Matt took a deep breath and licked his dry lips nervously as he stood at the front of Dodge's small church just before the alter.
The pastor moved into position just as Festus pulled at the collar around his neck.
Secretly, the hill man smiled at his boss's discomfort. "Ya ain't gonna remember any of this once Miss Kitty walks down that isle dressed in all that lacey stuff," he whispered as the music for the traditional wedding march began.
The Marshal smiled as his eyes scanned the standing guests which consisted nearly of all the townsfolk from Dodge.
Matt craned his neck to get a better look at Kitty as Doc quietly escorted her down the isle but he wasn't able to get a really good look at her until she was standing directly in front of him.
Speechless, all he could do was stare at the woman in front of him who in just a matter of moments would be his wife.
Kitty's red hair was piled high atop her head, the veil cascading down around her neck and shoulders. The v-cut beaded and lacy bodice showed just a modest amount of cleavage before the lace stopped at the straight A line skirt.
Matt hadn't realized he had been holding his breath until he let it out.
"Who gives this woman in marriage," the preacher asked.
"I do," Doc said taking Kitty's hand he placed it in Matt's.
Matt squeezed his brides hand gently before Kitty passed her sprig of flowers to Abelia and the couple turned toward the pastor.
As the pastor spoke, Matt couldn't take his eyes off Kitty's beautiful face.
"Marshal, Marshal," the pastor said with a smile as Matt forced his eyes to turn toward the pastor. "I asked, if you take this woman, Kathleen Russell to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Matt smiled as he turned back toward Kitty. "I certainly do," Matt said firmly.
"You're certain about that?" the pastor teased.
"Very," Matt said with a nod.
Kitty smiled broadly as the pastor looked at her. "And do you Kathleen take Matthew Dillion to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Kitty replied as her eyes never left Matt's handsome face. "Wholeheartedly."
The pastor nodded as he looked directly at the couple. "It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today."
Matt and Kitty both nodded in agreement as the pastor continued. "By the power vested in me by the state of Kansas, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Marshal, you may kiss your bride!"
Matt smiled as he pulled Kitty toward him and in front of everyone, the woman turned her face upward for the first real kiss the two had ever shared in public.
Festus clapped Matt on the back as Abelia hugged Kitty before Doc moved in.
"Bout time," he said swiping at his mustache. "Very proud, of both of you."
"Thanks, Doc," Kitty said as Matt took her hand.
"It means a lot to us," Matt replied. "That you approve."
"Well, of course I do," Doc said nodding. "I've know you both since the beginning. I've been waiting for this day for years."
"You weren't the only one," Kitty said jovially. "Let's head over to the Long Branch for the reception."
"Just so long as I kin get this here darn bow tie off," Festus said pulling at his collar.
"Yes, dear," Abelia said untying the piece of fabric. "That better?"
"Ya," Festus said evenly as Matt undid his as well, much to the disappointment of Kitty.
"Sorry," Matt said with a slight grin. "But I'm with Festus on this one!"
Kitty rolled her eyes as Doc took the woman's arm. "Allow me to escort you?"
"Thank you, Doc," Kitty said giving the physician a kiss on his cheek. "But this is a job for my husband."
Matt put out his arm as Kitty took it. "Let us go, Mrs. Dillion."