PT. 13

Return To Dodge

Entwined Hearts

Matt followed Kitty, wondering if she was really alright. She walked back into the Long Branch, said nothing to anyone, poured herself a shot of whiskey, downed the whole glass, took a deep breath, and looked around the room. "Is everyone alright?"

"Hannah and Al nodded. "Yes, we're ok." Then Hannah walked over to her. "Miss Kitty?"

Kitty raised her brow. "Yes?"

"Honey… "

"Oh, I'm fine." She closed her eyes for a moment, stiffened her back. "I'll be just fine!" Then she just headed for the stairs.

Matt just looked at Hannah, tilted his head. She motioned to him with her eyes to follow Kitty.

When he started to follow, Kitty turned. "Oh, Matt, I need some time to…" Then she just continued up the stairs and into her room.

When he stopped, Hannah gave him a look that said, 'NO! GO. Follow her.'

Matt continued up to Kitty's room, tapped on the door. "Kitty, let me in. Please?"

"Matt, not now. It's been a long day and I…"

With that the door opened and he was in, whether she liked it or not.

Kitty was beginning to undress behind the screen. She knew she would have bruises and she didn't want Matt to see any more than what was already visible. After putting on her robe, she came out. "Well, since you're here, drink?"

"Sure. Kit, we need to talk."

"Matt, there's nothing to talk about. I told you this before you left to find Jake. Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Doc's much better."

"That's good to hear." Matt answered.

"He'll be up and on his feet in a few days then I'll be leaving. Matt, I'm going back to New Orleans."

"Kitty, wait…."

"Now, Matt, this trip was..."

He quickly scooped her up in his arms and pulled her in tight. "Matt, don't, don't do this, please." She could feel his breath on her skin, the heat from his body. This was a distraction.

He had his lips up against her ear. "Kit, please listen to me."

Just the warmth of his breath on her ear was driving her crazy. Trying to brake free, "Matt, please…."

Then he covered her mouth with his with a soft gentle kiss which soon became an intense passionate kiss. His hold became tighter, lifting her off the floor.

Pulling away, "Matt, this isn't going to work. You can't keep doing this."

"What, Kit?"

"Holding me and kissing me when you want something your way."

"Oh, Miss Russell, I believe someone was kissing me back."

"OHHHHH! Matt Dillon!" He still wouldn't release her. "Cowboy, look, I know we've had this conversation hundreds of time over the past twenty years and I know you have a job, a duty, a responsibility. I get that, and I respect that. I really do. And I'm so proud of you and all you do and have done.

But you have given so much of yourself, Cowboy. You're not getting any younger, and all those times Doc and I… Look, don't you think I noticed how bad that leg of yours is getting, the pain it's causing you. How many times have you told me you're not always going to be able to keep up? That there's always going to be someone to come along, younger and faster, Cowboy?

I been here with you through the Mace Gore's, Cole Morgan's, Dan Whelan's, Jude Bonner's and yes even Will Mannon's of the world, because I love you!"

"Kitty, I love you. You gotta' know that."

Still in his clutches, she had both her hands cupping his face. "Cowboy, yes I know you love me. You showed me but…" Then the anger stirred and built up again. She tried to push away from him.

He slowly worked his way towards the bed, then pinned her down. She was now beating on his chest with both palms. "It always comes down to this damned badge. Go. Get out."

"Kitty, stop." He tried to kiss her again.

"OHHHH, I hate you, Matt Dillon."

"Yeah, I know. Show me how much." And he kissed her again.

After a long passionate kiss, she started pounding on his chest again. "I won't let you do this again. It took me a long time to get you out from under my skin and if it's that damned badge you…" Suddenly she stopped.

Matt still straddled over her, saying nothing, just smiling. "You were saying?"

She just stared at the spot on his shirt that now had just two pin holes where his badge once was. "Cowboy? Where is…."

"Oh, I guess the town Marshal is wearing it!"

Staring at him speechless, "Cowboy? What does this mean?"

"Kit, honey, that's what I wanted to tell you. I decided it's time."

"Do you mean your taking that badge off for good?"

"Yes, Ma'am, that's what it means. But, Kit, you can't go. Please, honey, stay with me. Share the rest of my life with me however long that may be. I love you, honey."

Tears were now streaming down her face. "Oh, Cowboy. There is so much I want to say, need to say."

"That's fine as long as you say yes first."

Now giggling. "Yes, of course. Of course." Now wrapping herself around him as he squeezed her tight. "Ouch, gently, gently."

He began kissing the bruises. "Ah, honey, I'm… "

"No, Cowboy, don't, they'll go away."

"Sure you're ok?"

"Like I said, I am now. As long as I'm with you."

TBC