| Chapter Three: An Invitation
Michaela was changing Cloud Dancing’s bandages while Josef became reacquainted with his office. Sully was standing against the wall, waiting for Michaela to finish up. Josef was quiet but hardly impolite. After Michaela had introduced her father to Sully, she had waited for him to give Sully the disapproving eye. That never happened. Josef seemed to be fully accepting of Sully’s presence, but then again, he was accepting of nearly everyone except for people who gave him a reason to do the opposite. Sully took a seat at the chair in front of Josef’s desk, not really knowing what to say to Michaela’s father. But the doctor did look over at him from time to time, as if he were contemplating something to say as well. Meanwhile, as Michaela changed Cloud Dancing’s bandages, she kept telling herself that Sully was leaving in two days. She felt foolish for letting her heart skip a beat when Sully stared. He was something else, but Michaela enjoyed his company. “Mr. Sully,” Josef began as he sat across from Sully at his desk. “Dr. Quinn?” “Please call me Josef.” “I don’t know if I feel right about that. I call your daughter Dr. Mike.” “Ah! We have something in common then.” Josef cleared his throat. “What exactly are your intentions with my daughter, Mr. Sully?” Sully nearly choked. First Cloud Dancing and now Dr. Mike’s father! “With all due respect, doc, me and your daughter met yesterday.” “Oh, I see. Well, Mike is my youngest girl. I don’t want to see her get hurt. You seem like a respectable man, and my little girl seems to enjoy your company.” “I ain’t plannin’ on stayin’ long. As soon as my friend can leave, I’m leavin’ too. Dr. Mike says it shouldn’t be more than a couple of days.” “Will you be accompanying my daughter to dinner at our home this evening?” “I ain’t sure that’s a good idea.” “Why not?” “Because your wife forbids Dr. Mike to ever see me again.” “Oh,” Josef said with a chuckle. “I will handle Elizabeth. I’m just about to go home. Walk with me. I’ll get you a new suit.” “What for?” “I don’t have a problem with your attire, Mr. Sully, and I’m sure Mike doesn’t either. But Elizabeth might soften toward you if you impress her by wearing a suit.” “Dr. Quinn . . . er . . . Josef, you’re makin’ it sound like I’m courtin’ Dr. Mike. We just met.” How many times was he supposed to say it? “I’m sorry, Mr. Sully. It’s just that my daughter doesn’t often entertain the company of a man such as yourself. Honestly, she’s never had a beau. To tell you the truth, I’m certain most men are intimidated by her because she’s so intelligent.” “Your daughter is very smart. I think she’s the smartest lady I’ve ever met.” Josef smiled. Michaela came into sight and put her medical bag down on Josef’s desk. “Cloud Dancing is doing very well. I believe he will be able to travel by tomorrow afternoon.” “Thanks for takin’ care of him, Dr. Mike.” “Mike, your friend Mr. Sully and I are going to go for a walk.” “Oh, I’ll join you.” “No!” Josef replied quickly. He noticed the startled look on Michaela’s face. “I need you to take care of things here.” “Your patients are all healthy, father. I have nothing to do.” “I need to speak to Mr. Sully in private.” Josef left, and Sully and Michaela locked glances. He gave her a nod as her eyes searched his in worry. As Sully left, Michaela wondered what her father had to say to Sully that had to be said in private. *~* That evening, Michaela sat at her vanity mirror, brushing her hair. She hadn’t seen Sully since he left the hospital with her father. For a short time, she had thought that her father might have said something to make Sully stay away. But with a second thought, she knew her father would never do a thing like that to someone his daughter liked and respected. “Michaela?” came a voice from outside of her bedroom door. Michaela watched through the mirror as her mother opened the door and walked in. She wasn’t quite sure if she was ready for another verbal battle with her mother yet. “Yes mother?” Michaela asked. “I wanted to talk to you about earlier.” “Unless you’ve come to apologize, I’d rather not talk about it.” “Apologize?” “Yes. I believe you were completely out of line.” “I will not apologize for anything I said earlier this afternoon.” “Then we have nothing to discuss.” “Honestly, Michaela! When are you going to understand that I am trying to protect you?” “Mother, what were you protecting me from?” “That man! That savage!” “He is not a savage! He’s an honest, caring man who would do anything to help out a friend!” “You’ve only known this man for a day. How can you possibly know that he’s honest and caring?” “I just know.” It was true. Michaela felt as if she’d knowing Sully for a long time. The way she felt when she was around him made her blush, and she wasn’t sure what he thought of her. She never believed she would ever meet a man such as Sully. “Don’t be foolish, Michaela.” “I trust him, mother. I don’t understand why you’re so upset about my spending time with him. I thought you wanted me to spend more time trying to find a husband.” Michaela had decided to throw that in her mother’s face. Usually, she would refrain from saying too much, but she couldn’t help but get upset when her mother verbally attacked Sully behind his back. Something about Sully made her boiling mad when it came to her mother’s opinion of him. Yes, it was true that Michaela had only known him for a day, but he had been one of the most trustworthy men she had ever met. Her father always taught her to open her heart to everyone unless they gave her a reason not to. Sully had given her no reason to be afraid or untrusting. “I do want you to find a husband, Michaela, but I do not want you spending time with the likes of him! His best friend is an Indian!” Michaela was taken aback. “I never thought you could be so low, mother. You have never even met an Indian. Well I have. I happen to know that this Indian is a kind, gentle soul who is trying to make a decent life for his people. You don’t know how hard they have it and I don’t think you ever will. I hope I never have to go through what the Cheyenne are going through right now, but if I ever do, I do know that I will do anything it takes to take care of my family. Could I say the same for you?” “Oh honestly,” Elizabeth said with a deep breath. “I have nothing against the Indians, my dear, but they’re savages.” “They aren’t savages mother. They are the people who were on this land before any of us ever were. And as for Sully, if I was him, I would rather be friends with an Indian than with a racist, closed-minded person like you!” Michaela’s heart was beating so quickly. She had never screamed at her mother in that way before. She had frightened herself. Elizabeth simply took a deep breath and started toward the door, turning when she reached for the knob. “I hope that one day you will understand my intentions.” “I understand them perfectly. You want to make my life miserable and hound me night and day until I give up being a doctor. Mother, I assure you that will never happen. Now will you please leave so I can finish dressing?” Elizabeth turned and left the room. As soon as she had shut the door, Michaela broke down into tears. She hated feeling the way she was. She honestly felt like a foolish little girl. What she felt for Sully was simply a girlish crush. He had been kind to her; paid attention to her. Usually, any man who would pay attention to Michaela would quickly lose interest when they realized she was too smart. Most men wanted women who weren’t smarter than them, because apparently it was a large ego boost. “Mike?” Michaela looked up to see her father opening the door. “Father,” she whispered. She sat up quickly and dried her eyes. “Mike, I just saw your mother in the hallway. Is everything alright?” “No, everything is not alright. She is the most frustrating woman I’ve ever met!” “My dear, I believe she feels the same way about you.” “Perhaps I get that from her.” “Well, it’s not from me,” Josef said with a chuckle. He sat down beside Michaela on the bed. “Mike, don’t let her words get to you. She’s just looking out for you.” “She doesn’t even know Sully. If she would just give him a chance.” “You’re not falling in love with him, are you?” Michaela flinched. “Of course not,” she replied. “He’s just been very nice to me, and I hate to see mother be so judgmental about someone she doesn’t even know. Why does she have to be so ignorant?” “Your mother surprises me at least once a day,” Josef admitted. “But no matter what she says or how horrible the things she says are, she does love you.” “I know,” Michaela replied. “I just wish she’d be a mother instead of a constant bother.” “Bother?” “Yes. While you were away, she hounded me twice as much as she did while you were here. She hates the fact that I’m a doctor.” “Would you like to know what I think?” “What?” “I think she’s jealous.” “Jealous?! That’s absurd.” Michaela never thought of her mother as a jealous person, especially when it came to her own daughter. “Is it? My dear, your mother and I were very young when we married. She didn’t have the chance to do anything with her life. She was successful with marrying off your sisters, but when you came of age and decided to go to medical school, she felt like she had failed. She never got to do anything with her life, so she decided to take it out on you.” “She told you this?” “No, but I know her more than she thinks I do,” Josef said with a wink. “Come here, and give your old father a hug.” Michaela smiled a little as Josef brushed a tear off of his daughter’s cheek. They embraced and Michaela finally pulled away. “Are you coming down to dinner?” “Yes. I’ll be down shortly.” “Alright. I’ll tell Martha not to serve dinner until you arrive.” Josef started for the door. Michaela suddenly realized that her father hadn’t mentioned Sully. “Father?” “Yes?” “What did you and Sully talk about today?” “My dear, that’s something that I cannot talk about.” “Did he swear you to secrecy?” Michaela joked. “In a manner of speaking, I suppose he did,” Josef replied. He winked at his daughter and she smiled and shook her head. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.” Josef left and Michaela sighed heavily. Talking to her father always cheered her up. She didn’t know how he had the ability to make her feel better, but he did it every time. *~* Sully stood outside of the Quinn home in the brand new suit Josef had bought for him. He hated that the man had bought him a suit and didn’t expect to be paid back. But, the good doctor had promised Sully that he could leave the suit when he left for Colorado if he didn’t feel right about taking it. The only thing Sully was feeling at the moment was complete and utter nervousness. He hadn’t dressed up for a woman since his wedding day to Abagail. That had been two years ago, and their marriage was short lived. The baby they had cherished while she was in her mother’s womb was born and died shortly after her mother. Sully had promised Abagail at her grave that he would always honor the memories of his lost wife and daughter. He didn’t feel guilty for dressing up, but then again, it wasn’t like he was courting Michaela. He certainly enjoyed her company, and even though Cloud Dancing told him what the spirits had said, he really didn’t figure he’d see Michaela again after tomorrow. He and Cloud Dancing would be leaving Boston, and he doubted he would ever return. The night air was growing colder, and Sully decided it was time to go inside. He looked up just in time to see Michaela walk over to her window. He leaned against the house but could see her putting her beautiful hair up in ringlets. She looked so sad; so distant. She was beautiful; Sully had realized that from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Sully shook his head and looked up to see that she wasn’t there anymore. The lamplight went out and Sully figured it was time to go inside. He took a deep breath and prepared to face Michaela’s family. *~* Michaela took a deep breath and stepped into the dining room. Her father and mother were seated across from each other, her mother at one end of the table and her father at the other. Michaela sat in her usual seat. She saw that the place across from her was set. She looked over at her father. “Who’s coming to dinner? Rebecca? Marjorie?” “Yes, who is our mystery guest, Josef?” Elizabeth asked. Harrison stepped into the room. “Mr. Sully as arrived.” “Mr. Sully?” Elizabeth asked. Sully stepped into the room dressed in the brand new suit Josef had purchased for him. Michaela’s eyes went wide and she stood up. “Sully!” “I hope I ain’t late.” “You’re just in time, Mr. Sully,” Josef said with a wide smile. “Come take a seat.” Sully nodded and took a seat across from Michaela. Michaela sat as well, and she couldn’t help but stare at Sully. He had cleaned up nicely. He did look very handsome in his suit, but Michaela had to admit to herself that she much preferred his buckskins to his fancy designer attire. “Michaela, was this . . .” Elizabeth began. “Elizabeth, why don’t we have Martha bring dinner in?” Josef suggested, hoping to sway Elizabeth from starting something she would regret. “Very well,” Elizabeth replied with a loud, exaggerated sigh. Dinner went by very slowly. Michaela could hardly eat, because she couldn’t stop glancing at Sully, and honestly, he could barely tear his eyes away from her. Her beautiful turquoise dress made her skin look even more beautiful and fair. Her hair shimmered in the candlelight while her eyes sparkled. Elizabeth was focused on her meal, trying to keep from saying anything that might upset her daughter or send her husband into a protective argument. Josef spent most of his time talking about things he learned in Washington, but his voice was more or less falling on deaf ears. Nobody could really concentrate on any of their senses. Michaela was nervous, worrying that her mother would say something rude to Sully. Sully was nervous he would drive an even bigger wedge between Michaela and her mother, and Josef was worried that his wife would once again say something to make Michaela upset. He hated to see his little girl cry. As soon as dinner was over, Josef suggested that Elizabeth go upstairs to rest. He had Martha go upstairs and turn down their bed. He escorted his wife upstairs to retire for the evening. Sully and Michaela were left in the dining room, not sure of what to say. “This was quite a surprise,” Michaela said nervously. “I didn’t expect to be comin’ here tonight. Your pa invited me.” “He did?” “Yeah.” “He said you swore him to secrecy about what you two talked about today.” “I didn’t exactly do that, but I think that what was said between us should stay that way.” “I see,” Michaela replied. “I would appreciate not being talked about behind my back though.” “Dr. Mike, your pa loves you, so don’t worry about nothin’ we said. You don’t even know what we were talkin’ about.” “I don’t have to know,” she replied, folding her arms nervously across her chest. Sully smiled a little. “What are you smirking about?” “You have to know everything don’t you? I bet it’s just tearin’ you up inside to know that your pa and I were discussin’ things you have no idea about.” Michaela sighed and shook her head. “It’s not bothering me at all.” “Right,” Sully replied. “You don’t believe me?” “Oh I believe you,” Sully said with a chuckle. Michaela laughed and walked out of the room. Sully quickly followed. “If it’s botherin’ ya that much, I’ll tell ya what we said.” “Don’t worry about it,” Michaela replied with a shrug. “Look, if you gotta know, he was givin’ me a talk about how I better not do anything to hurt you, and I was tellin’ him how Cloud Dancing said the spirits told him we would be seein’ each other often.” “Why would you hurt me?” “I wouldn’t. But a pa always likes to give any men who even come into talkin’ distance with their daughters a talk. Besides, I told him that he was makin’ too much out of it because I’m leavin’ tomorrow.” “Ah, well, I’m afraid my father hasn’t had much experience with talking to men about me. He probably got overly excited and went to far. After all, we just met yesterday. I consider you a friend, but it would be absurd to say anymore than that.” “Right,” Sully said with a quick nod. A brief disappointment washed over Michaela. Sully put his hand on her shoulder and smiled. Michaela suddenly felt very warm; she could feel her cheeks starting to flush from embarrassment. “You okay, Dr. Mike?” “Yes. I just need some fresh air.” “It’s kinda chilly out there.” “I’m going to take a walk.” “By yourself at this time of night? I’ll go with ya.” “No, that’s alright. You don’t have to.” “Yes I do. Besides, I wanna go. I have to leave tomorrow and I wanna see the sights before I go.” “Very well,” Michaela replied quietly. They walked out into the cool night and started down a dimly lit path. The crickets were out, but the air was so cool that the two could see their breaths in front of their faces. Sully saw that Michaela was starting to shiver, so he removed his suit jacket and put it over her shoulders. She looked up at him questioningly. He simply shrugged. “I thought you could use it.” “Thank you,” Michaela replied quietly. They walked in silence for a few minutes, but as soon as they neared the park, classical music began to float through the frosty air. “What’s that?” “I have no idea,” Michaela said with a grin. “Let’s find out.” They walked briskly toward the music and soon found that there was a formal dance outside in the cool air. It was being led by a string quartet. “Dancin’ in this kind of weather?” “Oh yes. I’ve never been to one of these before, but my sisters have. They said it was very lovely.” Sully watched Michaela as her eyes lit up watching the young lovers dancing. The music paused briefly before a new piece began to play. Michaela took a deep breath and let out a soft sigh. “This is my favorite.” She started out toward the dance floor, grabbing Sully’s arm. He was immediately alarmed, not knowing how to dance. He didn’t want to look like a fool and let on to that though. “What are you doin’?” “Dance with me?” “What?” “You heard me. Please? I’ve been to a total of two dances in my lifetime, and I have never been asked to dance by anyone except for my father. Please do this for me?” Sully sighed heavily and really wanted to refuse to spare himself from looking like a jackass. But, he saw the happiness in her eyes, and he just couldn’t say no. “I suppose I owe ya anyway. You did save my best friend’s life.” “Come on!” Michaela pulled Sully onto the makeshift dance floor as the slow, gentle music continued to pour out from the musicians’ instruments. Sully tensed up when Michaela’s arms reached for his. He stumbled a bit before he fell into the beat “You don’t know how to dance?” Michaela asked. Her dancing partner cleared his throat. “Ain’t had time to learn.” “Well, you’re doing alright now. Just follow the music,” Michaela whispered. “Just watch me.” As they danced slowly, Sully’s eyes locked with Michaela’s. The whole world seemed to stop for an instant; the music disappeared into the cool, crisp night air. For a split second, the only two people that existed were Sully and Michaela. The only element separating them was the half-foot gap between their bodies that slowly began to close. Chapter Four: Goodbye Michaela’s heart was pounding rapidly in her chest as Sully’s eyes stared into her own. The gap between the two of them was slowly growing smaller. The music slowly came back into the picture and came to a halt. A fast-paced song began to play, and Michaela blinked a couple of times. Sully realized that his own heart was racing. They both pulled away. “It’s rather late. You have a busy day tomorrow. Perhaps we should both get some sleep.” “I’ll walk you home.” Feeling overly embarrassed about almost giving into her needs, Michaela shook her head. “That’s not necessary.” “Do ya always have to argue?” Michaela smiled and she decided to let Sully escort her home. They walked in silence, both not sure of what had just happened or had been about to happen. “What time will you be leaving tomorrow?” “I figured me and Cloud Dancin’ would leave ‘round noon.” Michaela nodded. Something inside of her told her she didn’t want to see this man leave. Once again, she felt foolish for letting herself fall for Sully. Wait, fall? Was she really falling for him? After a few minutes of silence, Sully realized that Michaela had something on her mind. “What’s on your mind, Dr. Mike?” “Nothing,” she replied as they walked on towards the Quinn house. She stepped away from him a bit, needing to distance herself. “Nothin’? You look like you’re frettin’ ‘bout somethin’.” “I’m fine,” Michaela answered. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.” Sully took a deep breath, and he saw that Michaela was shivering. “Stop for a second,” he said quietly. Michaela stopped and turned to Sully. He buttoned the buttons to his jacket so the cold air couldn’t get to Michaela. He buttoned them slowly, working from the bottom up, and his eyes locked on hers as he did so. Michaela’s breaths became quickened and short. She felt faint and wonderful all at the same time as his eyes looked into her soul. She began to shiver even more. “You’re shakin’.” His hand found hers, and he could feel that they were freezing. “We better get you home.” After a few minutes, Michaela looked away. “You’re not moving.” “Neither are you,” Sully whispered. Again, the world seemed to disappear, and both Michaela and Sully felt as if they were floating on a cloud. Sully had never felt like this with Abagail, but he was younger then. He was foolishly in love. Yes, he loved Abagail, but there was something about Michaela that made his heart pound and his knees to become weak. Michaela could feel her knees starting to become weak as well, and a moment later, Sully was leaning into her. She closed her eyes, knowing what was coming, but not knowing what to expect. “Oh Sully,” she whispered. A moment later, the gap between them was gone and Sully’s lips were pressed softly against Michaela’s. The feeling was the most electrifying Michaela had ever felt. A few seconds passed, and Sully’s soft lips pulled away from hers. For a moment, Michaela thought he was going to turn from her, but he leaned down to press another kiss to her lips, this one much shorter. The silence that followed seemed to last an eternity, but Sully took Michaela’s hand and led her toward home. “You still cold?” he asked after several surprisingly comfortable minutes. “No. I’d forgotten about it, actually.” She was quite glad for the change of subject. “Sorry for remindin’ you.” “It’s alright. I’ll be home soon. You don’t have to walk me any further. The hospital is in the opposite direction.” “Would you just let me take ya? It ain’t that hard for me to find my way back.” “If you’re sure.” “I’m sure,” Sully replied. “You alright, Dr. Mike?” “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” “If that kiss scared ya, I’m sorry.” “You think I’m scared of you?” “That’s not what I meant.” “What did you mean?” “I just meant that I’m sorry if that was forward or somethin’.” “No. I think we both know I wanted that kiss as much as you did. It’s just that I was told it was proper not to do that in public.” “Who taught you that?” “My mother,” Michaela replied with a smirk. “Well, not everything your ma tells ya goes. Some folks think that if ya care about someone, you show ‘em no matter where you’re at.” “Sully,” Michaela said with a blush. Sully smiled at Michaela. He was amazed at how much he was starting to care for the woman he had met not even two days ago. She was beautiful, kind, honest, and he knew her heart was as big as the whole world. Michaela was having a battle with her own emotions. She was definitely falling for this man. It wasn’t possible to be in love with him after nearly two days, was it? She had never read romance books when she was younger, but she had always read the great love stories from history; the Shakespearian tragedies. She had never had any experience at relationships, but she also knew this could never turn out to be anything more than a kiss; Sully knew it too. He was leaving in less than twenty-four hours, and Michaela would probably never see him again. They continued on toward the Quinn house, and as soon as they got close, Michaela could see her mother waiting, standing at her window with a candle. “Oh it never fails,” Michaela whispered. Sully noticed where Michaela’s glance was aimed at. “Don’t you worry ‘bout her. She’s just a ma lookin’ out for her daughter. I think she really is tryin’ to protect ya.” “Do I need protecting?” Michaela asked, her eyes daring and soft as they looked up into Sully’s. “From what?” “From you?” Sully smiled, and he shook his head. “No,” he whispered. “You don’t need no protectin’ on account of me. I’d never hurt ya.” Michaela decided it was time to say goodnight, but she didn’t want to go in just yet. She wanted to stand out in the cold with Sully and talk. She wanted him to hold her in his arms like he did when they were kissing. She wanted to feel his lips on her lips for a few moments longer. “It’s getting late. I better get back to the hospital.” “Perhaps you should,” Michaela replied with a disappointed nod. “Will you be comin’ to the hospital before we leave?” “I’ll be there early in the morning,” Michaela promised. “Okay.” He took Michaela’s delicate hand into his own and brought it to his lips. He pressed a feather light kiss to her knuckles while his eyes stared into hers. She felt her cheeks grow hot for the millionth time that night. She was thankful for the nighttime that hid the red glow, because she didn’t want him to think she was a foolish little girl. “Good night, Dr. Mike.” “Good night,” she replied. Sully turned and walked away. Michaela watched him go, and she wondered if this was what it would feel like when he and Cloud Dancing walked out of the hospital to go to the train station. She couldn’t believe that it physically hurt to watch him walk away from her. It wasn’t possible that she had fallen in love with a man she’d only known for a couple of days, was it? Oh yes, it was. She had fallen in love with him, and there was nothing anyone could do about that. Little did she know that Sully, despite his best efforts to never find love again, had fallen in love with her as well. *~* Michaela slowly ascended the stairs in her home, her feet feeling like concrete blocks. Harrison was been ordered to stay up to wait for Michaela by Elizabeth. Now that Michaela was home safe and sound, Harrison went off to bed. The tired young woman had hoped for some peace and quiet once she got home, but she had no such luck. As soon as she reached her bedroom, her mother was sitting on her bed. “Mother?” “Have you any idea what time it is?” Michaela sighed. She was twenty-five years old, yet her mother seemed to treat her as if she were ten years younger. She was too tired to put all of her energy into this argument tonight, so she simply shrugged her shoulders slightly. “It’s late, I know.” “I was worried!” “I was safe,” Michaela replied calmly. “Safe with a mountain man? Oh Michaela, don’t be foolish.” “Why do you always say that, mother? I don’t see how I’m foolish.” In fact, she did feel foolish. She felt foolish for falling for a man that was leaving tomorrow without ever knowing how she felt about him. She felt foolish for falling for him after such a short time. She never knew it was possible, but apparently it was. “Your father wants me to trust Mr. Sully. He thinks it’s good for you to spend time with him. I don’t see how it’s to your benefit. I don’t want you to see him again.” “Don’t worry, mother. You don’t have to worry about that because he’s leaving tomorrow. He’s going back to Colorado, and he isn’t coming back.” “Perhaps that’s best.” “Best for whom?” “For us all, Michaela.” Elizabeth left the room and shut the door behind her. Michaela was suddenly overwhelmed by emotion, and she began to sob. Her mother couldn’t accept anything about her, the man she had quickly fallen in love with was leaving tomorrow afternoon without knowing how she felt, and her whole world seemed to have turned upside down in the course of two days. Michaela walked over to her window and looked out over the dark Boston night. She could see the hospital in the distance, and she could see Sully’s shadow underneath the streetlight. She sighed heavily and was surprised to see him turn around. He saw her for a moment and turned around to continue on into the night. A knock followed Michaela’s sigh, and she turned to see her eldest sister, Rebecca. “Rebecca? What are you doing here?” Michaela asked, trying desperately to dry the tears that were still falling from her sparkling eyes. “Mother sent word that I needed to get here. She said you’ve taken up with a ‘mountain man.’” “Of course she’d say that,” Michaela replied. “If this ‘mountain man’ is the same man I saw on my way over here, I believe she has nothing to worry about.” “Try telling that to mother.” Rebecca smiled. “Don’t worry, Michaela. She’s acting like this because you’re the youngest. She was like this when I started getting interested in boys. I was her oldest, and she was desperately afraid that I was going to make the wrong choice. But, when I made the right choice, she relaxed with the other girls. When you came along and started to grow up, she changed her attitude once again. She’s just afraid to lose you. She’s afraid you’re going to move away, and she’ll never see you again.” “She shouldn’t be afraid of that. Everyone grows up. I’m twenty-five years old, for heaven’s sake. I’m living with my parents because I’m not married. In a few years, people are going to start calling me an old maid or a spinster.” “Michaela, don’t worry!” Rebecca said with a giggle. “You’re far too smart and pretty to worry about things like that. You should do what you want to do. Don’t worry about what mother and father think. Do what you think is right for you.” Michaela smiled and hugged her older sister. “Thank you,” she whispered. “But I’m afraid I can’t do what I want to do. The man I love is leaving tomorrow, and he has no idea that I’m in love with him.” “In love? How long have you known him?” “About two days,” Michaela replied with a short laugh. “I know it’s foolish . . .” “It’s not foolish, Michaela. Not foolish at all. I think it’s lovely and romantic. I believe love happens when it’s supposed to. I hope it works out for you.” “Thank you, Rebecca,” Michaela whispered. The sisters continued to talk into the late hours of the night. *~* Sully walked into Dr. Quinn’s office quietly. He could see light coming from Cloud Dancing’s small room. He walked back there to see his friend sitting up on his cot. Cloud Dancing smiled when he saw the man whom he considered to be his brother. “I thought you’d be sleepin’.” “I was. The spirits spoke to me.” “What’d they say?” “They told me you are in love with the medicine woman.” Sully swallowed hard. After a short pause, Cloud Dancing continued. “You don’t deny it?” “No. The spirits are right.” “I thought you said you’d never love again after Abagail.” “I thought I’d never find love again, but I was wrong.” “You haven’t known her long.” Sully could see his friend smiling. “I know. I think I scared her, but she denies it. Two days ain’t a lot of time. Do you think it’s foolish?” Cloud Dancing shook his head. “I do not believe a man is foolish if he follows his heart. It should not matter how long you have known each other. If she feels the same way so soon, the two of you are meant for each other.” Sully looked away. “I am sure Abagail would want you to move on, especially if you have found love again.” “I do love Dr. Mike, but she’s been raised different. When I look into her eyes, she’s scared. I think she’s scared to let herself get close to a man because her father has been the only man to respect her.” “Do you respect her?” “Yes. I do.” “We are leaving tomorrow. What are you going to do?” “I don’t know. I don’t belong in Boston, and I ain’t got nothin’ to live for in Colorado Springs. My wife and baby are dead. My family now is the Cheyenne. You’re like a brother to me.” Cloud Dancing reached out and clasped Sully’s arm in the spirit of brotherhood. “Then as your brother, I tell you to be happy. Follow your heart.” “It ain’t that easy!” Cloud Dancing let go of Sully’s arm. “My heart went to Abagail when I was young and foolish.” “But you are older and wiser now.” “It’s only been a couple of years.’ “Do you feel ready to love again?” “Ready ain’t got nothin’ to do with it. I already told ya. I fell in love with Dr. Mike the minute I saw her. I just feel like I’m betrayin’ Abagail.” Cloud Dancing shook his head. “Never feel guilty about love. It is a very powerful force of nature.” *~* The next morning, Michaela rode to the hospital with her father. It was sunny and the air was crisp and clear. It was a wonderful day, but Michaela didn’t feel very wonderful. Sully was supposed to leave soon, and she didn’t want him to go. She felt like she had known him forever, but it had only been a few days. She had talked with Rebecca about her feelings for Sully. Rebecca had convinced her younger sister that she should tell Sully how she felt despite what they were taught. Elizabeth had always taught them to wait for the man to express his feelings, if there were any feelings to express. When Michaela walked into her father’s office, she watched Josef as he sat down at the desk. She saw Cloud Dancing sleeping in his cot, but Sully wasn’t there. Michaela sighed heavily and sat down across from her father. He noticed the distress in his daughter’s eyes. “Mike?” “Hmm?” she asked, looking up at him. “I hate seeing you so upset. Would you like me to speak with your mother again?” “Don’t bother. It won’t do anyone any good.” Josef noticed Michaela’s eyes shift toward the door. “You’re waiting for Mr. Sully?” “How did you know?” Michaela asked with a slight smile, her eyes brightening at the mere mention of his name. “Because your mother does the same thing when she’s expecting someone over.” Michaela chuckled a little. “Yes, I suppose I am waiting for him.” Josef stood up and walked around to sit on the corner of his desk. He took Michaela’s hands into his. “Does he make you happy, Mike?” “Father, it’s only been a few days since we’ve met.” She wasn’t sure if she kept saying that to convince him or herself. “That’s not what I asked. I asked you if he makes you happy.” Michaela blushed, and after a few moments, she nodded. “Yes he does.” “Do you love him?” She was silent for a moment, but she saw the lines near his eyes crinkle as a grin spread over his face. “Yes I do.” “Mike, I am happy for you. Now, have you told Mr. Sully this?” “No! I haven’t. I don’t think I should.” “Why ever not?” “Because he’s going home.” “Maybe you can give him a reason to stay.” “What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” Michaela knew that was a foolish thing to say. Of course Sully cared for her. She could see it in his eyes every time they looked at one another. “Believe me, Michaela, he does.” “Has he told you?” “No, but when I saw the way he looked at you at dinner last night, I knew it. He has that look in his eyes that I’ve given several pretty young ladies in my day.” “Father!” Michaela exclaimed with a laugh. He grinned at her. “See, there’s that beautiful smile. That smile has gotten you out of lots of trouble in your days, young lady. I think you’re a natural charmer.” “Do you think that’s why Sully cares for me, if he even does at all?” “No. I think he cares for you because you are a kind, honest, compassionate person; you’re beautiful and smart.” Josef cleared his throat and stood up. “I’m going to go downstairs and check on some lab reports. Will you hold down the fort while I’m gone?” “Of course.” Josef left, and Michaela looked about the office with a new sense of joy filling her spirit. She felt like she could do anything, and a confidence poured into her soul. She had to tell Sully before he left, and now she felt as if she could. “What’s on your mind?” came a familiar voice from behind. Michaela stood and turned around to see Sully standing at the door. Her stomach began forming knots, and the confidence faded away. “Sully?” “Your pa saw me. I think that’s why he left.” “But why?” “To give us some privacy.” Sully shut the door and slowly walked over to Michaela.” “Privacy?” “Yeah. To talk.” Michaela nodded as Sully shut the door to Cloud Dancing’s room. “Talk? About what?” Sully suddenly felt frightened, afraid of rejection. He sure wished the spirits would have told Cloud Dancing whether or not Michaela felt the same way about him. “I just, uh, I just wanted to say thank you for takin’ good care of my friend. He’s like a brother to me.” “It was no trouble. I’m glad you brought him here.” Sully nodded and he swallowed hard. He saw a look of nervousness in Michaela’s eyes and he knew he couldn’t say it. She was far too beautiful and sweet to want to be with him. She was from the other side of the continent; raised in a completely different way. She could never want a life with him. “Sully? What’s the matter? You look like you have something on your mind.” “No,” Sully replied quickly. “I think it’s best that me and Cloud Dancin’ head out now.” “So early? Won’t you stay for lunch?” She was desperate. She needed him to stay. Sully looked at her, wanting to say he could stay forever, but he knew that wasn’t possible. He could never accept Boston, and Boston could never accept him. “We can’t. We gotta go now.” He went to wake Cloud Dancing. Michaela was devastated. She needed to tell Sully, but she could tell that something was holding him back from telling her his true feelings. Maybe Sully didn’t feel anything for her after all. Maybe he was afraid that she had the feelings that he just couldn’t express. Maybe it was better for the both of them if he did leave. A few minutes later, Cloud Dancing appeared from his room with Sully behind him. He walked over to Michaela. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Haho.” “Haho,” Dr. Mike repeated, not quite knowing what the word was. But she knew it had to be something good. Cloud Dancing smiled and left the room. Sully looked at Michaela once before he started for the door. Something inside of Michaela made her speak out. “Wait!” Sully froze with his hand on the doorknob, not knowing what to do next or what he was going to hear next. “Don’t go.” |