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Chapter 5: Praying for Grace “Ah, you want us to keep a Cheyenne baby in here?” Loren asked uncertainly as Sully stood inside the mercantile after the boys had headed off to school. “Loren, Michaela is busy with Grace, and I can’t watch ‘em. I’ve got things to do, and you’ve never hesitated to watch the boys before.” “Dorothy and I don’t mind watchin’ the boys. But havin’ an Indian baby ‘round here ain’t good for business.” “Loren,” Dorothy spoke up, “I’ll watch her.” Loren swallowed hard. “I’m sure nobody’s gonna object to an innocent baby. ‘Sides, I'm gonna make sure school’s cancelled for the day, so I’ll be ‘round to make sure she’s safe.” “Dorothy, Loren’s right. You’d be surprised how ignorant people are.” His eyes stared into Loren’s. “Fine, leave her here,” Loren finally gave in. He really didn’t have it in him to turn down such a sweet little child. Sully handed Early Sun over to Dorothy and started to walk away, but Early Sun would have no part of it. She began to cry, and held her arms out for her white father. It was obvious that she was going to be just as attached to him as she was to her real Cheyenne father. “I’ll be back,” Sully whispered to her in Cheyenne. He wasn’t sure if she could understand any words yet, being so young, but he knew that he needed her to be able to understand her native language, and the white man’s language. Sully turned to leave again, but Early Sun began to cry out. “Sully, I think she’s afraid to be left here with us.” “What’s goin’ on?” Hank asked as he walked into the mercantile. “What’s wrong with that kid?” “She don’t want Sully to leave.” “Who is she?” “She’s Cloud Dancin’ and Snow Bird’s daughter,” Sully replied. “We’re takin’ care of her so she’ll be safe this winter.” Sully took the baby into his arms, and she seemed to calm down a little bit. She reached out to Hank, and everyone stared at him curiously. “What?” Hank asked. “I think she wants ya to hold her, Hank,” Loren said slowly. “I ain’t holdin’ no Inj . . .” he started, but when he looked into that baby’s eyes, he suddenly saw a vision of his own child looking into his eyes. “Give her here.” Sully apprehensively handed the child to Hank, and she stopped fussing. She leaned her head on his shoulder, and everyone stared at him. “Looks like you’ve got the magic touch, Hank,” Dorothy said with a grin. “Funny,” he said, pretending to be annoyed. But feeling this baby in his arms gave him a sense that he was protecting a life that needed protected. “Maybe I’ll stay ‘round town,” Sully replied. “You go do what ya gotta do, Sully,” Hank replied. “I was just getting ready to go sit with Myra. She’s waiting on news ‘bout Grace anyway. We’ll watch her.” “You sure? I don’t want ya doin’ somethin’ ya don’t wanna do, Hank.” “Just go on,” Hank replied, rolling his eyes. Sully stared nervously at Hank, but decided he could trust the man. Hank would never harm a child. Early Sun dozed off in Hank’s arms, and Sully gave Hank another glance, realizing that Early Sun was safe in his care. “If she gets hungry . . .” “Loren’s got some small jars in the back. We can make bottles out of ‘em,” Dorothy promised. Sully nodded in appreciation and hurried off to check his snares, hoping he’d have enough to sell for a good price. He had an extra child to keep safe and warm now, and it was going to take a little more money. As he walked toward the woods, he heard Grace’s screams, and hoped that she was going to be fine. It was way too early for her to give birth, and he knew that there would be nothing Michaela could do if it was born. He’d seen it at the reservation before. Children born that never made it as far as he knew. All he could do for Grace and Robert E. was pray. *~* Michaela walked out onto the porch while Colleen and Myra stayed inside with Grace. Robert E., Horace, Reverend Johnson, and even Hank were seated quietly. Since school was cancelled, Brian and Matthew were sitting on the edge of the porch while Pup lazily rested on a patch of ground that wasn’t completely covered by snow. “How is she?” Robert E. asked as he stood anxiously. “We’re trying to stop the contractions, and her water hasn’t broken yet. That’s a good sign.” “Explain what that means.” “There’s a sack that protects the baby, and it’s full of something called amniotic fluid. It’s much like water, and once the membranes of that sack rupture, there will be nothing I can do.” “It’s too early. What’ll happen to the baby?” Robert E. asked quietly. “The baby won’t be able to survive,” Michaela whispered. She looked away, hating having to tell an expectant father that his child might die. Tears filled Robert E.’s eyes. “And Grace?” “Right now, Grace is healthy, but there is a risk to her as well. Right now, you should pray for the best, and I’m going to do what I can do to save both your wife and child.” “I know you’ll do what ya can,” Robert E. said with a slow nod. “Can I sit with her?” “For a few minutes,” Michaela replied. “I think it would be a good idea.” Robert E. went into the clinic and Michaela looked at Hank. “Don’t worry. I ain’t gonna hurt her.” “I wasn’t thinking you would. Believe it or not Hank, I don’t think you’re a horrible person.” Hank looked at the sleeping little girl in his arms. “How’s Myra doin’?” “She’s worried about Grace, but she seems to be calming her down a bit.” “Good. Hey, maybe I outta take her into the clinic. It’s pretty cold out here.” “There’s a cradle just through that door,” Michaela said, pointing to the door on the side of the clinic. Hank nodded and stepped inside. He shut the door behind him to keep out the draft. He slowly lowered Early Sun into the cradle and covered her with a warm blanket. Early Sun opened her little eyes and stared at him curiously. “Shh,” he whispered. “You just close your eyes. Dr. Mike’s in the other room.” He stood to go outside but Early Sun began to fuss. He turned back to the cradle. “C’mon, kid. Ya don’t want me around. I ain’t no good.” Early Sun protested louder, and Hank pulled her into his arms to avoid having an inconsolable child under his care. “C’mon, kid.” He sat down by the cradle and began to rock her back and forth, smoothing back her soft black hair. She slowly began to calm down, but didn’t dare fall asleep. She stared up at Hank who couldn’t believe he was having this effect on her. Myra had come into the room to boil some more hot water, but when she had opened the door, she’d seen Hank sitting on the floor with the Indian child in his arms. She smiled as she watched him with her, smiling and whispering softly. Her heart nearly melted as she thought about him being a father to their own child. He would be a great pa. “Hank?” she asked softly. Hank looked up, his cheeks blushing a little at his wife’s presence. “I was just . . .” “Ya don’t have to explain, Hank. It’s alright to be soft.” “Soft?” Myra grinned. “Oh come on,” she replied. She leaned down and kissed him softly. “Don’t mind me. I’m just fetchin’ some water for Dr. Mike.” “How’s Grace?” “She’s restin’ now. She’s in an awful lot of pain, though. Robert E. was sittin' with her for a minute, but he went back outside.” Hank nodded. He put Early Sun back in the cradle. He kept his hand on her little hand, and soon she was sleeping. Hank stood and moved out of the way so Myra could get heat up some water. “Dr. Mike needs these to put on Grace’s forehead. Grace is feelin’ cold.” “Ya think she’ll be alright?” “I hope so,” Myra replied. “She don’t deserve this. Nobody does.” The clamoring of horses outside startled them. Hank looked down at Early Sun who remained sleeping. He took Myra’s hand and they started outside to see what was going on. “Miss Olive!” Brian exclaimed as middle-aged woman with red hair dismounted her tired old horse. Dirt stained Olive’s face, but her eyes seemed to shine through it all. A few cowhands rode off in the other direction to give their boss some time to catch up with friends and family. “Brian! Boy, you’ve grown!” she exclaimed, picking the nine-year-old up into her arms. They embraced one another happily, and Matthew hurried over to hug her as well. “Matthew! You’ve grown into a handsome young man!” Matthew smiled. “Thanks Miss Olive. Oh, don’t go worryin’ bout your ranch. I’ve been helpin’ keep it in good condition. Only lost a couple cattle since you’ve been gone.” “Good work, son. I heard ‘bout your ma, and I’m sorry I was gone for so long.” “That’s alright,” Brian replied. “We’ve got a new ma and pa now. We’ve even got two little brothers.” “That so?” Olive asked curiously. “I just figured you’d be stayin’ with your pa.” “Pa got sent to prison,” Matthew replied. “He ain’t a good man,” Brian added. “Our new ma loves us just as much as our old ma did.” “That’s right,” Matthew replied. “Well, I’ll have to meet this new ma and pa of yours.” “You know our pa,” Matthew replied. “Do I?” “Yep, it’s Sully,” Brian replied. “Sully?!” “Yup. He met our new ma in Boston and she came here ‘cause we didn’t have a doctor.” “Doctor?” Olive asked, taking in all of this new information at once. “Yup,” Brian replied happily. “She started doctorin’, and she made people feel better. Then she married Sully and our ma was getting real sick from ca . . .” The name of the disease escaped the young boy for a moment. “Cancer,” Matthew helped him, swallowing hard. “That’s right. Well, our real ma told Dr. Mike and Sully that she wanted them to take care of us. When she died, we went to live with them. Then they had Connor and Daniel, and we’re a big family again.” Olive looked at Matthew, and he nodded. Robert E. broke in. “Miss Olive, it sure is nice to see you again.” “Hello Robert E. It’s been a long time.” Olive smiled at the man. Robert E. liked her even though she wasn’t exactly proud to call herself a friend to a colored person. But she was one, and Grace was surely going to want to see her. “Grace sure is gonna be happy to see you.” “Grace! Oh, where is she?” “She’s in with our ma,” Matthew replied. Matthew pointed to the door, and a moment later, Olive was bustling through. Colleen’s eyes lit up. “Miss Olive!” “Hello darlin’!” “Excuse me, but you can’t just come bustling through my door!” Michaela exclaimed angrily. “Olive!” Grace panted as another contraction swept over her. It took Michaela a few moments to register that this was Olive Davis, Loren’s sister. “It’s alright, Grace. Robert E. just told me . . . oh my goodness!” “It’s too early for her,” Michaela pointed out. “If you’re here to help, go help Myra bring in the warm water from the other room.” Michaela watched as Olive hesitated for a moment at taking orders from this newcomer. But she finally did what needed to be done and returned with Myra and the warm water a few minutes later. “What in the world is an Indian child doin’ back there?” “I don’t think that’s of anyone’s concern at the moment,” Michaela replied. “Right now, what matters is getting this labor stopped.” “Please save my baby!” Grace cried out as she gripped Michaela’s hand with one of hers and Olive’s with the other. “I’m doing everything I can, Grace. Just try to relax,” she whispered. “Don’t you worry, Grace,” Olive whispered. “Come on, Grace,” Myra whispered, “just relax.” Grace tried, but a moment later, Michaela noticed that Grace’s amniotic sac had burst. Grace screamed out. “What happened?!” “I need everyone but Colleen to leave.” “I ain’t leavin’,” Olive said sternly. “Please go!” Michaela ordered. Olive saw the blood on Michaela’s hands, and she realized it would be best if she did leave. She and Myra left together, and Colleen looked at Michaela. “Ma?” “Colleen, go get me a fresh blanket, now.” Colleen nodded, and Grace began to sob. “Please save my baby. Please save my . . .” She felt the urge to push, and she couldn’t stop herself. A moment later, a tiny child entered the world. Tears flooded Michaela’s eyes. Colleen bit back a gasp when she saw the child, and Michaela wrapped it up into a blanket. Grace passed out on the table, and Michaela saw that she was starting to bleed heavily. “Is it . . .” Colleen whispered. “I’m afraid so,” Michaela replied grimly. “Please go tell Robert E.” “What do I tell him about Grace?” “Tell him I’m doing everything I can.” Michaela sighed heavily and examined the tiny child as quickly as she could. There was no saving it, and the cord had wrapped around its neck. But it had been so early that even if that hadn’t occurred, it wouldn’t have been able to survive without being fully developed. Michaela put the stillborn child aside and began to work to save Grace’s life. *~* Colleen walked outside, tears in her eyes. Her cheeks flushed red from being upset, and when the cold hit them, they began to turn brighter. Robert E. stood shakily. “Everythin’ grew so quiet,” he said softly. The Reverend had his head bowed in prayer. “She couldn’t stop it. Grace’s water . . . it broke. The baby came so fast,” Colleen whispered. “Oh God no,” Robert E. cried, falling to his knees on the porch. Myra and Olive, although they were complete strangers, began to hug each other in their mutual grief for their friend. Horace put a hand on his friend’s shoulder and helped him to stand. “How’s Grace?” “She’s doin’ everythin’ she can to save her.” “What was it?” “A little girl.” With that, Robert E. began to pray for the life of his wife and for the soul of his little girl up in Heaven. Colleen walked back inside of the clinic, shutting the door quietly behind her. Michaela was just starting to finish up with Grace. “How is she?” “She’s going to pull through.” Michaela sighed heavily and began to wash her hands in the basin. “What do we do about the baby?” "We’ll wait until Robert E. and Grace have had some time with her, and then we’ll make arrangements for burial.” “It ain’t fair. They were lookin’ forward to havin’ that baby.” “You’re right, Colleen. But this happens a lot. You’ll see a lot of this in medical school and in your career as a doctor.” “I know,” Colleen replied. “I just wish there could have been somethin’ . . .” “I know,” Michaela agreed. She sighed heavily. “Why don’t you go start cleaning up while I prepare a room upstairs?” “Sure,” Colleen replied. “Actually, I’m going to go speak with Robert E. first.” Colleen nodded again, and Michaela headed outside. This time, Robert E. wasn’t anywhere in sight.” “Where is Robert E.?” “He walked over to the livery. We figured he’d want some time alone,” Matthew replied. Michaela nodded. “Matthew, will you and Brian go to the store and get your brothers? Bring them here, get Early Sun, and take them home?” “Sure ma,” he responded. “C’mon, Brian.” The boys walked over to the mercantile while Michaela started over toward the livery. Olive hurried to catch up to her. “Dr. Quinn?” “Olive Davis?” “So you’ve heard of me?” “Yes,” Michaela replied. “You run a ranch, and you’ve been in Mexico for the last couple of years.” “Yeah,” Olive replied. “How’s Grace?” “She’s going to pull through.” “Good.” “You’re close with her?” “I gave her a job after she was freed.” “That was kind of you.” “She’s a good woman.” “Yes she is.” Michaela noticed how Olive kept staring at her. “Is there something you wish to ask me?” “I ain’t never heard tell of a lady doctor.” “Well now you have,” Michaela replied. “Loren never mentioned ya in his letters. Never mentioned Charlotte givin’ the children to ya either.” “She did more than give them to me, Ms. Davis.” “Please call me Olive.” “If you will call me Dr. Mike.” Olive nodded slowly. “She signed adoption papers. She knew she was dying and wouldn’t let me treat her. She wanted her children to get used to the fact that she wouldn’t be around, so she had them spend time with me. I never expected to come out here and inherit three children, but I have, and I love them dearly. I know you were one of Charlotte’s good friends.” “I was,” Olive said with a nod. “If Loren would’ve told me, I’d have come out here as quick as I could have. But I didn’t get word till after she’d died.” Michaela swallowed hard. “She was a remarkable woman.” “Yeah,” Olive replied. “How are the children?” “They’re fine. They miss their mother, but they’re adjusting well to their new family.” “I should have been here. I could have taken them in and off your hands.” “What makes you think I wanted them taken off my hands?” Michaela asked, turning to stare into Olive’s eyes. “Well, you’re young yet and newly married. I figured that you’d be wantin’ time alone with your husband.” “My husband and I love those children.” “You’re married to Abagail’s husband,” Olive pointed out. “Abagail is dead,” Michaela replied with exasperation. “Loren actually agreed to this marriage?” “Loren didn’t have to agree to anything. It really wasn’t any of his business.” “What were you thinkin’, marryin’ a widower?” “I don’t see how that is any of your business!” Michaela exclaimed angrily, “I will not explain myself to you!” Michaela stalked off and slowed her steps once she reached the livery. She looked behind her to see that Olive was walking over toward the mercantile to reunite with her brother. She shook her head and turned to see Robert E. fashioning a small coffin. “Robert E.?” “How’s Grace?” The tone in the blacksmith’s voice broke Michaela’s heart. “She’s pulling through,” Michaela replied. “You can go sit with her.” “I will just as soon as I finish this.” “Robert E., she is going to wake soon. She’ll need you.” “I said I’ll go as soon as I finish this!” Robert E. snapped. “I know you’re in pain.” “You ain’t lost a child, Dr. Mike. You don’t know. I’ve lost four children in my life, and now I just lost another one.” Michaela didn’t know what to say. Robert E. never spoke of his days in slavery, and now she knew that he had had four children before he was a free man. “I know you’re hurting. I’ve seen this so many times, Robert E. Grace is going to need you to be there when she wakes up.” “How am I gonna face her? Our baby’s dead, and she’s gonna think . . .” “She’s going to think you love her no matter what if you go sit with her.” “But I do love her. I love her more than anythin’ in this world.” “Then let her know that,” Michaela whispered, putting a hand on Robert E.’s. “This can wait.” She glanced at the coffin. Robert E. swallowed hard, and nodded. He started off toward the clinic to be with his wife and the daughter he never got the chance to hear cry. *~* A few days had passed, and the new year had begun. After the stillbirth of the baby, Grace had woken to be devastated at the loss of her daughter. She and Robert E. had buried her in a private ceremony, not inviting any of their close friends. Some people were offended, but Michaela and Sully both understood that they needed time to grieve alone. Mary had gone to visit Grace often, and it worried people that perhaps having the little girl around would upset Grace even more. But on the contrary, Mary’s presence seemed to help Grace heal. Horace didn’t mind Mary spending time with her either. A marshal had arrived and apparently Cassius had been wanted for fraud, and the marshal who had come for him didn’t grant mercy to him. Cassius had been forced to sign over his rights to his granddaughter, and now Horace was going through the adoption process to legally make Mary his daughter. The town was adjusting to having Miss Olive back. Michaela hadn’t spoken with her since Olive rudely asked her why she married Sully considering the fact that he’s a widower. Michaela had spoken with Sully about this, and he told her that Miss Olive is a lot like her brother; stubborn and lacking tact in most occasions. Michaela had had a lot on her mind lately, including her possible pregnancy. She hadn’t been feeling well, but that could have also been caused by her feelings of grief for Grace and Robert E.’s loss. On this day, Sully was caring for the young ones at home while Matthew, Colleen, and Brian attended school. Mary had stayed home today so she could go visit with Grace. Horace had wanted her to go to school, but she was excelling in all of her work, to the surprise of many people in town, so he knew it wouldn’t hurt to let her take one day off. Michaela was sitting at the clinic and working on a write-up on one of her patients. She knew it was nearing noon because her stomach was beginning to growl from hunger. She decided that she’d start home so she could eat. Grace had closed down the café at Robert E.’s urgings. She hadn’t wanted to, because she wanted to keep her mind off of losing the baby, but Robert E. and Michaela both wanted her to rest for a week or so. Just as Michaela was standing to grab her coat, a knock came to the door. A doctor in a fancy coat walked in with a smile on his face. Michaela’s eyes lit up. “Dr. Bernard?!” “Dr. Quinn,” he said, tipping his hat. “I completely forgot you were coming. Please forgive me.” “That’s quite alright. Most expectant mothers get a bit scatterbrained at times.” Michaela laughed and shook her head. “Well, I’m not sure if I’m expecting. The symptoms seem to come and go, and I’d like your opinion.” “Well, if we can move to an upstairs room to have more privacy, I’d be happy to give you a complete exam.” Michaela nodded, and Dr. Bernard started upstairs to prepare for the exam. Michaela locked the door to the clinic before she headed upstairs to find out for sure if she was going to have another baby. *~* “No! Don’t do that!” Sully exclaimed as Early Sun threw a handful of oatmeal at him. She was sitting up in her high chair, slumping actually, and she was having a merry time of throwing food at her white father. Sully had taken Early Sun out to the reservation to spend a night in Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird’s teepee. The baby had enjoyed being with her real parents again, but the transition of bringing her back to the Sully homestead hadn’t been as difficult this time. Connor and Daniel were no longer sleeping, and both were crying for attention. “I’ve got to get the boys, Early Sun. Come on, please stop throwing . . .” Before he could get another word out, she hit him square in the eye with a handful of the sticky food. He groaned and pulled the bowl away from her as she clapped her hands together, making an even bigger mess. Sully cleaned himself off and picked Connor up. “C’mon son. Don’t make today so hard on your pa.” The boys were nearly four months old, and they seemed to be getting bigger by the day. Sully was proud of them, but the older they got, the more they liked to cause headaches for their pa when he stayed home with him. When Michaela would come home, however, they would be sleeping like perfect angels, giving her the impression that they had been easy for Sully as well. The boys loved their pa, but they loved to make him struggle. It was as if they were young cubs challenging an old bear. When Sully and Michaela would want some alone time, the boys could sense it and start crying. Poor Sully was about to go crazy from the lack of sleep, lack of attention from his wife, and from running around all day, trying to indulge the needs of his young sons and his brother’s daughter. Connor seemed to calm down quickly, but when Sully went to tend to Daniel, he wasn’t so easily consolable. He cried non-stop for about fifteen minutes, and Sully tried everything to calm him. He tried feeding him from a bottle Michaela had made. She was starting to trust being away from them for hours at a time. She would make bottles up for them and take the children into school. Sully was happy to stay at home with them, but they didn’t take to the bottles quite as well because they were used to Michaela nursing them. Once Daniel had finally cried himself to sleep, Sully was able to bathe Early Sun and dress her in a cute dress Michaela and Colleen had made for her. As soon as the infants were all asleep, Sully walked outside to play fetch with Wolf and Pup. He didn’t get to spend as much time with his beloved companion as he used to, but it was always fun when he got a few extra minutes to himself. He tossed a stick off toward the barn and both dogs went after it, tumbling over one another as they wrestled for it. Sully laughed and shook his head. He couldn’t believe how incredibly happy he was. As a child he’d always dreamed of having a big family with a beautiful wife. He’d even pictured his family with having two dogs. He couldn’t believe that his dream had become a reality without him even knowing it. He could hear the familiar rattling of the wagon as Michaela approached the homestead. He could see that she was alone, and a bit late. She was supposed to be home around noon, but it was nearing one in the afternoon. He was concerned, and he wondered if she was alright. When the wagon approached, Michaela slowed it down to a stop, and Sully helped her out of the wagon. “Afternoon,” he whispered, giving her a kiss on the lips. Michaela smiled against his lips and kissed him back. When they pulled away, Michaela stared into Sully’s eyes. “Michaela? What is it?” “I’ve just come from my appointment with Dr. Bernard.” Sully realized what that meant. Michaela had news. |