The news had spread fast that Sully had a sister and everyone wanted to meet her. Sully and Michaela kept all the fuss to as little as possible. Sully noticed that there were two people who were paying extra attention to Shannon. One was his best friend, Daniel, and the other was Hank Lawson. Sully didn't know if he wanted Hank to be paying attention to her or not. Between the two men, he definitely preferred Daniel. But that wasn't his choice, was it? He also wasn't sure what this competition for Shannon's attention would do to the strained relationship between the two men. He just prayed that nothing would happen.

Matthew had taken an interest in Carolyn Stevens. He stopped in every day to check to see how she was doing during the two days Michaela kept her at the clinic. Then he took her to the homestead. He took her on walks every night. Carolyn had been traveling with Shannon to San Francisco. However, since she had no one waiting for her and she really didn't know what she was going to do once she got there, she decided to stay in Colorado Springs for awhile. Grace hired her to help out at the cafe so she could take it easy with the baby coming.

Daniel had taken on the "job" of walking with Shannon every evening after supper so she could get her exercise. He even kept it up when Shannon moved out of the clinic and out to the homestead. It got so that Daniel and Matthew were regulars at the Sully home every night for supper. Daniel had planned to go back to Nevada, but those plans were soon changed. He enjoyed Colorado Springs. Maybe he would be staying on for quite awhile.

Colorado Springs was buzzing. On Monday, Horace had received a telegram from someone by the name of Thomas Lawrence from the law firm of Kohen, Kohen, Lawrence and Sampson. The telegram had stated that Mr. Lawrence would be on the Tuesday train from Denver to San Francisco and wanted to meet with a few people at the train station when it made its scheduled stop at 2:00 p.m. in Colorado Springs. Horace, as well as everyone else, was surprised at the "few" people he wanted to see. The list included Michaela, Sully, Matthew, Hank, Dorothy, Loren, Jake, Teresa, the Reverend, Robert E, Grace, Preston, Daniel and Horace. No one had any idea who Mr. Lawrence was or what he wanted to see them about. Needless to say, everyone in town was talking about the telegram.

Grace's cafe was hopping at lunchtime on Tuesday. The excitement electrified the air. The appointed time would not arrive fast enough. It was a very animated group that headed for the train station at 1:45 p.m. They were NOT going to be late for whatever it was that Mr. Lawrence wanted to talk to them about.

The train was right on time. Eyes were glued on the embarking passengers until one man dressed in a suit and hat stood alone. Unsure of what to do, Jake approached the man. "Mr. Lawrence?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Jake Slicker, Mayor of Colorado Springs." Jake extended his hand which Mr. Lawrence shook.

"Good. Are the others here?"

"Yes, we are all here."

"Then let's get started."

The group gathered around Mr. Lawrence not noticing the boxes and crates that were being unloaded a short distance away. "As I said in my telegram, I am Mr. Thomas Lawrence from the law firm of Kohen, Kohen, Lawrence and Sampson. One of our clients has recently received an inheritance and wanted to do something for the people of Colorado Springs. Before I tell you about all of this, I will be returning east from San Francisco next week and will stop here again. I would like to meet with you again at that time."

"Now, the reason for my visit--first, Mr. Slicker, as Mayor of Colorado Springs I present to you this crate of books for the town's library. You are to see if there are any others on a list that is included in the crate that you wish to order for the library. Also, there are materials for any repairs or construction that needs to be done in the town. Please see what other materials or supplies will be needed for these repairs or construction. You are to let me know when I return next week."

All heads turned towards the several crates that now filled the platform. The one that Mr. Lawrence was walking towards was five feet deep, five feet wide and five feet long. One of the men who had unloaded the crate opened it to show books filling every space available. Next to it lay several piles of lumber. No one knew what to say.

"As town barber, here are some supplies for you. Please let me know what else you need next week."

"Secondly, is Mrs. Slicker here?"

Teresa stepped forward. "I am Mrs. Slicker."

"As the school teacher I present you this crate of new books for use in the town's school. There are also some slates and pencils for the students in the crates. Anything else you may need, please let me know next week." The second crate was full of school supplies.

"Is Hank Lawson here?"

"Right here." Hank stepped forward wondering what someone would give to him.

"Hank, this box contains new linens and curtains for your hotel. My client does not approve of your saloon, but would like your hotel customers to be comfortable. If you need more, let me know." Hank took the box that was presented to him and set it down beside his feet. He hoped, along with everyone else, that they would find out who this person was that was bestowing gifts on them.

"Reverend Johnson?" Mr. Lawrence continued as Loren helped the Reverend to the front of the group. "Reverend, I present you with these new Bibles and Hymn books for the Church. If you need more or something else for the Church, let me know next week."

"You must be Loren." Mr. Lawrence turned toward Loren who was helping the Reverend open his crate. "Yes, I am." Loren was a little startled. What would anyone be giving him?

"There are some new display cases for your store. Please make a list of items you wish to carry in your store, but are not able to at this point. I will pick up the list next week."

"Dorothy, as editor of the Gazette, there are some printing supplies-paper and ink. Please let me know next week how much more you will need to last you for the next six months."

"Daniel, as sheriff, there are some linens as well as some paint and lumber to fix up the jail. My client wasn't sure what else might be needed, so please make a list for me by next week."

"Horace, as telegraph operator, here is the latest telegraph equipment available. If you need other supplies or equipment, let me know next week."

"Matthew, my client has heard you would like to go to law school. Is this true?"

Matthew was surprised. "Yes, I've been studying on my own.

"Well, your tuition and expenses will be paid for when you go to law school. Just let me know when you have been accepted and where you will be attending."

"Mr. Sully, there is some lumber for you. My client would like to order from you a cradle for Grace and Robert E's baby, a set of eight chairs for our offices back east and a large table for us to have our meetings around. Also, based on the description and crude drawing my client showed me, I would like to order a china cabinet for my wife. The sketches of these items are included with the lumber. All the supplies you need should be here, but if you need anything else, I will pick up the list next week. I will also get from you the cost of this order so I may let my client know."

"Robert E, there is a crate with supplies that you will need as the blacksmith. There are also some new tools. Please let me know next week if you need any other materials or supplies as well as if there are any other tools you need."

"Grace, there is a box of flour, sugar and salt and another box of apples for your cafe. Let me know next week how much more you will need to last for the next six months. We can arrange to have these delivered on a monthly basis in order to stay fresh. Also, here are a few items for your baby when it comes. If you need anything else for your baby, please let me know."

"Dr. Quinn, as the local doctor, here are some medicines and medical equipment. Not being a doctor, my client asked me to have you make a list of other medicines and equipment you would need or could use here. I will pick the list next week. Also, please indicate what medicines you will need to last for the next six months. If necessary, we can arrange to have them delivered monthly."

"And last of all, Mr. Lodge. My client wants to know how much money it will take for you to be able to pay back the people of this town what they lost when the stock market crashed. You will be given a loan of that amount with the stipulation that these people get their money. If you pay back the money as required, you have a year to pay back the loan. If you do not, you have ten days with 10% interest. Is that agreeable with you?" Preston wasn't sure what to say. Someone was giving him a chance to make amends. "I agree to the terms. I will need about $1,000."

As Preston and Mr. Lawrence walked over to the bench to fill out the papers and complete the deal, everyone started talking at once. They hoped Mr. Lawrence would still reveal who the person was who was so generous.

Mr. Lawrence looked at his pocket watch and headed for the train. He turned one last time to the group. "As I said, if you need anything or these items are not right, please let me know when I come back through here next week. I need to let my client know that their wishes have been completed."

"Mr. Lawrence, how can your client afford to do all of this? And why us?" Michaela's curiosity had gotten the better of her and everyone else waited to hear the answer.

"I have been given permission to tell you, if you asked, that my client inherited a large sum of money and does not want any of it. They want to help some of the people of Colorado Springs that my client considers special. The money was not invested in the stock market, so they did not lose any of it when the market crashed. My client would be VERY, VERY hurt if next week when I return you did not provide me with the lists of supplies, etc., that I have requested." Gasps went through the crowd and no one knew what to say. No one noticed Mr. Lawrence looking at the person leaning against the train station and the winks and smiles they exchanged.

It wasn't until after the train pulled out that anyone realized that they had not found out who it was that was giving them all these things. Well, Mr. Lawrence was returning in a week. They would ask him then.

It was almost like Christmas. Everyone was unpacking the crates or boxes they received and going through the items in them.

Hank had enough linens and curtains for his hotel that he knew he was set for a long time. He still did not know how he could be one of the "special" people of Colorado Springs.

Preston wasn't sure why he was given a loan to pay back the people of Colorado Springs. Why would someone help him? Then Sully made a remark that hit home. It wasn't to help him out-it was for the people of Colorado Springs he had to pay back. Oh well, he was benefiting from it, too.

Dorothy was overjoyed with her supplies. The Gazette wouldn't miss a day with all the ink and paper she received. She made out a list of how much paper and ink she would need for six months and then felt guilty about it. She would have thrown the list away, but she remembered what Mr. Lawrence had said about his client being very hurt if she did not give him the list. She did not want to hurt anyone.

Michaela, Sully, Matthew, Daniel and Shannon were discussing the things they were given. Daniel was glad for the supplies to fix up the jail. It was in bad need of repair. Sully was amazed at the order he had received and stood looking at the sketches. He would have no trouble filling the order with the materials that he had received. Michaela couldn't believe the equipment or the medicines. They were all that she had ever dreamed of and more. Matthew couldn't believe he was going to get to go to law school. They each thought about what Mr. Lawrence had said and made the lists to give him when he returned.

Jake and Teresa were thrilled with the items in their boxes. There were books for the library and school they had never dreamed of having. And Jake looked through the supplies for the barbershop. He was grateful for them.

Loren helped the Reverend unload the Bibles and Hymnbooks. They were more than the Reverend had ever hoped for. He had made do with the Hymnbooks he had brought with him when he first came to Colorado Springs.

When they were done unpacking the Bibles and Hymnbooks, Loren looked at his new display cases. He had been contemplating how to replace his old ones, but couldn't afford it right now. These new ones were even bigger and better than what he could have gotten. He thought about some of the items he would like to have in his store and made a list of them. Only remembering what the lawyer had said encouraged him to make the list. He didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings and he really had some items he would like to have for the store. Oh well, it couldn't hurt, could it?

Horace was grateful that his telegraph was replaced with the newest one. He made a quick list of the items that he used as the telegraph operator to give to Mr. Lawrence when he returned.

Robert E and Grace couldn't believe their good fortune as they looked at the tools for Robert E and the supplies for both of them. Grace figured it was enough to last her a month. She quickly figured up how much she would need for the next six months and how much she would need delivered each month. They enjoyed looking through the box of baby things--things for their baby.

Michaela and Sully had decided to stay in town to eat that night. Grace's cafe was lively by the time they arrived. Everyone was talking about Mr. Lawrence and his client who had given them so much. Just as they were about ready to sit down Horace came running up. "Dr. Mike, a letter just arrived for you."

"Thanks, Horace." Michaela's eye grew wide with wonder as she read the last paragraph of the letter. When she did say anything, Sully asked, "Michaela, is everything alright?"

"Yes, it's from Colleen. Listen.

"Ma, you won't believe this. I went to pay for next semester's tuition and books and it had already been paid. All they would tell me is that a Mr. Lawrence sent them a letter requesting all my bills be sent to him. He has a client that will pay for the rest of my schooling. Well, I have to go now. Please write back and tell me if you know who this client of Mr. Lawrence's is."

Michaela looked at Sully in shock. Who was this person and how did they know that Colleen was in school?

"Who would give us all these things?" Grace was still wondering why she had been included in the group.

"I wish I knew." Michaela was so thankful for things she had needed for a long time but had been unable to get.

"Well, I wondered something else." Everyone turned to look at Sully. "First, how did this person know our names? And second, how did they know exactly what each of us did and what we would need?"

You could have heard a pin drop as Sully's words sank in. No one had stopped to think about how this person knew them or what they would need.

"I guess there is only one answer." Daniel looked at each person there. "Whoever it is, is right here in Colorado Springs or has been recently."

It was a solemn group that digested this new idea. Daniel was right. Either the person was here now or had been. It had to be someone they all knew. But the question is who? They determined more than ever that they would ask Mr. Lawrence again when he arrived next week. Until then, all they could do was guess.

The townsfolk were trying to plan their Fourth of July celebration, but felt they couldn't afford very much and they were still talking about their generous benefactor. Everyone had a theory, but most of them didn't make any sense at all. They would just have to wait and see if they could convince Mr. Lawrence to let them know who this person was. At their town meeting they decided July 4 would just have be celebrated with a town picnic and dance. That was all they could do this year

. It was a very excited group that met Mr. Lawrence at the train the following week. They all wanted to find out who was being so generous. "Well, let's start with you, Mr. Slicker. Do you have a list of books you would like to add to your town library and a list of the supplies you need for your barbershop?"

Jake stepped forward. He was a little hesitant to give his lists to this man. "Yes, but your client has done so much already. I feel like I am imposing." Jake held the lists in his hands.

Mr. Lawrence reached out and carefully took the lists from Jake. "Mr. Slicker, you are not imposing and my client would be very upset if you didn't do as I requested. Thank you for these lists. You should receive the items within the week. Now, Mrs. Slicker, are there any more books or supplies you require for the school?"
Teresa slowly held out the list she had made and quietly said, "Please thank your client for me and the school children."
"I will. My client will be thrilled to know they have helped your school. Mr. Lawson, is there anything you need for the Golden Nugget Hotel?"
"No, I have everything I need. I, too, want to thank your client."
"Good. Let's see, Reverend, were there enough Bibles and Hymnbooks for the Church?"
"Oh, yes. And the town is most grateful for them."
"Excellent. Mr. Bray, do you have a list of items you would like in your store?"
Loren was reluctant to produce his list. There were some items he would have like to stock, but they weren't needed. "Well, I have a list, but I don't really need them." Loren took the list out of his pocket and held it for a moment. He didn't have time to protest when Mr. Lawrence took the list and put it in his pocket with the others.

"My client didn't ask what you needed, but what you wanted. Thank you for your list. Now, Dr. Quinn, Dorothy and Grace, do you have the lists of what supplies you would will need to get you through the next six months?"

Michaela, Dorothy and Grace produced their lists. Mr. Lawrence took them and smiled as he put them with the others in his pocket. "Your first delivery will be one month from today. If you find that you need something before then, contact my office and the supplies will be delivered."

"Robert E do you have any other tools or supplies you need for your blacksmith shop? Daniel, is there anything you need for the sheriff's office?"

Robert E and Daniel both produced lists and handed them to Mr. Lawrence. They were waiting along with the others for the question Sully would ask when it was his turn.
"Horace, is there anything you need for the telegraph office?"
"I have just a short list of items I could use." Horace handed his list to Mr. Lawrence.
"Good. Now, Mr. Sully, do you have a list of prices for the items my client and I ordered? Do you have enough supplies?
"Yes, I have the prices. I have more than enough materials for the items you have ordered. Can I ask you a question, Mr. Lawrence?"
"You can ask me a question, but I won't guarantee I can give you the answer you are looking for."
"Who is giving us all this stuff?"
"My client wishes to remain anonymous. I'm sorry I can't tell you who it is."
"Well, how does this person know our names and what each of us does or what we would need? Do they live here in Colorado Springs?"
"All I can tell you is that the person has been to Colorado Springs. I cannot tell you if they are living here or not. I just know that each one of you means something special to my client and they wanted to show how much they care about you. Oh, and I almost forgot--here are three boxes of fireworks for the town's July 4 celebration. There are some decorations for the town, too."
The group was so surprised at this last bit of information they did not notice the handshake between the lawyer and the same person who had been leaning against the train station one week before. They also didn't notice the train pulling out until the whistle blew and they knew Mr. Lawrence was gone. They still had not found out who was being so generous to the town of Colorado Springs or how they knew about the Fourth of July celebration.
Horace was staring off into space with a sad expression on his face when Michaela entered the telegraph office. "Hi, Horace. Will you send a telegram for me? -- Horace? Horace?"
Horace finally realized Michaela was there when she reached over and touched his arm. "Oh hi Dr. Mike. Did you want something?"
"Yes, would you send a telegram for me?"
"Sure, Dr. Mike, just write it down and I'll be happy to send it for you."
"Horace, can I ask you a personal question?" Michaela looked at the message she was writing as she spoke.
"Sure, Dr. Mike."
"Were you thinking about Myra just now? Sully told me he saw her in Denver."
"Yes, I was. I sure do miss her and Samantha."
"Horace, why don't you take a few days off and go to visit them in St. Louis? You have been working so hard, I'm sure you have some time coming to you." Michaela wasn't sure he would accept that suggestion.
Horace looked at Michaela. He was carefully considering her suggestion. He missed his ex-wife and daughter. He determined then that he would go to St. Louis and see them. "Dr. Mike, I think that would be a great idea."
Michaela carefully chose her next words. She knew what had torn them apart and wanted this visit to be a good one. "Horace, will you promise me something? When you go and visit them, look at Myra as someone you have never met. Realize that she has made a life for herself and is working. There's nothing wrong with a woman working, Horace. That doesn't make them any less of a woman. Sometimes that even helps to make them a better woman. Myra is a person, Horace. She has feelings, opinions and ideas. Accept them as you would from anyone else. You accept things I say or Dorothy says. Accept things Myra says. Let her be what she is--not what you think she should be. Start from the beginning. If you want to win her back, start courting her as if you have never courted her before." She just hoped he would understand that she was only trying to help and would listen to her.
Horace looked thoughtfully at Michaela. He knew she was right. The troubles he and Myra had had in the past were due to his unbending ideas of what he thought a woman should be and do. He would try to see Myra as a person. "Yes, Dr. Mike, I'll promise you that I will try."
Michaela knew she could ask nothing else and prayed that he would be able to accept Myra as she was.
July 4 dawned bright and warm and the townsfolk were all prepared to really enjoy the celebration. After Mr. Lawrence had delivered the fireworks and decorations, the town was decorated and games were planned for the afternoon. It was going to be one of the best Fourth of July celebrations Colorado Springs had ever seen.
Blankets were spread out all over the meadow as families were enjoying their lunches. Everyone had brought a dish to pass and the food tables were laden with all different kinds of wonderful dishes and desserts. Hank, Loren and the Reverend had joined Jake and Teresa. Cloud Dancing, Dorothy, Sarah, Daniel and Matthew had joined the Sullys. Even Preston had come to town. He was a little timid when the Sullys invited him to join them, but he finally did and seemed to be enjoying himself. Horace had gone to St Louis to see Myra and Samantha. He had wired Michaela and said they were planning on celebrating the fourth together. Michaela prayed that something special would happen for them. Carolyn and Matthew were busy helping Grace with the food as they didn't want her to tire and Robert E was being very protective. Sully smiled to himself to hear all the laughter and talk of the townsfolk. This was indeed a time of peace and contentment.
As the games started, Sully noticed that Shannon and Carolyn were not in sight. He went to look for them to see if they wanted to join in the games. As he walked towards the edge of the woods, he noticed them sitting under a tree. Shannon was watching the town with a look of pleasure and had a big smile on her face. It was almost a look of satisfaction. Sully thought about the events of the last couple of weeks. He had a feeling and he wanted to talk to Shannon.
"Shannon, will you take a walk with me? I'd like to talk to you about something."
"Ok." Shannon wondered what Sully wanted to talk to her about.
They walked in silence for a few minutes as Sully tried to put into words what he wanted to say. Soon he found an opening in the woods where the sun was shining and they could sit on the logs. "Let's sit here for a few minutes, ok?" Sully sat next to Shannon and took her hands in his. He figured the best way was to come right out and say what he wanted to say. "Shannon, are you the one who is doing things for the people in Colorado Springs? Are you Mr. Lawrence's client?"
Shannon looked down at her hands folded in Sully's hands. She had wanted to keep her secret, but didn't want to lie to Sully.
"Yes."
"But why? Why didn't you just tell us?"
"Because I knew that no one, including you and Michaela,--no, especially you and Michaela-- would accept it. I just wanted to do something nice for the people of Colorado Springs without them protesting. Please don't tell anyone about this. Please!" "Why are you doing this?"
"Well, because the people of Colorado Springs have given so much to others and I would like to see the town grow. It is to repay them for accepting me and loving me. I don't want the money for myself and I couldn't think of a better way to use it. This will give the town an opportunity to get solidly on its feet. Please don't tell them."
"But how did you get in contact with Mr. Lawrence. I figured it had to be someone here in Colorado Springs as the right things came at just the right time so I asked Horace if anyone had been sending him telegrams or letters and Horace said no."
"Well, that's where Horace was wrong. I wrote to Colleen and Andrew every time I needed to contact Mr. Lawrence. Then when I took the letters to mail them, I always made it there just as Horace was giving the mail pouch to the conductor. He always saw the letter to Colleen, but never saw the letter that was underneath that was to Mr. Lawrence."
Sully smiled at Shannon. He would keep her secret. She was a very special person and he felt very blessed to know she was his sister. "I'll keep your secret. One more thing-why the furniture from me?"
"Well, you build beautiful things and I was sort of hoping this would be the start of a way for you to earn money without having to leave Michaela and the children all the time. But, I don't want to pressure you-you have to enjoy doing it. I was hoping it would develop into a regular business for you and would give you an opportunity to get solidly on your feet." "I believe you got your wish. I love building these things and I have enough orders to get me through the winter. I won't have to leave Colorado Springs. Yes, I believe I will finally settle down and make it a business. Thank you." Sully leaned over and gave Shannon a kiss on the cheek. "I guess we'd better get back before they start looking for us."
Sully smiled with pride as he walked back to the meadow with Shannon's hand in his. He had never known the love of a sister when he was younger, but now he really had a sister and she was very special indeed.
The warm sun shining through the window woke Shannon. She knew it was going to be a beautiful day. She silently thanked the Lord for all the blessings He had given her. She smiled to herself as she thought about the fact that it was her birthday. Oh, no one knew, but she had received the best birthday present of all just a little over a month ago-she had found out she had a brother and had become a welcomed part of his family. She had moved into Colleen's room with Carolyn and was the one responsible for the cooking, cleaning the homestead and taking care of Katie.
Katie was a little doll. Just like everyone else who saw Katie-Shannon fell in love with her the moment she met her. Katie had taken to Shannon, too. Every chance she had, Shannon played with Katie.
When it came to Matthew and Brian, she had been a little apprehensive as she was moving into their sister's room. Would they think she was trying to take her place? But she really didn't need to worry as both boys accepted her with open arms. She was made to feel a part of the family from the moment they met. She had even been helping Matthew decide where to go to law school.

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