The next morning...
Colleen and Andrew received a telegram from Horace saying:
DR. QUINN AND FAMILY GONE TO BOSTON STOP GRANDMA QUINN INJURED STOP
Andrew stood there, thinking long and hard.
"Well, there are two possible thing we can do. One can be to send a telegram to your parents so they know we received the message. The other is to....go to Boston and be with your grandma," Andrew said slowly.
A smile spread across Colleen's face.
"Really, you mean it? We can go?" Andrew nodded.
Suddenly, Colleen's face crumbled.
"But what about your business and our honeymoon? If we go, we might not have enough time for you to get started and have time to be together."
"Don't worry Colleen. I can wait to start my business. I'm not in a rush. And instead of Philadelphia as our honeymoon, we'll just have it in Boston."
Colleen wrapped her arms around Andrew's neck and kissed him.
"You are so sweet," she said, stroking his face.
"Well, I guess it's decided." said Andrew with a sigh. "I guess we're going to Boston."
"Oh Andrew, I'm so lucky to have a husband like you." said Colleen while a tear went running down her freckled face.
"We better start packing for our trip tomorrow." Andrew said with a smile.
"Ok" Colleen said smiling while swinging Andrew's hand in hers.
The next morning Colleen and Andrew were on their way to Boston to see on "Grandma Quinn".
Andrew sat beside Colleen reading a medical book while Colleen stared out the train window wondering what she will find in Boston.
Colleen dreamed that she got to see Grandma and the family, also that Grandma will be ok. Suddenly Andrew called her name, "Colleen, Colleen?"
"Yes?" replied Colleen.
Andrew said, "We are here, we are here already." Then the train stopped, and they got off the train. Next Andrew said "I'll get our bags and then we can be on our way, to see your Grandma."
"Andrew, she is your Grandma too, now that we are married you can call her Grandma too."
Dorothy was surprised as she entered the cafe and saw Grace sitting at the table, alone and with her head in her hands. "Oh no," mused Dorothy, "I hope she's not drinking again. She and Robert E have seemed so happy lately."
Dorothy slowly walked over to her friend. "Grace, are you all right?" Grace looked up slowly at Dorothy.
Dorothy was relieved to see that she hadn't been drinking, but she was clearly ill. "What is it Grace, can I get something for you?"
"Oh, I wish Dr. Mike were here. I don't know what to do. I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm pregnant. I was so surprised after all these years and then adopting and losing Anthony. But today I feel terrible, and I'm frightened. I don't know what to do. All the doctors are out of town."
"Oh Grace, that is the most wonderful news. But if you have an open mind, I know a wonderful doctor. Would you mind having Cloud Dancing come to see you?"
"I'll do anything to make sure this baby is all right. Remember when we tried to comfort Dr. Mike this Fall? Well, now I know there is no real comfort for losing a child. I've just lost my son, I can't lose my baby too."
"Let me help get you home, then I'll go find Cloud Dancing."
"Thank you Dorothy. You're a true friend."
Dorothy set out for the old Palmer Creek Reservation as soon as she got Grace settled. Daniel had given Cloud Dancing permission to settle there. Fortunately, he was at his campsite and not out hunting. She hurried over to him and explained the situation with Grace. Cloud Dancing gathered some of his bags of herbs and quickly followed.
Knock-Knock-Knock........
"Robert E., would you see who that is knocking at the front door? I just don't feel much like getting up."
"All right Grace. Mrs. Slicker? What brings you here?"
"I'm sorry.......I don't mean to bother you, it's just I didn't see Grace at the cafe this morning and I got worried."
"Oh,... you are no bother........please come in."
"Who's that at the door Robert E.?"
"It's Mrs. Slicker", ............you can go in and
see Grace, she's in the bedroom.......first door on the right."
"Gracias. Good Morning Grace...Are you not feeling well?"
"Oh Teresa, it's so nice of you to stop bye. I guess you can say I'm not feeling well at all this morning, because of.........well........I guess you are going to find out sooner or later. I'm Pregnant!"
"Oh Grace......I'm so happy for you, and of course Robert E.,..... what wonderful news. I know you are so excited and.........oh, I see...... that's why you are not feeling so well right now, am I right?"
"You are right. I just wish Dr. Mike were here, I really need her now. This is my first baby, and I'm kind of scared......a little. I don't know what to do, ..... until after a baby comes.........not before."
"Well, it's not as difficult as you think Grace. You have to take things a lot slower than you are use to and mostly think happy thoughts about the blessed event."
"Sounds like you've been thinking a little bit about this subject yourself Teresa. Have you and Jake been talking about having a baby....I mean soon.........not that it's any of my business, but...."
"Oh, no, not really, .....well,....... not yesterday, anyway; but I would like to have children......yes.......someday. But first I would like for Jake and I to have our new home built, and then fill it with the laughter of children later, yes?"
"Yes, that sounds like a good plan Teresa."
Knock-Knock-Knock.
"I'll get the door Grace."
"Good morning Dorothy, Cloud Dancing. Good to see you both."
"I've come with herbs for Grace to help ease her discomfort. Dorothy tells me that she is with child."
"Thank you Cloud Dancing. Grace needs all the help she can get seeing that Dr. Mike and Andrew are not here."
"Robert E.?"
"Yes Dorothy?"
"Bringing the herbs is just one of the reasons why we're here. I would like to ask .....well......I was wondering if you and Grace would mind if we.....I mean I, because it's really my idea to.......
"....I was wondering...you and Grace have been married for a long time...and you've been through so many ups and downs..so I..."
"Yes Dorothy?" Robert E. prompted her.
Dorothy took a deep breath. "I was wondering...about love. If you really love a person, you would stay with them, right? You'd always be there for each other and..."
"..never give up," Robert E. said. He gave Dorothy and Cloud Dancing a look.
"You just never give up, despite all the problems in the world. That's what love is all about. Being there for the person you love and never giving up hope."
"Thank you Robert E." Dorothy smiled.
"I shall go check on Grace," Cloud Dancing spoke.
Meanwhile...
When Michaela and her family arrived in Boston, her sister Rebecca met them at the station. She filled them in on the situation, telling Michaela, "Mother was unconscious for the better part of a day... she had quite a bump on the head. Her other injuries weren't too serious, mostly bumps and bruises...but Michaela... She keeps asking for Marjorie. It's as if she doesn't remember..." Rebecca trailed off sadly...
"What did Dr. Burke say?" Michaela broke the heavy silence.
"Dr. Burke...really hasn't a clue, Michaela. He's treated her injuries, told us that it's probably a little too soon to upset her...we should wait a few more days to see if her memories will return on their own...but, well...
if she doesn't recover soon..."
"We'll just have to see that she does!" Michaela said, resolved.
The family was settled in at the Quinn house. Physically, Mrs. Quinn was making a fine recovery...she was very nearly her old self again, but the memory of her daughter's death and the events surrounding it seemed to be entirely wiped away. The family had just sat down to supper, when they heard someone enter the room.
Michaela stood up, gasping, "Colleen! Andrew! What are you doing here?!?"
"Ma!" Colleen cried out. Michaela ran over to her and hugged her.
"We heard about Grandma Quinn's accident. We left as soon as possible," Colleen said.
"But what about Andrew's business? And your honeymoon? Surely you don't want to spend it here among your family. Why, wouldn't you two like some privacy?" Michaela asked.
Colleen smiled and shook her head. "Ma, we can have privacy anytime. Now, how is Grandma Quinn?"
"She's becoming stronger each day...its just her memory."
"Maybe I can take a look at her," Andrew offered.
"That would be wonderful. But for now, sit down and eat. You two must be starving," Michaela said.
"That's fine Ma, but Andrew and I want to go unpack first," Colleen said, glancing at Andrew.
Andrew caught Colleen's drift and accompanied her upstairs to their room.
"That was such a long trip! I didn't think I was ever going to get you alone!" Colleen said with a smile.
"I know the feeling all too well,"Andrew said, also smiling.
Colleen wrapped her arms around her husband's neck while pulling him in for a kiss. The kiss quickly deepened and Colleen found herself on the large bed. But much to Colleen's dismay, Dr. Mike came up to announce dinner.
The couple joined their family for a much-appreciated dinner. Then Andrew and Colleen went up to check on Grandma Quinn. Unfortunately Andrew came up with no new discoveries.
"Thank you Cloud dancing for coming over to check on Grace, that meant a lot to both of us." Robert E. said to Cloud Dancing while walking to the front door.
"It was Dorothy's idea, but I was glad to help. Make sure she takes the tea I gave her two times a day. It will make her feel better." replied Cloud Dancing as he stepped onto the front porch.
"I don't think I'll have a problem with her taking it. She is desperate to start feeling better. Thanks again."
"You have a good day Robert E." said Dorothy smiling.
"You too Dorothy. Thanks again for coming over." Then Dorothy and Cloud Dancing walked off the porch, while Robert E. slowly closed the door while waving bye.
Back in Boston, it was half past 9. Everyone had been in the dining room talking for the past few hours.
Michaela was talking to Rebecca when all of a sudden she yawned.
"Oh! Excuse me. I should be getting some rest now. Goodnight everyone!" Michaela stood up gave Colleen, Brian, and Matthew a kiss on the cheek. Sully rose from his chair and bid everyone a goodnight.
As they left the room, Andrew turned to Colleen.
"I think its time we got some rest too." He stood up and held out his arm. "Shall we?"
Colleen gave a kiss to her brothers and her Aunt Rebecca. Then she took Andrew's arm and they both walked out of the room, whispering and laughing with each other.
"I think I'll be turning in..." Matthew said slowly. He got up, and with a heavy heart, walked out of the room. His mind was filled with all sorts of stuff. Dr. Mike and Sully. Colleen and Andrew.
"Matthew!.... MATTHEW!!!!", shouted Brian into his brother's ear.
"HUH, Oh... Brian, yeah....what do you want?"
"Where were you Matthew? I was calling you."
"I'm sorry Brian, what do you want?"
"Well, I know this might not be the best time to ask you this, but I was wondering if you and I could go looking around town tomorrow. I want to see if I can find some fancy fishhooks for Mr. Bray."
"Brian! How can you think of fishhooks at a time like this when Grandma is knocked out in bed upstairs!"
"I told you that this might not be THE BEST TIME, but I thought it would give us a chance to get out of the house and see some of Boston; you know, some new things we haven't seen as well as some of the old stuff. I would ask Sully but he's busy with Ma and all. I don't think he wants to leave her side with Dr. Burke around. Come on Matthew, please? We can take Katie too. Yeah, I want her to see IT too."
"IT, what's IT?....................OH.....I GET IT! You just want to go back to the CANDY STORE where only ICE CREAM and CANDY are sold!"
"That's NOT TRUE MATTHEW!!!!!! I want to go look for some fishhooks and........maybe stop by the candy store.............. if we have
time! Besides, I want Katie to see IT too!!!! Oops!!!
(the Cooper men brake out in spontaneous laughter only to see Andrew and Colleen reappear)
"Hey, what's with you two. We could hear you at the top of the stairs."
"Sorry Colleen, Matthew and I were just having a LOUD discussion about fishhooks."
"You mean ICE CREAM, don't you Brian?", Matthew said with a sly grin on his face.
"Well Colleen, it looks like we're not the only ones who have plans outside of the house tomorrow", Andrew spoke while caressing his young bride's soft face.
Colleen blushed turning "beet red" in front of her brothers.
"Andrew.......later," a somewhat embarrassed Colleen muttered.
(Brian and Matthew exchange goony glances at each other while they watch their sister in her new and sometimes awkward state of marital bliss.)
Marital bliss..........for years that was something that eluded the Cooper children until Dr. Mike and Sully entered their lives. How grateful they were for their Ma and Pa Sully and the wonderful life they lovingly provided for their adopted children.
"Plans? What plans do you have for tomorrow Andrew?"
"Well Matthew, I thought it was high time for Colleen to meet my Uncle Cyrus and Aunt Rose. They would be terribly disappointed to learn I was in Boston with my beautiful new bride and I didn't stop by to introduce Colleen to them. Trust me, I wouldn't hear the end of it. It could even affect my place in their will", Andrew replied with a chuckle.
"Oh Andrew, I'd love you even if you were dirt poor," Colleen still red answered.
"Also, she continued, 'We thought we'd do some shopping. I've got to get some new clothes before school starts and I can't wait to see the latest fashions in the Boston dress shops!"
"You think you can find some fancy fishhooks in some of those stores Colleen?"
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