The Next Morning
Kitty awoke the morning after Matt's return, and took a few seconds to savor the happy feeling she had inside. She turned over in bed and saw that Matt was already up.
"You're up early Cowboy. You don't have to make morning rounds you know."
He sat down on the side of the bed as he slowly and methodically buttoned his shirt with his right hand. "Kitty yesterday was really special, and last night was wonderful."
She sat up and smiled, "I suppose you're speaking of the dinner I made. It was an excellent meal if I must say so myself."
Matt nodded seriously, "Of course I was speaking about dinner."
Kitty gave him a knowing look, "Does that mean that the post dinner activities we enjoyed in bed are all but forgotten?"
Matt laughed and kissed her, "Hardly."
"I'm glad to hear that, but seriously Matt where are you going so early?"
"Kitty I have some things to take care of. Tell you what – get a couple of more hours sleep, and I'll come back and take you to breakfast."
Kitty nodded and watched him leave before sliding back under the covers, not to sleep but to think. She was almost giddy as she thought about Matt coming home and proposing. Marriage wouldn't change their love or commitment, but she so looked forward to having a home with him, getting a kiss hello even if there were others in the room, having a chance at a family. She thought about the wedding. It would be the biggest party Dodge had ever seen, but as she was thinking and planning, the disturbing image of Matt's wounded arm kept insistently pushing itself forward from back of her mind. She got out of bed and tried to reassure herself that things would be all right. Surely Matt would go see Doc to get his medical opinion of what was possible and practical, and act accordingly. She brushed her hair, and chose her clothes. The happy prospect of breakfast with Matt awaited her.
After being ready for an hour, Kitty impatiently looked at the clock. Matt had been gone for over three hours, and she couldn't imagine what was taking so long. She was about to go downstairs when there was a knock at the door. There he was, looking so happy it made her smile. He took her arm and they headed for Delmonico's restaurant. It was slow going because every few feet they were stopped by people welcoming Matt home. Kitty couldn't help but notice that each and every person still called him marshal.
Finally they were in the restaurant drinking coffee. Matt set his cup down and eagerly described his morning, "Kitty, I sent a telegram to the War Department asking to be reinstated. After that I spoke to the marshal who replaced me. Seems like a nice fellow, although he went on about my reputation so much it was embarrassing. Anyway, he thinks the War Department will be happy to reinstate me, and he can't wait to leave. Funny, he thinks Dodge is unfriendly – go figure. After that I spoke to Newly and Festus."
Matt paused as the waiter came over with their food, and then continued excitedly "Boy it was good to see them. We talked about some changes I want to make. Either Festus or Newly will come with me for rounds, and I'll take one of them along if I have to leave Dodge to track a criminal or pick up a prisoner. As least that's how it will be for a while. My arm's getting better by the day."
Kitty took it all in without saying a word. She watched Matt cut his steak, and could see that although he was using his right hand, it was slow going and took concentration."
"Matt, what did Doc say?"
"Doc? I haven't seen him. After I spoke to Festus and Newly I rode out of town to practice shooting left handed, although I figure I'll be switching back to the right sometime soon."
She noticed the unnatural way Matt was gripping his fork with his right hand, and was suddenly furious, "Matt, you should see Doc. Not only for your arm, but to talk. Doc's your family, our family."
When Matt didn't respond, Kitty glared at him, "Matt, are you afraid to get Doc's opinion about your arm? Are you afraid he might say you shouldn't put that badge on? Maybe, you're afraid he'll contact the War Department to say you shouldn't be wearing a badge."
Matt put his fork down, "I was going to wait a day or two before having Doc look at my arm."
"Why Matt?"
He stood and threw his napkin on the table, "Fine, I'll go see him now."
Kitty watched him storm out. They both knew she was right.
Matt walked up the stairs to Doc's filled with trepidation and guilt. Trepidation because Kitty was correct, he was afraid of what Doc might say about his arm. Guilt because Kitty was also correct that Doc was family, and he should have gone to him right away.
Doc heard the familiar footsteps and called out, "Come on in Matt."
Matt opened the door and stepped inside. Doc knew his dear friend well enough to see what he was feeling, and smiled kindly, "Welcome home Matt. I've sure missed you."
Appreciation for his old friend washed over Matt. "I've missed you too Doc. I'd like you take a look at this arm. You've probably already heard that I've asked for my job back."
Doc carefully examined the arm and hand, and asked Matt to do several tasks to engage the muscles. He rubbed his mustache, "That arm and hand have already recovered more than I thought possible, but as to how much more improvement there can be, I don't know. I've read everything I could about that kind of muscle connection. In fact I was reading the newest medical journal when you came in, but there isn't a lot of literature."
"Doc, do you have an opinion about me getting my job back?"
Doc poured them each a cup of coffee, "Matt, for a time now I've kind of hoped that you'd set that badge aside. You're the best marshal this country has ever seen, but I've felt for a while that you've given enough, maybe too much. By golly, I'd like to see you have a life that's not filled with danger and fatigue, a life that doesn't force you to confront the ugly side of mankind day after day. I'd like to see you, and now that I'm being frank, Kitty, enjoy each other and life without the constant stress of your job. Matt you can have a good life with a wonderful woman who loves you more than anything."
"Doc, I was really asking about the arm."
Doc let out a big sigh, "How's the left handed draw?"
"Not fast, but my aim is steady and true. I couldn't outdraw a gunslinger, but in a shoot out I'd hold my own."
"Have you tried a right handed draw?"
"No, I'll start working on that soon."
Silence weighed heavily in the room. Matt persisted, "Doc, you haven't answered my question."
"Matt there's more to marshalling than a fast draw, a lot more. We both know you have what it takes, and years of experience to call upon. That said, if a gunslinger came into town tomorrow and called you out, you'd be dead. If that gunslinger shows up in three weeks, two months, four months – who knows. What seems clear is you still feel a strong calling."
"Yes I do Doc, but as I told Kitty I know I can't do it for more than another year or so. Then I'll know I've done my part, and can set it aside."
"I hope you live that long."
Matt nodded, "I'll do my best"
Matt stood and Doc put a hand on Matt's back, "Come by tomorrow. I want to keep an eye on that arm, and give you some exercises that may help. May or may not, but it won't do any harm."
"I'll be here Doc. Thanks."
As Matt opened the door he looked back at Doc, "By the way, Kitty and I are getting married. We'll set a date soon. She'll want you to give her away."
After relishing the stunned look on Doc's face, Matt went out the door.
TBC
