Deja Vu

PT.7

Standing outside of the Winsor Hotel, turning her face to the sunshine, Kitty inhaled deeply. "Matt, smell that? I think spring is actually making an arrival."

Nodding, "Yeah, Kitty, it is and after the winter we've had..." Shaking his head. "Well, Ma'am, shall we?"

As they headed down the street towards the park, Matt still couldn't shake that uncomfortable feeling.

Walking snuggled close to his arm, Kitty scanned the streets as they approached the park entrance. "Matt, it's just as I remember it. The trees are starting to blossom. The air smells like... um… spring. Matt, are you listening?"

"Uh huh."

"Matt Dillon, you haven't heard a word I've said. Ok, Cowboy, what's on your mind? And don't you dare try and tell me nothing. I noticed back at breakfast a change in you."

He rolled his eyes. "Ah, Kit, I'm not sure. Maybe nothing at all. I just have an uncomfortable feeling."

Stopping, turning and facing him. "Matt, a feeling?"

"Yeah, Kitty. It was like the hair on my neck was standing up and..."

She swallowed hard. "Ok. Ok, I understand. Is there anything else?"

Shaking his head. "No, that's just it."

"Matt, maybe it's just all this that's going on. We both know how you feel about this sort of thing." But as she heard herself saying the words, she didn't believe them.

Suddenly, they were distracted by small children around the large fountain. They were standing on the edge, tossing pennies in, making a wish.

"Matt. Cowboy, it's Deja Vu."

"It's what?"

Laughing, it's like when we were here the last time. The children were making wishes."

"Hey, Mister. Will you help me?"

When Matt looked down, a small girl, only coming up to his knees, with big brown eyes and long brown hair smiled up at him.

"I'm too little. I can't reach."

Matt bent down, lifting her up and walking closer. She squeezed her eyes tight and tossed the coin then turned back to Matt. Placing a quick kiss on his cheek, she then scooched down. "Thank you." And the kids all ran off.

Kitty pursed her lips. "Well now, Cowboy. Should I be Jealous?"

Pulling her close, "Cut that out."

She was now laughing out loud.

As they headed out of the park and back towards the hotel, a man brushed hard passed them, almost knocking Kitty over. When Matt grabbed his arm, he couldn't see the man's face at first.

"Oh, excuse me, pretty lady. I wasn't watching where I was going."

Matt's piercing look burned right through him. "Kit, you alright?"

"Yeah, Matt, I'm fine. It was an accident I'm sure."

Award Ceremony

Matt was fiddling with his tie as Kitty finished her final touches. Walking into the room, "Kit, can you help me here?" He looked up and stopped mid-sentence. She was standing before the full length mirror. "WHOA!"

Looking over her shoulder, "I take it you approve, Mr. Dillon?"

Walking up behind her taking in the vison. "Wow, do we have to go to this ceremony?"

Giggling, "Of course we do, Matt. It's for you."

"I'd much rather stay here and enjoy this." He said, slipping his arms around her waist.

"Cowboy, behave for a little while." She smiled, resting her head back on his chest.

Matt stood, holding her tight, admiring the rich plum colored, satin dress that hugged every curve of her body. After all those years, it still could catch the attention of any man. The scooped neck showed just enough cleavage and with a full skirt. Her hair was swept up in soft ringlets, ringlets that now were streaked with white and wisps at her forehead and temples. Strings of amethyst were around her neck, with matching dangling earrings, which set off Matt's black tux, plum colored shirt, black cowboy hat and new black boots.

All eyes were on them as they entered the room. They made their way around the room, greeting the people they knew. "Wilson Freeman, Frost. Gentlemen, you all remember Kitty?"

"Oh, yes. How could we forget such a beautiful woman? And congratulations. We understand you are Mrs. Dillon now?"

Smiling, "Yes, almost thirty years now."

"That long?" Wilson said.

"Oh, yes. Thirty years, three daughters and seven grandchildren."

"See, Matt? You did have a good reason to take off that badge."

Kitty just smiled.

Suddenly a tall gentleman approached. "May I have everyone's attention please? If you would all follow me into the gallery? This way. We can get settled and begin the evenings event."

They all filed in taking their seat, where their place cards were laid out.

Several speeches were made. It made for a long night. Then the former president, Rutherford B. Hayes, took the podium. "Good evening, everyone. I wanted to be here tonight for two reasons. One, to have the honor of presenting to you, our Commander in Chief. But I wanted the chance to say a few words about an award being presented here tonight, to a man I've had the privilege of getting to know. And a man I am proud to call a friend. A man who has dedicated his life to the safety of others and to this country at the risk of his own life." Now looking around the room. "Matt? Matt Dillon, my good man. Where are you? Stand please."

Matt stood. He wasn't expecting this part. Nodding, "Thank you, Mr. President!"

"Ok, now, allow me to introduce to you all if you will stand for our Commander and Chief, President William McKinley." The room applauded.

Mc Kinley motioned for all to sit. "Thank you. After hearing that great endorsement, I feel it only right to turn the presentation over to you." Looking at Hayes, handing him the award.

Hays stepped up to the podium.

"Some time ago, I had the privilege of meeting Marshal Matt Dillon, of Dodge City, Kansas. I had been told about this big man from the west, who had tamed the Gomorrah of the plains. He took on a job not many men could or would do. And it certainly wasn't for money. He believed in that badge, in the law behind that badge and everything it stood for. And at all cost to himself and everything and everyone around him.

Matt looked at Kitty. At that moment their eyes did all the talking.

Hayes continued. "My wife, Lucy, and I spent time with Marshal Dillon and Miss... Uh, Mrs. Dillon. And as I said, when it came time to present this award to a deserving recipient, hands down, Marshal Dillon is the man. So, with no further ado, I am honored to present this life time service achievement award to the man I am honored to call my friend. United States, Marshal Matthew Dillon"

Everyone in the room was on their feet. They gave him a standing ovation as Matt stood, walking towards the podium. Approaching former president Hayes, he shook his hand. "Thank you, Sir!"

As the room quieted down, Matt inhaled. "Well... First, thank you, Mr. President. You'll all have to excuse me. I'm a man of few words. Kitty, thank you for all the years of putting up with me and the badge."

She kissed her fingers, blowing a kiss in his direction.

"What can I say? The law, the badge was my life." Huffing out a breath, "Just ask my wife. It was part of me, what I believe in, my compass. It is what guides me and how I live, how I breathe, how I taught my children. I've always believed, when we came on this earth, we made a hole and it was up to us as decent human beings to fill that hole with something positive, something good. I've done my best to do that. My father was a Texas Ranger. He gave his life doing what he believed in and I gave most of mine, doing the same. I don't regret it. There are moments I regret, that happened because of it, but, well... I'm proud of who I am and what I stand for. Thank you all."

As he walked down off the podium he scanned the room. Suddenly, it was as if he'd been kicked in the GUT!

TBC