Breath of Life (cont'd)

Part 7

Michaela and Sully had come back from lunch, and she was ready to go to work again straightening the clinic. She stepped away from Sully, but he reached out and pulled her back.

"Sully!" she protested. "I have to get this done before I leave for today, and that's only another two hours."

"You got time. 'Sides, did ya forget that ya ain't gotta close up and leave? Ya got two patients upstairs, and we moved into the Clinic to be with 'em, remember?"

"Oh, that's right. I almost forgot," she admitted.

"So, you got plenty a time to get that work done, even if ya have ta do it after your regular hours," he told her. "I'm sure I can think of some other things that'll keep ya busy," he teased.

"Sully!" she said and blushed. "It's the middle of the day, and a patient might come in," she tried to find some excuses.

"But they ain't here, now, and who cares if they come in," he stated then wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and began to dance with her. "They'll just see how in love we are," he said as he leaned down to kiss her.

She succumbed to his loving nature, and began dancing as well. She returned his kiss, then placed her head on his shoulder, as they danced to their own music. She had no idea how long they stood there, dancing, but suddenly her feet began to get sore from standing on them for so long. She lifted her head, and looked up at her husband.

"Sully?"

"Mmh?"

"Do you think we might sit down? My feet are beginning to hurt," she told him.

"Sure," he replied, and led them over to the bench by the wall. He sat down, then pulled her down into his lap.

"Sully!" she exclaimed. "That's not exactly what I had in mind."

"Well, ya asked if we could sit, so we're sittin'. Ya didn't say how or where," he teased.

"You're right," she admitted. "I didn't."

"Now, why dontcha just relax. Ya ain't got any patients scheduled to come in this afternoon, do ya?"

"No." "Well, then, take some time ta rest. You've been awful busy these last few days takin' care of Mrs. Sheehan and Sarah," he pointed out. "You could use the rest."

She yawned just thinking about how tired she really was, then relaxed and laid her head on Sully's shoulder. It didn't take long, and she was fast asleep. Sully smiled to himself, then wrapped his arms more securely around his wife. A few minutes later, and he realized that she would be much more comfortable in a bed, so he shifted slightly, and picked her up into his arms. Then, he carefully walked through the doorway and up the stairs. He carried her into their temporary room and laid her on top of the covers. He propped up the pillows to make sure she was comfortable, then gave her a quick kiss and sat in the chair next to the bed.

He had finished the work he was doing that day, so he didn't have to worry about that. He could just spend some time with his wife, something that didn't happen all that often these days. Usually, she was kept busy with the Clinic and her patients, and he was off doing surveying or some other odd job for Robert E or another member of the town. It was nice to just sit and relax, and since he had nothing else to do, he sank into remembrances.....

The entire town was gathered around in Grace's Café for Thanksgiving, except this year, it was different. This year, the Cheyenne had joined them. They had been experiencing a drought and didn't have much food for the Thanksgiving meal. The townsfolk were surprised when the Cheyenne arrived, led by him. At first, when the Cheyenne tried to show them how to find food, they rejected it and them. But, he eventually convinced them to come, anyway. So, they all gathered around the same tables and blessed the food. As they began to eat, thunder and storm clouds came rolling in, and soon, the skies opened to release a downpour of rain.

While everyone else was rejoicing in the rain, Michaela was busy, as usual, running around, trying to cover up the food and keep it from getting wet. He had immediately walked out into the rain, and a few moments later, Michaela turned and looked at him. How well he remembered the feelings he experienced at that moment. He held her eyes, then opened his arms slightly to beckon her to join him. It seemed an eternity later when she began to move towards him.

As she stepped out into the rain and began to get wet, he thought he would never be able to wait until she stood in front of him. Just like the town, they had quarreled over their different views when it came to people changing, but just like showing her his special place where he went when he lost his way, he was offering an apology and asking her to stand with him. When she finally stood before him, he reached out and touched her face, smoothing back a tendril of dripping-wet hair from her eyes, but what he really wanted to do was take her in his arms and never let her go.....

Now that she was standing before him, he could finally tell her his true feelings for her, and why he had come to Boston. He had decided to leave after he heard William Burke propose to her, and then heard her tell him it was none of his business whether or not she married that man. He never dreamed that she would come after him, but here she was, demanding to know why he came. When he finally told her that he loved her, the train jerked as it began to move, causing her to lose her balance and propel her into his arms. He steadied her and looked into her eyes, hoping to find some glimmer of love returned. But, she pushed away from him and ran out of the train car. He was forced to make the trip back to Colorado Springs alone.

That was the most exhausting trip he had ever taken, next to going to Boston in the first place. On the way there, he spent the entire trip wondering how Michaela would receive him. On the way back home, he had agonized over whether or not she would want him. He had finally admitted his feelings, and what did she do? She left. He thought that he had lost her, forever, and that thought gave him such a feeling of complete emptiness and loneliness, that he didn't know if he could go on without her. He returned home and, four days later, received a telegram from Matthew, Colleen, and Brian, that they were coming home. All of them. He made note that they would arrive on the stage in four days and was determined to be there to greet it.

When the day finally arrived, his heart felt like it would burst with the anticipation he was feeling at seeing Michaela again. It seemed like an eternity since he had last seen her, instead of just one week. When she stepped off the stage, he watched her from the shadows where he was standing. He saw her look around, then turn to get their bags. It was then that he decided to step out from the shadows. Colleen saw him and touched Michaela's shoulder. She turned and saw him, and paused.

He wasn't sure what to do, so he just stood there. Then, he opened his arms ever so slightly, to let her know that he still loved her and wanted her. She didn't need any further invitation. She picked up the hem of her dress, placed one hand on her hat, and ran towards him. To him, it took forever for her to reach him, but when she did, he caught her into his arms, swung her around, then set her on the ground. She told him that she loved him, too, and then they kissed. It wasn't exactly what he had planned, but he was just happy to have her back home with him.....

Now, as he sat in the chair watching her sleep, he realized how far they had come since that day. Immediately after, they had begun courting and spending a lot of time wondering if they had enough in common to make their relationship last. Four years later, he was still as sure of his love for her as that day he first admitted it to her. And, he was even more sure that no matter what happened, or how different their views were, they were meant to be together. He reached over and brushed her hair away from her face, then scooted the chair closer to the bed, took her hand in his, and leaned back with her hand clasped between his.

* * * * *

Brian was counting the minutes until Miss Teresa would dismiss class for the day. She was giving their homework assignment for tomorrow, any minute now...

"Class dismissed," Mrs. Morales said.

Brian jumped up, grabbed his books, then raced out of the schoolhouse to the Clinic. He ran in and didn't see his Ma there, so wondered if she had closed up early. He didn't see the "Closed" sign on the door, so she must be in the Clinic, somewhere. He ran up the stairs, and Sully came out of one of the rooms.

"Hey, Brian, ya back from school?"

"Hey, Pa, yeah, I am. I just came over to finish readin' to Sarah. I started a story at lunchtime today, and promised her I'd finish it after school," he told him.

"Well, okay. Just so ya know, your Ma's sleepin' in the room here. If ya hear anyone come in, let me know," he informed him.

"Sure, Pa," he agreed and went into Sarah's room.

"Hey, Sarah," he greeted.

"Hello, Brian," she said in return.

"I come back to finish the story for ya."

"Alright."

He sat down in the chair and picked up the book to continue reading.

"'It was with some difficulty that he found the way to his own house, which he approached with silent awe, expecting every moment to hear the shrill voice of Dame Van Winkle. He found the house gone to decay -- the roof fallen in, the windows shattered, and the doors off the hinges. A half-starved dog that looked like Wolf was skulking about it. Rip called him by name, but the cur snarled, showed his teeth, adn passed on. This was an unkind cut indeed -- 'My very dog,' sighed poor Rip, 'has forgotten me!'.....

He continued to read as the sun began to sink in the sky.

"'I am your father!' cried he -- 'Young Rip Van Winkle once -- old Rip Van Winkle now! -- Does nobody know poor Rip Van Winkle?'

'All stood amazed, until an old woman, tottering out form among the crowd, put her hand to her brow, and peering under it in his face for a moment, exclaimed, 'Sure enough! It is Rip Van Winkle -- it is himself! Welcome home again, old neighbor -- why, where have you been these twenty long years?'

"Rip's story was soon told, for the whole twenty years had been to him but as one night.'" *

Brian closed the book, and looked at Sarah. She had tears in her eyes, but she smiled.

"That was a very nice story, Brian. It made me feel like I was back home in Georgia and my papa was reading to me. He used to read to me every night before I went to sleep. He had a lot of books and some of my favorites are Thoreau and Irving." She paused and began to get lost in memories. "When you read, it's almost like he's here again," she whispered.

Brian layed the book down and took her hand, allowing her to find comfort in her thoughts.

Part 8

The days turned into weeks, and things settled into a routine. Sully and Robert E completed the pushchairs, so Anna Marie Sheehan and Sarah were now able to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the outside. After being cooped up in the Clinic for almost four weeks, it was nice to be able to be part of the world again.

Mrs. Sheehan's wrist had healed, so she had use of her left arm again, and her broken leg and arm had been healing quicker than had been expected. She could now use her right arm for minimal movements, relying mostly on her left arm to operate the pushchair. Her ribs were still sore, but the bandaging that Dr. Mike had put on her helped them heal and minimize the discomfort, and now she was hardly aware that they had even been broken.

Sarah, too, was healing very rapidly. Her shoulder was completely healed, so she was able to use her arms to wheel herself onto the balcony. The only trouble she had was with her leg in its cast. It very often got in the way when she was turning the chair to and fro. But, she soon became accustomed to swinging a little wider, so as not to bump it.

In the meantime, things in Colorado Springs had kept life very interesting. Loren had been having trouble dealing with Marjorie's death back in November, and so he decided that it was time to retire and leave Colorado Springs. He had a sale in the General Store to sell everything, and when Michaela overheard him talking to Preston about selling, he told her his plans. She had trouble dealing with the fact that he would no longer be around, so she tried to get the town to convince him to stay by writing an editorial compelling everyone to tell those they loved how they felt.

Her plans went awry, though, when none of them spoke with Loren, so she tried again. Nothing seemed to be working, so she talked with Sully one evening, and he told her that she had been telling him what Loren meant to everyone else. Then, he asked her what Loren meant to her, so the next day she told him that she loved him and would miss him. He decided to just take a trip to San Francisco, and then come back. He realized that he was really loved in Colorado Springs, and that he would miss it too much if he left.

Meanwhile, Grace and Robert E's problems escalated, until Grace decided that she could no longer be Robert E's wife. He reminded her of Anthony and everything they had together, and it was too difficult to handle. So, Robert E moved out into the livery, and Grace stayed in the house.

In addition, a large group of Chinese, camped right outside of town, were experiencing a small bout with malaria. Hank, and many others in town feared another epidemic, so voted to keep them out. Throughout it all, Dr. Mike found herself meeting the Chinese herbalist and his grand-son, who turned out to be his grand-daughter. She convinced them both that Ling Yi, her real name, would be better off living as a woman, and eventually, their people accepted her.

Along with that, Jake Slicker had proposed to Teresa Morales, and they had become engaged. Her aunt and cousin came to visit, and her aunt, Doña Verano, tried to take control of everything. Her cousin, a priest, Father Carlos, tried to keep things calm and be a mediator, but wasn't too successful. In the end, Teresa decided to stay with Jake, Carlos remained to join the Reverend in performing their wedding ceremony, and Doña Verano left without giving her blessing.

Most of the members of town were gathered together, after having voted to grant Cloud Dancing protected status in Colorado Springs, so they approached the newly married couple after the ceremony was finished to offer their congratulations. It seemed as if life in Colorado Springs was never peaceful and calm.

At supper that evening, the family discussed the events of the day. Matthew had joined them, as well as Daniel, Anna Marie and Sarah. Sully, Daniel and Matthew had carried them down the stairs, and they were eating in the front room of the clinic. When it was a boarding house, owned by Charlotte Cooper, this room was used for meals for the boarders. Now that it was a Clinic, many of the rooms on the main floor didn't get much use. As they all sat around the table, they talked in companionable conversation, and talked about what had been happening over the past two months.

Matthew was almost finished with the rebuilding of his homestead, so he told everyone that he would be moving out by next week. Brian remarked how well Sarah was recovering, as well as her mother. He had spent the last few weeks, and nearly every spare moment he had, at her side, reading to her, talking to her, and making sure that she had everything she needed. He really cared about her, and it was obvious by his actions. Mike and Sully shared a special, knowing look as they listened to him talking.

Now that both Mrs. Sheehan and Sarah could get around, for the most part, on their own, they could leave the Clinic and return home. Supper tonight was a little celebratory meal in their honor, for their quick recoveries.

"Papa!" Katie interrupted.

"Yes, Kates," Sully replied.

"Cawat!" she exclaimed and threw it at his turning face.

Michaela smothered a giggle, and everyone else laughed as Sully picked the squashed carrot off of his cheek. At first, Katie was scared that her pa would scold her, but when she saw that everyone was laughing, she clapped her hands and laughed, too.

Sully smiled at his daughter's antics. "Yes, Kates, it's a carrot. But, ya ain't supposed ta throw food," he admonished.

Katie looked sincerely apologetic, and a slight pout appeared on her lips. "I sawy, Papa," she told him as tears began to gather in her eyes.

Sully melted at his little girl's face. It was times like these when Katie reminded him of Michaela when he caught her working too hard. He would remind her to slow down, and she would get an apologetic look on her face. He could never resist smiling at his wife, so he certainly couldn't resist his daughter who was so much like her.

"That's okay, Kates. I know ya didn't mean it. But next time ya show me somethin', don't throw it at me, all right?" he directed, then reached over to tweak her nose.

"My nose!" Katie said, when he did that.

Sully looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face, and Brian jumped in to explain. It's a game I play with her, Pa," he said. "I reach out and grab her nose, then tell her I took it. She tells me it's hers, and I give it back."

Sully immediately understood. He held out his fist. "Is this your nose, Kates?"

"My nose!" she replied.

"Do ya want it back?"

"My nose!" she said again.

Sully looked at Michaela, who had been watching this interplay with some amusement. "Guess that's a 'yes'," he said to her.

"It would appear so," she agreed, and Sully reached over to place Katie's nose back on her face. When he did this, she reached out and touched his nose.

"Papa nose!" she exclaimed and held up her fist to show everyone.

Everyone at the table laughed at her, and Brian spoke up. "I didn't know she knew how to do that! She's never done it before."

"Well, it appears as if she understands now, Brian," Michaela observed.

"I can't believe how quick she picks things up," Matthew noted.

"That's 'cuz she's got your Ma's smarts," Sully explained and smiled at his wife.

"She is growing up so fast," Anna Marie remarked.

Katie did not like being ignored, so she decided to make herself known again. "Papa nose!" she exclaimed, louder this time. Sully immediately turned to her, and when he did, Katie placed her fist on her nose and said, "My nose."

"No, Kates. That's Papa's, nose."

"My nose!" she said again.

"Katie. Papa needs his nose. Can ya give it back to me?" he pleaded and made the same sad face she had made only a moment ago when she was apologizing.

Katie looked at his face and smiled. She reached over towards Sully, and he leaned towards her. She placed her fist on his nose, then said, "Papa nose."

"Thank you, Kates."

With that settled, Katie became tired of playing games. "Down!" she demanded.

"All right. I suppose supper is over now," Michaela agreed. "Brian, can you help me clear the dishes from the table?"

"Sure, Ma."

"I'll get Katie."

"Thanks, Matthew," Sully answered. "I guess I'll help your Ma."

"Please, can I hold her?" Sarah asked.

"Sure," Michaela replied from what used to be the kitchen doorway. Matthew walked over and placed Katie in Sarah's lap, and the little girl immediately giggled when she saw the funny-looking chair in which Sarah sat. She touched the wheels, then looked at Sarah.

"Wagin-tair!" she exclaimed.

Sarah laughed, then corrected her, and soon everyone became involved with watching Katie play. As soon as the dishes were cleared, Brian left to go into the main room with everyone else. A few moments later, Matthew peeked into the kitchen.

"I'm goin' out to work on my homestead a little more. Then, I'll head back home," he told them.

"All right, Matthew," Michaela and Sully said in unison, then returned to their task. When it was finished, Michaela walked over to place the towel on the rack but was interruped by two strong arms encircling her waist. She placed her arms over her husband's and leaned back.

"Mmm. It's been such a long day, and a long week," she sighed.

"You've been real busy this past week," he agreed, then continued, "but do ya think you're up for a few games of chess?"

Michaela turned around in his arms and looked up at him. "Chess?"

"Yeah. I thought we'd get a few games goin', maybe even have somethin' like a competition 'tween you, me, Daniel, Mrs. Sheehan, Sarah and Brian. It's been awhile since we had some fun." She didn't look too convinced, so he continued. "'Sides, the evenin'll pass quicker if we do somethin'. And then, we can get to bed," he smiled down at her with a gleam in his eyes and leaned down to kiss her as a promise of what was to come later.

Michaela blushed, then grinned. "When you put it that way, how can I refuse?" she teased, swatting him with the towel before hanging it on the rack and following him out of the kitchen.

A couple of hours later, Brian had tired and gone to bed. He was still sleeping on a cot in Sarah's room, since there was more room there than in the room with his Ma, Pa, and Katie. Daniel and Sully had carried Anna Marie and Sarah upstairs, as well, and Daniel had left to go to the boarding house.

Michaela was walking around putting out the lamps, and Sully walked over to the rug in front of the fireplace to find Katie sleeping with her stuffed bunny. She had become tired of the chess games not long after they began, toddled over to the rug, and fell asleep. Sully smiled, and called Michaela over. As they both looked upon their sleeping daughter, they smiled, their eyes full of love for their little girl. Sully bent down to pick up Katie, and when he did, she stirred slightly. She opened her eyes and saw her Pa, then cuddled against his chest and promptly fell back asleep.

"I don't blame her," Michaela whispered. "I'd do the same thing."

Sully leaned over and kissed his wife. "Let's get to bed."

Michaela led the way up the stairs, carrying a lamp with her. When they entered their room, she set the lamp on the table near the door.

"We ain't gonna have a problem with Katie, tonight," Sully observed as he placed Katie in her crib. They had brought out the one they kept at the Clinic for such situations.

"She must be really exhausted," Michaela agreed. "The long day must have made her really tired."

"What did she do different?" Sully asked as he placed her blanket around her and tucked it around her, tightly. He leaned down, stroked her hair, then kissed her cheek.

"It began as a normal day, but about mid-afternoon, Dorothy came and took her for a walk over to the Mercantile. She stayed with Loren while Dorothy purchased some supplies for the Gazette. Loren gave her a little toy top to play with, and when Dorothy brought her back, she wouldn't put it down. She kept trying to figure out how it worked, and continually asked me to spin it again and again, as she tried to see what to do.

"She took a brief nap after dinner, and then she entertained Sarah and Mrs. Sheehan for the remainder of the afternoon. She kept them laughing with her antics and little stories, as much as she could say, but the fact that she had an audience that she doesn't normally have, resulted in her being more tired than she normally is," she finished then leaned down to kiss her daughter's cheek.

"Well, looks like she'll sleep real good tonight. And that's good, 'cause," Sully began, then wrapped his arms around his wife, "we don't need no interruptions," and leaned down to give her a long, love-filled kiss.

Michaela returned the kiss with all of her love, then broke it off and allowed Sully to take her hand, turning out the lamp as they moved away. Another lamp was burning by their bed, and Sully led Michaela over to it, then released her hand. He walked over to close the door, then lock it, and turned down the lamp.

"Sully! What if Mrs. Sheehan or Sarah need me?" she protested.

"Michaela, they can just about get in and outta bed by themselves, and if they need anythin', I'm sure Brian can help 'em. 'Sides, it ain't likely, they're gonna wheel over here and come knockin' on our door," he teased. "Now, sit down an' relax," he instructed. "Ya've had a long day." He propped up two pillows behind her back, so she could lean against them, then moved to unlace her boots and remove them along with her stockings. He paused to remove his shirt, then took one of her two feet in his hands, massaging it along with her calf. He did the same to her other foot.

"Mmm. That feels so nice," she sighed. "After the day and week I've had, that massage is heavenly."

"Well, we ain't got to that point, yet," he answered her and grinned with a gleam in his eyes. "It's our last night here in this room. Tomorrow, we go back home, so let's enjoy it while we're here."

She blushed, but it was hidden by the darkness of the room. However, much like the blushing bride she had been almost three years ago, she anticipated the remainder of the night. She may have been nervous at first, but she very rapidly became comfortable with Sully's attentions and had even instigated some ministrations of her own. Now, she was more comfortable than ever with the physical relationship she and Sully shared, and was ready for the night to get underway.

Sully paused in his ministrations only long enough to situate himself on the bed near her. He lifted her legs and placed them in his lap, then renewed the massage. He moved up her legs, then reached up to cup her face as he leaned in for a kiss. He broke off, briefly to begin unbuttoning her blouse. He pushed the blouse off of her shoulders, then leaned down to place a kiss on each bare shoulder, moving in to kiss the hollow at the base of her neck, and then returning to claim her mouth. He placed his hands on her shoulders, then helped her remove her blouse, placing the discarded piece of clothing on the floor, his eyes never leaving her face.

He slipped the straps of her camisole off her shoulders and caressed her bare arms. Michaela reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders, running her hands down across his bare chest, then back up again. She smiled at her husband, communicating with her eyes that it was time to put out the lamp, so he leaned across her and turned it out. Together, they moved down on the bed, and rolled back the bedclothes, sliding beneath them. Sully reached to unbutton her skirt and slide it down and off her legs. He placed it with her blouse, then asked her to lift her arms, removing her camisole, as well. He then reclined next to her, running his hands over her arms and her slightly swollen stomach, and reclaimed her willing lips yet again.

Part 9

The next morning, Sully and Michaela awoke with the sun. Today was the day that Anna Marie and Sarah went home, and they wanted to get an early start. Sully stirred and looked at his wife. She was laying, facing him, with one leg crooked and against his. Her head was on his shoulder, and her breath was tickling his chest hairs. He wrapped his arms around her, then rubbed them over her back.

"Mmm," she sighed, as she stirred from sleep.

"Michaela," Sully whispered. "Sun's up. We gotta get goin'."

She looked up at him and smiled. "Do we have to get up? I'd much rather stay here."

"So would I," he smiled, enjoying that thought, "but we gotta get Mrs. Sheehan and Sarah moved back ta their house before we get goin' ta work," he reminded her.

At this, she came fully awake. "Oh, my, I had forgotten about that," she exclaimed and sat up in bed. As the sheet fell down to her waist, she realized her unclothed state and reached to cover herself. Sully stopped her, then pulled her to him for a leisurely good morning kiss.

Katie awoke from sleep and stood up in her crib. She looked over at her Ma and Pa and realized that they didn't know she was awake, so she decided to climb down on her own. Once out, she toddled over to the bed, and tugged on the sheets that were covering her parents.

"Mama, Papa, up!" she demanded, continuing to pull the sheets.

Sully and Michaela broke apart with a start and looked over at their daughter, standing at the side of the bed, looking up at them with a very determined look in her eyes. Michaela pulled the sheet over her and moved slightly away from Sully.

"Seems to me, I seen that look before," Sully teased as he kissed his wife's cheek.

"I can't imagine where," Michaela returned. "There's not a stubborn bone in my body."

"Sure there ain't," he replied.

Katie did not like the fact that her parents seemed to be ignoring her, so she climbed up onto the bed, and over her Ma, positioning herself in between them both.

"I believe she's trying to tell us something," Michaela said with a smile.

"Do you want us to get up, Kates?"

"Up!" Katie replied, then giggled as her Pa tickled her.

"Okay, Kates. But ya gotta get down so we can get outta bed," he told her.

"Okay, Papa," she replied, and climbed over her Ma to stand by the balcony door, looking out into the sky. Sully threw the covers off of them and Michaela immediately began to cover herself up again.

"Ya ain't gotta be shy 'round me, Michaela. We're married, 'member?" he said as he leaned over to place a kiss on her bare shoulder.

She shivered with pleasure. "Of course, Sully," she replied. "I was cold, that's all. Now, let's get going," she said and rose from the bed, missing his smile at her reaction to his kiss.

She put on her camisole, then walked over to her bags and pulled out a fresh blouse and skirt. Once she was dressed, she twisted her hair up and fastened it with a combs. Katie chose that moment to turn from her entrancement with the sky, and Michaela walked over to get her ready for the day. Sully got dressed, then went over to wake up Brian.

It wasn't long before everyone in the Clinic was awake and ready to go. Daniel had arrived, as well, to help them with anything they might need. They folded up the wheelchairs, and Sully presented both Anna Marie and Sarah with their own pairs of crutches. Their legs had healed enough that they could put minimal pressure on them, so Sully had made some crutches to help them get around on their own until the casts could come off, completely.

"Thank you, Mr. Sully," Mrs. Sheehan exclaimed.

"Yeah, thank you," Sarah echoed.

"You're welcome. And, it's just 'Sully', ma'am," he replied.

"So, are we ready to get you both back into the land of the living again?" Michaela asked.

"Yes!" the both agreed. "It seems like we've been confined to this Clinic for ages!" Mrs. Sheehan continued. "It will be nice to get back home and start working again."

"Well, just make sure you don't overdo it. Your legs are still healing," Michaela warned. "If everything goes well, those casts should come off in about two weeks, but until then, you can get around using the crutches. And, if you get tired, you can use the chairs."

"Alright, Dr. Mike. Thank you, so much, for everything you've done. Sully, you and Brian, and Daniel. All of you have been God-sent. You've made our stay here very pleasant, and helped keep our minds off of our injuries."

"Yes, Brian. Thank you for coming almost every day to read to me," Sarah said, looking at Brian. "It helped pass the long hours when I was stuck in bed all day. And you helped me feel like my Papa was here again." She reached out and took his hand. Mrs. Sheehan smiled, and touched his shoulder, showing her thanks, and Mike and Sully smiled at the budding romance they saw developing.

"Well, shall we get goin'?" Daniel interrupted the quiet moment.

"Yes, we need to get back home. I'm sure there is a lot of cleaning to be done. We haven't been there in over a month, but don't worry, Dr. Mike, we won't overdo it," she said and smiled.

"Alright, just be careful," Dr. Mike replied.

"Bye-bye," Katie called.

"Goodbye, little miss Katie," Mrs. Sheehan said, as she leaned down to the toddler's level. "You are a very special girl, and don't you forget it."

Sarah did the same thing. "Goodbye, Katie. You be a good girl." Katie blew kisses to both of them, then hid her face in her hands. Everyone laughed, and Katie came out from behind her hands to smile with them.

After that, Daniel and Brian walked with the two to their wagon which Daniel had drove up when he arrived. They were going to take them back home, then Daniel would drop off Brian at school.

Sully turned to his wife as they watched them go and smiled. At that moment, Horace's assistant came up to the door and told him a telegram arrived for him, then handed it to him and left.

"Thank you," Sully called to his retreating back as he glanced down at the telegram.

"What does it say?" Michaela asked.

"Looks like I got work again. It's from Welland Smith. He's got some surveyin' work he wants done, up near Soda Springs. Says some rich fella from St. Louis wants to build a resort and wants to make sure the land is safe for buildin'. If it is, looks like Preston's gonna be gettin' some competition," Sully explained.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Well, I can most likely make it day trips, since it ain't that far. That way, I can be home in the evenin's with you and the children," he answered her.

"Good," she replied. "I wasn't really ready to start missing you, again."

"An' I wasn't ready to be away from ya, especially with that baby comin' in a few months. I don't wanna miss nothin' 'bout this pregnancy. I wanna be here for every moment of the birth, and if I have ta give up some work to do it, I will," he promised.

"Oh, Sully," Michaela sighed. "You have no idea how much that means to me," she said as she leaned over to kiss him.

"I think I got an idea," he said as they parted. They both smiled. "Now, I'd better get goin', if I wanna be back in time for supper."

"And I have to stop over and see Anabel so that she can let out some of my dresses again. I can just barely fit into them, now. Then, I have some cleaning to do to get this Clinic back in order again," she said.

"Well, like you told Mrs. Sheehan and Sarah, don't overdo it. Remember to rest if ya get tired. I want ya ta promise me that. I ain't leavin' 'til ya do," he stated.

"All right, I promise," she agreed.

"Good," he said as he kissed her briefly again. "I'll see ya tonight, at supper. Remember to close up early. I'll get Matthew ta come and take ya home," he told her as he left.

The day progressed with only a few visits from regulars who needed some minimal care, so she was able to get a lot of work done on cleaning the Clinic. She had paid a visit to Anabel and the seamstress was more than happy to do the work for her. They even visited for a few minutes as Anabel asked about the baby and how Michaela was doing. When it was time for lunch, Dorothy came to the Clinic and asked if she'd like to join her. She agreed, and the two walked over to the Café. As they walked around the front of the Clinic, preparing to walk around back, they stopped when they heard loud yelling coming from the Saloon.

"Ow! That hurts!" Hank yelled.

"Well, if you'd stop moving around and hold still, it would only hurt for a moment," Anabel Dawson hollered back at him.

"If you'd be a little nicer, it wouldn't hurt at all!" Hank continued.

"And if you hadn't gotten into that stupid fight, you wouldn't be hurt, and I wouldn't have to do this!"

"Well, you ain't gotta do it, anyway. I can get just as good a job done at the Clinic, and I bet Dr. Mike wouldn be a whole lot nicer! And it wasn't a stupid fight! That guy was hurtin' one of my girls, and nobody does that!" he retorted.

"It was stupid!"

"No, it wasn't!"

"Yes, it was!"

"No..." Hank stopped. "I'm goin' over to see Dr. Mike!"

"Fine! But, don't expect me to be here when you get back!" she threatened.

Michaela and Dorothy half expected to see Hank come storming out of the Saloon, but when he didn't, they both realized that he must have made his choice. Dorothy turned to Michaela and smiled.

"Those two are made for each other," she observed.

"Very true. She's as headstrong as he and can match him word for word."

Dorothy nodded her head in agreement. "He's just plain stupid fer lightin' her fuse."

"Oh, he lit something. What? I don't know," Michaela said, and they both shared a laugh as they continued their walk to the Café.

When they arrived, they were served by Dora Mae, one of Grace's assistants. They both shared an understanding look when they realized that Grace still wasn't surfacing from behind the stove. She just couldn't face her customers, nor could she face Robert E. Now that they were separated, it seemed that both of them were even more miserable than they were when they were still together. Michaela made a mental note to tell Sully that it was time for Katie to work her wonders. They had planned to do this earlier, but caring for Mrs. Sheehan and Sarah had occupied most of their time over the past several weeks.

As she and Dorothy enjoyed their meal of meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and vegetables, Michaela glanced around at the others eating around them. Her eyes fastened on the Reverend and his piano teacher, Miss Campbell. They had really become good friends in the month she had been here, and it had Michaela wondering if there wasn't something more between them. She didn't see anyone else that she really knew, so she returned to the conversation Dorothy was instigating.

"Are ya glad to finally have your patients back home again?"

"Yes, and no," Michaela replied. "It was nice this morning not having to worry about taking care of anyone upstairs, but at the same time, it was nice having someone else in the Clinic all the time. Things can get lonely, even when I do have Katie to keep me company." She paused as the thought for a moment. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the peace and quiet while she's taking a nap, but it was nice to know that I could walk upstairs and talk to someone when I got lonely," she finished.

"I know what ya mean. I feel the same way workin' at the Gazette. I'm there all day long, and I'm by myself more often than you. The only time I'm not is when someone comes in with a telegram for me, or I get some news from someone for the paper, or when Brian stops by after school."

They both sat and thought about what they had just said, then Dorothy continued.

"Besides, won't be too much longer, and you ain't gonna be needin' company. You'll have another young'in around again, and then you'll be wishin' for that peace and quiet," Dorothy smiled.

Michaela laughed with her. "That's true." She reached down and rubbed her stomach, lovingly. "I can hardly believe that it's only another two months before I'll have another baby around. After...," she paused and took a breath. "After my miscarriage, I thought my pregnant days were over. Now, I'll be having to start all over again with the diaper changing, breast-feeding, and trying to maintain my practice. And I don't have Andrew to help, or Colleen."

"Maybe you should think about hiring a sitter for Katie and the baby at the Clinic, so that you can tend to patients. That way, you could still be right there to breast-feed and still get your work done," Dorothy suggested.

"That's a wonderful idea, Dorothy!" Michaela agreed. "But, who?"

"Well, ya ain't gotta decide right now. You still got two months to make your decision."

"You're right. For now, I'm simply going to enjoy this dinner."

* * * * *

"Reverend, you've hardly touched your food," Miss Cambell pointed out.

"Hmh?" he replied, shaking himself out of his reverie.

"I said that you haven't eaten much," she repeated.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was thinking."

"Do you mind if I ask about what?"

"Hmh?"

"About what were you thinking?"

"Oh," he paused. "I was just thinking about what a good job you've been doing with the piano lessons. And I was also wondering...."

"Wondering....?"

"Yes, I was wondering if you've decided whether or not you're going to stay here in Colorado Springs?"

"Oh." She stopped to think. She was glad that the Reverend couldn't see her face, because she was afraid he would read her decision in her eyes. She knew it had only been a month, but she had fallen in love with this little town and her students. There was only one thing she enjoyed more than teaching lessons, and that was spending time with him. He had been very kind to her since they met. He had willingly answered all of her questions, and had even taken her on a couple of picnics while he showed her around town.

It amazed her that he knew so much of his surroundings, even though he could no longer see them. His memory must be very vivid, and she thoroughly enjoyed taking walks with him as he talked about the area and what had happened in all of the time he had been living here. She learned a lot about Colorado Springs, but at the same time, she learned a lot about the man sitting across from her. She learned that he had a kind heart, and that despite his handicap, he didn't let it affect his outlook on life. He had overcome any problems and had even become a stronger person because of it.

She realized that more than anything, she wanted to stay here in Colorado Springs with her students, and with him. She wanted to get to know him better, and if what she saw in the way he anxiously awaited her answer was true, she knew that's what he really wanted, as well. All of a sudden, she realized that she hadn't given him an answer, and had, in fact, been silent for longer than a couple seconds.

She reached across the table and took his hand in hers. "Reverend, I'd love to remain here and continue to teach, more than anything," she answered and watched a huge smile appear on his face.

"That's wonderful!" he exclaimed, then reached his other hand across the table, and she took it. "Miss Cambell..." he began, but she interrupted.

"Lizzie, please. That's what all my friends call me."

"Lizzie," he repeated, liking how it sounded on his lips. "I'm very pleased that you wish to stay, but I need to know something else."

"Yes?"

"Do you...," he paused as he considered how to say what he wanted to say. "Do you think you'd ever consider making your position with me, a....a permanent one?" He waited, anxiously, wondering how she would take his being so forward. He knew it had only been a little more than a month, but he knew he was attracted to her. At first, he thought it was because of their constant contact with each other, but then he realized that his feelings went much deeper. He only wished she felt the same way.

"Reverend...," she began, but he interrupted her.

"Timothy, please."

"Timothy," she repeated. "I can't think of anything I'd like to do more," she answered him in a rush, then smiled as she waited for him to understand what she had just said. When he did, his smile got even bigger, and he clasped her hands in his as he lifted them to his lips.

Part 10

It was time for Michaela to close the Clinic and head home. She had made a promise to Sully that she would take it easy, and she did. Today was a very slow day, but she had gotten a lot accomplished. The Clinic was back in order, the recovery rooms were clean, her instruments had been sterilized, and her cabinets had been cleaned and organized. Now, all she had to do was wait for Matthew. She walked over to Katie where she was sitting inside her play area. Just as Katie looked up at her, there was a knock at the door, and Matthew came in.

"Ready to go, Ma?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I was just getting Katie ready to go. Brian should be here in a moment, and then we can leave."

"All right, I got the wagon out front, so whenever you're ready," he told her.

"Oh, Matthew, do you think you could deliver something for me before we go?"

"Sure. What is it?" "I need to you take this book over to the bookshop. It's over by Jake's barber shop, but it's not open yet," she told him. "Carolyn Farley is there, and if you knock, she's expecting me to drop this by before I leave."

He looked at her with a strange look on his face and wondered why she couldn't go herself, but then realized that she must be tired from working all day, so he thought nothing of it, and left to return the book. Dr. Mike smiled as she watched him go. Hopefully, this errand would allow Brian some time to get here from school, and maybe even result in a better acquaintance between Matthew and Carolyn.

Matthew walked over to the bookshop and peered in the window. He was taken back by Carolyn standing on a ladder, dusting shelves. She had a scarf tied around her hair and an apron over her dress. Her back was to the window, so she didn't see him. He was just about to step over to the door to knock, when she lost her footing and slipped, falling from the ladder. She grabbed onto the shelves, but it wasn't enough to keep her on the ladder. Matthew rushed into the shop, thankful that the door wasn't locked. He ran over to Carolyn, where she was moving to get up, and held out his hand.

"Are you all right?" he asked, as he helped her up.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied. "I must have lost my footing and slipped. Thank you....," she said and looked up at him for his name and was startled to realize it was the same man who she had seen at the Clinic a couple of weeks ago.

"Matthew Cooper, and you're welcome," he replied. "My Ma, Dr. Mike, sent me over here to return this book she borrowed."

"Oh, I must look a mess," she said as she dusted herself off and patted her hair.

"Nah, ya look fine," he assured her. He looked at her face and saw a smudge of dust, so he took out his bandana and reached out to wipe it from her face.

Carolyn looked up at him when he touched her face, and they both stopped. Matthew cleared his throat and stepped back. "Well, I gotta be gettin' back. I gotta take my Ma and brother and sister home." He handed her the book, then said, "Here's the book. I'm glad you're okay, but be careful from now on," he warned.

"I will," she promised. "Thank you, again, Mr. Cooper."

"You're welcome, Miss Farley," he replied.

"Carrie, please. That's what everyone calls me."

"Well, then I'm Matthew." He reached out to shake her hand, and she placed her hand in his. He was amazed at how delicate it felt, despite the hard work she had obviously been doing all day.

"Pleased to meet you, Matthew," she said.

"You, too, Carrie," he replied. "See ya around."

"Bye," she called and watched him leave and head back in the direction of the Clinic.

Once he was far enough away, she touched her cheek where he had wiped a smudge of dirt from it. It still tingled from his touch, as did her hand from his handshake. The first thought that crossed her mind, after admitting how handsome he was, was whether or not he had a sweetheart. She hoped that he didn't, but then she caught herself wondering why she wished that. She didn't even know him. She had only seen him once before, and had just now met him. Why was she wishing that he didn't have a sweetheart? She knew why. She was attracted to him. Something clicked between them when they looked at each other, but she didn't know what it was. She saw long-buried pain deep in his eyes, and longed to know all about him. Now, she just had to figure out a way to spend more time with him.

If it hadn't been for Dr. Mike sending him over to return the book, she most likely wouldn't have met him, and he wouldn't have come to her rescue from falling. Then a thought suddenly hit her. Dr. Mike! That was the way she could get to know more about him. She was sure that she could ask some well- placed questions to learn more about him, and maybe even have the chance to catch him at the Clinic while she was there talking with her.

She smiled at her well-set plan. Now, she just had to come up with a good excuse to go see Dr. Mike. She went back to dusting the shop as she thought of a way she could arrive at the Clinic without Dr. Mike wondering why she was there.

* * * * *

Sully came home that evening just as supper was being placed on the table. He walked over and greeted his wife with a kiss, then walked over to pick up his daughter. "Hi, Kates," he said as he kissed her cheek.

"Papa!" she exclaimed as he swung her into his arms, throwing her high into the air and then catching her. She laughed with delight. "'Gain! Do 'gain!" she demanded, and he acquiesced.

"Hey, Pa," Brian greeted as he came out from the kitchen with the rest of the dishes.

"Hey, Brian," Sully returned.

"How was work, today?" asked Michaela as she set the food on the table.

Sully placed Katie back into her high-chair, then walked around to hold out the chair for his wife.

"Thank you," she replied.

"You're welcome," he said as he walked around to take his seat. Everyone bowed their heads as he asked the blessing, and then they began filling their plates. "Work went very well. This guy wants to make sure that everything is in order before he even considers buyin' the property to build on it. He wants me to survey several areas, so looks like I'll be busy for the next two weeks," he told everyone.

"That's good news, ain't it, Pa?" Brian asked.

"Isn't it," Michaela corrected.

"That's what I asked Pa," Brian replied.

"No, Brian, I was correcting your grammar. You should have said, 'Isn't it?'," Michaela explained.

"Oh, sorry, Ma," he apologized, then turned to face Sully. "That's good news, isn't it, Pa?" he repeated.

"Yeah, it is. That means some good pay for me for the next two weeks. And after that, I may be helpin' Jacob Farley build his homestead." Michaela looked up at him in surprise. "He asked me today when I came back inta town. I stopped in to speak ta Robert E, and Jacob asked me if I'd be willing to help. He said he'd been talkin' to Robert E and found out that I built this place, so wanted my help in buildin' his," he explained.

"Oh, Sully, that's wonderful!" Michaela exclaimed. "If that works, it will keep you here in town for the next couple of months, and you'll be here for our baby being born."

"Yep," he replied and smiled.

After supper, Brian set up at the table to do his homework, and Katie played contentedly on the rug in front of the fireplace. Matthew was working on his homestead again, fixing a few of the minor things, like the hinges on the door and the bolts at the windows, that needed to be fixed before he could move in. Michaela asked Sully if they could talk, and he suggested that they go sit outside. She agreed, then asked Brian to keep an eye on Katie. They each took their cups of tea and a blanket, since the air was still chilly once the sun went down, and stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind them.

They settled themselves on the bench underneath the window, wrapped together in the blanket. Sully placed his arm around his wife and drew her against him. She leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes, and for a long while, they just sat there in contented silence, enjoying each other's company. Sully finally broke the silence.

"So, ya said we gotta talk. What's on your mind?"

She raised her head and turned to look at him. "Well, first, I wanted to talk to you about Grace and Robert E. Dorothy and I had lunch at the Café today, and we never once saw Grace. She was cooking the food, but she never came from behind the stove. She had her assistants doing everything." She turned slightly to face him. "Sully, we need to do something. They're both miserable, even more so now that they're separated. I can't bear to see them like this," she admitted to him.

Sully smiled and caressed her cheek. "You always were the one to care 'bout everyone and make sure they're happy, even if it meant meddlin' a little," he teased.

"You've meddled on a number of times, too, if I'm not mistaken," she pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right, and I agree with you on this one. They're our friends, and we can't go on lettin' 'em be miserable." He paused as he thought for a moment, then continued. "Tell ya what. Lemme finish this surveyin' work I'm doin' for Smith, and when I get back in town for a longer amount a time, I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Sully. With the baby coming and Colleen's graduation coming up in a few weeks, I'm not sure I'd have the time to really speak to her, or that she'd even want to talk to me."

"Well, don't give it another thought, all right?"

"All right."

"Now, what else is on your mind?"

"The Reverend," she admitted.

"The Reverend?" he asked, a little surprised.

"Yes. Have you noticed how he and Miss Campbell seem to be getting along lately?"

"They seem to be doin' all right."

"That's just it, Sully. I think there may be more there than a professional relationship. Have you seen the way she looks at him when they're together? And he's smiling a lot more than he used to."

"Maybe he's just happy to finally be able to be givin' piano lessons again," Sully observed.

"But, it's more than that. They walk around town as if they're sharing a private secret, as if they've realized their feelings for one another, but don't want to share them with anyone else. I've even noticed it in church on Sundays. His sermons are more positive and he seems like he's enjoying life more."

"Well, ya may be right, Michaela, but I think we should leave 'em be, and let 'em have their privacy," Sully admonished, then smiled. "You sure have been observant, lately. Any particular reason why ya wanna gossip about everyone?" he teased.

"Gossip!" she replied. "I am not gossiping!" she demanded, but when she thought about it, that is what it sounded like she was doing. She was talking to her husband about the private lives of her friends. All right, so she was gossiping, but only a little, and only because she cared about the people of this town. And could anyone blame her? This was the first home she's ever had since Boston, and she had to fight really hard to be accepted here. Now that she was, she felt a responsibility to help her friends stay happy. She shared her thoughts with her husband.

He smiled and caressed her shoulder, then kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't have ya any other way," he stated, then she leaned her head back down on his shoulder.

A few moments later, she spoke again. "Sully?"

"Mmm?"

"Do ya think Brian's too young to have a sweetheart?"

"Brian? No, not really," he said. "He'll be fourteen real soon, and Sarah's only fifteen. Besides, I don't see no harm in lettin' 'em spend time together. I'm not sayin' they should court, but right now, they're just real good friends, just like us when we first met."

"But, Sully, they've kissed before," she argued.

"So had we," he pointed out. "At your birthday? And we weren't courtin', at least not yet."

"Well, yes, but that was different."

"Why's that?"

"We were adults. They're just children."

"But if we hadn't been, I'da still kissed ya," he admitted.

"Sully!"

"What?"

"Do you mean that?"

"'Course I do. Why are ya so shocked?"

"I don't know. I suppose I hadn't even thought about knowing you when I was Brian's age. Things certainly would have been different."

"Yeah, I woulda had to ask your Pa for permission to marry ya, instead of the kids," he laughed.

"Oh, you know what I mean," she nudged him with her shoulder.

"Yeah, I know," he said as he squeezed her shoulder. "But, I don't see nothin' wrong with Brian and Sarah's relationship. As long as we keep an eye on 'em, they'll be fine."

"I suppose you're right," she agreed.

"I know I'm right," he stated. "Now, is there anyone else on your mind, or is Robert E and Grace, the Reverend and Miss Campbell, and Brian and Sarah, all?" he teased again.

"Well, actually....," she began.

"Who else, Michaela?" Sully asked patiently.

"Matthew," she admitted.

"What's the matter with him?"

"Oh, there's nothing the matter. I was just thinking that it's about time he found a wife and settled down. It's been almost three years since Ingrid died, and now that he's got his homestead rebuilt, I think he needs to be thinking about getting a wife, and starting a family."

"What if he don't wanna start a family?" Sully pointed out.

"I thought about that, but I think he does," she replied.

"What makes ya say that?"

"Well, you know the Farley's," she said. It was a statement and not a question. "They have two daughters, and one is around Matthew's age....Carolyn?" Sully nodded. "She is getting ready to open a bookshop next to the bank, and I sent Matthew over there today to return a book I had borrowed from her. When he came back to take me, Brian and Katie home, he had the strangest look on his face, and he was quiet for the entire ride home. Even when he dropped us off, he didn't say much, just that he was going to his homestead, and would sleep there tonight."

"So, what's so strange about that?"

"Well, that wasn't the first time that he had that look on his face," she answered. "A few weeks ago, she and her mother came into the Clinic. Mrs. Farley needed some nettles for Maryann, and as they were leaving, Matthew came to drop off some medical supplies that arrived on that morning's train. He nearly ran into them as they were walking out the door, and when he stepped aside to let them pass, they stared at each other for a long while. Then, Mrs. Farley and Carolyn left, but Matthew had the same strange look on his face."

"What kind of look was it?"

"The kind that says, 'I'm not sure what's going on', and he was acting very distracted."

"So, maybe you're right," he agreed. "Seems to me, I remember a certain lady who had that same look you're talkin' about on her face when we first met," he reminded her and smiled.

Michaela turned and looked at him, and when she saw his smile, knew he was teasing her again. "And when was this?"

"In the Mercantile," he replied. "When I came ta get my tomahawk outta the notice board."

She remembered that moment, vividly. She had never met anyone like him before, and when their eyes had locked, she knew they had connected in a way she had never connected with anyone before, until Sam Lindsey. With both of them, she knew right away that they were kindred spirits, just in different ways. With Sully, she knew their connection went far deeper than the kinship she felt with Sam. Sam reminded her of herself, and even brought out the more adventurous side of her one night as they all went for a midnight swim. Sully, on the other hand, could read her like a book, and she was sure that she knew it the first time they had met.

"You're right," she admitted. "After I met you, I had almost forgotten why I had come into the Mercantile in the first place." She paused and thought about what he was saying. "So, do you think I'm right? About Matthew and Carolyn?"

"There's a good chance," he agreed, then laughed.

"What?"

"I was just thinkin' 'bout you," he told her.

"What about me?"

"I've only been gone one day, and I come back to an attack of questions about everyone in our lives. Maybe it's good that I'll be stayin' 'round here for the next few months. I sure would hate to have to come home after a long time away and think about all that would have had ya frettin' so much while I was gone."

"I'm not fretting," she emphatically stated.

"Sure ya are," he said. "But, don't worry. I love ya just the way ya are, and I love comin' home to talks like this. It gives us a good time to be together and share our thoughts and views. And we better enjoy this while it lasts, 'cuz in another coupla months, we won't have the peace and quiet we got now. We'll have another little one around, and our quiet time together'll be cut down a lot."

"I know." She sighed. "And that brings me to another thing I wanted to discuss with you," she told him. But she didn't get a chance to start, because Brian opened the door and peeked out.

"Ma, Pa?"

"Yes, Brian?"

"I'm finished with my homework, and I'm gonna be goin' up to bed," he told them. "Katie's asleep on the rug. I don't know how long she's been sleepin' there, but I just wanted to tell ya before I went upstairs."

"Thank you, Brian," Sully replied, then looked at his wife. "How about we take our talkin' inside?" he suggested.

"That sounds good to me. It's getting cold out here," she agreed, so he helped her up, and they went inside.

Part 11

Once Katie was asleep, and Brian was in his room, Sully went downstairs to make sure everything was closed for the night, and all of the lamps were put out. Then, he walked back upstairs and into their room. He took of his shirt and hung it on the bedpost, then walked over to stand behind Michaela, where she was sitting at her dressing table, in her nightgown, brushing her hair. He took the brush from her, smiled at her in the mirror, and completed the task for her.

She began to feel drowsy, and when he was finished, he began to gently massage her shoulders. Now, she was starting to fall asleep under his ministrations, but she still wanted to talk with him about Katie before she fell asleep, so she moved slightly and rose from the chair. She turned around and looked at her husband, and he gave her a puzzled look.

"You were beginning to put me to sleep," she explained. "and I still wanted to discuss something important with you before that happened." She walked around behind him, grasped his shoulders, then walked backwards, pulling him with her towards the bed. "Besides, I think it's about time I gave you a massage, for a change."

He turned around and watched her sit on the bed, then attempt to scoot herself back against the pillows. He could see that this was difficult for her, so he gave her some help. When she was back against the headboard, she motioned for him to come and sit to the side of her, on the bed. He walked around to his side of the bed, and did as she invited. She moved her legs to the side, slightly, so that he could lean back against her rather large belly. She laughed at how they looked, but with her condition, it was the best she could do.

When he was comfortable, she began to massage his shoulders. He immediately relaxed and leaned against her.

"Mmm," he moaned. "Ya got magic hands, Michaela. Why don't ya do this more often?"

"Because you're always massaging my shoulders, and I never want you to stop so that I can give you the same treatment," she replied succinctly.

"Well, I guess I shoulda known that your hands can work miracles. That's what doctors do," he grinned.

"Well, I don't do the miracles, exactly. I'm just the person who helps it along," she corrected him.

"True," he agreed. "I sit corrected."

She smiled at his humor. "Now, are you going to be quiet so that I can get out what I wanted to say, or are we going to banter back and forth for another hour?" she teased.

"Alright, alright, I give up. You win. What's so important?"

"It's about time I won an argument."

"Oh, you win plenty a times," he corrected her. "It's just that in our relationship, when one of us wins, we both come out on the winnin' end."

She blushed, then leaned down to kiss his neck.

"If ya don't get to what ya wanted ta say, we're not goin' to get to it tonight," he warned.

She straightened back up and began to speak. "It's about Katie," she began. "and our new little one, when he or she arrives."

"And....?"

"Well, I remember what it was like trying to balance being a mother, a wife, and a doctor when Katie was born, and I don't want to have to go through that again," she admitted to him. "I don't have Andrew to take over for me, and I don't want Colleen to have to do that part. I'd rather be working with her and letting her get some experience under my guidance, than leave her alone for long periods of time."

"And we're not even sure she'll be at the Clinic the entire time," he pointed out.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she might be out helpin' Andrew at the Chateau."

Michaela thought about that. They were courting, and it only makes sense that she would want to do that. She had just taken it for granted that her daughter would come and work with her. That changes things, too.

"Do you see my predicament?"

"Yep. Whaddya wanna do about it?"

"Well, I was thinking about hiring a sitter for Katie and our new baby at the Clinic. That way I can be with them all day, and I would only have to take short breaks to breast-feed. We could set up one of the recovery rooms, or even the front room on the other side of the Clinic, as a nursery of sorts, and the sitter can watch them in there while I work. Dorothy suggested it to me at lunch today."

"That sounds like a great idea, Michaela. With the kids there, you wouldn't have to leave early. And, you'd be able to stay at the Clinic all the time, 'cept when you're feedin' our baby." He paused as he thought for a moment. "Who'd ya have in mind?"

"That's the problem. I don't have anyone in mind. I don't even know of anyone who would want to stay at the Clinic all day. I thought I would tell you, and then we could both think about it. Two heads are always better than one."

"True." He felt something kick against his back. "Michaela! I just felt the baby kick!"

"I know, Sully." She smiled. "I felt it, too."

"Oh, that's right. I shoulda known that." He smiled, sheepishly, then turned around to face her on the bed. "Is it still kickin'?"

"Yes, do you want to feel it?"

"Sure."

She placed his hand over where the baby was kicking, and held it there. A few moments later, it kicked again, and again.

"It sure is active. Whaddya think it is?"

"Oh, I don't know, Sully. But, does it matter?"

"No. I'll be happy with a healthy baby, no matter if it's a boy or a girl," he assured her.

"Good," she replied. "Now, why don't we get some sleep. It's been a long day, and you have to be up early to head out to Soda Springs."

He sighed. "Yeah, I know," he said. "But, how about a little Whitman before bed?"

"I'd love it," she sighed, smiling.

He moved around so that he was laying against his pillows, helped her lie down, then moved over so that he could place his arm around her and draw her to him. She laid her head on his shoulder and turned slightly towards him, but her large belly prevented her from turning too far or getting too close. She laughed and reached down to rub it, lovingly.

"Good night, little one," she spoke to her unborn baby.

"Don't keep us up, tonight," Sully said as he caressed her the swell of her stomach, too.

Michaela turned her head to look up at her husband and smiled.

"I love you," she told him.

"I love you, too," he replied, then leaned down to let his kiss show her.

She kissed him back, and then leaned her head back on his shoulder, closed her eyes and prepared to listen to his voice reading poetry. Sully reached for the book he always kept on his nightstand, and opened it to where he had been reading, earlier:

"'Hark close and still what I now whisper to you,
I love you, O you entirely possess me,
O that you and I escape from the rest and go utterly off, free and lawless,
Two hawks in the air, two fishes swimming in the sea not more lawless than we;
The furious storm through me careering, I passionately trembling,
The oath of the inseparableness of two together, of the woman that loves me,
And whom I love more than my life, that oath swearing,
O, I willingly stake all for you,
O let me be lost if it must be so!
O you and I! What is it to us what the rest do or think?
What is all else to us? Only that we enjoy each other if it must be so.....
From the one so unwilling to have me leave,
And me just as unwilling to leave,
Yet a moment, O tender waiter, and I return.'"

Sully looked down at his wife, and saw that she was fast asleep, a very peaceful and loving smile formed on her mouth, evidence that she had enjoyed the poetry as much as he. So, he laid the book aside, then reached over to turn out the lamp. He stayed awake for a few moments, just marveling at this beautiful woman he had sleeping beside him. He really didn't deserve to have her love, but he did. And now, she was going to have another one of his babies. Love for both of them, as well as his other three children, swelled inside of him, and he drifted off to sleep, a contented smile to match his wife's on his lips.

Continued