Chapter 18

December 1870 – On a Train to St. Louis

Daniel closed the canvas shades, shutting out the morning sun. He'd woken not long ago, and the sun was already too bright for him, as it reflected off of some of the snow-covered peaks, as they headed farther and farther away from Colorado.

He had slept well, but the train had jolted him awake a few times, and he had heard someone pacing the hall of the car, back and forth, back and forth. He'd caught a glimpse of black hair in the middle of the night, and he was certain it had been Carrie. He wondered why she hadn't been able to sleep; why he'd heard her whimpering. Maybe it wasn't her. Maybe it had been a dream.

"You up, Danny Boy?" Tommy James asked, sliding open the compartment door. Daniel cringed at the nickname Carrie's father had just picked up for him.

"I'm up," he said, his voice gravelly and his throat sore.

"Good. Train's stopping in Topeka tomorrow mornin'. We still got another day 'head of us. Another few days 'til St. Louis." Daniel groaned mildly and looked out the window. He couldn't wait to get to St. Louis. He was ready to stretch his legs and have a break. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to do another cattle drive. He had a good sum of money saved up from all of those years, but he knew he didn't want to keep doing it for the rest of his life. He had been on the move since he was old enough to walk, and he was tired. "Saw a fella I used to work with on a drive in the next car. I'm gonna go up there and talk with 'im for a while. Carrie's still sleepin'. Poor girl's all tuckered out. I'll be back later this afternoon." Daniel nodded, and he watched Tommy walk away. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't wait to get to St. Louis, have a hot bath and sleep in a comfortable bed. He'd been sleeping on the hard ground for too long, and uncomfortable train compartments weren't easy on his back.

He placed his hat on top of his head and pulled on his boots. When he stood, he stretched as far as he could, but he was tall enough that his knuckles scraped the ceiling of the train compartment. He yawned and stretched his legs before walking to Carrie's compartment. He peered in to see her resting uncomfortably in her seat. He stared at her, seeing the way her face was twisted in unpleasant discomfort, and he reached into his own compartment, pulling out a small pillow. He gently tucked it against the window by Carrie's seat, and he slowly shifted her against it. She stirred for only a moment, but she stayed asleep, seeming to be a little more comfortable.

With a content sigh, he moved back to his own compartment and sat down, hoping that this day would pass much faster than the last.

December 1870 – On a Train to Denver

They were finally settled into their compartment, and even though they didn't say so, they were equally grateful that the only person sharing a car with them was an old man who had fallen asleep before the train had taken off from the station. Now, they were on their way to Denver, where they would board a train to take them straight into Colorado Springs. That was, if the railroad was fixed. They'd heard news that the train hadn't run into Colorado Springs for a couple of weeks due to debris on the tracks from a storm, and it was still being cleaned up. So, they were facing the possibility of taking a stagecoach from Denver to Colorado Springs, and Michaela found the idea exciting.

Michaela was holding a medical text in one hand, while her other lay comfortably in Sully's hand. Shivers went up and down her spine each time he ran his thumb over the back of her hand. She was finding it more and more difficult to read up on the newly found remedies for common ailments, because his very touch was sending signals to every part of her body. Little did she know that a smile was creeping across his face. He knew he was distracting her.

"Sure is pretty out there," Sully said, looking out at the land they were leaving behind; the land they'd met on…San Francisco.

"Mmmhmm," she said softly, a quiver in her voice. She had read over the same line seventeen times. She cleared her throat, trying to concentrate, and she felt his hand squeeze hers ever so gently. She licked her lips, feeling his touch growing softer but more persistent, and she couldn't stop the pounding in her heart. She couldn't believe this was just from a simple touch of his hand.

When she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the grin on his face. She knew he was doing this on purpose. She bit her bottom lip, trying not to smile too, and she closed her textbook. His heart leapt at that moment, but it fell again, when she leaned her head back and stared out at the beautiful scenery. She sighed softly, craning her neck, and he could see the exposed flesh underneath her ear, and he wanted to taste her; press his lips there and feel her heart beating; kiss her and hear her moan softly.

He dared to raise her hand to his lips and kiss her there tenderly, and her eyes fluttered shut at the contact. She swallowed hard, and she let out a slow, unsteady breath of air. She was finding it harder to resist him, and she felt him stir beside her; resituating himself in the seat.

"Ya feelin' okay?" he finally asked, hoping to get a response out of her.

"I'm fine," she said softly, flashing him a quick smile before turning her attention back to the window. Sully sighed heavily, and Michaela tried to bite back a giggle.

"Not too warm?" She shook her head.

"No. I'm fine, Sully," she assured him, knowing it was getting to him. She could feel it in the way his hand seemed to tremble against hers. Finally, she couldn't take it any longer either, and she turned her face toward his, smiling, her eyes twinkling in the morning light. Sully smiled too, wondering what she was thinking, but feeling her hand squeeze his lovingly. "Are you alright, Sully?" She was surprised at how low her voice had come out.

"Just fine," he answered, settling back against his seat and bringing his free hand to her face. "I can't believe you're actually here with me. Seems almost too good to be true, ya know?" Michaela nodded.

"I know," she whispered. "But, this is happening. We're going to Colorado Springs. We're going to get married…" She laughed a little. "We haven't set a date either."

"Yeah. I thought about that," he replied. "I understand if ya wanna wait a while." Michaela breathed slowly, and she looked down at the ring.

"I want my family to be involved," she responded. "I don't know how Mother's going to react." She sighed in contemplation. "She told me to come out to San Francisco…find my happiness. I have." Sully smiled, leaning closer to her.

"We don't gotta think about it now. We got plenty of time. I wanna build us a home. If ya wanna get married right away, we can. If ya wanna wait, I can wait for ya. I'll always be here, Michaela, so ya take all the time ya need." Michaela smiled happily, gently stroking his chin with her fingers. Time. Time was their only enemy. It had separated them and tortured them.

"I suppose you're right," she finally agreed, turning her head to face forward; leaning back into her seat. She parted her lips and let out a slow breath, feeling Sully's lips press against her cheek. She smiled, feeling his warmth, and she turned her head again, this time letting his lips brush across hers, as their hands linked between them.

She sighed shakily, trying not to tense at his touch. She was nervous. They were out of the quiet comfort of San Francisco, and it seemed as she'd woken from a dream. Oh, kissing him was better than ever, but she was nervous now. She had never been like this with anyone before. She only wanted to make him happy and be happy herself.

His lips brushed over hers with patience and ease, and the softness between them drove Michaela wild. Her mouth was tingling, and her heart was thumping wildly in her chest. His free hand moved to cup her face, as their lips continued to massage one another. She gently placed her free hand on his arm and leaned into him, feeling his tongue gently trace her bottom lip. She shuddered at the feeling, trying to tame her nerves, and when she slowly opened up for him, their kiss ignited a fire.

"Michaela," he breathed, freeing his hand and using it to frame the other side of her face, pulling them both deeper into the kiss. She moaned softly against him, as his arms encircled her. She reveled in the feeling of the love of her life's arms around her, yet when she felt herself responding to every touch; every kiss, she knew what was happening. She was starting to lose control, and she knew that it wasn't time.

His heart pounded; his senses on edge at the smell of her perfume; the feel of her soft skin against his…the taste of her lips. He felt her trembling, and he knew what he had to do. Slowly, he pulled away, and their eyes opened, meeting in the midst of an interrupted passionate moment. He immediately saw the color come to her cheeks, causing them to turn red. He smiled a little, and she slowly pulled back, leaning into her seat. He saw the smile tugging at her lips, and he simply took her hand in his again and rested against his own seat, knowing that no words needed to be said. All they needed was a moment like this.

December 1870 – Boston

Elizabeth paced the foyer worriedly. Rebecca was coming back with Mary today, and they were going to discuss Elizabeth's suggestion of going to Colorado Springs to stop the wedding. Elizabeth knew that Rebecca always sided with her sister, but she wanted to try to reason with her. She wanted a little bit of support anyway. She loved Michaela and wanted only good things for her. She wasn't so sure that Mr. Sully was good enough. He was a good man, yes, but how in the world was he going to be able to make a life for himself and Michaela?

Martha came walking in with a vase full of fresh flowers.

"Mrs. Quinn, would you like your tea now?"

"Not yet, Martha," Elizabeth replied.

"Is there anything you do need?"

"No, Martha. That will be all." Martha cleared her throat.

"Very well, Ma'am. But…if I may say something."

"What is it, Martha?" Elizabeth asked, pushing back the curtains on the window beside the door.

"Well, it just seems that Mr. Sully makes Miss Quinn very happy. She loves him, and she's told me before…told you too, that that's all that matters to her." Elizabeth sighed heavily.

"Don't you have lunch to take care of?" she asked.

"Yes, Mrs. Quinn," Martha said sadly. She walked out of the room and shook her head. She hoped that Mrs. Quinn would come to her senses soon.

Finally, Elizabeth spotted Mary running up the path with Rebecca not far behind her. Mary threw the door open and hurried over to hug her grandmother.

"Hello dear!" Elizabeth said with a grin.

"Hi, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "Does Martha still have those cookies?" Elizabeth laughed.

"Why don't you run along and ask her?" Mary grinned widely and frolicked off. Rebecca stepped inside and out of the snow, hanging her coat up first and foremost. Finally, she turned toward her mother with a stern look about her face. "What's that look for?"

"Mother, you know exactly what it's for," Rebecca replied. "You're meddling."

"I am not!"

"Yes you are. You're trying to interfere in Michaela's relationship. She loves Mr. Sully. Why can't you accept that?" Elizabeth sighed heavily.

"I do accept that, Rebecca! I just don't want her to end up poor and alone with children to raise and no money to raise them with."

"You obviously don't know Michaela very well. She's a very resourceful woman. She's a brilliant doctor. She's smart, Mother. She knows what she wants, and you shouldn't tell her she's wrong."

"But…"

"Mother!" Rebecca said with an exasperated sigh. She had never snapped at her mother like that before, and Elizabeth's eyes were wide with shock. "Michaela is a grown woman who knows her heart. You have to let her do what she feels is best. I know you're only concerned, but going there and trying to break them apart is only going to make things worse."

"I wish Mr. Sully all the best, but can't he find his happiness elsewhere?" Rebecca sighed heavily.

"You're not going to Colorado Springs. You're going to let Michaela make her own decisions. When or if they decide on a wedding, we'll take the trip out there and be happy and wish them all the best together."

"Since when did you become the mother and I the child?" Elizabeth asked, shaking her head.

"I'm just being reasonable, Mother. You'll see. Michaela knows how to take care of herself. If Mr. Sully isn't right for her, she'll discover it one way or the other. But, speaking from what I know, I think they're perfect for one another. Sure, they have their differences, but they're best friends…after all of these years. They're closer now than ever, Mother. Give them a chance. You'll see."

December 1870 – Colorado Springs

"He's gonna be here 'fore ya know it."

"I ain't so sure no more."

"Listen to me. Have I ever lied to ya?"

"No…"

"Do ya believe?"

"I believe."

"Things are gonna be ok. I promise. Just wait. You'll see."

Christmas 1859 – Colorado Springs

Sully held Hanna and Lily in his lap, as Abagail paced the rug in the living room. Sully bounced the girls on his knees and watched his wife wring a handkerchief in her fists.

"It's just gotta let up. It's just got to."

"Don't worry," Sully said quietly. "Even if we can't make it into town, we'll still see everybody when the snow melts." Abagail sighed, dissatisfied. Sully let the girls down to play and walked up behind his wife, wrapping his arms around her, calming her. His hands moved to the small swell of her belly. "Ya gotta be patient."

"Patience isn't one of my virtues during the holidays," Abagail admitted with a dry laugh.

"This is comin' from the girl who once said she grew outta Christmas carols," Sully pointed out. "Ya seem to like 'em now."

"For the girls," she replied. "They like 'em. Can't see how. You don't even like celebratin' holidays."

"I like seein' the girls happy."

"See, we do all this for the girls, Sully. Everything is for them." Sully chuckled into her hair and kissed her cheek softly.

"Everything?" She swatted his arm.

"Byron Sully. You ought to be ashamed," she laughed. She grinned and turned in his arms, her eyes sparkling up into his. She had been quite happy lately but a little on edge. Things were better now. She was still friends with Jake, and Sully supposed that he didn't mind that, but he had made it clear to Jake that he could support his family just fine on his own.

"No!" Lily screamed, startling both Sully and Abagail. They turned quickly to see the girls arguing over a wooden toy. Lily had a distinct rip in her Christmas dress, and Abagail concluded it had been from a splinter on the toy. She quickly rushed to take the toy from them.

"No fighting, girls," she scolded. "There's plenty of toys there for both of you." She picked up Lily. "You got your dress ripped. Sully? Honey, could ya get my my sewin' needle and some black thread?" Sully nodded.

"Sure." He hurried up the stairs to do as his wife had asked. He'd been more attentive and helpful lately. They were learning how to be husband and wife still, and they were learning how to be parents together. Sully was still gone quite a bit, but he made a point to be home as much as he could, and his effort was greater than ever.

When he entered the master bedroom, he could still hear the girls carrying on downstairs. He went to Abby's bedside table and pulled out the drawer. But, he spotted the shiny needle on top of the table. As he was about the close the drawer, something fell out. Sully stooped down to pick it up, and he saw that it was an envelope. He studied it for a moment, before he picked it up into his hand and looked at the awkward writing scrawled across the front. It was addressed to Abagail. No return address and no mailing address. Who would be writing his wife letters and giving them to her personally? Without even pondering it for a moment, Jake's face flashed in his mind.

He knew it wasn't his business to open the letter, but it had already been read. He could see that it had been opened and tucked away several times. That made his blood run cold. No. he shouldn't read it. No. He couldn't. What would it say? Did he want to know? Should he want to know?

Downstairs, Abagail was wondering what was taking Sully so long. She sighed and placed the toy on the mantle. She picked up both girls and put them in their high chairs.

"Mama will be right back. You two be good, all right?" She hurried up the stairs, keeping a protective hand on her belly at all times. She saw Sully's shadow from the bedroom, and she sighed.

"Honey? What's takin' so long? It's right on top of the t—" She froze when she opened the door and saw Sully with a letter in his hands. "Oh God." He looked up without alarm, but his eyes were sad and full of questions.

"What's goin' on, Abby? Got somethin' to tell me?" Abagail's eyes immediately flooded with panic, and she felt her knees growing weak. She attempted to walk across the room toward him, but something stopped her. "Do you wanna tell me why Jake Slicker says he can't stop thinkin' about you?"