AN: A few readers asked me about the length of the story. I usually give that info up front It's 15 chapters. Thanks for reading. On with the show.

Morning in St. Louis

Brimming with excitement about being co-owner of the Sweetwater Cafe, Kitty hurried along Gravois Park for a meeting with her new business partner. "KITTY, KITTY, KITTY RUSSELL" The redhead looked up. She'd almost bumped into Mrs. Monica Mason, a stylish woman she'd met at the ball, and had seen several times since. "Oh Monica, I'm so sorry. I was preoccupied. I want to thank you again for your party last week. Everything was perfect. John and I truly enjoyed it."

"My pleasure – don't mention it – but um Kitty, I hope you don't mind a question." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "There is a rumor that you are in the cafe business. Could that possibly be true?"

Kitty smiled, imagining what Monica would think of her past in the saloon business. She nodded innocently, "Yes, I bought into the Sweetwater, and am on my way to meet with my partner right now. I'm very excited."

Monica laughed. "Well I suppose it's a harmless diversion, for now, but once you're married to John you'll give it up, of course."

"I-I don't know what you mean. John and I are not engaged. Even if we were, I wouldn't necessarily give up the cafe. I enjoy running a business."

"Of course, dear, of course." Monica gave Kitty a peck on each cheek. "I'll see you see soon." The socialite hurried off, looking for someone to gossip with about Kitty's strange ideas.

With a shake of her head, Kitty quickened her pace to get to her meeting on time. Monica assumed all women would, and wanted to, fit a mold. That had never been her way. Still the woman wasn't entirely off in one respect. Since their first kiss in the carriage, a few nights ago, John had been increasingly attentive. His feeling for her were blossoming, and in truth, love and desire were growing inside her too. They enjoyed each other's company, he was kind and sweet and a wonderful father. He liked parties and dances, and wanted to show her off to the world. His kisses were tender, and when he held her she felt loved. He would never make her spine tingle, or legs go weak, the way a certain US Marshal did. And no one would ever know her to her core the way he did. She and Matt had shared a million moments, and knew each others deepest secrets. 20 years was very long time. But that was all behind her. It was best to not look back. A woman approaching 40 has different wants and needs, than a woman of 19 or 20 or 25 or 30. There are different ways to love.

She looked up and realized she'd reached the Sweetwater, and pushed through the glass door. As she made her way through the cafe, to the back office, she noted all the tables were full, and the customers seemed content. She opened the door to a tiny back room. Marty McDougal greeted her warmly,"Hello partner, you're right on time, and we have plenty of time to talk. The cafe's filled with my regulars. They'll be sitting for hours with their coffee and cake, reading their books or newspapers." Kitty nodded with a small sigh. Full tables didn't mean they were making any money. Marty's regulars stayed for hours and hours, without buying very much. It was one reason John thought the place a poor investment. Her instincts told her otherwise. She felt sure she could turn the place around, but finding a way to do it, without ruining Marty's friendships with his customers, was going to be tricky.

"Kitty, you said you wanted the latest numbers." He set a ledger on his desk and opened it. She looked down row after row of figures. "The number aren't good. Hmm, if your customers buy anything but coffee, it's the fruitcake or the fudge. You make the cake yourself, Marty, don't you?"

"Yes, and I admit it's really good. My sisters make the fudge, I'll get us some to munch on while we work. He hurried off and returned with a plate that was piled high with beautiful squares of fudge, in luscious shades of brown. Kitty took one bite and her eyes widened at the rich, mouth watering taste. "Marty, this fudge is amazing." She took another bite and licked her lips. "And you say the fruit cake is excellent too." She bit her lower lip in concentration, and looked at Marty. A jovial man in his 60's with thinning hair, a paunch, and an infectious grin, Marty was charming in his own way. He'd never hurry his customers along no matter how little they bought. There had to be another way to move their better products. "Marty I have an idea. We're going to get a supply attractive of boxes, and package the fruit cake and the fudge. We'll put a big display in the window with colorful signs. A ton of folks come in and out of the park every day, and walk right by the cafe. Fudge or a small cake is the perfect treat to eat in the park or take home. Your regulars can sit and sip for hours. The boxes flying off the shelves will be our money makers.

Marty clapped his hands together. "Kitty you are a clever one. I was worried you'd want to change everything I loved about the place. Instead you're adding something great. I'll get those boxes right away." Kitty stood and shook his hand, "We're on the road to a great partnership, Marty. I'll see you tomorrow."

Morning in Dodge City

Matt tapped on Doc's door before pushing it open. His old friend looked up from the medical journal he was reading at his desk. "You need me Matt? You don't look much worse than you usually do these days."

"Thanks." Matt sank down into a chair and stared silently at Doc. A minute ticked by. "I want to know what I can do to help Gail?"

Doc rubbed his mustache. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do. Gail and I had a long talk a couple of nights ago, and I've been thinking about it. There must be something I can get for, somewhere I can take her to get help."

The old doctor looked at Matt long and hard. "Just be her friend Matt. That's all anyone can do."

Matt sunk deeper into his chair, suddenly feeling all wrung out. "Doc, have you heard from Kitty? It's been over a month. In your letter, she said she'd contact you when she got settled. Of course, that's not what she wrote to me." He stared off into space.

"Kitty must have her reasons, Matt, for not wanting you to know where she is. And, if she contacts me in confidence. It will remain in confidence. I think you know that. You'd do the same thing if the situation was reversed."

Matt nodded stoically. Doc's heart broke for the man. His good friend looked more defeated then he'd ever seem him. Doc put a hand on Matt's arm. "I haven't heard from her at all. No telling if either of us ever will. Matt, I only hope your pain over this, gets eased with time."

"Doc, I just do what I can, day by day, and hope I do somebody some good. That's the only kind of hope I have." Matt pushed himself up from his chair and left.

TBC