Written by Diane Schlichting

� November 2, 1997

This story contains some adult situations and is not for young readers.

Michaela sat at the dressing table brushing her hair. She smiled to herself as she ran the brush through her hair, enjoying the tingly feel of the bristles against her scalp. It was late in the evening, Brian and Katie were long asleep and Matthew, who had taken up residence in the barn again, had bid her goodnight half an hour ago. All was right at the homestead except for one thing; Sully.

She closed her eyes as she continued the rhythmic brushing, thinking of Sully and wishing he were here. It had been weeks since he had visited her for any length of time. Usually it was stolen moments behind the barn or up at the cave. It had been a long time since they had made love. She remembered the last time, the time they had conceived their second child, but the brief smile that accompanied that thought was overshadowed by the pain of the loss of that child.

Michaela shook her head to vanquish the pain and sad thoughts. She bent over, hanging her head upside down and began brushing her hair from the base of her neck all the way over the top of her head right to the ends of her hair. Over and over went the brush and she lulled herself into a half sleepy state.

When the hand fell upon her shoulder she gave a yelp of surprise and jumped up off the chair, hairbrush brandished as a possible weapon. She swung her hair back, but most of it still floated wildly around her face, obscuring her vision.

"Michaela, it's alright. It's me."

Sully voice was pitched low so as not to awaken a sleeping Katie. He heard Michaela's rapid breathing, saw her shoulders sag and the fear disappear from her eyes as she realized who he was.

"Sully!" she cried and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Sully hugged her back, smoothing down her wild hair.

"I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you alright?"

She leaned back and smiled at him, her eyes glowing with love. "I'm fine." She reached up to her hair, feeling the tangled strands and tried to untangle them.

Sully caught her hand and gently removed the brush. "Here, let me do that."

Their eyes met and Michaela could feel his love for her. She smiled and sat down again on the chair, looking up at him in the mirror. Sully carefully began brushing her hair, mindful of the tangles that had been created.

Michaela closed her eyes, feeling delightful shivers run through her at the tentative touches, the brief contacts of his fingers against her neck. Even the feel of him touching her hair, knowing that it was Sully's fingers that were running through the long strands sent shivers running through her and began a small fire of desire that burned to the very core of her being.

Sully laid down the brush, having tamed her mass of hair and lightly ran his fingers through it. He lowered his face against the shining waves, smelling the hint of lavendar from her bath, loving the feel of its softness against his skin. He raised her hair off her neck and lightly kissed her skin. He nibbled softly, tasting the salt of her skin and the soap she had used earlier in the evening.

Michaela made a small noise of pleasure and raised her hands to his head, holding him there and encouraging him to continue. She smiled as he continued to tickle the back of her neck and her shoulder with his nibbling kisses. "Sully," she whispered huskily.

He leaned over and blew out the kerosene lamp leaving only the fire to light the room. He straightened and pulled her up from the chair, taking her in his arms and kissing her firmly on the mouth. She parted her lips and welcomed him, feeling the flames of desire spread more rapidly through her while his strong hands were firmly kneeding her back.

She kissed him slowly, drawing out the pleasure of feeling him in her arms again. When his tongue touched hers playfully, she responded similarly, exploring his mouth as though it were unfamiliar territory.

She broke off the kiss with a smile, her deft fingers undoing the buttons on his shirt. She pushed the material aside, kissing his chest, inhaling his male scent. She noticed immediately that he had bathed before visiting her tonight. She smiled to herself that he would take that consideration. Living in the cave he usually smelled like the cave; damp, musty and earthy. Now he smelled like himself, that special scent of male, leather and some other aroma that she thought must have been something that he had used to wash with. Perhaps something herbal.

Michaela ran her hands lightly over his chest, carressing his nipples and feeling them harden beneath her palms. She bent to kiss one, running her tongue around the nub of flesh. She felt Sully shudder and take a hold of her arms. She raised her head and met his gaze, blue eyes burning with desire.

"My turn," he whispered, his voice deep with need. She smiled as she relinquished herself to his lovemaking, feeling once again the exquisite pleasure course through her veins.

Sully held her to him, his hand describing circles on her thigh and hip absently. He kissed the top of her head, thinking she had drifted off to sleep. He smiled to himself, pleased he had brought her to pleasure. He had been a little worried, not sure she was ready after the miscarriage. Of course, he didn't know how long it took women to get over things like that, but he had hoped she would be ready.

She hadn't disappointed him. She had been more than ready to make love again, as eager as he had been. Being separated like this had helped to fuel their desire, but he wished he could stay. He hated the thought of leaving her now, but he had to be gone before daybreak.

He sighed and yanked the blanket over them. He would sleep a little and then leave later. He had just closed his eyes when Michaela spoke again.

"Sully?" Her voice was soft in the night, tentative and hesitant.

"Mmmm?"

"Do you want another baby?" She propped herself up on one elbow, looking down with uncertainty into his eyes, trying to read the emotion reflected therin.

Sully didn't know what to say. Yes, he did want another baby, but not if it was a danger to her. He decided to turn the tables instead. "Do you?"

Michaela looked away, focusing on her hand which rested on his stomach. Sully reached up and turned her face back to his. "Do you?" he repeated.

"Yes." Her eyes shone with unshed tears. "I want to give you a son, Sully."

He smiled. "Michaela, I want you to be happy, but I also want you to be healthy. I would love to have another baby, but not if it means you might take ill."

Michaela seemed relieved. She smiled at him and snuggled down next to him again. "Do you think we started a baby tonight?"

Sully hugged her. "I hope so, but if not, I wouldn't mind trying again sometime soon."

Michaela smiled and leaned up to kiss him. "I love you, Sully."

"And I love you."

"Stay with me a while. Please," she asked softly.

"I'll stay a while. Get some sleep."

Sharing one more kiss, Michaela then lay down again and closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed down rapidly and she drifted off to sleep with a small smile on her face.

Michaela felt the shifting of the blanket and opened her eyes. Sully stood beside the bed, his back to her, getting dressed. She raised her hand and rested it on the warm indentation in his pillow as she watched him silently. When he turned, she smiled seductively.

"Are you sure you want to leave?"

"No," he answered, tucking his shirt into his buckskins. "But the army will be out on their rounds soon. You know they come by the house every now and then."

She sighed. She knew that, but she wanted him to stay. She pulled the blanket around her nakedness against the chill of the room and leaned over to him. "Kiss me, before you go."

Sully smiled at her, knelt down on the bed and kissed her thoroughly. He smiled at her again, filing away the image of her lying here in bed to cherish later on those cold nights alone in the cave. With one last kiss, he walked around the bed and quietly opened the door. He stepped out into the hall, turning back for one last glance and a wink before he closed the door between them.

Feeling the chill of the room, Michaela quickly put on her nightgown and hurried back to the warm bed. She lay back, snuggling down into the pocket of warmth and resting her head on Sully's pillow. She breathed in his scent and with a small smile she drifted off to sleep.

It was late in the night, all creatures were still, sound asleep. The homestead was quiet and dark. The woods surrounding the homestead were still, only the leaves rustling gently with the stirring of wind.

A shadow emerged from the woods, quickly followed byseveral more. The shadow figures met, then separated and surrounded the house. The tinkling sound of glass breaking broke the night, followed by a splashing sound. The shadows wait, listening for stirrings within. All remained silent. They moved back to the front of the house, gathering in a huddle.

Another shadow emerged from the trees, this one illuminated by a torch. The flickering light shone over a face painted black, highlighting the white eyes. The rest of the figure remained in shades of black. The torch was passed from one to another, a new light sprining up in each hand. Six pairs of white eyes shone from underneath black paint and hair. The figures approached the house again and, at a cry from the leader, tossed their torches at the windows of the homestead.

The glass shattered, the burning torches hitting the floor within and igniting the kersosene. With a loud woosh, flames filled the downstairs as the shadows ran off into the night leaving devestation in their wake.

Crash!

Brian's eyes flew open. His heart was beating wildly and his muscles were tense. He lay still in his bed, listening carefully for the sound that had awakened him. Nothing. The noise did not repeat. He could hear nothing except for the wind blowing outside, the leaves rustling on the trees. Perhaps he had been dreaming. He closed his eyes again as the tense feeling in his stomach slowly disappeared. As that moment of panicky fear disappated, he turned over onto his side, breathing slowly, trying to slow down his racing heart. He hated being awakened at night, hated the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that always happened in cases like this.

He tried to will himself back to sleep, but that wasn't working. He tried counting sheep to no avail. Several minutes passed as he tried to force himself back to sleep. He tried to think of his history assignment and what he was going to write for his paper. That was no good. Now his mind was working, thinking of different topics.

With a heavy sigh, Brian flipped over onto his back again. He looked up at the window, seeing only darkness. There was no moon tonight in the cloudy sky. He looked around his room, seeing only the vaguest shadows, unable to make out any shapes, but noticed that things seemed misty. He took a deep breath and coughed.

Was that smoke? He sat up quickly, sniffing the air. Smoke! He thought instantly of the fireplace below, wondering if they had forgotten to bank it properly for night. Wondering, with a tingle of fear, if a log had somehow rolled out onto the hearth rug.

Throwing off the covers, Brian got out of bed and hurried to the door. He grabbed the door knob and turned it. The door stuck for a moment and then gave way. He pulled it open and was overwhelmed by the cloud of smoke that billowed into the room.

Coughing, he put his arm up over his mouth and nose and peered out into the hall. The other doors were closed and there was a glow of red from the stairs, but the hall was filled with smoke.

"Ma! Ma!" Brian shouted, going out to the hall and stumbling toward the stairs. He looked down and was filled with terror. The mainroom was on fire! The rugs, curtains and furniture were burning wildly, already out of control. The flames were now climbing up the stairs, burning underneath them too, effectively cutting off their main route of escape.

Filled with fear and panic, Brian ran back down the hall to his mother's room, hollaring loudly.

Michaela bolted awake. She could hear Brian calling her, panic in his voice. She threw back the covers just as the door burst open and Brian ran in.

"Ma! The house is on fire!" Brian grabbed his mother's hand, yanking her up off the bed and towards the doorway.

Michaela was filled with shock at seeing the smoke billowing into her room. She ran with Brian out to the hall and to the stairs. She looked down into the flames that were raging throughout the main floor, panic and fear rising within her.

"Quickly, Brian. To Colleen's room."

She pushed Brian ahead of her toward her daughter's room. Colleen's room faced out to the back of the house, above a small ante-roof. Sully had once climbed in through this window when Michaela and the children had been held hostage. It would be safer than jumping out the window.

Brian ran into his sister's room and flung open the window. Michaela was right behind him, helping him out.

"Matthew!" she screamed shrilly, hoping to rouse her eldest from his sleep in the barn. "Matthew! Help us! Matthew!"

She continued to scream while Brian eased his way down the roof. He came to the edge just as Matthew appeared in the dooryard. He stopped for a moment and stared, stunned to see the house in flames and Brian hanging off the side roof.

"Oh my God! Dr. Mike! Brian!" Matthew yelled, running forward to help his younger brother down.

Brian grabbed the edge and swung down, Matthew catching him and easing him to the ground.

"Come on, ma!" Brian cried, frantic now that he had reached safety. The crackling of the flames was very loud now. Smoke billowed from the open window. The sound of breaking glass could be heard as the heat became too intense inside and the windows blew out.

"Ma!" Matthew screamed. "You gotta get out now! The whole place is going up!"

Michaela looked back into the dark room behind her, seeing the orange light of flames in the hallway. Suddenly she heard a cry. Katie! Oh my God! Panic filled her as she realized, in her terror, that she had forgotten about her sleeping baby.

She turned back to the window. "I have to get Katie!" she yelled down to the boys before turning back into the smoke filled house.

Brian turned to Matthew grabbing his brother's arms. "Do something, Matthew! You gotta save them."

Mathew ran to the well and quickly brought up a bucket of water. He dumped it over himself, soaking his clothes thoroughly then ran back to the house. Just as he began to climb up to Colleen's window, Sully came running down the path.

"Matthew! Brian! Where's your ma?" He cried, looking up at the burning house. Just then the upstairs windows at the front of the house exploded outward sending a shower of glass onto the dooryard and a shower of sparks up into the sky. A scream came from within.

"Micahela!" Filled with terror, Sully ran for the house, climbing up to the low roof and clambering into the second floor window, sending Matthew down to the ground. Matthew and Brian remained below, huddling together and watching in growing fear while the roaring of flames grew and the sound of Michaela's screams and Katie's wails filled the night..

Michaela ran into her bedroom, coughing as the choking smoke filled her lungs. It was difficult to see and she tripped over the chair by the dressing table, landing hard on her hands and knees.

She groaned as the pain richocet through her limbs, but the terrified wails of little Katie urged her to get up again. She groped blindly before her, feeling the dresser and the fireplace and finally the crib. She reached inside, feeling Katie's outstretched arms.

"Katie! Oh baby, Mama's here. It's alright."

Michaela clutched her daughter to her bosom. Katie wailed loudly, coughing sporadically and then burrying her face in her mother's shoulder. Michaela turned back toward the door and hurried toward the opening that promised escape.

Just as she reached the threshhold, the floor right below the window collapsed. Michaela screamed as she watched the flames reach up into her bedroom. The curtains went up instantly and moments later the window blew out. She screamed again as she backed away from the intense heat. Katie continued to cry, her wails piercing the night, competing with the crackling of the flames and the sound of wood exploding and collapsing.

Michaela hurried down the hallway toward the stairs, ducking past the flames. Just as she neared the landing the staircase succumbed to the flames with a loud crash. There was a whoosing sound following by a loud roar as a wind of flames raced along the hallway, catching Michaela by surprise. She screamed again as her nightdress caught fire, seering her legs. Holding Katie with one arm she frantically beat against the flaming nightdress and managed to put out the flames. She ran back to her bedroom and froze.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked down the fiery hallway. Colleen's room and her possible escape were blocked by flames as the carpet laid down in the hallway caught fire. Desperation filled her and she turned back to her room only to find that means of escape was also blocked by fire.

Surrounded by flames and filled with terror she screamed for help while Katie cried in her arms. Panic and desperation coursed through her as passion had only hours before. She huddled against the wall, trying to protect Katie from the fire as she sobbed and cried for help.

Sully entered Colleen's room and looked toward the doorway. The flames were dancing wildly in the hall and he realized at once that he wouldn't make it through. He turned back to the window and went out onto the low roof, hoping to find another way in. Michaela's screams reached him again and, as his heart clenched in pain, he turned back to the window as flames began to shoot through the roof. It would have to be this way. There was no time left for indecision.

"Sully! Sully!"

He turned at the sound of his name. Matthew was holding a bucket of water and a blanket.

"You need to wet yourself down. This blanket will help too."

Sully looked back into the burning room, torn. Realizing that soaking his clothes would be the only way to enter the burning house he climbed down off the roof. He grabbed the bucket from Matthew and dumped the water over himself.

"Here, Sully. I soaked the blanket too." Matthew held out the wet blanket.

Sully grabbed it and ran back toward the house.

"Hurry, Pa!" Brian called.

Sully climbed back up to Colleen's room. He threw the blanket over his head and hurried through the room. He reached the hallway. The sound of crackling flames intensified. Wooden beams exploded and a loud crash from below indicated that the china cabinet had falled over. He turned toward the bedroom he shared with Michaela. She huddled there in the doorway, surrounded by flames.

"Michaela!" He shouted.

Michaela turned abrutly, hearing her name. Sully! She looked up, tears streaming through the soot on her face. He stood in the doorway to Colleen's room, a blanket over his head. Smoke and flame filled the hallway between them.

"Come on, Michaela!" he yelled.

"I can't," she yelled back, frightened to leave her position of relative, although temporary safety. She coughed, pressing Katie to her while the child continued to wail. The smoke continued to fill the upper story, searing the tender lining of her lungs with each breath. The heat was intense and pain radiated in her legs from where her nightgown had caught fire. She squinted through the smoke, watching the flames flickering up the walls between her and Sully. She clutched Katie to her more tightly. Oh, God! She prayed. Please help us. Please!

"Come on, Michaela! Run to me! You can do it! Come on!" Sully urged her on, but Michaela was frozen in place. The flames climbed around her, the roar filling her mind, Katie's cries only fueling her panic. She looked up at Sully, met his eyes across the burning hallway, pleading for help.

"Sully! Help me! Help us!"

Just as Sully stepped out into the hallway the roof collasped behind her, the wave of heat and force of energy knocking her to her knees. "Sully!" she screamed, terror and anguish filling her cry. She crashed heavily to the floor, able to break her fall with only one hand while the other held her daughter. The ceiling continued to collapse slowly, one of the beams falling and striking Michaela on the back of the head, knocking her flat on the floor and pinning her there.

"Michaela!" Sully pulled the blanket tighter around himself and ran into the burning hallway. The smoke was terrible, filling his lungs and choking him, burning his eyes. He held his breath and he ran to where Michaela had fallen. The roof continued to fall, sending up a shower of sparks. Thick wooden beams crashed to the floor before him. Sully stopped, raising the blanket to protect his face as the flames rose in a shower of sparks before him. A moment later things seemed to have settle and he went forward once again.

Fear clenched his heart as he saw that one of the roof supporting beams had fallen and hit Michaela. She lay below the burning beam, silent and still while Katie lay trapped beneath her mother's arm, screaming in terror.

"Michaela!" With a cry of horror, he reached down and lifted the burning beam off his wife. He didn't feel the agonizing pain as the red hot beam burnt into his palms. His entire being was focused on rescuing his wife. He tossed the beam aside then beat out the flames from Michaela's nightdress. He picked her up and laid her over his shoulder. Then grabbed up his baby daughter and wrangled the wet blanket over them all. Taking a deep breath through the wet woolen blanket, he turned and headed back toward Colleen's room.

The flames reached for him as he walked down the hallway. He gritted his teeth as they ate away at his pants and mocassins, the material having dried out from the intense heat. He entered Colleen's room and was dismayed to see that there was a gap in the floor between him and the window. Flames shot up through the hole, reaching for the ceiling. Backing up a step, he leaped toward the window, crashing heavily against the frame. He grunted at the pain and yelled out the window to Matthew.

"Matthew!"

Precious minutes ticked by as he waited for Matthew to climb up. He handed Katie out to him and Matthew quickly passed her down to Brian. Sully eased Michaela's unconcious body out the window and onto the sloped roof. Matthew picked her up then carried her to safety. Sully dropped the blanket and climbed out the window. The flames seared his back as he eased his way into the night. The roar of fire consumed the night as most of the upper story collapsed, sending sparks and flames high into the sky.

"Pa!" Brian's terrified voice reached him, encouraging Sully to move faster.

"Sully! Hurry!" Matthew cried as the roof behind his step-father collapsed.

Sully scurried down the sloped roof and jumped to the ground. He ran over to where the boys were crouched on the ground, holding Michaela. Sully crouched down next to them, scooping up his sobbing daughter and clutching her tightly as the entire roof collapsed into the burning house, sending a shower of sparks up into the night.

The family huddled together in shock, watching their home burn. Michaela slowly regained consciousness then suddenly jerked upright.

"No!" she cried, seeing the flames reaching through the roof up into the night. She struggled to get up, but Matthew held her back. "No! Let me go! Sully! Our home! Sully we have to stop it!"

"It's too late, Michaela. We're too late." He laid a restraining hand on her shoulder, but she would have none of that.

"No!" she screamed. She hit out at him, yanked free and ran unsteadily to the well, feeling dizzy. She filled the bucket and crossed the dooryard, throwing her meager amount of water into the raging inferno that had overtaken her home.

She hastened back to the well and was joined by Sully and Matthew. Sully grabbed her arm, halting her. "You go be with Katie. The boys and I'll do this." He knew it was useless, but he had to appease her.

Michaela relinquished her bucket and went to her daughter. Matthew and Brian helped Sully, running back and forth with the buckets. Michaela stood by the barn fence, cuddling Katie, watching with silent sobs. The men continued with their fire brigade of water for a long time, but it was no use. The homestead was gone. When the front wall collapsed they stopped, realising the futility of their efforts. They joined Michaela by the fence and huddled together to watch as the homestead slowly burned to the ground.

Tears streaked the faces of all as the last walls collapsed, leaving only the chimney standing tall and black in the night. They stood together as one, facing the death of a home, lending support to those who could not stand alone, who had suddenly lost all strength. And as the flames began to die, they leaned together, holding one another up against the face of tragedy, their faces pale with shock beneath the soot.

Matthew jumped off the wagon and climbed the clinic steps. He unlocked the door and was just pushing it open when he heard his name called.

"Mornin' Matthew," Dorothy said.

Matthew turned to greet Dorothy, Grace at her side. He ran a hand through his dirty hair out of a long-standing habit.

Dorothy's pleasant smile faded as she took in Matthew's appearance. She frowned as did Grace. "What's happened Matthew?" she asked, feeling concern rise within her. "Where's Michaela?"

Matthew looked from one face to another. "There was a fire last night. The homestead's gone."

The ladies gasped with shock. "Oh my Lord," Grace muttered.

"Michaela and the children? Are they alright?" Dorothy asked, worried that her friend may have been hurt.

"We're fine. A few burns, but no one's seriously hurt. I was comin' to get some medicines and bandages."

"How did it happen?" Grace asked, feeling afraid.

Matthew shrugged. "Don't know. Fire started in the middle of the night."

"Well," Dorothy said, taking charge as she was won't to do. "Let's get those supplies and then Grace and I'll come out to the homestead with you." They followed Matthew into the clinic and helped him gather what he needed. They said little as they rode out to the homestead with him, each lost in their own thoughts.

They stared in shock as they came up the drive, seeing the charred remains of what had once been a beautiful house, smoke still rising in places. Sully and Michaela were wandering through the rubble, looking for things that they could salvage. There wasn't much.

Michaela leaned over and picked up a piece of charred wood. She ran her hand over a small portion of it that was untouched by the fire, feeling the intricate carving of the headboard of their bed. Tears ran down her cheeks in black streaks as she clutched the piece of wood to her bosom. Although she heard the rattle of the wagon returning, she ignored it, lost within her grief, confusion and pain.

Matthew helped the ladies down from the wagon and they hurried over to where their friend stood. They looked at Sully whose face was blackened with soot and drawn with emotion.

"Sully, Matthew told us. We're so sorry." Dorothy reached out to him, lightly touching his arm. Sully nodded, then turned to look at his wife.

Dorothy walked carefully over to where her friend stood. She saw the burns on Michaela's back and legs, saw that some of her beautiful hair had been singed away as well and now hung unevenly over her shoulders.

She reached out a comforting hand. "Michaela," she said, trying to keep her voice even.

Michaela looked up, surprised to see Dorothy standing before her. "It's gone. It's all gone except for this." She looked down at the piece of untouched wood, caressing it.

"Oh, Michaela," Dorothy cried, taking her friend into her arms and holding her while she cried.

Brian came out of the barn, holding Katie in his arms. He went and stood beside Sully, leaning against him for emotional support. Sully dropped his arm around the boy's shoulders, hugging him to him while he stroked his daughter's head with his other hand.

Grace came over to them, carrying the medical supplies. "Brian, Sully. How are you doing?"

"Alright," Brian said.

Grace glanced at Sully and saw the red burns on his hands. "Sully, you're hurt! Let me take care of that for you."

She led him over to the stump they used for chopping wood and began to clean the burns. She applied the salve that Matthew had brought from the clinic and bandaged Sully's hands. She looked after his feet too. Sully hadn't even been aware that his feet were burned and he looked down at them in surprise.

Dorothy had managed to bring Michaela over and Grace cleansed and bandaged her burns as well. When they were finished, they stood silently, not knowing what to say to this family that had just lost their home.

"You can come and live with me for a while, Michaela. Until you get the homestead rebuilt."

Michaela looked up at her friend. She shook herself slightly, seeming to reorient her thoughts. "Thank you, Dorothy, but we couldn't put you out. We'll go live in the clinic I suppose."

Sully hugged her and kissed the top of her head. "Don't you worry. We'll rebuild. It may take a few weeks, but we'll manage."

Michaela leaned back, looking at him. "How? How can we rebuild if you have to hide in the woods? If you stay around here the army will arrest you and put you in jail."

"We'll help," Grace offered. "Robert E. and I'll help you build again. I'm sure others in town will do everything they can to help too."

"That's right, Michaela," Dorothy agreed. "You've done a lot for this town and it's time for the town to help you. With everyone working together, we'll have your new home built in no time."

"And I'll come at night. The army won't be lookin' for me then," Sully promised.

It was settled. Although the family remained in a state of shock for most of the day, Dorothy and Grace headed back into town to call an emergency meeting. They discussed the situation out at the Sully homestead and made up a list of volunteers.

Over the next several days the homestead was a busy one with people coming and going, helping to clean up the mess and start the new house. Michaela managed to find a few things that hadn't burned and she carefully cleaned and polished these items and placed them in the barn.

When the new house was halfway completed, they ran out of money to buy more lumber. Michaela went to see Preston about a loan, hating to do so, but seeing no alternative. Later that night, when Sully appeared to work on the house, she told him of the loan.

"No!" Sully said, hauling up a piece of lumber and walking off toward the house. Michaela hurried along beside him. "We ain't takin' out another loan from Preston. Remember the last time, what happened?"

"But Sully. We don't have any more money to buy supplies or even food. We can't finish the house."

Sully threw down the wood and turned to face her. "Then I'll have to get a job. I hear the railroad is hiring out in Soda Springs. Need to blast out a tunnel. I'll go work there, earn enough to finish the house."

"You're going to leave?" she cried, shocked. "Sully, how can you leave us now? We need you here. I need you here. It's bad enough that I only see you at night while you work on the house, but now you want to go away for weeks?"

Sully sighed and took a hold of her shoulders. "Michaela, you said yourself that we need the money. The railroad pays well. In a few weeks I'll have enough money to finish the house. Then I'll be back. There is no other way. You can bring back the money from that loan that Preston gave you. We ain't keepin' it."

He turned and picked up the board again and began to hammer it in place. Michaela stared at his back, silently fuming at how stubborn and proud her husband was. She was angry at him for leaving her again. Especially since they still didn't know who started the fire.

Turning away from him with an agry sigh, she went in to the barn to check on her daughter.

On his way to Soda Springs, Sully stopped by the reservation to meet with Cloud Dancing. He greeted his friend with enthusiasm, but was surprised by the restraint the other man showed.

"Is something wrong?" he asked as they stood in a small glade in the forest near the reservation. It was a private place, suitable for a stolen meeting.

"Yes. There is." Cloud Dancing paused, not sure how to tell his friend the bad news. "The army talks of the fire at your home. I am sorry to hear of your loss."

Sully nodded. There was no need for words.

"Sully, I know the men who started the fire. It was done for revenge."

"Revenge?" Sully was surprised, shocked to hear this.

"You remember the young braves that were killed in the fight against the army? The renegades decided you were responsible. They wanted to see you dead. I convinced them otherwise or so I had thought. It was only after the army mentioned the fire that I realized they hadn't listened."

"Renegades? Dog Soldiers? They burned the homestead?"

Cloud Dancing nodded, feeling his friends pain. "I have spoken to these men and told them what they risked; your family. They do not care. Sully, I fear for your family's safety."

Sully looked pained. "I was on my way to take a job with the railroad, earn money to finish building the new house."

"Perhaps this is not such a good time to leave Michaela and the children."

Sully sighed. He ran his hand through his hair. "If they stay in town, they should be safe. I'll make sure she understands that."

He turned back to his friend and they hugged each other. "Thank you, Cloud Dancing."

"Take care," he replied. They shook hands and parted, Sully heading back to the homestead to inform Michaela of the recent development and Cloud Dancing to go back to the reservation and try to reason with the renegade Indians.

Michaela stood on the front porch of their new home, looking down the road. She was expecting Matthew and Brian to be back from town by now and was getting worried as it was growing late. The house was now finished, at least on the outside. The money Sully had sent from the job with the railroad had provided enough for the materials and various members of the town had help Matthew and Brian finish the house. She hoped Sully would come home soon, but he would be returning to hide as things were still not resolved with the army.

She froze as she heard that familiar bird call, Sully's signal. With a smile, she ran off the porch and rounded the house to the trees behind the barn. Sully waited for her there, catching her in his arms and holding her tight. She kissed him quickly, then more slowly, thrilled to have him home again.

"I'm so glad you're back," she whispered, touching his face lightly.

"I missed you so much," Sully replied, kissing her again.

"How are the children?"

"They're fine. We're all fine. Robert E. has been looking after us. There haven't been any more attacks. Things have been quite peaceful."

Sully nodded and tore his eyes away from her long enough to look at the house. "House looks finished."

"Yes. Just some things inside that need to be done. But it can wait. Oh, Sully, I'm just so glad that you're home."

She hugged him again, wishing she could stay in his arms forever. The terror from that night had faded, leaving her only with an occasional dream and moment of panic in the darkness.

"Cloud Dancing said he'd speak to the renegades, but there's been no word. I think we may still be in danger."

Michaela looked up at him. "So long as you're here, Sully. That's all that matters. So long as you're here."

"I'm here," he whispered before kissing her again.

While they didn't know what the future held, for the moment they were content. As their house had risen once again from the ashes, so too had their hope for the future.

Author's Note: Read the exciting conclusion titled "Beneath the Shadow of the Moon!"

Links to my other Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman stories.

[ Dr. Quinn ] [ Up ] [ The Anguished Heart ] [ To Live with Fear ] [ Into the Fire ] [ The River ] [ Snowbound ] [ The Outlaw ] [ Beneath the Shadow of the Moon ] [ Avalanche! ]

Disclaimer: Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and its characters were created by Beth Sullivan. This story in no way intends to infringe upon any copyrights owned by Ms Sullivan or CBS. If anyone associated with DQMW objects to this site and wishes for it to be removed, I will do so when asked in writing. The story content is my own and is copyrighted November 2, 1997. This story may not be stored on any other server without the author's prior permission. Links to this site would be appreciated, although please inform me when you do so.

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