The Ties That Bind

Conclusion

PT.25

As Doc, Kitty and Mary arrived at Spring Creek, Kitty and Doc were surprised at all the folks that had gathered around the area. Although, they had only planned for just a few close friends, when news got out of the upcoming nuptials, everyone from town and all around Ford County gathered to be part of this day.

Matt was standing with Judge Brookings, Festus and Newly, talking but they stopped suddenly when he saw them approach. Stunned, seeing Doc help Kitty down from the carriage.

"Judge, excuse me." Walking over to her. "Aw, Kit Honey, you look absolutely beautiful!"

Doc smiled. Swiping his mustache, he turned giving them a private moment.

"Cowboy? All these people. This was supposed to be simple and quiet, just…"

Rolling his eyes. "Kit, I guess word got out."

Then after helping Mary down, Doc overheard them. "Look, you two, Dodge has waited a long time to see this day. Did you really think they were gonna miss this?"

Slowly Ms. Pry walked up behind Matt. "Looking good, Marshal. And it's about time." She declared, flicking his arm with her parasol. Kitty forced back a laugh.

Matt turned to Mary. "Honey, you look so pretty." She wore a pink chiffon dress, her hair long down her back. The three, hand in hand, walked over to Judge Brookings.

"Matt, you're a lucky man."

Spring Creek was a spectacular sight. It was a beautiful late spring day. The trees were beautiful shades of green. All the wild flowers were in full bloom. The creek itself was flowing with babbling waves of crystal clear waters. A perfect spot for the ceremony. It was also a spot Sam and the girls chose to tie bottles of champagne to chill.

Once everyone was there, the Judge called for everyone to gather around. Suddenly, Reverend English and his wife stepped up.

"Marshal, Miss Kitty. Although you've chosen to marry here at Spring Creek, Martha and I still felt God would still look upon this union and bless you both. So we wouldn't miss being here today, so if you wouldn't mind if I stood with the Judge. Miss Kitty, you and the Marshal have both given so much of yourselves to Dodge.

Now with everyone in place, Mary by Kitty's side, Doc was along side of Kitty as well. Festus stood with Matt. Judge Brookings began.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Dodge," then looking up at the crowd, smiling, "and shall I say, Ford County." There was a slight laughter. "We are all gathered here on this beautiful day, one it seems most have waited for, for a long time." He was now looking to Matt. Matt rolled his eyes. Kitty held back a laugh.

"Folks, we are gathered here today to witness these two people, Matt and Kitty, our… your good friends,pPromise themselves to one another in holy matrimony. Two people who have devoted their lives and love to one another and we've all witnessed that in so many ways over the last two decades. Have we not? But now here today, before all of us their friends, family and God and most of all to each other, they will exchange vows, sealing that love. Let us begin. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

And with a proud cmile, Doc kissed her cheek. "I do!"

"Matthew James Dillon, do you take this woman Kathleen Annalise Russell, to be your lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse to death do you part?"

Matt was lost staring into Kitty's eyes.

"Matt?" The Judge called his name.

"Oh! I certainly do!"

Everyone laughed.

Kathleen Annalise Russell, do you take Matthew James Dillon…"

"OH YES!"

Clearing his throat.

"Oh." She realized he wasn't finished. Again laughter.

"As your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, for better for worse, till death do you part?"

Nodding, "Yes. Yes I do!"

"Matt, did you have something you wanted to say?"

"Um , yeah." Now holding Kitty's hands, "Kit Honey, you know I'm not good with words. But, Honey, from the first day I saw you in the café, and yes, I noticed you that day, you captured my heart. Yeah, I know I was stubborn about not wanting a personal relationship, wife or a family because of my job, but it was just because…"

Squeezing his hands, "Et, et, Cowboy, we've been through all that."

"Yeah, but, Kitty, you won over my heart and I realized I can't and don't want to live without you in my life. You and our girl. And Honey, I couldn't ask for a better more loving woman. You've stood by me through so much all these years. I love you, Kitty Russell."

He bent to kiss her and both, the reverend and judge cleared their throats. "Et et, not yet, Marshal, Miss Kitty."

Cupping his cheeks in her hands, "Oh, Cowboy, the day you walked into that café you stole my heart. And it's been yours every day since, no matter what. Even when I knew you were married to that badge. My heart knew, the heart wants what the heart wants, and my heart wanted you. Matt Dillon, I loved you then and every day, year, since. And I promise to love you till my very last breath and beyond. No one has ever loved a man the way, I love you, Cowboy."

She leaned in to kiss him. Again she heard, "Et et, not yet."

"Matt, do you have the ring?

Just then, Doc reached in his pocket. "Right here. Here, Matt, I think this will help."

Both Matt and Kitty looked surprised. There were now remembering years before when Doc won the gold wedding band for separating the attached loops. He always said someday he would see it on a special young lady's hand.

"Is there anyone here who can show just cause why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Kitty quietly hoped none of Matt's outlaw ex-girlfriends were around and Matt was hoping no one from Kitty's past such as Sergeant Holley or Stanbridge were around.

"Fine, well then, by the power invested in me in the state of Kansas." Then Reverend English added and in the eyes of God, we now pronounce that they are husband and wife."

Then Matt asked, "For a minute, everyone, can I have your attention, please." He turned taking Mary's hand. Mary Honey, now with your permission, before all these folks, would you do me the honor of allowing me to become your poppa, true and legal like?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks, "Momma?"

Kitty too had tears in her eyes, "Well?"

Nodding, "YES! OH YES!" Throwing her arms around him.

Judge Brookings reached in his pocket, handing Matt an envelope which Matt handed to Mary.

As she read it, she saw it said, "As of this date, the child Mary Baines Russell, child of Kathleen Russell, will be the legal child of Kathleen Russell Dillon and Matthew Dillon." She stopped reading, looking up at Matt. "Does this mean..."

Smiling, "Yeah, Honey, I'm your poppa all legal."

"Momma?"

"Uh huh! We're a family!"

"YAY! We're a family! Just like you said." Now holding her locket, "Forever family."

Finally, not only did Mary get the wish she wished for so badly, but after all the years of loving her Cowboy and sticking by him, Kitty's heartfelt wish was fulfilled as well. And deep down, I believe Matt's was as well. **Wink**

FINI

A/N: Special thanks to Singerme for all your help, as always. And thank you to the readers and reviewers for all the kind reviews. They are so appreciated, especially to the guests whom I can't reply to. They don't go un-noticed.