Chapter 11

After arriving into town and picking up a very excited and bright eyed Hanna, Sully and Michaela held her hands as they all walked over to visit with Charlotte. Hanna skipped merrily between them, holding tightly to their hands and casting a huge grin to the world around her. She didn't think she could possibly feel any happier than she did right now, surrounded by her pa and ma. Her incessant bubbly chatter was a welcome sound to her father and Michaela couldn't help but chuckle.

They had discovered from Loren that Charlotte intended on moving the boarding house into the smaller building across the street. Of course they weren't about to trust simple gossip, so they stepped up onto the porch, knocked and waited for Charlotte to answer.

After speaking with Charlotte and her confirming the news, they were surprised to learn that she was intending on making the move within the next week. Both Matthew and Colleen were excited, because with the building being smaller it meant their mother wouldn't be working as hard. And feeling a little selfish they hoped that she would have more time to spend with them; not realising this was her main reason behind making the change, that and the cost of running the one she had was becoming too much to handle. She didn't want to live in debt and when the time came she wanted to be able to leave something behind for her children.

"It sounds like you've been thinking about this for a while," Michaela said as she and Hanna helped Charlotte mix a batch of biscuit ingredients together. Charlotte nodded as she turned toward the back door opening, watching as Sully, Matthew and Brian came in with arms full of chopped wood.

"Just put 'em down there, boys," Charlotte said directing them to the small box beside the stove. Turning back to Michaela she said, "It just feels like the right time to do it, so I aint gonna put it off no more."

"Well, we'll certainly be around to help," Michaela said as she dusted off her hands.

"And you know I appreciate that."

When they left the boarding house, they stopped first by Grace's to pick up the essentials for a picnic and then headed out of town. Sully grasped Michaela's hand as they strolled through the trees and down to the creek, Hanna exploring close by. Every step they took, a look or a smile was shared between them, and they delighted in spending this time together, just their family. Such a sense of peace had settled over them, Michaela felt like she could simply close her eyes and she would be floating.

After settling down onto the blanket Hanna dug into the yummy food Grace had prepared for them. She giggled as she watched her father place a small bite of bread into Michaela's mouth, the two unaware they had retreated into their own little bubble for a moment. The sound of Hanna brought them quickly back to reality and Michaela blushed at being caught in such a way. After finishing their meal Michaela quickly stood and lifted Hanna, walking over to the creek and looking in.

Sully joined them and a contest of skipping stones began, Hanna cheering in delight when hers made it the furthest. Sully scooped her up and lifted her onto his shoulders and they walked over to look at a nest sitting in the branches of a nearby tree. Hanna carefully peeked into the little home, her eyes wide when she spotted three baby birds awaiting the return of their mother. She squirmed her way to the ground, insisting she was going to find some worms for the birds, while Michaela and Sully stood back watching and smiling.

A breeze flowed through the trees, lifting the scent of the wildflowers into the air as Sully reached over and touched Michaela's arm. Michaela smiled and inhaled deeply. She was a struggling within herself, the desire to just be near him. To touch him... his skin - that looked as warm as honey and she knew now tasted just as sweet. As their eyes met, she could see the very same thing happening within him. Hanna had already scampered away to climb the branches of a small tree, so Michaela gave in to her longing and settled herself into Sully's awaiting arms, making their way back to the picnic blanket.

An all encompassing kiss soon followed, but they both restrained, knowing it couldn't go any further, however the longing looks communicated things to come. A delighted shriek from afar rang out and Sully jumped to his feet, pulling Michaela with him. They ran over to Hanna who had crawled into the end of a fallen tree.

"Hanna?" Sully called, tapping her feet, urging her to come out.

"Papa you gotta see this," she sang.

"Come on out, sweet girl," Sully gently admonished. He watched her crawl out backwards and dust off her hands on her shirt. Sully couldn't help but chuckle at Michaela's incredulous expression to the grubby marks Hanna had already smeared across her clothing. Michaela's mouth curled into a smile at the sight, and she laughed along with him.

"Hanna honey, what have I told you about doin' things like that?" Sully asked as he tilted her face up to his. Her lips pouted as she directed a pleading gaze at her father, "To not to," she replied simply. Sully tried hard to stifle a laugh and chose instead to pull her into an embrace.

"It's dangerous sweetheart, you never know what's hidin' inside," he said as he stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry Papa, I won't do it again...it's just..."

"What is it, sweetheart?" asked Michaela. Hanna smiled widely as she leaned in close to Michaela and whispered something in her ear.

"Oh I see..." Michaela said. "Well, I guess we'll just have to ask your pa then won't we". Hanna clapped her hands excitedly and eagerly awaited the response from her father as Michaela explained what all the fuss was about.

Sitting in the wagon on their way back to the homestead, Michaela couldn't help but laugh out loud as she recalled the events from their picnic. Sully looked over at her, knowing exactly what she found so amusing. He glanced into the back where their daughter, exhausted from the long day, lay sound asleep; a small wolf pup snuggled up in her embrace. He chuckled too, remembering just what he had to go through to get the pup out from that log.

"I can almost touch it, just gotta reach a little further..." Sully called from inside.

"You can do it, papa!" exclaimed Hanna, as she jiggled up and down on the spot, anxious to hold the tiny pup in her arms. She felt like she was going to explode from anticipation!

"Be careful, Sully," Michaela said yet again. She was a little concerned at how far in he had had to squeeze, but somehow knew he would be alright. A quiet whimper was heard and then Sully yelled out, "Got it!"

"Yay!" squealed Hanna, as she rushed over to hug Michaela. Right at this moment though Michaela's attention was diverted. She felt her heart quicken as she noted the smooth roundness of Sully's backside as it protruded from the entry of the log. She had to consciously swallow as the muscles surrounding his fine form clenched as he began to crawl out. She bit her bottom lip and smiled in appreciation at the virile sight she had been privy to.

A thump and loud groan from inside the log pulled her from her daydream though. "Are you alright?" she called.

"Owwwww....yeah, I'm fine," he groaned in reply. The girls waited patiently for him to appear as he made his way out."Ahhh, actually Michaela... I think I'm stuck," he said sheepishly. "My shirt's caught... I can't seem to -"

As Michaela kneeled next to him and tried to see inside, she heard a loud rip and then, "Ah, never mind. I'm coming out," he said grumbling. When he finally emerged, Michaela covered her hand over her mouth to try and hide her grin. He certainly looked a sight with his tussled hair, torn and dirty shirt and wry expression.

He handed the pup to Hanna who immediately snuggled it close to her. Sully did the same with Michaela, whispering in her ear, "The things you do for love". The timbre of his voice and the warmth of his embrace told her he wasn't just referring to his recent task.

It had taken some convincing on Hanna's part, but eventually Sully and Michaela agreed that the pup could sleep with her, as long as he was at the end of her bed. Overjoyed at the prospect of her new found friend being able to sleep in the same bed, she readily agreed. For some reason the pup whom Hanna suggested be called Wolf, thought that being on a soft comfy bed meant play time. And despite the late hour, it took some time before both child and wolf were sleeping.

The fire between Michaela and Sully that had been brewing all day, still hung over them as they went about settling Hanna for the night. Even as they lay down in the quiet of the homestead, there was the still the thought that perhaps Hanna wasn't quite asleep yet.

"I've been thinkin'...what would you think about me building us another homestead," Sully whispered as they lay in each other's arms.

"Really?"

"Yeah, a big one...kitchen and livi'g room downstairs, water pump inside, bedrooms upstairs... one just for Hanna, one for us, and two others for...whoever comes along," he replied, capturing her lips with his in an intoxicating kiss.

"Sounds wonderful," she replied, knowing full well what he was implying and immediately responding to his lips' sensual invitation. With that they were lost to each other as his hands wandered over her inviting body. Michaela moaned in pleasure at the sensations coursing through her at Sully's touch, and she held tight to the hard contours of his muscular shoulders. His tongue caressed hers as he lifted himself over top of her, stroking her sides and grinding his already hot swollen flesh against her. Michaela sucked in a deep shuddering breath when she felt his hot masculinity against her clothed body.

A short sudden cry from behind the nearby curtain startled the impassioned couple, and they both stilled, straining to hear if Hanna had awoken. By the time their breathing had returned to normal, the little girl hadn't made another sound. Sully let out a nervous laugh at what could have been.

"That's it," Sully said quietly as he pulled Michaela closer to him, trying hard to stem the passion flooding through him. "Tomorrow I'm buildin' on another room...with a door." Michaela laughed at his decision, but wholeheartedly agreed with him. She claimed his lips with hers and soon they returned to the place where their hearts and spirits became one.

Breakfast had only just been cleared when Sully began measuring for the extension to their home. As Michaela placed the last dish away, he had already begun the construction outside. She shook her head, laughing at his enthusiasm. The room was certainly needed, that was evident after last night's 'scare'. And it would be nice to have more privacy when they had visitors to the homestead, and not have their bed in plain sight.

She followed her thoughts as they dreamt of the image of the new homestead Sully had described to her last night. It sounded perfect and she could tell Sully was excited about it, but she felt like there was something he wasn't saying. She dismissed the thought realising time was running away, and she hurried to finish her morning chores before heading out. She and Hanna would be riding into town today for the first day back at school, and so after saying goodbye to him, they set off leaving Sully to his work.

Michaela stayed in town to visit Charlotte, helping her pack a few items away ready to move, before heading across the street to help her clean the new building. During the morning they had been interrupted by several townsfolk hoping that Michaela would tend to them for their complaints. After one such visit by Mrs Cornelle who had cut her finger rather badly, Michaela said to Charlotte.

"I've been thinking about finding somewhere to set up a practice. Sully offered to build onto the homestead, but I really think I need somewhere bigger."

"Sounds like a fine idea," Charlotte replied. "Though not much available, unless you want to take this place off my hands," she joked stacking a crate by the door and turning back for another.

But the wheels of Michaela's mind were already beginning to turn. Lying in her trunk was the money she and David had brought with them when they first arrived; she had never used a single penny. She knew it would be enough to buy this place and some more medical equipment; but could she really do it? Her very own clinic; she didn't think she would ever see the day, but it was a definite possibility now. She couldn't contain the excitement at the thought, but first she would have to talk to Sully.

"Michaela?"

"Hmm?"

"You were a hundred mile away," laughed Charlotte. "I asked if you were excited about the town picnic?"

"Yes, I think it'll be very exciting," she answered distractedly. Though thinking on it more, she was certainly looking forward to it. The games, the dancing... it was bound to be a great day, and she knew Hanna was extremely excited about it. She blushed thinking about how nice it would be to be in Sully's arms once again. Charlotte caught the flush on her friends face but said nothing. She remembered what it was like to be a newlywed, and she was so happy for both her friends.

By the time Michaela and Hanna returned home that day, Sully along with help from Matthew, Robert E. and even Jake, had managed to almost complete the extra room. She smiled when he came to help them down from the wagon, giving Hanna a squeeze before she ran off to play with Wolf. When Michaela finally stood before him he looked around making sure the others weren't in sight before pressing a hungry kiss to her lips.

"I missed you today," he whispered into her ear, before nuzzling into her neck. Michaela closed her eyes, becoming lost in his rapturous attentions. "I missed you too," she breathed tilting her head back in silent invitation, but heard someone clearing their throat. Matthew stood awkwardly behind them looking at the ground and holding onto a tool belt.

"Ah Sully, I ah, just needed your help with something," he managed.

"Be right there Matthew," Sully grinned. Matthew walked away leaving Sully to quickly kiss Michaela once more, before disappearing around the side of the cabin. Michaela joined Hanna inside to help her with her primer for school, and then went on to preparing supper. With all the banging and hammering that was going on around them, Hanna managed to stay focused through it all, and she quickly finished her words so she could once again play with Wolf.

When silence finally reigned, Michaela felt so relieved. Her head was pounding from all the noise, and she was looking forward to an early night. After washing up, Sully came in briefly kissing Michaela and then going to sit with Hanna and Wolf on the floor, trying to teach the young animal to obey.

"Charlotte said something interesting today about the old boarding house," Michaela said from the kitchen. Sully looked up from his game with his daughter to his wife, who he noticed now looked a little weary. "I told her I was thinking about setting up a clinic somewhere, and she jokingly suggested her place, but I've been thinking it might be a good idea".

"Got plenty of space," Sully said. "But it's not really somethin' we can afford," he added disappointedly.

"Well actually...there's the money from...from what David and I brought with us," Michaela said hesitantly. She wasn't sure how Sully would react to this news, though was hopeful he wouldn't be upset. They hadn't really ever discussed money, but knowing what she did about Sully, she knew he was a proud man, who would do anything to provide for his family. Well almost anything.

Unfortunately Sully's reaction was just what Michaela had hoped it wouldn't be. He stood up from the floor, angrily saying something akin to her very thoughts, hugged Hanna quickly and stormed out of the room, saying he was going out for a walk. The two left in the homestead just sat quietly, stunned at Sully's outburst. Hanna walked over to Michaela who had sat herself on a chair, holding her now pounding head in her hands.

"Mama?" she whispered. "Why is Papa mad? Did I do somethin'?"

Though feeling weak and tired, Michaela's head shot up. "Oh no, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong. Papa loves you very much, he's just... upset about something and needs to... think some things through," she said encouragingly. "Here, why don't we sit down and have some supper?"

"I'm not hungry, Mama. Can I go to bed now?"

"Of course you can. Come on, I'll tuck you in. Would you like a story?"

Hannah nodded and they made their way to Hanna' s bed, pulling off her clothes and putting on her nightgown. Wolf was already bounding to his place on her bed before the story began, and by the time it ended they were both sound asleep. Michaela was grateful for the quiet, and she stepped outside into the night air. She couldn't help but look around for Sully, but he was nowhere in sight, and so she sat on the steps, feeling alone. She gazed up at the stars, begging the tears that had formed in her eyes not to fall, but tonight they would not listen. She rested her head in her hands and began to sob quietly.

Where was he? Was he alright? Was it wrong of her to suggest such a thing? What would she do with the money otherwise? All of these questions swirled around her head, before the throbbing ache became too much and she retreated to the comfort of her bed. She doubted that sleep would come to her tonight, and she knew even if it did, it would be filled with fitful dreams. And so she just lay there, listening to the gentle sound of Hanna's breathing, knowing that at least she was sleeping peacefully.