It has always bothered me that the character of Kitty left Dodge and no one explained why. Here's my offering and I hope you all enjoy it!

As always, I don't own these characters but what fun I could have had if I did!

Kitty Russell sat all alone at a table in the Long Branch looking over the books. The bar doors remained opened even though she had closed early and sent Floyd home. The occasional cowboy would come through the doors but she would send them on their way and they reluctantly moved on to another saloon. She stubbornly kept those doors opened hoping that the next pair of boots she heard would be her cowboy's. Matt had been gone for weeks now with a useless right arm and although he had promised to keep in touch she hadn't heard a word from him. She resisted the urge to ask Festus or Newly to track Matt although she knew it wouldn't take much convincing. Both men had been contemplating doing just that since Matt had left. They also had come to dislike the new Marshal and they would have loved being away shadowing Matt. Instead they spent their days doing their best to keep her mind occupied; if only she could have found a remedy for the very long and lonely nights.

She was finding it hard to concentrate so she closed the books, took a deep breath, and sat back in the chair. She looked around the room and her mind took her back to that day. The vivid memory of a shotgun blast and Matt lying in the alley clutching his blood soaked arm sent a shiver through her body. If only she had stayed and had coffee with Matt instead of leaving to go to the bank he might have assessed the situation better than he did. The fact that she was almost hit by the first discharge of a gun she believed made Matt run into the alley without thinking and that thought preyed on her mind. She surveyed the table eyeing all the work that she knew needed to be done but her heart just wasn't in it. As she absentmindedly glided her hand back and forth over the felt she spotted it; her journal. She had brought the books up to her room the night before in the hopes that working through some figures would keep her longing for Matt at bay but she just as quickly tossed them aside and went to bed. She must have picked the journal up with the rest of the books when she came down in the morning. She quickly opened the book and thumbed through the pages until she came to that day. Through tears she read the entry.

I could clearly see the helpless look in Matt's eyes. The silence was too much for all of us so Doc signaled for me to come with him into the other room and leave Matt with his thoughts. He thought it might be a good idea if I spent the night but he warned me that Matt might not want anyone around. I left Doc's office and went to my room to pack for the evening. I left the bag in the outer office when I returned and quietly entered the room. Matt was looking down at his arm as if it betrayed him somehow and as I got closer the look of vulnerability was clearly etched in his face. I sat on the bed and stroked his left arm. "Matt, we'll get through this."

"Kitty, I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Maybe we should start planning the next chapter of our lives."

"Kitty, I can't use my right arm. I'm defenseless. We can't be together I can't keep you safe."

"No one says we have to stay here. We could go far away where no one would know who you are."

"And do what? Have you keep me? Live off your money?

"Our money Matt unless you've decided you don't want to marry me."

"No, that's not what I'm saying." Matt took a deep breath as he stroked my arm, "I'm not in the best of moods today. Let me get some sleep maybe tomorrow I'll be in a better frame of mind."

"Matt, Doc thought I should stay here tonight and,"

"Kitty, you are going back to the Long Branch. If someone decided to get to me I can't chance you being hurt or worse."

"Festus and Newly are on guard tonight and we have your gun." Matt still looked unconvinced. "I'm going to go and get us something to eat I'll be right back."

"Kitty," before he could continue I grabbed him into a kiss then looked into his beautiful blue eyes, "Matt, I don't want to spend the night without you. I need to be here." I patted his arm, stood, and left the room.

We had dinner and Matt seemed to relax a little. I held his hand after dinner and tried to reassure him that everything was going to be all right. After awhile I went into the outer office and retrieved my bag and some brandy as we continued to talk and enjoy a late night drink. I went over to the corner of the room where I had left my bag and started to undress. I could feel Matt's eyes watching every move I made so I slowly removed each piece of clothing. I knew he had his reservations about my staying but I think he needed to hold me as much as I needed to hold him. I turned towards him before I put on my nightgown and I could see the look in his eyes. As I approached the bed he voiced his reservations again, "I still don't think this is a good idea." I lifted the blanket to squeeze in next to him and smiled. "I hate to tell you cowboy but not all of you thinks my staying here is a bad idea." His face became a little flushed as I kissed his lips. "Kitty I want so very much to hold you."

"That's all you want?"

"That's all I can do." I kissed him as we said our good nights. We laid there for awhile before his left hand ran down the length of my body. He started to lift my nightgown as his hand made its way up the inside of my thigh. I tried so hard not to react but at some point I turned towards him and he drew me into a passionate kiss.

Kitty smiled as she got up and poured herself a drink. She placed the journal on the bar as she stood sipping her brandy wishing that Matt was there to hold her. She needed to feel him again but for now she would have to settle for her written remembrances.

Before I knew it I had straddled Matt and once again we reveled in the feeling of oneness. Matt asked if I would remove my nightgown and through the soft glow of the oil lamp I will always remember the look on his face. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world." His left hand more than adequately brought me to fulfillment and I made it a point to tell him so. I lay next to him and held him close. "Maybe I should put my gown back on. I wouldn't want to tempt you any further."

"Don't you move," we both laughed and then fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning Matt's mood had improved. He loved having me near and I think he was a little relieved that not having the use of his right hand didn't hinder us from enjoying each other. When I opened my eyes Matt was looking down at me. I could tell he wished he could have me in a big bear hug but I enjoyed his left hand rubbing my back. We kissed each other good morning and those feelings were starting to rise again when we heard a knock on the door. It was Doc. Matt playfully yelled. "Go away." Not deterred, Doc entered the room anyway, "Well, I see my patient's mood has improved dramatically." He looked at me, "you must have very persuasive powers my dear. That's why I thought it might be a," Doc stopped in mid-sentence when he realized I wasn't dressed. His face turned a bright red as he quickly turned away, "well, I, uh, well, uh, I better get some breakfast." He ran from the room and I looked at Matt and we both laughed. As much as I didn't want to leave him I got dressed and headed for Delmonico's. I wanted to bring Matt some breakfast before I went back to the Long Branch to freshen up. I had made arrangements with Doc to have Matt stay with me, much to Matt's disagreement, but every night we would fall asleep in each other's arms. Of course, there was no leaving at five in the morning since he was no longer the Marshal so the mornings were long and relaxing. We finally had time to really enjoy having breakfast together, well, among other things, but it only made me want him to think about retiring and our wedding even more.

Kitty went back to the table and sat down with a new found resolve to finish the books. She really needed to get her work done but she found it so hard to concentrate as Matt was so prominent in her thoughts. Before long she reopened her journal and continued reading.

It had been about a week and Matt's right arm was showing some signs of improvement but not enough to satisfy him. He felt a week was enough time for the word to get out and it scared him to death that they would find him here and I would be seriously hurt. He started to have these reoccurring dreams of me taking the bullet that was intended for him and it took awhile before I could finally settle him down. It probably shouldn't have come as a surprise to me when I saw Buck saddled and Matt packing. I tried to reason with him but I could see the concern in his eyes for my well being. I knew why he had to leave but it didn't make his leaving any easier. He promised he would be in touch and I remember looking into his eyes hoping that this would not be the last time. All I could do was stand outside of his office and watch him leave.

She closed the book and tried again to finish the bills. As she thumbed through each one she heard footsteps entering the bar. She started to regret that she didn't close the doors the last time she was up. Ready to give her apologies to the poor, most likely, drunken cowboy she turned and froze unable to utter a word until she heard, "Hello Kitty." With mind racing she stood slowly, "Oh, Matt." She could see the desire in Matt's eyes as she slowly moved forward. "Sorry cowboy but the bar is closed."

Matt looked around, "Oh, I saw the doors opened and I thought you might be open for business."

"I only had them opened because my intended has been gone for a few weeks and I thought he might be back tonight."

"I see, well, I'm not a lawman but I would think that it is against an ordinance or something for the doors to be opened when you are really closed."

Kitty shook her head, "I've come to know the Marshal very well so he'll look the other way if I bend the rules a little."

Matt shook his head in disapproval. "You have an intended and you know the Marshal well enough that you can break the rules? I think this intended of yours better get home soon or he might not find you here when he gets back."

Kitty stepped behind Matt and locked the bar doors. "Why don't we step to the bar and I'll get you a drink, on the house of course."

"What if this so called intended of yours shows up?"

"You doubt I have one sir?"

Matt ran his hand down her arm and around her waist. "No, but I think he was a very foolish man to have left you alone for so long." They both stared at each other and Kitty put her arms around his neck, "Welcome home cowboy." Matt smiled and brought his mouth to hers as they quickly became reacquainted with the taste of one another. Matt looked into Kitty's eyes, "let's bring the drinks upstairs." They ascended the stairs and made their way to their room. She put another log on the fire as Matt watched her fluid movements. "Matt, why don't you go get comfortable while I take care of this."

"I was hoping you could help me get comfortable."

Kitty turned to see his little boy look and she smiled, "go sit down, I'll be with you in a minute."

"Kitty, I should be doing that."

"Matt, I've been doing this without your help for weeks now."

Matt looked down and shook his head in agreement as he pointed, "I'll just go sit down over there." Kitty smiled, "how's your arm?"

"I see improvement but I'll see what Doc says tomorrow."

Kitty made her way over to Matt as he stood to pull her into a kiss. "OK, cowboy let's get that arm out of the sling, that's right, easy, does that hurt?"

"A little."

"OK, now let's get this shirt off you,"

Matt followed her requests as she gingerly removed each article of clothing. He stood before her naked as he pulled her into another kiss. They stared into each other's eyes as Kitty ran her hand down Matt's face. "Matt, I'm so glad you're home."

"It feels so good to be home," he whispered as he started to undo the buttons on her dress. She stepped out of the dress as it hit the floor and Matt's fingers deftly undid her corset. He removed the rest of her clothes as his eyes took in the sight of her. He pulled back the covers and gently laid her down on the bed. Within minutes Matt's body devoured hers with a needed urgency stoking her smoldering embers of passion with every movement he made. They continued this frenetic pace as their bodies cried out for more until night gave way to day.

They woke to a very busy Dodge City. The town was in full swing and the sun was high in the sky when they said their first good mornings. Matt ran his fingers down her face, "I love you Kitty."

She smiled, "I love you too cowboy and I love having you home."

"Well, we'll see."

"What does that mean?"

"Kitty, I still can't use my hand."

"It's getting better besides I didn't think you had a problem with it last night."

"My adrenaline must have been running very high."

"Oh, is that what you're calling it now?"

Matt smiled, "Come here and let me show you how it works."

Kitty laughed as she put her head on his chest. "Matt, seriously, I hope you are not thinking about doing something stupid again."

"Kitty what else can I do? I need you to be safe, if anything happened to you,"

She covered his lips with her fingers, "Matt, I want you here with me. You put this ring on my finger for a purpose I thought. If Doc says that it will be awhile before you can use your hand again, let's get on with our life Matt. They have the new Marshal here and Festus and Newly. We'll go away for awhile until you get well and if you still want to live in Dodge we'll come back but let's do this together Matt, please!"

He stroked her hair, "Sometimes you're too smart for your own good." He gently kissed her. "OK, let me talk with Doc and we'll plan from there." She smiled. "So, um, do you still want to see how my adrenaline works?" Kitty let out with one of her throaty laughs as he leaned over to caress her body.

Kitty took the tray from Floyd with some coffee and a couple of plates of eggs and ham. As she came back into the room she noticed that Matt was having some difficulty shaving so she laid the tray down and made her way over to him. "Come here let me help you with that."

"Uh, no, that's OK."

"Matt stop being so stubborn you are clearly struggling," she made an attempt to grab the razor.

"Kitty, I'm still recovering from the cuts the last time you shaved me. Tom Lynott thought I was in a fight with a mountain lion."

"Oh, it wasn't as bad as all that!" They both looked at each other and laughed. Kitty grabbed the towel and started to remove the shaving cream from his face. "Come on, your breakfast is getting cold, shave later."

"Yes, ma'am," Matt made his way to the table. He pulled out the chair for Kitty then took his place next to her. "Does Doc know you're in town?"

"No, you were the only one I was interested in seeing."

Kitty smiled as she held his hand, "Matt, I was so worried. So many things went through my mind especially when I didn't hear from you. I was so afraid I was never going to see you again."

"Well, Kitty, I was lucky when I ran into Lem."

"Lem?"

Yeah, he was this here Army deserter who was excellent with a gun; boy that kid could draw. Trouble was he didn't take to killing so that was the reason he left the Army.

"Why did he join the Army if he didn't like to use a gun?"

"Never could figure that out Kitty except he said he liked the fact that he was serving his country and he was proud to wear the uniform."

"Didn't he realize that one day he might have to kill?"

Matt let out with a little laugh. "He was pretty naive that much is for sure. He even accused me of having a taste for killing. Well, we had many a night discussing that subject."

"Did you convince him?"

"Not at that moment, no."

"What changed his mind?"

"He ran into the guys that robbed the bank and they told him they were looking for me. When I met up with him he couldn't wait to tell me that he was able to persuade them to leave us alone without shedding any blood, well, that was until they came back and cornered us in a cave." Kitty grabbed Matt's arm. "Oh, Matt, how scary, you left handed and Lem refusing to use a gun?"

"Kitty, never underestimate an outlaw. Lem foolishly felt he could reason with them so he walks out of the cave and they took a shot at him; just missed killing him too. We managed to overcome them but I guess it was then that he realized he might need more than the spoken word." Matt shook his head, "I think it finally sunk in that by wearing the gun he was inviting violence so he decided he would go back to the Army and take whatever punishment was due him." Matt reached over and grabbed Kitty's hand and kissed it. "He made me realize Kitty that I had run from my commitment to you and how unfair that was so I got on Buck and here I am."

She touched his face, "Matt I know you want to keep me safe but I rather we face the danger together than to find out months later that a Lem buried you in the middle of nowhere. Do you have any idea what that would do to me?"

He kissed her lips, "I know Kitty but I don't want to be holding your lifeless body in my arms either if someone's aim is bad."

"Matt, go see Doc today then we'll make the decision together OK? Now finish your breakfast before it gets cold."

"Yes, ma'am," Matt smiled as he finished polishing off his eggs and ham.

Doc was rolling some pills when he heard his door opened. He turned around to see Matt and a huge smile ran across his face. "Well, for heaven's sake, look who's back!" Doc put his hand out and Matt grabbed Doc's hand with his right. "Grips not as strong as it usually is but it's a grip just the same. Good to see you Matt."

"Good to see you too Doc."

"Have you seen Kitty yet?"

"Went there last night."

Doc raised an eyebrow then smiled. "Sit down let me take a look at that arm." Matt felt some pain during the examination which Doc was happy to see. "Hurt there?"

"Some."

"Well, that's a good sign. Try and grab my hand again." Matt squeezed it as hard as he could. "Matt, I don't think I would have said this a couple of weeks ago but the arm is healing nicely."

"When do you think I'll be able to fully use it?"

"Can't really tell but I would like to check the arm out once a week, that's if you are going to stay."

"I'll be here Doc." Matt got off of the examining table and made his way to the door. "Say, Matt, for what it's worth you're doing the right thing."

"What do you mean?"

Doc ran his hand over his moustache "Well, I don't think I have to tell you that Kitty was mighty worried about you."

"I know that Doc and I promise you I'm going to make it up to her."

Doc nodded, "see you at the Long Branch later?"

"Sure thing Doc, I'm a kept man now you know," Matt flashed a very contented smile as he walked out the door and down the flight of stairs to the street.

Kitty was sitting at a table in the back reading the morning paper having a cup of coffee. Matt stood at the door of the Long Branch as he had done for years and watched Kitty enjoying her very late morning ritual. He knew how happy Kitty had been since his return and as much as he didn't want to admit it to himself he was starting to enjoy his new life. He came through the doors and sat down in the chair next to her. They were alone in the saloon so he put his arm around her chair and nibbled on her ear then he whispered, "I love you." She put her paper down and looked into his inviting blue eyes. "Matt, you're shameless!"

"You want to see shameless?" Matt started to kiss her neck.

Kitty laughed as she put her hand under his chin and brought his head up so their eyes met. "Never mind, what did Doc say?" He reached over to pour himself a cup of coffee. "Says the arm is coming along."

"That's all?"

"No, he wants me to stop by every week for a checkup." Kitty smiled.

"Something making you happy?"

"You know why I'm happy Matthew Dillon and don't pretend you don't."

He turned towards her with eyes smiling, "Kitty, you deserve to be happy. I really don't know what I am going to do to make a living but you're right we'll decide that together." Matt cleared his throat as he looked around the bar. "You know Miss Russell I'm thinking of taking a nap before dinner. Now I know you have a place to run here and all but," Matt ran his hand up Kitty's thigh, "I think it might do you some good if you would join me."

"Is your adrenaline acting up again?

"Funny thing about that; only happens when you're around!" They both laughed as they made their way to the stairs.

He wiped the strand of hair off her face as he gently kissed her lips. Kitty's breath was just returning to normal, "Oh, Matt just when I think it can't get any better," she ran her fingers through his hair. Matt smiled as he pulled her close. "Happy?"

"The happiest I've ever been."

"I'll let you in on a little secret."

"What's that?"

"So am I. Kitty, I love waking up each day with you in my arms and I love going to bed with you every night. I really can't come up with a reason why I have denied both of us a life together for so long but," Kitty put her hand over his lips, "That doesn't matter now Matt just knowing that soon it will be forever is enough." Before long they both fell into a deep slumber.

Kitty was still sleeping when Matt got dressed. He came down the stairs as Festus was entering the Long Branch. Matt watched him as he made his way over to the bar. He seemed to have something on his mind so Matt quietly stood next to him.

"Festus, can I buy you a beer?"

"Naw, Matthew, I ain't thirsty. Much obliged though."

"Well, people don't usually stand at a bar unless they are thinking about drinking."

"I just do my bestest thinkin' standin' close to this chere bar," Festus hit the bar with his hand, "kinda' clears my head so I can make the decisions I needs to make."

"Oh, I see and what decision would that be?"

"Matthew, I'm just gettin' a little sick and tired of this here citified livin'." Festus waved his thumb in the direction of Front Street. "There is days that I thinks I shoulda never come here in the firstest place."

"I thought you liked it here. Haven't you made a lot of good friends?"

"Aw, fiddle Matthew theys the best but there comes a time in a man's life when he has ta get off by his ownself and do the things that he can'ts do when he cooped up in this citified life, don't cha see?" Festus turned towards Matt as he pointed his finger in Matt's direction. "Now take you for instance, Matthew you'd be the firstest one to hightail it up to the high country ifn' you'd got the chance, well, least ifn' you didn't have Miss Kitty anyways."

"Festus, what's troubling you?"

Festus flailed his hands in the air. "It's not been the same sincen' you left Matthew. This new Marshal yayhoo is the most unfriendliness cuss I'd ever been arounds. He has these new fangled rules, won't never listen to me, thinks hill folks is ignorant." Festus turned towards the bar and leaned on the rail. "Naw, Matthew it be best ifn' I just go off and gets back to my roots."

"I think you're overreacting Festus."

Festus eyed Matt as he asked Floyd for a beer. Matt started to sip his drink, "you know Matthew, you'd be doin' this here town the biggest favor ifn' you'd put that badge back on and continued your Marshalin' duties."

"Look Festus I'm in no position to continue being Marshal. My hand hasn't totally healed. I couldn't uphold the law, no, this town needs a strong hand and I just don't have it."

"Aw, shoot Matthew, me and Newly could be wit' ya everywhere ya went. We could be your gun, don't cha see?

"Festus, I know what you're saying but it would be too dangerous for both you and Newly. You know yourself, neither one of you are as fast as I was and that is what it is going to take to keep this town a respectable one."

"Matthew, this town needs ya that's all I wants to say." Festus dropped his head as he turned towards the door. "See ya later Matthew."

Matt watched as Festus went through the batwing doors. He started to make his way back to a table when the new Marshal came into the saloon, "Matt, I want to talk with you."

"John, what can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to leave day after tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Just not my kind of town besides they need me someplace else."

"Sorry to hear that John. Did they say who was going to come in to replace you?"

"I think they were hoping you would."

"John, I'm in no position to be Marshal again. Besides I made other plans."

John looked up towards the second floor. "I was wondering why the redhead was so cold towards me. I guess if I was any kind of Marshal I would have figured that out. Well, whatever you decide Matt I wish you all the best."

Matt shook his hand, "Thanks John and all the best to you too." Matt sat down as he watched John leave the saloon. He continued to sip his beer as a myriad of thoughts ran through his head. As tempting as the Marshal position was he had a woman upstairs who would be very disappointed and he had made a promise to himself not to disappoint her again. Matt was a million miles away when Kitty sat down next to him. "Matt?" She shook his arm, "Matt?"

"Hmm?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing Kitty."

"I know when there is something wrong now what is it?"

"Just thinking a few things over."

"Like what?"

He looked into her eyes. The brightness that he saw just hours ago was gone replaced by concern. He knew that if he told her what he was really thinking they would quickly turn to disappointment and he couldn't bear to see that in her eyes. "Matt what is wrong?"

Matt turned his gaze downward as his hand played with the handle of the beer mug, "Kitty, I'm thinking about putting the badge back on."

TBC