PT.13
Chances
Carl, and his partner Henry, were loading up the stage. Matt made his way to the Long Branch. He wanted to make sure he could try again to talk Kitty out of going. On his way across Front Street, Doc was making his way down the stairs. "Morning, Doc. Just on my way to Kitty's."
"So you lost the debate I see?"
"Doc this idea of hers is crazy."
"Matt, how long have you known Kitty? You know when she gets an idea into her head ain't no changing her mind. So no real point in trying."
"Doc, am I the only one here worried about this?"
Coming out and up behind him, "Look, Cowboy, I appreciate that you're concerned and I know you're worried, but you don't have to be. This is no different than if I go on a business trip or shopping trip, now is it? And I'll only be gone a few days, a week tops, just long enough for you to miss me, Cowboy." She said in her sweet sultry tone.
Doc, turned away and chuckled. "Kitty, you take care and I hope things go well." Doc said.
"Thanks, Doc."
Maggie and the boys came up behind them. We're ready, Miss Kitty. Yeah, we're ready. We're gonna go to Texas. Marshal, Ma says you're from Texas."
"That's right, son."
"Ma says we can be cowboys when we get bigger, just like you, just like Miss Kitty calls you."
Matt helped the boys into the stage. Then Maggie looked at Matt. "Marshal, I want to thank you for everything."
"Aw, Maggie, you just take care of yourself and the boys and be well."
"Oh and, Marshal, I know this is something big I'm asking of Miss Kitty and I appreciate you understanding."
Now Matt didn't know what to say.
Kitty turned to Matt, walked in close, close enough they could feel one another's breath. Tilted her head up looking into his eyes. Blue to blue, in a light whisper, "Remember, I love you, Cowboy." Then winked, turned and he helped her into the stage coach, and locked the door behind her.
Ian and Connor hung out the window hollering, "Bye!" all the way down Front Street till they were out of sight!
Kitty played little games with Ian and Conner and read to them to keep them busy during the ride. The trip took about two days but they finally reached Texas. Kitty made a point to first have Maggie file her papers to assure that she and the boys would have their house and land.
Maggie was lucky things were still in good condition. Maggie realized in talking with Kitty, that Kate and her new husband weren't all that far from her although this in some way still bothered Maggie.
Kitty figured it was a plus. Maggie would always have someone close but she also figured that it wouldn't be long before Maggie would find a new husband and a father for her boys.
They got settled into Maggie's house then after a day or two, Kitty made the suggestion they go into Billingham and inquire about the Tate ranch and ask if someone there could tell them where it was. Kitty suggested going to the town sheriff. Billingham was almost a days ride so Maggie and Kitty loaded up a wagon with the boys and took things they'd need for the journey.
When they made it to town, Kitty spotted the sign that said Sheriff. "There see, Sheriff. We'll try there."
Maggie pulled up in front. Two men walked over. "Well, what do we have here? What can we do for you beautiful?"
"You can tell me if the Sheriff is in, that's what you can do." Kitty said knowing full well that's not what this cowboy was implying.
"Well now, since you asked so nicely, I'll help ya down and if ya follow me this'a way, he's right in here."
He put out his hand and helped Kitty down. One of the others helped Maggie. She turned, "You boys, you wait here now. Don't go anywhere, you hear?"
"Yes, Ma." Ian answered.
Kitty followed the cowboy, entering the Sheriff's office. "Hey, Sheriff Ben. This here pretty lady wants ta talk with ya."
"Hello there. You'll have to excuse these here."
Kitty just cleared her throat. "Sheriff, I deal with worse than… Anyway, what I needed to ask you is, we' re trying to locate the Tate ranch. Thought maybe..."
"Oh, sure, Pete Tate. He's real well known here in town. He a friend of yours, is he?"
"Actually, I know his wife, Kate."
"Aw, yeah. Ya know, if I think about it you could be a sister."
"Oh, yeah, that's been said." Kitty replied drily.
"Well, I could draw you a map."
"Appreciate that."
The Sheriff drew Kitty and Maggie a map to Pete and Kate's ranch.
As they approached, Maggie was getting knots in her stomach. "Miss Kitty, am I doing the right thing here?"
Patting her arm, "I know your scared but that's natural but you'll see it will be alright."
When they got close they saw the front door open. A woman came out. She was tall, red hair, long just pulled back, tied back in a loose ponytail fixed with a ribbon. Not much make-up, wearing a green skirt and yellow blouse. "Can I help you folks?"
Maggie froze for a minute, then looked to Kitty.
Then Kitty held her hand, saying, "It's alright."
Then Maggie looked at the woman, climbed down and walked closer. "Hello, are you Kate? Kate Ramsey?"
"I'm Kate Tate now. Who are you?"
"Don't you recognize me? I'm Maggie. Maggie Cassidy, you're daughter!"
Kate just stared then put her hands over her face. "No, no. You can't be here."
"Why, Mother? Why can't I be here?"
"Pete will be home soon."
"You never told him." Kitty climbed down and stood beside Maggie. "Kate, Maggie needs you."
She looked at Kitty. "I know you."
"Yes, you do. I'm Kitty, Kitty Russell."
Maggie walked back to the wagon to get the boys. Kitty looked at Kate. "Look, I understand this is all a shock for you but just imagine what is for Maggie. I understand why you gave her to your parents. I lived that life. I live that life. But, Kate, you have a chance now. Don't throw it away. You have a beautiful daughter and two beautiful grandsons. Damn it, Kate, they need you. Don't throw her away again. Look, I know Cole left you alone with a baby. He left me for you,"
Kate looked at Kitty. "So did he come back to you again?"
"No, Cole Yankton is dead! But your daughter is still here Kate. And Pete will understand if he really loves you."
"Kitty, why is Maggie with you."
Kitty and Kate were sitting on the porch. "She was trying to find her parents with what little information your parents gave her. She thought I was her mother. She's been through a lot, Kate. You need to sit and talk with her. She needs you now. She needs her mother.
TBC