For personal use and select distribution only © September 2000 by "Tiff" Amber Miller
Hidden Beneath (cont'd)
by Tiffany Miller
"I must say, I was surprised to hear a male voice coming from this direction, accompanying Michaela's, especially when I knew it wasn't Sully's," he remarked.
"Preston," Michaela was quick to recover, ignoring his jab. "I must say, I am surprised to see you back so soon."
"Yes, well, there are some advantages to having a financially sound and wise father who can assist one in times of crisis, such as I experienced," Preston replied, not without a small amount of bitterness.
"Am I to assume you are returning to your former positions in this town?" Michaela inquired.
"Not exactly. Senator Dinston and I had the opportunity to converse last week, and he mentioned the necessity of someone returning here to help him with the management. So yes, I will be resuming management of the Chateau, but unfortunately, I will be employed by Senator Dinston. I do not own it. That privilege still belongs to Senator Dinston. However, I do have plans to re-purchase it in the near future," he stated with false assurance, trying not to be obvious. He looked at the other person in the room and stepped forward. "Am I to understand we have a new doctor to assume the clinic here at the Chateau?"
Dr. Fulton walked around the side of the desk to face Preston. "You understand correctly, Mr. Lodge. My name is John Fulton, and Dr. Quinn hired me through the recommendation of one of her colleagues in Denver. I am originally from Philadelphia, but I felt the need for a change, so I accepted the position."
"Preston A. Lodge III," he stated, extending his hand.
Dr. Fulton clasped it in a professional shake, but only nodded a greeting. "I would love to continue this conversation, but as you can see, I have only just arrived, and I have a lot of work to do," he stated, in polite dismissal, hoping he didn't sound too unfeeling. If nothing else, Dr. Fulton prided himself on being an excellent judge of character. Aside from Dr. Quinn's description of his dishonest practices, John felt that this man had a lot to learn about dealing successfully with people. He had no wish to spend any more time than absolutely necessary in Preston's presence.
"Yes, well, I'm sure we will be seeing each other again," Preston replied, making his way towards the open doorway and walking through it.
After a few silent moments, when he was sure it was safe, Dr. Fulton turned to face Michaela. "Dr. Quinn, I hope you will forgive my rude behavior just now. I wasn't lying when I said I do have a lot of work to do; however, I had no desire to continue conversing with him."
"I understand and agree with you, wholeheartedly. My dealings with him have mostly been unpleasant ones; nevertheless, I do my best to remain cordial. He can try one's nerves, though."
"I'm sure he can. Well, I will let you get back to your clinic and patients. I am certain there will be several other instances where we will find ourselves working together." He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, placing a brief kiss on the back of it before releasing it. "It was a pleasure meeting you, and I thank you for the tour and the time spent showing me around. I look forward to working with you in the future."
"Thank you for coming, and it was a pleasure making your acquaintance as well. I, too, look forward to having another doctor around again. I never realized how much I missed it until I spoke with you today. I will gather up a few more things from my clinic and return in a couple of days to see how things are going. Since Senator Dinston hired me to supervise the clinic, here, I have to be honest with him in relaying my reports on how things are progressing out here," she explained her position.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
She smiled at his remark. "I shall see you in a few days, then."
"I look forward to it," he smiled in return.
Michaela began walking towards the doorway, then turned, remembering something she had forgotten. "Oh, and the horse and buggy are yours to use. They're a gift from the town, as a welcome."
"Thank you, again."
Michaela stepped out onto the veranda and closed the door behind her. She hadn't taken but ten steps, maybe, when Preston stepped out from behind the main door and stood directly in her path.
"This doctor seems to be a lot more sure of himself than Andrew was, Michaela," Preston began.
"Your point being, Mr. Lodge?" She was careful to stress the formal use of his name.
"No point, exactly, but I will say it will be enjoyable working together with him. I found myself growing bored with Andrew's less than assured behavior."
"Be that as it may, Mr. Lodge, I can assure you, you won't have as easy of a time convincing Dr. Fulton of the benefits of your tonics. He has been practicing medicine far longer than Andrew, and I am certain he is very determined in how he will operate his clinic."
"Remember, I am still the manager of this hotel," Preston tried to threaten.
"And I am in charge of the clinic. Senator Dinston has made that quite clear, I'm sure, since you have obviously spoken with him regarding your position, here."
"Yes, I have."
"In that case, let us get a few things straight between us," Michaela began. "First, I will agree not to interfere with the decisions you make regarding the running of the Chateau, but in turn, you must agree not to interfere with the decisions I make regarding the running of this clinic. I will do what I feel is best, and I don't expect to have to deal with you, at all, except in passing, and possibly at the bank."
Preston didn't reply right away, as it was clear he didn't like taking orders from a woman, especially when that woman happened to be Michaela. Nevertheless, he didn't see that he had much choice in the matter, so he might as well make it easy on himself. "Agreed," he said.
"Fine. I believe we shall get along quite well, then," Michaela attempted a pleasant smile, then turned to walk down the front steps of the Chateau.
She smiled, for real, when she saw Sully driving up, Katie on his lap, thankful he had received her message to meet her out here.
"Heard ya might be needin' a ride back inta town," he called with a grin.
"Yes, and I appreciate you coming all the way out here to escort me," she returned with a smile. He helped her up onto the wagonseat, then handed her Katie, who willingly went to Michaela and settled herself on her mother's lap.
"My eyes foolin' me, or is that Preston standin' up there?" Sully asked and started the team back towards town.
"You're not seeing things, Sully," Michaela replied with a sigh. "Preston has returned, thanks to a loan or assitance from his father, and he's now working for Senator Dinston as the manager of the Chateau. He will also be resuming his business at the bank, although I do not know to what extent. I know the crash hit him very hard, and I would be surprised if he had everything up and running again very soon."
"The folks in town ain't gonna be too happy 'bout this. So, this mean ya gotta work with him?"
"To some extent, yes, but I just communicated to him how things were going to work with Dr. Fulton, as well as the fact that I have no interest in tolerating his interference in my decisions regarding the clinic. I'm sure I will have some problems, but I hope he understands his position and knows he can't issue orders as freely as he did when he was here, before."
"Well, ya know Preston, and he ain't gonna just lie down and lick his wounds. He'll be back and I'm sure he'll be causin' problems, but I'll guess Dr. Fulton won't be takin' his commands like Andrew did," Sully stated with a grin. That was one thing he liked about the new doctor, and something he noticed right away. Dr. Fulton certainly knew his own mind, and it was clear, he wasn't about to let anyone else tell him what to do. For that, he was happy with Michaela's choice.
"No, I am certain he won't," Michaela agreed, thinking how nice it was going to be to have Dr. Fulton here in town.
*****
"Come in!" Michaela called at the knock on the clinic door.
"Dorothy! How nice to see you!" she greeted when the redhead opened the door and came into the clinic.
"Michaela," Dorothy greeted in return. "It ain't a bad time, is it?" she asked, looking at Michaela working at her desk.
"No, not at all. In fact, I just saw my last patient for the day. Please, sit down," she invited, and once she was seated, "What brings you over here?"
"Well, as much as I would like to say it's just to visit with you," Dorothy began with a teasing smile, "I wanted to ask about Dr. Fulton," Dorothy confessed.
Michaela smiled. If Dorothy was one thing, she was always interested in the happenings around town. She couldn't be faulted, though, since it was her job as editor of the town newspaper. "What would you like to know?" Michaela asked, congenially.
"Actually, I was hopin' I could get an interview with him and put it in the next edition of the Gazette. I think it would make a fascinatin' article, seeing how he came all the way from Philadelphia!"
"Yes, I couldn't agree with you more. What's even more amazing is that he has met and worked with Colleen and Andrew!"
"Really?! In Philadelphia?"
"Yes, it was a special case at the hospital. He told me about it a couple of days ago, when he first arrived, and I was showing him the clinic at the Chateau. I mentioned their names, and he immediately recognized them."
"That *is* fascinatin'! Now, I know this article has to appear in the next edition. Do you think he'd mind if I rode out there to talk to him, today?"
"Actually, I have a better idea. I told him a few days ago that I was going to bring by some more supplies, so why don't I ride out with you and introduce you, then you can get your interview while I spend a little time around the Chateau?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Michaela finished her comments on the patient file in front of her, put away everything, and walked with Dorothy to her wagon. On the ride over, they caught up on what had been happening in each other's lives recently.
"Have you heard much from Cloud Dancing?" Michaela inquired.
"Not a lot, but I do know he's been visiting with some of his friends at East Fork. It's actually been a while since I've seen him," Dorothy confessed.
"I'm sure he's very busy with relations among the tribes, not to mention his visits up north," Michaela tried to soothe the situation a little.
"Yes, I know he is, and I don't begrudge him that."
"But...?" Michaela continued, sensing there was more.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just my mind conjurin' up stuff that ain't there," she was quick to reply.
"Dorothy...."
"Michaela, it ain't nothin'. I promise. Now, let's just not discuss it."
"If that's what you would like?"
"Yes, it is."
Michaela pulled the wagon alongside Dr. Fulton's buggy. The two women walked up the main steps and around the corner to the clinic. Michaela knocked and entered at Dr. Fulton's beckoning.
"Dr. Quinn!" he exclaimed warmly upon seeing her. "How nice to see you!" He reached out a hand and she shook it. "And who is this lovely lady with you?" he asked, turning to face Dorothy, who flushed but stepped forward.
"Dorothy Jennings, editor of the Gazette," she replied and extended her hand in greeting, only to find it gallantly lifted to the doctor's lips for a feather-soft kiss across her knuckles. It had been some time since she was subjected to such gentlemanly behavior.
"John Fulton. Editor, you say? It is quite a pleasure to meet you!" He turned to face Michaela. "I must say, it is quite rare to find two women in such esteemed positions in a town. Quite rare, but quite refreshing."
Dorothy and Michaela shared a quick glance, and Dorothy continued. "Dr. Fulton, I was wondering if you would mind my doing an interview with you for the next edition of the Gazette. I think the townsfolk would love to read about you and get to you know you better."
"I couldn't agree more, Ms. Jennings. I would be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you like," he accepted. "I find it amazing that you run the entire publication on your own!"
"Well, I do have some help. Michaela's son, Brian, is in his last year of school. He's been helping me with articles and special stories for almost two years, so it's not entirely on my own."
"Nevertheless, it is quite impressive."
"I guess I'll leave the two of you to talk, then," Michaela spoke up. "Dr. Fulton, I brought the additional supplies from my clinic. I'll just set them over here, and you can sort through them at your convenience," she stated.
"Very good, Dr. Quinn. Thank you, very much. I appreciate all your help in getting me settled."
"Enjoy the interview," she called to both of them, closing the door behind her and walking around to the front of the hotel. She was pleased to see a good amount of patrons walking to and fro inside the main entrance. Despite his often pretentious behavior, it was evidence of Preston's obvious skill at managing things.
"Michaela! I was hoping I would see you, again, sometime this week," Preston greeted.
"What is it you wanted, Mr. Lodge?"
"I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day, and perhaps suggest a truce?"
"In regards to what?"
"Our working relationship, of course. I had hoped we could at least be civil towards one another, since we will be working together from time to time," he pointed out.
"Yes, we will be, and I am perfectly willing to be civil with you, Mr. Lodge."
"Fabulous. Now, how are things working with Dr. Fulton?"
Michaela was a bit wary of Preston's sudden change in attitude, so she decided to give him a small amount of trust while still treading lightly. "They're going very well. In fact, Dorothy is with him right now doing an interview for the next edition of the Gazette."
"That's a marvelous idea! Perhaps I'll think of something unique to do for him, to welcome him to the Chateau. Maybe a free meal or a night's stay in one of the rooms, just so he can get a feel for the services and amenities this hotel offers!"
Michaela shook her head at his ideas. Leave it to Preston to come up with something to promote his own ideas and work. Not that she could fault him, really. It was good business, but with Preston, it just didn't come across that way.
"Of course, a man of his obvious background and accomplishments most likely has stayed in the finest hotels across the country. He will, no doubt, be very accustomed to dealing with the social level of my clientele. I must ask, though, Michaela, don't you wonder why a man such as Dr. Fulton would want to travel all the way out here to this little town just to assume the position of a physician in a resort hotel?"
"I'm sure I don't understand your questioning, Mr. Lodge."
"Well, he obviously wasn't hurting for patients or work back in Philadelphia. He came so highly recommended, and he isn't fresh out of medical school or nearing retirement."
"Please, do get to the point," Michaela requested, tired of his games.
"Motive, Michaela. I was just wondering what you think his motives were and are."
"If you're assuming he came out here with less than honorable intentions......" Preston didn't let her finish. "You have to admit. It does look peculiar."
"Dr. Fulton and I are partners, Mr. Lodge. Those thoughts would never enter his mind!" she declared, with certainty.
"She's quite correct, Mr. Lodge," Dr. Fulton appeared from around the corner. "I have no intention, whatsoever, of usurping Dr. Quinn's authority when it comes to this clinic, nor do I wish to make her feel as if she is in any way incompetent. I was merely looking for a change, and when I learned of her successful medical practice out here, I knew it was just the thing. I have spoken to many of her patients over the last few days, and there is no doubt in my mind that she is an excellent doctor who cares very deeply about her patients and would do everything within her power to help them." He paused in his defense to take one step closer to Preston and make direct eye contact with him. "If I were you, I would learn to keep my mouth shut on matters which do not concern me, especially when I am completely wrong in my insinuations."
Preston, not one to really take to direct conflict, such as this, took one step back. Completely miffed by Dr. Fulton's remarks, he removed himself from their company. Preston disappeared into another room, and Michaela immediately turned to face John. "Dr. Fulton, thank you. I am extremely flattered by your chivalrous defense of my honor! How can I ever repay you?"
"It was my pleasure, Dr. Quinn, and there's only one thing that comes to mind," he said with a slight grin.
"Name it."
"Please, call me John?" he requested. "I've noticed that you refer to Dr. Cook as Andrew, and there are several others in town whom you call by their first names. I would hope, since we are to be working together as colleagues, that we could dispense with the formalities?"
Although she hesitated slightly, Michaela smiled at the pleading look in his eyes and the honest offer of friendship she saw there. How could she deny him that? "Very well, John," she agreed. "Most of my patients, and a good many of my friends, call me Dr. Mike, but you may call me Michaela."
John lifted her hand to his lips and placed a quick kiss there, smiling his pleasure at her acquiescence. Dorothy watched the exchange with extreme interest. While she had the utmost trust in Michaela, that didn't quell her curiousity at this unique situation. How did Sully feel about this new doctor?
* * * * *
"We have a new resident to our town," Reverend Johnson announced from his pulpit at the end of the Sunday morning service. "Doctor John Fulton joins us from Philadelphia. He's come to work at the Chateau clinic and with Dr. Mike. I hope everyone will make him feel right at home, and I'm sure we're all glad to have him here in Colorado Springs. God be with you all."
He closed with the benediction and made his way to the back door of the church, so he could greet his parishioners on their way out. He was very thankful that everyone remained seated until he could walk past them. It was something they agreed to do after he became blind and resumed his preaching. He truly was blessed.
"Great sermon, Reverend."
"Thank you, Mr. Bailey."
"Good day, Reverend."
"Good day to you, too, Mr. Lacey."
"Wonderful hearin' ya on Sunday mornin', Reverend."
"It feels good to be here, Ms. Covington." He greeted each and every one by name, thanking God for his heightened sense of hearing which allowed him to identify them by their voice. It wasn't long before everyone had exited the church, and Reverend Johnson made his way down the steps and in the direction of the open field, where the potluck dinner was being held. It was a special one, not only for welcoming Dr. Fulton, but because it would soon be too cold to hold these dinners outside. Where would they be held then?
"Ma, can I go eat with Sarah and her ma?" Timothy heard Brian say, letting him know he was nearing where Dr. Mike and Sully were sitting.
"May I," Dr. Mike corrected.
"*May* I eat with Sarah and her ma?" he repeated.
"Yes, you may."
"Afternoon, Dr. Mike. Sully. You don't mind if we borrow the new doc, do ya? We wanna show him around and meet ev'body," Widow Brown greeted and asked, placing her hands around Dr. Fulton's arm and preventing him from sitting.
Michaela cast a glance up at John and smiled at the look on his face, pleading with her to come up with a reason why he can't go with the woman. "Not at all, Mrs. Brown. I'm sure Dr. Fulton would love to meet everyone, and it's very kind of you to offer," Michaela replied with a grin. John gave her a look that said he'd get revenge, somehow, and Michaela chuckled as Mrs. Brown led him away.
"What was that all about?" Sully asked, after watching the exchange.
"Nothing, really," Michaela replied and looked at her husband.
"Do ya realize what ya done to the poor man?"
"I'm sorry, but I just couldn't help it. It was going to happen to him sooner or later, so I thought it may as well be sooner," she laughed.
"I could tell he wasn't too pleased. Still, ya gotta give him credit for bein' a good sport."
"I only wonder what he's going to do to get me back," Michaela briefly entertained all sorts of thoughts.
"Whatever it is, ya got it comin' to ya!" Sully showed no mercy on her behalf.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Sully! It's nice to know I have my husband's support!" she retorted, sarcastically.
"You're the one who couldn't help yerself. Now ya gotta pay the piper!" he grinned.
Michaela turned to greet the Reverend when he approached their blanket, but watched him stumble slightly over the picnic basket in his path. "Are you alright, Reverend?" Michaela asked, concerned.
"Umh! I'm sorry. Didn't mean to be so clumsy," he silently rebuffed himself.
"That's quite alright, Reverend. Losin' our footin' happens to all of us at one time or another," Sully assured him.
"I wanted to stop by and hear your thoughts on Dr. Fulton. From what I hear, he's settling in very well at the Chateau."
"Yes, he is. I am quite pleased with what he's done with the clinic, and I know he'll do just fine over there. It's nice to have another doctor in town, too."
"I'm sure it is, Dr. Mike."
"Reverend, why dontcha sit with us for a bit?" Sully invited, taking his arm and helping him down to an edge of the blanket.
"Why ya got 'tick?" Katie asked, as soon as he sat.
"It's what helps me walk, Katie," Reverend answered the girl. "My, you sure are gettin' big, and talkin' real good."
"Mama an' Papa teach me!" the little girl said proudly.
"I can't believe how fast she's growin'," he remarked to Dr. Mike and Sully.
"Yeah, seems like she was just learnin' how ta smile," Sully agreed, reaching over to tickle his daughter and grab her into his arms, causing her to giggle and squirm.
"And now, she's running all around. It's hard to keep up with her," Michaela added, watching her husband and daughter play.
"And Brian. I can see he's grown into a fine young man. There's so much happenin' here in town, so many new people, it's hard for me to keep them all straight."
"I'm sure you'll learn them, Reverend," Michaela assured him, then turned to greet their next visitor.
"Good afternoon, Loren!"
"Afternoon, Dr. Mike. Sully. Reverend. See Widow Brown's got a hold of Dr. Fulton already," Loren remarked, amused.
"He seems to be holding his own," Michaela observed.
"Yeah, that he is." Loren turned. "Reverend, I come ta take ya around to talk with other folks. Some of the ladies got a blanket set up for ya, too, if ya wanna sit down and eat."
"Thank you, Loren. I would like that," he replied, standing to his feet. "Dr. Mike, Sully, it was nice talkin' with ya. Goodbye, Katie."
"Bye-bye, Wefwen," Katie replied, and watched the two men leave, then turned back to smile at her papa.
Michaela was just about to say something, when she heard her name being called.
"Michaela! Michaela! Come quick!" Hank came running over the bridge from town, and Michaela immediately stood to her feet. Everyone around the church froze as they watched and listened, trying to find out what was wrong. Dr. Fulton noticed the urgency in Hank's request and excused himself to join Michaela.
"What is it, Hank?" Michaela asked.
"One of my girls ain't doin' too good. Can ya come and take a look at her?"
"Do you know what's wrong?" "She just complained of a bad pain in her leg, but she wouldn't show me nothin'. Said she wanted you to come, so will ya?" he repeated, impatiently.
"Certainly, Hank."
"Michaela, I'd like to come with you, if I may?" John interjected.
Michaela fleetingly wondered what he would think of Hank's "girl", but realized he was a doctor and most likely had been exposed to women of this work, before. "Of course, John," she agreed.
"Well, don't just stand there, let's get goin'!" Hank directed, and the three of them took off in a half-run, but not before Michaela turned and met Sully's eyes, his silent encouragement making her smile.
*****
"She's right in here," Hank directed, leading them to a door in the back of the Gold Nugget. He opened the door to reveal a woman lying on the bed, clutching her leg.
"Thank you, Hank, we'll take it from here."
"Do what ya can for her, Michaela," Hank pleaded, allowing his guard down just enough for Michaela to see how much he really cared about the women who worked for him, no matter how unorthodox their work might be.
"I will, Hank, I promise," she assured him, and he closed the door. She and John approached the woman from opposite sides of the bed, and the girl lifted her head enough to show she wasn't much more than about twenty years old. Pushing her personal feelings aside, Michaela focused her attention on the girl.
"I'm real sorry, Dr. Mike," the girl replied. "I guess I shoulda come to ya sooner, but I didn't think it'd get so bad. My name's Mary."
"It's nice to meet you, Mary. This is Dr. Fulton. He's a new doctor at the Chateau, and he wanted to come along this afternoon. I hope you don't mind."
"Nah, maybe 'tween the two of ya, this pain'll go away."
"Why don't you start by showing us what's causing the pain," Dr. Fulton began.
Mary removed her arms and lifted the skirt of her chemise, revealing a swollen and obviously infected wound, just below her knee.
"Looks like an infection. Did you cut yourself on something, Mary?" Michaela asked.
"Yeah, it was a few days ago, an' I was cleanin' up a bit around the Saloon. I went ta pick up some broken glass on the floor, but lost my balance and fell onto a piece. The cut wasn't bad, and I cleaned up the blood real good, then wrapped it up. Took the wrapping off today, and saw this," she gestured to the infection.
"We'll need to disinfect the cut," Dr. Fulton diagnosed.
"And try to remove as much of the infectious fluids as possible," Michaela continued and then faced the girl. "Mary, we're going to use a little chloroform to make you sleep while we work on the cut. It would cause you far more pain than it is right now if we didn't."
"That's alright, Dr. Mike. Do what ya gotta do. I ain't scared of nothin'," Mary replied, bravely, although the slight tremble in her voice betrayed the truth.
Quickly, the two doctors took out the necessary items from their bags, together supplying just what was needed to complete the job. Michaela poured some chloroform on a cloth and handed it to John. "Dr. Fulton?" she invited.
John took the cloth and gently placed it over Mary's mouth, smoothing back her hair with his other hand. "Just take nice, deep breaths, Mary, and before you know it, we'll be all done," he soothed.
They watched her eyes droop slowly closed, waited a few moments, then set to work, each one anticipating the other and working together as if they'd been doing it for years. In no time at all, they were done, and the infection was cleaned and rebandaged. In reality, it was a little more than an hour later. They put away their supplies and closed their bags, just as Mary was waking from the affects of the chloroform.
She yawned, "Done already?"
"Yes, now you're going to have to take it easy on this leg. It's been disinfected and cleaned, but you'll need to be careful to not get it wet for a couple of days."
"Keep an eye on it to be sure it doesn't start bleeding again," John added.
"If it does, you come and get me immediately, or send someone over to the clinic," Michaeala instructed.
"Sure, Dr. Mike. Dr. Fulton, an' thanks!"
"Our pleasure," Dr. Fulton replied for them both.
"Now, get some rest. I'll talk to Hank on the way out."
"So, is she gonna be alright?" Hank asked as soon as he saw the two doctors enter the main room.
"She's going to be fine, Hank, but I've told her to take it easy and get some rest. She needs to keep the bandage dry for a couple of days. If anything changes, I'm to be notified immediately."
"No problem," Hank agreed and pulled out a couple of bills. "This cover everythin'?"
"Yes, thank you," Michaela replied, taking the money.
"This kinda stuff happen often?" Dr. Fulton inquired, looking around the saloon for the first time.
"Nah. Mary's just a bit careless sometimes. My girls tend to have problems of a more feminine nature, if ya get my drift," Hank remarked with a smirk.
"Perfectly clear, Mr. Lawson."
"What's with this Mr. Lawson stuff. Call me, Hank. Ev'body else does," he instructed, extending his hand.
"John Fulton," he replied, shaking hands with the barkeep.
"So, you're the new doc Michaela's gone and hired. Nice ta meet ya."
He nodded. "Likewise."
"We'd best be going," Michaela interrupted. "I meant what I said, Hank. Mary's to take it easy," she gave him a knowing look.
"I hear ya. Wouldn't wanna suffer the wrath of Michaela Quinn now, would I?" he grinned.
Michaela shook her head and turned to leave, Dr. Fulton joining her a moment later. "See ya around, doc!" Hank called.
Michaela and John stepped out onto the sidewalk, and Michaela turned to face him. "Thank you for your assistance in there."
"My pleasure. I figured I could use the experience, and I want people here to feel comfortable with me. The best way to do that is to show them I'm willing to help, no matter what."
"I'm certain you shocked a couple of those ladies at the potluck earlier when you offered to come with me," she chuckled.
"Truth is, I needed the excuse to get away. As much as I enjoy meeting new people, those ladies were sticking to me like bees to honey."
"Can you blame them? A single, attractive doctor comes to town, and you think they'll just treat you like any other person?"
John smiled at her reasoning, seeing she was obviously unaware of the compliment she just paid him. He let it pass. "You make a good point." He paused and looked over at the meadow. "Well, I think I'll head on back to the Chateau. I have no desire, whatsoever, to return to that beehive!"
Michaela laughed and saw a wagon headed in their direction. Sully sat in the seat with Brian and Katie in the back. He pulled up alongside of them. "Things were startin' ta die down over there, so I figured I'd drive on over here and get ya," Sully explained. "Can we offer you a ride? It ain't far out of our way."
"Thank you. I appreciate that. Besides, it will get me away from the women at the church sooner," he laughed at his own method of escape, and Sully chuckled.
"I'll ride in the back with Katie and Brian. John, you take the seat," Michaela offered.
"Are you certain?"
"Of course, I am. It isn't often I am afforded the privilege of spending a wagon ride with these two."
Brian helped his ma into the back of the wagon, and John climbed up to sit next to Sully. Katie immediately snuggled against her mother, and Brian just grinned at his little sister. They rode to the Chateau in relative silence, with only a few comments made about the service and the situation with Mary.
Sully pulled the wagon up to the front of the Chateau, and John climbed down. "Thank you again," he called. They started to pull away, but they saw a familiar rider on a horse headed in their direction.
"Mafew!" Katie exclaimed the second she recognized her other brother.
"Hey everyone," Matthew greeted.
"When did you get back?" Michaela asked.
"Just now. I rode through town, but Hank said ya headed out here, so I thought I'd ride out and see ya."
"What brings ya out here?" Sully wanted to know.
"Well, I had some good news to share with ya. Spent a lotta time with a lawyer in Denver this past week, and he agreed to be my mentor, teachin' me law and showin' me the ropes a bit. It'll mean spending one week a month in Denver, but it's only for about six months. He said after that, there's no reason I wouldn't be able to have my own practice right her in Colorado Springs!"
"Congratulations!" Sully called.
"That's great, Matthew!" Brian echoed.
"Wonderful news!" Michaela added.
She saw John out of the corner of her eye turn and head towards the front steps. "John, wait one moment. I'd like you to meet our eldest son, Matthew," she introduced.
Matthew maneuvered his horse around the front of the wagon, leaning down to shake John's hand. "Matthew Cooper. Pleased ta meet ya."
"John Fulton. I'm the new doctor here at the Chateau. I hear congratulations are in order for you. You must be real pleased."
"Yeah, I am. Thanks."
"Thank you again," John called. "I'll see you around town, I'm certain."
"Goodbye, John," Michaela called.
"What's everyone say we head on home?" Sully asked.
"Sounds good, Pa!" Brian agreed.
"Matthew, would you like to join us? I would say we have a lot to celebrate."
"Sure, Dr. Mike," he agreed.
*****
"Mm, supper was delicious, Michaela," Sully complimented, placing his napkin on the table after wiping his mouth.
"Yeah, real good!" Brian and Matthew both agreed.
"Mmmm!" Katie repeated, causing everyone to laugh. She buried her face in her hands, embarassed at all the attention, but secretly loving it as everyone knew.
"Whattya say we play a few games of chess? Losers clean up after supper!" Sully challenged.
"You're on!" Michaela agreed.
"I play Pa, first. Ma, you play Matthew!" Brian called.
"Okay."
The chess boards came out. One was Sully's, and one was Michaela's. Both pairs sat at opposite ends of the table, pushing the dishes to the middle, and the games began almost immediately.
Katie looked back and forth between the two groups, then decided she didn't like all that quiet, so she toddled over to play with Wolf near the fireplace. She kept looking back at her family, wondering what they were doing, and why she wasn't asked to do it with them. Finally, after about twenty minutes, she got bored playing with Wolf, since all he wanted to do was lay on the rug, so she returned to the dining room table and watched everyone again.
"I pay, too!" she announced, reaching up and grabbing a piece off of one of the boards.
"Katie, no!" Michaela scolded, and the little girl immediately dropped the piece, tears welling up in her eyes at the reprimand. Sully and Brian looked up at the commotion.
Michaela immediately smiled at her daughter and reached out her arms. "Come here, sweetheart," she beckoned, and Katie ran into her mother's arms. "I'm sorry for getting upset, but you can't just grab things off of tables when you want them, Katie. Your brother and I are playing a game, and we need that piece."
"I pay, too!" Katie repeated, a slight whine to her voice.
"Well, you can't play this all by yourself, but how about you move Mommy's pieces for her? Would you like that?"
"Yes!" the little girl replied, a smile finding its way to her face, her tears immediately forgotten. And so it continued, Katie making all of Michaela's moves while sitting in her lap. The games progressed for another two hours. Michaela was finally pronounced the winner, beating Brian with a trick move, which left him with nowhere to go. Reveling in her victory, Michaela took Katie and sat with her in one of the wingback chairs, while the men cleaned up after supper.
Soon after, it was time for everyone to say goodnight. Matthew left to head back to his own homestead, and Brian went to his room. Sully and Michaela put Katie to bed together and walked back downstairs to enjoy a cup of tea before retiring themselves.
Since it was such a beautiful evening, they decided to take their tea outside and sit on the front porch. Sully grabbed a blanket and followed Michaela outside. They sat down together, Michaela holding Sully's cup while he spread the blanket across them both and placed his arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him, enjoying his warmth and strength. They sat like this for several minutes, comfortable in the quiet.
"Michaela," Sully began, breaking the silence.
"Mnmh?"
"I wanted ta apologize to ya."
"For what?"
"For what I said to ya 'bout Dr. Fulton in the beginnin'. I didn't give him a fair chance, and I was jumpin' to conclusions. Somethin' I don't do too often."
"No, that's what I usually do," she smiled. He chuckled, and she felt the rumbling beneath her ear.
"Still, I wanted ta let ya know I think hirin' Dr. Fulton was a good idea."
"Thank you, Sully. It means a lot to me to know you approve. I need to apologize as well for over-reacting about your surveying job. I know it means a lot to you. Just like my work with the clinic means a lot to me, I didn't give you a chance. I want you to be happy, Sully, and if doing this work does that, then I will support you completely."
"That's real good ta know, Michaela." He drained his cup and set both of their cups on the windowsill, drawing her closer into his embrace. "I think things'll work out just fine with our jobs."
"Yes," she agreed, snuggling closer to her husband. "I think things will be alright, once we get used to all of the changes."
Michaela didn't confess the small amount of doubt she had. She brushed it off as unimportant right now. Maybe later she would deal with it.
"It ain't gonna be easy, but we'll work it out," he assured her. Having said that, he was still feeling a little nagging in the back of his mind, though he didn't know why. "I love you," he whispered huskily.
"I love you, too," she replied and turned her head to give him a loving kiss. They lapsed back into a comfortable silence, watching the stars in the night sky, so rarely free of clouds.
THE END