The Rescue 28

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So," Doc said as he finally pushed away from the dinner table. "When I got the telegram from Festus telling me where you all were and that I could get at least as far as Turtle Crick by stage, I got my self here as quick as I could."

"Well it weren't actual me what sent that there wire, Doc." Festus said. "It were Percival here that done it. I just rode with him."

Kitty looked up in surprise. "Is that why you two went to town a couple of weeks ago? I thought you all went to buy presents for the kids."

"Well, we did," Festus answered, helping himself to another piece of pie. "And ol' Doc here was your'n."

Kitty shook her in amazement. "I can't believe you kept that a secret. I thought yesterday you'd left to go hunting."

"Nope." Festus grinned proudly. "I rode back to meet the stage and bring your present. I had to keep it quiet like. Don't ya see?"

"Well, I'm glad he was able to keep it quiet." Doc smiled over at Kitty and extended the same to Matt and Festus beside her. "I loved the look on your face when I walked in that room."

"I was stunned." Kitty remarked. "I still can't believe you're here, though. I mean, what about your patients?"

"I called in a favor." Doc smirked. "I have a friend in Denver, a Dr. Harrington. He couldn't come himself, but he sent a young doctor from his clinic out to Dodge to cover for me. As soon as that young man got off the train, I handed him the keys to my office and told him, 'have at it'. I didn't want to waste any more time than I had to, in getting here."

Kitty shook her head in wonder. "When Matt told me that Festus had gone to Turtle Crick for a surprise for Christmas, I thought it was for the kids. I didn't know he was ordering a gift for me."

"Well, Kitty." Matt sat back. "It wasn't only for you. Having Doc here to check on you and make sure you're alright, is a gift for me as well." He said as Kitty gave him a loving glance.

"Oh, that reminds me." Doc suddenly exclaimed. Reaching in his coat pocket, he fished out a envelope and handed it over to Kitty. "Sam sent that to you."

Kitty accepted the envelope and looked at the large bold writing on the front. "Miss Kitty." Turning it over she lifted the tab and slid out the letter contained therein.

"Miss Kitty," it started.

"I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and the Marshal and I hope you all are well and good. I also want you to know that I am taking good care of the Long Branch for you and have set up a special account where I've placed all of the profits. When you get where you can, let me know where to send the money."

Though the words had flowed across the paper up to this point, Kitty could see a slight smudge where it looked like her friend had hesitated before he had started writing again.

"I also want you to know that I have never known a better person than you. You helped me and gave me a job when many others wouldn't. You trusted me and I will always be forever grateful for that. I miss you and I always will. If there is anything I can do for you or the Marshal in anyway, you only have to contact me.

Take care and Merry Christmas. Sam."

Matt and Doc watched her face closely and saw the threatening tears lingering at the edges of her eyelashes. Matt wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close, kissing her on the forehead. He knew she was missing her friend and he also knew they'd most likely never see him again.

"Well, what do you all say we go into the other room and open presents?" Maizie asked, trying to lighten the mood. She had seen Kitty's reaction to the letter as well.

"YEAH!" Freddie yelled, causing the adults to laugh.

While Freddie exclaimed over the rifle he'd gotten from his parents, the wooden train that Festus had carved for him, and the new boots that Kitty and Matt had given money to buy for him, Constance looked in amazement and awe at the dress, reticule and shoes she'd received.

Her mother had told Kitty of a dress at the general store in Turtle Crick that Constance had wanted but had been refused due to the expense. Kitty insisted that the Atkins allow her to buy the dress when she learned that Festus was planning on riding to the town.

The Atkins had at first refused. Noting the uncertain future that both she and Matt faced and that they just might need every dime they had. But Kitty insisted and when Festus was ready to leave, Kitty handed him a small envelope and told him to spend the money on the kids on her and Matt's behalf. Now seeing the expressions on their faces, she knew she'd spent the money wisely.

Sitting beside her, Matt too watched the children and his mind went to the child that would soon be born to him and Kitty. The Atkins were excellent parents and had two fine kids. Would he be as good a father to his own child? He of course had no doubts about Kitty. She'd always been good with kids and would, he knew, make a wonderful mother. That is as long as she was free.

"What are you looking so gloomy about?" Kitty asked when she noted his expression.

"I'm not gloomy." Matt grinned at her, putting away his thoughts for a while. "Just thinking, is all."

"Thinking about what?" Kitty asked curiously.

Matt shook his head deciding not to share that with her right then. "Nothing much." He said as he got to his feet. "I'm gonna go out and gather in some more wood. Looks to be mighty cold tonight."

"Hold up, Matt." Doc said as he too got up. "I think I'll go with you to stretch my legs a little. I spent hours on that durn stage and then hours more on that blamed horse Festus brought me. I kinda think I'd like to walk a little."

"Alright, Doc." Matt nodded. "You coming, Festus?"

"Sure thang, Matthew." Festus agreed, gaining his feet and shrugging on his coat.

"You want me to help?" Percival asked preparing to rise and follow them.

"No, no. That's alright." Matt hastily reassured him. "Me and Festus can handle it." Grabbing his coat, Matt led Doc and Festus outside before Percival could insist.

Kitty watched as the three men walked out, knowing it wasn't wood that was taking them out into the cold. She was tempted to go with them, but she knew they'd shoo her back in and even if they didn't they'd not talk in front of her.

Besides, she knew sooner or later she'd find out what they talked about either from Matt or Festus. Doc, not being as gullible as Festus, nor as vulnerable to her charms as Matt, would be a whole tougher nut to crack.

Once outside of the building, Matt turned quickly to Doc. "Is she alright?" He wasted no time in getting to his concerns.

Doc stuffed his hands into his pockets as he considered the question. "Well, her shoulder's healing properly." He said carefully.

"What about the baby?" Matt demanded, not liking the way Doc was hesitating.

Doc freed one of his hands and took a swipe of his mustache. "So far, the best I can tell, the baby seems fine. It's got a good healthy heartbeat and I couldn't find any signs of distress."

"And Kitty?" Matt watched the older man's face closely.

"Kitty…" Doc hesitated again. "Kitty's alright for now." Doc answered. "She's a little underweight and her heart rate was a little faster than I liked but if you can get her to slow down and rest more often and eat better, she stands a good chance of delivering a healthy baby with few problems."

"That there's awful hard to do." Festus observed. "Miss Kitty's set on doin' thangs her way."

Matt nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know she is. But somehow, we're going to have to convince her otherwise. I think she's lost enough, don't you?"

Both men earnestly concurred and said so.

"What about after that baby's born, Matt?" Doc asked. "You can't take a child on the run. And living up in the mountains, away from civilization, isn't the safest thing in the world either."

Matt shrugged, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Doc." He admitted. "I have no idea what we'll do after. All I know is that woman inside deserves to be free and safe and I will do whatever I have to, to insure that. Even if it means my death."

Watery blue eyes looked up at the man he regarded as a son. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Matt." 'Because she's gonna need you.' Doc finished the thought without saying it.

TBC