Chapter 2 – A Proposal Interrupted

I thought I'd say somethin' so's you won't fergit me. O course I heard all about the big shindig welcomin' Miss Kitty home and what followed. After the celebratin' quieted down, Dodge City settled into a peaceable mood. Things bein' quiet, Mr. Dillon let his new deputy, Lionel Walker, who'd only been helpin' out fer a short spell, head back to Denver to see his people and get the rest of his things. Despite bein' one deputy shy, the town was quiet enough so Mr. Dillon could start in on some serious sparkin'. So, like I done before in the first chapter, I'll let them tell what happened and for the same reason, I wasn't around yet and even if I was, they wouldn't have been partial to me honin' in.

The first Saturday afternoon after I came home, I left my office to find Matt sitting drinking his beer at our table, patiently waiting for me. Despite the fact he'd been more attentive since I returned, it looked like things were settling back into our old routine. I don't doubt he meant what he said in Ballard, but I also knew how many years he resisted the idea of our getting married. He would never go back on his word, but I reckoned he'd probably put his actual proposal off until we had our first argument about it, so his first words to me came as a surprise.

"Kitty, can you arrange to spend most of tonight away from here? I've planned an evening in honor of it being almost spring for just the two of us."

"Saturday night's my busiest as you well know, Cowboy, but I think Floyd and Lilly can handle whatever comes up until we get back. Just what do you have in mind?"

"You'll just have to wait. I told Festus to handle whatever comes up himself, so nothing will distract us."

"Is that a fact?" I asked.

"That's a fact," he replied. I'll be here to pick you up promptly at 7:00.

I didn't know just what Matt had in mind so I kept changing my mind about which dress to wear. When I glanced out my window and saw him get out of a buggy he'd parked in front of the Long Branch promptly at 7, I thought I needed to wear something very special. He was wearing his courting coat and a string tie. If he was planning on asking the question I'd longed to hear for so long, then he wouldn't mind waiting a bit. I finally settled on a pale blue dress with just a hint of red to accent my red hair. I wanted to knock him for a loop. I knew I was successful when a beaming Matt couldn't take his eyes off me as I came down the stairs. Floyd, and every other man in the saloon, also followed my progress with their eyes.

"Kitty, you look the prettiest that I've ever seen you and that's not an easy thing to do. Is that a new dress?"

"Well Cowboy, for once you got it right. This is the first time I've worn it."

"I'm glad I didn't fail to notice it before like I have with other dresses in the past, otherwise you might not be so willing take a little ride out on the prairie before we have a late dinner at Delmonico's on this clear, unseasonably warm evening."

As the full moon rose, Matt handed me into the buggy and them climbed in beside me, taking the reins. He drove slowly until, just as it got fully dark, we reached the small pond west of town. He helped me down, secured the horse and led me to a quiet spot where we could lean our backs against a tree and watch the water. He spread a blanket for us to sit on beneath the tree and helped me get settled. Then he went down to the water and returned with a bottle and a picnic basket. He set the basket down beside me and then popped the cork before sitting down next to me. Matt then reached into the basket and removed two glasses from among the cheese and crackers. As soon as he poured the champagne into our glasses, we snuggled up together and began to talk.

"I really missed you while you were gone and I'm hoping tonight will make up for all the times I disappointed you because my duties as marshal interfered with your hopes and plans. I figure this first part should begin to show you that from now on I mean to think of your needs as well as my responsibilities."

"Matt, let's not even think about all those times I got mad at you. They're best forgotten now that we're out here alone on a beautiful moonlit night after not seeing you for more than half a year. Are you going to tell me when you had time to buy the champagne and the rest?"

"I don't see why not. I had Lathrop set aside the cheese and crackers yesterday so I'd be sure he wouldn't run out and paid Floyd for the champagne while you were in your office. After you agreed to meet me tonight I brought it all out here so everything would be just the right temperature. I want everything to be just right. It's easy to remember all the near tragedies that made us draw especially close together, since they brought out how much we mean to each other."

"If we're going down that road, do you remember when you had that bullet in your back and we were headed to Denver so Doc wouldn't be the one who crippled you if anything went wrong? I thought you were asleep when I recalled my impressions of our relationship, starting with the first time I laid eyes on you and ending with where we were after 17 years. I thought you didn't notice me that first day, but when I finished talking, you let me know you heard every word, by replying that you did notice. I told you then that first look at you was the reason I stayed in Dodge, but what was your first impression of me?"

"I saw this beautiful redhead, who seemed to be a woman who met life head on. She appeared to be someone who took control of whatever was dealt to her despite her young age. I was hoping you'd decide to stay so I could get to know you better and happily for me you did. By the way, did I ever tell you that my ma was a redhead?"

"Actually Matt, you've told me very little about your childhood and almost nothing about your people, but then I haven't told you much about mine either. About all we know of our early lives is that we're both only children who were orphaned – you at almost 14 and me at barely 10, although my father was around - barely. You met him and the woman who raised me back in New Orleans when they came through town, just as I learned about your early life as people from your past came into Dodge. I guess that's part of what drew us to each other."

"I reckon we need to fill each other in on what our lives were like with the people who touched us but didn't come through town. It's just that we're both private people. Still, somehow, you've made me feel comfortable opening up to you. Maybe that's why I finally decided I can't live my life without you in it. I've shared a lot with Doc, you know, ever since that first time he saved my life back when I was just a green kid off the farm on his first trip to wicked Dodge City, but not like I can with you."

"I know what you mean. Doc's been more of a father to me than my own father ever was, but there are still some things I can share with you that I could never talk to him about. I suppose it's just part of really loving each other."

We nibbled at the food Matt brought, drank champagne and continued talking about our pasts and what we'd come to mean to each other until we fell silent as the cuddling turned into a deep kiss. That first kiss, nothing like Matt's normal peck on the cheek under the mistletoe in the Long Branch at Christmas, turned into more, deeper kisses. When we finally took a break with one final embrace, the moon was no longer overhead.

"Cowboy, I reckon I spoiled your plans for Delmonico's tonight. They'll be closed by the time we get back to town, but I can cook something at my place."

"I look forward to heading back to your place, but I think we still might get a meal at Delmonico's first. I'll hitch up the horse while you fold up the blanket."

Matt drove at a faster pace than on our drive out, but it still took at least an hour to get back to Dodge and return the horse and buggy to Hank's stables. Except for the saloons, it appeared that all of Dodge was shut tight for the night.

When we finally got to the restaurant, Matt knocked on the door and asked, "Is everything ready?"

Yes Marshal, the corner table's set and the cook's stayed so he can fix whatever you and Miss Kitty want to eat. This afternoon you thought steaks with all the trimmings would be about right."

We lingered over our meal, savoring the onion soup, steak platter and apple pie, despite the late hour. By the time we came to the Long Branch, Floyd was locking the place up. However, despite beginning to feel tired, I wasn't willing to end the evening just yet if Matt was agreeable.

"Matt, this has been the best night in all the years we've been together, let's not end it just yet. You're quite the romantic, Cowboy. Would you like to come up for some after dinner brandy?"

"I was hoping you wanted to continue our rare uninterrupted evening alone. Let's see where the brandy leads us."

We walked inside and upstairs with our arms around each other's waists, stopping only long enough to lock the front door before opening the door to Kitty's rooms. I closed the door and took off my gun belt and hung it on a peg by the door along with my hat while Kitty busied herself with the brandy and glasses. I sat at the table with my back to the door, something I usually don't do, watching her pour.

When she finished, Kitty said, "Tonight deserves a toast before we drink some of my Napoleon brandy. We've had our ups and downs over the years, but this evening has been one of the ups. Here's to many more of them."

With that, we clinked our glasses together and sipped the finest brandy in the world. As I turned my chair slightly to directly face her and make it easier to get down on one knee in front of her I said, "Remember what we talked about in Ballard?"

"Of course, Matt, a woman, especially one who's been involved with the same man for as long as I have, doesn't forget a conversation like that. You're not backing out now, are you Cowboy?"

"Not on your life, I promised you a formal proposal once you returned home and I'm a man who has a reputation of keeping his word," I answered as I knelt in front of her and fumbled for the ring box in my pocket. I'd bought it so she'd have something to show everyone because it might still be a time before our actual wedding day. Doc told me engagement rings are becoming the rage back east. Now was the time to make Kitty the happiest woman in the world I hoped. "Miss Kathleen Russell, will you…"

Just then, three men led by the just out of prison Papa Steifer, burst into the room with guns drawn. Steifer remained behind me while the other two came past me and pointed their guns at Kitty before I could make a move toward my own piece hanging on the peg behind me. There was no way I would take a chance on Kitty being hurt, so I awaited an opportunity to make my move against them.

Now Kitty's not the kind of woman to take an invasion of her private quarters lightly, so she demanded, "How did you get in here? I know I locked the door after Matt and I came in."

Steifer replied, "We came upstairs just before last call and hid out in one of your establishment's fine rooms. It appears my timing is perfect for spoiling your special night together. My arrival may have removed your smiles, but mine will certainly broaden as the night progresses."

Steifer's mocking statement was the last thing I heard until they tossed a pitcher of water in my face to bring me to. I awoke to find myself sitting on the floor, tied to Kitty's bedstead. Papa held his gun on me while he ordered the other two men to beat Kitty till she passed out. Struggling to get out of the tight knots that bound my wrists behind me, I could only watch helplessly as they took turns hitting her while the other held her. They continued to kick her even after she crumpled to the floor when they let her go. Then, to my further horror, they each shot her once. One bullet lodged in her side and the other in her chest. All I could do was eye my out of reach gun and continue to try to get free so I could kill them.

In frustration I kept yelling, "Stop. Why couldn't you take your revenge out on me alone?"

In answer, Steifer turned his 44 on me. I was beyond caring if I lived or died.

Thinking Kitty was dead or dying from the two bullet wounds, I told him, "You might as well finish what you started, Steifer. Just get it over with."

Steifer smiled at my plea and replied, "Since I took my time with your woman, I'm in no rush to accommodate your death wish so soon. Instead, I'll tell you why I'm doing things nice and slow. I couldn't let you get away with what you did to me in Ballard five years ago or to my men a month ago. I decided to hurt you in the worst way possible by making you watch Miss Russell get beaten and shot before killing you slowly. Those years in prison seemed to take forever, but at least I had the hope of rebuilding my little empire in Ballard. By contrast, your last hours will be an eternity with nothing to look forward to. I'd send my boys away, but I want them to share my joy at your suffering. Let's see, where shall I begin? Why don't I shoot you in your right arm first. After all, you won't be needing it by the time I'm done with you and you'll have even less chance to attempt to avenge your woman."

I knew I had little hope of rescue. I'd sent my new deputy, Lionel Walker, hired to replace a soon to be married and nearly qualified doctor, Newly O'Brien, back home to Denver to get the rest of his things. Lionel would be returning in less than a week to find himself the acting marshal. I should have known better, but then I wasn't thinking too clearly. Festus and Newly, who had been chatting in my office, had started running toward the Long Branch as soon as they heard the first shot that hit Kitty. They burst in through the side door Kitty and I forgot to lock. With Festus in the lead, they stormed through the open door to Kitty's rooms just as Steifer was about to put the first bullet in me.

Festus aimed his pistol at Steifer's back and Newly trained the rifle he'd grabbed from my office on the other two, who were still standing over Kitty, as Festus said, "Hold it right there. Now, drop that there pistol and kick it over to me."

At first Steifer didn't move, but answered, "You can kill me, but your marshal will be dead just like his lady friend. Do you want to take that chance?"

"I'll take her, that is unless you don't want me to, Matthew?"

I nodded at Festus to go ahead and shoot. With that Steifer, instead of shooting me, turned to fire at Festus, who fired before I'd finished nodding. With Steifer dead, the other two threw down their guns and surrendered. I could finally do something, if it was only to bark orders at my current and former deputies. "Festus, take those two and lock them up before I ignore the law and kill them myself. Then have Doc and Percy Crump come up here. The less time I have to spend looking at Steifer the better. Newly, you might as well cut me loose and check on Kitty in case there's something you can do for her."

As soon as I was free, I snatched up the ring box from where I'd dropped it under the table and quickly put it back in my pocket before Newly could see. I don't know why, seeing as it was probably useless now.

"Is she still alive?" I asked, though I dreaded the answer.

Newly nodded and whispered, "Barely," as he went back to bending over her inert form.

All I could think about was getting Kitty up off the floor. I shoved Newly aside and picked her up, gently placing her on the bed, our bed.

Meanwhile, Doc had also heard the gunfire and had started down the stairs from his office toward the Long Branch across the alley, carrying his medical bag. He'd reached the bottom of the stairs when Festus came by with his two prisoners, spotted him and told him to go up to Kitty's rooms. Doc paled as he entered the room, but immediately got down to business.

"Newly, there's no time to get your medical bag. If we're to have any chance of saving Kitty's life, we have to get started right now."

Doc then turned to me and snarled, "Matt, go boil us some water and then stay out of the way so Newly and I can do our job. We'll let you know what we need from you. In the meantime do as you're told and keep quiet. I'll talk to you privately after we're done."

I sat dejectedly at the table where I'd almost proposed and waited for the two doctors to finish their examination and tell me just how bad off Kitty was. It seemed an eternity until I got my answer, but it was only about five minutes.

"It could have been worse," Doc said to Newly as he glanced over at me. "She has several broken ribs, one of which came close to puncturing a lung, but no other sign of possible organ damage or internal bleeding. If she only had the bullet in her side, I wouldn't be worrying about her chances at all, but the one in her chest is only about an inch or so from her heart. Newly, with your younger eyes and hands, you should remove that one. Even so, it will be some time before we know if she'll make it."

It seemed like half the night had gone by, but in reality, it was only a couple of hours when Newly left. They'd agreed that Doc would take the first watch so he could talk to me alone. With Kitty taken care of for the moment, Doc checked the bump on my head while he talked. I didn't care if I was hurt or not. All that mattered was Kitty so I was only dimly aware that Doc had said anything to me.

Doc came around to face me and shook his head. "Matt, would you answer my question?"

"What question was that Doc? If you're asking if my head hurts, it hardly matters whether it does or doesn't, don't you know."

"Yes, I asked you that, but I know you're too hard-headed to suffer any lasting damage. The important question is did you have a chance to propose before those men attacked?"

"Not quite. They came in just as I was about to say the most important four words, but I can't see that it matters now even though I'm pretty sure she would have said yes. The important thing is will she make it?"

"You know where things stand with that. You heard Newly and me talking. Matt, you know we'll do all we can to make sure she lives through this. The best thing you can do for her now is to sit by her side and hope she does so she can give you her answer."

"How can she say yes now, Doc? I failed her - again. I should have stopped them from doing what they did even if it cost me my life."

"Oh, so you think that would make her happy? Matt, in all the years I've known you, that's the most foolish thing you've said. You know that woman lying over there in that bed loves you more than life itself even if she sometimes pretends caring about you is the last thing on her mind. When she was taken hostage, beaten and we can only guess what else by the Dog Soldiers, and then brought back here and shot down in the street in front of this building by their leader, Jude Bonner, she lived. You know why? I'll tell you why. It's because you sat with her and pulled her through. Of course, your seeking revenge for what they did nearly killed her, but we won't go into that."

I replied, "Doc, I want you to go into that. Just what do you mean?"

Doc answered, "She said that's not what she wanted you to do and that she couldn't live without you. You're lucky half the town followed you and arrested his men in time to stop you from throwing your life away by bashing Bonner's head in with a rock. You and Frank Reardon are two of a kind. I told everyone you'd be just as crazy if something like what happened to Maria happened to Kitty. You're going crazy again. Only this time Steifer barely gave you a chance to try and throw your life away before they knocked you out. Besides, all that would have happened if you'd rushed the three men and tried to reach your gun is that both of you would at best be seriously wounded. I know I told you to sit with her, but now I want you to go home and get some rest. In the state you're in, you can't do anybody any good until tomorrow."

Seeing as how Doc kicked me out of Kitty's rooms, I headed back to my office where Festus was alone with the prisoners.

"How is she Matthew? You could barely bait a hook with what little Newly let out afore he left for home mumblin' 'bout havin' to relieve Doc early tomorrer mornin'."

"I'm afraid I can't tell you much more, Festus. That second bullet was very close to her heart and Doc won't say one way or the other. Go on home. I'll stay here with the prisoners and try to follow Doc's orders and get some sleep."

"Marshal is that you?" one of the prisoner's yelled. "We need to talk to you."

I headed back to the cells, trying to control my temper enough to remember that as a lawman I couldn't do to them what they'd done to Kitty. "Just what do you two want? Your yelling's not doing my headache any good, the headache your boss gave me. You two wouldn't like matching ones, would you?"

"Marshal, we just wanted to tell you how sorry we are and to ask if your woman will live. Neither of us wants to hang."

"If Kitty dies you'll hang on my testimony in Judge Brooker's courtroom. If she lives I'm wishing you the longest possible sentence. You know I'm the last person who'll listen to your plea for leniency."

"We're not expectin' you'll give us any kind of a break in court. That's too much to ask after what we done. It's just that we really didn't want to do it, but Papa, he forced us."

"Forced you? You were two guns to his one. Why didn't you turn them on him? Why did you even come with him to Dodge and let tonight happen at all?"

"Yeah, he forced us" they answered. "Remember that gal in Ballard that Papa had you arrested for attackin' and then freed you after your woman caved into his demands? We was forced in the same way your woman was. That girl's my sister."

The other continued, "And the gal I plan to marry. I could ask her thanks to what Papa was willin' to pay and save her life at the same time just by comin' here with him. We'll admit we weren't entirely against him. Until we busted into that room and saw what you was doin', we wanted to help Papa get back at you and be powerful back in Ballard. Sheriff Dawson tried to get us on his side against Papa, but we were bettin' on him and his Mrs. bein' on the losin' side once you were out of the way. Then, there you was proposin' and we suddenly realized how wrong what we was about to do was, but it was too late. Papa's remainin' boys had that little gal of ours to make sure we didn't change our minds. We had to make it look good with Papa watching. We beat her just enough to knock her cold so's your woman wouldn't feel the bullets. We tried to put the slugs in her where it would look like we were killin' her, but so's a good Doc like you have in Dodge could save her."

"That second bullet, don't you know, was aimed a little too good. If you'd been off just an inch or two you'd have put it through Kitty's heart. It's because of that second bullet that I don't know if she'll live."

"Again, we know our bein' sorry can't change things," said the other, "but my sister's life's at stake, so we're askin' you a very big favor for her sake. We need you to send a telegram from Papa to those who have her that says everythin' went as planned. If they don't hear anythin' by 10 this mornin' my sister's dead. We know it's a lot to be askin' of you, especially considerin' what we done, but we know you don't want to see an innocent girl get kilt, especially one you've already met. Besides, if you do this for us we're willin' to admit we're guilty in front of a judge so there'd be no need of a trial."

"You're right, I don't want to see her get hurt. I also don't particularly want to repeat everything that happened in front of a jury made up of my friends and neighbors. I'll send the telegram, but I'm not doing it for the two of you, but for that girl back in Ballard and especially for Kitty. If she lives, I don't want her to have to talk in front of the whole town about what happened or hear me tell the bits she doesn't know about. I'll send it as soon as Festus comes back in the morning."

I must have actually slept some because the next thing I knew Festus was back in the office and the morning light was pouring in through the window. I sat up as he walked through the door.

"Matthew, I've just come from havin' breakfast. I'm ready to take over watchin' them two yayhoos. I hope they let you get some sleep last night."

"I didn't get much sleep last night, but it wasn't because of those two. Fact is, I'm surprised I got any at all. I'll send word to you after I find out the latest about Kitty, but first I have to send a telegram and get them a lawyer."

Then I walked out the door and headed down Front Street toward Paul Skidmore's office. He looked up as I walked through the door.

"Marshal, I can't represent them. The town would have my head for defending the men who attacked Miss Kitty. In fact, I'm surprised you're the one who's asking me."

"I'm not asking you for any other reason than I don't want any questions being asked about them pleading guilty. That's what they want to do, you know."

"If you put it like that Matt, I'll take the case. The town will understand if it was at your request and they're admitting to what they've done."

"Thanks, Paul. Now I have to try to prevent another woman from being harmed."

When I got to the telegraph office, Kevin looked up. I think he was surprised to see me. I asked him to send the telegram for the prisoners, but to first send one to Sheriff Dawson that read, "Arrest Sloan or whoever is working for him and picks up a telegram from Papa saying job complete, set her free."

As soon as I gave him my instructions and told him what little I knew about how Kitty was doing, I headed for the Long Branch without stopping for breakfast and met up with Floyd along the way.

"Marshal, it's hard to believe so much has happened since I saw you last night. Do you have any further news?"

"Not yet Floyd, but last night it didn't look too good. Doc wouldn't guarantee that she's going to even wake up."

"In that case, I don't think I'll open the Long Branch unless you think it would be better for the town if I did. In fact, I'll give you my keys so you can decide when to reopen. Besides, it will stop you from having to look through Miss Kitty's office for her set."

"Thanks Floyd, but I already have a set. I think we'll keep the place closed until we know more. I don't particularly relish the idea of our friends sitting gloomily around waiting for a piece of good news while you go through the motions of serving them and any strangers who happen to wander in."

When I got to Kitty's rooms, Doc was pacing back and forth and mumbling to himself, waiting for Newly, who was late, to arrive so he could go to his office and get some breakfast and a couple hours' sleep. Still, when he noticed my return, Doc began talking as if his lecture the previous night hadn't been interrupted.

"Matt, did you think about what I told you last night? She needs to know that you're all right. Even if she is unconscious, I think she'll sense that you're with her. Fact is, your promise to marry her right away and not wait for your retirement could mean the difference between her surviving or not. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get over to her side and hold her hand and talk to her just like you did after the Dog Soldiers robbed her of her will to live. Also, think about Newly and Paula's wedding. Kitty is Paula's maid of honor."

Despite still feeling I let Kitty down, I desperately needed to be with her, so I followed Doc's orders and went to her bedside. "I'll stay with her Doc at least until Newly gets here. Why don't you go now, unless you think she can't be without a doctor for even a few minutes."

"Matt, do you want me to bring you back something to eat from Delmonico's? I'll bring my breakfast up here just in case Newly's even later than he already is."

"No, you go ahead and get some food and then rest. You can't do Kitty much good if you're exhausted, you know. I'll eat something a bit later after Newly gets here."

Doc smiled at me for giving him some orders of my own as I reached for Kitty's hand, and said, "Matt, be sure to come get me if there's any change at all, whether or not Newly's back. I wouldn't want to have to break in another nurse for the next time you get yourself shot."

Doc was heading for the door, but I'm sure he heard me say, "Kitty, if you'll still have me after last night, let's set the date for a few weeks after Newly and Paula marry. We can announce it at the party after they take their vows, whenever that is. They won't allow you to be part of their wedding unless Newly's sure you're ready to handle it."

I hadn't moved when Newly walked in a bit over a half-hour later. I continued to sit there while he came to her bedside.

"Matt, I'd better check on how she's doing. Did you notice any change since Doc left?"

"No, but then I'm not a doctor. You'll have to tell me, you know."

Newly took out his watch and stared at it as he held Kitty's other wrist. "One good thing, her pulse is weak, but I think it's a little steadier than when I left last night," he said. "It's too soon to say what it means, but we have to look on it as a sign that she has a chance. Once we have a better idea, Paula and I will set a new wedding date. In the meantime, would you go get us both some breakfast. I rode out to Bear's' place as soon as I got up this morning before I had a chance to eat anything and I doubt you thought about breakfast."

"You're right about that, Newly. Fact is, I'm still not particularly hungry, but I'll get something for you."

"Matt, you know what Doc would say if he heard you say that, you can't do Kitty much good if you starve yourself to death, so eat something even if you don't feel like it. That's doctor's orders."

I returned directly with the food and ate a bit off my plate just to keep Newly from glaring at me. As he ate, he told me about how Paula and Bear took the news and what they'd decided about their own wedding.