Michaela reached for him, but he moved past her and grabbed his coat and belt. He turned and walked out the door before she could even utter his name. By time she tried to put her boots on…he was gone.

The moonlight lit the path that Sully’s horse traveled. The silence allowed his mind to race. Was she really so blind to Daniel’s feelings? How could Daniel give her the money after he said no? Why did she take it? The more he thought the faster he drove his horse. He needed to get away: to escape from the world and all the worry. He needed to think.

The horse needed rest and Sully knew it. So he stopped for a while at one of his old campsites. Here, Michaela proposed to him and he accepted. Here, they decided to start their life as a married couple. He looked around, the remnants of his lean-to in front of him. The branches from the roof were scattered by the wind, but the wood was sturdy as always. He noticed the circle of rocks that used to be his fire pit and the tree stump where he always chopped wood…that was what he was doing the day Michaela proposed.

She walked up silently but he could tell she was around. He looked up but continued to chop wood.

“Hello, Sully,” she started the conversation.

“What brings ya out here?” he asked continued his task.

“I want to tell you how much I appreciate what you did.” She did not move, merely spoke from her place by the lean-to.

“What's that?” he lifted the axe and swung again.

“Left me free to decide,” she replied.

“So ya musta decided,” he answered knowingly.

“How do you know that?” she was not sure how she was going to tell him what she decided.

“I know. You love David,” he said continuing. He tried to hide the knots in his stomach.

“Yes. I'll always love him,” she replied. She tried to find the words to put how she was feeling. Finally she said what was on her mind, “But that's the past. You're the present. We're the present. If you'll have me.” When he didn’t answer she continued nervously, “Will you Sully?”

“Will I what?” he asked a smile playing at his lips.

“Will you marry me?” she said with an exasperated sigh.

He had won. He walked over to her, took her hands and said yes. Then they had run a little and he pulled her into his arms.

He sighed. They had to choose a path at that time…and it was not the first time they had to choose. But they always worked out their problems together. Even the house payments were something they handled together. He groaned. But Daniel was ruining it again. Daniel managed to ride in and ruin a relationship: some friend. Sully got back on his horse. He needed to find his way and there was only one place he could think of: the hidden valley.

Sully rode on. He remembered the last time he and Michaela stood in the valley.

The sun was setting and the colors bounced off the mountains: pinks, purples and blues.

“I’ve never shown this place to anyone: not even Abagail.”

The look in Michaela’s eyes was that of pure pleasure and love. Something that could be theirs: somewhere no one else had been. She loved it.

He continued to ride until he saw the mountains ahead. Finally he was there. He settled on one of the hills and looked at the stars above him. Sully sighed. This place always helped him find his way. If it could start him and Michaela on the right path, perhaps it could help him again. He loved her so very much and let jealousy get in his way. But he could not find a reason to go home…a reason to forgive the two of them that hurt him so.

“Please,” he begged the spirits, “tell me why I should just let this go!”

He leaned back looking at the stars, a tear escaping his eye. Slowly, he fell into a troubled sleep.

Sully walked into the bedroom and looked over at the bed. Michaela sat, tucked under the covers with a worried look on her face. He knew it was probably over the fight from earlier and attempted to apologize. Instead he looked at her tear stained cheeks and asked,“Somethin’ on your mind?” He began to undress.

“I would like to talk to you about something,” she replied looking at the blanket in her lap. She did not seem angry…just nervous. She traced the pattern closest to her fingers, the fire lit half her face and hair. The room must have been cool, but Michaela looked warm.

He came around to his side of the bed and sat. Bending, he removed his boots and then stood and removed his buckskins. He slid into bed and closer to Michaela. “So, what did you wanna talk ‘bout?”

She fiddled nervously with the blanket. “Sully, lately I haven’t been feeling well,” she blurted out.

Sully’s eyes showed complete panic and he looked at Michaela. He looked at her figure: tiny, pale and glistening with perspiration. He reached out and felt her head: hot. “Michaela?” was all he could say. He was filled with panic and pain and wished that there was more he could do.

“I don’t know what it is…and I’m afraid to see Andrew” she said honestly, fighting back a sob. She did not want to hear any bad news. She did not want to know the truth behind her illness.

“You don’t have any ideas at all?” he asked taking her hand and looking at the rings on her finger.

She mumbled something unintelligible under her breath and said, “I’ve been tired, breathless and in pain for days. I’ve been bruising,” she added as Sully moved the strap on her gown and saw a large purple mark. “I don’t even know where that came from.” She coughed a little and looked at him. “I am not sure what this is…but it frightens me.”

Sully gently traced the odd shaped mark on her arm and looked into her eyes. He did not know what to say so he took her into his arms. She began to cry into his chest.

“Shh…we’ll go together…we’ll see Andrew together.” He began to rock her and stroke her hair. Together…they would do this together.

“We shouldn’t have waited so long to see him,” Sully said, carefully lifting Michaela from the wagon. She was worse, much worse. She shook from a high fever and was coughing violently.

“I…I thought it would go away,” she said leaning against him, her coughing ceasing for the moment. “Sully, I ache. My bones hurt.” A tear slipped from her eye.

“I know, my love,” he said lifting her again and making sure he had the blanket off the ground. “We tried the tea…we tried everythin’. Now we’re gonna try the doctor.”

“I don’t want to see And…” she was cut off by another coughing fit that had her shaking in Sully’s arms. Sully cradled her closer and carried her into the clinic. Andrew sat with Colleen beside him, the two discussing a file. Andrew often allowed Colleen to assist him. Occasionally, he still helped Michaela out by watching the clinic.

“Sully? Ma?” Colleen said rushing over and touching her mother’s hot head. Her eyes showed panic and fear.

Sully placed his wife on the examination table and stood there waiting for Andrew to get up. “She’s been this way almost a week now…she’s been gettin’ worse.” He tried to hide the pain and worry from his voice but failed.

Andrew came over to the table and put a thermometer in her mouth. While taking her pulse he asked, “What does she complain of?”

“Fever, pain…bruises real easy. She’s got a real bad cough and is always real tired,” Sully said taking her hand. “She’s gonna be all right…right?” his voice cracked.

“Sully, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Andrew said removing the thermometer and checking the temperature. Michaela opened her mouth to speak but started to cough again.

“I ain’t leavin’ her,” Sully replied looking at Michaela’s pale face. He stroked her cheek, afraid that he would leave and she would not be there when he returned.

“Please Sully,” Andrew said over another one of Michaela’s coughing fits. “I’ll come and get you when I’m through. Colleen will go with you.”

“I will?” she looked appalled.

“Let her stay here…to comfort Michaela,” Sully replied.

Andrew nodded. “We’ll come get you immediately.”

Sully reluctantly released Michaela’s hand. “I’ll be right outside,” he said turning and walking to the door…Michaela’s coughing growing worse behind him.

“Sorry it took us so long, Sully,” Andrew said walking out of the clinic. He was drying his hands on a white rag that had some blood on it. “She had a nose bleed.”

Sully nodded mutely and remained seated for fear his legs would not hold him.

“Sully, she knows what it is…she’s always known she said. I want you to be with her when I tell you. She’s in room three.” Andrew stepped aside and waited for his friend to pass. Sully immediately stood and went up to Michaela’s room. He was followed closely by Andrew.

Sully froze in the doorway. Michaela lay propped up against pillows on the bed. Her face was as pale as the sheets, except for the slight pink to her nose and cheeks from the fever. Her body quivered from chill and pain. Tears came to Sully’s eyes and he had to keep himself from turning and leaving. Michaela was limp in the bed, her coughing calm and her breathing even. She was asleep.

“She’s in pain Sully…but it seems to fade and return. We want to keep her here for a few days, but she fought us. So I will let her go home, but if she gets worse she must come here,” Andrew stated from the doorway.

Colleen sat beside the bed, crying. A medical book was opened in her lap and she was fingering the title on the page.

Sully looked back and forth between his crying daughter and the doctor in the doorway. He lifted Michaela’s right hand and held it tight in his own. He begged the tears to stay back, but one escaped. “What’s wrong with her?”

“It’s cancer, Sully: leukemia.” The young doctor swallowed hard. “There isn’t much we can do. We can make her comfortable, prolong it as long as we can…but inevitably,” he dropped is voice, “we’ll lose her,” he finished.

Sully felt as if he had been hit in the stomach. “Lose…lose her?” Sully asked, more tears flowing unchecked down his cheeks. “But Katie’s just a baby…she can’t die.” His head turned and he looked at Michaela. Die…like Abby? Leave like his mother and father had? Like William, his brother? “Michaela Quinn,” he said through tears, “you can’t leave me…not you too. I won’t allow it.”

Colleen could no longer take the pain and dashed from the room. Andrew sighed and walked closer to the bed. “Michaela has a few months…two…maybe three. She’ll get weaker…be in more pain. She might even need an operation or two…but in the end, there won’t be much we can do.”

“She’s not gonna die!” Sully growled. “She’s too young!”

“Her age has nothing to do with it, Sully. Michaela’s body isn’t making healthy cells. She’ll become more susceptible to viruses and will become sick more often than she normally would. It will take a lot of fighting on her part to beat it for as long as she can, but her body won’t handle the stress. Fewer and fewer cells will work and she’ll just keep fighting. Soon, her body will just…”

“STOP!” Sully lifted Michaela and the quilt from home in one sweep. “My wife ain’t dyin’…I won’t hear of it!” Sully carried her outside and to the wagon. Laying her gently in the back he kissed her head and then hopped up front, driving off as fast as he could.

He rode on, carefully going over the terrain he knew so well. He had to get her home and to bed. He was going to care for her and she would get better: she had to.

He saw the homestead coming into view and could hear Michaela begin to moan in the back of the wagon. She coughed. “Almost there, Michaela, then it’s straight to bed.”

She did not reply, simply continued to cough.

“She’s in pain, Sully…but it seems to fade and return…leukemia…We’ll lose her…”

He stopped the horses and rushed to get Michaela inside.

“She’ll become more susceptible to viruses and will become sick more often than she normally would.”

“I won’t let that happen,” he vowed to himself, lifting her from the back of the wagon. She immediately tucked her head under his chin, her teeth chattering. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Michaela. I promise.”

She did not cough, merely looked and him and whispered, “I’m sorry, Sully.” Some of her tears hit his chest.

“Don’t cry, Michaela…we can get through this.” He carried up the porch stairs as Brian opened the front door.

“Katie’s been cryin’. I think she’s hungry.”

“Ca…n…you…” Michaela’s chills were making it difficult for her to speak.

“We’re gonna have to get her bottle ready and feed her while your Ma rests,” Sully replied walking past him and carrying Michaela upstairs.

“Got it Pa,” Brian called after them.

“Sully…Katie likes me to feed her,” Michaela said weakly.

“You ain’t in no condition to feed that baby.” Sully gently placed her on the bed and arranged the blankets around her. He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. “We can keep this place runnin’ don’t you worry.”

“You must get Colleen back to school,” Michaela added closing her eyes.

“I’ll do that,” Sully said stroking her cheek. “Michaela?”

“Hm?” she replied almost asleep.

“Why didn’t ya tell me if you knew?” Sully asked hiding his pain as best he could.

She shrugged as a reply and opened her eyes. She could see tears on Sully’s cheek. “Don’t cry for me…just help me along with this,” she sniffled. “I need you, Sully.”

“I’m here,” he replied lifting her hand and kissing it. “Would you like me to wire your family?” he asked.

She nodded. “Tell them they needn’t rush out here, but that I would like to see them.”

“I will,” he said. “I’ll send Brian in to send the telegram…that way I can get Kates to eat and nap.” He paused for the briefest moment. “Need anythin’?”

She shook her head and closed her eyes again, a tear slid down her cheek.

He wiped it away and kissed her forehead. “Rest, love. I’ll be downstairs.” He silently left the room.

“Brian, I need ya to go and telegram your Grandma and Aunts. Tell ‘em she’s sick and wants ta see them…tell ‘em she’s got can…cancer,” he said stumbling over the word.

Brian felt a lump in his throat but did not cry. His brain did not wait to think about what Sully said, nor accept it. “Can…cancer? Can’t Andrew do nothin’?” he asked nervously but still not believing what he was hearing.

Sully looked at the boy and wanted to cry; they both did. But both held their tears as Sully replied. “No, he can’t.”

Brian nodded and walked to the door. “I already got Katie settled…it was her diaper again. She’s nappin’ over there,” Brian motioned to the cradle. “I’ll go send that telegram and get some food from Grace’s. Need anythin’ from town?” he asked sounding strong.

Sully shook his head. “See if ya can get Colleen ta come home with ya. She’s real torn up about all this.”

“Sure, Pa,” Brian said putting his hat on and walking outside.

Sully went over and lifted Katie from the cradle and held her close. Was this to be the end of it all? Was he to be alone with Katie for the rest of his life? How would he go on? How would he tell her about Michaela and how great she was? He sighed. “You look just like her,” he said, holding the child so he could stroke her cheek. “He nose…her eyes,” he smiled. “I bet some day you’ll even have her hair. You’ll remind me of her. You’ll have her stubbornness, her beauty, her charm…her love.” He began to fall apart and knew this was going to be difficult. He attempted not to cry. “Kates, what will we do without her?” he asked, his tears flowing freely again.

“I brought you something to eat,” Sully said carrying a tray into the room. “Grace made ya some soup and I made ya some tea. “ He placed the tray on the nightstand beside her. “How ya feelin’?”

“Much better,” she said pushing herself into a sitting position. Her voice was low and hoarse from being so dry, but she had regained some color and her fever seemed much lower.

“Good…that’s a good sign,” he said his mood lightening a little. His mouth even formed a small smile.

“Sully,” Michaela said taking his hand. “I know this is going to be hard…but it’s happening and there is nothing we can do. I want you to promise me something.”

“Anything,” he said looking deep into her eyes.

“Stay with me…don’t make me do this alone.” She looked away. “I know you don’t want to watch this happen to me…but I’m afraid.”

“I’ll be right here when you need me…and beside you all night. I’m not gonna let you go through this alone,” he said stroking her cheek. “I’m afraid too.” He sniffled once and then turned to the food. “I want you to eat. There’s no reason for you to give up on me.”

She nodded and he placed the tray in her lap. She began to eat and looked at him. He looked so far away: so distant. She wished he would talk to her: it hurt her to see him that way.

“I’ll go get Katie so ya can see her for a while,” he said suddenly, almost as if he had been asked to get her. He stood and walked out of the room to get the baby and all Michaela could do was watch.

He returned a few minutes with Katie, who was ready for bed. Michaela had finished the entire bowl of soup and her cup of tea by time Sully returned.

“I had ta feed and change her first,” Sully said taking the tray and handing the baby to Michaela. Michaela hugged the little girl close and he left quickly to put the tray downstairs.

“How is my sweet girl?” Michaela asked the baby. She stroked her cheek and smiled. “You look so much like me…except for that hair…um, that fuzz.” She kissed the baby’s head. “I guess your father gave you your bottle?”

“He sure did,” Sully said coming into the room. “I told her that you were sick and needed to rest…so she decided she could live with a bottle.” He attempted to smile. “Brian and Colleen wanna see ya before bed.”

Michaela nodded. “How…how are they taking it, Sully?” Michaela asked kissing Katie again.

“Brian’s in shock. I don’t think it’s sunk in all the way. But Colleen’s real torn up over this. She’s been cryin’ most of the evenin’ and I bet all afternoon. She’s scared Michaela.”

“We all are,” Michaela replied. She got up and walked slowly to Katie’s bed, pleased that the pain seemed to be gone for now. She tucked the infant into the crib and smiled. “Night sweetheart,” she said to the sleeping baby.

Colleen and Brian waited at the door patiently.

“So, can they come in?” Sully asked.

“Of course they can,” she said walking back to the bed and climbing in again.

Once she was settled, Sully opened the door and said, “Come on in kids.”

Brian eagerly walked into the room, having wanted to see Michaela and make sure she was alive for a better part of the night. But Colleen, her red hair tangled and her eyes red from crying, reluctantly came into the room. She stayed as close to the door as possible while Brian sat on the bed beside Michaela.

“How ya doin’ Ma?” Brian asked taking her hand. He mentally noted her appearance and tried to maintain his composure.

“I’m feeling much better, Brian. I think tomorrow I might even be able to get out of bed for a while.”

Colleen looked at Michaela and sniffled. “Andrew told Preston that he could no longer work at the Chateau, that he would be covering your practice.”

“That’s very sweet of him,” Michaela replied looking at the girl. She reached out for the two of them. “Come here.”

Both children went to her and she hugged them both tightly. She felt both begin to sob and even she began to silently cry. They held each other a while until Colleen whispered, “I don’t want to lose you, Ma.”

“Oh Colleen,” she released them a little to look in the girl’s face. “I love you so much…both of you. I’m so afraid…but we’re going to be all right. I…” Michaela could not continue because of her tears. “I’m going to miss you both dreadfully.”

Brian looked at Michaela. She was leaving too, leaving like Charlotte did: like his Pa. She was going to leave him alone and frightened without his mother. Who was going to butt in when he really needed help? Who would test his spelling? How would he go on without his “Ma”? He sniffled and hugged her again. “Don’t leave us,” he begged as if she had a choice. “Don’t go away.”

Michaela put her arms around him and looked at the ceiling begging the Lord to change this…to make her diagnosis wrong. She forced her tears back, but some escaped without permission and she began to cry. She cried for the family she would leave behind, for herself, for her mother. She sobbed from fear and depression…and just to cry. She squeezed Brian tight and wished her fear and pain away. She wished she did not have to watch her family go through this.

Sully felt as if he could read Michaela’s thoughts. He swallowed hard and forced his tears to behave. For Michaela he would be strong. She needed him to be there: to lean on him right now. He would have time to grieve alone: when she was gone or when she was sleeping. Now was not the time. Now he had to care for her.

Sully stood and moved closer to the bed and patted Brian’s back. Brian looked up and sniffled. “Come on son, we can talk while we let Colleen and Ma talk.”

Brian nodded and kissed Michaela’s cheek. He and Sully left the room slowly, both looking at Michaela.

Colleen sat on the bed and took Michaela’s hand. “I want to stay home until…” she could not finish the sentence. “I want to be here. I’ll wire my teachers in the morning.”

“It isn’t necessary, Colleen,” Michaela said despite the fact she wanted Colleen there when she…even she could not think it.

“I want to,” Colleen said. “And I won’t take no for an answer.”

Brian was trying to find a way to release his pain, so he took the axe and tried to chop some wood. When the axe did not cut through, Brian threw the axe and wood to the ground and began to cry. Sully wrapped his arms around the boy.

“I’m here,” he consoled the young man. “I’m here and I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

“It ain’t fair, Sully! She ain’t supposed ta die!” Brian exclaimed pounding his fist on Sully’s chest.

“I know Brian…I know. That’s what I said.” He hugged the boy. “But we gotta take care o’ her and we gotta love her like she ain’t dyin’.”

“I don’t know if I can, Sully,” he replied wiping away a tear. “It hurts to know she’s gonna die.”

Sully nodded. “Sure does.”

“Sully, is this gonna make ya think of Miss Abby?” Brian asked.

Sully shook his head, but added, “It does in a way…but it’s different. I got you, Colleen, Matthew and Katie…and I…I know what your Ma’s dyin’ from. And this time I’m gonna sit right there and help her as she dies…not like leavin’ Abby alone with a doctor when she was already gone or in the back of a wagon with Charlotte.”

“We’re gonna be there for Ma,” Brian said feeling slightly stronger. “And we’re gonna help her…I’ll even change diapers.”

Sully chuckled for the first time all day. “Good. Now let’s get back inside and make her go to bed,” Sully said patting the boy’s back. Brian ran ahead and Sully paused a moment to notice the stars.

When Brian and Colleen finally settled into bed, Sully returned to the bedroom to check on Michaela. He was quite surprised to see her standing beside Katie’s crib rubbing the infant’s back.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Sully asked coming up behind her and putting his arms around her.

“I’m not that weak yet. I can still walk and stand,” she said sighing. “Sully, on my marker I want it to read ‘Dr. Michaela Sully’…I want everyone to know I love you, that I had your children…that I married you.”

Sully tried his hardest not to let Michaela’s sentiment get to him, but it did. He began to silently cry while holding her close. “Oh God, Michaela, I’m gonna miss you so much,” he sobbed.

She turned in his arms and held him close. “Shh,” she tried to comfort him. “I’ll miss you too, but soon we’ll be together forever.”

Forever…the thought of the word sounded lovely. Isn’t that what she promised before? They would be together forever: love forever? He was the one that said “all his days”: the one that planned on leaving before she did so as to never go through that pain again. He planned on having a family with her: living with her until they were so old and feeble they could no longer stand. He wanted them to see grandchildren and great grandchildren: to be together as Katie was married. All this was fading: and quickly.

“What about our plans?” he asked looking into her eyes. “We’re gonna grow old together…have a family…play with our grandkids.”

She kissed him…perhaps to silence him or to seal a pact. Maybe even to show how much she loved him right now. But she kissed him, full on the lips. He slowly drew back and stared into her eyes.

“Please,” she said trying to calm him. “Think about today…and today only. Don’t worry about the future we don’t have…but the time we have together.”

“It isn’t much time,” he said.

“Michaela has a few months…two…maybe three.” He heard Andrew’s voice repeat.

“It’s enough time for us to enjoy…I should be fine for some time before I am completely sentenced to bed. So let us enjoy our time together,” she said putting her arms around his waist and leaning her head on his chest.

“Brian told me your Ma replied before he even left town. Seems she’ll be on the first train from Boston that leaves tomorrow…with Marjorie and Rebecca. She wants to be here…for you.”

Michaela sighed. “She’s going to be trouble, you know.”

Sully chuckled for the second time that day. “When is she not?” He kissed her forehead. “Fever’s gone.”

Michaela sighed. “What are we going to do, Sully?” Michaela asked holding him tight.

“I don’t know,” he replied honestly. “I love you so much, Michaela.” He squeezed her tight.

Michaela sniffled and looked up into his face. “I wish I could stop this, Sully: that I could sent it away. But I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Nothin’ ta be sorry about,” he said lifting her into his arms. “Come on, I think it’s time for you to go to bed.”

She leaned her head against his chest and held him tight. “I love you,” she whispered as he placed her back under the covers.

“I love you more,” he replied undressing and climbing in beside her. In no time she was asleep.

Sully watched her sleep for the longest time that night. Never before had he felt the profound need to make sure she was breathing. Her breaths, which seemed slightly labored, brought him comfort. Her eyes, though closed, moved about as if she was taking in new surroundings. He wondered what she was dreaming of, if she was worried in the dream. He felt her jump slightly, but she was still sleeping. He sighed. The bed certainly would be lonely without her: so would the world, his world.

For a few days, Michaela would alternate between severe pain and complete normalcy. On the days she was well, she would rise on her own, though rather late for her, and begin to dress. She would go out with the family and simply stroll about the town with them.

By now, the news of her sickness had spread and many a town’s person would look sadly and her and Sully. They knew they were losing a good friend and a wonderful person. Even Hank seemed saddened by the news.

This morning in particular, the family headed to the Depot to wait for Mrs. Quinn and two of her daughters, Marjorie and Rebecca. As the train’s smoke came into view, Michaela was accosted by questions of Horace.

“How ya feelin’, Dr. Mike?” he asked in all sincerity. In his eyes was a deep pain and sadness.

“Better, thank you,” she responded with a smile. Her color on this particular day was pale and her eyes had no sparkle to them, but she was feeling better than some other days.

“Is there anythin’ ya need?” he asked nervously. He really wanted to know if it was true: if she was really dying.

“No, thank you, Horace.” She smiled again and could feel his apprehension. “Horace, don’t worry. No one can ‘catch’ what I have.”

“Oh, it ain’t that, Dr. Mike. I just wanted ta tell ya how much ya mean ta me…to all of us,” he said motioning to the town. “We might not show it a lot…but you mean a lot to us all.”

Michaela fought back tears and nodded. She smiled. “Thank you, Horace. You all mean a great deal to me also,” she said. The train was now coming down the last line of track.

“I better get back to work. If ya need me, just call,” he said going back over to the window of his office.

Michaela wiped away a tear and watched as the train came to a stop in front of them.

In no time, the three women appeared at the head of the steps and Sully offered to help them down. Each in turn took his hand and stepped cautiously down the stairs and into Michaela’s waiting arms. Her mother squeezed her tightly and almost cried there at the station.

“You’re looking well,” Elizabeth said honestly. She took Michaela’s hand and held it tight. “How are you feeling, dear?”

“As well as can be expected,” Michaela replied with a slight smile. “Sometimes I ache and sometime I’m fine. Today is one of my better days.”

Rebecca looked at her baby sister and a tear escaped down her cheek.

Marjorie’s eyes saddened. While she and Michaela had not always been the best of friends, they were getting much closer. She thought of all the time she wasted being the hateful older sister and had to fight back tears. “I agree…she does look well,” Marjorie choked. “You all do,” she said hugging her nieces and nephews. Then she hugged Sully.

“Why don’t we claim your luggage and head home? I’m feeling rather tired,” Michaela said and yawned. She was not as pale as she had been, but still lacking color and far too thin.

“Of course,” Elizabeth said releasing Michaela’s hand and walking with Sully to the end of the train where the luggage was being stacked. Michaela lead the others to the wagon.

The ride was somber: the mood and sky dreary. No one knew what to say or do. Michaela watched the sky. The clouds were gray and moving slowly in, covering what blue there was to the sky. She sighed. It was amazing how the weather reflected her mood.

The gray clouds finally gave way as the family arrived home. They all rushed inside, all but Michaela. She stood on the porch and watched the rain fall gently around her. She sighed again, slightly louder than before. So this would be the last time she saw the rain beat on the roof. The last time she would step into mud that she would sink into…the last time…

“Michaela, come inside,” Sully said taking her arm.

She shrugged him off and stood watching the raindrops. She shivered from the chill in the air.

“Somethin’ wrong?” he asked. He put his arms around her waist from behind her and held on to her.

“I just want to watch the rain,” she replied. She reached out and allowed the rain to fall into her hand.

“But you’ll get sick,” Sully begged.

“If you haven’t noticed I am sick,” she replied turning to him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Sully took her into his arms. “I know…I know. Come on…I’ll make you some tea.”

She looked at the rain and sighed. She nodded and walked inside with Sully.

Sully awoke in the middle of the night to coughing: weak, painfilled coughing. For weeks now she had gotten worse: much worse. She never had the energy to rise from bed. Michaela was tired and always feverish. The pain had spread in her body and most times left her so weak she did not move. Sully knew she was slipping away faster and that her time was coming soon.

Her mother would spend every day with her trying to make up for lost time. They would talk and cry together for hours. However, Rebecca and Marjorie would find it hard to remain cheery around Michaela. All they would see is her pale face, bony body and weak form. They often stopped into her room for a few moments and left, tears rolling down their cheeks.

Michaela was black and blue on different areas of her body. She had a large dark purple patch on her head from hitting the headboard. She had a few cuts that would not heal. Dried blood covered the cuts, but still they would crack and bleed. Andrew had been to the house just that day to get a paper cut to stop bleeding.

And just before bed, Michaela began to complain of some pain on her left side. Her fever, while low, caused her teeth to chatter and her body to shake. But, she was fast asleep when Sully looked over at her. He took her sweating body into his arms and cradled her close. “Soon, Michaela, soon the pain will be gone,” he said as a tear sliding down his cheek.

“Sully!” she finally found the strength to cry out mid morning. The pain had become unbearable. He was downstairs but heard the scream loud and clear. He ran into the room, slightly out of breath. “Michaela?”

She was curled in a ball, her knees drawn up to her chest. She was moaning and panting. Her body was covered in a sheen layer of perspiration. “It hurts!” she cried in a whisper. He touched her forehead and had to withdraw his hand. “You’re burnin’ up!” he said, panic in his voice.

She moaned slightly louder. “I…I…need…” she was crying from the pain and her teeth began to chatter.

Sully lifted her into his arms. “We’re goin’…we’re goin’!” He rushed passed the family without explaining and down to the wagon, which was hitched. He hopped in and rode off towards town.

The family had joined Sully a few moments after and all of them were settled on the porch of the clinic. Sully paced back and forth and was surprised to see Daniel walk up to him. “How is she?” his friend asked.

“She ain’t well…they are doin’ some kind o’ operation,” Sully said trying to keep his mask on. It did not work and he snapped. “She’s dyin’, Daniel!”

Daniel embraced his friend. “I’m here, Sully…I’m here if ya need me.”

Sully stepped back and fought to control his emotions. “I can’t burden ya with my troubles.”

“It ain’t a burden…best friends are there for each other,” he replied offering his hand.

Sully shook it and then Daniel headed towards the store. Sully looked to the family around him and they all looked away, their tears shimmering in the light.

“Sully?” Andrew said coming out of the clinic. The entire family got to their feet.

“How is she?” Sully asked coming to the door. He could see the blood on the towel and on the young doctor’s hands. He felt his face pale.

“She’s asleep. I had to remove her spleen,” he said wiping his bloody hands on a white towel.

Sully swallowed hard. “Will she be ok?” He knew the question sounded stupid, especially when speaking of someone with such an illness, but his eyes begged for an answer.

Andrew was not sure how to answer, but he did. “She should be awake within the hour. If you want to go up and wait, you’re more than welcome.”

Sully started to go inside but Andrew caught his arm.

“Sully, it shouldn’t be long now. I would like her to stay here…so I can monitor her and perhaps give her some morphine. She will be in a lot of pain.”

“She won’t have no part of morphine. And I think the choice of where she wants to be is up to her…specially since there ain’t much we can do.” Sully paused a moment and added, “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t wanna die here.”

Andrew nodded and Sully disappeared upstairs.

He stood outside the door a moment. Did he really want to go inside? Of course he did, his wife was in there. He slowly pushed the door open and entered the room. She looked so peaceful. He crept over to the chair beside the bed and sat down. He took her left hand into his and looked at her wedding rings.

“I have a surprise coming that I was hopin’ you would make it to see,” he whispered. “I decided I wanted to get somethin’ to remember you by. So I got this ring comin’…a weddin’ band that looks just like yours. I want you to put it on me, Michaela. So you can’t give up on me yet.”

He sighed and sat back in the chair. “You’ll wake up and tell me this is a nightmare, right? Or that we got the wrong disease…hm?”

No response came and he sighed again.

“Sully,” a voice came from the door. He was surprised, yet pleased, to see Brian there. “How is she?” he asked.

Sully just shook his head. “Andrew doesn’t think she has much longer.”

Brian nodded and pulled something from his pocket. “Horace said that this arrived on the train this mornin’. It’s the ring you were just tellin’ Ma about.”

Sully opened a little black box and pulled out the gold band. It was the same band Michaela wore, only larger. He had them engrave her initials on the inside of the band. “When she wakes I’m gonna make her put it one me…we’ll quickly say our own weddin’ vows.” Sully was not speaking to anyone in particular. He turned the ring over and over again.

“Pa?” Brian asked. He realized Sully was lost in thought.

“Yea, Brian?” He looked over to the young man and placed the ring back in the box.

“You’re gonna take care o’ us right? You’re not gonna go away are ya?” he stepped closer to the bed.

“I’m stayin’ right here…ta take care of you and Katie…like a good father would.”

“You’re not a good father, Sully,” Brian said going to him and hugging him. “You’re the best father there is!”

Sully hugged him back. “Thank you, Brian.” A tear rolled down his cheek and he repeated, “Thank you.”

Michaela woke a few hours later. She reached over to her left and called quietly, “Sully?”

Just like he had once before, when she was sick with influenza, Sully rose from his chair and went to her beside. “I’m here,” he said taking her hand.

“The children?” she asked just like the first time. It sent chills down his spine.

“They’re with your Ma at Grace’s. How ya feelin’?” he kissed her forehead.

“Like I was hit by a train,” she replied and began to cough. She winced.

“Did I mention they removed your spleen?” he asked with a little smile. She blinked.

“Is that what happened?” she squinted.

Sully nodded. “There’s somethin’ I want to do,” he said taking the ring off the night table beside her. “I ordered this when we first found out you were…anyway, it arrived today and I want us to exchange vows…when you feel up to it.”

Michaela forced her arm to rise and took the band from him. “A wedding band?”

“If you want to be buried with the Sully name, then I want to wear a ring to remember you by.”

Michaela began to cry. “You won’t let me die here will you?” she begged with an urgency that did not go unnoticed. “I want to die at home.”

Sully swallowed hard. At home: that means in the home he built, the bed he carved.

“Please Sully, I want to be where your love is…not in the clinic. I want to be in our bed…in our home…with our family. Where our memories are,” she whispered.

Sully nodded reluctantly. “Then that’s where you’ll be.”

Later that day, before the family, Sully and Michaela exchanged new vows. The family sat in chairs around the room and listened intently as the two lovers married again. With the Reverend no where to be found, they decided to do it alone.

“I, Michaela Quinn, take you, Sully, as my husband. I will love you eternally whether on this earth or not. I will watch over you and protect you from afar and forever be with you. With this ring, I prove my undying love so that no matter where you go, a part of me is with you.” She slid the ring onto Sully’s finger, a tear slipped from her eye.

“I, Byron Sully, take you, Michaela Quinn, as my wife. Forever I will love you, even if you are not here. I will carry you in my heart and in my soul. You complete me. I will raise our children to be like you and in a way we believe. I will continue with you as my strength knowing that one day we will meet again and be happy forever.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.

The family was crying, so was Sully, as Michaela closed her eyes and whispered. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Home…finally home. Andrew reluctantly released Michaela four mornings later. He wanted to be sure she was healing properly, though he knew she would not be. Michaela’s skin was so delicate that the incision was not healing as it should. Sully carried the weak form inside. Over the last four days, she began to deteriorate. She could no longer sit up or raise her arms. Her breathing was labored, her fever unbreakable and her appetite gone. She would only be able to stay awake for a few hours at a time and even then she usually had her eyes closed because the light in the room tended to hurt them.

Michaela was not just pale: she was ghostly white. Her skin was so thin that one swore they could see her bones. Her hair was always a mess, no matter how hard they tried to keep it neat. Her body was covered in perspiration and her lips had a bluish tint to them.

Sully laid Michaela in the bed and took her hand. It was happening, he was losing her and there was nothing he could do. He could not fight something that was not there.

“Sully?” Michaela asked opening her eyes.

“I’m here,” he said kissing her hand.

“Sully, get the family. I need them…it’s almost through.”

“No,” he shook his head in disbelief. “You have time.” His eyes were wide and his face pale with worry. He seemed to have aged terribly through the ordeal. He had been crying; anyone could notice the dried tracks of the tears on his cheeks.

She shook her head mutely. “Please…get them,” she begged. Her breathing was heavy and even Sully knew she was right.

He stood and went to the staircase calling everyone upstairs. Slowly, the family gathered in the room. Michaela looked around. Her mother, sisters, children and closest friends were all there and had been for days. No one left the homestead for too long in case she needed someone or something. Often, they were afraid they would not get to say goodbye.

“I…I don’t know where to begin,” Michaela said in a strained voice. “There is so much to say,” she added. She looked at her children. “Brian, take care of Katie for me. She’ll need you as her big brother. She’s so young yet and will want to know everything she can…help her with that.”

“Yes, Ma,” Brian said rushing to her bedside to kiss her cheek. He knelt beside the bed and cried while holding her hand.

“Colleen, I want you to go to medical school and take the clinic over with Andrew. I am sure the people of the town will welcome you into my practice…I would have.”

Colleen nodded mutely and sniffled. She hugged Katie close.

She looked around and noticed Matthew was missing; a tear slid down her cheek. Looking at her mother she said, “Father is coming for me…I know he is. I’ll tell him how much you love and miss him. Mother, we tried so hard to make up for all the time we lost…I just wish we could have. I love you.”

“I love you too, Michaela. So very much,” her mother replied taking her hand. She squeezed it and made room for her daughters to come closer.

Marjorie burst into tears and Rebecca hugged her. “Rebecca, Marjorie, I want the two of you to check on my family when you can. I love them more than life itself and it pains me to know I am leaving them. Rebecca, you’ve were my best friend for so long, I treasure our midnight talks. Marjorie,” Michaela forced herself to pause. She felt as if she were rushing. “I love you Marjorie…I’m sorry we weren’t closer. Sometimes things happen too late in life…I regret this more than you’ll know.”

Marjorie kissed Michaela’s cheek and whispered, “I love you too, Michaela. I am so sorry.” She moved over so Rebecca could kiss Michaela.

Rebecca kissed Michaela’s head and said, “Rest in peace my sweet sister.”

Michaela sniffled and noticed Dorothy and Grace crying in the corner. She said, “I’m entrusting my husband and children to you. Make sure Katie grows up without any troubles and that her father doesn't spoil her too much. Watch out for my babies,” she added, “and thank you for being my best friends. I love you both.”

They nodded silently, afraid to move or speak.

Michaela sniffled and asked Colleen to bring Katie closer. Michaela looked at the little girl and wished she could hold her. “Remind her that I loved her, Colleen. Never let her forget that. Help Sully guide her…she’ll need a female around.” Michaela began to cry like the rest of the people present. “Don’t let her forget me.”

She looked at Sully. “Sully, I love you. You are my everything. I never thought love like this was possible…but it is. I know that with my death, part of you will die…but I beg you to be strong. Katie needs you…and I’ll be here. Please…don’t forget me.”

“Never,” he whispered through his tears. “Never.”

She nodded.

Sully looked around at everyone and noticed how uncomfortable they all were. He begged, “Can I have some time alone with her?”

The crowd reluctantly left the room and Sully closed the door. He took her into his arms and hugged her. “Don’t go Michaela…fight this!”

“I can’t fight anymore,” she replied, her voice much weaker and her breathing shallow.

“Hold on, for me,” he begged.

She tried to shake her head. She coughed. “I…I tried.”

“Don’t give in…please, Michaela, please.”

She didn’t answer and Sully looked down into her face. Her eyes were closed and she was limp. Her breathing ceased in a final painful gasp.

“NO! GOD NO!!! MICHAELA!!” He pulled her close to him rocking and crying. He looked up and asked “Why? Why my Michaela?!”

In the doorway, Brian watched his father morn and then ran downstairs crying tears of pain and anger.

Sully knelt in front of the grave and put sunflowers on it. He fingered the stone, which read:

Dr. Michaela Sully “Medicine Woman” Wife, doctor and mother. Born February 15 1833 – Died June 4, 1872