PT.18

Old Flame Revisited

The next few days were extremely busy for Kitty. As planned, Sarah made a beautiful white dress with blue trimming. Sam and the girls planned a party without Matt or Kitty knowing. The news spread around town quickly. Mostly with the help of Burke. As Kitty always said, he's more of a gossip than most women. Those most surprised at the announcement were the old bittys who didn't think Matt should have been spending time with, as they'd say, "That Awful Saloon Woman." It's just not proper. A man of his distinction, to associate with such trash. But Kitty wasn't going to let them ruin this special occasion. Not after all these years.

Many of the town folk gathered at the Long Branch. They had always thought highly of Matt and Kitty in spite what some said.

Doc was delighted that Kitty asked him to give her away. This was his dream come true, giving away the hand of the woman he loved as a daughter to the man he loved as a son. He didn't think he'd live to see the day. Doc entered the saloon.

"Sam," nodding his head, "Kitty in her room?"

"Yeah, Doc. Sarah Carr is up there with her, and the girls."

Doc made his way up the stairs and across the landing. Knocking softly on her door to hear Sarah answer. "Come in, as long as it's not Matt."

As Doc entered the room, he stopped in his tracks when his eyes caught the vision of Kitty standing before the cheval mirror. Swiping his upper lip. "OH MY! I don't think I've seen a prettier sight in all my life." Walking closer, kissing her on the cheek. "Honey," now with a tear in his eye. "You're beautiful."

Cupping his face in her hand, "Oh, Curly. Thank you. Curly? Have you seen Matt?"

Smiling, tugging his ear, nodding, "Yeah, he's as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Her face dropped, 'You don't think he…"

"Now you listen to me, Young Lady, and you listen close. There's no way Matt would change his mind about marrying the prettiest gal in Dodge. Not the way he feels about you."

Just then Sam tapped on the door. "Miss Kitty, Doc, whenever you are ready."

Kitty took a deep breath. Doc patted her on the shoulder. "Let's go. Let's do this, before I'm too old."

That caused Kitty to break out in laughter.

Flo stood at the top landing waiting for a signal.

Downstairs, Matt stood with Jake as his best man. Matt, dressed in a black tailored suit with a sting tie and matching hat. Everyone stopped and the piano player began playing a song when Flo gave him a signal.

Other than the music, not a sound could be heard as Doc walked Kitty across the landing and down the stairs. Matt's eyes never left the sight of this incredibly beautiful vision walking towards him.

"Relax, Buddy, breathe." Jake said as he nudged him.

Matt just mouthed the words, I LOVE YOU, as she came closer. Then Judge Brookings, smiling at the three before him began.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have all gathered here tonight to witness these two fine people in holy matrimony. First, who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

Doc, now with eyes filling, declared. "I do, Judge." Kissing Kitty as he placed her hand in Matt's. He went on to say a few words.

Then, "Miss Kitty, do you take this man, Matthew James Dillon, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

With tears in her eyes. "I do."

"Now, Matt, do you take this woman, Kathleen Annalise Russell, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"I do."

"Now, folks, Miss Kitty has something she wanted to say. Miss Kitty." He said.

Tuning to face Matt, holding both his hands. "Matt, I have loved you since that first day I laid eyes on you in the café, when I first came to Dodge. I had no plans on staying but when I saw you, well, my heart skipped a beat, maybe two. And over the years, oh, we've had some disagreements, but I've never felt so connected to anyone as I do with you. You are my friend, companion, confidant and… Well, Matt Dillon, I promise to love you and share our lives together. No matter what that may bring. You are my heart. I'll love you till my last breath and beyond.

Matt bent to kiss her only to hear Judge Brookings clear his throat. "Et' et', not yet."

Judge Brookings started to finish his words when Matt stopped him. "I have something to say."

"Ok, Matt, the floor is yours."

"Kitty, I was just a dumb kid when I came to Dodge. And I never thought about my life in the sense that I'd be any more then a lawman. But I noticed you that day. I'd have to be blind not to have. Anyway, you're right. We've had a time of it these past… ummm twenty years. But all these years, you were my reason to go on. You were home to me, my light." Winking at her, knowing she knew what he was referring to.

"Kitty, I promise to love you, protect you and share our lives as you said, whatever may come. Kitty, you are my heart and I'm the happiest man in the world that you said yes and agreed to be my wife. I love you, Kitty Russell!"

"Does anyone here, know of any just cause that these two not be wed here today? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Kitty now had both her arms around his waist.

Well then, by the power invested in me and by the laws of the State of Kansas, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife."

Hiram Brookings turned to tell Matt he could kiss his bride, but Matt had already scooped Kitty up in his arms to kiss her. After a minute, Brookings cleared his throat again. "Matt. Matt…"

Pulling away, "Yeah?"

At that moment the entire room began to laugh.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce to you, Marshal and Mrs. Matthew Dillon! Matt, may I have the pleasure of kissing the bride?" He asked as he leaned in to kiss Kitty on the cheek and saying, "You are the prettiest bride in Kansas."

Just then Festus yelled out, "Miz Kitty's the purdiest woman ever!" Which brought a full room to laughter.

The party and celebration went on for hours. Jake pulled Matt aside. "Here ya go, Buddy. I know you two have a trip planned, but tonight is on me." Jake handed Matt the key to his place. "I'll be stayin' in town tonight. You and Kitty deserve some time, you know? Go on man, take your bride. Get on out of here."

"Thanks, Jake, much obliged."

"No thanks needed, Matt. Just be happy."

TBC