just want you to be happy, darling."
"I will be as long as you marry me." Debra said. "I want everyone happy including Ace."
"She still has a couple days to change her mind." Edward said. "By the way, Carrie is going a little crazy, so give her some slack."
"I will."
"She asked what our song was. I didn't know what to tell her."
"How about the one you sung before you proposed to me?"
"That sounds good to me. I'll let her know."
"I wish it was Saturday already. This whole thing is putting too much stress on me. " She said. "I'm sure tomorrow will be even worse."
"If you feel like you need to take a walk or a drive, then go ahead. Just let someone know."
"I will." Debra said. "The only thing I need to do is decorate the house, but I probably won't do that until tomorrow night or even Saturday morning."
"I know you don't want to see me until the wedding, but if you need help, ask Ace or Jared. I'll stay out of sight on Saturday."
"I appreciate that. I just want it to be over with. I'm not a patient person, you know."
"Yes. I know, but you're getting better."
"I want to be your wife, Edward. I haven't been more certain about anything before."
"And you will be, darling. Just a couple more days."
"I guess we should be heading back."
"I guess we should." Edward said then got up off the ground. He helped Debra up and pulled her close. "I don't know how much sleep I will get without you with me tomorrow night. Is it really bad luck?"
"I don't know. That's just what they say."
"All right. I don't believe in all that, but if that's what you want, then that what you will get."
"It going to be hard for me too." Debra said. She looked up at him. "I love you." She said then stretched up and kissed him. She laid her head against his shoulder.
"It's just for one night, darling. Then we'll have the rest of our lives together." Edward said as he held her close.
"I know."
"Let's get back to the house." Edward said.
Debra stepped back and they walked slowly back to the house. They went in the back door and got some water. "It doesn't sound like anybody is back yet."
"Mrs. Gardner must not be around either."
"She had to go into town from an appointment."
"Yeah that's right. I forgot." Debra said. "I guess I should start something for dinner."
"She has it already to go in the oven." Edward said as he opened the refrigerator. He pulled out a casserole dish.
"She could have told me."
"You were sleeping when she left. She didn't want to wake you."
"Nobody wants to wake me except for these two growing babies."
"I know, but we do it because we care."
"I know. I'm still trying to get use to that."
"You're doing a lot better. You don't get mad about it as much." Edward said as he put the casserole dish in the oven.
"I guess there's nothing left for me to do." Debra said as she walked out of the kitchen. She walked to the office and sat down at the desk. She turned on the computer.
Edward came into the office a few minutes later. "What are you doing?"
"Just doing some work. I like to keep up with it."
"I know. I put some stuff on order for the barn."
"Yes, I see that. Josh has a lot of students next week. Is he going to be able to handle them by himself.”?
"Yes. He'll be fine. The team is getting ready for a major competition. He's done the whole team like this before."
"All right. I don't want to cut our honeymoon short because he needs help."
"That is not going to happen." Edward said as he walked around the desk. He turned the chair and knelt in front of her. "You are going to have my undivided attention. My phone will only be for an emergency."
"I know that, Edward. I'm not worried about having your attention." Debra said as she leaned forward and kissed him. "I was just saying that it seems a lot for one person to handle. "
"If he needs help, he knows some other trainers that can help him out."
"That's good to know. I have realized that you would drop everything for me."
"Yes, I would."
"So, why don't we drop everything here and go upstairs to our room."
"Dinner is in the oven. Everyone will be back soon. I texted them to tell them when dinner will be done."
"Well, then, they will be here to take it out of the oven." Debra said then kissed him again. She moved her hands to his shirt and started to unbutton it. "Or, we can start right here."
"You know how to push my buttons, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." Debra said then kissed him again.
Edward stood up and pulled her to her feet. He took her hand and led her out of the office.
Edward and Debra walked into the dining room a while after dinner was served. They sat down. " This looks delicious." Edward said as he dished him out some.
"So, Debra, the reception is going to look wonderful. You should come look." Carrie said.
"Maybe tomorrow I will come down." She said as she got some food.
"You guys did a good job at cleaning it up."
"You have Ace to thank for that." Debra said. "I put him in charge of making sure it got done."
"You helped more than you should have." Ace said. "Right. Eddie?"
"Yes, she did."
"Did you get your dress done?" Carrie asked.
"Yes. In the morning before you start setting up, can you help me do a final fitting?"
"Of course."
"Thanks."
"Are you going to need help around here?" Carrie asked.
"I think I can most of it by myself." Debra said. "Besides the furniture bring moved, of course. We can probably wait until Saturday morning for that."
"Sure, we can do that."
"I don't have much to do really. Just some streamers and stuff."
"All right."
"Don't worry. I will call someone if I need help."
"You better." Edward said. "I don't want you hurt for our wedding."
"I can stick around to help out." Ace said.
"Thanks, Ace." Debra said then started eating.
"Anything to help out. It's not like I have a job to get to."
"That will work out. Ace." Edward said.
"I know. It's only for a couple more weeks."
"Has Julie accepted your phone calls yet?" Jared asked.
"No. I really screwed up."
"That's for sure. She won't talk to me either. Not even at work." Carrie said. "Maybe she'll come around."
"So, are you going back to the city after your suspension is up?" Jared asked.
"I'm not sure. I've been looking at other options."
"That's good."
"So. are you planning anything for tomorrow night?" Edward asked. "I really don't think we should go out."
"Yes, brother." Jared said. "We are going out and you will have a good time."
"Fine. If you say so."
"Yes, we do." Ace said.
"Well, I am going to stay here with Debra and the boys." Carrie said. "We did our girls day out two weeks ago."
"You are also going to have some wine and have fun." Jared said.
"Maybe." Carrie said.
"We can have fun here." Debra said. "We can play music and dance around. I can't drink, but I can have fun."
"Sure." Carrie said.
They finished their dinner and cleaned up. The boys left to play video games in their room while the adults went out on the porch with coffee. Debra and Edward sat down on the porch swing. Edward put his arm around her and pulled her tight. "I'll be so glad when Saturday is over with so you will be my wife."
"Me too."
"Even though you argue like you're already married." Ace said.
"No, we don't." Debra said.
"Yes, you do. You argued last week with him for not giving you a receipt and wondering where money was spent. That's what married people argue about."
"That was business, though and I was having a bad day. "
"And we made up."
"You would have gone crazy when we got married. It was over a year in the making." Carrie said.
"Just telling you the details I wanted it over with."
"It will be over soon. I'm sorry I tried to do too much and put you through so much. I just wanted you to have a memorable wedding."
"It's nothing to be sorry for. I used to think the bigger the better, too, but I know I am rather a simple person."
"You are not very simple. You are more complicated than you think." Edward said.
Debra elbowed him in the ribs. "Watch it there."
"You think you're simple, but even the simplest of things has to be complicated."
"It's not complicated to me. I just have a way of doing things."
"Oh, is that it?"
"Yes. I'm getting better, though. You teach me your way and I find a different way. I teach you. As long as the end result is the same, what difference is it?"
"There's no difference at all, darling."
"That's what I thought." Debra said. "So, Carrie, how long are you staying after the wedding?"
"Just until Sunday night. I couldn't take off anymore."
"Oh, ok."
"We'll clean everything up a so you won't have to bother when you come back."
"Thank you."
"Just have fun on your honeymoon and don't worry about anything here. I'll take care of anything that comes up." Ace said.
"Make sure you take care of Misty. She's been restless lately."
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her."
"She's getting big. Are you sure she isn't further along than what she is?" Jared asked.
"Not according to the vet." Edward said.
"I just hope everything turns out all right."
"It will, don't worry." Debra said. "She's young and strong and if anyone can deliver twins, it's me and her."
"So, did you find out what you are having?"
Debra looked at Edward. He smiled. "You haven't told them yet?"
"I thought you would like to.".
"All right. We are having a boy and a girl if the ultrasound is correct."
"That's great."
"Yes, it is. That's what I wanted. They seem to be healthy and developing good. There is still a couple of tests out, but Dr. Brooks assures us that they should be fine."
"Great. We are finally getting a girl in the family." Carrie said.
"Since they will be sharing a room for a while, I was thinking a neutral color for the walls and then we can do color on their bedding and wall decorations."
"That's a good idea."
"First things first, darling." Edward said.
"Yes, I know, it will happen after the honeymoon." Debra said. "But it's hard not to think about it when my belly is a constant reminder."
"I've always wanted a girl, but we settled on only having two children and I wouldn't give up my boys for anything."
"I'm going to check on the horses." Ace said then walked off the porch.
"He misses Justin so much." Jared said.
"I guess we were being insensitive." Carrie said. "We tried to talk to her. She left our names at the desk not to be let in."
"I talked to her this morning." Debra said. "I don't think I got through to her, though. I just want the whole family here."
"So, you actually talked to her?"
"Yes. I guess she didn't think of me when she made that list." Debra said. "She said she would think about letting Justin come to the wedding, but I haven't heard anything."
"We all did what we could. Hopefully Julie can do the right thing now." Carrie said.
"Maybe she will."
"Did you think of any names yet?"
"No, not really. This wedding is on my priority list. We have plenty of time to think about names."
"Yes. Let's get through the next week first." Edward said.
"I know you two are going to have a wonderful life together." Jared said. "Have you thought about how many kids you want all together?"
"We said a while ago about three to five, but we just have to wait and see." Edward said.
"After I have these two. I want to learn how to ride."
"That's good."
"There's still so much about the ranch that I don't know." Debra said. "I want to know everything and see everything."
"There's plenty of time for that."
"I know." Debra said. "I want to at least wait a year before I think about getting pregnant again so I can enjoy some of the ranch with you."
"We'll play that by ear." Edward said.
"I'm going down to check on Ace." Jared said "I'll come with you." Edward said as he got up. The two walked off.
"Does Edward seem scared about me learning the ranch life?" Debra asked Carrie after they got out of earshot.
"I think he's a little nervous about it, but only because he cares about you." Carrie said. "Life on the ranch can be hard and dangerous. Especially around the animals. If you're not careful, they can trample you."
"He's told me that. I just want to see what is done. I can do that from a safe distance away."
"I'm sure he is still concerned about you." Carrie said. "He is just being cautious about teaching you something that could get you hurt."
"I'm trying to learn everything I can while I am pregnant and do what I can so I can help out when I can." Debra said. "I don't want to be pregnant all the time."
"I'm sure you will work it out." Carrie said. "Edward is a good man."
"I know he is, Carrie. I guess will have to wait and see what goes on."
"Yes. Everything comes in time." Carrie said. "I'm going to check on my boys." She said then went inside.
Debra sat on the porch alone for a few minutes then went into the house. She went into the kitchen and put her coffee cup in the sink. She walked out the back door and up onto the hill. She stood there for a few moments before she started down the path along the ridgeline. She stopped about halfway down. She listened to the rustling of the leaves in the trees.
Edward came walking up behind her. "You like taking walks up here, don't you?"
"Yes. It's quiet and it helps to clear my mind."
"I know you are eager to learn things around here, darling, but some things I'd rather you didn't. I want you to have your own dreams. You gave up your life to stay here, but I still want you to have a life."
"I want a life here with you. I want to be able to work next to you if I need to. I'm not afraid of hard work, Edward."
"I know. I don't want you to get hurt."
"You can't protect me from everything. I love you, Edward, but if you think I'm just going to sit around and not be a part of this ranch, then why am I'm here?" Debra said then turned around and walked away.
Edward caught up to her. He grabbed her arm and turned her towards him. "What are you saying?"
"I understand that I am pregnant and can't ride and do a lot of things right now, but after these babies are born, I want to do more." Debra said. "Before we found out I was pregnant, we talked about me learning to ride and you showing me more of the ranch. Now, you just say that you don't want me doing it."
"I want you to be part of this ranch. You mean so much to me. Before I met you, I thought this ranch was all I needed, but now I know I need you too. The thought of something happening to you, makes me sick inside."
"You should know by now that I can take care of myself. Jason and Edith made sure I knew how to handle whatever life threw at me. I survived being left for dead in the middle of nowhere and a mud slide. I know whatever happens, that I just have to stay alive long enough for you to save me."
Edward pulled Debra against his chest. "I know you can take care of yourself. I just hate the thought of you getting hurt. After these babies are born, I'm sure you will prove to me that you can do a lot more than I think."
"You know that's right."
"And you'll do it even if I don't want you to."
"I do things if I know I can. And I still have a lot to show you what I can do."
Edward pulled back. He looked into her eyes. "I can't wait to see."
"Of course it will have to wait at least five months."
"I know and after that, you won't have anything stopping you."
"Except for my motherly duties."
"That will be a full-time job, too."
"We will figure that out when the time comes. We can hire sitter or nanny." Edward pulled her close again and wrapped his arms around her. "We will figure everything out, darling. Just don't run away from me."
"The wedding preparations are just getting to me, I guess. Something is said and I get scared."
"I know, but it will get better. I promise."
"I know " Debra said. "I love you. Everything is just getting to me. I don't know how I am going to get through till Saturday."
"I will help you any way I can. Just don't run too far away or get hurt. I won't be able to handle it if something happens to you."
"I will try to let you know, but usually I just come up here to get away."
"All right." Edward said. "Do you want to go back to the house?"
"Not really. There are too many people there. I need to be alone for a while."
"All right. I leave you to yourself, but I'll be waiting for you to return."
"You don't have to go." Debra said as she looked up at him. "I just liked it better when it was just the two of us at the house. Even with Ace there. It seems crowded."
"I know what you mean."
"Can we just sit here for a little while?"
"Yes." Edward said. He took her hand and led her to the top of the ridge. They sat down on a boulder. He pulled her close. "How are you feeling?"
"Uncomfortable, but good as long as you are with me."
"I'm not going anywhere, darling."
"I know. You're not as skittish as me. You don't get scared like I do."
"I am scared of getting married. I'm afraid I won't be a good husband and father."
"You will be a good father and husband. Don't be afraid of that."
"As long as we work together, we will be just fine."
"Yes, we will." Debra said as she laid her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a few minutes before Debra gasped. "Feel this." She said as she took his hand. She put it on her stomach.
Edward's eyes lit up. "Is that one kicking?" He asked. "That's so cool."
"Yes, that's one of them."
"Is this the first time you've felt them kick?"
"It's the first time I felt then kicking that way. They tend to kick me inward."
"Really? This is so cool. How does it feel to you?"
"Sort of like when you have a bad case of gas, I guess. It doesn't really hurt. That's what usually wakes me up in the morning."
"I can imagine it would." Edward said.
"I think we should head back to the house."
"Do you need to lie down?"
"No, but they like to kick my bladder."
"Aah, I get it." Edward said as he got up. He helped her up and they started down the path.
"So, I've been thinking. We talked a while ago about building on or making another house for your brothers."
"Yes."
"If Ace is planning on staying, I think we should really start on that."
"All right. I'll mention that to him."
"Maybe I'm out of line here, but maybe we can build him his own house on a piece of land. Something to call his own?"
"You're not out of line. You're going to be my wife and you have a right to make decisions with me. This place was supposed to be all of ours. When they decided to leave, they were asked if they wanted a piece of land. They declined and they got money instead of land when he died. I got all the land, less money and everything else. The money doesn't matter to me, but this is something I can bring up to my brothers. They can both build houses out here if they want."
"I was just thinking about it. It's going to get crowded in the house after these babies are born."
"I know."
"Maybe they can get some started before winter comes." Edward said. "I will talk to them when we get to the house. That might be a better conversation than wedding plans."
"Right now, I'd rather hear something else."
"All right. I'm going to get an early start in the morning, just to let you know." He said. "There's just a couple of last-minute things I need to take care of."
"I'll probably be up early anyway."
"I'm sure you will." Edward said. They walked back to the house. Debra went right to the bathroom. Edward got a cup of coffee then sat down in the room with his brothers and Carrie. They all looked at him. "She's fine. We talked things out."
"So, she's still running when something bothers her?" Jared asked.
"She takes a walk up the ridge to clear her head. It's her getaway. It's not a big deal."
"I guess it's better to calm down before talking or yelling."
"Yes, it is, but we talked about something else that involves all of you."
"Really? More work while you're on your honeymoon?" Ace asked.
"No. It's something we mentioned to each other before." Edward said. "How would you feel about building your own houses on the ranch?"
"What? Why? " Jared asked.
"Well, after the babies are born, the house will get a little crowded. Especially when they start getting bigger. We are looking into the future."
"We don't come here very often. It wouldn't make sense for us to have one." Jared said.
"This ranch was supposed to be all of ours. I want you to have something of your own here."
"It wouldn't make sense to have our own house here for a couple of weekends out of the year." Jared said.
"Why don't we build a house together." Ace said. "Then when you come, you can stay with me."
"So, are you planning on staying here?" Jared asked.
"I'm thinking about it. I don't think I could be in the same city as Julie and possibly having to work with her. We can build a bigger house so we can both stay there with our families."
Debra walked in and sat down next to Edward on the couch. "Don't think we don't want you here. We love having you here, but with two more bodies soon and probably more to come in the future, it just makes sense." She said. "We can still eat together and see each other."
"I guess you're right." Jared said.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. Then we can leave some stuff here and don't have to bring everything back and forth." Carrie said. "The boys can have their own rooms."
"Great. We can start scouting locations tomorrow." Ace said.
"All right." Jared said. "That would have to be at least five bedrooms. That's going to be a big house like this."
"The rooms don't have to be as big." Ace said. "I don't need a huge room."
"Maybe your rooms can be downstairs and ours can be upstairs." Carrie suggested.
"That's an idea."
They sat around talking about building the house for the next hour. Carrie and Jared decided to go up to bed. Ace stayed up for a while talking to Edward and Debra about his possible future plans. They all went to bed a while later.