Chapter 34

Doc placed his pocket-watch back inside his vest pocket and redirected his gaze to Elizabeth Quinn sitting across the table from him in Grace’s café. "You … of all people would know that a doctor can rarely work to a timetable," he remarked quietly.

She smiled wryly. "Oh yes …. I’m well aware of that …. but I’ve never been able to stop myself expecting something different …."

Doc chuckled. "She’ll be here any minute now I’m sure …. besides Jo …. Sully … has disappeared on us as well …"

"Oh I *know* where he is," retorted Elizabeth with a secretive smile.

"You do?"

"Mmm …. putting into place some plans for Michaela’s Christmas …. there were some people he had to see …," she explained, not giving away too much information.

"And I gather you’re not going to divulge much more than that?" Doc’s eyebrow rose in a query.

She smiled at his gentle teasing. "I’m not at liberty," she responded quietly. "Suffice to say that Michaela should be very happy …"

Doc nodded and then said pensively, "You should be very proud of your daughter you know …"

Elizabeth regarded him quizzically. "I am," she replied at once. "But I’d be more than happy to hear the reason for your remark …"

Staring out through the café window in the direction of the medical clinic, Doc mused, "I admired her from the moment Joseph brought her into my surgery unconscious …"

"Unconscious!?"

"Don’t worry …. it was only a faint …. She’d just seen him for the first time …."

"Ahhh …"

"The situation in Paynesville must have been intolerable for her …. seeing him like that …. wanting to tell him who he was …. who she was … …. having to hold back until she knew he could handle it ….," pondered Doc. "And she did it all with great dignity … and love for Joseph …." He looked across into Elizabeth’s eyes. "She’s an extraordinary woman ….and doctor …"

Elizabeth nodded. "I know …. and sometimes I feel guilty that I haven’t given her enough credit for that …."

"Guilt is an unnecessary emotion when the situation can still be rectified …," recommended the wise old doctor.

Elizabeth nodded and lowered her eyes to the checked tablecloth. "You’re right," she murmured. "Sometimes my own pride gets in the way …"

"There is plenty of time to make up for it," advised Doc. "You’re here now …" His eyes suddenly lit up as he spied Michaela appear from the alleyway between the clinic and the Gazette office. "Here she is now … it only remains for Joseph to join us …"

Michaela entered the café, immediately seeking her dining companions. She smiled when she found them and quickly moved across to the table. "Oooh …. its bitter out there .…," she exclaimed, shivering beneath her leather coat. "I’m sorry I’m late …. an unexpected patient …." Both nodded indulgently and she sat herself down between them. "I hope you two have been getting better acquainted?"

"Oh assuredly," smiled Doc. "We’re old friends already …" He turned to Elizabeth. "Are we not?" She smiled demurely in response, causing Michaela to smile to herself.

Michaela suddenly realised her husband was missing. "Where’s Sully?" she asked. "I thought he was joining us."

"He is …. but he told me he had a couple of chores to do in town first …. He was unsure as to how long they would take …. so he said to start without him," explained her mother.

Michaela swallowed her disappointment and then turned to her companions. "Well then …. what will we have? Something warm to ward off this wintry weather?"

A few minutes later, as Grace hurried away with their orders, Stephen Monroe entered the café and glanced around seeking a vacant table. Spying one a little further back and to their left, he hurried across the room towards them. He paused as he drew level with them. "Good afternoon Michaela," he said politely, his smile just a little cool.

"Good afternoon Stephen," she replied, answering his smile with a warmer one of her own. He went to move on, but she stopped him. "Ah … Stephen …. I’d like you to meet my mother, Mrs Elizabeth Quinn …. and a dear friend, Doctor Ronald Evans," she offered warmly.

Stephen bowed slightly. "Pleased to meet you Mrs Quinn … Dr Evans," he rejoined courteously. "I hope our Colorado Springs weather is not too chilling for you …"

The elderly couple both offered their hands to shake, Doc replying for both of them, "Our welcome here has been so warm we’ve barely noticed the iciness of the weather …" He turned to Elizabeth, his twinkling eyes asking if there was anything more she’d like to add.

"Stephen Monroe," murmured Elizabeth. She looked up into the fair-haired stranger’s face. "I believe I recall your name from Michaela’s letters …"

"You do?" asked Stephen, unable to conceal the delight in his voice.

"Yes," replied Elizabeth. "You manage the bank now don’t you?" When he nodded she continued. "I believe you and my daughter are friends?"

Stephen suddenly looked a little too eager and just a touch uneasy. "Ah … that’s correct Mrs Quinn," he replied. "Friends."

Just as Mrs Quinn was about to pursue the matter further, a young woman entered the café, dragging a small, distressed child behind her. "Ah …. Dr Mike …. Dr Mike ….," she called. All heads turned towards the compelling voice. She hastened over to their table. "Its Jimmy Dr Mike …. went an’ cut his hand on some glass …. I can’t git it ta stop bleedin’," she implored piteously.

Michaela immediately stood. "We’ll go across to the clinic." She took the crying, little boy’s good hand. "Come on Jimmy …. what have you been doing to yourself hmmm?" She turned back to her mother and Doc. "I’m sorry," she said contritely. "I’ll be back as soon as I can …"

"Its alright my dear ….a wise man once told me that a doctor can never run to a timetable," responded Elizabeth with a smile. "We’ll be here when you return."

Michaela nodded gratefully, signalled to Grace to hold their lunch order, and hurried out, with little Jimmy Foust and his upset mother in tow.

Elizabeth immediately looked up at Stephen. "Won’t you join us Mr Monroe?" she invited. "At least for a short while …"

Stephen hesitated for only a moment before pulling out Michaela’s recently vacated chair and seating himself at their table.

"How long have you been at the bank here Mr Monroe?" asked Doc conversationally.

"Please … call me Stephen," the young man entreated, before answering, "About two years."

"And you enjoy small town life?" added the old doctor.

Stephen’s grey-blue eyes immediately and unconsciously strayed in the direction of the clinic. "Ah … yes … for the most part," he replied, before returning his attention to the people sitting either side of him.

Doc’s eyes narrowed. Deciding to take the direct approach, he remarked with as much nonchalance as he could summon up, "You must’ve felt very proud with a beautiful woman like Dr Mike on your arm …. as a friend ….."

Elizabeth regarded him in momentary surprise, while Stephen appeared to give the old man’s comment some thought before replying, "Yes …. she’s a beautiful woman …."

"She is indeed," agreed Doc. "And has a kind heart …"

"Very," Stephen averred, his heart in his eyes.

Watching this exchange carefully, especially Stephen’s face and eyes as he replied to Doc’s questions, Elizabeth suddenly realised exactly how this young man felt about her daughter. In the past she would have been pleased, even flattered, by such attention being paid to Michaela, however the past four years had taught her much about her daughter’s needs, the primary one of which was Sully in her life.

"As a friend, we could expect to see you out at the homestead sometime …. perhaps for dinner?" asked Doc casually.

Stephen reddened and shrugged his shoulders. "Ah …. maybe not …"

‘No?" queried Doc.

"Ahh … well …. everything’s changed now …. with …. with her husband back ….," stammered Stephen.

"Oh!" Doc exclaimed, and then chuckled as if he’d only just realised the true state of affairs. "You were *that* sort of friend to Dr Mike."

Stephen’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "Ah … ah …. no … I mean …."

Deciding to take pity on the younger man, Doc lowered his tone and dropped his exaggerated manner. "Or perhaps you would have *liked* to be that sort of friend …," he suggested quietly.

Stephen lowered his eyes to the tabletop. "I’d hoped …. She said we’d only ever be friends …. but well …."

Elizabeth observed the young bank manager’s heartache with compassion. "She loves her husband very much Stephen," she said quietly.

He nodded. "So I’ve observed …"

"When he disappeared her whole world fell apart," she continued gently.

Stephen’s eyes drifted out the window, again in the direction of the clinic. "I know … she often talked of him …. In all the time I’d known her … I’d never seen her like she was the night of the welcome home party in the café …. I knew then …." he murmured, suddenly sounding very defeated.

Elizabeth waited until he looked up at her, and then said sincerely, "I want to thank you for being a good friend to Michaela when she most needed one …. and for being patient …"

He shook his head ruefully. "For all the good it did me …."

"It may appear that way now," she advised. "But Michaela needed her friends …. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me saying thank-you …. and hoping that you will continue to view her as a friend …"

He swallowed. "Its difficult," he said, almost to himself. "Seeing her with him …"

Doc suddenly slapped the young man lightly on the back. "Well my lad …. you can either face your problem head on …. or retreat …. either way it will not be easy at first, but the second option will probably only lead to further problems …," he advised sagely.

Stephen shrugged his shoulders dejectedly. "You’re probably right," he conceded. "But it doesn’t make accepting it any easier." He stood and picked up his hat from the tabletop. "Mrs Quinn …. Doctor Evans …. thank-you for the visit …. I trust our discussion was in confidence …." He bowed slightly and, forgetting he’d been going to eat lunch, exited the café.

Both Elizabeth and Doc watched sympathetically as he advanced only a couple of paces before nearly bumping into Michaela as she returned from the clinic. He reddened, mumbled something which caused her brow to crease in puzzlement, and then scurried away towards the bank.

Still perplexed, Michaela once again sat at the table with Doc and her mother.

"He’s a pleasant young man Michaela," Elizabeth remarked quietly.

Michaela’s eyes flew in the direction recently taken by Stephen. "Yes …. yes he is," she agreed. "He … he … seemed distracted …." She returned her gaze to the elderly couple at the table and her eyes narrowed. "Did you speak with him?" she asked abruptly.

Elizabeth nodded. "We passed the time of day," she offered.

"You …. you ….. didn’t warn him off or anything … did you?" asked Michaela, almost fearfully.

Both smiled innocently. "Neither of us said anything untoward …. or anything to embarrass you Michaela …. In fact Mr Monroe did most of the talking," Elizabeth advised her. Michaela sighed in relief and sat back in her chair. "I do believe he is rather taken with you though," her mother added.

Michaela’s head dropped. "I know …. I’ve tried to discourage him …. I didn’t realise the truth until it was too late …."

Laying her hand over Michaela’s, Elizabeth said tenderly, "Your heart is with Sully …. it always has been …. and I believe always will be …. but Stephen is a friend …. and needs a little understanding now …."

Michaela nodded. "I told him we could still be friends …. I wanted it that way …. but I’m not sure he wants it like that …."

"He will in time Dr Mike," interjected Doc. "It’s difficult to relinquish a dream … This situation reminds me of young Anne Purvis …"

"The young woman Sully was making the wedding presents for in Paynesville?" asked Michaela.

"That’s the one …. pretty girl …. small, fair …. big green eyes ….. not too bright though ….," mused Doc.

"What happened to her? What dream did she have to give up? She was getting married soon after we left wasn’t she?" inquired Michaela with genuine interest.

Realising what he was about to divulge, Doc hesitated for a moment, and then, with a cheeky smile, he stated matter-of-factly, "Don’t think he’d mind me saying – she set her cap at Joseph."

"She did?" asked Michaela immediately, her eyes narrowing. "When was this?"

"About six months after he arrived in town …. I persuaded him he should socialise a little more …. he used to take himself off on his own and not spend any time with the townsfolk – except Ned, Arlene and myself. I finally got him to stay for a church picnic and Annie saw him there …," Doc explained.

Michaela sat forward in her chair. "And?" she prompted.

"He made the fatal mistake of agreeing to a walk with her and her parents around the meadow …. From that day on she was determined to win him over …"

"So ….," Michaela continued guardedly. "He stepped out with her?"

Doc chuckled loudly. "Hardly! He ….." The old doctor suddenly glanced up and smiled broadly. "Ah Joseph …. you join us at last," he said jovially.

To the stares of many of the diners, a buckskin clad Sully was striding across the café towards them. He bent to kiss Michaela on the cheek, walked around the table and pulled out the chair opposite her. "Sorry I’m late," he offered. "Chores took me longer ‘an I thought …"

"That’s fine my boy," affirmed Doc. "We’ve been enjoying each other’s company … In fact … we’ve been trading stories …."

"You have?" asked Sully, unfolding his napkin and placing it on his knee.

"Yes," said Michaela, her tone just a touch harder than usual. "Doc was in the middle of a story from Paynesville …"

Unmindful of the subject matter, Sully turned to Doc and asked with interest, "What story was that?"

Doc chuckled. "I was telling them about Annie Purvis …"

Sully’s blue eyes widened and he immediately fixed them on Michaela across the table. "You were?" he asked, keeping his tone even. "Not a very interestin’ story …"

"Oh I was finding it *very* interesting Sully," remarked Michaela, redirecting her gaze to the elderly doctor. "Go on Doc …"

The kindly old gentleman was beginning to rue the fact he’d raised the subject, but unable to devise a credible reason to stop, he continued, "I was just telling them about your little walk around the meadow with her …. and um …" Encountering unreadable expressions from both Sully and Michaela, he turned back to the more friendly eyes of Elizabeth. "After …. well she took to meeting him after church …. asking him to join her and her parents for Sunday lunch …. She even started turning up at the workshop with little things she’d baked for him …like biscuits and cookies .." He chuckled again at the memory.

"I gather to no avail?" probed Mrs Quinn with a smile.

"None whatsoever …," laughed Doc. Ignoring Sully’s signals to stop, he added, "He tried every possible ploy to discourage her … even took to hiding out in my clinic when he saw her coming …. It wasn’t until her father hired Will Pagan as a cowhand that her interest waned …. or at least went elsewhere …" He looked directly at Michaela. "Truth is …. I never saw Joseph show any interest in a woman til you came along …. could’ve knocked me over with a feather when I heard he was taking you riding …. and that he was the one who asked!"

"Really?" she murmured, her eyes locking with Sully’s, her expression softening.

"As God is my witness Dr Mike," responded the old doctor instantly.

Sully abruptly stood and moved around the table to Michaela. He held out his hand to her, while addressing the others. "Ahh ….. sorry ma’am … Doc …. would you excuse us for a minute? …. We’ll be right back …." Michaela glanced up at him in surprise, then placed her hand in his, allowing him to draw her up.

Doc and Elizabeth watched them leave with amusement. "They’re an interesting couple," remarked Doc with a light laugh.

"They are indeed," responded Elizabeth, observing them disappear in the direction of the livery. "Life will never be dull." She turned back to him. "You continued that story deliberately didn’t you?" she asked, without rancour.

He smiled. "I always believe that a touch of uncertainty adds spice to life," he rejoined. He gave an exaggerated sigh. "I do believe though that my stomach is objecting to the further delay to our lunch."

Elizabeth gave him a conspiratorial smile and then her eyes wandered back once more in the direction the younger couple had taken.

Robert E jumped as Michaela and Sully abruptly appeared from the direction of the café. He gave them a welcoming smile which was answered with only a polite nod before Sully tugged Michaela into the confines of the livery barn. The blacksmith watched in astonishment as Sully pulled the barn door closed behind him.

"Sully what are you doing?" she exclaimed, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the dim light.

He backed her up against the barn wall. "Just wonderin’ what’s goin’ on in my wife’s head," he replied softly, his face very close to hers.

She bit her lip. "What do you mean?" she asked innocently.

He rested the palms of his hands on the wall each side of her shoulders and leant close. "Ya weren’t worried back there?" he asked breathily.

"No," she replied in a small voice.

"There weren’t no jealousy creepin’ in?"

"No," she replied again, her voice even smaller.

"Looked ta me like you were a little worried about Anne Purvis …. there weren’t no cause ta be …"

"I know .."

"Just so ya do," he murmured, leaning so close she could feel his warm breath on her lips. "I weren’t interested in her ….," he said softly.

She locked her eyes with his, so aroused her heart was beating at a much faster rate than usual. "Just like I wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship from Stephen," she whispered, their lips almost touching. "You were always there …. in my heart …."

"Just like you were in mine …"

"You didn’t know that …"

"Deep down … maybe I did …. musta known somethin’ …." He kissed the corner of her mouth. "Sure knew it when you turned up …." He kissed the other corner.

"Mother and Doc’ll be getting very hungry," she muttered, her tongue snaking out to lick her lips where he’d kissed them.

"Uh huh," he murmured huskily. "We better be goin’ back …. just wanted ya ta know ya don’ ever haveta be jealous …." He kissed her forehead and then her chin.

"Nor you," she whispered against his cheek, her skin on fire. "Ever …" She gulped and her breathing quickened alarmingly as he ever so slowly leaned in to at last claim her moistened, parted lips. "Only you Michaela," he whispered lovingly, before they both gave way to their smouldering desire.

Chapter 35

There was a light knock on the clinic door, then it was pushed open and Dorothy appeared in the doorway. Michaela sprang up in surprise and delight. "You’re back?" she exclaimed, moving quickly across to her friend who she embraced warmly.

"Got back on yesterday’s afternoon train," explained Dorothy, returning the hug.

"Ooh …. its so good to see you," said Michaela fondly. "Did everything go well in San Francisco?"

Dorothy screwed up her nose. "It’s a beautiful city …. but some o’ the folks there? They don’t have a clue!" she replied disparagingly.

"You were gone so long I assumed things were going well," sympathised Michaela, her eyebrow quirked inquiringly.

"Oh … it weren’t all bad …. We got a few folks ta listen …. an’ I reckon we taught a few a thing or two …. but some of the others were just plain ignorant …," humphed Dorothy in exasperation. "We did get a chance ta talk to a Senator … an’ a couple of bigwigs from the army … that’s why we were away longer ‘an we planned ….. Cloud Dancin’ was gettin’ real impatient …. He wanted to get back … in case Sully needed him …." She glanced around the surgery. "No patients Michaela?" she asked.

Michaela shook her head. "Not yet," she replied. "First appointment’s due at ten …. so please …. sit down and tell me all about San Francisco …" She motioned to the chair on the other side of the desk.

Dorothy sat down and eyed her friend keenly. "There’s plenty of time ta tell ya ‘bout what happened over there," she said dismissively. "*I* wanna know what’s bin happenin’ here." Her eyes narrowed as she studied her friend carefully. "You look different somehow," she mused, much to her Michaela’s embarrassment.

"I do?’ she asked in a small voice.

"Uh huh …." Dorothy continued to stare and then she smiled broadly. "There’s a light in your eyes aint bin there for a long time …. your cheeks are rosy …. an’ you’re wearin’ your hair down an’ curly …. like ya used to …. before …." She trailed off and then giggled at her friend’s reddened complexion. "At a guess … I’d say things were goin’ *very* well here ….. am I right?" she teased.

Blushing furiously, Michaela dropped her eyes to the desktop. "Yes," she replied softly. "Very …"

"When we hadta leave for California, Sully was feelin’ real confused …. that’s why Cloud Dancin’ was so worried …," said Dorothy with concern.

"So much has happened Dorothy …. We’ve talked and talked …. and he’s remembered all sorts of things …. He seems to have settled down and accepted the way things are … and have been," explained Michaela softly. "I’m sure you’ll notice a big difference in him …"

"Well … if its anything like the difference in you," chuckled Dorothy. "I’m sure I will … So his memory’s fully returned?"

Michaela shook her head and just for a moment looked a little downcast. "Not fully," she replied quietly. "His memories return quite randomly. He recalls small, seemingly unimportant things …. but still has no memory of some of the momentous events in our lives …"

"An’ that worries you hmmm?"

"Sometimes …. I try not to let it …. but he still doesn’t remember our wedding …. despite seeing the photographs …. or Katie’s birth ….," explained Michaela haltingly. She suddenly straightened and her face brightened. "But having him back with me …. and remembering more and more each day …. its more than I could ever have dreamed Dorothy," she exclaimed enthusiastically.

The older woman smiled. "I can see that," she said quietly. "You look like you did back around the time you got married …. all dewy eyed …. like you’re here but your mind’s somewhere else …. with him …. I never thought I’d see you like that again …."

Again Michaela blushed. "Is it that obvious?" she asked softly.

Dorothy giggled. "It is …. well to me anyways …. I know ya so well …. I reckon your kids’d see it too …"

Michaela sighed. "I feel like a young bride," she said softly, guiltily. "Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate …. and I want to be at home with him, rather than here at the clinic …. Colleen and Andrew are wonderful …. they’ve taken to working most afternoons so that I can finish up at lunchtime …."

"And you go home to him," concluded Dorothy indulgently.

Michaela nodded and lowered her eyes embarrassedly.

"Its alright Michaela …. in fact its wonderful …. There’re many women who would envy the way you feel," Dorothy excused with a smile.

Michaela suddenly giggled. "Of course Mother arrived about a week ago …."

"She did?!"

Michaela nodded. "Mmm …. she was worried that I’d lost my senses …. going off to Paynesville on what she thought was a wild goose chase …. but she’s been wonderful since discovering Sully back here …. and what his return means to me …. and then Doc arrived from Paynesville a few days ago …. We have a houseful …"

Dorothy shook her head ruefully. "You do indeed," she agreed. "And I bet sometimes you wish you didn’t …"

Michaela chuckled. "Its Christmas …. or nearly Christmas Dorothy," she said excitedly. "And just about everyone I love in this world is here …. its going to be wonderful …. You and Cloud Dancing will be joining us won’t you? …. You have to …. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you …."

Dorothy stood and then circled the desk to draw her friend up into her arms. "We wouldn’t miss Christmas with our family for the world Michaela," she said softly against her friend’s ear.

*************************

A shadow falling across the barn doorway caught Sully’s eye and he spun around to discover its cause. His mouth fell open. For the past couple of hours he’d been working out here in the barn, putting the finishing touches to Katie’s Christmas present, his mind whirling with assorted memories and impressions of the Cheyenne and his brother. Now he was unsure as to whether the figure standing in the doorway was real or merely an apparition. "Cloud Dancin’?" he asked softly.

The medicine man smiled. "You are not seeing a ghost my friend," he assured him calmly.

Sully slowly stood and regarded the man whose people had been filling his thoughts all morning. "I …. I …." He swallowed. "Its really you," he murmured.

Cloud Dancing smiled. "We arrived home on yesterday’s train …. I wanted to see you …. find out how you are doing …."

Sully’s brow creased and his eyes were suddenly suspiciously bright. "I was just thinkin’ about ya," he said softly. He took a hesitant step forward. "I’m glad ya back …" He took another step and then threw his arms around his brother’s neck, hugging him tightly.

Cloud Dancing returned the embrace emotionally. There was something different about Sully. He was not the same man he’d reluctantly left more than two weeks ago. He drew back and eyed his friend studiously, noting the buckskin clothing. "You are back my brother," he said soberly.

"Depends on what ya mean by ‘back’," replied Sully, suddenly turning away, towards the newly finished bed.

"You have remembered," Cloud Dancing stated matter-of-factly.

Sully nodded. "Uh huh …. most of it I reckon …," he replied vaguely. "Wish I hadn’t remembered some thin’s though …"

"Those things happened …. whether you remember them or not …. You read of them in Dorothy’s book …. Michaela had told you a little …," advised Cloud Dancing. "Some of the memories are painful …. for both of us …. but others are not …. they are joyous …. and fill the heart …. together they make us who we are …"

Sully’s eyes narrowed. "In Paynesville you told me it didn’ matter if I didn’ remember … that what made me was in here …" He laid his hand over his heart.

"That is true …. but our memories give a direction to our future do they not?" Cloud Dancing suggested wisely. "Doesn’t remembering some of your past cause you to consider your actions for the future?"

Sully pondered this notion for a moment and then nodded. "You’re right," he said quietly. "Knowin’ what’s happened in the past …. with the Cheyenne …. I’d act differently now than what I would’ve in Paynesville ….."

Cloud Dancing nodded in satisfaction. "You are a different man to the one I left a few weeks ago Sully …," remarked Cloud Dancing. "And I do not just mean your clothing." He chuckled at his jibe and moved across to run his fingers over the polished bed-head.

Sully suddenly seemed to relax. He peered down at his once customary clothing. "I just started wearin’ these agin," he said with a smile. "Michaela likes ‘em …. I aint sure her ma does though …."

"Mrs Quinn is here?" asked Cloud Dancing with interest.

"Uh huh …. so’s Doc … he aint sure about ‘em either … must be strange for him …. I figure he’d be noticin’ the biggest changes of anyone … he can’t even git used ta me bein’ called Sully …," he rejoined, a touch of concern in his voice.

"He cares very much for you …. and your welfare …. While you may seem different …. he knows you are happier …. and that is what would mean most to him," Cloud Dancing assured him. "And what of Michaela? Is she happy too?" he asked.

Sully smiled at the mention of his beautiful wife’s name. "I reckon she is," he said softly, his attention drifting off. "This has bin hardest on her I reckon …. still worries sometimes when I don’ remember somethin’ she expects me to. She tries ta hide it …. but I can tell …." He suddenly gave his friend a secretive smile.

Cloud Dancing frowned. "There is something you are not telling me," he entreated.

Sully shrugged. "Maybe I remember more ‘an she knows," he murmured ambiguously. "Which brings me ta what I wanna do for her for Christmas …. I’m glad you’re back … cos I wouldn’a bin able to do it properly without ya …"

"Dorothy insisted that we had to be back here for Christmas," Cloud Dancing said with a smile. "What do have planned that requires my presence?"

"I want it ta be real special …. so I think I got it all worked out …. her ma an’ the kids are helpin’ me with it …. I’ll tell you all about it while we eat," Sully said cheerily. He rested his hand on his brother’s shoulder companionably. "Come on …. Michaela’s left some ham an’ fresh bread up in the kitchen …. We got some plannin’ ta do …"

Cloud Dancing shook his head in wonder. This was indeed the old Sully. It seemed his brother had definitely returned. He wrapped an arm around the younger man’s shoulders and walked with him out of the barn towards the house.

***************************

Sully drove the wagon past the livery and the mercantile, before turning the corner towards the clinic. He slowed as he took in the sight of the town’s enormous Christmas tree being set up in the square. Hank was currently high up on a ladder attaching the first of the decorations to the uppermost branches. Standing at the foot of the ladder were Loren Bray and Jake and Teresa Slicker, sorting through an enormous box of decorations and passing them one by one up to the barkeeper. He’d never seen such a big tree set up like this before. In Paynesville there was always a good sized tree set up near the church, but never anything like this. After studying the tree and the associated activity for a moment longer, he flicked the reins and trotted the horse up to the clinic porch. He climbed down from the wagon, and still pre-occupied with the huge tree, knocked on the clinic door and entered.

"Hey pa," exclaimed Colleen, springing up from the chair behind the desk and moving across to give him a hug.

"Hey Colleen," he rejoined. "Is ya ma ready ta go?"

"She hasn’t come back from her shopping," explained the young doctor. "She said for you to wait here if she was late …" She sat herself down at the desk once more and picked up the file on which she’d been working before he entered.

"I’ll wait outside on the porch," offered Sully, striding back to the door.

"That aint necessary pa," said Colleen immediately. "How’re the preparations for ma’s Christmas goin’?"

Sully smiled. "Just fine …. all organised." He patted the top pocket of his wool coat with a secretive smile.

Colleen smiled broadly. "Ma’s gonna love it," she said lovingly.

Just for a moment Sully looked a little doubtful. "Ya sure Colleen? She’s gonna be alright about bein’ surprised?"

"Oh Sully …. how could she not like it …. love it?!" exclaimed Colleen. "Any woman would …. Does everyone know what they’ve gotta do?"

Sully nodded. "Uh huh …" His eyes drifted to the door and he slowly moved across and pulled it open to peer out at the now half decorated Christmas tree. "Hey Colleen?’ he asked, reaching a hand back for her.

She immediately jumped up from her chair and took it. "Yeah pa," she answered, puzzled by his behaviour.

"The tree?’ he said quietly. "That there every year?"

"Uh huh …. every year. Why?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Thought as much …."

"You remember something don’t ya pa? I can see it in your face …"

"That’s the trouble Colleen …. Sometimes I aint sure whether they’re memories …. or just somethin’ I’ve read about … an’ my mind makes me think I’m rememberin’ it ….," remarked Sully frustratedly.

Colleen suddenly chuckled. "Everyone has those kinda things happen to ‘em pa …. I once dreamt I’d failed an important examination ….went down to breakfast the next morning convinced of it an’ feelin’ real disappointed …. only ta find out the results weren’t even posted yet …"

"You’re right I guess ….," he acknowledged with a half smile. Again he gazed out at the town square. "We sing carols round the tree don’ we …. leastways everyone else does," he muttered wryly.

Colleen giggled. "Yeah pa *we* sing carols around the tree," she said softly.

He stepped out onto the porch. "Seem ta remember one year the tree was covered in white paper cut out decorations …. maybe angels …," he suggested pensively.

Colleen walked up to stand beside him and linked her arm with his. "That was the year the reverend lost his sight …. Brian an’ all the kids made hundreds of angels for him …. an’ put ‘em all over the tree," she explained reminiscently.

"Brian was kinda sad that year … weren’t he Colleen? Ya ma hadta work real hard ta make him see that the reverend losin’ his sight had nothin’ ta do with Christmas …. or losin’ faith …"

"You had a lot to do with that too pa," remarked Colleen, marvelling at just how much he was remembering.

Sully nodded. "An’ another year …." He broke off as Michaela approached from the direction of the mercantile, a hefty, soft, brown paper parcel in her arms. Her face lit up as she spied her husband and daughter on the clinic porch, and her pace quickened. Colleen watched with delighted indulgence as her ma walked into Sully’s open arms and he whispered, "Missed you," against her windswept hair. She looked up at him with such a look of love in her eyes, Colleen’s breath caught.

"Let me take that for ya," offered Sully, reaching for Michaela’s parcel.

She gasped softly, and holding it by the string, swung it behind her back. "Its alright," she said, blushing coyly. "I can manage it."

Sully smiled and drew her close. "Alright," he said quietly. "You look after it."

She smiled and momentarily rested her cheek against his chest. At last, noting the direction of Sully’s eyes, she said quietly, "What were you two talking about when I walked up?"

Colleen responded excitedly, "About other Christmases here ma …. together …. Sully was rememberin’ …."

"You were?" asked Michaela excitedly, interrupting Colleen’s explanation.

"Mmmm," murmured Sully. "I was just gonna tell Colleen I can remember a Christmas when you weren’t quite yourself …"

"What do you mean?" demanded Michaela immediately.

"Wellll …." He rested his hand over her stomach and then moved it outwards. "You were sorta out ta here …. expectin’ Katie …."

Michaela stood up on her tiptoes and gave him a quick loving kiss. "You’re right," she rejoined quietly. "Our first Christmas as a family …"

He kissed the top of her head. "An’ this year we’re back together …. as a family …," he added softly. He drew Colleen into their embrace and she too rested her cheek against his chest. "An’ its gonna be the best Christmas ever."

Chapter 36

Michaela was feeling decidedly testy. ‘Be home by three’ he’d told her. He had ‘something special planned’ he’d said. That was all very well, but it was impossible for a doctor to work to a strict timetable. Actually, she’d been doing just fine, and had even been hoping to leave a little early, until Loren turned up at the clinic with a suspected strained back muscle which he insisted on her examining. Then, just as she was locking up, Horace appeared, complaining of something in his eye. Now it was a little after three and she’d only just left the town’s outskirts. She’d been wondering all day what Sully was up to. It seemed strange to her that he was planning something special with just two days to go until Christmas. She nudged Flash in the ribs to quicken her pace.

At last the homestead came into view and the sight of smoke swirling lazily from the chimneys and the horses grazing contentedly in the yard calmed her somewhat. This was where she wanted to be more than any other place in the world – as long as Sully was there with her. She walked Flash into the barn, quickly unsaddled her and covered her with a blanket, before strolling slowly up to the house. Again she wondered what Sully had in mind. As she reached for the front door handle, the door abruptly swung open, and she was greeted by not Sully, but Colleen. "Hey ma," greeted the young woman, her smile broad.

Michaela entered and glanced around the room seeking her husband. "I didn’t expect to see you out here Colleen," she murmured. "And where’s Sully?"

Colleen gave her a secretive smile. "He’s gettin’ ready ma …," she replied vaguely, reaching for her mother’s hand. "Come on …. you’ve gotta get ready too …" She began to lead Michaela towards the stairs.

"Get ready for what?" asked Michaela exasperatedly, halting Colleen in her tracks.

"Trust me ma …. please," pleaded Colleen quietly, locking her wide eyes with her mother’s. "Please …"

Michaela frowned and then shrugged her shoulders resignedly. "Alright," she murmured in bewilderment, following Colleen up the stairs.

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Michaela was convinced something was indeed in the wind. Katie was waiting for her, clothed in her best blue dress and hopping excitedly from foot to foot. She immediately grasped her ma’s hand and drew her over to the bed. Michaela looked wonderingly down at the gown laid out on it, one she hadn’t seen for a number of years. She reached out to finger the fine material. "Where did you find this Colleen?" she asked wonderingly. "And why this particular one?"

Colleen blushed and replied determinedly, "It’s the one Sully asked me about …. I found it in a trunk in the guestroom …"

Again Michaela fingered the delicate, expensive fabric. She turned to her daughter. "What’s going on Colleen?

"It’s a surprise ma …. somethin’ special …. pa asked me ta help ya get ready …. Please do this …. for me …. an’ him," entreated the younger woman.

Katie grasped her ma’s hand. "Ya gonna like it ma," she exhorted, her eyes huge and shining with excitement.

Michaela suddenly giggled. How could she resist her two beautiful daughters and her loving, yet mysterious husband. She shrugged her shoulders exaggeratedly. "Alright," she willingly conceded, a touch of excitement in her tone. "I’m in your hands …"

An hour later, Michaela sat at the dresser while Colleen put the finishing touches to her ma’s hair which now cascaded down her back in a waterfall of shimmering copper curls. Katie was still hopping around excitedly and Michaela had already been sprayed with her best perfume on more than one occasion. "There ma," said Colleen with a great deal of satisfaction. "Its finished …"

"No it aint Colleen," exclaimed Katie excitedly.

Colleen laughed. "You’re right sweetheart …. its not *quite* finished …. but we have to wait until ma has her dress on …"

Michaela was peering up at her eldest daughter wonderingly when she heard the sound of horses’ hooves and wheels in the yard. "Is that a wagon Colleen?" she asked, her brow creasing in puzzlement.

"Its probably Andrew ma …. comin’ ta fetch me …." rejoined Colleen. "Come on …. its time to put your dress on now …"

Michaela shrugged out of her robe and Colleen lifted the pretty, lace-trimmed, powder blue gown over her head. When it settled securely in all the right places, Colleen hurriedly fastened the many buttons down its back. At last Michaela stood before the mirror observing an image which seemed to have reversed time.

"Now Colleen?" asked Katie, her voice shrill with excitement.

Colleen laughed. "Yes … now sweetheart," she rejoined.

Katie immediately ran around to the other side of her ma’s bed and returned with two circlets of white winter daisies. "I picked ‘em ma …. an’ Miss Grace helped me make ‘em," she explained delightedly. "One for you …. an’ one for me …."

Colleen took the largest one from her and set it atop her mother’s coppery curls, fixing it in place with a number of small pins. She stepped back and sighed with contentment. "You look beautiful ma," she said softly.

Observing herself in the mirror, Michaela gulped and her heart began to beat a little faster. Perhaps Sully had remembered a certain time in their relationship, one when she’d been inexperienced and uncertain, yet determined to explore her newly professed love for him. She reached up to finger the flowers in her hair. And yet these were new … she’d not been wearing these then. She turned to Colleen who was placing the second circlet in Katie’s hair. "Perhaps I’m too old to wear flowers in my hair Colleen?" she suggested uncertainly.

Colleen clasped her hands under her chin. "Never ma …. You look beautiful like I said before…. You ready?"

"Ready for what?" murmured Michaela excitedly under her breath, trying desperately to control the rapid beating of her heart. She nodded and Colleen pulled the bedroom door open.

Katie, preceding her mother and sister, halted at the top of the stairs to look back at Colleen inquiringly. When her sister nodded, she gently took her mother’s hand and began to lead her sedately down the steep staircase. As the living-room came into view Michaela’s eyes opened in wonder and her skin flushed becomingly. Everyone was there! Robert E, Grace and little Ellen, Loren Bray and Albert Levinson, Stephen Monroe, Jake and Teresa Slicker, Matthew, Brian and Andrew, Patrick and Peggy Hughes, Horace Bing, Hank Lawson, and of course Doc and her mother, all beaming at her as she passed between them, led by her pretty, youngest daughter. Then she looked up to see a smiling Reverend, Dorothy and Cloud Dancing all waiting for her by the bay window. As she neared, Cloud Dancing stepped back a little and turned towards the kitchen. Her eyes followed his and she finally saw Sully! He was standing where, for the moment, very few others could see him. He was wearing the beautiful Cheyenne wedding shirt, his sparkling blue eyes were fixed on her alone, and then he began to walk slowly across the room towards her. Tears of love welled in her eyes as he reached her and grasped her hands reverently in his own, slowly raising them to his lips. As if of their own volition, two bodies moved closer, two pairs of eyes locked and held, two souls merged and became one and all in the room recognised and marvelled at its occurrence.

Sully leaned down and whispered against her ear, "You look beautiful." When she lowered her eyes shyly, he added so that only she could hear, "I remember that dress …. the Sweetheart’s Dance …. our first *real* kiss …" She raised her shining eyes to his again and for what seemed an age there was silence in the room, broken only by the crackling of the wood in the fireplaces as Michaela and Sully stood, drinking in the sight of each other and the joy being together brought them.

At last Sully again raised her hands to his lips and then spoke quietly, directly to her. "Michaela …. you know it aint like me ta wanna draw attention to myself … or us …. but I wanted our friends an’ family to hear what I have ta say …. they’ve all …. in their own way …. helped us through the past four years. I’ve learnt a lot about myself …. an’ us …. lately … an’ the folks here have played a special part in it …." He paused and his eyes swept over everyone in the room. "We both know that if Hank hadn’t noticed me in Paynesville we probably wouldn’ be together today …." He glanced over at the saloon keeper and nodded his thanks, then he reached down to grasp his youngest daughter’s hand. "An’ from real early on … a certain little lady taught me that it didn’ matter if I couldn’ remember things …. as long as I was there for her …. Our family an’ friends here accepted me with open arms … even knowin’ I didn’ remember ‘em …. We’re really lucky to have ‘em all in our lives. Doc …. Dorothy …. Cloud Dancin’ …. all made me see things clearer … an’ gave me the strength an’ encouragement ta be with ya … even when I was uncertain an’ didn’ remember much about our life together ….

"An’ that brings me to you Michaela …" He reached out to cup her face lovingly. "I fell in love with ya the first time I saw ya …. twice …. once years ago here in Colorado Springs … an’ then just a coupla months back in Paynesville …. I can’t explain how two people can be two halves of a whole …. but you an’ me are …. I know that as sure as I know I’ll love ya til the day I die …." From Grace’s direction, a stifled sob split the air and all of a sudden she was scrabbling for a handkerchief. Robert E handed her his and then wrapped his arm lovingly around her shoulders and pulled her close. Sully continued, "I’ve realised over the past few weeks that this time apart has bin hardest on you …. I didn’ know anythin’ about what I was missin’ …. but you did …. an’ then when ya found me there was no sayin’ that things would ever git back ta normal …" He gently ran his thumb across her cheekbone. "You believed in me …. in us Michaela …. even when I was angry an’ confused …. you believed in us ….. I realised somethin’ a few days back …. soon after you showed me the trunk with all my things in it …. I’d stopped bein’ Joseph …. even though there was still so much I didn’ know …. or didn’ understand …. I’d come home …."

By now there were many people in the room with tears in their eyes. He turned slightly towards their family and friends, placed his arm around Michaela’s shoulders and addressed them solemnly, "Me an’ Michaela have been apart for four years …. four long, confusin’, sad years …. but we’re together now …. an’ nothin’s gonna part us again." He turned back to face her, tenderly brushed away a tear of happiness, of love, rolling silently down her cheek, and then held his hand out to Cloud Dancing standing silently and proudly beside him. The medicine man placed a small shiny object in his hand and Sully addressed her once more, "I asked everyone ta come here today cos I wanted ta show them … an’ for you to know …. what ya mean to me …. an’ that the pain an’ uncertainty’s over Michaela …." He reached for her left hand and fingered her wedding and engagement rings. He held up the small object in his hand. "There are four stones in this ring Michaela …. for the four years we were apart …. but they’re not to remind us of the pain …. The stones are amethysts …. I chose ‘em to remind us that our love is forever …. that even four years of not knowin’ about each other couldn’ hurt what we have … what we’ll always have …" He held up his hand, the tiny ring resting in his palm, and then turned to the Reverend. "Would ya bless this ring reverend … before I put it on Michaela’s finger …. an’ then will ya bless us … all of us …. our family an’ friends?"

"I’d be delighted Sully …. Michaela," agreed the reverend, fumbling for the ring and then holding it up before the gathering. "I once, many years ago, spoke of Michaela and Sully’s remarkable love …. What we see here today …. and what we know they’ve endured during the past four years bear witness to that remarkable love … May the Lord bless this ring as a reminder of that love, may He bless you both and grant you no more heartache, only happiness, and may He bless everyone here present, friends and family …. may you find peace in your lives and love in your hearts." He handed the ring back to Sully who placed it reverently on Michaela’s finger, to rest beside her engagement ring.

The Reverend then moved back and beckoned to Cloud Dancing. The medicine man stepped forward and held his hand out over the clasped hands of his dear friends. He quietly intoned a Cheyenne prayer to the spirits, asking them to bless the union of Michaela and Sully. When he’d finished he silently walked across to stand close by his wife’s side.

As if everything and everyone else had disappeared, Michaela and Sully stood staring adoringly into each other’s shining eyes. Slowly, inexorably, Sully’s head dipped and he lovingly claimed her lips with his, their mouths opening and moving over each other’s, their bodies pressing close together. Who knows how the long the kiss may have gone on if it hadn’t been for Hank. "Hey you two," he called good-naturedly. "Time to come up for some air!" The pair broke apart, Michaela blushing furiously, Sully smiling indulgently. It was the reverend who then suggested, "Dr Mike …. maybe you’d like to say somethin’?"

Michaela’s blush deepened and she grasped Sully’s hand tightly in her own. She looked around at her family and friends, all smiling, none mocking, and her blush dissipated a little. "I don’t have much more to say," she stated quietly, emotionally.

"That’d be a first," jeered Hank, his smile broad. Friendly laughter echoed around the room.

"Its true," avowed Michaela with a smile, as silence once again fell. "Every one of you in this room knows what happened to me when Sully disappeared …. My world fell apart …. and no-one could put it back together again …. though I thank everyone of you for trying …" She turned back to him. "But you’re here now …. I’m whole again …. my life and heart are full." She raised his hand to her lips. "I love you so very much," she whispered. "Thank-you for today, my ring, and your love …"

"You’re welcome," Sully murmured softly in reply, bending to kiss her lightly once more.

At last Katie, who had stood silently by her parents throughout, had had enough of the hushed proceedings and lack of attention. She tugged at her ma’s skirt. "Mama?" she appealed excitedly. "Miss Grace made ya a beautiful cake …. an’ lots o’ other good things …. come on …." The room erupted into friendly laughter as the tension and solemnity of the occasion was broken. Elizabeth Quinn quickly moved forward to take first her daughter and then her son-in-law into her arms. Her eyes were suspiciously bright and she said not a word, but her deep feelings of love and congratulations were conveyed nonetheless.

Doc too was for once briefly lost for words. He embraced the pair and then said quietly to his protégé, "Well Jo …. Sully …. you have indeed learnt much these past weeks …. and with it you’ve changed …. for the better my lad …. Seeing you like this I know you’ll be happy …. and no longer have need for this old man’s meddling …"

Sully smiled and wrung the old doctor’s hand. "I’ll always need that Doc …. ta keep me headin’ in the right direction …." The old man smiled gratefully and moved aside so that Brian, Matthew, Colleen and Andrew, then all the others could add their congratulations.

For the next few hours the living room rang with the sound of laughter and good wishes, while Grace bustled around ensuring that everyone was well fed and comfortable. Throughout, Sully stayed close by Michaela, their hands often touching, their eyes often meeting. Cloud Dancing and Dorothy stood by, observing and delighting in the happiness of their dear friends, their ‘family’. Occasionally, they too would touch, each envying the fact that Michaela and Sully could so publicly display their love for each other. Perhaps one day ….?

At last the happy pair stood on the front porch watching and waving to the convoy of lamp lit wagons heading back into town. Much to Michaela’s surprise, when it came time for the townsfolk to leave, her smiling mother, then Doc and lastly Katie and Brian had each appeared from upstairs bearing small bags and proceeded to explain that they were staying the night in town – Katie and Brian with Colleen and Andrew, and Doc and Elizabeth in rooms graciously offered by Hank. Overwhelmed, Michaela had made only light protestations before they’d all been escorted out to various wagons and carriages for the short journey into town.

Michaela and Sully stood waving goodbye until the last wagon disappeared from view and then turned back towards the light and warmth of the homestead. Michaela preceded Sully inside and strolled over towards the leaping fire. She turned to face him as he approached. Her eyes were shining with love and gratitude and her skin was flushed with barely quelled arousal. He reached out to cup her face and she turned her head to kiss his palm and rest her head on his hand. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savouring having him close – his warmth, his scent, his love enfolding her. He stepped nearer and drew her into his arms and she rested her head against his shoulder. He held her close, caressing her back and running his fingers through the riot of coppery curls. After long moments, he said softly, "I love ya in this dress …."

She peered up into his blue eyes. "You remembered?" she asked softly.

"Uh huh …. you wore it in Boston …. an’ then at the Sweetheart’s Dance …. I thought I was gonna burst with pride …. dancin’ with the most beautiful woman in town …," he intoned softly, seductively.

Her skin flushed and warmed. "You didn’t tell me ….. that you’d remembered ….," she murmured, no trace of accusation in her tone.

"At first I couldn’ work out why I felt it was so important …. I asked Colleen … she told me …. an’ then I remembered even more about it …. That’s bin happenin’ a lot lately …," he rejoined, kissing the top of her head. "There was the kiss …. our first real kiss … after we started courtin’ …. I didn’ wanna stop …."

Michaela lowered her eyes and added shyly, "Neither did I …" She began to run her fingers through the porcupine quills adorning his wedding shirt. "So what else have you remembered?" she asked, unable to disguise the longing in her tone.

He drew back a little and cupped her face with his hands, bringing her eyes up to meet his. "To many things ta talk about right now," he replied lovingly. "But I remember the day ya told me Katie was comin’ …. out at the reservation …. an’ the Valentine’s Day I gave ya your engagement ring …. an’ when ya found our bed in here before it was finished …. all sorts of things …My mind’s bin jumpin’ from one thing to another for days now …" He leant close so that she could feel his breath on her skin. "Ya got beautiful eyes ya know …. specially when they’re shinin’ like they are now ….," he murmured. He kissed her tenderly, not allowing himself to lose control … just yet.

As he pulled back she followed him, moving up onto her toes, but he stayed out of reach. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" she asked breathily.

"Uh huh," he replied surely. "Cos I feel exactly the same way …" He took her left hand and kissed the rings on her finger. As she lowered her hand she examined her new, simple gold band set with the four, small, sparkling amethysts. "So you like your Christmas present huh?" asked Sully with a smile.

"Its beautiful," she said softly. She looked up into his eyes. "I’ve got your present too …. but I’m going to wait for Christmas …. alright? I’m sure you’ll be pleased …. Its something you need … to keep you warm …."

He nodded and smiled and then whispered, "I got all I need to keep me warm …. right now …. here beside me …."

She blushed and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him lightly before looking up onto his eyes again and asking, "Will you tell me something? Why today? In this way?"

"When I was thinkin’ of doin’ all this I wanted ta do it for ya for Christmas," explained Sully quietly. "An’ I wanted everyone here …. everyone who’s helped us through …. but they couldn’ all be here Christmas Day." She nodded in agreement. "An’ there was another reason …," he added.

"What’s that?"

"I wanted you all to myself after …. like this …. We couldna done this on Christmas night now could we …. I wanted it to be just us …. for just one night …."

Michaela blushed and again studied the new ring on her finger. "A forever love …. that’s what you called it …," she murmured pensively. She looked up at him, her eyes bright. "You’re right," she concluded, with a loving smile. "So very right …"

Unable to hold back the inevitable any longer, Sully suddenly swept her up into his arms and headed for the stairs. She wrapped her arms around his neck, rested her head against his shoulder and let him take her to the place she most longed to be.

Once in the warmth of their bedroom, he set her down gently on the bed, laying her back against the feather pillows. His eyes locking with hers, he climbed up to lay beside her and began to touch her, caress her, so gently, so lovingly, that she was soon sighing with pleasure. He gazed down at her adoringly and then slowly lowered his mouth to hers. She accepted him willingly, eagerly, and clasped him to her, revelling in the feel of him pressing close. Her heartbeat was quickening alarmingly and the blood seemed to be pounding through her veins. If he didn’t love her soon she thought she’d burst. She deepened the kiss and moved against him, signalling her desire, her need, so she was startled when he suddenly pulled back and slid off the bed to look down on her. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, her skin was aflame and her eyes brimming with desire. He stepped away from the bed.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?" she asked anxiously, her hand reaching out for him. He walked across to the fireplace and lifted the glass on the wall lamp to gently blow out the flame. He slowly walked to the next lamp and did the same. "Sully?" she murmured plaintively. "It doesn’t matter about the lamps."

He continued to slowly walk the perimeter of the room, extinguishing each lamp in turn. When he reached his side of the bed, almost within touching distance of her, he smiled and said huskily, "Its gittin’ darker Michaela …." He bent down and blew out the lamp on the nightstand, all the while watching for her reaction. "An’ darker," he added seductively.

Michaela’s eyes filled with tears as he climbed up onto the bed to once more lay along her length. "You *did* remember," she sobbed softly, lovingly.

"Uh huh …"

"How much?" she asked with longing, watching the gleam stealing into his eyes and the smile playing on his lips.

He shrugged his shoulders and replied teasingly, "Aint sure." Her face fell a little. He chuckled softly and began to nibble at her ear. "Maybe ya better refresh my memory," he murmured between kisses. He lifted his head to observe her reaction to his gentle bantering.

She suddenly smiled broadly and, resting her hand at the nape of his neck, she pulled him down and seized his mouth hungrily with her own. After the prolonged, passionate, very satisfying kiss she drew back a little and whispered, "No need to relive old memories, we have new ones to make …so many new ones …." She ran her thumb across his kiss-swollen lips. "My forever love," she murmured adoringly, and then drew him down to join with her once more.

"Now the fire is lit and that fire should not go out.
The two of you have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life.
It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness.
The new fire represents a new beginning, a new life and a new family.
This symbolic fire should keep burning in your heart and soul.
You should stay together …..
You have lit the fire for life …..
Until death separates you ….."

A Navajo Wedding Blessing

THE END