"Gody Meets Kitty" After Gody was convinced that Sarah Drew was the woman for Matt in the "Long Long Trail" (Season 7), I thought I would have her meet Kitty.
It had been a few weeks since Matt returned from the prairie, a few weeks since Sarah Drew's death. He felt guilty for so many reasons. The biggest reason of course was that she was killed saving his life. He was the Marshal. It was his job to look out for people and keep them safe, especially women. It wasn't supposed to be the other way around, not that he wanted to die.
The other reason he felt guilty was that Sarah Drew had told him that she loved him, and he knew he couldn't return that love. His love belonged to Kitty Russell. Not one time when he was on the prairie with Sarah did he question his love for Kitty.
Not even when Gody was convinced that Sarah was the woman for Matt did he question his love for Kitty. However, he did wonder what Gody saw in Sarah that made her so determined that she was the one for Matt. He was curious how Gody would feel if she ever met Kitty Russell. Would she be convinced that Kitty was the woman for him? He didn't need someone to tell him he and Kitty were made for each other. His heart told him that. Yet he still wanted to know how Gody would feel about Kitty, so he decided that he and Kitty would take a ride out to Gody's.
Matt had to take some papers to Hays City and he would ask Kitty to join him. Normally he wouldn't think of asking Kitty to accompany him. He would just saddle Buck up and plan on a trip of a few lonely days, longing to be back with Kitty. Most often when he was going to Hays it was either because he was escorting a prisoner or attending a trial. Those definitely were not times to bring Kitty. Since he was just taking papers, Matt figured it would be okay to take Kitty.
A few weeks ago Matt told Sarah the prairie was no place for a woman alone, and he still believed that. However, Kitty wouldn't be alone. She would be with him, and he would be prepared for this trip. He would make sure he had everything they needed. He obviously wasn't prepared to escort Sarah across the prairie and to Fort Wallace.
Matt decided to walk over to the Long Branch to ask Kitty to join him. He hoped that she wouldn't turn him down. They would be gone for several days, close to a week, especially since they would be taking a wagon. It wasn't too busy at the Long Branch. The cattle drovers weren't due until the end of the month, and that was still three weeks away. Matt walked through the batwing doors and saw Kitty sitting at their favorite table. She was engrossed in a ledger and didn't hear Matt come in.
"That ledger must be screaming profits, if you didn't hear me walk in," said Matt as he took a seat next to Kitty and removed his Stetson.
"Oh, hello, Matt. I didn't even hear you come in. What brings you here this time of day? Not that I'm complaining," said Kitty as she closed the ledger.
"Well, I have to get papers up to Hays City in the next week, and I came here to ask if you wanted to join me," Matt answered.
Kitty was surprised that Matt would ask her to accompany him to Hays. He always made that trip alone or sometimes with Chester. "Really?" she questioned. "You've never asked me to go with you to Hays. You've always said it's your least favorite trip."
"I'm usually escorting a prisoner to Hays or going there for a trial, times when I wouldn't ask you. This time I'm just delivering papers, no danger in that. Plus I wouldn't have to stay like I most likely would if I were going to a trial. Now as far as my least favorite trip, it's only my least favorite because it's the one that keeps me away from you the longest amount of time."
Kitty had to smile at Matt's answer. "I do hate the thought of you having to leave again, especially since we were both gone a few weeks ago. I missed you when I was on that business trip in Topeka. The cattle drovers won't be here for a few more weeks, so now would be the perfect time to get away for a while. Alright, let's do it. Let's ride out to Hays together."
"Perfect. I planned on leaving tomorrow morning, if that works for you," Matt said.
"That works for me. I'll just let Sam know of my plans," said Kitty. "Do you want a beer?"
"Not now. I'll be back later tonight, during my rounds and have one then," said Matt as got up and put on his Stetson.
Matt did return to the Long Branch later that night during his rounds. Like he said earlier that day, he did have a beer with Kitty. They made more specific plans for Hays. Matt would rent a wagon from Moss Grimmick and pack all the necessities they would need for a trip on the prairie. Kitty would pack things a woman would need.
Night went by and the next morning arrived. Matt had rented a wagon from Moss and was on his way to the Long Branch to pick up Kitty. He parked the wagon out front and went inside to get Kitty.
Sam was taking chairs off the tables when Matt walked inside. "Hello, Marshall. Miss Kitty, should be down any minute. Would you like a cup of coffee? It's still warm. Miss Kitty just had a cup."
"No thanks, Sam," Matt replied.
Just as Matt said that, Kitty came out of her room and down the stairs with her travel bag. Matt went to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. "Here, let me take that for you," he said, taking her bag from her.
"Thank you," said Kitty. She handed Matt her bag. "Sam, Matt and I are leaving now. We should be back in about five days."
"Safe travels, Miss Kitty, and don't worry. The Long Branch is in good hands," said Sam.
"I have no worries, Sam. I know you'll be able to handle things," said Kitty.
Matt and Kitty left the Long Branch. After Matt put Kitty's bag in the back of the wagon, he helped her climb up on the seat. He then joined her. Once they were both settled, he steered the wagon in the direction of Hays City.
After several minutes of riding in companionable silence, Kitty spoke. "I sure hope this trip across the prairie isn't like your last one."
"You and me both," said Matt as he placed his hand on top of Kitty's.
Kitty knew all about Sarah Drew and her trip with Matt across the prairie to get to her fiance at Fort Wallace. Matt told her about finding the murdered family, the prairie fire, and being shot in the shoulder, with an arrow, by an Indian. He told her how his wound gave him a fever and how he was close to death. Even though it upset him that she left, if it wasn't for Sarah going for help, he probably would've died. Unfortunately the man Sarah brought back for help turned out to be an evil man. While trying to keep the man from raping Sarah, the man tried to shoot Matt. Sarah saw this and dove towards the man, trying to prevent him from shooting Matt. The gun went off, hitting Sarah in the stomach. The shot would kill her.
Kitty was beyond grateful that Sarah had saved Matt's life. But at the same time, she blamed Sarah for Matt's wound and almost dying. Matt had told Kitty that he told Sarah that he wasn't going to take her to Fort Wallace, and how she kept pestering him. He also told Kitty that he felt he had no choice after he saw her alone in that wagon. Kitty felt that if Sarah hadn't acted like a spoiled brat, making Matt feel as though he had no choice to take her, Matt would have never been in the predicament that almost took his life.
Matt and Kitty had been riding for three hours when Matt suggested they stop at the watering hole ahead. He wanted to let the horses get some water and some rest. Telling by the high sun, it had to be close to noon, a good time to eat lunch. Matt had Ma Smalley pack a picnic of sandwiches and potato salad. They were in ice in a picnic basket. Kitty was getting hungry and agreed with Matt.
"I know it takes a few days to get to Hays. Where are we going to stay at night? There obviously aren't any hotels nearby," Kitty stated.
"That's true. I hope you don't mind, but the first night we'll have to sleep under the stars. I packed two bed rolls. I figured we could unroll them and sleep in the back of the wagon. I can move the supplies to the front. The second night we can sleep at Gody's place. By the third night, we should be in Hays. We can stay in Hays for a night before we head back. On the way back, we'll pretty much repeat what we did on the way here, only backwards. I hope all that is fine with you," said Matt, a bit anxious Kitty might not agree.
"I think that sounds like a wonderful plan. It really doesn't matter where we sleep, as long as I'm with you," said Kitty as she leaned over to give Matt a kiss.
"We'll definitely be sleeping together out on the prairie and in Hays. I'm just not sure if Gody is going to let us sleep together," said Matt.
Kitty knew who Gody was, but never met her. Matt had shared with Kitty that sometimes he would stop on the way from Hays and stay at Gody's place, especially if he was just too tired to ride anymore. He told Kitty that he and Sarah had stayed at Gody's. The one thing Matt didn't tell Kitty was what Gody had said about Sarah being the right woman for him and the chemistry she felt between them. Nor did he tell Kitty Sarah's last words before she died, that she loved him and that he too would eventually love her. For some reason he didn't think Kitty needed to hear that.
"Hmmm, I guess I can sacrifice one night not being in your arms," said Kitty.
Food eaten, leftovers packed and horses rested and watered, Matt and Kitty set off towards Hays city once more. As they rode, they engaged in conversation, talking about anything and everything. They talked about the weather, about the upcoming cattle drovers, about the new cook at Delmonico's.
They had ridden for several more hours, when Matt came to a small stream. He knew this would be a great place to camp for the night. The horses would have water, and they could eat the leftovers from their picnic. If Matt had thought about it, he would've packed fishing poles so they could catch their dinner. But hindsight is twenty twenty. Matt unhitched the horses, knowing they wouldn't go anywhere. After he did that, he got the basket of food out, along with their water bottles. He would have to remember to refill them at Gody's. Kitty helped Matt with the basket.
After supper, Matt moved all their supplies to the front of the wagon so he could make room for the bed rolls. As she did with the picnic basket, Kitty helped Matt set up the bed rolls. The sun was dipping below the horizon, and both Matt and Kitty were getting very tired. The all day ride across the prairie took a lot out of them, and they both agreed to go to bed and get some sleep. They climbed in the back of the wagon, and Matt took Kitty into his arms. She laid her head on his chest and they were soon fast asleep. If the power of sleep hadn't overtaken them, they would have taken advantage of the situation and made love underneath the starry sky.
Matt was the first one to wake the next morning. He smiled as he looked at the beautiful redhead asleep on his chest. He didn't want to wake her, but thought it was best if they got ready to head out soon. He began to lightly feather kisses on her face. Kitty felt the kisses and began to stir.
"Good morning, Cowboy," she said, eyes still closed.
"Good morning, sweetheart. I hope you slept well. I thought we better get up and get ready to go. I can quickly start a fire and get a pot of coffee going. I do have some jerky and rolls. That should hold us over until we get to Gody's," said Matt.
"I did sleep well. That's probably because I was in your arms. All I need is a cup of coffee and a roll. That should be enough until we get to Gody's" said Kitty.
Matt got the fire started and made the pot of coffee. He and Kitty both had a cup of coffee and a roll. Matt also had some jerky. While Matt made sure the horses had some water before they left, Kitty rolled up the bed rolls and placed them and the other supplies in the back of the wagon. Matt hitched the horses back up to the wagon and made sure the fire was completely out. All of that taken care of, Matt and Kitty were riding across the prairie.
It was four hours later when they reached Gody's place. She was outside, sitting in front of a wash basin, scrubbing laundry. Her face lit up when she saw Matt ride up. She put the bed sheets in the big tub and went to go and greet him.
"Yeehaw! Matt Dillon, it's great to see ya!" Gody exclaimed. She then noticed Kitty. "The last time you were here you brought a pretty woman that I thought was your bride. This time you've brought an even more beautiful woman. Now don't you dare tell me she isn't your bride and you're taking her to meet her fiance."
"No Gody, she's not my bride, but I'm not taking her to her fiance. This is Kitty Russell and she's accompanying me to Hays so I can deliver some documents. We decided to make a little vacation out of it," Matt responded.
"Like I said before, you sure are beautiful," Gody told Kitty. "Why don't you go inside and get freshened up. There's some stew on the stove. I have to finish the laundry and then get some food for tonight. I take it you'll be spending the night."
"Yes, as long as it's not a bother to you," said KItty.
"No bother at all. I like it when sonny boy here stops by," said Gody. "It gets kind of lonely out here. It's even nicer to have some female company."
Matt grabbed Kitty's bag and handed it to her. "Kitty, why don't you go in the house. Let me get the horses situated and then I'll join you."
"Okay, Matt," said Kitty, taking her bag from Matt.
Matt took care of the horses and then joined Kitty in the house. Kitty noticed that Matt didn't bring his bag inside. "Where's your bag?" she asked.
"It's out in the barn. That's where I usually sleep when I stay here."
Kitty nodded her head in understanding. She figured Matt didn't plan on sleeping in the house because he didn't want to make Gody feel uncomfortable. During their lunch, Matt and Kitty heard a gunshot.
"What on Earth was that?" asked Kitty.
"Tonight's supper," Matt simply answered.
Matt was right. The gunshot was the sound of supper being killed. Gody had made a meal of rabbit, potatoes, and onions. Kitty normally didn't eat rabbit, but thought it was very good. All three enjoyed each other's company around the table. When supper was finished, Matt and Kitty helped Gody clean everything up.
It was now late evening and Matt and Kitty had decided to head off to bed. Kitty went to Gody's spare bedroom and Matt headed out to the barn. When Kitty walked into the bedroom, she shut the door and removed her clothing. She had been in the same clothing for the last two days and couldn't wait to get out of them. Slipping her nightgown over her head, she welcomed the feel of the soft cotton against her skin. She climbed into bed and was asleep the minute her head hit the pillow.
Matt was out in the barn getting his sleeping arrangements ready. He decided to double up the bedrolls, putting one on top of the other. He had to admit he was a bit jealous that Kitty was sleeping in an actual bed. Oh well, they'd both be in a bed together tomorrow night in Hays. Matt was about to go to sleep, when Gody came into the barn.
"I'm sorry to wake you sonny, but you know I have to ask if you brought me any licorice root," Gody whispered.
"I always remember to bring it, but I always forget to give it to you. It's a good thing you ask for it," said Matt as he went to get the licorice root out of his bag.
Gody sat down by Matt and started to chew on the licorice. "You know when you brought that Sarah girl a few weeks ago, I was convinced there was something between you two, and maybe there was a little something. But whatever that little something was, it doesn't even compare to what's between you and Miss Russell. Thinking back, I think it was one sided between you and Sarah, and it was on her side. With you and Kitty, the love is definitely mutual. She may not be your bride now, but don't be a fool and let her get away."
"Thank you for the advice, Gody. I denied what you told me the last time I was here. I won't deny it this time. That woman in there has my heart, and I hope she never wants to give it back," said Matt.
Matt had brought Kitty out to Gody's place in hopes that Gody would see and be convinced that Kitty was the woman for him, his soulmate, and not Sarah. That's exactly how Gody felt. Matt didn't know why he needed to hear that. The best explanation he could come up with was that he saw Gody as a motherly figure and wanted the approval of someone he thought of as a mother. He just hoped that he would still be around to take Gody's advice and take Kitty as his bride someday.
The End
