The Next Afternoon
A very large sign, painted in red letters, stood outside the Long Branch – CLOSED TODAY. No one in town knew exactly why that was, and no one could remember the Long Branch ever being closed before, on a day it was legal for a saloon to be open. Some folks said it showed that the new owner, Hannah, was not as reliable Kitty Russell. Others said it proved that Hannah was a snooty type and customers were going to need a password to get in. Most folks just shrugged, and went about their business hoping to wet their whiskers another day.
Inside the saloon, Hannah, being neither unreliable nor snooty, was in her best dress seeing to the final details of a very private wedding celebration, that she'd proudly put together in less than a day. Of course she had help. After closing last night, Sam Noonan stayed to help cook and decorate. Kitty was there too, with Matthew asleep in a cradle that had been provided by Bess Ronniger. Both Hannah and Sam tried to tell the bride-to-be that she shouldn't be working the night before her wedding, but Kitty just laughed and started cutting bread for sandwiches. The best part of the night was when Marshal Dillon showed up after late night rounds. Hannah had never seen the two of them together before, having purchased the Long Branch while Matt was out of town. The sight gave her a case of the tingles. Matt looked at that woman like she was pure gold come to life, and the way Kitty spoke that man's name was smooth as silk, and crackling with womanhood. And how they laughed and teased each other while putting up those paper doves and tying blue ribbons all over the place. It would have made the iciest heart melt into a puddle.
"Hannah, it's 3:00, I'd better head upstairs to the back door, and start letting folks in." Sam practically skipped up the steps and down the second floor hall to open the door. Invited guest quickly climbed the back stairs of the Long Branch, to enter. Bess and Will Ronniger arrived first, followed by Newley in his Sunday best. Festus came next, hair slicked down and shoes polished up. Doc was close behind looking finer and happier than he had in a while. Hannah would have sworn he'd combed his mustache. Finally Judge Brooker made his entrance and shook hands all around, but he seemed oddly somber for such a festive event. He walked about nervously, with concern in his eyes, lips tightly pressed together. At 3:30 an upstairs bedroom door swung open, and Matt appeared in his courting coat, carrying Matthew in his arms. Kitty followed in the light blue dress that was Matt's favorite. The judge hurried over and pulled the bride off to the side, "I'll get to the point, Kitty. It is my understanding that you are married to a George Monroe, and I need to see your divorce papers before I can perform thus marriage ceremony."
Kitty's eyes widened, she never dreamed that this would come up, "Judge, there is no need for divorce papers because there is no marriage certificate. My marriage was a – a – rumor, that I admit I started myself. It's complicated – but – trust me."
Brooker lowered his voice even further. "According to his birth certificate, your son's name is Matthew Monroe. Are you saying that were never married to your child's father?"
Kitty looked Judge Brooker in the eye. "I'm saying I'd like to get married TO my child's father, so let's get on with the ceremony."
The judge frowned. "But if the child's father isn't George Monroe, AND you weren't married to the man, why does the baby have his surname? Kitty, I have to be sure you aren't committing bigamy."
Kitty's impatience was growing. "George Monroe is DEAD – D-E-A-D. He died in a train crash before I met him. I assure you that I have never been married, so there is no way I can be committing bigamy. Like I said it's complicated, but my main point is that, there is no marriage certificate, so divorce papers aren't needed."
Judge Brooker let out a long sigh. "Is anything simple when it comes to you and Matt?" He hesitated for another moment, but finally turned and clapped his hands. "Places everyone. The ceremony is about to begin." Bess quickly took Matthew from Matt's arms. Doc grabbed Kitty's hand and hurried across the room. Sam grabbed his fiddle, and folks did their best to form two rows. Doc gave Sam a nod, and the bartender played the most rollicking version of Here Comes the Bride ever heard. Kitty and Doc two-stepped between the rows until Kitty came to Matt. He took her hand and the couple looked up at the judge.
"We are gathered here this day to bear witness to something that is, indeed, special. It is truly a day of joy, that will..." Judge Brooker lifted his chest and took on an officious tone. Clearly he was ready for a long winded ceremony. Bess Ronniger quickly grew alarmed. Little Matthew was already squirming in her arms. He'd be getting hungry soon. She was an expert at distracting babies, and settling them down, but ever she would be defeated if the Judge got carried away.
"So, before I begin the ceremony, I want to say that I am truly honored to be here with you, on this fine day. These two people who stand before you are ..." Brooker's smile broadened, he was just getting warmed up. Bess waved her arm to get his attention. She pointed at the baby, and whispered loudly. "Judge, better get a move on. This one here is getting hungry and he doesn't care who feels honored, or how fine a day it is."
Everyone laughed. Brooker shrugged good-naturedly. "Kitty and Matt step forward. I've been told I'd better make it quick. Matt Dillon, do you take Kitty Russell to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor and cherish, until death do you part.
"I do."
"Kitty Russell." Judge Brooker eyed baby Matthew squirming in Bess's arms. "Kitty Russell do you take Matt Dillon to be your lawfully wedded husband in the same way?"
Kitty smiled, "I do."
The Judge nodded happily. "The ring please."
Panic hit Matt's eyes. He frantically looked around, and then upwards towards the second floor landing. Kitty quickly realized that there was no way Matt could have purchased a wedding ring. He proposed to her yesterday morning, and the General Store in Dodge didn't carry such things. They had to be ordered from a jeweler. She could retrieve the cheap ring she bought for herself in New Orleans, to use for now. Problem was, she had no idea where she tossed it, and besides, she was hoping to never wear it again. She let out a heavy sign. "Matt, it might take a while to find it, but I'll go upstairs and look for…"
THUMP, BANG, CRASH – All eyes jumped to the second floor. The back door crashed open and Cal Steward burst through carrying a rifle, eyes wild, trail dust covering his clothes. Bits of dirt flew around as he raced across the landing and hurried down the stairs. Before anyone could stop him, he ran right up to Matt, slipped something in his hand and stepped back, panting heavily.
Matt smiled at Kitty. "No need for you to go looking. I have a ring. Judge let's continue." He held up an exquisite wedding band, made of strands of intricately braided gold. Matt took Kitty's hand and slipped the ring on. "With this ring I thee wed. You are the love of my life, and I'm making it official."
Judge Brooker grinned a very un-judgelike grin. "With the power vested in me by the State of Kansas, I pronounce you husband and wife in the most unusual wedding ceremony I've had the honor to officiate."
Hoots and applause broke out. Matthew let out a hungry wail. Kitty kissed Matt's cheek, I'll meet you upstairs. Matt nodded and grabbed Matthew from Bess's arms. "Start partying everyone. Kitty and I will be right back." He hurried upstairs with the baby and pushed open the door to Kitty's old room. He smiled when he saw her - dress off, sitting on the sofa with her feet tucked under her. One breast was already exposed. "You are beautiful – so beautiful." He handed Matthew over and the baby latched onto the breast, and sucked with loud satisfaction. Kitty held a hand up to admire the ring. "All right, Cowboy, the wedding ring is gorgeous and perfect, but you have to tell me how Cal Steward ended up rushing in with it. He was in such a hurry, he almost kicked the back door right off its hinges."
Matt took a seat next to his wife and child, and chuckled. "After I talked Cal out of shooting me, I took him for a beer, and we got to talking about work for him and such. At one point I said you and I were getting married, and I mentioned I had no idea how to get my hands on a wedding ring. Cal's face lit up. He said he knew of a good jeweler in Great Bend. It was a store he once considered robbing. Cal figured he owed me a favor for stopping him from killing me." Matt laughed and shook his head. "He was sure that if he rode hard, without resting, he could get there and back in a little over a day. So, I described the kind of ring I wanted, withdrew money from my bank account and sent him on his way. We were about to go to the bank, when you walked in the saloon with my gunbelt."
"Weren't you worried, he'd ride off with your money, and never come back?"
"Nope, Cal Stewart made mistakes but I believe that now that he has a chance at a new life, he'll make the most of it."
"I guess we both know something about making mistakes, and moving on, don't we? Where does Cal go from here?" Kitty looked down at Matthew, who was now sleeping in her arms. She set him in his cradle.
"He'll go to Hays, to visit the woman who was at his trial, and see what happens. Then he'll look for work, with the letter of recommendation I gave him." Kitty slid her dress over her head and turned to be zipped up. "Matt, there is obviously a lot of good in Cal Steward, and I have a real strong feeling that woman knows it better than anyone." She glanced down at their sleeping baby. "Let's leave the door open so we can hear Matthew, and go downstairs to our guests."
Sam Noonan saw the newly-weds come down the stairs and began another rendition of Here Comes the Bride. Bess ran over to give Kitty a hug. Matt spotted Newly across the room and grabbed two beers from a tray, "Newly, can we have a quick talk." He led the way to a table in the back and pulled up two chairs. "Newly, I know Dodge is your home now. You've got your gun shop, and your deputy duties. I also know you've had some disappointments and heart ache, and maybe wouldn't mind a change. Here's the situation. I'm starting a business in New Orleans, as a security provider. It was Kitty's fine idea. She says the city has its share of fights, disturbances and robberies. Places, like her cafe, would love to be able to hire qualified security guards to serve as deterrents to troublemakers. Men who can handle themselves, and whose presence would get folks to take their fights outside, and make robbers think again. I'll deal with business owners, and hire, train and place the security guards. Men I trust and can vouch for. Believe me, the salary will be more than fair. Newly, I already wired Frank Reardon and he's on board. Festus turned me down. He feels real strong that the new marshal here will need some help. What about you? I'll like to have you."
Newly rubbed his hands along the sides of his beer mug. "Matt, it's tempting, but I'm not 100% sure. How about this, when you get settled in New Orleans wire me. In the meantime I'll think about it, and give you a definite answer then." Newly looked up at Matt. He had something to say, and now was his best chance. "Matt – folks in this town and territory are gonna miss you. An awful lot of people feel a whole lot of gratitude to you, for the job you did and the way you did it. You changed things for the better, and you gave a lot of folks the chance to build decent lives. I want you to know that."
"I tried to do what was needed. Most days I didn't do enough. But thanks." Matt got to his feet. "Think about the offer. I'll wire you from New Orleans." Matt crossed the room and put an arm around Kitty's waist. She smiled up at him. "Sam's playing a pretty sweet tune. Dance with me Cowboy."
He took her in his arms.
TBC