Chapter 7

Debra walked out onto the front porch a while later carrying a bag. She sat down on the chair and pulled out her cross-stitch work. She started working on it. A few minutes later she heard her name being called from the barn. She got up and walked quickly down to the barn. She went inside and saw Josh having trouble with Misty. She hurried over and took the lead from Josh. "It's all right girl. Calm down." She said quietly. Misty calmed down. "What is going on?"

"Dr. Patton needs to examine her and she won't go in the chute."

"Why does she have to go in here?"

"It is the safest way to examine her without anyone getting hurt. We do it to all the horses."

"It's all right, girl. I know it is scary, but you need to go in. Don't worry, it won't hurt you." Debra told Misty as she coaxed her into the chute. Josh closed the end. Debra held onto Misty's lead.

"You have such a way with her. I've seen Edward do wonders with horses, but she always gave him problems until you showed up. You must have gift, like he does."

"I'm sure she just understands me better because we are both women. She knows I am not going to hurt her and possible she knows I am scared to death."

"No, there is something there." Josh said.

Edward and another gentleman walked into the barn and up to them. "Debra, this is Dr. Patton, our vet."

Debra shook his hand. "Hello."

"Edward take the lead and keep her calm."

"Debra is the only one who seems to be able to do that with Misty." Edward said. "Do you think you can keep her calm?"

"I'll do my best." Debra said then started talking softly to Misty.

Dr. Patton started to examine Misty. "Yes, she is indeed pregnant." He said from behind Misty. "It feels like twins. It’s too late to abort only one." He said. "They seem to be in good position, though." He said as he walked up to her side. He listened to her heart and lungs. Everything sounds normal."

"That’s good."

"Can we talk in your office, Edward?"

"Of course. Josh, help Debra put Misty in her stall and give her some feed."

"Yes, Boss." Josh said. Edward and Dr. Patton walked towards the office. Josh opened the gate and helped Debra coax Misty out and over to her stall. Debra took her in and unclipped the lead. She backed out of the door and Josh closed it. Debra walked over to the office and listened by the door for a moment. She stepped inside the office. "So, there is a chance all three of them won't make it?"

"Debra, there is no reason to worry. We have birthed a lot of horses here."

"How many sets of twins?"

"None, but we know what we are doing." Edward said as he walked around the desk. "You don't need to worry about it."

"As soon as she starts showing signs of getting close, I'll stay here with her. I'll do weekly checks on her to insure she is doing all right."

"I guess it is always a waiting game." Debra said then walked out of the office. She walked over to Misty's stall and watched her eat.

Edward walked over to her a few minutes later. "She's going to be fine, darling." He said as he put his arm around her.

"Why was she sent to auction?" Debra asked. "I want to know her story, Edward."

"I am already looking into it. I'll let you know when I find something out."

"Thank you." Debra said.

"Are you feeling all right?" You're looking a little tired."

"I'm fine. There is just so much going on inside my head." Debra said as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I know. There was so much being thrown at us today." Edward said. "Do you want to take a walk with me?"

"I guess." She said as she shrugged.

"Edward took her hand and led her out of the barn and down a dirt road to another barn. They went inside. "This is where we house our new mothers and their colts and fillies." He said as they walked down the center aisle. "They are still on the wild side, but most of them know the hands that feed them." He said as he stopped next to a stall. A mother and her colt were eating. "He is just over a month old. As is most of them here."

"So, this is where Misty will be when she gives birth?"

"No. Since she will be giving birth out of season, we will keep her in the big barn. It is climate controlled. This barn isn't heated, since we usually only have the colts in here during the spring."

"Do you do that on purpose?"

"Yes. We mate during certain times of the year to make sure there is enough grazing for the new mothers and their colts."

"That’s good."

They continue through the barn. "So, I was thinking of something to keep you busy. I thought maybe you could clean out the flower beds and plant some new ones. What do you think about that?"

"That’s a good idea, I guess."

"If I'm not busy tomorrow, I will help you get started."

"All right.""

"That should keep you busy for a little while until I can find you something else to do."

"Sounds good. Are you busy right now?"

"Not really, but I think you should rest."

"I just want to see where you are talking about so I can figure out what I need or can do."

"Ok. Then can you rest for a little while?"

"Yes. After I get the ideas, I will rest on the porch for a little while."

They walked out of the barn and up towards the house. Edward shared his ideas about where flowers could go as they walked. They walked around the house then went up onto the porch. "Why don't you sit down, and I will get you something to drink?"

"I think I'm going to go upstairs and rest on the bed. I’m sure you have plenty to keep you busy. You don't have to constantly watch over me."

"You have a habit of getting into trouble."

"Yes, but I'm just going in the house. I'll be fine and Mrs. Gardner is in there. She can keep an eye on me."

"All right. Mitch wanted me to ride out to the cattle." Edward said. He leaned down and gave Debra a kiss. "I love you, darling."

"I love you. Go and get some work done." Debra said then went into the house.

Edward walked into the Debra's bedroom later in the evening. He noticed Debra sleeping and went over to the bed. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. Debra slowly opened her eyes, noticed someone there and jumped. Edward jumped back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's all right. I must have dozed off while I was looking."

"It looks like that." Edward said. "Dinner is downstairs."

"All right. Give me a few minutes."

"All right. I'll wait in the dining room."

"Go ahead and start without me." Debra said then got up. She went into the bathroom.

Debra walked into the dining room a short while later. She sat down and started to eat. "So, did you get much work done?"

"I guess. I kept thinking about you."

"I'm fine. Mrs. Gardner kept a good eye on me. She kept walking past the room."

"Really?"

"Did you ask her to check on me?"

"I only called her once to see how you were doing."

"Oh." Debra said. She ate a little more then pushed her plate back.

"Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine. It just didn't taste right to me."

"Can I have Mrs. Gardner make you something else?"

"No. If I get hungry later, I'll make myself something."

"All right." Edward said then finished his dinner. "I wanted to let you know that Ace took the information to the district attorney. He was going to question him today. He emailed me last night, but I didn't see it until just before I woke you. He said he would call me later. I haven't heard anything yet."

"Do you think I should tell Michael about the baby?" Debra asked.

"That is totally up to you, Darling."

"He is the father. He's the only person I was with in the past three years. Until you of course."

"I will support you no matter what you decide."

"I am concerned about custody battle, though. He has the money to hire lawyers to fight it."

"You don't have to do it now. There is plenty of time."

"I need to tell him. I hate keeping secrets from anyone and it will eat me up inside if I don't tell him." Debra said as she got up. "I'm going to do that now."

"All right. I'll be in my office if you need me." Edward said as he got up. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Debra."

"I love you, too. She said as she pressed against his chest. "I wish this was all a bad dream and I wake up in your arms. I wish we could have met under different circumstances."

"That would be nice, but the good things always balance out the bad."

"I'm not so sure about that. Right now, my bad things seem to outweigh the good."

"It will get better. I promise you." Edward said then pulled back slightly. He kissed her softly on the lips. "I'll see you in a little while."

"All right." Debra said then walked out of the dining room.

Debra walked into Edward's office about an hour later carrying her laptop. She sat down in the chair across from his desk. "So, I emailed Michael. It didn't take him long to respond, either. Long version, short, he denied it being his because he always used protection. I figured he would, though."

"Well, that is one less thing you need to worry about then."

"Yes, I suppose. I saved some flowers ideas. Do you have time to look at them with me?"

"Of course. I always have time for you, darling." Edward said as he got up from his desk and walked around. "Let's go over to the couch." He said as he motioned to the couch.

Debra got up and walked over to the couch. They sat down and Debra opened up her laptop. "I thought about something like this for around the house."

"Those are nice." Edward said. "This is your project. You can do whatever you want."

"Of course I wouldn't know what they would have in town."

"If you feel up for it, you can ride with me into town tomorrow. I have to check the mail anyway."

"I don't know if I am ready to go into town, Edward."

"Your bruises are faded. You can barely notice them."

"I know, but I'm not sure if I can do it."

"I could always take pictures and send them to you."

"I'll think about it."

"Good. So, what did Michael really say. You seem like you are holding something back from me."

Debra opened up her email and opened up Michael’s email. "Read it yourself. I'm going to get something to drink." She said as she passed the laptop to Edward. She got up and walked out of the office.

Edward walked up behind Debra at the kitchen counter. He softly gripped her biceps. "I would never say those things to you. I wish I could smack him."

"So do I." She said. "The reason he broke it off with me is that his wife found out and threatened to take half of what he had if he didn't break it off."

"I'm sorry, Debra."

Debra turned around and looked at Edward. "I'm not now because I have found you. It did hurt me at the time though."

"We found each other." He said then pulled her close. "Nobody should ever make you feel less of yourself." He said as he held her. After a few minutes, the phone rang in the office. "That is probably Ace."

Debra stepped back. "You better get it then." Edward nodded then walked out of the kitchen. Debra made two cups of coffee and made herself a peanut butter sandwich. She carried them into Edward’s office a short while later. She set his coffee down in front of him then walked over to the couch.

"Well, thanks for calling, Ace. Keep me posted on the developments." He said. "Bye." Edward hung up the phone and sat back. "The district attorney charged the guy with attempted murder, trespassing, and a couple of other charges. He denied it at first, but Ace got a hold of the surveillance video of the bar where you were at and after he realized he couldn't get out of it, he acknowledged he knew you. His public defender is trying to plead him out."

"So, if he pleads out, there won't be a trial, right?"

"Yes. The district attorney realizes the severity of this and is trying to get him in jail for as long as she can." He said. "She may want to come here and talk to you."

"If that is what has to be done, then I'll talk to her. I just want it over with."

"So do I." Edward said. He got up and walked over to the sofa. He sat down next to her and reached behind her. He started massaging her shoulders. "You need to relax a little. Stress isn't good in your condition." He said. "I could run you a nice warm bubble bath."

"I don't need a bubble bath. It feels good just what you are doing." Debra said then finished her sandwich. She leaned forward and put her plate on the coffee table. She turned her back towards him as he continued to massage her shoulders and started to relax under his hands. After a few more minutes, she leaned back against him. "Thank you, that felt good." Debra said. "Are you done down here?"

"I can be, why?"

"We have unfinished business to take care of." She said as she rubbed the inside of his thigh. She stood up and turned towards him. She took his hand and led him out of the office.

Debra woke up in the morning seeing Edward getting dressed. She sat up a little. "Where do you think you are going so early."

"I wanted to get some work done before I needed to run into town. It's early, try to go back to sleep."

"I can't." Debra said then got out of bed and hurried to the bathroom.

Edward walked to the bathroom doorway a while later. "Are you all right?" He asked after he lightly knocked.

Debra opened the door. "I will be in about seven months." She splashed cold water on her face.

"I don't think it will last that long. Maybe just another month or so. Your body is getting use to the growing baby."

"I know. I just hate it."

"Do you want me to bring you something up to eat?"

"No. You go do your work. I'll be down later to put Misty out."

"Ok. Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. It’s just part of the pregnancy."

"I realize it, but I do worry about you. You have had two traumatizing events happen since you got pregnant. I don't want a third"

"I'm fine." Debra said. "Go or I will make you go back to bed with me."

Edward leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Debra said. Edward turned and walked out the door.

Debra walked down to the barn about an hour later. She walked up to Misty's stall and held out a carrot. "Hey, girl. How are you doing this morning?" She asked. Misty came over and took the carrot. Debra pet her nose. Debra gave her the other half of the carrot. "You like that, don't you?"

"You are going to spoil her if you keep giving her them." Edward said as he came up behind her.

"She needs some spoiling." Debra said as she pet Misty. "Do you want to go outside and stretch your legs?" Misty bobbed her head. Edward handed Debra the lead and opened the stall door. Debra clipped the lead on Misty's halter and led her out of the stall. Edward walked next to Debra as they led her out of the barn. They walked to the corral and walked her inside. Debra unclipped the lead and they backed out. Misty trotted off. Edward closed the gate. "So, are you done training her until after she gives birth?"

"No, I can still train her. We just need to take extra precautions. I also want you involved in all her activities, except for the riding."

"Really?"

"Yes. There are a few books in the barn office I would like you to read about horses since you have never been around them before. I put them on the corner of the desk already."

"Thank you."

"I'm going to be heading into town shortly. Do you want to give it a try? If you’re uncomfortable, you can stay in the truck while I get the flower stuff."

"I guess I can give it a try."

"Great. I can show you more of the ranch on the way out."

"I will need a little while to get ready." Debra said as she turned from the corral. They walked towards the barn.

"Were you able to hold anything down after you got sick?"

"Yes. I had some toast."

"That's good." He said as they walked into the barn. They stopped at the office and Edward gave her the books. "Take your time reading. I will explain as we go through it."

"Have you heard about what happened to her?"

"Not yet, but I emailed the previous owner this morning." He said as he led her out of the office and towards the house.

Edward waited by the truck as Debra came out of the house. He opened the door as she came closer and helped her inside. "You look nice."

"I thought I should change for my first time out in public. I don't want people to think you have a helpless, homeless woman at your ranch."

"They wouldn't think that. Besides, it is already around town that you are here and that you were hurt when you came there." Edward said then closed the door. He walked around the truck and got in. He started it and pulled out. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"No, but I need to at least try. If I don't try, I won't know if I can do it."

"That's the positive attitude I like to hear."

Debra stared out the window as Edward drove slowly down the driveway. Even though he was trying to talk to her, it didn't really register to her ears. she was kind of in a daze. After they got to the main road, he drove faster. He turned on the radio and reached over and took her hand. Debra looked over at him and formed a weak smile. She looked backout the window.

Edward pulled into the post office parking lot a while later. He parked and shut off the truck. "It won't take me long." He said as he opened the door. "Are you all right here by yourself?"

"I'll be fine, Edward." Debra said without looking at him.

Edward got out and closed the door. He hurried into the post office. It didn't take him long before he came back out with a pile of mail. He opened the door and climbed in. "Are you ok?"

Debra looked over at him. "Yes. It is quiet here. Not much traffic."

"Yeah, it is. That's why I like it so much." Edward started the truck and backed out of the spot. He pulled out. "Do you see anywhere you would like to stop?"

"Not today."

"All right. The nursery is right down the road." Edward said as he drove. A few minutes later, he pulled into a parking lot and parked the truck. He shut it off. "This is it. What do you think?"

"I guess I can try to get out."

Edward got out of the truck and hurried around to the other side. He opened Debra's door and took her hand. "You can do this, darling. I will be right next to you the whole time." He helped her out and closed the door. They slowly walked around the outside shop and looked at the flowers. Debra relaxed a little as they walked and showed Edward some flowers she liked.

After several minutes, a man approached them. Debra tightened her grip on Edward's hand. The man extended his hand to Edward. Edward shook it then he offered it to Debra. "Hi, I'm Jonathan Lang. I guess Edward forgot his manners."

"Sorry. This is Debra." Edward said. "We came for flowers and soil and whatever else we decide."

"Are you trying to fancy up the ranch? You can't make it as pretty as Debra here."

"We already decided what flowers we wanted." Edward said as he walked back to the flowers. He pointed out which ones he wanted and how many of each as they walked. Jonathan took note of the order. Edward led the way back to where the pots were and they picked out some of those. Edward ordered the soil and asked for him to load it in the truck as they went inside. Jonathan walked away. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, but I had the feeling that guy was checking me out the whole time."

"Yeah, I'm sure he was."

"I think you bought too much. Just because I said I like something; it didn't mean you had to get it. It’s way too much. Are you sure your truck will hold everything?"

"Yes, I'm sure it will." They walked through the store and picked up a few things as they went. Their hands and arms were full by the time they got up to the counter. They put them down just before Jonathan came inside.

"Are you sure that is everything you need?"

"No, but it will get us started." Edward said.

"So, Debra, how are you enjoying the Second Chance Ranch?"

"I like it."

"I heard you had a lady at the ranch, but I didn't hear how pretty she is." Jonathan said and winked at Debra.

"I hear the gossip mill is still running full blast." Edward said. "How much do I owe you?"

"Yeah, you were never the social one." Jonathan said as he started to add up the purchases.

"I like to keep my private life private." Edward said as he pulled his wallet out.

Jonathan finished and told Edward the total. Edward gave him his credit card and waited as Jonathan ran it through. Jonathan handed him the receipt and Edward signed it. Edward thanked him and picked up the bags of purchases. He walked with Debra out of the store and to the truck. He put the bags in the back seat and opened the front door for Debra. He helped her inside. He walked around to the other side and got in. He started the truck and turned on the air conditioner. "It’s starting to get warm out."

"I think you are just a little hot under the collar from the way Jonathan was talking and looking at me."

"I am not the jealous type."

"Don't worry. I only have room in my heart for you."

"That's good to know." He said then smiled at her. "Do you want to stop anywhere else?"

"I don't think so." Debra said.

"Ok." He said then pulled out of the parking lot. He headed toward home.

"So, why is the ranch called Second Chance Ranch?"

"My foster father called it that. We give second chances to people and animals that need it. Most of the workers were on parole at one point in time. I hired them when nobody else would. I also have a few ex-military who just needed something worthwhile to help them out."

"That's interesting."

"But, don't worry, nobody is dangerous there. I trust each and every employee with everyone including Justin. Of course, Ace checks them out to."

"Of course."

"I don't define people from the pasts. I see them who they are now."

"I'm glad for that."

"Why is that?"

"I didn't have a great childhood. We moved a lot and the only thing my parents thought of was work and getting me ready to grow up. that's what they said anyway."

""Oh. You don't like to talk about them much, do you?"

"No. When I went off to college, they took off and I haven't seen them since."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Edward said then turned onto the road leading towards the ranch. His phone rang. He pulled it out and looked at it. He pushed the button. "Hey, Cal, what's up?" He asked. He listened for a moment. "Yes, we are on our way back now. Don't do anything until I get there." He said as he sped up a little. "We will be there shortly." He said then hung up.

"Is there trouble at the ranch?"

"No, just some clients that arrived a day early."

"Oh, ok."

Edward turned into the ranch. "I don't want you to do anything by yourself. I will take care of the clients, then I will unload everything and then you can get started."

"I'm not planning on doing anything at this moment, anyway. I think I'm going to rest a little."

"Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, mostly. Just a little overwhelmed."

"All right." Edward said. He pulled up to the house a little while later. He parked the truck by the house and shut it off. He got out and hurried over to the other side of the truck. Debra already had her door open. "hey, there. I am the gentleman here."

"Sorry, I forgot."

Edward helped Debra out of the truck. He kissed her lightly on the lips. "Remember, don't do anything with this stuff without me."

"I won't, don't worry. Go take care of your business."

"I'll find you when I am done." Edward said then hurried towards the barn.