One Week After the Wedding

Doc was at the depot waiting for the noon train from New Orleans. As he looked at his watch, he thought it was hard to believe that a week had gone by since he had seen Matt and Kitty off on their honeymoon.

A whistle sounded, jarring him from his thoughts and the train came roaring into the station. He watched as the passengers disembarked and soon spotted Matt. Doc smiled as he noted that Matt looked more rested and relaxed then he had in – well Doc couldn't remember when. Then he saw Matt extend a hand to help Kitty down the steps. When she emerged looking beautiful and glowing with happiness, Doc knew the two people he loved so much had had a wonderful time.

He hurried over to the couple, "Well you two look great. I don't even have to ask if you had a good time."

Kitty kissed Doc on the cheek, "It couldn't have been better." She looked up at Matt with a grin, "Wouldn't you say Matt?"

Matt grinned back, "I'll go along with that."

He grabbed their bags and they walked to the Long Branch with Doc catching them up on all the town gossip.

Doc left them and Kitty and Matt went upstairs to change out of their traveling clothes. After exchanging a long kiss, they went back to business as usual.

Late That Night

As was his habit, Matt stopped at every saloon in Dodge before getting to the Long Branch. He peered over the batwing doors and noted that things looked calm. After spotting Kitty standing by the bar chatting with Sam, he pushed through the doors and walked over to her.

"Evening Maam, can I interest you in joining me for a beer at one of those tables in the back."

Kitty looked serious, "Cowboy, I'm not sure I should. I'm a married woman now."

Matt returned her gaze, "I promise that nothing inappropriate will take place."

They laughed as Sam pushed two beers towards them. Matt grabbed the mugs and they went to small table in the back.

Matt took a sip of beer, "Kitty, I looked into the Clay place on the edge of town. It is for rent, so I went ahead and a signed 10-month lease, like we wanted. We can move in any time."

Kitty smiled, "Matt, that's perfect. You'll be taking the badge off in 10 months. Then..."

She was about to continue but suddenly paused and whispered almost to herself, "10 months is a long time. A lot can happen in 10 months."

Matt knew she was worried about his safety and tried to lighten the mood, "Kitty, I looked at a calendar today, and actually it's 9 months and 20 days."

As Kitty nodded and tried to smile, Matt put his hand on hers, "Don't worry, it will be all right." He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes, "I'll keep in mind that if anything happens to me now, you'll kill me."

Kitty couldn't help but laugh. Then she remembered she had something to share, "I have news too Matt. I put a notice in the newspapers advertising for a partner."

Matt set his beer down, "Are you sure that's what you want?"

"Absolutely sure. Matt, I want to have time to make a real home for us, even if it's one we'll only have for 10 months. After that, we'll either start or buy a ranch. At that point I'll probably sell the other half of the Long Branch. It will be a new phase of my life, of our life together."

"Mind if I sit down." Matt and Kitty looked up at the sound of a voice, and saw Frank Reardon standing by their table. He plopped down into a chair before they could respond, wearing a troubled look.

Matt was concerned, "What's wrong Frank?"

After a moment of silence Frank looked first at Matt and then Kitty, "Do you think Maria would – well, do you think she would mind if I – I'm not sure how to say this."

Kitty put her hand on Frank's, "Maria would want you to be happy. She'd be thankful if you found someone to love."

Frank took a breath, "I loved Maria with all my heart. We had something special."

Kitty nodded, "Matt and I know that Frank, but that doesn't mean you can't love again. It will be different, but it can bring you joy. It's Mabel isn't it?"

Frank nodded, "We talk a lot, we make each other laugh. I think about her all the time, and want to be with her. Did you know she was raised by her dad and grew up hunting and fishing? When he died she had nothing so went wandering from place to place getting by however she could. Kitty, she says you're the best boss she's ever had, that's why she stayed here, but she yearns for a different life, a life more like the one she was brought up in."

Matt spoke up, "Frank, don't wait. Don't let time pass. Maria would want you to be happy. Seems like you and Mabel can have a good life in Montana."

Frank stood up, "Thank you both."

At that moment Frank saw that Mabel coming down the stairs. He rushed over and took her arm, "Mabel, let's step outside. We have things to talk about."

Kitty and Matt watched Frank and Mabel leave the Long Branch. Matt turned to Kitty, "I'm happy for them, but I'll admit I'm kind of surprised. I guess love is kind of mysterious."

Kitty nodded and looked around the saloon. She spotted Fremont Montgomery deep in conversation with Josie.

"Matt, has Fremont told you what his plans are?"

Matt nodded, "Yeah, I ran into him a couple of hours ago. He told me that when he was transferred from the State Penitentiary, he was a moved to a prison where he learned carpentry. He likes it and is good at it, so he plans to start a business in St. Louis with the money from the sale of his parents' farm.

Kitty laughed, "I'd be very surprised if he moved there alone."

"What do you mean?"

Kitty pointed to Freemont and Josie. There was no mistaking the love in their eyes as they spoke.

Kitty signed in mock resignation, "Well, it seems I'll be having to hire a couple of saloon girls."

Matt shrugged, "I guess love is in the air."

Kitty nodded and then looked at Matt with the slightest of smiles, "Matt, I accidentally left the wedding gift you gave me behind when we went on our honeymoon. You know, the light blue, satin negligee? I was thinking that it might be something comfortable to put on tonight. I know you'll be making rounds with Festus, but maybe after that…"

Matt pictured Kitty in the revealing negligee he had given her and swallowed hard. He stood up, "I think I'll go get Festus. We need to get started on rounds."

Kitty looked up innocently, "Are you sure it's not too early?"

Matt looked at her and smiled, "Not at all. I'll see you soon."

He brushed her lips with a kiss. She relished receiving a kiss in public, and smiled at him, "I'll be waiting."

The End