AN - This is the final chapter so thank you readers for sticking with this story. A special thanks to those who took the time to comment. Your thoughts, insights and plot predictions/ideas are appreciated and make me stop and think. The readership here is amazing. For people who post as guests, I encourage you to get an account for my own selfish reason. I'd love to reach out to you directly and maybe have a conversation.

On with the finale.

Four Days Later

Matt snapped the largest of Kitty's suitcases shut, and set it on the floor with the rest of the luggage. "That's it, everything's packed. I'll go downstairs and get a bellhop to help us to a cab." Kitty smiled and watched him go out the door. They'd had 18 years together, with highs and lows and crazy adventures, but she wouldn't change a day of it, not one day. She sat down in the plush armchair and picked up Max's notebook. The past four days had been a whirlwind of activity and, to Matt's consternation, she hadn't had much time to rest or relax. This was her first opportunity to sit and look through the red notebook. She turned the pages and came to sketches of Rosie and herself. Their faces seemed impossibly young. She ran her finger over the drawing of Rosie's sweet face. "You were always beautiful inside and out. I hope you're happy with what I did the treasure Max left to you." Kitty smiled. "Having an auction was an adventure, and it drew a big and interesting crowd. Everything from the gold coins to the bronze elephant brought quite a price. With every bid, I thought of the poor students you mentioned in your letters, and the dilapidated building they used as a school. That's all changed. A breakfast program for the kids is in place, the leak in the roof has been fixed and supplies have been ordered. Best of all, there's money in a safe investment so the school will have an ongoing source of income. I think you'd be pleased, well except for one thing. It would embarrass you to know that the school is now called, The Rosemarie Le Croix Academy. My friend, there is nothing you can do about that. Your name deserves to live on."

The door opened and Matt walked in with a short but muscular bellhop. He collected the luggage and left. After a last look around, Matt and Kitty followed and climbed into a waiting cab. 20 minutes later they were standing in the train station. Kitty slowly shook her head. "So much has happened since I arrived, it feels like a century ago."

"I know what you mean. Kitty, look who's coming our way. I was hoping we'd find him here." A tall, thin, dark skinned porter with salt and pepper hair was hurrying towards them. Kitty smiled warmly, "Hello Mr. Jones. I'm so glad to see you."

"Miss Russell, I wanted to be sure I had a chance to say how sorry I am. If I hadn't gone after that big tip Paul Benet offered, none of those things would have happened to you. I should have figured he was up to no good. From now on, no matter how much I need money, I'll think twice before just taking any offer."

She put a hand on his arm, "It wasn't your fault. In fact, if you hadn't taken the job someone else would have, and that person may not have had the courage to help."

Matt nodded. "You not only led me to Kitty, but when Paul Benet pointed his gun at us, you stepped right in front of it. You're a brave man and a good one."

"Thank you both. Knowing I earned the respect of a fine lady and a US Marshal is something I'll always carry with me. Well – I see your train is boarding, I'll take your things to the baggage car."

Kitty put her hand in her skirt pocket and fingered the unpolished pearl she'd taken from Max's treasures as a memento. She held it up, and quickly slipped it into Jones' coat pocket. Mr. Jones that's a genuine pearl. It's valuable, and my wish is that it makes your life a little easier."

She took Matt's arm. He recognized the signal to start walking. There was nothing more to say. As they boarded the train she felt the question in his eyes. "Matt, it made no sense for me to keep that pearl. The notebook is all I want or need, and knowing that no one values it the way I do, makes it a treasure that's really mine."

They found seats in the rear of the train that afforded them some privacy. Kitty took the window seat and looked up at him. "Dodge City here we come." Matt sat beside her. "You look excited. Doc said you left because you were tired of things – running the Long Branch, Dodge, maybe other things too."

"Oh Matt, I came to a point when I stopped seeing what I had in life. I think that happens to most of us now and again. I've been reminded of what I have - a past with amazing memories, a full life to live right now, and a future to look forward to. I can't wait to get back."

"Um, speaking of that future. Remember, when Will Stambridge left 6 months ago, and we had a talk? I said I thought I only had a year or two of marshaling left in me."

"Of course I remember, and I know you can change your mind on that." An edge of wistfulness cut into her voice.

Without a word, he set an envelope on her lap. She stared down at it. It was addressed to the United States Department of War. "What's this?"

"It's my letter of resignation. I'm leaving it up to you. Mail it today, tomorrow, next week, a year from now. It's up to you."

She looked at the envelope for a long minute. "Matt, all the people I care about are in Dodge or nearby - Doc, Bess, Festus, Ma Smalley, Sam – you protect them and so many others. Folks have a chance at a decent life because of you. What if your replacement isn't up to the job, or worse, can be bribed like Lieutenant Roget and those others?"

"Kitty, I'm not the only good lawman in the country."

"I know, but I believe you're the best, and I'm not alone in that thinking."

"Well, I can't do the job forever."

"Lord knows I don't want you to, but I wish I could be sure that the next man can truly fill your shoes." She bit her lower lip. "But if I wait to mail this, and you – you're k-killed on the job, it would be my fault. I – I don't know what I'd do." She stared at the envelope for a few more seconds, picked it up and handed it back. "Matt, you know how I feel, but that's a decision you're going to have to make yourself."

He met her eyes, and a slight smile slowly touched his eyes and lips. She'd just served back the words he'd said when she asked him to say no to Will Stambridge.

"Matt, I've learned that there are times in life when the best place to find an answer is deep within yourself. Everything else falls away, and the thing you need to do suddenly becomes crystal clear. I think you know that."

"That's pretty deep for a redhead."

"I'm a pretty deep redhead."

They smiled at each other and he slipped the envelope into his pocket, "You're right. It's up to me. I have to trust that over the next year and a half, I'll know the right time to mail this. It won't be longer than that. I know that much for sure." He put an arm around her, "There are other things however, we need to decide together. Things we have to talk through every which way, like where we'll live and what we'll do. We have plans to make - for us."

She snuggled in, "I like the sound of that. And Matt, I know you were joking about writing a book, but whatever we decide to do, you should keep the idea of writing in the back of your mind. Even if it's just a story for a newspaper, you've seen so much and have a lot to share."

"Ha – imagine what Doc would say at the idea of me writing anything but a report for the government."

"I wouldn't be too sure, Matt. But speaking of Doc, if he hears us talking about our plans for the future, he's going to jump right in with his ideas."

"Yep, which means Festus will jump right in too, Of course the two of them won't agree on one dang thing. Well – except that it's a good idea to accept your offer of drinks on the house."

Kitty put her head on Matt's shoulder and smiled, "I've seen the scene played out a thousand times, and I can't wait to see it again. Home sweet home."

The End.