Note: I wrote this story as my idea of why Kitty wasn't in season 20, and why Hannah was running the Long Branch. Now I'm getting Matt and Kitty back to Dodge for a couple of chapters before closing. Thanks to those who've read, and also to those who write. I learn from you all.
Two Days Later
Iris's funeral in St. Bart's Cemetery was a sparsely attended, but a loving and dignified affair. Matt, Kitty & Davy were there along with Clara, Kitty's neighbor Lorraine, the doctor who had tended to Iris and Police Captain Blake.
The minister finished the service and went over to Kitty & Matt. He took Kitty's hands in his and said, "Are you sure you want to do it here and now?"
Kitty nodded, "Yes, this is what I want."
The minister turned to the small group and said, "Folks please don't leave. These two people are getting married here and now and we want you all to bear witness. Sorrow is part of life, but so is joy."
The doctor, Clara and Lorraine all looked at each other and said simultaneously, "You mean they are not married?" Clara started to giggle!
They turned their attention to the couple.
"I Kathleen Russell, take you Matthew Dillon to be my lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish from this day forward till death do us part."
"I Matthew Dillon, take you Kathleen Russell to be my lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish from this day forward till death do us part."
The minister pronounced them man and wife and they kissed each knowing that they had already loved and cherished each other for many years, and that they always would. The words they had just said aloud were in their hearts already.
Everyone in attendance rushed forward to congratulate the couple. Some called Matt Mr. Russell before correcting themselves and going over to congratulate Mrs. Dillon.
Over the next few days, the couple paid off the remaining debts, and the sorry business left by Carl was settled. Next they went to see a judge about legally adopting Davy. It was blessedly easy. Since Kitty was Iris's only living relative and she was a married woman the adoption was quickly made legal and official.
They were now on the long train ride back to Dodge. Matt had wired Doc to let him know of his arrival. He hadn't mentioned Kitty or Davy, wanting it to be a surprise.
As the train approached Dodge, Matt thought about all that had happened since he had last been in Dodge. He was returning with a family and a new job that would start in 6 weeks. He reached over and squeezed Kitty's hand. Kitty smiled at him. She had been thinking about their years together – the good times and the bad. She thought about the times Matt had been wounded or in danger. She thought about her flirtation with a man named Will Stambridge, and how that encounter had reminded her that she needed to be with Matt more than she needed anything else.
They finally pulled into Dodge. Matt climbed off the train and saw Doc, Newly, Festus, Sam and Hannah standing there. Several others were milling around behind them. Matt turned and lifted Davy down before extending a hand to help Kitty descend the stairs. The three walked over to their friends, and before anyone had a chance to speak Matt said, "It sure is good to be back in Dodge. I'd like to present my wife, Kitty Dillon and our son David Dillon, better known as Davy."
There was silence for the briefest of moments before everyone was hugging, congratulating – shaking hands and kissing. At one point Davy looked up at Festus and said, "You're Festus – Wow." Matt and Kitty laughed. They couldn't even remember what they had told Davy about Festus to keep him entertained.
When things quieted down, Matt and Kitty went over to the Dodge House to get some rooms. Hannah had offered Kitty her old rooms at the Long Branch, but Kitty thought Davy would be better off in a quieter environment. Greg, the owner of the Dodge House insisted on giving them a month of free rooms as a wedding present.
Just one night later the biggest party the town had seen for a long time was taking place at the Long Branch. The whole town was celebrating the return of Marshall Dillon and Kity and their marriage.
The days that followed were busy for the couple. Matt was helping Newly learn about and adjust to the responsibilities of being Marshall, a job that would be totally his in a matter of weeks. At the same time Matt was preparing for his new job. The telegraph office was being built at his headquarters. He had already hired Festus to work for him (after discussing it with Newly) and he was gathering as much information as possible on potential Marshals to appoint, gang activity and trouble brewing in the territories he would soon be responsible for.
Meanwhile Kitty was busy preparing the house they would live in. She could already see that Matt's new job, while not as physically dangerous as his current one, would be challenging and stressful. She wanted to create a home that would be an oasis for him, for them.
Six weeks passed quickly. Newly was officially the Marshal of the Kansas territory out of Dodge. Kitty, Matt and Davy had moved into the house located on Matt's headquarters.
A few weeks later Kitty was in Doc's office.
"Well Kitty, you are right. You are probably three months along."
"Doc, I know exactly when it happened – the night Matt arrived in New Orleans.
Doc raised an eyebrow as Kitty continued, "Doc, Matt and I have talked about this possibility. He's worried."
"Kitty, of course he is. We all know that you are at the far side of your child bearing years, but you are healthy, you will take care of yourself and I'm going to keep an eye on you, you know that. There is no reason you can't have a successful pregnancy and a healthy child."
"Doc, please talk to Matt about this."
A couple of days later Matt was in town and Doc approached him.
"Hi Matt"
"Hi Doc, how ya doin?"
"Matt, I'm fine, but you look kinda tired. I thought you traded in a tough job for an easy one."
Matt laughed, "Well Doc, you'll be happy to know that nobody is shooting at me, but the new job can be pretty demanding. Say, Doc, you haven't been to my headquarters or house for a while, want to come back with me. Kitty and Davy would sure be glad to see you. We can take your carriage and tie my horse to the back."
Doc agreed and the two sat in the carriage. Doc started the conversation, "Kitty told me that you are very worried about her pregnancy. I understand why, but Matt I just want to give you my profession opinion. Kitty is a strong, healthy woman and I believe she can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Matt she really wants this baby, your baby."
Matt looked at Doc, "Don't you think I want this baby? I do, very much. I'm just afraid for Kitty. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to her."
The weeks went by. Matt had been through a particularly difficult few days. Several gangs were ramping up their activities in the northwest territories, some of the marshal's in the northern territories were having trouble co-ordinating with a stubborn calvery officer and a marshal that Matt had appointed had been shot and seriously wounded, needing an immediate replacement.
A tired Matt returned home much later than he had hoped, finding Kitty sitting on the pourch.
"Hi honey, sorry I'm so late. How are you feeling?"
"I'm an ugly fat blob." Kitty blurted out.
Matt smiled. "You're beautiful." He kissed her passionately. "I love you."
Kitty stroked Matt's cheek and them looking up into his eyes said softly, "Honey you look awfully tired, and I'll bet you haven't eaten all day."
"Kitty, I'm fine. I'll fix myself something to eat and be back out in a little while ."
Kitty shook her head. "Let's go into the kitchen, I'll fix you something and we'll talk – I have something to tell you.
They walked inside. Matt put his arm around Kitty's waist, "Kitty don't keep me in suspense. What do you have to tell me?"
"Well Cowboy, I saw Doc today and he is pretty sure he has been hearing two heartbeats. He thinks we are having twins.