Matt held a mug of beer in the air, "Here's to the groom!"
Doc, Kitty, and Festus raised their mugs, smiling, and then everyone took a sip.
"Miss Kitty, if'n Miss Rose says yes--"
"--Oh come on Festus, do you actually think she won't?"
"Well if'n she does, would you be willing to be her bestest gal?"
Kitty frowned for a second, then the nickel dropped, "Oh, you mean her matron of honor? Sure I would! But I think we'll have to let Rose decide that on her own; she might want someone else. When are you going to ask her?"
"Tonight. I'm a-takin' her out in Doc's buggy--"
"--Oh ya are, are ya?"
"You don't mind none, do ya Doc?"
Adams smiled, "No, not on this occasion."
"I'm a-gonna take her out to see that thar land I boughted, and then I'm a-gonna ask her."
Kitty's voice was soft, and she stole a look at Matt, "I think that's real sweet, Festus."
The deputy looked at Dillon for approval, "You think it's all right that a-way, Matthew?"
"Right nice, Festus."
Haggen stood up, pulling his hat off his head, "Well, I'm a-goin' over to pick up Miss Rose now. But I just wanted to say that thar ain't a luckier feller in all these United States than me. A feller cain't have better friends surroundin' hisself, nor a prettier gal to love, and I just wanted to say that I'm much obliged to all of you."
Matt smiled at his deputy, Doc looked away, fighting off his emotions, and Kitty wiped the tears that ran down her cheeks. Before anyone could say anything else, Festus put his hat on and left the Long Branch, heading toward the most important moment of his life. He just hoped he'd live up to it.
***********
Rose held onto Haggen's arm as they rode in the moonlight out past town, and into the country. He sang softly as they drove along in the buggy, and Rose leaned her head on his shoulder.
"When it's moonlight on the prairie darling Mary//I'll be waiting with the ponies, love for you// There's a parson only twenty miles away, twenty miles away; twenty miles away//When the knot is tied, then side by side we'll ride dear, to a pretty little home I've built for you//I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting for you Mary//When it's moonlight on the prairie, Mary dear!"
On the top of a hill, Festus slowed the buggy down. In the full light of the moon, Rose could see the plot of land with the large tree. Festus turned to her, a sweet smile curving his lips.
"What do you think of it, Rose?"
"This spot of land, you mean?"
"Uh-huh."
"It's wonderful Festus."
"It's ours."
"Ours?"
"Yours and mine, Rose. If'n you'll have me, I mean."
"Festus....are you asking me to....? To...?"
He pulled his hat off his head, and the ring from his pocket, holding it out to her.
"I ain't never done this afore, Rose, and I don't 'spect I'll do it right. But I ain't never felt this way 'bout no other gal. I....I love you, Rose Sullivan, and I'd be right honored if you'd agree to be my wife. That is if'n you feel the same ways about me."
Rose looked into the soft hazel eyes, and saw the love lighting them. It dissolved her heart in a way that she had never known. She put a hand on the side of his face, and leaned in to kiss him lightly.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather be, Festus Haggen, than your wife."
He slid the ring on her finger, and she melted against him. Festus wrapped his arms tightly around her, and kissed her harder than he had dared to before. She opened her mouth to his, and he was lost to his rising emotions; for a moment, he thought his heart might burst with love. Festus cuddled Rose close to him, kissing her with an increasing passion that he wasn't sure he could control. Sensing their rising excitement, Rose gently broke away from him, and looked up into his liquid eyes.
"We should be getting back. It's not proper for us to be out alone after midnight...."
He was slightly embarrassed at the way he had given in to his baser instincts, "Of course you're right. I'm sorry, it's just--"
She covered his mouth with hers for a moment, then spoke softly against his lips, "Oh Festus, don't you know I love you because you're not afraid to show your emotions?"
He blushed slightly, kissed her on the forehead, and picked up the reins.
"Come on, giddyup!"
***********
It was a bright morning in Dodge, and Matt Dillon stood on the boardwalk just in front of the office door, sipping his coffee. Festus joined him, with his own steaming cup, although Dillon noticed that the smile on his deputy's face outshined the sunrise by at least several hundred rays.
"Festus.....is there anything you wanna tell me this morning?"
The deputy's grin grew wider, "Well Matthew, I'm s'posin' there is. There's gonna be a weddin' here in Dodge."
Matt smiled, and extended his hand to his deputy, who shook it heartily, "Congratulations, Festus, I'm really pleased for ya."
"Thanks Matthew. Thar ain't a luckier feller this side o' the Mississippi, I reckon."
Doc ambled up onto the boardwalk, "And just what makes you so lucky this morning?"
"I'm promised to Rose, Doc!"
Adams face melted into a smile, "Well I'll be, you tricked that poor lovely girl into sayin' yes didja?"
Festus frowned, "This ain't no Halloween whutsit, no sir. Thar weren't no trickin' involved in this here affair, you see. I asked her, and she said yes'n, and that was it!"
Doc pat Haggen on the back, "I'm happy for ya, Festus. I truly am."
"Thank you kindly, Doc."
"When's the big day, Festus?"
"Well now, Matthew, I don't know yet, seein' as how we didn't get around to that..."
Doc's voice held a tinge of amusement, "You didn't get around to it? Ha! You know what that means, don'tcha Matt? He was too busy huggin' and kissin' her to talk!"
"You listen here, you old scutter, don't you be talkin' about my Rose that way. It ain't proper!"
"Proper? Proper! Listen to him, Matt. Engaged for a night, and he's turned into an old man!"
Matt caught sight of a stranger on a horse riding into town, and felt compelled to watch him while Doc and Festus continued to trade mild insults. By the looks of the man and his mount, he'd been traveling for quite awhile. The marshal didn't recognize him, but the little hairs on the back of his neck were standing straight on end, as they always did when trouble was about to be unleashed in his town. And if Matt had any skill as a lawman, this fella riding in was at the center of it somehow. He would bear watching.
"What do you think of that, Matt?"
"Huh?"
Doc growled at him, "Oh never mind!"
***********
Dillon had quietly followed the stranger in town to the hotel, and after the man had checked in, and walked upstairs, the marshal approached the desk clerk.
"Morning, Howie."
"Marshal."
"The man who just checked in, what's his name?"
The bespectacled clerk looked up at the huge marshal, and asked nervously, "Is he a criminal?"
"I just want his name, Howie. What is it?"
"He signed in as Bo Hopkins from Denver."
"Denver....he's a right far way from home. Did he say what his business is in Dodge?"
"No, no he didn't. Marshal Dillon, is something wrong?"
"Thanks for the information, Howie."
Dillon left without explaining himself. He walked quickly over to the telegraph office.
"Morning, Barney."
"Mornin' Marshal."
"I need to send a telegraph to Marshal Morgan in Denver."
Matt pulled a piece of paper from the stack, and a pencil, and quickly wrote down a message. He then placed two bits on the counter.
"I need you to send this right away, and upon receipt of a reply, I need to be notified."
"Sounds urgent, Marshal." Barney read the message, and began to transmit. "Marshal, who is this man Bo Hopkins?"
"That's what I aim to find out, Barney. And please, keep it to yourself."
"I always do Marshal."
Dillon looked less than confident regarding Barney's ability to keep quiet, but he tipped his hat and left. He headed for Delmonico's and a big breakfast. He was as hungry as a bear. Matt wasn't surprised to find his deputy at a table, watching Rose wait on customers. The marshal walked over to Haggen, and pulled out a chair.
"Mind if I join you, Festus?"
"Not at all, Matthew."
He followed his deputy's gaze, and couldn't cover his own grin. He glanced back at Festus, and the look on the man's face said it all: Doc had been right, Haggen was hopelessly in love with Rose Sullivan. For a moment, Matt felt a twinge of guilt. In his own experience, he knew the feelings of love well, but he had never made the choice to give his own woman a permanent place in his life. There was regret in his heart, for he knew he had caused her much pain over the years. Haggen caught the look of sadness in his friend's eyes.
"Matthew? Everything okay?"
"Yeah, sure." Dillon smiled, "You've picked a winner, Festus. Rose is a very pretty gal, and sweet to boot."
Festus looked toward her, "That she is, Matthew. That she is." The deputy realized the marshal must have come for a reason, "Is there something on yer mind?"
"Actually, yes. There's a stranger in town, came in this morning. Registered at the hotel as Bo Hopkins from Denver."
"I don't recall his name from the wanteds list."
"He's not on there, I checked."
"But somethin' about the man ain't sittin' right with you, is it?"
"It's just a feeling, Festus, but I've experienced this kind of thing before. I've wired Morgan in Denver asking about the man, but in the meantime, I think we both should keep our eyes open."
"You know, Rose is from Denver, Matthew, maybe she's heard of him."
Festus motioned for Rose, and she came over.
"More coffee, Festus?"
"Sure darlin'....and I think Matthew here might wanna order somethin' ta eat, and the two of us fellers got a question for ya."
She poured hot coffee into Haggen's cup, and then one for Dillon.
"What'll ya have for breakfast, Marshal, and what's your question?"
"For breakfast, I'd like bacon and eggs, eggs over easy, and some toast."
"Sure thing."
"The question involves a stranger who's turned up here in Dodge. Says he's from Denver, and since you're from there, I was wonderin' if you might have heard of him."
"What's his name?"
"Hopkins. Bo Hopkins."
Rose dropped the coffee pot she was holding, and turned as pale as a ghost. Festus stood immediately, and put his arm around her waist, supporting her. Flo came out from the kitchen, and began cleaning up the spilt liquid.
Flo's voice was as brittle sounding as she looked, "Rose Sullivan, what're ya doin' spillin' coffee all over the floor?"
But Rose didn't hear her. Festus and Matt exchanged a look, and the deputy guided her to a chair, speaking to her in soft tones.
"Rose darlin' are you all right? Rose?"
She shook off the fright she felt and smiled feebly at Festus, taking his hand, "I'm all right, Festus, really. I'm sorry, Marshal, I'm afraid I'm very tired and not feeling all that well. I've never heard of this man, what was his name?"
"Bo Hopkins."
"Yes, well, I've never heard of him."
"Rose honey, you looked like you'd seen a ghost when Matthew mentioned that thar name to ya-"
She snapped at him, "--I said I'd never heard of him."
His eyes held hurt for a moment, then he recovered, his voice remaining soft, "All right, darlin' if'n you say you don't know him, then ya don't. I reckon we'll know soon enough when we hear back from Marshal Morgan."
Matt noticed that Rose's eyes lit with alarm, but he knew that now wasn't the time to press her for the information. He placed a gentle hand on Haggen's shoulder.
"Listen, why don't you take Rose back to Ma Smalley's, and I'll talk to Flo for a minute. I'll meet you back at the office in awhile.
"Sure thang, Matthew. Come on, honey."
Never letting go of her, Festus escorted Rose Sullivan to Ma Smalley's and asked Ma to keep an eye on her. He hurried back to the office, to find Matt waiting for him.
"Coffee?"
"Sure, thanks."
Matt poured Festus a cup and then the two of them sat down. The air in the room was filled with the awkwardness that the two of them felt. Haggen looked down into his cup, and Matt cleared his throat.
"Festus, it was obvious that Rose recognized the name Bo Hopkins--"
"--She done said she didn't."
Matt tried to keep his voice as gentle as possible, "Festus, you were there, you saw it."
"You done heard her Matthew, she said she was just tired, and weren't feelin' good."
"Yeah, I heard her." Dillon set his cup down and squeezed Haggen's neck gently, "You keep an eye on things for awhile, I'm going over to the telegraph office and see if Barney's heard from Denver yet."
Haggen nodded, and Dillon left the office.
Doc, Kitty, and Festus raised their mugs, smiling, and then everyone took a sip.
"Miss Kitty, if'n Miss Rose says yes--"
"--Oh come on Festus, do you actually think she won't?"
"Well if'n she does, would you be willing to be her bestest gal?"
Kitty frowned for a second, then the nickel dropped, "Oh, you mean her matron of honor? Sure I would! But I think we'll have to let Rose decide that on her own; she might want someone else. When are you going to ask her?"
"Tonight. I'm a-takin' her out in Doc's buggy--"
"--Oh ya are, are ya?"
"You don't mind none, do ya Doc?"
Adams smiled, "No, not on this occasion."
"I'm a-gonna take her out to see that thar land I boughted, and then I'm a-gonna ask her."
Kitty's voice was soft, and she stole a look at Matt, "I think that's real sweet, Festus."
The deputy looked at Dillon for approval, "You think it's all right that a-way, Matthew?"
"Right nice, Festus."
Haggen stood up, pulling his hat off his head, "Well, I'm a-goin' over to pick up Miss Rose now. But I just wanted to say that thar ain't a luckier feller in all these United States than me. A feller cain't have better friends surroundin' hisself, nor a prettier gal to love, and I just wanted to say that I'm much obliged to all of you."
Matt smiled at his deputy, Doc looked away, fighting off his emotions, and Kitty wiped the tears that ran down her cheeks. Before anyone could say anything else, Festus put his hat on and left the Long Branch, heading toward the most important moment of his life. He just hoped he'd live up to it.
***********
Rose held onto Haggen's arm as they rode in the moonlight out past town, and into the country. He sang softly as they drove along in the buggy, and Rose leaned her head on his shoulder.
"When it's moonlight on the prairie darling Mary//I'll be waiting with the ponies, love for you// There's a parson only twenty miles away, twenty miles away; twenty miles away//When the knot is tied, then side by side we'll ride dear, to a pretty little home I've built for you//I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting for you Mary//When it's moonlight on the prairie, Mary dear!"
On the top of a hill, Festus slowed the buggy down. In the full light of the moon, Rose could see the plot of land with the large tree. Festus turned to her, a sweet smile curving his lips.
"What do you think of it, Rose?"
"This spot of land, you mean?"
"Uh-huh."
"It's wonderful Festus."
"It's ours."
"Ours?"
"Yours and mine, Rose. If'n you'll have me, I mean."
"Festus....are you asking me to....? To...?"
He pulled his hat off his head, and the ring from his pocket, holding it out to her.
"I ain't never done this afore, Rose, and I don't 'spect I'll do it right. But I ain't never felt this way 'bout no other gal. I....I love you, Rose Sullivan, and I'd be right honored if you'd agree to be my wife. That is if'n you feel the same ways about me."
Rose looked into the soft hazel eyes, and saw the love lighting them. It dissolved her heart in a way that she had never known. She put a hand on the side of his face, and leaned in to kiss him lightly.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather be, Festus Haggen, than your wife."
He slid the ring on her finger, and she melted against him. Festus wrapped his arms tightly around her, and kissed her harder than he had dared to before. She opened her mouth to his, and he was lost to his rising emotions; for a moment, he thought his heart might burst with love. Festus cuddled Rose close to him, kissing her with an increasing passion that he wasn't sure he could control. Sensing their rising excitement, Rose gently broke away from him, and looked up into his liquid eyes.
"We should be getting back. It's not proper for us to be out alone after midnight...."
He was slightly embarrassed at the way he had given in to his baser instincts, "Of course you're right. I'm sorry, it's just--"
She covered his mouth with hers for a moment, then spoke softly against his lips, "Oh Festus, don't you know I love you because you're not afraid to show your emotions?"
He blushed slightly, kissed her on the forehead, and picked up the reins.
"Come on, giddyup!"
***********
It was a bright morning in Dodge, and Matt Dillon stood on the boardwalk just in front of the office door, sipping his coffee. Festus joined him, with his own steaming cup, although Dillon noticed that the smile on his deputy's face outshined the sunrise by at least several hundred rays.
"Festus.....is there anything you wanna tell me this morning?"
The deputy's grin grew wider, "Well Matthew, I'm s'posin' there is. There's gonna be a weddin' here in Dodge."
Matt smiled, and extended his hand to his deputy, who shook it heartily, "Congratulations, Festus, I'm really pleased for ya."
"Thanks Matthew. Thar ain't a luckier feller this side o' the Mississippi, I reckon."
Doc ambled up onto the boardwalk, "And just what makes you so lucky this morning?"
"I'm promised to Rose, Doc!"
Adams face melted into a smile, "Well I'll be, you tricked that poor lovely girl into sayin' yes didja?"
Festus frowned, "This ain't no Halloween whutsit, no sir. Thar weren't no trickin' involved in this here affair, you see. I asked her, and she said yes'n, and that was it!"
Doc pat Haggen on the back, "I'm happy for ya, Festus. I truly am."
"Thank you kindly, Doc."
"When's the big day, Festus?"
"Well now, Matthew, I don't know yet, seein' as how we didn't get around to that..."
Doc's voice held a tinge of amusement, "You didn't get around to it? Ha! You know what that means, don'tcha Matt? He was too busy huggin' and kissin' her to talk!"
"You listen here, you old scutter, don't you be talkin' about my Rose that way. It ain't proper!"
"Proper? Proper! Listen to him, Matt. Engaged for a night, and he's turned into an old man!"
Matt caught sight of a stranger on a horse riding into town, and felt compelled to watch him while Doc and Festus continued to trade mild insults. By the looks of the man and his mount, he'd been traveling for quite awhile. The marshal didn't recognize him, but the little hairs on the back of his neck were standing straight on end, as they always did when trouble was about to be unleashed in his town. And if Matt had any skill as a lawman, this fella riding in was at the center of it somehow. He would bear watching.
"What do you think of that, Matt?"
"Huh?"
Doc growled at him, "Oh never mind!"
***********
Dillon had quietly followed the stranger in town to the hotel, and after the man had checked in, and walked upstairs, the marshal approached the desk clerk.
"Morning, Howie."
"Marshal."
"The man who just checked in, what's his name?"
The bespectacled clerk looked up at the huge marshal, and asked nervously, "Is he a criminal?"
"I just want his name, Howie. What is it?"
"He signed in as Bo Hopkins from Denver."
"Denver....he's a right far way from home. Did he say what his business is in Dodge?"
"No, no he didn't. Marshal Dillon, is something wrong?"
"Thanks for the information, Howie."
Dillon left without explaining himself. He walked quickly over to the telegraph office.
"Morning, Barney."
"Mornin' Marshal."
"I need to send a telegraph to Marshal Morgan in Denver."
Matt pulled a piece of paper from the stack, and a pencil, and quickly wrote down a message. He then placed two bits on the counter.
"I need you to send this right away, and upon receipt of a reply, I need to be notified."
"Sounds urgent, Marshal." Barney read the message, and began to transmit. "Marshal, who is this man Bo Hopkins?"
"That's what I aim to find out, Barney. And please, keep it to yourself."
"I always do Marshal."
Dillon looked less than confident regarding Barney's ability to keep quiet, but he tipped his hat and left. He headed for Delmonico's and a big breakfast. He was as hungry as a bear. Matt wasn't surprised to find his deputy at a table, watching Rose wait on customers. The marshal walked over to Haggen, and pulled out a chair.
"Mind if I join you, Festus?"
"Not at all, Matthew."
He followed his deputy's gaze, and couldn't cover his own grin. He glanced back at Festus, and the look on the man's face said it all: Doc had been right, Haggen was hopelessly in love with Rose Sullivan. For a moment, Matt felt a twinge of guilt. In his own experience, he knew the feelings of love well, but he had never made the choice to give his own woman a permanent place in his life. There was regret in his heart, for he knew he had caused her much pain over the years. Haggen caught the look of sadness in his friend's eyes.
"Matthew? Everything okay?"
"Yeah, sure." Dillon smiled, "You've picked a winner, Festus. Rose is a very pretty gal, and sweet to boot."
Festus looked toward her, "That she is, Matthew. That she is." The deputy realized the marshal must have come for a reason, "Is there something on yer mind?"
"Actually, yes. There's a stranger in town, came in this morning. Registered at the hotel as Bo Hopkins from Denver."
"I don't recall his name from the wanteds list."
"He's not on there, I checked."
"But somethin' about the man ain't sittin' right with you, is it?"
"It's just a feeling, Festus, but I've experienced this kind of thing before. I've wired Morgan in Denver asking about the man, but in the meantime, I think we both should keep our eyes open."
"You know, Rose is from Denver, Matthew, maybe she's heard of him."
Festus motioned for Rose, and she came over.
"More coffee, Festus?"
"Sure darlin'....and I think Matthew here might wanna order somethin' ta eat, and the two of us fellers got a question for ya."
She poured hot coffee into Haggen's cup, and then one for Dillon.
"What'll ya have for breakfast, Marshal, and what's your question?"
"For breakfast, I'd like bacon and eggs, eggs over easy, and some toast."
"Sure thing."
"The question involves a stranger who's turned up here in Dodge. Says he's from Denver, and since you're from there, I was wonderin' if you might have heard of him."
"What's his name?"
"Hopkins. Bo Hopkins."
Rose dropped the coffee pot she was holding, and turned as pale as a ghost. Festus stood immediately, and put his arm around her waist, supporting her. Flo came out from the kitchen, and began cleaning up the spilt liquid.
Flo's voice was as brittle sounding as she looked, "Rose Sullivan, what're ya doin' spillin' coffee all over the floor?"
But Rose didn't hear her. Festus and Matt exchanged a look, and the deputy guided her to a chair, speaking to her in soft tones.
"Rose darlin' are you all right? Rose?"
She shook off the fright she felt and smiled feebly at Festus, taking his hand, "I'm all right, Festus, really. I'm sorry, Marshal, I'm afraid I'm very tired and not feeling all that well. I've never heard of this man, what was his name?"
"Bo Hopkins."
"Yes, well, I've never heard of him."
"Rose honey, you looked like you'd seen a ghost when Matthew mentioned that thar name to ya-"
She snapped at him, "--I said I'd never heard of him."
His eyes held hurt for a moment, then he recovered, his voice remaining soft, "All right, darlin' if'n you say you don't know him, then ya don't. I reckon we'll know soon enough when we hear back from Marshal Morgan."
Matt noticed that Rose's eyes lit with alarm, but he knew that now wasn't the time to press her for the information. He placed a gentle hand on Haggen's shoulder.
"Listen, why don't you take Rose back to Ma Smalley's, and I'll talk to Flo for a minute. I'll meet you back at the office in awhile.
"Sure thang, Matthew. Come on, honey."
Never letting go of her, Festus escorted Rose Sullivan to Ma Smalley's and asked Ma to keep an eye on her. He hurried back to the office, to find Matt waiting for him.
"Coffee?"
"Sure, thanks."
Matt poured Festus a cup and then the two of them sat down. The air in the room was filled with the awkwardness that the two of them felt. Haggen looked down into his cup, and Matt cleared his throat.
"Festus, it was obvious that Rose recognized the name Bo Hopkins--"
"--She done said she didn't."
Matt tried to keep his voice as gentle as possible, "Festus, you were there, you saw it."
"You done heard her Matthew, she said she was just tired, and weren't feelin' good."
"Yeah, I heard her." Dillon set his cup down and squeezed Haggen's neck gently, "You keep an eye on things for awhile, I'm going over to the telegraph office and see if Barney's heard from Denver yet."
Haggen nodded, and Dillon left the office.