Chapter 104

May 20, 1871 – Colorado Springs

May 20th was here, and the day began with a beautiful sunrise that Michaela watched through the open curtains of her bedroom window. She smiled, thinking that by the time that very sun set in the sky that evening, she would be a wife. She couldn't believe the day had finally come, and she was nervous, blissfully happy, and excited at the same time. Each time she heard the floorboard creak, she'd fear that it was Sully coming to check on her, when she'd strictly warned him about seeing her before the wedding day. She wanted it to be as traditional as possible considering the circumstances. She had decided that if he had gone through enough trouble to give her the perfect wedding day, she would stick with some of the traditions of a normal wedding procession, and she refused to see him despite the deep desire that she possessed to let him in.

She stirred in her bed, and she saw a towel and fresh under garments laid across the chair at her bedside. She smiled, grateful that somebody had thought to get her a fresh change of clothes, and when she saw the copper tub at the foot of her bed, she was even more delighted. She hadn't gotten to soak in a warm bath for a long while. She had had to endure sponge baths that left her feeling less than desirable and not quite clean, and she was happy someone had been thoughtful enough to fetch her these things for one of the most special days of her life.

A knock came to her door, and when it opened, Ruth squeezed in, shutting the door quickly behind her. Michaela gave her a quizzical look, and Ruth's flushed cheeks returned to normal.

"Sorry, Dr. Mike. Ya got lots of folks wantin' to see ya this mornin', but I told 'em you're getting ready, and they'll see ya at the weddin' this afternoon." Michaela grinned.

"Did you do all of this?"

"Well, it was Sully's idea. He said he knows how much ya like nice, warm baths, and he figured ya might like it to help ya relax today." Michaela blushed, but she tried to hide it. "I had Carrie and Grace help me, but we managed. Your dress is havin' last minute adjustments made…just like ya wanted, and as soon as it's done, we'll bring it over and have it fitted on ya." Michaela looked down at her swollen belly.

"I certainly hope it fits." Ruth laughed.

"Don't worry. You're gonna look beautiful." Michaela smiled timidly.

"Ruth?"

"Hmm?" she asked, pulling Michaela's special soaps out of the bedside table drawers.

"On your wedding day…"

"Dr. Mike, my weddin' day…well, I didn't even expect to be getting married. Kid Cole just kinda…swept me off my feet and told me he wanted me to be his wife. And I couldn't refuse that handsome smile." The two giggled together, and Ruth shook her head. "I told him I was young, but he didn't mind, 'cause he's young too. He said he wants to grow old with me, and well, I couldn't refuse that either."

"And you enjoy being his wife?"

"More than anything," Ruth blushed. "You know…folks told me I was getting myself into a heap of trouble by takin' up with him. They said I was too young to go off with him, and I told 'em that I didn't care. I told 'em that I loved him, and I wanted to be his wife no matter what. I guess it was a risk, but now that we got a baby on the way…it seems like everything's settlin' down."

"What if it doesn't?" Michaela asked curiously, sitting up and swinging her feet over the side of the bed to rest on the floor. She leaned back on her hands, taking the pressure off of the rest of her body.

"If it doesn't…I guess we'll deal with that…if somethin' happens." Michaela saw the fear of that possibility in Ruth's eyes, but the younger woman shrugged her shoulders and turned, her dark brown hair flipping over her shoulder as she scurried about the room, making things accessible to Michaela. "Oh! I nearly forgot. Daniel dropped these roots by this mornin'. Said he couldn't stay…had to find Sully, but he said Cloud Dancin' asked him to give this to ya. S'posed to brew it in a tea, so I went ahead and done that." Michaela's eyes brightened.

"Thank you, Ruth. I appreciate that," she said with relief flooding her voice. Ruth held the cup out to her on a saucer, and Michaela took it gratefully, sipping the bitter liquid, letting it slide down her throat with the thought that she was doing this to help her children.

"Sure hope it helps." Michaela nodded, grateful that Cloud Dancing had come through for them after all. She knew she could count on him, because he and Sully were so much alike. "I'll leave ya be. Just holler if ya need anything."

"Thank you, Ruth."

When Ruth was gone, Michaela finished the rest of her tea, placed the cup aside, and stood slowly, feeling the blood rushing to her head. She swooned for a moment, holding onto the wall for support, and once she was feeling better, she peeled herself out of her clothes and slipped into the warm water, feeling it surround her body like a warm blanket in the wintertime. She closed her eyes and dunked herself under the water, letting the warmth sooth her scalp and wash her mind of any thoughts that might complicate her happy mood.

As she lay there, the twins began to move around inside of her, and she placed her hands there, feeling the water slide over her body, wrapping her and her children in a protective cocoon of warmth, as she floated just above the bottom of the tub. She opened her eyes, seeing muddled light flooding through the water, and she raised herself up, taking a breath of air and smoothing her hair back. She leaned against the back of the tub, lathering up with soaps and taking her time at washing. She was so relaxed that she felt she could lie there forever, but when the water began to cool off, she got out and dressed in her undergarments before pulling her bathrobe around her. She settled back in a rocking chair and propped her feet up, rocking gently back and forth while she felt her babies play inside of her. She relaxed, letting the memories of the past months wash over her.

December 1870 – San Francisco

"I wanna spend the rest of my life with you." Michaela slowly realized what was happening. "Michaela? I gotta ask you a question." She sat up slowly, her eyes brimming with tears at the tone of his voice. Visions of her dream…her nightmare kept coming back. What if she was getting her hopes up?

"Are you really sure you want to ask it?" Sully smiled a little, his eyes full of the confidence he'd gained in the past ten years. He'd spent countless nights thinking about a life with her; trying to get over the fear of losing her. He knew that losing Abagail had been an accident, but he couldn't help but fear the same fate for Michaela. He didn't want to watch her cry herself to sleep at night or turn away from him in her time of need.

He nodded his head in a slow, sure manner, and he sat up, taking her hands in his.

"Sully," she said quickly, "I'm not sure if…well, we've only just found one another again. I don't want you saying anything…in the moment and regretting it later." She searched his eyes, but she saw nothing but certainty in them, as a smile spread across his face, filling her heart with assurance and hope. God, what was wrong with her? How could she be trying to change him after everything they'd gone through? How could she question it? They had found one another, and everything was perfect this way. What could be more perfect than if he were to make all of her dreams come true with a simple question?

"The only thing I regret is leavin' you in Boston that night. I didn't know what else to do. I was scared of hurtin' you." Her hand reached out to touch his cheek, her fingertips tingling, sending a spark through both herself and him.

"You could never hurt me," she whispered, gently caressing the side of his face. "We all do things we regret, sometimes." Sully sighed quietly and kissed the back of her hand.

"I don't wanna regret waitin' too long…I ain't gonna make that mistake again." Michaela smiled, her heart starting to thud inside of her chest. "Michaela…will you marry me?"

A smile caressed her features, and she continued rocking. "It's actually happening," she whispered. "Papa and I are getting married today. I know we've done things a little differently than most parents, but we wouldn't have it any other way. You're safe and sound inside of me, and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way until it's time for you to be born. And your papa is going to be there too…every step of the way. We're a family…we have been for a long time, but today…today makes it real for the rest of them." She closed her eyes, taking in a slow breath. "I told myself it didn't matter what they thought. But in a way, it did. My father used to tell me that I could do anything, and I thought…I thought they'd come around. Some of them did, but I know some of them still wish I'd never come to this town. I want you to know…I don't want to see you suffer. I will do anything to make sure that doesn't happen. If it comes down to leaving to protect you, I'll do it, because you're more important to me…"

"Michaela?" Michaela startled out of her thoughts to see her sisters standing in the doorway. She smiled, happy to see them but longing to finish her earlier thoughts. Sometimes saying them aloud was more helpful than anything. "You look wonderful today."

"Thank you, Rebecca. I'm amazed you were able to set this all up while I was asleep."

"You looked like you were having a wonderful dream," Marjorie noted with a grin. "It's the big day."

"Yes it is," Michaela beamed. "Have you seen Sully?" Rebecca and Marjorie exchanged amused glances.

"Yes," Rebecca replied. "He looks positively out of his mind with worry about you. He keeps asking us if you've woken yet or if you're feeling alright."

"When you see him next, tell him everything is perfectly fine, and I'm feeling better than I have in weeks." Marjorie grinned.

"Just think Michaela, you're going to be married in just a couple of hours." Michaela's heart leapt at the thought. Her eyes sparkled, and a big, white smile shone from her face. "I know you'll have better luck than I did. I didn't marry for the right reasons, and I know that you and Sully are. I know you don't need it, but I want to wish you luck. You and Sully…you've gone through a lot, and I know some things won't get easier, but you have each other."

"I'm so grateful you're here." Michaela glanced back and forth between her sisters. "Both of you. I don't think I could do this without you."

"Of course you could," Rebecca replied. "You would have figured something out. Besides, you're lucky you're marrying someone like Sully. He's more concerned about how you're feeling than anything else. I think you've found your match, Michaela."

"He was my best friend," Michaela said softly, "and I'm just…I don't even know the word. I can't believe we're finally here."

September 1870 - Boston

"I can't believe nobody's come and swept you off your beautiful feet yet," Sully said with a laugh, as they sat in the parlor after dinner. She laughed comfortably with him, her ringlets bouncing slightly as she did so. Sully couldn't take his eyes off of how beautiful she was…more beautiful than the day he'd met her. He couldn't deny that the attraction was there. He couldn't deny the flutter in his heart that happened every time she smiled or laughed.

"Mother keeps trying to force me into marriage," she replied with a grin. She knew what he was thinking. He knew her too well.

"Nobody forces Michaela Quinn to do anything," Sully noted. She shook her head and smiled warmly. He was the only man she'd ever been able to talk with comfortably besides her father. She didn't feel like a fool with him. She felt as if she could reveal her deepest secrets to him, and he'd never tell a soul or laugh or tell her she was silly. He was the one person in her life that she could talk freely with, no matter how much time had kept them apart.

"I've missed you."

"It's been a long time."

"Did you ever wonder what would've happened if he hadn't come back?" Marjorie asked. Michaela's heart ached at the thought of it.

"I've tried not to, because I'm grateful that he did. He had a lot of problems when we first met. He had a lot to deal with."

"But you helped him," Rebecca pointed out. "And in the end…"

"In the end, we both came back to the place we met. It was like…it was like it was meant to be."

"You're lucky you didn't get that job in San Francisco. If you had…you may not have run into him that night." Michaela nodded, thinking back to that night. Her heart raced at the thought of having missed him on that beach. What if…what if he hadn't gone there?

December 1870 – San Francisco

She was getting closer, and her heart was pounding. Getting closer to what? She felt blind, as she worked her way through the empty San Francisco streets, her heart telling her where to go...the star leading her. Where was she? Where was she going? When her feet sunk into the sand, she knew. The clouds temporarily covered up their star, and she looked toward the waves, watching them crash inward, as the distant sea churned and groaned as it had for millions of years. She realized where she was, and the memories of that night came back to her.

His own feet hit the sand, and he looked out, watching the ocean. He began to walk, and he could see a figure in the distance. As he moved closer, he could see her skirt floating in the breeze, as her hair whipped at her face, causing her to shiver and turn away from the wind. He watched her for a moment, wondering if his heart was playing games with his eyes. Was she an angel fallen from the heavens and wandering the coast…searching for him?

He watched her wrap her arms around herself, shielding herself from the cold. That was his job. Those were supposed to be his arms around her. He had never seen her look so lonely. When he looked up to see the starlight break through the clouds again, he knew exactly where he was. He was home.

He wanted to reach out and pull her in. He didn't want to frighten her, but he couldn't keep his feet still. He moved toward her, watching her shiver and search for some much-needed warmth. He needed that warmth too. This was it. There was no turning back. He hoped that when he looked into her eyes, he wouldn't see pain or anger. He wanted to see her soul; every beautiful part of her that he loved so much.

Did he dare to speak? Would she run or fade away? Would she make him chase her down the beach again like he had the night they first met? Would she be happy to see him? Would she ask him why he dared to show his face in front of her again? There was only one way to find out. So, he glanced back up at that star, and he stepped toward her another inch.

"It worked." Michaela's eyes went wide. She didn't startle, but inside, her heart recognized his cracking voice. She wanted to see him; turn to him, but she was afraid that he might disappear like Orpheus' Eurydice or that she was just imagining things. She was afraid it would be just like her dream. If he was there, would he stay? Would he tell her things she didn't want to hear? "It brought us here...the North Star." He moved toward her, unflinching and afraid that she was a figment of his imagination.

He was so close now. Why couldn't she turn around? She had spent months missing him and anticipating this moment. Why was she so afraid now? Why was she being a coward? Why was she feeling so afraid of loving him and risking everything for love? She loved him more than anything or anyone. She knew he felt the same. She couldn't be afraid of that…not anymore.

"Michaela?" She let out a foggy, choked gasp and turned around, breaking the fear that had frozen her in place, but it was replaced by a new one.

It was him. Those same crystal blue eyes, that same beautiful mouth…that same beautiful soul.

It was her. Those true, honest, soulful eyes, that gorgeous mouth…that lily-white skin.

"You're really here," she whispered, letting a teardrop escape and pave a trail for future tears to travel. "I know it isn't a dream this time. I can feel it." Sully shook his head, daring to move toward her a little more.

"This ain't a dream. Least I hope not." Michaela's eyes blinked back the tears. "I didn't know you'd be here."

"And you… I was starting to think I'd never see you again, Sully." Her eyes searched his.

"I needed to come back to the place that changed my life…this place. It's where I met you." He swallowed hard, staring into her eyes across the distance. "It's where I first started fallin' in love with you."

"Would you change anything, Michaela? Anything about the way your relationship has—"

"No," Michaela said quickly. "I wouldn't change a think. Sully and I…we were meant to be. We wouldn't have gone through so much and still love one another so much if we weren't supposed to be together." She looked down at her belly, placing her hand there. "I don't think I'll ever look back and regret a thing. I'm happy. I'm scared, but I'm happy."

"That's normal," Rebecca said softly. "You're going to have a wonderful life with him."

"I know that. I'm just…nervous."

"What about?" Marjorie asked, moving behind her little sister, taking her brush into her hand. She began to gently smooth and brush back Michaela's damp hair. Michaela cradled her belly in her arms, looking down.

"I know what it's like…to be…well…" She found herself blushing, and Rebecca knelt in front of her. "I suppose I'm just afraid that…what if there's nothing more?"

"Oh, Michaela. There's so much more. You love him…and you may not realize it, but once you're married…it'll only get better."

"I don't know how."

"Of course not," Marjorie grinned. "You may know what it's like, Michaela, but despite your feelings…well…once you're really married…it's as if another door opens. Sometimes you don't realize how much you really love someone until you look at one another and…you just know." Michaela looked up at her in confusion. "Michaela, you're in love with him."

"Yes…I already feel as if we are married."

"But now…now you can wake up together. You're going to see one another at your best and worst. You may think you know, but you truly don't. Not yet anyway," Rebecca said softly. "There is more, Michaela. Trust me. When you look into his eyes for the first time as his wife, you'll realize…"

"That we don't have to hide anymore," Michaela said gently, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. She loved being with him. She didn't particularly like sneaking around to be with him, but she did like being with him and knowing that they were the only two people that understood one another. Despite what people thought, they knew their choices were right.

"That's a wonderful thing."

"I know," Michaela said quietly.

"It's alright to feel a little sad. You're shutting out a part of your life that you held so close. But you'll always remember it." Michaela glanced down at her stomach.

"How could I not?"

"You do want this, right?" Marjorie asked. "You sound a little…"

"Of course I do. Sully and I know one another better than anyone, and…people don't understand that. People assume we're getting married simply because I'm pregnant, and…that's not entirely it. We created this child because we knew we were going to be together forever, and we didn't want to waste anymore time than we already had. There is a difference."

December 1870 – Cheyenne Reservation

"I don't want to lose you," she breathed. "I can't lose you."

"Ya never will. I'll never leave ya. I swear, Michaela. I'll always be here for ya." She felt the truth in his words, and she pulled her arms around his neck, easily pulling his lips down onto hers. She couldn't stand being apart from him. She needed to be closer. Closer…

As she kissed him with insistency, he gently pulled back, brushing his lips across her cheek first.

"Michaela…what…what are ya doin'?"

"I need you," she whispered, her lower lip trembling. "I need…" She couldn't finish her words. She was drawn to him again, and her brain was screaming everything she wanted and didn't want to hear at the same time. It was right. It was wrong. It was everything she needed. It was everything she didn't need. It was…it was everything.

"I need you too," he breathed, gently caressing her thigh with his hand. He felt her tremble under his touch, and when he went to pull away, she held him closer. "I know how ya feel about…"

"That doesn't matter," she said quietly, her eyes searing his soul.

"Michaela…"

"Just…let me say this," she said quietly, sitting up slowly, boldly. "I've never…never in my life felt the way I feel when I'm with you, Sully. I've always been told how to act, what to say, how to…to feel in certain situations, but nothing…none of that matters when I'm with you. Rules…being proper…I know that that doesn't matter with us. Who has the right to tell us what's proper anyway?" Sully tried to make sense of her words in his head, but he was still a little groggy and trying to keep up with her.

"What are ya sayin'?" Sully asked quietly, adjusting himself on the bed of furs. Michaela turned away, looking around the teepee, as the darkness of the evening began to settle in.

"I'm saying…I'm tired of…of waiting for time to pass us by. Time…that's always been against us, Sully. We've had years separate us. We've had miles…but…but we've always been connected. We've felt that. I've felt that. Haven't you?" Sully nodded. "I would look up at that star at night, and I'd see everything I felt for you. I'd imagine you wrapping me in your arms and dancing with me…telling me things I wanted to hear." Sully reached out for her, and she gently fell back into his arms, letting them envelop her and hold her close.

"We got the rest of our lives for that, Michaela," he said quietly. Michaela nodded.

"I know we do," she whispered. "But the rest of our lives was almost a few days ago. Sully…just knowing that any moment…something could happen to change the rest of our lives…I just can't let myself…"

"Let yourself do what?" he asked, feeling her shudder softly. But before she answered, her lips touched his again, drawing him in…pulling him away from words and reality and knowing that what they were doing was about to change their lives forever.

Before she could ask herself what she was doing, her body was covering his, and her knees were framing his hips. He couldn't protest, as her mouth was against his, taking his breath away, as she breathed new life into him. He felt stronger with her in his arms, but he couldn't help but wonder if she realized exactly what she was getting herself into.

"Michaela," he said quietly, pushing back on her shoulders, "I don't think…" Thinking. No thinking. They didn't need to think right now. But, Michaela was growing increasingly aware of the fact that she was being forward, and she covered her face with her hands.

"Sully…I'm so sorry."

"No…no. Don't be sorry. Never be sorry," he whispered.

"I just…I don't want to lose you without letting you know..."

"You won't."

"You can't promise me that."

"I can try."

"I know. I know. All we can do is try, but we never know, Sully. We never know." She closed her eyes for only a moment, and when she opened them again, her heart filled with certainty, and her body responded in kind. She smiled slowly and nervously, and when she leaned down to kiss Sully, he held her back a breath away from his lips.

"Are ya sure?"

"I'm sure that I don't want to spend the rest of my life holding back from loving you."

"I'm so proud of you, Michaela," Rebecca said quietly. "You've always done what you knew was right in your heart. Nobody should tell you what you can and can't do. I only wish I'd followed my heart like you did."

"She's right, you know," Marjorie added, continuing to stroke Michaela's hair with the gentleness of an older sister. "You're the only one of us as stubborn as mother but with the strength to do something because you want to…not because everyone else expects or doesn't expect it of you." Michaela closed her eyes, feeling the tears welling up again. If only everyone were as understanding as her sisters. But what did she expect?

"I feel like such a hypocrite. I…I've gone along saying that I made all of the right decisions…yet I'm still…I'm still afraid of what could happen."

"That's natural, Michaela. You're entitled to feel that way. Everyone makes choices that are right for them at the time. Feeling like this…it's to be expected," Rebecca assured her. "You're happy."

"Yes."

"You made the right decision."

"I know."

"Just hold onto that, Michaela. Don't let anybody else get in your way of being happy. You're getting married, today, Michaela! Not everyone can say that." Michaela let out a soft cry, and she smiled, as Marjorie knelt beside the chair.

"Thank you…thank you both for being here." Rebecca squeezed her hand lovingly.

"We wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"Last of the chairs are set up in the meadow," Robert E. announced a while later, as he stepped onto the porch of the clinic, where Sully was pacing nervously, and Kid Cole was watching in amusement, trying not to show it though. Daniel stood nearby as well observing the scene.

"Thanks Robert E." Sully said, patting his friend on the shoulder.

"You best be getting ready."

"I know. I'm just…"

"She's fine. The ladies just headed up to swarm around her and make sure she ain't too tired or too uncomfortable. Everything's gonna be alright."

"And Cloud Dancin' promised he'd be here," Daniel pointed out.

"Don't make us carry ya over there to get dressed." Sully slowly smiled at his friends.

"I wanna thank you all for helpin' out. It means a lot to me, and I know it means an awful lot to Michaela." At that moment, Johnny came tearing around the corner in his little suit. "Hey, slow down. The ladies'll have your hide if you get that dirty or ripped. No runnin' in your weddin' clothes."

"Sorry, Pa. I was just lookin' for Mary and Gabby."

"They went upstairs with the women."

"Oh. Ok," Johnny said with disappointment. "Anything I can do, Pa?" Sully thought for a moment.

"Yeah. Why don't ya go up to my room and get the ring outta the bedside table. Keep it in your pocket and don't take it out to show nobody."

"Alright, Pa." Johnny started to run into the clinic.

"And walk!" Sully called after him.

"Sorry!" The men chuckled to themselves, and Sully wiped his sweating palms on the sides of his pants. Just then, sounds of angry townsfolk bubbled up from across town, and Sully had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"What the hell are you doin' here?"

"Get outta here, you filthy Injun!" Various other comments filtered through the air and reached Sully's ears. He, Kid Cole, Daniel, and Robert E. rushed off toward the sounds of the angry townsmen, and sure enough, Cloud Dancing was walking past several domineering, ignorant faces. Sully was the first to rush over to greet his friend. Cloud Dancing walked with a bundle under one arm, and he led his horse using his free hand.

"Ya made it," Sully said with relief.

"I promised I would be here. This is the day the Spirits will watch over you as you say your vows."

"I'm glad you're here. It wouldn't be the same without ya."

"Why don't he go back to that reservation with the other savages?" Sully's gaze turned to the burly man standing in the front of the small crowd of angry townsfolk.

"'Cause he's a guest my weddin'."

"Figures. The likes of you and that whore would invite a savage to your weddin'. Good thing you're not getting married in a church."

"You watch your mouth. You don't know what you're talkin' about," Sully warned.

"I sure know I ain't no sinner. You're the ones that're bringin' bastard children into the world. It's bad enough ya run around with a bunch of red skins." Several murmurings of agreement rose up behind him.

"If ya don't like who I 'run around with' then why don't ya turn your back and look the other way?" Sully asked, his eyes staring unblinkingly into the other man's.

"Don't really think I ought to. I was here plenty long 'fore that woman came to town. She brought it all on herself. Lyin' down with an Injun lover was askin' for trouble. Now she is in trouble. Least you're doin' the right thing and marryin' her. Still don't make up for the fact that she's a dirty—" Sully didn't let him finish that thought, and he reached out, landing a solid punch to the man's nose. He heard a crack, and the man stumbled backward, tears rolling down his cheeks from the pain, as blood gushed from his nose.

"Sully!" Daniel called out, as the man lunged at him, knocking him into the street. Kid Cole and Cloud Dancing both worked to pull the men off of each other.

"Get that damned Injun away from me!" the man hollered, but Kid Cole pried him off of Sully and used all of his force to push him down.

"You're goin' to spend some time coolin' off," he reported.

"You're takin' me to jail?"

"Yep. You can go home at the end of the day. Don't need no folks ruin' somethin' for the rest of the town." Kid Cole glared at the man's supporters. "Any of you wanna join him?" The crowd backed off. "Good. Have a nice day." He jerked the man to his feet and looked at Sully, who was brushing himself off. Luckily, he'd come out of it unscathed. "You alright?"

"I'll be fine. Just get him outta my sight." Sully turned back to Cloud Dancin'. "I'm sorry…"

"Do not apologize. You fought from your heart. But you have other things to think about." Sully nodded, and he glanced toward the clinic where he knew his future wife was preparing for their special day.

"Yeah. You're right."

"C'mon. Let's get you ready for your weddin'," Daniel said quickly. And they started off across town, all hoping that that was the first and last problem of the day.

Sully heard the commotion in Michaela's room, as he paced in the hallway, clad in a wedding shirt that Cloud Dancing had given him. It had been the one he'd worn when he married Snow Bird, and now he was passing it on to his brother for good luck. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to see her. He hadn't seen her since last night, and he just wanted to see for himself that she was all right.

He tapped on the door, and everything went silent. A moment later, the door opened a crack, and a little face peered up at him.

"Yes?" she asked in a grown-up manner, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Hey, Mary. Could I come in for a second?"

"No!" came several hushed exclamations from inside. Mary shook her head.

"Nope. Sorry, Uncle Sully. It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. You know that."

"I just need to…"

"Nope!" she replied. Sully sighed, knowing he was not going to get through that door. If Mary didn't stop him, one of the other women would. Luckily, he had a backup plan.

"Alright," he breathed. "Well, will ya give her this for me?" He held out a small piece of paper to the little girl, and she nodded, taking it between her fingers.

"Sure!" she replied. "Now you better go, because the wedding starts in fifteen minutes!" Sully grinned.

"Yes Ma'am," he chuckled. "Can I say ya look mighty pretty today, Mary?"

"Thanks," she grinned. Then the door shut briskly in his face, and he felt the rush of excitement wash over him. He shivered with anxiety and joy and turned on his heels to head out to the meadow where he would see his bride in just a few minutes.

Back inside the room, Michaela beamed in her beautiful gown. It was a delicate white that flowed down her body, flattering her expanding shape. White roses were embroidered in her veil, and she was simply radiant. Her smile lit up the room, when Mary flourished over her, being careful to avoid Gabby, who stood awkwardly to the side.

"Here you go," she said quickly.

"Are ya ready?" Grace asked with excitement in her voice. Michaela nodded happily.

"Could I have a moment alone?" she asked. The ladies all nodded and shuffled out of the room, leaving her alone with the note from Sully. Michaela closed her eyes before opening it, her heart beating so hard that she feared they may be able to hear it all the way out in the meadow.

Michaela,

It seems like it's been a lifetime since we met, and if I had it to do over again, the only thing I'd change is not being there everyday. I'll never forget a moment of our lives together, and I can't wait to make more memories with you. I love you. I always will. Sully

"I love you too," she whispered to the air. She closed her eyes, feeling renewed strength fill her. She smiled, tucking the note under her sleeve. With that, she took a deep breath and headed out into the hall, facing her maids of honor, bridesmaids, and flower girls. "I'm ready."

Stepping out onto the porch for the first time in weeks, Michaela breathed in the fresh mountain air and smiled, as the sunlight filtered through her veil. When she spotted Hank standing on the porch of the saloon, she froze for a moment, but seeing the shining faces of her friends and loved ones caused her to smile again and start toward the meadow. She caught him smile in her direction for a moment, and she didn't know what to make of it, but she recalled their last conversation together. She didn't know what to make of him or what he made of her, but she knew he could be kind when he tried.

Several others stood nearby, their eyes full of disgust as they watched her walk toward the meadow in a white gown, her pregnant stomach protruding slightly from the layers of wedding gown.

"Disgusting," one of them whispered.

"Whore," another whispered. Michaela felt her throat tightening. Someone else kicked the ground, sending dust and chunks of dirt in her direction. She stopped for a moment, gasping as it landed nearby but didn't soil her perfect wedding dress.

"Dr. Mike!" Carrie exclaimed. She and the others turned to rush toward her.

"It's alright," Michaela replied. "I'm fine." Her eyes were transfixed on the woman who had kicked the dirt in her direction.

"What the hell is your problem, huh?" Carrie asked, her tomboy nature peeking out from behind the veil of her gorgeous dress. "Got nothin' better to do? I say go take a good look in the mirror and count all your sins. I bet you got quite a few too."

"This is an abomination!" one of the women called out.

"What's an abomination is the fact that ya got nothin' better to do, so ya spend your time bein' cruel to other folks."

"It's alright," Michaela breathed. "You don't have to do this."

"Yes I do. They ain't got no right!"

"We got every right!" a male voice roared. "She don't belong here!"

"If she don't belong here for bein' pregnant 'fore she's married….well…then neither do I!" Carrie exclaimed, receiving several gasps in return. "I made a lot of mistakes when I was young. Don't mean I don't believe in God. Don't mean I ain't a good person. But look at you. All you do is hate folks 'cause they ain't like you."

"That's enough, ladies. You're disruptin' the peace," Hank snickered, as he stepped off of the saloon porch.

"She's a disgrace to our town!" Michaela took a deep breath, surprised that she wasn't letting herself feel small or cast out in that moment. She actually felt proud to be doing what she was doing. But when she looked at Hank, she knew he had the power to make her feel small. She didn't know what it was about him, but he was the only man who had ever truly done that. But what happened next astounded everyone.

"You're gonna throw dirt at somebody, why don't ya look at me, huh? After all, I'm the one that supplies your husbands with whiskey every night…makes money off what they do with my girls. Dr. Mike ain't doin' nothin' wrong. Last I heard, getting married wasn't a sin, but what would I know? I don't go to church." Everyone grew silent. "It's getting old, folks. Mind your own business." Someone started to speak up, but Hank stepped forward. "I said mind your own business. I'm sure ya got husbands and wives somewhere that might wanna know where ya are. If ya wanna worry 'bout anybody, worry 'bout yourselves." He turned to Michaela, and he saw the grateful look in her eyes. He nodded his head and turned back to the saloon. "Ladies." Michaela was shaking, as she faced the opposing crowd, but when he heard the laughter and the friendly voices coming from the meadow, she was brought back, and she knew that all she had to do was turn around and walk down the aisle and toward the man she loved more than anything else. She knew the angry crowd would never go away, but she also knew that if she didn't let them see the hurt they caused, they might eventually go away. Maybe someday they could let it go.

"Dr. Mike, you ready?" Ruth asked softly, taking Michaela's hand and squeezing it softly. Michaela nodded, swallowing the dissolving lump in her throat.

"I'm more than ready. Let's go."

The meadow was flooded with sunlight and excited spectators. Dr. Andrew Cook was amongst the guests, though he was looking around expectantly for Carrie. The men had already taken their positions at the altar with Timothy, and Johnny was standing beside his father with the ring clasped in his hand. As soon as the women began to cross the bridge, Sully's heart caught in his chest, and his groomsmen went to walk them all down the aisle. It was then that it occurred to Sully that Michaela had no one to give her away. Just as he was about to turn to someone for help, Cloud Dancing put his hand on his arm, and without words, he walked with the rest of the groomsmen to take the place of the man to give Michaela away.

As soon as she saw the Cheyenne man walking toward her, Michaela's heart leapt. She'd been thinking about her father a lot lately, and she missed him terribly. She knew he would have wanted to be there to walk her down the aisle. Unfortunately, he was gone, but she knew he was with her in spirit. Sometimes he felt so close that she could almost reach out and touch him, but it was all air. She knew that if he had had the chance to be there, he would have been walking her down the aisle with the proudest look a father could possess.

Words weren't needed, as Cloud Dancing offered his arm. The rest of the wedding procession was in process, and Michaela smiled at Cloud Dancing, grateful for all he had done for her and for her family over the past several months. As they walked, she held tightly to his arm, feeling a little light headed, but as soon as they were drawing nearer to the altar, and Michaela could see the shade covering the Reverend, and as soon as Daniel and Carrie moved out of the way to stand on their respective sides, Michaela's gaze set upon Sully for the first time that day. Her eyes began to well with tears, and she saw the proud look on Sully's face, as he set eyes upon her for the first time that day.

Everyone stood, and Michaela felt all of their eyes turn on her. She no longer saw menacing or disgusted stares. She saw teary eyes and smiles from friends, neighbors, and patients. She heard soft whispers from children and little girls looking up at her, planning their own future wedding gowns in their minds. She saw the Cooper children wave to her, standing proudly with Matthew, Ingrid, and their sweet young son. She could feel Charlotte with her just then.

Her mind played back every moment she'd spent with Sully since they'd been reunited. The engagement, the journeys, the first time she met Johnny, the time at the reservation, the first time they made love, the moment she told him she was pregnant. It was all soaring through her like a whirlwind of emotions, and by the time she and Cloud Dancing reached the altar, a tear had already escaped and tumbled down her cheek. Michaela looked up at Sully, as he took her hand in his, and she saw that he was trying his best to hold back the tears. She wanted to reach out and stroke his cheek and tell him it was all right, but these were happy tears. They could fall a hundred times over, and it would all be all right.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God and this congregation to join Byron Sully and Michaela Quinn in Holy matrimony. Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – God joins you together in one of the holiest bonds. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny." Sully leaned forward, squeezing her hand.

"Are ya alright? Do ya wanna sit down?" he whispered, motioning toward a finely decorated chair they had put together in case she felt the need to sit down.

"I'm fine," she whispered. "I want to stand here with you."

"Sully, you told me that you'd like to recite your own vows?" Sully nodded his head slowly, and Michaela's heart swelled with surprise. She hadn't expected this! But, she smiled lovingly, as he brought her hands up between them.

"First time we met, I was chasin' ya down the beach, and you were tryin' your best to get rid of me. But I wouldn't go. I knew there was somethin' special about you, and I had to find out what it was. And when I did, I found my soul mate. I never thought much about havin' a soul mate. I'd already lost the one person I thought I was s'posed to spend the rest of my life with, but it didn't turn out that way. When I met you, ya changed all that. It took a while, but I realized that what I needed was to keep survivin', and ya gave me a reason to. I'll never regret a minute we spent together, Michaela, 'cause we only got one life to live, and I wanna live the rest of it with you. I take you as my wife now and forever. I love you." Wiping a tear from her eye under the veil, Michaela let out a slow breath.

"Michaela?"

"I…I wasn't prepared for this, but I don't think I really need to be," she said gently. "You were my best friend. I could talk to you about anything, and it felt like we'd known one another forever. It's hard to think of a time when you weren't in my life, because you've been so important to me for so long now. When we first met, I truly didn't believe we'd ever be standing here today, though I often let myself dream. Having you in my life has been the most amazing experience, and I wouldn't give that up for the world. I'm proud and honored to be a part of your family." She smiled, thinking of the note Sully had just given her minutes before. "And I can't wait to make to make more memories with you. I take you as my husband now and forever. I love you, Sully."

"The ring, please." Johnny promptly handed the ring over to Timothy who then handed it to Sully. Sully smiled, never taking his eyes off of Michaela, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. "You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." A hush fell upon the crowd, as Sully lifted the veil, unmasking his bride's face and letting the sunlight that filtered through the trees reflect and shimmer in her tears. Leaning down, he brushed his lips in soft caresses against hers, and she sighed against him, opening up to him for only a moment, as the crowd clapped and cheered at their union. Pulling back, Michaela and Sully couldn't take their eyes off of one another, and their smiles were enough. "I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Sully." Surprising Michaela, Sully scooped her up into his arms, pulling her into another kiss, as the townsfolk laughed and cheered louder than before. Michaela laughed against his lips and squealed slightly, as he pulled her closer. When he finally put her down, Johnny rushed up, hugging them both at the same time.

Sully gave his son a pat on the back, and Johnny nodded, as if he understood what his father was thinking. He joined the rest of the crowd, and Sully took Michaela's hand.

"C'mon, Mrs. Sully," he said with a chuckle. Michaela grinned, loving the sound of that. Michaela Quinn-Sully was definitely going to be an adjustment, but it was one she could certainly live with.

"Where are we going, Mr. Sully?"

"You'll see," he whispered.

"But the clinic—"

"Andrew's givin' ya a night off from the clinic." Michaela glanced toward the crowd, but they were a blur through her joyful tears. But at the end of the aisle awaited Robert E.'s nicest carriage, and Sully gently helped Michaela into it. Rice was thrown, as Robert E. climbed up into the driver's seat and took off. Michaela felt as if everything was moving so quickly, but she couldn't wait to be alone with her husband and to find out whatever he had planned for their wedding night.

Sully pulled his arm around Michaela, and she leaned into him. Their lips met, and tender caresses were shared. Both were completely in awe of the fact that they had finally gotten married.

"Where are we going?" Michaela tried again.

"I wanna surprise ya."

"I've had enough surprises today, Sully. It was perfect…more than I could've imagined." Sully smiled, lacing his fingers through Michaela's and softly kissing her jaw line and following it to her neck. She smiled, tilting her head. When he finally pulled back and looked into her eyes again, his eyes sparkled with secrecy.

"I figured we ought to spend our first night bein' married at our home." Michaela's eyes widened.

"Oh, Sully! Really?"

"It's all ready, Michaela. Just needs folks to fill its rooms, and even though it ain't permanent yet, we got it all to ourselves for tonight." Michaela was speechless, and she looked forward, one hand on her belly and the other clasping his. "Michaela? You alright? We can turn back…"

"No. No, I don't want to. I'm just…I can't believe…" She shook her head, swallowing hard. "Sully, thank you. Today was wonderful. I never expected that I could be this happy." Sully smiled, pulling her close and whispering in her ear.

"I wanna make ya happy every day for the rest of our lives."

"I'd say you're off to a wonderful start," she whispered, caressing his cheek with her fingertips. With that, their lips joined in a loving kiss once more, and the wedding carriage continued on toward the Sully homestead that awaited the newlyweds, who were both eager to set out on this already exciting new journey.