Chapter 26

Edward came in just as Debra was pulling dinner out of the oven. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her belly. "How's my wife doing?"

"I'm doing good." Debra said as she turned around and put her arms around his neck. She kissed him. "How my husband?"

"I'm better now that I'm with you."

"Dinner is almost done."

"How was the patient in there?"

"There was no problem out of him. He was watching TV with Justin."

"I better wash up. Dinner smells good."

"Thanks." Debra said. She leaned up and kissed him again. She let him go and turned back to the stove.

Edward came out and helped put the food on the table. Debra called Justin and Ace and met them in the dining room. They all sat down, dished out their food and started eating.

"I was offered a deputy job today, Eddie."

"That's good news. I was wondering why the sheriff was here." Edward said then looked at Debra.

"I accepted. The only problem is that I told you I would only be here for a couple months."

"Ace, you know you are always welcome here. Besides, you've picked out where you want your home and marked it out."

"Yes, but if I'm working, I won't have as much time to build the house."

"We'll figure it out, brother." Edward said. "We always do. When do you start?"

"I have to go in tomorrow and do the paperwork."

"That's great."

"Why do I get the impression that you two knew about this?"

"Because we did." Debra said. "Sheriff Stone said there was an opening. He asked if you would be interested. He checked you out and decided to offer you the job on your qualifications."

"I was planning on talking to him when my suspension was up."

"Can you men handle the dishes? I need some fresh air." Debra said then got up.

"Are you all right?" Edward asked concerned.

"I just need some air." Debra said then hurried towards the door.

Edward came out on the porch a few minutes later with a glass of water. He sat down next to Debra on the swing and handed her the glass. "Should I worry about you? That's the second time you needed air today."

"No dear. You don't have to worry. It's all part of being pregnant." Debra said then she drank some water.

"You don't think anything is wrong, do you?"

"No. It's just certain smells make my stomach churn and getting fresh air helps."

"You're not just saying this because you're afraid the doctor would put you on bed rest, are you?"

"No. If I thought something was wrong, I would call the doctor. These babies and you are the most important things to me. I would do anything I had to for you."

"All right. Ace said he would do the dishes." Edward said.

"That's good."

"He said it's the least he could do after you went behind his back and talked to the sheriff."

"So, he's mad?"

"He seems a little upset after he found out that we talked to him."

"I guess I did overstep the sister in law boundary." Debra said then finished her water. She placed the glass on the side table hard.

Edward put his arm around her and pulled her close. "Don't worry about it."

"I thought I was doing a good thing and I ended up messing things up."

"You did what you thought was right."

"Yes, but I was wrong for doing it." Debra said. "I should have kept my mouth shut." She said then started crying. She turned and buried her face in his chest.

Edward wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He kissed the top of her head. "It will be fine." He said. He held her for a few moments then rubbed her back. "Feeling better?"

Debra turned her head. "A little. I guess."

Justin came out the door. "Daddy wants to know if you want coffee." He said as he walked across the porch. "Are you crying, Aunt Debra?"

"Not anymore." She said. "Sure, I'll take some coffee."

"Me too." Edward said.

"Ok." Justin said then went back into the house.

Debra lifted her head. "I think I made your shirt wet."

"It will dry." Edward said. "You can cry against me anytime you want."

"Are you sure about that? I may take you up that offer. Especially during this pregnancy."

"Of course, I am sure." Edward said. "Any time you want."

"Why do I do things without thinking?"

"I thought it was a good idea too. We didn't do anything except put his name out there."

"I know and I wouldn't have called him if you weren't in the fight to see how it went at the club."

"I know."

The door opened and Ace came out with the coffee and Justin followed with a box of tissues. Ace put the coffee down. Justin handed the box of tissues to Debra. "Thank you, Justin."

"My mommy always gives me a box when I'm upset."

"That's good." Debra said as one wiped her eyes with a tissue. "Ace, I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I called to see how it went at the club on Sunday and we got to talking. He brought that up himself."

"I'm sorry if I upset you. That wasn't my intension."

"I don't think things through enough. I guess. I say things before I think."

"So, did he already talk to my supervisor?"

"Yes. He said it wouldn't be a problem."

"I have a problem, though. Would you two be willing to keep an eye on Justin for me?"

"Of course." Debra said.

"Can we make more cookies?" Justin asked.

"Of course." Debra said. "We can always eat cookies."

"I better start working out." Edward said.

"Yeah, me too." Ace said. "Say good night, Justin. I'll let you watch cartoons until you go to sleep." Justin climbed up on Edward and gave him a hug. He leaned over and hugged Debra. He said good night and hurried into the house. Ace followed him.

Debra sat up and picked up her coffee. She took a sip. "So, how are the new horses looking?"

"I'm a little confused about them actually. I was able to stroke them and even brush some of them with no problem, but when Cal came up, they spooked.

"Maybe it was how he approached them?"

"I don't know." Edward said. These were already broke horses and the owner claims nobody can get near them." Edward said then drank some coffee. "I didn't have a problem."

"You'll figure it out."

"This guy is only giving me a week." Edward said. "Normally I would let them settle in, but I wanted to start because of the time frame."

"Don't worry, you'll figure it out. I know you will. Just like I will figure out what to do with all these gifts upstairs."

"Do you want me to take them downstairs."

"No. I want to finish unwrapping them to see what all we have first."

"All right."

"I'll finish tomorrow. Then we'll figure it out."

"All right."

"What's the hurry? I have almost five months until I deliver." Debra said. "It seems like an eternity."

"It's not that long. It will be here before you know it."

"I know but saying five months seems so long."

"Well, after the wedding presents are done, we can take the furniture up to the attic and then we can paint the room and get ready for our family."

"When I was out today, Justin and I walked past a store that had cribs in the window. I thought about stopping, but I didn't. We should do it together."

"I'll free up some time for us to shop."

"I know. Like I said, we have time."

"There's a lot to get done before then and I know the ranch takes a lot of my time, but after the seasonal work gets done, I will have more time to help you. I don't want you to do too much."

"You don't have to worry about that. I know my limits and I won't overdue myself. I've gotten better with asking for help."

"I know." Edward said. "I trust you to take care of yourself."

"That's something I didn't hear you say a month ago when you were always keeping an eye on me."

"Well, you've come a long way."

"Yes. I come in terms with my condition."

"So, do you want to watch a movie or something?"

"Actually, I think I want to take a nice soak in the tub. Then relax in bed with a book."

"Well, that sounds nice. Maybe I'll join you after I do a check on the horses."

"All right. I'll be waiting." Debra said then kissed Edward. She got up and picked up the cups. She walked into the house.

Debra woke up alone in the bed the next morning. She rolled out of bed and got some clothes out of the closet and went to the bathroom.

After Debra ate some breakfast, she got to work on the presents. She has unwrapped them and wrote down who gave her what. She finally got done unwrapping and grouped the different things together. She took her tablet and a shoe box of envelopes and went downstairs. She dropped the stuff off in the office and went to the kitchen. She grabbed an apple then went outside. She walked down to the barn and around to the corral. She petted Misty at the fence, then walked through the barn to the other side. She stopped by the door and watched the men in the corral. She stood there for a while before she ventured over to the corral. She stood next to Ace and Justin. "How's it going?"

"He was able to saddle two of them. He's working on the third one."

"Has he got on them yet?"

"No. He's letting them sit there for a while."

"They all seem rather calm actually. Not like others he has had here."

"He hasn't had any problems so far."

"Well, that's good." Debra said. "When they were being unloaded yesterday. they were giving the handler problems."

"I know. I think maybe it's the handler. Edward said they spooked yesterday when Cal came up, so I don't know." Debra said.

"What time are you going to head to town?"

"I'll go in after lunch sometime. I want to be here in case Edward needs me."

"Ok I'm going back inside. I'll see you at lunch."

"Of course."

Debra walked back through the barn and out to the house. She went to the office and sat down at the desk. She looked at the tablet but turned to the computer. She logged onto the security cameras and brought up the one outside the barn so she could see Edward. The horses seemed fine. She picked up the phone and pressed a button. "Hey Pete. Can you send me a copy from camera twelve from yesterday?" She asked. "When the truck got here to now. Thank you. Just put it in a network folder." Debra said then hung up. She watched Edward with the horses in the corral until Pete sent the folder. She started looking at it.

Edward, Ace and Justin came in for lunch a while later. Debra had it out on the counter for them. She was eating hers in front of the computer. Edward grabbed his plate and walked into the office. "Are you having a working lunch today?"

"I had an idea and was trying to figure it out." Debra said. "Come here."

Edward walked around the desk. "What are you looking at?"

"This is the footage from yesterday. I've watched this a couple times. The handler had problems with the horses until you took them. They didn't act up."

"I noticed that too. I figured it was just that they didn't like him."

"Well, here." Debra fast forward the tape. "This where Cal comes up and they spooked. Just like with the handler."

"Cal doesn't even look like him."

"No, but they are dressed alike." Debra said.

"So, you think the horses are spooked by clothes?" Edward chuckled.

"Like I said, it was an idea." Debra said. "I don't know anything about animal psychology."

"I've never knew of any animal spooked by the way people were dressed, but there's always a possibility. I'll keep it in mind when I work with them." Edward said as he walked back around the desk. He sat down in front of the desk. "So, did get all the presents unwrapped?"

"Yes. All I have to do is fill out the thank you cards." Debra said. "I'll have to get the addresses from Carrie."

"Most of the addresses should be on the computer."

"I'll get them from there, then."

"How are you feeling?"

"I feel pretty good."

"That's good." Edward said. "You didn't stay very long down there earlier."

"Someone was pushing on my bladder."

" So, I was thinking that if you're up to it you could come down and check out the horses with me when we finish lunch."

"I'm up to it, but I don't know what you expect me to say about them."

"I don't expect you to say anything. I just want you to tell me what you think."

"I gave you an idea. You practically laughed at it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh at you. I guess any idea is better than no ideas."

"I guess." Debra said then finished her lunch. She sat back on the chair. She looked at the computer screen. "Are you going to ride the ones you have saddled?"

"Yes. Me, Ace, and Joe are going to try together. The other two need more hands-on training."

"Were they hurt in the fire?"

"Yes but, it wasn't serious, and they are all healed." Edward said. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just watching them in the corral from last night. The one was acting protective of the another's."

"Horses can have friends and can protect them from others just like any society."

"Ok." Debra said. "I guess I don't know much about horses."

"Sometimes that is a good thing. I ask you because you might see things I don't because I've been doing this for so long."

"Oh. Sort of like a fresh look?"

"Yes, and to teach you about horses too." Edward said. " You need to learn about horses' actions so when we are riding you can determine what they are going to do."

"All right." Debra said as she got up. She picked up her plate and walked around the desk. "I'll be ready in a few minutes." She said as she walked out.

Edward, Debra, Ace, and Justin walked down to the corral a while later. Edward walked with Debra around to the horses as Ace and Justin went into the barn. Edward told Debra the names as he petted them. She watched as Edward went into the corral and stroked them. Ace went in from the other side and handed Edward a vest. Edward stepped away and put it on. Joe walked into the corral with them. Justin walked around the corral and stood by Debra. They watched as the three of them got ready to ride. Debra watched as the three of them mounted the horses and rode around the corral with no problems. They did different exercises with the horses and still no problems. Edward pulled his radio off his belt and called for Cal. He replaced his radio onto his belt. Cal came out of the barn wearing the same clothes as yesterday. He walked over to the corral so the horses could see him. The horses got spooked, but the men held them tight. Edward instructed Cal to take his shirt off. When he did, the horses settled down. Debra turned and walked away from the corral. She walked around the barn and up to the house. She sat down on the porch. She propped her feet up and leaned her head back.

Edward came up on to the porch a while later. He leaned against the porch railing. "I guess you were right." He said.

"It was just an observation." Debra said. "Can you help them?"

"Yes. I can get them to trust that shirt again, but first, I need to call the owner and find out how the fire started. It's possible that one of the workers started it and the horses saw it. Thank you for helping."

"You're welcome. Let me know if you need anything else."

"While I am working, can you watch Justin so Ace can go into town?"

"Sure, what time?"

"I guess he wants to go shortly."

"All right."

"I can have Cal watch him later so you can rest."

"I'm resting right now. I don't need to take a nap every day. I slept in today. Do your work. I can keep an eye on Justin."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Debra said then got up. "Watching him won't be a problem."

"All right." Edward said as he stepped up to her. "I love you, Debra. I don't want anything to happen to you or the babies."

"Nothing is going to happen if I don't take a nap."

"All right." Edward said then bent down and kissed her.

"I'll see you later."

"I'll be here." She kissed him again. "I love you." She watched him as he turned and walked down the steps. She went into the house.

Ace walked into the house a couple hours later. He stopped at the open office door to see Justin and Debra on the couch. He stepped inside. " I see you put the little man to work."

"Yes. Are you going to arrest me for breaking child labor laws?"

"No."

"Good, because he volunteered to help me."

"Did you get a badge Daddy?"

"Not yet. I start on Tuesday."

"Cool."

"I got my uniforms though. I'm going to put them away." Ace said then walked out.

"Daddy seems happy."

"Yes, he does." Debra said. They worked for few minutes before Ace came back. Debra sat back. "I think we are finally done."

"That's a lot of cards." Ace said.

"Yes. There's almost a hundred."

"I knew there was a lot, but not that many."

"That's one reason I wanted small, but Carrie invited half the town."

"Well, Edward is very popular in town and has lots of friends."

"I know. At least that part is done. The post office will love me tomorrow." Debra said. "One thing you don't have to worry about when you get your house built is small appliances."

"That's good." Ace said. "Have you started dinner yet?"

"No. I guess I should get something started."

"How about I take out for pizza. We can celebrate my new job."

"It's fine for me, but you should see if Edward is working late or not."

"I'll go talk to him now." Ace said. "Do you want to come with me, Justin?"

"Yes." Justin said then get up.

"Thanks for the help, Justin. You were a good helper." Debra said.

"You're welcome." Justin said then walked out with Ace.

Debra laid her head back and closed her eyes. She sat there and rested for a few moments before she got up and walked down to the bathroom. Debra sat out on the porch when Edward came up. "So, are you up to going out for pizza?"

"Yes, it's fine with me."

"All right, then. I'm going to take a quick shower and change."

"How did it go out there?"

"It's coming along. I talked to the owner and he thought it was remarkable how you came up with the conclusion."

"You told him that it was me?"

"Yes, of course." Edward said. "I give credit where credit is due."

"It doesn't mean anything."

"I'm going to take a shower and change. It won't take me too long."

"I'll wait here. I'm all ready."

Edward walked past her and into the house.

Edward helped Debra into the truck a while later. He walked around and got in. Edward started the truck and pulled out. "Are you upset that I gave you credit for the horses?" He asked. "You haven't said much since I told you."

"No, I'm not upset. I just don't know what people will expect from me." Debra said.

"Darling, they won't expect anything from you." Edward said then drove down the driveway.

"Yes, they will because you keep saying that I have some kind of gift." She took a deep breath. "I just made an observation. That's all."

"I know. I haven't said anything to anyone about that." Edward said. "I promised you that I wouldn't say you have a gift and I haven't."

"But you act like it's something when I give you an idea and how the horses act around me."

"I would have never thought it was a uniform that spooked the horses. I would have thought it was the trainer himself." Edward said. "So, yes, to me, who has been working with horses for over twenty years, it is something when you give me an idea and it was the problem." Edward said. Debra shifted in her seat and looked at the window. Edward drove in silence until he pulled onto the main road.

"I'm treated differently enough because I am pregnant, and I am your wife. I don't need something else for people to treat me differently."

"You are different than anyone else on the ranch. You get respect that you deserve."

"I get respect because I am your wife not because I earned." Debra said. "To me, I don't deserve what respect I get."

"If the men didn't treat you with respect, they would have me to contend with." Edward said. "Darling you should be happy with how they treat you because they can be quite mean to new people." Edward pulled over and stopped on the side of the road. He turned to Debra. "I love you, darling. Are you having regrets about being here?"

"No, of course not." Debra said. "Do you really think that's what this is about?"

"Not really, but what am I supposed to think?"

"Think of it in my perspective. I love you and I love being here, but I have no experience. I am learning, but I can't do anything in my condition."

"I wish I could really understand how this is for you. I can only imagine how tough it is. I try to be understanding, but I know I never will and I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry for getting upset about things I can't control."

"Darling I know you can't do as much as you want to, but you still deserve respect around here. You do so much around here that you don't even realize it."

"I feel like I don't pull my weight. You are busy working from the time you get up until dinner. I usually only do an hour or so in the office and then that is it for the ranch. Now that the wedding is over, I don't how much to occupy myself."

Edward moved closer to Debra on the seat. He took her hands in his. "Darling. you make the ranch brighter and more exciting. Usually when you are around, we never know what is going to happen. You just need to be patient about what to expect."

"I'm trying, but it so hard sometimes."

"I know you will fit in just fine around here When you are able to, but until then, you have to be patient."

"Patience has never been my strong suit."

"I know." Edward said. "You need to understand that I will do my best to try to keep you busy, so you won't feel like you don't belong here."

"I know I belong here, Edward." Debra said. "I just don't feel worthy of this place."

"What do you mean?"

"You and most of the men has put blood, sweat, and tears into the ranch. I really haven't. I know I have special circumstances, but that's why I feel like I'm unworthy."

"You do what you can and when you are able, you will be more." Edward said. "I know you will."

"Yes, I will, but right now, I can't."

"When the harvest is ready, you can be out there with me and help."

"Really?"

"Yes. There's the somethings you can do."

"All right." Debra said.

"Can we go and eat some pizza? I'm starving." Edward asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry for feeling like this."

"Don't worry about it." He said. "I've felt that way before, too." He leaned closer and kissed her. He scooted back behind the wheel. He pulled back onto the road.

"Josh emailed the schedule to the shows. Maybe I can take Justin if you don't want to go."

"We can take Justin. I'm going with you. I should be there to support my team and where else to have an official first outing as husband and wife."

"When would you be able to take off?"

"We can go whenever you want. To get the real take of it, you would really go to all of it, but that might be too much for you, but you can decide that."

"I'll let you know. I'm still undecided."

"All right. Just let me know and I'll work it out."

"Ok."

"Just so you know, there will be a lot more people there then at the wedding."

"I realize that. You've been doing this for many years. I'll just have to get used to getting some attention since I am your wife."

"Yes, but don't feel like you have to be there because of it. If you feel awkward, just say so and we can leave."

"I'm going to get use to people and the attention someday. You are a very popular person in the community, and I need to accept. And the women have to accept that you chose me."

"Don't get all jealous on me."

"I'm not the jealous type dear. They just better keep their hands to themselves." Debra smiled.

"I'm sure they will when they see you on my arm." Edward said. He pulled into the pizza place parking lot. He parked in an open spot and shut off the truck. "Last time we were here, we ended up at the ER."

"Let's hope it doesn't happen again." Debra said as she unfastened her seat belt.

"I'll get your door." Edward said then quickly got out of the truck. He hurried around and opened Debra's door. He helped her out. Ace and Justin walked up. They walked into the building.

The four of them sat at the table after their pizza was done. "So, Eddie, would you want to take some target practice with me tomorrow?" Ace asked.

"Sure. We can set up on the west valley."

"I need to get ready for requalification's on Tuesday before they give me my badge."

"I can always use some practice."

"Can I watch. Daddy?"

"Yes, but you need to stay back and listen. Guns are nothing to play around with."

"I know, Daddy. You told me that before."

"And I can finally show you what I can do with a real gun." Debra said.

"Are you sure it's and all right with you being pregnant?" Ace asked.

"Yes. I emailed the doctor when we were on our honeymoon."

"After she beat my butt in a shooting game at the fair we went to." Edward said.

"That game was just luck." Debra said.

"What's your preference?" Ace asked.

"I can shoot almost anything including a bow. I actually think I like the bow the best."

"I don't think we have a bow do we Eddie?"

"No."

"That's fine. I can use anything." Debra said.

"All right." Ace said. "We can have some fun, then."

"I'm warning you. Jason taught me well."

"I'm sure he did, but how long ago was that?"

"Besides the game at the fair, I haven't shot since I was eighteen."

"You might have a shot of beating her then, Ace." Edward said. "But I doubt it."

"I'll take it easy on you. Ace. " Debra said.

The waitress came over. "Can I get you guys anything else?"

"Just the bill please, Jamie." Ace said.

Jamie pulled a piece of paper out of her apron. She handed it to Ace. "You can pay on your way out whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Jamie." He said. Jamie left.

"I better use the restroom before we leave." Debra said. She picked up her purse and excused herself. She walked off.

"Is she really that good, Eddie?"

"She did good at the fair, but that was just a pellet gun, but she said she was a marksman."

"I guess knowing where Jason worked and who her father was, I guess I don't have a shot."

"I'm sure she'll take it easy on you."

"I'm a good shot, too. I was one of the best in my class." Ace said.

"You can beat her, Daddy." Justin said.

"I'll do my best son." Ace said. "Do you want to go to the park for little while?"

"Yes, please."

"All right." Ace said. "We'll see you at home, Eddie." Ace said then got up. Justin got up and they walked out.

Debra come back to the table. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." Edward said as he got up. He took Debra's hand and they walked out. "I think you intimidated Ace."

"I didn't mean to, but I was good."

"Do you want to see if the sporting goods store is open. We can get you a bow."

"We don't have to. There's probably not much use for one on the ranch."

Edward opened the door. "But something you prefer over a gun, right?"

"Yes, but I don't need it."

"Darling. we are going to the store." Edward said as he helped her into the truck. He closed the door and hurried around to the other side. He got in, started the truck and pulled out. "Besides, if you are good at it, it's something you can teach me."

"Ok, but then you need to get one too."

"Can't I just use the one you get?"

"Not as efficiently. A bow has different pull strength and I'm sure you are a lot stronger than I am."

"See, you're teaching me already."

"Are you sure you want me teaching you? I am just a woman on a man's ranch."

"Darling, you've already taught me a lot of things. You taught me to love again, something that I didn't think possible since my family died. You've taught me that everything happens for a reason." Edward said. "I don't mind you teaching more things. What better teacher than the woman I love?"

"All right, then." Debra said. "Do as you want."

Edward pulled into the sporting goods store parking lot. "It looks like it's still open."

"Yes, it does."

Edward parked the truck and shut it off. He quickly got out and hurried around the truck as Debra was getting out. He took her hand and closed the door. They walked into the store.