The two of them were waiting on the doorstep of Bess’s house in one of the oldest sections of St Louis. When she and Sully had escorted Bess home the day before, Michaela had been stunned at the size and faded grandeur of the old lady’s home. Sure the once splendid garden was now overgrown, and the long, turned-wood front porch leaned just a little, but the two-storey, red brick house, with its ornate tile work and three chimneys breathed old money and class. Somehow, this was not the type of residence they’d expected Bess to own.

"Perhaps she’s out Sully," suggested Michaela, as their knocking remained unanswered. "Though I’d be surprised if she could move far today on those sore legs."

"Give it a minute Michaela … if her legs are as sore as you think, it might take her a while to come to the door," rejoined Sully.

They waited patiently for a few more minutes and then by silent consensus turned to leave. As they stepped off the front porch the door handle suddenly turned and the door was pulled open just a crack. "Who is it?" came a disgruntled voice from behind the door.

"Bess … its just us …. Michaela and Sully … We came to see how you are today," responded Michaela, backtracking to the doorstep with Sully right behind her.

A disgruntled snort could be heard, but surprisingly, the door onto a wide, checker-board tiled entrance hall was opened a little wider. Bess’s gaunt face appeared around the door and she grumbled, "Guess ye’ll be wanting to come in then …. though I don’t know what good it’ll do …" She pulled the door open a little more and stood aside for them to enter.

As Michaela stepped over the threshold, she said quietly, "Bess we’re going home tomorrow, so this’ll be the last opportunity for me to check on you." She paused as she observed the old woman’s pallid complexion and the lines of pain around her eyes. "Let’s go in and I’ll have another look at those knees."

Bess closed the door and then hobbled towards a doorway to the left. "We’ll sit in here," she said abruptly. "Rest of the house doesn’t often see visitors."

Michaela and Sully followed meekly behind. Sully was beginning to understand Michaela’s initial nervousness. They entered a large sitting-room which had indeed once been very grand. Its high ornate ceiling bore a heavy and elaborate pearled glass and black wrought iron lamp which hung low and dominated the room. The heavy brocade curtains, although they had seen better days, were lavish, and added a touch of scarlet to the otherwise sombre decor. It was obvious that this was where Bess had been sitting when they knocked. Beside an old and heavy rocking chair was a side-table littered with dog-eared newspapers, heavy books - some open, some bookmarked, a near empty coffee cup and, on the floor was a patchwork quilt she had tossed aside as she stood up. With a wave of her hand, she indicated that they should sit on an old, slightly shabby, brocade sofa.

Sully sat down but Michaela remained standing until Bess had once again painfully lowered herself into the rocking chair. She glanced up into Michaela’s worried face as she settled herself. "There’s no need to be worrying about me," she said gruffly. "I’ve been looking after myself for more years than you’ve been alive …. The pain in my legs is just part of getting old …. strikes us all one day."

"There’s no denying that Bess …. but surely it can’t help to try and improve things a little ….," rejoined Michaela softly.

In reply Bess merely shrugged her shoulders.

Michaela awkwardly knelt down beside the old woman and began to tend to her painful legs. She gave a heartfelt sigh as she observed the swelling, both from the arthritis and from Bess’s fall the day before. She turned to Sully, "I think willow bark tea might do some good." She turned back to Bess. "Could you direct Sully to the kitchen? Is there water on the boil?"

Again Bess snorted derisively. "I’ll not be having a man doing woman’s work in my kitchen!" she retorted. "Aye, there’s a kettle on the hob ….. but I’ll fetch it myself or not at all!"

Sully stood and approached the old woman. "Bess, I don’t mind makin’ the tea. I’m used to sharin’ such things with Michaela." His eyes twinkled. "I promise I won’t break anythin’."

The old woman’s eyes momentarily held an answering glint, but then the mask of frostiness descended once more. "Bess Maloney’s never had a man fixing things in her kitchen and I don’t see why she should start now," she declared.

"Maybe cos you’ll be a lot more comfortable in your chair with Michaela lookin’ after ya, an’ it gives me somethin’ to do while she does it," rejoined Sully, with just the appropriate amount of stubbornness in his tone.

There was a long pause as Bess held Sully’s clear blue gaze and then again she shrugged her shoulders. "Well … if you’re so determined then … but I don’ have to like it," she murmured in defeat.

An hour or so later the three of them sat in uneasy silence sipping on their respective beverages – willow bark tea for Bess and coffee for Michaela and Sully. While Bess had finally accepted their help, it was a begrudging acceptance, though this was perhaps born more out of habit than reality. Occasionally she would raise her eyes from her teacup to observe the couple seated opposite her. Two such different people, the lady so refined and the man so … so … frontier, and yet they were easy with each other, aware of each other’s needs, and very much in love if her encounter with them in the gardens was anything to go by. She sighed and then abruptly sat a little more erect. Wasn’t like her to be concerning herself with others, especially young people for whom she usually had little time, or patience.

"You have a beautiful old home," remarked Michaela finally, when she realised that Bess was not going to attempt to make conversation.

"Aye …. It was fine in its day …," mused Bess, her eyes scanning the so familiar features of the room. "Course, when my husband was alive it was often full …. too full …. of society folk, all gossiping and imbibing." She shook herself from her brief reverie and said dismissively, "Still that was over forty years ago … almost too long ago to remember and certainly too long ago to be considering." Again there was silence and then unexpectedly Bess nodded towards Michaela and asked pointedly, "Your first?"

Michaela blushed just a little and rubbed her hand self-consciously across her swollen stomach. "No …," she replied quietly. "We have a daughter … Katie …. she’s two and a half …."

"And where is she then?" asked Bess peremptorily.

"She’s at home …. in Colorado Springs ….with our two sons … Matthew and Brian," replied Michaela without thinking.

"Then you have *three* children," declared Bess. "And what’s a baby doing at home with two boys? Why isn’t she here with you?"

Sully interjected. "Actually we have four children - Matthew, he’s twenty-one, Colleen’s eighteen an’ got married a few months back, an’ then Brian, he’s fifteen. They’re our adopted kids … their real ma was killed by a rattlesnake bite …. Katie’s mine an’ Michaela’s…."

Bess took a moment to absorb this complicated information and then stubbornly persisted, "You still didn’t say why she’s not with you …. Seems to me a baby ought to be with her mother."

Resisting the urge to demand what right this old woman had to question their actions, Michaela replied quietly but resolutely, "When we set out more than two weeks ago we were unsure what we were coming to. Our friend Myra …. you met her in the confectionary yesterday …. was very ill, and we’ve spent day after day at her bedside. We decided that was no place for an excitable two year old."

Bess again humphed disparagingly but decided not to pursue the subject further.

Now anxious to bring this awkward visit to an end, Michaela looked at Sully, and he began to edge forward in his seat.

Observing this, and accurately guessing the young lady doctor’s intent, Bess was unexpectedly struck by the fact that she was reluctant to see them leave. They intrigued her. Contrary to her normal inclination she was suddenly anxious to prolong the conversation. "Ye’ll be wanting a boy then … this time round," she hurriedly suggested.

Both bodies stilled and Michaela’s eyes flew to Sully. She held her breath, waiting for his reply. After all, this was a subject she’d been wanting to raise ever since their visit to the toy shop. Sully glanced quickly at her and then back at Bess. He shrugged his shoulders. "That’d be nice," he said quietly. "But we’ve already got two sons an’ two daughters so it don’ matter much either way …. long as its healthy."

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to gain an insight into Sully’s thoughts, Michaela remarked softly, "Yes but only one bears your name …. a son would carry your name forward."

Sully turned slightly to face her and rejoined, "That’s true Michaela … but you know me ….. I aint ever bin one for conventions …. An’ seein’ I don’ know too much ‘bout my past there aint much I’d be passin’ on …. *‘cept* my name." He paused and then his eyes twinkled as he added, "An’ ya know what I think of that."

"Yes but yesterday you bought a toy train for the new baby …. made me think you wanted a boy," murmured Michaela.

"Well … I guess I’d like it if we did have a son ….. but I really *don’* mind either way … you know how much I love Katie. The train was really just me thinkin’ that all the baby toys we’ve got are hers …. Wanted the baby to have somethin’ new …. somethin’ more for a boy if that’s what it turns out to be …," replied Sully, watching her face keenly. He had a feeling he knew what she was thinking, and the last thing he wanted was for her to spend the next few months feeling anxious about giving him a son.

Bess was watching this exchange avidly. It seemed that the young doctor was not as self-assured as she outwardly appeared, nor her husband as uncomplicated as she’d first assumed. She was beginning to regret the fact they were to return to their home on the frontier tomorrow.

Michaela nodded, dropped her eyes to the worn carpet and said wistfully, "It’d be nice to have a son though … wouldn’t it Sully? Not just because of the Sully name …. To raise a daughter *and* a son would be a real challenge." Providing no opportunity for him to answer her rhetorical question, she returned her focus to the old woman opposite. "Did you have any children Bess?" she asked.

"No … Mr Maloney and I were not blessed. We were only married three years before he died. I’ve been living alone here in this house for more than forty years. But enough about me … I’ve heard tell that girls ….or boys …. run in families …. Are you from a large family Doctor?" she asked, once again diverting the conversation away from herself.

"Well … yes … I suppose so … I’m the youngest of five girls …," replied Michaela.

"An’ you sir?" inquired Bess further.

"One brother is all, …. an’ please call me Sully," he replied.

"Mmmm …" mused Bess. "Suppose there’s no telling from that information …. Though it sounds like girls definitely run in your family M …. Dr Quinn."

Michaela smiled, not only because the usually terse Bess had nearly slipped and called her by her first name, but also because she’d suddenly realised that Sully was right. It didn’t matter whether they had a girl or a boy, as long as the baby was healthy. She was so lucky … no … blessed. How close had she come to living alone as Bess had been doing for the past forty years? But then Sully and the children had come along and changed her life forever in so many wonderful, remarkable ways. She reached out and grasped his hand tightly and looked directly at the old woman opposite. "Sully’s right Bess …. It *doesn’t* matter if it’s a boy or a girl …. We’ll just wait and see and love whatever comes along….. Would you like me to let you know after the baby’s born in February?"

For the first time Bess also smiled, and then answered quietly, "Yes, I’d like that."

"Good … then that’s what we’ll do. And also when we get home I’ll send you a supply of willow bark tea …. It’s a little difficult to locate in a big city," offered Michaela.

"Well … if you think it’ll do some good," Bess reluctantly agreed. "Now tell me something about this little place in Colorado you call home …."

Michaela sank down into the leather seat of the train and heaved a sigh of relief. She’d never dreamt how difficult it was going to be getting Myra and her cumbersome push-chair, young Samantha, and then all their combined luggage to the station and loaded on time. They’d been up since six and it was now only nine, but she felt as if she could fall asleep any minute. Behind the tiredness though was a secret sense of elation. They were going home! How good that sounded. Back to the children, the homestead, her medical practice, everything familiar and comforting. Again she sighed, but this time contentedly.

At last joining her in the train seat, Sully asked with concern, "Are you alright Michaela?"

She looped her arm through his, rested her head on his shoulder and whispered, "Very … We’re going home Sully … Doesn’t that sound wonderful?"

He gently rubbed her hand resting on his forearm and smiled. "Sure does … Can’t believe how much I’ve missed the kids."

"Mmm … me too ... Do you think Bess was right Sully? Should we have brought Katie with us? Maybe she *is* too young to have been left with someone else," worried Michaela.

Sully shrugged his shoulders and consoled her. "Michaela, we made a decision that seemed right at the time …. We’ll just ……" He was suddenly halted in mid-sentence by the entirely unexpected sight of someone they both knew striding down the aisle of the train towards them.

Michaela lifted her head in surprise as Sully stopped talking and his body tensed a little. As he edged forward and stood, she raised her eyes to the young man who had halted by their seat looking as startled as she felt.

Sully held out his hand and said quietly, "Thomas …. I’m surprised to see you here. Are you headin’ west?"

Thomas’s eyes opened even wider and he automatically extended his hand to shake Sully’s, albeit *very* briefly. "Well I must say I’m as surprised as you to meet like this on a train in St Louis Mr Sully," he said coldly. "Though it does bear out Kathleen’s story of you and the doctor having to attend to some medical emergency here …. a story I might add of which I doubted the veracity."

By this time Michaela had also risen from her seat and extended her hand. Surprised by Thomas’s cool tone and angered by his words, she said icily, "Pleased to meet you too Mr Enders. Uh …. I hope that you were not inferring that Kathleen would resort to subterfuge to remain in Colorado Springs. I have only known her a little time, but even *I* am aware that is the last thing she would do."

Thomas reddened and he stammered, "Of … of course not. I …. I ….I was ….just … um ….. taken aback that each time I thought I may have coaxed her home to Charleston, something else arose to keep her out west."

Having abruptly put Thomas on the back foot, Michaela couldn’t resist. "Uh …. *coaxed* Mr Enders?"

Suddenly realising that he was at a distinct disadvantage discussing his sister’s situation with the Sullys while standing in the aisle of a now moving train, Thomas drew himself up to his full five foot ten inches and stated decisively, "Well …. whatever your thoughts on the matter madam, I have taken a leave of absence from my work with the senator and intend to once again visit your little frontier town, with the express purpose of persuading Kathleen to return to Charleston with me before Christmas." He doffed his hat at the couple before him and then stated politely, "I must now locate my seat. I trust that you will have a pleasant journey. Good day." He stepped around Sully with as much dignity as he could muster and continued on down the aisle.

Added to that, Michaela was just as worried about Myra sitting some five rows in front of them with Horace and Samantha. Despite her painful back, she’d taken to rising frequently to check on the young woman who was pale and listless and obviously finding the long journey harrowing.

Again Michaela shifted position and Sully gently manoeuvred her to lean against his chest a little so that he could lightly knead her back muscles without any of their fellow passengers realising. She sighed, both in appreciation and exasperation. "Why is it that the last couple of hours of a journey seem to take much longer than the rest?" she moaned softly.

"Guess if ya feelin’ as poorly as you are, even a short trip’s gonna seem long …. an’ of course you’re anxious ta git home to the kids," Sully commiserated, his hand surreptitiously working magic on her back.

"Mmmm …. It seems such a long time since we left home for St Louis …. I wonder how Katie’s been for Kathleen ….. And speaking of Kathleen … what are we going to do about Thomas? I wonder if he even wired her to say he was coming," pondered Michaela.

"I suppose we’ll just haveta wait an’ see, an’ let ‘em sort things out for themselves," replied Sully sagely. "Aint really our business … ‘cept that Kathleen’s a friend an’ might need our support."

Michaela turned a little to gaze lovingly into his deep blue eyes. This was one of the traits that made her love him so. He would never interfere, unless he felt that someone wasn’t being given the opportunity, or wasn’t able, to stand up for themselves. And then he would stand by them for as long as it took and no matter how difficult the situation became. She smiled contentedly, turned to the front again and leant back into him to continue her musings. "So much has happened since we’ve been gone. I just hope Andrew and I can help Myra now. It’s a long way to have brought her if there’s little improvement," she murmured worriedly, again wriggling in the seat. "And of course I don’t know what we’ll do when Hank’s money runs out."

"Well, it’s gonna last a little longer now Michaela. James … you know the doorman from the hotel …. took me aside yesterday mornin’ when I was payin’ the bill an’ gave me this." Sully withdrew a small wad of cash from his pocket. "Said the staff’d taken up a collection …. They want Myra ta git well real bad, an’ they all put in what they could afford."

"That’s wonderful. I’m pleased that her friends thought enough of her to want to help in some way. It might help us keep Horace in the dark about where the money is coming from to pay the Chateau bills too," suggested Michaela. Again her hand flew to her back as a sharp pain hit and made her gasp. "How much longer is it do you think?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"Only ‘bout half an hour I reckon …. Just hold on Michaela … won’ be long," soothed Sully, continuing his gentle ministrations on her back.

Kathleen stepped back from the telegraph office window. "Thanks Mr Bartrum," she said soberly. "That’ll go today won’t it?"

The dour-faced, stand-in telegraph operator nodded his head dolefully and turned back to the pile of letters and packages he’d been sorting.

Despite the gravity of the moment Kathleen couldn’t help but smile a little. While the rotund Mr Bartrum had adequately performed his role while Horace was in St Louis, he’d made few friends amongst the townspeople. Even *she’d* noticed the difference between this man’s disobliging behaviour and Horace’s usual amiable and helpful attitude. She shook her head ruefully as he raised his balding head and eyed the next customers as if they were likely to be more trouble than they were worth.

As she turned to descend the platform steps she very nearly bumped into Matthew who’d been standing back, thoughtfully observing her.

"Ya sent it?" he asked with concern.

Kathleen dropped her blue eyes to the wooden platform, her dark curly hair falling forward to shadow her face. "Uh huh …. but I don’t know what Thomas is going to say …. Or maybe I do …. and that’s what worries me," she said quietly.

Matthew grasped her small hand firmly in his. "Well … you’ve made your decision …. Now we’ve just gotta see what happens…. or what he does. You know I’ll be right beside ya … no matter what."

Kathleen nodded her head gratefully. "I know …. that’s one of the reasons why I …"

"Kathleen, Matthew!" called Brian urgently. He was slowly approaching the couple as a recalcitrant Katie tugged on his hand, urging him in the other direction. At last he reached them and stated ruefully, "Here … you take her …. I’ve had enough!" He raised his hand and passed Katie’s to Kathleen in relief. "We should never’ve told her they were comin’ home!!" he said exasperatedly.

"We!!" exclaimed Matthew with a grin. "It was you who ran around this mornin’, fussin’ about things, tellin’ everyone they were comin’!"

Brian blushed, "Yeah … well …."

For the hundredth time that morning Katie began to whine, "Ma … pa ……"

The three young people moaned simultaneously and all eyes turned hopefully to the railway tracks leading north.

As time wore on a small group of townspeople gathered at the station anticipating the arrival of the train from Denver. Katie was, from time to time, handed on from one person to the next as they tired of her whingeing and efforts to be set down to run onto the railway tracks. A collective sigh of relief could be heard as the train whistle suddenly blasted in the distance and a pall of dark grey smoke belched into the clear, blue sky above the treetops.

As the train drew to a halt at the Colorado Springs station, Sully busily collected together their belongings and then watched with concern as Michaela awkwardly pulled herself upright, placed her hands on her hips and arched her back, attempting to ease the perpetual ache. She then swivelled around and in her turn watched anxiously as Horace bustled about Myra and Samantha. They’d decided that it would be easier to wait until all the other passengers had disembarked before dealing with Myra and her push-chair, but for the moment Sully placed their things down again and took Michaela’s arm. "Come on," he said reassuringly. "Time we got you home."

Too tired to protest, and overwhelmed with the knowledge that there was still much to do before they could finally journey out to the homestead, Michaela accepted his assistance down the aisle of the carriage. All of a sudden her heart was beating a little faster at the prospect of seeing her beloved family again. As they reached the top of the train steps her eyes eagerly sought and then swept over the smiling faces of Brian, Matthew, Colleen, Andrew, Kathleen and then her darling Katie who gave her a tentative smile before burying her face in Kathleen’s shoulder.

Matthew eyed Michaela with concern. She looked pale and was moving gingerly. His eyes flew up to those of a concerned Sully who gave him an almost imperceptible nod. The young man immediately stepped forward and mounted the first step of the train to gently take his ma’s hand. "Hey ma," he said quietly. "Let me help ya down."

Michaela nodded and smiled at him gratefully, wincing as she stepped towards him, and then allowing him to almost lift her down the two steps to solid ground. She retained her grip on his supporting arm as she gingerly moved forward to greet her exuberant family and then reached out for Katie who was stubbornly keeping her face averted from her parents.

Brian wrapped his arm around his ma’s waist. "We all missed ya ma," he said quietly. "Especially Katie," he added, lest anyone should believe that he was still a child. He turned to Sully, who had now returned after retrieving their bags from the train carriage. "You too pa …," he said sincerely, as Sully ruffled his hair lovingly.

Michaela gave Brian a loving squeeze and kissed the top of his head, then let go of Matthew’s supporting arm to place her hands at Katie’s waist. When the little girl did not turn around Michaela came closer and whispered lovingly against her ear, "Sweetheart?"

The little girl still did not respond, but Kathleen, who could feel some of the tension leave Katie’s body, smiled reassuringly at a worried Michaela, prompting her to try again. Michaela grasped her daughter a little more tightly and again whispered, "Sweetheart …. we’re home …"

In one swift movement, the little girl moved silently into her ma’s embrace. She wrapped her arms tightly around Michaela’s neck and hid her face in the coppery hair. Michaela winced as the extra weight exacerbated the pain in her back, but she held tightly to her little girl, gently rocking her and whispering, "Its alright … we’re home …. its alright sweetheart …."

As all the family crowded around Michaela and Sully, many of the townspeople were anxiously waiting for Myra. Andrew, who was now aboard the train seeing to his and Michaela’s patient, had warned them earlier that her illness may have taken its toll and many, such as Grace, Dorothy and Loren, who knew all too well the debilitating effects of a stroke, wanted to be there for her. At last Andrew appeared in the doorway holding little Samantha’s hand, with Horace carrying Myra, just behind. Grace and Dorothy both stifled a gasp as they observed their friend lying so still, her skin pale, her face gaunt, and appearing even smaller than they remembered her. Andrew and Samantha descended to the ground and then turned to observe Horace standing tentatively on the top step.

Suddenly Hank, who had been standing back a little from the others, stepped forward. "Here … Horace … pass her to me …. til ya on the ground," he offered, his voice and face passive.

For a moment the two old adversaries looked each other squarely in the eye, sizing up the situation, then just as suddenly Horace conceded. He nodded and bent forward to place Myra in Hank’s strong arms.

For just a moment Hank’s expression softened as he held Myra close against his chest, but then the mask of passivity descended once more. He glanced at Horace. "I got a buggy ready … just over there … to take ya all out to the Chateau," he said quietly. "Thought ya’d be wantin’ to git out there as soon as ya could …. Myra’ll be real tired by now."

Again Horace eyed Hank warily, trying to gauge his intentions and then he said quietly, "Thanks Hank. Myra … that is …*we* … appreciate it."

Becoming aware of the goings on behind her Michaela turned, Katie still clinging tightly to her neck, and moved towards her patient, now back in Horace’s arms. She reached out and tenderly brushed Myra’s hair back from her face. "Won’t be long sweetheart and we’ll have you in a nice comfortable bed and you can sleep as long as you like." She turned back to Andrew and asked, "Where’s her push-chair?"

"Sully and I have everything here Michaela. Hank has a buggy ready to take us all out to the Chateau. I agree with you … the sooner we get her out there the better," replied Andrew, assuming a business-like tone.

"Good," she replied tiredly. "Sully?"

Sully stepped forward and gently took her arm. "Um …. Michaela …. couldn’ Andrew an’ Colleen look after Myra now ….. you need to git home to bed yourself … You’re tired …. an’ your back …," he suggested quietly.

Michaela sighed. "Sully," she said softly but determinedly. "Myra is my patient … when she’s settled … then I can go home …"

"Nnnnnnno …"

All heads spun around to Myra laying unmoving in Horace’s arms.

"Myra?!" exclaimed Michaela.

Myra shook her head vehemently and again uttered a strained, "Nnnno."

Sully smiled at Myra and then Michaela. "Think the patient’s spoken …..," he grinned.

Horace was hugging Myra excitedly to his chest. "Myra honey …. Ya voice is comin’ back …. I knew it was the right thing bringin’ ya home."

"Horace … I’m not sure that we can attribute the improvement in Myra’s speech to Colorado Springs just yet," chuckled a very pleased Michaela. She grasped her patient’s hand. "Are you sure you don’t mind if I don’t come out to the Chateau with you? …. I’ll be out first thing in the morning?"

Myra smiled, as pleased with herself as many others were. She shook her head and shooed Michaela and her family away with her hand.

Andrew reassured her, "We’ll be fine Michaela …. *really* ….We’ll just settle her in this evening …. The real work begins tomorrow."

Thomas Enders stood on the top step of the station, silently observing, with both interest and distaste, the Sully family and many of the gathered inhabitants of this inconsequential little town. He couldn’t fail to notice the delighted, welcoming way in which Sully and Dr Quinn were greeted by their family and also by many of the others. He’d, of course, espied his sister immediately, standing amongst them, close by Matthew Cooper, the Sully child held tenderly in her arms. She looked happy, content, as if she belonged. But that was ridiculous! She did not belong in this little backwater frontier town! She was from society and he meant to ensure that she returned to take her proper place in Charleston as soon as possible. He noticed with misgiving, Matthew’s protective, no … almost possessive arm, as it crept around Kathleen’s waist and the natural way she leant towards him. This was one contingency for which he had not planned. Had she developed a tendre for this uneducated young man? Surely not! The younger Cooper boy also seemed relaxed with her, whispering an aside and then laughing along with her. He had to admit he’d never seen her looking as attractive - her dark curly hair bouncing on her shoulders, her cheeks rosy, her smile ready, though he drew the line at the simple skirt and blouse she had opted to wear in public! He mentally shook himself and reconsidered his plan of action. Perhaps this evening was not the appropriate time to make his presence and intentions known. The Sullys would no doubt inform her that he had been on their train. He would take a room at the hotel tonight and then see her first thing in the morning. Unnoticed, he stooped down, picked up his valise and strode purposefully down the near empty street, away from the noisy, familial group, wondering why this town and its people could make him suddenly feel much less sure of himself.

Michaela sank down onto the soft mattress in their so familiar bedroom and sighed with relief. She was home! But she felt so tired! She reached up and removed her green hat, uncharacteristically tossing it onto the chair by the door. Her cape quickly joined the hat and she was struggling with the buttons on the back of her modish travelling gown when Sully entered, Katie in his arms.

"Thought you’d be in bed," he said quietly.

"I will be …. as soon as you help me with these buttons," she sighed exasperatedly.

Sully placed Katie down on the floor and sat behind Michaela, gradually working the buttons free of their loops.

Before she could stand to remove her dress, Katie had wrapped her arms around Michaela’s legs and rested her blond head against her knees. Michaela reached down to ruffle her daughter’s fine hair, eyeing her worriedly. Ever since they’d arrived home she’d been very quiet, not allowing them out of her sight, always holding on to one or the other as if afraid that they would disappear again. "Sully?" murmured Michaela with concern.

Sully too had observed his tiny daughter’s actions. He bent down and picked her up, cradling her against his chest. "Missed you," he said lovingly, as he kissed the top of her head. Again her arms came up to encircle his neck.

Michaela gingerly removed her dress, shoes and stockings and Sully pulled back the covers. "Now don’ you worry ‘bout supper," he said soothingly. "I’m sure we can all manage ….. I’ll bring ya up somethin’ on a tray later … alright?"

Michaela smiled gratefully and climbed awkwardly into the big bed, grimacing as she twisted a little and her back hurt again, and then sighing with relief as she was finally able to lay flat and sink into the softness.

Sully bent to kiss her lovingly and then turned towards the door. Immediately Katie began to wriggle protestingly in his arms. He held on to her and murmured, "Ya ma needs ta rest Katie … you can help me with supper."

The little girl shook her head fervently and leaned down towards the bed, increasing the squirming so that he found it difficult to hold onto her. "Mama …," she cried plaintively.

Watching her daughter’s reaction Michaela said softly, "Its alright Sully, leave her here with me … I don’t mind." She looked up at Katie. "Come on sweetheart … lay down here beside me."

Sully placed Katie on the bed and the little girl immediately curled up next to her ma, holding tightly to her arm.

Michaela smiled reassuringly up at her concerned husband. "We’ll be alright." She turned back to her daughter. "Won’t we sweetheart …?"

The little girl nodded contentedly and rested her head against her ma’s shoulder.

Sully shrugged his shoulders. "Well ….," he said dubiously. "If I hear anythin’ I’ll come up an’ git her."

Michaela nodded and yawned. She reiterated, "We’ll be fine." She closed her eyes and hugged Katie to her.

Sully smiled and quietly left the room.

When he returned with Michaela’s supper tray a couple of hours later it was to discover a very different scene to the one he’d left.

Firstly, as he tried to open the bedroom door, he met resistance. He pushed a little harder and gradually it swung open, hampered by some cloth on the floor behind it. His eyebrows rose in concern and consternation, and not a little amusement, when he saw the full extent of the havoc Katie had wreaked in a short amount of time.

Michaela lay, sleeping soundly, blissfully unaware that their daughter had not been sleeping beside her. Katie had found a much better way to occupy her time.

Sully picked his way across the short distance to the bed and gently sat on its edge. He reached out to run the back of his hand tenderly down his wife’s cheek, before bending to kiss her awake. "Michaela?" he murmured softly. "Michaela…."

Michaela stirred a little and yawned. "Is it morning Sully?" she asked, a little befuddled, her eyes remaining closed.

"Nah …. supper time," he replied gently. "Remember?"

"Mmmm … I’m not really hungry …. just want to sleep," murmured Michaela, curling up on her side.

Sully gently caressed her swollen stomach. "Ya need ta eat Michaela," he said persuasively. "Besides … I reckon ya might wanna open your eyes … ta see what Katie’s bin up to while you were sleepin’."

Michaela’s eyes flew open.

Sully nodded towards the floor.

Michaela gasped.

Their tiny daughter now lay sound asleep amidst a tangle of clothes which she had industriously unpacked from their trunk and scattered all over the room. Various gowns, petticoats, bloomers, buckskin breeches, ties, capes, Sully’s best suit, all lay higgledy, piggledy over every square inch of the bedroom floor. She had removed her pretty blue dress and now wore one of Michaela’s nightgowns and her best, black, high-heeled boots. On her head was perched Michaela’s jauntiest blue hat.

To her bemused parents the object she was clutching firmly in her tiny hand was the biggest surprise. Supposedly well hidden in the bottom of the trunk had been the family Christmas presents they’d put so much thought and effort into purchasing in St Louis. Going by the torn wrappings, Katie had made a quick investigation of each one, obviously seeking and then finding hers. The large, dark haired, blue pinafored, porcelain and cloth doll lay close beside her, its hand clasped tightly in her own as she slept.

Michaela’s hand crept into Sully’s and she leaned against his shoulder. "Oh Sully!" she whispered.

"Do ya think she’s tryin’ to tell us somethin’?" asked Sully with a touch of irony.

"Mmm … I think so," murmured Michaela, a glimmer of a tear in her eye. "Do you think she’ll one day forgive us for leaving her at home?"

Katie took a deep breath and then gave an exaggerated sigh before nodding her head.

"Good," said Michaela decisively. "Now you and I have some cleaning up to do today young lady." Wary of her previously sore back, she began to slowly pull herself up into a sitting position, dreading the scene she expected to see before her. Instead, the bulk of the clothes, which last night had been strewn all over the floor, were now neatly folded and sitting on the chair and the dresser. She smiled and turned back to her daughter. "Did you help pa tidy up?" she asked delightedly.

Again Katie nodded, and then murmured, " I sowwy ma …"

Michaela couldn’t help but smile. She said softly, "You won’t do it again?…."

Katie shook her head and then wrapped her arms around her ma’s neck.

Michaela pulled her in as close as her distended stomach would allow and rocked her comfortingly. Suddenly the baby gave a sharp kick as if reacting to the rocking, then Michaela became aware of a tiny hand creeping in between the buttons on the front of her nightgown and resting on top of her stomach.

Katie pulled back a little to look into her ma’s eyes. "Baby not seepin?!" she queried in amazement. Again the baby moved and the little girl’s eyes opened even wider. "Agin!" she giggled excitedly. Suddenly she was off the bed and heading for the door. "I tell papa!!" she exclaimed, as she scampered down the landing as fast as her little legs would carry her.

Michaela chuckled and gently rubbed her hand over her stomach. Sometimes she felt a little overwhelmed at the riches God had provided her, and this was one of those times. The baby again moved obligingly under her hand. She closed her eyes and leant back against the headboard of the bed. Less than eight weeks to go and there would be another Sully baby in the house, a darling brother or sister for Katie!

Her daydreaming was abruptly disturbed by raised voices in the yard below her bedroom window. She immediately recognised Kathleen’s, and rightly surmised that the other had to be Thomas’s.

"Kathleen … I don’t care that you sent me a telegram yesterday … and it doesn’t matter what it contained … I’m here now and I intend to take you back to Charleston with me …. to where you belong," declared Thomas arrogantly.

"But Thomas … if you’d stayed home and let me be .. you’d have read in that telegram that I intend to stay in Colorado Springs," stated Kathleen decisively. "Indefinitely. I love it here …. I fit in. I feel as if I’ve come home. Can’t you understand that?"

"No I can’t," he retorted angrily. "How long have you been here? Six or seven weeks? You’ve lived your entire life in Charleston. Surely that should qualify it more as home that this little backwater."

"This little *backwater*, as you call it, has welcomed me with open arms," explained Kathleen, her voice rising ominously. "I have a purpose here …. I’m not just someone’s little sister … fit for entertaining politicians and society folk and little else." She paused and took a few deep breaths. When she spoke again, her voice had dropped a little in tone and was now more calm. "How long do you have before you must return to Charleston?"

"I start work again on January first," he stated warily. "Why?"

"Won’t you stay here with me for a while … give yourself a little time to acquaint yourself further with this town and its people …. at least stay for Christmas?" implored Kathleen.

Despite his arrogance, Thomas really did love his sister. She was the only family he had, and if the truth be known the real reason he wanted her to return home with him was that he missed her terribly. He finally acquiesced. "I’ll stay … for Christmas …. as you asked," he agreed. "But then we *will* return to Charleston … *together* …."

Kathleen bit her tongue and maintained her poise … for now … At least she’d managed to persuade him to stay for a little while. Perhaps he would change his mind about her going. In the back of her mind she knew that possibility was extremely doubtful … but then … one could always hope. She nodded and beamed at her brother. "Now come for a walk with me," she suggested amiably. "I’ll show you where the deer come down to the stream to drink." She hooked her arm through his. "Come on," she urged. "I want you to discover all you can about this town and why I love it so."

Thomas snorted derisively, however he too refrained from prolonging the argument any further. He would go along with her wishes … for now.

The young, handsome siblings wandered off in the bright winter sunshine towards the stream.

Michaela finally reached the bottom stair and looked about for her husband and daughter. She spied Sully leaning nonchalantly against the kitchen dresser, munching on an apple, while Katie sat up at the kitchen table, happily swinging her legs back and forth, also chewing on apple pieces her pa had prepared for her. Her new doll sat up on the chair beside her.

Sully’s face lit up when he saw her and he held out his arms for her to walk into. "How ya feelin’ this mornin’?" he asked, having already noted that she was still walking a little stiffly. "Ya had a long night’s sleep."

"Mmmm … I’m feeling much better this morning … thanks to you and Katie," replied Michaela, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him.

"An’ your back?" he asked with concern.

"Its still sore … but nowhere near as painful as yesterday," she replied, as she relaxed against him. "Doesn’t it feel wonderful to be home?"

"Mmm … sure does," agreed Sully. He nodded towards their daughter who was now involved in an in-depth conversation with her new doll. "Seems ta be settlin’ down now I think."

Michaela nodded gratefully. Standing in the circle of Sully’s arms, she suddenly realised that from here, he’d had a good view of the yard and the barn. She smiled to herself. Although he wouldn’t interfere, he’d been keeping an eye on the troubled brother and sister, one of whom was their guest and friend and had so generously cared for Katie while they’d been in St Louis.

"Didn’ you tell Myra you’d be over to see her this mornin’?" Sully reminded her. "Won’t be too much of the mornin’ left if ya don’ git goin’."

Michaela nodded and headed for the privy. "I doubt that Myra would’ve woken any earlier than me," she called as she went. "The train journey would’ve taken a lot out of her."

"Yeah well …. You hurry up an’ git ready an’ I’ll fix ya some breakfast," Sully called, as he took down the skillet from above the stove and set it on the hob to heat.

Clutching tightly onto Michaela’s skirt, Katie plodded along behind her ma and pa across the bright and airy Chateau foyer and down the first hallway to the right. As Michaela knocked on one of the guestroom doors, and a male voice called for them to enter, the little girl was brought up short by the sight of another little girl, a little larger than herself, with long curly dark hair, a blue pinafore and black shoes, standing a little further down the corridor, peering out the window. Forgetting to keep an eye on her parents, she let go of the long dark green skirt, her eyes fixed in bewilderment on what appeared to be her new doll come to life. She took a tentative step forward, and then, when the little girl raised her hand and started to draw with her finger on the frosty window pane, she ran forward, stopping only a few feet short of the apparition.

Four year old Samantha turned when she heard the footsteps coming towards her and eyed the cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed, little girl who was considering her so intently. Suddenly she smiled.

Katie responded to the smile with one of her own and approached the little stranger, finally reaching out to touch and then take her hand.

A few minutes later Sully, suddenly realising that his daughter was missing, popped his head out of the door of Myra’s room to discover Katie and Samantha merrily playing hopscotch, or their own primitive form of the game, on the intricately patterned carpet of the Chateau drawing room. He smiled to himself. Samantha needed a friend right now and Katie would enjoy the company of a child nearer her own age. He wouldn’t interrupt them, just keep an eye open in case they were to get into any mischief, as all small children are wont to do.

Sully, Michaela, Katie, Andrew, Colleen, Myra, Horace and Samantha were sitting at a large round table in the Chateau dining room enjoying a late lunch. Sully was watching Michaela’s face with amusement. She’d discovered that ice-cream was on the menu! Convinced that her ongoing craving for ice-cream could not be assuaged in Colorado Springs, she’d been resolved to trying to overcome it, or perhaps find a substitute. But there was no substitute for the real thing! He’d observed her face light up as she read the menu and then the satisfied little grin she gave when she thought no-one was watching. He suddenly realised that these little sojourns at the Chateau might become a habit for the next couple of months.

"Well Michaela …. I think we’ve mapped out an achievable routine for Myra," said Andrew confidently, as he wiped his mouth with his napkin and laid it neatly on the table. "If we all play our part we should start seeing improvement in a very short space of time."

Myra beamed at Andrew and then Michaela. This was not the same dispirited young woman Sully and Michaela had first seen laying so ill in a darkened room in St Louis. She was determined to do everything her doctors recommended. She was going to get well!

Michaela wiped the last ice-cream residue from her lips and then leant across to do the same for Katie who looked like developing the same liking for the creamy sweetness as her ma. She swept her eyes over those assembled at the table. "Its going to take a lot of work from all of us," she said. "We can’t expect startling results in just a few days."

"Well, I’ll be doin’ whatever I can Dr Mike," rejoined Horace eagerly. "Gotta git back to workin’ at the telegraph office from Monday, but I’ll be out here helpin’ Myra with her exercises as much as I can."

"I know you will Horace … and I’m sure we can count on some of the other townspeople helping too …. Kathleen’s already offered to come out here if she can be of any assistance …," replied Michaela. She turned to Myra. "You haven’t met Kathleen yet Myra. She’s a lovely young lady who looks after Katie for me when I’m working and also cares for Grace and Robert E’s new son Michael in the mornings. I’m sure you’ll like her. She’s from Charleston ….. accompanied her brother here a couple of months back and decided to …."

"Mr Sully, Dr Quinn, Dr Cook," boomed a loud, cultured voice, as its owner approached their table from the direction of the foyer.

All heads swung around to observe Senator Dinston, the new landlord of the Chateau striding towards them, his face creased in a wide welcoming smile.

Sully immediately rose and held out his hand to the man. "Senator … I didn’ know you were back," he said.

"Well …. all the legal wrangles with Mr *Preston A Lodge III* have finally been ironed out and I am at last the one hundred percent owner of the Colorado Springs Chateau and Resort," proclaimed the jovial gentleman as his eyes swept over those seated at the table.

Sully quickly pulled out a chair and indicated to the Senator that he should join them.

He nodded gratefully and sank his bulk into the velvet covered chair. "I’m glad that you and your friends are availing yourselves of the Chateau’s facilities Mr Sully," he boomed. "I believe that was not always encouraged in Mr Lodge’s time."

Sully smiled wryly. "Ah … you could say that sir …," he replied. "Actually Myra an’ her daughter Samantha here are your guests at the moment. Myra’s been ill an’ Michaela thought the springs might do her some good."

"Ah …. but that’s wonderful. The hot springs, the clear fresh air, good wholesome food, expert medical care … those are the very things I am going to emphasise when I begin advertising for clients back east," the Senator outlined volubly, obviously warming to his topic. "And not just back east either. I see no reason why the people of this area shouldn’t also benefit from what the Chateau has to offer. In fact I was going to ask the opinion of you and your good wife as to how the folk of Colorado Springs might react to a Christmas Eve dance …. Give them an opportunity to become acquainted with me and enjoy themselves at the same time. What do you think? Would they come?"

Sully and Michaela both sat back in their chairs a little bemused. The attitude of this man was so different to their old nemesis Preston Lodge that they needed a moment to catch their breath. Sully turned his head to look at Michaela who was obviously giving the Senator’s proposition considerable thought.

At last she said quietly, "Ah …. Senator …. You’d welcome *all* the townspeople to this dance?"

The Senator’s eyes narrowed as he tried to discern the real point behind her words and then he said sincerely, "Yes Dr Quinn …. *all* the townspeople."

Still unable to quite believe the Senator’s words, Michaela tried again. "You would be aware sir that in the past there were some townspeople *welcomed* into the Chateau, *only* if they took the side door …. they were not permitted to use the main entrance."

"I *am* aware of it," replied the Senator in a low tone. "However, that will not be the case now that I am the proprietor. As long as the conventions of good manners are followed, anyone … and I mean anyone …. may avail themselves of the Chateau’s facilities. As a businessman, it would be imprudent of me to preclude certain local people from my establishment …. for …. err …. certain …. err …. dubious reasons. Now …. what about my suggestion of a Christmas Eve dance?"

Sully finished stoking the fire just as Michaela returned to the living-room after checking on Katie and Brian. He’d extinguished most of the lamps and so the room was lit only by a faint, restful glow from the fire and a low lamp by the stairs. As she approached, he dropped into the wingback chair and held out his hand to her. She needed no further bidding. She took his hand and settled herself in his lap, leaning into his chest and dropping her head onto his shoulder. His arms came up to encircle her, holding her close.

"Kids asleep?" he asked softly.

"Uh huh …. I hope Katie sleeps through tonight. Three in a bed’s not always … um …. *comfortable*," she whispered self-consciously. She blushed as Sully hugged her a little tighter. "She’s curled up with ‘Manfa’ lying alongside her." Michaela chuckled softly. "Do you think she’ll ever be able to pronounce Samantha’s name correctly?"

Sully joined in her laughter. "I dunno," he said. "But I have a feelin’ that ‘Manfa’ is gonna stick. Funny thing is … I hadn’t noticed just how alike the doll an’ Samantha were …. until Katie pointed it out. Had you?"

"No …. not at all … Katie and the *real* Samantha seem to enjoy each other’s company so much …. Its good for both of them. And it means that I can spend time with Myra and know that Katie’s happily occupied," replied Michaela.

"Yeah, well ya betta keep an eye on ‘em," warned Sully gently. "Caught ‘em runnin’ round an’ round the hot pool yesterday …. one of ‘em might’ve slipped in."

Michaela’s eyes flew open in alarm. "Why didn’t you tell me?" she demanded. "They weren’t supposed to be anywhere near the pools."

"I know …. An’ that’s what I told ‘em …. but you know kids Michaela …. especially little ones like those two … they forget …," rejoined Sully.

Michaela nodded resignedly. "I’ll keep a better watch on them tomorrow …. I’d couldn’t bear it if anything was to happen to one of them …"

"Now don’ go gittin’ yourself het up ‘bout it. Kids’ll be kids …. ya can’t watch ‘em every minute," soothed Sully, his hand gently caressing her stomach.

Michaela heaved a deep sigh and relaxed into his arms, responding to his loving touch. "And soon there’ll be a new baby to watch over," she murmured. She rested her hand over his. "We’ll have to start thinking about names soon," she added dreamily.

"Still plenty of time for that," responded Sully, gently turning his hand to grasp hers. "Let’s git through Christmas first an’ then we can start thinkin’ ‘bout names in the new year."

"Speaking of Christmas … You do realise we’re going to have to find something else for Katie for Christmas don’t you? … She wouldn’t understand if she didn’t get anything."

"We’ll come up with somethin’ Michaela," Sully reassured her, lifting her hand to his mouth for a light, loving kiss.

Michaela’s body tingled and she nestled down further into his embrace. "There was a lot of excitement in town today when the notices about the Christmas Eve dance at the Chateau went up. I have a feeling that Loren’s Christmas profits are going to rise considerably when all the ladies realise that they’ll want something new to wear."

"What about you? You gonna git somethin’ new for the dance?" asked Sully, absent-mindedly resuming his caresses over her stomach and the child cradled within.

Michaela shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever I wear I’m going to feel like the size of a house … and I’m not sure I’m going to be up to dancing."

"Maybe a nice slow waltz … with ya husband holding ya close," Sully murmured lovingly against her ear. "An I reckon you should git somethin’ new if ya want … Colleen’ll help ya."

"Last time Colleen helped me with a dress it was cut so low in front I had to wear a cape all night … remember," chuckled Michaela. "But maybe something new would be nice."

"Yeah …. somethin’ blue … always love ya in blue … an’ its alright if its a *little* low in front …. Always reminds me of our weddin’ day when I couldn’ keep my eyes off ya …," intoned Sully softly.

Michaela bit her lip and gazed deeply into his blue eyes. When he smiled she leant across and claimed his lips with hers. The kiss quickly deepened as each lost themselves in the pleasure and sensations only the other could arouse. Sully pulled her in close and her hands came up to caress his back and neck as their mouths worked their familiar magic. As they paused for breath, resting their foreheads together, Sully whispered huskily, "Bedtime huh?"

Michaela nodded and awkwardly pulled herself upright, gently caressing his kiss-swollen lips as she did so.