PT.29

Finding Mary

Conclusion

Kitty gave Newly a signal that they were ready. He then passed it on to the reverend. Everyone sat, taking their places.

Chet and Newly were now standing side by side along with young Reverend English who was the eldest son of the reverend who had served in Dodge City for many years. Now giving a brief scan across what looked to be larger than any congregation he served over on any given Sunday. One of the town folks stood, beginning to place a soft song on violin. First was Beth, followed by Mary and then Tessie and Eva.

Just then, being joined by piano, the sound of the Wedding March began. Several people looked on surprised that Grace looked so beautiful in her cream colored gown with her hair swept up in curls and small wisps of light curls framing her face. She was being escorted by both her parents, on either side of her. Grace smiled wide when she saw Chet standing, waiting for her, waiting to become her husband.

As she made her way to the gazebo, the reverend nodded. "Welcome everyone! Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family, we are all gathered here today to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

Matt looked to Kitty, swallowed, then, "Her mother and I."

Kitty kissed Grace. Then as Grace turned to kiss her poppa, he cleared his throat.

"Excuse me. I have something I want to say to you, Gracie."

Now taking her hands in his, "Aw, Gracie, my baby girl, I've never been much when it comes to words. But I wanted you to know my wishes for you on this special day. May this day start the beginning of a new life for you and Chet. A new life with love, compassion and warmth. Gracie, you have brought us," waving his hand between Kitty and himself, "your momma and I, more than I ever thought was possible. From being my little cowgirl to a beautiful young woman. We are so proud of you in all you do and your accomplishments and who you've grown to be. You've developed your momma's great beauty," now rolling his eyes, "and temper." He was now hearing a slight chuckle. "I also wish for you all the health and experiences to take you anywhere you wish and dream to go and enough love that will always make you want to come home to your family. I know you and Chet will have a wonderful life together building a family. Gracie, always know how much your momma and I love you."

He now kissed her cheek.

"I love you too, Poppa." Looking over her shoulder. "Momma."

As he began to step back to let her join hands with Chet, he reached over placing a hand on Chet's shoulder. Chet, Son, this is my baby. Love her and take care of her or..."

Clearing her throat, "Poppa!"

Matt stepped back to join Kitty. She tucked her arm in his. "Come on, Cowboy. Let's sit."

Reverend English began.

"Chet, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forth, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

Smiling, never taking his eyes off Grace. "Yes. I will."

"Grace, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"Yes, I will."

"Repeat after me. 'I, Chet, take you Grace.'

"I, Chet, take you Grace."

"As my lawfully wedded wife."

"As my lawfully wedded wife."

"To love, honor and cherish."

"To love, honor and cherish."

"Till death do us part."

"Till death do us part."

"Grace, repeat after me. I, Grace take you Chet."

"I, Grace, take you, Chet."

"As my lawfully wedded husband."

"As my lawfully wedded husband."

"To love, honor and cherish."

"To love, honor and cherish."

"Till death do us part."

"Till death do us part."

"Is there anyone here who has any reason why these two should not be joined in marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Kitty was now clinging to Matt's arm as he turned to her. Her eyes were pooling up. "Ssshh," wrapping his arm around her. Kit, things will be alright...shakibg her head...

"I know that, damn it. But she's my baby. Our baby."

Smiling and kissing her temple.

"Well then, by the power invested in me by the state of Kansas and before God and you all, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!"

Now looking up, beginning to say, "Chet, you may ki..." The reverend noticed that Chet had scooped Grace into his arms and they were sharing a passionate kiss. Clearing his throat, "Folks, looks like they got ahead of me." Everyone began laughing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends, may I be the first to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Chet Owens." The whole crowd cheered.

After all the hugs and kisses, they began celebrating. In all the excitement, Matt slipped away, grabbing Kitty by the hand. "Ssshhh, come with me." Leading her off alone, hugging her close. "Kit, Honey, I love you."

"Cowboy, what is this?"

"Me, your husband, father of our children, telling you I love you and I need you."

Cupping his face, leaning up to place a soft kiss on his lips. "Cowboy, I love you too."

The party went on for hours but slowly the crowd subsided. Chet and Grace went off. Mary and Frankie gave them their place for the night, which was on the ranch property, just over the north side ridge. They had plans to take a trip to San Francisco the next morning.

Kitty saw Mary and Beth slowly picking up after guests left. Stopping them. "Oh, Girls, we can get this all tomorrow. It's been a long day."

Kitty turned looking at Matt. "You look like you could use a good night's sleep, Cowboy."

"Uh, I had a better idea."

"Oh?" She questioned.

"Uh huh. I want time alone with MY WIFE!" Now slipping his arm around her.

"Is that a fact, Cowboy?"

Turning her and directing her towards the stairs, "Yes, Ma'am. That's a fact. Come with me."

Mary nudged Beth, shaking her head. "Beth, after all these years?"

"Yes, Sis." Smiling at her. Together they called out. "Good night, Momma. Good night, Poppa."

"Night, Girls." Then Matt added, "Yes, it will be."

Once entering their room, Matt turned, pressing Kitty's back against his large frame. Reaching around, he slipped the dress off her shoulders. Kissing her shoulders and side of her neck, resting his face in the nape. "Kit, I need you. I need you now."

Turning her, lifting her and carrying her to their large brass bed, they relieved one another of their clothes. Now engaging in a slow Intimate dance of love. The two joined, Hot flesh to hot flesh. Heartbeat to heartbeat. And as they've done for almost 50 years, the two became one.

Several hours later, lying spent, relishing in the afterglow, in her deep sultry voice. "Um, Cowboy?"

"Uh huh." He murmured.

"Thank you, Cowboy. Thank you for giving our family everything. We wouldn't be here without you."

"Kit Honey, all this, we did together."

Snuggling in tight, she whispered under her breath. "Thank you, Grandmother. Thank you for guiding me with your advise." Kissing Matt's chest, just over his heart. "My box is full. My marriage, family and life is full."

"Kit, you say something?"

"Good night, Cowboy."

"Good night, Kit."

And together, "I love you."

Full Life. Full Family. Full Heart!

FINI

A/N: Thank you to ALL my readers and reviewers. I hope you've all enjoyed reading. I appreciate each and every one of you. You make this all worth doing.