As the sun began to rise, Sully gently caressed his wife's face. How he loved to watch her sleep. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Even after ten years of marriage, their love was still the most magical love ever. Sully and Michaela were soul mates. They shared one heart and one soul. Even when they were apart, they could still feel the other's presence.
As Sully continued to caress his wife, Michaela stirred beneath his touches. "Hmmm... Sully?"
"Good morni'n. Did you sleep well?" Sully didn't mean to wake her, but was glad to see her sparkling eyes.
"No I didn't." she responded dispiritedly. "My stomach has been turning all night. I can't seem to settle it."
With this remark Sully became worried. Michaela was very rarely sick and when she was she was never too quick to admit that she was feeling poorly. "Maybe we should go see Andrew. Your stomach has been doing this off and on for a few weeks. What if somethin's wrong?"
"Sully, I'll be alright. I just need to rest is all."
"But..."
Michaela was quick to cut off her husband. She didn't want him to worry, but she was sure everything would be fine. "If I don't feel well after a day in bed, I'll go see Andrew. I promise. I'll be fine."
"But what about the wedding?" Sully asked with concern. Michaela had left the clinic in Andrew's hands for the week so that she could help Julie plan the wedding. She felt awful for wanting to stay in bed, but knew that Sully would explain and Julie would understand.
"I know, I should be helping with that today, but I feel too awful to even think about getting up from this bed. You'll explain for me won't you?"
Sully was reluctant to agree, but knew his wife wasn't going to give in to him. "Alright but if you're still feelin bad tomorrow, we are going straight to Andrew. No questions... Now get some rest. I'll take the kids to school and over to Susanna's then I got some work to do at Robert E's. I'll bring ya home some lunch."
"Thank you Sully."
Sully reluctantly rose from the bed to prepare for the day. Michaela watched him lovingly. She moved her hands and caressed her abdomen. When she thought about the life that could be growing inside her, she smiled. She felt sorry for putting Sully through the pain of watching her be sick. Yet she didn't want to say anything about a baby until she was sure. At her age, she could be going through the change. Maybe there was no baby at all. She knew she had to find out for sure. She already asked Andrew to stop by the clinic the following day when she didn't have many patients scheduled. Michaela closed her eyes and relished the thought that maybe, just maybe she was pregnant.
When Sully turned to say goodbye, he say his wife's eyes closed. Wanting her to get some rest, he simply kissed her forehead and said I love you. As he turned to leave, she called after him "Sully?"
Surprised that she was awake, he simply said "hmmm"
"I love you."
Sully smiled his wonderful smile "I love you too." With that he closed the door and headed down stairs to prepare breakfast for his family.
Katie and Josef were already awake and dressed when Sully arrived in the kitchen.
"Hey you two." He called to them "Why are you up so early?"
The two children run to their father, but Katie was first to arrive.
"Poppy where's ma?" Even though she was nine, the little girl still called her father Poppy. It was a nickname she used ever since she was small.
"Yer ma's not felling too good today. She's gonna rest a little more. I think all the wedding plan'in is making her tired."
"I'm sooo excited!" Katie exclaimed "I get to be a flower girl and wear a pretty dress!. Ma said I can help pick it out!. Isn't that great Poppy!"
Sully laughed at his daughter's enthusiasm "That wonderful sweetheart. Now why don't you go get the twins up and dressed while I start breakfast."
"Ok Poppy!" With that Katie bounded up the stairs. Sully chuckled again to himself. She was always so full of energy.
"Well Joe, what should we have for breakfast?" It was only then that Sully noticed his son had quickly returned to the table after hugging him. Josef sat with his head in his hands looking quite unhappy.
"Joe what's wrong?" Sully approached his son and put his hand on has back.
"I don't want there to be a weddin." The boy could barely get the words out before he burst into tears.
Sully sat down and pulled Josef into his arms. "Well why not? This is something that Matthew wants very much. You know that he loves Julie. Don't you want him to be happy?"
"I wants...Matthew...to be...happy..." the boys said through his tears "but.. if he gets married...then he will go away."
"What do ya mean Joe? Matthew isn't goin anywhere."
"Katie says... that when... Colleen married... Andrew that she moved far...away. And Brian married Sarah... and now he... far away... too."
"Oh Joe, Colleen and Andrew went away so that she could learn to be a doctor. Then she came back. And Brian is coming back for the wedding."
"But Whats about Matthew... He goin ta go away too."
"No Joe. Matthew and Julie are stayin right here in Colorado Springs. There is nothing to worry about."
"Ya Promise?"
"Yes I promise. Now what do ya want for breakfast?"
As Sully and Josef placed the food on the table, Katie arrived with the youngest of the Sully children. The twins, Christopher and Melissa, were seven months old.
"Thanks for getttin em ready Katie. You are such a big help."
"No problem poppy. I love em so much."
"I know ya do."
After their breakfast, Sully hitched the wagon and drove Katie to the schoolhouse.
"Have a good day at school" Sully called as Katie jumped from the wagon "I'll be back ta pick ya up later."
"Ok Poppy. I love you."
"I love you too darlin."
"Bye Poppy!" Katie called as she ran to meet her friends "Bye Joe! Bye Chris! Bye Missy girl!"
As soon as Sully saw that Katie had made it safely to the schoolhouse, he headed towards town. His first stop was the Mercantile. Loren's wife Susanna was the Sully nanny sent from Boston by Mrs. Quinn after the twins were born. Susanna had lived at the homestead, but the love between her and Loren quickly grew and they were married. She had worried about leaving while the babies were so young, but Michaela and Sully insisted that it would be no problem. After all, they had wanted to raise their children on their own. Susanna had simply been there when they needed something. From that point on, Susanna watched the children during the day.
Sully dropped off the children and headed off to complete his other tasks. He stopped by Matthews to let him know Michaela was ill and couldn't help with the planning today. He of course understood and went to find Julie. Sully then went by the clinic and made sure Andrew was available to check on Michaela tomorrow. Even if she did feel well, Sully knew he was going to make her see Andrew in the morning. After working with Robert E Sully headed home with a basket Grace had prepared.
Michaela practically devoured the food Sully brought home.
"Slow down." Sully cautioned "You shouldn't push your stomach like that."
"I know, but I'm soo hungry."
Well Sully was right. Soon after the meal was complete, Michaela lost the lunch all over the bed.
"Oh Sully I'm sorry. I guess you were right."
"That's ok. Why don't you sit in the rocker while I clean this up. Then you can nap again. You're lookin awfully pale."
Michaela felt too ill to speak, so she just nodded her head. As soon as she stood, she felt dizzy and collapsed in Sully's arms. "Here, let me help you." He almost had to drag her over to the chair. She had no energy to stand and being upright made her incredibly dizzy.
As soon as he put new sheets on the bed, Sully helped Michaela lie down.
"Now I'm goin to get Andrew."
"Sully that's not necessary. I'll be fine."
"Michaela, you're not fine. Ya can't go on like this. Somthin is wrong. I can't stand ta see ya like this anymore."
"Sully please, don't get Andrew... Not yet."
"But..."
"Please Sully hear me out." Sully came around to his side of the bed and sat next to his wife. She continued "I didn't want to tell you because I'm not sure but..." she hesitated but then realized that she had to tell him or he would get Andrew and she didn't need that fuss right now. So she came right out with it "I think I'm pregnant." With one glance at Sully's stunned gaze, she knew she had to continue "Now I'm not sure, but I have all the symptoms...of course it could be the change....I not too young for that...of course, the nausea doesn't fit with that diagnosis..."
Sully was sure she would continue to ramble if he didn't stop her, so he cut in "Michaela slow down. A baby would make me more than happy, you know that, but I really think I should go get Andrew so we can be sure."
"Sully I am pretty sure, but I agree I need Andrew's conformation...But can it wait till morning? I see no reason why after a good night's rest I can't see Andrew and then continue with the wedding plans."
Sully was worried sick, but knew Michaela was serious about this "Fine. But first thing we do tomorrow is go to the clinic. If there is no baby, there has to be somethin we can do ta make ya feel well."
After this conversation, Michaela fell asleep. She woke long enough to visit with her children when they arrived home. But fell back to sleep shortly after that. She slept through dinner and didn't wake when Sully came to bed. He was getting very worried about his wife. He prayed that she would be ok. Then he crawled into bed and held her close. She barely stirred, but snuggled in his arms.
"Sully!" Michaela woke with a start. How could she forget something this important?
"Michaela? What's wrong? Are ya still fellin bad?"
"No Sully, I'm actually doing much better now that I think about it."
"Well that why are ya sweatin and actin like the world is endin..." Sully didn't mean to make fun of her feelings, but he couldn't think of anything that was worth this much fuss and worry. As long as she was healthy.
"Sully I was supposed to sign the papers for the land for the hospital yesterday. What am I going to do? If I don't get that land, I won't be able to build the hospital. And the groundbreaking ceremony is already scheduled. I can't cancel on all those people!"
Sully of course was always there to comfort her. "Michaela, slow down before you make your self sick. I'm sure that Mr. Roberts will understand. We'll go see Matthew and sign the papers and then send em to Mr. Roberts in Denver. Everything will be fine. He wasn't expectin em till next week anyway. Remember?"
"Oh Sully what would I do without you?"
"Probably drive yourself mad."
"I love you."
"I love you too. Now get dressed. If we're gonna see Matthew before we see Andrew, we better get goin."
Michaela was about to argue about seeing Andrew, after all she felt fine, but when she sat up her face went pale and her stomach did somersaults. This did not go unnoticed by Sully who was getting dressed.
"Michaela are you alright?" But he knew she wasn't.
"I'm going to be sick."
Sully brought over the bed pan and Michaela vomited.
"That's it. Get dressed. We're goin to see Andrew right now. Let me get the kids ready real quick. I'll be right back."
"Sully what about the kids breakfast? They have to eat."
"We'll drop em off with Susanna and she can take em over to Grace's. Now get dressed."
Michaela felt weak, but slowly managed to dress without being sick. When Sully returned he noticed her pale complexion and carried her to the wagon. He returned with the children and the family headed to town.
Michaela spent the entire ride with her head on Sully's shoulder. She felt miserable and the bumpy wagon ride wasn?t making things any better. After dropping the kids off with Susanna, Michaela and Sully headed over to the clinic.
Colleen was sitting at her mother?s desk when they arrived. "Ma! You look terrible!"
"Just goes to match how I feel." The doctor was feeling very irritable and just wanted to get to a bed.
Not wanting to reveal anything Sully simply said "We came by to see Andrew. To make sure your ma's alright."
"Well Andrew had to go over to the Gold Nugget. One of the girls was fellin bad. But I can check you. Is that alright ma?"
"Yes that's fine. You are a wonderful doctor. But maybe you should know my diagnosis first...I think I may be pregnant."
"Ma that's great!"
"Well, yes, but I'm not totally sure."
"You lie down and I'll examine you. Sully why don't you wait outside?"
"Ok. I'll just go check on the kids. Make sure they're eatin." He kissed his wife, said I love you and then walked out the door.
When Sully got back to the clinic, Michaela was just walking out. Her smile let him know that her hunch had been right. They were going to have another baby! Sully picked up his wife and as they shared a passionate kiss, he spun her around. When they finally broke apart, Michaela was the first to speak
"January!" was all she said, but Sully was concerned.
"Is everything ok. I mean, why have ya been so sick?"
"Colleen says everything looks fine. Some people are sick the first few months."
"Yea, but you've never been this ill."
"Sully everything is fine. I'll be okay. Now lets go see Matthew about those papers."
The happy couple walked as close as they possibly could over to Matthew's office. After Matthew reassured his mother that everything would be alright, they left. Since she was felling ok, Sully agreed to let Michaela work for a few hours.
Michaela was sitting at her desk when she first felt it. At first, it was a small cramp. Perhaps it was indigestion, she thought. Then came another, more severe. Immediately, she recognized the sensation and placed both hands on her belly.
"No, God, please" she thought to herself.
Michaela tried to breathe regularly, steadily. Indigestion, she told herself. Then another cramp gripped her. More than a cramp. A sharp pain. She tried to stand, hoping to get to a bed, but ended up on the floor, gripping her abdomen.
"Colleen!" she yelled for her daughter.
Colleen heard the urgency in her mother's voice. She rushed down the stairs to find her mother doubled over in pain.
"Ma, what's wrong? Is it the baby?" she asked as she rushed to her mother's side.
All Michaela could do was nod. It was to this scene that Sully walked in. His smile quickly faded when he saw his wife on the floor and in a lot of pain. He immediately rushed to her side.
"Pa, go get Andrew now! He's at the mercantile. Hurry!" Colleen knew that she needed Andrew there right away. Her ma had always told her that treating family was the hardest thing a doctor would ever have to do. Colleen was feeling that. She tried to clear her head and think of what to do, but she was so worried about her mother that she couldn't. When she heard Sully slam the door as he ran across town for Andrew, Colleen snapped into action. She knew she had to help her ma.
"Come on ma, we've got to get you in the bed so that I can check you." They had placed a bed next to Michaela's desk when she was pregnant with the twins and often needed a soft place to sit. The three doctors found that sometimes it was more useful than the examination table, so they left it downstairs.
Michaela couldn't hardly move, but her daughter somehow managed to get her to the bed. Andrew rushed through the door followed closely by Sully.
Michaela hysterically reached up and grabbed his arms, "Make it stop! Please! Can't we save my child?"
"Sully why don't you wait outside?" Andrew advised. Sully hesitated, but knew that his wife was in good, loving hands. There was nothing he could do except get in the way.
"Is it a miscarriage?" the doctor whispered to his wife when Sully was gone.
Colleen responded "I thought so at first, but there is no bleeding. If it were a miscarriage she would be bleeding by now. Right?"
Andrew agreed "Are you sure she's pregnant?"
"Yes. I examined her myself just a few hours age. Everything was fine. Could I have missed something?"
Andrew reassured his wife that she had done everything right and then turned his attention to Dr. Mike "Michaela, I need to find out what exactly is wrong, so I need to examine you ok."
"Oh...make it stop hurting!" she wailed, "Please, make it stop!"
"We'll do everything we can ma." Colleen said.
Andrew felt around her belly. "AAAAAGUUUUUUUHHHHH!" When he reached one post, Michaela screamed. That one spot was incredibly tender. Andrew though he had figured out part of the problem.
"Michaela, I believe something has ruptured. You symptoms are perfect for a ruptured appendix. I believe we need to operate."
But Dr. Mike knew that wasn't it. "No... I had.. my appendix out...when I was...ten." Through the pain she managed to get out this important information.
With this Andrew didn't know what to do. If it wasn't a miscarriage and not her appendix, what was it. While Michaela continued to writhe in pain and Colleen dabbed her forehead with a washcloth, Andrew went to look through the medical journals Michaela kept at the clinic. But it was Colleen who came up with a different diagnosis.
"Couldn't something else have ruptured?" she asked her husband. "I mean there is a lot more in there than her appendix."
Andrew agreed and the two prepared for surgery. They didn't know what they were going to do, but surgery was the only was they could find out exactly what was wrong.
Once he got inside, Andrew was shocked at how much blood there was. Something had obviously ruptured. But what? Until he found out, he couldn't fix it. He began searching every organ, every vessel for something that had burst. Just as he thought that there was nothing else to look at, Andrew noticed the fallopian tube. Colleen noticed too.
"Andrew I've seen this before." She told him. "This can happen when a baby starts to grow inside the tube. Once it gets so big, the tube bursts, killing the baby... and most often..." she could barely speak the words "the mother too."
Andrew had never heard of this "Can we fix it?" he asked.
"I learned the procedure, but...I don't know if I can do it." When faced with this Colleen was so scared she doubted herself. She had never had to do something like this.
Andrew knew that if his wife didn't do this, his mother-in-law would die. "Colleen, you can do this. You are a wonderful doctor. You have to do this or she'll die. I don't know how. You're her only hope."
Colleen knew her husband was right, so she set to work to repair her mother's shattered body.
Andrew sewed the incision while Colleen washed her hands and began to tidy up. Then a thought came to her "Andrew what about the baby?"
Andrew didn't understand "Colleen, you said yourself that the baby is killed. There isn't going to be a baby."
"No Andrew there was another baby. Remember, I told you I examined her myself. She must have been carrying twins again."
"Well, we better check to be sure everything's alright. Why don't you go talk to Sully. As soon as I'm done I'll bring her upstairs and he can see her."
Colleen leaned into her husband's arms, grateful that he had been there with her "I love you Andrew."
"I love you too, Colleen." With that she headed out the door to tell her pa.
Sully didn't understand all the medical stuff, but it didn't matter. Michaela was carrying twins, but they lost one. She had lost a lot of blood. What mattered now was that she woke up. Sully sat with her, holding her hand for two days. He prayed and prayed that she would wake up. Occasionally, she would stir, but after two days she still hadn't waken.
"Please Michaela, you've gotta wake up. Katie needs her ma...and our new baby...it needs ya too...ya gotta wake up so that our baby can live... please Michaela...we need you." Sully placed his head on the bed and wept. He was sure she was going to die. Andrew said the longer she was unconscious, the worse chance she had.
Michaela woke later that night. Sully was there, he never left her side. She was in a lot of pain, and was devastated when she discovered that they had lost a baby. At first she wanted to run away. Just like she had with her last miscarriage. But this time, she stayed with her family. Sully was by her side every day. He helped her see that they had been blessed so much that she would be foolish to leave. She wanted to stay and be with her family. She had a new baby growing inside, and that made her happier than she ever thought imaginable.
Michaela's strength slowly returned. She was able to work a little. She felt better and better everyday. She and Sully spent every spare moment together, daydreaming about their new child. They had suffered a great loss, but they found that life continues through the pain. They thanked God for the life that would soon enter the world.
Throughout her pregnancy, Michaela had no further difficulties. She was now in her seventh month and was feeling great. She had been quite sore for awhile, but now was doing fine. Other than the normal aches and pains of pregnancy of course. Once she was allowed out of bed, she spent most of her time helping Julie and Colleen with plans for the wedding. After convincing Matthew that they didn't have to postpone on her account, a date was finally set-September 26, 1879. Michaela would be just over five months pregnant, but she insisted that it was alright. All she cared about was Matthew's happiness.
She had however decided to put off the groundbreaking of the hospital. She felt awful doing it. After all Sully had canceled it once while she was so sick. Since she was bedridden after the surgery, she had no way to prepare. Sully knew she would drive herself mad if he didn't cancel. When Michaela found out, she was angry. She hated not being able to do things. But in the end, she was grateful that Sully had taken care of things. She was far to tired to think about something like that. It also didn't hurt that Sully promised that after the baby was born that she could plan the most extravagant ceremony she wanted.
It was now two days before Matthew's wedding. She couldn't believe that her oldest son was getting married! As she stood at the train station, waiting for her sister's train, she thought about how proud she was. Matthew was so lost after Ingrid died. Now, he had become a prestigious lawyer, and he had found love again. Michaela began to think of the life her son would have.
She was called out of daydreams by Sully's voice "Ya nervous?"
"Sully, why on Earth would I be nervous?"
"Cause it's the first time your sister has been here without your ma."
"That's true, but it's only Rebecca. Now if Maureen and Claudette were coming, then I'd be nervous. I only worry about Rebecca coming all this way alone."
"I'm sure she was fine. She's strong. Just like you."
Michaela smiled at her husband. Then she spotted the train "Look! It's here."
When Rebecca stepped off, Michaela called for her. Rebecca immediately rushed to her little sister and embraced her "Oh, Michaela, you look wonderful! I trust you're doing better."
"Yes. I'm felling quite well. How was your trip? I hope you weren't too lonely. I know what it's like traveling all this way alone."
Rebecca smiled "Well, actually, I didn't travel alone..." Michaela turned to see you was traveling with her sister..."Brian! Sarah!"
She rushed over and hugged her son "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?!"
Brian pretended to choke "Ma... I can't breathe."
Michaela loosed her grip and smiled. "I'm sorry Brian. I'm just so glad you're here. Matthew will be too."
"You didn't expect me to miss my older brother's wedding, did you?"
Michaela just smiled "He's over at the church now, but he's meeting us for lunch later."
"That sounds great ma." The family headed towards the clinic so Brian could visit with his family and Rebecca could get settled in a room.
"Brian!" Katie and Josef squealed when they saw their brother. They ran to him and jumped into his arms.
"Brian, we missed you sooo much." Said Katie. "Are you in the wedding too. I get to be the flower girl!"
"I know Katie. I'm sure you're goin to look real pretty." He put Joe down and went to see the twins. "They're getting so big ma. I can't believe it!"
"They are almost a year old." Michaela couldn't believe it either. "And this little one is due just two months after their birthday!"
The family shared some more time together before they had to had over to the café for lunch. Matthew was shocked to see Brian. They spent the meal talking about the wedding and catching up on each other's lives. Matthew asked Brian to be his best man. He had been putting off this decision. He planned on asking Sully when Brian wasn?t coming, but now his brother was here. Julie asked Sarah to be a bridesmaid. They had an extra dress since Dr. Mike wasn't going to be involved. They only had to make a few adjustments. Everyone was so excited about the wedding that they hardly slept the next two nights.
Everyone was up early the day of the wedding. Matthew was getting ready with Brian, Sully and Josef at Matthew's office. All of the ushers, Robert E, Jake, Loren, and Andrew, had already dressed and gone to the church. Julie and her bridesmaids, Grace, Theresa, Dorothy, Colleen, and Sarah, were getting ready together at the clinic. Dr. Mike was also there with Katie and the twins. Sully came by to pick up Michaela and the twins. They would not be involved, except as loving guests. Julie's only family member, her father, was there to give her away. It was almost time to begin.
Before they knew it, the ceremony was underway.
"Matthew, do you take Julie to be your wife?" asked the Reverend. "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her so long as you both shall live?"
"I do." he said.
"Julie, do you take Matthew to be your husband?" the Reverend went on. "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him so long as you both shall live?"
"I do." she said.
The Reverend turned to his left. "The ring, please."
"Here ya go," Josef said proudly, holding up the little lace pillow above his head he handed the ring to Brian who gave it to the Reverend.
The Reverend took the ring and placed it on his Bible, then turned back to the couple. "Matthew, take Julie's hand and place the ring on her finger," he instructed, "and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed."
Matthew looked into Julie's eyes. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Matthew and Julie, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows and this ring. I now declare you husband and wife." He grinned. "Congratulations, you may kiss your bride." Matthew wrapped his arms around Julie in a loving embrace and tenderly pressed his lips to hers. The congregation began clapping as they broke apart. "I love you" he whispered to his new wife. "I love you too," she said back.
Before long, the reception was over. Matthew and Julie boarded the train for St. Louis where they would spend their honeymoon. Michaela was looking very tired, so Sully decided it was time to head home.
Michaela took it easy for the next few weeks. It felt good not to have to do anything except care for herself and her family. Colleen and Andrew had told her they would care for the clinic from then until the baby was born, so she didn't have any work to do.
On October 12, her contractions began, three months early.
Michaela tried to wake Sully. She shook his arm gently. "Sully? Are you awake?"
Sully turned over to face her and slowly opened his eyes, squinting due to the light. "Mm... What is it?" he asked sleepily.
"I'm having contractions," she said quietly.
Sully sat up abruptly. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." She pulled back the covers a bit. "Sully it's too early. This can't be happening now."
Sully was worried also, but tried to stay calm so that Michaela wouldn't be upset. He knew that she need to stay calm. "It's alright, we'll go to the clinic and Andrew can check you. Maybe it's one of those false labor things."
Sully hitched the wagon and got Michaela settled. Then he ran to tell Brian where they were going. Brian had decided to stay in Colorado until after the baby was born, and had been staying in his old room since Matthew's wedding. After making sure that Michaela was as comfortable as possible in the back of the wagon, Sully headed to town. Throughout the entire ride, Michaela continued to experience contractions. "Oh...oh no!" Michaela shouted. Sully turned around to find Michaela frantically patting the quilt she was lying on. He noticed the wet spot on the quilt and immediately knew what had happened. He fought to remain calm. "Michaela, calm down...its ok."
"No its not! Sully...my water broke!" She knew now that there was no stopping it. This baby was going to be born. She cried and Sully tried to comfort her, but what could he say? He knew also that their baby was going to be born to early. He wasn?t sure what could be done, but by the look of pain and sorrow on his wife's face, he knew it wasn't good. All he could do now was get to the clinic as soon as he could.
When they arrived at the clinic, Sully had to almost drag his wife inside. She was in so much pain. Her labor had progressed very quickly. Colleen and Andrew had waken from her screams and rushed downstairs. They immediately went to work to stop the labor, but when they heard that her water had already broken, they prepared for delivery. As another contraction hit, Michaela tried to breathe through it, she tried to think of anything else, but she shook her head and writhed in pain.
Sully's talked her through it, "You're fine, Michaela. You're fine."
"I AM NOT FINE!!!" she yelled. "Sully our baby... it's too soon..." That's all she could say during the entire labor. As a doctor, she knew that the chances of her baby being born alive were very slim. And if it was born, the chances of survival were even less. She fought every contraction, knowing that each one was killing her baby.
Sully could tell she was fighting. He tried to get her to be calm, but he felt her pain. Andrew and Colleen had explained the baby's chances. They had also told him that if she didn?t stop fighting, it would be harder on her. Sully had never been so scared. He had almost lost Michaela only a few months before and now he was facing that again. He was also about to lose another child. He didn?t know if he could handle that, so he concentrated on keeping Michaela focused..
By the time morning came, she felt like passing out. She seriously thought that she was going to die with her baby. She didn?t want to die, to leave Sully, but fighting the labor had taken it's toll on her. She had lost a lot of blood, and was very weak. She took a deep breath, knowing she probably didn't have much longer. "Sully...," she whispered weakly. "I love you."
"No...don't go talking like that. It's almost here. You can do it!" he assured her.
"I can't!" she cried. "I can't anymore. Don't make me, please!"
Both parents were crying as were Colleen and Andrew. Andrew had considered a cesarean procedure, but now it was too late. The baby was almost out. The best thing for both mother and child was for the baby to be born soon.
It was tearing Sully apart to see her in so much pain and not be able to relieve her of it. He had never seen his wife in so much pain, or without any strength left to go on. He had never seen her so weak. He wanted Andrew to take the baby, so she wouldn't have to suffer anymore, but Andrew told him that she had to go on.
"Come on, Michaela! The baby is almost here just a few more pushes and we'll have our baby. "One more...come on!"
Michaela suddenly had the energy to push. She didn?t want to leave her family. She was determined to have her baby born alive. Sully's encouragement was all she needed. Soon, the baby was born. "It's a boy!" Andrew said
"Is he okay?" Michaela asked in a weak voice. Just then, they baby took his first breath and let out a loud cry.
When she heard her baby cry, Michaela felt ten times better. She truly thought that he might have a chance.
After delivering the afterbirth, Michaela was moved up to one of the recovery rooms. Colleen remained downstairs with the baby, to check him over, while Andrew examined Michaela to make sure she was ok. Sully had gone to tell the crowd that had gathered when they heard about Michaela what was going on. Colleen brought the baby upstairs to her ma. She felt horrible at what she had to say. "Ma, we need to talk."
Michaela was crying. She knew that her son was not healthy. He looked pale and was breathing abnormally. "I know...he won't make it Colleen...I don't need to know any ...more."
"Ma, please...I think it might help."
Michaela simply nodded. She had to know what was wrong with him, even if it did hurt.
"His lungs aren't fully developed, and..." she hated to go on "and he has a hole in his heart.. there's nothing we can do ma." Colleen felt horrible seeing her brother lying there in their ma's arms. She was a doctor and there was nothing she could do. No body could do anything to help him.
Michaela didn't want to believe it at first, but when she listened to her baby's heartbeat, she knew her daughter was right.
"Colleen, please get Sully, he needs to be here...he needs to know."
When Sully got back to his wife's side, Colleen and Andrew left them alone. Michaela explained everything to Sully. That their baby was dying. She explained that if he stopped breathing, they shouldn't try to bring him back.
"What do you mean?" he cried "We have to Michaela. We have to keep him alive!"
"Please Sully.. don't do this..." she was crying, having to give up was so hard, but she knew it was right "Sully please hear me out...He has a hole in his heart. If we keep reviving him every time he stops breathing....that is if we can revive him....Sully, he'll suffer his whole life. He will be in pain until his heart finally just gives out...and that will probably happen before he turns one." She hated having to tell Sully this, that they had to let their son die. But she couldn't stand to watch him suffer. When Sully heard this, he knew she was right. He didn't want his baby to die, but that was the best thing for him. He couldn't be selfish and cause his son pain, just to ease his own. Sully informed Andrew and Colleen of their plan and then he and Michaela sat together, cherishing every minute they had with their baby.
"Sully, we have to name him."
"We haven't even started to think of names." He said
"Sully...can we call him Byron?"
Sully never wanted a child to suffer with that name, but under the circumstances, he thought it perfect. Michaela loved his name, and always wanted to name their son after him. He was touched and agreed with his wife that this was the perfect name. "I think..that is a wonderful name. What about a middle name?"
"You pick." She said, knowing he never wanted to name their child after himself, she was deeply touched.
He though about it for a minute "How about William?"
She smiled "After your brother. Byron William. It's beautiful Sully."
Byron died shortly after that. Both Michaela and Sully were devastated to have lost another child, but they found comfort in thinking of their other children. They fell asleep in each others arms, sad and hurt, yet thankful for the little time they had with Byron.
Sully woke to a wet feeling on his legs. He was a little disoriented, but when he cleared his eyes, he saw that the bed was covered in blood. Quickly realizing that he was fine and Michaela was the one bleeding, he called for Andrew then tried to wake his wife "Michaela! wake up! Please Michaela you've gotta live! You can't leave me! Not now!"
Andrew arrived at the door and was shocked by the sight before him. Sully was shaking Michaela, begging her to wake up, and they were both covered in blood. "Colleen! Get up here now!" Andrew rushed to Michaela to figure out what was wrong.
As Andrew checked on his wife, Sully simply stood by, watching her life fade away, and cried. Colleen appeared out of breath as she entered the room and saw the horrific site. Andrew noticed her and shouted out instructions. "Colleen, we have to do surgery now. We can't move her. Bring everything up here now! We have to work fast. Sully it might be best if you went outside."
Sully arrived, solemn faced, outside the clinic door. The large crowd had become a small group of their closest friends (instead of the entire town) when they found out the baby had been born. They all now waited for news of his health. They all feared the worst when they saw Sully. Dorothy was the first to ask "Sully, is the baby..." She just couldn't say it. All Sully did was nod as the tears rolled down his face.
"And ma...she's alright aint she?" asked a very worried Brian.
Sully realized why he was not in the clinic and felt horrible, having to tell everyone "I don't know... what's wrong... She was fine...just sleepin..." Sully shook through the words as his friends and family prayed that Michaela was alright.
"Maybe someone should take the kids away." he suggested as he realized what he was about to say. Susanna took them to her house, knowing this was bad was all she needed right now. Someone would fill her in later. The kids didn't need to hear anything bad about their ma.
Sully continued "When I woke up...there was blood...all over...I tried to wake her, but I couldn.t...Andrew said he had to do surgery... God please let her be alright..."
Everyone was crying by then. The ever strong doctor was now so helpless. "Let's join hands and offer a prayer." said the Reverend. And that is how they stayed until they heard the door to the clinic open. Everyone jumped up, hoping that Michaela was ok.
Andrew finally spoke. Not know if he should reveal everything, he hesitated, but looking at all those faces let him know that these people needed every detail. He told them as simply as he could "We had to do a hysterectomy...we had to remove her uterus. It was torn from the birth and tore from her body. She lost a lot of blood and is very weak..."
"Is she gonna live?" asked Sully, worried about what the answer would be.
Andrew continued "Like I said she lost a lot of blood. She's still unconscious. Right now we just need to hope that she wakes up soon. The longer she's out the worse it is."
Sully immediately ran up to is wife's bed. He sat there for hours, holding her hand, praying that she would be alright.
When she woke up, Michaela felt a horrible pain in her belly "Sully?" she called weakly. Sully sat straight up, not believing what he heard. He looked at his wife. She was awake! "Andrew! Colleen!"
"Sully, please don't shout." Michaela begged She felt the pain again "Sully, what happened? Why does it hurt so bad? It didn't hurt like this before we went to sleep."
Just then Colleen and Andrew arrived at the doorway. They were so relieved that their partner was awake. Andrew checked her and concluded that she would be fine. "You have to stay in bed for at least two weeks until your body heals." he told her.
"But... why?" she asked, still very weak and in pain "What... happened?"
Andrew explained everything and then left her with Sully. He and Colleen went to tell everyone that Dr. Mike was going to be ok.
Sully and Dr. Mike were both upset at the thought of not being able to have more children, but together they talked through it.
"Sully, did you arrange the funeral?" She asked.
"Michaela don't think about that now. Just get better."
She drifted off to sleep and Sully thanked God that she was alive.
The funeral was two days later. Sully stopped by the clinic before he headed to the church. He found Michaela sitting in bed, trying to dress.
"Michaela! What are you doin?!"
She was till weak, and couldn?t talk quickly "What...does it look...like? I'm getting...dressed for my baby's...funeral."
Sully knew she couldn't get out of bed. "Michaela, you cant... You've gotta stay in bed. Andrew said two WEEKS not two DAYS!"
"Please Sully." she begged "I have to go. If I don't...I'll never get through this...please. I'll be ok, I promise." She was crying then. How much it hurt to have to bury her baby. She wasn't about to sit in bed while it happened. She had to be there.
"Michaela, you're barely strong enough to have visitors, let alone leave the clinic! I just want you to be well."
"No, Sully! I'm going! Now you can help me... Or not...but I am...going!"
Sully knew he couldn't stop her, so he helped her dress in one of the dresses she kept at the clinic. She had wanted black, but he dark blue would have to do. Sully went to explain things to the Reverend and Andrew. The reverend agreed to move the entire service to the gravesite, so Michaela wouldn't have to move. Andrew helped him set up a chair and then help carry her to it.
Everyone was shocked to see Dr. Mike at the service. After all, Andrew had told them she had to stay in bed. But they understood. They wouldn't have missed their child's funeral either. At the same time, they were worried. She was very pale, and couldn't seem to catch her breath. Being up was making her fell awful.
The Reverend began "Today we have gather to mourn the loss of Byron William Sully. Although he was with us for only a few short hours, Byron was and will always be part of our town. We all loved him and will remember the lesson he has taught~ No life should be taken for granted.
I have always said that the greatest loss in this world is the loss of a child. Many people in this town have gone through that loss. Dr. Mike and Sully have already lost three other children.
But A wise man once told me that when a child dies it is because their soul is not yet ready to come to Earth. Two of the Sully children have come back to us in Christopher and Melissa. We must believe that Byron and his twin will also come back to Earth one day. Let us pray for the soul of little Byron and also for his twin. And pray for the Sully family that they may find their way through the pain of this great loss."
After reading a hymn , everyone took their turn of placing dirt on the grave. Everyone offered their condolences to Michaela and Sully before heading over to Grace's for lunch. Sully thanked them all for coming, but all Michaela did was cry.
When everyone had gone, just the two of them remained. Michaela got up from her chair and laid on her son's grave. She wept for him and for all the children she had lost. But eventually, she knew that she would be ok. Sully's reassuring hand on her shoulder let her know that together, they would be alright. Sully noticed how pale she was when she stopped crying. He was worried. Being up was very bad for her. Her carried her back to the clinic and tucked her back in bed. She moaned in pain. He felt so bad. She was able to make peace with Byron's death, but what would be the cost to her health?
It took an additional three weeks for Michaela to regain her strength. Getting out of bed so soon had taken its toll on her already fragile body. But with Sully by her side every day, she grew strong. They had suffered the greatest loss imaginable, but they would survive it.