PT.17

Old Flame Revisited

Well, Matt, as I said being a justice of the peace for thirty years or so, it has provided me and the misses with a pretty good life. The woman was an angel. But like I said, I'm an old man, Matt. And If you'll accept my offer, I'd like to put your name in to take over my vacancy. Matt, you're one of the finest men I know and a damn good, no great, law man."

The Judge now looked at Kitty. She was still and speechless.

"Look, Matt, you and Miss Kitty, you think it over. Talk it over, and let me know before I leave. Now, I'm going to collect a certain doctor who owes me breakfast. We'll talk later." And up and off he went.

Both Matt and Kitty were shocked. "Matt, I know how much you love your job, but have you ever thought about…"

Since the room was empty, he felt sure he didn't need to watch what he did. Reaching over to place his large hand atop her small one. "Kit, I honestly never thought about such a move. I honestly never expected to live this long."

"Oh, Matt." She replied.

"Seriously, Kitty, I've…"

Quickly, she finished his sentence. "You 've been shot, stabbed, and left for dead, more times than either of us can count, or that I care to. Cowboy," now sliding closer to him, "you'd still be upholding the law and you know you're gonna have to give it up sooner or later."

Gently rubbing his fingers over the antique ring, placed on her finger and thinking of the promise he made as he placed it there. "Well, it would mean me traveling throughout Kansas, Kit? And this territory."

"Matt Dillon, I've been by your side for the past, ah, almost twenty years. I think I can handle you traveling a little more. But I'll feel a whole lot better knowing you're not the one hunting down these criminals. Matt, it's your decision. I'll stand behind whatever decision you make. I love you, Cowboy."

Rubbing her hand, smiling. "Thanks, Kitty. I'm gonna have to think on this for a bit. We'll talk about it more later. I'll see ya in a while, gotta go to the office." As he stood, he bent to kiss her on the forehead.

As Matt left the Long Branch, he crossed paths with Doc and the judge. "Matt? Join us. We need to talk."

The three men walked to Delmonico's. "Matt," the judge began, "I know I gave you a lot to think on. But in light of that beautiful ring you placed on Miss Kitty's finger, I hope you'll take me up on my offer. You're a shoo-in, and with my written recommendation, it's a piece of cake."

As the three ate breakfast, they talked more about the changes that would take place. Matt was then thinking and suggesting that if he and Kitty decided he would take the job, that he could suggest Newley as his replacement.

'Fine idea, Matt."

Doc also agreed. "Newley's a fine man as well as a lawman, and doctor, when I need him to be." Doc added.

"Well, Kitty and I are going to discuss this further later and I'll give you an answer before you leave."

"So when's the special day?" The judge asked. "You shouldn't wait too long. That pretty woman may get away from you. I just might steal her away."

"Oh, Hiram." Doc said swiping his mustache. "If this big Lug don't marry her real soon, I'm next in line. I've asked Kitty for years to marry me but she's always turned me down, waiting for our esteemed Marshal here to come to his senses."

Now snickering. "Well, Doc, Judge, we haven't really discussed any details."

"Matt, I have an idea." Rubbing his chin. "Matt, If Miss Kitty agrees, I would be happy and consider it an honor, to preside over the special nuptials. You talk it over with Miss Kitty."

Kitty finished up her paper work and needed to stop by Sarah Carr's dress shop. Sarah wanted to do one last fitting on a dress she had made for Kitty. As Kitty entered the shop, "Good morning, Sarah. Burr, it is frigid out there."

"Ah, good morning, Kitty. Just in time. I just made a fresh pot of coffee. Please sit. I'll get your dress. I'm sorry I had you come out in this awful weather, but I'd like to check that hem once more."

"No problem." And Kitty took the dress walking behind the screen and when she walked out, stepping up on the dress stand."

Sarah's eye caught the ring on Kitty's left hand. "Kitty Russell, what is this?"

Kitty couldn't help but smile at the thought of Matt placing it on her finger and asking her to spend the rest of her life with him as his wife. "Oh, this? Well, Sarah, this is an engagement ring."

Sarah stood shocked. "Oh, Kitty!" Now wrapping her arms around her friend. "I'm so happy for you. After all these years. You will let me make you the perfect dress, won't you?"

"Oh, Sarah, of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." Laughing.

As she stood on the dress stand and Sarah was checking the hem, Matt spotted Kitty through the window. Opening the door, "Ladies?"

"Well, Marshal, didn't expect to see you in my shop." She said smiling at him.

"Sarah, actually I think I can give you some business."

"You, Marshal? Go on, Kitty. You can change now." Sarah said as she turned her attention to Matt.

Just as Kitty turned behind the screen, Matt pulled Sarah aside. "Sarah, do you think you could make Kitty a special dress on such short notice?"

"Sure, I could. I have her measurements. It's just a matter of what she would want me to make. Would this by any chance be for a wedding?"

Face turning red. "So she told you?"

"Well, yes, but I saw that beautiful ring first."

Coming from behind the screen, "What are the two of you whispering about?"

"Kit, I have something to talk to you about."

"Ok, Cowboy, walk me back to the Long Branch."

"Kitty," Sarah said, "I'll have this for you in a few hours."

"Thank you, Sarah." And she took Matt's arm and they were on their way.

Entering the saloon, "Ok, Cowboy, what's on your mind?"

"Marry me, Kitty."

"Cowboy, are you feeling alright? Of course, I'm gonna marry you. I waited for you to ask me for, ummm …" laughing, "I'm not goona let you go now."

"No, Kitty. Marry me. Marry me on New Year's Eve. Judge Brookings has offered to officiate."

His words took her breath away. "Matt? I… I didn't think we would…"

Stopping her. "Kit, say yes. It will be…"

"Wonderful!" She finished his sentence. "But that means, ah, I only have a few days to…"

"Kit, I don't care if we get married like this. I just want to make you my wife and New Year's Eve would be perfect."

Nodding her head, "Ok. Yes! Then New Year's Eve, it is."

TBC