Chapter 1

I hope you guys can stick with me... I never thought 1st of all I would attempt writing in this Gunsmoke World... 2ndly I would have never dreamt of creating a story that went against the show and completely changing it... because it's hard for me to see it differently... but I want to see it differently... I want M/K together with a family, a house, a future... again the show didn't do their relationship/love justice, so I'm glad it can be done through other's writings :) My hats are off to the pros and highly respected members of the website... every story is amazing in its own way...

This story takes place 7 years after Stella comes to buy The Long Branch... She and Kitty decide to become partners, so Kitty could still have a share but not have to work. I hope this isn't too far fetched... I hope I can do the family justice... I'll bring them back safely from their next adventure...

Matt was enjoying the sunset as he rode up the dirt road that lead to the house he and Kitty bought. He thought to himself it'll be going on 7 years ago next month. He could hear the kids running around the house and Kitty yelling telling them to finish getting ready for bed. Matt smiled at the sounds as he brought his horse to a stop.

"Evening, Mr. Dillion." A older gentleman came around the counter of the house as Matt dismounted.

Matt turned around to greet the ranch manager, "Evening, Mr. Roper." He loosen his saddle cinch.

"You want me to take your horse to the stables, Mr. Dillion?" The grey headed man smiled.

"You don't have to do that Jim." Matt smiled. "I can..."

"You two better settle down right now!" Kitty yelled from from inside the house, "Don't make me come in there, Peyton!" She yelled from the kitchen.

Matt and Mr. Roper looked at each other, "I don't mind takin him, sir." Jim suggested, "You might wanna get in there."

Matt chucked, "You're probably right, Jim." Matt grabbed his satchel, "Thanks. I'll see you guys in the morning." They both tipped their hats and went their separate ways.

Matt walked through the door and sat his scatchel on the floor. He placed his hat and belt on the hanger next to the door, "Kitty?"

"In here." Kitty shouted from the kitchen as she washed the dinner dishes.

Matt walked in and they exchanged smiles. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, "Sounded like a war zone in here." He kissed her check, "It's late. Shouldn't they be in bed?"

Kitty chuckled and smiled. Hands still on the dish soap, "You try to reason with them. They wanted to wait until you got home. They are too excited about tomorrow."

Matt turned, "Ahhhh." He sat at the table and took his boots off, "What time are Doc and Festus coming to get them for their fishing trip?"

"Doc said they'd be here by 6:30am." Kitty grinned, "I dont know if our kids know what the world looks like before 8am"

Matt laughed, "That's not my fault." Kitty flicked her fingers at him so the soap and water would splash him, "Hey!" Matt turned away quickly. Kitty laughed.

"Dad! Dad! Guess what!?" A little black haired boy ran in the kitchen. Trying to put his pajama shirt on right.

"What? What?" Matt responded just as enthusiastically. Matt pulled him in closer as he found the other sleeve for his arm to go in.

"I ate a bug!" Six year old Peyton exclaimed as he jumped in Matt's lap. His crystal blue eyes lit up.

"Mom been baking again?" Matt whispered as he hugged him.

"I heard that!" Kitty chimed in. Matt smiled.

"Look daddy! Look! Look! I lost a tooth!" Peyton's twin sister, Saylor, came barreling in the kitchen.

"Where?" Matt asked, helping her climb in his lap.

"Right there!" She pointed at her bottom gum line. "See! See!"

"Oh wow!" Matt exaggerated a gasp.

Both kids jumped down and grabbed Matt's hands and started tugging, "Come see our new stuff."

Kitty grabbed her dish cloth and dried her hands, "Alright, it's time for you guys to go to bed."

"But Mooommmm..." Both kids whined.

Kitty shook her head as she walked in front of Matt, "No. I said you could say up until dad got home."

The kids whined to Matt, "Daddy, do we have to go to bed?" They offered their best puppy dog eyes.

"You can stay up..." Matt wrapped his arms around Kitty, "All were going to be doing is telling each other how much we love one another... and hug... and kiss." Matt grabs Kitty and kisses her innocently.

"Eewww gross!" The kids hide their eyes and turn their face, "We're going to bed."

"Hey! Where's my hugs?" Matt walked around Kitty and squatted in front of the kids. They both hugged Matt. "You two get some rest. Papa Doc and Uncle Festus will be here early."

They kids nodded and smiled. Matt stood back up and smiled as they walked down the hall. Kitty laughed. Matt turned around and chuckled. He started to walk pass Kitty.

"Hey! Where's my hugs?" Kitty smiled and reached out her arms in a childlike manner.

"I already gave ya two kisses. What else you want from me woman?" He continued to walk forward.

Kitty slapped his arm with the dish rag with a pouted huff.

Matt chuckled and grabbed her with his left arm as he wrapped it around her waist and pulled her in close, "Like this?" And he wrapped his other arm around her to lock her in.

"You still haven't done anything, Cowboy." Kitty placed her arms around his neck.

Matt smiled and reached down and kissed her affectionately but sweet, "Better?" He pulled back to look in her eyes.

Kitty tilted her head side to side and licked her lips, "Well..."

Matt rolled his eyes and smiled, "Oh you." And quickly pecked her lips.

Kitty laughed. "Hungry?" She asked as she walked toward the sink to finish cleaning up her and the kids dirty dishes.

Matt sat back down, "Nah." He ran his fingers through his hair, "I think I'd rather just go to bed."

Kitty walked up behind him, "Long day, huh?" She asked as she massaged his shoulders. He nodded. She walked around the chair and offered her hand, "Come on. We need to get some sleep so we'll have the energy to get those two off in the morning." Matt smiled as he followed her to their bedroom.

TBC