Kitty and Corey sat up on a dais at the Lion's Club. Marie and Paul had been with them earlier, but once the main course was served and toasts were made, they left for another event leaving Kitty and Corey to stay until the end. Before dessert was served, every male member of the club stood to give a speech. Being certain that Corey and Kitty were interested, each man recounted his own personal history with the club, and gave a detailed account of how he met Marie and Paul. Kitty's mind wandered, but she was careful to keep her eyes on each speaker and a smile on her face.
When the final speech was over, dessert was finally brought out. Kitty tried to refrain from making a face when she saw the rubbery, overcooked pudding that was set in front of her. She found it inedible. Looking around she saw people digging into the awful stuff, and hoped that everyone would eat quickly, so they could get out of there. She looked over at Corey, and seeing his pudding almost untouched, knew he was thinking the same thing.
Finally it was over and Corey and Kitty were relieved to be outside in the fresh air. He turned to her, "Kitty, I have an idea. Instead of taking you right home, let's go to a lovely little place that I know of for a nightcap. It would be nice, no toasts, no speeches, no frozen smiles, just the two of us relaxing over brandy. How about it?"
Kitty looked into Corey's dark brown eyes. It did sound appealing. It would be so nice to relax after a long and stuffy social event, but she hesitated. She had spent a lot of time with Corey, but mostly on outings with Marie and Paul. They had been alone on carriage rides going from one event to another, but this seemed more like a date.
Corey broke into her thoughts, "Is something wrong?" adding with his usual charming smile, "I am just talking about a night cap you know, not a trip to China."
Kitty laughed and took his arm, "It sounds perfect."
As they walked they laughingly agreed that they had no idea what the Lion's Club was or what the members did.
Corey escorted Kitty into a lovely, romantically lit restaurant, with many nooks and crannies designed for privacy. The maitre de led them to a private settee with a small curved table. A violinist was playing softly, nearby. A waiter appeared and Corey ordered expensive brandy, and then whispered something into his ear.
Kitty lifted an eyebrow, "Is there some secret?"
Corey winked, "You'll find out."
A short time later the waiter brought over a bottle of very fine brandy, two glasses, a plate of shrimp and a small cup of Tabasco Sauce."
Corey smiled, "I noticed the night I met you that we share a liking for Tabasco Sauce,"
Amazed that Corey had noticed and remembered, Kitty let out a laugh, "We do indeed."
She picked up a shrimp and dipped it in sauce. "Mmm, this is good. It's so hard to just relax and enjoy food at the functions we've been attending. "
Nodding in agreement, Corey put a shrimp in his mouth, and then filled their glasses with brandy. He lifted his, "To Tabasco Sauce." Kitty giggled and clinked her glass against his. She took a sip, and closed her eyes in enjoyment for a brief moment. She smiled at her companion. "This place is lovely."
"I'm very glad that you like it." As he sipped his brandy he assessed the current situation. Marie had told him that Kitty had a man back in Dodge. She apologized for not knowing in advance, but had made sure they weren't receiving each other's letters. Then Marie and Paul arranged for Melissa to meet with a small accident, so Kitty could become the maid of honor, and social demands would throw them together. They had been having a good time, and he knew she enjoyed his company. It seemed to him that now would be a good time to press a little. He offered her another shrimp, saying smoothly, "Kitty, I just have to say that you are amazingly beautiful in every way. Am I wrong in assuming that you must have a special person in Dodge? A person who must be constantly asking when you are coming back, or making plans to join you as fast as he can."
He hit a nerve.
Kitty didn't answer, but the feelings of uncertainty and confusion that crossed her face were not hard to read. Corey started to refill her glass. Kitty put her hand on his, "Thank you Corey, but it's getting late, and tomorrow is the wedding."
Corey smiled, "Of course, I should get you home." They stood and he took her arm as they walked out, "This has been lovely Kitty. I hope we do it again soon."
Kitty smiled, "It has been lovely," but as they walked to their waiting carriage, her thoughts went to Matt. He hadn't written, and Doc said he was fine. Maybe he didn't care about her as much as she thought, maybe he found someone else. Maybe – maybe. She shook her head and remembered the look Matt had on his face when she got on the train. It was a look of love she was sure of that, but yet he seems to have forgotten her.
At that moment, Claire was reading the letter that had come from Matt that day.
Dear Kitty,
By the time you get this letter, I figure it will be just about time for the wedding. We never talked about how long afterwards you'd be staying. Please let me know. You never know, I might be able to get away from Dodge for a few days and join you there. I know that over the past 5 years our experience with that sort of thing has been pretty bad, but there is always hope.
My thoughts are filled with you Kitty. I remember the first time I saw you. It was a bleak and rainy Tuesday morning, and you were a ray of sunshine. Once I felt that ray of light and warmth, there was no going back. I miss everything about you Kitty, even your temper! Without you, I wouldn't be able to be me. I don't know if that makes sense, but I know it's true.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Love Matt
Claire put the letter with the others and went to bed knowing that tomorrow's wedding would keep her racing about. She wanted to sleep, but the words of a man named Matt kept her awake.
The Next Morning
The morning of the wedding arrived, and Kitty awoke early filled with excitement. Over the past two weeks she had helped with a multitude of details, and attended many events, and the now the culmination of it all was here.
Before getting up and throwing herself into the day's activities, she thought about the nightcap she had had with Corey. She felt a little guilty, and angry at herself for feeling guilty. Why shouldn't she spend time with a man who wasn't Matt Dillon. It's not as if they had a commitment. Her eyes filled with tears and she closed them acknowledging the falsehood of that thought. It simply wasn't true. She and Matt weren't engaged much less married, but they were totally and fully committed to one another, and they both knew it. At least that's what she thought. What if she was wrong? No, there had to be a good reason why Matt hadn't written, didn't there? What if there wasn't? She got out of bed and let out a sigh; she didn't want all these complicated thoughts, all she wanted was a damn letter from the damn man.
Her ponderings were interrupted by a knock at the door. Claire entered with breakfast, "Sorry to disturb you Miss, but Miss Marie told me to bring you a breakfast tray. She's already eaten and hopes you'll join her in her bedroom when you are ready to dress for the wedding.
When Kitty got to Marie's room, the hairdresser was putting the finishing touches on the bride's hair. When she was finished with Marie, the hairdresser swept Kitty's beautiful red hair up into curls that perfectly framed her face. Then the women put on their make-up and gowns, taking and laughing the whole time. Finally it was time to go to the church.
TBC