Matt rode the steed hard. He was desperate to get back to Dodge. Hoping against all odds that Jude Bonner had left some kind of word where to meet him. He would gladly give his life for hers. Kitty was his world. Though he could not show it to the public, she was his world. He had hoped to keep her safe, but after 17 years, people just knew that they belonged together.

"Marshall! Marshall!" Newly yelled from behind him.

Matt pulled on the reins bringing the horse to an abrupt stop. Looking over his shoulder, he waited for Newly to catch up. "What's wrong, Newly?" Matt asked anxiously.

"Marshall, we're still a good days ride from Dodge. I know you wanna get back, something fierce, but if we don't let these animals rest up a while, you're gonna run them into the ground." Newly said as he tried to make the big man understand.

Matt looked around. "We'll set up camp here." He said as he dismounted the horse. "We leave at daybreak." He told Newly.

Newly watched with great concern as Matt began to unsaddle the horse. Climbing off of his horse, he took hold of the reins of both horses and lead them over to a small patch of trees. He knotted the reins then took his saddle off of his horse. Within a matter of minutes, they had a fire going and coffee brewing. But Matt continued to be silent and pensive. Newly poured two cups of coffee and hand one to Matt before sitting back down. Matt nodded his thanks to Newly and went back to staring into the fire.

Her hair fell about her shoulders like fire. Contrasting against her ivory skin. He moved against her, his body seeking release. Her red lips slightly parted as he thrust deeper into her. He watched as she bit her lower lip. In 17 years, she had never looked more beautiful, more uninhibited than at this moment. Leaning down, he gently bit the top swell of her breast. Kitty gasped at the gentleness. "Kitty, open your eyes." He told her in a husky passion filled voice. Kitty slowly opened her eyes to look into his clear blue eyes. "I want to watch you, I want to see." He said thrusting harder into her. His hips began to move with a purpose. Thrusting harder and deeper within her. Her eyes never leaving his as he continued his journey. Suddenly, she gasped for air, and thrust her head back on the pillow, crying out his name. Matt moved more frantically against her. Kitty gently took his face in her hands and pulled his mouth to hers. Her tongue snaked out and she traced the outline of his lips. Then her tongued pressed against his mouth requesting entrance and he gave her access to his mouth. Her lips were sweet as honey and this was his undoing. The bed squeaked beneath them with his frantic movements, and suddenly, he cried out her name. "Kitty!" Matt sat up straight, looking at the dwindling fire. Newly had heard him call her name, but he pretended to be asleep, giving the big man his privacy.

Matt slowly stood up and headed down to the stream. He knelt down beside it and reached into the water for a cool drink.

Sitting by the river bank, another memory came to him. This one was not as wonderful. This one was a memory he had long forgotten. Kitty lay resting in her bed. Matt came into her room, not know what was wrong. Doc Adams stood up and walked over to Matt, who stood at the door, holding his Stetson.

"Doc, what's wrong with her?" He said quietly.

"Matt, I'm gonna let you talk to Kitty." Doc then went back over to her and gently kissed her on the forehead. "You're gonna be just fine." He then left the room.

Matt awkwardly stepped further into the room. Looking at Kitty, he noticed she looked a bit pale. "Kitty?" He called to her. When she turned to face him, he saw that she had been crying. "What's wrong? What happened?"

"I don't know what to say, Matt. I-I had a miscarriage." She wipes her tears.

"I didn't know I was pregnant, I swear, I would never keep that from you."

"You lost the baby?" He said in a whisper.

"I'm sorry, please don't be angry." She sobbed as he gently sat on the edge of the bed. Gently he pulled her into his arms.

"I'm not angry. I could never be angry with you, Kitty." He held her tightly as she cried.

"I lost our baby, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She sobbed into his chest.

Matt cupped his ands again and this time he washed his face. "I'll find you Kitty, and I'll bring you home. I promise.

to be continued……