Disclaimer - I do not own or profit from these characters. Someone else does.
This takes place in season 15
Dodge City
It had been a rainless July, and on yet another hot, dry afternoon Kitty felt perspiration drip down her back, as she went to pick up her mail. She was trying to focus on anything but the heat, and wished people would stop talking about it. The postmaster handed her a bundle tied with a string, "Hello Miss Kitty. Quite a hot spell ain't it?" Kitty nodded and accepted the bundle with a weak smile. She stepped out of the building and felt a drop of rain. She stood still and felt another, and then another before hurrying back to the Long Branch with a smile on her face. She pushed through the bat wing doors just as thunder roared and sheets of rain dropped from the sky. Looking over at her bartender, Sam, she laughed, "It sure is good to be getting some rain, but I sure am glad I didn't get caught in it." She looked around and noted they only had 2 customers, "Sam, business is slow. I think I'll go upstairs to look at this mail, come knock if you need me." Sam nodded, "All right Miss Kitty, but with this downpour it's not likely to get busy any time soon."
Upstairs, sitting on the side of her bed, Kitty untied her bundle and quickly sorted through a pile of magazines and catalogues. Then she picked up an envelope and examined it. It was from a Dorothy Westport, in Chicago, and the handwriting was quite ornate. The name was unfamiliar, so Kitty was mystified as she quickly tore it open. She unfolded the fine stationary that was inside and read:
Dear Kitty,
I hope this letter finds you happy and well. We lost track of each other a long time ago, but I'm sure you remember your "big sister" Dorothy. My mother and I were your neighbors when we were children, and you spent a lot of time with us when your mother was going through hard times. We played together, laughed together and shared lots of fresh baked cookies. Mother and I moved to Chicago when you were about 10, and I was 12. Several years later, when you left New Orleans, we fell out of touch.
I recently found out that you are a business owner in Dodge City, Kansas. I'm so proud. I am married and so my name is Dorothy Westport, not Dorothy Andrews as you knew me.
Along with the wish to reestablish contact, there is another reason for this letter. My mother is about to have her 75th birthday. She speaks of you with such fondness that we'd love to have you come and help us celebrate. We are planning quite the party. Also, I just found out that I am an expectant mother. I've been married for 10 years and thought it would never happen. It would be wonderful to have you here when we announce our news.
I know it is short notice, but we just located you. If you are able, please come on or around August 7 and if you can, stay for the rest of the month. Jimmy and I have plenty of room in our house, and we have so much to catch up on. Our contact information is enclosed
Mother and I hope so much that you'll come, but if you can't please stay in touch.
With Love and Fond Memories,
Dorothy
Kitty lowered the letter on to her lap with a smile on her face. She would always have a special place in her heart for Dorothy and her mother. She'd wire them to accept the inviation as soon as the rain let up.
Two weeks later
Sitting with Kitty in the Long Branch, Doc lifted his glass in a toast, "Here's to your trip to Chicago. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time."
Kitty smiled as their glasses clinked. "Doc, I was surprised and delighted when I got that invitation. I don't know how they found me, but I'm glad they did. I can't wait to see them. Dorothy was a special friend and her mother such a comfort to me.
Kitty took another sip of beer, "Imagine Doc, her 75th birthday. She has seen a lot."
Doc nodded, "I hope that I reach that age."
Kitty laughed, "You will Doc. Someone as stubborn as you is going live a lot longer than that."
Doc grunted,"I hope you're right, but I'll tell you something I'm not half as stubborn as that Cowboy of yours. Speaking of which, when is Matt expected back? He'll be here to see you off won't he?"
Kitty nodded, "He's supposed to be back tonight and my train leaves in the morning at 7:00."
Doc rubbed his mustache to hide a smile, "I see, so you're figuring there's time for an enjoyable farewell."
Kitty blushed, "Doc, I don't know what you mean."
Doc chuckled a little and finished his beer. He stood and gave Kitty a quick kiss on the cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow morning at the station."
It was closing time and Sam had started putting chairs up on the tables. The few remaining customers took the hint, downed their drinks and left. When everything was cleaned and put away Sam looked over at Kitty. She standing at the batwing doors, watching for Matt.
"Miss Kitty, it seems we're about finished, I'll lock up."
Kitty turned and nodded with a sigh, "Thanks Sam, I'll see you tomorrow."
She slowly climbed the stairs, and after looking out the window for a time, went to bed. Hours later she was still awake, thinking about Matt. He had been gone a lot for the past couple of months, and she wanted so much to see him before she left. It was already almost 3:00 AM and there was no sign of him.
She tossed and turned with worry before falling into a fitful sleep.
Just a few hours later Kitty rose and dressed quickly. She glanced out her window with an ever diminishing hope that Matt would appear. With no sign of him, she went downstairs knowing that Sam would be there waiting for an early morning delivery. She forced a smile, "Sam, would you mind helping me with my luggage. I have to get to the train."
Sam looked at her, and despite her smile, knew she was disappointed that the marshal wasn't there, "Of course Miss Kitty. I'll get your bags."
They walked to the train in silence, and found Doc waiting to see her off. He gave her a hug and whispered, "Kitty, have a wonderful time."
Kitty frowned, "Doc, let me know if – well if Matt…. Doc maybe I shouldn't leave with him not being back."
Doc took her by the shoulders, "He's fine. We both know he can take care of himself. He'll send word to you in Chicago the very second he gets back." Under his breath Doc added to himself – If he knows what's good for him.
Kitty nodded a little uncertainly, then boarded and took a seat. She waved through the window as Sam and Doc watched the train pull away.
Kitty sat on the train thinking about Matt, fervently hoping he wasn't injured or worse. She thought back 6 months to the night she had seen him lying in the street with a bullet in him. It wasn't the first time she had seen him wounded, but that time something snapped. She left, ran away, thinking that she could no longer live with the possibility of seeing it happen again. At the time it felt like self-preservation, or that's what she had made herself think. Then he showed up in the town of Ballard, where she had gone into business with a friend. Before she knew it he was risking his life to rid Ballard of a corrupt tyrant who controlled everything. Seeing him with fresh eyes she was reminded that she loved him for who he was, and protecting others was part of him. With time to think she realized that if something happened to Matt, hearing about it would be more terrible than being there. She belonged with him and at the moment she was questioning the wisdom of leaving Dodge before knowing he was all right – if he was all right.
TBC