People began to settle down and talk happily. The mood was infectiously cheerful and cozy. Grace was tending to something rich smelling that steamed on the wood stove. Dr. Mike and Dorothy were talking pleasantly while Brian and Anthony played with Katie by the fire. Sully, Matthew, and Robert E. fell into conversation about the recent change in weather.

Becky joined Colleen at the table. It had been so long since the two friends had talked. In truth, they were not nearly as close as they had once been. Destiny had taken them in different directions. Colleen was determined and persistent where Becky was easy-going and peaceable. But Colleen hoped they might be able to salvage some of their old familiarity. She knew the bond they had formed could not be destroyed that easily.

"Hey Becky!" she said, taking her friend's hands in hers.

"Hi Colleen. Happy Birthday."

"Thank you. I can't believe another year has gone by! I've missed you so much."

"Me too." There was an uncomfortable silence. Then they both began to talk simultaneously.

"You go first." Colleen said, laughing.

"I was just gonna say that it's real good to talk to you." Becky told her. There was a great deal of warmth and honesty in her voice. "I wish we had more time."

"I know, me too." Colleen felt the old spark of connection between them. She squeezed Becky's hand. "We'll just have to make the best of things. Even though I'm far away a lot, we can still be good friends. Just different kinds of friends..."

Becky nodded and smiled, knowing that neither one of them could have complete faith in such a theory. Only time would tell if they could hold onto their friendship even though their lives promised such different futures.

"So, how have you been?" Colleen asked.

"Good...I've been workin' for Preston at the Spring's Chateau. Cleanin' and makin' beds, that sorta stuff."

"That's great!" Colleen said, truly happy for her.

"Oh, it's not much. Not like goin' to college to become a doctor." Becky said. She couldn't help but feel a little inadequate in front of her well-educated, more worldly friend.

"No, but we all gotta do what feels right for ourselves, Becky. I think it's really good that you're workin' and bein' independent."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Colleen, can I tell you somethin'?"

"Sure. Anything." Colleen said, surprised by Becky's eagerness to open up. It had been a long time since she'd last confided in her and she was more than happy to listen.

"Sometimes I get so jealous of you." Becky admitted. "You're just so strong and unafraid. You know exactly what you want and you don't seem to be scared to go after it. I wish I could be as smart as you. And as brave." Becky looked straight into Colleen's eyes as she said this. It hadn't been easy for her to admit her insecurities.

Colleen was surprised.

"Jealous? Of me? You're kidding!"

"No, I'm not."

Colleen was quiet for awhile as she absorbed everything her friend was telling her.

"Becky, you're right in that I do know what I want. I've wanted to become a doctor for years. And I'll do just about anything to make that dream come true. But, I'm certainly not brave! Or unafraid! Sometimes it's so hard to get on that train and go back to Denver. To leave everyone and everything I love and go to place where so many people tell me I'm not smart enough because I'm a girl. Going to college...it's brought me more fear than just about anything else in my life. And everyday I have to tell myself that I'm doing the right thing even though I'm afraid."

"You are doin' the right thing, Colleen." Becky said and then fell silent. After a minute she spoke again, "I guess people aren't always as fearless as they seem. But I still think you're brave."

Colleen smiled. "Thanks. Now can I tell you somethin'?" she asked.

"Sure you can." Becky grinned. They were beginning to feel like old friends again and it was a good feeling.

"Sometimes I'm really jealous of you."

"You are?" Becky sounded just as surprised as she had.

"Well sure. You never have to leave Colorado Springs like I do. You get to see everyone here whenever you want..."

"Are you talkin' about someone in particular?" Becky asked.

"No." Colleen said, blushing just a little. She realized that she couldn't hide her emotions from her friend. "Well...yes."

They both smiled at one another. When it came to Andrew there had once been a lot of tension between the two of them. At one point Colleen had feared that his intensions were for Becky, but since then his words and actions seemed to point in a different direction and she felt almost certain that his heart belonged to her. Colleen was relieved to see the familiar, teasing smile on her friend's face. It told her that any romantic feelings Becky might have had for Andrew were no longer an issue.

It suddenly hit Colleen that the young doctor wasn't there and she wondered if he had been invited. Although his name hadn't even been mentioned, Becky seemed to read her thoughts.

"He's comin', Colleen. Your Ma told me."

Colleen's face glowed, her relief and delight evident. She could think of nothing else that would make this day so absolutely perfect.

Just then Grace interrupted her thoughts. "Dinner's ready, everyone. Come and sit down." Under her breath she mumbled, "We'll just have to start without Dr. Cook."

Grace's food was delicious, as usual, and everyone was in the best of spirits. There was hot beef stew, squash, fresh-baked corn bread, carrot cake, and spicy apple cider. Dr. Mike was not the best chef, as everyone knew, so she had asked Grace to do all the cooking and baking. No one regretted it.

"Colleen," Dr. Mike addressed her daughter. "Tell us how school has been."

"Ummm, it's good, Ma." she answered between bites of her dinner. "It's hard, but good. Last week we had a test in Physics. I got the highest grade in my class."

"That's wonderful!" Michalea said, her smile showing how proud she was of her adopted daughter.

"That's great, Colleen." Dorothy told her. "I never was much good in science or math. Always preferred writin'."

"Me too." Brian joined in. He had been writing editorials for the town's Gazette for some time and his talent was well-known. His family had every reason to believe that one day he'd take his ability very far. Maybe he'd even get a book or two published.

There was a loud gust of wind and then a downpour of rain drummed loudly against the roof. Everyone fell silent and looked around as if they expected something further to happen. But the rain continued to patter, putting a slight damper on the party.

"Perhaps Andrew has decided to stay home because of this weather." Dr. Mike said quietly, knowing how disappointed Colleen would be.

"It does sound pretty bad out there." Sully added. "I hope it'll let up enough for everyone to get home okay."

"I'm sure it will." said Robert E. "Rain this hard can't last that long."

"Well, I guess it's not gonna snow after all, huh Colleen?" Brian said, remembering their earlier conversation.

"No, I guess not." her voice revealed just a hint of the regret she was feeling.

At that moment there was a slight rap against the door. They all turned towards it and watched as it was pushed open. A soggy figure joined their midst. Sully, Matthew, and Robert E. got up. When the stranger's face hit the light they saw that it was Dr. Cook, shivering slightly, but trying not to let it show. His clothing was disheveled and his hair dripped with water. He looked almost comical standing there in the doorway with his fancy Boston clothes all drenched and wrinkled, his bow tie a tangled mess. Even now he was fidgeting with it, trying to make it straight, but having little success.

"Andrew!" Colleen spoke his name as she rose from her chair, unable to hold back her happiness at seeing him or her concern for his obviously distressing condition. She acted on impulse and emotion, before she had a chance to stop herself.

"Colleen!" he said enthusiastically, despite the situation. "Happy Birthday."

He looked around at the cluster of faces, greeted everyone else, and then returned his gaze to the smiling young woman standing before him. For an instant they were lost in eachother's eyes. The intensity of their joy seemed to overwhelm them, as if it were all they could do not to race into one another's arms. They held back for a few moments, both shyness and etiquette serving to check their actions. Neither one wanted to seem too eager in case their feelings weren't completely mutual. Andrew made the first move and reached out to hug her ever so cordially, remembering too late that his clothing was soaked.

"Oh, gosh. Colleen, I'm sorry." he said, feeling terribly embarrassed and self-conscious. It didn't matter in the least to her and she laughed warmly, amused by the distraught look on his face and just a little pleased by how nervous he seemed.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. Just come in and warm up before you get sick." She said this as she guided him to the roaring fireplace, all eyes still watching the two of them.

"I can't believe you came all this way in the rain." Brian said.

"Well, it wasn't raining when I started out. And I would have gotten here on time if it hadn't started. It was such a nice day, a little cold, but no sign of rain. But then it came all of a sudden. I'm truly sorry that I didn't arrive earlier. And I'm sorry I missed getting to surprise you, Colleen." He said this last sentence more quietly, his lighter eyes focused on her deep brown ones, making her feel a little light-headed and causing her cheeks to color.

"It's understandable, Andrew." Dr. Mike said. "We all know you couldn't help it." She followed them to the fire.

"I could get you some of Sully's things if you'd like to change." she offered.

"Oh, no. I'm fine Michalea. I don't want to be any trouble. I'll just sit here and dry off."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, of course." he said, attempting to sound sure of himself.

"Well, you may get away with wearin' those wet clothes, Dr. Cook, but you're goin' to have some of this stew." Grace chimed in. She already had a bowl of the thick, steaming stuff in her hands and she brought it over to him.

"Certainly." Andrew nodded his consent. "Thank you very much." He took the bowl from her gratefully, wrapped his hands around it for warmth, and then sipped the broth lightly. "This is wonderful Grace."

"Thank you." She smiled self-assuredly, easily accepting the compliment. She knew her cooking abilities were excellent and didn't see anything wrong with having a little self pride.

Back at the table the guests were eating and talking again. Colleen settled down with Andrew beside the fire, feeling a little timid, but happy to be with him. For a minute they sat in silence, just smiling at one another and listening to the sounds of the other people.

"How are you, Colleen?" Andrew asked after a while.

"Good. I'm good. And you?"

"I'm good, too. Cold and wet, but good." He smiled and then looked down at his soup again. Once more they were quiet, searching for a way to break the ice that had formed between them during the weeks that Colleen had been away.

"Can I get you anythin' else? There's bread and vegetables, too. I can get you a piece of cake if you'd like."

"No, this is fine for now. Thank you." They continued to glance around the room, half afraid to make eye contact with one another, although both of them were yearning to.

Brian and Anthony got up from the table and walked over to them, taking Katie, as well.

"Me and Anthony are gonna play checkers. I figured you might like to play with Katie seein' as you never get to see her." he said, plopping the wriggling toddler down beside Colleen.

"Oh, sure. Hey, Katie. How are you doin'?" She focused her attention on the small child, stretching out her arms for a hug. Katie walked eagerly to her, grasping an arm for support. She reached up and patted Colleen's hair with one miniature hand, then made a funny little noise to show her delight.

"She certainly adores her big sister." Andrew said, watching the two of them affectionately. Colleen smiled and met his eyes, her hands still holding onto Katie's. The little girl followed her gaze until she, too, was looking at Andrew. A grin appeared on her face.

"She likes you too." Colleen remarked. The way she said it made it clear that she wasn't just speaking for the child, but for herself, as well.

Katie blurted out something incomprehensible and pointed at Andrew, then giggled. They couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Katie! It isn't nice to point." Colleen said, not a hint of seriousness in her voice. She wondered what Katie had said in her own little baby language.

Becky walked over to them just then.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"Oh, of course not." Colleen said, truly meaning it. Andrew remained quiet, but smiled to show that he was happy to have her join them.

"I just wanted to give you this before I left." she said, handing Colleen a small paper package. "Robert E. and Grace offered to bring me home. The rain's lettin' up a little and I think they'll be goin' soon."

"Oh, no. I hoped you could stay longer." Colleen said sincerely as she accepted the gift from her friend. "Thank you, Becky." she added.

Opening the packet revealed a tiny sewn pouch that could be pulled shut using draw strings. Little flowers spiraled up the sides and ended in a cluster at the top. The front of it read Friends Forever, sewn in bright red thread. The entire pouch had been done with such delicate stitches, obviously by someone with a careful and loving hand.

"I made it myself." Becky said, a little anxiously. "I hope you like it. I know it's nothin' special, bein' homemade and all...but I figured you could find a use for it."

Colleen was touched and she could feel the tears behind her eyes, just waiting to fall.

"Becky, this is beautiful. You've done such a good job. Thank you so much." She got up swiftly and embraced her friend without restraint. A tear or two managed to escape and slide down her face, unseen by anyone but Becky. After a moment they separated and then laughed at their own sentimentalism. Andrew looked on, clearly moved by their display of affection. Katie was now snuggled in his lap where she had placed herself quite eagerly, despite the fact that his clothes were still a little damp. He liked children and, although he was a little astonished by Katie's forwardness, he seemed pleased to have earned her approval.

"Speaking of presents..." Dr. Mike said as she walked over to them, a sort of childlike excitement in her voice. "We've got something for you. I wanted to save it until later...once you'd gotten settled in a little. But I just can't wait!" She reached up and took a large package down from the mantle, clutching it to herself for a moment. Other people were now gathered around them, making Colleen feel rather uncomfortable.

"Ma, Sully...you didn't have to get me anything. I mean, this party was enough." She was surprised and happy, but genuinely felt that any additional gift besides being with her family and friends was too much.

"Go on and take it, Colleen." Sully said as he wrapped an arm around Michalea and pulled her close against him. The pride and joy they both felt was evident on their smiling faces. "You've been working hard and you deserve it."

"Sully's right." Matthew added. "We've been waiting a long time to see the look on your face when you opened it. So don't keep us in suspense any longer." Several people laughed at this.

Colleen took the bundle from Dr. Mike and placed it on her lap very carefully. She pulled the taped ends apart and painstakingly folded them over, not wanting to rip any of the pretty red paper. When she saw what was inside, she raised her hands to her mouth in shock, her eyes becoming wide. Nestled in a mass of tissue paper was a brown leather medical bag, obviously new and definitely costly. Colleen stroked the sides of it and then grasped the handle, trying to come up with the right words.

"I can't believe this. I don't know what to say." she managed to stutter, the emotion rising in her voice.

"I know becoming a doctor is still awhile away, Colleen." Dr. Mike said, mistaking her daughter's speechlessness for confusion. "But the truth is, you help so much at the clinic and at Andrew's that I think you should have one of your own to take with you. Besides, it's always a good precaution, in case something should happen."

Colleen was silent as she listened to and took in her mother's words. It seemed to hit her all at once that she really was going to become a doctor. It was only a matter of time. The future never looked so amazing...or so close at hand. She felt a wave of excitement and anticipation for all the things to come.

"I...I love it." she whispered. Once again she could feel tears welling up in her eyes. It didn't help that Dr. Mike was becoming sobby, herself. "And I love you." she added, looking at her family as she embraced them one by one. "I love you all so much."

Dusk settled across the land and the rain ceased. The night became frigid and blustery. Wolves seemed to howl with every gust of wind and the trees groaned like lamenting old women. Twice the homestead door blew open and slammed against the side of the house angrily. No one wanted to go out into the storm, but they feared that it would only get worse the longer they waited. So, after everyone had a second or third bowl of Grace's stew to warm themselves, they bundled up and headed out, lanterns in hand, ready to face whatever the weather could throw at them.

"Thank you for coming, Andrew." Colleen said. He was rising from his place by the fire, preparing to leave. Sully and Michalea were seeing the last of the guests out of the front door, wishing them a good night and reminding them to bundle up. But Andrew was reluctant to go and he hesitated before Colleen, not knowing the right way to say good-bye. He looked at her, his eyes lingering a moment longer than they should have. Remembering his manners, he turned away and smiled, his face reddening. He was feeling a mixture of emotions. It was in his nature to be polite and gentlemanlike, but what he felt in his heart made him want to push etiquette aside.

"It was my pleasure." he said, meeting her eyes again. This time he did not pull them away. "I had a wonderful time, Colleen." He felt like his words were insufficient in expressing the way he felt, but she was smiling up at him, her eyes full of warmth and tenderness, telling him that his simple words had been enough.

He was about to take her hands in his when the door closed loudly behind them and broke the spell. They looked up, startled.

Dr. Mike and Sully smiled over at them, recognizing a bit of themselves in the young couple...everything so new and fresh.

"It's gettin' pretty cold out there!" Sully exclaimed, hugging himself. Michalea shivered beside him and he quickly pulled her close.

"Yes, and unfortunately I have to walk home." Andrew said, regretting his decision not to take a horse or wagon to the party.

"Andrew, we can't let you walk home in this..." Dr. Mike said, matter-of-factly.

"Michalea's right. In weather like this it's just too far without a horse. It'll be pitch black soon." Sully added.

Andrew glanced at Colleen and saw the distress in her eyes.

"He could borrow one of our horses." she suggested, although in the back of her mind she was thinking that it wouldn't be so terrible if he had to stay at the homestead. She so wanted to spend time with him!

"I don't want to be any trouble, Colleen." he said, feeling very helpless and incompetent in front of her.

"It's no trouble, Andrew." Dr. Mike said. After a moment of consideration she added, "Colleen can go with you so she can take the horse back." Both Sully and Colleen looked at her when she said this, surprised to hear such an idea coming from Dr. Mike. She was always so preoccupied with keeping her children safe and protected. It wasn't like her to suggest something like this. "But I want you both to be very careful. Especially on the way back, Colleen. You'll be alone, in the dark..."

Andrew smiled at the motherly tone Michalea was taking with both of them, though he couldn't help but feel a little worried about Colleen himself. She spoke up before he could express his concern.

"We'll be fine, Ma." Colleen said. She could not think of the ride back home. It was the ride to Andrew's homestead that was on her mind now and her face glowed with excitement. "Come on," she said, "we should go before the weather gets any worse."