Roundup was over for another year. Matt had said farewell to old friends as they left and that always saddened him a little. Since there was nothing pressing to do on the following Monday he thought about going fishing. He hadn't been fishing for a couple of months.

"Festus, I'm taking Monday off, can you and Newly take over until evening?"

Festus realizing that Matt would spend most of Monday with Kitty replied, "Sure thang, Matthew. What are you planning on doing?"

"I'm going to take Kitty for a picnic and this time nothing is going to get in the way of that happening."

Festus smiled, recalling the last time Matt and Kitty had tried to plan a picnic. He watched as Matt left the office knowing he was going to see Kitty for his morning cup of coffee.

Matt walked along to the Long Branch, peered over the top of the batwing doors until he spotted Kitty and entered. She smiled as he came up to the table and sat down, and she poured him a cup of coffee.

"Kitty I'm taking Monday off. Do you want to go for a picnic?"

"No distractions this time?" she replied, knowing Matt meant some fishing and swimming in their own private place.

"Nope, just you, me and the Arkansas."

Matt, tending to paperwork in his office on Sunday morning, looked up when Judge Brooker startled him by announcing his presence with "Festus has gone to the Long Branch with Newly."

Matt nodded in reply. He'd been granted a few more moments of peace. While he felt a great deal of affection for Festus, his deputy could be a little wearing especially when he was bickering with Doc.

"You've been studying with me for some years now," the judge continued. "I've taught you all you need to know. Since you're going to Topeka on Tuesday to testify I took the liberty to speak with Judge Henry. He's agreed to let you sit for the Bar Exam after the trial if you want. Just let him know what you decide after you've talked it over with that very astute owner of the Long Branch."

Matt thanked Judge Brooker, who shrugged it off as he left. Like Doc Adams the judge had enormous affection for the lawman, whom he knew was watching and wondering if he really was ready for the exam.

Festus noticed how happy and relaxed Matt looked Monday morning as he got ready for the picnic and wished his friend could look like that all the time. He continued to watch as Matt went to collect the buggy from Hank Miller's stable.

Kitty was waiting outside the Long Branch with the picnic hamper as he pulled the buggy up. Matt got down and lifted the hamper into the buggy, the scents coming from it teasing him something terrible; then helped Kitty up and got back in so she could lean her head on his shoulder. Seeing them head out, Doc rubbed his mustache and smiled thinking that at last his two favorite people had a quiet day to themselves.

Matt drove the buggy between a narrow gap in a grove of trees that shielded them from the road and came to a halt. After helping Kitty down, he placed the hamper near an oak tree and then got a fire going to make coffee and cook any fish they caught. Then he cut a couple of fishing poles while she spread a blanket on the ground. Pretty soon Matt had cleaned the four trout they caught cooking in the pan while Kitty sat leaning against him, her hand caressing his thigh.

"Kitty, if you keep doing that I won't be answerable for the consequences," Matt growled.

She laughed her laugh in response to his quip, which made him ache with longing. However, he controlled himself so their meal wouldn't spoil. While they ate the trout and the other food she had packed in the hamper, Kitty studied Matt's face; oh how she loved that face.

"Matt you look like you've got something on your mind?"

"I've been studying law when I have spare time alone in my office and on Sundays after he gets back from church at Judge Brooker's house."

"Why?" Kitty asked, although she had a sneaky suspicion as to the answer.

"So I can give up this damn badge," Matt replied. "Judge Brooker told me yesterday that I'm ready to sit for the Kansas Bar Exam."

"So you'll still be working for the law; just in a different part?"

Matt nodded. "Tomorrow I go to Topeka for the trial of Thomas Bell. Judge Brooker told me to let Judge Henry know if I want to take the exam."

Matt pulled Kitty close and took her lips in a kiss borne of the longing he always felt when he was with her. She sighed, leaning into him. Their hands moved as one as they undressed each other, ending up in the river swimming together.

Matt stood up, water dripping from him. Due to his height the surface of the river didn't leave a lot to her imagination. Her legs wrapped around him as he surged up into her. His raw power tempered by tenderness always surprised her. Afterwards they lay on the bank arm in arm as the heat of the day dried their naked bodies.

"If I pass the exam, I was thinking of recommending Newly for the post. There's too much paperwork involved for Festus to do it. Tonight I'll talk to Festus; tell him my plans. I don't know if he'll want to stay on as deputy if I'm not marshal. You know how loyal he is. He might even want to settle down with Abelia. If I can get rid of this badge, we'll buy a small farm if you still want me after all these years," Matt said.

Kitty could sense the raw emotion in his voice, a longing that she'd felt for twenty years. He was now ready to give into it.

"Oh, Matt, of course I still want you. I'll always want you."

Matt pulled her close to him taking her lips in a searing kiss that took her breath away. He helped her dress again and she watched as he dressed, admiring the play of his muscles under his skin.