Chapter 101

May 19, 1871 – Colorado Springs

Feeling more useless than ever, Michaela tossed a small throw pillow back and forth in her hands, trying to pass the time. It seemed as if the day was planning on dragging on and on forever, and she felt in her heart that tomorrow would be much better. She knew that within a day, she would officially be Sully's wife, and their future together would be sealed with a kiss. But she couldn't help but worry despite her eagerness. She only hoped Sully wouldn't decide to wait until she was stronger, but she knew that Cloud Dancing's words had a large impact on her husband-to-be. They had to be married on May 20th.

When the door opened, she smiled, expecting to see the man that always brought a sparkle to her eyes, but those eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open, a gasp escaping.

"Marjorie!" Michaela exclaimed, as Marjorie smiled and rushed toward Michaela, outstretching her arms to pull her into a hug.

"I came as soon as I heard…are you alright, Michaela?"

"I'll be alright," she assured her, squeezing her tight. When they pulled apart, Marjorie sat down at her sister's bedside, noticing the paleness of her little sister's features. Her eyes still had that fire, but they possessed an exhaustion; a sadness that hadn't been there before. And as if she'd seen the worry in her sister's face, Michaela immediately broke down into tears, having tried her best to keep her composure.

"Oh, Michaela," Marjorie whispered. "What is it?"

"I…I'm just happy to see you," she whispered. "I'm glad you're here." She took a deep breath, wiping her eyes with the edge of her blanket. "Who?"

"Sully," Marjorie said with a smile. "I'm glad he told me, Michaela." She reached out to touch her sister's belly. "How are the little ones?"

"He told you about the twins as well?" Michaela asked. Marjorie nodded. "They're doing well. They're moving a lot." She smiled a little. "I'm not supposed to get out of bed. I can get up for a little while each day, but not long at all. It's getting to the point where I feel dizzy after a few minutes of standing up." She shook her head. "It's going to take a while to adjust once the babies are born, and I don't have to lie here all day long."

With a sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair, gently scratching her nails over her scalp, soothing the tension that had been building up in her head. She knew she'd been working her mind overtime. She was a doctor being confined to a bed. She was prohibited from practicing medicine until she and the babies were ready. She was bored. She felt useless. She felt as if the entire world was passing her by outside that clinic room. Even plans for the hospital were being drawn up and shown to her on occasion. But she still felt useless. It was her mother's money. It was only her dream. She felt as if she was slowly becoming invisible.

Marjorie could tell that her sister needed cheering up, so she squeezed her hand.

"Aren't you getting excited?"

"About what?" Michaela asked, hoping to pry some information out of her sister. Despite the fact that the wedding was supposed to be tomorrow, Sully was keeping mum about the situation, tiptoeing around the situation. He had something planned, and she decided to let herself believe it. Sully had never disappointed her, and she was certain he never would. "Tomorrow? What's so special about tomorrow?" Marjorie glared at her playfully.

"Well, I don't know, Michaela. A few things come to mind but…oh, no…surely they can't be right." Michaela laughed.

"It's alright, Marjorie. Sully's planning something, isn't he?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Oh, I don't know…perhaps it's the fact that he sent for you without telling me…or the fact that he barely talks about getting married, yet I know he's hiding something…or…"

"That doesn't mean anything."

"Then why did you say 'are you getting excited?'"

"No reason…I mean…you're going to be a mother soon, and you'll be moving into a new house."

"You're a terrible liar. I may be bedridden, but my brain is functioning perfectly well, thank you," Michaela giggled, feeling happier than she had in days.

"Well, all I can say is that your wedding day is going to be perfect, Michaela," Marjorie grinned, "whenever that is, of course."

"Of course," Michaela mused. At that point, Rebecca poked her head in, tapping lightly on the faded oak door.

"So it's true! You're here!" she exclaimed, seeing her younger sister sitting next to Michaela's bedside. Marjorie rushed over to hug her older sister, and Michaela smiled, feeling a weight lift off of her chest. She wasn't certain what it was, but she felt so much better now. She was grateful to Sully for having asked Marjorie to come, and she felt blessed to have family that cared so much about her. Not long ago, she'd been worried that her family would be ripped apart. But here they were, two of the most important people in her life. They were there for her.

"I'm here," Marjorie said with a grin. They turned back to Michaela, seeing the look of joy in her eyes.

"I'm glad you're both here. It wouldn't be right if you weren't here," she whispered, feeling extremely tired all of the sudden. A yawn escaped her lips like a midsummer's gentle breeze, veiling the room in silence, as the sun passed behind a cloud and tinted the room in pale yellow. Rebecca nudged her younger sister, and Marjorie nodded in silent understanding.

"We'll leave you to rest now, dear," Rebecca said quietly. "Sleep, alright?" Michaela nodded, her eyes becoming heavy, and she couldn't deny herself the sleep that was suddenly becoming obviously needed. She didn't really want to be left alone, but she knew that when she woke up, Sully would probably be there, and that was something to look forward to for certain.

So, Marjorie and Rebecca slipped out of the room and into the hall. Marjorie glanced her sister's way.

"So what do we have to do?"

"We need to do whatever it takes to make sure our sister's wedding day is one she'll never forget."

"You can't catch me!" Gabby giggled, as she through the livery and behind the jail. Robert E. shook his head, as he sat on a haystack with Olivia in one arm and a cup of water in the other.

"You wanna bet?" Johnny asked, his eyes flashing with determination, as he hopped over the fence rail with great agility and easily caught Gabby, who had slowed and turned to see how close he was. "Gotcha!"

"That's not fair, Johnny!" she giggled, struggling, as his hands pinned hers against the door. "Let go!"

"You're my prisoner," he said playfully. "I gotta lock ya up."

"What's her crime?" Johnny and Gabby spun quickly to see Kid Cole standing beside Robert E. with an amused gleam in his eyes. Ruth shook her head at the young ones.

"Johnny Sully, look at you. You're gonna get yourself filthy. That ain't no way to be playin' with your fancies on. Ain't you s'posed to be helpin' your aunt Marjorie get settled in?"

"I went to help, but I was just getting in the way. 'Sides, her and Aunt Rebecca went to get things ready for tomorrow."

"And shouldn't you be helpin'?" Kid Cole asked. Johnny looked at Gabby.

"Maybe Mary's there," he suggested.

"Yeah. And, I'm sure Mother could find something for us to do."

"It ain't everyday your ma gets married," Ruth added, her hand gently placing itself across her abdomen. "I'm sure she'd appreciate all ya do."

"Well, I guess we can go see if we can help with somethin' else. Maybe Pa needs us." With that, Johnny scurried off, and Gabby hurried off behind him. The adults grinned, and Kid Cole turned to Robert E. just as Carrie and Daniel came walking up.

"You seen Sully?" Kid Cole asked aloud.

"I did," Carrie said with a smile. "He's helpin' the new doctor get settled in." She didn't catch the roll in Daniel's eyes.

"Any luck getting Cloud Dancin'?" Robert E. wondered. "I know how much it'd mean if he was there…"

"I rode out toward the reservation yesterday, but his wife said he was out huntin'. Didn't know when he'd be back." Daniel sighed heavily.

"He asked me to be his best man, but I know he wants Cloud Dancin' up there. They're like brothers, and I wouldn't feel right if he wasn't there."

"Me neither," Carrie said gently. She folded her arms across her chest. "Why don't you ride out again? I'll go check on Sully and Andrew, and then I'll head over to the store." Daniel glanced at her. "Go on. You're wastin' time." She had a teasing look in her eyes, but it was also one that seemed to tell him to trust her. After all, their wedding was coming up shortly, and there was nothing left to get in their way. Anyway, what mattered right now was making Michaela and Sully's wedding day special. They'd been through enough already, and it was the town's turn to give them a little happiness considering that the future was so uncertain.

"Alright. I'll ride out. If I don't find 'im by sundown, I'll make a camp and look for him at first light." Carrie nodded and walked off with Daniel, linking her arm through his.

"Want me to pack up some supplies for ya?"

"If ya wouldn't mind," Daniel said with a nod. "I'm gonna go find Sully."

"What're ya gonna tell him?"

"I'm just gonna tell him that I've got somethin' to do…and not to worry, 'cause I'll be back before the weddin' starts." He stopped in the middle of the street and put his hands upon her shoulders. "If something happens…"

"Nothin' is gonna happen. You'll be fine…I'll be fine. I'll see ya tomorrow." She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss. "Now hurry up. I expect to see you all fancied up tomorrow, so don't think this is your way of getting out of it." She winked, and he grinned, chuckling, as he pulled her close.

"Wouldn't dream of missin' you all dressed up tomorrow either," he laughed. "I love you."

"Me too," she breathed, as he kissed her forehead. With that, they both turned in opposite direction, him to prepare his horse and her to pack his supplies.

While Andrew was getting situated in his room, Sully slipped into Michaela's room, smiling at the sight of her sleeping peacefully. Shadows from the curtains draped lacy figures across her perfect cheek, and as the breeze fluttered the fabric, it danced across her features.

He gently sat down on the edge of her bed, being careful not to jolt the mattress. He loved watching her sleep. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, and it was as if she'd wake at any minute. He enjoyed the look in her eyes when she first opened them in the morning. So many emotions would fill them, but when they settled on his own eyes, happiness shone there above everything else. He couldn't wait to wake up to that every single morning for the rest of his life.

Her faced turned toward him, and he held his breath, seeing her eyes fluttering for a moment before becoming still again. He reached out, brushing the tips of his fingers across her forehead, sweeping her golden-brown locks out of her eyes.

That simple touch caused her to stir, and a tiny smile appeared upon her lips. She opened her eyes as if she was anticipating something wonderful, and when she saw him, her cheeks became pink with flush, and her eyes sparkled.

"Have a good dream?" he asked. She nodded, blushing still. "Good." He leaned down to kiss her, causing her breathing to shallow. "I didn't wanna wake ya. You look beautiful when you're sleepin'."

"I'd rather be awake…here with you." She smiled, running her fingers through his hair, touching his lips with her thumb. "I can hardly wait for tomorrow, Sully. We'll be husband and wife…" A playful smile appeared across her face, and Sully raised an eyebrow.

"Who let it slip?" he asked. Michaela giggled.

"Nobody, but now I know," she whispered. Sully sighed heavily, shaking his head in defeat. "It's alright, Sully. I expected it would be. Cloud Dancing was adamant about that day…and we've waited long enough already."

"I wanted ya to be surprised."

"What'll be a surprise is if I can make it through the ceremony without…" She looked away.

"Hey, I got everything under control," he said with a smile. "Don't worry."

"There are some things you can't control, and neither can I, Sully. We have to—" Sully interrupted her by placing his fingers over her lips, and he received a perplexed look in response.

"I'm takin' care of it. All you gotta worry about is restin' and lettin' your body heal."

"Resting is exhausting," she said quietly, placing her hand over her belly, feeling one of the babies move. She smiled. "I believe they're doing somersaults." Sully placed his hand there, and he smiled.

"Strong. Just like their mama." Michaela smiled happily.

"It's seems so…I don't even know the word, Sully. You're going to be my husband tomorrow…I'll be your wife." But when he smiled, a frown formed upon her lips.

"What is it?" he asked, stroking her cheek. "Michaela?"

"Our honeymoon…"

"That don't matter. As soon as you're feelin' up to it…we'll go wherever ya want."

"I can't give you a proper wedding night," she blushed. She looked away, but he turned her face with his gentle touch. He looked into her eyes and kissed her softly.

"We got plenty of time for that. Right now, you and the babies are what's most important. I just wanna be married to ya. I wanna wake up next to ya every day. I wanna be there every minute." He took her hand, squeezing it in his. "The rest of it'll happen in time. We don't gotta rush. If anything…we probably ought to slow down." Michaela grinned, blushing again. "Bein' married don't mean just one thing. We got all the time in the world, Michaela. I promise you that."