Breath of Life (cont'd)

Part 12

Michaela joined Sully on his last day of surveying, and on that trip, she told him of Marshall Burch's return to Colorado Springs. He had come following Rudy Exner, a man he had been tracing for days. He had heard that Exner was coming back to find the gold he had stolen, for which he had been imprisoned years before. One night, as Burch came upon him, he reached for a gun, but the Marshall fired first, killing the man. When a fiction writer who had been traveling with Exner claimed to have witnessed the scene, he said that Exner didn't have a gun, so Burch was arrested for murder.

Burch knew he was innocent, and rather than accept a drunk lawyer, appointed by the district judge, he chose Matthew to defend him. The trial started out not looking good for Burch, but Matthew, along with help from Michaela, discovered what really happened, and eventually proved Burch's innocence.

On the return trip from near Soda Springs, Sully and Michaela had rested, and Michaela had begun to feel pains in her abdomen. She stumbled while rinsing her face in the stream, struck her head on a rock, and fell unconscious. Once she regained consciousness, she and Sully were forced to take up shelter in an abandoned cabin, nearby, to help Michaela rest and to ensure that she didn't succumb to a coma, nor suffer a concussion. They both were especially concerned about the life of their unborn baby, so they did everything they could to make sure that she didn't over-exert herself.

In order to keep her awake, Sully began talking about all the things that had happened in their lives, and just when he thought she was out of danger, she cried out to him in pain, telling him that they had never talked about the miscarriage she had experienced last year. This led to a heart-felt discussion between the two of them, both revealing their feelings, and Sully telling Michaela that he had gone off to mourn the loss of their baby. In the end, they became closer from the bond they shared over this tragic loss, but at the same time, rejoiced in the knowledge that another baby was still on its way.

Shortly after they returned home, news spread that a prize-fighting boxer, "Barracuda" Jim Barnes, would be coming to town. Michaela and Sully wanted to do what they could to help their friends, so they tried to have a counseling time with their friends to patch up their marriage, but it ended with Robert E storming out of the church and going to vent his frustration over the death of his son and the demise of his marriage by stepping into the ring with the champ.

After the fighter was beaten twice by Robert E, Michaela tended to his injuries, and discovered that he was on the verge of losing his eyesight, if he continued to fight. She implored him to retire, but he refused. As the day, of what may have been Barracuda's last fight, approached, Sully decided that he was going to take Katie and pay a visit to Grace. It seemed that she was the only one who would be able to stop Robert E from killing Barnes.

Sully walked with Katie over to the Café and forced Grace to take a break and talk to them. At first, she didn't want to do it, but at Sully's urging, she agreed. She knew what Sully was trying to do, and she just wasn't in the mood for it. However, one look at her god-daughter, Katie, and one second of holding her, after Sully had pushed Katie into her arms, and she began to feel like her old self again. There was just something about that little girl that helped her forget about her problems and get on with living.

When Sully told her about Robert E fighting, and said that she was the only one who could stop him, she didn't believe him. She just figured on letting Robert E do what he wanted to do. After all, he wasn't hurting as much as she, and he could make up his own mind. However, Sully explained that he had been talking to Robert E and told her that he *was* hurting, very much. He was grieving over the loss of their son as much as she, and since she had left him, this was the only way he thought would make him feel better. Despite Grace's feelings of loneliness and loss, she still loved Robert E, and she couldn't let him go through with this last fight. It would be a different story if he was lashing out against an inanimate object, but he wasn't. He was fighting a real human being, a man who may very well go blind if he gets hit in the wrong place again.

So, she decided to do what she could to stop him. She was there at the fight, and when Robert E had "Barracuda" backed into a corner, Sully climbed into the ring to pull him off. She hollered out to him, imploring him with her voice to stop fighting. He immediately stopped and everyone around became quiet. Robert E looked at her as he left the ring, then walked right on by her.

A few days later, Barnes' manager approached him to take him on the road. When Grace expressed her opposition, they had an argument about her cold- shoulder treatment of him over the past few months, and he walked off. That night, as Sully was waiting for Michaela to close up the Clinic, Grace walked by the wagon and said goodnight to them, preparing to walk home alone. But, when Michaela spoke with her about Robert E, echoing what she had gotten out of what he had said to her earlier, she went to the Livery.

She and Robert E talked about everything that had been happening since Anthony died. She apologized and reached out to him, telling him that she needed him and still loved him. He hesitated, but finally took her hand and they embraced, overcome by all of the emotions that had been whirling around inside of them. In the end, they both walked back home.

Now that their friends were back together, Michaela and Sully decided that they were going to turn their attention to the upcoming graduation of their daughter, Colleen, from college. It would happen in about a week, and they needed to make plans to attend the ceremonies in Denver.

"Sully, I can't believe that Colleen is graduating from college, already," Michaela exclaimed to her husband one morning at the Clinic.

"I know what ya mean," he replied. "It seems like yesterday when we put her on that train for the first time, and here she is, all grown up and graduatin'."

"She's not going to be the same girl we once had. She's a lady, and I don't know if I can handle not thinking of her as a girl," Michaela confessed. "Still, it will be nice to talk with her about some of the latest advances in medicine and to find out about any new approaches to treatment."

"You're forgettin', Michaela, that Colleen might not wanna be workin' all the time here at the Clinic," Sully reminded her.

She sighed. "I know. I suppose I'm hoping that she will. Because if she doesn't, that still leaves us with the problem of finding some help for me once the baby is born."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Michaela called, and Mrs. Farley, along with her daughter, Maryann, stepped inside. "Good morning, Mrs. Farley. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Good morning, Dr. Mike. No, there's nothin' we need. We were just on our way over to the Mercantile, and thought we'd stop in to say 'hi'," Mrs. Farley replied.

Maryann smiled her greeting, and then saw Katie sitting over in her play area in the corner. She walked over to the little girl and smiled. Katie looked up and smiled back, then stood up and reached for Maryann, who, in turn, picked her up.

"Wow, you're such a big girl," she exclaimed. "And so beautiful," she continued, as she stroked the long, blond locks on the girl's head.

Michaela and Sully had been watching this interchange with amazement. "She's never reached for a stranger like that before," Michaela observed. "She's always cried unless she sees me with them, and then looks at me to make sure the person is alright."

"Looks like she's taken a likin' to Maryann," Sully stated.

"And it looks like Maryann likes your Katie just as well," Mrs. Farley added.

All of sudden, a thought crossed Michaela's mind. She turned to look at Sully, and his agreement showed in his eyes, so she faced Mrs. Farley. "Mrs. Farley, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, go right ahead," Mrs. Farley replied.

"How old is Maryann?"

"She's seventeen, why?"

"And has she finished school?"

"Yes, she just graduated last month," she answered again. She looked at both Michaela and Sully with a bewildered expression on her face. "What's all this about?"

"Well, Sully and I have been thinking about finding someone to watch Katie during the day while I'm here at work. When Katie was born, I had Dr. Cook here to help me and to work when I had to leave. But, now he has his own practice, and I can't afford to take on another doctor. Our daughter, Colleen, will be coming home next week, but I can't leave the Clinic with her, either," she paused as she rubbed her stomach.

"Once our baby is born, I'm going to need to keep him/her here at the Clinic for feedings. I didn't want to leave Katie at home, and I didn't want to have to go home to feed, so I thought of having someone stay here at the Clinic. We were having some trouble trying to think of someone who would be able to fill that position," she paused again as she allowed Mrs. Farley to understand what she was saying. "Do you think Maryann would be interested in taking the job?"

Mrs. Farley looked over at her youngest daughter and saw how well she was getting along with Katie. The two of them were playing so happily, and Maryann looked as if she had known Katie for her entire life. She was wondering what Maryann could do now that she had finished school, and had thought of her helping at the bookshop. But, now, it looked as if she didn't have to worry anymore.

She turned back to Dr. Mike and Sully. "I think she would love it," she replied. "I was going to have her help Carrie and me at the bookshop, but I think she would be much happier here."

"Shall we ask her," Michaela invited, and the three walked over to where the two girls sat.

"Maryann," her mother began, and she looked up. "Dr. Mike, here, just told me about a need for a sitter for Katie and her new baby when it's born. Do you think you'd like to take the job?"

Maryann looked, first, at her mother, and then at Dr. Mike, and then back at Katie. She would love it more than anything in the world. She absolutely loved this little girl. She looked back at her mother, then exclaimed, "Yes! Yes, I would! More than anything!" and she jumped up and hugged her mother.

Sully and Michaela smiled at each other, and Sully grasped her hand, looking into her eyes. They had made the right choice. Maryann would be a great sitter, and she would be a great help around the Clinic once the baby was born. This made them feel a whole lot better. Now, they just had to work on planning for Colleen's graduation.

Within the next week, Colleen had received her certificate and had returned home. She was halfway down the road to becoming a doctor. Now, she only had medical school to attend, and then she would be Dr. Cooper. The thought brought shivers of excitement coursing through her. Those two years could hardly go by fast enough.

Everyone had come to the graduation: Ma, Pa, Brian, Matthew, Katie, and even Andrew, although she wasn't surprised that he had attended. Ever since they had decided to court last year, and then when they had declared their love for one another, he had done his best to visit her often and to make special plans for the two of them whenever they were together. Now that she was home for the summer, the only problem she faced was where she was going to spend her days.

Should she work with her Ma at the Clinic, or should she work with Andrew at the Chateau? She would love to be with Andrew all day, but her Ma was going to have another baby soon would need her help. Dr. Mike was most likely counting on her to come work at the Clinic, and Colleen wasn't sure that was what she wanted to do. But, she didn't have to decide right away. She could talk to her Ma about it, and tell her how she feels, and then go from there.

She was at home one day with her Ma and Katie while Sully and her two brothers were outside working on the wagon, when Andrew knocked on the door. He told her that he wanted to speak to her privately, and she walked outside with him. She watched as everyone else suspiciously disappeared into the house, and she wondered what was going on.

"Colleen, I...." he began.

"Yes?"

"I came over to, to speak to you, because.....I wanted to know if.....that is, would you....I mean, do you think....." He sighed. This wasn't going well at all.

"Andrew, whatever it is you have to say to me, you know you can say it," Colleen encouraged.

He took a deep breath, "Colleen, I love you," he said then stopped.

"I love you, too, Andrew, but I'm sure you didn't ride all the way out here just to tell me that. Now, what's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing's wrong, I assure you." He paused again. "I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you getting accepted into medical college. You'll make a fine doctor." He was avoiding the topic, and he knew she knew it.

"Andrew," she admonished.

He wondered how he was ever going to say this. "Have you made arrangements to stay with someone while you're attending?"

Now, she was really confused. Why would he be concerned about her living arrangements? "No, but they assured me that there would be plenty of rooms available at the college or at a local boarding house," she replied.

"Well, what would you think if I moved my practice out to Philadelphia, and you lived with me?" That didn't sound right at all.

"Andrew!" Colleen exclaimed, shocked that he would suggest such a thing, but then stopped. If he was saying what she thought he was saying.... "Andrew, are you....?"

He took her hands in his. "Colleen, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed and jumped into his arms. They immediately raced in to tell her family.

Meanwhile, things weren't going so well for other members of the town. Jake decided to sell his half of the Gold Nugget to pay off the mortgage on his wife, Teresa's, house, but when Hank only offered him a thousand dollars, he sought a better offer.....from Preston. Hank was angered when he learned about this, but then a tragedy began to sweep the nation: the stock market crashed in New York, and Preston was hit really hard. He had to sell his newly-acquired half of the Gold Nugget to Hank, call in Dorothy's loan on the Gazette, and put up the Springs Chateau for sale.

The townspeople were not very understanding, and Preston was left all alone to deal with his financial crisis. He understood that they had lost their money, but so did he. At least they could still live in their homes. He wasn't even sure he could remain in Colorado Springs. But, he wasn't going to give up, and he wasn't about to ask his father for any money. He wasn't even going to tell his father about this. He would just remind him about his foolish adventures and investments, and tell him how wrong he was. So, Preston had to bear the burden on his own.

Being alone was something to which Preston had become accustomed. While growing up, he had always had to fight for his father's attention, and being the smallest and youngest of his brothers, he almost always lost. As a result, his father paid him less and less attention, and his brothers continually teased and tormented him. He spent a lot of time in his room or out reading and learning how to become a successful businessman. If he couldn't win his father's attention, he would attract it. However, before long, this passion to succeed consumed his every waking moment, and on his way to success, he destroyed what may have been many good friendships and relationships. So, now, as he had always been, he was alone, and was more determined than ever to change that lot in life.

Colleen was so excited, and the days passed quickly as they prepared for the wedding. Her Ma seemed to be fussing over everything, and to her, seemed to be acting more like Grandma with every detail. When she talked to her about it, she realized that her Ma really didn't want her to marry Andrew now. She wanted her to wait until she finished medical school, and Colleen just didn't want to do that. She spoke to Andrew about this, and he agreed that they would still love each other after two years, so they decided to postpone the wedding. When Colleen came home and told her family the news, Michaela immediately felt guilty, knowing that is was because of her that this decision had been made.

The next day, at the Clinic, Andrew stopped by for some stinging nettles, and Michaela tried to talk to him. He assured her that she was right. He didn't want to distract Colleen in any way from her studies to become a doctor, and if he were there as her husband, that's just what would happen. So, he decided to remain in Colorado Springs. As he left, Sully entered. They said hello to one another, and then Sully closed the door, saying that he couldn't think of a better husband for Colleen.

Michaela turned away and faced her desk. Sully came up behind her and asked what was wrong. She told him that she had been thinking about Loren and Marjorie, and how a lot could happen in two years. He placed his arms around her, and turned her to face him. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"I know what ya mean. When I married Abigail, I never woulda thought I'd lose her so soon, an' I know Matthew was hurtin' when he lost Ingrid to rabies. An' even though Robert E and Grace knew about Anthony's illness, the two years they had with him flew by. Ya just never can predict what life'll throw at ya. It has a way of takin' its own course, and if ya don't do somethin' when ya first want to, ya might not get the chance again. Just think about Boston. I knew that I couldn't wait ta see if ya'd come back, and waitin' two years 'fore we were married seemed like an eternity."

She looked up at him. "So, do you think they should get married?"

"I think it's up to them, but I know a lotta their decision came from wantin' ta please ya," he replied, honestly.

"You're right, Sully. I'll go tell them," she said and moved to step out of his embrace.

"Do ya have to tell 'em right now?" he asked, suggestively.

"No," she replied, playing along with him. "I suppose it can wait."

Part 13

As final preparations were underway, again, excitement filled the air. However, two days before the wedding, Colleen was sitting downstairs with her Ma, working on her wedding dress. She didn't know how to approach this topic, but she thought that the best way was to ask it right out.

"Ma?"

"Hmm?"

"What's the wedding night like?"

"What?" Michaela's head popped up in surprise.

"What is the wedding night like?" she asked again.

Michaela set down the gown and her hands on the table, and looked at her daughter. She knew that this conversation was going to come eventually, so why was she so shocked?

"I really don't know what to tell you, Colleen," she stated honestly.

"Well, were you nervous?"

"Nervous? I was terrified. But, at the same time, I was eagerly anticipating the night to come. The biggest thing that worried me was that Sully had been married before, and I had fears of disappointing him." She paused, not sure how much she should tell Colleen. After all, her mother never talked about this when she was growing up. All of her questions had been answered by her father or her father's medical books. But, oh, how she wished her mother had talked with her. It might have made this conversation a little easier.

"Was it painful?"

Michaela took Colleen's hand in hers. "Colleen, I know that you know what happens between a man and a woman. You have learned a lot working beside me for the past six years, and medically there's nothing that you don't already know, but there's not much I can tell you to adequately prepare you for what will happen. It's different for every couple, but one thing that I can say, is that while it may be uncomfortable at first, you will be too absorbed in your emotions that you will hardly notice it."

At this, Colleen blushed, her naiveté obvious.

"The best advice I can give you is to not worry about it too much. Your mind will conjure up all kinds of things, but if you dwell on them, you'll miss out on what will be a very wonderful experience."

Colleen took her Ma's advice and allowed it to sink in. Then, she leaned over to give her a hug. "Thanks, Ma, for everything."

"You're quite welcome, Colleen. Now, let's get this dress finished. The wedding's only two days away."

"Don't remind me," Colleen said, and they both laughed.

When the dress was finished, and Colleen had gone up to bed, Michaela turned out the lamps, and made her way upstairs to her bedroom. Sully had put Katie to sleep and remained upstairs to give his wife and daughter some time alone. Now, as Michaela came in and prepared for bed, he rose from the rocking chair and stood behind her at her dressing table. He took her brush and began pulling it through her long, coppery strands.

"You and Colleen have a nice talk?"

"Yes, we did," she replied, but then she stopped and looked in the mirror at her husband. He had a distinctive smirk on his face. "How did...."

"I started to come down the stairs when I heard Colleen askin' the question," he explained, "but then I realized that ya didn't need me down there, so I came back here to our room."

"I wish you would have been there," she confessed.

"No, ya don't, Michaela. 'Cause you woulda been even more nervous with me sittin' there than ya were."

"How do you know I was nervous?" she challenged.

"I know ya," he replied and smiled, then set down the brush and helped her undress for bed. It was becoming more and more difficult for her as the end of her pregnancy neared, and he didn't want her overdoing it. Once her nightgown was on, he helped her into bed, and then went around to get in on the other side. He pulled her to him, and she went willingly into his embrace, placing her head in the familiar hollow between his neck and shoulder.

"So, did ya tell her all about the first night?" he teased.

"Well, I told her what she needed to know," she replied.

"An' what was that?"

"That she would be too absorbed in the moment to notice the initial discomfort."

"Absorbed, is it? Is that what we were?"

She knew he was still teasing her, so she played along with his game. "Among other things," she replied.

"What things?"

"Well, for starters," she said as she began drawing lazy circles across his chest with her fingers, "I remember someone was a little too preoccupied to notice that it was still daylight outside," she teased.

"An' I remember makin' it dark for ya, so ya wouldn't have nothin' to give ya any excuse to stall," he teased in return.

"Stalling? Is that what you thought I was doing?"

"Well, what else would ya call it?"

"Oh, I don't know, perhaps tempting you to see if you would take the bait," she said.

"Bait? Ya mean you were just playin' with me, to see how long you could keep me busy?"

"Otherwise occupied, yes. But, after that second time you pulled down the shades, I realized that I couldn't wait any longer, so I pulled the last one down for you," she admitted.

"Oh, so I was that temptin', huh?"

"Among other things," she said and smiled, lifting her head to look at him.

He reached over and cupped her face, looking deep into her eyes. "So, would ya say that we were too absorbed to notice anythin' else?"

"I would say that's an excellent description," she whispered. "In fact, we still are."

With a little more than a month left before the baby was born, Sully knew they shouldn't make love, but he was just as content to lie here with his wife in his arms and cuddle her to him. He drew her closer to him and locked his eyes with hers, then leaned down for a very long kiss. Remembering what it was like just before Katie was born, he knew this would be a long four weeks.

The church was decorated with several arrangements of flowers, Colleen had asked her Ma to be her Matron of Honor, Andrew had asked Matthew to be his Best Man, and Colleen had asked Sully to give her away, despite the fact that she had sent a wire to her biological father about the wedding. When the day finally arrived, and the family arrived in town, Michaela told Sully that she had something she had to do first, and headed over to the cemetery. Colleen watched her leave, and waited a few moments before following behind her. Matthew, Brian, Katie and Sully went into the Clinic to get dressed for the wedding.

Michaela walked over to Charlotte Cooper's grave and laid a bouquet of flowers on it, telling her about her daughter's wedding day, expressing her wish that Charlotte could be there to see it. When she talked about not being sure if she had done as good a job at raising Colleen as Charlotte would have done, Colleen came up and assured her that she had, saying that she couldn't have picked a better person to raise her three children.

As the ceremony began, Brian walked Katie down the aisle as the flower girl, and then Michaela came down as the Matron of Honor. She felt more like she was waddling with how distended her belly was with the growth of the baby, but this was Colleen's day, and no one seemed to notice, for which she was very grateful. Grace was playing the piano, and everyone stood as she switched to the wedding march. Sully came in, escorting Colleen, and together they walked down the aisle to face the Reverend.

Andrew's eyes were glued on Colleen, and hers on him. He remembered when he first arrived in Colorado Springs and when slipped in the mud. Colleen had helped him up, assuring him that everyone took a fall now and then. When her hand grasped his, he felt something stir in his heart, and knew that his life would never be the same again. Now, as she faced him, moments from becoming his wife, he knew that all of his dreams of a true and everlasting love were about to come true. He signaled to the Reverend that it was time to begin the ceremony, and watched as he stepped up to face the congregation.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together, in the presence of God and man, to join together, in holy matrimony, Colleen Cooper and Andrew Cook. The marriage of two people is a blessed union, and should not be entered into lightly. Who comes to give this woman to be married to this man?"

"Her Ma and I do," Sully spoke out and then took his seat on the front bench. Brian was sitting next to him, holding Katie in his lap.

As the Reverend continued with the ceremony, Michaela looked over at Sully, and her thoughts went back to when she was where her daughter was now standing. She could hardly believe that it had only been three short years. As she focused on Sully, she knew that his thoughts were along the same lines as hers.

Matthew, too, was thinking of his marriage to Ingrid. While it hadn't been official, in his eyes, they were married. He had confessed his love to her, telling her that he would love her until the day he died, and then he had laid down next to her on the bed, holding her in his arms, staying with her until she took her last breath. As he looked at his little sister, he was very happy that she and Andrew decided to get married now. He, of all people, knew that life is very unpredictable, and offered no guarantee that they would both still be here in two years.

Then, his eyes shifted out over the congregation and caught the eyes of Carrie. As the vows were being spoken between Colleen and Andrew, Matthew found himself wondering if it would be disloyal to Ingrid if he were to fall in love again. Then, he thought about Sully and Dr. Mike and realized that Ingrid would want him to be happy, not spending the rest of his life mourning her death. So, he made a decision that day to talk with Carrie and possibly begin courting. Now that his homestead was finished, he could think about settling down, and he knew that Carrie was the one he wanted as his wife. As he looked at Carrie, he realized that she was thinking the same thing.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," the Reverend was saying. "Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride," he concluded.

Andrew faced Colleen, and slowly lifted her veil. He cupped his hands around her face and leaned in to place a soft kiss on her lips. When he pulled away, they both smiled. He gave her another brief kiss, and then they turned to walk back up the aisle as Grace played the recessional music.

At the reception, which was outside in the meadow, everyone was either dancing or talking, waiting for the time to eat. Colleen switched partners from Andrew to Brian to Matthew to Sully and back to Andrew again. She thought she would never stop dancing, and when she and Andrew took a break, Brian gave her his gift, a silver-framed picture of their family to take with her to college. She thanked him and then asked him to dance with her. Andrew was happy because it gave him a chance to rest.

Loren walked up to Dorothy and asked her why she wasn't dancing. When she said she was tired, he decided to tell her about the deal he made for the Gazette. He handed her an envelope, and when she opened it and realized what it was, she kissed him on the cheek and thanked him from her heart. Then, he led her over to Cloud Dancing and encouraged them to dance together. He realized that she deserved, just as much as anyone, to be happy, and with him, she was.

Jake and Teresa were standing off to the side, and when Teresa commented on the two of them dancing, he told her that he had been up all night, sketching, and he was tired. When she asked him about what he was sketching, he showed her the most beautiful house she had ever seen. She couldn't believe that he was going to be building her a house, and she hugged him exuberantly, showing her gratitude. After that, they went onto the dance floor and began dancing.

Robert E and Grace were dancing, and he commented on how happy she looked lately. She told him that she had a reason for it, and then announced that she was pregnant. He stopped dancing, and looked at her to make sure that he heard her right, and when she nodded, he picked her up and swung her around, then set her down and gave her a kiss. She told him that she had stopped in to see Dr. Mike last week, and was given the good news. They both realized that this was God's way of telling them that He knew how much they were hurting from Anthony, and knew that a baby would be the best thing in the world for them. While they wanted to shout out the news to everyone, they also didn't want to take the spotlight off of Colleen and Andrew's special day. There was plenty of time to tell everyone after today. For now, they were happy just sharing the secret between themselves.

Daniel was out of town with a job, so Anna Marie Sheehan danced with Loren. They had formed a good relationship from all of the times Sarah had been in the store to pick up supplies. But, the main reason is because Sarah and Brian were courting, and since Loren was like a grand-father to Brian, he and Mrs. Sheehan became good friends. They both watched as Sarah danced with Brian, and smiled.

Elizabeth Campbell led the Reverend onto the dancing platform, and they both realized that even though he was blind, he didn't need to see, to dance. The only problem was knowing when someone was around, so Elizabeth gave him little warnings now and then to let him know. They were both amazed at how quickly their relationship had developed from friendship to love. There was just something special about him that she noticed when they first met, and she realized that she had found the man with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life.

Hank and Anabel were standing off to the side, and Hank was a little hesitant to get out there and dance. He wasn't much for dancing, and he knew that he would shock everyone there if he did. However, Anabel was all the reason he needed to get out and dance, so he held out his hand to her, and together they stepped onto the platform. As he led her into the reel, he was aware of all of the stares he was getting from those gathered, but he didn't care.

Matthew ended his dance with Colleen, and walked over to Carrie. She smiled when she saw him coming, and when he held out his hand to her, she accepted and joined him on the floor. They danced together as if they had been doing it for years, not as if this was their first time, and Matthew knew that this relationship would soon develop into something more.

Part 14

Michaela had been standing off to the side, watching her daughter and son-in- law with love. She couldn't be happier, and was glad that they had decided to get married after all. While she was sad to see her go, she knew it was for the best. Colleen would go to Philadelphia after she and Andrew had their honeymoon, and Andrew would follow a week later on the train that would carry their belongings. He would set up his practice in Philadelphia and find a place for them to live. As she looked at how happy they were, she knew this was for the best.

Sully came up behind her and placed him arms around her waist. "It's for the best, Michaela," he said, echoing her thoughts.

"I know," she sighed as she leaned back against him. "I was just thinking about how much I'll miss her, but I know that she and Andrew will be very happy together."

"An' who knows, maybe they'll decide to come back here and set up their practice once the two years are up."

"Do you think they would, Sully?" she asked eagerly.

"I don't know, but I do know that they're gonna be surprised when we show them our wedding gift," he said in her ear and she smiled. They had been working on the gift they would give to the couple since they had definitely decided to get married, and they couldn't wait until the reception was over to show it to them. There wasn't much time for a bridal luncheon, so the gifts that would have been given to Colleen for that were saved and added to the ones given to her and Andrew for the wedding.

Sully unlocked his arms and stepped around to face her, holding out his hand. "Shall we?" he invited, and she placed her hand in his as he helped her onto the platform. It was difficult dancing, and he didn't want to tire her out too much, but she seemed to be doing alright, so he wasn't too worried. They danced until it was time for everyone to sit and eat the meal that Grace had prepared.

At various intervals during the meal, the guests tapped their glasses and Andrew and Colleen shared kisses. When it was time to cut the cake, they stood in front of the four-tier creation, exclaiming at what a wonderful job Grace had done, then shared a kiss before cutting the first piece together.

All too soon, at least to Colleen, it was time for them to leave. They were planning on going to the Chateau for their honeymoon, since that afforded the most privacy. Even though Preston had sold it, the new owner decided to leave things as they were, so they were able to reserve one of the honeymoon suites. As they began saying their farewells, Sully and Michaela approached them with a gift in their hands. When they stood in front of the couple, they handed the small package to them.

Andrew opened it, and when he pulled out a key, he looked at them with a question in his eyes.

"We been workin' on a weddin' present for ya since ya decided ta get married," he began. "The whole town helped, and we made sure the place would stay empty."

Andrew and Colleen still weren't sure what they were saying, so Michaela continued. "It's the old Harper place. They left about a month ago, and no one's moved in since, so we decided to fix it up for you both for your honeymoon. We knew that you would be needing some privacy, and it's located about a mile out of town in a secluded spot, near a creek, with a lot of trees surrounding it."

Colleen gasped. "Ma! Sully! I can't believe you did something like this!" she exclaimed and hugged them both.

"It is, by far, the best present we could receive," Andrew said and shook both of their hands. "Thank you."

The said the remainder of their goodbyes, then Andrew helped Colleen into the wagon decorated with flowers and tin cans tied to strings on the back. There was a sign on the back saying, 'Just married,' and the townsfolk threw rice at them as they drove away.

Sully placed his arms around Michaela as they left, and placed a kiss on her temple. "I'll miss her, too."

When they arrived at the house, the sun had already begun to set. They were surprised to find a sign hanging from the trellice which said, "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Cook."

Andrew reached over and took Colleen's hand in his. "Mr. and Mrs. Cook," he read. "I like the sound of that." Colleen turned to him and smiled. He let go of her hands and stepped down from the wagon, coming around to her side. He reached up his hand and invited, "Shall we?"

She looked down at him, nervously, then over at the house where they would be spending the next week-and-a-half. For all of the knowledge she had and even with the talk she had with her Ma, she still wasn't too sure about what would happen once they went inside. She knew that she was the happiest that she had been in her life, but at the same time, she was worried that she wouldn't know what to do. She knew that Andrew was as inexperienced as she, but he was a man, and would surely be eager to get inside. As she looked back at him, she saw a hint of nervousness in him, as well, and was surprised.

He knew what she was thinking, because he was worried about it, too. "Don't worry, Colleen," he tried to assure her. He wanted to say more, but he couldn't bring himself to say any more.

Just in those three words, Andrew had given her all the assurance she needed. She knew that he would take things slow because he loved her. Everything was going to be fine, she told herself, as she placed her hand in his and stepped down from the wagon. Together, they walked towards the door, and when they stood in front of it, Andrew pulled out the key and opened the door, then swung Colleen up into his arms. He stepped over the threshold, then kissed his wife.

"Welcome to our home for the next week-and-a-half," he said as he set her down.

They looked around and saw two chairs placed in front of the fireplace in the living room and a fire was already crackling, casting playful shadows on the wall from the dancing flames. The rooms had been swept clean, there were rugs scattered throughout the three rooms, and all of the curtains had been pulled closed. They walked into the kitchen and found enough food in the storage boxes to last them for the duration of their honeymoon. The bedroom had a beautiful double-wedding ring quilt, made by the sewing circle, and in the colors that were on the wedding cake: blue and mauve. Nothing had been forgotten, and they knew that everyone had done everything they could to assure that they wouldn't be disturbed.

Andrew turned to Colleen and asked, "Should we bring in our presents?"

She looked at him and nodded her head. She didn't trust herself to speak, she was so overwhelmed with the beauty of the house. Hand in hand, they walked out to the wagon and carried in their gifts, placing them by the wall under the front window. When the last one was taken out, Andrew unhitched the horse and tethered him to the hitching post out front. Then, he took Colleen's hand again and led her back into the house. After he closed the door, they just stood there together, not saying anything. Neither one of them knew what they should do.

Andrew knew that Colleen was nervous, but so was he. He was so overwhelmed with the knowledge that Colleen was his wife, but he didn't know how to go about initiating what he knew came next. He looked out the window and noticed that the sun was almost down and it was beginning to get very dark.

"I think we should light some lamps," he said suddenly, and stepped away from Colleen to walk over to the table.

"All right," she replied and followed his lead. He lit one lamp, and she lit another, then they both met at the third lamp, which was sitting on the little table between the two chairs.

Andrew looked down at Colleen and was amazed at how beautiful she looked in the lamplight. The flames from the fireplace added to the effect, and he found that he couldn't stop himself from leaning down to kiss her. She responded, and soon they lost all sense of time and place as they became absorbed in the kiss they shared.

Moments later, they mutually broke it off to take some deep breaths. Their hearts were beating wildly, and they were both amazed at the emotions that were swirling inside of them. Their love for each other was evident in their eyes, and the emotions Colleen saw flickering in Andrew's eyes caused her to look down and blush. She knew that he was ready for their wedding night, but she wasn't so sure about herself.

Andrew noticed this, so he stepped away from her and took a blanket off of one of the chairs, settled it on the rug in front of the fireplace, then invited her to sit on the blanket. Once she was settled, he left to go into the kitchen. He noticed that someone had recently boiled some water and left some tea out, so he took two cups, filled them with tea, then carried them out to Colleen in front of the fireplace. He handed one cup to her, then joined her on the floor.

"Thank you," she said as she took the cup.

The heat emanating from the fireplace was enough to keep them both warm, so he shrugged out of his suit jacket and took off his tie, then undid the first two buttons of his shirt. They both sipped their tea in silence, and then Andrew spoke up. "Colleen, I know you're nervous about tonight, and I wanted to let you know that I am, too. We don't have to rush anything, and if at any moment, you become uncomfortable, feel free to let me know. I'm as new to this as you, and we can take our time."

"I know that, Andrew, it's just that...." she stopped.

"What is it, Colleen? You know that you can tell me anything. If something is bothering you, I really want to know."

"It's just that....well, my Ma and I had a talk about being married and going to medical school, and I know that there's going to be a chance that I can get pregnant, and well, I don't want that to happen until after I'm finished," she said and then she looked at Andrew to see what his reaction would be. She knew what this meant, and saw that he did, too.

Andrew thought about it for a moment before speaking. He set his cup on the table and did the same with hers, then reached for her hands. "Colleen, I feel the same way as you do. I don't want anything to hinder you from completing your studies and finishing medical school. And if that means that we have to wait to start our family, then that is how it will have to be."

"Oh, Andrew, are you sure it's all right?" she asked, hopefully.

"Yes, Colleen, I'm certain. I suppose it's a good thing we're both doctors. Besides, I don't think a little child will be able to make the trip from Philadelphia to Colorado Springs too easily," he stated and smiled, waiting for Colleen to realize what he was suggesting.

She sat and thought about what he said, about a little child traveling. Did that mean that he didn't plan on staying in Philadelphia once she was finished? "Andrew," she began, "are you saying that we're gonna move back home, here, and set up our medical practice?"

"If that's what you want," he replied.

"Oh, yes! More than anything!" she answered, enthusiastically, throwing her arms around her husband and causing them both to fall back in her exuberance.

Andrew wrapped his arms around her to cushion her fall, and was fully aware of how they were lying. He was astounded at how beautiful Colleen looked, her face mere inches from his own. When she realized their position, she immediately tried to sit up, but Andrew held her in place. He took one of his hands and caressed her face, then slowly moved his hand down her neck and across her bare shoulder. She shuttered as a chill passed over her body, and Andrew smiled. He placed his hand at the back of her head to draw her lips down to meet his, and initiated a long and passionate kiss.

As he rolled them both over, so that he was now lying partially over her, he broke off the kiss and smiled down at her. He was amazed at how natural everything felt, and as he leaned down to again kiss her soft, sweet lips, she placed her fingers over his mouth to stop him. He looked at her, questioningly.

"I think.....we should.....um....." she stopped, unable to continue, and hoping that Andrew would realize what she was thinking.

He paused, trying to understand what she was trying to tell him, and when she looked in the direction of the bedroom, he understood. "Are you certain?" he asked, not wanting to rush anything, even though that was exactly what he felt like doing. He had to think of Colleen, too, and if they continued, a child could very well come of their consummating their marriage.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. It would have most likely come out in a whisper, anyway, so she remained silent. He smiled, slightly, at her shyness, yet detected a slight eagerness in her eyes. He gave her a quick kiss, then moved to rise. When they were both standing, he lifted her easily into his arms, took a couple of steps, then paused to kiss her again. He walked the remainder of the steps to the bedroom, his eyes never leaving her face. When they were standing by the bed, he looked down and saw that the covers had already been turned down. As with the curtains and the fire in the fireplace, as well as the supply of food, nothing had been forgotten.

He set Colleen down on the bed, then sat down facing her. He reached out to cup her face, then drew her lips to meet his. Her hands came up to run through his hair and caress his face. Moments later, she broke off the kiss, and ran her fingers over his jaw and down his neck to the small amount of exposed skin at the base of his throat. He ran his hands over her soft skin, as well, as if he wanted to memorize every inch. He leaned in and placed tiny kisses on each eye, then on her cheek, her chin, and finally on the side of her neck. He reached his hands behind her to untie the strings on the back of her gown, and she shuttered as his hands touched the bare skin of her back.

She reached out and began unfastening some of the buttons of his shirt, and when she was about halfway down, he reached up to clasp her hands and stop her actions. He then reached for both of her feet, drawing them into his lap and untying them before removing them and tossing them on the floor. As he was doing this, she looked down at his hands, instead of at his face. Once his shoes were removed, he reached out to pull the pins from Colleen's hair, gently encouraging it to cascade about her shoulders. Then, he brushed some strands away from her face and lifted her chin with his index finger, causing her to look at him.

He smiled at her, and she couldn't help but smile in return when she saw his love for her in his eyes. She reached up to run her fingers over his lips, then parted her own in anticipation. He took the cue and covered her mouth with his. Just as he began leaning her back against the pillows, a cacophonous sound was heard coming from outside the window. They both broke apart, startled, and sat up, looking over at the window trying to see who was out there. Then, they heard the voices, and recognized the sound of pots and pans clanging together.

"Couldn't let ya go yer first night without the traditional shiverees," Robert E called.

"Just come by to wish ya a happy honeymoon," Dorothy said.

"Go get her Andrew," shouted Hank.

"You two have fun now, ya hear?" Grace added.

"Don't be scared," hollered Jake.

"You two behavin' yaselves in there?" Loren yelled.

"Loren!" Dorothy scolded with a grin.

Various other things were called out, but Andrew and Colleen couldn't make them out for the noise of the pots and pans clanging. They were both lying back on pillows, covering their ears.

A short while later, the noise ceased, and they noticed that the light from the lamps was fading away. They sat up and looked at the window, hardly believing that they were really leaving.

"Have a great time," they both heard Hank call, as everyone left to return home.

Andrew propped himself up and looked down at Colleen. She sat up a little as well, but then they both fell back against the pillows again in laughter. That event certainly erased the tension the two of them were feeling only moments before, but now that things were quiet again, the nervousness resumed.

Andrew decided to try for a little humor. "Now, where were we?" he asked and grinned.

Colleen smiled, shyly, and looked into his eyes. As he leaned down to kiss her, she stopped him again. "Andrew, before we, um, go any further, I just wanted to tell you that I'm very happy I married you. I couldn't have chosen a better husband."

Andrew was touched by her declaration, and paused in his actions to think about it. He was glad that she was happy, and he knew that she was the best wife for him. But, thinking about the townsfolk that had just left, he decided to keep the humor in the situation. "Better than all of your old beaux?"

Colleen was a little surprised to hear this. She didn't expect him to continue the conversation. "What other beaux?"

"Well, Jarrett, for one, or how about Patrick?" he teased.

"Andrew! You know Patrick wasn't a beau! Although, I must say that I was taken in by his gifts and attentions at first. But, then you took me that picnic and brought all of my favorite things, and I knew that you were the better choice. You loved me for me, and didn't want to change me at all. And for that, I love you."

"And I love you. You're right, I wouldn't want to change you. I love you just the way you are. You're perfect for me," he stated then began caressing her bare shoulders again as he leaned down to place a kiss where his hands touched.

Neither one of them had any trouble at all picking up where they had left off, and their first night as man and wife was better than either one of them could have dreamed.

Part 15

Back at the homestead, Katie and Brian had gone to sleep, and Sully came into their bedroom to find Michaela sitting up against the pillows. He walked over to his side of the bed, took off his shirt, then sat on the bed, leaning over to place a soft kiss at her temple. She didn't even stir at his touch. She was staring off into space as if he weren't even there. He could tell that she was lost in thought.

"Michaela," he called, trying to snap her out of her reverie. When she didn't respond, he called again, this time a little louder. "Michaela!"

At this she started and turned her head to face him. "Oh, Sully. I didn't see you there," she admitted.

"I could see that," he replied. "Care ta tell me what's botherin' ya?"

She sighed. "I'm worried about Colleen," she confessed.

"What about her?"

"I don't know if I prepared her enough for what's going to happen tonight, and I know that some of the members of town are going over there with their pots and pans to disturb them."

Sully smiled, thinking about what Andrew and Colleen's reaction would be when that happened. "And what's so bad about that?"

"She's so young, and inexperienced."

"She's got as much knowledge as you had, Michaela," Sully pointed out. "An' as I remember, you didn't have any trouble adjustin'," he teased.

She blushed as she remembered how quickly she became accustomed to the "wifely duty" as her mother had put it. "Yes, but I am considerably older," she argued.

"That don't make no difference. You were just as much an innocent bride as Colleen is. Age don't change nothin'."

"I'm so worried about her, though."

Sully turned Michaela to face him, and looked into her eyes. "Michaela, do ya think Andrew's a good husband for Colleen?"

"Yes, but....."

"An' do ya think he'd do anythin' to hurt her?"

"No, but....."

"Then whattya frettin' about? There ain't gonna be any problems, so why dontcha just get it outta your mind and get some sleep. They'll be fine," he assured her.

She sighed again. "You're right, Sully. It's foolish of me to worry. After all, they're both adults, and they love each other...."

"An' nothin' bad can happen from showin' the one ya love how much ya love 'em," Sully finished for her, then leaned in to give her a long, leisurely kiss.

He helped her slide down in the bed, then pulled the covers over her. He drew her close to him, placing his arm under her head and cushioning her neck. She snuggled against him, and after one more kiss, Sully reached for a book on his nightstand.

"How about a little bedtime story?" he suggested.

"I'd like that," she replied.

Sully opened up the book, and after looking down at Michaela, half asleep already, decided to read only a little.

"'Just where the Sierra Nevada begins to subside in gentler undulations, and the rivers grow less rapid and yellow, on the side of a great read mountain, stand "Smith's Pocket." Seen from the red road at sunset, in the read light and the red dust, its white houses look like the outcroppings of quartz on the mountain-side. The red stage topped with red-shirted passengers is lost to view half a dozen times in the tortuous descent, turning up unexpectedly in the out-of-the-way places, and vanishing altogether within a hundred yards of the town......'

He skipped down a few paragraphs, then continued. This was his favorite part, because it reminded him of Michaela.

"'Everybody knew "M'liss," as she was called, throughout the length and height of Red Mountain. Everybody knew her as an incorrigible girl. Her fierce, ungovernable disposition, her mad freaks and lawless character were in their way as proverbial as the story of her father's weaknesses, and as philosophically accepted by the townsfolk.'"***

He looked down and saw that she hadn't hardly heard a word of what he had read, but she was contentedly sleeping, all the same. He smiled, placed the book on the nightstand, then leaned over to turn out the lamp. He brushed some stray wisps of hair from her face, leaned down to kiss her forehead, then fell asleep, himself, only moments later.

* * * * *

As the end of the week drew to a close, preparations for Katie's second birthday were underway, and with that came Mike and Sully's third anniversary. Michaela knew that her pregnancy was very near the end, and she was more determined than ever to take it easy. She hadn't had but one minor complication with this pregnancy, and she meant to keep it that way. She walked around town to tell everyone about Katie's birthday party in the Meadow this year. With so many people in town whom she knew wanted to be a part, there was no other place that they could have it.

She walked up the steps to the train station and called out a greeting to Horace. "Good morning, Horace."

"Oh, mornin', Dr. Mike," he replied. "Gosh, you sure are gettin' big," he exclaimed.

Michaela placed her hand over her largely distended belly. "I know. It's only a matter of a couple weeks, I'm sure."

"Well, I know you ain't the only one who'll be happy when that baby is born. I got a telegram today for ya," he said and handed the note to her.

Michaela read it and had to smile. No doubt, her mother wanted to come out for this birth to make sure that she didn't go traipsing off into the woods again, and that the baby was born in the Clinic. "Thank you, Horace," she said, and then turned to leave, but stopped when she remembered her original reason for coming here in the first place. "Oh, Horace, I came over to tell you that we are planning a birthday party for Katie in the Meadow on Saturday. The entire town is invited, so I hope you'll come."

"Thanks, Dr. Mike. I wouldn't miss it."

"All right, Horace. I'll see you later," she called and left to go back to the Clinic. She couldn't wait to tell Sully about her family coming next week. She was sure he wouldn't be as happy as she was, considering their interference so far in their lives, but she knew that he would be happy for her, and that made her want to tell him.

When she walked into the Clinic, Sully was already there. She smiled and walked into his embrace, for a brief kiss.

"Sully, I have some great news!" she said when they parted.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"I received a telegram, today, from Mother. She and Rebecca and her family will be coming out in a few days. I haven't seen Rebecca's children since Boston."

Sully paused, thinking of the last birth for which her family was here. That one wasn't the best, and come to think of it, neither was their arrival for their wedding. However, he thought about the last time they were here, and realized that it was only one month after they had lost Marjorie to diphtheria. True, the stagecoach accident and the blizzard which snowed them in, had altered the mood a little, but he also knew it would be good for Michaela to have her family here. Still, he had to make one thing clear.

"Michaela, it's nice to have your family here, but I don't want your mother doin' what she's done all the other times she's been here," he told her.

"I know, Sully, but I don't think we'll have that problem." She paused and sighed. "I think the last visit she had here was enough to make a her a little more serene, having to recover from her injuries, and for mother, that's a difficult thing," she said with an attempt at a smile.

Sully pulled her into his arms and gave her a reassuring hug. "I know it'll be hard, Michaela, but I'm sure bein' around ya and her new grandchild'll be the best medicine you could give her. Your Ma's a strong woman, and she wants to come out to see a healthy baby bein' born, so don't cause any problems by frettin'."

She pulled away, slightly, then said, "I won't, Sully, and thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied, then pulled her into his arms again.

* * * * *

Robert E walked up behind his wife, and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. She smiled and turned to return the kiss.

"How ya doin'?"

"Just fine, why?" she replied as she returned to cutting vegetables for the beef stew she was preparing for her customers.

"Well, ya ain't never bin pregnant, before, and I wanna make sure ya ain't overdoin' it." <"Now, don't you go worryin' over me, Robert E. I've been to see Dr. Mike, and she assures me that everything is fine. About the only thing she warned me about was alcohol consumption. With my addiction these past few months, if I drink anymore, it could cause a lot a harm to the baby. But, I promise that I'm over that. No more drinkin' for me. I ain't go a reason to anymore," she said and smiled that special smile Robert E had been seeing for the past two months, since they reconciled their marriage.

He drew her to him for a loving embrace. He had been worried about her all throughout their dealing with the loss of Anthony, and now that she was pregnant, he was worried even more. It was what they had both wanted for so long, and now that they will finally get their wish, he was going to make sure that she didn't do anything that would jeopardize it. He knew that getting over her alcohol addiction would be a long, bumpy road, but not one where he wouldn't be there for her. They had spent far too much time separated to be apart for anything now, especially her pregnancy.

Grace pulled away as she thought of something. "Robert E?" "Hmm?"

"What do ya say we fix up somethin' special for Dr. Mike and Sully?" "Whattya mean?"

"Well, they've asked me to fix the lunch and cake for Katie's birthday party on Saturday, but I know they're anniversary is also in a couple days, so I thought we could do somethin' for 'em to help 'em celebrate it."

"I think that sounds like a good idea," Robert E agreed.

"Well, I better get goin' preparin' what I'm gonna do for 'em. We're gonna need to let everyone know that the Café will be closed Saturday night, and I need to make up a special menu, get some candles, a nice tablecloth, maybe a small cake, and someone's gonna have ta watch the children, and...."

"Grace, don't be overworkin' yaself," Robert E warned. "I know ya wanna do somethin' special, but I don't want ya gettin' tired. I'll help ya spread the word about the Café bein' closed. An' I'll speak with Mr. Farley, see if Maryann can take Katie that night. Brian can go stay with Matthew."

"Thank you, Robert E. I promise not to do too much."

He kissed her goodbye as he went back to work, and she set about planning how she was going to pull off this surprise. It was the least they could do, considering it was them that helped got her and Robert E back together. She smiled as she realized how much they would love this gift from them.

* * * * *

Matthew was on his way to the Clinic to drop off the rest of Dr. Mike's dresses from Anabel as well as some things she had ordered from Loren. He was in the middle of the street when one of the packages fell from his hands. He bent over to pick it up, trying not to dump the rest of what he was carrying when he heard someone shout, "Look out!" accompanied by the sound of fast- paced hooves beating against the ground. He grabbed the small box he had dropped and moved out of the way before the racing wagon ran over him.

Some of the townsfolk came out from their businesses to see what all the commotion was. It turned out that it was just some idiot racing through the middle of town to the train station because he was about to miss the train. Matthew looked up to see who had shouted out to him and saw Carrie coming from the bookshop. He smiled when she stepped up onto the platform in front of the Clinic. Mike and Sully were standing in the doorway of the Clinic and overheard them.

"Thank you," he told her.

"You're welcome," she replied. "I saw you coming from the Mercantile, and I was headed that way when I saw the racing wagon. Then, when you dropped that box, I thought for sure you'd be hurt. That's when I called out to warn you."

"Well, I'm glad you said somethin' or Dr. Mike's things woulda been run over," he said and smiled.

"I guess we're even, now?" she stated and smiled back.

"Yeah, it looks that way," he agreed. Mike and Sully shared a private look and Sully drew Michaela back against him.

"'Member when we said somethin' just like that?"

"Yes. It was after our trip to test that water from Harding's Mill."

"'Cept I remember a real seductive look in your eyes that Carrie didn't have," he teased.

"I wasn't being seductive," she protested.

"Well, then how would ya explain the look ya gave me when I thanked ya?"

"I just told you that we should call it even. I didn't give you any particular look." But, she knew she was lying, and also knew that he could tell.

"That might be true, but I sure saw a lot more in your eyes than you're admittin' right now." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "If ya ask me, I'd say that you enjoyed that trip as much as I did," he teased.

She blushed as she remembered the myriad of feelings she experienced while she spent so much time alone with him. She had meant to tease him slightly when he thanked her at the end, but she wasn't about to admit that to him. She leaned back against him and covered his hands with her own, her way of telling him he was right, without saying anything. Sully smiled at his wife's games and realized that he loved her more and more each day. He couldn't be any happier, and he placed a kiss on her temple, then removed his arms as Matthew turned to come towards them.

"Dr. Mike, I brought the rest a your dresses from Anabel. She said ya'd be needin' these," he told her and handed her the dresses. "Loren also gave me these things that came in today on the stage. He said ya ordered 'em, so I brought them over with the dresses."

Dr. Mike held them up and realized that they were adjusted for after the baby was born and she would be breast-feeding. She immediately folded them again and set them on her desk. "Thank you, Matthew. Just place the packages on that table over there. He did as she asked, then walked out of the Clinic with Carrie. Sully and Michaela shared a special look as they saw how happy Matthew and Carrie were. They would most likely be hearing engagement news very soon.

Part 16

Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful and one inhabitant of the Sully household arose, a little earlier than usual, to greet the day. Sully threw off the bedclothes and pulled on his buckskins before going into Katie's room. If he didn't know better, he would think that she was excited about the day, even though he knew she didn't understand what was going to happen.

"Good mornin', Kates," Sully greeted. "How's my little two-year-old?" he asked as he picked up Katie from her crib and tossed her into the air. The little girl laughed and squealed with delight.

"Do 'gain, Papa, do 'gain!" and she squealed as he repeated the action.

Her laughter had caused Michaela to awaken, as well, but when she tried to move to get out of bed, she was hit with a dull ache in her back. She moaned and then laid back down. Sully heard that, and was immediately concerned.

"Hey, Kates, how 'bout we go wake up your Ma?"

"Mama up?"

"Yeah, Mama up," Sully repeated and smiled at his daughter, carrying her into his bedroom. Michaela turned her head towards them as they entered and smiled, but Sully could see that she was uncomfortable. "Michaela? You all right?"

"I'm fine, Sully, just a little pain in my back," she told him.

"Mama sad?" Katie asked as she looked at her Ma's face.

"No, Kates, Mama's just a little sore this mornin'," Sully assured her. "And I know just what to do to make Mama feel better. You're gonna have to sit her on the bed an' talk to Mama," he told her as he sat Katie on the bed, then left to go downstairs.

Michaela looked at her daughter and smiled. "What do you think he's doing, Katie?"

"Papa help Mama," Katie replied, in a matter-of-fact way.

"Yes, I suppose you're right. At least, I hope you're right."

"Mama owie?"

Michaela smiled. "Yes, Katie, Mama has an owie."

"Where owie?"

"On my back, Katie," Michaela answered her daughter.

Katie crawled around and placed a kiss as close as she could get to her Ma's back. "Katie fix owie," she declared, just as Sully came back into the room, holding a small bottle of oil in one hand and her medical bag in his other. Michaela looked at him, curiously, as he sat on the edge of the bed next to her.

"Did ya fix Mama's owie, Kates?"

"Mama all betta," Katie answered.

Sully smiled at his daughter's quick fix, then looked at his wife. "All right, Michaela, you're gonna have ta move up a little bit."

"Sully? What do you have?"

"I got some liniment oil from your medical bag," he answered. "Now, sit up, so I can rub it on your back."

Michaela couldn't do much on her own, so Sully positioned himself slightly behind her and helped to move her forward. Then, he moved to sit behind her, and lifted the back of her nightgown. As the front began to move up over her distended belly, she pulled the bedclothes over her. Sully poured some of the oil in his hands and began to rub it into the small of her back, right where it ached.

"Oh, that feels so nice," she sighed. "How did you know where it ached?"

"Ya seem to forget you've been pregnant before," he pointed out as he continued to massage the oil into her sore muscles.

"Mama fat!" Katie exclaimed as she looked at Michaela's belly.

Sully and Michaela both laughed. "No, Katie, Mama's not fat. Mama has a baby growing inside of her," she explained.

"Katie baby!" she said as she pointed to herself.

"Well, you're not a baby anymore, Katie. You're two years old, and that's a big girl."

"Katie big girl?"

"Yes, Kates, you're our big girl, now," Sully replied.

"Where baby?"

"The baby is in Mama's tummy," Michaela told her. "Would you like to listen?"

"Hear baby?"

"Yes, Katie, you can hear the baby," she said as she reached for her medical bag and pulled out her stethoscope. She put the ends in her ears and then placed the other end on her belly. When she found the heartbeat, she removed the ends from her ears and placed them in Katie's. The little girl listened, and a moment later a big grin appeared on her face.

"Baby bump-bump," she exclaimed, causing Sully and Michaela to laugh at their daughter's explanation of a heartbeat. Sully leaned around to place a kiss at his wife's temple.

"Now, Katie, place your hand right here," Michaela instructed, and the toddler did as she was told.

When she felt it, she looked up at her Mama. "Baby owie."

"That baby is just kicking, Katie." "Hurt Mama?"

"No, Katie, it doesn't hurt like you think it would."

Katie sat back to digest all of this new information into her mind. She still didn't understand everything about the baby growing in her Mama's tummy, but she knew that her Mama's tummy was very big, so something must be in there. She touched her own stomach and saw that it wasn't big.

She placed her hand again on Michaela's tummy and said, "Mama baby," then touched her stomach and stated, "Katie, no baby," as if that summed up everything she had learned.

"I think that's about the best ya gonna do, Michaela, until she actually sees her new brother or sister," Sully said.

"I think we did a pretty good job," Michaela replied, then moved slightly and realized that she didn't have any more aching in her back. "Thank you, Sully. That feels one-hundred percent better. Now, we can get up and get ready for the party today," she stated and allowed her husband to help her get up from the bed.

"We go ride?" Katie asked once her Ma was out of bed.

Sully reached down and picked up his daughter from the bed. "Yep, Kates, we're goin' for a wagon ride inta town, and there's gonna be lots a people there with a big cake and presents all for you," he explained.

Katie laughed and clapped her hands. "Yay!"

In short order, everyone was ready and on their way into town.

Meanwhile, everyone in town was busy setting up the tables for Katie's birthday party. Everyone brought their own blankets and the handful of presents for Katie were placed on one blanket, while the food was up on a table. After everyone ate their food, they moved to gather around where Katie was sitting. Grace presented Katie with a small piece of cake with two candles burning on it.

Katie looked at the candles and blew them out right away. She didn't want her cake to burn. Everyone laughed, and then began to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. When they were finished, Katie clapped and giggled. "Happy Birday!" she exclaimed, then immediately stood up, having tired of this game. She tugged on her Ma's dress. "Mama, Papa, walk!" she demanded.

Sully smiled. "I think she's tryin' ta tell us somethin'," Sully stated, then held out his hand to his wife. "Shall we?" he asked, as she placed her hand in his and he helped her stand.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming," Michaela said, her eyes including everyone gathered in her gratitude.

"All right, now let's have some fun and enjoy this beautiful day," Grace commanded, then walked over to Michaela and Sully.

"Dr. Mike?"

"Yes, Grace?"

"I was wonderin' if maybe ya might have somethin' for me to take to, um, help me with a little touch a mornin' sickness?"

Michaela smiled at her friend, fully remembering what it was like for her when she was in her early stages of pregnancy. "Of course, Grace." She turned to her husband, "Sully, would you get my medical bag for me?" When Sully brought it back to her, she reached inside and pulled out a small packet. "This is ginger. I'm sure you have some of it at your Café for cooking, but it also helps with nausea and morning sickness."

"I'da never thought that somethin' I put inta my food to give it some spice would help keep me from gettin' sick," Grace marveled.

"All you have to do is take a teaspoon of the fresh root or dried powder and brew it into a tea. When you begin to feel the symptoms of morning sickness, take a few deep breaths, then make a cup of tea and drink it. If you don't taste the ginger, then you need to add some more of the spice," she explained.

"Thanks, so much, Dr. Mike."

"Anytime, Grace. And speaking of your pregnancy, isn't it about time you came in for a check-up?"

"Yes, it is. I'll be in before the end of the week," she replied.

"That's fine."

"Well, you go on an' enjoy your walk, and I'll see ya later," she said and walked away.

"We will, thank you," Sully replied, then took his wife's hand in his as they began to follow Katie across the meadow.

* * * * *

Miss Campbell and the Reverend were sitting together on a blanket, and she was watching Katie walk, or more accurately, run across the meadow ahead of her parents. A familiar tugging was felt in her heart as she wished again for children of her own. All of her friends back home were married and had families, but it had just never happened for her. Here, in Colorado Springs, was the closest she had ever come to even having a serious relationship with a man, but she was wondering how she was going to help move them to the next step.

"That little Katie is just too adorable," she exclaimed after a moment.

"Yes, she is," the Reverend replied. "I remember baptizing her and seeing her in her Christening gown that Dr. Mike made for her. She was so little then, and now, she's already two years old and running around. I can't believe how fast she grew up."

"I can tell that you have a special love for children, Timothy. You've always been patient with your students, and at one time, I recall you mentioning that you were even considering adopting an entire group of orphans that had come through here on a train."

"Yes, I was. They had come all the way from New York, and no one had adopted them along the way, no matter how many stops they made. I really felt a special love for them when they arrived here. I found homes for some of them, but not enough. Dr. Mike and I worked together to make sure they were fed and healthy, but most just didn't want to adopt children that old. And those that did, just wanted them for work on the farm. They didn't really love them."

"So, Dr. Mike and you spent a lot of time together helping the orphans?"

"Yes. We took them on picnics and for swims, and she even kept most of them at her homestead at night."

"I thought the two of you had a fairly good relationship. She seems to consider you a true friend, and that's a good thing to have in this world."

"Well, actually, at one point, I had thought we were more to each other," the Reverend began.

"Really? But, she's married, and has four children, two of which are adults," Elizabeth observed.

"Yes, that's true, but the three older ones were adopted by her when their mother died of a rattlesnake bite about six years ago. Charlotte Cooper was the midwife in town before Dr. Mike arrived. The two of them formed a very close friendship, and when Charlotte knew she was dyin', she asked Dr. Mike to take care of her children. When Dr. Mike married Sully, they adopted the children, even though they kept their last name."

"So, you and Dr. Mike were courting before she met Sully?"

"Actually, I now know that she was courtin' with Sully at the time the orphans came to town. But, we spent so much time together and she was as willing as me to do as much as she could to help them, I thought that if we got married, we could adopt them all and give them a home. I was confusing my feelings for her with my desire to help the orphans in any way I could, but in the end, we sent the orphans on to California. I got a letter about a year later tellin' me that all of the children had found homes along the way, and I realized that it was good that Dr. Mike and I didn't make the mistake in gettin' married. I didn't really love her."

"Well, that's great that the children found homes, and you did what you could for them. It's not your fault that the people here just didn't have a need for them. I would most likely have done the same thing, if I had been in your shoes," she admitted.

"You would?"

"Yes. I love children, and if some orphans came here needing homes, I don't know if I'd be able to send them on their way again."

"Well, I can understand that, and that's not the first time that children became an issue between me and a woman," he told her.

Elizabeth smiled. She knew that it was hard to believe that Timothy had not had any romantic interests prior to herself, admitting that their relationship was more than friendship. "Please, tell me about it," she requested.

"Well, I knew a lady before I came to Colorado Springs, and when we needed a new schoolteacher, I received a reply that she was available, so I hired her. When she arrived, she implemented a strict code of obedience in the classroom. Too strict," he added as he thought about that time in his life.

"What do you mean, too strict?"

"She physically punished the children when they didn't do their work or have the right answer," he replied.

Elizabeth gasped. "Oh, how awful!"

"Yes. It was. And because I had proposed and thought myself in love with her side outside of the classroom, I was blind to what she was doing in the classroom. When one of her students turned on her and beat her, she was taken to Dr. Mike's Clinic, and it was there that I realized what she had been doing. I also learned that she didn't even want children of her own. It was then that I realized that I wasn't really in love with her. I was in love with an ideal I had created." He sighed. "I guess you could say that I haven't exactly been too lucky in the love department."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Timothy. You just have so much love that you have trouble not sharing it." She reached out to take her hands in his. "I've seen you with your congregation at church, and with your piano students. I know how difficult it must be to realize that you just can't help everyone. That's one of the reasons I love you." There. She had said it. Now, how would he react?

The Reverend looked in the direction of her voice and had a surprised look on his face. Almost immediately, he smiled and clasped Elizabeth's hand even tighter. "Do ya mean it? You really love me?"

She smiled. "Yes, Timothy. I do."

"Elizabeth, I couldn't be happier. Does this mean that you'd agree to marry me?"

"If you asked me, yes," she laughed.

"Elizabeth, would you make me the happiest I've ever been? Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" she replied and leaned forward to hug place a soft kiss on his lips and give him a long embrace. The Reverend returned the embrace. It felt so right holding Elizabeth in his arms. He didn't think he would ever find love, especially after he became blind. But, Elizabeth didn't treat him any different, and she loved him because of his blindness. Even though he couldn't see it, he knew the sun was shining bright and the sky was a clear blue.

Continued