Part 7




"I can hardly wait to see how big Katie has grown,"


Colleen had said to her husband. "It's been so long since I held my baby sister and I really miss her. I want her to know me and with us being so far away," a tear escaped her eye and Andrew noticed at once.


"I'm sorry Colleen. I hate to see you so unhappy. I know how tough it's been for you having to leave your family so much for school."


Andrew took her in his arms and cradled the now sobbing Colleen.


"Maybe we could visit more often if you'd like?" Andrew was feeling her pain. He hated to see her like this but felt so helpless. It had been her choice to become a doctor like Michaela but he knew that she didn't understand how much it would take her away from her family to do so. They hadn't been married that long and he was still finding new and exciting things out about his wife each day they spent together.


Andrew had managed to find a job in a clinic with another doctor while Colleen attended school. This way they could be together every evening as he loved helping her with her studies. She was a fast and very attentive learner. She grasped new ideas with zest and had a knack for mixing the old and the new medicine together, just like her Mother. She was still having a problem trying to decide whether to be a surgeon or branch out into some other specific field of medicine. but he was sure of one thing, that no matter what she chose she would be an excellent doctor, and he would give her all the love and support she needed.


Unlike her mother Michaela, who had met with such resistance, she would be accepted. Times were changing and for the better. Andrew himself at one time, was unsure of women working in the medical profession but after months of being with both Colleen and her mother, he was very sure that women were meant to be doctors. It was no longer just a man's world. He would make sure that Colleen was treated with the utmost respect she deserved.


"Andrew I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry. I just miss them all so very much. I used to bury myself in my books at night while I was in college. it helped but there were times when I'd cry myself to sleep just picturing them all at the homestead, wondering what they were doing. sometimes I wish I was back in the clinic with Ma. Or even out in the garden with Brian. And Matthew, well I only hope he can make it back in time for the reunion. I miss them all so very much."


Andrew tightened his hold on her and answered, "I know Colleen, I do too."


"Cooper? Matthew Cooper? You've got my ticket. I need my train ticket. You told me there wouldn't be any problem yesterday." Matthew was exasperated. "I need that ticket for today. My family is expecting me!"


The ticket agent was very slow to respond but brought a huge smile to Matthew's downed face as he passed him a one way train ticket to Colorado Springs.


"Thanks", Matthew cried. "Thanks a lot Mister," and with that he ran off to meet his train home.


Matthew had been studying hard as well. both he and Colleen were to be professional people. that wouldn't have been possible without all the help and support they got from Dr. Mike and Sully. Matthew's law studies were long and hard but he found them very interesting. So much to learn about the law. But with every fact he absorbed he couldn't help but interact them with all the things that had happened back home. How the Indians were treated and the rights they never knew they had.


How women like Dr. Mike were shunned and all the malpractice suits which were all too common. Many people just out to make money or take revenge on someone. It was a wonder anyone, let alone a woman would ever want to become a doctor. Why they would ever put themselves in such a position of such great responsibility was beyond him. And now his own sister was following right in Dr. Mike's footsteps. He would be sure to share all his newfound knowledge with them all. It would be so great to see them again.


Matthew was not much for showing his emotions. He had a hard time with some of the girls he'd met in Denver. Oh they seemed interesting enough but none of them had the innocence and sweet simple beauty of Ingrid. Maybe one day he would find love again but for him, his law studies filled his time. Love would have to wait for now.


Finally settling into his seat, the train whistle blew and he was off. Heading home. Home to Colorado Springs. that felt good to say that.


Home. Where he would see his little brother Brian, Colleen and Andrew his new brother in law, and Katie the little sister he loved dearly. And Ma and Sully too. He finally had to admit to himself, he missed them all. It would be good to see them and for a short while it might even feel like they were that family again. The one that knew nothing about their newly assigned mother. He thought he would never accept Dr. Mike. He tried hard to fight it but, in the end he grew to love this woman who cared more about him and his siblings than life itself. He knew she would stop at nothing to protect her new family and had shown more love to him than he ever thought possible. Dr. Mike was his Ma and he knew that without her, his new life would have never been possible. He rested his head back against the seat and dozed off. He was content. He was going home.


End of Part 7


Part 8



The big day was finally here. Guests had already filled Hank's Hotel to the limit, and some people were being put up with generous families in their own homes. But most had a place to stay, like the Cooper children. They had come home to a family.


Grace and Dorothy stood back and admired their hard work. They had finally agreed on where to put the tables, how many flowers were needed and what kind of food would sever best. But neither had planned how much of a strain this event would put on them both physically and mentally. And Dorothy studying her guest list, looked at each name and recalled a little something about each and every one. So many people and so many memories.


Dorothy was a little concerned though. She had heard from Colleen and Andrew and Matthew but not a word from Michaela. She had hoped the invitation had reached the Quinn household on time.


Why it just wouldn't be the same without her very best friend and her husband. Sully and Michaela had become very important to the people of this town and Dorothy wouldn't feel right about celebrating without them.


'They have to come', she said to herself. 'They just have to!'


Colleen and Andrew had arrived the day earlier and were quite surprised when they found a strange doctor at the clinic and no one in sight at the homestead. They decided to settle themselves into Colleen's old room and just hope that the rest of the family would be along soon. She had just finished preparing some sandwiches for her and Andrew to lunch on when she heard the sound of a rider approaching the ranch. Eagerly opening the front door with its still so beautiful stained glass, her heart leapt! It was Matthew and she hesitated no more. She ran down the steps and could hardly wait till he dismounted his horse. He picked her up high enough that her feet dangled and swung her around till she was dizzy with excitement.


"Matthew!"


"Colleen!" They both started to laugh and he set her down. His sister looked great. There was a glow in her face that he knew could only have been put there by Andrew's love. Colleen noticed how content Matthew seemed as well.


"Law school looks good on you my brother," she remarked.


"Medical school and marriage, both look good on you Mrs. Cook!" he answered,and they laughed again as Colleen ushered him into the house with a promise that lunch was ready and he was more than welcome to join them.


Colleen had always been a good cook just like her Ma, Matthew thought. But them everything Colleen did seemed to turn out right. He was so proud of his sister and glad to be home with her again.


"Andrew, Come down. Matthew is here!" Colleen shouted towards the stairs.


"Matthew, good to see you!" Andrew responded as he came down from unpacking their bags.


"Good to see you too-Brother in Law! I can see you've been taking real good care of my sister-Thanks Andrew. You both look happy!" Matthew said


"Thanks Matthew. Coming from you that means a lot to me," Andrew replied as the color rose up to make his cheeks very pink. "By the way, how's Law School? Must be hard work?"


"It's coming along great. But it can't be any harder than all that medical stuff you two have to learn!" he remarked and they once again enjoyed each others laughter as they sat and ate Colleen's lunch.


They talked about all the many things that had happened while they were away and Colleen blushed as they shared some romantic moments from their honeymoon.


But the best part came when they joined in their memories of home. Memories of Colorado Springs. So many people. So many faces. Some she remembered and others she had forgotten. Some had changed and some were still the same.


Dorothy knew her paper would be twice its size and she only wished that Brian was here to help her. Her fingers were getting cramped just trying to record everything that was going on. Brian was much younger and he had become very important to her at helping her get her Gazette out. Oh if only he was here now, and Michaela too? Still no word from her and it was almost time for the festivities to begin. They were all there, at least those able to make the trip and those still alive. Some folks had passed on and Dorothy noted they would be sadly missed but remembered today.


Loren would be surely missing Maude, as she did. Olive, his feisty but loving sister and of course, Marjorie. He still seemed unable to accept Marjorie's passing. he thought he had found his 'second chance' in life but his hopes faded when she died. But he was still as grumpy as ever at times though he had a heart as big as all of Colorado.


Cloud Dancing and several other Indians had come into town now. They were living on the land that Daniel Simon had purchased and had become an essential part of the town's business with their crafts and fresh produce which Loren thankfully sold at his store. He had come to accept Dorothy's relationship with Cloud Dancing. He saw how her face would light up whenever he came into town and Dorothy, in turn spent many hours with him out at his new home, re-writing the book that she had lost at the time of the last fight between the soldiers and the Indians. he knew they worked well together and Dorothy could take care of herself now. The Indian was a very big part of that and who was he to stand in the way of their happiness.


Cloud Dancing was missing Snowbird and all of his people, but he was finally at peace with their deaths as the spirits had shown him it was more important to go on with the future. Through Dorothy's book, he felt he could pass on his wisdom of medicine and the history of his people. This was a good thing. Their deaths would not go unnoticed. Their culture would not be lost as he would see to that.


Matthew had hitched up the horses to the wagon as he had done so many times in the past. Everything was the same as it was before. Brian had taken good care of the homestead in Sully's absence. He was proud of his little brother and knew that Ma and Katie were left in good hands. As they rode into town, Colleen could feel that Matthew was thinking as she was. There was the clinic, once their home with their Ma, Charlotte Cooper. Charlotte had run the boarding house that became Dr. Mike's new clinic in Colorado Springs.


Their Ma, Andrew too had thought of the past. His first step off the train was to put him face to face with the woman doctor whose baby he was to deliver but instead he had married her daughter and learned more about medicine than he ever thought possible in a small western town.


"Matthew, Colleen, Andrew!" Dorothy called out as the wagon stopped right outside the clinic. They all, even Dorothy were silent now as they stared at the 'closed' sign on the clinic door.


"It's so good to see you all!" remarked Dorothy as she finally broke the silence. "But have any of you heard from you Ma, or Sully?"


With this, Colleen looked puzzled, "Didn't she answer the invitation Miss Dorothy?"


"No and I was hopin' that one of you might've heard from them." Dorothy replied.


Colleen showing genuine concern now was gently comforted by her husband. "Matthew, where could they be? Do you think something's happened?"


Matthew, now worried himself was unwilling to show his concern to his sister for fear of upsetting her any further said, "You know Dr. Mike and Sully, they'll be here along with Brian and Katie too! They wouldn't miss this for anything." He made his voice sound sure and confident and hoped this would calm his sister's doubts.


As the hours passed, many more familiar faces wandered into town. Daniel Simon, Sully's friend had given up the job of being the town's sheriff and had gone into a new business, but not before he made sure the man taking over would be someone he could entrust to the job to.


"Daniel," Colleen caught sight of him. They hugged and as they drew apart Daniel looked down at her and smiled, "Let me look at you? Marriage sure agrees with you. Where's the rest of you family?"


"Matthew and Andrew are over playing a game of horse shoes but," knowing Daniel would want to see his old friend Sully she answered, "Ma and Sully aren't here yet. No one has heard from them and I'm starting to get worried Daniel."


He could see the strain on her face and tried to console her as best he could. "I'm sure they'll be along soon but in the meantime, how about you and I challenge that brother and husband of yours to a game? Okay?"


"Okay," she answered reluctantly. She followed but kept looking back in the direction of the depot, hoping to soon hear the familiar sound of the train's whistle.


Horace had been kept busy as well with all the telegrams but he was happy to do his job. The day that he had received Myra's reply, you could hear his cries of joy all over the town. Myra and Samantha had come in on the same train as Matthew and Horace was glad they were in good company.


Myra looked happy and his little Samantha had grown so much, even more than the last time he had visited her at Christmas time. She was the picture of her ma and was quite the young lady now. Myra had chosen to come alone with Samantha. But Horace knew it was just a visit and for one day he could pretend it was as it used to be. The three of them, a family.


Myra had wanted it that way for all their sakes. Sam loved her Papa and this was to be a very special day just for the three of them.


All were amazed to see Mr. Watkins the photographer. He was supposed to be blind by now but seemed very able with the assistance of his young friend. A student whom he was grooming to take over for him when he finally did lose his eyesight, forever. Even Kid Cole and Sister Ruth had come, still travelling together and still bickering as usual. She was still cracking the whip over him and he was still trying to keep her in line. Dorothy had to laugh, 'some things never change'.


There were so many faces, that over the years had left their own personal mark on this town. Even Teresa's cousin, the priest had come back , and Hank had gone off to bring back his son Zack who was entertaining everyone with his portraits. He had become a talented artist and Hank was proud of the fact that he had done something right in his life.


There were many soldiers including Sgt. McKay who had made friends while in town and now that the Indian wars were over, could come back as private citizens to enjoy the reunion as well. Both white men and Indians were mixing together. True, the wounds were still deep but they had to start healing sometime and now was as good as any a time to start doing so. Dorothy and Cloud Dancing smiled and they walked along together. Nothing like this would ever have been expected and may not ever happen again.


End of Part 8


Part 9



Grace and Robert E. were very proud to be showing off their new son and trying to help Mr. Watkins, at the same time, gather everyone together for the 'town photo'.


Horace came running across the field and with the sound of the train whistle his shouting could barely be heard, "The train's here!"


Once again he shouted "The train's here!" but by this time the whistle had been heard by all and many had already started running for the station.


Colleen who had spent most of the day pacing back and forth between the meadow and the station was now among one of the first to leave. She ran faster than she thought possible, her feet almost giving way from under her. She finally reached the station as the train came to a complete stop.


"Oh please," she whispered to herself. "Please let them be on it!"


More people were arriving and many of their faces was familiar to her but she didn't care to stop and chat. Her eyes were fixed on the back door of the end coach. Nothing would keep her from getting there, not even the crowd that had followed from the meadow.


"Katie, Katie, Slow down!" cried Michaela, trying to keep her daughter from racing through the door.


"I'll get her Ma!" Brian shouted. "Katie, come back here!"


But Katie in full motion was already out the door and was just about to do a full forward flip off the stairs. Brian closed his eyes as he could imagine her falling and hurting herself, badly. But that did not happen. A pair of arms had reached out a grabbed Katie and Brian soon realized, those arms belonged to his sister, Colleen.


"Colleen!" Katie screeched as she was caught her older sister.


Brian, being relieved to see Katie was okay, soon joined them in an emotional embrace on the platform. "Colleen", he cried.


"Brian!", a finally relieved Colleen answered back. "Oh Brian. I was so afraid you weren't coming."


"But we did," a soft voice from behind her spoke.


Colleen whirled around, "Ma, oh Ma. I love you!" she said as tears streamed down her cheeks. but none to match the ones gently falling from her Mother's eyes.


"Colleen", Michaela answered, "I love you too!" and once again time stood still. Colleen and Michaela now held on to each other in fear that if they let go, one would be gone.


Sully finally emerged, carrying the bags and Colleen, still keeping one hand tightly entwined with her Mother's, reached for him too.


"Sully, I missed you too! I thought you might still be in Washington. Oh Ma, I'm so glad you brought him with you!" They all laughed as Sully dropped the bags to embrace his older daughter. She looked happy, he thought and smiled as he spotted Andrew making his way through the crowd to them. He finally said aloud "You look happy Colleen."


"I am," she responded and with that he gave her a wink and released her to the awaiting arms of her husband.


There was never so much confusion or so much joy as there on that platform , on that day, in Colorado Springs.


Matthew made his way through the crowd and grabbed Dr. Mike. He kissed her softly on the cheek and said, "I love you, Ma."


Once again, Michaela was brought to tears, as if she'd ever stopped. "Brian!" Matthew said.


"Matthew!", Brian answered.


The two brothers hugged, never feeling ashamed to show the great affection they had for one another. And with seeing Andrew, Brian quickly embraced him too. Andrew returned the gesture by taking Brian to his arms, also. Colleen's heart was pounding. She was so very happy to see the love and respect her brothers showed towards her new husband. She truly felt like she was, home! Everyone that mattered was here now and that's all that 'mattered' to her.


But, to her surprise, another figure appeared from amongst the crowd. As Sully turned to usher Elizabeth Quinn to her daughter's side, Colleen gasped, "Grandma?"


Mrs. Quinn responded immediately and once again the family was fully engulfed in rounds of hugging.


'Home', Sully thought. This is what it was all about. How could he have ever stayed away so long from it? He wondered if Cloud Dancing was well and as if to hear his thoughts Dorothy came around the corner at that moment with Cloud Dancing on one arm and Daniel on the other. His heart skipped a beat. His brother and best friend were both here, here, at home, with him.


By the look on Dorothy's face, things were going well between them too.


Finally the happy crowd decided it was time to clear away from the station and all headed back towards the meadow. Michaela's eyes widened in amazement as she caught sight of Kid Cole and sister Ruth. Oh how good it was to see her good friends again. But she nearly lost her footing as she saw Mr. Watkins setting up his camera equipment, getting ready to take another of his famous photographs.


Sully had noticed her reaction and was quick to place a sturdy arm under hers to steady her from a fall. "Sully, do you see who I see? I can't believe my eyes." she said "How did they get all of these people to come back? it's like a miracle!" She was suddenly reminded of a vision. The vision of herself, sitting alone in her clinic. She remembered feeling a great sadness. A sadness for all those people who had come and gone from her life. All those people who had, at one time or another, passed through her clinic door. But they were all here now and the oh, so many memories of them, flooded her mind. Maybe this vision she saw, was meant to be. Maybe it wasn't a vision of sadness, but a vision of being reunited. Reunited with those whom she had crossed paths with since she had first come to Colorado Springs. A vision, that she would once again, be reunited with them all. True, some were there in body and others in spirit only. But sharing the spirits of those who had passed on with those who were here today, was the true test of friendship. The true test of love that these people all had for each other. She was overwhelmed as she turned to look into Sully's striking blue eyes, "Sully, I love you."


And with that came a response, she knew was right from the heart. "I love you too, Dr. Quinn."


They stared at each other and then started to laugh. The time was now. The past was now and with an understanding that only those two would ever know, they walked hand in hand into the waiting crowd of friends and family.


The meadow was full of happy, laughing people. Children were playing tag, to which Katie had joyfully joined in, of course with the ever watchful eye of Brian, her brother. It was truly a sight that would melt even the coldest of hearts.


Thoroughly convinced that they had spoken and met with everyone there, Sully and Michaela were relieved when Grace, in her usual manner, announced that "The foods on!" It was time to take a much needed rest and seat themselves alongside everyone else at the tables Grace had put so much thought, time and effort into making, just right.


"This kinda reminds me of all the Thanksgivings we spent here," Brian thoughtfully remarked.


Michaela agreed silently, remembering the Thanksgiving that they had all looked forward to after coming home from their last trip to Boston, only to find the town in its worst drought and its townsfolk unwilling to take help from the Indians. Yes, she had remembered it all too well, when the rain finally came down and she turned to eye the man who, that day had stood drenched in rain water, holding his arms out to her as if to say "Come to me Michaela".


She smiled at Sully. He smiled back but was unaware that his thoughts were of that same day. He was remembering a very frantic Dr. Mike, trying so hard to save the Thanksgiving feast and no one would help her. He remembered also how all her good intentions to try and help the stubborn townspeople, nearly tore them apart. Sully smiled back at his wife. All he saw now was a rain drenched Michaela, slowly giving in to the temptations of his open arms. He had always felt good about the way he could look at her with his piercing blue eyes and she would melt, rain or no rain.


Looking around the table, Matthew saw his sister, Colleen, gently putting food into her husbands mouth. They kissed and his heart was happy for her. But the smile on his face was suddenly replaced by shock, for around the corner of the Cafe came Gilda St. Clair with a happy, smiling Emma at her side.


Emma. Matthew had almost forgot how pretty she was. He was sure that Miss St. Clair was probably wearing one of Emma's own creations. Emma spotted Matthew and hurried over to wrap her arms around the back of his neck. She leaned forward and whispered something into his ear. By this time, Michaela had noticed Emma's arrival and couldn't begin to imagine what had brought such an impish smile to his face. He was going to be a fine lawyer some day. He had proven to everyone how much he had already learned when he helped that U.S. Marshal, who had been charged with shooting an unarmed man. And all the help he had tried to give with Sully's case. That had been a very hard time for Michaela and she quickly tried to erase the picture in her mind of Sully, as he lay dying right before her eyes. Nothing was going to spoil this day. Sully was safe and sound and sitting oh so close, right beside her, where he belonged.


Sully had been watching Dorothy and Cloud Dancing, deep in conversation. They had so much to talk about and he sometimes wished he knew what the medicine man, his brother, was talking to Dorothy about. It made him remember Snow Bird and how violently she had died. He too would put such thoughts out of his head. His trying to help the Indians almost cost him his freedom, his family, his life! He took hold of Michaela's hand as if to say 'I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I will always be here for you, from now on'. He thought of the baby they had lost and how she had to face that alone, without him. Michaela turned to face him and they seemed to read each other's minds. they both looked at Katie. She had been a gift from God and at this moment their little 'heaven sent' angel was pulling at the beard of the Reverend. He didn't seem to mind but Brian leaned over and with just one look into her eyes, she stopped. How powerful, the relationship had grown between Brian and Katie.


End of Part 9

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