"A" is for Apple, "O" is for Outlaw

PT.10

Conclusion

Over the next few weeks, the trial was set. Tom and Dan Cole were charged with robbery and Kitty's kidnapping . Kitty testified to what Luke had told her about the two men and what they had done to Sue Ellen and the story was backed up by Tom and Dan's version. So those charges were dropped.

They were sentenced to Five years for the kidnapping and ten for the multiple robberies with a possibility of early release. As they left the court, both Cole brothers approached Kitty.

"Excuse us, Miss Russell? Ma'am, we just wanted to thank you for what you said in there. You know on behalf of our sister? We know you didn't know her or nothing but it was real kind of ya." Then Tom lowered his eyes. "And, Ma'am.. I'm real sorry for doing what I did. Ya know, taking ya from that there school. But we was never gonna hurt ya. Luke just wanted ta learn how ta read and write for…"

"Et, I know, I know." Kitty said, stopping him. "I understand."

"Well, Ma'am, we're sorry is all."

Later that night, Matt arranged to have Newly and Festus take care of his rounds. He wanted to surprise Kitty with a special quiet evening, uninterrupted.

With Sam's help, he got together all her favorite deserts and her favorite brandy. He lit a fire in the fireplace; the rest of the room was lit in soft candle light.

Kitty was busy at work when Matt showed up. "Sam? Where's she at?"

Motioning to the office, he just nodded. "Go on, Marshal, I got everything here covered."

Matt walked back and tapped on the door. "It's open, Sam." Kitty called.

As he opened the door, "What is it, Sam?" When there was no answer, she turned, surprised. "Cowboy? What are you doing here? I… I… thought you…"

"Et et. Don't say anything." He now took the papers from her hands.

"Matt, what's wrong?"

"Shhhhh. Follow me."

"Matt Dillon, what is wrong with you?"

Shaking his head back and forth. "Follow me, Ma'am." He answered leading her up the back stairs.

Entering her private rooms, she was now surprised to see the set-up. "Oh my! Matt? When did you…"

A man has to have some secrets, don't he?"

Smiling, "Ok. What is all this for?"

"Do I need a reason?"

"Well, no, but…" Now tilting her head with a smirk.

"This man's been doing a lot of thinking and learning from the teacher lately."

Chuckling, "Oh, Cowboy, come on now."

"Nope, I've really been thinking, Kit." Now scooping her up in his arms, "Kitty Russell, yes this badge on my chest, it's my job and I've devoted my life to it."

"Oh? Do I hear a 'But' coming?"

"Yes, Ma'am. But you Kitty are my strength, my love, my life. If I didn't have that, this job wouldn't be worth doing. You're always there for me, behind me, to pick me up no matter what. Kit, you are a part of me. You are my light home. Ahhhh, here. I'll show you an old dog can learn new things. Kit, I want us to be together forever. Let me see if I remember this right."

"Kathleen Russell, Nouse'paronsJamais…E'pouse –moi…"

Kitty's eyes pooled with tears. "Oh, Cowboy!" Cupping his face with both of her tiny hands she began gently kissing him.

"Well, Ma'am, how'd I do? Does this kiss mean we'?"

"We'. You bet it does, Cowboy." Throwing her arms around him, she knocked him back off his feet, onto the big brass bed.

The two spent the rest of the night entwined in one another. Teacher and student, lover to lover and they're own intimate lessons of life. Together forever. Eternal love.

FINI

A/N Nouse'paronsJamais ….Let Us Never Separate

E'pouse-Moi'…Marry Me

Again, thank you to all the Readers and Reviewers…