10
The next morning, Sully and I walked through town exploring the shops and the local springs. I noticed some Cheyenne lingering around the waters without any uncomfortable stares from the others.
"Do they have special passes?" I asked.
"No, but they have permission to be here without harm. It's their springs, and the town wants to keep peace rather than cause conflict."
"I'm glad to see they're getting some respect."
"Me, too, even though they deserve so much more."
I nodded in agreement. The government had stolen so much from the Indians it was heartbreaking. I hated seeing my friends suffering so much when there was hardly anything I could do. In Washington, I had tried to have my voice heard. "We've raised our children well, to accept others regardless of skin color."
"Charlotte helped, and Katie smiles every time she sees Cloud Dancing or runs to Grace to get a hug or a scrap of food."
"She certainly knows what she wants."
"Just like her ma."
"And she isn't afraid to do something about it," I added recalling how she had secretly asked my mother for a doll.
We clasped our hands together as we walked towards the springs. Upon arrival we knelt down and removed our shoes before placing our feet in the warm waters.
"Oh my, it's so warm but it feels great," I remarked as I slid my feet into the springs.
"Kates would enjoy splashing around."
"Yes, she would, and we would all end up soaked to the bone."
I smiled picturing the scene. "I miss her morning wakeup calls."
"Poppie, Ma, time wake up," he mimicked causing me to laugh.
"Can't get much time for ourselves, can we?"
"'Fraid not, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
After a nice soak, we continued our stroll down the streets. I stared into several shop windows admiring all the finery. Boots, dresses, baubles, and hats caught my eye. I even saw some children's toys I thought Katie would love, plus a book for Colleen and a blank journal for Brian.
"You would look beautiful in that dress."
"I what...?" I turned around, feeling akin to a schoolchild caught doing something wrong, as I gazed into the blue depths of my husband's eyes.
"I think you should get it."
"Oh, do you now?"
"Yes, and if you won't I will."
"I really do like it; the color is stunning."
"We're gettin' it," he remarked, turning me around and gently pushing me into the shop. I started to protest but knew I would lose the argument. "How about we find you a suit?" I suggested.
"But, Michaela, I don't need a…."
"No buts, you'll need something nice to wear to the Christmas Party." I walked over to a dashing suit I knew would look splendid on him. He was reluctant to try it on, but I insisted. "You look…" I could not find the words to say what was in my heart. He was even more handsome than the first time I saw him dressed up in Boston. I could barely breathe, as I stood there frozen in place.
"Guess that means you like it," he said breaking the silence that hung in the air.
"I don't know what to say; you took my breath away."
"You had a similar look on your face when I dressed up for your ma's birthday. It was hard for me to take my eyes off of you, too." His voice was so soft, transporting me back to that night, the rush of love I felt then frightening me as it flooded through my being. "My heart grows deeper in love with you each day. No matter how many ups and downs we've had, I've found all the happiness in the world with you by my side."
His actions spoke louder than any words as he embraced me, kissing me soundly on the mouth right in front of the storekeeper. Neither Sully nor I realized he was watching until he cleared his throat rather loudly.
"I'm so sorry," I apologized for our display.
"It's been quite a long time since I've seen two people so much in love. These days I see too many mail-order brides and unhappy couples," he remarked. "How long have you two been married?"
"Three years," I replied.
"You look more like newlyweds," he said with a chuckle as Sully appeared with his new suit over his arm. My dress was already lying on the counter. "Whatever your secret is, keep doing it," he added with a twinkle in his eyes. "Have a wonderful time here in Manitou."
"We will and thank you," I said as we exited the shop. "He was a nice man."
"Yep, and he laid on just the right amount of flattery. And I wasn't about to tell him our secret to staying married either."
"Of course not," I added, smiling as I took his hand in mine, both packages secured under his arm as we made our way to get something to eat.
A small restaurant greeted us with its charm and a sweet hostess who reminded me a lot of Grace: always doting and running about to make sure everything was as perfect as could be. She greeted us warmly, took our order, and was off busying herself once more.
"Here you are; enjoy, ma'm, sir."
"Thank you." I lifted my fork, setting it into the warm Blueberry Crumble pie and watching the steam rise before taking a bite. "Mmm…this is delicious."
"Smells great!"
"Do you think Grace could add this to her menu? I'm sure folks would eat it."
"They'd eat anything she cooked."
I smiled; he was right, of course. Well, except for those times when men like Hank made things difficult. Then there was Horace and Myra's wedding. My thoughts drifted towards the handsome barkeep. I still cared about him in spite of everything he had done that had been so disruptive. "She's the best cook in town."
"Mind if I sit down?" a familiar voice cut through the air.
"What are you doin' here?" Sully asked.
"Brought some furs to sell, or trade," Hank replied before taking a long drink of whiskey from his flask.
"Any luck?"
"Not much. I can usually get more business in Denver but with a prize fighter there…"
"Prize fighter?" I inquired suddenly finding my voice.
"Yep, and he's got some big name like Barracuda…. Anyhow, Preston seems intent on him comin' ta Colorado Springs."
"Preston's thinking of taking him on?" I asked.
"He'd be stupid if he did. From what I hear, this guy's very good."
"Preston is full of it," Sully added.
"Amen ta that."
I watched as they shared a knowing look, as if there were some secret between them they were not going to let me in on. The hostess came back to take Hank's order as we were finishing our pie.
"What can I get ya?"
"Stew with biscuits and gravy, ma'am."
"Comin' right up."
Minutes later, she was back with a steaming plate of food, which she placed in front of Hank. Tucking his napkin into his shirt, he dug right into the hot meal.
"Tried to eat the slop they serve at the saloon. Stuff was somethin' terrible," Hank remarked in between bites.
"Oh, lordy, Sam ain't no cook," our hostess added as she came around to clear plates. "Told him he oughta have someone decent in his kitchen."
"His whiskey sure was fine."
"He prides himself on that moonshine," she said. "Bit too much if you ask me."
I watched as Hank shrugged his shoulders. He enjoyed his whiskey as most men did.
"I like a man that knows his whiskey."
"You and the next man," she remarked with a shake of her head.
"Hey listen, Sully, before you leave…" Hank started to say as he rummaged in his coat pocket. I saw a pouch appear, fat with bills.
"What's this?" I asked with curiosity.
"Sold them furs for Sully and that's his profits," he answered with a grin.
"Thanks, appreciate it," Sully said, tucking it into his buckskin jacket before we turned, said our goodbyes, and left.
"I thought you were done with selling furs," I remarked.
"Things got tight those months you weren't workin'. Had ta do somethin'."
I nodded in understanding. "I would also have done anything to make ends meet if you had been in badly injured. Well, almost anything," I smiled.
"I know."
I took his hand as we walked towards a bench to sit and enjoy a quiet moment. People were still bustling around town; birds chirping high above and the occasional dog bark filled the air.
I thought about the money troubles we'd had before our marriage and his not being able to provide all the funds we needed. Sully's pride had been injured, and the subject had been a sore spot.
"The first time you were badly hurt, I was so frightened." His bruised face and body still haunted me at times. I knew then I didn't want to lose him.
"'Fraid I wasn't the best of patients. Appreciated you takin' care of me even if I didn't show it much."
It's part of my job, I wanted to say, but those weren't the right words. I loved him then and even more now.Instead, I smiled over at him, our eyes locking. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you," I whispered. "Me neither," he murmured, and his lips brushed over mine in a gentle caress.
I heard the blast just as my mouth met his, fear gripping me in a panic. It's happening again; I'm scared. Hold me, Sully. Take me away from here; I want to be safe again. Please let me liv; I don't want to die. Closing my eyes, I willed it all to be a dream amid the screams and shouts.
"Michaela! Sully! Are you alright?" Hank yelled. His voice sounded far away until I could smell the smoke on him and knew he was right there.
"I'm alright, but…." Sully responded but never finished his words.
"Oh, my God, what happened?" I wanted to tell him I was OK, but I knew I wasn't.
"She went stiff, then limp once the shots went off." Sully replied worriedly. Protect me from harm…please.
"We gotta get her outta here!" Ever the hero once again, only this time I wasn't dying…
Next thing I knew, arms were lifting me high in the air, and the breeze around me quickened. I wasn't sure where I was anymore or what was happening.
"We gotta wire Daniel; them brothers need to be stopped," Hank insisted.
"Agreed, but we need to get her to safety first!" My husband wasn't going to leave anything to chance.
I knew I wasn't outside anymore when the breeze stilled and everything around me was soft and warm. I tried to relax into the familiar scents around me, pushing away what held me in a vise. Only my body was too exhausted as my mind tried to fight. I wanted to silence both their voices to get some peace and quiet.
"Michaela, please wake up. I'm right here, and I'm not gonna let anything happen to ya."
Words fell into my ears, filling me with a sense of comfort as I was finally succumbing to sleep. "Hold me…" I mumbled.