Chapter 109

Warning: This chapter contains a sexual situation between two married adults.

June 1, 1871 – Colorado Springs

Michaela breathed a sigh of relief, as she stepped out of the clinic, feeling better than ever. Dr. Cook had just given her a clean bill of health. Not only was she out of danger, but her minor case of low-lying placenta was almost non-existent, and Dr. Cook saw no reason she should be able to have a normal delivery, of course if the twins cooperated enough. But, he'd warned her to be prepared for anything, because twin deliveries, as she knew, were more difficult and more risky.

Along with her clean bill of health, she had been permitted to go back to her normal activities, with caution, of course. When Sully stepped out beside her, he gave her a knowing smile and pulled his arms around her. Michaela didn't care that passersby were watching, and she stood on her tiptoes, giving him a soft kiss that promised much more later on. When she pulled back, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She was free of that cramped up clinic room. Of course, they had a lot to do if they were going to get moved in out at the homestead, but they had all day, and they had the help of friends.

Andrew had promised to stick around as Michaela's doctor and to help her out if necessary, because he figured that she wouldn't be able to do as much as she could before she became pregnant. But he was taking a room at the boarding house now so that Michaela would have more room for her patients. The new hospital's foundation was being laid, and Elizabeth Quinn's money was being put to use. Michaela couldn't believe that within a year's time, maybe a little more, she would be the head of staff at Colorado Springs' very first hospital, and she was bound and determined that that hospital would see any patient, and she'd underlined that in her proposal at the town meeting shortly after they'd gotten back from Boston. Many hadn't been keen on that idea, but the majority won, and Michaela was thrilled that her mother's money was being put to good use for a great cause.

"How's it feel to be free, Michaela?" Sully asked, as they strolled down the street and toward the mercantile to pick up supplies for their first dinner at the new homestead.

"It's wonderful. I never thought I'd be sick of my own clinic," she laughed. "I think it'll do Little Wolf some good to have new surroundings as well." Little Wolf had surprised Michaela in his ability to speak English. Cloud Dancing had taught him, feeling that one day, he would need to know the English language as much as his own, because as much as keeping their traditions alive, it would be necessary for him to be able to communicate with the white man as time progressed. It was only a matter of time before another clash of the white man and the Cheyenne.

"He's doin' better?"

"Much. His leg is healing well, but it'll still be several weeks before he can walk properly on it. The severity of his break was probably due to the lack of nourishment. Now that he's eating better, he's getting stronger."

"Cloud Dancin' will be happy to hear that." He and Michaela stepped into the mercantile, where Carrie was practically bouncing around the room, trying to get things dusted and put away properly. Michaela watched her for a moment, realizing exactly what was going through her mind. She was getting married in five days, and she was trying to ease her nerves by keeping busy. Of course, Michaela hadn't had much of a choice but to lie there and think about the possibilities, but everything had turned out wonderful in the end, and she was sure the same would happen for Carrie.

"Good morning, Carrie," Michaela said with a grin. Carrie turned abruptly.

"Oh! Mornin', Dr. Mike! Sully. Dr. Mike, they finally let ya out?"

"Finally," Michaela laughed. "We're going to be moving into the homestead today. Would you want to help?"

"Sure. Anything to get my mind off of everything else."

"Like the wedding?" Michaela asked.

"Yeah. I mean, I can't wait to marry Daniel, but at the same time, I ain't ever done this before." Michaela smiled.

"Most women getting married have never gone through it before. Just remember that it's your wedding day, and it's going to be special." Carrie nodded, a frown creasing her face.

"No word from your pa yet?" Sully asked. Carrie shook her head.

"He probably didn't get the message. He's busy, and…I can't expect him to drop everything and come back here. He's making money, and he'll come back when he gets the chance." Carrie wasn't fooling anybody. The disappointment she felt was obvious. But before anybody could speak again, Ruth came walking in. By now, word had gotten around to everybody about Jim Watkins, the man who claimed to be her husband. All she would tell people was that Kid Cole was her husband, and that was all they needed to know.

"Mornin'," she said, her voice not quite as cheerful as normal. "Carrie, I need a pound of sugar."

"Sure thing," Carrie said with a nod, reaching over to pull a sack of sugar off of the back shelf. Ruth smiled at Michaela.

"Dr. Mike, it's good to see you up and about. How're you feelin'?"

"Much better," Michaela replied. "How are you? I'm afraid we haven't gotten much time to talk lately." Ruth shook her head.

"I'm sorry about that. I meant to come visit, but…"

"You've had a lot to worry about. Don't worry. Has he been around town?"

"No. I ain't seen him in a week. I know he ain't finished yet. He's waitin' for the right time to come back and try to make everything bad again." Michaela could tell that she wasn't really in the mood to talk about it.

"If you want to talk, you know where to find me, alright?" Ruth smiled and nodded at the doctor.

"Thanks, Dr. Mike. I'll see ya soon." Ruth paid Carrie for the sugar and went on her way. Michaela frowned and turned to Sully.

"I'm worried about Ruth and Kid Cole. I haven't met Mr. Watkins, but he sounds dangerous."

"Kid Cole and Daniel are keepin' a watch out for him, but since he ain't around, I think folks are startin' to feel like he ain't comin' back. I don't think that's the case."

"That guy ain't nothin' but trouble," Carrie said coolly. "I've met some rough ones before, but he's different. He's cold." Carrie shook her head, and she continued dusting. Michaela and Sully went about picking up supplies for dinner, and within a minute, Daniel came rushing into the mercantile. "Daniel! What's wrong?"

"Ya got a telegram from Texas." His tone was grim, and Carrie immediately expected the worse.

"Oh God. He's…he's not…"

"Your Pa's had a stroke. He's been taken to a hospital in Dallas." Michaela watched Carrie's face turn pale, and she felt terrible for her. She recalled getting the news of her father's medical condition before he died, and she remembered reacting in quite the same way.

"Oh God," she breathed. "He's alive. Thank God, he's alive."

"They said he's askin' for ya." Carrie had already made up her mind. Getting married could wait. She had to get to her father before it was too late.

"Daniel, tell Horace to book me a ticket to Dallas on the next train."

"I'm goin' with ya."

"You don't have to. They need ya here."

"You need me more." And that was the end of it. She only nodded before taking off her apron and rushing up the stairs to pack.

Carrie had enlisted Ruth's help in running the store during her and Daniel's trip to Texas. She hadn't wanted to ask her, but when it came down to it, everyone else was too busy to work. So, Ruth promised to look after the mercantile, despite Carrie's worries that Jim might come looking for her again. Ruth insisted that it would be good to take her mind off of things, and they needed the extra money anyway.

Kid Cole had decided to stay with his wife in town that evening, and Michaela and Sully had completely understood. Now, Rebecca, Marjorie, Timothy, Matthew, Ingrid, Grace, and Robert E. were among the folks helping the Sully family move into their new homestead. Most of the furniture was already there, but there were still the things from the clinic that needed brought over.

Everything had been brought over in two trips, and now everyone was setting about putting things in their places. Michaela was resting on occasion, and Sully was keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn't overwork herself.

Little Wolf was sitting out on the porch with Johnny, Brian, Colleen, Mary, and Gabby. Thankfully, the town had quickly simmered down about the fact that their lady doctor and her husband had taken in an Indian child. Besides, most people were still bustling about, trying to figure out exactly who Jim Watson was, and that mystery grew with each passing day that he didn't come back into town. For now, however, those who had offered to help out seemed to be enjoying their time, though Michaela and Sully wanted nothing more for the day to be over so they could finally be together completely for the first time in too long.

"Dr. Mike?" Matthew Cooper walked up with his son on one hip and a crate under the other.

"Where do ya want this?"

"Which one? The baby or the box?" she joked. Matthew laughed.

"Well, if ya wanna hold him, I'll put this crate somewhere." Michaela gladly took little Charlie into her arms, and he giggled.

"Docka Make!" Charlie Cooper squealed.

"That's close enough," she grinned, kissing his forehead. "Matthew, you can put that out in the barn. Could you make sure Flash has enough oats?"

"Sure thing." Matthew turned and left the house, and Michaela held Charlie up. He laughed, and she sighed softly, imagining what her babies might look like at his age.

"Your grandmother would love to see you now, Charlie," she said with a nostalgic smile. "Charlotte loved you so much. I know you won't remember her, but she was an amazing woman."

"Ma? Ma!" Johnny came in, searching for her. When he spotted her next to the staircase with Charlie, he ambled over.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"Can me and Brian go ridin'? Byron ain't been out for a while, and I think she's up for a ride." Michaela frowned, and she glanced at Sully, who was talking to Robert E. across the room.

"Go ask your father. Does Brian need a horse?"

"Yeah."

"Well, tell him he can borrow Flash. She's gentle, and she hasn't been out for a run in a while. Just be careful."

"Thanks, Ma!" Johnny hugged her around the middle before going over to ask his father. As soon as he was gone, Gabby, Mary, and Colleen came in.

"The boys left. We're bored now, Aunt Michaela," Mary said with a yawn. Michaela frowned, trying to think of something for the girls to do. When she saw the empty vases, she got an idea.

"There's a patch of wild flowers just over the hill," she pointed. "Why don't you girls go gather some, and I'll stick them in the vases?" The girls liked that idea, so they quickly went off to find the most beautiful flowers they could find. Michaela smiled, bouncing Charlie in her arms.

"Won't be long, and we'll have two this size running around."

"Oh, thankfully not for a while." Charlie started grunting, wanting to be let down, and Michaela let him go. He tottered over to Grace, who was holding Olivia, and she knelt down to play with him. "It's going to be difficult enough with two newborns, but when they start walking and running? I don't know how we'll keep up with them!"

"We'll manage," Sully grinned.

"Dr. Mike?" a voice from the back of the house called. Michaela glanced at Sully.

"Would you take Charlie for a moment?"

"Sure. C'mere Charlie," Sully said, holding his arms out. The boy went to him willingly, and as soon as Michaela disappeared into the back of the house, Charlie mumbled something. "What was that?"

"I potty," he said with a grin.

"You have to go?" Sully asked. Charlie shook his head, and that was when Sully felt the dampness against his shirt. With a grimace, he went off in search of Matthew or Ingrid or anyone who could clean Charlie up while he went to get cleaned up himself.

The house was silent for once, and Sully came down the stairs in a clean shirt, his blue and white striped one. Michaela smiled at how handsome he looked, and she giggled at the thought of Charlie's accident earlier.

"Better?" she asked, as she stood at the table chopping carrots.

"Yep, but what are you doin'?"

"Making dinner. What does it look like?"

"Ah ah. I'm takin' care of this tonight. I want ya to relax."

"Sully, I'm fine."

"I know ya are, but I wanna do this for ya tonight."

"You really don't have to. I haven't cooked in a while, and quite frankly, I need the practice! We both know it, Sully," she laughed. Sully grinned and gave her a kiss, bringing her closer, as he ran his fingers through her hair. Michaela opened her eyes for just a moment and saw their guests out of the corner of her eye. "Mmm…Sully?"

"Hmm?" he asked, kissing her again.

"We…have…company." Sully pulled away from her, turning to see the wolf pups seated on the stairs. Wolf was at the top, then Snowball, then Pup. They all had their heads cocked to the side and their tongues lolling out the sides of their mouths. Michaela giggled and moved over to the steps, scratching each of them behind the ears. "Do you like your new home?" Snowball yipped in response.

"I think that's a yes," Sully replied. "They got plenty of room to run and chase each other out here. Won't be long, and they'll be full grown."

"And our little ones will be chasing them around."

"I can't wait," Sully admitted, placing his hand against Michaela's belly and drawing her in with his other arm. His kisses roamed from her mouth to her neck, causing shivers to travel up and down her spine. Her eyes sparkled, as he pulled back and looked into them. "I can't wait for lots of things."

"What else, Mr. Sully?"

"I can't wait 'til dinner's over, so me, you, Johnny, and Little Wolf can sit by the fire and talk. I can't wait 'til the boys go up to bed, and we get time to ourselves."

"Is that all?" she asked, her voice soft and low, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Nope."

"What else?" she asked, kissing the sides of his mouth and lacing her fingers through his hair. He leaned in closer, whispering so only she could hear.

"I can't wait to take ya upstairs and show ya how much I been missin' ya. I can't wait to finally be with ya." Michaela lowered her eyes and blushed, but she couldn't help but feel the same way. Her dreams of being with him had been frequent and vivid lately, and tonight she was going to finally let go. It had been far too long since they'd been so intimate, though he'd been generous and patient with her. Their nights together after their wedding night had been special, but tonight they could be as close as they were before; maybe even closer. That thought made her body ache with desire, and her flesh prickled and warmed at the thought of his hands touching her and his kisses covering her body.

"I can't wait either, Sully," she admitted. "I've missed you." He understood the meaning of her words, and he smiled, lifting her chin.

"I ain't goin' nowhere. But, I guess I better start getting dinner ready if we're ever gonna make it to bed tonight," he teased. "Why don't ya go upstairs and relax? I'll come get ya when dinner's ready." Michaela nodded, deciding that sounded better than standing on her feet for an hour. So, she gave him a soft, lingering kiss that left him wanting more, and she started up the stairs to prepare a warm bath and eagerly anticipate being with her husband once again.

Ruth and Kid Cole sat on the front porch of their house, watching the evening wind down. Most everyone had gone home, and Ruth was exhausted from taking over at the mercantile. She was grateful to have something to do, but she'd never realized how hard it was to keep track of customers' accounts and how much to credit people. She was glad the evening had come, and when Kid Cole wrapped his arm around her, she put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"It's been a while since we been able to sit like this."

"I know," she whispered. "I've been half afraid of seein' him again."

"He ain't gonna hurt us, Ruth. He ain't gonna do nothin'."

"Just 'cause he hasn't been around lately don't mean he ain't comin' back."

"If he comes back, I'll be ready for him. He ain't runnin' us out of this town, I promise."

"He really thinks he owns me." Her gaze fell, and she placed her hand on her tummy that was just barely beginning to show. "He doesn't. He never did, and he never will."

"Ruth, what happened in the past…"

"It's the past, and we both know it. He knows it too. We just moved on. He hasn't." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She hated letting him upset her like this. He always managed to do it though. He knew how to get under her skin. He knew how to tear open the old scars and make them bleed again. After a long moment of silence, Kid Cole cleared his throat.

"I could kill him for what he did to you."

"Please. Let's not make it worse."

"You think I don't see the bruises every time I close my eyes? Ya think I don't hear ya screamin'?" Ruth winced at the memories, and she shook her head.

"Please. Please, don't," she begged. "I don't want to think about it. Just don't bring it up again." She stood and stormed into the house, leaving a guilty Kid Cole sitting on the porch, watching the dust blow by in the gentle evening breeze.

The enticing aroma of baked chicken and vegetables roused Michaela out of the bedroom. She'd gotten a nice warm bath in the copper tub, and she'd washed her hair with her favorite soaps. She'd brushed it all out and pulled it into a loose bun that would be easy to take down when the occasion arrived. She dressed in a comfortable dress, one that she'd taken out just a bit, since her belly seemed to grow more and more each day. She had been nervous about that fact, but Sully had assured her that he still thought she was beautiful every day since she'd really started to show.

"Hey Ma," Johnny said with a wide smile, as he and Little Wolf sat at the table, playing with Johnny's wood carvings. Some were made by Sully, but Johnny had really gotten a knack for them too, and ever since making Mary's wooden dove, he'd started doing even more difficult carvings with more precision. Since he and Mary had become friends again, he had wanted to give her back the dove that she'd thrown at him at the clinic that day, but he wasn't sure it was time yet. He wanted to make sure that she really wanted it back first. He just didn't know when that would be. His pa had told him to watch for the signs, so he hoped he'd been watching good enough.

"Hello," she said pleasantly, moving across the kitchen to see if she could help Sully. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yep. You can sit down at the table and relax while I take care of everything," he replied, turning and pulling his arms around her, giving her a big kiss. Michaela giggled, but she realized two little sets of eyes were watching.

"Sully!" she exclaimed in a whisper, as Johnny and Little Wolf laughed quietly at the table.

"What?"

"The children…" Sully glanced at the boys, and they turned their heads. Michaela shook her head, rolling her eyes and pushing back on Sully's chest. "I think I will sit down."

"Good. Ya need to rest up," he said with a simmering look in his eyes. Michaela felt her cheeks blush at what his tone insinuated, and she trembled with anticipation as she made her way to her seat. She decided to take her mind off of the upcoming evening, so she turned to Little Wolf and smiled.

"How is your leg feeling today, Little Wolf?"

"It is better," he said matter-of-factly. "When will I walk on it?"

"It's still going to be several weeks before you can walk, but I hope the chair Robert E. made for you is working well." Little Wolf nodded happily.

"I cannot beat Johnny in a race, but I can get around faster than walking," he said quietly. "Mary pushes me sometimes."

"I'm glad you two are becoming friends. She's your age, and I think it's wonderful she has someone her own age to play with." Johnny felt a pang in his chest, and he wondered what that was about.

"I like Mary very much. She buys me sweets from town."

"Oh, from the mercantile? She's smuggling candy?" Little Wolf smiled. "Well, that's alright. As long as you're eating something, but I would prefer it be more nutritious."

"He gets plenty of that here," Sully assured him. "Cloud Dancin'll be pleased to see how good he's doin'." Sully began to bring the food to the table, and once everyone was served, he sat down, and everyone began to eat. They ate in a comfortable silence, Little Wolf happy to try new foods, while Johnny picked around at his potatoes, glancing at his father as if to ask if he really had to eat them. But, Michaela and Sully couldn't stop stealing glances at one another. Each time one would look up they'd catch the other staring.

"How do you like the new house, Johnny?" Michaela asked. She had to clear her throat to distract herself. All she could think about was the next few hours and how torturous they would be. They'd have to wait until the boys were tucked in bed and fast asleep, but Michaela still felt butterflies in her stomach, anticipating what was yet to come.

"I like it!" He breathed a sigh of relief at not having to talk about girls anymore at the moment. "It's a lot bigger than the clinic or Grandpa Loren's store. I like havin' all the room upstairs."

"It ain't gonna seem so big once the babies get here," Sully replied.

"How much room can two babies take up, Pa? They're just…this big." He motioned with his hands, and Michaela and Sully glanced at one another with amusement in their eyes.

"Well, they'll get much bigger, and before you know it, they'll be chasing you around the house and getting into your things."

"But not for a while. By then, maybe I'll live in the barn."

"Oh no. You're not staying in the barn, young man. It would be much too cold in the winter."

"But Ma…"

"You listen to your ma," Sully replied. Little Wolf watched the playful banter, and he suddenly began to long for his own parents. It had been a long time since he'd really wondered much about them. He thought about them often, but he didn't normally think about what they might have looked like or how much they loved him. When he thought of his parents, he thought of two people that were now amongst the stars shining down on him at night. But the past couple of weeks with Sully and Michaela and Johnny had made him long for that sense of security. It was a sense he didn't always feel with the tribe, especially when the hunting was poor, and the food was scarce. He loved his tribe more than anything, but he also loved having Brian as a friend and as a brother. The woman doctor and Sully were nice, and Sully could speak with him in Cheyenne. He had a warm bed every night and never had to wonder about being hungry. He felt guilty for longing for more, when his people had so little, but he couldn't help himself.

"Don't feed Pup from the table, Johnny!" Michaela scolded. "He'll be spoiled if you do that."

"Sorry, Ma." He grinned sheepishly and gave Pup and shrug. "Sorry, boy." When Little Wolf let out a yawn, it grew contagious, and Johnny was following suit. Michaela's eyes showed shadows of guilt for being grateful that they were growing tired so quickly. It had been a long day, after all.

Ten minutes later, dinner plates were being scraped into the garbage pail, and Sully was taking Little Wolf up the stairs. Michaela had insisted upon doing the dishes since he had gone out of his way to make a wonderful dinner for their first night under one roof as a family.

As she dipped the plates and cups inside of the soapy water and washed them thoroughly, she smiled, staring out the window and into the darkness of the night. She could see the stars sparkling by the millions out there, and it made her long for the beach in San Francisco. She missed sitting outside and gazing at the stars with Sully, so she decided that tonight, that's exactly what they were going to do.

When Sully finally came down the stairs, his footsteps were light with a bounce of excitement in the soles of his feet, while his eyes were tired but eager to glimpse her beautiful face. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found, and he frowned, seeing the front door cracked open a little.

"Michaela?" He hurried to the door, and when he opened it all the way, he was relieved to see his wife sitting in the porch step. He smiled when he saw that she was glancing up at the stars, and that took him back to the night he proposed; the night they were reunited on the beach in San Francisco.

"They're so bright tonight, Sully." Sully nodded, sitting down next to her and glancing up into the night sky. "Ours especially."

"Ours is always the brightest."

"Yes…I've noticed it many nights." She glanced at him. "Sully?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm…I…"

"What is it?" he took her hand in his, and she swallowed the lump in her throat, feeling the butterflies fluttering in her stomach again.

"I'm a bit nervous."

"There's nothin' to be nervous about, Michaela. We'll take it nice and slow." He bent his head toward hers and kissed her lips assuredly. When he pulled back, he saw the quiver in her bottom lip. "Unless ya think it's too soon." She shook her head.

"No," she breathed. "I just…feel…free. I don't have to worry as much."

"That's a good thing, Michaela. And we got all night. I promise ya…I would never hurt ya."

"I know that." He pulled his arm around her, and she snuggled in close. Why did it feel so much like the first time? They both sat in silence again, staring up at the star, as if searching for courage. They were married, for goodness sakes! But still, there was something different about this now. There were no guidelines or rules. There were slight precautions, but they could finally truly be with one another, and nerves were running rampant.

"I don't want ya to be afraid."

"I'm…I'm not afraid. I'm just worried that…that…" She looked down. Sully smiled a little, kissing her forehead and pulling her toward him.

"C'mon. Let's go inside and get ready for bed. If you just wanna talk tonight, Michaela…"

"No," she whispered sharply, indicating that was definitely not what was on her mind. Sully felt his pulse quick at the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Sully."

"There's nothin' to be sorry for." He rested his forehead against hers, and Michaela closed her eyes. His hands found her cheeks, cupping her face, and he brought her lips to his. Michaela immediately felt her nerves began to settle, and she felt every spark in her body beginning to fire, warming her, as Sully's kiss deepened. She moaned, as he traced his tongue along her bottom lip, and she opened up to him, feeling her heart beginning to pound. His hand softly brushed against her shoulder and then down, grazing across her breast, causing her to tremble in response. Sensing her desire, Sully pulled back, and he softly touched her chin, tilting her face toward his. He smiled, and she grinned back, closing her eyes and he leaned in for another kiss. She wrapped her arms around him, wanting to be as close as possible to him, but when Sully pulled back, she felt cold and wanted closer. His voice was low and not above a whisper. "C'mon. Let's go inside."

Stepping into the bedroom, Michaela trembled, as she heard the door click shut and latch. She turned to face her husband, who was leaning his back against the door, his eyes roaming over her gorgeous form.

"Ya look so beautiful," he said softly, as he watched the flame from the oil lamp dance and cast shadows upon the wall. It twinkled in Michaela's eyes, making them sparkle brightly. Not wanting to waste another moment, Sully closed the gap between them, reaching up to take her hair out of the loose bun. It fell down her shoulders, shrouding them in reddish-brown locks. It was still slightly damp which made for waves and curls. She bit her lip, when he began to unbutton the front of her dress.

"You're sweet for being able to say that when I look like this."

"It's cause it's true. I ain't never seen nobody as beautiful as you before. He reached down, caressing her belly, igniting her skin beneath the material of her skirt. She closed her eyes, as his fingertips brushed over each inch of flesh he exposed. She shivered despite the room's warmth, as her shirt floated to the floor, and he reached around, unfastening her skirt. She swallowed hard, as her layers of clothes pooled at her feet, and she was left standing in her under garments, which he slowly began to remove.

"I think I've grown since yesterday," she joked, feeling a little uncomfortable, but the look in Sully's eyes comforted and reassured her.

"That's a good sign," he whispered, leaning in to press his lips against hers. She melted at his touch, wrapping her arms around him for a moment, getting caught up in his kiss. A noise outside of their door startled them both, and they pulled away, turning toward the noise. After several moments of silent, they both let out the breaths they hadn't realized they'd been holding. "Must've been the wind." He turned back to Michaela who had a flush to her cheeks. She giggled, as he stepped toward her again, his hands unlacing the strings of her shift. Michaela's fingers wrapped around his Indian beads, and she pulled him closer, kissing him before she lifted them over his head and placed them over the bedpost. Her fingers began to move down the line of buttons on his shirt, unbuttoning it in a torturous, slow fashion.

Michaela lifted her arms, letting Sully slide the shift off of her, leaving her bare to the warmth of his body. She pressed herself into him, letting his lips caress her bare shoulder and her collarbone. She pushed his shirt off of his shoulders, letting it slide down his arms and onto the floor. She moaned at the feel of his bare chest against hers, and her flesh began to respond to the warmth of his.

Her fingers boldly brushed against his chest, feeling his pulse on her fingertips. She smiled, as her hands found the buttons of his buckskins and quickly undid them. Sully chuckled at Michaela's eagerness, and his heart warmed at the blush on her cheeks that hadn't seemed to have gone away. He knew she was hesitant to be bold with him, but he always encouraged her to do whatever she felt comfortable with. Sometimes she surprised him, and he never had any complaints.

Sully slipped out of his buckskins, and Michaela's hands lingered on his hips. She stared into his eyes, smiling knowingly. The nerves were slowly melting away, and her heart was beginning to race out of pure love and desire for this man. Without words, she began to touch him, caressing his chest with her hands, moving them up his strong arms, placing warm, damp kisses to his chest. Her mouth found his nipple, and she gave it a sensual tug with her teeth, causing a groan to escape from the back of his throat. She kissed her way up his chest, growing bolder by the moment. She suckled at his neck, as his hands roamed over her, caressing down her back and lower before they rested on her backside and pulled her closer.

Never breaking from their kisses, they slipped onto the bed, side-by-side and growing closer by the moment. Michaela could feel his desire for her rising, and he moaned, when his hand moved to her breast, kneading it softly in his hand, rolling her nipple with his thumb before moving that hand lower and lower. She arched her back when his fingers began to stroke her most sensitive flesh, bringing surges of energy through her body that she'd been missing for a long time.

"Sully," she groaned into his mouth, as his tongue sought hers, heightening the passion in their kiss, as Michaela draped a leg over Sully's hip.

"You ok?" His voice was raspy, and his breaths were quick.

"Wonderful," she giggled, as she slid her hand down his leg, lingering on his thigh for a moment. She gave him a quick peck on the lips before pulling back and grinning again. She closed her eyes and moaned again, when his fingers began to caress her again. "I…oh, Sully…I need you." Wanting to prolong the moment, however, Sully's hand traveled back up her body, and his mouth lingered over hers. She felt his warm breath against her lips and shuddered with desire. She stared into his eyes, loving him even more by the moment, as her hand moved down his body. It was his turn to tremble under her touch, and he swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. She never took her eyes off of his.

"Michaela…Michaela, I…" Her hand moved away and rested on his shoulder, causing him to exhale sharply, and she smiled against his lips. He pulled back for a moment, his eyes questioning hers. She only nodded and leaned into him, as he pressed closer to her. Her head rested upon his shoulder, as they lay side-by side facing one another. And when they joined together, she moaned into his shoulder, trying to quiet herself.

"Sully! I…"

"It's alright," he whispered. "It's alright." His hands cupped her face, and she relaxed, when her body adjusted to him again. It had been so long since she'd felt this way with him, and when he began slow and gentle movements, she moved with him, her mouth seeking his and crying out her pleasure in his mouth.

Being with her again was indescribable to Sully. He couldn't believe how amazing it was each time they were together. She was curled against his body, moving with him. He was trying to be gentle, but when her nails dug into his back, his thrusts became quicker, and he and Michaela could barely hold on anymore. He knew she was close when her fingers gripped his arm, and she wouldn't let go. She squeezed her eyes shut. Her toes curled. He could feel her body tightening against his, and her release triggered his own, causing them both to cry out at once, beginning their descent from such a wonderful high.

Minutes later, Sully lay on his back with Michaela curled up at his side. Her fingers played lazily with the fine curls on his chest, and he rubbed her shoulder, yawning with exhaustion but feeling as if a weight had been lifted. He'd been afraid of hurting her, but they were lying there together, both happy, both satisfied for the moment. He knew it wouldn't be long before the desire would rise again, but in this still moment, they could hold one another and neither had to speak. All there was, was the sound of crickets outside the wind that rattled the windowpanes.

"I missed you so much."

"I missed ya too. You ok?"

"Yes. I'm more than ok," she assured him. "Thank you for…for being so…"

"You're welcome," he said softly, kissing the top of her head. "I love you, Michaela. I always will."

"I love you," she responded, turning to rest her chin on his chest so she could look up at him. Smiling, he brushed his thumb across her kiss-swollen lips, and she softly bit the tip. He pulled his hand away, chuckling.

"C'mere," he urged, pulling her up to meet him. She rested atop him now, sitting up in his lap. His hands moved up her belly and to her breasts, finally moving to her shoulders, urging her down so he could kiss her. He lifted himself, meeting her comfortably halfway.

"Mmm," she moaned against his lips. "I want nothing more than to be right here in your arms right now." Sully caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand.

"Good. I'm glad ya feel that way, 'cause we ain't getting out of bed for three days," he teased. Michaela laughed, knowing he wasn't serious but almost wishing he was, and soon their laughter faded away amongst the kisses, and they resumed re-exploring one another and reveling in the joys of being able to hold one another. For tonight, they could hold one another and never let go.