Chapter Twenty-Two

Colorado Springs, Sully Homestead

In the short span of time since Michaela's labor had started, it seemed as if the Sully living room had been turned into a bustling train station! But everyone present evidently had a valid reason for being at the Sully homestead at this time of the day and above all, each and everyone of them had found an excuse to stay put: Colleen, of course, had come along with Andrew in order to await the birth of her siblings, lending a helping hand whenever needed. Matthew had met up again with his sister after rousing her and Andrew and after picking up Jennie. His girlfriend wanted to give her moral support to her new family. Teresa Slicker had indeed worried about her husband's whereabouts and found out from Horace, who had helped cleaning up after the buggy accident, that Jake was at Dr. Mike's. Together, they ventured out to bring Jake home. Grace and Robert E. had been informed by Matthew of the babies' impending arrival. Aware that Michaela had wished for a delivery at home rather than in the clinic the couple had ridden over to provide refreshments and snacks to the family members. Word of this, of course, soon got around to Loren who was immediately assuming his 'grandfatherly duties' in patiently awaiting the birth of the new child. Daniel on the other hand had been huffing and swearing all morning long, looking for Hank, who had the only keys to the prison. Therefore Daniel had not been able to lock up the drunkards that were roaming the streets, looking for another party to crash. When he had finally managed to put the rascals in their respective beds to sleep off their bender, Daniel had crossed paths with Robert E. and Grace, deciding to tag along for his friends. Hearing of the news from Loren, Dorothy had known where to find Cloud Dancing and together they had ridden out to assist Sully and the kids in any way they could.

So it seemed like a cosy get-together that Sully finally burst into. Carelessly jumping down his horse, racing up the steps, he stormed into his house, where several anxious faces stared up at him. Michaela chose this moment to let out another cry that made their blood freeze in their veins.

Wordlessly, Sully looked up at the ceiling. Then he raced off, making his way through the crowd and up to his bedroom. There, he was awaited by another unbidden guest who had self-consciously taken post in the hallway. "Hank!?"

Hank kicked an imaginary stone on the floor. "Hey, Sully. I thought I'd fill in a little for ya. I guess, I let ya take over now, eh?"

"Thanks, Hank," Sully was perplexed. Then he heard Michaela sobbing behind their door. "I want Sully!" There was nothing holding him back.

He stormed in, barely acknowledging Andrew, sat down by Michaela's side and took her right hand in his own. He saw that she was working through a contraction.

It was only after this one had ebbed away that Michaela really noticed Sully's presence. "Sully!" she cried with relief and looked at him through slightly sweaty wisps.

Sully squeezed her hand reassuringly and asked Andrew, who was checking her pulse at the other side of the bed. "How's it goin'?"

Andrew put the expectant father in the picture. "We are still in the opening stages. The cervix is dilating steadily, but the amniotic sac or sacs are still intact. Nevertheless, I expect them to break anytime soon. I think it's going a little faster today than it took with Katie."

Michaela took the opportunity of the time off from labor to finally appreciate Sully's presence. Tenderly, she stroked his cheek and confessed. "I'm so glad that you're here! Can you believe it's happening now?"

Sully returned. "There's no place in the world I'd rather be now. Soon, 'Chaela. Soon we'll be holdin' our babies."

Michaela cried. But this time they were tears of joy and emotion. At that moment the older children stuck their heads in the door. Matthew with Colleen who held Katie. Colleen took over the talking and explained, "We jus' wanted to see ya one more time before things really get started and say how much we love you. Katie wanted ta see that her Ma was alright. We brought ya some water to drink, warm water and towels for the babies and some ice from outside. They taught us at school that sucking on ice gives most women a little relief."

"Thank you, Colleen," Michaela smiled. "All of you. I hope Brian will be back soon as well. And don't worry, Katie. Mama's going to shout a bit, but that's all right, sweetheart. It'll all be over soon." She looked at Colleen and her daughter understood that she had to keep her little sister away from what was going on up here. After putting the tray down, the three of them said goodbye and closed the door.

After her children had left, Michaela's hormones changed the sweet-tempered woman into an irritable one and she became slightly frustrated. Everything was progressing far too slowly for her taste! "I want to get up and walk around a bit," she demanded.

Shocked, Andrew and Sully looked at her and the doctor asked incredulously. "Are you sure, Michaela? This is quite unusual."

But Michaela placated Andrew, "It's a new method I read about and Cloud Dancing told me that the Cheyenne women have been doing it for ages. We use gravity to accelerate the birth process."

"That makes sense!" Andrew admitted. Together with Sully he helped her to stand up so she could walk around the room supported by her husband.

While the two of them were busy, Andrew had some time to collect his thoughts and go over his theoretical knowledge about the upcoming extraordinary event in his head. Michaela had insisted on having her babies not in the clinic but in her own house where she had more peace and quiet. Peace and quiet! Fortunately, she did not know about the hustle and bustle that was currently going on in her living room and with a little luck she would not find out until she would have put this difficult task behind her. The fact that he had allowed his father-in-law to stay with his wife during the delivery was also extremely unusual, almost revolutionary. But he knew the history of the two of them, had often experienced the strong bond of love between them and therefore could not refuse their wish to do it their way.

Walking around was exceptionally good for Michaela. She did not feel weighed down that much and paradoxically she could even relax a little. Time and again, to be exact every five minutes, she had to pause and she had gotten used to grab on to something tangible, like a piece of furniture, the bedpost or Sully's shoulders where she could push, pull and tear to release her pain. Once, because he had gotten a bit out of practice since Katie's birth, Sully made the fatal mistake and came too close to her during one of those times and she tore at his hair. If they were ever going to have another one, Sully swore to himself to cut his hair off way before the due date. But his physical discomfort soon blanched to the emotional stab he felt when his sweet wife yelled at him during a particularly strong contraction. „Get away from me, Byron Sully! I don't ever want you to come near me again! I never want you in my bed again!"

That exclamation was even registered downstairs, where Hank had long since ceased to be a hot source of information about the happenings upstairs. The men laughed it off pitifully and the women held their faces slightly embarrassed, especially Grace, who felt reminded of the delivery of little Rose. Increduously, Jake chimed in, "His name's Byron?!"

However, the friends did not realize that, after this violent contraction, Michaela apologized profusely and guiltily, showering him with kisses and declarations of love, ensuring him that she had not meant a word of it.

At some point during her endless walk through the bedroom with Sully, Michaela suddenly stopped in horror. Embarrassed, slowly, she looked down at the ground, where Andrew could see a clear, only slightly pinkish liquid spreading itself over the floor.

"Waters breaking," Andrew explained automatically and jumped into action. Knowing how picky expectant mothers could be, he added to Michaela's reassurance, "We'll clean it up when you're more comfortable."

Andrew's assessment was that it would not be much longer now. It was important that the twins were born soon after the rupture of the sac, otherwise the babies' stress levels would increase and he would have to consider a faster delivery by Caesarean section. Deciding if and when to resort to this method would be the most difficult part for Andrew. He hoped, it would not come to this.

With Sully's help, they laid Michaela down on the bed he had prepared with towels and blankets. Gathering up her nightgown and laying down a light cloth over her discreetly, he looked down. He was not surprised and pleased to find that she was fully dilated. The contractions had brought the babies into position. Soon, one of them would have to start its journey through the narrow birth canal, which would be accompanied by violent contractions and the need to push. Michaela now felt most comfortable when she could crouch down on the bed, her back brought into a vertical position by several pillows and her husband's comforting arms within reach.

When Andrew saw that all signs pointed to a quick, normal delivery of one of the babies, he spurred Michaela on, who could not resist the urge anyway. "You must push now, Michaela! The first one is on its way."

Michaela gathered all her strength. Sully did not know where she was getting it from. *He* would have despaired some time ago if he was in her position. With a loud moan that turned into a heartbreaking groan, she began to push with all her might to help her babies into the world.

Sully had no time to think or panic. He just did what Michaela or Andrew asked him to do and acted like in a trance. To witness all these miracles, again, was simply incomprehensible, an unbelievable experience for him. Without knowing how he knew, he always did exactly what she needed from him. He gave her everything she silently longed for but was too exhausted to ask. He dabbed her moist forehead or cooled her face with ice, animated her to breathe when she needed encouragement or caressed her face when she was tired. As he watched pitifully when her stomach muscles cramped with every contraction under her nightgown, he put his big hand on it, calming her with his presence only, transferring his energy to her and the children. If he could, he would not have given it another thought and switched places with her. But that just was not possible, of course, and Michaela's pitiful grunts brought him back to reality.

Whenever she felt the need to or when encouraged so by Andrew, Michaela crouched forward and pushed with all her might, all the while being supported by the strong arms of her husband. At the end of each of these efforts, sweat was dripping from her red-hot face and she sank exhaustedly back into the pillows. Her cries turned into soft sighs and with each contraction she was more convinced that she would not be able to endure the next one.

But Sully did not allow her to give up and thus unintentionally prolong the delivery. Relentlessly, he cheered her on. "Michaela, ya can do it! Ya have to push again! The baby will be here soon. A few more times. Do it for me."

There, finally, Michaela felt that her tremendous efforts were ultimately having an effect, because during one particularly violent contraction, Andrew excitedly waved Sully to his side. "Head's crowning!... Sully, do you want to see your baby being born?"

Unable to decide, Sully looked back and forth between Andrew and Michaela, hesitant to leave her side to go to the foot of the bed. But Michaela nodded encouragingly at him as she gritted her teeth. Hurriedly and awkwardly, Sully stooped down beside his son-in-law, stroking Michaela's knee to calm her. Full of wonder and enthusiasm, he looked down below, then at Michaela's face.

Almost incredulous he revealed: "There it is! A head, 'Chaela!... It's got a fuzz of light brown hair... Michaela, you gotta push now, mé'oo!"

"I can't go on!" Michaela lamented.

But Sully pushed her on. "Yes, Michaela, you can!... Our baby is beautiful and ya have ta help it into the world!"

Piercingly, he gazed into her eyes with his blue orbs and she nodded hardly noticeably. Her spirit rekindled, she bore down again, clasped her knee up and pushed. Pushed with all the strength that was in her, the life out of her safe belly into this world.

"That's it, Michaela! You're doing great. Only four seconds...", Andrew coached, counting down the seconds. "Now, that's enough. Stop pushing... Good!"

Mesmerized, Sully watched as one shoulder of the small, sticky creature emerged and, the tiny light-haired head slowly turned with Andrew's light support until Sully saw the delightful, crumpled face of his child for the first time. This overwhelming sight brought tears to Sully's eyes, which he carelessly wiped away as he had to do his job. Michaela had warily reclined to the pillows, but she was not yet done. Andrew encouraged her calmly. "Just one small little push, Michaela."

And Sully implored "Michaela, just a small one! The baby's almost here. It' beautiful!... It's got your nose... Please! Just one more time."

With a groan, more a growl, similar to that of an attacked lioness, Michaela crunched down once again and lightly pushed, doing exactly was she was told one last time. Sully grabbed her hand and as she bore down, he almost could feel her pain along with her. Then he saw the baby's head finally turn completely and the other shoulder came free. In a single fluid motion the rest of the baby's body now slid into the waiting hands of Andrew and Sully recognised his offspring.

Completely beside himself he cried. "It's a boy, 'Chaela! It's a boy. Ya did it!... Michaela, he's so beautiful!"

Sully did not bother to stop the numerous tears streaming down his face. Enchanted, he gazed back and forth between his new son and the woman who had given birth to him. He watched as Andrew was highly concentrating on clearing the infant's mouth from any mucus and clamping the umbilical cord. The little one did not seem to appreciate this manhandling in any way. His red, wrinkly little face contorted in protest and he opened up his tiny mouth to let forth a high-pitched but powerful cry. It seemed that the boy complained that someone had dared to tear him out of his cosy warmth. Michaela sobbed along with him.

"Ooooh, a boy! Really? Oh, Sully! Is he alright?"

Andrew lifted the baby up like a trophy so Michaela could see him and beamingly reassured her. "All is well, Michaela."

He then handed over his new brother-in-law to Sully to present to Michaela.

"Ten fingers and ten toes," Sully whispered in a moved voice as he loosely wrapped the child in a blanket and stepped beside Michaela.

She immediately stretched out her arms and Sully sat down at her side. Carefully, he laid the crying, smudged human being on her stomach, which immediately reminded him that Michaela's hardship was not over yet. Unconscious or indifferent to this, Michaela took the baby into her arms.

"Oooh, my baby!... Our son, Sully. He's so beautiful! Look at him!.. Your ears and look! He's got your eyes!"

"Michaela," Sully reminded her. "All fair-skinned babies got blue eyes." But Michaela insisted. "He'll have your eyes, Sully. . .

"You're really here, my baby. I can't believe it. Now all we have to do is wait for your sister or brother," she cooed.

Michaela lovingly held her son in her arms and kissed his tiny face.

"I would estimate about seven pounds," Andrew informed the parents, as he had become a little unoccupied in the meantime. "A good weight, considering he's a twin. Healthy lungs."

"Yeah, ya can sure hear that!" Sully laughed as his son let out another protest cry.

ooooooooooooo

Downstairs in the living room, family and friends had slowly accustomed themselves not to flinch every time Dr. Mike expelled a louder yell. They had all made themselves more comfortable, knowing that this could take some time. Hank, who had become idle again, was feeling a bit out of place standing beside the warming stove in the kitchen. The others were scattered in the living room. Jennie had gone outside with Katie to entertain and distract the little girl. Brian had returned with the Reverend and Wolf and now sat at the foot of the stairs with his head down until Loren came to cheer the boy up. With every sound his mother made the young man's face became more agitated. Why did women have to go through that to have children?

Finally, the interval of Michaela's cries indicated that it could not take too long now until the actual delivery and most of the gathered began to wonder why Sully had not joined them by now. Certainly, it was well and good for the husband to look after things when the wife was in labor, to distract her a little from her woes. But surely nobody would find it desirable for the husband to be present at the actual birth! Andrew would not allow it! Or would he?

So Jake asked so loudly that everyone could hear "What happened ta Sully? He's not still with her, is he?"

Matthew immediately defended his parents. "Sully's stayin' with Ma. He'll be there for the delivery. It's what they both wanted."

That was a little shocking. But then again, it was not. What was ordinary about this couple?

"Typical," Jake grumbled. "Always doin' things differently than the proper way. Phew, if Sully's gonna do this ta himself. I'd never..."

He was soon shut up as Teresa elbowed him into his uninjured side with an sardonic, sweet smile.

When the laughter on the couple's antics died down, the friends realized the new unusual quiet. Eagerly, they listened to the sound that they all expected to hear. Then it came! A healthy, strong cry of a newborn baby!

"Yes!" Brian shouted and raised his fist in the air in victory. Immediately, he rushed towards his siblings and took turns falling around the necks of Colleen and Matthew in relief. Everyone else did the same. All friends were happy and excited to have witnessed the arrival of Colorado Spring's new citizen. When the gleeful cheering began, pranksters Hank and Jake joined together and sang a very, *very* crooked tune "Congratulations, Ma and Pa!" They were instantly being sushed by Teresa, Grace and Dorothy.

In all the excitement and exuberance, only a few insiders noticed how the Cooper children were still gazing anxiously at each other, nervously running their hair or biting their lower lips.

ooooooooooooo

Sully heard the howling from the living room when he was giving his son his first bath. He threw Michaela a look, but was relieved that she had just roused from her little reprieve. Nervously, he asked Andrew "How long before the other baby comes?"

Andrew was busy changing the soaked bed sheets and towels under Michaela. Luckily, she had only lost the normal amount of fluid and blood. Andrew replied. "There should be contractions soon. Of course, we could induce if you were to nurse the boy, Michaela."

But tensely, Michaela informed them. "I don't think that's necessary... Here we go again..."

Sully quickly wrapped the baby in its warm blankets and put him into his cradle. He was a little reluctant to leave him to his fate if only for a few minutes but the droopy eyes of the infant gave him reason to believe that he would sleep through the arrival of his sibling.

This time Sully did not stand beside Andrew but as Michaela looked so weak and exhausted, he sat down behind her on the bed and reached out his hand to help her deliver the baby as quickly as possible in this position.

ooooooooooooo

Downstairs, people were confused. Had they not just heard the cry of a newborn baby? How come Dr. Mike was yelling again? What was happening up there? God forbid, was something wrong?

Alarmed, Hank, Jake, Teresa, Horace and Loren were looking around for answers. But Colleen, Matthew and Brian offered no explanation. They were too busy watching each other tensely. So the five of them tried not to let on that they were worried. After all, they did not know that much about childbearing and did not want to unnecessarily upset the family.

Only the Reverend smiled finely. When the Lord had taken away his eyesight, He had bestowed him with the gift of hearing and sensing what other people did not. He had a pretty clear picture of what was happening up there and he sent a little prayer for the safety of mother and children. Hence, he was not surprised, when Dr. Mike's cries came to an abrupt end and again the loud wailing of a newborn could be heard.

All tension and worry finally fell away. Matthew, Brian and Colleen but also Grace, Robert E., Cloud Dancing and Dorothy fell into each others arms and Daniel grinned broadly. Now they were certain: Michaela had just given birth to twins!

oooooooooooo

The delivery of the second twin at three o'clock in the afternoon of New Year's Day went almost smoothly and without any complications. They had expected and prepared for the second twin to present in a breech position or for any kind of involvement with the umbilical cord. But apparently their baby was a very cooperative child who wanted to be born without any haste or difficulty. After only a few contractions, the baby's head had crowned. Unlike its brother or sister Katie, this one's head was covered by dark brown, almost black fluff. Without any further intervention from Andrew but with the greatest efforts by Michaela, who was using up her last energy reserves, the baby slipped smoothly into the doctor's arms.

Andrew had described the whole event in joyful words and now announced. "Congratulations! Another beautiful boy!"

Michaela cried happily and Sully hugged her from behind. They both waited for the baby's first cry. When it came in a mighty volume they were smiling from ear to ear but at the same time sobbing and wailing. Sully got up from his supporting position and gently laid her back into the cushions. He kissed her sweetly on the forehead. When Andrew lifted the boy up, Michaela took him weakly but unwaveringly in her arms and cuddled him to her breast.

"Oh Sully, isn't he beautiful, too? He's got such dark hair!... Look at our boys! They don't look the same. They are fraternal twins. This one has your mouth."

"And your nose," Sully remarked.

He felt like bursting of happiness as his gaze wandered from the wailing baby in Michaela's arms to his other son napping contently in his cradle to the woman he loved above all else. Two boys! Michaela had given him two babies today. Two healthy children who would complete their happiness and change and enrich their family forever. How much he loved them all!

Carefully, Sully stood up and took his second-born son from Michaela while she and Andrew waited for the placentas to be expelled. In the meantime, Sully placed his youngest child in the still warm, fresh bath water of the second tub. Not really thrilled by the unfamiliar wetness and temperature of the water, the baby let his father feel his annoyance with a strong cry of protest. When he was clean, Sully wrapped the baby in the lovingly made baby blankets and the infant calmed down immediately.

As Sully protectively held one son in his arms and watched over the other one vigilantly, he waited for Michaela to deliver the placentas under silent sighs with Andrew's help. Finally, the young doctor seemed satisfied with his work. There had been no abnormal bleeding, Michaela's pulse was fine, her face rosy and her body had not torn so much that she needed stitches. She seemed to have made it through this exceptional pregnancy and deliveries more than well. She was exhausted however and no one could blame her for almost falling asleep during the delivery of the placentas.

After Andrew had changed the sheets a little clumsily for Michaela's comfort, washed up and again checked on the babies, he decided that *he* could finish his work for the day. Mother and sons were well and really did not need him anymore for what nature had intended for them. So, like a coat, he shed his professional side and Dr. Cook became Andrew, the delighted, happy son-in-law, who gleefully congratulated his in-laws for the healthy offspring. After hugging and patting Sully on the shoulder and kissing Michaela on the cheek, he left the room and allowed the four of them some privacy before a rush of visitors would be sure to follow-up.

oooooooooooo

Michaela and Sully, however, felt like in their own little world with their new children, here in their bedroom, far away from everyone else. There was no need to talk as the happy parents took turns looking at their little bundles, then at each other deeply.

This serenity did not last too long, however, when the first-born twin who had up to now been sleeping peacefully in Michaela's arms, began to move his head restlessly back and forth and began to whimper softly but demandingly. Intuitively, the lips of the adorable infant formed together and as he clenched his little fists, he began to make soft sucking noises. The parents watched in amazement at this new life.

Expertly, Michaela unbuttoned the front of the clean nightgown Sully had helped her into. Gently, she held the baby's head to her breast. The baby moved its face back and forth a little bit, searching until the little mouth finally found what it had instinctively sought for. With his sleeping son in his arms, Sully watched the fascinating scene and was deeply moved and completely enchanted by it. As the baby sucked contentedly, taking his vital first nourishment, his younger brother awoke. But he was obviously the more even-tempered of the two. He did not immediately begin to demand his equal rights, but seemed to wait patiently until his brother was finished and it was time for him to get his share. The parents smiled at each other knowingly. In their experience those habits could change rather quickly.

When the older twin, the one with the light brown hair had finished breastfeeding and Michaela had burped him, Sully handed her the other one with the dark fuzz of hair and she gave him the same loving care.

"How are we gonna manage all this?" Sully asked, suddenly overwhelmed.

Michaela just gazed at her boys with loving eyes. "Together, Sully," she said. "All of us together. We'll be doing just fine."

Sully was once again impressed by his wife's strength. He tenderly caressed the droopy-eyed baby in his arms and asked, "Are we gonna stick with the names we agreed on?"

Michaela looked at her sons and did not have to think twice. Watching Sully's reaction, she nodded her head affirmatively and Sully whispered solemnly. "Alright. I don't think there are more appropriate names for you two."

First, he looked at the son who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. "Son... That makes you... since ya were born first... Tristan Josef Sully. You, too, shall one day have the courage, strength and wisdom ta stand up for those ya love. You shall also honor your grandfather's name."

Then he looked at the content infant at Michaela's breast. With a side glance at Tristan he said. "Tristan, may I introduce you to your brother John Grant Sully. He, too, is named after two very special people... my brother John, who left us way too early but will always be remembered... and another rather important gentleman."

"Tristan Josef and John Grant," the new mother repeated, her sons' full names rolling off her tongue for the very first time.

When both babies were cared for and sound asleep, Sully's thoughts turned to his other children and his friends. Warily, he broached the subject. "Umm, 'Chaela. Don't ya think it's time ta let the boys meet their brothers and sisters? I'm sure they're dyin' ta finally meet them... and it would certainly satisfy a curious crowd down there."

"Crowd?" Michaela asked, puzzled. "What do you mean by 'crowd'? There's only the children. Jake and Hank must have left hours ago."

Guardedly, he informed her. "Ummm. That's not it, 'Chaela... about half the town is gathered in our livin' room an', well..."

"*Heard* me?" Michaela raised her voice but began to speak under her breath when John's hand jerked. "I knew it! I thought I heard Loren earlier! Dear Lord! What must they think of me?... That was the whole idea of having the babies out here... Peace and quiet! Not some show..."

"Michaela," Sully returned and kissed her blushing face. "They don't see it that way, I'm sure. They're jus' wantin' ta show their support the way they do ta anyone in town. Plus, once they've seen the babies, I'm sure they're gonna be satisfied and leave us alone for a few days."

For once, Michaela was rather easily convinced, because she was much too tired to worry about such things now. Suppressing a yawn, she handed him John. "All right, Sully. Time to show off our sons... I think, I'll wait for you here," she joked. "Please ask the children to come and see me, alright? I'd like to see them all."

Sully nodded and gave his wife one last kiss. Then he went to open the bedroom door. It took a minute getting used to the trick of handling two babies and a door knob but Sully proved to be a natural. Being lovingly observed by her, he winked before he closed the door behind them.

oooooooooooo

Nobody later remembered where the bottles of Champagne and Cider had come from but almost everyone of age indulged when Sully cautiously came down the steps into the kitchen area.

Two babies at once screamed for a big celebration! What was more, it might loosen up Andrew's tongue a bit to finally divulge the sexes and looks of the babies. Other than announcing to the crowd, that Michaela had indeed given birth to healthy, beautiful twins, the young doctor had kept mum, even to his wife!

So when Sully came down the stairs with his two precious bundles, nobody noticed them at first.

But when he spotted a beaming Brian just a few feet away, he cleared his throat loudly to attract the attention of his exuberant son. Suddenly, the house became quiet and all heads shot in Sully's direction.

Colleen, Brian and Matthew stepped forward and Sully announced, "I'd like to introduce ya to your brothers. Tristan Josef," he nodded to one side. "And John Grant." He indicated to his right.

"We have two brothers?" Colleen cried, beside herself, holding her face. "Aaaaaw, look at them!... God, they're beautiful!... Look, Andrew!... They don't look the same. They're fraternal twins... Johnny's got all that dark hair and Tristan's lighter. Tristan looks just like you, Pa. And Johnny's got Ma's eyes, I think."

Everyone huddled together to look at the beautiful babies.

Jake toasted to the new father, "Congratulations, Sully!" and in a good mood, he added, "Two babies! I still think that ya put poor Dr. Mike through a little much, but you two must know."

Hank joined in and passed around his last cigars. The women put their heads together over the babies. Katie on Jennie's arms gently pulled the blankets down to see her brothers better. Daniel and Robert E. patted Sully on the shoulder and Cloud Dancing finally took little John in his arms while Matthew held Tristan. Triumphantly, Cloud Dancing lifted the little infant up and announced. "Today is a big day for gratitude and celebration for my brother and his family. Let us thank the Creator for these two precious gifts."

In gratitude, those present lowered their heads. Then Katie said into the silence: "I want Mama!"

When Sully assured his children that Michaela was doing just fine, the three Cooper kids and Katie finally wanted to see her. Little Tristan was passed over from Matthew to Robert E. who jokingly made arrangements for a play date with his daughter Rose, currently napping in her pram.

ooooooooooooo

Michaela dozed and recovered a little from the exhausting delivery when four blondes stuck their heads in the door to visit with her.

Seeing her taking her well-deserved rest, they wanted to leave again. But their mother intuitively awoke at their presence. Cautiously , the children came closer and Sully joined them with the twins. Michaela took them in her arms with a beaming smile.

"So what do you think?" she asked. "Do you like your brothers?"

The opinion was unanimous. "Ma, they're so cute!" Colleen exclaimed.

Brian chimed in, "I love havin' two brothers to teach things!" Katie in his arms giggled. "I got lots a bwothers. Mattew, Bran... Tris an Joey..."

Matthew kissed his Ma on the cheek. "We're real proud ta have them in our family."

Seriously, Colleen turned into young doctor mode. "How are you doing, Ma? You sure you're alright?"

Michaela laid a calming hand on her. "Of course, sweetheart. With those two extraordinary men we married I was in the best of hands. Andrew was wonderful."

After Michaela had convinced her children of her well-being and given Katie a hearty hug, they said goodbye, seeing to it that those left downstairs found their way back home.

Sully stayed with his wife and babies. Totally exhausted, he sat down next to them and pulled them into his arms. Finally! Finally, they could enjoy the momentary silence which covered their home again. Both knew if was only the calm before the storm, nevertheless, they appreciated the moment.

ooooooooooooooo

Pleasant silence and darkness had settled over the house again. While Katie and Brian slept in their beds and Colleen, Andrew and Matthew had found comfortable sleeping arrangements in the other rooms, Sully lay wide awake. He was still trying to grasp his thoughts and feelings, something he often had problems doing. Beside him in their bed his beloved wife was fast asleep. In the small cradles at the foot of the bed slumbered their most anticipated children, the babies they had been longing and waiting for for more than the eight and a half months of the pregnancy. Sleeping soundly, they both made soft gurgling noises.

Sully was happy.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he could conjure up images of his family's future: Michaela nursing the twins by the fireside. His Kates proudly holding one of her brothers. Little boys in the tall grass of their property playing catch with their sister. Matthew, Jennie, Colleen, Andrew, Brian and Sarah teaching the twins to play Baseball. A blond boy proudly and earnestly riding on a horse. A brown-haired boy sitting on a log in the woods intently listening to his stories of their Cheyenne family...

The family Bible lay open on Sully's bedside table and read two new entries. Under the names of their adopted children and Katie, Sully had proudly written their new family members' names in neat handwriting:

Matthew Cooper *05/15/1852

Colleen Cooper (added -Cook) *07/10/1854

Brian Cooper *06/11/1859

born to Charlotte and Ethan Cooper

Katherine Elizabeth Sully *05/15/1871

Tristan Josef Sully *01/01/1874

John Grant Sully *01/01/1874

Sully sighed, unable to find words for his joy and happiness.

So this was it: the perfect moment.

All his life, it seemed, he had been waiting for this one moment. That one perfect time when he had everything, and more, than any human could ever wish for. Never had he let himself believe that this kind of fate was possible for him. But it was predestined for him. Everyone he loved, his family his whole world revolved around, was being happy and cared for under the same roof in that one complete moment and Sully knew it could not get any better than that. But with Michaela's help he could work every day on preserving that happiness. And they would do just that. Sully's heart swelled in that perfect moment of bliss, contentment and satisfied longing and he said the prayer his Cheyenne family had once taught him:

"Great Father, I thank you for the gifts you have bestowed on me. I will prove myself worthy of them."

Tenderly, he reached under the blanket and embraced Michaela's warm, now slightly thinner body and gently pulled her close. "I love you," he rasped into her fragrant hair, and quite naturally, although in her sleep, she returned, "I love you too!"

Together, as they would spend the rest of their lives, they fell asleep.

THE END

'Thank you' to all the readers and mostly those who gave their input. I'm happy that I finished the story after fourteen years. Thank you Liza45, we made it :)

Hi again, I would love a beta reader for my new story. Please write me, if you're interested.