For personal use and select distribution only © August 20002 by S.L. Snyder
FRIENDS AND LOVERS
by S. L. Snyder
Timeline: June 1875
Michaela and Dorothy were having coffee at Grace’s. “Grace,” called Dorothy, “come join us.”
Grace made sure her help had things under control, then took her coffee over and joined them. “When are your grandkids coming?” She asked.
“I’m leaving tomorrow to go get them. Don’t want ‘em to travel by themselves. Brian and Sarah are going with me to help care for them on the train.”
“It’ll be good.” Said Grace.
“I sure hope so. I’m a little worried. I ain’t sure ‘bout telling the kids that I’m married to Cloud Dancing.”
“It will be okay, Dorothy,” said Michaela. “Children are usually much more accepting of such things.”
“You know I ain’t got but the one bed in my little room off the office. I was gonna go rent rooms at the boarding house for the summer. As I was going over there, Colleen and Andrew met me and asked me if I wanted ta stay at their place cuz they have the extra rooms. I guess they saw me glancing at the boarding house while I was thinkin’, cuz Colleen said the kids’d better off in a home than the boarding house…’specially being away from their ma. I agreed and thanked them.”
“I’m glad. I think it will be better for them. And no matter how good Grace’s food is it’s hard on children eating out all of the time. Having breakfast at Colleen’s will be good for them.”
“I sure do agree,” said Grace. “It’s even better on my kids eatin’ at home instead of the café all the time. I hope ya have a good trip.”
“Thanks, Grace.”
Michaela came out of her office, ready for her next patient, and it happened to be Teresa Slicker. She took Teresa into the examination room. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, very well, thank you. But I think I may be with child again. I would like you to check me and tell me for sure.”
“Certainly.” Michaela examined Teresa and when she was through, she said, “You’re right, Teresa. You are pregnant. I expect you are due sometime after Christmas.”
“Thank you. Jacob will be happy.”
Michaela smiled. “Jake is certainly a good father from what I have seen. He has changed so much with you, Teresa.”
Teresa smiled back. “It has been a good life with him, Dr. Mike. In the beginning I was always worried he would start drinking again, but he has not. And I feel so good about it.”
“You should. I think your love brought Jake out of a very bad place. He drank so much, I wasn’t sure he was going to live much longer. He did not believe me when I told him drinking could kill him. And he’s become a better mayor. He thinks more about the what’s best for the entire town now.”
“Thank you. And I also wanted to speak with you about Brian.”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all. He could start college in the fall, except not at 16. I gave him a college entrance test on our last school day and he missed only one question. I sent the test to a professor in Denver, who is a friend. He was very impressed. He will send, with your permission, some things for Brian to study next year that will help him in college. I thought he could do that and then help Bridget and me teach the other students.”
“Thank you, Teresa. I knew Brian was smart and it’s nice to hear it from his teacher. I leave it in your hands what is best for Brian next year.”
“I have not told Brian yet of the results or about the professor. I thought you would like to tell him when he gets back from his trip with Miss Dorothy.”
“Yes, I would. Thank you.”
Sully was working on the new additions at the homestead with the help of McKay. It was noontime and they sat down on the porch to have some lunch.
“Sully, can I ask ya some questions ‘bout having a baby?”
“Sure.”
“I know ya delivered Katie and was with Dr. Mike when she had Benje. It’s real hard on a lady, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s hard, but women are awful strong. Do you wanna be in with her?”
“I think so. But I don’t know if she’d let me.”
“Ya need to ask ahead of time. I hadn’t thought of being with Michaela, but the way we had Katie, I had no choice. And it showed me I didn’t wanna wait outside for the next one. I don’t wanna have to help deliver one again, but I wanna be with her. But if ya are, ya gotta know that’s there’s a lotta yelling and they can get mad at ya for nuthin’. But when ya see the baby for the first time, just born…well there ain’t nuthin’ like it.”
“I’ll talk to Clara….”
Michaela, Anna Marie and baby Cassidy were sitting at the train station, waiting for the afternoon train bringing their children home, along with Dorothy and her grandchildren.
“I sure miss Sarah when she’s away, but I suppose I need to get use to it. Especially if she decides to go to college.”
“I agree. But you never really get use to it. Even when it’s just a day or so, as when Brian takes a group of people up to the Palmer Creek cabins, I still miss him. And the few times Sully and I have gone away on trips, I always miss all our children.”
Anna Marie smiled. “When Sarah went to San Francisco, that was the first time she’s ever been away for any length of time…for more than a night. She has matured faster in the few years we have lived here than she did back in Georgia. I guess we protected her too much. We never gave her the chance to mature. But here, traveling, getting a job with Colin…and then there’s Brian…”
Michaela smiled. “Yes, Brian…he is very enamored of Sarah. He has mentioned to us how much he cares for her.” Michaela chuckled. “When Matthew was Brian’s age and in love with Ingrid, I never wanted them to be alone because I did not think they could control themselves. I guess that’s where I have matured. I trust Brian and Sarah…as I should have trusted Matthew and Ingrid.”
Anna Marie smiled. “I understand. But sometimes it’s hard…after all, they still remain our babies.”
“Yes…that’s true.”
They heard the train’s whistle and smiled at each other, waiting for their ‘babies’ to come home. The train pulled in, with Brian and Sarah getting off first to greet their mothers. Then they turned to help Dorothy and her grandchildren. Dorothy introduced Amiee and Jeremiah to Michaela, Anna Marie, Clara and Horace who had come over from the office. Then, with help from Brian and Sarah, she took the children and their luggage down to Colleen and Andrew’s. Michaela and Anna Marie followed.
Sully settled the kids in the living room with Brian and then went into the kitchen to help Michaela prepare dinner. “Sure nice ta have Brian home.”
“Yes, it is.”
“When ya gonna talk to him about what Teresa said?”
“After dinner.”
“Hey, ya got any appointments tomorrow?”
“No…just anyone who comes in.”
“Well, I think ya oughta play hooky.”
“And why is that?”
“Your husband would like ta spend the day with just you. Brian could take the kids inta town and let the hospital know. We’d be here at home so if something urgent came up they could send for ya.”
Michaela glanced up at his smiling face. “And what we would be doing?”
Sully grinned. “Well…whatever…talkin’….walkin’….”
“I’ve love to, Mr. Sully.”
“Good…”
When dinner and the dishes were done, the family settled in the living room. Michaela told Brian about her visit with Teresa.
“You okay with that, ma?”
“Yes, I am. We know you are very smart and your father and I are not surprised about Teresa’s comments. But I am also glad that we have you for another year. I’m not looking forward to you going away to college. Anna Marie made an appropriate comment when we were waiting for the train, you and Sarah will always be our babies. Even with two, almost three, children younger than you, I still remember the little boy who ran away to join the Indians.”
Brian smiled as Sully chuckled. “And, ma, when I was little, before the train came but when we knew it was comin’, I told pa that the thing about the train was although it took me away, it would bring me back. An’ I’ll always come home to you and pa.”
Michaela smiled with her eyes glistening. “I’m glad for that, Brian.”
Michaela woke to find herself alone in bed and daylight streaming through the window. The house was silent. She got up, put her robe on and went to Katie and Benje’s room but they weren’t there. She went downstairs to find only her husband, who was sitting in a wingback chair, reading. “Sully?”
He got up and turned to her. “Morning, love.”
“Where are the children?”
“Gone to town. We bin up awhile, had breakfast and Brian left with them a little while ago. Thought I’d let ya sleep in a little while.”
She smiled and moved over to her husband. “Thank you. I feel refreshed.” She said as her lips moved to his.
He moved his hand down to her abdomen. “Nicky’s being active, huh?”
“Yes. I guess we’re both refreshed.” She put her hand over his. “But I…we could go back up and lay down for awhile.”
“Hmmm…ya want company?”
“Certainly.” He smiled and swept her into his arms. “Sully!”
“What?”
“I should walk…”
“Nah….wanna carry my bride up.”
“Hardly a bride…”
Sure ya are…always will be,” he said as he climbed the stairs. He entered the bedroom and put her on her feet by the bed. His hands went up to undo the buttons on her robe and toss it to the floor. She returned the favor, unbuttoning the few buttons on his shirt and pulling it off over his head. Her hands went to the buttons on his breeches, undoing them and pushing them down over his hips. He finshed the job, tossing the breeches aside. He reached down to the hem of her nightgown and pulled it up and off over her head.
He took a few steps back so his eyes could feast on her body. “Beautiful,” he said. “Just beautiful.”
“Sully…” she whispered as the blush slowly diffused over her body.
He moved back to her. “Hey, there…ain’t no need ta blush…it’s just me…”
“I know….I just can’t help it….”
“Yep….keep going back to the Boston lady…” he chuckled. “That’s my wife.”
She smiled. He put his hands on her cheek, and pulling her face up to his, claimed her lips and they enjoyed the union of lips and tongues. As they continued kissing, he moved his hands down to cup her breasts. As she felt him brush his thumbs across her nipples, she felt the beginning of the fires of desire moving through her body. The kiss ended and he moved to help her into their bed. He lay down beside her, face to face, with the growing mound of baby touching his stomach.
Blue eyes met brown/green eyes and locked on. Then lips joined and hands roamed bodies. He rolled her onto her back and moved his lips up to meet hers. Then he left her lips and slowly moved his lips down her body, pausing to enjoy the different parts of her. He got to her abdomen and concentrated his kisses there. “Hey, Nicky, it’s papa. You keep being good to your mama. In a few more months you’ll be joinin’ me and mama and your brothers and sisters.”
Michaela giggled. “Did Nicky answer?”
“Nope…not yet…” Sully moved back up to gaze at her face. “Lord, you’re beautiful.”
“Thank you, my handsome husband,” she murmured, pressing her lips against his cheek as her hand moved down between them to grasp and caress him.
He groaned his pleasure with her caresses. He moved over her, keeping his weight off her abdomen. ‘I love ya, Michaela. Ya make every thing right by just being you.”
“I love you, too.”
Slowly they merged into one…sharing their love…becoming one.
Brian arrived home with Katie and Benjie to find their parents sitting on the steps waiting for them. Sully went to the wagon to life Katie down and pick up Benjie. “Thanks, Brian, we really appreciate ya taking the kids ta town.”
“Glad to do it, pa.” He looked over at his mother. “Ya have a good day, ma?” He asked as he came over to her from the wagon.
“Very good, Brian. We got some rest, talked and walked down to the stream. It’s very beautiful this time of year.”
“Sure is. Oh, Horace asked me ta bring this letter to you. It’s marked private.” He handed the letter to her.
“Thank you.”
“Com’on, Brian, let’s go in and wash the kids and start making dinner while your ma stays here and reads her letter.”
“Sure, pa.”
Michaela opened the letter to find it was from Lillian Cooper.
Dear Dr. Quinn,
Please read this without the children present as I would like you to tell them in your own words.
I am writing to inform you that Ethan passed away. Although we have been separated, I had not started divorce proceedings as I had hoped we could get back together.
Ethan had a new business and a new partner. Father said it was actually a good idea, just poor judgement. Ethan and his partner decided visitors to San Francisco would pay to take a boat trip around San Francisco Bay. They bought an old boat and had four investors. They took the four investors and 10 visitors, including three children, out on the boat. The police tell us that the boat started leaking out in the middle of the bay and sank rather quickly. Ethan, who could not swim, and four of the adults drowned. The children were taken on board a small fishing boat. The fisherman threw ropes to the eight remaining adults and they were able to hang on to the ropes until other small boats came out and picked them up. Ethan’s body and two other bodies have been recovered.
I am writing this on the day we are having a small private service for Ethan.
I know you and Mr. Sully are the best thing for the children. When we were first married, I really believed in him. I believed the stories he told me about his first wife, how she left him. He had me convinced that you had taken the children from him and they were unhappy with you. The time we almost took them away from you, I really thought he was doing it for the children. Later, after we separated, I learned from my father that Ethan knew father had it in his will that most of his money would go to charity if there were no grandchildren. I realize now that Ethan wanted Colleen and Brian for that purpose.
I realize the children think of you and Mr. Sully as their parents, but there is the blood tie to Ethan and I thought they would want to know what happened. I wish I could send them some memory of him that was positive, but there is nothing left. He invested everything in the business.
Sincerely,
Lillian Cooper
Michaela put the letter back in the envelope and looked out across the meadow. She shook her head at the sad end to Ethan’s life.
“Michaela? Everything okay?” asked Sully, sitting down beside her.
She glanced up. “Where’s Brian?”
“He’s making dinner. Said he wants ta do it for us. Kids are playing in the living room.” She handed him the envelope. He read the letter and put in back in the envelope. He put his arm around her shoulder and she laid her head on his shoulder. “I guess he just couldn’t give up on them plans to get rich. He ain’t never really had thought of anything but how ta make himself rich. Money meant more ta him than wife or kids.”
“I know….I thought we could have them out for dinner tomorrow night and tell them. I want them to be together when I tell them. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a good plan. They all have said they don’t care ‘bout him any more, but he was their blood pa and might feel sad when they hear this.” He replied as he kissed the top her of head.
“I know.”
The family enjoyed a nice dinner. After dinner, Michaela asked them to settle in the living room. Sully took Katie and Benje outside to help him feed the animals.
“Brian, Matthew and Colleen, I had a reason for asking you out here tonight and unfortunately it’s a sad one. I received a letter from Lillian and, I’m sorry, but Ethan passed away.” Michaela glanced up at her children. Colleen had tears in her eyes as Andrew put his arm around her, Brian had lowered his head and Matthew’s face was stone like. “Do you want to know what happened? I can read the letter to you or just tell you.”
“Can ya read the letter, ma?” asked Brian.
“Certainly. Matthew? Colleen?”
Matthew looked at Colleen, who nodded. “Okay, ma, go ahead and read it,” he said. Michaela nodded and read the letter out loud. Matthew shook his head. “Even with this, he didn’t think of anyone but himself. How could he take kids out in a boat that was unsafe?”
“Maybe he didn’t know it was,” said Brian.
“Come on, Brian, he never thought….”
“Matthew, shh,” said Michaela as Sully and the kids came in. “He’s gone now and trying to figure out what he was thinking doesn’t do any good. With all his faults, he was still your blood father. It’s alright to feel sad.”
“I wish there were some really good times to remember about him,” said Colleen. “But everything I remember as starting out good ended up bad. Like when he came and said he was going to take us to live in San Francisco then ended up stealing the church money and leaving. I feel sad, but I’m not sorry….I know that doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s okay, Colleen,” said Sully. “Ya got a right to your feelings.”
“I’m gonna write Miss Lillian,” said Brian. “I’m sorry for her.”
“That is a good idea, Brian.”
“May I add to your letter?” asked Colleen.
“Sure.” They both looked at Matthew.
He looked at them for a moment. Then, “okay, me too. But for her, not him.”
Brian and Sully were in their office planning a trip. They were taking two families, a total of 11 people, from the resort up to Palmer Creek for two days.
“D’ya think Sarah would like ta come along and cook?”
“That would be neat, pa. She’s over at Colin’s office workin’. Can I go ask her?”
“Sure.”
Brian left the door open as he hurried down to Colin’s office. “Sully? You busy?”
“Hey, Dorothy. Just waitin’ for Brian ta come back. Com’on in. Can I do somethin’ for ya?” He asked as he escorted her to a chair.
“I was wonderin’ if you could do some building for me. I wanna put some more rooms on the office. I checked with Horace and the land on the side away from Matthew’s office is for sale. I went ahead and bought it. I just bin sleeping on a cot in the little room behind the office. I thought maybe you could put a small living room, kitchen and two bedrooms…if there’s enough land. D’ya think ya could?”
“Me and Brian are planning a trip to Palmer Creek. When we get back, I can survey your land and see what I can come up with.”
“Thank you. And maybe once it’s built, Cloud Dancing will come stay with me a few times.”
“Sounds good. I’ll let ya know.” Sully said as Brian came back.
“Hey, Miss Dorothy.”
“Hello, Brian. Are you still planing to write about the trip you and Sully are guiding?”
“Sure am. And Sarah’s probably gonna go as cook. She’s going over to ask her folks right now.”
“Michaela,” said Sully as they were sitting in the living room before dinner, “Matthew’s gonna take ya into work while we’re gone. Ya still need to stop working at 3 and take it easy. I already talked to the others at the hospital and Matthew’s gonna make sure ya come home early. There ain’t no emergency that’s gonna make ya work late or hard since there’s four other doctors. You’re gonna take it easy…okay?”
Michaela smiled at Sully. “Yes, dear, I promise.”
“Oh, yeah, and Dorothy’s gonna stay here while we’re gone. I ain’t taking any chances. And this is the last trip I’ll go on til the baby’s born. Me and Brian got it all worked out. The only reason I’m going is cuz you been okay lately and got the town ta watch out for ya.”
“My dearest husband, I will take it easy. And maybe I’ll talk Dorothy into spending a day out here. We haven’t had a day of just us in awhile.”
“I’d like that. You bein’ home…not workin’.”
“I’ll ride in ta town after dinner and tell Miss Dorothy you wanna stay here…and I’ll stop by and let Matthew know,” said Brian.
“Thanks, son.”
Michaela glanced at her husband and son and said with a chuckle, “I think you two are conspiring against me.”
“Only cuz we love you, ma.”
Michaela was sitting on the porch watching Katie and Benje play as Sully and Brian were saddling the horses and pack horses. She looked up and saw Dorothy’s wagon coming and Sarah was with her. Sully went to help Dorothy down as Brian greeted Sarah. Sully took Dorothy’s bag into the house as she joined Michaela.
“Thank you for coming out, Dorothy,” said Michaela.
“My pleasure. Brian told me what ya said and you’re right, we ain’t had a lot of time. And tomorrow we’re gonna stay here too. Grace is comin’ out with lunch.”
“Thanks, Dorothy,” said Sully, having come out and heard the last bit. “I like her staying here the whole time I’m gone.”
Michaela and Dorothy waved as Sully, Brian and Sarah headed out.
“Mr. Sully,” said Sarah after they had been riding awhile. “Miss Dorothy asked me to tell you that some of the ladies from town are coming out tomorrow to give Dr. Mike a shower. That’s why she said Miss Grace was coming out for lunch.”
Sully smiled. “That’s great. Thanks, Sarah. That’ll keep her busy and at home. I’m glad ya could come, Sarah.”
“I am too. I think it’ll be fun.”
They picked the guests up at the resort and headed for Palmer Creek, arriving there by noon. They got the guests settled in the cabins and introduced them to Cloud Dancing. After lunch, Brian and Sarah took the guests on a walk through the woods while Sully and Cloud Dancing talked.
“How is Dr. Mike feeling?”
“Good. Dorothy came out this morning to stay at the homestead with her. And Dorothy’s gonna keep her there til I’m back. I sure glad we got the other doctors, now she’ll rest more.”
“Has having the doctors helped?”
“Yep. She ain’t working near so hard and takes a day off now and then.”
“It is good. Dorothy said you may build some rooms on to the newspaper office.”
“Yeah. She asked and I said I’d check it out. She said ya might stay in town if she had more rooms.”
“I would like that. As long as Dorothy is not hurt by what the town people think. It must be quiet.”
After dinner, Cloud Dancing told stories about his people. They spent the next day riding up into the mountains. By one stream, when they were having lunch, at the far end of the meadow they were in, they saw some deer. They arrived by at Palmer Creek in time for Sarah and Brian to fix supper. The next day, they headed back to the resort, taking the guests by the Red Rocks.
Sully, Brian and Sarah arrived at the homestead by mid-afternoon. Michaela and Dorothy were sitting on the porch. Sully got down, and bounding up the steps, kissed his wife. “Missed ya.”
“I missed you, too. But I had a good time with Dorothy. And some of the ladies came out yesterday and gave me a baby shower. And the children are taking naps.”
“I know about the shower. Sarah told me about it. Thanks, Dorothy.”
“You’re welcome, Sully. And now that you’re home, I’m going to go up and see Cloud Dancing. Sarah,” she called, “do you need a ride inta town?”
“It’s okay, Miss Dorothy,” said Brian, “I’ll take her home.”
As Dorothy headed for Palmer Creek and Sarah and Brian headed for town, Sully sat down on the porch with Michaela. “Sure am glad ta be home,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it.
“I’m glad you’re home, too. It’s very hard to be without my husband, my lover and my best friend. I have to admit I don’t think I sleep as well when you’re not in bed with me.”
“I guess we’ll just have ta make sure I’m in bed with ya then.” He put his hand on the mound of baby. “And how’s our little one?”
“Very active.”
“Me and Cloud Dancin’ were talking about my life before you came ta town. I never wanna go back to that. Being alone. Not havin’ you or the kids. Me and you, Michaela, that’s it for me.”
Michaela put her hand on his cheek, smiling, eyes glistening. “I know, my dearest love, for me also.”
I'LL NEVER BE ALONE
From your arms I'll make a room then I'11 never be alone. I'11 let your arms encircle me when the nighttime comes. From your smile I'11 build a wall, the tallest wall that man has known, then I'll hide behind your smile and never be alone. Then we'll go gentle in the wood, and what we do for one another will be warm and good. I'11 wear your love as one might wear a crown or laurel in his hair, and then if you'll be there I'11 never be alone.
-Rod McKuen
The End
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