Debra and Justin arrived back just before lunch. A truck and house trailer were parked by the barn. Debra parked in front of the barn and shut it off. Justin got out and hurried over to the barn. Debra slowly got out and walked over to the side and down the length of the trailer looking at the horses inside. She stopped next to Justin on the outside of the one pen. Edward was talking to a man as he was leading one of the horses into the pen.
Ace walked over to them. "Were you good for Aunt Debra?"
"Yes. She took me out for ice cream." Justin said.
"You had ice cream for lunch?"
"I had a craving." Debra said quickly. " So, these are the horses from Arkansas?"
"Yes. There's five of them."
"It looks like Edward's going to be busy."
"Yes, he is. Josh asked if you could go down to the training center after lunch."
"Sure. What about?"
"I don't know. He talked to Eddie and he asked me to relay the message."
"As soon as someone is free, can you ask them to unload the truck?" Debra asked. "I need to get inside."
"Sure."
"Can I watch them unload the horses?" Justin asked.
"As long as you stay back." Ace said.
"Don't worry. I won't start the cookies without you." Debra said. She walked back to the truck, grabbed her grocery bags then walked into the house.
Debra sat on the bed upstairs in the spare bedroom around one when Edward walked in eating a sandwich. She looked up from what she was writing. "Did you get the horses unloaded?"
"Yes, and the truck is unloaded, too. How are you feeling?" He asked the walked over to her.
"I'm feeling fine." She said. "I knew we would get stuff for our wedding. But really, what are we going to do with all of it?"
"Well, we can't return them, so we can keep it in case something breaks."
"I guess."
"I'll put some of them in the basement after dinner." Edward said, " I just came in to eat."
"Ace said that Josh wanted to see me?"
"Yes. He called earlier while you were gone. He asked if you could look at something for him." Edward said.
"Ok. That will give me an excuse to get away from this for a little while."
"Is it that frustrating?"
"Not really. I just don't know what we are going to do with it all. "
"We'll figure it out, darling." Edward said then finished his sandwich. "So, how much more do you have left to go?"
"The ones on the bed are done and by the door. I still have the ones by the closet to do."
"What time is the sheriff supposed to be here?"
"He said it probably won't be until later in the afternoon." Debra said as she put the tablet down. "I guess I'll see what Josh wants before I make cookies with Justin."
"Have you taken a nap yet?"
"No. I laid down after I ate but wanted to work on this."
" Do I need to lay down with you just so you get some rest?"
"You have work to do, dear. I'll rest after I see Josh." She said. "Then I'll do cookies with Justin."
"Make sure you do." Edward said then kissed her. "I don't mind coming up here and laying down with you but then we wouldn't get much resting done."
"No, we wouldn't." Debra said as she got off the bed. She put her arms around Edward's neck. "I liked our afternoon naps though."
"I will lay down later. I promise."
"Ok. I will walk you down." Edward said.
Debra let go of his neck and put her arm around his waist. "So, what's up with the horses?"
"There was a fire in the barn. The horses were spooked pretty bad. It seems like it's mostly psychological, but I have to see." He said as they started out the door.
"Were they hurt?"
"None of them were hurt seriously but since then, they won't let their trainer near them."
"How did he hear about you?"
"He has a cousin who referred him."
"Oh." Debra said. "I know you will do your best."
Edward walked with her out to the truck. "I think I'll ride with you down to see Josh."
"All right."
"The horses should take some time to settle in before I work with them anyway." He said then walked her over to the passenger's side. He opened the door for her and helped her in. He closed the door and ran around to the other side. He got in, started the truck and pulled out.
Debra and Edward walked into the training facility. "This is nicer than I imagined." Debra said.
"It's state of the art." Edward said as they walked up some stairs to overlook the field. They watched a horse and rider for a while before Josh came up to them. Edward turned to him. "It's looking good."
"Thanks, boss."
"I decided to take a break and see how it's going."
"I have a feeling that we'll do good at the show."
"That's good." Edward said.
"Debra, we got new uniforms and I want your opinion on if we should change anything. You know more about fashion than I do."
"I don't know much about this fashion, but I don't mind looking."
"Great. Come into my office." Josh said then led them back to his office. He went over to a box in the corner and pulled out a shirt. Printed on the front was the ranches name along with Edward and her names. "What do you think?"
"You put my name on the logo too?" She asked as she looked at Edward.
"It's Josh's idea, but you are a part of the ranch and my wife."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Your face says it all." Josh said as he came around the desk and hugged her.
"Thank you." Debra said. She took a step back and looked at the shirt. "They look nice. I don't think you need to change a thing." Debra said. She turned towards Edward. "You knew about this, didn't you?"
"Of course." Edward said. "This is the first time to see the design, though."
"And since it's a local event, I hope you will come and watch. At least one of the three days."
"Of course." Debra said.
"I guess we will be there." Edward said.
"Do you not usually go?"
"No. I sponsor them and help train them, but I usually don't go to these events."
"He's more of the rodeo type."
"Oh, I see. Is it too up class for you?"
"No, I just don't get into it. If I thought it was too up class, I wouldn't sponsor them." Edward said. "This is Josh's project. It was started before I took over and if we wouldn't be making money on it, I wouldn't allow him to keep doing it."
"Oh, I see." Debra said. " Well, Josh, I would be glad to go."
"Well thanks for showing me that. Email me the details, but I should get back." Debra said. She turned and headed for the door.
Edward caught up to her as she headed down the steps. "Are you mad that I don't really want to go?"
"No, I'm not mad. I just need some air." Debra said as she hurried down the steps.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes. I just need some air." Debra said as she headed through the building and out the door. She leaned against the truck and took a couple of deep breaths.
Edward stopped behind her. "What's wrong?" Are you sick?"
"I think the smell got to me." Debra said as she turned around.
"Are you feeling better?"
"A little."
"Why don't I get you back and you can lay down for a while?"
"I guess I should." Debra said. She walked around the truck and Edward helped her inside. He went around and got in. Edward started the truck and pulled out.
"I will go with you to the show. I won't mind too much if you are with me."
"You don't have to. I'm capable of going by myself. I'm sure you have work to do."
"I didn't like it too much because I would sit up in the owner's box by myself and didn't have anyone to be with. I just sat there and watched. It bored me."
"Well, you can make up your own mind about it. You have work, but I don't have too much to stop me from going."
"We'll see when the time comes."
"All right."
Edward drove back to the house and parked the truck. He walked Debra inside and up to the bedroom. She went to the bathroom then laid down on the bed. Edward sat with her for a few minutes then walked out.
Debra woke up over an hour later. She got up and walked into the bathroom. She came out a few minutes later, picked up her shoes and went downstairs. She went out to the kitchen, grabbed on apple and went into the office. She started working.
After a while, Ace came limping in and headed to the bathroom followed by Justin. Debra got up and walked back to the bathroom to see what was going on. She noticed blood by the doorway. "What happened?" She asked as she walked into the bathroom.
"I cut myself." Ace said trying to look at his leg.
"Take off your pants and sit down." Debra said.
"What?"
"Take them off, Ace. I have to clean it."
Ace took off his boots carefully and took off his pants. Debra looked at the cut. Ace looked at it. "It's not too bad."
"Rinse it off in the tub. I'll get the first aid kit."
"Is Daddy going to be all right?" Justin asked.
"Of course. I'll fix him up. Can you get him another pair of pants?"
"Ok." Justin said then headed off.
Debra walked into the office and grabbed the big first aid kit. She went back to the bathroom and grabbed a towel. She wrapped it around Ace's leg and pulled it out of the tub. "This is going to sting." Debra said as she took the towel off and looked at the cut. "You should get some stitches."
"Just put some butterflies on."
"Ok." Debra said then put some butterfly stitches on to close it up. She put some antibiotic cream on it and bandaged it up. "You should go to the doctor."
"I'll be fine. Thank you."
Debra got up and washed her hands. "Are you up to date on your tetanus shot?"
"Of course."
Justin came back with a pair of jeans. He handed them to Ace. "Does it hurt, Daddy?"
"It's not too bad."
"Can we make cookies now, Aunt Debra?"
"Yes, we can."
"Can Daddy help?"
"If he wants." Debra said as she looked at Ace and smiled. "Come on, let's allow your Daddy to get dressed." Debra said as she escorted Justin out of the bathroom. She closed the door behind her.
Ace walked into the kitchen where Debra and Justin were making cookies. "It looks like you are having fun."
"You can help mix, Daddy."
"I should get back out to the barn."
"You should stay off that leg. You don't want it to open up and get infected."
"Edward might need my help."
"He's perfectly fine out there, but if you want to chance an infection or worse, then go ahead."
"I'm fine." Ace said. "Save me some cookies, son."
"I will, Daddy."
Ace looked at Debra, then walked out of the kitchen. Debra continued to make the cookies with Justin.
Edward helped Ace into the house a while later. Edward took him to the bathroom then went out into the kitchen. "Debra, can you look at Ace's leg? It's bleeding. He says its nothing."
"I told him he should stay off it."
"Oh, you did?"
"Yes. Can you take the cookies out of the oven when the timer goes off?"
"Sure."
Debra wiped her hands on the dish towel then walked back to the bathroom. She opened the door and walked in. "Sit." She said annoyed.
"It's fine."
"Sit down, Ace before I sit you down." Debra said sternly. Ace sat down on the toilet. Debra pulled up his pant leg. "I told you to stay off it." Debra said as she carefully took off the bandages. She opened the first aid kit and got the alcohol pads. She opened a couple and wiped the cut.
Ace pulled back his leg. "Take it easy, Sis."
"I wouldn't have to do this if you listened to me in the first place."
Edward came to the doorway. "I took the cookies out of the oven. "How's it look?"
"He could use a couple of stitches, but I can patch it up again."
"I'm not going to the hospital for a couple of stitches." Ace said.
"Patch him up then." Edward said. "I'll keep an eye on Justin in the kitchen."
"He knows what to do." Debra said as she smiled at Edward. She turned back to Ace. She cleaned the cut again. Edward walked out. Debra patched up the cut and bandaged it. "Now, you need to stay off it." She said as she closed the first aid kit and got up.
"Thanks, sis."
"You're welcome." Debra said then walked out of the bathroom. She walked to the kitchen and took over putting the cookies in the oven.
"So, you told him to stay off of it before?" Edward asked.
Debra turned on the timer. "Yes. Both me and Justin tried to keep him in here."
"Is Daddy in trouble, Uncle Eddie?"
"I'm not very happy with him, but he's not in trouble." Edward said.
"Don't worry, Justin. We still love your dad. He just needs to listen to what we tell him." Debra said.
"I think he's bored in the house. When you were gone, he didn't come in too much."
"I'm sure he is." Edward said.
Ace walked into the kitchen. "Are you ready to get back out there?".
"I am, but you're staying off that leg for a while."
"I'm fine, Eddie."
"You might be, but I don't want you to start bleeding again. Sit down and put that leg up."
"A little scratch is not going to stop me from getting the job done."
"No, but I will. Go in the room and Justin will bring you some milk and cookies. Think of it of getting off early." Edward said walking up to him.
"Fine. I'll stay off my leg, but just for you." Ace said. He walked to the living room and sat down on the couch. He put his leg on the coffee table.
Edward watched him until he was settled then went back into the kitchen. "He shouldn't give you any problems."
"I'm sure he won't." Debra said. She handed him a plate of cookies. "Take these with you for the guys."
"Thanks, darling. I'll be back in for dinner." Edward said then kissed her on the cheek. He walked out taking a cookie off the rack.
Debra put a couple cookies on a plate and poured a glass of milk. "Why don't you take these into your dad and keep him company."
"Ok." Justin said then took the plate and glass into the room.
Debra cleaned up a little then pulled the last batch of cookies out of the oven. She placed the cookie sheet on the top of the stove and turned off the oven. She took the cookies of the cookie sheet and put them on the cooling rack. She washed the dishes and put the cookie sheet away. She walked into the living room "How is the leg doing?"
"It's fine."
"It will be."
"I didn't think it was going to open up like it did."
"Since it was to the back side of your leg, that's why it did. If it was on the front, it wouldn't have." Debra said. "What cut you anyway?"
"There was a piece of barbed wire that was left out from when we fixed the fence last week. We took a ride out there."
"So, you rode all the way back with your leg bleeding?"
"Yes."
"If you would have put pressure on it right away it wouldn't have been that bad."
"Let me guess, you had first aid training?"
"Yes." Debra said. "I can do a lot of things if I was even a chance, but with being pregnant, I can't show everyone what I can do."
"I'm sorry, but everyone around here would still treat you different even if you weren't pregnant."
"Yes, but at least I could show them what I can do."
"You just have to be patient, sis. I had a female partner and she was one of the best partners I had. She saved my butt a time or two."
Debra's phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket then answered. "Yes, dear?"
"The sheriff is on his way."
"Great."
"Can you handle it, or do you want me to come in?"
"I can do it."
"Ok. I love you."
"I love you." Debra said then hung up. "I'm not a patient person, Ace. I hate waiting for anything."
"I've noticed that, but sometimes it's for the best."
"I just have to do other things that I can do and try to be happy with it."
"Yes, you do. You are doing great work in the office from what I can tell."
"Thanks."
"And great at making cookies." Justin said.
"Yes, that too." Ace said.
"Thanks. I'm doing my best then."
"You're doing a great job."
Someone knocked at the door. "I'll get it." Debra said as she hurried to the door. She took a deep breath then opened it. "Sheriff Stone, come in." She said as she stepped aside.
The Sheriff walked in. "How are you doing, Debra?" He asked.
"I'm doing well."
"Is Ace around?"
"Yes. He is sitting in the living room." Debra said as she led him into the room. "Ace, the sheriff is here to see you."
Ace stood up and extended his hand. "Sheriff Stone, what can I do for you?" They shook hands.
"I'll get right to the point, Ace."
"Justin, why don't we get some refreshments for the sheriff?" Debra said.
"You're not going to arrest my daddy, are you?" Justin asked as he walked past the sheriff.
"No. I just want to talk to him." Sheriff Stone smiled.
Debra took Justin to the kitchen. She gave Justin a plate to put cookies on while she poured some coffee. They carried the refreshments back into the room. Debra set the coffee on the table in front of them. Justin put the cookies on the table "Thank you, Debra." Ace said. "The sheriff just offered me a job as his deputy."
"That's great."
"But then I would have to stay here."
"And what's the problem?" Debra asked.
"You know we don't mind you being here."
"But what about my work here?"
"We managed before and we'll manage again. I think it's a wonderful opportunity."
"Do you think I should be a police officer here, Justin?"
"Would you live here with Aunt Debra and Uncle Eddie?"
"Yes, until our house is built."
"Then yes."
"What about my suspension?"
"I can talk to your supervisor. It should be almost up, isn't it?"
"Yes, in a couple weeks."
"I'm sure it won't be a problem."
"Then I accept."
"Great. Come by the office tomorrow and I get the paperwork started."
"I'll be there."
The sheriff stood up. "I should be going. Thanks for the coffee, Debra."
"You're welcome, Sheriff."
Ace stood up and held out his hand. The sheriff shook it. "Thank you, Sheriff."
"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll walk you out." Debra said. She walked with him to the door. They walked out to the porch. "Thanks again, sheriff."
"You're welcome. Debra. Ace is a good man and a good cop. I already talked to his supervisor and his suspension won't be a problem."
"That's great. I guess will be seeing you around, then."
"Of course. Have a good evening."
"You too." Debra said as she watched the sheriff get in his car and pull out. She went back into the house and to the kitchen. She started to make dinner.