Family of the Heart

Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play. Will put them back when I'm done!

PT.1

Rising early and enjoying the quiet of the ranch, Kitty, with two hot cups of coffee in hand, walked out the front door, stopped and took in a deep breath. It was late August but not as hot and humid as it normally would be. Feeling relaxed, she began walking around.

Stopping in a breezy spot under a tree, "Ahh, good morning, Curly. I thought we could have a quiet cup together." She said as she held the hot liquid. "Matt's out wrangling some horses with Festus. Mary rode into town." Smiling, "She's anxious about the new school year about to start. Grace... um, she's been really busy. Isn't it amazing how much Dodge has grown?"

Resting her head back, leaning against the tree. "I can't believe it's been almost fifty years." Suddenly her thought process was interrupted.

"Grandma! Grandma!"

Looking up, she saw that Tessie, Eva, Adam and Jamie were running toward her.

"Grandma, can we? Can we?"

"Wait. Wait, what are you all so excited about?" Smiling up at all the tiny faces.

"Don't you remember? You said we could ride." Now shaking his head, Jamie looked at Kitty. "You said you and me, we'd show the little ones how to ride.

"Ummmm, yes. Yes, I think I remember something like that." Now standing and brushing herself off. "OK, well, let's do it."

Quickly, they all ran ahead, rushing for the stables, all wanting to choose which horse they wanted to ride.

Saddling up several horses and walking them out of the stables, "OK now, Jamie. I know Grandpa and your pa have taught you and I'm counting on you to pay close attention with the little ones. You understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Jamie answered.

Slowly Kitty helped Tessie and Eva up on the horses, then Adam. He sat tall and squared his shoulders. He was proud to finally be riding like his grandpa and pa.

Starting slowly, she rode alongside them with the younger one between herself and Jamie holding the reins.

"Now, just move slow. Take your time. Relax. We'll walk around the ranch here a bit. You need to start slow and learn how to control them. We can ride a little at a time."

Adam kept running his hand down the horses mane.

"Adam, Sweetheart, I know you like the horse but please hold on to the mount and stay alert."

As the five rode around parts of the ranch, Matt and Festus rode in on the entrance road, surprised to see Kitty with all four grandchildren.

Looking up smiling, "Well, hello there, Cowboy."

"Grandpa! Uncle Festus, look at us. Grandma is learnin' us to ride." Adam said in all his excitement.

As Kitty turned, she could see Adam sliding off the side of the horse, letting out a yell, then trying his hardest not to cry. Knowing Jamie would call him a baby, he sat on the ground with his head down and chin quivering.

Quickly, Kitty dismounted and rushed to him. "ADAM?" Scooping him up, "Adam Sweetheart. You alright? Grandma told you that you need to be careful and hold on tight."

"I'm ok, Grandma. I'm sorry."

As they all headed back to the stables, then in the house. "How about lunch, Boys?" Turning slightly and winking, "And ladies."

Matt moved up close to Kitty. "You ok?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. He just startled me a bit."

"NO, Kit, I mean are you, Ok?"

Turning and cupping his face, "Yeah, now let's eat."

After everyone was sitting around the table eating lunch. "Festus, I need to talk to Kitty. Alone."

"Aw, shucks, Matthew, go right ahead. Me and the kids, we be jest fine."

Matt motioned to Kitty, leading her into the parlor. "Kit, we need to talk. Festus and I went into town and..."

Now with a raised brow, "And?" She continued studying his face, waiting for whatever he was hesitating to say.

"Kit, I wanted you to see this before Grace. She was out visiting patients and Chet is in Hayes taking a prisoner for trial for Newly."

Furrowing her brow, now concerned. "Matt, you're scaring me."

Reaching in his pocket, and pulling out a small piece of paper.

Kitty held her breath. "Matt?"

"Kit, this isn't good." Now handing it to her.

As she read the wire, Matt could see the fear and worry in her eyes. "Oh, Cowboy!"

"Now, Kit..."

"Oh, NO. Don't!" She began shaking her head.

"Honey, we'll do everything we can." You're damn right I..."

Now taking her by both shoulders. "Kit, let's not get ahead of ourselves." Quickly enveloping her in his arms. "This will work out."

TBC