"Why the long face?" Kitty asked, tiptoeing up the Long Branch's backstairs hand in hand with the Marshal.

He didn't answer until they were safely in her room. Then he placed his big hands on her shoulders and stared intently into her pale blue eyes.

"Honey," he murmured, trying not to choke up at the battered sight. He caressed her cheek lightly, "I don't know what I'd have done if—"

"Don't relive it, Matt." she shook her head, gripping his arms tightly, "We can talk it over later, after we've both had a minute, but I don't think we can do that now."

"You're right, sweetheart." He pulled back, inhaling a deep shuddering breath, "I, uh, well...along with all the other stuff this morning, I telegraphed Judge Brooker..."

"We're gonna have to move the trial to Meade County." he moved to talking about logistics, thinking it safer for them, "Rick can't stand trial here on the original charges either. There's no way we'll never find an impartial jury now."

"You're amazing; you know that?" she beamed, tears shining in her eyes, "I feel so blessed to be the one you've spent your life with all these years."

"I'm the one who feels mighty blessed, sweetheart." he caught a tear as it slid down her cheek, "You could have any man in Ford County—or Kansas, for that matter. But you chose to let me be the one you waited up for at night. Considering what I do, that's not easy." He brushed another tear away, "What's wrong, Kit?"

"Nothings wrong," she put her head on his chest. "It just struck me that you could've killed the Stroms this morning. Literally no one would've batted an eyelash if you had too."

She stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek, pulling him with her as she walked backwards, "Instead, you brought 'em back to Dodge and now you're trying to make sure they get a fair trial. I don't know another man who'd do that."

"It's my job, Kit."

"It's more than that." she shook her head, "I've seen the look in your eyes when someone comes after me." She pulled his head down to brush her lips against his, "It's 'cause you're a good man, Matt. The best I've ever known." She kissed him again, "I don't expect to ever find anyone better."

"Well now…" he wrapped his big arms around her waist and kissed deeply, taking over the steering, "I'm for damn sure I'll never find anyone as beautiful as you." He gave her a rapid succession of kisses, "Or smart. Compassionate. Funny. A great cook. The patience of a saint."

She stopped them in front of her full length mirror and handed him her hairbrush. "I'll take out the pins and you brush."

He readily complied, feeling his hands relax as he gently worked the tangles out her fiery locks.

"That feels so good." She closed her eyes.

"I'm glad, honey." he stroked the back of her neck with his fingers, "Once we get your hair done, I wanna give you a massage."

"Mmm, that sounds real nice."

"You gonna be okay to travel and testify at the trial?" he asked gently.

"Only if you come with me."

"You can count on that."

"Can we stay in the same hotel too?"

"We better." He grinned.

Freeing her hair from the last pin, she let herself enjoy his gentle ministrations. Swaying unconsciously, she leaned back into his chest as he steered her towards her big bathtub.

Then, pulling back, he asked, "Do you mind if anyone sees me bringing hot water up here?"

"No, cowboy, I don't think I do."

Author's Note: And that's the way it is, folks. Thank you for reading, reviewing, and enjoying. Ya'll are lovely!