What Doesn't Kill You 12
I don't own these characters; I just like to spend time with them. No other profit to be had.
Author's note: Not a good idea to use any recipes contained here within. Food poisoning is not pretty.
MKMKMKMKMKMKMKMKMKMK
It was still raining when Kitty woke later in the day, but she could tell the worst of the storm was over. Matt was beside her, his arms still protectively around her. Carefully, so as not to disturb her still sleeping giant, Kitty disentangled herself from him and rose slowly from the warmth of his embrace.
The fire had died down to almost nothing and the room was quite chilly. As quietly as she could, she placed more wood on the fire and stoked it until once again it was blazing merrily. Stepping over to the rickety table, she reached into the bags pulling out the contents. Matt was going to need some food when he awoke.
When Matt woke a couple hours later, his head was clear and he was hungry. The room was warm and there was a delicious aroma permeating the room. "Well, hello," Kitty greeted him, noting his blue eyed gaze around the room. "How are you feeling?"
Matt ran his hand through his hair absently as he sat up on the side of the cot. "I'm a lot better." He answered happily. "What you got cooking that smells so good?"
Kitty chuckled. "I'm making a stew." She told him. "All I had was dried meat, potatoes and carrots, but I figure it'll do us for now."
"That'll do just fine." Matt grinned as he pulled himself up and reached for his shirt. Picking it up he noticed it was clean and the bullet hole repaired. "You been awful busy," he told her.
Kitty smiled, "Mr. Totten had some thread and needles as well as soap, so I picked them up when I got our supplies. Even on the run, you need clean clothes."
Matt shook his head as he dressed. "We're not on the run, Kitty." He told her. "We're not the ones that broke the law."
Kitty arched a brow at him. "We're riding cross country, hiding where we can because there are people out there looking to kill us and you're saying we're not on the run?"
Matt gave her a lopsided grin. "Well, I admit it's similar but the difference will be the outcome. This is a temporary situation. When we stop Clay Warren we can go home. People that are really on the run can't ever go home."
A troubled expression crossed Kitty's face as she looked over at Matt. "You really think we can stop him? He's got an army you know."
Matt stood up and walked over to her, taking her in his arms. "Yes he does," he kissed the crown of her head, "but armies can be defeated."
Kitty said nothing for a while as she relished the closeness and the feel of Matt's arms around her. She could've stood there for longer but a grumble from Matt's stomach broke the mood. "Well, I guess I'd better feed you." She giggled as she pulled away.
Matt sat down beside the table on the only bench left standing in the room and watched her as she worked. If circumstances were different, he would've loved to be able to have that view every day for the rest of his life. But circumstances weren't different. He was law man and thereby not entitled to a wife and family. Still, there were times.
As Kitty ladled up the stew she glanced over at Matt. "You think we'll be home in time for Thanksgiving?" she asked.
Matt shrugged, "I don't know. We might but I really doubt it. Why?"
Kitty turned back to her stew, not wanting Matt to see the look in her eyes. "Oh, I don't know. It's nothing I guess. It's just… well…"
Matt reached out and took her hand when she placed a plate in front of him. "I know this isn't easy, honey, and I know how you feel about the holidays and all but…."
"It's alright, Matt." Kitty interrupted him. "I'm just being silly I guess. I mean, after all, I did say I wanted to spend more time with you. And it looks like I'm getting my wish so I should be happy."
Matt took a firmer grip of her hand and pulled her to him and onto his lap. "I'd see to it that you got all your wishes if I could." He told her.
Kitty nodded, laying her head on his shoulder for a moment. "I know," she said. "I know."
TBC