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

As soon as the helicopter landed Sully, Michaela and Bobbie scurried toward the crowd when suddenly a man appeared frantically waving his arms, "What is the meaning of this," Mr. Weston Dodge, III exclaimed loudly. "I thought I told the both of you to not come back here. And who and what are all of these people doing on my property in the middle of the night?"

Sully slowly cantered over to stand in front of Mr. Dodge, and dropping a large duffel bag at his feet, Sully replied, "We got your money, all of it, so now we’re taking our house back."

Mr. Dodge flippantly tossed his head back, "That’s impossible," he accused, "now get off my property before I have you all thrown off."

Dancing Cloud slowly stepped forward, "He speaks the truth. Now pick up your precious money, count it if you wish, but leave us now," Dancing Cloud looked up at the darkened sky, "We have work to do and we must act quickly."

Mr. Dodge quickly bent over and picking up the bag, he unzipped it and took a quick count of the money. "Well, it better all be there, or you’ll hear from my attorney," he hissed before turning on his heals and angrily stalking off.

Dancing Cloud then turned to everyone and spoke, "You must say your good-byes now. The time is running short."

Sully glanced at Michaela and taking her hand in his they walked first up to Dotty who was standing nearby, notepad in hand. As they approached Dotty they suddenly noticed that Beth Sullivan was standing beside her, waiting to say good-bye.

"Beth," Michaela exclaimed, "I’m so glad that you came. We wanted to thank you for all you did. Your friend Jack Flicker was a live-saver."

"You’re quite welcome, really. I was glad to be able to help," Beth smiled softly. "But I did want to come and see you off. Dotty told me all that happened while you were in Las Vegas. I’m so glad everything turned out as it did."

"Thank you, Beth," Michaela leaned in to give her a slight hug before moving over to Dotty.

Sully stepped in front of Beth and leaning closer he asked softly, a twinkle in his eyes. "You still planning on writing that television show about us?"

"Yes, I was, that is if you still don’t mind?" Beth returned.

"No, I.. we don’t mind at all," Sully glanced briefly towards Michaela, "in fact I’ve been thinking about it some and I came up with a name for your show, if you’d wanna hear it?"

"Yes, yes, of course, what is it?" Beth questioned eagerly.

"Well, considerin’ my wife’s a doctor I think the show should be about her healing," Sully paused to read Beth’s expression, "and so I was thinking about the name, ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’," Sully looked at her hopefully, "what do you think?"

"Medicine Woman?" Beth questioned curiously.

"That’s the name Chief Black Kettle gave her. She saved his life after the Sand Creek massacre," Sully replied proudly. "I even carved her a shingle once that said just that."

"Are we talking about ‘the’ Chief Black Kettle," Beth’s eyes opened wide in surprise," the same one who negotiated with the army for peace.

"Yep, he’s the same one," Sully replied somewhat wistfully.

"Oh my god," Beth exclaimed, "you actually knew him? Oh how I wish we had more time to talk. I’d love to learn all about him."

Sully glanced towards Dancing Cloud and then back to Beth. "Well, there is someone here that I’m sure could tell you much more about Chief Black Kettle and the Cheyenne people," Sully paused and then added, "why don’t you ask him?"

Beth nodded her head firmly and grasping Sully’s hand she said, "Yes, I think I will. And Sully, I love the name," she smiled warmly. "You mark my word, Sully, in just a few years everyone around the world will know about Dr. Michaela Quinn, MD and her gorgeous mountain man husband."

As he had on rare occasions before, Sully blushed furiously. He returned Beth’s smile and with a twinkle in his eye he replied teasingly, "Just don’t go making me too gorgeous. I don’t want to end up on the cover of some magazine as one of the '10 Most Sexiest Men'."

Beth’s eyes sparkled, "Well, that might be a hard promise to make."

Sully was at a loss for words, instead he simply grasped her arm firmly and said, "Thank you Beth, for everything. And I hope your show is a big success."

"Dotty, thank you for everything," Michaela hugged her new friend as a tear slipped unbidden down her cheek.

Dotty reached up and wiped the tear from Michaela’s cheek, "I want no tears shed for me, Dr. Mike, alright," Dotty smiled affectionately.

Michaela nodded her head and then taking a deep breath she replied, "Alright. I’ll miss you Dotty, you’ve been a wonderful friend to me, to all of us, and somehow, even though Dancing Cloud says we’ll have no memories of this place, I sense that I’ll always hold you dear in my heart."

"Oh, thank you Michaela, you’ve been a dear friend also," Dotty choked, "and I’ll remember you also, in here," she put her hand over her heart.

Michaela paused a brief moment to collect herself and then taking a deep breath she walked up to Matthew. Sully was right behind her, his hand lightly resting on her shoulder.

Looking up into Matthew’s eyes Michaela choked, "Matthew, I don’t know how to say good-bye. We’ll never see you again," her tears ran freely now.

Matthew swallowed over the lump in his throat and then grasping Tracy’s hand beside him his words were barely audible, "I know, Dr. Mike, but this is what I want. Can you understand that?"

Michaela glanced at Sully, her eyes full of love, "Yes, I understand Matthew, and I want you to be happy, we all do."

"Thank you,.. ma..," Matthew choked out as he quickly swiped at a tear, "I’m gonna miss all of you."

"I love you Matthew, I always will," Michaela’s voice quivered before she reached for him and buried her head in his chest. Matthew held on tightly for several minutes as they both tried to get their emotions in check. Pulling back slightly Matthew then looked towards Sully and held out his hand. "Sully, thank you for everything. You’ve been a real pa to all of us and I’ll never forget that."

Sully started to take Matthew’s hand but after a moments hesitation he quickly drew Matthew towards him for a hug. "Good-bye Matthew, you take care, alright?" Sully’s own voice quivered.

In the background Dancing Cloud lightly cleared his voice, "It is time, my friends."

Michaela and Sully both turned to Bobbie one last time. "Thank you, for everything," Sully spoke kindly. "We would have never made it this far without the help of you and Gracie.

"Oh, it wasn’t nothing Sully, we’re glad we could help," Bobbie replied modestly. "Me and Gracie sure are glad you came though. Who knows what might of happened if Dr. Mike hadn’t been with us in that elevator. The good Lord knew what he was doing when he brought you to us."

"Yes, he sure did," Michaela replied soundly. Sully reached out and grasped Bobbie’s hand firmly. "Good-bye Bobbie," Sully replied and they held their firm grasp on each other for just a moment longer.

As Tracy stood off to one side and watched as the family said their good-byes, she couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. After all, she was the reason Matthew was staying here, leaving his family behind. Suddenly a thought occurred to her and walking over to Matthew she took his hand and led him aside.

"Matthew, I can’t let you do this," she spoke softly, "I can’t let you leave your family like this."

Matthew met Tracy’s eyes and lightly brushed his thumb across her cheek. "I want to do this, Tracy. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my days showing you just how much. I know I’ll miss my family, but you’ll be my family now."

Tracy reached up and grasped Matthew’s hand and bringing it to her lips she kissed his open palm. "Matthew, I want that also, more than anything. But I know how much your family means to you, I can see it in your eyes."

"I won’t deny how much they mean to me but you…" Matthew began.

Tracy lightly placed her finger to his lips to quiet him. "Matthew, please, you don’t have to leave your family. I’m going to Colorado Springs instead," she boldly announced.

She saw the look of surprise in Matthew’s eyes and continued, "Matthew, I have no one to keep me here, and I know what it means to have a family," she began wistfully. "I’ve made my decision, Matthew, I’m going back with you to Colorado Springs," she paused to gauge his reaction and then quickly added, "that is if you want me to?"

Matthew took hold of Tracy’s hands and held them against his heart, "Are you sure of this, Tracy, really sure," he looked deeply into her eyes. "You heard what Dancing Cloud said, you can never come back."

"Don’t you see, Matthew," Tracy’s eyes were moist with unshed tears, "it’s the perfect answer. If I go with you then it’s like Dancing Cloud said. I would never have been born here and then maybe my parents would both be alive today."

Matthew looked at Tracy, his eyes full of questions. "What do you mean?" he asked softly.

"Well," Tracy began hesitantly, "my parents were flying to Las Vegas to help me celebrate my birthday when their plane crashed." She looked up at Matthew and could still see the questions in his eyes. "Don’t you see, Matthew," Tracy tried to explain, "if I had never been born, then my parents would never have been on that plane. They would still be alive today." She looked up into Matthew’s eyes and in a small voice she replied, "So you see, this is for the best, for all of us."

Matthew reached out and pulled Tracy to his chest, his hand soothingly rubbing her back. "I love you," he whispered in her ear, "and thank you. You don’t know what this means to me, to have you with me and to have all of my family also."

She looked up at him shyly and answered, "Yes, I think I do," before meeting Matthew’s lips for a slow and gentle kiss.

As Sully and Michaela walked towards where Colleen and Brian were standing with Katie, Matthew and Tracy scurried over to them, a big smile of each of their faces.

"Dr. Mike, Sully," Matthew began as he held Tracy’s hand tightly in his, "Tracy and I decided to come with you, back to Colorado Springs."

A look of shock and surprise was seen on everyone’s faces. "Matthew?" Michaela asked in a faint voice.

"Tracy couldn’t bear to see me lose my family," he looked at her with eyes full of love, "she knows what that’s like. She wants to come home with us, if that’s alright with you?" he asked hopefully.

"Of course it is," Michaela squealed as she threw her arms around Matthew’s neck, "oh, Matthew, I’m so glad you’re coming with us."

After a moment of embarrassment Matthew quickly removed Michaela’s arms from around his neck. With a smile on his face he returned, "Well, I’m glad you’re happy about it, but it was all Tracy’s idea."

Michaela stepped back and then turned to Tracy, "Tracy, I don’t know what to say…, except thank you for giving me my son back." With tears running down her cheeks, Michaela reached for Tracy and gave her a hug, "Thank you so much. And now you’ll be a part of our family."

"I’d like that very much," Tracy replied timidly, "and I promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to make your son happy."

Michaela pulled back slightly and returned, "I know you will,… and thank you," she whispered.

Dancing Cloud once again cleared his throat. "We must hurry," he told them as he pointed in the direction of their house, "midnight is approaching."

Michaela turned to Dancing Cloud and after a moments pause she asked, "Dancing Cloud, will we remember any of this?"

"I am afraid not," Dancing Cloud replied somberly, "when you wake up this will be nothing more than a dream."

Finally everyone said their good-byes and then slowly they walked into the house. After gathering in the living room, Sully turned to Dancing Cloud and asked, "What do we need to do?"

"Everyone must first joins hands," Dancing Cloud replied. After forming a circle in front of the fireplace, everyone joined hands and waited for Dancing Cloud’s next words. "Now you must all close your eyes and repeat after me, ‘There’s no place like home’."

As each of them began to chant softly, Dancing Cloud slowly and quietly left the house, closing the door behind him.

"There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home," Michaela continued to chant softly.

"Michaela…, Michaela, wake up, please, it’s me, Sully," Sully urgently called her name. He sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her forehead, "Come on, Michaela, wake up, you’ve been asleep too long already."

On the other side of the bed Andrew was taking Michaela’s vital signs while behind them stood Brian, Loren and Dorothy along with Grace and Robert E. Cloud Dancing was standing off to one side quietly lending his support to Sully and the family.

When Sully and Brian had arrived home late last night they had been horrified to see that the homestead had been damaged by the tornado. Consumed with panic they had quickly made a search of the house only to find Michaela and Katie under the stairwell.

Katie was unhurt, protected by her mother’s body, but Michaela had received a blow to the head and was still unconscious. Now it was morning and Sully was desperately trying to awaken her.

"Ma, wake up, please, it’s Brian," Brian was now sitting on the other side of the bed holding his mother’s hand. Michaela moaned softly and immediately Sully reached up to lightly caress her face. "Michaela?" his voice was but a whisper.

Much to everyone’s relief, Michaela’s eyes suddenly fluttered open, "Sully?" she called weakly as she tried to clear the fog from her mind.

As she tried to lift her head from the pillow Sully gently pushed her back down. "Sshhh, don’t try to move," Sully’s voice was filled with relief, "Thank God you’re awake, Michaela. I was so scared."

"Katie! Sully, where’s Katie?" Michaela asked frantically, her eyes wide with fright.

"Sshhh, she’s alright, she’s asleep in her crib right now, but she’s okay," Sully answered reassuringly.

Michaela was still somewhat groggy but as she looked around the room she saw all of their friends standing by. "What happened?" Michaela asked weakly.

"Tornado," Sully stated simply, "it damaged the house some. Brian and I found you and Katie under the stairwell. You got hit in the head and you’ve been unconscious ever since."

Michaela raised her hand to her forehead and winced as her fingers touched the lump on her head, "Yes, the tornado, I remember now." Suddenly Michaela’s eyes widened and she clutched at Sully’s arm, "Sully, the tornado, our house…"

"Sshhh, just calm down, everything’s alright," Sully spoke softly as he gently stroked her forehead.

"No, Sully," Michaela’s voice trembled, "our house, it landed on Preston’s Bentley, at least I think it was Preston.., we were in California, except that it wasn’t 1871 anymore, it was 1990," Michaela was rambling now, "we needed a half-million dollars to get our house back and so we had to go to Las Vegas to get in a poker game and Matthew… Oh my god, Matthew! Sully, where’s Matthew and Colleen?" she asked frantically.

"Sshhh, take it easy, Matthew and Colleen are fine, they’ll be here soon." Sully lightly caressed her cheek, "Now what’s all this about California and a Bentley?"

"Our house, Sully," Michaela continued anxiously, "it landed in California, but somehow we ended up a hundred years into the future."

"Michaela, what are you talking about?" Sully’s voice was full of concern. "We didn’t go anywhere and neither did our house. We’re all still right here, in Colorado Springs. It was just a dream, Michaela, just a dream."

"That’s what I kept saying, except everyone else kept telling me that it wasn’t a dream," Michaela looked around her and saw the worried look on everyone’s faces. "All of you were there, except you were different somehow."

"Michaela, you got a nasty bump on your head and you were unconscious for a long time," Andrew tried to reason with her, "but it ‘was’ just a dream."

Sully lifted Michaela’s hand to his lips and held it there momentarily. "But everything was so real, Sully," Michaela exclaimed softly as she gazed into his blue eyes.

"I know," Sully leaned over and lightly kissed her lips, "but we’re all right here, see, and Andrew says you’re gonna be fine."

"That’s right, Dr. Mike," Grace stepped up to the bed, "we’re just glad you’re alright now. You gave us all quite a scare."

"I’m sorry," Michaela replied meekly.

"There’s no need for you to apologize, Michaela, it wasn’t your fault," Dorothy chimed in, "but now what you need is rest."

"Thank you, Dorothy," Michaela returned, "I suppose I am still feeling a little sleepy."

"If you’d like, I’ll take Katie into town with me so you can rest," Dorothy offered.

"No, thank you anyway, Dorothy, but I’d rather keep her here with me," Michaela explained, "and besides, Colleen and Matthew will be home soon and they can help watch her."

"Well, alright, if you insist," Dorothy replied, "but you take it easy, you hear, and don’t overdo it."

"She won’t," Sully spoke up, "I’ll make sure of it."

"Well, we’ll be heading out then," Grace replied, "we’re all going over to Preston’s chateau to help him clean up."

Seeing the questioning look on Michaela’s face, Robert E explained, "His hotel suffered considerable damage from the tornado but luckily no one was seriously hurt."

"I’m sure glad you’re okay, Dr. Mike," Loren stood at the end of the bed, "I don’t know what this town would do without you."

"Thank you, Loren, I appreciate that," Michaela answered, "and thank you for being concerned for me."

"Ah, it was nothin’," Loren replied timidly, "you just take care of yourself now, alright?"

"I will," Michaela answered softly.

Michaela watched as everyone began to leave the room, but still she couldn’t shake this eerie feeling she had. After Sully led the others out, Cloud Dancing walked over to the other side of the bed and sat down in the empty chair. Taking Michaela’s hand in his he replied, "It is good to have you back with us, Dr. Mike. My brother would have been lost without you."

"Thank you Cloud Dancing," Michaela answered softly, but Cloud Dancing noticed the worried look in her eyes. "You are still troubled my friend," Cloud Dancing asked.

"It’s the dream I had, Cloud Dancing," Michaela sighed heavily, "You were there and so was everyone else. You even told me that I would remember this only as a dream. But it wasn’t a dream, was it?"

"I am sorry, but I do not have your answers," Cloud Dancing was vague, "the Spirits do not always reveal everything to me." Cloud Dancing noticed the distress in her eyes and quickly added, "but you were unconscious for a long time Dr. Mike and the mind can play tricks on us. Perhaps that is what happened to you."

"Perhaps," Michaela murmured, but from the tone of her voice and the expression on her face, Cloud Dancing knew she was still unsure.

Sully quietly entered the room, but paused momentarily in the doorway. His concern for Michaela increased as he listened to her conversation with Cloud Dancing. Sully scurried over to the other side of the bed and taking his place beside her he took her hand in his. "Michaela, are you sure you’re alright," Sully’s brow was creased with worry, "I mean it was just a dream, nothing more."

"I suppose you’re right," Michaela answered in a small voice, although still not convinced it was a dream. Looking up at Sully, she forced a smile, "I am rather tired, Sully. I think I’d like to go to sleep now."

"You can’t go to sleep, Michaela," Andrew spoke from the doorway as he entered the room. Walking over to the side of the bed, Andrew picked up Michaela’s hand and began to take her pulse. "As you know with a head injury such as yours, you must stay awake for at least a few more hours." Andrew gently lifted her chin so that he could now check her eyes. "We must be certain that you don’t suffer any side effects." After checking her eyes he asked, "Any headaches, you feeling nauseous at all?"

Michaela shook her head, "No, not at all, I’m feeling fine now Andrew," she answered.

Andrew paused and then looking at Sully he asked, "If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay awhile, just to make sure that Michaela’s okay."

"Thanks Andrew, I appreciate that," Sully smiled knowingly and then looking at Andrew, a twinkle in his eye he asked, "is that the only reason?"

"Well, perhaps to see Colleen also," Andrew replied, his face now a deep color of red.

"Thank you, Andrew," Michaela replied softly, "and I’m sure Colleen will be thrilled to see you also."

"I’ll wait downstairs with Brian then," Andrew informed them. "We’ll let you know as soon as they get here." Turning to Michaela he added, "I want you to take it easy now Michaela, but make sure you stay awake, alright, at least for another few hours?."

"I will Andrew," Michaela answered timidly as she attempted to stifle a yawn.

"We’ll make sure she stays awake," Sully reiterated as he glanced towards Cloud Dancing.

"Alright then, I’ll leave you three alone now," Andrew replied as he walked towards the door, "but if you need anything I’ll be downstairs."

As the door closed behind him, Sully leaned in and lightly brushed Michaela lips with his. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," Michaela answered wearily. She winced as Sully’s fingers gently caressed her forehead.

"Does it hurt much?" Sully asked, quickly withdrawing his hand.

"A little," Michaela smiled wanly. She looked up at Sully with droopy eyes. "I’m so sleepy," Michaela yawned again, "I don’t know if I can stay awake."

"Tell ya what," Sully squeezed her hand, "why don’t you tell me all about this dream you had."

Michaela smiled shyly, "You’ll think it’s silly."

"No I won’t," Sully whispered, "I won’t laugh, I promise."

"Now that I think about it, I suppose it is a little far fetched," Michaela conceded, "But it seemed so real, Sully," Michaela replied earnestly.

"Tell me what it was about," Sully implored softly as he gently brushed back a strand of Michaela’s hair.

"Alright, but first I’d like to sit up," Michaela eased herself into a sitting position, "maybe that way I can stay awake." Grabbing several pillows Sully placed them behind Michaela’s back.

"Is that better?" Sully waited until Michaela was situated, "now, tell me about your dream."

"It started when the tornado hit," Michaela began. "I remember getting hit in the head and then when I woke up I," Michaela paused, "no, I mean we, were in California. Except it wasn’t 1871 anymore, it was 1990."

"1990?" Sully asked skeptically.

"Yes, I know it sounds impossible, but it was Sully. It was 1990. Anyway our house landed on Preston’s Bentley," Michaela noticed the puzzled look on Sully and Cloud Dancing’s faces, "that’s a car," she explained. Now they were even more puzzled. "A car is what they used for transportation, automobiles it what they called them. Anyway, Preston wouldn’t give us back our house unless we paid him for the car, which was a half-million dollars."

"A half-million dollars?" Sully asked incredulously. "That’s an awful lot of money, Michaela. How could one person possibly come up with that much money?"

"I know, Sully, that’s just what I thought. After Preston kicked us off his property Grace and Robert E found us and took us home with them."

"Sounds like something Preston would do," Sully mumbled under his breath.

Michaela continued to ramble, "Then Matthew showed up on the beach one morning and Dorothy and some other woman showed up in the park. The next day we all went to Las Vegas so Matthew could win our money for us in a poker game."

"You were going to let Matthew gamble?" Sully asked in amazement. "Michaela, I’m surprised at you," he teased lightly, "I know how you feel about gambling."

"Sully," she smiled crookedly, "are you going to let me tell this dream or not?" Sully kissed her sweetly on the lips, "Sorry," he replied sheepishly.

"Go on, Dr. Mike," Cloud Dancing encouraged, a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

"Well, on our way to Las Vegas Brian shows up at something called an airport," Michaela paused and then excitedly she exclaimed, "Sully, they had something called an airplane that could actually fly, can you believe that. Remember when Brian wanted to fly so bad…," her thoughts trailed off and then just as quickly she began again. "Anyway, Colleen showed up at our hotel as a dance girl, along with a friend of hers named Tracy Snyder. Matthew fell in love with Tracy and so he decided to stay in California. Of course I was devastated because Dancing Cloud told us that if Matthew stayed behind then we would have no more memory of him here."

"Dancing Cloud, is that what I was called in your dream?" Cloud Dancing asked somewhat amused.

"Yes," Michaela answered, "but in my dream you were much older." She glanced at Cloud Dancing who was now sitting back in his chair, his arms crossed in front of him, an unreadable expression on his face. Michaela eyed him suspiciously, "You were there Cloud Dancing, really, and you lived on a reservation in Montana. Except you no longer lived in a teepee, you lived in a house like all the rest of the Indians." Cloud Dancing raised his eyebrow in question, but remained silent. "The Indians even ran gambling casinos on the reservation," Michaela stated in exasperation.

"Michaela," Sully softly called her name, "that does seem a little far fetched, doesn’t it. I mean really, the Indians, a gambling casino?"

"Alright, so I’ll admit it does seem a little far fetched, but it was just a dream, right?" Michaela appeared flustered. Then suddenly her features softened and smiling at Sully she asked, "Do you still want to hear the rest?"

"Sure," Sully smiled, his hand lightly rubbing her leg.

Michaela was about to begin when they heard a commotion outside. Suddenly the door burst open and Brian came hurrying in followed by Matthew and Colleen. "Ma," Colleen exclaimed as she rushed to the side of the bed, "are you alright?"

"Yes, I’m fine Colleen, I’m so glad you made it," Michaela gave her daughter a hug. Matthew stepped forward and leaning over he gave his ma a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, ma, I’m glad you’re okay now. Andrew told us what happened."

"There’s no need to worry about me, I’ll be fine," Michaela assured her children, "now tell me all about school Colleen," Michaela pulled her daughter down to sit on the bed.

"I will," Colleen assured her, "but first, there’s someone I’d like you to meet." Colleen rose from the bed and then walking over to the doorway she grabbed her friend’s arm and drew her over to the bed. "Ma, Sully, I’d like you to meet Tracy Shrider, a classmate of mine from school."

Sully’s eyes quickly flew to Cloud Dancing’s. "A coincidence," he thought to himself, "just a coincidence."

"I hope you don’t mind but I invited her home with us for Thanksgiving. She doesn’t have any family and I didn’t want her spending the holidays alone at school," Colleen explained. Leaning over the bed, a smile on her face, she whispered so only Sully and Michaela could hear, "I think Matthew’s already smitten with her."

For a brief instant Michaela’s eyes locked with Sully’s but then quickly shaking himself Sully stood up and smiling at Tracy he said, "Of course not Colleen, any friend of yours is welcome here."

"Thank you," Tracy replied shyly, "I was thrilled when Colleen invited me. To be a part of a family again," she said wistfully.

"Well, I hope you and Colleen don’t mind if we put you to work doing some of the cooking," Sully explained, "Grace put the turkey in the oven this morning but there’s still plenty to do."

Michaela threw her hand to her head, "Oh my God, Sully. It’s Thanksgiving. I completely forgot. I still have to make the cran…" Michaela began to rise from the bed.

"Whoa," Sully gently held her in place, "you’re not going anywhere. Remember what Andrew said, take it easy, rest. Colleen and Tracy can handle the cooking."

"But Sully, Colleen and her friend just got…," Michaela began to protest.

"No buts," Sully was adamant, "Colleen and Tracy can handle everything downstairs. You’re staying put."

"That’s right, ma," Colleen assured her, "you just stay in bed and let us handle the Thanksgiving dinner. After all, it won’t be the first time," she smiled.

"Yeah, ma," Matthew added, "you just rest. I’ll make sure Tracy feels right at home here," he flashed Tracy a crooked smile, "we’ll put her right to work."

"Alright," Michaela sighed as she wearily leaned back against the headboard, "I won’t argue."

"Well that’s a first," Matthew replied mischievously, a twinkle in his eye, "that must be some bump on your head, Dr. Mike."

Sully turned to Michaela and chuckled softly. With his hand resting on her shoulder he spoke softly, "Why don’t you finish telling me about your dream now. The kids can go downstairs and get dinner started," he leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

"Dream?" Colleen was intrigued, "what dream, ma?"

"Ma had a dream that she was in California, only it was 1990," Brian answered for her, "pretty weird huh?"

"It was only a dream, Brian," Michaela was embarrassed.

"Yeah, but you thought it was real, didn’t you?" Brian innocently asked.

Seemingly embarrassed, Michaela glanced towards Sully. "Your ma was still groggy from the bump on her head, Brian," Sully answered for her. "Why don’t all of you go start supper now. I’ll be down in a little while to help."

"Alright," Colleen stepped forward to give her ma a hug, "we’ll let you know when everything’s ready."

As the door shut behind them, Sully once again turned to Michaela and said, "Now where were we?"

Michaela scooted herself up a bit more and then taking Sully’s hand in hers she continued, "I was just about to tell you about the big poker game."

"Oh that’s right, the big poker game," Sully smiled slyly as he lightly squeezed her hand. "You were going to tell us how Matthew miraculously won all that money."

"Are you teasing me?" Michaela asked with a smile, "because if you are…"

"I’m sorry," Sully quickly leaned over to quiet her with a kiss. "I promised I wouldn’t laugh. Go on, please, tell me the rest of your dream."

"Well, the first night Matthew lost almost all of our money in the poker game but the second night Loren, well, I mean he wasn’t actually Loren, he went by the name of Lawrence Gray, but it was him, Sully, it was Loren," Michaela continued her rambling, "only he was a homeless man that Brian met on the streets. Anyway, Mr. Gray brought the Reverend Johnson to our hotel the next night and he won the money for us."

"The Reverend Johnson was playing poker for you?" Sully asked incredulously.

"I know I’m not making any sense of all of this," Michaela replied in frustration. "It was the Reverend but in my dream it wasn’t actually him, he was someone else."

Sully glanced surreptitiously at Cloud Dancing and then giving Michaela his full attention once again he asked, "Who was he in your dream?"

"He was just some ex-gambler that Mr. Gray knew," Michaela continued. "He came to the hotel that night and took Matthew’s place and he won the money for us. That’s when we went to Montana to see Dancing Cloud and he helped us to get back here, to Colorado Springs."

Michaela looked up at Sully and smiled sheepishly, "The next thing I remember is hearing you call my name and waking up here."

"Well you’re safe now and like we all said before, it was just a dream, nothing more," Sully replied softly and then looking into her eyes he smiled, "but it sure was one heck of a dream."

"But there was so much more that happened, Sully. We were there for a whole week and…" her voice trailed off and then looking at Sully once again she replied softly, "but I guess that’s not really possible, is it, since I’m here now and today’s Thanksgiving."

"No, it’s not really possible," Sully assured her. Just then a small cry erupted from the crib. "I think Katie’s awake now and I bet she’s hungry. How about I go get her for you while I go downstairs and check on things there."

"Yes, please, bring her to me now," Michaela replied.

As Sully walked over to the crib, Cloud Dancing stood, "I will leave you to feed your daughter now. I am glad that you are well," Cloud Dancing clasped Michaela’s hand in his. "We will talk later," he added, "but now you must tend to your daughter."

"Thank you Cloud Dancing," Michaela squeezed his hand in return and then as Sully approached the bed she reached for Katie.

Sully placed their daughter in Michaela’s arms and then kissing her softly he said, "Are you sure you can stay awake now?"

Michaela sat up straighter and flashed Sully a broad smile, "Oh yes, I’m sure, I’m wide awake now and Katie can keep me entertained for a short while."

"I’ll be back shortly to check on you," Sully replied, "If you’re feeling better then I’ll ask Andrew if you can come downstairs for supper."

"I’m feeling much better already. But I am coming downstairs to eat, Sully," Michaela told him sternly.

Sully was about to respond when one quick look at Michaela’s face and he knew better than to argue. "I’ll be back up shortly, alright," he stated gently, "but until then, stay in bed, please."

"I’m fine Sully, really, you can quit worrying about me," Michaela replied but then seeing Sully’s concerned face she quickly added, "but I’ll stay in bed until you come back if that will ease your mind."

"Thank you," Sully whispered as he kissed her sweetly on the lips and then followed by Cloud Dancing they left the room.

Thanksgiving dinner had been a great success. Colleen and Tracy had prepared a huge feast and everyone had had their fill. Michaela was feeling much better now and had joined everyone downstairs. Cloud Dancing was there, and of course Andrew had stayed to visit with Colleen. Dorothy and Loren along with Grace and Robert E had even returned.

Everyone had stayed much later than usual and it was now late at night. Sully had just finished extinguishing the last lamp downstairs and with his arm around Michaela’s waist, they slowly made their way up the stairs to their room. Michaela paused as she stood over Katie’s crib and caressing the top of her head, Michaela whispered, "We’re so lucky, Sully, she’s so beautiful."

Sully tightened his hold around Michaela’s waist, "Yes we are," he murmured, "and I thank God that you’re both alright, that you weren’t hurt more seriously."

Michaela smiled up at him and Sully returned her smile with a kiss. "It’s late and you need your rest," Sully spoke in a mere whisper, "I think it’s time we both got some sleep."

Michaela shifted slightly so that she was now facing him and putting both of her arms around his waist she tightened her hold. "I’m not really that tired," she replied suggestively as she toyed with a strand of his hair.

Sully gulped and his hold on her tightened. "Michaela, you had a pretty nasty bump on your head. Maybe you should get some rest tonight," he returned reluctantly.

"Sully, you heard Andrew, he said I was fine," Michaela assured him. "There’s nothing wrong with me that a little holding won’t cure," she smiled demurely at him and instantly his heart melted.

"Are you sure?" Sully was hesitant.

"Very," Michaela replied huskily. Putting her hands to the back of Sully’s head, she pulled him close for a long and steamy kiss. Sully pulled back breathless and looking into her burning eyes, his voice quivered, "I love you." Taking her hand in his, Sully led them over to the bed.

Sully reached up and with his fingers he lightly caressed her forehead, "How’s your head?" he whispered softly, "no headache?" he wanted to be sure.

"No, I feel fine really," she returned as she traced the outline of his lips, "but my dream, Sully, it seemed so real," her fingers gingerly unbuttoned his shirt and then slowly she slid it down and off of his shoulders until it fell in a heap on the floor.

Sully’s pulse was racing and his breathing was hot against her skin. "Are you sure you wanna talk about your dream right now?" his hands fumbled with the buttons on her blouse.

Michaela’s broad and sensual smile was his only answer. As Sully eased her blouse off of her shoulders and onto the floor he began to nibble lightly at her neck. Michaela tingled with arousal as his lips trailed hot kisses up and down her throat. She toyed with the hair on his chest, her fingers lightly caressing his nipples. Sully seized her mouth once more and they lost themselves in a deep and hungry kiss.

As they broke apart Sully once again began to nuzzle her neck as Michaela’s hands grazed lightly over his skin, arousing him even more. Gently Sully slid his finger under the strap of her camisole and began to slowly guide it down. When suddenly he stopped, "Michaela, what’s this?"

Michaela pulled back to look into Sully’s eyes, "What’s what?" she asked breathless.

"This," Sully held in his finger a thin, red strap that was hidden under Michaela’s camisole.

Suddenly Michaela’s face turned a pale shade of white and in a small voice she quivered, "I.. I don’t know.. but I think it’s called a…"

"A bikini," Sully finished for her in a whisper. Michaela’s eyes flew to Sully’s face and as their eyes met Sully exclaimed, "Oh my god, Michaela, I remember now. I remember everything."

"You.. you do?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes," his voice shook slightly as he recovered from shock, "this is the same red-striped bikini that I wanted you to buy when we were at the beach."

There was a long, silent pause and then Michaela softly uttered, "My god, Sully, it wasn’t a dream, was it?" Michaela felt weak in the knees and stumbled back onto the bed.

"I.. I don’t think so," Sully stuttered as he sank down on the bed next to her, "but how could that be?"

"What.., what all do you remember?" Michaela asked hopefully.

Taking her hand in his Sully lifted it to his lips, "Well, I remember all of us going to the beach and seeing men and women dressed in these things." Suddenly his expression changed and his tone became accusing, "and I also remember some Swedish guy ogling you, except you were in a different bathing suit, a black one with something called a zipper."

Michaela smiled impishly and leaning over she kissed the side of his nose, "As I recall, he wasn’t the only one doing the ogling. I seem to remember you doing some of that yourself."

Sully smiled coyly and Michaela even thought she detected a slight blush on his cheeks. "Yeah, well I think we were both enlightened that day, huh?"

"How is all of this possible, Sully?" Michaela murmured in awe.

"I don’t know, but we both couldn’t have had the exact same dream. It had to be real," Sully stated soundly.

"This is all too much to comprehend," Michaela leaned back wearily against the headboard. Sully scooted back beside her and putting his arm around her shoulder he kissed the top of her head. "No one’s going to believe us, Sully," Michaela stated, "I’m still not sure I even believe it myself."

"I know, it is awfully hard to comprehend, but it had to have happened, Michaela, what other explanation is there." He slid his finger under the red strap of her bikini, "I mean look, here’s proof. They surely don’t have these things now."

Michaela looked into Sully’s eyes anxiously, "Sully, do you remember everything, the poker game, the airplane ride?"

Sully paused a moment before squeezing Michaela’s hand. "Yeah, I do," he answered softly. "I even remember the helicopter ride and how frightened you were. And all of our friends were there, except it’s like you said, somehow they were different."

"You do remember," she replied in awe, "it actually happened."

"It happened Michaela," Sully stated with unwavering conviction, "I don’t know how or why, but it did happen."

"Sully, do you think we actually saw into the future. Is that how it will be in another hundred years?" Michaela asked curiously.

"I don’t know, Michaela, I just don’t know," he replied honestly. Sully paused a moment and then with a sly smile on his face he added, "But there is one thing I do know for sure."

"What’s that," she wondered.

"I’m glad this is 1870 and not 1990," Sully’s grin broadened.

"Why’s that?" Michaela asked inquisitively.

Sully leaned in closer and with his breath hot against her ear, he slowly raked his finger down her throat to the valley between her breasts. "Because I definitely didn’t like the idea of other men looking at you in a swimming suit," Sully replied, a twinkle in his eye.

Michaela smiled in return and then batting her eyes she said, "Well, I didn’t like all of those half-naked women staring at you either."

"You mean there were other women looking at me?" Sully bantered, a devilish grin on his face.

"You know very well that those women were flirting with you," Michaela replied brusquely but then seeing the twinkle in his eyes she quickly realized that he was only teasing. Michaela leaned towards Sully and their lips met in a brief kiss. "And why wouldn’t they be," Michaela bantered back, "after all, you’re a very handsome man."

Sully seized her lips once again, "And you’re a very beautiful woman," he whispered huskily, "which brings me back to where we were before."

Michaela’s heartbeat quickened as Sully’s tongue parted her lips. "And exactly where were we," her sultry voice whispered.

"I believe you were about to show off this bikini thing," he quickly removed her camisole to reveal her bulging breasts.

"I was, was I?" Michaela whispered hoarsely as she fumbled with the fastenings on his buckskin pants.

Suddenly Sully stilled her hands and jumping out of bed he reached for her hand and pulled her up along side him. Turning Michaela to face him once more, Sully reached behind her and unbuttoned her skirt and petticoats, letting them fall to the floor. Michaela gulped as Sully slowly removed her bloomers, his eyes remaining fixed with hers.

"Wow, not much to it is there," Sully exclaimed as he slowly turned her around. Michaela blushed and instinctively she tried to cover herself with her hands. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined," he whispered, his fingers lightly grazing her bare backside. Michaela's blush deepened even more.

Sully chuckled softly, "Michaela, if you turn any redder you're gonna match that suit."

"I can't believe that a woman would actually wear something like this, and in public no less," Michaela fretted as she lowered her eyes to the floor.

Sully gently lifted her chin and looking into her eyes he asked, "Do you remember what I said to you when we first saw this suit in the store?" his eyes twinkled mischievously.

Michaela thought a moment and then answered, "No, what?"

"I said that if you wore something like that I'd pounce on you too," Sully's lips turned up in a smile.

"Yes, I remember now," she answered modestly.

Without warning Sully swept Michaela off of her feet and playfully threw her on the bed. Smiling down at her he jumped onto the bed beside her, "Well, ma'am," he said as he pulled her on top of him, "I plan to keep my promise."

Michaela giggled naughtily. "Well, sir," she mocked teasingly as she hungrily seized his lips, "I plan to see that you do."

As they broke apart Michaela looked into Sully's piercing eyes and asked, "Sully, do you think we should tell anyone about this," she traced his lips with her finger. "I mean, do you think anyone will believe us?"

"I don't know, it's pretty hard for me to believe. And the only proof we have is this bikini you're wearing," he eased the strap off of her shoulder.

"Well, I’m certainly not going to show it to anyone," Michaela was tingling all over as Sully removed the top of her bikini and threw it on the floor. "I don’t even know how I ended up with this thing on."

Sully kissed the top of her breasts and then with ease he slid the bottom half down her legs onto the floor. "I suppose it’s just another thing that will probably always remain a mystery to us," Sully answered as he molded his body with hers.

Michaela was breathing rapidly and her skin was hot and flushed. Sully raked his fingers down her thigh and his tongue wetted her ear. "How 'bout we keep it our own little secret and then you can wear it just for me," he grinned smugly.

Michaela slowly raised her eyes and with an impish smile she whispered, "So then, you don’t think we should tell anyone?" she was ready to explode as Sully continued his sensual caresses.

As their kisses deepened and their touches became more intense, Sully reached over to turn down the lamp. Their need to be together soon became all consuming and as Sully seized her swollen lips once more he whispered, "I think we should tell them," he paused to gaze into her burning eyes, "that it was.. Just A Dream."

THE END