Doc and Annie packed up the picnic items and slowly walked back to the buggy hand in hand. "That was a wonderful afternoon, Galen. Thank you." She fluttered her eyelashes at him.
He stopped and looked at her. "You are truly beautiful." He smiled which caused a warmth that embraced him like none other.
Annie smiled and thanked Doc. "You are hansom too. Especially when you smile." Annie noted with a wink.
Doc chuckled. "I wouldn't know. I don't look at myself that often." He said shyly.
They reached the buggy and Doc placed the basket on the floor. "I guess we should set a date for the wedding so we can tell everyone." He spoke proudly.
Annie looked deep into his light blue eyes. "Well we're old enough to do things our way. I've been married before...why not this coming Saturday?"
Doc thought for a moment. He too had been married many years before he moved to Dodge. A series of events ended it sadly. He nodded. "Why not?" He helped Annie up into the buggy and then climbed in himself. "Let's got back to town and share our good news!" He flicked the reigns.
It was late in the afternoon when Doc pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the livery stable. Festus noted its arrival from the doorway of the jail house. "Ole Doc and that Mrs Smith just got back from their picnic, Matthew." He said not looking for a reply.
Matt looked up from his paperwork. "She really has you rattled, doesn't she?" Matt was beginning to note his deputy's dislike for Doc's lady friend.
Festus turned and walked toward Matt's desk. "I tell you Matthew, there is something rotten about that Annie Smith that would make the stink on a skunk smell like a bunch of fancy flowers." He shook his head trying to pin point his feelings.
Matt didn't know what to say at first. He stood and thought for a moment. "Ya know, Festus, Doc is old enough to know what he's doing. If he has finally found someone to be with, sparkin' or not, I give him credit."
Festus looked down at his boots. "I know what yer sayin' Matthew. But us Haggens have these feels about these things. And right now I don't feel good about Doc and her at all..."
Matt patted Festus on the shoulder. "I guess time will tell." Matt put his hat on and opened the door. "How 'bout I buy you a beer to get your mind off Doc's affairs?"
Festus looked up at his tall boss. "Sure Matthew. Sure." Deep down he knew not one beer would erase the feelings he held deep down in his soul.
By now, Doc and Annie had taken a seat at a table at the Long Branch. Kitty couldn't help but notice the glow that her old friend beamed. She nudged Newly on the elbow who looked over to the table. She walked over and stood next to Doc. "What can I get you two to drink?"
Doc scratched his ear and looked at Kitty. "I saw Matt and Festus coming up the street. I'll wait until they get here."
Kitty nodded and walked back to Newly and Sam. They almost drew into a huddle. "What did he say, Miss Kitty?" Newly asked.
"Nothing. He's waiting to order when Matt and Festus arrive in a few minutes." Kitty glanced over and watched the couple. Doc held her hand and stroked it gently while talking to her. "I can't ever say that I have seen him so happy!" Kitty smiled weakly and still remembering what Festus had told her.
Newly's face was lit up like a Christmas tree. "It sure would be nice to go to a wedding for a change!"
Kitty slapped him lightly on the forearm. "Oh hush, and don't jump to conclusions!" She laughed.
Matt and Festus finally arrived and Doc stood up to wave them over to their table. Matt's eyebrows rose slowly in surprise and Festus avoided all eye contact what-so-ever.
"Kitty? You asked me what we would like to drink. Please open a bottle...or two...of champaign. I have asked Annie to marry me and...well, she said yes!" Matt was the first to shake Doc's hand and hug Annie. Kitty, Newly and Sam stood behind and took their turns at expressing their congratulations. In all the excitement, Festus slipped out the doors with his stomach churning.