Jake ran past the congratulating townspeople and into the clinic to see his wife and new son.


He thought Teresa had never looked so beautiful as she did holding their baby. He walked over and gave her a kiss on the forehead.


"You all right?" He asked rather huskily. He hadn't been prepared all the emotions that he felt and didn't trust himself to say too much.


"Si, I am fine. Tired, but so happy! Is he not the most beautiful baby you have ever seen?"


"He is good lookin'. Look at all that hair!" Jake said, stroking the soft,downy black hair.


"What should we call him?" asked Teresa tentatively. Naming the baby was a rather touchy subject for the Slickers. Jake wanted a more traditional name from his culture, while Teresa wanted a traditional name from hers.


Jake looked at his wife and son, "We'll name it what you want."


"Are you sure? I have thought of a name that we both will be happy with, if you like it..." She trailed off,unsure of what Jake's response would be.


"I'm sure that I'll like it, no matter what it is." At that point Teresa could have suggested the name Ebenezer and Jake would have been pleased. All he could think about was his beautiful new son.


"I thought that we might name him Tomas. We could call him Tommy. Jake? What do you think?"


Jake thought about it for a few seconds, "Tomas, sounds like a good name and I like the idea of calling him Tommy. What'll his middle name be?"


"Jacob." Teresa said in a tone that Jake knew was final.


He smiled at her and gave her a kiss, "Thank you for my son." He said softly.


"Thank *you*. Now you better go out there and show the town our beautiful child."


Jake carried his tiny son to the door and looked back at Teresa, "I can't believe I'm a Pa!" and walked out to introduce his son to Colorado Springs.


"Everyone! I'd like fer you to meet my son Tomas, y'all can call him Tommy." Jake's friends took turns holding the tiny baby.


"Hey, Robert E, in a few weeks this'll be you!" Sully said patting his friend on the back.


"Yeah, and that'll be me screamin' in pain while the rest of you are out here waiting to be told." said Grace dryly.


Michaela gave her friend a hug, "Don't worry Grace, when it's all over it will be well worth it."


"I'll remember that for when your time comes Dr. Mike!" Grace said smiling.


Jake looked at the crowd gathered around the Clinic. Everyone was smiling and congratulating him. To Jake, life had never been better.


He saw Matthew standing with the new schoolteacher. It had been an agonizing decision for Teresa to leave the children she loved so much, but she had been raised to believe that a married woman's job was to make a good home for her family. Jake tried to persuade her to stay with teaching. He told her that Dr. Mike made a good home. But, there was no changing her mind. Secretly, Jake was glad with her decision. Maggie Foley was a good choice too, the children had already taken to her in the few weeks that she had been there. He thought that Matthew had taken to her as well.


He scanned the crowd for Hank, he was the only one who hadn't held Tommy. He finally spotted him over at the Saloon, still talking to the Reverend's sister Emily.


"Now what's that about?" He muttered to himself as Dorothy handed the baby back to him.


The crystal clear song of a meadowlark slowly awoke Hank from his deep slumber. His rising level of consciousness sleepily brought forth hazy images to the forefront of his mind...images that brought a soft, gentle smile to his lips. Only half aware of his surroundings, Hank suddenly anguished in his dismay...it was only a dream!!


"I was only dreaming!" Hank cried out to the chilled pre-dawn air. A deep pain seared through his body, settling heavily within his chest. Just then, the meadowlark beckoned him with its pure, sweet song.


Hank opened his eyes, focusing them on the window across from his bed. A gentle breeze caressed the old, tattered curtains parting them ever-so-slightly. Outside the sky was dotted with pillowy-soft clouds and as the meadowlark took flight from its perch, Hank's eyes followed its ascent.


Suddenly, something on the splintered windowsill caught Hank's eyes. Focusing in on it, Hank sat up with lightning speed, the sheet fell away from his broad, sunbronzed chest...cufflinks!!


Michaela had loaned him the cufflinks to wear with his suit for tonight's supper - supper with Emily! Relief, joy, elation and a myriad of other emotions flooded through Hank and he couldn't, for the life of him, suppress the smile that spread across his face. He couldn't remember a time when he had felt this overjoyed - if he had ever experienced this depth of happiness.


Tossing the covers back, Hank swung his long, muscled legs to the floor.


"Time's a-wastin'", Hank whispered jovially, "I got a date tonight to prepare for!"


He dressed in record time and as he thrust open his bedroom door, he broke into a sunny tune that rivalled the earlier cheerful singing of the meadowlark.


All too soon, it was 6:45. Hank readjusted his tie for the 17th time.


"Blasted thing's too tight!" Muttered Hank nervously.


"It looks perfect, Hank, you look very handsome tonight," Michaela answered him calmly but firmly, "you'll be fine, don't worry!"


And as Michaela and Sully escorted Hank, one on either side of him, Sully added confidently,


"It's only supper and by the looks of things you've already caught Emily's interest - just let things fall into place."


At that point they had reached the entrance of the Chateau. Greetings were exchanged and Hank managed to stay in an upright position...he was certain he'd never been so nervous. Michaela and Sully managed to keep the conversation going by making light chit chat. Hank was silently patting himself on the back as he was quite proud of himself for remembering the quickly taught lessons that Michaela imparted on him...he had remembered to take Emily's hand gently and bow courtly to her, he held the chair for her and slid it smoothly underneath her as she sat down. The conversation had just come to a lull when supper arrived and was set out before them. Hank was so proud of himself for his accomplishments that he wasn't paying attention to all the cutlery that was placed beside his plate...he grabbed the first fork that his fingers touched and was just about to dig in to the food, when he noticed his fatal error. He had grabbed the wrong fork!


Only a few seconds had passed, but if felt like hours to him. Hank was just about to apologize for his blunder when Emily smiled up at him...her eyes shining brightly into his,


"Who needs all of these dreadful things anyway? A person could go hungry by the time they figure out which one to choose!" She retorted as-a-matter-of-factly, and smartly picked up the first fork her hand touched.


And much to Hank's shock (and delight!), and everyone else's, Emily gave Hank a saucy smile and a wink to top it off! The Reverend's mouth opened and closed a few times, but nothing came out.


Supper went smoothly and uneventfully after that and soon the dishes were removed from the table. The party descended the steps of the Chateau and just as Michaela was about to say goodnight, Emily stepped forward and shyly asked,


"H-Hank...it's such a beautiful evening-would you like to take a little stroll with me?"


Knowing how stubborn his sister was and judging from the conversation they had earlier before supper, the Reverend knew that there would be no changing her mind, so replied,


"I'd like to stretch my legs a bit, too before the ride back to town...I'll come along..."


"Hank hasn't answered yet...we don't even know if he'd like to go..."Sully added, trying to keep the laughter from his voice.


Michaela rushed up behind him and clutched rather tightly onto his arm and replied,


"Sully, the Reverend, and I will follow behind..."


Emily cut in, a little uncertain now as to the answer she was waiting for,


"Well, Hank, would you like to walk with m-me?"


Hank's words caught in his throat and his face reddened. Rather than make a fool out of himself trying to speak, he just nodded and grinned. Emily was sure she had never seen a more devilishly handsome smile.


The reverend began to speak again, but Sully took him to one side saying,


"It's just a walk now, Reverend."


Hank held out his arm to Emily and she smiled coyly as she accepted it. Michaela and Sully exchanged conspiring glances quickly and Sully said


"Y'know Michaela, I think Jake would appreciate it if the three of us went back and admired that new baby of his."


"But!" said the reverend.


"Oh yes! I agree! Shall we go reverend?" answered Michaela teasingly.


The reverend sighed and then yelled ahead to Emily,


"We'll just be a holler away if you need us Emily!"


Hank glanced back over his shoulder and joked


"Dontcha worry rev, there won't be no hollerin'!"


The full moon shone down as Emily and Hank walked in silence. Emily thought to herself that normally she might have been cold on a night such as this, but tonight she felt surprisingly warm.


As if reading her mind, Hank mumbled,


"Kinda warm tonight ain't it?"


Emily started to giggle. Hank looked down at her and noticed how beautiful she looked when she laughed. Their eyes met for what seemed like forever and then Emily looked away.


"Timothy will be wondering where I am", she almost whispered.


"Yeah, I guess so," Hank whispered back moving closer.


Emily looked up at him again and he raised his strong hand to gently touch her cheek.


Just when Emily was sure Hank would kiss her, there was a rustling in the bushes.


"Who's there?!" Hank growled, not at all pleased by the interruption.


"Hank?" A youthful voice responded.


Brian and Sara quickly came out from behind the nearby shrubbery.


"Oh, Hi Hank...Miss Johnson! Umm...I was just helping Sara with a...a..."


"A project for school!" Sara piped up.


"I think it's about time I was gettin' home, Brian!"


"OK, Sara!" Brian said, sheepishly. Apparently, he and Sara had also been interrupted...and not a moment too soon!


"Ummm...we were just talking, and doing homework...honest!"


Brian was looking at the ground, while Sara was silently urging him to hurry. Emily smiled at Hank, who was still a little annoyed...but when he saw her smile, it made him so happy, that he even laughed out loud.


"Now you two, get on home, and I won't tell your Ma and Pa!"


Emily was now laughing out loud as well.


"I won't even tell my brother if you hurry!" Emily called as Brian and Sara rushed off hand in hand.


After they were out of sight, Hank turned to Emily.


"Now, where were we?" he smiled, and pulled her close. Emily did not resist.


"I think we were right about..."


Emily never finished her sentence. She was too busy kissing Hank to talk anymore...


"What in the world could be taking them so long?" The Reverend asked anxiously.


"Don't worry Reverend, I'm sure that Emily and Hank are fine." Michaela said calmly.


"Don't worry? She's with Hank Dr. Mike!" exclaimed the Reverend.


"Yes, I know that. Believe it or not Reverend, I think that Emily may be a good influence on Hank." Michaela said.


"Yes, well, let's hope it's not the other way around." He muttered bitterly.


Michaela looked exasperatedly at Sully, who just smiled and shook his head in return.


"Look at that Michaela," He said pointing a little distance ahead of him.


Michaela looked, "Is that Matthew and Maggie?" She asked.


"Sure is. Looks like we're not the only ones who think it's a good night for walkin'." Sully said slyly.


"What do you think of them together?" asked Michaela


"Now don't go gettin' any ideas in your head Michaela, they're just walkin' and talkin'."


"The town likes her, they say she's doin' a good job teachin'." The Reverend said.


"I like her too. And it's too late Sully, I already have ideas in my head. I can't help it if I think that Matthew and Maggie make a good match."


"I know you can't, you're a Ma." Sully sighed.


"Well tomorrow night is the Sweethearts' Dance, Sully," Michaela continued.


"I don't see any harm in a simple conversation with Matthew. Perhaps ask him if he's invited anyone, casually mention how much the town approves of Maggie as the new teacher, how much we all like her personally."


Michaela's thoughts were running at full speed and Sully knew there would be no dissuading her.


"Casually, huh? Well, I 'spose the Sweethearts'Dance worked for us," Sully grinned, "and for Brian and Sarah," he remembered. "Guess the men in this family have always had good luck at the dance."


"Did someone mention the Sweethearts' Dance?" Emily interrupted as she and Hank rejoined the group.


The Reverend's blindness was Emily's saving,for he could not see her somewhat flushed face or Hank's extremely wide smile. In fact, the Reverend's momentary relief at Emily's reappearance quickly faded as Emily joyfully announced,


"Hank has asked me to go to the dance with him!"


All eyes turned toward Hank.


Covering his embarrassment at the unwanted attention, Hank sarcastically quipped, "never miss a party."


As they all turned toward the wagon and the journey home, Sully wrapped his arm around Michaela. Under his breath, so that only she could hear, he whispered softly, "This oughta be a good one."


The next morning Sully caught up with Matthew who was about to leave for town.


"Hey, Matthew, ya gotta minute?" Sully called.


"Sure Sully. What's up?" Matthew said noticing that Sully had a slightly uncomfortable look on his face.


"Oh, just wanted to talk to ya," Sully said nonchalantly.


Matthew gave a little smile, "'Bout what?"


"The Sweethearts Dance. Are ya goin'?"


"Yeah, I am. I go every year." Matthew pointed out.


"Are ya takin' anyone?" Again Sully tried to appear nonchalant.


"I might be..." said Matthew noncommittally.


"That's good...Who might ya be takin'?


Matthew gave Sully a puzzled look, "Why all the questions, Sully?"


"I'm just curious. Maggie's a pretty nice girl, dont'cha think?" Sully said changing the subject.


"Yeah, she is...you're curious or is Dr. Mike the one?"


Sully smiled at his son, "Well, I guess it's the both of us. The whole town seems to like her a lot. Brian is always talkin' 'bout how much fun they have in school." Sully said casually.


"She's real nice. I like to be with her. I haven't felt this way since..." Matthew trailed off with a sad look on his face.


"Since Ingrid?"


"Yeah. It's funny Sully, I never had the kinda feelin's for Emma like the ones I do for Maggie. I always knew that me an Emma would just be friends, but with Maggie, it's sort of like my feelin's I had for Ingrid. Does that make sense?


"Yeah, it does. I remember havin' those same mixed-up feelin's 'bout your Ma."


"How'd you sort 'em out?"


"It took goin' to Boston and seein' her with another man."


"Well, I don't think that Maggie is likely to go back to New York anytime soon." Matthew said a little grimly.


"No, prob'ly not. You'll sort 'em out though." Sully assured Matthew.


Matthew nodded his head and gave Sully a smile as he climbed up on his horse, "Oh, you can tell Ma, that I am takin' Maggie to the dance. Who knows, maybe my feelin's will get sorted out when we dance."


Sully watched as Matthew rode off. He felt pretty sure that his son had found love again.


The velvety blackness of the night set off a perfect backdrop for the watchful stars to shine and the full moon kindly offered its glow for the worn path below.


On that path was Matthew, his horse slowly making its way alongside the gently flowing creek. The air was still very warm and a caressing breeze playfully tossed his fancy tie. Tonight was the Sweetheart's Dance and as Matthew reached down to pat his horse's neck, excitement charged within him. Maggie had accepted his offer to accompany him to the dance. A soft smile played on his lips as he recalled the jubilant smile that lit up her face. Distractedly he smoothed the fluttering tie as he steered his horse around a sharp bend in the path. Just as the mournful howl of a wolf in the distance broke through the silent night a woman's soft cry pierced the air.


It sounded close - really close and as Matthew halted his horse and squinted through the inky blackness, the rays of the moon reflected a movement just up ahead. Alertly, Matthew called out,


"Who's there? I'm here to help...I won't hurt you!"


"Matthew? Is...is that you?!" The woman's voice replied,startled.


"Maggie?!" Matthew called out incredulously, all the while hastily making his way towards her.


By the time he reached her, her arms were stretched out and open wide - she was so relieved someone had found her...and delighted at who had done so. Matthew took her in his arms and gently stroked her chestnut colored hair. She smelled so fresh and natural, a most intoxicating scent.


Maggie's arms clasped tightly around Matthew's strong, firm back - her hands rubbed his tense muscles soothingly. The electricity that erupted within both of them was highly charged and the heat of the night became scorching to their two young bodies. Breathing shallow and wide eyed, Maggie's hands shot away from Matthew as if they had been burned.


Reluctantly, Matthew pulled away from her and had to clear his throat a few times before asking,


"What are you doin' all the way out here?"


Somewhat in control of herself now, Maggie was able to answer,


"Oh...I was visiting my friend, Sadie, this afternoon and should have left her place sooner that I did. Darkness came too soon,but I was already halfway home - so what was I to do? Anyways, my horse spooked at a deer that came bounding across the path and tossed me off. I'm so thankful that you came along - just before you appeared I had stepped in a hole and twisted my ankle. That's quite a coincidence...you finding me!"


Immediately concerned, Matthew sat Maggie gently down on a log just a few feet away and replied,


"Yes, it was. And...I'm...glad that I...happened along when I did. Is your ankle still sore? There's no swelling that I can see."


Matthew was carefully holding Maggie's dainty ankle when she replied,


"No, Matthew, it..it doesn't hurt...not anymore."


Maggie then looked pointedly down at Matthew's strong, warm hands cradling her ankle and foot. For a long, mesmerizing moment they gazed into one another's eyes - sky blue into chocolate brown. The night air began to fairly sizzle with the electricity that once again unleashed its energy.


Maggie's shyness was forgotten as her hands had a mind of their own and as her fingers buried themselves within Matthew's hair he rose up to meet her awaiting lips. Their blood pumped wildly, hearts pounded to the rhythm of the night.


Maggie pulled away sharply, all at once remembering herself.Looking up at Matthew through her eyelashes she shyly gave him an embarrassed smile. Matthew just kept staring at her - the grin he was holding was wide and unabashed. Maggie's eyes flew wide open and she suddenly gasped,


"The Sweetheart's Dance! We're missing it!"


Unaffected by the reminder and the smile still wide upon his face,Matthew shrugged nonchalantly and took her once again in his arms. He replied softly,


"Don'tcha worry 'bout that. We'll have our own Sweetheart's Dance...right here...right now. We'll dance to the beat of the crickets - Shhhh...listen...they're playin' our song."


Maggie giggled softly. And as they danced and held each other close Matthew suddenly realized where he was and what had happened here so many years ago...the creek - this creek was the one that gently carried the Chinese lanterns away - the lantern that had carried Ingrid's soul, so the Chinese custom was told.And as an owl hooted nearby as if in answer to Matthew's approaching thought he closed his eyes and had the feeling that that was Ingrid's approval and farewell goodbye. The owl took flight and followed the same direction that the Chinese lantern did on that night many years ago.


Twirling Maggie 'round and 'round Matthew returned her smile happily and thought...yes, I've found my answer; yes I've found my soul...mate.


"Michaela, if ya don't hurry, we're gonna be late for the dance," Sully yelled as he climbed the stairs to their bedroom.


Opening the door,he was surprised to find Michaela laying on the bed, eyes half closed, clutching a pillow.


"Michaela," Sully asked fearfully, "what's wrong? Is it the baby? Ain't ya feelin' well? If ya don't feel up ta dancin' we don't haveta go."


Opening her eyes,Michaela asked simply "Why would I go to the dance when no one's asked me?"


Sully sighed in relief that she was okay and in chagrin as he realized that this was the moment he'd been dreading.


"Oh this is it. Time to pay for Michaela findin' out about Boston." Well,if there was a punishment coming, he'd take it like a man, Sully told himself.


And so, Sully slowly knelt down beside the bed and softly whispered,


"'Chaela, will you please come to the dance with me?"


The velvet tone in his voice melted her heart but she couldn't let him off the hook just yet so she continued "Did Colleen and Brian tell you to ask me?"


Hoping his explanation in its simple truth would persuade her to forgive him, he confessed "Michaela, I followed ya all the way to Boston cause I couldn't bear to lose ya; but then when I found ya, I didn't know how ta make ya see that you belonged with me, back in Colorado. The kids helped me, gave me some ideas, showed me the way is all. They told me to follow my heart and do whatever it took to win you.


"Even if it meant going to the opera," Michaela asked,


"Even if it meant eatin' snails," Sully smiled.


With that, Sully gingerly moved up to sit beside Michaela on the bed,


"Just somethin' I forgot to tell ya, I guess."


Forgot, hmm." Rising to her knees, pillow still in hand, she asked coquettishly, "Any other ideas that weren't yours, Mr. Sully?"


"Oh no," he laughed, brushing the hair from her face as his hand lovingly traced her jaw.


"I promise ya." And with that Sully moved in for a slow, leisurely kiss.


"Your idea?" Michaela breathed.


"Uh hum, how'm I doin'?" he continued without breaking the kiss.


"Quite well actually," she mumbled as Sully began kissing her neck.


The heat between them intensifying rapidly.


"So am I forgiven?" he asked as he began tugging at the pillow that still stood between them.


With that Michaela grabbed the pillow and hit Sully square on the shoulder with it. "Now you're forgiven!"


Fully enjoying this playful side of Michaela, a side shown only to him,Sully snatched another pillow from the bed and returned the jab. In an instant, pillows airborne, feathers flying, Michaela and Sully became engulfed in seas of laughter as, exhausted from their pillow fight, they collapsed into the bed amidst the ruins.


Blissfully happy, Sully captured Michaela, pulling her close.


Kissing her long and deep, they were soon consumed with the passion of the moment.


And so it seemed, regretfully, one more couple would miss the Sweethearts' Dance this year ....


Hank fiddled with his tie in the mirror and cursed under his breath. He blew the hair out of his face and wondered if he oughta cut it all off.


Then he remembered what Nana had said about it being handsome on him and smiled. After all, Emily didn't seem to mind it none.


He grabbed the flowers he had picked behind the saloon when no one was looking and sighed.


"Here goes nothin'" he whispered to himself as he walked out the door.


Emily was furious. She climbed on her horse and rode fast into the night. How dare Timothy lecture her as if she were a child! She was a grown woman and if she decided to go to the sweethearts dance with Hank Lawson there was nothing anyone could do about it!


She raced around the corner blind with angry tears and rode right by Hank. Seeing him too late, Emily tried to stop too fast and was thrown from her horse. Hank galloped towards her, leapt from his horse and ran to her side.


Before he could ask her if she was all right, he heard her hysterical laughter. Hank sat down on the ground next to Emily and teased "That's what I love about you Em, fall from a horse and laugh about it!"


All at once, Emily stopped laughing. "What did you just say?" she asked in a shocked whisper.


"I said that's what I..."Hank's voice trailed off. He couldn't believe he said it. He never thought he would say that word to another woman in his life but it came out so easily. He looked into Emily's eyes and whispered


"...love about you."