Author's Note Below

A few days had passed; the weather had changed from the warm fall to colder and wetter weather. And today was no exception, as it was a rainy day. Matt was enjoying the morning sitting by the fire as Kitty had taken the girls over to see the Webbers. Lady was stretched out in front of the fireplace sleeping.

He could think about all the things that Bethany had said to him, then there was Kitty asking him about proposing, and finding out about little Maddie's birthday that was coming up soon. It was all overwhelming to think about. He sighed as he raked his fingers through his hair. In a brief time, he had gotten to know the girls. Matt had become head over heels for his daughters. And why not they were his flesh and blood, but they also had become the apple of his eye and had him wrap tight around their little fingers no quicker than they smiled at him. And Kitty, Oh Kitty he thought. Matt knew how he wanted to propose to her, the problem was how to carry it out. The things he needed were back in Dodge. He glanced over at the old grandfather clock that sat on the other side of the room. As it chimed 10 o'clock. He thought to himself, "That means whoever brought my things wouldn't be here until tomorrow." Matt rubbed his chin, "But that would make it doable."

He jumped up and grabbed his coat and made his way down to the telegraph office. And sent a quick note to Doc knowing that he would send the right person to bring his things. Then Matt quickly made his way back to the house for he was not sure when Kitty and the girls would be returning, and he did not want anyone to know that he was gone.

It was cold and windy in old Dodge City Kansas, and with each passing day, old man winter was making his presents known. For there was a thick frost and a light dusting of snow this morning. It was certain that he was knocking louder and harder with each day that passed.

Doc Adams made his way down to the Marshal's office, to find some hot coffee, (not that he could have made some himself. But he enjoyed the company, and the coffee was a bonus. And the warmth from both the coffee and the stove did help.) As he reached for the door, it blew open and out of his hands; before he had a chance to grab hold of the handle. From inside he could hear Festus hollering at him to close the door. Because he was letting in all the cold air and letting out all the heat. But Festus never made a move from his chair for he was still focusing on his game. Doc only rolled his eyes as he quickly grabbed for the door. Newly jumped to help for he could see Doc was struggling. Then they both braced themselves against the cold howling wind. And with a push and a shove the door slammed shut. As if it were made of cast iron. Both men thought that if the rest of the building (had not been made of bricks) would have raddled and shaken like an old shack that was about to fall down, at the door slamming.

They looked to Festus, expecting him to have stirred. But instead, he was still sitting there as still as a statue. Doc only pulled at his ear as he walked to the pot belly stove to warm himself. "Thank you for the help, Newly... And Festus, I can't say the same for you." He mumbled the last few words under his breath as he looked at the older deputy. Festus only mimicked his last few words. Newly only smiled as he knew how Doc and Festus liked to pick one each other.

But instead to his surprise, the two of them only nodded to one another. Doc poured himself some coffee as he let the heat of the warm liquid warm his hands.

"That wind goes right through you and chills you to the bone."

Both men only nodded in agreement. Newly took his seat once again. Making himself comfortable with his feet up on the empty chair next to him. Doc could only smile at the sight. Both men in their thick flannel shirts, wool winter socks, (They had their cowboy boots sitting next to the stove.) Blankets draped over their laps, with a roaring fire, along with the smell of fresh coffee and its aroma that filled the air. It was warm and cozy inside the marshal office.

Doc smiled when he saw what the two deputies were playing. It was checkers, just as he guessed, with how long it was taking Festus to make a move. But he realized the pieces were laid out just like they were before. When he had been in earlier. He looked to Festus then to Newly,

"Newly, is that the same game as..."

Newly nodded in reply. "Yes, sir, it is. We've both been taking our time in making our moves. There is no rush to go outside." Doc only nodded. He could not blame either of them. Today was the kind of day to be sitting by the fire reading the Bible and having a cup of coffee in his hands. Or spending time in the presents of friends with a roaring fire. And well, that is what brought him down here.

Festus was stroking his beard as he was still thinking about his move. Doc only smiled; it was then he saw the dog, that was laying under the marshal's desk. His name was Boots. He was called that for the fact all four of his paws were black, while the rest of his legs were white. It looked like he had stepped in some paint or had boots on... So, the name had stuck. He was the town stray, but everyone loved him. He made his home at the marshal's office. And everyone around town helped feed him. He was a pup that was only half grown yet, and by the looks of it... it was not going to be too much longer before he was not going to fit under that desk anymore. Doc let out a chuckle as Boots stretched out leaving his tail and back paws uncovered.

Newly smiled at the sight. When he finely herd Festus speak. "There get yourself out of that."

"That took you long enough to make that move."

"Well, I have to strategic-ally place each of my pieces so I can corner ya, don't ya see, Newly." Festus proudly hooked his thumbs into the arm holes of his vest as he smiled his proud smile. Newly only rolled his eyes as he looked at him but then focused on the board.

"Why, Festus I did not even know you knew the word strategic."

"Oh, Doc just because a feller can't read does not mean he don't know any words."

Newly chuckled as he took a few of Festus's pieces as he listened. Hearing the two squalling with each other like two banty roosters. "How did... I mean... you were not meant too...ugh!" Festus sighed as he looked at Newly. Who held two of his five remaining pieces. "I saw a move and I took it."

Laughter only filled the air as Festus tried to rethink his game.

Doc smiled as he poured himself another of coffee. And watched the scene of Festus and Newly unfold. The way they both looked reminded him of two young pups. When the owner had left them to go to town. They either were sulking around at the fact of missing their owner or went in search of adventure... More than likely ending up in some sort of trouble. Doc studied Festus. He reminded him of a blood hound pup, with long droopy ears, head down low, and not much energy to speak of. The kind that likes to laze in the sun more than anything. But whatever you do, do not call him late for supper. Doc nodded his head, as he gave a light chuckle. Yup, that sounded about right for Festus. Not that he had long ears and a tail, but he sure could let out a howl or two sometimes and the general idea was sure there. The picture made Doc laugh.

Festus let out a low sigh, and Doc looked over to him. "What is wrong with you?" Festus looked over at Doc Adams and sighed again. "Well, Doc, I was just wondering..." he stopped to scratch his chin. "Why did Miz Kitty have to leave like she did? And Matthew has been gone now for a week or two. Why don't he just bring her back here already?"

Doc shared a look with Newly. For they both knew the reason for their friends being out of town. The old town doctor reached up and pulled on his ear. He really did not know what to say or how much he should say. It was then he could hear someone running up the boardwalk. Jessie Daniels came walking in, leaving the door wide open, letting all the fresh cold air in.

"Sorry, to intrude like this fellas. But I have a telegram for Doc Adams."

Festus looked at the young man, "Jessie, close the door! And what is so dog gone important that you come busting in like this?" The young man looked at the deputy and blinked a few times. "Well...I-I... huh...uh-hum...it is...a telegram...from the marshal." Jessie swallowed, "So I thought you would want me to bring it over right away."

"Oh, well, that there is some different." Festus said as he stood up and took the letter before the young man had a chance to hand it to its rightful recipient. "Thank you, Jessie."

Jessie was a little shocked as he looked from the deputy to the doctor. But Doc Adams only nodded to him, and the young man knew that things would be sorted out eventually, so with that he nodded his head, "Right... okay, then. Well, I better get back to the switchboard. If you want to send a reply you know where to find me." With that Jessie walked out.

Festus kept looking over the paper as if he knew how to read it, but everything to him looked like something scribbled on a page. He sighed; this was one of the handful of times he wished he could read. He then handed it to Doc Adams, and a smile spread across his face as he read the words. Then he handed it to Newly. "Well, how about that?"

Festus looked between his two friends, "Well, what does it say, Newly... Doc?"

Newly, looked over at his mentor, who only nodded and cleared his throat. "Well, Matt needs his cowboy gear and Buck brought to him." Festus raised his eyebrows "What does he need those things fur? He is in the middle of St Louis!" Doc and Newly shared another laugh. "Well, Festus. Matt just needs them for something particularly important."

The old deputy's eyes widened in excitement. "And what would that be? He doesn't need all that stuff in the middle of St. Louis. Why that's a-a city slicker town, there is no need for cowboy stuff there."

Doc thought about saying something. But he did not want to get caught up in explaining why Matt wanted these things. To be honest, he could only assume Matt's reasoning for wanting them. And there was only so much that he could tell Festus, for his hands were tied on the subject of, Matt, Kitty, and their daughters. He rubbed his mustache, as he looked from Newly to Festus. He let out a long sigh, "I'll tell ya, what Festus. This whole thing with Matt will make more since to you if you and Newly, take these things to him, then you will find out his reasoning behind it all."

Both men looked at each other and nodded, "Aright that sounds fair."

"Good, now you two better get things together. That train leaves at four."

Newly, jumped up and started to get his boots on. "Festus, if you want to go down to the train station and get the tickets. I will go and tell Burk that we will be out of town." And before Festus could say otherwise Newly was out the door. He looked at Doc and then at the pup who was still sleeping soundly. "That taint fair. I have to walk farther." Doc only smiled, "Well the sooner you start the sooner you'll be back."

If Festus was being honest with himself as he stomped his feet into his boots. He was jealous of the pup that got to stay in the warm cozy office vs going out in the cold weather. He shoved his hat on, then put on his coat and gloves. Doc chuckled as he could hear him grumbling as he walked outside.

As he walked to the train station, he mocked Newly as he went.

"I will talk to Burk if you want to go get the tickets. Oh, sure Newly I would be just downright happy to." Festus stopped when he realized a few people were watching him from their windows. What are they staring at me for? I am only walking. Shesh! Festus kept his arms crossed as he walked to keep out the cold. As well as to conserve body heat. He then stopped again and thought for a moment. "Well, it's not a total loss, I mean I do get to see Miss Kitty and Matthew after all." Festus thought aloud.

"Who are you talking to Festus?"

"Huh?"

Festus looked over to see Hannah leaning up against the post of one of the buildings.

"Oh, it's you, miss Hannah?"

The woman smiled, "Is there something wrong with me being out here?"

"Oh no ma'am. I just...I..." Festus sighed, "I have to go and buy some tickets, so Newly and me can go to St. Loise to see the Marshal and miss Kitty. But I do not understand any of it."

Hannah Cobb only nodded her head in her understanding way. She knew that she would find out more when the timing was right. Then a smile spread across her face, and she laughed. "Well Festus if you have a job to do, I guess, you better go to it."

"Yes, ma'am." With a tip of his hat Festus was back on his way.

With a little more pep in his step Festus made his way to the train depot. The station was all but deserted. Other than one man who was behind the ticket counter.

As Festus walked up to the ticket counter, to see Toby Byron sitting there reading a book. He hummed and hawed a little trying to get the old man's attention. "Yes, Festus, what do you need?"

"What, how did you. Never mind that. I need two tickets to St. Louis, and we are taking the marshal's horse along too."

Toby pulled out the tickets, after he had put a bookmarker in his book. Then he wrote in a book ledger of sorts, next he filled out something that looked like a slip, and handed it to Festus, "Here you go. That is for the Marshal's horse. Make sure not to lose that. Then this is for the saddle and bridle. Now you are all set, have a good day." Toby picked up his book and started reading again. Festus raised his eyebrow a little, but just walked out. As he headed to his room to pack.

It had been about five or ten minutes since Newly and Festus had left. Doc found himself enjoying the quietness of the office, with the sound of the fire crackling in the background and the dog snoring away. A smile tugged at his lips as he could see Boots' lips move every time he would breathe out. It gave him quite a chuckle.

Doc then heard the thump of the dog's tail a few times. And smiled again as Boots was still sleeping. Dreaming happily. Then his mind drifted to Matt and Kitty and the possibility of their wedding. He knew he just had to be there along with Newly. It was just too important to miss. Doc looked at Boots, the young pup was still sound asleep and would more than likely sleep the rest of the afternoon. Or at least until Festus and Newly came back. So, Doc grabbed his coat and layered up before heading out the door again.

The sound of wind greeted him and the chill of frigid air, hit him like a snowball from children playing in a snowball fight. But there was no snow on the ground, just cold and frost. For the snow that had fallen this morning was now gone, thanks to the wind. It would not be long before the snow would be sticking and piling up before anyone could think about it. Doc could feel the change in the air before anyone else did. As he stepped outside, he saw the clouds overhead they looked full of snow and knew it would not be long before the land was covered in a blanket of snow. That meant it was going to be a long winter. Doc had a grin as he tucked his hat on a little tighter. "Well, that means I have lots of babies to deliver in the spring and summer." He chuckled to himself as he made his way to the telegraph office. He could only smile as he walked in, he could see young Annie Jan Heritage and Jessie Daniels talking to one another. There was no denying the fact that Jessie was twitterpated by the young lady. After all young ladies had that effect on young men.

Doc could only smile as he watched the two. Yes, Jessie and Annie Jan did make a nice couple. With Jessie six-foot-four frame and Annie Jan's five-ten. She stood nicely alongside Jessie. But it was much more than that, they complemented each other. Both in character, physical looks, and personality. Yes, they were a great couple. Doc had no doubt that there would be another wedding soon.

Neither of them noticed that he had come in. He let out a small chuckle, then cleared his throat as he did not want to disturb or startle the couple.

Jessie jumped a little as he looked from Annie Jan, to see Doc standing there. He stood up straight, smoothing out his shirt. Doc only laughed; he knew the two had not been doing anything but standing there. Yet Jessie response was, "Oh...uh, eh... uh-huh... hem." Jessie coughed once or twice as he tugged at his collar, "Hello Doc, what can I do for you?" Doc could only smile as he winked at Annie Jan, he the effects of a young lady's presences and what they had on a young man. "I need to send a telegram to Doctor Chapman in New Orleans." The young man nodded as he handed Doc the tablet of paper and a pencil to him.

With the writing utensil in hand Doc began to write.

"Dear Doctor Chapman,

I am writing to you again, as a friend asking a favor.

I will be out of town, and so will Newly this month, we need a town doctor. The town knows you and will trust you over someone else. Please reply as soon as possible.

Your friend Doctor G Adams."

Jessie counted each word and tallied them up. "That will be fifty-four cense, Doc Adams."

The older gentleman smiled as he pulled out a fifty cense piece and four pennies. "Here you go. Oh, and when you get a reply, bring it over to the marshal's office or mine as soon as you get it."

The young man nodded as he started to send the telegram. Doc looked over to Annie Jan, "You make sure he listens to what I just told him." The young woman gave him a smile. "I will Doc, I will."

With that he walked out and made his way back to the marshal's office, it was still empty. Other than the pup, who had moved to the bed. And was stretched out on it. Doc walked over to him and petted him. Boots's tail just wagged at the attention Doc was giving him. "Looks like someone gave you a bath. Your coat is nice and soft. And at least with you laying on the bed you do not look like you have fleas or ticks all over ya." The pup gave the man a lick on the hand as if he approved of him once again.

Doc only chuckled as he got up for some more coffee, it was then he could hear Festus's spurs jingling. He took a deep breath, "Oh, boy here we go again."

Newly and Festus came walking in with bags draped over their shoulders, along with Matt's saddle, and bridle.

"Well, I see you two are eager beavers to be leaving Dodge this afternoon."

Newly half smiled at his mentor as he walked over to the dog. "Well, one of us is, the other one is not quite ready."

Doc looked over at him, "What do you mean?"

"I would like to know more of the reason why I am leaving with Newly than someone just telling me."

Both Doc and Newly looked at each other, "Matt..." Doc rubbed his chin not wanting to say anything. "Matt needs these things because...because he is going to..." Doc paused again. As he leaned into Festus ear and whispered, "He is going to ask Kitty to marry him." Festus's eyes widened to the size of serving platters. "You mean he needs all this to ask her?"

Doc nodded, "Yes. But do not tell anyone. No one else in Dodge can know about this...not yet anyway." Then Doc looked at the bag he brought with him. "Festus is that all you packed for yourself?"

"Well, ya. I have one change of clothes in here... That is all I need anit it?"

Both Doc and Newly shook their heads.

"Well golly bill! How long are we planning to stay there, anyways?"

Doc rubbed his chin as he looked at the older deputy, "Best plan for staying for a month. So, pack your best clothes and others that you may have. Because you are going to be needing them."

Festus was in shock at the sound of staying for a month and the thought of packing so much was a lot to take in. "But...but."

"Just trust me, you are going to be happy you took them with."

"Festus if you need more room, you can put your things- "

Festus only nodded as he looked between the two men.

"It is all right Newly; I have enough room in my bag. But thank ya, just the same. I will be right back. Oh, and before I forget here are our tickets, and the pass for Buck, the stubs for the saddle and bridle." With that Festus was gone again.

Newly turned to his mentor, "Doc, should I tell him about the girls? And them being the reason for Kitty's leaving?" Doc scratched the back of his head as he shook his head. "No, Newly, I would hate for someone to overhear the wrong thing. And you know how that has a tenancy to spread like wildfire in the middle of a dry summer." Newly could only nod. "I see your point, Doc; about rumors being spread and hurt Matt, Kitty and…" Doc only nodded as they both just let the last part fade as he watched Newly getting ready to walk out. But the young man turned and looked back at the older man, "Oh, when do you want me back here to cover for you. So, you can go and be at the wedding?"

"You will do no such thing young man. You are going to stay put and see that wedding yourself."

"But-but."

"And I will be there myself."

"Who's going to be the town doctor, with both of us being gone?"

Doc smiled his biggest smile yet.

"I have taken the liberty on wiring Doctor Chapman and asking him to come. If not, well then, I have a few others up my sleeve."

Newly looked at his mentor, "I have not thought about Doctor Chapman in a long time. Have you gotten a reply from him yet?"

Doc shook his head.

"Newly, once you become a doctor there is one thing you must learn. That is to have a list of friends and colleagues that are doctors. It helps a lot in these types of situations." With that Doc stood up and patted him on the back before walking out the door. Newly still had a few things that he needed to do before leaving, and Doc thought it best to leave him alone so he could remember his list of things.

The town doctor made his way up the boardwalk and across the street to the mercantile, it was then Doc could hear someone calling his name, "DOCTOR! DOCTOR ADAMS!"

Doc turned around to see Jessie Daniels racing toward him at full speed. "Jessie, slow down, before you fall and hurt yourself."

The young man was breathing hard and gasping for his breath.

"Jessie, sit down, and catch your breath. Nothing is going anywhere."

"But Doc, you said… To bring you the reply… As soon… As possible."

Jessie was still taking breaths in between as he spoke. Then he handed Doc the telegram.

"Here…is the…reply."

Doc took a hold of it, as he looked at the young man who was still out of breath.

"Jessie, next time unless it is urgent as in a matter of life and death. Do not try to kill yourself in running so."

The young man nodded, "Yes, sir."

Doc smiled as he opened the letter.

"Dear Doc Adams,

It is a delight to hear from you!

Yes, my wife and I would be more than happy to come to Dodge for a while.

We can stay as long as we are needed.

Your friend,

Doctor Chapman."

Doc smiled as he folded the letter and put it in his pocket. For everything was now taken care of... other than a wedding gift.

Matt sat back in the library and smiled as he heard the door open, and both of his daughters came running inside. He pretended to be asleep on the couch as he could hear two small sets of footsteps walking up behind him. He could feel Maddie poke him as Bethany tickled his feet. He did his best to stay as still as stone.

Then Kitty walked in, she watched everything that was unfolding. She could tell her cowboy was a wake. For there were only two ways he was in this state. It was one if he was dog tired and had not slept in more than 24 hours or if he was portending and playing with children.

Kitty watched as Maddie crawled on to Matt's stomach and then took her daddy's cheeks in her hands and squished them together, "DADDY, ARE YOU SLEEPING?" She asked in a not so quiet tone. Kitty could see Matt's toes curl as he tried his best not to move. Next it was Bethany's turn, only instead of doing as her sister, she climbed on to the couch and snuggled next to her father. Matt could feel both little girls climbing all over him, Maddie squishing his face and Bethany snuggling next to him. There was a slow smile that started to creep across his face as his hand drifted to Bethany's shoulder and held her close.

Maddie saw the smile and opened his eyelid, "Daddy! You are awake!"

Matt could no longer hide his laughter any longer, as he began to laugh. "Yeah, Maddie I am a wake. I have just been waiting for all my girls to get home."

Bethany smiled as she snuggled in a little closer and Maddie led on top of him. Both girls had now pinned him in place. But he did not mind at all. For that was the best place to be. Kitty walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you, Cowboy. You look like you have not moved since we left here this morning."

Matt thought for a moment and smiled. "Yup, I haven't done much since you left this morning dear."

Oh, he knew he might have just caused a whole buzz in Dodge City asking for his cowboy gear and Buck to be brought to him. But that was his little secret that no one needed to know, at least not yet.

TBC

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I feel bad that I was slow on getting it out, some it was because of being busy another part was because of being a relapse with some of my TBI and Brain stuff. So I can be a little slow in editing and such. (Believe me I know It's annoying) But I am staying strong and keep on writing. :).