The wedding was set for the first Saturday in October which left little more than a month to have the dresses made, the yard decorations delivered and hung, the invitations sent, and Russell's transformed into the grandest wedding reception New Orleans had ever seen. Katie was going to be flower girl and Matthew had the honor of carrying the rings. He was fidgeting as Mrs. Boudreau tried very hard to size him for his suit. "Matthew, please stand still a little longer until Mrs. Boudreau finishes."
"Why Mommy?"
"You are going to Pop Pop's and Aunt Maggie's wedding and little boys should be wearing a suit."
"Can I wear my boots?"
Kitty took an exasperated breath, "we'll see. Now, just hold still a while longer…please?"
Mrs. Boudreau chuckled, "little boys are always like this Kitty. Even when it is their wedding day they still fidget."
Kitty laughed, "I know he will."
"OK, Master Matthew I am finished with you. Now it will be much easier measuring your sister, I am sure. Come Katie."
Katie ran over and stood perfectly still in front of Mrs. Boudreau. "You'll find you won't have any trouble with her. She loves to get dressed up."
"Then we should make a dress befitting that of a beautiful flower girl." Katie looked up at Mrs. Boudreau and smiled.
"Dillon…stand still! I can't make coat if you move."
Matt took a deep breath and pointed over to his jacket, "Little Fawn, I have a perfectly functional coat sitting right on that chair over there."
The Indian woman nodded, "it good coat but this one better…warmer than your coat."
"You really don't have to go through all this trouble."
"No trouble to make…much trouble fit," Matt turned to look down at his friend, "turn 'round Dillon."
Little Fawn turned Matt around to face forward as he made an irritated face. Running Fox came into the cabin. "Must stand still, won't change mind."
Matt nodded in agreement, "Yeah…I'm finding that out."
"I almost done Dillon," Little Fawn shook her head. "You worse than little boy." Running Fox smiled as he passed Matt.
It was an unseasonably cool morning in New Orleans when Doc and Matthew, fishing poles in hand, headed toward Lake Pontchartrain. Kitty had packed them a lunch and doctor and grandson walked hand in hand down the streets leading to the water. They settled on a quiet bank surrounded by tall brush and moss covered trees. Doc baited Matthew's hook and showed him the fine art of casting his line. They sat for a couple of hours patiently waiting for the first bite each concentrating on the slow moving currents as they meandered down to the Mississippi. "Does it always take this long Pop Pop?"
Doc nodded, "sometimes, but if you get tired Matthew we can go home whenever you want."
"It's OK Pop Pop I wanna' catch a fish."
"All right then but you let me know when you're getting tired…OK?" Matthew nodded, "you want to eat something?" Matthew nodded again, "all right now, let me see what your mother fixed for us. Hmm…some fried chicken. Here…give me your pole and we'll stick it in the dirt here and then," he signaled for Matthew to take the food, "go ahead now help yourself." Matthew reached in and grabbed a leg and Doc reached in after him and did the same.
They sat for awhile before Matthew looked over at Doc, "Pop Pop…did my Daddy like to fish?"
Doc wiped his mouth with a napkin, "oh…your Daddy was an excellent fisherman. He didn't get a chance very often to enjoy it but when he did he liked it a lot."
"Ya think my Daddy will come home and take me fishing?"
Doc nodded, "he will someday, you can count on it."
Doc continued munching on his chicken, "Pop Pop…did my Daddy love me?"
Doc could feel his eyes welling with tears. "Sure he does Matthew."
"Then why did he leave? My friends have daddies that didn't leave. Did he leave because of me?"
Doc had years of practice delivering babies, taking bullets out of men, even pulling a couple of teeth now and again but answering a little boy's doubts was something they never taught him in medical school. He thought for a moment, "Matthew, why don't you come over here and sit next to your Pop Pop." Matthew got up and squeezed between his grandfather and the picnic basket. Doc put his arm around him as he spoke, "you see Matthew all your friend's daddies live a very different life from your Daddy. Remember when we were on the train coming back from Dodge?" Matthew nodded, "and there was land as far as the eye could see?" He nodded again, "well, your Daddy has lived his whole life on a horse roaming the land whether he was bringing cattle to market or bringing in the bad men who broke the law. Your Daddy is used to sleeping under the stars and he enjoys it. Now these other daddies they were born and raised right here so they don't know any other life but here. Do you understand?" He shook his head no. Doc took a deep breath, "What I'm trying to say is your Daddy is a very special man who has done some very special things in his life and the most special thing he has ever done was having you as his little boy. Matthew, I was with your Daddy when you were just a little baby and I've never seen a happier man in my life. He loves you very much and that I know for a fact."
"Then why isn't he here with me Pop Pop?"
Doc shook his head and tugged on his ear, "I wish I could explain that Matthew, I don't really understand it myself, but the one thing I am very sure of is that you had nothing to do with your Daddy leaving." He hugged his grandson and kissed the top of his head. The tender moment was interrupted by Matthew's pole wiggling to free itself from the dirt. Doc grabbed the pole and put Matthew in front of him as he gave the little boy joint control. Matthew's grin was a mile wide as he and his grandfather pulled the fish to shore.
"Pop Pop, I caught a fish," he turned his head to look at Doc, "I caught a fish!"
"You sure did, by golly."
"Can we go home now? I wanna' show my Mommy."
"You help me clean up and we'll be on our way."
As they walked hand in hand back home Matthew looked up at Doc, "wait 'till Mommy sees this fish Pop Pop."
"She'll be proud all right…mighty proud."
Matthew came running through the front door calling for Kitty. "Whoa…slow down there little man. What are you so excited about?"
"Mommy I caught the biggest fish you ever saw!" He turned to look for Doc, "even Pop Pop said I did!"
Doc caught up to mother and son as he showed Kitty what Matthew caught and chuckled, "good size too. Your son is a natural."
Kitty rustled Matthew's hair, "he certainly is. Matthew, honey, why don't you go upstairs and get cleaned up a little OK?"
"OK Mommy."
Doc and Kitty watched as Matthew climbed the stairs. "Honey, follow me out to the yard. I want to talk with you a minute." Kitty followed Doc and once they were out of earshot Doc spoke, "I just want you to know that Matthew was asking about Matt and I tried to explain the situation the best I could."
"What did he want to know?"
"He felt Matt left because of him. He sees all his friends with fathers and he is curious why his father isn't here."
"What did you tell him?"
"I tried to reinforce that Matt loves him very much and that having Matthew was the best thing Matt every did in his life but I had no explanation as to why Matt wasn't here except to say that Matt leads a very different life then his friend's fathers do."
Kitty rolled her eyes, "that's an understatement!"
Doc took Kitty by the arm, "now don't go to worrying, he'll be fine. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if Matt came home in the next couple of months."
"I would give anything for that to be true." She kissed him on the cheek, "thanks Curly for taking Matthew today. I've never seen him so excited."
"Kitty you should have seen his face when we were reeling it in. That's something that will stay with me for the rest of my life." Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "now if you will excuse me, I'll clean this fish and then I'll do a little freshening up myself." Kitty smiled as she walked back into the house.
As John arrived for dinner Matthew ran into waiting arms. "Uncle John…wait till you see the fish I caught today." He extended his hands, "it was this big."
"Wow that's some catch, shall we go see?" Matthew nodded as John carried him into the next room. "I hear we have dinner courtesy of Matthew this evening?" John placed him in a chair as Kitty walked over to him.
"Among other delicacies." She smiled, "how are you John?" She kissed his cheek.
He returned her smile, "famished."
"Then you've come to the right place tonight sir, please take a seat." He sat down next to Matthew as the food was passed around the table.
Later that evening John and Kitty sat on the porch, drinks in hand. "How's the wedding plans coming along?"
"Smoothly so far."
"I wouldn't expect it to go any other way with you planning it."
She smiled, "thanks."
He looked at her for a moment, "Kitty is anything wrong? You've been quiet this evening."
She took a deep breath, "when Doc took Matthew fishing today they had a little talk."
"Oh?"
"Matthew was under the impression that Matt doesn't love him and that he was the reason Matt left. It seems he can't understand why his friends have fathers and he doesn't."
John shook his head, "it must be very hard for him to understand."
"Well…thank goodness he caught that fish. I think that took his mind off the subject."
John reached over and picked her hand up and kissed it gently, "is there anything I can do?"
"I wish there was. Hopefully Matthew will believe what Doc told him…at least until we can get Matt back."
John looked at his watch and placed his drink on the table, "I have early morning rounds tomorrow Kitty so I think I'll head on home. Thanks for the good dinner." He stood and moved forward as Kitty quickly stood and grabbed his arm.
"I'm so glad you've been stopping by for dinner again John. I missed our chats in the evening."
He turned toward her, "I missed them too." She smiled as he ran his fingers down her face and gently kissed her lips. "I'll see you tomorrow." She wrapped her arms around his and walked him to the top step of the porch and, as she did every night, watched him disappear into the night.
They had ridden for awhile in silence. Running Fox had spent a good part of the ride talking about impending fatherhood while Matt just listened. He was hoping mention of a child would have given Matt an opportunity to speak about his return but his face never changed expression. It looked like he would just have to wait until Matt was ready to talk. Sitting close to a majestic pine tree they shared a meal. Matt turned to Running Fox, "mmm…this is very tasty. Little Fawn is a very good cook."
"This is true." He eyed Matt closely before he spoke, "what about your wife…she good cook too?"
Matt shook his head, "I don't have a wife."
"Why you say that?
Matt looked straight ahead, "because it's true. I lost her Running Fox. I did a very stupid thing and I lost her."
"She told you this?"
Matt shook his head, "no, she didn't have to. I saw with my own eyes."
"You saw what?"
"She was kissing another man in front of our house." Matt shrugged, "she's in love with him now I don't belong with her anymore."
"You know from kiss?"
Matt turned toward the Indian, "what would you do if you came to the cabin and saw Little Fawn kissing another brave?"
He stopped eating for a moment and looked up, "I kill brave."
Matt stared straight ahead again. "Yeah…well…don't think that didn't cross my mind."
"Do you still love wife?"
Matt took a deep breath and shook his head, "very much."
"Huh…too bad."
He turned toward Running Fox, "that all you're going to say?"
The Indian shrugged, "what can I say…you saw….you make up mind." He took another bite of his meal.
Matt looked annoyed, "No words of tribal wisdom?"
"I told you I kill brave," he took his next bite and grinned.
"You know…a little empathy would go a long way right about now."
"What's this empathy?"
"It means you understand…you feel sorry for what a person is going through."
"I do my friend but nothing I say will change mind. This you must do for self. Why you not talk to her?"
Matt shrugged, "It would be hard for me to hear she didn't love me any more."
"I do know what you say, yes, it would be hard." Running Fox thought a moment. "You not miss children?"
"Yes, I do, very much."
The Indian shook his head in acknowledgement, "I sure they miss you too." He finished off his meal and stood. "One day Dillon you find courage in heart to see your woman and children again. I not tell you, Little Fawn not tell you, you must tell self. Until then you live with us, share in our children, our happiness."
Matt stood and extended his hand, "thank you my friend." They mounted the horses and continued their hunt.
Kitty had left the restaurant and was heading toward Canal Street when she heard a woman's voice call out to her. As the woman approached, Kitty recognized her face but was unable to place her. She waited until the woman was standing in front of her before she spoke, "I'm sorry, I'm at a disadvantage. You seem to know who I am but I don't seem to know you."
"Oh, come now Kitty, we are vying for the same man." She grabbed Kitty by the arm, "let's take a walk." As she tried to place her Kitty walked along in silence, "I'm surprised you don't remember me after all you ruined my life."
Kitty stopped and turned toward the woman, "would you mind telling me what this is all about?"
"I'm getting to that but we need to keep walking." She kept her hand tightly on Kitty's arm and directed her into an alley. She turned toward Kitty, "women like you can have it all, men, children, a nice business but then that leaves very little for the rest of us. Some of us just want a good man but when we get him women like you want to take them away from us."
Kitty was becoming annoyed, "I'm getting a little tired of this game so just spell it out!"
"John Chapman was mine and you decided to take him away from me."
Recognition spread across Kitty's face, "Regina…Regina Lawrence...isn't it?"
"Very good Kitty, you have a marvelous memory to go along with your other assets."
Kitty looked confused, "what do you want from me?"
"I want you to tell John that you don't want him anymore."
"Regina, I don't know what you think is going on but it is not like that between John and me."
Regina laughed. "Oh, come on now Kitty. I know John wouldn't be around you if you weren't very good in bed."
Kitty's simmering temper was getting close to the boiling point, "let me tell you something, John Chapman is a wonderful, caring, generous man. He is many things but he is not lascivious and neither am I!"
Regina laughed again. "Please spare us both from your tired platitudes. I know you and John went away for a few weeks and I see you every night in a lover's embrace on the porch."
Kitty looked shocked, "you've been spying on us?"
"I'd like to look at it as protecting my interests."
"I don't care what you call it…you're crazed."
"Now…now…Kitty, I understand you're upset because you can't excuse your relationship away any longer." She took Kitty by both her arms, "John was very happy with me, I made him happy. He loved me, wanted me, and I am going to get him back."
"Why are you telling me? Why don't you talk to John?"
"Come off it Kitty. Do you think that John would return to me if you still wanted him? No, my dear, you need to release him. Tell him you don't want him, you don't love him, and you want him to leave you."
"How can I make you understand that John is free to do whatever he wants? I have no control over him."
"Oh…but you do Kitty. Believe me he will be so devastated when you set him free that all I have to do is be there to pick up the pieces." Regina smiled, "he'll then love me until the day I die."
Kitty was getting nowhere so she decided to play her game, "and why are you so sure you are the one he will run to?"
"Because there is no one else." Regina chuckled, "I've watched him…he only goes to you."
"What if I won't give him up? What if I'm just as addicted to his love as you?" Kitty thought a moment, "I got an idea maybe we can share him. I'm sure John wouldn't mind spending time in both our beds."
Regina raised her voice, "No!" Kitty noticed a crazed look in her eyes, "John is mine…do you hear me…mine! I will not share him especially with someone like you. You think because your husband left that you are free now to take mine?" Regina took a deep breath to calm down, "I use to wonder why your husband left but now I know you're nothing but a cheap tramp."
She slapped Regina across the face which propelled her against the building wall. She glared up at Kitty and spoke through clenched teeth, "you will let John go tonight. After tonight if I ever see him again at your house or anywhere near you I will kill you." She stood, straightened her outfit, and smiled, "Nice seeing you again Kitty." As she watched Regina walk away a chill went up Kitty's spine. There was no doubt the woman was deranged and although her life was threatened she felt more afraid for John.
After dinner John was heading for the front porch with both their drinks. Kitty called after him. "John, why don't we have our drinks in here?"
"Oh…all right."
He sat on the opposite end of the sofa, "here…give me your feet. You must be exhausted, especially with all the errands you've been running lately."
"John there is something I need to discuss with you."
He bent to pick up her feet, "OK, but in the meantime I'll help you relax a little."
She pulled her feet back, "we need to talk."
John looked confused but listened, "sure…what is it?"
Kitty stood and began to pace, "I don't know where to start." John stood and put his hands on her shoulders, "John, please, don't touch me."
He looked puzzled as he grabbed her arms and turned her toward him, "don't touch me? Kitty, what is going on?"
She stared into his eyes, "I was accosted on the street today by your old love."
"My what?"
"Regina Lawrence."
"Is that what this is all about? Regina? I never loved Regina and you know that. Kitty, you know everything that went on, believe me I didn't leave anything out." John began to pace, "that's a time in my life I'm not very proud of and I wish to God it had never happened."
"Well, she doesn't view it quite the same way you do."
John directed Kitty back to the sofa, "what did she say?"
"Oh, she has it all planned. I'm to force you out of my life and she'll be there to pick up the pieces. In fact, she's probably outside in the bushes right now."
"What?"
Kitty shook her head, "oh yes, she's been spying on us every night. She knows we went to Dodge and she watches as we say our good nights."
John stood again, "this is absurd." He turned back to Kitty, "what else did she say?"
"I'm of the opinion that she views you as her husband and she thinks because Matt left me that I went after you."
He began to pace, "I'll have a talk with her."
Kitty stood and walked over to him, "I don't think talking is going to do it. She wants you to walk out of my life…tonight."
"That's ridiculous!" He took Kitty by the arms, "I'll work this out but I'm not going to stop seeing you and that's a promise."
"John, you may have to."
"Why?"
"She threatened to kill me if you don't."
He hugged her, "I'm so sorry Kitty, so sorry." They stood for awhile holding each other, "I'm certainly not going to put your life in jeopardy." He took a deep breath, "until I can figure this out I'll stay away." He put his fingers under her chin and stared into her eyes. "This isn't going to be easy for me. I'm going to miss you very much."
Kitty smiled, "I'll miss our nights together too." Their lips met in a passionate kiss…a kiss that would last a lifetime.
The next day John walked into Eric Fournier's office, "thanks for meeting me on such short notice Captain."
"My pleasure doctor, now, what's on your mind?"
John shook his head, "I'm not sure how this is going to sound."
Eric smiled, "try me."
"As you know, I was helping Kitty find Matt. I went to a detective agency owned by an old friend. His secretary and her husband were also old friends of mine. Regina's husband had died awhile back and I thought it might be nice to take her out to lunch and renew old acquaintances." John cleared his throat, "I'm not sure how I can delicately put this,"
"Rest assured John, there is very little I have not heard in this job."
"I guess one thing lead to another and eventually we spent the night together...well…not just one night."
Eric shrugged, "I'm not sure why you're here."
"She didn't like that I spent so much time with Kitty. I guess she thought I had slept with Kitty too." Eric raised an eyebrow and John emphatically shook his head, "no, we never."
"OK, continue John."
"One Thanksgiving she tried to kill herself and my good friend Gerard asked that I not see her anymore so I didn't. Yesterday, she met Kitty on the street and told her that she wants me back. She has this misguided notion that Kitty and I are lovers and she wanted Kitty to let me go last night so I could be with her. If Kitty didn't comply she promised to kill her."
Eric mulled the story over and took a deep breath, "I wish there was something I could do but I'm afraid my hands are tied."
"You can't arrest her?"
"I wish I could but it's her word against Kitty's. Not much I can prove."
"So she would have to kill Kitty before anything could be done?"
"That's about the extent of it."
John sighed then stood, "thank you Captain for your time."
Eric reached over his desk to shake John's hand. "I wish I could have been more help."
"I guess I'll just have to speak with Gerard. Maybe he can talk some sense into her."
"Be careful doctor, it doesn't sound like this woman is too stable." John nodded and left.
Discouraged, John walked down the front stairs of the station. The thought of spending any length of time away from Kitty was going to hurt but for this delusional woman to take her away was even more maddening. He had to find a quick solution to this problem while keeping Kitty out of danger. While deep in thought, a pair of hands wrapped around his arm. "Well, Dr. Chapman, what a coincidence. How long has it been?"
John tried hard to control his emotion, "Reggie, funny I should meet up with you now after all this time."
She rubbed his arm, "I guess you've been keeping very busy lately what with your doctoring and your charitable acts of kindness toward the widow Dillon." Regina chuckled, "oh, that's right her husband is very much alive. In fact, I saw him that night rushing to be with her until he saw the two of you on the porch…stopped him dead in his tracks…poor man…and he thinking his wife would be sitting home waiting for him and being faithful to their vows." Regina let out with a long sigh, "I guess we all find out the truth sooner or later."
The news about Matt stunned John, "you saw him?"
"Oh yes, carrying his bags was he, going home." She rubbed John's chest, "darling, I'm afraid that you burst his bubble. I really didn't pay much attention to him after he passed me and then once I saw you coming down the street…well… my eyes, as they always are, are on you." She continued to rub his chest, "John, I've missed you so." He tried hard not to look at her with disgust. It wasn't going to be easy and it was times like these that he wished he had Kitty's poker face. Above all, she had to be protected so if it meant he had to play along in Reggie's sick little game he would until the end. He just hoped no one would get seriously hurt. "John, dear, did you hear me? I told you I missed you very much."
John smiled, "Reggie, I've missed you too. I was a fool to ever leave you in the first place. We did have a wonderful relationship that I should have treasured instead of thinking that another man's wife would be as much of a comfort as you."
"Oh John," she wrapped her arms around him, "I knew you still cared."
He hugged her, "but this time Reggie we need to take it slow. We got caught up in the physical part of our relationship and we really didn't get a chance to get to know each other and enjoy the time we spent together outside of the bedroom."
"John, I will do anything to keep you in my life this time. I will prove to you that we are so very good together and that you will never need to stray again." She leaned up and pulled him into a kiss. As it turned passionate he slowly pulled back.
"Reggie now, let's take this slow…remember?"
She shook her head, "what are you doing for dinner tonight?"
"I hadn't thought about it."
"My place…say seven?"
"I think it better if we stick to public places for now. You pick the restaurant and I'll pick you up at seven."
She smiled, "seven it is. See you tonight." As he watched her walk down the street, John seethed with anger.
It had been about a week since John had agreed to see Regina again. He wasn't sure what good speaking with Gerard would do but he had to exhaust all possible avenues of help. He was walking toward the hospital when he noticed Gerard embarking from the coach. He called after him, "well, John, it has been a very long time. How have you been?"
"I've been better."
"My assumption is that Kitty's husband has returned then?"
John shook his head, "no, he's still missing. Gerard, do you have time for a cup of coffee?"
He looked at his watch, "as a matter of fact I do." He placed his hand on John's back, "your treat or mine?"
"Mine, might even throw in a pastry."
Gerard slapped his back, "you're on."
It was a one sided conversation as Gerard listened intently. John briefed him on the latest information about Matt and how close they were to having him home. He wasn't sure how he was going to broach the subject about Regina or even if he should. He didn't want to make any move that would further jeopardize Kitty's life but he felt talking to Gerard about Regina was worth the risk. He took a sip of his coffee when Gerard spoke, "Regina mentioned the other day that you were seeing her again. Do you think it wise to resume a relationship with her after what happened the last time?"
John took a deep breath, "I wish it was my choice."
Gerard took a puff of his cigar, "what do you mean?"
John shook his head, "she wants me back."
Gerard pointed his cigar in John's direction, "John I'm warning you if you are using Regina again…"
John shook his head, "it's nothing like that Gerard she wants me back so badly that she will go to any lengths."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"She's threatened to kill Kitty if she sees us together."
Gerard shook his head, "is this what Kitty told you?"
John nodded, "yes."
Gerard began to chuckle, "This woman never ceases to amaze me." He let out with a huge sigh, "John can't you see she was using you all along? Now that it seems she is closer to getting her husband back she no longer has any use for you. So she comes up with this absurd story about Regina threatening her life just so you'll leave her alone. Can't you see that?" Gerard took another puff on his cigar, "I'll give her a lot of credit she knows how to play men all right."
"Gerard, Reggie has been spying on us."
"Did Kitty tell you that also?"
"Well…yes…but…"
Gerard held up his hand, "John, I've known you for a long time and, let's face it, your experiences with women have been few so it's no wonder that with her saloon gal wiles that Kitty has you head over heels infatuated." Gerard shook his head, "I'm sure she knew how to make you feel very good, most likely better than you had ever felt in your life, but that doesn't mean that everything that comes out of her mouth is the truth."
John tried to control his anger as he leaned over the table and spoke through clenched teeth. "Gerard, I will not sit here and let you insinuate that Kitty and I were adulterous. The reason for this talk was to understand why, after all this time, Regina wants back into my life."
Gerard took a sip of his coffee, "it's obvious to me John she loves you."
John took a deep breath, "she doesn't know me Gerard. She knows she felt wonderful during our physical moments but we didn't share much after that. How can she be in love with me?"
Gerard shook his head, "I don't know. All I know is she is and if you don't feel the same way I want you to end it today. She has been through enough I don't want her heart broken any more."
John stared at Gerard and felt all hope was lost. He thought he might have found an ally in his old friend that maybe Regina had exhibited crazed behavior in Gerard's presence but clearly he now realized she had reserved that only for him. He couldn't make Gerard understand that she was unstable and that not seeing her would only sign Kitty's death warrant. He was going to have to grin and bear it and play Regina's game for the sake of the woman he loves. He looked across at Gerard and smiled, "you were right all along Gerard I should have never gotten involved in Kitty's life. I had a good thing with Regina; I guess I was a fool to think that Kitty had any feelings for me." John looked away as if remembering. "I guess I never wanted to admit it but she certainly played me all right." He looked back at Gerard, "I'm going to make it up to Regina this time. I'm going to make her as happy as I can." John stood, "I have to get back to the hospital Gerard." He extended his hand, "I want to thank you for talking some sense into me."
Gerard stood and shook his hand, "John, I know it can't be easy for you. I'm sure you feel like you loved Kitty but given the chance I really believe Regina can make you a very happy man."
John shook his head, "I think she will too Gerard. Thanks." Gerard watched him walk away then signaled for the check.
It was a week before the wedding and the excitement was building for the big day. Maggie was pacing in the kitchen, "honey, now, she'll be here. Come here and just relax."
"Oh Galen, I want you all to like her."
He kissed her forehead, "she's your sister I know I'm going to love her."
Maggie smiled and hugged Doc, "I love you so much."
"Well, by golly, I hope so. You're going to be Mrs. Galen Adams in about a week."
She looked at Doc, "that will be…," they heard a knock on the door. Maggie ran down the hallway. She opened the door and grabbed Claire into a big hug, "I can't believe you're here."
Kitty heard the voices and came down the front staircase. "So this must be Claire."
Maggie let Claire walk into the hallway first, "Claire this is Miss Kitty."
Kitty extended her hand and smiled, "very nice to meet you Claire."
She took Kitty's hand, "it's very nice to meet you too Miss Kitty."
They heard Doc clearing his throat. Maggie turned and took him by the arm, "Claire this is Galen."
He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her, "it is so very nice to finally get to meet you. Maggie has told me so much about you."
"All good I hope!"
Doc rubbed his hand over his moustache and smiled, "of course, you are my Margaret's sister, after all."
Kitty tipped the coachman and turned to those assembled, "why don't we go inside and I'll pour us some drinks."
Doc took the two sisters by the arms, "that sounds good to me Kitty."
They sat and chatted as Doc kept them all entertained with his stories. It was getting close to dinner time and Kitty excused herself, "I'm going to do the cooking this evening. Maggie, why don't you and Claire go upstairs and freshen up. After dinner we'll take Claire to the hotel."
Doc stood and tugged on his ear, "now Kitty I've been giving this a little thought. I really don't want Claire to be in a hotel alone besides I really shouldn't be spending nights in the same house with Maggie before the wedding. I was thinking about going to John's and ask if I could stay with him for the rest of the week." Doc noticed the change of expression on Kitty's face as he turned to Maggie and Claire, "now why don't you two go upstairs and freshen up like Kitty suggested and I'll help down here."
Maggie kissed Doc, "all right. We'll be down in a little while." Doc watched the sisters ascend the stairs and then headed for the kitchen to talk with Kitty.
"Is there a problem if I go stay with John, Kitty?"
Kitty dismissed his question with her hand, "Doc, why would there be a problem?"
"I don't know but your facial expression changed when I mentioned his name."
He walked over and took her arm, "is everything all right? Did you have a disagreement with John? I noticed he hasn't been here in a couple of weeks."
"Doc, I'm sure John has been very busy lately or else he would have been here." Her tone of voice conveyed annoyance, "I don't have any hold over him…you know."
Doc tugged on his ear, "Kitty, I think we both know that's not true. He loves you for goodness sake."
"Well, I don't love him so it's probably best if we don't see each other. He'll find someone else and it'll be good for him."
"Kitty, what is going on?"
Kitty turned to him irritated by his questions. "Nothing is going on Doc, now, if you will excuse me, I've got a dinner to prepare." As he watched Kitty begin the meal, there was no doubt in his mind he was going to stay with John now. Something was going on and he was going to find out just what in heaven's name it was.
After dinner Doc walked down to John's home. He knocked on the door and waited. "Galen, what a pleasant surprise. Please come in."
As they walked into the living room area Doc turned to John, "I've come to ask you a favor John."
"Oh? What is it?"
"Well, Maggie's sister is in town for the wedding and I felt that she should stay at Kitty's so I need a place to stay." He held up his hands, "now, John, if it will be any sort of inconvenience for you please I want you to tell me. I have no problem going to a hotel in town."
"Nonsense Galen, I would enjoy the company. Would you care for a drink since we are going to be roommates?"
"You keep this up and I might never leave!"
John laughed as he went to get the drinks. He sat across from Doc as they sipped from their glasses. "You've been missed at the Dillon house lately John."
"Well, that's very nice to know but I've been pretty busy lately."
Doc tugged on his ear, "I can see how that could happen. I hope you're not so busy that you can't come to the wedding."
John placed his glass on the table and stood. He paced, "about the wedding Galen…I'm not sure I'll be able to make it."
"Not make it? John you're one of my groomsmen. Why for heaven's sake?"
John continued to pace, "we're a little shorthanded at the hospital and I duly appointed myself as on call just in case a doctor can't make it and,"
Doc stood and walked over to John, "why don't you tell me what is really going on John."
"What makes you think anything is going on besides what I told you?"
Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "because I know Kitty."
"What does Kitty have to do with this?"
"I have a feeling everything. When I mentioned that I would ask if I could stay with you there was a definite change in Kitty's facial expression. She was also very vague as to why you haven't been over to the house. John something is going on and I want you to tell me what it is." He took John by the arm, "did you try to get physical with Kitty is that what is going on?"
John bowed his head, "I love and respect her too much for that Galen."
"Then why don't we sit back down and talk this out."
John sat is his favorite chair across from the fireplace as he grabbed his drink. "There is this woman who I knew long ago. I helped her and her husband when he was dying. An old friend of mine owns a detective agency and I went to him when we were first looking for Matt."
Doc shook his head, "I remember."
"It turned out that Regina worked for him and I didn't see the harm of renewing old acquaintances…well…until it turned physical." John took a sip of his drink, "I know this is going to sound dreadful but all the while I was making love to her I was making love to Kitty. Unfortunately I didn't limit it to that one time. I loved the fantasy of having Kitty in my arms and making her feel wonderful but after awhile I realized this wasn't doing either one of us any good. She was falling more in love with me and all I could think of was Kitty. One Thanksgiving she tried to kill herself and my good friend Gerard asked that I no longer see her. That was the last time I saw her and I thought everything was resolved."
"Then what happened?"
John took another sip of his drink, "the other day she saw Kitty on the street and threatened to kill her if she didn't leave me alone so I've been seeing Regina the past couple of weeks."
"Oh."
What's worse is she was watching our every move. She knew when we were in Dodge and watched as we said good night to each other on the porch. Galen she saw Matt return that night. She watched him as Kitty and I said good night. If she had just said something…" He put his head back on the chair and closed his eyes. "I did this to myself, worse, I did it to Kitty. Matt would be back and she would be so very happy if it wasn't for me."
"Now, now, John, Matt has a hand in this too." He tugged his ear, "what are you going to do?"
"I don't know Galen. All I know is I need to keep Kitty safe."
"So that is why you can't come to the wedding?"
"Oh, no, she wants me to go to the wedding…with her. Galen I just can't take that chance."
Doc took a sip of his drink, "do you really have any other choice? I think you might need to take her to this. From what you tell me she doesn't seem too stable. It might even give her a strange sense of satisfaction if she believes that Kitty will be hurt when she sees Regina on your arm."
"Galen, I don't think I can go there and ignore Kitty. I know I'm going to want to speak with her, touch her, and be around her. I know that won't sit well with Reggie."
"So you're going to spend the rest of your life kowtowing to this woman?" Doing everything she says? John how are you going to live like that?
"I'm not sure Galen. I'm trying so very hard to come up with a plan to rid myself of her and make her believe it's her choice."
Doc nodded, "that's not going to be easy."
John took another sip of his drink, "I know."
Doc leaned back on the other chair, "I'd love to meet Regina. Get a chance to speak with her. Will you be bringing her over?"
"I wasn't going to. Truthfully I was going to use you as an excuse."
Doc raised his hands, "I don't need her coming after me!"
John smiled and shook his head, "she's too focused on Kitty to concern herself with anyone else."
"Well, thanks to your generosity, I will be here all week so bring her by anytime." Doc shook his head, "I'd like to get to know her a little better. It might be that we can come up with a plan together."
John nodded, "all right Galen, I'll set it up."
Two nights later Doc was reading a book of poetry sipping a brandy when John and Regina came through the front door. Doc put the book down and stood, "Galen, I would like you to meet Regina Lawrence."
Doc extended his hand, "how very nice to meet you Regina. Can I get you a drink?"
John walked toward the other room, "why don't you two make yourself comfortable and I'll pour the drinks." Doc sat in the chair and Regina sat on the sofa. When John entered the room Regina patted the seat next to her and John dutifully sat down. Regina began playing with the back of John's hair.
Doc took a sip of his drink, "you two have a good dinner?"
"Oh, it was excellent Galen. John certainly knows how to treat a woman and he always makes me feel like a queen." She kissed his cheek, "I really don't deserve this man."
John patted her leg, "now, now, Reggie I don't think Galen is very interested in that."
John tried to take away his hand but she kept it on her thigh, "so the big day is only a couple of days away?"
Doc nodded, "that's right."
"I've been trying to convince John that we really shouldn't miss the social event of the year."
"Well, it is to me, I'm not sure about everyone else."
She laid her hand on the inside of John's thigh, "from what I hear Mrs. Dillon throws some wonderful parties."
Doc took another sip of his drink, "she always has."
"Oh that's right. You and Mrs. Dillon go back a long way. I guess you remember her when she had to sell her wares to survive."
John's brow furrowed, "Regina!"
"Well…she was a saloon girl…wasn't she?"
Doc smiled, "I hate to disappoint you Mrs. Lawrence but Kitty wasn't that type of saloon girl."
"Oh, silly me, I thought there was only one type, my mistake." Regina thought a moment, "have they found Mr. Dillon yet?"
Doc shook his head, "no, we haven't."
Regina let out with a tsk. "It is such a shame how two people can grow so far apart and especially sad when there are children involved." She took a sip of her drink, "I sometimes pity her because she is not as lucky as I am to have such a loyal man who will never leave my side." She ran her hand down John's face, "but then again I don't need any other man. All I need is right here." She kissed his cheek again then turned to Doc. "Now Galen I am going to do my best to convince this stubborn man here that we should attend your wedding. It wouldn't be right not to go."
John stood and helped Regina off the sofa, "it's getting late dear and I have early morning rounds so I'll take you home."
She ran her hands down his chest, "we could save a lot of time and just stay here."
"We could but I'm afraid I wouldn't get much rest and I do have surgery tomorrow."
"I swear John you're the only doctor who works so hard. At some point you're going to have to cut back and spend more time with me. "
"They'll come a time Reggie...now say good night to Galen."
Doc rose from the chair and extended his hand, "it was very nice meeting you Regina."
"It was nice meeting you too." She leaned into Doc and whispered. "We'll be at your wedding…don't worry."
She walked in front of John as he turned back to Doc and the two men shared one last look before John and Regina left the house. Doc grabbed his glass off the table, walked into the next room, and refreshed his drink. He sat down and took a generous gulp and stared at the front door. Living in Dodge for so many years Doc could sense when trouble was brewing. As he threw down the rest of his drink he shook his head and thought. If only Matt would come home, he'd know what to do.