"The Marshal's Woman"

Chapter 1

The Usual Disclaimer: I don't own the Character's.. Just taking them out to play. .I will put them back.

Spring, 1877

A cool morning breeze blew the Irish lace curtains in the upstairs windows of the Long Branch just enough to arouse the sleepy redhead. Snuggling up as far as she could, she reached around the large frame that lay beside her. The sun had not yet risen. She was hoping for just a few more minutes. She knew it wouldn't be much longer before he would have to make his way down the back stairs, unknown to anyone, to start his morning rounds.

But for those few minutes, Kitty let her thoughts drift back to the long overdue homecoming, she had waited for, the night before. Matt had been gone for several weeks and she had had no word. But true to form, she left the light burning in the window, just as she has done for many years.

Slowly she began tracing the lines of Matt's strong chin with the tip of her fingernail and with that came a slight shiver that brought from her a smirk and a low laugh. And before she could make another move, Matt's large muscular arm encircled her waist and pulled her a top him. And he began kissing her before she could protest.

"How long have you been awake, Cowboy?" She said followed with a slight giggle.

"Oh long enough." As he continued to play not letting her get out of his embrace. "Kit, I thought you'd sleep in today. I have to go to the office and fill out my reports. Maybe we can have breakfast later?"

"Wait a minute, Cowboy. I thought you were gonna tell me about your trip." She asked.

"Kit, I will. Rounds and report first. And besides, you kept me busy last night, remember?"

As he was getting up and looking for his clothes. "Is that a complaint I hear? I seem to remember a certain cowboy that was a bit anxious to get me out of my dress last night, so much that I need new buttons."

The big man's face went all flush with a sheepish smile.

Then she said, "Oh, ok. I have an order to do so I'll see you when you're done. Oh, and if you think I didn't notice the new cut on your side, Mister, you're wrong. Make sure you stop and let Doc take a look at it." Kitty just smiled and raised a brow.

Matt knew better then to argue. "Yes Ma'am." As he put his hat on his head, he collected Kitty up in his arms. What started as a soft kiss, slowly worked into a deep passionate one. One that was as hungry as the night before.

"Keep that up and we'll never get out of here."

"Kitty, did I tell you how much I missed you?"

"Yeah, Cowboy. I missed you too."

Later, drinking coffee with Doc, Kitty mentioned that she was worried that Matt was hurt but that he probably wouldn't say anything.

But Doc reassured her that he had been to see him and that Matt would be fine. Just a minor cut and bruising. "But yes, young lady. He knows he can't hide anything from you."

Placing her hand a top Doc's and laughing. "Doc, how about another cup of coffee? I need to run to the bank. I'll be right back."

While Kitty went thru the batwing doors, Festus met her. "Good morning, Miz Kitty."

"Morning, Festus." She said. "Go on, join Doc for coffee. It's hot. I'll be right back." She continued.

"I got a letter fur Matthew. It's important!"

"Now, how would you know that, Festus?"

"Barney says so. I figured he'd be here."

"No, he's at the office, reports." She said. "Well, Doc and I are gonna have breakfast with him, so if you want, you can leave it." Just then she went to the bank.

Festus and Doc were having their usual squabbles when Matt walked into the Long Branch doors. Shaking his head, "Now what are you two up to?"

"Matt, he's into your mail again." Doc joked as he swiped his mustache. "Oh, that's right you can't read."

"Oh, you ol' scudder. Matthew, it just so happens Barney, over at the telegraph office, told me what was in this here letter. And it sounds important, like I told Miz Kitty."

As he fiddled with his vest, shaking his head, "Does everyone in Dodge know what's in my mail before me?"

"Well, before its old news, maybe you'd better read it, Cowboy." Kitty said smiling as she walked up behind them all in the midst of the conversation.

Matt opened it and began to read. Looking up just slightly, watching for Kitty's expression. "Where to this time and how long?"

"Kitty it's not what you think."

"I've heard that before. Where to? Topeka? Abilene? Mexico perhaps?"

"No, Kitty, Washington!"

"Washington?" She asked. "What on earth?"

"Now Kitty…"

"Don't you 'Now Kitty' me."

"Kitty, it's not a job, it's an invitation from the president." Matt said.

"What? The president? Oh, Matt you mean, President Rutherford B. Hays wants you to come to Washington?"

"Yes. It seems that there's a formal ball being given in the president's honor and they have seen fit to invite lawmen from all over the country to attend."

"Well, Matt," Kitty started with her hands on her hips. "Your reputation deserves to be recognized. You have given your life and so much to this country. I think it's only fitting that the people in Washington and the war department take notice to your sacrifice."

"Now, Kitty. Don't go overboard." His face slowly turning red. "I have to give them a reply. So, let's go eat then I'll stop and send a letter."

Doc swiping his mustache and smiling. "Nothing bothers your appetite, does it?"

Doc and Kitty broke into laughter as all three walked out of the Long Branch arm in arm.

Later that week, Kitty was going through her usual routine at the end of the night. "Sam, go on. Leave this for morning. You're tired. It's been a long day."

"Sure thing, Miss Kitty. Good night."

"I'll lock up, Sam, go get some sleep." Slowly, Kitty climbed the stairs. She changed into a pale blue lace gown, one she ordered special all the way from France. It was soft and fit very snug to her form. She also sprayed on some new perfume, a light vanilla scent.

Then she came and sat at the dressing table, and began to pull the pins from her hair. Just then, she could hear the heavy solid footsteps on the back stairs and the key turn.

And then in the doorway stood her big cowboy standing tall. Matt just smiled at the vision before him without a word, he hung his hat on the peg, gun belt on the chair, took off his boots and put them in their usual position and gently slid in behind her on the chair.

Replacing his fingers for hers removing each pin. Letting her soft copper curls drop one by one, running his fingers thru them. Slowly sliding them to the side, so as to give him the advantage to nibble at her neck.

Without saying a word he turned Kitty to him so to kiss her, starting with her jaw line, down her neck to her shoulder. And when she couldn't take it anymore, Kitty angled herself so to fully give him an unencumbered complete kiss, starting with gently biting his bottom lip, gently sliding her tongue across his lip.

Still he pulled her to him, taking her up in his arms, up off the chair, swinging her up into his arms.

Trying with not much success, her words were mumbled. "Matt, your back."

"I need you now, Kitty."

"Ok, ok, but put me down."

He gently stood her by the bed, first he slid off her robe, then he slid the gown off her shoulders. "Honey, you are beautiful!"

While he continued to kiss at her shoulders, Kitty lost all control and began to tear at Matt's shirt, no longer taking the time to work at each button. She just tore it apart.

"Hey, woman!?"

"We're even now." For the next several hours they indulged in the pleasure of one another. Until exhausted!

Lying in one another's arms, very sleepy, Matt brushing the curls from Kitty's face and kissing her forehead, said, "Miss Kitty, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the President's Ball?"

"Oh, Matt." Quickly she sprung up to a seated position. "Do you mean it? Oh, Cowboy, I'd love to." She began kissing him all over his face.

"Ok, ok. Let's get some sleep."

TBC