This is a much longer chapter with many revelations. Thanks so much for all the great reviews. More surprises to come. I hope you enjoy it.
CHAPTER NINE
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
Pasting a smile on her face she greeted the gentleman with the casual words, "you gentlemen look like you're relaxing ."
As he cleared his throat her uncle tried to look her in the eye. "Kitty," he began. "We seem to have a situation that has just come up."
Kitty dropped into a chair and inquired, "what now?"
Realizing his wife was on edge, but mistaking it for opening night jitters, the former Marshal began. "we got a message from Wilber Jonas about an hour ago and he thought he had gotten some counterfeit bills. We went over to see him and sure enough there were five one dollar bills. He remembered it was strangers who had given him the money and they were staying at the Dodge House."
Sam took over the story at this point saying, "you know how Jonas is. He was sure he's going to lose his money and it looks like he has. We went over to the Dodge House and the man and woman had already checked out. They told the clerk, Howard, they were just passing through. Lucky for them they paid with real money for their room."
"I feel bad that he lost money but I don't know what it really has to do with me if they're gone from town already," Kitty said.
The two men looked very uncomfortable as Sam revealed new information, "we think they're just the setup people. We felt that the merchants shouldn't be any more upset than they already were at the meeting but we knew that this was how they operated in some towns."
"Right," Matt went on, "because there are going to be so many people here tonight from so many different places we wanted to tell you first to have everyone on the lookout for any suspicious activity or large bills being given for admissions, food, or drink. Of course the Dodge House is aware and so is Jonas and we've asked them to be in touch with the other merchants. You should have a lot of money changing hands here tonight so the more vigilant we can be the sooner we can catch whoever's doing it."
In the worst way she wanted to ask them what they were doing in the alley with Serena since she was not a merchant. However if counterfeiters were in town they could do a lot of damage with so many people arriving for opening night. "I'll talk to all the bartenders, waitresses, hostesses, and Newly who is selling tickets for us tonight."
Placing his hand over hers Matt told her, "I realize you are under a lot of pressure already but this can cause so much trouble and loss for the community."
She smiled at them and reassured them she understood their concerns. Getting up she told them she would start gathering their employees and going over what they need to look for with unfamiliar faces.
As she started to walk away Sam asked, "where is my wife?"
Not wanting to cause any more concern Kitty answered, "She is resting. We flipped to see who got the bed and who would do the last-minute preparations. As you can see I lost."
Matt raised his eyebrows. "You lost, that is unusual for you."
She laughed and looking at her uncle said, "After all these years this big man still doesn't know that when he and I flip a coin I use a one-sided coin."
Getting to his feet the big man put his arms around her and pulled her close. "are you telling me after all this time you've been cheating me and I didn't catch on."
Kissing him quickly she admitted, "with you I always found ways to distract you from looking at the coin too closely." Twisting away from him quickly she told them she had better hurry and get hold of her crew and let them know what was going on.
Matt didn't say anymore but he gave her a funny look as he and Sam headed out the door. In the meantime Kitty called her head bartender into the office to give him a heads up on what was going on. He assured her he would talk to all the assistant bartenders and the waitresses while she got hold of the Hostesses. It was several hours later when they were able to contact everyone and have them prepared for the evening to come.
There had been little time to do anything else and Kitty headed up to the room hoping that Claire was ready for people that would start coming to the theater in an hour. They also needed to make sure all of the entertainers were in the Jewel Box and ready to go. She just hoped that Serena was really going to be prepared to be playing as people came in to find their seats.
As she was halfway up the steps she was stopped by the voices of the two Mrs. Weiss. The wife who was to be the assistant wanted to see her husband's dressing room and the mother wanted to make sure she had the best seat in the house. She was not happy to find out she did not have one of the box seats for that night's entertainment. Kitty tried to be patient as she explained that the governor of the state would be there with his entourage and they were being given the box seats for that evening.
Mrs. Weiss, the mother, thought that her son should have the biggest dressing room and was not happy when Kitty explained that the bigger rooms had to go to the male and female performers. The daughter in law tried to tell her it would be just fine but both women knew that the mother always thought she was in charge. With poor grace she accepted the fact that at least her son had a private room.
Other performers started to arrive just as Kitty was trying to make her way back into the Long Branch to get dressed and ready herself. She told them she would be back to see them as soon as she was dressed and ready to go for the evening. That reminded the two Mrs. Weiss' they needed to change clothes too. Quickly the proprietress hurried up the steps praying that her partner was all ready to go.
Unfortunately when she got to the room Claire was still sleeping soundly. She shook her and it took some time to get her awake. "Claire," she said, "We have about 45 minutes, at most, to be down into the theater and making sure everything is alright."
Shaking her head to clear it Claire said, "oh Kitty how long have I been asleep? I hope you haven't had to do too much all by yourself. I am so sorry but I feel much better."
Smiling at her partner who still looked a little pale she said, "Nothing extraordinary we can talk about it later let's just get busy and get ready."
They were in such a hurry to get ready that once their hair and makeup was done Kitty found herself having trouble getting the back of Claire's dress buttoned up properly. "I'm sorry Claire I'm in such a hurry I seem to be all thumbs."
Claire laughed, "I don't think they'll be starting the festivities without us. We're almost ready."
"I hope our husbands are downstairs waiting for us," The redhead said and she twirled around in her beautiful dress.
Handing her an evening bag Claire said, "I'm sure the boys can entertain the governor until we get there."
As they were descending the stairway and saw their husbands beaming faces as they walked toward them they knew they looked perfect.
Matt took Kitty's arm and bent down and told her, "you look beautiful."
Meanwhile Sam Smith had pulled his wife into his arms. Turning to Matt he said, "I would say we are the two luckiest men here tonight."
The big man told him he couldn't agree more and added that they had heard the Governor's entourage had just arrived. "we had better get over there to greet them."
Gov. George Washington Glick and his wife, Elizabeth and children, Jennie and Frederick had just arrived.
"George," Sam said, "it's great to see you it's been way too long."
The governor smiled and replied, "You're right but I 've heard how busy you have been lately."
Hurriedly Sam took Claire arm's and told the governor, "I want you to meet my wife, Claire."
Looking her over appreciatively the administrator observed, "I can see why you are living in Dodge now."
Changing the subject Sam looked at Matt and Kitty. "I'm sure you know Matt and Kitty you were at their wedding. You may have forgotten Kitty is my niece."
"Marshal and your lovely wife, it is so good to see both of you again," Glick said happily.
Kitty moved over to Elizabeth Glick and took her arm. "It is good to see you."
"It is so good to be here Kitty. You look like marriage agrees with you," the Governor's lady told her old friend.
"It is so much more wonderful than I thought and Matt has taken to it much easier than I anticipated," the redhead confided.
Claire came up to them and reminded her partner they needed to get to their seats. "Do you know Elizabeth, Claire?"
Claire welcomed the governor's wife and told her how nice it was to meet her. Kitty explained as they made their way up to the balcony seats that it meant a lot that she and the Governor had come from the capitol for their opening night.
Elizabeth grinned and whispered, "Who knew this would be where we would land as 17 year olds in Kansas City?"
Kitty said as she spread out her arms, "I never thought I would have all this and the man of my dreams."
Looking at her husband Elizabeth Glick replied, "I couldn't agree more, but I better get over to the family."
"Yes, you have a lovely family Beth," she said wistfully.
As she observed her old friend Elizabeth remembered that Kitty Russell loved children. What a shame that she and the marshal had not been able to have children yet. The life they had to live as very young women had been very harsh. They had little hope, then, of a decent life with a good husband and family. Many of their former associates had not been so lucky. Sitting down next to her husband Elizabeth slipped her arm through the Governor's and said a little prayer of thanks.
Sam and Matt joined their wives as the show was about to begin. As the audience laughed and clapped the partners were thrilled that their new venture was looking like a success.
The ex-marshal slipped his arm around his wife whose face was shining as she watched act after act. He was so proud of all she had achieved. To him Kitty looked even more beautiful than when they met all those years ago. They had gone through many trials but now after two years of marriage they were more in love than ever.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "you look very pretty tonight Kitty."
The smile she gave him was dazzling as she heard the phrase he had used for so many years to tell her how beautiful she looked. Kissing his cheek his wife said, "you clean up very well also Mr. Dillon."
He grinned as he said, "I think I'd better get you home honey."
Kitty saw the gleam in his eye and slipped her arm through his and started leading him toward the door as she heard her uncle say, "I think we should follow their example and head upstairs."
Claire smiled at her husband and taking his hand led him upstairs. As soon as they got into the room he took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "You two ladies did a wonderful job. I am so proud of you."
Looking up at him she told him, "I am the luckiest woman in the world."
As he stroked her cheek he asked, "why would you say that my love?"
Running her hands up and down his chest she tilted her head as she answered, "I never thought I would find a man who was as kind, caring, and loving as you Sweetheart. You have made me so happy."
Sam leaned down and kissed her bare shoulder. "You have no idea how much you have given me. It seems impossible such a beautiful, exciting, and compassionate woman would love me let alone marry me.
She turned around and asked him to unbutton her dress. Sam was thrilled as every inch of her creamy white skin was exposed. As the dress dropped to the floor and she stood before him in only in her corset and stockings.
He started to laugh as he looked at her and said, "I am not sure which bewitching inch of you I would like to kiss first.
Throwing her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him she said, "Anywhere you start is fine with me."
Quickly he picked her up and took her to the bed and placed her there gently. As he undressed swiftly she watched him. When he was finished he sat down beside her and began unlacing her corset. As he loosened the stays he rubbed his fingertips over the top of her breasts. When she winced he pulled his fingers away.
There was concern in his voice as he asked, "sweetheart did I hurt you?"
Claire placed her hand over his and smiled, "you didn't do anything wrong Sam but I do have something to tell you."
He frowned as he waited for her to go on. "I saw Doc today for my headache and got a surprise."
Sam pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "Are you going to be alright?" He wanted to know.
She pulled back and looked at the pain on his face. "What's wrong darling?"
Her husband wasn't going to tell her his first wife had died from something called a tumor on the brain at a young age. Sam looked at her beautiful face and finally said, "I worry about you my love."
She put arms around her neck and laughed. "It's good news Sam. Doc gave me news I never thought I would ever hear. I am going to have a baby."
Sam Smith just stared at is wife and finally choked out, "A BABY?"
"Yes Mr. Smith, a baby."
He was stunned assuming he would never be a father. Taking a deep breath his face began to change as the news began to sink in. A wide smile split his mouth. "I can hardly believe it. I thought it would never be possible."
Moving his hand to her belly she told him, "In seven months you will be holding your son or daughter."
Her husband ran his hand gently over her stomach and finally said, "I can't wait to tell everyone."
"I know you are excited Honey, but I am worried about telling Kitty."
"Kitty, why Kitty?"
"She wants a baby so badly and nothing is happening. When Festus and Abelia came in and announced she was expecting again I saw her face. She congratulated them but her eyes were so sad."
Sam thought for a moment. "so what do you want to do?"
Kissing him quickly Claire suggested, "We could wait a little while to announce our news."
He was so relieved he agreed to anything she wanted. Then Sam asked if Doc had put any restrictions on her activities.
There was seductive look on her face as she began moving her hands over his body. When she had him excited she confessed. "He said I am just fine but as he said, "ah…just don't be too active." So I think we need to celebrate Mr. Smith."
"Oh it will be my pleasure Mrs. Smith," Sam said as he began slowly move his hands over her body."
Claire moaned and realized that every stroke seemed more intense. The more excited she became it ignited the passion in her husband. As much as he wanted to take his time all the events of the evening pushed him to possess all of his wife.
Making an effort to enter her gently Claire wasn't having any of that. She wrapped her legs around him and met him stroke for stroke. Her sighs of satisfaction pushed him to perform better than ever before. After all it was these acts of love that had produced a miracle for both of them.
Later when she was asleep in his arms he looked at that lovely face, the mother of his child. Here was the love and contentment he had been afraid he would never feel again. His eyes closed and he feel into a peaceful sleep.