Edward walked into the kitchen. "It sure smells good in here." He said smelling the pies on the counter.
Debra pulled another pie from the oven. She sat it on the counter. "Thank you." She said. "This is going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving."
"How are you feeling?" He asked as he came around the island.
"Like I swallowed a watermelon." She said as she closed the oven.
Edward wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. "Are you done in here?"
"Yes. That was the last pie."
"Do you think you can come down to the barn? Misty seems agitated."
"Sure." Debra said. "Do you think she's in labor?"
"I don't know. She's not showing the usual signs, but she could be different."
"All right." Debra wiped her hands on a towel and walked out of the kitchen with Edward. They walked to the front door and opened the closet. She pulled out her coat. Edward helped her put it on. They walked out the door. The cold wind hit them. "It seems to be getting colder."
"Yes, it does." Edward said then helped her down the steps. "A storm is coming in. I hope it holds off until after Thanksgiving."
"It's not supposed to start until Saturday according to the weatherman."
"Weather can change rather quickly out here. As I am sure you remember."
"I know. What time is Carrie and Jared getting here?"
"They didn't know if they were coming tonight or in the morning. Jared was on a case."
"All right. Marcus is coming tomorrow."
"All right."
"Ace will just be here for dinner. He's on duty technically, but Sheriff Stone said as long as there isn't anything going on, he can stop by. Julie and Justin will be here earlier."
They walked into the barn and down to Misty's stall. Debra went to the door. "Hey girl." Debra said softly. Misty came over to the door. Debra pet her. "How are you doing?" She asked. "I know it's scary and uncomfortable. You need to calm down. It's going to be all right." Debra said quietly. "Is there anything we should check for?" Debra asked Edward.
"The vet was here yesterday. He said it would be soon, but he doesn't know how soon. He's coming on Friday to stay with her."
"Ok." Debra said. "It's going to be all right. You're a strong girl and I'll be here with you." Debra said.
"She's calmer now." Edward said.
"We are both uncomfortable. She's probably ready for them to come out, too."
"I know." Edward said. "I'll have the men take shifts in here tonight with her. I don't want her to be left alone too much."
"Did you set up the cameras?"
"Yes. They are all working."
"Good." Debra said. "Take it easy, Misty. I'll check in on you after dinner." She said. "I need to go in and sit down."
"Are you all right?"
"Yes. I've been on any feet all afternoon making the pies. I just need to rest."
"Let's get you inside then." Edward said. He put his arm around her and walked with her out of the barn and up to the house. They went inside, took off their coats and went to the living room. Debra sat down on the couch. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, I'm fine. I just get worn out lately."
"I know." Edward said then sat down next to her. He put his hand on her belly. "They will come out when they are ready."
"I wish they were ready now. I don't know how much longer I can last."
"You'll make it through this, darling. I have all the confidence in the world in you."
"If I make it through tomorrow, I'll be fine. There's just so much to do."
"At least you'll have a couple extra hands tomorrow. That will help."
"I know." Debra said.
"I have a few more things to finish up out in the barn. It won't take me long. You rest here."
"There's a lasagna in the refrigerator. Can you put it in the oven at 350 and set the timer for 45 minutes before you leave?"
"Sure. Is there anything else you need?"
"No, that's it."
"Ok." Edward leaned down and kissed her. "I love you, darling."
"I love you, too."
Edward got up and went out to the kitchen. Debra turned and laid down on the couch.
Edward walked into the kitchen just as the timer went off. He pulled the lasagna out of the oven and put it on top of the stove.
"I'll make a cook out of you yet." Debra said as she walked out into the kitchen.
"Do you want me to serve it?"
"Not yet. It has to rest for at least 15 minutes." Debra said as she came around the island to him. She put her hands on his waist. "I know a few ways we can pass the time."
"Oh, really?" Edward said smiling.
"Yes, but it might be a little awkward is here."
"The couch would be more comfortable."
"I was thinking of the spare room." Debra said as she led him out of the kitchen.
The phone rang as they got to the bed. Edward took a deep breath and walked over and picked it up. "Second Chance Ranch?" He said. "Hey, Marcus, What's up? " He said then turned and looked at Debra. "Just us right now. The rest won't be here until the morning. Yeah sure. We were just getting ready for dinner. You're welcome to join us if you want." He smiled at Debra. Ok, we will see you soon, then." Edward said then hung up. "He wants to talk to us alone."
"I guess we'll have to postpone."
"I'm sorry. He said it was important."
"I wonder what's going on." Debra said. "He didn't say anything the other day when we talked."
"I don't know."
"I guess I'll set another place at the table." Debra said then turned and went to the kitchen. She walked over to the cabinet and pulled down three plates. She pulled silverware out of the drawer and carried them to the dining room. She started to set the table.
"I'm sorry, darling. I guess I should have cleared it with you first." Edward said for the doorway.
"It's fine, Edward. I'm not mad about it. I kind of got out of the mood as soon as the phone rang."
"Maybe I can get you in the mood after he leaves."
"I hope so and I'll do my best to get you there."
"Sometimes getting there is the most fun." Edward said. "Have you experienced anything the doctor said?"
"Not that I know of." Debra said then walked over to Edward. "But I've read sex can help with labor."
"Really?" Edward said then pulled her close.
"I want these two to come out too, but you don't want to rush them too early."
"You're not the one carrying them around, but I know they will come out when they are ready." Debra said. "Can you have Joe keep Marcus busy for a few minutes?" She asked as she smiled up at him.
Edward smiled then pulled his radio off his belt. "Joe, where are you?"
A moment later, Joe said. "I'm in the barn boss. What's up?"
"Marcus is on his way. Can you keep him busy for a few minutes? I'm in the middle of something." Edward said.
"Sure boss. No problem."
"Thank you." Edward said as he closed the door.
Debra joined Edward and Marcus in the dining room. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. It takes me a while to do the simplest things." She said as she sat down.
"It's not a problem, Debra. How are you feeling?"
"I'm huge, tired, and can't see my feet, but I'm feeling pretty good."
"You look wonderful."
"Thanks, but you don't have to lie, Marcus. You're family."
"I'm not lying. You look beautiful."
"Let's eat before this lasagna gets any colder. I'm starving." Edward said. He dished out the food and they started eating.
"So, what's going on, Marcus? I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow."
"Well, when I got back home, I contacted my lawyer. When our father died, everything he had went to me, but since you are his daughter, I thought it would only be fair that you get some of it."
"I don't want his blood money, Marcus."
"Let me finish, please, Debra." Marcus said. Debra nodded. "Thank you. I used most of his blood money to get out of the illegal businesses and only used a small amount to make my first legal deal. When I made money, I donated the money that I used to a children's home. I gave away or donated the money for good. The only thing I kept from him was the compound and that was in his family for five generations." Marcus said then took a drink of water. He reached in his suit jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. He placed it on the table in front of Debra. "So, anyway, my lawyer worked it together and came up with this number, which is half the worth of our father's compound, and any legal businesses he had when he died."
"Marcus, you didn't have to do this. We have enough money to raise our kids."
"I'm sure you do, and I didn't do it because I didn't think you didn't have money. I guess I did it to ease my conscience and I believe it was the right thing to do." Marcus said. "You can put it in the bank to use for college."
"Marcus, this is your money. You earned it. I can't take money from you." Debra said as she pushed the envelope back across the table. "Thank you for the gesture, though." She said then got up. She took her plate with her as she left.
"I guess I screwed up again with her." Marcus said to Edward.
"You don't need to buy your way into her heart, Marcus."
"I'm not trying to, Edward. I just thought I was doing the right thing."
"It's a good gesture, but she doesn't feel like that man was her father. He knew she was alive and if he wanted her to have something, he would have left it to her. The last and only memory of him is when he tried to kidnap her."
"I know and I wish I could change that, but I can't. I didn't mean to upset her."
"She's exhausted, Marcus. Maybe she'll come around after she sleeps on it."
"I didn't want to say anything in front of the rest of the family."
"I appreciate that." Edward said. "So, how's Storm doing?"
"He's great. You did a good job with him. Maybe this spring you and the family can come down and see him."
"That would be nice." Edward said.
Marcus picked up the envelope and put it back into his suit jacket. "I also revised my will and have Debra in it." He said. "I wish she would reconsider."
"Debra is a strong minded individual, but that's why I love her."
"She's going to make a great mother."
"I know. We are all ready for the bundle of joys to come." Edward said.
"Misty looks and acts like she's going to go soon. Maybe in the next couple of days."
"The vet says she can go any time now. He'll be here on Friday and stay here until she delivers unless I call him before that." Edward said. "I added a couple extra cameras and can access it with the computer or phones. My guys are taking shifts to keep an eye on her."
"I guess you have it covered, then."
"Yes, we have it covered."
Debra came back with coffee. She set the cups in front of the men then sat down with hers. "I don't think I can accept your money, Marcus. I appreciate the thought, but it's your money."
"Would you at least think about it?"
"I already have." Debra said then took a sip of her coffee. "Now if you would possibly start a saving account for the twins, I would take that as a baby gift, and I wouldn't object."
Marcus smiled. "Thank you. That means a lot."
"Of course, you'll have to wait until they are born."
"Yes, of course." Marcus said. "By the look of it, I won't have to wait long."
"I wish you wouldn't, but technically I still have three more weeks. My doctor said it's safe to go any time now."
"You need to take it easy and not work so hard."
"I never had real traditional holidays, so every holiday is special to me." Debra said.
"And she feels she has to do everything herself."
"I let you pick out the turkey and ham at the store."
"I know." Edward said.
"Is there anything I could bring?"
"Just your appetite. We have enough to feed a small army."
"I have almost thirty people coming. I don't like when people go home hungry."
"You should become some kind of party planner." Marcus said. "You do a great job."
"Thanks, but I'm sure my life will be busy enough in a little while. Especially when Edward teaches me to ride." Debra said.
"That won't be until the doctor clears you, darling."
"I know."
"As soon as you are cleared, we'll start lessons." Edward said. "Of course, we need to find someone who we can trust with the twins."
"I know." Debra said. "I have a few women that are candidates, but they aren't released yet. The files have been sitting on the desk for you to look at, but you haven't."
"I'll do it tonight. I promise."
"Are you talking about a parolee to watch the twins?"
"Yes, and to help with the housework." Debra said.
"She's already fired two." Edward said.
"I didn't feel like I could trust them." Debra said. "I need to trust them, don't I?"
"Of course, darling."
"Wouldn't it be better to hire a nanny?"
"Maybe, but this ranch is about giving people a second chance. If we can't find any, then we can do that, but I hope the other candidates work out."
"We'll see."
"I guess I will clean up these dishes." Debra said as she started to get up.
"No, you don't." Edward said as he got up quickly. "You are going in and sitting on the couch. You did too much already today."
"I want to see Misty before I sit down." Debra said.
"Marcus, will you walk with Debra out to the barn. I'll be out as soon as I clean up the dishes."
"Sure, that is not a problem."
"Thank you." Edward said.
Debra got up from the table. "I really don't need an escort to the barn."
"I know, but it makes me feel better." Edward said. "Call me over-protective if you want."
"Yes, you are. I just want to check in on her."
"I know." Edward said. "I'll be there in a few minutes." Edward said then kissed her. "I love you."
"I love you." Debra said. She walked out of the dining room. Marcus got up, patted Edward on the shoulder then followed Debra.
Edward gathered the dishes and carried them to the kitchen. He put them in the sink, the went back into the dining room and got the lasagna. He took it to the kitchen.
Edward walked out to the barn a while later. He opened the door and walked down the aisle to Misty's stall where Josh and Marcus were standing outside watching Debra inside the stall. He held his breath as he watched Debra and Misty bonding. Debra pet Misty and talked quietly to her before she backed out of the stall. Edward closed the door. "Didn't I ask you not to go in there without me?"
"She's not going to hurt me, Edward. But to answer your question, yes, you did ask me not to go in without you. I needed to calm her down."
"She was extremely agitated, boss." Josh said.
"It's fine. Nothing happened." Edward said.
"Well, I'm going to get to the hotel." Marcus said. "What time should I come tomorrow?"
"Dinner is planned for around four or so." Debra said.
"Whenever you want. I'll probably take Jared and the boys for a ride right after lunch if you would like to go."
"That sounds like fun. I'll call before I come over."
"That sound fine."
"Until tomorrow then." Marcus said then walked away.
"Let us know if she gets agitated Josh. No matter what the time." Debra said.
"I will and I'll let everyone else know, too."
"Thanks." Edward said. "Now, let's get you inside and off your feet, darling." He put his arm around her and walked with her down the aisle.
Debra woke up in the middle of the night and picked up her phone from the nightstand. She logged in to the barn cameras and watched Misty for a moment. She shut it off and rolled over. She put her arm around Edward.
"How's she doing?" Edward asked quietly.
"She's fine."
"How are you doing?"
"I'm fine." Debra said then snuggled close to Edward and dozed off to sleep.