“What’re you havin?” Sully asked.

“I think tenderloin of beef, larded with mushrooms, and some caviar and mashed potatoes.”

“What the heck’s caviar?” Sully asked.

“Raw Fish Eggs.” I told him.

“And I thought snails were disgusting.” Sully commented.

“Try them and you might be surprised to find you like them.”

“The lemon meringue pie looks delicious.” Sully nodded to a woman who’d just been brought her order, with a slice of that on the side. As it turned out we both got the same thing, except Sully did not have caviar. He ordered some of the lemon meringue pie, but they had just run out. Supper was completely delicious, though it was quite loud in the dining room. At the other end of the room was dancing.

After eating Sully and I went to join the others, dancing. We didn’t stay for long though because Sully insisted we had to go somewhere. We strolled outside and a carriage was waiting for us. Sully helped me in, then got in beside me. Sully was taking me to the opera! I could hardly believe it. Then I realized it was the same opera we’d gone to in Boston! Somehow, I don’t think that was completely his idea.

This was, though. He had even got us a box. I smiled slightly remembering how last time I’d translated a few of the lines for Sully. I was embarrassed then. Sitting there in the dark with him, alone. Now, I wouldn’t have had it any other way! The opera was most enjoyable indeed. Esspecially, I must confess, when he leaned over and gave me a kiss.

After the opera we returned to the Grand rather late. It had been a long day and by mutual agreement without a word exchanged we fell asleep in each other’s arms whispering our good nights and falling asleep. Though, I am still quite curious about Sully’s mysterious friend.

“How could I be otherwise?” she whispered. I chuckled softly. She did have a point.

“My Love is getting braver.” I commented. She blushed slightly. I love it when she does that! I didn’t wait any longer laying back on the bed with her in my arms. After that I remember makin some comment about it havin been a lot O work. She poked me between the ribs. I’m real ticklish there, but I wasn’t gonna give her the satisfaction of knowin just yet. I tickled her back. Pretty soon we were rollin all over the bed tryin to avoid each other. I couldn’t stand that for too long. “Better ask for a truce.” I whispered placing a kiss on each cheek and her lips. I antagonized her not layin still. She turned the tables back on me, and hooked a leg around me. Now I was stuck.

“Well, Mounsier, I’m not sure I want one.” She replied in a voice completely drenched in her need. Now I don’t speak much French, ok, don’t speak any. I got the gist O what she meant, though! She asked if I thought I could stop ticklin her. I told her the honest truth. Bout how I wasn’t sure cause I love touchin her. An exactly how I felt bout her. She certainly has an effect on me that I didn’t ever think anyone could have. I think she even shocked herself draggin me down to the bed, kissin me. I love her surprise when she does something she doesn’t expect. An I teased her askin if she was tryin ta kill me as this was the third time. Regretted that cause she stopped. An we never did get that finished.

I decided it was time ta get my day O pamperin for her started. The Grand has a spa with Turkish baths. So I had made her an appointment there. While she was in the spa, I decided ta go across the street ta the store an look round, an mebe send the children a telegram. Bein alone I realized how much I missed them. Started thinkin bout mebe there bein another one. Mean, I thought plenty bout that when I built the new homestead, but not knowin it was gonna be like this. Can hardly stand havin Michaela out O my sight for a few minutes. What’m I gonna do when we both gotta return ta normal life?

Went over ta send the telegram. It was kinda long and cost me a pretty penny, but figured they’d be excited bout getting mail of their own.

Dear Children, Just wanted to tell ya I missed ya. Your Ma isn’t with me sendin this, but I know she misses ya too. It’s busy here’n Denver. We been doin lots. Met up with Heart an Atlantis an ended up bein in the circus again, cause her trapieze artist got hurt. The hotel is completely extravagant and I cannot believe your Grandmother made this kind O arrangements for us. Brian we actually went flyin. Got ta go out in a hot air balloon. Got some pictures taken of it for ya. Colleen, Sure your takin good care of everyone an that the cookin’s as good as always. Matthew, hopin everyone’s safe an that plans for you’re an Ingrid’s weddin are goin good. Sorry we couldn’t be there ta help. Well, better end this now. We both love an miss ya, Oh, and thank Hank for his gift.…

Pa

After sendin that I walked over ta the store. I thought I’d wait ta get gifts for the children till Michaela could come too. I borrowed a copy O the Denver newspaper. I sat down on the bench out on the porch. Out O the side of my eye, I caught glance of what looked like a dress. I laid down my paper lookin around ta see what it'd been. Nothin else was on the porch cept someone sittin on the next bench. The person had a paper too. Just then I realized she was wearin the dress I‘d seen. I wondered what a lady’d be doin readin the newspaper no less! Somethin seemed awfully familiar bout those shoes. Felt like I’d seen’m before. They were older styled shoes, too. Just then I noticed that the dress was made O gray-blue calico. Now what woman’d be wearin plain calico in Denver? Can only think O one who would.

Just then my mind sped up. Couldn’t be. No way! Not a chance. I tried ta make myself be reasonable. Naw, she’d never be here. She’d be back home. In Illinois mebe. She’d never O come out here. Yet, who else could it be? The woman stood, placing her paper back on the stack ready ta leave. She was turned away from me an I couldn’t even see her face. Her dark brown hair was in a knot at the back of her head and her hands were small and delicate, much like Michaela. How could it be anyone but her? She’s the only one that’d dress like that in Denver! She turned to face me. I could hardly believe it.

Sure enough! I bounded across the porch. “Mother!” I called, a smile lit up her face. She turned rushing, gracefully as ever, across the porch and we flew into each others arms. I grabbed her and swung her around. I didn’t know whether I should be laughing or crying. I pulled back to get a better look. She was still the same. She hadn’t changed a bit! Not in the 8 years since I had last seen her.

“Well, Sully, I trust that this time I’m not going to sewing you up.” I laughed. It was so good to see her again!

“No, not this time, Mother.”

“What are you doin here?” I asked.

“Maybe the question is you. After all, I never expected to see one of my boys in Denver. And least of all you to be the one! You sure you’re alright, Sully? As I remember you said you weren’t comin back here.”

“Had a reason ta stay.”

“And what, may I ask, was that.”

“Michaela.”

“Ah.. Who’s this, Michaela? Tell me about her.” Mother said, sitting back down on the bench.

“Well.. Where do I begin?”

“I believe the bginning would be a good place to start.” She said, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, we’re on our honeymoon.” Mother was obviously astonished.

“Certainly different from what you were saying the last time I saw you.”

“The last time you saw me I had just shot an innocent man.”

“And got shot back for your efforts a few hours later, as I recall.” She said, laughing gaily. I nodded, sheepishly.

“I simply must meet this Michaela person. She’s changed you. Back then you were younger an didn’t know what you was gonna do. Thought joinin up in the army was gonna make ya forget. I can sense happiness bout ya now. Content. You simply must bring her to my oration.” Now it was my turn to react in shock.

“Oration! Gee, never thought you’d be doin those. Shouldn’t surprise me after that one speech you gave Sherman, though.”

“You heard that? Shame on you. Well, I came out west with Jimmy and Hi. They’d settled in Kansas. Struck up some intrest with folks lookin ta hear bout the war. Thought it was interestin ta hear what a lady’d have ta say bout war. If you can call me a lady that is. Anyway, tell me more about Michaela. I’m quite anxious to hear about her.”

“Well, after that night, ya gave me food and some real clothes. Though, heaven knows where ya got’m. An I lit out O there like a house on fire. All the time expectin ta be caught by someone. After couple O days I realized I was alone. Full magnitude of what I’d done was there. I hit bottom. Laid cryin in the dense woods for weeks, months, who knows how long. Then, what I remember next was a voice tellin me ta, “Drink this.” So I did. An I got stronger. Found out I’d been adopted into a tribe of Cheyenne Indians. Made friends with’m, lived with’m, like one of’m for couple O years. They took care O me when no one else was there to. Made special friends with one, named Cloud Dancin. An also with Chief Black Kettle. Finally did return ta society a little bit. Negotiated between the army an the Cheyenne. They had it awful bad. Then, one day there was lots O excitement. The Reverend’d hired a doctor. Doctor turned out bein a woman! I remember seein her for the first time while she’d fallen face down in the mud. Was in love with her ever after. Mother raised her eyebrows in surprise. She never really respected real doctors. Now if the doctor was a woman on the other hand! Took us both a long time ta admit our feelins, though. Now we’re here in Denver on our honeymoon.”

“Well my greatest congratulations!” Mother replied leaning over and giving me a hug. Just then I realized it was very late. I should have gone to pick up Michaela a while before.

“Well, Mother I’ll see you at the oration. I’ll be sure ta bring Michaela.”

“Somethin tells me we’re gonna get along just fine.” Mother said laughing. I didn’t doubt that! With a spring in my step and a new happinness from seeing a very dear friend I returned to get Michaela.

We went to the hotel restaurant for supper. The menu was humongous! I’ve never seen one place serve so much food in my life. I specially thought the lemon meringue pie looked good, but they were out o that. Afterward, we danced for a couple waltzes, an then I took her to the opera. I think she liked it. It was the same one we went to back in Boston. The best part was sittin next ta her in the dark! Gotta say, I wouldn’t O minded it none if we’d been alone bout then. She translated the opera for me since most of it was in French. She was still kind of embarrassed, cause she was blushin. I love ta see her blush. We went straight back ta the Grand afterward, but it was so late nothin of interest happened there. Mebe we’ll get finished what we started this mornin tomorrow. For now, good night.

The day started out quite early and I was actually up before Sully. I dressed and went to see about some breakfast for us. The hotel restaurant cook kindly prepared me a breakfast to take back to the room. When I returned Sully was still asleep. Or so I thought. I leaned across the bed and placed the tray of food on the other side. As I was standing up Sully stopped me. He put his hands on my shoulders and brought a finger down to lift my face to his. He kissed me. Softly at first and then…Needless to say breakfast was quite forgotten. Afterward Sully wanted to know why I had brought a tray with me. Upon telling him that it was breakfast he replied,

“Good, cause after that I’m starvin.”

“Sully!” I cried in mild astonishment. I’m not sure why anything Sully says or does should shock me. I must admit, I am envious of the way he can talk and act upon what he feels. Why can I not do the same!? We did eat our breakfast eventually.

“What do you have planned for the day?”

“Well, thought we might do some shoppin for the new homestead. After all, not every day ya go ta Denver. Maybe we could get somethin to put in it ta remind us of all the special times we shared here.”

“I think that would be lovely.” I replied scooting up to give him a kiss.

“Um… so would this.” He returned the kiss.

“I agree, but I think we should go ahead and get our shopping done.” I replied with a kiss which held promise for later. I had to redress. I didn’t have to wait long at all for Sully. He usually dresses much faster than I, well, once he actually decides to get dressed. Though, I can hardly say I mind our morning adventures!

The day was perfect. The clouds were beautiful puffy balls that nearly looked like cotton. The sun shone brightly and reflected on the lake close to the Grand. Sully and I, holding hands, walked across to the store. The Denver store was nicer than the mercantile and had many more things to offer, but I did miss the cheerful friendliness of knowing everyone. Especially of meeting friends and talking.

We looked at all number of homewares. Paintings, furniture, elegant vases and pottery, useful items…Sully finished looking around on the first floor of the store before I did and went to sit on a bench in the corner and wait for me. I am completely oblivious as to what went in while I was gone, but something did because when I returned Sully was smiling even more than he had been since yesterday. I didn’t have a chance to ask what all of that was about because Sully said he’d seen something he wanted me to see. In the middle of the store, Sully pointed out the most beautiful grandfather clock I have ever seen. It was quite tall 6 and a half feet at least. It was made of beautiful dark cherry wood. It had a glass door in the front showing off the heavy golden pendulum. Around the edges of the door and around the clock face in the top were intricately carved designs; trails of ivy, stars, flowers, and other such decoration. Inside the clock behind the pendulum was a beautifully painted scene of rising sun over water. Even the pendulum itself was covered in designs. The clock face was white with beautifully painted roman numerals on it. The clock was the grandest I have ever seen.

“Just came in from St. Louis. She’s a beauty alright.” The storekeeper remarked coming up behind us. You can have ‘er for 35 dollars.” That was quite a sum! I thought silently.

“We’ll take it.” Sully replied. I was shocked.

“It’s a clock well worth havin. Sides I know ya like it.” He whispered the latter part. “We’ll come back’n get it in a couple weeks when we’re ready ta leave Denver if that’s alright.”

“Sure thing.” The shopkeeper replied, and shook Sully’s hand. After this Sully took me to a little café where we had our lunch. It was good, but I must say Grace’s is a hundred times better! By now it was nearing mid-afternoon. Sully suggested we return to the Grand.

“What will we do there?” I whispered, trying to maintain a straight face.

“Well, I have no idea. I suppose it’s going to be quite boring.” This time neither of us could help laughing. We walked hand in hand back to the hotel. Even taking time to go across the Flirtation Walk. Once inside our suite, Sully gently reached up and took my shawl. Shivers ran all through me. It’s amazing, that with just the touch of his fingers on me I feel as if….as if…I guess I don’t know exactly. It’s almost as if I come alive. Unfortunately there was no chances for this, because when I returned from putting my small purchase away, Sully was stretched out on the bed and fast asleep. I didn’t want to wake him. So, I placed a loving kiss on his cheek and left the suite. I decided to walk down and come here to the Flirtation walk. Now I am sitting in one of the white, whicker rockers. The sun is setting over the lake and it’s dazzling. The Flirtation Walk is nearly empty now. Everyone’s going in to supper. I think I will go and see if Sully is awake now. I am getting rather hungry. Though, I don’t know what Sully has planned.

She leaned cross me ta put the breakfast on her side O the bed. As she was standin up I put my hands on her shoulders stopping her. I kissed her gently. I had decided nothin would happen today. I was, mebe still am, worried about overwhelming her. I wondered what harm a kiss would do. She put her arms around my neck, giving me a gentle kiss back. Her fiery breath blew across my face and fanned my need. She crawled up on the bed beside me, never stoppin her kisses. She ran her tongue across my lips, makin my senses crazy. I’m not sure what it was that affected me most, her tiny body pressed against me, her kisses, or her hands in my hair. I hastily turned her over, never losing eye contact…...

We did eat our breakfast sometime after that. I suggested goin ta the store an lookin for somethin we could take home ta remind us O Denver. I finished lookin for Michaela did an I found a chair by the stove an sat down, bringin out my whittlin knife and a piece O wood. Don’t even know what I was makin. Bout then the store keeper come by. Didn’t really stop ta look, but said I better make sure I picked up all the shavin’s on his floor. He didn’t pear to be the nicest man. Kinda like Loren, good an nice inside, but he don’t want ya ta know it. I promised him I would an handed him the finished figurine to keep. It’d turned out bein a figurine O Michaela. Ashamed ta say I can’t even keep my mind off her while she’s out O my sight. It was never like this with anyone. Not even Abagail. The store keeper looked at it a moment an said,

“Ya know, people kinda fancy nice carving. What would ya think of mebe makin some carvings for me each month? I’d pay you top of the line for them. Ya could carve whatever ya like, unless someone specifically asked for somethin. What do you say?”

I was kinda surprised. “Ya mean like a regular job, just carvin figurines?”

“Uh-huh.. I spose I could pay you…dollar an a half a figurine. How’s that set with you? An you can send me as many of em as you want. Course, if it’s bigger, like a cradel or somethin I’d pay ya more.” I was still kinda shocked. I said yes, though. I still can’t exactly picture it. Me, makin money for somethin I’ve done as a hobby for a long time? We shook hands an I went ta go find Michaela.

On the way, I saw the nicest lookin grandfather clock I’ve seen in ages. I brought Michaela ta see it. Could tell she liked it. So, we bought it. Think Michaela thought it was too much, but I like spoilin her with beautiful stuff, plus won’t hurt ta have a clock for the new homestead anyway. We went an had lunch at a little café the shop keeper knew of. Was pretty good, but not as good as Grace’s. We ended up goin back ta the hotel. I fell asleep on the bed. It’d been a long day. Now, here I am. Michaela’s gone. I figure she’s down on the porch or somewhere lookin around. Now, I’m gonna go try’n make us some supper arrangements an find her.

I can hardly believe we’ve been married for a week. I turned over to face Sully, careful not to wake him. I laid my face on his chest, ready to go back to sleep. He must not have been asleep because he ran a hand across my cheek. Our eyes met and he was awake. “Good morning, my love.” he whispered. I placed a kiss on his lips, and repeated similar sentiments. Sully turned away slightly. I was a little confused. “Sully? What’s wrong?” He didn’t reply. He tensed slightly. Then he turned to me and quickly turning me over gave me an intense, passionate kiss. I was slightly surprised, but gave myself over to his kisses.

“Ya know, I like it when ya don’t wear anything ta bed.” he whispered. I looked down in the covers in mild embarrassment. It was true. I had fallen asleep last night in his arms without my nightgown. He had done the same. That had only happened once before, the morning after the wedding. I smiled softly. Would I be brave enough to follow through on this new venture he’d confessed to enjoying? I was not and am not sure. I tell myself that I’m going to face my fears, but then I just…can’t, and I feel so weak. I don’t know what to do. If only I could talk to Rebecca. She said I would know what to do…she was right about that. Yet, my heart tells me one thing, while my brain tells me another.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“Oh somewhere round noon.”

“Noon!” I exclaimed, shocked.

“Yep, bout. I enjoyed sleepin in with ya.”

“I haven’t slept this late for years.” I smiled.

“Well, it’s bout time ya did.” Sully whispered in my ear. I smiled.

“I feel like a Princess, Sully.”

“Good, I intend for it to stay that way.” He leaned down and gave me another very long, passion filled kiss. So much that we were both very out of breath by the time it ended. “We certainly have had our share of amazing kisses, haven’t we?” Sully asked softly.

“Yes, I think that was on the list of them.”

“Ya remember the time we kissed after the Sweetheart Reel?” Sully asked.

“Yes, how could I forget? Our first real kiss.”

“An you remember how we kissed when I rescued ya from the dog soldiers an ya’d just woken up?”

“I couldn’t forget that either.” I whispered softly. “Or what about when you asked me to marry you in the sweat lodge?”

“That was somethin wasn’t it?” I nodded a little shyly.

“Mostly what I remember about that was the kiss after the proposal! No one had ever kissed me like that before.”

“I hope I didn’t scare ya. Mebe I shouldn’t a done that so soon.”

“You didn’t scare me, Sully. I wanted that kiss as much as you did.”

“Will ya tell me about it…in your thoughts?” I looked down for a moment, gaining courage. I nodded.

“You called me into the sweat lodge. I came as quickly as I could, afraid that you were worse. I was surprised when I found you sitting up waiting expectantly, almost determinedly, appearing pain free. ’Where’d ya go?’ You asked me. I was confused. I had never been anywhere. I’d stayed right outside the whole time. ’I never went anywhere.’ I answered you. I was even more confused by your next question, ’It’s really you then?’ You reached out to touch me. You almost acted as if you didn’t believe that I existed. ’Then, your not leavin?’ you asked in a voice that had a hint of fear. ’No.’ I replied, still unable to understand where this was headed. ’I don’t want you to leave.’ You pulled me closer to you and said, ’I want to be with you…I need to be with you…I’ll love you all of my days.’ I wasn’t sure what was happening. I thought maybe I knew. I hardly even dared hope. I was scared. No one had ever said they needed to be with me before. Or at least not in that sense. ’Sully?…’ I asked you fearfully. You didn’t hesitate. ’Will you marry me?’ That moment I almost felt like I was floating. Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, that’s what I’d been waiting for during the past two years. You pulled me to you kissing me so very gently. Then a little harder and harder, my head bent back slightly, you never stopped kissing me, we swayed slightly back and forth, and before I realized what was happening, you leaned me back to lay on the floor of the sweat lodge, and I put my arms about your neck, arching up to kiss you more. All of a sudden, something new happened. You gently ran your tongue over my lips, I didn’t know how to react. That had never happened before. Not with anyone. Your actions and touches had feather light tenderness, almost like you understood I was new at this, you spread my lips apart with your tongue. I let you. At the moment, I couldn’t have brought myself to stop you. I wanted you to keep doing that forever. I loved how it made me feel. Gently you broke the kiss, running your finger across my cheek. Oh, Sully, you changed me that day. You gave me just an ounce of the pleasure and patience that I learned just a week ago.”

“I’m honored ya felt that way. I’m glad I could be the first.”

“Me too.” I whispered.

“Oh yeah that day, I gave ya your first French kiss.” I smiled softly.

“Sully, what made you call for me and propose then?”

“I had a vision.”

“What kind?”

“Cloud Dancin was all of a sudden sittin there with me in the sweat lodge, an he was chantin. We were in a wide open field. He pointed an I looked. There ya were. Ya were wearing a white blouse and skirt. When I looked Cloud Dancin was gone. I came to ya and ya welcomed me, coming into my arms. Then we were on the grass rollin around and kissing. I kissed you and you kissed back. Nothing like we’d ever done. All of a sudden you got up and walked away. I called for you to come to me. I didn’t even know I had. When I reached out, you stood there. I thought you were still the vision. When I realized you weren’t I was worried you would go. I proposed to you on spot.” I had never known any of this and I was amazed. I leaned over and gave Sully a long hug. I rested my face on his chest.

“What about right before Washita? Remember how we kissed on the floor of the new homestead? I remember that so well. I nodded, memories flooding me. I remembered it vividly. I’d come to leave Snowbird’s wedding gift to us at the New Homestead. It was a beautiful dream catcher. After hanging it on the fireplace, I was attracted by a shape against the wall. I walked over and uncovered it. I discovered a beautifully carved headboard. I had never seen such exquisite work. Just then I heard Sully say. “I was makin that for your weddin present.” He stood with his carving knife in hand.

“Can I watch you work?” I asked tentatively.

“Sure.” He replied, taking the blanket over the headboard and spreading it on the floor for me to sit on.

“Do you think they’ll be back in time for the wedding?” I asked about the Cheyenne.

“Don’t know. Hope so.”

“Do you wish you could have gone with them?”

“When’re ya gonna understand? My heart’s yours now.”

Before I could realize what was happening, he guided me to the floor. He laid over me, our lips still joined in a passionate kiss. He intwined his fingers in mine holding both my hands. Gently he traced my lips with his tongue, I returned the gesture, and invited more. He complied. It was only our second time of this kind of kissing. I wanted him to never stop. I loved the feeling of being beneath him. He seemed so powerful. I could have clug to him for hours exchanging and returning kisses. Finally he stopped it. He sat up a little unhappily. I leaned after him, gladly inviting another kiss, but he did not return it. Instead he replied, “I better get back ta work or we’ll never have a bed.”

“What are we going to do today, Sully?” I asked.

“I don’t got nothin planned.”

“You mean we could stay here and…” I was unable to finish.

“An make love? Yes, all day if ya want.” I smiled complacently,

“If you want.” I returned He smiled.

“Well, I think I’d kinda like that.” Finally sometime around 3 this afternoon, after renewing our love time and again we got up. I suggested a walk through the rose gardens of the Grand. Sully agreed. The gardens were completely gorgeous. There were rows upon rows of flowers. All kinds and colors of them as well. Roses, daffodils, tulips, daisies, tiger lilies, sunflowers, and lots of others. Sully picked me a red rose. I smelled it. It had sweet scent. I kissed him in thanks and love. I will press it here in my diary to keep.

Now I can always remember our walk in the gardens here. It has been a very idleistic day! Although, I must admit, I enjoyed it very much

Finally bout 3 we got up an Michaela wanted ta go for a walk in the gardens. I agreed. It was all beautiful. There was tons of flowers. They were all bustin out in bloom, an the colors were brilliant. I picked Michaela a rose. I think she saved it for her diary. T’day we kept busy also. Michaela wanted ta go see Denver college. She wanted ta talk ta the president bout whether he’d be acceptin' lady medical students. Apparently they will be. Michaela can’t wait ta tell Colleen. Anyway I better go. It’s getting late.

I suggested we go to Denver College. I wanted to look around and see if they would be accepting women medical students. The school was beautiful and much like the one I went to back in Philadelphia. The halls were large and wide with marble pilings and floors. Denver has changed and grown a good deal ever since the railroad came. Before it was just a little wayside stop. Now it’s nearly as grand as some of the smaller cities back east! Colorado Springs is changing to. More people have come. The railroad has come. Many changes have occurred. We were fortunate enough to meet with the president of the college. He seemed nice and quite open minded. Upon asking him whether he’d be excepting women students, he replied, “So long as she has the proper qualifications, yes.” I can only hope that Colleen will get to come here.Well since it is late I will turn in and attempt to sleep. I’ll try and sum up the day tomorrow.

“What would ya like ta hear first?”

“Umm..” I contemplated, “the good news!”

“I got a job.” I could have been knocked over with a feather.

“A job!”

“Um hmm”

“What kind of job?”

“The storekeeper here wants me ta carve figurines for him. Said he’d pay me ta do it. Says people set a store by that type O stuff. I can carve whatever I like. Can’t imagine getting paid for somethin I like doin!” I sat in silence for a moment.

“Are ya happy?”

“Of course! Just very surprised.” I leaned forward over the tray and gave Sully a hug. Unfortunately in doing this my bathrobe tie was covered in gravy. Ooops! I’m sure Sully was laughing softly as I proceeded to rub the gravy off and eat it..He kissed me softly.

“What’s the surprise?” I asked between his leisurely kisses.

“There’s gonna be an art show at one O the schools round here. Supposedly your friend’ll be there.”

“Mrs. Wellman?”

“Yep.”

“Oh it’ll be nice to see her again!” I noticed Sully was grinning cheekily. “What are you grinning about?”

“Nothin. Just your excitement.” We finished breakfast in good time and dressed to get ready for the art show. Sully even wore his suit. I wore a nice lavendar lawn. It was going to be a warm day. The sun was shinging bright and the clouds were puffy. The sky seemed as blue as a blue bird’s tail feathers. The wind stirred just enough to tease the water on the lake beside the Grand. Since it was such a nice day we walked to the art show. The show turned out being at Mrs. Wellman’s school. Of course the paintings were beautiful. I was looking at one of sunflowers in a field when I heard a somewhat familiar voice shout,

“Dr. Mike!” I turned and across the room stood a tall dark haired boy in a suit. He waved. Zack! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I hadn’t expected to meet him here. Or looking so well either. He had grown at least 5 inches and was more filled out.

“It’s good to see you!” after a moment,

“You too!”

“And talking!” I was amazed. This was the little boy who’d left Colorado Springs only 2 years before and now I could hardly believe it was him. He’d improved a great deal. He was still slow in deciding what to say, but the change was amazing. Well, no wonder. He was living in a closet! We found out that some of Zack’s work was being displayed. He’s actually worked with oil paints now! He has even gotten better. He has talent, and that’s the truth! We eventually said our goodbyes to everyone and bought one of the magnificent paintings and left.

This morning when Sully woke me he didn’t have any breakfast for us with him. I was surprised, but nevertheless glad to see him. He climbed up in bed with me. “Are ya ready ta get a start on the day, Michaela, love?” He asked.

“Um hmm.” I whispered softly. He was smiling and I knew he had something planned. I let him take my hands and help me out of bed. I got dressed and Sully led me downstairs.

“I arranged for us ta have a picnic brunch.”

“That was nice of you.” I murmured. Sully picked up our picnic basket and led me outside. The same two horses we’d ridden the first day here were bridled and ready to go. We had a canter across the lawn of the hotel and outside of Denver. We rode about 3 miles into the woods and found a sunny clearing to eat in. Sully had brought a red checkered table cloth, which he spread on the ground. We ate in mutual silence watching the animal’s frolick and listening to the stream beside our picnic area bubble and run. Ok, I’ll admit it. I spent more time watching Sully.

After eating he announced he brought something along. He pulled out a beautiful red, silk kite. It had been in the bushes. I laughed, remembering the time he’d taken me to fly the kite before. Now I could properly enjoy it. We found a large open meadow to fly the kite in. We took turns running, arms out with the kite, launching it into the wind. It took quite a while to get it up. Sully watched as I took off my shoes and ran through the meadow, the kite soaring above my head. The breeze felt good on my face, and I have not run barefoot in a meadow since I was a little girl. Finally, I gave the kite over to Sully. I jumped and clapped and cheered as Sully made the kite to tricks. He could make it flip and dive dangerously low, skimming the tops of the high grasses.

Just then, the kite tumbled to the ground. He shrugged, and brought it over. It must have not had enough tail to keep it aloft up higher. I searched in my medical bag for a bandage, and ripped a long strip off. I tied the new tail onto the old one. I took the spool of string and began to run. “Come on!” I called breathlessly laughing from across the meadow. Without hesitation Sully came over, took the other handle of the spool and we both ran with the kite. Just then my skirt came untucked from it’s knot and frothed about my feet. I fell on the grassy ground, dragging Sully and the kite down too. We both sat up halfway, shaking our heads and laughing.

At that moment Sully leaned over and cupped my cheek in his hand, kissing me. His hands on my shoulders, he gently pushed me the rest of the way down. His hands roamed over my upper body and my face and through my hair. I moaned, and tried to still his hands, as the emotions inside threatened to consume me completely. I caught his lips in mine, clinging to him. I could feel his pounding heart against mine. It amazes me how sometimes when I’m with him I feel like a naïve school girl. Other times I feel such powerful love and need for him that it’s beyond comprehension. Sully tenderly broke off the kiss. “I think…we should go back to the suite now.” I whispered, and blushed slightly through my words.

“I think we should too.” Sully returned, but made no move to get up. Instead he leaned down and gave me another impassioned kiss. Before I could realize it I was in his arms and we were rolling around on the grass together. Maintaining as much control as possible I said,

“I guess the dream came true.”

“This time I’m not letting ya leave me.”

“It’s not possible.” I whispered giving him a lengthy kiss.

“I’m glad.” He spoke in a ragged voice. Slowly and reluctantly he stood up.

“We better be getting back before I decide ta make love ta ya right here.” I smiled, my color heightened. We put the kite away and rode back to the Grand.

I wondered what Sully had in mind for the suite. I doubted it was just involving a little cuddling in the bed. We were all alone out there. No one would have come. I know Sully well enough to know that if he didn’t have something special in mind he would have had no reason to bring me back to the Grand. As it turned out I was right.

Sully and I walked quietly and unnoticed up to the suite. We avoided the “Flirtation Walk”, and with good sense! He suggested that I take a bath. From the grin on his face I knew there was something going on. I did as he suggested. When I went into the bathroom he shut the door and said, “No peekin.” I felt like a child on Christmas Eve. When I finished with my bath, I found a towel and dried off. I found my bathrobe and came out to find Sully. He was nowhere to be seen. The bed had been turned down invitingly. I started to go toward the bed. Just then someone grabbed me by the waist. I tensed and turned to find myself inches from Sully. I relaxed into his arms. He was wearing a black bathrobe. He took my hands and held them palm up, kissing them gently. Even this simple overture sent tingles up my spine. He took my hand and led me to the bed. He crawled in beside me. We kissed gently then intensely. I reached for the edge of the towel, undoing it. Sully held up a finger and requested, “Wait.” My eyes flew to his. What could be wrong? Had I been to bold? True he had said that he liked it but what if he’d changed his mind. “Turn over, My Love.” I turned onto my stomach wondering what he had in mind. He scooted over close to me. “Comfy?”

“Umm hmm.” I said softly. I was more than comfortable with him that close to me.

“Good.” I smiled wanly up at him. I waited curiously to see what Sully was going to do. I could feel the bed shift. Sully turned back over and sat a bowl on the bed.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ll see. Now relax, My Love.” Sully undid the knot in the back of the towel. I shivered slightly at the cool rush of air and buried a little deeper into the covers. Sully ran his hand across my exposed back, moving all of my loose hair out of the way. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him dip is hand in the bowl. Then he brought his cupped hand to my back, turning it over. A warm gooey substance oozed out.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m gonna give ya a massage. Now just relax.” I smiled. It was just like Sully to be so thoughtful. I realized the substance was herbal oil. He gently rubbed it all over my back. He massaged my shoulders and neck. I tried not to laugh when he reached the ticklish spot in my lower back. He ran his hands up my sides. He lingered his hands over the edges of my breasts. He massaged my shoulders and neck again. Each time coming back to my sides.

“Here, turn over.” I turned my face slightly. My cheeks must have been red. I slowly, and reluctantly and very nervously turned over. He’d never looked at me like this before. Certainly he’d seen me naked, but never this deliberately before. Before he’d never waited more than a few seconds. Now he was going to see me and touch me for longer and more deliberately than he had ever done. His seductive smile and his sultry blue eyes greeted me. It took all my control to not cover up. I clenched and unclenched my hands. I closed my eyes. Sully didn’t move and neither did I for the longest few minutes. Gently he pulled my clenched hand from the covers.

“Oh, My Love, don’t be scared. I love looking at ya. Can’t get enough O ya. That doesn’t need ta worry ya.” He was right. I relaxed as best I could. Tenderly he kissed my face and my neck and collarbone. He dipped his hand into the bowl for more oil and continued on, but avoiding my breasts. He eventually had no where else left. He tentatively started massaging them. I closed my eyes, biting my lips. Oh the feelings! Each time something happens between us I think that it can’t get better. It does. Every time. I made myself meet his eyes. My cheeks flushed at his sensual gaze and I looked away. Immediately he stopped.

“It’s ok. Don’t’ stop.”

“You sure?”

“Of course. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“All this is new to me. Sometimes it’s just frightening how strong my emotions are.” He smiled at me and continued massaging me. I would have been more relaxed except his actions were starting to take over my thoughts. I could only think about him and the sensations his touch gave me. He eventually put the bowl over to the side and scooted over close to me. He will never know how much I wanted to return the favor of the massage. I think maybe he even wished that I might. I didn’t. That is the thing he will never understand. He’s never afraid to act on his thoughts.

Well, she invited me ta come over there an run with her. I did. We were runnin and all of a sudden her foot musta got caught in her dress, cause she fell back a little and landed on the ground. I grabbed her hand ta stop her an I was too late. Down came me an the kite. We were both laughing as we sat up in the grass beside each other, the kite at our feet. I caught a glimpse of her face. It was all rosy and smilin from runnin. She was so beautiful. I just couldn’t resist leanin over ta give her a kiss. She seemed somewhat surprised. I gently pushed her back to the ground. Through the kisses she moaned softly, tryin to still my hands. “I think we should go back to the Grand.” She whispered. I thought so too. I wanted ta give her my surprise and I couldn’t do it here. Yet, before I knew it, I had her once again in my arms and we rolled over an over in the grass, kissin. It was bout like my dream. This time I knew she wasn’t leavin.

Finally I stood up. We did go back to the Grand. I steered her away from the “Flirtation Walk” and with good sense! I suggested she take a bath. This was just so I had time ta set up my surprise. I was gonna give her a massage. Cloud Dancin had given me some herbal oil for we left. Said I might wana have it. She had no idea. I lit a fire in the fire place and warmed the bowl it was in over the fire. I was really hopin that when she came out she’d be brave enough not ta wear the towel or the bathrobe. Oh well, I know I gotta give this time. I understand when I feel her delicate form beneath me. She’s so small and trustin, an innocent. I could give her all the time in the world. I reached out and put my hands about her slender waist. She tensed and then relaxed upon realizing it was me. I took her hands palm up and kissed them. Then I led her to the bed. We kissed for a couple O minutes, an she reached to unknot the towel she was wearing. I stopped her. Her eyes flew to mine. They were round and a hint of fear was in them.

“Now turn over on your stomach.” I whispered. She still didn’t understand what I had in mind so I told her. I undid her towel and moved her hair out of the way and put oil on her back and massaged her neck and shoulders and her lower back. I found out she was ticklish there. I even had the courage to run my hands up her sides. Finally, I asked her ta turn over. Her eyes met mine. This was a big step. She reluctantly and a little nervously did what I’d requested. I gently pulled her clenched fist from under the covers. “Oh My Love, don’t be scared…” I whispered calming words of assurance to her and slowly she relaxed. I loved seein her facial expressions as I massaged her! What she felt was written plain on her face. Even when she tried ta hide it, it became more apparent then ever. After I kind of hoped she’d give me a massage too. She didn’t. An I don’t mind so much. I can wait for her forever! I went into the other room to put the herbal oil up. When I came back she was writin furiously. She stopped abruptly when I put my hands on her shoulders. She looked up a little shyly at me. “Come here.” I whispered soothingly, taking her into my arms in the bed. “I think ya look like you could use a little cuddlin.” she nodded softly. “I know these last few days ain’t been easy. Ya feel scared an nervous an happy all at the same time. I understand. Ya don’t have ta rush on my account. I’ll wait for you forever. Just relax now.” She instantaneously fell fast asleep in my arms. Just like I’d suspected, she was exhausted from all the confusion of adjusting to being married and to all the new thoughts an feelins. I’m thinkin I had the right idea before when I soothed Michaela ta sleep. Mebe I’ll try ta take a nap with her.

Today Sully and I went souvineer shopping. We wanted to get some gifts for the children and for our friends. I really hate to think about it, but our time in Denver is coming to a close. I mean, of course I’ll be glad to see everyone, but I’m going to miss being alone with Sully, without another care in the world. I look back on the last days. I’ve changed a great deal. It’s not obvious on the outside. On the inside, though. Yet, to me I feel it’s not enough. I always tell myself that I will change the very next time. Then, I don’t and it’s the next time and the next, but what can I do?

We looked at several shops in Denver to find the right presents. I laughed and pointed out they had a shop just to sell toys in. We looked around in the notions shop. We got mother some a beautifully painted tea set. It had a set of saucers and cups and plates and a tea pot. For Rebecca and Marjorie we had gone back and purchased two more of Zack’s paintings. He was delighted at how much we liked them. We decided to purchase a pitcher and water basin for Matthew and Ingrid, for their new home. It was white and beautifully decorated with yellow flowers. Just as we were getting ready to leave the store I flash of metal caught my eye. I turned around. There was a whole shelf of cookery things. One of the items was a bread platter with the inscription “God Bless this Café” I just had to get it for Grace! It was lovely.

Now we decided to go back over to the toy store to pick out presents for the children. That would be harder. I had no idea what the absolute perfect gift would be to get for them. It didn’t take me long to find the exact present Brian. It was a book I loved as a child but I don’t think he has read it’s by Mark Twain, since he loved The Celebrated Jumping Frongs of Calvarous County I’m sure that he’ll love another of Mark Twain’s novels called, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I remember I always compared my mother to Tom’s Aunt Polly. Stern and strong and in charge. Meanwhile I compared Marjorie to Tom’s half brother, Sid. Sid always acted like an angel around Aunt Polly. He was always getting Tom in bad with Aunt Polly as well. He was a pest to Tom.

I also found another telescope. A man was selling them. So I bought one for Brian and Colleen to share. Hopefully this time it will not end up on the ground in pieces! Although, they are older now.

Just then Sully came running to get me. He said he’d found the perfect thing for Colleen, I wondered what he could have found. He showed me a beautiful hair bonnet. It was medium blue and covered in lace frills and ribbons. “I know she liked some O this fancy stuff when we were in Boston and Washington. An she will be goin to college in just a couple years. Thought mebe we could help her get started with her wardrobe.”

“Oh she’s going to love that, Sully! And I found something also. It’s a novel that I think she’ll love. It’s called Jane Eyre and It’s by Charlotte Bronte.” Sully nodded smiling. “What about Wolf?” I asked.

“Wolf don’t need a present.”

“Well, he is part of the family.”

“I spose so.” So I bought what I’d been eyeing. It was a soft cottony, pillow comforter. It was in plaid colors and The storekeeper said I could even have it embroidered for an extra dollar. I agreed. All the souvineer shopping was done. Or so I supposed. When I looked around for Sully I didn’t see him. Moments later someone came up to me and put their hands on my shoulders. I turned to find Sully.

“Ready ta go?”

“Yes, I was just about to ask if you were.” He had a little paper bag in his hand. I tried to peek, but he said,

“No peekin till the time comes.”

“When will that be?”

“Soon enough.” I agreed and Sully placed an arm around my shoulders and we walked back to the hotel just in time for our supper. We had room service again. Another picnic, but this time on the floor of the main room. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with chocolate cake for desert.

“Aren’t I a good cook?” Sully teased bringing in the tray. I smiled and whispered very. I shivered and stood up.

“Do you want me to make a fire?” I asked. Just then Sully put his hands on my shoulders and turned me around. He kissed me with tenderness, the kiss again lasting forever.

“Yea, I’d like that.”

“Sully!”

“Uh huh?” I shook my head, there was no use reasoning with him.

“Sully?”

“Yeah?”

“When am I going to meet your friend?”

“Tomorrow.”

“What is he giving an oration on?” Sully turned for a moment.

“She.”

“She?” I don’t know why but I was worried. Why should it worry me that Sully has another friend one that is….a woman?

“Michaela, don’t worry. Just, this person an I we go a long ways back. I knew her long time ago.”

“Before you knew me?”

“Yeah, long for then.” Sully pulled me into a gentle embrace. “Ya got no cause at worry. She’s just a good friend. She helped me when I needed help. I never thought I was gonna get ta see her again.” I smiled and nodded. Yet, I’m still slightly worried. Anyway. That is all of importance that has happened this day.

“Good mornin ta you too.” He whispered.

“What time is the oration?”

“Bout 1.” “What will we do this morning?”

“Hmm…maybe a little O this…and a little O that.” Sully whispered now provocatively and he returned my kisses. “How’s that for somethin ta do?” I pretended to comtemplate the thought seriously.

“Hmm.. I think I like that.”

“Certainly won’t be borin.”

“No, never.” Now unable to hold back my laughter. Well it didn’t take long for us to decide how to spend the morning. When we got up it was near ten and the dining hall was still serving breakfast.

“I wonder if their buffet breakfasts are as good as their room service ones…”

“Well we could find out.” I said. We kissed and reluctantly I left the haven of our warm bed. The smells from the dining room emanated through the lobby. I could smell French toast. This is a delicacy I have not had since I was a child! When I got the chicken pox Rebecca had the cook make me French toast and she let me eat in bed. (Unbeknownced to my mother!) I smiled at the scent.

“What’re ya thinkin about?”

“Memories of when I was a child.” Just then the Maitre D seated us at a table and brought our menus. As it turned out I did not get French toast. I was worried it might take to long to make. Instead I got biscuits and gravy. Sully got the same. I must say. It’s been a while since I’ve had those. We sat and talked while we waited on our food and I again tried to persuade Sully to tell me about his friend. “After all, I’ll be meeting her today.”

“Well in that case, why tell ya.” He smiled cheekily.

“If we weren’t in a restaurant I’d…”

“Oh ya’d what?” Sully whispered. We both laughed softly. I shook my head. Sully always manages to make me laugh. When we left the dining hall it was just a little after noon. I suggested we go wherever we were going, that way we could find good seats. I was still wondering what kind of a friend Sully would have that would be making orations. Not to mention it being a woman friend. Nevertheless I was quite excited to meet her. Sully and I left directly for the oration. As it turned out it was going to take place in the meadow right behind the Grand. There were chairs set up all over. People already milled about. I wondered how a friend of Sully’s could cause so much excitement.Sully and I found seats in the second row. There was a board platform set up with a podium on it for the speaker to place her papers or anything else she might bring along.

People were coming from all over as the time for the oration approached. More chairs were needed and even when the men who’d set everything up had needed to bring chairs from inside the hotel people still stood in the back. My curiosity was growing every minute. At fifteen minutes before it was due to start, it appeared most everyone had arrived, well except the speaker! I wondered why she was not there early. I also noticed a few of the people that were in attendance were wearing army decoration. This just puzzled me even more. I had thought after the disaster in Washington D.C. Sully wouldn’t want a single thing more to do with the army. Also, women weren’t allowed in the army. Voices rose and declined of people greeting and talking. I heard someone say,

“Where is Mother.”

“Oh she’ll be here. Most likely she’s greetin some old soldier friend.” announced a white headed man. I wondered who they were addressing as “Mother” I could plainly see the man which had said it was old enough his own Mother was most likely not living. Then another man said,

“It’ll be good seein Mother again.” I realized she certainly wasn’t either one of their “Mother’s” what was going on? About five minutes after this, and right on time, a closed carriage pulled up. Everyone seemed to crowd forward at once. I had decided this person must be more than a mere friend. People were crowding up trying to help get the carriage opened so that I could barely see. All of a sudden a voice silenced the entire hubbub of goings on. It was most decidedly a woman’s voice, strong and commanding, and rough, but I could discern a gentle feel. All I could see were the horses and the top of the carriage.

“I am very well still capable of getting out of a carriage by myself, thank-you, now all of you go sit down.” And I was amazed when every single person obeyed the woman’s commands. They all walked toward the seats. Finally I could see a pair of somewhat worn brown boots stepping out of the carriage. Followed by that was the hem of a navy blue dress. By this time we had all returned to our seats. I could plainly see the figure of a woman. She had a strong build. Her dress was slightly out of style. Her face was rather plain and somewhat lined with middle age, but you could clearly see goodness about her. She must have been near Rebecca’s age. She wore a shaker bonnet. Her hair was brown and there were faint traces of gray. It was pulled up in a firm knot at the back of her head and pinned there. She had clear, light blue eyes. Just then I realized who this woman was. The one who everyone called “Mother”.

It was Mary Ann Bickerdyke! I was quite amazed. I’d studied her Civil War work while I was practicing with my father. He always said, “Now that’s the kind of women we need more of!” I had greatly admired her. That certainly explained it all. The men with war medals pinned to their vests calling her mother. Her plain dress and not being early at all. Though, one thing was still unclear. How did Sully know Mary Ann Bickerdyke? I had no time to question him as Mary Ann went up to speak directly. Everyone quieted the moment she stepped up.

“Now to start off with. I think you’re all foolish causing all of this craziness for me. I suppose if you insist, then I’ll have no choice. Now I understand that you want to hear about my wartime work. I don’t know why you do. Anybody who doesn’t have the gumption to go help out people they know for even a little while like I did is not exactly feeling. Plain to say, I’m just an ordinary person with a stubborn streak. I didn’t do anything that any decent God-fearing person would have done.”

“Now we don’t agree on that Mother Bickerdyke” spoke up a soldier. She watched him a moment and said,

“Now you hush William Andrew.” I had to hold back laughter. The old soldier didn’t say another word and scooted back in his seat. Mary Ann genially raised an eyebrow at him and continued.

“Now, my life ain’t been easy. Don’t remember having any parents around to raise me. I was raised by an assortment of Aunts Uncles and also my Grandparents. I was raised in Ohio and I was a Methodist as a child. I met and married a widower in 1847, Robert Bickerdyke. I joined the Episcopalian church. He already had five children. Two of them had died before we married. So we were left with two boys and a girl. We had two boys of our own Jimmy and Hi. Although I guess if you wana be proper James and Hiram. Robert loved painting and music. I always thought it was a nuisance that he was always out practicing with his muscician friends, but it was lots better then what some men call hobbies, such as drinkin and entertainin. Our house was a station on the Underground Railroad. I took them myself to the next station by wagon at night. That was with a group of Quakers in Hamilton. I’d sometimes try to get Robert to do it. As I always said, it looked a lot less suspicious if an artist was drivin a paint spattered wagon all covered up in back, then it did if his wife was the one doin the drivin.”

That of course brought a rowdy laugh from the audience, and Mary Ann continued.

“In 1856 Robert and I decided to make a new start and go west. We settled in Galesburg Illinois. My three step children were left behind. The girl went to her relatives while the boys both had jobs and were reluctant to leave. Jim and Hi who were 8 and 6 were excited about goin west. 3 years later in 1859 Robert died. Quickly after the baby we’d had in Galesburg, named Martha, died. So, Jim, Hi, and I were left alone. I didn’t have time to mope. I joined Dr. Beecher’s Congregational Church, and returned to my career of practicing Botanic Medicine. Which of course specializes in the use of herbs to treat known diseases. Warm water, excersice, fresh air, and sunshine are used in the practice as well.”

This is how I had gotten interested in Mary Ann in the first place. She had connection with medicine and she used that to her full ability at a time when it was needed.

"In the spring of 1861 we went to war. Many of the boys inlisting in the Union army were our own Galesburg boys. A few weeks later a letter arrived for the parishioners of the church, from the town’s young physician, Dr. Woodward. He wrote of the awful conditions in the military infirmary ‘hospitals’ if they could erven be called that. They were stationed at Cairo and they hadn’t even seen fighting, yet our boys were dieing from such simple diseases as measles and malaria and dysentery. He begged us to send supplies with someone to make sure they were delivered to the right people. I was elected to take the first shipment of supplies down to Cairo, which amounted to more than one hundred dollars."

" I got down there June 9, 1861. It wasn’t much to look at. There had recently been a hard rain and everything was muddy. When Dr. Woodward met me, he told me I was expected to be out of camp by evening bell. We’ll see about that. Was my answer. I’d come to do a job and I was going to do it. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. As it turned out conditions were much worse than Dr. Woodward had let on. Men were laying literally in their on excrement because they could not get up. Mud was everywhere and infection ravaged the camp. Every one of the 6 tents were filled with mud, body waste, horrible smells, more men than should ever be together, and a swarm of bluebottle flies enough to last anybody a life time. I cannot even begin to express the horrors of how this looked. It wasn’t hard to recruit a few soldiers who were on the mend to help me clean the place up in exchange for a fried chicken dinner. Every one of them was bathed and dressed in clean clothes, and fed a good meal, and put to bed in clean sheets. We washed and washed and cleaned and cleaned and by the time we got done, well I have to say it looked much better."

"That’s when I found out there were 5 more of these army ‘hospitals’ right near. Some of them were in worse conditions. I started out to fix things up there too. In one I met a most despicable man, Dr. M. He was an army doctor and didn’t much appreciate having a woman come in and change all his rules. He said I was ‘coddling soldiers’ as if they could be coddled in those conditions! I told everyone right out what I thought about a doctor who’d let his hospital get to be in that much of a mess. He was quite upset to say the least and went and complained to General Prentiss he said that "A cyclone in calico has invaded my hospital and turned everything upside down!” Of course I had to go see the General. When asked how it went by Dr. Woodward I just said, ‘I just talked common since to him.’"

"Our Cairo station drilled all summer. We didn’t see any fighting. The men drilled and idled and I cleaned and cooked. We all waited. Not long after General Grant came to command the Cairo post. The first battle was Belmont, in November. We won, and straightaway after all the soldiers got drunk in celebration. They’d forgotten we still had other battles to fight. I certainly had my work cut out for me."

" Not long after this we made the hotel that was under construction in Cairo our hospital. I moved in right along with my patients. I had no permission. I didn’t ask for any. The Generals were just going to have to get used to sharing their camp with me. The soldiers were always glad to have me around. Most of them were young and unused to being out in the world alone. Thus I was a kind of mother. They were and will always be, ‘my boys’ and they gave me the nickname “Mother Bickerdyke” There were decided problems at the new hospital as well. I found out that all the cargo being sent from the Ladies Aid Society was being taken by the officers. I certainly wasn’t happy about that. I gave them plenty of a chance to quit. I asked them time and again. They didn’t listen to me. They paid the price.”

Sully chuckled in the seat beside me. I gathered he knew what she was talking about somehow. I still hadn’t realized how he knew her.

“I laid my trap. A large shipment of fresh peaches had just come in. I cooked them up real nice in the kitchen (much to the cook’s annoyance, he didn’t like me messing in his kitchen) and smiled to myself as the officers drooled over my peaches. I set the dishes of peaches on the window sill. I told them not to eat them or they would be sorry. Of course I knew they wouldn’t listen. So a little tarter eminac in the bowls didn’t hurt anything.”

The crowd gasped with laughter. It sounded just like something Mary Ann Bickerdyke would do!

“Not one to spare the officers a jot, I opened up the doors all over the ward so all my boys would be able to see when the peaches began teaching their lesson. When I came back into the kitchen, officers were sprawled all over. They were moaning and groaning and holding their stomachs. When I saw them I said coolly, ‘What’s the matter boys? Peaches don’t sit well with ya? Well, next time it’ll be rough on rats!’”

The audience could barely contain itself and I even noticed Mary Ann wiping a few tears, because of her well concealed laughter.

“That wasn’t the end of the trouble with the officers and the Ladies Aid Society donations. Next they borrowed the clothes. When I found out about this. I angrily stormed into the ward where an officer was keeping duty. Upon detecting his shirt had initials sewed in collar, L.A.S. I sat him on the floor and got rid of his shirt and vest awfully quick handing it over to a soldier needing them. ‘How bout his pants! One of the convalescent soldiers asked heartily.’ No not today boys, but if I ever see you officers stealing them clothes again there will be a lack of pants.' Well, I don’t think they were in any mood for more tricks because they never did that again."

"Soon the Cairo soldiers were moving out. They were going to war. I followed. The next big battle was Donnelson. After the fighting in the brutal cold they dispatched a boat to go get the wounded. I put myself on that boat feet planted and went along. I felt like my nerves was stretched 75 miles long. Then there was Shiloh. An officer who I had not met asked on what authority I’d come into the camp. I replied, ‘I have received my authority from the Lord, God Almighty. Have you anything that outranks that!’ That certainly shut him up!"

"Not long after I got a confederate horse that we’d captured. He was old and not the most beautiful thing, but he’d do for the riding horse I’d been begging Grant and Sherman to get me for years. I called him Old Whitey. He served me nice and fine after some cleanin up an good food."

"Wasn’t long after that I got word that a passing troop of Union soldiers from another regiment had been marching all day with no food in miserable conditions and they weren’t going to be stopping. I said we’d ‘see about that’. In the dark I walked up to the head of the marching line and I called. ‘Halt!’ I served out soup and crackers and water. Once I had seen they’d all eaten I gave the marching orders and they started out again. They must have thought I was a general!"

"Sherman took command of the 15th corps. He asked to get permission from Lincoln for me to travel with his army officially. Permission was granted. He convinced me to go up to Galesburg and see my sons, who I hadn’t seen since the beginning of the war. While I was up there Billy (as we called him) passed a new rule. It stated civilians and packages were not allowed on the trains. They were needed for army puposes now. I was furious. He about had me stranded up there. I had a pass from Grant to go anywhere within the borders of the Union army, so I used that to get back down to my boys. The first thing I did was go straight to see Sherman. I stormed into his tent asking what he meant by fixing it so I couldn’t get the supplies my boys needed. He had brought me onto his staff to help his boys and thought I knew best for them. Well then how was I gonna do that if I couldn’t get the supplies. He waited a moment and laughed. ‘Don’t you know I ought to have you arrested for this Mother Bickerdyke. Haven’t you ever heard of something called insubordination? ‘Yes,’ I replied placidly, ‘It’s the only way I ever get anything done in this army!’”

By this time Mary Ann had the entire audience rolling in the floor. “That’s for sure!” called some audience member.

“I used willow bark teas to treat fever. There was a more pressing problem. In our camp the soldiers were getting scurvy! We treated it with greens and vinegar. The men didn’t like that. We also tried to by milk and eggs from the southern women. We had to pay out our noses for the milk at 40 cents per quart. Also, the eggs came with ‘A smell to make a self respecting hog hold up his nose.’ I went back to Galesburg and brought back milk and eggs in the live form of cows and chickens. The scurvery epidemic was cured. I went up to Chicago to see an old friend. While I was there I had a very interesting church meeting. After services I wanted to meet with the ladies alone. We gathered around a table in the main room. Upon finding out the fashion was 5 muslin petticoats apiece I thought of all the bandages those extra petticoats could have made for my boys. So I said, ‘stand up ladies of Chicago, and in the name of my boys drop one of them petticoats.’ They did. I decided to stay and work in the camps until there was no more work to be done. I finished my war service in 1866. This was right before my 49th birthday."

"I am not going to lie. I’m not as young as I used to be. Now I’m still fightin. This time it’s to get pensions for my boys. Only a few years later I led a group of soldiers and their families to settle in the Kansas Territory. Jim and Hi had grown up by this time. Hi had been begging me to let him go west. They were happy to come with me. We opened a boarding house in Salina, Kansas. Well, it wasn’t long after when Sherman paid me a visit. He stayed at the boarding house. The first thing he asked was, ‘Well Mother Bickerdyke, how are you? Still outranking everybody but God?’ In 1869 Arapaho Indians raided Salina. They took all the food and money and burned houses to the ground. Bad luck continued to follow. The railroad called in the mortgage on the boarding house. Jim, Hi, and I moved to Great Bend. Grasshoppers came that summer. They came by the millions. They ate every green thing in sight. Now I’m working to get my boys pensions. Most of them are worse off. They don’t have money to build a new life. Bottom line, I just wana say, I hope you all liked the speech (even though I don’t understand why) and if you want to help my boys please write a kind letter to congress.”

Mary Ann stepped down from the podium and was immediately surrounded by people wanting to see her. “Do ya want ta stay around ta meet her?”

“Of course! I know you do also.” So we stayed. Finally the throng dissipated enough we could go talk with her. I held back a little, but Sully assured me that Mary Ann wanted to meet me as well. So I followed him over. About then is when I realized Sully must have been a soldier near Mary Ann at some point. I smiled. It was good to know he hadn’t been completely alone.

“Mother, I’d like you to meet Doctor Michaela Quinn. Michaela, this is Mary Ann Bickerdyke.” We shook hands.

“It’s good to finally meet you. Sully wouldn’t say a word about you. I was quite surprised. I’ve admired your work for some time.”

“Oh, indeed. As Sully may have told you I have no respect for real doctors…” She paused a moment. “In this case, I think I just might have to make an exception.” I smiled and so did she. She whispered, “You’ve been good for Sully. There is a change in him. One for the better.” I smiled softly. She was right. Sully had changed since I first met him.

“Would you ladies care to go out and talk over some late supper?” Sully asked. All of a sudden I realized the lateness of the hour. It was nearly dark.

“I think we should arrange to meet tomorrow.” Mary Ann replied, after glancing at her pocket watch. I nodded.

“Alright. We can meet tomorrow.” Sully affirmed. Mary Ann caught my hand as I turned to go, and she smiled. I smiled too. It has been a good day. I’m so glad I got to meet Sully’s friend. I think just maybe I might also have a new friend of my own as well.

Sully and I were due to meet Mary Ann in time for breakfast. We met at a little outdoor café in the outside edges of Denver. Mary Ann was waiting for us.

“Are we late?” I asked.

“Oh no, I’m early. I love to be up and about before the chickens.”

“Oh, so do I. There’s just something about the morning.”

“Especially if…” Just then Sully spoke up,

“Look, there’s something I forgot to do. Hope you two don’t me leavin ya for a little bit. Can ya keep each other company?”

“Where are you going? Back to the suite?”

“Nope. I’ll be here in town if ya need me.” With that Sully took off around the corner of the little café, leaving Mary Ann and I looking from where he’d gone to each other.

“I wonder where he was in such an all fired hurry to get to.” I wondered aloud.

“Or get away from.” Mary Ann replied knowingly. With that we exchanged a glance and burst out laughing. From that moment I knew we were going to be good friends.

“I suppose he’s not much one for girl talk.”

“Certainly looks that way…um can I call you Michaela?”

“Of course.” We joined hands and walked back to the table laughing. We ordered our breakfast. “So how did you come to meet Sully?” I asked after the waitress had filled our coffee mugs.

“I was about to ask you the exact same question.” Mary Ann laughed.

“Well you first.”

“Alright, well, you remember that Cairo camp I talked about yesterday.”

“Oh yes of course, the horribly filthy one?”

“That’s the one. Well, I got down there and I knew I was going to be up against strong forces when I insisted on just taking over the army hospital. Well, I was standing there in that first hospital tent appalled. I realized it was going to take a lot more work and time and people than I’d thought. Just then, a young man walked by in uniform. He didn’t look very sick. So I called him over to me. ‘Yes mam?’ He asked. He tipped his army hat. I aksed him what his name was and what was wrong with him. ‘Name's, Byron Sully, but I just like Sully, if ya don’t mind that is…’ Oh, Mary Ann Bickerdyke. ‘I just got a bit o dysentery. I’ll be fine, though.’ Well do you think you could help me clean this place up for some fried chicken? ‘Sure thing! It’s been along time since I had any home cooked food. Almost since my….’ He stopped there. He must’ve been talking bout since Abagail died.”

“You know about Abagail?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that night, Sully said, ‘Good night Mother.’ Before I left camp. Pretty soon everybody was callin me Mother Bickerdyke. Guess maybe it was cause Sully didn’t even have a ma at home to look after him like these fella’s did. Well, he helped me in everything I did. I was real proud of him when he got made a sniper. An real proud O him again when he got a special commision from some General who wasn’t Grant or Sherman. Well, wasn’t long after that he come bangin on my door one night. I’d rented a little house at the place we were at cause we weren’t at Cairo anymore by that time. It was pourin an I’d long since gone ta bed. I got up an went to the door. There was Sully. He was soaked ta the bone. I hustled him in an asked what he was doin. ‘Leavin. Finally found out that bout that man they had be shoot. He ain’t nothing but an ordinary soldier. An he’s got family. I can’t live with that. Not here least.’ Sully, you really aim ta… ‘Desert. Yeah.’ Well, you’re gonna need some proper clothes an food an money an someone ta stitch the gash up on your shoulder.

“That scar! That’s where he got that.” I whispered. Mary Ann nodded, taking a drink of coffee.

“So I gave him some clothes, stitched that up, and good food and money to take with him. He told me he’d be goin somewhere. Wherever he could escape pain. I wanted to tell him you can’t escape pain. You’ve got to face it. And fight it. He took off and I haven’t seen him since. I heard bout the Washington thing. I’m glad he got his pardon. So. How’d you meet him?”

“Well…” I proceeded to tell Mary Ann about coming from Boston.

“So the first time he saw you, you were face down in the mud?”

“Apparently.”

“Oh I would have loved to see that.”

“Yes, I’m sure it was something to see.”

“Sounds to me like you both were real blessed to find each other.”

“We certainly were.”

“And now you’re here on your honeymoon.”

“Yes and my Mother arranged a beautiful place to stay at. Would you like to see it?”

“Well…I suppose so. If we won’t bother anyone of course.”

“We won’t. It’s lovely and we need somewhere to continue our talk. The waitress is looking at us.”

“She probably wonders if we’re ever going to leave or if we’ve taken up residence in the café.” Mary Ann quipped.

“Come on.” I said laughing and standing up. Mary Ann and I walked back to the Grand. I showed her all the way through the suite. We sat down in the main room. I in the rocker and Mary Ann on the couch.

“It is lovely. I was never much one for fancy things, but this is exquisite. Especially for a honeymoon.”

“Yes.” I agreed. I looked around in satisfaction.

“So how is the honeymoon going?”

“Oh Sully has planned lovely things for us. I couldn’t have asked for anything nicer.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.” I nodded my head, my cheeks coloring. Mary Ann seems to be able to read me straight through.

“Ok, what’s wrong?”

“Oh nothing.”

“Yes there is. You can tell me. Let me see if I can help.”

“But it‘s…” Mary Ann caught my eye.

“Let me see if I can help. After all, I was much younger once. I’ve felt like you are feeling right now.”

“You have!?”

“Yes. Young, confused, naïve, and in love.”

“With so many emotions around you that…”

“That you don’t know what is doing the talking, propriety or your heart or your brain or both? Oh yes, every woman is there Michaela. Some may not show it. Every woman has to find the mysteries of love and how to solve them.”

“So how I feel… it’s normal?”

“Of course.”

“May I talk to you about some rather private…”

“Yes of course. I only hope I’ll know how to answer!”

“Well,” I began, taking a deep breath. “It’s about…..Everyone said I’d know exactly what to do. That wasn’t really the case. Sully taught me. He was so patient. I thought I would have everything sorted out after that first time.”

“That’s the first thing to learn about love, Michaela. It’s always complicated, just in new ways.”

“I have feelings I never knew existed. I had never thought I could feel so much at one time so strongly. Now, my heart wants to do things…things which I know aren’t proper. Aren’t there rules to love? Aren’t you supposed to be meek and… Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? What you can do?”

“Oh Michaela..” She paused a moment. “I know those feelings. They won’t always be there. One day you won’t be confused any longer. Besides it depends on your definition of proper. Are you going by the Boston standards? Because I can tell you. They aren’t much fun…” She took my hands and we laughed a little embarrassedly. “Love has no rules or boundaries. You can do anything. Love does a lot of things it’s not supposed to do. The rules are only the ones you make yourself. And as for the things you can do…”

“You mean there is more? Things I don’t know about? Things I need to know about? Please tell me!”

“Some of these things. You just have to see for yourself to fully understand. I’m not sure they can be explained with words. I suppose I can try. You have feelings inside, ones you may not know about. Still ones you haven’t found. Ever felt like you were tired of waiting for him to make the first move? That’s part of it.” I blushed softly. “There is something you can do. Don’t be scared any longer. For once, throw caution to the wind. Do what your heart is telling you. Forget your brain and certainly forget propriety. Those get left in the other room!”

“So you mean these strange feelings, the ones where I want to act and don’t they can be…well…”

“Yes, there is more to love then you’ve discovered yet. There’s still a part of you that you’ve saved. I think you’re going to discover her soon enough. She’s there. And you won’t regret letting her go free.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

“Does this have anything to do with why Sully’s always quicker to act and well…having more symptoms than I?”

“Uh huh. I think you might be getting it. One of the worst things to come up against in discovering this new kind of love is your fear of being embarrassed. I know. I was there. With my heart in my hand, trying to decide whether I should continue on with what I felt. It’s perfectly normal. Just not every woman is lucky enough to discover it. We all have fire in us. Passion. Even though in some it’s more tentative and slow to be realized it’s still there.”

“Like with me?”

“Exactly.”

“What if I don’t know what to do when I…”

“Just don’t think about it. Just do what your heart is saying.”

“It’s that simple?”

“Uh huh.”

“How do I even begin?”

“Well you might start by arranging an evening together. Then see where that takes you.”

“Well tomorrow is our last full day in Denver…” I began unraveling my plan. I told Mary Ann all of it. She agreed it would most likely work. I won’t say anything at the moment because she told me not to think to much about it. As if I could keep my mind off it. I only have to not think about it every moment of the day.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Oh you’re very welcome. I don’t think anyone really told you about love. You had to learn as it happened. That’s always very scary for someone. I just helped along the way.” On impulse I leaned forward and gave her a big hug. She returned it.

“I think Sully’s really going to like his surprise. Let’s just not mention me.”

“I hope he will.”

“He will.” Mary Ann replied confidently. Just then Mary Ann pulled her hand loose, glancing at her wrist.

“Mary Ann?” I asked, gently taking her wrist.

“I’m fine.” She replied a look of pain still written on her face.

“You are not fine. Have you had this pain before?” She nodded. “Would you let me examine you? Perhaps I can help. Please. You helped me, now I want to help you.” Mary Ann nodded her consent. I quickly fetched my bag.

“Is the pain anywhere else? Does it happen often? Have you seen another doctor about this?”

“Oh heaven’s no. I despise doctors. Well, at least most of them. It hurts in my joints real bad. Though you don’t have to keep doin this. I know. I’ve got arthritis. An there’s nothing to do about it. I’m just getting old and gray before I’m ready.”

“Now that’s not entirely true. You aren’t getting old and gray. Many people have arthritis. Also, you can use alfalfa to ease the pain. You might pay the hot springs a visit. You could stay with Sully and I.”

“Is that an invitation to visit you in the future?”

“Most certainly.” I snapped my bag shut and handed her a small packet of alfalfa. “Here this will help you until you get back home.” Just now I’ve realized I have lots to do if I’m going to manage my plans for Sully tomorrow.

This all had to do with the advice I received yesterday and my surprise for Sully. I had been working on putting everything together all day. I was up very early this morning. I wrote out all the things I would need. We had our room service breakfast.

“What do ya wana do on our last day here?”

“Well first, I want to get one more present and send a telegram to the children. I know you did, but I never got to.”

“Well, if you’d like to go alone I could meet you back here this afternoon.” I thought that was a strange remark, but nevertheless, I was glad for the opportunity to do the finishing details of my surprise. I still did have things to purchase.

“Alright.” I agreed. Sully smiled at me.

“I wonder if I’m gonna be able ta stand bein without ya a whole mornin.”

“Well, you might have to learn, after all, soon we’ll have to go back to everyday life.”

“I suppose you’re right bout that.” Sully whispered leaning in for a kiss. I began to despair of getting everything done in time. Luckily I got out of there. The first place I went was the notions shop. I bought candles and some other things. I found a woman selling roses and rose petals. I bought some of both. I enjoyed myself going to the stores. It had been a long time since I had a very special reason to go to a store. Finally I had all of my purchases. I ate lunch in the same café Mary Ann and I had breakfast in the day before and went to send my telegram. Upon writing out a message to send the children I was overcome with missing them. In that respect I’m glad we’ll be getting home by tomorrow evening.

Dear Children,
We miss you! We love you! Mother, Rebecca and Marjorie, is everything alright there? No sick patients at the clinic? I certainly hope not! Have the children been doing alright? Do they miss us as much as we miss them? We’ve had a very exciting two weeks. Thank you, Mother for the suite. It is absolutely gorgeous. We met up with a friend of Sully’s, Mary Ann Bickerdyke. We saw Heart and Atlantis and even performed in the circus again! We got to see Zack. He’s doing remarkably well in school. Matthew, I hope you and Ingrid are doing alright on the wedding plans without us. I’m sorry we can’t be there to help more often. Colleen, are you keeping up with studies? We visited Denver College the other day. There’s good news, they’ll be accepting women students by the time you are ready for college. Brian, are you taking good care of Wolf and Pup for Sully and I? I want to thank you so much for your decorated train it was very sweet of you! We should be arriving on tomorrow evening’s train. We’ll have surprises for all. Oh yes, please thank Hank for his gift. Tell him I appreciate it. Love you.

Ma

Yes, I truly meant that, thanking Hank for his gift. I shall be needing it tonight. Though, I do hope he decides not to send any more gifts. That one was rather embarrassing.

Anyway I got back to the suite around 3. My plan was a simple one. I was going to take Mary Ann’s advice. I was going to, “Throw caution to the wind,” as she put it. I began to get out my purchases, laying them on the bed. I didn’t expect Sully for at least another hour. This was just enough time for me to get everything done. Unfortunately, that wasn’t exactly what happened. I had barely begun when I heard footsteps in the main room of the suite. I nearly panicked. Sully! I quickly moved the tray of items under the bed. I prayed he wouldn’t notice something was going on and walked into the other room to meet him. I was in distress as to how I was ever going to finish my surprise with him standing there. Just then an inspiration hit.

“Sully, I bought 3 sacks worth of items today and somehow I only got home with 2. Would you please go check and see if I managed to leave them at the café we ate in yesterday with Mary Ann?”

“Yeah, sure. Mebe I’ll get some O that apple strudel they were selling downstairs while I’m at it.” Sully kissed me and turned to go after the package that never existed. I felt slightly guilty, but I’d had to get him out of the suite somehow. Now I knew I had at least another hour or so. I decorated the bedroom with the supplies I’d gotten. I went downstairs to the dining hall and got a large slice of lemon meringue pie. I had to wait for quite a while on the pie. I went back upstairs and put on my bathrobe. Just as I finished and shut the main door to the bedroom and locked it Sully returned.

“Well, there wasn’t anything at the café. I looked all over.” I went over and hugged Sully.

“Don’t worry. It doesn’t matter. I’m glad that you are back.”

“Me too.”

“Do you want to have supper or wait and do something else?”

“Well, I’m not really hungry yet.” That was the truth. I was to nervous at what I was going to do. I had no idea where it was going to lead. If only I’d known!

“Alright. What do ya wana do?”

“I was getting ready to take a bath.” I looked down for a moment, trying to gain my courage. “Will you join me?” I asked, blushing.

“Um hmm.” Sully whispered and gently he turned my face up to give me a kiss. I cuddled into his embrace and we walked into the bathroom. Sully pumped the water into the tub and climbed in. I hesitated a moment, dropped my bathrobe and joined him. The bathtub was large enough we could sit and stretch comfortably without touching. The water was warm. Or maybe it wasn’t so warm and I was just reacting to the idea of sharing my bath with Sully! Sully took a wash cloth and soaped it up. I wondered what he was going to do. “Come here my love.” I scooted over somewat hesitantly. Sully took my hands and washed them.

“I love your hands. They’re so small and delicate.” Sully kissed each finger and each palm, then washed my face. This time his kissed my lips. An intense desire filled me, yet I was not going to do any experimenting with love in here. It was going past the point of control. If this happened I’d never get to reveal the rest of my surprise! Without attracting attention, I reached a hand over and knocked the whole stack of our towels into the water.

“Oops.” Sully said laughing and helping me to a sitting position. “What’ll we do now. There’s nothing to dry off on.”

“Here, you can use this little towel and dry off. Then would you please go and get us more towels from the bellman?”

“Yeah. I’ll be back soon.” I breathed a sigh of relief as I heard Sully close the suite door. I jumped out of the tub. I quickly pulled out my own hidden towel and dried off. I found my heated curling iron. I curled my hair into long flowing curls. This took several minutes, but I knew it might take Sully a while to get more towels. Then I pulled out something from a hiding place in the cabinet. It was the negligee. I held it up. Was I brave enough to wear it? I had to. I wanted this night to be perfect. I just hoped Sully wouldn’t be upset I’d worn it. Would he think it was too much? Doubts flooded me, yet I put on the negligee.

I looked into the mirror and caught my breath. I didn’t even look like me anymore. I was also quite embarrassed at the pleasing figure the negligee cut. It was a very light pink. It was fitted. The bottom just barely came halfway to my knees 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 nckline, shoulder straps and hem were covered in beautiful beading and laces. It accentuated my curves and shape. I felt nearly naked. I almost backed out again.

I brushed my too curled hair into beautiful long waves. Quickly I went into the bedroom and checked to make sure everything was in place. I turned down the bed just slightly and made sure the poem I’d written for Sully was where I could find it. Just then I heard Sully return. There hadn’t been a moment to spare! I closed off the back entrance to the bathroom, which I brought Sully through the first time so that he wouldn’t see how I’d decorated the bedroom, and I unlocked the bedroom door, leaving it slightly ajar. I stood behind the doorway of the bathroom.

“Sully, come in the bedroom for a minute.” I called. My knees shook with nervousness. I wanted to laugh. I was almost as nervous tonight as I had been the very first time. I suppose that’s always how it is when you’re about to try something new. I could see Sully but he couldn’t see me. I looked out into the bedroom, smiling. It looked like a wonderland. The lights were all out. White taper candles were on the dresser, fireplace mantel, and the end tables, as well as a few on the headboard of the bed. Around which the lace curtains were drawn. The bed looked lit from inside. The entire room had a dim glow. Sprayed around the room was my perfume and sprinkled all over were grasses from the meadow and the scent of the outdoors. And all over the floor and leading up acorss the furniture and onto the bed were all the rose petals. It looked absolutely beautiful. Sully walked into the room and stopped still, just inside the doorway. I let him absorb it for a few minutes and then I quite hesitantly stepped out of the bathroom. I stood at the end of the bed in the negligee. I could feel Sully’s eyes on me. We neither one moved, transfixed by the moment. Sully was barefoot and in his buckskins and his blue and white striped shirt.

“Oh Michaela.”

“Shhh,” I replied not wanting to break the magic that filled the room. Sully crossed the room on the carpet of rose petals and I held out my hands to him. He took them and kissed me softly. I ran my tongue across his lips, inviting more. He was somewhat startled, and with good reason. I had never done this before. For just a moment I was in doubt again. I regained my courage and using all of it I had, I reached forward and began undoing the little buttons on the front of Sully’s shirt. Each button I undid, I placed my lips on his newly revealed skin, making him shiver. He brought my face up, catching my lips in his. I returned the kiss, and went back to the buttons. Finally I pulled the shirt off.

“Come here.” I whispered. I didn’t know why we were whispering. I took Sully’s hand and led him to the bed, climbing up and urging him to climb in with me. He did so. I reached over to the night stand and got the plate of pie. I leaned back in the pillows beside Sully and broke off a piece with my fingers.

“What’s this?”

“Here, taste.” I brought my fingers to his mouth. He covered my fingers with his lips letting them linger in his mouth. He swallowed deeply. I don’t think it was all about the pie either! He got ahold of the pie and returned the favor. I revelled in the feel of his fingers in my mouth. We ate the entire pie this way. Our eyes never left each others. I reached over and picked up the poem I had written. I’ll put one of the copies of it I made in here, to keep. I began to read it aloud to Sully.

“Yes.”

“You don’t have ta do this.”

“Oh Sully, I want to…I want to make love to you.” My eyes drifted away from his. He caught my chin in his hand, causing me to make eye contact with him. In his eyes was all the love in the world. He kissed me with dizzying passion. I again commenced work on the pants. “Sully, I don’t know how to do this.”

“Shhh…I know. It’s not gonna be hard. Don’t worry.” I smiled, giving him a tender hug. Then, I realized Sully was undoing the front of my negligee. “Told ya you’d look beautiful in this.” I caught my breath. Eventually he removed the negligee altogether and I placed it on the foot of the bed along with his pants and I climbed into bed, Sully with me. I still had one other thing to do. I reached over and got a small dish. Herbal oil. I dipped my fingers in it, while Sully watched. I brought my fingers to his neck, shoulders and chest. I followed this, touching each place with my lips. Sully shuddered and I met his eyes.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m more’n alright. Are you?” I nodded. I gently reached down massaging the most sensitive spot, clenching my bottom lip in my teeth, shivering softly. I knew what came next. Or at last I thought so. Gently I hooked my knee over Sully’s and awaited his reaction. Shivering in nervousness I moved the rest of the way over to lay on his chest. He brought his arms about me, “Are ya cold?”

“Not now.” “Good.” There was a look of pure adoration in Sully’s eyes. I had to look away. He cupped my cheek in his hand. I kissed him. He brought a hand to my neck, urging the kiss to continue forever, for me to keep my lips moving against his. I felt as if a fire was lit inside of me. This one was stronger than any of the previous ones. I kept reciprocating his kisses, and feverishly but hesitantly spread my legs about him. We continued the kisses. Just then I felt something. I don’t even know how to explain it. Just an irresistible urge inside me. I met his eyes. I asked a question of him without words. What was I supposed to do? Was it right? He nodded. “Now,” said his eyes. A trace of a smile played across his lips. Before I could even realize it, I had done it. We were one. I gently moved upward to put my arms about his neck and sensations shot through me. I let out a moan. Sully had his hands entwined in my hair. He was moaning too, whispering my name. A flame was sparked within me. Looking into Sully’s eyes in slight question I began to move in a rhythmic pattern. Sensations flooded me and threatened to take me over completely. Faster and faster we moved together in syncopation. I grabbed onto Sully like a desperate child unaware of these new feelings. We joined our lips over and over again. I writhed over him. His hands were at my waist now, holding me steady. I had never felt anything so very intense before. Passion flooded me. I moved harder and faster creating even newer and more startling sensations. My thoughts were gone. I only cared for the emotions I had. All of a sudden spasms racked my entire body, stronger then I had ever felt before.

“Sully!”

“It’s ok..” He managed to assure through heavy breathing. All of a sudden I had the impression of being whirled through darkness. Around and around. The spasms going through me were stronger and stronger and our heart beats raced wilder and faster. I felt my elbows go weak in the sensations. All of a sudden I collapsed on Sully’s chest with a final moan and a call of his name. It was over. I took in a shaky breath, trying to regain my thoughts. I had done it! I had broken my fear! No, we had. Sully moved his hands from my back and put them around my shoulders. He sat up, taking me with him. I looked up curiously still unable to speak. He wrapped me in a thick, soft, fluffy towel and himself in one as well. He took me in his arms and carried me across the room in the dim candlelight and he sat in the rocker, taking me in his lap. I fit there perfectly. He drew my head down on his shoulder and placed his chin on top of it.

“Sully?” I questioned softly.

“I love you, Michaela.”

“I love you too.”

“I can’t believe ya did that. I’m proud O ya. I know ya were scared. I expected that.You gave more then I ever expected. There was always a little corner of yourself ya kept. I knew ya would. Now you‘ve given me that little piece too.” My eyes widened. Mary Ann had been right! I threw my arms about Sully in a loving embrace. In fact I almost upset both of us and the chair in the process.

“Did you an Mother talk about this?”

“Maybe a little.” I replied, blushing deeply.

“I can still make ya blush.” Sully replied kissing each of my cheeks, then my lips. He began to rock me back and forth. I let out a yawn. It had been a very long day, and an exhausting evening. Sully heard me sigh softly.

“Are ya tired?”

“A little.” I replied a giant yawn splitting my words.

“Oh, My Love, no wonder.” He began to rock back and forth again. Then softly he began to hum the tune of a lullaby. “I don’t suppose anyone sang you lullabies very much with 5 girls.” He whispered.

By 3 I decided ta start back ta the Grand. I was a little early, but surely that wasn’t gonna matter. When I got up ta the suite Michaela came straight out of the bedroom shutting the door behind her. I was about ta ask what she was doin when she said she’d left some stuff at the café and would I please go an get it. I didn’t really wana leave. Nevertheless, I went to look for Michaela’s stuff. I didn’t find a trace of it. Later I learned that’s cause she didn’t leave it. More bout that later. When I got back she was wearin her bathrobe. She said she’d been gonna take a bath. I smiled. She continued softly, her voice shaking with slight hesitancy and nervousness, “Will you join me?” I nodded. We had our bath and I was kissin her an the moment was perfect when all O a sudden the whole stack of towels fell into the water. The moment was ruined. Lookin back, I don’t think it was an accident! I went ta get more towels from an employee of the hotel. When I came back Michaela wanted me ta come in the bedroom. I had no idea what was goin on.

Well, I came in there, an that bedroom. Well, it looked like nothin I’ve ever seen. The lights were out an white taper candles were all over. Rose petals lay on everything. An Michaela’s scent along with prairie grass and herb scent mingled in the air. She came in from the bathroom wearin the negligee! The one Hank put in the suitcase, that I’d wanted her ta wear! She was a vision. The negligee was real light pink and fit her tightly. You could just bout see through it. An it was real short and cut very low in the front. It was covered in beads an lace. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in long waves. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight, and her knees shook slightly. I walked over to her, and kissed her. I was amazed she’d done this all for me. Yet, there was more.

She gently ran her tongue across my lips. She clearly invited more. I opened my eyes in surprise. She never did things like this. I complied. She started undoin my shirt. She backed away an took me over ta the bed an she read a poem she’d written. It was completely beautiful! She’d even gotten a piece of that lemon meringue pie which I’d been wantin at the dining room. She fed me pieces by hand and I returned the favor. After the pie was eaten she got up. I wondered what she was goin to do, so I followed her. I came up behind her an she realized it an leaned back against me. I remember us doin that on the train. I know she was rememberin it too. She turned, hugging me, and gently pressing a kiss on my lips, started walking backward to the bed. I followed. She stopped me. We stood there a moment. There was a look of extreme nervousness and fear on her face as she reached out a hand and began undoin my buckskins. I felt her fingers graze my skin. I realized she was taking control. I also knew she was nervous. Her hands shook and she turned her face down.

“Oh Michaela, ya don’t have ta…” I wanted her to know I didn’t expect this. She said the most daring yet loving words I’ve ever heard her say,

“Oh Sully, I want to. I want to make love to you…” She turned her face down again and I could tell she was blushing deeply. I no longer hesitated. If she was ready all I could do was help her. I certainly never expected it this soon, if at all. It’s quite true Michaela had a lot O proper upbringin. I never thought she’d be brave enough ta try somethin like this. Eventually when I thought I’d die of love or need she brought me to the bed. She still wasn’t done. She had a bowl of herbal oil. I got my massage returned! I’m not sure she really gave me a massage, though. She started touchin me. My face my shoulders an my chest. Each place she touched she kissed. She was scooted close to me, laying in my open arms. I could feel her shaking as she reached down touching a rather sensitive spot. I didn’t think I was going to be able to hold still. Luckily she didn’t have anything else planned but…

Anyway, I could see she was still somewhat afraid. That’s ta be expected. All the time I whispered soft words of encouragement. She hooked her knee over mine. I nodded softly when she looked to me. She crawled the rest of the way onto my chest. Her tiny figure fit just right, an she hardly weighed a thing. Oh the feelings I had at the sensation of her body pressed into mine. Nothing to separate us. She propped herself up on her elbows. Pretty soon we returned to kissin. An she brought her legs about me. We both knew what came next. I wondered if she would or could. She did. She moved up slightly into a seemingly more comfortable position. I smiled softly as she realized the sensations every tiny movement brought. She looked into my eyes, again in question. She slowly moved back and forth, almost as if she was testing her boundaries. A look of pure love and rapture came over her face an she started moving faster an faster. I put my hands at her waist to steady her. She grabbed my shoulders, moaning as she moved. She clung to me desperately and I was amazed at how strong her grip could be for such a tiny form. I entwined my hands in her hair. I could feel our hearts beating together. Our breathing was in syncopation and ragged. I loved watching Michaela’s facial expression from amazement to happiness to a look of such passion it almost made me melt. I did not know how much longer she would be able to continue. Moments later she cried out my name in echoing tones, filled with passion and just a hint of fear. I managed to assure it was ok. She shut her eyes tight biting her bottom lip. With a final moan and call of my name it was over and she collapsed on my chest, unable to support herself longer. I carefully removed my steadying hands from her waist an brought them up round her shoulders. We didn’t move for a moment. Both of us, I think, were just amazed with what she’d done.

Finally I sat up, bringin her with me. I wrapped us both in a fluffy towel an I carried her over ta the rockin chair an sat down with her in my lap. I assured her I loved her an I’d never expected what she’d done. She did admit she an Mother had talked. I’ll be forever grateful for that! All of a sudden she began to yawn. She must have been exhausted. No wonder. I began ta rock back and forth. I cuddled her close, her head on my chest. I remembered my Mother used ta rock me like that. She’d sing me a lullaby bout goin ta sleep. I tried to recall the words. I began singing to her. Before the song was complete she had drifted off ta sleep. If you’d asked me a few years ago I’d a never thought in a million years I’d be rockin my lady love in my lap an singin her lullabies. An I’m completely happy that way. I’d be content to stay in Michaela’s arms an have her in mine every day for the rest O my life.

“Sully!” I whispered back just as quietly.

“I just wana tell ya again, I’m glad ya did it. Ya don’t ever have ta be afraid to. If you wana of course.” I smiled and gave him a kiss. The conductor arrived to take our tickets. We rode peaceably on the train until mid afternoon. I heard John call,

“Next stop, Colorado Springs! Half an hour!” Sully and I began to gather things up and put them in place to disembark.

“It’ll be nice to see the children again.”

“Yes, an our friends an family.”

“I wonder if they got our telegrams.”

“Ya sent a telegram too?” I nodded and we laughed. Before we knew it the train was rolling into Colorado Springs depot. Looking out the window I could spot Mother, Rebecca, Marjorie, and the children. Brian leaped about waving happily to John and to us. I waved back. The train came to a stop. Several people stood up and got their bags and trunks from the compartment and got out on the platform. Sully and I waved good-bye to John and I called,

“Thank you!”

“No problem.” I had no more time to think about that, because Brian came running toward us, followed by Colleen and everyone else.

“Ma! Sully, I mean, Pa.” Brian cried. We scooped him into our arms and Colleen as well.

“We missed you.” Sully and I both said at the exact same moment as the children did. We all laughed.

“When can we move into the new homestead!?” Brian asked somewhat impatiently.

“How bout now?” Sully and the children walked ahead, planning how to arrange the homestead. Rebecca came straight over to me.

“How was it?” I smiled and nodded whispering,

“Perfect!” Rebecca caught a laugh. And leaned over, giving me a hug.

“I told you.” I smiled. We caught my hand and I caught Marjorie’s and we all walked down the street together.

“Did they behave?”

“Oh yes, of course!” Mother replied. “We’ll help you move in and stay for supper and then return to the clinic to sleep and catch our train back tomorrow. Well if that’s alright with you.” Mother planned aloud. I nodded my agreement.

“And I think Colleen made something delicious for supper.” Between us, Loren, Hank, Jake, and several other ladies we managed to have all the furniture moved into the homestead in just a couple of hours. Hank and Jake seemed reluctant to leave and stood around. I wondered what they were waiting for. I doubted they intended to remain for supper.

“Oh Hank, thank you for the gift.” I said while we were moving in the table. I thought he would drop his end in surprise. He regained his composure quickly.

“Oh, you’re welcome. Hope ya enjoyed your honeymoon.” He said the last with a hint of a smirk in his face. Well, there’s Hank for you. I doubt that he’ll ever change! Once things were moved in, people began to leave. Until it was just us and Mother, and Marjorie, and Rebecca. That’s when I pulled out the huge sack of gifts. I had already given Grace hers. First we gave Mother and my sisters their gifts. They exclaimed over the tea set and paintings. We hung the picture we’d gotten for us over the mantle in the bedroom. Sully pulled out another gift and handed it to me. A shingle! I laughed it read,

“God Bless this hard-working Medicine Woman” I had no doubt Sully had made it. I hung it in the kitchen. We got out the children’s presents. They exclaimed in delight over the books and especially the telescope. Mother smiled knowingly. Suddenly someone’s stomach let out a large growl.

“Can we eat yet?” Brian begged. I laughed and agreed. I set the table and Colleen brought the food from the stove. A delicious ham, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, yams.

“Save room for desert.” Colleen warned.

“Yeah Colleen made…” Brian began.

“Shhh!” Colleen shushed him. The meal was delicious. I have to say it was better than that food in Denver because we could share this with our loved ones. Sully and I brought out the strawberries. I noticed he’d gotten more.

“I didn’t tell ya, cause you’d have said we shouldn’t.” I smiled. We each had a white chocolate covered strawberry. Then Colleen got up and brought out piping hot Apple Cobbler and ice cream! Brian clapped his hands in delight of the special treat of icecream. By the time we’d finished eating I felt about as full as a stuffed turkey. Colleen and I began to clear the plates away. I insisted Mother and my sisters sit in the living room and rest. Brian turned to go into the living room and stopped short.

“Good bye Pa. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” Sully and I exchanged a laughter filled glance.

“Brian, I ain’t goin anywhere.” Brian clamped a hand over his mouth remembering.

“Oh yeah! You’re sleepin with Ma now!" He exclaimed, unaware just exactly what he’d said. The plate I held in my hand landed on the floor with a shattering crash. I blushed. There was a round of laughter from everyone else in the living room. Sully took me a tender hug and we joined in the laughter.

“It’s getting later, best be getting you back to the clinic for the night.” Sully told Mother, Marjorie, and Rebecca when our beautiful grandfather clock struck 9. It had just gotten dark out. The weather was balmy and nice. They agreed and let Sully take them back. Meanwhile I tucked the children in bed. Giving them each a hug and a kiss. And I think I saw Brian smile just a little to much when I turned to go. I wondered what was going on. I went downstairs and banked the fire. I started one in our bedroom fireplace. I had already unpacked all my clothes and Sully’s. I went to the closet. I fingered the negligee. I wondered if I should wear it. No, I decided to save it for special occasions. I heard Sully come in and shut the door. I heard him say something to Wolf and his footsteps on the stairs. I shivered with excitement. Our first night in our bed in our new home. Together. I heard two doors open and close quietly. He was checking on Colleen and Brian. Then, he came into our bedroom, shutting the door behind him. I was sitting in the rocker, with a medical journal. He took off his boots and shirt. He came over and wrapped me in his strong arms. I laid my face on his warm, naked chest, breathing in his unique scent. I tilted my face up, giving him a long, loving kiss. He reached back and began to undo my long braid. My hair flowed over my shoulders. The kiss continued. We ended it breathlessly. He started undoing the ribbon, which held the neck of my nightgown in place.

“Sully, do you think it’s ok to…” He just smiled, his blue eyes dancing.

“Of course. I made this house big an strong. No one’s gonna hear us. I love you.” He whispered and we leaned in to kiss again and touched noses. This made both of us start to laugh. Sully captured my lips in a passion filled kiss; he didn’t want to wait longer. I returned the kiss and still slightly nervous of my actions, began undoing the buttons to his buckskins. He took my hand and lifted me into his arms. Still passionately kissing me. My skin began to tingle. He put me down momentarily to turn back the bed covers. He came up behind him, iniciating my own heated kiss. We passionately shared kisses, nearly forgetting the bed. Sully took my hands, about to lift me onto the bed, not letting our lips leave each others. Just then, there was the loudest barage of noise I have yet heard in my life. The sound of crashes and bangs and screams and yelling and even a very loud harmonica and also a cazoo playing a most annoying tune. Sully and I jumped away from each other in surprise and confusion. This sent me reeling onto the bed and I didn’t have time to see where Sully went because at that exact moment through ever increasing yells and whoops and noise the entire bed collapsed! It took me a moment to realize what had happened. I was sitting on the floor in between the bed frame, completely tangled in the covers and mattress. The noise continued on. I attempted to untangle myself from the mess. “Michaela are you alright!” Sully exclaimed, hurrying over.

“Watch out for the!-….” It was too late. Sully tripped over the bed frame himself and came flying head over heels into the covers with me. Our faces were only inches apart. He caught my shoulders and gave me yet another kiss. This one even more passionate than the last. Quickly he laid me back on the floor entangled in the covers. I didn’t really mind. The noise still grew in proportion adding in a trumpet and a bass drum! They were playing “John Brown’s Body” and whooping and hollering and carrying on like I’d never ever seen before. Of course they were having the time of their lives shivereeing us. From the amount of noise I would be willing to bet the whole town was outside. And I certainly don’t think that the bed falling in was any accident. That’s when I realized the slats to the bed were missing. We heard an extremely loud shout.

“WELCOME HOME MICHAELA AND SULLY!”

“Hank!” we both exclaimed at the same time. We dissolved into a pile of laughter in each other’s arms on the floor. The noise continued for nearly an hour! They did all kinds of things. Throwing stones at the house and yelling and playing more music. We tried to ignore them. Sully and I put the bed back together. He led me back to it, the noise outside didn’t seem so loud through his kisses. He rolled us over, him on the top and both of us on the bed. This time it didn’t fall apart. I reciprocated his kisses, and ministered soft touches and letting out small moans. We heard a tapping at the window and two very loud voices distinguishable as Hank and Jake.

“OOOOH!! Nice view! Can we come in?” Sully and I quickly ended the kiss. We shot away from each other, sitting up on the bed. I blushed deep red and clutched the bed covers over my undone night gown front. I think Sully was quite relieved he was under the covers. Well, turn about was fair play. I craftily reached over and picked up one of my soft slippers. I turned to the window and hurled it toward Hank and Jake. It certainly surprised them enough and they disappeared from sight instantly. The slipper made a dull thump on the window and dropped to the floor. The chaos outside still reigned. I lay back down in Sully’s arms contentedly.

“They’re so loud!” I commented.

“What!”

“They sure are loud!”

“I still didn’t understand ya.”

“THEY’RE SO LOUD!”

“They sure are!

“Can we do anything?”

“No.”

“Will they ever go away?”

“I sure hope so! I wanted ta do more than lay hear listenin ta them all night.”

“What did you want to do?” I asked teasingly.

“This.” He captured my lips in a passion filled kiss and seemed to go on and on and was swiftly taking me to new heights. Nevertheless, it seemed destined to fail. We didn’t notice we were making fools of ourselves. Hank and Jake were back in the window. They were telling everyone exactly what we were doing!

“Gonna wear that negligee tonight?!” Hank called loud enough for us to hear. Once again we pulled reluctantly away from each other.

“Ok, enough of this.”

“What’re ya gonna do?” Sully asked me. Without reply I reached over to the nightstand and picked up the white, pink rose covered, pitcher. I held it up for Hank and Jake to see and made move to look like I was going to throw it through the window at them. They quickly disappeared and I heard the rustle of the trees as two people went toppling down.

“AWWWW! Watch out!” cried everyone. I heard Hank and Jake crash to the ground.

“Do you think they’re alright?” I asked, slightly worried about Hank and Jake.

“Yep. They didn’t get more’n they was askin for! Seein as how they probly arranged the whole thing.”The chaos and noise continued. Finally Sully and I got up. I put on my bathrobe and him him buckskins amd shirt. We went downstairs. In mutual agreement Sully opened the door and called,

“Ok, seein as we’re not getting any sleep tonight. You might as well all come in and have some punch and cookies.” They were sitting on the table. Grace must have snuck in and put them there. Everyone crowded in and they ate cookies and drank punch. Finally by midnight everyone had derived enough pleasure from bothering us and they began to drift away. Finally we were alone again. The children went back to bed and we returned to the bedroom.

“How about if we finish what we started?” Sully asked with a hint in his voice.

“I think that’s a good place to start.” We lay down on the bed amid a passion filled kiss. All of a sudden there was a huge bang. The sound of two pots being crashed together and one final whoop and holler. Sully and I collapsed on the bed, in laughter this time. “Guess they just had to have the final say.” Sully got out through his laughter. I nodded.

“It looks that way.” I cuddled up in Sully’s arms. We waited again as the noise subsided. “Do you think they are gone now?” I asked Sully.

“Guess there’s only way to find out.” Sully whispered and I came into his arms lowering him to the bed and sharing with him one of the most passionate loving kisses I think I shall ever receive. Silence reigned.

“Where were we?” He asked.

“Here.” I returned to kissing him and he quickly turned me over on my back, ridding me of my nightgown and his pants followed suite. We tenderly made love without a single interruption. Afterward I cuddled close to Sully.

“It’s a miracle.”

“What is?” He asked.

“This. Silence. No singing and music, no hollering, no pans and pots, no one peeking in the windows.” He laughed softly and leaned down giving me one more kiss. “Goodnight.” I whispered.

“Goodnight, My Love.”

It didn’t take either of us long to fall asleep. Now as I try to recount all that’s happened today the grandfather clock chimes 3 in the morning. I think I will return to sleep in Sully’s strong arms in our warm bed and dream of what’s to come. And probably what has come. It has been an amazing 3 weeks. We learned so much, Preparing for a wedding, being married, learning how to love and how to be loved. Good night.