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 Thirty-six

Annapolis, Maryland – July 6, 1847

"Where are we going?" Sully protested as Michaela began to pull him through the crowd.

"To see everyone else silly," Michaela said turning briefly as she continued to pull him back towards the place where the Quinn's boat was docked.

As soon as Josef saw Sully, he wrapped his arms around him in a huge bear hug and lifted him off the ground. "Sully, I am so proud of you," he said as he set him back down.

"Thanks, Josef," Sully replied turning red with all the attention he was receiving.

"You done real good," Ida told him as she gave him a hug as well.

John slapped him on the back. "Knew you would." Sully smiled up at John, grateful for the confidence that he placed in him.

"Thank you all." Quickly Sully slipped over the rail of the boat and went to Anna who was waving him over.

"Congratulations, Sully," she said reaching out her hand to him. Sully took it in his and then hugged her lightly with his free arm.

"Anna, I didn't think we would win that last race. It was like we got too sure of ourselves after winning the first round."

"But you did," Anna said smiling widely, her grin still a little crooked.

"Yes, we did."

Anna squeezed his hand. "You better get back on the dock; I think you'll have a few more people who want to offer their congratulations."

Sully returned the squeeze and then went back to the dock. As he climbed off the boat, he glanced over and saw William hugging Marjorie with a wide smile on his face. He whispered something in her ear and Marjorie giggled but shook her head no. William let go of Marjorie quickly and stepped back giving her a confused look. As he turned he spotted Sully watching him and hastily made his way over to where Sully and the Quinn family stood.

"Congratulations," Josef offered as William joined them.

"Thank you sir," William replied the smile returning to his face. Marjorie joined the group now as well, looking slightly flushed. "Sully, we need to go to the judge's stand so they can present us with the cup."

"Right," Sully said looking at Michaela. Slowly the whole group besides Anna and Ida made their way closer to the judge's stand. Sully and William met up with the rest of the crew. The judges declared them the official winners and William received the sailing cup. Shouts went up from the crowd as William started to speak.

"I just want to thank my crew who helped make this victory possible. I know people thought we were awful young to be racing against more experienced sailors but I think we proved today that sometimes youth can be on your side." Laughter went up from the crowd as William stepped down but held the cup up high. More shouts and clapping were heard as they descended the platform.

Dr. Burke made his way over to where the Quinn family stood. "Josef," he said giving him a light slap on the back. "Must be proud of that boy of yours."

"You too, Robert." Josef held out his hand to him. As they shook hands, a woman appeared at his side.

"This is my wife, Julia" Dr. Burke announced to the group.

"Dr. Quinn," she said demurely extending her hand to him. Josef took it and gave a small bow as his eyes never left her face. She was a very beautiful woman.

"I believe I owe you and your husband my gratitude for looking after Michaela," Josef offered as he wrapped his arm around his youngest daughter.

"It was no problem," Julia returned. "Your daughters are both charming. And it appears that my son is quite interested in one of them." She looked over at Marjorie as she said this and Marjorie blushed but more with guilt than anything else. Earlier William had hugged her and asked if he could kiss her. Marjorie had told him no as her own thoughts were still muddled with Paul. She knew logically that William was right for her in so many ways but she wanted someone to adore her like Sully adored Michaela and somehow she had gotten it into her mind that Paul could love like that. She was blind to the fact that William was genuinely attracted to her and did have feelings for her. For him it had started out as a way to get closer to her father but he now had begun to think more seriously about Marjorie.

William and Sully joined the group now. Sully went to Michaela's side where she gave him one of her smiles before looking back at the group. Marjorie moved over to make room for William and he looked at her quizzically before joining her. These looks were unobserved by the adults who were talking about Anna's progress.

Julia turned to Michaela and Sully. "Are you two sure you don't want to stay for the party? You are more than welcome to sleep over at our house tonight."

"Thanks for the offer but we're going to celebrate with our family tonight," Michaela returned smiling again at Sully. Michaela had given him the option of whether they would attend. Sully had told her that he would rather spend the evening on Anna's porch than at some society gathering. Michaela had just recently begun to realize that Sully often made concessions for her and she had decided that she needed to be more cognizant of what he would like to do as well.

"I'm sure Anna will appreciate that," Julia returned.

"Speaking of Anna," Josef said. "I'm afraid we are going to need to get going so she can rest." Good byes were hastily exchanged before the group set off for the boat. William and Marjorie accompanied them to pick up her bags and dress for the dance.

Once that task had been accomplished they were on there way back to Cambridge. Sully lay on the bow with Michaela at his side and slept most of the way back, exhausted from the morning's work. Michaela didn't sleep but turned on her side with her eyes closed as if she was asleep. Slyly she peaked out from under her lids watching the gentle rise and fall of Sully's chest. The desire to touch his chest and have her hand move up and down with each breath was great but she resisted it. Nonetheless she kept watch over him as they sailed down the Chesapeake and then up the Choptank to Anna's house.

Annapolis, Maryland – Regatta Ball – July 6, 1847

"You look beautiful tonight, Marjorie," William said smiling at her. She wore the same dress as she had for her coming out and she really did stand out among the other young ladies in the room. William noticed the looks she was receiving from other young men and he was proud that she was on his arm.

Marjorie demurely dropped her eyes as the sides of her mouth turned up in a smile. "Thank you," she said softly. "You look very handsome William." William felt warm inside just watching the way she dropped her eyes and looked up at him so coyly. If there was one thing to be said about Marjorie she knew how to charm a young man.

"Would you like to dance?" William asked as his nerves began to resurface. His confidence had taken a knocking after being rebuffed by her this afternoon on the pier.

"I would love too," she replied with a sideways glance at him. William extended his arm to her and she gratefully accepted it as he escorted her to the dance floor. Certainly there was no trace of her earlier coldness and distance. As they moved around the dance floor, William smiled at her hoping her early behavior had just been a fluke. Maybe she had been bored by the regatta or perhaps she didn't fell well.

Marjorie had to admit she was enjoying herself and she was slowly warming to William again. Though Paul was always at the back of her thoughts, rationally she knew winning his love would be hard work. William seemed to be infatuated already and though she wished he was more attentive to her at times, she didn't see any reason to push him away just yet. She didn't have to be exclusive at this point – certainly she should keep her options open for now.

When the dance ended, William took the opportunity to lead Marjorie out onto the terrace which overlooked the bay. The stars shown down on the handful of couples who were scattered around the perimeter each trying to pretend they were in their own little world. Marjorie tried to relax and enjoy the beautiful night but she worried that William would again ask to kiss her.

"Marjorie, I was wondering," William began as Marjorie tensed, "if when I return to Harvard I could continue to call on you?"

"If you can find time for me in your busy schedule," Marjorie teased.

"Are there other gentlemen calling on you?" William asked getting right to the heart of his worry.

"William I just had my coming out in May. My mother would not like it if I was exclusive already," Marjorie explained. Though she was not being completely truthful with William, she rationalized that this was true and so therefore she wasn't really lying.

"I understand," William said slightly dejected. "She won't mind me calling on you though?"

"Of course not," Marjorie returned as William smiled again.

"This morning you seemed so distant."

"I know and I am sorry about that. I saw you hugging Michaela," Marjorie whispered. She had already decided that if William brought up her behavior at the regatta she would pretend to act jealous.

"She was simply congratulating me. There was nothing more to it than that. She's too young for me anyway and kind of intimidating," William confessed.

"What do you mean?" asked Marjorie.

William laughed. "Let's just say she isn't exactly marriage material."

"Don't you think she's pretty?"

"She's beautiful and very intelligent," William said admiringly.

"I'm feeling jealous again," Marjorie teased.

"There is no need for you to," he said as he took her hand in his. "Marjorie when a man in my social position starts thinking about marriage, they are looking for certain things."

"Like what?"

"I would want to know that my wife's time and energy weren't divided. I would expect her first duty to be to me and our children – not to her patients."

"You don't think woman should be doctors?"

"I think woman would make excellent doctors and I would gladly work with your sister as a physician. But I want a wife who puts me and our family first," he smiled at Marjorie as he said this.

"Don't worry I'm not planning on being anything but a loving wife and doting mother."

"That's good to hear," William said raising her hand to his lips and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. "Besides I have the feeling that your sister isn't interested in anyone but Sully." Marjorie shrugged her shoulders and smiled at him. "No one's going to tell me, are they?"

"There's nothing to tell."

"There has to be something to tell or you wouldn't be smiling like that," William replied as his curiosity again got the better of him.

"Are you implying that I'm lying?" Marjorie teased.

"Are you saying that there was nothing going on in the barn that day?"

"You know as much as I know. Besides let's not think about Michaela tonight. I want to dance." With that she led William back into the gala.

Cambridge, Maryland – July 6, 1847

"What a perfect end to a delightful day," Josef said pushing back in his chair as he finished off his last bite of chocolate cake.

"I couldn't agree more," remarked Anna as she stifled a yawn.

"A tiring day as well," said Ida as she stood to clear the dessert plates.

"Yes," Josef said winking at Michaela and Sully. "I am sure none of us is long for this world." He covered his mouth as he began to yawn as well.

John shortly followed suit. "Ain't nothin' like bein' out on the water to make ya mighty tired."

"I'll go ahead and help Anna up to bed," volunteered Josef. "Michaela will you help her get ready for bed?"

"Sure," Michaela said rising to assist her father. She looked over at Sully with a mischievous grin. "But I'm not really tired. Could Sully and I go swimming?"

"I don't see why not as long as you are both careful," Josef said. "I remember going swimming at night myself here as a boy – maybe I'll join you after we get Anna settled." Michaela and Josef helped Anna up the stairs and got her settled in bed. Sully stayed behind and helped Ida tidy up the kitchen while John locked up the house for the night.

"Night Sully," John said as he headed out the back door. "I'm just gonna close up the barn Ida."

Ida nodded as she handed Sully the last of the dishes to dry. "Thank you Sully for helping with these."

"Ya welcome," he returned as he put the last dish away and turned to go get changed.

"Have fun swimmin'," Ida called after him remembering what it was like to be young in the summertime.

When Michaela came down in her swim costume with towels in hand, Sully was waiting for her on the porch. He turned as she opened the screen door. "Where's Josef?" Sully asked looking behind her.

"He said to go on without him. He's gonna read to Anna," Michaela informed him.

She smiled at Sully again with the same mischievous grin from earlier.

"This was a good idea," Sully said as they headed down towards the place where the river jutted inland.

"I didn't know if you might be too tired."

"No, I'm actually not tired at all." In fact the whole day had left Sully feeling exhilarated and he doubted that he could sleep even if he wanted to. As they walked farther away from the house, Sully stepped up beside Michaela and took her free hand.

"Neither am I," agreed Michaela as she felt the familiar tingles starting at her fingertips and then spreading through her entire body.

They dropped their towels on the bank and continued to hold hands as they stepped out into the water. The night was warm and the water felt good against their sticky skin. Sully dove down into the water to wet his head, only to emerge close to Michaela and shake his wetness onto her still dry top. She giggled with glee before splashing him and swimming further away through the black water. Sully pursued her and as he caught up to her, he quickly dunked her in the water. She came up spluttering but laughing all at the same time.

"No fair," she yelled grabbing onto his shoulders and pushing down with all her might. Sully barely budged. Michaela dropped one of her hands to his side and began to tickle him.

"Stop it, Michaela," he said in between laughs but the move had its desired effect. Michaela quickly tried dunking him again and this time he went under with ease. She let go of his shoulders and suddenly Sully was gone again.

"Sully, where are you?" she called but received no answer. "Come on, this isn't funny," she said after another minute passed by. Suddenly she felt his hands on her waist as he emerged from the black water in front of her.

He felt her tense as she called out "Sully!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya," he said letting go of her but remaining close. Their eyes locked as Michaela gently bit her bottom lip.

When they discussed it years later, they would blame it on the euphoria of the day and the way the moonlight made everything feel dreamlike. Even though they both knew that something inside of them told them to move away from each other and even to go back to the house, they ignored the danger. There was such a freedom in the air that they wanted to share with each other.

"What are ya thinkin' about?" Sully asked as their eyes locked.

"About how happy I am."

"Me too," he agreed. "I've never won somethin' like that before. It felt good."

"I'm so proud of you," Michaela whispered. They grew quiet again but neither of them moved. She remembered the way it had felt when her hand had lingered over his heart on the floor of the loft and the desire to feel that again overwhelmed her until she gave in. Tentatively she placed her hand on top of his chest. Sully smiled over at her, pushing the little voice that told him this was dangerous to the back of his mind as he enjoyed the warm feel of her fingers against his bare skin. Michaela watched now as her hand moved in time with his breaths and she felt intimately connected with him as never before.

Michaela's bathing costume had short sleeves and Sully brought his hand up to just below where it ended and softly stroked the length of her arm. He felt Michaela shiver. "Ya cold?" he asked.

"No," she answered. No longer could she simply be content to hold her hand still on his chest but lightly she began to run her fingertips over it, making small circles and eliciting goose bumps.

Sully sighed contentedly as he boldly brought his fingertips up to her cheek, stroking the side of her face and neck. Then hesitating at her jaw line he began to trace it until he reached her chin. Sensually he brought his fingers up to her lips and traced their outline as Michaela parted her lips slightly. Neither really knew where this was headed but they both felt the danger. Still they simply chose to ignore it. Sully leaned over and kissed Michaela's cheek and then her mouth with the same gentle innocent kiss they always shared. Yet he did not pull back but hovered just in front of her as she opened her eyes to find his face inches from her own.

The next morning, they would tell each other how grateful they were that the night was partially cloudy for as the moon slipped behind a cloud, they heard a twig snap in half on the bank. Sully jumped at the sound and quickly moved away from Michaela.

"Sully, Michaela," called Josef's voice into the darkness. "Where are you? I can't see anything now that the moon has disappeared."

"Over here," called Michaela's voice as she began to swim towards the shore. Sully moved in that direction as well. They heard Josef enter the water and then the moon returned as the cloud passed.

"That's better," said Josef who was now in the water up to this waist. "Are you two enjoying your swim?"

Cambridge, Maryland – July 7, 1847

Sully sat in the large oak by himself staring out at the water and feeling guilty for the night before. How many times had they talked about patience and about being careful? Had every conversation they had been in vain if they were willing to throw everything away in one night? He slapped at the tree with his hand as anger at himself got the better of him.

"I don't think the tree has done anything wrong," Michaela teased as she looked up at Sully from the ground. Sully didn't look back at her. "Thinking about last night?"

"Yeah," Sully replied still not meeting her eyes.

"Sully I need your help getting up," she said trying to reach the branch and swing herself up onto it. Sully looked down suddenly and realized she was struggling. Quickly he jumped down and gave her a boost yet even that small contact made him feel even guiltier. He hauled himself back up on the branch facing the opposite direction as Michaela their eyes locking as they faced each other. He saw no blame there and he relaxed a little. "We have to be more careful," Michaela said.

"I know," Sully agreed. "What happened last night it can't happen again. I allowed things to go too far."

"I did too," Michaela said. "You didn't hear me telling you to stop." Sully had never been more grateful for anything she had ever said.

"Ya aren't angry with me?" he asked his face like that of a young boy.

"Of course not," Michaela replied longing to reassure him with a gentle touch but knowing things like that were now out of the question when there were others so close by. "Up until now we've just talked about being careful but last night when Father almost caught us… Well, that scared me Sully. We can't take a chance like that anymore. We have to watch the looks, the touches – everything."

Sully nodded his head in agreement with what Michaela had just said. "Why can't we seem to just tell him?" Sully asked.

Michaela considered the question. "I don't really know. I guess I'm afraid he might send you away." Michaela's voice was barely louder than a whisper.

"Me too," Sully said in the same quiet voice as Michaela finally spoke both of their fears aloud. These words were like a pact between them as they both now knew the course they had to walk and committed themselves to it.

Cambridge, Maryland – 1852

Slowly he walked down the front lawn moving ever closer to the bump on the pier that he knew was Michaela. Already he could hear her muffled sobs and his heart felt like it was breaking. He stood for at least five minutes on the end of the pier wondering if the time to go to her was now or if she just needed to be left alone. Grief weighed heavy on his own heart as well. Anna was gone- really gone. Looking up into the sky he let his eyes take in the incredible beauty of the stars as the tears began to fall down his face once again.

"Sully," he thought he heard Michaela whisper but when he looked at her she had neither raised her head nor had the sobs stopped. But as he continued to watch her, he heard her whisper his name again and he knew that her heart was calling for him. Quickly now he made his way towards her, sitting down behind her and drawing his arms around her. Michaela slid back against him still curled into a ball but taking great comfort in his presence.

Sully simply held her for a long time knowing she needed that more than words. After a while her cries ceased and she raised her head a little. "Sully do you still love me?" she asked surprising Sully.

"I told you a long time ago I would always love you," he returned.

"We were just kids then," Michaela said.

"We're not kids anymore and I'm telling you my feelings for you have never changed."

"Remember that night we went swimming and Father almost caught us," she said as a small laugh escaped her lips.

"How could I forget?"

"Let's go swimming," Michaela said looking up at him expectantly.

"Right now?"

"Yes."

"But Michaela…" Sully began but Michaela cut him off.

"I'm tired of being sad Sully. I want to be happy for a little while."

Sully knew this feeling for it swelled up inside of him as well. Slowly they walked around to where the river jutted inland. Sully removed his shirt but left on his pants. Michaela removed her skirt leaving her in her shirt and bloomers. Turning to her, Sully took her hand and they made their way into the cool water. As if reliving that magic night from long ago, Sully dipped under the water coming up close to Michaela and soaking her in the process.

"Sully," she cried. "You don't have to act like a child." He laughed and dipped back under the water.

"Come on," he called to her as he swam out further. Slowly Michaela brought the rest of her body under the water getting used to the temperature. She felt the freedom from that night long ago and quickly dove under the water following Sully's direction. Silently she came up out of the water as she made out Sully's form in front of her. He had his back to her and she quickly came up behind him, taking him by surprise as she dunked him into the river.

He came up spluttering and grabbing wildly for Michaela but she had already made a hasty retreat. Sully swam after her but Michaela made for the shore, running up onto the bank before slipping in the grass and falling to the ground.

"Ya okay?" Sully asked as he now stood over her.

"Yes, I'm fine. Join me," she invited patting the ground beside her.

Sully sat down beside Michaela who remained splayed out on her stomach her head resting on her arms. He lay back in the grass looking up at the night sky.

"I watch these stars every night and think about ya," he admitted.

"You do?" Michaela asked.

"Ya get my letters, don't ya?"

"Yes."

"Then how can you doubt my feelings?" he said in a gentle non-accusing manner.

"I guess I worry sometimes."

"You worry? Not the Michaela I know," he teased and they both laughed.

A silence settled between them after their laugh quieted. Sully looked back up at the sky while Michaela watched his chest gently rise and fall. Giving in to her desire, she placed her hand on his chest allowing her hand to move with each of his breaths. Sully turned his head and smiled at Michaela as she renewed their physical connection. How long had it been since he had kissed her? Too long he thought. He turned on his side propping his head up with his elbow. Michaela mirrored his movement turning on her side as well. With his free hand, Sully gently stroked the length of her arm.

Within moments the distance between them was closing and Sully lightly placed a kiss to her lips.

"This is private property," a voice spoke out of the darkness. "Ya trespassin'," came the voice again as Sully heard the cocking of a rifle.

"John, it's me and Michaela," Sully said shaking his head and sitting up slowly.

"I'm sorry," John said lowering the rifle and stepping out from behind the trees. "I heard noises and I thought…" he stopped now as he stepped closer observing their wet clothes and hair. He shook his head and laughed.

"Ida and I were wondering about y'all," he said with a smileon his face. "Good to see ya haven't changed." Sully and Michaela smiled at each other. "Ain't no greater comfort than the arms of the one you love."

"You aren't going to turn us in?" Michaela teased.

"Reckon, ya two all grown up now," John said. "And I think I was interruptin' somethin' private so I'll just say good night."

"Good night," they both called as John turned and walked away.

Michaela reached over and took Sully's hand. "People love to interrupt us don't they?"

"Yeah," Sully agreed squeezing her hand in his. "Guess we ought to be goin' in."

Michaela looked at him as she grew serious. "Sully, I love you and tonight if you asked me to…"

Sully knew what she was going to say. "Michaela, I wouldn't ask you to – not tonight – not like this. Neither one of us is thinking clearly."

Michaela smiled at him. "And that's how I know you love me," she whispered as she rose and led the way back to the house.

Cambridge, Maryland – July 8, 1847

Josef,

I have taken the liberty of speaking with Paul as Rebecca's mother in law has taken sick. He will be coming for the rest of July and will stay until you return in August. All arrangements are made. He will be there when you leave on the twelfth.

Your wife,

Elizabeth

Josef looked up as he finished reading the letter to three excited faces.

"Paul's coming early?" Sully asked.

"Sounds that way," replied Josef.

"Who's Paul?" William asked taking another bite of his sandwich.

"A friend of mine," Josef said, "and Sully's art instructor."

"Oh," William said as his mouth was still full with food. Finally when he had finished chewing, he turned to Marjorie. "Do you want to go for a walk after lunch?" he asked hopefully.

"I can't. I told Ida I would help get the rooms ready for Paul and his daughter."

"You have to do that right now?" William asked.

"I guess not," said Marjorie who then quickly added, "but William when Paul gets here I will be watching his daughter so I won't have as much free time." Michaela and Sully exchanged looks and pressed their lips together to avoid laughing.

"Right," William said wondering why Marjorie had suddenly blushed. He looked around the table noticing the amused looks on Sully and Michaela's faces. Had he said something that made them all react this way? A strange thought crossed his mind at that moment. Maybe Paul and Marjorie… but he quickly dismissed this notion. The man had to be older if he was Josef's friend. Surely, Marjorie wasn't interested in him.

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