It was going to be another hot, sticky day in New Orleans. Kitty released Matt's pillow and rolled over on her back. She could feel the beads of sweat running down the front of her body and her hair was damp with perspiration. She lay in bed listening for the patter of her children's footsteps but so far all remained quiet. It was a long trip to Dodge, and an even longer stay, so relaxing in bed a little while longer would certainly be a luxury. The past few weeks were utterly exhausting and it thrilled her to know that she would never have to see Dodge again. She sat up resting her back against the headboard and stretched. She felt better than she had in weeks and even the humidity of the day was not going to dampen her spirits. As she did every morning, she turned toward her nightstand to hold her wedding picture but it wasn't there. She searched around the nightstand and bed then sat back down on the mattress trying to remember if she had moved it. After awhile, she threw on her robe and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Maggie had started the coffee and was about to throw the bacon into the pan when Kitty entered the room. "Morning Miss Kitty…did you sleep well?" Kitty didn't respond still looking confused. "Is there something wrong?"

"Huh?"

"I asked you if there was something wrong. You look a little lost."

Maggie handed Kitty a cup of coffee as she sat down at the table. "Maggie, when did you get home yesterday?"

"Oh…a few hours before you did."

"Hmm. You didn't by any chance go in my room and clean…did you?"

Maggie chuckled. "To tell you the truth I took a little nap when I got home…why?"

"I know this is going to sound crazy but my wedding picture is not on the nightstand. I looked all around the area but there's no sign of it." Kitty sipped her coffee as she waved her hand, "I probably moved it somewhere and with the trip and all I just can't remember where. It'll come back to me I'm sure."

Maggie placed her hand over Kitty's, "If you need me to help you with anything you know you just have to ask." Kitty nodded, "now…how would you like your eggs?"

"Over easy…by the way did you and Doc get a chance to talk last night?"

Maggie nodded, "we did and as soon as I finish making your breakfast I'm going to bring him breakfast in bed. I'm going to make sure he doesn't overdo it."

Kitty chuckled, "don't spoil him now."

Maggie smiled, "I intend to for the rest of my life." Maggie walked over to start the eggs. "Oh and how adorable was Matthew in that cowboy hat and boots."

Kitty took another sip of coffee, "wasn't he though? I wish Matt could have seen him in Dodge. He would have gotten the biggest kick out of him."

"Festus didn't find Matt I presume?"

Kitty shook her head, "no, but he did find out that the man who was suppose to be searching for Matt never left Fort Collins. He just took the money and spent it on a woman there."

"Oh how awful."

"I don't know what to think anymore Maggie. If Matt is alive he clearly has decided to stay in the mountains and make a life there." Kitty sighed. "Well…at least I have the children."

"Miss Kitty, I just can't believe Matt would do that. He loved you so much."

"That's just it he loved me…I don't think he does anymore."

Maggie walked over to Kitty and wrapped her arms around her. "I don't believe that for a minute. I don't know where Matt is but I do know he hasn't for a second stopped loving you."

Maggie released Kitty, "well…thanks for saying so but I'm running low on hope." She stood, "why don't you make the breakfast for Doc; I think I'll go up and look in on the children."

Kitty peered into their rooms and smiled at how peaceful her children looked. She slowly closed their doors and went back into her room and lay across the bed. The puzzle of the missing wedding picture still preyed on her mind. The more thought she gave it the more positive she was that she left the picture on the nightstand. She took a deep breath and walked into the room to change. As she dressed she made a mental note of the list of things she needed to do that day. Her first order of business was to stop at the restaurant. She felt awful about leaving Sam alone for so long and would make it a point to do something special for him. Ready for the day she went over to her dresser to put on her jewelry when she noticed Matthew and Katie's pictures were also missing. She searched around the furniture but no sign of the photos. As she looked around the room she noticed a glass and a piece of paper on the other nightstand. She sat on the mattress and removed the piece of paper from under the glass. She gasped as she realized it was the note she left for Maggie. Her heart raced as the first thought that ran through her mind was Matt. She checked his dresser and found clothes missing. She quickly ran down the stairs, note in hand, into the kitchen. "Maggie, can you watch the children please?"

"Sure Miss Kitty but where are you going in such a hurry?"

She shouted back as she reached the front door, "to find my husband."

Susie was getting the office ready for the day when Kitty hurriedly came through the door. Susie looked up, "good morning Kitty."

"Morning Susie…John around?"

"He isn't expected until later this morning. I think he may have stopped at the hospital on his way in." Kitty was still breathing heavy, "are you all right…can I help you with anything?"

Kitty smiled, "I'm fine Susie. I just need to see John, that's all." As she grabbed the doorknob she turned back to John's nurse, "thanks." Susie walked to the window and watched Kitty as she raced down the block.

Kitty ran up to the front desk, "I'm looking for Dr. Chapman." Before the person could answer Kitty saw John down the hallway. She took off in his direction.

John looked up to see Kitty racing toward him, "Kitty, honey, everything all right?" Kitty tried to explain as she caught her breath. John took her toward a bench and sat her down. "Kitty, now take a deep breath and slowly tell me what's wrong."

"John," she showed him the note, "I found this on the nightstand next to the bed."

He looked puzzled. "Is that the note you left for Maggie?"

Kitty nodded her head, "there was a glass on top of it. John, I left nothing on that nightstand when I left for Dodge…nothing. Our wedding picture and the pictures of Matthew and Katie are gone…so are some of Matt's clothes."

John stared into Kitty's eyes, "you think Matt came home?"

"John, we have to find him."

"OK now. We are going to need help…the police station is around the corner." He helped her off the bench and they hurriedly left the hospital.

Captain Eric Fournier sat with feet up on his desk reading a police report. He was making a valiant effort to keep his eyes open but the nature of the material always made him drowsy. A knock on the door jolted him into an upright position as he straightened his body in the chair. "Come in."

"Captain, there's a Mrs. Dillon and Dr. Chapman to see you."

He quickly stood and moved from behind his desk, "please show them in." Kitty and John made their way into the room as Eric extended his hand. "Kitty, how nice to see you again," He then shook John's hand, "Dr. Chapman," he gestured toward the chairs in front of him as he moved behind his desk, "now what brings you here today?"

"Eric you once said if there was anything you could do to help me find Matt that I would just have to ask."

"That offer still stands today but Kitty it's been years. How do you know he is even still alive?"

"This," she showed him the piece of paper.

Eric read the note. "What does this have to do with Matt?"

"I think Matt came home while we were away."

Eric shook his head, "I'm sorry Kitty but I don't see the correlation between what is written in this note and Matt."

"Eric, we went back to Dodge because one of our good friends was seriously ill. Our housekeeper was on vacation visiting her sister and the sister's employer had no idea how to get in touch with them so I left that note in our kitchen for her to find if she came home before we did. Because our good friend was my housekeeper's fiancé I didn't want to worry her so I kept the note intentionally vague. I found the note with a glass on the nightstand this morning, with pictures missing, and more of Matt's clothes gone. I have no way of knowing when he left but if there is the slightest chance that he could still be in New Orleans I have to find him." Kitty looked down, "I fear the vagueness of the note might have made my husband believe I was no longer in love with him."

Eric looked over at John and shook his head, "I could see where a man could believe that."

"Can you help me Eric?"

He smiled, "Kitty you know I will. Let's just hope Matt is still in town but even if he isn't we still might be able to do something." He stood and handed the note back to Kitty. "Let me handle this and I'll be in touch."

Kitty extended her hand, "thank you so much Eric. I really appreciate this." He shook her hand and smiled. As they turned to leave, Eric extended his hand to John, "Nice seeing you again doctor." John nodded.

Kitty was quiet on the way home. She stared at the piece of paper not once looking up at John. Giving her some time to her thoughts he stared straight ahead not sure what to do or say. They arrived at the house and he helped her down from the coach. She smiled weakly, "I guess you have some patients to see today John."

"I have no problem staying here if you need me to be."

"No need. I should be all right." She smiled. "If we're lucky Matt might be home for dinner tonight." She turned and headed for the door as John watched her walk down the path then disappear into the house. He climbed into the coach with an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach. He always knew the day might come when Matt would return but as he headed for his office he realized he just wasn't as prepared for that day as he thought he was. It was going to be very hard for him to let her go.

Kitty entered the front door as Doc and Maggie were coming down the front staircase. Doc grabbed Kitty's arm, "Maggie said something about finding your husband? What was that all about?"

They walked into the living room and sat down. "I woke this morning Doc to find my wedding picture missing. As I was getting dressed I noticed that Matthew and Katie's pictures were missing as well. I began to look around the room and I found," she showed the piece of paper to Doc and Maggie, "this on the nightstand under a glass. I ran to Matt's dresser and more of his clothes were missing. We just came back from the police station and Captain Fournier is going to see if Matt is still here in New Orleans." Kitty stood, "I just hate all this waiting!"

Doc stood and put his hands on her shoulders, "Come on now sit back down. Maggie can you get Kitty a drink?"

She sat in the chair, "I don't feel like a drink Doc."

He ran his hand over his moustache, "maybe you don't want one but in my professional opinion you need one."

She smiled up at him as Maggie handed her the glass. "I've lost him again Doc."

He sat on the arm of the chair and put his arm around her, "now, honey, you don't know that."

She waved the piece of paper, "he read this Doc. I know him…he thinks I'm with John now."

"First," Doc reached over and took the paper from her hand, "we're not going to concentrate on this note any longer. We are going to believe that big idiot you married has gone somewhere to think things through and that he is going to walk through that door any day now."

She sighed, "I want to believe that Doc but…"

"No buts young lady. Now I want you to go upstairs and rest."

She waved him off, "Doc I have too much to do today. I have to get down to the restaurant and…well…I just have too much to do." She took a deep breath, "besides, it might take my mind off things." She stood and handed him the drink, "I'll see you later Doc." He watched as she walked out the front door.

"Miss Kitty, it is so good to see you." Sam threw his arms around her. "Festus told me Doc pulled through."

She nodded, "yes, thank heavens he's fine."

Sam looked down, "he also told me he didn't have any luck finding Matt."

Kitty nodded, "I guess I'm only allowed one miracle Sam."

"Pardon me Miss Kitty?"

She waved her hand to dismiss her thought, "I'm just feeling sorry for myself Sam. Now, if you will excuse me I'll get busy on the books."

"I did the best I could but if you can't make something out just give me a holler…OK?"

Kitty nodded, "I sure will," she held his arm, "and Sam thanks for everything."

"You're welcome Miss Kitty." She smiled as she turned to walk toward her office. Sam watched her leave then shouted after her. "It's really good to have you back Miss Kitty."

She turned and smiled again, "it's really good to be back, Sam. Thanks."

Kitty had been at the books for hours and she definitely needed to take a break. She stood to stretch her back and neck then she walked over and poured her favorite Napoleon brandy into a glass and sat down. She closed her eyes as the warm liquid flowed through her body and she allowed her mind some time to wander. The scene would play out vividly over and over in her mind. Matt would walk through the front door; take her in his arms, carry her up to bed, all the while promising never to leave her again. She smiled as she visualized the lengthy seduction she had planned in case he had any doubt how much in love with him she still was. She needed him more than ever in her life and she hoped the note didn't put any crazy notions into his head and drive him away. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a knock at the door. "Come in."

"Sorry to disturb you Miss Kitty but I meant to mention that Annie quit last week and I held off on hiring anyone until you returned."

"That must have meant you were pretty shorthanded."

Sam nodded, "well…we were but we managed all right. I hope everything is making sense."

"Oh, yes Sam, you did real fine."

"OK then I just wanted to let you know while it was still in my head."

Kitty smiled, "I know the feeling Sam." Kitty heard the door shut behind her and then she went back to her books.

She arrived home for dinner exhausted and cautiously optimistic that Matt would be found soon. The children were in the capable hands of their Pop Pop and both man and youngsters were thoroughly enjoying their time together. Kitty walked down the hallway into the kitchen. "Need any help Maggie?"

She turned back to Kitty, "oh, no, Miss Kitty. Everything is fine. How was everything down at the restaurant?"

Kitty smiled, "no complaints there. From the looks of things it's just been humming along."

"Well that's good." A look of concern came over Maggie's face, "Miss Kitty, why don't you rest awhile before dinner. I think it will be another hour or so before we eat."

"I am a little tired, I think I will." She went up the back stairs and headed for her bedroom.

Later that evening the adults were relaxing, drinks in hand. Kitty was slowly sipping her drink, her mind a million miles away. Maggie looked at Doc and then back at Kitty, "I was expecting Dr. John to join us this evening for dinner."

Kitty slowly looked over at Maggie, "huh?"

"Dr. John…I was surprised he didn't come for dinner…I can't remember the last time he missed reading to the children before they went to bed."

Kitty shook her head, "oh, I guess I was a little distant when he dropped me off this morning."

Maggie looked at Doc as he patted her hand, "Kitty, now, are you still thinking about that note?"

She turned toward her old friend, "Doc, if I hadn't worded it the way I did Matt might have stayed."

"Maybe…but you would have certainly had Maggie worried half to death over nothing if you have written about my health condition in that note. That is why I presume you wrote it the way you did."

Kitty nodded, "I didn't want her to have to learn about it in a note."

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "Then you did the right thing as far as I'm concerned. You had no way of knowing Matt would come home now after all these years. "

"But if I had just given it some more thought maybe I could have told Matt where we were and not worry Maggie." She shook her head, "I've read it numerous times since and if I were Matt I would think that John and I were together too…I can't blame him."

"Yes, you can blame him! I'm getting a little tired of you thinking that Matt is not responsible in any way. Have you forgotten he walked out on you, maybe he didn't intend to stay away very long, but he left nonetheless. Honey, you know I love Matt like a son but he was just plain wrong this time and no amount of proper wording in a letter will make me believe otherwise." Kitty looked down trying to hold back the tears. Doc stood, sat on the arm of the chair, put his arm around her, and patted her shoulder, "come on now Kitty, we're going to find him." She nodded, stood, handed Doc her glass, and made her way upstairs. She quickly undressed, wrapped her arms around Matt's pillow, and cried herself to sleep.

The next day Doc slowly climbed down from the coach and made his way into John's office. "I'd like to see Dr. Chapman please."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No…but if you tell him Dr. Adams is in the waiting room I think he will fit me in."

Susie stood and walked down the hall to retrieve John. Doc sat in the waiting room until Susie reappeared, "Dr. Adams, Dr. Chapman said for you to come right in."

He stood slowly and followed the nurse back to John's office. John came from around his desk with a worried look on his face, "everything all right Galen? You're feeling fine, aren't you?"

"Oh, yes, I'm feeling fine," he shuffled over to the chair in front of John's desk and sat down. "It's Kitty I've come about."

"What happened? Is she all right?"

Doc nodded, "physically yes but I'm a little concerned about her mental state. Losing Matt once was bad enough but if she loses him again," Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "well John…I don't know what sort of shape she'll be in."

"Did she hear anything from the police?"

"No, nothing yet," Doc tugged on his ear, "I noticed you weren't at dinner last night."

"Well, under the circumstances, I didn't think it would be appropriate."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

John picked up a pen and twirled it in his hand, "Kitty needs some time alone right now. I have a feeling she blames me for Matt leaving again." John stood and walked over to the window, "you know I'm in love with her."

Doc shook his head, "yes, I know."

"Galen, I went into this with my eyes wide open. Believe me, there was never a day that I ever thought for one moment that Kitty might ever love me as she does Matt but that didn't stop me from falling more deeply in love with her every day we were together." John shrugged, "maybe I started to believe that Matt was happy in the mountains and that with every passing day Kitty might start to see me in a different light and then one day we could make a life together." John fell silent as Doc eyed his friend, "I would cherish her every day of my life Galen…every day. I would do whatever I could to make her happy and I would never, ever, leave her side but there's a chance that Matt will be home soon so I have to bow out gracefully." He chuckled, "I am a southern gentleman, after all."

Doc stood slowly and walked over to the window. He placed his hand on John's back. "I'm sorry John I guess I was only thinking of Kitty when I decided to come here. I didn't give one thought to the agony you were going through."

"Galen, what's the old adage? It's better to have loved and lost then not to have loved at all? I will always treasure the years I spent with Kitty for the rest of my life. I will always have that to hold on to."

Doc patted his back, "you know the children miss you terribly."

John shook his head, "not once their father returns. I'll be a distance memory which is how it should be."

"Now John, that's just nonsense. You can't really believe that…you mean so much to the children."

John turned to pick up his pipe, "I don't belong there Galen. Matt has to bond again with his family. That's not going to happen if I'm always there."

Doc looked at John as he lit his pipe, "I guess I took up enough of your time John." Doc extended his hand, "I'm sorry John…I really am."

John took a puff on his pipe, "I am too Galen." Doc nodded then walked down the hallway as John closed the door.

For the last week, Kitty had hired a driver to take her down every street in New Orleans looking for Matt. The waiting was driving her crazy and doubling the police efforts in her mind might find Matt quicker. She returned home one night to find Captain Fournier sitting in the living room. She removed her cloak and walked toward him as he stood, "Eric do you have any information on Matt?"

"Kitty, maybe you should sit down."

"I don't want to sit Eric, where is Matt?"

Eric took a deep breath, "it seems a man fitting Matt's description bought a ticket to return to Denver."

"Did anyone see him get on the train?"

"No, but I have a couple of contacts in Denver. I've sent Matt's description so we'll see if anything comes up."

"Does this mean you've given up looking in this city?"

"No, certainly not, I just wanted to at least give you an update on the progress we've made so far."

Kitty nodded, "well, thank you for stopping by Eric. I do appreciate it."

They stood at the front door and Eric held her arm, "we're doing all we can Kitty, please believe that."

"I know." After she closed the door she walked into the living room and sat in the chair staring into space. The tears began to roll down her cheeks when Katie walked into the room. "Are you all right Mommy?"

Kitty wiped the tears away and tried to put on a brave face. She picked up her daughter and hugged her. "We're going to be all right Katie no matter what."

It took another couple of days before Eric brought the news that a man fitting Matt's description had purchased a horse in Denver and headed north. Of course no one could make a positive identification but he thought she should know. Kitty smiled politely as she thanked Eric for everything he had done and then she slowly climbed the stairs to her room.

Matt had longed for night in a town and was relieved when he finally saw Fort Collins in the distance. He hoped to get a hot bath, a good meal, and a good night's sleep, not necessarily in that order. He dismounted in front of the Iron Horse Café, grabbed his bags, and made his way to the bar. "What'll it be mister?"

"Beer, please." Matt placed his coins on the bar. He looked at the whiskey on the shelf, "and a bottle of whiskey." The bartender reached for the house brand and Matt stopped him. "I'd like the whiskey on the second shelf please."

The bartender grabbed the bottle and placed it in front of Matt. "I see you have good taste in whiskey. Own a bar or somethin'?"

Matt nodded his head, "might say that."

Belle Goodnight eyed this tall specimen of man from the moment he walked in. She watched him for awhile before she eventually made her way over to the bar. She stood uncomfortably close, "could I have a beer over here Bill?"

"Comin' up Miss Belle."

She looked up at Matt. "New in town?"

Matt took a sideways glance, "yep."

Bill placed the beer in front of Belle, "thanks." She looked back at Matt again as she sipped her drink, "stayin' for awhile?"

"Nope."

"You sure are short on conversation, I'll say that much." She threw down the beer, "the least ya could do is buy me a drink."

Matt took a deep breath and with an annoyed look, "buy her a beer Bill." He flung the coin across the bar.

"Well now that was right neighborly of you," sarcasm dripping from every word.

"You wanted the drink." Matt took another sip of his beer.

"You are one stubborn man…you know that?"

"So I've been told a time or two."

She turned back to the bar and sipped her beer, "It's gettin' a little late…do ya need a room for the night?"

"I was heading over to the hotel after I finished my drink."

"We have rooms here ya know; definitely better than the ones at the hotel."

"A room is a room."

"Let's just say our rooms have many more amenities then down the street. Don't cha want to know what they are?"

"Not particularly," Matt signaled for the bartender to pour him another beer.

"Well, for one, we clean our sheets every day."

"Doesn't matter to me what you do with the sheets after I'm gone."

"You can take a bath."

"Hotel has a bath."

"But our rooms have someone who will rub your neck," she ran her fingers down Matt's neck, "back," her hand ran the length of his back, "or anywhere else you need rubbin'," as her hand continued on down past his waist. Matt took a deep breath as she went through her obvious sales pitch. She turned her back to the bar and ran her hand down his chest, "do you think service like this might interest you?"

Matt closed his eyes as her hand reached his waist. He was trying to keep his physical reaction to this woman's touch at bay as he turned to look at her. As far as he could tell she was a woman near Kitty's age as his eyes ran the length of her voluptuous body and she thought she saw desire in his eyes. He looked at her face and stared into her eyes and swallowed hard as the thought of spending the night wrapped in her arms ran through his mind. Then he noticed the red hair and he smiled. Belle smiled and moved closer, "I take it you have decided to enjoy our hospitality for the night? Come," she positioned her body between Matt and the bar, "a man like you needs the best and I'm the best."

He stared at her but stopped her hand before it ran down the front of his pants and placed it on the bar. "I'm not going Belle."

She looked puzzled then stroked his face, "Sugar, I've seen your type before. Haven't had a woman in a long time and you're afraid you won't be able to perform. You don't worry about a thing…Belle will take care of everything."

"It's not that Belle, I just don't want to be with you."

"Why you," she went to slap him but he grabbed her hand.

He looked around the room as he released his hold, "seems to me there are plenty of other men here that I'm sure would love to take advantage of the services this establishment offers. I just can't."

Belle put her hands on her hips, "and why not?"

"I'm married and I don't want to be unfaithful to my wife."

She let her hands drop to her side as she shook her head, "yes sir, one day I wanna' find me a man like you to love. What I wouldn't give."

Matt smiled, "I hope you find him one day too Belle." Matt threw down the rest of his beer, grabbed the bottle off the bar and his bags, and left the café. He looked down at the hotel but as tempting as a soft mattress and a hot bath were he wasn't up for another womanly encounter so he threw his bags over his saddle horn and decided the wide open spaces would be his hotel that night. He mounted his horse and made his way out of town.

Matt sat in front of the fire, sipping some whiskey, trying to make some sense of his life. He thought of how happy he was when he returned to the house that night and found the lights on. His pace quickened as the thought of Kitty in his arms again spurred him on. He was a block away when he saw Kitty and John come out on the porch and linger. He could hear her laughter and he could see John's arms around her and then the kiss. Matt stepped back into the bushes as John passed but he never lost sight of Kitty standing on the porch watching John walk away. He stood what seemed like forever and then he made one final pass of the house and then he was gone. He had second guessed his decision all the way up to this point and he was sure he would for the rest of his life. He had no plan, no direction, all he knew was he had to get as far away as possible. Seeing his wife in the arms of another man tore him apart and he knew no matter how far he ventured or how long he lived he would always remember that moment. If she was happy that was enough for him to know. Now he had to make his own way. He slouched down on the saddle and thought about Belle. He could be tumbling around in that soft mattress right now as she made him feel like a man again. What kind of fool turns down a night of love making? As Matt pulled his hat over his face he thought, a man who was still so very much in love with his wife.

Kitty had spent another week on the coach scouring the city for Matt. She came through the front door again without any results. Doc met her in front of the staircase. "Care for a drink before dinner?"

She nodded, "I would, thank you Doc." She walked over to the sofa and sat down as Doc handed her the drink. He sat down next to her.

"No luck, huh?"

Kitty looked down, "no, but there's always tomorrow."

Doc reached over and took her hand, "honey, do you think it wise to continue this search?"

"I have to do something Doc."

"But what if, as Captain Fournier said, he went back to Denver? Seems to me it's a waste of money to continue searching for him here and risking your health. How long were you thinking about keeping this pace up?"

She took a sip of her drink, "if I give in to the thought that Matt went back to Denver I'll just fall apart Doc. I really can't live without him, you know that."

Doc nodded, "I know, but it's not going to do either you or the children any good if you become very sick. Kitty, they need their mother more then you need Matt at the moment." Doc could see he wasn't making much headway in convincing her the time was right to give up the search. "The good thing is we know Matt is alive and if he survived the mountains once I'm sure he'll be able to survive them again until we find him. You know what I believe?" Kitty shook her head, "I believe that Festus was probably in the cabin where Matt had been living but didn't find him there because Matt was on his way home." Doc patted her hand, "don't worry honey Festus will find him this time."

"I hope so Doc."

"You can bet on it." Doc turned her head to look in her eyes, "So promise me that you'll stop this daily search and for goodness sake start thinking about my wedding. That should be your number one priority young lady!"

Kitty smiled, "it sure is Doc." They clinked glasses and toasted to Matt's return.

For the next week, Kitty tried hard to put all her efforts into Doc and Maggie's wedding but there were moments her thoughts would turn to Matt. Every time she would think about how close she came to having him back home the tears would fall. She was in the library room going over her list when she heard the front door open. Expecting Maggie she rose to meet her halfway. She stepped out into the hallway to see John standing inside the front door. She hadn't seen him in weeks and when he smiled she ran into his arms then sobbed into his chest. He tried to comfort her as he walked her over to the sofa. He lifted her head to look at him and he brushed away the tears. "Kitty, I just saw Eric Fournier down at the hospital and he told me what they had found out about Matt. I'm so sorry."

She smiled through her tears, "I almost had him back again John."

"I know you did." He brushed away the hair from her face. "And you will again."

She shook her head, "he's gone now for good John. He's not coming back."

John shook his head in disagreement, "he just needs some time alone right now but he'll be back."

"How can you be so sure?"

John smiled, "he took your wedding picture and the pictures of Matthew and Katie with him. Now, how many men do you know would take such intimate mementos with them if they wanted to leave and never look back?"

Kitty mulled that thought over in her mind. "I guess it could be possible he'd return."

"Kitty, I think it's more than possible. Let's just give him some time…OK?"

She nodded then touched his face, "The last time I saw you I was so rude. I'm so sorry."

John shook his head, "No you weren't. You had a lot on your mind and I understood you needed to be alone."

"Well, I thought maybe that was why you hadn't come to the house for the past few weeks."

"You had nothing to do with it Kitty, believe me."

"Then what John?"

He shook his head, "it doesn't matter."

"It matters to me."

He took a deep breath, "when I thought Matt would be home soon I felt it was better if you, the children, and Matt had time to bond as a family again. I didn't want to do anything that would hinder that process."

"The children have been asking for you. They've missed you very much."

"I've missed them." He stared into her eyes, "and you."

She smiled, "will you stay for dinner?"

He returned the smile. "This isn't a ploy to get me to read to the children…now is it?"

She slapped his arm, "now Dr. Chapman how could you ever think such a thing?" They both laughed, "come on, I'll pour you a drink and then I'll show you how the wedding preparations are coming.

Little Fawn shaded her eyes from the mid-afternoon sun as she watched a lone rider slowly approaching the cabin from her vantage point on the porch. As he came closer and she realized who it was her heart broke for the man who she had come to call her friend. He dismounted and tied the horse to the rail not saying a word. She looked into his eyes and she had never seen such sadness. "I hoping you not come back Dillon."

Matt didn't say anything as he stepped up on the porch. He headed for the chair and sat down exhausted. She took her place next to him. "What happened Dillon? She not there?"

Matt stared blankly into space. "Yes, she wasn't there."

"Did she move away?"

"No, she still lives there but she was on a trip with the children."

"So, why you not wait Dillon?"

"I did wait for a couple of weeks but I couldn't wait any longer."

"You wait couple of weeks then go? What made you go Dillon?"

He shook his head, "I don't know…maybe I didn't want to be told the truth."

"What truth Dillon?"

"She was on this trip with the children…and…another man."

"How you know that?"

"I found a note for our housekeeper telling her that she had gone with this man."

"You know this man?"

Matt shook his head, "yes, I do."

Little Fawn sat silent trying to find the right words to say. "Maybe you should have stayed. At least she would know you alive."

"I don't think she cares."

Little Fawn shook her head, "why you think this always Dillon?"

Matt was beginning to lose his patience, "Why else would she be on a trip with him? How do they sleep…like husband and wife?" Matt stopped and calmed down before he continued, "before I left I saw them on the porch kissing and," Matt flailed his arms, "It doesn't matter anymore. She's happy now."

Little Fawn looked puzzled, "you do not know this Dillon. Why you run from this love? You not be upset if this love was not something important to you."

"It once was but she has decided to be with another man and I will not stand in her way. She deserves some happiness in her life."

"I think you her happiness. A woman does not wait for man twenty years if she not happy. She still loves you Dillon, this I know. If she is with other man it be for many reasons but it is not love. There is sorrow in her heart and in yours." She shook her head in disappointment, "I sorry you return."

"Little Fawn, you, Brave Bear and Running Fox have been very good to me and I will always be grateful for what all of you have done but I will look to build my own cabin. My life is here in the wilderness now and as soon as I can finish building I will leave here to live out my days alone."

"Dillon I not mean for you to leave. I only want you be happy again. Whether you stay here or live alone you will not be happy. She will always be your happiness and you hers. This I know. I think instead of building cabin here, you go back to this Louis Anna and build a house there. If you believe your wife not need you then believe your children need you."

Matt took a deep breath, "I can't do that Little Fawn…I just can't."

Little Fawn let out with an exasperated sigh, "then Dillon you stay with us. You not live alone. You come from family you need family and I not hear word from you that is not so. Your room still here."

Matt smiled, "thank you."

Matt was beginning to feel a little more settled as he sat with the woman who he had always felt comfortable around. After some time Little Fawn turned to him. "Dillon, I have news."

He turned toward her, "Oh? And what's that?"

"I'm with child."

Matt stood and helped her out of the chair and hugged her close, "I'm so happy for you Little Fawn."

"See…other reason you need to stay here."

Matt smiled, "by golly, I guess there is."

"Come you unpack and I will start dinner."

"Yes ma'am."

Matt stood and walked over to his horse. He removed his two bags and followed Little Fawn into the cabin. Running Fox stood when he saw Matt walk through the door. He extended his hand, "welcome my friend but why you come back?"

"Well, Running Fox, it's a long story. Maybe on one of our hunting expeditions I'll tell you all about it but from what I hear congratulations are in order."

Running Fox pulled Little Fawn to him, "we hope for son."

"And a right fine son he'll be too." Matt grabbed his bags from in front of the hearth, "if you'll excuse me I just want to drop off my bags and take a little nap."

Running Fox agreed. "Sleep is good after long journey." Matt nodded and waved at Brave Bear on his way to his room.

He closed the door and stripped down to his union suit. The blankets and mat were exactly as he had left them. Before he lay down he opened his carpet bag and removed the three pictures. He set them side by side to the left of his head. The sun was setting and the light poured through the window and illuminated the photos. He stared at his family and the harsh reality set in that this was all he had in his life, these three photos would remind him every day of how happy he once was. He tried to keep his eyes opened as long as he could but as sleep gently took him away his last thought was, take good care of them John.