Chapter 6

Michaela awoke in Sully's arms after a night full of passion, the kind of passion only two separated lovers who have been rejoined could experience. She placed a light kiss on his chest and felt his fingers running up and down her arm.

"Hmmm…good morning Mr. Sully," she said, looking into his face.

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Good morning Mrs. Sully."

He laid her on the bed and began to kiss her softly. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. He kissed her lips, her neck, her shoulders. She sighed with pleasure. Sully's lips moved down to her soft belly, his hands cupping each breast tenderly.

Michaela's eyes opened wide when she remembered Matthew's departure. "Oh Sully," she said, sitting up and pulling the sheet over her. "I forgot to tell you Matthew's leaving for Denver today."

The mood now lost, a confused Sully sat up on his knees. "He goes to Denver all the time."

"No, no, no he's moving to Denver. He's going to law school."

"When did this happen?" he asked turning around and grabbing his buckskins off the bedpost.

"While you were away. He's leaving on the morning train." She glanced over at the clock on the mantle. "We better get moving if we're going to see him off."

Now half-dressed he crawled across the bed to where Michaela still sat covered by the sheet. He smirked. "We'll continue celebrating my homecoming later."

She placed a tender kiss on his lips and smiled. "It's so good to have you home."

Michaela and Sully found Matthew and Brian loading a trunk onto the back of the wagon. Katie smiled at them from her place on Michaela's hip.

"Thanks Brian," said Matthew to his younger brother, slapping him on the back. Matthew removed his hat and wiped his forehead with his arm.

They looked up and saw Sully standing next to Michaela. They ran to greet him. Brian hugged him hard.

"When did ya get back Sully?" he asked.

"Late last night," Sully said with a smile. Thinking of the homecoming his wife gave him, he gave her a sideways glance.

"Good to see ya Sully," said Matthew shaking his hand and then embracing him.

"Sure glad I got a chance to see ya before ya left Matthew."

The young man smiled. "I was just telling Ma last night how I wished I could talk to ya again."

"Well then, why don't the two of us take a quick walk while your Ma and Brian get ready to go."

Michaela and Brian left them and went back into the house. The two men walked around the homestead and exchanged a few words about Sully's trip. Matthew was hoping Michaela had been right when she told him Sully would approve of his decision.

"What do ya think about me goin to law school, Sully?" he asked.

Sully smiled. It seemed no matter how old they got, the kids still sought out his point of view, and it gave him a great feeling to know they valued his opinions so highly.

"I think it will be a great chance for ya Matthew. You've always been interested in the law. I guess it's a good thing ya stepped down as sheriff when ya did. It's givin ya a chance to pursue somethin new. Your Ma and I are real proud."

Matthew looked down at his feet, still doubting his decision. "So ya think I'm making the right choice then?" he asked.

Sully put a hand on Matthew's shoulder. "It's good to give some thought to what you're gonna do Matthew, but if ya think about it too much, you don't act. You spend all your time second guessin your decisions. Not too healthy for a future lawyer," Sully said, smiling at him again.

"Thanks Sully." Matthew reached over and hugged him. "I knew I could count on ya to make me feel better about leavin Colorado Springs."

"Just remember Matthew, your Ma and I are only a train ride away if you need us. No matter how old you get, we'll always be here for ya."

Matthew nodded. The men walked along towards the house. Michaela, Katie and Brian were coming down the porch steps. Matthew pulled on Sully's arm, stopping him, feeling the need to say more.

"Sully…when Ethan left for the last time, I was kinda relieved. He never really knew how to be a father to any of us. But I can't say I didn't miss havin a father around to talk to. When I got ready for the trip last night, I realized you've always been there for me – carin about me, showin me stuff, teachin me how to live my life right. You're my father Sully. You have been for years. I'm the man I am now, because of you." Matthew fought back the tears welling up in his eyes. He swallowed hard. "I'm gonna miss ya."

The tears tumbled down Matthew's cheeks Sully embraced him, closing his eyes and holding him close. "I'm gonna miss ya too." Sully replied in a raw voice.

"Come on you two, we're going to be late," Michaela called from atop the wagon seat.

The two men shared a smile. Matthew climbed in the back with Brian, and Sully took his place next to Michaela and Katie on the wagon seat. He chirruped to the horses and the wagon headed towards town.

When they arrived the entire town was at the platform waiting to say goodbye. Grace handed him a small package wrapped in brown paper. "Corn bread for your trip," she had told him. Dorothy said a quick goodbye, trying to hide the tears, then she went to stand by Michaela who was fighting back tears of her own.

Loren shook Matthew's hand, placing a small white envelope into his palm. "What's this?" he asked.

"Aw…Matthew, you shouldn't ask questions. Just remember to open it when ya get to Denver."

Matthew nodded. "I will."

Horace, Jake and the Reverend wished him well. Hank shook his hand telling him he had a friend or two in Denver who would be willing to help him out if he got lonely. Jake punched Hank in the arm. Daniel reassured Matthew he had made the right decision. Matthew smiled at the wise older man, so much like his best friend, Sully.

Michaela's eyes were moist when he reached over to embrace her. She kissed his cheek and stepped back to cup his face in her hand, reminding Matthew once again how proud she was."

"Remember to write," said Brian. "I'll miss ya."

Matthew rubbed Brian's head. "I'll miss ya too," he replied. "Take care of Ma and Katie while Sully's away surveyin."

"I will," answered Brian, confident he was up to the task.

Matthew stopped to look at Sully one last time. He thought Sully's eyes seemed moist. Too overcome with respect and love, Matthew could not speak. The two men hugged. Matthew could feel Sully's body heaving, forcing the tears back. He stepped back and nodded, and then looked at the platform full of people.

He picked up his bag and boarded the train. As he hit the top step, he had a passing thought of abandoning law school to stay in Colorado Springs where things were so certain and safe. He meandered down the aisle to a window seat and plopped himself down. He looked for Sully. He stood next to the rest of the family, pride shining on his face. Matthew knew he could not turn back.

The train chug-a-chugged as it pulled away from the platform. Hands and white handkerchiefs waved in the air. Brian and Michaela, with Dorothy close by her side, were all smiling as they watched the train move away. Sully stepped away from the crowd. The last thing Matthew saw was Sully wiping the tears from his face.