Author's Note:I always wanted to write a story where Michaela would find something out about one of her sisters that she never knew before. This is my first atempt at this story, and I may need longer time for this one to be finished so please bear with me.Thank You

Michaela rocked three month old Jonathen to sleep. She hummed a lullabye to him that her father did when she was younger. He soon fell asleep. She walked over to the crib and put him in it. She kissed his cheek and went downstairs. Michaela loved her children so much. This past year had been hard on her. First her mother died, then Sully had come close to dying. But there were the good things too. Like Colleen coming back with her husband to live in Colorado Springs, then she got pregnant with John. Her and Sully were so happy. They never thought it would happen. They had tried for a couple of years and nothing. Then it happened. She thanked God every day for her precious baby.

Sully rode home as fast as his horse could go. He wanted to get home to his beloved family. He had been out surveying for three weeks. He didn't want to go but Michaela assured him that they needed the money. He thought to his infant son. He was so proud. It made him want to get home even faster.

He reached the homestead and quickly unsaddled his horse then put him in the barn. He then went into the house. He found Michaela making dinner. When she saw him she ran to him. Sully opened up his arms and hugged him tightly. They kissed and held one another closely.

Sully pulled back and asked,"Where are the kids?"

Michaela caught her breath and said,"Brian went to get Katie from school, and John is upstairs...I should go check on him"

Sully replied,"Let me?I haven't seen him in three weeks"

Michaela hugged him and then said,"Alright, I'll finish dinner"

Sully leaned on and kissed her tender lips one last time. He then went up the stairs. Michaela went back to preparing dinner. Sully reached his bedroom door and opened it. He walked over to the crib, and looked in. John was wide awake looking up at him.

Sully reached in and picked him up. John began to play with his father's beads. Sully couldn't believe how big he had gotten. He was so small the last time he had seen his son. He walked out of the room and down stairs when he heard the front door open. He found his six year old daughter showing her mother something she had drawn. Sully called her name and she looked over at the stairs.

She ran to her father and hugged him.

She said,"Your home Papa...I missed you so much"

"I missed you too honey"

He hugged her back with his free arm. John immediatly reached for his sister. Sully handed him to Katie. She smiled at her father and then walked into the kitchen. Sully followed and father and daughter got into a big conversation over the last few weeks.

"And guess what Papa?"

Sully asked,"What?"

"Jonathen said Pa"

Sully's face lit up. He remembered when Katie had first said Pa. He had been so filled with love. He felt the same way again. He looked over at his wife who smiled at him.

Katie then said to her baby brother,"Say Pa...Come on say Pa"

John looked up at his sister and started to play with the buttons on her shirt. Katie kept trying to get him to say it, but he wanted to play with his blocks. So Katie got her homework out. Sully sat on the carpet playing with his son.

After Supper Sully took the Katie up to bed. He read her a bedtime story. She listened to every word. She had missed her father when he was gone, but she was happy when he was there.When he finished he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

He went back downstairs and found his wife nursing John in one of the wingback chairs. Sully looked at her with love. He felt that his life was as it should be. When he finished Michaela patted his back and then handed him to his father. Sully rocked him back and forth until he fell asleep. Michaela took their son from her husband. Sully kissed her on the lips. She then went upstairs to get ready for bed.

Sully finished locking up the house and went upstairs and found Michaela in bed reading a book. He went over to the crib and kissed his son. Then got ready for bed. Then he got into bed. He pulled Michaela close to him and started to kiss her. He wanted to be with her. Their passions stirred and they started to remove their clothing.

Sully said,"I will love you the rest of my days"

Michaela answered,"I love you so much"

Then Sully kissed her, and blew out the light.

The next morning Michaela woke up too John's crying. She got up and put her robe on, and went to her son. She lifted him out of the crib. She went to the rocker and sat down. Then undid the buttons to her blouse and he began to nurse.Sully woke up went over to his wife who was getting dressed. He hugged her and gave her a goodmorning kiss. Then got dressed.

A while later she sat at her desk in the clinic updating files. She looked over at the crib where John lay asleep. She continued to work.

Sully arrived at the clinic at lunch time. He found Michaela sitting at her desk writing. He walked over to her and hugged her. She smiled at him.

"Time for lunch"

"Sully I can't possibly eat... I have to finish these charts...I am just gonna have to eat at dinner.. but thank you for the thought"

Sully looked at her,"Michaela it's okay if you don't want to eat if your not hungry, but you are skipping a meal for work... your going to pay later when your stomach is growling like a wild beast... but you have to eat you are feeding two people...your not the only one whos gonna pay John will too"

Michaela started to cry. She totally forgot about their son, Sully's son. The child they had wanted so badly. Sully quickly pulled her into his embrace.

"Michaela your not a bad mother... it's been along time since you and me both done this... you have to get used to going to work again and taking care of a young child again... but your not alone I am gonna help you... Life is a hard journey...but we will make it together...I will love you forever... and no matter what the challenge is we will get through it together"

"Oh Sully I love you with my heart, body, and soul"

They hugged one another, both thankful for all they had and their love that was helping them through their lives.

Michaela went to the telegraph office and got her mail. She found a letter from her sister Rebecca. She went back to the clinic. Sully was holding John when she walked in. She smiled at him. Then sat down and opened the letter.

Dear Michaela,

I hope everything is well. I miss you very much. It has been hard without mother, but I am still making it. How are the children? I wish I could see them. I am writing you because Maureen was in an accident with her husband. She is in the hospital. Her husband died immediatly. She is fighting for her life, the doctors arn't hopeful. She is asking for you. Please come as soon as you can.

Sincerely Rebecca

Michaela sat looking blankly at the letter. She felt tears forming in her eyes. She didn't get along with her sister, but she did love her and wanted her to live. Sully noticed Michaela crying. He put John in his crib and went to her side.

"Michaela what's wrong"

Michaela looked into his worried eyes and handed him the letter. He read it to himself and looked up at his wife. He pulled her into his arms.

"Michaela lets go to her...she needs you with her now... this may be her last...she loves you so much... I know you don't agree with her on a lot of things, but she still your sister and I know you love her"

She spent that night packing. She and Sully decided that She, Sully, John, and Katie would all go. Since John was still nursing and Katie didn't like being part from both of her parents since she was four.

They rode on a train for three days. They seemed like years to Michaela. She spent them eating, sleeping, taking care of the baby, and crying. They finally reached Boston. They went to the hotel and checked in. Then went over to Rebecca's.

Rebecca greeted them at the door. She hugged each of them. Michaela felt very teary eyed. She walked into the parlor and took a seat by Sully and across from her sister. Sully held his baby son. Katie was marveling at the large house. It was so beautiful.

Rebecca broke the silence,"She still alive, I think we should go to the hospital if thats all right with you?"

"Yes", she quietly answered.

They all got back into the carriage and went to the Boston Memorial Hospital. Michaela went straight to her sister's room, and quietly went inside. She went by the side of the bed and looked at her sister.

Maureen sensed someone was in the room and she opened her eyes to find her baby sister. Her face lit up. Michaela gently hugged her sister.

"Michaela...I knew you would come... I was going to come see you this summer... but that's not possible now"

"Yes it is...we'll get you well and you'll come visit... and everything will be fine", She replied choking back tears.

"Michaela I'm not going to make it... I wanted to see you one last time...before I die... I need to ask you something"

"Anything Maureen"

"I want you to take care of my children... your a good mother... I know they would be safe with Rebecca, but I don't want them to be raised in Boston... I want them to appreciate life more then what I did... I want them to learn more about life then I did...please promise me?"

Michaela looked into her dying sister's eyes and said,"I promise...I 'll take care of them"

With that Maureen took one last breath and was gone. Michaela cried out and began breathing imto her sister mouth, she started to pound on her sister's chest as if she could will the life back into her.

"Breath Maureen...I want you to live...I need you to live... Please don't die..don't leave me...don't leave me"

Sully ran into the room hearing his wife's cries. He saw what had happened. He pulled her close. She dropped to the floor and he fell to his knees and hugged her and he cried. He felt her pain and loss.

"Our lives our a journey that we take when we are born. We face pain and tears, but we also face happiness. When we die young it is sad, but we have completed the Journey that God had for us, and we join him in heaven"

With that he concluded his sermon. Michaela felt a whole in her heart, an emptiness that hurt so much. She knew she could still live on, but she lost a part of herself when her sister had died and it made her cry.

Michaela ran out of the church with Sully close behind. Tears falling down her face.Sully held her in his arms. He felt for her loss. He knew what she was feeling. He had felt before. Sully had lost many loved ones in his life. His father, mother, brother, wife, and daughter.

Later that day Michaela walked around by the Charleston River. She spent so many afternoons having picnics here. Sometimes with her father. Other times with David. She hadn't thought about him many years. Sully didn't like to discuss him, because it reminded him of how close he came to loosing her.She went back to the past.

"Michaela, I have come to love you... I want become your partner for life...Will you marry me?"

"Yes, David I will"

He leaned to give her a quick kiss on the lips. He pulled a wring out of his pocket and put it on her hand. Michaela looked at it. She was so happy. They walked by the river and held hands.

Michaela remembered that day so well. She used to dream of marrying him, having children, and being a partner in his practice. But she was glad that her life took her west to Sully. Her one and true love.Michaela started to cry not wanting to think about the way her life might have gone.She felt a small hand on her back. She turned to see her daughter Katie. She had tears in her eyes.

Michaela hugged her daughter and said,"Katie you are a smart little girl... I hope you never loose that... You mean so much to your father and me... when you were born we were so happy... and then the same with your brother... I am sad but remember that I love you and will always be there when you need me"

"I love you too Mama",she replied and then hugged her mother.

"Now did you come here all alone?"

"No, came with Papa and John"

"Well lets go find them", replied her mother. Michaela took her daughter hand and they walked to a large oak tree and on the other side Sully and Jonathen were sitting. Sully saw them and got up. Michaela reached for their son. Sully kissed Michaela and then picked up his daughter. Then they walked by the river each with a child in their arms.

Michaela and Sully decided to leave for Colorado as soon as the final papers were filed. Michaela had told Sully of her promise and he wanted to help in any way he could. So they decided to adopt the three orphaned children. There were two girls and boys. The oldest was a girl names Anna she was twelve. Her sister's second child was a boy named Josef. He was eight. And finally another girl named Emma but called Emily. She was two.

The adoption was finalized without any problems because both of their parents had died and no other family members wanted to adopt them or lodged a protest.They left Boston and went home.

Anna cried on the way to her new home. She loved her aunt and uncle. But she had just lost her mother and father. She felt a hand on her shoulder. It was her cousin Katie. She liked Katie a lot. She made everthing seem so simple. Even though she was six years older then the girl she still admired her spirit for life.

They reached the homestead. After getting all the luggage inside Michaela and Sully gave them a tour of the house. They first went upstairs.

"This is your uncle's and my room" she said as she opened the door. Anna looked at the delicatly carved headboard. It was so beautiful. She was amazed at her uncle's talent.Then they went to another door.

"This is Brian's old room... He moved out into town... since he's an adult now...this will be your room Josef"

Then they went into another room about the same size that was also very bare looking besides a bed and a desk.

"This was Colleen's room...she got married a couple of years ago and also moved out...this will be your room Anna"

"Thank you Aunt Michaela... It's nice"

Michaela put her arm around her niece's shoulder.

"Things will get better I promise"

Dinner was quiet that night. They all ate in silence. They all went to bed that night right after dinner.

Michaela held John and nursed him. He soon fell asleep. She held him close not wanting to let him go. Sully came in the room and watched his wife and son asleep in the rocker. He kissed her cheek and she opened her eyes.

"I think he should sleep in the crib and you in the bed"

"Sully I don't want to let him go... ever since we got back I hsvn't let him out of my sight"

"Michaela he is fine and healthy...come on lets get some sleep"

Michaela got up and placed her son in the crib and kissed him on the forehead.Then got into her own bed. She curled up beside Sully who was already asleep. But for Michaela sleep would not come. She had a terrible feeling something was going to happen. Something that would change all of their lives forever. Michaela cried all night long afraid to start a new day.

Sully woke up and couldn't find Michaela anywhere. He got up out of bed and went downstairs. He found her in front of the fireplace. She had one of the family photo albums out and was looking at it.Sully went behind the chair and put his arms around her shoulders. She smiled at him and stared back at the picture.

"You should be in bed...you got a big day tomorrow"

"Sully I can't stop thinking about the day...it happened"

"I know...it was hard on everyone, but we can't look back on past pain, and let ourselves suffer when we should be happy for what we got here and now", he said as he ran his fingers over the picture that both reminded them of so much pain.

"Sully I wonder if I could have done something to save...", she could not find the words to say. They hurt so much to think about.

"Michaela I know we miss her...but shes gone to a better place now"

"Sully our little girl would be four years old...if only I hadn't worked myself so hard we wouldn't have lost her"

Sully watched helplessly as she thought about the fearful night they had lost their baby girl. She had been born with a weak heart. She only lived a few days, but they had filled them with memories they would never forget. They had only a few pictures of her that had been taken of her. It had hurt so much for Sully to hold his tiny daughter who was all blue. Her lifeless body still so fresh in his mind.

Michaela held out her hand to him and he held it in his own as they said goodbye to their daughter Ellie. Michaela had felt so sad, but as the weeks and months past she had gotten better. She started to laugh again.

Sully's thought were interupted when he felt Michaela's firmiliar hand on his shoulder. She still had a few tears falling down her face, but she also had a smile on her.

"Sully I know I stirred up painful memories, but we also have gained a lot...and I love you so much"

"I love you too"

Michaela woke up the next morning. She hadn't gotten much sleep. Either did Sully. She went over to look in the crib. She found John wide awake looking up at the ceiling. Michaela reached down and picked him up. Then she quietly left the room. She nursed John and then got dressed. She sat down in one of the wingback chairs and rocked the baby back to sleep. She enjoyed these times early in the morning when everything was peaceful and quiet. Her thought were interupted when she heard footstapes on the stairs.

She turned to see Emily. She looked sad. Michaela felt sorry for her. She had lost both her mother and father at such a young age. Michaela only coulf hope that she would remember her mother, and how much she loved and cared for her before she died.

Michala asked in a kind voice,"What's wrong sweetheart"

"I was just thinking about my mama and papa...I miss them so much"

"I know you do...but you also have family who care about you even though you lost your parents"

Michaela saw Sully come down the stairs. He sat on the floor next to his wife and Emily. He sat and listed to what Michaela had said. He couldn't remember when she had ever looked so beautiful to him.

"I miss them so much", said the shy little girl.

Sully picked her up and held her in his arms. He remembered when Katie used to sit in his lap and they he would tell her stories.

"You know that even though your parents died their still hear...they live within you and your brothers and sisters"

Emily hugged her uncle and then asked,"Would it be alright if I called you mama and papa?"

Michaela and Sully exchanged glances and they both could read each other's thoughts.

Sully replied,"Yeah it would be more then alright"

She got up and hugged both of them.They spent the next few hours talking. They were building memories and the start of a new family.

Michaela finished with her last patient. She put away all her medical supplies, and prepared for the journey home. She and her two year old son Jonathen left the clinic and got into the wagon. In the distance the other four Sully siblings came running toward them.

Anna got to the wagon first. Then Katie,Joseph, and last but not least Emily.They greeted Michaela and then set out for home. When they reached the homestead, a horse was standing tied to the fence. Michaela reconized it as her husbands. She pulled the wagon to a stop. Sully came out the front door and helped her and John down from the wagon.

Michaela kissed him on the lips and took Emily and John inside. While Sully and the older kids did their chores.

Katie finished brushing her mother's horse. She then went and sat down on the front porch. She had a lot on her mind. She wasn't sure how to get advice on what was bothering her.

Sully finished feeding the animals and left the barn to go into the house. He found his daughter sitting on the steps.

"Hey sweetheart...how was your day?"

"Fine...I guess"

"Well you don't sound like it was fine"

"Papa...I want to ride"

Sully grew very silent. A terrible memory of his brother being drug to daeth by a horse. It had frightened him. Now his daughter was asking him if she could ride.

"Katie when I was a little older then you, my brother got on a horse and he lost his balnce in one of the stirrups and fell, but his other foot was still stuck in the other stirrup and he was drug to death"

Katie started to cry. She never had heard that story before. She put her hand into her father's and they both cried. As it grew a little darker she climbed into her father's lap and they watched the sunset together.

Michaela tucked Emily into bed and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She had grown very close to her sister's children. It had been two years. Time had mended her heart. But a pain deep in her heart still hurt. But it wasn't enough for her to stop living. She had gone on.

She walked out of the room and downstairs. The homestead had changed a lot in the past two years. They had expanded the kitchen, and added on three more bedrooms. They were also adding a few more rooms later on in the summer.

Sully checked the fire. Oh how he missed Michaela and the children. They ment everything to him. He was so proud of them. Matthew had become lawyer. Colleen was married, a successful doctor, and shared a practice with her husband in Boston. Brian was traveling across the country writing about what he saw for The Boston Globe. He was making a good name for himself. He wrote about the truth. Anna was becoming a young women and she showed intrest in becoming a teacher one day. Josef was into wood carving. Always watching Sully carve and asking questions. His sweetgirl Katie, she showed talent as an artist one day maybe. And John was always fun to be around.

Michaela put John down for a nap. She sat and updated some files. Her thoughts started to drift. She thought about Sully wishing and wanting him to be their. She yawned. She hadn't been getting much sleep in the last few weeks, and she was always tired all the time. All of a sudden a scream came from outside that interupted her thought. She quickly ran outside to see what had happened.

Teresa Slicker was running with a child in her arms toward Michaela. Michaela quickly ran toward her and took the small boy into her arms. She ran for the clinc and set him on the examing table.

Michaela caught her breath and asked,"What happened?"

"The children were out at recess and all of a sudden I heard him scream...The children said he was climbing a tree and lost his footing and fell"

Michaela set to work. She examined his head which had a gach on it. She bandaged it. Then felt for any broken bones.

"What's his name?"

"Daniel Martins"

"Daniel can you hear me?"

The boy groaned and held his stomach. She gently pushed and he graoned again in pain. Michaela feared that a major organ might be hemorging. She started to get her equipment ready.

"Mrs. Slicker I need you to hold this over his mouth and nose"

"What for?"

"He may have severe bleeding internally. I need to operate immediatly"

Teresa did as she asked. The boy gasped and then started breathe more easy. Michale then went over and started the operation. She feared if she didn't operate soon the small boy would surely die.

People waited outside for news about the small boy. Including his mother, father,sisters, and brother. They all hoped for the best, but they all knew his chances of survival.

Sully rode into town hoping to spend time alone with Michaela, but a large group was gathered outside the clinic. He got down off his horse and walked over to them. He pushed his way through until he found Matthew.

He asked his son,"What's going on?"

"A small boy fell from a tree. Ma's been in their for hours operating."

"Does anyone know if he's gonna make it?"

Matthew looked at his father and painfully replied,"No"

A few moments later the clinic door opened and Michaela covered in blood stepped outside. With Teresa right behind her.

"Is he gonna be alright",asked the boys mother.

"He was severly bleeding from his liver. I managed to stop it. He is very weak and needs a lot of care, but I am hopeful he'll make."

"Can we see him"

"Yes he's inside resting"

Michaela sat down on the bench. She was so tired and didn't feel good. Sully sat down beside her. He kissed her cheek. She looked into his eyes. Oh how she missed him the past few weeks.

"I need to wash up...be back in a few minutes"

"ok"

She went inside and cleaned up. She felt like she could fall asleep any moment. Finally she finshed cleaning up and went back outside. She found Sully sitting on the bench still.She walked towards him and then all of a sudden she went down. Sully reached her before she fell to the ground. He picked her up into his arms and went into the clinic.

Michaela woke up a few hours later. She found Sully right beside her. He had a worried look on his face. She didn't know where she was at first and then it all came flooding back.

"Michaela you fainted"

"Sully it has been a very busy the last three weeks...I over did it"

"Michaela I think your working to hard...you need to take a rest"

"Sully I have been meaning to speak to you about that"

"Yeah, go on"

"Well I have been very tired for the last three weeks and I havn't gotten my monthly for about two months now. Well were going to have a baby"

"A baby!Are you alright...is the baby alright?"

"Yes, where both fine...I was going to tell you when you got back tonight...but I guess now was as good of time as any"

Sully hugged her and kissed her. He picked her up and twirled her around. He was so happy. He couldn't believe life could be so wonderful"

"Do you want a girl or a boy this time?"

"I want a girl",he replied.

"Well I'll have to see what I can do"

Later that night they all sat down for dinner. Which was never quiet because Anna, Josef, Katie, and Emily were all telling them about their day and asking questions about their parents.

"Everyone we have something we want to tell you.",he then turned to Michaela.

"We are going to have a baby"

They ran to their parents and hugged them. They were all smiling and gigling. The moment was so perfect. Ecept one thing. Katie wasn't there. Sully sat down by her and looked into her eyes.

"Papa, will you still love us...even if the baby is a girl?"

"Oh Katie, I would never stop loving any of you. Your all my children and you mean so much to me. I love you sweet girl."

She stared up at him.

"Good morning"

"Morning",he replied.

They spent a few minutes of holding and kisses. Then they both got up and got ready for another day. Michaela knew that it was going to be a long day.

She picked up John and went outside. She dicided it was time for lunch. She placed John in a chair then sat in one beside him. A few minutes later Sully joined them. Michaela arose and went to him.

"Hey, how was your day?"

"Nothing major just a few bumps and bruises"

They sat down and ordered lunch. Sully held John in his arms and fed him some mashed potatoes. He ate them quickly. By the end of the meal John was covered in food. Michaela and Sully burst into laughter.

"Papa can I have some desert?"

"Sure son"

Later on that night they sat around the table. Michaela couldn't help but smile. She had such great news.

"Everyone I have wonderful news that you will all love. Colleen and Andrew are coming for a visit."

Anna smiled and said,"I am so happy, Dr. Mike."

Josef jumped up and replied,"We can go fishing, and horseback riding. It will be so much fun Ma"

Michaela loved these children. They meant so much to her. They all had taken to calling her Ma and Sully Pa. But not Anna. She called her "Dr. Mike" and Sully "Sully."

The Sullys waited at the train station. The train came into view and stopped. They waited to see if they could see either of them. After a few passengers got off they saw them. Katie, Josef, Anna, and Emily ran to them. Colleen and Andrew exchnged hugs with them. Colleen looked around for Jonathen, but couldn't find him. She then saw him hidding behind his father. She went over by him and picked him up.

"Hey, John. You remember me? I am your big sister"

John began to squirm,"Mama, Papa"

He reached out to his father. Sully stepped forward and took his son in his arms. Sully gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. Michaela then stepped toward Colleen. Then she opened her arms and hugged her.

"Welcome home Colleen.",she replied.

Colleen's smile had left her face. She looked down to the ground. She felt hurt that her brother didn't remember her. This was her only family. She loved them dearly.

They all sat down to dinner that night. They talked about what was happening in their lives the last couple of months.

Michaela and Colleen were in the kitchen washing dishes. Michaela still hadn't told Colleen about the baby. She pulled her aside.

"Colleen I told you in my letter I have good news. Well Sully and I are going to have a baby!"

"Ma that's wonderful. I am so happy for you!"

They hugged and Colleen stopped smiling all of a sudden. She had a painful look on her face.

"What's wrong Colleen?"

"I am happy for you Ma, and I know how hard it has been for you to have children...the two you lost...But Andrew and I have been trying for two years now and nothing. I want to continue my work, but I also want to have children and to share my love with them. I want give them a family like the one you and Sully gave me."

"Colleen, I am sorry you haven't been able to have children yet, but have you seen a physician about this?"

"Yes, he said that everything was fine and that there was no reason he could find that could keep me from stopping me from having a baby"

"Colleen, I know that you want to have a child of your own to hold in your arms and love, but you can also hold someone else's child in your arms and love them. I have done that and I still am. I raised Matthew, Brian and you. I never thought that you weren't my flesh and blood and neither did Sully. We loved you just like you were our own flesh and blood.

"But you got to experience the birth of your child and hold them in your arms and you knew you had created this child with the man that you loved. That you had carried it inside of you and felt it grow and change. I want to feel that way. I watched you and Sully when you were expecting Katie. You were both so happy.

"Colleen, God did bless us with two of our own and one more on the way. He also blessed us with Matthew, Brain, Anna, Josef, Emily and you. But he also took away so much. My mother, father, sisters, my babies, and he almost took Sully from me. And Sully has lost his mother, his father, his brother, his wife, and three of his Children. God gives, but he also takes.",Michaela had tears in her eyes.

"Yes but you are still here and are taking care of your children, but I might never have the chance to have my OWN CHILDREN!!"

Michaela started yelling,"I think that you need to calm down. I am sorry that I am happy about having a baby, but I am not going to stop being happy. This also be my last chance to have a child.", Michaela was crying heavily and she was very angry.

The wind was picking up outside and a terrible storm moved in all of a sudden. It was raining and the wind was blowing very hard. All of a sudden a branch came flying through the window and went direcly at Michaela. Sully quickly pushed his wife aside and the branch hit him. Michaela screamed out. She went to Sully and tried to lift it off of him but it was to heavy.

He lay on the ground unconscience. Michaela sat at his head while they lifted him from under the branch. Michaela quickly went to work. She checked for wounds but couldn't find anything but a huge bruise on his side and a bump on his head. They moved him upstairs into bed. Michaela sat with him.

Sully woke up and he couldn't find Michaela anywhere. He saw people gathered and he went toward them. He saw Michaela laid to rest on a bed. Her skin was cold and she was pure white. Sully could feel no life within her. She was gone.

"Michaela come back to me!"

"Sully. I'm here. Sully"

Sully woke up to Michaela's face. He put his hands up to her face. She felt warm and alive.

"Sully you scared me."

"I couldn't let you or the baby get hurt. You both mean so much to me"

"Sully I love you so much"

She gently kisses his lips. He kisses her back. They loose themselves in a passion of lovemaking.

A few days later Sully was well enough to get up and move around. He spent time with Michaela and his kids. He thought about what could have happened if he hadn't pushed his wife out of the way. He was just thankful that things were fine.

Colleen climbed down from her horse and tied him up. She slowly climbed the steps and then knocked on the homestead door. She waited but no one answered the door. So she let herself inside. She walked in. It was very quiet. She went upstairs to her parents room. She knocked on the door. When no one answered again she turned the doorknob and opened the door. It was empty. The bed had been maid and it looked as if her mother had given the room a good cleaning.

She looked in all the other bedrooms. First she went to her old room. It looked very different from when she had lived in it. It wasn't bare anymore. She looked in several more bedrooms. Then she went back downstairs and sat at the kitchen table. The homestead had changed so much since she had been here last. It was as if every trace of her ever living of her was gone. Her bedroom was all changed around. And there were three much larger and newer bedrooms that must have been added on. The kitchen had been expanded. The barn was much larger and they had built another one further back behind the original barn. Her mother's garden had been moved. They had purchased more land and had put tons of large pastures that you could see where they began but couldn't see where they ended. They had more horses now and cows.

She couldn't believe how differnt everything was. It seemed like everyone was changing and living without her. It was if the small girl who had depended on her had vanished. Now a young girl who was independent. Her brother had grown from a tiny infant to a big toddler, and he didn't he remember her. Where was her role in this family anymore? She heard a horse approach. She went outside onto the porch. She found Andrew tying his horse up. He climbed the stairs and grabbed his wife's hand and took a seat beside her on the porch.

"I wondered where you went off too",he told her.

"I just came to see Ma and Pa, but nobody's here."

"Yeah they went on a picnic after church. Sully was telling me about it the other day. Something they do every Sunday."

"Andrew do you love me?"

"How can you ask something like that. I love you with all of my very being. I would give everything up for you even my own life."

"But what if we didn't have children?"

"Colleen I know how much a baby would mean to you and me, but if were not meant to have children I would still love you. I will always love you no matter what."

She hugged him and they shared a tender but loving kiss. She held Andrew's hand in her own and they embraced one another. They sat and spent the rest of the afternoon talking about her feelings and how he felt.

Michaela spent a wonderful afternoon with her family. They had a picnic and went fishing and played games. It had been a memorful afternoon. Although she was exhausted from their adventure.

She put Jonathen to bed that night. She couldn't believe how big he had gotten. He looked more like his father everyday. She brought her hand down to her stil flat stomach. She was greatful that they had been blessed with another blessed life. Everything in her life was perfect. Except that her daughter wasn't on speeking terms with her. Michaela wanted this time to be happy not sad. She walked downstairs and outside. She sat down on the front porch step. She could feel life all around her. She loved Springtime. When new life was being born all around her.

Sully finished checking on the animals and left the barn. As he walked toward the house he saw an image of someone on the steps. As he got closer he reconized Michaela. He went up beside her and sat down.

He grabbed her hand in his own,"You know this is my favorite time of the day. When everything is quiet and it's dark and sill outside. And me and you are all alone. There is just something magical about night time."

Michaela leaned her head against his shoulder,"Many years ago you once told me that you wanted to marry me, but more then that you wanted me to be happy. That is just what I am right now Sully."

Sully tenderly kissed her lips,"I will always love you. You have given me a family. I never thought I was gonna have the chance to have one again. You have kept me going. You and the kids me everything to me."

Michaela listened to his words. She knew that he was speaking from the heart. She loved how he was a gentle, couragous, and loving man. She loved how he was honest and how he fought for what he believed in. He was the one true love of her life.

Michaela pulled him close and the held one another in their arms. They watched the stars and they thought f how much their lives had changed. He looked into her eyes and she looked back into his eyes. No words had to be said. For anyone could see the love within their eyes.

Michaela woke up the next morning in the arms of her beloved husband. She loved the time they spent just holding one another. She looked around the room and knew she would have to get up soon and get the children ready and make breakfest.

Anna quickly finished reading the last chapter in her book. She could hardly put it down last night. She finished getting ready and then woke up her younger siblings.

Michaela set the table and checked on the oatmeal. She went upstairs and knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. When no answer came she open the door and looked inside. Their in the bed she still lay asleep.

"Katie, you have to get up and go to school."

"Mama I don't feel good.",replied her daughter barely audible.

Michaela went over to the bed and felt her daughter's forehead. She was burning up. She went to her bedroom and got her medical bag. She then examined her daughter.

"Does you throat hurt?"

"Yeah"

"Sweetheart, I think you might not have played in that cold water yesterday. You are going to be in bed for awhile."

She hugged her daughter and then gave her some medicine to help her sleep better. Michaela only hoped that if they could get her fever down that it might not form into something worse.

Michaela fell asleep at the kitchen table. She was exhausted. She had spent all morning taking care of Katie and John. She woke up after the door opened. It was Sully. He walked up behind her and hugged her.

He asked gently,"The baby wearing you out?"

Michaela took his hand in hers and replied,"Yeah, with Katie sick and John still so young and being pregnant isn't very much fun combined all into one."

"But being pregnant is a good thing, remember."

"Yeah your right. I can't wait until November."

She stands and they walk upstairs hand in hand. He opened his daughter's bedroom door. Sully sit's on the side on the bed.

"Hi sweetheart, how are ya feeling?"

She coughs,"Not so good Papa."

He looks into his daughter's deep blue eyes. Michaela had told him that their daughter definatly had his eyes. He also knew their son did too. In fact he had his brown hair too. He loved his children. Every one of them was different and so perfect in their own way. Katie wondered what her father was thinking.

"What you thinking?",she asked innocently.

"I was only thinking of how much you and your brothers and sisters mean to me. You all gave me a family and taught me what love and the true meaning of family really is. You very special."

"Thanks papa.",she hugs him.

It was late August and life had gone on. Michaela now six months pregnant sorted through Katie's and John's old baby clothes. She knew for sure wheather it was a boy or a girl they would have clothes for both genders. As she finshed. She put them neatly back into the trunk and tried to get up but her back hurt so much. Sully went to her side and helped her up on to the bed.

"Are you alright?",he asked as he lovingly rubbed her extended belly.

She replied trying to catch her breath,"I think so. This is gonna get harder and harder as the baby grows. Plus I am no that you..",he put his finger to his lips.

"Shh. I married the most beautiful woman in the world. And I know that it isn't gonna be easy carring the baby, but I will be right here beside you helping any way that I can. I love you, and I love that you are going through all this pain to us another child."

"You mean so much to me Sully. I will always love you no matter what."

They loose themselves in a passionite kiss. They fell back on the bed and they held each other in a loving embrace. Sully looked into the eyes of the woman that he loved so much. Michaela suddenly had a surprised look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

"The baby just kicked.",she grabbed his hand and put it on her abdomen. He sat and waited and then his face lit up as he felt his unborn shild move below hia hand.

"You had the same smile on your face with Katie and John. I love watching you and how much love is shown in your eyes"

"I am glad I can be apart of our child growing and changing. It makes me smile more knowing I had hand in creating something so perfect."

"Sully you are a kind loving man who deserves all the happiness and love in the world."

"I love you"

They heard a knock on the door. Then the door opened and Anna walked in. She immediatly turned red seeing them on the bed holding one another. She was so embarassed.

"Sorry Ma"

"That's alright Anna, something wrong?"

"Ah no dinner is done."

"Thank you we will be down in a minute."

"Alright"

Michaela and Sully looked at each other and laughed. It wasn't the first time that had happened. They recalled Brian doing that shortly after they were married.

A few days later Michaela webt to get the mail. She found several medical supplies, and a few letters. She collected them and went to the clinic. She then sat and unpacked the medical supplies and put them away. Afterwards she opened a letter. She read it to herself:

Dear Michaela,

I have recently returned to Boston. I am sorry about my mother's death. It was very hard for many. I miss her every day. I have written you because I was overseas at the time of my mother's and father's deaths. I would like to come to Colorado Springs and see my brother and sisters. I miss them so much. I am forever grateful that you have taken care of them. I will arrive August 26 at 10:00 in the morning.

Your Nephew,Christopher Standford

Michaela looked down at the letter. Fear ran through her body. Was he going to take them away. After the two years they had cared for them and grown to love them as if they were their own. Michaela told herself that he was only making a friendly visit.

The whole Sully family waited for the train to come. Anna, Josef, and Emily waited eagerly to see their older brother. The train pulled in and he walked off of the train and spotted them immediatly. He ran to them. They embrace one another. The siblings were reunionited.

"Chris we missed you so much",replied Josef.

They all spent a few minutes catching up an then they all got into the wagon and went out of town to the homestead. Chris marveled at the beautiful homestead he had heard so much about in the letter Josef had sent him.

They all got down from the wagon and went inside. They all sat in the living room and had lemonade. They talked about all kinds of things. Sully sat beside Michaela and they watched their children all smiles. As soon as the children had left the room with their father Chris took the opportunity to talk to his aunt.

"Aunt Michaela, I was wondering if maybe you would consider turning over custody of my brother and sister. I could take good care of them"

"Chris I understand that you want to be close to them, but they are my children and I don't want you taking them away. We love them dearly, and I won't let you take them away."

"But you have two of your own children and you wouldn't have to take care of so many anymore."

"I enjoy taking care of every one of them."

"Well you have left me no choice but to take legal action. I am not doing this to hurt you Michaela I am doing it because I love my brother and sister and I want them to be with me."

"I will see you in court then because the only way you are taking them away is if a judge legally orders it or I am dead."

"Well, goodbye Michaela."

Two days later Michaela recieved papers stating the date of the hearing. She read through the thick documents. She became angry and threw them to the ground.

"I can't belive this.", she read out loud."Unsuitable mother and father. Michaela Quinn practices medicine an unfit position for a female. Byron Sully lived with savage beasts"

Michaela and Sully were both very angry as they sat in court. She couldn't belive he would say such things about her and her husband that were so untrue. She was steaming with anger.

"Mr. Standford is your Aunt a good mother in your opinion?"

"Well yes, but she spends more time with her practice then with her own children."

"Does Mr. Sully help care for the children?"

"Yes Sir"

"Do you find this odd situation bad or good?"

"Not good sir"

"Why?"

"Because it is the woman's job to care for them and the man's job to provide for them."

"No further questions your honor."

"Mr. Cooper your witness."

"Mr. Standford wouldn't you yourself care for them if you get custody?"

"No they would be cared for by a nanny."

"Mr. Standford why do you believe that the children would be better of with you?"

"Because I could provide for all their needs."

"Havn't Dr. Quinn and Mr. Sully done that. They have fed, clothed, put a roof over their head, contiued their schooling, and shown them love and support."

"Yes",he answered angerly.

Later everyone waited impatiently for the judges final ruling. Michaela paced back and forth. Sully feared she was going to wear herself out. The judge came out.

"Everyone please be seated. I have reviewed all of the evidence and have come to a final ruling. I believe that you are loving parents who care about their children very much. You are a good brother and you probably could provide for them, but none the less I have awarded sole custody to Michaela Quinn and Mr. Sully. I see no reason to take these children out of the only home they have known since their parent's deaths. You had enough time to appeal the case when they put in the adoption forms. My judgement is final."

Michaela and Sully hugged one another. They had won. Michaela kissed her husband and they held one another feeling happy. Chris walked out of the room. He was very angry. He was leaving this awful town and never coming back.

Late one night a banging at the front door was heard. Sully woke up and went to the front door. Sully opened it. There stood a man.

"Does Dr. Quinn live here?"

"Yeah shes my wife."

"I need to talk to her."

Sully heard footsteps behind him on the stairs. It was his wife. She went to his side and opened the door all the way.

"Mr. Richerds is your wife in labor?"

"Yeah. She's been having a hard time the last few hours. She needs you bad."

"I'll be right there.",she replied as she went upstairs to change. Sully let him and went upstairs after his wife.

"Michaela you can't go out this late at night alone. I don't trust any man I don't know and especially in your condition makes you even more capable of getting hurt."

"Sully I am a doctor and grown woman. I am very well of taking care of myself"

"Your also my wife who is pregnant."

Michaela looked down and knew she couldn't win this battle. She looked down at the floor.

"Alright you win. Go wake Anna and Josef."

Sully quickly left the room to do as she asked. When he returned she was fully dressed. He quickly slipped a shirt on. Then they both left their room and went downstairs. In the darkness of the night they drove the wagon.

They reached the small homestead and Michaela quickly went to work. She checked the mother and baby. After she finished she asked Sully and the woman's husband to wait outside.

A few minutes later the screams stopped, but no cry of a baby was heard. Michaela held up the stillborn baby. He was so small and blue. She plced the motionless infant in it's mother's arms. A few moments later a woman's cries could be heard once more.Michaela walked outside.

"I am so sorry the baby was stillborn."

The man almost lost his balance. Sully moved toward him and kept him upright. He felt for him. He had felt the pain once before.

"Your wife is asking for you"

He unsteadily walked inside and closed the door. Michaela rushed into her husbands arms. She felt for her patient so much, but the memory of holding the woman's baby was still so fresh in her mind. She was afraid that it might be her own child that she carried within next in her arms motionless.

"Oh Sully, when I held that baby I was afraid I was holding our own child and fear ran through my whole body.",she said as she held her hand on her growining belly that protectivly held their child within. Sully put his hand on hers.

"Michaela, our baby is going to be born and it will be filled with life, and we will get to watch it grow and change."

"I know but I can't shake the fear that something is going to go wrong."

They rode home just as the sun was setting. When they reached home they both went to sleep after a long night. Michaela soon dreamt of bad things.

"No. Stop! Don't take my baby."

Sully woke up to Michaela's screaming. He quickly embraced her. Her whole body was trembling. Sully could see the fear so visibly in her eyes.

"Michaela I am here. I won't let anything happen to you or our baby I promise." They spent a few minutes holding one another. Sully kept telling her that the baby was fine and how much he loved her.

Late November came around and it was a week before Thanksgiving. Everyone was busy with preparations for thankgiving. Michaela now nine months pregnant and two weeks before her due date was having a rough time. Colleen and Andrew had come to assist the birth. Her ankles were sore. Her feet and back ached. Sully was helpful and loving. Michaela was so happy it was almost over.

"You ready for church?"

"Yes",she replied. He took her arm and they went downstairs. They all got into the wagon and went to church.

As they pulled the reverend came running toward them. Michaela and Sully quickly got down from the wagon and went to him. Matthew was at Michaela's side as well.

Michaela grabbed his arm and held him still and looked at the cut above his eye. They quickly got him to the clinic and she bandaged it and then released him. She was tired after the unexpected patient had left. She and Sully took a nap in one of the beds in the recovery room.

The day before thanksgiving. Michaela was busy making dinner and cleaning the house. After she had everything the way she wanted she went upstairs to lie down. She dreamt that her baby was fine and healthy.

She woke up and felt a pain in her abdomen. She felt fear run through her body. She sat up and then woke up Sully.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I'm in labor."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Just hold me."

He held his wife and could hear the fear in her voice. He felt fear himself. He didn't know what the next few hours would bring. Michaela tightened her grip around his waist as a contraction hit.

"My water just broke.",Michaela replied out of breath.

A half hour later the contractions were coming more often and more painful. Sully was afraid that they weren't going to make it to the clinic. He paced back and forth and help Michaela when she needed him. Where was Josef, Colleen, and Andrew. A few minutes later Michaela knew she had to push. She motioned Sully.

"I need to push"

"Now?"

"Yes, I NEED to push"

Sully went down to the end of the bed. Michaela then boar down with all of her strength and pushed. After fifteen minutes of pushing nothing had happened. Sully was so afraid he didn't know what to do. All of a sudden horses were heard approaching and then the front door opened and foorsteps on the stairs and then the door to their bedroom opened. Colleen and Andrew came in.

"Boy am I glad to see you. She has been pushing for about 20 minutes and nothings happening."

Andrew nodded and examined Michaela. He listed to her heartbeat and then the baby's. Both strong and healthy. He then went to the foot of the bed and did a more through examination.

"What's wrong.",asked Sully anxiously.

"The cord is wrapped around the baby's neck."

Sully remember when Katie had been in that position and he had feared the worst. He only hoped that like Katie the baby would be alright. Andrew took clamps and scissors out. He felt for the cord and then put the two clamps on either side of his fingers. He then cut where his fingers had been. Michaela screamed out and the head was delivered.

Michaela tried to catch her breath. She felt like falling asleep. She was literally exhausted from contractions and pushing.

Andrew replied,"Michaela I need one more push."

Michaela answered out of breath,"I can't do it"

"Michaela you need to. Our baby's life depends on it. I love you so much. Please one more push for me.",said her husband. Michaela looked at him with determination. She pushed with all the strength left within her. The baby slid into Andrew's arms. He couldn't help control his smile.

He announced to the two proud parents,"It's a girl"

Sully looked at Michaela with all the love in the world,"We have a little girl. Thank you so much. I am so sorry you had to go through that."

"Sully I love you and I am willing to go through any pain to have our child."

Andrew cut the cord and cleaned her up then put a blanket around the newborn. He then handed the small baby to her father. Sully held his daughter. He looked down and marveled at the tiny infant he and Michaela had created. He place her into her mother's arms. Michaela looked down at her daughter for the first time.

"Sully, I can't believe I had a hand in creating something so beautiful."

"I know. She is so beautiful."

"She's got your hair Sully and your eyes."

The baby cryed out. Michaela looked down and knew what was happening. Sully also knew. He undid the buttons of her gown. Michaela pulled her daughter to her full breast. She immediatly knew what to do and began to nurse.

"She is such a strong little thing",replied Michaela. Sully gazed down at his wife and daughter and felt so much love as he watched her nurse.

"Ya know we haven't named her yet."

"Well we talked about Ellie, Alexandra, Sarah, and Elizabeth."

"I don't think we should name her Elizabeth. We already named Katie after your mother."

"How about Alexandra Marie?"

"It's perfect just like her."

Sully took her from his wife and bathed her and put her in one of Katie's old soft white gowns. He then rocked her back and forth until she fell asleep. He gazed over at his wife who had fallen asleep. He gently place Alexandra in the crib and then gazed down at her.

Sully woke up. He found Michaela holding their newborn daughter in her arms. Sully leaned over and kissed his wife. He loved her even more now that they had created a life out of their love.

"I thought I might be dreaming. I can't believe she is really here."

"I know what you mean. I can't believe that she is here either."

"I love you so much. You have given us another child and my love has only grown."

"Sully you have made me so happy. I can't imagine life any other way."

They leaned toward one another and gently shared a loving kiss. Alexandra decided to make her presence known. She cried out a small cry. Michaela broke apart the kiss and look down at her daughter. She knew that it was mealtime. So She undid the buttons and put the infant to her breast. Her cries stopped immediatly as her hunger was soothed. Sully put his arm around his wife and they enjoyed the few moments before everyone would wake up.

Across the hall Andrew and Colleen were sleeping in one of the extra bedrooms. Colleen lay awake. She wished she and Andrew could share what Michaela and Sully were sharing right now. She turned on her side to look at her husband who was looking at her.

He kissed her lips tenderly. She leaned closer to him and went into his arms. They sat just thinking. They loved each other dearly but there was something missing in their lives.

"Do you think we could ever experience what Ma and Pa are right now?"

"Yeah, we will one day sweetheart. For now let's just enjoy your new little sister."

"She is cute isn't she."

"Yes she is a cutie."

"Andrew I want you to promise me that if we can't have children we will adopt. I know that you love me and I love you, but I want to raise a family too and share our love with them."

"I promise you that we will adopt, but I believe that when the right time is we will be blessed with our own child."

"You are a great man Andrew, and I adore and love you so much."

"I love you too."

They lost themselves in a long passionite kiss. They held one another and thought of their love and what might become out of their love.

A few hours later a knock came on the door. Sully got out of bed and went to the door. He opened it and found his son and daughter standing before him.

"Something wrong?"

"John wants to be with you and Mama"

"Alright come on in."

Katie and John went inside and went on the side of the bed. Michaela looked down at her little boy. She reached down and picked him up. Katie then climbed in between Sully and Michaela.

"I heard you screaming last night and I was scared."

"It's alright honey. I am fine and so is your little baby sister."

"Can I see her."

"Yes",Michaela then looked at her husband who got up out of bed and went to the crib. He reached in and gently picked up his daughter. He then carried her over to the bed and sat on the bed.

Katie looked over at her father and baby sister. She was so small, but yet so cute. She wondered what they named her.

"What's her name?"

Her mother replied,"Well we decided to name her Alexandra Marie."

"That's pretty. How did you come up with my name?"

"Well we named you Katherine after your Papa's mother, and we named you Elizabeth after my mother."

"I like my name. What about John?"

"Well we named him Jonathen after one of your father's close friends who was killed in the war, and we named him Michael because that is what my father wanted to name me, but I was a girl."

"You pick good names Mama and Papa."

"Thank you my darling."

John was trying to say his little sister's name,"Alecndra"

"Oh he is trying to say her name, but I am afraid it might be a little to difficult for him.",replied Michaela.

"Well why don't we call her Alex instead."

"Alright"

Michaela knew she was hungry. She also knew the kids must be too. So she put John on the bed and got up off the bed and put her robe on.

"Where you going?",asked Sully.

"I am going to make breakfast"

"Let me make it. You need to get some rest. You just had a baby."

Michaela knew he was right. But she never liked sitting down and letting people do things for her. She went back into bed. Sully then handed Alex over to her. He then picked up John and took Katie's hand.

"Come on kids your Ma and the baby need some rest."

Sully and the children left the room. Michaela then layed back against the pillows and spent a few minutes gazing down at her daughter. A few minutes later a soft knock on the door.

"Come in."

Colleen opened the door and walked in. She then went and pulled a chair up beside her mother.

"Hello Colleen and good morning."

"I wanted to see her again. I can't believe how small she is."

"Would you like to hold her?"

"Yeah",she replied joyfully.

Michaela handed Colleen the tiny infant. She watched as Colleen's whole face lit up as she looked at her little sister.

"Well I guess she couldn't wait for thanksgiving and decided to come the day before."

"Dear Lord bless this food and thank you for all the blessings you have given us this year. We are all thankful and grateful for what you have done. Thank you for our little girl who was born late last night. Thank you for our children being with us here. Thank you for all the great things you have given us. Amen."

As the prayer was ended everyone started to eat. Andrew had let Michaela eat dinner with her family but then afterwards she must go to bed and rest. Sully held Michaela's hand in his own. They looked into one another eyes. No words needed to be spoken. The joy and happiness was shown in their eyes. Down at the other end Andrew and Colleen also shared a private and loving moment. It was a great holiday.

After dinner everyone gathered in the living room. They all glanced in upon the baby who was in the cradle sleeping. Sully sat in one of the wingback chairs and pulled his wife on his lap. They glanced at one another and then over at their tiny child who lay asleep. The love between them was so great. Michaela leaned her head against his shoulder and within minutes fell fast asleep. Sully kissed his wife on the forehead. He knew she must be exhausted. He picked her up and took her up the stairs and into bed. After he had put her in bed he went back and brought Alex upstairs and put her into the crib. He then went back downstairs.

The children were gathered around Andrew and Colleen. Who were telling them all a story. Sully sat down in the chair and listened quietly. He loved to see the smiles on their faces. As they finished the story it was getting late. So Sully told them all to get ready for bed. He said goodnight and then helped the younger children get ready and settled for bed. After he did that he joined his wife and fell asleep fast.

Later on that night Sully was woken up by Alex's cries. He got up and picked the baby up. He checked her diaper. It was dry. He knew she must be hungry. He went over to the bed and woke up his wife.

"Sweetheart the baby's hungry."

"Give her to me",she said lovingly.

Sully handed the baby to her. Michaela then nursed the small baby. Soon both mother and child had fallen asleep. Sully was right behind them. So for the rest of the night they slept.

The next morning Michaela woke up to Alex's cries. She got up and went to the crib. She picked her up and went to the rocking chair and rocked her back and forth. Alex began to fall back asleep to the rocking motion. Michaela looked up and smiled at her husband.

Sully got up and sat on the ground beside his wife and daughter. Him and Michaela shared a glance. Then they both looked at their daughter asleep in her mother's arms.

A week after Alexandra's birth Michaela and went outside. The family sat on the ground behind the house. The older children were playing. John sat on his mother's lap. Sully sat beside his wife and held Alex.

Michaela watched her children having fun running around and laughing. She loved to see them happy. It seemed like life was just as it should be this very moment in time. She only wished she could savor it forever.

Katie ran over to her mother. She sat down beside her and started to talk about all kinds of things. Michaela listened to every word her daughter had to say. She loved how excited she sometimes got.

Sully looked down at the baby who had fallen asleep in his arms. He held her to his chest and continued to rock her back and forth. He loved how life could be so fulfilling. It seemed like everything important in the world was right here. He loved when life seemed so happy.

Michaela sat in one of the wingback chairs nursing one month old Alexandra. It was a week before christmas. Sully was upstairs putting the children to sleep. A little while later he came down and sat in the other chair. He grabbed his book and started to read. Michaela got up a few minutes later and kissed her husband on the cheek. Then went upstairs. She opened her bedroom door and then gently put the baby in her crib. She then got herself ready for bed.

Sully sat up most of the night. He wondered where his friend was. He hadn't seen him since right before his daughter had been born. He hoped he was alright. Soon Sully retired to his bedroom and fell asleep.

On Christmas Eve everyone sat down at dinner. Colleen, Andrew, Matthew, and Brian had joined them to celebrate the holiday. They had a wonderful meal filled with laughs and love.

After dinner was done they all gathered in the living room. They talked and laughed and shared treasured memories. It was getting late and everyone was getting tired. So Michaela took charge of sleeping arrangements.

"Katie your going to sleep in Anna's room. John can sleep in Josef's room. Colleen and Andrew can take the guest room. Brian can sleep in Katie's room and Matthew can sleep in John's room. Emily can stay where she is."

Everyone went to bed. Michaela finished getting dressed and then checked on Alex. She then got into bed beside her husband. Sully pulled his wife toward him.

Christmas day was wonderful. Everyone gathered around the tree and opened gifts. Then they all had a big breakfast. They all sat down to eat. Soon Colleen and Andrew got everyone's attention.

"Well as you all know that this has been a great year. Well Colleen and I have something we want to tell you.",Andrew said and then looked at his wife.

"Andrew and I are going to have a baby!"

Everyone jumped out of their seats and ran to them and hugged them both. It was great news. Everyone was happy for the young couple. Michaela handed the baby to her husband and went over to give her daughter a hug.

"Colleen that's wonderful. I am so happy for the both of you."

Soon after Christmas everyone left for home. Colleen and Andrew returned to Boston. Brian returned to Chicago were he was doing an some research. Matthew returned to Denver to work on a case.

Life would go on for everyone. Michaela hated to say goodbye to her children but they had lives of their own. They had grown up and moved away. They did what all children would eventually do.

Michaela felt sad to see them go. So many memories of when they were younger. She missed having them around all the time. Soon her other children would grow up and move away as well. Michaela didn't like to think about them all grown up and living out in the world on her own. She knew it would happen one day and she was proud that they could care for themselves, but she wanted to enjoy and be with them.

Michaela held her daughter. She missed when she was a tiny baby. But she was now four years old. Her daughter Anna was leaving for college the next day. She had grown in to a woman overnight. Michaela was so proud of her.

Josef was growning into a young man. He would be done with school in two years, and then he planned to go to College back East. Katie had grown from a baby into big girl. She still loved to draw, and she was still her daddy's little girl. Emily now eight was a sweet little girl who loved to help in any way she could. John had grown taller then Emily over the last few years. He spent all his spare time out in the woods with his father. He listened to what he had to say and followed his father's wise word. He loved nature and Animals. Alex had started school this year and she loved it. Michaela missed having her around at the clinic but she was glad that she was so happy about school.

Sully was still as kind and gentle as the first time she had met him. He had been away surveying the last few days, but had come home the other day to be here when Anna left for college on the morning train.

Two years ago Andrew and Colleen had moved back to town and joined the staff at the hospital. So Michaela didn't work so much at both the Hospital and the clinic. They and their son Andy had come for dinner and to spend the night. Alex was happy that Andy was spending the night. They were best friends and always getting into mischief. Michaela made a personal note to keep an eye on her daughter and grandson this evening.

"Mama dinner is ready", Katie told her mother.

"I am coming sweetheart.", replied Michaela.

As she stood up she notice how big her daughter had gotten.She was almost up to eher forehead. Michaela wondered if Katie was going to tople over her. They all sat down and ate dinner. It would be the last for Anna for along time.

She had a few tears coming down her face. She thought about how much she had grown to love these people. She thought about all the wonderful memories they had shared with one another.

As they finished dinner everyone gathered in the living room. They read a story together. Soon the younger children were becoming very sleepy. Michaela and Sully took them up to bed. They said goodnight to all of them. Then they went to their own bedroom.

Michaela looked around at the bedroom. It seemed like ever since Alex crib had been moved out of the bedroom it seemed so much larger. Sully pulled her into his loving embrace.

"Sully they are all growing up so fast. I am happy but sad that everything keeps changing all the time. It seems like everything we knew is always changing."

"Michaela I know that everything is changing fast, but what matters is our love and our family. Even if they move a million miles away were still gonna love them and they will still love us, and that is what keeps us going. I love you with all of my heart and no matter what I am never gonna stop loving you."

"Oh Sully, you always know what to say. I love you too."

They kissed a long tender and passionite kiss. Then they held one another until slept over came both of them.

Dawn peeked up unoticed the next morning. After they had all gotten up and eaten breakfest they all left to go into town and say goodbye to Anna. Soon they reached the train station. They got all of her luggage down and put safely on the train.

Anna hugged and said goodbye to her family that she loves so dearly. She would miss their laughs, cries, and their faces. It was going to be a long journey. She stepped onto the train. She had tears in her eyes as the train pulled away from her home, from her family. They watched until it was out of sight. Then they all got into the wagon and made the journey home.

Alex walked around in front of the homestead. She couldn't stop thinking about Anna. She would miss her big sister very much. Anna had meant alot to her and her family. Alex looked up at the porch. She saw her father looking over at her and smiling. She smiled back at him.

She walked over by him and sat down on his lap. He put his arms around her and started whisper in her ear. She started giggling. She loved when her father made her laugh. Her mother always said that she and her brother John looked a lot like their father. They had his brown hair and blue eyes. Katie had his blue eyes but she had blonde hair. Alex always thought that her sister looked pretty with her blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Papa I gonna miss Anna"

"I know honey we all are. It would be the same without her, but we will always love her and see her during the holidays."

"I guess.", she replied.

The sun was just setting. She sat in her father's lap and together they watched it fall into night.

Michaela finished getting ready for bed and then got in to bed. She pulled book out and began to read but it was hard for her to concentrate on the words. She wondered if life would ever be the same again. She loved watching her children be happy. But she had to let them go and follow their dreams. She felt Sully put his arms around her waist.

"I know what your thinking. Your wondering is life ever gonna feel the same again. I don't know the answer but our love is what keeps our family going and growing. It is what we get our strength from. I know that I love you and I always will, and I know the kids love you too. I also know that love and Family are what keeps me alive."

Michaela kissed his lips. He kissed her back with all the love and admiration in the world. They lost themselves in a long loving kiss. When they parted they were out of breath but they could feel the love from just one kiss.

"I will love you the rest of my days and I will stand by your side loving you, holding you, and helping you as long as I am alive.", he told her with all his love for her shown in his eyes. He kissed her to show her his love. Then he blew out the lamp and they spent a night of love and understanding. It was the greatest night of love and passion they had ever shared.