Chapter One (Prologue): Mama Cat

Matt Dillon approached Dodge City at the end of a difficult two weeks in Hays. What was meant to be a one-day trial testimony was extended when most of the Baker gang broke out of prison. Thankfully, they didn't get far, but they scattered and capturing them all took longer than it should have. Now, with all the miscreants back in jail or in the ground, Matt wanted nothing more than to down a couple of beers at the Long Branch while gazing at the lovely face of Miss Kitty Russell. Well, maybe a little more than that…

Matt let Buck walk down the dusty street as he looked in the direction of the Long Branch tiredly, but with anticipation. It was Saturday afternoon, and it seemed like everyone in the county was there picking up supplies, attending to business like having their horses shod, or just socializing with seldom-seen friends. As he approached the jail he was almost instantly surrounded by half a dozen boys between the ages of seven and twelve clamoring for the privilege of returning his horse to the stable for him. Matt turned to a red-haired boy with freckles who had proven to be reliable at this chore in the past. "Hey, Petey, can you make sure he gets taken care of for me?" he said, handing Petey Buck's reins along with a couple of coins.

"Sure thing! Thanks, Marshal!" The boy headed for the livery stable, amid good-natured grumbles from the other boys. "No fair! It was my turn!" "You lucky dog!" "You just wait until next time!" Matt chuckled at the eagerness and disappointment of the boys as he crossed the street with long strides to the Long Branch.

He stood in the doorway of the saloon, disappointed that Kitty was nowhere to be seen. In fact, the place was oddly nearly empty, considering how busy the town was. Sam was behind the bar and Festus sat at the nearest table with a full mug of beer. "Well, Matthew! It's about time you got back! I thought I was gonna hafta drink this here beer all by my lonesome with no one but Sam fer company! No offense, Sam," he added as soon as he realized what he'd just said. Sam just shook his head. He was already drawing a beer for Matt.

"Welcome back, Marshal," Sam said as he handed the beer over the counter to Matt.

"Much obliged, Sam," Matt replied as he accepted the mug. "Where's Kitty? Did she get my telegram that I was getting back today?"

Festus answered as Matt sat across the table from him. "She shore did Matthew! She's up in her room right now getting herself all prettied up!" Festus scratched his head, wondering whether he'd just said that Kitty hadn't already been pretty. As if on cue, a door opened upstairs and Kitty descended, wearing a dress in a beautiful shade of purple with black lace trim, that he'd never seen before. The men instantly rose to their feet as Kitty happily rushed toward them, her eyes on only one of the men.

"Matt!" She took both his hands in hers. "Welcome home!" Their eyes met and both pairs of hands trembled. Kitty was even more beautiful than she had been the last time he'd seen her, if such a thing were possible.

"Kitty," Matt said somewhat hoarsely, gently disentangling one of his hands as he finally remembered to remove his hat. "Is that a new dress? It sure is pretty."

"Thank you, Matt, I had it made especially for you," she said, and gave him one of her especially-for-him smiles that made a trip out of town worthwhile just to come home to see. "Sit down and tell us about your trip."

As they all sat down, it occurred to Matt that lately Kitty had on a new dress every single time he returned from being out of town. Not that he was complaining-it was her money, and if a new dress made her happy it made him happy. Though if there was ever a fabric shortage, like there was during the war, then there might be a problem.

"Beer, Miss Kitty?" Sam called after they were all seated.

"No thanks, Sam. Maybe later."

"Oh, just the usual things." Matt really wasn't interested in talking about his trip. "Clark Braley got convicted of murder and then the Baker boys broke out and we had to go round them up. How have things been around here?" he asked, as he reached for his beer.

"Well, Matt," Kitty said slowly, lowering her eyes. "I'm a mother."

A/N This is my first fanfic, so please be kind! I essentially know exactly where I'm going with this story, although suggestions are certainly welcome as to how to get there; I'm not opposed to minor detours along the way. I apologize in advance if I inadvertently plagiarize anyone's writing style as I've read a lot of fics in the last few days and my mind is swirling with words and expressions, although I solemnly swear that the idea is strictly my own.