Chapter Nine Three weeks flew by in no time, and as Michaela’s business began to flourish little by little, her doctor/patient relationship with Jake Slicker did not. He had gone home after only four days in the clinic, and he had refused to let her check his stitches. She had had to check them while he was asleep on one occasion. Luckily, Hank was sticking to his plan to help Michaela keep Jake sober. The barber had gone through a terrible withdrawal, but luckily, he was recovering well. She knew that he didn’t trust her, and he still longed for a drink, but at least he was alive! Michaela’s other patients were doing well! Robert E.’s lumbago hardly bothered him, and he had let her know that he hadn’t felt so healthy in years! He was quite happy to be without the pain. The three Smith boys had all been patients to Michaela, and they had all gotten the vaccinations they needed. Vaccinations had been a major topic over the past couple of weeks, and while most parents trusted the doctor to give their children immunizations against some diseases, others refused to let a woman doctor touch their children. Needless to say, most of those families had been single-father families. Then there was baby Sam. After a few days, Samuel Bing had been called “Sam” by most of the folks in town, and at just a little over three weeks of age, he was a perfect little gentleman when it came to meeting folks. He slept most of the time, but in the privacy of the Bing family’s home, he cried half of the night and barely let his mother and father get a wink of sleep. Michaela and Sully’s friendship was blossoming by the day, and though they hadn’t had any near-kisses lately, they were definitely becoming more and more comfortable around one another. What neither one of them knew was that both Colleen and Matthew were pretty sure that the young doctor and their Pa were supposed to fall in love and get married. They figured it was just a matter of time and had decided almost from the start that they wouldn’t mind it one bit! “Why can’t I go?” young Colleen asked as she stood upon her bed, while Sully straightened his tie in the mirror. He raised an eyebrow and strode across the room to stand by Colleen’s bed. She had her hands on her hips and a displeased look upon her face. “Is my tie straight?” Colleen’s little fingers moved to do one final adjustment before she put her hands back on her hips. “Ya look fine, Pa,” she said. “Why can’t I go?” Sully picked his daughter up and plopped her into a sitting position on her bed. “I told ya it’s just for the grown-ups.” “But Abby’s goin’!” Matthew protested, walking in with an apple in one hand and a licorice stick in the other. Sully sighed. “I thought I told ya you were havin’ supper at the café with Grace and Robert E.?” Little did he know that Grace had convinced her husband to help her with the children that evening in order to give Michaela and Sully a little time alone. Perhaps it was a way to nudge them in the direction they both wanted to go. “Ya did.” “So why are ya ruinin’ your appetite?” “Pa, dinner’s two hours away, and I’m a growin’ boy!” Matthew replied with a sigh. Sully had to chuckle at his son’s words. “Why ain’t Grace and Robert E. goin’? And why does Abby get to go?” Colleen wondered. “First of all, Abagail’s goin’ ‘cause it’s her goin’ away party. Second of all, Grace and Robert E. are gonna be at the party early and then go home to spend the rest of the evenin’ with their boys and the three of you.” “But we wanna go too,” Colleen said with a sad frown. “When you’re a little older,” Sully promised. “He just don’t want us goin’ ‘cause he wants to be alone with Dr. Mike,” Matthew suggested with a sly grin. Colleen’s eyes widened, and she looked at her brother. Together they teased their father. “Ooooh! Dr. Mike and Pa, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” they sang. Sully rolled his eyes. The children had been bouncing off of the walls all afternoon, and he was afraid that they were going to be late. “Alright, that’s enough!” Sully said with exasperation. The children giggled, knowing their father wasn’t truly angry with them. “Go on outside and get in the wagon.” The two oldest children finally did as their father asked, and Sully picked up Brian from his crib. “Please tell me ya ain’t gonna grow up.” Brian gave him a two-toothed grin, and Sully walked out of the homestead with him. *~* Michaela stood in front of her mirror, wishing it was floor length so she could see how the rest of her dress looked. It was a beautiful light blue with delicate lace around the top and the neck. Her hair had been curled and done up in little ringlets, and she secretly hoped that she would look pleasing to Sully’s eyes. She hadn’t been able to help her thoughts recently. She was falling in love with a man she’d known for barely a month. She’d been falling in love with him for quite some time, and it didn’t seem at all wrong or improper to her. Her dreams were usually filled with scenarios of him holding her in his arms and kissing her in the softest way, though she had yet to actually know the feeling of his lips upon hers. A knock came at the door to her bedroom. “Dr. Mike?” It was Grace! “Come in,” Michaela called. Grace stepped in wearing a beautiful rose-colored dress that Michaela admired very much! “What a beautiful dress, Grace!” “Oh, this? I’ve had this old thing for years,” Grace said with a grin. “Ya look real nice, Dr. Mike.” “Thank you.” “Hopin’ to impress someone special?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michaela lied with a mischievous grin upon her face as she did one last once-over in the mirror. “Uh-huh,” Grace said skeptically, raising an eyebrow. “So, me and Robert E. are watchin’ Sully’s kids tonight.” “You are?” Michaela asked quickly. “Why’s that?” “Well, we just offered. We thought it might give the two of ya a chance to talk.” “Why on Earth would we need to talk?” Michaela wondered. “We talk every day.” “Ain’t every day ya get the chance to be alone.” Michaela rolled her eyes and shook her head, but she couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. Deciding to change the subject, Michaela moved over to put a shawl over her shoulders. With September finally settling in, there was a chill in the air. “You know, I never was one to dress up for parties as a young girl.” “Oh no? Why’s that?” “I always had something better to be doing,” Michaela admitted. “Like what?” “Like studying.” Grace smiled and put her hands on her hips. “Well, ya don’t need to be studyin’ now, so go on out there and have some fun. If I ain’t mistakin’, the party’s gonna last a few more hours, and then Abagail’s gotta catch the stagecoach.” Michaela felt a knot forming in her stomach. What if Sully asked her to dance? She loved to dance, but she hadn’t found much use for it in the past few years. What if she made a fool out of herself? She supposed that everyone had to make a fool out of themselves at some point or another. “I best be getting on home. Robert E. promised to put the boys down for a nap before Sully brings his children.” “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, Grace.” “Bye,” Grace said with a grin. “Don’t have too much fun! Or have a lot of fun!” “Oh you!” Michaela exclaimed, clearly unable to hide her embarrassment. Grace shut the door as she left, laughing happily. Michaela moved to the balcony and opened the doors. She glanced out toward the meadow where a dance floor had been built. Abagail was dancing away without any pain. Michaela was pleased that the girl’s twisted ankle had healed just in time for her going away party. Michaela hadn’t had a going away party when she went off to college and then medical school at Abagail’s age. Her father had insisted on throwing her one, but she highly doubted anyone would care to attend a party that was sending a woman off to further her education in hopes to become a doctor. So, Michaela left early one morning before her mother and sisters woke, and her father accompanied her to the train station. Thinking back on it upset her a little, but she knew that it had paid off well in the end. She had a stable practice, and though most of the patients she had weren’t able to pay in cash all of the time, she was still receiving a fair share that could help her to make ends meet. It wasn’t as if she’d been accepted fully into the town yet, and though most of the men still strayed away from her, the ladies were becoming comfortable with her. She hadn’t forgotten about the Reverend and his generous gift of the boarding house either, so she was making payments to him when she could. He would always insist that she keep the money, but he would also give in quickly seeing as the church was in need of some repairs. Of course, he did find time to send some of the money back to his associates to be fair. She smiled when she saw Martin and Abagail dancing. They both looked happy, and she remembered seeing them together quite often. It seemed as if they were really falling for each other, and she couldn’t help but find it sweet! Though, Abagail had seemed a bit strange every time she passed her on the street, especially the time Abagail came to return the crutches. Something about the way Abagail looked at her made her feel as if the girl had something against her. But, Abagail was always sweet and polite, so she couldn’t figure out what was going on. Perhaps it was one of those many teenaged problems that Michaela had gone through a few years ago herself. Michaela realized that she should probably start heading over toward the meadow now. So, she made sure her hair looked nice and started to leave the clinic. When she arrived outside, she saw Sully’s wagon parked outside of Grace and Robert E.’s house. She wondered if perhaps she should wait on him so they wouldn’t have to walk over separately and alone. When the door to the Smith’s house opened, her breath caught in her chest when she saw Sully wearing a suit and looking quite handsome in it! He always looked handsome, but there was something about the way he looked in a suit that sent a tingle throughout her body. His eyes caught Michaela’s form across the street, and he was taken away. She looked heavenly as she stood in the sunlight, her hair shimmering a golden red. He slowly made his way across the street to the young doctor’s side. “Afternoon, Dr. Mike,” Sully said with a smile. “Ya look real nice.” “Thank you,” Michaela replied, smiling as well. “You’re looking very handsome as well.” “Thank you,” Sully reciprocated. He held his arm out to her, and without a word, she linked hers with his. They began to stroll through the meadow, and Michaela glanced at Sully. “How are the children?” “Good. They wanted to come to the party.” “Why didn’t they?” Michaela wondered. “Well, I just figured they wouldn’t have much fun,” he suggested. Michaela knew that there was another reason the children didn’t come to the party, but she decided not to press the question any further. “It’s a beautiful day,” she remarked. “Sure is,” Sully replied, gazing at her soft face. Michaela’s eyes met his, and she blushed. She found herself blushing in his presence more often than not. She couldn’t help it. They way he made her feel was brand new to her, but she was beginning to wonder if he thought her face was that red all of the time. “I haven’t been to a dance in years,” Michaela admitted as they strolled along. “Well, would ya mind savin’ me a dance or two?” “Of course I wouldn’t mind,” Michaela replied. “You know how to dance?” “Well, I ain’t that good, but Charlotte taught me a few steps.” “I see,” Michaela said softly. “Well, I’ll be sure to save at least one dance for you.” She grinned a little. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll be available for dancing most of the afternoon. I don’t think many of the townsmen are going to be stepping on toes to get over to me in order to ask for a dance.” Sully chuckled. “They’re fools then,” he said quietly. “What?” Michaela had heard him perfectly clearly, but it had come as a surprise to her. “I just think that anybody who passes up a chance to dance with a beautiful woman don’t know what they’re missin’ out on.” They continued to walk on in silence as the music stopped for the band to take a five minute break. *~* Loren and Maude smiled proudly as their daughter whirled around the dance floor in the arms of Martin Johnson. She seemed so happy that it was almost heartbreaking to know that she was going away. But, it was for her own good. Sure, she was having a good time with Martin, but going to college would give her an opportunity to meet someone who might be willing to give her a good life. Abagail made her way over to her parents, while Martin moved to talk to a couple of his friends during the music break. She wrapped her arms around both of her parents. “Thank you both for this party. Though I hate that I’m goin’ away, I’m glad everybody cared enough to stop by.” “You’re a sweet girl, Abby. Everybody cares ‘bout ya,” Loren noted. “Not everyone,” Abagail muttered under her breath. “Now Abby, ya remember our deal, don’t ya?” “Yes Papa.” How could she forget it? It had been on her mind ever since he made the deal with her. She’d tried tirelessly to win Sully’s heart, but she hadn’t succeeded. She had only the matter of a few hours to get him to ask for her hand, but why would he do that when he had absolutely no idea she was in love with him? “You’re gonna have so much fun at college,” Maude said with a smile. “How do you know?” she asked sadly. “You and Papa didn’t go.” “No, but look how Dr. Mike turned out,” Maude mentioned. Abagail felt jealousy rising up inside of her again. Now her own parents were using the woman that Abagail envied the most as a model of how they wanted their daughter to be? Abagail groaned loudly and turned her back. She walked back over to be with Martin. Maude looked at Loren. “Loren, we ain’t paid her tuition yet,” Maude whispered. “Maybe she don’t have to go just yet. She could wait a couple years.” “Oh, now Maude, ya know I want her to be happy, but she ain’t gonna be happy here if she ain’t got nothin’ to do all day.” “What about getting married?” “What?” Loren asked quickly. “For cryin’ out loud, Maude, she ain’t gonna get Sully to propose!” “I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout Sully,” Maude replied quickly. “Look at her.” She pointed over to Martin and Abagail. Martin was now holding her hand and whispering to her. “Ya think Martin’s gonna propose?” “If he does,” Maude continued, “would ya consider lettin’ her put off her schoolin’?” Loren thought for a moment. “If Martin proposes,” he considered, “and that’s only if he proposes, she can put school off for a year or so.” Maude smiled and hugged her husband. “What makes ya think he’s gonna propose?” Maude leaned in to whisper into her husband’s ear. “I saw him with a small box in his hand earlier.” “That don’t mean nothin’,” Loren grumbled. “When he opened it, I’m pretty sure I saw a sparkle.” “Diamond?” “It’s gotta be,” Maude replied. “Loren, I bet our little girl will be an engaged woman by the end of this evenin’.” As her parents thought about her uncertain future, Abagail began to dance with Martin again as the band struck up another tune. This song was a slow one, and as she spotted Sully and Michaela walking up onto the dance floor, she decided that she really had to play into it. “Oh Martin!” Abagail laughed aloud, pretending he had said something deliriously funny into her ear. Martin twirled her around, and she kept her eyes on Sully and Michaela. Sully led Michaela onto the dance floor as they walked arm in arm. “Do ya wanna dance now or get some punch?” Sully wondered. “I like this song,” she said with a smile, recognizing the tune as Beautiful Dreamer. Sully took her hand in his and they began to dance about the stage. They had to dance close to one another, seeing as the floor was full of couples dancing about. Having her in his arms was a treat for Sully. He could smell the sweet scent of her soap and perfume, and he could practically feel the beat of her heart. Michaela felt one hand on her waist and the other joined with hers, and it made her want to float above the ground and into the clouds. She felt lighter than air as they swept about the floor. She didn’t want the song to ever end, and as their eyes stayed locked on one another’s the temptation to pull one another closer was almost too hard to resist. As they were beginning to lean toward one another, the song ended, and the magical moment ended with the loud twang of a banjo. A fast-paced song began, and Michaela decided that she was feeling a bit thirsty and warm. Sully cleared his throat and let Michaela out of his arms, and the two of them made their way over to the punch bowl. Abagail and Martin were holding hands beside Loren and Maude now as the crowd began a group dance. Abagail had tears in her eyes after having witnessed the interaction between Michaela and Sully during the previous song. “Abagail?” Martin asked over the music. “What?” she replied quietly. Martin looked over at Maude and Loren. “Well, I was gonna ask your ma and pa first, but since you’re here, I wanna do it all at the same time, ‘cause I’m feelin’ real nervous.” “Ask what?” Abagail wondered. Loren and Maude looked at one another knowingly. Martin swallowed hard and brought the box out of his coat pocket. “Mr. and Mrs. Bray, I know it’s only been a few weeks since I started courtin’ your daughter, but I’ve been in love with her from the day I first saw her. I’d like to ask your permission to marry your daughter.” Abagail gasped with surprise. Sully was the one who was supposed to propose! “That is, if you’ll have me, Abagail.” Loren and Maude looked over the moon! “You’ve got our blessin’,” Maude said for both herself and her husband. “That’s right. But, now it’s up to our Abby.” “I,” she began softly. She wanted to say no. She wanted to say that Sully was going to take her into his arms and profess his undying love for her. But, as she glanced over to the punch table, she saw Michaela and Sully talking and smiling over their refreshments. Seeing that made her realize that the only way she could continue to pursue a future with Sully was to agree to marry Martin Johnson. That would show Byron Sully! He couldn’t play hard to get forever, now could he? Once he realized that she was betrothed, he’d come to his senses and realize his time was running out. She relaxed a bit and smiled. “Why, Martin Johnson, I’d be honored to be your wife,” Abagail said with a smile. “Ya would?!” Martin asked in almost complete surprise. He bent down on one knee and slipped the ring onto her finger as the band stopped playing, and everyone turned to face them. When he stood again, he took her into his arms and twirled her around. “Martin!” she laughed. “My baby girl’s getting married!” Loren exclaimed to the townspeople. He hadn’t thought he’d ever see the day that his daughter would settle for a proposal from anyone other than Sully. Everyone began to applaud, and as Abagail’s face turned a shade of red, she glanced at Sully who was clapping at Michaela’s side. He looked happy for her, and not at all jealous. Well, maybe he was just putting up a front so he wouldn’t hurt Michaela’s feelings. Oh, there was going to be plenty of time before the wedding, so Sully wouldn’t have to rush his declaration to her. “When’s the big day?” asked a voice from the crowd. “Why, Abby’s turnin’ seventeen next week! We’ll have the ceremony then. What do ya say, Reverend? Will ya marry ‘em?” Abagail’s face turned pale. “Well, I’d be honored!” Reverend Johnson replied with a grin. “Congratulations Abagail and Martin!” Everyone began to applaud once again. “A week?” Abagail asked her father. “Papa, I think that’s a little too soon.” “Your ma and me were married after a month of courtin’, and look at us now. We’ve been married every since.” When Abagail looked over at Michaela and Sully again, they both looked so very happy for her. Sully was smiling from ear to ear, and she didn’t know what to do. So, without thinking, she nodded. “It’s settled then,” the Reverend spoke up. “Everybody’s invited to a weddin’ next week!” Cheers rose up, and the band struck up another slow tune for the couples to dance to. As Abagail felt Martin’s arms encircle around her, her heart broke into a million pieces. As the couples all gathered out on the dance floor again, Michaela and Sully placed their cups down. Sully went to take the doctor’s hand to lead her out to dance again, but when her fingers enclosed around his, their eyes met and neither one could move. As Abagail rested her head on Martin’s shoulder, they began to sweep about the floor closer to where Sully and Michaela were. “Dr. Mike?” Sully asked, seeing the tears in her eyes. “You okay?” “I’m fine,” she replied with a smile, brushing the tears away with her fingers. “I’m just happy for them. They’re young, but they look so very much in love.” “They sure do,” Sully replied with a smile as he looked into her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder . . .” “Wonder what?” Sully asked. She shook her head, feeling foolish yet again. That wasn’t an uncommon feeling when it came to thinking about her feelings for Sully. “Oh nothing,” she replied, turning away from him. He gently put his hand on her shoulder, and she turned back to face him. “Tell me,” he whispered, stepping closer as the music grew louder. The doctor swallowed hard and took a bold breath. “Sometimes I wonder if there’s the perfect person out there for everyone. Have you ever thought about that?” Sully’s eyes didn’t break the gaze he shared with Michaela. “It don’t matter what I think. What do you think?” “What do I think?” Michaela asked slowly, realizing that she had rarely heard anyone ask her that throughout most of her life. She couldn’t answer, and as the music reached it’s highest note, Sully pulled her close. As their lips became just a breath apart, Michaela leaned in the rest of the way to feel his lips against hers for the first time. Oh what a wonderful feeling it was to have his arms wrapped around her so closely. It seemed as if nothing else mattered! His lips kissed hers sweetly, and she felt his tongue upon her lips. She didn’t know what to do! She had never kissed a man in this way before, but as she fell deeper into the kiss, her natural instincts kicked in. Before long, their kiss had deepened, but had gone unnoticed to everyone except for a certain dark-haired bride-to-be. Anger built up inside of her, and as they reached the refreshment table, her arm flew out to smack the punch bowl, sending it spilling all over Michaela’s dress. The young doctor gasped as everyone turned in time to see her pull away from the kiss. “Oh, Dr. Mike! I’m so sorry!” Abagail cried out. “I didn’t see the bowl, and I . . . oh please forgive me!” Michaela felt Sully’s arms still on her, and she stepped back, seeing dozens of pairs of eyes scrutinizing her in her ruined gown. “I . . .” she began quietly. Usually, this kind of thing wouldn’t have been a big deal, but to have been caught kissing Sully at the time when she was uncertain of whether or not the kiss should have taken place was a bit too much to handle. A few giggles rose up from the crowd, and as Michaela’s face turned red, she brushed past as few people as she could in order to make a clear break away toward town. Sully rushed after her, seeing that she was running for the clinic. After several agonizing moments of silence, Michaela and Sully both heard the band begin to play again and the party continue on as if nothing had happened. *~* Michaela ran into the clinic and practically tripped over her examination table as she tried to stop. How could this have happened? How could she have let herself kiss a man she’d barely known a month? She had to admit that she had wanted it and didn’t regret it, but she couldn’t believe that she hadn’t been able to control herself! She poured some cold water into a basin and splashed it upon her flushed cheeks. Sully ran up onto the porch of the clinic and stood in the doorway. She heard him catching his breath and waiting patiently for her to turn. How could she face him? What if he thought she was ashamed? She wasn’t! She was only embarrassed that the entire town had spotted the two of them kissing as a bowl of punch was spilled all over her favorite dress. She turned, her face still about as red as the large punch stain on the front of her dress, and she brushed the tears from her eyes. “Oh, Sully, I’m so sorry,” she whispered. Sully walked in and quietly closed the door behind himself. “Ya don’t gotta apologize for nothin’,” he replied gently. He carefully stepped over to her. “I’m sorry your dress got ruined.” “It’s alright,” she replied. “It can be replaced.” “I’ll talk to Loren. Maybe he can help pay for it,” Sully suggested. “No, that’s quite alright. I’m sure it was just an accident. Abagail is so happy to be marrying Martin. I’m sure she just got carried away.” “Still, it ain’t fair that your dress got ruined.” “Sully, I’m not worried about the dress!” Michaela exclaimed. “Talk to me,” he urged. “They saw us, Sully. Everyone turned to look at us.” “What’s wrong with kissin’?” he wondered. “Dr. Mike, if ya didn’t want it to happen . . .” “No, don’t say that,” Michaela replied, shaking her head. “I wanted to, and perhaps that’s what scared me. I’ve never felt like this before!” “Like what?” He needed to know. “Oh, Sully, we shouldn’t be discussing this. It isn’t proper.” “Forget about bein’ proper for a minute. It’s just me, remember?” Michaela swallowed hard. “I know,” she whispered. “Then tell me what ya meant.” She looked into his eyes and couldn’t find a way out of talking about this. “Sully, I care about you,” she explained. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and from the beginning, I told myself that those feelings would go away. But they haven’t. I don’t know what I’m feeling. It seems as if I have all of these emotions and thoughts running on a rampage throughout my mind. I don’t know how to get over those feelings.” “Maybe ya don’t have to.” “What?” “Dr. Mike, whatever you’re feelin’ . . . I’m feelin’ it too. I’ve been feelin’ like this since I met ya, and I also tried to tell myself that it’d just go away on its own. But, it didn’t, and it seems like the way I feel about ya gets stronger every day.” “What does this all mean?” Michaela asked softly. “Well, first of all, I think it means that ya don’t gotta feel embarrassed ‘bout what happened out there. I don’t want ya to feel embarrassed ‘bout somethin’ we both shared ‘cause we wanted to.” “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Sully, for the first time in my entire life, I feel like I can just live in the moment and be free. I never felt that way until I met you.” She looked away, and Sully tilted her face with his fingertips so he could look into her eyes. “Sometimes there ain’t nothin’ wrong with wantin’ to live in the moment. Don’t apologize for listenin’ to your heart, Dr. Mike.” A moment later, he was pressing his lips against hers again, reassuring her that it was alright to feel the way she was feeling and live in the moment. When he pulled away, he brushed a tear from her eyes. “I don’t know what all this means, but I’d sure like to find out where our hearts are takin’ us.” Michaela thought for a moment. Her heart had been trying to convince her to go with her feelings for the past month. Perhaps if she and Sully were to explore their feelings together, something more pure and natural than they could have ever imagined would form. Michaela was willing. “I’d like that,” she said with a soft nod. Sully smiled and kissed her hand softly. “Good.” After a short pause, he cleared his throat. “Now, why don’t ya go upstairs and get changed so we can get back to the party?” “We have to go back?” “C’mon. Ya gotta show folks ya ain’t embarrassed.” Hearing Sully’s words made Michaela realize it was true. She nodded and started up the stairs, hoping that this all wasn’t a dream, because if it was, waking up would be the nightmare. |
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