"Where in tarnation is she?", grumbled Loren.


"She knew we planned to make some town council announcements at the dance."


Loren was in a foul mood. Not only had he put his back somewhat out when he had a whirl with Dorothy on the dance floor, but he could tell her thoughts were not on the dance. Her gaze seem distant like she was somewhere else. Probably thinking about that Indian again!


Would she ever come to her senses and realize that white folks and Indians do not and should not mix. He was even more vexed now because Dr. Mike was nowhere in sight.


"You don't suppose," Dorothy answered, "that maybe there is a problem at home. The baby is due shortly. Maybe...., No, it would be too soon. Isn't that Brian over there dancing with Sara?"


"Brian!", yelled Loren.


"Now Loren don't go disturbing them. They make such a sweet couple. Oh now you did disturb them. They are coming over." answered Dorothy.


"Yes, Mr. Bray, you wanted me?"


"Yeah, boy, Where's your Ma?"


"Now Loren," said Dorothy giving him a look. "You see Brian, we were just worried seeing she's so close to having the baby and all."


"She seemed fine when I left tonight Miss Dorothy."


"Well she should be here!," grumbled Loren again. "We had some town business we wanted to discuss. Seems quite a few people are missing."


"Well Loren, you know Jake and Teresa couldn't make it." said Dorothy.


"I know, I know! But besides Dr. Mike and Sully, Where is Matthew? And how about Hank! Wasn't he supposed to be bringing the Reverend's sister tonight. Can't figure that out too!"


"Now Loren, Look over there at the dessert table...isn't that the Reverend with Horace, and Grace and Robert E.. He looks a little troubled though!"


"You'd be feeling more that just a little troubled Dorothy if Hank chose to ask one of your daughters out for a night."


At the dessert table the Reverend was having a hard time concentrating on the conversation taking place. He remembered something about Grace asking him which pie he preferred, but his mind was somewhere else. Where could she be?


He knew Emily was angry at him for telling her not to date Hank tonight. Didn't she know about him? The man had no common decency! He ran a brothel for heaven sakes! And her being the sister of the town's Reverend. What would people think of her? What would people think of him?


She was angry all right. She asked him how he had the gall to dictate with whom she could associate with! He had never remembered her being so angry, not during any of their childhood battles. Didn't she know he was only looking out for her. What would people think of her if she associated with the likes of Hank!


"Horace, have you seen her yet."


"No Reverend, can't say I have."


She left over two hours ago in such a huff. What if something happened to her. She took her horse. What if there was an accident? What if she found Hank?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


"Horace,", croaked the Reverend, Do you see Hank anywhere?"


"Can't say that I do, Reverend."


"Oh heavens!" whispered the Reverend.


"What was that Reverend?"


"Nothing Horace, nothing," answered the Reverend. "Would you please help me home. I like to see if Emily may be there."


"Why sure thing."


"Goodnight Grace and Robert E.," said the Reverend.


"Horace has been kind enough to help me home. It seems that maybe Emily has changed her mind about the dance, and I like to know if she is all right."


"Sure Reverend," answered Robert E.


"Goodnight".


"Now what was that all about?" asked Grace.


"Seems as if the Reverend is worried about his sister. Wasn't she supposed to attend with Hank tonight. Neither one of them ever showed up."


"With Hank huh? Well, Well I would be more than worried! Robert E. help me clear some of the dessert dishes away would you."


Grace began to pick up a big pile of dishes to put into the soaking tub when she bent over and grasped the table.


"What is it Grace? Are you okay?"


Robert E. Was at her side in a moment.


When Grace had a chance to catch her breath. She asked Robert E.if he had seen Dr. Mike.


"No I haven't. Neither her nor Sully is here tonight."


Grace looked into Robert E.'s alarmed face and said it would be a good idea if maybe he looked for them among the crowd.


There was the crash of breaking plates as everyone's attention turned towards the dessert table.


"Robert E.!" Grace yelled out in pain.


"I know it's a little early...but I think it's time!!!"


"Dr. Mike, where are you?!" Robert E. shouted, in exasperation. He was ready to pick Grace up and carry her out to the Sully's homestead himself if he had to...


"Well, Grace, looks like we've arrived just in time!"


Grace and Robert E. were both terribly relieved when they realized who had just entered the room.


Dr. Andrew Cook, and his lovely wife Colleen, came around on either side of Grace, and were quickly tending to her immediate need.


"We need to get her to the clinic right away, otherwise she'll have to give birth right here!" Andrew said, "Apparently, Grace has been in labor for quite some time already..."


"Brian, go get Ma, have her meet us at the clinic...Hurry!" Colleen ordered, not taking the time to explain their unexpected presence in Colorado Springs, just in time for the Sweetheart's Dance.


There would be time for explanations later, right now, there was a baby to deliver!


"Hurry, Sully, can't you make this wagon go any faster," Michaela asked in a panicky voice.


"I can't believe I forgot we were going to make some town council announcements after the dance tonight,"


she bemoaned as she tried to straighten Sully's tie while he drove.


"Well ya did have other things on ya mind," he grinned.


"How am I ever going to explain this," she wondered aloud.


"Like ta see ya try," Sully couldn't resist.


"Oh just drive!" she exclaimed.


As they turned the corner and approached the train station, their wagon screeched to a halt to avoid Brian, who was galloping full-speed toward them.


"Ma, Ma, come quick! Miss Grace is havin' her baby! Andrew and Colleen are with her and they sent me to find ya," Brian explained.


Making her way through the crowd outside the clinic, Michaela rushed in. "How is she Andrew?" Michaela asked as she swiftly untied her cape and began scrubbing her hands. Pulling Michaela aside, Andrew detailed quietly, "the baby appears to be in a breech position. I'm afraid a Caesarean section may be required."


Michaela moved quickly to the examination table where Colleen was busy mopping Grace's brow. "Dr. Mike, ya gotta do something! The baby ain't comin'! I can't lose another baby!" Grace cried.


"Calm down, Grace. Everything will be just fine. I'm going to give you some ether and then Andrew and I will take the baby.


"You mean cut it out?" Grace asked worriedly.


"It'll be all right, Grace. Colleen will assist us and it will be over in no time," Michaela reassured her.


"Colleen while Andrew and I prepare for surgery, please go tell Robert E. what's happening. He should know," Michaela said seriously.


Michaela had done many Caesarean sections. Why her first week in Colorado Springs she had delivered Emily's baby via C-section with Charlotte's help. But still, she was nervous. Grace and Robert E.wanted this baby more than anything else in the world. After losing Live in Hopes and then Anthony, Michaela couldn't bear to think of what it would do to them to lose this baby. Grace's bout with alcoholism and their ensuing separation had ripped them apart almost to the point of no repair. "Grace will not lose this baby!"


Michaela vowed to herself.


"Cuttin' her!" They're gonna cut the baby out?" Robert E. exclaimed.


Frantically he tried to push past Colleen and into the clinic to Grace's side. "I gotta see her!"


"I'm sorry Robert E. but Ma and Andrew are almost ready and Grace is already under the ether," Colleen explained patiently.


"The sooner they do this, the sooner you'll be a pa," Sully said to reassure his friend. Truth is he said it to reassure himself too.


Moments like this always made him think of Abigail and Hannah, and with Michaela deliverin' soon, Sully could only pray to the spirits that she and the baby would be okay. Steeling himself to be strong for Robert E. and beckoning Loren and Dorothy to help him, the three sat on the bench outside the clinic to wait.


"Got any names picked out?" Loren asked to lighten the mood.


"Matter of fact, we do." Robert E. answered, encouraged by the thought. "Grace wants Robert Anthony if it's a boy and I'd like Isabel Grace if it's a girl. Isabel after my Ma."


"Those are wonderful names, Robert E." Dorothy chimed in.


Inside the clinic, Colleen handed Michaela the scalpel to make the incision. "I'll make the cut, Andrew, and then once the baby is out, you cut the cord. Colleen, please have a blanket ready for the baby. As soon as the baby is safe, I'll begin stitching Grace," Michaela detailed.


The time seemed an eternity to Robert E. The usual crowd had formed. Preston had once again taken his observer's stance just beyond the crowd. The Reverend had returned with Horace upon hearing of the evening's events and began to pray


"Dear Lord, watch over our beloved Grace and her baby and see them safely through this fearful hour."


At that moment, a baby's cry could be heard from inside the clinic.


Robert E. thought it the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.


Anxiously he stood to greet Colleen who emerged from the clinic. Placing her hand on Robert E.'s arm, Colleen grinned "It's a girl!"


"Isabel Grace!" he cried through tears of joy. "How's Grace? Can I see her?" he asked.


"As soon as Ma and Andrew finish stitching her up," Colleen answered. At that moment, Michaela emerged from the clinic.


"Your wife and daughter are waiting for you Robert E."


"Mustn't keep those girls waitin'," Sully said as he cheerfully slapped Robert E. on the back.


"No, I won't!" Robert E. exclaimed.


As Robert E. and Grace shared their first moments with their precious daughter, Michaela, Andrew and Colleen cleaned up after the surgery and prepared a room upstairs for the night for Grace and her daughter.


The crowd milled in excitement as Preston slowly made his way toward the bank. "Isabel," he said softly to himself. He always thought that was a pretty name, as he pensively remembered a beautiful painter who once stole his heart.


"No point dwelling on the past," he shook himself. "It's late and the bank opens early tomorrow," he reminded himself. But the haunting name would linger in his dreams that night.


Just as the crowd began dispersing, Hank and Emily appeared on horseback as the rounded the Gazette.


As he gallantly helped Emily down from her horse, Hank addressed the crowd,


"So, what'd we miss?"


The first one to respond to Hank's inquiry was the Reverend who, by now, had made his way through the dispersing crowd to stand rather closely in front of Hank,


"What did you miss?!" The Reverend echoed Hank's question, only to continue on, "I'll tell you what you missed...the Sweetheart's Dance! Where have you two been?!"


Emily opened her mouth to reply (Hank's only acknowledgment to that question was a slow, knowing smile, meant only to aggravate the already agitated Reverend) but just then Matthew and Maggie came charging around the corner on Matthew's horse. Quickly dismounting from his horse they hurried quickly to the small crowd that was still milling around in front of the clinic. It was Dorothy who filled the newcomers in on the town's newest member. While she was explaining Maggie happened to glance over at Emily who was already studying her. And as the two began to smile at one another, Maggie knew that her own face still mirrored the flushed look that was set upon Emily's. A giggle escaped from Emily and Maggie could no longer hold hers in either. Matthew turned a questioning glance at Maggie, then his eyes flew straight to Emily's. Emily stepped closer to Hank and buried her face into his back. In response to that display the Reverend rolled his eyes up to look at the starry night sky and threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.


As he stalked away from the group, Hank gave a little smile and a wink to Matthew and turned around to his little Emily and placed his big hands upon her dainty cheeks. Thoroughly intoxicated by her laugh, he mused,


"Whenever I hear yer laughter it moves me to distraction, Em'".


Knowing he had her full attention and at the same time completely dumbfounded at his statement...where did that come from...me?!!...Hank lifted her up, twirled her around, then landed her light-as-a-feather to the ground.


Suddenly inspired, and idea sprung forth and he grabbed her hand and pulled her into a run,


"Come on, Em', there's still time!" Hank exclaimed, eyes twinkling.


Running through the town, small hand clutched tightly into Hank's large one, Emily had no time to ask him what he meant. Besides, she thought to herself, it doesn't really matter, as long as this man is by my side...close to my heart.


They came to a halt, laughing and out of breath, to the site of where the Sweetheart's Dance was held. No one was there save a few people clearing up tables and there were three of the five band members still dismantling their small stage. Leaving Emily's side for a moment Hank strode over to them and in hushed tones spoke with them. Emily couldn't hear a word they were saying, but as one of the band members looked up at Hank, then over to Emily and smiled, she thought she had a pretty good idea of what was to come about. Hank swiftly returned to her side and with his clear blue eyes never once leaving hers he smartly clicked his heels together and bowed gallantly and murmured in a silky-smooth voice,


"*Sweetheart*, will you *dance* with me?"


As if on cue, the small band struck up a soft, mellow song and Emily, once again blushing, answered sweetly,


"Yes, of course I will, kind sir."


Gathering Emily in his strong arms he gently twirled her to and fro all the while in perfect time with the music. The dizziness that overcame both of them had more to do with their close proximity than the actual twirls and turns of their dancing. Hank gazed down into her lovely eyes and, softly laughing, replied in a low, slow tone,


"I am soooo where I want to be, Emily."


And, in turn, breathlessly as Hank dipped her ever-so-gently, looking straight into his penetrating gaze whispered huskily,


"...And I am sooo in love with you, Hank...I love you to distraction!"


With Grace and baby Isabel safely tucked away for the night and Robert E. snoozing half in the chair and half way onto the bed, Michaela left them alone. She shut the clinic door and now turned turned to Matthew and Maggie who were sharing a quiet moment in the secluded shadows not far away on the boardwalk. Sully had just come around the corner to greet Michaela when Matthew stepped forward. Taking Maggie's hand into his he announced proudly,


"Maggie and I are getting married!"


By the time he finished his announcement, the smile he wore was so huge that it was infectious!


"Yes, isn't it just so delightful - I am so excited...I know it's kind of sudden and all, but Matthew and I know that it's right...everything about us feels so right. I can't think of any thing more than I could want than to be Mrs. Matthew Cooper!!"


Gushed Maggie, genuinely happy, glowing like a sunbeam.


Sully was the first to react. Thrusting out his hand he shook Matthew's enthusiastically.


"I couldn't be more happy with yer news, Matthew...congratulations - both of you!"


Michaela's brow had a slight pucker in it and she fretfully pulled at her bottom lip with her teeth...


"Well, Dr. Mike, what's on your mind?" Matthew asked hesitantly.


"Andrew, really!!" Colleen's shrill voice rang out in the night...a giggle tumbling from her lips.


"Colleen...I'm being serious! I want to know what you think about it." Andrew replied in cajoling tones.


"Really, Andy...behave yourself - what's got into you?" Colleen asked incredulously, eyes shining.


"I just figure...well, I don't know...I just thought I'd run it by you. I know it's kind of a spur of the moment thing, but...I just figure it's time..." Answered a smiling Andrew.


"Dr. Cook...", Colleen started in playful tones, "You've caught me off guard -give me time to think..." Andrew never let her finish as he was too busy stalking her...slowly closing the space in between them and as Colleen let out an excited shriek, she took off running as fast as she could.


All the while she could hear Andrew's footsteps getting nearer and nearer...


Catching up with her, they tumbled to the ground together and as eager lips joined all play and laughter was forgotten...


"You are so very handsome, Andrew...so very important to me."


"And you, my love, are my life and my treasure - hmmm, and now that I've found my treasure...let's see what there is to..."


They were far enough away from the town that all sound they heard was the peaceful hum of the crickets and the breeze playing through the trees...


It was such a quiet night that is was a wonder that no one heard the cry-out from the vicinity of Preston's home...


Sweat beaded his face despite the breeze that wafted refreshingly through the open window in Preston's bedroom. He was wide awake now - his harsh cry made sure of that fact. He'd had another dream and for the life of him he could not make any sense of it - why was she haunting his dreams...his thoughts in waking hours?? Why now, after all the time that had passed?


Cursing softly under his breath and knowing sleep would evade him this night for quite some time, Preston threw back the covers in disgust.


Partially dressed he walked out onto his balcony and his eyes strained through the moonlight. They came to rest on a large, weathered-grey stump not far away. A sharp frown puckered his brow as he recalled what that stump used to be part of...the town's "kissing tree". He'd had it chopped down - ignoring the pleas from various people to leave it alone - to let it rest peacefully as it had for hundreds of years. It had been a vital part of the town and its history for more reasons than one.


Preston let out a troubled sigh, swallowed hard and closing his eyes he rubbed them absently with his fingers...so many memories - too many of them not very pleasant of his life in Colorado Springs.


He admitted that and could only surmise that the reason of guilt that was lately washing over him about the things he had done was because of the resurfacing memories of Isabel.


Ahhhh...Isabel - sweet and sophisticated, beautiful Isabel. She was the only woman who ever captured his heart. And the only one to shatter it to pieces. Why did she leave? Why...why?! So happy and in love...their impending....


He shook his head sadly and mused out loud,


"I can't even finish the thought."


Pain still heavy and fresh within him...he continued his wayward thoughts...The very next day she was gone. No explanation. No word of her whereabouts - unless he was to count that poor excuse of a note she left behind. What'd that note really mean, anyway?!


Preston inhaled a deep breath of fresh, night air and leaning over the balcony he listened to the calm, low hooting of an owl. A few minutes later he straightened up and nodding his head he concluded his heavy thoughts into a decision. A decision he should have made long ago - the day Isabel's father sadly handed him her note.


As the shrill whistle of the train sounded, Preston shaded his eyes from the bright sunlight and as he turned to pick up his luggage Jake came up behind him and spoke,


"I just wanted to say that wherever you're goin' and whatever you're doin'...well...good luck with it.


Don't worry about your home as I'm sure that between some of us here...well, we'll watch out for it...'til you come back."


Preston held out his hand and shook Jake's and replied,


"Much appreciated, Jake. There's just something I have to do -something I should have done long ago...I only hope that it's not too late."


Puzzled, but sensing not to inquire further Jake nodded his head and stepped away.


And as he watched a distracted Preston board the train he mused at how much he and the town still never knew about Preston. Shrugging his shoulders and shaking himself from his thoughts he left the train station. He really didn't want or need to know anyway.


Jake's thoughts immediately turned affectionately back to his wife and baby...hurrying his step,he suddenly couldn't wait to make a surprise, mid-day visit home -home to his Teresa and Tommy. All thoughts of Preston's mysterious departure slipped away from his mind.


On board the train Preston's thoughts were a mixture of apprehension and excitement. I have to know. I must find you...I still love you, Isabel...for you never let my heart go all those years ago.


Michaela was trying to prepare breakfast the next morning at the same time Preston had made the decision to search for Isabel.


She was thinking about Matthew and Maggie's sudden announcement. At first, she hadn't known what to say and judging from the look on Matthew's face, she must having been frowning. She could see everyone else around the young, happy couple was very pleased by the announcement. Sully looked at her with a huge smile on his face and she found herself returning the smile.


Matthew then heaved a sigh of relief, she noticed.


"You're happy 'bout it, aren't ya, Ma?" He had asked uncertainly.


It always touched her heart when he called her 'Ma',


"Oh, Matthew I'm very happy and I like Maggie very much. It just that you took me by surprise that's all. We've had so much excitement here tonight, with the baby and your sister coming to town-"


"Colleen's here? Where is she? She's gotta meet Maggie!" Matthew had said excitedly.


"Slow down! She and Andrew have gone out to the Chateau and you'll see them tomorrow morning. They're coming to breakfast before we go to church."


Michaela returned from her thought recalling Matthew's smile on his face, a smile she hadn't seen in a very long time. She heard Brian's footsteps coming down the stairs.


"Mornin' Ma" he yawned.


"Good Morning, Sweetheart" she smiled.


"Where is everyone?"


"Oh, we've been up for awhile. Matthew said that you were up pretty late last night writing so we decided to let you sleep in."


"I was writin' 'bout last night. I'm keepin' a journal. Miss Maggie says that a good writer always writes things down. I remember Mr. Whitman tellin' me that too, but I haven't been doin' it that much and last night seemed a good place to start. Miss Maggie...now that she's marryin' Matthew what'll I call her?"


"Oh, you'll be able to call her Maggie, but in school, it will still be Miss Maggie. I guess it's a good thing that this is your last year so you won't feel uncomfortable."


"I won't feel uncomfortable, I like Miss Maggie. She a nice teacher and she's lots of fun."


"I'm glad of that." Michaela smiled at Brian.


"So, why the big breakfast?"


"Well, Maggie will be here and your sister and Andrew."


"Oh yeah!" exclaimed Brian remembering that Colleen and Andrew were home.


"Can I help you with breakfast? I promise I won't make scrambled eggs!"


They both laughed remembering the first time Brian had made scrambled eggs. Michaela had been expecting Katie and Brian had made her eggs that were so runny she had almost been sick. But like any loving mother, she bravely ate the eggs.


"I can't believe you ate those! They were disgustin' lookin'."


"You, Matthew and Colleen ate plenty of *my* 'disgusting looking' food too!"


Brian grinned, "I guess we both have come a long way in our cookin'"


"Yes, we sure have." Michaela laughed.


The door burst open and Katie came running in followed by Sully.


"There you two are!" Michaela said smiling at her husband and daughter. She looked at Katie, her pretty blonde hair had been tousled by the wind and her cheeks were rosy red.


"Mama!!" Katie cried running over to Michaela wanting to be picked up.


"Oh, Katie, Mama can't pick you up. You can sit in my lap though (what's left of it!)."


"Me an' Papa pick you fowers!" said Katie handing her Mama a pretty bouquet of fall flowers.


"Thank you Sweetheart, they're lovely!"


Michaela kissed Katie. They heard the rumble of wagon wheels and Katie climbed down Michaela's lap.


"Mattew's home!" she cried happily.


Matthew opened the door and was greeted by a running Katie "Mattew!!"


Matthew grinned at his little sister and picked her up,


"Nice to see *you* too Katie! You know, I haven't been gone that long! Hey Katie, look who followed me an' Maggie in from town."


Matthew and Maggie made room for Colleen and Andrew. Katie had been asleep during last night's excitement and didn't know that Colleen and Andrew were home. She squealed with delight when she saw her big sister. Matthew handed her to Colleen's awaiting arms.


"Coween! Me miss ya!"


"I've missed you too. Yer talkin' so good now!"


Michaela smiled "She sure is, she has trouble with her l's and h's though. She is quite the chatter box!"


"C'mon and warm yerselves by the fire. The temperature sure dropped durin' the night. Looks like fall has decided to come." Sully said smiling.


"This is great! All of us here together and it isn't even a holiday!" Brian said happily.


"As delighted as I am to see the both of you, why are you here?" asked Michaela curiously.