The Contract

An ATC to Mannon

By

AZgirl66

Ch. 14-Past Meets Present

A/N: Not sure what is going on with the FF site, but I wanted to let you know that if you left a review after midnight last night-I have received them all as emails, but for whatever reason, they aren't being loaded onto the reviews page. So I thank you sincerely for your comments. I will PM those that I can, but I hope they post soon, because it is more fun sharing! On with the story!

Kitty sat at her new favorite spot, on the grassy bank of Bird Creek. She was there just as the sun was rising, not having been able to sleep well all night. Her unborn child had kept her awake most of the night, tossing and turning from within. Finally, just before dawn, Kitty had decided to get up, ready herself and greet the sun.

The water felt perfect at her chosen location. Not too cold, yet refreshing, as she let her feet dangle into the creek. "Oh, Baby," Kitty spoke out loud, "you've got to let Mama sleep at night. How else are ya gonna get here healthy and strong?"

Kitty rubbed her belly and started to softly hum a lullaby. She laid down on her back, keeping her feet and lower legs submerged, kicking gently back and forth. She found herself drifting to the past, remembering the previous times she'd held a child in her womb.

The first time had seemed like a hundred years ago, but was really only sixteen years prior. If I just hadn't let Cole bully me into getting rid of that baby, I could have a teenager by now. A child nearly fully grown.

Kitty had found out she was pregnant by Cole Yankton when she'd just turned eighteen years old. Cole had been none too happy, "What would we do with a baby, Kitty? You are so young and I've got things I need t' do. This isn't the right time, Honey." Kitty had never forgotten how he tricked her into going to see "that man". The one who "took care of such problems." She'd never forgiven Cole for uttering the phrase, "Come with me tomorra', Kitty. I'll pick ya up in the mornin'. I've got a surprise for ya." He'd had a surprise for her alright. Bastard.

The cool August breeze felt good on Kitty's face and she sat up to rinse her flushed cheeks with the clean water. Remembering that horrible time always made her upset, mostly angry with herself, for letting a man dictate what she could do with her life. Oh, in reality Kitty knew she wouldn't have been able to raise that child without Cole's help, but her heart had always told her she would've liked to have tried.

"Little one," Kitty whispered, "I am so happy to have you. Seems like I have waited two lifetimes for you," she folded her hands under her swollen belly, cradling the child within.

Kitty allowed her mind to remember the second child that grew within her. Those circumstances had been vastly different. It had been just two short years later, right after she'd arrived in Dodge. Kitty had secured a job at the Long Branch, the best saloon in Dodge City. She'd engaged in the world's oldest profession, not for the first time in her life, in order to support herself. She'd not been happy about it, but she'd known that if she saved her money, soon she'd be able to better herself.

Shortly after having landed at the Long Branch, Kitty had been approached by a handsome, wealthy rancher. He wanted Kitty to solely be "his gal". Oh, not like a lady he would court, but his chosen lover in her boudoir. A courtesan, so to speak. Kitty had known all about these types of arrangements, having been from New Orleans.

Bear Sanderson had been married to a refined woman. Lavinia Sanderson had been the daughter of a one-time governor of Kansas. She'd grown to hate that her husband loved ranching in the middle of nowhere. She hadn't cared that he was the wealthiest man around, or that he was well respected. All of the local ranchers and townspeople had looked upon Bear as a leader of their community, the bedrock of Dodge City. If Bear Sanderson had backed something, or someone, the whole town did as well.

The very first night Bear had spotted Kitty Russell standing by the bar, he'd quickly approached her. He'd offered her an unbelievable amount of money for a journey up the wooden stairs to her bedroom. Having been the pretty, new girl, Kitty had been in high demand. But her services would've cost a man a small fortune. Bear had possessed the money and Kitty had liked the looks of him, so up the stairs they'd journeyed.

It hadn't taken long for Bear to propose an "arrangement". He'd pay Kitty a tremendous amount of money, not just for a whole night together once a week, but for an "experience". He'd gladly pay for her to take on the role of his mistress. Only his mistress. Kitty had believed that this arrangement alleviated some of Bear's guilt. Not only did he have a lovely, albeit frigid, wife at home, but also a very young daughter. The arrangement had made him feel like he had a little "piece" on the side, not like some cowpoke frequenting a bordello.

Kitty had agreed to the arrangement, much to the chagrin of the other saloon gals. Once upon a time, Bear had taken turns sampling all of them. But now, Kitty Russell had become his favorite flavor. Kitty hadn't been able to lie to herself, either. She'd enjoyed her time with the rancher. He was clean, kind, gentle, and generous. Not only had he paid Kitty a great sum of money week after week, he'd liberated her from having to entertain other men.

It hadn't taken long for complications to arise with their little arrangement. Kitty had developed very deep feelings for the marshal of Dodge City. He'd been so welcoming, friendly, and oh, so very handsome! She'd loved it when Matt Dillon would stop by for a visit, sit and have a drink with her, or compliment her on her looks. She'd felt like all eyes were jealously upon her if Matt had escorted her to a meal or a dance. But sadly, Kitty had been a realist. She'd had to make a living and Bear-and his money-were going to set her free from being a working girl.

Because Bear had demanded it, Kitty had cleared her dance card except for him. Then, most unexpectedly, it had happened. When Kitty had turned up pregnant, she'd easily known who the father was.

Kitty had nervously waited for Bear to come to her room on his regular Saturday night. She'd rehearsed several times how to tell him about the baby. She'd been fully prepared for "the speech". The one where the wealthy, handsome rancher would've told her he'd send her away, or pay to have it "taken care of".

But to Kitty's utter amazement, Bear Sanderson hadn't proposed either of those options. He'd sweetly, gently embraced her and told her that her baby would be the most beautiful child in Dodge City. He'd told Kitty he would leave Lavinia and marry her, if that'd be what Kitty wanted. He'd fully confessed his love for her. Kitty hadn't been able to believe his kindness nor his words. She'd begun to cry, and Bear had held her close, reassuring her she wouldn't be left to deal with this alone.

After Kitty had informed Bear she wouldn't break up his family, Bear had come up with an alternate plan. He'd construct a little house on the edge of his property for Kitty and the baby. This way, he'd be able to see his child grow up, and he and Kitty could of course, continue their "arrangement".

By all means, Kitty had expressed her concern over the baby being referred to as a bastard by the fine people of Dodge City. Bear had scoffed, claiming no one would dare say something like that about his child. He'd see to it. And to make it harder for people to say ugly things, the child would carry the Sanderson name.

Kitty had thought long and hard about what she should do. She hadn't loved Bear, but she'd appreciated how he'd treated her all along. Kitty had admitted to herself that she loved Matt Dillon, though. She'd fully acknowledged that accepting Bear's offer would've put an end to any hope of developing a relationship with the marshal. But what choice had she? Matt surely wouldn't have wanted her after carrying another man's child. Kitty had decided to say "yes" to Bear's alternate plan.

The small, two bedroom house on the edge of the Sanderson property had nearly been completed when the cramping and bleeding had started. It'd taken two full days of pain and tears for her second baby to be no more. Bear had been kind, visiting her at Doc's. He still had offered her the house-and of course, the arrangement. Kitty had declined both offers.

Kitty Russell had decided that she needed a new plan. She would stand on her own two feet from that moment. She'd decided to follow her heart, and that had meant pursuing and loving Matt Dillon.

How ironic, Kitty mused as she brought her mind back to the present. Here I sit, remembering my own declaration of independence, as I consent to being Will Mannon's prisoner.

Then the thought occurred to her like a bolt out of the blue. She sat bolt upright, Wait, a minute! I am not a prisoner. I have not betrayed my own self. I gave my consent for this arrangement, just like with Bear. I may not hold much power now, but I am here of my own free will. And Matt is safe because of the choices I've made. I'm still my own person, caring for myself and my baby. The baby I made with Matt.

Kitty rose from her spot on the bank of Bird Creek and moved to sit under a shade tree, feeling a bit better about herself.

"Mama's tired, Sweetheart," she murmured, "I'm gonna close my eyes a bit. You behave now." With that, Kitty drifted off into a deep sleep.

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"Kitty! Hey, Red!" Will Mannon shook Kitty's shoulder to rouse her from her slumber.

"WHAT?!" Kitty startled.

"Mercy, Woman…ya scared the hell outta me! Layin' here, all crumpled up like that," Mannon ran his hands through his hair as he sat beside Kitty's curled up body.

Kitty rubbed her eyes, "I fell asleep. The baby kept me up all night. She just wouldn't stop movin'."

Mannon perked up, "She?! I thought you said it was a boy," he raised his ginger eyebrows.

"Good Lord, Will," Kitty admonished, "I said I thought it was a boy. You'd best accept the fact that it's a fifty/fifty shot it's a girl." For the baby's sake, I hope it's a girl. Will Mannon, Jr.- hell no, Kitty thought.

"I got worried when I woke up and ya weren't around," Mannon admitted, "Then I saw yer note sayin' you went for a walk."

Kitty couldn't believe her ears. He was worried? She asked, "And how did you know exactly where t' find me?" her eyebrows lifted.

He grabbed her hand to pull her up, ignoring her question. "I'm hungry, Red. Let's go back t' that house you just had to have, so you can fix me some grub."

"Yes, sir," Kitty mock saluted, as she started walking back towards town, with Mannon just a step behind.

True to their agreement, Mannon had secured a small house for them. She'd made him promise that he wouldn't force anyone out of their home, but that he'd see what was for sale. It all had to be on the up and up.

The scuttlebutt she'd heard from Albert was that Mannon'd gone to the bank and had a little "talk" with the banker, Mr. Gibault. He'd made Mr. Gibault a good offer. Not of cash, of course, but of peace. Mannon would not be looking for any of his "protection" money from the banker for the next year. Mr. Gibault gladly accepted the terms for the property. This agreement would save the banker a nice amount of cash.

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Kitty stood at the kitchen sink, finishing the breakfast dishes when Mannon approached her from behind. He placed one hand upon her shoulder and rubbed his other hand on her backside. Kitty kept on cleaning the glass in her hand, as if this was a normal occurrence.

Mannon leaned over to smell the rose water scent emanating from Kitty's hair. "I'm havin' an urge, Darlin'," he hummed in her ear. He continued to rub her bottom, making the light-blue cotton dress swish back and forth.

"Surprise, surprise," Kitty muttered, continuing her chore.

"Ah, ah…remember…" Mannon began to chastise, but Kitty tilted her head to offer him the curve of her neck. He happily accepted her offer and moved her long hair to one side. He kissed and nipped at her tender flesh, moaning softly.

"Your hair has gotten so long. I like that you leave it down," Mannon growled.

"Ouch!" Kitty suddenly howled. She pitched forward, dropping the pan she was washing, water splashing onto the wooden floor.

"I barely touched ya," Mannon groused.

"No. It's my back," she hissed through her teeth, "It hurts…bad…" Kitty placed both hands on her lower back and arched back a bit.

Mannon helped her to a chair in the small kitchen, asking, "Do you need t' lay down? See the Doc?"

Kitty inhaled deeply and waited a moment to slowly exhale. She placed one hand on the edge of her chair, and the other on top of her belly. "I think I'm okay. Just a funny twinge is all."

"No pain?" Mannon asked.

Kitty paused, then answered, "I think it's done. Took my breath away." I can't believe he seems concerned, she thought.

"I need to go inta town anyhow. Think you can ride in the buggy? It'll just take a few minutes to hitch it up," Mannon was out the door before she could respond.

"Well, Baby, good thing the house came with a buggy or we'd be walkin' into town," she patted her belly, waiting for another twinge that thankfully, didn't come.

Kitty rose to her feet and slowly walked to the door. She put on a brave face, for she was more worried than she appeared.

TBC