My Family, My Choice!

PT.1
Usual Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play, will put them back when finished!

The earliness, the quiet, a light breeze blowing around the upstairs room. It was just after dawn. A small stream of light began to peer thru the Irish lace curtains of Kitty Russell's private sleeping quarters. As the breeze crossed over the large brass bed, the sleeping redhead stirred ever so gently.

Reaching out, sliding her hands over the pillow beside her, only to realize, who she expected to find wasn't there. With a very sleepy sigh, she opened her eyes, then remembered Matt wasn't due back till later in the week.

As much as she wanted to roll back over and curl back under the covers she knew she had a busy day. With a deep huff, she tossed the covers aside, climbed out of bed, making her way to the water room. And beginning her morning routine and dressing for the day.

Sam had just opened the Long Branch doors and was starting to put on a pot of fresh coffee. And he could hear the familiar sound of spurs out front on the boardwalk and the voices of his friends, Festus and Doc. Knowing all too well the usual routine. "Mornin' Doc, where you been?"

"What?"

"I asked you where you been? You look like you've been out all night some place. Has you been?"

"Well, if you just have to know, yes! I've been out at the Foster place, delivering a baby." Doc said.

"A baby what?" Festus asked.

"A baby, baby. What kind of baby did you think I was talking about?"

"You could'a bin talkin' about a baby cow, or a baby pig or a…"

"Alright, alright! That'll be enough. I should know better than to think you'd understand what I meant. I'm too tired." Doc walked away, heading for the Long Branch.

Walking thru the bat wing doors with Festus following, "Morning, Sam!"

"Morning', Doc. Festus."

"Mornin', Sam."

"Oh by thunder. Is he still following me?"

Sam just laughed.

Doc, swiping his mustache, "Is Kitty down yet?"

"Not..."

"I'm right here." She said as she walked across the upstairs landing and descended the staircase. Ok, Curly. What has got you so riled up this early?"

"This!" As he motioned to Festus.

"Oh, Curly." She said shaking her head. "Why don't you both just sit here and relax and have some coffee? You look awfully tired."

"I am, Kitty. I was out at the Foster's all night. Betsy had her baby. It was a rough delivery."

"Oh, Curly, is she alright?"

"It's gonna be touch and go. But I told Dave that she needs a lot of bed rest for the next few weeks. She lost a lot of blood."

"Do you think she'll get it, with all those kids to care for?" Looking concerned.

She reminded Doc that Dave wasn't exactly the most understanding husband. "Kitty she has no choice and I told him that. And I was hoping that maybe you could ride out and look in on her. Maybe another woman checking up on her…"

"Oh, I get it. And one you know that Dave can't scare off, huh?" Then she began to chuckle.

"I'd appreciate it." Asked Doc.

"Sure, Doc. I will. Besides, I have a few things that Betsy can use for the kids."

"Why am I not surprised?" Doc said with a smile. "Now, Kitty, Honey, if you don't mind, I'm gonna go to bed."

"No problem, Curly. Go on. Get some sleep."

After Doc left, Festus and Kitty were sitting having coffee. He had asked her about Matt coming back. She said she knew he was supposed to come in at the end of the week, but not sure exactly.

Festus had been in Hayes when Matt left. Louie came in quietly and walked over to Kitty. "Mornin', Miss Kitty."

"Good morning, Louie. What's that you have?"

"Oh, I brought you your mail."

"Why thank you, Louie. That was sweet. I think that deserves a little something. Sam, give Louie a drink."

"Yes, Ma'am."

One of the pieces of mail was a large envelope. Kitty looked at it but laid it aside, continuing her conversation with Festus. But the return address kept drawing her eyes to the envelope. The curiosity was really getting to her. After a few minutes, she finally said, "Festus, I really have a lot of paper work to do in my office."

"Oh, Miz Kitty. You go on. Don't pay me no never-mind."

"I'll see you later." And she headed towards her office. "Sam, I'll be in here if you need me."

"Sure, Miss Kitty."

Kitty entered her office, closed the door and sat at her desk, staring at the large envelope, in very deep thought.

TBC