Hey guys, early this week as I am busy tomorrow and I thought you would prefer it now then waiting till Saturday. We're midway through the story now.

Treading on toes

Horace stood up and observed the small gathering seated around the church, he had hoped that the more people would be interested in the update on the water project but it seemed that the twenty or so people spread out around the building was all that would turn up and even then most of those were attached to the council or the project in some way, in fact as he studied the crowd there were only three people who weren't involved sat waiting for the meeting to start. He sighed and glanced towards the window, wondering if the pelting rain was the reason for it. He reached for the gavel and lightly struck it against the table to call the meeting to order. "Well, evening everyone," he smiled uneasily. "Thanks for coming out tonight 'specially as the weather is so bad," he looked towards the window once more as if to confirm that it was still horrible outside. "So we're gonna give ya an update on what's happening with the water project. So I'll hand ya over to Reverend Alex," Horace nodded to the young reverend.

"Good evening," Alex smiled at the group. "Well my involvement has been to deal with the money. With what we had left over for the last year we've invested in some more shares to create a larger pot of money for us to spend on this project. With the current dividends we are receiving and the current price of pipe and the other parts we shall need we have predicted that this project will take approximately five years to complete. I'll hand you over to Sully to explain the particulars."

Sully rose as Alex sat down and held his notes tightly. He hated speaking to large groups, so instead focused his gaze on Michaela who met him with a warm comforting smile as she sat slightly reclined watching the proceedings. "We've hired someone to handle the first of the works, but given the expense we're only gonna use him for a little while. The plan of the project is to ensure there are water collection points at major crossing points in town and that all businesses that require water shall get a tap. The first project will be constructing sewerage to take the waste water away and that is what the man we're hiring is gonna do," he took a deep breath, "then he's gonna teach me and Robert E how to install the pipes and taps, and we'll teach everyone else. We're gonna start with the clinic first."

"Why?" One of the assembled called out. "Because she's ya wife?"

Sully turned and looked at the heckler, Pete O'Leary rearing his annoying head again. "No, because she won't be there when we are ready to start the works."

"Why ain't she gonna be there?" Pete stared at Michaela, "She running out on ya?"

"No," Michaela spoke coolly, shifting to emphasis her middle. "I shall be on maternity leave, they are planning on doing it then."

Pete made hissing noise and slumped down into his seat.

"As Dr Mike said," Sully smiled at his wife. "She's not gonna be there so it will give us the time to do it right and not cause any problems for any of the other businesses. So has anyone got any sensible questions?"

Sully paused as he walked towards his bedroom before swinging round and sticking his head round the corner of Esmee's door.

"Na'he," he purred softly at the little girl, "its bedtime."

"Iee tidy Papa," Esmee called looking up from her beloved wooden farm yard.

"Come on Na'he into bed," Sully repeated moving into the room and towards his daughter ready to put her back into bed.

"Iee make space Papa," Esmee insisted, carefully standing all her carved animals up.

"Space?" Sully dropped to his knees beside her. "What ya gotta make space for?"

"Baby," Esmee grinned excitedly and clapped her hands, "here soon."
"Not for a while yet," Sully grinned. "Come on time for bed."

"Iee need...need..." Esmee looked flummoxed as her lack of vocabulary meant she could not put together a valid response to her father. "Baby bed," she dropped her hands onto her knees. "Here" she pointed to the space that she usually played in.

"You wanna sleep with the baby," Sully's smile widened. "Sorry Na'he but Storm is gonna sleep with me and ya Ma."

"No," Esmee shook her head. "Vylet."

"Violet is gonna move in with you?" Sully reached and stroked Esmee's beautiful brown curls. "At least for a little while?"

"Is?" Esmee looked surprised, "Oh!" She looked around her room. "Still need space" she looked at her toys which were neatly put on her shelf. "Iee tidy."

"You leave the tidying to me," Sully opened his arms enticingly, inviting Esmee into his arms, something the two year old could not resist. He enveloped his little girl in his arms and cuddled her "You need to go to sleep."

"Iee, Iee," Esmee started to protest before yawning widely. "Okies."

"Ya want me to tuck ya in?" Sully asked her tenderly rocking her from side to side.

"Yup peas," Esmee snuggled into her father's warmth.

Sully carefully got to his feet and carried his middle daughter to her bed, positioning her in the middle of the bed, and for the second time that night bringing the covers up around her and tucking her colourful quilt into the mattress. "There ya are."

"Tank ou," Esmee stroked his forearm lovingly as he tenderly rubbed her torso with his warm hand. "Papa wain."

"Yeah it's raining again," Sully glanced at the window, his construction mind working overtime as he thought about the half finished roof on Brian and Rosie's new house and how long it would take him to brush out all the water which would no doubt have collected.

"Wain lots," Esmee yawned, her blue eyes watching the raindrops flow down her window. "Papa."

"Yeah Na'he?" Sully asked smiling as he watched her eyelids droop.

"ov o..." the little girl didn't finish her sentence. Snuggled in her comfortable bed and with her father's soothing motions on her chest, she slipped into sleep quickly.

"Love you too," Sully leaned in and kissed her softly before rising carefully from the bed and turning her lamp down to the tiny flicker he left on till ten o'clock when he secured the house before going to sleep. Checking Esmee was properly secure in her bed; Sully slipped out of the room and resumed his journey to his room.

He grinned as he stepped inside, delighted by the sight of his wife stood in just her bloomers and the band of fabric she wore across her breast to provide them extra support. He studied her for a few moments, marvelling how her belly now encompassed her whole torso, rising from just beneath her breasts to arch out to her popped out navel before curving back down to her pubic bone. "The girls are tucked up in bed," he spoke softly, realising that as she was examining herself she had not realised he was there.

Michaela jumped slightly and blushed quickly grabbing at her shift to cover herself. "Oh Sully."

"Don't be shy," Sully crossed to her and brushed the shift away so that he could study her some more. "It's beautiful."

Michaela blushed harder, her cheeks almost fluorescent in the firelight. "Sully..."

"No," Sully brought his finger to her lips to shush her. "It is," he kissed her softly as his hand came to rhythmically stroke her bare stomach. "It's beautiful," he rested his forehead against hers and looked downwards as he continued to tenderly caress her belly. "Ya starting ta get big."

"Starting!" Michaela lifted her head away and looked at him incredulously. "I'm enormous!"

"No ya ain't," Sully shook his head and slipped his arm round her back holding her tightly. "Ya the same size ya were at this stage when ya had Esmee."

"I was enormous when I had Esmee," Michaela pointed out, wriggling to get out of his grip so she could retrieve her shift which now lay on the floor.

"I'll get it," Sully released her reluctantly and collected the nightgown from the floor and held it out to her. "Ya said James said everything was fine," he turned to give her the privacy she wanted to checked on Violet, the two year old half asleep her thumb in her mouth, her finger rubbing her nose as she sucked her digit for comfort. Sully smiled as he watched Michaela's reflection in the window, the darkness outside acting like a mirror and showing her in her wondrous glory as she removed her undergarments and pulled on her shift. "Everything is alright though?" he called softly to her.

"Yes," Michaela approached him from behind. She pressed her belly into the small of his back and wrapped her arms around him. "James said everything is fine, though I am measuring at 26 weeks and not 23."

"That ain't too...woah," Sully gasped as he felt a strong movement from the baby through Michaela's skin and against his back. "Did that hurt?"

"No," Michaela shook her head and slowly twisted him round, she smiled coyly at him. "You promise I don't look enormous?"

"I promise, it's only to you coz ya so tiny normally," Sully kissed her softly, his lips slowly trailing down her jaw line and neck to find her shoulder blade. "Hhhhhhh," Sully exhaled and broke away from her suddenly. "I think I should go run in the rain," he exhaled again trying to control himself.

"You would catch a chill," Michaela shook her head, her smile widening as she saw the effect she was having on her husband. "Well that is flattering," she giggled shyly and walked slowly to the bed to negate her waddle she hated so much. "You know I feel lighter somehow."

"Lighter?" Sully looked at her confused, his mind still struggling to quell his unusable desire he felt for his wife. "I thought ya said ya had gained weight."

"No I don't mean like that," Michaela sat on the bed and worked her way back. "Like a worry has been lifted, I'm not certain why," she smiled as she rubbed her stomach, her slender hand slowly tracing the movement of the baby.

"The calm before Storm," Sully grinned he nodded towards her bump. "I don't reckon we'll have it that easy till little one arrives."

"No," Michaela chuckled. "That does not sound like our life at all," she lifted her legs onto the bed and lay back against her pillows. "Sully? Would it be possible that I may use one of your pillows?" she studied her husband's side of the bed.

"Course ya can," Sully leant over her to pull one of his pillows off his pile and lay it beside her. "You can have them both if ya need," he leaned down and kissed her. "Anything to make ya comfy."

"Mama!" Katie bounded out of the school house with exuberance and looked as though she was plough into her mother, instead she skidded to a halt. "Ya came to get me," Katie beamed up at Michaela before throwing her arms around her.

"I came and got you yesterday," Michaela chuckled, loving how her normally tactile daughter had become so much more affectionate with her excitement of the new baby. "Did you have a good day?"

"Yeah," Katie sighed a little sadly. "I got a word wrong," she flared her eyes, "that hardly never happens!"

"Hardly ever," Michaela corrected. "What was the word?"

"It was a hard one," Katie qualified her reason for misspelling it, "government," she sighed. "I missed the first n," she tipped her head to one side. "Can we wait for Benny?"

"We may," Michaela touched Katie on the nose. "Why is he running late?"

"Miss Wyern wanned to see him," Katie reached up and put her hands either side of Michaela's belly before pressing her ear against the swell, trying to listen to her unborn sibling.

Michaela smiled and tenderly rubbed Katie's back. "Do you hear anything?"

"Nah," Katie lifted her head and rubbed her cheek. "I feeled it…uh felted…felt it though. Da baby is getting stronger Mama."

"I know," Michaela held her hand out to her daughter. "Don't bounce so much Sweetheart," she requested as she noticed the way her daughter was moving and the little quagmire that Katie was creating around her feet.

Katie looked down. "Oh, eww! It's really raining at the moment Mama. You think Papa will be alright at the new house?"

"I think he shall be fine," Michaela assured her daughter. "Hello Ben," she greeted the little boy as he passed out of the schoolhouse.

"Oh Hi," Ben smiled, delighted to find that Katie had waited for him.

"What did Miss Wyern want Benny?" Katie asked curiously.

"She wanted me to be a team leader on the project she told us about," Ben smiled proudly. "She's gonna split us into teams and I get to be in charge of one."

Katie gave an excited squeal. "Well done Benny!"

"Congratulations Ben," Michaela smiled at the clearly pleased little boy. "What is your project on?"

"It's a history project," Ben told her falling into step next to Katie and taking her book strap from her so he could also hold her hand. "On the Tudor Kings from England, each team gotta talk about one of the kings or queens from then. I chose Queen Elizabeth."

"There are girl queens?" Katie looked surprised before frowning as she realised what she said. "I didn't know that girls could be in charge of a country Mama, she musta been kinda like you," Katie smiled up at her mother before turning her attention to the ground. "Mama why is it raining so much? It's making ya dress all muddy and that ain't good coz ya don't have many at the moment."

Michaela paused and considered Katie's question. "I don't know why it is raining so much Sweetheart, and I have enough dresses."

"Really?" Katie looked at her surprised. "Ya only really wearing two at the minute."

"Those are the ones that fit me best," Michaela smiled at her daughter's observations. "The others are for when I get bigger."

"Mama will get really big," Katie told Ben before smiling up at Michaela. "Coz we love her so much."

"Thank you Sweetheart," Michaela blushed.

"Maybe you should get some more dresses," Ben commented. "I could get you one if you want, I have some money saved and I didn't get ya a birthday present."

"Thank you for the offer Ben, but no," Michaela smiled at the sweet little boy.

"The dress shop is just down there I don't mind," Ben paused on the bridge and pointed. "Oh, there's a new shop."

"There is?" Katie let go of her mother's hand and ran to the railings on the bridge to have a look. "Mama can I go see what it is?"

"You may," Michaela held her hand out to take the book straps from Ben and watched the two children rush off to investigate. She smiled to herself as she watched them, marvelling at how much her first baby had grown as Storm gently rolled about inside her, the new baby's movements getting stronger and stronger each day.

"NO WAY!"

Michaela looked up alarmed as Katie screeched and skidded to a halt. Before Michaela had a chance to call to Katie to see what was wrong, she heard Horace calling her name.

"Dr Mike, Oh Dr Mike," Horace rushed up to her holding his hand in his other. "I'm real sorry to bother ya."

Michaela's eyes picked up the blood seeping through his fingers and she sprung into doctor mode immediately. "What happened?"

"It was silly really?" Horace winced as she examined his hand. "I picked up something that was too heavy and a bit wide for the door and then I jammed by hand and the metal strapping cut it. I'm real sorry to keep ya."

"Nonsense," Michaela admonished him. "Come to the clinic."

"Mayor Horace how could ya?" Katie stomped up with annoyance. "We don't need another Doctor, we got Mama."

"Another doctor?" Michaela and Horace whispered at the same time.

"I ain't," Horace shook his head forcefully. "I would never," he stared wide eyed at Michaela "Never, not unless ya asked me to."

Michaela swallowed. "I believe you Horace," she glanced in the direction that Katie had just come from towards the store which had been empty for so long. "Let me tend to your hand," she smiled weakly turning her gaze to Horace's injury, taking her mind off the information she had just found out.

"What now Mama?" Katie asked as she deposited the bag of flour onto the counter. It was Saturday and with Sully busy working on Brian's new house to make up the time he had missed because of the rainstorm that had held Colorado Springs in its grip the past two days, the girls were helping Michaela with part of the main supply shop. "Do we need anything else?" Katie asked scanning the counter.

"Will you check the list?" Michaela handed Katie the sheet of note paper and returned the indulgent smile that Loren was giving her.

"Mama," Esmee scurried across with the last item she had been asked to find and handed it up.

"Thank you Sweetheart," Michaela smoothed a loose strand of Esmee's curls.

"Mama," Esmee whispered grabbing hold of her mother's skirt and wrapping it round her like a cloak "Was sistee?"

"Sixteen?" Michaela deciphered. "It's a number Sweetheart."

"Papa say sisteen," Esmee looked curiously up at her mother.

"Oh," Michaela smiled at her little one. "Were you spying on your father and I?" Michaela stifled a laugh as Esmee shook her head violently. "Papa was saying it is sixteen weeks till Storm is born."

"That much?" Loren commented as he started to tally up the contents of the basket. "Ya look pretty big already."

Michaela sighed. "Yes, and I know."

Loren shifted realising he may have upset her. "I mean that in a nice way though, it kinda suits ya," he glanced to the side. "I got some new catalogues in, some real cute baby stuff in that. Some good boy stuff."

"Is the baby a boy?" Katie looked up from the list wide eyed. "Mama, is the baby a boy?"

"I don't know Sweetheart," Michaela rubbed her stomach. "We won't know until the baby is born."

"Your mother is right."

Michaela turned to look at the gentleman who approached from behind with his shopping.

"As is the gentleman," the unknown customer gestured to Loren. "It does suit you," the man lifted a newspaper from the display on the counter. "But I'm afraid no one shall know anything about the baby until it is born."

"Mama knows all about babies." Kati scowled slightly at the new gentleman.

"I can imagine, with three already," the man looked across at Violet who was sat on the Reverend's knee happily playing with his neck tie.

"No, coz she's a doctor," Katie folded her arms.
"A doctor?" The man looked at Michaela surprised.

"Yes, Dr Michaela Quinn," Michaela introduced herself. "I run the clinic," she indicated her second favourite building, second only to her beloved homestead.

"Oh," The man straightened his cuffs. "I thought that sign had a misprint."

Michaela tensed, and flicked her eyes up and down the tall thin man. She forced herself to smile as she took in his slicked back sandy hair and his cold blue eyes, in an instant seeing behind his familiarity to see the coldness that lay within him. "No, there is no misprint."

"Mama is a real good Doctor," Katie stood defensively. "She's real clever."

"Dr Mike was top in her class," The Reverend added from the table, picking up on the conversation and coming to his friend's aid.

"A woman's college one presumes," the man snorted.

"Yes it was a woman's college," Michaela responded in clipped tones. "I do apologise, but who exactly are you?"

"Oh forgive me how rude," The man held out his hand for Michaela to take. "Dr Alfred Yault."

Michaela swallowed. "Pleased to meet you," she weakly shook her hand.

"We don't need another doctor," Katie stood firm, defending her mother.

"I would imagine you do actually," Yault patted Katie on the top of her head. "With another baby coming," he patted Michaela's middle. "I doubt your mother will be any use to anyone but you," he placed a coin on the counter. "Good day," with a tip of his hat he walked out of the store.

"MAMA!" Katie shook her head in disgust. "That was...he was...he was... Ahhhh!" she threw her arms around Michaela unable to put her anger into words.

"You alright Dr Mike?" Loren asked noting how Michaela's face had paled.

"I'm fine thank you Loren," Michaela whispered quietly, her anger barely disguised. "Would you be so kind as to carry the supplies to the wagon for me?" she looked down at her coin purse as she felt angry tears prickle in her eyes. "I would really appreciate it."

"Sure thing Dr Mike," Loren reached out and squeezed her hand comfortingly. "Not a problem."

Sully gave a soft contented sigh as he slipped into the side door of the homestead. He had spent all day on a cold wet construction site, finishing the roof of Brian and Rosie's house so that he could at least work on it even if it rained. What with spending about six hours hammering down shingles and spending the rest of the day trying to sweep away the small lagoon which had accumulated where the rain for the past two days had come through the incomplete roof, he was exhausted and his arms and shoulder ached. As he kicked his muddy boots off, he listened to the sounds of his home. Of his daughter's playing some exuberant game upstairs which involved bouncing up and down, three little pairs of feet creating a perfect accompaniment to the gentle crackle and pop of the fires burning bright and warm in the fireplaces. The noise of his wife clattering in the kitchen as she made their supper, the subtle swish of the knife as it sliced through vegetables before the staccato tap as it made contact with the board. The noise of his home, the noise that was his medicine. He closed his eyes and absorbed it for a few moments, letting the warmth soak into him and make him feel more human again. The loud clank of a pan being almost slammed onto the stove made him open his eyes and he padded round to the kitchen to see if Michaela was alright or if she was trying to lift something which was too heavy for her. As he rounded the corner he instantly knew something was wrong, the way her slender shoulders were tense, her whole body rigid which he knew would not doubt be causing her already aching back to hurt all the more. Realising she hadn't noticed his arrival Sully crept up behind her and slid his arms around her. Michaela tensed for a moment before relaxing slightly when she realised it was him.

"Tell me what happened," Sully whispered softly to her as his large loving palms tenderly stroked her gently moving middle. He kissed her behind her ear, the tender place of white flesh that always made her stop and gasp.

"There is a new Doctor," Michaela whispered quietly, placing the knife on the chopping board and sinking into him. "I met him in the store today, he is..." she paused considering how best to describe Alfred Yault.

"Arrogant, chauvinistic, sexist," Sully offered. "All of the above."

"Yes," Michaela sighed. "It's silly that it bothers me so much."

"No it ain't," Sully slowly moved his hands from her belly to wrap tightly around her, providing her the stability and support that he knew she needed. "Been a long time since someone belittled ya."

"That's it exactly," Michaela nodded. "I felt belittled. I used to deal with that type of prejudice all the time but now, I'm so used to being accepted it stung."

"Everyone in Colorado Springs knows what a good doctor ya are," Sully kissed her tenderly. "Everyone. This new Doctor just needs to learn that too."

Michaela smiled, for the first time all afternoon feeling almost herself, the slight from the other doctor not hurting so much before because of her wonderful husband. "You always know what to say," she rested her head against his shoulder. "What would I do without you?"

"You'd be making supper," Sully loosened his grip on her slightly.

"What?" Michaela turned her head. "I am making supper."

"No ya not," Sully guided her to the chair. "You sit and rest."

"But you have been working all day," Michaela protested as he tried to make her sit down.

"And you've been working for the past six months," Sully kissed her in a way that her knees went weak and she was forced to sit down. "I'll finish supper, you rest Storm," he smiled cheekily at her, "and then after the kids are in bed, me you and Storm can have a nice warm bath together." His smile widened as Michaela's face brightened at the mention of a shared bath. "How's that sound?"

"Wonderful," Michaela gave a contented sigh. "Absolutely wonderful."

Michaela turned round from the linen cabinet at the sound of her youngest children's delighted laughter. Klara had both Esmee and Violet on the small cot and was tickling Esmee mercilessly, making the almost three year old roll around the small bed in hysterics, something which Violet found terribly funny, so much so that the little two year old was laughing almost as hard as her older sister.

As she was about to move to join in her foot poised to start walking towards them a soft knock sounded on the door followed by it opening a crack.

"Dr Mike?" Horace's voice sounded through the gap between door and frame. "Is it alright if I come in?"

"Yes Horace," Michaela moved towards the door to greet him. "Are you alright?"

"Oh Yeah sure," Horace backed into the room. "Ya delivery arrived. Hi Klara, girls." Horace nodded his head at the group on the cot. "How you doing today?"

"Good," Esmee told him breathily slipping out of Klara's reach. "Mama Iee hewlp," she trotted over to the examination table. "Peas Mama Iee hewlp."

"Alright." Michaela smiled at her daughter and handed Esmee one of the packages, knowing from its weight that there was no glass inside. "Thank you for bringing this over Horace."

"Oh it's no bother," Horace smiled, clearly pleased to be appreciated. "I know Sully usually gets ya deliveries for ya and he's working for the town taday," he tipped his hat. "I'll see ya Dr Mike."

"Goodbye Horace," Michaela bade Horace farewell as he rushed out of the clinic."I didn't think I had ordered this much." Michaela surveyed the five parcels on the examination table. She frowned as she saw one of the packages, while clearly from the same supplier, the item was not for her and was instead addressed to Yault. "It would appear I didn't," she lifted the package and held it so that Klara could see.

"You want me to take it over to him?" Klara offered rising from the cot with Violet on her hip.

"No," Michaela shook her head, she smiled. "I shall do it."

"You sure?" Klara looked at her incredulously, knowing how upset Michaela had been following her previous encounter.

"No it is alright," Michaela gave Klara a reassuring smile. "It shall be a good chance to clear the air, we are colleagues after all."

"Mama," Esmee interrupted the conversation between Klara and her mother. "Iee tidy," she pointed at the unwrapped parcel. "Where go?"

"It goes in the medicine cabinet," Michaela smiled, marvelling at her little girl's interest in tidying. "If Klara can get the stool for us, you may help me put them away."

Michaela waved to her two little ones as Klara led them towards the cafe, she knew she would join them in mere minutes but she always felt the desire to make a show of affection when she left them even for a short time. Slowly Michaela made her way across the street and along the walk by the parade of shops. There were several reasons for her slowness, one she was not looking forward to her destination, two her increasing need to sway as she walked to combat the ache and pressure in her hips and back and thirdly with Sully working at the end of walk, he had inadvertently created a wonderful show for her by being bent over, pushing his behind tightly against the seat of his buckskins. She paused at the doorway of the new clinic for as long as she could without looking odd, so that she could observe her husband, before finally pushing open the door.

Stepping inside she took in the surroundings of the new clinic. She raised her eyebrows, confused by the bizarre layout, by the fact that there was no examination table, just a desk which almost divided the building in half with a chair on either side. "Hello?"

"Hello," Yault appeared from out of the back. "Oh Mrs Quinn."

"Dr Quinn," Michaela corrected automatically.

"Dr Quinn," Yault gave her a saccharine smile. "What may I do for you?"

"Your delivery was in with my own," Michaela held out her reason for being in the room.

"Oh why thank you," Yault took the parcel, "that is most kind of you to bring it over for me. Now if you would excuse me I have a patient in a few moments."

"A patient?" Michaela repeated surprised that after only a few days practicing in town and without, it seemed, most of his equipment. "How will you examine them?" she glanced around the room again. "Would it not be easier to wait for the rest of your equipment to arrive?"

"Equipment," Yault laughed. "I do not need equipment or tools and aids. A true doctor can handle anything with nothing. It shall arrive in time"

Michaela pressed her lips into a thin line, and desperately tried to keep her cheeks from flushing, at the same time aghast that she could feel tears prickling in her eyes, mortified by this odious, idiotic man was having such an effect on her. She gasped as the door opened using the noise it made as a distraction to look at the floor and compose herself. "Well excuse me," she turned to leave. "Mr Anderson?" she stared at the man who had entered surprised to see her 3 o'clock appointment.

"Er Dr Mike..." the man looked nervously at his hands. "I... er... forgot to call by and cancel my appointment," he smiled weakly. "It's just that you know well you're a woman..."

"I am not a woman I'm a doctor," Michaela retorted, instantly clamping her mouth shut as she felt the need to cry rise in her throat.

"Yeah," Mr Anderson scratched his head, "um well he's a man but thanks for what ya did."

Michaela inhaled sharply and reached for the door handle, she felt as if she was about to explode she was so angry and so upset all at the same time and it was swirling in her chest making her heart pound. She stepped outside the building and stood as still as she could, torn between rushing to Sully or rushing to the clinic. She shot a wonton look at Sully but turned towards the clinic not wanting to be seen in the street in such a state.

Sully turned his head as he felt almost a strike on his back, like someone had thrown a lit cigar at him, a strike of hotness. He straightened and watched for a moment, watching Michaela as she took off towards the clinic, her pregnant version of her angry walk almost violent and looking as though she should fall over. He dropped his tool to the ground and took after her, weaving his way through the busy lunchtime street to catch up.

"Caela?" He reached to take her elbow as she was halfway across the road. His hand jerked back as she shook her head violently, taking step along side her, he could see her face, see she was trying not to react to something and he knew instantly that his touch would bring this reaction forth. Carefully he teased the key from her hand and rushed ahead to the door getting it open just as she stepped onto the walk. "Come on," he stepped inside and opened his arms wide.

Michaela rushed into his warm inviting arms and buried her face in her chest, hot angry tears rolling down her cheeks and soaking Sully's shirt before he had even had a chance to envelop her properly. Sully held her tightly, his hand lightly stroking her back, hating the way she was so upset, wanting with all his heart to fix it. He heard her take a gulping breath and used it as a reason to lift her face from his chest. "Caela?"

"I...I..." Michaela stammered before giving another shuddering breath.

"Is it Yault?" Sully asked connecting the dots between where he had first seen her and her current mood. "Caela, he's an idiot."

"My patients are going to him," Michaela whispered. "Simply because he is a man. I..." she sank against her desk and exhaled sharply, the baby reacting to her spike in her blood pressure. "I have more equipment. I know their history and they are going to him because he is a man. I know patient's have freedom of choice but...but..."

"It hurts," Sully finished for her. "I know," he moved to lean against the desk with her his arm creeping round her mid back to support her, the other moving to stroke her bump. He smiled as she nestled her head against him. "You are a fabulous doctor, people know that. So what if they go to him once or twice. You know what..." Sully paused for a response, after a moment he sensed that she would not give him one, "soon as they figure out he's an idiot they'll come back to you begging for you to treat them. And when they realise his prices are way more than yours. Now I reckon you might have tired Storm out. I think we need ta get ya something to eat."

"May we wait a while?" Michaela requested. "I just want to stay like this," she shifted slightly so that she was pressed against him even more. "I think if I move out of your arms I shall fall apart again."

"Sure," Sully tightened his grip. "We'll stay like this as long as ya need," he kissed her temple softly. "You just let me know when ya need to go eat."

"She never wore the same dress more than once," Katie informed her father as she set about finding her comfy position in bed. "AND! she only had a bath twice a year! She must have been really stinky Papa," she giggled. "But no one could tell her because she was the Queen and she would cut off their heads," Katie lay back against the pillow. "But she was a good Ruler I think, better than some of the King boy ones."

"She sounds it," Sully knelt beside the bed and helped tuck the covers around her. "Ya warm enough?"

"Yeah," Katie yawned slightly. "Papa?"

"Katie?"

"Is Mama alright?" Katie looked nervously towards her father. "I mean she goed…wented…went ta bed real early."

"She's just tired." Sully assured his sweet little girl.

"Coza tha baby or coza the meanie man upsetted her?" Katie raised an eyebrow.

Sully shifted to sit on the bed knowing that Katie would want to talk out her concerns. "I reckon a bit of both," he rested his hand on her chest. "She is tired because growing a baby is hard work, and she's tired because she got upset."

"Can ya make the meanie man go away?" Katie asked hopefully. "Then Mama will only be tired from growing da baby."

"I wish I could Twink," Sully sighed softly.

"I don't like it when Mama is upset Papa," Katie sat up and raised her arms indicating she wanted to be held. Sully obliged, lifting her from out of her carefully arranged covers and bringing her to rest on his knee. "I feel bad when she is upset Papa."

"I do too," Sully told her softly, kissing her soft blonde hair. "You are a sweetheart you know."

"I know Mama tells me," Katie snuggled into her father's chest. "Mama's listening Papa."

Sully raised his eyes and widened his range of hearing from the intimate level of his and his daughter's breathing. He heard the gentle creaking that came with Michaela rocking from left the right as she listened outside the door. "Shall we let her in?"

"Yeah," Katie nodded. "I'll do it," she slid off of Sully's knee and trotted to the door. "Hi Mama," she pulled open the door and smiled up at her mother. "Ya wanna come in?"

"Yes Thank you," Michaela smiled. "I was wondering where your Papa had got too."

"He's right here Mama. Do ya need him?" Katie asked taking Michaela's hand and leading her into the room.

"I always need him," Michaela told Katie conspiratorially, "lately he has been helping me get comfortable in bed."

"Coz ya tummy is big?" Katie asked eyeing her mother's middle. "Ya gonna get real huge Mama. Sit down next ta Papa."

"I shall take up all the room for you," Michaela smiled at Katie.

"Don't be silly Mama," Katie giggled. "See I'll get in first," she let go of Michaela's hand and leaped into her bed, curling herself up small to make sure there enough room, "see loadsa room."

"Sides my knee is getting cold," Sully opened his arms and pulled Michaela in to sit on his knee. "Katie wants to make ya feel better."

"I feel fine, especially when I'm home," Michaela assured her daughter.

"Then stay home Mama," Katie insisted. "Stay home and let us take care o ya."

"You are sweet my gorgeous girl," Michaela held her hand out to Katie, smiling as the little girl cuddled up to it. "I promise I shall stay home nearer the time that the baby is due."

"Good!" Katie took her mother's concession. "But I fink that Papa is gonna have ta make ya a walkie frame like he made Eserme," she yawned, "when her leg was poorly. Den," she yawned again "ya won't fall over. You getting wobbly gain."

"Lie back," Michaela urged seeing her little girl's eyes droop; she stood gingerly conscious that she did not want to hurt her husband. "Come now Katie," she guided Katie to lie back and ensured that her little girl was properly covered. "I love you," she touched Katie's nose.

"Love ya," Katie smiled sleepily back. "Papa, look after Mama."

"He will," Michaela kissed Katie softly before bracing her back with her hand and slowly standing straight. She smiled as she felt Sully's hand trace her new curves and she leant back into him. "He always does."

"Good morning Loren," Michaela smiled as she entered the store. "Morning Reverend," she greeted the two men who were sat at the table behind the counter.

"Dr Mike," Loren stood up. "How are you today?"

"I am ashamed to say I am somewhat ravenous," Michaela blushed slightly. "As it is impractical for me to keep running round to Grace's I was wondering if you had some foodstuff that I could store in my desk. Katie is always extolling the virtues of Ben's lunch."

Loren chuckled. "Sure thing Dr Mike," he moved towards the shelving. "Ben is always going on about Katie's lunch." He shook his head. "They always want what they ain't got don't they?"

"With food at least," Michaela smiled and rested her hip against the counter and watched Loren as he busied himself.

"Michaela."

"Reverend," Michaela turned to face the blind man still sat at the table. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Well enough thank you," The Reverend smiled at her. "I just wanted to tell you Loren and I and Ben. In fact a great many people in this town, none of us shall be using Yault."

"Thank you Reverend," Michaela smiled softly.

"I mean that, there is a great deal of talk about his arrival, and I would say 80% of people want to remain under your care," he smiled. "And we shall reluctantly go to Dr Caulfield when we are forced by your leave."

Michaela glanced down at the swell of the middle and sighed, it was a thought that had concerned her. How her maternity leave would affect her patient levels.

"Sides that man is an up himself self important idiot," Loren moved to the counter and placed the items he had selected for her. "I don't know what you would like," he indicated the different packages. "So I brought ya one of each and you can try them and then..." he looked up from the counter as Klara came clattering in. "Where's the fire?"
"Sorry Michaela," Klara grabbed her arm. "I need you to come back to the clinic now. Mr Anderson is there."

"Mr Anderson?" Michaela blinked. "But he had moved to..." she shook her head to straighten her train of thought. "Why is he in the clinic?"

"His hand it's... just come look," Klara pulled Michaela slightly.

"Sorry Loren would you..." she gestured to the food.

"No problem," Loren understood and reached for a bag. "I'll bring it by later for you."

"Thank you," Michaela managed to say before Klara pulled her out the store. "Klara will you..."

"I'm sorry," Klara let go of Michaela's arm. "I didn't think sorry," she moved ahead, faster than Michaela could manage leaving her to chase after her nurse.

As she entered the clinic Michaela was forced to take a few calming breathes to bring her breathing back to normal, her chest beginning to get crowded by the growing baby, making it harder to breathe. "Mr Anderson," she frowned as she caught sight of the man's hand, his fingers a dusky purple. "When did this start occurring?" Michaela scurried over and lifted his hand. He winced. "It's painful?"

"Yeah," the man nodded. "What is it Dr Mike?"

Michaela pushed the man's sleeve back to study how far up the discolouration went. She frowned as she spotted a puncture wound near the crease of his elbow. "When did this occur?"

"The other doctor gave me a syringe and some medicine to help me with my back," the man looked sheepishly at Michaela.
"He gave it to you to treat yourself?" Michaela's eyes widened. "What medicine did he give you?"

"Cocaine, that's what he said it was called." Anderson winced again as Michaela resumed studying his hand, checking for a pulse and the state of the damage he had caused himself. "Why?"

"Your injection," Michaela indicated the wound. "I believe you may have introduced a foreign body into your blood stream, some dirt or even an air bubble. It is blocking part of your blood vessel causing the ischemia."

"The what?" the man looked at her blankly.

"The discolouration and pain," Michaela clarified.

"Can you fix it?" Anderson looked at her desperately. "If my hand is busted I can't work."

"I will do my best," Michaela assured him. "We shall give you some medicine to help the blood vessels dilate... widen. But unfortunately it is a waiting game. I would like you to stay here also, so we can monitor you. Klara shall take you upstairs and settle you in." Michaela stepped back from the examination table and moved to her medical cabinet pulling Klara along with her. Opening the cabinet she lowered her voice to a whisper that only Klara could hear. "We shall need to watch him closely. Whatever is blocking the vessel could move to his heart," she handed Klara the medicine she would need to give Mr Anderson. "I shall join you shortly, get him settled."

"Why? Where are you going?" Klara frowned. "Please tell me you are not goi..." she trailed off as Michaela held her hand up.

"This needs to be stopped. Please get Mr Anderson settled, I will come up in a few minutes to administer the medicine." Michaela repeated the instruction again. "Mr Anderson, I shall see you in a few minutes." Michaela nodded at Klara and as quickly as she could bustled out of the clinic. As she crossed the street she caught sight of Horace and she waved to get his attention. "Horace."

The tall man turned to look at who was calling him and when he saw it was Michaela smiled and strode towards her. "Hey Dr Mike, I was looking at what Sully did the other day, he did a real fine job."

"I'll be sure to tell him," Michaela muttered. "I need your assistance."

"Sure," Horace looked at her nervously. "Are you alright?"

"I am fine," Michaela told him through gritted teeth, as she felt her anger rise. "Several members of the town are not," she turned to continue her journey leaving Horace looking confused.

After a few moments he followed her rushing to catch up with the surprisingly fast moving pregnant doctor. "Dr Mike what's going on?"

"We shall see," Michaela came to a stop beside the new clinic and took a steeling breath. She opened the door, bursting into Yault prescribing some medication to one of her pregnant patients. The patient jumped.

"Oh Dr Mike, I'm sorry, Gerry made me, he said that he would be better because..." the young woman trailed off as Michaela held her hand up.

"I understand Susan," she smiled at the young woman. "Please tell Gerry that for the safety of your child I shall be handling your care."

"Look how dare you barge in here and start stealing my patients," Yault jumped to his feet.

"Susan is my patient, I have treated her for the last five years," Michaela retorted, "and I have never once prescribed Cocaine to a pregnant patient, nor let patients administer their own medicine, especially if it needs to be by injection! This is highly unethical!" She took a deep breath. "Mr Yault I do not believe you have the proper medical credentials to be treating my patients."

"I have a doctorate," Yault almost yelled at her.

"In medicine?" Michaela raised an eyebrow.

"This is slander," Yault hissed at her. "Listen to me you jumped up..." Yault rounded the desk.

"Easy now." Horace pushed passed Michaela and drew himself to his full height. "Dr Mike asked ya a question and I would like to hear the answer. And as Mayor you are gonna give it to me."

"I help people," Yault bleated. "I have treated people for twenty years."

"I would like to know where you did ya studying," Horace rephrased the question. "Dr Mike, why don't ya take Mrs Lincoln over to the clinic and see if you can help her. I'd feel better having this conversation without two pregnant ladies in the room."

Michaela blinked surprised at the force that Horace was using, surprised at the implication that he thought he might have to get physical with the man to get the answer he wanted. "I..."
"Dr Mike," Horace turned his head and looked at her imploringly. "Please. Ya asked for my help and I'm giving it but I need ya to go."

"Very well," Michaela nodded and slowly moved to the door, she held it open for Susan and let her exit before finally leaving. Slowly Michaela walked along with walk nervous to leave Horace by himself in what could turn into a nasty situation.

"The medicine he was gonna give me," Susan broke the silence. "It could have hurt the baby?"

"Yes, I myself do not prescribe Cocaine due to the side effects associated with it," Michaela sighed. "I apologise for bursting in on your appointment."

"I didn't want to go to him anyway," Susan smiled softly. "It was only Gerry. Can ya give me something for my back it's been real sore the last few days."

"You are at 39 weeks are you not?" Michaela pulled the woman's medical history out from her internal filing cabinet.

"Yeah," The young woman smiled. "Nearly there."

"I would suggest a warm bath," Michaela smiled. "It's best for you and baby and get Gerry to give you a back rub," she studied the woman as they walked along side each other. "At this stage it is probably labour beginning to start."

"Really?" the young woman beamed. "Oh, so I guess I'll be seeing you in a few days."

"I imagine you will," Michaela smiled before looking towards the gazette as she felt Brian's gaze on her. "Susan would you excuse me," she nodded politely to the young woman before walking towards Brian, as her son closed the gap with long strides.

"Ma?" Brian looked her up and down with concern. "Are you alright?"

"I am fine Brian," Michaela assured him. "But I think Horace may need some assistance."

"Why? What were you doing over there?" Brian narrowed his eyes. "You know ya supposed to be taking things easy, right?"

"I know Brian," Michaela touched his arm tenderly. "Horace is trying to find out Mr Yault's credentials. I don't believe that he is a proper medical doctor," she smiled as she noted the spark in Brian's eyes the flare that came when he had found a story. "Will you help him?"

"Sure," Brian nodded. "Long as you are Ok."

"I am fine," Michaela assured him, she gave a soft sigh as she watched her son run off to assist Horace, feeling as though some of her anxiety had been lifted, making her feel lighter then she had done for the past week and a half but there was still the concern, still the worry of what this man could have done to her patients, about how many more Mr Anderson's were out there, patients who had fallen for the allure of a conveniently placed male doctor who may have done them more harm than good.