Chapter 2

It was getting late. The cowboys had either found a corner, a girl, or their way home. Which ever was fine with Kitty. She was getting tired and wanted to start shutting every thing down.

She walked over to the bar, "Sam? Why don't we call it a night? We're tired, the girls are tired, and I think these guys have had enough for one night. They can go somewhere else."

Sam smiled, "Sure thing Miss Kitty. Alright boys, last call. We are closing in ten."

Matt stood at the batwing doors. Watching as everyone stumbled to their destination of choice. His eyes found what they were searching for, a sight that had stole his heart so many years before. He smiled instinctively, knowing she felt the same. Matt laughed to himself as he watched her break yet another cowboy's heart by turning down his proposal of marriage. The devastation so plainly smeared on the young man's face as he sat at the table. She smiled and lifted the boy's chin up to look him eye to eye... Leaning down, whispering something... The young cowboys face lit up and the sadness was wiped from his features.

Having some idea of what those sweet nothings were, Matt pushed his way through the door with a mischievous grin on his face. In turn, Kitty slowly made her way through what was left of the night crowd, to greet him with a smile of her own; one full of secrets, hidden talents, and true love.

Her eyes danced, "Well it's nice for you to join us," she asked as they made their way to the bar, "Can I get ya a drink Cowboy?"

"Sure." Matt chuckled, "How many does that make for tonight?"

Kitty looked at him, smiling and shaking her head, "Well in the last four hours, I think I now have 6 weddings to plan. I have it narrowed down to three. I'm either going to become Mrs. Lucus Carbind, Mrs. Tom Estes, oh and may favorite... The traveling dentist Mrs. Dr. Wayne Evertroll. Evertroll had a pretty good argument I have to say. Very charming and convincing." Trying to hold her poker face, Kitty asked, "What name goes best with Kathleen?"

Matt laughed, "Should I be jealous... or scared?"

"Hey, you never know. They may give you a run for your money. They may sweep me off my feet and take me away to some barren land. Where I get to live out my dreams, cook and clean all day." Rolling her eyes," You know, every little girl's dream." Shrugging her shoulders. "Besides, I don't see you placing a bet on the head mare."

Matt leaned in close. "Don't you worry. If I'm sweeping you off your feet and taking you to some God forsaken place... I assure you Miss Russell, there will be no cooking nor cleaning on the itinerary." Allowing her a lascivious wink.

Leaning in even closer, Kitty challenged, "You promise, Cowboy? You sure you can tame this wild mare?"

"I love a challenge, but would never try to tame or domesticate that wild flame. It burns freely, and I love to sit back, take in the view."

Kitty lovingly smiled, taking in her favorite view.

It was now closing time. They still stood at the bar staring at each other. Not paying attention to anyone or anything. They were in their world. A world where words are overrated and the eyes tell the love story.

The trance was broken, when Sam walked over and asked, "Is there anything else Miss Kitty?"

Never taking her eyes of Matt, she simply said, "No. Goodnight Sam."

Sam smiled, "Well alright then. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight. Marshal."

Matt nodded to acknowledge and in turn said goodnight. Kitty walked over to the batwing doors, locking them for the night. Then headed back to bar.

Matt grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Kitty melted into the much needed moment. When they came up for air, Matt laid his head on her shoulder and whispered, "God I've missed you." He raised his head to look her in the eye, "It's been so busy and we've both been so tired. I just wanted to hold you against me."

"I know. With me just getting back from St. Louis and you tracking down Tom McLanden and The Yancy Brothers, we haven't had much time for us."

"I'm sorry Kitty. And now with McLanden. I ... I uh, " Matt paused and dropped his head to collect his thoughts.

"What it is Matt?" Concerned, Kitty lifted his chin up and continued, "I hope you know I'm not complaining. I mean I hate being away from you, but we always make up for the lost time. Remember? We have this weekend... Right?"

Matt let out a sigh, "Yeah, I guess."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"

"Yeah that was kinda weak sounding... Even to my own ears." Matt smiled with a faint grunt. "Kitty... Our weekend plans will have to start later than we planned."

Arms still wrapped around each other... Kitty laid her face on his chest and asked knowingly, "McLanden?"

He kissed her hair and placed his chin on top her head, "Yep. I have to take him to Wichita. There's some small town there, called Grundy. Apparently where he was born, raised, married, and now die. Brooker said the town is odd, cold, and gloomy. He said the residents are 'closely related'... Kinda stressed it, now I think about it. Anyway, the people, of Grundy, want to take care of McLanden themselves. What ever that means. The trial is over and he's scheduled to hang tomorrow night."

"Sounds like a quaint little town." Kitty commented wryly, "Bet the welcome wagon is full of inbred, screaming banshees."

They both chuckled and smiled.

Silence kept them company as they just stood holding each other. Just listening to their hearts beating to their unique rhythm. A pattern no one could ever match, replace, or copy.

Kitty broke the silence. "Matt?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're here with me tonight," looking up into those crystal blue eyes, Kitty suggested, " Let's make the best of it. This old mare is tired and ready to hit the hay."

"I like that idea," he said as he quickly scooped her off her feet, "Let the betting begin."

TBC