AN: This is the song mentioned at the end of the chapter. I absolutely love this song and thought it fit perfectly. .com/watch?v=gPRESlT4Ccg
Michaela and Sully drove into town in companionable silence. Michaela tried to distract herself by enjoying the beautiful scenery outside her window but she still could not master the nerves she was feeling every mile that brought them closer to town and facing Sully's friends. She nearly jumped out of her seat at the shrill sound of her cell phone ringing. Sully laughed gently as she quickly scrambled to find it at the bottom of her purse.
"You know, the phone isn't going to actually hurt you, Michaela…" he teased her gently, trying to alleviate some of her nerves. Michaela pulled the phone from the depths of her purse triumphantly while shooting Sully a playfully fierce look. She quickly glanced at the caller ID before answering.
" Hey, Marjorie! How's everything in Boston?"
"Oh, so you didn't die in a fiery train accident?" Michaela smiled only because she could hear the note of playfulness in Marjorie's voice.
"I know! I should have called but we got in fairly late last night and have had rather a lazy morning." She blushed a lovely shade of red at Marjorie's suggestive laughter.
"I bet you had a lazy morning…!" Michaela glanced apprehensively at Sully, hoping he hadn't heard her boisterous sister's comments. The way he was studiously keeping his eyes on the road and the slight twitch of a smile teasing the corners of his mouth told Michaela that he had heard enough to know the cause of her blushing.
"…have you called for a purpose other than to tease me?"
"But Michaela, you are so easy to tease! You blush so beautifully at the slightest provocation. You simply make it too easy…" Michaela sighed deeply trying not to blush but only feeling the rising heat on her neck and cheeks. She lightly pinched the bridge of her nose before continuing.
"Marjorie, if you're not going to actually tell me why you called, I'm just going hang up. So, why don't you tell me what's going on back in Boston?"
"You're no fun, Michaela. Well, alright. Everyone is fine, we miss you but look forward to hearing all about Colorado Springs when you return home. Everett was going to call but he had to step out with dad and the other boys, so he asked me to fill you in on what they've been up to." The color draining slightly from Michaela's face did not escape Sully's notice. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to study Michaela's face while holding her free hand securely in his. Seeing the concerned look on Sully's face Michaela decided to turn her phone on speaker.
"Hang on a sec, Marjorie, I'm in the car with Sully. I just put you on speaker…he'll want to hear this too."
"Oh hey Sully! Anyway, I was just going to tell Michaela what's been happening here on the Stephen front. Everett talked to one of the other lawyers at the firm, discretely, and found a PI to start following him – just to see what he's up to. We're not sure what he's involved with but we doubt it's legal. We managed to convince the men not to go after him physically but it took some persuading. You'd think we were living in the 17th century and they could challenge him to a duel or something!"
"Please tell them to be careful! They may not want to get physical with Stephen but I have no doubt that he would have no scruples sending someone after them." Sully could hear the concern and tension in Michaela's voice and moved to bring their foreheads together and he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. It was the best he could do to comfort her with the middle consol of the car between them.
"Michaela, don't worry about us. Everyone is being very careful. If needed we'll get protection but right now I don't think Stephen is aware of what we're doing. Just relax and try to enjoy yourself. Sully, you are under strict orders by the Quinn Family Women to pamper and spoil her senseless while she's there. She'll fight you tooth and nail but you'll have to answer to us if you don't!" All three laughed but Sully knew Marjorie was serious, both about taking care of Michaela and him answering to the rest of the Quinn women. He already had every intention of pampering and taking care of Michaela but he also didn't relish the idea of incurring the wrath of Michaela's sisters and mother.
"You know I will, Marjorie."
"And Michaela, if we hear that you aren't letting him take care you, mother said she would put you over her knee and give you a good paddle. Trust me, that's not something any of us want to witness."
"I promise to let Sully take care of me. I don't think I could resist for too long anyway."
"Alright then…I've got to run. Jared seems to have found the glitter. We'll be in touch. Love you."
"Love you too, Marjorie." Michaela ended the call but did not pull away from Sully. She took in a deep breath and released it slowly. Sully watched her carefully to gage her reaction and what she may need from him at that moment. After taking several deep breaths, Michaela looked up at Sully and smiled. She was determined to not let Stephen spoil this time with Sully.
"We should get going or we'll be late for lunch with your friends." Sully studied her face for a moment before sitting straight in the driver's seat and starting the car. Michaela rested her arm on the middle consol and Sully immediately took her hand in his for a reassuring squeeze.
When they reached Grace's Café it was packed. Every table was full and every seat at the counter was taken. As Sully searched the room for his friends, Michaela looked around to take it all in. The tables were covered with vintage looking table clothes, something you would find from the 40's or 50's with delicate floral embroidery and detailing. It was a large open room with deep booths of dark leather lining the wall opposite the counter. It was bright and sunny and the smells coming from the kitchen made Michaela's mouth water.
Michaela felt Sully tug on her hand and lead her towards a rounded booth in the back corner. Michaela's heart sank in her chest as she saw the expectant faces watching her weave her way through the tables, holding onto Sully's hand like an anchor. At the table were three men and two women and it didn't look as if any of them were a couple.
Once they reached the table Michaela felt as if her legs were about to give way, fortunately, Sully guided her into the booth and sat down next to her, still holding her hand for support under the table. Taking a deep breath, Sully turned to face the inquisitive and excited expressions directed their way.
"Everyone, this is Dr. Michaela Quinn. Michaela, this is Jake, Hank, Robert, Dorothy and Charlotte" he indicated each of them. He looked around the crowded restaurant searching for a familiar face. "And I'm assuming Grace is around here somewhere. I'm sure she'll stop by eventually."
Michaela looked around the table at the five pairs of eyes trained on her and took a deep breath. She felt Sully lean towards her slightly in a show of silent support.
"I'm so happy to meet all of you! Sully has told me so much about you." This comment caused Hank, who was sitting across from Sully, to raise his eyebrows skeptically. Hank was what you could call, rough around the edges. He had long blond curly hair to about his mid back and wore a three day stubble. His clothes were carefully sloppy – too careful in fact, it showed just how much effort he took to look so disheveled. For him, it was a conscious fashion choice.
On Hank's right, on the outside edge of the booth, sat Robert. He was a solidly built mad with broad shoulders. You could tell that he worked with his hands for a living and enjoyed doing it. His eyes were warm and kind and Michaela liked him instantly. She knew instinctively she wouldn't have to worry about Robert saying something to embarrass her on purpose.
On Hank's other side was Jake. Michaela wasn't quite sure what to make of Jake. He was well dressed and had carefully groomed hair but there was something in his eyes that made her uneasy. Jake and Hank continued to exchange loaded glances and that definitely made Michaela self conscious. What are they going to say or do?
Next to Jake was Dorothy and then Charlotte. Michaela remembered what Sully had told her about Dorothy's past and Michaela was interested to hear more about her paper. She had fiery red hair and eyes that sparkled with laughter. She smiled warmly at Michaela trying to put her at ease, understanding what a stressful situation this must be for her.
Charlotte was sitting between Dorothy and Michaela and throughout the meal would occasionally pat Michaela on the knee supportively. Charlotte was a pretty woman that had been worn down by time and misfortune. Caring for and raising her three young children without any assistance from their father had been difficult but well worth the reward of being a mother. Michaela was drawn to Charlotte's steady personality and motherly care. She reminded her of Rebecca's sweetness but Marjorie's no nonsense personality. Michaela had a feeling she would be good friends with both of these women.
The group sat in silence as they studied their menus and tried to decide what to eat. Sully leaned close to Michaela to advise,
"You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu but my favorite is the fried chicken and biscuits" Michaela tried not to get too distracted by the close proximity but had a difficult time restraining from placing a chaste kiss on his cheek before turning back to the menu. Though she had attempted to be discrete, discretion would be impossible as Michaela and Sully were the reason for this lunch. The women smiled, happy to see their friend so obviously happy after all the pain he had experienced. Robert was satisfied with what he saw but both Jake and Hank were biting at the bit for a chance to tease Sully in any way they could find. Their opportunity for just that arose as their food was delivered and Grace sat down for a moment to meet Michaela and join in the conversation.
The conversation started off innocent enough as Charlotte asked Michaela about her job, but it quickly turned into a completely different conversation that no one expected.
"So Michaela, Sully tells us you work at the same hospital he is currently designing a new wing for. What kind of medicine do you practice?" Charlotte asked kindly. Bursting with pride Sully answered before Michaela could even open her mouth.
"Michaela's the head Resident for the pediatric oncology ward at Boston Memorial. She's on track to take over as head of the department someday." Michaela blushed at Sully's outburst but nodded in agreement, at least with the current job description. She someday hoped that she would be head of the department but she wasn't jockeying for that just yet. Charlotte and Dorothy exchanged a meaningful glance, both noticing how appropriate Michaela would specialize in cancer and Sully had lost his daughter to cancer.
The discussion continued on for a couple of minutes as Michaela talked about some of her patients and the crazy things that would happen when working with children. She talked about Sully's planned expansion for the hospital, glowing with pride. Everyone was having a wonderful time until Hank decided it was time to have a little fun with the new couple.
Robert had warned both Jake and Hank to lay off Michaela or face the consequences. Surprisingly they had agreed but only because they hadn't technically promised not to tease Sully. During a lull in the conversation Hank cleared his throat and said gruffly,
"Sounds like you've got yourself quite a woman there, Sully." Everyone at the table eyed Hank warily, not sure where he was going with the conversation. Sully put his arm around the back of the booth behind Michaela in a casual, yet protective gesture.
"Don't think I don't know it, Hank."
"Such a successful doctor, smart, beautiful…I'm guessing opinionated, stubborn. You sure can pick 'em." Michaela was getting increasingly uncomfortable but there was something in the tone of Hank's voice that let her know that she wasn't the target for whatever was coming next, which made her forget her anxiety over impressing Sully's friends. Instead, she was on the defensive – feeling the need to protect Sully.
"I think it's clear who wears the pants in your relationship. I'll tell you one thing; my woman knows that I am the man. That I am the one in charge and if she doesn't like it, she can sleep on the couch. Tell me, have you spent much time on the couch lately, Sully?" Michaela could faintly hear the collective intake of breath from the group. Sully's body tensed and he fought the urge to throttle Hank. He was brought back to his senses by a gentle hand on his knee. If he had been blindfolded he still would have known Michaela's touch. The warmth spread from where her hand rested on his knee to the tips of his toes and the top of his head. He took several deep breaths before attempting to respond to Hank's arrogant comments, but didn't have the change as Michaela spoke first. He wasn't sure if the others noticed it but he could hear the ice in her voice as she directed her steely gaze at Hank. Sully laughed a little as he saw Hank cower slightly under Michaela's glare.
"Let me see if I understand you correctly…you do something idiotically stupid that upsets your girlfriend or wife" Michaela stressed the words girlfriend and wife to show she didn't appreciate Hank's derogatory comment, "and she has to sleep on the couch?" Hank nodded in response, his confidence returning.
"Hmm..that's interesting. And tell me, are you married?" Hank shook his head no. "No? oh, well, you must be dating someone. Who's the lucky lady?"
Hank mumbled a reply but wouldn't articulate what he said clearly. Finally Jake offered, "Hank hasn't dated anyone since Myra dumped him senior year of high school!" Michaela's anger was diffusing and she suddenly felt sorry for Hank but she could not allow him to say what he said without some kind of response.
"Hhhmmmm…that would explain why you have absolutely no idea how to treat a woman and trust me, Sully is the best man I have ever known. It takes a real man to respect a woman and not be threatened by her professional or educational accomplishments. You could learn a thing or two from him." Michaela was surprised when she heard a soft round of applause from the rest of the table. Dorothy leaned over and placed her hand over Michaela's, smiling widely,
"Michaela…I have been hoping someone would put Hank in his place for years! I sure am glad that I was here to witness it." Michaela felt guilty at having spoken so forcefully to a man she hardly knew – one of Sully's friends even! If he were really Sully's friend he wouldn't have talked to him that way. Robert punched Hank in the shoulder playfully,
"Come on Hank, you know you had that coming. I think you had better leave these two alone unless you want to face the wrath of either of them." The rest of the table laughed as Hank grumbled something to himself and sank lower into his chair. He shot a good natured grin at Michaela to let her know that he didn't begrudge her for the lecture. If anything, he respected her immensely for it. She was a woman that spoke her mind and defended those she loved. Maybe if he had ever found a woman that loved him the way she loved Sully, he wouldn't be as angry and bitter as he had become.
As lunch started to break up Sully was happy to see Michaela speaking animatedly with Dorothy, Charlotte and Grace. It sounded as if they were making plans for later in the week. I should have known I wouldn't be able to keep her to myself for too long. While he had selfishly hoped to monopolize Michaela's time, at least for the first couple of weeks, he was happy to see that she was fitting in as if she had always been part of the group. Saying a last farewell to her new friends, Michaela felt Sully's hand find hers. She smiled contentedly and the pair walked out together into the bright January sun. When they had made it around the corner and where out of site of the five pairs of eyes that were glued to their backs, Sully suddenly stopped and lifted Michaela off her feet, twirling her around in excitement.
"Sully! What on earth are you doing?" she asked through her giggles. He placed her back on solid ground but did not release his hold on her. He kissed her soundly on the lips, his eyes twinkling. "Sully…what in heaven's name has gotten into you?"
"You were fantastic in there. They loved you!" she blushed sweetly under his adoring gaze but was not tempted to lower her eyes from his.
"You think? I shouldn't have spoken to Hank like that…I've never been very good at holding my tongue in situations like that" she said as she shook her head, a slight look of guilt reflecting in her eyes. Sully was quick to contradict her,
"Nah, I think it did him good," Sully reassured her as he pulled her closer to him.
"Sully….do you agree with Hank? Do you think I'm too opinionated and that I 'wear the pants'?" Michaela asked timidly. She was surprised when she felt his chest shake in laughter. Indignantly she pulled away from him and stepped back a few paces to put some distance between them. "I don't see what's so funny about this."
The cold winter wind filled the space between them and Sully knew that is what his heart would feel if he ever lost this amazing, wonderful woman. He pulled her close to his chest and wrapped his arms around a resisting Michaela. She sighed and fully relaxed against his body and wrapped her arms around his torso. It's no use, I can't withstand him for too long. Sully held her close for a minute before stepping back to look at her with a playful gleam in his eye,
"Michaela, you are the most stubborn and opinionated woman I have ever met" he quickly continued as he saw her face fall, "Lucky for you, that's just the way I like them." He moved to place a sweet and tender kiss on her soft lips. When they pulled apart Michaela smiled sweetly at him.
"I meant what I told Hank, Sully. You are the best man I have ever known." He smiled at the reaffirmation and wondered how he was so fortunate. He released his hold around her body and took her hand in his.
"Come on…let's go poke around some of these shops. They've got some interesting stuff." The couple spent the rest of the afternoon investigating the different antique and vintage shops that lined Main Street. Michaela fell in love with an old physician's bag from the 1860's. After protesting for a while, she gave in and Sully bought it for her. He loved to get gifts for her but he wasn't going to buy meaningless trinkets. He wanted his gifts to have a meaning. When he saw her eyes light up with excitement when she saw the physician's bag he knew he would had to get it for her.
While Sully was completing the transaction with the clerk Michaela continued to wander around the store. She loved places like this. Every nook and cranny, every shelf was covered with interesting trinkets and mementos of the past. Nestle in the back of the store, in the middle of a stack of books, was a weathered copy of Walt Whitman's poetry. It was a second edition and was in amazingly good shape. She knew Walt Whitman was Sully's favorite poet and she wanted to surprise him with it. She peeked over her shoulder and saw that Sully was still busy with the clerk at the front of the store. She poked her head around to what looked liked the office and saw an older gentleman sitting at the computer.
"Excuse me, sir?" the man looked up from his work, startled. He looked over his wire rimmed glasses, perched on the tip of his nose, to see who had interrupted his work. He smiled when he saw the beautiful woman standing at the door, a book firmly clasped in her hand.
"Yes? Can I help you ma'am?" He stood and walked to the door, extending his hand towards her in greeting. She smiled and it seemed to light up the dingy office.
"I was wondering if you could hold this book for me? You see, it's a present for my boyfriend but he's out here talking to the clerk. I wouldn't be able to get it today without him finding out." The elderly gentleman took the book from her hands. He lovingly caressed the weathered leather and opened to the title page.
"Ah…Walt Whitman. Excellent choice. We usually don't hold merchandise for customers but I think for you, I can make an exception." If he thought her smile beautiful before, she now smiled so enthusiastically and excitedly, it took his breath away.
"Oh, thank you Mr….?"
"No, call me Henry. Henry Jefferson, I own this shop. And you are…?" Michaela offered her hand which he took and shook firmly as she answered,
"I'm Dr. Michaela Quinn, but you can call me Michaela. I'm on an extended vacation and staying with Byron Sully." Henry's face smiled in recognition.
"Ah yes, the architect? I read a story about his project back in Boston in our Gazette…very talented fellow it would seem. So you must be from Boston, I would assume. And how are you liking our fair town?"
"Well, we just got in late last night but so far it's fantastic. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I feel as if I've lived here my whole life!" Just then Michaela heard Sully call her name and make his way back towards where she and Henry were talking. He quickly stashed the book of poetry in a desk drawer and smiled conspiratorially with Michaela as Sully turned the corner. Sully placed his hand on Michaela's lower back extended his other hand in greeting towards the elderly man.
"Sully…this is Mr. Henry Jefferson, he owns this shop. Henry, this is Mr. Byron Sully"
"It's actually just Sully." He said shaking Henry's hand firmly. Henry smiled and nodded. Michaela continued,
"Henry was saying that he heard about the Boston Memorial project in an article from the Gazette. It seems your fame and stature are growing" she said with a twinkle in her eye. Henry was watching the couple closely and liked what he saw. It was obvious the pair completely adored each other. Seeing such adoration and love between them made him remember his dear sweet wife, Sophia. His eyes started to glisten as he made a trip down memory lane. Michaela noticed the tears and concerned for her new friend asked,
"Henry, is everything alright?" He dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand but turned his gaze to Sully.
"Oh, I'm quite alright. Please forgive a sentimental old man. You just take care of this special woman, ok? If you don't, you'll have to answer to me." The young couple laughed and looked at each other lovingly.
"Don't worry…I plan to love this woman for the rest of my days." A rather serious mood descended on the small office at Sully's declaration. Michaela's heart caught in her throat. It was the first time either of them had talked about the future in that way. In her quiet moments and the secret recesses of her heart, there was nothing she would love more than to be married to this man, but they hadn't discussed it or come close to discussing it. It seemed they were always preoccupied with the politics at the hospital or the latest incident with Stephen. It frightened and excited her that Sully was thinking the same things she was. Suddenly aware of the growing tension in the room, Michaela laughed brightly and teased,
"I don't think he has much of a choice anymore. It seems everyone is determined to do him harm if he ever makes a wrong step!" The other gentleman laughed but both knew that would never be necessary. Sully would go to the ends of the earth to make Michaela happy.
"Well, we had better be going. It's getting late and I've got a surprise waiting for you at home" Sully said, leading Michaela back towards the front of the store. Henry followed them to the front door and waived them off down the street.
"Don't be a stranger, now!" he called after them.
In the car ride home Michaela leaned her head back against her seat and turned to study Sully's chiseled profile. She felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for the wonderful man sitting across from her. She brought his hand, which was firmly clasped in hers, to her lips and kissed the back of it tenderly. She then brought it to her cheek and held it there. Sully glanced over at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road.
"Thank you for a wonderful day, Sully." He smiled at her happily and responded,
"Just following Marjorie's orders. I'd hate to incur her anger!" The both laughed and fell into a companionable silence. Sully focused on the road and Michaela watched the beautiful Colorado scenery speed past her.
"It's so different from Boston out here…" she whispered. Sully couldn't tell from her voice if that was a positive or negative. "It's so much more open and….free. I feel more free. I don't know if it's because I don't have to worry about Stephen and David or if it's just because it's part of you or if it's just because it's a change of scenery from what I'm used to….I guess, in the end, it doesn't really matter..."
Sully knew she wasn't really looking for a response but rather just wanted to express her thoughts. He simply gave her hand a gentle squeeze and continued to focus on the driving. After a quick stop at the grocery store, they pulled into the long driveway of Sully's home, and Michaela remembered he had a surprise waiting for her. Animatedly she turned her body towards his and like a child on Christmas morning asked,
"What's my surprise?" Sully laughed and his deep bass voice filled the car. He put the car in park, turned the engine off and got out of the car without answering her. He walked around the car and opened the door for Michaela, helping her find her balance on the icy ground before letting her go of her hand.
"Sorry…I can't tell you that, then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore." He laughed at the disappointed look on her face but simple continued to walk into the house carrying several bags of groceries. The first order of business was to get a fire started in the beautiful fireplace in the living room. Once that was going he instructed Michaela to relax on the couch with a glass of wine while he got dinner started.
"You know, a girl could get used to this kind of treatment" she told him teasingly. He leaned over the back of the couch where she was sitting and placed a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose.
"Good…it's about time someone takes care of you for a change." He then turned and walked into the kitchen to start dinner. Michaela surveyed the room once more and once again felt as if she was returning home from a long vacation. She noticed a stereo on a table against the wall. She went to inspect Sully's choice in music and found they had very similar taste. Instead of changing what was already in the CD player, she simply pressed play. Rosemary Clooney's voice filled the room with the song "Tenderly". Michaela adjusted the volume so it was playing softly in the background. With her glass of wine in her hand, Michaela next moved to inspect Sully's bookshelf. She smiled when she saw the rather eclectic collection. He had everything from biography and memoir to history to fiction to current events. There were quite a few books on architecture and photography books. He even had a couple of cookbooks buried among the other titles. She pulled a book of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and nestled into the couch contentedly.
As Michaela made her way through Browning's poetry Sully moved around the kitchen chopping and sautéing. Soon the delicious aroma permeated the living room causing Michaela's stomach to grumble with hunger. The sun was setting and the kitchen was filled with the golden glow coming from the west as she entered. Sully had his back to her as he was stirring something on the stove. She sneaked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso breathing in deeply his earthy scent.
"What are you making? It smells delicious!" She released her hold on him as he continued to bustle around the kitchen.
"We're having chicken stir fry with sticky rice and tempura vegetables."
"It appears I am not only dating an architect but an amateur chef, as well. How on earth did I ever get so lucky?" He smiled but was too busy chopping and cooking to think of a witty response. Just then a loud knock sounded at the door. Sully checked the clock above the stove and smiled in satisfaction.
"Right on time. It would seem that your surprise is here, Michaela." She watched in stunned silence and confusion as he went to open the door and welcome whoever was on the other side. It was then that she noticed the table was set for four, not two. Rising from her chair she walked towards the foyer as she heard Sully's voice welcome their guests and another deep, soothing voice answer. She didn't recognize the voice and could not for the life of her guess who it could possibly be. As she turned the corner she saw Sully shaking hands with a striking Native American man while a Native American woman stood to the side with a bemused smile on her face. Noticing the camaraderie between the two men, Michaela knew in an instant who this was and she excitedly joined them by the front door. Without waiting for an introduction Michaela, with one arm around Sully, smiled at the couple and said,
"You must be Cloud Dancing and Snowbird! Sully has told me so much about you!" Cloud Dancing smiled warmly as Snow Bird stepped forward and he put his arm around her shoulders.
"Sully has told us much about you too. I'm happy to see that he did not exaggerate." Sully's heart was nearly bursting with happiness to see the woman he loved finally meeting the man that saved him from himself so many years ago.
"Your timing is perfect. I was just about to set dinner on the table." The group moved into the kitchen and took their seats. At first no one spoke as they passed the food around and started eating.
"Sully…this is wonderful! I should just learn to never be surprised by anything you do." Michaela enthused. The rest of the group simply laughed good naturedly. The evening passed in comfortable conversation. Michaela told them about her work as a pediatrician in Boston.
"That must be very difficult working with such sick children every day," Snowbird commented. Michaela took a deep breath before responding,
"It can be difficult but it can also be very rewarding. You never forget the look of excitement, relief and joy and on the parent's faces when their child beats the odds. Children are very resilient and I learn something new from them nearly every day. I love my job."
Cloud Dancing told Michaela about the traditions of the Cheyenne Indians. She was particularly interested in their medicinal remedies and was excited to hear that Cloud Dancing was what they called a Cheyenne Medicine Man. Seeing Michaela's interest was sincere he offered,
"I could teach you the Cheyenne ways, if you are interested." Michaela's eyes lit up with excitement.
"I would be honored if you would teach me, Cloud Dancing. I have always believed there is more than one way to treat an illness and it's important to learn from different cultures."
Sully did not participate much of the conversation that night but rather sat back and watched, his heart near to bursting with pride, as Michaela, Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird talked and got to know each other. Michaela may not have realized but Sully knew just what an honor it was for Cloud Dancing to teach her the Cheyenne ways. It signified that he not only liked Michaela but trusted her and respected her as a physician. It was late when Cloud Dancing and Snowbird left for the evening. Cloud Dancing had made plans to meet with Michaela next week to begin teaching her about Cheyenne medicine. Sully loved the way her eyes glowed with excitement at the prospect of learning new information.
After closing the door behind them, Sully and Michaela wandered into the living room. Michaela sat on the couch as Sully stoked the fire up a bit. The CD player had rotated through all the CDs and was now playing Andrea Bocelli. The fire provided the only light in the room and it danced off the walls and cast the room in an orange light. Michaela watched Sully as he squatted in front of the fire and added more logs until it was roaring and dancing. He stood and wiped his hands on the back of his thighs, more out of habit than necessity. Oh how I love him! He returned to the couch and pulled her into his arms. The two sat wrapped in each other's embrace and stared into the hypnotizing dancing of the flames before them. Sully started to hum along with the song playing. "Besame Mucho". Michaela smiled as she felt the vibrations through his chest and she started to hum along as well.
"I love this song" she said quietly. "It always makes me want to dance" she murmured dreamily. The combination of the wine, music, fire and Sully's arms was making her sleepy. She was startled when Sully stood up and offered her his hand. Pulling herself out of her sleepy haze, Michaela allowed Sully to pull her close. He put one hand on the small of her back while the other held Michaela's gently, plaxing it over his heart as they slowly swayed to the music.
Michaela felt as if she was living in a dream. This was such a romantic moment, it belonged in a movie or romance novel, not her life. She loved the feel of Sully's strong arm pulling her close. She rested her head against his chest and felt the vibrations of his voice as he hummed along. She felt so safe. So loved. This man had put her back together. He had made her whole…they had made each other whole.
When the song ended Sully cupped her face in his hands and pulled her close for an emotionally charged kiss. It wasn't the rapid dance of passion but rather the leisurely stroll of love as their lips moved together in a familiar and wonderful way. He broke the kiss, taking her hand in his and led her up the stairs to their bedroom. Neither said a word as they crawled into bed and into each other's arms. Both quickly fell asleep, basking in their mutual love.