Matt, just returning from taking a prisoner to Hays, dropped Buck off at Moss Grimmick's stable. He asked Moss to give Buck a nice rubdown and some extra oats and water. A smile and a nod of Moss's head let Matt know that Buck was in good hands. With Buck all set, Matt made his way to his office so he could unpack the saddle bags he put on his desk before coming to Moss's stable.

Saddle bags unpacked and trail dust washed away, Matt had another item that needed to be crossed off his list, buying a birthday gift for Kitty. He had known her for over five years and admittedly loved her just as long. Love at first sight was not something he had believed in, until it actually happened to him. The moment he saw Kitty Russell, he knew his heart would forever belong to her. Thank the heavens above Kitty believed in love at first sight and her heart belonged to him. Matt had a few long term relationships in the past and thought he was in love, but now realized that love was nothing compared to the deep love he felt for Kitty.

Matt was letting his mind wander, not that thinking about his love for Kitty was a bad thing, but he needed to focus on what to get Kitty for her birthday. The present had to be something meaningful and special. He knew that Chester was getting her a new parasol. A parasol was a practical gift that Kitty would appreciate and use, but Matt wanted more than a practical gift. Doc told Matt he was giving Kitty a lace shawl. Same as the parasol, the shawl was a nice practical gift that would be appreciated and used by Kitty. But just like the parasol, Matt didn't want a practical gift. Matt would just have to put some thought into his gift for Kitty. Thankfully he had a week to do so.

Three days later Matt was no closer to having a gift for Kitty. There was going to be a small party at the Long Branch for her in four days. The guests would include the employees of the Long Branch and Kitty's close friends. The plan was to close the Long Branch the evening of the party. Word quickly spread that Long Branch would be closed and why.

Sitting in front of the jail, Matt overheard some of the "high society" ladies talking about Kitty's party. Matt knew he should not eavesdrop, but hearing Kitty's name, he could not help himself.

"Only a saloon woman would have a birthday party in a saloon," said one of the snooty ladies.

"No kidding. A real lady would at least have her party at a more respectable place," said another one of the snobs.

"Forget the party. What I want to know is what an upstanding man, like the Marshal, sees in her. He's always going to the Long Branch to see her and he takes her to Del Monico's for meals," said the third snooty lady.

"Plus, it's known that he goes to her room at night, no doubt to get some action. It's the worst kept secret around here. But he probably doesn't want it officially known, because he's not too proud of what he's doing," the first snooty lady said.

Matt had to rely on all the strength and willpower he had not to march over to those ladies and give them a piece of his mind. They wanted to know what he saw in Kitty. He saw her beauty, both outer and inner. It was her inner beauty that made her outer beauty even more beautiful. When he went to Kitty's room, he was not getting some action. He and Kitty were making love. For him it wasn't just sex. He loved Kitty and was proud that she belonged to him. Matt wanted to go and say all these things to those ladies, but didn't want them to know he was eavesdropping. He didn't think it would be good to be known as an eavesdropping Marshal.

It was crunch time. The party was tomorrow night and Matt still had not bought Kitty's gift. Panic was starting to set in as he walked into Jonas' general store. He couldn't show up without a gift. He guessed if it came down to it, he could always get her some jewelry. He knew she would love the jewelry. Walking up to the counter, Matt pulled out his list and handed it to Jonas. As he waited for Jonas to fulfil the order, something caught Matt's eye. That's when he knew he had the perfect gift for Kitty. He had Jonas add it to the order.

The night of the party had arrived. As announced the Long Branch had been closed that evening for the party. Everyone who was invited had shown up and they were having a great time. Kitty was very pleased to see everyone, especially her Cowboy. Matt was able to make it and showed no signs of having to leave. He was even dressed in his courting coat. Yes, he looked extra handsome tonight.

When it came time to open the presents, Kitty sat down at the table where the presents had been placed. Before she started opening the presents, she noticed that Matt had not placed his on the table when he walked into the party. He placed it off to the side. Even now his present wasn't with the others. It was on another table. Kitty shrugged it off and started to open the presents that were on the table. As predicted she was very appreciative of Doc and Chester's presents.

All the presents had been opened, except for Matt's. With an almost shy smile, he handed Kitty the box. Kitty took the box with definite curiosity, noticing the weight. Her curiosity heightened even more, Kitty removed the ribbon and the lid of the box. She peeled away the tissue paper and pulled out what was inside, a couple feet of rope. Everyone at the party did not know what to think. Why would the Marshal give Miss Kitty rope for her birthday?

Kitty looked at Matt with questioning eyes. "Does this mean what I think it means?"

"If you think it means that I'm ready to be a lady's man, your man, and I want everyone to officially know, then yes. I mean it's about time we made this relationship publicly official. After all we're the worst kept secret in Dodge," Matt said as everyone shook their heads with laughter.

"Oh Cowboy, this is the best present I could have ever gotten. I love you!" Kitty exclaimed as she threw herself into Matt's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. Matt greatly accepted her kiss, not caring they had an audience.

"It's about time!" the party guests exclaimed. Matt and Kitty had no argument with that.

After the party had ended, Matt and Kitty were up in Kitty's room. "So Cowboy, why the sudden change in making our relationship official?"

"Because of what those so-called "high society" ladies were saying about you. I had overheard their conversation the other day and wanted to give them a piece of my mind. But I didn't want them to think I was eavesdropping. Plus, it wouldn't have made a difference. So I decided actions speak louder than words."

Honestly, Kitty did not care why Matt changed his mind. She was just grateful that he did. She would have to remember to thank those ladies someday for the favor they did for her, and that's just what she did.

One morning she and Matt were walking down the street holding hands, when they walked past those three ladies. "Hello ladies, I want to thank you for my birthday gift," Kitty said with a smirk on her face. The ladies just looked at each other, with a dumbfounded look on their faces.

The End