Disclaimer – I do not own or profit from these characters or the idea of Gunsmoke. I just like to make stuff up.

AN – This takes place about 11 years into the K&M relationship. Please forgive any medical inaccuracies in this story. I did research into the medical knowledge of the time and spoke to a physician friend. Never the less, I took some liberties. On with the show!

When Matt's eyes popped open a little before 6:00 AM, the day was already another scorcher. Even at that early hour the air was oven-like and stifling.

He turned over in bed and looked at Kitty as she remained asleep beside him. He relished watching her while she slept. It gave him a chance to examine every aspect of her face and take in her beauty without making her feel self-conscious.

He reluctantly tore his eyes away and looked at the clock, already knowing it was time to leave. With a sigh he looked at Kitty again and with his thumb gently wiped away the beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead. She slowly opened her eyes. "Leaving already?"

He brushed his lips across hers before answering, "I have to stop by the office to pick up some things before I go get my horse."

As he got out of bed and started dressing, Kitty pulled herself to a sitting position. Usually when Matt left so early they parted in her bedroom, but today was different. Today she needed to have more time with him, even if it was just a few minutes. "Matt, when you're finished in your office, come back and meet me. I want to walk you to the stable."

"It's awfully early honey, you should go back to seep."

"Please, I want to."

He smiled and bent over to kiss her forehead tenderly, "I'll be back in a half hour."

She watched him leave and got up to dress. Like every woman in Dodge these days she put on the fewest layers and lightest cottons that modesty allowed. She looked into the mirror and wished she could see a little ways into the future. On the other hand maybe she didn't want to know. She picked up the fan that was lying on her vanity and waved it in front of her face. Mr. Jonas had shown good business sense by stocking these fans in his general store. In reality however, waving hot air around didn't help much. She snapped the fan shut, set it down and went downstairs to her empty saloon. Matt walked in seconds later and crossed the room in a few strides. She put her arms around him and leaned into his chest. He spoke quietly, "Kitty, you know I have to do this. I have to go." She nodded and looked up. He kissed her long and hard, then they walked through the bat wing doors into the torrid air.

The streets were empty except for the milkman finishing his deliveries, and they walked down Front Street without breaking the silence that surrounded them. The fact was they'd said their real goodbyes late last night. Goodbyes filled with love, passion and an irrational longing that time stand still for just a little while.

When they reached the stable Moss Grimmick came out leading Matt's big, buckskin horse. He handed over the reins, "Here you are marshal, he's all set. I know you're going after the Wilson gang. That vicious murderous bunch, I hope you catch every last black-hearted one of them.

Matt took the reins, "I'm sure going to try Moss."

"If anyone can do it marshal, it's you."

Moss went back inside and Matt mounted his horse. He looked down at Kitty, "See you later." She nodded with her lips pressed together. He held her eyes for a moment as if there was something more that should be said. Finally she whispered, "See you." He gave a quick nod and rode off. She stood motionless and watched him disappear into the distance before turning to walk back to the Long Branch.

"Kitty, Kitty hold on there."

She stopped and saw Doc hurrying towards her, hat askew and jacket flapping.

"Good morning Doc. Awfully hot to be rushing about, isn't it?"

Doc ignored her cheerful greeting, "Where in tarnation is Matt going? He can't leave now."

Kitty put a hand on Doc's arm. "He has to go after the Wilson gang. There's been a breakthrough."

"I don't care who he says he has to go after or why, someone else can go. He should be here with you.

Kitty looked away and blinked back unexpected tears, "Doc, do you think I'll – I'll be all right?"

Doc chose his words carefully, "Yes I do, but as I explained surgery has risks and this is major surgery." He shook his head, "Matt should be here. Missing a social event or birthday party is one thing, this is something else entirely. I never thought…"

Feeling tears rise up again, Kitty interrupted, "Doc, I think I'll go home and pack some things. I know I'll be spending a few days in your back room."

Kindness and caring filled Doc's voice, "More than a few days Kitty, but yes get what you need and remember not to eat anything. Come up when you're ready. I'll operate this afternoon like we planned. Festus will go and fetch Bess to help with the surgery and stay a few days.

"No Doc, Bess has enough to do with her farm and children. Please don't ask her to drop everything for me."

"Kitty, Bess is always glad to help when she is needed. I was counting on Matt, but with him gone I need Bess. Her sister-in-law Liz is visiting and will give John a hand."

Kitty nodded slowly, "All right Doc, I'll go get my things."

Doc watched Kitty walk away, filled with concern for her and disappointment in Matt. Everyone wanted those terrible Wilsons to be caught, but surely Matt could have waited a few days to go after them. Doc sighed and pushed all thoughts of Matt Dillon out of his mind. He had to focus on Kitty and only Kitty.

Alone in her bedroom Kitty couldn't keep her hands from shaking as she folded a white cotton nightgown. She was scared. Scared in a way she'd never experienced before. She hadn't believed that something could be seriously wrong with her, so she'd ignored how painful her monthly periods had become. Month after month the pain got worse. Doc was like family, but he was a man and there were things she was shy about discussing with him. She knew that Bess had teas and herbs that helped with "female problems," and went to her. It hadn't worked. The monthly pains got worse, urinating became excruciating and she noticed a slight swelling in her stomach. She faced the fact that she had to see Doc, and went to his office.

Doc had asked a lot of questions, and Kitty remembered watching the color drain from his face as he listened to her answers and examined her. When he was finished his voice was quiet and somber. Words poured from his mouth. Words like – tumor – growing - surgery – infertility – blood loss – infection. She tried to pay attention but the words got all jumbled in her head. How could it be happening? She had always been strong and healthy. Even as a child she was rarely ill.

Finally he took her firmly by the shoulders. "Kitty, I know this is confusing but listen carefully. There is a growth on your ovaries. It has to be removed and soon. We'll do it tomorrow afternoon. Explain it all to Matt. He'll make sure to stay in town. I know he'll want to be with you, and I also know you'll feel a lot better with him at your side."

She'd nodded numbly and whispered. "Doc it sounds like you think I might not live through this or that if I do I might not be able to have children."

Doc swallowed hard. He didn't want to contemplate the idea of losing Kitty or taking the possibility of motherhood from her. "Kitty, it's the job of a doctor to explain every possible risk. That doesn't mean those things will happen."

Coming back to the present Kitty slowly closed her bag. She longed to have Matt's reassuring arms around her. Wished his could be the last face she'd see before surgery and the first she'd see afterwards, that is if she lived through it.

She straightened her shoulders. There was no point in being negative. Thinking the worst wouldn't help anything. She lifted her small bag and went to Doc's.

TBC