AUTHOR'S NOTE - Oh my goodness I am so sorry for the delay! You all are wonderful and patient and your reviews completely make my day. Please don't worry, I am committed to this story and won't be abandoning it.

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A light rain had begun to fall by the time they made it back to the train. As they entered the compartment, Matt went over to the basin and grabbed a towel before reaching for Kitty. He gently patted her face and neck, to which she laughed.

"Matt, I can dry myself off, you know."

"I know. Let me."

She did, letting her hands rest on his chest as he removed droplets from her hair. The new ring on her hand caught the light and she found herself mesmorized by it. He'd kept it all these years, for her. She'd worn many a dinner ring on her left ring finger, but they all paled in comparison to this small stone.

"Kitty?"

She shook her head. "Hmmm?"

"You okay?"

She smiled at him. "Oh, I'm just fine, cowboy."

"You sure you like that ring?"

"Oh, Matt, it's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen."

"It's not much…."

"Matt, stop. It's everything I ever wanted." She looked at him pointedly. "As are you."

"Yeah?" He leaned down, brushing her lips with his own.

"Mmmm hmmm." Her hands slid up around his neck, pulling him closer.

"Kitty…." He mumbled against her mouth.

She didn't reply, deepening the kiss.

Matt reluctantly pulled away, causing a whimper to escape from her lips. "I'm starving, Kitty."

"Me too, Matt…" She went for his mouth again, and he shook his head.

"No, I mean, I need food, honey."

"Oh," she frowned.

"Don't worry though," he pulled her close again. "After we eat, I want you in that bed wearing nothing but that ring."

Kitty laughed and nodded. "Now that, I can do."

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Kitty ran her hand over Matt's chest. "I have missed this."

"Me too." Matt stilled her hand, grasping it and bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. "I love this ring on you."

She smiled, running a finger over his chin. "I do too. I can't stop looking at it." The small rose cut diamond, set in a floral motif on a simple silver band, caught the light as she moved her hand back to his chest.

"I'm glad you're happy, honey."

"I hope you are, too, Matt."

"Of course I am. What would make you think otherwise?"

"Oh I don't. I'm just thinking city life. I hope you love New Orleans as much as I do."

"Kitty, you stayed in Dodge because of me. Now, you created a life and a good living for yourself, but I think we both know if it weren't for me, you'd have been on the next stage out of there. I'm more than willing to spend my days in the city you love so much."

She sighed, kissing his chest. "Perhaps we can keep your little house on the hill as a getaway?"

"I'd really love that, Kit."

"Good." She nestled into him. "We have 3 days on this train. Are we going to get out of bed at all?"

"I wasn't planning on it, no."

"You'll have to go out and forage for us. All this activity makes me hungry!"

Matt laughed. "I can be the provider."

"Thank you."

They were silent for a time, enjoying each other and the rain falling out their window.

"Matt?" Kitty whispered.

"Hmmm?"

"You awake?"

"Yeah, I'm awake."

"I was thinking. I don't want a big wedding. I'd really like it to just be us, honestly."

"What about Doc? He'll be hurt if he's not there. You know that."

Kitty frowned. "I know."

"I guess if you feel that strongly about it, we can have a big party later. I'll go along with whatever you want, honey."

"When I was younger, I wanted a big wedding. I guess all women plan out their big day long before it happens. But now that I'm older, I just want it to be you and me. It's hard to explain."

"As long as you're there, I'll be a happy man."

"Oh, I'll be there. Don't you worry about that."

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Kitty tried to bite back a smile as she watched her man struggle with all her luggage. She had never been a light packer, and after months away had built up her shopping packages too.

"Matt? Let's hire a carriage."

"No, no. I think I've got it," he said, balancing a hat box on top of the four packages in his arms.

"How are you going to be able to see where you're going?"

"I can see, Kitty." Famous last words, as he took one step and nearly tripped over a young boy, the hat box falling and rolling away.

This time, Kitty gave herself permission to laugh.

"So, where do you hire a carriage?" Matt asked.

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Kitty lived not too far from the train station. She was eager for Matt to see her home, which would soon be theirs if all went according to plan. Pulling up to the two story home, she saw Matt's eyes widen at the sight. He got out first and helped Kitty before turning back for their baggage.

Kitty gasped as her front door opened and her housekeeper came out, her husband in tow. "Anna! Charles! What are you doing here?"

"I got your wire, wanted to open the place up for you. Brought Charles along to help with the heavy lifting. Speaking of…" Anna gestured to Matt, still pulling bags out of the carriage.

"That's so sweet, thank you." Kitty watched as both Anna and Charles took a particular interest in Matt. She cleared her throat. "Anna, Charles, this is Matt."

Anna smiled as Matt nodded to both of them, his hands full. "Glad to meet you."

"And you as well," replied Anna. "Charles, help him with the bags."

Matt began to protest but stopped as Charles made quick work of the remaining bags. The four headed inside as the carriage rode away.

"Please, just put those over there, I want to go through them." Kitty motioned to Charles who had her packages. "Matt, those bags will go upstairs. You can put them by the staircase."

"Nonsense!" Anna interjected. "Charles will take them to your room."

Charles nodded with a half smile, taking the bags from Matt and climbing the stairs.

"May we call you a carriage, Matt? The last one rode away quickly."

"Oh," Matt turned to Anna. "I…uh…I'll be making sure Kitty is settled in before I leave. Thank you though."

Kitty bit back a grin. "It's a bit chilly. I was going to offer him some coffee before sending him out into the evening."

"Well, let me get that started," said Anna.

Kitty grabbed her arm gently as she turned toward the kitchen. "Oh no. You've done enough." She watched Charles come down the stairs. "Both of you. Thank you."

"Alright then, I suppose we should be heading on home. Shall I resume my normal schedule now that you're back?"

"That would be fine, Anna. Thank you."

Anna turned toward Matt. "It was nice to meet you. Charles?" She nodded to the door. Charles smiled at Matt and Kitty before following his wife out the door.

Kitty locked the door behind them, leaning against it and closing her eyes as she did so.

"You've got a taskmaster there," Matt said.

She smiled. "I know." She opened her eyes and watched as he took in the ornately furnished living room. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that this looks like your front room at the Long Branch."

"Yeah, I took some pieces, the settee, the fainting couch…the bed…" His eyes met hers as she reached her hand out to him, wiggling her fingers. "Wanna see?"

Matt nodded, taking her hand and letting her lead him up the stairs.