Pt.26

Everyone in town were all talking about the big social. But more than that, many were talking about latest news that Louise Porter and her best friend Sara Ashford were at odds after their encounter with Kitty. Kitty was right, the men in the barber shop and the saloon were chattering more than the women.

Beth and Kitty agreed to ride in to town together to pick up their dresses. Once in town, they were approached by the young girl from the saloon, April. "Excuse me, Ma'am. I don't know if you remember me…"

Kitty smiled at her. "April, right?"

"Yes. I just wanted to say thank you for what you did the other day. You know those women..."

Reaching out and touching her arm, "April, look. I understand women like that. But let me say this, if you are gonna be in this business, you need to grow a thick skin."

"Ah, Ma'am, I… I… the things she was saying..."

"April, you owe me no explanation."

"Ma'am, I heard you say you owned the Long Branch?"

"That's right."

"Then you're Kitty Russell?"

"Yes, I am. Kitty Russell Dillon, now. But, April, that was some time ago. You couldn't have been old enough to have..."

"Oh, no, Ma'am. But some of the girls... I've heard them talk and they've mentioned different places they've been. And they've mentioned the Long Branch, its reputation and the woman who owned it. According to them, it was some place and you were some woman. Anyway, thank you. I gotta go now." Turning, she left quickly.

"Kitty, she seems so young."

"Yes, Beth. I've seen that a lot. But some girls, they have to do what they need to do..." Then her voice trailed off.

Mike Jessup now had to find a way to get what he wanted. And what he wanted was the land that Mike once owned, which now was Beth and Josh's land. Jessup knew he had the money to buy her out. But now with Matt owning the land adjoined to hers and them being family, his chances of getting her to sell wasn't any better than it was when Mike owned it. He had tried so many things to get Mike to sell. But she never gave in. And after she died, she left it all to Beth and then Beth married. Now they had made the ranch a success.

Beth and Matt's property had water running through it that Jessup wanted and needed rights to. His property only had a small stream but it was not sufficient to operate his ranch.

Everyone was getting ready, all dressing for the social. Matthew was excited. This was his first big party. He and Martin talked about going and Martin told him about other kids that would be there with their families. Then he whispered, "Even girls."

The boys were dressed in their Sunday best. Josh and Matt were dressed and ready, having a drink.

"Matt, I don't know about you but these tie functions are really..." Now he was pulling at his collar. He wasn't comfortable.

"Josh, with the women, you get used to this and you get used to the waiting.

Beth stood in front of the long mirror. "Ah, Kitty. I don't know."

Shaking her head, "Beth, you look beautiful. You're glowing."

Beth now had a baby bump she could no longer hide. Beth turned when Kitty came from the water room. "Aw, Kitty! Wow, you look wonderful. Dad is going to love it."

"Ah," Now standing, rechecking herself. "I have to admit, Beth, it's been some time since I've been this dressed up. I'm not a young girl anymore."

Putting her arms around her shoulders and leaning her head on her shoulder, Beth looked at her through the mirror. "Kitty, you are the woman my dad loves. And what he sees is the woman he has loved and loves him and us. Her family."

Leaning back into her, "Oh, Honey, yes. Yes, I do very much. I love you. I love you all so much." Turning and hugging her. "Always, Sweetheart."

As the two women descended the stairs, the men turned, seeing Beth first. Slowly, Josh stood watching her. "Wow, Honey. You look amazing!"

Beth kissed him. "I love you, Josh." Whispering over to Matt, "Dad, you're in for a surprise." Tapping him on the shoulder, making him turn as Kitty came down.

Half way down, she stopped. Matt walked to the foot of the stairs. "Hello, Cowboy."

Saying nothing, he reached out his hand, helping her the rest of the way. When they met, blue to blue, he spoke in a low tone. "Hello, Gorgeous." It were as if no one else was in the room. His hand went around her waist. Both her hands went up and cupped his face, pulling him in and placing a soft kiss on his lips.

Suddenly from the kitchen doorway, clearing her throat, Maggie entered. Everyone turned, surprised to see her standing dressed up. She was looking beautiful in a bright green satin dress. Her reddish blonde hair was in a soft upsweep. "We all look ready, we do."

"Maggie, you look beautiful."

"Well, ladies." Matt looked on. "Shall we go?"

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Josh answered. Abel stood there. "Maggie ready?" Josh nodded. Abel was speechless. "Maggie?" Offering her his arm.

Josh and Martin followed suit. Matt started to usher Martin and Matthew out the door but Matthew stopped him. "Dad, we need to help Mom."

"Oh, ok." Matthew and Matt stood on either side of Kitty, offering her an arm.

She smiled, holding back a laugh. Nodding, "Mr. Dillon." Then to Matthew, "Master Dillon. Shall we?" And they were off.

TBC