Chapter 4
He smiled, although David recognized the expression on Michaela's face that there was no reason for him to be happy or even excited to see her because she wasn't at all. Clearing his throat, David attempted another approach, giving Michaela no time to catch her breath. "I know you never wanted to see me again but I am here now. I need to examine you and want to make sure you are alright." David had tried in vain to sound strong and self confident but everyone in this room knew otherwise. Rebecca and Marjorie were stunned at how David was handling the situation for he hadn't changed at all; only thinking about himself and never even considering that he was not welcomed.
Just as Marjorie was about to reply, Michaela's voice echoed through the room that made Wolf jerk for a split second and slightly moved so he had a better view of what was about to happen. Sully had been moving closer to David as well, attempting to control his madness of how he spoke to Michaela. But seeing a magnificent strength in her eyes, Sully held back and listened but already ready to take David outside if necessary.
Before Michaela said even one word, David shuddered immediately as he saw how she was taking several deep breaths. Prepared for everything, David held his breath.
"These are your first words to me after two years? I can't believe you David." Even though Michaela realized she was still very weak, she had already analyzed her condition by herself. She felt every bone in her body but knew that this was a good sign for nothing seemed to be broken and only her head hurt. She figured she had probably a cut somewhere on her forehead because she could still taste the blood in her mouth and still felt the dry blood on her lips. Therefore she knew no more examination would be needed. She just would enjoy an hour rest and she will be fine.
Not giving David any chance to reply, she added quickly, "I am a doctor myself and you aren't. Not anymore. I am perfectly able to take care of my own." But as she said those last words, Michaela glanced over to Sully and gave him a small smile which he returned almost automatically.
Marjorie and Rebecca just stood next to the bed and had no idea of what to say or what they could do. On the one hand, they knew Michaela quite well and trusted her completely but she was also stubborn and wouldn't admit if she was more hurt then she led on. For now, they decided to keep quiet because they knew they wouldn't have a chance against her yet anyway.
Sully still looked at Michaela and was amazed of how strong she could be. She had been unconscious and her head hurt probably like hell but she just didn't show it to them. Only Sully had noticed it right away and was almost ready to take everyone outside. He realized that she might not be able to take the trip tomorrow and in his mind he was already forming a plan. He just didn't want to leave her behind. Not before they got to know each other better.
David felt his blood boiling deep within. He had to acknowledge that he wasn't prepared to deal with this situation at all and didn't know how to get out of it without having a huge argument with Michaela. Quickly thinking, David only knew one way to keep this from happening; backing down. He would still have enough time to be close to her on the trip.
"I am sorry, Michaela. You're right. You know what's best for you." David already rose from the bed but Michaela wasn't finish yet. "That's it? Now you just leave again? What are you doing here anyway, David?" Michaela was lost at words.
But David didn't turn around for he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself any longer. He only hoped they would have a better start tomorrow. That is what he believed anyway.
Wolf had followed David outside to make sure he was really gone because he didn't like this human at all and had sensed that his master had the same opinion. Watching him as he walked over to his belongings, Wolf stood still and tried to remember every movement of that human to recognize it again in the future. That way he would always know what to expect. Then he returned to the other humans for he knew it will be still quite exciting, sensing that something was going on between his master and that woman.
"He's goin' on the same trip as ya'll," Sully said bluntly, while everyone else seemed to avoid talking.
"What?" Michaela looked back over to Sully, still not believing what he had just told her.
"He's right, Michaela," Rebecca sighed, "apparently he booked the same trip as we did."
Michaela shifted again and moved higher up to the headboard. "I don't believe that. He was never interested in such vacations before. Unless…" but she stopped herself, shuddering only from the thought itself.
"Unless, he knew you were here as well," Marjorie muttered. Now it was out what everyone had been thinking.
Wolf felt that something was out of balance with the humans and decided it would be better to crawl away to a corner and get out of the way. He was not used to have so many people around him and the senses he picked up overwhelmed him quite a bit. He wanted to just run out of the room and be left alone but on the other hand, his legs wouldn't carry his body. Whining, he laid down on the small carpet at the end of the room and tried to calm his rising emotions. This will be a long night ahead of him. He was sure about that.
Yet, Sully wasn't sure of anything. He realized that there was way more to the story they were telling him. Of course he wanted to know everything to be prepared of how to handle the situation but didn't know if it would be too personal to ask them. Even though David had left the room, the air was still thick and heavy with racing hearts from each single one in the room although for different reasons.
Slowly, Michaela began to rose form the bed and put her feet down on the cold wooden floor but instantly realized again what she was wearing and felt embarrassed and angry at the same time that they didn't even bothered to get her clothes.
Sully only grinned seeing the shyness she apparently couldn't hide all the time. Clearing his throat, he offered. "I'll get your bag."
Michaela didn't know why but she only giggled, nodding her head. "Thank you. I think I would feel better in my own clothes. Even though," she returned his gaze, "your shirt feels comfortable." Never had she been so forward in her entire life and Michaela wasn't sure why she felt so bold in his presence. Her cheeks turned red as she stared into his eyes but Sully only smiled. "I'm glad." With that, he was out of the room within seconds.
Marjorie didn't waste any time in confronting her sister.
"What was that all about, Michaela?" Marjorie was shocked. "Is there anything you would like to tell us? Do you know Sully?" Marjorie couldn't help herself and didn't let Michaela catch her breath. It was unlike her sister to be so open to men and yet it seems as if they knew each other quite well already.
Michaela felt even more embarrassed now and with slowly rising from her sitting position she tried to avoid answering. As she held on to the bedpost, dizziness overcame her immediately again but she was determined to stay strong. Taking several deep breaths, Michaela finally stood steady on her feet still not paying any attention to her sisters.
Then her naked legs felt the cold breeze as she heard the front door opened again. Unfortunately Michaela turned her head to fast and couldn't hold on anymore. She let out a loud sigh before everything turned black. The last thing she felt were again strong arms catching her.
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It was dark when Michaela opened her eyes again and only the light from the full moon was shining into the room giving her a faint idea where she was. She tried to move but something felt different. Her head was lying not on a soft pillow as before and her feet were covered with something heavy, keeping them nice and warm. Then she felt a movement next to her and shortly after, a cold cloth was placed on her forehead. Yet, all that was fading away once she inhaled deeply. She knew this scent and immediately felt safe. Finally her eyes adjusted to the darkness and her gaze moved from the dog lying at her feet to his face. Sully's face.
"Hey," Sully smiled, still holding the cloth on her forehead. "You fainted again," Sully whispered. He had wrapped one arm behind her and Michaela's head lay in the crooked of his neck, feeling his chest rising and falling a little faster then hers.
Usually, Michaela would have jumped right out of the bed, finding herself lying in bed with a man. A man she didn't even know but strangely, she couldn't do it. Never had she thought she would fall so deep. Letting a man care for her in the middle of the night without any thoughts of shame or embarrassment. Strangely enough, it just felt right. Somehow she knew, Sully would never do anything to disrespect her and to her honesty, she needed care after having fainted twice.
"How ya feelin'?" Sully asked, only concern in his voice.
"The cold helps," Michaela sighed. "Where is everyone?"
At first, Sully had feared she would be angry with him to have sent her sisters away but she seemed more relaxed now then before.
"I sent them away to get some sleep. I told your sisters I'd get them as soon as you're awake." Sully was already moving but Michaela stopped him. "Don't." Surprised, Sully settled back down again. "Ya alright?" Sully asked again. Michaela only nodded but after a short pause, she added, "It's so quiet here now. Feels nice." Yet, Michaela began to giggle, "only the snoring of your dog is a bit loud."
Sully chuckled with her, "I can throw him out as well but he feels very protective for you," as I do Sully wanted to continue but suppressed the urge to tell her what had been on his mind all day yet he didn't want to push it. Having her lying in his arms, trusting him, was already more he had ever expected. Sully had no doubt that Michaela Quinn had turned his life upside down the minute they had talked on the phone for the first time. Suddenly there's her, having touched his heart of stone, opened his eyes that once couldn't see. It happened so fast that Sully never had a chance to escape. She had him mesmerized. He couldn't explain what had happened or where the road would take them but his Cheyenne brother had taught him not long ago, that if he couldn't treasure the moments, he couldn't truly appreciate them. Setting two hearts aflame to beat as one is simple but the fire that was once lit would go out if he resigned to let it happen. Remembering these words, Sully realized that it was up to him if he could to let the past rest in peace and finally let love back in his heart or would build a wall again, deciding a lonely life. Deciding to at least start a beginning, Sully attempted to start a conversation again.
"So, ya think ya'll be able to come with us on the trip now that we've finally met?" he whispered. Meanwhile Sully had already forgotten about the cloth which was lying on his stomach, wetting his shirt.
Michaela held her breath. The timbre of his voice made her quiver. Yet it was not the question alone that left her breathless but the tenderness and concern in his voice. For a while now Michaela knew that this would be a dance to uncertainty, not knowing the direction they were heading, yet she couldn't control the actions of her heart. On each single phone call they had shared Michaela hadn't found the strength to tell him what she felt, fears of rejection always on her mind. She knew it was silly to think this way, particularly they hadn't even looked into each others eyes at that point. But hearing his voice and how he took care of her, Michaela somehow hoped he felt the same way towards her. If life could only be a less more complicated she thought to herself.
Seeing no reaction from Michaela, Sully thought she had fallen asleep again and wanted to give her more space thus he tried to sit up again. Not only Wolf raised his head but Michaela as well. "Where are you going?" she asked.
Sully grinned, "I thought ya fell asleep and wanted to give ya some rest."
"But I didn't answered your question yet," Michaela smiled. "I feel a lot better. Thanks to you."
Sully leaned against the headboard again and without thinking he placed a soft kiss on her head. "Glad to hear that. But I'm still worried that ya ain't able to ride so soon. Ya have a big bump on your head." Only now Sully realized what he had done. Twice now Sully had kissed her. It felt so natural that he didn't even think about his actions only when he felt Michaela's breathing changed he apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
"Yes you did," Michaela whispered, yet feeling embarrassed of having answered so quickly.
"Ya're right," Sully chuckled, "but no need to feel embarrassed." It scared Michaela that he knew her so well already but decided to not let fear ruin the moment between them. "After a good nights sleep I will be fine in the morning. No need to worry."
"Ya're telling me not to worry after ya fainted twice today? I ain't risking you fallin' of the horse. You need a day of rest." Sully didn't want to sound so commanding but he was responsible for their safety.
"I am a doctor and I know when I need rest. I will be fine tomorrow." Michaela challenged.
Sully sighed. Why was she being so stubborn? Sully let go of her and stood. "I'm responsible for ya and everyone else. I ain't letting' ya on any horse tomorrow. And that's final!" Sully said angrily, already crossing the room. First Wolf didn't want to leave Michaela's side but Sully made it clear he was supposed to follow. Growling, he rose from his position and gave Michaela an apologizing look, his head down. Slowly he followed his master.
"I am not staying here. I will not permit you to talk to me the way you just did. You have no right…" but Michaela was interrupted.
"I've every right. Ya're on my trip an' you do what I say. You stay here tomorrow. If you don't ya can leave whenever ya want!" Sully saw the hurt in her eyes and he already regretted what he said but he knew he had to stay strong. Yet, he couldn't leave her. Leaning against the doorframe, his voice soften. " Ya're right. I shouldn't have raised my voice but we've two long an' difficult weeks ahead of us. Ya need your strength. Therefore, I want ya t' take it easy tomorrow." Sully hoped with this explanation she would agree but he couldn't be more wrong.
Michaela was never easy on people who told her different or commanding what she was suppose to do. She had enough. "I appreciate your concern but as I told David, I am capable of taking care of myself. I am fine. I will be as good as new in the morning." She raised her eyebrows, challenging Sully with her determination.
Staring in her eyes, Sully growled. "I ain't rescuing ya again!" With that he closed the door behind him and Wolf.
Michaela let out a deep sigh. Her head was hurting again and she reached for her medical bag her sisters had brought in earlier. Taking several painkillers, Michaela realized that Sully might have been right and she should take it easy tomorrow. Yet, she knew her body. The only thing she needed right now was sleep. She always felt better in the morning; no matter how exhausted she had been.
Before she settled down onto the soft mattress again, she heard his low voice from behind the door but this time he was talking to his dog.
"No boy, ya stay here and make sure she won't leave the house tomorrow!" She heard Wolf whining, showing his protest but Sully made it clear again. "Ya're my eyes. Ya ain't letting' her out of sight. That's an order!"
She already threw the covers off and was about to step on the wooden floor but in the last second she decided against it. Lying back down, Michaela giggled, forgetting their disagreement. The dog will be quite busy then she thought to herself. Turning towards the window, Michaela closed her eyes, already making plans.
Sully didn't move. He waited for the door to swing open but it never happened. He knew she had listened to every word and had been prepared for another disagreement. Satisfied that Michaela obviously had not the strength for it, he finally left the house. It was late but with todays' circumstances, Sully had neglected everyone else and wanted to make it up to them in the morning.
He had made up his mind. Since he didn't want Michaela to miss it, he decided to take her along, but only if she would cooperate. Grinning, Sully knew that this will be the first challenging for him in the morning.
With this plan in mind, he wanted to get everyone up with the first rays of dawn. He had to hurry to put his plan into action for there was still a lot to do and since he was used to work in the dark, Sully didn't mind at all. Sleep wouldn't overcome him anyway at this moment. Too many emotions were running deep within him and therefore he was glad that he had work to do. With a slight but exhausted smile on his face now, Sully went to the field.
Sleep wouldn't come. The plan he once had, to finally getting back with Michaela, had to be thrown overboard. At least, for the time being. Too many obstacles were in his way to win her back at this moment. He realized that this had been one of the worst scenarios of how they would meet for the first time and David had to admit that right now, there won't be any chances that Michaela would fall for him again. He needed to back down. Yet, he didn't want to give up. He would stay and would wait for the right moment to come. He just needed to be patient.
Taking out Michaela's picture from his pocket again, David softly ran his fingers over her face. She still looked as beautiful as the first time they had met and she still was as stubbornness as always. Yet, before he could reveal in his memories, he was disturbed by the sound of footsteps in front of his small cabin. Making his way over to the door, David peeked outside the window, curious why someone would be still up at this hour.
As soon as David saw the figure close to his porch, his anger returned. Inhaling deeply, he tried to control his desire to just run out and show Mr. Sully some respect. Since he stepped with his feet on his property, he only has shown that he didn't like him at all. Yet, David felt the same way about this *playing Indian type of guide* so to speak. There was nothing at all he found nice about him. Unfortunately to his surprise, Michaela did. Maybe, if he would be friends with Mr. Sully, he would get closer to Michaela as well. "It's worth a shot," David mumbled to himself and already made up his mind. He would apologize to Sully and Michaela in the morning. Moving away from the window, David returned to the bed, taking the picture of Michaela in his hands and promised himself, he would do what it takes to finally make Michaela see, there was no way of escaping him.
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"Do you think we should check up on Michaela? See if she is alright?" Marjorie asked, still unsure about her condition. "What if David goes back to her?"
"Mr. Sully is with her and he promised to get us if anything is wrong with Michaela," Rebecca simply answered, somehow trusting this man already.
"What do you think David wants?" Marjorie continued, not wanting to let it go. "He knows he won't have a chance to win Michaela back," Marjorie whispered, hoping Rebecca was still awake.
Rebecca sighed, "You know how he was. David always made it clear that he never gives up in what he wants. You saw him, when we took out Michaela's belongings from his house. He told Michaela, he will never stop loving her. He will be the perfect gentleman for Michaela. Just wait and see."
Marjorie sat up in bed, fear across her face, "You don't think, she will go back to him, do you?"
"You never know. She might feel responsible what he had been through in the past. I don't know," Rebecca sighed.
"Well, I won't let that happen," Marjorie stated, "and I have reason to believe, Mr. Sully will have a word in that matter as well. He likes Michaela."
"I have the feeling there is more to it then Michaela let's on. Look at them. Did you notice how they looked at each other? She was never so open to men before." As the oldest, Rebecca could see right through her sisters, no matter the situation. Each glance, each step or any tears her sister went through, she knew about them. This was the result of being the big sister to them all.
"You mean, you think they knew each other before? Wouldn't you think, Michaela would have told us?" Marjorie couldn't believe it.
"Well, I guess we will find out tomorrow," Rebecca replied, yawning. "Let's get some sleep. I have the feeling we won't get much of it for the next weeks. Try to get some rest, Marjorie."
Rebecca was half asleep, when she heard her sister whispering again, "they are a cute couple," Marjorie grinned.
"Let her be, Marjorie," Rebecca sighed. "Don't even think about interfering! You know how she gets."
"I won't," Marjorie said, trying to hide her amusement. She wouldn't do anything yet, her eyes were closely on her sisters' and would just give Michaela a little push if necessary.
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Matthew would kill him. Brian was sure about that as he was walking in his pajamas over to Sully's house. He had heard about a lady doctor arriving late and he was curious if she was the same one that saved his mothers life. His Dr. Mike. Slowly, he made his way over to the entrance and saw Wolf lying on the front porch. "Hey Wolf," Brian greeted him. The dog wagged his tail, excited that someone really paid attention to him and not just giving orders. He rose from his lying positing and sniffed at his little friends hands, pushing Brian indicating that he was tired of doing nothing and wanted to play. "Not now, Wolf," Brian whispered, "we play tomorrow. I promise." Wolf growled. Again, he was being ignored.
Quietly, Brian entered the house and tiptoed over to the bedroom. He had overheard the conversation from the two women, that she was sleeping in Sully's bed. Brian only hoped he wouldn't disturb Sully if he was with her. Slowly, he turned the knob but before he could open the door, he heard the voice he had missed so much. "Brian? Is that you?" Michaela asked surprised, opening the door fully.
Michaela didn't have any chance to escape the small arms circling her waist, hugging her tight. "Dr. Mike," Brian breathed, "it's really you!" A tear rolled down his cheek as he snuggled even closer, not willing to let go. Brian still remembered the moment Dr. Mike had told them the good news after the difficult surgery his Ma had. Everyone, including his big brother Matthew and his sister Colleen, had hugged her tight, thanking her for saving Charlotte's life. It had been weeks full of fear, anger and frustration until finally the day had come to put the past behind them and move forward. Dr. Mike was there for them from the first day his Ma was brought into the hospital and had spent hours to ease the pain for each single one of them.
Yet, Brian was not the only one remembering the magical moment. It had been the second day Michaela had worked for the Denver Hospital when the Cooper family had captured her heart. Though circumstances of real life, they didn't have a chance to keep the close relationship they had alive. A few phone calls here and there was all they had done but never had forgotten the bond they shared. Now, they were reunited.
Brian clung to Michaela as she moved back over to the bed, sitting down on the edge still with his arms around her waist. Gently, she touched the back of his head as she spoke, "I am so glad you are alright Brian. How is your mother, Matthew and your sister doing? Are they here as well?" Finally Brian let go and wiped away his tears. "Just Matthew but Ma is alright and Colleen is with her friend Becky." Suddenly it occurred to him that she was really sleeping in Sully's bed. Brian's eyes widened and he grinned from ear to ear. "Do you love Sully? You're sleeping in his bed! That would be so cool. Then I would see you every time I visit Sully."
Michaela had never been so thankful for the darkness as before for it hid the redness on her face as she listened to Brian's words. Composing herself from the shock, Michaela replied as calm as possible but couldn't cover up the faster breathing, "Brian, I…that is, I mean…"
"She had an accident Brian. That's why she's sleepin' in my bed and ya should be in yours. What're ya doing up?" Sully asked stepping into the room, turning on the light. He could see Michaela averting his eyes and looked in the opposite direction. "Oh Sully," Brian grunted, "I just needed to find out if the woman doctor was really Dr. Mike." Brian looked back to her and continued, "now I know she is here and I am gonna spend whole two weeks with her. I need to tell Matthew. This will be so exciting. Good night, Dr. Mike. Good night Sully." Then he winked over to Sully, "Don't kiss too much or you will sleep too long." Before either Michaela or Sully could reply, Brian was out the door, yet running directly into Matthews arms. Hearing the tiny argument between the two brothers, Michaela and Sully couldn't contain the laughter at the young boys comments. "I am sorry but that is Brian. Always speaking directly what's on his mind," Sully tried to apologize, yet with a smile on his face. "Good night Dr. Mike. We will talk tomorrow," came Matthew's voice before he swung Brian over his shoulder and left them alone.
"He has quite an imagination, doesn't he?" Michaela stuttered, suddenly feeling very warm.
"Yeah, he does. He always had. But sometimes," Sully continued, looking Michaela directly in her eyes, "sometimes, kids see more than we do." He didn't know why he had said that but suddenly he knew he had to get out. Turning around, Sully went for the door. "Oh yeah, by the way if ya're up to you can come with us in the morning. It will be an early start."
Michaela hadn't had a chance to really speak for her throat was so dry it hurt. Only now, she found her voice back, slightly smiling as she replied, "so you changed your mind?"
"Not completely," Sully winked back and closed the door behind him.
"And ya," Sully said sternly to Wolf who was laying down by the door again, "ya were supposed to watch her! But I can see ya've a soft spot for her, hu?" Sully's voice softened with each word and crouched down to his knees, gently stroking Wolf behind his ears. "But ya know what?" Wolf straightened his ears and slightly bend his head, listening fully to his masters words. "I do too," Sully whispered, "I do too."
