It was a cool day for an April afternoon in New Orleans. The past couple of months the Dillon's had settled into a typical family routine and Matthew was developing very quickly. Kitty's renovation plans were starting to come together and she was busy mulling over a multitude of options for the restaurant floor plans in her office. Matt was in the bedroom playing with Matthew and she could hear father and son's laughter down the hall as she was trying to focus her full attention on the plans in front of her. She jumped when Matt ran in extolling their son's latest conquest. "Kitty, watch this. Wave bye, bye. Matthew wave bye, bye." His face broke into a big smile as his little fingers flexed up and down. "Kitty isn't he amazing?" Kitty smiled as she rose from her chair. She leaned over and kissed Matthew on his forehead. "You are a smart little boy, aren't you Matthew." She stroked his hair then turned to Matt and caressed his face. "Matt, I just need to go over these sketchers a little while longer. We've not making any money with the place unfinished." She kissed him and her fingers worked their way through his hair.

"Don't work too long the men in your life miss you."

"And I miss them. I promise I won't be long." Matt left the room and Kitty returned to her drawings. A few hours later she could hear Matthew's soft cries. It sounded like he was hungry but since they had been experimenting with formula she was hoping that Matt would feed him. The cries became increasingly louder as she realized he was bringing the child to her. "Kitty, Matthew is hungry."

"Matt, he can have the formula."

"I thought we were alternating between formula and breastfeeding?

"Matt it truly doesn't matter, the formula is fine." Matt started his way downstairs when Kitty yelled after him, "oh, and try to give him some mashed fruit or vegetable, whatever we have, ask Maggie."

Between the lateness of the hour and the stillness of the house Kitty was becoming very tired. She sat at her desk rubbing her eyes when Matt came up behind her and started to massage her shoulders. "Hmm, that feels so good." He moved her hair to the side and kissed the back of her neck as he whispered in her ear. "I just put Matthew down and I thought I could now take care of his mama." He started to open the back of her dress. She turned and grabbed his hands, "Matt, I really do need to decide on a design and as much as I want nothing more than for you to take care of me it will have to wait. I promise you I won't be long." Without a word he straightened up and slowly walked back to their bedroom.

About an hour later a very exhausted woman walked over to her son and smiled as she stroked his hair. "Sleep tight my angel." She went into the room to freshen up, slipped on her silky nightgown, and carefully climbed into bed. It sounded like Matt had fallen to sleep and she deliberated whether she should wake him. She gently put her arm around his massive chest and kissed his neck tenderly as she whispered, "I heard somewhere that Matthew's mama was going to be taken care of. I'm just checking to see if that rumor is true." He turned toward her with a huge smile on his face. "Well now, I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to come to bed."

She kissed him, "I couldn't concentrate much after you left."

He began to run his fingers down her body, "seems like my plan worked."

"You better be worth it cowboy."

"Oh, I don't think you'll have any complaints." Matt sat up and leaned against the headboard as Kitty sat between his legs and leaned against his chest. He massaged her shoulders as he kissed her neck and she could feel the weight of her new venture melt away. A cool breeze blew through the window as they lay in each other's arms. Kitty snuggled into Matt's chest, "I have to admit it far exceeded my expectations."

Matt smiled as he kissed her on the top of her head. "I'm glad I didn't disappoint."

"You never do my love." She was lost in her thoughts stroking his chest when she looked up into his crystal blue eyes, "Matt, thanks for taking care of Matthew while I'm trying to get the restaurant off the ground. You really have been wonderful with him."

"He's our son Kitty besides I'm having the time of my life watching him grow."

"Well, still the same you've been bearing the child rearing burden and I'm very grateful."

"A son needs his daddy to teach him things and I'm enjoying the experience."

"I hope, among all the manly things, you'll also teach him how to treat a woman."

"That goes without saying ma'am but I think if he just watches how I treat his mama he'll know what to do."

"We won't show him everything, will we?" Kitty responded with a wily smile.

"No, there are some things I want to share with his mama alone," he took his hand and lifted her chin for a kiss.

"When are you leaving to pick up the boys?"

"In a couple of weeks. That should get me there in time to meet them on the first."

"Oh Matt, I can hardly wait to see them all again. I just wish I had the restaurant up and running, then it would really be like old times."

"I think they'll be so glad to see you they won't care where they are." Matt started to smile, "I can hardly wait to see the look on their faces."

"I hope they aren't too disappointed when they realize they won't be out fighting the wilderness. You know how you men are about running around in vast wasteland."

"I'll just disregard that comment." He poked her in the side, "I'm just not sure how I'm getting them down here but I have a little time yet to think about it."

She started to speak as a yawn interrupted her sentence, "I'm sure you'll come up with something." Her eyes were getting heavy as she snuggled closer to him. Matt looked down and smiled as he saw Kitty trying to keep her eyes open. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "Sleep well my love."

As they rode in the coach to the station they were discussing how fast the past couple of weeks had gone by. When they arrived at the train depot Matthew began to fuss as Kitty looked down at her son, "You know your daddy is going away, don't you sweetheart? Don't worry he's going to be back very soon with the rest of your family." Matthew leaned over to reach for Matt which brought a smile to Matt's face, "Come here little man. Now, while I'm gone you're going to be the man of the house and I want you to take good care of your mama for me." He squealed with delight being in Matt's arms. The train was about to board so he gave Kitty his wedding ring and grabbed her around the waist pulling her close for a long goodbye kiss. He kissed Matthew's cheek and handed him back to Kitty. Matthew kept reaching for Matt as he made his way to the train. Matt could hear the boy start to cry but he knew that if he turned around now it would break his heart to see the hurt in his little face. Matt positioned himself at the window as Kitty brought Matthew closer. The train began to move and Kitty leaned into her tearful son, "wave bye, bye, to daddy Matthew. He raised his little hand and flexed his fingers. They watched Matt's hand wave from the window until the train was gone from view.

Matt arrived in Denver on a blustery May day. He went straight to the hotel and relaxed awhile before dinner. He lay on the bed, hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. He thought about Kitty and Matthew and how thankful he was that this was going to be a very short trip. He bought a paper to read as he ate his meal but even that distraction didn't stop him from wondering how he was ever able to eat alone before. He missed Kitty and Matthew so much but when he focused on seeing his friends again, especially their reunion with Kitty, it brightened his mood. He was deep in his thoughts when he felt a light hand on his shoulder. He looked up and there was a stunning young woman, blonde, green eyed, seductively shaped, "is this seat taken?"

Matt looked around at a nearly empty room. "Wouldn't you be more comfortable at a table of your own?"

"Truthfully, I'm deathly afraid of sitting by myself being a woman alone and all. I just know no one will bother me if I'm sitting with a big man like you."

A little annoyed Matt motioned to the chair. "Suit yourself. I'm almost finished anyway."

"Well, thank you." She began to remove her gloves and extended her slender hand for him to hold. "My name is Cynthia Wallace. This is my first trip west and I guess I'm just looking for a few friends. Staying here long?"

Ever the skeptic, Matt eyed her closely as he shook her hand, "Matt Dillon and no, I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Where are you going?

"Mountains."

"Now why would an attractive man like you want to spend your time in such wilderness?"

"I enjoy it."

"Really? A loner huh?" She stared at Matt. "Must get very lonely being all by yourself in the middle of nowhere."

Matt didn't like this intrusion and was hurriedly trying to finish his meal. "I prefer it that way."

"Excuse me for saying this but you act too civilized to have locked yourself away from everything for any length of time." Her eyes surveyed his solid frame. "What was it a woman?"

"What was what?"

"The reason you felt the need to steel yourself away. What happened, broken heart?"

"Nope."

"You can't tell me that a man who is as charming as you never felt the need to be around a woman."

"Miss Wallace, I don't mean any offense but I really don't like people prying into my life, especially those I just met."

"Oh, you are a mysterious one, aren't you Matt?"

"No mystery at all. What I will tell you is that I just came in for a quick dinner and now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way. Good night Miss Wallace." Matt quickly stood and made his way through the dining room doors as Cynthia Wallace watched his every move. She was not accustomed to a man treating her with total indifference and the challenge that Matt presented energized her. The thought that he had been living a monastic life for months made her believe he would be an easy conquest once she applied her wily womanly charm. No man had ever been able to resist her before and she knew that Matt Dillon would not be the first. As the waiter approached her table she smiled and gave him her dinner order then she settled back and plotted her next move.

Matt walked around Denver for awhile and picked up a beautiful birthstone ring for Kitty. On his return to the hotel he passed the bar and decided to stop in for a nightcap; a much needed drink after his dinner encounter. He started to laugh to himself imaging Kitty's reaction to the forward Miss Wallace. It had only been a couple of days but he missed her so. He was looking forward to seeing his friends from Dodge again and especially their reaction when they saw her and the baby. He was running his fingers around the top of his glass with a huge grin on his face when his thoughts were interrupted, "bartender I'd like you to pour this handsome gentlemen another drink." She laid her money on the bar. "And I'll have whatever he's having."

He put his hand over his glass, "that's not necessary I only stopped in for one."

She ran her hand down his arm, "Oh Matt surely a big man like you can handle more than one drink."

"There are a lot of things I can handle but there are times I choose not to."

She stared into his eyes wondering if they were still talking about drinks. She shot him a little smirk, "I bet there's nothing you can't handle and I'm sure you handle everything very well." Her hand continued down his arm and onto his leg. As she began to run her hand inside his thigh he quickly grabbed it before there was any chance he would respond to her touch.

"Good night Miss Wallace. Enjoy your evening."

She again watched as he departed the room more aroused then she was before. She stood for a moment collecting her thoughts and then she left the money on the bar and tried to catch up to Matt. She looked around the lobby but he was nowhere in sight so she decided to go to her room. As she was turning the corner of the hallway she noticed Matt approaching the doorway of his room. As he was looking for his key she walked passed him and stopped at the door next to his. "Well my, my, Matt what do you think the chances are that we would have rooms next to each other?"

Matt found this less than coincidental. "Miss Wallace again I don't mean to offend you but I believe you would be better off finding a man who really wants to be with you."

She thought for a moment as she approached him, "no offense taken Matt because you just don't know you want me yet." She ran her hand down his chest, "I'll let you lie in that big bed of yours and as you remember my touch and remember how long it's been, well, you'll want me. Good night for now Matt."

He walked into the room and locked the door deeply regretting his early arrival. He slipped on his pajama bottoms and got into bed. He was in the middle of a loving dream when he heard banging on his door. He waited a moment then grabbed his robe. He opened the door to find a very frightened Cynthia Wallace. "Oh Matt, someone was trying to get into my room through the window. I was so frightened." She clung to Matt with her head on his bare chest and arms tightly around his waist. Knowing that this was nothing more than a ruse he removed her hands from around his waist and held her at arm's length which he immediately regretted. Her white nightgown clung to every curve of her body and the sheer robe flung open exposing firm milky white breasts. He stared briefly and with his dream fresh in his mind he did all he could to control his response. "Now Miss Wallace why don't I go in and check your windows, I'm sure it was probably the wind. He accompanied her into her room and thoroughly looked the windows over. "They seem locked to me I really don't think you have to worry about anything."

"Matt, I can't stay here alone I'm too frightened."

"You'll be fine. Call me again if you hear anything else." Matt was leaving the room when she grabbed him from behind, "Please Matt, I need you to stay with me."

"I'm sorry but I can't."

"Why?" She opened his robe and ran her fingers down his chest. "Have you been away that long that you've forgotten how to make love to a woman? I guarantee you I can get you caught up in a hurry."

Matt chuckled, "there is no doubt in my mind you're capable of that."

"Then stay." Her hands continued over his stomach and down inside his pants. He quickly grabbed her hands before she could feel his response. She looked into Matt's eyes and whispered, "I want you and I think you want me." She began to kiss his chest and he closed his eyes trying desperately to resist her advances. She reached up around his neck and brought his lips toward hers. As her soft lush lips began to cover his he quickly brushed his lips against her cheek, "Good night Miss Wallace." As he closed the door he heard an exasperated cry and something hit the wood behind him. He opened his door and quickly locked it. He was trying his best to calm down as he took off his robe and got back into bed. He was going home tomorrow and that day couldn't come fast enough.

It was a beautiful sunny day when Matt woke the next morning looking forward to seeing his friends from Dodge again. As he sat at the edge of the bed the events of the previous night haunted him and he was thankful that there weren't any further encounters with the occupant next door. He decided to find a place other than the hotel to eat breakfast even though he felt certain that she had gotten the message after his final rejection still he wasn't taking any chances. He found a cozy little eatery near the station and settled in with a generous helping of eggs and ham. As it approached the time to meet the train he went across the street, grabbed a paper, and sat on a bench to peruse the news of the day. It wasn't too long before he heard, "Now wait a minute Doc I said no such a thing."

"You did too, Newly now tell him."

"Well, Doc I didn't actually hear what he said."

"Fine renege on a bet. I'd expect nothing less from a shifty person like yourself."

"You just be a hearin' whats you want to be a hearin'. I said no such a thing."

"Well it doesn't matter because I'm gonna' catch the biggest catfish that you have ever seen and my reward will be watching your face when I do."

Festus flailed his arms, "Shoot, that ain't never gonna' happen. I was taught by my Aunt Henry Haggen and she is the best fishymen I know. Out fish me, pfst."

"If you're so sure then put your money where your mouth is, like I told you before."

"I don't needs to do no bettin' with you to prove that I'm the best fishymen."

"Yeah, we'll see."

Matt came around the corner, "looks like nothing changes much, does it?"

Festus reached out to shake Matt's hand repeatedly, "Matthew, I'm so glad to see ya. This here old quackedy quack hasn't stopped talking the whole ways out here."

Doc was the next one to shake his hand, "it's good to see you Matt, real good. Oh, and don't pay any attention to what he says."

Newly followed, "I'm going to echo what they already said Marshal. It really is good to see you again."

After their short reunion Matt led the way to the train. They boarded and got themselves settled as their conversation turned to their impending vacation. The train pulled away from the station as Doc noticed something strange, "Say Matt, aren't we going in the wrong direction? Isn't this train going south?"

Matt smiled, "Yep, slight change in plans." Doc looked confused, "I have to admit you were right Doc by the time I came out here four months ago the snow was so high I was stuck in Denver for a few days. I met a man at the hotel who was telling me about a place with great fishing south of here so I was getting bored in Denver and I decided to follow his advice. It is a very different place than where we were going but I think you'll find it as fascinating as I did."

"Quite an endorsement Matt. Where is this place?"

Matt took a deep breath and answered in a low voice, "New Orleans."

Doc shot Matt a look, "interesting place for you to be! The last place I would think you end up would be New Orleans."

Matt just smiled, "Me too but you know you get out on the Mississippi and it's sheer heaven. I've rented a place for us for the month and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have."

He could see a small smirk on Doc's face. "I'm looking forward to the Mississippi too Matt. I'm beginning to think that this is going to be a very special experience."

Kitty was upstairs in her office deliberating over two different designs for the restaurant. She had finally narrowed it down to these drawings but she had been staring at both for close to an hour now without a decision. She had lost focus so she decided to make a couple of final touches on the two bedrooms and await the arrival of her good friends. She checked in on Matthew and she smiled as she watched him lying in his crib fascinated with his little hands. She picked him up and brought him downstairs. Maggie was straightening up when she entered the room, "Maggie the house is spotless please sit down for awhile and relax."

"I just want to finish up the living room." She turned back toward Kitty. "What are your friends like Miss Kitty?"

"Well, there's Doc. He doesn't want anyone to know but he is a real sweetheart under the gruff exterior. He was so kind to me when I first came to Dodge." Kitty smiled, "the truth was he was more a father to me then my own. I probably had the closest relationship with him. Festus is a hill man but the kindest most loyal person I know. He'll have many stories about his crazy relatives and believe me they're not too far from the truth. Then there is Newly. Very nice young man, in fact, the first time I met him he saved my life. I think you'll like them all."

"Oh, I'm sure I will. Do you think they'll be home for dinner?"

"I hope so." Kitty headed for the kitchen. "Maggie, do we have any mashed vegetables?"

"I just mashed some squash I think that is Matthew's favorite."

Kitty smiled, "Heaven knows why." She was sitting in the overstuffed chair feeding the baby when she started to feel a little tired. Maggie came into the room and noticed that Kitty was having a hard time keeping her eyes open.

"Miss Kitty you want me to finish here and you lay down for awhile?"

"No, thank you Maggie I'm fine. I guess looking over all these plans have made me very sleepy. I just can't seem to decide on a design. One minute one looks good and the next the other looks good but I know I've got to decide soon."

"You've been working very late the past couple of nights. Maybe you should forget about it for awhile you might look at it with different eyes if you do."

"Maybe you're right. I'll leave it be at least for a few days while my friends are here. Who knows, they may make the decision for me."

A big hello came from the front door as footsteps progressed toward the kitchen. "Well now, look how big he is getting."

"I know I can't believe it myself John. Well, I guess having a father like Matt it's not surprising."

"Indeed! Am I too early? I thought for sure they would be here by now."

"They should be soon. Maybe the train was a little delayed." She held the bowl out for John. "Please take this John; I want to let Matthew play on the floor. He just loves crawling and I know it's just a matter of days before he starts to walk." She stood up but felt a little weak. John noticed and put his arm around her waist.

"You all right Kitty?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Maggie and I were just discussing that I have been working very late the past couple of nights and I think I need to slow down. Once everyone gets here I'll relax."

"That may be but as your doctor I prescribe that you go upstairs and get some rest now. Maggie and I will take care of Matthew." John took the child from her arms, "now go."

"John I'm perfectly fine."

"You let me be the judge of that." He led her to the stairs. "Come on now upstairs and rest."

"OK, but you better come and get me when they arrive."

"Deal, now get going."

They left the train and Matt went to get them a coach. As they made their way to the house all three Dodge men were quiet just taking in the new scenery. John was sitting in the alcove when he saw the coach pull up. He ran into the kitchen carrying the baby and his blanket. "Maggie hold Matthew and stay here until Kitty calls you. I'm going upstairs to wake her." He walked into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. As he gently shook her he stared and smiled. "Kitty, Kitty they're here." She jumped out of bed, straightened her hair and dress, grabbed Matt's wedding ring off the dresser and waited at the top of the stairs until she heard voices in the hall. John stood closely behind her. They stood for a second in the hallway admiring the house as Matt was the last one to enter. As he approached, Doc turned and looked up at him, "Matt, this is a beautiful home. Mind my asking what they are charging you for the month?"

"I really don't know Doc. I don't keep track of things like that."

"Well who then, you've got a partner or something?"

Matt smiled, "I think you could say that."

On that cue Kitty made her way down the front stairs to a sea of smiling faces. As everyone was getting re-acquainted Matt left the hallway. He was clearly upset seeing John following Kitty down the stairs but she was so excited to see her old friends that she didn't notice. "Oh Doc," she hugged the old physician and held the embrace as tears streamed down her eyes. He held her at arm's length grinning from ear to ear as he wiped away her tears, "by golly I knew that tale about fishing on the Mississippi was, well, fishy" Kitty laughed, "it's so good to see you again Doc." She moved over to Festus and gave him a big hug and kiss. "Miss Kitty, if ya ain't a sight for sore eyes I just don't knows what is." Kitty smiled, "Festus it is so good to see you again too." She hugged Newly which took him by surprise. "Newly I'm so glad that you were able to make it too."

"Me too Miss Kitty. I wouldn't have missed this trip for anything in the world."

John was shaking everyone's hands and talking about old times when Kitty turned, "has anyone seen Matt?"

"I'm here Kitty," she turned to find her two men standing in the doorway. Everyone from Dodge was stunned. "Whose that be Miss Kitty?"

Kitty stood next to Matt and stroked Matthew's hair. "This is Matthew Galen Dillon, our son."

"Why you sly fox," Doc made his way over to Matt and shook his hand. He carefully looked Matthew over, "By the age of the baby I'm assuming you didn't go to the mountains with Quint."

"That's right Doc. I wanted so many times to tell you but Kitty thought it best not to let anyone know." Matt put his arm around Kitty's waist and pulled her toward him.

"Why for heaven's sake?"

"Doc, I didn't want any of my friends, or townspeople for that matter, to be threatened by outlaws looking for revenge ever again. I know all of you would have kept the secret but you would have lost your life in the process. I thought the easiest thing to do was to leave and make everyone believe that Matt and I had decided to part ways. That's why Matt came up with this elaborate plan to make everyone think you were going on a wilderness trip. Of course, you are going to have to keep that charade up when you return."

Doc rubbed his hand over his moustache, "maybe not, I just might decide to stay here with my cute little grandchild." He winked at his friends.

"You know you're always welcome Doc." She put her arm around him.

Festus walked toward Matthew. He started to jiggle the baby's belly and make contorted faces which the baby responded to with a fitful of laughter. "Biggy buggey, buggey, biggy."

Doc turned to Kitty, "Honey, you better get him away from my grandchild or the poor kid will be having nightmares!"

"Listen you old sour puss ifn' he's your grandkin' then I'm his uncle."

Doc shook his head, "Can't be."

"Now why can'ts I be?"

"I believe Festus is a man's name, am I right?"

"Of course it is you ninny."

"Then from what you have told us the uncles in your family have female names so I guess that means you'll be changing yours now that you're an uncle."

"Don't pay him any mind little Matthew he's just an old know-it-all that don't know nothin' about nothin'."

"I think Henrietta would be fitting." Doc started to chuckle to himself.

"Oh, now Doc stop," Kitty slapped his arm.

Newly came closer, "he sure is a handsome baby Miss Kitty, Marshal" He held out his finger and Matthew grabbed a hold. "Got a fine grip there too."

Matthew was so excited with all the new faces he didn't know who to touch first. Matt turned to Doc, "would you like to hold him Doc?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Matt handed the baby to his grandpa. Kitty turned and gave Matt his wedding ring and Matt stared at it for a moment before placing it on his finger. She thought that was a little strange but then again he was acting a little strange since he walked in the door. Something was bothering him but it would have to wait until later. The ring did not escape Doc's notice. "Are you two married?"

"Well, I guess that's the other surprise. We got married the first time Matt left Dodge but we had discussed having another ceremony once everyone had gotten here."

Doc shook his head, "this trip just keeps getting better and better."

"Sure you're not upset about the fishing Doc?"

"Matt I don't need anything else but to be holding my grandchild and knowing that you two are husband and wife."

Kitty put her arm around Matt, "neither do I Doc." She smiled up at her husband but his response was half hearted.

"Why don't we all go into the kitchen? I'd like you to meet our housekeeper Maggie." The men followed Kitty down the hall into the next room.

"Maggie, I'd like you to meet Dr. Galen Adams, Festus Haggen, and Newly O'Brien." They all shook Maggie's hand with a "please to meet you."

"Maggie has been more than a housekeeper she has been a very important part of our family. I don't know what I would have done without her."

Maggie could feel herself getting redder by the minute, "Oh, Miss Kitty."

"Well it's true, isn't it Matt?"

"That it is. It wouldn't be the same around here without her." He grabbed Kitty around the waist and pulled her closer again.

"Miss Kitty if you want to sit and talk for awhile I'll let you know when dinner is ready."

"Great idea." Kitty got everyone comfortable and like old times she began to pour the drinks.

After dinner they sat around talking about the good times they had in Dodge. They were laughing so hard tears were streaming down all their faces. It was close to midnight when John rose to leave. "Well, I have rounds pretty early in the morning so if you will excuse me." Doc stood up and grabbed John's hand, "it was so good to see you again my old friend."

"And I you." He turned toward the group, "I have plenty of room if one of you gentlemen would like to stay with me you are more than welcome."

Newly stood up, "Dr. Chapman I'll come with you if it's all right."

"Fine Newly I'll love the company." Both men said their goodbyes to a chorus of "see you tomorrows."

Doc looked at his watch, "well, I think I'll turn in too. It's been a long day."

"Come on Curly, I'll show you to your room."

Matt watched Kitty and Doc climb the stairs and turned to Festus to see if he wanted a refill. "Want another Festus?" He held the bottle and motioned toward the hill man.

"Much obliged Matthew."

After Matt poured both of them another drink they sat silent for awhile. "You have a real nice set up here Matthew and yourn youngin' is the most handsomest baby I'd ever saw."

Matt smiled and he took a sip of his drink, "that he is."

Festus eyed Matt, "ya get another job down here, did ya?"

Matt shook his head, "no, I don't know what I'm going to do yet." He looked over at Festus, "you've been pretty quiet tonight, is there something on your mind?"

"Well, I've been doin' a lot of thinkin' Matthew and ya know ya had the right idea quittin' when ya did. Dodge is a changin' and it really don't hold me no more, not with Miss Kitty and you been gone that's for sure." He took a sip of his drink. "I tolt the new Marshal that I had been a thinkin' of maybe findin' somewheres else to live and that ifn' I'd like it where you were and that maybe I wouldn't be comin' back."

"What did Alex say?"

"He understood all right. Tolt me I was a good man and he was sorry to see me go but ifn' I needed to move on there'd be no hard feelins' or nothin' like that."

Matt shook his head, "in my dealings with Alex he seemed to be a real good man." Matt took a sip of his drink. "So if you don't go back, what were you thinking about doing?"

"Didn't give that any thought Matthew I'd just plum figured I'd stay with you till I done decidin' but that was when I thoughts I was goin' somewheres else then where I am."

Kitty entered the room, "well I got Doc tucked in," she leaned over and cupped Matt's face with her hands. "Anyone else need to be tucked in?" She kissed his lips.

Festus was taken aback by the outward show of affection. "Ifn' you and Matthew needs to be alone Miss Kitty I can,"

"Festus we'll stay up and talk if that's what you want to do."

Festus flailed his arms, "no, now go on. Shoot I'll be fine."

"You sure Festus?"

"I most certainly am ma'am."

"OK, but when you're ready your room will be the only one with the door open."

"Much obliged." He watched as they walked up the stairs then he went to the bottle and poured himself another drink.

Matt sat on the side of the bed while he waited for Kitty to change. He looked over at his sleeping son and smiled. He could feel the mattress move and within seconds he felt a pair of hands rubbing his neck. Her touch always felt so good to him and he could feel the tightness start to disappear. She leaned against his ear and began to nibble, "I'm so glad you're home cowboy. I missed you." He could feel the silky nightgown against his back as her hands made their way toward his waist. Without any response from Matt she stopped and put her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. "What's the matter Matt?"

He smiled, "Nothing Kitty." He then patted her arms. She sat next to him on the bed and he put his arm around her waist and kissed her on the forehead. "Oh, there is something wrong all right!"

He took a deep breath, "why was John upstairs with you when we walked in the door?"

"Is that what is bothering you?"

"A little."

Kitty shook her head. "Matt, I don't know what you think is going on but,"

He held his hand up, "I don't know either Kitty. I'm being crazy I know."

She ran her fingers through his hair. "I had gone up to take a nap and John saw you coming and came to wake me as I asked him to. I suppose he could have come down the back stairs so you wouldn't have known he was up here but truthfully I didn't think it was a big deal."

"No, it's not. I know how much you love me."

"Then what?"

Matt hesitated, "Then what?"

"Matt there is still something bothering you. I can sense it, please tell me."

He leaned his head back and brought it forward as he slowly let the air out of his lungs, "I don't know how," he paused a moment.

"Matt, you're frightening me what happened?"

He put his head in his hands and then rubbed his face a few times. "I was having dinner in the hotel when this young woman came up and insisted that she had to sit with me. She was putting on this frightened act and fortunately I was almost finished dinner so I excused myself and left. Before I turned in I went to the bar and she found me there and wanted to buy me a drink. I again told her I wasn't interested and left. When I had gotten to my room she was coming toward me and, as it turned out, she had the room next to mine." He started to chuckle, "I was in the middle of a dream making love to you when I heard this banging on the door. I jumped up and when I opened the door it was her. She was all upset carrying on about someone trying to come in to her room through the window. She wouldn't let up until I went to her room and checked. As I thought, they were all locked and when I tried to leave she was running her hands down my chest and begging me to stay. I ran out of there as quick as I could and as I closed the door I heard something hit the wood. I didn't hear from her for the rest of the night but I have been pretty unsettled since then." He shook his head, "I don't know why I feel this way."

Kitty sat for a second holding her breath, "Did anything happen?"

"Oh, no, Kitty nothing like that but I, um, well, she came close to arousing me." He looked down, "I'm feeling the same way I did when I came back from the Arizona desert."

"In all fairness Matt you didn't know who you were that time."

"I know but I knew this time and that shouldn't have happened."

Kitty stood and paced before him. He wanted desperately to hold her but he needed her to say something. "I guess I can't fault a woman from finding my husband very attractive," she sat in his lap and played with the back of his hair, "because he is and I love him so." He smiled and gave her a kiss. "And I know how some women can be. The harder the conquest the more they want it."

"She was like that all right! Kitty I tried everything I could to get away from her."

She kissed him but this time with more passion. "She aroused you huh?"

"Almost aroused ma'am." He smiled as he kissed her, "Kitty no woman in the world arouses me like you do."

"Hmm…what do you intend to do about it?"

"I think I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

She whispered in his ear, "I've always known you to be a man of action."

He whispered back, "then you won't be disappointed."

"Never am cowboy."

As he gently covered her body he whispered, "I'm such a lucky man to have found you."

"Never forget it cowboy." She brushed his hair from his eyes, "now, let's just see how grateful you are!"

Trying not to wake anyone Doc crept down the stairs to make some coffee. As he entered the kitchen he saw Maggie starting breakfast. "Good morning."

"Oh, good morning doctor."

"Please call me Doc. Can I help you with anything? Maggie, isn't it?

"Yes it is Doc. No, I'll have the coffee ready in a minute but thank you just the same."

Doc took a seat at the kitchen table, "so how did you get the job here?"

"One day I was in Doctor John's office looking for work when Miss Kitty was there for her appointment. We started to chat and the next thing I knew I was hired." She continued to mash some fruit for Matthew. "I consider myself very lucky."

"Oh, I think Kitty considers herself lucky too Maggie."

Maggie handed him a cup of coffee, "Here you go Doc. Now what do you want for breakfast?"

"I think what I would like is for you to grab a cup of coffee and sit a minute with me and talk."

"OK," Maggie poured herself a cup of coffee and sat across from Doc. "Miss Kitty has been telling me stories about Dodge occasionally. Is it really as wild as it seems?"

"From time to time. We were very lucky when Matt came to Dodge though. He certainly straightened out the town." He took a sip of coffee, "I just wish I could have been the one to deliver their baby but I guess I understand why Kitty didn't want to have it in Dodge."

"She's talked around that subject many times so I didn't fully understand myself."

"Well you see, Matt made a lot of enemies being the Marshal in Dodge and outlaws will stop at nothing to get what they want. So if they couldn't get to Matt they sometimes used Kitty to make their point."

"Did anything ever happen to her Doc?"

Doc looked down at his coffee and shook his head, "Quite a number of times."

"Seriously hurt?"

She could see his eyes glisten with tears, "there was one time I really didn't think she was going to make it. Oh, what those animals did to her." Doc paused a minute to control his emotions, "but Matt came back and stayed with her day and night and miraculously she survived. That was the only time I can remember Matt taking off his badge and going out after an outlaw for vengeance."

"Oh the poor thing. Well, it's plain to see he loves her very much."

"I've never seen two people who love each other more and I can understand why Kitty wanted this to be a secret."

"Maybe that's why she got so sick after she gave birth."

"She was sick?"

"Oh Doc we thought we were going to lose her. The Marshal hadn't come back yet and I was praying every day that he would return soon. It would have been a terrible thing if we had to tell him she was dead when he arrived. I was never so happy to see anyone before in my life." She took a sip of her coffee. "Come to think about it he sat with her for days and just like you said it was a miracle." As Maggie spoke Doc thought about the telegram and it became all too clear what might have happened if he had delayed giving it to Matt just one more day. He could feel the blood drain from his face. "Are you all right Doc?"

"Oh, I'm fine Maggie."

Maggie looked up at the clock, "Oh, I better start getting breakfast ready. What would you like to eat this morning Doc?"

"I think what I would like is for you to have dinner with me tonight."

Maggie turned back toward Doc, "what?"

"Have dinner with me tonight."

"Doc I don't know if I can, I mean, I have to get the dinner ready here and,"

"I've never known Matt or Kitty to ever miss a meal even if it meant they would have to do the cooking." Doc waved his hand asking Maggie to come closer as he whispered, "Believe it or not, Kitty is a very good cook."

Maggie smiled, "In that case doctor I'd like that very much."

"Good." Doc got up out of the chair. "Now, what can I do to help you prepare breakfast this morning?"

Kitty lay awake with Matt's muscular arm lying across her body. She turned toward him and stared at his face. A little more lined and a little more gray now but still the handsome man she fell in love with twenty years ago. She looked at all the scars on his chest and gently touched them as she recalled the history behind each one. History, that's what they had twenty years of the most incredible loving history and a remarkable ability to share everything in their life. She softly ran her fingers down his face as she thought about how grateful she was that he was the most honest man she had ever known. She knew how tortured he was when he returned from the Arizona desert. Doc tried to explain the medical terminology to them but Matt was still so afraid she thought he was deliberately unfaithful to her. Truth be told she was just thankful that he was alive after being away for over six months. Now this young woman in Denver and his admission that he was somewhat aroused by her. Kitty smiled knowing women the way she does and the female wiles they all possess but unfortunately little miss what's her name didn't expect to encounter an honest to goodness man of integrity. She started to gently laugh as she thought about what her face must have looked like when Matt walked out the door. Matt slowly opened his eyes to see Kitty laughing. "What's so funny?"

Kitty tried to tell him but she couldn't stop laughing. "Matt I would have loved to see her face after you closed that door."

Matt started to laugh, "Me too. It didn't sound like she was too pleased.

She kissed him, "I love you so much and I don't want you to worry about this again, OK?" She ran her fingers down his face, "Matt, if you told me you didn't respond to a woman half dressed running her fingers into the nether regions of your body then that I would have found hard to believe."

"You want to try out your theory Mrs. Dillon?"

"Which theory? The half dressed or fingers in the nether regions?"

He ran his hand down her arm. "Well it seems to me you'd have to put clothes on to be half dressed so I guess the fingers in the nether regions theory." He moaned with pleasure as she went about proving her hypothesis!

When Matt and Kitty entered the kitchen they couldn't believe their eyes. "Well, look who finally decided to join us."

Kitty walked over and held her hand to Doc's head. "You feeling all right Doc?"

"Never felt better in my life and, say hey, where is my grandson?"

"He was still sleeping. He was up on and off throughout the night. I think he's getting another tooth. I'll check on him in a little while."

"Never mind, I'll check in on him. Now, what do you want for breakfast?"

Matt looked over at Maggie, "Did you make the coffee Maggie?"

"Yes, I did."

"Good, then that's what I'll have!"

"Chicken, then what about you Kitty?"

"Maybe a couple of eggs. My stomach is a little out of it this morning."

Matt looked over at her. "You all right?"

"Oh sure Matt, I'm fine."

They all sat at the kitchen table when Matt looked around. "Where's Festus?"

"You had to ruin my breakfast didn't you Matt?"

"I was just asking where Festus was?"

"I don't know, said something about looking over the neighborhood. I almost forgot he was here and now you had to ruin it by reminding me."

"What do you want to do today Doc?"

"Anything Matt but I would like to get a chance to play a little with Matthew. Oh, and Maggie and I are going out to dinner tonight so if you know a nice place."

The Dillon's looked at each other as Kitty spoke, "I think that is a wonderful idea Doc. Heaven knows Maggie needs a night out after all she has done for us." She reached out and held Matt's hand and he smiled. Kitty thought she heard Matthew crying, "If you will excuse me our son is calling." She stood and felt a little lightheaded as she grabbed onto the back of Matt's chair. Doc stood and went over to steady her and Matt turned and held her arm. "Kitty, are you all right?"

"I'm fine Matt. I didn't get much sleep last night and for once it wasn't because of you." She smiled and gave him a kiss.

"Are you sure honey?"

"Matt, I'm fine now let me go take care of our son."

Doc followed her to the stairs, "I want to take a look at you. Maggie mentioned something about you being very sick after the baby was born."

"Doc, that's in the past."

"Maybe so but sometimes these things have a bad habit of resurfacing after awhile. Do this old doctor a favor and let me examine you just to make sure. I don't want my grandson without a mother."

Kitty took an exasperated breath then smiled, "OK Doc, if it will make you feel better."

"Well now, yes, it will."

"Then come on Curly, let's get upstairs."

After Kitty has quieted Matthew she laid down in bed. Doc went into the next room and got his bag and the exam commenced. He was poking around checking all her vital signs, "see Doc I told you I'm fine."

"Hush up now, I'll tell you if you're fine." He continued his exam. She got up and mussed up his hair, "My, you're being very thorough today!" She was buttoning her blouse as Doc walked into her changing room and looked at the liquid in the cup. He then returned to his bag and stood over it for a moment. Kitty watched his every move up until he stood stationary over his leather satchel. "Doc?" He turned around and looked at her. "Is there something wrong?"

He walked over to where she was standing, took her by the arm, and sat her down on the bed. "Kitty how long ago did you stop breastfeeding?"

"I still breastfeed Doc just not all the time."

"Have you gotten your monthly since giving birth?"

"No, I haven't but what's that got to do with?" She stopped in mid-sentence as she stared at the old physician.

Doc ran his moustache across his mouth. "Well, young lady, I believe you're pregnant again."