Chapter Three: An Invitation

Michaela was changing Cloud Dancing's bandages while Josef became reacquainted with his office. Sully was standing against the wall, waiting for Michaela to finish up. Josef was quiet but hardly impolite. After Michaela had introduced her father to Sully, she had waited for him to give Sully the disapproving eye. That never happened. Josef seemed to be fully accepting of Sully's presence, but then again, he was accepting of nearly everyone except for people who gave him a reason to do the opposite.

Sully took a seat at the chair in front of Josef's desk, not really knowing what to say to Michaela's father. But the doctor did look over at him from time to time as if he were contemplating something to say as well.

Meanwhile, as Michaela changed Cloud Dancing's bandages, she kept telling herself that Sully was leaving in two days. She felt foolish for letting her heart skip a beat when Sully stared. He was something else, but Michaela enjoyed his company.

"Mr. Sully," Josef began as he sat across from Sully at his desk.

"Dr. Quinn?"

"Please call me Josef."

"I don't know if I feel right about that. I call your daughter Dr. Mike."

"Ah! We have something in common then." Josef cleared his throat. "What exactly are your intentions with my daughter, Mr. Sully?" Sully nearly choked. First Cloud Dancing and now Dr. Mike's father!

"With all due respect, doc, me and your daughter met yesterday."

"Oh, I see. Well, Mike is my youngest girl. I don't want to see her get hurt. You seem like a respectable man, and my little girl seems to enjoy your company."

"I ain't plannin' on stayin' long. As soon as my friend can leave, I'm leavin' too. Dr. Mike says it shouldn't be more than a couple of days."

"Will you be accompanying my daughter to dinner at our home this evening?"

"I ain't sure that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because your wife forbids Dr. Mike to ever see me again."

"Oh," Josef said with a chuckle. "I will handle Elizabeth. I'm just about to go home. Walk with me. I'll get you a new suit."

"What for?"

"I don't have a problem with your attire, Mr. Sully, and I'm sure Mike doesn't either. But Elizabeth might soften toward you if you impress her by wearing a suit."

"Dr. Quinn . . . er . . . Josef, you're makin' it sound like I'm courtin' Dr. Mike. We just met."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sully. It's just that my daughter doesn't often entertain the company of a man such as yourself. Honestly, she's never had a beau. To tell you the truth, I'm certain most men are intimidated by her because she's so intelligent."

"Your daughter is very smart. I think she's the smartest lady I've ever met." Josef smiled. Michaela came into sight and put her medical bag down on Josef's desk.

"Cloud Dancing is doing very well. I believe he will be able to travel by tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks for takin' care of him, Dr. Mike."

"Mike, your friend Mr. Sully and I are going to go for a walk."

"Oh, I'll join you."

"No!" Josef replied quickly. He noticed the startled look on Dr. Mike's face. "I need you to take care of things here."

"Your patients are all healthy, father. I have nothing to do."

"I need to speak to Mr. Sully in private." Josef left and Sully and Michaela locked glances. He gave her a nod as her eyes searched his in worry. As Sully left, Michaela wondered what her father had to say to Sully that had to be said in private.

That evening, Michaela sat at her vanity mirror, brushing her hair. She hadn't seen Sully since he left the hospital with her father. For a short time, she had thought that her father might have said something to make Sully stay away. But with a second thought, she knew her father would never do a thing like that to someone his daughter liked and respected.

"Michaela?" came a voice from outside of her bedroom door. Michaela watched through the mirror as her mother opened the door and walked in.

"Yes, mother?" Michaela asked.

"I wanted to talk to you about earlier."

"Unless you've come to apologize, I'd rather not talk about it."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. I believe you were completely out of line."

"I will not apologize for anything I said earlier this afternoon."

"Then we have nothing to discuss."

"Honestly, Michaela! When are you going to understand that I am trying to protect you?"

"Mother, what were you protecting me from?"

"That man! That savage!"

"He is not a savage! He's an honest, caring man who would do anything to help out a friend!"

"You've only known this man for a day. How can you possibly know that he's honest and caring?"

"I just know."

"Don't be foolish, Michaela."

"I trust him, mother. I don't understand why you're so upset about my spending time with him. I thought you wanted me to spend more time trying to find a husband." Michaela had decided to throw that in her mother's face. Usually, she would refrain from saying too much, but she couldn't help but get upset when her mother verbally attacked Sully behind his back. Something about Sully made her boiling mad when it came to her mother's opinion of him. Yes, it was true that Michaela had only known him for a day, but he had been one of the most trustworthy men she had ever met. Her father always taught her to open her heart to everyone unless they gave her a reason not to. Sully had given her no reason to be afraid or untrusting.

"I want you to find a husband, Michaela, but I do not want you spending time with the likes of him! His best friend is an Indian!" Michaela was taken aback.

"I never thought you could be so low, mother. You have never even met an Indian. Well I have. I happen to know that this Indian is a kind, gentle soul who is trying to make a decent life for his people. You don't know how hard they have it and I don't think you ever will. I hope I never have to go through what the Cheyenne are, but if I did, I do know that I would do anything it took to take care of my family. Could I say the same for you?"

"Oh honestly," Elizabeth said with a deep breath. "I have nothing against the Indians, my dear, but they're savages."

"They aren't savages mother. They are the people who were on this land before any of us ever were. And as for Sully, if I was him I would rather be friends with an Indian than with a racist, close-minded person like you." Michaela's heart was beating so quickly. She had never screamed at her mother in that way before. She had frightened herself. Elizabeth simply took a deep breath and started toward the door, turning when she reached for the knob.

"I hope that one day you will understand my intentions."

"I understand them perfectly. You want to make my life miserable and hound me night and day until I give up being a doctor. Mother, I assure you that will never happen. Now will you please leave so I can finish dressing?" Elizabeth turned and left the room. As soon as she had shut the door, Michaela broke down into tears. She hated feeling the way she was. She honestly felt like a foolish little girl. What she felt for Sully was simply a girlish crush. He had been kind to her; paid attention to her. Usually, any man who would pay attention to Michaela would quickly lose interest when they realized she was too smart. Most men wanted women who weren't smarter than them, because apparently it was a large ego boost.

"Mike?" Michaela looked up to see her father opening the door.

"Father," she whispered. She sat up quickly and dried her eyes.

"Mike, I just saw your mother in the hallway. Is everything alright?"

"No, everything is not alright. She is the most frustrating woman I've ever met!"

"My dear, I believe she feels the same way about you."

"Perhaps I get that from her."

"Well, it's not from me," Josef said with a chuckle. He sat down beside Michaela on the bed. "Mike, don't let her words get to you. She's just looking out for you."

"She doesn't even know Sully. If she would just give him a chance."

"You're not falling in love with him, are you?"

"Of course not," Michaela replied. "He's just been very nice to me, and I hate to see mother be so judgmental about someone she doesn't even know. Why does she have to be so ignorant?"

"Your mother surprises me at least once a day," Josef admitted. "But no matter what she says or how horrible the things she say are, she does love you."

"I know," Michaela replied. "I just wish she'd be a mother instead of a constant bother."

"Bother?"

"Yes. While you were away, she hounded me twice as much as she did while you were here. She hates the fact that I'm a doctor."

"Would you like to know what I think?"

"What?"

"I think she's jealous."

"Jealous?! That's absurd."

"Is it? My dear, your mother and I were very young when we married. She didn't have the chance to do anything with her life. She was successful with marrying off your sisters, but when you came of age and decided to go to medical school, she felt like she had failed. She never got to do anything with her life, so she decided to take it out on you."

"She told you this?"

"No, but I know her more than she thinks I do," Josef said with a wink. "Come here and give your old father a hug." Michaela smiled a little as Josef brushed a tear off of his daughter's cheek. They embraced and Michaela finally pulled away. "Are you coming down to dinner?"

"Yes. I'll be down shortly."

"Alright. I'll tell Martha not to serve dinner until you arrive." Josef started for the door. Michaela suddenly realized that her father hadn't mentioned Sully.

"Father?"
"Yes?"

"What did you and Sully talk about today?"

"My dear, that's something that I cannot talk about."

"Did he swear you to secrecy?" Michaela joked.

"In a manner of speaking, I suppose he did," Josef replied. He winked at his daughter and she smiled and shook her head.

"I'll be down in a few minutes." Josef left and Michaela sighed heavily. Talking to her father always cheered her up. She didn't know how he had the ability to make her feel better, but he did it every time.

Sully stood outside of the Quinn home in the brand new suit Josef had bought for him. He hated that the man had bought him a suit and didn't expect to be paid back. But, the good doctor had promised Sully that he could leave the suit when he left for Colorado if he didn't feel right about taking it. The only thing Sully was feeling at the moment was complete and utter nervousness. He hadn't dressed up for a woman since his wedding day to Abagail. That had been two years ago, and their marriage was short lived. The baby they had cherished while she was in her mother's womb was born and died shortly after her mother. Sully had promised Abagail at her grave that he would always honor the memories of his lost wife and daughter.

He didn't feel guilty for dressing up, but then again, it wasn't like he was courting Michaela. He certainly enjoyed her company, and even though Cloud Dancing told him what the spirits had said, he really didn't figure he'd see Michaela again after tomorrow. He and Cloud Dancing would be leaving Boston and he doubted he would ever return.

The night air was growing colder, and Sully decided it was time to go inside. He looked up just in time to see Michaela walk over to her window. He leaned against the house but could see her putting her beautiful hair up in ringlets. She looked so sad; so distant. She was beautiful; Sully had realized that from the moment he first laid eyes on her.

Sully shook his head and looked up to see that she wasn't there anymore. The lamplight went out and Sully figured it was time to go inside. He took a deep breath and prepared to face Michaela's family.

Michaela took a deep breath and stepped into the dining room. Her father and mother were seated across from each other, her mother at one end of the table and her father at the other. Michaela sat in her usual seat. She saw that the place across from her was set. She looked over at her father.

"Who's coming to dinner? Rebecca? Marjorie?"

"Yes, who is our mystery guest, Josef?" Elizabeth asked. Harrison stepped into the room.

"Mr. Sully as arrived."

"Mr. Sully?" Elizabeth asked. Sully stepped into the room dressed in the brand new suit Josef had purchased for him. Michaela's eyes went wide and she stood up.

"Sully!"

"I hope I ain't late."

"You're just in time, Mr. Sully," Josef said with a wide smile. "Come take a seat." Sully nodded and took a seat across from Michaela. Michaela sat as well and she couldn't help but stare at Sully. He had cleaned up nicely. He did look very handsome in his suit, but Michaela had to admit to herself that she much preferred his buckskins to his fancy designer attire.

"Michaela, was this . . ." Elizabeth began.

"Elizabeth, why don't we have Martha bring dinner in?" Josef suggested, hoping to sway Elizabeth from starting something she would regret.

"Very well," Elizabeth replied with a loud, exaggerated sigh.

Dinner went by very slowly. Michaela could hardly eat because she couldn't stop glancing at Sully, and honestly, he could barely tear his eyes away from her. Her beautiful turquoise dress made her skin looked even more beautiful and fair. Her hair shimmered in the candlelight while her eyes sparkled. Elizabeth was focused on her meal, trying to keep from saying anything that might upset her daughter or send her husband into a protective argument. Josef spent most of his time talking about things he learned in Washington, but his voice was more or less falling on deaf ears. Nobody could really concentrate on any of their senses. Michaela was nervous, worrying that her mother would say something rude to Sully. Sully was nervous he would drive an even bigger wedge between Michaela and her mother, and Josef was worried that his wife would once again say something to make Michaela upset. He hated to see his little girl cry.

As soon as dinner was over, Josef suggested that Elizabeth go upstairs to rest. He had Martha go upstairs and turn down their bed. He escorted his wife upstairs to retire for the evening. Sully and Michaela were left in the dining room, not sure of what to say.

"This was quite a surprise," Michaela said nervously.

"I didn't expect to be comin' here tonight. Your pa invited me."

"He did?"

"Yeah."

"He said you swore him to secrecy about what you two talked about today."

"I didn't exactly do that, but I think that what was said between us should stay that way."

"I see," Michaela replied. "I would appreciate not being talked about behind my back though."

"Dr. Mike, your pa loves you, so don't worry about nothin' we said. You don't even know what we were talkin' about."

"I don't have to know," she replied. Sully smiled a little.

"What are you smirking about?"

"You have to know everything don't you? I bet it's just tearin' you up inside to know that your pa and I were discussin' things you have no idea about." Michaela sighed and shook her head.

"It's not bothering me at all."

"Right," Sully replied.

"You don't believe me?"

"Oh I believe you," Sully said with a chuckle. Michaela laughed and walked out of the room. Sully quickly followed. "If it's botherin' ya that much, I'll tell ya what we said."

"Don't worry about it," Michaela replied with a shrug.

"Look, if you gotta know, he was givin' me a talk about how I better not do anything to hurt you, and I was tellin' him how Cloud Dancing said the spirits told him we would be seein' each other often."

"Why would you hurt me?"

"I wouldn't. But a pa always likes to give any men who even come into talkin' distance with their daughters a talk. Besides, I told him that he was makin' too much out of it because I'm leavin' tomorrow."

"Ah, well, I'm afraid my father hasn't had much experience with talking to men about me. He probably got overly excited and went to far. After all, we just met yesterday. I consider you a friend, but it would be absurd to say anymore than that."

"Right," Sully said with a quick nod. Michaela suddenly felt very warm; she could feel her cheeks starting to flush from embarrassment. "You okay, Dr. Mike?"

"Yes. I just need some fresh air."

"It's kinda chilly out there."
"I'm going to take a walk."

"By yourself at this time of night? I'll go with ya."

"No, that's alright. You don't have to."

"Yes I do. Besides, I wanna go. I have to leave tomorrow and I wanna see the sights before I go."

"Very well," Michaela replied quietly. They walked out into the cool night and started down a dimly lit path. The crickets were out, but the air was so cool that the two could see their breaths in front of their faces. Sully saw that Michaela was starting to shiver, so he removed his suit jacket and put it over her shoulders.

"I thought you could use it."

"Thank you," Michaela replied quietly. They walked in silence for a few minutes, but as soon as they neared the park, classical music began to float through the frosty air.

"What's that?"

"I have no idea," Michaela said with a grin. "Let's find out." They walked briskly toward the music and soon found that there was a formal dance outside in the cool air. It was being led by a string quartet.

"Dancin' in this kind of weather?"

"Oh yes. I've never been to one of these before, but my sisters have. They said it was very lovely." Sully watched Michaela as her eyes lit up watching the young lovers dancing. The music paused briefly before a new piece began to play. Michaela took a deep breath and let out a soft sigh. "This is my favorite." She started out toward the dance floor, grabbing Sully's arm. He was immediately alarmed, not knowing how to dance. He didn't want to look like a fool and let on to that though.

"What are you doin'?"

"Dance with me?"

"What?"

"You heard me. Please? I've been to a total of two dances in my lifetime and I have never been asked to dance by anyone except for my father. Please do this for me?" Sully sighed heavily and really wanted to refuse to spare himself from looking like a jackass. But, he saw the happiness in her eyes, and he just couldn't say no.

"I suppose I owe ya anyway. You did save my best friend's life."

"Come on!" Michaela pulled Sully onto the makeshift dance floor as the slow, gentle music continued to pour out from the musicians' instruments. Sully tensed up when Michaela's arms reached for his. Sully stumbled a bit before he fell into the beat "You don't know how to dance?" Michaela asked.

"Ain't had time to learn."

"Well, you're doing alright now. Just follow the music," Michaela whispered. "Just watch me." As they danced slowly, Sully's eyes locked with Michaela's. The whole world seemed to stop for an instant; the music disappeared into the cool, crisp night air. For a split second, the only two people that existed were Sully and Michaela. The only element separating them was the half-foot gap between their bodies that slowly began to close.