Matt and Kitty were having breakfast at Delmonico's when they heard a familiar jingle of spurs and Festus came in, followed by Doc. The old man seemed subdued as he came over to the table and sat down but Festus was exuberant.
"Matthew, Miss Kitty, I just wisht you could see them sweet little babies Orabelle done had."
Kitty looked at Doc. "Babies?"
Doc nodded. "Twin boys. You'll never guess what they named them." Festus moved in his chair and the old man glared. "I'll tell them!" He took a deep breath. "Festus and...good Heavens, I can hardly bear to say it...Galen Haggen." Kitty's eyes widened and she fought to keep a straight face. Matt buried himself in his food. Doc said mournfully, "I'm going to quit being a doctor and go back East. I may even leave the country."
"Now, Doc, I don't see why yore so squeemy 'bout havin' a baby named after you," said Festus bracingly. "Us Haggens is mighty partic'lar 'bout what we name our babies..."
"Particular!" Doc bristled. "AUNT George and AUNT Theodore and..."
"And we don't go in for funny names like Galen..."
"That is a time-honored name in the annals of anitiquity..."
"But Sweet Billy and Orabelle wuz just so grateful 'bout you comin' they wanted to do somethin' for you..."
"Like disgrace me for the rest of my life..."
Matt choked on his coffee and Kitty pounded him on the back. "Kitty, I'm fine. Doc, Festus, I've got to get back to the office."
"And I need to check some things at the Longbranch," said Kitty. "Now you two come in tonight and tell me all about your..." Her mouth twitched. "...your namesakes."
Festus smiled. "We'll be there, Miss Kitty. We'll tell you all 'bout the babies too."
Doc scowled. "That's what she meant."
"That ain't what she said!"
Matt and Kitty beat a hasty retreat. Once safely out of sight they hung onto each other, laughing until tears came to their eyes. "Kitty, Doc will never live this down."
Kitty wiped her eyes and regarded the marshal with deep affection. "No, he won't, but don't let him fool you, Matt. He's never going to admit it, but this is one of the proudest days of his life."