For personal and select distribution only (c) by Lori Martin, December 2000
************

Michaela was sitting up in bed waiting for Sully to join her, too keyed up to sleep. It was now late at night and everyone had finally departed to their separate rooms. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Gray had left earlier, Mr. Jackson assuring everyone that he would see to it that Mr. Gray stayed with him tonight and that they would both return in the morning to say their farewells.

"Sully," Michaela turned down the covers as Sully slid off his pants and climbed in beside her, "I can’t believe Matthew’s not returning with us." As Sully had anticipated, Michaela had not taken the news well, but now, several hours later, she had finally calmed down.

Sully sidled closer and then slid his arm behind her back, drawing her head to rest on his shoulder. "We may never see him again," her voice wavered. Sully turned his head to look into her eyes, suddenly moist with tears, "Hey, we’ve been over this already," he tenderly swiped at a tear silently rolling down her cheek, "and we all agreed, we want whatever’s gonna make Matthew happy."

"You’re right, I know," she sniffled, "but I just can’t bear the thought of Matthew staying behind," she gazed into her husband’s loving eyes.

Leaning over, Sully lightly brushed her lips with his. "Well then, let’s not think about it, alright? Let’s just enjoy the time we do have left with him," he replied softly.

Nodding her head, Michaela snuggled closer to Sully, resting her head on his bare chest. Looking up at him she asked, "Sully, have you thought about what we should do with the rest of the money?"

Tenderly stroking her hair, he kissed the top of her head. "I’ve been thinking about that. First off, we should pay Mr. Flicker for our rooms here and then pay back any other debts we’ve incurred since staying here."

"I agree," Michaela raised her head slightly, "but that still leaves us with quite a large sum leftover."

"I’ve been thinking about what Mr. Jackson said, about giving the money to charity or to someone worthy of it," Sully lowered her nightgown off of her shoulders and began to gently massage her neck. "I think we should give some of the money to Mr. Gray. After all, without him we would never have won," his hands were working magic on her tense muscles.

"I think that’s a wonderful idea, Sully," Michaela beamed, "and Mr. Gray could surely use the money. Maybe it will help him to get back on his feet." Relaxing under his gentle touch Michaela murmured, "Mmmm, that feels good."

"Yeah, that’s what I was thinking also," Sully lightly rested his leg on top of Michaela’s.

"Well, that just goes to show that great minds think alike," she smiled teasingly.

"Well, Dr. Quinn," Sully lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck, "since great minds think alike, did you have any ideas on what to do with the money?"

Reaching up Michaela grasped Sully’s hand and drawing it to her mouth she began to kiss it lightly, "Well, I was thinking that maybe we could give some of the money to Bobbie and Gracie. I’m sure they could use the money with a new baby coming," she looked to him with questioning eyes.

He smiled lovingly at her, "I think it’s a wonderful idea, Michaela, after all, we can’t take it with us and who knows where we’d be right now if we they hadn’t found us."

"Sully," Michaela looked up at him with a new sparkle in her eye as a thought suddenly occurred to her, "maybe we could donate the remainder of the money to the Indians."

"To the Indians?" Sully raised his eyebrow in query, "what do you mean?"

"Well.." Michaela began, "I know the conditions aren’t the same as they were in Colorado Springs, but from what I’ve heard from Gracie and Nikki, many of the Indians still live on reservations and are in need of food and medical supplies. I’m sure we could find a way to donate the money to them. Maybe Dancing Cloud can help us."

Sully’s heart filled with profound love for his wife. Leaning over he sweetly kissed her lips. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice full of pride.

Turning her head to look up at him, she asked, "for what?"

"For thinking of the Indians, for being so special," he returned. "I haven’t been able to do much good for the Indians back home, but at least in this way maybe we’ll have a hand in helping their future."

"Sully, how can you say that. You have helped the Indians back home, you’ve helped them in many ways," she returned adamantly.

"Sometimes it don’t seem like it," he spoke somberly, "sometimes it seems that no matter what I do, nothing helps."

Michaela lightly caressed his chest and gazing up into his eyes she whispered, "I love you."

Smiling down on her he whispered, "I love you too." Kissing her lightly on the cheek he asked, "Do you think you can sleep now?"

"No, I’m still not tired," she gazed longingly into Sully’s piercing blue eyes and in a sultry voice she said, "but I know something that might help me?"

"And what might that be?" Sully bantered, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Well, I did enjoy the hot tub," Michaela’s hands began to move more sensually across his bare chest, "and this is our last night here."

"Mmmm," Sully moaned as he enjoyed his wife’s caresses, "I enjoyed the hot tub too." Pulling Michaela closer he softly kissed her lips. As the kiss ended he swiftly threw back the covers and smiled seductively, "How ‘bout I go fill up that tub."

"Alright, but hurry back," she whispered huskily as she watched her husband’s retreating form. As Sully turned his head and flashed his sensual smile, Michaela’s heart raced in anticipation.

Moments later Sully hurriedly returned to their bed. Pulling the covers back off of Michaela, he slid his arms under her and with ease lifted her into his arms. "Sully, put me down," she protested weakly as she wrapped her arms tightly around Sully’s neck. Sully seized her lips and Michaela immediately relaxed in his arms.

Carrying her into the adjacent room, he gently set her on her feet. Kneeling down in front of her he reached for the hem of her nightgown and began to slowly pull her it up over her head, kissing her soft flesh as he did so. Michaela threw back her head and moaned in pleasure as his kisses awakened her senses.

"Oh god, Sully, I love you so much," she breathed heavily as his hands continued to roam over her naked body and her hands played wildly in his long, wavy hair. Standing up, Sully lifted Michaela and gently placed her in the tub, quickly climbing in to sit beside her.

Immediately they resumed their sensual caresses, "I need you so much," Michaela’s breath was coming in quick gasps. "I need you more," Sully’s heart was pounding wildly. As the steam rose above them and the room became engulfed in a vapor of mist, all thoughts of Matthew and the Indians vanished from their thoughts. On this night nothing else mattered but their love for one another and their burning desire to join as one.

The next morning as they waited in the lobby for everyone to arrive for breakfast, Sully and Michaela pulled Matthew and Brian aside. As Michaela sat down in one of the cushioned chairs, Sully placed Katie in her arms. "Your ma and me was talking last night about what we should do with the money we have leftover," Sully began.

Matthew and Brian exchanged a quick look between themselves and seeing this Sully asked, "What?"

"Well," Matthew hesitated, "Brian and I were talking about the same thing last night."

"Yes?" Michaela pondered, "go on."

"Well, like I said, Brian and I were talking and we thought maybe we could give some of the money to Mr. Gray, maybe help him get back on his feet."

"I know the money isn’t ours to give away," Brian quickly jumped in, "it’s just that Mr. Gray has done so much for us and he has so little," Brian tried to explain.

Sully’s face broke into a wide smile. Turning to Michaela he said, "I guess great minds do think alike, Michaela," and then turning to Matthew and Brian he said, "Your ma and I was thinking the same thing and we’ve already decided to give some of the money to Mr. Gray."

"Yes," Michaela added, "we do owe him so much and we’d like to repay him for his kindness."

Brian’s face lit up and leaning down he lovingly kissed Michaela on the cheek. "Thanks ma, I was hoping you’d say that."

Sully lightly slapped Brian on the shoulder. "I wanted to tell you, Brian of how proud we are of you, of both of you," he reiterated.

"Thanks pa," Brian replied bashfully.

"Last night, after everyone went to bed, Brian and I went back downstairs," Matthew stood beside his brother, his arm draped loosely over his shoulder.

"To gamble?" Michaela quickly asked in mild shock, inwardly afraid that Matthew had once again began to gamble.

"No ma, not to gamble," Matthew quickly assured her.

"But we did go downstairs to talk to Frank, I mean Mr. Clawson," Brian joined in.

"The man who runs the gambling tables?" Michaela asked for clarification.

"Yeah, that’s him," Brian affirmed. "I wanted to talk to him about getting Mr. Gray a job here."

"Really?" Michaela asked in surprise, "I mean he just didn’t seem to be the kind of person that would have compassion on a man like Mr. Gray."

"He’s not as rough and tough as he appears," Matthew smiled slightly. "I think he just wants people to think he’s that way, but deep down he does have a soft spot."

"Yeah, he told us that him and Mr. Flicker co-own this hotel," Brian continued. "Mr. Flicker runs the hotel part and he runs the casino. He said he was going to talk to Mr. Flicker and see if they could get him a job as a night clerk at the front desk."

"That’s why Brian and I thought he could use some money to get started, buy some new clothes and get a place to stay," Matthew replied.

"It’s a wonderful idea, Matthew," Michaela looked at her two sons with pride. "We are very proud of both of you." After pausing a moment she looked at Matthew and continued. "Matthew, since you’ve decided to stay here with Tracy," she swallowed over the lump in her throat, "Sully and I would also like to give you and Tracy something, to help you get started after your marriage," Michaela attempted to maintain her smile for her son’s sake.

"That ain’t necessary ma," Matthew quickly jumped in.

"I know it’s not necessary, Matthew, but it’s something Sully and I want to do, please," she added softly as she juggled a squirming Katie on her lap.

"We’ve also decided to give some of the money to Bobbie and Gracie," Sully revealed. "After all, it was them who took us in and helped all of this come about," he swept his arm over the lobby.

"I think that’s a good idea, too," Brian returned, "and I know they can use the money with a new baby coming."

"Yeah, that’s what your ma and I thought," Sully replied, "but that still leaves us with quite a large sum of money and well, since it was your ma’s idea, I’ll let her tell you the rest."

Brian’s and Matthew’s eyes turned to Michaela. "We’re going to talk to Dancing Cloud about donating the remainder of the money to the Indians."

"I can’t think of a better place for the money to go," Matthew voiced their mutual opinion.

"He’s right, ma," Brian smiled, "I can’t think of anyone more deserving than the Indians."

"We’d knew you’d understand," Sully replied, "now come on, let’s go join the others. Tracy and Colleen just arrived," Sully pointed in the direction of the others.

Matthew’s face lit up in a smile at the sight of his fiancé, "Tracy," Matthew called out across the room and following at his heals, they all joined the others.

Soon they were seated around the table in the dining room awaiting their breakfast. Sully lightly cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. "Everyone," Sully stood up as they all turned their heads in his direction, "Michaela and I wanted to thank everyone for all your help. We don’t know what we would have done without each and every one of you."

Whispered murmurs were heard all around, "Ah, it was nothing," Mr. Gray replied, and "Glad we could help," Bobbie returned. Sully felt Michaela’s slight squeeze on his hand and continued, "We’ll be leaving for Montana this morning and we just wanted to tell everyone what you’ve meant to us over the past week, especially you, Bobbie and Gracie. Without you none of this would have come about."

Bobbie and Gracie looked about, a trifle embarrassed by the praise they were receiving, "Ah, Sully, it was nothing really," Bobbie underplayed their roles, "Gracie and I are just glad we were able to help. And in the process we found new friends," he glanced around the table at everyone seated.

"That’s right," Gracie reiterated, "we would have never met all of you if none of this had never happened, and although I know Dr. Mike’s wish is to be back home, I have to admit that I’ll miss you," she looked at Michaela with a tear in her eye.

Suddenly Bobbie raised his glass in a toast, "I know this is usually done with champagne but I’d like to make a toast anyway." Smiling broadly he looked around the table and said, "To new friends," and then looking at Sully and Michaela he added, "and to a safe journey home."

"Here, here," Dotty spoke up as she raised her glass above her head, "to new friends," and then giving Michaela an imperceptible wink she added, "and old ones."

As everyone joined in the toast a sudden eerie feeling passed over Michaela, but just as quickly she heard her name being called and was drawn once again back into the conversation next to her.

"So, Mr. Jackson," Brian began from across the table, "since you did so well yesterday, are you gonna go back to gambling?"

"Please Brian, call me Timothy," Mr. Jackson gently corrected, "but in answer to your question, no, I won’t be returning to gambling." Seeing the look in Brian’s eyes, he tried to explain. "It is true, I used to be a professional gambler, and I’m sorry to say that I’m not very proud of what I did back then. You see," he now had the complete attention of everyone at the table, "I too used to be like Mr. Hoffman. Winning was all that mattered and it didn’t matter at who’s expense."

"What made you stop gambling?" Michaela asked out of curiosity.

"Well, ma’am, like I said before, I did some pretty shady things back then and one day, while I was buying a few items at a local store, a gentleman approached me. Unbeknownst to me, he was holding a revolver under his jacket. Apparently I had swindled him out of a large sum of money several months earlier and he was seeking his revenge." All eyes were not riveted on Mr. Jackson. "Just as the man pulled the gun out and aimed it at my head, another man suddenly stepped up behind him and knocked the gun out of his hand. Several other men standing around quickly pounced on him until the authorities came and retrieved him." He paused momentarily and then said, "You see, the gentleman that knocked the gun out of his hand was Mr. Gray, the owner of the store."

"So that’s how he saved your life," Brian commented.

"Yes, that’s correct," Mr. Jackson returned.

"So that’s when you quit gambling?" Dotty asked in turn.

"No, I’m sorry to say that even that threat to my life couldn’t squelch my addition to gambling," Mr. Jackson stated. "It was several years later, after I met my wife, that I realized that I was addicted to this game and that it was becoming an obsession with me. I began to live for the thrill of winning and then one day my wife had had enough. She gave me a choice, gambling or her."

Sully laid his had atop of Michaela’s and gently squeezed it. She smiled lovingly up at him. "So that’s when you gave up gambling?" Colleen inquired.

"Sadly, no, I still couldn’t give it up," he saw the look of shock on everyone’s face. "I loved my wife dearly and the thought of losing her tore me up," Mr. Jackson tried to explain, "but you see, I was addicted and I couldn’t stop on my own."

"So, how did you stop, Mr. Jackson?" Gracie asked anxiously.

Mr. Jackson’s voice suddenly took on a somber tone, "My wife suddenly became very ill and I realized that if I wanted to hold on to her, I would have to get help. So I joined Gamblers Anonymous and with their help I was able to stop gambling. Unfortunately, my wife died several months later but on her deathbed I made a promise to her that I would never gamble again. And I’ve kept that promise up until last night."

"Is that why you were so hesitant about helping up?" Brian asked.

"Yes it was, Brian, but after hearing Mr. Gray’s story, and I had no doubt to disbelieve him, I knew that Ellen, my dear late wife, would understand and that she would have wanted me to help you."

"We’re forever in your debt, Mr. Jackson," Sully replied humbly, "and I know how you must have anguished over the decision to help us. Your wife must have been a very special woman."

"Yes, she was," Mr. Jackson choked slightly but then clearing his throat he added, "but I also believe that right now she’s looking down on all of us and she’s happy about it, maybe even proud of what I did," he replied wistfully.

"I’m sure she’s very proud of you, Mr. Jackson," Michaela spoke softly, "and she has every reason to be."

Bobbie tapped Sully on the arm, "Uh, Sully," he said as he glanced at his watch, "if we’re going to be at the airport by 11:00, we probably should be going soon."

Michaela had to speak loudly over the roar of the engines. "Are you sure this is the only way we can get to Montana Sully? You know how much I dislike this flying thing."

Once again Sully was slightly amused, "Come on, Michaela, it was perfectly safe the last time and it will be perfectly safe again." He tried to keep his smile from showing, "And besides, it’s already Thursday and you know what Dancing Cloud told Nikki, if we’re going to get back home, we have to do it by tomorrow night."

"I know you’re right," Michaela resigned, "but I just don’t trust these things. I would feel much safer it both of my feet were safely on the ground."

Sully lightly kissed her cheek, "Come on, the plane will be boarding soon."

"Bobbie said Danny and Nikki will meet us at the airport," Michaela informed Sully as they walked towards the boarding gates, but at the mention of Danny’s name, Sully tensed slightly.

Michaela noticed his reaction and squeezing his hand she leaned close and whispered softly, "You have absolutely nothing to worry about you know. You and only you own my heart."

Sully looked at Michaela, her eyes full of love, "I know," he whispered in return, "I love you," he kissed her softly on the lips.

"Dancing Cloud, did the spirits tell you why we are here?" Michaela asked with uncertainty.

"The spirits do not always give a reason," Dancing Cloud answered.

When they arrived at the reservation they had been greeted by Nikki’s Grandmother, Songbird, and her Great Grandfather, Dancing Cloud. Michaela had been somewhat surprised at the sight of the old, frail man, walking slowly with the help of a cane. Now they were sitting in a large teepee around a small open fire. "But you did have a vision that we were coming, right?" Sully turned to the medicine man sitting crossed legged on the ground.

"Yes, the spirits did tell me you were coming and that you would need my help to return home," he replied calmly.

"So how do we get home?" Michaela asked anxiously.

"First we must get your house back. Did you get the money?" Dancing Cloud asked.

"Yes, we got all of it that we need, even more than we need actually," Sully replied.

"Then tomorrow we will all return to California and we will begin your journey home," Dancing Cloud looked at all of the faces around him, "but now you must all join us in one of our ceremonies, it is called Massaum."

"The animal dance," Sully informed the others, "it’s a hunting ritual."

"You know of the Cheyenne ways then?" Dancing Cloud asked Sully, a new respect showing in his eyes.

"Yes, I lived with the Cheyenne for several years," Sully spoke proudly. "They helped me overcome a very dark period in my life. Cloud Dancing, a Cheyenne Medicine Man, he is my brother."

"I see," replied Dancing Cloud, "now I have a better understanding of why the spirits sent you to me."

"Dancing Cloud," Matthew slightly cleared his throat, "I’ve met someone here…, Tracy," Matthew glanced lovingly at Tracy and tightly squeezed her hand, "and I’ve decided to stay here and get married."

"The spirits have told me of this," Dancing Cloud rubbed his chin, "but marriage is not something to be taken lightly, and yet the two of you have just met," he raised his eyebrow in query.

"I know, Dancing Cloud, and we’re not taking it lightly," Matthew assured him, "but I’ve never been more sure about something in my entire life. I love Tracy and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

"Then you must do what your heart tells you," Dancing Cloud replied, "but I must tell you this, that if you decide to stay here, then you will cease to exist in Colorado Springs, 1870."

Michaela gasped out loud, "What do you mean, cease to exist?" her voice quivered.

Dancing Cloud looked directly into her eyes and replied, "If he remains here, then he will have never been born in Colorado. No one will have any memory of him."

"Sully!" Michaela’s face suddenly paled and she clutched at his arm.

"I know, I know," Sully spoke softly as he pulled her into his embrace, "but we have to let Matthew make this decision on his own."

Matthew reached out and grasped Tracy’s hand, glancing briefly at his ma and pa. Then turning from them he faced Dancing Cloud and replied with absolute certainty, "I want to stay." Tracy glanced at Sully and Michaela and saw the look of sorrow in their eyes and her heart went out to them. She knew this was not going to be easy for any of them.

Dancing Cloud stood and the others followed. "Come, it is time for our ceremony. Tonight we will find lodging for everyone and then we will leave in the morning." He looked at Michaela and Sully as he spoke, "You must return to Colorado Springs before midnight, that is what the Spirits have told me."

"Yes, we know. Danny told us that the first night we met," Sully replied somberly.

"Dancing Cloud, may I ask you something?" Dotty stepped up beside him, her notebook in hand.

"Yes, you may ask, but I do not know if I have your answer," Dancing Cloud replied.

"I noticed as we were driving out here from the airport that most of your people live in houses. Does anyone actually live in teepees anymore?" she asked curiously.

Dancing Cloud paused a moment as he reflected on his old way of life. "Sadly, the ways of my people have changed much over the years," he replied somberly. "We have adapted to the white man’s world as best as we knew how. Though our people live in houses now we still use teepees for our ceremonies and for our prayers. There are a few, the elders mostly, who still abide by our old way of life."

He looked at the small group around him and a smile tugged at his lips, "Even I live in a house now." He saw the look of surprise on Sully’s face. "My daughter Songbird, Nikki’s grandmother, insisted after I became very ill several years ago. She did not think I was strong enough to survive the harsh winters anymore," he answered their unspoken question. "But I still come to this teepee daily to speak to the Spirits, and occasionally, if the weather permits, I still sneak out here to sleep under the stars," he looked at Nikki with a twinkle in his eye.

"Don’t worry though," Nikki smiled at those around her, "we’ll find somewhere for everyone to sleep. You won’t have to sleep out here in a teepee."

Sully glanced at Michaela with a slight smile on his face and giving his hand a light squeeze, she answered his unspoken question. "Uh, Dancing Cloud, if you wouldn’t mind, my wife and I would like to sleep here, in the teepee tonight."

Dancing Cloud looked up into the clear blue sky, "the night will be cold and the bed is not soft," he answered.

"That’s alright," Sully returned, "it won’t be the first time we’ve slept in a teepee, and we’re used to cold nights," his eyes sparkled mischievously as his thumb lightly caressed Michaela’s palm.

A broad smile crossed over Dancing Cloud’s face as he replied, "That will be acceptable. I will see to it that you have plenty of blankets to keep you warm." After a moments pause he looked at the two and smiled knowingly, "although I doubt if they will be necessary."

That night as they snuggled under the pile of many blankets, Michaela lovingly ran her fingers across Sully’s chest. "You’re awfully quiet tonight, something on your mind?" Michaela asked. She glanced quickly over to the corner of the teepee where Katie was sound asleep.

"Just thinkin’," Sully murmured, his eyes staring into the dark night.

"Thinking about what?" Michaela asked softly.

Sully turned onto his side to face her, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. "I guess I was just thinking about the plight of the Indians, what they must have endured over the past hundred years."

"I know," Michaela’s soft voice was soothing to his ears, "and I can’t even imagine the horrors they’ve had to bear." She waited a moment until his eyes met hers, "But they’re a strong people Sully. They’ve survived all this time and they will continue to do so."

"Yeah, but at what cost?" he answered ruefully.

"The world is constantly changing and I suppose we just have to learn to change with it," she returned, "that’s how the Indians have learned to survive."

"I suppose you’re right, but…" he hesitated slightly.

"But what?" Michaela raised her head to look into his eyes.

"Oh, I don’t know, it just seems that everything we do back home to help them, well, that maybe it’s just a waste of time. I mean just look around you Michaela, nothing we do is going to help their future."

"That doesn’t mean we can stop trying, does it?" Michaela raised her eyebrow slightly. "You do make a difference for them, even if you can’t see the immediate results. The Indians need you, Sully," she spoke softly as she raised herself up to lightly kiss his lips.

"Thank you," he smiled a crooked smile, "I needed to hear that."

She looked into his eyes and with a sultry grin she whispered, I need you too Sully," and once again she claimed his lips with her own.

Soon the layers of blankets were thrown aside as their passions became heated. Michaela gasped as Sully slid his hand under her camisole. "Sshhh," Sully whispered teasingly, "you’ll wake up Katie."

Michaela lightly caressed Sully’s chest and she smiled as his nipples hardened beneath them. Moving her other hand slowly down Sully’s thigh, he moaned softly as her fingers caressed him. "Sshhh," Michaela whispered mockingly, "you’ll wake up Katie."

Rolling on top of her, Sully seized her lips and as the kiss deepened their love for one another once again became their only focus. As their passions and desires took over, their sounds of love echoed softly up into the night.

It was Friday afternoon and it had been one whole week since Sully and Michaela had mysteriously awakened here and now they were anxiously anticipating their return home. They had just stepped off of the plane in Los Angeles and after gathering their luggage they were waiting for the elevator to arrive.

When the elevator arrived, it was already half full. As everyone began to step in, Gracie suddenly held back, "Uh, you guys go on ahead. I think I'll wait for the next one. I get a little claustrophobic with so many people in such a small space."

Sully touched Michaela's elbow and holding her back, he said, "Michaela and I will stay with them. We'll meet everyone downstairs."

"All right," Colleen answered, "I'll take Katie with me. I've missed her so much," she kissed her little sister on the top of the head.

When the next elevator arrived Michaela and Sully got in, followed by Gracie and Bobbie. As the door shut behind them, Michaela leaned back against the wall and sighed, "I can’t believe we’re finally going home, Sully."

"I know, it has been a hectic week, hasn’t it?" Sully reached up and pushed a strand of hair back off of Michaela’s face.

"It sure has," Gracie answered, "but you know what, I’m glad this happened." When she saw the puzzled look on their faces she explained, "I mean I’m glad that we got this chance to know each other, to become friends, even if it was for only a short time."

Michaela reached out and touched Gracie’s arm, "I’m glad also Gracie. I don’t know what Sully and I would have done if you two hadn’t come along when you did."

"Well, just as you were meant to be here for a reason, we were meant to find you," Bobbie returned, "and like Gracie said, we’re both glad we were able to help."

Just then there was a sudden jerk and the elevator came to a halt. "What happened?" Michaela asked frantically.

Bobbie continued to hit the buttons on the panel, but to no avail. "It looks like the elevator’s stuck," Bobbie pointed out.

"Does this happen often," Sully turned to Bobbie.

"I’m sure it doesn’t happen often, but occasionally it does," Bobbie replied. "It’s just our luck that it happened now."

"I’m sure it won’t be long," Gracie tried to reassure them, "in fact I bet they have someone working on it right now."

Bobbie picked up the emergency telephone inside the elevator and dialed the emergency number listed. "They’ve already sent someone to take a look at it. Said it should only be a few minutes," Bobbie reassured everyone.

"That’s a relief," Michaela murmured and then looking at Gracie and Bobbie she smiled teasingly, "Well, so much for these new contraptions." As Michaela was talking Bobbie glanced at Gracie and noticed a strange look on her face. "What’s wrong, Gracie," Bobbie asked frantically.

"I’m not sure," Gracie gasped as she clutched her stomach, "but something’s happening."

"Is it the baby?" Bobbie asked as he quickly put his arm around Gracie’s shoulder.

"I’m not sure," she breathed heavily and then suddenly struck by a severe pain, she doubled over.

Quickly Michaela knelt down beside her as Bobbie helped her to the floor. "It’s okay, Gracie, everything’s going to be alright."

"But it’s too early," Gracie’s voice was filled with panic, "I still have six weeks to go," she trembled.

Bobbie began to pound on the buttons in the elevator. "Where are they, what’s taking them so long," he asked frantically.

"Calm down, Bobbie, everything’s gonna be okay. Gracie’s in good hands; Michaela’s a good doctor," Sully replied calmly.

Again another pain struck Gracie and she clutched at Bobbie’s arm.

"No, not here, not in an elevator," Gracie’s voice was filled with panic.

"You’re not going to have your baby in an elevator, Gracie," Sully tried to remain calm for his friend’s sake, but he too began to pound on the elevator buttons. "I’m sure they’re fixing it right now and we’ll be out of here in no time. Ain’t that right Michaela?" Sully searched Michaela’s eyes for reassurance.

Michaela had her stethoscope out and as she listened to the baby’s heartbeat she attempted a smile, "That’s right. Everything’s going to be fine Gracie and I’m sure they’ll have us out of here soon. After all, most babies like to take their time getting here."

"Not last time, Dr. Mike," Bobbie’s voice quivered. "Last time we barely made it to the hospital before Tony was born."

As Michaela placed her fingers against Gracie’s wrist to take her pulse, Gracie suddenly gripped her arm with renewed strength and cried, "Oh no, Dr. Mike, my water just broke."

"Dr. Mike?" Bobbie looked at Michaela, his expression one of total fear.

"Gracie, listen to me," Michaela’s voice was calm and even, "I’m going to examine you now to see how far you’ve dilated, alright?" Gracie shook her head in agreement, unable to speak as another contraction gripped her.

As Michaela completed her examination she looked at Gracie and said, "You’re fully dilated. I don’t think this baby’s going to wait." Seeing the frantic look on Bobbie’s face Michaela calmly suggested, "Bobbie, maybe you should call on that phone again and tell them that your wife’s about to deliver a baby."

Bobby picked up the emergency phone and began to explain to the voice on the other end what was happening. But as Gracie let out another scream, Bobbie let the phone fall out of his hand and he dropped to his knees beside her.

"NOOOO!" Gracie screamed as the pain became unbearable. "Make it stop, Dr. Mike, make the pain stop."

Bobbie wiped the sweat from Gracie’s brow with a cloth that Michaela had handed him. "It won’t be long now, Gracie," Bobbie soothed, "just a little while longer and we’ll have our little girl."

"Get your hands off of me," Gracie screamed as another contraction hit. Bobbie yanked his hands back and looked at Gracie in astonishment. "I’m sorry," he whimpered quietly, feeling totally helpless as he watched his wife breath through another contraction.

Sully placed his hand on Bobbie’s arm. "Don’t take it personally, Bobbie," Sully smiled slightly. "When Michaela was having Katie she did the same thing to me. Except I thought she was going to yank my cheeks right off my face," he attempted some levity.

"I know," Bobbie’s voice shook, "I just can’t stand to see her like that. Where are those people, we should be out of here…," his voice trailed off as his wife let out a blood curling scream.

"I see the head, Gracie," Michaela exclaimed, "now on the next contraction I want you to push. Do you understand?"

Gracie nodded her head in understanding and as Bobbie knelt beside her and held her hand, another contraction began.

For the next twenty minutes Gracie pushed with all the strength she could muster but suddenly Michaela cried out, "Don’t push, Gracie, you can’t push."

"Why? What’s wrong, why isn’t the baby coming?" Gracie cried weakly as she collapsed against the back wall.

Michaela reached for her medical bag and withdrew several instruments. In her doctor’s voice she answered, "The cord’s caught, it’s holding the baby up," and then looking at Sully she replied, "Sully, I may need your help. Bobbie, just hold Gracie’s hand, try to keep her calm."

Both men did as requested and as another contraction began, Michaela called out, "Sully, hand me the clamps." Michaela worked frantically to free the baby from the cord. "Scissors," Michaela requested as she held out her hand, now covered in blood. With Sully’s assistance she was finally able to cut the cord free but as the baby slid out, Michaela noticed that it had turned blue and was not breathing.

Quickly Michaela went into action. Cradling the baby in one arm she cleared the baby's throat with her finger and then began to gently massage the baby’s windpipe. "Come on, breathe, please breathe," she whispered as she continued her massaging. Gracie was beginning to panic and squeezing Bobbie’s hand she screamed hysterically, "Oh God, please don’t let her die, don’t let my baby die."

Suddenly remembering their encounter in the park a few days earlier, Michaela quickly laid the baby down and covering her nose and mouth with hers, she blew quick, short breaths into the baby’s mouth. Though it seemed like an eternity, several moments later the baby finally took it’s first breath of life.

"Thank God," Michaela looked upwards and offered a silent prayer. Looking down at Gracie and Bobbie she said, "She’s breathing on her own now."

"Thank you Jesus," Gracie murmured as Bobbie bent down and lightly kissed her lips. "Thank God you were here, Dr. Mike," Bobbie’s voice quivered.

"We need something to wrap her in, a blanket or a towel," Michaela stated, "but I don’t have anything." Immediately Sully began to unbutton his shirt. "Here, you can use by shirt to wrap her in," he said as he slid it off his shoulders. "It’s not as warm as my buckskin jacket, but it will do," Sully smiled, remembering the day he had placed a newborn Katie in it.

Taking the shirt from Sully she smiled knowingly and then wrapping the baby in it she handed the little girl to her mother. "She’s having difficulty breathing," Michaela began but as Gracie let out a small cry Michaela once again turned her attention back to the mother. After delivering the afterbirth Gracie looked up at Michaela and through her tears she cried, "You saved her life, Dr. Mike, you saved both of us. If you hadn’t been here…," her voice trailed off.

Michaela squeezed Gracie’s arm, "She’s going to be fine, Gracie, you both are," Michaela replied as she stood up and then looking at the beaming parents she said, "You have a beautiful baby girl now. She’s still having difficulty breathing but there’s nothing more I can do for her," Michaela replied helplessly.

Sully placed his arm around Michaela’s shoulder and squeezed it lovingly, "You did real good Michaela." He kissed her temple and then glancing down at the new parents he asked, "Is she gonna be alright really?"

With a tear in her eye, she replied, "I don’t know, Sully, I honestly don’t know. She’s still very small and her lungs may not be fully developed but maybe with today’s medical advances they can help her," she choked, feeling powerless under the circumstances.

"You did great, Dr. Mike," Bobbie looked up at her with admiration as his voice choked, "and with today’s advances in medicine our little girl’s going to be fine, I just know it."

"Have you thought of any names yet?" Sully looked on as the parents counted fingers and toes.

"We had a few in mind," Bobbie began, "but we never really came to any decisions. We figured we still had some time left."

Suddenly Gracie spoke up, "I’d like to name her Michaela, if you don’t mind that is," she looked at Bobbie sheepishly.

Bobbie leaned down and kissing the top of the baby’s head he smiled broadly, "I think it’s a perfect name," and then looking up at their new friends he asked, "don’t you?"

Sully grasped Michaela’s hand and squeezed it tightly. "I couldn’t agree more," Sully spoke proudly as he smiled lovingly at his wife.

"Thank you, I’d be honored," Michaela returned shyly.

Suddenly they heard a commotion outside the elevator door. "It’s about time," Bobbie stated as he stood up. When the doors finally opened they were greeted by their family and friends along with a small crowd of onlookers. "You said your wife was in labor," a man in a white uniform stepped forward, "we have an ambulance waiting."

"You’re a little late," Bobbie replied sarcastically as he stepped back to reveal his newborn daughter. "But yes, we do need an ambulance. The baby’s premature, she’s having trouble breathing," he replied worriedly.

Immediately the men went into action taking care of the baby and Gracie. Michaela and Sully stepped outside while the others conveyed their congratulations. Upon seeing Katie asleep in Colleen’s arms, Michaela reached out for her. Holding Katie snuggly against her chest, Sully pulled Michaela over to one side. With his arm securely around her waist, he whispered, "You did real good in there. I’m proud of you."

Michaela raised her eyes to meet his, "Thank you," she spoke softly, "but you had a hand in it also. It reminded me of when we had Katie, out in the woods by ourselves."

"Yeah, it did, and I was almost as scared too," he laughed softly.

"Dr. Mike," they were interrupted by Bobbie’s voice, "They’re ready to take Gracie and little Michaela to the hospital now. Gracie want’s to say good-bye."

Michaela looked up at Sully with a question in her eyes and immediately Sully understood. "Michaela and I thought we’d follow you to the hospital, just to make sure they’re both alright," Sully told him.

"That would be great, Sully, and I know Gracie would want that too," Bobbie looked anxiously at his watch, "but it’s already 4:30 and I wouldn’t want you to miss your way home."

Sully glanced around at the others standing by. "We’ve still got plenty of time left and Michaela really wanted to see the inside of a hospital anyway. Why don’t all of you go on without us and we’ll meet you there."

"But Sully," Matthew began.

"Don’t worry," Sully reassured them, "we’ll be there," and then seeing the worried look on Colleen and Brian’s faces he reemphasized, "we’ll be there."

"But how will you get there?" Brian asked, "neither of you can drive."

"I’ll make sure they get there on time," Bobbie offered. "Once I get Gracie settled and I make sure little Michaela is okay, I’ll bring them myself."

"Little Michaela?" Dotty questioned.

Bobbie’s smile lit up his face. "Yeah, that’s what Gracie and I decided to call her. After all, if it wasn’t for Dr. Mike, Gracie or my little girl might not be here," his voice trembled slightly.

"It is a fine name," Dancing Cloud spoke up from behind, "your daughter will carry it proudly."

"Yes she will," Bobbie spoke, his voice full of pride.

Bobbie reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He handed the set of keys to Tracy. "Here, you can use my car. Tracy can drive you back to our house. You can all go there and help yourselves to dinner, whatever you can find. We’ll meet you all there later."

"But how will you get home if we take your car?" Matthew asked as he took the car keys from Tracy.

"We’ll take a cab or something," Bobbie replied and then eyeing the keys in Matthew’s hand he said, "Matthew, Tracy has a driver’s license, you don’t. Why don’t you let her drive."

"Alright," Matthew agreed reluctantly as he handed the keys back to Tracy, "but if I’m going to stay here anyway, I should learn how to drive."

"You’re absolutely right, Matthew," Bobbie replied and with a twinkle in his eye he added, "but not with my car."

Bobbie walked over to the ambulance drivers and after having a few words with them he came back to Michaela and Sully. "I talked with the ambulance drivers and I explained to them that Michaela is a doctor. Although it usually isn’t done, they’re going to allow all of us to ride in the ambulance with Gracie and the baby.

Sully turned to his family standing nearby. "We’ll see everyone later then. If there’s any change, we’ll call you, alright?"

"Alright, Sully," Matthew returned, "but make sure you give yourself plenty of time. We still have to go to Mr. Dodge’s place and get your house back."

"Don’t worry, we’ll make it in plenty of time. I’d never survive if I missed this appointment," Sully teased as he glanced over at Michaela.

After making sure that Gracie and the baby were alright, Michaela spent the next two hours walking around the hospital, seeing the inside of the operating room, the x-ray room, and a room set up just for premature babies. Michaela was amazed at how far medicine had come over the last hundred years and she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw little babies weighing less and two pounds. She suddenly felt more confident that little Michaela would indeed be alright.

After taking their tour of the hospital Sully and Michaela returned to Gracie’s room. Michaela was still chattering non-stop about all of the medical advancements when Bobbie turned to her and chuckled, "You’d think you were a little kid let loose in a candy store the way you’re carrying on."

Sully couldn’t help but smile at Bobbie’s analogy of his wife. "I know, to her this is a candy store and she wants to try every piece," he smiled wanly at his wife, still bubbling with excitement. "I didn’t think I was ever going to get her away from those babies, though. It’s unbelievable how small they are and that they can still live," he replied amazingly.

"Babies born that small wouldn’t have a chance back home," Michaela spoke wistfully, "it almost makes me want to stay here, where I could learn so much more."

Sully walked over to his wife and wrapped his arms around her. With a smile on his lips he said, "Well, I suppose we could stay here, if that’s what you really want?"

Michaela looked up into Sully’s blue eyes and with a smile on her lips she replied, "Not on your life, I want to go home."

"Speaking of which," Bobbie glanced up at the clock on the wall, "we’d better get going or Dr. Mike will have my head on a platter," he teased.

Michaela walked over to the side of the bed and taking Gracie’s hand in hers, she said, "I’m going to miss you Gracie. You and Bobbie have come to mean so much to Sully and I. I don’t know how we can ever repay you."

"You’ve already repaid us ten times over," Gracie choked slightly, "you gave us our little girl." Bobbie walked around to the other side of the bed and taking Gracie's other hand in his, he looked up at Sully and Michaela and said, "We both want to thank you for everything. I hope you have a safe journey home and that you both have a long and happy life."

Sully swallowed over the lump in his throat. "Thank you Bobbie, you and Gracie have been dear friends to us. I don’t know why this has happened to us, and we may never know, but I’m grateful that it did. We’re grateful that we found two friends like you."

Gracie squeezed Michaela’s hand and looking up at Michaela she spoke through her tears, "Dr. Mike, I know you’ve often asked yourself why all of this happened to you and Sully and now I think I know why."

Michaela reached up and swiped at the tear rolling down her cheek. "You do?" her voice quivered.

"Uh huh," Gracie smiled up at the pair, "Just think about all the good you’ve done since you arrived. You gave Mr. Gray a new start at life, you saved our little girl and possibly even me, and Matthew’s finally found the happiness he was searching for."

Michaela’s eyes welled up even more at the mention of Matthew’s name. "Ah, don’t worry, Dr. Mike," Bobbie tried to calm her, "we’ll look after Matthew for you. He’ll be fine."

"Thank you," she choked back a sob as Sully held her tight. After kissing the top of Michaela’s head, Sully pulled back slightly and spoke softly, "Michaela, it’s almost 9:30, we better get going now." Michaela nodded her head and pulled away. Leaning down Michaela gave Gracie a hug, "You take care of yourself and thank you again for everything."

As Michaela backed away, it was Sully’s turn to lean down and give Gracie a hug. "You take care of our little namesake there, alright?" Sully spoke over the lump in his throat. Too choked up to speak, Gracie merely nodded her head.

After all of the good-byes were said, Bobbie shuffled them out the door. "We’ll catch a taxicab downstairs. It shouldn’t take us more than 30 minutes to get home and then we’ll pick everyone up and go straight to Mr. Dodge’s place. I bet he’ll be surprised to see us," Bobbie grinned at his last statement.

"I think ‘surprised’ is putting it mildly," Sully joked. "If I remember correctly, he was all too anxious to get rid of us forever that day."

"Well I’m sure he wasn’t anticipating you coming up with a half million dollars," Bobbie answered. "I can’t wait to see the look on his face when we show up."

"Well I’m not looking forward to it," Michaela answered, "I disliked the man from the moment we met."

Sully put his arm around Michaela’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze, "Well, it will all be over soon. Before you know it you’ll be waking up in your own bed at home."

"Home," Michaela whispered wistfully, "there’s no place like it."

Bobbie stopped in front of a yellow car and after speaking to the driver he opened the back door and indicated for Sully and Michaela to climb in. Bobbie climbed in the front seat and after giving directions to the cab driver, they all sat back to relax for the short ride home.

Fifteen minutes later they were at a stand still in the middle of the freeway. Bobbie turned to the driver and asked anxiously, "What’s going on, why are we stopped?"

"I don’t know," the driver replied and then picking up his cell phone he said, "but I’ll see if I can find out what the hold-up is."

A few minutes later he turned to Bobbie and said, "There’s been an accident about two miles ahead. It appears a semi-truck has overturned and they’ve shut down the freeway. There’s no place to turn around so it looks like we’re stuck here for now. Sorry," he apologized weakly.

"Stuck here!" Michaela shrieked and Sully turned to see the color drain from Michaela’s face. Sully turned anxious eyes towards Bobbie, "Can’t we do anything?" Sully asked frantically, "our… um," he glanced fleetingly at the cab driver, "‘flight’ leaves at midnight."

Bobbie held his hand up to his head, "Let me think a minute," he replied helplessly. A few moments later he turned to the cab driver and asked, "Can I use your phone, it’s really urgent, please," Bobbie begged.

"Sure," the driver replied as he handed Bobbie the phone.

"I’m going to call home and tell them that we’re stuck in traffic and to just meet us there," Bobbie turned to the couple in the back seat and then seeing the look of panic on Michaela’s face, he reiterated, "Don’t worry, Dr. Mike, we’ll think of something. You’ll make your flight."

As Bobbie explained their predicament to Matthew over the phone, Dotty suddenly grabbed the receiver out of Matthew’s hand. "Bobbie," she spoke calmly into the phone, "where exactly on the freeway are you?" Bobbie told her the mileage markers and then again Dotty asked, "Do you see any large, open areas nearby?"

Bobbie looked outside the car window and seeing an open field a short distance away, he relayed the information to Dotty. Several minutes later he returned the phone to the driver and turned around to see two anxious faces looking at him. "Well, what’s going on?" Sully asked eagerly.

Bobbie’s face broke out into a small smile. "You’re never going to believe this," Bobbie began. "Believe what?" Michaela asked worriedly. "Well, you remember that Dotty works for a newspaper," Bobbie explained, "Apparently she’s very good friends with the people in the news room and…"

"And?" Michaela interrupted as she sat on the edge of the seat nervously wringing her hands.

"And she’s going to have her friend pick us up in a helicopter," Bobbie’s face broke into a wide grin.

"A helicopter," Michaela asked, "what’s that?"

Bobbie glanced from Sully to Michaela and then said, "Well, it’s kind of hard to explain." Sully glanced quickly at Michaela and seeing the anxiety in her face he turned to Bobbie and said, "Why don’t you try."

"Alright," Bobbie returned as he tried to calm their fears, "it’s like an airplane in that it flies in the air but instead of smaller propellers on the side it just has one big one on top. It’s much smaller than the airplane you flew in. It can’t fly as high or as fast as an airplane but it doesn’t need a large space to take off. It just goes straight up and down when it lands."

"Is it safe?" Michaela asked worriedly.

"I’m sure it is," Bobbie returned, "but actually I’ve never flown in one." After seeing the questioning look in both of their eyes he continued, "They’re not like airplanes where you can just go purchase a ticket and fly somewhere."

"What are they used for then," Sully inquired.

"Well, for lots of things. The newsroom uses them to get traffic reports since a helicopter can fly low to the ground. Hospitals use them to transport patients. They have helicopters called Med-Flight where the helicopter is equipped with all kinds of medical equipment to help someone in an accident. In life-threatening cases it’s much faster to use a helicopter than an ambulance."

"That’s amazing," Michaela spoke up, "it’s almost like having a mini-hospital on wheels, or in this case in the air."

"That’s exactly what it is, Dr. Mike, and since I’ve never flown in one before, I’m actually looking forward to it," Bobbie smiled.

Several minutes later they head a loud, almost deafening noise overhead. As the noise got closer Bobbie stuck his head out the window and exclaimed, "There it is, there’s the helicopter." Bobbie stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out several bills. Handing the money to the cab driver the three of them got out of the car and walked gingerly over to where the helicopter was landing.

A young man in his late twenties with light brown hair scurried over to them. Holding out his hand to Sully he shook it firmly, "Hi folks, I’m Andrew Hook but my friends call me Andy. And you must be Sully and Michaela."

Sully shook his hand and then nodding his head towards Bobbie he said, "Yes, that’s right and this is our friend Bobbie. You’re Dotty’s friend I take it."

"Yep, that’s me. Dotty said that you had to be there before midnight, is that right?" Andy asked.

"Yeah, that’s right," Sully returned, "and we really appreciate you coming all this way out here to get us. You don’t know how much of a life saver you are."

"Well, Dotty said it was real important, so here I am. We better be going now," he replied as he held out his hand to Michaela. "Duck your head ma’am."

As Michaela climbed into the helicopter she exclaimed, "We’re actually riding in this, I mean is it really safe?" her eyes were wide with fright and her voice cracked slightly.

Andy smiled at her reaction. "It’s perfectly safe ma’am, I promise, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride."

Bobbie chuckled, "Dr. Mike? Sit back and relax, now that’s something I’d like to see. I don’t think Dr. Mike’s relaxed since she got here."

Michaela looked at Bobbie and was not at all amused, "I have too," she retorted defiantly but then seeing the twinkle in Bobbie’s eyes and the smile on his lip and her anger was quickly defused.

Andy turned his head sideways to look at Sully and Michaela, "So where are you folks from?"

Sully glanced at Michaela out of the corner of his eye and then looking at Andy he replied, "Uh, we’re from Colorado."

"Colorado huh," Andy returned, "I have some relatives that are from Colorado. What part of Colorado are you from?" Andy asked curiously.

"We’re from a small town called Colorado Springs," Michaela answered.

"A small town?" Andy laughed, "You call that a small town. The last time I was in Colorado Springs it was more like a big city to me."

Realizing what she had said too late, she quickly tried to cover herself, "Oh, well, it is a small town compared to Boston. That’s where I originally come from," Michaela amended.

"No kidding," Andy remarked, "it is a small world isn’t it. I also have relatives from Boston, in fact my great great-grandfather was a well known surgeon in Boston."

Suddenly Andy looked out the window and exclaimed, "We’re almost there, I can see Mr. Dodge’s estate now."

"Good," Bobbie exclaimed as he looked at his watch, "and we still have 20 minutes left until midnight." Michaela and Sully both looked at each other and let out a sigh of relief. Squeezing Sully’s hand, Michaela whispered, "We’re almost there Sully, we’re almost home."

Continue...