Chapter 12 Going Back

Dodge City

"Yes, we," Kitty replied. "When are we going?"

"Kitty, I was planning on," Matt started to say.

"Oh no! Don't you dare tell me that you plan on going back to Mike Yardner on your own," Kitty said. You could hear a hint of anger in her voice. She was ready to do battle.

"Kitty, the last time you and Doc were with me in Arizona Mike held a shotgun on you," Matt pointed out. "There's no way I can let you go back to that place."

"Matt, I appreciate your concern, but there's no way I can let you go back there alone," said Kitty. "The last time you were there she tried to deceive you. She knew you belonged somewhere, to someone, but did whatever was necessary to keep the truth from you."

"I have to go to Arizona," Matt stressed. "You read the letter. If I don't go there, then Mike's gonna come here. That cannot happen. What would the folks here say when they find out I was staying with a woman for a few weeks before being found? As far as they're concerned, Mike Yardner is a man, not a woman. I'd like ta keep it that way."

"Well, we can both agree that it would be a catastrophe if Mike came here," said Kitty. "But Matt, if you go to Arizona, then I'm going too."

Matt decided to change the topic. "You did come here to ask me ta lunch. Does that offer still stand?"

"The offer still stands, but don't think this conversation is over," said Kitty. "We'll discuss this later."

Before leaving for Delmonico's, Matt took the letter out of the envelope. He opened the door of the stove and put the envelope into the fire. Matt took the letter and folded it so it would fit into his pocket. There was no way he would leave the letter at the jail. Matt was much more secure keeping the letter with him.

Matt and Kitty walked down the boardwalk of Front Street towards Delmonico's. The usual lunch crowd was inside. Matt and Kitty were able to find a table near the back. They didn't mind. They enjoyed the privacy the table's location offered. Matt and Kitty may have had some privacy, but not enough to discuss Mike's letter. More than likely, the letter would be further discussed in the privacy of Kitty's room.

Joe approached the table. "Marshal, Miss Kitty, what can I get for you?"

"Go ahead, Kitty," Matt nodded to Kitty.

"Let's see. I think I'll have the special," said Kitty.

"That sounds good," Matt agreed. "Make that two specials, Joe." The specials that day at Delmonico's consisted of beef stew and cornbread.

"Coming right up," said Joe after taking the orders.

Several minutes later Joe returned with two bowls of piping hot beef stew and a plate of cornbread. Kitty stir her stewed, took a small spoonful of it, and gently blew on it. Determined it was cool enough, she put the spoonful of stew into her mouth. Matt took a piece of cornbread, dipped it into his bowl of stew, and took a big bite. Twenty minutes later they finished their lunch. Matt tossed some money on the table to pay for the meals, and he and Kitty left Delmonico's.

"I'll walk ya back to the Long Branch," said Matt.

"Thank you," said Kitty, accepting Matt's offer. "Matt, do you plan on saying anything to Doc?"

"I haven't put much thought into it," Matt replied. "One thing I do know is that if I do tell him, then he's probably gonna want ta go. Then I'll have two stubborn people arguing against me."

"I never thought of that," said Kitty. "Maybe you should tell Doc."

Matt and Kitty arrived at the Long Branch. Before heading back to the jail, Matt told Kitty he would be back later that evening. He would stop by during his rounds. Matt bid Kitty farewell and returned to the jail.

Later that night, as he promised, Matt stopped by the Long Branch during his rounds. At a table near the staircase, Doc and Kitty were sharing a drink. Matt walked over to Kitty and Doc, pulled out a chair, and took a seat.

"Wouldja like a drink, Matt?" asked Kitty.

"I guess I'll have a rye whiskey," said Matt.

"Sam, bring Matt a rye whiskey!" Kitty yelled towards the bar.

"Comin' right up!" Sam shouted back over the crowd that had gathered in the Long Branch.

"It looks like you're getting rich tonight," Matt observed.

"Business has been good these last two weeks," Kitty commented.

Sam brought Matt a shot glass of whiskey and set it on the table in front of him. Matt thanked Sam and took a sip of his drink. "Doc, do you have any pressing engagements tonight, after I get off work?"

"No," Doc responded. "What's up?"

"It'd be better to discuss it later tonight," Matt answered. "Meet us up in Kitty's room."

Doc suddenly became anxious. He sincerely hoped something wasn't wrong with his two favorite people. "Is everything alright with the two of you? You're not sick or anything, are you?"

"Nothing like Doc," Matt responded. "Kitty and I are both fine. But something's come up that we'd like ta discuss with you."

Doc was relieved that Matt and Kitty were fine. "I'll meet ya in Kitty's room later tonight. What time?"

"I'll be done with my rounds at midnight," Matt replied. "We can meet in Kitty's room then." Matt knew that the Long Branch probably wouldn't be closed yet at that time, but he also knew Kitty would also make sure Sam closed the bar down for the night.

Kitty was positive that Matt was going to tell Doc about the letter from Mike Yardner. She could not think of another reason why he would ask Doc to meet them up in her room later that night. Kitty also knew that if Matt told Doc about the letter, then Matt better be prepared for Doc wanting to go to Arizona as well. Kitty suspected that Doc would not say no.

It was a quarter past midnight, when Matt, Kitty, and Doc met up in Kitty's room. Doc was eager to find out what this meeting was all about. Matt and Kitty told him earlier that they were fine, but that didn't stop negative scenarios from invading Doc's mind. What could Matt and Kitty possibly have to tell them that had to be said in private? Doc was about to find out.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I've asked you to meet us up here," Matt said to Doc.

"You said the two of you were fine, but that hasn't stopped me from thinking what this is all about," Doc responded.

Matt pulled the letter out of his pocket and gave it to Doc. "I got a letter from Mike Yardner." Doc looked at Matt with questioning eyes. "Go ahead and read it."

Doc unfolded the letter and read it. The letter didn't give much information, but Doc understood the seriousness of it. He also noticed that the letter told Matt to bring Kitty and him to Arizona. Doc had a feeling Matt and Kitty already had a conversation about the letter.

"There's no doubt you have to go to Arizona," said Doc as he swiped his hand over his mustache and tugged at his ear. "By thunder, who knows what kind of trouble she'd cause if she came here, especially since citizens of Dodge have no idea Mike Yardner is a woman."

"Exactly," Matt agreed.

"So when are we leaving for Arizona?" asked Doc.

Matt was about to argue, but decided to save his breath. He realized there was no point in arguing. Doc and Kitty would go to Arizona, whether they traveled with him or with each other.

"Mike said to send a wire to Tucson. I'll send one tomorrow letting her know we'll be there within the week," said Matt. He still didn't like the fact that Doc and Kitty were going to be accompanying him.

"Well, it's late, and I'm tired," said Doc. "I better get going." He stood up and left Kitty's room.

Once Doc left and shut the door, Kitty spoke. "What changed your mind?"

"I figured you would go no matter what," Matt replied. "And I guess if you're gonna go, I'd rather have you go with me."

The next day Matt sent Mike the telegram saying that he, Kitty, and Doc would be arriving at her ranch within the next week. Like Kitty had done when she, Doc, and Festus were traveling to Arizona with the hopes of bringing Matt home, Kitty purchased two sleeper cars. One car would be for Doc and the other car would be for Matt and herself. Unlike the last time, this time Matt was traveling with them.

Tucson, Arizona

Mike waited about two weeks after she mailed her letter before she started making trips to Tucson. The only reason she went there was to see if Matt had sent a wire telling her whether or not he was coming back to Arizona. Being over seven months pregnant wasn't the best and most comfortable condition to make the trip. But to Mike, it was all worth it. On her third trip, Mike got the news she was waiting for. Dan was coming back.

Train to Arizona

Matt, Kitty, and Doc would take the train to the same town Doc, Kitty, and Festus traveled to several months ago. Matt didn't know why Mike wanted him to send the wire to Tucson, when the other town was closer. He guessed it didn't matter. The trio would ride on the train for a couple of days before arriving in the small Arizona town.

Train Depot (Arizona)

The train pulled into the station, and Matt, Kitty, and Doc departed. While traveling, plans were made that they would rent a couple of rooms at the town's hotel. Once they were settled in the hotel, they would go to the livery, rent a wagon, and ride out to Mike's ranch. They didn't have to worry about lunch. It was served on the train.

Mike's Ranch

Mike was full of anticipation and excitement. Today was the day Dan, Kitty, and Doctor Adams would be arriving. Mike refused to refer to Kitty as Dan's wife. Kitty may be married to Matt Dillon, but Mike was confident that would change once her pregnancy was realized. If Mike wanted to marry Dan, then he would have to leave his life behind as Matt Dillon. To do so, he would have to divorce Kitty.

Mike looked down at her very gravid belly and stroked it. "Hey sweet baby," she said to her unborn child. "Your daddy is comin' home."

Arizona Desert

Matt, Kitty, and Doc had rented their hotel rooms and were now riding in the rented wagon out to Mike's ranch. Neither of them had a clue to why Mike needed to see them, nor did they wager a guess. There was no point in speculating. Seeing Mike's house in the distance, they knew they would soon find out.

Mike's Ranch

Mike had been in her bedroom, when she looked out the window and saw the wagon, with the trio from Dodge City, approaching. A huge grin spread across her face. She did a quick lookover in the mirror and was pleased with her appearance. The occupants of the wagon were in for a huge surprise.

Mike walked out of the bedroom, into the living area, and to the front door. She opened the front door and stepped outside. Mike wanted to be on the porch, when the wagon pulled up. She turned her body so her profile perfectly showed her pregnancy.

Pulling within twenty yards from the house, it was clear to see that Mike Yardner was heavily pregnant. Kitty grabbed Matt's arm. All three that were riding on the wagon were speechless. Not a word was uttered.

Matt brought the wagon closer to the house and pulled the brake. He hopped down and helped Kitty down. Doc followed. Mike's eyes met Kitty's eyes, and Mike smirked at her. She then turned her attention to Matt. Her smirked transitioned into a smile.

"You're gonna be a daddy," Mike said to Matt as she rubbed her hands up and down her pregnant swollen belly.

TBC