A Flicker of Light In The Darkness

Chapter 8

Father Daughter Dance

"What do you think of the new cook?"

Matt shrugged "Not as good a cook as you."

"Such a load of blarney. What are you wanting?"

He feigned an expression of wounded pride. "I am hurt—hurt, that you suspect my sincerity. That you don't trust-"

"Give it up, Cowboy," Kitty cocked her head to one side with a sly grin. "What do you want?"

With a defeated laugh, he reached across the table taking her hand, but he was interrupted by a feminine voice before he could respond. "Marshal. Miss Kitty. I am so glad I ran into you two."

Matt stood to offer her a chair. "Miss Tyson, won't you join us." She accepted his offer with a smile.

"Clara, please don't tell me Calleigh's in trouble again." Kitty's smile only partially hid her uneasiness.

"I've had her in my class for two years now, and she is my brightest student." Clara Tyson paused, a grimace stealing her smile, "She's also the most brash. I've learned by now, it's just her way. Honest to a fault," she laughed and eased Kitty's tension. "She's in no trouble. I just wanted to talk to you about the dance." She could tell by their blank expressions that neither were aware. "We're having a Father-Daughter dance in two weeks."

Kitty burst into a giant smile, "That sounds wonderful." She glanced at Matt. He didn't seem as overjoyed as she was, but he certainly didn't seem to be upset over the notion. "I wonder why she hasn't said anything?"

Clara found Kitty's excitement to be contagious. "I am so excited too. I know that you're not Calleigh's father...I mean, maybe you are... I know you and Kitty aren't marr...that you just live... Oh, dear Lord," A red glow suddenly radiated from the woman's face. She dropped her lids, unable to face either of them. "I'm so sorry...I never meant..."

Kitty peeked over at Matt and saw him trying to stifle a smile. "Clara, please," Kitty reached across the table to pat the teacher's hand in a reassuring gesture. "Don't worry about it. Matt would love to take Calleigh."

Clara had regained some of her composure, although she maintained the red face. "I was also hoping that you would chaperone and maybe help us to decorate Marker's Barn."

"I would love to. Thank you for thinking of me. Just let me know when you want to get together to make plans."

Matt rose from his seat to help Clara with her chair, "Thank you both. Kitty, I look forward to seeing you."

Blue eyes met and both broke into laughter. "Don't laugh! Did you see how embarrassed she was? Matt it's not funny!" Her words would have carried more weight if she had not surrendered to the laughter again.

They began to attract attention and Matt suggested going back to the Long Branch.

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Matt was sorting through the latest wanted bulletins, when the office door opened and Calleigh peeked around the door. "Hi, Pa. Kitty said you wanted to talk to me."

The occasional use of 'Pa' had become somewhat of a habit. "Yeah," he laid the papers aside. "We ran into Clara Tyson today. She told us about the Father-Daughter Dance. How come you haven't said anything?" It was not often that Calleigh was at a loss for words, but today she stood in the center of the room shuffling her feet nervously. "Don't you want me to take you?" The lawman pulled himself to his feet and walked over to the girl. Matt chose to drop down on one knee, to make them more equal. "Calleigh, would you rather go with Doc?"

"Oh, no Matt, I want to go with you. See, the thing is..." she paused and chewed on her bottom lip, as though pondering the right answer, "I can't dance."

His original look of surprise disappeared into a laugh, "Is that all? I'm pretty bad too; but I know a pretty redhead that will probably be willing to teach us both."

Calleigh caught him totally by surprise when she threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, I love you, Matt."

He had watched her give hugs and kisses to Kitty, Doc and even Festus, but until now, they had only shared the occasional touching of hands. Matt realized how good it felt for her to come to him. His arms tightened around her and he whispered, "I love you too Calleigh."

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Kitty lay in Matt's arms, so happy he could hear her purr. "You know, if you were to die, we'd never get that grin off your face."

"I wouldn't want them to." Kitty snuggled in closer. "I would want everyone to know how happy I am. It took you two long enough to tell each other. And—you get extra points for taking her to the dance. I thought I would have to drag you there," for just a moment the enthusiasm morphed into disdain, "You know, the way I have to do when I want to go to a dance." She was too excited to hang onto the sarcasm, "You two were marvelous tonight. You put all those other dads to shame."

"We had a good teacher. You know, that's the first thing to come along that that child couldn't do. I was beginning to think she had mastered everything. Of course she did pick it up right away."

Matt let his fingers trace lightly down Kitty's arm. "You have the softest skin..." he whispered, as his mouth closed over hers. Some nights were wild, some burning hot; but nights like tonight were gentle and filled with passion. They moved slowly, their bodies in perfect sync with one another. Slow, languid strokes, that reached to the very core of her body; while devouring every inch of him. Touching places only he was allowed, as she moved beneath him, allowing him access to whatever he wanted. He reached between them to touch that special spot, that caused her to moan softly. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, inviting him in deeper. Eventually, slow and gentle, gave way to the powerful climax both were heading toward. Kitty arched back, as he drove into her one final time—sending them both over the edge. Matt covered her face in kisses, as he gently let her body settle back on the bed. "So soft," he whispered again.

TBC