For personal use and select distribution only © September 2001 by S.L. Snyder
PLEASANT DAYS, PLEASANT NIGHTS
by S. L. Snyder
Timeline: July 1894
The Reverend was nearly at the end of the service when Benje decided he’d had enough. At three months he could be very vocal and he made sure his parents knew what he wanted. Neither Michaela nor Sully could quiet him, so Sully took him outside, accompanied by smiles from the congregation. As Sully walked down the steps, Wolf came running over.
“Hey, Wolf…..come sit with me and Benje.” They walked over near their wagon, spread their blanket on the grass and settled down. “Benje, ya gotta learn to keep quiet durin’ church.” Benje looked at his father with a big smile. “Yeah…..I know….I ain’t crazy about it either, but your ma is, so we gotta learn to sit still and behave.”
“Byron Sully!”
“Oops….hey, Benje, your ma heard!”
“Yes, I did.” Michaela replied, laughing. “I don’t want our son to think it’s okay to want not to go to church.”
Sully smiled. “I promise I ain’t gonna say anything when he’s old enough ta understand.”
She smiled and joined them on the blanket. “I appreciate that, Mr. Sully.” Benje reached out for his mother. “And you, little one……” She said, taking him and leaning down to kiss her son’s cheek. Benje smiled and settled into his mother’s arms.
The rest of the family came over, took the food out of the wagon and joined Michaela, Sully and Benje. Katie sat down next her father. “Papa….why Benje yell so loud?”
“He just didn’t like being still, Kates. He’s still a baby and don’t understand.”
“Did I do that?”
“Sometimes.”
“I sorwy.”
“It’s okay, Katiedid. Babies do that. They’re too young ta know better. But now you’re grown up and are such a good girl in church.”
“I teach Benje….okay papa?”
“Okay. You’re a good big sister.”
“Clara, have you heard from Rebecca?” asked Michaela.
“Yes. Mother will be here in four days. She wants to be here a week before the wedding so she can help us. Father and Grandmother will be here two days before the wedding. I really am glad father is coming. I think mother had a lot to do with father and grandmother coming.”
“I’m sure she did. Terrance, is your family coming?”
“My parents are, Dr. Mike. I know one sister ain’t cuz she’s ‘bout to have a baby. And my grandma’s too old and ain’t been in the best of health and can’t come. But I got two brothers and another sister that might be with my folks. One of my brothers is married, so if he comes, might bring his family. I’m hopin’ to hear from the rest of ‘em soon.”
“I hope they all can come. It will be nice to meet your family. I do hope, Clara, you have given Terrance some insight into our family.”
Clara smiled. “Well, I’ve told him some. But I don’t want to scare him off….”
Terrance looked at her with all his love. “Ain’t gonna scare me off. If your aunt and uncle haven’t scared me, no one can!”
That brought the laughter of the entire family.
The train pulled in as Clara and McKay anxiously waited. Michaela stood behind them, smiling, waiting to see her favorite sister. A few other passengers came down the stairs and then a smiling Rebecca appeared and waved to her family.
“Mother!” called Clara.
Rebecca came down the stairs and into Clara’s arms. “Hello, my dear,” she said as she hugged her daughter. Then she reached out her hand to McKay. “And Terrance…I don’t believe we ever met but I do remember seeing you around town.”
McKay smiled as he took her hand. “Yes, mam. Reckon ya saw me when I was a soldier.”
“Yes, but I forgive you…” she said, smiling, with laughter in her eyes.
“Thank ya, mam!”
“Not mam, dear, please call me Rebecca. I don’t respond well to mam.”
“Yes, m……Rebecca. Ya sound like Dr. Mike now.”
“How strange! Do I sound like you, Michaela?” she asked as she hugged her sister.
“Of course not!” Michaela responded, laughing with her sister. “Now let’s get your luggage and go home. You, Oliver and Mother will be staying with Matthew and Amanda as we no longer have the empty rooms we once had!”
For the next few days, there was a flurry of activity as Clara prepared for her wedding. She was happy to have her mother there to help her. The day after Rebecca arrived, McKay received a telegram from his family that his sister, brothers and his brother’s family would be accompanying his parents. Amanda and Colleen had a wedding shower for Clara.
The time went fast and again they were at the station waiting for the train. McKay’s family would be on the same train as Elizabeth and Oliver. The train pulled in and off came all the families; Elizabeth, Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. McKay, McKay’s sister, brothers, his brother’s wife and four children. There were introductions all around. Then McKay took his family off to the resort, while Elizabeth and Oliver were loaded into a wagon for the trip to Matthew and Amanda’s.
The night before the wedding, the families met at the resort for dinner, as Colin’s guests. Because of the flurry of last minutes preparations, it was the first time everyone was together. They were about half way through the meal, when Elizabeth decided it was time for questions.
“Now, Clara, where are you and your husband going to live?”
“Do you remember seeing the house with the corral and horses on the way out to Matthew’s?”
“Dimly….I remember a cabin….”
“Well, that’s our home. And it’s more than a cabin, Grandmother,” Clara responded, beaming at McKay. “We have a beautiful living room, a kitchen and two bedrooms. And we always have room to expand. Terrance bought the land from Uncle Sully.”
As Elizabeth started to say something, Rebecca spoke first. “Clara, that sounds so wonderful, doesn’t it mother?” She turned to look at Elizabeth with a warning glance.
“Yes, dear, it does.” Said Elizabeth.
“Clara, is there anything you need for your home?” asked Rebecca.
“Not really, mother. Terrance already had a lot of things. We bought some and I got a lot of the basics at the shower.”
“And Mr. McKay, what do you do to support your family?” Elizabeth asked.
“Well, Mrs. Quinn, I got a pension from the Army, I break horses for folks and I like to build. I make furniture for folks and help with other building when asked.”
“Terrance made all of the furniture in our home!” said Clara.
With a look from Rebecca, Elizabeth responded, “That sounds very good children.”
Sully and Michaela were in bed. Michaela’s head was resting on his shoulder and she was caressing his chect with her hand, while his arm was around her shoulders and his hand trailing down her cheek. “Rebecca handled mother very well at dinner, don’t you think?”
“Yeah. Nice havin’ someone sides you deal with Elizabeth. She don’t seem to approve of the marriage.”
“Just like she didn’t approve of ours. I think the only marriage out here she has approved of is Colleen and Andrew…..mainly because she’s responsible for Andrew coming here. I’m not sure it’s the match she would have chosen for Colleen, but at least Andrew is Boston society!”
“Poor Elizabeth,” Sully said laughing, “her hold on the family seems to be slippin’. And I bet she blames it all on me for marryin’ you and startin’ the whole thing.”
Michaela laughed. “Oh, Byron, what a troublemaker you are!”
He turned his head and kissed her forehead. “Yep. An’ I wouldn’t trade for anything! I got what I wanted….and more…… Five great kids, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and mebbe soon some grandkids. I like the sound of that….Grandpa!”
“Hmmm….you make a handsome grandfather….”
“You ain’t so bad as a grandma. I’ll take ya any day!”
“Why thank you kind sir. I’m glad you want my teetering old bones….!”
“Yeah…..hmmm…. he said as his hand came over to guide her face up to his. “I like them teeterin’ ole bones …..they sure feel good!” And their lips met. “Hey,” he said as he moved a little backwards, “how ‘bout a pre-weddin’ celebration….just me and you?”
“Sounds nice. What did you have in mind?”
“Oh, a little of this….” As his hand started unbuttoning her nightgown. “And mebbe a little of that…” he said as his hand pushed aside the gown, cupped her breast and teased her nipple.
“Hmmm,” she said as her body started to respond, “I like a little of this and that…”
“Me too….”
She sat up to take off her nightgown and throw it to the floor, then she settled back down into his arms. “Can I have some more of this and that?”
“You bet,” he said into her ear, “as long as I get some this and that from you…”
“My pleasure, sir,” she responded as she moved her lips to his chest and caressed his nipple.
He rolled her on to her back and started placing kisses on her warm skin, starting on her forehead and travelling down, pausing at certain places. When he arrived at her feet, he kissed the top of each toe. Then he started back to the top, stopping at the same exciting places again. By the time he had placed his kissed on the length of her body, twice, her heart was thumping her desire.
“Sully…I….”
“Shhh…no talking….” As he covered her lips with his.
He moved over to lay on top of her. She put her arms around him and moved her hands down to caress his backside, pressing him against her, feeling his heat. He moved his hands under her shoulders, burying his face in her neck, caressing her neck his tongue. She clutched him as she arched her back to get closer, to eliminate any space, to feel as one. As she spread her legs, she felt him enter her, sending electricity up her body as she enjoyed the feel of him. He moved his lips to hers and as the kiss deepened with passion, so did the movement.
And as their climaxes came, almost in unison, he said, “My Michaela!” and she said “My Byron!”
The morning of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful. A nice July day in the Colorado Territory, in Colorado Springs. Clara woke early and lay there dreaming of her love. And thinking how proud she was of her mother for standing up to her grandmother at dinner…..for not letting grandmother be hurtful towards Terrance. Terrance! Now that was such a pleasant thought! She jumped out of bed and threw on her robe. She wanted to run down and smell the early morning air. She sat down on the steps and closing her eyes, again could see her man in front of her.
“Clara?”
“Aunt Michaela!” said a startled Clara as she turned around.
“Sorry, dear, I didn’t mean to come up on you like that.”
“That’s okay. I was just day dreaming.”
“Of a certain man and event?”
Clara giggled. “Yes!”
“I wish you all the happiness possible.”
“If we’re just half as happy as you and Uncle Sully, that will be wonderful.”
Michaela sat down on the steps with her. “I’m sure you will be…..did Rebecca talk to you about tonight?”
“You mean about what to expect?” asked a blushing Clara.
“Yes.”
“Yes. We had some time together yesterday and she told me. At home, in Boston, mother had already told be some things. She just told me the rest yesterday, what to expect…..I already know how I feel when Terrance kisses me…..my body tingles….I want more, Aunt Michaela!”
“Tonight, my dear.”
“Is it wrong to feel this way? Do all women?”
“No and no. There are women who don’t enjoy their husbands. They see being with him as a wifely duty…..one to be endured. But being intimate with your husband is a good thing, dear. We come from the same Boston society where such things are not talked about. Thank goodness your mother is a little more open than mine was. I was truly fearful…I really did not know what to expect and mother did not say much. But I was very lucky. I married a tender, sensitive, caring man. And life with him as been the best.” Michaela put her arm around Clara. “Terrance is a wonderful man and I think you will have a good marriage.”
“I think so too. Thanks, Aunt Michaela.”
Clara, Michaela, Rebecca and Amanda arrived at the clinic, where Colleen was waiting for them in her living room. She had already sent Andrew away. The ladies helped Clara prepare for her wedding.
A nervous Terrance, in an upstairs clinic room, was preparing himself with the help of his best man, Sully. “Were you nervous, Sully, at your wedding?”
“Nope. Marryin’ Michaela was the most natural thing in the world ta me. Ya know, I was married ‘fore Michaela. We eloped and I was nervous then. In fact, I was nervous a lot of the time during’ my marriage to Abagail. She was so young and scared. But after losin’ her, I made myself forget some things and made the marriage inta more’n it was….til I met Michaela. But it weren’t Abagail’s fault….she didn’t know any better….and I guess I didn’t either.”
“That’s what scares me….the not knowin’.”
“You’ll be fine. You ‘n Clara’s older than we were. And I know Rebecca and Michaela bin talking to Clara. She’s got more’n Abagail did. I doubt if Maude told Abagail anything…..and her pa was Loren…”
McKay smiled. “I got what ya mean….”
The meadow was ready for the wedding. Katie, the flower girl, came first, then bridesmaids Amanda and McKay’s sister (a last minute decision), Matron of Honor Colleen and finally Clara on her father’s arm. As she walked toward McKay, his face lit up. Their eyes never once left each other’s as the Reverend performed their ceremony.
The reception was wonderful. Elizabeth again brought an orchestra down from Denver.
“Mrs. Sully?”
“Yes, Mr. Sully?”
“Would ya care ta dance?”
“I think I can manage that, kind sir.” They joined the other dancers. “You certainly have improved since our first dance,” she whispered in his ear.
“Only because it pleases you.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Nah….like holding ya close ‘n tight in public.”
Michaela smiled and looked into his eyes. “I like it too,” she murmured.
After they cut and enjoyed the wedding cake, Clara and McKay had their last dance. It was evening and they decided it was time to go home. Matthew brought their decorated carriage up and family and townspeople waved them off. Not long after the bride and groom left, the rest of the people started going home. The ladies of the family helped Grace clean up the tables, while the men, with Robert E, started taking down the tables and storing them in the livery.
“They looked very happy, didn’t they?” Michaela asked as she sat down to brush her hair.
“They sure did. And I sure liked dancin’ with ya.” He said, as he took the brush and ran it through her hair.
“I’m so happy.”
“Yeah, I know….and ya got one more of your family to stay in the west…I don’t think Clara’d leave and I know McKay won’t.”
“Sully! I’m not trying to bring all my family out here!”
“I know…..there’s some ya don’t want around all the time….but admit it, ya like that Clara’s here!”
“Admit it! I never….”
“Yeah ya did….I know you, Michaela….”
“Oh, you…..” she said in exasperation.
“Yeah?” he asked as he put the brush down, his hands on her shoulders and gazed into the mirror with laughter in his eyes. “Ya don’t like it when I’m right, huh?”
She looked up at him in the mirror, trying very hard not to laugh. “What do you mean? You’re not….”
“Yeah, I am. And, Dr. Mike, I aim ta have ya admit it!”
“How do you plan to accomplish that?” He smiled. “What!?” He didn’t answer, just kept smiling. “Sully!?”
He reached down, putting his hands under her arms, and lifted her out of the chair. Stepping away from the chair, he pulled her back against him and put his arms around her with his chin on her shoulder and kept gazing into her eyes in the mirror. She knew how this game would end.
As Brian rode by the McKays’ in the morning, he noticed the horse and buggy standing there. He smiled, then quietly unhitched the horse and let him loose in the corral. As he rode away, he couldn’t help thinking about what had gone on in that house the night before. At 15 and loving Sarah so much, his thoughts often turned in that direction. As he rode into town, he stopped by Sarah’s to see if she wanted to have lunch with him. She accepted and they agreed to meet at the café at noon and then go for a ride after lunch.
Brian and Sarah rode up into the forests they loved. “Sarah, you’re getting to be a real good rider.”
“Thanks, Brian,” she replied with a blush. “I guess I had a good teacher.”
He smiled. “Ya wanna gallop?”
“I’ll try.”
They spurred the horses and went on a short gallop. They arrived at Wilderness Valley and dismounted. After giving the horses water and setting them out to graze, they sat down under a tree.
“When I came into town this morning, I rode by McKays and the horse was still hitched to the buggy.”
Sarah glanced at him and giggled. “What did you do?”
“Unhitched it and put it in the corral.” She nodded approval. They sat for awhile, holding hands. “Sarah?”
“Mmmm?”
“Do you ever think about that?”
“About what?”
“Well, what Clara and McKay….well….what they….I mean….last night….”
“Oh, that…..yes,” she whispered.
“Me too……with me?” She nodded her head yes as she blushed. “Me too….I love ya, Sarah?”
“I love you, too, Brian.”
“Sometimes, I don’t wanna wait….” He said, gazing out across the meadow.
“I don’t either…..but we should….”
“Yeah, I know.”
He turned to look at her at the same time she turned to him. They were already touching shoulder to thigh. He moved his lips to hers. As they kissed, without realizing what was happening, they ended up laying on the ground. The kiss broke and Brian gazed down into her eyes. Ever since he had accidentally touched her breast, he had wanted to do it again. He wanted to now, but not unless she wanted him to. As much as he wanted to, he would never do something she didn’t want.
He put his mouth against her ear. “Sarah, I want to touch you….but only if it’s okay with you…..” He didn’t move….he waited……and waited….for her to say something. His hand was on her waist. After what he thought was a long time, she took his hand and moved it up to cup her breast. He looked up to look into her eyes, but they were closed tightly. Her hand still covered his and she didn’t show signs of letting go. “Sarah…..Sarah….
look at me……please?”
Slowly her eyes opened and he could see mirrored in her eyes what he felt….being with her….touching her…..she looked at him and slowly smiled. “I love you, Brian, I love you so much. I like you touching me…..I want to wait, but if you…..”
“No! I want to wait too. I like where my hand is. I do want more. But not now….not til we’re married.” He removed his hand and sat up pulling her up with him. “Thank you for that. I been thinking about that for a long time….” He said, looking her in the eyes.
“Me too. Ever since that time in the woods.”
“You think about it, too?”
“Yes.” She turned her head away.
“Sarah….you okay….we don’t have ta talk like this….we can go….”
“No….I want to talk about it….I want to be with you like this…..I just can’t look you in the face. I think about you a lot. When mother and Daniel first got married, I heard sounds from their room I didn’t understand. And then mother would look so different in the morning…so happy. I figured the sounds and her happiness were connected, but I didn’t know why. Then I heard some of the girls talking at school and then I knew. Since then I have ignored the sounds….until that day in the woods…… I felt something I had never felt before. I knew I liked it. Then I decided I was bad for liking it. And when you didn’t mention it again, I thought…..”
“I didn’t mention it cuz I thought you’d be mad.”
“No…not mad…..scared for what I was feeling…”
“Me, too. From what pa has said, I don’t think it’s bad to want each other if you’re in love. Just not to do anything that could cause a problem.”
“Like a baby?”
“Yeah. When pa was hiding in the cave, I spent a few days with him and he told me all sorts of things ‘bout men and women. And I know where babies come from….I know how they get made. Pa said sometimes people do things, not meaning to make a baby, but they can’t stop. I don’t want that to be us.”
“Me neither. But I liked it when you touched me.”
“Yeah, I did too. I guess we just gotta be careful, Sarah. Not let our feelings get us inta trouble. I know we talked about waitin’ til we’re through college, but I don’t think I wanna wait that long.”
“I know I don’t. I wish we were old enough now. I want to be with you all the time, Brian. I want to be able to go out on one of our rides and stay overnight somewhere. I feel that I’m being naughty when I think about showing myself to you….and wanting to see you……but I know it’s not right, not now, not without marriage…. then I get scared that some girl will come along who’s done those things and you’ll start liking her….”
“No chance. I want the same things you do, but only with you. I don’t think you’re being naughty. Pa said it’s just natural to wanna see someone, wanna know about what makes us different.” Brian laughed. “When I was real little, I got curious and tried to peak at Colleen through the wall to our cabin. It was ‘fore ma and pa got married and we were living in pa’s old cabin.”
“What happened?”
“Colleen caught me and told ma. Ma lectured me after school about medical things. I didn’t understand a word. I decided I was bad and I ran away. Mr. Bray had left town and I found him in the woods. The next morning pa found us and told me what I meant to him and ma, so I came home. Mr. Bray and pa told me how important love was. I apologized to Colleen and things were okay. Funny thing, I really didn’t see anything but her back.”
“I would never have been that brave….to run away…..”
“It wasn’t brave, it was stupid. I thought cuz I had been bad, ma and pa wouldn’t want me any more. But they didn’t think I’d been bad. They both knew kids are curious, they just handled it different. It was before they got married and ma really didn’t know what to say or do. I think she’d know now, though. Did your ma tell you anything?”
“Oh, yes. But it never made much sense until I fell in love with you.”
“Yeah…I know what ya mean….so let’s make a pact about things before we’re married….we can kiss…”
“And touch….”
“Yeah, but only through clothes….and be together….”
“But never all night…..and can we talk to each other about what we’re feeling?”
“I’d like that….but we might get embarrassed…”
“I don’t mind if you don’t.”
“I don’t mind,” he said as he put his arms around her and began to kiss her.
“I love you with all my heart, Brian.”
“I love you the same way. And I always will.”
Michaela and Sully were at the station to say goodbye to Rebecca, Oliver and Elizabeth, who were taking the mid-afternoon train to Denver.
“I’m so glad you all came,” said Michaela.
“Thank-you, Michaela,” said Oliver. “I appreciate the care you have shown to Clara. As you know, I was not happy about her moving here and her marriage, but having seen how happy she is, I am content with it now. And I like her husband.”
“I’m glad, Oliver. Terrance is a good man and she is very happy.”
“Yes. And thank-you also, Sully.”
“You’re welcome, Oliver.”
Michaela and Rebecca hugged. “Thank-you for every thing, Michaela. It was so good to see you and your family again. And I agree with Oliver, thank-you for Clara.”
“Anytime, Rebecca.” Rebecca turned to hug Sully as Michaela approached her mother. “I’m so glad you came, Mother. It was good to see you again.”
“Yes. I enjoyed being here, Michaela. I enjoyed seeing you and the children again…oh, and of course, Sully.”
As they hugged, Michaela saw Sully over her mother’s shoulder and the wry smile across his face.
The train pulled in and the passengers got off. One of them was Bob Peterson.
“Hey, Sully, Dr. Mike.” He said, coming forward. Quickly, Sully introduced the family and explained that they were just leaving. “I’ll leave you to your good byes, but I’d like to have dinner with you this evening at the resort, about five. I’d like Colleen to be there, too, and any other members of your family.”
“Thanks, Bob,” said Sully. “We’ll see to it.”
The family joined Bob at the hotel, along with Colin. They enjoyed the talk and the meal. During desert, Bob said, “It’s time to talk about the reason for my visit and invitation. In the fall, Colleen, the first medical school of Denver will begin.”
Colleen gasped and glanced at Andrew and then her mother. “And it will accept females?”
“I told you when you were in San Francisco that if I had anything to do with a school it would. I am involved and it will! But another important point is the method of your schooling. First, you will receive the first Jane Petersen scholarship. Jane was my wife, who passed away before Amanda was born.”
“Oh my,” Colleen gasped and there were tears of joy in her eyes. Andrew took her hand and kissed it.
“Next, I have made some special arrangements for you. Mainly because I don’t want to lose Andrew as a doctor here at the resort and for Colorado Springs. Plus, you are in a unique position, having already learned a lot from Dr. Mike and from Andrew. You will be required to attend school in Denver three days a week, for nine hours a day. The other four days you can be here, working under either Andrew or Dr. Mike. You will be writing a number of papers based on your work here, assignments given by a Professor Williamson, who has been assigned as your counselor. In two years you will be a doctor.”
Colleen jumped up and ran around the table to hug Bob. “How can I ever thank you?”
He smiled. “By promising to stay in Colorado Springs….at least for awhile. I really don’t want to lose you and Andrew.”
As she sat back down, she smiled. “You won’t. We don’t want to live any other place, do we, Andrew.”
“No. I’ve lived other places and this is the best. I would have gone other places for Colleen, but this is the best.”
“Good. Because my other news affects both of you and Dr. Mike. My next plan is to build a hospital here in Colorado Springs.” The table burst into applause.
“Bob, how can we ever thank you?” asked Michaela.
“By running a good hospital, which I already know you will. I would like you and Andrew in on the planning. I know you would not want to give up working with patients, but I would like you to have a say in it’s operation. Therefore, you will be on the board of directors….minimal time spent by you. I plan to hire a Manager who will be responsible to the board. I am in negotiations for the land and hope to break ground by the first of the year.”
“Will your hospital treat everyone?” Sully asked.
“I know you’re worried about the coloreds and Indians. The answer is yes, everyone is welcome. I know we have to start out small, but my hopes are that the hospital will grow. I’m not doing this just because I like you people, but because I believe it is a sound investment. I have talked this over with my financial advisors and they agree.”
“And the additional good news,” Colin said, “is that Bob is going to use the men we have working in our building company.”
“Yes, they are good workers….excellent craftsmen. And I am aware that the hospital should have a small impact on the scenery and all, so Sully, I would like you involved with the design. The land I am hoping for would enable us to build a small park and have some forest.”
“Sully, I am so excited. For Colleen and for this town. For us, for you, for the workers.” Michaela said to Sully as they headed home in the wagon, with Benje and Katie asleep in the back. “I’d like to talk to Bob about nurses. They don’t have any school training. What they get is at the hospitals. So I would like to see others in this town, besides Amanda, becoming nurses. It’s a way we can keep some of the young girls here.”
“You’re really excited about this, huh?”
“Aren’t you?”
“For you, yes. But now the town’s goin’ grow more….”
“Darling, you can’t stop progress.”
He smiled. “I know….and part of lovin’ you is living with it. And I sure appreciate that Bob has concerns about the wilderness and all.” He kissed her. “I’m sure glad all the other stuff is over and folks have gone home.”
“I think the time with Mother went well, don’t you. Mother did not cause any problems.”
“I don’t think she had time ta cause problems. And her staying at Matthew’s sure made it easier on you. I asked Matthew if they had any problems and he said no….Elizabeth was nice to Amanda. I guess it’s only you and her that have problems.”
Michaela smiled, “I guess it’s our past….”
“Yep….and your independence. I think you and your ma are always gonna have some conflicts. But mebbe she's learning.…you have….”
“What?”
He glanced at her to see her smiling. “Ya know what I mean. Ya’ve grown a lot out here. Ya’ve changed, Michaela.”
“For the better….you mean…..”
Sully decided to answer that with diplomacy. “Not better, just different. Not that it matters ta me. I like the way ya are….any way ya are. I just want ya ta be happy. Sometimes ya ain’t been happy when your ma was here and you’ve questioned why. You and you’re ma just seem to be at odds all the time. A lot has ta do with you being your pa’s favorite. But you both bin learning….”
“Where did you learn all this, Mr. Sully?”
“Why from my wife. She’s a smart doctor and knows these things.”
“I love you.” She said as she cuddled next to him.
“And I you.”
They reached the homestead and carried their tired children up to their beds. Then they went back downstairs and settled in the wingback chairs. “Was Brian going to come right home?” Michaela asked.
“Nope. There’s that dance in town for the young folk that he’s taking Sarah to. He’ll stay with Colleen and Andrew tonight.”
“So with Katie and Benje down, it’s just us?”
“Yep. Any suggestions?”
“Well, I have some medical journals to read. Or maybe….”
“Michaela Anne Quinn Sully! I don’t think you’re gonna pick them up. Otherwise the journals may end up out in the yard.”
Michaela started laughing. “Why Byron Sully….is there a problem?”
“If ya think you’re goin’ read there is!”
She got up from her chair went over and knelt in front of him. “Dear heart, what else is there to do?”
“Well, I can think of a few things,” he said as he reached over to take the pins out of her bun and let her hair cascade over her shoulders. He stood up, bringing her up with him. He put his hands on either side of her face while her hands went down to his waist. He looked deep into her eyes and she returned the look. Then their lips joined for an all consuming kiss. She started pulling his shirt out of his waistband. “Thought you wanted ta read?” he whispered.
“Later…” she murmured as she reached up to unbutton his shirt. He let go of her and shrugged his shirt off. Before he could bring his arms back up, she put her hands on his arms and bent her head to his chest. As she ran her hands up and down his arms, her lips sought out his nipples, to tease them with her tongue. As she moved her hands to his waistband, he put his hands on her shoulders, letting her make the first moves. He enjoyed it when she became the leader in their lovemaking.
Her hands ran around his waistband and then came back to the buttons. Soon they were undone and she slowly began pushing his breeches down. Her head was almost touching chest and her hair was tickling him. She continued to move his breeches down his legs and when they reached his feet, he stepped out of them. He was getting aroused and as she slowly stood back up, she paused and gave him a light kiss, which caused him to shiver. “What?” she asked.
“Nothin’….ya just do things ta me……”
She looked up at his face, smiling. “Just as you do things to me?”
“Yeah….and somethin’s wrong here….I ain’t got no clothes and you got all yours….and ya got so much more ‘n me……”
“And what are you going to do about that?”
He smiled, answering not with words, but with actions. He moved his hands to the buttons of her dress and undid them. He pushed her dress off her shoulders and moved it downward. When he reached her waist he hooked his fingers into her petticoat and took that down with the dress. When the dress reached the floor, before she could step out of it, he stood up and lifted her up, setting her down on the rug in front of the fireplace. He smiled when he saw she had one of her fancy lace camisoles on. “Did you have an idea how this night would end?”
She giggled. “I hoped….”
He ran his fingers across her breasts, following the line of the low cut lace. As he did, he saw her nipples rise underneath the satin. “Hmmm…nice….” He said, looking into her eyes and watching the blush. He laughed. “Beautiful.”
Keeping his eyes on her breasts, he reached up and pulled the camisole straps down her arms, slowly uncovering her breasts. He enjoyed watching the satin and lace slip down and free them. He glanced up at her face to see her smiling. “Nice view….”
“Sully!” she said in mock indignation.
He laughed. Then he continued to move her camisole down her body to the floor. As he stood up, and as she did, he paused for a light kiss half way up. Then he stood and put his arms around her. “Better now….no clothes….just smooth, naked skin rubbing against me…” he said as he leaned in for a kiss.
His arousal became more potent as she felt him rise against her. They sank to the rug, he laid her down and moved over her. He moved down to grasp her breast with his lips, closing his teeth gently over her nipple. She shuddered with desire, her hand moving between them to grasp him. His hand reached up to cup her other breast and as his fingers teased her nipple, her grasp on him became tighter. His lips moved up to hers as his hand reached down to urge her legs open. He gazed into her eyes as he entered her. She smiled and arched up into him, wanting to feel his chest against her.
Slowly the movement began as he continued to look into her eyes and she into his. He barely heard her whisper “Now, Sully, now…” as he began thrusting home.
She was laying still in contentment as he sank down against her. As he removed himself, he kissed the valley between her breasts. He rolled off, on to his back. She turned on her side, putting one arm around his chest and cuddled into his side, her head on his shoulder.
“Cold?” he asked.
“No…not with you to warm me.” She turned her lips against his skin and kissed him. “I love you so much, Byron Sully. You give me so much. I never knew this could be so wonderful.”
He smiled at her emphasis on this. “This? Ya mean our life together?”
“No…well, yes, that too…but, you know….this….”
“This what? Say it, Michaela…” She moved, burying her face in his chest. “Say it, Michaela…”
“This, our time together….being without our clothes…..doing….”
“No…say it, Michaela….say our love making….”
He felt her already heated skin get warmer. “Our….our…..our lovemaking…” she whispered, her face still buried in his chest. The vibrations of her words tickled his chest.
“That’s good….now say when we’re naked together….”
“Sully, I can’t…”
“Sure ya can. Ain’t no one gonna hear it but me. I want ta hear ya say these things to me….no one else’ll know.”
“I can say nude….it doesn’t sound as…..”
“Sound as what, my Boston lady?”
“As….I don’t know…..as wrong….no that’s not it….as….”
“As unladylike?”
“I guess…..I think so….oh, Sully, I don’t know!”
“It ain’t unladylike….not ta me anyway….I think you’re all lady and then some. I don’t think of you as any thing but all lady…all woman….you’re warm and lovin’ and carin’…all the things a lady should be. But when we’re alone together, I like ta hear ya say things you wouldn’t say with others around. Me and you, we like being naked together. Nude just don’t sound the same…not as thrilling….nude don’t get my excitement up, but naked sure does!” She raised her head to look at his face, as his warm smile and warm eyes. “Say it for me, please, Michaela?”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and while gazing into his, she said “Naked…..” and blushed. “Naked….that’s not so hard…..naked together…” she whispered.
“That’s my lady…my girl….my love…” he said as he kissed her.
She lay back on his shoulder and hugged him. With one arm around her shoulders, he placed the other arm across his body to grasp her arm. They lay like that, enjoying the silence and each other.
“Sully…let’s go up to our room.”
“Okay. You take our clothes and I’ll close up down here.”
Sully stood up and helped Michaela up, giving her a kiss. She gathered their clothes and headed for the stairs as he started to turn down the lamps. He glanced at her and paused to watch the retreating form of his naked wife.
He smiled and finished closing up the downstairs. He hurried up to their bedroom. She had dropped the clothes by the dresser and was curled up in his side of the bed with only his lamp on. He smiled and got into her side.
“We changing sides?”
“No….I already missed you and wanted to smell you.”
He laughed, pulling her into his arms and up to lay on top of him. He looped his legs over hers, with his knees against her backside, to pressure her close against him. She felt his manhood reacting to her. “Again?”
“Again what?” he asked.
She took a breath. “Do you want to make love again?” she whispered.
“Don’t you?”
“Yes..” she said so low he could barely hear. She moved her head and her lips went to his nipple, while her hand sought the other one. As she caressed his nipples with her lips and fingers, he felt the desire coursing through him. She was now in control. She raised up, feeling him growing…..ready for her as she had quickly become ready for him. She grasped him and guided him in. He reached up to caress her breasts while the thrusting began. The conclusion was quicker than before, but just as strong.
As they lay there, enjoying the warmth of each other, she heard a small chuckle. “What?”
“Just thinkin’ ‘bout earlier. Downstairs.”
“What?”
“I watched you walk toward the stairs, naked, beautiful. Watching you walk is like watchin’ poetry in motion. There’s a little swing in the rear that ya don’t see when ya got clothes on. I like being naked with you. Watching you walk….having your beautiful body bare for me to see…I like to look at every inch of you, then when I’m away from you, I can see every inch in my mind.”
“I like looking at you too.”
“Every part of me?”
“Yes…” she whispered. “It’s just harder for me……I have to confess something…”
“What?”
“Well…..sometimes……when you’re asleep……when you’ve kicked the covers off…..I wake up and….and I….I look at you….”
“Just glance or really look?”
“Really look….at every inch of all of you…” she whispered.
“Good. I want ya to enjoy me as much as I do you.”
“I do….I really do….it’s just harder for me to look when I know you know I’m looking.”
He chuckled. “Well, we’re just have to practice you overcoming that!”
Looking forward to the light of day ... with both visions of peaceful thoughts of love and wonderment.
Our travels together reveal the strengths of our spirits ... bound with tears of sorrow and tears of joy ... always with uncontrollable tears of laughter appearing from nowhere. Kind of fun to know that we don't have a clue of what's happening, isn't it ??? Then gratitude kicks in again and voila ! ... and here we are, full of love within and surrounded with love around and about ... we, the fortunate, reach out to give back to others ... free, with compassion, understanding and kindness.
Smiles, a warm heart and a peaceful soul is the result. Cycles in sync, twinkling eyes, harmony radiating blooms of our aura ... welcoming the daylight of another rotation in space ... simply put, this is what we are all about !!!
Of course, Hugs and Kisses are always sprinkled about freely too.
By Chan Heawak
The End
Send all comments to me at thorcatfic@yahoo.com.