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 smile “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.
CONTINUED