A Day In Dodge: Festus Is A Hero

A Day In Dodge: Festus Is A Hero

Matt woke up and looked over at Kitty still sleeping peacefully. She was so beautiful with her hair spread out on the pillow. He really didn’t want to get up, but he knew it was time to he did and start his day. So making himself move, he got out of bed and started getting dressed. Remembering the night they had put a smile on his face. After dressing, he grabbed his hat and gun belt and leaned over and kissed Kitty lightly before leaving.

As he descended the back stairs to start his morning rounds, people were stirring even though the sun hadn’t come up. The milk cart could be heard coming down the street and the lamplighter was extinguishing the lights.

After finishing his rounds, he headed for the jail. Just as he entered the door, Festus was coming up the boardwalk spurs jingling.

“Matthew, you got the coffee made yet.”

“No, Festus just got done doing the rounds.”

Matt sat down at his desk to do some paperwork. When the coffee was done, Festus brought him a cup.

“Here’s yur coffee, Matthew. Anything else you be wantin’ did today.”

“Festus, things are pretty quiet, so you can do whatever you want. I’m going to finish this paperwork and look over the wanted posters. Then I think I will go see if Kitty wants to go on a picnic.”

“I think I’ll go find ole Doc and see if’n he wants to go a fishin’.”

Just then Doc came in the jail.

“Well we wus just a talkin’ bout ye, Doc.”

“All good I suppose.”

“Well, I was just tellin’ Matthew here that I thunk I would see if’n you wanted ta go a fishin.”

“Not with the likes of you. I prefer doing my fishing alone.”

“Why you ole scudder, you. I’ll just go alone and when I bring all my fish back don’t think I’ll be a sharin’ with you.”

And with that Festus left. Doc just watched as the door closed behind him.

“Matt, that sure felt good.”

“Doc, you ought to be ashamed.”

“Now you sound like Kitty. I think you’re spending too much time with her.”

Doc said with a smile on his face.

About noon, Matt decided to go see if Kitty wanted to go on a picnic. She had been sleeping when he left early that morning, so didn’t get a chance to ask her then. Of course, part of that was his fault. He had kept her up rather late. As he thought about their night together and how beautiful she looked this morning, he was anxious to see her. He also knew if he didn’t change the direction of his thoughts there would be more up than just Kitty.

When Matt entered the Long Branch, Kitty was sitting at her table looking over the books. He walked over to the table, moved a chair close to her, and sat down.

“Hey, pretty lady. How about going on a picnic with me?”

Kitty couldn’t believe her ears. Normally, it was she that initiated a picnic and it was usually like pulling teeth to get Matt to go.

“Well, what brought about this invitation? Don’t answer that, I’ll not a question it just enjoy it. And before you change your mind, yes I will go on a picnic with you.”

“Since the town seems kind of quiet, I figured it would be a good time for us to get away.”

Kitty looked and saw Sam washing glasses behind the bar.

“Sam, do you mind watching the Long Branch for the rest of the day. Matt and I are going on a picnic. I should be back by dark to help with the evening crowd.”

“No problem Miss Kitty. You and the marshal go and have a good time. Don’t worry about a thing.”

“Thanks, Sam.”

So while Matt went to Moss Grimmick’s to get the horse hitched to the buggy, Kitty went to Delmonico’s to get them a picnic lunch.

As Matt pulled up with the buggy, Kitty came out of the restaurant. Matt got down, took the picnic basket from Kitty, placing it in the buggy and then helped her up. Getting in beside her, they headed out of town.

Once they reached Silver Creek, they were pleased that there was no one in their spot. They were afraid Festus might have been there fishing. They were sure glad he wasn’t.

Matt unharnessed the mare from the buggy. He led her to the creek for a drink and then hobbled her under a shade tree where she could graze.

“Matt, I just love it here at Silver Creek. It is so beautiful and peaceful and we have made so many happy memories here. I am so glad we were able to get away.”

Matt spread out the blanket on the ground and sat the picnic basket nearby. They had fried chicken, potato salad, biscuits, and peach pie for dessert.

“This sure smells good, Cowboy. Are you hungry?”

“I’m hungry Kitty, but not for food.”

Matt then pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. As the kiss deepened, the food was forgotten.

Later after their passion was spent, they found they were ravenous. Kitty set the food out on the blanket and they both ate their fill.

After they had finished eating, they lay side by side on the blanket holding one another and just enjoying the closeness. They drifted off and slept for about an hour. When they woke up they decided it was time to get back to Dodge.

“Well Kitty, I guess we ought to head back.”

“Sure Matt, I need to get ready for work anyway. I promised Sam a night off. Red is coming in, but I need to be there.”

Matt harnessed the mare to the buggy as Kitty picked up and folded the blanket. She carried it and the picnic basket to the buggy. Matt took them and puts them in. He then pulled Kitty into his arms kissing her.

“Kit, you know I love you.”

“I love you too, Cowboy. Thanks for the wonderful time today.”

Helping her up into the buggy, he then climbed up too and head toward Dodge.

They hadn’t gone very far, when five riders came up from behind. Matt slowed the buggy and pulled over hoping the riders would go on past, but instead they surrounded the buggy and Matt was forced to stop.

“What is the meaning of this,” Matt said.

Well, well, what do we have here? A beautiful little lady.

“You leave her alone. Now, what do you want?”

“Marshal, I want you to slowly remove your gun from the holster and drop in on the ground. Then I want you to get out of the buggy. We have been watching you and your town for the last several days. You, marshal, are going to help us rob the bank. Your pretty little girlfriend is just an added bonus. She will be our insurance that you do what you are told.”

“Jake, you drive the buggy and take Red here to the designated meeting spot. The marshal will ride your horse into Dodge with us. If we aren’t back in four hours, you know what to do with her. Until then, don’t touch her, you here.”

Jake nodded, climbed into the buggy heading back down the road away from Dodge.

“Now lawman, her fate is in your hands.”

“Unbeknownst to the men, Festus was watching some distance away. He couldn’t hear what was said, but he knew it wasn’t good. He had come upon the group as he was heading back to Dodge after his day of fishing. He continued to watch as Matt, dropped his gun and mounted the other fellow’s horse. Then four of them and Matt headed for Dodge while the other one got in the buggy with Kitty and went to opposite way.

Festus knew that Matt could take care of himself. His main concern right now was Kitty. He decided to follow the buggy. He wished he could have let Matt know that he was there, but knew it was impossible. Once he got Kitty safely away from the outlaw, he would ride into Dodge and help Matthew. He just hoped he wouldn’t be too late.

Kitty was frightened, but more for Matt than herself. She thought as they drove along how she might get free. Jake kept inching closer to her. He finally placed his arm around her shoulders pulling her close and started fondling her breast.

“Turn me loose, you ape.”

“Awe, come one Red, give me a little kiss. If you’re good to Jake, he will make it good for you too.

“Leave me alone.”

Kitty tried to pull away from him, but he was too strong.

As he held her close, he grabbed her breast, squeezing it and pawing at her.

Kitty cringed.

“Oh, Matt, how did this happen,” she thought.

Not knowing Festus was behind them, Kitty was still trying to figure out how she could escape. She thought of trying to jump from the buggy and running but knew it would be useless.

Matt in the meantime was also trying to figure out how to get away and help Kitty.

The men pushed hard and made Dodge at dusk. Slowing and then stopping before they entered Dodge, they looked at Matt.

“Here’s how it is going down. We are going to ride into town like old friends. We will stop outside the bank. I have been watching and know that Bodkin the bank man works until 8 o’clock in the evening. Marshal you will go to the door and knock. You’ll tell him you need to talk with him and when he opens the door to let you in we will be right behind you. Mac, you will stay with the horses in the alley next to the bank. And don’t try anything marshal, I would hate for anything to happen to your girlfriend because we don’t meet up with Jake on time.”

Out on the prairie, Festus had almost caught up with Kitty and the outlaw. He saw the carriage stop and the man grab Kitty and haul her out. Festus got off of his mule, pulled his gun, and crept to within a few yards of them and hid behind a tree.

“Red, I have decided we have time for a little fun. Jake here wants a little of what you have to offer. You can make it easy or hard. I don’t care. It’s up to you.”

He then threw her on the ground, unbuttoning his pants as he pulled her skirt above her hips. Grabbing at her pantaloons, he started to rip them off of her. When all of a sudden, Festus was there.

“Stop right thar or yur a dead man.”

Jake started to rise, then quick as lightening turned and went for his gun, but Festus was faster and downed the man with one shot. He fell away from Kitty.

“Miss Kitty are you all right.”

As Kitty was rising and putting her clothes to right she said, “I’m fine Festus, thanks to you. I sure am glad to see you.”

Festus helped Kitty into the buggy. He draped the dead man over his mule and tied it to the back of the buggy. Then he climbed in and head back toward Dodge.

“You sure you’re alright, Miss Kitty.”

“I will be Festus as soon as we get back and I know Matt is okay.”

Kitty proceeded to tell Festus how she and Matt had gone on a picnic and on the way back to Dodge these men caught them.

I think they took Matt so he can get them easier access to the bank.

Reaching Dodge, Festus took the back alleys to get Kitty to the Long Branch. He then took off on foot toward the bank hoping he wasn’t too late. He stayed in the shadows all the way. He saw the man with the horses in the alley beside the bank. He figured Matt and the rest were inside. Creeping up behind the man, Festus hit him from behind with his pistol. He then led the horses around the back of the bank out of sight.

Staying close to the building, he snuck around and had a look see through the window. Two of the men had guns pointed one at Matt and the other at Mr. Bodkin, while the other one was taking the money from the safe and putting it in a bag. The door had been left ajar, so Festus slinked through it coming up behind the one with a gun on Matt.

“Hold it right thar and drop yur gun.”

The outlaw with Matt turned and fired grazing Festus on the left arm, but Festus bullet hit the cowboy in the chest. Matt had grabbed the arm of the man on Mr. Bodkin and was struggling for the gun. The man with the moneybag ran for the door.

Festus yelled, “Stop.” The bandit turned to fire, Festus was faster and the crook dropped dead.

Matt was able to overcome the other man. He looked at Mr. Bodkin.

“You all right.” 

Bodkin nodded.

Festus you get this one and the other one outside and lock them up. I have to get my horse and go after Kitty. One of them took her and is to kill her if they don’t come back to the meeting place.

Without bothering to wait for a reply from Festus, he raced for the door. Just before going through it, Festus hollered.

“Matthew, I got Miss Kitty. She’s at the Long Branch.”

Matt slowly turned and looked at Festus.

“Is she alright?”

“Yea, Matthew, shakin up some but okay.”

“Festus, we will discuss all of this later when I fill out my report. Right now I need to get to Kitty.”

Festus got the outlaws to the jail while Matt headed for the Long Branch to see Kitty.

Festus took the prisoners and locked them up. After that, he figured he needed to have a look at his arm. He knew it was just a crease, but figured he needed to clean and bandage it. Just then Doc came in.

“What’s going on Festus? I heard all of the shooting.”

“Doc, there were a bank robbery, but it’s a long story.”

“You’ve been shot.”

“Aw Doc, it’s just a crease.”

“Let me look at it anyway.”

As Doc took care of Festus’ arm, he told him all about Matt and Kitty and the bank robbery attempt.

When Matt got to the Long Branch, he stopped outside the batwing doors looking around for Kitty. He really didn’t expect to see her, but it was just habit. He entered and walked to the bar.

“Red, is Kitty upstairs.”

“Yes, marshal. She asked for some hot water for a bath and I haven’t seen her since.”

Matt made his way up the stairs and down the hall to her rooms. Opening her door, he looked around and didn’t see her. He went over and knocked on the washroom door.

“Kitty, it’s Matt.”

At the sound of his voice, Kitty came out of the washroom and into his arms.

“Oh, Matt. I was so scared. Are you alright?”

“Yes, Kitty it is all over. Three are dead and two are in jail. They can’t hurt you.”

Matt held her tight kissing her hair, neck, and then her lips. They just stood holding each other sharing the closeness and the reassurance that both were okay. Matt looked into Kitty’s blue eyes and said, “I love you pretty lady.” He then kissed her. As it became more passionate, they slowly undressed each other. Matt picked Kitty up carrying her to bed and laying her down. He crawled in beside her pulling her into his embrace. They lay there for several minutes. Finally, Matt spoke.

“Kitty did that man hurt you.”

“No, Matt. Festus got there in time to stop him from what he had planned. But I don’t want to think about it. Just hold me close.”

As they lay in bed entwined in each other’s arms relishing the feel of skin to skin, Kitty drifted off to sleep. As Matt gazed at his lovely lady, he hoped that there wouldn’t be another day in Dodge like this one again, but he knew that it was unlikely. As long as he wore the badge, there would always be danger. And with that thought, he drifted off to sleep as well.

The End

Gunfight on Front Street

Gunfight on Front Street

Kitty

I stood looking out the window of our room at the Dodge House at a sight I had hoped to never see again. I had just gotten up. I seem to be tired more lately so Matt had gone to see Newly while I slept. My amorous husband had kept me up well into the wee hours of the morning as well. Matt is such a gentle lover and he makes me feel so special when he makes love to me. As usual my gown lay on the floor, so I picked it up and as I did I glanced into the mirror. I placed my hand on my abdomen thinking of the miracle that grew there. How surprised we were when we found out I was pregnant. It had been discovered while we were in New Orleans. It was still almost unbelievable since Doc had told me after Bonner that I probably couldn’t get pregnant. I decided I had better get dressed.  I straightened the bed from our night of passion, and was getting ready to get go find my husband, when I heard shouting from outside. I walked to window to see what was happening.

That was when I saw my worst nightmare taking shape. There below on the street was a young gunslinger dressed all in black. Several feet away stood my cowboy feet planted arms down ready to fight. I wanted to scream “Matt no!” but I knew that would be the wrong thing to do. This couldn’t be happening. Matt was my life. We had waited so long to marry and now it looked as if it might all be taken away. How many times had I seen him face off with a gunslinger or an outlaw? I had hoped to never see that again, yet that is just what I saw when I looked out the window.

We had just arrived in Dodge the day before for a visit with our friends. This was the first time we had been to Dodge in several months. We had left the morning after our wedding for Kansas City. We had several cities we wanted to visit and weren’t in any hurry. We were set for an adventure without a return date. We just wanted time alone, to enjoy each other’s company with interruptions. To do the things we wanted to do on our own agenda instead of some else’s.

After Matt had asked me to be his wife, he also decided that he was ready to retire. Within two weeks he had his answer from Washington. His retirement would begin two weeks later and Newly would take over being marshal of Dodge. He wanted us to be together without the badge between us. He had said so many things that night he proposed, but I never thought he would give up the badge so easily. I was so excited and Matt seemed happy with his decision too.

Now here we were back in Dodge and from the look of things out the window, my life was going backwards instead of forwards. I rushed to finish dressing so I could head downstairs. I knew there was nothing I could do, but I had to be there no matter what. For years Matt had told me there would always be the danger of someone looking to kill him. A gunfighter looking to make a name for himself, or exact revenge for a brother Matt had killed, or from someone he sent to prison. That no matter whether he was still marshal or not there would always be someone. I knew he was right but had always hoped that this day would never come. Yet, here it was.

“Matt, we have so much to live for, please don’t do this. Please, I beg you, walk away.”  I cried from my heart.

We were coming so close to having a home and a family. A place for just the two of us at least for a while. We had made plans while on our trip to move to Colorado. Somewhere far enough away from a big city to stay virtually invisible, yet close enough that if we wanted or needed to we could spend time there. And then finding out about the baby had made it even more special.

Now here we were in the biggest nightmare of our lives. How many times had I seen Matt shot down on this very street? How many times had I watched Doc dig bullets out of him? How many times had I sponged his forehead, washed his arms and chest to fight the fever from infection? Wondering if he would live to see another day.

I ran out of the room and down the stairs. There were people standing in the doorway watching out on Front Street. I pushed them aside so I could go out the door. Someone grabbed at my arm to stop me, but I pulled away and went out on the boardwalk. It was like time was standing still from when I first looked out that window to now that I was down on the street. I wanted to yell at Matt to stop, but I knew that it would be wrong. That I would be the distraction he was always afraid I would be.

Doc was just down the street when he saw me come out of the Dodge House. I think he was afraid to move. Afraid that if he come toward me it would distract Matt and cause me to run to Matt. Everything seemed to be frozen in time. Matt on one end of the street and the gunfighter on the other. Both set and ready for what was to come next.

I heard Matt try to talk the kid into putting down the gun and walking away. The kid in turn told Matt that this was the day that Marshal Dillon would breath his last.

All of a sudden I heard the shots ring out and I watched Matt go down. I tried to run to Matt but felt someone grab my arms and hold me back. I screamed, “Matt!” and fainted on the boardwalk. The next thing I knew, I woke up in Doc’s back room lying in the bed. Thinking “Matt, oh, Matt!!”

Matt

As I stood on Front Street facing this young kid, I wondered how things had come full circle. Just that morning, I woke up to the most beautiful woman that I have ever known. The last several months had been the happiest of my life. Had someone asked me if I missed being marshal, they probably would have been surprised at my answer. Since Kitty and I had gotten married, I had enjoyed the leisure time that we had shared traveling, planning our future, and even shopping with my wife. We had been able to spend all of our time together doing whatever we wanted without interruption. Now here I stand once again on this dirty dusty street in this cow town facing an opponent.

We had enjoyed a leisurely supper the evening before with our friends and had retired early. I had told Kitty I wanted to go to the jail to talk with Newly the next morning, so while she was still sleeping, I got up, dressed, and giving her a light kiss left the room. I really don’t know why, but I put on my gun belt before leaving the room. I hadn’t worn it or really even thought of it for months, but for some reason felt compelled to wear it.

As I stared at the young man down the street, I wondered if I would still be facing this if I had left my gun in the room. I guess at this point it really didn’t matter.

I tried to reason with the kid giving him the opportunity to just turn and walk away.

He refused.

“How’s it feel Dillon to stand there knowing you’re going to die today?”

“Kid, lay down your gun and go home.”

“Dillon, the name’s Johnny Bonner. Name ring a bell? Well you got my brothers hung. Now it is your turn to die.”

“Your brothers got themselves hung. Not me.”

“Dillon, you think you’re such a big man, but you couldn’t keep your woman away from my brother. He took what was yours and you took what was mine. Now I am going to shoot you like the dog that you are.”

The shock of finding out who he was sent chills up my spine. The hatred and rage I felt with what Jude Bonner had done to Kitty came rushing back. I thought we were through with the Bonners when Jude was hung. Yet here stood another one ready to wreak havoc for Kitty and I once again. I realized then looking at the kid that the only thing left was to stand and fight. I had to do it for Kitty and our baby. I just hoped when the dust settled I would still be alive.

As I watched Bonner, all I could think of was all that I was about to lose. Kitty and I were together. We had made plans for a future and had a baby on the way. Yet, here I was about to face this man not knowing if I would live or die. It wasn’t fair to Kitty or myself, but as I could see it there was no way out. I guess this was the price I would pay for waiting so long to give up the badge.

“Kitty, I love you and I am so sorry it has come to this.” I thought to myself. Then steeling myself, I cleared my mind of everything except what lay before me.

Focusing down the street, I waited for the kid to make his move. Suddenly, he went for his gun and I drew simultaneously. It sounded as one shot. At that moment, all I could think was “I’m sorry, Kitty, so sorry.”

The last thing I remember as the bullet struck my chest was of Kitty and the baby.

Doc

As I watched from the stairs to my office, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Here was Matt facing a young kid with a gun. Kitty was on the boardwalk in front of the Dodge House. I didn’t know what to do so I stayed where I was. Afraid that if I went to Kitty it would distract Matt and I didn’t want that to happen. But yet, I knew Kitty could try running toward Matt and get herself hurt. Two people I thought of as my own and here they were in a situation I had hoped never to see again.

All of a sudden guns were drawn and shots fired. They were so close that it sounded like one shot. The next thing I knew, Matt was down and Kitty was trying to run to him. Two men grabbed her by the arms and held her back. I was so glad to see that. Then I noticed Kitty go down. The stress of what she just witnessed must have been too much.

Just then Newly was beside me. I told him to see to Kitty and I ran to Matt. He had been hit in the almost in the same spot he had been shot a few years ago. The one that sent Kitty to Ballard. I had some men carry him up to my office. I was close behind. I glanced down the street to see Newly bent over Kitty.  We got Matt into my office and on the table. I gathered all instruments I would need to remove the bullet. I really needed Newly’s help but I also knew Kitty was going to need someone too.

Newly came in shortly after we got Matt on the table. Kitty had fainted and was still out so I had Newly put her on the bed in the back room. I was concerned about her but knew she would be okay for the time being. I told Newly I really needed his help.

I slowed the bleeding as best I could and used the probe to search for the bullet. I knew it was imperative that I find the slug and get it out as quick as possible. I needed to stop the bleeding. The bullet had come very close to taking his life. Another inch and it would have. I continued to probe knowing I needed to find it before he lost much more blood. Finally, I heard the clink as the probe hit the lead. The ball had gone so deep I was afraid of the damage it might have caused. I asked Newly to hand me the forceps. I carefully pulled out the probe. Then taking the forceps from Newly, I cautiously pushed them down the hole to extract the bullet. Just as I reached it I felt it slip further down, so I slowly pushed the forceps in finally grabbing hold of the piece of lead. Slowly, I drew it back through the hole. Finally out, the slug was lying in the pan. I cleansed the wound, stitched it up, and bandage it. Once that was done, a gloomy silence filled the office.

I looked at Newly and shook my head. From this point on it would be a watch and wait situation. Prayer and time was what we needed now and hope that Matt could hang on.

Kitty

I opened my eyes startled at my surroundings.  At first I thought I was still at the Dodge House and Matt was with Newly. Then I noticed I was dressed and looked around taking in my surroundings. As things came into focus, I realized I was in Doc’s back room. At first I was confused as to why I was here. Then all of a sudden the horrors of what I saw on the street came back to me. Matt lying in the dirt. Matt had just gone down by the bullet of a gunfighter.

“Matt, oh Matt!”  I cried.

I hadn’t realized I had actually spoken until the door opened and Doc came rushing in.

I sat up on the bed and said, “Doc, is Matt dead?”  Doc came and sat down next to me. He took me in his arms and held me as I cried.

“Kitty, I you need to try and calm down.”

“Matt is unconscious but alive. I was able to remove the bullet. It will be touch and go for the next 24 to 48 hours. Sweetheart, right now it is all up to Matt. I’ve done all I can.”

“Doc, I need to see him.”

“Alright, honey.”

Doc led me into the other room. Matt looked so pale and lifeless. I hurried to his side and took his large hand into both of mine. With tears streaming down my face, I leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips. He was so cool and still. I was so scared.

“Matt, I whispered in his ear. Matt, you can’t leave me. Not now.”

“Matt, we just started our lives together and the baby.  Matt, remember the wonderful miracle I carry from the love we share?”

I looked at Doc wistfully hoping that he would tell me Matt would be fine and our lives could go on. But the solemn look on Doc’s face told it all.

I sat in a chair as close to Matt as I could get. Still holding his hand praying that he would squeeze it. Doc walked over and checked Matt’s pulse. The grave look Doc had brought panic to my heart.

“Doc, I couldn’t live without him, you know that”

“Honey, he has a fighting chance, and he knows you’re here with him.”

 I sat next to him through the night praying and begging God to let him live. I needed him. We needed him. As I sat there, I began remembering our lives together. Our first kiss, the first time we went to a dance, and the first time we made love. Oh, what a sweet gentle lover he was always putting my needs and wants before his. Then I thought of our first night as husband and wife.

After our friends had all gone, we climbed the stairs to our rooms over the Long Branch. We knew that we wanted our first night as a married couple to be spent in the same bed we had shared for what seemed forever. We each took our turn in the washroom preparing for bed. When I came out, Matt was sitting on the settee. He had poured us both some brandy. I sat snuggled up against Matt’s chest as he had his arm around my shoulders playing with my hair. It was so nice just to cuddle there together. I leaned up about the same time that Matt leaned toward me. Our lips met in a very light kiss, but soon the brandy was forgotten as our kisses became more passionate. Each kiss built upon the other until all our senses heightened with the need for one another. As we stood, Matt took me into his arms and carried me to our bed. He stood me by the side, undid the ribbon holding my robe letting it slip to the floor. He then reached down, lifting the gown over my head and letting it tumble to the floor with the robe. I had untied Matt’s robe letting it fall to the floor along with the others. Gently, I placed my fingers on the waistband of his pajamas pushing them down his strong muscular thighs and on to the floor. Matt’s body telling me he was ready to become one. He gently picked me up laying me in the center of the bed covering my body with his and kissing me and loving me with a passion that reached all the way to my soul.

When a couple of months later I found out I was pregnant, I knew that it happened on our wedding night. Call it women’s intuition, but I just knew that special night had produced a miracle.

Doc sat up at his desk keeping abreast of Matt’s condition through the night. I continued to sit and hold his hand. At one point, I dozed off laying my head on the table beside Matt. The night was long and filled with trepidation of what might come.

I woke suddenly feeling movement beside me. Matt was restless and when I put my hand on his forehead, he was extremely hot.

“Doc, please come. Matt is burning up.”

“Please do something Doc, I can’t lose him.”

Doc got some of his powders and mixed them with water.

“Let’s try and get this medicine in him. It will help with the infection and the fever.”

As Doc lifted him slightly, I placed the glass to Matt’s lips and softly encouraged him to open his mouth and drink it. We got about half of it down him before he refused the rest.

After a time, Matt finally started to calm down and seemed to be resting easy.

Doc then got some cool water and a cloth so that I try to cool him down. I don’t know how many times over the years that I had done this very thing.

As I sat, sponging Matt’s forehead, arms and chest being careful to stay away from the wound, my thoughts went to the baby and what it would mean if Matt would die. What would I do and where would I go?

I realized that we hadn’t even shared the news about the baby with our friends. I wondered if I should tell Doc or wait until Matt was able to share in our exciting revelation.

I was sure Doc would be excited and stunned at our news, because he had been sure that after Bonner, I wouldn’t be able to conceive.

Thoughts of Bonner brought back all that had happened down on Front Street. Newly and Festus had revealed to us that the gunman was none other than Jude and Virgil Bonner’s younger brother. How that family had caused so much suffering in our lives was beyond me. My prayer was that Matt would recover as I had that long ago night.

“Sweetheart, please wake up. We can’t live without you Matt.”

As dawn drew near, Matt seemed cooler to my touch. The medicine must be helping. I leaned over and kissed him and then whispered in his ear.

“Matt, the baby and I love you and need you.”

My hope was that he would hear me and continue to fight his way back.

Doc insisted that I go into the back room and lie down. I had been up most of the night sitting with Matt. I had dozed some but not enough to rest.

I think Doc suspected something was going on with me and knew that I needed the rest for more than just myself, but he didn’t comment on it.

I didn’t want to leave Matt but for the baby’s sake I did as Doc asked.

“Kitty, if there is any change I will come and wake you.”

“Thanks Doc, I really want to be there if Matt wakes up.”

“I promise you will be.”

So I went to the back room and lay down on the bed. Within just a few minutes I was asleep.

I slept for several hours and felt much better when I woke up. I realized that Doc had let me sleep longer than I had intended. I prayed that Matt was continuing to get better. I got up and went into the front room. Doc was napping in the chair. I walked over to Matt, took his hand in mine and gave him a feathery light kiss. As I stood staring at nothing, I was surprised at what I heard.

“Is that the best you can do?”

I looked down at Matt and stared into those beautiful blue eyes that I was afraid I would never see again. I leaned down and as our lips met, it became the sweetest kiss I could ever remember.

My cowboy had come back to me.

I woke Doc. He came over to check on Matt.

“Well, you big lug, it’s about time you came around.”

“Thanks, Doc. As always, I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

“Bonner?”

“He’s dead, Matt. Your shot killed him.”

“It’s over for the Bonners. They won’t bother you anymore. Newly sent some telegrams checking to see if there were anymore around. A telegram came back saying Johnny was the last of the Bonners.”

Matt and I both breathed a sigh of relief.

Later that day, Doc had Festus and Newly help move Matt into the back room. Over the next few weeks, Matt recovered from the gunshot he took from Bonner that early morning.  After a couple of weeks at Doc’s, Matt and I went back to the Dodge House to finish his recovery.

I had stayed at Doc’s tending to Matt’s needs. At night, I would curl up beside him on the bed careful not to hurt him and sleep. I couldn’t bring myself to leave him except for my most basic needs.

One evening while still at Doc’s, Matt, Doc, and I share an evening meal together. Matt and I had discussed that day about sharing our good news with him. After we had eaten we sat around talking.

“Doc, Kitty and I have something we would like to share with you. While we were away on our extended trip we made some plans. We are going to move to Colorado. We are going first to Denver. We haven’t decided on a permanent spot yet. We are looking to buy a ranch outside one of the bigger cities. We will be leaving as soon as I am able to travel.”

“Matt and I also wanted to share the most exciting news of all. Doc, I am going to have a baby. We found out in New Orleans just shortly before coming back to Dodge. The doctor said I was about three months pregnant. You are the first person we have told.”

Doc was speechless. Even though I think he suspected something was going on with me, I don’t think he expected that news.

“Kitty, Matt. I don’t think I have the words to express how happy and excited I am for you. This is the most wonderful news I have heard in a long time. Congratulations to both of you.”

After a couple of weeks at Doc’s, we moved back into the room we had at the Dodge House. Matt continued to rest and recuperate although the longer he was there the more restless he became. After another week, he began to take short walks. He enjoyed visits with the people he would meet, people he had known for a long time.

Finally the time came for us to move on. We enjoyed a dinner with our friends at Delmonico’s the night before we were to board a train for Denver. It was hard to say goodbye but we knew it was best to move away from Dodge.

We extended a private invitation to Doc to come live with us when he retired. We would have a room ready for him. We promised to keep in touch.

The next morning Doc, Newly, and Festus saw us to the train station. We bid farewell to our friends. As the train pulled out, I looked at Matt and smiled then leaned over and kissed him. What lay ahead for us we didn’t know, but we knew we were ready for the next part of the adventure. A new home, a new baby, and a new life was just ahead.

The End

From the Heart

From the Heart

Kitty

My life as of late has been a jumble of feelings. Wanting things that look impossible to obtain, but wanting them just the same. I am sure every woman at one time or the other wants a home and family and I have come to that point in my life. For years, everything seemed just perfect; I had my own business, money, travel, and a man who loved me very much. What more could a girl want. But with the happenings of the past year, Mannon, Bonner, and of course Mike, my feelings have changed.

Matt is another story. I think he could go on with things the way they are. Of course, he has everything he wants. The badge, Dodge City, a nice warm bed and body whenever he is around. His life, I’m sure to him, is just about perfect. I really wouldn’t know because we never talk about it. To him, we don’t need explanations or discussions. Well, maybe he doesn’t, but I do.

It seemed lately that Matt was away so much more because of the badge that there wasn’t much time for anything. This last time that he was out of town because of the badge, I didn’t think he was coming back. He was gone for over a month. When he did come home, things were different. He was very distant, but when he finally opened up, I almost wished he hadn’t. What he had to say devastated me. He had done the one thing I thought he never would. He slept with another woman. Oh, after a time of thinking and listening to what he and Doc had to say about amnesia, I forgave him, even though I am not sure there was anything to forgive. After all, according to Doc and Matt, it was Dan that slept with Mike, not Matt. Of course, forgiving and forgetting are two different things. Thoughts of Matt (Dan) and Mike were in the recesses of my mind coming forth every now and again just to bedevil me.

Finally though, we moved past all those things and we made plans to get away for a couple of weeks. Just us, alone together. Matt had just finished a trial and we actually were going to be able to leave a couple of days early.

I should have known things were going along too well. When we got to the first relay station, there was that dreaded telegram and off the marshal went. That badge came first again. I watched him drive away, a mixture of anger and hurt fighting within. I got on the stage and headed to St. Louis alone. I should have known that trouble would show its wicked face. How often had I taken a stage alone when it didn’t?

The stage was held up, but thanks to a fellow passenger, I was saved from more of what the likes of Bonner and his men gave me. Will Stambridge was the name of my rescuer. He was shot in the holdup, so I did the best I could taking care of him until we were picked up and taken to the relay station. By the time we got back to Dodge, a friendship had formed. I was grateful to him for saving my life although he said I didn’t owe him anything. I guess in all of the happenings, feelings began to form. Oh, I don’t mean the kind of love I have for Matt Dillon, but feelings just the same. He squired me around town, giving me all the public attention, Matt never did. I think all of the attention he showered on me made my feelings for him grow. I mean here was a man giving me all the things that I had been wanting. He even bought a farm and asked me to be his wife offering me that home and family I had been craving. He kept pushing for more. I knew he loved me and wanted to have an intimate relationship with me, but I just couldn’t. I still loved Matt. So I kept telling Will that I needed more time and that I wasn’t ready yet for anything more personal. So our relationship never went beyond buggy rides, dinners, and kisses.

I loved Matt more than any woman ever loved a man. And up to this point, that had been enough. But after the events of the past year, I wanted more. Or at least, I thought I did.

So with the knowledge that Will wanted me for his wife, I went to Matt for answers.

As I entered the jail, Matt was sitting at his desk working. I asked him if he had time to talk. I talked about the past 18 years and the someday that I had hoped would come. Then I asked Matt to tell me to say “No” to Will Stambridge. I should have known that he wouldn’t or couldn’t. All he could say was “You know how I feel, but you’re going to have to make that decision on your own.” I was so dumbfounded that all I could say was “I know, Matt, I know” and I turned and walked out the door.

I guess what confused me about the whole thing was what Matt had said to me the night Bonner brought me back to Dodge. He said, “I need you, Kitty, I need you.” Yet, here he was willing to let me go with Will without a fight. I just didn’t understand.

So I had a decision to make, probably the hardest decision of my life. Do I follow my heart and stay in Dodge with Matt for that far off someday, or do I go with Will for the home and family that my head tells me I want.

After I walked out the door, I stood there leaning up against it.. In that moment, I knew there was only one thing I could possibly do. I had to try one more time, so I turned, opened the door, looked at Matt and said, “I love you, Matt Dillon, remember that.” And again turned and walked out the door. I went across the street, into the Long Branch, and up to my room. The rest would be up to Matt. I hoped with all my heart that he would choose us and beg me not to leave. I guess I knew even then as I prepared for bed that I wouldn’t go with Will whether Matt begged me to stay or not. He was nice and I liked him, but I didn’t love him. The temptation to have a home and family was great, but my love for Matt Dillon was greater.

Matt

When Kitty showed up on the stage with Will Stambridge, I didn’t know what to think. She had apparently survived a stage hold up and Will had rescued her. She was still upset with me. I could tell from the way she acted at Doc’s and her abruptness when I walked her back to the Long Branch. I tried to tell her about Will, but she already knew and said she didn’t care what people thought.

I have watched her for days being escorted around by Mr. Stambridge. It hurts so much, yet I know I am to blame. If I had just gotten on that stage to St. Louis, none of this would be happening. Once again, I let this badge come between us. Why can’t I let it go and give Kitty what she wants from me? Is the badge so important, that I would risk the love of my life slipping away?

Kitty came to me at the jail, asking me to tell her to say “no” to Will Stambridge. Instead of telling her to say “no,” I told her it was her choice to make. I could tell in her eyes she was begging me to tell her that I loved her and wanted her to stay. Why didn’t I?  Surely, I am not that selfish and scared of giving up this badge and making a commitment to the woman I love. The night Bonner brought her back to town and shot her, I told her I needed her. I laid my feelings out there, yet here I am about to let her walk away and into the arms of another man.

As I sat there, I went over and over what Kitty had just said to me. “I love you, Matt Dillon, remember that.” I was given a chance to redeem all of the times I had put others before her. I asked myself, “Do I take the risk, or let her walk away. In the next instant, I knew. I stood up, grabbed my hat and walked out the door.

Kitty

I sat in my room looking at nothing in particular wondering if I had pushed things to far with Matt. I knew he was a man who liked to do things his way. Oh, I had heard that phrase enough to know. I also knew that for us it was now or never. I didn’t want to think about the never. I just couldn’t picture myself without Matt Dillon in my life.

Well, sitting here woolgathering wouldn’t help anything, so I had best start getting ready for bed. I knew that Sam was capable of closing the Long Branch and I really wasn’t in any mood to be among people anyway.

I had just finished getting ready for bed and was brushing out my hair when I heard someone approaching my door. I figured that it was Sam come to tell me he had closed up and was heading home. But when I heard the knock, I knew who was at my door and I was nervous.

Matt

The walk from the jail to the Long Branch was the longest walk I had ever taken. Not because I was dreading it, but because I was anxious to make things right. As I walked, I thought about what I would say to Kitty. I knew that it had to be more than “I need you” or even “I love you.”  It had to be something amazing for an exceptional lady. I did know that that far off someday she had been waiting for was finally going to come. If she would have me, Kitty was going to become Mrs. Mathew Dillon. Something, I should have done a long time ago. I walked to the batwing doors and looked before entering. Kitty was nowhere in sight. Sam was in the process of closing. As I entered, Sam looked at me and nodded up the stairs, his way of telling me where I could find Kitty. I headed up the stairs going through the curtains, and down the hall. As I reached her door, I hesitated for only a moment and then I knocked.

kkkkkk

As Kitty walked to answer the door, she wondered how the conversation would go. Would it end the way she hoped it would or would she be devastated.

“Oh, well, I guess I shouldn’t borrow trouble,” thought Kitty. And she opened the door.

“Hello, Matt.”

“Kitty.”

She moved back away from the door so Matt could come inside. As he entered the room, Kitty walked over to the bureau.

“Would you like a drink, Matt?” He nodded yes.

She poured two glasses of bourbon, handing one to Matt, and then sat down on the settee.

The air was filled with uneasiness as Matt sat in a large chair near the settee. One Kitty had purchased just for him. As they sipped on their drinks, both wondering which one would be the first to start the conversation.

“Matt, I.”

“Kitty, please.”

Each one speaking at the same time.

Kitty held up her hand, indicating she wanted to speak first.

“Matt, I know I was wrong to blow up at you the way I did at the relay station, but once again you put that badge before me and I couldn’t stand it anymore. This trip was going to be wonderful. We had managed to put so much behind us and then that damn telegram came and you didn’t even consider my feelings or me. It’s the job, you said and left.”

Kitty sat quietly thinking of what she had just said wondering if she said too much. Matt was sitting there so still, she wondered if he was even listening. She decided to continue.

“Matt, I am so tired of being just a marshal’s woman, hiding behind the ruse of a friendship, knowing everyone knows the truth anyway.”

Again, Kitty sat and contemplated what to say next as Matt sat silently.

“I didn’t mean for anything to come of my friendship with Will. He saved my life and I took care of his shoulder. That was all there was, but after we got back to Dodge, I realized he was already looking at me with more than friendship in mind. It started out as one dinner that led to buggy rides and long talks. Then the next thing I knew he was offering me everything that you never would, a home and family.”

“I’m not going to say it’s not tempting, but Matt, I don’t want a home and a family with Will, I want it with you. I guess if that’s not possible, then I need to move on. Go someplace away from Dodge and try to start over. I am not talking about a relationship with another man. I don’t want that, because in my heart there will only be you. But I can’t stay here and be just your woman anymore.”

“I also want you to know that nothing happened between Will and me. I couldn’t do that to you or to myself. As a matter of fact, I haven’t been with another man willingly since I saw you that first morning at Delmonicos.”

“Some might think I have the right after what happened between you and Mike, but I told you that I accepted that it was Dan and not you in that situation. I forgave you for that.”

“I want you to always remember that I love you, Matt Dillon, no matter what decisions are made here today.”

After Kitty finished speaking, she sat there in silence knowing how hard it was for Matt to put into words what he wanted to say. This was something she didn’t want to rush because what was said here today would change their lives forever.

mmmmm

As Matt sat there listening to all that Kitty had to say, he wondered, how could I have put her through all I have. I have been selfish in my love for her. She deserved so much more. How can I make it up to her?

It was so quiet in the room. Matt knew it was now up to him and he knew what he had to say was very important. Words didn’t come easy for him, but when he did speak he wanted it to be just right. Kitty had just poured her heart out to him. He wants to do the same for her.

“Kitty, I’m sorry.”

As he spoke, the tears began to roll down his cheeks. Never before had she seen him cry.

“I have loved you from the moment I saw you that morning in Delmonicos. I have never felt for anyone the way I feel for you. Yet, it scared me to death. I hadn’t been the marshal all that long and already the badge had a hold on me. I told myself, I had no place for a woman in my life. Especially with the dangers that go along with being a marshal. I fought the feelings for quite sometime as you are well aware, but eventually I gave in. I told myself that if you agreed to be my girl and understood how it had to be between us then it might work. And for the most part, it did work. Except I am just now realizing what I have asked of you all of these years and how selfish I have been.”

As tears ran down his cheeks, Matt noticed that Kitty was crying too and wondered how he would make it right.

“Kitty, I am sorry for being such a selfish fool. Over the years, I have put my feelings and job ahead of you. I guess I’ve felt that just because our relationship was good for me the way it was, that you were okay with it too. You never complained and of course I always said we needed no explanations. How wrong I was about that. If we had been more open with each other, things would have never reached the point they have, and I know it is all my fault.”

Kitty looked up at Matt astonished at what he had just said.

“I realize that my self-centeredness has caused you so much grief and disappointment. I had to have things my way and I know now that was all wrong. If it hadn’t been for my foolish behavior there never would have been an Ad Bellam, Ballard, or Will Stambridge.”

“After Mannon, I should have known keeping our relationship a secret hadn’t kept you safe. But, I continued with the ruse and along comes Bonner making things even worse. I am so sorry for that and everything else that has happened to you. I know it was because of me that all of it happened.”

Matt paused to control his emotions before going on.

“I am so sorry, Kitty, for everything. I should never have left you at that relay station. I have made so many mistakes in the past eighteen years and I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I am asking for it.”

Matt rose from the chair and walked away from Kitty trying to get his mind clear for what he wanted to say next. He turned walking back over to Kitty. H kneeled down in front of her and looked into her beautiful blue tear filled eyes. Taking her small hand into his large one, he started to speak.

“Kitty Russell, I love you more than life itself. Without you in my heart, it would have stopped beating years ago.”

Matt paused trying too control his emotions.

“It was your being and strength that has kept me going.”

“Kitty, I don’t want to live in secret anymore. I want to walk proudly down the boardwalk with you by my side for the entire world to see, but I don’t want you there as the marshal’s woman. I would like you there as my wife.”

He paused for just a second.

“Kitty Russell, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Kitty looked at Matt with such love in her eyes.  At that moment, Matt pulled them both up and brought Kitty into his arms, kissing her with such passion and love. As the kiss ended, Kitty looked into Matt’s eyes and said.

“I love you, Matt Dillon, and I forgive you. And yes, I would love to become your wife.”

Again, Matt took Kitty into his arms and kissed her parted lips. As the kiss deepened, the two realized that their love knew no bounds.

Matt picked her up and carried her to the bed that they had shared for over eighteen years and would share for the rest of their lives.

The end.