Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The rights to those characters and to the show belong to the creators of the show, to CBS, The Sullivan Company and to A&E.

A Path Through the Dark

Chapter Twelve

No one on the flight from Boston to Denver would have known that David and Michaela even knew each other. Michaela settled down next to the window and immediately pulled a medical journal out of her carry on bag. David buckled his seat belt and then popped in his ear buds. Ever since their conversation on Saturday morning, they had been polite to each other but that was the best one could say. Once away from their family, David dropped the pretense of even being polite.

Michaela stayed close to her phone wishing Sully would text her again. At least ten times she'd typed in a message but never found the courage to hit send. While she craved the chance to talk to Sully, she knew that she first had to deal with David. They had postponed the wedding, not broken the engagement – not ended the relationship. As much as she wanted to get off the plane and run to the hospital, she had already decided to go home with David. They were going to figure this out and until they did Michaela could not continue to divide her loyalties.

What she needed over the past few months was a sympathetic ear and Sully had provided that. He had also provided a distraction from her own mourning by allowing her to play a role in Hannah's life. Could you build a relationship off of these sorts of things? Or was her attraction to Sully merely the fact that he'd met an immediate need in her life? Then there was the other side of things; how did Sully feel about her? He seemed interested but he had to still be mourning Abby. Was Michaela just filling a similar need in his life?

David pulled his ear buds out about half way through the flight and turned towards her. Michaela looked up expectantly. "You headed to the hospital when we land?"

She shook her head. "No, I figured I'm technically still off."

"Oh." David looked surprised.

"Thought I'd head home with you."

"I'm going to go watch the rest of the Broncos game with some of the guys."

Michaela stiffened. "Okay. Well, maybe I will head to the hospital then."

"Kevin texted. I just assumed you would go to the hospital." David sounded defensive which only made Michaela bristle even more.

"That's fine David." She went back to her journal.

David stared at her for a moment. "You can come if you want."

"Do you want me to come?"

David sighed. "I want you to do whatever you want to do." He hesitated and then turned so that his face was half in shadow. "That's what you'll do anyway." He mumbled this last part under his breath but Michaela clearly heard it and chose to ignore it. The last thing she needed was a public fight.

Michaela opened her medical journal back up and pursued her lips. If she went with David it would be a night of being ignored, not what she had in mind to try to get them back on track. "I think I'll go by the hospital then."

David nodded and replaced his ear buds. They didn't speak for the rest of the flight nor on their connecting flight to Colorado Springs. They only exchanged pleasantries as they parted at the airport.

Just stepping into the hospital made Michaela relax. She stopped just inside of the door and breathed in deeply. Here she knew what she was doing. Here she was in control. She didn't want to think about going home right now; she only wanted to immerse herself in work and perhaps slip by to see Hannah.

She spoke quickly to the nurse at the desk. Visiting hours would be ending soon and she couldn't help but wonder if Sully was here. On the way here she had resolved not to seek him out. Work first, Hannah later and if he was still here that would be a bonus.

Fate intended another path though. As she boarded the elevator, the night charge nurse from the NICU entered behind her.

"Dr. Quinn, have you heard the good news?"

"What good news?"

"Hannah Sully is in the regular nursery. Dr. Pedersen thinks she'll be going home soon."

Michaela smiled widely. "They weaned her off the vent completely?"

The nurse nodded. "Mr. Sully's here if you want to go up and see them."

"I think I will," Michaela said, her resolve crumbling instantly. She rode up to the nursery with the nurse, a slight panic rising inside. She knew it should not be there. There should be nothing but happiness that Hannah was improving so quickly. Yet she knew that once Hannah went home, her contact with Hannah and Sully would diminish.

There were still so many feelings to sort out and she silently cursed herself for not texting Sully back. She was acting like a silly jealous girl when she didn't have a right to lay any claim on Sully. The woman who answered his phone could have been anyone. Michaela exited the elevator and bid the charge nurse good night but then froze, her heart suddenly jumping into her throat. Through the glass Michaela could see Hannah in her arms or she assumed in the arms of the woman she had spoken to the night before. Her long black hair was bound in a braid and casually thrown over one shoulder. Michaela stepped to the nursery door and quietly let herself inside. The woman was singing softly to the baby but she looked up suddenly as if she sensed Michaela's presence.

Her smile was warm but the face much older than Michaela had expected. That possessive feeling flared back up and Michaela had the urge to walk over there and snatch Hannah out of her arms.

"Michaela?"

The doctor nodded before coming to her senses and introducing herself properly. "Yes," she said her voice breathy and forced. "Dr. Michaela Quinn." She wasn't sure why she felt the need to justify her presence there by adding on the doctor prefix but she did.

"I would stand," Snowbird said as she gestured to Hannah with her head. "My name is Snowbird. We actually talked the other night."

Michaela laughed nervously. "Oh, that was you," she added and instantly felt stupid.

"Sully's with my husband getting some coffee. I expect they will be back soon." A cool relief engulfed Michaela's body as the word husband left Snowbird's lips. "We're friends of Sully's. We've known him since he was a teenager. He spent the holiday with us."

"I'm glad to hear that," Michaela said warmly. "I hated to think about him here alone at the hospital."

"How was Boston?" Snowbird's eyes were bright as she surveyed the doctor's face.

Michaela felt her cheeks redden. "It was alright." She shrugged her shoulders as she spoke. "My father died earlier this year and it was the first big family holiday without him."

"I understand," Snowbird said and Michaela felt like she truly did.

Michaela continued, "And things didn't go well with my fiancé."

"Oh?" Snowbird knew she shouldn't pry but she already instinctively knew that this was the woman for Sully.

Michaela shook her head but didn't elaborate. Somehow saying it all out loud felt like betraying David and she didn't want to do that. An awkward silence settled between them and Michaela felt like Snowbird was waiting for her to say something. She took a step towards the two of them and smiled. "But everything is better now that I have a chance to see this little one." She ran a single finger down Hannah's arm.

Sully and Cloud Dancing returned then, waving at the two of them through the nursery door. Michaela knew that no more than two visitors were allowed in but she took advantage of her position as chief of surgery and opened the door to them.

"Hey," Sully said his eyes scanning her face as if he might see some sign of trauma hidden there.

Michaela felt suddenly shy. "Hello," she said quietly before turning towards Cloud Dancing. "Hi, I'm Michaela Quinn." She stuck out her hand but to her surprise Cloud Dancing did not take it. Instead he took her by the forearm as he introduced himself.

"And I'm Cloud Dancing. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"And you," Michaela said feeling instantly warm towards the gentlemen.

"I hate to meet and run but…" He looked around Michaela at his wife and tapped his watch.

"I know," she said.

Sully instantly stepped over and took Hannah from her so that Snowbird could rise. She kissed Hannah on the forehead as she handed her off and promised to be back soon.

"And we'll be there on Saturday to help with the nursery," Snowbird reminded Sully. "It was nice to meet you Michaela."

"And you," Michaela quickly added.

"You should join us on Saturday." Michaela looked taken back but nodded anyway.

"Snowbird." Cloud Dancing took her by the upper arm, his voice low and warning in tone.

"Okay, okay. I'm going." She winked at Michaela as Cloud Dancing bid her good-bye.

Michaela watched them exit waving to them until they were out of sight. When Michaela turned back around she was surprised to see Sully depositing Hannah in her crib. She came over and stood on the other side.

"You must be happy with Hannah's improvement."

Sully nodded and leaned down to kiss his daughter. "I am," he whispered quietly and then motioned to her. "I think they want us to leave." He indicated the nurses and Michaela smiled at them before following Sully out.

As they moved down the hall, now alone, Michaela spoke. "I'm sorry I never texted you back. Things became complicated in Boston."

"It's fine," Sully assured her. "I'm sorry I missed your call."

Michaela laughed. "I guess both of our timing was off."

Sully nodded. "And I've been busy trying to get the nursery finished. It won't be long now 'til I actually get to take her home. "

They stopped in front of Michaela's office. "Want to come in for a second?" she asked.

"Sure." Sully felt his heart quicken. He had missed her.

Michaela settled on one end of the couch, Sully on the other end. "I'll come help with the nursery," she offered.

Michaela couldn't be sure but she thought that Sully was blushing. "Ya don't have to. Snowbird is…. Well…." He grew quiet and seemed very uncomfortable.

"I want to help," Michaela quickly said trying to relieve the tension.

Sully smiled gratefully. "How was Boston?"

"Not great." Michaela relaxed back into the couch and exhaled loudly. "My sisters want my mother to sell the house."

"And does your mother want to do that?"

"No and she isn't going to but it still lead to a big fight."

"I'm sorry," Sully said wishing he could reach out and touch her. "I know you were worried something like that would happen."

"And then David and I had an even bigger fight."

Sully shifted uncomfortably. "But you made up?"

Michaela shrugged. "I don't know. We haven't had a chance to talk in private since the fight. I'm not sure David even wants to talk to me right now."

"He probably does but he doesn't know what to say to ya."

"Do you think so?"

"I can't speak for him but I know that's how I always felt with Abby. She could talk circles around me and then get mad that I didn't have anything to say."

Michaela considered his words. "I guess you're right but I don't know how to make him talk. I can't fix all of this by myself."

"Do you still love him?"

Michaela hadn't expected a question quite so pointed and it took her back. "I…I…" she stammered. " I think so," she finally managed to get out.

Sully felt his heart sink but he knew that he couldn't let his feelings show. "Then tell him and show him." His words were quiet but strong. "Guys need to hear that and they need to be shown that." He didn't elaborate on what he meant. Michaela already looked extremely uncomfortable.

On the other side of the couch, Michaela felt disappointed. This wasn't what she wanted Sully to say but she couldn't help but think he was right. She had been thinking this just a few hours ago on the plane ride home. If she loved him, then she needed to fight for them. If she didn't love him, then she needed to end the whole thing.

"Thank you." She looked him in the eye as she spoke. "I needed to hear that."

Sully reached over and covered her hand with his own and gave it a gentle pat. "Anytime," he said with a smile. Reluctantly he removed his hand from hers and forced a smile. "Well, I guess I should go so you can get home."

Michaela wanted to tell him it was fine but the truth was that she knew she couldn't continue to want him around and make this work with David. "I'm pretty tired," she admitted and even yawned to show it. "And don't forget to text me your address so I can help with the nursery."

"No problem." Sully stood and moved towards the door. "Bye," he called out as he opened the door and stepped out into the empty office. The word echoed in the big empty space and reverberated back to him and he remembered afresh that he was alone.