Author's note:
Hello everyone,
Yes, I know it has been a few months, I had planned on posting this back before Thanksgiving, but life just happened. And things have been a little crazy, and editing chapter I was about to pull my hair out lol. But I am sorry if I have missed anything have goofed up on anything. 16,000+ it's easy to miss a few things.
I was starting to go a little cross eyed too. but I do hope to guys enjoy this next chapter.
The noise of the train going over the tracks and the car swaying gently was enough to soothe and lull even the most tired person to sleep on a night like this. Even Buck, who had been munching on his hay and oats not twenty minutes ago, was now fast asleep softly snoring.
Festus and Newly were lying on makeshift beds a few feet away from the animal, the beds were a mix of straw and hay with blankets thrown over them. Both men could agree that this was far more comfortable than lying on the cold hard ground out on the prairie somewhere. The only terrible thing about the beds was, every time someone turned or was moving around it was noisy. And sure enough, Festus was the one that was tossing and turning about. As he was unable to find a comfortable position to fall asleep. But try as he might, he just could not get comfortable as his mind was racing and he felt more restless than he had beforehand. He then let out a long sigh, it was then he heard Newly moving around too. So, Festus propped himself up on his elbows and looked over to Newly. "Pssst! Newly." Newly moved his hand to his forehead, he was not sure if he really wanted to respond, so he kept quiet. But he could tell Festus was still looking at him. "Psst, hey Newly, are you awake?" Newly sighed again as he turned to look at his friend. "Yes, Festus I am awake. What is on your mind?" It was then he could hear Festus shifting back around in his bed. "Well- I uh-I was wondering, Newly." He paused for a moment as he was trying to think of how to phrase the question. "Well, I guess, I've been wondering, don't ya think it's rather odd that Matthew and Miz Kitty are staying there in St. Louis over not coming back home to Dodge? I mean is there some special sort of reason for the two of them not coming home to Dodge City? I mean it's not like they have any youngins or anything." Newly pressed his lips together then he bit his tongue, he was more than grateful for the cover of darkness to hide his expression as his mouth went dry. He blinked a few times as he tried to give a response. He then swallowed hard as he looked back to Festus. "What makes you think that Festus?"Newly's heart was still beating too fast for him to think clearly. "Well, if they had youngins, I-I could see Miss Kitty wanting to hide them from all the outlaws... You know she'd be doing everything to keep them their youngins safe from harm. Soing, they don't get mixed up with kidnappings and everything that Miz Kitty and all of us have seen in Dodge City with those no-good outlaws." Festus let out a soft chuckle at the thought of Kitty being a mother and Matt being a father. "I mean Miss Kitty, would be like a mama grizzly bear if she had any youngins to take care of." Festus smiled once again, "And that's one thing about a mama grizzly bear and her youngins, you don't get between them. Otherwise, there is a good chance you may not live to see another day. The same can be said for papa grizzly bears too." Newly chuckled, he knew everything that Festus just said was the whole truth without him knowing it. But to Festus it was just a thought that he came up with, nothing more. Newly rested his arm on his forehead, he was having a hard time not telling Festus how close he was to the truth. But like Doc said it needed to come from Matt and Kitty. He let out a soft sigh. "That is very possible, Festus, but then what would have she have done with the gr- the youngins the whole time she was in Dodge?" Newly quickly bit his lip, he knew he almost let it slip, and he had already said too much. To his relief Festus did not seem to catch it, he was too busy thinking about what Newly just asked him. The older man reached up and scratched his head, "But, Naw." He waved it off, "I know if that there was the case, Matthew would have married Miz Kitty... You know he wouldn't do that to her, and neither would she..." Festus paused for a moment, then shook his head, "Naw, they would have been married by now if it was true...But then again, we are fetching Matthew his horse..." Festus shifted around in his bed as he thought about it, once more. "Oh foot, what am I going on about for? Good night, Newly!" With that Festus flopped over onto his other side and fell asleep. Newly lied there in the darkness once again, as he was waiting for sleep to come. Festus was so close to figuring it all out and it would not have taken him long either, but thanks to the cover of darkness, Newly was able to keep the secret but if Festus had kept talking... Well, who knows what might have happened. Newly let out a long sigh and rolled over on to his stomach, placing his arm under his head, and soon sweet sleep followed.
The sound of the train conductor walking to and fro from the cars shouting out, "15 minutes to St. Louis. 15 minutes!" Stirred Newly from his slumber. He sat up just as the train was taking a corner making it hard to stand up, but once it was back on the straight and narrow Newly made his way over to Buck's pail of water. He reached his hands into the ice-cold water and splashed some on to his face. It was cold but refreshing, as it wakened all his senses. Newly then quickly glanced over at Festus, who let out a very loud snore. "Hey Festus, time to wake up." There was no response except more snoring. Newly slowly looked from the water bucket to Festus, then back again, as a sly smile spread across his face. He picked up his shaving mug and dunked it into the water, and then walked over to Festus. "Hey, Festus wake up!"
The next thing Festus knew was cold water hitting his face, his arms were flailing, and he was kicking his legs as he found himself trapped in his blankets. He had spun himself into a tangled mess sometime during the night. Watching Festus untangle himself, reminded Newly of a cat that had been scared by a dog that barked at it and landed into the water trough and once he got out, he kept falling back in. Of course, Newly could not help but laugh as Festus was trying to get away from the water that was starting to pool up on the pillow. Being flustered, Festus took a hold of the pillow and chucked it in Newly's direction, but the young deputy was too swift and dodged it. The older man sighed, as water got all over him once again. Causing Newly to laugh even louder. Festus only glared, "NEWLY, WHAT IN THE SAM HILL!" Newly was now holding his sides from laughing so and trying his best to hide his smile. "I'm sorry Festus..." He said in between breaths, "But it was time to wake up... Because we are 15 minutes out of St. Louis." Festus finely got free from one of his blankets and tossed it aside, he was still peeved at Newly. But the young man's smile was hard to stay mad at. Newly raised his hands, "Hey, I tried to call you. But you were busy sawing logs." Festus mocked him a little even though he knew it was most likely to be true. He then sighed a little as he gave Newly another dirty look." Festus sighed, once again as Newly held out his hand to help him stand up. "Ya could have just hit me with a pillar. But naw ya like to about a drowned a body to death!" Newly only shook his head, "Oh Festus, it was just a glass of water, if that." He roared with laughter once again. Festus shook his head and dried off with an extra blanket, that was close by. "Yeah, that's still too much!"
Newly could only smile as he started to pack up his things. "Well, it did get the job done. You're up aren't ya." Festus only looked at him, then mocked what he just said. "You're up aint ya. Golly bill, Newly how would you like to be woken up like that?" Newly only laughed. "Hey, if I remember right, you did that to me a few months ago, when we were out fishing." Festus took a swig of water from the canteen that hung next to Buck's stall. He thought about it for a moment, then smiled. "Well, yeah. But ya had a fish on your line and you wouldn't want him to get away. Besides, we were fishing, and I didn't want ya to miss anything." Newly could not help but chuckle, his laughter was contagious and soon Festus joined in. And it did not take them long to gather up their things along with Buck and wait as the train came to a standstill.
Matt Dillon let out a long sigh in protest as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, as his feet hit the cold hardwood floor. He rubbed his tired eyes trying to chase away the sleep that still clung to him. He would be lying if he did not admit he wanted to stay in the warm bed until noon. The thought of going out into this early winter November morning air was, well, to put it lightly... you would have to be half crazy or at least out of your mind to be leaving the warmth of your home. Matt yawned and stretched as he looked out the window. He could see thick frost on the trees, a fresh layer of snow on the ground, and as he looked at the window, there was a thin layer of ice at the bottom by the windowsill; then towards the top of the window there were all sorts of pretty designs left from the frost. Yes, sir, old man winter had come, and made his presence known and autumn was now a thought of the past.
Matt rubbed his fingers through his hair as he stood up to get dressed. He was thankful that he had placed his pants and shirt by the fire last night to warm them. He slipped on his pants and could feel the warmth that was radiating through to his skin and warming him; helping him to wake up. Next came his shirt (it was the light blue one, that was one of Kitty's favorites.) As he put it on, the warmth felt like a warm hug that held him tight. Next came his thick wool socks (his feet felt like ice this morning, and the cold hardwood floor did not help.) But as he slipped the warm wool socks onto his ice-cold feet, they soon melted and gave way to the warmth of heated wool socks. Matt was so grateful that he put his things by the fireplace the night before; otherwise, he would be freezing at this moment. Matt looked down at his boots that sat near the hearth, and he let out a small sigh. He knew if he was to put them on now and walk across the floor and go downstairs. The clunking of his heavy boots along with his heavy footsteps, would be enough to wake the girls and Kitty; It was too early for the three of them to be up and out of bed. Matt softly smiled as he bent down and picked up his boots, then walked out of his room and softly closed the door behind him.
Matt walked as quietly as a mouse down the stairs, avoiding every little squeak and creek the old wooden steps would make. Then once he reached the last step he sat down and slipped on his boots. The heat from being beside the fireplace, still clung to the inside of the boots. He let out a sigh of contentment when his toes reached the warmest part of the boot, and it was not long after that, the rest of his cold feet became nice and warm.
He sat there in the quietness for a moment, but it was then he heard the girls' bedroom door open and shut lightly, followed by the pitter patter of small feet. He heard them walk into his room but not finding him, the door shut, and he could hear small feet coming downstairs. Matt guessed it to be Maddie, by the size of the footsteps, the sound of each creek, and squeak that she stepped on was too light for Bethany. He quickly stood up and walked over to the shadows, so he would not be seen, and sure enough Maddie came walking down the stairs with Lucy tucked under her arm. Matt could see she had the look of panic on her face as she was looking all over the room.
"Daddy?" Maddie asked as she started to walk about the room. Matt's heart broke a little at the sight of her, as he could see that Maddie was on the brim of tears. "Daddy?" She asked again as she started to look for him. This time Matt stepped out, when Maddie had her back turned so as not to scare the child. That was the last thing that Matt needed on his hands this morning. He knelt to Maddie's level, "Shh, I'm right here little one." He said as he opened his arms to her. "Oh, Daddy!" she said as she threw her arms around him. "I thought you were gone." Maddie clung to him as though she had a bad dream.
"No, I wouldn't do that." Matt picked her up and held her close, letting her know that she was safe, and nothing was going to happen as long as he was around. He walked over with her to one of the chairs and sat down. "What are you doing out of bed so early, short stuff?" Maddie only sniffed a little as she snuggled a little more into her father. But after a few moments she sniffed and looked up at him.
"I-I heard a noise, and-and it scared me."
Matt could see Maddie's big eyes as her little lip trembled, she held her doll close and tight. He held her tightly to his chest, "I am sorry, Maddie. That was more than likely me getting up. I did not mean to startle you sweetie." Maddie only nodded as she snuggled down even more into her father's chest where she knew she was safe; it was then he bent down and kissed her on her temple. After a few moments she sat up straight and had a look of panic in her eyes. "Daddy, you're not-not leaving us, are-are you?"
Matt could feel Maddie's heart race like a herd of wild horses, running across the prairie. He swallowed hard as he looked at his little girl, that looked half scared. She was sitting on his knee, and with gentle hands he turned to her to face him as her question still echoed in his ears. "Daddy, you're not leaving us, are you?"
Matt let out a long sigh, then softly smiled, "Maddie, my dear little Maddie." he said as he kissed her forehead. "My child, I will not abandon you, your mother, or your sister against my will. And as long as The Good Lord allows me to be on this earth, I will be here for you, your sister, and your mama. Now I may not always be here physically, but I will always be there for you, whenever you need someone to talk too, or need my help." At that moment Matt looked into Maddie's blue eyes, that were full of questions; but, yet, trying so hard to understand everything he was telling her. Matt smiled all the more as he leaned a little closer to his daughter and let her snuggle into him. "Maddie, all you have to do is call for me, and I will be there... Nothing will stand in my way or keep me from coming to you." The child tilted her head to the left, as if she understood a little. But then she bit her lip as the look of confusion set in. "But-but why daddy? Why would you not be here with us, and why would you come running like that?" Matt grinned as he looked at his little girl. "Well sugar plum," he said as he started to rock in the rocking chair. "Because I love you, and I want to take care of you, your mama, and your sister. But with taking care of you, that sometimes means that I might have to be out of town doing a job of some sort or another." Maddie only blinked a few times as she snuggled back into her father; she did not say anything else but nodded her head. "Oh, okay Daddy." Maddie did not need to say anything more, for that was more than enough and Matt could handle that. He glanced down at his little girl, who had her mama's eyes. He could see the questions that danced in the blueness of those eyes, but he could also see the hope, the faith, the trust, and her innocence that all danced and twinkled in her young eyes. But he was sure that one day, Maddie would master the gaze and stern look that Kitty had, and Bethany almost had mastered; but right now, there was nothing better than having Maddie in his arms, her doll tucked tightly to her chest. As he comforted her and reassured her that he would never leave her.
The loud chiming of the grandfather clock in the library down the hall disturbed Matt from his dozing state and woke him. Hearing the chimes call out that it was 4 o'clock. Reminded him that he needed to be somewhere soon. He yawned, and then remembered that Maddie was in his arms. He rubbed his face with his free hand and looked down at Maddie who was lightly sleeping. But once Matt stood up from the rocking chair, Maddie's eyes opened.
"Come on, half pint, let's get you back to bed."
Matt said as he started to walk back toward the stairs, with the child in his arms.
"Do-do I have to go back to bed, Daddy? Can't I go with you?"
Maddie looked up at her father, and he froze.
Matt stopped at the stairs and sighed. He bit his lip, he knew it was too early for this child to be out of bed, and the thought of telling her who he was going to see was out of the question. "Well, sweetie, I-I need to go and get someone from the train station, as well as pick up something very special to me."
Maddie only looked down at her doll, Matt could see that his little girl was disappointed; but yet she did not cry or throw a temper tantrum. A tear did roll down her cheek here and there, making him question his thought on taking her back up to bed. Matt looked up to the ceiling and inhaled, before letting out his breath. How was it that little girls could have their daddies so wrapped around their fingers? He took a few steps and walked over to the stairs, but not to walk up them as he had originally planned. Only this time to sit down so he could wipe Maddie's tears away. He pulled out his dark blue handkerchief and set the child beside him.
He could see the dark circles under the child's eyes, and that the child was sleepy; but he was sure if he did not let her go, she would go wake her mother or sister. "Alright, Short stuff you may go with me."
Maddie's face lit up, and he could see she was about to let out a squeal; Matt moved quickly and put his hand over the child's mouth to muffle her squeal. He then placed his finger over his mouth, "Shhh, we don't want to wake your mama and sister."
"Oh, sorry Daddy! Thank you, Daddy, thank you!"
She threw her arms around him and spoke much quieter. Matt only smiled as he leaned froward and kissed her on the top of her head. "Alright, go upstairs and get dressed, but make sure not to wake up your Mama and sister up though. Okay?" Maddie nodded at her father's instructions. Matt could only smile as he watched her run up the stairs. He could only chuckle as she stepped on every squeak and creek in the floor as she went to do as she was told.
Matt was sure Kitty might have been a waken by their child going upstairs, but he was not about to have her wrath if she knew that he had taken their daughter with him and not tell her about it. So, he made sure to make a note, that Maddie was in safe hands and that they would be home for breakfast with some guests when they returned. He made sure to place it where Kitty was sure to see it, then walked back to where Maddie had left him, and sure enough it was not long when he heard the squeak on the stairs. He smiled as he watched his little girl come running down to see him once again. Her curly brown locks bouncing with each step as she went. He could only chuckle, knowing that Maddie had gotten that from him.
Matt softly smiled when he could see Maddie's dress was still unbuttoned and that she had not put her shoes on yet. (Just as he did earlier.) She carried them over to her father, who was sitting in the rocking chair again and looked up at him with her big blue eyes. "Daddy, I need your help, please." Matt smiled, "Sure, come here." Maddie twirled around for him, and he started to work on the dress. He had forgotten how much he had hated women's buttons being so small, but thankfully Maddie's dress was mostly eyes and hooks and one annoying little button. When that was finished Maddie lifted her shoes to him. And he only smiled as he helped her once again. "Okay, go grab your coat and hat, it's cold outside." Maddie tilted her head as she looked up at her father, "How cold?" Matt cleared his throat; Maddie was very much like him. He could just hear Kitty and Doc now. "Like Father, like daughter!" Matt only smiled as he helped his daughter with her hat, "It's cold enough that Old man winter showed up and paid us a visit last night." Maddie's eyes grew wide with excitement as she looked up at him, once her hat was on.
"O, DID HE LEAVE ANY SNOW?"
Matt held back his laughter, "Shh! Settle down half pint, we do not want to wake the household..." but he was sure Kitty was awake by now with Maddie going up stairs and her loud excitement. He looked at his daughter and could see she was now embarrassed by her mistake of asking too loud and being excited. Matt softened his look as he knelt to his little girl's level. "We will have to go out and see. But first let's get you all bundled up and warm." Maddie smiled as her father helped her with her coat, her little mittens and then he grabbed a blanket and bundled her up in it as if she were a baby, Matt hated the thought of her catching a cold. Then once she was taken care of, he put on his hat, coat, and gloves.
"Alright, Short Stuff, here we go." Matt laughingly draped the blanket over her face.
"Daddy," Maddie giggled as Matt picked her up and opened the door as a gust of wind blew. Maddie lifted the blanket from her face, the light clouds and white snow made it light enough to see. The child let out a giggle, "SNOW!" Matt half laughed as he looked at his little girl.
"Maddie, sshh! We are not far enough away from the house yet."
"But there is snow, Daddy!"
She smiled, all the more as she kept looking around at the white blanket that covered the ground.
Matt loved how his daughter had the wonder in her eyes at this winter wonderland as he made his way to the stable. Once the door was opened, Sunshine let out a snort to greet them. Matt walked over and sat Maddie down in the buggy as he brought Sunshine out to get her harnessed up.
"Daddy, this seat is cold!"
He chuckled, "Well, sweetie that is what happens when old man winters shows up."
"Can I give Sunshine some sugar?"
"Sure, you stay right there. I will bring her to you."
Matt picked up a few sugar cubes in his hand, and then walked the horse over to Maddie who was waiting for him. She held out her hand as he placed the sugar in it, Sunshine's ears twitched forward, at the smell of the treat. But she was soft and gentle as she knew she was taking it from the young child. Then she stood there, letting the girl pet her long nose. Soon Matt gave the signal that it was time to hitch up, and Sunshine made her way to the front of the buggy.
Matt led the horse outside and closed the stall door behind him before he climbed into the buggy. Once he did, Maddie scooted next to him and snuggled in, warming herself up again. He could only smile as he looked down at her and put his arm around her. He had hoped that she would drift back to sleep; but Maddie had the look of excitement and adventure, it was all too thrilling for a little girl like her to even think about going back to sleep. Tiredness was now an afterthought; that had held her captive only moments ago...At least only for a little while. Matt could see Maddie was full of wonder as they passed all of the new fresh fallen snow, and the snow that was still falling. She soon stuck out her tongue in hopes to catch snowflakes that were falling. Matt let out a deep chuckle as he gave a gentle flick of his wrist and click of his tongue, to Sunshine for her to pick up her pace.
The train pulled into the station at 4:00 o'clock on the dot. As the train came to a standstill the steam from the engine filled the air making it look and feel more like fog that was hovering over a valley somewhere. Only here, the steam made its way to the ground as the train passengers stepped down and lost themselves in the crowded station and soon disappeared into the vast of buggies and other trains that were waiting for them.
Newly pushed back the rail car door and looked out at the crowd. Festus did the same thing, taking in the sights of the busyness of the city. It was not long before Buck started stomping his hooves on the floor, letting them know he was done being cooped up in this train car; he was no dumb horse, for he knew that they were at their destination and the two men were just taking their sweet time. Newly only laughed as he walked over to the horse and started getting him ready to unload. It was only a few minutes before Festus realized that he needed to be helping with the animal. But Buck knew the routine of unloading, so there was no need for a lead rope; he only needed to be shown where to go, once he was down off the ramp. So, Festus went down before him and pointed him to the corral. (Where he stood holding the gate open.) Newly let him out of the boxcar, and the horse trotted down; when he reached the corral, he trotted around a few times as he was more than happy to stretch his long legs.
Maddie perked up when she could hear the train whistles blowing and it was not long before the train station came into view. "Daddy, Daddy look! There is the-the train!" The three-year-old pointed out, as she stood up a little. "Maddie, honey, you need to sit in your seat. And yes, I do see the train."
"Awe, but Daddy, I'm not big enough to see anything." Matt chuckled as he looked over at his little girl, "You will be big enough one day soon, but that isn't going to happen if you get hurt." Maddie let out a little humph as she sat back in her seat with her arms crossed, she might have been pouting but she did look cute. Matt could only shake his head as the horse came to a stop. "Who are we going to pick up, Daddy?" She asked as Matt stepped out of the buggy and set the tie weight down on the ground and hooked Sunshine up to it. He had heard his daughter's question, but he was unsure if he should answer it at this moment or wait.
"Well," he sighed as he walked back over to her, "We are going to pick up..." Matt looked at his little girl who had a lot of wonder in her eyes and was just waiting for him to answer her question. He chuckled a little more. "Well, Short Stuff, we will just have to find out when we get a little closer." Maddie let out a little sigh, "But Daddy." "Nope, it is a surprise. And it is one you are going to like." He kissed her on her nose.
She let out another long sigh, she was reluctant to her father's response, but only nodded as he started wrapping her up, with the thick warm blanket once again. Matt could understand the child's anticipation in wanting to know; the who, and the what; but for now, he knew it was best to keep the whose and what a secret just a little while longer. He picked up Maddie and started walking.
"Daddy, I can walk!" She protested; Matt gently looked at his daughter. She had her mother's fire, and determination. He softly smiled, "I know you can, Short Stuff, but this is a busy place with lots and lots of people; I could not bear the thought of losing you in this crowd."
Maddie sighed a little again, and she was about to protest again when they walked into the train station. Her father was right, it was a very busy place. Her eyes grew wide as she looked around, she had never seen a place so busy before, it was a little overwhelming, as she backed up into her father's chest and snuggled down. Matt could only smile and understood that she felt a little intimidated by all the people that passed them by. He lifted the blanket up over her head, and rubbed her back with his free hand, then gave her a kiss on the top of her head. Letting her know that everything was going to be all right.
Matt walked around the depo for a few minutes, but he had not gotten very far in that amount of time. The place was busier and more crowded than he thought it would be; last week, there were only half of the people there was now; to him it seemed, it was twice that plus more. But of course, everyone was hustling and bustling about as they were getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday that was just around the corner. Matt let out a sigh, this was going to be more challenging than he had thought it would be. As all the corrals and box cars were on the other side of the station. (For the animal's safety and humans as well.) With all the extra people moving about, getting to the other side was going to take some time.
Maddie peeked out from the blanket and watched as her father weaved in and out of the crowd of people; it felt like a long time had passed to her, when in reality, ten minutes had passed. She looked up to her father and gave him a questionable look. "Daddy, I know you said it was a surprise, but who are we going to pick up? Because I could sit on your shoulders and help find them." Matt bit his lip; he should have thought of that beforehand, but he knew Maddie was overwhelmed by all the people and he did not want to force her to do something that she did not want to do. Yes, Doc had sent him a telegram of who was coming, so that was no problem. He just did not want to overwhelm the child with too much excitement, and with things being busier than he had thought they would be. And it could make the rest of the day harder on Maddie if she were overtired. Matt gently smiled at his little girl, as he started to walk over to a bench that was in a quiet little corner. "Alright, Half Pint, I'll tell you who we are going to pick up." He leaned down to her ear and whispered softly that she had to be still to hear it. "Uncle Newly, and Uncle Festus." Passers-by could only smile as they saw the child's face lit up with excitement, and the way she clasped her hands together as if she were praying for something was just too cute. Everyone could tell that she was her father's pride and joy,
"Uncle Newly is here, I mean reawy here, reawy?" Matt smiled as he leaned his forehead to Maddie's. "Yes, sweetheart, he is... He came to see you and your sister." Matt stopped and noticed that Maddie's blanket had fallen around her waist, in all of her excitement. "Hey, wait a minute there, Short Stuff; I don't want you to catch a cold." Matt said as he tucked the blanket in around her once again. "There, now you'll stay warm." He smiled as he kissed her cherry red cheek. "Thank you, Daddy." But then Maddie looked up at him, with a questioning gaze. "I have another uncle that is with Uncle Newly?"' Matt nodded as he tapped her nose lovingly. "Uh-huh, his name is Uncle Festus." His smile widened as he watched his little girl ponder his words.
She took a deep breath, "Who is Uncle Fes-Tus, Daddy?" Matt let out a soft chuckle at the way she pronounced Festus's name, she sort of sounded like someone that was missing their two front teeth or had a slight lisp. (Now, Matt would never make fun of anyone that talked with a lisp or anyone that had a challenging time talking for that matter.) But just the way his daughter said, "Uncle Fes-Tus." was just too cute to put into words.
"Well, Half Pint, Uncle Festus is one of my deputies, just like Uncle Newly; as while as an incredibly good friend of your mama, Grandpa Doc and mine." He said as he lovingly tapped her on the nose again. Maddie looked up at him as much as she could (for her eyes were half covered by her hat and coat.) "Daddy, do you think I can call him, Uncle Fes-Tes?" Matt smiled as he picked her up once again and let her stand on the bench. "I think he would like that." He then started fixing the blanket for her to ride on his shoulders, "Would you still like to ride on my shoulders, to help me find them?" Maddie nodded up and down as her father lifted her up. Matt shifted her around on to his shoulders, to where they both were comfortable. "Okay, Short Stuff, we are looking for a big buckskin horse, and your uncles. Uncle Festus is wearing a ten-gallon cowboy hat and has a coat that looks a lot like mine, and he also has a beard. Uncle Newly will be with him."
Maddie smiled as she sat up straight and tall, while her father held on to her ankles; she loved being this tall as she looked around trying to help her daddy in finding the men. She felt more like a princess, as her blanket draped behind her more like a cape, her hat was her crown and her Daddy the king. She felt like royalty as she was this tall riding on her father's shoulders.
Soon something caught her eye about 30 feet away from them. She could see a young cowboy in a white cowboy hat, a big horse like Daddy said and another man, that was on the scruffy side, with a big hat. "I think I see them," she said as she pointed in their direction. Now it was Matt's turn to follow his daughter's lead. He smiled when he could see Festus feeding Buck something; he was sure it was oats, while Newly was busy unloading their things. He half chuckled that sounded about right for those two. He walked to a building where a few crates of apples where sitting, and he set Maddie down on it, "Good job, sweetheart. I am proud of you for helping me find them." Then as he looked at his daughter, and glanced in the direction of his deputies, a thought came to his mind, "Maddie, should we play a little trick on your uncles?" A sly smile spread across the child's face as she nodded her head up and down. "Okay," Matt explained what he was going to do before he did it, so the child was not scared or frightened. Then once Maddie understood, Matt took the blanket and draped it over Maddie's head, (of course he made sure she could breathe.) Then once he made sure they both were all comfortable, he made his way over to the corral.
Festus felt relieved when he had finished brushing and feeding Buck along with bringing out the marshal's saddle and bridle that Newly had left for him. He would like to say he built up an awful sweat hauling that out and placing it on the fence; but the saddle was no heavier than his own. In truth he was still a little sore at Newly for keeping a secret from him, and the rude a wakening that he had given him; with ice cold water.
Festus climbed up onto the fence railing where Newly was sitting, there was not much else to do except people watch as they waited. There were many men that walked by, but most were either to short, to fat, or to scrawny. It was then Festus let out a sigh. "I wonder when old Matthew will get here; he knew the train was coming today didn't he?" Newly only nodded and smiled as he kept looking around, it was then he saw a man that resembled the Marshal and was that Maddie riding on his shoulders? "I swear Newly, I know you just said he got the message to be here, but every man I see here has a lady on his arm or is totin some youngin on his shoulders like that one there." Newly looked closer at the gentlemen that Festus was referring to. Yup, that was Matt and little Maddie all right. He gave a light chuckle, "Say, Festus, did you get everything out of the train car?" The older man looked at him a little perplexed, "Why, Newly, I-I..." Festus thought about it for a moment then, "I wouldn't forget a thing." Newly only shrugged, "Well I was just checking; I'd hate the thought of you losing something or leaving it behind on account of us being gone so long." Festus narrowed his eyes as he looked at Newly, "Why of all the dog gone...Newly," he sighed again as he hopped down from where he was sitting on the fence, now he had to go check; for his mind was swirling with the thought of maybes and possibilities of forgetting something. He made his way back up the ramp and disappeared into the box car. Newly sighed in relief as he saw Matt walking up to him and carrying a bundle over his shoulder. He knew it was Maddie, for moments ago she was riding on his shoulders with that same blanket wrapped around her. But this time she was wrapped in it.
Maddie gave one last wiggle as she was making herself more comfortable; causing her father to stop and shift her weight around more evenly on his arm and shoulder, causing the child to let out a muffled giggle. "Shh, Half Pint, you might give us away," Matt said holding her a little tighter. He could only sigh in relief as their conversation was covered by the lowing of cattle and other trains pulling out. He smiled when he saw Newly there to greet him, and Festus was just coming out of the train car.
"Well, howdy fellas, I hope I haven't kept the two of you waiting long."
Newly chuckled as Festus came running down the ramp, as if he had not seen the marshal in a lifetime.
"Oh, think nothing of it, Matthew. We have only been waiting here for a few short moments anyhow." Festus waved his hand as if he were shooing a cat away. Newly only shook his head, as he remembered not five minutes ago Festus was complaining about how long it was taking the marshal to come. But only smiled and shrugged his shoulders as he jumped down and stood next to Matt. He had his arms ready and was waiting to catch Maddie whenever Matt was ready to hand her over.
"Say, what have you got there Matthew?" Festus took a step forward almost ready to undo the blanket; Matt only smiled as he shifted it a little more to Newly, as he rolled Maddie off of his shoulder and into her uncle's waiting arms. Maddie's muffled giggles filled the air. "Oh, it's just a little something that I picked up along the way." Festus gave both men a questionable look, as the blankets started to move as Maddie started to wiggle and giggle even more. Newly laughed as he begin to tickle the blanket. Then he pulled it back to see Maddie's smiling face. "Oh, Hello Maddie!" Her face lit up with excitement as she threw her arms around his neck. "Uncle Newly!" Matt only smiled as his hands were now free to give Festus that handshake that he had wanted to give him earlier. But the look that Festus had on his face now was one of confusion, perplexation and complete shock. He would look from Maddie to Matt and back again. He did this multiple times; he was in so much shock that he had to go and lean up against the fence. "Who is she...I mean..." Festus swallowed there was no denying the fact that the child and Matt were father and daughter. "Are you her..." Matt nodded as he walked over next to his deputy. Newly took Maddie over to look at Buck, (who was stretching his legs, by running circles around in the pen.) "She is mine and Kitty's youngest daughter." Festus looked over at him and blinked, "You tell me, you're a papa to more than one?"
Festus' left eye squinted as his right widened a little, as he waited for Matt's reply. The marshal only chuckled, "Yes, Festus. Kitty and I have two daughters, I did not know about them myself, until I got here a week ago."
Festus stood in shock, he could not believe it, he blinked a few times, but that was it. Trying to grasp the concept of all of this was like trying to catch a greasy pig, that kept slipping out of one's arms at the fair.
Festus would look back and forth between Matt and the child, so many times, but there was no denying that he was her father or that she was his child. He was amazed at how the little girl would cling to Newly, calling him uncle, and all that. But, yet when her father picked her up from the young deputy and walked over to him; Festus only smiled and nodded to her.
"Festus, I would like you to meet, Madeline Joy Russell Dillon, Maddie for short. Maddie this is your..."
Maddie did not let her father finish as she leapt from her Daddy's arms into Festus' and hugged him. "Hi Uncle Fes-Tus." That melted his heart right then and there. (Just as when one of the triplets that Ronginer family had adopted.) The baby took a hold of his finger just a few short moments after he had been born. Ever since then, Festus and the little boy had a special connection. (Festus always had a soft spot for that little boy and would take him fishin every now and again, along with his two brothers.) Matt could see the same look in Festus' eyes now as Maddie sat on his lap. And when she had said his name the way she did, he became like a putty in her hand. Yup, Festus and Maddie now had a special connection too.
After a few minutes Newly came walking over, and smiled as he looked at the two of them, he had a twinkle in his eye as he knelt next to Maddie, "So, Maddie tell me, where is your sister?"
"At home, sleepin, along with Mama."
Matt nodded, "Yes, she does take after her mama when it comes to sleep."
"Beth, the sleeping beauty. Sounds about right." Maddie giggled a little as Newly laughed. Matt cleared his throat, "Her name is Bethany!" He said a little more sternly than he meant to. Newly softly smiled, "Sorry, Matt." he coughed a little before continuing, "When I was here last, I would pick on her about calling her Beth. More or less as a brotherly uncle that loves her; but I would never let anyone else do that to her." he said with a stern look, letting the marshal know he was serious. Matt now saw and understood that Newly was taking his role as the girls' uncle, quite serious and not making fun of his daughter in any way, shape, or form. Matt then slightly nodded and then smiled, "Keep up the good work, keep her on her toes; and make sure it stays that way." He said with a wink. Maddie looked from Uncle Newly to Daddy and back again. She could not understand it, why was Uncle Newly allowed to tease her sister, and call her Beth, but not her? It just did not make any sense.
Festus turned his attention back to Maddie, "You know Maddie, you remind me of a little June Bug. Because your just so sweet and cute wrapped up in that here blanket." Maddie looked up at him with her eyes still covered by her hat and coat. "But Uncle Fes-Tus, I'm not a June Bug, I'm a November Bug, because I was born in November not June." she said as she blinked up at him. Festus smiled, "Oh well, if you anit the cutest November Bug I've ever seen." Festus could feel his heart grow bigger as the child wrapped her arms around him once again, she gave some of the sweetest hugs he had ever had.
There soon was a loud snort that came from Buck, for he felt as if he had been patient long enough waiting for the Marshal to come to see him. Maddie's eyes lit up as she tried to turn around to see the horse her father had been talking about. Festus smiled as he looked up at Matt and handed his daughter back to him before standing, for he could tell the little one had her eyes glued on the horse; causing Matt and Festus to chuckle, there was no doubt she was her mother's daughter.
"Hey, Matt! Festus, and I will go take things to the buggy." Newly started picking up his things, as did Festus. Matt only looked at Newly, and gave him a questioning look, but the young man only nodded in reply. "I know what kind of buggy it is; I also know Sunshine." He then paused and looked over to Maddie, "Right June bug." It was now her turn to be teased. "Ugh, Uncle Newly!" Maddie giggled as he pinched her nose. Matt only nodded, "Alright." With that they went on about their business.
Matt walked over to the gate, waiting for Buck to come trotting over. The horse ignored him for a minute or two, until he clicked his tongue. Buck's ears twitched forward, and he came over when he heard his master's call. "Hey there boy," He said in a still quiet voice, "Did ya miss me?" Buck let out a sigh. It was then at that moment Maddie let out a sigh of amazement (for she was in shock and awe of how big the animal was). Buck turned his attention and interest to her. Matt looked at his daughter, who was standing next to him, Buck's big head was leaning down as he was sniffing her. He could only chuckle at the sight. "Come here," he said as he picked her up and let her stand on the railing while he stood behind her, so she did not fall, "There now he can get a better smell of you." Maddie could only giggle, he sniffed her, she then looked up at her father. "I like him, Daddy."
"He likes you too, Sweetie."
Matt smiled as he picked up his daughter once again and walked into the corral with her. Buck was by their side, he stood still as Matt reached up to pet Buck's neck. But the horse jerked his head back when Maddie moved quickly. Matt only chuckled a little when he knew what had happened. "Maddie, when you are around a new horse, be sure to move slow." The child only nodded her head as Buck came back around, he then sniffed at Maddie again. He stood very still letting her pet his nose. "Daddy, is he scared of me?"
"No, honey, he is used to kids like you. There are a lot of kids in Dodge that will come up and pet him or sit on him while he is tied up. So, he loves little kids. It is only the fact he is in a new place and meeting you for the first time."
After a few minutes she looked up at her father, "Can I ride him, daddy?" Buck had been standing still at this moment, but once the child mentioned riding him, his ears twitched forward, and he nudged Matt with his nose. Maddie giggled, as Matt reached up and patted old Buck's neck. "But what about riding in the buggy? It will be warmer there than riding with me on Buck."
Maddie bit her lip as she looked at the horse; Buck stepped forward and nudged her gently with his nose, she could tell he wanted her to ride him, she then looked to her father. "Well, can Uncle Newly and Uncle Fes-Tus ride with you in the Buggy? I will keep the blankie around me," she said smiling her little smile. Matt chuckled as he tried to picture three grown men sitting in the buggy; then he shook his head for that would be quite the picture, for someone would be rather squished. Then he looked at his little girl. "Well Short Stuff, Buck is a gentle giant; but he is a little too much of a horse for you to handle alone." He paused for a moment as he saw Maddie's face fall in sadness, he gently took his hand and lifted her face back to his own. "But what if we ride him together?" Maddie's eyes widened once again as she nodded up and down. Matt chuckled once more, "Okay, you stay right here, while I go get his tack." He set her up on the horse's back (knowing she was safe with Buck), and the horse did not mind for he knew he was caring for something more precious than gold on his back.
Matt could only smile at the sight of his little girl and horse as he came walking back. Maddie was leaning down hugging Buck's neck as he stood munching on hay, and the horse was well aware of the child. Matt chuckled, Maddie was a little cowgirl in the making, he had never seen a child grown so attached to an animal so quickly before, and he was sure that Buck felt the same way. Buck could hear the jingling of his bridle and the rain that caused him to stir. He came walking over to Matt, with Maddie still on his back. The child did not freak out, making her father even more proud.
Buck lowered his head so his bridle could be put on, once that was done Matt walked over to Maddie, "Okay, Sweetie, I need you to hop off for a moment." Maddie let out a long sigh, "Awe, but Daddy!" Matt only chuckled, he even looked over at Buck, who seemed to do the same thing. He only shook his head, he let Maddie hold the rains as she stood by the watering trough. "Little girls and horses." He thought to himselfas he put the saddle blanket and the saddle on. "Come on Buck, let me sinch the saddle." Buck turned his head and looked at the man, then to Maddie. "If she's going to ride you, then I need to make sure it's safe for her." Buck let out a sigh and Matt got the saddle on. "There that wasn't so bad, now, was it?"' The horse let out a neigh causing Maddie to giggle, she then stood up on her tiptoe and kissed the horse on his nose. Matt smiled, "She is just like her mama, when it comes to animals." He then walked over to her and picked her up. "Alright, Half Pint, let's go find those uncles of yours." Maddie nodded up and down as Matt sat her back up on Buck. "Hold on to the saddle horn, while I lead him around." Maddie smiled wide, "Okay, Daddy." Matt noticed how Maddie sat up tall and straight as he led the horse out of the corral, he could tell she felt on top of the world and that she wanted Buck to go much faster where she could feel the wind in her hair and the sound of his hooves beating on the payment over the slow and steady pace that he was setting. He smiled, and softly laughed, "I know Short Stuff, I know." He said as they came and stood next to the buggy.
Newly and Festus looked up to see Maddie sitting on her father's horse, she might be a little thing; but she was so happy as she could be sitting there all proud and smiling as wide and long as the Mississippi river. Both could tell there was no denying the fact that Matt was proud of his little girl and Buck was under her spell. "Well, now, Matthew I see some things have not changed...As far as a man and his horse I mean." Festus then glanced over at Maddie. "But I think that little girl of yours has taken a shine to old Buck here, and him to her." he then walked over to Maddie and chuckled, "Golly Bill, little miss Maddie, if'n you don't look like a proper cowgirl; sitting up there on your papa's horse...Well, then I don't think I have ever seen a cowgirl before." At his words, Maddie seemed to blossom even more, she sat up as tall as she could, why even her eyes twinkled and shined more; her smile even seemed to brighten. Festus gave the child a side smile, "I bet your mama taught you how to ride didn't she?" Maddie nodded. "Well, your Mama and your Papa are some of the best riders there is. Matt could only smile at his old friend's complement. "Thank you, Festus." the old deputy only smiled in reply. "Alright, are you two ready to head for the house?" Newly smiled as he took a hold of the rains, Festus climbed in after him with the tie weight at his feet. Matt mounted Buck, once he made sure Maddie was snug and warm.
Both deputies could agree that seeing Matthew Dillon riding with his little girl; they both could see a new spark of joy in his eyes that had not been there before; it was one of laughter, of hope, and happiness that had not been there before. Festus could only wonder what his other daughter brought, if this little one brought the marshal so much joy and happiness; what did the other one bring?
Festus could not help but smile as he would catch a glimpse of the father daughter duo. Matthew was a proud papa holding his little girl close as they rode Buck together. And somehow to Festus, it looked just natural as... well, as Will Roniger with his youngins and teaching them to ride. Little Maddie sure looked a lot like her papa, with dark curls, dimples, and his smile. She was his daughter. The only thing she seemed to get from her Mama was those beautiful blue eyes. "You sure are quiet," Newly nudged Festus a little, "You look like you are lost in a thought or going to fall asleep." Festus gave a laugh. "Naw! Tant that at all. I was just thinking of how much Maddie looked like her papa." Newly let out a chuckle, "Just wait until you see Be..." Newly stopped to see if the marshal was around, he sighed in relief. "Just wait until you see Bethany, that will surprise you." The older deputy only raised his brow a little when Matt came trotting a long beside them with Maddie giggling with each bounce.
"Hey, Newly, hold up a moment."
Both men in the buggy looked up at Matt as he brought his horse to a stop. "Would you two be willing to take Maddie home, while I take Buck over to the stables to hide him from Kitty?" Newly looked up at him for a moment then nodded, "Sure, Matt, but..." Festus only nodded, "Well, sure thing Matthew." Festus reached out as Matt handed his little girl down. "Awe, But Daddy, he could stay with Sunshine!" Matt gently looked at his daughter, and shook his head before Newly spoke up again. "Why not, Matt?" Matt chuckled; he knew how that little girl of his had his deputies wrapped around her finger. "You know how Buck gets when he hears Kitty. She is one of his favorite people. He would be making so much noise in the stable that I could not keep him quiet, until he saw her." Both men nodded in understanding way, but Maddie was not satisfied with her father's answer. "But why is that, Daddy?" Matt rubbed his chin trying to think of the best way to answer his daughter, "Because your mama, likes to give him all kinds of treats."
"Oh, okay."
He could only smile as she was satisfied with that answer. He could see Festus was making sure her blanket would not come undone and keep her warm. "Don't you worry about a thing Matthew; we will take good care of this November bug." A soft smile graced his face as Matt tipped his hat, he turned Buck and rode a few blocks in the opposite direction. Festus made sure Maddie was all warm and snug as before. "There you go, you little chickadee. You're all nice and warm like a little chick under a mama hen. Now we would not want your mama worrying about you getting a cold." Maddie only nodded, as she gave a little pout. "Well, golly bill. What is wrong with you?" "I wasn't ready to get off of Daddy's horse yet." Newly and Festus let out a laugh. "Well, there will be plenty of time to ride Ol' Buck again, I am sure your Papa, will let ya after he surprises your mama with him." "I-I guess so but that feels like it might be forever!" Festus laughed again, "Well, I bet it won't be as long as it takes a Rat to run over the tin ruff with a piece of raw liver in its mouth." At those words Maddie's giggle box was turned upside down, she turned and looked up at him, "I like you, Uncle Fes-Tus. Your funny!" She quickly threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, only this time it was bigger than before. The cold chill that Festus was feeling moments ago was gone, for the child's hug warmed his heart. Newly could only smile for he knew and understood how the Dillon girls could melt a heart of a heart of stone with their warm hugs. And fill the air with joy with their giggles and laughter.
It was not long before the house came into view and as Newly turned down the street, the clouds overhead that were holding back the heavy snow no longer cared about holding it back any longer. Big snowflakes began to fall, it would make one think of a Christmas card; as the lampposts were still lighting the way to the house, and snowflakes flying. The only sound one could hear was the snow crunching under the horse's feet, and buggy, it was a calm and silent morning. Maddie tilted her head back and caught a snowflake on her tongue. She closed her eyes, as she savored it for the small moment it lasted. "Mm, it tastes like..." She thought for another moment, "Like Christmas!" Maddie had a big smile on her face as she started to catch another one, "What are you doing there, Maddie?" "Catching snowflakes, and they taste like Christmas." she smiled as she looked up at him, "Try with me Uncle Fes-Tus." He smiled as he looked at her, "Awe, now Maddie, I-I." "Watch me, Uncle Fes-Tus, just put your head back like dis, and open your mouth and wait for the snowflakes." Festus turned and looked at Newly who only smiled and shrugged his shoulders in reply. "I won't tell a soul." Then Festus leaned back and followed Maddie's lead. Their faces were covered in fresh fallen snow, but the laughter that filled the air, made it all worthwhile. When Festus looked back down at Maddie, he could see the snowflakes in her hair, eyelashes, and everywhere else. Making her look more like a snow princess. "By golly, little November bug, you're right those snowflakes do taste like Christmas. Why you know they are just given us, just a little taste of what is yet to come this next month." Maddie let out a long sigh, "Next month!" Both uncles laughed,
"Well, my June Bug, you could always use the saying that Uncle Festus uses." Maddie looked up at Newly, and gave him the look that could match her mother and older sister's, then let out a huff as she bit her little lip, "What dis he say?" Newly smiled as he looked over to Festus. "A rat ran over the ruff with a piece of raw liver in his mouth." Maddie tilted her head as she looked up at Festus, "Would that make Christmas come any fast-er?" Festus chuckled as he patted the little girls back. "Well, I'm not sure if it would Maddie, but I bet you would be able to say it by Christmas time." She gave it a quiet thought for a moment, "What was the sayin again?" Newly smiled as Festus was about to speak. "A Rat ran over the hot tin ruff with a piece of raw liver in his mouth." "Uncle Newly you added to it." He could only laugh, as he pulled the buggy to a stop, "So, I did little bit. But I still bet that you can say it all, by the time it is Christmas." Maddie opened her mouth, but then shut it again as she could not think of a comeback.
The sound of the buggy pulling in around the back, caused Lady to stir and sent her into barking; for she knew the buggy, and the horse, but did not recognize the men. Newly was first to hop out, he took hold of Maddie and set her down on the ground; and as Festus was getting out, he could see Maddie racing to the gate. He quickened his pace, "MADDIE, WAIT!" but by the time he was halfway, near her, she was standing on her tip toes, reaching for the latch. "MADD..." his words trailed off as the gate swung opened, soon the dog was out looking at the child, then it looked at him. Festus' heart raced as he did his best to put himself between the child and the dog.
Lady kept a close eye on this newcomer. What was he doing here, why was he trying to keep her away from her girl? And where was her master? Lady crouched down (she was not growling or snarling) at this stranger, but she stared at him and sniffed the air with caution. Festus froze, as he was unsure what to think of this strange dog; would it bite him, Maddie, or what? He did not know. The only thing he knew he could do was to talk low, move slow, and keep his eyes on the dog. "Hey, there. I aint here to hurt ya." He said as he got between Maddie and Lady.
Lady looked up at him, then she slowly walked to him, and sniffed his boots, and moved up to his legs, there she could smell Maddie on him, and her tail could not stay still. Festus started to chuckle as Lady sat and looked up at him with her big puppy dog eyes, and her tail swishing back and forth in the snow. He did not know why he acted the way he did. He then bent down and patted the dog's head, "Hello, there." Lady nosed him with her long collie nose and leaned in as he started in to scratch her behind the ears (as all dogs love it.) Maddie soon came out where she had been hiding behind the corner of the fence. "That's Lady, she is my dog." Festus smiled as Lady now had her two paws on his chest and was licking his face uncontrollably. Festus was laughing so he could hardly keep his balance, but when Lady saw the little girl, she left Festus and made her way to Maddie.
Festus would watch as they walked to the stable, any time Maddie was about to fall or would start wondering, Lady would be right there, keeping that from happening. He felt silly for the way he acted earlier on first meeting the dog, although without Matt or Kitty around how was he to know about Lady? But what he did know was that she was the right dog for this child to have as she was growing up. Keeping her safe from all the things that the adults and others might not be able to do or see. When Lady saw that Maddie was back with Festus, she made her way to the stable to see who was in there.
The sound of Newly's voice and laughter broke Festus out of his daydream. He could hear Newly greeting the dog. "Well, hello Lady! Have you been keeping our favorite Dillon girls out of trouble?" Lady let out a quiet "woof!" in reply. Newly chuckled as Lady rolled over on to her back for a belly rub. It was then Festus came walking in, with Maddie by his side. Festus and Maddie came walking hand in hand. He looked at the younger deputy then at the dog, "Oh, well, I see who she likes the best." He huffed a little at the duo as he made his way over to the buggy and placed Maddie there for safe keeping. The little girl could only giggle as she watched her two uncles talk, only it was more like teasing one another than anything. Lady thought it was the greatest thing ever as she would walk from one man to the other, getting all sorts of attention. But once the men turned their attention to unhitching the buggy, and brushing out Sunshine, Lady thought it best to go keep Maddie company in the buggy, (Nothing else that way she would know where the young charge was at.) About fifteen minutes later Lady jumped down from the buggy seat and walked to the stable door, she stood there with her head tilted this way and that as she listened, then before anyone could say anything more, she ran out the door. Maddie was going to follow her, but Uncle Festus turned and looked at her and that was enough to keep her in place.
The sound of Matt's laughter filled the air as Lady came racing up the alleyway to meet him, he could not help but laugh as the dog did a wipeout on a patch of ice and landed in a pile of snow. Lady sat up, checked herself, and made sure no one saw that, before shaking off the extra snow; making Matt laugh even more, he then patted to his leg. "Hey there girl, did you welcome home our new guests?" Lady let out a snort and licked his hand in response. She then looked to him and then the stable as if to say, "Well come on!" as Matt only laughed again, "Okay, okay, I know. Go on and get 'em." With that Lady raced ahead of him, kicking up the snow as she went.
Matt soon walked into the stable, and found Festus brushing Sunshine, and Lady was back inside sitting between Newly's feet begging for more attention. "My, looks like you two have been mighty busy in here." The two men only chuckled. When Maddie heard her father's voice, she popped up from her hiding place, "Daddy, your back!" Matt could only smile as he made his way over to pick her up, "Hey there Short Stuff," He then leaned in close as if he were whispering a secret to her. "Were you good for Uncle Festus, and Uncle Newly?" Maddie nodded, "Uh-Huh." She paused for a moment, "I even let Lady out so they could meet." Matt let out a sigh, he should have told Maddie to wait, or have Newly, Kitty...He should have just brought Buck home with him. He was not thinking about Lady. Matt bit his lip as he looked over to his oldest deputy.
"Hey, Festus, did Lady give ya a good hello."
Festus scuffed at first, then laughed. "So that is what you and November bug were talking about"
"Yeah,"
Festus smiled as he winked at Maddie, who was still in her daddy's arms. "Lady did have me worried there for a minute or two though when Little Maddie let her out of the gate, oh she was crouched down and upset at me for getting between me and November bug. But oh, I will tell you what Matthew, once she got a good sniff of me, why she..." Festus took a breath. "Ran the other way." Newly interrupted.
Matt tossed his head back and laughed, as Newly's timing was perfect. "Naw, Newly, she did not! She came up to licking me and let me pet her." Matt smiled and nodded as he understood everything that Festus was saying. "She is a good old pup to be watching over those youngins Matthew. Why, as her Maddie and I walked to the stable here, she would not let Maddie out of her site, let alone fall." Matt smiled as he could see the dog leaning in to Newly as he was scratching her ear. "Yes, she is."
Matt then let his mind wander back outside, and to the wonderful smells that were coming from the kitchen as he was walking down the alleyway. "I do not know about you fellas, but I sure could use some of Kitty's cooking. The smells of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and gravy made my mouth water and stomach growl at the thought of it." the two men took a deep breath and inhaled the smell of the stable, it was something far less appealing than what the marshal was just talking about. "Matthew, whatever you just smelled..." Festus shook his head, as he tried to wave the barn smell away from his nose. Matt only laughed. "That was a little cruel of me. Come on, let's go inside where the real food is at. That way we don't smell road apples anymore." Maddie looked up at her father, "Daddy what are road apples? Are dey apples, that have not been eaten yet?"
Laughter filled the air at the young child's question, Matt hymned and hawed a little,
"No, no, no, no, sweetheart. They are..." he paused for a moment, unsure what to say then swallowed, "Eh, horse droppings."
"Oh!" Maddie was satisfied with that reply. It was then, as Matt started to walk to the house, that she let out a big yawn. Festus smiled, "Say, you yawn any bigger, you just might fall into that there yawn." Maddie looked over at Festus trying to understand what he had just said, only confusing her more. Matt only smiled as he started to rub her little back and kissed her temple as she leaned into him. "I think you are finely getting tired again. I have been waiting for you to get that way ever since we left earlier this morning." Maddie blinked a few times as she looked up at her father, "But- but I'm not a bit sleepy!" Matt only nodded as Maddie did her best not to yawn again, but instead kept blinking as she rested her head on his shoulder; Matt could only nod as Maddie's face said otherwise, the dark circles under her eyes, a yawn would escape every now and again (getting bigger each time) her body would become heavier and heavier. "Well, I think I better get you inside, and feed you something, then get you back to bed." He said as he reached for the blanket once again before heading outside. But before he even made it out the door, he looked down to see Maddie had fallen asleep in his arms just as he had thought she would. Matt smiled as he made his way through the gate, he heard the back door opening, and the screen door swung shut. A warm smile spread through him as he watched Kitty appear and the glow of the lamppost cast an angelic glow about her, making her seem more beautiful than she was before. Her red hair looked as if it were on fire, and he could see she was smiling waiting for his return.
"Glad to see you made it home safely, Cowboy." she said as she leaned down and kissed him before he walked up the last step. Matt could only smile, for that was the best welcome back he could ever ask for. "Yeah, it was not too bad. Just snow covered more than anything." Kitty then gently rubbed Maddie's cheek with her hand, brushing back the stray curls. "I see your little stowaway, is sound asleep." He let out a chuckle once again, "Yeah, it took her long enough too. I have been trying to get her back to sleep ever since she woke up." Kitty only smiled as she kissed her daughter's rosy, red cheeks. "Why don't you take her up to her bed, I will make her something to eat when she wakes up later."
Matt smiled as Kitty held the door open for him and his armload, when he stepped inside the door slammed shut right behind him. Both him and Kitty looked at the child that was still sound asleep; they both sighed in unison. He then smiled, "That was a close one! Great minds think alike, I was planning to do that before I knew you were awake." He whispered as he started for the stairs; he then turned and looked at her for a moment. "Oh, the other two are on their way in, they were just grabbing their things." With that he turned and disappeared up the stairs.
Kitty watched until she could no longer see him, then she looked to the back door. She knew Matt had said something about some guests, but never said who was coming. Causing her curiosity to perk, she held her shawl a little tighter around her shoulders as she walked back outside, and as soon as the screen door shut behind her, she could hear the jingling of spurs, and men talking off in the distance. Her lips turned up words and her heart raced as she picked up her skirts in both hands, for she no longer cared at this moment about acting like a lady. (She held her skirt above her knees as she ran.)
"Festus?" She shouted as she picked up her pace and ran to them. Festus was the first to see her, he stopped for a moment, but dropped his bags where he was standing, and raced to meet her, with his arms wide open and when they met, he spun her around in a wide circle; He could hardly believe it was her. "Miz Kitty, it is so good to see you! Golly Bill, it feels like it's been forever since I'd seen you last." Kitty only smiled as she gave him a friendly kiss on his cheek. "I know, Festus, I know. But there is so much to tell you, the girls and-and everything." Festus only smiled his kind, sweet, gentle smile as he removed his hat, and nodded. "I met Little Maddie, and I can see why, you had to leave Dodge like ya did." Kitty only smiled as she kept rubbing her arms, tears were starting to form on the brim of her eyes, "Awe, Festus, I-I..." She pressed her lips together as the last of her words faded, she didn't know what to say; but there wasn't anything more she needed to say. She only smiled when she looked up to see Newly standing next to them. "Come on, let's go on inside where it's warm, and we can talk more about this later. There is also some hot coffee on the stove and breakfast in the oven." At the mention of food, Festus quickly went back for his bags then came back and let Kitty loop her arm through his, she could only smile as she turned to Newly and did the same with him. The smells grew stronger as they walked up the stairs and into the house, Newly followed Kitty inside, but Festus lingered outside as he took a deep breath of the heavenly aromas that were lingering from the kitchen.
The smell of fresh ground coffee roasting on the stove, filled the air as it mixed with the breakfast that Kitty was cooking in the oven, all reminded Festus of the times when he was back home. It set his mouth to watering and tastebuds dancing, he took another deep breath inhaling it all over again, "Mm-mmm!" he said as he entered the house, "That smells plum delapruing, Miz Kitty; don't ya, think so Newly?" Newly only nodded as he sipped his coffee, (That was just poured for him). Festus was busy taking off his boots while Kitty poured him a cup. "Yes, it sure does." Kitty glanced over to the young deputy and could see a smile spreading across the man's face. "Okay, Newly, what is on your mind?" he let out a chuckle, knowing he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Oh, nothing." Kitty leaned back, just as if she were interrogating her own children, "I don't believe you for one minute."
Newly only laughed, "Is Beth, the sleeping beauty awake yet?" Kitty tossed her head back and laughed, "No, and I think she will be sleeping for a while longer, yet; and if I were you, I think it would be wise to let her sleep as long as possible. She can be a mule if you wake her up to early or fight ya like a mountain lion, if you tangle with her."
Festus found it hard to swallow his coffee, for some reason he found it rather funny. "Oh, so, she really is a lot like you in the morning then, aint she!" Kitty stopped pouring herself some coffee and paused for a moment and turned to look at the man. But instead of being upset with him, she tossed her head back and let out a deep belly laugh. Matt came walking down and joined them, he could hear everything that they were talking about. "Yes, Festus." he cleared his throat for a moment, "Like they say, like Mother, like daughter." Newly only smiled, "Just wait until he sees Bethany, she's a little firecracker, with her mama's red hair to match."
Festus thought of the little version of Kitty running around; it sure did make him smile.
"Well, Miz Kitty, I am sure ifn she is just like you. She will be just as sweet."
Kitty looked over at Festus with a soft smile then glared over at Matt who had started to drink her coffee. She only rolled her eyes at him as she turned back to the deputy, "Festus, Bethany is just as sweet as little Maddie, if not sweeter, but do not let the girls' sweetness be underestimated. They would not be part Russell/ Dillon if they did not have a little firecracker, and stubbornness in them."
Festus nodded his head, "That's for sure."
"But I'm sure you are full of questions. With meeting little Maddie unexpectedly, since she went with her Daddy to the train station to pick you two up this morning."
Festus could only chuckle as he took a sip of his coffee, he then nodded. "Miz Kitty, that there is an understatement!"
The room filled with laughter; Matt nodded to the kitchen table for everyone to sit, but Kitty set to putting things on the table, and Matt set to helping her. Soon all the wonderful smells they were smelling where now placed Infront of them. Once Matt said grace over the meal, the men began to pile their plates as high as they were wide, and Kitty was not far from it.
Newly looked over to Festus and took a deep breath, "I wanted to tell you everything, I-I really did; But like Doc said, it needed to come for Matt and Miss Kitty, and then Little Maddie come along with her daddy this morning and well. Here we are."
"Oh, I'm not mad or upset, Newly. She is the sweetest little tater bug, I have ever seen! Why she made my whole day, at the way she called me Uncle Festus, and then batts those little eye balls at me; why I am putty in her little hands." Kitty started to laugh, "Festus, if you think little miss Maddie, is sweet as a little bug. Bethany can be just as sweet; but I will for worn you, they both can be very sassy!"
Matt smiled as he took a sip of his coffee, "And we all know, they inherited that from their mother." Kitty glanced at him for a moment, but then only smiled, knowing that he was right. "But they do get their mischievousness from you my dear." Matt was just about to take a bite of his eggs but stopped in mid-bite letting them fall back to the plate as Kitty and his two deputies started laughing once again. He looked over at her, as he chewed on his lip, a little. "Touche Miss Russell, touché." The laughter only continued to fill the air with its bright joyous tone as the marshal admitted his defeat. the woman only smiled as she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "Sorry, Cowboy, but you left that barn door wide open for me."
Matt laughed, "Yeah, but at least this time I have closed it behind you to keep you locked in there." he said as he gave her a charming smile. She only playfully rolled her eyes and went back to eating. She only kept quiet, this time making him worried and paranoid, making her satisfied and happy.
Festus leaned over to Newly as they watched the marshal and woman interact with each other. "Boy those two already act like an old married couple, don't they?" he whispered, Newly could only smile and chuckle softly. "When haven't they?" Festus did his best to hide the laughter, but he couldn't agree more.
Everyone finely settled down once again and went back to eating, Kitty looked over to the men that sat across from her, "Alright fellas, what brings you all the way to St. Louis? And I know it was not just to see Matt." Newly just took a bite of his eggs, and Matt his mouth was full of a biscuit; leaving Festus who just swallowed his food. "Oh, uh-eh well, you see Miz Kitty, Newly and me." Newly was just getting ready to stomp on Festus's foot to keep him from spilling the beans, when Matt started to fake a cough. "They-they..." he kept coughing only this time, a crumb got stuck in the back of his throat, causing a real coughing spell. "They...come to... Ah-Hem...see us and the girls."
Festus began to nod his head up and down, and Newly could only agree.
"Yeah, uh-huh, He's right Miz Kitty!"
Kitty leaned back and looked between the three men, they all had a questioning, puzzled look on their faces. She could tell that something was up, and what they were saying was not matching up. She crossed her arms as she kept looking at them, "I don't believe either of you." The three men looked at each other, then at her they only shrugged their shoulders. "We're being honest," Festus said holding up his right hand. "Uh-huh, that is as truthful as you say your full, when you're wanting another helping of biscuits and gravy with eggs." Festus only smiled at the woman's remark as he piled his plate full again while the room filled with laughter once more.
Matt sighed in relief when he heard the girls' bedroom door open and close, followed by the pitter patter of feet walking down the stairs. He smiled when he saw Bethany standing on the staircase, peeking around the corner every now and again. He smiled when he could see that she was a bit bashful of the newcomer. He would make settle movements for her to come down to sit next to him, but she would only shake her head, letting him know that she was too scared of the new guest. He smiled at her, and winked as he could understand the thought of meeting someone new right after you wake up could be a bit of a shock. "Yup, just like her Mama." He chuckled as he took a sip of his coffee.
Bethany blinked a few times as she rubbed her eyes, trying to wake up a little more; she was trying to make out the voices she heard downstairs. There was Mama, Daddy, Uncle Newly, but then there was someone new that talked rather funny. This stranger would use Daddy's full name and say things like "Matthew I think we ought to..." The rest of what the man said drifted into the air and vanished before Bethany could make out the rest of what he was saying. Then when he would talk about Mama, he would call her "Miz Kitty," and say words like aint. Bethany rubbed her tired eyes again. She could remember every time she used the word aint auntie Sarah would correct her and say "Aint is not a word but aren't you glad aren't is." Bethany shook her head, as she was waking up even more; the more she listened to this man talk the more she grew to like his talking, for it was a little funny, but a little odd all at the same time.
Bethany perked up when Newly leaned back and winked at her, she wanted to come down and say hi, but the thought of the new person was almost too intimidating. But she started making her way down the stairs, as she held her blanket close around her and soon, she found herself in the kitchen.
Everyone could see her, but they did not want to acknowledge her, (for everyone knows a child's logic is, 'if you can't see me, and I can't see you, I am invisible!) And did not want to scare or frighten her. But Bethany kept peeking out and looking at her father, to see how close he was to her. Matt could only smile as he could see her peeking in and out, he got up and walked over to her. There she was still in her nightgown, house coat, and her favorite blanket wrapped about her. He smiled as he knelt to her level. "Well, good morning, my pumpkin pie," he said kissing her on the temple as he picked her up. "Morning, Daddy." She said in reply as she rested her head on his shoulder. Kitty had walked over this time and kissed her daughter, "Good morning, Hopie girl." "Morning, Mama." "You go sit with Daddy and I'll make you something to eat." Bethany only smiled as Matt carried her over and let her sit on his lap. "Well, it's nice to see you again, Beth." She took a deep breath as she looked over at Newly, "Uncle Newly, it's too early in the morning to call me..." Bethany shuttered at the thought of even saying the name, "B-e-t-h." She shuttered once again as if she had tasted curdled milk or something that was even more awful tasting. "Mama named me Bethany." Newly smiled as he winked at her, "Bethany, you know I only tease you, because I love you." Bethany only smiled as she brought her hand to her face. "Ugh!" She half sighed as the room filled with laughter from the adults. Soon Kitty set the plate of food down for Bethany and once she said grace, she was eating; as she was busy with her food, the adults talked.
She watched the man more closely, he was almost as tall as Daddy, but skinnier, but nothing you would call scrawny; She could tell that he had muscles, but again nothing compared to Daddy or uncle Newly. She could remember mama telling her about someone like this, even Grandpa Doc, and Uncle Newly; But what was his name? She could not remember.
Matt looked down at his daughter, who was almost done with her breakfast. He then looked at Festus and cleared his throat. "Eh-uh-hum. Festus, this is my oldest daughter, Bethany. Bethany this is your Uncle Festus."
Bethany's eyes widened as she looked at Festus, she could remember his name now. "Oh! I remember now, Mama has told me about you. How you and Grandpa Doc like to go fishing, that you always catch more than he does. Oh, and that you have a mule named Ruth!" Festus smiled in a bashful sort of way as he looked down at the table then looked up at her, "Well, I'm sure your mama has told ya, all the nice things about me." Bethany nodded her head once again as Festus sat up a little straighter, "That is right, I am a right good fisherman too. I find the biggest ones that old doc can't and that keeps him griping for weeks." Matt looked over at his deputy knowing that he was pulling the child's leg. "Festus!" He said in a low growl.
Festus looked over at Matt, then back to Bethany, and shifted in his seat a little. "Well, sometimes I have the tenancy to pull out the big ones, but not always. Because well if I took all the big ones then there would not be any biggins left for anyone else." Kitty could only laugh as she watched how Bethany was enjoying Uncle Festus' fishing stories, even if they were a bit far-fetched. He told Bethany the story where he and Quint Asper went fishing in the Arkansas River and had taken Doc's buggy; they both were sitting in it as they fished. (They were working on the wheels and needed to let them soak in the riverbed.) Neither of them told Doc that they used his buggy to fish in, at least not for a long, long time. but they can re call the day when he was told about it, but of course they went on a hunting trip right after words, so they both were likely to make it out a live, Doc had forgotten all about it when they returned. (Doc was just more upset that he had not thought of it himself.)
Festus could see he had the young child's attention as he told the story, the way her eyes would light up, when he would talk. She was captivated; "You know what Lady bug, I'll tell ya, just what those fish where doing." Bethany was now leaning over the table almost in the center of it now, "What where they doing, Uncle Festus?" He smiled his little smile, as he winked at her. "Well, they just started to jump right into the buggy with Quint and me; why they were just jumping into it, ready to come home." Her eyes widened in astonishment, "Really!" she spoke just above a whisper. "Yes, ma'am. I remember, old Quint and me, had been eating for weeks on end from that fishing trip." "Gosh!" Bethany said in amazement, the other three adults did not have the heart to tell the young Dillon daughter the true story. For the fact was, Festus and Quint had pulled many fish out of the river, but it was not enough to eat for weeks on end, more like two or three good meals; But seeing how enthralled Bethany was in Festus' storytelling, the joy, the excitement, and the wonder that danced in her eyes as she listened and the smiled that was on her face was all worth it. No need to spoil the fun.
Once Festus finished his story, Bethany decided that he was not so bad after all, she loved how he would call her "Lady Bug," Over Uncle Newly calling her... she could not even bring herself to say it. But it did not take her long at all to warm up to her Uncle Festus at all. When she was done with her breakfast, she soon made her way over to Festus, he let her sit on his lap. She had her arms around him, giving him one of the famous Dillon girl hugs and a light peck on the cheek, even though it did tickle. "I love you, Uncle Festus." Festus' face softened as he looked at the child and returned her hug. "I love you too, Bethany. You are the sweetest little Lady Bug; I have ever seen." Bethany sat up a little straighter as she looked around, her smile grew brighter, and the twinkle in her eyes shined even more. Kitty softly chuckled, as she watched her daughter, she looked like a caterpillar that had turned into a butterfly at the words Festus had spoken to her. "Uncle Festus," Kitty smiled at the two of them, as they looked at him, "You have just made one little girl, very happy." Festus could only smile as Bethany gave him one more hug before heading upstairs to get ready for the day. "Miz Kitty, those daughters of yours, have sure made my day." And with that Festus smiled as he leaned back with his coffee cup in his hand, he could get used to being called Uncle Festus