Chapter 39

Around one o'clock in the morning, Joe pulled out his radio. "Boss, it's Joe. Are you up?"

Edward reached over and picked up his radio. "Yeah, Joe. What is it?"

"I believe Misty's labor started.

"I'm on my way. Call the vet and let him know."

"Ten Four, boss."

Edward put the radio on the nightstand. He slowly got out of the bed, grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom.

Debra was waiting when Edward came out of the bathroom. "Did you think you could sneak out without we?"

"No. I knew you would get up." Edward said. "Are you ready?"

"Just let me use the bathroom." Debra said.

"Ok. I'll wait for you downstairs." Edward said then walked out of the room.

Debra and Edward walked outside to a snow-covered yard. The cold wind blew against them. Edward put his arm around Debra and led her out to the barn. They went inside and shut the door. Edward shook the snow off him. "I told you it was going to turn on us."

"Yes, you did."

Joe walked up to them. "The vet is on his way. If we need him before he gets here, we can call him."

"Did her water break?" Debra asked.

"No, but she's not eating and she's breathing hard. She's pacing and acting like she wants to lay down."

"Debra, you're not going in there alone." Edward said as they walked down to her stall. "She'll probably pace and keep moving until her water breaks." He said as they stopped at the door to the stall.

"Hey, girl." Debra said as she looked at her from the door. "It's going to be all right." She calmly said. "I'm going in."

"She's too wound up." Edward said, "Let me go in first." He said as he opened the door. He slowly went inside talking softly to Misty. He stroked her side. "She's definitely in labor. She needs to feel safe and this weather isn't helping."

"She won't hurt me. I'm coming in." Debra said then went inside the stall. She talked quietly to Misty until she slowly went over to Debra. Edward stood protectively by Debra. "That's a good girl." Debra said as the pet Misty. "It's all right. We're going to get through this together."

"I don't know how you do it."

"It's just two mothers communicating." Debra said. "Isn't that right, girl? You're going to be fine." Debra stroked Misty. "That storm isn't going to get you In here. You're safe, girl." Misty backed up and paced a few times. Edward stood between Misty and Debra. Misty laid down for a few seconds then got back up. She paced again before stopping in front of Debra. Debra pet her again. "I know how you feel, girl, but it will be over soon. Then you'll have your little ones to take care of."

"She's doing a lot better." Edward said. "Do you have coffee going, Joe?"

"Of course, boss."

"We're going to need it."

"Coming right up." Joe said then walked off.

"Did you call Marcus?"

"I texted him when I was in the bathroom. He said he would come. Did you wake your brothers?"

"I told Ace. He was going to wake Jared. I told them they can watch from the cameras. She shouldn't have too many people watching her."

"That's good." Debra said.

Edward turned and placed one hand on Debra's belly. He rubbed it. Misty snorted and pushed Edward back with her head. He stumbled, but quickly recovered. "I'm not going to hurt her." He said to Misty. "How are they doing?" He asked Debra.

"They're fine." Debra smiled then pet Misty. "I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me." Debra said as she pet Misty.

"I didn't think she would hurt you on purpose, but I didn't think she would try to protect you from me, either."

"She's a good girl." Debra said.

Joe came back. "Here's coffee, boss. How's she doing?"

"She's a lot better. She's calming down." He said as he walked around Misty to the stall door. He took both cups of coffee. "She's protective over Debra."

"Yeah, I know. She almost knocked me down a couple of times when I was in there."

"Is that why you let Debra go in alone?"

"I know Misty wouldn't hurt her a long time ago. She's been this way for a while, boss."

"Thanks for the coffee." Edward said then walked over to Debra. He handed her a cup. "This could take a while. Do you want something to eat?"

"No I'm fine for now."

"All right." He said.

They stood in the stall for a few minutes before Misty's water broke. She paced then laid down. Debra knelt down by her head and stroked her. "You're doing good, girl. Just let it take its course."

Edward moved to Misty's back end. "It looks good. Joe, let the vet know."

"I'm already ahead of you." He said. "He's still a ways away."

"You're doing great, Misty." Debra said. She stroked Misty's head. Misty moaned and moved around. "Easy girl. You're all right." Debra said. Debra looked back at Edward. He nodded to her. She bent over and talked to Misty quietly.

Edward watched from her tail end. "I see the first one coming. It looks good so far."

Debra looked down to Edward and smiled. She noticed Marcus on the outside of the stall. She smiled at him, then turned her attention back to Misty. She talked to her quietly.

"Boss, the vet is linked to the cameras. He said everything looks good." Joe said.

Edward got up and walked over to the door. He handed Joe his coffee cup. Joe hurried off. "Hey, Marcus. It's exciting, isn't it?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

"Just stay back. I don't want too many people around. My brothers are up in the house."

"Can I watch from the office so I'll be close in case you need me for anything?"

"Yes, that will be fine."

"Thanks. I just want to see this."

"Debra's doing a great job."

"I see that." Marcus said then walked off.

Joe came back with Edward's coffee. "There's plenty more."

"Thanks, Joe. Hopefully it won't be much longer. It usually goes quickly after this."

"Usually it does, but there are two. She'll probably need help with the second one."

"I hope the vet gets here before then."

"He should be here shortly. He said the roads are starting to get bad."

Edward walked over to Debra. He squatted down next to her. "How are you doing?"

"She's doing a great job, I guess. I don't really know what to expect."

"Everything looks good from what I can tell." Edward said. "You're doing good, Misty." He said then kissed Debra on the cheek. "And so are you." He said and smiled. "Do you need anything? Water maybe?"

"No, I'm good for now."

"Let Joe know if you need anything. Even a break for a moment."

"I'm not leaving her until this is done. When that comes I might need help up."

"Ok. Should I have Joe get the hoist set up?" Edward chuckled.

"You might need it." She said. "Where did Marcus go?"

"He's in the office. I didn't want too many people around to stress Misty out."

"Oh. I was just wondering."

Within half hour, the first colt was born. The vet arrived shortly afterwards and took out helping to deliver the second colt within an hour. Edward walked over to Debra. "She did good. Now, we should get out of here so she can get up."

"Good girl, Misty. You have two beautiful babies."

"Marcus, come and help me with Debra." Edward called.

Marcus hurried in and carefully approached. With him on one side and Edward on the other, they helped Debra up and walked her out. They stood outside the stall.

Joe brought Debra a bottle of water. "I thought you might need it."

"Thanks, Joe." Debra said. "How long until they get up?"

"It shouldn't take long." The vet said. "She needs to regain her strength."

They watched as Misty started to move around. She slowly took her time and stood up then walked over her babies. She sniffed them and licked them both, cleaning them up. Debra smiled. "Edward, I think you need to call my doctor."

"What? Why?"

"Because I think my water just broke." She said as she looked down at her pants.

"Are you having contractions?"

"I've been having them for a while. That's why I was awake when Joe radioed."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I wanted to be here for Misty. Make the call Edward." Debra said.

Edward pulled out his phone. He dialed Debra's doctor. "Dr. Brooks, it's Edward Barlow. Debra's water just broke. She's been having contractions for a while. Probably a couple of hours." He listened on the phone. "How far apart are the contractions?"

"Every couple of minutes."

"They are a couple of minutes apart." Edward told the doctor. "I know, Dr. Brooks. She just told me. She was helping Misty; her horse give birth and she just said something."

"Do you need to lay down, Debra?" Marcus asked.

"No. I'm fine, Marcus."

"You're not fine. You're in labor."

"Thanks Dr. Brooks." Edward said then hung up. "He's calling an ambulance, but it might take them a while to get here." Edward said.

"I don't think these little while ones are going to wait that long."

"Debra, you need to lie down." The vet said. " Can you make it to the house?"

"I don't know." Debra said.

"I have a cot in the office." Joe said. "You can lie down there until the ambulance gets here."

"Ok, let's get you to the office." Edward said as he helped her towards the office. "Joe, run up to the house and get some sheets for the upstairs hall closet."

"Yes, boss." Joe said then ran out of the barn.

"Edward, I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner." Debra said.

"It's too late now, darling." Edward said as they made it to the office.

"Misty did a good job, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did." Edward said. "But now it's time to focus on you."

"What can I do?" Marcus asked.

"Watch Misty. Make sure she's taking care of her babies." Debra said.

"Sure, sis." Marcus said. He walked out of the office.

Joe ran in with several sheets. He put the stack on the desk and put one on the cot.

"Debra, you need to take of your bottoms off so I can have a look." Dr. Patton said.

"Have you ever delivered a baby?" Debra asked. "One with two legs, that is?"

"Not personally, but I've seen it in med school." He said. "Hopefully the paramedics get here before that time comes."

"Joe keep an eye on Misty." Edward said. "Darling, we don't have much of a choice right now."

"I need to see how dilated you are." Dr. Patton said.

"I know." Debra said as she pulled down her pants. She sat down on the cot. Edward helped her take off her shoes and remove her pants. She took a couple deep breaths then laid down on the cot. "I hope you'll be professional about this."

"You have my word, Debra. I know how good of a shot you are." Dr. Patton said then examined Debra. "OK. as far as I can tell, you are only a couple centimeters dilated. You have a way to go."

"Ok, so we wait." Edward asked.

"Yes. Labor is a waiting game. Sometimes it's quick and sometimes it takes a while."

"Edward, it's fine. Can you go tell Carrie and Julie about me?" Debra asked. "I'm just going to stay right here."

"All right darling. Do you need anything from the house?"

"You can grab my bag in the closet. I already packed it for the hospital."

"Ok. I won't be long." Edward said then kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Debra said. "Can you turn the monitor towards me?"

"Of course, darling." Edward said. He walked to the desk and turned the computer screen towards Debra. He hurried out of the office.

Debra stood by Misty's stall door with the sheet wrapped around her waist when Edward came back. She turned towards him as he approached. "They are beautiful, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are. Shouldn't you be laying down?"

"I was too restless. I wanted to see my horses."

"All right. You saw them, now come back to the office with me." Edward said as he put his arm around her. "I can take you up to the house if you want. If we have to deliver here, it will be more comfortable there."

"No, I'm fine here. I want to be close to Misty in case she needs me." Debra said as she slowly walked with Edward. She stopped by the doorway and took a couple of deep breaths. "That one was stronger."

"Let's lie down and check you again." Edward said as he helped her to the cot.

"Edward, I didn't mean for this to happen this way." Debra said as she laid down on the cot.

"We both do things out of the ordinary. We wouldn't be who we are if it wasn't unusual."

Debra smiled. "I love you, Edward."

"I love you." He said then kissed her. "Carrie and Julie will be here soon."

"Thank you."

Dr. Patton came in. "Let's have another look, Debra." He said. Debra pulled her legs up and Dr. Patton looked at her. "I hope the ambulance gets here soon. He said. "I don't think they will wait much longer."

Edward pulled out his phone. He dialed a number. "Dr. Brooks, how long until the ambulance gets here?" He asked as he listened. "That's good. My vet doesn't think it will be much longer." Edward said. "Yes, we are in the barn." He held the phone out to the vet. "He wants to talk to you." He said. Dr. Patton took the phone.

Edward turned to Debra. "He said to try not to push. He caught a ride with the ambulance and they should be here soon."

"That's good." Debra said then took Edward's hand. She squeezed as she got another contraction.

"Tell the doctor they are coming closer and stronger." Edward said to the vet. Edward looked back at Debra. "Deep breaths, darling."

Julie and Carrie came into the office. "When did this start?"

"Her water broke about half hour ago, but she's been having contractions for quite some time." Edward said. "She told me after Misty delivered."

"I wanted to make sure Misty was all right." Debra said.

"Debra, Dr. Brooks will be here soon. They are almost to the gate." Dr. Patton said.

"That's good."

"Ace is putting in some calls to get emergency vehicles to clear the roads for you." Julie said.

"Is it that bad out there?" Debra asked.

"Yes, it's pretty bad." Edward said. " You can barely see the house from the barn door."

"Leave it to me to go into labor during a blizzard." Debra said then had another contraction. She squeezed Edward's hand.

"We're used to this weather out here. Emergency vehicles work fast."

"Don't worry, Debra. You'll be fine."

Joe came to the door. "The ambulance just came through the gate. Mitch has the plow going."

"Thanks, Joe." Edward said.

"Don't worry about a thing, Debra. I'll keep an eye on Misty." He said.

"I know you will, Joe." Debra said.

"And we'll take care of everything here." Carrie said.

"Everything in being taken of, darling. All you have to worry about is you and your babies."

"I'm scared, Edward. What if something happens?"

"Nothing is going to happen. I'm right here with you and the love we have will conquer anything." He said then leaned down and kissed her. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

"Do you need anything, Debra? Are you warm enough?" Julie asked.

"I'm fine. All I want is these two to be born healthy."

"They will be, darling."

"I love this ranch, Edward, but I was really hoping to have them in a hospital." Debra said. " I guess I should have thought about that when I first started." Debra said then chuckled. She squeezed his hand.

"Everything will be fine." Edward said. "You did really good with Misty. She wouldn't have been able to have her babies without you."

"I should have told you when I first felt something."

"There's nothing we can do about now." Edward said. "Just breathe and relax. And it's all right if you want to scream. Nobody will hold it against you."

Marcus came to the door. "How are you doing, Debra?"

"I'm good, Marcus. Thank you for being here."

"Do you mind if I follow the ambulance to the hospital?"

"That's up to you. I wouldn't mind."

"We will come later after the storm let's up." Carrie said.

"All right." Debra said. "Everybody be careful. I don't want anything to happen to anyone because of me."

"We'll all be fine, Debra." Julie said.

"I'm going to watch for the ambulance." Marcus said then walked out.

Jared and Ace walked in and stood by their wives. "There will be plows and a police escort on the way to the hospital." Ace said.

"Thanks, Ace."

"I didn't do much. All I had to do tell the sheriff and he coordinated everything." Ace said. "I think he has a soft spot for you."

"Yeah, it's called his stomach." Debra laughed.

"He would do anything for you though."

"It's good to have friends in high places." Debra said. "And family that goes the extra mile for you."

"We would do anything for you, Debra."

"Would you trade places with me?"

"I would if I could. I'm sure we all would, but this is something you have to do yourself."

"I know." Debra said. "Thanks anyway." Debra got another contraction and squeezed Edward's hand.

"Breathe, darling." Edward said as he winced from Debra's squeezing.

"Don't push, Debra." Dr. Patton said.

"I can't help if it feels like they are clawing their way out." Debra said as the contraction dissipated.

"You're going to be all right, Debra." Edward said.

"I don't feel like I am." Debra said. "My body will never be the same."

"But, I will still love you." Edward said then kissed her.

A few moments later, Dr. Brooks walked into the office. "Hey, Debra. How are you feeling?"

"I feel like these two are ready to come out."

"Ok. Let's have a look." Dr. Brooks said. "Thank you, Dr. Patton." He said as he switched places with him at the foot of the cot. He checked Debra over. "You're progressing nicely. It's almost time."

"Do you think we'll make it to the hospital?"

"No. I don't think so. We can try to get you to the ambulance, but it would be too risky for you to be delivering as we go. One bump and something could happen."

"I guess I'm delivering here, then."

"We'll put you on the stretcher so we can move you faster." Dr. Brooks said. "I hear you had two other deliveries already."

"Debra did a wonderful job keeping her calm. I don't know how she did it when she was in labor too." Edward said.

"I just stayed calm." Debra said.

"I'm going to ask the rest of you to wait outside." Dr. Brooks said. "We are going to need a little room in here."

"Yes, Doctor." Ace said. He went over to Debra. "We'll be right outside, sis."

"Thanks everybody for everything." Debra said as they all walked out.

The paramedics wheeled the stretcher in a moment later. They helped Debra onto the stretcher and put an IV-line in. They took her blood pressure and pulse. Dr. Brooks moved to the side of Debra. "Do you want something for the pain, Debra? It might take the edge off."

"Not now."

"Later may be too late."

"I'll be fine."

"Ok. Shall we do this?"

"Do I have a choice in the matter?"

"Not really, no. They are making the choice for you." Dr. Brooks said. "Don't worry, this isn't the first time I delivered outside of the hospital."

"Have you ever delivered in a barn before?"

"No. This will be my first time in a barn, but I did deliver one on a boat."

Debra got another contraction and squeezed Edward's hand. "I don't think they want to wait much longer Doctor." Debra said between breaths.

"Just let your body do the work, Debra."

"Easy for you to say."

"I know. Just breathe." He moved to the foot of the stretcher.

Within half an hour, Debra had her babies, but she started bleeding. Dr. Brooks worked on her as the paramedics checked the babies. When Dr. Brooks stabilized Debra, she had already passed out. The doctor packed up the equipment, took the babies and they rushed out to the ambulance. As they loaded Debra, Edward briefed everyone then got in before they closed the doors. The ambulance rushed away.