Chapter 11

Clearing the Air

Matt dropped down to one knee and scooped up a handful of water. Not that he was particularly thirsty but the stream was so clear and cold he felt obliged to sample it. Buck obviously agreed with his master as he too wandered to the edge and helped himself to a drink.

The sound of an approaching rider brought the lawman to his feet. "You've lost your touch. I could hear you from a mile off."

Tobeel slid down from his speckled stallion. "No need to sneak up on old friend. Him too slow to fight." He led his horse to the stream for a drink. "Have good news for the soldier."

Good enough to get out of town? Matt wondered hopefully. "Iron Horse is still going to sign the treaty?"

"Yes"

Matt breathed a sigh of relief. "Does he know who shot at us?"

"Two boys. They too proud to make agreement with white man. Believe war more honorable. Think Iron Horse too old to have pride."

"I assume they are responsible for the other attacks." Tobeel nodded. "Technically, I should arrest them."

A wide smile settled comfortably on the tanned skin. "They banished from braves. Squaws will make them cook and do woman's work. They not be so proud now."

"Well, I don't want to jeopardize the treaty and I suppose that's fair enough punishment to a couple of cocky young 'braves'. I appreciate your help on this Tobeel."

"Marshal wears sad face. Something more Tobeel can do?"

Matt laid a hand on his friends shoulder. "That is good of you to offer but I'm fine. Just be glad when the treaty is signed and-"

"And fancy solder leave town."

Matt chuckled at the wily old Indian. Very little got by him whether it be rumors of red man or white. "Speaking of the fancy soldier, I better get back to town and tell him the good news."

====()()()====

Tia managed to knock on the door to room 12 while balancing the supper tray. She was armed with her usual smile when Kitty opened the door. "I hope I got everything you wanted."

Kitty stepped aside giving the girl room to enter. "I'm sure it's fine. Just set it on the table." She could see the girl struggling to keep her curious glances from being too obvious. "Tia this is Lt. Brontë Chandler." Kitty paused for a second before adding. "A very old and dear friend."

The look that traveled quickly between Miss Kitty and the stranger caught Tia's attention. A sudden urge to protect something she loved erupted in the young girl's heart. "The marshal was in the army too. I'm sure he would have been a general by now if he hadn't decided to be a law man."

Another glance was exchanged between the two old friends, this one a bit more subtle. Brontë cleared his throat. His smile was one of admiration as he bowed to the young woman's obvious devotion to the Dillons. "I would have to agree and add that his choice was definitely the army's loss. Would you like to stay and have lunch us…?" A side glance at the table only revealed one place setting. Brontë chuckled, his voice deep and soothing as it cut through the tension. "It looks like I'm the only one eating but the invitation still holds."

Kitty slipped an arm around Tia's shoulder. "Would you like to stay and have a glass of tea? I'm sure you would enjoy Brontë's adventures." She winked at the wounded man. "Many of them are actually true."

Tia released the worried breath that had been trapped in her lungs. "No, I should get back. Bethany is still in Boston visiting her family and Nettie and I are breaking in two new girls." Kitty's silent reassurance, and invitation to stay, eased the girl's concerns. "Besides, I promised Beulah I would pick up those apples." Tia turned her smile on the gentleman. "She's making Apple Bread Pudding for the supper menu. It's the marshal's favorite."

Once again, smiles were concealed and both Kitty and Brontë let their gaze drop to the safety of the wooden floor.

"You and the family will be coming in for supper – won't you?"

"We will. I know how hungry Matt will be after chasing those renegades all across the prairie. That was very thoughtful of Beulah to prepare his favorite dish." She waited while Tia said her good-byes and walked her to the door. Once closed, she leaned against the wooden structure until the latch clicked softly into place.

"Apple Bread Pudding was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln, you know." The redhead sported a smug grin.

"So I've heard." Brontë pulled a chair from the table for the lady before seating himself. "Another great American hero."

The laughter that followed was not one that mocked the young blonde but one of absolute affection for her innocence and staunch dedication.

"She is lovely." Brontë said. "AND devoted."

Kitty nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. "And quite skilled. All of my staff at the Prairie Rose are excellent employees but they are so much more than that. They are family."

Brontë reached across the table and took the lady's hand. It was not a sexual move but one of genuine affection. "You deserve all of this Kitty. A husband, that adores you." One brow arched high to emphasize his point. "Beautiful children, Doc, Festus, I'm sure the list goes on forever."

Kitty opened her mouth, but she was unable to speak. Brontë Chandler had looked in to her heart and exposed the treasured world that belonged to her.

He released her hand. "I would give anything to have been the man to give this life to you but I am glad that Matt was able to fulfill that dream for you." Brontë took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "Well, I have heard wonderful things about your restaurant; I can't wait to try this."

Kitty quickly wiped away a fugitive tear that had found freedom and poured a glass of tea. "You've been in town for almost a week. Why haven't you been in my restaurant?"

Brontë swallowed the bite of the Shepherd's Pie. "Oooh, that is good." He snuck in another bite before answering. "I really didn't want to cause any problems for you so I thought keeping a low profile was a good idea." He touched the napkin to the corner of his mouth before taking a drink. "I know this isn't easy on Matt. Under different circumstances I could see us being friends."

"Maybe that's what attracted me to you in the first place."

"Ouch!" Brontë grimaced. "I was hoping to have been something a little bit more than a stand in."

"I didn't mean that at all." A flush began at her neck and spread like wildfire up to the flaming locks. "I just meant-"

"It's okay." He assured her while flashing his most engaging smile. "You were honest with me from the beginning. It was my own ego that refused to let my heart hear the truth. But I never will forget those few weeks. I hope you don't mind."

"No, they are a very special part of my life as well." Kitty nodded toward his plate. "You better finish that before it gets cold."

===()()()===

Tobeel's words rattled around Matt's head during the long ride home. Did everyone in Dodge know that the handsome; strong; successful…A scowl settled firmly in place as he ran back over the check list to see if he had left out any accomplishments of the dashing lieutenant.

Buck picked that moment to side step a large hole, causing the rider to shift awkwardly in his saddle. "Hey watch it." Matt scolded. "Jack would never do that." Remorse instantly trailed after the harsh words. He reached up to scratch the dark brown forelock. "Sorry ole boy. I may not be able to match up to Brontë but you're every bit as special as his Morgan.

Matt settled back in the saddle but that question continued to haunt him. Did everyone in Dodge know that Chandler had been in love with Kitty?

If everyone knew, did they also wonder why Kitty had staked her future on a hard headed law man that barely had two nickels to rub together? Why, when this prominent man was obviously besotted with her? Not that he was usually bothered by other's opinion of himself but he did wonder if they were laughing at his predicament.

The town clinic was in sight and Matt knew he needed to stop and check on Brontë. Calleigh had assured him the wounds weren't fatal but he still needed to stop. Just as he readied to dismount, Billy Tandle darted out from behind the steps leading up to the office. The boy was barely able to stop before running head long into Buck.

"Oh sorry marshal. I didn't see you."

"No harm done. Just slow down a bit." Matt dismounted and threw the reins over the rail. He started up the steps when Billy called to him.

"Little Doc went home with Newly. There's nobody up there." He watched the marshal readjust his hat, pushing it higher on his head. "She sent that hero guy back to the Dodge House."

"Hero guy." Matt mumbled under his breath. "Thanks Billy. Remember, have some pity for us old folks and slow down."

The boy nodded and took off. He had enough respect for the marshal to at least wait until he was out of sight before picking up speed. Matt walked Buck down to the jail and then headed across the street to the Dodge House. He was surprised at how cool the lobby was considering how warm it was outside.

Howie was just coming through the back door. "Marshal. You must be here to visit our hero."

"Yeah." Matt blew out a long exasperated breath. "Is he in?"

"As far as I know. I just got back from supper." He took his place behind the counter. "Room 12."

Hero! So help me if I hear that word one more time! He shrugged off the irritation and knocked on the smooth wooden surface. In that brief moment before the door opened, he had hopes that the patient was asleep and he could slip away. But, no such luck. The heavy oak door opened slowly revealing not an injured man but a gorgeous redhead. His redhead!

"Kitty?" Matt shrunk back, stunned by her presence. It was a calm hand and innocent smile that gently tugged at his arm to pull him inside.

"Please" Brontë motioned with his good arm to a nearby chair. "Have a seat. Did you have any luck today?" While both men felt a little awkward, the lady at the center of the triangle appeared very at ease.

Kitty guided the stunned lawman into the chair. "Uh yeah." Trying very hard not to be conspicuous, his gaze wandered from his wife to her admirer. "Iron Horse has taken care of the problem."

Several seconds passed before Brontë responded as he too was caught up in this delicate situation. "That..uh that is wonderful." Silence prevailed again. "Would you like a drink?"

"Honey, do you want a drink. I'll be glad to-"

"No." He bounced out of the chair as if he had been sitting on a spring. Somehow, it made him uneasy to have her playing hostess for another man. "I should go so that you can rest. You do still plan on getting the treaty signed tomorrow?"

"Yes, your daughter said I would be fit to ride. She's a very bright young lady."

Kitty stepped closer to her husband. "She is bright and stubborn. We're very proud of her, aren't we dear?' A slender hand slipped behind the lawman and began to make small gentle strokes across his back.

Just her nearness had a calming effect on him. Clear blue eyes offered him the assurance he needed at that moment. Matt turned his attention back to Brontë. "We are very proud." He stopped fidgeting with his hat and slipped it back into place. "Get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

Kitty followed him to the door. "They are expecting us for supper at the restaurant. I'll go home and get the kids."

Matt's gaze traveled over his wife's shoulder to the injured man. "No you stay and visit with Chandler. I'll go gather the family and come back with the buggy."

"Are you sure?"

At last he was able to offer an honest smile. "I'm sure."