Kathleen’s brother Thomas was eyeing Horace with distaste. Obviously the man had overindulged at a Halloween celebration. That could be the only explanation for his bedraggled appearance and poor excuses. He turned to his sister and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Kathleen … are you alright now," he asked kindly.

She nodded mutely and took a few deep breaths, then whispered. "I just got such a fright …. I didn’t expect it …."

"I’m *really* sorry …. just didn’ think ……" reiterated Horace, his face red under the smudged costume make-up he was wearing.

Thomas gave Horace another disdainful look and placed his hand under Kathleen’s elbow. "We should be moving Kathleen ….. alright?"

"Yes of course," she replied, rising from the bench.

Thomas turned back to Horace and said peremptorily, "I assume that we are able to leave our luggage here until we’ve organised accommodation?"

Horace stuttered with embarrassment, "Y-yes, of course. I-I’ll take real good care of it."

With a derisive snort Thomas took his sister’s arm and led her up the street away from the railway station.

Kathleen was wide-eyed as she took in the sights of Colorado Springs, though its inhabitants were not at all as she’d expected. For in the space of just a few minutes she observed a young couple who looked as if they had stepped out of a Shakespearian play enter the livery, a young boy dressed as Robin Hood and carrying a small child with black paint smudged across his or her cheeks hurry across the street, another couple resembling Mexican peasants enter the barber shop and a tall red-headed woman in the garb of a witch enter the mercantile up ahead. All she could think was that the people of Colorado Springs certainly entered wholeheartedly into the Halloween spirit! What struck her most was that anyone whose eye she caught, smiled a greeting. The uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach was gradually being consumed with one of excitement. Perhaps she was going to enjoy her stay in the small, frontier town after all.

As they passed the town’s bank, Thomas again snorted in disgust. "Past nine o’clock and the bank’s not even open …. What sort of town is this?" He strode across the street towards the mercantile, with Kathleen picking up her fine skirts and quickening her pace to keep up with him. They entered the dimly lit store, only to have their eyes alight on what appeared to be an ageing silver-haired US marshal, gunbelt on his hip, shiny star on his lapel, doling out change to a store customer. He looked up and stared at them through narrowed eyes as they approached.

"Mornin’," Loren said gruffly and tiredly. "What ya needin’? Aint got all day."

"Well at this stage we’re not intending to buy anything my good man," said Thomas pompously. "We’re actually looking for Mr Byron Sully."

Loren stared at them for a moment, his mind working a dime a dozen, as he tried to figure out what these two well-dressed young easterners would be wanting with Sully. "Sully’s over at the medical clinic," he muttered, waving his hand in its vague direction.

Without thinking, Kathleen asked, "Why? Is he sick?"

Loren looked at her with disgust. "Nah it aint sick! Now I got work to do." And he turned his back on the Enders.

Thomas again took his sister’s arm and led her out of the store away from the objectionable old man. He quickly scanned the street, his eyes alighting on the medical clinic sign opposite. "This way Kathleen," he said abruptly, and they stepped down from the sidewalk.

"Aint he beautiful Dr Mike," whispered Grace, as her new son, laying cocooned in her arms, drifted off to sleep. "I still can’t believe it." Grace had just fed the baby for the first time and was feeling a little overwhelmed. As for Robert E, he couldn’t take his eyes off the boy and the beautiful woman, his wife, holding him. Grace glanced up at him. "You take him Robert E," she said softly.

Robert E’s heart started to beat a little faster. The baby was so tiny, so fragile looking. He looked up at Michaela doubtfully and shrugged his shoulders.

"Just hold him gently, but close in against yourself Robert E …. you’ll be fine," she said with a reassuring smile. "He won’t break."

Robert E reached out and awkwardly took the baby into his arms. All of a sudden he needed to sit down. The moment was totally overwhelming.

"Have you decided on his name?" asked Michaela, smiling at the couple’s obvious joy.

"Well we were gonna name him Robert," said Grace. "An then we decided that two Robert Es in the family might be too much ….. ‘sides as far as I’m concerned there’s only one Robert E." She turned her sparkling, adoring eyes on her husband for a moment and then turned back to Michaela. "So ……….." She paused and looked back at Robert E, who gave her a slight assenting nod. "So we decided on Michael Anthony …… its a good strong name ….. after two real strong people ….. he’s gonna need that." She trailed off watching Michaela closely for her reaction.

Michaela’s brow creased and her eyes flew from Robert E’s to Grace’s seeking affirmation of the meaning of her words.

"That is …. if ya don’ mind Dr Mike ….," quietly added Robert E with concern.

Michaela’s eyes filled with tears. "Um …. I don’t mind ….. in fact I’m honoured," she said softly. "But there must be others in your lives …. past or present ….. who should have that honour."

"It aint just the name Dr Mike ….. its all the things you are that we want our boy to be …," said Grace, holding out her arms to Michaela.

Michaela swiped at the tears in her eyes and then walked into her friend’s embrace.

Again Sully’s head dropped forward as sleep threatened to overwhelm him. He snapped his head up and took a few deep breaths. Michaela’d been right. It had indeed been a long night! He was sitting at her desk in the surgery, continually fighting the need to close his eyes, while he waited for her to come downstairs. Suddenly, there was a loud and imperious knocking on the clinic door. He glanced towards the staircase leading to the delivery rooms and then stood and walked wearily across to open it. On the doorstep were two fashionably dressed strangers, one of whom seemed to know him.

"Ah Mr Sully," said the man and held out his hand.

Sully looked at the couple in bewilderment. "Um ….. I’m sorry …," he said. "But I ….. ah …."

"I’m Thomas Enders Mr Sully, we met at the convention in St Louis …. in July ….. I’m Senator Greenwood’s aide," said the young man, beginning to lose patience with Sully’s blank expression.

Suddenly Sully’s mind cleared. Of course. He held out his hand. "I’m sorry Mr Enders, he said. "I didn’t recognise you …. please come in." He stood back and allowed the couple to precede him into the clinic.

"I’m sorry I didn’t let you know of my exact date of arrival Mr Sully. The senator wasn’t too sure of when he would be able to spare my services. Then suddenly there were some meetings called in Washington and I was free to come out here." He paused, his eyes flying around the rustic surgery and then alighting on the woman beside him. "Oh …. I’m sorry I’ve been remiss. May I introduce my sister, Kathleen Enders. She has often expressed a wish to journey out west and I thought this short visit ideal. I hope you don’t mind."

Sully turned towards the attractive, smiling, young woman who held out her hand in greeting. "Ah … mornin’ maam …" he said. "I hope that you’ll enjoy your stay in Colorado Springs."

Kathleen’s eyes sparkled with amusement and excitement. "Well Mr Sully," she said, her smile broadening. "The day has certainly started out memorably."

Sully’s eyebrows rose in a query and he said softly, "Ah …excuse me?"

"Well," she replied. "We were met at the station by someone bearing a very strong resemblance to Frankenstein’s monster and then had an unpleasant encounter with a rather *senior* lawman in the mercantile ….. you certainly have some …. ah ….. interesting characters in this town."

It was obvious to Sully that Miss Enders was highly amused by these occurrences, however one look at Mr Enders face was enough to know that he was not! "Ah …. well," started Sully with an ironic chuckle. "Most of the town’s been up all night …. see …."

His explanation was interrupted by Michaela entering the clinic via the door from the recovery rooms. She stopped dead when she saw the well-dressed, young couple with Sully. "Oh … I’m sorry," she said uneasily. "I didn’t know there was anyone else down here." She immediately glanced down at her blood-smeared apron and then nervously tucked some stray locks of hair back behind her ears.

"Michaela ….. this is Thomas Enders and his sister Kathleen. Mr Enders is Senator Greenwood’s aide …. Ya know I said he was comin’ out here to see some of Colorado for himself." He turned back to the new arrivals. "Mr Enders, Miss Enders … this is my wife Michaela Quinn."

Michaela stepped forward, wiping her hands down her dirty apron before holding one out, then smiling an embarrassed smile. "Good morning," she said quietly. "I’m afraid you’ve caught us at a bad time …."

"Humph …" snorted the young man. "Seems the whole town had a …. ah ….. *good* time last night."

"Ah well ….. looks can be deceivin’," said Sully beginning to take offence at the man’s pretentious attitude.

As he was talking Michaela was unbuttoning her apron, determined to look more presentable in the eyes of the newcomers. However, she’d forgotten exactly how the fairy godmother dress looked in all its glory. As she divested herself of the apron, hanging it over a nearby chair, and turned back to face their visitors, the young man’s eyes swept over her peculiar attire, and then lingered just a little too long over the rather revealing bodice.

As Michaela’s face reddened at the man’s obviously damning appraisal of her appearance, Sully’s blood began to boil. "Ah Mr Enders … perhaps we need to git some things straight here," he said curtly. He edged over to stand shoulder to shoulder with Michaela. "This is my wife - *Doctor* Michaela Quinn. And yes we do all look a little tired an’ …. ah ……. worse for wear ….. but ya see … a lot of people in this town, includin’ Horace down at the station, and Loren in the mercantile, spent the night sittin’ outside the clinic here, while Michaela delivered a baby to one of our townsfolk. Grace went into labour about nine last night durin’ the town’s Halloween party, an’ had her baby about an hour an’ a half ago ….. *So* Mr Enders ….. looks *can* be deceivin’."

The young man’s face reddened. "Ah …. I-I meant no offence …," he stuttered. "You must understand that after travelling on the train all night ….. the strange characters ….. the situation was easy to misconstrue …"

"Yeah …. well it seems we all had a long night," said Sully bluntly. "So, maybe we can all start over ….. an’ ya can git to know Colorado Springs how it really is an’ not how it looks this mornin’."

Thomas Enders took a deep breath and held out his hand. "I’d like that Mr Sully. Kathleen will tell you I can be a little quick tempered. I shall try to reserve my judgement in the future until I know more of the facts."

Having regained some of her composure and yet still feeling at a distinct disadvantage when comparing her dishevelled and unusual appearance to that of the modish couple before her, Michaela stepped forward and took Kathleen’s hand. "I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here Miss Enders. It really is a nice town once you get to know it."

"Oh I’m not worried, Dr Quinn," she exclaimed. "I’m intrigued. A woman doctor in a frontier town …. a birth which had everyone staying up overnight ….. I can’t wait to see everything you’re willing to show me."

"Good," said Michaela in relief. She turned to Sully. "I have to stay here until noon. Colleen and Andrew have gone back to the Chateau to change and rest and then they’ll be back so I can go home. Why don’t you take Mr and Miss Enders to the caf� for something to eat."

After much persuasion over a late breakfast, Sully finally convinced Thomas and Kathleen (as they insisted they be called) to reside at the homestead rather than the Gold Nugget or the Chateau during their stay. Sully was keen to show Thomas as much of the area as he could in the week the man was to spend in Colorado Springs. After all he was likely to influence some of the Senator’s policies and decisions regarding land in the territories in the coming months.

Shortly after midday, Sully returned to the clinic to collect Michaela, Katie and Brian. He was immediately concerned about Michaela. "Ya ready?" he asked gently, noting the dark circles under her eyes and her pale face.

"Mmmm ….. definitely," she replied thankfully. "Where are Mr and Miss Enders?"

"They’re down at the station collectin’ their luggage …. We’re stoppin’ by to pick ‘em up on the way home," replied Sully.

"They’re coming out to the homestead Sully?" exclaimed Michaela in dismay. "But we haven’t ….. we’re not prepared ….. what are we going to do with them?" Her eyes welled up.

"I’ll organise everythin’," said Sully placatingly. "Cos as soon as you’ve eaten you’re goin’ to bed ….. so’s Brian, an’ maybe even Katie if I can git her to lay down …. She’s really the only one who got any decent sleep last night."

Feeling as if everything was overwhelming her, and too tired to protest any further, Michaela allowed Sully to collect her cape from the hook by the door, drape it over her shoulders and then lead them all out of the clinic to the wagon.

Michaela woke to the sound of laughter drifting up from the yard outside. But this wasn’t the laughter of her children or Sully. In fact it sounded like a young woman. And then suddenly she remembered! She closed her eyes and slumped back against her pillow in mortification. She was so ashamed of herself.

She told herself that she’d tried to be nice, to be hospitable. But deep down she knew it was a lie. The Enders’ arrival in town this morning, after the long, tense night, had disconcerted her to the point where she’d acted totally out of character. Throughout the drive to the homestead she’d silently taken umbrage at any and all comments made by the couple, she’d found it impossible to make polite conversation and so for the most part had not joined in at all, and had even been rudely unresponsive to the glowing compliments Kathleen had made about the homestead and the wonderful scenery surrounding it.

Even after coming upstairs and changing into something more presentable and tidying her hair, she’d had little energy or inclination to play the hostess. She’d often said to Sully that she was the sort of person who liked to make plans, and having the presence of the society-bred siblings thrust upon her when she felt at her most vulnerable certainly hadn’t, and didn’t, fit into her plans.

Throughout lunch she’d been aware that Sully was watching her worriedly, and a couple of times when she’d caught his eye she’d tried to smile, to be polite, but within a very short while her energy and concentration for such conventions had waned and she’d fallen silent and listless again. She was relieved when Sully finally suggested that she come up here to sleep. In this familiar sanctuary she didn’t have to hide her uncertainty and discomfiture behind a smiling facade.

There were suddenly more peals of laughter from the yard, this time from more than one person, drawing Michaela to the window. Below, Thomas and Brian were casually leaning against the yard fence while Kathleen and Sully were playing with Katie, lifting her up by the arms and swinging her to and fro between them as they walked along. The little girl was squealing delightedly and demanding to be swung higher and higher. The threesome reached the big oak and turned back towards the homestead.

Michaela’s breath caught and she unconsciously moved her hand down to gently rub her swollen stomach. She suddenly irrationally envied all that was Kathleen - her vivacity, her energy, her slim figure, her youth, even her stylish clothes, curly dark brown hair and clear blue eyes.

She shook herself, angrily wiping away the tears which were beginning to fall. This was not like her. In fact this was ridiculous! She knew she was one of the luckiest people in the world - she had a loving husband, four of the best kids she could ever wish for, a new baby coming, the clinic …….

She suddenly realised that Sully was waving to her from the yard. She returned his wave and then walked across to the dressing table to take up her hairbrush. Tonight she would show their guests that she was actually nothing like the terse woman they had encountered earlier.

When Sully entered the room she was roughly pulling the brush through her hair determined to rid herself of both the tangles and the memories of the last few hours.

"Here … let me do it," he said quietly. "If ya keep goin’ like that it’ll be fallin’ out in chunks, an’ I don’ fancy my beautiful wife bein’ bald."

In the mirror Michaela observed his face closely, unsure what his reaction to her earlier behaviour might be. All she saw was amusement at his own joke and tenderness, as he gently brushed her silky hair until it shone. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I’m sorry Sully …," she murmured quietly and contritely. "Do they think I’m awful ….. do *you* think I’m awful?"

"Awful Michaela?" he asked casually. "Why?’

She blushed. "I was so rude. I knew I was doing it but I just couldn’t stop." Her eyes began to well with tears again.

Sully stopped the brushing and came round to kneel beside her. "Hey Michaela …," he said gently. "You were tired …..they turned up when ya weren’t expectin’ ‘em …..an’ this probably had somethin’ to do with it too." He gently placed his hand over hers resting on her stomach. "I told ‘em all about spendin’ all night with Grace …. ‘bout her bein’ a friend an’ all. I reckon they understand." He leaned forward and gave her a loving kiss. "Its alright to be tired an’ upset sometimes," he said softly. "Unless it happens all the time," he qualified with a smile. "Now are ya up to comin’ downstairs so they can meet the woman I love."

She again sighed in her sleep and then clasped his arm gently. And suddenly he was aware of another reason why she was restless. Her swollen abdomen was resting against his hip and stomach and he could feel the baby moving. He looked at her in astonishment, marvelling that she could sleep through it. He couldn’t resist reaching for the hem of her nightgown and gradually bunching it up so that he could slide his hand up over her stomach. He began to gently caress her bare skin, occasionally being rewarded with another faint movement from the child cradled within. He dipped his head to kiss her lovingly on the forehead. He could lie here like this with her in his arms forever. This time, he was the one to sigh softly.

And yet he almost wished that she would wake. By the time he’d finished locking up last night she’d been sound asleep and because of their unexpected guests they hadn’t had many opportunities to talk. He wanted to ask her about Grace and the new baby, to make sure that everything was alright with them. He wanted to check that she hadn’t become too tired or overwrought while helping them. He had to admit that there were times yesterday when he’d been worried about her. Her early reaction to their newly arrived house guests had been so out of character that he’d even noticed Brian looking at her quizzically a couple of times. Of course, after her sleep during the afternoon she’d been much more her usual self and had certainly won over Kathleen. He couldn’t be sure about Thomas though.

Again he felt the baby kick and instinctively softly caressed the spot where he’d felt the movement.

"Mmmm …. I like that," whispered Michaela, her eyes remaining closed.

"I didn’ wake ya did I?" returned Sully, his voice low. "Its too early to git up yet."

"No, the baby woke me," she replied, almost purring as Sully continued his soft caresses.

"How ya feelin’ this mornin’ Michaela? Do ya think you’ve caught up on the sleep ya missed with Grace an’ the baby an’ all?"

"Mmm ….. I’m fine …. Though I’m glad we don’t have to get up yet," she replied with a yawn. Then she added anxiously, "Do you think they’ve forgiven me …. for being so rude yesterday? Kathleen and Thomas I mean?"

Sully chuckled. "I reckon …. especially Kathleen … she seems to really like ya …. Think you’re probably a little different to what she’s used to …."

Michaela tilted her head up to look into his eyes, not sure whether to take offence. "What do you mean different?"

"Well …. I reckon ….. that maybe Kathleen comes from the same sorta family you do …. you know …. where women are supposed to look pretty ….. but aint supposed to think too much. I think she might’ve had her eyes opened a little yesterday …. meetin’ you," he said lovingly, a touch of pride in his voice.

There was a pause and then Michaela said softly, "You think she’s pretty?"

Sully grinned. "I dunno …. didn’ notice …" he said, non-commitedly.

Michaela again looked up into his eyes and then raised herself up to give him a light kiss. "Good answer," she said with a coy smile.

"You know ya never have to worry ‘bout me lookin’ anywhere but at you Michaela …. you’ll always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me."

Michaela snuggled in closer to him and lightly kissed his chest in appreciation of his sentiment.

"I’ll tell ya who has taken to her though," said Sully with a chuckle. He watched Michaela’s eyebrows rise in a query. "Katie thinks she’s wonderful an’ ya have to admit Kathleen’s awful good with her, helpin’ her with her supper an’ then playin’ after. An’ did ya notice Brian …. couldn’ take his eyes off her."

"I have a feeling she may have that effect on several males in this town," said Michaela knowingly. "You watch them when we take her and Thomas to church this morning." She yawned again and added, "Wish we didn’t have to get up, but I promised Grace and Robert E I’d stop in at the clinic before church. If everything’s alright, then Grace and the baby can go home."

"I wanted to talk to ya about them yesterday …. everythin’ went alright with Grace an’ the baby?" asked Sully with concern.

"Perfectly really …. Grace was so brave and there were no problems at all with the delivery," replied Michaela. "How did Robert E handle it?"

"He was a nervous wreck …. pacin’ up an’ down the porch ….. it seems so long when ya don’ know what’s happenin’," rejoined Sully thoughtfully.

"We didn’t have that worry with Katie, did we Sully? It was just you and me out there," murmured Michaela dreamily. Then she added, "I wonder how you’d have been if everything had gone to plan and I’d been in the clinic with Andrew and you’d been outside pacing up and down."

Sully’s heart began to pound at the thought. "I dunno Michaela …. I was dreadin’ it then ….. an’ I think I’m dreadin’ it even more with this one." He laid his open palm possessively over her stomach.

Michaela raised her eyes to his as if considering a notion for the first time. "I guess I hadn’t realised that you wouldn’t be there this time. You gave me such strength with Katie …… you were so patient and caring ….."

"Well we got three months to get used to the idea … or maybe think of somethin’ different Michaela," Sully said gently, as he gave her a loving kiss. "Now tell me about Grace an’ Robert E’s baby ….. does he look like ‘em …. is he healthy?

"Oh he’s so beautiful Sully …… he’s really little … after all he was two weeks early, and I’m afraid I couldn’t tell whether he looked like one or the other. I never can. I’ve always wondered about people who say they can …. new babies are so unique …. with their own features." She trailed off remembering the moment when she’d first held Katie. "You should’ve seen Grace when she fed him for the first time." She paused and then blushed. "Of course you wouldn’t …. but she was so nervous, and then when the baby caught on, she sat there with happy tears pouring down her face …. and Robert E couldn’t stop grinning. I’m so pleased that something wonderful has happened for them … after everything they’ve been through."

Sully hugged her a little tighter. "Did they tell ya what they were gonna call him?"

There was a long pause.

"Michaela?"

"Well yes they did ….."

"Uh huh," murmured Sully expectantly.

She peered up at him and said softly, "Michael Anthony …." She was watching him carefully for his reaction.

He smiled and then kissed her on the forehead. "Good name," he said proudly.

"You don’t mind?"

"Mind? Why would I mind?"

"I-I just thought that you’d known Robert E for a lot longer than I have and …. and ….. you might’ve been ….. put out …." She gave him an anxious look.

Sully sighed. "Firstly I couldn’ be happier that our friends decided to name their baby after my beautiful, unique wife … an’ second, I’d be the first one to tell ‘em they were crazy if any of our friends …… or family …… decided to name their baby Byron …… or Sully!"

"Oh I don’t know …… neither names are as bad as you think …. I wouldn’t mind our baby bearing your name."

"Our baby’ll bear the Sully surname …. an’ that’s quite enough. Suppose that’s the only thing about them callin’ their baby Michael …. means we can’t …."

Michaela’s eyes flew up to his, "I hadn’t really even thought about a name for the baby yet …. And I’d certainly never have thought about naming it after me …. we didn’t do that with Katie. Besides I feel ….. honoured …… that Grace and Robert E have named their child Michael. Grace said it was a strong name."

"An’ so it is," affirmed Sully with a kiss. "Now we’ll haveta think of a strong name for our baby ….. boy or girl …… maybe time to start givin’ it some thought."

"Sometimes I can’t believe that we’re going to have another baby Sully. I feel so blessed," whispered Michaela wonderingly.

"Mmm …. me too. Now …… ya ready to git up yet? …. Or can we stay here a little longer?" asked Sully with a smile.

"A little longer please ….. though we mustn’t forget we have guests," murmured Michaela as she snuggled up against him and closed her eyes.

"Grace …. you’re doing wonderfully," said Michaela with a smile after checking both mother and baby. "I believe you should be fine to take Michael home this morning … as long as you promise to take it easy …. and also to send for me if there is anything …. anything at all ….. you’re worried about."

Grace nodded happily and then said a little anxiously, "Truth is Dr Mike …. I’m kinda nervous …. Aint had much to do with babies ….. ‘cept Katie ….. how do ya know if you’re doin’ things right?"

Michaela laid her hand over Grace’s. "All I can suggest Grace is to ask …… There’s Dorothy … she’s waiting out in the hall to see you … she’s had several babies …. And I’ll be here in town …. I remember what it was like with Katie at first. Please don’t be afraid to ask."

Grace nodded. "Thanks Dr Mike …. for everythin’," she said softly.

"You’re welcome Grace," said Michaela with a smile. "Now there are some people outside who’d really like to see you and the baby. Are you feeling up to it?"

Grace nodded, grinned and whispered conspiratorially, "Truth is ….. I’ve bin wantin’ to show him off."

Michaela walked to the door and nodded to those standing outside. Robert E entered and immediately took up his position at the head of the bed. Dorothy and Sully followed.

"Oh Grace …. Robert E …. he’s beautiful," exclaimed Dorothy, as she bent over the tiny boy in Grace’s arms and pulled the blanket back a little to gain a better view. "He looks real content." She looked up at the proud father. "I do believe he looks a little like you Robert E."

Robert E’s chest puffed out a little, despite a modest protest. "I-I dunno …. maybe he looks more like Grace."

Grace was looking up at Sully. She lifted the tiny bundle up to him. "You wanna hold him Sully?" she offered softly.

Sully merely nodded and took the sleeping baby from her.

Both Grace and Robert E had commented to each other in the past about Sully’s gentle ways with his children, first Brian and then Katie. He seemed to have a manner with them so that they responded to him. He now stood holding the new arrival so tenderly and protectively. He looked over at Robert E. "Ya should be real proud my friend," he said softly. "He’s really somethin’. This baby’s real lucky … havin’ the two of you as his parents …. I know that you’re all gonna be real happy."

When the visitors had arrived Michaela had moved into the background and was now standing near the door to the recovery room, watching her husband lovingly as he held the new baby. From behind her she heard a soft sigh. She turned slightly and saw Kathleen standing in the doorway.

The young woman blushed when she realised that Michaela had noticed her. "I-I’m sorry Michaela," she whispered. "I know I was supposed to wait downstairs but I wanted to see the new arrival that had kept the whole town up overnight." Her brow creased in puzzlement.

Michaela noticed and said softly, "What’s wrong Kathleen?"

Kathleen looked at her in puzzled wonder and whispered almost inaudibly, "They’re black!"

At first Michaela felt nothing but anger at Kathleen’s words, however then she realised that they’d not been uttered derogatorily, but in surprise. She quietly observed the young woman whose eyes were fixed on the proud family in the recovery room. She began to patiently explain, "Grace runs the town’s caf� and Robert E has lived here for many years and runs the livery …. all the town knows them ….. in fact Robert E is on the town council. They’ve had their ups and downs, as you can imagine, but they have the respect of many of the townspeople."

Kathleen’s face broke into a wide smile. "I’m beginning to like Colorado Springs … a lot." Then she added dreamily, "They look so happy."

"Yes … its their first baby …. when they’d really given up hope. They’re actually Katie’s godparents."

Kathleen turned to her in surprise. "They must be good people if you chose them to be close to your darling little girl." Then she added softly but eagerly, "In a few days ….. do you think …… maybe …… if you’re visiting them or they come to the clinic …. Do you think Grace’d let me hold him?"

Michaela beamed. "I’m sure she would," she said with certainty. "Now we’d better all get moving or we’re going to be late for church." She turned back into the room. "Sully …. Dorothy … we’d better get going or we’ll be late," she called softly so as not to disturb the sleeping newborn.

As Sully spread the blanket on the grass in the meadow after church it was already apparent that Michaela’s prediction regarding Kathleen’s allure was to be proved correct. During the church service she’d noticed several surreptitious glances in their direction and now a number of picnic blankets were being spread out close to them. And it wasn’t only Kathleen who had attracted attention. Thomas too had gained his fair share of notice from the single women in town.

As they settled down on the blanket Matthew sauntered over. "Hey Dr Mike….. Sully ….. mind if I join ya?" he asked, with studied nonchalance.

Michaela smiled softly to herself and looked up at him. "Of course Matthew … you know you’re always welcome."

Matthew’s eyes flew to Kathleen.

"Ah Matthew …. let me introduce you." Michaela turned to their visitors. "Kathleen, Thomas …. This is our eldest son Matthew ……. Matthew ….. this is Kathleen and Thomas Enders."

Matthew’s face fell.

Michaela added, "They are brother and sister and are visiting from Charleston."

The smile reappeared on the young man’s face. He held out his hand. "Pleased to meet ya Mr Enders … Miss Enders."

Matthew and Kathleen were ambling alongside the creek which bordered the meadow. Not so far away a group of exuberant children were playing baseball while their parents were packing up after the church picnic.

Matthew was finding it difficult to keep his eyes off Kathleen. She was so vivacious and enthusiastic about everything, so open to the newness and uniqueness of this town he proudly called home. She was also very pleasing to the eye with her long curly dark brown hair caught back with tortoiseshell combs, her vivid, dancing, blue eyes and neat figure. He was aware of several young, and not so young men observing them closely as they strolled along. He walked a little taller and a little prouder. He glanced back to the Sully picnic spot. Kathleen’s brother Thomas, on the other hand, seemed reticent to accept new people and ideas, and was sitting disinterestedly on the picnic blanket waiting for this weekly ritual to conclude. Matthew didn’t envy Sully his task of convincing the easterner to view the Colorado countryside as unique and worth preserving.

He suddenly realised that Kathleen had skipped on ahead of him while he was daydreaming and he quickened his pace to catch up.

Michaela, who’d been sitting watching the young couple as they strolled along, was suddenly distracted by Thomas, who sighed deeply and then stood to wander aimlessly away towards town. She watched him go. In some ways she was reminded of herself years ago, before she came west. He took everything so seriously, didn’t know how to relax, to join in. Even when invited to join a light-hearted game of baseball earlier, he’d refused on the pretext that he was not dressed appropriately. She turned back towards Sully who was also watching the young man, his brow creased in contemplation.

"I think you may have your work cut out for you, convincing that young man of the worth of our untamed land," she said quietly.

Sully nodded. "Think you’re right ….. gotta git his attention somehow …."

Michaela sidled over to lean against his drawn up knees. "What do you have planned?"

Sully automatically reached out to lovingly massage her back and shoulders. "Thought I’d start with a wagon ride out to Red Rocks this afternoon. Might take the kids too." His eyes fell on Matthew and Kathleen who were returning from their stroll. "Maybe Kathleen’d like to come …….. an’ Matthew ……. Whatdya think?"

"Its probably a good start ….. then what …?" asked Michaela, as she relaxed under his gentle touch.

Sully turned her to face him and said earnestly, "Maybe I need to git him right away from everything ….. try to show him the land though my eyes …… Maybe overnight …. beyond the Red Rocks ….. into the foothills ……" He paused, watching Thomas disappear behind some town buildings, and then mused, "Wonder if he rides?"

Two days later, Michaela came downstairs after putting Katie down for an afternoon nap, expecting to see Kathleen waiting for her, however the house appeared to be empty. She took the kettle off the hob, refilled it and set it to heat, and then strolled into the living-room. A glance out of the front window showed Kathleen sitting on the top step of the porch staring out towards the mountains. Michaela took her wool shawl from the hook by the door and went out to join her.

As she sat down Kathleen looked up and inquired, "Katie asleep?"

"Mmmm, finally ….. but I had to promise you’d read to her tonight …. I’m afraid my stories aren’t good enough any more," replied Michaela with a smile.

"She’s a darling …. and of course I’ll read to her tonight ….." Kathleen trailed off as she once again surveyed the scene before her.

"Missing your brother?" Michaela asked quietly. "They should be back some time this afternoon.".

Kathleen gave her a rueful look. "I love my brother Michaela, he’s the only family I have, but no, I’m not missing him, not after only two days anyway. Actually I was sitting here contemplating how different our lives are, and …… and …… envying yours."

"Envying?" exclaimed Michaela. "Why?"

"Oh lots of reasons," mused the younger woman. "You have all this …." She swept her arms wide.

As Kathleen paused, Michaela followed her gaze to the magnificent scenery before her. "Yes …. it is beautiful …. but there’s beautiful scenery back east too."

"Its not just the scenery ….. you ….. you have such ….. such …..freedom here."

"Freedom?"

"Mmm … to be yourself …. to be a person in your own right. Back home Thomas controls everything I do and say. I know he has only the best intentions, but I feel so …. so …. stifled. Just this trip out here and these two days without him ….meeting new people ….. having supper at the caf� with Matthew last evening….. even going with you on your rounds …. have made me realise just how aimless my life at home is." Kathleen hung her head for a moment and then turned to face Michaela to ask plaintively, "Why is it alright for a man to work, even when there is no financial need …. and yet its not seen as appropriate for a woman to do the same?"

Michaela observed the agitated, uncertain young woman for a moment and then shrugged her shoulders, unsure of the answer she should give. Finally she said softly, "Perhaps you’d better explain what you mean Kathleen."

"I-I don’t know whether I can …. or at least so that you’ll understand," the younger woman said uncertainly. But then her story came rushing forth. "My father was a partner in a large book and manuscript publishing house. He died just before the end of the war when I was fourteen. After his death, his share of the publishing house was sold … I believe very lucratively. Thomas is eight years older than me and was in law school when father died. He continued on and finished his studies before gaining an internship with the Senator. Nobody questioned the fact that there was no need for him to work … that the proceeds from my father’s business dealings were more than adequate. And yet when I was only fifteen, mother informed me that I would require no more schooling, except in the arts, and that Thomas would manage our affairs. I told them I wanted to be a teacher - I’ve wanted to do that for as long as I can remember. They told me that having a career was not appropriate for a woman of my station. Then mother died about three years ago and I became Thomas’s hostess, having to remain at home." She looked up at Michaela, tears glimmering in her eyes. "I wish that I’d had a family like yours – that understood my need to do something with my life."

Michaela sighed. The young woman’s story was not unique. She knew that. In fact Sully had guessed at it not long after meeting the Enders. But Kathleen seeking her advice put Michaela in a difficult situation. If Thomas thought she’d interfered …..

She rejoined with understanding, "Kathleen ….. my family was no different to yours ….. well perhaps a little different ….. My father did support my ambition to become a doctor ….. the remainder of my family did not. They still don’t. I had to deal with a disapproving mother and four older sisters, well three …. the eldest, Rebecca, did support me, even though I’m sure she thought my desire to be a doctor was unwise. But I spent many years being shunned by family, fellow students, colleagues and family friends when they couldn’t sway me from the path I’d chosen. When I think back I’m not sure that I’d have survived ….. continued on …. if it wasn’t for father…. and then later Sully." She paused for a moment reliving some of the memories of that sometimes unhappy part of her life.

Kathleen was staring at her in amazement. "I-I’m sorry Michaela …. I just assumed ….. you seem so happy …. content …."

Michaela smiled at her and replied, "I am now ….. but there was a long period of my life when I felt very much alone. Going against your family’s wishes can do that …. isolate you ….. you have to weigh up the possible consequences ….." She peered into the young woman’s thoughtful, blue eyes. "Up until now ….. that’s what you’ve done …. isn’t it …… contemplated the consequences of not following your brother’s wishes?"

"Yes I suppose you’re right …… Much of the time I’m able to busy myself at home …. I even do a little volunteer work at a nearby nursery school." She leaned closer to Michaela and whispered, "Not that Thomas knows that. …… But I still feel as if I’ve missed out ….. I adore children Michaela …. always have …. and really did want to teach …… I still do."

"Kathleen … sometimes circumstances won’t allow us to follow our dreams …..But have you ever really sat down and talked to Thomas about how you feel?" asked Michaela.

"Only once ….. I was only about seventeen. He laughed my ambitions off as childish and inappropriate ….. I’ve never had the courage to raise them again," she replied self-consciously.

"He could hardly laugh off what you have to say now as childish …. could he? You’re a young woman …. speak to him as one adult to another …. You may be able to come to a compromise …."

Kathleen nodded, then reached out and grasped Michaela’s hand. "You know I’ve missed not having a woman to talk to ….. since mother died. Thank-you."

"You’re welcome …. I’ve been enjoying your company too …. I didn’t realise how much I missed Colleen ….. and of course Katie thinks you’re the best thing to ever enter her life. She …… and I ….. will miss you when you return to Charleston," said Michaela with a friendly smile.

"I’m going to miss all of you and Colorado Springs too ….. I feel as if I belong in a place like this ….. where I could be of assistance ….. where I could be myself …… but instead …. there are only a few more days," said Kathleen dolefully.

Suddenly, on the wind, came the sound of horses’ hooves in the distance and then two riders came into sight, heading for the homestead. Michaela awkwardly pulled herself upright with the aid of the porch railing, her heart pounding just a little faster as it usually did when Sully returned after being away. Sure enough the riders were Thomas and Sully who waved as they approached and then rode straight into the corral as Michaela and Kathleen swung the gate open.

Sully immediately slid off his horse’s back and opened his arms to Michaela who walked into them. "Hey," he said softly and then whispered so that only she could hear, "Missed ya."

Michaela’s reply was a slight tightening of her hold on his waist. That was enough. He knew what it meant. She turned to watch Thomas gingerly dismount from his horse and smiled. "Well you two …. how did it go? Did you enjoy your trip into our wilderness?" she asked, anxious to see the young man’s reaction.

Thomas turned to face her, his eyes alight for the first time since arriving in Colorado Springs. "It was two days I’ll never forget," he said quietly. Then he squirmed and stretched. "Though I’m not sure I’m cut out for this days of riding and sleeping on the hard ground caper, every muscle feels stiff …"

"Why don’ you go in ….. I’m sure Kathleen’ll fix ya a hot cup of tea or coffee …. I’ll bed down the horses an’ follow ya in a minute," smiled Sully. His grin broadened as the young man nodded thankfully and then, accompanied by his sister, tottered across the yard, his legs a little more bent and a little more spread than usual.

As he and Kathleen reached the gate Michaela called out, "Thomas, there’s a telegram for you on the kitchen table….. arrived this morning," and then she followed Sully into the barn. Once inside she again walked into his embrace, but this time, since they were alone, she stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him soundly. "Missed you too," she said softly as the kiss broke off. Then she added, "How did it go?"

"Well ….. I dunno how much a person can learn in only two days ….. but I did my best ….. he sure knows a lot more about Colorado now than he did when he first arrived," Sully replied, not loosening his hold on his wife. He rested his hand on her stomach and gently caressed it. "Everythin’ alright here?"

Resting her cheek against his chest, Michaela replied, "Mmmm … fine. Kathleen’s been wonderful company. She’s a delightful young woman. She and Katie get on very well … Katie’ll miss her when they go."

The snorting of an impatient horse startled them both apart. Sully grinned sheepishly. "Guess I’d better do what I said an’ bed down the horses." He bent to give her a quick kiss. "You go on inside ….. I’ll be in soon."

Throughout supper Thomas regaled them with tales of his two days in the wilderness. His meeting with Cloud Dancing, who had accompanied them on the first day, and the indian’s stories of how the land came to be formed, and its unique animals and plant life, had obviously captured his imagination. He held Kathleen, Brian and even Katie enthralled with his story of sighting a huge bear in its natural surroundings, not to mention elk and coyote. If his yarns were just a little exaggerated, Sully certainly wasn’t going to give him away.

Occasionally, during the animated meal, Michaela would see Kathleen’s eyes cloud over and her head drop. The news via telegram that Senator Greenwood was demanding Thomas’s urgent return to Charleston had dismayed and disappointed Kathleen. She’d been steeling herself to face their departure in a few days time, however, now they would have to leave on the morning train the day after tomorrow. Michaela felt some sympathy for the young woman who desperately needed both female company and some freedom to pursue her dreams.

Sully stood high up on the ladder, securing the window frame of the second storey addition to the clinic. He stopped and leant back just a little, eyeing the line, ensuring that the sill was perfectly straight. He smiled to himself. He enjoyed this type of manual work. Seeing something new and well crafted grow under his hands was fulfilling, besides which he loved to see the glow in Colleen’s eyes when obvious progress had been made. Despite having to entertain Thomas and Kathleen these last few days, he was still hopeful that Colleen and Andrew would be able to move into their new home by Thanksgiving. That gave him just three more weeks. It was going to be tight …. But if he worked every day for as long as possible……

He’d been fortunate that today Thomas had decided to write up a report of his trip into the Colorado wilderness and had remained at the homestead, before returning east tomorrow. This meant he was free to work on the clinic all day. His stomach suddenly rumbled, reminding him that it was nearly lunchtime. Michaela and Kathleen were going to lunch with him at Grace’s before heading home. His heart swelled when he thought of Michaela, now six months into her pregnancy. Even one night away from her now was too many, though, recalling last night, he had to admit that the lovin’ was sure sweet when he arrived home. He smiled and went back to his hammering.

Some minutes later his attention was suddenly caught by a small group of children heading his way from the caf� amongst peals of laughter. From his perch high on the ladder he saw them chasing a small yapping dog which had strayed into the caf� grounds. He smiled as a small boy tumbled over and set up a wail while the others continued their chase. The dog and the children were approaching the back of the clinic rapidly, moving erratically on the whim of the frightened canine.