Chapter 7: Holly Tucker

Sully and Michaela woke the children at dawn to get ready for the arrival of their grandparents. They couldn't wait to see Elizabeth and Josef again, and frankly, neither could Michaela and Sully. Sully respected Josef very much, and he enjoyed the chats he would have with his father-in-law. Michaela couldn't wait to see both of her parents, and she knew that as soon as her mother stepped off of the stagecoach, she would want to put her hands on her daughter's belly and make a big fuss over the expectant mother and her unborn child. Michaela didn't mind, because she knew her mother had been waiting years to be able to hold her first born grandchild, and although she thought of the Cooper children as her grandchildren, this child would be born of Quinn blood and it would be the first her daughter would give birth to.

As soon as the children's morning chores were done, Michaela instructed them to wash up and get dressed in clean clothes before they headed into town. While Sully went to hitch the wagon, Michaela sat down at the kitchen table and snuck in a few bites of pie she had stored from dinner the night before.

Pup bounded into the kitchen and put his paws on Michaela's lap, begging for food.

"Pup! Didn't Brian feed you?" The wolf pup, who was nearly as big as Wolf, wagged his tale and barked. "Brian?! Did you feed pup?"

"Yes!" Brian shouted down the stairs. Michaela shook her head, but when the dog continued to stare at her, she snuck him a small chunk of apple. The dog gobbled it up and hurried up the stairs to find Brian. Michaela chuckled to herself. She felt the baby start to kick, and she tenderly rubbed that spot on her belly with her finger.

"One of these days you won't be able to kick mama like that," Michaela said with a grin. The baby seemed to relax when Michaela would speak, and that made her feel good. She hoped that after the baby was born, her voice would have the same effect. She figured that soon, it would be good to get the children talking to the baby while it was still inside of her, and she knew that she'd have no problem with Sully since he talked to the baby every chance he could get.

"Dr. Mike?" Matthew asked as he came down the stairs.

"Yes?"

"Can I invite Ingrid to dinner tonight?"

"I don't see why not," Michaela responded with a smile.

"Thanks!" He hurried back upstairs to finish getting ready. Michaela loved seeing Matthew so happy, and she knew that one day, he would make a good husband to Ingrid, if she was indeed the girl he would continue to court until they were ready to marry.

"Michaela? The wagon's ready," Sully called from outside.

"Come along, children!" Michaela urged! A moment later, three pair of quick feet came rushing down the stairs. Everyone hurried out to the wagon and rode into town to greet Elizabeth and Josef on the morning stagecoach.

Brian hurried out of the mercantile with a pocket full of gumdrops, which Loren had snuck to him before Michaela could see them. He joined his family across the street where they were waiting for the stagecoach to pull in. It was about five minutes late, but Michaela wasn't concerned yet.

"You think grandpa will wanna go fishin'?" Brian asked as he tugged on Sully's arm.

"I'm sure he won't mind if ya ask him." Brian grinned and Sully picked him up and let him sit on his shoulders. Brain grabbed Matthew's hat off of his head and put it on.

"Hey!"

"Now I'm taller than you!" Brian said with a proud grin. Matthew rolled his eyes and swiped his hat back. The two brothers laughed, but grew silent when they heard the rattling of wheels and the beats of horse hooves. As soon as the stagecoach rounded the corner, Sully put Brian down and the boy ran to greet his grandparents. Sully hurried over as soon as the drivers halted the coach. The door opened and Elizabeth held her hand out. Sully helped her down.

"Mrs. Quinn," he said with a smile.

"Hello Sully!" She gave him a big hug and her eyes immediately scanned the crowd for her daughter.

"Hello mother," Michaela called out with a big smile.

"Michaela!" Elizabeth hurried over to hug her daughter as Sully helped Josef out of the stagecoach. Elizabeth's hands immediately went to her daughter's belly as soon as she finished hugging her. "My my my! You're already showing quite a bit! I'm surprised! I wasn't that big with you until I was in my early sixth month!"

"Thanks mother," Michaela mumbled.

"Oh, I'm not saying anything negative, now. You look beautiful." The mother and daughter hugged again.

"Sully! How are you son?" Josef asked as he and Sully shook hands and embraced.

"Couldn't be better Dr. . . I mean Josef."

"That's my boy," Josef said, patting him on the back. "Where are those grandchildren of mine?" The kids all hurried to greet their grandfather. A woman's dainty hand poked out of the stagecoach, and Horace, who had been standing in the crowd, reached out and helped the young woman out of the coach. Horace was speechless from the moment he saw her. She was beautiful! Her hair was light brown and it was hanging down past her bottom. Her skin was lightly tanned from the sun, so Horace immediately knew she was in the sun a lot. Her eyes were as blue as the sky, and her lips were lightly painted with a fine natural pink.

"Thank you, sir," she said as she planted her feet firmly on the ground. Her dress was as plain as any ordinary lady's dress, but somehow on her, it looked more beautiful.

"I . . . it was my pleasure, ma'am." As Josef Quinn went to make a fuss over his daughter, the rest of the crowd turned to the new lady in town.

"Welcome to Colorado Springs," Dorothy greeted the lady. "Are ya here long?"

"Hopefully!" the young woman said happily. She extended a hand to Dorothy. "The name's Holly Tucker. I'm from Georgia."

"Well, you've sure traveled a long way," Grace said with a smile, hoping that just because the woman was from Georgia didn't mean that she was for slavery." She was pleasantly surprised when the woman turned to her and gave her a big smile.

"It was a wonderful journey! I loved the view the whole way here. I had wonderful company as well." She smiled at Josef and Elizabeth. Horace continued to stare at the beautiful young woman. His heart practically skipped a beat when he heard that mild southern drawl.

"Sure didn't take ya long to get over Myra, did it?" Hank asked as he leaned over to whisper to Horace. Horace snapped out of his daze and looked at the man who was now courting the woman he loved.

"Shut up, Hank." Horace stalked off toward the telegraph office. Holly couldn't help but stare after him.

"Welcome to Colorado Springs, Miss Tucker," Michaela said with a smile, extending her hand to the pleasant stranger.

"Thank you!"

"Dr. Michaela Quinn." Holly's eyes went wide.

"So you're the Dr. Quinn I've heard so much about in the last three days?" Holly asked, looking at the doctor's parents. Michaela blushed and Josef laughed.

"Don't worry, Mike. We only told her good things." The remaining crowd laughed.

"There wouldn't happen to be a nice restaurant to eat at would there?" Holly asked after she felt her stomach growl.

"Miss Grace has the best cookin' in town," Colleen suggested. She pointed at Grace. Holly smiled warmly.

"Well, I would sure like to try the 'best cookin' in town.'"

"Ma? Can we go eat breakfast at Grace's?" Brian asked, wanting to find out more about the new lady in town.

"That sounds wonderful. I'm starving," Michaela admitted. Elizabeth laughed happily and rubbed her daughter's protruding belly.

"Of course," she whispered to Josef. The proud parents followed their daughter and her family toward Grace's as they walked with Miss Tucker.

"What brings you to Colorado Springs, Miss Tucker?" Michaela asked as waited patiently for her order.

"Well, my father owned a plantation," she began, "but I was practically raised by one of his servants. I don't like the word 'slave.' Anyway, once slavery ended, my father took sick, and he wanted me to take over the plantation since I was the oldest of my sisters and we didn't have brothers. I told him I wouldn't take the plantation because of all of the horrible things that happened there. My father thought I was crazy for being an abolitionist living on a plantation."

"It must've been very hard on you."

"It was. I grew up with a respect for all people because I was being taken care of by a Negro servant. My mother died when I was quite young, and my father didn't have time for me, so he ordered her to look after me. She taught me respect, and I'm grateful to her for that."

"You'll get along with the doc then," Hank said with a chuckle. "I don't suppose you like Injuns too."

"I've never met an Indian before," Holly admitted. "But I've always found them fascinating. I never really believed all of the horror stories I've heard, because I wasn't there to witness any of those so-called crimes in person." Michaela smiled.

"You should meet our friend Cloud Dancing." Holly nodded.

"I would like to very much!"

"You really didn't answer the question of why you came here," Dorothy replied, scribbling something down on a piece of paper. She blushed. "Sorry. I print a small gazette once a week, and I was going to do a little article on you. Is that alright?"

"By all means," Holly replied with a laugh. "I'm sorry I forgot to answer the main reason I came out here! I'm a school teacher, and I heard that Colorado Springs was building a new school and was in need of a teacher." Loren looked at Jake.

"We sure are," Jake said with a nod.

"Then I'm glad I came here," Holly replied with a smile. The townsmen began to talk with her, but Hank left the café. Michaela knew he was going to visit Myra, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Michaela?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes mother?"

"Brian was just telling me that you were asking him to move into Matthew's room."

"Well," Michaela began.

"Don't think anything of it. Your father and I were already planning to stay in your clinic. We feel better knowing that we're close to town. Perhaps right before the baby comes, we'll move into the house, but for now, we're content to stay at the clinic until we decide on where we're going to live."

"What do you mean?" Sully asked, taking a bite of a biscuit.

"Josef and I have decided to move to Colorado Springs!" Michaela's eyes went wide and she glanced at Sully. Sully reached under the table and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently.

"You're moving to Colorado Springs?"

"Yes," Josef replied with a nod. "It was Elizabeth's idea, but the fresh mountain air seems to do me a lot of good. I feel better when I'm here."

"You're sure about this?" Michaela asked, not sure what it was going to be like having her parents around three hundred sixty-five days a year.

"We sure are," Elizabeth replied with a nod. "Your father is also going to help you out at the clinic once you get into your later months. You'll need all the rest you can get, and with your father here, you won't have to worry about your patients." Michaela had to admit to herself that it would be nice to work with her father again.

"But, father, you gave up your practice."

"That doesn't meant I'm not a qualified doctor. I'll be here for you when you need me, Mike. But if I start to step on your toes, please let me know, because I don't intend to."

"You're gonna be here for good?" Brian asked.

"Yes, Brian," Josef replied with a grin.

"Will ya come fishin' with me?"

"If you can find a fishing pole for me, we can go right now."

"Can we, ma?" Brian asked hopefully.

"You haven't finished your breakfast."

"I ain't very hungry."

"I'll make a big lunch at home to celebrate later," Colleen promised.

"Why don't all three of you come fishing?" Josef asked. "Matthew, Colleen? Would you like to join us?"

"I don't mind," Michaela said with a shrug.

"Have fun," Sully said with a laugh. The children eagerly took off with Josef toward the homestead to get fishing equipment.

"Michaela, if we've upset you by deciding to move here, we're sorry. We just want to be closer to you and the children. Your sisters are already settled into marriage and family life. You and Sully are just getting started, and we want to be here to help you."

"I understand, mother," Michaela said with a nod. "It's wonderful that you want to be closer to us, but you really don't need to move all the way out here." The truth was that she didn't want to feel like she was being watched at every moment of the day.

"Why don't we get your things to the clinic, and we'll go from there?" Sully suggested.

"That would be wonderful. I would like to freshen up." Sully, Loren, and Jake helped tote Josef and Elizabeth's belongings over to the clinic. They had brought a lot more with them than they had before, but this time was because it was permanent.

As soon as Elizabeth was settled into a room at the clinic, Michaela and Sully met each other downstairs. Sully knew Michaela was having mixed feelings about her parents deciding to move to Colorado Springs.

"You feelin' alright?" he asked, pulling her into his arms. Michaela rested her head on his shoulder and sighed heavily.

"I suppose so. I never figured mother would ever want to move out here. I know father's coming out here to help, and I don't even need help right now. Sully, every time I turn around, they're going to be right there! I'm going to feel as if I have someone constantly in my shadow."

"Why don't ya tell 'em?"

"I couldn't do that," she replied, walking over to stare out the window. "I know they think they're helping, but they are my parents and they think what they're doing is good for me. I was doing just fine without their help." Sully joined Michaela at the window.

"If you want, I can talk to them for you."

"No, don't do that. I appreciate the thought, but I'm sure everything will be fine in a few days." She looked at the time and knew it was time to give Myra a small dose of Morphine. She ascended the stairs with a syringe full of the medication. When she arrived in Myra's room, she found the young woman sitting up in bed.

"Myra? You should be resting."

"My back was hurtin', Dr. Mike. I had to sit up for a little while."

"I've come with some pain medication."

"I don't need it," Myra said, shaking her head.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm feelin' better. I'm sore, but it'll pass."

"If you're sure," Michaela replied uneasily. Myra nodded.

"I never did thank you for savin' my life."

"It was a simple procedure."

"Yeah, but without it, I coulda died." Michaela put her hand against Myra's forehead. "Hank and I are finally courtin'."

"That's good news," Michaela said with a smile.

"Yeah. He's givin' up the saloon girls because he says I'm more important." Michaela felt relieved to heart that. Perhaps being in a relationship was going to have a good effect on Hank. Michaela could only hope so!

"Why don't you get some rest?" Michaela asked. "I'll be downstairs if you need me. Just call for my mother."

"Your ma's here?"

"Yes. She and my father have apparently decided that they are going to move to Colorado Springs."

"You don't sound too happy about that?"

"I'm happy to see them again, yes, but I came to Colorado Springs because the people here were in desperate need of a doctor. I also came because I needed to live my own life. With my parents so close, it's going to be difficult to have any privacy."

"I understand," Myra said with a sympathetic smile. "But it ain't that bad, is it?"

"I suppose not," Michaela replied. "My father is going to help out once I need to cut back on my work days. It'll be nice to work with him again, and it'll be nice to have mother and father close for the children's sakes. They're going to buy land and have a house built. They already told me they don't want to step on my toes, but I have the feeling that once this baby gets here, mother's going to think I have absolutely no idea how to raise a child."

"Do you?"

"Well, I haven't had any experience with children until I brought Charlotte's children to live with me. The only babies I've interacted with were patients, and I never had to change a diaper or feed them. It's going to be a whole new experience, but I don't want my mother to be there telling me everything I need to do. Sully and I want to raise our children in our own way, and I'm afraid that mother will try to interfere."

"You should talk to her, Dr. Mike."

"Perhaps it would be best to talk to her now instead of later." Myra smiled. "Thank you for listening me. I didn't mean to trouble you."

"It's nice to have someone to talk to, so don't worry about it."

"You should get some rest." Myra nodded and Michaela left the room. She took a deep breath and walked into her mother's room. Elizabeth was sitting in a chair next to the balcony, looking out at the town. "Mother?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, Michaela. I didn't hear you come in." Michaela walked over to sit on the bed. Elizabeth watched her daughter fidget nervously. "Is something the matter?"

"I need to speak with you about something before it happens."

"Oh?" Elizabeth stood and walked over to sit down beside her daughter. "What is it?"

"Mother, I know you want to be involved in my life and the children's, but I need to tell you that Sully and I will be raising our children as we see fit."

"I know that," Elizabeth replied.

"You should know that I don't want you to tell me how to take care of my children. I would appreciate a few suggestions when the baby comes, and maybe a helping hand, but please don't try to take over."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Elizabeth replied.

"Mother, you liked to get involved in things that aren't your concern, and I . . ."

"Where do you think you get it from?" Elizabeth asked.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Michaela, you have always been known for getting involved in other affairs, and I know very well that you get that from me. But I've already promised myself that I wouldn't get in your way. The reason I want to be here is because your father and I are happier together when we're here. When we're in Boston, we end up arguing over things that aren't important. Being out here makes us both feel younger and more alive. We love being with our grandchildren, because they keep us on our toes. I must say that being out here had improved our marriage."

"It has?" Michaela asked with wonder in her eyes.

"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed with a chuckle. "Besides, your father told me that if I even try to get in the way once this baby's born, he's taking me right back to Boston." Michaela laughed.

"I'm glad to hear your thoughts on all of this, mother. I am very happy you and father are here to help out. I'm going to be very nervous, well, I am already nervous about this baby, and I could use any kind of help during this time. I think having you and father around will make it easier for the children to adjust to having a new sibling."

"We'll do everything we can, Michaela," Elizabeth promised. She yawned and covered her hand with her mouth. "I believe I would like to take a nap. It's been a dreadfully long journey."

"Alright. I'll be downstairs. Myra is right down the hall, so if she calls for me and I don't hear, would you please come let me know?"

"I will," Elizabeth promised. Michaela gave her mother a hug before she retreated out of the room and down the stairs.

Sully was sitting at Michaela's desk, waiting for her to finish up with Myra. He was wondering what was taking her so long, but when he saw her come into the room, he smiled.

"How's Myra?"

"She's doing fine," Michaela replied. She looked different somehow, as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Michaela sensed Sully was curious about her newly refreshed state. "I spoke with my mother."

"Good," Sully replied with a smile. "And?"

"We came to an understanding. She promised not to get in the way. She told me that father threatened to take her back to Boston if she gets in the way once the baby's born." Sully laughed.

"That sounds like Josef." Michaela put her hand on her back. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. My back is getting a little sore. Mother's right."

"About?"

"I'm much bigger than many women at this month." She sighed and tears came to her eyes. "I'm fat!" Sully chuckled a little, knowing Michaela couldn't see how beautiful she was at this moment. "How dare you laugh at me while I'm carrying your child! You did this to me!" She began to bawl and Sully swallowed hard.

"You're beautiful, Michaela. You're not fat. You're pregnant."

"I'm fat!" she protested. "I could barely fit into my dress this morning! I'm going to have to take all of my dresses out and . . ."

"Michaela, calm down," Sully whispered, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I love you, and I think that you're the most beautiful woman to ever walk this earth. If it's possible, you're even more beautiful when you're pregnant, because you're carrying a life inside of you. It's a life we both created, and when September comes, that life is gonna be here."

"And I won't be fat anymore?" Michaela asked, sniffling. Sully was coming to enjoy the mood swings in which she became weepy. He loved holding her and reassuring her."

"Right," he replied. Michaela looked at him.

"So you agree that I look fat now?" She grinned at him, and he knew the mood swing had passed.

"Like I said. You look beautiful." He kissed her and held her close. As they held one another, the baby began to kick. Sully could feel it as Michaela's belly pressed against him. They both pulled apart and started to laugh. "See, the baby agrees." Michaela laughed and she and Sully joined hands.

"I'm so lucky to have you."

"I'm luckier," he replied.

"Even though your pregnant wife is weepy and moody?" Sully nodded and gave her another kiss.

"That makes me love you all the more."