"Always"

Pt.12

Mid-August, Dodge City, Kansas

There was but a fine breeze blowing although it was hot. Probably one of the hottest summers in many years. But nothing was going to break the mood for Kitty or for Matt. Their girls were coming home today and they were about to become grandparents again.

Even Doc was excited. Although he wasn't practicing anymore, he still wanted to be there for the birth of
what he considered his great-grandchild. The twins were born in Colorado, so he didn't make the trip.

Festus was bumbling around, singing a tune, when he heard the train whistle. So excited he ran into the batwing doors. "Miz Kitty. Miz Kitty. It's comein'."

Smiling at his reaction, "I hear it Festus. Go get Matt for me, will ya please?"

"Will do er' directly, Miz Kitty." And he ran out.

Kitty laughed then said to Doc, "I've never seen him so excited about anything before like this."

"Yeah, Kitty, you're right, he's like a kid in a candy store. Well, one thing."

"What's that, Curly?"

"He'll have two little people his age in town to hang out with."

Kitty burst into laughter. "Oh, Curly."

Matt, Kitty, Doc and Festus all headed for the depot. Watching the passengers depart the train, Matt kept looking for Beth. "Kit, where is she?"

Then Kitty heard a voice. "Daddy! Momma!"

When they turned, there was Beth and Jesse stepping down off the train. They could hardly believe their eyes. She was bigger then life. Then behind them was Michael and Matthew. Matt couldn't believe how much they had grown in six months. "Granpa! Granpa!" Running to him.

Kitty, her eyes filling, "Oh, Beth, if your mother could see you now." She gently hugged her. "How you feeling?"

"It was a long ride but I slept part of the way. Do that a lot lately." Followed by a laugh.

"Well, young lady, do you have a hug left for your Pap-Pap?"

"I sure do, Pap-Pap! I've missed you."

"Well, let me get a look at you."

Now laughing, "There's sure a lot for you to look at."

"You are beautiful!"

Daddy? Momma, is Mary here yet?"

"No, she'll get in on the afternoon stage. Let's get you home and off your feet." Kitty told her.

Back at home everyone gathered to see Beth, Jesse and the boys. Festus was having fun playing with the boys.

When Newly came in, "Did I hear something about a new patient?"

"Uncle Newly!"

"Don't you get up." Newly said bending down to kiss and hug Beth. "Hey aren't you all waiting on the stage?"

"Yeah," Beth said. "Mary's coming in from St. Louis."

"Well, it just pulled in."

"Beth tried to stand. "Whoa, wait. Let us give you a hand here." Matt and newly helped her up. "Why don't you stay here and we'll meet Mary at the stage?"

"No, I want to be there when she gets off. Please?"

"Ok, honey."

They all made their way down Front Street as the stage let out. No Mary. Beth look at Jesse, then Kitty, then Matt. "Daddy? Momma? Where is she?"

"Matt?" Kitty added.

"Carl, this stage came from St. Louis, right?"

"Sure did, Marshal, with a change over in Elbow Creek. Something wrong?"

"Yeah, Carl, my daughter was suppose to be on it."

"Sorry, Marshal. Just these here folks where I picked it up."

Kitty began breathing heavy. "Matt?"

"Kitty, don't…"

"Matt, she's my…"

"Kitty, I know."

"Matt, where is she?"

"Kitty, I'll find her."

TBC