St. Louis

Driving back to town, Kitty kept her arm around Matt's waist and snuggled in gently, not wanting to irritate his shoulder. She felt like pinching herself to make sure she was awake, after all Matt showing up when he did was a dream come true.

When they reached the city they went directly to Mr. Halley's stable and return the buggy and horses. "Thank you Mr. Halley. I expect that Mr. Stambridge will bring the key to the cabin back some time tomorrow."

Matt put his right arm around Kitty's waist and they walked to the hotel. In the lobby they immediately saw Anna pacing back and forth, with Mr. La Blanc scowling his disapproval. Such a display of concern and emotion could be bad for business.

Anna saw them and raced over throwing her arms around her cousin, "I was so worried, but as soon as Matt got here, I had a strong feeling that everything would be all right." The three headed upstairs, and after Kitty got cleaned up and changed they went to eat in the hotel dining room.

Once seated the waiter came over to ask if they wanted to order wine. Anna quickly responded a little louder that she intended, "No."

Matt and Kitty both laughed. Anna had told Matt about her evening with Stambridge and it was something Kitty wouldn't forget.

The waiter looked a little surprised at the vehemence of the response, so Kitty added, "No thank you, we don't want wine, but we are ready to place our order."

Once they ordered, Kitty told them about Will's behavior in the cabin, finishing with, "He was like a mad man - soft spoken one moment, violent the next, and then he'd start telling me that he wanted to make me happy and then he'd become violent again. I hope I've seen the last of him."

Matt took her hand, "You don't have to worry Kitty."

Anna couldn't help but feel a little envious when she saw they way Matt looked at Kitty, and heard his tone of voice when he spoke to her. Yep, she concluded, he is something.

The waiter returned with their food - pasta For Anna, chicken for Kitty and of course steak for Matt.

While they ate Kitty and Matt told Anna about Otis Ford. Anna's was amazed at the whole saga, "That Mrs. Taylor sure sounds like a woman who can handle things."

Matt smiled, "One thing life has taught me is that you ladies are a strong lot."

After dinner they went back upstairs and were standing outside of their adjacent rooms. Anna kissed Kitty on the cheek, "I'm so glad you're safe. I'll see you in the morning."

Seeing the look of surprise on Kitty's face, Anna continued, "I wouldn't expect you'd spend the night with me when you have this other option." Anna nodded toward Matt.

Seeing how uncomfortable Matt looked, Anna laughed and without waiting for a response, went into her room.

Matt smiled at Kitty, and unlocked his door. As soon as the door was closed behind them he pulled Kitty into a kiss. The kind of deep, lingering kiss that made her knees go a little weak.

When their lips parted Kitty stroked Matt's cheek, "I'd like to take a look at that shoulder, Cowboy."

Matt started to undress Kitty, "I have a better idea."

Before she know what was happening they were in bed, naked in each other's arms.

Matt's arm was tender and sore but they found a way around it and made love before falling asleep in wrapped around each other's bodies.

The Next Morning

It was 10:30 AM when Matt opened his eyes to see a beautiful woman next to him looking at him. After a few seconds he simply said, "Good morning." He pulled Kitty to him and kissed her neck.

He glanced up at the clock, "It's late. How long have you been awake?"

"Oh, a while. I like watching you sleep. I don't get to do it often because you are such an early riser." Kitty snuggled in closer to him.

Matt put his arm around her, "I guess we were up late last night."

Kitty kissed his chest, "That and the fact that you happen to be recovering from that – of course not serious – shoulder wound."

They heard a knock at the door and Anna's voice softly saying, "Hello, hello – does anyone want to go for breakfast?"

Kitty looked at Matt, "Oh, no Anna's been waiting. I'll put on a robe and answer the door."

Matt stood up. He was stark naked, "I'll go into the wash room and get dressed,"

Kitty looked at his muscular form admiringly, "Unfortunately Cowboy, you should do that. Oh and Cowboy, the sling had better be part of your outfit."

Kitty opened the door, "Oh Anna, I'm so sorry we kept you waiting. Give us 5 minutes and we'll go to breakfast together."

Anna didn't dare to look into the room, "Kitty, if you and Matt want to have breakfast alone I understand."

Kitty smiled and squeezed Anna's hand, "Don't be silly. We'll knock on your door in 5 minutes."

Will in the Cabin

Will finally woke up late morning feeling terrible. He knew he had been drinking way too much and had a hangover. His jaw was swollen and ached like hell from Matt's punch, and his body was stiff and sore from lying on the cold floor all night.

He slowly got up from the floor thinking – I was surprised when Kitty rejected me in Dodge. I pride myself on getting what I want. Now she's rejected me again and more than that she made me lose control. I have no choice but to retaliate and using Anna will be the easiest way.

St. Louis

Matt, Kitty and Anna left the hotel to go to breakfast. Matt said that he had noticed a restaurant down the street that looked inviting, so they decided to go there.

They entered the restaurant called "Our Place." A stout, cheery man with a mustache rushed over to greet them, "Hello, welcome, my name is Luigi Baggini. You are new to "Our Place", and I mean our place. My family opened this restaurant just two weeks ago. I run it, my wife is the cook - a wonderful cook, my boys are the waiters - they are slow but trying very hard, please have patience - my wife's food is worth waiting for. Please sit where you want, and I'll bring menus."

Matt smiled. Kitty and Anna laughed. They all felt the happy atmosphere and were delighted to be there. They sat at a table near the window. The table was covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers were in a vase on the table. Mr. Baggini brought over menus. He looked at Matt, "Sir, I think what ever you order we will bring a double of."

Matt laughed. The three of them were clearly enjoying themselves.

The service was indeed slow, but they were in no hurry. Anna and Matt were just getting to know one another, and Kitty and Anna still had a lot of catching up to do. When it finely arrived the oatmeal that Kitty and Anna ordered was absolutely delicious, although they couldn't figure out why. Matt had ordered steak and eggs, and was actually served a double order, which he enjoyed and devoured.

As they left they assured Luigi, he had insisted that they call by his first name, that they would return. They enjoyed the restaurant that they started referring to it as our place.

Will in the Cabin

Will walked out of the cabin carrying 2 large baskets filled with dishes. He had to return them to the restaurant, "Damn them, they took the horse and buggy." He dropped the baskets to the ground. "I'll have to walk. Damn them, it's 12 or 13 miles."

Will picked up the baskets and carried them back into the cabin. He didn't want to lug them. He'd just have to pay the restaurant to come retrieve them. He had already spent a lot of money on Kitty Russell, and now he had to spend more because of her.