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.

Chapter Twenty- one

Thanksgiving 1846

Josef stood at the library window looking out in the backyard at Michaela and Sully. November's chill had long ago settled on Boston but Michaela and Sully seemed to be immune to it. Both of them were perched on the limb of a tree, Sully drawing something and Michaela eagerly watching him. The change that had been wrought in Michaela in the last month was unbelievable. For all of October she had been moody and irritable, almost impossible to be around. Josef regretted not trying to talk to her more during that time. Maybe there had been something going on with her. He still felt bad about that and had vowed to himself to not let his daughter become so distant again.

Yet whatever had been wrong with her, she seemed to be cured of her bouts of melancholia completely and Josef was ecstatic. Over the past month, she had thrown herself into her work at the hospital more than ever. True she just did menial tasks but she accomplished each with vigor and enthusiasm. He smiled to himself and looked around his library. One day, he would share his practice with Michaela. Just the thought filled his heart with joy. And Sully- he was so proud of Sully. He had come so far in such a short period of time. It didn't matter if they hadn't officially adopted him, in his heart Sully was his son.

Josef turned and looked at his desk, the letter from his mother still laid out on it. She wanted them all to come to Maryland for Christmas. Josef sat down heavily in his chair, knowing it would be just about impossible to convince Elizabeth to go. He rarely put his foot down, often giving into Elizabeth's preferences. He liked to think of it as choosing his battles but this might just be one he would choose to fight. Michaela and Sully certainly wanted to go. He knew Marjorie would prefer to stay in Boston but no matter how much she complained, she was still underage and could be told what to do. Elizabeth was the real wild card. Could he convince her to spend Christmas in Maryland? He would try, after all, his mother wasn't getting any younger. Soon she would be gone and he would regret not trying to see her more.

A loud shout coming from outside caught his attention and Josef rose to go to the window. Mike was chasing Sully around the backyard, letting her almost catch him before taking off again. Josef laughed to himself watching his two children. In less than a week, Sully would be twelve – a young man. Time just kept marching forward and he wished he could stop it. Michaela had really blossomed over the last year and in his opinion, her beauty outshone her sisters. Still she didn't seem too interested in boys which Josef was pleased about. She would need to be focused on school alone if she wanted to be a doctor. Sully had grown tremendously in the last year. When he had first come to them, he had been small for his age but now he had caught up to the boys his age and even passed them in height. Josef knew that with Sully turning twelve, the subject of boarding school was sure to be broached by Elizabeth again. It didn't matter though. He had already decided- he wasn't going to ship Sully off. Boston Latin was a fine school. Besides Sully had been with them such a short time, Josef wasn't ready to see him go.

He stood now just watching the two of them. Sully had let Michaela catch him. Sully had his back to her, Michaela's arms wrapped tightly around his torso refusing to let go. Sully's hands pried at her fingers trying to get away from her. Or was he trying to get away? Was he actually holding her hands there? Mike glanced up at the window, quickly dropping her hands from around Sully and waving a little too enthusiastically at her father. Sully followed suit. Josef waved back. What had he been thinking? Elizabeth must be really getting to him with all the talk that Sully and Michaela had romantic feelings for each other. What utter nonsense. He stood watching them for a few more minutes until they both settled down on the tree limb again. This time Michaela was reading while Sully continued drawing. Josef finally tore himself away and went to see what Elizabeth was up to.

"Is he gone yet?" Michaela whispered to Sully.

Sully raised his eyes ever so slightly to see that Josef's form had left the window. "Yeah, he's gone."

Michaela let out a relieved breath. "That was close," she said.

"At least it wasn't' Elizabeth," Sully returned smiling at her with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Oh my gosh, she would have gone crazy. They're touching! They're touching!" she exclaimed mocking Elizabeth. "Do you know she thinks boys can't be trusted? She told me that they can't control themselves around girls."

Sully raised an eyebrow at her. "Seems to me, it's the other way around."

"What do you mean?"

"Who was grabbin' who while ago? " Sully asked raising his eyebrows at her.

"I was not grabbing you. You make it sound like I was doing something wrong. I was just chasing you and besides you let yourself be caught. Maybe you wanted me grabbin' all over ya." Michaela teased but blushed as this last line left her mouth.

Sully chuckled. "Can't say I mind," he smirked.

"Sully!" Michaela chided but the sides of her mouth were curling up into a smile.

"What?" Sully replied shrugging his shoulders. With one final glance at Michaela, he returned to sketching. Michaela picked her book back up but set it down not even a minute later. She was bored. Nudging Sully with the toe of her shoe, she got his attention.

"What do you want for your birthday?" she asked.

"Umm.. a new sketch book or maybe some paints. I haven't done much with paints – thought I'd give 'em a try."

"That's what you told Father already. I mean what do you want from me?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? You can't think of anything you want?"

"I'm not used to gettin' lots of gifts for a birthday. I usually just got some candy or somethin' like that."

"Yes, but now you live in Beacon Hill," Michaela said dramatically. "And in Beacon Hill, birthdays are a big deal. So what can I get you?"

"Don't really need anythin'."

"There is nothing that you want from me?" Michaela asked playfully. Sully's eyes suddenly got large and he dropped his head. "Sully are you blushing?" Michaela asked noticing the pink slowly rising in his cheeks.

"Just a little cold, that's all," he said.

"Sully?" Michaela asked as he hastily went back to his sketching.

"Hmm."

"You just thought of something, didn't you? Tell me," Michaela insisted now nudging him harder with her foot.

"I'm tryin' to sketch here. It's a little difficult if you keep bumpin' into me."

Michaela grabbed his sketch book and jumped out of the tree. "Michaela, give it back," Sully said.

"Not until you tell me what you were thinking while ago," Michaela replied cocking her head to the side.

"I wasn't thinking anything," Sully said exasperated.

"Yes, you were. Stop lying."

"Just give me my book."

"Michaela! Sully!" called Elizabeth's voice from the back porch. "Both of you need to go upstairs and dress for dinner. Our guests will be here any minute." Sully looked relieved and held out his hand for his sketch book.

Michaela grudgingly returned it. "Elizabeth might have saved you this time but I will get it out of you," she laughed running past him to enter the house.

Thanksgiving dinner was no different from normal at the Quinn house. Adults sat at the large table in the dining room while children were relegated to a smaller round table in the corner. Normally Michaela deeply resented the banishment to the corner as she called it. The banishment didn't seem so bad this year as she took a seat between Sully and her five year old niece, Anne. Away from the adults, Sully and her had the opportunity to speak freely and laugh about the silly way her sisters behaved. Marjorie was pouting as she had wanted to spend the day with some boy's family. Elizabeth had refused to allow her to go as she had not officially come of age for courting. Maureen sat rigidly by Charles who was attentive to her every whim and need, though Maureen was treating him horridly. Claudette wasn't present as her and Benjamin, her husband, were spending Thanksgiving with his family who lived only a few houses down. They were sure to come by later for dessert. Rebecca sat closest to the children's table in case she was needed by Anne or Robert. Elizabeth presided over all, firing off orders to anyone within hearing range. Josef sat quietly at the far end of the table waiting for Elizabeth to finish so that the meal could begin in earnest. The food as always was delicious and Sully helped himself to several plates with Michaela wondering where he was putting it all.

After dinner, the woman retired to the drawing room while the men went off to Josef's library. Sully and Michaela had their own plans to head back outside but they were quickly waylaid.

"Sully, come join us in the library," Josef invited holding his arm open to Sully. When Sully stepped forward he clasped Sully's shoulder holding him to his side. "Can't believe you'll be twelve in just a few days time. It's time you joined the men," he said giving Sully a small wink as they walked off together.

Michaela huffed in protest as her plans were thwarted but she headed off to the drawing room knowing that her presence was expected by Elizabeth. Elizabeth was holding court with her daughters and grandchildren, focused at the minute on Anne who was singing a song. Michaela quickly located her book where she had stashed it earlier under one of the drawing room chairs and headed over to the corner to read. Rebecca had watched Michaela enter and head over to the corner. The children both seemed entertained for the moment so she headed over to talk to Michaela.

"Michaela," she began as she pulled a chair closer to her younger sister. "What are you reading?"

"Othello, it's for school," Michaela answered putting the book down in her lap.

"Can you spare some time to talk with me?" Rebecca asked. "I feel like we haven't really talked in ages."

"No, it has been a long time," agreed Michaela. She had always treasured Rebecca's visits, looking forward to the chance to be completely herself and know Rebecca would accept her for who she was.

"I feel rather out of touch with you. I hear you and Sully had a wonderful time at grandmother's this summer."

Michaela nodded. "Oh, we did. The river is really beautiful and her house is amazing."

"I remember that from the one time we visited," Rebecca said. She reached over and touched Michaela's hand. "You look so grown up, Michaela. I can't believe I used to carry you around on my hip when I was your age." Michaela chucked at the thought of that. "So did you meet any interesting young men in Maryland?"

"Sort of," Michaela answered averting her eyes.

"I see," smiled Rebecca. "More interesting than the boys in Boston?"

"Maybe," replied Michaela still looking off to the side.

"Hmm." Rebecca smiled at Michaela's blushing cheeks. "So there is a young man who has caught your eye?" Michaela nodded her head and turned a deeper shade of red. Rebecca giggled acting like a school girl. "Is he cute?" she asked.

"I think so," Michaela whispered.

Rebecca crinkled her nose up, excitement clearly written on her face. "Is he older than you?" Michaela stopped herself suddenly, realizing she was treading on dangerous ground. Rebecca noticed her reaction. "Michaela?" Rebecca asked. "Is something the matter?"

"No, it's just I don't think this boy knows I exist," she lied.

"You might be surprised Michaela. You have really bloomed into a lovely young lady. I am sure boys are beginning to notice." Rebecca smiled at her and Michaela felt the danger pass.

"Rebecca, could I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"If I wanted to give this particular young man a gift, something special that would let him know that I…" Michaela drifted off unsure of the right word to use to keep her in safe territory.

"That you like him," Rebecca finished. Michaela nodded. "Do you mean like a Christmas gift?" Michaela nodded again. "I suppose you could give him something small and inexpensive. You don't want him to think you are too forward. It's best to let the boys do the chasing."

Michaela blushed again and nervously played with her hands. "What do you mean?"

"In general, men want to be the aggressors in the relationship. A woman should wait for the man," Rebecca finished.

"I don't understand," Michaela sighed a confused expression on her face. "Wait for what?"

"For the man to initiate the relationship. For example, a man should be the one to ask your permission to kiss you and then if you agree.. well, I don't know if we should even be talking about this. You won't have to worry about kissing boys for another few years."

"Right," Michaela nervously laughed. Suddenly she felt sick. Did Sully perceive her as the aggressor? And oh my gosh, she had told him he could kiss her at that dance in Maryland. What was wrong with her? She couldn't do anything right.

"Marueen!" Elizabeth's excited voice carried across the room. Rebecca and Michaela turned to see what was going on. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?"

"I was trying to wait until Claudette arrived but I really couldn't hold it in any longer," Maureen explained. Rebecca was already walking across the room and Michaela felt curiosity drawing her as well.

"What is it?" Rebecca asked.

"I'm expecting," Maureen said her eyes shining. "Charles and I found out two weeks ago. We waited to tell everyone today." At that moment, another shout was heard from the back of the house.

"Sounds like Charles just told the men," Elizabeth smiled. They heard the library door open and feet coming down the hall. Josef was the first one in.

"Has she told you, Elizabeth?" he asked, excitement clearly written on his face. Charles appeared right behind him, proud as he could be.

"Yes, Maureen just told us." Elizabeth rose quicky to hug her daughter and son-in-law overjoyed that another grandchild was on the way. Rebecca's husband, John and Sully appeared in the doorway and joined the crowd now busy hugging the young couple and offering congratulations. Michaela hugged Maureen lightly and offered her congratulations. Uncertain whether it was proper to hug Charles she extended her hand to him but he ignored her hand and wrapped both arms around her in a huge bear hug. When he let go of her, he pulled Sully into a bear hug as well, saying, "My son's future aunt and uncle."

Michaela looked at Sully as Charles let go of him. His face had the same expression it did whenever Josef referenced the word son and him in the same sentence. Michaela felt that familiar ache in the pit of her stomach; the one that was a strange combination of anger and hurt. Anger that anyone would assume Sully was her brother and hurt for Sully that he couldn't have the family he so badly wanted. Sully offered his hand to Maureen and she shook it smiling demurely. He then joined Michaela who stood a little away from the happy group. Shyly he smiled at her gently brushing her hand with his. The familiar tingles shot through Michaela's body as the great urge to be physically close to Sully overtook her. Was this what Rebecca had meant? If they had been alone, Michaela would have thought nothing of holding his hand or resting her head against his shoulder. She sighed loudly as she came to the decision that she was often too forward.

"Ya okay?" Sully asked, his voice low.

"Fine," Michaela mumbled not wanting to meet Sully's eyes. Sully studied her for a moment and watched as she literally crawled back into her depression from the month before. What had happened in the brief twenty minutes they had been apart to cause her to regress like this? Sully felt anger rising in his chest for the moment directed at Elizabeth as she was usually the source of contention when it came to Michaela. A knock on the front door disrupted them all and soon Harrison had showed Claudette and her husband in. The good news was shared again as Michaela separated herself from the group and returned to her book. Sully started to go to her but noticed Elizabeth's ever watchful eye trained on him and thought better of it. Maybe tonight would afford him an opportunity to speak to her.

Josef took a deep breath as he stood outside their bedroom door. The day had gone well and Elizabeth generally seemed to be in a good mood. He knew that the sooner he approached her about spending Christmas in Maryland, the more time she would have to get used to the idea and possibly he could manage to convince her. Tonight, he would just mention it casually to get her used to the idea. Stepping into the room, he realized she was already in bed reading. Quietly he maneuvered around the room washing up and changing into his nightclothes. As he slipped into the bed, Elizabeth set her book down expectantly.

"What a wonderful day," she said smiling at him as he picked up a medical journal.

"It sure was," Josef returned.

"I can't believe Maureen is expecting all ready."

"I know Charles was so funny. Did you see the way he was fussing over her?"

"It reminded me of a certain someone when I found out I was first pregnant with Rebecca."

"I wasn't that bad, was I?" Elizabeth gave Josef a look and they both shared a good laugh.

"Thank you for taking Sully in with the men today," Elizabeth said starting to pick her book back up.

"Your welcome," Josef said looking over at her, an odd expression on his face. "He really is growing into a young man and next week he'll be twelve. It's hard to believe."

"I know," Elizabeth sighed a worried expression on her face. "That's what worries me."

"Oh, Elizabeth you're not still on that jag about Sully and Michaela having romantic feelings for each other, are you?"

"I know you think it is foolish Josef,"

Before Elizabeth could finish, Josef cut her off. "Yes I do think it's foolish and a bunch of nonsense. Anyone who saw them together would simply think they act like brother and sister."

"Hmph," Elizabeth angrily picked up her book.

This wasn't turning out the way Josef had expected. Maybe tonight wouldn't be a good time to bring up Christmas at Anna's. "Elizabeth, I don't want us to fight about this." Elizabeth just exhaled loudly and moved towards the side of the bed holding her book in front of her face. Josef shook his head and resignedly asked, "Have you seen more evidence or something?"

"No and that's the problem," replied Elizabeth with the book still in front of her face.

"I don't understand," Josef said.

"It's like they are purposely trying to act like brother and sister. There has been no more hand holding, no more blushing at exchanged looks, no more secret whispering."

"Elizabeth, you aren't making any sense."

"Don't you see Josef? They know I'm onto them."

"Oh, brother!" Josef exclaimed. "Elizabeth that is completely ridiculous."

"Fine, don't believe me but when your son asks for your daughter's hand in marriage, maybe your eyes will finally be opened. Good night!" Elizabeth slammed her book down on the bedside table and turned down her lamp before noisily rolling over to the very edge of the bed and turning her back to Josef.

"Good night," Josef sighed. "Oh and by the way Anna wants us to spend Christmas with her in Maryland."

"What?"

"Good night."

"Josef did you just say that your crazy mother wants us to spend Christmas in Maryland?" Elizabeth sat up in bed.

"I might have mentioned that," Josef answered casually.

"Do you think you're being cute?" Elizabeth accused. "If you think I'm,"

"Elizabeth, I already know you don't want to go. She's my mother so I'll take Sully and Michaela and go see her. You and Marjorie can stay here."

"Oh no you won't. Those two are not getting out of my sight again. Who knows what they were up to this summer."

"Does that mean you'll be going?"

"Don't have much of a choice, do I?" Elizabeth said flopping back down into the bed and closing her eyes. Josef smiled to himself. Things had worked out better than he could have expected. Closing the medical journal, he turned down the lamp and lay down beside Elizabeth.

"Who knows Elizabeth maybe you'll actually enjoy yourself," he couldn't resist murmuring.

"I heard that," Elizabeth responded. "And that remains to be seen." Josef chuckled silently and then closed his eyes knowing that at least Michaela and Sully would be excited to go.

The door at the end of the hall closed and Sully waited. A few minutes later it opened and closed again. That had to mean Josef and Elizabeth had both retired for the evening. There had not been one moment to be alone with Michaela since the afternoon and Sully was anxious to talk to her and find out what was wrong. Her mood had been rather listless for the rest of the day causing Sully to worry. Ten minutes slowly passed but to Sully it felt like at least an hour. He decided to risk it. Stepping out into the hall, he was thankful for the moonless night that covered him in darkness. Quietly he crept down the hall stopping at Michaela's door. The proper thing to do was knock but he couldn't take the chance that someone might hear him so he slowly turned the door knob and slipped into the room. Pitch blackness greeted him and he feared Michaela might already be asleep when he heard the muffled sound of crying coming from the bed.

"Michaela," he whispered into the blackness using the crying sounds to orient himself in the darkness. The muffled sobbing stopped and was replaced by sniffing noises. "Are ya awake," he whispered.

"Sully?" Michaela asked.

"Yeah." Slowly he made his way in the direction of the bed as his eyes had finally adjusted enough to make out the room. Michaela sat up in bed and tried to wipe off her cheeks and stop her body from shaking. "What's wrong?" Sully said as he gingerly sat down on the edge of the bed unsure of where Michaela's legs were. Michaela slid over to make more room for Sully but did not answer. "Give me your hand, Michaela and tell me what's wrong," Sully wasn't asking he was telling her what to do. He stuck his hand out toward her and without much thought Michaela picked up her hand and held it out in his direction. Immediately Sully grasped it in his own and lightly caressed it with his thumb. Still Michaela remained silent. "Michaela, what happened today that has ya all upset?"

Michaela let out a small hiccup as she tried to suppress the sobs that were rising in her throat. It probably wasn't wise to tell Sully but there really was no one else to tell. Finally, in a loud whisper she sobbed, "Oh Sully, I'm sorry I don't behave like a proper girl." As the words came out, the damn broke once more and tears cascaded down her cheeks as the sobs fought their way out of her throat. Sully quickly scooted closer to her and lovingly rubbed her back with his free hand.

Only after she had calmed some did he try to speak. "Michaela, I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

"Rebecca told me that girls shouldn't chase boys."

"Okay," Sully said still confused.

"I mean they should wait for boys to make the first moves as far as a relationship is concerned," she continued.

"Oh," Sully gasped as he understood what she was saying. Still it didn't make sense that she was upset.

"She says girls shouldn't be forward. But sometimes I feel like I can't help myself," Michaela became hysterical again.

"Shh," Sully tried to silence her so that he could speak. "What do ya mean ya can't help yourself?"

"Like when I asked you to kiss me or when I sometimes hold your hand or lean my head on your shoulder."

"There ain't nothin' wrong with any of that."

"But Rebecca says it isn't proper."

Sully considered that for a moment. "I guess I don't care."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that if ya want to hold my hand or lean your head on my shoulder or hug me or... kiss me, ya should just do it. I mean if Elizabeth ain't got the eye on us." Sully laughed as he said this last part and his heart felt glad when he heard Michaela let out a small giggle as well.

"You truly believe it's alright?" Michaela asked.

"Umm-hmm," Sully affirmed.

"I don't have to wait for you," she continued.

"No waiting," Sully whispered. The words were barely out of his mouth when he felt Michaela's arms encircle him in a hug.

"Thank you, Sully, thank you!"

"Shh," Sully whispered afraid that Josef and Elizabeth might hear. "Ya okay now?"

"Yes," Michaela said pulling away from him.

"Good," Sully smiled at her giving her hand one final squeeze before letting go. "Better be goin' before night patrol catches me out and about." Michaela giggled at this. "Night," he said as he neared the door.

"Good night Sully," Michaela replied. Her heart swelled with gratitude and she held her hands to her chest feeling like her heart might just burst with joy. It amazed her how he could change her whole outlook with a few simple words. Soon she drifted off to sleep a smile firmly fixed upon her face.

Colorado Springs, 1866

Slowly Michaela opened her eyes feeling Sully's warm breath lightly moving her hair. Turning her head to the side, she watched as Sully rested peacefully on his stomach, his right arm thrown out to the side and his left arm draped over her while his hand gently cupped her breast. Love surged through her as she became aware of Sully's leg casually hooked over her own and her left hand resting on his thigh. She bit her bottom lip as the memories of the previous night's magic washed over her. Lightly she ran her right hand up the side of her body, marveling at the sensations Sully had awakened in her the night before. The blanket had shifted during the night and Michaela slowly became aware that her upper body was partially exposed. Hastily she pulled the blanket up as she felt Sully stir beside her. Remembering where her hand rested caused a light blush to creep onto her cheeks, still her hand remained in the same place.

"Mornin'," whispered Sully softly stroking the delicate skin just below her breasts.

"Good morning," Michaela replied nervously biting her bottom lip.

"How long have ya been awake?" Sully asked intrigued by the innocent look that played across Michaela's face and the feel of her hand which had unconsciously began kneading his thigh.

"A little while," Michaela said turning her face to see him better.

"Whatcha been doin' for that little while?"

"Waiting," she answered.

"Waiting for what?" Sully raised his eyebrows at her questioningly.

"Well," Michaela signed turning a deeper shade of red. "I...was..waiting for you," she said slowly.

"Hey," he said gently moving his hand up to cup her cheek. "Remember, what I told you a long time ago." Michaela smiled and nodded as she thought back. "We've waited too long Michaela. No more waiting, okay?" he whispered. She nodded shyly. "Can't be too forward for me," he said giving her a wink before leaning down to claim her lips with his own.

Boston – December 5, 1846

"Happy Birthday Sully," Michaela yelled rushing down the street to where Sully was trudging home from school.

"Thanks," Sully said, his face suddenly all smiles. "How did ya beat me home?"

"Father picked me up early today. I'm supposed to keep you occupied for a little while," Michaela said a mischievous grin on her face.

"Why?" Sully craned his neck trying to get a glimpse of the house.

"My lips are sealed," said Michaela walking past him.

"Where are ya goin'?"

"Where are we going?" Michaela corrected him.

"Okay, where are we goin'?" Sully repeated.

"We are going to walk to the Common to enjoy this very cold brisk weather and this overcast sky," Michaela said sarcastically before taking off. Sully looked down the street after her wondering what was going on. "Hey, slowpoke," Michaela called over her shoulder. "You don't want a girl beating you on your birthday, do you?"

That was all Sully needed to hear and he took off after her, passing her well before they reached the Common. Instead of slowing down like he normally did, he kept on running. Leaving his school books out in the open for Michaela to see, he quickly hid behind a small grove of trees. Michaela reached the Common a few minutes later her side aching with a stitch. Sully wasn't anywhere to be seen. "I wonder what he is up to," Michaela said to herself before spotting his books lying on the ground.

Slowly she made her way over to them continually looking around, knowing Sully was trying to scare her most likely. As she neared the books, Sully did in fact jump out behind her and grab her around the midsection, hauling her back into the trees. "I got you!" he screamed in triumph.

"Put me down!" Michaela giggled only half heartedly trying to free herself from his grasp.

"Ain't letting ya go until ya tell me what the surprise is," Sully threatened.

"Sully, I can't," Michaela said more out of breath than before. Sully let her go giving her an odd look. "You know you never told me what you wanted for your birthday from me," Michaela said leaning back against a tree.

Sully gulped. "Yeah I did – paints, remember?"

"No, there was something else you wouldn't tell me." Sully gave her a look like he had no idea what she was talking about. "It's really too late now. I already bought you something but if you tell me what it was I can still buy it for Christmas."

"It's not somethin' ya buy," he said turning away from her.

"It's not?" asked Michaela suddenly perplexed. "What is it then?"

"I… well, umm… I wanted…. That is I thought maybe…. Maybe I could hold your hand for a little bit and maybe I could kiss ya again?" Sully stumbled over his words his hands nervously twisting the edges of his coat.

"That's what you wanted Sully," Michaela exclaimed wondering why she had racked her brain so hard to think of something to buy him.

Sully felt foolish and dropped his head to the ground. "If ya don't want to," he began.

Michaela sat down and patted the ground beside her. Sully wasn't sure what she wanted but he sat down anyway. Michaela took his left hand and laced her fingers through his. "Like this?" she asked. Sully nodded his head and smiled at her. Michaela took her other hand and brushed her hair away from her face. Sully watched as she closed her eyes. "I'm waiting," she teased crinkling up her nose. Sully hastily looked around making sure they were out of anyone's line of vision. He lifted his free hand to lightly stroke her cheek. Michaela opened her eyes at the sensation but quickly closed them again. Sully shifted onto his knees and slowly leaned down lightly brushing her lips with his own. As he pulled back, Michaela opened her eyes. "Happy Birthday," she whispered smiling up at him. "Next time just tell me what ya want. It will save me a lot of thinking time," she joked. Sully laughed and leaned back against the tree savoring the feel of her hand in his and wondering what surprise was awaiting him at home.

This is my first fan fiction. Please review and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.