Ch 10

Michaela's senses were spinning she had not been so close to a man since David who had used her for her money and name, that seemed such a long time ago, before she left to make a new life for herself.

She knew what she was feeling was different Sully had no connection to her. He had been a gentleman since the abduction; the only reason was to save his children. Snuggling into the wrap his smell was heady and she also felt secure in his strong arms. She had been watching him and her feelings from the beginning changed. First she was angry, and then she was hurt that he had to see how inadequate she was at running a home. Now the past few weeks she had begun to have feelings of admiration for him. He was a hard worker; there was fresh meat on the table. Enough flour, coffee, sugar and other essentials to last the winter. He collected wood and kept the fire burning. He was very attentive to his daughter, as a sole parent she had seen how he had done an amazing job bringing her and the boy up.

Sully was having his own problems. The doctor had unexpectedly stirred feelings he was determined not to relive. Now her soft body in his arms caused him to lose concentration. He drifted off to small dreams of waking and watching her in the soft fire light, her beautiful hair spread around her head like a halo. How she showed Hanna how to brush hers. Mike's resolve to try and learn chores she had not grown up knowing. He smiled when he remembered Hanna standing on a chair, directing her how to mix biscuits. Hanna was a natural whereas Michaela was not. Shocked that he had used her name, he remembered her telling him this and many other things about her family in Boston. Even though he knew her name he did not want to use it; he instinctively knew that would make him have to acknowledge what he was feeling. She had spoken of a broken engagement to another doctor. He wondered how anyone could treat her so badly. There was sadness when she spoke about her father and mentor's death. So many things had changed in such a short time; it frightened him.

Seeing her in Abigail's clothes had at first upset him, now however he did not even think about it. He felt guilty until he remembered he would not have only lost his son but his precious daughter, too. He had a lot to be grateful to Michaela for.

The shadow of Cloud Dancing's horse weaving in and out of the ghostly trees as they struggled through the deep snow was just in front. The Indian had not informed them why he had come for the doctor, he was too eager to move. Sully recognised this, as it was how he was the first night he had gone to fetch the doctor.

Michaela grasped her cherished medical bag to her. Her mind was trying to go through so many scenarios that could have made the Indian come out in such a dangerous night.

Ahead Michaela heard a bird call, next Sully made the sound of a dove near her ear. This surprised her until an answering hawk shrill came from the shadows and a group of Indians came into sight and circled them and started to accompany them.

After moving in dark shadows the moon came from behind the thick clouds, illuminating the space around them. Straining her eyes she saw a group of tepees ahead smoke curling upwards before they disappeared into the dark again as the moon vanished from view.

Stopping in the middle of the compound Sully slid from the horse yelling, "Stay here." He went to his brother and gently took a sleeping Hanna before handing her to an Indian lady who disappeared into a nearby tepee.

As soon as Sully had gone Michaela felt the cold seeping through to her skin. She marvelled at how he had protected her in this harsh environment. She had no more time to explore this though than he was beside her holding his arms up to catch her as she slid down into his waiting arms. They stood there just for a moment before Cloud Dancing motioned them into another tepee.

Inside Michaela, who was used to assessing situations quickly, noted the light was from a fire and blazing torches made from a thick grass. Women were surrounding another who was lying on skins. She was pale and looked exhausted, her distended stomach indicating she was at term. The women looked up anxiously as the trio entered. They stood and left the tepee silently after squeezing the mother-to-be's hand in reassurance, after the Indian said something to them. They all looked at the white woman with their friend Sully as they past her; hope was evident in the faces, their eyes speaking their concern for the mother and unborn child.

Sully leant forward to Michaela whispering in her ear that the woman in labour was Snow Bird, Cloud Dancing's wife. Michaela gave a brief nod and went to examine her.

She asked a few questions of Sully's friend, again nodding at the replies.

Taking her stethoscope from her bag first she listened to the mother's heart beat, a frown spreading over her face. Then she moved to the baby, and she looked even more anxious.

Thanks to all of you who are reviewing this Story.