Debra got up about an hour later after not being able to sleep. She walked downstairs and went into the office. She went over and sat down at the desk. She turned on the computer and checked emails and made notations on the calendar. She sent out emails and checked out the bank account. She made sure everything was paid to the next week then shut off the computer. She walked out of the office and down to the barn. She went in and checked on Misty. She stood at her stall door and talked to her for a few minutes below she felt something at her feet. She looked down and saw one of the pups. She bent down and picked it up. "How did you get out?" She asked as she walked back to the stall they were using for the pups. She opened the door and put the pup inside. She quickly closed the door and walked down the center of the barn. Before she made too far, the pup was around her feet. She picked the pup up and walked back to the stall. She looked around and saw a hole where the pup had dug and pushed a board out. "So, is that how you are getting out?" Debra asked the pup. She carried him out of the barn and over to the garage. She went over to the toolbox and got a hammer and a couple of nails. She went back to the barn and put the pup in the stall. She hurried around to the other side where the hole was and hammered a couple nails into the board securing it. She carried the hammer back to the garage.
Joe walked out of the office. "Afternoon, Debra. Is there something you need?"
"I was just using a hammer. One of the pups escaped so I secured the board he pushed out.
"You should have called. I would have fixed it."
"I didn't mind. It made me feel useful."
"The pups are my responsibility, though." Joe said.
"It's fine. I just didn't want him to get hurt or spook the horses. He's secure in there for now, but you should keep an eye on him on case he makes another hole."
"Yes, ma'am, I will."
"All right." Debra said then walked out of the garage. She walked over to the truck and climbed in. She drove around to the reception barn and parked along the side. She sat in truck for a few minutes before she got out. She went inside to see it simply decorated inside. She smiled then went over to the area where tables were set up and a dance floor. She looked at the table settings.
Carrie walked over to her. "What do you think? Do you like it?"
"Yes, it's wonderful." Debra said as her eyes filled up with tears. "It almost like you read my mind."
"Don't cry, Debra." Carrie said as she pulled her into a hug. "I was hoping you would like it."
"I love it." Debra said as she pulled back.
"It needs some flowers, don't you think?"
"I thought about them but didn't know if you would want them."
"Well, we need some sort of centerpiece for the tables, don't you think?"
"I was thinking simple."
"I know. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it." Debra said. "It's amazing what this has turned into."
"I was hoping you would like it. Now, about the centerpieces, how are we going to get them by tomorrow?"
"Leave that to me. How many tables are there?"
"There's twenty-two plus your table."
"That shouldn't be too hard." Debra said. "I've been too worried about my place here and my health issues to be more involved in my wedding. I've put it on you and I'm sorry. I should have been more involved."
"Don't apologize. You helped to get this place in shape the for me to finish it up."
"I can make clothes and crafty things, but you organized everything." Debra said.
"We made a good team." Carrie said. "Now, would you like to see what else I have done?"
"Sure." Debra said. She went with Carrie who showed her everything that she did. About an hour later. Debra walked out of the barn and got to the truck.
Debra sat is the office when everyone came in for dinner. Edward walked in and around the desk. He bent down and kissed her and rubbed her belly. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel good."
"Are you about finished?"
"Yes. I was just making sure everything will be good while we are gone. Did you get done what you needed to?"
"Yes. Everything is all set for our honeymoon and wedding."
"Good. Now we both can relax tonight and have some fun."
"Yes, I suppose we can." Edward said. "As long as my brothers can stay out of trouble."
Debra switched off the monitor and turned towards Edward. "I want you to have fun tonight. Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
"I know. I will do my best."
"Good." Debra said. She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Because tomorrow I am going to be your wife and we can officially start our life together."
"Yes, we can." Edward said as the kissed her. He pulled her close and held her as he intensified the kiss. Alter a few moments, he pulled back. "I can't believe I have to spend the night away from you. I won't be able to sleep."
"It will be worth it tomorrow. Go wash up for dinner. It's almost done."
"All right." Edward said. He kissed her again then walked out of the office.
Debra walked out to the kitchen and turned off the oven. She grabbed the potholders and pulled the casserole dish out of the oven. She placed it on top of the stove and cut it into pieces. She carried it into the dining room and placed it in the center of the table. She walked back out to the kitchen and got the pitcher of iced tea out of the refrigerator.
Ace came up behind her. "Let me take that for you, sis." He said as he took the iced tea.
"Thanks, Ace."
"Anything else you need done?"
"No, everything else is in the dining room." Debra said. She followed Ace into the dining room.
Everybody else filed in and sat down. They dished out the food and started eating.
After dinner was done, the men moved the furniture while the women cleaned up. The women finished and walked into the living room. "We can put the chairs up how we want them." Carrie said.
"Are you sure you can handle it?"
"Yes. Chairs aren't that heavy."
"All right." Jared said. "We should get going."
"What's the hurry?" Edward asked.
"We have a schedule of events." Jared said.
"I hate schedules." Edward said. He put his arm around Debra and walked with her off to the side. "I have a bad feeling about this." He whispered.
"Nonsense. Drink and have fun. Don't worry about anything here."
"I will try not to worry, but that's all I can do."
"I feel fine and I won't overdo myself. I will probably call it an early night."
"All right. Text me if you need me."
"I will. Have fun." Debra said then kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you."
"Come on love bird. Time to enjoy your last night of freedom." Ace called from the door. "I'm driving."
"Great." Jared said. He went over and grabbed Edward's arm. "Come on, bro. The night's a wasting."
"As long as we get home at a decent hour."
"Don't count on it unless we get kicked out of the club." Jared said as he pulled Edward out of the house.
Debra, Carrie and the boys decorated the house and played games. The boys went to bed early and Carrie poured herself some wine. Debra and Carrie sat and talked about growing up and what their plans were and how much they changed since they were younger. Debra talked about how she wanted to be a designer of clothes but couldn't draw so she made her own from her mind, but they didn't go far in New York. They laughed while Carrie drank wine. After a while, Carrie was wasted, and it was late. They were getting ready to head up to bed when the house phone rang. Debra went into the office and picked up the phone. "Hello?" She answered it.
"Debra, it's Sheriff Scott."
"Yes, Sheriff?" Debra asked starting to panic. Carrie stopped at the door.
"Calm down, everyone is all right." The sheriff said quickly. Debra let out a breath then leaned against the desk. "There was a little trouble in town involving Edward and his brothers along with some of the ranch hands."
"What kind of trouble?" Debra asked.
"There was a fight, but according to the owner they weren't the ones who started it."
"Ok. How much bail will I need?"
"If you can come down here and get them, I'll release them. They might have to pay damages, though."
"I'm on my way, Sheriff." Debra said.
"I'm only doing this because of your wedding."
"I appreciate it. Does Edward know you were calling me?"
"No."
"All right. Don't tell anyone I'm on my way."
"Ok. Thanks Debra."
"No, Sheriff, thank you." Debra said then hung up. She looked at Carrie. "Apparently the boys got in some kind of fight. The sheriff is holding them for me." Debra said madly.
"That's just great."
"It wasn't their fault. He said they didn't start it."
"It doesn't mean it was right."
Debra walked around the desk and grabbed a check book. She picked up her purse and started to the door. "I'll be back."
"Be careful and watch your temper." Carrie called after her.
Debra pulled up next to a bunch of police cars. She parked the truck and shut it off. She got out just as the sheriff walked up. "Hey, Sheriff. Where are they?"
"They are in the back of the van. They can't see you."
"Good."
"I'm sorry to call you so late."
"Don't worry about it."
"The owner said he won't press charges if they pay for half of the damages."
"Can I talk to him?"
"Of course." Sheriff Scott said. "Follow me." He led her around to the club and they went inside. Debra looked at the damages that was there. They stopped next to a man. "Debra, this is Brett Hardy. He owns this place." The sheriff said. "Brett, this is Edward's fiancé."
Brett extended his hand. Debra shook it. "Nice to meet you." Brett said. "What happened?"
"Your guys were having a good time until a group of bikers come in and started causing trouble. They tried to stop them peacefully, but the bikers started fighting. As I told the Sheriff, I'm not pressing changes on them, but I'm going to need something for the damages."
Debra pulled the check book out of her purse and wrote a check. She handed it to Brett. "Will this cover it?"
"Really?" Brett asked. "It's too much."
"Yes. And I will have them come back except for Edward to help repair on Sunday." Debra said. "I'm sure you won't be able to open tomorrow. That will help with your loss of income."
"Thank you."
"There's one catch, don't tell them I paid you. Just tell them that they are fixing up instead of pressing charges. If they argue, call the sheriff."
"I take it you are teaching them a lesson?" The sheriff asked.
"Yes. Not to put the bride in a bad mood the night before the wedding."
"And what do you want me to do if I get called?"
"Lock them up for disturbing the peace." Debra said. "My peace."
The men exchanged glances. "It works for me." Brett said.
"Good. I'll tell them the truth after the honeymoon." Debra said.
"Thank you, Debra." Brett said.
"No problem." Debra and the sheriff turned away. "Are you sure about this?" The sheriff asked.
"Yes. Let's get the guys." Debra said. "Are you all right with this?"
"Yes. I'm fine with it."
"Good. Are you coming to the reception?"
"Yes, and I expect a dance."
"Of course." Debra said.
They stopped at the back of the van. The sheriff nodded to the deputy and he opened the back of the van. Debra stepped back. "Ok, everybody out." The sheriff said. The men came out one by one. The sheriff and the deputy took off the handcuffs. "They are all yours, Debra."
"Thanks. Sheriff." Debra said. "I don't want to hear a word. Get the truck. I'll talk to you at the ranch."
"Debra?" Edward started.
"I don't want to hear it. Get in the truck, now." Debra said forcefully.
The ranch hands were the first ones to start to the truck. They climbed in the back while Ace and Jared climbed in the back seat. Edward was the last one to get in the passenger's seat. Debra shook the sheriff's hand then got in the truck. She started the truck and pulled away.
"Debra, we didn't start it." Ace said.
"I said I didn't want to hear it. Shut up or you can get in the back." Debra said. She drove along the road in silence.
Debra drove up the driveway and parked the truck by the garage. "Out." Debra ordered. She climbed slowly out of the truck. She shut the door and turned to the men. "There are no charges on any of you but on Sunday, each and every one of you, except Edward, are to go to the club and help repair what was damaged. If you don't the sheriff will be called, and you'll go to jail."
"Did you arrange this?" Edward asked.
"Yes." Debra said. "I'm going to bed. "I'll see you all at the wedding." Debra said. "And try to make yourselves presentable." She said then walked past them into the house. She went straight upstairs and into the bedroom.