Edward drove up to the house after dinnertime the following Friday. He parked the truck is front of the house and shut it off. He got out of the truck and hurried around to the other side. He opened Debra's door and helped her out. He walked with her up to the porch. He put his arm around her, and he picked her up. Debra screamed. "I know this is old fashioned, but I have to carry you over the threshold."
"Then carry away, my dear." She said as she put her arms around his neck.
Edward opened the door and carried Debra through the doorway. He put he down.
"Uncle Eddie, Aunt Debra!" Justin screamed as he ran up to them.
Edward picked him up. "Hey, Justin. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine."
Ace came out of the dining room. "I didn't expect you back until morning."
"We made good time." Edward said.
"Did you eat?"
"Yes. We ate at the diner before we came home."
"I'm going to go see Misty." Debra said. "Do you want to go with me, Justin while your uncle talks to your daddy?"
"Can I, Daddy?"
"Of course."
Edward put Justin down. "Go get a carrot for her." Edward said. Justin ran to the kitchen.
"How is Misty doing?" Debra asked Ace.
"She's doing fine, but I can tell she misses you. She stands and waits for you by the fence."
"I'm sure she does." Debra said. Justin came back with a carrot. "I won't be long." She said then gave Edward a kiss. She walked with Justin out the door.
"Why do I feel like I'm in trouble? " Ace asked.
"Help me with our bags." Edward said.
"Sure." Ace said as the followed Edward out to the truck. "Am I in trouble?"
"What makes you think that?"
"You're home early."
"Debra missed Misty and we wanted to sleep in our own bed."
"Oh. So, how was it?"
"It was good. We had fun and learned some things."
"That's good."
"Yes, it was. Debra seems happier." Edward said.
"Did anything happen here I should know about?"
" There were a few minor issues, but nothing I couldn't handle."
"Really? Like what?"
"Nothing, it's just that I don't have the respect like you do so there were few instances when I had to throw my weight around." He helped Edward carry the bags inside. They took them upstairs to the bedroom. "We put all your wedding gifts in the other bedroom."
"All right, thanks. I'm sure Debra will start on that later." They started downstairs.
"I thought you left with just two bags."
"We did, but we did some shopping."
"I would say that."
"I heard things went well on Sunday."
"Yes. We got everything cleaned up and fixed. There's no hard feelings between Brett." Ace said. "How did you hear?"
"Debra called and talked to Brett." Edward said.
"That makes sense."
"I'm surprised I didn't hear from you while we were gone."
"I didn't want to bother you while you were on your honeymoon. Besides, I took care of things here."
"I know." Edward said. "You did good. The place is still standing. I'm going to check on Debra."
"All right. Send Justin in if he gets in the way." Ace said.
Edward walked out the door. He drove the truck in front of the garage, got out and went over to the barn. He walked in and down to Debra and Justin who were standing by Misty's stall. He wrapped his arms around Debra. "How's she doing?"
"She's fine." Debra said as she stroked her nose. Edward stroked her. Debra leaned back against Edward a little. "She just missed me."
"Josh lets me help some with the horses." Justin said.
"That's good." Edward said.
"Joe lets me try to train the puppies, but they are too young." He said. "We try though."
"You seem like you've been a good helper around here." Edward said.
"I can't do much, but I try."
"That's great." Edward said. "Do you feel better now that you've seen her?" He asked Debra.
"Yes." She said, looked back at him and kissed him.
"I love you."
"I love you." Edward said as he tightened his grip on her.
Josh come up from the other way of the barn. "Hey, boss's you're back."
"Yes, we couldn't stay away any longer."
"I was just doing a night check."
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow." Edward said. "Are you ready to go inside?" He asked Debra.
"Yeah." She said. She petted Misty. "I'll come see you in the morning, girl"
Edward let Debra go and stepped back. He put his arm around her, and they walked out of the barn. Justin followed them. They went into the house and to the living room. They sat down with Ace "Where did you go on your honeymoon, Aunt Debra?" Justin asked.
"We went to see where my real mother was from. We found some people who knew her, and I found out about her."
"What about your daddy?"
"I already knew about him." Debra said. "He wasn't a good man."
"So, he was a bad to you?"
"No. I didn't know he was my father until recently and he already died. He wasn't in my life. Another couple raised me."
"Justin, you shouldn't be asking questions like that." Ace said.
"It's fine, Ace. I don't mind talking about it anymore."
"So, your real parents are dead?" Justin asked.
"Yes. We went to see where they were buried and to pay our respects. We also went to Edward's family gravestones."
"That doesn't sound like much fun."
"It wasn't about having fun. It was about paying our respects." Debra said. "We had some fun, though, we went to a fair and rode some rides."
"We also played games. Debra is a great shot. I can't wait to see what she can do with a real gun." Edward said.
"I tried to tell you."
"We had fun."
"I'm glad to hear that." Ace said. "Well, Justin, it's time for you to go to bed."
"We can talk more tomorrow." Debra said.
"All right. Good night." Justin said as he gave Debra and Edward hugs.
"Good night."
Ace took Justin to the bedroom. Edward pulled Debra close to him. "It's good to be home, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Debra said. "I didn't think I would miss it this much"
"Ace looks happier."
"Yes, he does. He doesn't have that scowl on his face."
"That's because of you."
"Maybe partially."
"Well, hopefully he will be happier after the sheriff comes tomorrow." Edward said quietly.
"Are you sure you are all right with this?"
"Yes. He is getting bored at the ranch."
" All right."
Ace came back to the room and sat down. "You two look happier than before you left."
"It was good to get away, but also good to be home." Edward said.
"Well, I took a call Wednesday from a man from Arkansas. He wants you to look at a couple of horses. I told him you were on your honeymoon. His contact information is on the desk."
"I guess I should give him a call then." Edward said. "Did you tell him when I would be back?"
"I told him you should be back tomorrow, but I couldn't be sure."
"All right." Edward said.
"He wanted to bring them out right away. I asked him to wait for you to call him back. He wasn't too happy about waiting."
"I'll give him a call." Edward said. He looked at Debra. "You don't mind me getting right back at it, do you?"
Debra sat up. "No, go ahead. This is what you do."
"This is why I love you. You're so understanding." Edward said then kissed her. He got up and walked off to the office.
"I can't thank you enough for talking to Julie. This past week with Justin has been amazing."
"You're welcome, but I didn't do it just for you. I wanted Justin at the wedding."
"You really need to learn to take credit for doing things."
"I just tend to persuade people to do things. I don't make them do it."
"You did it and I appreciate it." Ace said. "So, you learned about your mother?"
"I met people who she lived with before my father kidnapped her. She was an amazing person."
"That's good." Ace said.
"Yes, it was good to find things out about her." Debra said. "It answers why I am who I am or how I act."
"Really? Like what? Was she a good cook?"
"No, I actually learned that from Edith." Debra said. "Like when I get something stuck in my head. I see it though. She was just as determined as I am."
"Yes, you are determined. That's for sure."
"And her mother had a way with animals, too." Edward said as he came back into the room.
"Did you get a hold of the man?"
"Yes." He said as he sat down. "He already transported them to wait for me. He'll be here in the morning."
"So, what's going on?"
"He didn't go into detail." Edward said. "He was in the middle of something and told me he would tell me when he got here."
"Oh." Ace said. "So, your mother had a way with animals too?"
"The woman we talked to thought she did. But she was kidnapped before she could find out really."
"Sounds like everyone was right to say that you have a gift."
"I don't want to hear that, Ace." Debra said. "I can't work around the horses in my condition anyway."
"Why don't we go up and start looking at the wedding gifts." Edward said.
"That's the only gifts I have." Debra said as she got up. "Good night, Ace." She said then walked out of the room.
"I'm sorry to upset her."
"Don't worry about it. She doesn't want to except it. It took me a while to except it too. Maybe after she has her babies, she will see." Edward said. "I'll see you in the morning." He got up and walked out of the room.
Debra rolled over and put her arm around Edward shortly after started to get light out. Edward put his arm around her and pulled her close. "Morning darling. I can tell why you are awake."
"Really?"
"Yes. I can feel them, too." Edward said.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of feeling that."
"When is that guy coming?"
"I told him that I have to make sure we have pens up for them. I'll have to call him."
"All right. Do you mind if I open up the rest of the presents so I can get that out of the way?"
"No, go ahead, but I'll put them away."
"I might have to run into town to do some shopping. I promised Justin I would make him some cookies."
"And get some thank - you cards."
"Yes, and some of those." Debra said. "I have to get up." She said as she pulled the covers off and got out of bed.
Debra came out of the bathroom a while later. Edward came out of the closet carrying his clothes. Debra stopped in front of him and wrapped her arms around him. " I love you, Edward."
"I love you." Edward smiled. "Take it easy today."
"I've been taking it easy for a week. I am ready to start working again."
"I don't want you to do too much. You get some rest this afternoon."
"I will." Debra said. "I promise."
"Good." Edward said then kissed her. He stepped around her and went into the bathroom.
Debra and Edward walked downstairs a little while later and walked into the kitchen. Edward poured coffee as Debra started making some breakfast. Edward sat at the island and watched her cook. "You are so sexy in front of that stove."
"Pretty soon, I'll be too big to cook. My stomach will be in the way."
"Nonsense." Edward said.
"Then you'll have to cook for me."
"I don't cook, darling."
"I guess I'll have to start teaching you, then."
"I'll stick to my horses." Edward said.
"Ok." Debra said. She finished breakfast and put his plate in front of him. She went back to the stove and continued to make hers. When it was done, she sat down with him and started eating.
"Let me know before you go into town. I might need you to pick up some stuff."
"It won't be for a while."
"That's fine. I need to see if we need anything. I'm sure nobody did inventory or ordered anything this week."
"I'll check the computer later."
"And don't get any ideas of going baby shopping without me."
"I have a lot to do before I do that, my dear."
"All right." Edward finished his breakfast and took his plate to the sink. He went over to her. "I better get to work. Are you going to come out and put Misty out?"
"Yes. I'll be out shortly."
"Ok. I love you."
"I love you." She said then gave him a kiss.
Edward walked away. Debra finished her breakfast and took her plate to the sink. She made breakfast for Ace and Justin and left it on the counter. She went into the office.
Debra walked outside a while later. She walked into the barn and over to Misty's stall. She took the lead off the hook and opened the door. She clipped the lead to her halter and talked to her. Debra started to lead her out.
Joe hurried over. "I'll take her for you."
"I've got her, Joe, but thank you."
"You really shouldn't be doing that in your condition."
"I'm fine. Misty won't hurt me, and I am very capable of doing it."
"Whatever you say ma'am. You're the boss."
Debra stopped and turned to Joe. "Yes, I am a boss, but until I am unable to take my horse out, I will do it. Men tend to forget that women are capable of doing the same thing they can even when they are pregnant."
"Yes ma'am."
"And stop with the ma'am." Debra said as she led Misty out of the barn.
Edward came out of the office. "I told you before she doesn't like that."
"I'm just giving her the respect she deserves."
"She doesn't want any special treatment."
"And you're fine with that?"
"The doctor said she can do it and Misty isn't going to hurt her." Edward said.
"There are reasons why men work the farms and ranches. As far back in time, man worked the land and the women raised the kids and stayed in the house." Joe said. "That's just how things are and the way they should be."
"That's the most sexist thing I heard." Debra said as she came back into the barn and up behind Joe.
"You couldn't have warned me, boss?" Joe said then turned around and faced Debra.
Debra swung her arm and connected her fist with Joe's jaw. He stumbled back into the wall. "Who do you think took care of the work when the men were off fighting the wars? The women did. Just because most women prefer not to work on ranches and farms, doesn't mean that they can't. If I need help, I will ask for it." Debra said.
"Joe, why don't you start setting up the pens outside?" Edward asked.
"Yes boss." Joe said then hurried out the side door.
Edward stepped towards Debra. He took her hand in his and looked at it. "You should ice that."
"What has gotten into Joe. I thought he liked me."
"He does like you darling. It's just how men are sometimes."
"Would you be if you didn't love me?"
"I probably would be to a point. I believe women can do a lot of things men can, but you know how protective I am over you. I also know you will do what you want, and I can't stop you. As long as you know your limits and follow the doctor's instructions."
"It's just that nobody is used to women. Here except those training or taking lessons."
"You're right and I know in about six months, you'll prove what you can do. But until then you can't go around slugging all the employees."
"Who got slugged?" Ace asked as he and Justin walked up to them.
"Joe did." Edward said.
"Oh man. I missed that?"
"Yes. He's setting up some pens outside if you want to help."
"Of course." Ace said then took Justin with him out the side door.
"I don't mind so much about being called boss but not ma'am."
"All right. I'll tell him again."
"I don't think anyone ordered feed. There wasn't any receipts or invoices."
"No, they didn't. I just put in an order. Do you think you can get it when you go into town?"
"Of course, dear. Unless women shouldn't be doing that."
"It's not like you will have to load it yourself."
"I know. I'll let you how before I leave."
"Ok. I love you."
"I love you, too." Debra gave Edward a kiss then walked towards the front of the barn.
Debra walked out to where the men were working a couple of hours later with several bottles of water. She handed them out. "I'm going to go into town now. Justin, do you want to come with me?"
"Can I daddy?"
"As long as you are good for Aunt Debra."
"I will. I promise."
"Go in and wash up." Debra said. Justin ran off.
"Thanks, Debra."
"No problem. Do you need anything else for me to pick up?"
"I think just the feed order." Edward said.
"Ok. It won't take me long."
"Be careful."
"I will be, dear." Debra said. She started walking to the truck.
Joe hurried up next to her. "I apologize for what I said. I do know women can do things around here. It just that they want the men to do it."
"I'm not like most women."
"I realize that and I'm trying to get use to the idea."
Debra turned around and faced Joe. "You can call me boss if that's what you want. I prefer if you would just call me Debra, but please don't call me ma'am." She glanced over and saw the other men watching them.
"Are we good, then?"
"Of course. No hard feelings?"
"None."
Debra held her hand out and Joe shook it. "Just keep in mind what happens when you get me mad."
"I will." Joe said then walked back to the barn.
Debra smiled at Edward then walked to the truck. She waited for Justin, helped him in, then got in and left the ranch.