It was a mild January by northern Colorado standards. Running Fox paced in front of the hearth as the cries of his wife were heard throughout the cabin. Matt's eyes moved from side to side following his friend's every movement, "Running Fox, she is going to be all right. I know it's hard to hear but it's the way women need to be when they're giving birth." The Indian looked over at Matt then continued pacing. Matt looked down as he recalled Katie's birth, "It wasn't easy seeing Kitty in so much pain but she was fine and Little Fawn will be too."

Running Fox threw his hands up, "why it take so long?"

Matt chuckled, "I don't have an answer for that but hopefully it won't be much longer."

They looked at each other at the sound of a baby's wail and Running Fox ran into the next room. He emerged with his son in his arms. Matt walked over as the Indian showed the baby to his father. He turned to Matt to show him the boy, "my son."

Matt looked down and smiled, "and a handsome son he is."

Running Fox was beaming with pride, "he grow to be good man like father and father's father."

Matt nodded, "no doubt in my mind he will. He's got a good teacher by golly."

An Indian woman approached both men, "wacin ekta aya o opa la, wacin ina wana."

Running Fox gave the baby to the Indian woman then looked up at Matt, "must be with mother."

Matt smiled and nodded, "I remember."

The Indian waved his arm, "come, we celebrate."

He grabbed the jug and poured Matt a drink. Matt raised his cup, "to my good friends on the birth of their first born son with many more to come." Matt grinned when he thought he saw Running Fox blush as they downed their drink. "What will you name him?"

"My father name boy after watching him for long time." He poured Matt another drink. "We name him boy, must watch to know who boy is."

Matt nodded, "I thought that was how it went."

Running Fox pointed to Matt. "How you name boy?"

"Most times after the father or grandfather."

"How you so sure that is right name?"

Matt took a sip of his drink, "we don't worry about that I guess."

The Indian thought for a moment then shrugged, "huh."

As Matt stared off into space he thought about Matthew. As he slowly sipped his drink he realized that John, not he, would be the male influence in his son's life. He placed the cup on the table and stood. Without a word he grabbed his coat, opened the door, and then sat down on the porch steps. What he didn't need was for them to see his tears.

Saint Patrick's Day was an even more joyous occasion than normal. Besides being the twins third birthday, their Uncle Newly had arrived. Sincerely apologetic for missing Doc's wedding he came bearing gifts. Maggie opened the first present, "Galen isn't this beautiful?"

He tugged on his ear. "What is it?"

Maggie hit his arm, "you know what it is. It's a gorgeous silver serving platter."

Newly nodded. "Do you really like it?"

Maggie handed the serving platter to Doc then walked over to Newly and gave him a big hug and kiss. "We love it!"

She looked back at Doc for further affirmation, "oh…yes…by golly it's really something."

Maggie waved her hand, "oh, don't mind him he wouldn't know quality if it hit him square in the eyes."

Doc grabbed her as she sat back down, "I don't know if that's so true. I did marry you and there's no higher quality of woman that I know of than my Margaret."

She kissed him, "you say the nicest things Galen."

"It's easy with you as my wife." He returned the kiss.

Newly smiled, "I don't know if I can get use to this here…new Doc."

Doc tugged on his ear as he chuckled, "well…it's a good thing for me I don't have to worry about that."

Newly pointed in Doc's direction, "ah, now, that's the Doc I know!"

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "well…never you mind you young whippersnapper. I can still teach you a thing or two."

Newly chuckled. "No doubt at all that you can Doc."

Maggie nudged Doc, "Newly gave us another gift Galen." She removed the wrapping from the box, "oh look Galen…a silver picture frame. We can put our wedding picture in there."

Newly nodded. "Yes ma'am. I was kinda hoping you didn't have one."

"Well, we don't. Thank you so much Newly."

Newly put his head down, "I was really sorry I had to miss the wedding but it couldn't be helped."

Maggie stood as she waved her hand, "Newly the important thing is you're here with us now so, if you will excuse me, I'm going to show Miss Kitty the extravagant gifts you gave us and let you and Galen have a little time for some men talk."

Doc and Newly stood and watched her walk away. Newly looked over at Doc, "Doc, I've never seen you so happy."

They sat back down, "I've never been so happy and Newly you really overdid it on the gifts."

"Doc it was the least I could do. I felt so bad missing the big day."

"So how is Dodge these days?"

Newly settled back on the sofa. "Much the same since you left although it seemed there were fewer drovers in town this year. Of course, we still have the occasional gunman and some bank robberies but Alex has been pretty good at keeping the town safe."

Doc tugged on his ear, "how badly was he hurt?"

Newly shook his head, "we really thought we were going to lose him this time. Between you and me Doc I think he's lost the desire to be Marshal."

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "smart boy."

"Truth be told, he's been seeing a little gal from the Long Branch and she was pretty shaken up over him being shot. I think he cares enough for her to find another line of work."

Doc nodded, "like I said, smart boy."

"Wouldn't surprise me much if he decided to resign soon." Doc remained quiet for awhile, "Doc, is everything all right?"

He nodded, "I was just thinking why some men know when it's time and other's have to be pushed."

"Have you any leads on the Marshal's whereabouts?"

Doc shook his head, "not recently. It seems while everyone was in Dodge attending to me Matt came home but then left again." Doc paused, "he foolishly believes that Kitty and John…"

Newly began to chuckle, "Miss Kitty and Dr. Chapman?"

Doc waved his hand, "keep your voice down."

Newly whispered, "how can he believe that Doc…I mean Dr. Chapman?"

Doc whispered back, "well…I know…but he's been very good to her and the children."

Newly nodded, "I just thought they were play acting so no one would know that the children were the Marshal's."

Doc nodded, "there was a good deal of that too but they have become very good friends since Kitty has been here. I would say there is a mutual caring between the parties. Nothing romantic you understand just a genuine shared caring."

Newly looked into the next room, "but he isn't here today."

Doc tugged on his ear, "that's another story which is too long to get into at the moment."

Newly thought a moment. "I wonder what the Marshal…"

Kitty smiled as she entered the room, "well…what are you two boys discussing?"

Newly stood, "well…uh…Miss Kitty…uh…I was just asking Doc if Dr. Chapman was going to be here today. I was hoping that I could stay with him as I did when I was here the last time."

Kitty's facial expression changed as she shook her head, "no, Newly, Dr. Chapman won't be here today but I'm sure I can find a place here for you to stay."

Newly shook his head, "Don't go to any trouble Miss Kitty. I can just walk down to his house and ask myself."

"I'll save you that rejection Newly and rearrange something here."

Newly looked puzzled as he shook his head, "Then, I can find a place in town. You have a full house as it is."

Kitty smiled, "what's one more? I'll go see what I can arrange and I'll be right back."

Newly blew out his breath as he turned to Doc, "gee, Doc, I didn't know what to say."

Doc grinned as he pulled on his ear, "you were never quick on your feet so don't worry about it."

Newly sat back down and sarcastically responded. "Thanks Doc." He pointed where Kitty was, "what just happened here Doc? What was that about rejection?"

Doc rubbed his hand over his moustache, "it was what I was trying to tell you. It's a long story…very complicated…but since we're going to be living under the same roof for a little while we just might get a opportunity for some men talk again and I can fill you in."

"What's going to be done about the Marshal? Is anyone going to keep looking for him?"

Doc nodded, "Festus will be heading out soon. If we're lucky he'll find him this time."

Newly shook his head, "I hope so Doc. It has to be hard on the children not having their father around."

Doc nodded, "and it's taking a toll on Kitty too."

Maggie entered the room, "come on, we're going to sing happy birthday to the twins." The two men stood and followed Maggie into the next room.

John sat, feet up on the ottoman, roaring fire in front of him, and an enticing smell emanating from the kitchen making him very hungry. Regina came into the room and handed him a drink, "dinner will be ready in a few minutes."

He placed the drink on the side table and grabbed Regina into his lap, "do we have a little more than a few minutes?"

"Why Dr. Chapman…where do you find the energy after a hard day at the office?"

He kissed her, "I don't know but you seem to revitalize me." He began to undo the buttons on her blouse and kissed her exposed skin, "you are so beautiful Reggie."

She ran her hand down his face, "maybe I should go turn the oven off first."

He waved his hand, "oh, let it burn." He continued to undress her as they slowly made their way to the floor. She smiled as she watched him undress anticipating John's hands roaming up and down her delicate frame. His eyes followed his hand as he gently touched her skin. His lips moved down her body as her response guided his way. She couldn't be happier because now John was freely giving her his love.

Later that evening John watched as a naked Regina returned with the food. He smiled, "it's a good thing I keep my shades drawn."

She looked down at her body, "afraid the neighbors might look at you differently now knowing you have normal male needs?"

"No, it's just that I don't want my neighbors envious of me because I have such a beautiful woman to make love to."

She handed him a plate, "for that you will get an extra helping of burnt food."

John smiled, "how bad is it?"

Regina sat on the floor next to him, "not too bad," she cupped his face with her hand, "who needs to eat when I have you making love to me."

He kissed her then took a bite, "even burnt it's delicious."

"Would you like some wine to wash that down with?"

He nodded, "anything to watch you walk around naked."

She slapped his arm and he smiled, "just for that maybe I'll go and put on your robe."

John shook his head, "I'd only find you more appealing in that."

She shook her head, "you are incorrigible!" She returned with the wine and he poured them both a glass. They then moved in front of the fire, backs against the ottoman, her head resting against his bare skin. They sat for awhile, she stroking his chest, "John, I want you to know I've enjoyed being here the past few months."

He kissed the top of her head, "I'm glad to hear it," as he continued to run his hand along her back.

She looked up at him, "since I've been spending so much time here I was thinking that maybe I would sell my house and move everything here."

He stopped his hand, "Reggie, do you really want to do that? I mean sell your house?"

She looked puzzled, "John why should we have two residences? It seems a waste since we've been here together for the past few months."

"I know Reggie but sell your house?" John thought a moment. "Why don't you keep it and just rent it out?"

She nodded, "yes, and maybe I could rent it out to a man that I pine after."

He let out with a huge sigh, "Reggie, we were having such a nice evening why do you have to say something like that and spoil it?" He ran his fingers down her face, "I rented that house to Kitty way before you ever came back into my life and it wasn't only for her…as you know." He ran his hand through her hair, "I haven't thought about her for months and that is the truth. I've been trying to make this work between us, I really have." He played with her breast. "If you want to sell the house, then sell the house. I was only offering my advice, whether you want to take it that's up to you."

She drew him into a passionate kiss, "it probably does make more sense to keep the house." She ran her hand through his hair, "I don't know why I keep doing that John. I guess it's because I love you so much and the thought that there may be another woman in your life tears me apart."

He ran his lips down her neck, "you really don't have to worry about that any more. There is no one else but you."

As he continued moving down her body she moaned, "I love you John."

He looked up at her and smiled, "I know." He was becoming very fond of Regina, he just wasn't sure if that was ever going to turn into the love that she so craved.

Festus had decided to leave a week earlier than he had originally planned. Since he had come back from Dodge the fact that he wasn't able to track Matt as easily as he thought he would haunted his every waking moment. He failed and that was unacceptable for a Haggen so the quicker he got back on a mule the better he was going to feel. He left his room and made his way over to Kitty's home. He came through the front door as Doc was coming down the stairs, "and what do you want?"

"Where's Miss Kitty at?"

"And what do you want to see Kitty about?"

"Ya become her bodying guard now Doc?"

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "no, but I know when you have that look in your eye and knowing what a soft touch Kitty is I'm here to protect her interests."

Festus flailed his arms, "fiddle now Doc, ya think I'm a here to be askin' Miss Kitty fer some money?"

Doc nodded, "yes, that's exactly what I think you're here for. Probably got yourself in some three-card monte or some such game and now you're a little short and you got your hand out."

Festus pointed at Doc, "OK smarty aleck fer yer information I'm not here fer no such a thing."

Doc chuckled, "now that would be a first!"

Kitty stepped into the foyer, "there yer be Miss Kitty."

"What is it Festus?"

He walked closer to her, "is there a place we can talk private like?" He pointed his thumb in Doc's direction, "away from this here old quack quack and all his interests?"

Kitty looked over at Doc, "what are you doing to Festus now Doc?"

Doc chuckled, "not a blessed thing…not one thing."

Kitty took Festus by the arm and glared at Doc. "Come on Festus, we'll go sit in the library room." They entered the room and sat down, "now, what was it you wanted to talk with me about?"

"Miss Kitty I've been a faunchin' to go look fer ol' Matthew ever since we'd be back from Dodge so I be a thinkin' on leavin' day after tamorrow and not the week afta."

"Are you sure Festus? Won't it still be cold up there?"

"Won't know till I'm there."

Kitty nodded, "all right then I'll get the money together and you can leave whenever you want."

"Much obliged." They stood then Festus turned to Kitty, "Miss Kitty I'm gonna' make yer this here promise that I ain't a gonna' quit 'til I have Matthew comin' on home wit' me and I done take a solemn oath on that."

Kitty cupped Festus' face with her hand and then kissed him on the cheek, "thank you Festus." Festus smiled then nodded. "Why don't you stop by for dinner tonight?"

Festus nodded, "I'll doer."

Doc was sitting reading his paper when Festus walked by. "Oh…Festus." Festus turned to look over at him, "so how did your talk go?"

"None of yer beeswax."

Doc looked back at his paper, "so Kitty turn you down huh?"

"She done no such a thing yer ol' nosey body."

Doc chuckled, "guess I was right again!"

Festus looked at Doc with disgust, "pfst! Ya ornery ole scudder." As Festus walked out the front door Doc continued to be amused.

Festus came through the door that night for dinner. Katie saw him from the end of the hall and came running. "Uncle Festus!"

He picked her up, "now how's my fav-or-right niece?"

"I'm fine Uncle Festus."

"Then why don't we sit a spell over here and jaw a minute."

"OK, Uncle Festus."

He sat down with Katie in his lap, "Now then."

"Uncle Festus? Mommy said that you were going to go away and find my Daddy. Can you really bring my Daddy home to me?"

Festus could feel the tears welling in his eyes, "ifn' there's anyone who can it's yer ol' Uncle Festus. Didn't ya knowd that I'm the bestest at findin' lil' girl's daddies?" Katie shook her head, "well I am…there ain't no one better. Now I don't want ya to fret no more cause I'm a gonna' find him and bring him home before ya can say rat run over the roof top with a piece of raw liver in his mouth."

Katie laughed, "Uncle Festus I can't remember that."

"Well then I tell ya what ya can do. Ya keep a practicin' that and by the time ya finally get ta the end ya daddy'll be standin' right there in front of yer."

Katie's eyes got wide, "really Uncle Festus?"

"Yer betcha." Festus placed Katie on the floor and stood. "Smells like there be some real good vittles 'bout to be 'et so we better be gettin' there 'fore they're all gone." He held his hand out and Katie grabbed it then uncle and niece walked toward the dinner table.

The whole family came to say goodbye to Festus just as the train was pulling into the station. Festus grabbed his carpetbag off the bench and then he kissed the children goodbye guaranteeing the safe return of their father. Kitty kissed him, "and Festus don't forget telegram us whenever you can and if you need more money don't hesitate to ask for it and above all if the conditions get too horrible I want you…"

Festus put his hand up, "we done been over that a million times now Miss Kitty. I'm a gonna be fine, don't ya worry none 'bout me."

She nodded and smiled, "all right."

He said his goodbyes to Maggie and then Doc took him by the arm and led him to the train. "Festus, I'm counting on you. I know I don't have to tell you how important you finding Matt is, but it is, and there is no better person on earth that can complete this mission then you…I just want you to know that."

Festus nodded, "I 'preciate that Doc."

He started to walk away when Doc grabbed him into a big hug. "Good luck old friend." Both men tried to hold back their tears as Festus climbed on the train.

A few weeks later Doc was sitting in the house reading his paper trying to keep cool. It was an exceptionally warm April and Doc needed to get some relief from the heat. He eventually stood and made his way out to the porch where a soft breeze cooled his body. He sat in the rocker for awhile but then decided to take a walk and look over the neighborhood. Halfway through his tour he heard someone call his name from a passing coach. He looked up and it was John, "getting a little exercise Galen?"

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "as a matter of fact I am. I've been getting a little sedentary since I married and retired."

"Well at the risk of adding to your sedentary life why don't you climb in and we can go have a cup of coffee or something."

Doc nodded, "shove over."

Doc sat down and John looked over at him, "so…how is married life?"

Doc tugged on his ear, "if I knew it was this good I would have done it a long time ago."

"Well…you have yourself a wonderful woman Galen."

Doc nodded, "don't I know it!"

They rode a little while longer in silence until they came upon Sister Jasmine's Coffee Emporium. John turned to Galen, "best coffee in town."

Doc cocked his head, "hmm…seems interesting."

As they walked through the door Jasmine greeted them warmly, "ooh, Dr. John it be so good to see you again."

John smiled, "Jasmine, I'd like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Galen Adams."

She reached out to shake Doc's hand, "oh, any friend of the doctor's is a friend of mine." She looked back at John, "so Dr. John how is Miss Regina doin'?"

"She's fine Jasmine."

"You be such a good lookin' couple and so much in love."

John cleared his throat and pointed over at a table, "I think we'll sit over there," he started to move toward the table and Doc followed.

Jasmine yelled after them, "OK now Dr. John, you go over and sit down I will bring you your coffee."

The men sat down across from each other, "so Galen…how are you feeling?"

"Haven't had one problem by golly and I don't think I will now that I have Margaret to love." Doc eyed John, "how's your love situation coming?"

John nodded. "It's coming."

"John, I am sorry that I haven't been more help. I know I promised to help you find a way out of your situation right after the wedding but it seems time just flies by. You must be in such hell and…"

John held his hand up, "no, not really Galen. It has rather been enjoyable the past few months."

"Then Sister Jasmine wasn't wrong in her evaluation? Are you so much in love?"

John blushed, "well, I wouldn't go that far Galen but it's been nice having someone there when you come home, attending to your needs, loving you."

Doc thought a moment, "she was pretty crazy when I saw her last."

John nodded, "but things seem to be different now. She has become a real companion for me and I'm beginning to enjoy it."

"Aren't you afraid that one night the old Regina may appear out of the blue?"

John shook his head, "not really…"

Jasmine came to the table with two cups of coffee, "here ya go gentlemen. Now if ya needs anythin' else you just let Jasmine know."

John looked up, "thanks Jasmine."

Doc looked over at John, "you were saying John?"

John thought a moment, "oh…ah…I think I found a way to handle the old Regina but I'm enjoying the time I'm spending with her and I think she senses that so she no longer feels threatened by my wanting to be somewhere else."

"And do you want to be somewhere else?"

John stared at Doc for a moment, "I can honestly say I don't Galen. I think I'm going to give the life I have with Regina a shot."

Doc ran his hand over his moustache, "I see."

John took a deep breath, "Galen a few months ago I came to realize that Kitty was a dream for me…an unattainable dream. Even if Matt never comes home I could never see Kitty opening up her heart again for anyone, not even for me." He sipped his coffee, "I would always be just a very good friend to her and truthfully it would kill me every day to know I could never show her how much I loved her. I needed her Galen. I needed her body and soul, more than I ever needed another woman in my life." He took another sip of coffee, "so it's just as well that Regina came along when she did." John chuckled, "she probably saved me from myself."

Doc stared at John for awhile. He wasn't racked with hate or rage any longer he really seemed to be at peace. Maybe Regina wasn't Kitty but she was becoming a very good substitute. He took another sip of coffee, "well, John, I am happy to hear that your life has taken a turn for the better."

John smiled, "it really has Galen. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point where I can love Reggie like I loved Kitty but I'm working on it."

Doc reached across the table and patted John's hand, "I'm happy to hear that John." He finished the rest of his coffee and stood, "I better be getting back."

John stood, "let me take you home."

Doc patted his arm, "John, you have better things to do today then chauffeur me around town. I'll find my way…thanks."

"Galen it was good seeing you again. We should find the time to do this more often."

Doc nodded and winked, "I'd like that." As Doc shuffled out the door from the coffee house John hoped that they would have an opportunity to see each other again.

John decided to walk home from the office. He had enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee with Doc but more importantly he felt very good about his decision to make a life with Regina. As he came through the front door a glass whizzed past his head and scattered in a million pieces, "Reggie what on earth?"

A wild eyed woman stood in front of him, "trying to get word to your whore John?"

"My what?"

"You heard me…your whore! I went into Sister Jasmine's today and she told me you had coffee with Galen Adams."

"What's wrong with that?"

She slowly approached him, "what did you need to know about your precious Kitty? How many men she slept with the past few months?"

"Reggie, listen to me. I passed Galen on the street and asked if he would like to have a cup of coffee."

"Liar!" She lunged at him striking his chest with her fists, "you still want her don't you…answer me…you still dream about her…don't you…I said answer me!"

John slammed her body against the wall and pulled her into a passionate kiss. His hands ripped at her clothing and she grabbed at his belt. Their climax was swift as he kept her pinned to the wall as they caught their breath. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. They undressed, climbed into bed, and he held her in his arms. He kissed the top of her forehead as he ran his hand through her hair. "Reggie I want you to listen to me. Galen is my friend and if I want to see him for coffee or for any other reason I will. If you must know, we did talk about you and I told him how much I have enjoyed the past few months with you and that I thought we might possibly have a future together but I can't see that happening if you continue to think that I want a life with Kitty. I don't and I wish I could make you believe that." He kissed her, "I want you here with me, I want to try and make a life with you, and I only want to make love to you." He ran his lips down her neck, "what can I do to make you understand that?"

Tears were glistening in Regina's eyes, "I love you so much John and I want this to work between us too. We are so very good together and I know I can make you happy…far happier than you could ever be with Kitty." She kissed him, "John, you know me better than Dave ever did. You know my moods and you know how to handle them.

He smiled, "Your moods do have their advantages."

She laughed, "I never knew you could be so forceful Dr. Chapman."

He took a deep breath, "you bring that out in me…the only woman who ever has."

Regina began to kiss his chest, "hmm…and what else do I bring out in you?"

He pulled her chin up with his fingers and looked into her eyes, "are we all right?"

She smiled, "you can have coffee with whoever you like because I know you're coming home to me."

John rolled her over on her back, "always."

Doc walked through the front door. "There you are Galen I didn't know where in heavens you had gone off to."

He kissed Maggie and they walked arm in arm to the sofa, "I went for a walk."

"It must have been a pretty long walk. You've been gone quite a while."

He put his arm around Maggie and held her close, "John passed me in his coach and convinced me to stop and have a cup of coffee with him."

"How is Dr. John?"

"He's doing well from what I can see."

Maggie whispered, "and how is that awful woman he has to be with?"

Doc shook his head, "she doesn't seem so awful anymore."

She looked up at him, "but I thought you said she was threatening to kill Miss Kitty if Dr. John didn't stay with her."

"Well…I guess he found something appealing about her now. From what he says he is going to try and make a life with her."

"But how can that be?"

He kissed her, "I guess John has done some soul searching and realized that he has a woman who loves him and it doesn't serve any purpose for him to be pining away over a woman who will never love him."

Maggie put her hand over her mouth, "Miss Kitty."

"Miss Kitty what?" Both Maggie and Doc looked up as Kitty entered the room. "well...what about me?"

Maggie stood, "I should be starting dinner, if you will excuse me."

Kitty looked confused as Maggie passed her. She walked over to the sofa and sat down, "well…are you going to tell me what is going on Curly?"

Doc stared at Kitty a moment, "I was taking a walk today and John passed me in his coach."

Kitty smiled, "how is he?"

Doc nodded, "he seems to be doing fine. He took me for some coffee."

Kitty looked curious, "and?"

Doc shrugged, "that's about it."

"Then why was Maggie mentioning my name."

Doc took a deep breath, "why do you women have to know everything that goes on between two men when they are out having a harmless cup of coffee?"

Kitty was getting annoyed, "are you going to tell me Curly?"

"Well…maybe I'm not. I mean…maybe you should give me a little credit for knowing the times that I should just keep things to myself."

She tried to keep her voice calm but she was reaching her boiling point, "Doc, I want to know what was said and I want to know now!"

Doc ran his hand over his moustache as he stared at her, "it seems that John has taken a liking to Regina and is going to try and make a life with her."

Kitty waved her hand, "oh Doc, he's just saying that. He has to say that…I mean she threatened to kill me if he didn't do as she said. He's doing all that for me."

Doc kept shaking his head, "no Kitty. I thought so too at first but I looked him in the eyes. He means it…I think he may be falling in love with her."

Kitty looked down, "oh…well…good for him. He's been alone for so many years…I'm happy for him…yes, I'm really happy for him." She abruptly stood, "if you will excuse me Doc I've got to get ready for tonight." She quickly ran up the stairs.

Maggie came back into the room and sat down next to Doc and he wrapped her in his arms. "Oh, Galen, I hope Festus can find Matt this time. If not, I don't know what Miss Kitty will do. She doesn't even have Dr. John to lean on anymore."

He kissed the top of her hair, "she'll just have to lean on us Maggie." She nodded.

Kitty was upstairs trying on a dress for the evening at Russell's. Each one she tried on just didn't look right for one reason or the other. As she was taking off the umpteenth dress the fabric caught and she tussled to free herself. Eventually the fabric ripped and she was able to sling it over her head. In a rage she flung it across the room and sat down on the bed. She could feel the tears forming in her eyes at the thought of John making love to Regina. She couldn't understand why this upset her so. She was beginning to question her sanity when she thought about Festus. It was only a matter of time before he found Matt and would bring him back home…but what if Matt didn't want her any longer? She sat staring at the wall for awhile but the thought of Matt's rejection and John's happiness brought streams of tears falling down her face. She covered her face with her hands as her silent tears became deep long sobs…she had never felt so all alone.

It was a bright spring day at the cabin and Little Fawn brought the baby out to the porch. She sat down as she noticed Matt riding toward them. He pulled up in front of the cabin, "what you got there Dillon?"

Matt looked back at the animal, "what does it look like?"

"It look like goat."

Matt nodded, "very good. Tomorrow I'll bring another animal by and see if you can recognize that as well."

Little Fawn giggled, "you funny Dillon but what we need goat for?"

"Well…at some point boy there can't keep feeding on you so I thought he could get his nourishment from this animal's milk."

She smiled, "you always think Dillon."

Matt nodded as he walked toward Little Fawn, "was part of my job once, I guess I can't get out of the habit." Matt looked down at the baby, "by golly he is getting big."

Little Fawn looked up, "maybe even get as big as you." She lifted the baby up so Matt could take him. He took the child from her and gently cradled him in his arms. He stared at the child under the watchful eye of his Indian friend. Matt smiled as he lightly ran his hand over the baby's head. "you miss son?"

Matt smiled, "I use to sing to him at night when he found it hard to fall asleep." Matt chuckled, "for some reason that always put him in a deep slumber." He kept rocking the baby. "Seems so long ago."

"I bet son still remembers."

Matt chuckled, "probably because my voice was so bad."

Little Fawn shook her head, "no, I think remember you." She pointed to Matt and her son, "just like that."

He looked at her and shook his head, "I wish that could be true but I don't think he thinks about me at all anymore."

He handed the baby back to Little Fawn, "I believe son still hears your voice and one day you come to believe it too."

Matt shook his head, "no, those days are over Little Fawn. My children call another man father now I think it best for me to live my own life and forget."

Little Fawn stood and walked in front of Matt, "you very stubborn Dillon this I know…life very sad when there nothing but that in life."

Matt watched her walk into the cabin. He stood for a moment, thought about what she said, then turned and brought his horse and goat around to the back.

Festus left Denver with two mules, one laden with supplies. He was going to be on the road a long time but it didn't matter. He had promised to bring Katie's father back to her and that was what he was determined to do no matter how long it took. The one thing he was pretty certain of this time was that Matt was alive, now if only his good friend would stay in one place he'd have a very good chance of finding him. As he made his way north he still had not made a definitive plan for the search. As he meandered along, a crazy notion came into his mind. If his hunch was right he'd be shaking hands with good ol' Matthew before long.