Chapter 21

"Its bin so hard not ta tell ya ma .. pa ...," rued Brian, as he and his parents sat at the dining-room table in the homestead. "But Miss Dorothy an' Cloud Dancin' asked me not to if I could ..."

Michaela shook her head. "We didn't have an inkling Brian ... When you made no mention of anything holding you up we just assumed the journey took longer than expected ..."

Brian smiled. "That's what I was hopin'," he confessed.

"You can tell us all about it now," inveigled Michaela.

"Didn' Miss Dorothy an' Cloud Dancin' tell ya all about it?" asked Brian, a little surprised.

Michaela smiled ruefully. "Some," she admitted. "But we'd love to hear your view of it ..."

Brian appeared to give the matter some consideration and then began, "I suppose it started ... at least so's I'd notice ... when me an' Miss Dorothy met up with the soldiers ... She didn' seem worried about it at all .... Like I said .. I reckon they'd worked out this plan ... just in case we came across the army durin' the trip ... She knew we'd head back to the camp the next day ... but when we got there I could tell Cloud Dancin' was real worried ... He helped her down from her horse an' then just held her ... like I've see you an' pa do ..." He paused while Michaela and Sully exchanged knowing looks, and then he continued, "They seemed a lot closer from then on," he mused. "They'd sit an' talk a lot more ... an' Cloud Dancin'd ride alongside her ... all the rest o' the way north ..."

"They didn't tell you any of their plans?" asked Michaela.

The young man shrugged his shoulders. "Nah ... I've got a feelin' maybe they didn' really have any plans ... until we were thinkin' about headin' home ..."

"What makes you say that?" asked Sully.

"Miss Dorothy said somethin' about how maybe Cloud Dancin'd miss havin' other Cheyenne around ... specially when it came ta talkin' things through ... or prayin' to the spirits ... an' performin' some o' the ceremonies ..." His brow creased. "Cloud Dancin' seemed real worried about that ... I thought he was realisin' Miss Dorothy was right ... an' maybe he even wanted ta stay ... I was wonderin' whether me an' Miss Dorothy'd be able ta do it on our own ... find our way home I mean ... I could tell by Miss Dorothy's face that maybe she was thinkin' the same thing ... She seemed real upset ... an' she turned around an' walked outta the tipi ..."

"Poor Dorothy," empathised Michaela. "To travel all that way and then think she was going to have to leave him behind ..."

"He followed her straight out," Brian immediately assured them. "But .. I gotta admit ... that didn' help me any ... I was startin' ta worry ... about gittin' home ..." He rested his chin on his hands and then smiled. "It was late when they came ta see me ... told me as how they wanted to stay a coupla extra days ... there was somethin' they hadta do before headin' home ... I was so tired I didn' ask any questions ... I was just relieved Cloud Dancin'd be travellin' home with us ..."

"So what happened next?" asked Michaela eagerly.

"The next day I saw Cloud Dancin' an' Miss Dorothy talkin' with Flyin' Hawk for a long time ... he kept shakin' his head ... an' Cloud Dancin' seemed ta git angry ... I was surprised cos you don' see him like that very often ...," explained Brian. "But they seemed ta calm down .. an' Flyin' Hawk was listenin' ta Cloud Dancin' ...Miss Dorothy came over an' sat with me ... I could tell she was real worried about somethin' but she didn' tell me what it was ... an' I wasn't sure I should ask ..."

Michaela reached across to lay her hand over her son's. "You did the right thing Brian .. I know you were worried ... but it was their business ..."

He nodded. "In the afternoon Cloud Dancin' came across an' took Miss Dorothy's hand an' led her off ta talk ... I was kinda upset about that .. cos I figured they shoulda bin tellin' me what was goin' on .." He lowered his eyes, a little shame-faced and Michaela squeezed his hand reassuringly. He looked up at her then and his eyes sparkled. "I found out the next day though ..."

Michaela smiled in excited anticipation. "So ...?" she prompted.

"The next mornin' I walked outta the tipi I'd bin sharin with Cloud Dancin' ... it was so cold ya breath seemed ta freeze in the air an' ya couldn' see the mountains cos o' the cloud ..." Michaela sighed impatiently, so he hurriedly continued, "I saw Cloud Dancin' go to Miss Dorothy's tipi ... he was leadin' a horse ... a real pretty one ... reminded me o' Flash ... an' he handed the reins ta Miss Dorothy an' walked away ... He told me later that a relative's supposed ta do that ... but seein' as all his family is gone ...." He trailed off, eying Sully intently. "I guess you coulda done that pa ... if you'd bin there ... as his brother?" he questioned.

Sully, for a moment, looked a little regretful, but then nodded and urged his son, "What happened next?"

"Some ladies came next ... mostly ones we'd bin travellin' with ... they took Miss Dorothy to another tipi ..." Sully nodded, aware of the ritual. "Cloud Dancin' came over an' told me there was gonna be a ceremony ... a promisin' ceremony he called it ... an' I realised they were bein' married ... the Cheyenne way ... I was so excited for 'em ... an' they both looked so happy ..." Michaela's hand tightened on his as he went on, "The ladies brought Miss Dorothy out after a while ... she was dressed in a buckskin dress ... an' had some paint on her face ...It was kinda strange seein' her dressed like that ... the buckskin was almost the same colour as her hair ... They took her across to where Cloud Dancin' was sittin' in front of Flyin' Hawk's tipi. He stood up when they got close and held out his hand ta Miss Dorothy. She gave him a gift ... I don' really know what it was 'cept it was small ... then he led her into the tipi ... an' everyone crowded around the entrance ... Flyin' Hawk told me Cloud Dancin' had to lead her to the very back of the tipi ... he said that's the place of honour ... an' then everyone moved away an' left 'em alone ..."

Michaela sighed. "I wish we'd been there," she said softly.

"In some ways I kinda wish I'd bin more involved," admitted Brian. "Flyin' Hawk told me the families are usually really involved in the ceremony ... exchangin' gifts ... carryin' the woman to the man's tipi ... but it was still nice the way they did it ..." Both his parents nodded. "Its kinda like they are family ... aint it pa?" he said softly.

Sully nodded. "It sure is Brian ... an' I'm glad at least one member of their family could be there ta see it .. be a part of it ...," he replied solemnly, ruffling his son's hair.

"On Tuesday we can all be there ta see it," the young man declared. "I'm glad the reverend's happy ta marry 'em in the church ... I got a feelin' that wouldn' happen in some towns .." He suddenly yawned and Michaela smiled.

"Looks like its time for bed," she said lovingly. "Thank-you for making us feel like we were there ... I can tell you're going to be a wonderful writer Brian ... you remember things so clearly ... and are able to describe them so others can see them clearly too ... even if its only in their minds ..."

Brian reddened and then stood. "Thanks ma," he said, bending to kiss her cheek. "I'll see you in the mornin' ... Night pa ..."

Sully grasped his son's hand emotionally. "Night Brian," he said in a low tone. "An' thanks ..."

Brian nodded and headed up the stairs to his room.

*******************
"Its gettin' late," said Dorothy quietly, as the sounds of the night permeated Cloud Dancing's tipi out at Palmer Creek. "I better think about goin'."

The medicine man nodded, but did not move from his position in front of the fire, nor did he relax his hold on Dorothy as she sat in his embrace. "There is little moon tonight," he said softly. "You will be alright?"

Dorothy giggled. "I bin out here so many times these past months I figure I could do it blindfolded," she rejoined lightly.

Cloud Dancing smiled, yet stated quietly, "That may be so ... but I will accompany you ... to the edge of town ... then I will know you are safe ..."

She did not reply. She knew there was no way of changing his mind once it was made up. She shifted slightly as he leant forward to place another piece of wood on the fire. As he settled back once more, she said quietly, longingly, "Another coupla days an' I won't have ta go home .."

Cloud Dancing's hold on her tightened reflexively. "But we will still have to be careful," he warned. "There are those in town who would not accept your marriage to a Cheyenne ..."

"I know that," she agreed. "An' how I wish it weren't the case .. but it is .. an' we're gonna have ta live with it ..."

"There is still time to change your mind," offered Cloud Dancing solemnly.

She turned to look into his eyes. "That aint gonna happen Cloud Dancin' ... now or ever ... I aint felt this good about somethin' since ... since ... I don' know when ... I am tsévéstoemôtse ... your wife ... I feel it here .." She held her hand over her heart.

"It will not be easy ...," he warned again.

"Neither's bein' alone," she retorted. "I aint felt alone for months now ... even when we're apart I feel you ... in my heart."

"That is how it should be," he rejoined with satisfaction, running his hand tenderly down her cheek.

She turned to lean back against him once more. "Do ya think Michaela an' Sully understand?" she asked worriedly. "I don' think I could stand it if they didn'."

He wrapped his arms around her. "They understand," he avowed. "They are family ... and they too have brought together two worlds ..."

"Michaela seemed excited about the weddin' on Tuesday .. I wish she coulda bin at the Cheyenne ceremony ..."

"I also wish Sully had been there," agreed Cloud Dancing. "But they understand that it was not possible ... It was important for me to join with you amongst my people ..."

She sighed. "Maybe 'join with me' aint the right words," she said with a rueful smile.

"You know it is the custom of my people to remain apart until the marriage," he reminded her.

"I know it ... but in the eyes of your people we *are* married," she rejoined teasingly, knowing what his response would be.

"And in the eyes of yours we are not," he clarified.

"I know it ... an' I guess I'll be grateful later ... when we *are* married in everyone's eyes ..."

He lightly kissed her temple. "We do not have long to wait ..."

Something which had been worrying Dorothy on and off for some time once more came to mind. She turned in Cloud Dancing's arms so she could gauge his reaction to what she was about to say in his eyes. She swallowed and said softly, "I ... I ... was wonderin' ..."

Realising her sudden nervousness, he took her hand and said quietly, "Wondering?"

She nodded. "You ... you ... remember some years back ... Michaela operated on me ... don't ya?" she asked worriedly.

He squeezed her hand. "I remember," he replied calmly. "Michaela told me some of it." When Dorothy's eyebrows rose, he added, "As medicine woman to medicine man ..."

She acknowledged his explanation with a nod, then continued, "You know then ... that I ... I ... don' look like other women ... there's some scarrin' too ..." She dropped her eyes to the blanket covered ground.

"I know that this was a terrible operation ... I also know that without it you may not be here with me today," he replied quietly. When she raised her eyes hopefully to his, he went on, "It does not matter to me that you are scarred ... we are all scarred in some way ... you have seen the marks on me from the sun dance ... and there are scars we cannot see ... scars of the mind and soul ... When I asked you to share my life I was not worried about such unimportant things as our bodies ... It is what is in our hearts that is the most important."

Dorothy's eyes shone with grateful tears. "If only people knew more about you Cloud Dancin'," she said softly. "If only they knew the good that's in your heart ..."

"*You* know Dorothy ...what is in my heart ... It does not matter to me that others cannot see beyond the colour of my skin," he rejoined.

"I was once one of 'em," she responded mournfully.

"But you have learnt and grown ... this gives me hope for others," he adjured. He rested his cheek on her hand. "We must be going ... but I look forward to the time when we can be together here ..."

"So do I," she replied vehemently. "An' I look forward ta marryin' you before God an' our family on Tuesday .."

He nodded and smiled. "Come ... it is time for you to return to town ..." He stood and drew her up and into his arms where they stood for some time before heading out into the cold to mount their horses.

********************
"I wish we'd been there Sully," murmured Michaela wistfully. He responded by tightening his embrace as they sat before the fire in their bedroom, her back against his chest. "When Brian explained it ... I could see it so clearly," she went on. "The cold ... the mist ... their faces ... Why do you think Cloud Dancing and Flying Hawk were arguing?"

Sully brushed back her hair from her face and kissed her cheek. "I expect Flyin' Hawk didn' want 'em gittin' married," he suggested quietly.

"But why?"

"Probably the same kinda reasons Dorothy can't tell Loren .. or Jake ... about the weddin'."

"What do you mean?"

"They come from two different worlds Michaela ... two worlds that don't get on too well ...," Sully explained. "I figure Flyin' Hawk was makin' sure Cloud Dancin' knew that ..."

"He knows that!" exclaimed Michaela. "He's known it for so many years he probably finds it hard to remember a time *before* conflict with the white man ..."

"That's right," agreed Sully. "An' if Dorothy had come to you for advice about marryin' Cloud Dancin' ... what would you've said?"

"I'd have been thrilled for her ..."

"But?"

She dropped her eyes. "But I'd have asked her whether she was sure ... whether she could withstand the difficulties which are sure to come," she conceded in a low tone.

He smiled and again kissed her cheek. "Flyin' Hawk had ta make sure they knew what they were walkin' into ... its gonna be hard ... keepin' their marriage a secret from most folks ... livin' in two worlds ...," he advised.

"And yet they seem so happy ... and Flying Hawk *did* agree to the ceremony .."

"Uh huh ... everyone knows its gonna be hard ... but they wanna be together anyways ... better that than bein' apart ..."

She nodded. "We spent so long deciding whether we could make a life together ... our differences were so insignificant compared to theirs ..," murmured Michaela almost embarrassedly.

Sully chuckled. "We know now how bein' together can overcome just about anythin' put in our way Michaela ... I figure it'll be the same for Dorothy an' Cloud Dancin'."

Michaela turned slightly so she could see his face. "They're going to have to be so careful ... so are we ... I dread to think what the reaction of some of the townspeople would be if they knew ...," she cautioned.

"Our kids know what the consequences could be," agreed Sully. "We might have ta be careful 'round Katie though ... til she understands .."

Michaela nodded and then knelt up so she could lean across to kiss him. "I just hope ... with all my heart ... that they're as happy as we are ...," she prayed. "It must be strange for them ... having Dorothy leave Palmer Creek to return to town ... I can't imagine leaving your arms after we'd been together ..."

Sully smiled and then informed her mischievously, "Cloud Dancin' told me they aint bin together yet .."

Michaela bit her lip and dropped her eyes shyly. "I just thought ..."

He grinned. "The Cheyenne believe ... just like you ... that ya shouldn' be together until after ya married ..."

"They *are* married ... at least according to the Cheyenne," she murmured.

"Cloud Dancin' thinks they should start off on the right foot ... livin' by the creed o' both worlds ... They're waitin' until Tuesday night ... after they've bin married in the church ...," he explained with a smile.

She lifted her now twinkling eyes to meet his. "I've just decided what to give them as a wedding present," she announced with a giggle.

"What's that?"

"A quilt ... the softest ... fluffiest ... warmest quilt I can find ... I'll go to Loren's tomorrow." She leant forward and kissed him soundly. "If they're half as happy as you and I are together Sully ... their life will be wonderful." She kissed him again, leaning against his shoulders so that he was slowly forced to lay on his back on the floor. Laying over him, looking lovingly down into his eyes, she said softly, sincerely, "Its not so difficult to bring two worlds together ... when the hearts involved are already beating as one ...you taught me that ..."

He reached up to cup her face. "You did some teachin' yourself," he rejoined lovingly.

She smiled in gratitude, tantalisingly lowered herself onto him and they proceeded to show each other in oh so many ways how perfectly two worlds can indeed merge.

Chapter 22

"Dr Mike ... Dr Mike ... wait up ...," called a voice from behind Michaela, as she attempted to nonchalantly walk across to the church from the clinic on Tuesday afternoon. She quickened her pace a little, but when the voice came again, she halted and turned, a rueful smile on her face. "Dr Mike ... I was hopin' ta speak with ya," called Grace, a little out of breath, but her smile broad. "I was on my way ta the clinic ta visit with ya when I saw ya over here ... Goin' for a walk in the meadow?"

Michaela leant against the bridge railing and dropped the brown paper parcel she was carrying down by her side, the string cutting into her fingers a little. "Ah .. yes ... yes .. ah ... I was ...," she replied. "Its such a beautiful day ...."

Grace peered up into the cloudless, blue sky. "Yeah ... it is aint it," she agreed. "This sorta weather brings everyone out ... my café's bin bedlam durin' lunch." She chuckled. "Still ... I don't suppose I should complain about that ..." She hooked her arm with Michaela's. "I decided ta git some fresh air too ... away from those stoves ... I'll walk with ya ..."

Michaela gulped and then nodded reluctantly. She loved Grace and enjoyed her company, but this was *very* awkward. They began to stroll over the bridge. Beside her, Grace took an exaggerated breath and exclaimed, "I love the spring! Always reminds me o' the winter in New Orleans ..."

"It is wonderful ... isn't it," agreed Michaela, her mind centred on the church, where in a very short space of time people would begin to wonder where she was. Spying their wagon on the shaded side of the church, she steered Grace to the right and further into the meadow.

"This aint your usual day in town is it Dr Mike?" asked the café owner unexpectedly.

"Ah .. no ... I was visiting Colleen and Andrew," she replied.

"They seem happy," commented a bright-eyed Grace, surreptitiously steering Michaela back towards the church. "You'd be headin' home soon then huh?"

"I suppose ... in a little while," muttered Michaela non-commitally, endeavouring to keep a straight line away from the church.

"I .. I .. was thinkin' of goin' in ta see the Reverend," remarked an increasingly mischievous Grace, turning determinedly towards the church.

Michaela stopped. "You were? ... I ... I ... don't know if he's there ...," she informed her friend worriedly.

"I didn' see him in town ... so I figure he's over here ... Thought I'd ask him about the hymns for next Sunday ... he's bin askin' me ta sing again sometime soon ..."

"He has?" murmured Michaela despairingly.

"Yep," asserted Grace. "Come on ... let's see if he's here .."

Michaela reluctantly followed in her friend's wake, trying desperately to arrive at a reason why they shouldn't go in. Finally, she said, "Grace ... I ... I ... this might be a good chance to talk to you ... about ... about ... William's christening ... Perhaps you could talk to the Reverend tomorrow ... Why don't you come back to the clinic ... or the café ... with me ... so we can talk before I go home ..." She grasped her friend's arm and began to drag her away from the vicinity of the church.

Grace stopped and turned to face Michaela. "It'll only take a minute Dr Mike ... we're on the doorstep already ... we only gotta decide on which hymn ... anyone'd think ya didn' wanna see the Reverend ..."

"No ... its not that Grace ... its just that ...."

The café owner raised a questioning brow.

"Its ... its just that ... I'm sure I saw the Reverend earlier ... at the mercantile ... talking to Loren ... He might still be there ...Let's go over ...." She again clasped her friend's arm.

Grace suddenly broke into a fit of the giggles which rapidly turned into infectious bubbles of laughter. "Its alright Dr Mike," she managed to splutter between laughter. "I know why ya over here ... I was only jokin' with ya ... Dorothy told me about it yesterday ... Robert E oughta be in the church already ...," she gasped, bending over and resting her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

Michaela momentarily looked aghast and then despite herself, joined in the laughter. "You knew!" she exclaimed. "And here was I trying to do the right thing ... trying to protect them ... and *you knew*!"

"Uh huh," acknowledged Grace. She leant in close to Dr Mike. "Aint it the most romantic thing ... marryin' in secret ... bein' willin' ta take whatever comes ... needs a lotta courage ..."

Michaela nodded. "Yes it does ... but they seem so happy," she responded. She changed the wrapped parcel to the other hand and ruefully examined the marks across her fingers from the string. "Come on then," she said with a smile. "I hope everyone's here."

********************
"Do you Cloud Dancing take Dorothy Jennings as your lawful wedded wife ... to love and to cherish ... as long as you both shall live?" intoned the Reverend, his hand resting lightly on the linked hands of the couple. Cloud Dancing glanced at Sully for reassurance and when he got it with an almost imperceptible nod off the head, he responded solemnly, "Yes ... I do ..."

"And Dorothy Jennings ... do you take Cloud Dancing as your lawful wedded husband ... to love and to cherish as long as you both shall live?" asked the Reverend.

With tears in her eyes, Dorothy responded quietly, "I do ..."

Behind them Robert E grasped Grace's hand as she barely stifled a sob of joy, and either side of them Michaela and Sully locked gleaming eyes.

"Cloud Dancing ... you may now give Dorothy your gift," the Reverend instructed gently. He raised his head and addressed the very small group present. "We've dispensed with the giving of a ring on this occasion ... as Dorothy wouldn't be able to wear it ... and it's not a feature of the Cheyenne culture," he explained.

Cloud Dancing turned to Sully who handed him a very small leather pouch, suspended on a long leather thong. He turned back to Dorothy and said tenderly, "I ask that you will wear this ... Though others' will not see it ... I will know it is there ... It contains various stones of mother earth ... After we are all gone from this earth ... the earth will remain ... my love and respect for you will also remain ..."

Grace was openly sobbing now and Colleen grappled for a handkerchief in her small reticule. Matthew placed his arms around Kathleen and pulled her close. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed.

Dorothy placed the pouch over her head and, as it settled on her chest, she clasped it and moved it so it lay over her heart. "I'll wear it always Cloud Dancin'," she said softly. He nodded gratefully.

"Then it's my pleasure to pronounce you man and wife ... We all pray that your life together is happy and fulfilling ... may God bless you both ...," completed the Reverend. "And now the formalities are over ... Cloud Dancing ... you may kiss your bride ..."

Cloud Dancing first brought Dorothy's hand to his lips and kissed it reverently. He then drew her close and kissed her briefly, but lovingly. As they parted, the solemnity of the occasion dissipated, to be replaced with laughter and good wishes. Michaela embraced Dorothy, whispering against her ear, "I pray with all my heart that you'll be happy ..."

Dorothy pulled back and grasped her hands. "We will be Michaela ... we are," she reassured her friend quietly.

Sully wrapped his arms around his brother. "I was hopin' ta one day see ya happy agin Cloud Dancin'," he murmured emotionally. "Ya deserve it ...an' it means a lot ta me that I could share with ya today ..."

"It means much to me also my brother," responded the newly wedded medicine man. "I have seen what marriage has done for you ...," he remarked, his eyes twinkling. "I hope for such happiness also ..."

After the good wishes of the remainder of the Sully family and then Grace and Robert E, Michaela announced, "Now everyone will come back to our homestead ... where we can have supper together and continue the celebrations ..." When everyone began to move away, she raised her hand and cautioned, "Don't forget ... we can't all tumble out of the church together ... people will wonder what's been going on ...."

There were smiles all round at Michaela's penchant for organising, but they all recognised the fact that there was also a need to be careful. Matthew and Kathleen, accompanied by Colleen, left first, wandering across to the clinic where Andrew had been looking after Katie and William, and then to the livery for Matthew's wagon. Next Robert E and Sully departed, circling the meadow and coming out at the other end of town via the woods. Grace strolled back the same way she'd come and then Michaela, Brian, Dorothy and Cloud Dancing quickly descended the church steps and moved into the shadows to where the Sully wagon stood waiting.

Brian quickly stepped up into the driver's seat, reaching out a hand to his ma as she also climbed up. After Dorothy had thanked the Reverend profusely and emotionally for his support and conducting the ceremony, Cloud Dancing assisted her up into the back of the wagon and climbed in after her. Brian flicked the reins and they set off for the seclusion of the Sully homestead.

Unbeknownst to the wedding attendees, and despite their precautions, their departure from the church did not go unnoticed. In fact two people, standing in quite different locations, watched and speculated on the unusual goings on at the church this late Tuesday afternoon.

Business at the mercantile had been pretty quiet during the afternoon. Loren figured it had something to do with the fine spring weather. People were out in their fields, or if they were lucky, out walking, enjoying the sunshine. Around four-thirty he decided he could leave business in the capable hands of his part-time helper, Albert, for a little while and wander over to escort the Reverend back from the church. These days this wasn't necessary of course. It was hard to tell now that the Reverend was actually blind, he got around so easily. Still, escorting him back gave Loren the excuse to enjoy the sunshine like so many other folks.

Donning his hat and coat, he set off down the street past the clinic and saloon and through the gate into the meadow, where he passed Grace heading back to the café. He figured she'd probably been talking to the Reverend about singing on Sunday again. He had mixed feelings about that. She certainly had the best voice in Colorado Springs, there was not doubting it, but it still didn't seem quite right having a coloured woman stand up that way in their church. Of course he never said anything like that to the Reverend, he'd just as likely get his head bitten off, and he had to admit it didn't trouble him as much as it used to, but still he harked back to the old days when everyone knew their place.

He shook himself from his reverie and raised his eyes to the church entrance from which he unexpectedly saw Dr Mike, Brian and then Dorothy and Cloud Dancing emerge. He stopped in his tracks and his brow creased. Cloud Dancing in their church! Talk about people who should know their place! What were those folks doing in the church on a Tuesday? He watched as they moved across to the Sully wagon and made ready to leave. He was surprised when he saw Dorothy embrace the Reverend. It seemed a strange kind of thing for her to do. Then Cloud Dancing shook Timothy's hand, before turning back to lift Dorothy up into the wagon. Loren's eyes narrowed. There was something going on here he didn't understand. He glanced back to where Grace was disappearing down the alleyway between the clinic and the Gazette office, then to the wagon which was slowly pulling away from the church. An inkling of an idea crept into his mind, an idea so preposterous he was inclined to immediately dismiss it, and yet, he, probably more than anyone, was aware of the changes in Dorothy over the past couple of years.

From the time she was a young girl, Dorothy had held a special place in Loren's heart. Despite her having refused his marriage proposal all those years ago, and then he having married Maude, her sister, he still had deep feelings for her. In fact a few years back he'd even tried proposing again, though with the same result. It was meeting and growing to love Marjorie Quinn which had finally convinced him that the deep feelings he held for Dorothy were more of dear friendship than as a potential spouse. He still cared for her, and he knew she felt the same about him, but any notion of them ever being more than friends was no longer one he wasted dreams on. Of course he wanted her to be happy, more than anything, but he could envisage only sorrow for her if she was to permanently hook herself up to an indian.

Deep inside, and certainly never voiced, he had to admire Cloud Dancing. The indian had been through times none of them could even imagine, and yet he never seemed angry or soured by life. The few times he'd seen him with Dorothy, there seemed to be a deep respect. She needed that! After living most of her life with that unpredictable and sometimes violent fella, Marcus, she needed someone who treated her right. But in every way, Loren could see no good coming from her attachment to the medicine man.

He watched as the Reverend went back into the church, and then emerged a couple of minutes later, hat and cane in hand. He frowned. Dorothy wouldn't be that stupid would she! To marry an indian, even if it was Cloud Dancing, to promise to spend the rest of her days with him! It didn't make any sense. He was jumping to conclusions, probably ridiculous conclusions!

As the Reverend set off down the steps, using his cane for guidance, Loren shook himself and stepped off towards him. He'd try some subtle questioning about the day's goings on. He swallowed. But if the Reverend decided to keep quiet about the matter, then he would too. He quickly glanced around to see if anyone else was watching the church and was relieved when there didn't appear to be. Dorothy deserved her privacy, and, if the truth be known, some happiness. If Cloud Dancing was the one who was going to make her happy ... He snorted in disgust and continued on his way.

Adrian had wandered into town shortly after lunch, even knowing that it wasn't a day when Michaela would be at the clinic. It had felt strange coming in empty-handed and aimless, but the majority of the Chateau guests had been out enjoying the sunshine, and, as he hadn't made many friends in his short time in Colorado Springs, he was at a loose end. He'd had coffee and pie at Grace's café, although as a rule he didn't usually frequent such lowly establishments. He'd been quietly surprised at the quality of the pie. He could still taste the fruity sweetness. He'd then strolled from one end of town to the other, all the while trying to decide whether or not to pay a call on Myrna at Hank's. He knew he probably shouldn't. It was alright when he could enter quietly under darkness of night, and Hank was always discreet about his paying guests, but he wasn't sure who he might come across at this time of day. He supposed he could have a drink, but as he shouldn't return to the Chateau smelling of cheap liquor, he could only have one or two. He sighed. If Michaela hadn't been living in this town, he wasn't sure how much longer he'd last. Small town politics and gossip displeased him. He hankered for the anonymity of a large town.

He paused and leaned against the fence bordering the meadow. At least the weather was being kind. He glanced up to see young Mrs Cook, her brother, and Thomas Ender's sister Kathleen exit the church. He smiled ruefully. He could just imagine what a small town such as this would make of a wedding, especially when it involved the town's doctor who also happened to be a town councillor. He watched as they wandered back to Michaela's clinic, giggling and talking. Perhaps it would be enjoyable to plan a wedding. He hadn't had that opportunity ... yet ...

Following them came Byron Sully and the blacksmith. He chuckled wryly. What an appropriate pairing! Then Grace from the café appeared. Perhaps they were having choir practice or something, though it was hard to picture Sully standing up in front of a church congregation.

A further movement at the church door attracted his attention and his heart leapt as Michaela exited, along with her son Brian. Behind her emerged Dorothy Jennings. He smiled ruefully. He was deliberately avoiding that woman. There was something about her that told him she might be more astute than most of the locals. She hadn't really questioned too much his refusal to agree to an article for the Gazette, but he had a feeling that if he put a foot wrong she'd be on his trail quickly. He snorted. Typical newspaperman, or woman, as was the case here. Behind the redhead a dark haired man emerged. His eyes narrowed. If he wasn't mistaken, it was an indian. Of course he hadn't had much to do with indians, but he'd seen sketches of them in the papers back home. What in the world would Michaela and Miss Jennings be doing associating with someone like that!? That sealed it. The refined Michaela he knew should never have to associate with such people!! He'd talk to her about it at the earliest opportunity. The sooner he took her away from all this the better! His eyes followed the wagon as it disappeared around a bend heading out of town, and then he turned on his heel and made for the livery. He didn't feel like having a drink now, and he certainly didn't feel like visiting with Myrna.

***********************
In the cloudless and chilly evening, everyone, except Katie and William who had been put to bed some time ago, stood on the homestead porch and waved good-bye to the happy couple as they headed out to Palmer Creek. Dorothy was astride her new indian pony, presented to her by Cloud Dancing as a wedding gift. Brian had been right. The mare did indeed resemble Michaela's horse, Flash. Cloud Dancing carried the bulky quilt, a wedding gift from the Sully family.

As they rounded the bend and disappeared, Grace turned to Michaela. "Ooh ... I hope they're gonna be happy Dr Mike," she said sincerely. "Its gonna be so hard for 'em ..."

"Yes ... it is," agreed Michaela. "But to be assured they have friends who know their secret and are happy for them ... who they can share with ... that's going to be so important."

Grace grasped Michaela's hand. "Me an' Robert E know that," she asserted. "Ya aint nothin' unless ya got friends behind ya ... supportin' ya." She hugged her friend and then turned to Robert E. "We better git goin' huh? ... Can ya fetch Michael ... an' see he's well covered up ..." She lifted the hood of her cloak up over her head. "Its mighty cold out tonight," she added. Robert E nodded and disappeared inside.

Within a very short space of time, Grace, Robert E and their son were settled in their wagon. "Thanks Sully ... Dr Mike ... for havin' us over ...," called Robert E, as they set off for home, followed shortly after by Andrew and Colleen.

"Brrr ... we're headin' back inside Dr Mike ... Sully," exhorted a shivering Matthew after everyone had left. "These clear spring nights sure chill ya to the bone ..." He hurriedly opened the door to the warmth and ushered Kathleen inside.

As Michaela made to follow them, Sully grasped her hand and held her back. As the door closed he pulled her up close and into his arms. She peered quizzically up into his eyes, but instead of saying anything, he bent to kiss her long and deep. When they finally parted, breathing heavily, Michaela asked breathily, "What was that for?"

"Just for bein' you ... ta show ya I love ya," he said sincerely. "It's a long time since I saw Cloud Dancin' look the way he did today ..."

"I had nothing to do with that!" she exclaimed, puzzled. "It was Dorothy."

"Yeah ... that's true ... but bein' here ... an' sharin' ... that was real important to 'em both," he explained.

Michaela smiled. "Then it was everyone," she conceded. "I'd wondered several times whether they would ever marry ... its such a big step ... and for them even dangerous ..."

"I guess when ya gotta be with someone ... there really aint a choice," said Sully softly.

Michaela giggled. "I nearly fainted when Katie mentioned Snow Bird," she said with mock despair. "How did she even know about Snow Bird?"

Sully looked a little sheepish. "I'm surprised she remembered," he muttered. "When you were away in Denver she got lonely an' wanted me ta tell her stories about you an' me ... I told her about goin' out to the reservation ...."

Michaela chuckled. "We forget she's growing up ... and more likely to remember things ... It is surprising though that she remembered the name ..." She peered up into his eyes. "I don't think Dorothy minded too much ... do you?"

"She weren't worried ... she knows all about Snow Bird ... an' how she died ... It was maybe a little awkward just for a minute or two ... but Dorothy was so excited ... it bein' her weddin' day an' all ..." He tenderly ran his thumb across her cheekbone and leant in close. "We got a special day comin' up too Michaela ... next week ...," he whispered against her ear.

Feigning ignorance, Michaela's eyes widened and she innocently asked, "We have?"

Seeing through her pretence, he smiled. "Uh huh ... today kinda reminded me ..."

"Only today?"

He shrugged. "Well ... gotta admit I've thought about it a few times lately ... We oughtta do somethin' special .."

"And why's that?"

"No special reason ... 'cept its bin four years ..." He kissed her lightly on the corner of the mouth. "Four interestin' years," he added, kissing the other corner.

"Interesting?" she asked with a mock frown.

"Uh huh ... an' excitin'." He kissed her a little more deeply. "An' happy." The kiss deepened further. "So I reckon we gotta celebrate ... just you an' me ..."

"Just the two of us?" whispered Michaela, being swept away by his attention.

"Uh huh ...just you an' me ... we can have supper with the kids or somethin' ... but the day's gonna be just for us ..."

She sighed with contentment. "Sounds wonderful," she breathed. She peered up into his eyes. "William will have to be with us though ..."

He chuckled. "That's alright ... long as he sleeps plenty ... don' want him spoilin' the special time with my beautiful wife ..."

"Special time?"

"Yep ... ya aint gonna haveta dress up though." He leant forward and whispered seductively, "Fact is ... I intend for us ta wear as little as possible ..."

"Sully!" exclaimed Michaela embarrassedly, despite the gleam in her eye.

"Just you an' me Michaela ... doin' what nature intended ..." He pulled her in close against his chest and her arms automatically came up to encircle his waist. "If that's alright with you," he added with a chuckle.

She again peered up into his eyes. "Well ...," she drawled teasingly. "If you can't do any better," she concluded softly, a smile teasing her mouth and a giggle building up inside her.

He gave her a rueful look. "Well if ya don' wanna," he remarked, trying to sound hurt.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him soundly. "Oh I want to," she asserted. "Very, very much ... in fact I'm feeling very impatient ... Do you think the children would wonder if we went straight up to our room?"

"Guess it don' matter if they do ...," he advised with a smile. "Fire's lit ... we can spread the quilt on the floor ... git warm ..."