Hey everyone! Newbie here :) so let me paint a quick draft for ya ... A while back I heard a song by Lady Antebellum "Golden" ... The song reminded me of a Matt and Kitty's love... So I've taken the beginning of that song and credit the idea from the first chorus... This story started out one way but has taken a turn down a road that must have been in a blind spot. I just let my fingers do the typing and my mind ramble... Practice makes perfect they say... Everyone here is such an inspiration! You all have great, wonderful stories. Such talent does not unnoticed. I will for ever be humble.

Chapter 1

It was a quiet night in Dodge. Dog barking in the distance. Street lights flickering. The early birds had retired, resting for the upcoming morning that would come too soon. The night owls started to emerge from the shadows, taking their places among the few that supplied entertainment after sundown.

The Long Branch was holding steady. It was a destination must for every cowboy, ranch hand, and drifter that traveled to Kansas. New faces and faithful regulars made their rounds from bar to bar, each stopping in to pay a visit to the red headed lady who owned it. She glided across the floor to welcome each with a friendly smile, but there was only one cowboy that Kitty cared to see walking through those batwing doors.

Matt walked down Main Street checking doors and windows making sure that peace would keep order tonight. It was quiet and he hoped it stayed that way. Checking the last few door and ally ways, Matt started making his way toward the Long Branch. He hadn't really seen Kitty much that day and was needing to talk to her.

Making a quick stop at the jail to check on Festus and a prisoner. Matt popped his head in the door. Festus was sitting at Matt's desk, legs propped up, head back, and sawing logs.

"Festus!" Matt scolded.

Startling Festus. The deputy sprung to attention. "Oh Matthew. I'm can't believe I fell plum asleep. I'm just awful tired and ain't had much sleep since me and ol Ruth wen-"

Cutting him off, Matt simply asked, "How's McLanden?"

"Oh he's fine I reckon. Haven't heard a peep out of him in quite some time."

"Is he still back there? Or did he some how get passed the tight ship we so obliviously keep." Matt said slightly sarcastically as he open the ward's door.

Tom McLanden was still there. All 6' and 300lbs of him. He was a husky built man. His black hair matched that of his eyes and heart. No morals, no filter, no respect. For himself or anyone else, especially the law. He was being convicted of killing his wife and her parents. Saying they were no use to him anymore. Not staying too long in one place, he constantly stayed on the move from town to town. Leaving behind a blood trail with no witnesses. While hopping from house to house, finally he invaded the wrong farmer's house. The farmer's wife shot him, wounding his leg but most of all his ego. The couple hogtied him and dropped him off at the jail, not knowing he was wanted. Tom was now in the hands of the law. More specifically, Matt Dillion's hands. At least until the trial was scheduled in Wichita. McLanden sat, waiting for next hand to be dealt.

"Dillion. It's so nice of you to bestow your presents on me once more. I was wondering if you were ever coming back. You know, it's not proper etiquette to leave your guest unattended." Tom smirked.

Matt looked at Tom with an emotionless face, "McLanden. I can think of many words to describe a weasel, but guest... Is not one of them."

"Oh come now Marshall. I thought we were making great strides in forming a long last friendship. Don't you agree?" Tom asked smugly.

"I agree. I agree with Judge Brooker's decision to hang you. And the only thing that forming, is my hatred toward you and your narcissism." Matt turned and opened door, "Just think, tomorrow at this time you'll be swinging from a rope in Wichita McLanden." And the door shut, leaving a miserable Tom by himself.

Matt walked back in the office, this time finding Festus on the cot. "Festus!"

"I'm up, I'm up."

"I don't pay you to watch the back of your eyelids..." Keeping his look steady and stern, Matt continued "Do I need to go get Newly to take a shift? I don't want to deprive you of beauty sleep."

Humbled once more, Festus was quick to respond, "Oh no Matthew! I'm fine really." Looking up, he said reassuringly, "That there cat nap did these old bones good. I'm feel like a young buck again."

Matt looked at him, shaking his head. "Alright Festus. I trust you. I'm going over the Long Branch to talk to Kitty. I'll be back soon."

"Sure thing Matthew. Im wide eyed. Sure could use something to wet my whistle. It hotter than-"

Not wanting to hear the whole simile, Matt quickly volunteered, "I'll get you a beer. Just make sure Tom stays put and doesn't cause any trouble."

Festus assured, "I'll be on him like white -"

Matt walked out before he finished.

Looking out the front window, "Well I beat all." Shaking his head, "He sure seems short on that there patience quality tonight." Festus said as he watched Matt make his way to The Long Branch, to Kitty.

TBC