Chapter 13 (Epilogue)

Twelve months later Matt and Kitty celebrated Abby's first birthday. They had a small party for her at their home with Grandpa Doc, Uncle Festus, and Uncle Newly. Kitty had made Abby a chocolate cake with fluffy chocolate frosting. Kitty had Abby dressed in a frilly pink dress, but before she put Abby in her high chair to eat her cake, she took it off of her, leaving the baby in just her diaper.

"Mizz Kitty, why didja take little Mizz Abby's purdy dress off?" asked Festus.

"You'll see," answered Kitty with a smile as she placed a piece of cake in front of Abby.

Abby looked at the cake on her tray and then at her guests. She wasn't really sure what she should do. Cautiously she put her hand in the frosting and then put that hand in her mouth. Realizing she enjoyed what she was tasting, she dove into the cake with enthusiasm. Everyone laughed. Before long, she had cake all over her face, chest, and belly. Festus then understood why Kitty had removed Abby's dress. Had Kitty not removed Abby's dress, it would have been ruined from chocolate stains.

Matt bent down so he could talk to Abby. "Is that yummy, sweetheart?" Abby answered with a huge grin. "Can daddy have some?"

Abby looked at Matt and then looked at her cake. She took a handful of cake in her chubby little hand and smashed it into Matt's face. "Dada!" she shrieked, causing Matt and everyone else to laugh.

A week after Abby's birthday, Kitty made an appointment to see Doc. She had been experiencing the change. As much as she didn't want it to be true, she knew it was inevitable. While she still had her monthly cycle, there was still hope she could get pregnant with Matt's baby. Menopause doused that hope.

Doc had finished his exam on Kitty. While Kitty was behind the screen buttoning up her dress, she spoke. "I'm going through the change, aren't I, Doc? I knew I was. The signs and symptoms are present. I really didn't need you to confirm it."

"You're right. You don't need me to confirm that your body is going through changes, but you did need me to confirm that those changes are being caused by your pregnancy," said Doc.

Kitty slowly came from around the screen. She couldn't believe what Doc had just said. She looked straight at Doc. He didn't even try to hide his smile. Kitty knew Doc wouldn't lie to her about something like this, but she still had to question him.

"Doc, are you sure? I thought you said I couldn't get pregnant," said Kitty.

"I did, but God seems to have other plans," replied Doc. "I would say you're two months along. Now go home and give the miraculous news to that husband and daughter of yours."

Kitty did just that. Matt was completely overjoyed with the news. That night, after making sure it was safe for the baby, Matt and Kitty made love. They called it celebratory love.

Seven months later Matt was sitting at the kitchen table with Abby. He was helping her eat some oatmeal. Kitty walked in still wearing her nightgown. It was late morning and Matt was surprised she was still in it. She was usually dressed by now.

"Matt, do you mind riding into town and seeing if Doc wants to make a house call?" asked Kitty with her hands on her very pregnant belly.

He immediately knew what she was telling him. "Are you sure?" he asked. Kitty smiled and shook her head yes. "Should I take Abby with me?"

"No, she can stay here," Kitty answered.

Matt gave Kitty a sound kiss on the lips before heading out the door. He quickly got his buckskin saddled and rode off to get Doc. As quickly as he wanted to get to Doc's and back to Kitty, Matt also had to make sure that he got to Doc's office safely. It wouldn't do anyone any good if Buck hit a prairie dog hole and broke his leg or something. Matt managed to reach Doc's office without incident. He walked up the stairs, taking two at a time. He opened the door.

"Doc, it's time," said Matt.

"Let me get my bag and I'll follow you out to your house," said Doc, grabbing his bag.

It had now been eight hours since Doc came back with Matt. Kitty was in active labor. Doc said it wouldn't be long now. Matt paced out in the living room, while Abby sat on the floor playing with toys, oblivious to what was happening in the next room. Matt was well aware.

Each moan from Kitty was a stab to his heart. He thought back to when their child was conceived and the moans that came from Kitty. Those moans made him swell with pride. He was the one who created those moans of pleasure from her. Now nine months later, she was in the same bed moaning, but these were moans of pain. This time Matt felt no pride, only guilt. He was the one responsible for those moans.

While Matt was deep in thought, a baby's cry rang out from their bedroom. Matt turned towards the bedroom door, staring at it. Doc walked out, wiping his mustache and folding his glasses into their case.

"Doc?' Matt asked breathlessly.

"Kitty is absolutely fine," he answered.

"And the baby?" Matt asked.

"Why don't you take Abby in there, so she can meet her little brother," said Doc.

"It's a boy? I have a son?" questioned Matt.

"Yes, Matt, it's a boy. Congratulations. Now go in there and see your wife and son," said

Doc didn't have to tell him twice. Matt took Abby and went straight to the bedroom. When he walked in, the sight before him took his breath away. There on the bed was his beautiful wife holding their newborn son.

"Hello, Cowboy. Come and meet your son," said Kitty holding her son to her breast.

Matt walked over to the bed and sat down next to Kitty. He placed Abby down next to him. He looked down at his son. The baby was suckling at his mother's breast. His head was covered with brown hair just like his daddy.

"Look, Abby. That's your baby brother," Matt said to their daughter.

"Baby!" Abby's little voice exclaimed.

"I see he has my hair. Maybe that's a sign that he won't be blessed with his momma's fiery temper," said Matt with a glint in his eyes.

"Bite your tongue, Cowboy," Kitty said with the same glint in her eyes.

"Oh Kitty, he is absolutely beautiful. What are we going to name him?" asked Matt, not taking his eyes off of his son.

"Well, I'm not sure if boys are supposed to be beautiful. Let's go with handsome, just like his daddy. As for a name, my heart is set on Caleb Matthew Dillon," Kitty responded, handing the baby to Matt.

Matt took the baby in his large hands. "It's perfect. Welcome to the world, Caleb Matthew Dillon," said Matt.

The End

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