"There ya be Mister Miller," Festus said hammering down the last nail.

"Thank you Festus," Hank Miller said rubbing his hands together. "You best get going, it's getting colder out here."

"Yer right about that," Festus said pulling his coat tighter. "Looks like we might get a white Christmas."

"Wouldn't be the first one in Dodge," Hank Miller said with a nod.

Festus undid Ruth's reins from the post and climbed up on the aging mule. "Let's go ol boy," he said spurring the mule forward.

Abelia finished up the list of food that was going to be served at Christmas dinner before looking up at Doc.

"What did the Marshal want to see Festus about any way?"

"Oh," Doc said swiping his hand across his mustache. "I wouldn't worry about that. It's nothing really."

Abelia smiled as she looked down at the sleeping twins.

Festus stopped Ruth at the livery and stabled the mule before heading down the boardwalk toward the Long Branch and the jail.

Stepping though the double doors of the Saloon, Abelia looked up and smiled as the hillman approached the table where she, Kitty and Doc were seated.

"Doc, Miss Kitty," he said before looking at his wife. "Bee," he said bending down to give her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Did you finish at the Miller place?" Abelia asked.

"Sure did," Festus said taking a seat at the table. "What ya all jawin about?"

"Christmas dinner," Abelia said looking at Kitty. "We've decided to have it here so that everyone can come."

"Wal that's great," Festus said with a broad smile. "So long as you make plenty of yer bread pudding."

"Is that all your worried about," Doc said pointing at the deputy's stomach.

"No it's not all I'm worried about," Festus said sarcastically. "It's just a part of it."

"A big part of it from the looks of it," Doc said scowling. "Haven't you noticed, you've gained weight."

"Doc," Kitty said winking at Festus. "Don't be to hard on him, you always gain weight when your happy and in love."

"Thanks Miss Kitty," Festus said returning Doc's scowl. "This ol scudder wouldn't know anything bout being happy."

"Besides," Abelia said taking the hillman's hand. "I like Festus just the way he is."

Festus blushed as his son started to squirm and fuss.

"Here now, you woke up Matthew," he said reaching down, he lifted up the boy and put him on his shoulder.

"No," Doc said scoffing. "You woke up Galen!"

"It don't matter who woke him up," Abelia said cutting though the argument. "He's awake and needs to eat."

"Alright," Festus said passing her their son. "I got ta go check in with Matthew."

"Oh that reminds me," Abelia said taking the baby. "The Marshal was looking for you earlier."

"Wal, wish you woulda tole me," Festus said standing up to go.

"Wait just a minute and I'll come with you," Doc said nodding at Abelia and Kitty before following Festus out the door.

Matt clinched his jaw as Festus entered the jail followed by Doc.

"Matthew," Festus said grabbing a cup and pouring himself a cup of coffee. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," Matt said rising. "You'd better take a seat there."

"Alright," Festus said taking a seat. "What's this about Matthew?"

"I got a letter today Doyle today," Matt said crossing his arms.

"From Rock Creek?" Festus said looking up.

"Yes," Matt said pulling out a chair, he sat down. "It seems Mrs. Eaton busted out of jail. The problem is, no one knows where she's headed or how many helped her."

"And you think she might come here," Festus said shaking his head. "I never tole Abelia bout that Matthew."

"I figured you didn't," Matt replied gently. "I haven't said anything either, it's up to you to tell her. All I want you to do is stay in town, don't go no where alone. Newly or I will make rounds with you and if you see any strangers come though I want to know about it."

"Will do Matthew," Festus said standing up. "Looks like I got ta be speakin ta ma wife."

Matt nodded as he stood up. "One more thing," the Marshal said. "Make sure you got a loaded gun at home and Newly or I will be keeping an eye on the house."

"Thanks Matthew," Festus said heading for the door. "Doc, I get up with you later."

Doc nodded and tugged on his ear as Festus headed out the door. "I still don't like this Matt."

"I don't either Doc," Matt nodded in agreement.