A Flicker Of Light In The Darkness

Chapter 27

Epilogue

Matt's eyes opened as if on a spring. He heard the soft, cooing sounds and quickly glanced at the sleeping body in his arms. Those little snippets of sound couldn't be from hunger. Kitty had just fed their little one, not more than half an hour ago. Just long enough that she had finally drifted off to get some much needed sleep.

Matt eased his arm from under Kitty's head and slipped out of their oversized bed. If it could be characterized as tiptoeing, the 6'7", two hundred and fifty pound man did his best to accomplish that feat. He peered into the bassinet, coming face-to-face with the new boss of the Lady K Ranch.

Despite the fact that both Kitty and Calleigh had gone to great lengths, not to mention expense, to decorate baby Cooper's room, Kitty wouldn't allow him to be more than a few feet from her at any time.

So the bassinet was placed by their bed. It was still a couple of hours shy of sunrise, but the clear blue eyes that looked up at the loving father, were not influenced by time.

Tiny hands flailed in the air but failed to land within the gaping mouth that watered for them. Sounds of displeasure began to erupt, slowly at first, but soon picking up, in both speed and volume. Matt reached down, sliding one huge hand under the small bundle and lifted little Cooper to his father's chest.

"What's the matter, big guy? Can't you get a bite of those fingers?" Matt shuffled the boy in his arms, making it more comfortable to walk and talk with him. "What are you doing awake?"

Daddy Dillon began to walk around the huge room, with just a little bounce in his step to pacify the child. "You can't be keeping these late hours." Cooper smiled. At six weeks, the infant had come to know and trust the deep, rugged voice that was speaking to him at this early hour. He also recognized the giant hands that held him and made him feel secure.

Matt wandered over to Kitty's side of the bed and looked down at the sleeping woman. Even in sleep, she wore a tiny half smile. Loose curls of fire danced around her cheek. "You have the most beautiful momma in the world. Did you know that?" Cooper had managed to lure a tiny fist into his mouth and was unconcerned with his Daddy's observations.

Matt balanced his son in one arm, while he pushed the oversized hassock next to the bed. When Kitty had the piece of furniture specially made, to match the overstuffed chair, Matt had failed to see the need for it. However, as he lowered himself and his baby down onto the padded seat next to Kitty, he determined the convenience of it was worth whatever it cost and more.

Matt sat with his butt on the stool, and his feet flat on the floor, causing his thighs to elevate just enough to make a perfect resting place for Cooper. He nestled the bundled boy into the safe position.

The fist had slipped out of his mouth and again, he was voicing his distress. "Hey, there," Matt bounced his knees gently to lull the baby back into good spirits. "Don't go waking your momma up. She's been working real hard to make you happy." Cooper stared up at his daddy once again mesmerized by the warm, gravelly voice.

Two sets of blue eyes met, and the older one began to speak. "I think you're old enough for me to tell you about your momma." As he spoke, Matt's gaze wandered between his wife to his son. "I never knew love could be so all consuming until I met her. If I have only one wish for you, Cooper," his face became serious and his words fell into a whisper "I pray that one day you will find a woman who loves you, who cares for you, like your mother has for me." His gaze rested back on Kitty, "I have to warn you, it's going to be hard, because finding a woman as rare and special as your momma is no easy task."

Cooper opened his mouth wide; at last a yawn announced his tiring. Matt stood up slowly, and ever so lightly walked back to the bassinet. He eased the baby back into his temporary bed and tucked the blanket around him. Within seconds, the baby was fast asleep.

Matt crept back to the bed and was pleased with himself for being so stealthy, when suddenly Kitty rolled over, pulling him into a kiss. Their bodies came together as if they were made to be one, parting only when both bodies craved a breath.

"Matt, please show me that love you were just talking about. I need you to make love to me, Cowboy." Her tone was soft, gently wrapping around his heart-as well as torturing his body.

With strength he didn't know he possessed, he gently took her hands and began to quiet the way her body moved against his. His voice was so raspy, so deep, it sounded as though he were speaking from the very pit of his soul. "Ohhh, Kitten, you know we can't-"

She struggled to break her arms free of his hold; they instantly went to his face as she cupped her slender fingers around jaw, bringing him down for another kiss. "We can," she whispered in the kiss.

Matt broke the kiss with a groan that echoed in the quiet room. "Doc and Calleigh both said..." he kissed her temple, trying to avoid those lips. Those luscious lips, he thought and another moan escaped. "It's too soon." He could feel her slump in his arms, her body agonizing for what they both wanted, but couldn't have. "You know I want nothing more than to make love you, Oh, God, do I want that," he mumbled the final words in need of deep breath before going on. "Your body hasn't healed," he pulled back enough to lift her face toward his. "I won't take any chances with your health."

He could feel the disappointment surge through her body as she slumped down even more into his arms. That sweet voice had returned, to cause him even more temptation. "I miss you."

Matt was careful when he put his arms around her, trying to keep certain parts of his body from touching hers. "I know, sweetheart; it won't be much longer. When are you supposed to see Doc?" He brushed his lips along her temple.

"Tomorrow."

"We can wait until he says it's okay."

Kitty settled into his embrace, accepting their plight. "I heard you talking to Cooper."

He snuggled her in closer, "Just trying to help the boy."

"Most beautiful momma?" She repeated his words as if to question them.

Matt stretched his neck back to see her face. "Fishing for compliments?"

"Well, I should get something out of this night!"

He started to laugh and brought her in for a hug. "Then let's go for the big fish. His momma, is the most beautiful, the smartest, the bravest, the...uh...sweetest...wait, wait..gimme a minute."

"The sexiest?" She let her finger rake gently down his chest.

He glanced down with an admonishing eye, "Don't start that!"

She giggled softly and kissed his cheek, "Okay, go on with your description."

"You smell pretty good too; did I say that already?"

The tension had broken and now they were both laughing. "Tomorrow, I'm going to punch Doc right in the face and turn that girl over my knee."

Kitty looked into his clear blue eyes, half expecting him to be serious.

GunsmokeGunsmokeGunsmokeGunsmoke

Matt sat at his desk sorting through the newest batch of wanted posters. It had been a long morning after a frustrating night. He heard the door open and figured Festus had picked up the mail. "Any good news?"

"You might say that." Kitty's smile stretched from ear to ear.

THE END...?