Matthew rode Scout back to his homestead. It was a cold day in early December. He had a long day with legal cases and had just finished a big case in New York a few days before. Matthew rode slowly. He was tired and exhausted from taking big cases across the country as he had established himself to be a good just lawyer.
Soon his homestead came into view. Matthew stopped in front of the barn. He dismounted, and brought Scout into the barn. He took off his saddle and bridle and bedded Scout down. Then he made his way through the cold snow into the homestead. He closed the door behind him. Then took off his jacket and placed it on the coat rack beside the door. Soon he got a fire going.
A while later Matthew sat down to a bowl of warm hot stew he warmed up, that his sister had cooked for him. Matthew quietly ate his soup. He stopped and looked around his home. He had built it with his two hands on the place where the old homestead had stood a few years before. He looked at all of the touches and love he had put into building it.
But it was still missing something. Matthew longed to hear the joys of children and a woman that he loved. To come home to all the noise that he would want to go nuts. All the joys he had shared as a child with his younger siblings. But yet his home stood quiet and empty. Except for when Katie, John, Alex, Dani, and Davy would come over on an occasional night when his parents wanted some privacy.
Matthew’s thoughts were interrupted by a Scout’s whinnies from outside. Matthew stood up and put on his coat and went outside to check on his horse. He walked through his steps from earlier till he reached the barn. He opened the door. It was dark. He lit a lantern and looked around slowly. He looked at each stall. Scout now stood still and quiet. As did Matthew’s mare Belle. The cow was peacefully asleep with her calf. But still Matthew felt something wasn’t quite right.
He looked in the empty stall in the back of the barn which was used for hay often. He looked over the stall and found a woman asleep on the hay. She had beautiful golden honey colored hair. And her skin was as white as snow. She has burns on her hands and arms. She looked very tired to Matthew as he could see bags under her eyes. At that moment she awoke startled.
“Who are you Miss? Are you in trouble?” Matthew asked her in a soft soothing voice.
She looked very frightened. Matthew could see it in her eyes. She looked into Matthew’s eyes intensely. Matthew stared back into her deep blue eyes. He felt like she was staring into his soul. He broke the gaze as the feeling was so powerful.
“What is your name? Please I won’t hurt you. I just want to help you if you’ll let me.” Matthew told her once again.
“My name is Jessica Martin. I’m sorry I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just I have been traveling so long and your barn looked so warm and comforting, that I stopped to get some rest. I will leave though.” She told Matthew.
Matthew spoke softly to her, ”It’s alright, you can stay as long as you need. But why don’t you come inside. You can eat and warm yourself by the fire, instead of being out here in the cold barn.”
At first Jessica thought he might be making advances toward her. But then Jessica looked into his blue eyes. She saw an honorable man. She could feel it with his voice, and the way he talked and moved. She extended her hand into his and he helped her up.
They made their way out of the barn and through the snow. Until finally they had reached the new homestead few feet away from the barn. Matthew opened the door and Jessica followed him in. She looked around at the homestead. It was beautiful she could see much effort and hard work had been put into building it.
“You can take a seat at the table, I’ll bring you some stew.” Matthew offered as he moved toward the stove.
Jessica took a seat and looked around at the beautiful details. She looked and saw pictures of she assumed were Matthew’s family across the side table beside the stove. Matthew soon came back with a bowl of warm stew. She thanked him and accepted it willingly.
Matthew saw her keep eyeing the pictures of his family. He got up from the table and picked up several of the pictures and brought them over to her. And sat back down at the table with them.
“This picture is of my Ma and Pa. It was taken on their wedding day. And this one is of my Ma, my little brother Brian, and my little sister Colleen. It was taken the first year we had come to live with her, after my real Ma died of a rattlesnake bite. It was taken when a photographer was visiting our town.
Jessica looked at both of the photographs he had shown her and she saw how happy the family was. She kept remembering the horrible night when her family was taken away from her. She kept seeing the flames. She kept trying to get to them but the flames had engulfed the house.
“And this one was taken last month. This is my sister Colleen, her husband, and their daughter Sarah. And over here is my little siblings Katie, John, Alex, Dani, and Davy. This is my Ma as you can see she is expecting again. And this is my Pa with his arms around her.” Matthew said with a smile.
“You have a wonderful family. Quite a large family. I have a big family myself...” Suddenly Jessica moaned in pain. She grabbed her abdomen. That’s when Matthew noticed that she was heavy with child. He hadn’t seen her extended abdomen due to her long cape that had covered it from him. He went to her side.
“Oh my, we have to get you to a doctor right away.” Matthew said.
Matthew got the wagon hitched up and put Jessica in the back. He drove as fast as he could to his parent’s homestead. Soon the homestead came into view. He saw the lights and stopped the wagon as he came up to the large porch in front of the homestead. He jumped down from the wagon and ran to the back.
“Sully, Come quick!!” Matthew shouted as he helped Jessica down from the wagon. Sully came running out as fast as he could.
He went to Matthew’s side and helped him bring the young woman inside. Sully could she that she was in labor. Sully opened the door and they brought her in and set her on the kitchen table. Michaela came running at hearing the noise as fast as she could with her extended belly.
Michaela saw that a young pregnant woman was in labor she yelled for Katie to bring down her bag. Michaela began to examine the young girl. Michaela checked and discovered that the young woman was fully dilated. Soon Katie returned with her mother’s medical bag.
“Matthew take Katie upstairs and keep an eye on the children. Sully I may need your help.” Michaela spoke as removed some items from her bag.
Matthew grabbed Katie’s hand and took her upstairs where the other children were asleep for the night in their rooms. Matthew went to Katie’s bedroom and put her back in bed.
Michaela got ready as fast as she could and sent Sully for warm water and clean blankets. Michaela had to stop to catch her breath. All of the excitement was taking a toll on her. But she was in doctor mode and she went into full action to ensure a safe delivery for mother and child.
“Okay honey I need you to push, and push hard. The head is right here and with a good push should be delivered.” Michaela told Jessica.
Jessica bore down with all of her might. She could feel the child’s head as she pushed. She pushed until she had no energy to push.
“The head’s out. Now give me one more push and we’ll deliver your child.” Michaela spoke to the young frightened girl with confidence.
Jessica bore down once more with all the strength left in her. She felt like she was going to pass out. She was so tired and wanted it all to be over.
“Oh, here the baby comes. The baby’s here.” Michaela spoke to her. Michaela cut the cord and wrapped the infant into a clean blanket. The little one let forth a mighty cry. Michaela brought the little one to the young mother.
“Congratulations you have a little girl. She is absolutely beautiful.” Michaela gave a smile as she handed the little girl to her mother.
Jessica looked down at her daughter. She had dark brown hair, and the bluest eyes she had seen. She was so small. Jessica thought she would be much bigger as she had been so big with her while she was pregnant. Jessica gently placed a kiss on her daughter’s head.
Matthew reappeared as he heard a cry. He came beside Jessica and marveled at the little girl in her arms. He felt so joyful for her and her mother that everything went fine.
“Jessica what are you gonna name her?” Matthew asked her softly.
“I’m not sure yet. I had a name picked out for a boy, but still wasn’t sure for one for a little girl. Thank you Doctor. I will forever be appreciative. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.” Jessica said, and then had a thought.
“What is your first name if I may ask,” asked Jessica to Michaela.
“My name is Michaela, but mostly everyone calls me Dr. Mike.” Michaela replied with a smile.
“That’s it. I’ll name her Michaela in honor of the woman who brought her into this world.” Jessica said with a smile and then remembered the story Matthew had told her of his mother passing away.
Jessica turned to Matthew and asked, “Matthew what’s was your mother’s name?”
Matthew replied, “Her name was Charlotte. Charlotte.”
“Then this shall be Michaela Charlotte O'Connell.” Jessica said with joy as she stared at little Michaela.
Matthew stared at his mother. Both were proud of the honor that Jessica had bestowed upon her daughter and touched by her naming the little one after Charlotte and Michaela.
Jessica then turned to Michaela and asked, “When are you due?”
Michaela replied, ”Two weeks. It feels like it will never come though”
“Matthew was showing me pictures of your family. How do you manage so many?” “Well Matthew, Colleen, and Brian came to me when their mother passed away. I learned parenthood out of necessity, but it has become much more than a necessity. Then after we got married we conceived Katie, and two years later we had John, and then by then Alex came, and the twins were a complete surprise as was this little one. We manage by loving one another and having a lot of patience with each other. You’ll see motherhood will be a joy, and a great experience.” Michaela spoke of her wisdom and of her family with love.
“I had a big family myself and could never understand how my ma and pa could manage.” Jessica said with a little sadness.
“How big was your family if you don’t mind me asking?” Sully asked out of curiosity.
“Well there were ten of us. There were Thomas, Edward, Evelyn, Steven, Alexander, me, then my sisters Susanna, Francesca, Arianna, and my little brother Connor. We had quite a large family I guess. Larger than yours.”
“Well yes we have had quite a few people living here. But now Matthew has his own home, Colleen is married to Andrew and has a daughter. And Brian got married last year to Melanie, and she has to children from her previous marriage Aaron and Anna. And they have a daughter born this summer named Nicole. So we don’t have as many living here as we used to.” Michaela smiled.
“Well I think we will get you in the guestroom downstairs here and let you and little Michaela sleep.” Michaela spoke to Jessica.
Soon they got Jessica situated in the bed, and they had retrieved one of the twins old cradles to put the baby in. Jessica soon fell asleep to dreams after a long journey, and a hard labor.
Jessica kept walking with her husband Rick. They walked in the late winter. Soon they made it to the place where Rick had proposed to her. Jessica looked at the beautiful mountain in the horizon and then turned to her husband.
“Rick I wanted to make this special. To bring you to a special place to tell you some exciting news.” Jessica said excitedly.
“Next winter we will have a little one of our own.” Jessica told Rick with a huge smile on her face. Rick smiled from ear to ear and held onto Jessica for a long moment. Then pulled back and kissed her with love.
“I love you so much and I am so excited by this news.” Rick said as he looked into her eyes.
Jessica held onto Rick for a long moment. Thinking of how happy they would be next Christmas with a little one in their arms, who was already in their hearts. She held onto her husband thinking of the joyful time ahead, but didn’t know that her joy would soon turn to sadness at events that would come in the future.
Jessica awoke to the cries of little Michaela. Jessica sat up and went to the cradle. She gently lifted the baby into her arms. She sat back on the bed and pulled her dress apart. She soon had the little girl nursing from her breast. It was a strange thing at first, but Jessica also felt like a true mother. She kissed Michaela’s tiny little head.
Jessica was startled as she heard a knock on the door. She quickly pulled the baby blanket over her shoulder to give her some privacy.
“Who is it?” Jessica said after a few moments.
“It’s Matthew, may I come in.” Matthew asked.
“Just give me a few minutes Matthew if you would.” Jessica said as she buttoned up her dress and wrapped Michaela back up in her blanket.
“You may come in now Matthew.” Jessica said she nestled her daughter in her arms.
Matthew opened the door slowly. He saw Jessica holding her infant daughter in her arms. Matthew marveled at the sight. It was something he wanted more than anything. To have a wife and a child. He only hoped one day he could find that kind of happiness.
“I just wanted to check on you both and see if you needed, or wanted anything.” Matthew told Jessica with a smile.
“Thank you, were fine. I appreciate everything you have done for us Matthew.” Jessica said as she patted the seat next to her on the bed.
Matthew went to the side of the bed and sat down gently to not disturb the baby. He looked over at the little girl. She made his heart melt. She was so small. Matthew already felt protective over her, and he barely knew her or her mother. But yet somehow he felt like he had known Jessica forever.
“I bet her Pa will be happy when he sees her.” Matthew spoke after a few moments.
“Yeah, he would be happy if he could see her.” Jessica said as a few tears trickled down her face.
“I’m sorry did I say something to upset you. I did mean to.” Matthew said feeling horrible that he had made her cry on day that should be full of joy for her.
“No it’s all right, it’s just your family is the first people in a long time who have really cared about me.” Jessica said as she wiped away her tears.
“Where are your family if I might ask?” Matthew asked softly, but trying not to press her for any answers.
“They died earlier this year.” Jessica said looking down at her daughter.
“What about your husband, where is he?” Matthew replied
“Actually he’s gone too.” Jessica said looking up into Matthew’s deep eyes once again.
Jessica saw love in his eyes. He was so gentle and loving towards her. She just wished she could give the same love back. But ever since the fire she held back. She didn’t let herself feel anything that could hurt her.
“I’m sorry. Do you have any family left at all?” Matthew asked.
“My in-laws live in Kansas. Although they never did like me. I have an aunt Carrie who lives in New York, she is taking care of my little brother Connor. Although he has been ill for many months from the accident that took our family. The doctors don’t hold out much hope that he will survive much longer.” Jessica finally said the truth out loud.
“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do for you.” Matthew said regretfully.
“I know, I feel the same way. It’s just hard to believe that all of my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and my parents are all gone. And it’s even harder to believe that my brother may soon join them.” Jessica cried harder.
Matthew embraced her tightly into his arms. He could feel her inner pain. She had lost so many loved ones, and had so few left. She had a year. Matthew only wished he could take away her pain, but knew with the loss of Ingrid he couldn’t. She would have to find her own way through it.
Jessica felt so safe and protected from harm in his arms. She laid her head on his should and wept. She cried for the first time since the funerals of her loved ones. She had kept all of her emotions inside and had not let anyone inside. But this night she broke and let her emotions all fall.
The morning sun came in through the window. Michaela awoke early. She couldn’t sleep well as her belly was so huge with child. Michaela got up and dressed as quietly as could to not awake her husband.
She made her way down the stairs to the guestroom. She lightly taped on the door of the guestroom. She didn’t get an answer by her third knock. She gently began to turn the doorknob and then she opened the door gently to look in on her patients. What she found shocked her at first.
There was Matthew laying in the bed with Jessica asleep on his shoulder, and little Michaela was on Matthew’s chest with Matthew’s arm around her protectively. Michaela wasn’t sure what to do.
At the moment the baby awoke and began to cry of hunger. Jessica awoke a few moments later as did Matthew. Jessica jumped as she saw Michaela standing at the edge of the bed unsure of what to do.
“Ma, I was…I mean we were…” Matthew tried to explain.
“He was just here helping me with Michaela and we were both tired and I guess we fell asleep.” Jessica said feeling like a young teenage girl again being questioned by her mother.
“Well Matthew if you could give us a few moments of privacy I would like to check on Jessica and the baby.” Michaela told her son.
“Sure Ma, I will see you later Jessica.” Matthew said as he handed little Michaela to Jessica and then got up and left the room.
Sully was coming down the stairs at that moment when he saw his eldest son coming out of the guestroom. Sully looked over at Matthew with a questioning look.
Matthew looked up at his father. His face beat red with embarrassment of his mother and now his father seeing him in Jessica’s room when nothing had happened.
“Hey Sully, did you have a good sleep?” Matthew asked trying to change the subject and hoped he would not press the matter further.
“Yeah, did you have a good night sleep as well?” Sully said looking at his son’s red face.
“Uh, yeah I guess. So you said you wanted to fix the barn doors today?” Matthew asked him.
“Yeah, I was hoping to get around to it, but with the new addition being added on to the homestead, I don’t know if I will get to it. With the new baby coming she wants to move the twins our of our room into the new room. The only problem is there is no roof yet. So I gotta finish that first, or your Ma is really gonna get mad.” Sully replied.
“Well I could fix it if you want me too.” Matthew said to Sully.
“Hey that would be great if you don’t have too much work at your office or at your homestead that you need to do?” Sully said asking him.
“No nothing that can’t hold a few more days.” Matthew replied.
“Great. If you want you could give me a hand with the roof on the new room.” Sully suggested to him.
“Sure.” Matthew replied.
With that the door to the guest room opened and Michaela came out. She looked over at Matthew once again. Matthew smiled at her unsure of what to do or how to act around his mother at that moment.
“Jessica and her daughter seem to be in perfect health after I examined them.” Michaela said as she looked at her son.
“Ma we were just talking. Nothing happened. It got late and we fell asleep together and that’s all.” Matthew told his mother.
“Matthew you’re a grown man. I don’t question your every move. You are responsible and you know the consequences to your actions, and I trust you and your judgment.”
“Thanks Ma. Thanks for helping her through this.” Matthew said as he hugged his mother as best he could with her belly.
“Your welcome Matthew. I only wish there was more I could do for her. The burns on the arms indicate she was in a fire of some sort. I only wish I could help her.” Michaela replied.
“You have helped her more than you already know. I know she really appreciates it.” Matthew replied.
Jessica finished nursing baby Michaela. Then she dressed the little one in an outfit that Michaela had given her left over from her children. After she was dressed Jessica changed out of the nightgown into her dress. Then she picked up Michaela from the cradle and brought her to the door. Jessica opened the bedroom door and then walked into the living room. She looked around but no one was there. Although Jessica could hear a lot of noise from the children outside. Jessica decided the fresh air of the out doors would do her some good.
She opened the door and went out on the porch. She looked around. She saw three older children running around while the two younger ones were watching and giggling at the older ones. Jessica also saw Michaela seated on the bench by the garden watching the children. Jessica descended the stairs and walked over to her.
“Would you mind if we join you ?” Jessica asked sincerely.
“No, I would enjoy your company very much.” Michaela said with a smile.
Jessica took a seat carefully next to Michaela. She then positioned her daughter in her arms comfortably. Jessica looked over at the children. She hoped that her daughter would have siblings that would play and care about her as much as Matthew’s family did.
“Are you excited for the birth of your baby?” Jessica asked the doctor.
“Oh yes, I am thrilled with every birth, especially this one. We probably won’t have anymore. I mean the twins were a rough pregnancy, but this one has been very exhausting. I can’t wait till this little one comes.” Michaela said cheerfully.
“Yeah I was thrilled when I learned I would be expecting her. Now that she is here I can’t imagine my life without her. Neither could my husband. He would have loved her so much.” Jessica said as she choked back her tears.
“What happened to you husband if you don’t mind me asking?” Michaela said noticing how she has said he would have.
“I’m sorry Dr. Quinn it’s just really hard to talk about right now for me. Maybe after some time. I just don’t feel like I have dealt with it yet.” Jessica said as she burst into tears.
“Oh Jessica, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry, I was just curious. If you need to talk though I am here, and you can stay as long as you need to get on you feet. It sounds like you have had a hard year so far already.” Michaela said as put her hand on Jessica’s shoulder for comfort.
“Thank you Dr. Quinn. Your family has been so kind to me. I am really glad I found you. I don’t think I would have gotten through last night without you all. I have been traveling for so long. Trying to find a peaceful place to raise my child. I think I might stay here in your lovely town. I will accept your offer to stay only until I find a job and a place to stay.” Jessica said wiping the tears from her face.
“Well is there any kind of job that you like, or have experience with before?” Michaela asked.
“Well I used to be a secretary for two years. After that I taught school for a while, although I was never actually certified to become a teacher, it was just because there was no one else. Uh well I used to watch the neighbor’s kids. The thing that I used to love to do the most thought was to write. I always wanted to that. I just never got around to it.”
“Well Miss Jennings is looking for a reporter for her Gazette that she runs. We could ask her if you are interested in the job?” Michaela asked her.
“Oh Yes that would be great if you would. It’s so different out here though. I have never met a woman doctor, a woman who runs a newspaper before. Where I grew up that was men’s jobs.” Jessica said amazed.
“Yes, we are both respected for our work now, but in the beginning it was an uphill battle. Although in the end it was worth it I have to admit. It was hard when I first came here. I wanted to climb on the first train out of here, but I am so glad I stuck it out.” Michaela said with happiness thinking of her life now with her family. Yes it had been worth it in the end.
“Where are you originally from if I may ask?” Jessica asked.
“I was born in Boston, although my family is originally from Ireland.” Michaela replied.
“Oh, so you were raised in the high society?” Jessica said.
“Yeah, but it was so bad after I grew up and found my own way in life. Where are you from?” Michaela said watching her children.
“I was born in New York. Although I have lived all over the place. My father was never happy for long. We lived in many places. Although we finally moved to Kansas. That’s where I met my husband Rick. His family were farmers, and had worked hard all of their lives. They didn’t like me much because I was from a rich family. They though I was just a rich brat pretty much. But I loved him so much.” Jessica said recalling her life.
“Yes, my mother thought I had taken leave of my senses when I fell in love with Sully. It wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it. I mean our love was so strong and powerful it was hard to ever imagine a life without it.” Michaela said remembering her mother’s reaction to her and Sully.
“Did she ever change her mind about you two?” Jessica asked curiously.
“Yes, in time she came to see how dearly I loved him, and now she respects us and our marriage. Did your in-laws ever change their minds?” Michaela asked Jessica.
“They were less than thrilled when I married Rick. They never really did start to come around. I think they might of if they had known about their granddaughter, but I never had the chance to tell them because of the…” Jessica said stopping herself. She just couldn’t get the words out.
“You know it’s not to late, you can still tell them if you like.” Michaela told Jessica softly.
“Yes, I suppose I could. I just want some time to get settled and to show them I can take care of my child. I think they would try to take her from me if they knew of her, and thought I couldn’t take care of her.” Jessica said looking down at her daughter peacefully asleep in her arms.
“Well I hope everything goes well for you. I know that we will help you in anyway that we can. We are here for you Jessica never forget that.” Michaela said embracing Jessica.
Jessica held onto her and cried. She didn’t want to break down but ever since Matthew had opened her heart up and touched her soul she had been opening up more and more to this family that she was coming to love.
Matthew watched his mother and Jessica embrace one another. Matthew stared at Jessica mostly though. He felt like his heart had been lit a fire once again. He could the love stirring through his heart. After Ingrid and even Emma he never thought he could find love again. Matthew continued to stare at Jessica.
Jessica could feel someone watching her. She turned and saw Matthew by the barn door with his tools. He stood frozen gazing at her with loving eyes. Jessica found herself drawn to him. She stared deeply into his eyes and he did the same. Jessica felt like he was staring right into her heart. Like he could see her true self.
Matthew broke the gaze when he heard Sully call for him to come help him with the roof. Matthew gathered his tools and then walked past Jessica toward his father. Matthew tried not to stare as he passed, but his eyes kept getting drawn back to Jessica. Matthew felt this unconditional love hit him as he stared at Jessica’s sad face. Matthew could see so much pain in her heart. He only hoped that through time she would share her feelings and her thoughts with him. He also hoped he could share his with hers. He only wished he could ensure that she loved him to.
Jessica pulled back from Michaela. She wiped her tears. She looked at Matthew once more. She just wished that she could him the love that he seemed to be showing her. She didn’t know if she ever could, no matter how long he might wait.
“Thank you. I wish I could repay you and your family somehow. I have some money put aside if you would like for me to pay for staying here for the time I’ll be here.” Jessica said as she wiped the last of her tears.
“No, you don’t have too. You should probably hold onto your money. You never know when you might need it. Trust me there will come a time you will be happy for some extra money for anything that might come up.” Michaela spoke gently to Jessica.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I will get the job with Miss Jennings, so I probably should save what little money I do have until I know for sure.” Jessica said taking in Michaela’s words of wisdom.
Michaela hunched over in pain all of sudden. It made Jessica jump at first. She put her hand Michaela’s arm. She wasn’t sure what to do for her.
“Dr. Quinn do you want me to get your husband?” Jessica asked panicky.
“Yes, tell him I need him NOW!!” Michaela said in deep pain.
Jessica got up and ran as fast as she could with her baby daughter in her arms toward the other side of the house. She reached the other side where Sully and Matthew were hard at work finishing the roof on the new addition.
“SULLY, MATTHEW!!! Dr. Quinn needs you now. She is terrible pain. I think she is in labor.” Jessica screamed up to them.
Sully ran to the ladder and ran down. Then he dashed around the house as fast as his legs would carry him to his wife. He kneeled down in front of her.
Michaela was hunched over holding her stomach. She had a painful look on her face that scared her husband.
“Michaela is it time?” Sully asked out of breath.
“Yeah I think so…Oh Sully something is wrong. I have never felt pain like this…Oh my GOD Sully!!!!” Michaela screamed a gut wrenching wail.
Michaela scrunched up in terrible pain. All of sudden Michaela lost consciences and went limp. Sully caught her head as she slumped forward.
“Oh Michaela, Michaela. Please Michaela wake up. I don’t know what to do.” Sully cried in fright.
Sully sees Michaela’s face growing white. Then he felt a wet moisture. He looked down and he saw his wife bleeding excessively. At that moment Sully grew deathly afraid for his wife and his unborn child.
Sully had carried Michaela upstairs in their bedroom and placed her on the bed. Michaela grew very pale. Sully did what he could to try and stop the bleeding. He prayed for Matthew to return as soon as he could with a doctor from the hospital.
A long time passed it seemed for Sully until finally heard horses running up the road to the homestead. He then heard feet running up the stairs and then he saw the door open. Matthew and Dr. Nelson came running into the room.
Dr. Nelson went to work right away. He noticed immediately how much blood Michaela was losing. He made a quick examination. He knew that he would have to act quickly to save Michaela and her unborn child's llife..
“Dr. Nelson what do we do?” Sully asked in fear to the young doctor.
“I am going to have to stop the bleeding. She may need a blood transfusion is she loses any more blood.” Dr. Nelson Said as he applied clean cloths to stop the bleeding.
Sully sat down and held onto Michaela’s hand feeling totally helpless and unsure of what to say or to do. He prayed to the spirits to protect Michaela and their unborn child’s lives, because he needed them both so much in his life.
The seconds seem to tick by while the young doctor went to work. Sully continued to hold his wife’s hand and pray the entire time which seemed like hours to Sully. But soon Dr. Nelson was able to stop the bleeding with medication.
“Her bleeding’s stopped. She is going to be very weak, and we will have to watch her carefully, but I am hopeful she should pull through.” Dr. Nelson told Sully.
Sully finally took a deep breath at the doctor’s reassuring words about his wife and child. “Dr. Nelson what caused her to start bleeding?” Sully asked.
“Michaela told me she had urinary bleeding with her first pregnancy. I believe it was the case with this one, only more severe.” Dr. Nelson told Sully.
“What would have caused it to be worse this time?” Sully asked concerned still.
“Many factors. Michaela’s age, her working on her feet, not taking care of herself, or just simply reasons unknown to us still. Has she been on her feet and working hard recently?” Dr. Nelson told Sully truthfully.
“Yeah she delivered a baby last night, I think the excitement and delivery took a lot of energy out of her.” Sully spoke quietly to Dr. Nelson.
“Well I want her to rest and build up her strength before the baby comes.” Dr. Nelson told Sully.
“Thank you Dr. Nelson for everything.” Sully extended his hand out to the young man.
Dr. Nelson shook Sully’s hand. “Your welcome. I would like to stay here tonight to keep an eye on her though. Make sure no more bleeding occurs.”
“Of course. What ever you need.” Sully told him as he took hold of Michaela’s hand once again.
Dr. Nelson packed up his instruments and put them back into his bag after he finished checking Michaela once again. Then he grabbed his medical bag and began to leave the room when Sully started to talk to him.
“Dr. Nelson, we have a young woman who gave birth last night to a little girl. Michaela checked on them this morning, but she wanted to check on them tonight. Could you check on them for her? I know she would really appreciate it.” Sully told Dr. Nelson the truth.
“It would be a pleasure.” Dr. Nelson said sincerely as he then turned and left the room to head downstairs.
Jessica was in the guestroom rocking Michaela to sleep while Matthew sat in a rocking chair watching her beside the bed. Jessica could feel his eyes on her. She looked up at his face. He had a look of deep worry about his mother on his face. Jessica also worried about Dr. Mike. She hoped nothing had happened to her.
“Matthew I’m sure she is going to be all right.” Jessica said breaking the silence.
“Yeah, I hope so. I just don’t know what I would do if I lost her. She is the only mother I have left, and I love her so much Jessica.” Matthew said tearing up.
All of a sudden there was a knock on the door. Jessica jumped at the unexpected noise. She saw Matthew wipe the tears off of his face.
“Who is it?” Jessica finally asked.
“It’s Dr. Nelson Madame, I was sent to check on you since Dr. Quinn is ill.” Dr. Nelson said to the young woman.
“Come in.” Jessica told the doctor.
Dr. Nelson turned the door knob and opened the door. He walked in and sat his bag down on the bed.
“Hello Matthew. I wanted to let you know that we stopped the bleeding. Your Ma is going to be all right. She is going to be weak, but after some rest she should be as good as new.” Dr. Nelson told him after he noticed his red eyes from crying.
“Thank you Dr. Nelson. Thank you very much.” Matthew said with deep gratitude.
“You are welcome.” Dr. Nelson told him.
“Dr. Nelson this is Jessica Martin O’ Connell and her daughter Michaela Charlotte O’Connell. Jessica this is Dr. Jackson Nelson.” Matthew said introducing them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss O’Connell.” Dr. Nelson said extending his hand.
Jessica took his hand in hers and shook it. “It’s nice to meet you to Dr. Nelson. May I call you Jackson?”
“Oh no, everyone calls me either Dr. Nelson, or they call me Jack.” Dr. Nelson told her with a smile.
“Oh, I will call you Jack.” Jessica said returning his smile.
Matthew stood up and left the room so that Dr. Nelson could examine Jessica and the baby in privacy. He closed the bedroom door behind him. He walked outside and onto the front porch. He sat down on the bench on the end of the porch. He looked out at the landscape around him. It was breath taking sight for him. At that moment it was too much for Matthew to take. He put his hands to face and finally broke down. He cried for a long time. He cried for the relief from almost losing his mother. But he also cried for Jessica the most. He was loving her more and more. He felt her pain so deep and he wished he could take it from her. But he knew he could only be there and comfort her through the pain.
Matthew wiped the tears away from his eyes a few minutes later. Then he heard footsteps and then the front door open. He saw Jessica come out with baby Michaela in her arms bundled up in a warm blanket as the cold winter night seemed bitter compared to the very warm day they had. Jessica made her way over to the bench and then sat down beside Matthew.
“So did Dr. Nelson give you too a clean bill of health?” Matthew turned to Jessica and asked.
“Yeah, he said we are both doing quite well.” Jessica told him with a smile, but Matthew could see something was troubling her deeply.
“Jessica, what’s wrong? Please tell me. It hurts me when you are so troubled.” Matthew spoke deeply from his heart as he stared into her eyes deeply.
“I have been having these deep feelings for someone. Feelings I never thought I would have again, but I am having them. But with everything that just happened with you Ma, I realized how fragile life is and how close I could lose them.” Jessica told him.
“You mean about your daughter? I mean it must be hard to feel love for her after losing your family not that long ago.” Matthew spoke softly to her.
Jessica began to chuckle at hearing what Matthew had just said to her. Matthew looked over at her. He smiled and gave her a questioning look. He did understand what was so funny.
“What’s so funny?” Matthew finally asked her after her laughter died down a bit.
“You. You missed the meaning of what you said.” Jessica said as she laughed a little more.
“What did you mean then?” Matthew said looking deep in her eyes trying to find and answer.
"I meant I never thought I could feel this way again about anyone, but I do. Matthew I love you." Jessica told Matthew with deep emotion.
Matthew stared at her eyes deeply. She had a deep love in her eyes. Matthew stared back at her deeply with the same love. His heart began to race at her words. He never thought he would ever hear those words from a women again.
"I love you to Jess. You have stirred such emotion in me." Matthew told her as he kept his gaze with her.
Jessica then slowly leaned into Matthew and placed her lips on his. She could feel her passion for him growing. Matthew leaned in more and deepened the kiss. It felt wonderful to finally kiss the woman he loved. Suddenly Jessica pulled away. She felt tears falling down her face. She looked at Matthew with a painful face. She held onto her daughter and ran inside the house.
Matthew sat looking at the door with confusion. He felt angry with himself for making advances on her. He knew she was having a rough time with being a new mom, and the deep painful past that she carried with her. Matthew stood up and went inside the homestead.
He walked across the living room to the guestroom door. He paused for a moment. He could here Jessica crying heavily. His heart ached for her and her daughter. He loved them and wanted to be a part of their lives, but Jessica would have to let him in before they could ever be together, and that would only happen if she wanted to.
Matthew knocked on the door softly. He heard the crying stop for a few moments. He heard footsteps all of sudden. Then there was Jessica opening the door standing before him with tears streaming down her red face.
Matthew saw the inner struggle in her eyes. He leaned in close and held her tightly against his chest. She began to cry again as she wrapped her arms around him. Matthew felt glad she hadn’t pushed him away, but unsure of what to do or how to act. He just continued to stand and hold her.
“Jessica do you want to talk about it?” Matthew finally said softly as he continued to hold onto her.
“Yes, I need to talk about it. I need to tell you so much Matthew.” Jessica said as she pulled away from Matthew.
Matthew walked into Jessica’s room with his arm wrapped around her. They sat down on her bed. Jessica pulled back to look at Matthew. She wiped away her tears from her eyes.
“It was my mother’s birthday. She was turning forty-eight. All of her children, and their families had all gathered together at our home in Kansas. Rick had gone ahead that day. I was at work and couldn’t get off right away. Things were going so well before that day. I mean Rick and I learned we were going to have a baby, and he just had gotten enough money to buy his own store. Things were gonna be so great.” Jessica said stopping as her tears began to fall.
“Do you want to stop and take a break before you continue?” Matthew asked with a concerned look upon his face.
“No I’m all right. I got out of work a little later than normal. I got on my horse and started riding to my parent’s home. I was going slow because I had bought my mom this porcelain doll from France that I had saved up months to buy, but I knew she would love it. Finally their home came into view. When I saw it I was stunned. The house was engulfed in flames. I rode as fast I could the rest of the way. I dismounted and ran into the house. I tried to get to the parlor but there was not way to reach it. I went through the kitchen to the back bedroom. I tried to get to the upstairs from the stairs in the back bedroom but the flames seemed to be everywhere. Then I heard a scream come out from under the bed. I crouched down and I saw my six year old brother Connor. I pulled him out of the house and then went back inside and made my way through the house. I finally got close to the parlor. I opened the door, and I couldn’t find anyone. I ran through the parlor and ran up the stairs. I knew they were having the party in the dining room. I opened the door and the entire room was engulfed in flames. I saw my family huddled against the far wall. I called out to them. I heard Rick answer me. He called back to me. I tried to get through, but I couldn’t.” Jessica said crying harder.
“Rick, I can’t get to you. Is there another way out?” Jessica cried out in panic to her husband.
“No, Jess there isn’t sweetheart. We’re trapped in here and we can’t get out. Jess I want you to get out of here. Please honey get out of here and save yourself and our baby. Jess I love you and our child sweetheart. Never forget that no matter what.” Rick called out to her through the flames.
All of sudden the roof collapsed in over the dining room. It engulfed the entire room into flames.
“Rick, Mother, Father, anybody? Please answer me?” Jessica cried out. She knew she had to get out or she was going to die.
Jessica stood frozen, part of her wanted to die with her family. But the other part told her she needed to survive for her younger brother and for her unborn child, who’s life depended upon her survival. Jessica ran down the stairs and out side of the house to her younger brother. They sat there and watched the home they love burn.
Jessica told Matthew the whole story as it ran through her memory. It was a terrible thing that she didn’t want to remember. It just hurt so bad.
“After the fire Connor was burnt badly, and he lapsed into a coma. We went to live with my aunt Caroline, or Carrie as we called her in New York. She was a wonderful women. She was my mother’s younger sister. She was kind to me, and helped me a lot over the last few months. Connor did change, he continued in the same condition. And a month ago his doctor told us that he was going to live through the year. At that point I lost it. I packed a few items and took the first train out of there. The last month I have been traveling around the West. I just couldn’t sit there and watch my brother die, it was too much after my families deaths.” Jessica told him as she felt a wave of more tears coming.
“That’s awful what you went through. I have lost people, but never my whole family. I wish I could do something to help you.” Matthew told Jessica from the bottom of his heart.
“You are just by being here with me and listening to what I have to say.” Jessica said as she leaned in and embraced Matthew in her arms. He wrapped his arms around her as well.
Jessica then planted her lips on Matthew’s once again. Only this time she didn’t pull away from him. He leaned in and enjoyed the wonderful moment.
“Matthew I am sorry I ran from you. I just got sad thinking about Rick and what we shared. I wanted to honor that, but I also know he wouldn’t want me to be unhappy. He would want me to move on in my life and hopefully find love again. I know I have found it. Matthew I love you so much. I know that it won’t be easy and I have a long past, but are you willing to try and court me?” Jessica said with hope in her eyes as she stared deeply into his.
“Jessica I love you so much. I think I loved you the moment I saw you, and I know it won’t be easy. But I am willing to try. I would go anywhere as long as you and Michaela were beside me. Yes Jessica I will court you. I love you so much. I never though I would feel this deep love for someone again after my fiancée Ingrid died.” Matthew told her deeply from his heart.
“Tell me about her.” Jessica said with love in her eyes.
“She was wonderful. She was so full of life, and the sweetest person. She and I were going to get married a month before she died. She got bit by my brother’s dog Pup. She got rabies and died. It was a hard time for me. Then Emma came into my life. I loved her too, but it wasn’t like how I felt for Ingrid, or how I love you. Jessica I love you. I never want to lose you. I knew since the first moment that you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Matthew told her now with tears in his eyes.
Matthew embraced Jessica tightly into his arms and held onto for dear life. He never wanted to let her go now that he had found her. He felt a great fear that he would lose her. The rest of the night he held onto her and stayed with her and her baby girl. Matthew felt his life was becoming full circle for the first time in many years.
Another week passed by and Michaela continued to regain her strength. No more bleeding had occurred in that time. Michaela had been taking it easy the last week as the impending birth grew closer each day.
Michaela awoke in the morning. She felt a dull ache in her lower back. She knew from past experience that it was the beginning stages of labor. She sat up with some difficulty from the pain. She tried to stand but a sharp pain hit her that Michaela knew was a contraction. Michaela breathed through the contraction. Then the pain eased and was gone. Michaela leaned over and shook her husband.
Sully awoke to Michaela shaking him. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked over at his wife. She looked over at him with pain on her face..
“Michaela what is it? Are you bleeding again?” Sully asked her as he grew concerned.
“No, it’s time Sully. The baby is coming soon. You need to have someone ride out to meet the train for Andrew and Colleen, and to have Dr. Nelson come now.” Michaela told him as another contraction hit her hard. She knew that this labor would go fast. She remembered the twins birth. They had come within two hours of her going into labor. She only prayed that Sully could get the doctor there in time.
Sully threw on a shirt and ran downstairs in a panic. He ran to get his belt and coat on. Just then Matthew came out of Jessica’s room at hearing the fast steps coming down the stairs.
“Pa, what’s wrong?” Matthew asked worried.
“You Ma is in labor. Matthew would you go into town and get Dr. Nelson. Then meet the train and bring Colleen and Andrew out here.” Sully asked him.
“Yeah, I be back as fast as I can.” Matthew ran and grabbed his boots, jacket, and hat. Then he ran out of the house to get his horse and ride into town to get the doctors.
Sully saw Jessica standing in the doorway of the guestroom. She came out hearing everything that Sully had told Matthew. He went over to her.
“Jessica, the kids are going to be up soon, and they might be scared. Can you keep them calm and keep an eye on them? Katie can help you, and Matthew will be back soon with help.” Sully asked her out of breath from running and all the excitement.
“Yeah, I’ll do anything you need me to Sully.” Jessica told him.
“Thanks, I need to get back to Michaela.” Sully told her as he ran up the stairs to be by his wife’s side as she was getting ready to bring their child into the world.
Matthew rode as fast as he could into town. He went straight to the hospital first. He went in and told Dr. Nelson to hurry back to the homestead as Michaela was in labor and needed him.
Matthew then rode off to the train station where he would wait for the next train to arrive carrying his sister, niece, and brother-in-law with it.
Dr. Nelson made his way to the homestead. Jessica let him inside. He went upstairs to Michaela’s room where she was nearing closer and closer to the time that she was going to give birth.
Michaela continued to breathe through the contractions. Sully stayed by her side telling and encouraging her through the labor. Michaela then to her relief saw Dr. Nelson walk through the door.
“Dr. Nelson thank God you’re here.” Michaela said as another painful contraction hit her hard. Sully held her hand and continued to talk her through the pain.
Dr. Nelson examined Michaela after he had gotten his equipment out of his bag. He discovered that she was nine centimeters dilated. He knew that this baby was going to come quickly and he began to prepare himself and what he needed to ensure a safe delivery.
Matthew finally saw the train come into view. He only wished he could make it move faster. Finally the train came to a stop in front of the train depot. Matthew saw several passengers come off the train when he finally saw Andrew, Colleen, and their one year old daughter. Matthew ran up to them.
“Matthew what’s wrong?” Colleen asked as she saw Matthew’s serious face.
“Ma’s in labor. She wants you and Andrew to come as quickly as I can get you there.” Matthew told her.
“Oh, come on lets see if we can borrow a wagon from Robert E.” Andrew said as he picked up his daughter and ran to the livery.
Michaela could feel the contractions getting closer together. She knew it was almost time for her to push. She continued to breath through her contractions. She knew that it was going to be a tougher delivery because of her age.
“Michaela you are almost fully dilated. I think that this baby will be here in fifteen maybe twenty minutes.” Dr. Nelson said as he checked her cervix.
“Michaela were gonna have our baby here real soon. You just keep doing what your doing. I am gonna stay here with you the whole time. I love you Michaela for everything that your doing.” Sully said as he planted a kiss on her forehead.
“I love you too Sully. Thank you for giving me a our child.” Michaela said as another contraction hit her. She began to fear that her daughter and son-in-law might not make in time for the delivery.
All of sudden they heard horses and then footsteps on the porch. Then Colleen and Andrew came into the bedroom as they ran up the stairs as fast as both of them could.
“You made it. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t…” Michaela said as a contraction hit her hard.
“Okay Michaela your fully dilated now. I need you to start pushing. Okay?” Dr. Nelson told her as he checked her again.
She sat beside her and helped to support her as she sat up and began to push with all of the energy and strength that she had left in her.
Andrew went beside Dr. Nelson and began to help him. Colleen continued to watch in amazement at the event that was about to take place in front of her.
“Okay Michaela, I can see the head. Push one more time.” Andrew told Michaela as she bore down once again and finally the head was delivered.
Michaela took a moment to catch her breath. Then she began to push once again. She bore down with all of her might. Finally the infant was delivered into Dr. Nelson’s arms.
Dr. Nelson with Andrew’s help began to clear the mouth and nose. Then both doctors noticed the baby wasn’t breathing. They began immediately to try and revive the infant that was so lifeless in Dr. Nelson’s arms.
Colleen watched in horror at the sight of the infant not breathing. She held her hand over her mouth in shock. She didn’t know what to do at that moment. She only prayed that the infant would survive.
Michaela leaned back against Sully out of breath. Sully kissed his wife on the cheek. He continued to support. Michaela soon became aware of the fact that her baby had not cried yet.
She looked up and saw Andrew, and Dr. Nelson working on her baby. She saw that the baby was very white, not pink like it should be.
“Oh God, Andrew please save my baby!!!” Michaela cried out as she leaned back out of energy. Sully caught her. He held onto her as they both cried for their child. Hoping and praying for their child to take it’s first breaths.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST TWO SECTIONS:
Finally after what seemed to be hours the infant began to breath on it’s own. The baby then let out a strong cry. Michaela started to breath at the hearing of her baby’s cry. Sully also felt great relief and joy that their child was alive and breathing.
Andrew and Dr. Nelson cleaned up the baby and then finally handed it to it’s parents waiting arms. Andrew smiled to Dr. Nelson both thankful they were able to save the small bundle of joy.
Michaela held her child for the first time. She looked down and she saw her baby looking up at her. She kissed the baby’s forehead and held onto the baby as if she would never let go.
Sully leaned in closer to his wife and looked at their baby. It was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen watching his wife hold their child in her arms. Sully held onto Michaela as she held their child.
“Congratulations Sully and Michaela on the birth of your little girl.” Andrew told the proud parents holding their newborn daughter.
“Ma what are you going to name her?” Colleen asked with a grin on her face.
“Oh that’s right. Sully we still haven’t decided on a name yet.” Michaela turned and told her husband.
“I guess with so much happening the last few weeks we’ve been so busy we haven’t talked about names. I don’t know. Do you have any ideas?” Sully said turning to his wife.
Michaela thought about it for a few moments. “Sully I can’t think of a name. Do you have any ideas?” She then asked Sully after she couldn’t think of any names herself.
“What about Anne after your middle name?” Sully suggested.
“No I want her to have something very special.” Michaela said looking down at her daughter.
“What about Elise. It’s pretty and it was your grandmother‘s middle name ma?” Colleen suggested one of her favorite names to her parents.
“Yes I like that it’s pretty, but I would like something different for her first name. I think Elise would be nice for a middle name..” Michaela said to her daughter.
Sully then though of a first name that he really wanted to give his daughter.. “How about Julianne?” Sully asked his wife.
Then Michaela knew why. It had been Sully’s baby sister’s name. She was born two years after him and hadn’t lived but only a few minutes after her birth. She had been named Julianne Rose Sully.
“Yes I think that is wonderful. I think we will call her Julianne Elise Sully, and we will call her Julia for short.”
Julia began to fuss in her mother’s arms. Michaela knew that the little girl was beginning to become hungry. Michaela shifted the baby more comfortably in her arms getting to nurse her.
“We’ll give you some privacy.” Andrew told the family, as he, Colleen, and Dr. Nelson all left the room.
Michaela began to nurse Julia a few moments after everyone but Sully had left. Julia immediately began to nurse contently. Michaela marveled at the strength of the little one who at first struggled to take her first breaths of life.
Sully put his hand on Julia head. He began to stroke her very thin fine hair. He then put his finger in her little hand. Julia instinctively clasped onto his finger. Sully smiled to himself at the bond he and his daughter were already building.
“I can’t believe she is really all right. I feel like we came so close to losing her and now she is healthy and safe.” Michaela said as Julia stopped nursing for a moment.
“Yes she is. She is so beautiful. She looks like Alex the most I think. She has such dark hair. I feel like my heart could burst with love for her, and our family. It never ceases to amaze me each time our kids our born the love that I feel. I wouldn’t change this moment for anything in the world.” Sully told his wife as he stoked Julia’s cheek with his hand.
Michaela looked over at her husband with love and then she slowly leaned in and gave him a long passionate kiss on the lips in the way that was familiar to both. Sully deepened the kiss, when all of a sudden a knock on the door was heard. Sully parted the kiss.
“Who is it?” Michaela asked as she closed her nightgown and began to burp Julia.
“It’s me Ma and the kids. They all want to see you and the baby.” Colleen told her mother through the bedroom door.
“Okay, you may come in now.”
Colleen opened the bedroom door. Katie immediately ran to her father and hugged him. While John and Alex went over to their mother. The twins stood close to Colleen and her daughter Sarah.
“Mama, you have the baby.” John said looking down at his little sister while Alex climbed up on the bed next to her mother and leaned on her mother’s side.
“Everybody this is your little sister.” Michaela told her children as Sully and Katie came to join the rest of the family around the bed.
“Oh Mama, she is so pretty. What’s her name?” Katie said as she peered over John at the baby in her mother’s arms.
“Her name is Julianne Elise Sully. She is named after your papa’s little sister who passed away as a baby, and after my grandmother. We call her Julia.” Michaela told them proudly.
“Mama, you and papa pick out real good names. Hi Julia, I’m your big sister.” Katie said to her mother, and then to her little sister.
Sully then noticed the dark circles under Michaela’s eyes. He knew that the labor and delivery, plus the added stress of Julia not breathing right away after being born had taken it’s toll on her.
“All right I think it’s time that we leave so your ma and your sister can get some rest. It’s been a busy day for both of them.” Sully told his family.
“Okay, bye Mama, bye Julia. I love you.” John told them as he gave his ma a kiss on the cheek.
A few moments everyone had left the room after saying their goodbyes. Sully went over to the bed and sat down beside his wife and his daughter. He leaned in close and gave Julia a kiss on the forehead. Then he gave his wife a deep loving kiss.
“I’m gonna go make some food for the kids. Is there anything you want in particular to eat?” Sully asked his wife.
“How about some pancakes!” Michaela told him with a smile.
“Okay, that I can do.” Sully told his wife and gave her one more kiss as he left the room to go make food for his one more yet larger family.
A half an hour later he brought the pancakes up to his wife. He opened the door and he noticed that his wife was fast asleep with their daughter asleep on the bed next to her. Sully smiled to himself at the sight as he set down the foot on the dresser. He then went and sat down beside his wife. He soon fell asleep next to them.
Another week passed after Julia’s birth. Life had gotten back to normal. Colleen and Andrew had stayed to help out at the hospital and keep an eye on their mother who often wanted to do more than she should.
Jessica and Matthew had grown closer in the last week. They had enjoyed spending time with his family and talking about Christmas coming up shortly.
Jessica awoke and got dressed for the day. She knew that she would be going into town for the first time to talk to Dorothy Jennings about a job working for her. Jessica took extra time to do her hair and pick out a nice dress. She had wanted to make a nice impression. Then she dressed Michaela for the day. She bundled her up in extra blanket because of the cold morning they were having.
Jessica then left her room holding Michaela in her arms. She walked into the living room. She saw Michaela sitting up in one of the wingback chairs holding Julia in her arms. Jessica went and took a seat in the other wingback chair next to her.
“Hello Michaela, how are you feeling this morning?” Jessica asked her with a smile.
“Oh, I’m still a little tired, but I feel more cheerful. How are you?” Michaela asked her.
“Oh I have regained my strength completely. Matthew is taking us into town to talk to Miss Jennings about a job.” Jessica told her.
“That’s wonderful. I am sure you will do fine. Dorothy is nice woman, she knows a hard working person when she sees one, and you are Jessica. I can’t thank you enough for all the help you gave me this last week with the kids. It’s been wonderful to have you here. Thank you for everything.” Michaela told her from her heart.
“You are welcome. You have done so much for me and I wanted do what I could to help you all out.” Jessica said with a smile.
Then they heard a knock on the front door. Jessica stood up and walked to the door. She opened the front door. She saw Matthew standing there.
“You ready to go into town?” Matthew asked her.
“Yes we are both ready to venture into town. Goodbye Michaela will be back later.” Jessica told him.
She then closed the door behind her and walked down the stairs. She then handed the baby to Matthew and climbed into the front seat of the wagon. Then Matthew handed her the baby. He then climbed into the front seat of the wagon on the other side.
Matthew began to drive away from the homestead down the road toward town. He noticed how quiet Jessica was. He worried that something had happened.
“I took your advice and I wrote a letter to my aunt Carrie. Would you mind if we mailed it quick before we go and see Ms. Jennings?” Jessica finally told him.
“No I don’t mind. I’m glad you wrote her finally. I know that you have been scared to hear from her. I mean to hear any bad news concerning your brother. But you made the right decision to write her and let her know you are okay and where you are.” Matthew told her what he thought.
“Yeah you were right. She is my only family, and I can’t keep running from what is happening or what will happen. As you said things happen in life that we might not like or we want to run from but we can’t. We have to face them no matter how hard they are. You gave me the courage to face it finally. Thank you Matthew.” Jessica told him.
“You are welcome. But you are wrong. She isn’t your only family. You still have me and my family. We are your family now too.” Matthew said as he leaned and gave her a deep loving kiss. Jessica gladly accepted the kiss.
Soon the town came into view. Matthew first stopped the wagon by the train depot. Jessica handed the baby over to Matthew. She then grabbed her letter and climbed down off the wagon and went inside and posted the letter to be sent to her aunt.
Then she came back out and climbed back into the wagon. Matthew handed Michaela to her and he began to drive over to the Gazette. He pulled up in front and secured the wagon. Then he jumped down and went around the other side of the wagon to help Jessica and the baby down.
All three of them walked into the newspaper office. Jessica saw a woman working on the printing press. Matthew went over to her.
“Miss Dorothy, I brought someone who is interested in the writer’s job.” Matthew told Dorothy.
“Oh hello. I’m Dorothy Jennings.” Dorothy turned around and extended her hand to the young woman.
“Hi, Jessica Martin O’Connell.” Jessica extended her hand and shook Dorothy’s hand.
“Here this is something I wrote last night. I don’t have any articles I printed right now. I wrote my aunt and hopefully she can send me some soon.” Jessica said giving her the piece of paper.
Dorothy read the writing that Jessica had handed to her. She looked up at her with amazement. She could believe this young girl could write what she had written.
“This is wonderful Jessica. I think you have a lot of potential. When can you start?” Dorothy asked her.
“Whenever you need me too.” Jessica told her.
“Huh, how about right after Christmas, that’s when business picks up again. Right now it’s pretty slow.” Dorothy told her.
“Okay, thank Miss Jennings. I am really grateful.” Jessica said extending her hand again.
Dorothy shook her hand again. “Jessica you earned it. I’ll see you after Christmas.” Dorothy told her.
Another week passed by and it was Christmas Eve. The Sully family had spent the last few days decorating the homestead, and baking for the holiday. They soon had the whole house looking very festive for the occasion.
That night Jessica enjoyed a real family gathering for the first time since her families deaths. She sang Christmas carols, she listened to Michaela read A Christmas Carol, eat Christmas cookies, and just have fun. But her favorite part of the night had been when Matthew had brought mistletoe over her head and they shared a long wonderful kiss. It was a Christmas she was not soon to forget.
Later that night Jessica put Michaela asleep in her cradle after she had finished nursing her and then burped her. Jessica then her a soft knock on her door. Then she saw Matthew standing in front of her. He walked over to her and sat down on the bed.
“Jessica I love you so much. I know we have only known each other a few weeks, but I want you to spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?” Matthew asked her as he pulled out a diamond ring from his pocket.
Jessica gasped at the ring. She could hardly believe it, nor was she even expecting him to propose to her so quickly. She looked up at Matthew with tears of joys in her eyes.
“Yes Matthew I will marry you.” Jessica told him and then leaned in and gave him a hug, then pulled back and kissed him with a long romantic kiss.
Matthew then put the ring on her ring finger. He looked up at and he gave her another deep kiss. He then pulled back and looked at her.
“You have made so happy Jessica. I love you so much. I can’t wait to marry you. I will see you tomorrow.” Matthew told her as he stood up, and then kissed her hand. Then he left the room.
Jessica smiled as she felt into a deep sleep. She felt like life couldn’t get any better at that moment. Soon dreams began to come to her as she slept.
Jessica saw her parents in her old home. All of her family were there. She walked across the room to them. She hugged all of them. Thankful they were all there. But Jessica knew in her heart all of them weren’t alive anymore.
“What is happening. All of you died in a fire almost a year ago. I don’t understand how all of you can be here.” Jessica said with confusion.
“Jessica we know this is hard for you. But we want you to know that you couldn’t have saved us no matter how much you tried. We all wanted you to know it wasn’t your fault. We love you Jessica and we are so proud of you. Never forget how much we loved you and never think you were to blame for what happened to all of us.” Her mother said to her and then handed her a necklace with a gold locket to her.
Jessica examined the necklace. She had lost in the fire that day. It was still as beautiful as the day her mother had given it to her on her wedding day.
Jessica awoke in a dark room. She sat up and lit the lamp beside the bed. Then Jessica noticed she was holding something. It was the gold locket that she had lost. Jessica knew at that moment it hadn’t been a dream, it was real. She put the necklace on around her neck. She held onto it and she fell asleep remembering all of the memories and love that her family had given her in her life.
The next morning Jessica awoke to Michaela’s cries. She got up and picked up her daughter. She then sat back down on the bed and began to nurse her. Soon Michaela was quietly nursing. Jessica put her hand to her neck, and still felt the necklace around her neck. She prayed a silent prayer to God for the comfort that her family was fine and it wasn’t her fault for what happened.
Michaela stopped nursing and Jessica burped her and then put her back into the cradle to sleep. Then she heard her door open and saw Matthew grinning and run to her and hand her a telegram.
“This came for you late last night. It’s from your aunt.” Matthew told her.
Jessica opened the telegram and began to read what her aunt had sent her .
Jessica, Glad you are fine STOP Hope you and your baby are well STOP Connor awoke tonight STOP He is going to live STOP It was a miracle STOP Please write back soon STOP Connor misses you STOP I do too STOP We will come to see you soon STOP.
“Oh my God Connor is well. He’s going to live. I can’t believe it. Oh Matthew my brother is going to live. Thank you for bringing wonderful news to me.” Jessica said as she kissed him on the lips.
The kiss lasted several moments. Then Matthew and Jessica parted out of breath from the long kiss. Matthew then pulled her hand to his lips and loving kissed it.
“It truly was a night for miracles. I love you Jessica.” Matthew said as he kissed her again.
“I love you too.” Jessica said as she deepened the kiss.
Then Matthew, Jessica, and baby Michaela all went into the living room and enjoyed a morning with the family where they ate a wonderful breakfast and opened gifts, but mostly just enjoyed being together as a family.
ONE YEAR LATER
On Christmas Eve Jessica stood before her family and friends in a long white beautiful dress. Her daughter Michaela was the flower girl. She then walked down the church aisle and went to her fiancé Matthew. There on that special night for both they said I do in front of his family, her aunt, and her brother, and all of their friends. Then together they began the journey as husband and wife after knowing one another for a wonderful year that all started on one cold winter night that neither would ever forget.
Love Aunt Carrie Stop.