PT.2
4th of July Surprise

The celebration was in full swing. Streets were crowded with vendors, games for kids and adults alike. It was extremely busy in the Long Branch. Kitty was glad she hired on extra help. She worked it out so that they could rotate shifts and all have time to enjoy the festivities.

Matt, Newly and Festus worked all parts of the town making sure things stayed peaceful while everyone
had a good time. Festus would entertain the children with little tricks making balloon animals and teaching them to fly kites.

Kitty was thinking hard about what she and Matt had discussed. She knew there was something that had him bothered. After all these years, even though he says, it's not really anything, she knows he's covering up something. But for now she won't push. So she closely watched for anyone who seemed to be not be there for the celebration. Matt would duck in off and on as if just to check on things.

"Kitty."

"Hello, Cowboy. Can I get you a beer?"

"Kitty, it's so wild out there, I'm not sure I have the time."

Laughing, she said, "Cowboy, did you look in here when you came in? Have a beer. I've been watching and so far nothing I can put my finger on."

Coming up behind him, "Hello again, Marshal"

Matt turned. "Oh, hello Miss…?"

"Thompson. Please call me Lily."

Matt just stared at her again. Kitty just watched the way Matt stared at Lily as she took a tray of beer from Sam and walked across the room to a table of men playing poker. As Lily walked away Matt was still watching her.

This did not escape Kitty's attention. "Cowboy? You two know each other?"

"What?"

"You two know each other?"

"Who?"

"You and Lily."

"What? No, don't think so."

"Oh, ok." Not too convinced. "Well, Cowboy, maybe later we can get some supper. And after I close this place down, I thought maybe I might be able to get you to spin me around a dance floor a bit."

"Yes on supper. As for the dancing, Kitty, that's a dangerous thing you'd be getting yourself into."

"Hey, Cowboy, you forget after all these years I think I know what I'm getting myself into and I'll risk it." She *Winked* and gave him a *Smirk*

"Ok." He said laughing. "Kit, I gotta go. See ya later."

Sam, Rudy and Jay along with a few of the girls had finished shutting down the Long Branch so they could all go to the barn dance. Sam was going to play the fiddle along with some of the others. Doc and Festus were going to do some of the calling for the dances.

Kitty was in her room getting changed. The girls were one by one coming down after changing.

Lily stopped by Kitty's room. "Miss Kitty, can I talk to you?"

"Sure, Lily. Come in."

"I just wanted to tell you, I appreciate you giving me this job. Right now, it's giving me a chance to make a fresh start. Dodge seems like a really nice town."

"Well, Lily, I've been in Dodge, well… Let's not count the years. And you're right it's a nice town. It wasn't always but now it's good. It's home. Matt, the Marshal, he's made Dodge a place everyone can call home and feel safe."

"I hope so, Miss Kitty. The sights seem real nice. Well, I'll leave you to finish." Lily said as she left.

Lily was coming down stairs as Matt came through the batwing doors. "Well, Marshal, you look very handsome."

Matt blushed. "Why, thank you Miss."

"Please. It's Lily."

"Thank you, Lily. You're looking pretty tonight."

"Why, thank you. I didn't think you'd notice."

Matt's face was still red. He coughed to distract the conversation. "I suppose you're going to the dance?" He asked being polite.

"Yes, I thought I'd go and meet some of the towns people."

"That's a fine idea." Matt added hoping Kitty would hurry down.

"Marshal? I… I... Do you mind if I call you Matt?"

"Well, I guess that would be ok."

Walking closer to him. "Matt, I find you very attractive."

"Now, Lily, wait. I… I…"

She now had both hands resting on his lapels. "What's wrong? Do I make you uncomfortable?" She asked moving closer.

She then leaned up to give him a kiss but he backed up and grabbed both her hands. "Now, Lily, wait a minute. You can't do this."

"But why not? Don't you want to kiss me? I've seen the way you look at me."

"Lily, this isn't going to happen. So I think it is best you go on to the dance."

"And if I don't?"

Coming across the landing, "If you don't hurry you may miss out on the chance to see who's available. So, go have fun."

There she was descending the stairs in a beautiful silver white satin gown. Matt just stood staring at the vision of the woman he loved, knowing he had to share her with everyone at the dance but also knowing that later she was his and his alone. And with that thought, and that thought alone, a huge smile formed on his face.

Then he spoke. "HELLO GEORGOUS!"

"HELLO YOURSELF HANDSOME!" Kitty replied back in a deep sultry tone.

TBC