Rescuing you

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in Dr Quinn Medicine Woman. The rights to those characters and the show belong to the creators not me. This is just a story for fun.

Chapter 22

The Wedding Day

Sully stood at the altar feeling edgy and nervous. People were patting him on the back and wishing him well but he only felt an overwhelming sense of panic. His hands were sweating and the collar around his neck felt too tight. He watched Elizabeth fuss over the children's clothes. He realised he wasn't only marring Michaela today he was gaining a family. He loved the children already like they were his own but it still didn't stop the panic rise. Questions kept running around in his mind. Would he do right by all of them? Would he be a good father and husband?! Would Michaela wish for a life in Boston?!

He sat down on the bench and stared into space. Daniel noticed his friend's distress and sat down next to him clasping his hand on Sully's shoulder. "Ya ok?" he said quietly.

Sully looked at his friend and said out loud his biggest worry. "What if she doesn't show up?"

Daniel smiled kindly at Sully. "She'll show up I'd bet my life on it," Sully smiled back slightly, that eased some of his nerves. Suddenly the piano started to play and Sully jumped to his feet. He faced the front but couldn't take it anymore.

He turned to see Michaela walking up the aisle on her father's arm. Sully was floored! She was stunning! The dress she wore clung to her curves that made him long for the night ahead. Her full skirt fanned out to the floor into a small train and the satin fabric was covered in lace. She wore a veil so Sully couldn't fully see her face but when she stood before him he could see her smiling.

He took her hands in his and whispered. "You are beautiful,"

The ceremony went perfectly. There were tears from the ladies and congratulations all round. There was a lunch served in the meadow after with dancing and cake that the town had baked for the wedding.

Then the time came for Michaela and Sully to leave town but just before they did Josef took Michaela's hand and wrapped an arm around Sully with a twinkle in his eye. "Before we say goodnight there is something I want to show you both," Josef led the newlyweds across the bridge in to town.

"Where are you taking us father?" Michaela was intrigued.

Josef didn't reply but once in town he stopped in front of the boarding house. "This is your wedding present from your mother and me," He grinned.

Michaela and Sully looked at the building confused. "Umm thanks Josef but we already have a home," He said.

Josef chuckled "And a lovely home it is. It will be perfect for your family but this is to be Michaela's medical practice,"

Michaela looked back at the building astonished. "Father we can't possibly take this as a gift,"

"It's too late the deed is in yours and Sully's names. This place will benefit the town a great deal and one day you could be opening the first hospital here in Colorado Springs," Josef gushed.

"Thank you Josef we accept," Sully smiled at Michaela's silence. He knew this was the best thing for his new wife and the town he would never deny Michaela anything that would make her happy.

"Great now I must go dance with my wife," Josef kissed Michaela's cheek and she hugged him back. "Thank you father I love you so much,"

Josef smiled and made it back to the meadow where the dancing and music continued. Sully pulled Michaela into his arms.

"Looks like you have your clinic Michaela," He smiled as his hands wandered over her back.

"It's wonderful don't you think? I can't wait to set up...I will need all sorts of furniture and equipment and...," Sully didn't let her finish he swooped down and claimed her lips. When he pulled back Michaela's eyes were closed and her lips pink from his kiss.

He held her face in his hands "You won't be setting up your practice just yet we have a honeymoon to have first. Starting with going home now!" He grinned wildly.

Michaela swallowed hard and nodded. Words were too much to speak at the moment. Sully took her hand and led her to their waiting wagon. They slipped out of town without anyone noticing.

In the Meadow

Daniel had been watching Abigail all day. She didn't seem her usual self. She was quiet and barely communicated with anyone. Currently she was sat at a table on her own watching couples dance. Even her own parents were dancing and yet she was sat nursing and glass of punch.

Daniel strode across to where she was sat. He held out his hand. "Would ya care to dance with me?" he said roughly startled by the desire that hit him when she looked up at him with those pretty blue eyes.

"Not now thank you Daniel," She sighed and looked back at the couples dancing.

Daniel was never one to give up easily he sat down next to her. He took a deep breath "Are ya sulking that Sully did marry Michaela and didn't pick you?" He knew what he said was harsh but he needed to know.

She looked up sharply "I don't sulk!"

He chuckled at her; glad to see the old Abigail he didn't like it when she was sad or feeling sorry for herself.

She smiled a little and confessed. "I'm not sulking because he married her. I was attracted to him but once I embarrassed myself in front of him and he still chooses her. I just didn't feel that way about him anymore. Sully married who he was supposed to and I'll be on my own for the rest of my days," She clasped her hands in her lap.

Daniel was relieved that she no longer had feelings for Sully. "So dance with me," He held out his hand and stood in front of her again.

"You don't give up do you?"

"Never," He grinned.

Abigail took his hand and he led her into a waltz. Abigail was comforted by his arms around her; he really was an excellent dancer and so tall. She could quiet happily dance with him all night she thought. He then swung her round in wide circles around the floor.

She giggled and clutched his arm tighter. "Daniel slow down,"

He laughed and slowed down. He looked into her face and it was bright with humour and she was beautiful. They locked eyes.

Abigail really looked at Daniel. He was incredibly handsome and kindness shone in his eyes.

"Marry me Abigail come away with me?" he whispered.

Abigail's eyes widened in shock. "Daniel...I can't...I..."

"Don't say anything yet...Think about it for me? But remember this I can make your life an adventure Abigail and we can have a happy life together," he tightened his hold on her slightly and danced them to a shadowy corner.

He raised his hand to her cheek and lowered his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Abigail held his shoulders and closed her eyes tight. This was her first kiss and she was incredibly nervous. When Daniel's lips caressed hers she finally relaxed into the kiss and made a soft moaning sound.

Daniel pulled back and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. "Think about it for me but don't think on it too long cos I'm leaving tomorrow," He kissed her again and left.

Abigail stood watching him walk back to town in the dusky twilight, left with a warm feeling from their kiss. She wasn't too sure what to make of Daniel's proposal but she was on a deadline. Abigail turned around when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

She turned and there was Simon Thatcher all gangly limbs and a thick beard with what looked like cake in it. She grimaced to herself.

"Umm...Abigail...would ya like ta dance? Your Pa said you were lonely and I should cheer ya up," He held out his hand to her. It was grubby and she really didn't want to dance with him, previous experience taught her that Simon had a tendency to stand on your feet too.

Abigail looked over at her parents and they both looked on hopefully. She had a feeling that her father would be happy for a match between Simon and herself. That way he would have someone to take over the business when he retired.

Abigail looked back to where Daniel had left on his way back to town. She looked again, back at Simon and his grubby hand. She looked up at him "Sorry Simon I can't," She then turned on her heel and ran after Daniel. She had made up her mind!