For personal use and select distribution only © April 1999 by S.L. Snyder

LOVE IN BLOOM
by S. L. Snyder


Timeline: August 1873


Amanda and Matthew were riding up to the Red Rocks, their favorite ride. They carried along a food basket from the hotel for their picnic. They reached a place near the rocks where they had picnicked many times before. They settled down on a blanket and ate their lunch.

"Amanda?" said Matthew.

"Yes?" she replied.

"The homestead's just about done."

"I know."

"Well....I.....I think...no, I know......that...well..."

"What is it Matthew?"

"I.....I.....can we......" Matthew started. "I…well….I ain't never really asked ya to…..I…I…I wanna make it official!" He paused. "I….I don't….well…….will you marry me?"

Amanda smiled at Matthew, "Yes," she said as she leaned over to kiss him.

"Yes?"

"Of course...I told you how much I love you, why wouldn't I want to spend my life with you?"

"I love you.....I want to be with you....I guess I was just scared you might have changed your mind."

"Never.....you are my life, Matthew. Now, when are we getting married?"

"As soon as we can. We can talk to our families. Why don't you and your pa come for dinner tonight? I'll go make sure it's okay with Dr. Mike and make sure Colleen and Andrew come too. Okay?"

"Let's go!"


Michaela was sitting at her desk updating patient charts and Colleen was cleaning some instruments when Matthew knocked and entered.

"Good afternoon, Matthew." Michaela said.

"Uh....Dr. Mike?" Matthew said.

"Yes?"

"I....I...I invited Amanda and Colin for dinner tonight...okay?"

"Certainly."

"Uh...Colleen? Will you and Andrew come too?"

"Sure, Matthew."

"Uh...thanks....see ya tonight," Matthew turned and hurried out the door.

"Ma?' said Colleen, smiling, "Do you think?"

"Sure sounds like it...I guess we'll know tonight. Let's close up early and go make a special dinner."

"Okay. Brian's over at Robert E's. I'll go ask him to ride out to the hotel and tell Andrew to come to the homestead."

"I'll go with you...Sully's there too."


Everyone was gathered around the dinner table enjoying the dinner Colleen and Michaela had made. They were all aware of the reason for the dinner.

Finally, Matthew stood up. "Uh, I'd...no....we'd like to talk to you," he said reaching for Amanda's hand and pulling her up to stand beside him. "Uh, Amanda and me have been talking and....well....we're….ah…ready to get married….I mean, I offically asked her today."

As Matthew finished, everyone started clapping, which startled Matthew. "It's about time, son," Sully said, clapping Matthew on the back.

"This is wonderful….she did say yes, didn't she?," asked Colin, smiling.

"Uh...yes sir, she did," Matthew replied, looking at Amanda, who was smiling broadly.

Michaela walked around to Matthew and hugged him, "I'm so happy for you Matthew!" Then she turned and hugged Amanda.

At that, the rest of the family gathered around Matthew and Amanda, congratulating them.

"When's the wedding?" Brian asked.

"Well, we kinda wanted to talk to you all about it," said Matthew. "We'd like to get married as soon as possible."

"I'm sure we could make all the plans and be ready in about three weeks. What do you think?" Michaela asked.

"That would be great...wouldn't it Matthew," said Amanda.

"Yeah," Matthew replied with a big smile.

"Is there anyone you would be asking to come from out of town?" Michaela asked Amanda. "I know mother won't be able to come from Boston, so all our family is here."

"The only out of town person I would want is Bob Peterson. He's almost like an uncle to me. He could probably be here by then," Amanda said.

"How about August 25th, which happens to be a Saturday and just a few days beyond three weeks. That was your mother's birthday," Colin asked.

Matthew and Amanda looked at each other and then nodded in agreement to the others.

"Amanda," Michaela said, "I know I'm the groom's mother, but I'll soon be yours and I would like to help you with the wedding if you want."

Amanda's answer was to put her arms about Michaela and hug her. In Michaela's ear she whispered, "Thank you so much." Then Amanda turned to Colleen, "Colleen, will you be my Matron of Honor?"

"I'd love to, Amanda," Colleen said, hugging Amanda.


Matthew turned to Brian, "And Brian, I'd like you to be my best man...okay?"

"You bet!" Brian said.

"Amanda and I will talk to the Reverend tomorrow and if he agrees with the date, we'll ask Dorothy to put it in the newspaper. We'll like to invite any one who wants to come. Is that okay?" Matthew asked, looking at Michaela, Sully and Colin. They all shook their heads yes.

"Amanda and Colleen, let's have lunch together at Grace's tomorrow and make some plans. How's that sound?" asked Michaela. The girls agreed.


"'Well, mother of the groom," Sully said as he was brushing Michaela's hair. "How do you feel about marryin' off another one?"

Michaela smiled, "Very good...he looks so happy, doesn't he?"

"Yeh. I'll ride up and see Cloud Dancing tomorrow. He'll be glad."

Sully put the brush down and brought Michaela to her feet. "I gotta tell ya I did something with some of the money we got from Senator Selkirk."

"What?"

"I bought all the land around our homesteads. No one can build too close to us and I figger if Andrew and Colleen plan to stay here, we can help them build a house. As our kids get older and want their own homes, if they wanna stay here, we can let them build out here if they want. Brian and Katie and whoever else might come along."

"Byron Sully, you are wonderful. I love you so!" She kissed him passionately.

"Well, I know how ya wanna keep the family around ya. I do too. And we can also make sure we ain't got unwanted neighbors. Between our land and Daniel's, and hopefully the land the government might protect, we can keep the land as it is without losing the progress so many, including you, want."

"And you can still keep your wilderness safe. We can have the best of both worlds....but Sully, I would still go away with you if that's what you wanted."

"I know, love. But this way we can stay here and both have what we are comfortable with."

Sully took her face in his hands and kissed her. He moved his hands to the buttons on her nightgown and unbuttoned them. At the same time, Michaela was unbuttoning his shirt. He pulled the gown down over her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. As he was taking his shirt off, Michaela was unbuttoning his breeches, then he took them off. He pulled Michaela close and she put her arms around his neck. They kissed and moved to their bed.

Sully lifted Michaela into bed and lay down beside her. He moved his hand to cup her breast as he kissed her again. He moved his kisses down to her neck and down to her breasts, kissing one nipple and then the other. He trailed his kisses down the center of her body, reaching her belly button and going lower. Michaela felt shooting pulses of desire coursing through her body. Sully moved back up her body to her lips.

Michaela buried her hands in his hair and rolled over to place herself on top. She moved down to his nipples and caressed them with her tongue. She slowly moved her hand down to grasp his erection. Sully groaned with the pleasure of her touch. She kept her hand on him as she raised up to straddle him and guide him into her. Slowly, they started moving together. Sully put his hands on Michaela's hips to help her movements and Michaela placed her hands on his arms.

Sully was entranced by the look of pleasure on his wife's face. As Michaela arched her back, Sully moved his hands up to caress her breasts. Finally, Sully couldn't hold back his release any longer. Soon after his release, Michaela shuddered with hers and then she sank down on her husband's chest. Sully wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. Slowly he softened and withdrew from her.

Michaela kissed his chest, "I love you."

"Love you too, my sweet wife," he whispered.

Soon Sully realized Michaela had fallen asleep, cuddled on top of him. He slowly rolled her onto the bed, keeping his arms around her, and fell asleep himself.


Colleen and Amanda arrived in town from the Springs Chateau and went to the clinic.

"We're here, ma," said Colleen. "Are you ready for lunch?"

"Just about," Michaela replied as Matthew walked in the door. Amanda went over to him for a hug and a kiss.

"Ma," Colleen whispered, "would you have a problem if I offered our wedding dress to Amanda?"

Michaela smiled at Colleen and shook her indicating it would be all right.

"Do I get to have lunch with ya?" Matthew asked.

"No," said Michaela. "We're discussing wedding things we don't want you in on!"

Matthew laughed. "Kinda figured that...guess I'll go eat with Brian and Sully. Where's Katie?"

"With Dorothy. You could go get her and take her to lunch with you," replied Michaela.

"Okay. See ya later," he said, kissing Amanda goodbye.


Colleen, Amanda and Michaela went to the café and picked a table away from everyone.

"Amanda, have you thought about what you're going to wear?" Colleen asked.

"I've thought about it, but I don't know. I could look in Mr. Bray’s catalogs, or maybe I could go up to Denver...."

"I wore ma's wedding dress when I got married. And if you want, we'd like you to wear it."

Amanda looked at Colleen and then Michaela. "Are you serious? Could I really?" she asked, with tears in her eyes.

"We'd love to have you wear it, dear," Michaela said. "I think you're about the same size and we can make sure it fits you."

"I would love to wear it. Oh, this is so wonderful! I can't believe it. Thank you so much!" Amanda said.

Michaela smiled, "Well, that's settled. Now, what's next?"


As Michaela, Colleen and Amanda were discussing the wedding, Sully, Brian, Matthew and Katie came into the café for lunch.

"Are ya getting excited, Matthew?" Brian asked.

"Yeah. But three weeks seems like forever!" Matthew said.

Sully looked at Matthew, "You'll be surprised how fast it'll go. Have ya thought about your honeymoon?"

"We'd like to take Amanda to Denver for a few days....but, I'm not sure we can afford it right now. I guess we could always have a honeymoon later."

"Well, your ma and I discussed it and we figger'd that's what you'd say....and, well, here's our wedding gift a little early," Sully handed Matthew an envelope. In it were tickets to Denver and $50. "We had Horace wire the Denver Hotel and the honeymoon suite is paid in advance and waiting for ya on the 25th."

Matthew looked up, "Sully.....Pa......thanks."

"You're welcome. It's from Brian and Katie, too."

Matthew looked at Brian, who had a huge grin on his face. "Thanks, little brother!" Matthew took Katie off Brian's lap and kissed her. "Thanks, little sister!" Katie giggled and hugged her big brother. "I'm gonna go up and ask Cloud Dancing to come to the wedding."

"Good. I was gonna go up today to tell him, but I'm glad you are instead," Sully said.

"Yeah. I mean he's family and it wouldn't be right without him."

Michaela, Amanda and Colleen came over to the table.

"Mama!" Katie said. "Me go mama!"

Michaela took Katie from Matthew. "Hello, Katie. Did you eat your lunch?"

"No."

"Katie," said Sully, "yes you did!"

"No. Me eat papa's 'n Bran's 'n Mafew's."

Sully laughed. "Well, yes, I guess you did. She ate some from each of our plates, but left her own alone," he said, pointing to her plate.

"Katiedid, you are so smart," Michaela said.

"Me mart!" Katie told the others, making them all smile at her. "Me down, Mama, peas?" Michaela put Katie on the ground and she went to Brian, "Go walk Bran, go walk!" she said, taking his hand.

"Let me finish eating, Katie," said Brian.

"Now Bran!" Katie exclaimed.

"Katie, let your brother finish eating," Sully said. Katie frowned at her father, but stayed by Brian waiting. "Her patience matches yours," Sully told his wife.

"Excuse me?" Michaela said as the others laughed.

"Well, ain't it true that ya want what ya want when ya want it?" Sully asked.

Michaela smiled at Sully, "Just wait, Mr. Sully, you'll be sorry!"

"You're in trouble now, Pa!" Brian said, laughing.

"Papa tuble!" Katie said, which brought another laugh from the family.


Matthew and Sully rode out to Matthew's homestead to put the finishing touches on it. The outside was completed and they just needed to finish the home made furniture on the inside.

"I really wanna thank you for helping me, Sully. If you, Brian and Daniel hadn't, we wouldn't be getting married so soon. I love her so much. I just never thought I'd be this happy. When you told me that a second love would come along and I wouldn't be able to help falling in love again, I didn't really believe you. I figured it happened for you and Dr. Mike, but I wouldn't be that lucky. But every time I see Amanda, I realize how lucky I am."

"I'm glad you're happy. I know it's been a big relief to Michaela. She's been worried about ya ever since Ingrid. She'd ask me if I really though you were all right. When we found ya up at the railroad camp, she was real upset. She wanted to take your pain away, but didn't know how....I didn't either."

"I know. I guess it was just something I had to go through. I was afraid Amanda wouldn't understand about Ingrid, but I told her everything and she asked to go to Ingrid's grave with me. I think they would have been friends."

Sully patted Matthew on the back and they went back to work. It took them a few hours to finish the last of the furniture, a dinning room table and chairs.

"Sully?"

"Yeh?"

"Can we talk about....well.....the wedding night? I mean.....well....I'm a little nervous. I ain't never been through this before....I mean, well, I never been with a woman....and I figure....well, since you been married twice, you'd know...." said Matthew, fumbling over the words.

"Okay. I'll try to help. I'll answer your questions if I can."

"Well, I heard that the first time for a woman....well, she's in pain....is that true?"

"Yeah. I don't think I can explain it the way your ma could, but I know there's some sort of barrier, Michaela called it a membrane, inside a woman, that's gotta be broken. That's where the pain comes in, and there's blood. As far as I could tell, the pain don't last too long. I know ya know what to do physically, but it's important to be gentle and loving. Don't be in a hurry. And if it doesn't happen on the first night, don't worry. Be patient....I'm sure Amanda's gonna be scared. What'ya gotta remember is ya have a lifetime ahead of ya and rushing in the beginning could cause harm."

"I've heard Hank talk about his girls not wearing clothes when they're entertaining. Is that true for just them, or is it true for any woman?"

"It depends on the woman, and the man. There ain't no real answer. It's something ya just gotta work your way through. Ya gotta learn what makes ya both happy. Don't be in a hurry to get your pleasure....take it slow and in the end ya'll have more pleasure than if ya take it fast. I can tell ya that touching is real important.....enjoying each other's bodies can be great. The Indians call it enthusiasm. They ask a new husband if his wife showed enthusiasm. Your grandmother had told Michaela it was a 'wifely duty' and made it sound bad. But it's hard to say what Amanda might know or who told her, so be real carin'."

"I just don't wanna make a mistake," said Matthew, looking worried.

"Ya ain't gonna make a mistake if you're gentle and let Amanda know ya care and only want what's best for the both of ya. Being alone together can be a lot of fun. Some men gotta prove that they control things.....they don't care how the woman feels..... but if ya wanna have a good relationship with your wife, you'll share the things you do in private. Sometimes it means just holding each other. After everyone else has gone ta bed, me and Michaela talk about the day we've had and things we want each other to know. Just make sure ya start your marriage good and the rest will happen."

"You and Dr. Mike talk about everything, don't you?"

"We try....sometimes I might not tell her something that will really upset her and she's done the same thing. But it only makes it worse when ya finally have to tell. Like when she had the miscarriage while I was in hidin'. It took her awhile to tell me cuz she didn't want me to feel guilty....but I still did and then I felt real bad she had to bear the pain of the loss alone. For so long we both depended only on ourselves that we had to learn to depend on each other and we're still learning...."

"I just hope Amanda and me can be as happy as you two are."

"You will be, Matthew, as long as ya work at it."


Matthew rode up to see Cloud Dancing after he and Sully finished at the homestead and then he ate dinner at the hotel with Amanda and Colin. After dinner, Matthew and Amanda went for a walk. Matthew handed her the envelope Sully had given him earlier.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Look," Matthew replied.

Amanda opened it, looked and stopped in her tracks. "Matthew?"

"It's from Dr. Mike, Sully, Brian and Katie. It's our wedding present. Tickets on the train to Denver, the honeymoon suite at the hotel and some spending money. Sully gave it to me today."

"Oh, Matthew!" Amanda exclaimed with tears in her eyes. "I just can't believe it. Your family is so wonderful."

"Yeah, they are. And your pa's not bad either." Matthew put his arms around Amanda and drew her close. "I love you so much, Amanda. I look at you and my heart just wants to burst. You are and always will be in my heart."

"I feel the same, Matthew. You have completed my life."

They kissed and the kiss grew in passion. Matthew broke away when he felt himself responding to the pressure of Amanda against him. He smiled down at Amanda and she smiled back. "I think I'd better walk ya home."

"Soon, it'll be to our home," she whispered.


Michaela had sent a telegram to her family to let them know about Matthew's wedding. The reply advised they would not be able to make it, but they were sending a wedding present. A few days after receiving the reply, Michaela and Amanda were at the clinic. Michaela was just finishing with a patient when there was a knock on the door. Amanda answered it and Horace was standing there with a mail cart full of packages behind him.

"Amanda, these all came in from Denver for you and Matthew. They're from Mrs. Quinn. I didn't want to leave them setting at the station, so brought 'em down here."

"Thank you so much, Horace. We appreciate it." Horace helped Amanda carry all the packages into the clinic. "Thanks again, Horace."

Horace nodded and left. A few minutes later, Michaela's patient left.

"Dr. Mike, look at all this stuff!"

"Mother has a tendency to overdue things. You'll get use to it. There's nothing I've ever been able to do to stop her. I have to tell myself just to relax and accept it as long as it doesn't seriously affect my family."

Amanda laughed. "I guess I'm marrying into an interesting family. For so long it's just been father and me, and Bob Peterson at times, that I think learning about a big family will be fun."

There came a knock on the clinic door and when the door opened, Sully walked in. "What's this?" he asked, looking at the packages.

"Mother's wedding gifts to Amanda and Matthew," Michaela replied.

Sully smiled a wry grin, "Figgers. Welcome to the family, Amanda!"

Amanda laughed, "Thanks."

Sully opened the door and called to Matthew, who was down the street talking to Jake, "Matthew, come see what your grandmother sent."

Matthew walked in, looked at all the packages and shook his head, "Wow....grandma's done it again! I guess we should take all these out to the homestead."

"I'll help ya," said Sully.

Sully and Matthew loaded the gifts into Matthew's wagon and left for Matthew's homestead.

"Dr. Mike?" Amanda said.

"Yes?"

"Matthew showed me the gift from you and Sully and the kids. Thank you so much. We hadn't thought we'd be going on a honeymoon right away."

"You're very welcome, dear. We just felt you should be able to have a nice honeymoon. Sully and I went to Denver for ours and it was wonderful."

Amanda hugged Michaela then she went over to check on Katie, who was fast asleep in her corner of the clinic.

"Dr. Mike, could I talk to you about....well.....I'm a little frightened of the wedding night," said Amanda.

"Come sit down, Amanda. I understand your fears.....I was the same way," said Michaela.

"I never really had anyone who told me things like this....father tried to explain the birds and the bees to me, but he was uncomfortable. There weren't any women I could talk to. When I got my first monthly, father took me to our doctor and the doctor explained it to me. At school, other girls talked about what goes on between men and women. Between my father. the doctor and the school girls, I know about the private parts of men and women and how they join to make babies. And I know what happens when Matthew and I kiss a lot. Matthew ends up moving away and smiling in a....well, I almost want to say 'guilty' kind of way, but that's not quite it."

"You know why he moves away?" Michaela asked.

"Well, the girls said that a man's...um, his privates....react to a girl...." Amanda answered.

"Yes, that's right. Men have a physical reaction to a woman in some situations. Women have reactions too, but more inside than a man. When you're married and with your husband or wife, the physical reactions can be very pleasing. The intimacy between a wife and husband is called intercourse or making love and can be very good. When the man enters the woman for the first time, he has to break a membrane. It will cause anywhere from a small pain, or more of a discomfort, to an intense pain, depending on the woman. Some membranes can be stronger than others. Once it is broken, there will be some blood. But don't let it scare you, it happens only once and being with the man you love and making love with him is wonderful," Michaela told Amanda.

"I've heard some women refer to their relations with their husbands as their duty, but they don't sound happy about it."

"That's true. My mother called it 'a wifely duty' and that we must suffer through it. I was very worried, but I talked with Dorothy before the wedding and that helped. I don't consider it a duty the way mother did. Sully is a very loving and tender husband and being with him is very enjoyable. He cares about my feelings and wants to make sure I am satisfied. And I feel the same way about him. We both enjoy the intimate relations with each other and part of that is knowing your partner gets the same enjoyment. Amanda, there's more to the intimacy than just the act itself. You can enjoy each other's bodies....touching....feeling....kissing....it's all important for a good relationship. It can feel so natural. In the beginning I was embarrassed to be naked in front of Sully and to see him naked. I have changed and enjoy being with my husband that way. Although he can still make me blush!"

"There are times when Matthew is kissing me and holding me, that I get all tingly. I....well...I don't want him to stop. And I think I want him to do more. But then I think I shouldn't be feeling that way. I never have before and I have been kissed by boys before. I've never felt before what I feel with Matthew. When I'm waiting for him and then see him coming down the road, I think my heart beats faster and all I want to do is smile. There have been a few times we have argued about something, but I still want to be with him even when I'm angry with him."

"That's love, dear. Sully and I have had some rough times, but we always work it out in the end. And never have I thought I didn't want to stay with him. Sully warms my soul."

"Dr. Mike, earlier you said something about both of you being naked. Is that something that Matthew will expect?"

"I don't know. I wasn't sure what Sully expected, but things just seemed to work out. It's just something you have to work your way through. Matthew is kind and gentle and I think he will be understanding."

"Thank you, Dr. Mike. I've been thinking about talking to you, but was kind of worried you'd think it was odd. I mean, being 19 and not knowing much."

"Darling, I don't think it's odd. I'm a doctor and married later in life and I knew very little. I mean, I knew the clinical part, but did not know the emotional part. I want to assure you that I will always be here if you need to talk. Or you can always talk to Colleen. We are very happy to have you join our family, especially with the knowledge of how happy you have made Matthew," Michaela said, leaning over to kiss Amanda on the cheek.

Amanda hugged Michaela and kissed her back.


Michaela and Sully were enjoying the late afternoon, sitting on their steps, watching Katie play with Wolf, and Storm and King, Brian's two wolf pups. They were also gazing across the meadow at Matthew's homestead.

"Papa...Mama....Wuf kissin' me..." said Katie, giggling. Sully and Michaela laughed as Wolf licked Katie.

"Amanda talked to me today about her wedding night. She's a little worried. Reminds me of me!" Michaela told Sully.

Sully smiled, "Matthew talked to me about the same thing yesterday. He's worried about hurtin' Amanda. I did the best I could to tell him about woman things. I told him what you told me about the membrane and all."

"I told the same thing to Amanda," Michaela said, smiling at her husband. "I guess we think alike!"

"Yeh....on some things we do," he said, kissing her.

"I love you." Michaela said.

" I love you too." Sully replied, kissing her.

"Me, too, Papa?" Katie said, coming to the stairs.

"You, my little lady, of course I love ya!"

"Me wuv papa and mama and Bran and Mafew and Manda and Cleen and Andu and Wuf and Torm and Ing!"

"My goodness....you love all those?" asked Michaela.

"Yep!" Katie reached her arms up to Sully, "Hug, Papa!"

Sully picked her up and hugged her tight as Michaela kissed her on the cheek.


Amanda woke up with a feeling of wonder. Today was her wedding day. Today was the day she became Matthew’s wife. She just couldn’t believe it was finally here. From the moment she had first seen Matthew, she had looked forward to this day. Besides Matthew’s family and the other people of Colorado Springs, there were only two others that she wanted at her wedding. Her father to give her away and Bob Peterson to watch her come down the aisle. Uncle Bob had arrived the day before and she felt her life was complete.


Brian and Sully rode up to Matthew’s homestead to ride into town with him. Brian knocked on the door, but there was no answer. “Matthew,” Brian called.

Matthew came out from the barn, “I’m here.”

“Are you okay?” Sully asked.

“Yes...no....I am so nervous, Sully.”

“Why?”

“What if I mess up? What if I goof up the words? Or the wedding night? Or...”

“Matthew, you’ll be just fine. Stop worrying. You ain’t gonna mess up.”

“Weren’t you nervous on your wedding day?”

“No. It just seemed so natural to be finally marryin’ Michaela. But then we courted a lot longer than you did.”

“So are ya ready to go to town?” Brian asked.

“Yeah...I guess...”


Matthew and Brian were dressed in formal suits and Sully in his Boston suit. They were in one of the recovery rooms at the clinic as Matthew tried to tie his tie. Sully stepped up, brushed Matthews’s hands away and tied the tie.

“Reminds ya of somethin’, don’t it?” Sully said with a smile.

“Yeah. Colleen’s wedding where the father of the bride had trouble with his tie!” Matthew said and they all laughed, relieving the tension that had been building up in Matthew.


Amanda, Michaela, Colleen and Dorothy were gathered in Colleen’s living room at the clinic. Amanda had the wedding dress on and the others were performing the last minute touches.

“Here’s something old,” Colleen said, handing Amanda a lace handkerchief. “Aunt Rebecca gave it to ma for her wedding and ma gave it to me for mine. It came down from Great-Great-grandmother Quinn.”

“And something new,” said Dorothy, putting a pearl hair pin in Amanda’s hair.

“And something borrowed,” said Michaela, holding a necklace. “My sister Marjorie loaned it to me at my wedding. After she died, mother gave it to me, saying it was Marjorie’s favorite necklace.’

“And for something blue, the three of us picked these flowers this morning,” said Colleen. “When Grace made your bouquet, she secretly left places for us to fill in with these flowers.”

Amanda looked at her new family and friend with tears in her eyes, “How can I ever thank you? You have helped to make this the happiest day of my life.” They all joined together in a hug, then there came a knock at the door. Michaela opened the door to Colin and Cloud Dancing.

“Amanda,” said Cloud Dancing, “I don’t know all the wedding traditions of the Huron people, but I have brought an offering to you of a Cheyenne wedding.” He handed her a small, beautiful pouch. “In this medicine bag I have placed Cheyenne symbols of hope, happiness, fertility and a long marriage.”

Amanda took the pouch and tied it to the white belt around her waist so that it hung on the outside of her wedding gown. “Thank you, Cloud Dancing. I will wear it with pride at my wedding and put it in an honored place in my home.” She gave Cloud Dancing a hug.

“Well,” said Colin. “Matthew, Brian and Sully have headed over to the meadow. I guess we’re next.”

Michaela hugged Amanda, “We will see you there, dear.” Michaela, Dorothy and Cloud Dancing left to head over to the meadow.


The wedding was about to begin. Matthew looked down at his parents, brother-in-law and little sister. The smiles of his parents helped to calm him while he was waiting for his bride. Brian patted him on the back and then Grace began the wedding march. Matthew looked up to see Colleen coming down the aisle. Then behind her, on the arm of Colin, was a vision in white. Matthew felt all of his nervousness leave him and somehow he knew everything would be fine.


“You may kiss your bride,” the Reverend said.

Matthew lifted Amanda’s veil and kissed her. Then they turned to meet the smiles of an applauding audience, full of family and friends.

The meadow was alive with merriment and music as the town celebrated the marriage of Matthew and Amanda. Matthew had a hard time taking his eyes off his bride and as they danced, he felt like clouds were supporting him. Matthew found himself dancing with Michaela as Sully whisked Amanda away.

“Well, Matthew, how do you feel?” Michaela asked.

“Wonderful, Ma. You know, last night I dreamed about Ingrid....just a short dream....she wished me well and a life of happiness. D’ya think that’s possible?”

“Yes, of course. Ingrid would only want your happiness. I am very proud of you, son. You recovered from a tragedy and you have a wonderful life to look forward to. You have a very good wife in Amanda.”

“Thanks, Ma. And thanks for all the loving support over the years. There were times I wasn’t sure I could make it, but you were always there to help me find my way....you and Sully.....my Ma and Pa.”


Colleen and Amanda were in Colleen’s living room and Colleen was helping Amanda change out of her wedding dress and into her travelling clothes. The train to Denver was scheduled to leave at two in the afternoon and would arrive in Denver in the early evening.

“Colleen,” said Amanda, “Dr. Mike told me about the wedding night, kinda what to expect. Can I ask you about it?”

“Sure. I hope I can answer your questions,” Colleen replied.

“I was just mainly wondering if it was painful for you. It’s something that kinda scares me.”

“It hurt a little, but not very much. The pleasure was so much more. Andrew was so gentle and caring. I’m sure Matthew will be.”

“I want to please Matthew and I’m so afraid I won’t.”

“I'll bet Matthew feels the same way. That’s part of the fun of being with your husband, finding out what he likes and showing him what you like. Andrew and I have learned so much about each other. I never though much about the intimacy between a couple until I got married. Now I think about it a lot, whenever I see Andrew. Sometimes Andrew just looks at me and my knees get weak. I still get excited about being alone with Andrew, and I think Ma and Pa feel the same way. I bet you’ll love being married, Amanda!.”


Brian took Matthew and Amanda in the buggy from the clinic to the train station. Family and friends were following close behind. At the station, Matthew helped his bride down from the buggy and they headed for the train.

Amanda and Matthew hugged their family members.

“Be gentle, Matthew,” Michaela whispered in his ear.

“I will, Ma. Thanks for everything.”

Amanda threw her bouquet and it was caught by one of Colleen’s unmarried friends. Then Matthew and Amanda boarded the train. They waved at everyone as the train left the station.


Matthew and Amanda got off the train and a man in a hotel uniform walked up to them. “Mr. and Mrs. Cooper?” he asked.

Matthew blushed, “Yes, that’s us.”

“I have a buggy here to take you to the Denver Hotel. Please show me which is your luggage.”

After Matthew registered, his first time writing Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, the bellhop guided the newlyweds upstairs to their honeymoon suite. He opened the door and set their luggage inside, then left them alone. Matthew picked Amanda up and carried her into the room. He set her down on the floor and they enjoyed a long, lingering kiss. Then they explored the suite. There were two rooms, a living room and bedroom.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Matthew answered the door to waiters carrying food trays. “Sir, here is your dinner, compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Sully. May we bring it in?”

Matthew smiled at his parents’ thoughtfulness. “Yes, please do.”

The waiters brought in the dinner and set it up on the living room table. “When you’re finished, please just set the trays outside the door. Enjoy your meal, mam, sir.”

Matthew offered his arm to Amanda and led her to a chair. After dinner and setting the trays out, Matthew and Amanda stood in the center of the living room, unsure of what to do next.

Matthew moved up close to Amanda, took her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. “I love you,” he said.

“And I love you. I’m so happy, Matthew. “

“Me, too.”

Amanda took Matthew’s hand and together they walked into the bedroom. She turned into his arms and he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m a little scared, Matthew.”

“So am I. I don’t wanna hurt ya, but I know I might.”

“It’s okay. I talked to Dr. Mike. I know it might, but I want to be with you.”

Matthew laughed, “And I talked to Sully. I bet they said about the same thing.”

Amanda giggled, “Probably!”

Amanda pushed herself away from Matthew and walked to the other side of the bed. With her back to him, she began to unbutton the front of her dress. Matthew watched as he began to undress. Amanda was down to her shift when she felt Matthew’s hands on her shoulders. He moved his hands up to her hair and pulled out the pins holding her hair up. Her black hair came tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. Matthew turned Amanda around to face him and she realized he was naked. She blushed as she turned her face up so that their lips met. As he was kissing her, he moved the straps of her shift down off her shoulders to bare her breasts. When Matthew pulled her closer and her bare breasts met his bare chest, he felt her shudder.

“Amanda? Are you alright?”

“Yes,” she whispered, with her lips against his throat.

He moved her shift down, over her hips, until it dropped to the floor. “I want to look at you,” he whispered and moved away from her. His eyes gazed over her body and then he looked at her face.....her eyes were closed.

“Amanda? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.....I.....I’m a little.....well....”

He moved back to her and put his arms around her. “Are you embarrassed?”

“Yes...”

“No need to be.....you’re very beautiful.....I don’t want to embarrass you.”

“I know.....I guess I’m just not ready to see....well.....you know...... everything......but I love you and want you so, Matthew!”

Matthew lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, which had already been turned down by the hotel staff. He lay her gently in the center of the bed and laid down beside her. Matthew’s hand touched her cheek as he leaned over to capture her lips. Amanda felt his tongue against her lips and she slowly opened her mouth and their tongues met. As they were kissing, Matthew moved his hand down to cup a woman’s bare breast for the first time and as he brushed his thumb across her nipple, he felt Amanda shudder again. But now he realized it was with pleasure.

Amanda was awed by the pleasure Matthew could bring to her by just touching her breast. She had never known such pleasure before. They continued kissing and Amanda felt Matthew’s hand starting to move down her body. She put her arms around his neck and hugged him to her. She felt Matthew’s maleness rising against her and the excitement building.

Matthew moved on top of Amanda and with his hand, he urged her legs apart. Amanda felt Matthew’s hand caress her between her legs and then his hand was replaced by his manhood, warm and pulsating. He was just barely touching her and she knew in a moment he would enter her.

“I love you,” Matthew whispered in her ear. Then she felt a steady pressure and a flash of sharp pain that made her gasp. “Amanda?”

“Don’t stop, Matthew, don’t stop!”

And he didn’t. He lost himself in Amanda and in the desire he felt. In no time, Amanda’s pain was replaced by such an intense, consuming pleasure. And then with a rush, they both found out what it was all about.


I do know that for awhile it was two living things. And it became one entity, with no more thee and me, or thine and mine. And it had the feeling of being meant to be that way, as if there was something forlorn and drab about being just one separate thing, by yourself, all alone. And I felt that all of me had been combined. All the layers of self, so separate, were stirred into one broth and so I was able to be present at that time and place in a way I had never been present before. A supra-awareness and good because all the selves were for giving, not taking.

-JD MacDonald


The End


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