RESCUED: CHAPTER 3
"I'll hire my own carriage, Marshal. It's a short ride to the racetrack, you shouldn't worry over me so much!"
"Ava, Kitty and I want to see Tip too. Besides, San Francisco isn't exactly Dodge City. We'll say hello to Tip then leave you with him for the day. He can bring you back to the hotel tonight, how's that?"
"Ava," Kitty was talking to her but making a smiley face to the baby in her arms at the same time. "Revel in it. You have a United States marshal as your personal escort!"
"What an honor! I absolutely will revel in it!"
With a line of available carriages waiting in the grand court and a tip of the hat from the first coachman in line, the little family from Kansas was off to the Pioneer racetrack. Ava had sure been right: The ride took less than five minutes. The fare was twenty cents, for which Matt cheerfully paid a dollar since the unfortunate coachman would have to go back to the end of the line at the Palace. He was starting to relax and enjoy the feel of the big city with no one coming after him to serve a summons, break up a fight, or heaven forbid face him down in the dust of Front Street. Freed from her bonds of working all day at the Long Branch and all the while cooking and keeping house during the busy drive season, Kitty was like a new woman, so amorous now that she'd made love to him no less than three times in the past ten hours. There was shopping to do, a park and an ocean to see . . . still, maybe she'd want to head back to the hotel early to put Sara down for her nap . . . a guy sure could get used to this!
Matt kept his eye on Ava as she bounded ahead of them like a schoolgirl, looking left and right at the hectic parade of owners, grooms and trainers with their magnificent Thoroughbreds in hand. She knew exactly where Pug Wylie's stable was because of her frequent letters from Tip. He had four stalls in Pug's barn, and according to Tip, would have plenty of time to spend with his mother before race day. He and Kitty intentionally hung back when they reached the barn, fawning over Sara while they left Ava to greet her son. She was so caught up in the moment that she completely forgot about her personal escort until Tip looked up from her hug and saw them.
"Marshal! Mrs. Dillon!" He hung onto one of Ava's hands as he all but dragged her to greet them. The huge grin on his face was all the welcome they needed, but Kitty got a hug, and then Matt a long handshake.
"Miss Sara of Dodge, how you have grown." He spoke into curious little blue eyes. "I knew you when you were born!"
No more a fan of long hellos than long good-byes, Matt took the opportunity to interrupt.
"Well, Tip, today she's going to be 'Miss Sara of San Francisco.' Let's have a look at your race string and then we're going to head out onto the town. You'll bring Ava to the hotel tonight?"
"I sure will, Marshal. C'mon, you need to meet Carbine first!"
The coal black stallion he led out of the front stall was nothing short of stunning, a far cry from anything they could have imagined back in Kansas. No wonder Tip had fallen in love with him! He stood all of seventeen hands, and every hair on him glistened. He waited like a gentleman in the breezeway for all of a minute letting his owners admire him, then his keen little ears began flicking back and forth, a sign that his patience was running short. Skillfully, Tip backed him up a few steps and returned him to stand, but he quietly spoke to Matt and Kitty.
"He's short on patience because so many people want to see him. Mrs. Dillon will you please just step back in case he moves again?"
Matt left nothing to chance. He used a big arm to make sure Kitty and Sara were swept well out of harm's way, then returned to the stallion's side to admire him full view. When the big animal took a deliberate sidestep into him, Matt stiff-armed him and put him right back at attention.
"Thanks, Marshal." Tip volunteered. "Most of his visitors are dudes, and most definitely not your size."
"No problem, Tip." Matt smiled. "His job is to race, not to stand around and look fancy."
"And race he does, Marshal. He's the favorite again Sunday in a field of twelve, and his studbook is already full for next spring. There's no way Pug would have let me manage a horse this good except that he's yours. I'd still be walkin' hots. Carbine got me three others to train already, and next year I get my own barn. This is a dream come true."
"I thought you'd like California!" Matt grinned, remembering the kid he'd hauled to Hays for robbing the stage office so long ago. Another happy ending.
"Marshal," Tip leaned in close as trainers so often had to do when talking with their customers at the track, lest they be overheard. "I have a bona-fide offer for you for Carbine." He offered an envelope, which Matt immediately protected in his breast pocket. "The gentleman gave this to me sealed, so I don't know the offer. But I can tell you his money is good. He's a very wealthy man."
"Thank you, Tip. I'll let you know what Mrs. Dillon decides. Now let's see the rest of your string. We'll be back Sunday to see Carbine run."
"Two o'clock, Marshal. Last race, the big stakes. I'll have him ready for you, I promise!"
"I know you will, Tip." Matt laid a reassuring hand on the young man's shoulder. "Never doubted that."
XOXOXO
As much fun as it was seeing Tip again and meeting Carbine, Kitty's weakness for shopping completely took charge when they strolled down California Street. Colorfully decorated shop after shop promised to lure all but the most averse. With none of the wind and dust that so often ruined the smallest displays in Dodge City, these merchants had the luxury of displaying full racks of the latest clothing and trinkets right out on the street, one after the other. Browsing was encouraged, but anyone who studied an item for more than a few seconds was descended upon by a clerk only too eager to take a customer's money right there, without even needing to go into the store. It was a vendor's paradise. Matt had seen that same look in Kitty's eyes enough to know he was in for trouble if he didn't throw some meat to the tiger. His first idea was a brief diversion. Besides, it was actually something HE was interested in!
"Kitty, look." He pointed at a food cart tucked between two of the ornate clothing displays. "I'm hungry, let's stop and try some."
Two other people were ordering a hot, steaming little delicacy that looked like a miniature reticule from the Chinese food hawker. Judging from the smile on the first customer's face, the darned things were tasty. Even with two Chinese laundries in Dodge now, neither Matt nor Kitty had found the need to learn the language, but it didn't seem necessary. Matt watched for a minute and got the idea: Just point, hold up how many fingers you wanted for quantity, and pay in good old American cash. The vendor's cart was immaculate, and the man never failed to smile and bow. Matt ordered a large plate to share then found a small bench where he and Kitty could sit with Sara. At least for the moment, the diversion had worked. He balanced the plate on his lap while Kitty held Sara and they took turns enjoying the unusual food. They were laughing and talking with so much engagement that they barely noticed the two men who approached from behind the cart, but while one of them set up a camera on a tripod, the other cleverly made a play for Sara, literally trying to snatch her from Kitty's arms. Kitty shrieked and clung firmly to her daughter while the plate of food went flying off Matt's lap into the street. He jumped to his feet, knocked the photographer right into the plate of food, then grabbed the other man by both arms and shook him senseless.
"NEVER! NEVER . . .EVER TOUCH HER, YOU HEAR ME?"
The man's teeth clicked together while his head bobbed up and down, much more the result of Matt's persistent shaking than any willing acknowledgement on his part. While the photographer stood and started picking food off his pants, a curious crowd started to gather, headlined by the food vendor who was frantically gesturing with his hand over his heart and bowing at the same time in apology for something that was clearly not his fault.
"Matt," Kitty tried to calm him. "Sara and I are okay."
"NEVER! YOU NEVER TOUCH A WOMAN OR HER BABY WITHOUT PERMISSION!" The veins on Matt's neck bulged with fury, and he flung the man into the street, knowing full well that if he kept his hands on him, he'd do something he'd regret.
"Just wanted to take a photograph," the first man tried to explain. Still enraged like a bull who'd missed the red cape, Matt whirled around and backhanded the photographer, knocking him halfway into the street. At long last, silence ensued.
Matt Dillon wiped his hands on his pants as if cleaning them from a vile touch. And right there in the heart of the San Francisco shopping district, he drew Kitty into his arms and kissed her. Then he bent down to little Sara and kissed her too, his heart still racing from the ordeal.
"Mister, thank you." A man at the front of the crowd volunteered. "Those guys tried that earlier on my wife. I don't have your skills."
"Yeah, sure." Matt barely made eye contact, returning again to stroking Kitty's arms and repeatedly looking down at Sara. As had always been the case, just putting his hands on his wife calmed him, and his heart rate slowly returned to normal.
"We're done here, Kitty. Sorry, no shopping today."
She nodded at him, understanding full well his change of mood. There was no point in arguing, and she didn't want to anyway. The whole ordeal had been downright alarming. She thought for a brief moment about what the other man had said, "I don't have your skills."
"We can go back to the hotel, Matt. This is our vacation. It's supposed to be fun."
"Let's go to the park. Too many people at the hotel."
"Matt, you're hungry and Sara will be soon."
"The park, Kit. Come on. We'll walk, it's only three blocks. I'll carry her and you don't dare let go of my arm. Understand?"
She nodded and looked up at him with that same look that had always melted his heart: sparkling blue eyes filled with nothing but love. He needed the prairie for comfort, but it was twelve hundred miles away. The park would be green, with trees and meadows, birds and small animals and maybe even a few horsemen. But most of all, he needed to be away from the hordes of people in downtown San Francisco, something she understood only too well about her cowboy.
And the park was just that when they stood at one of the paths leading in. They bought ham, biscuits and fresh fruit from the vendor with a "Last Chance" sign at the park's entrance, who explained that no vendors were allowed inside: Only people on foot or people on horseback. In exchange for a nice sale and Matt's gratuity, he made a recommendation about the most private section of the park, complete with a beautiful view of the ocean.
They traversed gentle slopes, the countryside getting greener as the path went deeper. Just as the vendor had promised, Matt spotted a narrow footpath taking off west just after a massive oak tree with a bifurcated trunk. It led them to the crest of a hill with a breathtaking view of the Pacific, along with thick stands of trees downslope that promised nothing but privacy. It was as peaceful as the prairie, sans wind and stifling humidity. Best of all, not a soul shared the space with them except for squirrels and cottontails. Matt looked down at his daughter, who'd slept peacefully in his arms on the entire hike, wishing there was some way he could show it to her, explain it to her, make her understand where she was. Silently, he chose a spot a few yards off the path in a thick stand of trees, and between his big jacket and Sara's small blanket, made a place for his family to sit.
"Matt, I have to feed her. It's just been too long."
"You go right ahead. I'm on watch."
He glanced quickly at Sara, hungrily attaching herself to her mother's nipple, oblivious to her surroundings. Matt kept his promise and set up a scan of the area, but the site he'd chosen was perfect. No people, no photographers, no vendors, nothing but tranquility. After a few minutes of nursing, Sara was delighted to sit between them on her blanket while her parents enjoyed their improvised picnic.
"You see why I didn't want Ava to go to the racetrack alone?"
"Yes. But Matt, there are plenty of good people around too. I wouldn't have let that photographer and his partner take Sara, somebody would have helped me if it got out of hand. Don't forget my career in a saloon."
"I'm being overprotective again, right?"
"It's one of the things I love about you," she smiled into his eyes. "That man back there said he didn't have your skills. Really made me think about how lucky I am to be your wife."
"No place to get a beer here. It'd be nice to have something to wash this ham down with."
"You could nurse."
"Clever!" He gave her a tickle and they both started laughing, finally enjoying the respite they'd both found in the park. Kitty pulled out the oranges she'd bought from the vendor, and their sweet juiciness proved the perfect complement to the ham. Matt forgot about the beer quickly. Almost finished with one of the oranges, he smashed a little of the fleshy fruit between his fingers and offered it to Sara, who licked it off in nothing flat. She finished the rest of his orange, one finger-full at a time, flailing her chubby arms in delight at her father's attention. Matt stayed quiet through the whole thing, just staring at the little girl growing up right before his eyes. He'd never thought about times like this, never imagined the overpowering love that was consuming him. Some day some cowboy was going to come along and try to take her away from him. His mind bogged at the thought.
"You're a million miles away." Kitty snapped him out of it.
"Yeah. Just thinking how she's changed my life. Remember back in Denver when I told you I'd like to have a family? There's no way I saw this. It was because of you, Kitten. It was some kind of drive that I can't explain. And here it led to this love, something else I can't explain. I want to be everything to her. I want to be there for her every minute. Seeing that guy try to touch her made me crazy. I didn't know I'd be like this."
His azure blue eyes turned to steel blue, and he took Kitty by the hand.
"You've got to promise me, Kit, if anything happens to me, you've got to promise to tell her how much I loved her. When she's old enough, please, do that for me."
"Matt," she stroked his face gently. "Vacation. Happy. Joy."
"No, I mean it! A lawman never knows what the day will hold, you know that. I know you'd take perfect care of her. I know you'd raise her up a lady and give her the best of everything. I just need to make sure you tell her about her father's love."
"I promise, Matt. You don't even have to ask."
"And keep those grubby trailhands away from her."
"I'm ready for a long list," Kitty smiled. "Let's see. No grubby trailhands, no sodbusters, no dudes unless they're bankers or doctors, no . . ."
Matt interrupted her with a soft kiss and whispered "Yeah. You've already got it all planned out."
Bolstered with the confidence that his life partner understood his love, he blurted it out. He hadn't planned to do that, but it just seemed like the right time.
"I don't want her raised in a saloon, Kit."
"I've been waiting to hear you say that for a long time."
"You have?"
"Indeed. Because I don't either. And I don't want her raised in a jail."
"Wow, we've got some baggage."
"It's easy to leave baggage at the station, my love. When you retire we can sell the Long Branch."
"You've already thought all this through." He was wide-eyed at her revelation.
"Yes," she said softly.
He reached in for another soft kiss, this time lingering until they both needed to breathe.
"You like men too much to sell the Long Branch."
"Oh I've always liked men! But there's only one of 'em I can't live without."
"Deal." He whispered.
"Can we head back now? The next thing on my agenda isn't right for a public park, secluded or not."
He grinned at her, almost feeling his naked body on hers. "Best offer I've had since sunrise! Just one more little jaunt while we're right here. Let's show her the ocean."
He stood up and put his jacket on, then helped Kitty up. Little Sara looked up at the giant towering next to her and waved her arms, one of her favorite wordless gestures that he understood all too well.
"Okay, princess." Bent down, he stood her up on her tiny feet, keeping hold of both hands to steady her. He hadn't at all expected her next move: She pulled one hand free and latched onto his leg with her arm in a valiant attempt to crawl right up. He drew her as close to his leg as he could so she was confident, then slowly and carefully helped her wrap her other arm around him. Never standing all the way up, never moving his hands more than inches away, he called to Kitty, who was busy putting the picnic away.
"Kit. Look!"
"Ohhhh!" Not wanting to scare Sara, her response was soft. "Oh, Matt! If ever we needed a photograph!"
"You won't need one. She's got the hang of it."
All too soon, he felt her start to wobble and lose her grip. He might have let a son topple down on his butt and learn a lesson about holding on, but not his princess. He reached in and steadied her at the waist, then lifted her high up into his arms.
"All right, Miss Sara. You've got a bird's eye view. You just look straight ahead and I'll show you something most Kansas ladies never get to see." He snatched up the blanket Kitty had shaken out and folded, then took her hand in his free one. When the gentle slope opened into an unobstructed view of the water, Matt couldn't decide if Sara's eyes were wider than Kitty's, but it was a close contest. Straight up above them now, the sun made the gentle waves look much larger than they actually were. As they continued down to where the dirt turned to sand, it was the constant roar that captivated them. It seemed to undulate with the rhythmic rise and fall of the tide, with inward bound surf creating the most noise. For a minute Sara looked up into Matt's eyes, her look of excitement quickly being swallowed up by a look of concern. She waved her little arms, then buried her head in her father's chest to try to make the whole show go away.
"She's scared, Kitty," he had to announce much too loud over the waves for Sara to get any comfort. "Let's just walk up the beach a minute and see if she gets used to it."
Whatever Matt thought was best was fine with Kitty, who had pulled her boots off and was scampering into the surf where it kissed the sand. He was a busy cowboy, watching one of his girls cavort on the beach and trying to comfort his other at the same time. He tried to get Sara to look at Kitty, who was trotting well ahead of them, but she refused to leave the comfort of his chest. Somehow, some way, she needed a dose of courage.
He saw Kitty stop to talk with a man and woman who'd been coming down the beach from the opposite direction. Kitty pointed at him, then the woman pointed up the beach from where they'd come. He caught up with them quickly.
"Matt, these nice people live in San Francisco. There's a carriage vendor just a little way up the beach where we can hire a ride right back into town."
"Hello. Thanks for the advice."
"Oh, your baby is scared," the woman looked kindly at the child in Matt's arms. "It's mostly the noise, I think. When you get up the beach by the carriage vendor it's a lot quieter cause it's at a jetty so the water breaks. Just keep walking, it isn't far."
"Much obliged," Matt offered. "We're from Kansas."
"Glad to help. Enjoy California!" The woman and man both smiled, and just that quickly resumed their walk down the beach.
Kitty winked at Matt and proffered a big smile. "Nice people. You want me to take her?"
"Nope, I'm good. She won't be too heavy even when she's eighteen, darlin'." He gave her a wink right back, and they continued up the beach. This time Kitty was on Matt's free arm, sharing a snuggle in the big man's chest. The thought of her baby daughter at eighteen with Matt gave her a chill. The local couple had sure been right: In only a few minutes they spotted the jetty up ahead, and in another few minutes they'd arrived. It was definitely quieter, and Sara picked her head up, giving her father the reward he'd been craving.
"Kit, pull her booties off please."
"Matt Dillon!" In the blink of an eye Kitty took on the look of Edsel Pry on one of her rampages. "You are NOT going to put my baby in the ocean and frighten her half to death! I will NOT remove her booties!"
"I'm not going to frighten her. I love her, remember? Would you just trust me, please?" He was giving her that look she'd never been able to question.
She sighed and pulled the booties off, then stepped back to watch what she knew would be a showdown. But it didn't happen. Instead, Matt jogged in and out of the shallow salt water, laughing and singing. For the past two months there'd been no game she played with her father that Sara liked better than when he danced with her and sang, so he made a game out of it. She flapped her arms and slapped him like a jockey asking for more. On the third trip into the water he swung her from his chest and dipped her toes in the water so quickly that she didn't even comprehend it. Then he went right back to the jogging and singing. Two more trips and another little toe dip into the ocean: This time Sara squealed with delight! Matt proudly escorted his daughter up to Kitty and showed her off with a big grin.
"You can put her booties back on, Mother."
"Matt, that was . . .that was amazing!"
"All in a day's work for a cowboy." He was still grinning. "When she's eighteen some lovesick fella's gonna want to whisk her off to swim in the ocean. She can just tell him 'already done that with my Daddy.' Now let's hire one of these carriages and go home."
tbc
