4. You'll Be Feeding Her Often

Matt and Kitty had shared an early breakfast over at Delmonico's before Matt had to return to the office to file some paperwork, while Kitty went back to her rooms at the Long Branch to get some extra rest. She was less tired than she had been early in the pregnancy, but any chance to sit with her feet up for a few minutes was welcome.

She made her way down to the saloon an hour later, just as Sam was coming in to begin work for the day.

"Morning, Sam," she greeted him with a smile.

"Good morning, Miss Kitty," he returned. "How are you this morning?"

Her answer surprised even her. "Hungry," she chuckled. She left out the part that she had just eaten breakfast a little over an hour ago.

"Would you like me to pick up something from Delmonico's for you?"

She was about to decline, but a slight kick from inside made her change her mind. "That would be wonderful, Sam," she answered while lightly rubbing the swell of her stomach. "Maybe some eggs? And bacon?" She paused long enough for Sam to start for the door. "And maybe some toast?" Sam smiled and nodded and made his way out the door, passing Matt on the way.

"Kitty, I have to ride out to the MacMillian place, but I should be back in about an hour or so," he told her.

"Ok, maybe we can have lunch when you get back?"

Matt chuckled. "We just finished a pretty big breakfast, and you're already thinking about lunch?"

She blushed slightly. "I can't help it! I'm eating for two you know."

He smiled and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "That I do, honey." Another quick kiss. "I'll see you in about an hour." And with that he walked back out the swinging doors. Sam returned a few minutes later with her tray, and Kitty wasted no time diving right in. Joe had told Sam that Miss Kitty and the Marshal had already had breakfast there earlier that morning, but Sam made no mention of that to her. He was, however, slightly dumbfounded at how quickly she devoured the tray he had brought over for her.

The marshal returned a little more than an hour later, Doc right behind him. Despite having eaten two fairly good sized meals that morning, she once again found herself hungry. Sam was surprised to hear her accept Doc's invitation to lunch, but again, kept his mouth shut.

Unfortunately for Kitty, Joe was not so tight lipped. "Hungry again, Miss Kitty?" Joe chuckled. Matt and Doc looked at her quizzically.

"What was that about?" Matt asked with a smile once Joe left the table. "We had breakfast hours ago. Why shouldn't you be hungry again? I certainly am!"

Kitty looked to Doc, and back to Matt, trying to decide what to say. Finally she decided to be forthright- she had nothing to be ashamed about.

"Maybe because I had breakfast again after you went to the MacMillians?" She chanced a glance up at him, and he looked surprised. Before he could say anything, Doc interrupted him.

"Perfectly normal, honey," Doc said with a swipe to his moustache. "If you feel hungry, you need to eat. That's just the baby telling you he or she is hungry too." He paused and looked pointedly at Matt. "And no one should make you feel guilty about that."

Matt reached for Kitty's hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I can't imagine why anyone would."

If eating more than the standard three meals a day was what was good for Kitty and their baby, he would make sure that happened. He didn't quite understand how a woman could eat so much, but he was certain he would learn over the next few months.