For personal use and select distribution only © by Judy A. June 2002

Where We Belong
by Judy A.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

With the sun descending slowly in the red and orange sky behind her, Michaela despairingly rode toward the homestead. She had waited in the clearing for Sully to return for over two hours. With all her heart she hoped he was already home waiting for her, but she knew he wasn’t. When he hadn’t returned to the picnic, she knew he had retreated to that place inside himself that no one could reach. She worried about how long he’d be gone. What troubled her most was if they were ever going to fully recover and learn trust each other as completely as they once had. As she led Flash into the barn to remove her saddle, Michaela brushed the horse for a long time to delay having to face her family. She wasn’t sure how to explain Sully’s latest disappearance. Taking several deep breaths to steady her emotions, she left the barn and mustered the strength to go in the house.

“Did you have a good time today Ma?” Brian asked eagerly when he saw his mother enter the house.

“Yes, it was wonderful,” she replied with a forced smile.

“Is Papa in the barn?” Katie asked as she peered out the window.

“No, he had something he had to do,” she answered evasively as she hung her coat on the rack. “He should be along soon.” With Josef at her feet, she knelt down and gave him a big hug and kissed his forehead.

Brian and Mathew shared a worried glance. Both of them were aware something was amiss and they hoped Sully hadn’t upset her again.

“Did you have a good time with your brothers and Claire today?” Michaela asked Katie and Josef.

“We played hide-n-seek and Matthew and Brian let Katie ride his horse and Claire played with me on the swing,” Josef told her as his words excitedly tumbled out of his mouth.

Katie’s lip trembled as she stared at her mother. “Where’s Papa?”

Michaela sighed. At times she wished Katie wasn’t so observant. “He had to go into town to finish some work he was doing. Don’t worry, he’ll be home soon,” she reassured her daughter, as well as herself.

“We cook too Mama,” Josef added.

“It certainly sounds like you had a busy day,” she said then turned to Brian. “Cook?”

“The kids wanted to surprise you and Sully with a special supper so we prepared all of your favorites,” Brian informed her.

“We?” Matthew chided.

Brian looked down. “Well, Claire did most of the cooking, but we chopped the potatoes and vegetables.”

“And I helped make the pie,” Katie added.

“It all smells wonderful. Thank you Claire,” Michaela said sincerely.

“It was no trouble. I enjoyed spending the day with the children. They’re so full of energy and curious about everything around them,” Claire replied with a bright smile.

“That they are,” Michaela agreed. “Why don’t we get the table set for supper,” she suggested as she walked toward the kitchen.

“Don’t you wanna wait for Sully?” Brian asked eyeing her apprehensively.

“I’m not sure when he’ll be back,” she explained as she brought the dishes out to set the table.

Brian was worried that Sully had gone off again, but he decided to trust her for now. Still, it wasn’t like him to miss supper unless something was wrong, especially lately when he’d been trying so hard to regain everyone’s trust.

Supper was a subdued affair as each member of the family quietly contemplated possible reasons for Sully’s absence. As the hours passed and her fears escalated, Michaela fought to maintain appearances for the sake of the children. She showed off her new locket from Sully to reassure the children, as well as herself, that everything was fine.

It helped to have Matthew and Claire at the homestead. Matthew entertained them with stories of unusual law cases that always brought laughter to the house, and Claire’s bright and cheery manner helped lighten the mood. She had a wonderful way with children and in no time had Katie and Josef smiling and giggling. It warmed Michaela’s heart to see Matthew so happy and content with his life. Only Brian remained sullen throughout supper as he saw behind his mother’s façade.

“Where’s Sully, Ma? He didn’t come home for supper. Is everything all right?” Brian persisted as he helped her clear the table and wash and dry the dishes.

“Yes, Brian, everything’s fine. I already told you he had a few things to do and he said he might be home late,” she replied with irritation. “Why don’t you and Matthew head home? It’s late and Katie and Josef are tired,” she suggested.

“All right,” he conceded recognizing that the subject was closed.

“You come get us if you need anything,” Matthew offered as he kissed her cheek.

“I’ll be fine. Goodnight and thank you for supper,” she said as she embraced her sons then Claire. She watched as they rode away from the homestead, lingering a while longer on the porch to stare up at the star filled sky. Michaela worried about what could be going through Sully’s mind. While she had told him all he needed to know about her friendship with Ben, she knew she hadn’t told him everything, and somehow he sensed it. As she prayed for him to come home, she realized that only by being completely honest could they put this episode behind them. Still, she didn’t know how she was going to find the words to tell her husband that she woke up in another man’s arms.

* * *

Sully rode up to the homestead after midnight with his emotions in turmoil. He felt guilty for leaving Michaela at the picnic and he knew he had set them back a ways in their reconciliation. Not being one to open up easily, he was feeling especially raw and vulnerable about all he had shared with her over the past few days. The silver clasp with the Cheyenne symbols of friendship, love, and devotion exposed him further. Knowing another man had given this meaningful gift to his wife and she treasured it, Sully felt as if his heart had been torn apart. What if he had been gone longer? Images of Ben comforting her when Katie was sick and sharing Christmas with his family were tormenting him. Although she told him Ben was only a friend and nothing happened between them, he sensed there was more he still didn’t know.

Quietly entering the homestead, he walked toward the stairs, but stopped short at spotting Michaela slumped in the chair. She was fast asleep in her nightgown, a quilt draped loosely over her body. It was obvious she had tried to wait up for him and he was torn about what to do. If he woke her and tried to get her upstairs to bed, she would want to talk about what happened this afternoon. He didn’t have the strength for that at this moment. Still, he knew he couldn’t leave her sleeping in the chair.

Slowly he walked over and knelt down in front of her. “Michaela,” he whispered as he gently brought the quilt up to cover her body.

Michaela stirred but didn’t wake up.

Sully lightly stroked her hair. “Michaela.”

Her eyes fluttered and she blinked several times to wake up. Slowly his features came into focus. “Sully?” she questioned groggily. Realizing he was home she edged forward in the chair and hugged him.

Sully was unresponsive as he eased her back down. “I’m sorry I woke you, but you’d be more comfortable sleeping upstairs,” he whispered.

“We need to talk,” she said as she reached for his hand.

“Not now,” he replied. “It’s past midnight and we’re both tired. We can talk tomorrow.”

“No,” she persisted. “I want to talk now. About the clasp, you…you misunderstood.”

Sully sighed. He was hurt and tired, but he could tell by her tone of voice that she wasn’t going to let it go. “Did I?” He paused as he drew in his breath and let it out slowly. “Ben gave it ta ya and ya kept it close to ya like it meant somethin’.”

“It doesn’t,” she insisted as she squeezed his hand.

“Maybe he meant more to ya than you realize.” Sully slowly pulled his hand away, stood and turned to look into the fire.

“Why can’t you let this go?” Michaela asked frustrated. “Please Sully, don’t ruin what’s happening between us!” She stood and stepped closer to him, grabbing him by the arm to look at her.

“Then why’d ya keep it?” he shot back, angered and hurt. “A gift is one thing, but when ya knew how he really felt…” Sully’s voice began to crack.

Michaela caressed his back and drew him closer. “Nothing happened,” she calmly stressed once again. She was as confused and hurt as he was by this point, even more so when he refused to look at her. “Sully, I told you nothing happened! What else do you want from me?”

“I want you ta tell me what you’re keepin’ from me.” He paused, sorrowed by the sheer thought that she really was keeping something from him. He swallowed hard and continued. “Michaela, all I want is the truth.”

She hesitated for some moments. “The truth?” she thought. “Where…how could she begin. “Al…all right,” she began in a barely audible whisper. “You’re right. I didn’t tell you everything.”

Sully’s eyes flew to her face and he swallowed hard. “Why not?”

Michaela looked away from him and fixed her gaze on the dying embers in the fire. “I suppose I was embarrassed and…and I wasn’t sure you’d understand.” Then she looked into his eyes. “It doesn’t change the fact that nothing went on between us. I wouldn’t have let it happen,” she adamantly declared.

“Let what happen?” Sully could tell she was getting at something though he wasn’t sure exactly what.

Michaela grew ever more nervous and frightened at his incessant demands to know everything. She returned to her seat to settle her nerves and gather her thoughts and courage to speak. Sully could sense how hard this was on her, and through his anger, his heart still went out to his wife. He turned and got down on his knees in front of her, taking her hands in his.

“If we’re gonna get past this, we can’t have any secrets,” he lovingly spoke, pleading with her to open up to him. He sat down on the rug in front of her ready to listen.

“I’m not proud of how I handled things with Ben.”

Sully stared into her eyes urging her to go on.

Michaela inhaled deeply. “Perhaps I grew to depend on him a little too much. It was so much easier to talk with him than any of my friends. Everyone meant well, but they treated me like a porcelain doll that would break at the slightest provocation.” She lowered her eyes to the floor. “They thought you left me Sully, and they felt awkward around me. Ben didn’t know you and he didn’t act strange around me. I could be myself. I liked that, not having to pretend and just being Michaela again. The longer you were gone, and when I started to believe you might not be back, I opened up to Ben about you and our life together. He started taking care of me when, in my own pain, I had stopped doing it for myself. When I wasn’t eating properly he’d force me to eat. He helped the children with their homework and worked with Brian on an article. He frequently came to dinner at the homestead and spent time with the children,” she revealed pausing to gauge his reaction.

“Kinda like us in the beginnin’,” he whispered unable to deny the similarities.

“In a way,” she admitted. “But I never had the feelings for Ben that I have for you. I enjoyed his company and liked having someone there for me, but nothing happened between us! I wouldn’t let it. I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else but you Sully! You filled my thoughts every minute you were gone,” she told him as she looked into his eyes. “I had no idea Ben had feelings for me until much later. If I had known I wouldn’t have let him visit as he did. I wouldn’t have talked with him so much or revealed so much about us.”

Sully’s heart was beating rapidly as he sat in rapt silence, knowing there was more.

Michaela took a deep breath and gathered the strength to go on. “One evening, a few weeks after Christmas, when Ben was leaving he…he tried to kiss me,” she finished quickly. “But I didn’t let him!” she insisted. She looked at him, able to read the anger and hurt in his eyes. Sully jolted up in frustration. He walked away and leaned his hands against the wall next to the fireplace. Fearing he’d walk out again Michaela tried to explain. “Until that moment I hadn’t realized his feelings for me had changed. I realize now that by relying on him so much before and after Christmas, and telling him that I didn’t think you were coming back, that I may have given him false hope. Once I realized his feelings, I told him I couldn’t offer more than friendship and I didn’t see him again… until…” she trailed off.

“Until?”

“Until Katie was sick,” she murmured. “He helped me get through Katie’s illness,” she hesitated fearing how he would react.

“What happened when Katie was sick? How did he help you?” Sully didn’t know what to expect and he wasn’t sure he could bear to hear more.

“Sully, I hadn’t slept in days and that was after worrying and not eating much for weeks before,” she began defensively. “I felt so alone. I needed you so much, but you weren’t here,” she told him noticing his distraught expression. “Ben held my hand, and when I thought we were losing her, he comforted me. He put his arm around me and held me. Eventually I was so exhausted that I fell asleep in the chair by Katie’s bed. When I woke up…I woke up in Ben’s arms.”

“I knew you were keepin’ somethin’ from me! Why didn’t you tell me?” Sully expressed, slamming his hand against the wall with such force that the pictures on the mantle began to shake.

“Sully, I thought you were holding me!” She jumped up to stand by his side. “When I was sleeping I could see you, I could feel you! I could feel it so strongly that I thought it really was you. I was so sure of it! When I saw it was Ben, I jumped up immediately. It’s the truth!”

Sully could hear the sincerity in her voice. Her feelings were real and he knew it. “You felt me,” he whispered deeply moved.

“Yes,” she said with her voice full of emotion. “I felt our spirits were connected. I was so sure you were home and holding me because it was so powerful. I…I even called out your name.”

He breathed heavily as his own dreams were now beginning to make sense. He turned to her, clasping her hand in his. “One night I had a dream another man was holdin’ you. It was so real. It must have been the same night. I was so afraid of losin’ you that I closed my eyes and concentrated on sendin’ you my love so that you’d know I was comin’ home and you’d wait for me,” he revealed as his eyes conveyed all the emotion he was feeling.

“I felt your love Sully,” she said in awe as she reached out and stroked back his hair. “But I misunderstood. When I realized it was Ben who was holding me and not you I was profoundly disappointed and angry with myself for hoping for something that I thought I had lost.”

Sully pulled her to him and hugged her. He held her so tightly that he thought he’d never let go. Now that he knew the truth, it didn’t make a difference. He didn’t care what had happened. She felt him and that was all that mattered. Sully took Michaela’s hand and encouraged her to join him on the rug. She sat between his knees with her back leaning into his and her head resting on his shoulder. He held her securely in his arms, relieved to have the burden of this secret finally lifted.

“Can you forgive me?” she asked as she laced her fingers with his.

“Yes,” he replied as he kissed the top of her head. Then he dropped his voice. “Can you ever forgive me?”

She turned her face to gaze into his deep blue eyes. “Yes.”

He cupped her face in his hands and turned her to him fully. “I just don’t know how I’d go on if I ever lost you.”

“Trust me, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’ll never have to find out.” She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and pressed her cheek to his. “When I thought you weren’t coming back, it was like someone ripped out my heart.”

Sully wrapped his arms around her. “I’m never leavin’ ya again. I promise.”

“Let’s get back to focusing on you and I and forget about everything else, all right?”

Sully nodded and held her even tighter. After several long moments he pulled back and lightly kissed her lips. Urgently she leaned in against him and passionately kissed him back. When they broke apart his eyes were filled with devotion.

Michaela held his devoted gaze. Then feeling a need to put closure on their argument, she raised her hand and stroked his face. “Sully, about the clasp. It does remind me of my friendship with Ben, but more than that it reminds me of the Cheyenne. I know I shouldn’t have kept it, but every time I looked at it I was reminded of Cloud Dancing, Snowbird, Black Kettle and the rest of the Cheyenne. I couldn’t part with it. When I look at it now it reminds me of our friends who are no longer here with us. Can you understand that?” she asked as she ran her fingers through his hair.

He lowered his eyes. “Yes.”

“I won’t wear the clasp again if you want.”

Sully closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. “No, it’s all right. I trust you Michaela.” As the emotions of the day had taken their toll, sleep was beginning to overtake him. “You should go up ta bed. It’s late. The kids will be up before we know it,” he told her as he started to stand.

Noticing his exhaustion, Michaela rose first and laid the quilt out in front of the fire. As she sat down on it, she took his hand and drew him down with her. “Let’s just sit here a little longer.”

He nodded, removed his belt, his beads, and his medicine pouch, and sat down on the quilt. Then he leaned back and rested his head in her lap staring up into her eyes. “I’m sorry I went off like that.”

“I was so frightened,” she confessed as she placed her hand on his chest.

“I’ll always be back,” he said placing his hand atop hers.

She squeezed his hand. “I know that now.”

“What did you tell the kids about me?” he asked as he fought to stay awake.

“That you had some work to finish in town,” she replied. “They planned a surprise supper for us. I think your daughter will need a little extra attention from you tomorrow,” she lovingly suggested.

“I should have been here,” he replied disappointed with himself for once again letting down his family.

“Shh...You’re here now,” she comforted.

Sully’s eyes were heavy with exhaustion. “I love you,” he whispered as he closed his eyes.

She gently brushed the hair out of his eyes and stroked his forehead. “I love you so much Sully. Please don’t ever doubt that,” she said as she saw him drifting off to sleep with his head in her lap. Careful not to wake him, she slowly lifted his head, grabbed a pillow from the chair, and rested his head on it. She sat next to him for quite some time tenderly watching him sleep. Michaela could have woken him and let him go to Brian’s room to sleep, but she felt an overwhelming need to be by his side. She leaned down and softly kissed his brow. Then she grabbed another blanket and lay down beside him. Covering them both with the blanket, she laid her head on his chest, gently draped her arm around him and reached for his hand. Michaela drifted off to sleep securely pressed against her husband’s body with her hand clasped firmly in his.

* * *

The sun was just peeking over the mountains when Josef awoke. He climbed out of bed and walked toward his mother’s room. Seeing the door open, he walked in. No one was there and the bed was made. Puzzled, he left the room and headed down the hall toward Brian’s room. Peeking in, he noticed that bed was also made. He left the room and hurried to wake Katie.

“Get up Katie. Mama’s up,” Josef told his sister as he tapped her shoulder.

Katie stirred and tried to focus her eyes. “It’s too early, Joey, go back to bed.”

“No it’s not. Mama’s bed’s made and so’s Papa’s so they must be up too. Let’s go downstairs. Come on!”

Katie reluctantly got up and she and Josef made their way down the stairs. They spotted their parents sleeping together in the living room. The children exchanged puzzled glances and quietly moved closer.

“Why they sleep down here?” Josef whispered to his sister.

“Shh…you’ll wake them,” Katie said. The children stood over their parents watching them sleep for several minutes.

Sully started to rouse first. When he felt Michaela’s arm around him he became immediately disoriented. As his eyes tried to focus, he noticed his wife asleep next to him with her hand tightly clasped in his. He smiled when he realized they must have fallen asleep on the rug since he was fully dressed and she was in the nightgown he found her in last night. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two pairs of eyes staring at them and smiled. Careful not to wake his wife, he slowly sat up and silently motioned for the children to go into the kitchen.

Katie and Josef lightly tiptoed away, covering their mouths and giggling.

“Your ma got to sleep late last night. Let’s let her sleep in,” Sully said when he joined the children in the kitchen.

“Okay, but why you sleep down here?” Josef asked looking up at his father.

He lifted his son up and cuddled him close to his chest. “We were talkin’ and I guess we just fell asleep.”

“Mama slept down here a lot when you were away,” Katie informed him. She was eyeing him carefully and trying to decide whether to be mad at him.

Sully’s chest tightened as he continued to learn more details about how distraught his wife had been while he was gone. He placed Josef on the floor and walked toward his daughter, gently placing his hand on her back. “Let’s make breakfast, but we have to be real quiet,” he suggested and kissed her head.

“Okay,” Katie whispered.

Michaela continued to sleep in the living room while Sully and the children made breakfast. They had both gotten only a few hours of sleep after an emotionally trying day and since it was Sunday, she could sleep until it was time to get ready for church. Occasionally Sully would check on her to make sure she was resting peacefully. Gazing at her while she slept filled him with so much love that it was difficult to leave her side and return to the kitchen with the children. After breakfast he took the children upstairs to wash and dress them as the entire family continued to let Michaela sleep.

“What are we gonna do after church Papa?” Josef asked as his father pulled the shirt over his head.

“What would you like to do?” Sully turned the question around.

“Go fishin’,” the small boy replied.

“All right. When your ma wakes up we’ll all go to church then after the picnic we’ll go fishin’,” he responded and he turned to his daughter who stood in the doorway having finished getting dressed. “Is that all right with you Kates?”

“Why’d you miss supper last night?” Katie asked in a small voice.

Sully was caught off guard. He walked toward his daughter and knelt in front of her. “I’m sorry Kates. I had some things ta do and it took longer than I thought,” he replied with a lump in his throat. He felt guilty to be lying to her. “I heard you made a real special supper for us. Sorry I missed it.”

Katie smiled. “We saved you some.”

“Good! I can’t wait to taste it,” he replied as he patted her head. Sully heard footsteps coming up the stairs and he knew Michaela must be awake. He watched as she reached the top of the stairs and walked toward Josef’s room. “Mornin’. Sleep well?” he whispered and he gave her a soft kiss.

“Yes. Very,” she said with a slight blush. “How long have you been up?” Michaela asked as she stretched her arms, her body stiff from sleeping on the floor.

“Well, these two were standing over me this mornin’ watchin’ us sleep so I thought it best ta get up with ‘em. We tried ta be quiet ta let you sleep.”

“You were very quiet,” she said appreciatively. Then she faced her children. “Am I going to get a hug from you two this morning?”

Katie and Josef ran into their mother’s outstretched arms and they shared a warm hug to start the day.

“After church Papa’s takin’ us fishin’,” Josef announced.

“He is?” Michaela exclaimed looking at Sully.

“Comin’ with us?” Sully asked hopefully as he sat Josef on the edge of the bed to put on his shoes.

“Please come Mama!” Katie begged.

“I’d love to,” she responded patting her daughter’s head. Stepping behind her husband while he was tying Josef’s shoe, she wrapped her arms loosely around his waist, leaning her cheek against his back.

Sully turned to face her and gave her another light kiss on the lips. “You better get ready or we’ll be late for church.” Michaela returned his kiss and left the room to get dressed.

Chapter Thirty

“Your home is lovely Michaela,” Nellie said over supper at the homestead a few nights later. “The setting is absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you. Sully built it before we were married,” she replied and flashed her special smile at her husband. “I’m so glad you could all join us for supper before you and Ben return to New York.”

“Thank you for inviting us,” Jason replied as he broke off a piece of bread.

Nellie turned to Sully. “This is the nicest home we’ve seen in Colorado Springs. Have you thought about starting a business?” she asked resting her fork on her plate.

“Thank you, but it’s not what I do,” he politely replied. “I wanted ta build somethin’ special for my family.” He paused to glance at Michaela. “And I help the folks in town with their homes and businesses when I’m not workin’. But I wouldn’t want it ta be all I do.”

“Sully and Robert E. built Grace’s new restaurant,” Michaela proudly informed them.

“That was very nicely done,” Jason complimented. “Nellie and I dined there last weekend and the food was excellent, but what I noticed most was how comfortable it was for an elegant restaurant. It’s the same with the clinic expansion. Both places put people at ease. I’ve never had a more comfortable work environment.”

Sully shrugged his shoulders. “I just think about how I’d like things ta be if it was me goin’ there,” he humbly replied. By now he had grown uncomfortable with the attention and changed the subject. “Nellie, you’re headin’ back ta New York too in a few days?”

She nodded. “I need to get back to work and I have a wedding to plan,” she said smiling at Jason. Then she turned to Michaela. “This fish is delicious,” she added bringing the fork to her mouth for another bite.

“Joey and me caught the fish,” Katie piped up. She was bored with the grown-up conversation.

“It’s Joey and I sweetheart,” Michaela corrected.

“Joey and I,” Katie repeated.

“It’s a very good fish, Miss Katie,” Jason told her indulgently as he took another bite.

“I’ve never fished and I haven’t met any little girls who do. Is it fun?” Nellie asked.

Katie nodded enthusiastically.

“Papa took us after school,” Josef added.

“What else do you like to do Katie?” Nellie asked as she took another bite of food.

“She’s pretty good with a bow and arrow,” Ben put in with a chuckle. Nellie’s eyes widened and Sully gave him a sharp look.

“I like readin’ and school and bein’ outside and seein’ animals in the woods and lots of other things,” Katie relayed.

“Sounds like you’re a lot like your mother and father,” Nellie observed. “How about you Josef? What do you like to do?”

“I like drawin’, fishin’, and flyin’ kites, and bein’ in the woods with Papa,” the little boy told them.

“Are you goin’ back to New York with Miss Nellie?” Katie asked Ben.

“Yes I am,” he replied as he glanced awkwardly at Sully.

Sully cleared his throat. “Ah Ben…I been thinkin’. If you’re not set on goin’ back just yet, I think goin’ to the reservation will help your work.” He paused to break off a piece of bread. “I might be able ta help ya if you’re still interested.”

“I am!” Ben replied with excitement.

“I’d be better if someone went with ya who knew the territory, but I can’t,” he said with his eyes on Michaela. “And there’s no one else around here.”

“I understand,” he replied as his eyes moved back and forth between Michaela and Sully aware of how happy they seemed. “If you tell me how to get there and the best way to approach the Indians I can take it from there.”

“I rode the whole way out, but you can take the train ta Denver then the stage ta Cheyenne and ride by horse the rest a the way. The weather’s better now than when I went so you shouldn’t have any trouble,” Sully told him. Then his expression turned serious. “Ya can’t just walk into the reservation. I’ll tell ya how ta find Cloud Dancin’. He’ll talk with ya if he knows I sent ya. Talk ta him first and let ‘im show ya the rest a the way.” He paused to take a drink of water. “Ya gotta listen ta him and do what he says,” he said emphatically. Cloud Dancin’ll do what he can, but I can’t promise the tribe will go along.”

“I’ll do everything you and Cloud Dancing say. I don’t want trouble,” Ben replied.

Michaela felt deep love and admiration for her husband for agreeing to help Ben meet Cloud Dancing. Despite everything that had happened, Sully knew that Ben’s work could make a difference for the Indians. This generous act also told her that he believed and trusted her. She felt confident now that they would get back all that they had once shared. In her head she knew it would be safer for Ben if Sully accompanied him to the reservation, but her heart couldn’t let him go. And from his adamant decision to stay, it was obvious his heart couldn’t either.

“Cloud Dancing is our Cheyenne father,” Katie announced with great esteem.

“Well, I’ll be sure to say hello for you and tell him how much of the Cheyenne you carry in you Katie,” Ben replied.

“Do I carry the Cheyenne in me?” she asked looking at her parents.

“Ya sure do,” Sully answered with pride.

“I guess I’m traveling to New York all alone now,” Nellie said disappointed.

“I’m sorry Nellie. You could always come to Montana with me and we’ll head back to New York together when I’m done,” Ben said only half-joking.

“No you don’t Ben. I’ll not have my fiancé riding into the wilderness in search of Indians,” Jason chastised.

“I’ll have you both know that if I wanted to go I would, but I want to get back to New York so that’s what I’m going to do,” she said with determination. “I traveled here alone and I’ll be fine traveling back alone.”

“Take it from me Jason, never tell your wife ya don’t want her doin’ somethin’. She’ll only wanna do it more,” Sully said with a teasing smile.

“Sully!” Michaela responded pretending to be offended.

“Ya know I’m right Michaela.”

“Perhaps a little,” she admitted sharing a secret smile with Nellie.

“Ben will be all right going alone, won’t he?” Jason asked with concern.

“Should be. I’ll show ‘im the best way ta get there. You do know how ta read a map?” Sully asked with a hint of condescension in his tone.

“Of course. Every summer I traveled to see the sites of our history so I could better enrich my lessons. I’ve visited all the Civil War battlefields, and last summer I visited the Seneca Nation in upstate New York,” Ben explained defending his abilities. “I’ve undertaken all of these trips alone.”

“Then you’ll be fine,” Sully replied.

When supper was finished Nellie and the two brothers rose from the table to bid their farewells. The men walked out to the porch while Nellie and Michaela lingered a moment in the kitchen.

“I want to thank you for a lovely supper Michaela. Your hospitality has been most generous during my entire visit. I’ll look forward to seeing you and Sully again,” Nellie said.

“You’re most welcome Nellie. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Colorado Springs.”

“Oh yes, very much. I can see why you love it so.” Nellie paused and stepped closer to Michaela. “But is it difficult being so far away from your family?”

“It was at first and I still miss them at times, but Sully and I have formed our own family here in Colorado.”

“You’re very lucky. Your children are remarkable and I only hope Jason and I are as happy as you and Sully are after we’re married,” Nellie told her with admiration.

“I am very lucky,” she replied and stepped closer to her, lowering her voice. “Marriage isn’t always easy, but I’m sure you and Jason will be very happy.”

“Thank you,” she said taking Michaela’s hand as they walked onto the porch.

“Goodnight Michaela, Sully,” Jason said as he escorted Nellie to the wagon where Ben was already seated. He helped her up then climbed in beside her.

Sully walked up behind his wife and put his arms around her waist, his cheek pressed against hers. Together they watched Ben steer the wagon away from the homestead.

“Nellie’s a lovely woman. She and Jason are a good match, don’t you agree?” Michaela asked as she sighed contentedly and leaned back into his chest.

“They are,” he replied nuzzling her neck.

“I think if Jason wants to stay Nellie will relocate with him. She was asking me questions about whether I miss my family in Boston.”

“Have you talked to Jason yet?”

“No. I’ll do it tomorrow,” she told him.

“Stop stallin’. It’ll be easier once ya know for sure what he wants ta do,” he counseled as he kissed her head.

“I know. I want him to stay so badly. Do you think he will?”

“I do, but you need to hear it from him,” he advised holding her tighter.

“You do think Ben will be all right riding to Montana alone?”

“If he doesn’t do anythin’ stupid.”

“I’m glad you agreed to help him,” she said rubbing his arm.

Sully sighed heavily. “I can’t pretend I ain’t glad he’s leavin’, Michaela.” He paused a few moments. “But what he’s tryin’ ta do is important and Cloud Dancing’ll see that. It’s important he talk to ‘im’.”

“Why don’t we go inside? We can put the children to bed then clean up in the kitchen,” she suggested.

“Let’s stay out here a little longer,” he said as he wrapped his arms more tightly around her waist. “I like holdin’ ya like this.”

“I like you holding me too.” She leaned back feeling completely relaxed in Sully’s arms as they swayed back and forth gazing up at the stars.

* * *

“Did Nellie enjoy her stay?” Michaela asked Jason as they were cleaning the instruments after a busy day of patients.

“Yes, she loved it,” he replied as he looked up from sterilizing the scalpels. “And I don’t think I fully appreciated the beauty of this area until we visited the spots you and Sully told us about.”

“I’m glad.” She momentarily stopped cleaning and wiped her hands on her apron. “Jason,” she nervously began. “I was wondering if you’ve given any thought as to whether…well whether…. you’d like to stay in Colorado Springs…I mean here at the clinic,” Michaela stammered.

Jason smiled. “Yes, I have. I just wasn’t sure how you felt.”

“How I felt!” she exclaimed. “I’d love for you to stay on permanently!”

“I’d like that too Dr. Mike, and Nellie would love to make Colorado Springs her home.”

Michaela let out the breath she was holding. “I’m so relieved. I can’t tell you what this arrangement has meant for my family. Having you here may have quite literally saved my marriage.”

“I honestly don’t know how you managed the workload all alone for so long.”

“I didn’t manage very well I’m afraid,” she replied staring down at the instruments. “Has Nellie thought about what she might do here if she wants to continue working?”

“Since she worked with immigrants in New York, Grace suggested she might be interested in helping the people of Shantytown. We went there and Nellie was full of ideas about how to improve their conditions,” he said beaming with pride.

“They could use someone like her helping them,” she replied and began to roll bandages.

“There is one more thing I need to ask you,” Jason tentatively began.

Michaela looked over at him curiously. “What’s that?”

“As you know, Nellie and I are to be married at the end of June. I would like a month off this summer to travel to New York for the wedding and the honeymoon if that’s all right with you.”

Michaela’s face broke out in a huge grin. “Of course it’s all right. I’ve managed the clinic on my own before, but knowing that this time it will only be for a short while will be easier. I can even plan time away with my family once you return,” she said as the possibilities formed in her mind.

“Of course, any time,” he replied as he was hit with the realization that they were now partners. Jason was overjoyed to have a colleague he respected as a physician and admired as a person, a thriving practice, and a town to call home. Soon he would marry the woman of his dreams and he didn’t know how his life could get any better. At times over the past few months he wondered whether Michaela would ask him to stay. After all, his position was only on a trial basis. His doubts began to surface when the situation with Ben became awkward. That she finally did ask him to stay was further testament to the strength of her character.

* * *

“He said yes, but he’ll need some time off to get married and go on his honeymoon, but isn’t it wonderful!” Michaela excitedly told her family when she arrived home from the clinic. She noticed her son seated at the table with the family. “Brian, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I came to see the kids and I thought I’d stay for supper if that’s all right,” he replied.

“It’s more than all right,” she said with a huge grin as she hung up her coat.

Sully chuckled at her exuberance. “That’s real good news about Jason, Michaela,” he responded from his seat at the kitchen table. He was helping Katie and Josef with their arithmetic homework. “How much time does he want ta get married?”

“A month,” she answered then lowered her voice to almost a whisper. “I imagine you won’t see much of me during that time,” she said staring at the floor.

Sully pushed his chair back, stood and walked over to stand by her side. “We can manage knowin’ it’s only for a short time,” he replied rubbing her back reassuringly. “’Sides, I’ll be home more now so you know I’ll be droppin’ by the clinic ta see ya every free minute I get.”

She smiled up at him gratefully. “Jason gave me an idea. We could plan some time away this summer too. It could be the whole family or just the two of us. We could all go with you on one of your survey trips or to plan the national park,” she said as her mind raced with ideas. “What do you think?”

“It sounds great, but you’d be interested in goin’ on one a my trips?” he asked incredulously as he followed her into the kitchen.

“Yes. I’d love to learn more about what you do and I’m sure it would be educational for the children. You said we don’t share in each other’s work enough. Perhaps now we can.”

Sully stepped closer and kissed the corner of her lips. “I’d like that.” He leaned back against the counter and watched her for a few moments before continuing. “There’s somethin’ I need ta tell ya. I got a telegram today,” he said pausing to gauge her reaction.

Michaela was quiet and nodded for him to continue.

“There’s a minin’ company tryin’ ta buy land about forty miles south a here. They asked me ta give my opinion on the land they wanna buy and on the operation of the mine. Because of my minin’ experience, they wanna know if I think it’ll be safe.” He then turned to Brian who had moments ago joined them in the kitchen. “I was wonderin’ if you’d like ta go with me? It could lead to an interestin’ article.”

“What do we have to do?” Brian asked warming to the idea.

“We’d have ta see the site and give our opinion on what the mine would do ta the land. Then we gotta talk to the owners and review their plans for safety and disposin’ waste,” Sully patiently explained. “Brian, you could write it any way you see it. It don’t matter if we agree,” he said hoping he’d come along, but careful not to push.

“How long would we be gone?”

“Three or four days.” Sully then noticed that his wife had been very quiet through this entire exchange. “Are you all right about this?” he asked her, his voice full of concern.

“Yes, of course. I’m just going to have to get used to you being gone again, that’s all,” she said as she busied herself with supper preparations.

Sully walked toward her, stopped her movements and took her hands in his. “It ain’t gonna be like last time. I don’t have ta leave for weeks on end and I’ll only be gone a few days. I told ya, only short trips from now on. I promise I won’t be gone all the time,” he said as he pressed his brow to hers.

“I know. I’ll still miss you,” she admitted and she wrapped her arms around him.

“I’ll miss you too,” he said holding her close.

Brian watched his parents and cleared his throat. “Ah Sully.”

“Yeah,” Sully replied as he stepped back slightly from his wife.

“I…I’ll go with you,” Brian told him feeling a little nervous.

“Good. We’ll leave in two weeks.” Then he turned to Michaela. “I’m gonna go see the kids.” He brushed her cheek with his fingers once more before leaving the kitchen.

Michaela waited a few moments for Sully to leave the room before speaking. “Brian,” she began.

“Yeah,” he replied as he munched on a string bean.

“I’m glad you decided to go with Sully on this trip,” she said trying to read his expression.

“Me too. It should be interesting,” he replied noncommittally.

“I’d like you to do something for me,” she tentatively requested.

He looked at his mother. “What’s that?”

“I’d like you to take this trip as an opportunity to talk with Sully and forgive him.”

Brian remained quiet for several moments. “We’re doin’ better.”

“Yes you are and I’m glad about that, but your relationship is still strained. When I think about how close the two of you once were, it breaks my heart to see you so tentative with each other now. I can see how much Sully misses you,” she revealed.

Brian swallowed hard. “He does?”

“Yes, very much. I can see the regret in his eyes whenever he looks at you.” She hesitated before continuing. “Brian, it’s not like you to hold a grudge. You’ve always been so forgiving. I have to believe that this isn’t only about Sully,” she perceived.

Brian walked to the window and looked outside. “Sully’s leavin’ and seein’ you, Katie and Josef so upset made me so angry.”

“I know it did, but we’re all doing better and you’re still holding onto your anger,” she told him taking a few steps closer. “I have to believe there is something else. That this isn’t all about Sully,” she probed.

Brian looked away and stared out the window for several moments. “I never thought Sully could hurt you and the kids like that.”

“Neither did I Brian, but I do understand why he thought he needed to go away for a while. And I believe he never intended to hurt us as he did. I’d like you to try to understand it too. Please tell me what’s holding you back,” Michaela implored.

Brian stared out the window for a few long moments, his back to his mother. “I guess it brought everything back from when I was little and Ethan left all of us. Ma cried all the time then and I didn’t understand why he didn’t love me. I know exactly how the kids felt,” he said as his eyes welled up with tears.

Michaela stepped closer to him and rested her hand on his back. “I know you did,” she sympathized. “And you did so much to help us through a very difficult period. I honestly don’t know how I would have managed without you. Brian, I truly appreciate how protective you are of Katie and Josef. It reminds me of how Matthew felt toward you when you were their age, but this situation isn’t the same as with Ethan. Sully didn’t leave us the same way Ethan left you. He loves us very much and Katie and Josef have forgiven him and so have I.”

Brian remained silent.

Michaela took a deep breath before continuing. “Brian, I think the anger you’re still directing at Sully is really anger that’s intended for Ethan.”

“But…” Brian stopped when he realized he didn’t have a response. His mother was right, but he couldn’t admit it at this moment.

Michaela put her arm around his shoulder. “Think about what I said and know that Sully and I love you very much.”

“I love you too Ma,” he replied as he hugged her.

* * *

“Sully, I want to thank you for your comments on my course. I made all the changes you suggested,” Ben said as they stood at the train platform. Jason, Michaela, Sully, and Brian had come to say goodbye to Ben as he left for Montana. Nellie had already left for New York three days ago.

Sully firmly shook Ben’s hand “You’re gonna do a lot of good for the Indians if you can get people back east to see what’s really happenin’ out here. If you teach about Sand Creek and Washita the way you wrote it, people are gonna get angry, and maybe the killin’ll stop.”

“I’m going to teach it exactly the way I wrote it. I might be tossed out of the College for it however,” he said laughing. “Once I meet Cloud Dancing, I may need to make more changes, but I’m sure you’ll approve.” Ben looked at Sully with gratitude. “I want to thank you again for making it possible for me to go to the Cheyenne reservation. You were right. What I have to say will be more believable if I’ve talked to the Indians themselves. I just didn’t think it was possible.”

Sully removed his medicine pouch from around his neck and handed it to Ben. “Here, take this. If ya show this ta Cloud Dancin’, he’ll know I sent you and know it’s safe ta talk with ya.”

“Thank you, Sully.” Ben reached into his pocket. In the Cheyenne tradition, where a gift is returned with a gift, he searched his pockets for something to offer. From inside the breast pocket of his coat he grabbed a small knife and handed it to Sully. Its handle was hand carved by the Arapaho and its blade was pure silver. “Take this as a token of my thanks. I know it’s Arapaho, but…it’s something I’m fond of.”

Sully accepted the knife. “Thank you,” he replied uncomfortably. “Maybe next time you come back to Colorado Springs we can talk about how your course went.” He turned and walked back to stand with his arm around Michaela.

Brian stepped forward and hugged Ben. “Thanks for everything.”

“You’re a good reporter Brian. Keep in touch with my father. People back east are interested in what’s going on in the west. You can make a name for yourself in some of the big papers by reporting on what you see right here.”

“Thanks. Good luck with Cloud Dancing. Tell him we all miss him,” Brian said

“I will.”

Next, Michaela stepped forward to say goodbye. She extended her hand and grasped his for a friendly handshake. “Thank you for everything,” she said sincerely. “Especially for being such a good friend to me. Good luck with your work. I’m sorry…”

“No,” Ben cut her off and leaned closer to her. “Everything worked out the way it was supposed to,” he whispered in her ear.

She smiled and nodded. “Take care of yourself.”

“Goodbye Michaela. Take care of my kid brother for me,” Ben remarked as he moved toward Jason to say goodbye.

Sully still felt uneasy when he saw Michaela with Ben, but he had finally come to terms with their friendship, and had even developed an understanding of sorts with Ben himself. If circumstances had been different, Sully even thought he and Ben would have become friends.

Michaela moved back with her family and into Sully’s loving arms. They watched as Ben and Jason said their goodbyes.

“What did Ben say to ya?” Sully whispered as he gently caressed her back.

She smiled up at him. “He said that everything worked out as it was supposed to. I couldn’t agree more,” she said giving her husband a quick kiss.

“Me either,” he replied then kissed the top of her head.

As the train pulled out of Colorado Springs they all stood waving goodbye to Ben. That is, all except Brian, who was distracted by the sight of a beautiful young lady who had stepped off the train just moments earlier.

Chapter Thirty-One

“Sarah, is that you?” Brian called to the young blonde haired woman.

Sarah turned around. “Brian! I can’t believe it! It’s so good to see you.” She walked toward him and they hugged.

Sarah Sheehan was the first girl Brian ever loved. They met when he was ten and were friends until both their parents agreed they were old enough to court. Every year from the time he was fourteen until they graduated from school, he took her to the Sweetheart’s Dance. When he was fifteen, they shared their first real kiss, the one that really meant something to them both. After finishing school in Colorado Springs, their lives went in different directions. Her decision to go to college in St. Louis and his decision to go to Denver, then Boston, had put miles between them. Even though they faithfully wrote each other in the beginning, gradually the letters were less frequent and eventually they stopped altogether. It had been three years, and neither one thought they would ever see each other again.

“What are you doing here?” he asked in stunned surprise. Sarah had grown into a beautiful young woman and Brian couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“I’m interviewing for a schoolteacher position. Mrs. Slicker is bringing on another teacher because her classes have gotten too big and she’s taking a break after the new baby comes. I graduate this spring and I thought I might want to come back to Colorado Springs when I finish,” she explained. “What are you doing here? Last I heard, my mother told me you were a reporter in Boston.”

“I was, but I wanted to come home,” he explained as he held her steady gaze. “I’m still a reporter, but I didn’t want to stay in Boston.”

“It must have been so exciting,” she said noticing how tall and handsome Brian had become.

“It was exciting, but now I’m writing articles from here for two papers back east and working at the Gazette. Would you like to take a walk or have lunch one day while you’re home?” Brian asked hopefully.

“I’d like that, but I best join my family now. See you later Brian.”

“Can you have lunch tomorrow?”

“Sure,” she replied with a bright smile as she dashed off towards her folks.

Brian stood staring as Sarah joined her family. His heart was bursting. If Sarah Sheehan returned to Colorado Springs, they would be living in the same town and maybe they could court again. They could pick up right where they left off. Then he shook himself, knowing it was too soon to be having these thoughts. For now, he would be content to see her while she was home for a week. Suddenly he felt an arm around his shoulder.

“Told ya things would start lookin’ up,” Sully said with a teasing smile.

Brian smiled faintly. “I hope so, but…”

“But what?”

“What if she’s engaged or has a beau?”

“Don’t think negative. Spend some time with ‘er and see if ya still feel the same way,” he advised with his hand resting on his shoulder. “Or if she still does.”

“Thanks Sully.”

“Come on. We’re goin’ over ta Grace’s for lunch.”

* * *

“Help! Somebody help us!”

Hearing the cries, Michaela and Sully rose from their table at Grace’s and immediately saw the Reynolds wagon racing toward the clinic. They both ran toward it and noticed Jason waiting outside ready to help.

“Mr. Reynolds, what’s wrong?” Michaela asked as she tried to catch her breath.

Mr. Reynolds could hardly speak. “It’s…It’s Gabriel, he’s…shot.”

“Shot! How did this happen?” she asked as she moved toward the boy to examine him. She was immediately horrified by what she saw. A boy only about five years old had been shot in the abdomen and was bleeding profusely. His father had wrapped a towel around the wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding, but by now the towel was soaked through.

“He must’ve gotten hold of the pistol and tried to shoot it. I’ll never live with myself if somethin’ happens to him. Please Dr. Mike, help my boy,” Mr. Reynolds begged. Desperate and agitated, he paced along the side of the wagon.

Michaela looked at the panicked father. “I’ll do my best, but we have to operate quickly. Jason, please prepare for surgery, and Sully, could you bring Gabriel into the clinic. Mr. Reynolds, please wait out here,” she spoke quickly, immediately taking charge of the situation.

Sully gently lifted the boy’s limp body from the wagon and carried him to the operating table. He barely managed to look at the boy as thoughts of Josef filled his mind. If it had been his son who had been gravely injured, he didn’t know how he’d get through it. When Gabriel was settled on the operating table, Michaela escorted Sully out of the clinic so she and Jason could begin operating.

“I’ll be right here if ya need anythin’,” Sully told her as he touched her arm.

“Would you sit with Mr. Reynolds? He’s going to need support right now. I’m not…I’m not sure Gabriel will make it Sully. He’s lost so much blood and he’s so young,” Michaela admitted.

Sully hugged her. “You’ll do your best, like ya always do,” he whispered lovingly.

Michaela nodded a silent thanks to her husband and closed the door to the clinic. She and Jason began to operate on little Gabriel to remove the bullet and repair the damage to his internal organs. Outside, Sully sat on the bench with Mr. Reynolds. Jake, Horace, Loren, Dorothy, and several other members of the town came by to offer their support to the worried father.

“It’s all my fault,” Mr. Reynolds said with his head buried in his hands. “I left the gun for a minute to go into the house. Gabriel wasn’t even out there. I don’t know how he got into it.”

Sully could feel the father’s pain, and he knew if it were his son lying there, he would never be able to forgive himself either. “Little boys are real quick like that,” he told him placing his hand on Mr. Reynolds shoulder. “It was a bad accident. Blamin’ yourself ain’t gonna fix things. It’ll only make ‘em worse. You just gotta hope Dr. Mike and Dr. Morrison can stop the bleedin’ and remove the bullet.” The men sat in silence for a long time, afraid to speak what was really on their minds.

Four hours later most of the townsfolk had already gone back to work or home and only Sully, Dorothy, and Mr. Reynolds remained on the bench outside the clinic. They leapt to their feet as Michaela opened the door and stepped outside, her apron covered in blood. Sully thought she looked tired, but otherwise all right. When he searched her eyes he knew the boy had survived the operation.

“Mr. Reynolds,” Michaela began. “Gabriel survived the operation. We had to remove a small part of his large intestine as well as his spleen, both of which were badly damaged by the gunshot wound. He’s unconscious now and will be for about 24 hours. If he survives the next few days and infection doesn’t set in he should make a complete recovery.”

Mr. Reynolds was overwhelmed. He threw his arms around the doctor squeezing her tight. “Thank you. I don’t know how I’m ever gonna repay you.”

“Why don’t you go sit with him. I’ll be in shortly,” she told him.

Mr. Reynolds went inside the clinic and Sully brought his wife into his arms. “We almost lost him Sully,” she murmured, her face buried in his chest.

“I know, but you didn’t. I’m real proud of you,” he said lovingly into her ear as he rubbed her back.

“I’m going to monitor his condition for a few more hours. Why don’t you take the children and go home? I’ll see you tonight,” she said as she stepped out of his embrace.

“Sure, but you need to eat somethin’,” he insisted.

“I’m sure Grace will bring me supper.”

“I’ll make sure she does. See ya later.” He kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand reassuringly before he left.

* * *

Sully brought home supper from Grace’s for himself and the children. It was a somber meal as he told Katie and Josef about Gabriel’s accident. He told them how their ma saved the little boy’s life then he reinforced the danger of playing with guns and other weapons, including his tomahawk. A few times lately he had seen Josef eyeing the tomahawk and he shuddered to think of what might happen if he tried to play with it alone. He made a mental note to lock it away when he was home. Even many hours later, Sully couldn’t stop thinking about Gabriel and how his family nearly lost him this afternoon. It reminded him of how precious life is and how accidents that only take a split second to happen can change lives forever. Bedtime took a little longer than usual this evening as Sully held his children close, especially Josef. Long after they had fallen asleep, he moved from one room to the other to lovingly gaze on their tiny forms, making a solemn vow to do everything in his power to keep them safe.

By nine o’clock, Sully began to wonder if Michaela would come home at all this evening. He worried that Gabriel’s condition had deteriorated, but he concluded that she was remaining in town to monitor him more closely. It seemed like a good idea considering she was probably too tired to ride out to the homestead alone. With the house in complete silence, he added another log to the fire in the living room and sat in the chair to read. After reading the same sentence three times, he gave up, closed the book and stared into the fire. His mind was filled with thoughts of Michaela.

His wife’s skill as a doctor and her poise under pressure would never cease to amaze him. It awed him whenever she saved a life, as she had done today. Grateful for how far they’d come since he came home, he smiled when he thought about how much this day felt like old times. Perhaps by now they had both completely healed. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and lifted his head to the ceiling. He sent a silent prayer to the spirits, thanking them for guiding him home. Sully could honestly say he was happy, a feeling he hadn’t known in a long time.

Startled out of his reverie by the sound of a wagon pulling up to the homestead, Sully quickly stood and walked to the window. Pulling the curtain aside, he smiled when he saw Michaela. He opened the front door and walked outside to greet her.

“Is everythin’ all right?” Sully said as he helped Michaela down from the wagon. “I thought you’d spend the night at the clinic.”

“Everything’s fine. Jason offered to stay with Gabriel. He’ll send someone for me if there’s a problem,” she explained holding her husband’s hand. “I wanted to be home.”

“Go inside. I’ll finish this,” he said then he let go of her hand to unhitch the wagon and bring the horse into the barn.

Michaela entered the house, hung her coat on the rack, and immediately walked upstairs to check on her children. After almost losing Gabriel, she had an overwhelming desire to see that her children were indeed safe and sleeping peacefully in their beds. She quietly entered Katie’s room and gazed lovingly at her daughter for several long moments, stroking her hair. “I love you, sweetheart,” she whispered. Then tiptoeing into Josef’s room, she sat on the edge of the bed and found comfort in her son’s slow and even breathing. “I love you,” she whispered and kissed his forehead. As she descended the stairs, she saw Sully enter the house.

“Why don’t you go up ta bed?” he suggested. “You must be tired.”

“I’m all right. I needed to see the children.” She stepped closer to him.

“I know, I needed to be with them too, make sure they’re safe,” he replied as he gently caressed her arm. “Do you want some tea?”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

When Sully returned with the tea, he found Michaela seated by the fire lost in her own thoughts. “Ya sure you’re not tired? You had a long day,” he said handing her the cup.

“I’m not tired, but my back and feet are sore from standing for so long,” she replied looking into his eyes. “Actually, I’d like to sit with you for a while if that’s all right.”

Sully smiled warmly at her. “I’d like that too.” He knelt down on the rug in front of her and lifted her leg. Untying the laces of her boot, he slowly slipped it off her foot. Then he removed the other boot and placed it next to the chair. He glanced at her and she smiled back at him. With her boots off, he moved his hands gently from her foot to her calf and slowly rolled down her stocking. Casting it aside, he massaged her foot and calf muscles. Before continuing he looked up to search her eyes for any sign of unease. They were closed. “Michaela, are you asleep?”

“No, that feels nice.”

Relieved, he rolled down the other stocking and gently massaged that leg, his hands caressing her foot with deep rhythmic pressure. Then he slid his hands up to her calf and back down again. Sully reveled in being able to touch her like this again, stirring his longings for her. “Any better?” he asked after a while.

“Mmm…much,” she murmured.

Sully motioned for her to join him on the rug in front of the fire. Michaela rested her teacup on the end table, rose from the chair and sat back down between his legs with her back to his chest so he could gently massage her shoulders and her neck. As he kneaded the sore muscles, she moaned softly as she felt the ache and tension leave her body. Completely relaxed, she leaned back into Sully’s chest. He brought his arms around her waist and held her close to him as he kissed her head. They sat in silence staring into the fire for a long time.

“I’m sorry about today,” she said breaking the silence.

“Today?” Sully was puzzled.

“Yes, not being home and leaving you with the children,” she explained.

“You had an emergency, Michaela, I understand,” he reassured as he caressed her arm.

“You do? You’re not upset with me?”

“Course not. I’m proud a you. You saved that little boy’s life,” Sully replied and his brow creased in consternation.

Michaela sighed with relief. “We almost lost him a few times during the operation. I didn’t know how I was going to tell his parents.”

“But you didn’t,” Sully said pressing her closer to his body. All of a sudden he realized why she had apologized to him. “I know sometimes I got upset with ya when ya had emergencies, but it seemed they happened all the time. I wondered if you could tell the difference between a real emergency and somethin’ that could wait. This was a real emergency Michaela.”

“Thank you,” she said and turned her face slightly to look into his eyes.

Sully held her gaze. “While I could sit here like this all night long, you need ta sleep.” He stood and reached down to take her hand, bringing her to her feet. “Go on upstairs. I’ll take care a things down here.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” she reluctantly agreed and she kissed him goodnight. “See you in the morning.” As she climbed the stairs to their bedroom, she glanced back a few times at her husband. All she could think about was how much she wanted to remain by his side with his strong arms around her, holding her close all night.

Sully locked the doors to the homestead and extinguished the lamps. After he walked up the stairs, he paused for a moment in front of his bedroom then slowly proceeded toward Brian’s room. Suddenly he heard a door open. When he turned around he saw Michaela standing in the doorway of their bedroom with her hand held out to him. Not certain of her meaning, he hesitated.

“I…I could use some holding,” she softly said gazing into his eyes.

Sully held her gaze, smiled, and walked down the hall toward her. Standing in front of her he lowered his eyes to her hand and clasped it in his. Then they entered their bedroom and he closed the door behind them. He turned back to look at his wife, surprised at how nervous he was. All he wanted was to simply lie beside her again in their bed, holding her as she rested her head on his chest.

His gaze unwavering, he took a few timid steps closer to her and he raised his hand, touching her cheek with his fingers. His touch was so light that it felt like a feather against her skin. Michaela wrapped her arms around his waist and sank into him, feeling the warmth of his body. Then, pulling her closer, Sully wrapped both arms around her and gently caressed her back. They stood with their arms around each other for a long time, the only sound coming from the crackling wood in the fireplace.

After pulling back slightly to look at her, he kissed her softly on the lips. As his eyes met hers once again, Sully was relieved to see an undeniable sense of longing in them, the same longing he was certain were in his eyes. He kissed her again, more passionately this time, and Michaela felt her body tremble with anticipation. They had both waited a long time for this moment when they finally felt ready to give into their desires for one another. When they finally broke apart, they gazed at each other, overwhelmed.

Slowly, Sully raised his hands to the back of her head and removed the clasp holding her hair in place. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted their wedding picture back in its rightful place on the dresser. He smiled knowing they were both back where they belonged. As her long hair tumbled down her back, he ran his fingers through it and leaned forward to kiss her again. Michaela’s hands caressed the nape of his neck, drawing him closer to deepen the kiss. Their mouths continued to move together sensually and their hands were entangled in each other’s hair.

His heartbeat quickened with desire. Sully lowered his hands to the front of her blouse and he slowly started to unbutton it, working his way downward. Gently he pulled it out of her skirt and finished the last few buttons. When her blouse fell open, he kissed her neck and chest. Then he slid it over her shoulders and down her arms, letting it drop to the floor.

Michaela’s breath quickened as she ran her hands over his chest, feeling the tight muscles beneath his shirt. Looking into his eyes, she pulled his loose cotton shirt out of his buckskin pants and slid her fingers under it to reacquaint herself with the warmth of his bare chest. Raising his arms, she slipped the shirt over his head, and let it fall to the floor. She leaned into him then traced small kisses across his chest and brushed her lips lightly across his neck. With his heart racing, Sully brought his hands to her camisole, gently slipped it up over her head and tossed it on the floor with the other garments. He put his arms around her back and pulled her to him, feeling the heat of her skin against his.

“I need to be with you,” he whispered in her ear as he trailed soft kisses down her neck.

“Oh Sully,” she breathlessly replied. “I need to be with you too.”

He lightly trailed his hands from her back to her waist and unfastened her skirt, letting it fall in a pool at her feet. Slowly running his hands along the waistband of her pantaloons, he lowered the garments gradually and sensuously down her legs. As he rose to his feet, he trailed his hands back up over her body. Her skin tingled at his gentle touch. When she stepped out of the garments he gazed in wonder at her perfect form. Her skin glistened in the firelight and Sully paused, taking her all in as his eyes raked her body.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely.

Michaela was overwhelmed at seeing such adoration in his eyes. Sully leaned in for another deep, passionate kiss, which communicated all his pent-up desire for her. Though he was rapidly losing control, he wanted to savor each kiss, each touch and every sensation she was arousing in him. It had been so long since they had been together like this.

Michaela brought her hands to the waistband of his buckskins and unbuttoned them, slowly sliding them down his thighs. Watching as he stepped out of them, she ran her finger across his waist and up his chest as he occasionally quivered against her hands. With her palm resting against his chest, she marveled at his strong, muscular body. Sully claimed her mouth for a long leisurely kiss and when they broke apart he trailed sweet, loving kisses from her face down her neck. Michaela leaned her head back to allow him greater access and softly sighed.

“Oh, Sully, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too,” he said between kisses. “More than you’ll ever know.”

Sully swept her into his arms and carried her across the room to gently lay her on the bed. Turning to blow out the lamp, he slid in beside her. They timidly stared into each other’s eyes as they lay facing each other, both wanting the night to be special. Then he rolled her toward him and kissed her tenderly. The kiss quickly intensified as their hands slowly became reacquainted with all those sensitive places only they knew.

Their breathing was rapid and their bodies afire. Michaela rolled over onto her back and gave him a slight nod to assure him she was ready. He rolled so that he was lying over her and he tenderly kissed her brow.

“I love ya so much, Michaela,” he whispered as his eyes locked with hers.

She pulled him closer. “I love you too.”

Sully kissed her gently on the corner of her lips and laced his fingers with hers, his body trembling from the intensity of their passion. She sighed with pleasure and drew him even closer as they settled into their timeless rhythm of love.

* * *

Michaela lay wrapped in Sully’s arms with her head resting on his chest as the moonlight flickered through the curtains and illuminated their features. Absently, she traced her fingers across his chest and up to his shoulders. She felt the beating of his heart and his breath ruffling her hair. Sully continued to tenderly stroke her hair and the bare skin of her back and shoulders.

Some moments later, he gently moved his thumb under her chin to lift Michaela’s face to his. He wanted to look at her and silently thank her for what had just been renewed between them. To his surprise, he met resistance.

“Michaela?”

When she didn’t respond, he again tried to lift her face to his. Finally meeting her eyes, his breath caught in his throat when he saw them glimmering with tears. “Did…did I do somethin’ wrong? Weren’t ya ready for this?”

She buried her face in his chest and held him tight. “No, it’s not that,” she replied in a muffled voice.

“Then what is it? What’s wrong?” he asked as he tenderly caressed her shoulder, his heart racing.

“Nothing’s wrong,” she reassured and kissed his chest.

“Tell me…please,” he gently pressed stroking her hair.

Michaela inhaled. “I’m…I’m a little overwhelmed. Everything was so perfect. I…I wasn’t certain it would be like this again.”

He held her close and tried to control his own surging emotions. “It was perfect,” he whispered and kissed her head, gently stroking the soft skin of her arms and shoulders. Though he had been longing for it, what happened between them this evening had been completely unexpected for Sully. He was still trying to grasp that he was indeed lying in his bed with his beautiful wife feeling completely fulfilled and more than a little overwhelmed himself. Making love with Michaela again had been incredible, even more incredible than he remembered.

“I had begun to think that what I was told was true,” she said after a while.

“What’s that?”

“That…well…that this might fade the longer we were married,” she revealed as she lightly traced her fingers over his stomach and chest and softly played with the hair on his chest.

“This?”

Michaela felt her face flush. “You know…this. They suggested that intimacy would become a mindless chore of marriage…that the passion wouldn’t last. When we stopped…”

“Shh…Not for us,” he interrupted. “Not now Michaela. Not after all we’ve been though,” he affirmed and tightened his hold around her back.

They lay in their bed holding each other, neither of them speaking. Sully was thinking about how grateful he was to be home and in the arms of the woman to whom he had completely given his heart and soul. Michaela’s heart was bursting with love for him as well and she couldn’t stop touching and kissing him.

“Sully,” she spoke after a long time.

He didn’t answer.

“Sully, are you asleep?” she whispered.

“No.” He tightened his hold on her back.

“Are you all right?” she asked. While his arms were holding her, to Michaela he seemed a million miles away.

“Mmm, I’m fine,” he murmured as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“You seem far away,” she said with concern as she lifted herself slightly to face him.

He smiled and brought his hand up to caress her cheek. “I’m right here,” he reassured. “I been thinkin’ ‘bout how happy I am right now and how I’m not gonna let anythin’ separate us again.”

Michaela smiled back and leaned forward to kiss his lips. “Oh, Sully, you make me so happy. I didn’t feel whole when you were gone. Now I finally feel like I have back that part of me that was missing. You’re a part of me Sully. You always will be.”

Sully pulled her close. “I’m here now and I’m not goin’ anywhere,” he promised. He leaned across and tenderly kissed her forehead. “This is the only place I wanna be.”

“I know that now.” Michaela felt an overpowering desire to do something that would show Sully that she understood his needs. No one had ever understand her the way he did or been as patient with her and she wondered if she returned that gift as often as she should. “Sully, if you want to visit Cloud Dancing again, it would be all right with me. I know it’s important for you to see him.”

Sully kissed her head, deeply moved. “I do need ta see Cloud Dancin’, but I like your idea of us takin’ the whole family to visit him some time. I’m not leavin’ ya again. Maybe we’ll go next summer. Josef will be a little older then, easier to handle. Maybe Dorothy would wanna come along too.”

“I’d love that Sully,” Michaela replied snuggling closer to him. “And I love you.”

“I love you too,” he whispered and, together, they drifted off to sleep in one another’s arms.

Chapter Thirty-Two

“Be good for your Ma,” Sully said to Katie and Josef as he knelt in front of them to say goodbye.

“I wanna go with you,” Katie begged, her fingers clutching his buckskin jacket.

Sully hugged her tighter. “Kates, I’ll take ya with me another time. But for now, I need ya to take care of your ma and Josef. All right sweet girl?” Sully patiently explained as he stroked her hair.

“All right,” she grudgingly agreed, hugging her father even tighter.

“Good,” her father replied and kissed the top of her head. He let go of Katie and Josef ran into his arms.

“Don’t go Papa,” Josef choked out as he pressed himself against his father’s chest.

Sully inhaled deeply and rocked him. “Shh, It’s all right.” He kissed his head. “I’m only gonna be gone for a few days.”

Josef pulled back to look him in the eyes. “Promise you’ll come back.”

Sully looked into his sad blue eyes with a lump in his throat. “I promise,” he reassured hoarsely. Then he hugged them both again. “I’ll see ya real soon, I promise.”

Leaving for a few days of work had never been this difficult. The children had always taken it for granted that when he went away for work he always came back. Sully knew Katie and Josef’s reaction this morning was affected by the last time they said goodbye to him. Then they didn’t see him again for over four months. It pained him to realize how much that last trip had shattered their trust and confidence in him. As he held them close, he knew there was nothing he could do to make this trip easier to accept. Only by consistently keeping his word and coming home when he said would he be able to slowly regain their confidence.

Sully let go of his children, stood, and walked toward Michaela, putting his arms around her.

“I’ll miss you,” she said as they walked toward his horse.

He gently pressed his lips to hers for a soft kiss. “I’ll miss you too, but it’ll only be a few days.” She cupped his face in her hands and they kissed again. “I’ll be home Friday night, the latest,” he promised as he rested his hands on her shoulders. “I’m gonna ride to Matthew’s now and meet Brian. Then we’ll head out.”

“I want you and Brian to look out for each other,” she stressed rubbing his arm.

“We will. Don’t worry.”

“This trip with Brian alone will be good for both of you. Perhaps you’ll find time to talk.”

“I hope so,” he replied. Sully gave her one last kiss and mounted his horse. “See ya Friday. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Michaela stood waving as she watched Sully ride away from the homestead. Before he disappeared from view, she saw him turn around and wave to her one last time. Watching him leave, her mind wandered to the last time he rode away in the same manner. All those months of worry and pain before Sully unexpectedly returned home, followed by the difficult period of learning to trust each other again. But to Michaela, they seemed a distant memory right now. At this moment she felt a confidence about her marriage that had been missing for quite some time.

* * *

Sully and Brian spent two days surveying the site for a proposed mine. Together they covered every inch of the land, examining animal habitats, rock formations, and water resources that could be harmed by the operation. They also talked and reviewed plans for the mine with its owners. Brian was impressed by how thoroughly Sully surveyed the land and the many questions he had for the owners about the mine, especially about worker safety.

“Do you know what you’re gonna recommend?” Brian asked Sully as they sat in front of the fire after they made camp for the night.

“What do you think Brian? Do you think it’s safe?” he asked then he took a bite of the rabbit he had caught and prepared for supper.

Brian took a bite of food and hesitated. “It seems to me that they thought of most things. I think it’s safe, but they’re gonna ruin the waterfall.”

“I agree,” Sully said taking a sip of coffee.

“You do?” Brian asked fighting to hide his excitement.

“Yeah. If you were writin’ the article based on what ya know right now what would ya say?”

Brian thought for a few moments. “I would write that the mine is run by a good organization, but it’s a shame they chose a site so close to a waterfall. The beauty of the area will be ruined by the mine,” he described and turned to look at Sully. “Are you gonna say they shouldn’t build the mine?”

“No,” he replied then paused. “Truth is I don’t want any of the land destroyed. If I had my way they’d build nothin’ and leave the land out here just the way it is, but that ain’t gonna happen. So I figure the best I can do is try ta save some of it. If they’re gonna build, I can make sure they do it right. So I agree with ya Brian. The only thing I’d add is that they oughta move the mine a mile or two east. That way they wouldn’t ruin the waterfall and kill the elk habitat. They haven’t started buildin’ yet so I don’t see a problem,” he finished and took another bite of supper.”

“Do you think they’ll agree?”

“Can’t say, but it ain’t gonna cost ‘em much ta change so I don’t know why they wouldn’t,” Sully replied.

“I hope they do. It would be a shame to lose the beauty of the waterfall,” Brian said as he finished his supper.

“Sure would,” Sully agreed.

“I thought you’d try to stop the mine,” Brian said nervously.

“Another time I might have,” Sully replied softly.

“What changed?”

Sully sighed heavily. “I can’t stop what’s happenin’, Brian. I hate it, but I can’t stop it. If I fight against everythin’ then no one’s gonna listen ta me and I won’t make any kind of difference.”

“So you’re okay now if you can only make a small difference like saving the waterfall,” he said wanting to make sure he understood.

Sully bristled at his words. “I’ve made peace with it.”

“How?”

Sully turned slightly to face Brian. “Ta be honest with ya, I thought ‘bout hidin’ out in the woods and pretendin’ the world’s not changin’. But I can’t. I have a family that’s more important ta me than anythin’. I even thought about takin’ everyone up ta Canada where the Indians are still free and the land’s not bein’ destroyed. Doin’ that would let me keep our way a life for me and your ma and maybe you and the kids, but probably not their kids or generations after. I figure I got a responsibility to you, Katie and Josef and your kids to fight right here to save as much of our way a life as we can.”

“How are you gonna do that?” Brian pressed.

“By bein’ a voice for the land. I figure if there’s no voice then no one hears anythin’ different from what business tells them. I’m gonna try ta get other voices too. If we can get more folks on our side, we might start winnin’ more than we are now,” he explained and turned back to stare into the fire.

“I’ll add another voice with my writing,” Brian told him.

“You already have Brian,” he proudly replied.

Brian took a deep breath. “Pa,” he began finally feeling ready to talk to him.

Sully’s head quickly turned to face him. This was the first time Brian had called him Pa since he came home.

Brian breathed deeply, trying to find the words to continue. “I’m sorry about the awful things I said when you got home. I was angry you were gone so long and about how upset everyone was, but I didn’t really mean a lot of what I said,” he revealed in a quiet voice.

Sully swallowed hard. “That was your hurt and fear talkin’. I don’t blame ya.” He paused to stir the embers in the fire. “I was feelin’ some of those same things myself.”

“You’re nothin’ like Ethan,” Brian finally told him.

Sully inhaled deeply. He had needed to hear those words from Brian for the longest time. “I’ll never leave our family or stop bein’ your Pa.”

“I know. Ma told me that my bein’ angry at you for so long was really about Ethan.” He hesitated then looked at Sully. “She was right.”

“Ya had a right ta be angry with me, Brian,” Sully said not ready to be absolved so easily.

“Maybe at first, but my not letting go of it was more about Ethan. She helped me see that,” he reassured.

“I’m real proud of the way you took care of your ma and the kids. I wish ya didn’t have to, but I want you ta know how much I appreciate it.”

“Thanks Pa.”

“Now why don’t you lie down and get some sleep. We gotta stop by the mine in the mornin’ then we have a lot of ridin’ ta do if we’re gonna get home in time for supper,” Sully told him.

“Goodnight Pa,” Brian said as he lay down on his bedroll.

“G’night Brian,” he replied and he stood to add more wood to the fire.

When he sat back down, Sully stared into the fire struggling to make peace with his choices. It would be a constant battle to remain true to himself and his principles while accepting what was happening to the land. In truth, he wanted to recommend against building the mine, but if he did, he would be ignored and the mine would be built without changes. His recommendation was the best outcome. Unless he was going to go off to live as a hermit, he had to make compromises. He only hoped that he would be able to live with his choices.

If there was one reason to accept his choices, it was Michaela. Sharing a life with her meant accepting her need for civilization and all it represented. After all they had endured over the past few months, he never wanted to be apart from her again. Somehow after all the hurt, rejection, and misunderstandings, they had fully recovered. Sully knew their bond was now stronger than ever. And while he wasn’t sure how it was even possible, he was more in love with Michaela now than he had ever been.

* * *

It was late afternoon and the sun hung low in the sky on this beautiful spring day. Wildflowers were in bloom and the animals that made these mountains their home freely roamed the woods and drank from the stream. The air smelled of pine and cedar mixed with lavender that grew wild along the path. Sully and Brian had been riding for several hours in silence, enjoying the sights and sounds of the woods. Only the rhythmic sound of hoof beats, the call of a hawk to his mate, and the ripple of water flowing over the rocks could be heard for miles around.

“Pa!” Brian cried out in distress.

Sully heard a horse neigh and he thought he heard a cry. He quickly looked behind him and noticed Brian’s horse with no rider. “Brian,” he yelled immediately dismounting his horse. With his reins in one hand, he grabbed the reins of the other horse and tied them both to a tree. Then he hurried to find his son. “Brian,” he called again.

There was no answer.

“Brian,” he called repeatedly as he looked over the edge of the path where they were riding. Suddenly he spotted him a few feet below, lying motionless on the ground. Sully hurried to his side. “Brian, it’s me. Wake up,” he said in a worried voice. He leaned over him to assess his condition.

Brian began to stir. “Pa,” he murmured and he slowly blinked his eyes to focus.

“I’m here. Can ya sit up?” Sully asked as he placed his hand underneath Brian’s back to help him up.

“I think so,” he replied. “A snake spooked my horse and she threw me,” he explained as he sat up.

“You hit your head pretty hard, but I don’t see any blood. Does it hurt?”

“Not too bad. I’m just a little dizzy,” Brian replied as he started to stand. Sully grabbed his arm to help him to his feet. “Ahh!” Brian fell back.

“Where else does it hurt?”

“My ankle. I think it’s broken.”

Sully removed his boot and checked his ankle, gently rotating it to determine the extent of the injury. He winced when Brian yelled in agony. “It ain’t broke, but it’s sprained real bad. I’m gonna get somethin’ ta wrap it.” He rose to his feet and returned to their saddlebags.

Brian tried to stand favoring his good ankle, but the pain in his head prevented him from moving much and he slumped back down into his sitting position. A few minutes later Sully returned with the medical supplies Michaela had packed for their trip. He found some bandages and began to tightly wrap Brian’s ankle.

“That’s too tight,” Brian yelled.

“It’s gotta be tight,” Sully told him. Then he looked into his eyes. “Your pupils look normal right now, but we’re gonna stay here tonight so I can check you for a concussion.”

Brian chuckled. “You sound like Ma.”

Sully laughed under his breath. “Ya pick up a few things bein’ married to a doctor for so long. ‘Sides, we went through somethin’ like this together a few years back. If ya got a concussion, it’s not safe ta move ya or for you to ride. I’ll know in a few hours by lookin’ at your eyes. In the meantime ya can’t go ta sleep. We gotta stay up.”

“Stay up?”

“Yeah. You could lose consciousness if you fall asleep,” he explained. Then he helped Brian to his feet and supported him as they walked the few feet back to the horses.

“What are we gonna do now?” Brian asked as Sully rested him against a tree with a blanket behind his back and head.

“We’re gonna make camp right here. In a little while I’ll make us some supper. Whatever ya do, you can’t fall asleep.”

“How am I gonna stay awake?”

“We’ll think a things ta talk about.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t ya tell me about Boston,” Sully suggested as he heated up water for willow bark tea.

“Well, I learned a lot about writing from working at The Boston Globe, like how to write the lead to catch the reader’s attention,” Brian explained. “Ahh…my head,” he cried as he held his head and winced in pain.

“Here. Drink this. It’ll help with the pain,” Sully said handing him a cup of tea. “Try not ta think about the pain. What else did ya do?” he asked another question to distract him.

Brian’s head hurt and he couldn’t focus. He began to worry about his mother. “I’m real sorry Pa. We’re not gonna be home on Friday like you said. Ma’s gonna be worried.”

Sully had been trying to put that thought out of his mind. He felt terrible to be breaking his first promise to Michaela and the kids since his return. “It’s not your fault Brian. Your ma would agree I’m doin’ the right thing,” he assured.

“She doesn’t know what happened. I know how worried everyone’s gonna be and I feel bad.”

Sully sighed. “Couldn’t be helped. When I’m sure you’re all right, we’re gonna ride ta town and send her a telegram. It’ll slow us down, but she’s gotta know we’re all right. Now tell me more about Boston,” Sully said to change the subject.

“What about?”

“Tell me about Anna,” Sully said trying to find topics to keep him awake.

“What do you wanna know?” Brian asked feeling a little uncomfortable.

“For starters, what did ya like about ‘er?”

“She’s beautiful and sophisticated,” he replied immediately.

“Anythin’ else,” Sully probed.

“In the beginning she was real interested in what I did and the things I liked to do, but after a while that changed,” Brian revealed staring into his cup.

“What do ya mean?”

“Well…thinkin’ back on it, I’m not sure she really liked any of those things. She wasn’t interested in the world around her the way I am and she hated to ride. I liked that she went to college. She was studying literature and art, but she never seemed really interested in her studies. I wonder now if she only went to college to find a husband. Her parents were regular folks, but Anna wanted more. She wanted a fancy house and lots of clothes. I think she wanted to marry someone who would be important and make a lot of money,” Brian said realizing he was telling Sully more than he intended.

Sully’s brow creased. “It don’t sound like you two had much in common.”

As he listened to himself describe Anna, Brian stared at the ground wondering what he had seen in her. “I guess we didn’t, but at the time I thought we did. I never met anyone like her and it was great in the beginning,” Brian said defending his attraction to Anna. “You and Ma didn’t have much in common either,” he added.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Brian. We had more in common than we realized. Sure we had different backgrounds, education, and lifestyles, but deep down we cared about the same things. We have a lot in common on the inside and that’s a lot more important than anythin’ ya have in common on the outside.” Sully stirred the embers in the fire and added more wood.

“I’m not upset Anna ended things. I think it hurt more that she didn’t wanna be with me. After all, I didn’t even know for sure how I felt about her. And now that Sarah’s back…” Brian trailed off with a huge grin.

“How’d it go with her?” Sully asked as he rifled through the saddlebags for some supper. He couldn’t leave Brian to hunt for supper because he might fall asleep so they would have to make due on jerky, dried snake, and beans.

“Great! We saw each other every day when she was home. We had lunch at Grace’s, went to the Red Rocks, and walked and had picnics in the mountains.”

“How did it feel bein’ with her again?”

“It was so easy being with her. She’s easy to talk to and we care about the same things. But it’s different too. She’s changed since we were in school together,” he revealed.

“Changed?”

“Yeah, she’s got real strong opinions about things and knows her own mind. It surprised me.”

“It sounds like she grew up,” Sully said as he handed Brian some jerky and a serving of beans. “So did you Brian.”

“I know. It was exciting too. I liked that she had her own ideas about things. She’s comin’ back to Colorado Springs and we agreed to court,” Brian added, then he paused for a few moments. “Can I ask ya something?”

“Sure,” Sully replied sensing Brian was nervous.

“How do you know when you’re in love?”

Sully stared into the fire and smiled. “I’m not sure I can explain it. You just know in your heart.”

“But how?”

“Ya think about her all the time, ya can’t wait til the next time ya see her, and there’s nothin’ ya wouldn’t do ta make her happy,” he said realizing that his words were inadequate to describe his feelings.

“Is that how it was with Ma,” Brian probed.

“To begin with, yeah. But now, it’s far more.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…your ma…it’s kinda hard to put into words.” Sully hesitated. “She fills me completely. It’s like we’re two halves of one spirit. There’s nothin’ we can’t get through as long as we’re together.”

“I think I’m in love with Sarah,” Brian finally told him.

“Did ya think you were in love with Anna?”

“It was different. I thought I loved her in the beginning, but the more I got to know her the harder it was because I saw things about her I didn’t like. With Sarah, the more I know her the stronger I feel about her. Is that how it was for you?”

“Yeah. And believe it or not, I’m still learnin’ new things about your ma and lovin’ her even more. Lots of people confuse attraction with love. It sounds like you were attracted to Anna. When you’re in love, you’ll know ‘cause the feelin’s too deep ta get out of. When ya fall in love ya don’t see it comin’ and ya can’t help it when it happens no matter how hard ya try. And believe me, I tried,” Sully told him as he paused to take a sip of coffee. “When Sarah comes back, spend time together and see if the feelin’s keep growin’. If they do, then yeah, it’s love. But just make sure it’s your heart you’re listenin’ to.”

“Thanks Sully,” Brian said as he leaned his head against the tree and dozed off.

Sully was lost in his own thoughts about Michaela and didn’t realize Brian had fallen asleep. After a little while, he thought it was too quiet and he turned to look at his son. Seeing him asleep, he quickly rushed to his side. “Brian, wake up,” he said as he gently shook his shoulder. “Brian, ya can’t sleep.”

Brian started to wake up. “Pa. I’m so tired.”

“I know, but ya can’t sleep. Come on. Let’s get up and walk around ta wake up,” he suggested as he helped Brian to his feet. “Let’s keep talkin’.”

“About what?” Brian asked groggily.

“I don’t know. Talk about Sarah. Ya said she had strong opinions about things. Like what?” Sully asked to keep him talking.

Brian chuckled. “Museums.”

“Museums?” Sully flashed Brian a questioning look.

“Yeah, she wants to design exhibits for museums, but she couldn’t get a job in New York or Washington ‘cause she’s a woman. That’s why she’s comin’ back here. She’s gonna teach with Mrs. Slicker. But what she really wants to do is preserve history in a museum so people in the future know how we lived today,” he excitedly relayed. “I told her she should try to start a museum in Colorado Springs.” For the next several hours Sully and Brian talked about museums, the Indians, the land, and reporting. Sully didn’t let Brian fall asleep, and in the morning, when he was sure there was no danger to his health, they headed home.

* * *

It had been ten minutes since Michaela last pulled the lace curtain back and peered out the window to look for Sully. Just like the last dozen times she’d done this, there was still no sign of him. He had told her he would be home by Friday, and in a few hours Friday would be past. As much as she tried, she couldn’t relax. Her emotions were in turmoil, fluctuating between excited anticipation and worry.

In honor of his return, she had donned an emerald green dress with white trim that was one of his favorites, styled her hair just the way he liked it, and even dabbed on her neck a little of the perfume he had given her as an anniversary gift a few years back. Earlier she had prepared a special supper with all his favorite foods, but only she and the children enjoyed it. Throughout the day Katie and Josef asked when their father was coming home. When Michaela put them to bed, she told them he would be home tomorrow. Finally she took a seat by the fire and prayed that what she told the children was true.

She nervously chuckled inside at how silly it was to be making such a fuss when he had only been gone a few days, but she couldn’t help it. After all they had been through, she was determined to relish in their renewed passion for one another. She missed him terribly these past three days and would only be at ease when he was back home by her side. Though they had been married for nearly ten years, Michaela now felt closer to Sully than she ever had. Their faith and trust in each other had been tested, but they came through it together. Michaela thought their bond was stronger now because of it.

Then why wasn’t he home? She thought he would have done anything to keep his promise to her and be home by Friday. If it was within his control, she was certain he would. Something detained him and she was worried that either he or Brian had been injured. Michaela decided if she didn’t hear anything by morning, she was going to ride to the site of the mine and find out for herself. This time neither the weather nor Hank would be able to stop her.

Chapter Thirty-Three

“When’s Papa comin’ home?” Josef asked for the tenth time in a row.

“Soon, sweetheart,” Michaela replied.

“You said that hours ago,” Katie complained frustrated.

“The telegram said they’d be home today and they will,” Michaela told them as she put away the supper dishes. She was grateful when Horace rode out early in the morning to deliver the telegram from Sully. It said Brian had been thrown from his horse and they had to spend another night. Everyone was fine and they would be home later that day. As much as she tried, she couldn’t help worrying about Brian. Though Sully said he was fine, she knew he would downplay the seriousness of his injury to ease her mind.

“Papa!” Katie yelled when she heard horses approach the homestead.

Michaela and the children ran to the front door and stepped onto the porch. Breathing a sigh of relief, Michaela ran down the steps to greet her husband and her son.

Sully quickly dismounted his horse, swept Michaela into his arms and kissed her. “I missed you,” he whispered into her ear.

“I missed you too,” she replied and kissed him again. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

“Me too,” he affirmed. Then he knelt down to hug his children. He lifted Josef into his arms, took Katie by the hand and they walked up the porch steps and into the homestead.

“Brian, are you all right?” Michaela asked worriedly as she helped him into the house.

“I’m fine. My ankle’s sprained and my head hurts, but Pa took real good care of me.”

Michaela smiled. “I’m sure he did, but I want to examine you in the house. I want to make sure your ankle’s not broken.”

“Pa already did that and he said it’s just sprained,” Brian protested.

“Sully has many talents Brian, but I’m still the doctor in this family and your mother,” she said with a gentle firmness.

“All right,” he said resigned. “Ma, I’m sorry I caused us to be late gettin’ back. I know you were worried,” Brian said guiltily.

“It wasn’t your fault. Yes, I was worried, but I knew something like this must have happened. I felt much better once I received the telegram,” Michaela acknowledged.

“We had to ride out of our way to send it, but Pa said we had to. That’s why we’re even later getting home,” he explained.

Michaela was grateful it was as important to Sully to send word as it was to her. She helped Brian into the house and smiled when she saw her husband on the floor in the living room with the children listening intently as they told him the details of the past four days. Josef told him all about Jamie Norris’ tree house and the family of rabbits they found behind the tree. Katie told him about riding Flash and about the report she wrote about Cheyenne medicine for a school project.

“Are you hungry? We saved supper for you,” Michaela told Sully and Brian.

“Starved,” Sully replied and stood to walk to the table. He turned to the children. “Sit with me and tell me more about what you’ve been doin’.” They immediately got up and followed him as all three of them took their seats.

“Yeah, supper sounds good,” Brian echoed and sat at the table with his ankle propped up on a chair.

Michaela brought supper out for Sully and Brian. She sat down at the table near her husband. He smiled at her and gently squeezed her hand. Then he turned back to the children. “So what else did ya do in school?”

“We’re talking about families,” Katie said rocking back and forth in her seat excited to have her father home.

“Families?”

“Yeah, we’re supposed to write or draw about our families,” she explained.

“Katie and me are gonna do it together. I’m gonna draw and she’s gonna write. Mrs. Slicker said we could,” Josef added excitedly.

“Katie and I,” Michaela corrected.

“Wanna see the cover?” Josef asked eagerly.

“Sure,” Sully replied.

Josef walked over to his school bag and removed a carefully rolled piece of paper. He walked back to the table and unrolled the drawing, beaming up at his parents.

Michaela drew in her breath and squeezed Sully’s hand as she looked at the beautiful picture. It was titled, “Our Family by Katie and Josef Sully.” In the center of the picture Josef had drawn a man with his arm around a woman. Josef told them they were Mama and Papa. Standing in front of them was a little girl and boy. They resembled Katie and Josef. Off to one side were another man and a woman who were supposed to be Colleen and Andrew, and on the other side were two men who were Matthew and Brian. Everyone had huge smiles on their faces. Wolf was included with the family.

“That’s real good, Joe,” Sully said admiring the picture.

“I’m gonna draw a page for each of us showin’ what everyone does and Katie’s gonna write about everyone,” Josef told them.

As she looked at the picture, Michaela suddenly felt overcome with emotion. She abruptly got up from the table and began to bring the supper dishes into the kitchen. Sully observed her uneasy movements aware that something was wrong. He stood and followed her into the kitchen. He was alarmed to find her standing by the window with her head in her hands. Immediately he approached her from behind and draped his arms over her shoulders. She leaned back into his chest and dabbed at her tear filled eyes.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked softly as he pulled her closer.

“Nothing’s wrong,” she replied.

Sully caressed her shoulders. “Then why are ya in here all alone instead of out there with us?” he asked with all the tenderness in his heart.

“Sully, Josef’s picture was so happy. He drew a happy family,” Michaela explained tearfully as she rubbed his arms.

“That’s what we are, ain’t we?” Sully was perplexed.

“You don’t understand,” she said in an unsteady voice.

He kissed the top of her head. “I want to,” he whispered.

Michaela sniffled and took a deep breath. “Back in September, right before you came back from Denver Josef drew a picture of us,” Michaela began.

“And?” Sully still didn’t understand what had his wife so upset.

Michaela hesitated. “He drew me as a doctor and you in the woods, but we were on opposite sides of the page with a line down the middle.”

Sully swallowed hard beginning to realize the significance of the picture, but he remained silent allowing Michaela to continue.

“Until I saw that picture I hadn’t fully realized how separate our lives had become. That’s when I knew we needed to do something.”

“That’s when ya tried ta talk ta me, but I had already made up my mind ta go see Cloud Dancin’,” he said regretfully.

Michaela nodded. “Then…the longer you were gone…,” she trailed off.

“Go on,” he encouraged.

“His pictures.” She hesitated to regain her control. “They…they became sad. Mrs. Slicker was so worried about him she suggested I keep him home from school for a few days.”

Sully’s chest tightened. “What were they pictures of?”

Michaela clasped her hand in his. “They were of a sad little boy afraid of being left by everyone he loved,” she revealed in a soft voice.

Sully sighed and remembered that he had been that scared little boy who was left by everyone he loved – first his father, then his brother, and finally his mother. Now years later he had caused his own son to have those same fears of abandonment. Michaela felt his body tense and she turned around to face him. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him in a tight embrace.

“Don’t you see? He’s happy now Sully. He feels safe and loved and he’s drawn a family that’s together.”

“Then why are you sad?” he asked as he tenderly caressed her back.

“I’m not sad. I suppose I was shocked and amazed to see it all come full circle.”

Sully continued to hold her and rub her back. “If we ever wanna know how we’re doin’ we just gotta look at his pictures huh,” he said seriously. “Will ya show me those other pictures?”

“Sully, you don’t have to,” Michaela said protectively.

“Yeah I do,” he insisted.

“Tomorrow then.”

“All right. Now I’m gonna put the kids ta bed. You’ll wanna check Brian and then I think my wife could use some holdin’,” he said then he softly pressed his lips to hers.

* * *

“Is Brian all right?” Sully asked when Michaela entered their bedroom. He had been lying in bed for some time fighting to stay awake as he waited for her to return. The effects of keeping Brian up all night coupled with the long ride back to the homestead was finally catching up to him.

“Yes. It’s only a sprain and you did a very good job wrapping his ankle,” she told him and began to change into her nightgown.

“I had a good teacher,” Sully replied as he turned to his side and propped up on his elbow to watch his wife.

She brought her nightgown over her head. “And you handled his head injury exactly as I would have.”

“I had practice with that one,” he said wryly.

“What did you talk about?” she asked curious.

“The article he was gonna write on the mine, Boston, women…”

“Women?”

“Yeah, Anna and Sarah mostly,” he revealed as he lay back on the pillow staring up at the ceiling.

“Is he all right about Anna?” she asked with concern. She sat down at her vanity and began her nightly ritual of brushing her hair.

“Yeah. He thinks he’s in love with Sarah now,” Sully revealed. As he watched his wife, he wished he had the strength to get up and brush her hair for her, but he was too tired to move.

“I suppose he was in love with Sarah when they graduated. I hope he doesn’t…”

“Don’t worry,” Sully cut in. “I told him ta spend time with ‘er and see how he feels now. Not to rush into anythin’.” He was fighting to keep his eyes open.

“Did you talk about anything else?” Michaela probed desperate to know if they had resolved their differences.

Sully read her mind. “It seems ya had a talk with him about Ethan,” he said rolling over to face her again.

“He told you?” she said as she pulled the brush through her hair.

“Yeah, he said you were right,” he said softly.

“Oh, Sully! I hoped this trip would close the remaining distance between the two of you,” she replied putting down her brush. She eyed the perfume bottle on her vanity and turned to look at her husband. As her heart fluttered, she dabbed a little perfume on her neck.

“It did,” he answered with his eyes closed.

Michaela looked over at him. “Sully, are you asleep?”

“No,” he answered as he tried his best to stay awake.

“I saw Gabriel Reynolds today. He’s doing much better. I’ll be able to remove his stitches soon,” she told him as she pulled the brush through her hair one last time.

“That’s good.”

“He still has a long road to recovery, but I think we can expect him to grow up perfectly normally.”

Sully didn’t respond.

“Sully,” she repeated.

His eyes snapped open. “Huh?”

“I was saying Gabriel should not have any affects from the gunshot wound as he grows into adulthood.”

“That’s good,” he replied then he drifted off to sleep.

“What else did you and Brian talk about?”

There was no answer.

“Sully,” she said again.

He didn’t respond.

Michaela looked over her shoulder and noticed that her husband was fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in an even rhythm. Slowly she slid into bed beside him, pressing herself against his body, and whispered lovingly into his ear. Then she lightly kissed his cheek and neck as she traced her fingers across his chest, hoping he would wake up. Sully didn’t stir from his deep sleep. With a soft laugh she realized her amorous advances were having no effect and she snuggled in against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

* * *

“As Mayor, it is my distinct honor to officially welcome Dr. Jason Morrison to Colorado Springs…” Jake announced and he was just getting warmed up. Most of the townspeople had gathered in front of the clinic on this beautiful spring day to formally acknowledge that Jason would be settling in town as Michaela’s partner.

“Get on with it Jake,” Hank chided and puffed on his cigar. “The doc’s been here for months already. He ain’t new.”

Jake continued, “With the town growing we all know how hard it was for Dr. Mike to run the clinic on her own for so long. We want to let her know we appreciate what she did for us. Getting up at all hours of the night to take care of us even when she had two little ones at home needin’ her attention.”

Sully was standing with his arm around Michaela near the front of the crowd. At hearing Jake’s words, he pulled her closer to him with pride.

Loren stood on the sidelines and added, “And now we’re just as glad she came to her senses and hired another doctor.”

“Loren Bray!” Dorothy gently reprimanded.

“Jason, we know you’ve been helpin’ take care a folks for a while now, but on behalf of the whole town I’d like to officially welcome you as Dr. Mike’s partner,” Jake finished. “Dr. Mike, do you wanna say a few words?”

“Course she does Jake! But Michaela can’t just say a few words,” Hank shouted out as he knocked the ash off his cigar. The townspeople laughed lightly at Hank’s remark.

Michaela flashed Hank a tolerant look and stepped forward. “I’d like to thank all of you for supporting me over the years. I’d like to thank Jason for agreeing to stay on as my partner. I couldn’t imagine having a better colleague or a more compassionate physician working with me to serve the people of Colorado Springs. Finally, I’d like to thank my family for standing beside me,” she paused to look at Sully and saw him smiling back at her. “I know having a doctor as a wife and mother isn’t easy and I love all of you so much for your support.” She looked out at her friends in the crowd. “I found friendship and love in this town, and a place to call home. I hope Jason will be as happy here as I have been and I hope the town will embrace him as they have me over the past thirteen years,” she finished with tears in her eyes.

Everyone applauded.

“Jason?” Jake offered.

Jason stepped forward and stood next to Michaela. “I’d like to thank all of you for welcoming me to your town. Not only have I found a wonderful colleague who has taught me more about practicing medicine than I ever would have learned in New York.” He paused to glance at Michaela. ”But I have found a town I am proud to call home. I look forward to raising a family, living among you and caring for your illnesses for many years to come. Oh! Uh, not that I want any of you to be sick that is. I mean, I hope I don’t have to see you. No that’s not right. Uh, I mean…I mean…uh, thank you,” Jason nervously finished.

Again applause interrupted.

“Okay, okay,” Jake quieted the crowd. “Now Sully and Robert E. have somethin’ they wanna present ta Dr. Mike and Jason,” Jake told them.

Michaela’s eyes widened in curiosity and she stared at her husband. One look at his impish grin told her he was up to something. Katie and Josef walked over to stand beside her to see what their father had planned. Robert E. stepped forward lugging a large object covered with a sheet and Sully quickly ran to help him. Once beside Michaela and Jason, Sully stepped forward.

He cleared his throat and prepared to speak. “I’m not one for talkin’ ta large groups, but we figured it was about time the clinic got a new sign,” he began.

“A new sign Sully? Oh…” She was touched.

“Yeah, you can hardly read the old one anymore,” Horace chimed in.

“It’s about time someone got Michaela a proper sign,” Preston added from the back of the crowd where he stood with his arms crossed at his chest. “I’ve already had six signs at the Chateau and it’s a newer facility than this clinic,” Preston informed them.

“That’s ‘cause ya can’t keep a doc Preston. Ya need a new sign every time one of ‘em up and leaves,” Hank chided egging on the crowd’s laughter.

Sully continued. “The town chipped in for a new sign in honor of Jason agreein’ ta be Michaela’s partner.”

“Let me add, since Sully’s too modest to say, that he and Robert E. made the sign,” Jake elaborated.

“Well, let’s see it already!” Loren called out.

Sully removed the sheet and displayed a large sign made from the finest cherry wood available. It was smooth and polished with dark lettering that had been painstakingly burned into the wood. It read, “Colorado Springs Medical Clinic.” Underneath it read, “Michaela Quinn, M.D.,” and right below that it said, “Jason Morrison, M.D.” Michaela’s name was two inches larger than Jason’s, a decision that had caused much disagreement between Sully and Robert E. Sully stressed that Michaela considered Jason an equal partner and would want their names equally presented on the sign. Robert E. countered that Dr. Mike had been the town’s first and only doctor for many years and she earned the respect of now being regarded as the senior partner. After talking with many of the other members of town, Robert E. won out and the town had spoken in favor of honoring Michaela in this way. All in all, Sully had to admit he was proud to see her name in larger print above Jason’s. He just wasn’t sure how Michaela would feel about it.

“It’s beautiful,” Michaela exclaimed immediately recognizing her husband’s work. She jumped around to hug him in her excitement.

“It is. Thank you,” Jason said as he shook Sully’s hand then Robert E.’s.

“Mama,” Katie said looking up at her mother.

“Yes, sweetheart.”

Katie stared at the new sign. “Why isn’t your last name Sully like ours?” Katie had always thought the old sign said Quinn because it was there before her mother married her father.

Michaela knew this day would come and she took a deep breath to determine the best way to explain it to Katie. Taking her daughter’s hand, she excused herself from the gathering of townspeople, took a few steps back, and sat down with Katie on the bench outside the clinic door. There she could talk quietly with her daughter as the town grew ever more preoccupied with welcoming Jason and viewing the new sign. Unbeknownst to Michaela, Sully heard the question and was curious himself as to how she would explain. He eased back closer to where they were seated and carefully began to listen.

Michaela began. “Becoming a doctor was something I wanted for as long as I can remember. It’s something I worked very hard for. I still remember the feeling I had when I got my medical degree and saw ‘Michaela Quinn, M.D.’ written on the paper. My becoming a doctor is something I did on my own and it’s very personal to me. It’s separate from being a wife and mother. Nothing is more important to me than you, your father, and Josef, but I still need medicine to be something that’s just mine,” she patiently explained. “Can you understand that?” she asked hopefully.

“Colleen’s name is Cook now and she’s a doctor,” Katie replied confused.

“Yes. That was Colleen’s choice when she married. Convention tells women that they must assume their husband’s name when they marry. What I did broke the rules of convention, but I strongly believe that it should be every woman’s choice whether or not to take her husband’s name.” She paused to rest her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Katie, when the time comes, I want you to make this decision for yourself and not because someone else tells you what you should do,” her mother advised.

“For myself?”

“Yes. When you’re older and ready to marry, you may find that you have established your identity as Katie Sully. Who you are and what you have accomplished in your life may be about being true to Katie Sully. You may not want to let that part of yourself go and I want you to know that it’s all right to make this decision for yourself. I only hope you meet someone as wonderful as your father who will respect and honor your decision.”

While Katie didn’t understand all the words her mother used, she did understand her meaning. “I’ll always be Katie Sully,” she said adamantly staring up at her mother.

Michaela smiled. “To your father and I, that’s who you’ll always be,” she assured her as she stroked her hair.

Sully was deeply moved as he listened to this exchange between his wife and daughter. When they got married he had respected Michaela’s decision to keep her name because he knew it was important to her. At that time he tried to understand her reasons, but it bothered him a little. In the beginning it fueled his insecurities about not being good enough for her. Even later he wondered if her need to keep her name meant there was a part of herself that she was keeping from him, a part he would never be able to reach. Listening to her now, he knew that the part of herself she kept separate was the doctor, not the woman. Keeping her name had nothing to do with him, or her love for him, but everything to do with what it meant to her to be a physician. Hearing her give Katie the same choice put Michaela’s decision in a whole new light for him. His daughter would always be Katie Sully to him and he wanted her to grow up proud and independent like her mother. When the time came, he hoped she would feel as proud of her own identity to make the same decision.

Sully’s attention soon shifted back to the movement of the crowd as the noise level began to die down.

“Come on everybody,” Grace called. “I’m servin’ lunch at the café and the longer we wait, the colder it’s gonna get.”

“Sounds wonderful Grace,” Dorothy offered.

“Are ya servin’ meatloaf?” Horace questioned excited. But Grace didn’t answer, instead shooting him a tolerant look before heading off to the café. Horace, and the rest of the crowd, eagerly followed close behind.

“You ready for some celebration food?” Sully asked joining his wife and daughter.

“Yeah Papa! I’m gonna go catch up with Brian and Joey,” Katie exclaimed as she dashed off.

Sully looked to Michaela and offered his hand in a knightly fashion. “My lady.”

Michaela giggled at his sentiment and gave him her hand, which he gratefully kissed upon receiving. As she stood, she marveled at her good fortune in having such a wonderful husband.

“Thank you so much Sully. The sign is so beautiful,” she commented.

“Not as beautiful as you,” he replied and tenderly kissed her on the tip of her nose.

“Oh, I love you Sully.”

He looked adoringly into her eyes. “And I love you Michaela Quinn.”

* * *

“Have they worn you out yet?” Michaela asked as she handed Sully a glass of water. He had just finished an energetic game of Red Rover with the children at Katie’s ninth birthday party and now joined his wife on the porch.

“Almost,” he replied as he gulped down the water. “Kids are havin’ fun.”

“They are.” She turned to her husband. “From my observation their father is having just as much fun,” Michaela added with a crooked smile.

Sully chuckled. “True.” He leaned against the porch railing and gazed out at the large group of family and friends who had gathered at the homestead to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. The children were laughing and playing in the grass while the adults mingled among each other catching up with the news of the town. In addition to family, they had invited all of Katie’s friends from school and some of Josef’s, along with their parents. All in all, about thirty people milled about the lawn of the homestead.

Michaela noticed her husband’s mood grow increasingly pensive. She stepped closer and tenderly slipped her arm around his waist. “What are you thinking about?”

He wrapped his arm around her back. “How much my life changed when I met you,” he softly replied.

Michaela remained quiet and waited for him to continue.

“When I first rented my homestead ta you, if anyone had told me we’d be married with two kids of our own hosting birthday parties with half the town, I’d a never believed it,” he said as he continued to gaze out at the party. “When I knew I loved you…I still never imagined we’d have all this together. I hoped it, but never thought I’d be this happy.”

“I know what you mean,” she said leaning her head against his arm.

Sully chuckled when he saw Josef playing tag with Robert E.’s son James and Jake’s son Luke. “And if anyone told me one a my son’s closest friend’s was gonna be Jake Slicker’s son, I’d a thought they were crazy,” he added and laughed under his breath.

Michaela laughed as well. “Luke’s a good boy and Jake’s changed a lot over the years.”

“I know, but ya gotta admit it’s strange,” he said. He hesitated a few moments longer as he reflected on the scene before him. “There oughta be Cheyenne children here too.”

“I know.” She gently rubbed his back. “We’ll teach them about the Cheyenne Sully.”

“It ain’t the same as growin’ up with ‘em,” he lamented.

“Mama! Is it time for cake yet?” Katie interrupted running over to her parents. She was holding hands with Harriett who, because of their parents’ relationship, had deemed themselves best friends for life.

Michaela smiled indulgently at her daughter. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Sully, would you call everyone together while I bring out the cake?”

“Sure,” he replied and stepped off the porch with his daughter. Michaela walked back into the house. As she placed the candles one by one into the cake, she couldn’t believe Katie was nine years old. She grew wistful as she remembered giving birth and Sully delivering her like it was just yesterday. Was it really nine years ago?

“Could you use some help?” Dorothy asked entering the kitchen followed closely by Grace.

“I’ve got everything under control. I only need to light the candles,” Michaela replied.

Mrs. Clark popped her head in the house. “Can I get a wet cloth? Susan’s spilled food all over her new dress.”

“Oh dear,” Michaela replied handing her the cloth.

“Goodness. I remember my kids used to spill everything on themselves,” Dorothy remarked.

“Mine too. And don’t ya know it seems ta happen most when they’re wearin’ their best clothes!” Grace added.

“Ain’t that the truth. Thanks Dr. Mike,” Mrs. Clark returned.

“Oh it’s no trouble. Let them know the cake is on its way,” Michaela told her as she picked up the matches.

“Sure will,” Mrs. Clark answered and left the kitchen.

“So, are ya excited ‘bout your trip?” Grace asked with a wry smile.

“Yes, but with all the preparations for the party, I haven’t had time to think about it, let alone pack,” Michaela responded.

“Don’t worry. It’s not for a few days. You still have plenty of time,” Dorothy reassured.

“I am looking forward to it though. Sully and I need this time together, but as it gets closer, I’m worried about leaving the children,” Michaela told them.

“Don’t you worry,” Grace added. “Besides, we’ll keep them so busy they won’t have time ta miss you.” Grace laughed lightly and continued. “Katie and Harriett are always pretendin’ they’re sisters. Now they can be for a time. And Robert E.’s gonna take the boys fishin’.”

“I’m going to ask Josef to draw a special picture for the Gazette to celebrate Founder’s day,” Dorothy added.

“Thank you both so much,” Michaela replied as she lit the candles on the cake. “I can see they will be very busy.”

“Michaela, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you look happier,” Dorothy remarked.

“I am happy. This was such a difficult year, but now I can hardly believe I’m this happy.”

“Sometimes the things that are the hardest ta get through teach us the most in the end,” Grace added knowingly.

“That’s so true,” Michaela affirmed and she stepped closer to her friends. “Both of you have been so important to me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Then all three of them warmly embraced.

“Let’s get outta here before your little girl wonders where her cake is,” Grace announced. Dorothy held the door open for Michaela and Grace started up the chorus to Happy Birthday.

“…Happy Birthday dear Katie. Happy Birthday to you,” everyone sang as Michaela placed the cake in front of her daughter. Katie’s eyes were wide with excitement at seeing the cake. All the children were seated around a large table that had been set up on the lawn while the adults stood behind them.

“Now make a wish and blow out the candles,” Sully told her.

Katie squeezed her eyes shut tight to make her wish and blew as hard as she could. With a little unseen help from her parents, she blew until all the candles were out. Michaela cut the cake and handed out portions to the guests.

“Mmm,” Grace said. “This cake is delicious Dr. Mike!”

“Well you should think so Grace…it’s your recipe!” Michaela added and the adults all laughed heartily.

Once everyone was finishing their cake, Michaela began one by one handing Katie her gifts to open from the pile stacked high atop the table. She received many wonderful presents from books and games to dolls and dresses. As she neared the bottom of the pile, Sully managed to disappear undetected to get his daughter her special birthday present. Noticing he had slipped away, Michaela handed Katie her last wrapped gift.

“We wanted you to open this one last, sweetheart,” her mother told her.

Katie tore open the wrapping and pulled out a new riding outfit. “Can I ride Flash today Mama, please?” she begged.

“Perhaps,” Michaela replied and her eyes searched the grounds for her husband. Just then she spotted him and smiled.

“Happy Birthday,” he said to Katie holding onto the reins of her birthday present.

“For me!” Katie exclaimed with eyes as big as saucers.

“Yes, sweetheart. She’s all yours,” Michaela replied.

Katie ran over to her father to admire the small chestnut mare and ran her hands across the side of the horse.

“Oh Michaela! She’s beautiful! And the perfect size for a little girl,” Dorothy commented.

“Yeah Ma. Where’d ya get her?” Matthew asked.

“Robert E. helped us choose her,” Michaela replied.

“Well, I just knew she was real calm-like, but Sully’s the one who knew she was meant for Katie,” Robert E. returned.

Brian joined his sister and Sully by her new horse. “I was your age when I got Taffy.”

“Really?” Katie looked up at her brother.

“Yep, he sure was! And for his birthday too, just like you,” Matthew answered.

“She’s beautiful Katie,” Claire added.

“Wow! My very own horse just for me!” Katie still couldn’t believe the horse was hers.

“Yes, but you’ll still need to be very careful. And I don’t think you should go riding without your father or I just yet,” Michaela cautioned.

“She’s a real gentle horse, Katie, but your ma’s right,” Sully said.

Katie excitedly hugged her parents. “Thank you. I love her!” she said. She ran back over to stroke horse and finger the fine leather saddle her father made for her. “Look it has my name on it. Katie Sully,” she said amazed.

“Yep,” Sully replied pleased with her reaction. “Just like the one I made your ma with her name on it.” He then helped Katie onto the horse. He and Michaela watched as she rode around the yard. She walked the horse at first then trotted. As she rode she sat tall in the saddle with a huge smile on her face. Katie’s friends stood on the sidelines and cheered, each one wanting a turn on the horse.

“She’s gonna be a fine rider one day,” Mrs. Clark commented.

“She oughta be. Her ma won a horse race against the finest riders in the territory,” Loren told them.

“Yeah, and Sully ain’t so bad neither, now that he ain’t so scared of ‘em,” Jake chimed in.

“Can I ride her too Mama?” Josef asked.

“You have to ask your sister, but I’m sure she won’t mind once she gets used to her first,” Michaela replied.

“But you gotta wait for us ta teach you.” Sully cautioned his adventurous son.

“Okay,” Josef answered as he continued to watch Katie ride.

“What are ya gonna name ‘er?” Sully asked.

Katie trotted back up to her family and thought for a few moments. “I wanna name her Cheyenne,” she said eyeing her parent’s to seek their approval.

“Do you think they’d mind Sully?” Michaela whispered.

“I think they’d be honored,” he told Michaela then he looked at Katie. “That’s a fine name for her Katie. Cheyenne is a real fine name.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

“I can’t believe we pulled this off,” Sully said with a chuckle as he settled into his seat on the train drawing Michaela down next to him.

“Did you doubt me Mr. Sully?” Michaela chided playfully as the train pulled out of Colorado Springs on its way to Denver.

“Ya gotta admit, Michaela, a lot had ta fall into place. The kids, the clinic, my work,” Sully explained as he put his arm around her. “But I oughta know by now that when Michaela Quinn wants ta do somethin’, she doesn’t give up ‘til it happens,” he gently teased.

“That’s right, you should!”

He hesitated a few moments before turning serious. “Do ya think it was too soon ta leave the kids?” Since he returned home, Katie and Josef needed their parents’ presence more than ever and wanted to spend even more time with their father.

Michaela reassuringly rubbed his arm. “They’ll be fine. We both talked with them before we left and they understand. Besides, Grace said she and Robert E. would keep them so busy they won’t miss us. And I’m sure Brian and Matthew will spend extra time with them as well.” She paused for a moment. “What about that job you were offered to take those Senators into the mountains? Are you disappointed you had to turn it down?”

“No,” Sully replied tightening his hold around her. “There’ll be other chances ta take ‘em. But while we’re in Denver I’d like ta see if I can get the new Governor ta agree ta go with me into the Rockies this summer. Talkin’s no good so I wanna show him why he should fight ta protect the land here.”

Michaela rested her head against him. “I’m so proud of you,” she remarked. “You stopped that lumber mill from destroying the forests south of Pueblo and successfully relocated the mine to protect the waterfall and the elk habitat.”

“Pretty small successes compared to all the destruction, but I guess it’s better than nothin’,” he mused as he gazed out the window toward the magnificent mountains towering in the distance.

“If you hadn’t fought for it, that land would have been destroyed too,” she stressed then reached for his hand. “Now we can take Katie and Josef to the forest and tell them the trees are still standing because their father fought to protect them.” Her eyes followed his gaze to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains and down to the heavily wooded foothills beneath them. “There will be other successes Sully, you’ll see.”

He returned his eyes to hers. “Right now the only thing I wanna think about is keepin’ the promise we made ten years ago ta come back here for our anniversary. We have two whole weeks ta spend together, just the two of us.” Sully leaned over and kissed her temple. “Kinda like relivin’ our honeymoon, huh?” he added with excited anticipation.

Michaela smiled at that thought. “I was thinking the same thing…only…” she murmured as her voice trailed off.

“Only?” Sully questioned stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

“I don’t think anything can compare to our honeymoon, Sully,” she said as she gazed into his eyes and linked her fingers with his. “It was magical,” she wistfully remarked. “Everything was so new to me and I was so…so…”

“Shy,” he tenderly offered and softly kissed her brow.

“Yes,” she whispered then lowered her eyes to their joined hands.

Sully placed his thumb under her chin and lifted her face to his so that once again their eyes could meet. “Now we’re an old married couple,” he joked.

“That’s not what I meant,” she retorted raising her hand to caress his cheek.

“I know, but you’re right,” he replied. “Our honeymoon was amazin’. And this trip is gonna be special too. We haven’t spent this much time alone together in ten years, Michaela. It’s gonna be great. We’ll make new special memories,” he said pressing his lips to her brow once more.

“Ten years.” Michaela shook her head in amazement. “Can you believe we’ve been married ten years, Sully?”

“Ten best years of my life,” he quickly answered and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Michaela cupped his face with her hands. “Sully,” she whispered breathlessly.

Sully shifted in his seat to face her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “I mean it Michaela. We’ve had some hard times over the years, especially this past year, but we always make it through together,” he said then he gave her lips a loving kiss. “You and the kids are the best things that ever happened ta me.”

Michaela returned his kiss. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me too,” she echoed.

“Glad we agree,” he replied as he drew her closer to him. “I seem ta remember this ride ta Denver bein’ more enjoyable ten years ago though,” he whispered in her ear.

“Sully,” Michaela gently chastised with embarrassment.

“What? Wasn’t it more enjoyable for you too?” he questioned with a playful smile.

Michaela buried her head in his chest. “Yes,” she confessed blushing.

“Ten years later and I can still make you blush,” Sully remarked with a touch of self-satisfaction.

* * *

The hotel was remarkably unchanged after all this time. The grand lobby, with its crystal chandelier, deep mahogany woodwork, and oriental carpeting, had maintained its elegance throughout the years. After registering at the front desk, a gray-uniformed bellman escorted Michaela and Sully down a long plush carpeted hallway toward the honeymoon suite. He unlocked the door with a large brass key and ushered them inside. The years melted away as the couple stood in the entryway speechless, their minds flooded with memories of where they began their life together. The only sound in the room was the crackling of the fire in the marble fireplace that had just been laid prior to their arrival.

“Enjoy your stay,” the bellman said breaking the silence as he closed the door behind them.

Though the furnishings had been updated the room was identical. Seeing it again after all this time, knowing what they almost lost, was overwhelming for both of them. As he had done ten years ago, Sully dropped their bags beside the dresser and ran his hands over the intricately carved cherry wood furniture admiring the fine craftsmanship. Then he turned to Michaela and reached for her hand. She placed her hand in his and he led her over to the balcony. Unlatching the door, they stepped out to gaze at the majestic view of the mountains. It was a view that still took their breath away. He put his arm around her, drawing her close as Michaela rested her head on his chest. Together they gazed out in contented silence at the towering mountains in the distance.

“It’s still as beautiful as it was ten years ago,” Michaela remarked as she gazed at the scenery, a gentle breeze stirring her hair.

“It is,” Sully replied and kissed the top of her head. Then he gently turned her to face him and stared adoringly into her eyes. “And you’re still as beautiful as you were ten years ago, even more so.” He pressed his lips to hers for a soft kiss.

She cupped his face with her hand and gazed into his eyes. “Oh Sully.”

He pressed his forehead to hers. “Well, whatcha wanna do now?” He was delighted with all the time they had to spend together with no distractions. “We still got a few hours ‘fore supper,” he told her as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

“I’d like to unpack and freshen up a bit, but then we could take a walk in the park,” she suggested oblivious to his desires. Stepping out of his embrace to go back inside, her eyes searched the room. Spotting some pamphlets and a newspaper on the bureau, she walked toward them. She gathered the papers and sat down on the sofa in front of the fire. “These will tell us what activities are occurring in Denver this week,” she told Sully as she perused the pamphlets. “Perhaps there’s a play or an interesting lecture at the college.”

With a sigh Sully removed his constraining suit jacket, tossed it on the bed then joined her on the sofa. He propped his feet up on the ottoman, and reached for the newspaper. Though not exactly what he had in mind, a walk in the park sounded like a nice idea. After all, they had two whole weeks to enjoy being together. He could be patient. One thing was certain though. He didn’t plan on spending two weeks in Denver with his beautiful wife cooped up in lectures. As he turned the pages in the newspaper, something caught his attention.

“Michaela,” he began with excitement in his voice, “it…”. “It says here that John Muir is speakin’ at the college this afternoon.”

She looked up from her reading. “Isn’t he the naturalist from California?” she asked vaguely recalling having read about him.

“Yeah. He’s tryin’ ta create a national park in the Yosemite Valley in California,” Sully explained. “I’ve read some a the letters he wrote the General Land Office ‘bout the valley. The government oughta protect it.”

Michaela smiled to herself at his obvious enthusiasm. “Would you like to attend the lecture Sully?” she asked with a grin, certain of the answer.

“Yeah, if you do,” he replied as he studied the article more closely. “It starts in little over an hour so lets clean up. Then we can take a walk through the park and slowly head over to the college.” He stood and walked toward the washbasin.

“That sounds lovely.” She rose from the couch and began to unpack her bag.

* * *

When they left the hotel Michaela and Sully strolled hand-in-hand through the streets of Denver, taking in the sites and sounds of the bustling city. It was a city that seemed to grow more each time they visited. As they crossed the center of town, passing through a small tree-lined park near the college, Sully drew her over to a wooden bench. Comfortably seated close together, they sat in peaceful silence, enjoying the beautiful spring day and each other, until it was time for the lecture. A small boy momentarily interrupted their solitude as he ran in front of them chasing a squirrel. They chuckled at his determination. When it was time to leave, Sully rose from the bench and brought Michaela to her feet to stand in front of him. He pulled her into a brief embrace then he slipped his arm tenderly around her waist and began to lead her away. Michaela’s arm slid around his waist, and together they strolled toward the college, the late afternoon sun warming their backs as it moved lower in the sky.

The lecture hall was one of the smaller halls at the college. As Michaela and Sully entered, they noticed it was sparsely attended. They sighed at yet another reminder of how difficult it was to convince people of the merits of land preservation during this time of rapid industrial growth. Those in attendance included college students and community members alike, and Sully thought he recognized a few of Denver’s prominent civic leaders. As they took their seats toward the front of the hall, a tall gangly man with a long beard was already at the podium. They assumed he was John Muir. He was a few years younger than Sully, but his beard and clothes made him appear older.

“Good afternoon. My name is John Muir,” he began as the room quieted.

Michaela thought she detected a slight Scottish accent in his voice.

“I have come to speak to you today of a new idea. An idea that I hope through my words I can convince you to embrace and fight for until you have drawn your last breath. What is this idea, you may ask?” Muir began as he studied the faces in the half-empty lecture hall. “It is the idea that wild lands should be set aside by governments for their scenic, educational, and spiritual value alone, not just for their commercial resource value.” Muffled laughter from the audience momentarily interrupted him.

“Ridiculous,” a voice beckoned from the back.

“We should be able to do whatever we want with it,” yelled another man off to the side.

Sully shot up from his seat. “Shh…let ‘im talk,” he demanded.

Muir held his hands out and lowered them to quiet the room. “Before you reject such an idea, let me describe what I have seen on my travels. Let me tell you about the land called the Yosemite Valley that I am working to preserve as a national park. Let me tell you about the mountains and their healing powers. When I am finished it is my desire that you shall keep close to nature’s heart. Break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.”

At hearing these words, Sully reached for Michaela’s hand and gently squeezed it. For several minutes Muir described the wonders of the Sierras and Yosemite Valley, and Sully thought it sounded like some parts of the Rockies. Michaela closed her eyes and could picture the valley in her mind from the poetic descriptiveness of his words. Muir talked of the divine beauty of the Sierra’s, naming them the Range of Light, then spoke of the peacefulness of the mountains.

“Going to the mountains is going home. Walk quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drip off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature’s sources never fail.”

Sully leaned over to whisper in Michaela’s ear. “He’s sayin’ what’s in my soul.” She squeezed his hand in understanding, herself deeply moved by Muir’s words.

Muir continued. “Here is calm so deep, grasses cease waving. Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings of love.”

Michaela and Sully had never heard their feelings of being at one with nature described with such eloquence. Muir’s words of the rivers, trees, and mountains spoke what was in their hearts, and in their souls. Michaela marveled that they could be listening to these profound words only hours after arriving in Denver. She was certain this was not a coincidence. Fate, God, or the spirits had a hand in bringing them into contact with John Muir. Sully was equally enthralled by his words and he also knew they were meant to be here, at this time, listening to this man, for a higher purpose.

Then soon Muir’s talk turned toward preservation. “Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away, and if they could, they would still be destroyed – chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branch horns, or magnificent bole backbones. Through all the wonderful eventful centuries since Christ’s time – and long before that – God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease and a thousand storms. But he cannot save them from sawmills and fools – only a concerned public can do that.”

Sully brought their joined hands to his heart silently conveying to Michaela that they were part of the concerned public Muir was speaking about.

Muir continued. “The wrongs done to trees, wrongs of every sort, are done in the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, for when the light comes, the heart of the people is always right.”

“The heart of the people,” Michaela echoed in barely a whisper.

Muir reached the end of his speech. “Government protection should be thrown around every wild grove and forest and on the mountains, as it is around every private orchard, and the trees in public parks. To say nothing of their value as fountains of timber, they are worth infinitely more than all the gardens and parks of towns. Might they be set apart and protected for public use forever, containing at least a few hundred of these noble pines, spruces, and firs. Happy will be the men who, having the power and the love and the benevolent forecast to do this, will do it. They will not be forgotten. The trees and their lovers will sing their praises, and generations yet unborn will rise up and call them blessed.”

When Muir finished, there was polite applause from the audience. A few in attendance were swayed by Muir’s eloquence and rose to their feet in full appreciation of his message. Michaela glanced around the room and carefully studied those who were standing. She would seek them out after the lecture as potential allies for their effort to create a national park in the Rockies.

Sully rose to his feet and applauded loudly. John Muir had captured all that he felt - about the land, the mountains, the rivers and the trees - with eloquence he had never before heard. He put into words exactly why he was fighting so hard to protect the land. His words gave it a significance far beyond any isolated failure or even the length of time it took to accomplish. Sully knew this was his purpose in life. If his vision quest had showed him that he belonged with his family, Muir’s speech solidified where he belonged in the world. As if a fire had been lit inside him, he silently pledged to remain on this path fighting for preservation of the land until he drew his last breath.

Michaela touched his arm, startling him from his thoughts. “Let’s meet him Sully.”

Sully took her hand and they headed toward the front of the lecture hall. Muir was surrounded by a few admirers who were as equally impressed by his words as they were. Michaela and Sully remained off to the side waiting for their chance to speak to him. After the others departed, Sully stepped forward and extended his hand to John Muir.

“We enjoyed your talk,” Sully told him. “I never heard anyone talk about the land that way, except the Cheyenne.”

John Muir smiled broadly and shook Sully’s hand. “The Indians have more wisdom than the civilized world may ever know,” he replied reverently.

Sully nodded. “I’m Sully and this is my wife, Dr. Michaela Quinn.”

Muir turned toward Michaela and offered his hand. “A female doctor. I can’t say I’ve ever met one before. It’s a pleasure,” he said tipping his hat.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Muir,” Michaela returned.

“Is anyone in government listenin’ to ya?” Sully asked skeptically.

“A few are starting to listen. In time perhaps more will,” he replied soberly.

“Mr. Muir, Sully has been working for years to try to protect the land here in Colorado,” she informed him. “So far he hasn’t succeeded, but we’re not giving up,” she said smiling at her husband.

Muir shared a silent glance with Sully in understanding. “Please, call me John,” he replied. “The fight will be long and hard, but we cannot give up. For what would become of these mountains if no spoke for them? You have beautiful mountains here. Before I return to California, I’d like to walk into these glorious mountains of yours. I can’t get the hang of these artificial canons. Up in the Sierra, all along the gorges, the glaciers have put up natural sign posts, and you can’t miss your way, but here – there’s nothing to tell you where to go,” Muir told them.

Sully chuckled. “If ya want, we can take you to some beautiful places. I’ve been takin’ politicians up into the Rockies for the past few years tryin’ to convince ‘em to protect ‘em,” Sully told him then paused. “But we’d understand if you’d rather go alone.”

“Not at all,” Muir returned. “I prefer companionship on my jaunts through the wilderness, but there are few who share my passion. I would enjoy exploring these mountains with you. Shall we meet at the foothills in the morning?”

“Sure. We’ll see ya then,” Sully answered. As another admirer stepped forward to talk to Muir, Sully took Michaela’s hand and they turned around to seek out others who appreciated Muir’s words. Perhaps they could find allies for a national park in Colorado.

* * *

Muir was already waiting at the foothills when Michaela and Sully approached. “Another glorious day, the air as delicious to the lungs as nectar to the tongue,” Muir exclaimed as he greeted his companions.

Michaela let go of Sully’s hand. “Yes it is a beautiful day,” she greeted the naturalist.

“Mornin’,” Sully said extending his hand. “I thought we’d walk up to Stones Peak then after lunch we can continue to Glacier Basin. There’s some real pretty views of the mountains and some interestin’ trees and flowers along the way.”

Muir shook his hand. “In these mountains, Sully, you’re the guide,” he said and they began to walk.

“The wildflowers will be in full bloom now. We can show you the wild orchids that grow up along the ridge,” Michaela added.

“Is that lunch in the basket?” Muir asked curious about what she was carrying.

“Yes. The hotel packed it for us,” she told him as she struggled to keep up the pace. Sully quickly took the basket from her making it easier for her to catch up.

“Thank you. I often forget to eat when I’m out on a jaunt. Sometimes I spend a day or two without anything to eat and feel better for it. I know that our bodies were made to thrive only in pure air, and the scenes in which pure air is found,” Muir said as they continued to walk.

“Indeed,” Michaela said completely enthralled.

“The hotel, you say. Then you are not from Denver?” Muir asked curiously.

“No. We’re from Colorado Springs. It’s a ways south a here,” Sully explained as he quickened his pace. “There’s an incredible red rock formation there that I’m tryin’ ta protect. I wish you could see it.”

Muir paused at a clearing to look out at the glorious mountains. “I have seen much of the world and yet I find that it is only but a small part of the beauty God created. Every mountain range is different, with its own unique character.” He knelt down to examine a wildflower he had never seen before. “Someday I would like to see that rock formation.” Sully showed him several other wildflowers that he was sure only grew in the Rockies and Michaela pointed out a few with medicinal value.

“It’s not often I can enjoy such pleasant company. And when they know their way around the mountains as you two do, it’s an added treat,” he complimented. Muir’s pace was quick and while Sully had no trouble keeping up, Michaela had to strain to stay with him as he leapt from rock to rock. Michaela thought he moved with the grace of a mountain goat. Sully thought he had the quiet, easy movements of the Indians. “Does your work bring you to Denver, Sully?” Muir asked as they slowed their pace to examine an unusual pine tree.

“Sometimes, but that’s not why we’re here now.”

“We’re celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary,” Michaela finished for him.

“My, ten years,” he mused. “I hope I’m not keeping you from your plans.”

“Oh no! Sully and I planned to spend time in the mountains and there’s nothing else we’d rather do than share them with you,” Michaela replied earnestly.

“I assure you the pleasure is all mine,” he returned with a gleam in his eye. “So, you’ve been married ten years,” Muir said to Sully.

“Yeah. Ten years tomorrow,” Sully replied and reached out for Michaela’s hand.

“I recently got married, myself. A month ago to be precise,” Muir informed them.

“Congratulations,” Sully said extending his hand.

“Thank you.” Muir shook his hand. “I set out for Alaska this summer then I will return home and settle down for a time,” he quietly revealed.

Sully couldn’t imagine a wanderer like Muir settling down, but he supposed it was possible. After all, he had settled down after meeting Michaela. “Will your wife go with ya?”

Muir chuckled. “Oh no! Louie prefers to remain home near her family. She doesn’t share my wanderlust.”

Michaela heart went out to Mrs. Muir having to endure such a long separation from her husband only a few months after they married. Then she remembered the many times over the years Sully went away for work, or to help the Indians, or to help a friend. Just as she understood and respected Sully’s need to be true to himself, she believed Mrs. Muir also understood John.

Resting for a bit at Stone’s Peak, Michaela laid out the lunch prepared by the hotel staff. They ate in companionable silence enjoying the sight of the towering Rocky Mountains before them.

“Only the unimaginative can fail to feel the enchantment of these mountains,” Muir said after a time.

Sully gazed out at the peaks in the distance. “’Fore we got married, I lived in the mountains. I lived in harmony with nature. Now I live in a house with my family, but I still feel completely at peace in the woods,” he revealed.

“Home is the most dangerous place I go,” Muir remarked. “As long as I camp out in the mountains, without tent or blankets, I get along very well. But the minute I get into a house and have a warm bed and begin to live on fine food, I get into a draft and the first thing I know I am coughing and sneezing and threatened with pneumonia, and altogether miserable. Outdoors is the natural place for a man.”

“I agree there,” Sully echoed. “But now I kinda like sleepin’ in a bed and havin’ a place that’s ours,” he added with a wink at Michaela.

“Do you have children?” Muir asked and took bite of bread.

“Yes. Five actually,” Michaela answered.

Muir’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Well, children are a gift from God.”

“Yes, but our first three were a gift from their mother. She passed away. Then God blessed us with our youngest two.”

“Louie and I want children. I can think of no greater responsibility than raising a child,” Muir said when he finished his lunch.

“There ain’t any,” Sully affirmed.

Michaela began to put away the remains of their picnic. “Oh my! If we don’t start for Glacier Basin soon, it will be dark. It’s easy to lose track of time out here,” she said busily gathering their things.

Sully laughed. “After all this time, you’re just now startin’ ta understand why I lose track a time when I’m in the woods.” The three of them stood and started walking to their final destination.

“My dear, the mountains were not meant to be explored in a rush, but slowly and deliberately,” Muir told her. “Time should not be a concern when you’re in the mountains.”

“That may well be, but Sully can leave in the morning saying he’ll be gone for a few hours and not return until after supper,” Michaela chided her husband.

“I can top that my dear. There was the time I was staying with friends, the Sisson’s, and I went out for a walk. Mrs. Sisson asked me if I would be back in time for lunch and I replied that I expected I would. Well, once I start walking I never know where I’m going to go or what will capture my attention.” Muir paused for effect.

“How late were you?” Michaela asked recognizing this same tendency in her husband.

John Muir flashed her a wry smile. “Well…on the seventh day I completed the circuit of the mountain, and about noon I sauntered up the walk to Mrs. Sisson’s, as if I had just come in from a half-hours stroll. I had been gone seven days and walked a hundred and twenty miles. But I had gotten back in time for lunch. That is the way to enjoy the mountains. Walk where you please, where you like, and take your time,” he explained.

“Seven days!” Michaela exclaimed in disbelief. “Weren’t your friends worried?”

“Yes. They had a guide out looking for me,” he sheepishly told them.

Sully reached for her hand. “See Michaela, I could be a lot worse.”

“Indeed,” she chuckled.

When they came to the end of their journey the three of them stopped at the foothills to say their goodbyes.

“It was a pleasure meeting you John. Thank you for letting us spend the day in the mountains with you,” Michaela said gratefully as she bid her farewell. “Good luck to you.”

“I should thank both of you. I have enjoyed this day tremendously. Sully, you share the same passion for these mountains that I have for the Sierra’s and Yosemite. Keep up the fight. Someday people will see what they have to do and protect these wild lands,” Muir said and he respectfully shook Sully’s hand.

“It’ll be easier knowin’ there’s others like you who are fightin’ for the same thing,” Sully replied disappointed their day had come to an end.

“We only have to convince people that when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe,” Muir said and he turned to leave.

Michaela and Sully watched Muir walk away. As his figure retreated into the distance, Sully thought about how the Cheyenne taught him that all living things were part of a whole. They believed that if any part of that whole was lost we lost a part of ourselves. Muir had just echoed that same sentiment. With the loss of the Indians and the land, Sully realized that he had been slowly losing a part of himself. It took his journey to Montana, and Michaela, to bring him back where he belonged.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Back in their hotel room, Michaela sat at the vanity in her nightgown and brushed her hair. She was thinking about the extraordinary day she and Sully had shared with John Muir. They returned after dark from their walk in the mountains, tired and hungry, but exhilarated. Later, she and Sully enjoyed a late supper in the hotel dining room. They talked of the day and of their renewed commitment to land preservation. As she looked in the mirror, she saw Sully approaching her from behind. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and gently slid the brush out of her fingers. Slowly, he pulled the brush through her hair. Feeling completely relaxed, she leaned her head back to enjoy his ministrations.

“Tired?” he asked after a while as he pulled the brush through her hair one more time.

“Mmm…it was a long day,” she said with her eyes closed. “Aren’t you tired?”

“Not really. I’m too excited to be tired,” he revealed as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Excited?”

“Yeah. I never met anyone like ‘im. He’s doin’ what he’s doin’ ‘cause it’s right and he believes people are gonna listen someday,” Sully explained. He placed the brush on the vanity and gently began to massage her shoulders. “He don’t care if it takes a long time. He’s not gonna give up.”

“You and John are kindred spirits. You’ve always stood up for the right things too. You’ll never give up,” she said assuredly.

“I almost did,” he replied as his hands moved to massage her back.

Michaela leaned forward onto the vanity to give him greater access. “Almost doesn’t count,” she countered. As his hands worked their magic on her sore muscles, she could feel the aches and pains leave her body. “Mmm…that feels good.” She was distracted by his touch, but tried to regain her focus. “I know you Sully. You won’t give up. Not now,” she assured.

Sully nuzzled her neck and buried his face in her hair, inhaling its sweet scent of lilac and fresh mountain air. “I’m not gonna give up now, but I could never put what I feel and what I see into words like he does,” he said in a muffled voice. Then he lifted her hair and placed light kisses on her neck and shoulder.

Absorbed by his kisses, Michaela’s concentration waned. “You…you don’t have to,” she softly spoke. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. “Show them what you see. Tell them how you see it. Your passion will come through,” she said as she turned her head and raised her eyes to his. Sully was awed by the unwavering love and support he saw in her expression and he leaned forward to claim her mouth with his for a tender leisurely kiss.

When they broke apart she ran her fingertips lightly over his lips. As their breathing returned to normal, Michaela continued. “While we’re here, we should try to speak with a few of the influential people who seemed to agree with John. They may be able to help us build support for the national park.”

He brushed the hair back from her face and smiled. “And I still wanna see the Governor.”

He took her hands and brought her to her feet. Standing before him in only her nightgown, he slowly ran his hands up and down her bare arms. Her body tingled at his loving touch. He lifted her head and holding her gaze for a few moments, he slowly leaned forward and lightly kissed her lips. She instinctively leaned against him, deepening the kiss. At last, they pulled apart slightly with their hearts pounding and their breathing rapid once more. Sully brought his hands up to the strap on her nightgown and slowly eased it off her shoulder. Leaning in to kiss her shoulder, he trailed soft kisses up to her neck and throat while sliding the other strap down her arm until the nightgown fell to the floor. He stepped back, taking her all in, and smiled suggestively.

Michaela stepped closer to him, sliding her hands under his shirt to feel the comforting warmth of his chest. Raising his arms, she gently lifted the shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor. They leaned in against each other, their hearts beating in rhythm. Michaela eased back slightly with her eyes locked with his, and she took a few steps toward the bed. Sully silently watched her graceful movements, her hand still in his. She looked at the bed then turned back to glance at him, inviting him to join her with her eyes. He smiled in his place and continued to gaze upon her body glistening in the moonlight, letting go of her hand only when their fingers no longer reached. His breath quickened as he watched Michaela crawl under the covers and turn to face him. Sully continued to undress before her eyes.

Michaela propped up on her elbow and sighed with pleasure as she watched him remove his shoes and ease his buckskin pants down his legs and off onto the floor. The moonlight creeping through the lace curtains illuminated his slim, muscular physique, and she felt her body tremble with excited anticipation. Even after all this time, she didn’t think she would ever tire of seeing her husband’s body. The bed dipped slightly as Sully climbed in beside her and lay along her length, drawing her close to him. Gazing intently into her eyes, he lowered his head to hers and kissed her urgently.

After a little while he pulled away slightly. “Sure you’re not too tired?” he teased as his finger gently traced the outline of her lips.

She gently caressed his face. “I seem to have renewed energy. After all, we don’t have to get up early.”

He gently brushed his nose with hers. “As I recall, the first time we slept in this room we didn’t leave the next day until after noon,” he playfully reminded her. Then he lowered his head and lightly kissed the corner of her lips. He pulled back and gazed into eyes that seemed to reach into the depths of his soul. With all the passion in his heart, he kissed her again. She responded to the kiss by drawing him even closer to deepen and lengthen it. Then she wrapped her arms around him, caressing his back and neck. Sully’s hands tenderly caressed every part of her body causing her to moan with pleasure. When their passions were fully ignited, he joined them as one and for a time they showed each other the depth of their love.

* * *

Sully pulled her close and gently rolled her towards him with her head resting against his chest. He sighed with pleasure as he reveled in the smell of her hair and the feel of her soft skin against his body. Their hearts beating as one, they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms. A few hours later Sully awoke, his mind filled with all that had happened since they arrived in Denver. Careful not to disturb her, he propped himself up slightly on his pillow and with his hands folded behind him, he leaned his head back.

A little while later, Michaela stirred and woke up sensing a change in her husband’s demeanor. “Are you all right?”

Sully lowered one hand and stroked her hair. “Did I wake you?”

“It’s all right. What’s wrong?” she asked worried.

“Nothin’s wrong. I been thinkin’.”

“What have you been thinking about?” she asked concerned about his pensive mood.

He tenderly caressed her back and shoulders. “Why I was supposed ta meet John Muir.”

Michaela traced lazy circles across his chest with her fingers. “Sully, I believe you were supposed to meet him too. It was fate that he was here speaking when we arrived.”

“But why?”

“I suppose to show you that there are others fighting for the same things you are. Perhaps if you knew that, it would be easier to keep going when decisions turned against you,” she said with her palm resting on his chest, feeling each beat of his heart.

“That’s what I been thinkin’,” he agreed. “While I knew about him and what he was doin’, hearin’ him and meetin’ him was different.”

“How?”

“I’m not sure I can put it into words.” Sully paused and Michaela’s hand reassuringly crept into his. He squeezed it lovingly and continued. “Hearin’ him was like listenin’ ta someone say what I feel when I’m in the woods. Bein’ with him and seein’ how he treats the earth, every part of it, with respect, was like bein’ with the Cheyenne again.” Michaela snuggled closer to him and he brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “I feel like for the first time in a long time I know who I am and what my purpose is supposed to be in the world.”

Michaela was speechless from the depth of his emotions, but she needed to say something to let him know she understood. “John Muir was an inspiration to you. He was sent to remind you that you had chosen the right path.”

“I got too focused on needin’ ta win somethin’ that I forgot that it’s the path we choose that’s more important than the success.”

“That’s a very important lesson,” she said lifting her head to look into his eyes.

Sully returned her gaze. “I just hope I can stay focused when I’m with all those people from the government who only see the land as places for profit. It’s hard ta see it get destroyed. It’s hard ta be part of choosin’ which lands’ll be ruined.”

Michaela eased herself up beside him considering her response. “If you want to quit your job and focus all your efforts on the national park that would be all right with me,” she told him.

“I can’t do that,” he immediately replied.

She lowered her eyes to the ivory lace bedspread. “Is it because you don’t want me to support us?” she whispered.

Sully raised her head with his finger and met her eyes. “You know I couldn’t let you do that on your own. But it’s more than that. I want you to be able to keep the hours you have. It’s important ta spend time with the kids now when they’re little. We both missed a lot with them the past few years.”

“That’s true,” she agreed as she caressed his arm.

“And, there’s advantages ta my job. I come into contact with lots of politicians when I take ‘em into the mountains. I reckon some a those contacts will help us in the future. I can move businesses to less desirable land like I did with that mine.” He paused for a moment to kiss her brow. “No, I’m gonna keep workin’ for the government, but I would like to have fewer trips and spend more time on the park. With both of us workin’ less we’ll have less money. We’ll need to make some adjustments. But since you’ll always make more than me, I s’pose it’ll be all right for you ta pay more of our expenses.”

She lightly kissed his lips. “Sully, you have come a long way in ten years,” she teased.

He pressed his forehead to hers. “Well, if we’re gonna be a team, we may as well be one in everythin’.”

“And, don’t worry. I have faith in you. You may get discouraged, but…”

“I know,” he interrupted. “I’ll keep at it because what choice do I have.”

“It’s who you are,” she lovingly told him as she snuggled closer to him. Sully eased himself lower on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. After a few silent moments she spoke again. “What time do you think it is?”

“Late,” he sleepily replied as he lightly ran his hand up and down her arm. “Probably long after midnight.”

“After midnight?” she murmured aloud and lifted her head to look into his eyes. “Happy Anniversary Sully.”

He tightened his hold on her. “Happy Anniversary Michaela. I love you,” he said and closed his eyes.

“And I love you, so very much,” she replied feeling secure in his arms as she drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

* * *

Michaela and Sully slowly walked, with their arms linked together, down the dimly lit hallway towards their room. So far their anniversary had been perfect. In the morning they slept in and lingered in bed talking, kissing, and making love. When they finally left the hotel, they were greeted by a spectacular spring day. The sun was high in the sky, the air was warm, and spring flowers were in full bloom all around them. They walked for miles along the streets of Denver and into the woods talking at length about the past few months and reminiscing about the past ten years.

In the late afternoon, they rented two horses and rode up into the Rocky Mountains to watch the sunset. They strolled leisurely hand-in-hand through the woods, then sat on the edge of a rocky ledge. They sat beside each other in contented silence gazing out at the kaleidoscope of colors across the sky. Awed by the beauty before them, Sully brought his arm around her, pulling her close, and she rested her head on his shoulder. Together they watched the sun drop behind the imposing mountains as the wind softly stirred their hair.

After an exhilarating day, they were now returning to their room to dress for supper. Unbeknownst to Michaela, Sully had a surprise waiting for her inside. When they reached their room, he withdrew the key from his pocket and unlocked the door. He held it open for Michaela to walk in first.

She gasped in surprise when she entered the room. He tenderly caressed her back and shoulders pleased by her reaction. Then she turned around to look at her husband. “Sully,” she said in shock.

He proudly smiled back at her and walked inside, closing the door behind them. Slowly he stepped toward his wife, removed her shawl, tossing it on the bed, and put his arm around her and kissed her cheek.

“I thought our own private celebration would be better than sittin’ in a stuffy restaurant.”

“But how?” She turned back to look at the arrangement in the middle of their room. It was a small table covered with a white lace tablecloth. In the center of the table were two tall white candles and a vase with ten red roses, one for each year they had been married. Two places were set with the finest bone china, silver, and crystal. A bottle of champagne was cooling off to the side.

“I arranged it with the hotel and made sure it got here right before we came upstairs,” he told her as he took her hand and led her to the table. “Shall we?”

Sully pulled out the chair for Michaela. She smiled up at him then sat down. For as long as they had been married, she was always deeply moved by her husband’s romantic overtures. Sully lit the candles and removed the covers from their meals, setting them aside. He walked around to the other side of the table and sat down. Their eyes locked with an intensity that seemed to read each other’s thoughts. They were both grateful to be here together like this after such a tumultuous year.

“Champagne?” Michaela was surprised.

“Yep, but I’m savin’ that for later,” Sully replied, his eyes sparkling.

The meal was sumptuous. Sully had special ordered escargot as an appetizer knowing how much Michaela loved them. They were also meant to remind her of their evening out in Boston so many years ago. For supper, he ordered the most extravagant items on the menu.

“Mmm… this is delicious,” Michaela exclaimed as she rested her fork on her plate.

“It is,” he replied never breaking his devoted gaze. “Can you believe we still have ten more days here together like this?”

She reached across the table and linked her fingers with his. “Hardly. These past two days have been perfect.”

“They have,” he agreed and took another bite of food. “What should we do tomorrow?”

“Why don’t we try to speak with some of the men we met at John’s lecture?”

“You ready ta work already?” he chuckled.

“Or…we could just enjoy another day in the mountains alone.”

Sully thought for a few moments. “Why don’t we meet some a those folks in the mornin’ then go up into the mountains in the afternoon,” he suggested. “We could watch another sunset.”

“That sounds like a very good plan,” she agreed and returned to her meal. As she ate she stared off into the distance.

Sully noticed a change in her expression. “Somethin’ wrong?”

Michaela looked back at him. “When we get home Jason will be leaving for his wedding. I won’t be able to spend…”

“Don’t Michaela,” he interrupted placing his hand atop hers. “Don’t think about that now. Let’s enjoy the time we have now to be alone together.”

“I am enjoying it, but I’m nervous about running the clinic on my own again,” she confessed as she lowered her eyes to the table. “I’m afraid I’m going to neglect you and the children again.”

“We’ll get through it, Michaela.” He reassuringly squeezed her hand. “I’ll help ya. ‘Sides, it’ll only be for a short time.” She gazed into his eyes, reassured by his support. “It ain’t gonna be like last time. We both learned too much ta ever let anythin’ like that happen again,” he said straight from the heart. “’Sides, I gotta get back ta work too.”

“I know you do. And you’re right. I have learned that I’m never going to let the clinic consume me like it did.”

“We can get Julie to take care of the kids when I’m workin’,” he suggested. “That way you won’t have ta worry ‘bout ‘em when you get stuck late at the clinic.”

Michaela squeezed his hand. “You’re right. We’ll get through it.”

Sully wiped his mouth with his napkin. “There’s somethin’ else I wanna talk ta you about,” he began tentatively.

Michaela noticed his hesitation. “Sully, what is it?”

“I’d like ta take Katie with me on one a my trips if that’s all right with you,” he said pausing to let her ponder his request.

“Oh Sully, I don’t know,” she said worriedly. “She’s still so young.”

“I took Brian with me when he was about Katie’s age,” he reminded her. “It’ll be real educational for her. And you know I’d never let anythin’ happen ta her,” he reassured.

“I know. It’s just…” Michaela hesitated, but one look in his eyes showed her how important this was to him. “I suppose it would be all right. As long as you send word often,” she urged.

“Every day. I promise.”

Michaela smiled at him. “She’ll love it, but I’m afraid Josef won’t.”

“I’ll explain it to ‘im.”

Michaela thought for a moment. “I can do something special with him while you’re away,” she offered.

“Maybe when Jason gets back we can take the whole family away for a few days,” Sully suggested.

“What do you have in mind?”

“You’ll need a break from workin’ so hard. We can spend a few days in the mountains.”

“That will give me something to look forward to when I’m not spending enough time with you,” she eagerly agreed.

“That’s the idea,” Sully affirmed. He pushed out his chair to stand. “Now let’s get rid of this table and sit by the fire.”

“I’d like that,” she replied.

Sully walked around the table and drew Michaela to her feet. He removed the vase of flowers along with the champagne and placed them on the dresser. Then he wheeled the table with the remains of their supper into the hallway to be picked up later by the hotel staff. Meanwhile, Michaela had taken off her shoes and sat down on the couch in front of the fire. When Sully returned, he placed another log on the fire and stoked it. Then he turned around in front of the couch and reached for her hand. With her hand firmly clasped in his, he drew her down on the rug to sit between his knees, her face to the fire. She leaned back into him and held his arms as they enfolded her. At times he would lift her hand to his lips or gently kiss her neck, but for the most part, they sat in peaceful silence for a long time staring into the fire.

“Michaela,” he whispered finally breaking the silence.

“Mmm…”

“I been thinkin’ ‘bout last year,” he began.

“I’d like to forget about last year,” she replied and grasped his arms more tightly around her.

He kissed her head. “As painful as it was for both of us, it taught us somethin’.”

“I know that it taught me that we have to talk more with each other about how we’re feeling. We can’t make assumptions about the other person and we can’t keep things all bottled up. We both do that you know,” she shared as she leaned back into his body.

“I know,” he replied nuzzling her neck. “But, we know now that nothin’ can destroy what we have.” Sully buried his face in her hair.

“True, but I don’t ever want to test it again. I’d never survive that.”

Sully entwined his fingers with hers and brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “We’d survive it, just like this time, but you’re right.” He paused to rest his chin on her shoulder. We gotta take better care of us. Just ‘cause we know nothin’ can separate us, we still have ta tell and show each other how we feel.” Sully took a deep breath. “I want you ta know that I’ve never felt closer ta you than I do now. And since we’ve been here my feelin’s keep growin’ stronger.”

She turned in his arms to look into his eyes. “Sully,” she uttered, overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings as well as her own. “So do mine.”

He kissed her tenderly on the lips. “We have ta do this more. Spend time together just the two of us. We should go away alone together every now and then. It doesn’t have ta be this long.” Sully paused for a moment. “But I would like ta come back here for our twentieth anniversary.”

“Twenty years,” she said shaking her head in amazement.

“Yeah, the kids‘ll be grown. It’ll be just us after that.”

She smoothed back his hair. “We should come back. We can see how we’ve changed and how Denver’s changed in all that time.”

“We’re not gonna change, Michaela. I will still love you all my days.”

“And I’ll love you more than ever.”

After some time lingering in front of the fire, Sully finally spoke. “I wanna give you your present now.”

They disengaged themselves from each other’s arms and rose to their feet. Separately, they went to their bags and retrieved the anniversary present for the other. When they returned, they sat down on the couch facing each other.

“Open yours first,” Sully requested handing Michaela a large rectangular package. “Happy Anniversary.”

Michaela accepted the package and held it in her hands for a moment. It was heavy. She looked at Sully then back down at the package. Slowly she brought her hands to the brown paper wrapping and she ripped it open, tossing the paper aside. Her eyes grew wide as she stared down at a beautiful leather bound book. The cover read, “You and Me: A Remarkable Love.”

Sully watched as Michaela lightly ran her fingers over the words that had been painstakingly branded into the leather. “It’s a scrapbook,” he told her. “I couldn’t figure what ta get ya that could begin ta tell ya how I feel, so I thought I could show ya what the past thirteen years have meant ta me. I remember what the Reverend said at Katie’s christening and I thought it was just right.”

“Sully, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed still tracing the letters with her fingers.

“Open it,” he gently urged.

Her heart was racing with excitement. Michaela brought her hand to the cover and gently opened it. On the first page was their wedding picture.

“I had ta start there ‘cause that’s the most important day ta me, but I go back before that. Keep goin’.”

For the next several minutes Michaela turned the pages of the scrapbook as memories enveloped her. Sully moved closer to her and for the next hour they sat side by side remembering each important event on their journey to celebrating ten years of marriage. Sully had put everything into the scrapbook, items she had saved as well as some of his own and Michaela was amazed by some of the items he kept. On each page he wrote about how each item and event was significant to their life together. There was purple coneflower and willow bark to remind her of the time she contracted influenza, the picture of the town, a dried pressed rose petal from the time she won the horse race, the stub from his train ticket to Boston, the program from the opera, poems by Walt Whitman, both wanted posters of Sully, the wanted poster of Cloud Dancing, a program from a play they saw on their honeymoon, a dried leaf from the tree they had Katie under, Josef’s birth announcement from the Gazette, pictures of the children, articles from the Gazette, articles Brian wrote, Josef’s drawings, and many more wonderful items.

“There’s lots of pages in the back ta add more. We’re gonna fill it up with memories for the next thirty to forty years,” he said as he turned her face to his.

Michaela had tears in her eyes. “It’s the most beautiful present ever.” She kissed him with all the love in her heart. “Thank you.”

“Your welcome.” He put his arm around her and drew her in close to him.

“Now I want to give you your present,” she said as she stood to retrieve the package from beside the couch. She handed it to Sully. “Happy Anniversary.”

This package was also rectangular in shape, but it was lighter and softer than Sully’s gift to her. He held it up and felt it for a moment, trying to imagine what it could possibly be. Slowly he ripped the wrapping and opened the box, unveiling a light tan buckskin shirt, similar to the one Michaela had made him as a wedding present. He was speechless as his fingers brushed over the soft tanned hide.

“It’s taken me ten years, but I thought I should finally make you a wedding present that you could keep,” she told him with a wry smile.

Sully tossed aside the wrapping and held up the shirt. It was beautiful and incredibly soft. Near the heart Michaela had sewn an amulet given to them by Cloud Dancing before he left for Montana. Cloud Dancing told them that it was a reminder to stay true to what’s in your heart. Under the amulet she had sewn the claws of a hawk, as she had done ten years ago, to give him courage to face the unknown. On the shoulders she had stitched a Cheyenne pattern Snowbird had taught her years ago.

“It’s beautiful Michaela,” Sully finally said.

“Try it on,” she urged.

Sully stood, pulled his shirt over his head and carefully put on the buckskin shirt. It felt soft against his skin and fit just right. Michaela walked over and straightened it for him. She brought her hand up to his heart and fingered the amulet. Sully covered her hand with his and looked deep into her eyes. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” she replied and she drew his head down to her for a passionate kiss, wrapping her arms around his buckskin-clad waist. Sully responded by drawing her closer to him and lengthening and deepening the kiss even further. When they broke apart, they remained standing, holding each other for several long moments.

“Now for the champagne,” Sully finally said. Michaela watched as he walked across the room and brought back a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

“But we don’t drink.”

“It’s our anniversary Michaela. A little drink every ten years ain’t gonna hurt us,” he chided. “’Sides, I wanted this day ta be special.”

“Oh Sully, it’s already been the most special day of my life, aside from our wedding day of course.”

Sully smiled and sat back down on the couch facing her. He opened the champagne bottle and poured two glasses handing one to Michaela. He gazed into her eyes and held up his champagne glass for a toast.

“To you and me, Michaela. Back where we belong, forever.”

With a smile, she clinked their glasses together and echoed, “To us.”

THE END

Endnotes

• All the facts on the Cheyenne that I did not draw from the series were learned from two books recommended by Marilyn L.
  • The Cheyenne Indians: Their History and Ways of Life by George Bird Grinnell, 1923, University of Nebraska Press.
  • Holding Stone Hands: On the Trail of the Cheyenne Exodus by Alan Boye, 1999, University of Nebraska Press. Holding Stone Hands provided information about the Northern Cheyenne during the time period of the story. Chief Little Wolf is real, but he was exiled in late 1880 for killing another Cheyenne in a drunken rage.
• All of the facts about John Muir are true. He is considered the founder of the national park movement in the United States and he fought for Yosemite Valley his entire life. Because of his efforts Congress established Yosemite National Park in 1890. Muir helped found the Sierra Club in 1892 and served as president until 1914. Most of the quotes used in this story are taken directly from his own words. I weaved together the lecture entirely from his published words. His conversation with Michaela and Sully in the mountains is mostly drawn from his published quotes, though I did have to add a few lines of made up dialogue for the conversation to flow. The sources for the Muir scenes in Chapter 34 are:
  • John Muir: Rediscovering America by Frederick Turner 1985, Perseus Publishing.
• There is also a wealth of information about John Muir on the Sierra Club web site. www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit In particular I drew from the following on this site:
  • “John Muir As I Knew Him,” by Robert Underwood from Sierra Club Bulletin, John Muir Memorial Number, January 1916.
  • “A Conversation with John Muir,” from World’s Book, London, England, November, 1906.
• Quotations from John Muir Selected by Harold Wood.
• Mountain Thoughts by John Muir. This was written by John Muir during the 1870’s and collected by Linnie Marsh Wolfe and published in John of the Mountains in 1938.