A small crowed of Doc's friends waited at the little white clapboard church. The two arched wooden doors were open and waiting for them to join the rather squeaky organ music that flowed from within. Of course everyone wanted to congratulate Doc as he approached. "Certainly seems like you are the man of the hour." Kitty spoke into his ear jokingly.
"And who's being incorrigible now?" His light blue eyes meet her green eyes. She smiled and kissed him again on the cheek. "I'm releasing you to the masses." She said as she unhooked arms.
As Doc slowly made is way to the open doors he shook hands and was greeted by his friends. Ma Smalley rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around him. "Congratulations Doc!" She laughed. Doc on the other hand fought for an ounce of breath she held him so tightly. "Thanks..." he coughed.
The minister stepped out onto the steps. "Can we all come inside to start the ceremony?" He ushered with his out reached hands.
Kitty stayed slightly behind looking for Matt and Festus. Neither were in sight so she entered the church and took a seat near the front right behind where Doc stood.
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Festus fussed with an unruly strand of hair. Matt watched him. "We can't put this off forever. Lets go."
Festus sighed. "Matthew I sure hand hoped we heard something from that sharif." He did one last check in the mirror. "Do ya think I got the sides even enough?" He was referring to his somewhat patchy beard.
Matt did a cursory look. "I'm sure even Doc will notice you took the time. Come on..." Matt opened the door and Barney just about fell into his arms.
"Marshal, this just can over the wire!" He huffed and trusted the paper at Matt.
Matt opened the paper and Festus took Barney by the shoulders and set him down at the table. He then looked up his boss. "Matthew?"
"Festus. We have to stop the wedding. Annie Smith is wanted for two murders." Matt headed out the door with Festus right behind.
"Matthew...let me tell Doc..." Festus' voice held both their concern for their friend.
Matt stopped. "Why?" He looked Festus in the eyes.
"I'm supposed to be his bestus man..."
Matt nodded. "Don't say why...just say she's is under arrest."
"I'll do it Matthew. I feel powerfully sorry fer ole Doc." His head hung down.
"You'd be more sorry if they did marry and she killed him..."
"I don't get ya..." Festus looked up in question.
"Annie has killed both of her last two husbands. Doc is likely to be her third. Now come on!" Matt ran to the church with Festus right behind him. Once they reached it matt indicated to Festus to go through the front doors - Matt would take the back way in.