The clock in the parlor began to chime the hour. Elizabeth Quinn set her knitting aside. She’d made her first project for Katie, a beautiful cream colored blanket, but it had become a hobby. Now she was making a shawl for Rebecca’s youngest daughter, Annie.

She and some of the other ladies of Beacon Hill had gotten together for a garden walk to raise money for charity earlier that morning, and it had been very successful. Her circle of lady friends was growing, and secretly they all thought Elizabeth Quinn was somewhat of a changed woman lately. She seemed more generally accepting of people, and slightly more friendly.

“Martha?” Elizabeth asked, going in search of her maid.

Martha came from the dining room where she was laying out tea. “I know you’re busy, but could you possibly take a break and run up to the telegraph office and see if I have any mail, and also get me some more red and blue yarn for Annie’s shawl?”

“Certainly, and it’s looking wonderful. She’s going to love it. Why, when she goes off to school in the fall, she’ll look just like the models from the mail order catalog!” Martha told the satisfied Grandmother.

True to her word, Martha left at once. She went to get the yarn first. She picked out several skeins of the colors instructed. She had to wait in a frustratingly long line to pay for her parcels, though. For some reason she was in an impatient hurry, which really didn’t make any sense at all.

Finally, Martha got out of the knick-knack store and headed toward the telegraph office to look for Mrs. Quinn’s mail. She was slightly excited at the prospect of a letter from Jimmy, who was the groom for the James family. Martha had taken a liking to him a few weeks ago when they met at a church picnic.

It was at that moment a worker came up and asked Martha if he could help her. She nodded. “I’m here to collect mail or telegrams for Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn.” The man nodded and turned away and began to search through the mail bag. He came up with a couple of letters, and a telegram.

“Here you go, Miss.”

“Thank you very much.” Martha said, and tucked everything safely away and began to walk back home. She couldn’t resist taking it out to see if there was a letter for her. Instead, the first piece of mail was the telegraph. It was addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn, with the return of Colorado Springs. Martha smiled girlishly, knowing Elizabeth would be thrilled to get mail from her family. She began to run faster at the thought.

She burst into the house moments later, red cheeked, and breathing hard. “What on earth is the matter Martha?” Elizabeth asked, urging her into a chair.

“There… was.. …letter,” Martha could hardly get what she wanted to say out for trying to catch her breath and her excitement.

“Calm down for a moment.” Elizabeth instructed, waiting somewhat impatiently for this to happen. Martha seemed to have something important to tell her.

“You got a telegram from Brian!” Martha told her employer, ecstatically, and handing her the yellow telegraph paper.

Elizabeth took it, and put on her glasses. She read the contents in silence, the expression on her face going from concern to determination. She had the look that Nicholas, the gardener, called her “hell-bent look.” It meant she would do whatever she had in mind if it was the last thing she did, and nothing, no-one, and no circumstances would even dare try and stop her.

“Martha, tell Nicholas to bring the carriage round. I’m in the mood for a ride.” She remarked absentmindedly.

“Certainly.” Martha went to do as she was instructed; having a backward glance at Elizabeth as she left the room. She didn’t like that look. It usually meant chaos was going to break loose.

Elizabeth sucked in a breath, biting her lip in concentration. Brian had said Sully wasn’t completely well, and if Sully and Michaela’s marriage was in some kind of …trouble as Brian seemed to indicate then this would be the perfect time to act! “Certainly, Sully hasn’t disappointed any of my wishes for my daughter just as he promised, but I know she can do better.” Elizabeth thought out loud.

Ideas were racing around in her mind. Certainly the first item of business was to make sure things were not so serious in Colorado as Brian indicated. Elizabeth could hardly believe things would be as bad as her grandson said they were. Yet, the only way she could know for sure was to see for herself. If things could be rectified easily, she could put the plans she’d been making for quite a long time into action. Elizabeth was sure if the state of things was already slightly rocky, the deck was already stacked in her favor. “All I need to do is play my hand.” This time she would get through to her daughter!

But this was something too great for one person to accomplish alone: even if that person was a mother. She would need help, and she knew just the perfect someone.

Meanwhile, back in Colorado Springs, at the Sully homestead, Brian and Colleen had returned, and Katie was up from her nap. Colleen and Brian were playing quietly in the bedroom with her. All three children seemed to notice the serious-sad look in Sully’s deep, ocean blue eyes. Without question, Colleen had made supper, and they’d eaten in silence. All but Sully; who’d pushed his food around on his plate, otherwise not touching it. The usual chatter they had around the table at supper didn’t exist. Instead a heavy oppression had taken its place. They all seemed to seem to know something was wrong. After they’d eaten Sully ventured over and sat down beside the hearth, and fell into a restless sleep.

“What do you suppose happened?” Brian asked softly.

“I don’t know… Something obviously did.”

“Do you think they had another fight?”

“I’m don’t know, Brian. All I know is the best thing we can do right now is not get in the way and take really good care of Katie.”

“Alright. Colleen, are things really going to be alright?”

“I hope so, Brian. I hope so…” She whispered, pulling him close for a second and hugging him.

Michaela shivered as an angry orange-yellow tongue of fiery lightning streaked to earth, and the resounding thunder seemed to shake the world around her. Her shivering wasn’t all about the thunder. The rain was pounding around her in torrents, and she was in the middle of a severe storm. A cold front was pushing at the storm and the temperature was steadily dropping. Michaela wished she’d thought to bring her heavier duster.

At that moment, there was a loud popping sound. Michaela looked wildly around, a seemingly sixth sense telling her something was very wrong. She was just in time to see the huge tree in front of her begin to sway dangerously. She realized it had been stuck by the lightning. There was another pop as the tree burst into flame, and came crashing down barely a foot in front of her!

Flash, who was already antsy as it was, panicked. She whinnied and reared up on her back feet, jumping and prancing around. Michaela grabbed for any solid hand hold, but it was too late. She screamed, and for a sickening moment she was falling through an endless blackened nothingness. She shut her eyes tight, and tried to shield her face with her hands, as things struck her defenseless body, falling like a meteor to earth.

She hit the hard rocky ground and waves of pain rose over her. A cry for help caught in her throat. She managed to turn her head. The sight that met her eyes was more terrifying than anything she could have imagined. Thin orange lines of deadly fire were creeping away from that fallen tree despite the freezing cold rain. Then another tree close beside her began to smolder. Michaela’s fear was colder than the rain, colder than the shocking reality, colder than anything she had ever experienced before in her entire life. It was almost paralyzing.

No! She had to get out of there. Michaela tried her best to sit up, but she couldn’t. All of a sudden she was rolling down. Down, down, down, faster and faster. She couldn’t stop herself! “HELP! HELP ME!” Her terrifyingly real screams ripped through the valley casting the shadow of death. She continued rolling forward down the face of the steep cliff, striking trees and rocks, carrying dirt, debris, sediments, small plants and rocks with her. She was almost numb to the pain now. The world was slipping away from her too fast to control.

At that instant she came crashing down to the solid rock of the cliff bottom, her head striking full force against a boulder. Pain like she had never felt invaded her body, her mind reeled from shock. She couldn’t move or think, she could barely breathe because of the intense pain ripping through her. She lay still, unable to do anything else. “HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME! PLEASE HELP!” She cried, but she was not to be heard. She couldn’t move, and the sleepy feeling came. Oh she knew that feeling so very well, and she welcomed it. It meant no more pain. Michaela Anne Quinn closed her eyes and the world slipped away.

Sully shot up, wide awake. His heart was racing, and he was in a clammy cold sweat. Something was wrong! He could sense it! The fire was glowing embers and it was very dark. The wind still whistled, but the thunder was distant to the south-east. Wolf stood at the door, the hair on the back of neck was bristled up. He was rigid as if waiting for something. A low whine escaped him, and he turned pleading eyes on Sully.

The mantle clock chimed eleven. Sully picked himself up slowly from the floor. He made his way up the stairs and tip-toed into Brian’s room. He found Brian, Colleen, and Katie fast asleep in Brian’s big bed. He smiled softly at them, and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. He walked down the hall to their bedroom and opened the door, expecting to find Michaela fast asleep. He was in for a shock. She was no where to be seen. In fact the bed hadn’t even been unmade!

Wolf came up behind Sully and nudged his hand urgently. Sully followed his loyal companion down the stairs and out into the yard. It was freezing! He ran his hands up and down his arms in an attempt to keep himself warm. Where was Michaela?! Wolf barked sharply, and urged Sully forward. Sully shook his head. “Not tonight boy… it’s freezing..”

He felt as if he should go looking for Michaela, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He wasn’t sure if it was his injured pride or the freezing cold. He wasn’t really mad at her, never had been. Now he was regretting their fight with everything in him. He felt awful for hurting her, but he just couldn’t bring himself to admit it and go find her. “She’s probly just… spending the night at the clinic.” he said, attempting to excuse himself, and turned to go back into the house.

Wolf growled and grabbed onto the back of Sully’s buckskin jacket, and planted himself firmly down. “Boy.. I’m goin’ in. There’s nothin wrong, an it’s freezin out here!” Wolf barked, and his breath made a smoky cloud in the cold air. He took a hold of the jacket and pulled back. There was a ripping sound, and Sully pitched forward, managing to catch himself before he fell, leaving Wolf with a large piece of torn buckskin in his mouth. Sully shook his head, turned and went into the house.

Wolf cocked his head. He could tell something was desperately wrong, but why wouldn’t his master see it?! Why did he have to be so very stubborn!? Wolf turned his head towards the woods. It was calling him. If Sully wouldn’t do anything about it… he would. Wolf turned and began to walk slowly, head down, away from his master. For the first time in many years he would have to go against Sully’s wishes. He disappeared silently into the fog.

“Take those down to the loading platform!” Elizabeth Quinn instructed.

“I sure hope you’re right about this!” The man said.

“Trust me, a mother’s instinct is never wrong, is it my dear?” Elizabeth asked, putting a supportive arm around Madeleine’s shoulders.

“Elizabeth…you‘re impos-”

“Don’t even say it.”

“Alright.. I won’t..”

“ALL ABOARD!” The train conductor called loudly above the bustle of the noisy train station.

“Well, I guess that’s us…” Madeleine said.

The first thing that came to his mind was.. “Why’re we all in my bed?” Brian turned over carefully so as not to wake his sisters. He sat up. This was strange. Finally, he padded softly down the hallway and silently went downstairs. He was shocked to find Sully laying on the floor in front of the fireplace. He was using his buckskin jacket as a blanket, and it had a big rip in the back.

Brian headed back upstairs and toward his parents’ bedroom. The door stood slightly ajar. Brian peeked inside. The bed hadn’t ever been unmade! “Colleen!” He exclaimed, running through the hall and back to his bedroom.

“What..?” Colleen looked around, as much confused by her surroundings as Brian had previously been.

“Ma, she’s gone!”

“What? Brian, that doesn’t make any sense.” Colleen replied, laying her head on his forehead and checking for fever.

“Ma’s not in her and Sully’s room! No one ever slept in there last night, neither!”

“Oh…” Colleen whispered, softly. The sister and brother exchanged a glance and began to hug each other tight.

“She’ll come back? Won’t she?!”

“Yes, Brian.” Colleen answered quickly, and her reply was much more confident than she felt. After all, hadn’t she been wrong about most everything else already?

Wolf looked around himself. His frenzied run had finally come to a walk. His pink tongue lolled from his mouth, and despite the bitter cold he was hot. He’d been searching desperately for a scent of Michaela or Flash most of the night. He just knew there was something wrong. He could feel it!

He’d finally found a scent, but he could tell he was going in big circles. He didn’t understand why Michaela would do that, unless maybe the storm had blown her off track. He lost the scent completely when he came upon an angry rushing river. The water churned angrily below him, leaping over the banks in brownish waves. He couldn’t possibly cross that! He’d have to go farther down and find a place safe enough to cross.

The storm the previous night had been a bad one, and a forest fire, probably started from lightning, had charred off some of the trees, branches and leaves littered the ground. The spring beauty of the world had been marred significantly. Tornadoes had touched down in many locations, and the storm had brought bitter cold temperatures which were below freezing and dropping lower still.

Madeleine opened her eyes slowly and looked toward her husband and Elizabeth. It was early morning and the train was still speeding across the plains. Madeleine was quite excited. She had been raised for high society Boston life in Beacon Hill, but she had always loved adventures. That had been a necessity in life with three older brothers! “How long will it take us to get to Colorado?”

“Three or four days. It’s much easier going to visit now that the train runs through, and we don’t have to take a hot, uncomfortable stage coach!”

Madeleine bit back the urge to tell Elizabeth she’d always wanted to ride in a stage coach, maybe meet an Indian, well supposing they were really friendly and not savages as she’d heard.

Her brothers had ranged from age from 6 to 10 when she’d been born. They’d often played together as children before their mother called a stop to the raucous fun they’d had running through the house pretending they were holding up a stage coach or robbing a bank or killing Indians. Her brothers always said they were the most awful thing you could meet, but Madeleine somehow doubted that was the complete truth. After all, she thought, everyone has a little good in them.

Just then her thoughts were interrupted. “Maddie, darling, we should go get something to eat.”

“I’m really not that hungry.” Madeleine insisted. She’d finally finished getting sick over what she’d eaten the day before and she didn’t intend to start that cycle again!

“Nonsense, now please come on and eat a little. I can’t believe you convinced me to letting you come on this wild journey in the first place in your condition.”

“Admit it, you’d miss me otherwise.” She told him.

“Yes, I’m afraid so…”

“So, what about my drawing lesson?”

“I’m not sure there’s anything in this train which is staying in one place long enough to draw!” He replied as a bowl of some sort slid into the floor and shattered.

Wolf raced back and forth on the banks of the churning stream. How was he going to get across it!? It was at that exact moment the bank under him crumbled away. Wolf yelped and fell into the rushing water below him. He was carried yelping and barking away down the bend in the angry river. He knew he had to get out of there.

A few miles down he noticed a tree leaning far over into the water. As Wolf went by he caught the branch nearest him. If there was ever a time he’d needed hands to grip with it was now! Almost half an hour later he wallowed himself out of the freezing water, soaking wet and more than slightly discouraged. He shook off as best he could, but he could almost feel the ice forming in his thick coat. That wouldn’t do a lot to keep him warm against the freezing cold if he was soaked!

Nevertheless, he was resolved to find Michaela. He could still sense something was wrong. He walked on along the other side of the bank, but now he had a scent! With renewed strength he put his nose to the ground and began to run as fast as his four legs could carry him.

Now he was running through a charred forest. He had trekked these routes with Sully before! Now he knew where he was! Wolf was sad to see the charred remains of this small forest. Burnt trees littered the ground; skeletons of a few still stood like forgotten scare crows. The sky was a steely gray looking like it might actually snow despite the balmy April weather of the previous days.

All of a sudden Wolf came to the edge of a steep cliff. The ground jutted straight down, but still the scent was strong. A chilling fear swept through him, a fear colder than ice, colder than the water he’d just been subjected too, colder than anything. He had done this before! True, not in this same place but…still he’d done it. He remembered standing at the top of the cliff looking down into the water as his loyal master struggled to find his way out of the water. He’d felt this same way.

Wolf hardly dared to look over the edge. He hunkered down on his belly and crept toward the edge, feeling before he stepped. He finally was close enough to see over. He caught a quick glimpse. If it was possible for a wolf to cry he was close to it now!

Michaela lay motionless at the foot of the cliff, possibly dead, what was he supposed to do, and how had this happened?! In the end Wolf had to run almost two miles down the cliff face and backtrack quite a ways to find a way down to the ground again. The ascent had been so gradual he hadn’t even noticed himself going higher!

Wolf ran across the cold ground to Michaela. Her body was in a tight ball and she had a severe cut across her forehead. What concerned him most was the fact that she was laying in a bed of rocks. Most of them were jagged and pointed. If she had fallen directly into that!…

He pushed his cold nose up against her skin and began to lick her face, whimpering. He placed a paw on her cheek, and tried to shake her as best he could. He tried to nudge her awake, nothing was working! Why wasn’t she waking up!? Wolf was frustrated. When he had done this with Sully, he’d woken up. He really slowly had opened his eyes, lifted his hand, and patted Wolf on the head. Why wasn’t Michaela doing the same thing?

Just then a cold reality shot through him. A reality he didn’t want to believe. What if she was dead?! He nosed aside the fabric of her shawl and laid his head against her chest waiting for the rise and fall which meant breath. He waited silently for the faint, “thump thump” like the pleasant ticking of an old clock. He thought he’d heard people say that was a heart, and apparently those were important to living. It never came…

Wolf felt as if he was breaking into two pieces. She was dead! He sat up on his back legs and let out a loud, piteous, howl. A sound that held all his pain and more. Wolf lay down across her, his head on paws, wishing he knew what to do. How could they survive without her?!

It was many hours later when he felt resolved enough to move. He knew he had to say his goodbye’s… but how? How do you say goodbye to her? Wolf wondered. He pressed his nose under her hand and began to rub his nose under her chin and across her face, whimpering. In Wolf language such behavior was a clear sign. “You are my leader, I respect you.” Finally he licked her cheek and began to trudge back the way he had come, feeling more pain inside than he’d known it was possible to feel.

It was then that he thought of Sully. They had been fighting, but Wolf knew they still loved each other. He also knew Sully would be crushed beyond anything imaginable by this, and the children?! How would they deal with the loss of their second mother? What about Katie? She would grow up never remembering her Ma.

Wolf felt helpless. He didn’t like to feel helpless. He had a feeling it was one of the things wolves shared in common with humans. He looked up. Despite his sadness, he still had a family to take care of. It was then that he began to run as fast as he could. The passing of the daylight into night didn’t matter, the chilling temperatures and his still wet fur didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but getting home. He was exhausted, but yet he couldn’t rest, not now. He had to get to Sully.

There was the waning of the sunset into the black, and still no one bothered to light the lamp. Colleen and Brian did the chores silently, but only what had to be done. Colleen never cooked supper, because no one felt like eating. Even Katie was silent. For some reason a gray mist seemed to have descended over the homestead. They all had a bad feeling they couldn’t seem to shake. It was as if a rain cloud were following them around and raining on each of them every chance it got.

Sully had shamefacedly told them about fighting with Michaela and how she’d ridden off to go make her house calls despite the storm which had ripped through leaving death and destruction in its wake. Brian and Colleen had done their best to cheer him. They assured him she’d no doubt made it to Mr. Wright’s and had merely stayed the night due to the storm, and the coming back was slow because of the damage the storm had inflicted.

He had sat listlessly by the window for hours on end that day, silently berating himself for the things he’d said, wishing he could take them back. He knew he should go look for her, but suppose she didn’t want him to. Something was stopping him. He tried to tell himself it was common sense and not his wounded pride.

“Pa…” Colleen sat down beside him, putting her hand on his shoulder.

He looked up in surprise. “What is it?”

“She’s going to come back. I promise.” Sully didn’t reply. Instead he turned his face to the window. “She’s probably on her way back right now, and maybe she’ll be here by morning.” Colleen tried to comfort.

: “I can’t believe I fought with her…”

“I know, I know…everyone fights. It’s ok.”

“No, not like that…Some o’ the things I said were just…”

“Pa, don’t worry about it. Yes, you two fought, but things will work themselves out. Just you wait and see. I promise!”

“Colleen, ya don’t understand.”

“Maybe not.. But I can try.”

“I just got a bad feelin’ bout this.”

“Everyone gets those sometimes. Look, cheer up. I’ll make you some thing to eat, and then we’ll talk.”

Sully didn’t reply, but continued to stare listlessly out the window. He wondered where Wolf was. What message had his friend been trying to convey last night in his urgent barks and whimpers, even going so far as to tear his jacket to get his attention. He wished with all his heart he’d gone with him.

“Passengers, I have an announcement!” Everyone on the train looked up at the conductor.

“I wonder what’s going on.” Elizabeth whispered.

“Due to the severe storms of last night we’re going to be delayed at reaching Colorado. There are branches and debris littering the tracks in places from Kansas all the way to California.”

Elizabeth and Madeleine exchanged a glance. Madeleine definitely wanted her adventure, but the train was making her sicker than her regular morning sickness usually did. She had no wish to remain on it any longer than necessary! Nevertheless, she kept quiet and put on a slight smile. “I guess this is the first adventure.”

“Probably out of many.” Her husband responded.

Wolf finally came into the clearing before the homestead. He was panting and his once cold fur was now thick with heat and effort from having run so fast for so long. He rushed onto the porch, beginning to bark.

Sully, Brian, and Colleen all rushed to be the first to the door. Wolf rushed in still barking. He ran circles in the living room, whining.

“What’s he trying to tell us?!” Brian asked.

“I don’t know! Certainly must be somethin’ important.” The kids noticed that Sully suddenly seemed slightly more cheerful.

Wolf whimpered, ran toward the door, then ran back. He followed this pattern three or four times. After this he nudged Sully’s hand insistently and barked loudly. Finally, he grabbed hold of Sully’s pants and tried once more to drag him toward the door.

All of a sudden, Sully knew Wolf wanted him to follow. He knew what he had to do. “Brian, Colleen, I’m goin’ with him. Mebe he knows where Michaela’s at. Take care of Katie!” With that he rushed out of the homestead, leaving Brian and Colleen to glance at each other over Katie’s head.

Sully followed Wolf. Wolf no longer had his nose down to the ground. He knew where he was going. He didn’t need a scent anymore. “Wolf, boy, will ya please tell me where we’re goin’?” Sully realized it was silly, because his companion couldn’t talk. Wolf barked and continued on.

Finally, Wolf drew to the edge of the cliff. He laid down, head on paws, and whined. Sully caught his breath. “No…No! That can’t be!” But Wolf was sending him a clear message. Before Sully could react, there was a high pitched whinny. Flash broke into the clearing. She was obviously frightened and she was lathered with sweat. Sully slowly walked up to the excited horse.

“Easssyyy girl…” He tried to calm her, reaching up for her reins. Flash reared and whinned again. Sully was able to catch her reins this time. “Eassyyy girl. You’re ok. Easy.” With Sully’s gently touch Flash began to calm down slightly. Sully noticed Michaela’s saddle bags were still attached as was her medical bag. That worried him. If she had merely turned Flash loose, she’d have taken her saddle bags. Wouldn’t she?

It was then that Wolf began to whine at Sully’s feet. “Alright boy, alright!” He said. Sully had forgotten the rush of fear that had overwhelmed him when he’d seen how Wolf was looking over the edge of the cliff. He tied Flash’s reins around the base of one of the few remaining trees and walked up behind Wolf, who was still looking forlornly over the edge of the cliff at Michaela’s motionless body.

Sully looked over the cliff. It all came on him in a rush. “MICHAELA!” Sully felt like he could almost jump down the side of the cliff to get to her. Wolf gave him a look that seemed to say, “Don’t even think about it!” Sully ran backward down the cliff, Wolf right in front of him, leading him around the other side. Somehow Sully couldn’t run fast enough. All thoughts of ever having been angry with his Lady Love disappeared completely. He would never be angry with her again, just to hold her in his arms.

Wolf could barely bring himself to take Sully to Michaela. He seemed so hopeful. Wolf didn’t want to be there to see his reaction, but he had no choice. “Michaela!”

There was no response. Sully began to run like a whirlwind through the rocky cliff bottom. Stones and twigs struck him, and thorns tore his pants, but he didn’t seem to notice. All that mattered was getting to her! Wolf lay down and put his paws over his eyes.

Sully dropped down by her. Looking her up and down. There was a coat of ice on her clothes where she’d gotten wet in the rain. The jagged cut on her forehead had stopped bleeding, but it didn’t look like it had clotted properly. The horrid fear was building in his veins again, freezing him like a solid ice statue. He couldn’t think, or move…he didn’t want to know, but he couldn’t stop himself. He pulled the shawl from around her face. Her skin was pale. No, it was white. His eyes widened. “No!” it couldn’t be! He placed a hand on her cheek. Her skin was ice cold, and no heartbeat could be found. He placed his hand above her mouth, still expecting to feel her breath. It never came. He tried to remember what she had done for him, but it was as if some great enemy blocked thought and action from connecting. All of a sudden it hit him…the harsh reality. His Lady Love was gone.

Before Sully could realize it the sobs were wracking his body and he spread himself across her, the pain welling up inside of him, too great to be contained any longer. He took her hand in his, the emotion coming from some deep place inside of him. He didn’t want to believe it. She couldn’t be!…”Michaela! Michaela! Please wake up! Talk to me! Please Michaela don’t give up, please fight! Michaela!”

He forced himself to sit up. He would do something. Somehow he would save her! She had to be alright! She just had to be! She couldn’t be gone! “You can’t be, Michaela! I need you! The children need you! Colleen and Brian and Katie! She can’t grow up not knowing her Ma!” It was then that the chilling reality hit him. She was gone, and there was nothing he could do.

Sully sat up and took his Love’s lifeless body into his arms and held her close to him. His tears spilling onto her hair. Then he placed one last kiss on her lips. “I’ll take care o’ things for you. I promise. Katie, will remember. I’ll remind her every day, an spoil her with enough love for both of us. I’ll make sure Colleen finishes medical school, an that Brian gets his job with the Boston Globe just like he wants, an that Matthew finds a real nice girl to settle down with. I promise you Michaela. I’ll keep your memory with me, always. I’ll never be able t’ love anyone like I love you. Ever. I will never forget you! I promise. I will love you all of my days! You will always be my Lady Love…………”

It was hours later when Sully felt resolved enough to move. Michaela’s body was still cuddled into his protective embrace. He looked down at her beautiful face, and as if a magic spell had passed, he thought he saw the thick veil of her eyelashes flutter. He wiped his hand over his teary eyes. That wasn’t possible. Was it? No…she was gone. She had to be. He himself hadn’t been able to find a heartbeat or a breath.

He closed his eyes, letting the tears come again. Then, something so slight, he almost missed it. “Sully…?” Her eyelashes fluttered, and it took every ounce of strength in her weakened, defenseless body to open her eyes and look into his face. Michaela Quinn was no more dead than you or I. In his upset rush to get to her, be sure she was all right, the extremely faint heartbeat and breaths from her comatose body, had been completely lost on him.

“Michaela!” He exclaimed. He was dizzy with relief at just knowing she was alive, no matter how near true death she might still linger. “Thank God!” He whispered, closing his eyes and whispering a silent prayer of thanks. Sully didn’t pray a lot. He sometimes felt God had deserted him. After all, he‘d probably done some pretty unforgivable things. Nevertheless, Michaela’s strong faith had begun to wear off on him.

“Sully….I’m…so…tired…” She whispered, barely able to stay conscious. p> “Michaela! Stay strong for me! Please try! I won’t let anything happen to ya. Please, ya gotta fight.”

“I’ll…try…”

Sully grabbed her freezing cold hand and held it tight. He entwined his fingers with hers, and brushed the hair from her eyes. As his finger brushed the gash on her forehead she winced in pain. “I’m sorry.” He whispered, his words obviously deeper than just about hurting her. “I love you. I’m sorry we fought. You’re right. I’m different. I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you. But now I’m here. I’m never leavin' your side again, my love.”

“I…love…you…” She barely got out before her body drifted back into a deep, comatose like, sleep.

“Hang on. Fight.” he whispered, placing a kiss on her lips. He pulled her closer into his arms, and struggled up off the ground. He was stiff and cold from sitting motionless for so long. He almost toppled over, but managed to balance himself in time. He had no thought but getting Michaela help.

Sully carried Michaela up to the top of the cliff where he’d tethered Flash. She was cold, scared, and tired, but nonetheless upon seeing her mistress’s face she was ready to go. Sully lifted Michaela onto Flash’s broad back. Then he carefully swung up in front of her. Upon making sure she was safely tucked behind him he took off at lightning speed towards town, a satisfied Wolf running behind him.

Sully knew Colleen would either be at the clinic or the school by this time. It was afternoon by this time. Or who knew maybe it was the next day entirely. That didn’t matter right now. The only thing that mattered to him was getting her to safety. Half an hour later Sully rode in at a breakneck speed that probably would have won a second Colorado Springs Horse Race title had that been the cause for the speed.

Moments later Sully rode up to the clinic yelling for Colleen. She was already out on the porch when he rode up. She held her hand up to shade her eyes from the slanting late afternoon sun. “Colleen! I need your help!” Before Sully could react people were running from all over. Someone had lifted Michaela from the horse and many of their friends were milling about in the street. Everyone wanted to know what all the commotion was about.

Sully couldn’t seem to find the words to tell them that Michaela had fallen down the side of a cliff and had lain abandoned in the freezing temperatures for two days and was very sick. He merely pointed at the clinic and whispered, “Michaela.” Someone came and put a blanket around him. Grace handed him a mug off coffee while Loren tried to lead him back to sit on the bench. Sully was so very tired and worried he couldn’t fight back.

“Someone ride and get Andrew over at the chateau!” A couple of the men saddled up to go look for Andrew.

In the clinic Colleen had instructed Jake and Hank to lay her mother on the table. She quickly undid her heavy duster and hung it over the coat hook to dry. She felt her mother’s forehead. She immediately withdrew her hand and reached for the thermometer. “104.5 degrees!” She whispered biting her lip nervously. When she felt her mother’s hands they were like ice. Despite the raging fever Colleen knew her mother was suffering from the hypothermatic-like effects of being in the freezing weather for so long.

She and Grace peeled off Michaela’s heavy, freezing clothes and put her in a clean night dress. Colleen went and got some quinine and mixed it with water. Grace propped Michaela up while Colleen tried to encourage her to drink the bitter liquid. Michaela was drifting in and out of consciousness and not aware of anything taking place around her.

“Oh I wish Andrew would hurry!” Colleen said as she paced the floor, frantic with worry.

“Now don’t worry, Colleen, he’ll be here just as fast as he can.” Grace assured.

“What if it’s not fast enough?”

“Colleen, I don’t want you thinkin like that. They’ll get here. I promise.” The two sponged Michaela’s hot face and prayed fervently for the men to return with Andrew.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and her companions were just inside the eastern border of Colorado. Everyone was heartened by the news that they would surely be in Colorado Springs by sometime the next day. Madeleine was feeling much improved. She was getting used to the roll of the train down the tracks and was sick less often. This western adventure, though tiring, was definitely not something she would ever regret!

“I still don’t understand why you want me to come here. Elizabeth this makes no sense. I haven’t seen or heard from Michaela…”

“I know. I have my reasons… For one I need to see if this Sully is really as sincere as he says. I’ve never really believed him. I also need to see why Brian is so concerned about his family.”

“And you think We can help in some way?” Madeleine queried.

“Exactly!”

“Colleen!” Andrew rushed into the clinic without stopping to knock. Both women quickly got up from their rockers and went to meet him.

“Thank you for coming!”

“Of course. I came as quickly as I could. What have you done for the fever?”

“I gave her quinine and have been sponging her off. I examined her. It looks like she might have sprained her ankle badly. She’s got a severe concussion and she’s pretty bruised, I have no way of determining any internal injuries, and I’m worried she could have pneumonia…” Colleen tapered off, her face wrought with worry. Andrew retrieved his stethoscope and listened to Michaela’s lungs. Silently he placed his stethoscope back into the bag.

“How bad is she?”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Colleen. This is very serious. She’s going to have a tough battle to beat this thing. I just hope everyone’s strong enough to handle it.” Colleen knew he meant Sully. They could hear him pacing upstairs.

“She’ll pull through…” Colleen whispered, clutching one of her mother’s medical books to her chest. Oh how she desperately hoped it was true!

“Sully, Sully! Wake up!” Sully slowly and disorientedly opened his eyes. The room seemed to spin before him.

“Uhhhh…” He groaned. He felt heavy and disconnected with his body.

“Pa, wake up! Andrew needs to talk to you!” Colleen and Brian shook Sully harder, while Andrew paced around looking anxious. Finally they were able to wake Sully. They’d given him some laudanum to help him sleep several hours before. Colleen pulled a chair up for Andew beside Sully’s and then led Brian out of the room.

“Sully…she’s getting weaker, and her fever is climbing. I don’t have much experience with pneumonia. I’m wondering if I should call in another doctor from a bigger area. A doctor who is more experienced than I.”

Sully, still half asleep, nodded. “Yes…”

Andrew realized Sully wasn’t really understanding him, but he knew he needed to get help. Who would he get on such short notice? He needed help, and he needed it now!

Andrew walked through the pitch black of night to the telegraph office. Horace was still awake as was most of the town. Everything was abuzz with the latest turmoil. No one could believe Michaela was so very sick.

“Horace, could I send a telegram.”

Horace looked up. “Sure thing, Andrew. How’s Dr. Mike doin’?”

“Umm…not so well I’m afraid…”

“I’m sorry to hear that…will you please tell everyone I’m sorry. Tell them I’ll help in any way I can.”

“Sure thing.” Andrew took the telegraph tablet and began to write.

Doctor Bernard,
Denver Hospital, Denver Colorado;
I need to ask a personal favor in the place of one of your colleagues and patients, Doctor Michaela Quinn M.D. Recently she suffered a fall down the side of a steep cliff and was not found for two days. She’s suffering from severe pneumonia. As a rather new graduate of medical school I do not have very much hands on experience with this disease. I also have a clinic of my own to run. I would be much relieved if you or one of your fellow doctors could come here to provide a second opinion on her condition and what I should be doing to treat her. I appreciate your time and effort. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Andrew Cook M.D.

Silently he walked back to the clinic where Colleen met him at the door. “Were you able to send the telegram?”

“Yes, I just pray someone comes soon.”

“Me too.”

“Colleen,” Andrew whispered, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Try not to worry too much. I’ll do everything I can.”

“’I know you will. I just can’t help it. How would we deal if she…”

“No! I don’t even want you thinking like that! Not right now, you hear. Michaela’s strong. She’ll pull through.” Andrew tried to assure confidently.

“Andrew, you know as well as I do how weak she is. She’s slipping in and out of consciousness. I’m worried she’s going to slip into a coma.”

“I know. She needs you to be strong for her.” Andrew put his arm around Colleen’s waist and led her to a chair. He poured some hot water into a tea cup and stirred in the tea. He handed the warm drink to Colleen. “Here, drink this.”

Colleen obediently did as he asked, glancing at him over the rim of the cup. “Is there anything else we should be doing for her?”

“There’s nothing we can do, but wait and pray for a miracle.”

Andrew was still semi-shocked at seeing Michaela in such a condition. Whenever he’d seen her before she was rushing around trying to help everyone. She never quit. It didn’t matter how exhausted or tired she was. Sometimes even if she was sick herself she’d still be trying to help everyone else. Now here she was, so sick she could hardly speak or move with a dangerously high fever and severe infection which was only getting worse by the hour.

The morning dawned bright and clear. The air had a lovely springtime like feeling and a cheerfulness that seemed hypocritical to almost everyone in Colorado Springs. Andrew and Colleen and finally taken an unconscious Michaela up to her favorite recovery room and tucked her into the bed. They hoped the sweet springy days and the sunlight from the balcony might have an effect upon her.

In a second recovery room Brian and Katie had spent a restless night. Brian had tossed and turned, going in and out of sleep. He still couldn’t quite comprehend that his Ma could be so sick. One moment she was fine and making house calls and taking care of Katie, going on picnics with them, going to visit Sully in hiding and trying to arrange his pardon. Then all of a sudden everything was upside down. In mere seconds the world seemed to have changed forever!

Katie was fitfully aware something was horribly wrong. Despite her big brother’s prescense and soft soothing voice she was fussy and disconcerted. She didn’t understand what was happening to her family and the strangeness of everything was frightening. Everything was different. There were loud noises and light flooding the hallway at odd hours of the night, friends came and went, and she wasn’t at home in her own bed.

Matthew sat silently on the balcony outside Michaela’s room. He had come as soon as he heard. He could still hardly believe what was happening. Colleen and Andrew had explained everything they knew and he’d been allowed to see Michaela briefly the previous night. Now he was most worried about Sully. Matthew knew he was holding himself together for the family’s sake, but how long would that last? He worried about his younger sisters and brother as well.

Sully dozed restlessly in a chair by Michaela’s bed. He refused to leave her side no matter how exhausted he was. Colleen and Andrew paced back and forth through the hall outside the room discussing what they should do.

“All aboard! Next stop Colorado Springs!” The conductor called.

“Thank God!” Elizabeth whispered. Madeleine exchanged a glance with her husband and tried not to laugh. “I know I really do underestimate modern transportation, but one can never be too sure until they’ve reached their destination.

“Now, Elizabeth, Don’t get too excited. We still have several hours traveling until we reach Colorado Springs.”

Elizabeth abruptly changed the subject. “Look at that man over there. The one in the suit.”

“There are lots of men in suits.”

“No.. the one with the peculiar suit. It looks red from here. The one with the medical bag.”

“That one?” He pointed discreetly toward the man Elizabeth indicated.

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“What about him?”

“I feel as if I’ve met him… or maybe I’ve just read something about him…” Elizabeth trailed off. “Maybe I should introduce myself.”

“I don’t know about that. He seems to be pretty busy.” Madeleine replied dubiously. The man they spoke of was busily trying to write on some sort of official looking paper in the train car, and grumbling every time the train lurched because he then mismarked.

“Sir, what’s your name?” Madeleine queried.

“Dr. Cassidy.”

Elizabeth held back shock. This was the disagreeable man Michaela had written so many letters about. She managed to keep her face straight. Surely there must be some good in the man. She thought.

“Pleased to meet you. I was wondering where you were heading?”

“Colorado Springs. The head of the hospital asked me to come in his place. They’re in need of some sort of help.” Elizabeth and her companions traded a long and uneasy glance. Something was going on, but what?

Sully fully awoke around midmorning. He immediately leaned over and placed his hand on his love’s forehead. She was still hot with fever. There was a steaming kettle sitting in a pan of embers and ashes. He gathered the warm steam was to help her breathe. He’d heard the word pneumonia. He noticed the pinched wheezing of her lungs as she struggled to breathe; once, twice, three times… on and on, but slowly. The battle inside her body raged on. “Keep fightin’ my love… You can do this! We all need ya so much! Don’t give up!” He whispered and leaned forward to softly kiss her hot cheek.

Andrew had walked over to the telegraph office countless times through the previous night and that morning looking for a response from Doctor Bernard. Colleen had assured him this was the doctor her mother would want. As he headed out one last time, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting. He was almost sure no reply would be there, but he felt it his duty to make sure. Even though Horace had promised to let him know the moment anything came in. “Oh Andrew, I’m glad you came! I was comin’ to find you! I got a telegram for you.”

Andrew quickly took the paper Horace handed him and scanned it’s contents.

Doctor Andrew Cook M.D.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Thank you for telling me. I’m afraid I cannot come. I have two very critical patients and can not leave Denver at this time. Nevertheless, I have asked the head of the hospital to send another reliable doctor to assist you. He should arrive some time tomorrow morning. Please let me know how Dr. Quinn is doing.
Doctor Bernard M.D.

Andrew folded the paper into his coat pocket and began to run toward the clinic. “Sully, Colleen, Brian, Katie, Everyone! A Denver Doctor is coming to help. He’s coming today!” By the time Andrew burst into the clinic a few moments later the family was assembled downstairs waiting to find out more.

“Last night I advised Andrew to send a telegram to Denver to get someone more experienced with pneumonia to help him.” Colleen explained.

“Good.” Brian whispered.

It was at that moment they all heard the low faraway whistle of a train. “Doctor on twain?” Katie suggested. Everyone in the room looked at each other in realization.

“She’s right! The doctor might be on the train!” Colleen exclaimed. Sully silently picked up his youngest daughter and the group headed out to meet the train. By the time they’d arrived at the depot the train was there and people were already beginning to disembark.

“I wonder who it will be?” Brian said. The crowd milling behind them was faded out. They were all straining to see someone in the mass exodus of the train passengers who looked like a doctor.

“We’re here.” Elizabeth announced needlessly to her companions as people jostled by them in a hurry to get off the train. Doctor Cassidy was still conversing with them and mentioning maybe they knew the people he was going to see. Elizabeth was too busy to notice his words.

“Darling, why don’t you wait here while Elizabeth and the Doctor and I go and retrieve our luggage.”

“Alright.. But don’t be long. I’m anxious to see more of Colorado than this train depot, and to meet the people you‘ve both told me so much about!” Madeleine said taking a seat on the bench.

Elizabeth, and the two men headed on down the platform looking for a place to claim their luggage. “There. I see it.”

“Meet us down the platform in a few minutes.” Dr. Cassidy and Elizabeth suggested. So they parted ways.

It was at this moment that the trio nearly collided with Sully, Andrew, Colleen, Brian, and Katie. In the hustle and bustle of apologies they almost didn’t recognize one another.

“Grandma!!!” Brian and Katie exclaimed giving her huge hugs.

“Oh It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Brian you’re practically a man now and oh my darling little Grand daughter! Why you’ve become a little lady!” Elizabeth marveled over her grandchildren. “And where are Colleen and Matthew?”

“They’re here. Somewhere.” Brian assured.

Colleen and Andrew were looking at another member of the party. “Doctor Cassidy?!” They both whispered to each other in horror.

“How did that happen?!”

“No clue. I wish I knew!” Andrew replied.

“It’s good t’ see ya Elizabeth, but what’re ya doin’ here. An what’s he doin’ here?” Sully asked her, his voice filled mixed emotions of Doctor Cassidy.

Brian shot his Grandmother a pleading glance. Elizabeth didn’t feel it wise to reveal her true reason for coming at this moment, and it would only get Brian into an awkward position so she replied, “Do I need to have a reason? I simply wanted to come see my family.” She lowered her voice so only Sully could hear. “The doctor attached himself to us in the train. Apparently he’s got some business here in Colorado springs.”

It was at this exact moment that Madeleine and her husband returned with the luggage. The whole family looked at each other in astonishment and unspeakable horror. It had been years… but the identity of the person was obvious. Sully was the first to speak.

“David?!”

Both the men stared at each other in disbelief. They’d parted on good terms, but neither had been expecting to ever see each other again. “Listen gentlemen. I didn’t anticipate that this was going to happen.”

“No harm done, Elizabeth. We’ll work it out.” David said, evenly. He was prepared for whatever attitude Sully might have toward him. Looking back he realized he should never have come looking for Michaela. He could forgive himself not telling her sooner, but he wasn’t sure he could forgive himself nearly breaking up her engagement.

“Yeah…We should be concentratin’ on Michaela for now.” Sully agreed.

“Do you two…know each other?” a surprised Madeleine finally managed to ask. Before anyone could say another word Doctor Cassidy got in his word.

“If you people don’t have anything better to discuss I think we should be checking in on my patient!”

“Your patient?” Colleen, Andrew, Elizabeth, and Sully echoed.

“That’s right. Dr. Bernard gave me word that a colleague of his, Andrew Cook, had sent word he needed Dr. Bernard to come right away except he had critical patients of his own back in Denver. The head of the hospital sent me instead. Now do you suppose I could please check in on my patient now!?” Dr. Cassidy asked indignantly.

Andrew exchanged a helpless glance with Sully. Elizabeth and Brian were having similar sentiments. “I can’t believe what I started with a single telegram.” Brian lamented in a whisper.

“I’ll take Dr. Cassidy, Andrew, Elizabeth, Katie and Brian back to the clinic so you can talk.” Colleen offered.

“Please take Madeleine too.” David requested.

“No. I’m alright really.”

“I’ve got a cozy chair for you at the clinic. There’s some books and lots of people to meet.” Colleen offered. Madeleine finally nodded and the appointed people followed Colleen. Almost everyone was still in shock.

Finally David and Sully were left alone. They both rushed to speak, then grew silent. “Sully, Elizabeth asked me to come because she said there might be trouble. I don’t intend to cause any more trouble here. I left on good terms with you. I’d…like to keep it that way.”

“I agree… no reason we can’t be friends.” David stuck out his hands and they shook on it. “So, Madeleine, she your wife?”

David nodded. “Yes, of two years. I really didn’t want to bring her out here in her condition, but she insisted on coming.”

“Sounds like something Michaela might-…” He cut himself off. “I’d be obliged if you’d help Andrew and Dr. Cassidy treat her.”

“Ah.. Now I know why Elizabeth asked me to come!”

“But…Elizabeth doesn’t know. We never sent her a telegram, yet.” The men looked at each other.

“Something’s going on here.” David remarked.

“I’ll say!”

“So, Michaela’s sick?”

“Yeah…Few days ago…we got into a fight. Things’ve been pretty rocky already. Neither o’ us had been doin’ good.”

“I heard about you being charged for treason.”

“Yeah… I never intended for it to turn into some big to do. I just wanted to let a couple of them go. I didn’t think they were gonna cause an uprising.” David nodded. “It come out really bad. I wasn’t there for my family. Things kinda went downhill from there. We’d been getting into lots o’ little fights lately. Then she wanted t’ go check on some patients. I didn’t want her to cause I knew there was gonna be a bad storm. Somehow that became a huge fight. She rode off right into the storm. I don’t know what happened, but something musta scared Flash and she musta reared and Michaela fell off. Then she fell down the side of a steep rocky cliff. She hit her head on a rock. The temperatures were droppin. Was almost two days later when we found her. I thought for sure she was…gone. Now she’s back in the clinic. She’s driftin’ in an out of consciousness, an she’s got pneumonia. Andrew, the other doctor here in Colorado Springs who’s a friend of ours, he’s not sure she’s gonna make it.” Sully fought to keep the tears away.

“Gosh, Sully, I’m real sorry.” David whispered. “If you’ll let me…I’d be glad to try to do everything I can.”

“I’d be obliged.”

“Don’t worry. Things will work out.” David tried to force himself to sound sure.

“Been a lot o’ changes since you left Colorado. You still workin on your naturalist stuff?”

“Yeah. I’m still writin’ articles and drawin for lots o’ magazines. I also been runnin’ a small clinic there in Boston. Madeleine loves t’ help.”

“Have ya got anymore children?”

“No. This one that Madeleine’s carryin’ is our first, but…she had a miscarriage a few months ago. So…”

Sully managed to choke back numerous emotions. “We’ve got a daughter, Katie. She’s two.”

“Did Colleen ever go to medical school like she dreamed?”

“Yeah. She’s on break right now, but keepin up with her studies from home.”

“Good.”

“We’d better get over t’ the clinic. Mebe we can visit more later.” Sully suggested. He was more at ease, realizing David hadn’t been any more “in the know” than himself. David nodded.

“Maybe sometime we could go and get some coffee or something. You know… Talk.”

“I think that’d be alright.” Sully agreed.

The two men returned to the clinic in worried silence. David was sure that with the amount of medical help they had surely they could help Michaela. Sully hoped for a miracle. It was moments later that Dr. Cassidy burst out of the clinic right as David was going in. The two men bumped right into each other. They went sprawling to the ground. All the luggage went all over the sidewalk. “Well excuse me!” Dr. Cassidy muttered indignantly. David sat up rubbing his head, which he’d whacked on the support beam.

“The same.”

“The was rhetorical!” Dr. Cassidy exclaimed snappily and stood up grumbling.

“That man is a despicable doctor from Denver. He was sent here, apparently, to assist us with Michaela. The only problem being, they hate each other. Now we got a mess that we can’t exactly straighten out.” Sully whispered.

“I can’t believe he even has any patients as disagreeable as he is.” David replied softly. Both men stood up exchanging long, wary glances. The tension had already begun. Andrew leaned heavily back against the door frame and placed his face in his hands wondering what disaster he had started.

“I’m more than sorry, Sully.”

“I know ya are Andrew. Nothin’ we can do now.”

“Except try to help Michaela.”

“Except that.”

“Sully, we’ll do everything we can.” David whispered, hesitantly placing his hand on Sully’s shoulder.

“I know ya will.”

“Well, at least we won’t need to worry about having enough help with three doctors and Colleen to assist. If I know Madeleine she’ll be wanting to help in any way she can.” David cracked a weak joke, but Sully laughed. It felt good. His nerves were beginning to feel like cords of steel, stretching farther and farther. He was beginning to wonder how much he or life itself could take. Life itself felt like it was coming apart at the seams.

“So, your name is Madeleine?” Colleen asked, handing her a cup of tea.

“Yes, but please call me Maddie. Everyone does back at home.”

“What is taking SO long?!” Colleen asked, exasperatedly. The doctors had gone up to examine Michaela. They had been shut up alone with her in the recovery room for over two hours. Matthew and Brian had taken Sully out to get some coffee at Grace’s. They had hoped a change of scenery would put him more at ease. Colleen and Madeleine sat in their chairs in the main room of the clinic.

“Don’t worry Colleen. I’m sure the doctors will do everything they can to help your ma.”

“I know they will, Maddie. I just hate waiting. I should be up there helping.”

“Of course I should be as well, but there’s enough tension as it is. Did you see when David ran into Dr. Cassidy and they both fell and dropped all their luggage?”

Colleen laughed in spite of herself. “Yes! That was some of the best entertainment we’ve had in several days!” They lapsed into silence for a moment. Finally, Colleen continued. “I’m glad you have all come.

“I’m not sure whether to thank Elizabeth for causing this or hate her for the tension.” Madeleine admitted.

“I know how you feel about Grandma. We love her but…”

“I know the feeling. My own mother can be rather exasperating.” During the time they’d been waiting Colleen had been filling Madeleine in on Colorado Springs, its residents, their family, and the past happenings of life itself.

It was at that moment Katie awoke. She whimpered and sat up, holding out her arms to be picked up. Colleen took her little sister into her arms and settled into the chair with her. Katie laid her face against Colleen’s shoulder. “She’s adorable!” Madeleine gasped.

Colleen smiled. “Would you like to hold her?”

“Oh could I!?” Colleen leaned over and placed Katie into Madeleine’s lap.

Katie whimpered softly and whispered, “Mommy.” Colleen and Madeleine exchanged glances.

“Dearie, she’s upstairs with the doctors. You can see her soon. My name is Maddie. Colleen and I and Brian and your Grandma are going to take good care of you until your mother gets better.”

“Mommy get better?”

“Yes.”

“You’re excellent with her. When is your own due?”

“In about five months, late September.” The ladies continued to talk softly.

Michaela tossed. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. She couldn’t keep still. Her face felt as if it was on fire. The rest of her felt like ice. She was fighting to breathe. She was alone and afraid. She wished Sully were there to hold her. “Sully…” she whispered.

Elizabeth leaned over her daughter. “Did you ask for someone?” Michaela couldn’t muster the strength to reply. She felt so heavy. Everything hurt. She couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. She slipped back into her delirious sleep.

“Don’t worry, Elizabeth. In a few days she’ll be better.” David and Andrew both tried to assure.

Two Days Later

Unfortunately, that wasn’t true…In a few days Michaela was no better. In fact, she was worse. She stayed constantly in a restless delirium now. Her fever was creeping steadily higher and her fluid filled lungs were a source of constant concern to everyone. No one knew what to do.

Life tried to stagger on as normal but often fell to its knees. Everyone tried to keep going on as normally as they possibly could. They knew it was what Michaela would want could she tell them. Colleen and Brian dragged themselves to school. Matthew and Elizabeth and Madeleine took care of Katie. Sully walked restlessly and the barn became cleaner and more organized than it had been since they moved in three years before. The doctors sat in the front room conferring on what to do about Michaela’s weakening condition.

It was sometime late in the evening that Michaela took a turn for the worse. Her fever spiked and they could tell she was losing strength fast. David and Andrew exchanged a glance. A disgruntled Doctor Cassidy was sleeping in the corner. He’d had the last shift sitting up with her. “I can’t believe this is happening.” Andrew whispered, pulling the covers up on the bed.

“We’ve got to tell them.” David sighed resolutely. Andrew nodded. They woke Doctor Cassidy and the three decended the stairs together in a strange togetherness they hadn’t felt since their arrival.

Sully stood up restlessly when he saw the three silent doctors standing before them. “What’s happened?” He asked, dreading the answer.

Andrew cleared his throat nervously and David was the only one of the three who could force himself to speak. “Sully, She’s getting weaker…I’m not sure how much longer she can fight this. We’ve done everything we can, but she’s weakening fast.”

“I’m gonna to lose her?!” Sully choked out.

“I’m sorry.” Andrew whispered.

“How could you?! How could you let her die?!” Elizabeth pointed an accusing finger at Sully. She was distraught at the thought of losing her daughter. In her heart she knew it wasn’t truly his fault, but she needed someone to blame.

“How can ya blame me fer this!?” Sully cried, the tears welling in his eyes and threatening to come.

“Because it’s your fault!”

Sully didn’t wait any longer. He had to get out of there! He turned and bolted from the house, and out into the foggy, stormy night, the tears and sweat mixing in his eyes. His hair flew in his face and blinded him. He stumbled and lunged down the stairs, twisting his ankle and ripping his buck skins. He didn’t care. He forced himself up and ran on. He didn’t know where he was going, or care. “Michaela!” he sobbed. He sunk to the wash of muddy ground, letting the rain soak him. Who cared if he was washed away in a flood that could come at any moment. He was already drowning in his own grief. “It is my fault…I shouldn’t’a fought with her that day!” Oh what he wouldn’t give to turn the clock back. But it was too late.

Moments later he forced his mud covered, freezing body from the earth and continued his mad run. He knew where he was going now. He was a man with a mission! He soon made it to town. He pounded on the telegraph office window. Luckily, Horace hadn’t left for the day yet. “Sully, good to see ya. How’s Dr. Mike?”

“Not so good.” Sully choked out, grabbing up a telegram paper and roughly wrote his message.

Mary Ann Bickerdyke
San Francisco, California
Mother, Come Quick! Michaela’s diein’….

He might have written more, but the pencil broke to pieces in his hand because he was holding it so tightly.

“Mother…Mother wait! I’ve got a telegram for you.” Mary Ann “Mother” Bickerdyke stopped in her tracks.

“Telegram? For me?” She chuckled and took the paper. She thought of folding it inside her shawl and reading it later, but a mysterious force seemed to be pulling her to read it. Mary Ann took the telegram paper out and scanned its brief contents and looked up in consternation. That couldn’t be!

Mary Ann quickly walked back to the boarding house, her mind full to bursting with questions which seemed to have no answer. She had just seen Michaela and Sully in Denver barely three years before and now her friend was dieing?! She and Michaela had been keeping in touch through letters the past few years. Mary Ann knew of Sully’s problems with the army and of their little girl Katie whom Michaela had sent pictures of. Never had anything been said about a health problem! The letters had become few and far between, precious paper and words in the last few months. Mary Ann hadn’t thought anything of it except that she was busy.

Mary Ann scribbled a note for her grown sons Jimmy and Hi containing her whereabouts and the reason for her abrupt departure from San Francisco. She packed a few dresses and the essentials she’d need, mostly herbs for her botanical medicine. An hour later she’d bought a train ticket and was headed for Colorado Springs. If everything worked out she’d be there in a day or two.

Once on the train, Mary Ann had time to begin to sort her thoughts. She’d become close friends with Michaela when they’d met in Denver. Michaela had been familiar with her Civil War work. “I always said I had no respect for real doctors…When I met her I had to change that.” Michaela had helped her when she’d been too prideful to ask, giving her a more effective treatment for her arthritis. Mary Ann had helped Michaela sort through her confusing new passion for Sully. How could she just suddenly be dieing?

Chapter Seventeen

At the homestead, things had gone from bad to worse. Sully hadn’t returned until the next evening. He just couldn’t bear to be in that place that smelt horrible of death, sadness, and crushed hopes. It was Wolf who finally found him sleeping on the bench at the clinic. Wolf had nudged him awake and brought him home.

Now he sat by Michaela’s bed. He pressed his lips to her fever hot cheek and clutched her icy hand in his. “Oh my darling Love…” He whispered, laying his face beside hers on the pillow. He let his tears fall on her shoulder and he put her arms around him, needing to be close. He listened to her lungs and watched as she struggled to breathe, slipping from one fevered delium to a coma and back again.

It was at that moment Katie appeared at the doorway. “Poppy… ya come put me to bed now?” She asked.

“I’m sorry, Kates. I forgot.” Sully said, wiping the last of his tears. He picked up his little girl and carried her down the hall to her bedroom.

“Poppy, why ya sad?” She asked.

“Cause, Mommy’s real sick.”

“She’s gonna get better though.”

“We pray so. But there’s only so much we can do, Katie. The rest is up to God.”

“I ‘stand.” She said solemnly. Then she reached up and wiped the tears off his face. “Don’t worry Poppy. You’ve still got me’n Brian and C’leen and Mattew.”

Sully smiled at her. “Yes. I do. I love ya all so much, and I’m glad I do have ya.” He tousled her hair comfortingly and placed a kiss on her cheek.

“Tickle poppy!” Katie squealed, because his stubble tickled her face. Sully couldn’t help but smile.

“I guess I need t’ shave hm?” Sully took his daughter in and placed her in her little bed. He handed her the stuffed bunny she always slept with and his beads. He tucked the blanket around her. “G’night my sweet girl.” He told her and exited the room remembering to leave the wick on dim in the lamp because Katie was afraid of the dark.

Sully walked silently down the stairs and sat down in one of the wingback chairs. Wolf cuddled up at his feet and tried to provide companionship. Sully took a stick and stirred the glowing embers around in the fire place. His body felt too heavy and weak to get up and restoke the fire. He hadn’t really eaten or slept since that afternoon he found her. This was taking it’s toll on him. He knew he should, so he could be stronger for Michaela, but…he just…couldn’t. Everything tasted like a lump in his throat and caused burning hot tears to spring into his eyes. Every time he tried to go to sleep. The vision of her laying on the cliff bottom played in his mind.

It was at that moment Elizabeth swept down the stairs. “Sully I don’t believe we ever did finish our talk the other evening.” Sully groaned inwardly. He wasn’t sure he could take much more from Elizabeth Quinn.

“Coloroado Springs!” The conductor called. Mary Ann stood up and stretched. Her muscles were taut and stiff from 30 hours cramped into this train seat. She’d done her best to keep busy, nevertheless, she was constantly urging the train to go faster. The clickity clack of the train wheels on the track seemed agonizingly slow. They had finally arrived! She took her suitcase out of the luggage compartment and stepped down from the train into the dusty street. A Cyclone in Calico had descended upon the town of Colorado Springs.

She looked around for the first time realizing the magnitude of the situation she had gotten herself into. She was in a strange town and a cold night was setting in quickly. She pulled her shawl closer about her shoulders. Mary Ann was no stranger to hard work in adverse conditions. She’d experienced that in Grant’s army camp in Cairo and while she was traveling with Sherman’s army.

Nevertheless, she had to decide what to do for the night. The town seemed deserted. She finally decided her only course of action was to begin walking. She knew they lived a ways out of town in a beautiful homestead. She was a little worried about getting lost in the woods, but she had survived on less than they had to offer before. Surely if she just stuck to the path she woulc come across it eventually.

Mary Ann hadn’t gone very far when she heard a strange sound very near. She snapped her head up to attention and spun around. “That doesn’t sound like any woods animal I ever heard before.” She whispered to herself. Still looking up she reached down by the side of the path and picked up a large rock. She held the rock inside her shawl and cautiously stepped into the tree line. She could smell smoke.

Cloud Dancing sat up straight. Someone was coming! He looked around uneasily and picked up his bow and arrow. His whole body was tense as a snake when it’s about to strike. He turned in a circle and looked around. Ever since Blackmoon’s treaty with the army had been completed he was in no danger. The soldiers had left the town in peace and the townspeople mainly ignored him. Yet he was in no hurry to get into a tussle with some unknown person or animal while he was alone in the middle of the woods!

Mary Ann broke into the clearing and took in the sight. She gasped. There was a tall campfire and it lit the surrounding area with an eerie glow. What really shook her up was the Indian. He was standing beside the fire. His hair was long and jet black with a white material threaded through braids on both sides of his face. He wore a buckskin shirt with a porcupine quill design in the shape of a rising sun and bucksin pants covered in beads.

It took her less than a split second to notice all this. Terror ripped through her. She remembered when Arapaho had come to Salina. They’d burnt her boarding house to the ground along with almost the entire town. They’d stolen the food and the money from the town. Everyone had to leave. Ever since that time Mary Ann had been deathly afraid of Indians. She knew there were good Indians out there. She knew they’d helped Sully. She had nothing against them provided they weren’t going to hurt her.

Before she could even realize what she was doing she found the stone still in her hand and she threw it at him as hard as she could. She turned to run. Cloud Dancing dodged the missile and landed on the ground. In the process he let go of his bow and the arrow went zinging through the air. Mary Ann ducked just in time and the arrow stuck in the tree just above her head. Both of them collapsed to the ground. “Are you alright?” He finally got out.

Mary Ann couldn’t believe her ears. None of the Arapaho warriors had spoken English. “Y-yes… I’m fine.” she stuttered out. Cloud Dancing picked himself up off the ground and walked over to her. Mary Ann cowered into the bushes.

“Please don’t hurt me!” She begged, covering her face with her hands.

“It’s alright. I am Cloud Dancing.”

“I’m Mary Ann Bickerdyke.” She said.

“Ha ho.” He offered her his hand. “I am glad you didn’t come much closer with that rock.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“You aren’t?” She asked doubtfully.

“No.”

“Good.” She picked herself up and brushed the dust from her skirt. “What tribe are you?”

“Cheyenne.”

“You speak English almost as well as anyone.” she marveled.

“Yes. Not all of us do. Sully taught me some. Mostly I picked it up from the people in Colorado Springs.”

Mary Ann thought she was going to choke. “Sully!? Byron Sully? You know him?!”

“Yes. We are close friends.”

Mary Ann realized this was the friend she had heard so much about. “I’m sorry I did not recognize you. Michaela has told me much about you. Thank you, for everything you have done for Sully.”

“You’re welcome. I’m afraid I do not know you. Why are you looking for him?”

“I traveled with Grant and Sherman’s army taking care of the sick and wounded during the Civil War. Kept the officers in line an made sure the soldiers had whatever they needed. I practice botanical medicine by proffession. Sully started all the soldiers callin’ me Mother Bickerdyke on the first day when we met in Grant’s Cairo camp. He was my special helper. I felt sorry for him cause he didn’t have a mother to go back home too. Most of the boys there were boys from my town of Galesburg Illinois which was what got me interested in helpin. I stayed with them the whole Civil War. I helped Sully when he ran off even though I was afraid it might make things worse for him. Since the war ended I been working on getting my boys pensions from congress to start over. I’m sorry for my rude reaction earlier. Arapaho raided Salina Kansas where I lived awhile back. They burnt my boarding house and stole everything from our town. I’ve been afraid ever since.”

“I am sorry. Those must have been dog soldiers. They are the ones of us who do not agree with a peaceful settlement with the army. They raid and kill and scalp. Most of us do not act as they do.”

“Sully and I met up again in Denver while he and Michaela were on their honeymoon. We’ve been writing letters to keep in touch ever since.” Mary Ann finished her story.

“How did you end up here?”

“Sully sent me a telegram.”

“About Michaela.”

“Yes. I came to help. Except I think I’m lost.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you ran into me. I could take you to the homestead if you like.”

“Oh would you?! I would be so appreciative.”

“Of course. I had been meaning to go myself. Yet, it was late tonight before I got back from where I had been visiting the northern Cheyenne land. I decided to go tomorrow. A few hours should make no difference. Come.” Cloud Dancing swung up onto his horse and offered Mary Ann his hand.

She hesitated slightly. “Alright.” She finally agreed and swung up behind him. It was a few minutes later when they rode into the clearing where the homestead stood. “It is as beautiful as Michaela described.” Mary Ann said with an approving nod of her head.

“It is beautiful.”

“Cloud Dancing, what exactly happened?”

“I ran into Brian on his way home this evening. He told me Michaela and Sully had gotten into a fight. Things have been rather tense ever since his trouble with the army. She left to go make house calls in a bad storm. Her horse Flash was spooked and she reared. Michaela fell down a steep cliff into the rocky bed below. Much similar to what happened with Sully last year. They didn’t find her until two days later. Now she’s sick with awful pneumonia. The doctors don’t expect her to live.” Cloud Dancing trailed into silence. “Do you think you can help her with this medicine you call…botanic?”

“I will try. My medicine depends upon nature. I use herbs and plants to treat everything. Sunlight, warm water, and rest are also used in this practice.”

“It sounds much like Indian medicine.” He mused.

“From what Michaela has told me, the two are very similar.”

“We’d better go inside.”

It was at that moment Wolf rushed up between them. He lunged for Mary Ann’s skirt. Cloud Dancing dragged him back. She shrank into the shadows of the horse in fright. “It’s alright. He will not hurt you. He’s just not very friendly with strangers right now.” Mary Ann knew this must be the wolf Sully had written her about. She tentatively reached down and patted his head. This time he rolled over in front of her.

“I still don’t understand this Byron Sully. How could you let this happen to my little girl?! You should be taking care of her. I knew when you married her you didn’t love her. She would have done wise to listen to me! But nooo… she had to go off and marry you.” Elizabeth stopped her lecture as she heard the door shut behind her.

“How dare you?! How dare you Elizabeth Quinn? How dare you come here and cause further problems. That’s all you ever do isn’t it? He’s done all he can. You’re not the only one losing someone here! So why don’t you just keep your mouth shut while you’re ahead?!”

Elizabeth’s mouth fell open in shock. No one had ever spoken to her like that in her entire life! She stood there shaking with retorts and looking this strange woman up and down. Who would dare to just walk into her daughter’s home and instruct her on what she could or couldn’t say?!

“Get out of here…before I get anymore trigger happy than I already am.” Elizabeth glanced uneasily at the woman and then at the gun which hung on pegs above the fireplace.

“You wouldn’t dare…”

“Don’t kid yourself. I ain’t afraid of what I got to do. I handled soldiers and army officials for five years. You’d be a welcome change.. I don‘t give a damn how you feel. This isn‘t about you. Now Git! You can come back once you decide to act like a human being and stop being a selfish brat.”

Elizabeth stood there shocked. Sully was also beyond shocked and slightly amazed. He knew Mother had given Sherman and Grant some of the worst turnings over her checkered apron that they’d ever had, but he had never been on hand to hear one! Somewhere in the mess Cloud Dancing had silently escaped from the house having decided to return the next day.

Mary Ann put her hands on her hips waiting. Elizabeth deflated like a balloon with a puncture wound in it. She knew the stranger, whom she’d long since recognized as the woman Michaela had written her about meeting, was right in all she said, but she didn’t want to admit it. Elizabeth turned on her heel and walked out of the house, slamming the door so hard behind her that the beveled glass window shook. It was at this moment the three doctors, and a half sleeping Katie peeked around the stairs looking to see what was chaos was taking place. Katie stood giggling with her hand over her mouth. “That lady said bad word.”

“Shhh.. Go back upstairs Katie.” David instructed her.

“Has the war started?” Andrew asked in to no one in particular.

“Mother…” Sully choked out raggedly. For a moment the comforting fantasy of running into her arms and letting her hold him while he sobbed, played through his mind. He wouldn’t let himself do that. Yet, he couldn’t stay here, not like this. He let out a strangled sob and ran frenziedly out of the homestead.

Mary Ann looked between the doctors and where Sully had gone. She looked back and forth a few times. Michaela was more important at the moment, she decided. This fact tore her heart to shreds, but she knew it was the truth. She silently headed for the stairs.

Once upstairs, Mary Ann began to walk down the hallway. She didn’t take long to admire the beautiful decorations and cozy homey feel. She peeked into each bedroom as she went. Finally, when she got to the end of the hall she saw one with a light shining under the door, which was open slightly. She peeked her head in. The sight that met her eyes sent a shiver of worry up her spine.

A fire crackled in the fireplace and the lamp on the table was lit bright. In the center of the room there was a large bed. Mary Ann recognized the beautiful carved headboard Michaela had described. Three men sat in chairs beside the bed. They were staring at each other and her. Michaela lay motionless in the bed. She was burning up with fever and struggling to breathe despite the steaming kettle meant to aid her. The three doctors stood there stupefied for a moment. “Mary Ann Bickerdyke. I’m a botanic physician by proffesion and worked in the midst of the Civil War. I’m also a family friend. Now how bout your names?”

Each of the doctors mumbled their names. Mary Ann knew each of them along with most of the members of Colorado Springs from Michaela’s letters. She had her own opinions about Dr. Cassidy. He strongly reminded her of Dr. M, the doctor who had been in charge of the Cairo camp and let the whole thing fall to sickening disaster before she had arrived and taken charge. “Why you! You’re the despicable man Michaela told me so much about. The one that can’t stand a little competition from a woman doctor.”

“Excuse me madame!” Dr. Cassidy began.

“You’re beyond excusing if everything I have heard about you is true. Now if the three of you would please leave so I can give my patient a proper examination, I would be most grateful.”

“You think I’m crazy! I would no sooner leave her with the likes of an insane and so called botanical physician like yourself than I would be to support women’s rights.”

“I should have figured you’d be against that also.” Mary Ann retorted, then continued. “It would be in your best interest to humor me.”

“I heard bout her. The officers of Sherman’s army didn’t listen to her and she put tartar emanac in their peaches! I think we’d better listen.” Andrew said nervously.

“I did it plenty proudly too. I promised ‘em they ever did anything like that again it’d be rough on rats. Now if ya ain’t smart enough t’ understand that, Dr. Cassidy, that’s rat poison.” She paused and put a finger to her head as if she was thinking. “Now if you were real smart I’d suggest doing what I say. You three haven’t had any success. Look at her. She’s getting worse. I think it’s only fair I get my chance. Now scoot or it’ll be rough on rats for you three too!”

“But-!” Dr. Cassidy didn’t get any farther before Andrew and David dragged him out of the room.

“Thank you.” Mary Ann replied dusting her hands off on her skirt. Mary Ann Bickerdyke may have seemed unfeeling and uncaring. The truth was she had a heart as big as the Texas sky, for those who were kind to others and were sensible people! Well, possibly with the exception of congress, who aggravatingly hadn’t turned over any pension for “Her Boys” yet.

Mary Ann went over to the wash basin and silently poured some water in it and washed her hands. She noted with satisfaction it was the one she had sent Michaela and Sully as a belated wedding gift. She went back to the bed and placed her cool palm on Michaela’s burning hot forehead and listened to her fluid filled lungs. It pained her for their first meeting since Denver, three years before, to be on these terms. Michaela and Sully had invited her to Colorado Springs on numerous occasions. Some pressing issue had always kept her from going, until now. She carefully began her examination.

Michaela heard Mary Ann’s familiar voice and her soothing touch. She couldn’t quite place them. That didn’t matter. She didn’t even want to try to wake up. She slipped back into her delirium again.

Mary Ann silently stepped from Michaela and Sully’s bedroom, shutting the door behind her. “My poor dear…how could they have missed it. How could three supposedly “competent” doctors not even notice! None of the three of them even examined you did they?” She whispered quietly wishing Michaela could be awake to hear it herself.

“Being a botanical physician is even worse than being a woman medical doctor!“ She entered the front room just in time to hear Dr. Cassidy telling Andrew and David.

“In whose opinion!?” She exclaimed. The three doctors looked up uneasily. “Should watch what ya say. I’ve got good hearing. Most botanical physicians are very smart, kind and caring people. Maybe it’s you that’s not competent enough to see it.”

Dr. Cassidy sat silent, mouth open. He was quickly learning not to back talk this botanical physician!

“How is she?” David asked finally.

“Well…”

“Well what?!”

“Well, I have to say…I want to take back what I said about you all being incompetant.”

“You do?” Dr. Cassidy asked in half disbelief. She seemed contrite enough.

“Because I want to say: You three are completely ludicrous. I’m not certain how all three of you all managed to graduate medical school with a passing grade and not end up in an insane aslyum yourselves. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“Where are you going?!”

“To see someone I think you all have managed to forget about lately.” The three doctors looked at each other uneasily again. They had forgotten Sully in all the chaos of this ”friend” coming.

Chapter Eighteen

It was at that moment Madeleine who’d been woken by the commotion appeared at the top of the stairs in her bath robe. She had a scant idea of what was going on from all the voices.

“My dear, go back to bed. Nothing is the matter.” David assured his wife.

“It’s alright. I’m awake now. I don’t mind. Come on Katie. Let’s go back to bed.” Katie ran into Madeleine’s arms. The two had developed a close bond over the last few days. Madeleine took her upstairs and tucked her into bed. She told her a story about a princess who lived in a castle and was named Katie also. “I hope…if my baby is a little girl…that she’ll be just like you.”

“reawwy?”

“Really.” Katie smiled the biggest smile she had in the last few days.

“You stay fowever?” Katie asked sleepily.

“Well… maybe not quite that long, but I’ll always be your friend. If you like I will send you letters.”

“All way from Boston?!”

“Yes, dear girl. All the way from Boston.” Katie impulsively through her arms around Madeleine’s neck in a tight hug.

“I wuv you Maddie.”

“I love you too.” She replied, cuddling Katie close.

“Mommy help lots of babies get born. She help you?”

“Maybe.”

Katie shyly reached out and touched Madeleine’s tummy. “How does a baby get there?”

“Umm…” Madeleline tried not to choke. “Love. When a mommy and a daddy love each other a whole lot…the love spills over and makes a baby.”

“Reawwy?!”

“Yes.”

“There must have been wot of wuv in Mommy’s family. Wif five wittle girls.” Katie mused.

Madeleine clapped her hand over her mouth and tried not to burst out laughing. “Yes. There was a lot of love to make five little girls!”

“I go nigh nigh now?”

“Yes.”

“I not seepy. Mommy sing wullabyes. You sing wullabyes too, Maddie?”

“I could try.”

“Want one about pretty wittle horsies.”

“How did I know?” Madeleine asked with a soft laugh. “I liked that one too.” She pulled Katie into her lap in the rocker and began to rock gently while singing.

“Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
Go to sleep-y, little baby.
When you wake you shall have
All the pretty little horses.
Blacks and bays, dapple grays,
Coach and six white horses.
Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
Go to sleep-y, little baby.”

By the time Madeleine sang the last line Katie was fast asleep. She pulled back the bed covers and put Katie in bed a second time. Madeleine silently dimmed the lamp and padded back down the hall to the room she was sharing with Colleen.

Chapter Nineteen

Meanwhile, Mary Ann was walking around outside of the homestead looking for Sully. She hadn’t been searching long when Wolf ran up to her and barked. He ran a few steps toward the barn, then turned and barked and pulled on her dress and ran again. “Oh I see. You want me to go with you, do you?” Mary Ann patted Wolf on the head and followed him as he indicted, toward the barn. She soon heard the muffled crying sounds from inside. She silently opened the door and saw Sully collapsed in a pile of hay sobbing for all he was worth. “Sully?” She whispered, walking a little closer.”

“Mother…” he whispered, his voice breaking again.

“Oh Sully.” She held her arms out for him and he ran straight into them. She eased herself down into the hay will him. “Come here and tell Mother.” She invited. Sully crawled halfway into her lap as he had done so many times before. Mary Ann held him close and rested his head in her lap, stroking a soothing hand through his hair and rubbing his back.

He choked out the whole story in half sentences. The strange actions, the fight, about him thinking he might never see Michaela again, “Sometimes I wonder if all those doctors in there really care…” he whispered. “I ain’t got a clue how t’ deal with Elizabeth anymore. Oh Mother… help me! I can’t do this anymore! I can’t lose my Lady Love!”

Mary Ann held him closer. “I’ll take care of them. Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of everything. What are mothers for?”

“Alright.” he nodded miserably.

“Why don’t you go on into the house and I’ll fix you a nice warm pallet by the fire.”

“Without moth holes?” He couldn’t resist a slight joke.

“Sully! That wasn’t funny.” She thwacked him on the head. While he had been helping her set up camp one afternoon they’d gone to get the heavy winter blankets. When they unpacked them from their crates and lifted them up they were eaten through with moth holes. They’d had to make due all winter on those blankets! Mary Ann had washed and washed but those moths just seemed to keep on coming back! “Alright well… maybe it was the tiniest bit funny. Only a tiny bit I assure you, though!” Mary Ann cautioned, holding up her finger.

“Only the tiniest bit, Mother.” Sully agreed. He couldn’t resist a slight laugh.

“Now there’s that smile.”

“Thank ya.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m just sad to know our first meeting since Denver had to be on these terms.”

“Me too.”

“Maybe when this is all over if ya folks will have me I’ll stay around to actually visit.”

“If…it’s over.”

“Sully…ya gotta have faith.” Mary Ann said, taking his hand and squeezing it.

“I’m tryin.”

“I know ya are. All ya got to go is keep trying.”

“I will.”

“I know. I won’t let you do anything but that.”

“Figures.”

There was a moment of silent companionship between the two. A million thoughts were running through Mary Ann’s head. She debated on her decesion for a full ten minutes. She didn’t know what to do if anything. Finally she knew she had to say something. “I need to tell you something. I won‘t be able to live with myself if I don‘t.”

“What?” He wondered what else could possibly happen.

“Sully….It’s Michaela.”

“Oh no… is she worse?!”

“No… that’s not what I meant. Sully…She’s pregnant.”

“What?! She’s what?!” Sully didn’t think he heard right. His world felt like it was being shaken and turned like the colors in a kaleidoscope! Everything was exploding all around him and he didn’t know what to think or do. Mary Ann put out her arms and he hugged her slightly the tears slipping again. She let go of a few tears herself. Then she began to wonder what had gotten into her and quickly swiped them off her face.

“She’s going to have a baby.”

“Ya mean…Ya mean she… was?” He choked out.

“No…She is. She didn’t lose the baby. I’m not sure how he or she survived a fall from a cliff but…This is your miracle baby, Sully!”

“What?! Ya mean…!”

“Yes.” Mary Ann’s smile and her kind blue eyes said everything.

Sully leaned back against the wall, sliding down it, unable to absorb the shock. He was crying and unsure if he was happy or sad. “Does this mean…she’s going to be alright?!” He hardly dared hope.

“Sully, I can’t promise that.”

“But she’s strong.”

“Yes. She’s very strong, but I’m not sure she’s strong enough to fight this. This may be too much.” Mary Ann tapered off.

“She’s just gotta make it!” All of a sudden Sully realized something. “Wait, this is impossible!”

“Impossible?” Mary Ann asked with a slight laugh.

“Alright, almost…impossible. How far ‘long is she?”

“About four months.”

“Four months an I never knew.”

“Seems to me she did say something to the effect of that she was goin to meet you at the cave bout four months ago.”

Sully gasped in realization it all came rushing back on him: The waterfall…the last time they’d made love… the first time after the miscarriage too. He could still hardly believe this was happening.

“Come on. Let’s go into the house. A nice hot cocoa by the fire place will do much better for my old bones than this cold barn.” Sully agreed and stood up, leading Mary Ann into the house his mind still whirling with thoughts.”

Chapter Twenty

The next morning the house was in a semblance of order. Madeleine made breakfast for everyone. Sully ate a little more than he had in the last few days and seemed to be in a slightly more cheerful mood that, strangely, no one seemed to be able to explain. Elizabeth stayed far away from Mary Ann. Michaela’s fever was down a couple of degrees and she seemed to respond a bit more to everyone’s prescence.

“I got an uneasy feelin.” Brian informed Colleen while they were doing the chores a bit later.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t know. I just got this feeling in the pit of my stomach that somethings gonna happen today an we should stay home.”

“The only thing happening today is your math quiz.”

“Uhh… I uhh.. Kinda.. Forgot that.”

“You kinda did huh?” Colleen tried to be stern, but she just couldn’t do it. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Miss Teresa will let you study an extra hour today and take it after lunch if you ask her.”

“Ya think?”

“I know. Now come on. We’ve got to hurry or we’re going to be late.” Brian followed Colleen but all the way he still had the feeling. He didn’t think it was about his math quiz, but of course it might be.

Brian and Colleen got there just as Miss Teresa was calling the students in to begin the day. “Brian, Colleen I’m glad you got here! I was beginning to worry.”

“Sorry Miss Teresa.. I uh… kinda forgot about our math quiz. I was wondering if I could have a few extra minutes?”

“Certainly, Brian. Do not worry.”

Colleen went to work on her studies, but she was having trouble concentrating. Brian’s words of an uneasy feeling plagued her mind and she kept seeing her Ma laying in that bed that she had lain in for so many hours, growing weaker and weaker.

“Students, I have a very special assignment for you today. It is a contest.”

“No more English?!” One of the boys in the third row asked.

“I’m sorry Johnny. This is an English contest.” There were a few moans here and there from the members of the class who did not prefer English. “Since we have been studying poetry for the last few weeks I think it is only fair that you be able to try your own hand at writing some. The best poem will be honored at our last day of school picnic. The winner will receive a prize. You may write about whatever you wish, but whatever it is please make it something you care greatly about. It could be a thing, a place, a person…just something you care about.”

“Could it be an animal?” Brian asked with a smile.

“Yes, Brian.”

Colleen couldn’t resist. She picked up her pencil and tore a clean sheet of white paper from her copy book. Slowly, then faster and faster her thoughts begin to take shape and spilled out onto the paper in a torrent she could hardly keep up with.

“Colleen, come on. I wanna get home and check on Ma!”

“I’ll be along in a minute Brian, there’s something I have to do first.”

“Ok. See ya at home?”

“Yes.” Colleen walked over to the church. She found the Reverend on his knees in prayer beside the pulpit. “Reverend?” She asked quietly so as not to startle him.

“Oh! Hello, Colleen.”

“I was wondering… I need a favor.”

“Of course.”

“I wondered if I could use your piano and the church for a bit.”

“Certainly. I’ll just be ouside if you need me.” The Reverend assured her.

“Thank you, so much!”

Colleen sat down on the bench and found Middle C. She struck a chord, then two. Slowly she began to play the melody drifting through her mind…

It was a bit later when Colleen headed home feeling much more at peace with herself than before. The second she opened the homestead door she knew something was horribly the matter. The entire group sat around in the living room silent enough you could have heard a pin drop. The only person absent was Mary Ann.

It was at that moment, the latter person came down the stairs without a sound. Everyone looked at her face to be reassured, but there was nothing reassuring to be seen in her normally kind blue eyes.

Sully looked up feeling desperate. “How is she?”

“Not good I’m afraid. Her fever is higher.”

“What’s….goin t’ happen t’ her?”

“She’s going to slip into an even deeper coma and go peacefully. She’s not in pain anymore. We gave her a small dose of morphine. It’ll probably be sometime tonight.”

“NO! NO! NO!!! I CAN’T LOSE HER! NOOOOO!!” Sully turned and ran for the stairs. Mary Ann followed him. She got upstairs in time to see him collapse onto the bed. He dragged Michaela’s limp hand onto his cheek, sobbing.

Mary Ann closed the door behind Sully to give him a little time alone with her before…She walked back down the stairs as if In a dream world. She didn’t understand how all of this could possibly be happening. One day her world was stable and secure. Her family and friends were fine, congress was cooperating (for once), and ever since she’d been taking Michaela’s herbs her arthritis was much improved. Most days she had minimal pain, if any. Now, at the drop of a hat….everything was gone and changed. She felt like the toddler who’s just had the rug pulled out from under her unstable feet. She found herself letting the tears escape and she leaned back against the stairwell wall and spent a brief moment of silent mourning for her friend before returning to the living room.

The only good thing that had happened in the midst of this revelation was that Dr. Cassidy was no where to be seen. “He went to be of ‘help’ in the clinic.” Matthew told Mary Ann.

“Lord help the patients.” She said, rolling her eyes. Colleen couldn’t help but give a slight smile. Nevertheless, the whole attitude was completely different. Before there had at least been hope. Now, now there was nothing.

“How is she?” Elizabeth asked quietly.

“Not very well I’m afraid.” These were the first civil words the two had spoken to each other since their meeting.

“The Reverend wants to host a prayer meeting for Ma this evening.” Colleen told the group.

“I suppose we ought to go…” Matthew whispered. Truth be told none of them wanted to go anywhere. They all felt a sense of urgency to be there in case…

“We better go so we can get back.” Sully suggested.

“Someone ought to stay with Ma.”

“I’ll stay.” Colleen whispered.

In a few moments Colleen was alone, except for Michaela. She put her cape on the hook and went quietly upstairs and pushed lightly on the door to the bedroom. It opened without much effort. Colleen pulled the rocker up beside the bed.

“Hey there, Ma.” She took her mother’s hand and held it against her cheek. “I love you.” She could almost hear Michaela whisper back. Colleen closed her eyes for a moment. She began to remember all the times she had spent with her Ma.

“You went to college and everythin’?!”

“And everything!”

~*~*~*~*~

“I want to be a doctor…like you…” Michaela bent over the tray of medical supplies and hugged her little girl.

~*~*~*~*~

Loren was laid out on the table prepared for surgery. Colleen handed her Ma the scalpel and watched fascinated.

“What’s that soft yellow stuff?”

“The subcutaneous layer, fat.”

“Looks like chicken fat.”

~*~*~*~*~

“There was nothing in the barn, Brian.”

“SURPRISE!”

On the table sat a present wrapped in a red checkered table cloth and a cake. Brian could barely sit still and Colleen had to pinch him. They had planned a surprise party for Michaela’s 35th birthday. Soon someone from town would be coming to get them, but they’d wanted to give her their gift privately: her hope chest dishes all glued back together.

~*~*~*~*~

“You can do it Colleen!” Mike , Heart, and Atlantis cheered her on from the crowd. She was in her beautiful tight rope costume, but she was so nervous! Slowly, slowly, she climbed the ladder to the tight rope and cautiously stepped onto it. She held out her parasol and slowly began her journey. She forced herself not to look down. She was almost there.. Then she was there! She had done it!

~*~*~*~*~

“How can they know what the Indians here need when they’re all the way in Washington?”

“Brian’s right.. How could they! What about if we go there and tell them?!”

Before they knew it they were all on the way to Washington D.C. to speak to Congress! Colleen and President Grant’s daughter, Nellie, became close friends. Michaela was offered a nomination onto the President’s cabinet, and Sully saved the President from a sniper attack!

~*~*~*~*~

“Every girl… has something they don’t like about themselves.”

“Not you…”

“Even me… it was my hair.. My sisters all had curly hair. Mine was straight. I’d try anything to get my hair to curl. I’d roll it in rags and every other method. By the time breakfast was over it was as straight as it had been before.”

Michaela took Colleen into her arms and hugged her close.

~*~*~*~*~

“Stop. Ethan, we can't do this!” Colleen and Brian looked at each other, then at Lillian and Ethan, finally back at Michaela, Sully, and Matthew. Quicker than words can be said they were running to their family and having the life squeezed out of them.

~*~*~*~*~

The wedding march was played and before Colleen knew it she was going up the aisle in a beautiful bridesmaid dress at her Ma’s wedding! Everything was coming out right!

~*~*~*~*~

Then there was the time Colleen lied to Michaela about what she was doing after school to go on risky escapades. Michaela read Colleen’s diary and forbade her to go to the chicken races. Nevertheless, Colleen snuck out and went without permission. Jared was hurt. After this Michaela and Colleen came to an agreement. Colleen would tell her Ma more if Michaela would loosen up a bit.

~*~*~*~*~

“Ma, you need to stay in bed. I’ll go get the belladona and then I’m wiring for the doctor. You’ll be fine.”

~*~*~*~*~

“Oh Ma! She’s beautiful! Was the labor difficult?”

“Only a little.”

Colleen held little Katie in her arms and studied her in amazement.

~*~*~*~*~

“Where’s ma?” Colleen asked, cuddling Katie.

“On her way in… with Sully! He’s alive!” Colleen screamed with joy and threw her arms around Matthew.

~*~*~*~*~

Moments later Sully rode up to the clinic yelling for Colleen. She was already out on the porch when he rode up. She held her hand up to shade her eyes from the slanting late afternoon sun. “Colleen! I need your help!” Before Sully could react people were running from all over. Someone had lifted Michaela from the horse and many of their friends were milling about in the street. Everyone wanted to know what all the commotion was about.

Sully couldn’t seem to find the words to tell them that Michaela had fallen down the side of a cliff and had lain abandoned in the freezing temperatures for two days and was very sick. He merely pointed at the clinic and whispered, “Michaela.” Someone came and put a blanket around him. Grace handed him a mug off coffee while Loren tried to lead him back to sit on the bench. Sully was so very tired and worried he couldn’t fight back.

“Someone ride and get Andrew over at the chateau!” Colleen exclaimed.

~*~*~*~*~

Colleen suddenly came back to reality, to the present. “We’ve done so much together Ma. The good and the bad…I’ll be here for everyone. I’ll be strong. I’ll take care of everything. I promise. You just rest now.”

Colleen was silent for several moments. She really didn’t know what to say or do. She wasn’t even sure she knew how to feel. It was apparent her Ma was only getting worse, not better. She shivered at the realization and slipped her hands inside her shawl and hugged herself. The chill that she felt could not be helped by merely hugging oneself though. It was the kind of cold that goes deeper than the skin. The kind that creeps through your veins and goes straight into your heart like ice water. She felt something poke her hand. She pulled it out. It was what she had written earlier.

Colleen scooted her chair closer to the bed. “Before my real Ma died, I used to write songs. Then I’d sing them at church. That was back before I got scared of crowds. I used to want to be an actress and a singer. I was going to travel all over the world and be real famous. After Ma died, I didn’t want to write songs anymore, but now….I thought I owed you this at least. So I wrote you this song. I love you, Ma.”

Mamma
You gave life to me
Turned a baby into a lady

And mamma
All you had to offer
Was the promise of a lifetime of love

Now I know
There is no other
Love like a mother's love for her child

And I know
A love so complete
Someday must leave
Must say goodbye

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye

Mamma
You gave love to me
Turned a young one into a woman

And mamma
All I ever needed
Was a guarantee of you loving me

'Cause I know
There is no other
Love like a mother's love for her child

And it hurts so
That something so strong
Someday'll be gone, must say goodbye

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye

But the love you give will always live
You'll always be there every time I fall
You are to me the greatest love of all
You take my weakness and you make me strong
And I will always love you 'till forever comes

And when you need me
I'll be there for you all the way
I'll be there your whole life through
I'll be there this I promise you, mamma

I'll be your beacon through the darkest nights
I'll be the wings that guide your broken flight
I'll be your shelter through the raging storm
And I will love you 'till forever comes

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near
Someday you'll say that word and I will cry
It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye

'Till we meet again...
Until then...
Goodbye

Tears cascaded down Colleen’s cheeks by the time she had finished singing. “I love you Ma.” She whispered, and kissed her mother’s cheek. She pulled the covers up tighter and turned the wick low in the lamp.

Michaela’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as she struggled to open her eyes. She wanted to tell her daughter she loved her, but she couldn’t bring the words. She felt out of place with her body and it took every last bit of energy in her pneumonia ravaged body to look around the room and try to get her bearings.

Mary Ann heard the sound from above before Sully. She held up her hand and signaled for quiet. She pointed above and mouthed the word. “Listen.”

“Ma.. You gotta fight this. You gotta fight!” Colleen whispered, holding Michaela’s hand against her cheek. Finally she turned and left the room as quietly as she had come, feeling more at peace with herself than she had felt in a long time.

Michaela felt relief as her eyes went closed and her body drifted into another state somewhere between deep sleep and unconsciousness again.

Mary Ann took Sully out onto the porch and gave him some strong coffee. Finally she sat down in the chair next to him. “Don’t blame yourself… it’s not your fault.”

“Yes it is. I never shoulda let her go off like that.”

“Sully, you had no way of knowing what would happen. There was nothing you could have done.” Mary Ann pulled him close for a moment and assured him. “The only thing you can do now is try to know.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Mary Ann stifled back a yawn. “Oh Mother. You haven’t slept or eaten anythin the whole time you’ve been here. You’re goin t’ wind up sick to.”

“Naw!” Mary Ann brushed off his comment.

“Why don’t you take Brian and Katie to the clinic and look after them for me. They’re -a sayin good night t’ Michaela right now.” A sob caught in his throat as a choke when he realized it might be the last time his children were able to do that. No! He wouldn’t think like that!

“Alright…” Mary Ann at last relented. She turned and went into the house to seek out the children.

Mary Ann hadn’t been gone for very long when the sound of horses hooves pounding on the driveway and the sounds of a squeaky wagon interrupted his train of thought. It pulled up to the front of the homestead and Dr. Cassidy jumped out before it even stopped completely. His suit coat ripped and he didn’t even notice. “Andrew, David, Colleen! I need your help!” He shouted, running up the steps, staggering like a madman.

Sully stood up quickly. “What happened?!” In this instant, Colleen, having heard the shouts from upstairs, came running and threw open the door.

“Lightning struck the Gold Nugget and started a fire.”

“How bad is it?!”

“I’m not sure. We’re going to need all your help!”

“I’ll get everyone!”

“You stay with Michaela we’ll go.” David assured him.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“I’ll go with them and make sure Mary Ann and Brian and Katie are alright.” Matthew volunteered.

“Alright.” Sully agreed in a daze. He sank back into his chair trying to absorb all the chaos from the last few hours.

Chapter Twenty-One

Michaela sensed his prescense more than saw it. She felt her love there with her. Very slowly she opened her eyes. She winced at the splitting pain throbbing in her temples and was wholly disgusted by the naseous taste in her mouth. A small moan escaped her and she slipped back into her deep sleep.

Sully turned around quickly. “I’m goin’ crazy.” He whispered. He thought he’d heard her moan. That was not possible. Her eyes were closed and her burning hot face was the same as always. Wait, was her hair in a different place now, were the covers arranged in a slightly different pattern. “Can’t keep doin’ this to myself. Gotta face it.” He whispered.

Sully laid down on the edge of the bed and scooted over. Very gently he took Michaela into his arms. He cuddled her desperately hot body against his and linked his fingers through hers. He held her as he used to do on nights she couldn’t sleep. Oh that seemed so long ago. “Michaela…” Sully felt his voice getting thick so he rushed on. “Ya gotta fight this. I’m gonna be with ya the whole way, but ya gott fight. I can’t make it without ya! Michaela fight!” Sully found his way, blindly stumbling through tears, onto the floor beside the bed and began to pray. “I know.. I done some unforgivable.. An unlovable things. I tried t’ live a good an honest life. I don’t know why this happened, don’t know how t’ fix it. All I know is…I want her t’ get well so much. Please…I’ll do anything just let Michaela be alright, that’s all I ask.”

At this moment Elizabeth was coming upstairs to check on her daughter. She took a step into the room and then jerked back realizing Sully was already there. She managed to catch part of his speech. It was there, outside the bedroom, it hit her. Sully did love her daughter. He was her son-in-law. He was one of the kindest gentlemen she had ever met even if he was a little unorthodox. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t what she would have chosen for her daughter because Michaela loved him and he loved her. That was all that mattered. “You were right Josef.” she whispered. “He always used to say the way to seeing a person is through his heart…and only through his heart. I never understood that…not until now. And I’m going to change- for the better, starting right now…”

Sully picked himself up off the floor and crawled back into the bed. He hugged Michaela close to him again. He ran his fingers through her hair. All of a sudden, another thought crossed his mind. “Why didn’t she tell me about this baby?” He whispered to himself. It could, of course, be because she was upset or any number of reasons, but it still haunted him. He pulled down the sheet slightly. He looked at Michaela and very slowly edged her nightgown up a bit. Her stomach was round and there was a slight bulge in it. Slowly, he reached out and placed his hand on it. “Will you stay strong an take care o’ your Ma while you’re in there?”

Michaela wondered what in the world her husband was doing, but she was too hot and exhausted to try to stay awake to find out. The breeze which enveloped her body when he pulled back the covers had felt amazingly good. She often felt like she was on fire from the inside out. When she wasn’t on fire, she was crossing the barren iceland toward Antarctica. All that mattered for now was that he was with her, that he wouldn’t give up on her. He had told her to fight…fight she would.

Elizabeth was silently putting together the items she would need to stay overnight at the clinic when Sully came down the stairs. She took a deep breath. She knew she was going to have to do it sooner or later. She walked over to the table and picked up a napkin which she began to fiddle with more out of nervousness than anything else. Finally, she got the courage to speak. “Sully, I need to talk to you.” She motioned for him to sit down.

“Listen, Elizabeth. If you’re gonna rake me over the coals again I…”

She held her hand up to stop him. “No. I’m not. I just needed to tell you that…I… I was wrong about you. You are more than your words.”

“I…”

Elizabeth held up her hand again. “Let me finish. It wasn’t that I just didn’t like you for who you were or how you dressed. I just didn’t understand you. I was worried you might not love her. Maybe you would take advantage of her. By the time I knew better it was too late to stop myself. I made up my mind I didn’t like you before I ever gave you a fair chance. I realized it’s just not true. You love her and I know you will never hurt her. I couldn’t bear to see that happen to my little girl. You know, a mother always has a very special place in her heart for the youngest. I guess what I’m trying to say is…I’m ashamed of how I’ve treated you; in that past, but especially these last few days. I know it’s not your fault. What Mary Ann said about me…it’s all true and I respect her for making me see the light when no one else could. I didn’t want to believe it at the time. I just… I needed someone to blame and you were there and it was so easy. Just, I’m sorry. I’m going to change. I promise.”

“You were only doin’ what every mother does, lookin out for her child. Ya just wanted what was best for her. Like ev’ry ma or pa does.”

“Yes.”

“No hard feelings. I forgive ya. I suppose ev’ry mother’s entitled to makin’ sure her little girl’s safe afore she admits to likin’ her new son-in-law. I’m sorry too. Guess I didn’t take that much time t’ try an understand ya. Mebe I shoulda. Mebe things woulda turned out different.”

“I wouldn’t have wanted them too. Well,…except for…this…”

“Yeah…this.” Sully repeated, his voice wearing through ragged and choked with tears.

“Sully…” Elizabeth stopped for a moment and uncharacteristically put her arms around him in a motherly hug. “Don’t worry. We’ll get through it. I promise.”

“How d’ya get through someone ya love so much bein’ so sick, prob’ly diein….”

“I don’t know, but we’ll find a way. If you’ll be alright I think I’m going to go to the clinic and check on the children, see if I can be of help. Knowing Mary Ann she’s probably got the whole saloon full of people in the clinic and will have Dr. Cassidy fit to be tied.”

Sully couldn’t resist a chuckle. “If I were Doc Cassidy I’d be plenty scared.”

“I know one thing and one thing only. I don’t want to be on her bad side!” Elizabeth and Sully relaxed into easy laughter. “Thank you, for being patient with me…son.”

“Thank you, for changin…ma.” After another slightly awkward hug and the exchange of a few tears, Elizabeth took her bag and walked out into the night.

Sully silently went upstairs and began to dig through the cedar chest and the end of his and Michaela’s bed. Finally, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a sheet of parchment paper and his pen. As silently as he had come he retreated, blowing a kiss to Michaela as he left the room.

He sat down in the wingback chair before the fireplace. Wolf came and curled around his master’s feet laying his head on Sully’s knee to be petted. Sully pulled Michaela’s blanket around his shoulders and sighed, breathing in the unmistakable smell he always associated with her: lavender, roses, the smell of the prairie, and of herbs as well. He brought pen to paper with an amused look on his face. “Said I’d never write again. Look how long that has lasted.” Sully could swear Wolf was laughing at him. He tried his best to ignore Wolf and began to write. To My Love...

Chapter Twenty-Two

Meanwhile, Elizabeth had just arrived in town. She walked quietly up to the clinic door bracing herself for however Mary Ann might react to her showing up there. When she went in she found Mary Ann asleep on the bench. Colleen was wrapped up, sleeping, in a blanket and leaning on her shoulder. Elizabeth tried to sneak quietly past them, but out of the darkness came a voice. “I’m awake. How is she?”

“She’s holding her own right now. Listen. I’m sorry I was so awful to you.”

“You are?” Mary Ann queried in disbelief.

“I realized something tonight.”

“You did?”

“People go deeper than how they talk, or the clothes they wear, or where they come from. It’s what’s in your heart that matters. I don‘t think I ever realized that before now.”

“I know you didn‘t. Friends?”

“Friends.” Elizabeth repeated, sitting down on the bench beside Mary Ann. “I read about your war work…You were brave.”

“Pshaw. Only doing what anyone else woulda.”

“Not just anyone. It takes someone special.”

“I suppose if you say so.” Elizabeth gently hugged Mary Ann to seal their friendship.

“What happened with the fire at the Gold Nugget?”

“It wasn’t much. The men got it put back quickly. There were a few minor burns…but nothing serious.”

“Good.”

At that exact moment a loud snore came from the corner. Elizabeth looked over and lo and behold, saw Dr. Cassidy. He was leaning back in Michaela’s desk chair. His feet were crossed on her desk, the papers scattered all about. His hat was pulled low over his eyes and his hands were folded over his ample stomach. His started off so softly and grew louder and louder until Elizabeth felt that the nearest neighbor would have heard the noise.

“I guess our first mission is to get rid of him.” Mary Ann pointed to Dr. Cassidy.

“Agreed. What are we going to do?”

“I’m getting an idea.” Mary Ann leaned toward Elizabeth and began to whisper. “Now if we put it just like that…”

Michaela slowly opened her eyes. The dimness in the room was a relief. It seemed to make the pounding in her head less intense. She felt as if someone had cracked the frontal lobe of her skull with a granite rock. She tried to will herself to lift her hand from the bed to her head and see what was the matter, but she just couldn’t. This time she managed to keep the waves of sleep lapping at her brain from taking her away too soon. Her instincts told her she needed to stay awake. She laid still and closed her eyes. No, not only her very skull hurt, but so did her entire body. She felt intense pain almost everywhere. It was nearly more than she could bear. She wondered why she was asleep in their bed alone. She also wondered why the fire was still burning and why the house was so still. From the way the moonlight shone through the window she decided it must be late at night. That only brought up more questions: where was Sully? “Ooohh!” a gasping moan of pain escaped her lips. She had to think about something else! OH!... It hurt to think!

Sully held up the paper and blew the last remaining eraser mark off it and smiled proudly. “I did it, Boy.” He told Wolf who was still curled around Sully’s feet. Wolf pricked his ears but did not move. “It’s amazin I never thought I could be happy on a night like tonight.”

He went upstairs and pulled the chair up beside their bed. The scraping of the chair on the floor brought Michaela out of her light rest, but she did not open her eyes. She merely laid still, waiting. She knew Sully was with her. She could sense his prescense. What would he do?

“I never was much for makin’ speeches an doin’ things up fancy like you are, but I had t’ do somethin t’ deal. I wrote this for ya. I hope ya like it.” Sully crawled onto the bed beside her and began to hum a sweet melody into her ear. He put the words of his note to them. It wasn’t a song, it wasn’t a poem…but it was perfect.

We were strangers, starting out on a journey,
Never dreaming, what we’d have to go through
Now here we are, I’m suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected, what you did to my heart
When I lost hope, you were there to remind me
This is the start

And life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

We were strangers on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand, unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
And life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through,
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Knew there was somebody, somewhere
A new love in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I’ve been waiting so long
Nothing’s gonna tear us apart

And life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Life is a road that I wanna keep going on
Love is a river, I wanna keep going

Starting out on a journey

Life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you .

Michaela tried to sort out and understand. She couldn’t figure out why the house was in such a strange pattern. People singing to her, others she couldn’t quite identify going in and out at odd hours, yelling and silence, crying and laughing. Nothing made any sense. Try as she might she couldn’t seem to place it, and it was so frustrating!

“Now, My Love. Ya see. You’ve gotta fight this thing. I know it’s gonna be a long road. Gosh do I know. Just like I promised, I’m gonna be right there for ya. I can’t lose ya now, not like this. You’re my life, my world, my compass, my light in the dark, my heart song, my lady love… I can’t stand the thought of losing you! Please fight for me! Please!” Sully felt the sobs breaking forth like a dam inside of him and this time he didn’t hold back. He fell over on the bed, laying his cheek on her waist almost across her, tears choking him and spilling out, burning their way down his cheeks.

She had to make him understand! “Sully…” She whispered oh-so-softly. The first words and connection in her fragile body and mind in such a long time, but Sully didn’t hear her. He was too upset. He laid there, sobbing brokenly like never before.

“Please, Michaela!…”

She felt pinpricks of tears forming in her own eyes and she didn’t even understand why. She manged to lift her hand and caressed his cheek. She let her fingers catch in the soft waves of his hair like she hadn’t dared for months. “Sully…” She whispered again, louder this time. She was doing it! She would beat this!

Sully looked up, hardly daring to believe it. It was too good to be true! Yet, it was! Michaela looked deeply into his eyes and a slight smile crossed her lips. “My Love…” She whispered. That was the only thing needed. He sat up and grabbed her hands. He forced himself to let go of her long enough to gently put his hand on her forehead. He stifled a cry of delight at the coolness. Her fever had dropped several degrees! He just knew it now. Deep inside he knew his lady love would be alright. That was the only thing that mattered to him now. He gently laid his face in her shoulder. “Thank you God.” He whispered. The tears of relief cascaded down his face, his smile growing wider by the minute. His blue eyes reflected the color of the sky on a beautiful day and the encouragement they would both need. For he knew in his heart the war wasn’t won. It was going to be a long, hard path. “Together we will do it.” He whispered.

Michaela ran her fingers through his hair for a few moments. “Tell me.” She whispered.

“What?”

“Tell me why you’re doing this?”

Sully looked into her trusting eyes and shook his head slightly. “Not now. Later. Ya need t’ rest. I’ll tell ya later.” He avowed. Before she could protest he put his finger gently over her lips. “No arguin. Ya need t’ rest.”

They were both quiet, not moving for a moment. Michaela managed to get her arms around his shoulders, and Sully moved closer to her; needing to be in her arms again after everything that had happened. He cupped her face in his hands and whispered, “There for a while I was beginnin to think I was gonna lose ya.”

“Never! Oh Sully… I love you… so much.” They looked into each other’s eyes and she urged his face down. She softly covered his lips with her own. Oh! It felt good! Their bodies were pressed together and their lips cemented completely. Michaela urged her tongue against his lips, begging for more. Sully knew she ought to be resting, and this shouldn’t be happening, but he couldn’t resist. He gently and timidly returned the gesture. Michaela felt him part her lips and his tongue slip against hers, the shaking, trembling feeling in her body. It felt good! Before realizing what he was doing or being able to stop himself, Sully’s fingers grazed just above her breast. “OH!” she gasped a bit raggedly. This brought him back to reality. He pulled his hand away and scooted back. He could feel her shivering and knew she was freezing. Sully pulled Michaela gently against him and held her.

It was at this moment everything clicked. It was as if a key had unlocked a door which now stood wide and flooded her mind with light, light she had been seeking for a very long time: the uneasiness, being apart, the fight, Flash getting scared, falling down the cliff face, then nothingness, her first wakeful moments, the sense of someone she loved dearly being with her, Colleen singing…what was the song again? Oh! Goodbye’s The Saddest Word!, Sully laying there crying for all he was worth… “I remember!” She exclaimed.

“Remember what, love?”

“We fought… and you said you hated me…and I rode off on Flash and she got scared in the storm when a tree in front of us caught fire from lightning. She reared and I fell down the cliff side.”

“What?! I never said…that… I could never hate you.”

“You did that day.”

Then he realized. She had been listening to him, but hadn’t heard the end of his statemnent. “I said I hated your stubbornness, but never… never… will I hate you! I promise you, my Michaela.”

“Nor I you.” She promised.

Sully climbed the rest of the way into the bed and held her close. They stayed silent for several minutes just being together, that was enough. Sully knew there was only one other thing he needed to resolve. “Michaela?”

“Hmm?”

“Why did ya ride Flash?”

Michaela laughed slightly. “Sully, I always ride Flash.”

“That’s not…I mean… Why did you ride her while you’re…” He stopped abruptly. “Ya don’t know?”

“Know what?” She asked, totally perplexed.

“Nothin.”

“Sully, it’s not nothing… tell me.”

“You’re freezin.” Sully said, avoiding the subject by grabbing another blanket for her. Michaela managed to sit up against the pillows. Something was going on and she wanted to know what. “Ya really don’t know do ya?”

“Know what?”

“This isn’t how I imagined it.” He whispered.

“Imagined what?”

“Oh my love…I need to tell you something, something amazing!”

“Shhh….OW!”

“Watch where you’re going!”

“I’m trying… OUCH!”

“Careful!”

“OW!”

“Why did we have to do this in the dark?!”

“It was your idea.”

“OUCH! Shoot me the next time I get such a ‘brilliant’ idea.”

“OW! I will.”

“Who’s down there?!”

“RUN!”

“OUCH!”

Elizabeth and Mary Ann burst from the barber shop as if shot. They stood panting on the porch for a few minutes. Elizabeth began to laugh, softly at first then more freely. Mary Ann watched her for a moment and then began to laugh softly herself. Within a few moments both ladies were laughing so hard they had to wipe tears off their cheeks. “Maybe next time we should take a light.” Elizabeth suggested.

“I have to agree. The point is to embarrass Dr. Cassidy, not hurt ourselves.”

“Uh oh…” Elizabeth whispered.

“What?”

“Mary Ann…”

“We didn’t get the razor!” They exclaimed at the same time. Mary Ann held her face in her hand to stifle the laughter and slid down into the chair on the barbershop porch. Finally, they gauged it was safe to go back in for the second time. What neither of the ladies knew was that Jake had not returned upstairs. In fact, he was laying in wait for them.

They quietly stepped into the barber shop, looking both ways, their silvery silhouettes outlined by the light of the moon shining in. Just as Mary Ann was about to pick up the razor they heard. “Gotcha now!”

“HIDE!” Elizabeth shouted her warning and the two disappeared into the folds of Jake’s huge overcoats and shoved their feet into two pairs of over shoes. They couldn’t look at each other for wanting to laugh. “I never did anything like this before.” Elizabeth whispered.

“Feels good don’t it?”

“Yes. Yes it does. Thank you.”

“Pshaw.” In what seemed hours Jake gave up and slowly stood. He looked around a final time and walked up the stairs with a loud yawn. Mary Ann rubbed her hands together. “Excellent.” she whispered. They silently slipped out of the barber shop and returned to the clinic.

“What exactly are we going to do to keep him asleep?” Mary Ann silently held up the bottle of chloroform and winked. Elizabeth responded with a shocked look.

“I thought you didn’t believe in actual medical things.”

“Only when they’re necessary. I believe this is one of those times.” She said. The glint in her eyes was showing that she was thoroughly enjoying herself. “I want you to put a drop of chloroform on the cloth every minute and keep it over his nose.” Elizabeth nodded. “Ready?”

“Ready.” Quickly they amassed him from two sides. Before he could wake up or even know what was happening, Mary Ann grabbed him from behind and Elizabeth thrust the chloroformed rag over his nose. Moments later Dr. Cassidy slumped forward onto the desk. Mary Ann picked up the razor and began to shave the hair like an expert. “How did you learn to do that?” Elizabeth asked in amazement and curiosity.

“Oh, in the summer I had to shave all the soldiers’ heads to try to keep the lice infestation to a minimum.” Elizabeth got a slightly queasy look, but she tried her best to brush it away. Mary Ann shaved the last of the hair from Dr. Cassidy’s head. The ladies collapsed silently into giggles. When they could recover themselves Mary Ann said, “Now we’ll mix the indigo.”

“What does it do?”

“You’ll see.” Mary Ann began to crush the delicate indigo plants with a pestle. When she added a bit of water and began to mix with her hands it became a fine paste. A few minutes more and she had a thin and very long lasting, strong, blue paint in her bowl. While she searched for something to paint with, Elizabeth found some rope in a cupboard and tied Dr. Cassidy’s hands and feet together tight as she could. Mary Ann admitted even she couldn’t have done a better job. Together the ladies managed to push him into a standing position against the wall. “Now we’ve got to get him undressed.”

“Undressed?!” Elizabeth couldn’t resist a shocked gasp.

“Don’t worry, only to his long johns.”

“Mary Ann!” Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh despite her utter shock and embarrassment. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She whispered. Mary Ann chuckled, shocked herself at how big of a change Elizabeth had made since Mary Ann’s arrival in Colorado Springs.

Elizabeth found a quill pen and a powder brush in the desk drawer. “Those will do wonderfully.” Mary Ann told her friend. She took the materials and the indigo paint. Elizabeth helped keep Dr. Cassidy upright while Mary Ann did her work.

A few minutes later, they began to unload the extra wood off of the wagon which Elizabeth had previously, (and not at all smoothly), driven into town. They found some nails and borrowed a hammer hanging on a hook in the livery. Through teamwork and patience the two managed to fashion a crude and narrow raft out of the planks. They loaded it onto the bottom of the wagon. Elizabeth could barely believe the changes in herself this past evening, yet she felt more free than she had in her entire life. She knew her changes were for the better and that she would not regret them.

“Now… him…” Mary Ann said warily. It took them several minutes of hard work, but finally they dragged Dr. Cassidy into the back of the wagon. “C’mon. We better hurry.” Mary Ann climbed up into the seat of the wagon and offered her hand to help Elizabeth up. She slapped the reigns over the horse’s back, and off they went, giggling almost the entire way…

Finally, they found the spot which corresponded with the lake on the map. “Perfect. Trout Lake.”

“Just reminds you that by morning he’ll be a-swimming with the fishies.” Mary Ann reminded.

“I just wish I could be here to see him when he wakes up.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll hear plenty about it. I judge it‘s a-gonna be all over Colorado Territory in a day or so.” Mary Ann assured sagely. They pulled their raft onto the edge of the huge lake and once again worked together to drag Dr. Cassidy’s unwieldy and heavy body onto it. Mary Ann took out another rope and tied his hand and foot bonds to the raft and bound it solid. Last of all they launched Dr. Cassidy and his raft into Trout Lake.

“And good riddance with you.” Mary Ann said to the unconscious doctor and his raft.

“We’d better get back to town. It will surely be morning soon.”

“We’ve got hours, but we ought to get some sleep while we can.” Mary Ann agreed.

“Good work.”

“And to you.” The last thing heard from the retreating wagon was the creak of the axle wheel and the laughter of two ladies sure of their victory.

Sully scooted toward Michaela. He took her hands in his. “Sully, what is it?!” She asked, desperately wanting to know what he needed to tell her.

“My love…”

“Yes?”

“We’re going t’ have a baby.” Sully whispered, his eyes full of all the love he had for her.

“What?!” Shock was written all over her face. Sully quietly repeated his words. A look of realization crossed her face. Michaela fell back into the pillows, burying her face, she began to sob. “NO! Sully!.. I fell… Oh no!!! not again! Please God no!!!! noooo!!!!!” Sully grabbed her flailing body before she could hurt herself and tried to hold her close.

“Shhhh…” He crooned softly, trying to comfort her as best he could, but she became all the more agitated and upset. He held her close, waiting it out. Finally, what little strength she had gone, Michaela collapsed into his arms too weak to move. “Michaela…it’s our Miracle Baby! It’s alright. The baby is alright.”

“What?!” She could hardly grasp what she was hearing. “Really?!”

“Really!”

“Oh, Sully! I love you!”

“I love you!” All of a sudden her lips were back on his. Michaela ran her fingers through his hair. Their lips met over and over again. Their hearts pounded in sync and she could feel the trembling sensation that began in her toes; a tale as old as time. Michaela yearned to be with him so many months apart…her body was crying for relief, for something to happen. Her heart begged her, and his soft moans urged her on. It didn’t matter how sick she had been, with him beside her she was strong enough to do anything, so long as they were together nothing else mattered. She gasped as his hand slid up her side. Slowly he covered her breast with it. She gasped aloud as she found his lips on the sensitive skin of her neck and the area between her breasts. She began to work loose the buttons on his shirt. She knew she shouldn’t, but she was desperate! She could feel him pressing into her and knew he was feeling the same pleasure she was. She ran her hand up the side and grazed her fingers over his most sensitive spot. Sully tensed, and then groaned as he came back to reality. He flopped over on the bed beside her and covered his face with his hand. “Sully…” She whispered.

“Huh?”

“Why did you stop?” She did her best to imagine his hand back where it had been, his lips putting feverish kisses on her, him pressing comfortingly into her, but the spell had been broken.

“Cause… ya need t’ rest.”

“But you wanted it as much as I did.”

“Not enough t’ risk losing ya I come too close t‘ that already!”

“Sully…” Her words were cut short by a cough, then another. Michaela went into a coughing fit, unable to breathe or talk. Her coughs were the deep congested coughs which signaled severe weakness and sickness even to someone unknowledgeable in medicine. Sully sat her up and held her hair back while she coughed up phlegm.

“There’s a girl. That’s good.” He assured.

She hated letting him see her in this condition, this weak, but there was nothing she could do. “Sully…” she whispered once she could speak again.

“Soon, My Love.” he assured her. For now, I just want ya t’ get better… ya don’t know how close we came t’ losing ya.”

“Alright…I’ll rest, for a little while, if you’ll hold me.”

“No funny stuff.”

“I promise.”

“Alright.” Sully crawled under the covers and gently lifted her into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and she let herself fall into him, let him support her weight. She rested her face on his shoulder. “Sleep now.”

“One more question.”

“Only one.”

“Who’s the woman who’s been staying in here with me the last few nights. I wasn’t conscious enough to know, but she was so comforting.”

“Mother.”

Michaela sat up. “Mary Ann?! She’s here?!”

“Yeah…”

“Why?”

“Let’s just say there was a little turmoil while ya were sick.”

“Turmoil?”

“Yeah, thought ya said only one question.”

“Sully…”

“Alright I’ll tell ya…It all started after we fought……”

The next morning Sully woke early. The sun was only a red-pink glow of fire in the sky. Pale white clouds that seemed merely a mist wreathed themselves through the sun and the streaked sky. Sully wasn’t sure he had seen such a beautiful morning in all his life. At first he didn’t know why he was so happy. It was then that he looked down and saw Michaela sleeping peacefully in his arms that he remembered. She was alright! He placed his hand on her forehead, and his very soul tingled with joy; her fever had broken during the night!

Michaela slowly opened her eyes. She looked around and found herself in Sully’s arms. The previous night came rushing back at her like a dream. “Sully…” She whispered.

“Mmm, good morning, Love.” He whispered, kissing her hair. It wasn’t all that long he wondered if he might never hear her say those words again. It was a miracle. Sully went downstairs to make breakfast for Michaela and himself.

Meanwhile, Michaela laid still against her pillows and let her mind slip to day dreams: of the kissing, of his words, of the baby. The Baby! She hadn’t just dreamed it! Slowly, Michaela pulled her nightgown up, hardly daring to believe. Sure enough, her stomach was beginning to round and bulge slightly. She placed the palm of her hand just below her belly button and slightly off to the right in about the same place Katie had been at the four month mark. “You are going to be a fighter aren’t you?” She whispered. “I am too. I’ll protect you, my little one.” She whispered.

Sully entered the room just in time to see this mother-baby moment. “I’ll protect ya both.” He promised.

“I know. Thank you, for not giving up on me.”

“Never.” Sully kissed both her cheeks and then her lips. “I made ya French toast.”

“My favorite!” She exclaimed, delighted.

“I know.”

“You do hmm?”

“I know what my Lady Love likes. Ya don’t even have t’ tell me.”

“Lima beans or soup beans?”

“Where’d that come from?!” Michaela shrugged and they both began to laugh. It felt good. Sully didn’t remember the last time he had felt so carefree and happy with her.

“This is the way.” he whispered.

“What?”

“Nothin.”

They were silent for a few moments before Michaela spoke again. “Sully, how far along am I?”

“Mother told me bout four months.”

“I was just so preoccupied and upset…I just… never even thought.”

“Michaela, it’s alright.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. I never wanna fight with you again. I’d be content t’ live out my days holding you close in my arms forever.”

“I would like that…Four months?!” She nearly choked on her French toast. “Sully, that means…”

“What?”

“That time…at the waterfall…our first time after-”

He leaned forward and placed his lips over hers. “We made a baby.”

“Do the children know yet? Where are they? How are they?…” Her questions spilled out faster than Sully could answer them.

“Whoa. One at a time!” He chuckled slightly. “They’re gonna be doin real good when I tell’m you’re getting better. They don’t know yet. Only you, an I, an Mother know right now. That’s where the children are. There was some sorta fire at the Gold Nugget an mother went there and the kids wanted t’ go help.”

“Mary Ann!” Michaela remembered. “Will you take me to see her?!”

“Michaela, you oughta stay in bed.”

“Oh Sully, please! I want to be outside at least for a bit. It seems warm enough from the window, and I miss the children. I want to see Mary Ann. She had promised to visit.”

Sully knew he wouldn’t be able to resist Michaela’s pleading for long. “Alright, but only for a bit. I know everyone’ll be glad t’ hear the good news.”

Sully picked out his favorite of Michaela’s dresses from the closet, a beautiful deep blue skirt and a lighter blue blouse with slightly puffy sleeves. “Gotta make sure My Love looks like a princess.” Sully informed her when she gave him questioning glances as to why he had picked one of her nicer outfits. She could resist a small laugh. Her laugh turned to a deep pneumonic cough and he patted her back and held her while they waited for the coughing spell to end. “Are you sure you’re well enough to go out?”

“If you hold me tight.” She said with a wink. Sully didn’t reply, but pulled her nightgown over her head. He set the steaming kettle on the nightstand for her to breathe the vapors as he helped her get dressed. She shivered as his hand grazed her hip when he pulled her skirt up. Their eyes met for a long moment. This pattern repeated itself many times over as his hands found the correct places. Sully knew it was time to get out of there! He knew if he had to help her get dressed for many more mornings they would inevitably get themselves into trouble in short order! Finally he wrapped her in several soft, thick blankets to keep her nice and warm.

“Ready?” He asked her, in what seemed forever.

“Yes.” He lifted her into the safety of his arms and carried his love outside into the fresh spring air. He held her close in front of him on his horse and they headed for town. A Monarch butterfly flitted around just ahead of them, out of reach. The squirrells chattered at each other from tree to tree and argued over their acorns. A robin red-breast was building a nest in the large tree just outside Michaela and Sully’s bedroom window. A vixen fox carrying a tiny cub in her mouth crossed between bushes. A little bug skittered across the green grass and out of sight. “Look, an eagle!” Michaela said, pointing upwards.

“Always wondered what it’d be like t’ fly with’m.” Sully stated.

“Oh not you too!”

“Don’t worry. I ain’t aimin to build any flyin contraptions.”

“If they ever make a foolproof way for man to fly, I’ll make sure Brian has the first ticket.” Michaela said softly.

The air was balmy and a beautiful spring day was beginning to dawn. The grass was beautifully green, flowers bloomed in the late april breeze, and the sky was a perfect azure blue. The clouds looked like the fluffy cotton Michaela kept in jars at the clinic, and the sun looked like the puckery-sweet lemon drops Brian sometimes brought home from the store. “It’s lovely isn’t it?”

“It’s the kind o’ day that makes ya glad you’re alive.” Sully agreed.

It didn’t take them long to arrive in town. It was as if even the horse was anxious to arrive at their destination. As the clinic came into view the very first thing they saw was Katie. She was sitting on the bench just outside the open door. She was playing with some lettered blocks, and Wolf, who must have snuck out in the night, was laying protectively beside her. He looked up and his eyes met with Sully at almost the exact instant Katie’s did. They rushed to be the first to stand up and Wolf’s tail whacked Katie in the face. She plopped on the porch floor in surprise. She was about to let out a howl until she who Sully had with him. “Mama!” Katie exclaimed, getting up as fast as she could and came running, arms out, toward the horse. Sully reigned sharply and slid down, holding out his hands for Michaela and lifted her down into his arms. “Mama!!” Katie cried again.

“Hello, my sweet Katydid.” Michaela greeted. Sully knelt down on the porch with Michaela so that she and Katie could be on eye level as Michaela always preferred to be when talking with people.

“Mama ‘kay?”

“Yes. I’m just fine sweetie.”

“Mama weally be kay!? Tell stowies and wock me to seep?!”

“Yes, soon enough my sweet girl.”

“Pwomise ya never goin anywhere?”

“I promise.” Michaela assured her daughter and hugged her close for a few moments.

Katie got loose from her mother and ran into the clinic yelling excitedly. “C’leen, Brian, Mattew, Mad’lin, Grandma, Mary Ann!” She called. The mentioned people came running downstairs fearing some disaster had taken place. Michaela and Sully laughed slightly at their little girl’s excitement.

“What’s goin on?!” Brian wondered.

“Mama’s ok. She’s outside!”

“Katie…” Colleen exchanged glances with the others and bent down to her little sister’s level. “You shouldn’t make up things like that.” She told her, trying to force back tears at knowing how her mother was truly faring or even if she had survived the night.

“C’leen she is! Come see!” Katie practically dragged her family out onto the porch.

Sully stood, back to them looking around. As if in a dream he turned and Michaela, still in his arms, smiled gently at them. “Good morning.”

“MA!” exclaimed the children and they all rushed, pushing, shoving, crying to be the first to hug her. The commotion brought Mary Ann from upstairs where she had been dressing a wound, and Madeleine from where she had been filing records of last night’s minor injuries and patients.

“Michaela!” They exclaimed in almost the same breath. They all became a huge hugging mass right in the middle of the street. People began looking out their windows and doors and stopping on the street to see what all the screaming and joyous ruckus was about. Elizabeth dropped her knitting. Andrew and David came from upstairs. Grace dropped her spoon into the soup. Robert E. threw his hammer almost across the livry. Loren abandoned his broom and ran to the clinic, leaving the store wide open. Dorothy ran across from the gazette, bringing her reporter’s pad and pencil. Cloud Dancing looked on silently from the edge of the woods. Daniel practically slammed the cell door on his hand in his excitement to get away from where he was greasing the hinges and find out about the commotion. Miss Teresa and all of the children came out onto the porch of the schoolhouse. Jake and Hank crawled down off the Gold Nugget where they were repairing the damage to the roof. The reverend came hurrying from the church. Horace stepped out of the telegraph office, despite the wire coming through. They all rushed from all directions the moment they caught a glimpse of their beloved lady doctor. Everyone wanted to see how she was doing. The whole town had been horrified and saddened by the news that she might not make it. Now they would rejoice together that she was going to be all right.

“It’s a miracle!” Exclaimed the Reverend.

Sully and Michaela exchanged a glance. They both knew now was the time. “No…” Michaela corrected.

“No?” Loren wondered aloud.

“It’s a double miracle, because…” She took Sully’s hand and together they continued. “Because we’re going to have a baby!” The hubbub in the crowd increased at least ten fold and the noise from people talking was so loud almost no one could be heard. Congratulations, happy shouts, and well wishes went round the circle. Men patted Sully on the back and women came up to give Michaela hugs and tell her they were glad she was going to be alright. The town of Colorado Springs had so very nearly lost Michaela Quinn forever…

“Speech, speech, speech!” the group chanted.

Michaela gestured to herself and pretended to be surprised. “Me? I’m not much one for making speeches, but if you insist.”

“Riiighht,” “Sure,” “Indeed,” “Uh huh,” Was the collective reply of the massive crowd gathered around them.

“I just want to say that I appreciate all your support and help. It’s a great honor to be able to serve this town. I want you to know, I’m happy to be here and how much I love you all for accepting me as I am and helping me to become a better person and giving me a chance. Goodbye is the Saddest Word, but I don’t intend to be saying it anytime soon. I love this town more than I ever imagined possible, and I don’t think that can be expressed in words. Thank you all, so very much.”

Needless to say, it took quite a long time for the chaos to come to a lull. Finally, Colorado Springs began to return to every morning life. Nevertheless, it seemed almost everyone found some odd reason or another to stop by the clinic to see Michaela. The day continued to be balmy and beautiful. Mary Ann agreed time outside on a day like this would help. Sully put Michaela’s rocking chair out on the porch. She sat in it, wrapped in a blanket, and observing Colorado Springs quietly as she hadn’t done in…well…a really long time. Mary Ann assured the danger of Michaela being contagious was past. Katie curled up on her lap for a few moments. “Mama, I get baby bwother or sister?”

“Yes, my sweet girl. You’re going to be a big sister.”

“I help ya take good cawre of the new baby.”

“Oh you will?”

“Yes. Mommy?”

“Yes, Sweetheart?”

“I want a baby sister.”

Michaela had to hold back a slight laugh. “I’ll do what I can.”

“Good.”

“I want a brother!” They heard Brian exclaim from inside.

“Sister!”

“Brother!”

“Sister!” Finally both Brian and Katie gave up laughing.

“Whatever ya have’ll be good, Ma.” Brian assured.

“Yeah. I’m just glad I’m gonna be a big sister.” Katie said with a big grin.

He was only about half awake when he felt something akin to a bath lapping at his feet and hands. “Mmm…that feels nice.” Dr. Cassidy whispered. The sun shone warmly down on him and he felt a gentle rocking feeling lulling him in and out of sleep. When he finally opened his eyes it was to a shockingly cold reality! At first he didn’t believe what he saw, and had to rub his eyes to be sure. Dr. Cassidy bolted upright, jumping around, screaming, waving his arms. He was on a tiny raft, in his flannel union suit, in the middle of a HUGE lake! It was when he stepped too close to the edge in his frenzy, that he had about five seconds to wish he hadn’t done that, then the raft flipped over and Dr. Cassidy slipped below the depths of the deep murky water of the lake.

He came up choking the disgusting contents of the water and tried not to imagine what was in it. When he realized how far he was from the shore he wanted to panic again, but he knew it would only cause him more problems. So, instead of panicking, he bagan to dog paddle through the freezing water to the shore. By the time he dragged himself out of the water he was shivering and wondering how in the world…

He sat down heavily on an old stump. He hung his head in his hands. “Wait a minute…” He whispered, realizing his head felt strange: cold, hard, … BALD! He stood up and practically ran to the edge of the lake to look at his reflection in the water. Sure enough his head was bald as an egg. He let out a shrill scream and began to jump all over the bank of the lake, screaming, dancing, and creating such a ruckus even the woods creatures poked their heads out to see what the commotion was about. In his tyrade he did not notice the small bundle of black with the white stripe. He continued on, getting closer and closer. Dr. Cassidy was practically upon the skunk before he saw it in time. It was up on it’s front legs, tail raised. His mouth formed a perfect O! It was too late. The horrid smell of skunk spray filled the air, and Dr. Cassidy took a big breath at exactly that moment. The good doctor began to stumble backwards and forwards, choking and gasping for air, and the little skunk ran for her life.

Dr. Cassidy looked wildly around. There wasn’t a familiar thing in sight. “Now what am I going to do?” He muttered. He wandered around in the woods for some time looking for a trail. It was a couple of hours later that he realized all he was accomplishing was going in a very large circle! His other observation was that hunger pains were stabbing his stomach like knives. It seemed almost too good to be true when he saw a hollow tree. Honey was dripping down the bark. He knew it was a honey tree. Unfortunately, he didn’t stop to think before plunging his hand inside of it. Bees swarmed out. Dr. Cassidy ran and ran, but nevertheless, by the time he got away he was covered from head to toe in little stings which were swelling into painful red welts. It took him a long time walking around in circles to find the right path to town.

He knew right away that it was midmorning. The town was abustle with activity: people coming and going, stopping to chatter with each other. People eating in Grace’s café, Horace sending telegrams, Dorothy in the Gazette office…He intended to walk as quickly as he could through town and attract as little attention as possible. He was soaked, bald, and red and puffy from his encounter with the bees, and he smelled horrible. In short, he was a mess. Unfortunately he had to walk by the school. Miss Teresa was on the porch talking quietly with Jake. When she saw him she stopped suddenly. Jake took in the sight for a few moments. “Doc Cassidy!? What happened to you?! You smell horrible!”

“Maybe you should stop by Mr. Slicker’s and have a bath. I have heard tomato juice works wonders.” Teresa continued. Jake, thinking he would be able to have a good laugh, followed Dr. Cassidy making sure to stay far enough behind he couldn’t smell the abominable skunk smell.

It was at this moment the two came across Loren, who was sweeping off his porch. “Oh Doc. Smells like you’ve had some company in the night. Headed for a bath? I got tomatoes on sale, bright, red, an juicy.” Dr. Cassidy was flushed in the face now, and it wasn’t only from the bee stings. Jake silently indicated the back of Dr. Cassidy’s long johns. Loren looked harder and realized something was painted on them. He stepped down off the porch with a chuckle and joined Jake. The two tried to figure out what the message read without getting too close.

“Hey, least ya don’t gotta worry bout getting the smell out o your hair!” Hank called loudly from the porch of the Gold Nugget. Loren and Jake pointed at the back of the long johns and Hank joined the procession following along behind Dr. Cassidy.

Grace stepped out from the café. She could smell him coming all the way down the street and began to exaggeratedly cover her nose with her apron. “Stay away! You’ll give my customers indigestion with that stink!” She exclaimed. Loren, Jake, and Hank began to chuckle.

Robert E. looked up from work at the livry. “What happened t’ ya?”

“Got left on a raft in the lake in my long johns, sprayed by a skunk, an stung by bees.”

“Got a message on your rear end too.” Jake whispered quietly enough Dr. Cassidy couldn’t hear him.

“Don’t you worry Doc Cassidy. I have Mother Nature’s cure to bee stings.” Robert E. reached down and scooped up a mass of mud and horse manure. The blacksmith began smearing it onto Dr. Cassidy’s face, unable to hold back a laugh. The procession walked on and Robert E. silently joined them.

Horace poked his head out of the telegraph office. “Wonder what the parade’s about.” Preston, who was writing a telegram, looked up as well. He took a sniff.

“Now I know why everyone’s staying away!” He mentioned, stepping off into the street. He and Horace joined the procession. “Listen up folks. The sign says, ‘Incompetent Doctor At Your Service!’ I should say incompetent! Gets sprayed by a skunk, runs into bees, and doesn’t believe in nature’s cures. Looks like Michaela’s outclassed him after all!” The entire group began to laugh heartily in agreement.

Dorothy, having heard the commotion, stepped out onto the porch with her reporter’s pad and pencil. “Ah! The next cover story for the Gazette. What a great headline! I wonder what a fellow editor friend of mine in Denver would think of this story.

Dr. Cassidy paled considerably. “You wouldn’t!” Dorothy merely joined the mass of people following along behind him.

The Reverend, curious as to the commotion, asked, “What’s goin’ on?”

“Dr. Cassidy got sprayed by a skunk, stung by bees, left in his long johns, and a sign saying ‘Incompetent Doctor At Your Service!’ painted on him.” Dorothy explained.

“Who would do such a thing?” The Reverend wondered aloud.

“Sheriff!! Whoever did this to me’s gotta pay!”

Daniel wanted to laugh, but remained serious. “Who did it? What happened?”

“What Happened?!” Dr. Cassidy asked, clipping his words in irritation. “I’ll tell you the story. This morning I woke up on a raft out in the middle of a huge lake. I fell and had to swim to land. I found out I was bald. I got sprayed by a skunk. I tried to get some honey because I was hungry and I get amassed by bees!” Dorothy was eating this up, hanging on every word, and writing it down.

“Any clue who?” Daniel asked.

“Mebe the men I played poker with last night before the fire broke out.”

Matthew shook his head from across the street. “Naw. Those men rode out last night. I saw em. They didn’t do it.”

It was by now Dr. Cassidy had come along the far end of the clinic porch. Andrew and Colleen were sitting there together, laughing. “Can you treat my beestings?”

“I know just the person who can do that for you.” Andrew said. “She knows all about nature.”

“Grreeeat.” Dr. Cassidy said sarcastically under his breath. He’d already had more encounters than he would have liked with nature that day.

“Tell her to bring a clothespin! He can’t go in there smelling like that!” Brian called after Andrew, with a chuckle of his own.

Katie looked up from where she was playing on the porch with blocks beside Colleen. She pinched her nose lady-like and said loud enough for all to hear, “You Stink! Guess what…Mama is better.”

“Just in time to see the fun!” Colleen finished.

Dr. Cassidy looked over in shock to see Michaela, wrapped in her blanket, sitting in her rocker. She offered the blanket to him. “Looks like you need this blanket more than I do. A bath would hurt either by the way, and maybe some… clothes. Maybe Sully could make you a shingle with your message on it.” She offered, indicating the bottom of his long johns.

It was at this moment Mary Ann appeared in the doorway of the clinic. A look which was a mixture of fear and shock crossed his face. Mary Ann began her tirade, “Where have you been?! You shoulda been here long ago! And you call me incompetent! Oh Lord Mercy, look at the mess you’re in! You stink to High Heaven! I’ll not have you in my hospital makin’ my patients naseous, and you’ll need to have that mud washed off before we put on any medicine.” She returned inside for a few moments and came back with a wet wash cloth. She began to wash Dr. Cassidy’s face roughly.

“Ow Ow Ow! You’re killing me! Ow! Have a little mercy!”

“You deserve no mercy. You give it to no one else. You just got what was a-comin to you. How do you like it now the shoes on the other foot? Ain’t so much fun is it? Whoever did this to you oughta be congratulated! You know…I just wished I’d thought about the bees and the skunk. They were a nice added touch. Of course I had good help.” Mary Ann nodded toward Elizabeth who smiled in return to Mary Ann. Mary Ann held up her hand which was still stained with indigo paint.

“Mother! Mary Ann!” Gasped Michaela in half shock.

“I told you I’d changed.” Elizabeth whispered to her daughter with a smile.

Sully, who was idling against the warm stone side of the clinic, finally put in his two cents. “Just remember, Doc, nobody messes with Mary Ann Bickerdyke and gets away unscathed.” Dr. Cassidy, who was thoroughly embarrassed, slunk off out of town, hoping to get a change of clothes and a bath in peace!

It was later that afternoon when Dorothy put out a new stack of papers. Dr. Cassidy, dressed this time, but still swollen and smelling, walked by. He was hurrying and slinking, sticking to the shadows, and trying to avoid any eye contact or being noticed by the residents of Colorado Springs. He grabbed a paper, having completely forgotten Dorothy’s promise of a headline about his escapade that morning. He climbed aboard the train. Sully, Michaela, and Mary Ann watched him go. “And good riddance!” Mary Ann said, wiping her hands.

Just as the train pulled out Dr. Cassidy saw the headline of the paper. “Respected Denver Doctor Gets Firshand Experience With Botanical Medicine Under The Instruction of Mary Ann Bickerdyke!”

The town of Colorado Springs heard the “OH NO!!!!!!” all the way across town as the train pulled out and they couldn’t resist laughing slightly knowing Dr. Cassidy had finally gotten what he deserved.

Later that afternoon, Sully took Michaela, Elizabeth, Brian, Katie, and Mary Ann home in the wagon. Colleen and the two remaining doctors had volunteered to stay over night and look after the patients who still remained. Michaela begged Mary Ann to allow her to stay also, to which Mary Ann responded with a prompt, “No way! I won’t have you makin yourself worse. You’re too weak t’ even stand up alone.”

Back at the homestead Mary Ann tucked Michaela into her and Sully’s bed and brought her some soup and milk. Michaela was still sipping her soup when she heard a soft even timid knock on the door. Elizabeth poked her head in. “May I come in?” She asked softly.

Michaela was shocked she was asking permission, and nodded. Elizabeth came in and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I um… while you were sick… I changed. Or at least I’ve been trying.”

“Sully told me about the speech Mary Ann gave you, and how she ordered Dr. Cassidy around.”

Elizabeth couldn’t resist a slight laugh. “She did, didn’t she? It’s just, I wanted to say, I’m doing my best to change. I realize now.”

“Realize what?”

“I’ve kept you from truly being all you can be. I realize now what your father used to say about a person being good through his heart and actions, not where he comes from or dresses, it’s true.”

“Yes.”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how I’ve acted for so very long.”

They hugged each other tightly for several long moments. “I love you, Mother.” Michaela whispered.

“I love you, my littlest girl. I just can’t believe it took so much for me to realize…”

“Don’t worry. Now is all that matters.”

“You’re right, the future…”

Mother and Daughter sat silently side by side for several long moments not saying anything. They didn’t need too. Both had come to realizations about the other over the course of the wave they had all been riding. Maybe something good would come of this after all.

“Now you make sure you send me lots of letters about how you and my soon to be grandchild are doing! Don’t work too hard.” She admonished.

“I promise.”

Elizabeth hugged her daughter close for a few moments and whispered in her ear. “Ginger Root and Chamomile are good for stomach ache. Mary Ann told me.”

Michaela couldn’t stifle a laugh. “You’re right mother.”

Madeleine hugged Michaela extra hard. In the few days since she miraculously beat the odds, Michaela and Madeleine had become good friends. Michaela was still very weak, but with assurances both she and the baby would be alright, Elizabeth, David, and Madeleine, though reluctant, were able to go home with peace of mind.

“Now you make sure you keep in touch now, and tell me when it’s time for me to come deliver your baby.” Michaela instructed Madeleine.

Madeleine laughed gaily. “I think it will be awhile.”

“Maddie, ya send me letter from Boston like ya pwomised?” Katie inquired.

“Of course I will, sweet girl.”

“Good.”

“Ladies…” David said uneasily as the conductor called his final All Aboard. “We’ve got to go before we miss the train!”

“Would that be such a horrible thing?” Madeleine asked.

“Our luggage is on it!” David pointed out sensibly.

“Oh… it’s so hard to say goodbye.”

“Goodbye’s The Saddest Word.” Colleen agreed.

“Well then, we’re only saying ‘see you soon!’” Madeleine amended.

“Bon Voyage!” Michaela called, waving to her family and friends. Life was slowly returning to normal. Mary Ann had allowed her to work for a couple of hours on getting her patient records back in order that morning. Slowly, her appetite was returning. Along with it came the dreaded morning sickness! She hadn’t had it so badly with Katie. Another thing which was growing steadily stronger by the day was her passion for Sully. He could see it in her eyes and often avoided them. He didn’t want to hurt her or rush her into anything she wasn’t ready for.

That afternoon Mary Ann and Michaela sat in the wingback chairs before a cheerful fire. Mary Ann was working on a christening dress for the baby. She noticed Michaela had been very quiet almost the entire afternoon. Mary Ann was usually perceptive of her friend’s mood. She had been ever since their meeting three years previous. When Michaela and Sully had been on their honeymoon in Denver and Sully introduced them at her oration. The next day she and Michaela had had a heart to heart about passion, emotions, and that it is alright to express your love freely. Ever since then, Michaela had confided in her about everything.

“Mary Ann…?”

“Hmm?”

“ I miss him…” She whispered almost inaudibly. Mary Ann put aside her sewing and pulled Michaela close. She ran her fingers through Michaela’s hair and rubbed her back comfortingly. “Do you think I’m strong enough?”

Mary Ann raised her eyebrows, blue eyes sparkling, “What do you think?”

“I think I am. I hope I am!”

“I think you are too.”

“Really?!”

“Really.” Michaela suddenly pulled back a little and looked down. “What’s the matter?”

“I… It’s just… it’s been so long…”

“You’ve still got it. You two’re as much in love as ever.”

“How do you know?”

“Just seein you together!”

Michaela blushed softly. “So…”

“Just relax. You’ll both know when it’s time.” Mary Ann counseled.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

“Mary Ann, why don’t you stay for a little while with us. You did say you’d come to visit.”

“I did say that didn’t I?”

“I could take you to the hot springs. It’s possible they might help your arthritis.” Mary Ann ducked her head a little at the mention of her condition. In exchange for the advice she’d given Michaela in Denver, Michaela had convinced Mary Ann to let her examine her hands. Of course, Mary Ann already knew she had arthritis, though she made it a point to keep quiet about it. She was not prepared to get old yet. She still had work to do for Her Boys.

“Well… I suppose I could stay for a little bit. Colorado Springs is a nice place.”

“I hope to have a real hospital here someday. Maybe even if I only ever dream about it. You could settle down here, help me in the hospital or at the clinic, we could visit. You make such lovely quilts. The quilting circle could use your expertise! You could come and have supper with us as often as you like, and the children wouldn’t mind having another ‘Grandmother’. I can tell Colleen already loves you. She‘s been studying your Civil War work for the longest time now.”

“You mean plantin some rose bushes?”

“Well, I can hope.”

“Well, you can just set out another place at your table an leave the rose bush fixins by the back door.”

“Really?!”

“Really, at least for awhile. Jimmy and Hi will be glad to get out of San Fransisco.”

“Oh! This is exciting!” Michaela exclaimed, pulling Mary Ann close. They gave each other an excited squeeze.

“You’ll be here for when this little one comes won’t you?” Michaela asked, placing her hand on her tummy.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Mary Ann responded, placing her own hand over Michaela’s.

“Good. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“I already missed one child’s birth for a congress hearing. I won’t miss another!”

“Tomorrow night.” Mary Ann murmered suddenly. “I’ll take care of everything.”

Michaela didn’t need to ask for anymore explanation. All of a sudden she had the shivers. “Tomorrow night.” She repeated in a hushed voice. Mary Ann chuckled softly as a plan began to form in her mind.

Mary Ann found Sully sprawled on his stomach in the grass. Katie was imitating him. Between them was a line of animals Sully had carved. “Woof, Woof!” Katie grinned broadly and pointed at the dog carving.

“Yes, Kates! Good job. Can you tell me what this one says?”

“Who, Who.” Katie made an owl sound.

“This one is my favowite, Poppy. Meow.” Katie pointed at the kitty carving. “Can I keep this one so when I’m big I’ll have something to wemember ya makin carvings, Poppy?”

“If you want I’ll make you a whole kitty cat family!” Sully replied.

“Weally?!”

“Really.”

Mary Ann taped Sully on the shoulder. “Sully, can I talk to you for a few moments?”

“Sure. Kates, why don’t ya go see what Colleen’s doin. She promised to read ya a story.

“Alwight!” Katie ran off to look for her big sister. Sully watched his daughter disappear into the house, then turned back to Mary Ann.

“What did ya wanna talk t’ me about?”

“It’s… well come sit.” She led him over to the comfortable bench under a large tree. It was a good spot for talking. Sully fidgeted uncomfortably, wondering what it could be. “She misses you.” Mary Ann told him bluntly.

“But, I’m right there…”

“No…” Mary Ann fixed him with her blue eyed gaze.

“Uh.” Sully whispered, understanding this time. He was quiet for a moment, then said, “I know… I miss her too.”

“What’s the problem?” Mary Ann asked gently.

“It’s just…she was so sick, an I don’t wanna hurt her.”

“Nothing you can do’ll hurt her.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Can you.. Uh…well, I wanna do somethin special for her. She gave me somethin’ precious, especially that last night o’ our honeymoon. I never did anything like that for her, but I oughta. I was wonderin if you might…”

“Help?”

A little red coloring crept into Sully’s cheeks. “Yeah.”

“I’d be glad too. First off…Did you ever finish makin that bathtub for her, like the one they had in Denver? Ya said you were gonna make one a while back.”

“Well, got the drain for it dug, an the little alcove attached. Lucky she never got curious bout what it was. Got the main frame O’ the tub in too. All’s I’d need t’ do would be make the corking that goes in the drain, an hook it up t’ the pump. I’d say if I worked steadily I could finish it in a day.”

“Good. Tomorrow I’ll keep her busy. The children can stay with me at the clinic.”

“Alright. Mother…”

“Hm?”

“Thanks…for doin’ this.”

“You’re welcome. I just figure it was bout time I helped the other half repay the favor.” she said with a slight laugh.

Meanwhile, back in the homestead, Katie just couldn’t manage to stay still. Colleen smiled at her little sister’s antics. Katie jumped up and down on the bed while Colleen looked on. “C’leen?”

“Hmm?”

“May I twy on your clothes?”

Colleen couldn’t hide her amused laugh. “I suppose if you want.”

“I want!” Katie said with a happy grin. She walked over to the bed and picked up a red dress. She slid it over her head. Colleen could barely keep back laughter. The bottom of the dress dragged at least four foot on the ground behind Katie. The sleeves went to the floor, the bodice sagged helplessly with nothing to hold it up, and the tie in the back was at Katie’s ankles.

“What’s wrong with this dwess?” Katie asked inquisitively.

“I think it will take some growing into.” Colleen told her little sister.

“Aww… I want to wear it now.”

“You’ll have much prettier dresses when you’re old as I am.” Colleen soothed.

“Pwmoise?”

“I promise.”

“Still fun t’ dwess up though.”

“I used to like to do the same thing.”

“Ya did?”

“Yes, I did.”

Katie went over and picked up Colleen’s apron and tried her best to shove it on over the fancy red dress. “You’re supposed to wear that with an informal dress, silly.” Colleen pointed out.

“Looks pwetty with this.” Katie insisted.

“Alright. Here, let me help you.”

“Can do it myself!” All of a sudden, Katie pulled some ripped papers out of the apron pocket. “What’s this?”

“I’m not sure. Let me see.” Colleen held out her hand, and Katie handed her the papers. Colleen looked at them. All of a sudden the memory of the day Katie had been into Michaela’s perfume and found the ripped journal came rushing back on her. Colleen had been wanting to do something special for her Ma and Pa. Now she knew what she could do! Well, if she lived through it without dieing of embarrassment. She ran to the vanity table and began to move things about. She breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, Yes! They were there! All of the pages of the journals Sully had ripped. She began to gather them up excitedly.

“C’leen, whatcha doin?”

“A surprise for Ma and Sully. Want to help me?”

“Yeah!”

“Please go find some paste.

“Alwight!”

Katie ran and got the needed items, and the two set to work. Katie was oblivious to her big sister’s blushing. She was just proud to be helping like a big girl. Colleen did her best to ignore the contents of the journal. She was mostly able to. She knew Michaela and Sully would be so happy to have their memories intact again that whatever embarrassment she suffered would be worth it. So they worked together, side by side, in sisterly silence.

The next morning Mary Ann and Michaela left for town soon after breakfast. Life was slowly returning to normal. Brian went to school, and Colleen slipped into the back of the room at her little table to see what her professors had sent Miss Teresa for her to work on. Michaela and Mary Ann passed the morning in the clinic. In the past few days, Michaela had spent a good deal of her time doing the paperwork and what could be done sitting down. Mary Ann had insisted she not over do it. Inside Michaela was grateful to her friend for understanding that she had a tendency to over do it. Today, though, Michaela could not sit still. She was up and down, seeing to things that had been done, checking her records, taking care of Alexander and Anne Wilson. They were twins and eleven years old. Both of them had the measles. Mary Ann chuckled softly remembering how it had felt to be this nervous about love. She had been widowed at the beginning of the war. For a time she had wondered if she might remarry. After her Civil War work was complete, she had come to terms with the fact that she was no longer suited to marriage. Nevertheless, she remembered. Oh yes, she remembered!

At midmorning Mary Ann suggested they go over to Grace’s café and get a piece of pie. “That sounds lovely.” Michaela replied.

The two ladies put away their work and Mary Ann lifted Katie from her crib where she had just woken from a nap. “Are you ready to get up sweet Angel?” She asked, holding Katie above her face for a moment before settling her comfortably on her hip.

“Uh huh! I want cherwy pie!.”

“Well I’ll just bet Miss Grace will have some of the best cherry pie you ever had.” Mary Ann replied, tickling Katie.

“Good! I wuv you Mary Ann. Thank you for making Mama better!”

“I love you too, sweet Angel, and you’re very welcome. Now let’s go and see about that pie.”

“You’re wonderful with her.” Michaela mentioned.

“Yes, I suppose. I have always loved children. Two or twenty it’s no matter.”

“I know how you feel. Is there a chance you might be a grandmother?”

Mary Ann shook her head. “Hi’ll never settle down. He’s too wild. Since Jimmy’s wife died last year…”

Michaela put her arm comfortingly around Mary Ann, and Katie spoke up. “Mary Ann, if Poppy calls ya his Ma…that makes ya my Grandma.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Mary Ann said with a smile. “I only hope I’ll be able to live up to the title of Grandma.”

“You will, Grandma.” The three of them hugged for a few moments on the porch.

“Now, what about that pie afore I start crying.” Mary Ann suggested.

“Never one for showing your sentimentality.” Michaela quipped. “Yes, if we go now we’ll beat the midmorning rush.”

Grace was excited when she saw Michaela and Mary Ann walking arm in arm toward the café, with Katie in Mary Ann’s other arm. “Dr. Mike, Mary Ann!” Grace called, delighted to see her friends. She brought them each a piece of pie and coffee for the ladies and a glass of fresh milk for Katie. Then, she sat down with them to talk for a few moments.

Sully hammered the last of the nails into place and stood up, getting the kinks out of his back. He stepped back and admired his handy work. As fine as anything you might find in Denver. He said decidedly. He brought in a bucket of water and began to wipe the saw dust down with a damp cloth. “Got t’ get everythin just right.” He whispered. The late afternoon sun slanted down in through the window. He knew he only had a few hours left before Mother brought Michaela home. He pumped some water into the bath and tested it, then drained it out. “Perfect. Just like tonight’ll be.”

“I got the sage and the lavendar.” Mary Ann said triumphantly, coming into the clinic. Michaela smiled. “Yes… you did, didn’t you.”

“It must be said, herb hunting in Illinois is easier!”

Michaela shook her head with a soft laugh. “Yes. I suppose it is. I’m sure things must look a bit different there.”

“Very much. Especially the prairies. There are forests like here. There are towns…like Chicacgo. The sky is blue as a robin’s egg. You wish you could gather a place like Illinois up and keep it.”

“You did. It’s in your eyes.” Michaela replied with a smile. And in those eyes, Michaela thought she could detect just a hint of homesickness. She took the herbs from Mary Ann and placed them in the properly marked containers in her cabinet.

Colleen and Brian came in the clinic together on a gust of wind. The door shut behind them was a resulting BANG! Colleen was rosy cheeked and smiling, as was Brian. “Mary Ann!” Colleen exclaimed. Mary Ann came running from the upstairs.

“What’s going on?!”

“Well, we’re supposed to talk to talk to someone in the medical field and follow them around while they do their work and interview them and everything. I already did one paper on Ma. So I was kind of hoping I might do it on you. I mean, you’re the best botanical physician around, and a lot of people know about your Civil War work!”

“Well…I suppose if you really wanna pick me.”

“I do!”

“Why don’t you stay over at the clinic with me tonight? We’ll talk and you can do your observations then if you like.”

“Oh really?! Thank you soo much!” Colleen hugged Mary Ann tight for a moment. Mary Ann winked over Colleen’s head at Michaela, whose face turned a subtle shade of pink.

Katie looked up from where she had been playing with her bunny and said, “I stay too!”

Brian who had been quietly observing this exchange for the past few minutes finally said, “I was gonna ask Matthew if I could stay over with him tonight, but I wanna stay with you too!”

“ I guess it’s settled then. The more the merrier.” Mary Ann invited.

“How bout you, Ma?” Brian asked.

“No… I don’t think tonight…”

“How come? What’re you going to do?” He asked in complete innocence.

The pink flush deepened rapidly. “I’m just um.. A little tired is all.” Mary Ann promptly started “coughing” into her apron and had to excuse herself from the room to get a drink.

“Come on, Brian. I’ll take you home to get your stuff. I have some things here, but I need to drop off something anyway.”

“Alright. Whatcha droppin’ off?”

“Oh, just something for Sully.”

“Ok. Let’s go then.”

“Hurry on back you two. When ya come back I’ll have a real Yankee army dinner a-waitin.” Mary Ann promised.

“You hear that! A dinner just like she fixed General Sherman and President Grant! Come on Colleen! Let’s go!” Brian practically pulled Colleen out of the clinic.

“Get Katie’s nightgown, too!” Mary Ann called after them. She sat down in the rocking chair, laughing.

“They certainly have become attached to you in a hurry.” Michaela smiled.

“Well, the feeling’s mutual.”

“I’m glad you took care of him… I’ve told you before, but…” Mary Ann put up her hand.

“An I’ve told you before. Ain’t anything any decent human being wouldn’t do.”

“I disagree. You did something special.”

Mary Ann smiled slightly. “If you say so.”

“I do!”

“Wanna help me make a campfire supper while we wait?” Mary Ann asked with a teasing grin.

“Well, you know how reliable my cooking is.”

“It shouldn’t take long.” They began to prepare the supper. It seemed to Michaela that the next hours passed so swiftly, but yet oh-so-slowly. It seemed the minute hand on the clock creeped around and around, but never quite got to its destination. Back at the homestead, Sully had a similar problem! They could hardly wait to be together.

After Michaela had choked down some supper under Mary Ann’s watchful eye. She headed for the homestead. Her hands were shaking on the reigns, but she tried not to let it show. She was nervous and excited and happy and scared all at the same time. Finally, she arrived at the homestead.

Sully awaited her anxiously. He heard the wagon as soon as it drew near. He quickly extinguished the lamp. He waited silently in the small room containing the bathtub. He sat on the edge of it. Waiting.

Michaela slipped from the wagon. Her foot missed the foothold and she almost fell. Luckily, she was able to catch herself. She unhitched the horse from the wagon and led him into the barn. Flash whinned at her and Michaela stopped at her stall to give her a sugar cube. “I’m sorry girl. You’ll have to see if Colleen will ride you. I’m not allowed.” Flash nuzzled Michaela’s shoulder. “There’s a girl. I knew you’d understand.”

Michaela walked up the front steps and opened the door. Inky blackness greeted her. Michaela wondered what was going on. The sweet scent of the forest wafted around her. Pine nettles, flowers, lavendar, masculinity… a tingly shiver went from the tip of her toes, up her spine.

She slowly walked through the house. “Sully?” She called softly.

“In here.” came the whispered reply.

Michaela slowly walked around the house. All of a sudden she thought to look in the little alcove. Sully usually went in there to carve his figurines. She opened the door. Shock and awe filled her. “Sully!…” she whispered. The room was dim, and lit with candles. Rose petals were sprinkled across the floor. The sweet scents she knew so well were in the air, and there was a bathtub! An actual, built in bathtub, just like in Denver. Michaela took in the sight.

He crossed the room, and took her gently in his arms. “I love you.” He whispered.

“I love you too.” Sully tipped Michaela’s chin up slightly. They both leaned forward. He kissed her, and she felt herself begin to kiss him as well. At first it was slow, a little shaky, then surer. He pulled her close, and her arms found their way around his shoulders so there was not an inch of space between them. She shivered as she felt his tongue move across her lips and press gently against them. She complied, leaning into him more. Her breathing became slightly ragged as was his. Sully slowly ran his hands up her sides and over her breasts. A moan slipped out of Michaela. A new look entered her eyes. It was a look of realization, and desperation. She shivered.

“How bout a warm bath?” Sully suggested.

“Mmm…that.. sounds lovely.” Michaela began to work his shirt off, and his hands went for the buttons on the front of her dress. He pulled them loose one by one. Before she knew it her dress was gone, as was his shirt. He stood, clad before her, in only his buckskins. She moved her hands to the waistband of them. As she undid the buttons her hands shook and slipped. Sully gasped, taking a deep breath, as her fingers slipped against him. “Oh!” She whispered at the same time he did.

He brought his hands to meet hers and helped her with his buckskins. Finally, they dropped to the floor. Michaela ran her gaze desperately, but a little shyly, down her husband’s body. He made no move to hide himself from her, and stood there, letting her take in his perfect physique. She blushed softly, but couldn’t get her eyes off him. She scooted close, slightly overwhelmed. It had been so very long. “You’re sure it’s alright? For both of you?” He asked softly, running his hand over her slightly rounded tummy.

“Yes. It’s perfectly safe.” She leaned into him and kissed him passionately again.

“Mmm… Michaela…” He whispered.

“Hmmm…” He slid her bloomers down her waist. She shivered and wasn’t sure if it was due to the air on her newly exposed skin or his sensuous gaze over her body. He pushed her camisole straps off her shoulders, and began to pull teasingly on the ribbon that held it together at the front. It unfurled and Sully pushed the two halves to the side and it dropped to the floor of its own accord. He ran his eyes up and down her body. His face was filled with desire. Michaela stepped forward toward him, forgetting the bloomers. She tripped, staggering into him and knocking both of them to the floor. Now she was laying on his chest in the mass of clothes. She laid her face on his shoulder. They both began to laugh helplessly.

Michaela rolled off him and scooted close again, urging him over her in their time honored position. She was beginning to wonder if they would ever make it into the bath, and strangely, it didn’t matter. Sully looked into her eyes, still a bit unsure. He didn’t want to hurt her or their baby in any way. “It’s alright.” She whispered. Slowly he crawled over her, letting her adjust to his weight.

She grinned broadly and put her arms tight around his shoulders and whispered. “That’s better.” A slight coloring rose to Sully’s cheeks. Slowly, he trailed his hand up her side, tracing her curves. A bit hesitantly, he placed his hand over her breast. Another moan, this time from both of them. She covered his hand with her own. As he adjusted himself slightly, Michaela realized she could feel him against her. She closed her eyes, biting her lip, letting the sensations wash over her. She placed her hand just over his heart and ran it down a bit, but then she stopped.

Sully lifted her chin so that their eyes met. “Michaela, ya remember what Mother told ya, back in Denver, bout lovin’ freely?”

“Yes.” She murmured, with a blush.

“I want ya t’ do that tonight. Let go. I’m gonna too. Don’t be scared. I’m gonna always love you. No matter where we go, or what we do… you are forever and always my Lady Love, my heart song, my everything, my very life.”

“And you are mine.” Michaela whispered, gently covering his lips with hers.

Sully stood up, bringing her with him. He led her over to the bathtub. “I wanted t’ surprise ya with somethin special. I been workin on this for awhile.”

“Oh, Sully!” She whispered breathlessly.

“Do ya like it?”

“Yes! Thank you! So very much!” She threw her arms about him, practically squeezing the life out of him. Sully smiled.

“Good.” He held her hand as she stepped into the warm water, filled with bubbles and rose petals. He stepped in behind her. They both sat down, and scooted close.

“Hold me.” Michaela whispered. Sully gathered her close and cuddled her. “I love you so much. More than ya can know.”

“I know…I love you more.” He cupped some water in his hand and poured it over her hair.

“What are you doing?” She whispered.

“Shhh, you’ll see.” Sully began to lather Michaela’s special shampoo into her hair.

“Mmm… that feels heavenly.” She whispered, relaxing against him.

“Good.” He comfortingly worked his soapy fingers through her hair, rubbing it gently. When he was sure he had worked through all of her hair, he leaned her back and poured clean water over it to rinse the soap out. Michaela sighed happily.

Finally, Sully drained the water out of the tub, and helped Michaela up. He put a fluffy towel around her shoulders and then one around his waist. He held her close for a minute to add extra warmth. “Go on upstairs. I‘ll be there in a moment. I need to get something.” Sully whispered, and disappeared into the kitchen. As Michaela entered their bedroom she was overwhelmed at the sight before her. Everything was dark, except for a few more candles and a fire which crackled merrily in the fire place. The mattress had been taken from the bed and put on the floor in front of the fireplace. The sheets were still on it, and a warm comforter was on top. There were several pillows also. The book of Walt Whitman poetry lay open beside the bed. A single red rose lay on it. Many red rose petals graced the floor bed and the surrounding area. It was then that she noticed the “bed” was made up Civil War camp style. She laughed softly. “Thank you, Mary Ann.” She whispered. Michaela waited for him for a few minutes before she got an idea. It made her skin tingle with anticipation and nerves, but tonight…tonight could be anything. “I can be ready before he gets back.” She promised herself.

Quickly she ran to the hope chest, and opened it. She uncovered a few items until she found what she was looking for. She pulled the item out, and the silk and satin swished around her hands. It felt cool and comforting, but at the same time hot and daring. It was their negligee. The one Hank and his friends had stuck in her suitcase. She blushed deeply remembering her embarrassment when Sully found it before she ever knew it was there. Before they were ready to leave Denver, Sully had taken her to Mary Ann’s oration where she was talking about her Civil War work. Michaela had studied Mary Ann in medical school. Sully had been a soldier in Mary Ann’s first army hospital in Cairo Illinois under Generals Grant and Sherman. He had started all the soldiers calling her “Mother Bickerdyke” because she treated them all as if they were her own sons, traveling with them, using her botanical medicine to treat them, and cooking good meals. Mary Ann and Michaela had become close friends. Michaela had confided in Mary Ann about her confusion over love. Mary Ann had assured her, told her what she might expect, and assured her it was alright to love freely. With this assurance, on their last night in Denver, Michaela had planned an amazingly romantic evening for Sully in their honeymoon suite. She had worn the beautiful negligee, despite her embarrassment.

She had not worn the negligee since that night. All the memories it held came rushing back on her, and oh so many emotions! She would need the courage, luck, and memories it held this night. Michaela slipped it over her head. She barely dared to look into the mirror. When she did look, it took her breath away, just as it had the time before. She was, once more, quite embarrassed at the pleasing figure the negligee cut. It was a very light pink. It was fitted. The bottom just barely brushed mid thigh, and flared just slightly. It had no sleeves really, just very tiny straps. It was indecently low in the front. It also unlaced with tiny ribbons about 4 more inches down from the neckline. The back laced all the way up. The entire thing was made of a shirred mixture of silk and a fine lawn overlay which you could almost see through. The neckline, shoulder straps and hem were covered in beautiful beading and laces. It accentuated her curves and shape beautifully. She could see the shape of her rounding tummy clearly through it. She placed one hand there for a moment. She turned back and forth in the mirror to see how she looked. The candle light created sparks in her wide eyes. Her damp hair curled freely around her shoulders, and she felt completely transformed.

It was at this moment, Sully came into the bedroom. Michaela turned to face him. He gasped. “Oh Michaela…” He whispered, his heart doing flip flops in his chest at the sight of her in their negligee. It was something special that only they could share. A wonderland only they could go too. A magic place meant only for them, and them alone.

“Shhh…” She whispered, as she had that night so very long ago. She held out her hand to him. Sully walked across the room to her. It was almost as if an irresistible force was bringing them together. He trusted that it always would.

“I love you.” He whispered into her ear. Michaela smiled softly, and traced his cheek with her hand. She kissed him softly in reply. “Come.” Sully whispered. Michaela took his hand, and he led her over to the bed. She lay down. It was so soft, as if she were sitting on a cloud. He took her hand and sat down beside her, and set the bowl he had been holding on the floor. He stoked the fire and added another log, then turned back to her, taking both her hands in his. “Thank you. For everything. For loving me, for giving me a chance, for understanding, and for our children…all five of them.” He whispered, caressing her tummy gently.

“Thank you for being so patient, for showing me how to love, and for everything you’ve done. It means the world.”

She caught his hands in hers, and they sealed their vows of love forever with a tender but passionate kiss. He unknotted the towel that was still around his waist, and pulled it off, revealing himself in full for her. Michaela bit her lip, tracing her eyes down him, shivering with excitement. Sully always enjoyed seeing her face as she did this, because her emotions couldn’t be concealed. It was times like these he could reach right into her soul, and make their very souls touch. Bravely, she reached out and let the very tips of her fingers trace him. Sully gasped, but stayed still. That felt good! She wondered just how brave she could be.

Michaela pushed him back into the pillows. She scooted closer and then traced her fingertips over him again. Sully gasped, but stayed still. He knew this was important for her. She cupped it in her hand and ran her thumb teasingly over his very tip. “Michaela!” He moaned softly. She smiled, liking the effect she had on him. From out of the edge of the real bed she pulled a bowl. “Ah ah ah… no peeking.” She teased.

“Then tell me what it is.” Michaela didn’t reply. Instead she pulled out a strawberry and took a bite. She picked up the tea kettle, which was empty, and dropped in some pieces of chocolate. She leaned across him to put the kettle where the heat of the fire would melt the chocolate. In the process, Sully felt her brush against him slightly, and he gasped. Michaela smiled to herself.

She was having just exactly the effect she wanted. He wanted her to love him freely, and she would! She was blushing due to her own boldness, but it didn’t matter now. “I guess it’s true what they say…anything can happen when you’re with the one you love.” She murmured.

She sat back and raked her eyes down his body, until Sully could feel the color rising to his cheeks. Then, boldly, she leaned down and placed a kiss on his manhood. “Michaela…” He whispered, drawing in a sharp breath.

“Hmmm?” She asked, seductively biting her bottom lip. Sully decided he liked the person she became when she wore that negligee! Seductive, passionate, daring… his Lady Love, not so lady-like. His thoughts were cut short as Michaela leaned down and placed a kiss on his tip. He practically catapulted forward in shock, but Michaela wasn’t done with him just yet. She pushed him back down. Then, she teasingly licked up and down him.

“Michaela!…what are ya-” He couldn’t get any farther before she pushed him down hard into the pillows and covered his lips with hers so that he was unable to say anything else. Well, that was alright with him! She leaned down once more and this time began to gently nip. Shivers ran all through Sully, and he fought to stay still. She continued her passionate and rather bold ministrations. Michaela liked watching his emotions plain across his face while she did this to him. In a rush of bravery she leaned down and took him and sucked gently. His moans of pleasure and gasping urged her on and still on. It felt good! She ran her tongue over his tip.

Sully felt like he was about to come unglued. “Michaela!!!” He exclaimed desperately.

“Hmm?” She was enjoying herself so much she was barely paying attention.

“Ya better stop that!”

“Hmm why?” He didn’t reply, but dug his hands into the covers and tried to fight off his feelings. The more he moaned, the more she increased the pressure. Michaela’s heart was pounding. She was astounded in the changes which had taken place in her in the past few years. True, he was the love of her life, her everything, but if someone had told her love would be like this for them before, she never would have believed it. Now…anything was possible. As long as they were together.

“Michaela! You’re not gonna like what happens if ya keep that up!”

“Try me.” She said with a seductive smile.

Sully moaned softly, still unsure about how to get himself out of this…fix. While he was thinking about that, Michaela had decided to test out his words. She teasingly bit his tip, and ran her finger down him. Sully couldn’t fight back anymore. Michaela gasped in surprise as his liquid love filled her mouth. She almost choked, but instinct seemed to take over and before she even had time to think about it, she swallowed the semi-sweet liquid. Sully gasped in half shock and half passion. “Michaela!” whispered. If she had just done what he thought! His suspicions were confirmed when she leaned back down and continued her pattern. She’s make me crazy! He thought.

“Mmmm.” Her whole body was shaking as she continued to swallow. She had come to the shocking realization it tasted good! Maybe she should do this more often! Finally, she sat back.

“I told you.” Sully said, turning red.

“Mmm… it was good.” Michaela confessed. The flush on her cheeks matching the one on his exactly.

Sully turned an even deeper shade of red at her words. Michaela leaned over him once more and got the kettle full of melted chocolate. She dipped a strawberry in the chocolate and fed it too him. “Like our honeymoon.” He whispered.

“Mmm hmm. To remind you how much I love you.” They shared their fresh strawberries, dipped in the melted chocolate, and cuddled close together for a long time.

“My turn.” Sully whispered seductively in her ear. She gasped wondering what he had in mind. “Now, I want to remind you how much I love you.”

Michaela blushed. “Alright.”

He cuddled her close and opened the book to a worn and familiar page, the one with the rose in it. Sully slid the rose into Michaela’s hair, then he began to read. “I sing the body electric the armies of those I love ungirth me and I ungirth them. They will not let me off till I go with them, respond to them and discorrupt them and charge them full with the charge of the soul. I sing the body electric…”

Michaela sighed and laid her head on his shoulder. “We’ve come a long way since the night you first read me that poem…”

“Yeah, we have.” They sat silent for a few moments. Then, Sully began to put the pillows in some semblence of order, making what looked like a cloud. “Lay down.” He invited. Gently he laid her in the nest of pillows, making sure they absorbed the weight from her body.

“What…?” She whispered. Sully merely put his finger over her lips. He reached over into the bowl he had brought with him. Michaela turned her face to see what he had, but she couldn’t tell. With his other hand he pulled loose the ribbons on the back of her negligee. Michaela shivered as he did this. He slipped it sideways, and pushed her hair out of the way. He placed his hand on her shoulders. Something warm and thick, which smelled like lavendar and roses- massage oil. Michaela sighed. She relaxed the rest of the way into the pillows. Sully sat on his knees over her waist and began to tenderly massage her neck and shoulders. He worked his way up and down her back, adding more massage oil as he needed.

Michaela sighed in complete happiness. Her cup was full and running over. Her world was perfect at this moment. She began to let go of all the fears and troubles that had bothered her for so long. Everything was going to be alright. Now was the time for new beginnings.

Almost without Michaela knowing it, Sully slid the negligee off. He folded it neatly and placed it at the end of the “bed”. “Mmmm.” She whispered. Now she could feel his warm skin against hers. Carefully, he scooted closer so that he was leaning over her. He placed a kiss on the nape of her neck. Michaela giggled. He placed a kiss on her shoulder. He began to make a line of kisses across her shoulders, up her neck, and on her cheek, even in her hair.

“Turn over for a moment.” He whispered.

Michaela complied with her husband’s wishes. Her body was beginning to react openly to his, and they both knew it. She didn’t make a move to hide herself as she might have done a few years before. Instead, she welcomed his gaze. Sully filled his hand with massage oil again. He started with her feet this time. He picked up one foot, and began to massage tenderly. He ran his finger down the middle of it, not so tenderly, “Sully!” Michaela shrieked, giggling. One thing he had learned, his wife was very ticklish! Sully gazed into her eyes with an impish grin. He took her other foot and repeated the process, getting the same shriek when he tickled her. Then, he began to kiss her toes. He kissed each one, then the top of both her feet. Michaela shivered.

Sully got another dollop of massage oil. He spread this over her smooth, long legs and massaged up them. He followed his careful touching with kisses. He ran his hands over her hips, and he ran them up the insides of her legs. Michaela fell back into the pillows and moaned as he traced her warm, wet centre with the very tips of his fingers. Sully scooted up and knelt beside her. He took yet another handful of massage oil. He began to work it across her tummy. Then he leaned and placed kisses across it. Being extra gentle he took one of her breasts and cupped it in his large hand. He massaged it with just the tips of his fingers, knowing she would be sore. Michaela knew how gentle he was trying to be, and she appreciated it, knowing that not all women were as fortunate as she. She thanked God again that he had brought Sully into her life.

He ran his fingers in circles over her, and brushed her taut nipple with his thumb. Her cry of delight startled, and scared him slightly. “I’m alright. It felt good.” She whispered, with a slight blush, in answer to his questioning gaze. He took her other breast and repeated the same procedure with similar results. With every touch Michaela’s body reacted more to him; she became a little more desperate. Sully leaned down and kissed the skin between her breasts. He began to slip his kisses up over her, teasing with his tongue. Her creamy white, smooth skin felt good under his hot lips.

As he found the sensitive places, Michaela rewarded him with little gasps of pleasure. Sully kissed in gentle circles until he found her most sensitive spot. He teasingly, and very gently, nipped her skin. Michaela tensed and released, “Sully…” She whispered. He ran his hand up over her again, this time he left it there. Her breathing was ragged as he awoke deep within her feelings of passion. In a daring burst of confidence, Sully leaned and took one of her breasts in his mouth, sucking gently, then harder, mimicking her actions on him. Michaela moaned his name and ran her fingers desperately through his hair. “Oh! Oh! Oh!” She panted, her face twisting in pleasure, and her body awash with sensations. She sighed with slight disappointment as he let her go, only to be taken to another peak of passion as he took her other breast into his mouth and began to suck it as well. “Sully!” She got out in a moan.

He began kissing his way down Michaela’s body until he reached her legs. He parted them. He kissed up the inside of each leg, then her centre, massaging her there with his fingers at the same time. Michaela cried out once again, drawing her legs up, and spreading herself across the “bed.” “Oh!… Sully I love you!”

He was breathing too hard to reply, and bent to her again. He teased her with the tip of his tongue. “Sully!” she begged. Before he quite knew how it had happened, his tongue flicked inside her. She gasped once again. He repeated his action a second time, not drawing out so quickly. Michaela had found an anchor in his hair and was pulling so hard her knuckles were white, but Sully didn’t even notice. He continued to explore her with his tongue, finding every sensitive place she possessed and mentally noting them. As his tongue awoke new sensations and found places it had never found before, Michaela began to wonder how long she could hold out. His touches were agony now. Her body was crying out for mercy. She needed him. “Sully!” She said with more urgency.

Sully was so fixated on what he was doing he didn’t even hear Michaela’s plaintive begging. The pressure was building within him, stronger and stronger until he was quivering, shaking, the very essence of his maleness feeling as if it might explode from the need of release. Neither of them had ever known a love could be so amazing. His heart pounded so hard he thought it might burst through his chest, and the pressure kept building, longer harder, more desperate than ever before he had dared to be with her. She knew it and welcomed it. He was letting go with her like he had never done. “SULLY! I need you!” She screamed out in desperation. He forced himself to withdraw his tongue from her centre. They both needed release. It was time.

Carefully, he turned her back over in the pillows. “Let’s try something new.” He whispered in her ear. Michaela didn’t care what he did, so long as it would bring them together, and bring release from her pent up passion. He adjusted the pillows again, making absolutely sure she was completely comfortable. He wanted his Lady Love to enjoy this completely.

He crawled over her, and lay down covering her body with his, spread eagle. “Alright?” he whispered.

“Yes!” Michaela was too lost in the tide of her emotion to wonder anymore. Her centre was pounding with the desperate need. Her whole body sweaty, trembling, aching to feel him within her. Sully parted her legs and sat up slightly, balancing himself with his hands. When he did this, she felt his manhood against her centre. So close! Even the air on her skin was torture now. She couldn’t process her thoughts, and she had to remind herself breathing was a necessary function to continue living and loving.

“Ready?” He whispered unnecessarily. He knew she was, without words, but he wanted to hear her voice, choked with need, hardly able to form words, all of this was done by him. If he thought about it, he was amazed and shocked about what power they had over each other. The simplest touch, look, kiss…that was all that was needed.

Like this? Michaela wondered. She wondered how or what, but it didn’t matter. She trusted her husband. “Yes.” As carefully as he could, Sully brought them together as one. “OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!” She cried out. It felt different than anything she had ever experienced. It was better! Even than anything he had ever done before. “OOOOHHHH!!” She moaned again.

Sully, breathing so hard it hurt his lungs, tried to keep control of himself for just a little longer, to hang on a few seconds more. He fought it. He didn’t want it to come or for this to end. “Michaela!” He exclaimed. “Oh My Love!!!”

“Sully!!!! MORE!” She begged, panting brokenly. She had the pillow in a death grip from the sensations he was bringing her. Sully complied, thrusting himself deeper into her.

“OOOOOOOOOOOH!” Michaela screwed her eyes closed, her toes curling, her knuckles turning white from her grip on the pillows. “Everything!!!” She begged.

Sully thrust again, this time he was completely enveloped safe within her. “Michaela!” He moaned.

“It’s ok! I’m alright!!!” She got out between peaks of ecstasy.

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes!!! Let go!!!” She begged. He gave up his battle. Almost immediately he felt himself exploding within her. She took his liquid love deep within her, and cried out for more. He couldn’t control it anymore. He kept exploding into her, unable to stop it. He thrust as deep as he could possibly go. Michaela reached her hand down and covered “them.” She was rewarded with his passionate moan, and he continued exploding within her, a fountain of love that couldn’t be controlled, and that neither of the lovers wanted to be controlled. Sully slipped his hand beneath her and covered her hand for a moment. She let go, and he began to rub her with the very tips of his fingers. Whilst he continued massaging her with his hand, “OOOOOOOOHH!!” he leaned over and turned his head in such a fashion that he could get under her arm. He sucked her breast for a few moments, then released again, once more, against the most sensitive spot in her body.

Michaela felt herself tense completely. Then, there was the release, whirling through an earth shattering blackness. She was losing control and loving every precious second. She didn’t breathe, her heart stopped beating altogether for that moment. All she knew were feelings. There was blackness, peace, smells, touches, moans, their bodies entwined, two lovers desperately clinging to each other. She felt Sully doing the same things as she. Their very souls came together for a few precious seconds. “SULLY!!!!!!!”

“MICHAELA!!!!!!” They found their release and collapsed together, their bodies a sticky, hot, twisted mass of limbs, of a love like never before. Sully turned over and pulled Michaela over to rest on his chest. He held her close. She was still shaking and gasping. “Are you alright?”

“I’m perfect.” She whispered, and lovingly kissed him.

“Good.” They laid still for several moments, reveling in the after glow of their love. She continued panting and shaking for a long time, unable to stop the rushing tide of emotions. He held her close waiting for the emotions to ebb within both of their bodies. Finally, Michaela had some semblance of order again. He whispered, “Did ya like that?”

“Very much…Sully…I think that was the most amazing…”

“It gets better an better.” He whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Yes, it really does. Sully, before you taught me what love was like…well, I didn’t know it could be like that… even up to now.. Well, tonight was a new realization. Thank you, so very much.”

“You’re welcome, my Love. It was a new realization for me too in a way.”

“Did you like it?” She returned the question he had asked of her.

“Yes. It was amazing. I love it when you’re like that… so free… when ya let yourself go.”

“And I like it when you let yourself go.”

“You do?!” They both asked at the same time. “Yes.” They both replied, once again at exactly the same moment. They both dissolved into laughter in each other’s arms.

“Sleep now, my Lady Love.” Sully whispered, kissing her hair, and pulling her close against him. Michaela laid her face on his shoulder, and cuddled into his safe embrace. A giant yawn escaped her. She hadn’t realized how tired she was. They both drifted off. They dreamt off love, happiness, peacefullness, and their coming baby, and they held each other safe and warm, two lovers who have lost all control, and loved each other freely. They slept all through the night.

Michaela was awake at sunrise the next morning. She felt Sully’s warm body against her, and turned over and looked into his face. “Good morning, Love.” He whispered.

The previous night came rushing back at her like a whirl wind. “Good morning.” She replied. She leaned forward and kissed him passionately.

“Mmm… hope ya wake me up like that every morning!” Sully whispered.

Michaela blushed softly. All of a sudden, Sully began to scoot around. “What?…”

“I’m layin on somethin, wonder if it’s the poetry book.” He reached beneath the mattress and began digging around to see what was making the bed so uncomfortable. What he came up with sent shivers and shock all through his body. It was his journal! The one he had ripped to shreds so many weeks ago.

“What’s that?” Michaela asked, curiously propping herself up on her elbows to see what her husband had.

“It’s…it’s my journal…” He flipped through it. Each page was back in its proper position, every single word matched, and the pasting was neat.

“Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost? And why is your journal ripped and pasted?”

“Because…”

“Because… I blamed myself…for doin this t’ ya…makin ya miscarry our baby because o’ all the stress I’d been causin, an then for not bein there for ya. I thought I’d never be able t’ love ya again free o’ guilt.”

“Sully… no!” She exclaimed, looking into his eyes. “No!… it wasn’t your fault! Is that why you were acting so strangely?” Sully couldn’t manage anything but a nod. Tears were coursing freely down his cheeks. Michaela cuddled him close and kissed his hair. “Love…it isn’t your fault…most miscarriages are just…nature’s way of taking care of a baby that… well… maybe it would have had a birth defect or something like that. Most of them aren’t caused by anyone or anything. Nothing could have prevented what happened to me.”

“Sure?”

“Yes.” Sully cuddled her close.

“Ya got no idea how much I blamed myself for it. I drew away cause I didn’t know how t’ deal with myself or how I felt.”

“It’s time to look forward.” She whispered. “It’s over. I’m going to be alright. I fought, just like you asked me too.”

“Yes… ya did. I’m proud o’ ya.” Sully said, kissing her hair, and then her lips.

“Wait… if you ripped up the journal…” Michaela began.

“I don’t know… I haven’t seen it since that day.” It was at that exact moment a note slipped from the front cover of the journal. Sully picked it up.

Dear Pa,
Katie and I fixed your journal. We found all the pieces on Ma’s vanity table when we were playing dress up. We thought you might like to have it back together…now that Ma’s better. We didn’t look at anything it said, hopefully we got everything back like it was before. We love you very much, and we’re very excited about having another little sister or brother.

Colleen and Katie

“That was sweet of them.” Michaela whispered. “We have four wonderful children, Sully. We’ve been blessed beyond words, and received a double miracle.”

“I know.” He replied. “Soon t’ be five.” Michaela smiled softly.

“Yes. I’ve been hoping for this for so long.”

“Me too. Just didn’t know how t’ tell ya. Especially after…”

“I understand.” Sully held her close, and before they knew it, both of them were fast asleep, Sully’s journal spread on the “bed” beside them, a testament to their love.

It was a few hours later when both Sully and Michaela got up to begin their day. “Why don’t you go to the clinic and bring home everyone. It’s Saturday, the children don’t have school, and I’m sure Andrew can take over for Mary Ann for a little bit. She deserves a rest as well.”

“Alright.” Sully agreed, and set out for town.

Little did he know, Mary Ann and Colleen had stayed awake talking long into the night. After they talked of everything from medicine to love to war, Colleen had insisted Mary Ann go get some rest and let her stay up with the patients. A reluctant Mary Ann had finally agreed. Well rested and refreshed, she was already on her way to the homestead.

About ten minutes after Sully left Mary Ann arrived back at the homestead. Somehow, they had missed each other on the road. She knocked softly, and not getting any response, stepped cautiously inside. She looked all around downstairs. “Sully?” She called, but no one answered.

Upstairs, Michaela was recording the events of the previous evening in her journal. Her mind was awash with the memories. She didn’t hear Mary Ann at all. She was too lost in thought.

Mary Ann finally went warily up the stairs. Still, she saw nothing. She went down the hall a little ways. The door to Michaela and Sully’s bedroom was open and Michaela was sitting on the bed, (which had since been reassembled). Mary Ann walked into the room and sat down on the bed, but still Michaela didn’t realize she was no longer alone. The thing Mary Ann did notice, was Michaela blushing deep red. She peeked over Michaela’s shoulder and noted the journal. With that, she leaned over and whispered rather loudly in Michaela’s ear. “Did you two have fun last night?”

“Mary Ann!” exclaimed Michaela, partly in shock, partly in embarrassment.

“Well, did you?” Michaela turned an even deeper red and looked down, picking at a ravelin in the bedspread. “Hmm?”

“Mmm… yes.. How did you figure that out?”

Without a word Mary Ann reached over and picked up the journal, which Michaela was looking at upside down, and turned it right side up. Michaela’s face turned redder. “Oh…”

“It might help… to have it right side up.” Mary Ann said with a knowing grin.

“Mm… yes.. It might.”

“Are you alright?” Mary Ann asked, her blue eyes serious.

“Yes. It was amazing. Thank you… so much! You have always been there for me. I only hope that someday I will be able to do the same for you.”

“You already have.” Mary Ann assured. “And if I ever need a hand, I’ll know just who to call on. Inviting me to stay here until I can get settled, convincin me to stay, an plant my rose bushes.”

“No trouble. We’re glad to have you. You can’t know how much you’ve done. Thank you again, ….Mother.”

Mary Ann leaned forward, and they hugged each other for a long time. Michaela rested her cheek on Mary Ann’s shoulder. “Best of friends forever be.” Michaela whispered.

At this exact moment, Sully, still slightly disgusted from having been sent on a wild good chase after Mary Ann, walked into the room. He shook his head slightly. Bout time Mother had a close friend. He thought to himself. He was beyond aware of the double miracle he had received, and knew the memories from this time in his life would be with him forever, guiding him…

That night, when Sully came to bed: after tucking the children in and seeing Mary Ann settled, Michaela was looking at a different journal. “What’s this one?” He asked.

“Thanksgiving 1870.”

Sully crawled into the bed with her, and pulled her into his lap. “The day we found out we were having Katie.” He said in recognition.

“Yes, I was so excited!”

“I was too. I remember how your face looked when you came to find me.”

“And I remember how you spun me around.” Michaela reminisced with a slight giggle. “I also remember Dr. Bernard coming to the side of the examination table, and he had this sparkle in his eye. I asked him what was wrong and he said, ‘Michaela, you called me here slightly late…you’re pregnant already.’”

Sully rubbed her shoulders and continued, “An how Cloud Dancin’ came after ya t’ look after me cause he was so worried. I remember bein’ terrified when ya said we were gonna have t’ deliver Katie in the middle of no where!”

“You were terrified? What about me?” Michaela asked with a soft giggle.

“I think ya were too, but we did it, an we got a beautiful little girl. She’s getting so big. What with Colleen helpin her learn t’ write her name an her playin dress up.”

“Faster than I’m ready for her to grow up.” Michaela admitted. “ Sully, It seems if you just blink your eye, they grow a foot.”

“I know. I feel the same way, Michaela. Colleen goin’ t’ medical school next year.”

“And you can’t forget Matthew deciding about going to law school.”

“Mebe Brian’ll become a newspaper reporter.”

“All our children have changed so much in just the few years they’ve been in our care. Charlotte had a lot more faith in me than I had in myself.”

“I’m glad she did. You’re a wonderful ma.”

“And you’re a wonderful pa. I guess we make a pretty good team don’t we?” For an answer, Sully kissed her gently.

“Now we’re a-startin all over again.” Sully said in awe. “Seems like your tummy’s gown an awful lot in the past few days.

“Maybe it‘s just because we were too worried to notice it before.” Michaela told him, scooting back even farther into his safe embrace.

Very softly, Sully lifted Michaela’s night gown up and placed his hands on her tummy. She relaxed back into his arms completely. She moved his hand to the lower right side of her tummy to feel the baby. “Wow…” He whispered in an awed tone. “Sleep tight, sweetie.”

“I love you my baby…stay strong for Mommy.” Michaela whispered, caressing her tummy. As Michaela spoke, there was a fluttering sensation just under her hand. She looked at Sully. She could tell by his face he had felt it too. “Sully! The baby kicked!”

“I felt it!”

“I can hardly believe it’s happening!” They kissed, a kiss of tenderness, love, happiness, passion…one that said all. Words were not needed.

Michaela reached into her medical bag, which was sitting on the end of the bed. She withdrew from its depths her stethoscope. She recalled how much Sully had enjoyed listening to Katie’s heart beat. She placed it on her tummy and gave him the ear pieces so that he could listen. He was silent for a few seconds then, “Michaela! Something’s wrong!” He cried out desperately.

Michaela quickly took the ear pieces from him and inserted them into her own ears, running the stethoscope across her stomach. Sully watched anxiously as her faced turned from worry to shock. Her mouth formed a little round O, and her eyes went wide as he had ever seen them. “Michaela, what’s the matter?! Why does it sound strange? What’s happening?” He asked, desperately hoping for an answer, anything.

Michaela took it in again, running her stethoscope over her stomach again, to be sure. Then she silently took the stethoscope off. She turned a bit so that she would be able to see his face. She took his hands and placed them on her stomach so that he could feel the fluttering sensations again. “Sully, there’s nothing wrong…”

“What is it then?”

“Sully…It’s twins. We’re having twins!”

“What?!” He asked, shocked.

“We’re having two babies! Another double miracle! It sounds different because there are two heart beats!” At this exact moment, both babies moved at the same time. They sat in awe for several moments. At last Sully spoke again.

“Goodbye’s the saddest word, but hello’s the happiest word.”

“It is!” Michaela agreed.

Sully pulled Michaela close and they held each other in pure exhilaration and happiness for a long time, their hands on her stomach, feeling the first soft fluttering movements of the babies inside her and listening to their hearts beating. Both knew everything was back to normal, in fact, it was better. Life had changed forever, and they were beyond thankful for all of the miracles they had received in the last days. Life was as close as it can possibly get to Heaven on earth. It was a long time before either of them spoke again. Finally, Michaela said, in the softest whisper,

"One baby is a miracle. To be given two at once is a gift beyond words,"