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Chapter 4: Adding to the Family? That evening, Michaela was sitting in the side room of the clinic. She was rocking the twins’ cradle with her foot while she held Early Sun in her arms. The baby was nursing at Michaela’s breast, and Michaela was overcome with such a nurturing feeling, the same feeling she felt when she nursed her boys. It had been hard for Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird to leave her behind for the winter, but they had done the right thing. They had to be able to keep her safe, and help their tribe at the same time. The children had been informed that Early Sun was coming to stay at the house, and they’d gone to fix up the twin’s nursery. Sully was going to fix up a new cradle for Early Sun, because she was going to be staying with them for a few months. With everything that had happened today, Michaela hadn’t had time to think about the fact that she might be pregnant again. She knew it was possible that she was, but she never really considered the option that it would happen again so soon. Yes, she did want to have more children with Sully, but the twins were just three months old, and she wanted them to be able to have time with her before a new sibling came into the picture. But now that they had taken in Early Sun, things were about to change. The house was going to be a lot more hectic. She’d have the twins to think of, and the six-month-old Cheyenne baby. Matthew and Colleen were getting old enough to take care of themselves, but Brian was another story. He was just nine, and he didn’t get near enough of the right amount of attention he should be getting. Michaela wished she could spend an equal amount of time with all of her children, but with being a doctor, things were much more difficult. Michaela was interrupted from her thoughts when a knock came to the door. “Ma?” It was Matthew. Michaela quickly covered Early Sun with a blanket so her son wouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable. “Come in,” she called out. Matthew stepped in and cleared his throat. “I thought you were with Colleen and Brian.” “I was, but I had to come talk to you.” “About what?” “I’ve made a decision about what to do when I’m done with school.” Michaela sighed, preparing herself for another talk about him marrying Ingrid. “Matthew . . .” “I want to be a lawyer.” Michaela’s eyes widened and she stared at her son in disbelief for a moment. “Ma? Didn’t ya hear me?” “Yes. Of course I heard you. A lawyer?” “I want to go to law school.” “That takes years, Matthew.” “I know,” he replied. “But I’m willin’ to work my way through school.” Michaela smiled, happy that her son actually had this plan. “You really want to do this? What made you think of it?” “I wanna help people who can’t help themselves.” “You do realize that you’ll have to go to school for four years, go to law school afterward, and after that, you’ll have to take an exam.” “I don’t care. I’m sure about this, ma.” She looked into his eyes, and she could see that he was adamant about this. The next question on her mind worried her quite a bit. She hadn’t had to worry about money when she went to college. “If this is what you want, I want you to go for it. But Matthew, this is going to cost a lot of money.” “I wired Denver before I came here, and I asked about any jobs I might qualify for to help me pay my way. I also wired grandpa and told him. I didn’t ask him for money though.” “I’m sure he will send some though,” Michaela replied. “He wants you children to be very happy.” “Yeah. Plus, ma had some money put back for me, Colleen, and Brian.” “That’s true. You’ve really put some thought into this haven’t you?” “Yeah.” “Well, later, we’ll sit down with Sully . . .” “I just talked to him. I wanted to tell him first, because I wanted to see his reaction first. I needed to practice on him.” Michaela smiled. “Matthew, you don’t know how proud I am of you.” Matthew smiled humbly. Early Sun began to squirm and Michaela smiled. “Oh, I better get this little one ready. Could you take your brothers outside to wait with Sully in the wagon?” “Sure,” Matthew replied. He scooped up the twins into his arms and left while Michaela buttoned the front of her dress and wrapped Early Sun into a blanket. She felt dizzy as she stood, and she decided to get a professional opinion on her condition. Michaela checked on Cassius, who was being watched by Hank and Jake until a marshal could arrive. They told her that there had been no change in his condition and that she should just go home. They’d come to get her if there was any change. They had seen the Indian child, and asked her about it. Michaela told them that she was caring for it because the child’s mother wasn’t strong enough to do so at the moment. They told her she’d better be careful, because most folks wouldn’t take too kindly to having an Indian child around. She was just glad that they weren’t very judgmental. After all, they’d both come to accept Mary into the community. If they could accept her, they could surely accept an innocent little baby. Once Michaela left the clinic, she took Early Sun to the wagon and handed her to Sully. “Ready to go?” “Yes, just give me a moment. I’m going to go send a telegram.” She hurried off before Sully could ask questions. She walked into the office and smiled at Horace. “Hi Dr. Mike.” “Horace,” she said with a cheerful nod. “I need to send a telegram.” *~* That evening, Michaela sat in front of her vanity mirror, brushing her hair slowly. A small smile had spread over her face. The thought of having another child didn’t seem bad at all. The only concern she had was the amount of time she would have. She had planned to wait until the boys were a year or so older before having another baby, but that wasn’t really something that one could time accurately. The door opened and Sully walked in with a smile on his face. “The children are sleeping?” “Matthew just turned down his lamp, Colleen’s reading, Brian’s been sleepin’ for ten minutes, the boys have been out since we put them down earlier, and Early Sun went to sleep as soon as I told her an old Indian story.” Michaela smiled, her eyes sparkling happily. “What’s goin’ on?” “Oh nothing,” she replied softly. “I’m just looking forward to the future.” “Is this about Matthew?” “Oh, not exactly, but I’m thrilled he wants to go to law school after he goes to college. I just hope we’ll be able to afford it.” “We ain’t limitin’ our kids just cause we can’t afford somethin’. We’ll find a way,” Sully replied, pulling Michaela’s hair back and kissing her neck, his eyes locking with hers through the mirror. Michaela closed her eyes, soaking in the wonderful feeling of her husband’s rough stubble against her smooth skin; his lips against her neck. He pulled back and kissed the sensitive spot under her ear. “Who’d ya send the telegram to earlier?” “Hmm?” she asked softly, having nearly completely lost her train of thought. “Before we came home,” Sully replied, pulling away to crouch on the floor. He picked up Michaela’s foot and held it in his lap, slowly unlacing her shoe. He looked into her eyes curiously as he worked. “Oh, I was just, um, sending a message to a doctor in Denver.” “Oh?” he asked. “Which doctor?” “Why are you so curious about it?” “Well, I dunno, ya just seemed to be in a hurry to get a hold of him.” “Well, it’s Dr. Bernard.” “The doctor who works with ladies?” “Yes,” Michaela replied with a nod. “He’s the one . . .” Sully recalled back to when Michaela was expecting the twins. “Yes,” she repeated with a nod. “Are you sayin’ you’re . . .” “I’m not sure.” “But you might be?” “Possibly.” “A baby?!” “Shh!” she warned not wanting the children to overhear their conversation. “Maybe!” She sighed heavily and stood up, walking over to the bed. Sully followed her, watching her every move. “I want to have more children, Sully, it’s just that it’s so soon!” “Yeah, but that don’t mean it can’t happen, does it?” “No,” she answered honestly. “But Sully, I never expected to become this pregnant housewife.” “That ain’t what you are.” “Well, when I was pregnant with the boys, I was home more than anything. I do not want to be barefoot and pregnant twice a year!” Tears were starting to come. “I ain’t expectin’ that, Michaela,” Sully replied. “I ain’t sayin’ that you’re supposed to have babies all the time. I’m just thinkin’ that it’d be nice to add onto our family.” “But so soon?!” “Well, I figured it’d take a little more time, but if it happens, it happens. It ain’t gonna mean we’ll love the baby any less, right.” “Of course not. If I am pregnant, I will love this child just as much as I love our other children. I’m just worried. We’ve got three infants at the house already. I’m not so sure we can handle one more by the end of next year.” Sully chuckled and kissed his wife’s lips. “Don’t go frettin’. Havin’ babies is a part of life, and if it happens, I’ll be happy. If it ain’t true, we’ll have more time to start plannin’ for one.” Michaela sighed and wrapped her arms around Sully’s neck. “You seem to make everything seem so simple.” “I just don’t like lookin’ at things the hard way.” “That’s something we don’t have in common.” Sully laughed. “But you lookin’ at things the hard way makes ya strong and bull-headed.” “Bull-headed?!” Michaela raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, but don’t worry. I love that about ya.” Michaela shook her head and laughed. She turned to kiss Sully again, but as their kiss began to deepen, Early Sun began to wail in the next room. Michaela broke away from Sully. “I’m sorry.” She rushed off to tend to the crying child while Sully added a few logs to the fire. He walked over to turn down their bed, smoothing back the covers and fluffing Michaela’s pillows. He walked over to the chest at the end of their bed. When he opened it, he found a few of Michaela’s old sewing projects. One of those was a beautiful little dress for a baby girl. She had started making that before the boys were born, and he knew that Michaela wanted a little girl to dress up in little fancy dresses. Colleen was already a young woman, and Sully knew Michaela wanted the early years with a daughter. Those were the years when a special bond was formed, a bond that could never be broken. He had watched her earlier that day with Early Sun. She had doted on her as if she was her own daughter. The child had grown to trust Michaela’s trust, and had nursed comfortably once she felt at ease in her foster mother’s arms. He knew Michaela would be amazing with a daughter of their own one day, and if she wasn’t expecting again, he would still treasure the moments he could watch Michaela with their beautiful boys. Michaela returned a few minutes later. She smiled and shut the door behind her. “Everything alright?” “Yes,” she answered, walking over to wrap herself in Sully’s arms. “She just needed to know someone was there for her.” “She’s used to sleepin’ between Cloud Dancin’ and Snow Bird every night.” “Should we bring her in here?” “Nah, she should be fine.” “Sully, I’m worried that she’s not going to remember Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird once the winter is over.” “She will. She’s formed a strong bond with ‘em. They’ll come to her in her dreams. She’ll never forget them.” “You believe that?” “’Course I do.” Michaela yawned. “Tired?” “Mmm, a little,” she admitted. “I need to get into town early, though. The marshal promised to be here tomorrow. Unfortunately a judge won’t be here until next week.” “Well, maybe Cassius won’t wake up by then.” “Sully, what if he causes trouble for Horace? He and Mary have been through so much, and I’d hate for anyone to disturb them now.” “Unfortunately the law is the law no matter how much we hate it. If the judge decides to do something about Mary’s placement, Horace ain’t gonna be able to stop it.” Michaela nodded and shook her head. “It’s a shame. Cassius Tucker shouldn’t be able to have any right to Mary. He sold her at birth, for goodness sakes!” Sully sighed and kissed Michaela’s cheek. “There ain’t any use worryin’ ‘bout it right now.” Michaela finally nodded in agreement. Just as she and Sully were beginning to get cozy again, Connor began to cry in the other room. Michaela and Sully leaned their foreheads together and chuckled softly. “I’ll get him.” She kissed Sully once more before she started down the hall to the babies’ room. *~* After very little sleep the night before, Sully let Michaela sleep in. He woke at sunrise to get the twins and Early Sun ready for the day. Early Sun was beginning to live up to her name. Not only had she been born early, but she woke early too. She was already awake when Sully came in to check on them that morning. Now that the children were ready, Sully was downstairs helping the children set the breakfast table. Colleen was scooping gravy over hot biscuits and handing them to Sully. Matthew was pouring milk into glasses while Brian ran around outside, chasing after Wolf and Pup. “When will ma be up?” Colleen asked. “I’ll wake her up as soon as Brian gets in.” “I’ll go call him in,” Matthew offered. He walked outside, and Colleen glanced at Sully. “Pa?” “Yeah?” “Matthew’s gonna be alright, ain’t he?” “’Course he is. What happened yesterday ain’t somethin’ a man can get over in just a day. It’s gonna take time, but he’ll be alright.” “I hope so.” Sully smiled and Brian rushed into the house ahead of Matthew. “I’ll be right back.” Sully started up the stairs and entered his and Michaela’s bedroom. She was sleeping peacefully on her side, facing Sully’s side of the bed. Sully smiled down at his sleeping wife. He loved to watch her sleep, because the serene look upon her face would always brighten his dreams. He leaned down to brush his lips against her cheek. His hand moved down to graze against her arm. “Mmm,” she whispered, her eyes slowly fluttering open. Sully smiled and nuzzled her cheek with his nose. Michaela smiled and slowly rolled onto her back to stare up into his eyes. “Mornin’.” “Good morning,” she replied. She noticed how bright the room was. “You let me sleep in?” “Yep. I figured you’d like a little extra sleep.” “Thank you.” Michaela sat up and she felt better than she had in days. She stretched and got out of bed. Brian’s yells were heard from downstairs, followed by shouts from Colleen. “I’ll go see what that’s about.” “I’ll be down for breakfast in a bit,” Michaela replied. She quickly got dressed and pulled her hair into a braid, letting the braid hang loosely over her left shoulder. Once she had pulled her shoes on, she started down the hall to the babies’ room. Connor had rolled onto his belly next to Daniel who was sucking on his brother’s hand. Early Sun had one of her legs up so far that she was sucking on her foot. Michaela laughed aloud and picked up the Cheyenne baby into her arms. “What have you got there, little one?” Early Sun simply giggled as Michaela gently tickled her belly. Her little legs kicked about happily. “Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird are going to be so surprised when they see you next Spring. You’re going to grow so much they’ll hardly recognize you.” She nuzzled the baby’s soft hair, and held her at her hip. “Let’s go have breakfast.” Michaela leaned down next to the twins’ cradle. “I’ll be right back for the both of you.” Connor grunted and Michaela took Early Sun downstairs. Sully had obviously settled whatever dispute had erupted between Colleen and Brian. Everyone was seated at the table, and Michaela passed Early Sun into Sully’s arms. “I’ll be right back. I have to get the boys.” Sully nodded. Early sun reached into Sully’s plate, grabbed a handful of warm gravy, and stuck her entire fist in her mouth. The children all laughed and Michaela stared at the baby with astonishment. Sully looked at Michaela. “Is she old enough to eat stuff like that?” “Well, she does have a few teeth, so I’m sure a few solids wouldn’t hurt.” She kissed the baby’s cheek. “But your manners are less than impeccable, young lady.” Early sun grinned a nearly toothless smile and looked up at Sully. He shook his head and bounced her on his knee. “I’ll share,” he laughed. Michaela started up the stairs to get the twins, and Early Sun helped Sully wish his breakfast. While Sully had had several years of experience in eating regular food, Early Sun was just starting out, and most of the gravy she was beginning to grow attached to had dripped down her front and was all over her face. “Look at her,” Colleen laughed. “She likes it! So this is what it’s like to have a little sister? When are you and ma gonna have another baby?” “Yeah,” Brian replied. “I’m getting used to bein’ a big brother.” Sully looked at all of the children’s curious faces. “Um,” he started, “we ain’t made any plans yet.” Michaela appeared in the room with Connor in one arm and Daniel in the other. She passed Daniel to Matthew, and held Connor so she could eat her own breakfast. “Ma? When are you and pa havin’ another baby?” Brian wondered. Michaela looked at Sully, wondering if he’d told them of Dr. Bernard’s upcoming visit to Colorado Springs. “What makes you wonder that?” “Well, havin’ Early Sun around makes it seem like we got a little sister,” Colleen explained. “We think it’d be nice to have our own little sister.” “Well, for now, why don’t you think of Early Sun as your little sister? Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird are family,” Sully replied. “Right,” Michaela agreed. “But you’re gonna have another baby, ain’t ya?” Brian asked. “Brian, I think it’s a little too soon to be discussing this.” “But why, ma?” Colleen wondered. Michaela looked at Sully who only shrugged. “Well,” Michaela started, “it’s just that we’re getting used to Connor and Daniel. Now that Early Sun is here with us for a little while, we’re going to have our hands full.” Colleen and Brian looked a bit disappointed. “But if it were to happen, we’d be just as happy.” That seemed to help their moods. Just as breakfast was finishing up, the clamor of a wagon startled the family. “Dr. Mike!” “That’s Robert E.,” Matthew pointed out. Michaela handed Daniel to Matthew and hurried to the door. She opened it and Robert E. was just sitting on his wagon, worry causing him to tremble. “Robert E.?” “It’s Grace! She’s in a lot of pain!” Robert E. exclaimed. “It’s too soon, ma. Miss Grace ain’t due to have her baby ‘til April.” “I know,” Michaela replied. She grabbed her medical bag. “Colleen, I need your help. Matthew, make sure you get yourself and your brother to school. Ride into town with your father and help him get the babies settled in at the mercantile with Dorothy and Loren before you go.” “Sure thing,” Matthew replied. “We’ll see ya later,” Sully called out. Michaela and Colleen pulled themselves into Robert E.’s wagon and they started off toward town. |