PT.21

Beth woke early and decided to take a walk around the ranch. She realized how much she'd missed the place.

Suddenly spotting Matt coming from the stable, she called to him. "Poppa! Good morning. I see you haven't changed much since I've been gone. Still up and busy early."

"Aw, Beth Honey, yeah. I guess your old man will never change."

Then stopping and in deep thought. "Poppa?"

"Yes, Honey?"

"Poppa, I'm worried about Momma. She explained to me yesterday all that has happened. You know, with Mary being taken and the girls coming to stay."

"Ah, you realized too that your momma still has a soft heart and thinks she can raise these two little girls?"

"Oh, Poppa, yes she could. But Momma's not..."

Rolling his eyes throwing back his head. "Whoa! Don't you let her hear you finish that sentence."

Now chuckling, "Yeah, made that mistake already. It brought fire to her eyes."

"Look, honey, Grace figured on a plan that should work for everyone concerned. After the wedding, she and Chet will take legal custody of the girls and stay here at the ranch for a while to let the girls adjust."

Smiling up at him, "Poppa, Tessie and Eva are two very lucky little girls. They're not only are gaining two great parents but... Oh, hell, they're gaining a great family. We've always taken care of this family as a team. Legality doesn't matter."

"No, honey, it never has. Thing right now is, your momma is starting to feel, well... How do I say this?"

Huffing out a laugh. "Poppa, we just need to remind her that we all love her. Yes, she does need to slow down and let us take care of her now. You both have taught us well. Now it's time we showed you just how much we've learned. We in this family have more love." Reaching up, throwing her arms around his neck.

Matt just enveloped her in his hold.

They were now scrambling. Wedding preparations were in full mode. Grace and Chet decided they wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather and have the ceremony on the ranch. Festus, Frank and Frankie built a gazebo figuring they could use it for the service. Kitty, Beth and Mary commenced decorating it along with the rest of the house.

Tessie waited then approached Kitty. "If'n Miss Grace likes, can we git her flowers. Them there flowers on the hill ere real purty. Ladies gittin' married ere posta ta have purty flowers."

Rubbing her chin gently, "I think that is a wonderful Idea. Grace will love them."

Noticing Grace wasn't around, "Beth, have you seen Grace?"

"I think she went upstairs."

Making her way up the stairs. "Grace? Grace?" Hearing no response, she stopped when she heard movement coming from her room. Slowly opening the door, she saw Grace standing in front of the full-length cheval mirror holding a beautiful cream colored gown against her body. The sight brought tears to Kitty's eyes.

Catching a glimpse of Kitty over her shoulder, "Oh, Momma, I… I..."

Shaking her head, "Sweetheart, go on. Try it on."

"Momma, I just always remember seeing this when I was a little girl. It's so beautiful and one day I saw you pack it in this chest. Is this... Is this your wedding dress?"

Nodding, speechless for a moment. "Yes. Yes, Gracie. When your father and I were in Denver many years ago. He surprised me, after he recuperated from a gunshot wound, by asking me to marry him. Well, since we had Pap, Uncle Festus, Uncle Newly and most of all, Father Sanchez…"

"Yes."

Nodding again, smiling. "Your momma said yes. And well, I found this dress in a small shop."

"Momma, I know we never really talked much about you and Poppa's past but..."

Stopping her, "Gracie, I have loved your poppa for fifty years. That's better than half my life."

"Momma, I sure hope Chet and I can have what you and Poppa have." Now stepping out from the dressing screen.

Kitty Inhaled deeply. "Sweetheart, if you truly love one another unconditionally, you will. That's what I want for all my girls." Hugging her tight. "You look Beautiful!"

"Momma, could I... would you mind... what I mean is, I'd love to marry Chet wearing your dress."

Smiling a tearful smile. "Of course. Absolutely. Let me get this freshened up and shaken out. We only have two days.

Barney rushed into Newly's office. "Marshal! Marshal, you need to read this."

TBC