The stage was due to pull out of Dodge, headed for California, at noon. Matt, Kitty, Chester, and Doc were quietly gathered in front of the depot to see Clarey and her husband off.
While Clarey's big husband threw their bags up to the shotgun guard atop the coach, the lovely young woman smiled at her friends. Her dark green, form-fitting dress with matching hat, light green parasol and gloves perfectly complimented her red-blonde hair and light blue eyes.
"You were all so kind to me when I was here, literally fresh out of a tree, two years ago. I can never thank you enough for your patience in helping me build a new life."
She looked lovingly over at her broad-shouldered, handsome husband.
"Without your help, I may never have met my Brad."
"We were glad to help, Clarey, and you did it with your own initiative and work. We just nudged you in the direction to take" Doc said, smiling warmly.
"Doc's right. You were like a flower that needed a little care." Kitty reached over and took Clarey's hands in hers.
"Miss Clarey, it was a pleasure to help ya, and I never saw a person larn so fast!" Chester blushed a little as Clarey bent forward and gently kissed the young man's cheek.
Matt had been silently watching, happily marveling at the change in the now twenty year old young woman. He realized that a part of him missed the former untamed, uninhibited Clarey.
"Matt, I owe you so much, in particular. You saved me and never gave up on me with my wild ways. Thank you so much." She extended a gloved hand.
Taking her slender hand in his massive one, Matt gave it a slight squeeze.
"Clarey, I was glad to help you. Your father was a good man and I promised him to find you. As the others said, you did the work and deserve all of the credit. Have a happy life."
Clarey's eyes were moist as she smiled, nodded and turned to her waiting husband. Brad doffed his hat at Clarey's friends and handed her into the coach, climbing in after her.
The small group watching dispersed. Kitty smiled at Matt and headed for the Long Branch. Doc sniffed, rubbed his mustache and turned towards his office. Chester and Matt headed down the boardwalk towards the office.
"Mr. Dillon. That Clarey and Brad make a fine couple, don't they?"
"They sure do, Chester, they sure do."
They walked along slowly, each thinking of their own memories of the girl who had fought wearing women's clothes and shoes, eaten with her hands, and had the open, friendly manner of a child.
"OOF!" Matt was slammed hard from behind and enclosed in a vise-like hug around his ribcage.
"I sure missed ya, Dillon!"
Wide-eyed Chester and laughing Matt watched as Mrs. Brad MacMillan picked up her skirts and ran towards the waiting stage. Her good-natured husband was holding the door open, leaning out with a broad grin on his face.
End.