The Ties That Bind

PT.21

Slowly as the key unlocked the door, Matt was unsure of what reaction he would receive. Kitty sat still looking into the reflection in the mirror. As he crossed the room, saying nothing, slowly, he leaned down, sliding in on the bench behind her just as he had done so many times before.

Slipping his arms around her to envelope her into his large frame. "Hello, Beautiful."

Snuggling close, as angry as she wanted to be, she just relaxed her full body against him. "Oh, Cowboy."

"Kit, Honey, I got out of there as fast as I could to get back to my girls. I know what this meant to you."

Pulling herself up. "NO! No, Matt. It's what this means to Mary. Matt, I've resigned myself to you doing this to me. No, I don't like it anymore than I ever did but I know I'll never change it. But, Matt, Mary's… she's just a child no matter how practically grown she'd like to think she is. And, Cowboy, I need to shield her from that. I just have to. So, after the party, I've decided that Mary and I are going to look into those schools again."

"Kitty, wait."

Now turning and placing both hands on his chest. "Matt, I think you should let her know you're back. Go on."

"But, Kitty, we need to talk."

"Matt, I have Mary to think about. Anyway, we can do this later. She'll be happy to know you made it back for the party. Go on. Cheer her up. I have to finish up here dressing and then seeing if Sam and the girls need anything."

"But, Kitty honey…" She looked at him with a sadness that he knew he could remove if she'd just listen.

Tossing his hat in his hands, he headed out the door as Kitty walked into the water closet.

Standing outside Mary's door, he reached up, knocking lightly. "Come in, it's open. Momma..." Her eyes widened when she saw the doorway fill with the sight of the one person she never expected to see. Quickly turning and rushing, jumping up and wrapping herself around him. "POPPA!"

"WHOA! Whoa now. Let's take it easy. Come on now, I've only been gone a few days."

"Yeah, yeah I know but I didn't think you'd make it back in time for my party."

"Now, Mary, Honey. Did you think I'd miss my special girl's party when she's turning 14?"

"Oh, Poppa, now you're teasing."

"Let me look at you."

She began swirling around. "Do you like it? Momma took me to Mrs. Carr's. I feel so pretty in it."

"Ah, Honey, you'll be the prettiest girl there. I'll have to watch all those boys."

Now blushing. "Poppa, I'll never be as pretty as Momma."

"Yes, you are. I'm the luckiest man in Dodge. I have the prettiest gals in town." Laughing, "I have a surprise for you." He said handing her a small box. I was going to wrap this but…"

"No, no, that's alright." She said, opening the box. "OH, POPPA! It's beautiful."

"Here, open it." Matt told her.

As she opened it and saw the three photos, tears trickled down her cheeks.

Then Matt said, "Honey, turn it over."

Then she looked at the back and read: Forever Family. "Oh, Poppa!" Burying her face in his chest.

Ok, ok. Come on now. No tears. Women and tears."

Now she giggled. "Will you help me?" She asked, handing him the chain and lifting her hair then turning.

"Honey, its perfect. I have another surprise but it's for later. It's actually for you and Momma."

"Really? And you won't give me a hint?"

"Well, I'll just say if I can get your Momma to listen and things go right…." Kissing her forehead. "You go on and finish up here. I need to get ready for my girl's party."

Mary rushed into Kitty's room. "Momma! Momma, look." She was excited to show Kitty the locket Matt gave her. "Momma, it's so pretty, ain't it?"

"Isn't it?" Kitty corrected her.

"Sorry. Isn't it?"

"Yes, sweetheart, it's just lovely. Matt has wonderful taste."

"Momma, it opens up. Our pictures are inside, you, me and Poppa."

"Mary…"

"Oh, I know. I shouldn't call him Poppa."

Closing her eyes, "No, honey, its ok. Mary, after the party, I want us to sit and have a talk. Maybe in the morning. Alright?"

"About what?"

"We'll talk then. Tonight is all about you and your party."

"Oh and Momma, Matt says he has another surprise and it's for both of us."

Raising her brow, "Oh he does, does he?"

"Uh huh, but he wouldn't tell me."

"That man and his surprises." Kitty said, rolling her eyes.

Giggling, "You mean like me, Momma?"

Now Kitty just laughed. "I think we'd better get a move on. What's a party without the guest of honor?"

Kitty headed down the stairs. Doc and Newly were in the bar. "Well, now. Don't we look right pretty tonight?"

"Oh, Curly, I appreciate that but the birthday girl will be right with us and wait till you see…"

But before she finished her words she noticed their eyes were on the landing along with everyone else in the bar.

Kitty turned, smiling with pride. "Everyone, the birthday girl! Mary Baines Russell!"

As she descended the stairs, slowly her eyes fixated at the batwing doors. And moving across the room, all six-foot, seven inches of man came to meet her at the bottom. "Miss Russell? May I escort you to your party?"

Smiling up at him. "Oh Pop… Matt."

"No. You were right the first time."

Tilting her head. "Poppa?"

"Yes, Honey, Poppa."

Kitty now furrowed her brow. "Matt?"

"Later Kitty, we'll talk."

Matt walked Mary outside to awaiting buggy. He was determined to make this night special. Helping her in then turning to Kitty.

"Oh, Matt, you go. I'll ride with Doc." She said, smiling at him and Mary. She was enjoying watching the two of them together. She wanted them to enjoy themselves, knowing her plans to take Mary off to school after all.

TBC