A month before the big opening found Kitty sitting in the big chair in the room next to the kitchen with a list in both English and French of suitable names for the restaurant. A week ago she decided to enlist Matt in her decision making process so night after night they would sit in bed and go over the list but her husband wasn't much help. He had as much difficulty picking a name as he had picking a pair of women's boots in a store front window back in Dodge. After awhile he would convince Kitty that what she needed was a diversion and then picking a name was the last thing on her mind. Kitty quickly realized that being in bed with Matt might not be the best way to successfully find a name to christen her establishment so she decided to go down to the building one afternoon and hope that the building's façade would give her inspiration. Matt was more than happy to take care of the children so he kissed his wife goodbye and wished her luck. She stood, arms folded, deep in thought as John walked slowly in her direction. He stood for a few seconds; arms folded mimicking her stance waiting for an acknowledgement. After awhile he stood closer and leaned in to her, "Are you wondering why in heavens you ever bought this place? Startled, she turned and saw John's smiling face. "Oh John, I'm sorry, how long were you standing there?

"Not long and what on earth are you doing out here?"

"I'm trying to get inspiration."

"Inspiration for what?"

"A name."

John hesitated for a moment, "Not happy with the one you have?"

She shot him a look and then broke out in laughter. "No, for the restaurant."

"Oh, I see, and you think by standing here in the middle of the street a name is going to come to you?"

"That was my plan."

"Mind if I stand and watch? I always wanted to know how a person went about naming something they owned."

"John, it's not that I don't have a long list of names back home it's just that I haven't been able to choose. I thought if I just stared at the brick long enough one of those names would make sense."

"And you're not having any luck?"

Kitty shook her head, "Uh, uh, not yet anyway."

John stood for a minute, "English or French?"

"Can't make up my mind."

"You know you're not much help."

Kitty turned to John and gave him a little push, "hey, I thought you were helping me?"

John started to laugh, "all right, let me see." They went through a slew of names and their laughter could be heard down the street. "Come on now John, I need you to be serious; I really need a name. I'm opening in less than a month."

John paused, "have you thought about using your name?"

"For a while, yes, but I thought that might be a little too egotistical."

"It is your restaurant."

"I know but giving it my name, well, I don't know."

"What about one of the children?"

"Who would I choose without making the other feel slighted?"

"I see your point." John shook his head in agreement. "What about your last name?"

"Dillon?"

"No, I was thinking more of Russell."

"I don't know." Kitty thought a moment, "just Russell, huh?"

"How about Russell's?" John put his hands up and connected his thumbs framing the spot on the wall. "Just plain Russell's."

Kitty continued to stare at the building. "You know John I think that will look real nice up there." She looked through John's hands and agreed with his positioning of the sign. "Now, I just have to find someone to make it."

John turned toward Kitty, "I might be able to help you there. One of my patients just happens to be one of the finest sign makers in the city." He put his arm around her waist, "why don't we go and see Joel now…that is if you have the time."

Kitty smiled, "Katie will be asleep for a little while yet, let's go."

Joel Adams was a second generation sign maker. Joel presented Kitty with many options and she found his taste very similar to hers. Kitty was a little concerned about the deadline but Joel assured her the sign would be on her building before the opening. She extended her hand, "thanks so much Joel. It has really been a pleasure during business with you. Oh, and if you would like to come down to the restaurant one night, dinner is on me."

Joel smiled as he shook her hand, "thank you very much Kitty, I look forward to it."

As they were leaving the shop Kitty turned to John, "that sign is going to be magnificent. John, thank you so much." She grabbed him into a hug and kissed his cheek.

He held her by the arms and smiled, "you are very welcome."

Kitty turned to leave and then turned back and called to John. "Are you doing anything for dinner?"

John shrugged, "didn't have any plans."

"Then come home and have dinner with us. That's the least I can do to thank you for your help today."

John smiled, "I think I would like that, thank you."

Matthew was running around the house and Katie was starting to stir. It had been hours now and Matt was starting to worry. "Maggie, if Kitty doesn't make it back when Katie needs to be fed, what do we do?"

"Matt I'm sure she'll be back."

"But what if she isn't?"

"I have formula here and I have the bottles."

Matthew came running into the kitchen as Katie began to whimper. Matt scooped Matthew up in his big arms and brushed the boy's hair off his face. "I wish I knew where your mother was son."

"Mama?"

"Yes, your mother." Matt heard the front door and as he entered the hallway Kitty and John came through the door laughing. "Imagine if I named it that!"

"People would certainly get the wrong idea!" They continued laughing as Matt approached.

Kitty walked toward her two men, ran her hand over Matthew's hair, and then kissed Matt. "Matt, I want you to be the first to know that the restaurant has a name."

Matt looked down at Kitty and then over at John. "Looks like I'm the second to know."

"Well, John was there in the middle of my decision making that's true but you're the first to know."

"And what name did you come up with?"

"Russell's."

"Oh?"

"Can you believe it? I never thought about my maiden name. If it wasn't for John, well, we'd still be thinking about it."

Matt eyed John then looked back at Kitty, "took you a long time to just think about it."

Kitty placed her hand on Matt's chest, "that's because one of John's patients is a sign maker. He took me over there to get the ball rolling."

"Well John, I see you've been a big help today." Matt stared at the doctor.

Kitty then took Matt's arm, "you can't imagine how much. John is going to stay for dinner so let me get you gentlemen a drink…" Kitty heard Katie begin to cry. "Help yourself gentlemen I have a very hungry young lady to feed." Kitty left the room and Matt turned to John as he extended his arm toward the liquor cabinet. "Shall we?" Silently John walked in front of Matt and toward the cupboard.

There was very little discussion at dinner. Kitty did most of the talking as she outlined all the things that needed to be done before her grand opening. Matt and John listened intently as Maggie watched both men. Matthew decided that he would look better wearing his food so Kitty excused herself as she took him up to change. Maggie could sense the tension in the room but she had no clue why. Finally Matt looked up from his meal, "that boy never sits still." He shook his head, "I guess I was pretty much the same when I was his age."

John smiled, "I guess we all were."

Matt paused, "didn't have any patients today?"

"No, I try and take some time off during the week even if it is for just a few hours."

"I see." Matt stared at John, "well, thanks again for helping Kitty today. I know how much opening on time means to her."

John smiled, "it was my pleasure."

Maggie thought she saw Matt bristle at John's comment and then he fell silent again. She was a little surprised to see Matt react this way because she has never seen Kitty anything but so totally dedicated to him. On the other hand, John was certainly much happier when Matt was still in Dodge and Kitty and he were alone. Maggie made a mental note to keep an eye on her two friends. "OK, Matthew is back," Kitty sat the boy in his highchair. "What did I miss?" They all looked at each other. Matt cleared his throat, "I thanked John for helping you today."

Kitty could tell by Matt's face something was wrong. John stood, "I want to thank you for a wonderful dinner but I believe I should earn my keep sometime today so I'm going to head over to the hospital." Kitty began to stand, "No, no, now, you all stay where you are. I can find my way out. Good night now." In unison they all replied, "good night."

Kitty was sitting in the chair by the French doors in the bedroom as Katie finished feeding. Matt entered the room wearing the silk pajama bottoms Kitty had purchased last Christmas. He wasn't comfortable in them yet but he knew how much it pleased her so he made a point to wear them. She watched him get into bed and she shook her head. After all these years he still excited her and she looked forward every night to be lying next to him. He looked over at her and smiled then opened a book and began to read. As soon as Katie finished eating, Kitty gently laid her in the bassinet and made her way to bed. She climbed under the sheets, "She's such a slow eater."

Matt didn't look up, "Hmm?"

"I said our daughter is such a slow eater."

Matt still didn't look up, "I guess it's because she's a girl."

"Matt, I think you better put the book down and talk to me." He closed the book, laid it on the nightstand, and turned to look at Kitty. "All right Matthew Dillon what is wrong?"

He stared at her but he couldn't put what he was feeling in words, "It's nothing Kitty, come here." He grabbed her in a bear hug and kissed her forehead. "You want a back rub?"

"What I want is for my husband to tell me what is troubling him, that's what I want."

"Kitty, if I knew myself I'd tell you."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Just that. I don't know what I'm feeling."

Kitty sat to face Matt, "can you give me a hint?"

"Foolishness."

Kitty let out with a slight laugh, "what?"

"I guess it bothered me a little that you spent the day with John and he came up with the name for your restaurant and I couldn't."

Kitty gave Matt a face, "technically, it's our restaurant and, for the record, neither one of us could come up with a name. Well, maybe if we spent more time thinking instead of other more pleasurable things who knows." Kitty smiled as she ran her hand down his chest, "I don't know about you but, personally, I'd rather spend our time loving each other instead of naming buildings." She continued to rub his chest, "I was very glad John came when he did."

"Oh and why's that?"

"Because that's one less thing I have to worry about and now I can concentrate a little more on my husband."

Matt ran his hand down her arm, "do you have anything particular in mind?"

She straddled his body and leaned over to kiss him. "No, I'm going to leave that up to my husband."

He ran his hands up her bare thighs, "Anything?"

"Yes anything, but before we do there is one thing I have to say."

"I knew there was a catch!" Matt formed his lips in a fake pout. Kitty grabbed his face with her hands and kissed his lips. "Matt, I know I've said this before but I guess it needs repeating. There is no man on earth that I love more than you. I will always need you to love me and make love to me for the rest of our lives. No one else exists or will ever exist but you. I know you have this crazy notion about John and I'm not sure how that started but he is only a good friend. I could never see myself with any other man, ever. I love you Matt, I always have and I always will and nothing or no man will ever change that."

Matt stared at Kitty for a moment as he continued to run his hands up and down her bare thighs. "Honey, I don't know why I feel this way sometimes. I know John is a good friend and he took care of you when I couldn't be here. I'm not sure what emotion I feel when I see John with you, crazy male ego I guess." Matt smiled. "There is one thing I do know and that is my life would be so empty if I didn't have you to love." Matt lifted Kitty's nightgown over her body and laid it down on the bed next to him. His hands roamed over every inch of her silky skin, "you are so beautiful." He pulled her closer and kissed her stomach and let his lips continue their ascent to her breasts. Kitty wrapped her fingers in Matt's curly hair as each tender touch of his lips and his hard calloused hands on her back sent pulsating pulses of pleasure throughout her body. He gently laid her on the bed and slowly worked his lips up the inside of her thighs. Her once soft moans became a cascade of louder, more intense shouts keeping in time with the frenetic gyrations of their bodies until he slowed their rhythmical dance to a dawdling pace and waited to hear his name softly uttered from her lips. He leaned over exhausted trying desperately to catch his breath. He started to chuckle, "What's so funny cowboy?"

He breathlessly spoke as he lay on his back, "I was just thinking…that maybe…we're going to have to cut back…on loudly expressing our love. As the children get older….they're going to think…that you're in some kind of pain. I'm not sure I want our son or daughter seeing us, well, you know…"

"Faire l'amour?"

"What?"

"That means make love in French."

Matt brushed Kitty's hair off her face, "sounds rather nice in French."

"I think it's rather nice in any language especially when you're the one I faire l'amour to."

Matt looked over at Kitty and she smiled to see the desire still in his eyes. He reached over and began to run his hand up and down the length of her body. "I would love to fa…fair…"

Kitty put her hand over Matt's lips and smiled, "I would love that too." She signaled for him to come closer as she whispered in his ear. "If we do faire l'amour again do I have to promise to be quiet and not enjoy you as much?"

Matt smiled, "I don't know what it is but I love it when you say that phrase."

"Oh?..Really?..How much?"

"If you give me a minute I'll show you," he mumbled as he worked his way down her neck.

Kitty smiled as he continued down her body, "Uh, with this new noise restriction I just don't know if I can be as active a participant as I've been in the past."

Matt looked up then smiled, "we'll see my love, we'll see."

It was a week before the opening and Kitty was at the restaurant busily making last minute alterations. Festus made his way over to the bar where Kitty was standing, "Miss Kitty, this is the plum purdiest place I'd ever seen." He held his hand up as if taking an oath, "if I'm lyin' I'm dyin' if this here place won't be the busiest place when ya opens."

"It's not opening day I'm worried about Festus but the rest of the time."

"Oh fiddle Miss Kitty, ya don't even have ta worry yaself about nothin' like that." He leaned into Kitty and whispered, "I'll tell ya this here much, the talk 'round these here parts is that people can't wait fer ya ta open ya doors."

"Well Festus, that's good to hear." Kitty was looking down at her checklist when Festus took her arm. "There is somethin' I would like ta talk ta ya 'bout though."

"What's that?"

He brought Kitty over to the corner of the room. "I don't want Sam a hearin' that I'm a talkin' 'bout this but he just got done a tellin' me that he don't have no place to be a stayin'." Festus look down as he tried hard to remember the word Sam used. "He was a..vic…a vic…"

"Evicted?"

"Right ya are. I tolt him he could stay with me upstairs but then I got ta thinkin' that maybe ya should know 'bout it first."

"Oh, poor Sam, first his job now this." Kitty shook her head, "that was very nice of you Festus and if you don't mind, I certainly don't mind." Kitty looked up at the clock, "oh, look at the time, I should be getting home." She grabbed Festus by the arm. "Are you coming home for dinner?"

"Ya betcha, much obliged Miss Kitty."

As Kitty turned to leave she turned back to Festus, "oh and bring Sam too."

Festus winked then smiled, "will do."

Kitty came through the front door as Matthew ran into her waiting arms, "Mama!"

She picked the child up and kissed his cheek. "Miss you mama."

"I missed you too little man." She gave him a big hug.

"As much as you missed me?"

Kitty smiled as Matt made his way into the hallway. "I always miss you my love."

Matt smiled, "That's nice to hear." He bent down and passionately kissed his wife. Matthew intently watched his father and finally lightly tapped on his head. Matt broke away and looked at his son and smiled. He tousled the boy's hair, "seems like I have some competition here." Kitty smiled and Matt wrapped his arm around her waist. They walked down the hallway toward the kitchen as the fragrant aroma of a home cooked meal caught her attention. "Maggie, this smells absolutely…"

"Well, I had a hand in this you know."

"Doc!" Matt took Matthew from Kitty as she ran and hugged her good friend. "Doc, it is so good to see you again." She held him at arms length, "how long can you stay?"

"I told them I wouldn't be back until the end of June. Wouldn't want to miss my grandson's second birthday." He wiggled Matthew's leg. "You look absolutely ravishing for a mother of two my dear."

"They keep me moving, that's for sure, but I have excellent help." She moved over to Matt and put her arms around his waist as he pulled her close.

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "well, I'm glad to see he's good for something. For awhile there all I thought he was good for was keeping you pregnant!"

Matt gave Doc a sly smile as he kissed Kitty on the top of her head, "What can I say doctor, I'm still a very virile man."

Doc tugged on his ear, "well, you better hope that continues…oh…and don't come looking for me to help you when you're not." Doc wore an equally sly smile.

"Oh, you two! Why don't we get ready for dinner?" She looked up at Matt, "I'm first going upstairs to check on our daughter." She shot both men a look and then made her way to the stairs.

It was going to be a beautiful spring day Matt thought as he woke to a cool breeze wafting off the river. It was Kitty's entrepreneurial debut and he was probably more excited about the event then she was. He leaned across her body and whispered in her ear. "Good morning honey, rise and shine, it's your big day."

Kitty turned sleepily toward her husband, "don't remind me, I have so much to do."

Matt gently kissed her lips, "Kitty, I'll be right beside you the whole day so we'll do it together."

"Who's going to watch the kids?"

"Maggie, so you just relax and leave everything to me, OK?"

"OK." Kitty ran her hand down Matt's chest. "You know what else might relax me?"

Matt's eyes smiled, "and what would that be Mrs. Dillon?"

Kitty slapped him, "cowboy, I know you didn't wake me up before the crack of dawn just so you could discuss the opening of the restaurant."

"Why Mrs. Dillon are you questioning my motives?"

She shook her head and smiled, "never question them, just enjoy them."

"Then get ready to enjoy," he smiled as he moved his lips down her neck.

It was two hours before the ribbon cutting and Kitty was running from room to room putting the final touches on the tables and bar. She would step back, shake her head, and then rearrange what she had just done. Matt watched this a couple of times then finally came up behind her, grabbed her around the waist, and slowed her down with a kiss on the neck, "honey, it looks great. Now, why don't you take a deep breath and sit down here and relax a minute." He led her to a chair and sat down next to her.

"Matt, it does look good, doesn't it?"

"It looks beautiful…well…not as beautiful as the woman who I was lucky enough to marry." He smiled, took her chin in his hand, and kissed her.

Kitty ran her hands up and down her arms, "I'm so nervous Matt. I just don't know why."

"Kitty, it's a big day. The Mayor will be here for the ribbon cutting, they'll be newspaper reporters, and all of New Orleans will be watching their new entrepreneur become a huge success."

"Matt, I'm a little confused. Were you trying to make me feel more or less relaxed?"

Matt stood and scooped her up in his arms in a big hug. "Kitty everything is going to be fine. You are an unbelievable business woman, you have impeccable taste in décor, and you are the most sociable person I know. Everyone is going to love this place and they are going to love you! Not as much as me but they will love you just the same."

Kitty looked up into Matt's handsome face. "I love you Matt Dillon."

"I love you too Kitty Dillon. Now, what do you say we have a drink and spend a couple of moments together before the big rush?"

"I'd like that." They walked to the bar and Kitty poured them a drink.

Mayor John Fitzpatrick arrived and Matt and Kitty stood in the entrance way to greet him. He waded through the crowd that had gathered and after shaking hands with his constituents he made his way to where Matt and Kitty were standing. After the introductions were made the newspaper reporters and photographers were poised to record another event in the city. The Mayor took the opportunity to say a few words, "we are here today to officially launch a new restaurant in our fair city and one, I must say, I have been anxiously awaiting its opening. Kitty Russell's family set down roots here many years ago and I'm so glad to see she decided to come home and grace us with her presence again." Matt put his arm around her and held her close. "So," his aide handed him the scissors, "Miss Russell I wish you good fortune and many, many, years of success." The Mayor posed for pictures and once that was over he cut the ribbon. "Now everyone it's time to take a look inside."

Kitty yelled, "drinks are on the house." Everyone roared their approval as the rooms filled up fast. The celebration went on all day with Kitty making the rounds and talking to as many people as she could. She was surprised to see the Mayor still in the room. "Mayor, I hope the fact that you are still here means you are enjoying yourself."

"My dear Miss Russell you have an exquisitely beautiful establishment here and you may count me among one of your many regulars." He took her hand and held it.

"Glad to hear that Mr. Mayor."

The Mayor shook his head, "None of these formalities Miss Russell. Please call me John."

"Then why don't you call me Kitty."

"I would like that very much." His aide walked over and whispered something in his ear. "Seems I have some business to attend to but I want you to know I had a lovely afternoon and I promise you, I will be back."

"I will consider it a privilege to see you again John." The Mayor smiled and kissed her hand. "Good night Kitty." Kitty moved on to the next group and joined in the conversation. Matt was standing at the corner of the bar with Festus. He always admired the grace with which Kitty moved and how easily she responded to people and them to her. He was so proud of his wife and that was quite evident on his face.

"Matthew, ya are one of the most pridesome men I'd ever seen."

"Shows that much Festus?"

"Fiddle, ya hadn't taken your eyes off Miss Kitty not one minute and ya face is prouder then a peacock strutin' in all its glory."

"Well, I'm happy for her Festus and I'm very grateful to you for all you've done."

Festus failed his hand, "Shoot Matthew that wern't nothin'."

"Well, it was a big deal to me. We both had enough on our minds without worrying about being here running the place. I will never forget it." Matt extended his hand, "thank you so much old friend."

Festus shook Matt's hand and smiled. "twent nothin' Matthew. I do anythin' fer Miss Kitty, ya know that."

"I know Festus but I still needed to thank you. Now, if you will excuse me, I think I better be getting home so Doc and Maggie can come down and join in the celebration."

"See ya later Matthew."

The party went on into the early morning hours in sharp contrast to the quiet of the evening in the Dillon house. Matt fed his daughter and Matthew, trying hard to stay awake until Kitty came home, succumbed to sleep. With his little head nestled in Matt's lap and his daughter sleeping in his arms Matt was the happiest man in the world. Matt's eyes were getting heavy and he now wished he hadn't awoken Kitty so early that morning. When Kitty came through the door she looked over at the sofa and saw her husband and children nestled together and Matt with a huge grin on his face. "How'd the rest of the evening go?"

"Matt, I'm so exhausted. If half the people who said they would be back come back…well…I don't know what I'm going to do!"

He switched Katie to his other arm and pulled her closer. "Come here." He kissed her. "I was so proud of you today. Looks like the Mayor took a real shine to you."

"You noticed that too?"

"I noticed a lot of men with you today but it made me smile."

"Oh? Not even a faint touch of jealousy?"

"No," Matt made a face, "I'm trying very hard to work on that." He kissed her, "what'd ya say we put our children to bed and then I'll put you to bed."

Kitty rubbed her neck, "sounds good to me."

Kitty stood and took Katie as Matt held Matthew in his arms and followed Kitty into the hall. Matt looked puzzled, "where's Doc and Maggie?"

"They're sitting outside," Kitty smiled, "they have some catching up to do."

"Honey, you think anything is going to come of their relationship?"

"I sure hope so. Now come on, let's get to bed."

It had been weeks and Russell'swas still the restaurant of choice in the city. Kitty was there every day as Matt took care of the children. Every night she would walk through the door exhausted and Matt would do whatever he could to get her to relax. He woke early one morning and brought her breakfast in bed and while she ate he massaged her feet. "How's that feel?"

"I can hardly eat it feels so good."

"Well, there's plenty more where that came from."

"Oh? Really?" Kitty took her other foot and massaged between his legs.

He grabbed her foot and smiled, "you're not playing fair Mrs. Dillon, now, eat your breakfast." Kitty smiled as she continued to eat her eggs.

As Kitty was upstairs dressing, Matt was sitting on the sofa with Matthew reading his son a children's story. In the middle of the tale there was a knock at the door. "I'm right here Maggie, I'll get it." Matt walked into the hallway holding Matthew and answered the door.

"Matthew Dillon?"

"Yes."

"I'm Captain Eric Fournier of the New Orleans police."

Matt extended his hand, "please to meet you Captain." Matt smiled, "I'm not in any trouble, am I?"

Captain Fournier smiled, "oh...no sir… and I'm sorry if you came to that conclusion. No, I would like to speak with you about a job."

"A job?"

"Can we go sit down somewhere?"

Matt shut the door and then extended his arm to show him into the living room, "sure, please come this way." They sat on opposite sides of the room. "Now, what is this about a job?"

"Well, your wife owns Russell's correct?"

"Yes, but I don't' see,"

Captain Fournier raised his hand, "Mr. Dillon,"

Matt smiled, "please, call me Matt."

"OK Matt. We make it a practice to learn about the new faces in our city. Your wife's face has been in the news very often as of late."

Matt looked confused, "you said there is a job. I'm assuming it is not my wife you are looking for."

"No," the Captain smiled, "I will make this very brief. In our investigation we found your background to be very interesting and we are very impressed with it. Normally we hired from within but we have a detective's position available and we all agree that you are a perfect fit."

Matt ran his fingers through his hair and Captain Fournier could sense he was conflicted, "Matt, if you need time to think this over it is fine with us. We realize that this is very sudden but a man with your qualifications doesn't come along very often."

"I do appreciate the offer but I will have to speak with my wife about it. We do have two children and…"

Captain Fournier raised his hand, "I understand completely. Like I said think it over, speak with your wife, we don't need an answer for another couple of weeks." Captain Fournier gave him a card with his address details on it. "Well, I have to be getting back. Nice meeting you Matt." He looked over at Matthew, "very handsome boy, how old?"

"He's going to be two in June."

Captain Fournier smiled then extended his hand. "Hope you'll be able to join us."

Matt smiled as he took the Captain's hand. "It was nice meeting you too, Captain." Matt walked him to the door and closed it behind him.

He was looking down at the card when Kitty came into the hallway. "Who was that?"

"Captain Eric Fournier of the New Orleans police." He shook his head, "he just offered me a job."

Kitty looked worried, "you're not seriously thinking of taking it, are you?"

Matt became a little annoyed, "well, Kitty, I haven't had much time to think about it, the man just walked out the door. I thought I'd put off my decision until we had a chance to talk it over."

"Matt, I don't think taking a job with the police would be a very good idea, do you?"

"I don't know Kitty. I thought we might make that decision together but I see you have your mind already made up." He handed Matthew to her. "Excuse me, I need some air." Before she could say another word Matt was out the front door.