For personal use and select distribution only © October 2001 by S.L. Snyder

CHANGES
by S. L. Snyder

Timeline: August 1874


Michaela was sitting at her desk, updating charts, when there was a knock at the door. “Yes?” she called.

The door opened and Jake came in. “Dr. Mike, ya got a minute?”

“Of course, Jake. Are you feeling okay?”

“Yep. I think we need to talk at the council meeting about the school,” he said as he sat down across from her. “Teresa has too many kids and not enough room. The town’s growing…more farmers comin’ in…and with Mr. Petersen building a hospital….well, I think we need a second teacher and another room. What do you think?”

“I think you’re right, Jake. Let’s talk about it at tomorrow night’s meeting.


Michaela was in bed, reading a medical journal, waiting for Sully to come home. He’d gone into the mountains early in the morning with Cloud Dancing and McKay. She wasn’t surprised he was later than he said he’d be. When those three got together, time was not an issue.

She was reading about some new procedures when she heard the front door open. She waited….she could hear him walking around and she knew he was turning out the lamps she had left on for him. Then she heard his steps on the stairs. Their bedroom door opened and she looked up and smiled at her husband.

“Sorry, I’m late. We kinda loss track of time.”

Michaela laughed. “If you came home on time after spending the day with Cloud Dancing and Terrance, I would think something was wrong!”

Sully knelt down by the bed and kissed her. “That bad, huh?”

“Not bad, my dearest, I just know the three of you enjoy each other’s company and find so much to do on your rides.”

He laughed. “Yeah…guess so. We got two deer. Cloud Dancin’s gonna salt some of the meat up for this winter for all of us. Then we each took some. I put ours in the spring house and I’ll dress it tomorrow.” He kissed her again and then stood up to get ready for bed. Michaela put her book down and turned off her lamp, waiting for Sully to join her. “How was your day?” Sully asked as he put his things away.

“It was good. We had a steady stream of patients. And Jake came by to say we need another teacher and room at the school. He wants to bring it up tomorrow night.”

“I wondered how soon that’d happen. Went by the school the other day and sure are lots of kids. Town council should be okay with that.”

“I hope so.”

Michaela turned on her side and Sully got into bed, spooning himself into her after turning off his lamp. He wrapped his arms around her and started nuzzling her neck, giving her light kisses.

“Sully, I can’t….I….”

“Shhh….It’s okay. I know ya got your monthly. But don’t mean I can’t kiss ya….”

“I’m sorry….I…”

“Ain’t nuthin’ to be sorry about. You havin’ them let us have our babies. Can’t get upset over that. But still like to hold ya and kiss ya, even though can’t go much ferther than that….”

“Byron, my Byron, you are such a good man. There are men who get mad over it. I had a patient a few days back whose husband beat her because of her monthly….because he wanted to….”

“Ain’t no sense ta that! Ain’t her fault. They got kids?”

“No.”

“Don’t he see that monthlies give ‘em the chance…”

“I don’t think he cares. I have heard of other women who have painful monthlies, but their husbands don’t care and do what they want anyway. It’s so sad.”

“I know,” he said as he kissed her cheek. “But all ya can do is keep helpin’ these women and mebbe some day the men will learn to take care of their women.”

Michaela rolled over to face Sully. “Is that what you do? Take care of me?”

He felt her body tense and could tell she was a little indignant. “Nah…not any more…now, me and you take care of each other.” He laughed. “But ya gotta admit that in the beginning I did some takin’ care of ya.”

He felt her relax. She smiled. “You’re right…you did take care of me in the beginning.”

“Yep….and that’s what I mean…..ya can’t go from using a woman the way some men do, to sharing your life with ‘em. First ya gotta learn to take care of ‘em.”

“But you didn’t have to learn to take care of a woman. You took care of Abagail….me….without starting out by abusing us. That girl in the mining camp……you didn’t hurt her…..”

“But ya don’t know what kinda life these men had growing up. There are lotta men that take good care. My pa was a good man. He never hurt my ma that I knew of.”

“I’m sure that is part of it, my love, but I also think there are some men who are just naturally kind and caring. I can’t imagine you ever had to learn to be good to a woman. I don’t think your kindness is learned….I think it’s inherent in who you are. Your reactions are too natural to be learned.”

“Michaela….don’t make me out ta be more than I am!”

“I would never do that, Byron! You are just a wonderful man….one many women would love to have….I’m so proud you’re mine…..all mine…..and I will never share or give you up…..I want you by my side….always…..”

“And you’re a wonderful woman.” He pulled her close against his chest and kissed her. “No place else I’d wanna be….”


It was close to five in the afternoon. Michaela and Sully, sitting on the bench, were waiting for the train. Colleen and Andrew had been in Denver for two days so that Colleen could enroll in college. They were anxious for the train to arrive and it was a little late.

“Here comes Brian with Katie and Benje,” Sully said.

Michaela looked down the street. Brian was carrying Benje and Katie was walking by his side and seemed to be talking away. Katie looked forward, away from Brian, saw her parents and took off running. Sully met her at the bottom of the steps and swept her into his arms. Then he waited for Brian before going back up to sit with Michaela. When Benje saw his mother, he held out his arms and she took him from Brian.

“Train’s late?” Brian asked.

“Yep. Horace says ‘bout ‘nother ten minutes. We’re gonna have dinner at Grace’s cause of the town council meetin’.”

“Papa? What we here for?” asked Katie.

“Colleen and Andrew are comin’ home today. Once they’re here, we’re gonna go eat at Grace’s.”

“’Kay. Where bin Colleen and Androo?”

“In Denver. Colleen’s gonna go to school there next month.”

“Colleen go way?” Katie said with a sad voice.

“Only a few days a week, Kates. And she ain’t gonna be far away. And she’ll come home lots.”

Katie did not look like her father’s answer satisfied her. But she didn’t ask anything else.

They heard the train’s whistle and knew it was right around the corner. A few minutes later the train came slowing into the station. Colleen and Andrew were the first ones off, into the arms of their family. “Oh, ma, you can’t believe what we saw! I’m so excited! And the counselor is wonderful! And….”

“Calm down, dear. Let’s go to dinner and you can tell us about it then.” Michaela said to her daughter, laughing.

Colleen took a deep breath. “Okay!”

After placing Colleen and Andrew’s luggage in their rooms, the family headed for Grace’s and settled into a table. After giving their order, Michaela took Colleen’s hand. “Now, dear, I take it you’re happy with what you found up there.”

“Oh, ma, it was wonderful! Everything was set up for me, just like Bob said it would be. And they have rooms for women, men and couples….and I have one of the rooms for couples, so Andrew can come up and stay with me sometimes…and I have classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays…and I will be busy all day, with barely enough time to study….and in my luggage I have what my counselor gave me to give to you. I have projects to do….and I have to write up every case I help you or Andrew on, or any minor one where I do most of the work….and you need to sign all the papers I write….Andrew can’t by himself because he’s my husband, but if the case was with him he has to sign and you have to sign if you agree….which I know you will…I mean you know Andrew knows what he’s doing….”

“Colleen! Enough! You need to breathe and eat!” said Michaela, patting Colleen’s hand. We have more than a few days for you to tell me everything. I will read the papers you have and then the three of us will decide how to handle everything. Okay?”

“Oh, yes, ma!”

Michaela glanced at Andrew, “I take it you found everything okay?”

Andrew smiled. “Sure did. I think Colleen will be fine. It’s a very nice set up. But I’m glad you stopped her talking…she’s been talking just about non-stop since we left Denver…”

“Andrew!”

“Well, it’s true, isn’t it Colleen?”

“I…well…I guess…” she replied, begrudgingly.

Her family smiled at her indulgently.

After completing old business, Jake brought up the subject of an expanded school. “We run outa space at the school. The kids are sittin’ four to a seat meant for two. And Teresa can’t give each kid enough time during the school day. We need ta do something about it.”

“I propose we build another room on and advertise for another teacher,” said Michaela.

“I second that,” said Horace.

“Hold on,” said Hank. “The town ain’t got a lotta money….I don’t think we got what it would take…..”

Colin Reilly raised his hand and Jake called on him. “I am volunteering for my guys to do the building for free if Sully’ll draw up the plans.” Sully nodded he would.

“I got some extra wood and nails I can donate,” said Loren.

“Me, too,” said Robert E.

And the rest of the town donated materials or money until they had enough to build the room.

“How’s that, Hank?” asked Jake.

Hank smiled. “Good. Now we got enough to hire another teacher.”

After the town council approved the proposal, Jake asked Horace to put out an ad and then closed the council meeting.


There were no patients and Michaela was sitting outside the clinic, resting.

“Hello, Aunt Michaela.”

“Why, Clara, dear, sit down.”

“Thanks.”

“Well, you’ve been married for a month now. Are you happy?”

“I’ve never been happier. Terrance is so good and kind. Father is good to mother…he’d never hurt her…..but they don’t really share life. Mother doesn’t make decisions outside of the family, only things like the house and us kids. And I know Uncle Everett was very bad to Aunt Marjorie. And the other aunts….well…that isn’t quite the way I’d want my life to be. Then I saw how you and Uncle Sully are with each other….and…..well….it was what I thought I’d like. I wasn’t sure about Terrance…..I mean I loved him so much, but he was older and had never been married. I wasn’t really sure what that meant. But, Aunt Michaela, he’s wonderful. He cares about what I think and want. He doesn’t make changes without talking them over with me. I know many men don’t want their wives to work and I was afraid Terrance would want me to quit. But he doesn’t! He knows I love my job and that’s good enough for him!”

“I’m so happy for you, dear. It takes a special man to not be afraid of his wife working. And to want to share things.”

“Yes, I know. He also told me he makes enough money to support me, so that if I ever wanted to quit, I could. It was all up to me! To still be able to make my own choices….”

“That’s wonderful. But also remember, Clara, making your own choices is good, but make sure you consider how your husband will feel. I have sometimes, hopefully all in the past, been guilty of forgetting how Sully might feel about a choice I’ve made.”

“I’ll remember that…thanks.”


Sully rode into the homestead yard. He was tired. He had been out since early morning doing some work for Welland Smith, but he finished early and knew it couldn’t be long after supper. He unsaddled Wind, wiped him down and put him in the barn, then headed for the house. He opened the door to find Brian at the table, writing, but no signs of Michaela or the kids.

“Brian?”

“Hey, pa.”

“Where’s your ma?”

“She was real tired and went to bed early. She put Benje to bed and I put Katie to bed just a little while ago. Are ya hungry?”

“Some….I’ll get it.”

“No, I will. Ma left it ready for ya.”

Sully washed up and then sat down to the dinner Brian had put on the table. Brian joined his pa. “Did ya get your work done?”

“Yeah. It wasn’t hard and I finished early. I was hopin’ to be home before your ma went to bed.”

“She didn’t go up all that long ago.”

“What ya writin’?”

“A story for the Gazette. Miss Dorothy gave me a whole column. I’m writing up the college in Denver. And I’m mentioning that Colleen is going to school there.”

“That’s good, son. You sure are becomin’ a good writer. I’m proud of ya.”

“Thanks, pa.”


Sully opened the door to find his lamp on, but Michaela’s off and she looked to be asleep. He closed the door quietly and started getting ready for bed.

“Sully?”

“Hey…thought you was asleep…”

“Not really…just dozing…waiting for you….”

Sully finished taking off his clothes. He climbed into bed and turned his lamp off. He moved close to Michaela and put his arms around her, kissing her cheek. “Brian said you were real tired.”

“I guess….some pain from my monthly…..that wears me out…..”

Sully moved his hands down to her abdomen and starting gently massaging her. “This okay?”

“Yes…it feels good,” she replied as she moved her hands down to cover his.

“Just relax, then. I’ll make ya feel better…close yer eyes…relax…” he murmured. Soon he could tell she had fallen off to sleep. He smiled, pulled her tighter and waited for sleep to come.


Sully woke up with first light. Michaela was still asleep and still cuddled against him. He lay there, smelling her hair, smelling all of her. Then he heard Benje stirring in his room down the hall. Slowly he removed his arms from around her, pulled on his breeches and went down to Benje’s room. “Hey, son,” he murmured as he picked Benje up. “Come on…let’s go make ya some breakfast…” They headed downstairs.

Michaela woke up to a missing husband. She felt the bed and did not feel his warmth, yet it still looked to be early morning. She got up, put on her robe and went downstairs. There she found him, with Benje, Brian and Katie. “Good morning.”

“Morning, love. Ya were sleeping so good, didn’t wanna wake ya. Benje was up just at dawn, so he and me came down here so’s not to wake the rest of ya. A little while ago, Katie and Brian joined us. We’ve all had breakfast. Are ya hungry?”

“Hmmm…yes….”

“I’ll get you something, ma!”

“Thanks, Brian.”

Michaela sat down at the kitchen table to eat and was joined by her husband and children. There were times, she thought, when this is what she wanted life to be like all the time. No pressures of work, town issues….just quiet times at home with her family. Course, she also knew that would never be enough for her, but for now….

“Do ya gotta be in town early?” Sully asked Michaela.

“No…not since it’s Saturday. I have no appointments.”

“So ya really don’t gotta be in town at all today?”

She smiled. “No.’

“How bout you, Brian?”

“No, pa, nothing for town. I don’t gotta have the article in until Monday.”

“Well, how ‘bout we go up to Wilderness Valley for lunch?”


They left home to arrive at Wilderness Valley by noon. Brian and Katie went for a walk. Benje was propped up against a tree and gurgled to his guard, Wolf. Michaela and Sully settled on the blanket watching Benje and Wolf, and Katie and Brian, and spreading out their lunch.

“Thank-you,” Michaela said.

“For what?”

“For suggesting we come up here. It’s so peaceful…..so nice.”

“Yer welcome. I like being here with ya….and with the kids. Katie sure likes exploring….and Brian’s so good with her.”

“And I imagine as soon as he can walk, Benje will be exploring with them.”

“Yep. Then we could just sit here and cuddle,” he said as he leaned over to kiss her.

“We still can…Benje won’t tell,” Michaela said, smiling.

“Yeah…but Brian ‘n Katie’d come back and while it wouldn’t bother me, you’d be blushing and moving away…”

“No, I wouldn’t…”

“Yeah ya would….admit it….”

“Admit what, ma?” asked Brian.

Sully started laughing as Michaela started blushing. “Nothing, Brian…your father thinks he’s being funny! Now, let’s eat!!”

After lunch, Brian and Sully chased Katie around the Valley, while Michaela sat playing with Benje.


Michaela and Sully were sitting in the café enjoying coffee and pie when Horace came running up to them. “Dr. Mike…we got some replies to the ad!”

“Already? It’s only been a week.”

“I know….but they come in today’s mail….there’s four of ‘em. I figger you should get ‘em cuz you’d understand all that stuff the best.” He handed them to her and then left.

Michaela glanced at Sully. “Should I read them?”

“Why not? Horace is right…you’d understand ‘em the best.”

While Michaela read the letters, Sully watched the people in the café, occasionally glancing at his wife. He loved to watch the expressions on her face as she read things. By watching her, he could tell there was at least one she liked. He looked up and saw Jake come into the café. “Hey, Jake,” he called, “could ya come here a minute?”

Jake nodded and headed for their table as Michaela looked up. “What’s up?” He asked.

“We’ve received four replies to our ad. Horace just brought them to me.”

Jake sat down. “Any good?”

“Yes…especially one….from a Bridget York. She currently lives in Denver. She was one of four teachers in a small town north of Denver. The town had too many people move away and could no longer afford all four teachers. Since she was the newest, they had to let her go. The mayor wrote a wonderful letter about her, which she included. I think we should get the council together and discuss it.”

“Well, now’s a good a time as any. Let me go get Robert E, Hank and Loren. See ya back here in a few.”

Michaela nodded as Jake left the café. She glanced at Sully with a worried frown.

“What?” he asked.

“He didn’t ask to see the letters, or even Bridget’s. He might see it differently than I do.”

“He ain’t dumb. He knows you’re the best one to choose. You chose Teresa over them saying they wasn’t sure and look where that went.”

“But Sully…..”

“No…..it’ll be okay….you’ll read her letter to ‘em and they’ll see it’s the best way. You’re a pretty incredible lady and they all know it….even them that won’t admit it….”

Shortly, the entire town council sat down at their table. “I’ll leave ya now,” said Sully. “Don’t want me sittin’ at your council. Michaela, I’ll let Amanda know you’ll be back soon.”

Michaela nodded at her husband and watched him walk away. Then she turned back to the council and read the letters to them. After a short discussion, they agreed Bridget was a good choice.

“We should offer her the job, huh?” asked Hank.

“Before we do, I would like us to send a telegram to that mayor and get confirmation that she would be a good teacher. It should come from you, Jake, since you are our mayor.” Said Michaela.

The others nodded their heads. “What would I say, Dr. Mike?”

“Well, ask him if…”

“Hey, Dr. Mike, I think it’d be better if ya went with Jake to send the telegram and say the right things,” said Hank.


Michaela and Amanda were in the clinic after just having said goodbye to their last patient of the day. “Mother, why don’t you go on home. I’ll finish cleaning here. Matthew is still at his office and will come by for me when he’s done.”

“I hate to leave all this for you.”

“I don’t mind. I truly enjoy cleaning the instruments. Especially when I think about how they can heal. I love to watch you and Andrew work. I always think how lucky I am that you let me work here.”

“Amanda, you are a wonderful worker. It is I who is lucky to have you. Once we get the hospital, we shall see how to certify you as a nurse. Okay?”

“Oh yes! Thank-you, Mother!” she replied as she hugged Michaela.

Someone knocked on the door and Amanda hurried to open it. It was Horace and Amanda bade him enter.

“Dr. Mike…ya got a reply from that mayor.” He handed it to Michaela.

She read it and smiled. “Horace, you know that second telegram we wrote and you’re holding? The one for Bridget York? Could you please send it now?”

“Sure thing, Dr. Mike.”


Michaela arrived home to find Sully cleaning out the barn. Benje was asleep in the hay in a little depression Sully had made for him. Sully held Flash and reached his hand up for Michaela. Once she dismounted, he threw Flashes reins over the rail and drew Michaela into his arms for a kiss.

“You’re home early…”

“We finished and Amanda thought I should leave. She said she would finish straightening up while she waited for Matthew. And we received the reply from the mayor of the town north of Denver. He had nothing but praise for Bridget York, so Horace sent the telegram offering her the job.”

“Hmmm….good…..so we can be alone a little while.”

“What about Katie…and…”

“Brian and Sarah took Katie fishing ‘bout half hour ago. They ain’t gonna be back for a few hours. And Benje just went to sleep.” He said, leading his wife over to the hay near Benje.

“Sully,” she murmured, “What if someone comes?”

“We’ll hear ‘em and they’ll go to the house…not expectin’ us to be out here. Come on….” He said, pulling her down into the hay with him. They landed in the hay, Michaela on her back, and Sully on his side leaning over her. “See…ain’t this nice?”

“And what do you plan to do, Mr. Sully?”

“Don’t know….plan ta make it up as I go along….”

“You’re impossible, Mr. Sully!”

“Yep. And Mrs. Sully, it’s just the way you like it….” He said as he claimed her lips with his own.


Michaela, Sully, Katie and Benje arrived in town, at the clinic, by nine in the morning. Sully helped his family down from the wagon and together they headed for Grace’s to leave the children. They met Horace and Samantha on the porch. Samantha and Katie immediately hugged each other.

“Sure glad Miss Lucille agreed to take care of Samantha too. I couldn’ta handled her and the station, even with Clara’s help.”

“We’re glad, too, Horace,” said Michaela. “The money helps Lucille and her family, and Samantha and Katie have become such friends.”

“Yep…ya’d hardly know there was a year between ‘em. Samantha talks a lot about Katie and how much fun they have when she’s here.”

The door opened. “Good mornin’,” said Lucille as she reached for Benje.

“Good morning, Lucille,” replied Michaela as Katie and Samantha went running into the house. “The girls really like coming here. Thank you for taking such good care of the children.”

“Why, Dr. Mike, it’s a real pleasure. They’re such good children.”

After leaving the children, Michaela and Sully walked hand in hand over to the clinic. “Wanna meet for lunch at the café?” Sully asked.

“Most definitely,” Michaela responded. “What are you doing today?”

“Bob asked me ta do some surveying of the land he wants for the hospital.”

“Where is the land?”

“Behind Loren’s store. There’s enough land for the things Bob said. He has a bid in on it, but wants to know the exact area.”

“Will that take you all day?”

“Nah…don’t think so. After lunch I plan to start drawing up the new school room. I’ll be in the office out back….close in case my wife has some spare time….”

“That will be nice.”

“Mmmm….well, guess I gotta go…” he said as they stepped up on the clinic porch. He pulled her close for a good-bye kiss just as the door opened and Colleen came out.

She smiled at her parents. “Good morning.”

Sully smiled at his daughter. “Morning. How ya doing?”

“Just fine, pa. Andrew’s out at the resort and I’m going out as soon as Amanda comes in to town.”

“Why don’t you go ahead, dear. I’m sure Amanda’s on her way.”

“Thanks, ma…bye.”

Sully turned his attention back to his wife. “I think we got interrupted in the middle of somethin’….now what was we doing?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, sir,” said Michaela, giggling.

“Oh, I know…..” he said as he bent over her and claimed her lips. “See ya for lunch, beautiful lady…”

“I’m looking forward to it, handsome sir,” she whispered.


The train had arrived and Horace was preparing the mail to put on the train. He glanced up to see a tall, nice looking woman looking around. “May I help ya, mam?”

She turned toward him. “Yes, thank you. I was just wondering where I could find a Dr. Quinn.”

“Just a minute. Clara,” he called, looking back to the office.

“Yes?”

“This here lady’s lookin’ for Dr. Mike. Can ya take her there?”

“Sure.”

Clara came out and over to Horace and the lady. “Mam, this here is Clara…Dr. Mike’s niece. She’ll take ya there.”

She held out her hand to Horace. He took it and they shook. “Thank you, sir.”

He nodded as Clara and the lady walked away. He couldn’t stop watching her. He felt light headed and sat down on a bench. He wondered why she was looking for Dr. Mike. He hoped she wasn’t sick.


Clara knocked on the clinic door, “Aunt Michaela,” she called.

Michaela answered the door. “Hello, Clara.”

“This lady asked for you so I brought her down.”

“Thanks, dear,” she said and Clara left. “I’m Dr. Quinn. How may I help you?”

“I’m Bridget York.”

“Bridget,” said Michaela, holding her hand out, “it’s so nice to meet you. Please come in.”

After speaking with Bridget, and when Amanda came back from lunch, Michaela took Bridget around to meet the other town council members. Then she took her up to the school to meet Teresa, who was starting to prepare for the upcoming school year. Teresa asked Bridget to stay to go over things with her and Bridget agreed. “I will see that Bridget finds the boarding house.”

“Thank you, Teresa.”

“My luggage is still at the station.”

“I’ll go up to the station and have Horace get your luggage to the boarding house.” Michaela told her.


Michaela headed to the café to meet Sully for lunch. He was sitting at a table facing the clinic, but she came from the station. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. “What are you looking for?”

“I figger if I keep lookin’ this way, I might see a pretty lady.”

“I think you may be disappointed.”

He pulled her around into his lap, looking into her face. “Nope…sure ain’t!” he said as he kissed her.

Michaela blushed and jumped off his lap. “Sully!” she whispered, “we’re in public!”

“Yep….sure are….but cuz we’re married, don’t figger anyone cares.”

“I….I….”

Sully laughed and held a chair out for her. Michaela sat down and Sully leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. “I sure love ya.”

Michaela looked up at him and smiled. “I love you too.”

Sully sat down. “Now, tell me why you were comin’ from the station.”

“Bridget York arrived and after I took her on a tour, we went to the school. Teresa asked her to stay there so I went to the station to ask Horace to take her luggage to the boarding house.”

“Mmmm…and whatya think of her?”

“She’s nice and she’s young. I think she will fit in quite nicely.”

“I didn’t think she’d be here so soon….did you?”

“No. I expected a telegram first. But I guess she was anxious to come to her new home. When will the school room be ready?”

“They’re gonna start the building tomorrow. It should be done in a couple days.”


Sully was in bed, reading, when Michaela came into their bedroom. “Benje okay?”

“Yes. He has no fever. I think he was just restless. I rocked him for a little while and he went to sleep.”

“I think he just wanted his ma to rock him.”

Michaela smiled at him as she took her robe off started to get into bed. Then she paused.

“What’s wrong?”

She smiled, then discarded her nightgown and quickly got into bed. She moved close to Sully and snuggled against him. “Are you going to keep reading?”

“Nah. It’s hard ta read if ya can’t move your arm….” He replied, looking at his arm with her arm wrapped around it.

“And your lamp?”

He laughed, put his book on his nightstand and turned out his lamp. “Better?”

“Yes….much…..” He moved down in bed until they were eye to eye. She reached up and bushed his hair away from his face. “You’re coming to the ceremony at the school house tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Yep….but sure don’t wanna talk about that now. Not with this naked lady right next ta me. Kinda takes my mind off anythin’ else.”

“Good…”

She turned her face against his chest and kissed him. Her hand crept up to caress his nipple and she felt him respond to her touch. Leaving her hand where it was, she moved her lips to kiss his other nipple, caressing it with her tongue. She heard him moan in response. While she continued, his hand moved down to caress her backside, pushing her tighter against him. His other hand was entwined in her hair. Her hand left his nipple and slowly trailed down his body to seek out his manhood. She grasped him as she moved her lips up to claim his. As the passionate kiss deepened, her hand continued to caress him, excite him.

As he released some of the pressure on her backside, she lifted her body up from his. He moved his hand between them to cup her breast and caress her nipple with his thumb. It was her turn to moan with pleasure. She did not relinquish her hold as he rolled them over so that he was on top. He looked into her eyes, glazed with desire.

“Oh Michaela, what ya do to me…” he murmured.

“My Byron,” she whispered, “you do the same to me.”

He aligned their bodies as she guided him into her. The movements were slow at first as they gazed into each other’s eyes, seeing all the love and desire there. Then the movements increased as pleasure filled them body and soul. All they knew at this particular moment was each other. They arched into their climax together.

She wrapped her arms around him to keep him close to her, in her, for awhile. He put his face against her neck, placing tiny kisses along her neck. Slowly they separated, crawling back into their own skin. He withdrew and rolled onto his back. Lying there, separated except for the holding of hands, they lay looking at the ceiling….. smiling, contented. Then he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her. “I think it gets better every time…”

“Mmmm…” she replied as she pulled his hand over to her lips and returned the kiss.

He rolled over on his side, placing his hand on her belly. His eyes caressed her body. She grasped the sheet and started to pull it up. “Are ya cold?”

“No…I…”

He smiled as her body color deepened in the moonlight. He removed the sheet from her grasp and tossed it aside. “Still, after all this time, ya feel the need to cover yourself. Am I ever gonna get rid of that Boston proper in ya?”

She smiled. “Probably not. For a second, I didn’t realize I was reaching for the sheet. Not until you asked me if I was cold. It’s just a habit, I guess.”

“Then break it,” he murmured in her ear.

She laughed. “I seem to remember another time when you told me to break a habit!”

“Yep. In the woods. On the way to that mine. Them habits didn’t break very easily. I think ya still got some. I wanted ya to need me back then.”

“I did need you then. I just couldn’t admit it. I surely need you now. It scares me sometimes how much I need you.”

“Don’t let it. I need you as much as you need me. That’s part of belongin’ to each other. Every now and then, I think about me before you and realize I wasn’t a whole person. I was just going through the motions of livin’. You gave me so much, even ‘fore ya knew it.”

“Think of how much time we wasted before we knew what we meant to each other.”

“Nah…it wasn’t wasted time….it was learnin’ time.’ He said as his hand started caressing her belly. “We came from such different worlds and I think we needed that time to see how we belonged together.”

“Oh, Byron, I can’t imagine any other life for me. Even those few times I get mad at you, I still wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Ya get mad at me?! No…!” He said, laughing. “I’d a never thought that!”

“Now you’re laughing at me!” She said, a trifle indignantly.

“Nope…never at you, my love, only with you. You know that. We’ve had our times….”

“Yes, you’re right, we have,” she said with a calmer voice.

“That’s nice…I like to be right every now and then…”

“Oh, you’re right more than that and you know it!”

“Yep…but it’s so hard for you to admit it. I like when you admit things like that….shows me a different side of you….and I like it like this, too, seeing all sides of you….”

“Sully!” she exclaimed quietly.

He laughed. “’N I like that side, too, that tone tellin’ me you’re embarrassed. I feel sorry for them that only see the confident Dr. Mike, doctor, town council person, someone they come to for counseling, someone who seems ta know it all and ain’t afraid of anything. They ain’t ever gonna see the Michaela I do. The one that needs as much comforting as the next person. The Michaela who gets scared and needs arms around her.”

“Only if they’re your arms. I love you so much, Byron. I never dreamt I would be this happy with a man. Mother always gave me the impression that a man was a small part of a woman….that her home and children were so much more. How wrong she was! I love our children very much, but you are the biggest part of me. I can see now that life without you would only be a half life.”

“For me too, Michaela, for me too…” he murmured as his face came down to hers and he kissed her nose, then her lips. His hand moved from her belly up to caress her cheek as the kiss deepened. Then his hand traveled back down, to stop at her breast. He cupped her breast and started to tease her nipple into arousal. She responded to his touch. He moved his lips down to take over for his hand and his hand traveled down her body to find the warmth between her legs. She moaned with desire.

Slowly, Sully moved over Michaela. She gazed up into his eyes as he gazed into hers. She felt his manhood between them, so she reached down to caress him. When he entered her, she felt complete.


Most of the town seemed to be gathered at the schoolhouse for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new school room. Bridget was standing with Teresa. She had settled into her room at the boarding house and had spent the week since her arrival meeting the towns’ people and working with Teresa to get things ready for school. Only Bridget, Teresa and the men who built the room had been inside. The others wanted to see the new room.

The new room could be entered through it’s own outside entrance, or from the original room. Loren had donated a ribbon to stretch across the outside entrance. The town council, by a unanimous vote, had chosen Teresa Slicker to cut the ribbon.

The town council members were standing at the bottom up the steps leading up to the new room. Jake stepped up on the steps to the door to get the attention of the crowd. “We’re a growing town. By next year, we hope to have a hospital. We welcome the people comin’ into our town. And we welcome our new teacher, Bridget York,” he said, gesturing toward Bridget. “I know many of you have met Bridget. After we’re done here, we have refreshments at the café, thanks to Grace. Any one who ain’t met Bridget can then.”

“Get to it, Jake!” Hank called. The crowd laughed.

“Okay, okay. Now, the council chose Teresa ta cut the ribbon. So here she is.”

Teresa came up the steps, took the scissors from Jake and cut the ribbon. The crowd applauded. Teresa and Bridget were the first ones in the room and stood by as those wanting to see the room came through. Finally they went down to the café.

Jake was sitting with Loren, Michaela, Sully and Horace when Teresa and Bridget joined them.

“It was a very nice ceremony,” said Teresa. “The people are interested in the school. It is good.”

Josie and the Reverend came over, with Josie pushing a carriage with Heather and Jacob. As they sat down, Teresa went over and picked up her son, who smiled and put his arms around his mother.

“Teresa,” said Josie, “how would you feel about Lucille caring for Jacob?”

“Lucille? That is who cares for your children, yes, Dr. Mike?’

“Yes.” Said Michaela.

“And she is good?”

“Very good. The children love her. But, Josie, she already has five to care for, with our two, Grace’s two and Samantha. Can she take on more?”

“Well, yes, with help. She spoke to me about starting a business of taking care of children. There are two other women, friends of hers, who would help her. Grace is supporting her and for the time being she would care for the children at Grace’s home. But Lucille is hoping to eventually find her own place to have her business. Timothy and I plan to have her care for Heather.”

“It does sound good. Yes, Jacob?” Teresa said, turning to Jake.

“If Dr. Mike and Josie both think it’s a good thing.”

Both of them nodded their heads. “This is also good for our expanding town,” said Michaela. “Well, Bridget, what do you thing so far of the town and people?”

“I really like it, Dr. Mike. Everyone has been so nice. And Teresa has told me a lot about the area.”

“When school starts, Bridget shall take the young children. I would like to stay with most of the children I have now.”

Michaela looked over at Horace, who had not said anything. She saw him watching Bridget and smiled to herself. “Horace, how have you and Samantha been getting along?”

“Um….I….well, good Dr. Mike. It’s nice havin’ her here. But she still misses her ma. It’s getting’ better though.”

“Good. She and Katie seem to have really taken to each other.”

“Yep. And makes me happy she got a good friend.”

“Mr. Bing, you care for your child by yourself?” asked Bridget.

“Well, yeah, sorta…I mean I got good friends here that sure help me.”

“That’s wonderful. How long ago did you lose your wife?”

“Well….me and Samantha’s ma were divorced. They lived in St. Louis. Myra got sick and passed away a couple a months ago, so Samantha came to live with me.”

“I’m so sorry for the loss.”

“Thank ya, mam. But please, call me Horace.”

Bridget smiled. “If you will call me Bridget.”


The children were in bed. Sully and Michaela were sitting in the wingback chairs, reading. “Sully?”

“Mmmm?”

“Did you notice Horace today?”

“Notice what? He seemed okay.”

“Yes, I think he is. But I think he’s attracted to Bridget.”

“Michaela,” he said, looking up at her. “Promise me you’ll stay out of it!”

“Sully!”

“Michaela….”

She chuckled. “Alright.”

“That’s my girl…”


Daniel was just leaving for work when Brian rode up. “Morning, Brian.”

“Daniel. Is Sarah here?”

“Sure. She and Anna Marie are doing dishes. Go on in.”

“Thanks.” Brian dismounted and went in. “Morning Miss Anna Marie, Sarah.”

“Hi, Brian,” said Sarah, smiling as Anna Marie nodded.

“Sarah, I’m riding up to see Cloud Dancing for the day and wanted to know if you’d like to come?”

“May I, Mother? You don’t need me do you?”

“Of course you may go. I don’t have a lot of work right now. Some ladies are coming in later for some fittings, but I can handle it myself. Have a good time.”

“Thank you.”

Brian saddled Sarah’s horse for her and they headed out towards Palmer Creek. They rode slowly along, enjoying being together.

“Do we have to be there soon, or can we go by the Red Rocks?” Saran asked.

“We ain’t got any time ta be there, cept by lunch. We can go by the rocks.”

They headed toward the Red Rocks and when they arrived at the hill over looking the valley and the rocks, they dismounted. They sat down on a log. “Isn’t this where you and your father were when the hawk got hurt?” Sarah asked as she took his hand.

“Yep. I was sittin’ on this very log and pa was sittin’ on the ground.”

“It’s so beautiful here. I’ve heard Daniel and Mr. Sully talk about trying to keep the valley and the rocks as they are. I can’t believe there are people who would want to change this.”

“I know. There are lots that don’t care about the wilderness. All they want is to own the land and put buildings on it and take down the trees. ‘Member, that’s what Mr. Lodge wanted ta do at Palmer Creek til Daniel bought it. He saved all that. And now we have lots of people coming to stay up at the cabins all the time.”

“You like doing your Wilderness Guides, don’t you?”

“Yeah. I like it and writin’ for the newspaper. The guiding is easy…pa’s taught me all about that. But I’d sure like to learn more about writin.”

“Is that what you want to go to college for?”

“I kinda think so. I ain’t talked to ma and pa about it yet. But the college in Denver has the things…the classes…I would need. I have talked to Miss Dorothy about it. And it’s close to home.”

“You don’t want to leave here?”

“Not fer good. But I think I wanna see things…I mean, I been to Boston and Washington D.C. I think I’d like to see other places. Colorado Springs will always be home….or maybe you don’t want that?”

“When I first got here I didn’t like it. I missed home…but then I realized it was my father I missed. My home in Georgia was okay, but I love it here. I do want this to be our home, Brian…..’

He smiled. “Our home….I like that.”

“Me too.”

“Do you wanna go to college?”

“I don’t know. I thought about talking to Dr. Mike about nursing. I see what Amanda does and it looks interesting. But I don’t know if I could handle the blood and all. I’ve thought about being a seamstress like my mother, or a teacher….but I don’t really know. There’s just nothing that means a lot to me….nothing but being with you….”

“I wanna be with you, too. Sure am glad you like it here. I don’t think I wanna live anywhere else.”

“Me either.”

“We gotta head for Palmer Creek. Okay?”

“Sure.”


Brian and Sarah arrived at Palmer Creek to find Dorothy and Cloud Dancing preparing lunch. They dismounted and helped finish preparing the lunch. After lunch, Sarah and Dorothy took a walk while Brian and Cloud Dancing discussed plans for two families coming to stay in the Palmer Creek cabins. By mid-afternoon, they were done and after good-byes, Brian and Sarah headed for town.

They rode down to Wilderness Valley and decided to stay a little while. After securing the horses, they took off their shoes and, sitting on the bank of the stream, stuck their feet in the water. They were content to hold hands and splashing their feet. After awhile, they stood up and stepped onto the bank. All of a sudden, Sarah dropped Brian’s hand and, gathering her skirts, took off running. For a startled second, Brian watched her, then he took up the chase.

Brian caught up to her quickly, but as he reached for her, she dodged out of his reach and ran the other way. Their laughter filled the valley. And the chase continued and because they were enjoying it, Brian didn’t give his all into catching Sarah for awhile. Then, suddenly, Brian caught up to and tackled Sarah. It was on a slope and they tumbled to the ground, rolling over and over. They reach the bottom, out of breath and filled with laughter, with Brian on his back and Sarah leaning on his chest.

Sarah looked down into his eyes. Brian’s arms tightened around her and she leaned down for a kiss. As the kiss continued, Brian rolled over so Sarah was on her back. The kiss ended as Brian’s fingers traced her face.

“I love you, Sarah.”

“I love you, too.”

He leaned down and kissed her again and again. She put her arms around him and held him close. Soon Brian felt his body responding and knew they had to stop. He kissed her one last time, sat up and pulled her up with him.

“Brian?”

“We gotta stop. Things are happening.”

“What?”

“Things I ain’t got control over as long as we’re kissin’. Trust me.”

“I do.”

He looked at her and she was smiling. “I think we gotta go.”

Sarah nodded.


Horace had just delivered Samantha to Lucille. He turned and headed back to the station without looking where he was going. Bridget had just left the boarding house with a pile of books for the school when Horace ran into her. While they both kept on their feet, the books went flying.

“Oh, my….”

Horace turned red. “Gosh…I…I…I’m sorry…..I….”

Bridget smiled. “It’s okay. No harm done. I was just startled.”

Together, they picked up the many books Bridget had dropped. “Them’s a lotta books. Can I help ya carry ‘em to the school?”

“Why, Horace, I would really appreciate that.”

They turned and headed for the school. “Are ya from Denver?”

“No, not originally. I was raised in San Francisco. But after I became a teacher, I taught in a town north of Denver. Then when they needed to have less teachers, they let me go since I was the newest one. I went to Denver to start looking for a job.”

“I’m glad ya found this one.”

“I am too. I did not want to work in a big city. I was hoping for a small community. Have you lived here long?”

“Yep…..almost since the town started. I been the telegraph operator since ‘fore the train came. I was in charge of the stage when we had it instead….and now the train.”

“That must be very interesting, operating a telegraph. Will you show me how it works sometime?”

“Be glad too,” replied Horace, beaming. They arrived at the school and set the books on Bridget’s desk. “Ah, I was wonderin’ if you’d care to have lunch with me?”

“Why I would like that.”

“Today, mebbe?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll come get ya around lunchtime. Okay?”

“I’ll see you then, Horace.”

Horace walked on clouds to the station.

“Horace, are you okay?” asked Clara.

“Yep…just fine…oh, I’m gonna go to lunch about noon today. Okay?”

“Sure. I don’t have any plans.”


Michaela and Sully were enjoying each other and waiting for lunch. “I like these kinda lunches. Like the view and ain’t no one else to interrupt us…”

“I like it also. I like just looking at you.”

“Mmmm…yep…like that. Almost as good when we’re alone in our room at home….only problem can’t do the same things.”

She leaned over to whisper in his ear. “Byron….you are…..um…”

He turned his face to hers and kissed her cheek. “Yep!”

“Hey, you two,” said Grace as she set their lunches down. “You’re suppose ta be an old married couple now. Ya still act like ya got married yesterday!”

“Well, Grace, I just can’t help it. I just like lookin’ at this lady.”

Grace laughed and said as she walked away. “Sully, you just put all these other husbands, mine included, to shame!”

Michaela gave him a kiss. “I agree…you are the best.”

“Just like you.”

They were eating when Sully noticed Michaela paused and was staring somewhere and had a slight smile. He turned to look where she was looking and saw Bridget and Horace walking into the café. He turned back to look at Michaela. “See, they don’t need your help at all.”

Michaela looked at Sully and smiled.



The only thing better than falling in love with you is growing deeper in love with you. The only words more meaningful to me than "I do" are "I always will."
Author Unknown

The End

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