Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1875-06 Kiss Me Mike
1875-06 Kiss Me Mike
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Chapter 1
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"Why?" Brian felt uncomfortable. "Ma said I gotta treat older people with respect."
Loren swept his broom across the wooden planks of his floor, "Ya make me feel ancient when ya call me 'Mr.
Bray.'"
"Are ya havin' another one o' them age crises?" the young man wondered.
"Ya mean ya don't remember when ya dyed your hair an' was gonna go live in Bolivia?" Brian mused.
"Never mind," Loren went to his candy shelf. "I reckon you're here t' pick up your Ma's order."
"That poster?" Loren began to put candy in a small brown paper bag. "There's an acting troupe comin' t' town
day after t'morrow. They perform Shakespeare."
"Shakespeare!" Brian was intrigued. "I can't wait t' see 'em."
"Here," Loren handed him the bag. "There's taffy in there for you an' lemon drops for little Katie."
"No charge," Loren wiped his brow and began to tally the order.
"Ma asked if she could pay ya t'morrow," the young man noted.
"She's good for it," the store owner nodded. "Not like some o' the lazy, no good...."
"I best be goin'," Brian picked up the box. "Thanks, Mr.... Thanks, Loren."
1
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"Mrs. Maxwell," Michaela examined the ear of her young patient. "How often do you clean Isaiah's ears?"
The physician reached into her instrument case, "I believe that may explain your son's hearing loss."
"Just hush until Dr. Mike finishes with ya," Ida quieted her son.
"Hold very still, Isaiah," Michaela steadily inserted the instrument into the boy's ear.
Then she pulled out a wad of ear wax. She held it up to the light.
"Have you been putting things in your ear, young man?" she looked him straight in the eye.
"Well...." he hesitated.
Ida whacked her son on the arm, "Tell Dr. Mike the truth."
Gently, she applied some drops to his ears, then put a wad of cotton over it.
"Here, Mrs. Maxwell," Michaela handed her the bottle. "Morning and evenings, put two drops of this in his ear
until the drops are gone."
"Yes," she smiled. "Your hearing will be fine, but no swimming for a week. Keep your ear dry."
"No," she chuckled. "You may bathe as always, but keep your ear dry. And no more sticks!"
"Thanks, Dr. Mike," Ida opened her hand bag. "Will this cover things?"
2
"Thanks," he put on his cap.
As Michaela closed it behind them, she glanced at the clock. Three o'clock. Sully would arrive soon according
to his telegram. His overnight trip had turned into five days, and she had missed him terribly. Strolling to the
anteroom, she quietly opened the door. Both of her children were napping peacefully.
Leaving their door ajar, she returned to her office and began to catch up on some paperwork.
A knock at the door startled her. She rose and opened it.
"Yep," he set the box on her desk. "An' guess what I found out."
"What?" she examined the contents to see that all was there.
"There's an acting troupe comin' t' town," he announced enthusiastically. "They do Shakespeare's plays."
"That sounds marvelous," she lifted the small brown bag. "What's this?"
"Loren?" she was surprised. "You know you should address him as Mr....."
"He told me t' call him Loren so he don't feel so old," Brian explained.
"In any event," she shook the bag. "He spoils you and your sister."
"Mama," Katie stood at the doorway rubbing sleep from her eyes. "I hear candy."
Katie approached and pointed to the bag, "Mr. Bway's lemon dwops."
Michaela sat down in her chair and pulled the little girl onto her lap, "What am I going to do with you?"
"Can you try to say lemon drop... dr... drop?" Michaela instructed.
"Lemon dwop... dw... dwop," Katie thought she was speaking properly.
Michaela shrugged, "Just one piece of candy. I don't want you to spoil your dinner."
Brian suppressed a laugh, "She'll pronounce her 'r's right someday, Ma."
3
************
Dinner passed at the homestead, and still no Sully. Michaela pulled his telegram from her pocket and reread it.
She had not misunderstood. He should have been home by now.
She looked up, "I suppose time would pass more quickly if I were busy."
Brian looked up from his checkers game with Katie, "Wanna play a game?"
"Katie," he rolled his eyes. "Ya can't jump my man when he's two spaces away from yours."
"I quit," she slipped off the chair and went to the bassinet.
"Katherine Elizabeth Sully," Michaela scolded. "I told you not too disturb him."
Michaela picked up the baby and held him against her shoulder.
He soon calmed in his mother's arms and began to play with her hair, "Ma. Ma."
Sully leaned down and scooped her into his arms, "Katie!"
He lifted her so high she could touch the ceiling, and her giggles filled the room.
Michaela, still upset that he was so late, did not immediately acknowledge his arrival, but Brian and Matthew
rushed to greet him.
"Glad you're home," Brian's eyes sparkled. Then glancing toward his mother, he added, "We all missed ya."
4
They exited, and Sully turned to his wife, "That true? Did ya miss me?"
Sully set Katie down and clapped his hands toward his son. Josef reached out for him, and Sully pulled the
baby into his arms. Planting a big kiss on his cheek, the happy father tenderly stroked the back of the little
boy's hair.
"Let's see," Sully swayed with the child in his arms, while glancing impishly at his wife. "I reckon I said hello t'
everyone but you."
He took a step toward her and spoke suggestively, "I'm real hungry."
"That's real good, honey," he stroked her curls. "I'll play ya a game t'morrow."
"Your father is tired, Katie," Michaela stated. "And it's your bedtime."
Katie curled under her lower lip, "I wanna play now!"
"Katie," Sully knelt down to face her. "Why ya disobeyin' your Ma?"
"The sooner ya go t' bed, the sooner it'll be t'morrow," his eyes shown. "An' t'morrow's when I'll play checkers
with ya."
Katie put her head against her mother's leg, "I sowwy, Mama."
"Come on," Michaela lifted her. "We're all tired and irritable."
"Up t' bed now," Sully followed as his wife led the way to the steps.
************
5
Michaela was brushing her hair when her husband entered the bedroom, a sleeping Josef in his arms.
"They both went t' sleep 'fore I even finished my story," he set the baby in his crib. Stroking the boy's curly
auburn hair, he sighed. "Sure did miss puttin' them t' bed."
Michaela did not respond but continued to run her brush through the long tresses.
With ease, he pulled the bristles through the strands of her hair. Then he placed his hand softly on her
shoulder. Her heart skipped a beat at the touch she had longed for. Sully then gently placed his finger under
her chin and turned her face toward him.
"How I missed seein' those eyes," he spoke low. Then running his finger along her mouth, he added, "How I
missed kissin' those lips."
"Sully," she said his name with love. "I missed you so much."
As she leaned down, Sully fell back onto the floor and pulled her with him. Bracing her head protectively, he
rolled her over onto the rug by the fireplace.
"I missed you, I missed you, I missed you," she held his face between her hands.
"Are you uncomfortable here on the floor?" she realized where they were.
"I don't feel like movin' just yet," he kissed the sides of her mouth.
Loosening the front of her robe, he was surprised to find that she did not have on her nightgown.
"I thought perhaps it would save time," her voice was suggestive.
"So ya were plannin' t' welcome me home all along?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Of course," she stated the obvious. "You didn't think after nearly a week that I would not, did you?"
"I was startin' t' wonder," he ran his hand tantalizing across her shoulder. "Ya sure were playin' hard t' get."
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"It's part of the ritual to make the male of the species woo the female," she reasoned.
"Oh, Sully," she closed her eyes and sighed. "I love you so much."
He stopped long enough to remove his shirt, "'Fraid I ain't had a bath in a while."
He started to lift up a third time, but Michaela took the initiative and rolled him onto his back. She loosened
his buckskins and leaned over him to stir his passion further.
They began their movements slowly and tenderly. As they did, their bodies craved more. Back and forth they
rolled on the rug, each taking, each giving all that they possessed to the other. After they achieved the
ultimate outpouring of their love, their motions again returned to a slow and tender mode. Each stroked the
others hair, lips and arms. Two bodies had become one. Two hearts had returned to the other's tender care.
************
Sometime during the night, as Michaela slept soundly for the first time since her husband left, Sully crept from
their bed and went downstairs. When he slipped back into bed beside her, she stirred.
It did not take long for her to do so. Sully, however, was wide awake. In his mind, he tried to sort out his
thoughts. He had to tell Michaela, but when? When could he break the news to her?
7
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Chapter 2
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Sully opened his eyes a slit and rolled over. It was not even dawn, and Michaela was still sleeping.
"What ya doin' up so early, my big boy?" Sully pulled on his buckskins. "Ya hungry?"
"Shhh," Sully gently took the baby's hand in his. "Let Mama sleep. I'll change your diaper, then you an' me will
go downstairs."
Sully set the baby in the high chair and lit the lamp, "Now, what would ya like t' eat?"
"Coffee?" his father replied. "Too young for that, son. How 'bout some milk?"
Josef giggled at the face his father made. Half-asleep, Sully heated the milk for the baby and poured it into his
bottle. Then he cradled the child in his arms to feed him.
"I remember the first time I fed ya," Sully smiled tenderly. "First time I held ya, too."
"Ya sure are gettin' good with that finger," Sully caressed his head. "An' look how long your hair's gettin'. Ya
think your Ma's gonna let ya keep it long like mine?"
"You are a smart little fella," Sully kissed the baby's hand. "Must take after your Ma."
"Ma," Josef released the nipple from his mouth. "Ma. Ma."
"Shhh," Sully put it back so the baby could feed. "Mama needs t' sleep." Rocking the baby back and forth, he
added, "Wouldn't hurt you t' get a little more shut-eye, too."
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Soon, he had lulled the child back to sleep, and returned to his bedroom. Unchanged in her position, Michaela
was still sleeping. Sully tenderly set the baby in his crib and quietly returned to his wife's side.
"I was," she rolled over to face him. "But now I'm not."
"Forget what?" she leaned back to invite his kisses on her neck.
"Forget what I wanna tell ya," he slipped his arm around to her back, then lowered it.
The maneuver made her tingle, "Do you have to tell me right now?"
"What you forgot to tell me," she wrapped her arms around him.
"I ain't even sure what I'm talkin' about right now," he was lost in her motions.
"Then let's not talk," she caressed the hair at the base of his neck.
They united as one in a blissful state of ecstasy. Spent of all energy, Sully's weight rested against her petite
frame.
He leaned his head against hers, then turned toward her ear to whisper, "You're so beautiful."
"It's not even daylight," she clasped his hand. "You can barely see me."
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"Byron?" she perceived.
"Shelley," he replied.
"It'll keep," he positioned her hand over his heart. "I just wanna feel your love for now."
"Of course," she felt his heartbeat steady and sure. "Close your eyes and go back to sleep."
************
Brian and Matthew were rushed at breakfast, and Michaela struggled to get everyone fed. Amid this bustle,
Sully descended the stairs.
"Pa!" Brian's face glowed. "There's a theater troupe comin' t' town."
"That's good," Sully wiped the sleep from his eyes as he wrapped his arm around Michaela's waist and kissed
her cheek.
"We'll have t' go see it," he sat down beside Katie. "You're awful quiet this mornin'," he tickled his daughter's
side.
"A spear?" he scratched his head. "It's a long stick with a sharp tip. Why?"
"Shakespeare was a writer, Sweetheart," Michaela kissed the top of her daughter's head. "He wrote stories
that people act out on stage called plays."
Katie covered her face and ran into the living room. Sully and Michaela followed.
The child hid in the corner of the living room beneath the desk. Her parents went to her and sat down beside
her. Katie was crying.
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"What's the matter, Kates?" Sully rubbed her arm.
"No, Sweetheart," Michaela spoke tenderly. "What you said was very wise."
The little girl crawled out and onto her mother's lap. Michaela embraced her and stroked her hair.
"You thought that someone was going to shake a spear and merely asked why," Michaela explained. "I think
that was very wise."
"Yep," he rubbed her back. "We were laughin' 'cause we didn't think o' that first."
"He wrote many wonderful stories," Michaela hugged the little girl. "Some comedy to make us laugh," she
tickled Katie's side. "Some tragedy to make us cry," she kissed Katie's cheek. "And some beautiful poetry about
love and life."
He touched her nose, "I sure do." Then he leaned very close and looked at her eyes, "It is a wise father that
knows his own child."
"I believe that was from 'The Merchant of Venice,'" Michaela recognized. Then stroking her daughter's locks,
she added, "By William Shakespeare."
"I like him," Katie affirmed. "When I learn t' wead, I like him more."
************
After their sons departed, Michaela prepared the children for the ride to the Clinic. Sully came inside after
hitching up the buckboard.
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Sully stood making faces at his son, and the baby reached for his father. He took him and lifted him high in the
air, much to the little boy's delight.
Josef then turned to his mother and reached out his little arms, "Ma. Ma."
Again nothing. They rushed to the stairs and half way up discovered their daughter sitting on the top step
holding her doll.
"That was my grandmother's," Michaela rushed past her and down the hallway.
Sully sat down beside Katie with Josef tucked in his lap, "How'd it fall, Kates?"
12
"I look under bed for Swirl an' bump int' table," she was starting to cry.
Sully put his arm around her and pulled her close, "So it was an accident."
"When ya do somethin' bad, but ya didn't mean for it t' happen," he explained.
"Mama mad at me," her tears returned. "Her gwanma mad at me."
She leaned her face into Sully's chest when Michaela returned. Sully looked up and knew that his wife was
upset. The sadness of his blue eyes expressed to her that Katie was filled with remorse.
Michaela sat down beside them and placed her hand on Katie's back. Katie's sobs became more intense. Josef
reached over and took hold of his sister's hair.
"Ka!" he called.
"Kates," Sully kissed the top of her head. "Did ya hear? Josef said your name."
"Ka!" he smiled.
"It's as close as you're gonna get for a while," Sully chuckled. Then he whispered in her ear, "Somethin' ya
wanna say t' your Ma?"
Katie turned to her mother and put her hand on her arm, "Mama, I sowwy. It was axdent."
"No," Michaela quietly responded. "But I do wish that you would be careful."
"Yes," Michaela folded her hands. "I've cleaned up the broken glass. We can go now."
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She stood and descended the stairs. Katie followed close behind. Sully lifted the baby and Katie's doll, then
joined them.
Michaela stood quietly looking out the kitchen window. Sully set the baby in the high chair and went to her.
Approaching her back, he wrapped his arms around her waist, "Anythin' I can do?"
"No," she leaned against him. "I was just remembering when my grandmother gave me...." She stopped
herself. "It's just a thing. An object. The important thing is that Katie wasn't hurt."
Sully held her close, "I guess now's not a good time t' tell ya what I tried to tell ya this mornin'."
She placed her hands on his and leaned back against his chest, "What's that?"
"I thought it was because Mr. Weaver kept giving you more land to survey," she turned around to face him.
"That's what I thought, too," he folded his arms across his chest. "Turns out, the real reason was 'cause of a
woman."
"His daughter, Ann," he looked down. "It seems she sort o'..."
"Sully!" she could not believe this. "What did she do?"
"She told her Pa," he took a deep breath. "An' he tried t' keep me around as long as he could so she could...."
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Chapter 3
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"Let me see if I understand this," Michaela took a few steps from her husband, then pivoted to face him. "You
spent five days on a surveying job because the contractor's daughter wanted to.... to tempt you?"
Sully pulled back a lock of his hair, "Well, she only tried t' tempt me on the last day."
"What...." Michaela was uncertain if she wanted to know, but went on. "What did she do to tempt you?"
"And what did she do in your room?" her adrenaline was rising.
"Nothin' happened, Michaela," he asserted. "Ya know I'd never cheat on ya."
"And what did you do?" she was beginning to feel like a prosecutor.
"Nothin'," he rubbed his chin. "I told her t' stop it an' get out. I told her I love my wife."
"Yea, but..." he knew how this must sound to her. "Well, her Pa owned the hotel I was stayin' at, an' when Ann
left, she locked me in."
"Michaela," he stepped toward her. "It's the truth. It took me five hours t' get out o' there."
She raised her hand, "I believe your story, Sully. I just don't believe the gall of that woman."
"Me either," he was relieved to have it off his chest. "It was real uncomfortable when she told me what she
was after."
Michaela sat down at the kitchen table, "Sully, I think you can unhitch the wagon. I'm not up to going into the
Clinic today."
15
"No appointments," she folded her hands.
"I'm sorry t' upset ya," he sat down beside her. "It's just... I wanted ya t' know the truth."
He left to go outside. What a morning, she sighed. What else could go wrong?
Katie approached her mother, still with her cape on, "Where Poppy goin'?"
"Here," Michaela reached up to untie her wrap. "Let me get this off of you. Your father went to unhitch the
wagon. We're staying home today."
"Good," Katie skipped to the door to wait for his return. "Wanna play checkers with Poppy."
************
Sully entered the bedroom, finding his wife and son asleep on the bed. A creaking floorboard woke her.
"I just put her down for a nap after she beat me at three games o' checkers," he picked up Josef.
She chuckled, "I hope you taught her not to skip spaces."
"Sure," he gently set his son in his crib, then turned to exit. "I'll let ya rest now."
"Sully," she extended her hand. "Wait, please. I... I want to apologize for my tone earlier when you were telling
about what happened."
He looked down, "I didn't wanna keep things from ya, but I knew it would upset ya."
"What upsets me most is how I reacted," she patted the edge of the bed invitingly.
He sat down and ran his fingers through her hair, "Ya got no cause t' be jealous. I only have eyes for one
woman."
"Of that, I'm quite certain," she turned up the corner of her mouth. "And I thank God every day for your love
and loyalty."
16
"She's... coming here?" Michaela tried not to react. "Why?"
"She said it was t' discuss a loan with Preston, but..." he hesitated.
Still no response.
Sully stretched out next to her, then leaned in for a kiss, "I got all the woman I want right here beside me.
Nothin' an' no one can change my love for you."
"I need you, too," he grinned. "An' I love you, only you, forever you."
"Why is this woman so intent on trying to steal a married man from his wife?" she found it curious.
"Sometimes, folks want most what they know they can't have," he stated. "She's a spoiled, rich woman, whose
Pa has given her everythin' she's ever wanted. One thing's for sure. She can't have me."
"Ya know, I had planned t' do some chores t'day, but when ya didn't go int' the Clinic, I sort o' changed my
mind," he stroked her arm.
Sully bent over to kiss the inside of her arm, "Mmm. I figure if you're gonna take the day off, so will I."
She turned onto her side to face him, "You do have an unquenchable appetite, Mr. Sully."
"That's one way o' puttin' it," he glanced at her with his mesmerizing blue eyes.
"How would you put it?" she lightly caressed his chin.
She took him literally and started to rise, "I'll open a window."
He gently settled her back, then lifted his shirt above his head. Michaela's heart raced as she beheld his body.
17
"I think I'm the luckiest woman on earth," she ran her palms lightly down his shoulders. "To have these arms
to hold me."
Then he removed his shoes and slowly undid his buckskins, sliding them down his thighs. Michaela felt a rush
of warmth all over her body. Her husband stood for a moment, gazing at her with the utmost love.
"Far from it," he stretched out beside her. "In pictures I've seen of those statues, they got missin' arms or legs.
I got a beautiful doctor who's kept me patched together."
She laughed. As she quieted, she waited for him to initiate their romance, but he simply propped his head on
his hand and watched her.
"What are you waiting for?" she ran her finger along his lips.
"Sully," she lowered her voice. "You've taken your clothes off. You've locked the door. You're in our bed wide
awake. Am I misunderstanding your intentions?"
"My intentions?" he looked her up and down. "I just wanted t' cool off. I told ya it's warm in here."
Tantalizingly, she slowly shed her clothing and with a look that smoldered, lay down beside him. Neither one
touched the other. Neither one spoke. It had become a game of temptation for them, and neither intended to
lose.
She noticed beads of perspiration accumulating on his forehead. Suspecting that he was weakening, she
repositioned herself to give him a different view. He exhaled heavily.
"Still too warm for you?" she bit her lower lip.
Michaela cast her eyes down and saw that her provocative position was having its desired effect on her
husband.
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"We are," he broke. "An' you win."
Sully could not keep his hands to himself any longer. He touched her in places that sent shivers down her
spine. Every nerve in her body ached for him, and he thought he would explode from the passion that she had
inflamed in him.
At last, succumbing to their mutual need, they gave all to one another. Barely able to keep their voices low as
their physical union was complete, they fell back onto the bed, enraptured in their unique state of harmony.
"And I hope that you don't fall behind in your chores," she pulled back the long locks from his face.
The sound of their son bounding up the stairs prompted Michaela and Sully to pull on their clothes as quickly
as they could. Sully ran his fingers through his hair and opened the door. Matthew immediately felt
embarrassed as he saw the disheveled appearance of the pair.
************
Chapter 4
************
"You're not going into town to see this woman, Sully," Michaela finished tucking in her blouse.
"No," Sully slipped his shirt over his head. "I'm not goin' t' meet her, but I don't much care for you orderin' me
not to."
"I'm not ordering you," she felt her anger build. "You're free to do as you wish, never mind that you're a
married man."
"Michaela," he closed his eyes. "Look how you're turnin' things around here. Just calm down. I don't want us t'
fight over it."
"I'm not the one whose being pursued by some zealous suitor," she put her hands on her hips.
19
"Well, I ain't invitin' her pursuit," he waved his hand.
"So what are you going to do about her?" she began to make up her side of the bed.
"Speak with her," she pounded her pillows. "Tell her to leave."
"I've spoken with her before," he pounded his pillows. "An' I can't tell her t' leave."
"Why not?" she sat down on the bed with her back to him.
Sully sighed and went to her. Settling beside her, he enfolded her in his arms.
"Michaela," he kissed behind her ear. "Something beautiful an' special just happened between you an' me.
That oughta tell ya more than anythin' that this woman is no threat t' us."
He grinned, "Yep."
"Nope," he amended. "You're a passionate woman, more than you'd have folks believe. But let's not allow Ann
Weaver t' upset us."
"I know you're right," she nodded. Then after pausing, she asked, "What are you going to do now?"
He tilted his head over his shoulder, "Looks t' me like a sleepy little boy heard his Ma an' Pa' fussin'."
Lifting Josef, she kissed his cheek, "We're sorry, Sweetheart. Did we waken you?"
The baby began to move back and forth in excitement. Sully came and wrapped his arms around them. Josef
giggled and pointed to the door.
"Ka!" he exclaimed.
"No, I ain...." Katie caught her grammatical error. "No, I am not sleepin'. I hear ya havin' disgweement."
Sully clapped his hands, and the little girl jumped into his arms.
20
"Must've been someone else, Kates," he teased. "Your Ma an' me don't have disagreements."
"I hear ya laughin' an' makin' the bed squeak," Katie expanded. "I think ya playin' checkers or somethin' in
here."
"Your Ma jumps real good," Sully set his daughter down. "Come on, Kates, I think I'm up for havin' ya beat me
at checkers again."
"I'll be down shortly," Michaela carried her son to the bed. "Your brother needs to freshen up first."
Sully stopped at the doorway and turned to look at his wife, "Think I'll teach her Chess next."
He came up behind her and sliding his arms round her waist spoke low, "Mmm, and I love how ya crown me."
Sully laughed, and after kissing her cheek scampered out of the bedroom.
************
21
Preston Lodge stood up when Ann Weaver entered his bank, "Miss Weaver, what a pleasure to meet you."
She extended her hand and he shook it. Ann Weaver was an elegant looking woman of about thirty. Her
brunette hair was pulled back on the sides, but hung in loose waves in the back. The scoop neck of her Scottish
plaid dress revealed a bit more than most ladies of proper reputation of the time.
"Mr. Lodge," she sat and removed her gloves. "I'm so pleased that you responded to my father's request in a
timely fashion."
"Given the large amount of capital which your father is requesting, and given his impeccable reputation in his
business dealings, I thought it most appropriate to see you as soon as my schedule permitted," Preston
flashed his sly grin.
"I know that times have been hard for banks," she tapped the desk with her index finger. "But you have
managed to make yours solvent again. That impressed my father."
"Oh, of course," she smiled politely. "And I absolutely must see my dear friend Byron Sully during my visit."
"His wife, Dr. Michaela Quinn," Preston said. "Though a greater mismatch I have never seen."
"I knew Mr. Sully was married," she crossed her legs. "But I was not acquainted with his wife's name. Doctor,
you say?"
"Yes," Preston opened his ledger book. "She's the town physician. Boston born."
"Yes," he laughed uncomfortably. "But I came west because of the tempting financial opportunities."
"Yes," she let her voice become sultry. "Tempting opportunities abound in Colorado Springs. Do I detect a hint
of jealousy on your part with regard to Dr. Quinn's choice of husbands?"
"Me?" he protested. "Jealous of Sully? Good heavens, no. I simply fail to understand why an educated and
beautiful woman of Michaela's breeding and refinement would marry an illiterate and ill-tempered mountain
man who has never held a job for longer than a week."
22
"And then for her to have his children simply compounds my disdain of their merger," he continued.
"I said that Mr. Sully is a dear friend of mine," Ann was becoming upset.
Preston realized his misstatement, "And may I say, he is a devoted friend to all who know him."
"Yes," she acknowledged. "And the more one knows him, the better."
************
"Why ya repeatin' the word, Kates?" he put the pieces of the game away.
"Practice?" he corrected.
"Pwactice talkin' w... w... wr... right," she came out with it.
"I say word w... wr... right," the little girl jumped out of her chair.
"I get it," Katie on tiptoes immediately turned the knob and opened it.
"Katie," Michaela reacted protectively. "You do not answer the front door by yourself."
"It's all right," came an unfamiliar voice from outside. "I'm hardly a stranger."
23
"Ann!" Sully stood up.
"Yes," the woman tilted her head. "Surely Sully has told you about me."
"What are ya doin' here?" Sully pulled Katie into his arms.
"Didn't that nice young man tell you I wanted to see you?" she looked around the room. "He said he was your
son."
"Matthew told me you were here an' wanted t' see me," he stated. "But I got no reason t' see you."
"Now, is that any way to speak to someone who has just spent a delightful week with you?" she went to one
of the wing back chairs and sat.
"I'm Sully's wife," she insisted on having her say. "My husband and I are preparing dinner for our family, so if
you'll...."
Michaela did not want her daughter to hear what she was going to say next, "Katie, would you please go
upstairs and play?"
"Because your Ma said," Sully's voice was stern as he set her down.
Katie moved quickly. One thing she knew was when Poppy's voice sounded like that, she was to obey.
Sully glared, and the little girl did not speak again. When her little footsteps could no longer be heard on the
stairs, Sully turned his attention to Ann.
He folded his arms, "Look, I'm gonna try t' say this in a nice way..."
"You always say things in a nice way, Sully," she looked up.
24
He took a deep breath, "After what you tried with me at your father's hotel, it's real hard. I think it would be a
good idea if ya...."
"Oh, Sully," she made light of his remarks. "I was only joking at the hotel. Surely you have a sense of humor."
"Oh, I see," Ann stood. "I've caught you at a bad moment. Domestic problems, no doubt. I'll leave for now, but
look forward to seeing you again. I'll be staying at Mr. Lodge's Chateau." Then leaning toward Sully, she
whispered, "I see you two are not getting along. That will make my task much easier."
Before he could complete his sentence, the woman went to the door and exited. Michaela rushed to the
window and saw her get into Preston's carriage.
************
Chapter 5
************
"The theater troupe's here!" he pointed. "They're settin' up their stage over in the meadow by the church."
"Your little brother and sister are napping right now, Brian," she indicated the anteroom.
"Guess what play they're gonna put on t'morrow," he read from a piece of paper.
Michaela became transported and unaware that Sully had entered, as she recited:
25
and craves no other tribute at thy hands
but love, fair looks, and true obedience;
Too little payment for so great a debt."
Sully raised his eyebrows, "What's that part about thy husband bein' thy sovereign?"
"I reckon I better read this play an' see what your character did," Sully grinned.
Someone rang the bell outside her door. Sully opened it. There stood a dashingly handsome man with wavy
dark hair and muscular features.
"Excuse me, pray," he spoke with a slight English accent. "Is the doctor, ah, Dr. Quinn in?"
"I'm Dr. Quinn," Michaela stepped out from behind her desk. "But most people call me Dr. Mike."
"My name is Richard Fording," he bowed again. "I am the proprietor... and leading man, of yon theater
company."
"We were just discussin' your play, Mr. Fording," Brian spoke up.
"Pleased t' meet ya," Sully shook his hand. "We're lookin' forward t' seein' your play t'morrow night."
"Alas," the actor looked down. "My leading lady, Miss Marie Norman, has taken ill, and I am uncertain of her
ability to go on."
"Perhaps I could see her," Michaela offered. "I may be able to help."
"Oh, but that you could, m' lady," he placed his hands over his heart. "In my years of working with the greats
of theater....Fanny Davenport, Adelaide Nielson, Lawrence Barrett, and the legendary Edwin Booth, I have
learned that the show must go on."
26
"Why don't you bring her here to my Clinic, and I'll examine her?" she asked.
"It is with profound gratitude that I accept your most generous offer," he took her hand and kissed it,
attempting to mesmerize her with his eyes. "Your beauty has captured my heart, and now it must break as I
bid adieu."
As the door closed behind him, Sully and Brian burst into laughter.
"I thought he was rather charming," Michaela refused to see the humor.
"Charming?" Sully chuckled. "He's got about as much charm as a rattle snake."
"He's an actor," Michaela went to her examining table. "And I suppose it's difficult at times to separate real life
from the stage."
"If you say so," Sully shrugged. "I gotta go over t' the chateau. Preston wants me t' fix somethin'. Says it's real
important."
"A woman who is extremely rude and forward," Michaela informed him.
"Want me t' take Brian along t' stand guard?" Sully joked.
"I can't come with ya, Sully," Brian shook his head. "Miss Dorothy wants me t' interview the actors. Gotta run.
Bye." He was gone.
"How do you know this isn't some trick of hers?" she fretted.
Sully pulled her into his arms, "Tell ya what. After the kids are all in bed t'night, how about you recite some
more o' that Shakespeare t' me. Sort o' my own private play."
************
It was past dinner and still no Sully. Michaela found herself in a pacing mode again.
27
"Ma," Matthew looked up from his checkers game with Brian. "You're gonna wear out the floorboards."
"Matthew," she nervously spoke. "Could you and Brian put the children to bed. I'm going to ride out to the
chateau and...."
"What specifically did he have for you to do?" she sounded accusatory.
"Odd jobs," Sully walked into the kitchen. "Any supper left?"
"What ya doin' my sweet girl?" he lifted her as she reached the bottom step.
Sully ran his hand up and down his daughter's back, "Go see if your brothers wanna play checkers, Kates."
He set her down, and she skipped into the living room.
"Michaela," Sully took a serious tone. "I fixed some things that Preston needed fixed. I didn't see Ann. I
would've left if I had. Are ya satisfied?"
She was overcome with guilt and too embarrassed to say another word. She walked to the window over the
sink and looked out.
"I think the proper words are, 'I'm sorry, Sully,'" he rubbed her arms.
"'I trust you, Sully?'" he suggested lightheartedly. "'I love you, Sully,'" he leaned closer.
She folded her hands, but could not look him in the eye, "All of those."
28
He sighed, "Now, is there any supper left?"
She removed a napkin from his plate and set it on the table.
"Thanks," he sat down. "So what's wrong with Edwin Booth's friend?"
"Is she gonna be able t' go on?" he dug into the meal.
"It's rather uncertain," she said. "Mr. Fording said that he'll lose all of his receipts if they can't perform.
Apparently, they have had rather brisk advance ticket sales."
"Don't they have a replacement?" he suggested. "What do they call it, an under..."
"Understudy," she completed his thought. "No, their company is quite small."
"I offered to play Katherina," she said. "I still remember the lines."
"Because..." she tried to think of a way to tell him. "I'll be playing Mr. Fording's wife."
"You'll be playing his character's wife, not his wife. Besides, it's just actin', Michaela," he grinned. "I'm the man
ya come home to."
"Good," he finished his meal. "I need t' go t' Denver t'morrow mornin', but I'll be back in time for the play."
29
"For being such a benevolent sovereign," she replied.
************
"The Taming of the Shrew," he replied. "I'm takin' it with me on the train t' read, unless you need it."
"No, thank you," she set down her journal. "Richard gave me a script."
"Well, I could call him Ralph, but I doubt if he'd respond," she attempted some levity.
"I got a feelin' he'd respond t' whatever ya called him after the way he looked at ya," he crawled into bed
beside her.
She cleared her throat, "Is that jealousy I'm detecting, Mr. Sully?"
"Nope," he lowered his lamp and turned onto his side away from her.
"What would you do if I called you Ralph?" she slid her hand around his bare waist.
The timbre of her voice stirred him, but he made no movement. Michaela sighed and lowered her lamp.
************
Chapter 6
************
Ann Weaver stood at the edge of a cliff, locked in a struggle with Michaela.
"Your husband is no longer interested in you," Ann's look was one of hatred. "Your jealousy and ill temper
have moved him into my arms and my bed."
"Do you think he would come out and tell you the truth?" Ann countered.
30
"Yes," Michaela stood her ground. "Sully has never lied to me."
"What about his activities at the reservation that nearly got him killed?" she stated. "He was far from truthful
on that."
"I know everything about Sully," Ann smiled. "He keeps no secrets from me. He's leaving you for me. Why do
you think he's said he's going to Denver?"
In their struggle, they stepped too close to the edge of the cliff. Before either knew what was happening, they
toppled over the edge.
Michaela sat up with a start. The room was dark. The warmth of his body told her that Sully was still there
beside her. She tried to slow her breathing. Then she felt his gentle touch on her back.
He continued to rub her back, "Why wont ya tell me? Did it have somethin' t' do with Ann?"
"Michaela, I feel like you're pullin' away from me," he confessed. "An'..."
"An' it's botherin' me," he came out with it. "There's a wall that you're hidin' behind, an' I don't know what t'
do about it. I tell ya I love ya. I tell ya there's no cause t' be jealous. I tell ya she means nothin', but ya still pull
away."
"Sully," her voice quivered. "I don't know if I can explain what I feel."
"Sully, before you, there were only two men in my life who meant everything to me," she began.
31
"Your Pa an' David," he squeezed her hand slightly.
"Yes," she nodded. "And you know what importance they held in my heart."
"Sure," he encouraged.
"I lost them both, Sully," her eyes welled with tears. "I lost them when I needed them most."
Her tears flowed freely, "I have never been able to let go of that fear of losing those to whom I give my heart.
And there were so many times, I nearly lost you."
"You can't say that, Sully," she denied. "You can't promise me that I won't lose you."
"I can't promise that I won't die someday," he wiped away her tears with his thumbs. "You know that. But I
can promise that there is nothin', no power on this earth, that can ever, EVER, make me turn away from my
love for you."
"Michaela," he lifted her chin. "When ya give your heart t' someone, it's real risky. But you know me better
than anyone. Do ya think I would take somethin' so precious as your heart an' then break it?"
"No," she began to calm. "I know you wouldn't deliberately do anything to hurt me."
"Then ya gotta trust me," he pulled her head against his shoulder. "Like when we did that trapeze act for the
travelin' circus. It was just the two of us trustin' that when one reached, the other would be there."
She attempted to explain, "I don't trust Ann Weaver. I think she will try to manipulate and deceive you."
"I'm a grown man," he chuckled. "I can see through her lies."
"I'll put it this way," he said. "I want ya t' trust that I'm goin' for a good reason."
"But you can't tell me?" she felt her anxiety return.
32
"I can tell ya," Sully leaned back. "But I don't wanna tell ya right now."
She leaned back with him, "Like on the trapeze, I have to trust that you'll be there."
"Know somethin'?" he touched her heart. "You really do trust me, and I trust you."
"Is that why you reacted the way you did about Richard?" she raised an eyebrow.
"'Cause a man's got a right t' protect his wife from leaches," he affirmed.
"Leaches?" she suppressed a laugh. "At least Richard didn't come to our home and attempt to take over."
She laughed.
"Now, ya wanna tell me about your dream?" he returned to her earlier upset.
"It seems unimportant now," she ran her hand along the hair of his chest.
He extended his hand to link her fingers in his. Then he raised her hand to his lips.
"When we make love, do you ever think about anyone else?" he asked.
"Nope," he ran his fingers down her arm. "Why do ya suppose that is?"
She pondered it, then defined her feelings, "Because we make a commitment at that moment to give
ourselves to one another in the most profound way that two people can possibly share. Why did you ask that,
Sully?"
"'Cause I wanted ya t' realize that when we got married...." he stopped. "No, even before that. When we
committed our hearts t' each other, from that moment on, no one could ever break us apart. But it's not only
when we're makin' love that we're so focused on our bond, Michaela. It's every breath we take. It's livin' each
day together. It's raisin' our children. It's holdin' each other in this bed. There's nothin' that can break that
hold."
33
"What's wrong?" he did not want to upset her.
"Nothing's wrong," she answered. "That's just it. I've been looking for something to be wrong, and I miss
what's right in front of me."
"And behind me," she kissed his chin. "And all though me. I have the most incredibly romantic and tender
husband, and I give him such a challenge."
"You are a challenge," he smirked. "But the best things in life are worth it."
"No," she settled in his arms. "You have reminded me of what I already knew."
"Sometimes I think too much," she looked into the blue of his eyes as the moonlight filtered into the room.
************
Sully stood in Michaela's office, saying farewell to his family before heading for the Depot.
"Kates," he kissed her cheek. "Try t' stay outa trouble while I'm gone, and I'll see ya this evenin'."
34
He ran his hand along her cheek, "I love ya, my sweet girl."
"You be good for your big brothers t'day while your Ma's rehearsin'," Sully kissed his son's cheek.
Lifting the baby high in the air and bringing him down close to his face caused a burst of laughter from the
child. Sully handed him back to Brian.
"Don't worry, Pa," the young man smiled. "Come on, you two," the young man escorted Katie into the
anteroom and closed the door to give his parents some privacy.
"I wanted t' say good-bye t' Matthew," Sully looked at Michaela. "Where is he?"
"He's sending some telegrams," she replied. "He said he would meet you at the Depot."
"Good," he embraced her. "Now, what's the number one thing ya gotta remember 'til I get home."
She looked up at the ceiling to recite, "You love me, only me, no one else but me."
Sully lifted her chin to kiss her. What began as a tender and sweet good-bye started to escalate into a hungry
and passionate kiss.
He lightly ran his hands down her breasts, "Can't wait t' see ya in that play."
She took his hands and stopped his movements, "Let's not start something we don't have time to finish. You'll
miss your train."
"There goes that thinkin' part o' you again," he joked. "But you're right. I'll see ya later."
"I love you, Sully," she toyed with a lock of his hair.
35
************
Michaela looked up from her desk as Matthew entered the Clinic, "Did you see Sully at the Depot?"
"Ah," he fidgeted with the rim of his hat. "He was gettin' on board an' didn't see me."
"That's too bad," she finished straightening her desk. "He wanted to say good-bye."
************
Chapter 7
************
"That woman boarded the train with Sully?" she went pale.
"Not with him," Matthew clarified. "I don't think Sully saw her, since he was already on board."
She sat down to calm her nerves and spoke low to herself, "He loves me. He loves only me. He loves no one
else but me."
She looked at the clock, "I must get to rehearsal. If you or Brian have any problems with the children, you
know where I'll be."
************
"Good," she sat beside him. "What a pleasant coincidence that we should be sharing the same train, Sully."
He rolled his eyes as he recognized the voice, "Pleasant? I don't think so. Coincidence? I doubt it. What are you
doin' here?"
"I'm going to Denver for the day to see some friends," Ann folded her hands. "And you?"
"I'm takin' care o' some personal business," he turned away from her.
"Sully," she leaned over and ran her hand along his arm.
He moved his arm away, "I'll thank ya t' not touch me."
36
"My," she was taken back. "You are quite tense today. Are you and Michaela still not getting along?"
"Leave Michaela out of this," his eyes shot anger. "Now, are you gonna move, or am I?"
She stood up, but the train swayed at a turn, and she fell onto his lap. Before Sully could react, she locked her
arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I know you want this as much as I do," she held on.
Sully pulled her arms away and set her in her seat.
Sully went to the back of the train car and sat down beside an elderly woman with the hope of not
encountering Ann Weaver again.
************
"Now, Dr. Mike," Richard Fording escorted her onto the stage. "Our main goal is to show you where to stand
as the scenes unfold."
"Let's begin with the last scene since it may involve some extra rehearsal on our part," he said.
"I see," she looked down. "I seem to recall when I did the play in school, there was a technique of moving so
that to the audience, it appeared to be a kiss, but in reality..."
"My dear," he put his hands on his hips. "Do you think that the audiences of the frontier would accept a
subterfuge such as that?"
"I..." she was embarrassed. "I don't think this is such a good idea. My husband...."
"Surely your husband trusts that this is merely acting," Fording moved closer and placed his hand on her waist.
37
"But my entire troupe is counting on you," he said. "Come now, let us rehearse."
She raised her hand, "I'd rather not rehearse any kissing."
"Very well," he raised his eyebrows. "Sometimes spontaneity is even more effective on the stage." Directing
her where to stand, he said with a flamboyant wave of his hand, "Now, let's begin... 'Katherine, that cap of
yours becomes you not: Off with that bauble, throw it underfoot.'"
************
Sully was able to lose Ann in the bustle of the Denver Depot. With relief, he took the small bag that he had
brought along and headed for his destination, unaware that he was being followed.
************
"Ma," Brian was pleased to see his mother's return to the Clinic. "How'd it go?"
"No, nothing," she went to the anteroom. "Hello, you two. Were you good for your brothers?"
"She wanted t' climb up the shelves that Sully built," he explained. "I told her she had t' stay in the chair, and
she thought I meant she couldn't go anywhere else."
"You mean you've been sitting there since you got up from your nap?" Michaela tried not to laugh.
"Yep," the little girl nodded. Then pointing to her derriere, she said, "An' I sore."
The child rushed to her mother's embrace, "Bran not say I could move, an' Poppy tell me t' listen t' him."
Michaela kissed her, "Do you know how much you lighten my heart?"
38
Josef sat up in his bassinet, "Ma!"
"Come, my darlings," Michaela set Katie down and lifted the baby. "Let's go over to Grace's for dinner."
"I'll go tell Matthew t' join us," Brian volunteered. "He's over at the bank drawin' up some papers for Preston."
************
Sully barely made it to the return train on time. He glanced around to be sure that Ann was nowhere in sight.
So far, so good, he thought. Then he heard her voice.
"I s'pose ya just happen t' be headin' back t' Colorado Springs now," he was sarcastic.
"As a matter of fact, I am," she smiled. Then she noticed a package under his arm, "Something special?"
Sully turned to board the train without offering to help her. He found his way to a seat on the aisle where he
could comfortably sit, then set the package on the adjoining seat.
He settled back and prepared to relax, when he heard her voice again.
"I'm afraid there are no other seats available," Ann pointed to the one beside him.
"Thank you," she slid in front of him and sat by the window.
"Where are you going?" she sounded offended. "I told you there are no other seats available."
************
"His train's due in around the time Ma's play starts," Matthew replied.
39
"Me, too," Katie contributed.
"Do ya even know what we're talkin' about, little sister?" Matthew tickled her side.
Michaela fed the baby and stroked his hair, "It's only acting. Why should I be nervous?"
"'Cause you're actin' in front o' so many people," Brian stated. "An' they wanna believe what you're sayin' an'
doin' is real."
"I don't know," Matthew tipped his hat back. "I read about actors who start believin' their roles, even t' the
point o' strikin' up romances with each other."
"No!" Michaela could not believe it. "That seems impossible. Their characters are quite different from their
real personalities. It's only make-believe."
"But it makes for good gossip," Brian contributed. "It's fun. People like t' read about it, an' it sells newspapers."
"Why would anyone want to speculate about the private lives of actors?" Michaela was puzzled.
"Maybe people like it when they're watchin' a play an' think it isn't acting," Matthew reasoned. "If you were
watchin' "Romeo an' Juliet,' and knew that the actors were really in love, it would be more interestin'."
"And risky," Brian added. "What if they weren't gettin' along an' had a fight? Then how would that affect the
play?"
"Other actors in the troupe might start choosin' sides," Matthew continued the theme. "Could cause a big
feud. Then folks would start speculatin' on what caused their fight."
"I think your brothers are just using their overactive imaginations, Sweetheart," Michaela caressed her
daughter's cheek. "I just cannot fathom that people would care so much about how actors live or why they
might argue. Only they themselves know the true reasons for any disagreements."
"Anyway," Matthew wiped his mouth. "From what I gather, this Mr. Fording is quite a Romeo with his
actresses."
"Where did you learn that?" Michaela held Josef up to pat his back.
"Talkin' t' some o' the actors," he replied. "An' from what I hear, this isn't the first time that one o' his
actresses developed a problem that prevented her from goin' on stage."
40
"I mean there's been a few towns along their tour where a local lady that Mr. Fording fancied had t' play a
part," he responded. "See? Even we're speculatin' about the private lives of actors."
"Well, I examined Miss Norman, and I am convinced that she is indeed suffering from laryngitis," Michaela
stated. "And besides, how could these local women learn the lines so quickly?"
"It's not always a big part," Matthew replied. "Sometimes maybe only a few lines, but the thing is, Mr. Fording
always puts in some extra rehearsal time with the lady in question, if ya know what I mean."
Michaela reached to gently remind her daughter to not rest her arms thus, "He means that some actors don't
catch on quickly to their roles."
************
Sully leaned against the hard wooden paneling of the train and pulled out the book that he had brought.
************
Chapter 8
************
Sully finished the play and closed the book. His blood boiled. He did not want to see Michaela portray the
submissive wife of a lout such as Richard Fording. Even if it was only acting! But how could he stop her? He
sighed, imagining Fording saying, "Why there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate" and "Come, Kate, we'll
to bed."
"You look very deep in thought," Ann's irritating voice distracted him.
"I just came back to see if you were tired," she smiled. "Perhaps a back rub would help."
"Forward?" she feigned surprise. "I prefer to think of myself as a woman who knows what she wants and does
not let anything stand in the way."
"Ya don't let the truth stand in your way either," he asserted.
41
"For someone who thinks she knows so much, ya can't see what's most obvious," he struck a nerve.
"I am well aware of truth and reality," she threw her head back arrogantly.
"Then let's see how aware ya are of this," he started. "I ain't usually one t' talk t' a woman this way, but then I
never knew a woman who was so... irritatin' as you." He took a deep breath, "There is nothin' about you that I
find interestin' or attractive. There is not one second o' my time that I wanna spend talkin' to or lookin' at you.
And there will never, EVER, be any possibility that you can tempt me away from my wife and family. Is there
any part o' that truth that you need repeated?"
"That's a first," he snapped back. "Now, why don't ya go back t' your seat? An' when we pull int' Colorado
Springs, I suggest ya look at the schedule for the next train t' take ya home."
"No," his voice was sure. "You have never been turned down."
"I wouldn't want you if you were the last man on earth," she turned to walk away.
************
In the Clinic, Michaela finished applying her makeup, "I look like a prost...." She stopped as she noted Katie's
watchful eyes.
"Why ya paint your face?" Katie tried to put the makeup on.
Michaela lifted the container from her daughter's hands, "So that the audience can see better with the stage
lighting."
"You are so full of questions, my darling," Michaela checked on her son in his bassinet.
Katie skipped over to join her, "Mama, why Joey sleep so much?"
"Because he's a baby," she replied. "You did the same when you were little."
42
"I still little," she raised her arms.
"Now," Michaela leaned down to fix the bow in Katie's hair. "I want you to mind your brothers, and don't
speak out during the play. I imagine you'll fall asleep during the show."
"We'll see," she lifted Josef. "Your brothers will be here shortly."
************
"No sign o' Sully's train," Matthew told his brother as they sat waiting for the play to begin.
"I'd hate for him t' miss it," Brian looked over his shoulder.
************
Michaela peeked through an opening in the curtain and saw Brian leading Katie away. No sign of Sully. She
began to pace.
"Dr. Mike," Richard Fording neared. "You really should not be doing that. Never let the audience see you
before a performance."
"Remember," he kissed her hand. "Spontaneity in that last act. Be prepared for anything."
43
"Yes, well...." she pulled her hand away. "I'm not certain if...."
************
It was dusk when Sully stepped from the train, relieved to be home and, he thought, rid of Ann Weaver.
Before he escaped the Depot, he heard her call.
"We could have some very exciting times, and your family need never have known," she plied her charms.
"I do," he ran his hand through his hair. "Ya waste an awful lot o' time. Ya been chasin' after me for the better
part of a week. An' you're real hard o' hearin'."
"I don't think it is," he folded his arms. "I been talkin' an' tellin' ya t' leave me alone, but ya don't seem t' hear
me."
Sully almost felt pity toward her, "What is it that you're lookin' for in a man?"
Her heart leapt at his interest, "You! Tall, dark hair, handsome, strong, muscular...."
Sully raised his hand, "That's all appearance. I never heard ya mention anythin' about what's inside."
"It doesn't matter what's inside if he satisfies what's outside," she stated.
"No one taught me," Ann stepped closer. "I know what satisfies."
"If ya know what satisfies, you'd respect other folks who found what they want in life," he picked up his bag.
"Now, I'm gonna go t' my wife an' kids."
"Does she know how lucky she is?" her voice softened.
44
"I'm the lucky one," he turned and walked away.
"I surely do not understand you, Byron Sully," she spoke to herself. "But I'm not quite through with you yet."
************
"When did this one pass out," he kissed his little girl.
"Not long ago," Brian whispered. "Ya missed the first scene of the introduction. Ma ain't been on yet."
"I gotta go see your Ma," Sully left them to go around to the back of the stage.
************
She waved, but shook her head to indicate she could not join him. Sully took a deep breath and debated what
to do. As he stood near stage left, he overheard two actresses talking.
"Is your laryngitis any better?" one woman asked with sarcasm in her voice.
The first woman laughed, "Richard wants another notch in his belt."
"He told me that the lady doctor is quite good, but she wouldn't let him kiss her during rehearsal," Marie
giggled. "She's going to be in for quite a surprise."
Sully confronted the two, "Which one o' you is the actress that's supposed t' play Katherina?"
"I am," Marie clutched her throat and faked a vocal problem.
"Save your actin' for the stage," Sully raised his hand. "If you don't get int' costume and take your place up
there right now, I'm gonna stop this show."
"I'm the man who's gonna see that Richard Fordin' don't get another notch on his belt," his steel gaze was
serious. "Now, are ya gonna get dressed?"
45
He cast a frightened look at Sully, then went to Michaela and whispered something. Sully watched on as Marie
took Michaela's arm and exited behind a curtain. Then he nervously waited. He determined that sufficient
time had elapsed for a change to be made, and started up the steps to the stage.
Suddenly, Michaela emerged in her normal clothes and minus the makeup. She quickly walked to him.
"Sully," she kissed his cheek. "What in the world is going on? Miss Norman has suddenly regained her voice,
and she said it was thanks to you."
"Where?" she trailed behind him as he urgently walked toward the church.
When they rounded the corner out of sight of the playgoers, he pulled her into his arms.
"Sully!" she was surprised. "Couldn't this have waited until we got home? And you didn't answer my question.
What did you had to do with the leading lady's voice returning?"
He kissed her again, but this time Michaela did not pull back for more questions. She slid her hands up his
arms to caress the hair at the base of his neck, as their kiss deepened.
Finally, Sully came up for air, "I got a lot t' tell ya."
"That an' more," he wrapped a loose strand of her hair around his finger. "But right now, I could sure use
some holdin'."
She slid her hands inside his jacket and looped them around his trim waste. Laying her head against his chest,
she closed her eyes to enjoy the steady beat of his heart. Sully kissed the top of her head and sighed in relief.
He was home.
"Is Sully telling you about our trip to Denver today?" Ann Weaver's voice came from out of the darkness.
************
Chapter 9
************
"My husband went to Denver on business," Michaela turned to face her. "If you happened to be on the same
train, I'm sure it was by coincidence."
"It was no coincidence that he pulled me onto his lap and kissed me," Ann countered.
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Michaela interrupted again, "My husband would never do such a thing."
"Then look at his sleeve," the woman knew what she would find. "You'll see where he wiped off my lip rouge."
With that, she turned and left. Sully sighed and sat down on the steps of the church. Michaela joined him and
rested her hand on his shoulder.
"It must have been a very uncomfortable train ride," she said.
"Not just on account o' her," he picked up the book in his bag. "I read the play."
"The Taming of the Shrew?" she discerned the title in the faint' light of the church lanterns.
"After I read it, I wasn't gonna allow ya t' play that role," he shook his head.
"You weren't going to allow me?" Michaela did not appreciate his tone.
"What I mean is, I wasn't gonna let ya play a part where...." he was stopped by her.
"I'm perfectly capable of deciding for myself," she withdrew her hand from his back and stood up.
"I... I know ya are," he knew he was in trouble. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Michaela," he held up his hands and approached her. "Can we not fight, please?"
"I'm not interested," she turned and headed back to the play in progress.
"I'm going to watch what you were not going to 'allow' me to do," she stormed away.
"That went better than I hoped," Ann startled him from nowhere.
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"You're gonna make me forget I'm a gentleman," he picked up his bag and followed after Michaela.
************
Sully sat beside Matthew and lifted a sleeping Josef from his oldest son's arms. Raising the child's forehead to
his lips, Sully tenderly kissed the baby.
Michaela sat beside Brian and lifted her sleeping daughter from his lap. She rested Katie against her shoulder.
When the play concluded, the family loaded into the buckboard for the ride back to the homestead. Matthew
and Brian attempted to make small talk, but with Sully and Michaela not even acknowledging the other's
presence, it was difficult. When they arrived home, Sully carried Katie upstairs while Michaela took Josef to
her bedroom.
"Let's go take care o' the animals for the night," Sully patted his back.
"Brian an' me can do it, Sully," Matthew volunteered. "Ya gotta be tired from your trip. Go on up t' bed."
Sully removed his jacket and lifted his bag, "Thanks, boys. I'll see ya in the mornin'."
************
The bedroom door was closed when Sully traveled down the hallway. Fearing it might be locked, he took a
deep breath and knocked.
When he stepped through the doorway, he saw his wife rubbing the baby's back in the crib.
He approached them, and as he did, she moved away to sit in the rocking chair. Sully leaned over to kiss his
son. Then he glanced over at his wife.
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"'Fore things go any further, I got somethin' t' tell ya," he removed his belt.
"I think you've told me quite enough for one evening," her voice quivered.
Sully walked over and stood before her, "It's about what Ann said t'night."
"When she said that I pulled her int' my lap an' kissed her," he explained.
"Don't worry," she glanced away again. "I don't believe her."
"Well, I'm sure there is a perfectly logical explanation for it," she was beginning to wonder what it might be.
"She fell int' my lap an' kissed me," Sully let it out.
"I told her t' move outa the seat she had next t' me, an' when the train went around the bend, she stumbled
into my lap," he detailed what had occurred.
"And how did she stumble into your lips?" she glared.
"'Fore I could stop her, she wrapped her arms around my neck an' kissed me," he knew there was no turning
back.
"I doubt if you'll want to undress for where you'll be sleeping," she announced.
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"You'll not be sleeping in my bed," she informed him.
"Why not?" he felt like a schoolboy being scolded. "I thought ya said ya believe me."
"Then why am I not sleepin' in here?" he felt the chill in her mood.
"Because I will not be treated as your servant, to be commanded about and forbidden to do things," her voice
became slightly louder.
"But it's okay for you t' tell me I can't sleep in my own bed?" he turned it around.
"All right, then," she opened the cupboard and removed a pillow and blanket. "I'll be the one to sleep
elsewhere."
"Michaela," he held her arm. "Wait. Look what's happenin' t' us."
"Michaela," his eyes saddened. "Let's not go t' bed mad. Please."
"Sully," she turned to face him. "I know that you love me, and I know that you would not betray me, but...."
"I respect ya," he asserted. "I respect ya more than anyone in the world."
"If you respected me, you would not command me," she opened the door and headed down the hallway to
sleep with Katie.
Sully was stunned. Lifting the package he had brought from Denver, he placed it on the nightstand. He
removed his shirt and went to the basin to wash his face. Josef chose that moment to fuss. Soon the little boy
started to cry.
Sully lifted him into his arms, "I'm sorry, Josef. I hope your Ma an' me didn't wake ya up." Carrying the little
boy to the rocking chair, Sully cradled him and began a back and forth movement to still the baby. It did not
work.
"What's the matter, my big boy?" Sully was growing more concerned.
Josef's cries became more adamant. The worried father carried his son to the bed and set him down. He
checked the diaper. Dry. Josef's face was becoming redder from his outburst.
"Josef," Sully lifted him again. In desperation, he called out to his wife, "Michaela!"
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She burst into the room and lifted the baby from his arms. Pressing her lips against the little boy's forehead,
she checked for a fever. Then she set him on the bed and began to press his stomach and abdomen."
By this time, Brian and Matthew came to the bedroom out of concern. Next Katie arrived, finger in mouth, to
see why her little brother was in such a state.
Michaela lifted the child again and patted his back. Josef let forth a loud burp. With that, he started to calm
down. Sully took a deep breath and rested his hand against his son's back.
"I should've known," Sully grinned. "He's done this before. Reckon I wasn't thinkin."
"No, Katie," Michaela replied. "Nor will I. My theater days are over."
"Ya gonna come back t' sleep with me, Mama?" Katie looked up at her mother.
"See ya in the mornin'," Matthew tussled his brother's hair and left.
Michaela settled into the rocking chair with Josef on her lap, "Katie, go back to bed now, Sweetheart."
She glanced up at her father. "Ya gonna let her sleep with me?"
"What do ya mean, 'let her?'" Sully did not want his wife to misinterpret.
Sully smiled, "Your Ma decides for herself where she wants t' sleep."
"You two," the child shook her head disapprovingly. "Wish ya make up your mind."
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Sully escorted the little girl to her room and tucked her in. Then, returning to their bedroom, he closed the
door.
"Sure did scare me," he folded his hands behind his back.
At that instant, Michaela saw his handsome physique. She fought the stirrings that began to build inside of her
as a woman longing for her husband's arms.
"So, what's it gonna be t'night, Michaela?" he stepped closer to her. "Ya sleepin' in here or with Katie?"
He recognized a discomfort in her, one which she exhibited when she was fighting her inner desires.
"I... I'm trying to rock my son to sleep," she was clearly flustered.
"I think ya wanna stay in here with me," he knelt down before her clearly tempting her.
"'Cause I know that look ya get when ya wanna...." He stopped himself, feeling guilty.
Sully pivoted and looked at her with love, "It wouldn't be right t' use... that... t' bring us back t'gether."
"T' use... what both of us wanna do right now t' solve what's botherin' us," he pulled his shirt back on.
"Sully," she stood up and placed the sleeping baby in his crib.
He could not help but notice the silhouette of her shape through her nightgown. He gulped and closed his
eyes to fight his longings. She knew he was watching her in that way.
"I agree," she kept her distance. "I don't think we should... do that, to solve our discord."
"Comin' t'gether... like that... oughta be when we're on good terms," he stared at her with passion in his eyes.
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"Right," she nodded.
"If he came to me at that instant, I would melt in his arms," she thought.
"If she came to me at that instant, I could not control myself," he thought.
"So..." he avoided her eyes. "Could we maybe talk about things now?"
************
Chapter 10
************
She sat down beside him, "The one you brought from Denver."
"Very well," she ripped off the wrapping and slid off the top of the box.
Inside, in flawless condition, was the vase that Katie had broken.
"Sully!" her eyes widened. "Where did you find this? It's a perfect replica of my grandmother's vase."
"It IS your grandmother's vase," he clarified. "Fella I know in Denver who's real good with glassware. But ya
can't put water in it anymore. It's just for show."
"This must have cost a fortune," she knew they did not have much.
She stood and ran her hands along the fine workmanship. Then she placed it on the mantle of the bedroom
fireplace. Turning to face him, she lost all anger she had felt.
"Thank you, Sully," she smiled. "It was a most loving and thoughtful gift."
"I know when things mean a lot t' ya, sentimental things, it's good t' have 'em around t' remind ya of loved
ones or pleasant times," he folded his hands.
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"I guess our times have not been very pleasant of late," she glanced down.
He rose from the bed, "Michaela, I didn't mean t' sound like I was tryin' t' boss ya around. Even if I tried, ya
wouldn't listen."
She was ready to counter his statement, but stopped when she saw the gleam in his eye.
Sully continued, stepping toward her, "An' I do respect ya. The only time I'd ever think about commandin' ya t'
do somethin' was if I thought ya were in danger. An' I did think that, where Richard Fordin's concerned."
"What exactly did you believe he would do?" she tried to understand.
"I ain't sure," he was now inches away. "But I couldn't take the chance."
"Sully," she felt obliged to tell her husband. "Richard wanted me to kiss him in the final scene of the play, but I
informed him that I would not do it."
She placed her hand on his arm and imitated his dialect, "Ya oughta trust me."
"Trust you?" he was surprised. "Michaela, I do trust ya. But if he would've tried t' force himself on you...."
"They mighta thought it was part o' the play," he was still enraged.
"My dear husband," she guided him to sit on the edge of the bed. "Nothing happened."
"Maybe there's somethin' ya oughta know," he divulged. "His leadin' lady, Marie Norman, was fakin' her
laryngitis. I overheard her talkin' t' another woman, an' they said that you were gonna be another notch on his
belt."
"Is that what you were doing off stage before the play began?" she sat next to him.
"So it was your belief that I was going to fall victim to his villainy?" she half smiled.
"Michaela," he placed his hand on hers. "Don't take this lightly. I didn't know what he might do t' ya."
She ran her fingers along his cheek, "I see that now. And I see the look of concern in your eyes."
She leaned her head against his shoulder, "I'm not angry."
"Good," he sighed. "I was thinkin' I might have t' sleep downstairs."
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"Sully," her mood changed. "I just had a devilish idea."
"I've never been one for practical jokes, but..." she raised an eyebrow.
"Michaela," she chuckled. "Ya never been one for jokes period."
She lightly slapped his arm, "Well, this one may surprise you."
"I shall write one to Richard, and you will compose one to Ann," she continued. "We'll tell them to meet us at
a secret place, stating some great interest in pursuing a relationship," she elaborated. "We'll sign the notes
'The one you want,' making them believe it's from us."
"No," he chuckled. "I think those two deserve each other. So I tell Ann t' meet me at... say, Willow Creek Rock,
and you tell Richard t' meet you there, as well. Then when we don't show up?"
"And he's interested in a notch on his belt," she completed the thought.
"One thing I know about Ann is she's real interested in that hobby," he ran his hand across his mouth.
"Yep," he nodded.
"She's been tryin' way too hard t' be one on my belt," he stated. "What she didn't understand is that my belt's
already full."
"Well, there's plenty o' room for you," he unbuttoned his shirt.
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"May we agree, Mr. Sully, that our disagreement is officially over?" she was aroused by his movements.
She placed her palm against his, "And that neither of us will be sleeping outside of this bed tonight."
"That's a deal, too," he raised her palm to his lips. "Can't wait t' see the look on their two faces t'morrow."
"Michaela," he widened his eyes. "Ya take away the fun o' the joke. We gotta be there, hidin' and watchin'."
"But for me, that's t' be expected," he slid his hand up her arm.
She tingled, "You know, if you would have played Petruchio and I Katherina, I wouldn't have minded that kiss."
"But it would not have been acting," she sounded tempting. "Matthew and Brian said that sometimes actors
fall in love with each other."
"Kiss my wife on a stage in front o' the whole town?" he caressed her neck.
"Say the lines 'Why, there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me,'... Mike?"
She eyed him, "Well, you could leave out the 'wench' part."
"Are actors supposed t' change the way the play's written?" he wondered.
"Then maybe I could be an actor," Sully grinned. "I love bein' spontaneous. An' if you were my leadin' lady,
who knows what kinda sparks we could ignite?"
"In 'The Taming of the Shrew,' Petruchio and Katherine fell in love after they were married," she stated. "I
have a feeling that she tamed him just as much as he tamed her."
"I doubt if I'll ever tame you," he spoke near her ear.
"Quite the contrary," she felt her pulse race. "I frequently let you win arguments."
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He pulled back, "Name one time."
"At this very moment?" she ran her fingers across his chest.
"Shall we call this a draw?" she suggested. "I trust you, and you trust me. I'm ready for bed, and you're ready
for bed."
"Ah, yes, 'We'll to bed!'" he quoted another line from the play.
"Shall I mention one more area of agreement between us?" she lightly pushed him onto his back.
She lay down along his side, "I respect you, and you respect me."
She ran her finger along his mouth, "Have I ever told you that I adore your lips?"
"Never hurts t' repeat," he curved up the ends of his mouth in a smile.
"And when you smile, how you have little dimples right here?" she kissed one. "And here," she kissed the
other.
"I kinda like the wrinkle ya get right here," he kissed the area just above her nose.
"Better," she closed her eyes. "Oh, Sully," she sighed as he enfolded her in his arms.
"Can I ask ya somethin'?" he positioned her body on top of his and began to slowly slide up her nightgown.
She felt a rush of excitement as the material crossed her hips, "Uh.... yes."
He unbuttoned his buckskins, "If I commanded ya t' do somethin' right now, would ya do it?"
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"Sully!" she was shocked. "I thought you said only if I were in danger. Would you truly command me to do
something at a moment like this?"
"Yep," he could feel her anticipation growing. "As a test," he focused intently on her eyes. "Just t' see how
tame ya really are."
"Let's hear the command first," she barely managed to keep her wits.
"Love me," his voice was raspy. "Love me with all your heart."
She framed his face in her hands, " That's no command. I already do."
"I love you with all of my heart," she obeyed. "I love you with my soul. I love you with my body. And all of
these I give to you, willingly, happily, without reservation."
"That's my girl," he initiated the completion of their physical joining. Rolling her over onto her back, he
touched her softly and tenderly as he moved. The rapid beating of their hearts matched the intensity of their
desire for one another. Evoking the most passionate of all reactions, their union was complete.
Sully breathlessly told her, "An' in this bed, I make this vow, to love thee now and ever more."
"I don't recognize that line," she pondered it. "What was it from?"
"It's from my new play, 'Kiss Me, Mike," his eyes gleamed.
"Sully," she plied kisses along his face. "I love your play."
"It gets even better," he stroked her hair. "Wait 'til ya see how it ends."
THE END
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