Edward carried a tray of food slowly into his room the next morning. "Wake up, sleepy head." He quietly called as he put the tray on the nightstand. He sat down on the bed and pushed Debra's hair slowly out of her face. Debra opened her eyes and smiled. Edward smiled back. "I brought up breakfast. I thought we could eat together."
Debra rolled over and sat up. "You didn't need to bring breakfast up to me. I could have gone downstairs."
"I already called Doc and he suggested that you stay in bed until he can make it out here. He is going to get you an obstetrician. They will come out later."
"Edward, you really didn't have to do all this."
"They will fly out here with any equipment that they need, so we will have a little bit of a warning. Some of the roads are flooded."
"I could have waited until I was ready and went into town." Debra said as she picked up a piece of toast off the tray. "You didn't have to use your favors for me. You might need them for something more important."
"You are the most important thing to me. And I didn't call in any favors. I would go to the end of the earth for you if I had to. I do have some power and influence over the town. Now, let's eat out breakfast."
"Yes, sir." Debra said.
They settled against the headboard and ate their breakfast. Once it was finished, Debra got up and went into the bathroom. She came out a few minutes later and sat down at the foot of the bed. "If the doctors are coming here, I am going to need a shower, and coffee."
"You need to get back in this bed."
"I'm not going to have a doctor check me without a shower." She said. "Besides, don't you have a ranch to run?"
"The men know what needs to be done. You can't get rid of me that easily."
"Well, why don't you go get me a cup of coffee and I will go take a quick shower. Then, I will rest in bed until the doctor gets here."
"Ok. I guess we can do that." Edward said.
"Good." Debra said as she got off the bed. She hurried out of the room and to her room. She closed the door.
Debra came out of the shower to see Edward standing in the doorway. She quickly covered herself with the towel. "Don't you knock?"
"I didn't think I had to."
"It is your house, I guess." Debra said as she wrapped the towel around her.
"I guess I just thought that after we shared the shower and bed together, that I didn't have to." Edward said then left the bathroom doorway.
Debra dried off and changed her clothes in the bathroom. She came out and saw him sitting on the bed. "You know you don't have to watch over me."
"You have a habit of getting yourself in trouble."
"It's not that I do it on purpose." Debra said as she sat down on the bed. "How much trouble can I get into in the house, anyway?"
"There is plenty of trouble you can get into. I'm not taking any chances in your condition."
"I'm pregnant, not terminally ill." Debra said then picked up the mug of coffee. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I checked on everything. The horses are fine. Misty is a little restless. If the doctor says you can go out and see her, I think she will calm down."
"For some reason, she seems to understand me. Do you think she knew I was in trouble last night?"
"She might have known something was up. Josh was trying to put her in the barn, and she broke loose from him and ran off. He said he was having trouble with her to get her out of the corral. He thought she was just spooked from the storm."
"She didn't seem spooked when she came up to me. She actually seemed rather calm."
"You two just have a connection. You can see her later." Edward said. "Are you ready to go back to bed now?"
"I'm on the bed. Isn't that good enough?"
"I thought you would move into my room after what happened earlier."
"I love you, Edward, but I am still going to need time to think and figure things out."
"You're right. I understand." Edward said as he got off the bed and walked around the room.
"You say that, but it doesn’t sound convincing."
“, I don't understand, but I am going to try to. I don't know what you went through or what it’s like being a woman. My whole life changed since I found you and I don't want it to change back. My heart skips a beat every time I look at you." He said.
"This is so much different from past relationships. I have never felt like this towards anyone. I'm not going anywhere. I just would like a little space to figure things out." Debra said. "Do you think we can just take this relationship a little slow?"
"So, you want to date?"
"Yes, in a way, I guess."
"I guess I can do that."
"We can just play it by ear and see where things go."
"All right." Edward said. He bent down and picked up a book. "Where'd this come from?"
"Doc gave it to me yesterday. There's another one somewhere." Debra said.
Edward looked around and found the other book and the bottle of vitamins. He picked them up. "Were you that mad?"
"I was upset, yes." Debra said. "Do you want to sit here with me, and we can try to understand what is going on together?"
"Sure, I can do that." Edward said then sat down on the bed. They propped up the pillows and sat against the headboard. They started looking through the books when they heard Mrs. Gardner come up the steps. "Come on in, Mrs. Gardner." Edward said as he noticed her peek in.
Mrs. Gardner stepped into the room. "How are you feeling, Debra?"
"I feel a lot better than I did last night. Thanks. Edward and I are together now, and I am going to have a baby."
"Well, that’s wonderful news. I had a feeling you might be from the way you were acting."
"And you didn't share that feeling?" Edward said.
"I wasn't positive." She said. "Congratulations."
"Thanks."
"Well, you rest. I'm going to get started on my work."
"I'm sorry for all the mud."
"It's nothing I'm not use to being around all these men." Mrs. Gardner said then walked out the door.
"Well, that went rather smoothly." Debra said. "I didn't mean to just blurt it out."
"It's fine. Everybody knows how I feel about you around here." Edward said. "If you rather tell them all at once, I have the power to get them to all come running."
"Yes, you are a very powerful man, Edward, but that won't be necessary." Debra said then leaned over and kissed him.
"You better be careful there or we might need another shower."
"Or maybe, you'll just need a cold one." Debra said as she ran her hand across his chest. She pulled back and moved away from hm. She opened the book and started reading.
Edward started reading some of the other book. They sat there for a while. "I really didn't know much about pregnancies as I thought. Animals are so much easier."
"Well, you won't be going through all the changes with your body as I will be. You will probably get disgusted with me and kick me out of the house. Or maybe just make me live in the barn until I deliver."
"I would never do that. I think you will be a very beautiful pregnant woman and I will always love you no matter how crazy you might get with all the hormonal changes I just read."
"I’m not sure I am going to like this. I don't think I am ready." Debra said then put the book down. "I used to dream of being a mother one day, but not like this. I was supposed to find the man of my dreams, marry him then have kids. This isn't the way it was supposed to go."
"Well, I hope I am the man of your dreams and if you like fairy tales, I did rescue you on horseback, and I can make all your dreams come true."
"I know you did, and I love you more than anything, but I don't want us to have a life just because I am pregnant. It wouldn't be right to make you feel like you have to take care of me."
"I feel like you were sent to me. This is fate. You have to believe that too."
"I don't know if I can. I have never had the kind of family like what you have here. I moved around so much. I didn't have a room to call my own for very long. My parents were never there for me. If I had a problem, I had to figure out how to solve it myself." Debra said then laid down. "I guess it is all just too much right now."
Edward got off the bed and walked around it. He picked up her coffee cup. "I'm going to let you rest for a while. Try not to think about things too much and go with the flow." He said then walked out the door.
Edward came back up to the room about an hour later. He peaked into the room and saw Debra sitting up in the bed doing a cross stitch. He walked in and put a glass of juice on the nightstand. "The doctor is on his way." He said then sat down at the foot of the bed. "This is new for both of us, but I hope we can work through it together."
Debra put down the cross stitch and looked at Edward. "I knew the other day that I was falling in love with you and wanted to make a go at this relationship. I didn't expect this. It just makes this more complicated."
"Well, no matter how complicated it is, we can figure it out. We are both smart people." Edward reached over and took her hand. "I love you and I would do anything I could to make you happy."
"I guess there is nothing I can do about it now. It already happened and the other option I don't believe in so I guess we will just have to deal with it." Debra said. "I just thought I would have more time to prepare myself for being a mother."
"You have plenty of time to prepare. You have at least seven months."
"I thought I would be at least married and have a career going and then when the time was right, start a family. If it was perfect, I would be pregnant with your child."
"Everything happens for a reason. Some of the reasons, we don't understand."
"Well, I wish I knew this reason." Debra said then started to cry. Edward moved up to her and pulled her against him. Debra buried her face in his chest and cried against him. Edward held her tight until she calmed down and pulled back. She wiped her eyes on her arm. "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize for your feeling and emotions." Edward said. He listened for a moment. "The doctors are here."
"Great." Debra said. "Would you take offence if I asked you to wait outside while the doctor examined me?"
"No, of course not. You do what you think you need to to be comfortable."
"Thank you." She said. "I hate the exams and I don't want you to get uncomfortable with what they do."
"If that is what you want, then that is fine. I'll be right outside the door if you need me."
"Thank you."
"I'll go help them with their equipment." Edward said then got up. He walked out the door.
Edward led Doc and another man into the room a while later. "Debra, this is Doctor Brooks." Edward said.
Debra got off the bed and offered him her hand. "Nice to meet you and for coming out here for this."
"I have always thought of going around for my patients and when Doc offered me this opportunity, I jumped on it. Besides, it gets me out of the hospital."
"Well, we appreciate it."
"Shall we get started?"
"Yes, let’s do that."
Dr. Brooks opened up his briefcase and pulled out a file. If you could fill in as much as you can, that would be helpful." He said as he handed the file to her. "If you don't know, just leave it blank."
"I'm sure I won't know a lot, but I will give it a shot." Debra said then started filling in the papers while the doctors set up the equipment. When she was done, she handed it back to Dr. Brooks.
"Ok. Now, could you please take everything off and put this gown on. I am going to do a thorough exam. Then we will do the ultrasound." He said as he handed her a hospital gown.
"All right." Debra said then got off the bed. She carried the gown into the bathroom.
Debra came out a few minutes later. Edward wasn't in the room. She laid down on the bed. Dr. Brooks explained everything he was going to do before he did it. After a while, he was done with the exam. "Are you ready for me to take a look?"
"As ready as I will ever be, I guess." Debra said. "Doc, could you ask Edward to come in here?"
"Of course." Doc said. He went to the door and whispered something to Edward. They both came back in.
Edward walked around the bed and sat down next to Debra. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes. I just needed and wanted you in here for this."
"All right." Edward took a hold of her hand then kissed her on the forehead.
Dr. Brooks got the wand ready. "I know this will be a little uncomfortable. If it bothers you too much, let me know." He said. Debra just nodded. Dr. Brooks started the ultrasound. He explained what he was doing and seeing on the screen. Debra squeezed Edward's hand and forced a smile at him. "Are you all right?"
"Yes. I'm fine, Doctor." Debra said.
"I'm just going to take some measurements to see about how far along you are." He said as he moved the wand around a bit and marked spots on the screen. "Just a few more moments. I can't get the right angle on it." He said as he moved the wand more. When Debra shifted, he stopped. "All right. I'm done for now." He said as he pulled the wand out. "I have the basics. Everything looks like it’s in pretty good shape. The heartbeat is strong, but I saw something that I couldn't get a good look at. I am sure it's nothing. Why don't you get dressed and we can meet downstairs and discuss everything down there when you are ready.”?
"Do you mean I can get out of bed?"
"Yes. There is no reason that I can see why you need bed rest." Dr. Brooks said.
Debra slowly got off the bed and went into the bathroom. She closed the door.
Debra came out a while later and sat down on the bed next to Edward. "I'm glad that is over with."
"Thank you for asking me in. It was wonderful to see that."
"If you are going to be part of its life, then I figured you should see it from the beginning."
"Why don't we go down and listen to what they need to tell us then we can go out and see Misty. I'm sure she will get your mind off things for a little while."
"Yes, I need to thank her for not leaving me." Debra said then stood up. Edward stood and put his arm around her. They walked out. They went downstairs and into the living room where the doctors were waiting. They sat down on the couch next to each other. "So, doctor, how does it look?"
"Everything looks normal from what I can tell. I would like to see you in a month. It doesn't appear that your ordeal caused any damage from what I can tell, but we'll do more tests later in the pregnancy. You can resume normal activity except for horseback riding. I would suggest you don't do that unless necessary."
Debra looked at Edward. "I guess riding lessons are out."
"You can still be around them as long as you are careful. You don't want them to kick you or knock you down."
"I'll make sure of that." Edward said.
"Good. You are about eight weeks along from the size of the fetus. so, your due date is approximately December 28th. Of course, that isn't exact. Due dates generally change through the pregnancy and since you don't know for sure when you conceived, it could be wrong." Dr. Brooks placed a book on the table. "There is another book about pregnancy and even a chapter just for the fathers. It has a list of do's and don’ts on certain things. My numbers are in there if you have any questions any time of the day. Do you have any questions for me now?"
"Just so we know, I don't have to be cooped up inside and in bed for the next seven months, right?"
"The more you are active, the better it is for the pregnancy. If you get tired, rest. Don't overdo yourself. Eat as much as you can handle. These next few weeks, it could be tough. There are guidelines in the book." Dr. Brooks said. "Any other questions?"
"I don't think so, but we can call you if something arises."
"Yes. There is also my email address in there if you want to email me."
Debra stood up and extended her hand. "Thanks for taking the extra time to come out here to see me."
Dr. Brooks stood up and took her hand. "You're welcome. Take care of yourself and I will see you in a month." The doctors gathered up their equipment with Edward's help and walked out. Debra sat down on the couch and took a deep breath.
Edward came back into the house a few minutes later and went into his office. He came out a minute later carrying a box. He sat down next to Debra and placed the box on her lap. "I had Mrs. Gardner pick these up yesterday."
Debra opened the box and saw a new pair of boots. "Thank you but aren't these for riding?"
"They are all around boots. You can wear them for anything. I wear mine every day."
"You also ride all the time."
"They are comfortable. You'll see." Edward said. "Besides, your shoes are still wet and muddy."
"Thank you." Debra said then put them on.
"They look good on you. Do you want to go see Misty now?"
"Yes. I need to thank her for staying with me."
"I'll get her a carrot. I'm sure she'll like a treat." Edward said as he got up and walked into the kitchen. He came back a few moments later with a carrot. They walked over to the door and outside. Debra stopped and took a deep breath. Edward reached over and took her hand. "Are you all right?"
"Yes. I guess I am still a little nervous outside." Debra said then started off the porch.
Edward walked with her to the barn. He opened the door and went inside. He saw Josh on the other end. "Josh, where is Misty? I asked you to put her out." He asked as they walked closer.
"I was just about to call you, boss. She won't let me bring her out."
"All right. I'll get her out." Edward said as they walked slowly up to Misty's stall. They stopped at the gate. "Hey, girl." Edward called. "What's wrong?" Edward asked Misty. Misty snorted then pawed at the ground. "You try." He said to Debra. He stepped aside.
Debra walked up to the gate. "Hey, girl." She called softly. Misty snorted the approached cautiously. Debra put her hand out. Misty sniffed her hand and allowed Debra to pet her. Edward handed her a piece of carrot. She held it out to Misty. Misty took it out of her hand. "That's a good girl. Thank you for finding me yesterday. You helped save me." Debra said as she stroked Misty's neck. "We are both going to be all right. We are in good hands here." Debra said.
"I think Misty has chosen her master." Josh said from behind them.
"We just seem to understand each other." Debra said. "Should I try to lead her out?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. After yesterday, I'm quite sure."
"All right, but I am going to be right next to you." He said then got a lead off the hook. He handed it to Debra. She clipped it onto Misty's halter. Edward opened the door slowly.
Debra started to walk Misty out. "That's a good girl. You are doing great."
Edward stayed close to Debra as they walked out to the corral outside. Josh opened the corral and Debra led her inside. Debra stroked her as she unhooked the lead. They backed out of the corral.
Josh closed the gate. "I have never seen an animal that Edward couldn't get close to."
"There is a first time for everything." Edward said.
"So, when are you going to allow Debra to ride her?" Josh asked.
"Maybe in about nine months or so."
"I'm pregnant, Josh. The doctor says I can't ride."
"Oh, Congratulations."
"Yes, but she can be around her. I will teach you how to take care of her or have one of the men do it. But she is your horse now, but you are to do nothing with her unless me or one of the men is right next to you. Understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Good." Edward said. Misty trotted up to the fence. Edward held out a carrot. Misty sniffed it and snorted.
"Misty, he's one of the good guys. He won't hurt you." Debra said. Misty sniffed the carrot and slowly took it from Edward. She backed away. “I don't think she believes me."
"She'll come around. You did." Edward said with a smile then put his arm around her. "I'm not going to give up on her. I don't quit."
"I'm glad."
Edward thought for a moment, then turned to Josh. "Did we ever get her blood results back from when we got her?"
"I don't remember seeing them. The lab might have gotten backed up. I'll go in and check." Josh said then walked towards the barn.
"What are you thinking, Edward?" Debra asked.
"Actually, I am thinking she could be pregnant. She is acting a little strange."
"Would that explain how she is acting?"
"It could. We'll just have to wait for the results." Edward said. "My vet will be out later to look at the puppies, so maybe I will have him take a look at Misty." Edward said as they turned and headed to the barn. They walked into the office. Josh was on the computer. "Find anything?"
"No. I mean, we have what the auction house sent us, but nothing from the lab."
"Ok. Let me know if you find anything out."
"Will do, boss."
"Let's go in the house for some lunch."
"Sounds good to me." Debra said. They left the office and slowly walked towards the house.
Debra walked into Edward's office in the house a while after lunch. She sat down in the chair across from him. "I want to know how this ranch works."
Edward stopped what he was doing and looked up. "Why?"
"If I am going to stay here, I want to know what goes on. I know I can't learn to ride, but I want to learn."
"I don't think you should worry about that right now. You have enough going on right now to think about something else."
"Maybe that would keep my mind off the other things going on in my life."
"This work can be very dangerous. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. I love you, Debra."
"I love you, too. That's why I want to learn about the ranch so we can work it side by side. I am getting tired of being in the house."
"I'll tell you some tonight after dinner." Edward said as he got up. He walked around the desk. "I'm sure you are getting a little bored around here, but until I can find something for you to do that you won't hurt yourself; you'll have to be patient."
Debra stood up so she was standing right in front of Edward. She took his hand and put it on her chest. "It still pounds when I am around you."
"So does mine." Edward said then engulfed her lips. He put his arm around her and pulled her tight. They kissed for several minutes then Edward pulled back. "Is it wrong for me to want to take you back to bed?"
"Not when I want to go there with you." Debra said as she roamed her hand across his chest.
"I thought you wanted to take this relationship slow?"
"I can't help what my body wants. It must be the hormones."
"I wish I could, but the vet will be here shortly, and I have some other work to do. I might need you to help with Misty."
"Well, we will continue this later. You do what you need to do, and I'll be here if you need me." Debra said then stepped back.
"I love you, darling." Edward said then kissed her. He quickly walked out of the office.