Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Dr.Quinn Medicine Woman. That right belongs to the creators of the show,The Sullivan Company,CBS, and A&E. I do not to infringe on the rights of anyone mentioned in this story.

"Take care of her and the children." Mrs.Johnson said as she hugged Sully. "I will." he promised as he let the old lady go. Mrs.Johnson turned her attention to the children. Giving them hugs and cookies.

Turning his attention to James Sully held out his hand."I want to thank you for everything you've done."

James taking the proffered hand replied,"I didn't do anything but you're welcome."

"You found her. Kept her alive. I'm grateful." Sully said smiling at the older man.

"Ya ready Sully?" Brian asked as he stepped into the stagecoach with Colleen and Matthew behind him.

"Just waiting on ya ma." Sully replied." You kids go on ahead."

"I think that's everything." Michaela said as she laid her carpetbag down on the boarding house steps.

Sully placed his hand on the small of her back to get her attention."I'll take your bags while you say goodbye." he said as he gave her a small peck on the cheek.Picking up her bags he help the driver load them on to the top of the stagecoach.

John stepped forward with an envelope in his hand. "This here is some extra money I want you to have." he said handing her the envelope.

"John, you shouldn't have." as tears started welling up in her eyes.

"Don't start getting mushy on me." he said. "Besides you earned every penny. You might need extra cash when you get there." She wiped the tears from her face before she gave him a big hug. "Thank you." she whispered hoarsely.

Mrs.Johnson stepped forward and gave Michaela a hug."Now you write as soon as you're settled. I want to hear all the going ons of Colorado Springs."

"I will." Michaela said pulling out of the embrace. Then looking at James she felt her tears start anew. Taking him by the hand they took a few steps away from everyone. " I don't know how to say goodbye to you."

"It's never really goodbye between good friends." James said hoarsely. All this week he had been dreading this day.

" You've done so much for me.If it had not been for you I could've died and Sully and the children wouldn't have known where I was."

"I didn't do anything any other honest man would not have done." he said looking down blushing at being praised.

"You've done more than that. You've been my best friend since I came here. I can't thank you enough."she said as she stepped closer to him."The next time you're in Colorado Springs I expect you to see me.

"That's a promise." he said taking her in his arms for a big bear hug."As soon as I find a place to settle... I'll let you know." he said as he walked her over to Sully who was now standing beside the stagecoach.

"Ya ready?" Sully asked as he held out his hand for her. Looking in his eyes she took his hand and replied,"Yes!"

Sully helped her into the stagecoach and climbed in himself. Michael waved and said a final goodbye before the stagecoach pulled away. She was leaving Castle Rock for good. She was leaving her temporary home and the friends she made there for another life. She hoped it was for a life full of children, full of laughter, and full of love. A better life.

Dorothy was sweeping off the mercantile porch when the stagecoach rumbled into town. Thinking nothing about it she continued with her work until a familiar voice caught her attention. "Miss Dorothy!" Brian cried as he disembarked off the stagecoach.

"Brian!" Dorothy exclaimed."What on earth are you doing back?" she asked.

"We decided to come back home." Brian said simply, running into the store to see Loren.

"Colleen! Matthew!" Dorothy said as she hugged each one of them.

As she was hugging Matthew she heard a voice behind her. "Dorothy!" she heard Sully say.

Smiling she turned and looked at Sully who was standing by the stagecoach. Assuming he had not found Michaela her smile dropt. "You didn't find her,did you?" she asked.

Instead of answering Sully extended his hand towards the stagecoach. A gloved hand first appeared as she stepped out of the stagecoach. As Dorothy saw the passengers face she gasped. "Michaela!" she cried."Is it really you?"

Smiling at the redheaded woman that she assumed was Dorothy from Sully's description. She replied smiling,"It's me." Looking around the town her voice cracked as she added," I'm home."