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.

Falling Walls

Part 3: Don't Stand So Close to Me

Michaela could hear the clicking of the checkers as she stood in the kitchen preparing the coffee. She had only recently put Katie down and she wasn't looking forward to retiring to her room. It seemed strange to her that she had slept alone most of her life yet hated to now that she was married. There was something comforting about waking in the middle of the night and watching his chest gently rise and fall as she lay beside him. The feeling of his arm draped over her midsection or wrapped around her left her feeling safe and secure as nothing before ever had. The way he kicked the blankets off while he slept just like Katie did. His face in the moonlight…. she swallowed hard against the rising emotion trying to concentrate on the task at hand.

Standing on her tiptoes, she reached up for the tray on top of the cabinets. She placed it on the table and added the china cups. Her movements were slow and methodical. Not only was she dreading going to an empty bed, she was equally anxious about being alone with Daniel. It wasn't that he made her feel uncomfortable exactly but things were awkward. This was Sully's friend but to her, he was still a stranger in many ways. This was complicated by the fear that he would ask her about her day; that he would want to know if anyone had paid for services rendered. She knew there was no way to get around telling him but she wasn't looking forward to it.

Michaela pulled out two more dishes and cut pieces of cake for Daniel and herself. If they were eating, it would be hard to talk she reasoned as she cut Daniel's piece extra big. She added the plates to the tray along with forks. Now she turned to the stove to grab the coffeepot, filling each cup to below the brim. After setting it back down, she turned to the tray and adjusted things slightly so that everything was neatly arranged, equal distance apart. She smiled and picked up the tray to head into the other room.

Brian and Daniel were still playing checkers and she quietly slipped in, setting the tray down on the table. Her entrance had distracted Daniel momentarily. The aroma of the coffee and the sight of cake caught his attention first as he tried his best to avoid looking directly at her. "Well, what do we have here?" Daniel asked with interest.

Brian looked up at Daniel and smiled. He had him just where he wanted him and Daniel wasn't even paying attention. Picking up his closest checker, he proceeded to jump his way across the board, collecting Daniel's checkers in the process. Daniel heard the click click click of the checkers and turned back, his mouth open in surprise as he surveyed the scene before him. "Best outta seven?" He shook his head slightly as he said it, wondering how he had been beaten once again.

"It's getting late," Michaela reminded Brian.

"I gotta give Daniel another chance, Ma," Brian protested more for his own benefit than Daniel's.

"Actually, Brian, I'm already pretty checkered out. But you are the undisputed champ." Daniel smiled widely as he held his hands off the board.

"Alright, but tomorrow then," Brian agreed reluctantly.

"Tomorrow." Daniel smiled widely and shook Brian's hand.

Brian scuttled over to hug Michaela. "Goodnight, ma," he said before turning to head up the stairs leaving Michaela and Daniel alone together.

Michaela's eyes locked with his for a moment and she suddenly felt extremely awkward. Hastily she dropped her eyes to the tray and looked for any type of distraction. Again she straightened a coffee cup as she heard Daniel's approaching footsteps. "So how'd it go today?" he asked making her cringe inwardly. She knew what he meant and this was the one question she wanted to avoid.

After a brief hesitation, she looked up at him. "Well -- I billed all of my patients."

"Good, that's good." Daniel reached for a cup of coffee before looking back up at Michaela who stood there awkwardly fumbling for words.

A light blush settled across her cheeks as she folded and unfolded her hands. "I didn't say they paid me, though." A nervous little laugh escaped her throat and she immediately dropped her head back to the tray under the pretense of picking up her coffee.

"At least ya tried," Daniel offered sensing how hard this was for her.

Michaela smiled but still did not look at him, taking a sip of her coffee instead. Daniel continued to watch her even as he sipped his own coffee. He knew why he suddenly felt so nervous inside but her nervousness was perplexing him. Glancing back towards the hearth he noticed the checker board. "Checkers?" he asked, trying to think of anything to ease the tension.

"Oh, no, chess is my game," Michaela replied with a nod of her head.

Daniel perked up at the word chess. "Chess - You play chess?

"Well, I love to, but I haven't played in years." He could see the excitement building in her eyes at the prospect of a game.

Daniel smiled broadly. "My kind a opponent."

Raising her head, she smiled at him, her excitement now shining through brightly. "We'll see about that, now won't we?" she said with a touch of amusement.

Daniel took a deep breath, watching as she crossed to the cabinet. That coy smile she had given him just before turning still filled his senses and he suddenly began to think that playing chess with her might not be the best idea. Yet she was clearly excited – he would simply remember to concentrate on the game.

"I ain't gonna go easy on ya now, just cause you're Sully's wife," Daniel joked trying to cover his own anxiousness.

"Fine. That means you'll have no excuses later when you lose," Michaela replied cheekily watching as Daniel's mouth dropped open.

Amusement was written on her face and he relaxed completely as she smiled once again. Her smile was his complete undoing and he found the guard he had raised a few moments before was already slipping. "So ya think you'll be a challenge, do ya?" he teased.

They moved to the board and began to clear the checker pieces."I don't want to alarm you, Daniel." Michaela hesitated here, her lips curling on the outside edges. "But I have won a trophy or two – " She glanced up at him slyly, their eyes meeting over the board. "Or six in my day."

"Six? " Daniel asked incredulously, his confidence draining as his eyes grew large. Yet that didn't matter as he looked up at her. The enthusiasm on her face was contagious and even if he now knew he would most likely lose, just the opportunity to play with her seemed worth it.

Michaela seemed oblivious to the fact that Daniel's eyes were riveted to her as she continued to set up the chess pieces excitedly. "I remember, even when I was a child, my mother and sisters would refuse to play with me. Only my father enjoyed our games -- though less so once I started winning." Again she looked up at Daniel with another coy smile.

He heard every word she was saying but they didn't really register. Her face in the light of the fire, her hair hanging over the edge of her shoulders, the animation of her voice seemed to entrance him and he gave himself over to her charms, forgetting all about his earlier vow to focus solely on the game. He couldn't seem to control where his thoughts were taking him. Those lips – what would it feel like to kiss those lips? They stopped moving and he woke as if from a dream.

"Well then I guess I better watch out for you," he said trying to sound smooth and thinking that he sounded rather foolish instead. He smiled at her anyway and raised his eyebrow.

"You'd better," she teased, smiling broadly as she continued to set up the pieces. Again Daniel found he could not look away from her. His eyes drunk in her face, longing to cup it in his hands and cover it with soft gentle kisses. A pang of guilt shot through him but he pushed it aside – what harm were his thoughts as long as he didn't act on them.

She turned her face up towards him. "There – your move," she said softly. Daniel took a deep breath and tried to focus on the game as his mind repeated over and over "This is Sully's wife."

Michaela set about playing enthusiastically capturing Daniel's pawn almost immediately. The game went fairly quickly. Michaela was obviously the more skilled player but it wasn't helped by the fact that Daniel was dealing his own internal struggle. Each time she took one of his pieces, she would look up at him capturing her bottom lip between her teeth as if she was suppressing a full out grin. Her bishop moved to take his knight and he smacked his forehead wondering how he had not seen that one coming.

"Sorry," she grinned sheepishly.

"Don't be," he assured her as he made his next move.

"When I was younger my mother always told me I was too competitive; that it was unladylike," she giggled slightly as she said this. "She thought I would never get married." Michaela advanced her queen two spaces.

Married - Married to Sully, his best friend. Daniel swallowed hard once more. "But you did," he managed to whisper, dropping his eyes to the board under the pretense of searching for his next move.

"Yes, I did," she said smiling widely. "Of course if you had told me how my life would turn out I never would have believed you. My dream was to be best doctor in Boston. Check." She looked up at him as he stared incredulously at the board.

"What…. I …. Need to pay better attention," he muttered moving his king out of harm's way.

Michaela laughed. "I told you I was good," she said cheekily. "Checkmate."

Daniel shook his head and laughed. "I can't win a game tonight it seems." Michaela joined his laughter and the sound was like music to his ears.

A muffled cry could be heard from upstairs and Michaela rose quickly. "Daniel, do you mind closing up for the night?" she asked already headed towards the stairs.

"Of course not," he assured her.

"Thanks," she said casting him one last glance over her shoulder before lifting her skirt slightly to ascend the stairs. Daniel stood watching her go; his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts each one as inappropriate as the next. "Sully's wife," he whispered to himself, turning toward the front door to secure it for the night.

Methodically he moved around the room, turning down the lamps, picking up their coffee cups and uneaten cake. This felt good – to be needed, to be part of a family. It was only then that he realized why this was so hard. Yes he was attracted to Michaela but he also wanted the life Sully had.

Attaching the bag to his horse, he looked up at the porch just as she emerged with the baby in her arms. The sight made him smile. Her long chestnut locks surrounded her face and he longed to bury his nose there and breathe in the scent of her. A rosy hue tinted her cheeks as the morning sun kissed her face. The result was that she looked absolutely radiant. Watching as she descended the steps, a broad grin spread across his face and he moved closer to her.

The baby cooed softly and he leaned down to place a light kiss to her downy hair. Raising his head, his eyes locked with hers. "I'm going to miss you," she whispered and he could already see the tears forming in her eyes.

Wrapping his arms around her and the baby, he pulled her against him. "It's only for a few days." His whispered words stirred wisps of her hair as the first tear fell from her eye. Bending his head, he kissed it away.

"I know but when you're gone – I miss you so much."

A soft smile formed on his lips as he straightened up and placed a kiss to her forehead. One of his hands came up to cup her cheek as his thumb stroked her face. "You are so beautiful," he whispered leaning down once more to place a soft kiss to her warm lips. Her free hand came up to the back of his neck before he even had a chance to pull away. They kissed again, this time her top lip caught between his as the passion between them increased. She pulled away this time, laying her head against his shoulder and letting him hug her tightly to himself being careful of the baby she still held in her arm.

"Daniel," she whispered. "Daniel….Daniel," her voice rang out through the room as he opened his eyes. Another knock came to the door. "Daniel."

He swallowed hard. "Michaela?"

"Sorry that I woke you but I'm leaving for town a little early today. I wasn't sure if you were planning on going in with me or not."

Daniel sat up quickly and looked around finally recognizing his surroundings. It was her voice that called to him but she stood on the other side of his door, not wrapped in his arms. He started to get up and open the door but then decided that might not be the best idea. The dream had a stronger effect on him then he first realized. "Go on without me Michaela. I'll ride in later after I've had some breakfast."

"I left some biscuits on the table and there is bacon on the stove," she called back.

"Thanks… thank you," he returned, his words coming out rather high pitched. He heard her feet walk down the hall and he slowly rose from the bed, walking over to the washstand. He poured water into the basin and leaned over to splash it onto his face. This has to stop he told himself, feeling guiltier than ever. She's Sully's wife.

Michaela traced her route back downstairs. She was surprised that Katie was still asleep especially with lunch time being so near but she had woken several times during the night as her teeth were bothering her. She stepped back into the examining room, leaving the door open so she could hear Katie if she cried. Sweeping over to her desk, she ran her hand lightly over the ledger she had found buried at the back of one of her desk drawers. She had bought it shortly after she had arrived from Boston, before she had realized that most people weren't going to pay her in cash. It wasn't that she didn't know how to run her practice like a business; rather she was inclined not to think about things in that mode.

To her medicine was more about caring for people rather than making a living but the second one was necessary and so she was grateful for Daniel's gentle insistence that she start charging people. This wasn't going to be easy for her but she knew it was needed especially since Sully was sacrificing so much on her behalf. A knock came to the door and she crossed to answer it, smiling broadly when she saw Daniel on the other side. "Come on in," she said moving to the side.

Daniel stepped through somewhat nervously, shoving his hands into his pockets as he did so. "Sorry I wasn't ready to go this morning," he apologized, his eyes looking anywhere but at her.

"Don't apologize. I just didn't want to leave you if you had planned on riding with me. I meant to tell you last night but when Katie cried…" Her voice trailed off as she turned towards the desk. "Come here, I want to show you something." Daniel stepped somewhat closer while trying to keep his distance at the same time. "I've always kept very thorough medical records, of course, but I never paid much attention to bookkeeping before." Michaela sat down at her desk her hands moving over the receipt book and ledger. "Now, each of my patients will receive a bill, and a receipt - if they pay me - and then every transaction will be recorded... here."

"Ya done good, Michaela," Daniel assured her.

"Well, you inspired me. " Michaela smiled up at him as Daniel's eyes truly met hers for the first time since he had entered. He knew he should turn away… he knew he should run away. The desire to reach out and touch her rose up inside of him as he felt his heart melting. The look in her eyes… the compliment. Maybe she was fighting similar feelings. No that was utter nonsense. She's just being nice he told himself.

"Look," Michaela said waving him even closer. Daniel hesitates knowing he shouldn't move any closer to her. Michaela moved so that he could sit in her chair. Daniel sat down a little reluctantly. "I have to make certain that I record everything correctly. "

"I'm sure that ya will," Daniel muttered trying to concentrate on the ledger on the desk.

Michaela leaned over him, pointing to the columns. She was close enough now that he could smell her hair. Don't stand so close to me Daniel screamed out in his head trying hard to look at what she was showing him but slowly losing the battle. His eyes went up to her face and he was lost once again – her voice only serving as background noise.

"These columns are for my Cash Disbursements -- supplies and such -- and these are for Cash Receipts. " Michaela turned to look at him, anxious to see his approval. The movement of her head brought him back to his senses momentarily and he hastily returned his eyes to the ledger.

The neat rows rose up before him and he couldn't help but smile. "Exactly right," he said happily. "An' ev'rythin's so straight an' neat. I mighta expected that from you. "

"I want to thank you, Daniel, for all your advice." Her voice was soft and sweet, the sides of her mouth curling up so gracefully.

Don't stand so close to me, his mind screamed out again. "Glad to help," he replied shifting back in the chair obviously uneasy. "Is it time for lunch?"

"Why yes, I suppose it is," Michaela said moving away from Daniel. He felt his body relax as she increased the space between them. "Katie should be up by now. I just need to go get her." Daniel nodded, breathing a sigh of relief as she stepped through the stairwell door.

Daniel stared out the window into the night looking for any trace of her. She had said she was going for a walk after she laid Katie down. Certainly Sully had taught her to take care of herself in the wilderness but he still wasn't thrilled about the fact that it was dark and Michaela was outside somewhere by herself. She had seemed so distant throughout dinner. He was fairly sure it had to do with Preston's visit that afternoon but still a small part of him worried that she had guessed at his own feelings for her. His cheeks grew warm with just the thought of what she might think of him if she knew.

Things had gotten out of hand – well his thoughts had gotten out of hand anyway. But he had already decided that he would leave soon after Sully came back. It would be rude to go right away but with Sully there to remind him that Michaela was not a free woman, he thought it would be easier. Unconsciously he had stepped into Sully's role around the house and he was enjoying it too much. That, added to the growing feelings he had for Michaela was a dangerous combination.

Where was she? Would she be back soon? He hated to think she was upset and alone in the encroaching darkness. Wasn't he supposed to watch over her? Wasn't he supposed to take care of her in Sully's absence? Clenching his hands at his side he willed himself to calm down, to relax some.

"Ya ready?" Brian called from the checkerboard.

Daniel turned quickly. "Oh.. sure.. umm – just lookin' to see if your ma was back. She's alright out there isn't she?"

"Ma? Yeah, she's fine. She likes to go on walks at this time of night course usually Sully goes with her."

Daniel crossed the room and sat down opposite of Brian. He looked at the neat rows of red checkers in front of him as his mind continued to work. "Brian, your ma was awfully quiet at dinner – do you think she's alright?"

Brian looked up at him. "She gets like this sometimes when Sully's gone. I think she just misses him." Daniel nodded watching Brian make the first move of the game. He hadn't thought of that- he had assumed it had to do with Preston or himself but certainly this made more sense. She missed Sully, she loved Sully – and that was what he needed to remember.

Michaela stopped as she came to the top of the rise leading to the house. This was her house – Sully had built it for her, for their family. And now- now they might lose it. Raising her hand to wipe once more at her tears, she took a deep breath reminding herself that crying never helped anything. At least that was always what her mother had told her. Silly displays of emotion were not tolerated in public and sometimes not even in private growing up with Elizabeth. Josef was a different story. He would move heaven and earth to stop her from crying but only because it upset him to know she was upset. Sully was the one person she didn't mind showing her emotion to. She didn't have to be always stalwart or hide her emotions. Only God knew how she needed him now.

Again she looked at the house, the light twinkling out from each window, calling to her. She didn't know what to do. Preston was threatening to foreclose and she had no doubts that he would do it. He had demonstrated time and time again that he was ruthless, uncaring. This afternoon, there had been a malicious look in his eye and it was almost as if he was salivating at the prospect of snatching this place from them.

It was too late now to wire her mother – too late to sell her supplies. The only viable option open to her was Daniel and she knew how Sully felt about that. She didn't want to go against his wishes and so she tried to put that option out of her mind. Again she felt the same hopelessness set in, freezing her heart and turning her blood to ice. She turned her face up to the sky watching the stars for a moment, remembering to herself that somewhere Sully was looking at the same stars and thinking of her. "Oh Sully," she whispered into the dark wishing he was here. It was one thing to lose your house and quite another to face it alone.

Michaela stood there for sometime her thoughts constantly drifting between Sully and her current dilemma. She looked back at the house and took a deep breath, stealing herself for her return. There was no sense in staying outside any longer. It was chilly out here – she might as well enjoy the house now because…. She didn't complete the thought; she couldn't complete the thought or she knew she would begin to cry all over again. Slowly she walked towards the house, each footstep almost painful for her to complete. Stopping once again near the barn, she took in the house. It had never looked cozier or more inviting than it did at this moment. Hugging her coat closer to her chest, she swallowed hard against the emotion that was so near the surface and walked on toward the house.

Daniel stepped outside into the moonlight, his eyes scanning the road for any sign of her. The night air was chilly and he hastily pulled his jacket on. Near the barn his eyes fell on her lone figure, her back turned towards him. She was obviously upset about something and his own face was lined with concern for her. Daniel started down the stairs towards her, drawn as if by some supernatural force. Her presence seemed to entrance him.

Michaela heard his footsteps and turned her head to watch his approach. Daniel slowed as he discerned the fresh tear tracks on her face and the way her shoulders slumped as she walked. Quickly hiding her distress behind a forced smile, Michaela moved towards him. She was too preoccupied to notice his lingering gaze or the way his eyes lovingly combed her face.

"Don't tell me tonight's checkers tournament is over," she said trying hard to sound light-hearted.

"'Fraid I ain't much competition for 'im." Daniel cast a sideways glance at Michaela as she lifted her head avoiding looking him in the eye. "Fact is I can't win a game in this house."

"Would you mind if we don't play ours tonight?" There was no smile now to hide the sadness and Daniel felt as if his heart was breaking as he stood watching the pain that surfaced.

Now he was sure that whatever was troubling Michaela went deeper than missing her husband. If it was money or if it was him, he could do something –he could makes things alright. With that in mind, he asked, "Michaela, is ev'rythin' alright?"

She could hear the concern in his voice but if she told him, he would insist that she take the money. She couldn't go against Sully's wishes, could she? If it meant saving their house... "Of course, everything's fine. I'm tired that's all," she lied cutting off her line of thought completely. She tried to smile reassuringly but found that she couldn't even force herself this time.

"Feelin' kinda tired myself," Daniel replied unsure whether or not to believe her words, when her face was still so troubled.

"Good night, Daniel."

"'Night," Daniel returned. He stood still as she walked away. He longed to pull her into his arms and soothe away her worries. It was killing him to see her in this state but it felt as if there was nothing he could do. The sound of the door closing jarred him and he looked around - he was alone again.

A thick fog obscured her surroundings yet she moved on determined to find what she was looking for. Tears stung her eyes but she hastily wiped at them refusing to let herself give up. The air was cold, biting at her fingers and cheeks as she pushed on into the night. Her feet came down hard against the bare ground and it was only then that she realized she was barefoot. Not only barefoot but suddenly her hands were tied at the wrists in front of her. Helplessness consumed her but still she moved on. It was here somewhere – what she was searching for – what she needed desperately to find.

The cry of a baby distracted her and she stilled herself straining her ears. Yet as soon as it had started it stopped. She moved on, taking tentative steps as she could not see the ground in front of her. She stumbled once but was able to catch herself before she fell. She trudged on and on through the thick blanket of fog, hoping that at any moment it would lift and she would be able to see clearly again –clinging to the chance that she would find her way. It never lifted though and it was becoming harder and harder to make her feet continue walking. For all she knew, she was going in circles.

Forcing herself to continue, she picked up her right foot and set it down followed by her left. Again, she stumbled but this time she was falling. Unable to throw her hands out to catch herself, she waited to feel her body smack against the hard ground. Yet she never hit the ground but continued to fall into nothingness. The fog lifted or broke – she wasn't sure which. It was replaced with a blackness that obscured all light and still she continued to fall. Closing her eyes, she opened her mouth to scream but found she could not. Just as she gave up all hope, he found her. His arms encircled her stopping her fall, pulling her close. She was safe and nothing would hurt her again. There was still no light – the darkness continued to hide him from her view but she didn't need to see him to know he was there. "Oh Sully," she cried out having found her voice once again.

"Michaela, I'm here," he returned gripping her even tighter. She felt his lips close over hers and the coldness from earlier left her body- she was warm, she was safe, she was loved.

Michaela opened her eyes, expecting to see Sully in front of her, to feel Sully holding her. She gasped when she realized it was not Sully at all but Daniel. The warmth came from the blanket- not from Sully's arms.

"I'm sorry, Michaela," Daniel stuttered when he saw how startled she was. He suddenly felt very guilty as if he was a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Michaela dropped her eyes to the blanket, trying to shake off the encroaching helplessness that still pulled at her, blurring her dream and reality into one horrific moment. "Must have fallen asleep," she whispered.

"It's…It's real cold," Daniel said trying to fill up the awkwardness of the moment. Swiftly he moved away from her, turning to put another log on the fire. Yet as he turned back, he saw the same pain he had glimpsed earlier and it was obvious that her eyes were filled with tears ready to fall at any moment. "What's wrong?"

Michaela shook her head, pressing her lips firmly together. She had resolved not to tell him, not to burden him with her problem. He would only insist that she take the money. Could she take the money from him? Would Sully understand that she was only trying to save their house?

Standing up to his full height, Daniel determined right then that he was going to insist that she tell him. "Somethin's happened. What?"

The weight of everything seemed to crash down on her at that moment. She knew her resolve was crumbling before she even looked up at him. The tears fell in earnest now as she began to speak. "Daniel…. I…"

"What? What is it?" Daniel's voice was warm and caring; his eyes flashing with a deep compassion. She had to tell him, she had to put words to her fears. She couldn't ask him for the money but she wasn't sure she could refuse him if he offered.

"Preston… the banker… first thing this morning ... he's going to foreclose."

Her words hung in the air for a moment as Daniel took them in. There was a small sense of relief as he had still worried that she had figured out his feelings but now everything made sense. He moved to sit down on the stool at her feet, unaware that he now rested his arm upon her leg. "Foreclose? He can't do that," he said in disbelief.

"Apparently, he can…he will. And Sully won't be home in time or have enough money to pay him." Daniel's brow furrowed with concern but he hesitated to speak just yet sensing Michaela had more to say. "I've been looking… for ways… something..." Daniel followed her eyes as they alighted on a small notebook on the table beside her. "There's nothing I can do..." she whispered as the frustration and despair at her helplessness set in stronger than before. She turned her head away from him, unwilling to look in his eyes. "We're going to lose our home..."

The desperation in her voice drove Daniel wild and it took every ounce of strength he had not to comfort her physically. Instead he poured that emotion into his words. "No," he said forcefully as Michaela turned to him. "I'm not gonna let ya. Michaela, I am goin' to pay off that loan." His words were emphatic, his mind set.

"No," Michaela breathed out quickly but Daniel interrupted her before she had a chance to say more.

"Yes. The way I see it, Sully earned that money. Now I know he doesn't see it that way, but I'm sure he doesn't want ya to lose your home. He built this house outta love for you 'n for 'is family. You can't just let some banker up 'n take it."

His words were persuasive and Michaela felt more torn than ever. Daniel was right, Sully had earned that money. If only he could swallow his pride and accept what Daniel had offered, then she wouldn't even be in this predicament. Sully wouldn't want them to lose the house. Certainly he would rather her accept the money.

Still she hesitated as Daniel continued. "Michaela, I'm Sully's closest friend. I'm your friend too, now. Let me do this… for all a ya." Michaela searched his eyes for any sign of hesitation but all she found was compassion and caring. Feeling as if she stood on a precipice with one foot out over the edge, she made a snap decision, giving a small nod of her head. "Alright," Daniel said smiling widely.

Michaela felt relief wash over her as she raised a hand to wipe at her tears. The feeling was sweet and though she feared Sully's reaction, she knew in the end it would all be okay. Sully would soften, he would understand. The edges of her lips began to curl as it all sunk in. They weren't going to lose their house.

Home – he was going home. That thought buoyed him and urged him on. He dug his heels into the horse's side feeling the wind whip through his hair as their pace increased. One more bend, one more rise and he would see it – his home. He would see her – his wife. A wide grin broke out on his face as he remembered the money safely tucked away in his pcoket. The rancher had paid him exactly as he had promised and now he could cover the mortgage for the next three months. This was it – they were out of the hole and could get back on schedule. He couldn't wait to tell Michaela – to pay off Preston.

Flying over the last rise, he did not slow as usual but still continued his frantic pace pushing the horse on. Michaela was hanging clothes and Daniel was stacking wood. His oldest friend and his wife together made him smile – his spirits soared again as he pulled back on the reigns, barely letting the horse stop before he jumped down. Michaela was already moving towards him and he embraced her warmly. "Sully!" she exclaimed clearly happy to have him home.

"How was the cattle drive?" Daniel asked extending his hand towards his friend.

"Went fine," he replied and then turned back to his wife, smiling. "Paid me just what he promised."

"That's wonderful." Michaela tensed knowing that any minute she was going to have to tell him. He was reasonable – he would understand – wouldn't he?

"I wanna ride into town and pay Preston what we owe 'im."

"You -- don't have to do that. I paid off our mortgage, Sully." Michaela held her head high and looked him straight in the eye as she told him.

Sully wrinkled his brow in confusion and then glanced up at Daniel who stood protectively behind Michaela. Once again Sully had the feeling that he was staring at a couple but he brushed the thought aside as there were other more pressing matters. "Where'd ya get the money?" he asked already knowing the answer. Michaela let out a light sigh and cast her eyes toward Daniel. "You gave it to her?" His voice was accusing, his eyes piercing as he turned towards Daniel once again.

"That banker was gonna foreclose," Daniel defended. Sully's shoulders slumped and the hurt clearly showed on his face. A thousand different feelings rose up inside of him – anger, frustration, hurt, inadequacy…

"Preston called in our loan," Michaela added, wanting to reach out and touch him, wanting to tell him how agonizing the decision had been for her.

"But I was comin' back with the money."

"Not enough. He demanded payment in full."

Sully took offense at her statement and he found his anger swiftly overtaking his other emotions. "Did ya stall 'im?" Michaela gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, faltering momentarily. "Did ya even try?" Sully asked incredulously as Michaela stared at him, willing him to understand, to see things from her perspective.

Daniel knew it wasn't his place to say something. He knew he was an interloper but he couldn't stand by and watch Sully be angry with her. He wasn't being reasonable. "Sully, there was nothin' we could do," he interjected realizing his mistake about a second too late.

"We? It's got nothin' to do with you. This is about my family. I thought ya understood that."

Daniel fell silent as the guilt overtook him once more. Sully was right. This was his family- Daniel was an outsider. He began then to question his own motives though deep down he knew he had done nothing wrong in offering the money. Still he began to ask himself the tough questions, he began to question his motives. Had he only helped because he wanted to impress Michaela? Had he simply been trying to fill Sully's shoes any way he could?

Sully's eyes roamed from Michaela to Daniel and back again. The sense of betrayal ran deep. He felt undermined… inadequate… angry. Taking a deep breath, he turned away from them, knowing that if he stayed a moment longer he was bound to do or say something he would regret.

Michaela looked up at Daniel as she swallowed hard against her own fears. She knew that he wouldn't like it but she had hoped that he would try to understand. She had seen the hurt and she moved toward the barn following him. She waited anxiously, watching him undo his saddle unsure what to say to take away the sting. Somehow she had to make him see…

"You knew, Michaela -- you knew exactly how I felt about it." His words were angry as he carried his saddle into the barn. Michaela immediately took offense at his tone. She could understand that he was hurt – possibly that he felt betrayed. But he wasn't even trying to understand her side - he was being unreasonable.

"Sully, what was I supposed to do?"

"You shoulda waited until I got back." He stopped now, facing her - his nostrils flaring and his eyes flashing with unspoken rage.

"But we would have lost our home," she declared.

"You don't know that," he exclaimed throwing his hand up in the air out of frustration.

Michaela softened her voice so that she didn't sound quite so defensive. "Sully... you made a promise to me -- you said you'd never let us lose the homestead. Why don't I owe that same promise to you?"

"Cause it's different."

"Why?" she breathed out already losing control of her own anger once again.

"Cause I'm s'posed to take care a things," he explained.

Michaela clenched her fists feeling fury flood her body. This was about pride, pure and simple. "Why? Because you're the man? The husband? That makes you more responsible than I? Sully, you've said yourself, whatever happens to you, happens to me. We face everything together."

He heard her words – his words essentially, simply repeated back to him. They were like a soft tug at his heart but he refused to soften or give in. "Ya just shouldn'ta done it, that's all. Now we're still in debt, except now I'm in debt to a friend."

"Well that's better than Preston," Michaela responded unable to believe what she was hearing.

This only served to make Sully angrier and he turned, storming out of the barn back to his horse. Daniel had followed Michaela towards the barn but had stopped a short distance away knowing he was an intruder. Yet as he heard their angry words he had crept closer and now he couldn't resist trying to explain things to Sully once more. "Sully, don't blame Michaela. She didn't wanna take the money. I insisted."

Sully glared at him, feeling the anger continue to build. "Why? Ya knew I was handlin' things."

"Yes I did. But if you coulda seen how I found her. In the middle a the night .." Sully turned quickly to look at Michaela as the words sank in. A vision of Daniel in his bedroom with his wife flashed before his eyes and his hands shook with an uncontrollable rage. Daniel saw the look and quickly clarified. "Downstairs, by the fire -- sick with worry." He stopped, searching Sully's eyes for any small sign that he was really listening. "Can't ya understand? I had to do somethin'."

Sully let out an angry breath and moved to pull the money from the cattle drive out of his pocket. "I'm payin' ya back. Ev'ry cent." He roughly shoved the money into Daniel's hand. "Consider that your first payment." With one more angry look at Michaela he turned and mounted the horse. His eyes bore into hers and she swallowed hard wishing there was a way to make things right. Not only had she caused friction between the two of them but also between him and Daniel. An incredible sense of guilt and responsibility overcame her, cutting her to the quick. She was searching once again and falling but this time she was afraid she would find no one there to catch her.

Hope everyone is enjoying.. this one is a little long but I realized there were so many great scenes to include for this part. It was hard to choose. I also wanted to take an opportunity to thank Maritza for suggesting the storyline and for encouraging me to do it. Thanks